AN: Thanks again for the reviews. They mean a lot. Thanks to Shakespira especially for her encouragement.

Some minor edits! Also big spoiler warning for Stolen Throne and the Calling.

Chapter 10 – Warnings long ignored

"Tell the Commander that My Chancellor of the Military and I will receive him in the Audience Chamber in 10 minutes."

The Valet bowed and left. Once the door closed, Anora looked at her father, "Condone his infidelity, in the sense of overlooking it? Yes, I do. Approve of it? No. However, he is the King." She said lightly.

"He is only the king because he was the first legitimate child to spring forth from Maric's loins" Loghain sneered.

Anora answered coolly, "By might or by birthright is irrelevant, he is still King of Ferelden. Now, we need to see what the Commander of the Grey thinks is so urgent."

"I will be along in a moment Anora," Loghain answered.

She nodded and left the room.

Loghain waited until Anora was out of ear-shot before he walked up to the portrait of Cailan. It had been commissioned just after his coronation. The artist had managed to catch the grief still present in Cailan's eyes. Eyes that were so much like Rowan's. Loghain spat at the floor beneath the painting, and said "You are a disgrace to your mother's memory and I will not let you endanger the country for which she sacrificed everything to free." He turned sharply and walked out of the room to join Anora.

Rendon Howe slipped back into the shadows of the hall and smiled.

Waiting in Royal Audience Chamber stood the Commander of the Ferelden Grey, known only by the name of Duncan. He was a tall, powerfully-built man, with sable-colored hair. His swarthy features and graying temples marked him as man of mature years. His eyes marked him as a man of vast experience. They were eyes that had seen many battles and endured much sorrow, yet still carried an unquenchable fire.

Duncan turned as the Queen was announced, bowing as she entered the room. His was a formidable presence and Anora felt that presence as soon as his eyes met hers. She thought warily, He is not some weak-minded noble that I can easily put down. Anora said nothing; she motioned him to approach the throne. She took her time sitting down and smoothing her skirts. Loghain entered and she bade him to stand below the throne near Duncan leaving Anora positioned above both men.

When she was ready she fixed her cold blue eyes on Duncan and said, "Commander Duncan, what business do you find urgent enough to disrupt my evening?"

Duncan cleared his throat, "Your Majesty, I have just arrived in Denerim and I bring news of an increase in Darkspawn activity in the Kocari Wilds."

Anora arched a delicate eyebrow, "Darkspawn activity in the Kocari Wilds is hardly unusual."

"In this case Your Majesty reports from the Wilds indicate that several Chasind tribes are moving north and that they are moving from something. Signs indicate that it is the increase in darkspawn activity that is driving the Chasind away from their villages. That is unusual."

Anora said blandly, "What kind of signs?"

"As Grey Wardens we…sense darkspawn, we have also battled the darkspawn in the wilds."

"Commander you said this was urgent. The Wilders have long since ceased to be a Ferelden concern."

Duncan tried to hide his irritation, "Your Majesty an increase in darkspawn activity large enough to force wilder folk to move north may be a harbinger of a Blight. If that's the case, the sooner we can end it, the better. That is why I believe this is urgent."

Anora simply looked at Duncan, and then looked at Loghain, "Chancellor, what is your assessment?"

Turning to Duncan, "A blight? After four centuries? Aren't you being a bit alarmist?"

"Your Majesty, Lord Chancellor, Grey Wardens are sworn and trained to stand vigilant against the darkspawn, I would hardly call preventing a blight being alarmist"

Anora's eyes flashed anger at Duncan, "Remember your place Commander."

Duncan lowered his eyes, "I apologize for my tone your Majesty."

But not for your words, Anora thought. "What course of action do you recommend?" She said sharply.

"Your Majesty, I recommend sending several armies to Ostagar. That would be the best place from which to scout and then to draw out and attack the horde."

Anora stood up looking down at Duncan, "And what do I say to the Bannorn when they see armies marching through their lands? If word gets out about a possible blight, we may send half of Ferelden into a panic. I will not allow that."

"Your Majesty…" Duncan began.

Holding up her hand Anora continued, "Here is what I suggest - go to Gwaren. I will request that Teyrn Mac Tir send out a detachment of troops to assist you in scouting the wilds. If you do find the horde and determine where it is headed, then we can form an appropriate military response."

Loghain added, "A wise suggestion, your Majesty."

Duncan looked from Loghain to Anora, from father to daughter, his anger simmered below the surface. He marshaled his emotions and said, "Very well your Majesty, I thank you for your time and consideration of this matter. I will send a report from Gwaren as soon as possible." Pausing for a moment, he continued, "May I also request permission to recruit during my journey to Gwaren? Our numbers in Ferelden are still too few."

"Of course you may Commander; Ferelden mustn't suffer from a lack of Wardens. I will have the orders for Teyrn Mac Tir ready for you tomorrow. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention." Anora then left the room.

Loghain looked at Duncan, "This smells like an Orlesian ploy. If our armies are focused on a manufactured threat in southern Ferelden, we risk leaving the rest of the country vulnerable."

"I assure you My Lord that the Grey Wardens are politically neutral. We are here to defeat the darkspawn, nothing more."

"Really?" Loghain remarked, his tone dripping with sarcasm, "I'm sure King Arland's ghost would disagree." Without waiting for Duncan's reply he turned and left the chamber.

Duncan sighed, Sophia Dryden, decisions from centuries ago are still affecting the reputation of the Grey.

12th Bloomingtide, 9:30 Dragon Age

Dearest Siobhan,

Your father has returned from his recent trip to Orlais and we are both thrilled that you and Gareth will be coming to Highever for a visit! I think the idea of your coming here and then accompanying Fergus and his family back to Gwaren is perfect. I know Oriana and Fergus are looking forward to a good long visit.

Within a few days of your father's return, we had a visit from Arl and Arlessa Howe. Apparently Chancellor Loghain deputized the Arl to carry out his inspections of Highever. The meeting was very amiable, and the Arl was going to give Chancellor Loghain a "glowing report." I have to admit a certain sense of relief.

I'm very impressed with your quick decision to hire an assistant Seneschal. I recall Seneschal Rhodrim looking like a man being buried by too much work and I can imagine his relief at your suggestion. Well done dear! As for the estate, yes a woman's touch is exactly what is needed. The first thing I would do is get rid of those horrid dark drapes!

I would write more, but I have been asked to reserve some space for a note from your father.

Orin asked that I enclose his drawing of him at the helm of a ship (I think he is looking forward to his visit with Captain Dylan.)

All my love,

ccccccccc

Mother

Pup,

I didn't want to worry your mother with this, which is why I am adding this note and personally sending out this letter.

I found the Arl's visit to be very disturbing. After the experience you recounted about Loghain's inspection of Gwaren, I dreaded his visit to Highever. I was floored when Rendon simply showed up, unannounced, carrying a letter from Loghain delegating the inspection to him. As your mother reported, Rendon said he was pleased but I have known Rendon for years and something was different about him. I felt uncomfortable, but don't know why. I'm not even sure why I'm sending you this note other than to tell you and Gareth to be cautious around Rendon, if you encounter him at all. I'm sorry if this is vague. Chalk it up to a father's intuition.

I look forward to you both coming to Highever. It isn't the same without you and Oriana double-teaming Fergus. He has become entirely too comfortable!

Love to you both,

Father

Duncan did not want to simply show up in Gwaren unannounced, so a week ahead of his arrival he sent a letter along with the orders from the Queen.

Reading this correspondence during breakfast, Gareth asked Siobhan, "Did you find Anora's orders to be a bit…condescending?"

"If by condescending, you mean snotty? Yes." Siobhan frowned.

Gareth chuckled, "Indeed. 'Snotty' is a better term for the childishness of her behavior. I truly think that the only reason she is down-playing this threat is because it's a situation that she feels ill-prepared to handle on her own. By sending him to me, she simply postponed dealing with it at all. I'm just relieved that Cailan is back in Denerim, perhaps he will take more decisive action."

"But shouldn't your Father be taking this more seriously?"

"He has never trusted the Grey Wardens. Perhaps if anyone other than their order had made this discovery he might have given it more credit. In fact, I would bet he believes this to be an Orlesian plot."

"Maybe we should cancel our trip to Highever." Siobhan said.

Gareth took her hand, "Let's wait until Duncan arrives and we have a better sense of what's going on. Then we can decide if we need to change our plans."

Duncan and several of his Grey Wardens, including some recent recruits arrived safely in Gwaren. Unlike his reception at Denerim, Gareth and Siobhan were warm, welcoming, and genuinely concerned about darkspawn activity in the Wilds. As soon as Duncan and his Wardens had been shown their accommodations , had a chance to eat, and to rest a bit, Gareth made himself, Siobhan, Seneschal Rhodrim, Captain Donnelly, and Mayor Rhys available for a meeting with Duncan.

Gareth made the formal introductions and opened the meeting, "Commander, our time is yours. What is your assessment of the situation and your recommendations?"

Duncan looked at those assembled and spoke plainly about the darkspawn activity and the Chasind tribes.

"The Chasind have been settled for decades, for them to move now, and as a unit? That is very troubling." Captain Donnelly commented.

Siobhan asked pointedly "Commander, would merely sending scouting parties into the Wilds, as recommended by her Majesty, actually tell you anything you don't already know?"

Duncan was hesitant to answer as candidly as he would have liked, Siobhan sensed this and said, "It's alright Commander, this isn't the audience chamber at Denerim. Here, you are free to speak your mind and don't feel as if you have to honey-coat your opinions. Misunderstandings must be avoided at all costs."

"Very well your Grace. Sending scouting parties into the wilds with no large military force to back them up is a recipe for disaster. However, the Crown, for whatever reason, will not move out the armies unless we have more evidence. Queen Anora was worried about alarming the Bannorn and creating a mass panic."

Mayor Rhys said, "Are you sure about the presence, location and movement of the horde, Commander?"

"The location and presence yes."

"Even without actually seeing a horde?" Rhodrim asked.

"Yes."

Captain Donnelly added, "When speaking of Darkspawn, it had been my experience that their direction is typically towards populated areas. Give them a target and you can determine their movement."

"You are quite correct Captain Donnelly, you have experience with Darkspawn?" Duncan asked.

"Yes Commander, I lost my cousin and his family to the darkspawn."

Mayor Rhys looked at Gareth and Siobhan and said, "It would appear that we have confirmed the existence and movement of the horde."

"Commander," Gareth began, "you said the Crown wouldn't move without evidence, has the King heard of this situation?"

"No your Grace, his Majesty was not in Denerim when I spoke with Queen Anora."

Gareth looked at all assembled, "The King completely supports the Grey Wardens and should be more willing to act. It would be helpful, however, to include in our report suggested strategies to fight this darkspawn threat."

"That would be wise your Grace." Duncan smiled. He was amazed at the reception the Wardens had received in Gwaren.

"Please, call me Gareth."

"Please call me Duncan."

Cailan arrived in Denerim late in the evening, eager to tell Anora about the breakthrough in trade negotiations with Orlais; however the first person he encountered was his father-in-law.

"Ah his Majesty has decided to grace our land with his presence. Had too much of Orlesian hospitality?"

Confrontations with Loghain were a constant factor in his life with Anora, so the sarcasm in Loghain's voice was no shock to the young King. Cailan merely looked at his Father-in-law and said, "Orlesian hospitality was up to its usual standard, however, I'm always happiest when I am back home in Ferelden."

"Really, and you don't believe your trip was at all inappropriate?"

"I explained everything in the note I left for Anora. I don't have to explain anything to you."

"Anora received no note. She would have told me."

Impatience colored Cailan's voice, "Are you sure?"

"Why you whelp! How dare you accuse my daughter of anything! She may condone your infidelity, but I do not."

Cailan was shocked at Loghain's accusations, "I have not been unfaithful to Anora! I left Anora a note explaining where I was and what I was doing. That she didn't choose to share it with you is puzzling, but she is my wife and the note was meant for her. Now, if you will excuse me, I'm tired from my trip. Good night Loghain." Cailan walked off to his rooms leaving Loghain with a blinding headache for which sleep now seemed to be his only escape.

Cailan walked into their bed chamber stopped when he saw Anora. She was seated at her vanity brushing her long golden locks. Cailan always felt like a young boy when he looked at her. She was his golden goddess. He walked up behind her, putting his hands gently on her shoulders. A huge smile lit his face and he said, "Hello my lovely wife. I have some wonderful news!"

Anora looked at Cailan's reflection, trying to contain her anger, she simply said, "You have finally returned home my husband."

Cailan blinked at the sarcasm in her voice, coupled with Loghain's accusation, made him wonder, "Anora, you knew when I would return, it was all in my note. You did find the note didn't you?

Anora turn to Cailan, "You mean the one that said you were going to Orlais with Bryce and Eamon for important trade negotiations? Yes, I read it and burned it straight away."

"Anora, your father just accused me of being unfaithful to you. I have never been unfaithful to you. You know that, don't you?"

Anora kept silent.

Cailan misinterpreting her silence he pleaded, "Anora, my love, I'm sorry if you thought I was cheating on you. This really was a meeting to discuss trade. Bryce and Eamon have made many excellent contacts and we were actually able to get an audience with the Empress. She was very open to the idea of free-trade. She agrees that countries that have a free exchange of money and resources are much less likely to fight each other."

Anora scoffed coldly, "Do you realize how stupid it is for you to waltz into Orlais, with no other escorts save for an Arl and a Teyrn, and negotiate anything!

Cailan was floored, Anora had been getting increasingly condescending, but had never outright insulted him. His brows knit, his voice strained as he said, "All I wanted to do was try to bring peace to Ferelden, to do something that proved my worth as King, and perhaps for once make my wife happy."

Anora stood up, "Make me happy? Maker's sake Cailan, are you really that naive?"

Cailan felt as if he had just been slapped. He thought, where is the girl I married? Where is my beautiful golden goddess, full of warmth and charm? Was she simply a dream? He looked at Anora for what he felt was the very first time.

"Not anymore." He said.

Anora rolled her eyes

Cailan's temper rose, "Obviously I may have been overly ambitious. You, my dear, would first have to have feelings in order to be made happy!"

"Cailan!"

Ignoring her, Cailan continued, "You seem to think you are so much more valuable to Ferelden than I. I'm sick and tired of trying to prove myself to you.

"Cailan…" She tried to plead.

Cailan was angrier than he had ever been. "It's high time you, and your father, realize who is King!" Cailan's voice dripped with malice, "So I give you a choice, you can remain my Queen in which case you will remember your place, or I will set you aside, releasing you from what you clearly consider to be an onerous marriage."

Anora, stunned by Cailan's rage, tried to retake control of the situation. She gently ran her hand up his arm and softly said, "I'm so sorry. Of course I want to remain your wife. I just get so worried about you." Cailan was silent, so Anora went on, thinking she had started to turn the tide, a knowing smile on her face. "Clearly we are both tired and the hour is late. Perhaps we should go to bed?"

Cailan said nothing. He simply pulled Anora into his arms. Breathless, Anora led him to the bed. Cailan took her roughly and with little affection. Afterward, he got up and threw Anora her robe, "I suggest that you sleep in your own rooms from now on. In the future I will send for you when your talents are needed."

Anora simply looked at Cailan, her eyes brimming with tears of fury, "How dare you treat me like a common whore!"

"Common? Hardly. If you were a common whore I would have paid you with sovereigns and not power."

Anora felt like a scalded cat and tired to slap Cailan, who caught her hand and said, "Good night my Queen."

Anora ran from the room.

Cailan sat on the bed in his empty bed and put his head in his hands.

In Gwaren the next several days were spent discussing and debating various strategies for fighting the horde. Gareth and Siobhan requested that Captain Donnelly bring his most experienced lieutenants and sergeants to the discussions. Duncan included his wardens. Between them all, they came up with several very sound ideas to present to their Majesties. The next step would be to craft the report in a way that would ensure the full cooperation of the Crown.

During the late afternoon of one of these days, Gareth and Siobhan were talking with Duncan. Siobhan said, "I don't think I should go to Highever, if Gareth is going to be with the Gwaren army at Ostagar, I should remain here."

Gareth was about to answer, when Duncan cut in, "Siobhan, you carry the heir to the Teyrnir, a child of Mac Tir and Cousland blood. We don't know how this fight will end. If it all goes badly, you must survive to re-build. If this becomes a full blight, Gwaren, positioned as near as it is to the wilds, may not be able to stand for long. Highever gives you the advantage of mobility. If the blight starts to spread north, you will need to be able to get as far away as you can as quickly as possible."

"What does it say to the people of Gwaren if their Teyrna hides out in another Teyrnir during a crisis such as this?"

"If I may your Graces," Mayor Rhys interrupted as he was walking by. "I apologize for intruding, but I couldn't help but hear Teyrna Mac Tir's concerns."

Gareth nodded for him to continue

"Teyrna, your willingness to stay in Gwaren only reinforces the reason for you to leave. Your love for our land and its people has already endeared you to us, and we would lay down our lives to protect you. If Highever is the safest place for you to be during this situation, then that is precisely where you need to go."

Siobhan was speechless, her eyes filled with tears, "Mayor Rhys, I don't know what to say."

"Say nothing your Grace, for I speak the truth. Now, if you will excuse me I see you all at dinner."

Gareth took her hand, "You are not going to Highever alone, I will escort you there."

"Gareth, your place is with our armies. I can go to Highever on my own."

Duncan cleared his throat, "I also don't recommend that you travel unescorted Siobhan. I have to go to Highever myself as there is a knight there I need to recruit, I will be happy to escort you."

"Duncan, I appreciate your willingness, but escorting my wife and unborn child at a time like this is my duty and one I will not shirk." He kissed Siobhan's hand and looked directly into her eyes, "And no force possible will change my mind."

Siobhan had gone to bed early. Gareth requested Duncan's presence on the estate grounds. When they were alone and out of all hearing Gareth turned to Duncan, "Duncan, how is Alistair?"

Duncan couldn't stop the shock from showing on his face, "Your Grace, I cannot…"

Gareth held up a hand, "It's alright Duncan, I know about him."

Duncan was very guarded and quietly said, "What exactly do you know?"

"When I was Maric's squire, he came down with a serious illness. Cailan, being the sole heir, wasn't allowed to come near him for fear he would catch it as well. Cailan was terrified he was going to lose his father and insisted that I sit with Maric. At the height of his fever, Maric became delirious and thought I was my father." Smiling sheepishly he went on, "I was a bit of a scamp at the time and didn't try to dissuade him of that."

Duncan nodded.

"Maric started talking about a boy named Alistair. How one of his greatest mistakes was leaving Eamon to raise him. He grieved not being able to acknowledge Alistair, and for his being sent to the Chantry to be trained as a Templar."

"Did he say anything else?"

"Except for one thing, which I didn't understand at the time, he said he should never have listened to Fiona."

Duncan looked up into the star-lit sky and thought ah the chickens have finally come home to roost. He knew Maric and Fiona's secret would come out someday, he was just glad that it had happened during the quite of a Summerday evening, rather than during the tumult of a Landsmeet.

Duncan looked at Gareth, "Did you ever tell Cailan?"

"No, I never told anyone, not even my wife. Although I think Cailan is aware of Alistair's existence. Clearly this was something Maric had expected to take to his grave and I felt terrible about his pain. I did do some discrete checking and discovered where Alistair had been sent and how he was doing. When I was last in Redcliff I heard about the outrage caused by a certain Grey Warden Commander who had conscripted an unhappy Templar initiate instead of recruiting sworn Templars. I wasn't sure that the initiate you recruited was Alistair until I asked you how he was." Gareth looked a bit ashamed at that and said, "Sorry for tricking you."

Duncan simply laughed, he felt as if a great burden had been lifted from him. This is a man who kept the King's confidence when most men of his age and station would have used the information for personal gain and here he is apologizing for tricking me!

"No apologies needed Gareth, you are a man of great personal integrity and you managed to outfox and old fox. I don't want you to continue to bear this secret alone though; please feel free to share what you know with Siobhan. Your wife has every bit as much integrity and heart as you do and it would set my mind at ease to know that there are at least two other people out there who care about Alistair and will look out for him."

"I will tell Siobhan when I think the time is right. What about Arl Eamon?"

"While I like the Arl, his treatment of Alistair was appalling."

"I take it that Alistair's mother, Fiona, isn't coming back?"

Duncan merely shook his head, "How much do you know about Fiona?"

"Other than she's Alistair's mother and clearly not a serving maid, nothing."

Not to be out foxed twice Duncan asked, "Why do you believe she wasn't a serving maid?"

"Maric would never have listened to a serving maid regarding the deposition of his own blood, legitimate or not."

Duncan thought for moment, "I will only say this about Fiona - she too was a Grey Warden."

The finality in Duncan's tone told Gareth that whoever Fiona was, her identity was something that Duncan would take to his grave and something that Alistair should never know.

The next morning, the Queen sent word that she was feeling under the weather and would remain in her rooms. Rendon Howe appeared in her study through one of the many secret entrances in the palace and said, "Over played your hand my dear?"

Startled, Anora almost screamed, "Damn it Howe! Stop doing that. Who would have thought Cailan would suddenly discover his spine."

"Yes, his Father was like that too."