Chapter 15: The Regent of Ferelden
A/N: Important note- Chronologically, this chapter takes place before Chapter 13. The events of this chapter occur a couple of days before Alvar, Alistair and Morrigan reach Lothering. Keep this in mind.
With that said, let us start with the chapter.
It is the twenty-second day in the month of Drakonis, year 9:30 Dragon. Eight days have passed since the disastrous battle at Ostagar where almost eighteen thousand soldiers of Ferelden had perished. The casualties included the young King Cailan as well. Loghain Mac Tir, Teyrn of Gwaren and father-in-law to the deceased king had called for a Landsmeet in Denerim, the crown city of Ferelden. There the nobility shall decide upon the next course of action.
Today is the day of the Landsmeet. But in the morning, before the gathering of the Landsmeet, a group of some dozen or so nobles meet in the Arl of South Reach's estate to discuss their own shared interests. They are seated on chairs and sofas in the main hall of the estate.
"I take it you all have heard of the sacrilegious massacre at Highever," the speaker is Lord Edric Mac Eanraig, the Bann of Storm Coast, a small but significant coastal region in the north western part of Ferelden bordering Highever. A middle-aged man with greying hair, he is the second child and eldest son of the Fearchar Mac Eanraig, the infamous Storm Giant, "I cannot believe my sister and so many of her family are dead. They are all gone, just like that!" he cried.
"Yes, I am sorry for your loss," Bann Alfstanna of Waking Sea, an island province in north western Ferelden, tried to soothe him. "Maker, I never thought Howe would attempt such a coup. How does he think he can get away with this?"
"I never trusted Howe, the young scout I knew had died in the battle of White River!" Arl Leonas Bryland of South Reach spoke in contempt, out of all the nobles present in the room he ranks the highest, "But his audacity is what surprises me. He is no fool, I am sure someone has been pulling his strings. Even Lord Alvar was certain that Howe is backed someone."
"Where is Bann Loren? Lady Landra and Lord Dairren were also murdered that night," the man asking is Bann Gilmore of Upwold, a region in the northern Bannorn, his son was Ser Roland Gilmore, the late captain of Cousland household guards, "Does he not care for the cold-blooded murder of his wife and heir?!"
"Bann Loren has always been a coward and a fool," uttered Bann Edric, his tone is filled with disdain at the Bann of Oswin, "Forget his presence, he has not even sent any delegates on his behalf."
The nobles sat silently for a few moments.
"What happened at Highever was atrocious," Bann Grainne of Holloway, another north western province spoke, her grey hair and wrinkled face displayed sadness, she turned to face Bann Edric, "How is the Lady Sancia?" she asked gently, "The poor girl lost her family days ago and now she loses her husband at Ostagar."
"She is torn with grief, Lady Grainne," Bann Edric answered softly, "When she heard of the disaster at Ostagar and the death of my nephew, she fainted and she was in denial for a couple of days. I feared for her life. She spends most of her day praying in the castle chapel. At other times, we find her standing in the gardens or the verandas, staring into the sky. Her face void of any emotion-
"She's been close with my daughter Elissa. And ever since her arrival Elissa's company has been a constant comfort to her. Elissa informs me that Sancia keeps her awake late into the night with her constant nightmares and weeping, she is yet to spend a single night in the room we had prepared for her. It seems Sancia's soul has also died the day Alvar fell. I find it hard to believe that the girl in my home is the same girl Bryce and Eleanor brought to Ferelden two years ago. Her elegance and radiant smiles are now replaced by tears and lamentations."
"Oh, the poor child," Bann Grainne said pitifully. The faces of other nobles too expressed pity.
"Actually, I believe Lord Alvar might be alive," Arl Bryland said skeptically.
Astounded by his words, all the nobles present turned to face him. "Alvar is alive? But how? Word is that all the Grey Wardens were killed in Ostagar," gasped Bann Edric.
"As my men were withdrawing, some of them have reported a strange sighting," explained the Arl, "They claim to have noticed the Archdemon descending on the top of the tower of Ishal. It swooped on the tower and then vanished for some time. Then suddenly it reappeared above the tower and flew south towards the Wilds. They think the Archdemon was carrying something in both its talons-
"The men couldn't discern what it carried but some say it looked like a man in each talon. Now, I do not think the Archdemon would have any interest in common soldiers. But there were at least two Grey Wardens in the tower, one of them is Lord Alvar. The other I know not."
"So are you saying my nephew has been carried off by the Archdemon!" Bann Edric exclaimed in horror, "Maker, was witnessing his family's murders not enough? How much more must he suffer?!"
"Calm down, Lord Edric. We do not know that for certain," Arl Bryland tried to console the Bann, "He might have escaped its clutches. All I would say now is that there is a possibility Lord Alvar is alive." Despite saying this, he himself wondered if it was a fool's hope.
Bann Edric brought a hand on his forehead in worry, he sighed, "Maker, how will I tell Sancia that her husband may be alive but he is now a captive of the Archdemon?" he uttered softly.
"Whatever it is, we shall talk later," Bann Franderel of West Hills*, an inland region to the south west of Highever spoke, "For now we must decide what to do next. Howe has killed our liege lord and usurped the title and lands unlawfully. I do not wish to swear fealty to that vile snake, I do not want to bow before that usurper!" his tone was filled with scorn.
"Yes, that bastard killed my sister and her family! He must pay for that!" declared Bann Edric.
The other nobles nodded in agreement. "Bryce Cousland was my best friend," proclaimed Arl Bryland, "I promised Alvar to stand by him, I will not let Howe benefit from his crimes! And I have a way to do so,"
"When Lord Alvar joined the Grey Wardens, he had King Cailan draft a charter denouncing Rendon Howe as a renegade and declaring himself and Lady Sancia as the legitimate heirs to Highever. We shall mention that charter in the Landsmeet, we can use it to get Howe punished."
"Where is this charter now?" asked Bann Sighard of Dragon's peak, a region within the Arling of Denerim, his lands touch some of the northern edges of Brecilian forest.
Arl Bryland looked dejected at the question, "It was in Lord Alvar's possession," he answered, "But it was signed in Loghain's presence so we might manage something."
"Loghain left the king to die, his own son in law," Bann Anghbor of Esterwind, a southern region bordering South Reach spoke, he is also related to Arl Leonas Bryland. His daughter Rowena is the wife of Leonas's eldest son Lord Leander, "He abandoned his own son-in-law to the darkspawn, would he really be willing to assist us in favour of the Couslands? We must not forget the Mac Tirs and the Couslands seldom saw eye to eye."
Silence fell in the hall, Bann Anghbor did have a point. Arl Leonas Bryland pondered, sitting on his cushioned chair and his eyes gazing at the floor, he then looked up at Bann Anghbor, "You are right, Lord Anghbor. I have had my doubts as well," he uttered, "But still it is worth a try,"
"Hmm… But if we do manage to get Howe punished, what about Highever's ownership?" asked Bann Franderel, "We do not know if Lord Alvar is still alive, who would be the next overlord to the Teyrnir?"
"Lady Sancia," proclaimed Arl Bryland, "The charter signed by King Cailan recognises both Lord Alvar and Lady Sancia as successors to Highever. In addition, as the wife of Lord Alvar she has rights of inheritance to Lord Alvar's possessions. We can put her forward as claimant to Highever."
"That is true," said Bann Alfstanna, "But would Teyrn Loghain really accept Lady Sancia as the next Teyrna of Highever? With all due respect, Lady Sancia is not a Fereldan. And it is well known how Loghain feels about foreigners.
"Her marriage with Lord Alvar is what binds her to Ferelden, if Lord Alvar has really fallen in battle, then there is little binding her to Ferelden. What worries me is would Teyrn Loghain actually allow an independent Nevarran Lady to lord over one of the largest and wealthiest provinces of Ferelden?"
"Sancia has been a Fereldan for more than two years," proclaimed Bann Edric, "Her marriage is legitimately recognised by the Chantry. She is as much Fereldan as any of us here. Even if Alvar is with the Maker, she will always be my niece-in-law.
"Whatever Loghain may feel about her, he cannot dispute her right of inheritance by marriage. The charter between Alvar and King Cailan recognises Alvar's rights to Highever. And as Alvar's wife or widow…. if the worst has happened, Sancia still retains rights to her husband's holdings.
"But let us discuss Highever's ownership later, for now we must focus on punishing that jackal Howe."
"Yes, and there is one more thing I have for you all," said Arl Bryland and he produced a parchment from his belongings, he presented the parchment before the group of nobles, "If I will be the only one to speak against Howe, my words may not have enough weight. Hence, I have drafted a petition addressing Teyrn Loghain to investigate Howe's actions at Highever and requesting him to dispense justice accordingly.
"I request all of you to sign this petition, so that we can present a united front in the Landsmeet."
"An excellent proposal, Lord Bryland," said Bann Edric. The other nobles agreed as well and the parchment was passed from one noble to another until it contained nine signatures.
The nobles who signed are; Arl Leonas Bryland of South Reach, Bann Edric Man Eanraig of Storm Coast, Bann Hywel of Highever city, Bann Grainne of Holloway, Bann Alfstanna of Waking Sea, Bann Franderel of West Hills, Bann Sighard of Dragon's Peak, Bann Gilmore of Upwold, Bann Anghbor of Esterwind, Bann Telman of Mistmoor, Bann Valdor of Bronach.
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"And I expect you all to supply the soldiers! While the bulk of our army still lives, we have taken significant losses at Ostagar! We need as many soldiers as we can!" declared Loghain in the throne hall of the royal palace.
The hall is filled with several members of the nobility of Ferelden. Lords and Ladies of various ranks and power thronged the hall. Teyrn Loghain had recently declared himself as 'regent' to the widowed queen Anora. He has taken the title of Lord Regent of the Realm. Lord Donalbain, the seneschal of Denerim just proclaimed him so.
Loghain stood domineeringly on the dais on which was placed two thrones close to one another. Both the thrones are currently unoccupied. To his right stood his daughter, the young dowager Queen Anora. She is dressed in a simple black gown, mourning for her dead husband. Her blonde hair is tied in a bun at the back of her head which is now bowing slightly. Her pretty face is enigmatic, showing no emotion.
To Loghain's left stood Arl Rendon Howe of Amaranthine, his shoulders wide and his arms crossed in a triumphant manner. A smug, triumphant smile covered his wrinkled face. He was the only one in the hall who seemed calm and unaffected by the Teyrn's recent declaration, mayhap he was prepared for this.
While the Senechal Donalbain stood facing the noble crowd, his back was to the new regent, the queen and the Arl. He stood below, in front of the dais. His wrinkled old face showed little emotion. He stood bowing his head low. He was one of the advisors to King Cailan along with Arl Eamon, Teyrn Bryce, Teyrn Loghain and Arl Kendells. Now, his master was Loghain.
On hearing Loghain's declaration, the hall was loud with nobles talking amongst themselves. Arl Bryland stood among the crowd with Bann Edric and Bann Anghbor on each side. Dumbfounded by the declaration, they exchanged shocked glances with one another. Bryland gazed intently at Howe standing smugly next to Loghain. There was no love between Arl Leonas Bryland and Arl Rendon Howe's late wife was Arl Bryland's younger sister. The Arl of Amaranthine returned his brother-in-law's intent gaze with his own smug ones. Leonas Bryland took a breath to steady his mind and then he raised an arm, "Your lordship, permission to speak," he bellowed over the crowd at Loghain.
The nobles stopped their prattling to dart their gazes between the Arl of South Reach and the new regent. With an imperious gesture of his arm, the regent gave the Arl his request.
Arl Bryland cleared his throat, "Your lordship, there is another matter of concern. The 'incident' at Highever has not been addressed. Arl Rendon Howe of Amaranthine has committed high treason against his liege lord, Teyrn Bryce Cousland and his family in the most despicable way imaginable! He had the entire family slaughtered in their homes in cold blood!
"The entire Cousland line would have been purged that night had Lord Alvar and Lady Sancia not escaped the unholy massacre. We demand Rendon Howe to answer for his treacherous actions!"
The crowd turned to Loghain, who raised an arm and spoke loudly, "What happened at Highever was unfortunate, but necessary," gasps were heard when he said this.
"While his actions may deserve punishment but circumstances and the information, I had come across do not make it so,
"A few weeks ago, I had received information from Howe of the presence of traitors in Ferelden. He presented me clear evidence of communication between House Cousland and the Orlesians! Information about our fortresses, our army, our political developments and what not were being delivered to Orlais from Highever. And do you know what came from Orlais in return?! He growled angrily.
"Assurances to Teyrn Bryce Cousland that they will intervene at his call and to offer him support. They are prepared to assist him when he needs them!"
"There was also an agreement from Bryce Cousland as well," added Howe, "An agreement where Bryce would take the throne of Ferelden as king after overthrowing King Cailan, Maker bless his departed soul; And in return for the Orlesian help he would be the king but answering to Empress Celene."
"Bryce Cousland was my closest friend, it still hurts me to think he would sell our motherland just to take the crown," said Howe, he bowed his head slightly feigning anguish.
"You did what every Fereldan must look up to," said Loghain, turning to Howe, "You chose your country over your closest friend, mayhap your only friend. As a reward for your loyalty to our great nation,
"I declare you the next Teyrn of Highever!"
Silence fell over the hall at the declaration, many of the nobles still struggled to take in all that has happened. The least respected Arl is now the Teyrn of Highever, he is now the wealthiest man in Ferelden.
As for the Cousland loyalists led by Arl Leonas Bryland, they were left gaping at the developments. They exchanged dumbfounded glances with one another. For a few moments no words left their tongues, too astonished to speak. The suspicion that Rendon Howe was backed by someone powerful was now confirmed in front of their own eyes. Here was first-hand proof that Loghain was the one behind the massacre at Highever.
Arl Leonas Bryland took a few breaths, he steadied himself and quickly regained his poise, "Your lordship! This is madness!" he exclaimed loudly, "The Cousland family have always been patriots, they would never betray Ferelden. Bryce and Eleanor Cousland, their predecessors Teyrn William Cousland and Teyrn Ardal; all fought against the Orlesians during the war. Now, Howe claims they were traitors!"
"I have evidence of their treachery!" retorted Loghain, he turned to Howe, "Bring those letters you showed me, mayhap that will convince them,"
Howe ordered a servant to fetch the letters. The servant arrived carrying a few parchments, he was ordered then to offer those parchments to Arl Bryland. He did as he was told.
Arl Bryland opened a parchment, he offered a few to Bann Edric and Bann Anghbor. They read each one of them carefully, observing every single word. Their eyes grew wide in shock, it was true what Loghain had said; details about the army, economy, wealth, fortresses, political developments etc. were all present in the parchments. And lastly, Bryland read the Orlesian response which claimed they will wait for Bryce's call to intervene and provide assistance in achieving their common interests. All the supposed letters from Bryce Cousland contained both his signature and the family seal.
"All those visits to Orlais, Nevarra, Free Marches and Antiva; marrying his son to a daughter of Nevarra's most powerful families, his various connections outside Ferelden, this is what he was planning!" thundered Loghain, his tone full of contempt.
"Your lordship, his connections in all those countries are trade relations," protested Arl Bryland, "There are in the nature of business, not political."
"Yes, marrying his son Alvar to that Nevarran Lady Sancia was also for trade, yes?" Arl Wulff of Western Hills spoke derisively, "I am sure he had no political motives to pledge his heir presumptive with the daughter of Nevarra's highest noble house who is also King Markus's own niece."
Bryland and his allies were taken aback by Arl Wullf's retort. He was supposed to be on friendly terms with the Couslands. Him speaking against House Cousland was completely unexpected.
Before Leonas Bryland could respond, Bann Ceorlic of Southern Bannorn, a region on the south- eastern shore of Lake Calenhad spoke, "Will you also say that House Cousland had no desires for the throne? Have you already forgotten how willing they were to take the throne five years ago, when King Maric was gone?" he asked sardonically.
"Half of the Landsmeet had favoured Bryce for king despite Maric's legitimate heir being alive and he was ready to take the throne, even if he had to fight for that!" he bellowed throwing his arms in air, he looked around at the nobles, "I still remember that day when half of you lot were ready to pass over Maric's own son in favour of that deceiver! Maker, Arl… Teyrn Howe and Lord Regent Loghain have saved our great realm from another era of oppression!"
Bann Alfstanna rolled her eyes at Bann Ceorlic's blatant sycophancy, "You are one to lecture on treason and loyalty aren't you, Bann Ceorlic!" she countered, her voice loud and clear, "Was it not your own father who joined hands with the Orlesian oppressors and was rightly executed by King Maric for doing so?!"
"Yes, what of the source of this evidence, Teyrn Loghain?!" Bann Edric raised his voice, he looked at Loghain, "Rendon Howe provided you this evidence, a very credible source, isn't he?
"The same Rendon Howe whose father Tarleton Howe was the staunchest supporter of the Orlesian occupation. A lapdog of Meghren, he was a thorn in our side until Teyrn William Cousland executed him at Harper's ford. And then the son and his uncle join our rebellion when it is convenient to them. His entire family has a history of opportunism! Did you even verify the authenticity of this evidence, your lordship Loghain?!" he demanded.
Loghain frowned angrily, "Do not forget whom you are talking to, Bann Edric!" he then took a breath and steadied himself, "I understand you are upset from all the happenings and I will let it go for now. But next time, I expect you to be more careful with your tongue!"
"Your lordship," Arl Leonas Bryland spoke again, "There has to be a misunderstanding here, the sign and seal on these documents seem to be forged. Even if Bryce Cousland did have ambitions to take the throne from King Cailan, why would he seek help from the Orlesians? He fought in the war against them alongside all of us. He cannot be a traitor to Ferelden."
"I will not ask you to take immediate judgement, but we have a petition for you," the Arl produced a parchment from his belongings, he ordered a servant to take it to Loghain, "This is our petition to you, my lord. We, the vassal houses to the Couslands humbly request you to conduct an investigation into the events of Highever. We request you to reconsider your decision and dispense justice accordingly. Please your lordship, we cannot let the innocent be condemned as traitors and the culprits be rewarded."
Loghain opened the parchment and read the petition, it was worded eloquently asking for justice to the Cousland family. He noticed all the signatures and mentally took note of the signees. He then rolled up the parchment and faced the nobles.
"You wish to waste time and resources by investigating to what is already known than have us prepare to fight the darkspawn!" thundered Loghain, "There are beasts encroaching our lands and your concern is to give undeserving justice to a house whose treachery is already proven?!
"Even the seal and signature have been verified by Seneschal Donalbain himself," answered Loghain, "Tell them Seneschal about your findings," ordered Loghain.
Seneschal Donalbain looked at Loghain and then at Howe. The Arl of Amaranthine watched him intently with a devious smirk. Donalbain lowered his head and nodded, he then turned to the crowd, "The seal and the signature of Teyrn Bryce Cousland are… legitimate." He proclaimed, "So are the letters between him and the Orlesians." The old seneschal tried his best to hide his fear and hesitation.
The Cousland loyalists were speechless. Arl Bryland was about to respond when Loghain spoke, "And even if your beliefs are true, what happens then?! Highever needs a strong overlord. The Cousland family is dead, even your precious Lord Alvar is dead in Ostagar! Who would you have ruling Highever?!"
Arl Bryland pondered for a moment and decided it was best not to let others especially Loghain and Howe know of his doubts on Alvar being dead. But before he could say anything, Bann Edric snapped.
"Yes, my nephew is dead after you left him to die!" he thundered "You abandoned so many thousands of men to die!" he then gave a mirthless smile, "You left your own son-in-law to the killed my nephew just like you killed King Cailan!"
There are loud gasps from the nobles at Bann Edric's words, Loghain narrowed his eyes and snarled in anger, "The Grey Wardens killed Cailan!" he thundered, "They are traitors to our nation, working for Orlesian interests. The fact that Alvar Cousland was a member to the Grey Warden Order further shows their treachery."
"What are you saying, your lordship? You were the one who called the retreat leaving King Cailan and most of our forces to the darkspawn's mercy," countered Arl Bryland.
"You were there at Ostagar, Bryland," answered Loghain, "We had little information on the size of the darkspawn horde, but still the Grey Wardens fooled our Cailan into believing it will be a victory.
"They led us into a losing battle," he gave a sigh, "Had I charged instead of calling the retreat, even we would have been lying dead in Ostagar."
"Teyrn Loghain is right," added Arl Wulff, "King Cailan himself was talking about how the mighty Grey Wardens would bring us a heroic victory. In addition, Duncan was repeatedly requesting King Cailan to allow Orlesian reinforcements to Ferelden. Even you know this, don't you?" he turned to Arl Bryland.
Arl Bryland nodded slowly, before he could respond, Arl Wulff continued, "He could have asked for other countries but Duncan requested only for Orlesian reinforcements. Why else would he do so unless he was Celene's lackey."
Murmurs broke out among the nobles at Arl Wulff's words, Arl Howe smiled to himself, "We must not forget that Bryce's son Alvar Cousland was also a member of the Grey Wardens. A nobleman like him to be associated so closely with a foreign order does seem…. unusual," he uttered, feigning thought.
"Lord Alvar was forced into the Grey Wardens!" countered Arl Bryland, "He did not join on his own willingness. You know this, your lordship. You were present when all this happened, you were there when Lord Alvar and King Cailan signed the charter.
"You were silent when King Cailan and Lord Alvar signed the charter declaring Rendon Howe a renegade and his takeover of Highever as illegitimate. Why did you not voice your objection then, Teyrn Loghain?" he questioned, raising his voice.
"The circumstances then were not the same as they are now," answered Loghain, he stood silent for a few moments, "But enough of this pointless argument. What is done is done, it does not matter anymore what has happened in Highever or who is guilty or innocent. What is important now is that we must prepare to fight the darkspawn encroachment."
"Even if what you say is true and Arl Howe is to be punished, what of Highever?" questioned Bann Olsen of Gwaren city, turning to Arl Bryland, "The Couslands are all dead, there is no one left to inherit the Teyrnir. Is it possible that you or any of your friends have plans to claim Highever yourselves?"
"Not all Couslands are dead! Lady Sancia still lives!" proclaimed Arl Bryland, "As widow of Lord Alvar, Lady Sancia has rights of inheritance to her husband's possessions. She is the rightful heiress to the lands of Highever. She shall be the next Teyrna, not this murdering usurper!"
"You would hand over our wealthiest province to an outsider?!" growled Loghain, "What does that Nevarran woman know about our nation? In fact, where is she now? Why isn't she here to claim her rights herself?!"
"Lady Sancia is a Fereldan by marriage!" countered Bann Edric, "She may be born in Nevarra but she is a Fereldan at heart!" he bellowed, "Currently, she is in grief and not fit to travel," his tone became gentle.
"Yes, I know Lady Sancia well," added Bann Hywel of Highever city, "I can vouch that the people of Highever would prefer Lady Sancia as their Teyrna than the butcher who killed their beloved lord!"
"Sancia's marriage with Alvar made her a Fereldan. But with the death of Alvar Cousland at Ostagar, she is now unbound to Ferelden," answered Loghain, "As a widowed noblewoman with wealthy lands, I can imagine many suitors vying for her hand to get her inheritance. What if she decides to marry someone outside Ferelden? Especially someone powerful considering her own station.
"Can we afford the risk of handing Highever to foreigners in such a manner?!" he demanded, eyes darting over the throng of nobles. The nobles stared at him silently, "I thought so," he continued, "Is a widow's inheritance more important than the risk of our nation's sovereignty?" he gazed at Bryland and the other Cousland allies.
"Your lordship, I have a proposal which may prove a solution to this situation," said Arl Howe putting on a diplomatic face, "We are denying Lady Sancia her widow's inheritance simply because of her origin, it breaks my heart for I am sure the girl had no part in her husband's treachery. She may have been persuaded to agree with her lord's plans," he said with a feigned compassion, he shot furtive glances at Bann Edric as he spoke. Bann Edric grimaced in disgust.
"The problem here is that Lady Sancia is now unbound to Ferelden, but what if she were to marry a Fereldan lord?
"Then she will be bound to Ferelden and her lord. She can also have her inheritance without the risks of losing Highever to outsiders,"
Loghain stared at Howe in thought, Howe continued, "Once we grant her the inheritance she is due, she must marry a Fereldan lord. In this manner, we she can have the inheritance due to her and no more there is the risk of losing Highever to outsiders,
"Lady Sancia is a daughter of a Grand Duke and a niece to the king of Nevarra. Her suitor must be a man of similar standing. Who better than my own son and heir Thomas Howe?"
Gasps of surprise were heard from the nobles, murmurs amongst them followed. Arl Bryland, Bann Edric and the other Cousland loyalists stared in disbelief, they exchanged dumbfounded glances with one another.
"An excellent suggestion, Howe!" exclaimed Loghain, "With Sancia bound to Ferelden, Highever will not have direct foreign rule, Sancia receives her inheritance as well and she will be provided for. The people of Highever will also be content having their lady. And mainly, we can put an end to the feud between Howes and Couslands with this union."
"I agree to this proposal," Loghain turned to the nobles, mainly the Cousland loyalists, "What do you say to this?!"
The Cousland loyalists were astounded by the turn of events. Before any of them could respond, Arl Howe spoke, "I can assure you Lady Sancia will be well cared and provided for in my household. I will not hold any grudges against her for her former husband and her family's treachery." He said looking at Bann Edric; a cunning, triumphant smile on his lips, "I am willing to grant Highever to Lady Sancia if she agrees to marry Lord Thomas Howe."
"Maker! you steal others' lands and now you talk about granting them?! And you have the audacity to make such brazen conditions in addition to that?!"
"No, this is unacceptable! Lady Sancia will never marry her family's murderers!"
"I believe it is Grand Duke Frederick's decision to make," retorted Howe, "She may be under your care now but do you really think you have more rights to her wardship than her own father?"
Bann Edric remained silent, neither did Arl Bryland or any others respond. They stared silently at Loghain and Howe. With so many events taking place in the past few days, Bann Edric was yet to inform Grand Duke Frederick Van Markham about the massacre at Highever and of Sancia being under his protection. He decided he must inform as soon as he can before the Grand Duke receives any communication from Howe, which would no doubt be a version convenient to himself.
"So be it then," bellowed Loghain, "We have wasted enough time already. We are done with negotiations here. Now, with this discussion over, we must look forward to uniting against the darkspawn. We must stay strong as one, so I demand you all to swear fealty to me as the Regent!"
"Your lordship?" Bann Teagan of Reinesfere and younger uncle to king Cailan called out.
"What now?!" demanded Loghain.
"I, we have some doubts about Ostagar, Teyrn Loghain," Teagan spoke calmly, "Your withdrawal from the battle was rather…. suspicious."
"What are you implying Teagan?" demanded Loghain, his tone displaying annoyance.
"We just want some explanation on your actions at Ostagar," answered Teagan.
"What I have done at Ostagar is secure Ferelden's hard-earned independence!"
"What about King Cailan, your lordship? How could you leave my nephew and Maric's son himself to the darkspawn?"
"I have already said this a few minutes ago, the Grey Wardens are the ones who led Cailan to his death," answered Loghain, "I tried my best to dissuade him but to no avail, he was too enchanted by the Grey Wardens and their tales of griffons to listen to my counsel."
"But enough, Ferelden's sovereignty has been secured by my sacrifice. It brought me no joy to forsake Cailan and so many men, but I did not hesitate and I expect you no less from any of you. Mark my words, I will not show any mercy to those who shirk from their duty to Ferelden!" he warned sternly.
"The Bannorn will not bow down just because you demand it!" countered Teagan, his face stoic.
"Yes," added Arl Bryland, "It is by our will and consent that you rule. We are lords of the land, not your thralls that you can order us.
"And today you show that you would rather reward treachery and declare loyalists as traitors! We will not accept you as our leader!" he bellowed, he turned to the other Cousland loyalists around him and nodded, then he turned to Loghain, "We leave now! We will not spend another moment here to be treated like thralls by a usurper!" Declaring loudly, he turned around and proceeded to leave. The other Cousland vassals joined him as well.
"You do so and you are as good as those treacherous Couslands and the Grey Wardens!" thundered Loghain, "And you may expect no more mercy from me than I showed the Orlesians!"
Arl Bryland and the Cousland allies stopped in their tracks and turned around, "The word traitor has no meaning coming from your tongue, Loghain Mac Tir. Today, I no longer see the Hero of River Dane here but I see another Meghren taking his place!" he declared and turning his back, he and the Cousland loyalists consisting of over eleven noble lords and ladies stomped towards the entrance of the Hall.
"Traitors!" fumed Loghain, "All of them are traitors! Just like that Orlesian lapdog Bryce Cousland and his wretched family," he then turned to the remaining nobles, "What of the rest of you? Will you do you your duty to your homeland or will you shirk away like those traitors?"
A number of nobles namely, Arl Howe, Arl Wulff, Bann Olsen, Bann Ceorlic, Bann Kail, Bann Lanya etc. most of whom were already sworn to Teyrn Loghain now took oaths of fealty to Loghain as regent. Many of those nobles ruled the central and eastern regions of Ferelden. Almost half of Fereldan nobility now stood with Loghain. The only ones remaining were Bann Teagan and some five other Banns whose lands were in the western part of Ferelden, adjacent to Arling of Redcliffe.
"What of you?" demanded Loghain, gazing intently at Bann Teagan.
"No, I will not swear fealty or stand with my nephew's killer," answered Teagan, "Now you risk civil war when unity is of utmost importance."
"I was willing to grant them concessions despite House Cousland's treachery but that was not enough for them," explained Loghain, "They ask me to simply pardon treachery just because it was their liege lord. Their loyalty is to their personal interests not Ferelden. They are the ones risking civil war not I!" he snapped.
Bann Teagan pondered for a minute, he was still appalled by Loghain's retreat from Ostagar. The Guerrins, Theirins and the Mac Tirs had always been close allies but now Loghain is destroying it all. 'He widowed his own daughter, for what? personal ambition?' he wondered. Loghain's current demeanour too seemed much different than he had known. 'If only Eamon were here,' he worried.
He shook his head, "No, I will not stand with you Loghain." He declared sternly, "none of us will," he said indicating his own Redcliffe allies. And the six of them turned around to leave.
"I thought you would have some sense and would see what is at the stake, but it seems I was wrong," said Loghain, "Seems you are not different than those traitors like the Couslands, Bryland and their lackeys!"
"If we are traitors for not submitting to your whims, then so be it," answered Bann Teagan and he walked out of the hall, followed by five more nobles, namely Bann Perrin, Bann Barris, Bann Reginalda and others.
Only half of Fereldan nobility remained in the Hall, the nobles who had sworn fealty and agreed to stand by Loghain, who is now the Regent to the kingdom in addition to being the only Teyrn alive.
A/N: *West Hills and Western Hills are two different places. West Hills is a Bannorn ruledBann Franderel while Western Hills is an Arling ruled by Arl Gallagher Wulff. West Hills is located in north near Waking Sea and Storm Coast while Western Hills is in south bordering Redcliffe.
For the names of regions and their locations, I used RuBecSo's map of Ferelden. You can view the map here " rubecso/art/Ferelden-Map-Detailed-722041354". Kudos to RuBecSo for the amazingly detailed map.
Lastly, this was one my favourite chapters in the story. I hope it was done well enough. I enjoyed writing this, I hope you enjoy reading it. Let me know in the reviews what you think.