Chapter 5
Everything had gone according to how the King had planned it. The Chantry had accused Roxie of murdering a Chantry Templar in cold blood, Roxie had defended herself and her actions, but in the end the Chantry demanded that case be heard by the nobles at the upcoming Landsmeet. The King had been about to grant their request when Commander Guerrin stepped forward and invoked the Right of Conscription. As AJ had predicted the Chantry was outraged, but there was nothing that they could do about it.
Roxie quickly gathered up her belongings and Connor escorted her back to the Warden Compound. As they entered the main gate a tall, muscular man accompanied by pretty elf approached them. "Welcome back, Commander, I take it this is the new recruit you were telling me about earlier," the man said.
"Yes, it is. Roxie, I would like to introduce to you my second in command Wyatt Howe," Connor said.
Roxie smiled and extended her hand, "It's nice to meet you."
Wyatt took her hand, brought it to his lips and kissed her, "My Lady, it is a pleasure to meet you too."
Roxie quickly withdrew her hand and replied, "I had offered you my hand for you to shake it not to kiss it."
Wyatt mischievously grinned at her and said, "Oh, my mistake."
Roxie turned to Connor and said, "I thought that there were no titles in the Wardens."
Connor nodded in agreement as he replied, "No there isn't."
"Well, then I would appreciate it if no one would use my previous title," Roxie said quietly.
"Of course, Roxie," Connor replied as he glared at Wyatt. "Wyatt knows better, but sometimes he seems to lose his head when he gets around pretty ladies."
Without even thinking Roxie replied, "And which head would that be?"
Connor and Wyatt looked at each other and then burst out into laughter. "Oh, yes, she is going to fit in just fine," Wyatt chortled.
Roxie looked at Wyatt's handsome face and his long, black hair and asked, "Are you related to the late Commander Nathaniel Howe?"
Wyatt looked at her a little surprised and said, "Yes, he was my great uncle. His sister was my great grandmother. How did you know that?"
"Well, I have seen a portrait of Nathaniel Howe and you look a lot like him."
Again, Wyatt looked taken back. "I didn't realize that other then the portraits of the Commanders at Vigil's Keep that there was another portrait of my uncle. Where did you see this portrait?"
"It was in my great grandmother's journal. She would sketch in her journals as well as write in them," Roxie replied.
"Your great grandmother? But your last name is Wayland, I don't recall anyone in my family ever mentioning a close connection with Arl Wayland's family."
Roxie was beginning to become exasperated with him, "Hello? That would be because when my mother married she took on my father's surname. My great grandmother's maiden name was Cousland."
Wyatt's mouth dropped open. Connor took the moment of silence, turned towards the elf standing by Wyatt and interjected, "Roxie, I would also like to introduce to you Mirima. She is a fellow Warden and she will show you to your room."
Roxie hesitantly extended her hand toward Mirima. The elf smiled at her, took her hand, shook it and said, "No worries, I have no intention to try and kiss your hand. Follow me and I will show you were you can put your things."
"Roxie, we will be leaving tomorrow morning so please stop by the stables and pick out a horse for the trip."
"That won't be necessary Commander. The King is having my own horse sent over," Roxie replied and then quickly added, "If that is okay with you?"
"That will be fine," Connor answered.
The two men watched as the girls headed in the direction of the barracks. "You never mentioned that she was Bella Cousland's great granddaughter." Wyatt asked.
"Bella was only a few years older than Roxie when she had her Commander's portrait commissioned. You have walked by that portrait a hundred times I thought the resemblance made it obvious. She looks just like her."
"I didn't make the connection," Wyatt paused and then added, "However, she looks very vulnerable. Do you think she will she survive the Joining?"
"She is one of the strongest fighters I have seen in a long time. She reminds me of her great grandmother. She has Bella's finesse, agility and cleverness. I think that she will have no problem with the joining," Connor replied.
"If you say so, right now she looks like a broken little girl," Wyatt countered.
"She just had her world completely turned upside down, but she is a survivor so give her a little time; she will bounce back and you will be begging for the quiet, reserved Roxie to be back," Connor paused and then continued, "I have asked her trainer Master Zeph to accompany us to Vigil's Keep."
"She was training with Master Zeph. How interesting. I've heard rumors about Master Zeph," Wyatt said.
Connor smiled and said, "I'm sure you have and now you'll have the opportunity to ask him which ones are true."
The following morning the group of ten headed out before the sun came up. Connor wanted to get out of the city without a confrontation with the Chantry. They rode all day and as the sun began to sink below the horizon they set up camp in a clearing near a pond. Once their tents were set-up Roxie and Mirima went into the forest to gather wood for the fire.
"So how long have you been a Warden?" Roxie asked.
"Three years, the Commander recruited me from the Denerim Alienage just before I turned seventeen." Mirima paused and then asked, "So is it true that you are related to the Commander?"
"Not really. He is like my fourth cousin through marriage, but not really blood related. However, our families have been friends for decades so I have known him most of my life."
"Do you think that is why he conscripted you?" Mirima asked.
A sad expression spread across her face as she replied, "I'm sure that was part of it, but it probably had more to do with the fact that I was romantically involved with his grandson."
"Oh, the grandson that just left for the Free Marshes?" Mirima asked. Roxie nodded. "I am sorry about that," Mirima said.
Roxie didn't know how to respond so she changed the subject and asked, "So, am I the only recruit?"
"No, there is an Orlesian bard by the name of Reynard. I am surprised he hasn't made his presence known to you yet because he is under the illusion that he is a lady's man. There is also an Antivian girl named Francesca."
"Where did Conn…I mean the Commander recruit them from?" Roxie asked.
"Well, the Bard was caught with Ferelden military documents and was about to be executed as a traitor to the Crown, but the Commander conscripted him and since the King had just allowed your conscription he had to allow Reynard's too. Francesca, Frankie as she likes to be called, was in a tournament at Dragon's Peak. The Commander saw her fighting skills and asked her if she would like to join the Wardens. She was thrilled to be asked and accepted."
"Sounds like a very interesting group," Roxie replied as they made their way back into camp.
"Yes, it does," Mirima replied.
Wyatt cooked that night something that he tried to pass off as stew, but it tasted nothing like the stew that Roxie had eaten. She sat on a log by the fire eating when Master Zeph sat down beside her. "How are you doing, Piccolo Uno?"
Roxie smiled at her sensei. Master Zeph was Antivian, but ever since she was a little girl she had always used the title Sensei for her teacher. She replied, "I am fine, Sensei or at least I will be."
He smiled back at her and said, "I know you will. You are strong, Roxie, I know that you will overcome this and will be stronger for it."
"How did the Commander convince you to come to Vigil's Keep?" Roxie asked.
"Well, I couldn't let me best pupil leave me and I relished the opportunity to follow in my father's footsteps and train the infamous Grey Wardens," Master Zeph replied. Roxie nodded, but didn't reply.
Wyatt made his way over and joined the two of them. "Master Zeph, I have heard a great deal about your training style. I am looking forward to seeing you train the Warden rouges."
"Thank you, I am looking forward to working with the Wardens. My father trained with them most of his life. You're a warrior correct?" Wyatt nodded. "Well, you may pick up few skills yourself. A few of the rouge skills can come in handy for a warrior."
"Is it true that your father was an Antivan Crow?" Wyatt asked.
Master Zeph laughed and said, "That is one rumor that is true."
"Is it true that your father was a traveling companion of Queen Bella and King Alistair? Wyatt asked.
Master Zeph nodded and Wyatt asked, "Is it true he was the King Alistair's personal assassin?"
Zeph laughed again and shock his head, "No, I am afraid that one isn't true. It also isn't true that I was the secret love child of Queen Bella. My father had an affair later in his life with a beautiful Contessa from Antiva who was visiting the royal couple. My mother stayed in Ferelden so that my father and I could have a relationship. I learned most of my skills from him."
"Now, I definitely can't wait to watch you train the Wardens," Wyatt said.
The three of them helped the group clean up after dinner and then everyone started to get ready for bed after the long day of travel. Mirima and Reymond had first watch. Since it was a beautiful night Roxie pulled her bedroll out by the fire. She stared up at the moon and thought about Reece. Where was he? Was he looking up at the moon and thinking about her? She fell asleep with thoughts of Reece floating in her head.
Several hours later she felt someone gently shaking her, "Ma trésor belle, tis time for you to get up." Roxie opened her eyes and looked into the tan handsome face of Reymond. "It's time for you and Wyatt to take over the watch," he repeated.
Roxie rubbed her eyes and sat up, "Okay. You must be Reymond," she replied.
Reymond smiled and said, "Yes, I am, but please call me Remy. All my friends do and I have a strong feeling we are going to be the closest of friends." Remy extended his hand and offered to help her up.
Roxie accepted his hand and as she stood up she said, "You can call me Roxie."
With Roxie's hand still in his, Remy lifted it to his lips, but Roxie quickly pulled it away, "What is it with you men wanting to kiss my hand?"
Remy looked perplexed and said, "You are a beautiful woman, no? It is only polite to treat you as such."
"How about you treat me the same way you would treat your sister and we will get along just fine."
"I don't think that is possible, ma Trésor Belle, because my sister never looked as beautiful as you and I never had thoughts about her that I have about you," Remy said.
Roxie stepped closer to Remy and hissed, "Let's get this straight now, I am not your treasured beauty and if you don't want to know what it feels like to have my knee in your groin then I suggest you figure out away to see me as your sister."
Wyatt laughed as he stepped in and said, "Okay, now on that note, Remy, I think you heard the lady. I suggest you head off to your tent and get some sleep."
"Before Roxie removes your manhood," Mirima chimed in.
"Yes, I will head off to my tent, but I will fall asleep with dreams of you, my little lioness," Remy said.
Roxie mumbled, "Aller la vis vous."
Remy called over his shoulder, "No Cherie, I would prefer to do that with you."
Roxie huffed, "In your dreams," as grabbed her sword and sheathed.
"What did you say to him?" Wyatt asked.
Roxie looked at him and said, "You don't speak Orlesian?"
"No," Wyatt said.
Roxie skeptically narrowed her eyes at him and said, "You were raised a nobleman, correct?"
Wyatt smiled and said, "Yes, but I was more interested in the sparring ring then in languages lessons."
"So if I told you, 'Je vous trouve extrêmement sexy et je veux vous voir sans vos vêtements sur' you wouldn't know what I said.
"Not a clue," Wyatt replied.
Roxie grinned at him and asked, "Really, then why is your face now a deep red?"
Wyatt laughed, but replied once again, "Not a clue."
"Hmmm, right, let's patrol," Roxie retorted as she walked toward the parameter of the camp.
Mirima looked at Wyatt and said, "What did she say to you?"
Wyatt smiled and said, "She said, 'I find you extremely sexy and I want to see you without your clothes on'.
Mirima laughed and said, "That was a good test and you failed. She's got spunk. I think I'm going to like her."
Wyatt thought, 'I already do', but replied, "Yes, spunk could be one word to describe her."
Late the next day the group rode into the courtyard at the Keep. Several Wardens came out to see them to greet them and as they dismounted several stable hands came out to take the horses to the barn. Roxie reached up, scratched her horse's neck, whispered in his ear, and kissed the side of his muzzle.
Connor walked over to her and said, "I remember when your father gave you that horse for your thirteenth birthday. I don't think I ever saw a girl more jubilant then you."
"Well, my father completely surprised me with Argo. But he was the best present I ever received and he has been my faithful friend ever since," Roxie replied.
"No need to worry about him here, Roxie. I promise our stable hands will take good care of him," Connor replied.
"I know they will. I just hate leaving him in a new place," Roxie replied as she kissed Argo muzzle one last time before he was lead off to the barn.
The group gathered around Connor as he spoke. "Mirima, since Roxie and Frankie are both new they will be sharing a room on the second floor in the east wing. Will you please show them there and then show them around the Keep?"
"Yes, Commander," Mirima replied.
"Good, Wyatt there is an open bed in Gustr's room. Could you please show Remy to his room and then show him around the Keep?"
"Yes, Commander," Wyatt said.
"Good. Roxie, after dinner and once you settle in please stop by my office," Connor asked.
"Yes, Commander," Roxie replied and they all headed in their different directions.
Later that evening after Roxie unpacked and organized her belongs she made her way to Connor's office. She knocked and a voice said, "Come in."
Roxie entered the room and saw Connor sitting behind a large oak desk. There were two chairs in front of the desk and seated in one of the chairs was a young man who looked like he was in his mid-twenties. He had short black hair and as she walked closer to him she saw that he had the most warm honey brown eyes she had ever seen. Connor stood up and said, "Roxie, I would like you to meet your great Uncle Eli."
Roxie's mouth dropped open. "How is that possible? You look only a few years older than me."
Eli approached her and hugged her. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Roxie. I have heard so much about you and they weren't lying when they said that you look remarkable like your grandmother Bella."
"Thank you, but my Grandmother Bella was sixty-two when she died and that was fifteen years ago. How is that you look so young?"
"I know that your Grandmother Ella gave you Bella's diary. How much do you know about how I came into existence?" Eli asked.
"I believe my grandmother told me know everything," Roxie said.
"Well, the one thing that she obviously didn't tell you is that because I have the soul of an old god I will grow old slower than the average person," Eli said.
"How much slower?" Roxie asked.
"I buried my first wife ten years ago and I will more than likely outlive my current wife," Eli replied.
"Wow," Roxie said, "That is unbelievable and very sad. You will outlive everyone you know and love."
"Yes, I will. The positive side is that I get to meet and get to know my extended family and I have wanted to meet you for some time, Roxie," Eli said.
"Do you live here at the Keep?" Roxie asked.
"Yes, I'm afraid that my lack of aging would disturb most people. The Wardens are well aware of my situation so I live here and assist them whenever possible," Eli said.
"And besides being related to me, why have you wanted to meet me?"
"I believe that you will do great things for Ferelden and I would like to be here to guide you as much as I can," Eli said.
"How do you know that?" Roxie said.
"I see and know things. I don't always know exactly how something will happen, but I know the outcome," Eli said.
Roxie sat there for a minute and then asked, "Does my grandmother have this same ability?"
Eli shook his head and then replied, "My mind and Ella's mind are connected. We can speak to each other over great distances. There are times that she will reach out to me when she needs guidance about situation."
Roxie thought about that for a moment and then asked, "Did she ask you about saving Reece?"
Eli nodded and waited for the girl to ask her next question. "Why did you save Reece? Does he have a greater purpose for Ferelden?"
Eli looked at her for a long time then said, "No, it is you that has the greater purpose, but his death could have destroyed you emotionally which would prevent you from fulfilling your destiny."
Roxie shook her head and said, "I am no one. I no longer have a title. I think you have me mistaken for someone else."
Eli laughed and said, "That is what all great leaders say just before they were thrust into a leadership role. I am not mistaken Roxie. When the time comes you will be ready.
"You know it's kind of freaky when you predict the future like that," Roxie said.
Eli laughed again and said, "You aren't the first person to tell me that."
*Author's note – the following words are rough translations since I do not claim to speak French or Italian.
Piccolo Uno – Italian for Little One
Ma trésor belle – French for my treasured beauty
Aller la vis vous – French for go screw yourself