Chapter 25

I entered my brother's room, and I saw Fergus standing there, talking with Oriana and their son Oren. I regretted having to pull him from his family, but I knew that the threat that Fereldan faced demanded it.

Oren was trying to understand what was going on. "Is there really to be a war, papa? Will you bring me back a sward?"

Fregus chuckled,as he knelt in front of his son. "That's sword, Oren. And I'll get you the mightiest one I can find, I promise." He sighed, "I'll be back before you know it."

"I wish victory was so certain. My heart is…" Oriana paused, "disquiet."

Fergus stood up, "Don't frighten the boy, love. I speak the truth." He noticed my presence and turned to me, "And here's my little sister to see me off. Now dry your eyes, love, and wish me well."

I entered his room further, "No darkspawn could harm Fergus!"

Oriana stood there, shaking her head. "He is as mortal as anyone, despite his refusal to believe."

"Now, love. No need to be grim." Fergus looked to his wife with concern in his eyes. He knew that she would worry. To be honest, we all did.

"You'll be missed brother."

He laughed "If it's any consolation, i'm sure I'll freeze in the southern rain and be completely jealous of you up here, warm and safe."

"I am positively thrilled you will be so miserable dear husband," Oriana retorted.

"I wish I could go with you." That way I could know that you were safe.

"I wish you could come! It'll be tiring killing all those darkspawn myself," Fergus joked.

Oriana seemed shocked. "In Antiva, a woman fighting in a battle would be… unthinkable."

"Is that so? I always heard Antivan women were quite dangerous."

"With kindness and poison only, my dear husband."

"This from the woman who serves my tea," Fergus chuckles.

"Do you really think the war will be over quickly?" I was curious. Why would they need our men if this war is to be over quickly?

"Word from the south is that the battles have gone well. There's no evidence that this is a true blight-just a large raid." Fergus sounded hopeful, like he didn't really want to leave.

Oriana also carried this hope. "Could that be true?"

"I'll see for myself soon enough. Pray for me, love, and I'll be back within a month or two."

I wonder if Fergus knew, "Did you know that there's Grey Warden in the castle?"

"Really?! Was he riding a Griffon?" Oren beamed with excitement at the thought.

"Shush, Oren. Griffons only exist in stories now." Oren was a little upset at this news from his mother.

"I'd heard that. Did he say why he's come?" Fergus was interested, though that would go for anyone.

"He says he's recruiting."

"Oh? If I was a Grey Warden, little sister, I'd have my eye on you. Not that Father would ever allow it." Fergus said this, knowing how true of a statement it is.

That reminded me, "I bring a message; Father wants you to leave without him."

"Then the arl's men are delayed. You'd think his men were all walking backwards," Fergus sighs. "Well I'd better get underway. So many darkspawn to behead so little time. Off we go, then. I'll see you soon, my love."

"I would hope, dear boy, that you planned to wait for us before taking your leave?" My father came into the room.

My mother's face held worry, "Be well, my son. I will pray for your safety every day you are gone."

"Fergus will be fine." I had great faith in my brother's abilities.

"I keep telling you, no darkspawn will ever best me." Fergus's voice held confidence.

"The Maker sustain and preserve us all. Watch over our sons, husbands, and fathers and bring them safely back to us." Oriana prayed.

"And bring some ale and wenches while you're at it." Oriana raised her eyebrow at Fergus's joke, "Er… for the men of course."

"What's a wench? Is that what you pull on to get the bucket out of the well?" Oren really didn't understand what was going on.

"A wench is a woman that pours the ale in a tavern, Oren. Or a woman who drinks a lot of ale." My father, as straightforward as ever.

"Bryce! Makers breath! It's like living with a pair of small boys. Thankfully, I have a daughter." My mother looked at me as she said this. Honestly, I am not much better than them.

Fergus laughs, "I'll miss you, Mother dear. You'll take care of her, Sister, won't you?"

"Mother can handle herself. Always has."

"It's true. They should be sending her, not me. She would scold those darkspawn back into the Deep Roads." A part of Fergus seemed to believe this.

"Well I'm glad you find this so funny." My mother didn't find it funny.

Thankfully, my father knew when to change the subject. "Enough, enough. Pup, you'll want to get an early night. You've much to do tomorrow."

Oren grabbed my hand to stop me from leaving. "Mama says you're going to be watching over us while papa is gone. Is that true, Auntie?"

I knelt in front of him, "Yes that's true Oren." I ruffled his hair.

"What if the castle is attacked? Will there be dragons?!" He sounded oddly excited at the thought.

Oriana seemed exhausted. "Dragons are terrible creatures, Oren. They eat people."

"Yeah! I want to see one!" No you don't, Oren.

"This is your influence, Fergus." I have to agree with Oriana on that one.

Fergus looked confused, "What? I didn't say anything."

Oren started jumping up and down in excitement. "Are you going to teach me to use a sword, Auntie? Then I can fight evil too! Take that, dire bunny! All darkspawn fear my sword of truthiness!"

"Maybe. Ask your mother." I will not dare cross her.

Her answer was obvious, "I'm thinking... no."

Oren pouted, "I never get to do anything!"

"Don't worry, son. You'll get to see a sword up close real soon, I promise." Fergus was determined to teach his son how to use a sword.

My father pulled me to the side. "You should be on your way, pup. Long day ahead, tomorrow."

"Is sending all of our forces south a good idea?" I was worried about what might happen.

"When the king demands it. In fact, not sending out forces south would be a distinctly bad idea." He could see the worry on my face. "Don't worry, pup. You shouldn't see many problems. But I want you to prepare the men left here. In case."

"Are you sure you'll be alright?" Not all of my worry is about what might happen here.

"Your brother and I go into battle, not an afternoon tea. Who knows what will happen to us? I will tell you however: you're my darling daughter, I love you, and I trust you completely to carry on the Cousland name if the worst should happen." He put a hand on my shoulder, "But don't worry about me, dear girl. You'll have enough to occupy your mind while I am gone."

"About this Grey Warden…"

"Ah. I was wondering how long this would take. Has he asked to recruit you?"

"He hasn't. I was just wondering about him."

"If a Blight is truly upon us in the south, the Grey Wardens will be needed. There is no higher calling. If it comes to that, we can talk about it when I get back. Until then, just show him every courtesy. Duncan is a fine man and a hero."

"I'll go now." I was ready to retire for the night.

"I know that you'll do me proud. You've grown into a sensible woman, that much is clear." My father smiled, his pride in me showing in his face.

I exited my brother's room, and walked over to mine. I removed my weapons and armor placing them on the racks near my bed. I looked to Aseir and saw him already asleep at the foot of my bed. I rubbed his head and layed down under my covers, and soon sleep took me.