"Darkspawn, you say? How many?"
"No more than a score, your Majesty. The Wardens can easily handle them."
Cailan turned to face the tall warrior behind him. He started to say something, but Loghain cut him off. "As skilled as the Wardens may be, they should not eliminate all the darkspawn by themselves. Our men need experience fighting these creatures as well."
Anthatal struggled to keep the annoyance he felt from showing on his face as he turned to address the teyrn. "All due respect, General, but I have a dozen recruits here that need far more experience than your men. After they return, you are free to do as you will, but Duncan will return shortly with more recruits, and again the Wardens will take precedence."
Loghain's face reddened. "You have not the authority to address me so!"
At this point, young king Cailan decided to step in. "Commander Anthatal, the crown recognizes the claim of the Order of the Grey Wardens in this matter, and we will grant you precedence in matters regarding this darkspawn invasion. You will have full jurisdiction over every man leaving this encampment for whatever purpose, and you have the power to deny them passage."
"Your Majesty, I think this is a poor decision," the Hero of River Dane grated through clenched teeth.
"This matter is closed, Loghain."
The black-haired teyrn bowed deeply to hide his expression. "As you wish, my Lord."
Cailan turned to Anthatal, who spoke first. "Your Majesty, such drastic measures need not be instated. I will give my jurisdiction over to your General as soon as my recruits return; on the sole condition that he will give the same jurisdiction to Duncan upon his arrival."
The young king smiled warmly, his innocence shining like a beacon. "There, a favorable solution for everyone!"
Loghain's face was dark, but he nodded his agreement. "Indeed."
Anthatal glanced briefly at Alistair, who was clearly uncomfortable in the king's tent. "With your Majesty's permission, we will return to our encampment."
The smile remained on Cailan's face. "Of course, Commander."
The two Wardens bowed and quickly exited the tent. Alistair breathed a sigh of relief. "Loghain doesn't like us much, does he?"
A brief smile flitted across Anthatal's rugged face. "Not much at all, Alistair. Not much at all."