AN: Thank to Jinx1983, Count of Chaos and hetekos for your reviews and to Shakespira for her continued reviews and words of encouragement.

Bioware owns all, I own nothing. Although I wouldn't mind having Gareth to myself.

Chapter 11 – Clouds gather, hearts part

Reclining on her couch, Anora said, "Even though I may have 'over-played' my hand, I think that my Father will still be very displeased with Cailan. I may have lost a battle, but I believe I will win the war." She smiled.

"Unless of course he lashes out and kills Cailan in a fit of rage." Rendon Howe said, looking at his finger nails, while leaning against the wall.

"He won't. Remember, I love Cailan and his demise would just be devastating."

The pathos in Anora's voice brought a chuckle to Howe as he looked up from his hands, "Just don't overdo it this time."

Anora smiled.

"It occurs to me, your Majesty that the darkspawn threat might work to our advantage."

Anora looked genuinely puzzled, "Really, how so?"

Howe's eyes grew wide, "My dear, a large battle, darkspawn and armies clashing, chaos, mayhem, death, Cailan trying to be the Hero… the opportunities that may present themselves to your father are limitless."

"My Father would never jeopardize Ferelden!" Anora snapped, and then Howe could see the lonely little girl in her eyes as she said bitterly, "Not even for his own daughter."

"My dear, he loves you every bit as much as he loves Ferelden, that's why he wants to see you rule and not Cailan, he trusts you to save Ferelden." Howe said soothingly.

"It matters little now. I have already quelled all thoughts of large battle against the darkspawn." Anora said dismissively,

Rendon pushed himself off the wall, "I doubt it. Your Chamberlain is briefing the King as we speak. I expect that in his current mood, once he hears about your lackluster response, he will be chomping at the bit to fight the darkspawn."

Anora stood up, looking down on the diminutive Arl, "My response was not lackluster, it was sensible and logical given the information we had."

Raking his eyes up Anora's body, he replied, "Come now, my dear, you misunderstand me. I didn't think your response was lackluster. But Cailan will."


Cailan's voice could be heard from outside of his study and throughout the halls as he yelled, "You mean the Commander of the Ferelden Grey Wardens was here requesting help fighting the darkspawn and was sent to Gwaren to do more scouting! Am I hearing this correctly!

"Yes, my report is accurate Sire." The Chamberlain said warily. The King had been in a black mood since he emerged from his bedroom late this morning.

Cailan was furious. "Get my Chancellor of the Military and the Queen in here now!"

"Sire, the Queen said she was ill and left specific instructions not to be disturbed today."

"I don't bloody well care if she has the plague. You tell her to be in here in 15 minutes or I will drag her here myself."

The Chamberlain nodded, "By your leave Sire."

Cailan stood drumming his fingers on his desk.


Within 20 minutes Anora and Loghain were assembled in Cailan's study along with the Chamberlain.

"The Commander of the Grey in Ferelden comes to us seeking aid in preventing a blight, and the best response either of you could come up with was sending him to Gwaren to do more scouting?"

Anora protested, "Cailan, he had no evidence, nothing except information on the movement of the Chasind, and his Grey Warden senses. What was I supposed to do, call our armies to march across Ferelden and battle some unseen enemy? That would have created chaos in the Bannorn."

"I would have expected that response from you Anora. You are never one to let stewardship interfere in politics! What surprises me however, is the lack of any action from my Chancellor of the Military. Tell me Loghain - are our forces too pathetic to raise arms against the darkspawn?"

"Your Majesty, perhaps if you had been at court to hear the Commander personally you would be less inclined to judge our actions quite so harshly. But as you were in Orlais…"

"I don't care if I was in Seheron! While I'm away I expect my Queen and my Military adviser to make decisions based on what is best for all of Ferelden, not just the part with which they have political alliances."

Loghain tried to keep his temper in check, "Cailan, this is not a Blight. There is no Archdemon. There is nothing to suggest any real problem aside from the movement of several Chasind tribes and the experience and vague words of a Grey Warden. We sent him to Gwaren and ordered Gareth to provide Duncan with enough troops to determine the facts of the situation to our satisfaction. If there is a horde out there, or an Archdemon, Ferelden will respond, but I'm not going to focus our armies in one remote area of Ferelden and leave the rest of our country unguarded on the basis of the word of a Grey Warden."

"Oh yes, we might risk being invaded by the horrible Orlesians. Can't have that can we?" Cailan mocked, before Loghain could say another word, "Duncan suggested amassing our troops at Ostagar. Loghain, which of Ferelden's larger armies can be ready to march on a week's notice."

"Including the Royal army, Gwaren, Highever, Amaranthine, and probably Redcliff." Loghain said in a monotone.

"Excellent! I will send word to Teyrn Mac Tir to muster Gwaren's army, and the Grey Wardens and head to Ostagar. You and I will leave tomorrow with the Royal Army and meet them there. Once I have spoken directly with Duncan we can decide if we need Amaranthine and Highever as well." Cailan sat down and began reading more of his correspondence.

Anora and Loghain still stood before him.

"I suggest you both read up in the history of the Grey Wardens. Dismissed." Cailan said without looking up.

Anora left the room Loghain followed her.

"Anora! Stop." Loghain called.

Anora stood waiting for her father to catch up.

"Anora, what in the Maker's name is going on?"

"It's nothing father, Cailan and I just had a disagreement last night and he's still a little angry."

"A little angry, I've never seen Cailan like that. What did you argue about?"

"Father…it's…it's nothing." Anora turned to leave, but Loghain held her arm, Anora remembering her fight with Cailan last night involuntarily flinched."

"Anora, did he…hurt you?" Anora could hear the murderous rage in Loghain's voice.

Thinking about Howe's comment earlier, Anora answered quickly, "No! Father no, he didn't. We just fought over his trip to Orlais. He had left me a note that I completely missed. I said some ratty things to him and he to me. We were both tired. Really, it's nothing."

Loghain let Anora go. He knew she was lying to him and swore that he would deal with Cailan once and for all, even if it was the last thing he did.


Later in the day, Loghain had cornered Rendon Howe, "Howe, where is the information I requested when we learned of Cailan's departure to Orlais? Too much is going on of which I have no knowledge!" Loghain demanded.

Rendon looked nervous and hesitant, "Sire, I do have information, but frankly it's quite explosive and I…I almost cannot believe it myself."

"What have you found?"

Rendon handed a parchment to Loghain who opened it read the contents. In a hoarse whisper he uttered, "Traitorous bastards!" Looking up at Rendon, he said, "Are you sure about this?"

"Yes, Sire."

After we deal with the issue in the Kocari Wilds, we will bring this before a Landsmeet."

Rendon looked worried, and shuffled his feet.

"Howe, you disagree? Treason is a capital offense and the King has the right of high justice."

"Yes, but you and Cailan haven't been on the best of terms and you have amassed several powerful enemies in the Bannorn, I fear they may not believe any evidence you present. They will fight and we risk a civil war. For the good of Ferelden, might I suggest a more covert approach?"

"I'm listening." Loghain asked.


21th Bloomingtide, 9:30 Dragon Age

To their Graces, Gareth and Siobhan Mac Tir, Teyrn and Teyrna of Gwaren, and Duncan, Warden Commander of Ferelden:

We have recently learned of your efforts on behalf of the Crown in investigating the darkspawn threat in the Kocari Wilds. We are deeply grateful for your help as Ferelden cannot stand idly by as a Blight starts to take root in our fair land. Know that we are prepared to send the Royal Army to Ostagar where we expect to meet the Gwaren Army and the Ferelden Grey during the 1st week of Justinian. Once we meet and have heard a full report from the Warden Commander, we can decide what additional Ferelden forces will be required.

Know that we will give our full support the Grey Wardens and Ferelden will stand to fight any and all darkspawn that threaten our lands.

Again, you have the thanks of the Crown for your actions.

Cailan Therirn, Rex

Ferelden


25th Bloomingtide, 9:29 Dragon Age

Your Royal Majesty, King Cailan Theirin,

We have received your letter and will do as commanded. Based on the information obtained by the Grey Wardens, the darkspawn activity is increasing and is a clear and present danger to Ferelden. We are drafting a report containing possible strategies that we will present to you in person.

We thank the Crown for its swift action and will be ready when you arrive in Ostagar.

Gareth Tynan Mac Tir, Teyrn

Siobhan Kellan Mac Tir, Teyrna

Gwaren

and

Duncan, Warden Commander of the Grey

Ferelden


25th Bloomingtide, 9:29 Dragon Age

Dearest Father and Mother

We will be leaving for Highever the day after tomorrow. We have to stop along the way to meet with His Majesty, but expect to be in Highever by the second week of Justinian. Sorry for the delay. As you know running a Teyrnir can wreak havoc on travel plans!

All my love,

Siobhan


It was the evening before their departure from Gwaren. Gareth had left orders with the Seneschal that he and Siobhan were not to be disturbed unless the castle was under attack. He had supper brought to their apartments. In a room awash with candle light and perfumed by a bouquet of star lilies they ate dinner and then sat on their terrace watching the stars.

"I will miss Gwaren" Gareth signed.

"I know, dear one, as will I. I do hope we are back in time for the birth. I so much want to have our baby here in our home."

Gareth held her hand and both had the same unspoken thought, if there's a Gwaren to return to.

After several moments of peaceful silence, Siobhan softly began to sing. It was the song to which they first danced as husband and wife.

For I love you so much, truly,

that one could sooner dry up

the deep sea

and hold back its waves

than I could constrain myself

from loving you,

without falsehood; for my thoughts

my memories, my pleasures

and my desires are perpetually of you,

whom I cannot leave or even briefly forget.

Gareth, smiled and took up the next verse

You are the true sapphire

that can heal and end all my sufferings,

the emerald which brings rejoicing,

the ruby to brighten and comfort the heart.

Your speech, your looks,

Your bearing, make one flee and hate and detest

all vice, and cherish and desire all that is good.

I want to stay faithful. . .

Together they sang the refrain

I want to stay faithful, guard your honor,

Seek peace, obey

Fear, serve and honor you,

Until death…

Gareth finished with "…Peerless Lady."

Standing, he pulled Siobhan up and took her into his arms, then he picked her up and carried her into the bedroom where all thoughts and fears of what lie ahead were, for one night, quelled.


The Grey Wardens and Gwaren forces arrived in Ostagar, Ser Donnelly and Duncan's senior warden scouted the area to determine how camp should be laid out. Gareth, Duncan and Siobhan stood on the bridge that overlooked the valley.

"Duncan, what is that Tower?" Gareth asked.

"That is the Tower of Ishal, named after the Tevinter Archon who ordered its construction. The tower and this fortress were originally built to protect against wilders. That's why it provides an excellent vantage point for threats coming from the Kocari Wilds. The valley is the most likely spot for us to battle the darkspawn."

"Duncan, do we really have a chance against this horde?" Siobhan asked, afraid of his response.

Duncan thought a long moment and then said, "It depends upon several factors, none the least of which is the size and strength of our forces. For that I hope to convince the King to send for support from Orlais and its wardens."

"For that you would need to render my father unconscious. Can we do this without the Orlesians?" Gareth asked.

"Perhaps. If the archdemon appears though, we will need every Grey Warden available."

"Can only Grey Wardens kill archdemons?" Siobhan asked.

"Yes." Duncan replied.

"Why?" Gareth asked.

Duncan smiled, "I could tell you, but then I would have to make you a Grey Warden."

Siobhan smiled, "Well then let's just have the answer to that question remain a mystery."


Cailan, Loghain and the Royal Army arrived ahead of schedule. Cailan was pleased that camp had already been laid out. Siobhan and Gareth went to greet Cailan and Loghain, and Siobhan was immediately struck by how much both appeared to have aged.

"Father, it is good to see you." Gareth smiled.

"As it is you my son." Loghain looked to Siobhan, his brows knit, "As I am here on the Crown's business shall I refer to you as Teyrna Mac Tir?"

Catching the barb in his words, Siobhan said simply, "Siobhan is fine. How do you wish me to address you?"

"Loghain will do." He replied gruffly, "If we are done with the greetings and felicitations, the King and I need a status report."

"Of course Your Grace," Duncan said. "I suggest we go to the area we have laid out to hold war counsels. It's large and secluded and will provide us with a measure of privacy."

Duncan and Gareth updated the King and Loghain on the current status and their suggested strategies. Duncan pointed out the need for a large number of troops and made the suggestion that the King send to Orlais for additional troops and Wardens.

"Absolutely not!" Loghain yelled. "Ferelden can defend itself. Cailan, this is lunacy. We have ample troops in Ferelden!"

Cailan thought a moment. "Duncan if we added the armies from Highever and Amaranthine, would that be enough?"

"Perhaps."

"Alright, I will send to Highever and Amaranthine. Duncan, how can we drive the horde towards us?"

"Your Majesty, they already know we are here. We should start seeing smaller attacks by week's end."

Gareth spoke, "Your majesty, by your live, I would like to escort Siobhan to Highever? Duncan will accompany us as he has a potential recruit that he needs to evaluate. The Gwaren army is yours to command in my absence. I can return with Teyrn Cousland and his forces."

"That would be unwise Gareth." Loghain warned.

Gareth ignored his father and looked at the King.

Cailan looked at Loghain then at Gareth, "Of course, go ahead; we have plenty of troops for a few skirmishes and you can give the Teyrn a more detailed briefing." To Siobhan, Cailan said, "I was worried you were going to stay in Gwaren. Given its proximity to the wilds, I think Highever is the safest place for you."

Loghain visibly bristled, but said nothing.

Gareth whispered in Siobhan's ear, she nodded and said, "Your Majesty, may Duncan and I escort you around the area that we have set aside for the royal encampment, and perhaps you can tell me the news from Denerim."

Cailan smiled, but his eyes held a sadness, "Yes, My Lady, there is much to share."

When they were alone, Gareth looked at his father, "What's wrong with me escorting my wife to Highever?"

"You are leaving your troops during a very dangerous time."

"Try again. You're the one who has been downplaying this threat since Duncan showed up in Denerim."

"You're escorting your wife. Do I need to remind you that you are a Teyrn and as such your duty is to the Crown, to Gwaren and then to family."

"Do not instruct me as if I were a child."

"Then stop acting like one. Your wife is perfectly capable of handling herself and the Warden Commander will be there if something happens." Loghain advanced on his son, growling "Your place is here and traveling to Highever. Leaving right now is irresponsible!" he poked a gauntleted finger into Gareth's breastplate, to emphasize each word.

At this point Gareth could have mentioned Siobhan's pregnancy, but held his tongue. His father's mood was nasty and dark and for the first time in his life, he feared what his father might be thinking.

Gareth grabbed Loghain's hand and forcefully pushed it away, his voice deadly calm, "I am going to see Siobhan to Highever, not just because she is my wife, but because she is Teyrna of Gwaren and it is my duty to ensure her safety. I will be back with Teyrn Bryce and his troops and we will all deal with the darkspawn horde."

Loghain remained silent, so Gareth went on, "I'm through trying to figure out your inner demons! When you are ready to act like a caring human being, let me know."

Gareth turned and stalked from the war council grounds, leaving Loghain feeling very much alone.


The Kings summons to Ostagar arrived just ahead of Gareth, Siobhan, and Duncan. Bryce and Eleanor, while thrilled to see Gareth and Siobhan, were deeply worried. After everyone had a chance to unpack and freshen up. Gareth and Siobhan met with Bryce and Eleanor in the study.

"What is the news from Ostagar?" Bryce asked.

Siobhan smiled, "Actually it's the news from Gwaren that first brought us here." Taking Gareth's hand she said, "I am with child."

Bryce was speechless but Eleanor more than made up for her husband's silence. "Make bless us! Siobhan, Gareth that is marvelous! We are going to be grandparents again Bryce!" She pulled Siobhan into a hug. Siobhan looked at her father and said, "Father?"

Bryce broke out of his thoughts and smiled, "Pup, I'm sorry, you took me by surprise, that's all. I'm thrilled for you both!"

Eleanor grabbed Siobhan by the hand and said, "We must find Oriana and tell her. Bryce, I will send in Fergus."

Bryce looked at Gareth, "Rendon Howe is coming to Highever with his troops. He should be here within the next two days. I assume you will be riding back with us?"

"Yes, Bryce, I'm needed in Ostagar as are you. I had to escort Siobhan here first."

"Even though Duncan was coming along as well?"

"Do you think I should have stayed in Ostagar?"

Bryce smiled, "No. You did the right thing."

"To hear my father talk you would think I betrayed the Crown by coming here."

At that point Fergus came into the room. "Gareth, I understand congratulations are in order! I cannot wait to tease my sister about being barefoot and pregnant. Brilliant, simply brilliant!" Fergus then sobered, "Father, I understand that the army will be marching to Ostagar?"

"Yes, we leave as soon as Arl Howe and his men arrive. I will leave a smaller force at Highever. With your mother, Oriana, and now Siobhan around, I think all will be safe here while we are gone."

"I see that the Warden Commander is here as well. Is he recruiting?"

"Yes, I believe he is interested in speaking with Ser Gilmore."

"Excellent choice, Rory will make a fine Warden."


Arl Howe arrived in the morning two days later with only a small portion of his army. The rest were delayed and would be arriving the following day. Walking into the great hall, Rendon Howe was shocked to see Gareth Mac Tir and Duncan standing next to Bryce.

"Your Grace, Warden Commander, I wasn't expecting to see you both at Highever." Rendon bowed.

Gareth nodded. "I escorted my wife here and will be returning to Ostagar with yours and Bryce's troops, if that is alright?"

"Of course, of course, I would be honored."

"Duncan arrived with Siobhan and Gareth, is there a problem?" Bryce asked.

"No, but visitors of such stature requires certain protocols, I'm afraid I'm at a disadvantage."

"Rendon, I'm sorry if I have made you feel uncomfortable, these are unusual times however, protocols are really not necessary." Bryce smiled.


Later that morning, Bryce came to Gareth and Siobhan, he looked very worried, "Gareth, I want you and Fergus to leave today and take the Highever forces with you. Duncan and I will follow tomorrow with Arl Howe and his troops."

Siobhan put her had on her father's arm, "Father, what's wrong?"

Bryce was silent a moment, "Howe's men are delayed, and I would just feel better knowing the troops are in Ostagar as requested. It would be a help to me if Gareth accompanied Fergus. I also think the two of you would make an excellent team."

"Of course Bryce, I will be ready to leave with Fergus on your command."

"Pup, will you go and let Fergus know?"

Siobhan looked from her husband to her father, "Of course Father."

When they were alone, Bryce looked at Gareth. "Stay alert on your way to Ostagar. I have a bad feeling and I don't know what it is."


Siobhan has seen Gareth to the gate. He held her as close as possible then her tear-stained face to his and looked into her dark blue eyes. Parting from her is the most difficult thing he had ever had to do, but for some reason, beyond rational thought, beyond faith, he knew with every fiber of his being that this would not be the last time he held her.

Siobhan broke the silence first, "Maker preserve you my dearest love. I will miss you terribly."

"As I will you My Lady." He pulled her into his arms for their last kiss, appearances be damned.

The troops cheered.

AN: The song they sing is from the 14th century and is called Foy porter (I want to stay faithful) by Guillaume de Machaut: Translated from the French by Paul Brians