Reclamation: Chapter 4
…
Renee watched as Elizabeth wiped her mouth with the napkin before putting it on her plate. She had eaten a bowl of stew, a slice of bread, nibbled on a chicken leg, and washed it down with a couple goblets of wine but shook her head when offered a slice of pie.
"Lena," Elizabeth looked at her. "Nan would be proud. That was delicious."
"It was," Teagan agreed.
"Thank you," Lena blushed. "I had help. I will also be packing some provisions for you to bring on your journey."
"Thank you," Renee smiled. "We got a long trek ahead of us so that will come in handy."
"It's just nice sharing a meal at a table," Leliana remarked.
"Twas a satisfactory meal," Morrigan nodded.
"This definitely was more flavorful than some of the other Ferelden cuisine I have sampled," Zevran poured himself another goblet of wine.
Renee looked at Alistair and chuckled to see he was finishing his second slice of pie after eating half of a chicken, a few slices of cheese and two bowls of stew.
"This was delicious," He placed his fork on the plate. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Lena smiled as she took his plates.
"Did you want to go over the trip with me?" Elizabeth looked at Renee.
"Yes," Renee pulled out a map. "We'll be leaving early three days after tomorrow. We'll be using those horses and wagons for the trek but given the fact we're dealing with a civil war as well as the Blight, we'll be traveling for weeks."
"I've survived for Maker knows how long in the woods," Elizabeth set the goblet down. "I'll be able to handle it. Moreover, I do not want to be coddled. I will do my fair share whether it's fighting, hunting, whatever."
"You…hunt?" Teagan looked at Elizabeth.
"Only small game, pheasant, and other fowl," Elizabeth turned to him. "You look surprised."
"Forgive me. I am surprised," Teagan admitted. "I think you are the second woman I know who hunts, Alfstanna being the first."
"Who do you think taught me my bow skills?" Elizabeth smiled coyly.
"Can you cook?" Morrigan asked.
"Nan taught me a few things although I doubt what I know would work on a campfire. I can make poison, and have knowledge in first aid."
"You can make poison?" Morrigan raised a brow.
"A good rogue always has some knowledge in that skill," Leliana chimed in.
"Mother never approved so I had to teach myself and at the same time I learned how to make rudimentary salves. I even sewed up a few of the militia men's wounds."
"You don't have to cook," Renee said reassuringly. "And there will be plenty for you to do. It's good to know you have some knowledge in first aid as well."
"You can share in the hunting duties or even partner up with Teagan," Zevran suggested. "Teagan did a superb job in helping keep us fed."
"Zevran, you are exaggerating my abilities," Teagan said embarrassingly. "There were others who hunted as well."
"I'll gladly share in the hunting duties and anything else," Elizabeth promised.
"There will be plenty for you to do when we make camp," Renee smiled. "There is one thing I would like to do tomorrow though and that is for you to pack. We will also need to find a bedroll and tent for you."
"One of the storage rooms below should have what is needed," Elizabeth stood up. "I'd like to see that map you laid out on the other table."
"Certainly," Renee got up and followed her to table and the rest of the group followed suit.
"I presume you were planning to take the same road back," Elizabeth looked at her.
"That was the plan," Renee nodded. "If you know another road that would save time we are open to suggestions."
"I do," Elizabeth picked up the map. "Miles is planning to send some men out to travel to the various villages and townships to update everyone. You mentioned wanting me to keep a low profile so I suggest we take this road."
Renee looked down at the map to the area where Elizabeth was pointing.
"This road will take you all the way to the Imperial Highway and you will save about twenty miles."
"We can do that," Renee looked at her.
"I saw this road while on my trek for elfroot," Morrigan set her goblet down. "Tis a good idea, it looks rarely used."
"It's a road my brother took with our soldiers. He wanted to avoid the fanfare. It is rarely used due to it being situated in a heavily wooded area. It was also the road I was going to use if I had managed to escape that night."
"We'll take the road," Teagan promised.
"Thank you," Elizabeth looked at the group. "Now if you will excuse me, I am going to retire for the evening."
"I left a potion for you take on the nightstand," Renee said gently. "If you need anything don't hesitate to look for me."
"Would you like me to walk you back to your room?" Teagan offered.
"Thank you but I'll be fine."
"Elizabeth," Leliana walked over to her. "I was affirmed at the Chantry so I am able minister to the men and anybody in town before we leave. I was wondering if that…"
"With all due respect the Maker and I are not on the best terms now. If anybody wants comfort in a God that ignores their prayers, that is their business. You can do whatever you want just leave me out of it."
Elizabeth quickly turned away and left the room.
"It will take time to get her faith back," Leliana said somberly. "I should not have asked."
"Twas not faith that kept her alive," Morrigan glared. "That young woman survived by her own will."
"Considering you are a heathen, it's understandable you would not understand," Leliana folded her arms.
"I'd rather be a heathen than believe in a god that ignores his faithful," Morrigan chuckled as she sauntered out of the room.
"Leliana, you did nothing wrong," Renee looked at her. "Elizabeth did not take offense to you wanting to help others. She just needs time."
"You're right," Leliana's face brightened. "And it's obvious she cares for her people."
"I see a young woman who had everything torn away from her. Duty and vengeance are holding her together," Zevran broke his silence. "I can see the glint in her eye. Make no mistake about it. She will get her revenge. The real question is whether she will recover or let it consume her."
"I knew her father," Teagan insisted. "Bryce would not want this for her."
"She just needs time," Renee said.
"Have you decided on the group for your Dalish search," Zevran looked at Renee.
"As a matter of fact I have," Renee replied. "Alistair, Leliana, and Wynne will be going and the rest of you will stay behind to assist Teagan and Eamon in dealing with any possible threats to Redcliffe."
"If I could I'd kiss you right now," Zevran bowed. "But Alistair would likely throttle me across the room."
"It would not be that far," Alistair looked at him.
"I'll be ready when the time comes," Leliana nodded. "I'm going to go visit the men. One of them mentioned missing Mother Maloll so I am going to talk with them before I retire for the evening."
"Thank you Leliana," Renee said. "Goodnight."
"Would you like me to check on Oghren and Sten?" Zevran offered.
"I'd appreciate that," Renee sighed.
"I shall do that before retiring for the night."
"You're going to bed awfully early," Alistair folded his arms.
"Oh I'm not going to bed," Zevran chuckled. "I'm going to play cards with some of militia."
"Have fun," Renee chuckled.
"I'm going to read a bit in the library before going to bed," Teagan walked toward the door. "Goodnight."
"So you want to head to bed?" Renee put her arms around Alistair.
"I want to go to bed but sleeping is not… what I have in mind."
"I was hoping you'd say that," Renee caressed his cheek.
She tilted her head back until their lips met, rewarding him with the sweetest of kisses.
"I love you so much," Alistair sighed and pulled her tighter against her. "I don't know what I would do without you."
"I love you too," Renee closed her eyes.
…
The next morning Renee made her way to the family wing and Elizabeth's room where she found her sitting on the bed laying out clothes.
"Good morning," Renee set down a pack and bedroll on the bed. "We found these where you said they would be. I also set aside a tent for you."
"Thank you. Feel free to help yourself if you need anything."
"Thank you. I will examine our gear before we depart," Renee reached into the pack and set the canteen aside. "Now you will need extra small clothes, socks, something comfortable to wear around camp and to sleep in."
"Here you go," Elizabeth handed her the neatly folded pile. "I'll be wearing my armor when we travel."
"You'll need a coat or cloak as well."
"I'll have it on when we leave."
Renee put everything in the pack and looked at Elizabeth, "You have plenty of room for other things."
Elizabeth got up and grabbed to smaller packs that were on the dresser.
"A hairbrush, soap, and some other necessities are in this one and a mortar, pestle and whetstone are in the other."
"You've made this very easy," Renee smiled. "Is there anything else?"
"Teagan already placed the art supplies in the main hall. I guess maybe my journal, and I know this is silly but I need to take this."
Renee watched as Elizabeth picked up the ship that was sitting on a table and brought it to her, "This was supposed to be my nephew's name day gift. I can't explain why but I need to take it with me."
"Elizabeth if it gives you comfort to take it then by all means, let's get it in the pack."
"Thank you," Elizabeth sighed and grabbed a book off the nightstand. "Here is my journal."
"And we're finished. I'll put this in the main hall with everything else."
"Renee may I ask how old you are?" Elizabeth sat down on the bed.
"I'm twenty one years old and so is Alistair."
"We're the same age," Elizabeth's face brightened. "How did you become a Warden?"
"To make a long story short, it happened shortly after I passed my Harrowing. Someone who I thought was a friend was about to run off with a chantry sister. He asked me to help him but I…told Enchanter Irving. I set him up and when caught; my so-called friend resorted to blood magic and escaped. Duncan was there and I accepted his invitation to join the Wardens."
"What was it like going outside for the first time?"
"The sun…blinded my eyes. Duncan and I ended up staying at the inn across the lake for a couple of hours until he found a traveling merchant willing us to let us ride in the back of his wagon for a few hours so I could acclimate myself."
"That's definitely the Duncan I remember," Elizabeth said fondly.
"He was gentlemen," Renee agreed.
"So your friend escaped?"
"I actually discovered Jowan in Redcliffe in a cell. Isolde hired Jowan and wanted him to try to help Connor hide his magic and this was around the same time Eamon was poisoned. Connor accidentally unleashed a demon while trying to help his father."
"Teagan mentioned you saved Redcliffe."
"It was a group effort. And Jowan was taken back to the Circle after Eamon was cured."
"I'm sorry."
"Thank you but it's alright. It turned out Jowan harbored a lot of resentment and jealousy towards me. I guess you can say I was in denial."
"I know what it's like to have people resent you. I only had one close friend; Miles's sister, Joanna. It was difficult when she married and moved to Antiva."
"My other friend was actually sent to Antiva a couple of weeks after her Harrowing. Neria and I were inseparable. She had her Harrowing about a month before mine and two weeks later, was sent away. I was…heartbroken."
"In Antiva some of the nobility keep mages. And Orianna told me the mages circle is a huge castle."
"Yes," Renee nodded. "I was told while the Templars still watched over the mages; the attitude was different over there."
"Maybe when this is over with, you and Alistair can go to Antiva to see her."
"Perhaps," Renee briefly looked away.
"What would Neria say about you being a Warden?"
"She'd have plenty to say that's for certain," Renee chuckled. "Since she never got along with Jowan I would get a lecture followed by a hug. She would be happy for me but would also feel a little sad since we are now on completely different paths. I just hope she is happy where she is."
"I'm happy Joanna is safe in Antiva."
"So tell me," Renee looked at Elizabeth. "Why the lack of friends?"
"We were considered the second most powerful family in Ferelden and with that there are expectations and the fact there is no magic in our line made some noblewomen resentful. Many noble families were interested in me marrying their sons not only to increase their station but to strengthen their families."
"They wanted you because you have no magic in your line."
"Yes," Elizabeth nodded. "So a lot of young women resented me for it."
"A lot of the apprentices were jealous of me too," Renee sighed.
"The worst part is when they are friendly to your face but immediately talk about you as soon as you leave the room."
"Yes," Renee agreed. "That definitely stings."
"I just remembered one more thing I want to take with me," Elizabeth got up, picked up the small book, and handed it to Renee.
"This is the book Duncan gave to you."
"Yes. It wouldn't feel right if I left it behind."
"Thank you for showing it to Alistair," Renee said as she placed the book in the pack. "Duncan was like a father to him and knowing your family held him in such a high regard really means a lot to him."
"I will always remember Duncan fondly and it was easy to tell that Alistair really looked up to him."
"Looks like you are all set," Renee smiled. "I'll bring this to the main hall."
"The leather smith should be here soon."
"Before I go I need to tell you another one of our companions should be arriving soon. I arranged for Shale to protect a merchant and his son who occasionally camp with us."
"If he's coming with a merchant that's wonderful, the town is in short supply of some things."
"Bhodan will definitely be able to help but there is something you need to know about Shale."
"What is it?" Elizabeth looked at Renee.
"Do you know what a golem is?"
"Yes Scribe Aldous taught us what he knew of Dwarven history. Are you telling me you have an actual golem? And you loaned him to this merchant?"
"Yes but Shale is definitely not like the golems your scribe told you about."
"I didn't know they had names."
"They…don't. Shale happens to be sentient."
"Are you telling me this golem can communicate and think on its own?"
"Let me explain," Renee began. "We came upon Shale quite by accident and then while we were seeking Orzammar's help for the Blight, we had to do some specific tasks in order to get that aid and in the process we discovered how golems were created. It turned out dwarves sacrificed themselves in order for the golems…to work. Their living soul become part of the golem."
"Shale was a female dwarf?"
"Yes but please don't mention it. Shale considers humans, dwarves and elves to be…squishy."
"And Shale has been helping you?" Elizabeth cupped her right cheek with a hand.
"Yes. I was planning to have Shale and Sten take turns guarding Wentworth."
"I like how you think and I look forward to meeting Shale. You certainly travel with an interesting group."
"Yes," Renee chuckled. "They are my merry band of misfits."
"I'm going to go see if Buckley is here to alter my armor," Elizabeth headed to door. "I'll see you later."
"If you need me I'll be around," Renee smiled.
….
Renee placed Elizabeth's pack with the others and looked up to see Wynne coming inside.
"How did it go?"
"A healthy baby girl," Wynne sighed and sat on the bench. "How is Elizabeth?"
"She's better. We got her packed for the trip and I told her about Shale."
"How did she react?"
"She appeared a bit dubious but it didn't seem to bother her."
"That's good because Bhodan, Sandal, and Shale arrived."
"I hope Shale did not scare the townspeople."
"The surface dwarves explained golems to the mayor and a few others who were milling about but most seem to be focused on repairing the town or buying supplies from Bhodan."
"Elizabeth said we can take any gear we need before we leave. I know your tent has seen better days. Can you think of anything else?"
"We could use a new cooking pot and a kettle."
"I'll make sure I grab them. Lena is giving us a sack of potatoes as well as some other provisions. We will be eating well when we're on the road."
"Good. I want Elizabeth to continue to build her strength up."
"Yesterday when we talked she insisted that we not coddle her and said that she wanted to help when we're on the road."
"That's a good thing. That will not only help her heal it will give her a sense of belonging."
"Elizabeth is really nice Wynne. I discovered we both share one thing in common; she's dealt with a lot of people who were resentful of her in a similar way the apprentices were of me."
"It isn't easy for a young woman of her station. There are expectations of her just like there are expectations for every apprentice."
"She made me remember Neria and how close we were."
"I know it's never easy when a friend goes to another circle. Neria Surana was a very talented just like you and will have a good life in Antiva."
"I know," Renee sighed. "I was happy to get a goodbye letter from her."
"You were very lucky," Wynne chuckled. "That was likely Irving's doing since that is not allowed."
"Elizabeth said I could see her again one day."
"And maybe you will," Wynne smiled. "There are Wardens in Antiva and they always depend on the assistance if mages."
"Maybe I will if we survive this."
"We will survive this," Wynne patted her arm. "Now where is everybody? I saw some of Teagan's men assisting the militia in fortifying the town."
"Alistair, Sten, and Oghren are reinforcing the wagons to make sure they stay in one piece. Zevran & Leliana are placing traps in vulnerable areas. And Morrigan is making salves and potions."
"And what about Teagan and Elizabeth?
"Elizabeth is getting her armor fitted and Teagan was assisting the Seneschal."
"I should check on the men," Wynne stood up.
"I'll come with you and then we get some tea. I want to show you the map. We are taking a different road back. It was a suggestion by Elizabeth and it will save us some time."
"I look forward to see it," Wynne remarked. "I have to admit, it will be nice to be traveling by wagon."
"It definitely will be a nice change and it should save us a few weeks," Renee agreed.
…..
"The mayor sent word that a group arrived from West Hills today," Miles paced around the study. "They told him it's been overrun by darkspawn."
"Maker," Teagan shook his head. "I hope Wulff made it out."
"There were some men in the group who pledged to take up arms to protect Highever in exchange for their family's safety. Since we had several families move out of their farms, I am going to let them take residence."
"That's good. How are the granaries?"
"We have enough to sustain everyone and some merchants arrived and have resupplied us with things."
"That's good to know. Elizabeth will be relieved knowing Highever is healing from this."
"Everyone loved the Cousland family. They loved the teyrn and want to honor his memory by recovering from this."
"Bryce was an honorable man and his loss will be felt all over Ferelden for years to come."
"He thought highly of you Teagan which reminds me," Miles went through a pile of papers before handing him a sealed parchment. "I found this under the desk. It had your name on it."
Teagan looked at the parchment and recognized Bryce's writing.
"Thank you," He looked at Miles. "He was a good friend, mentor and was often easier to talk to than my own brother."
"Am I interrupting?"
Teagan and Bryce turned to see Elizabeth in the doorway. Dressed in her armor she walked towards them.
"I was just telling Miles how your father's advice and guidance have helped me over the years," Teagan quickly put the parchment in his pocket.
"Father always said you underestimated your abilities and predicted you would end up being one of the most powerful leaders of the nobility one day."
"I'm honored he thought that and will try to lead by his example when this is over with."
"Buckley did a wonderful job Elizabeth," Miles nodded.
"Yes he did," Elizabeth agreed. "I still need to put on some weight though."
"You will," Teagan said reassuringly.
"Is there anything I need to sign or do before I leave Miles?"
"Everyone has been made aware that they are not to reveal you are alive so I am basically handling all affairs until this is over with so you don't have to worry about anything."
"You will have to reclaim Highever at the landsmeet," Teagan explained. "I'm certain Howe likely had some decree or deed written up."
"Oh I will reclaim Highever," Elizabeth declared.
"The mayor and I are focusing on protecting Highever," Miles explained. "We have scouts patrolling the road to Denerim and fortifications have been made to the town. There haven't been any deliveries of silver for weeks now."
"They are not going to come back. As much as Howe abused Thomas, he had a lot of faith in him and Wentworth. And they never sent word that I escaped because neither wanted to face his wrath."
"Howe is likely plotting the demise of more of the nobility he views as enemies," Teagan surmised.
"He apparently has done that. I just remembered over hearing him refer to himself as the Arl of Denerim," Elizabeth looked at Miles. "You remember hearing that?"
"Yes. He mentioned Urien Kendells being killed at Ostagar so he must have killed Vaughan," Miles leaned against the wall.
"The Alienage can have a party celebrating his demise when this is all over with," Teagan scoffed.
"He was vile when I met him in Court," Elizabeth frowned.
"Howe is obviously trying to consolidate power," Teagan realized.
"That reminds me," Elizabeth looked at Miles. "If by chance anyone from Amaranthine arrives in Highever make sure they are watched and if they start to ask questions, arrest them."
"You don't have to worry about that Elizabeth. I told the mayor and the militia to keep watch."
"Thank you. I know Highever will be safe thanks to you and everyone working together," Elizabeth said approvingly. "Now if you will excuse me, I am going to meet and thank those mercenaries that assisted with reclaiming Highever and my home."
"We'll see you at lunch," Teagan nodded as Miles bowed his head.
"I am relieved Elizabeth will be traveling to Redcliffe with all of you," Miles sighed. "And I know you will keep her safe."
"She will be safe and taken care of," Teagan promised as he looked toward the doorway.
…
It was dawn and the day of their departure. All the wagons were packed with their things as Morrigan and Zevran walked with Shale to towards the group standing outside.
"And this woman escaped her captors and basically ran wild win the woods killing anyone who hunted her?" Shale looked up when seeing a bird fly overhead.
"Tis remarkable she lasted out there," Morrigan chuckled softly.
"I saw her in action," Zevran said. "Her talent could use some refinement but she is good…quite good."
"I hate to ask but why weren't you with Bhodan and Sandal?" Morrigan inquired.
"Some townspeople gave me a lovely crystal for helping them kill a rather large boar. The silly creature had the gall to attack me. All I had to do was bash its head."
"Renee requests you keep the sarcasm to a… minimum," Zevran said. "Elizabeth is still recovering from the massacre of her family."
"I will be polite to the new person if she is to me," Shale said.
Zevran and Morrigan glanced at each other & both shook their heads.
….
"Thank you for helping Highever Bhodan," Elizabeth said gratefully.
"Of course my lady," Bhodan bowed his head. "You have my deepest condolences and if I happen to come across any merchants during my travels I will make sure they come to Highever."
"I appreciate that," Elizabeth looked down at Sandal. "It's nice to meet you."
"Pretty," Sandal pointed at her.
"Thank you."
"Shale is here," Renee looked toward the road.
Elizabeth followed Renee and Wynne and briefly slowed down when catching a glimpse of Shale.
"Here we are," Morrigan said dryly.
"You have to excuse Shale's tardiness," Zevran said. "He helped the townspeople kill a boar."
"This boar was the size of three men," Shale retorted.
"You killed the beast," Elizabeth walked over to them. "Thank you. He's been wreaking havoc for a few years now."
"You are the woman who will be traveling with us," Shale remarked.
"My name is Elizabeth Cousland and you are marvelous."
Renee and Wynne glanced at each other as Zevran stifled a chuckle.
"It has good taste," Shale remarked.
"You should have brought Shale when reclaiming the castle," Elizabeth looked at Renee.
"Yes it should have," Shale agreed.
"Shale you will be traveling with Sten in the last wagon," Renee motioned for them to follow her.
"You will only speak when spoken to Bas," Sten glared at Wentworth who shackled in chains and struggling to get in the wagon."
"What in the Maker's name is that?" He looked up in horror when seeing Shale.
"This is one of the men responsible for killing my family."
"Does it wish me to smash him?"
"You and Sten are to guard him because he is needed. If he acts up you are more than welcome to smash something he does not need."
"You bitch," Wentworth spat.
"Elizabeth," Teagan brushed past Wynne and Renee. "I'm driving the front wagon. "Why don't you sit up with me?"
"I'll be in the back," Wynne said.
Renee watched Elizabeth follow Teagan and Wynne to the wagon. He helped Wynne get in the back and assisted Elizabeth. Ser Perth motioned for the men to get on their horses.
"Are you ready?"
Renee turned to see Alistair smiling at her.
"Yes," She grinned back and took his hand."
They went to the wagon behind Teagan's and he helped her in.
Zevran helped Leliana & Morrigan get in and she watched as Oghren get in the wagon Wynne was in.
"Okay everybody let's get a move on," Renee called. "Teagan's men will be riding ahead to make sure the road is clear."
"Here we go," Alistair nudged the horses to follow Teagan's wagon and Renee turned to see Sten take hold of the reins.
"Hopefully we won't encounter too many problems," Alistair said.
"I haven't…felt anything." Renee tightened her hood
"Neither have I and that is a good thing," Alistair sighed as they went down the road.
…
Teagan glanced over and saw Elizabeth looking back at the castle as it faded from view.
"What are you thinking about?" He tried to reassure her.
"It feels like even though I'm leaving, the ghosts…they're still with me."
Teagan looked back at Wynne briefly then looked straight ahead, using the reins to make the horses move faster.
….
TO BE CONTINUED