Chapter 10) Political Roads

Aiden POV

Bann Rodolf summoned me at odd times, sometimes. Sometimes it was for another extra bit of laboring, with pay. Other times, it was simply to run a few errands, like sending messages. That day was one of the latter times, but the timing of it was the oddest. In the middle of a Landsmeet.

"Here you go, Aiden," Bann Rodolf told me, handing me the letters. I tried my best not to even look at the other nobles. It was hard though. There was Arl Howe and Teyrn Cousland, debating with each other. King Cailan and Queen Anora watching over the arguing. Teyrn Loghain keeping an eye out for assassins. Arl Eamon chatting with his younger brother, Bann Teagan. And many, many others. "Deliver these. Don't expect replies. Some of the people are here, after all."

"Yes, milord," I murmured, bowing. "By your leave."

"Oh, and remember to have fun on the way."

How? "Very well, milord."

The day started normal. Well, normal being relative, of course. Normal for our group. Master Duncan woke us all up at dawn, Mistress Layla refused to get up, and Cleon dragged her out of bed with lots of complaining all around. Breakfast after that. Then walking. Lots of walking. Good exercise. I rather liked it, despite everything that happened. I missed the Alienage, a lot, and, despite my words to Cleon, I was still a little angry Master Duncan had forcibly conscripted me. But I could see he was a good man, who did what he had to, and I could appreciate that. Of course, he had a habit of giving orders out of the blue and I really wished he didn't.

"Aiden, you should teach Layla and Cleon about the politics of Fereldan." It was a simple sentence. A simple order. I automatically tried to obey, when I realized just what he asked.

"Master Duncan, I am hardly an expert," I mumbled awkwardly.

"You know more than them," he countered. That was probably true, actually. "Layla might know some of it, if she read it."

"I did not," Mistress Layla cheerfully informed us. Her eyes were sparkling. "Circle politics were confusing enough."

"The ways of the shem'len are confusing," Cleon muttered. "If you've any insight, lethalin…" What did 'lethalin' mean, anyway?

"I suppose," I sighed. "Not sure why I should have to…" …Wait, no, I was supposed to follow orders without question and-

"In my experience, the best way to know nobles is to talk to the people who worked for them," Master Duncan explained. "And I'm a poor teacher." Was more or less certain he was lying about that second part, but I couldn't deny the first.

"I suppose the most important thing to remember about Fereldan, at all, is it values freedom highly," I began after a moment. This was really strange. I'd never expected to teach anything! "Freedom and skill, regardless of birth or gender." Though, typically, women and elves had to work harder to be recognized. "Typically, lesser crimes aren't dealt with by the local law enforcement, but by the people themselves. It's very… hands-off."

"That sounds incredibly chaotic," Mistress Layla commented.

"What about the serious crimes?" Cleon asked.

"Those are definitely put down, and immediately, with swift punishment," I answered. "Swift and violent. Long-term imprisonment is frowned upon. The most common methods are public humiliation, whipping, disfigurement, fines, and executions." I likely would have experienced most of those if Master Duncan had not recruited me. "And it's not lawless, despite what it all might imply. The blackhallers hear disputes." Though it could take forever to get a case heard.

"Blackhallers?"

"Judges appointed by the king's seneschal."

"I… see?"

"You mentioned that skill was important, regardless of birth or gender," Mistress Layla noted. "What, exactly, do you mean by that?"

"It is just as I say, mistress," I replied. "Everyone is expected to have some sort of martial prowess in Fereldan." Even elves were expected to at least know how to throw a punch. We just weren't allowed weapons in most places. Highever's Alienage was the only one I knew of where elves were encouraged to learn how to use weapons. "And one's skill in ruling or fighting is far more important to Fereldans than gender or birth." I tried to think of an example, and came on one immediately. "Take Highever, where we're heading. It's rumored that the Lady Elspeth will be inheriting the Teyrnir, over her two older brothers, the Lords Fergus and Nuada, simply because she is more skilled in managing the lands and in diplomacy than the two." And according to those same rumors, that would suit the lords just fine. Lord Fergus was already almost a general in the army by his own skill, and Lord Nuada might just follow his older brother's footsteps in the army, or perhaps even Teyrn Loghain's. He had protected King Cailan from an assassination attempt a year ago, and had only received a scar on his face for his troubles, if the rumor mill was truthful. Then again, the same rumor mill painted Lord Nuada as a flirtatious rascal and-

"Teyrnir?"

Right, I was supposed to be teaching, not being trapped in my thoughts. "That's related to more politics. You see-"

"Can I ask one non-political question first?" Cleon interrupted.

"I suppose," I mumbled. What was I doing as a teacher in the first place?

"What is with Fereldan and dogs?" He sounded so amused. "I thought the Dalish had respect for dogs, but it seems you all have an almost reverence for them!"

"I'm… what?" How could I explain that? Dogs were important. They just were.

"I think I'll have to step in the answer that one," Master Duncan laughed. "It can be hard to explain when it's to rooted in the culture." I suppose? They were really just everywhere, from our companions to the armies. The mabari in particular were prized. If you were the owner of one, you were recognized throughout all of Fereldan for being a person of character. "It's tied heavily into the mythology of the Fereldan. The werewovles, for instance, and when the Imperium invaded."

"'The Imperium?" Cleon repeated.

"Yes, the magisters prized hounds, the mabari bred specifically for intelligence, defected to the Alamarri tribes that one lived here in this land." I didn't know that.

"I like that tale!"

"Many do. I imagine it isn't a popular one in Tevinter though."

"What was that about werewolves?" Mistress Layla asked. "I have read some tales, of course, but I do not know much."

"The short version is that mabari are said to be able to sniff them out," Master Duncan stated. "And Fereldans believe that most, if not all of them, have some werewolf blood in their veins."

"Not to say there were not conflicts," I hesitantly added. I continued at his nod. "There are many tales of such battles. One city in particular was said to have been slaughtered in a night." Valendrian had favored these tales whenever the children were getting too awed by the prettied-up tales.

"Good. Might want to explain the Landsmeet now, Aiden."

"Yes, sir." Why was I teaching again?! "Right… um…"

"That is an odd name," Mistress Layla commented. "How do lands meet?"

"It's more the nobles who rule said lands, Mistress Layla."

"So, the nobles all meet," Cleon repeated. "What's so complicated about that?"

"Skill and respect rule, not bloodlines," I reminded. "That… extends to the politics, too."

"Oh?"

"Yes." Again, how to explain? "At the bottom of the hierarchy are the Freeholders. These are people who own actual property. The land and all structures attached to said land. Each freehold chooses a Bann to pay allegiance to. Most of the time this is the Bann closest to them, and it's typical for freeholders to stay with the same Bann for generations. However, there are no formal oaths sworn, so it's entirely possible for freeholders to cast their lots with other Banns, if they are considered more skilled or prosperous. This is especially common in the Bannorn, the center of Fereldan." An area that has never done well with forced rule, if Bann Rodolf was to be believed. One of the many reasons the Orlesians had been so hated here in Fereldan was because how they demanded the Bannorn to submit. They never did. Not fully.

"That sounds so hectic!" Mistress Layla protested. "I thought the fraternities in the Circle were chaotic!"

I thought it made sense, though. "Above the Banns in rank are the Arls," I continued. "Some freeholders will, instead, swear to Arls instead of Banns. Typically, no Banns swear to Arls. The only exceptions are the Arling of South Reach and the Arling of Amaranthine."

"Those soldiers mentioned an arl's son when talking about that rapist bastard," Cleon mused.

"Yes, Denerim is an arling. It is also the seat of power for the king, but I'll ge to that in a bit." Maybe. "Now, both Banns and Arls swear allegience to the Teyrns. I think there used to be a lot of them, before Fereldan was formed, but now there are only two. One is Highever, as I mentioned before, and the other is Gwaren, far to the south. The two Teyrnirs, in turn, swear fealty to the king or queen of Fereldan."

"Now that part makes sense!" Mistress Layla laughed. "So, what was this Landsmeet again?"

"It's where the Banns, Arls, Teyrns, and King meet together," I answered. "A yearly council that is only occasionally interrupted by war or occupation. It's the official legislative body for Fereldan."

"But what about your king?" Cleon asked, frowning in confusion.

"He mingles and curries favor with his vassals, in order to prove he is still someone worth following, and that his measures are truly what is best for Fereldan."

"But he's the king. Can't he overrule?"

"No."

"That… what?"

"That is not how it is done in Fereldan. We do not suffer tyrants."

"…I will never understand non-Dalish people."

"A good summary, Aiden," Master Duncan suddenly commented. Of course he'd been listening. "Why not tell them of some of the important familes? They'll need to know."

Why did I have the sudden feeling that this was less for their benefit and more of him testing me? "I can only thing of a handful of families, sir," I mumbled.

"Just the powerhouses, Aiden. They're the ones the Wardens will have to impress."

"Yes, sir." Powerhouses? I could think of five. "I suppose it's best to start with the Theirin family. That's the royal line, traditionally."

"Why only traditionally?" Mistress Layla asked.

"The Landsmeet elects a king upon the old one's passing," I explained. "As such, they can choose anyone. The Theirin line has held onto the throne since Fereldan's fouding, though. King Calenhad was the one who united Fereldan, after all."

"The lake around the tower is named for him!"

"Really? That's… pretty neat, actually." I hadn't known that. "Now, there was talk of Teyrn Cousland taking the throne after King Maric's passing, but that died down in a hurry after Teyrn Cousland publically supported King Cailan."

"So, that's the current king?" Cleon commented. "This Cailan?"

"Yes," I confirmed. "The only time the Theirin line didn't rule Fereldan was during the Orlesian Occupation. King Maric the Savior, however, rallied the people and threw off their shackles to restore Fereldan to its freedom."

"Alone?"

"Of course not! There were many who helped him. His future wife, Queen Rowan, for one, led his cavalry. I'll get to her family in a second. The best family to mention next would be the Mac Tir family."

"Mac Tir?"

"A recent noble family which rules Gwaren. Teyrn Loghain was King Maric's dearest friend, King's Champion, and is still the leader of the armies. He was not a noble before the Rebellion, but was named one afterwards for his part in the Rebellion. His daughter, Lady Anora, is the current queen." And I… was not fond of her. She was beautiful, certainly, and quite savvy. But I, and many of the other elves, thought her too distant and calculating to actually like. Too political in a world where politics often oppressed elves. We much preferred King Cailan, who was... not the smartest, but a very good man who wanted to rule well, regardless of the poltics.

"Elevated for being the King's best friend?"

"For his victory at the River Dane, I think?" I never learned much of history. Just what was common, or in Valendrian's stories. "It was an important battle in the rebellion. I've heard it corresponded with the return of the dragons."

"Irving talked about that day, once," Mistress Layla commented. "He said it was terrifying, but awe-inspiring." I could imagine. Of course, I'd probably never see a dragon ever, so it was just fine to hear a description. "Ah, but I am taking us on a tangent! Who is the next family?"

"The Guerrin family, family of the late Queen Rowan. Her younger brothers are still alive, though. Arl Eamon, the eldest of the two, rules Redcliffe, a prominent arling in Fereldan." Though, it was not until Queen Rowan's marriage to King Maric the family truly rose to power, from my shaky understanding. "Arl Eamon is a well loved, and powerful, figure in the Landsmeet, as is Bann Teagan, who took over Rainesfere. Though the family is not without some controversy. Arl Eamon's wife is an Orlesian noble, Lady Isolde."

"Why would that be controversial?" Mistress Layla asked. "Wait, no, hold on, I think… it is because of the occupation, is it not?"

"Yep. But I understand it's a love match, which can be rare among the nobles." Though, not even Bann Teagan seemed to have an actual explanation for how it was a love match, from what I'd heard Bann Rodolf and his wife gossip. "The other powerful arl family would be the Howes, who rule Amaranthine. They are a very old noble family, one of the oldest, which should tell you something about their prowess." Of course, the reigning Arl Howe was no friend to anyone save Teyrn Cousland himself. To basically everyone else, he was a… not kind person. Elves knew well to steer clear of him, always. "I think they used to be more powerful, but they were overthrown in the past by the Cousland famiy."

"Sounds like a war in the making," Cleon muttered.

"Actually, it seems the Rebellion forged a strong friendship between the two houses. There was much talk of Lady Elspeth Cousland marrying Lord Nathaniel Howe, before he was squired away to the Free Marches." No one was all that certain why Arl Howe chose to send his heir so far away, though. "But the Couslands are the last 'powerhouse' family I know of." Some would argue they were even more powerful than the king. "Like the Howes, they are an old family, and they've ruled Highever for almost as long. The family is near universally beloved, and are often seen as a symbol of Fereldan's 'best'." A lot of King Cailan's support came from the Cousland family, who showed complete faith in him at all times. "They are considered second in rank to the king, and many nobles have been vying for a friendship or marriage tie to them." There had been a commotion long ago when Lord Fergus had married an Antivan woman, mostly because it was one less Cousland on the 'market'. "And… I don't know how to really elaborate further on any of them."

"Do they have any enemies?"

"None that speak openly," I answered him. "As I said, they are beloved, and have many, many powerful friends. Friends that would not hesitate to defend them." Even the elves would defend them. Teyrn Cousland's kindness to the elves was well known. He gave many places of employment within his own household, and treated them with both care and dignity. The Alienage in Highever was said to be incredibly well-maintained as well.

"Not to mention that most of the nobles are perfectly aware of the time Bryce sent Crows to decimate the Orlesian force that stole Highever from his father," Master Duncan cut in. …Wait, the Teyrn sent birds?

"Why would he send birds?" Mistress Layla asked, mirroring my own thoughts.

"The Antivan Crows are assassins." Oh. Oh, wait, what? "Bryce is fluent in Antivan and cultivated contacts among their merchants and Crows. He utilized them very well during the Rebellion, as I understand it. He made more when he was sent by Maric to be diplomat, not counting the other contacts he made when his diplomatic tenure dragged on and on, through many countries." That was… wait, why was Master Duncan referring to them by their first names? Without a title even? "Good summary, Aiden. You missed a few things, but they aren't talked about much."

"I… thank you, sir," I mumbled awkwardly. My throat was dry from all the talking.

"I suppose the best thing to mention would be the reasons why the Couslands are so influential. It is not just because they are Teyrns, or even that they are one of the oldest ruling families. It is because Highever and its lands are part of Fereldan by choice."

"How does that work?" Cleon asked, glancing at me. I shrugged. "I'm assuming you mean this is different than with the others, though I don't see how exactly-"

"Oh, do you mean it is a principality?" Mistress Layla suddenly exclaimed. She beamed when Master Duncan nodded. "Oh, that makes perfect sense."

"Why don't you explain it to them?" Master Duncan suggested. Was today some big holiday called 'Information Day' and I didn't know it?

"Okay!" Well, Mistress Layla did seem quite happy. "Since it is a principality, that means it is a semi-autonomous protectorate of Fereldan. Most principalities actually uses titles such as 'prince' to denote their rulers, but I am guessing the Couslands are loyal enough to Fereldan that they choose to share their titles. This would also make sense for why they are the highest-ranked nobles, as you implied, Aiden. They could, at any point, choose to leave Fereldan and become their own country, with little to no repercussions, legally."

"It also means that the affairs of Highever are the Couslands alone and no one, not even the King, has the right to overrule them, or appoint any sort of Regent, without their say," Master Duncan added. "They are very good allies to any they choose. Thankfully, they are devoted to Fereldan and it's royal family."

"And their stance of the Wardens?" Cleon asked. "I'm assuming it's a good one, since we're heading there."

"Yes, they respect us highly. They know the history well, and take our warnings as seriously as possible," Master Duncan answered. "The Couslands are the only nobles who are fielding a full force. Only the absolute minimum needed to run the castle will be staying, with the two youngest Couslands commanding it. Bryce and Fergus will march with their troops." As was proper for Fereldan.

"But why would they keep their youngest here, out of danger? Wouldn't the older fighters be more…?" Cleon floundered for a word. "Tired?" Tactful.

"The old know their limits." Master Duncan said the words so solemnly that I felt a piece of fear and dread drip down my spine. "We've hit them. We're going to die soon no matter what happens. But the young? The young don't know what's impossible for them yet. They have their entire lives ahead, to plan and to fight. The young represent hope for the future, should things fall apart." He glanced back at us. "It's standard Warden policy too, to send the newest recruits away from the battlefield in a time of crisis while the older ones stay and hold the line."

"To protect them?" I asked, surprised.

"Yes."

"It would also leave them without guidance," Mistress Layla pointed out softly.

"If it's a time of crisis, then that's fine," Master Duncan replied, surprising me a second time. "Old Wardens have habits. Old Wardens know what they can and cannot do. They know the limits. But a new recruit with the barest of hints? They don't, so they can do what other Wardens wouldn't. And not get in trouble about it." He smiled slightly. "That's the mentality, at least."

None of us really knew how to reply to that. It was hard to even think about. After all, Master Duncan was one of those 'Old Wardens' and it was hard to think of something that could even give him trouble, much less kill him. What in Thedas could defeat a bunch of Wardens to the point they'd send away their youngest recruits?

"Whoa, what is that?" Mistress Layla suddenly breathed, pointing to something in the distance. I turned and saw it was a beautiful castle, rival to the palace in Denerim. That was…

"Castle Cousland," Master Duncan answered. "Capitol, you could say, of Highever. We'll stay there a few days before moving on to Ostagar to the south." Well, things were certainly strange. Never would I have thought I'd see Highever Castle with my own eyes. "Might need to stop for another night before getting there in the morning."

"Can we camp out this time?" Cleon requested. "If we're going to be trapped in another building of stone, I'd like to remember the time under the skies."

"We'll camp a lot more on the trip to Ostagar, but I don't see why we can't camp tonight either." Mistress Layla pouted and I hide my own worries. I'd never been camping before. "You'll have to teach the two city dwellers, though."

"Done."

"You don't set up a shelter like that!" Cleon laughed as I attempted to salvage the thing he and Master Duncan claimed would keep me safe from the bugs. "It's going to fall on you."

"At this point, I think I'd let it," I muttered before realizing I let my annoyance seep through. "Um…"

"Nah, you'll hate the bugs." He just laughed it off? Really? "Trust me. Besides, your main problem is that you're using one of the upper supports for a lower." What? They all looked the same to me. "Here, let me-!" A yelp made us both turn to see Layla had ended up tangled in her tent. "Okay, no offense, but I think she needs a bit more help."

"Just tell me the difference between an upper and lower."

"Uppers are larger." He grinned. "I'll be right back."

"Glad someone is having fun," I grumbled as I set about trying to figure out the differing lengths for these support sticks. "Someone needs to."

Cleon was left in charge of our little group while Master Duncan was out hunting for some fresh food to complement our rations. The reason behind this, at least, was obvious. Cleon was the only one of us three who knew anything about camping. He'd been briefly confused by Duncan's 'tents', but soon found the similarities between it and whatever the Dalish used and had quickly set up his own. It was standing perfectly in one corner of the campsite Master Duncan had stomped out, as a testament of the skill Cleon had. In comparison to my lopsided one and the one that was trying to eat Mistress Layla.

I'd just finished pitching my tent, which looked mostly okay but was still lopsided, when Mistress Layla sighed heavily. "I just cannot get it!" she complained.

"You're not far off," Cleon reassured. "Aiden, how are you doing?"

"I… might have it?" I replied hesitantly, turning to face them.

"Looks a bit wobbly, but it should hold up nicely through the night." Mistress Layla pouted. "Oh, come on, Layla. One more time."

"This will be the twelfth time," she pointed up sourly. "I believe this is just a time to give up."

"Maybe try praying?"

"I did. Ten tries ago. He did not help."

"Ah…"

"Is it possible there's something wrong with the supports?" I asked softly.

"Could be," Cleon admitted easily. "Okay, how about Aiden and I take a look while you set up the campfire site?"

"How do I do that?" she demanded.

"Gather some sticks and put it in a pile there were Duncan dug a little hole. Put some rocks around it too."

"Oh, very well." She wasn't a happy camper, at all.

As she went to do that, I walked to Cleon's side and carefully looked at the supports. They all looked fine to me. "Guess my theory was wrong," I mumbled.

"No, the wood is twisted on that one you're holding," Cleon corrected, studying it.

"It is?"

"Yes, you can't tell?" No, it all looked the same to me. "That would've thrown off the balance. Combined with the other problems she was having, and we might have our answer for why it kept twisting."

"If you say so." I glanced at Mistress Layla, who was crouching in the center of the campsite. "So, how do we fix it?"

"Not all that hard. Just have to take it into account." Indeed. Within minutes, Cleon had Mistress Layla's tent up, looking almost as perfect as his own. "There."

"The site is complete, I believe," Mistress Layla called then. "Oh, you got it up!"

"Yeah, there was a problem with a support, like Aiden suggested," Cleon told her, walking over and helping her up. "Good site, by the way."

"It is?"

"Yep." I wasn't sure if it was or wasn't, but Mistress Layla certainly looked quite relieved that Cleon said it was. "Now for the fire."

"Perhaps we could magic the campfire?" I suggested. I immediately felt horrible at the pale, horror filled look Mistress Layla had. "I meant no disrespect, Mistress Layla!"

"N-no," she tried to reassure. Her smile was wan, though, and her voice shook. "It is n-not th-that."

"Magic is to be respected, not thrown about recklessly," Cleon scolded me. I wondered if he knew why Mistress Layla was afraid, or if he was just being protective. "Besides, we don't need it. Just a bit of flint." He demonstrated with what looked to be rocks that he produced from the small back at his waist. To my surprise, he had a roaring fire before long. "There we go!"

"Ah, perfect timing," Master Duncan commented, walking back to camp right then. He was carrying what looked to be three rabbits. "I made a good haul, though I think I'll need help with that deer."

"Aiden can do that," Cleon stated, volunteering me for whatever it was. "I'll skin and begin cooking those."

"Thanks."

"I do not suppose I could just eat whatever is not meat?" Mistress Layla asked hesitantly.

"I've found some berries and mushrooms," Master Duncan replied. "But why the sudden aversion to meat, Layla?"

"Um…"

"I think it's my fault," Cleon admitted sheepishly. "I'll go foraging too, if you'd like."

"That would be wise, then," Master Duncan replied. "Come on, Aiden."

"Yes, sir," I answered. "May I ask what we are doing?"

"We're going to carry the deer to a better spot and skin it for the meat."

"I see." Suddenly, I wasn't feeling up to eating meat, either. "Very well then."

"Venison is good for you."

"If you say so, sir." Just keep going with orders, Aiden. That was what elves were supposed to do. Even if they were in odd circumstances like this. Perhaps things would be more normal in Highever? I'd like that.

Author's Note: All right, lots of information here. Mostly about the nobles and Fereldan's legal system. Sorry for the dry reading (I personally ADORE Fereldan and it's nobles, so…). I decided that Aiden actually does have a keen grip on politics, mostly because being the servant of one TENDS to mean you need to know how to read something like that. Not so much on the fine-tune stuff, though, due to him hearing most of this through gossip. Also, yes, more foreshadowing. I like foreshadowing. It's part of my literary harem. And one of these days, yes, you will find out what 'the incident' is that bothers Layla so much.

Next Chapter: First part of the human noble origin, with our Male Cousland narrating. See you then.