Chapter 3

Marlena and Sandra sat at the table the next day watching Bryce play with the toys she had brought from Antiva.

"He is so beautiful Sandy." Marlena smiled.

"I am just happy that he will get to know his Aunt." Sandra said.

"Well if Eamon did publicly acknowledge his deceit, I presume I am no longer the whore of Ferelden. I guess I can stay in Ferelden."

"Very few people referred to you as that." Sandy replied. "And the ones who did were the angriest at the landsmeet. Some of them practically kissed Fergus's feet, they were so apologetic.

"I still can't believe Eamon hid what happened for all this time. Did he pay people for their silence?" Marlena said.

"He did pay people for their silence." Sandra said. "And you know Teagan rarely attended the Denerim Court so it was easy for Eamon to make excuses."

"That's true." Marlena remembered. "I recall Teagan and Kaitlyn during one landsmeet."

"The bigger shock came was when Ser Perth brought Rowann over with a letter from Teagan requesting that we take care of her."

"What does she know about her father not being around? Marlena asked.

"She knows her Daddy is sad and that's why he can't be with her."

"Damn Eamon and his ambition!" Marlena swore. "It makes me remember something Loghain said about him not being as noble as he made himself out to be."

"His reputation is pretty much damaged." Sandra said. "He is not even ruling Redcliffe since having to resign as Chancellor. A regent is over there as well."

"I hope I can help Teagan." Marlena said. "You may be over estimating my abilities."

"I don't think so." Fergus said as joined them. "You always had a way with people, even when you were young."

"My heart really breaks for him." Marlena sighed. "I know how much he loved Kaitlyn."

"Eamon said they found lying next to Kaitlyn." Fergus said. "One of his arms was still on top of her as if reaching over to stem the bleeding."

"Did she stab Michael?" Marlena asked.

"No." Sandra said.

"In the only act of mercy her deluded mind had, Isolde used a pillow on the baby." Fergus said.

"Even if it was Eamon who asked, I am glad you summoned me Brother."

"I knew you would understand." Fergus said. "It's why we're taking care of Rowann. We know the pain of experiencing a loss so great."

"Yes we do." Marlena said. "With Teagan however, this loss will cut deeper because his brother could have prevented it."

"I've set aside two horses and a wagon for you." Fergus said. "You can leave whenever you want."

"I'll leave first thing tomorrow morning." Marlena said. "I want to get there as soon as possible. Have you seen him since you found out?"

"Just once." Fergus said. "He was drunk and arguing with his nurse."

"She will be relieved to see you." Sandra said. "From what we heard, Teagan is very difficult to get along with."

"I'm afraid this is not going to be an easy task." Fergus said. "But if anybody can help Teagan come around, it will be you."

"Fergus, I'll do my best." Marlena said. "That's all I can guarantee at the moment until I see him for myself."

"And that's all anybody can hope for." Fergus hugged her.

Rainesfere Ten Days Later

The journey to Rainesfere went smoothly. There were no bandits and the weather remained calm throughout the trip. Marlena was surprised that she was recognized when making several stops and was amazed at how graciously she was treated compared to how she was before she left Ferelden.

When Marlena rode into the province, she was taken by its beauty. The area was green, lush and the grape orchard looked beautiful. The people in the village were friendly and welcoming when she identified herself and immediately pointed her to the path that lead to Teagan's estate which was nestled in a wooded area of his lands.

While the castle was definitely smaller than Redcliffe's, it was obvious there would be plenty of room.

"Warden Marlena?"

She turned to see Ser Perth smiling at her.

"I haven't been a Warden in quite some time." Marlena said as he helped out of the wagon. "My friends and family call me Marlee."

"Thank you…Marlee." He bowed. "It's a relief that you are here."

"Where is he Ser Perth?"

"He's…. at their graves." Ser Perth's expression suddenly looked grim. "I'll take you to him."

"She followed Ser Perth down a path that to the back of the castle, that went through a section of the woods and out to a walled section where the gate was open.

An eleven woman ran up to them looking tired and annoyed.

"I swear I have had it up to here with that man." She growled. "I'm ready to quit."

"It's alright." Marlena said. "I'm here to help."

"Britta, this is Marlena." Ser Perth said. "She's the acting regent now."

"You!" Sophie exclaimed. "Shianni told me about you. You saved the Alienage during the Blight."

"I had help." Marlena said.

"But you could have let it burn." Britta said. "Most shemlen would."

"I'm not a shem." Marlena smiled. "I'm me. And send Shianni my regards the next time you talk to her."

"Considering I'm about ready to quit, it may not be long before I do see her." Britta glared.

"What did he do?"

"He's verbally abusive and refuses to make any attempts to try to walk." Sophie said.

"How does he get dressed? Get in out of bed?" Marlena asked.

"He's strong enough to pull himself around." Britta said. "And he dresses himself. I have to make sure his clothes are laid out on a chair beside his bed."

"Has he made any attempts to stand?"

"I saw him stand once." Ser Perth said. "He immediately collapsed back in that wheelchair when he saw me looking at him."

"Does he do anything besides visit the graves?"

"He likes to fish on the dock at the lake." Britta said. "That's when I get a few hours to myself.

"Well, you need not worry. You will have more time to yourself now that I'm here."

"Maker bless you." Britta smiled.

"Does he even know I was coming?" Marlena asked.

"I don't think he was paying attention when I told him." Ser Perth said.

"You two stay here."

She found Teagan by Kaitlyn's grave. It had been a couple of years since she had seen him and he had not changed very much except for his eyes for they no longer had that familiar spark she associated with him. His eyes were vacant and conveyed the loss he experienced.

Marlena knelt down beside his chair and put her hand on his.

"Hello Teagan."

"So Ser Perth wasn't joking when he said you were coming." Teagan said as he turned to look at her. "Have you taken my lands? I really don't care if you did. I just would like to know the truth. I'm so tired of the lies."

"Teagan, your land is still yours." Marlena said. "I was made acting regent. I am to handle the day to day business of running Rainesfere and your winery until you are fully able to handle it on your own."

"The crown must be paying you quite a sum." He managed a laugh.

"I am not taking any money from the crown."

"Oh. Then I am a charity case." He turned away. "You are wasting your time Marlena. I am a dead man. You'd be better off looking for another archdemon to slay."

"I'm not leaving Teagan." Marlena said. "And you are going to walk again."

"And the great hero can work miracles too!" Teagan laughed.

"Teagan I do know what you are feeling so I'm not going to say I am sorry because I know that will not erase your pain. I will say this; had your brother not been so selfish and kept this a secret for so long, I would have been here a lot sooner. I loved Kaitlyn like a sister."

"She…loved you too." Teagan said. "I do…appreciate your concern but you are wasting your time. Just leave me be. Its better this way."

"Teagan there are people who want your lands and will do anything to take them!" Marlena said. "Do you really care so little for your daughter that you want to leave her nothing?"

"Do not bring my daughter into this Marlena."

"Rowann needs you Teagan."

"I can't be a father to her."

"So you give her to my brother and sister in-law."

"She is better off with them than my brother." Teagan said.

"I will not argue with you on that point Teagan." Marlena said. "Maker knows your brother is not one of my favorite people but I care about you and your daughter. I will not let Rainesfere and your winery taken away because you don't care."

"Fine." Teagan relented. "But do not expect any help from me."

"Whatever Teagan." Marlena said. "You think you have a corner on grief. I knelt in my father's blood as he was dying in the larder and my mother stayed behind so I was able to escape with Duncan. Some survivors told me the last thing my father witnessed before dying was my mother being violated by Howe's men before she was killed herself. I also held my dead baby in my arms."

"You were lucky. I never got the chance to say goodbye to my son."

Marlena squeezed his hand. The pain of losing her son still resonated and she understood Teagan's pain.

"You know it was Isolde who did…this." He said. "Remember when she wanted to be sacrificed to save Connor but we begged you not to?"

"It's not your fault." Marlena said gently. "How could you have known?"

Marlena watched as he blinked away a few tears.

"Do what you want Marlena." He said. "I don't care anymore."

Marlena watched as he called for Britta and she rushed over, grabbed the back of the chair and pushed him away.

Marlena's heart ached for Teagan. She remembered seeing how much he loved Kaitlyn and how she loved him. Marlena also never forgot how they supported her.

"Ser Perth, did he ever grieve for them?" Marlena asked

"No." He shook his head. "Teagan was recovering from his wounds and his only request that they would be buried here. And when well enough to travel, he moved back. Almost everyday he just comes here to look at the graves."

"I had heard some of you left Eamon's employment. I'm glad to see to see Teagan inspire such loyalty."

"We bore witness to Isolde's instability." Ser Perth said. "She went through the family quarters like a silent assassin. None of us knew what happened until it was too late. Eamon did his brother a great injustice and then proceeded to hide it to avoid the wrath of the nobility. Some of also… never believed the rumors Eamon spread about you."

"I'm just glad you and others are here." Marlena said.

"Do not hesitate to ask us for assistance." Ser Perth said. "We are here for you."

"Thank you." Marlena said. "I see I have my work cut out for me."

"I'll show you to your room." Ser Perth smiled. "If you don't mind me saying Marlee, you look worn out."

"I am exhausted." Marlena admitted. "A bath would be nice as well."

"I'll have that arranged for you." Ser Perth held out his arm and she took it, letting him lead her to the castle.