Chapter 42 = = The Landsmeet – The Proof is in the Poison
When the afternoon session convened, Anora spoke. "In light of Ser Irminric's testimony, we need to question all who were involved in the poisoning of Arl Eamon–"
Before Anora could finish, the Captain of the Watch for the Landsmeet entered from a side door and presented a scroll to the Chancellor; they both went to the Queen, who read it. Anora nodded.
The Captain and two lieutenants went to the main doors of the Landsmeet chamber and opened them. Soldiers in the livery of the Knights Divine entered.
The Chancellor spoke. "The Crown recognizes the Special Envoy from the Divine Beatrix III."
Whispers of surprise shot through the Landsmeet.
Following the Knights Divine was a woman of mature years, with eyes like topaz, and ash blond hair with highlights that hinted at the golden color it was in her youth. She wore a scarlet robe with the full chantry sunburst intricately embroidered onto the bodice in gold thread. The robe was in sharp contrast to standard chantry robes. It was a design only worn by special envoys who spoke directly for the Divine.
The Envoy carried herself with youthful vitality and lacked the slightly smug expression that Elemena typically wore. As she reached the throne, she unexpectedly knelt before the Queen. "Your Majesty, I am Special Envoy Dorothea and I carry a writ from the Divine concerning the Grand Cleric Elemena's actions and the Grey Warden Treaty."
Emmalynn snuck a look at Elemena, who looked slightly green. Hmm, it seems Elemena's being called to task. I hope that means templars will be here for the battle after all.
Alistair looked at Eamon, who was looking pale.
The Special Envoy presented the writ to the Chancellor, who quickly read it and handed it to the Queen. She nodded.
The Chancellor called out, louder than normal due to Elemena's known hearing loss, "Grand Cleric Elemena, please come before the Queen and the Special Envoy."
The Grand Cleric slowly walked down from the balcony and towards the throne, Emmalynn noticed that Elemena no longer looked ill. Ah, I see she has adopted her…how did Rana put it…pompously pious expression.
Elemena knelt before Envoy and then with some difficulty stood up.
Dorothea arched an eyebrow. "Should you not bow to the Queen of Ferelden?"
The Grand Cleric gave Anora a perfunctory bow.
The Chancellor asked, "Would the Special Envoy like to read the Writ?"
The envoy shook her head. "No, please continue."
The Chancellor began:
12th Day of Solace
30th year of the Dragon Age
~Proclamation~
As of this date and by my hand be it known that
~o~ The Chantry will comply with the Grey Warden treaty as written and will provide templars and mages in equivalent numbers. The Templars have already been dispatched and should arrive in Ferelden within days of this proclamation.
~o~ Any edict or ruling issued by Grand Cleric Elemena regarding any Right of annulment, regarding the mages who survive the battle, and any other edict issued since are hereby revoked.
~o~ Grand-Cleric Elemena is hereby recalled to Val Royeux; she will leave within two days from the day of this proclamation.
~o~ Special Envoy Dorothea will serve as Interim Grand Cleric until the 30th day of Solace at which time a new Grand Cleric will be appointed.
May the Maker be with the Wardens and the Armies that fight to stop this evil!
Maker Bless Anora Theirin, Queen of Ferelden
Beatrix III
~oooooo~
The Landsmeet was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. As each point of the proclamation was read Elemena's expression changed from haughty to defiant, and then to stunned.
"Your Majesty," Grand Cleric Dorothea spoke. "For Mother Elemena's comfort, I recommend that our Knights Divine escort her to her quarters, and guard her there."
Upon hearing mother Elemena, the former grand cleric's shoulders slumped, she looked utterly defeated.
Anora smiled. "Wise suggestion."
"Is there anything you wish to say to Mother Elemena?"
"No, I believe that Mother Elemena already knows the esteem in which I hold her." A few coughs could be heard throughout the chamber – people tried to hide a chuckle or two at the queen's sarcasm. Sarcasm that was not lost on the Envoy, nor was it lost on Elemena who winced as the Knights Divine escorted Elemena out of the Landsmeet.
Dorothea stood in her place next to the queen.
Once the door to the Landsmeet chamber closed the Chancellor continued, "Teyrn Loghain stands accused of the poisoning of Arl Eamon Guerrin."
Whispers could be heard across the whole chamber. Anora stood up, and all went silent.
"In light of Ser Irminric's written testimony, it is clear that we need to interview all parties involved. Given the late hour, we will conduct the interviews tomorrow morning at Tierce. In keeping with our laws and customs, in addition to the parties involved, only our Arls, Banns, and Grand Cleric will be present during the interview. We will hold the trial before the full Landsmeet during the afternoon session." She cleared her throat to control her emotions. "Until then, Teyrn Mac Tir, you will be imprisoned in Fort Drakon. Guards."
She watched them put manacles on her father. "Arl Wulf?"
"Yes, your Majesty?"
"Will you witness Teyrn Mac Tir's transfer to Fort Drakon?"
Looking genuinely surprised he bowed. "Yes, your Majesty. Might I suggest that each Arl in attendance send one trusted retainer to stand watch until the guards bring him back here in the morning?"
Anora nodded. "Yes, thank you for the suggestion. Chancellor, will you query the Landsmeet?"
The Chancellor nodded. "Those in favor of Arl Wulf's suggestion, say 'Aye'."
"Aye," sounded from all corners or the chamber
"Nays?"
~Silence~
"Arl Wulf's plan has been approved."
"Each retainer please present themselves to Arl Wulf at Fort Drakon."
Anora watched her father being led away. Knowing about the information Zevran found helped but watching her father leave hurt more than she expected. Taking a deep breath, she turned a resolute face towards the Landsmeet. "I thank you all for a productive Landsmeet, for your support during this difficult time, and for your spirit which is what makes Ferelden strong. I am proud to be your Queen. For Ferelden!"
The Landsmeet cheered and shouted,
"For Ferelden!
Maker save the Queen!"
Tapping his staff on the floor, the Chancellor called, "The Landsmeet now stands in adjournment for the day."
As Anora left the Landsmeet chamber, Emmalynn said, "Ali I need to go to Anora, she is too pale."
"I'll escort you."
The guard in front of the Queen's chamber looked relieved to see Emmalynn. "I was about to call for you, Lady Emmalynn. Her Majesty is quite distraught." The guard knocked. "Your Majesty, Lady Emmalynn is here."
"Send her in," came the faint reply.
"Please, guardsman... Ryan, correct?"
"Yes, my lady."
"Her Majesty needs a light meal; to whom should I make the request?"
"Just let me know what is needed."
"A small bowl of Cinnamon soup, some warm soda bread, and Jasmine tea?"
"It will be done."
"Thank you, Guardsman Ryan."
Alistair took her hand. "When you're ready to leave, send word. I love you."
"I love you, too."
Emma entered the chambers to see her friend curled up on her sofa looking like a lost child. Emma sat down next to her. "Anora?"
The Queen looked up; her eyes were red and swollen, and she was deathly pale. "I knew what had to be done, so did Father, but I didn't expect it to hurt so much."
"Just because it was the right thing to do doesn't mean it won't hurt to do it, especially as it brings up Cailan's death."
"No one at the palace can see past the crown. You understand, and your words mean so much." Tears filled Anora's eyes and she wiped them away. "Shameful."
Emma held one of the queen's hands. "Remember what I said? Not shameful. Holding back tears denies your soul a chance to grieve and to heal. You did a brilliant job at a difficult Landsmeet, but now you need to give your heart its due."
"I know. I'm… I'm afraid I'll never s... stop." She began to sob and Emmalynn put her arms around Anora and held her while she wept.
The food arrived an hour later. Emmalynn took the tray to Anora herself to spare the Queen from having her servants see her swollen, red eyes. "I took the liberty of ordering something light to eat. You haven't eaten much today, and you need to keep your strength up."
"Is that cinnamon soup?"
Emmalynn grinned. "Yes, plus warm soda bread and Jasmine tea: light, nourishing and, most importantly, your favorites."
"What about you?"
"I'm not hungry at the moment, but you need to eat. You're too pale."
Anora took her first taste of the soup and smiled. "Please, at least have some tea."
Emmalynn nodded and poured them both a cup.
Holding her cup of tea, Anora looked at Emma. "You mentioned wanting to open a healing clinic. Tell me more."
"I want to be able to offer healing magic for those who wish it, and well-trained non-magic healers for those who are not comfortable with magic. Plus, potions, medicinal salves, and such."
"That is a wonderful idea. I take it you would provide healing magic?
Emmalynn nodded.
"Would you charge for this?"
"Not for healing; some of the potions and salves will not be free, but I would not charge anyone for the medicines they need to heal. Say, for example, a knight wanted some healing potions to have on hand, those could be purchased. Ultimately, it would be great to have spirit healers and healers from the Circles take a turn through the clinic to learn."
"You will have the Crown's full support."
"Thank you."
"Of course, you need to get married first." Anora blue eye twinkled with humor as she peered over her tea mug.
Emma chuckled. "I think opening a clinic will be far easier than planning a wedding." She put her mug down. "Right now, though, I need to return to the mage encampment. The guards know how to find me. Do not hesitate to call. Even if you just need a shoulder to cry on. Anora, promise me?"
"I promise. Sleep well, my friend."
"You as well."
The women hugged goodbye. Anora went to her bedchamber to sleep and when Emmalynn left the queen's suite, she let the guard know.
Guardsman Ryan smiled. "Thank you, My lady. Maker bless you for helping Our Majesty. Ser Alistair is waiting in the library, I will escort you."
~oOOo~
Anora woke up feeling stronger clearer-headed, better able to contemplate the upcoming day and more hopeful about the outcome. I have not cried like that since I was a girl and mother would just hold me and I could feel her heartfelt support. Maker bless Emma.
After she was dressed, her Chamberlain brought news of a courier. Anora said she would meet with them in her study.
While Anora sat at her desk, the courier and two of her guards entered with the Chamberlain. The guards were carrying a coffer which was placed on her desk, and she was presented with two scrolls. One was marked "Public" the other marked "Private".
Anora opened the public one first:
...
To her Majesty Anora Theirin, Queen of Ferelden,
Maker Bless your reign!
Strong women never need men to legitimize their power.
~Celine Valmont
Empress of Orlais
...
Keeping her expression neutral, she put the scroll aside and opened the one marked "Private".
Queen Anora,
As you probably know by now, my cousin Gaspard tried to sow discord in your country. He did not specifically direct Howe to perform such heinous acts against the Couslands, however, through his bard he watered Howe's garden of hate. I have no direct proof; if I did, I would have sent you my cousin gagged and chained to face Fereldan justice.
I cannot bring back those he slaughtered, but I can hopefully help the lives left behind. To distribute how you see fit.
If you would, could you gift the empty coffer to Arl Eamon? It will serve as a reminder that you and I both know his role in this.
~ Celine
...
Anora opened the coffer which was filled with gold bars, bearing not the stamp of Orlais, but of the Merchant's guild.
"This means we can distribute this without impacting our own economy or being beholden to Orlais." Anora grinned. "Please put the bars in the vault and return to the coffer to the study."
"Yes, your Majesty."
Anora took both scrolls with her.
Because the morning would be spent interviewing those involved, benches had been set up in the nave. Eamon, Teagan, Emmalynn, Alistair, Aedan, Surana, Jowan, Leliana, and Wynne were seated up front as they were involved or witnesses. Behind them were the rest of the Banns and Arls.
Anora entered the chamber and once she was seated, looked to see Emmalynn and smiled. Emma smiled back. Anora is looking much stronger. Thank Andraste.
"Arl Eamon," Anora began, "Where is the Arlessa? Her testimony is important. She was an eyewitness."
"Ah, she is ill at home...in Redcliffe," he added quickly.
"That is unfortunate." She looked at the those assembled. "We will interview Warden Jowan, first, then Teyrn Loghain will be interviewed."
When Eamon entered the chamber, he'd seen Jowan and had been glaring at the mage. "You'll take the word of a prisoner and a blood mage!"
Anora looked at Eamon with cool implacability, "The Arlessa is not here and you were unconscious at the time. Jowan will have to do."
Jowan went to the transept platform and stood to wait.
The Chancellor began. "Warden Jowan, what exactly happened between the time you were taken from the templars and the time you administered the poison to the Arl?"
"I was taken to Redcliffe by the Teyrn's men, given a satchel and a note from Teyrn Mac Tir. In the satchel were several changes of clothes and coin if I needed to buy anything or stay at the inn, and a letter that was a reply from Teyrn Loghain to give to the Arlessa saying that I had been hired by the Teyrn to tutor Connor. Apparently, Lady Isolde had asked Teyrn Loghain for help."
Teagan frowned and Eamon arched an eyebrow.
"There was a smaller box in the satchel that contained the potion, instructions for when and how to use it, as well as the ingredients and recipe for an antidote. The letter said that the potion would render the Arl unconscious for almost a month and then I was to give him the Antidote."
Emmalynn raised her hand, and the Chancellor nodded at her.
She stood up and asked, "Jowan, what color was the potion you pulled out of the box?"
"Red. Foxite was the concentrating agent."
"May I continue to ask about the potions, my Lord Chancellor?"
The Chancellor looked to the Queen, who spoke. "Lady Trevelyan is a former Circle mage. She is a spirit healer with extensive knowledge of alchemy. Continue."
"Thank you, your Majesty." She turned back to Jowan. "Did you examine the potion before you administered it to the Arl?"
"No. I did not."
"Did you make and administer the antidote to the Arl?"
"Yes I did, the night before the demon was let loose." Jowan looked thoughtful. "I don't know why the antidote didn't work."
"What was in the Antidote?" Emmalynn asked.
"Elfroot, lifestone, and heatherum."
Emmalynn arched an eyebrow and looked concerned. "Did the red potion ever leave your sight while you were in Redcliffe?"
"No, I kept it in my robes during the day and under my pillow at night."
The Chancellor looked at Emmalynn. "Any further questions?"
"No, Chancellor."
"Warden Jowan, please wait outside. Guards, bring in Teyrn Loghain."
While they were waiting, Anora and the Chancellor looked at Emmalynn. "Do you believe Jowan?"
Emmalynn nodded.
"Do you have a theory about what the potion was?" Anora asked.
"What was administered to the Arl was poison, not a potion. I don't know the name of the poison, but I know what was in the Arl's system. Something doesn't match up."
The Chancellor said, "Perhaps you, my lady healer, should ask Loghain about the poison."
Emmalynn bit her lip and nodded.
"Do the Arls and Banns have an objection?"
No one indicated an objection.
Loghain came in, his hands in manacles, but not his feet. "Teyrn Loghain, Lady Trevelyan has some questions about was given to the Arl."
"Good afternoon, Teyrn Loghain," Emmalynn said as she bowed her head.
"You have been extremely helpful to my daughter; please, no formality is needed."
Emmalynn's cheeks turned pink. But there was no evidence of bashfulness in her voice when she spoke. "What specifically did you give Jowan-"
As Emma continued to talk, Eamon whispered to Teagan, "I sense favoritism, that mage seems rather cozy with Loghain."
Alistair heard the Arl's the look he gave Eamon was one of pure and righteous anger, enough to make the Arl blanch.
The Chancellor also overheard his comment. "Do you have something you need to say, my Lord Arl?"
"No, no. Continue."
"What color was the potion you gave to Jowan?"
"Lavender."
Behind her, Emmalynn heard murmurs.
"What specifically did you give Jowan to administer to the Arl?"
"It was concentrated Soldiers Bane and a special soporific/stamina effect to keep him asleep and alive. I also gave Jowan the reagents for the antidote, ironically called the Dwarven Regicide Antidote."
"What ingredients did you give him?"
"Elfroot, lifestone, and heatherum."
"Who made the modified soldier's bane?"
Loghain looked to his daughter who nodded. "Cailan hired a court herbalist about six months prior to Ostagar. The herbalist made it."
Eamon sputtered, "Are you insinuating that Cailan knew about this attempt on my life?"
"First, it wasn't an attempt on your life. Second, Cailan did not want you at Ostagar. I took care of the rest."
"Not an attempt on my life? I almost died!"
"Arl Eamon. I realize this is difficult for you to hear, but we must continue the questioning." The Chancellor's tone brooked no argument. He nodded for Emmalynn to continue.
"Aside from giving it to the men who took Jowan away from the templars, was the lavender potion out of your possession or sight?"
"No."
"Did the court herbalist put together the recipe and reagents for the Antidote?"
"Yes, under my watch."
"How did you know to send Jowan to Redcliffe?"
"The Arlessa had written to me asking for help."
"Why you?" Eamon sputtered angrily.
"My Lord Arl–" the Chancellor said.
Anora interrupted. "Let him answer."
"Why me? Because she knew you'd turn Connor over to the Circle. She didn't want to tell Bryce for the same reason. She knew that I would never turn over a child of mine to the Circle. She wrote to me for help."
"You presumed to tell my wife how to handle my child!"
Anora looked at Eamon, her eyes hard. "I am surprised that the Arlessa is not here in Denerim. She is the closest you have to an eye-witness as you were unconscious. If she is too ill to leave Redcliffe, then perhaps I should ask Emmalynn to attend her?"
"Oh, no need for that, she is just more comfortable at home."
The Queen pursed her lips. "Then I suggest you send for her."
The Chancellor said. "Unless there are more questions, your Majesty, how would you like to proceed?"
Anora replied. "Guards, take the Teyrn outside. Keep him and Jowan apart."
Once Loghain and Jowan left the chamber, the Queen turned to Emmalynn. "Do you have a theory?" Anora asked.
Emmalynn nodded, "The potion that Loghain had used Heatherum as the concentrating agent, that's why it was lavender. Even the antidote used Heatherum. The red potion, as Jowan pointed out, used foxite. So, the potions were switched.
"When we made the detour to Redcliffe because the Arl was declining, the poison acting on his body was not soldier's bane, with or without stamina and soporifics.
"What was in his system was residual elfroot, the residue of a strong toxin, other reagents, demonic ichor, and spirit shards. The elfroot was from the antidote and it was able to counteract the toxin. The demon who plagued Connor, however, enchanted the lifestone resulting in spirit shards. This all had the effect of making the poison in the Arl's system act like one called Soul Rot.
"I was able to change the shards back into the lifestone, which served as a countermeasure for the ichor, keeping the Arl alive but not cured. It bought us time to get the ashes.
"The demon ichor was Tevinter in origin. My guess is that the poison was made by the Tevinter mage Alistair killed in Howe's estate. It is also likely that Teyrn Loghain has a traitor among the troops he sent to capture Jowan."
"What!" Exclaimed the Queen, Chancellor and several in the audience
"The lavender colored potion was switched between the time Teyrn Loghain put it in the satchel and the time Jowan took the red-colored potion out. When would it make the most sense to make that change? Howe said it himself: how did his men know when and where to attack Irminric and his brother Templars? Because Howe had someone among the guards.
"When I asked Bann Teagan yesterday why Howe would kill the templars, he suggested that Howe wanted Loghain to be blamed for killing the Arl."
Alistair raised his hand.
The Chancellor nodded.
Alistair stood up. "With the death of the Couslands and Arl Eamon, and Loghain imprisoned or executed for poisoning the Arl, Howe would have become the only Teyrn. That plan was amended once the Arl had been cured, so he kidnapped her majesty instead."
The Queen and the Chancellor consulted with each other. The Chancellor then said, "Bring in Teyrn Loghain."
Loghain came back into the chamber.
The Chancellor, "Teyrn Loghain, where are the guardsmen who took Jowan from the Templars?"
Loghain looked surprised. "They are at the barracks. Tucker, Blaire, and Shaw."
The Chancellor signaled the Guard Captain who stood by the door. "See that these three men are brought here, but do not alert anyone as to why."
The Guard Captain nodded and left.
"Might I ask, what this is about?"
Emmalynn answered, "Teyrn Loghain, the potion that Jowan took out of the satchel was red, not lavender."
Loghain quickly connected the dots and his expression changed from curious to furious.
"I would suggest not looking so angry when the guards come in," Anora said firmly. "In fact, I suggest that you put them at ease when they enter the room."
"Might I stand near Loghain as he speaks with the guards?" Anora knows I have the second sight.
Anora nodded.
It was a tense several candle marks waiting for the guards. Fortunately, by the time the three guards entered the chamber, Loghain had gotten his temper under control.
The three men didn't look worried; puzzled, but not worried.
Loghain looked at his three guards. "I need your help. It turns out it was Arl Howe who laid an ambush and slaughtered the templars. Now, which of you had taken direct custody of Jowan?"
Tucker and Blaire both nodded towards Shaw.
"You had Jowan in custody?"
"Yes, Your Grace. I was the one to put the magic inhibiting collar on Jowan in case he decided to run. By Chantry law that means I had the be the one to carry the key. While it was dawn when we took custody of Jowan, we had been up all night, so we made camp for the morning to catch a couple of hours of sleep. Blaire took first watch then Tucker."
It couldn't have been Shaw if he had the key to the inhibiting collar it would have been noticed if he'd left the camp. Emmalynn used her second sight. Blaire and Shaw have typical human non-magical auras, but Tucker's aura has been marked. I can see the residue of it.
Emmalynn spoke softly, "Guardsman Tucker, have the headaches been painful?"
Loghain followed Emmalynn's lead. "Headaches? Are you sure you're okay, Tucker?"
"Yes, Your Grace, they've gone away."
"Tucker, let the healer take a look. I don't want to be accused of not taking care of my men, especially in front of all of them." He waved at the people sitting in the nave.
Emmalynn approached Tucker and she smiled disarmingly. "Guardsman, could I ask you to take off your helmet? Please."
"Really Teyrn Loghain, I don't need the help."
"Humor me, Tucker. Healers are a pain if you don't listen to them."
Tucker sighed and took off his helmet. "The headaches stopped, honest."
Emmalynn made herself the easiest target for the soldier, then said softly, "The headaches must have stopped when the Queen was rescued."
"Yes, that…that…is exactly when they stopped."
Emmalynn cast her cloaked paralysis glyph just between herself and Tucker. Then she said, in a tone that was as matter-of-fact as she could manage, "When the Tevinter mage died, the mark on your aura was no longer being powered; that's why the headaches stopped."
When Tucker saw Loghain's expression he knew he'd been caught. He tried to grab Emmalynn but his forward motion tripped the glyph and he was completely paralyzed.
"I suggest divesting him of all his weapons and cuffing him. You have about 5 minutes." Emmalynn said as she was about to back to her seat.
"Maker Woman! What did you do?" Loghain said.
"I cast a cloaked paralysis glyph."
"You used yourself as bait! How did you know the glyph would work?"
Emmalynn looked at him. "How do you know if you've stuck someone with a sword?"
"I wield the sword, I would know if I stuck someone with it."
"I wield the magic, I would know if I successfully cast it."
Loghain was speechless for a moment and then began to laugh. Except for Arl Eamon, everyone else in the chamber chuckled. Even Grand Cleric Dorothea smiled.
The Royal guards were cuffing Shaw and removing his weapons.
"Was the Tevinter mage controlling him?" the Chancellor asked.
"No, all the mark did was take what was already a traitorous heart and make him feel slightly less bad about it. The headaches were a reminder of who held his leash." She sat down next to Alistair, who put his arm around her and pulled her close.
Anora instructed the guards, "Captain, take him to Fort Drakon. Isolate him. He will be brought to the Landsmeet this afternoon."
"You were able to see this mark?" Teagan asked Emma.
Emmalynn nodded.
"Thank you all for helping us get to the bottom of this," the Chancellor said. "The Queen has suggested a 30 minutes recess as the guards changed watch."
Before Loghain was ushered out, he asked to speak with Emma. The Guards motioned to her. She approached Loghain and he said, "Emmalynn, thank you. Perhaps they won't execute me."
"You've done nothing that warrants that," Emmalynn declared.
"Tell that to Arl Eamon."
"Can Arl Eamon push for your execution? I don't know how the Landsmeet works."
"He can demand trial by combat, and he would have a champion, of course. Given I've not been training, and rest has not been easily come by…well."
"Can't he withdraw his charges against you?"
"Sure he can, but he won't. The fact remains that if I hadn't done what I did–"
"No, you were a convenient opportunity that Howe took advantage of. Tucker knew of your plan and told Howe about it."
"You're an idealist, Emmalynn. Right now, I am Eamon's whipping boy."
After Emmalynn watched Loghain being led away, she realized that Eamon had already gone; she looked up to see the study door open on the balcony level.
Alistair came up to Emma. "Love, what's wrong?"
Emma pulled him aside away from the crowd. She urgently whispered. "Loghain said that Eamon could ask for trial by combat and pick a champion?"
Alistair nodded soberly. "Yes, that is Eamon's right."
"But we know what happened. Loghain doesn't deserve to die. But Loghain said that he was Eamon's whipping boy. That's so wrong. I am going to talk to Eamon."
"Wait, Emma."
"No, Alistair, don't try to stop me."
"I'm not. I'm coming with you. Let's see if we can make Eamon see sense. We know Zevran is here somewhere, he said he'd be. The Arl certainly doesn't know how much the Queen knows. You go in and I'll wait just outside the door and listen."
They heard Teagan's voice and Eamon's but the sounds were muffled behind the closed door.
"I'm glad Teagan is there, too," Emmalynn whispered to Alistair as she knocked on the door "Bann Teagan, Arl Eamon. It's Emmalynn."
Teagan called, "Come in, Emma."
"Can we go back down yet?" Eamon demanded.
"Not yet." Emmalynn shook her head. "Arl Eamon, do you intend to ask for trial by combat against Teyrn Loghain?"
"That is my right."
Emma nodded and her gaze turned pleading. "Could you find it in your heart to drop your charges against him?"
"Why would I do that?"
Emmalynn tried to appeal to reason. "As you know, the real culprit is Rendon Howe; that Guardsman, Tucker, was working for Howe. It was Tucker who switched the potions and told the Arl's men where to find the Templars. It was Tucker who knew about the plan and told Howe."
"You are so naïve. Loghain's been a pebble in my shoe for as long as I've known him. I am looking forward to retribution."
Teagan looked at his brother. "You've always blamed Loghain for Cailan's unwillingness to put Anora aside. Did it never occur to you that he didn't put her aside because he loved her?"
"Royal marriages aren't about love."
Emmalynn said softly, upset for her friend, "This one was. The Queen just lost her husband. Do you want to deprive her of her father as well?"
"Pretty rich from the woman who took my son away." It was clear Eamon wasn't planning on changing his mind.
Alistair had heard enough. He walked into the study. "Arl Eamon, you will drop the charges against Loghain because it is in your interest to."
"Excuse me?"
"I'm not at all sure that the Landsmeet would be thrilled to know you've sent your wife to your villa in Lydes. A villa that was gifted to you a year before Ostagar by the Duke of Lydes. A 'gift' for working to have Cailan set Anora aside and get him to marry the duke's daughter Monette."
Eamon sputtered, failing utterly to hide his surprise.
"Nor would they be pleased with you were being duped by an agent of the Empress into believing that Celene wanted Anora off the throne in favor of me."
Eamon paled, but then scowled. "You need proof."
Emmalynn nodded. "We have the deed to your villa and your correspondence with the Arlessa. Then there are the notes from the Empress' elven bard about 'encouraging Cailan to put Anora aside'."
"Alistair, I am surprised. I would expect this mage to be simple enough to think I can be bluffed, not you."
"Tch tch." Zevran purred as he walked into the room. Standing before the Arl, he handed a folder of documents to Emmalynn. "You need to apologize to Esperanza for your slight to her intelligence."
Emmalynn showed the Arl the bill of sale and handed the correspondence to Teagan.
Teagan grinned. "You should do as Alistair and Emmalynn suggest, Brother." He handed the letters back to Emmalynn.
The healer smiled sweetly. "I hope you see it clear to dropping the charges against the Teyrn. We need to unite Ferelden and fight against the Blight. If we don't, your pettiness will be even more meaningless than it is now."
Teagan tried not to laugh and coughed into his hand.
Alistair smirked and said, "I'll meet you outside, Em."
Emmalynn nodded and left.
Alistair waited a moment then crossed his arms. "By the way, the woman you so callously treated is my betrothed. Do not speak like that to her again, or I will demand honor that is my right and I dare you to find one person who would be your champion."
When the Landsmeet reconvened, Eamon stood. "In light of what we have discovered, I drop the charges against Teyrn Loghain. We need to unite Ferelden." He looked at Loghain. "If we don't, your petty attempt to thwart me will be even more meaningless than it is now."
The rest of the Landsmeet applauded. Emmalynn looked at Teagan and grinned. "I'm glad my words inspired him!" Teagan almost laughed aloud.
"The Crown calls Warden Commander Aedan Cousland, Warden Constable Surana, Senior Warden Riordan, and Warden Jowan."
Aedan led his wardens into the chamber. They all wore the official Grey Warden armor: blue tabards with bright silver thread, Silverite armor for Riordan and Aedan, leathers for Jowan and Surana.
AN: Thank you to my beta ElyssaCousland! Thank you also, to Melysande and Judy for your reviews, to those who have favorited, and those who are following this story!