Hello everyone, Happy New Year to all. I am sorry for the long delay, I was away for personal reasons. And with the year ending, I was quite busy at my workplace as well. But now I am back and here is the 16th chapter. Enjoy.
Chapter 16: The Sparks of a Civil War
"Those traitorous curs!" Loghain cursed loudly, slamming his clenched fist on the table before him, "There are darkspawn incursions in our lands and those lords want to talk about bloodlines and inheritance!?"
"They all want a piece of Highever, your lordship," uttered Howe, he stood before the table behind which Loghain sat, "They couldn't care less about that Nevarran wench or those Cousland traitors."
It was evening of the day of the Landsmeet. Presently, Loghain and Howe are in a study room which once belonged to King Cailan. Although it was Queen Anora who spent more time there than her husband. Loghain now sat in the seat before a large table, while Howe stood before him.
Loghain unclenched his fist on the table, "You would think with the darkspawn rampaging at our borders and Orlesian legions amassing in Jader, the nobles would bother to look beyond their own interests. But no, they cannot be bothered to think of anything other than their personal interests," he grimaced, "I cannot believe those greedy swine are the descendants of the same lords who fought in our war of independence.
"They would rather fight for a dead family of traitors than the darkspawn encroaching our lands!"
"Your lordship, what really happened at Ostagar?" asked Howe politely. He then received a glare from his master, "I meant, are the rumours of the blight true?" he added quickly.
"Our forces were overwhelmed, Rendon," answered Loghain, "They were too many of them, almost eighty thousand strong. We did not know how large was the horde. I advised that we hold out in the fortress until our own lords arrive with their respective fyrds. But Cailan was desperate for battle. He wanted to allow Orlesian forces inside our borders.
"And that whoreson of a Warden Commander Duncan was delighted by that and endorsed the idea. Not surprising considering he himself came from Orlais twenty years ago. He filled Cailan's simple mind with tales of glory and valour! He deceived Cailan into thinking they would bring a victory that night. Foolish Cailan truly believed his stories and even worshipped that bastard.
How does Duncan return the favour on the other hand? He gets Cailan killed and even loses his own head in the process. If not for him, then Cailan and almost eighteen thousand of our brave soldiers would be alive now. Those Grey Wardens are in Celene's payroll. They are already using the threat of the blight as an excuse to send their forces into Ferelden unopposed. I am sure they planned Cailan's death as well."
"But is there really a blight, your lordship?" asked Howe curiously.
"The darkspawn horde we faced was the largest horde for ages. But we have not sighted any dragons in the Wilds," Loghain answered skeptically, "The only ones claiming it to be a blight were those Orlesian lapdogs and they cannot be trusted. The last blight took place four ages ago and several thousands of darkspawn were slaughtered then; what I believe we are facing now, is a large darkspawn raid than a blight."
Loghain sighed and calmed himself, "Enough of that, now you!" Loghain looked up at Howe, "I have some questions for you. Tell me Howe, I ordered you to exterminate the Couslands, yes?"
Howe realised what Loghain was getting at, he lowered his eyes for a moment and nodded hesitantly.
"Then why did I find Alvar and Sancia in Ostagar?!" demanded Loghain, "They were supposed to be dead in Highever! Not strutting around in Ostagar making brazen demands! How did you let them get away?!"
"I had the castle surrounded, my lord," Howe answered slowly, "They were greatly outnumbered, I had almost six soldiers for each one of their soldiers. I think they might have had an escape route since there was no way they could have escaped otherwise.
"But at least the darkspawn have now completed the deed for us," said Howe.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that," countered Loghain, "That boy Alvar is as wily as a fox, he would have found some way to escape.
"But let us not worry about that, I left some soldiers on my way to capture him. I have even put a hefty bounty on his head. He cannot hide for long, that is if he still lives."
"That is good," agreed Howe, 'Hopefully others will finish up the job I could not,' he thought, he then looked at Loghain, "What about the nobles, your lordship? Leonas Bryland and his flock refuse to submit."
"They will get what I promised them," Loghain declared firmly, "How large is the Amaranthine fyrd now?"
"Ever since our talk six months ago, I have been recruiting men in large numbers. Now the Amaranthine fyrd numbers almost twice than what it was a year ago." Howe answered confidently.
"Good, what about the mercenaries?"
"I have hired the White Falcons and the Kadan Fe mercenary companies," answered Howe, "Some of them are already here. But the bulk, especially the White Falcons are yet to arrive."
"Order them to arrive as soon as possible. And rally the fyrds of your own and your vassals!" ordered Loghain, "Once we have our armies ready, we will bring those nobles to their knees!" he declared fervently.
Howe smiled and nodded, "Yes, your lordship. We will crush them just like we did the Orlesians decades ago!"
Loghain simply smiled in response.
"If that is all, then I shall take my leave, your lordship," requested Howe. As Loghain gave his dismissal, Howe gave a slight bow and turned around to leave. As soon as he walked two steps, he turned around.
"Your lordship, there is another matter of concern," said Howe, "Denerim is without an Arl. Urien Kendells did not return from Ostagar and his son Vaughan was killed in an uprising."
"There was an uprising in Denerim?!" Loghain exclaimed in shock.
"Yes, your lordship. The knife ears from the alienage rebelled," answered Howe, "They killed Vaughan Kendells, the heir to Denerim Arling thus leaving the seat empty."
Loghain rested his chin on his hand and stared at the table. After pondering for some time, he looked up at Howe, "For now, you take up the title. I need you here in Denerim anyways, so it is better for you to become the next Arl of Denerim. Have Donalbain get the formalities done."
Rendon Howe was delighted on hearing this, but he did not show it. Rather he put on an enigmatic face, "I, as you wish, your lordship," he said, offering a slight bow, "I promise you I will serve you and our country with all my devotion."
"Yes, yes, go now, you have a lot to do," said Loghain, as he leaned back in his cushioned seat "I wish to be alone for some time."
Howe gave a bow and turned around to walk away. He left the study, leaving the new Regent alone in the study.
xXxXxXxXxXx
"Arl… Teyrn Howe?" called out a servant, "Lord Thomas and Rasirith have arrived from Highever."
Rendon Howe turned around to see the servant, he stood near a window in his own personal study in the Arl of Denerim's estate. He had taken up residence in the mansion belonging to the former Arl of Denerim. Located in the nobles' district of Denerim, his mansion is only a couple of blocks away from the Royal Palace.
"Send them in," demanded Howe, as he finished his wine glass. The servant bowed and left, while Howe moved towards his table and placed the glass on it. He waited near the table.
Two men entered the room, a young man of around nineteen years of age and a bald man almost as old as Howe entered. The bald man had a slightly tan skin and a dark goatee. His cold, impassive face is marked with scars of various battles. He is clad in a distinct foreign chainmail and a great battleaxe hung behind his back. Rasirith is his name, son of a Rivaini father and a Free Marcher mother, he is the leader of the White Falcons, the largest mercenary group in the Free Marches. The ferocity of the White Falcons in battle is only matched by their ruthlessness. The group is easily distinguishable by a rampant white falcon painted on the face of the shields they carried.
The other man who is much younger made a clear contrast to his companion, he shared many similarities in features with the Arl Howe. The only difference being his face having no wrinkles or greying hair. He is dressed in silken robes and is neatly groomed; clearly a noble-born. A fine longsword was sheathed at the side of his waist.
The two newcomers stopped in front of the Arl and gave a bow, "Greetings, father," said the younger man.
Arl Howe nodded in greeting, "I suppose you are successful in maintaining order in Highever," he said.
"It is difficult, father," answered Thomas Howe, "It seems he rabble loved the Couslands too much, but we are managing it."
"Good, but we shall talk about Highever later. You, Rasirith," Howe turned to the mercenary captain, "Tell me, what were my orders the night you led the attack on Highever?" he asked trying his best to hide his wrath.
"I apologise, lord, I should have…."
Howe raised an arm, "Just answer my question," he said sternly.
Rasirith looked at the floor and the he looked up at Howe, "You ordered us to kill all Cousland men."
"And the women?" questioned Howe, crossing his arms.
"The women of the Cousland household are to be taken hostage," he answered hesitantly.
"You remember my orders?" mocked Howe, "Then which part of these orders did you interpret as 'kill everyone at sight'?" he asked sardonically.
"I apologise my lord Howe, but we are fighters," Rasirith answered impassively, "We are trained to kill not to capture hostages."
"You insolent, half-breed wretch!" thundered Howe, "I do not care if you are trained to kill or to wipe arses. When I pay you, you do as I say!
"The three women of Bryce Cousland's household; I wanted you to bring them to me alive! As for the rest, I gave you a free hand to do as you please. Why did I find the Teyrna Eleanor and her eldest daughter-in-law dead?!"
Rasirith did not answer, he stared impassively at Howe.
"The younger daughter-in-law is Lady Sancia of Cumberland. Do you even know what that means?!" yelled Howe, "She is a daughter of Grand Duke Frederick Van Markham and a niece to King Markus Pentaghast in Nevarra. Had your lowlives killed her, I would have to deal with a Nevarran army at my doorstep!"
Howe gave Rasirith a mocking smirk, "They call you Rasirith the ruthless, eh. You should be called Rasirith the useless!"
Howe took a few breaths to steady himself, he quickly regained his poise, "I should have known this. Serves me right to hire uncultured scumbags!" Howe shook his head in disappointment.
"Lord Howe, I ordered my soldiers the same thing. But my men have known only to kill," said Rasirith, "They are not used to showing mercy in battle. They must have gotten carried away by the battle. Please forgive us this one time. I promise you, I will make sure this will not happen again." He requested, but his tone hardly changed from his usual impassiveness.
"No, I cannot let this go unpunished," declared Howe, "You took two thousand of your men that night. As a punishment, you will hang twenty of your captains in full view of their comrades."
Rasirith was about to protest when Howe again raised his hand, "It is either that or I will have you flayed alive. Choose which one you would prefer."
Rasirith did not object, he agreed to Howe's demand, "One more thing, my lord Howe," he uttered slowly, "I wish to talk about the balance payment."
"Payment?" Howe was taken aback.
"You paid half in advance before I led the attack," explained Rasirith, "I request you to pay the remaining, now that that deed is done."
Howe fumed in rage, "The only payment you receive now is that you get to keep your ugly head, you swine! Be thankful to that!" he growled.
"But my men need their wages," said the mercenary, "I cannot keep them in line without paying them."
"You couldn't keep them in line at Highever either! How can I trust you to control them now!" retorted Howe, he glared angrily at Rasirith's impassive face. He then gave a sigh and relented because he still needed the mercenaries. "I may have another task for you," he said, "After you accomplish that, we shall talk about payment.
"How many more men do you have in the Free Marches?"
"Around twenty-five thousand," answered Rasirith.
"Send for them, each and every one of them!" ordered Howe, "I want all of them here at the earliest."
Rasirith nodded in response, "They will be here in a couple of months." He declared confidently.
"Alright, I will summon you again later. Now until then, get out of my sight!"
Deciding not to test his luck further, Rasirith nodded in agreement, "Yes, lord" he said with a bow, he then turned around and exited the room.
Howe called a servant to bring wine for himself and Thomas. An elf servant brought wine and two glasses, he poured wine in both of them and offered the glasses to the father and son. After that, he was sent away. Howe took a few sips of wine and calmed himself, he turned to Thomas, "If only we still did not need Rasirith and his hounds," he uttered with a sigh, "worthless cretins, those damned mercenaries."
"Thank goodness that Nevarran harlot escaped the massacre."
"Yes, father," agreed Thomas, "We should have sent only our men rather than send both mercenaries and our own soldiers."
Howe nodded in agreement.
"Or I should have accompanied Rasirith that night, then mayhap I could have kept that wretch in line!" Thomas complained, taking a sip from his glass.
Rendon Howe stared at his son wordlessly, his face impassive. He stared silently for some time. "What?" asked a puzzled Thomas.
"Nothing," Howe shook his head and took a sip from his own glass.
"Father, why did you order Rasirith to take all the three women alive?" asked Thomas, "I mean, I understand about that hag Eleanor and Sancia, but why Oriana? That Antivan wench is a daughter of peasants. What harm can those filthy peasants do us?"
"Those half-witted imbeciles cannot say which one is who," answered Howe, "I was afraid they would end up killing Sancia thinking her to be Oriana. Hence, I told them to take all the well-dressed ones alive. Once, all three women would be in our hands, that Antivan peasant was going to be the first one we would get rid of.
"That low born wench and her mongrel brat are of little use to her family and for us,"
"I heard that some of Rasirith's men had their way with her corpse before burning her," added Thomas.
"Uncultured brutes, the entire lot of them!" exclaimed Howe in disgust, "What more can we expect from those low life beasts?"
Thomas Howe nodded in agreement.
"If we had Eleanor in our hands now, we would have silenced that Edric," said Howe, "You should have seen how bold he was today. He would have become a craven dog instead of the wolf we saw today."
"And if we had Sancia then we would have tied up her father's hands and eventually we would have a Nevarran army with us to crush those Cousland bootlicks," uttered Thomas, "But now with that wench free, we will have a Nevarran army against us instead!"
"There is still a way to get the Nevarrans on our side," Howe said thoughtfully.
"If we manage to convince her father that his daughter is being held hostage by the MacEanraigs in Storm Coast and we present a beneficial offer of friendship, mayhap we can get the Nevarrans on our side."
Thomas stared silently at his father, Howe continued, "What I am saying is, we shall write a carefully worded letter to Duke Van Markham in Cumberland; we shall tell him that his daughter has been taken hostage and kept in Storm Coast. We shall convince him that what happened here was unfortunate but necessary.
"But more importantly, we will tell him of our current standing and how good our position is now. If it works, then Duke Frederick will demand Sancia to be sent to him. And then we shall propose a marriage alliance between you and Sancia."
"A good plan, but would it work?" Thomas asked skeptically, "I mean, the Van Markhams were close with the Couslands. And why would the duke take our word? We killed the Couslands and took their title. We almost killed his daughter."
Howe gave a smile and took a sip from his glass, "That is why I said we will send a carefully written letter," he answered, "Even if we are not able to convince him about the Couslands, we will at least get him to demand Sancia's custody from Bann Edric. Then we shall send a proposal for an alliance."
Thomas still looked perplexed and uncertain.
"As for the friendship between the Couslands and Van Markhams, you will see how quickly all that changes when the said friendship no longer serves your interests." Howe answered his son. "As for Alvar and Sancia's marriage; their union was a political one to unite both the houses. Once Duke Frederick sees and understands that our house offers a chance for a bright future, the past will no longer matter."
"Yes, father, I understand now," nodded Thomas, "Once I marry that Sancia, our house will become the most powerful in Ferelden. One more step to bring us closer to the ultimate price," he declared gleefully.
Howe agreed with a smile, "Yes, my son. The time for the Howes to shine isn't far. Soon, we will take all that should have been ours."
"And I get to rub it in the Couslands' face," added Thomas with delight, "A pity Alvar isn't alive to see me plough his woman in his own bed."
"We do not know yet if Alvar is dead or alive," said Howe, "And as for Sancia, she seemed to dearly love Alvar to let you into her bed." Howe added the last sentence with a slight hint of mockery.
Thomas took a sip from his glass, "That harlot will learn to love me, respect me and obey me!" he declared, "If she doesn't then I will make her! I will have her scream my name while I pound her!"
"Good," Howe said proudly, "I have taught you well, I see,"
"And what do you mean you don't know if Alvar is dead or alive?" questioned Thomas.
"Loghain said Alvar was away from the battle," answered Howe, "But his position was still overrun. Although I don't really believe he still lives, there is a part of me that says he might still be alive.
"He did escape our ring of steel at Highever, he might have escaped from Ostagar as well."
"Has anyone seen that dog after Ostagar?" asked Thomas.
The older Howe shook his head.
"Then let us not worry about him yet," Thomas said casually, taking another sip from his glass, "And father, you said you have another job for Rasirith, what is it?"
"Ah, yes," said Howe taking a sip from his glass, "There has been an uprising in the alienage. The knife ears have grown too bold and revolted outside this estate. They killed Vaughan Kendells in their revolt."
"They killed Vaughan?!" Thomas was astounded.
"Yes, he was one of the victims of their bloody uprising. You can find him in the dungeons and ask him yourself," answered Howe with a devious smirk.
Thomas was bewildered, he frowned and then smiled on understanding what his father meant, "And Loghain made you the new Arl then?"
"Yes, I just have to get Donalbain to make it official," answered Howe, "So as I was saying, the elves have grown too bold and we need to remind those knife ears of their place. That is the task I have now for Rasirith.
"Hopefully, he will not mess this up." Howe said rubbing his forehead.
"I will go along with him if you want," suggested the younger Howe.
"No, I want you in Highever," said Howe, "I need you there to keep the rabble in place lest we end up with another rebellion in our hands."
Thomas emptied his glass, "Alright, father, then I shall leave for Highever tomorrow," he said "I shall then go and prepare Alvar's bed…. I mean 'my bed' for my new bride." He declared with a smile.
"Do not count your chickens before they hatch," warned Howe, "We do not know yet how Duke Van Markham will respond. If he does not side with us or worse, if he joins our enemies then we might have to assault Storm Coast to take his girl hostage, to restrain him and crush the Mac Eanraigs."
xXxXxXxXxXx
Meanwhile another group of nobles meet once again in the Arl of South Reach's Denerim estate. Arl Leonas Bryland of South Reach, Bann Edric of Storm Coast, Bann Alfstanna of Waking Sea, Bann Franderel of West Hills, Bann Grainne of Holloway, Bann Telman of Mistmoor, Bann Anghbor of Esterwind, Bann Hywel of Highever city all sat in the main hall.
"This bodes ill for us," said Franderel, Bann of West Hills.
"Lord Alvar suspected that someone was pulling Howe's strings, as did I," said Bryland, "But I don't think either of us thought it could be Loghain?!" he exclaimed.
"I never thought the hero of River Dane would try such a powerplay at a time like this!" added Bann Anghbor.
"It seems becoming a Teyrn in a single step has gone into his head," uttered Bann Edric, "His simple mind has developed delusions of grandeur. That filthy peasant!
"And how surprising he is allied with Howe!" his tone filled with sarcasm.
"Those papers," said Arl Bryland, "They cannot be true. Bryce Cousland allying with the Orlesians?!"
"Of course, they aren't!" snapped Bann Edric, "Why would Bryce look for allies among the Orlesians out of all the people?! He isn't a fool to place his trust on masked snakes!"
All the nobles turned to look at Bann Edric, they gazed silently. "What?" demanded Bann Edric.
"He did trust Rendon Howe deeply while none of the nobility did," Bann Telman of Mistmoor spoke softly, "He trusted Howe implicitly when none of us did."
Bann Edric narrowed his eyes, "What are you implying, Bann Telman?" he questioned.
"With all due respect, Bryce Cousland was a great man," answered Telman, "But he was not really a good judge of character. He…."
"So, are you saying the papers might be true?!" growled Bann Edric, "Are you saying my friend and brother-in-law is a traitor to Ferelden?!"
"No, Bann Edric!" Bann Telman put his arms in the air, "You misunderstand me, that was not what I meant."
"Those letters have to be forged!" declared Arl Bryland. "Given that it is Howe we are dealing with, I am sure those letters are bogus and the signatures are forged."
"Yes, and Loghain seeing an opportunity to get rid of the Couslands, goes along and orders Howe to mutiny," Bann Gilmore piped in.
"That is what I am trying to say," protested Bann Edric, "Something which certain people do not seem to grasp despite swearing fealty to the Cousland household," he said throwing a glance at Bann Telman.
"Are you doubting my loyalty?!" growled Bann Telman.
"That is enough!" Bann Alfstanna declared loudly as the all nobles turned to face her, "Please lords, whatever has happened, we must look to the future. We cannot afford to be divided like this." She was also going to add 'over a trivial issue' at the end but seeing the clearly upset Bann Edric, she decided not to.
"Us fighting amongst ourselves is exactly what Loghain and Howe want," she pleaded.
"She is right," added Arl Bryland, "After our spectacular exit from the Landsmeet, we cannot afford to be divided."
"Yes, Loghain wants power," said Bann Valdor of Bronach, "he dares to demand that we bow to him. And he uses the darkspawn as a reason to get his bidding done!"
"We will not allow him that!" thundered Bann Gilmore, "My son did not give his life so that Howe could win. I will not let his sacrifice go in vain!" he declared, gritting his teeth.
"But what can we do about it?" asked Bann Anghbor, "Howe has taken Highever. He is now the master of the northern provinces."
"But Highever has not accepted Howe," declared Bann Hywel of Highever city, as the nobles all turned to face him, "My people have little love for Howe and after killing our lord Bryce and his family, they have none. Howe thinks he can force my people into submission through his thugs. He is wrong, my people would rather die than accept him.
"I will rally the few remaining knights and other lesser nobles, we will fight Howe at every possible time and place," he said fervently, "We will make that jackal regret the day he decided to betray our lord!"
"If there is fierce resistance in the northern provinces, Howe will have to reinforce the garrisons," said Arl Bryland, "Then he and Loghain will not have enough forces to fight us.
"If he does not, and then in the absence of a large garrison, we might manage to take back Highever from Howe."
The nobles watched the Arl with faces showing interest. Arl Bryland continued, "Either way, we manage to hurt Howe.
"Yes, an excellent course, Bann Hywel. Your resistance in Highever would greatly burden our enemy. If enough of their forces are kept in bay, then we can maintain our independence and fight the darkspawn.
"But the resistance will need to supported from outside if they are to hold out for long."
"I can offer support," said Bann Edric, "Storm Coast lies in the western border of Highever, I can help in supplying your men, Bann Hywel," he turned to the Bann of Highever. "And I will also conduct raids on Howe's supply trains and troop movements."
"So will I!" joined in Bann Gilmore, whose lands lay at the southern borders of Highever.
"Excellent!" declared Arl Bryland, "Then the three of you will be the bulwark of our resistance in the north."
"But what of Lady Sancia?" asked Bann Grainne, "Her father is a powerful man. We could try to get help from the Van Markhams to our side."
"An excellent suggestion," said Arl Bryland. "Bann Edric, have you informed Duke Frederick that Lady Sancia is in your estate under your protection?" he turned towards the lord of Storm Coast.
"I… No, I am yet to write to him," Bann Edric answered hesitantly, "With all these events happening in such a short time, I could not yet write to him."
"When were you planning to write?" asked Bann Telman with a mocking tone, "Were you waiting for Howe to tell him?"
Alfstanna facepalmed and before Bann Edric could counter, Arl Bryland intervened, "Please, Bann Telman, not now." He said sternly with an impassive face. Then he turned to Bann Edric, "Then by all means, please write to him as soon as possible," instructed Arl Bryland, "I am sure he has heard about Highever by now. But he must hear it from you rather than anyone else, his daughter is under your protection.
"And from the proposal Howe put forward today; It even seems he has his eyes on getting Lady Sancia's hand for his own son, Thomas." Bryland said rubbing his chin, "Knowing his crafty mind, he would write to Duke Frederick about Highever. He would narrate his own version of the events, making us the culprits and himself as guiltless as he can."
"Yes, I shall write to him as soon as I reach Storm Coast," said Bann Edric, "But what if Sancia asks me to send her to her father's home? We do not know for sure if Alvar is still living or not. I could lie to her but I do not want to give her any false hope."
"You are right," nodded Bryland, "If she herself demands then we would have no other choice than to send Lady Sancia to Cumberland. If that happens, the Nevarrans might deem Alvar and the Cousland line extinct. In which case we would lose a strong ally."
"Or worse," Bann Franderel joined in, "If Howe manages to manipulate them into siding with him, and succeeds in his motive then he would become the most powerful man in Ferelden."
"Indeed, Bann Edric, how is Lady Sancia? Has she expressed any desire to return to Nevarra?" asked Arl Bryland.
"No, Lord Bryland," answered Bann Edric, "As I said today morning, she is very hysterical and depressed. She spends most of her day in the castle chapel, hardly speaking to anyone. Even to my wife and daughter who are caring for her, she has little to say."
"Then, let your lady wife and daughter continue taking care of her for now," said the Arl of South Reach, "Do not mention to her about anything that has happened here.
"Let us hope Lord Alvar is still alive and the Maker will soon give us a sign of that. If Duke Frederick demands for Lady Sancia to be sent to him, then refuse him. Tell him that the situation here is quite adverse thus making travel very dangerous.
"And do not let Lady Sancia know of it, if her father is demanding her return." He said sternly.
The room fell silent for a moment, Bann Edric nodded in agreement.
"One more thing," Bann Graine spoke, drawing everyone's attention, she then turned to Bann Edric, "Storm Coast borders Highever and as one of the closest allies of House Cousland, you will face the brunt of attacks from Highever. How safe would Lady Sancia be in Storm Coast?
"With all due respect, I know Storm Coast is well fortified and has a strong fyrd; and even has your own father the Storm Giant himself to lead them. But what if something foul happens? We might then end up making ourselves a target to House Van Markhams' retribution."
"What Bann Grainne said does make sense," observed Bann Sighard, "what do you propose, Lady Grainne?"
"I would say we escort Lady Sancia elsewhere," she answered, "Now, I do not mean to be pretentious, it is just my humble suggestion that we have Lady Sancia relocated to my estate in Holloway.
"My lands in the west of the Bannorn are far from Highever. I believe Lady Sancia would be safer there than in close proximity to Howe's domains."
Silence fell once more in the hall as all the nobles pondered about her proposal. Bann Edric thought about her proposal, this time he did not take offence at Bann Grainne's words. She was right about his forts facing the brunt of Howe's assaults from Highever. But could he really trust Bann Grainne with his niece-in-law? He thought.
He looked at Bann Grainne, she was watching him with eager anticipation. Could there be any other motives behind her offer? 'Grainne's eldest son is unmarried and is around Sancia's age. Is she planning something?' he pondered. He then made his mind and gave his answer, "I am grateful for your offer, but I refuse. It was Alvar's own decision to have Sancia stay in my estate, a decision which was consented by Sancia. I cannot make any decisions for them. Thus, I will have to refuse your generous offer."
"I agree," added Arl Bryland, it seemed to Bann Edric that the Arl too shared his thoughts. "In addition to that, if our enemies get aware of this, then Holloway would become Howe's target and would end up biting more than they can chew. Let Lady Sancia stay where she is now."
Bann Grainne looked disappointed but accepted the decision and the matter was laid to rest.
"Now, let us focus on how to resist Loghain and fight the darkspawn incursions at the same time," proclaimed Arl Bryland. "If there is fierce resistance in the northern provinces, then Loghain and Howe will not be able to send many forces south. This will allow us to focus all our efforts in keeping the darkspawn at bay.
"But without support from south, the resistance in the north would crumble in time. We must ensure that our allies in the north are well supported."
"What do you suggest, Arl Bryland?" asked Bann Anghbor.
Arl Bryland pondered for a couple of minutes; if he had to be honest, he had no plan on how to proceed, "For now, we shall not recognise Loghain's regency," he answered, "We will not oblige any order that comes from Denerim. When they send forces, we shall support each other in our fight against them. And with Maker willing we would soon force Loghain to start negotiations where we shall convince him to accept the demands we made today." Arl Leonas Bryland did not feel very confident about what he said but for now this seemed the best course of action.
The nobles all exchanged glances and gave their agreement to his course of action.
"Now, my lords and ladies, there is one last thing," said Arl Bryland. "We must leave Denerim tonight. After the events today, we cannot risk staying in here for long. Please make arrangements to leave Denerim this night." He said sternly.
"I agree," said Bann Hywel, "I cannot go to Highever now, may I come and stay in Storm Coast for the time being, Bann Edric?" he requested.
"Yes, my halls are always open to the friends of Bryce Cousland," answered the lord of Storm Coast, "From my estate, we shall try to contact the lesser nobility in Highever, then we shall organise and lead the resistance."
With that decided, the nobles then vacated from the Arl of South Reach's estate.
xXxXxXxXxXx
During midnight of the same day, Arl Leonas Bryland of South Reach left Denerim. All the other Cousland loyalist nobles too departed from Denerim at different times with small entourages. Arl Bryland was accompanied by eighty of his knights on horseback. He trotted his horse as soon as he had reached a few miles southwards from the city. His knights followed suit to match their lord's speed.
Leonas's mind was full of thoughts. Though the Cousland loyalist nobles stood by him during the Landsmeet, there was little unity among them. He remembered each word of the discussions during the entire day. As much as the nobles would stand against Howe, they were as likely to turn on each other if given the chance.
'And what would happen after we overthrow Howe?' he pondered. If Alvar is not alive then would Sancia be able to hold Highever for long? Even if the people of Highever would accept her, he doubted that the rest of Ferelden would do the same. Not only Ferelden, he wondered how many of the Cousland loyalists themselves would accept her as their liege. A foreign noblewoman ruling one of the largest and wealthiest provinces of Ferelden, without any close relative to bind her to the nation would cause trouble.
Allowing Sancia to rule Highever alone would also set a dangerous precedent as Sancia is not the first or the only foreign noblewoman to marry a Ferelden lord. 'What if the foreigner wives of other nobles see this as a way to gain independent influence in Ferelden? Maker, please let Alvar be alive,' he prayed as he rode towards his own estate.
And there we have the 16th chapter of the story. I hope you enjoy this and as always let me know in the reviews what you think.
Thank you justjoe for your kind words and encouragement.