The Other Cousland
Chapter 6
Usual disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age or any of its wonderful characters or places. Please leave a review as they truly make my day and help me improve.
I found my men in a small clearing near the Chantry. They already had camp set up and a fire going in preparation for dinner. They were quiet as they sat there looking around at the people's suffering. I had already decided I was going to stay busy while I awaited news of my brothers and the battle to the South and I wanted to get started.
"I am not going to order you to help these people, but I am going to ask for volunteers." I said walking up to them. This seemed to perk them up a little and they looked at me curiously.
"What do you have in mind my lady?" The sergeant asked. I smiled widely that they seemed as interested in helping as I was.
"The Revered Mother told me that there isn't enough food and that people are going hungry. I was hoping that you would be able to hunt and help with that. She also told me the Chantry board has requests for aid and there is a small makeshift hospital I am going to be volunteering at. Also in the evening I want to make large meals to feed as many as we can. So maybe stew or soup? What do you think? Will you help me?" I asked, looking at each man as I spoke.
At first they were quiet, but then each began to smile and nod their heads. The sergeant looked to each of the men and replied, "We will help you, my Lady." I couldn't help the look of joy that spread across my face.
"Then let's get to work," and with that we began helping the people of Lothering and the refugees that were constantly streaming in.
Time began to blur as I helped the healers with the injured and sick. At first it was minor injuries, but as the day began to wane I noticed more serious injuries coming in. I tried hard not to wonder about my brothers and the battle. I knew we wouldn't hear word until tomorrow at the earliest so I stayed busy.
Once we had most of the patients tended to I went back to the camp to begin preparing the evening meal. My men were able to hunt down a ram and had already skinned it, butched it, and had it ready for me to cook and also had gathered wild vegetables. I quickly threw together a hearty stew that was able to feed many hungry people. I had mother's coming up to me hugging me gratefully with tears in their eyes and the little ones threw themselves into my arms for delighted hugs and kisses.
By the end of the evening my heart felt so full, I was able to make a small difference no matter how exhausted it made me. The look of relief and happiness those I helped gave me was enough reward to push me to want to do the same thing everyday until Aedan arrived and that's what I did.
I woke early every morning, ate a quick meal and began boiling linen for bandages and checking on the injured and sick. I would work at the hospital until evening, then make some sort of meal for as many as possible. By the end of the second day of our arrival I began to worry.
More and more refugees were streaming into Lothering, some severely injured, what happened at Ostagar? Early on the third day we saw soldiers heading into town. My heart began to pound as I scanned the large group for my brothers. When I saw Teryn Loghain I began to move swiftly towards him, but the look on his face made me stop just short of reaching him. He stopped in the middle of town and when he noticed he had most of the people's attention he began to speak.
"The King is dead!" His words stunned everyone into silence. "The Grey Wardens betrayed him and it was a massacre! I pulled my men back once I realized what was happening! From this moment forward, I am Queen Anora's regent! Bann Ceorlic, you and your men shall come with me to Denerim, there, along with the other nobility, we shall discuss the darkspawn threat! I suggest you all get as far away from here as possible! Alright men, let's move out!"
I couldn't breathe, he had to be wrong… The Grey Wardens would never… Duncan and my brother would never… Then the rest of what he said hit me and I collapsed to my knees, it was a massacre, my brothers were dead… All those people at Ostagar are dead, Maker what is going to happen to us now? The Teryn didn't seem to care what happened to the people here, he simply walked away without looking back. Wasn't this the famous war hero who saved Ferelden from the Orlesians?
The soldiers began to leave the village and head North. Who would protect these people from the darkspawn now? Where were we supposed to go, what are we supposed to do? Fear became a tangible thing as the only defense of the village left us to fend for ourselves.
I sat there on the ground trying to process everything, tears trickling down my face. My parents are gone, Rory is gone, my brothers are… gone… I was alone and I didn't know where to go or what I should do. The King, my friend, was also gone and along with him, my chance of getting my home back. Oh Maker, what should I do? I felt so lost, so helpless.
"Are you alright?" her soft orlesian voice pulled me from the darkness like a lifeline, anchoring me to the present.
"If I am to be honest sister Lelianna, I am not." I took a deep breath, like I had been underwater and I finally reached the surface. I looked at her and the look of kindness and compassion I saw there made me want to tell her everything.
"Why don't we get you up off the ground and we can talk if you feel up to it." She helped me pull myself to my feet and we walked together to the Chantry garden.
Once we got there we sat on one of the benches and I began telling her the events that had taken place. I told her about Howe's betrayal, killing my family and my love, and taking over my home. I told her of the trip to Ostagar with Duncan and my brother. Then finally I told her of Loghain's announcement and finding out my remaining brothers are dead and how I didn't know what to do.
The whole time she listened intently and held my hand when it began to shake. When I had finished my story she handed me a handkerchief and hugged me tightly.
"Thank you for being brave enough to tell me." She patted my hand gently. "You have been through so much in such a short time, but you have not let it break you. Instead, you have stepped up to help others that needed aid. I believe the Maker is with you."
"I pray you are right sister. I don't have any allies anymore to help me, but if I don't stand up to Howe then my family will never get justice. I am the only person who can do that, but I don't know what I should do next.." I was a little hoarse from crying.
"How about we take today one breath at a time. First let's get some food in your belly, a full stomach will help you think with a level head. Then we shall help prepare these people to evacuate the village to a safer place. We shall work together and then once we do what we can I shall help you figure out what to do next. I believe the Maker has plans for us both." She sounded so sure and confident.
I took one last steadying breath and nodded my head. I couldn't save my family but by the Maker I could help save as many of these people as I could. I knew it wouldn't bring them back, but I hope they are looking down on me and are proud of what I am doing.
I would not fall apart again like I did after Highever was lost. I may not be a warrior like the rest of my family, but I was just as strong. I am a Cousland, the last Cousland and I will not let my family down. I will make sure my family gets justice, and I will get Highever back.
With a newfound strength and purpose I followed sister Lelianna to get food. The village had begun to erupt in chaos. Since the darkspawn had defeated the King and his army, no one was safe. For all we knew the darkspawn would be here soon and there was no one to protect us. Our only hope had either died to these monsters, or rode to the capitol leaving us to fend for ourselves.
If Lothering was a sad place to see when I first arrived it was downright depressing now. Terrified refugees clumped together in little groups whispering their worst fears back and forth. Hope was as dead for these people as our King, Holy Maker, what can I do? No amount of food or prayers would change the way the people are feeling.
Sister Lelianna and I did everything we could but the atmosphere in the village was one of total despair. The people felt abandoned not only by the nobility but the Maker as well. How could the Maker allow this to happen? How would we survive? We needed a miracle, a hero, something. Evening fell quickly and as the sun set, it seemed to take all warmth with it.
A hush fell over the village and only the sounds of crying and pain could be heard for the next two days. More and more refugees filled into the small village and I got into a routine of helping the healer, feeding the people, and falling into an exhaustive sleep each day. As I crawled onto the bedroll that evening Sundance curled up as close to me as possible and whimpered, nuzzling me.
"I Know baby girl, I'm scared too, but these people need us." I stroked her head gently and she curled around me. I wouldn't abandon these people and I would save as many as I could. With one last prayer to the Maker I settled down and went to sleep.
The nightmares were the worst they had ever been. I was trapped in a cage while Howe tortured my family. Their screams echoed all around me and rang in my ears. I tried my best to break the door open but instead the pounding on the metal made my hands drip with blood. My family stood just out of reach and there was nothing I could do to save those I love as they each died in front of me. Once Howe had killed them their lifeless bodies stared at me with wide pain filled, terrified eyes.
Then the scene shifted to Ostagar. I was near the bridge looking down into the valley where the battle was raging below. Men, women, and hounds battled the darkspawn bravely but were being cut down like they were nothing more than sheaves of wheat. Gargling screams were all around me as blood covered the battlefield in a slick blanket of scarlet.
A flash of gold caught my eye as I saw the King in his golden armor fighting back to back with Duncan. A sob was building in my throat as I stood helpless as the two of them were attacked on all sides, jagged blades slicing through them. Who could survive such evil hatred? The darkspawn weren't fighting for land or glory, they were killing for the love of carnage.
I heard snarling coming from behind me and I turned to see the darkspawn coming towards me, swords, teeth, and claws dripping with the blood of those they had just slaughtered. My blood turned cold as I knew I was next. From one of the buildings Fergus, Aedan, and Scamp charged in front of me, pushing me protectively behind them.
First Scamp ran towards them howling ferociously, a mabari charge full of courage and heart. All it took was a pike to impale him, leaving him suspended in the air screaming in pain. I tried to get to him but a clawed pair of hands grabbed me and held me still. The darkspawn had me. The last thing I saw was my brothers surrounded by darkspawn and me being dragged away as they tightened the circle, their screams of agony tearing at my heart. A scream was ripped from my throat as they were cut down as they yelled my name.
I jerked upright in my tent as the sounds and smells of death faded, and I realized I had been actually screaming.
"My Lady, are you ok?" One of the men asked from just outside.
"Yes, I'm sorry to wake you, it was only a nightmare." I said, trying to calm my pounding heart.
"It is midday already my Lady, Sister Lelianna instructed us to let you rest, she said she will meet you at the tavern when you are ready."
"Oh Maker! How did I sleep so late! Thank you for letting me know." I quickly dressed and made my way out into the village with Sundance trotting beside me. This morning I found she didn't want to leave my side. She must be worried about me.
I walked past the Chantry and there were a lot of people buying goods from a merchant that just the day before was being too greedy and asking far too much for his goods. It seems he came to his senses and was charging reasonable prices now. I know one of the sisters was trying to reason with him yesterday, I'm so glad she was able to convince him.
"My Lady! You won't believe this but someone defeated the bandits just outside of town and we were able to reclaim what they stole! Now my family can head towards Denerim!" One of the refugees that I had helped the day before told me excitedly. I could hardly believe it.
"Thank the Maker someone finally did something about them. I know the templars ran them off a few times but knowing they're gone for good is a relief." I said smiling. She waved goodbye and I saw her and her family head towards the bridge that takes you North. Hopefully more families can get their belongings and leave for a safer place.
As I made my way towards the tavern people seemed to be in better spirits. Many were talking excitedly about the small group of heroes that got rid of the bandits and were apparently helping others in town. Many bragged of the leader's bravery, kindness, and according to the women, his handsome physique. I was just happy someone else was helping the people here. Maybe the Maker had sent someone that can really help these people. Hopefully I will learn more once I get inside the tavern.
I went to open the door when a small group of soldiers ran into me trying to exit the tavern as fast as they could. I fell on my butt and they barely spared me a second glance as they stared back at the tavern in fear and ran like their life depended on it. What in the name of the Maker was going on? The door was left wide open so I took the opportunity to dust myself off and make my way inside.
The whole tavern was in a state of array. Tables and chairs were turned over and smashed, pieces scattered across the floor. Blood was splashed on the floor and walls, there had to have been a brawl or something and I scanned the room for sister Lelianna. She would know what happened for sure, she always seemed to know what was going on.
I looked around the room and saw sister Lelianna speaking with a small group of people near the fireplace. One was a woman with raven black hair, dressed very oddly, and carrying what looked like a walking stick or… could that be a mage staff? Was she a mage? The next was a man dressed in scale armor with short dirty blonde hair. He vaguely reminded me of someone but I couldn't remember. At the moment she was talking to, who I guessed was the leader. Seeing the way the man stood and his hair color and cut made my heart ache, from the back he reminded me so much of my brother Aedan.
I had to leave. I turned around and walked out quickly telling myself I would speak to Lelianna once she was done. This was probably the group the people in town were talking about so Lelianna was probably thanking them for their help. I couldn't stay in there when the leader reminded me so much of my beloved brother who I just lost, it was too much. I wasn't ready to face that just yet, time, I told myself, I just need time to heal.
I would head back to the camp and try to compose myself and get to work. Lelianna would find me once she was done. In the meantime I would boil some linen and see what else I could get accomplished.
