DISCLAIMER: I base my stories on Intellectual Property (IP) owned by BioWare™ and EA™. I pretend to live in their world.

SPOILERS: I refer to information from the games, the novels and the comics. If you have not played or read, please beware.

CHAPTER 51: GOING HOME


9:30 Dragon Harvestmere === Long's Reach Bannorn

When Fergus entered the Lyrium Cave camp, an honor guard stood at attention to welcome him. As he dismounted, Nate bent his knee to indicate his welcome and willingness to serve the Teyrn of Highever. Helping Pippa dismount gave Fergus time to contain his surprise at the formal welcome.

"You could have warned me," he whispered to Pippa.

"I didn't know, but I told you Nate would consider you his liege lord and commander. This is how he's showing it." She pushed him. "Fergus, go meet him. He's greeting you as his lord."

"I know. I-"

"Go!"

"Anora's taught you well," he whispered. "Or my sister." Or my mum. And Zevran's prepared Nate well. None of it proves his loyalty. He turned around and approached the still kneeling Captain.

"Get up Captain Howe." He spoke quietly. "We're not standing on ceremony until we're on the docks in Higheverport. I'm just Lord Fergus here." He gestured at the honor guard and banners. "The two banners look welcoming. Haven't been able to fly mine on this march." He held out his arm. "It's good to see you alive, Captain. We'd heard you died."

Nate grasped Fergus' forearm. "I'm rather happy about that myself, my lord." Releasing Fergus, he pointed towards the large tent where the pennants hung. "Your aide can take your luggage to the Teyrn's tent and unpack. We have food set out there and in your Command tent. If you like, we can dine and discuss what the Wrath and our allies have done and what we have planned." Nate almost smiled. "Pending your comments and approval, of course. My officers will show your troops to the areas we set up for your Highever and Chasind troops. Your envoy, Zevran, proved very helpful."

At Fergus' nod, the Wrath lieutenants approached Petyr, Captain Silven and Einarr. They pointed out a smaller tent near Fergus' for Petyr and then took Captain Silven and Einarr to the campsites already partially set up for the new arrivals. In preparation, Nate's troops had erected a large tent for dining between the Chasind and Highever sites. Outside, a large wood stack stood next to a central fire pit equipped with tripod, pots and a spit for roasting. Latrines had been dug nearby. While Fergus watched, his troops dispersed to their respective camps. A few horse troopers, accompanied by Wrath riders, went to tend to the horses which they had left to graze on open land near the cave's entrance. Petyr dumped his pack in the tent assigned to him and joined Pippa, who had remained beside Nate.

"Zevran told us of your requirements," Nate was saying to Fergus as Petyr returned. Nate nodded towards the riders. "We'll hobble the horses so they don't wander, but there's plenty of grazing by the Long River near the cave mouth. We have a fence of brush and branches, running between the cliffs and the river to further discourage wandering, but we also keep the area well-guarded. There are bears and wolves here abouts."

"Well-organized," Fergus said with approval. "I'd like to wash up, but I will join you in the command tent when I finish. Pippa told me much of what you've accomplished, but I'd like to hear your plans."

"Hot water's in your tent, my lord. Let us know if you need anything else," Nate replied. "My aide is with yours. He'll answer any questions and acquaint your aide with the camp."

"Excellent. Thank you." As Fergus made his way to the tent, he glanced back over his shoulder at Nate and wished he hadn't. Pippa was holding both of Nate's hands and kissing him. Clearly their betrothal is no secret here. He snorted. Don't be an ass, Fergus. She deserves happiness as much as you did. He walked into his tent and nodded, pleased at what he saw: camp desk, chair and stools, candles, lantern and small folding table laid with parchment, ink and quills. Nate's made all the right moves so far, but then, he would. Artur stepped out from behind the partition on the left.

He nodded at the space behind the flap. "Your bed chamber, my lord. I think you'll find it…adequate."

Fergus, curious at Artur's odd tone, entered and stopped short. In spite of himself, he chuckled. If I had any doubt Mum survived, this would put an end to it. Acting as quartermaster indeed. A feather bed on the platform and that…thing. He stared at the item he knew his mother had sent.

Mum called it a portable washstand, but that simple name failed to describe the contraption before him. Three legs attached to a round metal piece with a hole in its center. Three more rods extended upward to form a nest; a bowl with a stoppered drain sat in the nest. The bowl's drain pipe fit into the hole in the metal circle. A slop bucket sat between the three legs under the pipe. A water skin hung from another pole which extended from the wash basin and arched over it. A valve at the skin's base, let water out into the wash basin below. When you finished with your ablutions, you opened the basin's drain and the dirty water fell into the slop bucket.

Fergus smiled, recalling how his father had collapsed onto a chair with laughter when his mum had presented him with one of these devices years before. She was convinced that it would be a welcome item for their trip to the Blasted Hills mines and Bryce had agreed to take it along. Well, for her, it probably was. She always said her years with the Rebellion convinced her to enjoy any luxury life offered. This was not the same one, but…. He chuckled again. I wonder if Nate and Pippa have one too? Perhaps a betrothal gift from Mum? Or did they put it here to get rid of it?

He frowned. This had been happening. Old memories had become a small pleasure; but more recent ones, particularly of Oriana and Oren, still evoked anger and loss.

His aide, Artur, had poured boiling water into the basin. The water skin above had cool water, which he added to avoid scalding his hands. A cloth hung conveniently on the side of the tripod. He pressed the almost too hot cloth on his face. Despite the rainy march from the coast, he felt covered in salt from the sea spray on the galley. A cold wash yesterday at the dock camp had not cleaned it off completely. He rubbed the hot cloth over his bare head and scrubbed his neck and short beard.

Nate didn't even comment on my appearance. Zev prepared him well. He's accepting me as his commander and his lord. Maybe I can trust him, as Pippa says. I want my lands back and I want vengeance. I wonder what he wants for his father and brother? Vengeance or justice? Or something else?

Fergus heard Artur speaking quietly with another man in the other partition. Must be Nate's aide. Fergus had worn leathers on board the ship. He saw no need to weigh himself down in full armor when sailing. Here, he could shed even the leather and wear only his gambeson under a tunic, surcoat and mantel. The cave protected them from the weather, but away from a fire, the damp chill penetrated every pore. The newly lit brazier's heat had not yet filled the chamber. Several layers of warm wool appealed to him.

"Artur." The aide's head came through the flap in the partition.

"My lord."

"Help me out of this armor."

From Fergus' pack, Artur produced fresh braes, as he called small clothes, a short linen under tunic, hose, Fergus' spare gambeson and a calf length blue wool tunic with long sleeves and high neck. Donning the clothes, Fergus allowed Artur to attach his dark blue hose to the ties on the undertunic. Over the wool tunic, he wore a fur lined moss green wool surcoat, open in the front from neck to waist and laced at the sides from armhole to hip. A finely embroidered laurel branch covered one side of the front. From the hip, the side seams remained open for ease of movement and, as Oriana would have pointed out, to show the fine fur lining. Over the sleeveless surcoat, he wore a heavier, cream-colored wool mantel, with slits for his arms and a hood, which he left hanging down his back. His well worn, but still serviceable, leather boots completed the outfit.

Oriana had put these fine clothes at the bottom of his pack, sure he would be cold in the south and that King Cailan would have some sort of victory celebration requiring finer dress than armor. He had laughed when he found it at Ostagar. Even in the South, Cloudreach was too warm for so much fur, but Oriana's Antivan blood felt the cold long before his did. The fine clothes had been unnecessary on patrol but he had packed them anyway. Why did I pack so much when we left on patrol? What did I sense? He ran a hand down the martin fur where the surcoat neck folded over to show the lining. He imagined Oriana's fingers brushing through the soft pelt against his own. Feeling a lump begin to form in his throat, he pulled his hand away. This may not be a victory celebration, not yet, but I'll show them all how a teyrn dresses, at least.

"I'm going to the command tent, Artur. I won't need anything until later this evening. Explore if you want and find some dinner."

"Yes, my lord, as soon as I finish unpacking."

Fergus's lips quirked. Artur had come south as his squire, but had fought well, acted as a courier and assisted with many administrative duties in the months since. He had served Fergus well and earned his status as aide and soldier. When he could, he would knight the boy. "How long can it take? I'm wearing most of the clothes."

Artur did smile. "You are, my lord, but I can repair some tears and clean your armor while you're gone. Theo, Captain..umm,"

"Howe. You can say his name Artur."

"Yes, him…his aide, Theo, says they have a good armorer and complete supplies. I'll have the mail on the stand," he motioned toward the armor stand in the corner, "by morning."

"Well, I think we'll be here for a few days…it doesn't all have to be done today."

"Don't worry, Lord Fergus, I'll save the leathers, the laundry and mending for tomorrow."

Fergus patted the boy on a shoulder. "Thank you, Artur." He lifted the flap and entered the main chamber of the tent, stopping when he saw the visitor.

"Such fine clothes, but so little protection. Unless you're wearing chain mail underneath? You will convince everyone you trust them, my lord, but are you sure it's safe?"

"Zevran. Please, make yourself comfortable." Fergus nodded at the elf seated in his desk chair, one leg draped over the arm. "I'm wearing my gambeson. Sufficient, I think, among friends. Particularly if you and Kai have scouted the camp."

Smirking, Zevran rose and bowed. "Most assuredly, we have, my lord, but you must remember that while she is not here, I represent your sister. She would worry."

A frown flitted across Fergus' face. "Let's not discuss my sister, Zev. I am grateful that she asked you and Kai to accompany me and that you agreed. We'll leave it at that. And thank you. It seems you prepared Captain Howe well."

"That is a good thing, yes?"

Breathing deeply, Fergus said, "I hope so."

"As you surmised, I asked questions and observed. These people, your people, the refugees, want Cousland rule restored. The Wrath, they are loyal to House Haris. House Haris is loyal to you."

"There are no spies among the refugees?"

"The villagers know their own, my lord. Any spies suffered fatal accidents long ago."

"And Nate?"

"Damaged. His father tried to kill him. He's been in hiding for several years with his cousin, Franz. It seems Rendon Howe had two objectives when he hired the mercenaries to attack his Markham relations: kill Nate, and kill every member of his cousin Felix's family. Now Nate wants to restore what was, to the extent he can, both here and in Markham. He says he will bring his father to justice."

Zevran sat again, but this time on one of the stools. "I think he is not sure whether he wants justice or vengeance. Like you, yes? But, he has had time to bank the fires of his anger. You have not. And now he has his lady, whom he believed lost to him. Even so, he has lost much. It must be…disturbing…to find your father wants you dead. His goals match yours."

Fergus' fists clenched and unclenched as Zevran spoke. "I'll keep your findings in mind while we meet." His terse tone softened. "Thank you, Zevran. I appreciate your work here." Nodding to the elf, he walked to the entrance of the tent and stopped. I'm in Long's Reach. Mum's bannorn. The next step is regaining my home. He took a deep breath, squared his shoulders and opened the flap.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Both his advisers and Nate's had already joined the Wrath Captain and Philippa Broughten. Fergus stood in the entry, observing. Cheese, bread, jugs of some drink and bowls of dried fruit and fresh apples were spread across the tables. A wooden bowl and mug sat before each chair and stool. Everyone carried their own eating knife and spoon. Most sat and sipped from the mugs or ate from the rough fare.

Nate stood as Fergus walked farther into the tent. "My lord, welcome again to your Mother's ancestral lands here in Long's Reach. Your people in the refugee camp, and in the rest of the Reach, will rejoice to see you and know you live. For them, it will be a happy Satinalia indeed. The refugees will be even happier when we regain your lands and they can return home in time for spring planting."

Fergus nodded and made his way to the unoccupied high-backed arm chair at the center of the table, clearly meant for him. He sat and accepted a mug. "Ale?" he asked.

"One of the refugees brought several casks of his brew, Fergus. It's quite good," Pippa said pouring herself a mug.

After his introductory words, Nathaniel wasted no time in presenting his plan to Fergus and the others who had joined them in the command tent. Pippa sat between Fergus and Nate. Petyr, Einarr and Captain Silven sat on Fergus' other side. Nate's lieutenants, Eli, Bledri, and Laur, who Fergus had already met and a fourth who Nate introduced as Franz, completed the company, sitting to Nate's left.

"I thought you might want to celebrate the holiday closer to home."

"Which holiday?" Fergus asked. "First Day, Wintersend, Summerday?"

"Satinalia," Nate replied. "Well, early Firstfall, when my father's troops least expect it."

"You're that ready to attack? Are you holding positions close to Highever?"

"We're holding the coast lands up to Star Lake and the Star River, and the highlands up to Fronner Notch. We patrol the ridge above Elstan Notch to ensure no reinforcements arrive. Our Rasiae archers gave us the location of their clan camp - we set up a supply base there in the foothills. It provides a good base for patrolling the passes.

"We have another camp on the coast where galleys drop supplies in an old smuggler's cove, complete with tunnels and caves for storage. You might remember it. It's just past the elephant seals' cove Lys loved to visit." Nate suppressed a sigh when Fergus reacted with narrowed eyes and pursed lips. Not interested in memories of old adventures, then. So much for reminding him we were friends once. As boys he and Fergus had explored, fished and hunted all along the coast, on horseback and in Fergus' shallop the Guillemot, a small sailboat. They had often pretended to be smugglers or soldiers as they explored hidden coves and caves. He finally released the sigh. Clearly reminiscing isn't on Fergus' agenda. "We're ready to move forward. Castle Cousland is a day's march from our camps."

His tone brusque and formal, Fergus asked, "How heavily are the lands beyond Star Lake fortified?"

"Very lightly, my lord. Most of the farm holders and villagers have fled. The harvest is in – Thomas and Captain Tobias saw to that. Any stragglers, mages or elves are long since captured, killed or gone. Those few left retreated to the city for the winter at Howe's order. Since we haven't pushed into those abandoned lands, Thomas'…Howe's troops have become lax. Thomas and his captain only patrol occasionally. Their outposts are lightly staffed. They don't expect us to attack in the winter. Probably they plan to increase patrols and fortifications in the spring when they'll send farmers back to sow the crops, but now….

"I agree. This is the best time. The passes across the Coast Range will close, if they're not impassable already."

"For an army they are. A few could break through if they had the gear and skill, but not a whole army. As important, no reinforcements can get through the blockade by sea, but we can expect supplies and more troops from Cumberland and Eremon."

Frowning, Fergus leaned forward, forearms leaning on the table. "It's a good plan, but it sounds too simple."

"It may be simple, but it won't be easy. Several hundred troops remain at the Castle and the Keep. Howe will demand that they defend Higheverport and Castle Cousland to the last; they'll prefer death to my father's wrath. Howe abandoned the castle's keep and servants' ranges, but his troops occupy the castle's barracks, stables and outer battlements. Getting past to Broughten Keep and the city will be one fight. Regaining the Arl's Keep and the city will be another, although our agents report that only the guard officers are Howe's. We can hope the guards retain their loyalty to your House and do not fight quite as hard. We'll need to win quickly; they have the supplies to withstand a long siege. They've stored the harvest and livestock from the surrounding farmlands by using forced laborers, mostly elves, to harvest the abandoned fields. Both are fights we can win, especially in winter."

"Or we think we win through at Castle Cousland, perhaps a surprisingly easy victory, only to find ourselves ambushed at the city's gate." Fergus, arms folded across his chest, leaned back in his chair. He held Nate's gaze until the younger man looked down at the table. No one else spoke. "There are tunnels between castle and town where troops can hide," Fergus continued. "This all seems far too simple, Captain Howe." Fergus spit out Nate's surname as if it were an unwelcome peach pit.

"Fergus!" Pippa stood knocking her stool over. "Fergus Cousland, I know that you've lost more than most, but," she waved her arm to encompass every person in the room, "everyone here has lost a loved one or friend. A home. Their livelihood. Nate as much as any of us. His father, the man who murdered my mother, your father, your wife and your son, also attempted to murder him and his cousin and succeeded in murdering his cousin's entire family - Franz's father, mother, two sisters and a young brother. You're not the only one suffering. Your Mum is in Cumberland, grieving for her losses, alone. Don't you think I miss my mother and papa?"

Fergus, jaw clenched glared at Pippa. He wrenched his arm away when Petyr gently placed a hand on his sleeve.

"Pippa, sit," Nate said softly, righting her stool. "Fergus, I'll resign and Commander Aleksi will appoint a new captain. I'll stay under guard or leave as you wish. I'll not block your efforts to regain your lands. Just tell me what you want."

Fergus' laugh came out as a croak. "What I want… I want to go home and find my wife and child waiting for me. I want my Da to…" He stood, abruptly and walked to the tent's entry. "I want it to be last year. I want to know about the attack so I can prevent it. I want you and your family to suffer as I…we…have." He turned around. "I want the impossible."

Pippa got up, touching Nate's sleeve as she turned and walked around the table. She touched Fergus' cheek. "We all want the impossible, Fergus. Me. Mel. Your Mum. Nate. Everyone here. All the refugees out there."

Fergus swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded. "But we must focus on the possible. And I must trust my…old friend, despite his family name."

"You must trust me, your mum, Mel, Commander Aleksi…all the people who trust Nate," PIppa said. "He didn't just walk into camp yesterday and take over, nor has he acted alone."

"No," Fergus agreed. "You and my mum sent him." And that contraption in my tent is proof enough that Mum lives. I wonder if that's why she sent it?

The eight men at the table sat quietly, most staring at their hands. Petyr and Einarr watched Fergus closely, as did Nate. Looking at Petyr and Einarr, Fergus asked, "Thoughts?"

Einarr looked from Fergus to Nate and back. "I think we should give him a chance, Fergus. We'll watch him." Einarr's lips curled in a slight smile. "What do you think elf?" He looked over his shoulder.

Zevran rose from the shadows at the side of the tent. "I agree. He's shown me no reason to doubt him. He sends out messengers, but all head west to Eremon, Mairyn's Refuge and Cumberland or east to the supply camps. There's no talk among his troops of betrayal. Most of the Wrath have served for years and are not Fereldan. Their loyalty is to the Wrath. The Wrath's loyalty is to House Haris. House Haris' loyalty is to your family, my lord. I don't think Howe takes this rebellion seriously. He's made no attempt I could find to infiltrate it, not even among the refugees."

"That's not quite true," Nate said. "Several spies tried, but the other refugees soon denounced them. We held trials. The refugees wanted them hung. We did so. Since then, no refugees have left, and many have joined up to form a militia which trains and serves with the Wrath."

Zevran smiled. "I wondered if you would reveal that. Thank you, Captain."

"We sent agents to Higheverport. They think I'm an impostor trying to draw support away from Thomas; they don't realize how strong we are. As you know Ferg…my lord, it's not easy to find a way into Long's Reach overland. We guard the single pass very closely."

Fergus looked at Petyr. The warden smiled. "What they said, Fergus. I understand your doubts, but they're unfounded on the evidence I've heard and seen. Your mum, your sister, Lady Pippa…the fact that so many refugees found safety here all prove the Captain's worth and good intentions."

Fergus closed his eyes as Petyr spoke. He said nothing for some time. The drip of water on to the tent from the cave's roof provided the only sound. PIppa stood unmoving before him. Finally, he looked over her head at Nate. "I…need to think. I trust Zevran, Einarr and Petyr…their assessments and their judgment of men, but…." He breathed deeply, rubbing his bare head. "There's nothing wrong with your strategy or tactics, Captain. Maybe, as you say, it is simple, but not easy. We should meet again in the morning." He turned on his heel and left.

Einarr stood and looked at Nate. "He'll come around I think. I hope I judged you truly, for he is a friend. If not…" His look made the consequences clear. "I'll go join my troops now."

"I'll come along," Petyr said and followed Einarr out of tent. Lieutenant Silven followed.

"So, that went well," Pippa said brightly.

Nate's head shot up and his lieutenants stared at her, confused. She tilted her head, eyebrows raised. "You don't think so?"

Nate started laughing. The others joined. Pippa smiled, satisfied that she had relived the remaining tension.

"His lordship approved of my strategy and tactics."

"He did, Nate," Pippa said gently. "Remember, he's had no time to mourn. He only learned of the attack on Castle Cousland two months ago. He's been marching, avoiding Loghain and Howe's patrols ever since. Worse, he feels like Mel abandoned him. All he knows is that he must regain his lands, but he's not sure why, or what he'll do when he does. He's lost. He needs a friend, but you're his worst enemy's son as well as his childhood friend. It's a conflict he can't resolve just yet."

"Pippa's right, Nate." Kai had joined Zevran. "He doesn't trust anyone who wasn't with him in the Wilds…not Mel, not Arl Teagan, not us. He acts like he does at times, but…." She shrugged.

Franz touched Nate's shoulder. "Surely you remember that feeling?"

"And how long it took to go away." Nate slumped into the arm chair. "We don't have that much time and I don't know how to reassure him."

"Time," Pippa said. "Time and your actions will convince him." She saw Nate's expression. "I'm sorry love, but healing and trust both take time."

"I know, but…you and the Teyrna didn't take long. I hoped, with Dame Claire's backing, he would work with me."

"For us, I think it was being in Cumberland. We got there by trusting others and our own judgment, so we had already learned we could believe in people again. We felt no imminent threat. And Dame Claire lived through the Rebellion; she's learned to trust her instincts. Fergus hasn't." She smiled. "And you were my love, my lost boy. I suppose I wanted to believe."

He touched her cheek. "I'm glad. And you're right; Dame Claire willed herself to believe me, for which I'll always be grateful."

"She saw the boy she knew, who hadn't changed in any important way."

"You think so?"

"I'm sure of it. And Fergus will see it too, just like Mel did."

"I suppose I should be happy he hasn't attacked me."

Pippa giggled. "You should; he has a bigger blade than Mel did."

"Right, Mel only had her dagger." Nate snorted. "I should check in with my lieutenants, make sure all is well."

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Fergus ignored the messenger scratching on the tent's canvas, letting Artur discover what the message might be. His reaction to Nate confused him. He'd thought he had his feelings under control. He had not planned on confronting him at their first meeting.

"My Lord," Artur interrupted his thoughts, "there's a lieutenant from the Wrath here to see you: a Lieutenant Franz."

Fergus looked up and motioned the ginger-haired young man into the chamber.

"Lord Cousland, I met your mother in Cumberland. She entrusted me with this letter for you, believing that you lived and we would meet one day." He handed the letter to Fergus. "She did not tell Lady Pippa or Captain Howe about it. Once you read it, I think you may have questions. If you'll allow it, I'll wait outside the tent until you finish He bowed and left.

Fergus stared at the familiar script. That's Mum's writing, no doubt about that. And her Haris seal, not one known to many. He cracked the wax and opened the letter.

My Son,

If you're reading this, you're alive…and you know what happened. Son, I have no words to express my grief. Nothing has been more horrific than seeing our enemy's work that night. He fooled all of us, lying about delays, dining calmly at our table, billeting his guards in our home and reminiscing about past battles with your father. Odious creature.

Now for the point of this letter. Lieutenant Franz, who carried this letter, has his own story to tell you and I ask you to listen. It's not a tale I'll put in writing. I will also ask you to remember that the Captain is NOT his father; he is his own man and every inch the person we expected the young boy we loved to become.

Son, I know you hurt. Even I cannot imagine the depth of that wound. I hope your sister is with you, but if she is not, she is where she belongs and will join you when she can. Her companions need her skills and knowledge.

Fergus snorted. How does she know that?

Please find it in your heart to listen to those around you. You must take care, but there are friends you can trust. The bearer of this note is one. Your old friend and his betrothed is another.

Hoping we can soon meet in peace. Mum

Fergus reread the letter and then called out, "Lieutenant, come in."

"My Lord." Franz bowed.

"Sit and tell me your story."

"I'm from Markham, my lord. My father, Felix Markham, held lands there from his father, Arl Byron Howe." He ignored Fergus' surprise. "Grandfather Byron took the family name Markham when he inherited the estate. Our cousin Nate joined us as a squire seven years ago, sent to us in unexplained disgrace by his father. To my father's surprise, we found him amiable, diligent, skilled and as confused as we about the source of his disgrace. We came to believe his father simply wanted him out of the way; that he preferred to groom his younger brother Thomas for the Arling and wanted to pursue his evil plans for my family without objections from Nathaniel. It seems Arl Howe disapproved of Nate's conscience, his ties to Philippa Broughten and his friendship with you, my lord, but that understanding came later.

"Some four years later, my father, unbeknownst to Arl Howe in Fereldan, sent the two of us to a local mercenary company for further training. Soon after we left home, my family was attacked on the road from Markham to our country estate. All of them, my parents, my sisters and little brother, our guard and our servants were killed and the bodies burned. The city guard in Markham blamed bandits, but that road was safe. There had been no bandits along there in years, certainly none which could not be held off by our family's guards.

"The captain of the mercenary company didn't believe that it was bandits, although he thought my father had been the target. Father sometimes ignored demands of the Felicisima Armada for protection of his two coastal trading vessels. The captain thought the Armada might have hired bandits to scare the family and that the attack got out of control. He worried about my safety and decided to send us both to Commander Aleksi. I've been with the Wrath, using a false name, ever since.

"Nate didn't believe the bandit story either, but he blamed his own father, particularly when he heard Arl Howe had shown up in Markham, too quickly in Nate's opinion, to claim his inheritance. You see, if my father, my brother, my sisters and I were dead, Rendon Howe was the heir. It's a lucrative estate in a peaceful area.

"Once Nate saw me safe in Nevarra City with the Wrath, he left, thinking to keep divert attention from me should his father look for him. I spoke with my captain and asked permission to find him. We did. He had joined a company guarding the Blasted Hills mines. He came back to the Wrath, but not without a lot of persuasion. Once he did, he never left. Until he came here, he maintained his own alias.

"My lord, I would trust him with my life, and I have. He's a good man. I know you will need time, but your mother and I both wanted you to hear his story. He had no idea what his father planned for your family. If he had, I believe he would have found a way to warn you. I've seen him receive bad news, my lord, but I've never seen him look worse than when he learned of his father's crimes in Highever. He is angry and his anger is not as cold as he leads Pippa to believe. I think he will find it hard to bring his father to justice; he's more likely to kill him on the spot. Likely it will be self-defense from what I've heard of Rendon Howe."

Franz stood.

"Franz is your alias?"

The lieutenant nodded. "I was Frederik, my lord; Frederik Markham."

"And you'll get your lands back, once Howe is…gets his just desserts."

"I hope to, my lord."

"You and my mother have given me much to consider." He chuckled softly. "As my mother is wont to do. And I will consider it, Lieutenant." Franz waited to be dismissed, but Fergus had more questions. "What do you do for Nate?"

"I'm his courier and quartermaster, my lord, serving as liaison between Nate and Bann Alfstanna, your mother and Commander Aleksi. I make sure supplies and messages get delivered. I'm not someone Howe spies would recognize. If you have a message for the Bann, your mother or our Commander, I'll personally see it gets to them."

"I'll have letters tomorrow, by sundown. Will you still-"

"-I leave in three days, my lord. I'll carry them."

"You've seen the base to the east?"

"I've been to both, my lord. They're fully supplied with food, arms, a smithy, armor, everything a Wrath base requires. The elven camp even has spare horses. They're ready, my lord, for an assault."

"Nate's done a fine job, then."

"He's my friend and my cousin so I am biased, but yes, he's done well. The Commander would replace him if he didn't think so."

Fergus stood up and held out his hand. Franz took it and shook. "It's been a pleasure, Lieutenant. Stop by for the letter before you leave."

Franz stepped back, bowed again and left. Fergus hesitated, pondering which of his thoughts to commit to parchment.

Now what do I think? A soft laugh escaped. Mum, leave it to you to confuse me. You say I need friends, but you would say, not just those I came out of the Wilds with. You would say trust Teagan, Leonas, Alfstanna, Kai, Zevran, Pippa…my sister and Nate. I want to. I do. I think I put on a good show in South Reach. Yet I feel so alone except for Einarr and Petyr.

You even know to warn me not to be angry with Mel. On that, however, we don't agree. She's the one person out of the Wilds I thought I could trust. Of course she won't betray me to Howe, but she'll abandon me for her lover. I needed her here tonight. Pippa tried, but she loves Nate. I believe her, but I still doubt. I can't say any of this to you, for fear you'll show up here. I'm not ready to face you yet, Mum. Nor is it safe.

Fergus had no further emotional reactions to Nate or his plans. Their meetings over the next few days confirmed, for Fergus, the viability of Nate's plan. Without providing details, he wrote of their plans to his mother, adding the Pippa would remain at Long's Reach with the refugees. He admitted trusting Nate was proving a challenge, but promised to try. Nate might no longer be his friend, but he could work with him. He struggled with how to respond to Eleanor's comments about Melysande, finally settling on saying he needed her with him, but he would consider his mother's opinion. I'm not arguing with Mum in a letter, but I'll not lie either. I need my sister here, with me. I'll hear enough about it from Mum once we see each other again. Fergus managed to complete the letter in time for Franz to collect it. With that task completed, he turned his full attention to planning their attack.

The combined force included archers, infantry with sword and spear, cavalry and horse archers. Fully supplied bases, as Franz had assured him, stood ready to support the attack. He and Nate developed a strained but effective working relationship and chain of command for their joint force. The distances, even in winter, were short. Two days on galleys would bring half the troops to the coastal supply depot, even in winter seas. Local fishermen could predict periods of good weather for such short journeys.

Even in the deepening snow, barring a blizzard, the march to the elven camp depot would take only four to five days through the single passage between Long's Reach and the Coastlands, but a better assembly point, closer to the castle, would be on the western shore of Star Lake. They also agreed to use the tunnels beneath the castle, keep and town. More quickly than Fergus expected, they had a plan and a timetable for a winter attack on Castle Cousland and Higheverport.

Within ten days of Fergus' arrival, the combined troops were ready to move out. They would spend Satinalia marching. Heavy, deep snow fell farther south in the mountains around the Rasiae clan's former camp. Closer to the coast, the weather was more volatile, but, being more prone to thaws which melted the accumulated snow, it provided better terrain for troop movements. This early in the winter, the brief thaws would melt snow, but the bane of spring, mud, would not be a problem. Ice might slow them somewhat, but not as much as the thigh deep snow of the mountains.

Moving east from the Lyrium Cave, through the single pass out of Long's Reach, the troops would not go to the supply camp in the snowy Coastal Range foothills. Instead, three quarters of the troops from the Lyrium Cave marched, with Nate at their head, to a camp site on Star Lake, hidden behind the trees bordering the western shoreline. Fergus, the remaining infantry and a few archers, boarded galleys for the coastal depot three days later. Once the troops arrived at the Star Lake camp, messengers rode south to announce their arrival to the coastal camp and set a day to attack. Finally, Fergus was going home.

Pippa remained in the Long's Reach Camp as liaison between the army attacking Highever, the Lyrium Cave camp, and their allies in the Mairyn's Refuge camp, Eremon and Cumberland. On his return, Franz would continue as her courier, with a fast galley at his disposal. Between them they would ensure the flow of supplies and messages. Pippa would also see to the needs of the refugees, managing some sort of Satinalia celebration for them, and provide a contact point for Mel and her group when they appeared at the Refuge. Once they did she would send them on to Fergus and Nate.

While most of the wardens would accompany the army, a few wardens remained at both the Mairyn's Refuge and Long's Reach camps to protect against darkspawn and build barriers wherever they found Deep Road entrances. The refugees provided ample, skilled labor to help when the wardens deemed it safe. Safe in Long's Reach and hidden in Mairyn's Refuge, Pippa's small troop had no fear of Howe or Loghain attacking in winter. Even so they kept watch and guarded the single passage to the Coastlands. Fergus' army planned to surprise Thomas, not be surprised themselves.


A/N: Thank you for reading. If you have time, please review. I appreciate all followers, favorites, kudos and comments.

Thanks to my wonderful betas Kira Tamarion and Elyssa Cousland whose efforts make this a better story. Any errors are mine.

Thanks for the reviews and comments: Judy, SnowHelm, MIke3207, LyricalGibbon. Thanks to all who favorited, followed and gave kudos. I hope you continue to read and enjoy.