He he he, Nightbrainzz you totally made my day with all your reviews! Fear not I have great plans for the men and women of Highever! Ferelden isn't going to know what hit it! Neither will Howe and Loghain... but we are only just beginning our journey!
I hope you continue to enjoy Ferelden through my imagination!
Fergus, Lana, Leonys and Temerly stood on the hill overlooking the gathered troops. They'd done a proper counting and discovered they had a small pocket of men from South Reach, twelve men, who'd joined them after being saved when Lana had turned the Highever archers to their aid. Fergus was addressing the men as he was supposed to be the next Teyrn and wasn't about to let Howe take that from him easily.
"You all know by now that Teyrn Loghain had planned from the very beginning to turn his back on us and the King at Ostagar." his voice boomed over the troops.
There was a rumble but overall the troops listened.
"We can only guess at his reasons but given what happened at Ostagar and before that in Highever we can safely assume that Howe and Loghain are in league with each other. Howe knew that there would be no King to bring justice on him which is why he attacked our home in the dead of the night, slaughtering those in Castle Cousland with such dishonour." he was bellowing out his words with passion and fire, throwing his whole body into his words, Lana wasn't the only one who could inspire people.
Lana watched in approval at the anger the troops showed at his words, he held up his hands for silence and was granted it.
"Loghain claims the wardens betrayed the king, that they lured him into a trap which was why he had to pull his men. He is counting on the darkspawn having killed everyone who fought in the valley for these filthy lies to be believed. BUT WE DID NOT DIE! We fought and bled for our king, our brothers and sisters in arms gave their lives defending Ferelden! WE KNOW THE TRUTH FOR WE WERE THERE!" he roared, his fist punching the air.
There was a powerful roar from the troops in response to his words.
Fergus allowed it and after a few moments held up his hands once more for silence. "We are all asking why would Loghain and Howe betray the King, the Couslands and our country. Two months ago it came to the attention of King Cailan and my sister Lana that there is an Orlesian plot in play attempting to undermine the Crown and put an Orlesian on the throne, that Queen Anora's life was in danger."
The quiet of the listening soldiers was filled with startled gasps.
"To discover who was behind this devious plot King Cailan and Lady Lana went to Orlais personally. They risked their lives to protect the Queen, to protect Ferelden from Orlesian scheming. Yet they return to discover that because they had gone together people have been spreading vulgar rumours about them, that for their sacrifices they've been made into traitors!" he spat the word out vehemently.
Lana had crossed her arms and was looking livid, but they'd discussed this, that they had to control the information their people had because Howe and Loghain would be spreading the lies to defend their positions.
"The Orlesians did their damnable best to discredit and assassinate Cailan and Lana in Orlais but their fools couldn't get through Lana's blades or cunning. So instead they send lies to Ferelden so our own countrymen turn against them!" Fergus shouted out his anger. "And because of the Orlesians, Loghain and Howe thousands of innocent men and women have been massacred!" his hand slashed through the air and slammed into his open palm in a fist, "THIS WILL NOT STAND UNAVENGED!"
The soldiers yelled in approval.
"We will be splitting into groups as right now any large force not allied to Loghain and Howe will be considered a threat and enemy of Ferelden by them. But we cannot just let the darkspawn have a free hand in southern Ferelden like Loghain would allow them. Lady Lana will be aiding the last of the Wardens in preparations to face the Blight. I will be leading a force of two hundred strong to patrol and hunt down darkspawn scouting groups. The rest of you will be split into smaller groups and given specific instructions as to how you can cause Howe and Loghain the most amount of trouble and to show our fellow countrymen and women their deceit and betrayal. You will be the swords of TRUTH." he punched the air once more, "For the King!"
The response was automatic from the soldiers.
"All hail the King!" they roared.
"For the Couslands!" He continued.
"Long live the Couslands!"
"For Ferelden!" Fergus punched the air one last time.
"FERELDEN, FERELDEN, FERELDEN!" There was no cheering, this was a call to defend their homeland, to avenge their fallen, to bring justice to the likes of Loghain and Howe. The roar was mighty and shook the earth itself as over five hundred men and women bellowed their support.
The people of Lothering were startled by the cry that echoed through the town and many were heartened by it. They had not been abandoned, they had not been just left to die. Already many were packing as the Revered Mother and Knight Captain had addressed them, telling them the truth about Teyrn Loghain's sudden appearance, why he'd taken away their defenders and what had truly happened in Ostagar. Of course there had been a public outcry against him. But the Cousland's had promised aid. While they themselves had no food and supplies they did have good strong men and women, soldiers who would give their lives to protect them. They would be splitting their soldiers into groups of escorts to help them evacuate to safety. Lady Lana had explained that not everyone could turn up at one town in particular or else the same problems that had been faced here would be faced wherever they went. So she had worked with the Knight Captain and Revered Mother to sort out people, families into groups that would spread throughout the Bannorn to lessen the load and ensure they all had enough to survive.
Lana's plan was twofold in this, not only would the load be spread, but so would the truth. They had no hope of defending Lothering against the horde with their reduced forces but she could ensure the people themselves were as safe as possible given the circumstances. She had no doubt that Howe would come down hard on anyone in the north who spoke against him so she, Fergus and Leonys had put together more specialized groups that were more focussed on instigating an underground resistance and ferreting out information.
The Swords of Truth was what they'd call themselves, as much as Lana really hated the Chantry right now the majority of Fereldens revered it and the symbolism was meant to evoke the image of the beloved Andraste facing down the terrible oppressors and enemies of the Maker, the Chantry symbol was the Sword of Mercy after all.
Lana had of course conferred with the Revered Mother over this to make sure they wouldn't be seen as defiling the Chantry or perverting it or something. The woman had assured her no and taken the chance to try and talk her through her anger at the Maker, Lana had had a couple hours sleep after a long night of planning but had food in her stomach and was completely focussed so had been able to keep her head clear and calm. She'd played sheepish and of course knew all the right things to say to appease the woman... without meaning a word of them.
The troops broke up into units then the those who'd been entrusted to lead the fifteen groups of between twenty and twenty five people that would spread throughout Ferelden began gathering their people to go through their specific missions.
Lana sat in the tavern with Cullen, Lucia and Kallian. They'd gotten Lucia some normal clothes so people wouldn't look at her and see right away that she was a mage in her robes. Instead she wore dark brown breeches with a loose fitting tan coloured shirt and a doeskin vest that was more form fitting and was giving Cullen all kinds of grief as it hugged her curves in all the right places.
A bunch of rowdy soldiers not of the Highever camp had taken up residence at a table in the middle of the tavern. They were drinking heartily and toasting to Loghain their hero and saviour from warden treachery. None were aware of the heated glares the locals were giving them. They'd come in from the north road so were unaware of the force to the south of the township.
Kallian was about to get up and give the jerks a piece of her mind when a warm hand gently took hold of her arm. She looked up into Lana's blue eyes.
"I think everyone in this room wants to shut them up. But right now they're heavily armoured and armed, innocent people will get hurt. Let them have their drinks, when they stumble out of here drunk I'm pretty sure others will defend your honour." she nodded to a group of seething young men from the refugee camp who'd been helping the Highever forces with evacuations.
"I'd like to do that myself." Kallian muttered but forced herself to relax.
"Oh and I'm quite sure you could take them all on single handed, but the people here support us, support you and they would get themselves involved and hurt. Is that what you want?" Lana murmured, her voice staying soft and concerned but gentle.
She ducked her face, "No."
Lana let go of her arm, giving her a gentle squeeze as she did.
A couple of the soldiers left their comrades and began questioning the people in the tavern. It seemed they were looking for someone.
"Stay calm." Lana muttered to the anxious wardens as the soldiers approached their table.
"You lot don't look like you're from around here." one of them muttered.
"Lots of people here aren't from around here sers, is there something we can assist you with?" Lana asked smoothly, smiling up at him, her body language calm and easy going.
"There's something you can certainly assist us with sweetheart." the other man drawled, his eyes drinking in her magnificent body.
Cullen rose to his feet, his templar armour catching their attention, "You will keep this conversation civil and honourable sers." he growled.
The soldiers glared from him to Kallian, "Them's said the knife ear was a blonde one not a brown one." the second one muttered.
Lana immediately put her arm around Kallian's shoulders as the elf nearly shot to her feet in outrage, "Sers, my friend takes great offense to being called that. If you could kindly ask your questions we would appreciate it." she soothed, her other hand under the table over Kallian's that was gripping her knife.
"Since ye asked so nicely an' all." the first one smirked, "Seen a blonde man, about his build," he gestured to Cullen, "with a little blonde elf, a mage, since ye been 'ere?"
The wardens glanced to Lana in surprise, could they be looking for Alistair and Ashana? Had they survived?
"I'm afraid we only got here yesterday and with all the people here we haven't seen anyone that matches your..." Lana stopped as right then Ashana, Alistair and the woman from Ostagar strode in, "description. Why are you looking for them anyway?"
"They're wardens, they betrayed the King. Loghain's offered a bounty for their heads." The man grunted.
Lana smirked, "Oh in that case, think they're the ones you want?" she nodded towards the trio, Alistair and Ashana looked exhausted but hopeful.
As the men turned around Lana released Kallian, "Spread out and wait for my command." she whispered before the wardens could get angry at her for betraying their friends, she had a plan after all as she stood and casually and walked around the tables as though going to the bar.
The atmosphere suddenly became even more tense, most of the locals knew exactly who Lana and the wardens were and had been waiting for something to happen. Looked like it was about to. Those closest to the Teyrn's soldiers began moving out of the way at Lady Lana's gesture.
Of course the soldiers were too tipsy and too focused on their quarry to notice.
"Looks like it's our lucky day boys. These are the ones we been waiting for." the leader of the rough soldiers smiled darkly at the two wardens.
"Haven't we been asking about 'em all morning, an' no one claimed to 'ave seen 'em?" Another growled, drawing his weapon.
"Seems like we been lied to." the leader agreed and also drew his weapon.
A woman's voice suddenly piped in, "Come now, there's no need for violence, surely these are just more refugees simply looking for shelter." a Chantry sister with luscious red hair attempted to calm the situation.
"These ain't refugees, they're Wardens, they betrayed our King!" the leader yelled.
Alistair gaped, "We did no such thing! Loghain abandoned the King!" he hadn't noticed the others as he'd been so focused on the soldiers but Ashana had and she was ready for a fight at Lana's smile and nod of greeting.
"Loghain saved us! You'll die for such slander!" the leader yelled.
"NOW!" Lana shouted and suddenly it was bedlam as two wardens become five and three other skilful fighters joined the fray, Lana, Morrigan and the sister. Between three mages, three faster than average rogues and two powerful warriors Teyrn Loghains men never stood a chance. They were cut down so quickly the leader almost didn't have the chance to surrender.
He cried out in dismay as he was pushed to his knees, a hand gripping his hair and a knife against his throat about to slit it, "I surrender!" he cried, dropping his sword and shield, holding his hands out in submission.
"Hold!" The sister called quickly.
Lana looked at her, "Why? He would have shown the wardens no mercy why should he receive it just because he was defeated?"
"Because you have won, there is no need for more death." the pretty red haired sister pleaded with her.
Lana looked down at the trembling man and took a deep breath. She warred with herself, should she let him go? Killing him now would be killing him in cold blood. Could she live with that? Raising her eyes to look at Ashana she saw a trust in them that she hadn't seen since Oren. Letting this man go would endanger them. Wordlessly she shoved the mans head forward and ran her blade across his throat. She lived with a whole lot worse afterall.
He choked and gurgled on his own blood and fell to the floor dying in moments.
The people were shocked, this was Lady Lana!
Morrigan was impressed and quite pleased with the noblewoman, it was the smart thing to do.
Lana turned to the sister, "Right now Loghain doesn't know if the wardens survived Ostagar. This uncertainty is the only thing protecting them from his depravity. I will do whatever it takes to protect the wardens so they can find a way to end this Blight while Loghain and Howe play at their filthy political games." granted she and Fergus had plans to deal with dirty politics as well, you don't survive four weeks as an honoured guest in the Royal Court of Orlais without learning a few things. She pointed down at the body, "That man would have gone straight back to Loghain and confirmed that the wardens are alive. He made his choice to die by the sword the moment he drew his and tried to kill the wardens and I will kill any man or woman who threatens the Wardens." she defended her actions confidently and calmly. Turning to the young men who would have helped if given the chance she nodded to them, "Boys if you'd be so kind. You can help yourself to their gear."
"Boss, you might wanna see this." Kallian had already been pilfering the bodies for gold or anything useful, she held up a parchment.
Lana read it and cursed vehemently in elvish. "Take this to Fergus, tell him to get the Warden's supplies sorted immediately, we'll be leaving in a couple hours." she growled, giving it back to the elf who was the fastest on foot. Then she cuffed the back of her head affectionately, "And don't call me boss."
Kallian grinned at her for the first time, then she dashed away. The more she was getting to know Lana the less she saw her as a noble.
Lana barely had time to brace herself before Ashana threw herself in her arms and burst into tears.
"I'm so glad you're here!" Ashana sobbed, unable to say more at the tightness of her throat and the tears of relief streaming down her cheeks.
Lana grinned and hugged her back, gently soothing her, "Me to gorgeous. I was contemplating how Lucia and I were going to hunt you down in the Beyond."
Ashana laughed through her tears, hugging her tighter in case this was just a dream, her face nestled between Lana's breasts.
Lana didn't have the heart to extricate herself from the emotional elf, "Go grab a drink Alistair, you look like you could use one."
His shoulders sank as he relaxed, "Maker yes." he beamed as Cullen approached and clapped him on the shoulder.
"Good to see you brother." Cullen was incredibly relieved that Alistair had made it, they'd gotten on well in the day they'd known each other and being a former templar initiate they understood each other like the others never could.
"What no hug for me?" Lucia grinned, seeing Lana's predicament and wanting a hug from her friend personally.
"Lucia!" Ashana squealed in delight and flew into her arms.
Morrigan rolled her eyes at the childish display.
Lana fixed up her armour and looked between the sister who looked like she wanted to talk and the Chasind woman who had appeared to her on the battlefield.
"You are leading the wardens then?" the sister addressed Lana.
"Technically no, I'm not a warden, I'm aiding them. These four have only been wardens for three days, I'm not sure how long Alistair's been a warden but he's the most senior. I'd imagine that he'll be leading the wardens." Lana shrugged.
Morrigan scoffed, "Please, that fool could not lead a mouse to cheese, he's been following orders from the mage child."
Lana grinned at the comparison, "Truly?" she looked back at the pair.
Lucia had taken Ashana back to their table and she was practically bouncing in happiness very much like a child. Alistair looked weary but pleased as punch to have Cullen by his side as they got another round of drinks for the table.
"Truly." Morrigan muttered dryly, "'Twould be best if you lead, you have the skills necessary and they already look at you as their leader, boss." she reminded her with a smirk.
Lana groaned, "Oh please don't call me that." she rubbed her neck.
"Tis the truth." Morrigan shrugged.
Lana glanced at her, she hadn't had time to really notice just how truly beautiful this woman was, her skin was lightly tanned from living in the Wilds and wearing little clothing, she was slender and subtly toned, her curves were very feminine and very eye catching, her lips were full and luscious, her eyes were a strange glittering golden and framed by long dark lashes, her heart shaped face was framed with thick raven tresses held back in a neat twist. They were of similar height so looked eye to eye as they both took in the other woman.
Morrigan had seen enough of the woman to know that she was strong, confident, intelligent and had excellent leadership abilities. For the time being that was all she needed to know.
"I take it then you are accompanying the Wardens as well?" Lana posed carefully, it was clear the woman was an apostate, not that she cared whether or not the woman had been raised by the Chantry, actually the idea was as pleasing as it was concerning.
"Indeed. I am Morrigan, we did not have the luxury of exchanging names last we met." She bowed her head politely.
"No kidding. Was it really necessary to smack me in the head in the middle of the battlefield?" Lana smirked, the woman already knew her name so there was no need to introduce herself.
"Twas hardly a smack and I needed to get your attention." Morrigan asserted quickly, "What would you have me call you?" nobles could be finicky about how they were addressed in public, at least according to her mother, she'd never met a noble before.
"Lana. I recommend getting something to eat, I intend for us to get as far from Lothering as possible by nightfall. Loghain's put out a rather large bounty on our warden friends and given how desperate people are here I wouldn't put it passed some of them to try and take him up on it." she thumbed over to their table.
Morrigan nodded and sauntered over.
"I will be joining you." the sister had been so busy helping people she didn't know who this Lana was but she was obviously someone important.
Lana schooled her expression so her scowl didn't show. "And why would a sister want to accompany a band of darkspawn slaying wardens?" she asked slowly, annoyed that the woman expected to just come along, her annoyance was also increased as she was clearly Orlesian.
"Because the Maker told me to." she insisted.
At that Lana scowled, "What's your name sister?"
"Oh forgive me, I am Leliana." she bowed her head politely.
"Listen Leliana, I don't give a shit what your Maker wants." Lana growled.
Leliana was stunned and rocked back a little on her feet.
"You're Orlesian and right now Orlesians have made my life a living flaming void. That's two big crosses as to why I have no inclination of letting you come with us." she asserted firmly, her tone icy cold.
Leliana was a little flustered at the sudden change in the woman, she had gone about this the wrong way, "My mother was born in Ferelden, she went with her Orlesian mistress at the end of the occupation hence my accent. I have been here in the Lothering Chantry for over two years now. Before that I was a minstrel, tales and song were my life and as you saw I learned how to defend myself, I can fight. I can do more than fight and you will need all the help you can get, yes?"
Lana's eyes narrowed, she knew immediately that this woman was a bard. She hissed through her teeth. She was about to refuse her outright when the thought came that perhaps she could actually make use of the woman. "You will have to earn my trust and the first sign of betrayal and you will be meeting your precious Maker personally." she growled.
Leliana beamed, pretending not to hear the threat, "Oh thank you! I have some more appropriate clothing in my quarters. I shall be back shortly." she bowed her head and scurried out.
Lana joined the lively table of wardens who were so relieved to be in each others company. They were talking about how they'd managed to escape Ostagar though none of them actually talked about Ostagar itself nor the people who hadn't made it out.
"Lana here carried Kallian ten miles on her back." Cullen beamed proudly at the woman.
"Yeah and totally passed out for a day and a half because of it." Lana smirked wryly as she contemplated where to sit, she slid next to Alistair, opposite Morrigan.
"Aw but Kallian's gotten over her total hate of nobility for it. She actually likes you now." Lucia laughed, "You should have seen the way she was hovering over you when we told her what you did for her."
"So my nefarious plan worked then huh." Lana chuckled.
"You had a plan? What plan?" Ashana asked, confused and scratching behind her right ear.
The others, bar Morrigan, laughed at her.
"I knew since we first met she hated me because of my station. Only way to get her to change her mind was to do something no one has ever done for her before. Saving her life and carrying her arse till I dropped seemed like a plausible idea. She hasn't been fawning over me, to proud for that thankfully, but her finally warming up and not looking to stab me in the back has been a good outcome." Lana was grinning from ear to ear.
"Well it certainly eased her tension." Lucia nodded with a smile.
Ashana leaned closer to Morrigan and whispered, "See, told you she was smart."
"Oh yes, her brilliance astounds me, she won the loyalty of one elf via nearly killing herself for her." Morrigan replied sarcastically, she winced and hissed through her teeth as Ashana poked her in the ribs.
"Be nice!" Ashana growled up at her, pouting up at the woman with her big blue eyes.
Morrigan sighed, "Could those eyes get any bigger?"
"Oh please don't encourage her. I swear the puppy dog eyes have magical qualities, no one can resist them." Lucia rolled her eyes affectionately and ruffled Ashana's hair.
"And you wondered why Alistair was doing everything she said." Lana laughed, she was well aware of the eyes.
Morrigan huffed and Alistair merely grinned.
The trio who'd recently arrived quickly ate a meal of thick and tasty stew, which had been supplied by the hunting parties of Highever so they'd gotten it free of charge.
Kallian returned and shook her head as Lana moved to make space for her on her side of the bench, "You can keep the smelly shem boys." she smirked, there was more room on the girls side of the table.
"Oh I'm one of the boys now am I?" Lana grinned, her eyes sparkling with mirth as the little elf slid into the small space on the other side of Lucia.
"No, you just take up too much space." Kallian shrugged, grinning and waiting for a response. Sure enough something hit her shoulder.
"So now I'm fat? Watch it little miss, I might have to sit my fat arse on you one day." Lana retorted, wagging her finger at her.
The others guffawed at the friendly teasing.
Before Kallian could counter a figure stood at the end of the table.
Lana's smile dropped a little, "Right, guys this is Leliana." she looked very different in light leather armour and now armed with a bow not just the knives she'd fought with.
"The... sister?" Alistair scratched his head as he tried to place her face.
"Formerly a lay sister." Leliana nodded.
"She's going to be joining us. We need all the help we can get." Lana stood, it was time to go now.
"What possible reason could you have to allow a Chantry sister to accompany us?" Morrigan demanded in disdain, glaring at the woman in an expression that would have most people cowering.
"Because she's a minstrel who can fight. In Orlais that means she is no sister, she can kill you in a heartbeat and you won't see her coming." Lana looked at Leliana pointedly before walking towards the door.
Leliana frowned, how could she possibly know that she was a bard from such limited interaction? Thankfully no one seemed to have understood that particular nuance.
The wardens quickly followed their leader. They found Lana standing outside crouching before a massive mabari.
"Just look at you big guy." Lana grinned, a little teary eyed as she thought of her faithful hound who'd given his life for her.
"That's Bear, Bear this is Lana, my friend and leader. She's very important so you need to make sure she stays safe." Ashana introduced them.
Lana shot to her feet, jaw slack with shock, "When did that happen?" Mabari didn't just imprint on anyone.
"In the tower, there were a few mabari in cages, we released them to deal help with the darkspawn and he saved my life. Stayed with me ever since didn't you Bear." Ashana scratched him behind the ears.
He wuffed happily.
"He's bigger than Night, excellent teeth and from the looks of you, you're well a well trained war dog." she nodded to the animal, her voice soft.
He looked at her quizzically.
Lana smiled, "Night was my mabari. He gave his life to save mine." she nodded to Ashana, "You've a faithful friend in this one, though don't let him sleep in your tent no matter how he looks at you, I'd wager his puppy eyes'll trump yours any day."
Bear whined and looked up at her innocently.
"Uh-huh I'll be keeping an eye on you big guy." Lana winked at him and continued walking.
He wuffed and eagerly followed his new little mistress as they left the tavern.