"Rory, I don't like this. It seems much too quiet out here for a sword fight isn't it?"
"Apparently we still haven't found out where they are hiding. See the tracks all lead off in this direction over here."
'There are so many but judging by indentations it is as good as any of them then." Maury observed as well.
"Do you have any notion as to why it was Lady Cousland they are targeting against instead of the Teryn himself? I mean what is she to them?" Looking out ahead of them Ser Patrice asked the group in retrospective.
"It could be only bait? Power, money, influence in the Court? Why does one use kidnapping for a plot at all really?" Roland answered up to her.
"I am not going to let them. I only fear for our Antivan relatives. They can hardly provide them with anything useful except possibly a ransom for their release." Tara said defiantly.
"It still strikes me as suspicious." Patrice uttered.
"Why because they are leading us out instead of attacking us on our grounds?" Tara wondered at her question.
"That is a concern of ours. Setting up a kidnapping with no ransom demands at a time where we have heavy reinforcements. Either it is a crime of opportunity, someone knows they have the wrong person and wants to get us out in the open to make-up for their mistake or it was a plot against the King and we are riding into a trap." The Squire listed off as Roland too was surveying the landscape looking for clues.
"No matter what is their incentive, they have gotten my attention. Now let us see what they mean to do with that? They better hope prudence has held back their hands from harming those that I love and are close to me. I find pity hard to come by when they put injustice right there up into my face."
"Good then that we decided to come along the for ride, eh, elf!"
"Better then a bar fight over some woman. Perhaps? I'm up for a little more sport as it is. Why not?"
"Are you all so eager for a fight? Just by looking at you two I'd wager you save just as many as you put to rest."
"Why lady you judge us both too harshly! I cry foul! Oghren here? Well, considering his common disposition, I can see how he would seem as merely easy prey for any wayward thief or one in search for anyone to break into a fight with? The dwarf can hold his own for the most part. They are really just providing him with a days entertainment.
For myself however? I need a little more incentive to take on a challenge as it were. A damsel in distress? A lad being outnumbered by a couple of thugs? Maybe? A pocketful of coins, has my attention the best but we all have to work to survive. What one does to obtain what they need is up to the individual."
"Which translates into being hold onto to your purse strings there, Patrice. Once he figures out you are not so easily swayed he'll just help himself to the coin, no need for the seduction to go along with it." Maury told her.
"Zeveran understands what is and is not acceptable thievery in our group of friends and allies. Worry not Ser Maruy, Ser Trish. His skills come in very handy when it is information or proof to prove our cause or waylay our enemies. And I will not turn away Oghren's axe or his mettle to use it when I am under attack.
I am no fool. Nor will I let my pride interfere with good judgment. I feel I have benefited much from befriending these two as allies. I hope our alliance has benefited them as well." Lady Tara spoke up in defense of her proven allies.
"Yes, hearing our friend, Oghren, has won an Ambassadorship. Now that is an opportunity I could hardly imagine your achieving, Oghren if we hadn't run into you during the Blight!" They all had to laugh who knew the dwarf over time at Rory's comment.
"Yeah, go ahead, laugh it up! I'd never ask for it either! I know they only wanted to keep currant with the gossip around Fereldon and I had better access to the royals here than any other fancy pants dwarf they could come up with in Orzammar to do it. So, here I am. And the coin is easy so why the hell not, right?"
"Some would suggest he is just selling out to rub their faces in it, you know what I mean?"
"Zeveran, no doubt about that. And my knowing him as I do, also allows me to embellish that information to my own advantage if need be. I much rather have my spies out in the open then hiding under my bed." Tara explained and gaining a chuckle from the group.
"Ha, ha, ha, I'm sorry but first, he has to figure out which bed you happen to have chosen to sleep in and then, well, I just know it would not be a very good assignment if it were like this." Ser Maurice found it difficult to keep himself steady just imaging all of this.
"I am assured at the very least he could not manage to fit himself under any of my beds of choosing at least!" Tara inserted.
"The abuse would be unbearable!" Still laughing Maury rang out.
"I see no benefit in making any attempts on my life or into my personal affairs easy for anyone who would dare to attempt it!"
"Right! Like that has a purpose." Ogrhen snorted as nugs tend to do.
"Tell me my dear Arlessa, Does that tale work well with your brother? And the King? I can't imagine either one of them actually falling for such nonsense." Inquired Ser Patrice soberly.
"Nonsense it is now?"
"Monkey business is more like it!" Laughed the dwarf and so too did many others in the group of riders.
"Said the dwarf who rightly cannot dare to fit under any of my beds let alone conceal his bulk, or refrain from belching out loud that is."
"Roland, why the heck would I even bother? Seriously? Sure you two know how to have a good time but I have better things to do, know what I mean? Nothing new up here then went on down there as far as all of that is concerned. All any of us dwarves care about is getting our share of the coin spent around here and seeing to it you surface dwellers don't blow, burn or freeze over everything topside so we have to worry about what might be forced down below because of it."
"I found enough, "down there" to keep all of you busy enough then to bother with our affairs up here as it were. So there you have it!" Lady Cousland offered to their suspicious guards.
"And what of you elf? What is your story for being here?"
"Mine? Is a tale to be told but for another time."
"I mean how do you get by here. Besides lightening Fereldon's pockets I mean?"
"So curious aren't you Fereldon's? I thought I made myself clear enough before? I work for my coin. I have many talents that are in demand even here in Fereldon. At the present, I do work for the King at his bidding but I will do other things to my liking if the mood and opportunity comes up."
"Don't look at Tara when you talk like that Zeveran."
"She's a beautiful woman. I catch you looking often in same direction, am I not correct?"
"You are …purposely pulling on the reigns …" Ser Gilmore glared back at him.
"It is the only way I can distract you away from her."
"Why bother?" Maury asked perplexed by the entire situation.
"I'm jealous. We never spend anytime together."
"I rather listen to strangling cats." Replied Roland in all honesty.
"He doesn't like you elf, sorry."
"But Oghren, I try so hard at it! What is it? The way I wear my hair? Maybe if I dyed it, dark is it? Do you feel he has a prefrence?"
"Zeveran, you are just trying to annoy me, Why is that?"
"I told you! I'm jealous! Our poor princess here, looks like she is losing sleep and in her condition it won't be long before, well, even an elf like me might be more to your fancy. I mean why shut me out of all of the fun?"
"Not going to happen, Zeveran. I'm a man and I can handle my own affairs."
"I didn't mean to imply that you couldn't. Why all alone when I can help?"
"Zev, you don't know when to quit do you?"
"Why? I'm having so much fun! Look here, already his color is up! That means he's interested."
"In making you a piece of the scenery I'd take it." Ser Patrice muttered out loud.
"Give it up, Zeveran. I have no intention of stepping aside nor do I mean to ignore my lover because of my expecting a new arrival. Amazing though it is I am happy and fulfilled with our relationship. There is no room or time or for that matter for anyone else to be involved.
I'm afraid you will have seek out such entertainment elsewhere. And it serves no good purpose to rile Ser Gilmore's hackles merely for your own amusement." Tara said to him honestly.
"But I have so much fun in doing so. And you will not flirt with me out of fear, I know it! So, I am left with little else to do but to woo him to my way of thinking, am I right? Of course I am!"
"I really hate this kind of down time with all of you." Again, Ser Patrice spoke up. Unable to hide her irritation with such foolish banter.
"Not as much as I do when Zeveran feels ignored. I assure you Zeveran, it is my temper and nothing more that has me seeing red."
"You mean it has nothing at all to do with your little romp earlier? I mean before we left Highever and left all of us waiting around for you to …uhm….finish up with your important business? Duty was what the Lady called it now wasn't it? How romantic!"
"Enough, Zeveran. Now you go too far with this."
"Do all of you just bicker the whole time on the road?" Again the seasoned soldier spoke up bothered that her previous objections were being ignored.
"At least the darkspawn knew where to come and get us. Fine by me! Kicking 'em out of the bushes, can give you a rash, if you know what I mean."
"I use my sword actually." Roland answered in an attempt to draw the attention off of one of his apparently,disapproving nature of his father's guard,"One of your height I can imagine your dilemma."
"Is that suppose to be a joke because I don't get it." Oghren looked back at the man in temper.
"Merely an observation actually."
"Bet those kind of "observations" go over well with the ladies."
"He's got one, and you?" Ser Patrice did not want to be seen either as a pitiful bystander in her squire's presence. Still seeing him as a young lad of his Bann's and a man she must attend to.
"Oh, now tell me it can't be the two of them. Together? Pull my beard and call me a sister!"
"By Andraste's sword, dwarf, you can't be that dull." Shooting a grimsome expression back in Oghren's direction. Ser Maurice was reaching the limit of his patience.
"Try me!" He egged him on more.
"Lord Gilmore, is this not enough abuse from such a dwarf or must I still stand down? Such talk from one even in Hunter Fell would be met sword in hand." Patrice said glaring menacing back at her opponent as she spoke.
"I can fight my own battles, Patrice. Do not ruin my right to challenge an opponent who lacks in any discipline."
"He is just baiting us, Maury, Trish. I have no reason at all to doubt any of your ability to put down this dwarf in battle. Yet he an Ambassador of Orzammar, so we must treat him as such. Our fight is with those kidnappers up ahead of us." Roland stated, if reluctantly due to his knowing how offensive the dwarf happens to be even to him at times.
"My partner, Sylvia's back at the Fell. And I'm not saying this for your information, elf."
"Touchie isn't he? Why does she play with elves? Just curious mind you." Oghren wasn't ready to lay this battle of words yet to rest.
"No! I mean no. Neither do I. Or men. Or men in general." Brought up, Patrice in her defense.
"He means not with Generals. That's fine because this elf, he ain't no General or gentleman I'd reckon."
"Take that back, dwarf! I am always a gentleman! Some gentlemen might disagree but only because they do not like to admit when they are wrong or is that caught?"
"I think I should scout ahead. This is taking us too long." Tara spoke up, unable to endure more of the needless bickering.
"No, besides you are too noticeable. Ser Patrice are you up to riding up to that ledge up ahead of us?"
"I can manage it. Just wait for my signal here." She secured her ties on her saddle bags before riding towards the start of the rise to the upper ledge.
"Should have sent me."
"Why, Maury? Patrice is capable."
"I didn't say that. Just should have sent me."
"Is he always like this, Rory?"
"We must be boring him with our idle banter." Oghren muttered.
"All of you are boring. I keep trying to improve on the situation but so far I am at a loss." Zev couldn't resist the invitation to speak.
"You! Are …I don't want to know. Not like the elves we have near the Bannorn."
"Not any others I have encountered on my journeys either. Thank the Maker."
"Is he always this way, Ser Knight? I mean so …stuck in it?" his guard inquired seriously.
"He's Antivan." Lady Cousland answered for him.
"Aren't your relatives also, Antivan my Lady?"
"They are. Different breed though their methods of attack remain the same." She answered him back.
"Poison and slight of hand."
"Rory, I never could figure out why my brother's wife was so against using weapons?"
"She felt it was dirty work. Something slaves and warriors were left to."
"She was Antivan no?"
"Yes, as we have mentioned before, Zeveran."
"That is clearly the reason. Antivan nobles do not do their own dirty work as it is well known to all. Is this not true?"
"For Antivan's yes."
"Fereldon women are not so keen on such practices either, Lady Tara are they?" Zev pointed out.
"No, you are right. I am not your average, Fereldon however."
"By my word! No she is not!"
"She's getting to you too, I can see, what is it, Ser Maury, something like that."
"I beg your pardon?"
"No need with me. I understand you completely."
"Sucker born every minute around here isn't it, Gilmore?"
"Why is the air growing stale around here?" Was only his reply as the wind was picking up the closer they came to their chosen destination. "Can we not have one day out here that doesn't lead us into another trap!"
"Don't blame me. I wanted to stay behind. At the inn. You remember. Where it was warm and cozy. Even the bed was comfortable. The wine was good. The company, amazingly good …" Tara was daydreaming and the rest of the group was just listening.
" …amazingly good…? What the devil is she yapping about?"
"Couldn't be Gilmore."
"What can I say?"
"You're a tart!" Zeveran chuckled.
"Ha, ha, ha, someone did accuse me of being "dessert"."
"Really? Who would that be, my love?"
"What is this? ….is the man gone dumb?" The elf was shocked at Gilmore daring to open that box of worms in Tara's presence.
"Would that you went deaf." Oghren grunted.
"No, no we all heard it, even cupcake over here heard you tell of it." Lady Tara decided this required her inquiry into the facts.
"I know I didn't. Who is it Roland? One of the girls at the tavern no less." Never one to ignore a worthy tale to be spun while in attendance, Zeveran wanted to see how this conversation was dying to explore.
"Someone who knows him, I'd say better then most, maybe?" Again, Oghren spoke even though he knew it was not going to go in a good direction.
"Oghren, must you? I just said it wrong, nothing to it. I mean I don't usually dress as well just to visit the tavern."
"No, birthday suit usually works out fine out there doesn't it?"
"That's been my experience of it."
"You are not going to let this go are you?"
"Me? I was just curious." Lady Cousland now knew she was not going to ignore his obvious slip up.
"Why so you can go and hunt her down is that it?"
"Is she a threat to me? I think I should know who my rivals are don't you?"
"She's not an enemy. Just someone I use to you know …"
"Ooooohhh. She knows! That kind of seriousness. I mean we all knew you were not such a lamb. Big, sturdy man like you who likes his liquor."
"Knows his way around a skirt pretty well I picked up."
"Did you now, Oghren? How is that?"
"Even I know this much and what I didn't know all came out on the road anyways. Still I am waiting for my own question to be answered, Roland."
"Ouch, Roland! I think she means business with you, Ser Knight."
"Do they actually fight? I mean draw swords on each other?" Ser Maury found himself inching out of the way between the two of them.
"On occasion we have, yes!"
"I helped with her training as it were."
"I hope you didn't teach her everything you know there, Squire."
"Too late for that! C'mon, soldier boy, tell her about the girl."
"Not good sportsmanship to kiss and tell is it now?" Maury tried to defuse the situation in his Squire's defense.
"Who was she? If you won't tell me they will."
"Someone from the past."
"I thought there was no one special to you? Did you just leave her for me? Just like that?"
"It was nothing like that."
"So you knew her. Of course you must know women in Highever ….women like ... that."
"Like, Cassie. She was quite fond of you, Roland. You are wrong to deny her that." An Antivan could not ignore defending an honest woman. No matter what her status in life happens to be.
"You mean that one who was jabbering away about some fancy pants knight." Now Oghren was looking over his belongings hoping to eye a ready flask. Cursing to himself when remembered keeping steady on a horse was more trouble then it was worth but unable to come up with any other alternative left to him to get around this cursed land for any of them in their present predicament.
"Sobbing was more like it." Zev said.
"Kissed the girls and made them cry…." teased Oghren unmercifully.
"I hadn't seen her in years. It was never anything serious. Just business."
"How romantic. How does "dessert" actually come into it?" Tara wondered not feeling very comfortable that he didn't mention this to her before.
"Ha, ha, Ha! Too funny." Oghren bellowed out loud remembering the old conversation.
"It appears, Tara, that you are a very conniving women. For you use your power and influence to use the Teryn's soldiers as you will. With no regards to the outcome of such dalliances." Zeveran couldn't help but enjoy the play on words.
"I what? Who is saying this? This Cassie woman is claiming I use my brother's soldiers for what? My consorts? Such a woman this one must be." She couldn't help but look over at Roland to watch his reaction to her words.
"Tara, I never said such a thing. I did speak to her last evening. Now, wait, she approached me! I told her about us and that my life runs on a new course, rather then what it use to be like."
"I wish you had told me about this. It is uncomfortable to find things out this way. I have had no relationships with any other knights so this woman is being misled or is simply ridiculous."
"It is common knowledge that royalty has a reputation of taking advantage of those who work close to them. This cannot be such a surprise to you?
"Than you claim these rumors are not true? How disappointing. I suspected your innocence in such matters but I could not swear by them."
"Zeveran, please. It hurts my head just thinking about what all I went through for what we have today. I was courted by so many and I never wanted any of their attention except in regards to business with the Teryn. Being unwed I was fodder for all sorts of rumors. Most I did not earn. As with this one.
True the opportunities were there for me. Many of my father's soldiers became infatuated with me but it mattered not. My heart had always been held by only one. Apparently, since it was forbidden, others found a way to use that to try to spoil my reputation out of spite." The lady confessed not realizing how others would see her actions as something different then what was actually motivating her toward this affair.
"It is how it is, Tara. I knew the truth but there were times when I was bitter and did not deny or agree with what was being said was the truth. So for that I am guilty of some of her misconception."
"She had her own agenda, that's for sure. Can't sodden blame the man for that!"
"Still wondering about that comment, Roland."
"She just felt you were using me that is all. And I told her otherwise. That is all there is to it."
"I'm not using you, in the way we are speaking of that is. It was wrong of her to even think that way."
"It's nothing, I told you so."
"It's a painful comment to make to someone. She had no right to say that without even speaking with me."
"It was made in vain, Tara. Please just let it go."
"You did not tell me so. even after such an incident occurred. Now admitting others saw my actions as something more disreputable."
"Why ruin the evening? Besides, I know you too well."
"What are you suggesting?"
"Come now, Tara, even I get the just of that comment. Just by the way you are reacting now."
"He's means the woman in question would be put down."
"Very good my stout, friend. Just the mention of such things has you out for blood. Though granted it would have added much to the night's entertainment."
"Heh, heh, just to watch Gilmore squirm with two women fighting over him?"
"Man's ego is bad enough, Oghren. His sense of honor would force him to try to stop it."
"Yeah, you're right. But who will he turn to first? That would have grabbed up a cart load of bets right there! You know I'm sodden right!"
"Good observation. Does he try to stop his fiancée who clearly had the over all advantage or the wench who he once took a fancy to?"
"I don't know, Zev? Come across some pretty tough bar wenches in my time?"
"Hum, hum, I thought that was the way you liked your women, Oghren?"
"More like the way you like women."
"And you talk like you're any different, Ser Knight?"
"He has a point, Roland."
"What are you implying, Oghren?" Tara looked over his way daring him to keep talking.
"Now can you understand why I tried to keep this to myself? These two are only fanning this fire for their own amusement."
"We were robbed of a very lucrative opportunity because of your choice."
"Hey, don't look at me like I'm road kill. How did I know you didn't fess up to her?"
"Her reaction to the topic should have given you some clue."
"Enough of this please! Just let it be."
"Are you not even curious, Tara? I mean what sort of woman would dare to step in to the picture with you right there? In the tavern only a few feet away from the two of you?"
"A woman looking for trouble obviously. Best she find another place to ply her trade. Least she find out what it was she was really looking for."
"See? I knew it! These women you get so involved with Gilmore. Best keep your birds in place least they tear up the place."
"It's my place." Lady Cousland reminded them of her families investment in that business, "I'll send word that she needs to move on, this Cassie or else I will be sure to provide her with such incentive."
"Tara, there is nothing between us. Do you really need to do all of this?"
"Yes!" Rang out the answer in unison causing Ser Gilmore to roll his eyes, overwhelmed by such a unified response to him.
"Listen, Gilmore, it goes like this. She moves or the Lady will give her good reason to. There is only so much you can get from even a woman such as this. Hell, just from that look in her eyes she won't think the worst of it either!"
"I see you need a new lesson, my good friend in women. The wench, this Cassie, must know what she is playing with and she has put down the gauntlet, so to speak. Now, the challenge must be fought."
"How so Zeveran? She came to me not Tara? Had she been serious or daring the Arlessa, she would have taken the more direct route wouldn't you say?"
"So, she is devious. What woman isn't? She thought she could line you up behind the Lady's back but not so much to not shove it in her face while she did so."
"Right because had she not come to us, were we not together for most of the evening, to tell us of her long lost love, we would not be the better for it?"
"Wench is looking for trouble."
"By my word she is. Roland, how can you not see this is true? How much of Highever must see you as a whoremonger and me, the stupid fool of a girl? Just this attempt of hers alone. The barkeep must have seen it, didn't he?"
"If he did, then he is my witness that I was not taking the bait."
"If he didn't hear what was said, anything can be said in her defense."
"I have to say it didn't look like she was giving up to me. Said she would just wait it out. Soon Lady Tara will see the err of her ways and find a suitable husband to please her brother, now the Teryn, then she said, "he will come looking for me and all will be well with that!" Hey, don't look at me! I didn't say it she did. That Cassie woman. You sure know how to keep 'em Rory."
"I'm not keeping anyone. It is not my fault she thinks as she does. Now with my ties to Lady Cousland, she probably imagines I would be worth her pursuit for my pocket. The rest she can find any man who happens along the way."
"So now it is blackmail? Let all of this rest for now. I know how to deal with a woman like this one. She'll be sorry she ever met you once I am through with her."
"We will not be here for long, Tara and you, yourself, have said, you have no desire to stay at Highever in the future. Leave her to her own misery. We two are soon to be forgotten and we have so much to look forward to."
"Is this why you keep at me about our nuptials? You don't believe this woman's lies do you, Rory?" She watched painfully as he tried to find the right words to reply.
"I don't know. It does scratch at an already worn surface I'll confess this to you."
"I have given my word and the word of a Cousland is our bond. You know this. You have sworn allegiance to my family because of this. I pray that you do not lose faith in me. Realize though this, that I must answer to a great many people out here. Something of this nature, will surely put a blemish on all my family has stood up for."
"Tara, let my past rest in it's grave. I behaved as any other knight would and has who was so rejected by the woman that he loved. As well, you know, my actions were such for I had to prove my loyalty, not to you but to your father and brother. Yes, instead of to you. I did none of this to hurt you or to bring you any shame. Had I not gotten involved with other women, in time, I would have been sacrificed in some way. Either in battle or some sort of execution.
Your failure to move forward was only viewed as my influence over your life. I did do it some for me but I did it also for us. I could not protect you from afar or see your life sacrificed for such an offense of my own can I now?"
"I would never allow such a thing to happen to you. Did you have no faith in me at all?"
"I had all faith in you but you were young and I was wrong. I broke my vows. I knew I had to answer for that and I did. In many ways I still do."
"So, you think, that maybe some of this might be why you are a moving target to these Highever types?" Spoke cautiously but loud enough so that those close enough could hear his words.
"You know I hadn't even thought that one up, Oghren? If this woman thinks like this others too who value the Princess and expect her to play her part might have put a price on his head to put him out of the way for good."
"But why now? After all of these years?" Tara wondered out loud.
"Now you are to be wed to the man are you not?" Ser Maurice pointed out.
"It is not common knowledge I would think? Nothing formal has been announced here yet." Mentioned Roland defensively.
"Doesn't matter does it? You two left together from the Royal Palace. Word gets around fast enough among royals and those who want to control the throne and all that goes with it." Ser Maury replied.
"Servants are also not immune to sharing palace gossip with all who come into contact with them in their work."
"My servants are ...well...were loyal to me. To our family as we knew them. The punishment for speaking out of term was extreme."
"I'm sure! But I'd bet even my mother, that words did get out that would make you blush and your father take up arms to."
"Do not be offended, Lady Tara. No doubt all sorts of people ventured to Highever in order to conduct their business. Boredom in and of itself is motivator enough to let slip an inquiry or two even among the most loyal of subjects."
"This you know, my dear Lady, for I have taught you much of the ways of outsiders have I not in our long vacant hours on the road. It was not to mock you or make you so uneasy. Merely to convince you that with your planning of strategic maneuvers it is wise to consider how all of our enemies might use information to their advantage. As well as how we did benefit from using such rumors to advance our own causes as well, did we not?"
"More the reason I must deal with this woman; myself if necessary."
"It is best that you do not. And where will she go? All of Fereldon knows of you if not has some interest in what you say or do."
"Orlais may not be far enough will it be? Antiva? I'm having her citizenship revoked! That is what I will do! Where she goes I care not! If she dares to defy me then I will take an even more personal interest in her leaving if necessary."
"I …just don't feel it is all her fault." Guilt was washing over Roland like a relentless tide.
"Better let the Lady decide here. That woman is a risk and she is trouble. Had she not been so bold and best kept her troubles to herself all would be well". Warned his father's knight firmly.
"I'll give you a name, Tara, send her to Antiva. That is if she will take her punishment well." He gave in to her pressure knowing Zeveran's, Maury's words rang true.
"Ho, ho, ho! I feel a wager coming on here, don't you?"
"You mean whether the wench will take the bribe or dare to take on the Arlessa?"
"I am revoking her Fereldon citizenship, if she is one of ours that is."
"She can do that? Just like that?" A nearby soldier spoke out.
"Worst then all of that if she deems it to be so! That is why you are best to stay clear of these nobles sittin' in their lofty towers, I say!
"Good advice ..." Ser Gilmore told the two who he overheard talking behind them. "I do not anticipate any more trouble that is worthy of any of our attention to this detail. It is an unfortunate affair. In her best interest, and for my own, do what you feel you must do. She is unfortunate, so we should take that under consideration to spare her, her life. As long as she cooperates fully with the wisdom of your judgment." He really wanted this entire affair to sit back far into his past. Where it does belong.
"I could sell tickets I tell you! For that one? You bet your nugs I will!"
"So what you think Gilmore? You know the woman. Will she go or will she fight?"
"I do not know her that well. All of you speak as if there was some sort of affair going on between us and I tell you nay! Nothing like that at all. Why …. I could make proof of that if forced to do it."
"I've heard enough of it all. We will talk more of this later. At least another piece of the puzzle fits as to why you, instead of myself, is being hunted down for once. Though one could only be motivated by the fact that you were the only one to survive the attack at Highever. Thus the means for revenge."
"Why? I fought to save Highever Castle from ruin. Why can they not see this as the truth?"
"Some. I have heard subtly spoken voices suggest, that Ser Gilmore might have been in the favor of Arl Howe or gave away trusted secrets to spare his life." The Crow, whose connections allowed him into audiences with those who will trust his loyalty higher then others might, felt compelled to confess.
"Such blasphemy should not be endured here in fair Fereldon! I was there. Maybe not until the end but if this was even true? Roland had no clue as to my whereabouts after I was forced to leave with Duncan. My brother's intentions were well known. He was called out to serve our King. There was nothing to gain by torturing our knights or even foot soldiers, our trusted staff even as those barbarians did! How can citizens be so daft to take on such foolish notions like that?"
"We all know, understand and have felt the sting from such reckless undertakings, My Lady. Just as a reckless wench can make up views that are clearly nothing that I have ever encouraged in her to think. So too can others try to imagine all sorts of wild reasons for why things are the way that they happen to be."
"What I am now acknowledging is that my work will be tedious at best. These circumstances, I hope now you understand why such occurrences are worthy of my attention. It is my responsibility to put down any and all rumors that are out there in the hearing of my people. Left to their own devices it only breeds more trouble that we do not deserve or I will not welcome to linger in my Court as long as I have any influence in Fereldon and beyond.
It is in the best interest in any and all who are now among us to see that I take these matters very seriously. There is much I mean to accomplish with my position here as an Arlessa and with the Grey Wardens. Allowing gossip to flourish will only make that work harder to achieve. Please tell me that you now understand the meaning behind my words, Ser Gilmore.
I trust also that all of us who have vowed to work together for the greater good of our own self-interests, believe as I do, as far as this whole matter entails between us."
"Ah, yeah, what you said. It isn't like I mean to keep secrets and all. I just like to let out the ones I know you won't like to hear when I can see it won't hurt you too much. Is that okay? I hope?"
"You do not need to remind me of any of these words, My Dear Arlessa. I feel I have proven my loyalty to you over time. My methods at times, might offend you, I understand. Never would I use such vices to upset your tender well-being. Any use of it at all is merely out of admiration. My own good will and good nature would not allow me to commit such a vice against you.
"I'll try to remind this to myself when you are purposely trying to avoid my temper or judgment of your, "methods", Zeveran. I trust you or we would not be traveling as we are. Besides, I know you are bound to me by oath. An oath that I can easily call you up on without protest if ever you think to betray me.
It is Ser Gilmore who has yet to speak up well for his past transgression against me and thus the Cousland name I am questioning the most."
"I found the opportunity to do so, somewhat compromised by my less confident companions riding well within your reach, to do so.
You are cautious in whom you share your secrets with I know this well to be true. I also know you can be forgiving when any of our missteps have not proven to be so life threatening in the past. Some of this conversation I feel is more of a personal nature that I think we both would feel more comfortable discussing when that opportunity presents itself to us both.
There is nothing you know I will not reveal if you feel it poses a threat to our relationship. In service you know I have proven my worth to the Cousland family and to my King. You, yourself must realize we cannot prevent every rumor being spread around us until it is brought to our attention. Many of them are proven to be without any merit.
There are many, "What if's" out there in the world. My feelings are that we address the most damaging of those as the opportunity presents itself. Which is why I treated this for what it was. A misunderstanding on her part. I know how difficult it is trying to live up to the expectation of the many nobles and citizens who anticipate the upcoming funeral to meet, probably exceed their idea of how this entire ritual will turn out.
I also know as well, there will always be some people who cannot help but imagine things to be as they wish they were or will be. I believe all of these things will be addressed with a little patience. All in due course, as our beloved Teryn Bryce, instructed to us. My greatest concern at this time is that such loose talk may have threatened the well-being of your relatives. Of course your feelings as well. Which are my greatest concern right now. I hope, with time, you will see I was not trying to keep any truth from your hearing of it. I might not have given it the fair priority that it deserved at the time but we haven't had very much time just to ourselves for me to better discuss this issue in particular just between us I felt." Roland confessed to his beloved hoping that she accepted finally that his intentions were not to deceive her or that he pretended the matter was not worthy of her attention either.
"Please forgive me. I thought her words were only a response to her finding me alive and to take advantage of the moment. These women, are trained to put people into awkward situations to gain the advantage. I know you have seen such plays by them on the road. I admit, I was a bit reckless in our situations together last night because i wanted others to see our relationship was real. Only to prove to you that my devotion to you is sincere."
"I agree. I would rather we discuss the matter better between us. It was however unwise of you to not see that the matter or this woman's words, if spread among those who frequent our tavern, might have a negative influence on how they saw you. Especially in regards to the relationship between us."
"I really haven't had enough time, to be fair, to think along those lines just yet. We haven't any news as well from those who were interrogating that would be assassin we have locked up in our keep just yet either.
Is it fair to say, I didn't expect you to show up either at the tavern when you did? I doubt I would not have come to the same conclusion as many of you did in time upon my return from the evenings outing. It was never my intention to stay at said tavern for more then a few hours time. Just enough time to familiarize myself with what was really going on and being said among the villagers and knights that returned to Highever after the Blight."
"A point well taken. We will have to investigate if this woman knew that you survived the Blight and would be returning to Highever."
"Considering my own bad luck. What I have learned from Leliana as well, as far as spies can go. This woman could have been paid to pursue a relationship with me. As a means to hurt my reputation or to negatively affect your own. My encounters with that woman were not as such that she should have ever imagined anything more serious between the two of us. I am hardly the only man she did business with." He confessed truthfully.
"This is why such behavior is not encouraged." Tara complained.
"There are a lot of mixed messages between men and women. You were sheltered for your own protection and because of the significance of your position in Fereldon."
"Which tells me why I should address this problem as soon as I can. I am not pleased by any of the facts related to this sordid situation. The past is past, however, when we find sources of misconduct that can lead to incidents like the one we encountered upon returning to our home in Highever? It is best that we not ignore such a lead when it presents itself to us.
Our child deserves to come into this world to parents whose reputations are not so sullied in our own local taverns." Tara stated matter-of-factly.
"Considering all of this scheming. Perhaps even an effort being put into ruining your own reputation, dear Lady. Would they not want to punish you for your defiance of the acceptable behavior for the noble born?"
"Not if they can see Tara as a pawn or a means to an end. We never knew what Howe meant to do with her. Or her mother for that matter? Neither one of them were murdered and they went for the direct heirs first. Would not Tara be the first, easy target and possibly the one to cause them a bit of trouble?"
"Who knows what they knew of my training?"
"Duncan knew of your training did he not? If he knew, Howe knew and besides we were there. Howe directly insulted you for your actions, you cannot deny this is true."
"Must you remind me now of that? I am not vexed enough as it is, is that it? Maker! As I ready myself for yet another Howe to face already? I feel I must cleanse myself even from the very idea that Howe would force me into marriage with any of his son's. The very gall of it sickens me from inside of me!" Suddenly it is not just words that forced Lady Cousland to lead her horse aside so as to not retch upon the cleared road they were traveling out upon.
"Tara! By the Maker. All of this worthless talk. No wonder she is feeling ill from all of this." he rode over to her side pulling upon a flask of water he had tied securely to his saddle bag. Removing it's cork to make it easier for her to drink from it to clear her now swollen throat. "Here my love. All of this talk, it is nothing, I promise you. We will do what you think we must for what do I understand so well about women's ways? Surely not better then you would."
"Thank you, Rory. I'm sorry. This is so embarrassing." After taking a long drink of water, she reached for the hankercheif that was held out for her benefit. She wiped her mouth with it. Then she searched herself for a convenient place to put the now used clothe where she could reach it if need be.
"I am not ashamed. Would it be best if you rode back to Highever? We can handle whatever needs to be done out here."
"And that would make me look weak. I know my brother well enough. He will not be convinced, as would I not be, unless he laid his eyes upon me in the flesh. Besides, I owe someone the pleasure of a good beating for kidnapping our guests and thinking I would be such an easy target to have at, don't I?"
"You have nothing to prove to me, my love."
"I do not answer to you, Rory. I answer to the people."
"Am I not one of your loyal subjects?"
"You are. Also a bit of a prick at the moment. If am to be so blunt."
"I'll take that for what it is. You still cannot see why I did not tell you about her I can tell."
"What it says is you do not trust me. I understand your urgency to have me away from the crowd better now. And even moreso why my brother has been having words with me endlessly over this whole issue of my marriage."
"Because of what townspeople are saying about us both is that it?"
"I can no longer live in denial of it can I?"
"No, and I can see how isolating yourself from such rumors must have made it easier for you to hold on to what we had once in the past. Has the realty of the situation given you more reason to pause over our currant arrangements?"
"I …I …should not be talking about this topic at present. Let us not further delay what we have set out to do right now, shall we?"
"As you wish then." He answered her back with a heavy heart. It was only to spare her any bad news and the words of a disreputable woman that he kept it all to himself. Fine. He did have his own agenda and did harbor a fear that with another drink or two the harlot would find the courage to confront his fiancée in hopes of turning her against him. She may not be able to handle the truth of such a life when it becomes real in the face of a strange woman whose profession was so much the antitheses of her own.
Does she now feel she has reduced herself to such actions she would not value as her own? Would she start to blame him for seducing her and leading her so far astray that now she must face her subjects, not just as a woman who was not so pure but now with a child out of wedlock?
Was her brother right in putting him in a place of less repute? So far down that he is not worthy even of any recognition for what he had already accomplished? Now he felt troubled even more then before. He wanted to keep Tara in a good mood for his own pleasure. He really didn't trust that her pride would not force her to confront the woman and thus end up in a fight ruining the evenings activities. Not to mention reach the ear of the Teryn who already was against him and even his sister's wishes that they be married. So much so that Tara did not wish to marry in Highever. That would be seen as an insult to her brother and further proof that things are not well between the two heirs to the throne of Fereldon.
How will outsiders view this conflict between the two of them? He could only hope that the King soon found a spouse. Bring the attention off of the Cousland heirs and back to the King where it belongs. Then hopefully they can be wed and all will settle into its rightful places.
Riding down from the ledge came Ser Patrice in a bit of anger over the party's lack of interest in what she was sent out to accomplish for them.
"What is going on here? Not twice but thrice did I signal for your attention but none was to be had? What is happening that I am being so ignored?"
"My apologies, Ser Patrice. It is a matter best to be left alone for now. Which direction are we to be heading, then?"
"Over to the east. And then to the south of us. There is a hillside barrier that we must first move around before traveling further downwards."
"Could you see any signs of a battle while you were up there?"
"No, not really. Trees are thick in that area but there was a clearing to the river and it was there I can see obvious movement."
"Are you certain it was not merely villagers or even an elves habitat there?"
"If it is and I did not view elves at all? They are in battle armament and have the means to start a war."
"You would know if it was just a bunch of elves would you now?"
"Of course I would! We are but miles from a Dalish Settlement in Hunter Fell and have employed some even at the Bann's lands when need be."
"Give it up, dwarf, Patrice knows elves when she see them. We will find out when we meet up with these soldiers. At least they can point us in the right direction if not anything else."
"Maury. It is not usual even for men to be in those parts. Chasin are known to hunt those grounds. As well as apostates. At least now we know that as well. We patrol the Korcori Wild's on a regular basis and no man makes it home out there. Not without our knowledge of it at Highever."
"This is true, Rory but during the Blight and it's aftermath, I doubt my brother has taken up too much time to send out troops for such a duty. Not when so many new recruits have been sought out and we with nearly half of Highever's finest being put to rest in only a couple of days time."
"She has a point, my Squire."
"Is this the only location that you can determine anything that might be out of place out there?"
"I did look elsewhere but only that one point did show any signs at all of movement or occupancy. The rest just appears to be as any other forested land would spy. Trees, rocks, rivers, small animals."
"Any moving about erratically?"
"As if being disturbed by something unseen perhaps? No, I am a worthy enough scout. Ser Maurice here can vouch for my accuracy on that account I hope? Not forgetting I did serve once under Teryn Loghain's keen eye when I was much younger."
"Well enough, Ser Patrice. I meant you no dishonor in the asking. I am yet unfamiliar with all of your talents. Though I suspect they are many, thus I asked of you for your eye and for your help."
"Thank you, Lady Cousland. It is an honor to serve. And I too am eager to see this all ended, as I am sure so are all of you."
"Well, I'm ready to bash in a few heads if need be. I don't see my getting at any of those ales any quicker then this so let's have it don't you say?"
"Move forward! I too now am more eager to face a real foe right now. All of this stress I have been under because of all of these fools who insist on interfering with my own duties are wearing quite thin for me."
"I pity them already then, my friend. We men get nervous with any lady who dares to take on the battlefield but only due to the nature of men."
"Quite in ignorance or is it denial that women in their very nature, can be brutal themselves and even heartless. As my own opponent has demonstrated for us. You are right to fear us. For often it is the cruelty of men that does bring us to such a state and we too have a rage and savagery that does show itself when provoked. I do believe men try to keep us down not so much because we have this also within us but in the belief that if we can be lied to and accept such lies. We will not desire to use such a rage against them and thus spoil the game of dominance between our two sexes."
"I do not deny that this is the intent of men. Though we are not so devious all of us. Those of us who love our women only mean to keep them safe when they can be the most vulnerable. In hopes that they will bear children for us and we can hold onto all that we have achieved in our lifetime".
"I do not see it so much that we all fear their dominating us. I for one find the role of switching up between us a good thing. For we two have done well together and I hold great value my Lady in your wisdom and perspective.
"So I have learned it was for the best to train you up to fight for what is important for you too, to accomplish in this lifetime."
"He so wants to get laid doesn't he?"
"Why be so obvious? Then again look who we are talking about, right?"
"What is wrong with you two?" Ser Patrice once more questions their existence in this group.
"Us? We are not the ones who find ourselves with women who want to fight all of our battles for us?"
"Or over us either!"
"Now, you two sound more jealous then wise men. Come now men, or elves or dwarves or whatever you want to call yourselves. Both of these women in questions are lovely women and you speak as if the man were purposely setting them against one another and I see none of that here." This time it was Ser Maurice who felt the need to set things right.
"What is this now? Ser Gilmore, have you yet another woman to vex your father with? How many must you have, might I dare to ask?"
"Ser Patrice, there is but one fine woman I am meddling with at the present and I assure you, at this point, she will become my wife even if I must bound her up, toss her up in a sack even and carry her by foot if need be to the Chantry to complete the vows we have already spoken to each other.
This other woman is from the past. The quite distance past and her profession is not one that constitutes such agreements or commitments of any sort and I promise on my father's good name I gave her no such thing."
"I see where this is coming from then. If there be anything left to settle the matter, feel free to call upon me to straighten things up for you, Lady Cousland. I am at your service as always, as I have sworn by the Bann, so to am I, to all that is of any importance to his well-being."
"I thank you for such loyalty, Ser Patrice. I may ask you to come to accompany me as a witness. If I feel it is necessary. Like it or not, the woman has made this a personal matter that I will see done and settled. With or without your blessing, Ser Gilmore.
If you are to be my "dessert" I promise you that no one else will be given the opportunity to share in my good fortune. Why would I be expected to leave such a temptation out there to further interfere with our affairs?
Did we not put down Howe for that very same reason, rather then haul him up for the Queen to dispense her own judgment?"
"We did. It was the right thing to do without any knowledge of your brother's condition and the further deception by the Queen herself whom did lay claim that she was being held against her will by that tyrant and yet did turn us all over to Loghain's forces to end up in prison for our reward?"
"This is so, my Squire? Is this when you faced my old mentor, Ser Cathrein? At the hands of the Queen of Fereldon herself? Even you my Lady Cousland and heir apparent to the throne itself?"
"Yes, Ser Patrice. It was her will to see me and Lord Theirin locked up in Fort Draken, even after we did defeat her captor and set her free. Willing to risk our own lives to see her safely to her father. For we had yet confirmed completely his own treachery until she too did turn on us."
By Andraste's good word, I find this so difficult to believe. To accept that such a soldier of good merit and of so sound a mind, would turn on the king. Even in the name of Teryn Loghain, this is very sad news to have to bear."
"She is no more, Ser Patrice. She would not be reasoned with and I assure you she was a worthy foe. It was not done with any means of celebration.""
"No, if I could have turned her heart I would have. We didn't dare to be captured. Especially once Alistair admitted the truth to all of us."
"But your own life was as worthy as his would be, Lady Cousland. For one to be so blinded or so obedient to such a disgraceful man. I know she was loyal to the core to the Teryn but it was for the good of Fereldon she did raise her sword and so did we all who answered the call to serve in his army. And what of her remains?"
"I cannot say? Perhaps some of Loghains men did retrieve them for a proper burial."
"I imagine with all of you being hunted like animals by the very person who should have embraced you and protected you from any harm. What choice did you really have after being dealt with so drastically speaking."
"Many good soldiers did pass on because of all of that foolishness. And so we still have more to come with this whole affair. But do not worry yourself so much over what is and what is yet to be. We have enough going on in the present to busy ourselves with don't you agree, Trish?"
"As you say, Ser Gilmore. I cannot say that with all that you have done, you have made your father proud, but I can at least say you do work for the most part to the good."
"I thank you for your understanding and perspective. I know you are close to my father's ear and he depends greatly on both you and Ser Maurice for his own personal safety and the protection of all that we have ownership over. I respect you both for your good service. Especially while I was away doing what I must to fulfill my own destiny in this Country."
"Such a life we lead, eh? Look alive soldiers for I feel we are nearing our destination up ahead." So they did all fall silent, as they rode forward to find out what was to be the result of all of this trouble.
At the campsite that had been constructed as a makeshift fortress without too much work being put into its construction. The King, the Teryn and the Arl of Redcliffe had been fighting their way through a large array of battlement structures and fighters who were doing their worst to slow down their attempt to reach the ladies who were being held captive against their will.
They had planned on reaching past the stronghold together but Alistair found the whole ordeal was just a ruckus created to keep him from bringing Lady Tara to safety and he feared what would become of her if he kept giving in to kill all of those who stood between them.
So he did fight and lay to rest all who got into his way but so determined was he to find Tara and set her free from her bondage that he ignored the plan of attack and did leave the other two with their soldiers to fight the rest of the battle for him.
In doing so he finally found himself up against the many guards, as well as some gruesome beast they did hold chained up but he understood not for very long once his presence was rudely announced.
"Lookie over there! Get an eye on that one's fancy dress!"
"You recognize any of those symbols on that hood?"
"Looks mighty keen if you ask me! It's mine for the taking boys. The rest of you can do whatever the other blokes are wearing down there!"
"Talk, talk, talk, that's all you are, Elwood! I say whoever takes him down gets the spoils! Those are the rules ain't it?"
"Not if the boss gets wind of these duds you ain't. He looks really determined. I think I'll be checking on the ladies, see how they are holding up."
"Suit yourself. But don't take too long. This one here, he's ready for a fight so we better give him one or you know what will happen to us."
"What? We'll all be turned into rodents, eh? Is that it?"
"Who knows but I for one am not ready to find out. Or test that Mage's temper."
"Right he did a good job on that one fellow didn't he? Turned him into that beastie over there and ain't he something to watch."
"I hope he does more than just that. Even if we take this one out we have a whole entire army back there ready to hand us over our supper!"
"They'll never make here alive through all of that I tell ya!"
"And this one over there? He did it didn't he?"
"Must have found some way around it. Seeing too the other are all still fighting for their lives out here."
"Ah let them fight . I now the master he has bigger plans for the likes of them. Something real nasty you know. Something so bad even you don't know what to hear about it."
"Good then I'll just see to our new friend. See if he has it in him to fight the rest of us, will he now!"
Inside was a shelter not put up so much for the convenience of woman who have spent their entire lives living in luxurious surroundings. Two young women were huddled close, one lying out on a makeshift cot, while the other working to keep her safe and still hopeful of surviving their ordeal.
"You there! Come here and make yourself known to us."
"Better you watch your tone of voice with me lady least I forget I answer to another who swore me to not do you any harm. What constitutes harm is questionable at best is it not, madame?"
"How can you dare to speak to me in that way? Have any of you Fereldon's any manners at all here? Fetch me more water and be quick about it. My sister has such a fever and I will hold you personally responsible for her death if she must suffer and die for your incompetence!" Lady Beatrice commanded and the man stood there for a moment wondering what he was going to do about this one and her attitude.
"I'll get you more water but if I were you? I'd fix that attitude problem of yours real fast. I don't care if you are the Queen of Fereldon. Right now all you are is stuck in this trap and you better behave and show some respect but all of us around here? Don't care who you think you are. You are just ransom bait to me? To the rest? Who really cares now? So pass me that bowl of yours so I can fill it up for you."
"Here, you take it! I may not seem like much to you now but soon you will learn who my friends really are. Then it will be you begging for mercy and not I or my sister either!"
"How do you put up with this one here? She sure thinks she is so high and mighty doesn't she?"
"You would too if you were the Teryn's sister."
"The what? Her? You're trying to tell me that is the Hero of Fereldon? I don't believe a word of it."
"Suit yourself. I admit, nothing much to speak of. Must have taken down that archdemon with her tongue, eh?"
"You've got that one right. What about the other one? She doesn't look good to me at all?"
"No, took an arrow to the chest. She tried to escape and well, that's what happens when you do."
"Seems like a pretty lass too."
"What you got there?"
"This bowl, she wants some water. I'll get it but I'll be back. Some real trouble out there and we don't want to lose the merchandise. Know what I mean?"
"I got you loud and clear. Go do what you have to do."
"Is this true? Are you under attack? So soon?"
"Don't get your hopes up. No one's going to get through our defenses alive. If your brother buys the farm, I don't think our mage friend will be losing any sleep over any of it. I here he has plans for you. I almost feel a bit sorry for you both but hey, I don't play with any of your politics, so he can have you. Mouth and all. No woman is worth the grief I tell you."
"My brothers? Here? In Fereldon? So soon? It cannot be. Why must you continue to make up these lies about me, About us?"
"Don't even acknowledge your own brother. What a waste. Here he is fighting for his life and for what? An ungrateful sister whose fate is already drawn and sealed up! What a sap!"
"You keep talk of this Mage. Is he a healer as well? You cannot leave my sister to die like this. She is suffering and it should not be so. Hold me if you will. I am strong but my sister, she does not deserve such a horrible fate. Can you not at least try to find someone who can ease her suffering?"
"Well, I can put her out of her misery. Will that help?"
"Oh, you cruel, cruel man. If, as you say, my fate is now sealed, then I assure you the first thing I will ask is to see you hanged for your cold heart toward my sister. And if you think all of Antiva would not rise up to avenge my predicament you are very wrong. Our father is a very important man in Antiva. He will not let this act go unpunished. Even if it means a war between our Countries, this I assure you will be your fate."
"So you say. Let me know when that happens okay? In the meantime I'm back to reading."
It was only a few minutes later that the man who did go to fetch the water returned to give it to the two captives there. He came in shaken, half spilling the water filled bowl in the process of it.
"What is wrong with you, there! My sister is dying of thirst give that water to me now!"
"Go on ahead or she will never shut up. What is wrong with you?"
"Here, take it! Might as well kiss your sister goodbye is all I can say. It's crazy out there! I almost got hit several times just getting up some water here. Stuff flying all over the place out there."
"Really? They better hold true. Any word of the Mage? I haven't seen him for at least two days as it were."
"Me neither. I thought I saw someone I recognized out there as one of his lackey's but I turned around and then nothing? You know those Mages. Can't trust the lot of 'em I say."
"So what are we suppose to do? I mean if they break through our defenses out there?"
"What are we going to …..well fight them off of course! Do you think for one bloody minute they will let any of us live if we get caught? That King has already taken the head of a great Teryn. What do you think he's gonna do with some turncoats like us?"
"You got a point. I'm out of here! I'm not sitting up in here waiting for them to skewer me up I'm telling you that much."
"Great so get your sword ready and get in the fight will you now? You're no good to me here, that I know."
"Fine, out I go but I am not going to die or be taken prisoner no I'm not!"
"Are you saying you're going to run for it, man?"
"That's exactly what I mean. If you had the courage you'd do the same!"
"Bloody hell I would, take that you stink'en traitor you! Can't handle a coward more then anything else in this job. Can't imagine how you got recruited in the first place!" He told the man as he pulled his own sword out of his bloody chest and started to wipe it clean with a rag he pulled from his belt.
"You, you, you, just killed that man! Right like that! Had you any thought at all for the life he has lived?"
"What's it to you, lady? Don't soldiers die everyday. Even in your make believe world of Antiva?"
"Not without honor. A noble of any worth would have Crows deal with such men but even they have some respect for each other."
"Is that so? Now we have the Crows on our backs is that it? And do Crows just up and leave before their assignments are complete or are you saying to me that their reputation is all fake and they really are a band of cowards? This would be helpful to know I'd say."
"No such thing and the way you speak of them, they would cut out your tongue first and then slice away at you piece by piece if you dared to hurt one of their own. They fight by a code of honor that men like you will never understand."
"Whatever! Hey! Wow that is getting close. Better hope that spell the Mage cast on this here hut will hold this thing together because I know sometimes those catapults, they miss their targets. They might forget all of you are in here."
"Cough, cough, Bea, Bea? Help me ….I can barely speak a word."
"Do not try to speak, my dearest. You have lost so much blood and you know how much I rely on you as my sister."
"I did not mean to cause ….you ….so ….much …pain. My chest feels so heavy ….so ….very …hard to take even ….a ….simple ….breathe."
"Shh, now. Let me lift you up more. Take a drink. I have insisted that help come but alas so far no help has been sought in our defense. Please try to stay strong. I think we are under attack and we might be rescued from this hellish tale very soon."
"Please ….let …..you ….be ….right." She said before closing her eyes once more out of sheer weakness.
"Humphf, she's going to die, you know that don't you?
"Oh curse you and all that follows after you and yours."
"You are the cursed one from where I am standing here. Keep quiet before I put you down myself."
Outside of the room there really was a battle going on. King Alistair and a select knight in his service were swinging swords as if for their very lives. They were now stabbing away at what looked like a giant lizard. A long tail and a viscous disposition was fighting desperately against each other.
"Your Majesty! What manner of beast is this thing?"
"Giant fighting lizard! How would I know but we need to put this thing down if we are to get to the Princess!"
"I've got it! Die you nasty beast!"
"Here, lure it to you. I'll just start cutting away at it piece by piece if necessary."
"As I try to not get bit by this unnatural beast type thing?"
"Just aim for off center if you would. If it starts to annoy you while I'm busy cutting it to pieces you are welcome to put out an eye or rid if of its' head if you feel that ambitious. I just don't think it will put it for you on a block to do it."
"No, I think you are right! If it wasn't so hard to get past these teeth right now! I'd be very happy to swing down upon its' head and put both eyes out for you, My King."
"Whatever works for you then. Damn this tail! I've almost got it off of it will you just do something so it doesn't take off my head!"
"Right on it!" He shouts back and he aptly finds a few bulging veins to sever to bring the creatures focus back on himself.
"Ugh! Done it! Now if I can just get low enough to nail it in the chest cavity we might be able to call it a day!"
"You do that, ….I …Maker's sake where do you all find the will to fight here!" Cried out the knight as he found himself dueling once more with some enemy fighters who came to challenge him once more.
"Hah, hah! Lie down and die you filthy beast! Now what has got your tongue, Ser Wallace?"
"A little busy right here if you can lend a hand, it would be useful."
"Not again! None of you are going to stop me. Lay down your swords! Surrender or run. It matters not to me right now my target is made clear to me and I mean to reach it. Either past you or through all of you if necessary."
"We have no other choice but to fight! We aren't going to let some bastard of a son rule over us. Or any other lowlife for that matter so do your worst! You can't beat us all, can you now!"
"It never fails. They always say that and then leave me with the mess to have to get cleaned up when they fall. Go ahead and die then for you cannot hurt me and I am well prepared to put an end to you."
"What a waste!"
"How's that, Wallace?"
"I mean we are in need of good soldiers and here we find ourselves fighting the lot of them?"
"Obviously what we have here are not the best of them or else they would be fighting besides me instead of in front of me. This bastard you all swore an oath against is the one putting you and your allies down. Make sure when you face judgment it is my name, King Alistair Theirin, you resound your eternal curses to. I promise you it will be music to my ears when you do!"
"So then how are we doing here?" Ser Wallace rang out from across the room.
"I think we're just about done it. I mean for all that we have out around here that is. No wonder what is waiting for us beyond that door however."
"After that creature? Can't wait let's go find out shall we?"
"Right with you there. Lead the way!"
So the two men did just that. The locked door was a bit of work but soon enough they had the door torn from its' hinges and the burst inside to see what was left to them.
"It is times like these I really miss, Lady Cousland's knack with locks and things."
"I fear what we will be facing if as you say they found something that even she cannot escape from."
"Don't scare me like that. Brave and deadly as she can be, she is still a woman. I swear if they did harm her in any way, I'll tear down the whole of Fereldon if need be in my revenge of her."
"Bold words my King. Let us hope it does not come down to all of that."
They burst into the room and were greeted by a group of assassins who came at the two from either side of them. Adrenaline was high for the two of them and they were both anxious to finally reach their goals so it took some effort at first to cut through their enemies. Using a combination of weapons though they finally cleared the outer chamber to make their up to the door they hoped would lead them to their intended victims and friend.
Alistair shoved his fellow warrior out of his way to finally face what he hoped was the end of their initial struggle but was almost floored by his discovery when he walked into the room.
"By the Maker!"
"Please! Help us your Majesty! My sister, Lydia, she is injured. Seriously wounded. Don't let her die please!
"Lady Beatrice! It's you then."
"Of course it is me! Wait, oh no not you too? That look on your face. You were expecting someone else weren't you now?"
"I …I …I was told differently, that is all."
"The Lady Tara, …..Cousland. Have you seen her?"
"Lady Cousland? No, I have not. Not any at all now will you get us out of here?"
"Your Highness! This lock, something has been done to it. I cannot break this lock here."
"What do you know of this lock here, Lady Beatrice?"
"It's a lock! Just get us out of here, please, my sister!"
"Were you left here alone? Why is there no one here to guard you?"
"There was someone here. Watching over us but now he has fled. The sound of men dying must have stolen what little courage he had. I will not miss him for he was a very foolish man."
"And he took the means to unlock this cell as well with him, my King."
"Well, keep trying. Here, try using these bandages and salve that I have in this kit I carry. Cough up what you have to drink that is any good, Wallace. A little spirits will help to ease her pain some until we can find someone to get this cage open for you."
"Very well. I'm sorry about all of this fuss. I did not intend for things to turn out this way. I'm so embarrassed."
"No need for any of that, my Lady. This is a terrible way for guests to be welcomed into this Country."
The rescue party finally reached the ongoing battle outside of the house that the victims were being kept in. They immediately dismount their horses to engage in the oncoming battle.
"Tara, please, stay back and just use your arrows for the start. Save the other weaponry for emergency use only."
"Must I? It seems childish to ask this of me."
"And necessary. Let the rest of us mop up the mess here. Can't be much left to reach our goal." Roland told Tara.
"Are you asking this because it is good strategy or just to stay on my brother's good side?"
"He has a good side? Lately I haven't noticed it much."
"Just move forward and keep my brother alive if possible."
"As you wish, my love. Heavy to our left please. We'll be taking the brunt of the fight to the right here." Rory looked her straight in the eyes hoping he could trust her to take his words to heart. Then he leaned down to kiss her before turning to face whatever it was waiting for them up ahead.
"Will you get moving, Gilmore! Can you stop smooching with the ladies for one moment to take care the problems we have in front of us!"
"I thought you wanted to take them all on by yourself? You are always bragging about this one or that fight. I thought it only fair to give you a head start!"
"Tara's holding back is it now? What's the plan?"
"I want her to keep firing to the left. You can shoot wherever you like as long as it isn't at any of our noblemen. I have to keep her as much out of the fight here as I can. And she will do fine keeping some of the firepower off of our flank anyways."
Roland fought his way forward making his way through the crowd finally up to where Teagan was fighting off a group of thugs. He brought down the numbers around him before addressing him personally.
"Teagan, where is Fergus?"
"Up ahead of me I'd wager."
"And the King?"
"He fought ahead of us both. None of us could stop his pursuit but at least one knight is fighting at his side right now.
So have you word of Lady Beatrice or Lady Lydia?"
"No, and I didn't know they were missing. Have they been kidnapped here?"
"I know not. We are hoping to free Lady Tara before any real harm is done to her."
"She is with me and our party."
"What is that?"
"I have Lady Tara with me."
"Where is she?"
"With us. I need to tell the Teryn of this also."
"Right! Don't get your head blown off while you do."
"Keeping that in mind I will."
He once more fought up further where he found Fergus running his sword back and forth to avoid getting stabbed right in the backside.
"What the bloody hell! Is that you Gilmore or am I being haunted already?"
"It's me and we have Tara with us."
"So you rescued her from our enemy? What are all of these goons fighting for if my sister is free?"
"She was never taken. We were in town."
"Then the note we were given was misleading. Where is my sister? You did not leave her alone did you?"
"I wanted to keep her from any direct combat. It was for the best."
"Are you crazy? It could be a trap, you know that don't you?"
"I …I….look back there! She's safe where she is. She needs to get use to working in that clunky armor of hers for now. Do you know what has become of Alistair?"
"Up ahead of me. He and Wallace went on ahead to free the hostages."
"And he ..?"
"He's fine! Get back there and help Teagan. The King took on the worst of it. Some sort of beastlike creature he tore his way through up ahead of us."
"Are we sure it isn't a trap for the King?" He asked but before a reply could be spoken another called out loudly back at them.
"Fergus! Get me a Mage! And Lady Tara is nowhere to be found. Instead the spineless sniveling naves took our Antivan guests, Lady Beatrice and her sister. They mistook Lady Beatrice for Lady Tara. Find Lady Tara would you please?"
"I have found her even as we speak, your Majesty!"
"Find my Mage. Wait. Send Lady Tara we've a tricky lock here."
"Zeveran see if you can help Alistair. Trouble with a lock."
"Right on it, Roland! Just as soon as I can shed some of this baggage here."
"Oghren? Oghren, answer me dwarf!"
"I'm busy! What is your problem, Gilmore?"
"Where's Tara? My fiancée?"
"Tara? What's wrong with you man she's right …by father's hairy chin!" I swear she was right back there."
"And then …what?"
"What nothing! I've been busy! Just go out maybe she needed to go to the bushes or some sort of nonsense. Blast it man! I can't talk and dodge arrows you know!"
"No, of course not. I need to find out!"
"What is it now?"
"Fergus was right! I should have never left her alone back here. She is the target and this is the bait. How can I be such a fool?"
"Just stop your yapping and move it will you! I'll fetch Zev. We'll be right behind you."
"No Zeveran is needed by the King. Go help the Arl will you now."
"The hell I will! I'm coming with you. You're sure to get yourself ambushed and with Zeveran the rest of them should be able to clean-up this mess."
"Suit yourself then. Follow me if you will. I'll not be slowing down any until I find out where she is."
"I can see you well enough. Just go about your business, knight."
Only moments before the squire found his Lady love is missing Tara found herself distracted by a sound coming up from behind her. On instinct she twirled around ready to strike her arrows at whatever it was that was coming up cautiously behind her just then.
When she did so, she found it very hard to see what it was that was causing such a disturbance. It took her more then a few steps back before she viewed what she knew just couldn't be real. Once she drew closer it turned face and started on it's way in the direction of Highever.
But what was it? Before she could formulate an answer to her inquiry a wisp of wind sweeps up a pile of leaves and swiftly, so swiftly, this shadow of a man did take off from her.
Staring now almost in a trance this ghostly imagine looked back at her and suddenly signaled her as if it wanted her to follow and though she could not say for sure why she did run to her horse, lift herself up swiftly to mount herself upon it and just as aptly gave pursuit to this unearthly creature.
When asked later why she did it. Her reply was merely she did not really know? Only that this image, this ghost like wraith, looked so closely to her sire that she just knew she could not abandon the thing or let it go freely without giving chase to it. And so she did just that.
"Tara! Tara please! Where are you going, the fight is right here!" Roland called out but she was already galloping back in the directions that they once came in and he knew all that was left to him was to mount his horse and give chase!
"Gilmore! Roland what are you up to now! Tell me or I just might cut off your head!"
"You'll have to catch me first. Tara has ridden off after who knows what for I have seen nothing at all to tempt her so? So I must give chase!"
"Damn woman is possessed now and I have to go chase her around Fereldon! Who cares if the King, the Teryn and Arl here are left to their own defenses because I get stuck chasing a skirt. And not even for my benefit either!" Oghren complained as he ran for his miniature horse in pursuit.
Tara rode, faster and faster. Her horse was foaming at the mouth from the strain to keep up with this ghostly vision. She was just so sure this was the answer to everything going on this day. She was now growing weak from the pressure of the wind's resistance to her rapid pace. Further and further she maintained until the eerie sight of Highever Castle stood out in the distance. What could be wrong at Highever she pondered? But dark clouds were hovering over its' grounds. A fog hung over it like a fine mist making it difficult to see exactly what all lied ahead of her. This next time she was much closer to the rider who led on this wild ride and this time she sat horrified at the site she now did see before her. There was no mistaking the lapels on the ragged coat. The familiar family crest that she also knew so very well. The way the hair fell just so. Suddenly she felt weak and started to find holding up her balance was a struggle to have to bear.
Ser Gilmore barely caught up with her, jumping from his horse as he pulled violently hard on this horses reign as he balanced himself to land on his footed boots and rush quickly to her side for he could plainly see she was in shock and the weight of it was heavy enough to cause her to fall off sideways from her saddle and he barely made it to her side to stop her from crashing down upon her faint head.
"Maker protect us!" Was all he blurted out as he fell to his knees, seeking to judge how badly his Lady really was, since by all appearances she had fainted clear away, for the sight before them both was too much of a nightmare to ever think any of this could be real.
The spectre turned once more to look back upon it's prey and then started to laugh out loud. As if the sight of Lady Cousland so disabled was something worthy of such a great honor to him and Rory soon noticed an echo of a laughter so perverse, it sent a shiver up his spine and what felt like an arrow through his very heart.
