This chapter has been split into two parts due to length - Part 2 will be up this weekend! I hope you enjoy it!
Lisa - Thank you for always believing in me, even when I don't believe in myself! Love you!
Thanks to everyone who has read and favorited this story!
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"Grey Warden Commander," Fergus finished for her, his eyes glittering dangerously. "I have heard so much about you, Ser. I think we have much to discuss, you and I."
"Fergus," Zeva began, her eyes widening slightly at her brother's cold tone, "I don't think…"
Duncan pulled her closer to him, silencing her protests. "It's alright, my love," he said softly, his eyes never leaving the Teyrn's. "I agree completely, Teyrn Cousland. You and I have much to discuss; and when the time is right, I will be at your disposal. However, I do believe that particular conversation can wait for now. I would think your first desire would be to speak with your sister, not me. Am I incorrect in my assumption?"
Well, it seems that Teagan was correct, Fergus thought angrily. This Warden Commander is more than just a little charismatic. Confident, as well. "You are correct, Ser," he said, the smile on his lips not quite reaching his eyes. "We will continue this later." Turning his attention back to Zeva, he chuckled quietly. "Actually, my own reunion with you will have to wait. I have been given explicit instructions by Eamon to bring you to him at once. He has something he wishes to say to you."
"The Ashes worked?" Zeva asked, her eyes lit with joy. Searching the group before her, the Warden's gaze fell on Alistair and she disengaged herself from Duncan's embrace; rushing toward her surprised companion and throwing her arms around him. Alistair instantly picked her up and held her tightly against him. "I told you we would save him, Ali!" she cried, the relief evident in her tone.
"You did, at that," he replied, squeezing her a final time before setting her back on her feet. "And I swear to never doubt your infinite wisdom, or staunch determination, ever again!" Gazing down at his fellow Warden, he gently brushed a stray hair out of her eyes. "Thank you, Zeva, for everything."
"No need to thank me, Ali," she said softly. "You fought alongside me all the way." Turning back to Fergus, she smiled warmly. "While I cannot wait to see Eamon, as it has been far too long, I have a trip to the village to make before I return with you."
Fergus opened his mouth to question Zeva's comment, but stopped when he heard a joyous laugh erupt from the back of the group. He watched in surprise as a tanned elf approached his sister, his arms crossed over his chest. "Dwyn, my lovely Zeva?" the stranger asked. Fergus instantly frowned as he realized that he was looking upon the man who attempted to kidnap his sister and return her to Howe.
"Zeva," Duncan said, stepping closer to his lover and placing a hand on her arm, "surely that can wait until you see Eamon?"
"It most certainly cannot wait!" she replied irritably and now it was Fergus' turn to laugh. This was definitely his Zee Zee. When she made up her mind about something, there was no changing it. "Eamon will still be there when I return. The package I need to retrieve may not. We won't be gone long, Duncan. I will see you back at the castle when I am through."
"We?" Duncan responded quickly, his gaze flashing toward the assassin at Zeva's side. "If you think I am letting you go with…"
"Duncan," Zeva said in her sweetest voice, "you are the Warden Commander. Eamon will definitely want to see you. I will take Oghren and Zev with me and we will be back before you know it." Fergus almost felt bad for the frustrated man. He had been the recipient of that particular tone before, and he knew it was impossible to resist. Maker, it was wonderful to have his beloved Zee Zee back!
"I'll go, as well," Fergus spoke up, drawing the attention of the party. "After all, this will give me a chance to spend some time with Zeva before Eamon steals her away."
"Excellent," Zeva said, smiling up at Duncan. "See? I will have three extremely capable bodyguards. This will be a breeze."
Fergus' hands clenched tightly at his sides as the Warden Commander pulled Zeva into his arms and kissed her. His gaze turned instinctively to Teagan and he hated seeing the open pain in his friend's eyes. Duncan whispered something in Zeva's ear and she chuckled softly, nodding slowly at him. "I look forward to it," she said as she pulled away and turned in the direction of the village. "Coming, gentlemen?"
Without waiting for a response, Zeva headed down the hillside into town; her escorts close behind her.
o~~~~~~~~o
"Zeva," Fergus said calmly, "I don't think he's home." The group was standing outside a small hut in the center of the village, and Zeva had been banging on the door for nearly five minutes. "I am sure you can come back later and pick up this package of yours, whatever it is."
"I don't think your sister is familiar with the word 'later'," Oghren told him, laughing raucously. "My experience has been that when she wants something, it is best for your health to see that she gets it immediately."
Fergus couldn't help but smile at the dwarf. "You have an excellent grasp of the Zeva Cousland I grew up with," he replied. "She has been this way since the moment mother delivered her."
"I can hear you, you know," Zeva said, glaring at the duo. Zevran stepped up, and Fergus was shocked to see how quickly Zeva moved aside for the elf. He'd been watching the interaction between the two rogues very closely, and he now understood Duncan's reluctance to allow the assassin to travel alone with his sister. The familiarity with which they addressed each other made him wonder just how close they were; and their body language spoke of a far more intimate relationship than mere friends.
Zevran knelt down and pulled his lockpick kit from his leathers. In moments, he had the door unlocked and he and Zeva stepped inside. There, standing with a crossbow trained on the intruders, was an angry, dark haired dwarf.
"I assume you have a damned good reason for invading my home," he said as he shifted the crossbow's targeting eye from Zeva to Zevran and back again. Fergus saw the way the assassin's body immediately tensed as the weapon came to rest on the female Warden. Despite his discomfort with the elf, he could respect his desire to protect Zeva.
"Well, had you answered your door like any sensible man would," Zeva began, not the least bit concerned with the bolt that was pointed at her chest, "then I wouldn't be forced to use other methods to gain entrance, would I?"
"Wait, I know you," the dwarf replied, his finger still resting on the trigger of the crossbow. "You're that Warden that fought to save the village not long ago, aren't you?" His expression softened somewhat and Fergus sighed in relief as he carefully lowered his weapon. "Well, I don't give a damn what you do this time. I ain't fighting anything with you people again. Nearly lost my life and both my men the last time."
Zeva smiled, though the look in her eyes was anything but friendly. "You're Dwyn, correct? I've come looking for a weapon that you purchased from a thief named Faryn," she explained. "It is a Qunari sword and it belongs to the warrior who is travelling with my party. I have promised to retrieve it for him, and I will. So, how much do you want for it?"
"I am Dwyn," the dwarf replied, "and I did buy a sword from Faryn. However, I rather like it and I'm not looking to sell it at this time. Check back with me later and I may change my mind."
"I'm sorry," Zeva said, and the tone of her voice brought chills to Fergus. He'd never heard her speak quite that way before. "You obviously misunderstood what I said. That sword you purchased is stolen property and I promised to return it to its rightful owner. Whether I buy it from you or I take it off of your corpse is no matter to me. So I'll give you one minute to decide which it will be. Think carefully before you answer, as my patience is wearing rather thin when it comes to those who would benefit from the looted corpses of honorable warriors."
Dwyn considered Zeva's proposition a moment before replying. "My answer is still no," he finally answered. "So, why don't you just turn yourself around and get out of my house before I do some real damage to that pretty face of yours."
"Minute is up," Zeva said quietly, glancing sidelong at Zevran. Before Fergus had time to register what was happening, his sister pulled her dagger and sped across the room; charging into Dwyn and knocking him to the ground. Zevran kicked the crossbow out of the dwarf's reach, while Oghren kept watch on the front door; making sure none of Dwyn's friends arrived unexpectedly to protect him.
Zeva sat atop Dwyn, her dagger digging painfully into his throat. "Now, I am not an unreasonable woman," she said quietly. "I know you purchased that sword with your own money; and unlike your friend, Faryn, I am no thief. So, if you would be so kind as to point my handsome elven companion in the direction of the Qunari blade, I will give you 5 sovereigns and we will be on our way. Do we have a deal?"
Dwyn nodded very carefully, and motioned toward the back room of his home. Zevran disappeared through the doorway and returned several minutes later with an enormous sword in his arms.
"I assume that is the Qunari blade, Dwyn?" Zeva asked, lessening the pressure on the dagger so he could answer.
"Y-yes, he replied, his breath coming out in choked gasps. "Now, g-get off of m-me!"
Zeva stood, her dagger still pointed at the dwarf. Reaching into her hip pouch with her free hand, she pulled out the sovereigns and tossed them to the floor. "Pleasure doing business with you, Dwyn," she said sardonically. "You may want to think carefully about the merchants you deal with from now on. The next owner that comes looking for their possessions may not be as polite as me."
As soon as they excited the house, Zeva turned to Zevran and took the sword from his arms. "Thank you for retrieving it for me," she said and smiled warmly at him.
"Anything to hear you call me handsome, my Zeva," the assassin replied, falling into step at her side.
"Better get used to that, Cousland," Oghren muttered to Fergus after noticing the way the Teyrn was staring at the two rogues. "And when you figure out the real story with those two, let me know. I'm still trying to nail it down."
Good thing I'm back, Fergus thought, shaking his head slowly. He was now more certain than ever that his sister needed his guidance. And she was going to get it, whether she asked for it or not.
o~~~~~~~~o
Isolde paced Howe's study, growing more anxious with each moment that passed. When Eveline came to her earlier in the day and told her of Howe's desire to meet with her regarding Zeva, she had been thrilled. Anything that would remove that conniving bitch from Eamon's presence was perfect with the Arlessa.
From the moment Zeva and her party arrived in Redcliffe, the female Warden had taken control of Isolde's home. Teagan, that love-sick fool, gave her complete dominion over all decisions that were made during the battle against the demon in the castle - from what was to happen to the murderous mage, Jowan, to the fate of her own beloved Connor. Even when she was physically assaulted by the out-of-control Warden, no one stepped in to help her. She thought for a moment that the Warden Commander might be persuaded to aid her; but even he was entranced by the Cousland harlot, and fled after Zeva when she found them in the grand salon together.
Though Zeva wasn't in attendance when Eamon awoke, Isolde had no doubt that the young woman had played a critical role in removing her from their home. Teagan wanted Zeva desperately, and it didn't matter that she had set him aside for Duncan. His lack of self-control when it came to the Warden was of monumental concern to Isolde, and she prayed that Howe could help her rescue her husband from the danger she was certain he was in.
"Good evening, Arlessa Guerrin," Howe said as he stepped into the salon, a contented smile on his face. His administrator, Hastings, also entered and took a seat at a nearby scribe table, busying himself with the business of running the estate. "I trust you haven't been waiting long?"
Arrogant bastard, Isolde thought furiously. He knew I was here and left me to wait! When Eamon learns of this, he will… Her heart broke anew as she realized that her beloved husband may never learn of Howe's slight of his wife. Forcing a smile, she curtsied politely to him.
"Not at all, Milord," she said in her most honeyed tone of voice. "I understand how busy you must be, now that you are responsible for all of Denerim. I am quite grateful that you could find time for me at all, this evening."
Howe moved to the formal settee before the fire and motioned for Isolde to join him. "It's my pleasure, I assure you," he said kindly. When the Arlessa was comfortably seated, he turned toward her; careful to keep distance between them. After all, he wouldn't want Zeva to learn that he'd been too familiar with another woman.
"As you approached me with this meeting, Arlessa, I will let you begin," Howe said, clasping his hands in his lap. Though he had a million questions about the safety and condition of his beloved Zeva, he knew he should let Isolde speak first. After all, there was much to learn by watching the way someone moved as they spoke. Before divulging any of his plans for reuniting with his love, he needed to unmask his potential conspirator's true intentions. For if she wanted to harm his Zeva, she would never leave this house alive.
Isolde had interacted with Rendon Howe on several occasions before, and she quickly realized that the man before her was not the same one she remembered from the noble parties she'd attended with Eamon. Something was just wrong, though she couldn't quite put her finger on what it was. Taking a deep breath, she began her story.
"It is difficult to know where to start," Isolde said, gazing down at her folded hands. "As your administrator no doubt told you, Zeva Cousland and her companions have been using Redcliffe Castle as a temporary Warden compound while they seek allies against the Blight. My brother-in-law, Teagan, was informally engaged to marry Zeva before the death of her family, and so he gave her party sanctuary within my husband's home while he was ill."
MARRY! Howe thought, his fingernails now digging painfully into the palm of his hands. That rotten bastard! I will kill him, myself! Keeping the fury from his face, he smiled kindly at her. "I wasn't aware of that," he said quietly. "I assume this has some bearing on why you have come to me?"
Isolde noted the slight pinch around the Arl's eyes and worried that she'd said something wrong; though she couldn't imagine what it might have been. "It does," she agreed. "You see, on her first trip to Redcliffe after the battle at Ostagar, Zeva and Teagan spent some rather intimate time together. I believe it was only a fling for her; some way to entertain herself until her true lover, the Warden Commander Duncan, came around. But for Teagan, it was so much more."
Hastings cringed in his seat, watching his master carefully out of the corner of his eye. Move on! he nearly screamed at the Arlessa. If you continue, someone will die!
Howe interrupted, his voice rising slightly in pitch. "This Warden Commander – he is her lover now?" he asked through clenched teeth; the false smile still plastered on his face.
"Most definitely," Isolde answered, oblivious to the danger rising around her. "They can't even be in the same room without touching. But this is beside the point. Since Zeva's rejection of him, Teagan's emotional state has become quite unstable. He is consumed with jealousy and would do anything to steal her away from the Warden Commander. That is why I need your help, Arl Howe. I am afraid for my husband's life if I am kept from his side for long."
Howe's mind was momentarily drawn from his deadly plans for the Bann and Warden Commander by the unusual ending to her statement. "Your husband's life?" he asked incredulously. "Why would Teagan's feelings for Zeva risk Eamon's life?"
"Eamon has only recently recovered from an attempt on his life," she explained. "He is quite vulnerable now and I believe that is how Teagan was able to convince him to send me away. You have to understand. Circumstances have arisen that make it impossible for my son to inherit from his father. That leaves everything in Teagan's hands, should the worst befall Eamon. I am quite positive that my brother-in-law will use Eamon's weakened condition to take control of Redcliffe and offer it as a wedding gift to Zeva. And knowing what a power-hungry har…"
"Would you care for more wine, Arlessa?" Hastings interrupted, quickly rising from his chair and approaching the sofa, jug in hand. "I see that your glass is empty." Your brain obviously is, as well, he thought furiously, if you think that you will ever leave here after insulting my master's future bride.
"Um… alright," she replied, extending her glass toward him and smiling weakly. The look on the administrator's face was quite strained, and Isolde's unease began to rise. "So, now you see why I came to you, Arl Howe," she said, her attention once more on her host. "I need your help to save my husband from Teagan and his madness. Removing Zeva from him should be a fine first start in helping him to recover his senses. Eveline explained to me this afternoon that you have been looking for Zeva Cousland for quite a long time now. Might I ask why?"
"You may ask," he replied, his anger barely held in check. "I will only say that she is crucial to the future of my estate." Hasting's interruption had not prevented Howe from understanding what Isolde was about to say. He now knew that he couldn't trust her with any information about his future plans. However, he needn't trust her to use her…
Hastings saw the slight change in Howe's demeanor and exhaled the breath he had been holding. He had seen a similar expression on his master's face many times before, and knew that the Arlessa's life was safe for the moment; providing she kept her opinion of his future mistress to herself.
"I think we can help each other, Isolde – may I call you Isolde?" Howe said. The Arlessa's nod of assent brought a sly smile to his face. "I am most anxious to bring Zeva Cousland to my home and I can see that it would benefit you, as well. The only problem is location. I hardly think we will be able to stroll into Redcliffe Castle and take her with us."
"You are most correct," Isolde replied. "The Warden is never alone. She is surrounded by the men she has bewitched. If she isn't with Duncan or Teagan, she is in the company of that rather handsome elf. In fact, I would go so far as to say she spends more time with him than the other two, combined."
So the Antivan was with his Zeva! Howe thought furiously. Well, he would have to be the first to go. And that particular separation would be the easiest, given his part in her family's destruction. The Arl's smile grew broader as a plan formed in his mind…
His attention snapped back to Isolde as her next words registered in his mind. "However," she continued, "we won't have to get into Redcliffe Castle to get to Zeva. She will be coming here to Denerim very soon."
"What? Here?" Howe asked quickly, his heart beginning to race. "When is she coming here?"
Isolde jumped at the intensity in Howe's tone. "Well," she began, "I heard the soldiers in the castle speaking before I was sent away. Eamon will be coming here soon in an attempt to put an end to Regent Loghain's reign. One of Zeva's companions is Maric's bastard son, and I have no doubt that Eamon will attempt to rally support for him among the nobles. Zeva is extremely protective of Alistair and I know she won't allow him to make that journey alone. Once she is here in Denerim, it should be far easier to separate her from her protectors."
"That it will, Isolde," Howe said, his mind once more formulating a strategy to retrieve his lady. "That it will…"
Isolde saw the malicious grin on Howe's face and erroneously assumed he was thinking of Zeva. "I should get back to my estate," she said, rising from the sofa and smiling sheepishly at the Arl. "It will be several weeks before they arrive and that should be plenty of time to finalize our plans. I have already taken up so much of your time this evening, Rendon, and I wouldn't want to overstay my welcome."
Howe rose from the sofa, bowing politely to Isolde. "I thank you for coming, Isolde," he said. "You have greatly eased my mind. After many long months, it appears that I will finally have Zeva Cousland in my home, where she belongs."
Hastings led Isolde toward the entrance hall, thrilled that the meeting was finally over and he could return to his room. As they exited the study, Isolde turned back, smiling softly at Howe.
"Though I do not know your reasons for wanting to capture Zeva," she said, and Hastings felt his heart rate increase, "I don't doubt their validity. She has wronged us both, I am sure, and the sooner that whore is removed from both of our lives, the better off we will be." Without waiting for a response, she walked away. Hastings' heart dropped into his stomach as he saw the fury that rose in his master's eyes.
"Get Ferris," the Arl spat hatefully. "Immediately."
Sighing heavily, the defeated administrator nodded. "Of course, Milord," he said, closing the door quietly behind him.
o~~~~~~~~o
Arl Eamon Guerrin's room was nearly filled to capacity. All of the Wardens' companions, including Morrigan, had assembled in the room to await the arrival of Zeva and her party. Duncan was seated at Eamon's bedside, explaining the treaties to the Arl and recounting their adventure in Orzammar when the door opened and Zeva stepped inside. She quickly scanned the smiling faces before her; her gaze settling on the shocked Qunari in the far corner of the room.
Smiling broadly, she approached Sten and respectfully held his sword out to him. "I do believe this belongs to you," she said softly. The warrior reached forward with trembling hands and took the weapon from the Warden.
"Asala," he murmured reverently as he turned the sword over in his hands, checking it for any damage. When he was certain that his beloved blade was unharmed, his gaze turned to Zeva, and a warm smile appeared on his face.
"You have once more proven to be a formidable ally, Kadan," he said quietly. Only Zeva was close enough to see the tears glistening in his eyes. "I now owe you more than I can ever hope to repay. Because of you, I will someday be able to return home to my brothers and report on my journey."
"Though I am honored that you feel that you owe me," Zeva said carefully, "it is not necessary. I know how deeply you regretted the loss of your sword, and I had to do all that I could to reunite you with it. I am glad that I was able to do so."
"Thank you, Kadan," he said quietly and quickly left the room; no doubt to avoid showing the emotions he was feeling to the rest of the party. The room remained completely still for several moments following his departure. Eamon broke the silence, chuckling softly and shaking his head at Zeva.
"You always did know how to make an entrance," he said, smiling warmly at her. Zeva returned his smile and walked to the bed, leaning over and hugging him tightly.
"Be careful with him, Zee Zee," Fergus teased as he headed to a chair on the far side of the bed. "He is still recovering, you know."
Eamon glanced over at the Teyrn when Zeva pulled away, his eyebrow raised. "Fergus!" he said in mock indignation. "The day I am too weak to accept an embrace from a beautiful woman is the day you should just run me through with your sword." Turning his attention back to Zeva, he took her hands in his own.
"I cannot even begin to thank you for all that you have done for myself and my son," he said and kissed her knuckles gently. "Though I was not surprised to learn that it was you who saved us. You have always been extraordinary; and if anyone could find a way to release my family from the clutches of a demon, and rescue Redcliffe from certain defeat, it would be you."
"I appreciate your kind words, Eamon," Zeva said, "but I never acted alone. It was only through the coordinated efforts of my companions that we were able to succeed on our quests to save both Connor and yourself."
"With regards to Redcliffe," she continued, "your thanks would be far better served if you turned them to your brother. While we were able to fight alongside the people of the village to stop the undead horde, we arrived long after the attacks had begun. There would have been no Redcliffe to rescue if Teagan hadn't been here, protecting your people and their homes."
Eamon laughed joyously, squeezing Zeva's hands gently. "Modest, as always," he said. "You are correct, however. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful family and friends around me. Now, if I could only leave this blasted room, life would be complete."
"I was going to speak to you about that, Arl," Kinnon said as he approached the bed. "I think you are now strong enough to begin walking around the castle – upstairs only, of course. Should your recovery continue at its current rate, you should be firmly on your own feet in a few weeks. I will send a message to the Tower this afternoon and let First Enchanter Irving know that I will be returning within the month."
An awkward silence descended on the room. Everyone knew what the mage's declaration meant. Connor would be leaving Redcliffe forever in a few short weeks. Zeva squeezed Eamon's hand and smiled warmly at him. She knew the loss of his son would be devastating. Maybe she could speak to Irving about visitation. He did owe her, after all…
As though Wynne could read her thoughts, the elderly mage spoke up from her seat near the doorway. "Kinnon, could you please add a request into that letter to Irving for me?" she asked her former student. "Tell him I seek a special dispensation for visitation for the Arl and Bann. Mention that the Warden would appreciate it. After all, there would be no Tower without her, would there?"
"Of course, Wynne," Kinnon said, turning to leave the room. "I will prepare the letter right away." As the young mage left the room, Eamon smiled gratefully at Wynne.
"I cannot thank you enough, Milady," he said warmly. "Connor has lost so much, and I would hate for him to think that I had abandoned him."
Zeva looked around the room, noticing for the first time that Eamon's wife and son weren't in attendance. "Where is Connor, Eamon?" she asked. "Is he with Isolde? I would very much like to greet him properly."
Duncan placed a hand on Zeva's shoulder and she looked over at him, wondering what news she had missed while in the village. "Isolde isn't here," he said softly. "Arl Eamon knows everything, and he felt it was best that she spend some time in Denerim."
"Oh, Eamon," Zeva said, patting his hands, "I am so sorry."
"No need to apologize, Zeva," he said, his voice sounding weaker than it had since she'd sat down with him. "Isolde is the only one to blame for her currently situation. Maybe some time alone will help her to see the error of her ways. In the meantime, we have much to prepare for here. I suggest you all get some rest and we will meet in the private family dining room for the evening meal." His kind smile once again returned to his face. "It's upstairs, so my nanny won't mind."
As the party filed from the room, Teagan stepped up to Zeva; drawing her attention. Duncan tensed, ready for the attack that he assumed would come. Instead of anger, as he expected, he saw only sorrow in the Bann's eyes.
"Zeva," Teagan began quietly. "I would like to speak to you privately later, if I may."
"Of course, Teagan," she replied and Duncan shared the look of shock on the Bann's face. "I think that would be an excellent idea. After dinner, then?"
It took Teagan a moment to answer. He apparently hadn't planned on a positive response. "That would be perfect," he answered, smiling politely at her. "Thank you."
Nodding, Zeva allowed Duncan to escort her to their room. As soon as the door closed behind them, he turned to her; a furious look on his face. "Are you intentionally trying to drive me mad today?" he asked, pacing the bedroom. "First you traipse off to Redcliffe Village with the assassin, and now you agree to meet with Teagan ALONE? He attacked you, as well as me, Zeva! Do you really think it's wise to allow him any private time? He will only see it as one more sign that you are his!"
Zeva crossed the room and took Duncan's hands in her own. "Please listen to me, Duncan," she said calmly, and he stopped pacing. "We need Arl Eamon's help if we are going to succeed against Loghain. It would be foolish to think that Teagan will go away if we simply ignore him. At some point, he and I have to settle this situation between us, and I think now is as good a time as any. So please do not fight me on this. I promise to be careful, and I will attend the meeting armed, if you wish."
Wrapping her arms around his waist, she leaned up and planted the lightest of kisses on his lips. "Trust me, would you?" she asked. "I love you and I want us to finally have peace in our relationship. To do that, we need to handle the obstacles that come our way, and not ignore them. Teagan's continued infatuation with me is a major obstacle, but I know that I can explain things to him. He deserves to understand the truth, so that he can move on, as well."
"Fine, you can speak to him alone," Duncan replied, shaking his head at her. "But I need you to explain something to me first. How do you always manage to get me to do what you want?"
In response, Zeva reached up and pulled his lips to hers; their kiss long and sensual. When they finally separated, she gazed into his eyes. "You do what I ask because you love me and you trust me, just as I do you," she explained. "Though, if you ask Fergus, he will tell you that it's a skill I was born with."
Duncan chuckled. "I do love and trust you, my beloved Zeva," he said, kissing her once more, "but I am afraid that I must agree with your brother on this one point. You must have inherited this from your mother. I bet that she had your father similarly enthralled, didn't she?"
"Actually, she did," Zeva answered, and was pleased that the memories no longer brought pain to her heart. "He always did whatever she wanted, even when he swore he wouldn't." Speaking of her parents reminded her of another visit she needed to make, immediately. Pulling away from Duncan, she turned and headed for the bedroom door.
"Now where are you off to?" he asked, his arms crossed over his chest. "I had plans for you before dinner, in case you hadn't noticed."
Zeva turned back to him, a bright smile on her face. "Oh, I definitely noticed," she teased, "and don't think for one moment that I'm not tempted to remain here at your side. However, there is another obstacle that I must deal with first."
It only took a moment for him to realize who she was referring to. "Zeva," he began, "I can handle your brother, myself. In fact, I insist that I be allowed to speak to him."
"And you will, my love," Zeva replied. "However, there some things that he and I need to discuss and I refuse to wait for later. I'll be back soon." Blowing him a kiss, she walked into the hallway; closing the door behind her.
Oh, Fergus, Duncan thought as he began unpacking their things. I hope you are rested, because you will need every bit of energy to deal with the trouble that is coming your way.
o~~~~~~~~o
Hastings led Captain Ferris into Howe's study after seeing Isolde out the front door. For just a moment, he thought about warning her of what was to come; but the thought of the punishment he would receive if he were ever found out kept him silent. Isolde Guerrin was nothing to him; and no matter how bad he felt for her, he would never put his own life on the line for her.
"Milord," Ferris said, bowing respectfully before Howe, "Hastings said that you wished to see me? What may I do for you?"
Howe stood, and the murderous glare on his face temporarily froze the wizened soldier. His mind spun, wondering what he had done that would bring such anger to his master's eyes. He had been on very thin ice after his failure to capture the Warden in Lothering, and he knew another mistake would mean his life.
"The Arlessa of Redcliffe left this house not more than ten minutes ago," Howe said, and the way he spat her title brought a rush of relief to Ferris. So the woman was the one in the Arl's sights – good! "On her way out, that useless piece of filth referred to your future mistress as a whore. You can only imagine how that distresses me."
"How dare she say such things about the Lady Zeva, Milord!" Ferris replied immediately, a feeling of dread creeping up his spine. "What would you have me do?"
The cruel smile that spread across Howe's face made his skin crawl. "I want the Arlessa to learn what being a whore really is," he said coldly. "There are many dark alleyways and abandoned warehouses between here and the Guerrin estate. Take several of your men and 'escort' her to one of them. I assume I don't need to explain the rest."
"No, my Arl, you don't," Ferris said, his throat tightening painfully. He'd been involved in a punishment like this once before, and he'd hoped to never see it again. He didn't have the stomach for it. He knew several of Howe's soldiers who wouldn't think twice; in fact, they would relish the opportunity. Best to send them along on this particular mission.
Biting back his disgust, Ferris asked, "Are there any further instructions, Arl?"
"Actually, there are," Howe replied, sitting down casually on the settee. "My original plan was to enlist the Arlessa's aid while still allowing her to move freely around Denerim. That is now no longer an option. I will not let that vindictive harpy run around the city, spreading her lies about my Zeva. Therefore, gentlemen, we need to make Isolde Guerrin disappear."
Howe motioned toward the door to the study. "Ferris, you need to collect your men and get moving," he said. "After all, you don't want to keep the lucky lady waiting. Hastings and I will take care of the rest of the plan and we can fill you in when you return. Once your men are done, bring the Arlessa back here and deposit her in the basement accommodations."
"We will, Milord," Ferris said, bowing low and quickly exiting the room.
Hastings stood a moment, contemplating the best course of action. "I have an idea, if I may, Milord," he began. When Howe nodded, he continued. "Arlessa Isolde has already provided us with the perfect story. She has recently lost her son and her husband, and has made no attempt to hide her anguish about it. I suggest that we have her pen a letter to her home administrator, announcing her intent to take a rather extended vacation from everyone. It's not as though her husband will come looking for her."
Howe smiled and Hastings could tell that his master was pleased with the idea thus far. "The handmaiden might be a problem, as her mistress wouldn't leave without her," he continued. "However, my contact at the Gnawed Noble Tavern should be able to bring her to us."
"Excellent, Reginald," Howe said, his smile brighter than it had been in months. "Everything is finally coming together. Soon Zeva will take her rightful place at my side." He walked over to a nearby table and poured himself a glass of wine. "Arlessa Isolde had better spruce up her handwriting," he said, swirling the liquid in the glass. "She has quite a bit of writing to do in the very near future, should she wish to remain alive."
o~~~~~~~~o
"Come in," Fergus called when he heard the knock on his bedroom door. He was seated before the fireplace, reading a novel before dinner. He looked up and smiled as Zeva entered his room. Setting the book aside, he rose from the chair and met her, pulling her into a tight hug.
"I am so glad that you are safe," Zeva said, tears beginning to flow from her eyes. "I missed you so much and I am so very sorry. Fergus, I failed to protect mother and father, Oriana and Oren. If I had lost you, too…" Fergus pulled her toward the fire and sat down on the floor, taking her with him.
"Zeva," he said quietly, wiping the tears from her eyes, "you didn't fail. How could you have ever foreseen the monstrous things that Howe would do to us? Teagan told me what the bastard put you through and the 'offer' he made. When I finally get my hands on him, he will pay for every crime he has committed. We will find him and make him suffer, just as our family has suffered at his hands."
Kissing her softly on her forehead, he continued. "You have to forgive yourself, Zeva," he said, his heart breaking as he saw the pain in her eyes. "I don't blame you for what happened to my wife and child, or to mother and father. There is no one to blame but Howe. Take that guilt you feel and place it as Howe's feet, where it truly belongs. Then you will have the strength you need to defeat him."
His declaration complete, Fergus turned Zeva toward the fire and wrapped his arms around her; holding her tightly against his chest. They sat for a long time, just staring into the crackling embers. Zeva broke the silence, turning toward her brother and running her fingers over the scraggly beard that adorned his face.
"Are you planning on growing that out?" she asked, smiling softly at him. "You really should, you know. It will make you look distinguished."
Fergus chuckled, grabbing Zeva's hand and kissing her knuckles. "I imagine you would think so, given your recent choice in male companions."
Instantly he sensed the change in the tone of the room. Zeva pulled her hand back and stood, walking away from him.
"Zee Zee…" Fergus began, rising from the floor and moving to her side. "I.."
Zeva turned and Fergus froze. The look in her eyes was one he had never seen before. He never imagined in his wildest dreams that his beloved sister could be so furious with him; especially considering the pain they had both endured over the past few months.
"I am only going to say this once, Fergus Cousland," Zeva began, her voice cracking slightly. "I love you dearly. You are my brother and have always been my best friend. However, Duncan is the man I love and the man I have chosen as my partner. No one, and I repeat no one, will ever separate the two of us. That includes you."
Stepping up to him, Zeva placed her hands on his arms as she continued speaking, "Understand this, Fergus. Duncan wishes to speak directly with you regarding our relationship, and I will not dishonor him by interfering. However, if you do anything to bring him pain, you will answer to me. And I am not the same girl you left behind in Highever so many months ago. The confrontation will not end in your favor, I promise you."
Without another word, Zeva turned and left the room.
Fergus sat down on a nearby chair, her words replaying in his mind. You're right, my Zee Zee, he thought sadly. You aren't the same girl I left in Highever.
Whether that fact was good or bad remained to be seen…
To be continued…