Chapter 22

I chuckle as we reach the door to the library. "I will definitely try to." I open the door and lead her in. "This is the library, you can find a number of history books, as well as books about tactics and other natures in here." I notice Brother Aldous, "Hello Brother Aldous."

"Hello, my dear girl. By chance, I am beginning to teach these young squires about your family's history."

One of the young boys groans, "Do we have to? History is boring." I raise an eyebrow at his statement.

Aldous looks at him, obviously a little angry. "Boys, you are referring to the Couslands… the very family whose castle you live in! Show some respect!"

I chuckle, "Still the same taskmaster, I see?"

"If the mind is not exercised, it withers just as the body does. Perhaps you'd care to join me in teaching the lesson?"

"I'm quite familiar with the subject matter. However, I am tasked with showing one of our guests around."

"I wouldn't mind learning a bit about your family as I'm not really familiar with your history at all."

Brother Aldous seemed to enjoy the thought of having a student that actually wanted to learn. "Perhaps you could make the topic more… palatable for these lads and their miniscule intellects." I see that the two young lads don't realise what Aldous said about them. Boy, these two really don't pay attention.

"Very well."

"Wonderful! The Cousland history is long, indeed. Where shall we start?"

Nienna spoke up, "When was the Cousland line founded? All I know about the Couslands is they predate Fereldan as a country."

Aldous goes into explaining how my family became teryns, how we became a part of Fereldan, and the actions we took during the Orlesian occupation.

As we finished, Aldous remarked, "Well I'm glad some of my lessons don't disappear into that yawning chasm between your ears, young lady."

"It's your skill as a tutor, of course."

"If I were truly a skilled tutor, I suspect I would not encounter such insouciance amongst my pupils. You can look that up later."

"You cannot control how much care your pupils put into their lessons. Time to end the lesson, I think." I look to Nienna.

"Yes, I still need to find my quarters and take the chance to wash up before continuing the march to Ostagar."

Aldous looks at the two of us, "Thank you for indulging an old man."

We turn to leave as we hear one of the young boys complain. We start to head towards my quarters, "I will first show you my quarters, so you know where to find me."

"Thank you, my lady. Where will I be staying?"

"I believe you will be staying in the female barracks."

She nodded. "Then if you need to find me I will likely be there. Is there a bathhouse or anything for the knights that I could use?"

"Yes," As we walk towards my quarters, I see my mother.