The Hour of the Blight

by Volonius

After losing their family and lands to a mutiny, Lord Alvar Cousland and his wife, Lady Sancia are forced to flee. At the same time, there is threat of a blight. With Ferelden threatened both externally and internally; will Alvar avenge all the wrongs done to him, take back what was stolen from him, reunite with his wife and bring peace to the land or will he perish in the attempt?

5. Chapter 5: A tearful estrangement

Chapter 5: A Tearful Estrangement

"Those blackguards!" Ser Alan cursed "They dare to bargain with the Teyrn himself while he lay bleeding?!"

"Yes," Alvar said softly "With our house falling and our family risking extermination, that vulture swooped in and made sure he would not leave without taking what he came for."

"What of King Cailan?" asked Alan "What did he say to this extortion?"

"Cailan?!" yelled Alvar "That fool does not even see it as an extortion! He worships the Grey Wardens!... He thinks I should be honoured to join the Grey Wardens."

"I had thought so" Alan said softly

Alvar and Sancia turned, facing Alan, "What do you mean?" questioned Alvar.

"King Cailan has been spending a lot of time with the common soldiers, much to Teyrn Loghain's chagrin," answered Alan "The men say he often talks about the glorious battles 'like in the tales' and greatly reveres the Grey Wardens. They say that he seems disappointed that there is no sign of an archdemon in the wilds and that this might not be a real blight."

"Andraste's mercy! Why would he be disappointed that there might be no blight?!" asked Sancia in disbelief

"Like I said, my lady" Alan answered her "He hopes for a glorious battle like in the tales and songs of the bards. 'The king riding alongside the mighty Grey Wardens against a tainted dragon and vanquishing evil', those are the exact words he spoke passionately yesterday."

"That glory hound!" Alvar commented "He thinks a blight on the land is a chance for glory. All those young men who die against the darkspawn blades…bah, I wonder if he feels any remorse when he sends the same men with whom he drinks with, to die for his glory!"

"He likely feels as much remorse as he feels when he beds their wives without any qualms" stated Sancia, her tone filled with contempt.

"Yeah, maybe" agreed Alvar.

"Anyways, even after Fergus is missing and I am the last surviving member of House Cousland," said Alvar "the fool still allows Duncan to take me into his wretched order. He does not understand the consequences of my forceful recruitment.

Or he understands them very well…"

Sancia and Alan looked at Alvar's face, which was grim and contemplating.

"What do you mean? my husband," asked Sancia

"I am thinking that Cailan might know of the consequences of my joining and he is actually pleased at the turn of the events" Alvar said softly "He must have not forgotten what we Couslands did five years ago, at the time of choosing the successor to the throne and also how half of the nobility were ready to declare my father as the next king of Ferelden, while Cailan still lived."

Alvar looked at Sancia and Alan, both their faces showing attention

"Sancia" he said, facing her "You know that our family and the Theirins have always had a bittersweet relationship,"

"Yes, you have told me of that," nodded Sancia

"On the outside, House Cousland and House Theirin are allies, but secretly both our families have been political rivals and have had a power struggle going on. Our family has always been a major threat to the Theirins for the throne. And now, Cailan sees a perfect opportunity to remove this thorn from his side-

"Howe has mutinied and marked himself a renegade. Doubtless, Cailan will punish him, but by allowing my conscription to the Grey Wardens, Cailan will not have to reinstate us as the overlords of Highever. He gets to remove House Cousland, the largest threat to his power and Howe provides him a perfect scapegoat to do so."

"Are you implying that there are political motivations here, my lord?" asked Alan.

"Yes, Ser Alan," answered Alvar "Think man, Howe mutinies against us and ends up killing all of my family; Rendon Howe has never been very popular or highly respected by the nobility, they will call for his blood and Cailan will oblige them by bringing Howe to justice. The nobility and my vassals will be satisfied, but with no member of Cousland blood alive, the largest threat to Cailan's rule is also gone.

However, now I and Sancia have survived, and as last survivors of House Cousland, we are the legitimate heirs to the Teyrnir of Highever so Cailan will have to reinstate us. But then Duncan does a favour to Cailan by forcing me into the Grey Wardens in which case I will have to give up my rights and my birth to chase darkspawn and Cailan will no longer have to worry about the most powerful noble house plotting any more against his throne."

"hmm… that does make sense" Sancia said thoughtfully "Maybe Duncan and Cailan have thought of this and are in cahoots with each other-

"Alvar? Could it be that Cailan ordered Howe to mutiny against us?!" Sancia gasped in horror "I mean…it is possible that Cailan could have told Howe to attack us and once Howe served his purposes by getting rid of us, he would punish Howe to quench the nobility's call for blood. And ultimately Cailan gets to sate the nobility and get rid of us as well without losing any goodwill among our vassals in the process,"

The three of them sat silently and thought for a while.

"Yes, my dearest, it is possible" said Alvar "And they must not have anticipated our escape but fortunately for Cailan, he has Duncan to cover that up.

Although this is very much possible. I find it difficult to believe that Cailan could enact such a complex political move," Alvar said softly "From what I know of him, he is far too dull and stupid to plan that. Maybe someone has planned this.

"But one thing I am sure of is, that Howe's strings are being pulled by someone," Alvar declared earnestly "There is no way that jackal would do what he did at Highever, if he did not think he could get away and would be covered from any retaliation. Maybe someone powerful promised to cover for him?"

The three of them thought silently for some time. Alvar's words did carry meaning, as Rendon Howe was not someone stupid or reckless and it was doubtful, he would commit such high treason; unless he had someone powerful assuring him that he would get away doing so.

"Well, let's wring it from him when we face him next time" Sancia broke the silence "But now we must decide our next move for the present."

"Right," said Alvar, facing her and he placed an arm on her lap and squeezed gently "With Cailan and the rest of the nobles here being of little help, we must think of some way to free ourselves from Duncan and his lapdogs"

Alvar, Sancia and Alan lowered their heads and stared on the table before them, pondering their next decision. The silence resumed in the tent again as they were in deep thought.

Suddenly Alan raised his head and faced Alvar "My lord," he hissed "I have a plan… but, it is very risky"

"Let us hear it out" said Alvar

"Just a minute, my lord" saying this, Ser Alan got up from his seat and walked towards the entrance of the tent.

"Listen men," he commanded the guards "Triple the guard around this tent, make sure no one approaches the tent. We do not wish to be disturbed for some time."

The guards nodded and did as they were instructed. Ser Alan went inside "You" he bellowed at the elven servants who were waiting on them, standing behind the seated Alvar and Sancia "Leave us, all of you!" he commanded. The elf servants obeyed and soon the only occupants in the tent were Alan, Alvar and Sancia. Alan also closed the flap of the tent and took his seat as Alvar and Sancia watched him eagerly.

"My lord," he spoke softly "What I am saying is let us have all our men pack up and evacuate from Ostagar…let us march north, taking all our men to confront Howe and bring him to justice ourselves. Then we shall take back our lands and reinstate you and Lady Sancia as the overlords of Highever…"

"What?" Alvar hissed, astonished "If we do so, we will become renegades and Cailan would get a perfect excuse to even lawfully declare war on us!"

"Yes, my lord, in fact King Cailan would declare us outlaws even before we reach the Coastlands," said Alan "But, it will not matter because as soon as we recapture Highever, we shall declare independence from Ferelden!"

Alvar and Sancia stared at Alan, astounded by his plan "You are planning for secession!" Alvar hissed.

Alan got up from his seat and brought a large scroll from a smaller table nearby. He opened the scroll on the table in front their seats. It was a large, detailed map of Ferelden.

"My lord," he continued, taking his seat "The Teyrnir of Highever had stood alone for a long time before the kingdom of Ferelden even came into existence. And after we subdue Howe, we can take Amaranthine as well. Highever and Amaranthine are one of the wealthiest provinces of Ferelden and are well populated, we can easily raise many soldiers for our fyrd. And we shall unify our captured territories into a new kingdom of our own!"

Alvar sat staring at the map and thought about the plan "Once we carve out our own kingdom, we must be able to defend it as well," he stated, tracing his fingers on the map around the borders of Highever and Amaranthine, "With the darkspawn threat in the south, Cailan cannot spare many men to stop us, so we can be sure that he will not bother us for some time. But once the darkspawn threat has been ended, he will no doubt rally all his vassals and march north to confront us. We must be able to defend our kingdom against him. Hmm… we can bring Storm Coast also into our kingdom.

"Yes!" Alvar brightened "My uncle Bann Edric MacEanraig of Storm Coast would join us. Mayhap we can even convince Bann Alfstanna and Bann Franderel to join us, further increasing our domains to Waking Sea and West Hills. We will also need strong fortresses under our control as well."

"Storm Coast, Highever and Vigil's keep are some of the strongest fortresses in the north," said Alan "We can also renovate and reinhabit the abandoned Soldier's Peak."

"Yes," agreed Alvar "Soldier's Peak is an impregnable fortress and is also in close proximity with Highever. And along with the Storm Coast, Highever castle and Vigils keep we will then have four mighty strongholds under our control. And as for our army, we will have men from Highever, Amaranthine and Storm Coast; if Bann Alfstanna and Bann Franderel join us, we will have their men as well."

"You forgot about my father, darling," Sancia added, with a proud smile on her lips. Alvar and Alan turned to face her, "My father, Frederick Van Markham is the Grand Duke of Southern Nevarra, he has immense wealth and several thousands of soldiers under him. I can write to him and he will send forces and supplies to help us."

"Excellent!" Alvar exclaimed, his right hand curled into a fist "With reinforcements from Nevarra and our own valiant soldiers, we can hold out against Cailan's men and eventually force him to recognise our secession.

"The port cities of Highever and Amaranthine along with Denerim are the largest trading hubs in Ferelden. With Highever and Amaranthine under our control we will have the lion's share of Ferelden's trade through the seas. Our family also has many business relations in Nevarra, Free Marches, Antiva and even Orlais which we can make good use of, to grow our economy. Even without the trade, Highever has four silver mines and the inner regions of the Coastlands are rich in soil and pastures; enough to feed our people."

"It is very much possible!" declared Alvar "But we must not get ahead of ourselves. First, we must plan on how do we leave Ostagar. How many men do we have here currently?"

"With Lord Fergus taking over a thousand men and we have lost a few hundred in the battles against the darkspawn," said Alan "As per the last headcount I have had conducted, our fyrd numbers around eight thousand and seven hundred men, my lord."

"What about the other fyrds?" questioned Alvar.

"I do not know the exact count, but I am sure they are two times bigger than ours."

"Do you know if more men will arrive?"

"I have heard men say that Arl Eamon might arrive with the entire Redcliffe fyrd." Answered Alan

"Maker, then whatever we decide we must be quick," Alvar said earnestly "I do not know if we can face so many men at a time… if Cailan would try to stop us by force.

"And is there another entrance to this western block of Ostagar?" asked Alvar.

"Yes, my lord, there is an entrance near our encampment. We can leave through that route, avoiding the eastern block where the men of Denerim, Gwaren, Western hills make camp." answered Alan

"But still, we cannot leave with such large force as ours without word of it reaching Cailan." Alvar said grimly.

"True, my lord. But I believe he will not try to stop us by force," Alan said confidently "With the darkspawn so close, he may not try to assail us as it would result in bloodshed on both sides."

"Yes, he cannot afford to lose men needlessly," Alvar nodded, "He may not try to stop us by force, but he might immediately declare us renegades and send riders to the rest of the nobility spreading word of 'our betrayal'.

"So, as soon as we reach the imperial highway, we must do a forced march till we reach Storm Coast. From there we can safely plan to recapture Highever."

"Yes, my lord," Alan agreed "So… what are your orders then?"

Alvar sat silent, staring at the map in front of him. He was ruminating the entire plan. Sancia and Alan were also silent, thinking about the plan. Alvar looked up and then turned to face Sancia. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and gazed fondly at her face, Sancia returned a hopeful gaze.

"King Alvar and Queen Sancia of Highever!" he said softly, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze "Maker, I do like the sound of that!" he chuckled. Alvar is very tempted by the plan. Not only would he escape Duncan, but by seceding from Ferelden, he would no longer have to bow and revere Cailan whom he loathed greatly. Highever had always had some autonomy in governance and rule as long as they had paid their taxes to Denerim on time; but now he would be completely independent and in fact, he will no longer have to bow before anyone; he would recognise no one superior to himself than the Maker himself!

"But if we fail," Alvar uttered after a few moments of thought "the consequences will be very high… the Cousland name would forever be tarnished… we might all get executed as traitors alongside Howe,

"Or Cailan would then force me into the Grey Wardens just like how his ancestor King Arland punished Sophia Dryden for rebellion by forcing her into the Grey Wardens."

"hmm… that may happen," Alan nodded "But my lord, you are already being punished by King Cailan."

Alvar stared at the knight in perplexity.

"Sophia Dryden rebelled against the crown and committing high treason, her punishment was to join the Grey Wardens" expounded Alan "But you, my lord, House Cousland sent their entire fyrd to help King Cailan against the darkspawn, at the cost of their own safety; your family showed extreme loyalty and even paid a high price by doing so and how is King Cailan rewarding you for that? He wants you to join the Grey Wardens and give up everything, your standing, your life, your future;

King Cailan is already punishing you for loyalty; what difference will it make now if you commit to secession?"

"You are right," said Alvar, rubbing his chin "Heh… you know that old saying, 'No good deed goes unpunished." He chuckled mirthlessly "It seems there is truth in that."

"But what about of our men? If our grand scheme fails, how many of them would die," Alvar said anxiously "How many knights and smaller noble houses like yours would have their names tainted and be purged as traitors?" he turned towards Sancia "And what would happen to you... I do not want to think,"

'I know what will happen' thought Sancia. If their scheme fails, she thought, Cailan would claim her as spoils of war after defeating or even killing her husband and he might make her his 'royal mistress.' Sancia was filled with dread as she pondered the outcome; the proud daughter of Grand Duke Frederick Van Markham, niece of King Markus Pentaghast, and wife to her beloved Lord Alvar Cousland, reduced to a concubine of a shameless lothario king, she would then spend the rest of her sad days lying in the King's bedchamber waiting for him to come and ravish her, as and when he liked.

"Sancia?" Alvar's hand on her shoulder snapped her from her musings, "Uh…what?" she blurted

"What is on your mind, darling?" he asked.

"I…oh… nothing; you are right, my love" she said regaining her poise "The stakes are very high… which is why we must plan and work carefully. We must not fail!" she said with determination in her voice.

Alvar gazed at his wife and then turned to look at Alan. Both of them looked confident and hopeful. He also thought about the plan again, trying to analyse all the possible outcomes. Silence fell in the tent once more.

"Still…" Alvar broke the silence "This is a very ambitious and bold plan. I do like it, but the stakes are too high…"

"Do you have an alternative?" questioned Sancia.

"I do" he said softly. And Alvar detailed his own plan softly to his wife and his officer as they listened to his words intently.

After a brief discussion, "There… that is what we shall do," declared Alvar "If this also fails, then we shall go ahead with our secession scheme." he said earnestly.

Sancia and Alan nodded, "But now, before we undertake the first step of our plan, there is something we must take care of" said Alvar looking at his wife.

"I must have you escorted to Storm Coast." he declared.

"What? but why?!" she snapped.

"I want you to be safe," her husband answered calmly "If our plan fails and we are forced to go with our last alternative, there are chances that this camp will be become a battleground.

And even if it succeeds, we are very close to a darkspawn infested forest, it is very dangerous for you to stay. So, I will have you escorted to Storm Coast under heavy detail…"

"No!" cried Sancia "Alvar, I do not want to leave you,

what if something happens to me on the way? Or what if something happens to you here? And what if…." her words were stopped, as her husband pressed his lips on hers. A soft moan escaped her lips as she was caught off guard by Alvar's fierce kiss; she relished the passion and the intensity in it.

Alan took this as his cue to leave and left the tent, giving the young noble couple their privacy. Alvar stopped after some time and slowly withdrew his head, his hands were cupping Sancia's face. She stared at him, her lips parted slightly and she looked into his eyes.

"Sancia," he whispered fondly "Please, listen to me."

She nodded slowly, his hands still cupping her face.

"Your safety is my prime concern, this camp is very close with the positions of the darkspawn," he explained gently "There is too much danger here for you. I want you to be safe. You understand my concern, do you?"

"Yes, my love" Sancia answered "But after all that has happened, I do not know whom to trust and whom not to! Who knows how many enemies do we have and how long is their reach? I am scared, Alvar, I do not want to leave your side!" she cried.

"Darling, I understand your fear" he said "But please understand mine, I cannot fight the darkspawn…. and our other enemies, worrying about your safety. And if our plan fails, and we are forced to fight our way through Cailan's men, then what if you come into any harm?

"I do not know if I can live… if anything happens to you" he said, tears filled in his eyes "In Storm Coast… you will be safe. Uncle Edric will take good care of you. And you will have Angus and Elissa as well to give you company. You trust them, don't you?"

Tears filled in her own eyes as well, "Yes, I do" she answered confidently, she deeply trusted the MacEanraig family and her husband's cousins, the young Lord Angus and Lady Elissa were also close friends with her and Alvar. This was the reason Alvar was reassured of Sancia's safety by sending her to Storm Coast.

Sancia put her arms around his neck and hugged him, Alvar wrapped his arms around her and caressed her hair and her back.

"But I do not like this!" she cried, resting her head against his neck and shoulder "I want to be with you!"

"Neither do I," he whispered, kissing the top of her head "But we have little choice, we must do what we have to do.

"But I will return to you after all this," he declared "We will be together, soon"

"I know that." she replied and they sat in embrace for a few moments.

After some time, they pulled away. "Ser Alan, I want…." Alvar stopped as he looked at where Alan was sitting and realised, he a had left. He looked around the tent and saw that they had been alone for some time.

"Guards!" Alvar bellowed and two soldiers along with Ser Alan entered.

"Ah! Ser Alan!" he said as he sent the guards away with an imperious gesture of his hand "I want you to pick forty of our best knights and fifty men-at-arms and a few attendants. They shall be Sancia's escort to Storm Coast. I also want you to pick a trustworthy leader for the escort as well."

"Yes, my lord!" Ser Alan saluted and left.

Alvar turned to Sancia "Darling, where is the Highever seal?"

"I gave it to you." she answered, and Alvar looked puzzled "Check your purse." she added

"Oh right, I had forgotten," he said with slight embarrassment and he opened the purse in his belt to check the seal. He held the small ivory block, carved in the shape of the Highever spears and raindrop; in his palm.

"I will keep this with myself," he stated "the signet ring as well." he added raising his left hand where he wore his family's signet ring.

"And you still have the 'Treaty of Highever', right?" he asked her.

"Yes," she answered "I have tucked that scroll inside my dress."

"Good, keep it with yourself," he instructed "Maker knows, we might need it in the future. But I will keep the seal and the ring." And as he put the seal back in his purse, he also took out a handful of sovereigns from the purse. He counted them and handing them to Sancia, "Take this with you," he said "There are thirty sovereigns here, you might need them… in case of emergency."

Sancia accepted them and placed the sovereigns in a cloth, she then tied the cloth into a makeshift pouch. "You also have the knife I gave you?" asked Alvar, "Yes" she replied tapping on left side of her waist.

"Excellent! Keep it with you." he said,

Sancia agreed and then Ser Alan entered along with a young woman. The new woman was dressed in similar plate mail armour as Ser Alan. She is young and pretty to look at. She carried a longsword at her belt.

"My lord, my lady," said Alan "This is Ser Mhairi, she is a skilled knight hailing from Harper's Ford. I believe she is best suited to lead Lady Sancia's escort."

"Greetings, my lord, my lady!" Ser Mhairi bowed politely.

Alvar and Sancia got up and approached her. Alvar ordered her to rise and she stood at attention.

"Ser Alan has told you about your mission?" questioned Alvar.

"Yes, my lord!"

"You must lead around a hundred men to escort Sancia to Storm Coast," he said sternly "And after that you and the men under your command will serve as her personal bodyguards. Do you accept the task?"

"My lord, it is an honour I will gladly accept." she said with enthusiasm.

"hmm… I do not know you well; but if Ser Alan here, has faith in you, that it is enough for me." said Alvar in a commanding tone.

"I assure you my lord," responded Mhairi "Lady Sancia will not come into any harm under my protection. I swear I will protect her till my last breath!"

"Good!" said Alvar "Now let us prepare your retinue."

xXxXxXxXxXx

In the afternoon, near an entrance to the western block of the camp at Ostagar, a small but sizeable group had gathered. There were forty knights, gleaming in plate-mail armour, and plumed helmets covering their heads. Their horses were richly caparisoned with Cousland and Highever colours. Behind their column, stood three covered wains drawn by horses along with their drivers and a few servants, elven and human. One of these wains was going to be the transport for a high-born lady. The other two wains were stocked with supplies. The wains were then followed by fifty men-at-arms, clad in chain-mail and dark red surcoats, having the rampant mabari worked in golden yellow on the breast their heads were covered in bascinets with aventail. Both the knights and men-at-arms carried shields marked with the Cousland and Highever coat of arms respectively; the men-at-arms carried swords and axes while the knights were equipped with lances attached with blue pennons, and longswords at their belts.

Ser Mhairi and Ser Alan stood near the wains inspecting and discussing the route. They were soon approached by Alvar and Sancia.

"Are you all ready?" questioned Alvar.

"Yes, my lord," answered Mhairi and Alan.

"Good." Alvar stated. He and Sancia walked towards the empty horse wain. They stood facing each other.

Alvar and Sancia embraced fiercely. They stood in embrace for some time. Then slowly Alvar pulled his head back, and the two of them gazed into each other's eyes. Sancia then kissed him passionately on his lips. Alvar returned the kiss with equal passion, he wrapped one arm around her waist and the other hand, he rested on her cheek. Tears flowed from Sancia's closed eyes as she kissed her husband with fierce, burning ardour. For a few moments they were lost in a different world of their own, completely oblivious to their surroundings. Some of the soldiers stared, some of them ignored, Alan and Mhairi looked away to respect their lord and lady's privacy.

After a brief moment of passionate kissing, Alvar and Sancia pulled back, but they still stood in embrace. Alvar leaned his forehead on his Sancia's. She stood with her eyes closed.

"Stay safe, my dearest!" he whispered lovingly.

"You too, my husband." she whispered, looking at his face

"I do not know what will happen here and how long it will be, but I promise you, my love, I will return to you." he spoke fervently.

"I know, my love," she whispered "We shall be together again…. soon I hope."

They kissed again, but this time it was a quick one, but filled with no less passion and love.

Sancia then walked towards the back of her wain, it was no carriage like the ones she was used to travel in, but it was better than walking or riding a horse. She sat in the wain, and smiled with tearful eyes at Alvar. Alvar smiled back, his eyes were also brimming with tears. He then walked towards Mhairi who was now sitting on her own caparisoned horse, she waited at the head of the knights' column.

"Ser Mhairi!" he called.

"My lord!"

"Mhairi, you understand the importance of this task…. I am trusting you with the safety of my most precious pearl. Please keep her safe!" he requested, which was very rare from the Lord Alvar Cousland, and even more so as it was to a subordinate.

"I give you my word, lord" she declared, her voice was full of conviction "As long as I live, Lady Sancia will not come into any harm! I will protect her till my last breath!"

"Thank you." said Alvar, there was relief in his tone.

"Travel fast, Ser Mhairi, your mission is as urgent as important it is! make few stops on the way, only to provide the required rest to the men and horses. You must reach Storm Coast as soon as possible!" commanded Alvar.

"Godspeed, men!" he bellowed at the detail of soldiers,

Ser Mhairi nodded and ordered her men to march, her mind was full of questions. She wondered why did Lord Alvar and Lady Sancia come to Ostagar from Highever? why must Lady Sancia be escorted so urgently to Storm Coast when they had arrived to Ostagar today? why is Lady Sancia wearing a night dress rather than her usual silken robes?; all she was told by Ser Alan was that she must escort Lady Sancia to Storm Coast and it is very urgent and of high importance. He had also told her that there was a serious matter, which he would tell her when it is right. But he never told her, 'Perhaps I can ask Lady Sancia later?' she thought as she spurred her walking horse.

Sancia waved goodbye from her moving wain at Alvar, who stood and watched her retinue leave; Alvar waved back. Sancia sat in the wain with her head held high and in the dignified grace of one born in high nobility. She maybe travelling in a wain like a commoner but she is still a high-born lady and she will carry herself as such. Alvar saw this and smiled faintly at his proud wife. He and Alan stood watching the entourage leaving until the last soldier vanished from the view.

"Word would have reached King Cailan by now," said Alan.

"Of course, it has," added Alvar, wiping the tears in his eyes "But it will not matter."

Alvar, Alan and the other soldiers walked towards their tents.

A few hours passed, at around late afternoon, Alvar and Ser Alan sat in the main tent, they spoke little and were rather brooding. A couple of messengers had come from the eastern block of Ostagar asking for Alvar, they were sent by King Cailan. Alvar straight out refused to see them, forcing them to wait outside his tent.

A guard entered his tent "A messenger for you, my lord" he proclaimed.

"Another of Cailan's?" questioned Alvar.

"Nay, my lord, he is one of our fyrd."

"Send him in."

The messenger, who was scout in the Highever fyrd entered, "My lord, Lady Sancia's entourage has reached the Imperial highway!" he informed.

"Excellent!" Alvar brightened, "it seems Ser Mhairi has taken the 'urgent part' of her task seriously. Maker bless her!"

"Yes, my lord." Alan agreed.

With an imperious gesture of his hand, Alvar sent the messenger away, he stood up and faced Alan who also stood up from his seat.

"The time has come to execute the first step of our plan!" declared Alvar earnestly.

---

A/N: The treaty of highever, the Couslands' relations with the Theirins etc. will all be explained in future chapters.

I have exams approaching soon hence, I will have to take a break from writing. There won't be any updates till June 2021, I will not be responding to any PMs either. From June onwards (provided my exams do not get postponed) I shall resume writing this story and I will respond to any reviews/PMs. This story will be continued. Thank you to all readers of my story. I will see you all with the next update in June.

Regards,

Volonius