CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Early the next morning, Cade was at Alistair and Brianna's door. He did not wish to wake them so early, but he also felt his news couldn't wait. He gently knocked on their chamber door. He heard a rustling inside the room, then Alistair, fully dressed, opened the door.

"Begging your pardon, Your Majesty, but I have some news that you must hear immediately."

Knowing that Cade was not a man to overreact, Alistair nodded and opened the door a bit wider to let the man in. Cade declined. "We need to meet privately, but not here. It concerns the safety of the Queen."

At that, Alistair's face darkened. "I will meet you in my study," he said.

"Please bring the Queen and Chancellor Guerrin. They should hear this, too."

At first, Alistair was about to protest, but the command in Cade's voice gave him pause. He then nodded his consent. "Meet us there in fifteen minutes."

"Yes, sire," Cade said, saluted and then left.

Alistair then turned to address his wife about this new development and closed the door behind him.

In fifteen minutes, Cade and Nathaniel were standing outside Alistair's study. Cade was very calm. Nathaniel was anything but. He had Anora's letter, ring and Loghain's medal, but now was unsure if he had enough proof. But it was too late to back out now. Cade knocked on the door. He heard Alistair bade him enter.

Brianna was sitting in a chair face the door with Alistair and Eamon flanking her on each side. When Alistair saw that Nathaniel accompanied Cade, a dark scowl crossed his handsome face. Both Cade and Nathaniel bowed.

"What is he doing here?" Alistair began, his tone anything but pleasant. Brianna slipped her hand into his and gave it a squeeze, trying to calm him down.

"Your Majesties," Cade began, "we have been charged with rooting out any conspiracies against the Crown. Any information we discovered we were to report to our Commander; however, the delicacy of this particular information required that we discuss the matter with you directly. Nathaniel Howe has learned of a plot against the Queen. I will let him tell you of what he has learned." Cade backed away and allowed the room's full attention be given to Nathaniel.

Nathaniel looked at the hostile faces of the two men, their arms crossed over their chests. He wasn't sure if they would believe him. Only Brianna's face was friendly. He tried to concentrate on her while he spoke.

"Your Majesties," he began, bowing. "As you know, I had confessed to wanting to…uh…assassinate…the Queen when I was at Vigil's Keep. That information spread quickly around the castle. I had not been in your employ long when I was approached by a man named Orick."

At the name, both Alistair and Eamon shifted uncomfortably. Apparently the name was familiar to them. Nathaniel continued.

"He had asked if what he had heard about me was true. I told him it was. He then told me that he was working for someone who wished to remove the Queen from the throne. That someone was Queen Anora. She wanted to be reinstated as the ruler of Ferelden; the sole ruler of Ferelden. I did not trust the man, thinking it was some sort of test designed by Your Majesties. I had asked Orick for proof of his story; something from Anora herself. I heard nothing from him until we returned from Highever. Under my pillow in the barracks I found these."

Nathaniel presented the letter from Anora and Loghain's medal from the Battle at River Dane. Alistair took both and examined them.

"This letter is in Anora's hand. I read enough edicts from her when I became King." He handed the items to Brianna. She passed the letter to Eamon, but examined the medal.

"I recognize this. My father had a similar one. King Maric had them cast and presented to all those that fought in the battle." She then passed the medal to Eamon.

"Yes, this is Anora's hand-writing and I remember Maric wishing to honor those at that definitive battle. He and my sister, Rowan, created the Order of the Mabari."

Nathaniel continued his story. "After I received these, Orick approached me again to see if I was satisfied in my knowledge of whom I was working for. I never agreed to participate in the plot, but I didn't disagree. I said nothing. Orick assumed my silence to mean my acquiescence. I never corrected his assumption. But I swear to you, on the life of my sister's unborn child, I never took any action against their Majesties or the Crown."

Brianna smiled at him. Alistair's and Eamon's faces were unreadable.

"When you took ill, Orick believed I was poisoning you; an idea that had taken root in other quarters." Alistair shifted uncomfortably. "But once it was announced that you were with child, Orick approached me again and accused me of not participating as they had thought." Nathaniel looked at Brianna. "By this time, I had spoken with my sister and had learned about the crimes my father had committed. My attitude towards you had changed and I re-affirmed my loyalty to you and the Crown." He then directed his view at Alistair. "I knew there was this conspiracy brewing, but I felt I needed more proof; to make sure it was truly Anora that was pulling the strings and not an attempt by her supporters that she could claim she was unaware of. I did not know Anora's hand-writing, so I told Orick I wasn't convinced it was Anora who requested my services. He suggested arranging a meeting between the two of us, which happened last night in her rooms at Fort Drakon. By the way, you should be aware that her guard has a soft spot for her and will do almost anything for her. Anyway, our conversation was…enlightening." He looked at Brianna. "She wants me to kill you…now…before you give birth. She has concluded, correctly, that the King will be grief-stricken and it will be easy to remove him from power. She does not believe you are powerful enough to keep him on the throne, ser," Nathaniel said, his comment aimed at Eamon. "She is still receiving information from the outside world, beyond the borders of Ferelden. I don't know if her support is the same. Even if the deed cannot be done before you give birth, she has no problem…eliminating…the entire family."

Nathaniel paused to let his words sink in. Alistair and Eamon looked livid. Brianna, however, appeared very calm.

"I know how…incredible…this story sounds, so I asked Anora for a personal token. She gave me this." He showed them the ruby ring. "She said her husband gave it to her; that it was his mother's."

Eamon gazed at the ring in Nathaniel's palm. "May I see that?" he asked. Nathaniel gave the item to him.

Eamon studied the ring, a sad look entering his eyes. "This was my sister Rowan's ring. I recognize it. Our father had given it to her when our mother died. I was there when Cailan presented it to Anora, as one of many wedding presents. She had always worn it, but when I first saw her after Cailan's death, it was not on her finger. I had wondered if she had given it to Cailan, as a memento, when he went off to Ostagar. Why would she give this to you?"

Nathaniel cleared his throat. "My pardons, Chancellor, but I got the impression that Anora wanted nothing to do with any of the former Queen's possessions. She was…quite happy…to get rid of it."

A grim look crossed Eamon's face. He closed his fist around the ring, clutching it tightly.

Nathaniel looked back at all three of them. "That's the information I needed to tell you." He bowed.

Alistair became apoplectic at Nathaniel's story. "Arrest Orick! Execute Anora!" he shouted.

"Alistair," Brianna said forcefully, "we can't do either one of those things."

"Watch me." Alistair threatened.

"This conspiracy is likely bigger than Orick, Anora and Nathaniel. We need to act as if we know nothing and flush them all out," Brianna told him.

"She's right, Your Majesty," Eamon agreed. "You can't just act on one report, especially when that report is from a Howe. There are still some in many quarters that wouldn't trust a word he said and would lose respect for you if you did. Eh, no offense," he turned towards Nathaniel.

"None taken ser. I happen to agree with you," Nathaniel said.

"I must agree with the rest as well, Your Majesty," Cade spoke up.

"I will not risk the lives of my wife and unborn children," Alistair vowed.

"Neither would we," Eamon assured him. "But we only have enough proof for ourselves. For the entire nation of Ferelden, we will need much more. Anora is still popular with some of the people. If you move against her without definitive proof, you will more than likely cause other conspiracies to form."

"In fact," Brianna began, "Anora may not even trust Nathaniel and told him this so he would come to us with the information. She might be betting that you will move against her and then she could use this to her advantage, possibly plunging Ferelden into another civil war over the Crown. We must act normally, as if we have no idea of the plot underfoot."

Alistair pinched the bridge of his nose and began to pace, thinking about all of their arguments. He knew they were right. He…they…would have to behave as if they did not know of the looming danger surrounding them all. He stopped next to Brianna and took her hand in his.

"Alright," he agreed. "We act as if we know nothing. But the two of you must be extra vigilant in your protection of Brianna," Alistair ordered to Cade and Nathaniel.

"Of course, Your Majesty," Cade responded. Nathaniel nodded in agreement.

Alistair stared at Nathaniel, then moved to stand in front of him. "It appears I owe you an apology," he began.

"Your Majesty, it is perfectly understandable. There is no need…"

"No, there is a need. I falsely accused you of trying to poison Brianna and then, well, I just falsely accused you. Protect my wife and children, Nathaniel, and I promise to restore your family name and anything else that I am able to do for you. The King of Ferelden will be indebted to you."

Nathaniel was flabbergasted at Alistair's actions. He never thought Alistair would apologize, let alone promise to restore his family's name. And, for the first time, the King of Ferelden actually called him by his first name. Alistair extended his hand to Nathaniel who hesitantly grasped it and shook it.

"Now," Alistair began, "the two of you had better return to your routine duties before someone thinks something is amiss."

Cade and Nathaniel nodded and saluted, then left the three of them to discuss these new events.

Once Cade and Nathaniel left, Alistair turned to Brianna. "We should cancel out trip to Soldier's Peak."

"No," she said. "We must act normally, remember? Our cancellation will raise suspicions."

"We could blame it on your pregnancy. Really, Bri, I'm not sure how comfortable I am with you traveling such a distance in your condition."

"Pregnant women travel around Ferelden all the time," she stated.

"Yes, but they are not my wife nor is their pregnancy of such a concern."

"One last trip, please darling. I need one final report from Avernus to put my mind at ease."

Alistair furrowed his brow. "Why? Is there something amiss?"

Brianna smiled. "No. They are both fairly active. I would just like one more examination before being placed in the hands of the local midwives."

As much as he didn't want Brianna to make the journey, Alistair had to admit that he would also feel better with one last update from Avernus. He nodded his consent.

"But you must allow me to contact Zevran and give him this update."

"On that, I wholeheartedly agree," Brianna replied. She turned and saw Eamon looking at the ring still in his hand. "Eamon," Brianna asked with concern, "are you okay?"

Eamon looked up when he heard his name. "What? Oh, yes…yes, I'm fine."

"You don't look fine," Alistair remarked.

Eamon sighed. "With everything that has happened, thoughts of my late sister have been pushed from my mind. This ring brings it all back; her life; her death."

"I'm sorry, Eamon," Alistair said, touching his shoulder.

"I just never knew that Anora didn't like…that she had such strong feelings…about Rowan," Eamon said, his voice barely audible. He shook himself. "Thank you. But the task at hand is to keep both of you safe while trying not to arouse suspicion." He placed the ring in his vest pocket. "As much as I disagree with this trip to Soldier's Peak, I agree that we cannot alter your schedules at the present. Once you both return; however, I think we can use your pregnancy to keep your external appearances at a minimum."

"Are you saying I am to be a prisoner in my own home?" Brianna asked a bit miffed.

Eamon gazed at Alistair. "No, Bri, he's not saying that. Look, we'll discuss this once we return," Alistair said, trying to avoid an argument. "I need to send word to Zevran to come here tonight, if he can and update him on these new events. We should go about our normal duties for the day. I believe, Madame that your guards and Dante are waiting for you," Alistair said to Brianna, helping her rise and escorting her to the door.

"Are you trying to get rid of me?"

Alistair chuckled. "No, but you look tired and aren't there some final preparations you need to make for our journey?"

Brianna smiled, "I shall leave the two of you alone."

Alistair kissed her then opened the door. He watched her walk towards their apartments, flanked by two of her guards and Dante, then re-joined Eamon to map out their next steps.

Zevran received Alistair's message and met the King in his private study at the castle. Alistair relayed the information Nathaniel had gathered. Zevran listened carefully. He stated there had been some increased chatter recently, but nothing that would cause alarm. But with this new information, he wanted to place a few people closer to the palace, as that appeared to be the hotbed of activity. Alistair agreed and offered Zevran any help he could provide. Normally Zevran would have been surprised at Alistair's offer, but he knew where Brianna was concerned Alistair would do anything to protect her. He told Alistair if he needed help he would contact him. But he had no intention of dragging the good name of the King of Ferelden into anything sordid; not if he could help it. Zevran told Alistair if he learned anything he would notify him immediately. Alistair thanked him. They shook hands, then Zevran left to go about his duties.

Two days later Alistair, Brianna, Dante and their entire contingent of guards were making their final trip to Soldier's Peak. The journey was uneventful, but took much longer as Brianna needed to make more frequent stops. Also, Alistair could tell that she was uncomfortable for most of the journey, but she never complained; however, the occasional pain on her face was evident.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when Soldier's Peak was spotted in the distance. The gates opened upon their arrival and the coach stopped at the main entrance. Commander Tufnel was there to greet them, as always. Alistair hopped down from the carriage followed by Dante. He then turned to offer Brianna a hand. She grasped it and gingerly took a step down, then a second step. Her pregnancy was now quite obvious to everyone. She moved slower now and had a tendency to be clumsy. But she was still radiant and beautiful, as pregnant women are. She also managed to exude her usual commanding presence. Alistair wrapped Brianna's arm around his, then went to see Commander Tufnel.

After the formal greetings were concluded, they were shown to their rooms. Both of them freshened up, then joined their fellow Grey Wardens for the evening meal. As usual, Alistair had a wonderful time being a part of the Grey Wardens again. But as soon as he saw Brianna tiring, he excused them both and took her back to their rooms where they both climbed into bed for some much needed rest.

Despite her nervousness at seeing Avernus, Brianna slept later than usual. Her exhausted body needed the rest. When she woke, she quickly dressed then found Alistair watching the Grey Wardens going through their training maneuvers. As soon as he saw Brianna, he was at her side. They then went to the tower to see Avernus.

The old mage was not surprised to see them and in fact seemed to be waiting for them. Brianna allowed Avernus to pass the blue light over her body. This time he only needed to perform the scan once.

"You and your children appear to be fine. I see no problems or anomalies that would cause any worry or concern. You, my dear, are about as healthy as any pregnant Grey Warden could be."

"That's a relief," Brianna began, "since this is our last visit here."

"What?"

"It's too cumbersome for Brianna to journey very far from Denerim now," Alistair told him.

"Hmmm. Then I should take another blood sample now," Avernus said.

Alistair's eyes narrowed. "Why?" has asked suspiciously.

"She is in her final trimester. I doubt there will be many more changes. But it would be good to have this sample to compare to the last, just to confirm that all is going well."

Alistair was skeptical, but Brianna's look told him she agreed. He nodded his consent and Avernus bled Brianna using the same routine as last time. He told them he would have the results tomorrow, then dismissed them. Alistair and Brianna smiled to each other, then left the old mage to conduct his experiments.

The day and evening passed uneventfully. Alistair informed Commander Tufnel that any further directives would come via a messenger. This would be his and Brianna's last trip to Soldier's Peak for a while. The Commander understood. The three of them then briefed the next contingent of Grey Wardens for their assignment.

Late the next morning, Alistair and Brianna visited Avernus to see if he had any further news for them.

"Well, the good thing is that the level of taint in your blood has remained constant," he told Brianna.

"How will we know if the taint has affected the children?" Alistair asked.

"Expose them to darkspawn," Avernus shrugged.

"We did run into a darkspawn horde on our way back to Denerim during our last visit here," Brianna said.

"Ahhhh!" Avernus' curiosity was now piqued. "What happened?"

"Well, both Alistair and I felt the darkspawn approaching. Then the children began to kick."

"Interesting."

"Wait; you didn't tell me that," Alistair said.

"It slipped my mind until just now. I was more concerned about you charging into battle." Brianna turned to Avernus. "So does that mean the children felt the darkspawn, too? That they bear the taint?" There was a look of worry across her face. "I do not want to give my children life just to see them die at thirty," she said softly.

"Oh, I'm sure the Calling will claim you and you'll be dead before then," Avernus said matter-of-factly.

At the mage's words, Brianna could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. She had been so concerned with giving her children life that she hadn't thought she wouldn't be there to watch them grow up. She might be there to see them reach young adulthood, but that would be all. Her death was guaranteed, as was their father's.

Alistair saw the tears begin to fall down Brianna's cheeks. He went livid and nearly lunged at the mage. Brianna took his hand in hers, stopping him. He reached up and gently wiped her tears away, giving her a loving smile.

Avernus watched them and realized he had been a bit harsh. "However, there is the possibility that the children were reacting to you and not to any taint. So, there won't be any way to know when they are born."

"So they won't look any different?" Brianna asked.

"Look different? I'm not sure. Hmmm, that could be a possibility; a very distinct possibility," Avernus said as he pondered her question.

"Different? Different how? Skin? Eyes? Twelve fingers and toes?" Alistair questioned.

"I don't know. I…doubt it," Avernus said hesitantly. He saw that his words were adding to Alistair's and Brianna's worries. "Everything seems to be progressing normally. If I were you two, I would not worry. Just enjoy these last months of the pregnancy together for I doubt it will ever happen again."

He crossed to stand in front of them, not fearing that Alistair might punch him. "The two of you have defied the odds. I see no reason why that shouldn't continue. For some reason, it seems the Maker has blessed the both of you and in turn has blessed Ferelden. Be happy and enjoy each other and your new family."

Even if Avernus didn't believe a word he said, it made Alistair and Brianna feel better. They both nodded, then made their way back to the main floor of The Peak. Avernus stared after them. He had a reason to continue living now. He knew Alistair, Brianna and their children would need him in the years to come.