Chapter 7
Roxie didn't know how long she had been asleep when she heard the sounds of people rushing about and then she heard Bryland yell, "To arms!"
Roxie leapt out of her bedroll and grabbed her blades that she had beside the fire. She crouched in a defensive position. Wyatt came up and stood beside her. She glanced over at him and said, "What is it?"
"Darkspawn, they will be here any second." Wyatt had barely gotten the words out when a half a dozen hurlocks and genlocks crashed through the trees. Bryland, Wyatt, Gustr rushed the oncoming darkspawn while Mirima and Frankie dropped back and rapidly began to shoot arrows. Remy fell in beside Roxie and the two of them swiftly maneuvered themselves behind the darkspawn to better deal their backstabbing blows. Roxie faded in and out of the shadows so that she could evade attacks. The fight lasted no more than ten minutes.
When the last of the hurlocks had been slain Wyatt looked around the group and asked, "Is anyone injured?"
Everyone said that they were fine. Wyatt's face was just about to relax when his brows came together in a scowl. Both Mirima and Bryland immediately went on alert.
Remy was oblivious to the Wardens' change in disposition. "You know, mi Cherie, you really are going to have to teach me how manipulate the shadows as efficiently as…" his sentence was interrupted as an ogre crashed through the brush.
Remy was closest to the beast as it entered the clearing and the orge grabbed Remy in his brutish hand. Instinctively, with her blades in hand, Roxie charged at the beast, leapt into the air, driving her sword and dagger into the sides of the fiend's neck. The monster released Remy and staggered as it tried to swat at Roxie, but she was too quick for it. She withdrew her dagger. She used the sword that was still in the ogre's neck as leverage she pulled herself up to the beast's shoulder. The ogre cried out in pain. Once on the beast's shoulder she drove the dagger into the back of ogre's neck. The monster lurched forward and fell dead on the spot.
She jumped off the ogre just as it crashed to the ground. Frankie ran up to Roxie and exclaimed, "That was awesome! Who knew you had such a vertical leap?"
Roxie laughed as she walked over to the beast and withdrew her sword from its neck and then made her way over to where Remy was laying. Bryland and Wyatt were already there examining his leg. It looked like it had been crushed when he hit the ground.
Remy grimaced as Bryland gently pulled away the torn trouser to see that the leg had been badly damaged in the fall. "I really wish the Commander hadn't changed his mind about Leon going on this trip. We really could use a mage about now," Bryland said.
Wyatt looked over Bryland's shoulder at Remy's leg and sighed, "We will need to splint that leg before we can move you. Once we get to Highever we see if we can find a healer to properly set it."
"My cousin keeps a mage at the Castle to heal the soldiers when needed. I know that he would be happy to help us," Roxie said. They all agreed that this was the best course of action.
"Mi Cherie that was a brave thing you did rescuing me. You saved my life. I am very grateful," Remy said.
Roxie smiled down at him. "Oh, it was nothing. I am just glad you are going to be okay."
"No, no Cherie, that was brave and valiant. You, my friend are going to make a fine Warden," Remy said.
Roxie felt her checks begin to redden, "Let me get you some water. I will be right back."
Wyatt followed her down to the creek and as she gathered water he said, "That was brave and it was foolish."
Roxie spun to face him as he continued, "You could have been seriously hurt or even killed attacking that ogre head on like that."
"But I wasn't hurt. I was following my instincts. That is what Master Zeph has trained me to do," Roxie retorted.
"Roxie, you need to be more careful. I just don't want to see you get hurt," Wyatt said.
"I can't make any promises, but I will try to be more careful. However, if my instincts tell me to do something then I will follow through on it," Roxie said.
Wyatt stepped forward and took her hands in his, "Roxie, I have never been so scared in my life then when I saw you perched on that beast's shoulder. Please don't be so reckless. I don't think my heart can take it."
Roxie smiled up at him, she placed her hand over his heart and gently rubbed back and forth, "You can trust your heart with me, Wyatt. I promise I won't hurt it."
Wyatt reached up and placed his hand on top of Roxie's. He gazed into her beautiful eyes for the longest time and he leaned in and brushed his lips across hers. She hesitated for a moment and then leaned into him, his lips moved over hers as he gently kissed hers. He brushed his tongue over her lips and she opened her mouth inviting him in. His soft warm tongue gently explored her mouth. Her tongue met his and they danced together briefly before she pulled away. With her hand still over his heart and his hand over hers he briefly closed his eyes before he said, "My heart is yours. Be gentle."
She leaned up and brushed her lips across his one last time and said, "You have my word." He pulled her into his arms and held onto her. When he finally released her they walked hand in hand back to camp.
By the time they finished tending to Remy the sun had begun to come up so they packed up camp and loaded up the horses. In order to keep Remy secure he rode with Mirima on her horse while Roxie led Remy's horse. They made it to Highever Castle just as the sun began to set. As they approached the gate a young guard stepped forward and called out, "Halt!"
Roxie led her horse to the front of the group and said, "Ser Olwen, it's me, Roxie Wayland.
"Oh, my Lady, pardon me for not recognizing you," Ser Olwen said.
"It is okay Ollie. I am traveling with the Grey Wardens. We have a man that has been injured and I was hoping that Ember would be able to heal him." Roxie replied. "Is Teryn Cousland in?"
"Yes, my Lady. Please take your horses over to the stables and I will inform the Teryn and Teryna that you and several Grey Wardens are here and I will send word to Enchantress Ember that you are in need of her assistance."
Roxie smiled and said, "Thanks, Ollie. It's good to see you again."
Ollie returned the smile and said, "It's good to see you to, my Lady."
The group followed Roxie as she led the way toward the stables. They had just handed off their horses when the Teryn burst in the barn. "Where is my favorite cousin?" Aiden Cousland bellowed.
Roxie spun around as a tall distinguished man approach her and scooped her up in his arms, "Aiden, I'll bet you say that to all our relatives."
"Aaah, but I mean it when I say it too you," Aiden chuckled.
Roxie laughed as she hugged her cousin in return. "It's good to see you," she said.
"And you too, Roxie. I was disappointed that I didn't get a chance to see you after your hearing and conscription at court. I am sorry how everything turned out, but I think you will make an excellent Warden," Aiden replied.
"Thank you, but I am doing well and adjusting," Roxie said.
"Glad to hear it. So the guards tell me that you have an injured man traveling with you. I brought several guards with me to help carry him up to his room. Ember will meet us there. I have also instructed the servants to prepare several guest rooms for you and your traveling companions while you are here in Highever. I will not hear of my cousin sleeping in the woods when she is so close."
"Thank you, Aiden. That is very generous of you. Let me introduce everyone. This is Wyatt Howe; he is Connor's second in command. He will be the one that will lead the group as we investigate the resent darkspawn sightings here in Highever."
Wyatt bowed and said, "Your Grace, it is an honor to meet you."
"Same to you, Warden Howe, Connor has mentioned you several times. I am glad to meet the man that he grooming to take of the Grey Wardens for him."
"Thank you, Teryn Cousland. I hope to make him proud," Wyatt replied.
"I'm sure you will," Aiden surmised.
Roxie continued with the introductions. "This is Mirima and Bryland -they are both Grey Wardens. The injured member of our party is Remy. Besides me, the rest of the recruits are Frankie who has wicked shot with a bow and my stout, bearded friend Gustr. Keep an eye on this one, Cuz, he will drink you out of house and home."
Aiden laughed and said, "Good thing I just had a large shipment of ale and wine delivered."
Gustr looked at Aiden dreamy eyed and asked, "Can you adopt me?"
The whole group laughed as they followed behind the guards that carried Remy.
xxXxx
Wyatt stayed with Remy while the mage examined him. She cast several healing spells and then applied a health poultice to the leg. Ember told him that the leg would heal completely, but that he would need to be off of it for several days. She would continue to monitor him and cast healing spells as needed.
When he left Remy's room a servant showed him to his room – which was located in the West Wing of the castle. When he arrived a fire was already going, warming the room to a comfortable temperature and a hot bath was waiting for him. There were several articles of nobleman's clothing laid out on the bed with a note on top.
Dear Warden Howe,
It would be our pleasure if you and your traveling party would join us for dinner this evening. I assumed that you would not have the proper attire so I took the liberty to have some clothes brought up for you and for your companions. Dinner will be served at 7:00 pm in the Grand Hall.
We look forward to spending the evening with you.
Warmest wishes,
Teryna Daisy Cousland
Well, the Teryn and his wife were very gracious hosts Wyatt thought as he slipped out of his dirty armor and into the hot tub. The water felt so good on his sore bones that he sunk deep into the tub and tilted his head back relaxing as the heat soothed his aching muscles. This was the part that he missed about being a noble's son –the small luxuries of life like a hot bath in your own room.
Wyatt didn't know how long he soaked for, but when the water started to cool he got out and dressed. Before he went down to dinner he quickly wrote the Commander to let him know that they arrived in Highever, that Remy had been injured during their trip and that they would be staying at Highever Castle while he healed.
He made his way down to the foyer outside the Grand Hall. He saw a servant pass by and asked if it would be possible to have a message sent to Vigil's Keep. The servant nodded and said he would attend to it immediately.
Bryland and Mirima were the first to arrive. They both looked very stylish in their evening attire. "Well, the two of you clean up very nicely," Wyatt said.
"The same could be said for you. I'll tell you something Mate, I could get use to this. They had a hot bath waiting for us when I got to the room. Now, that's service," Bryland said.
Wyatt heard Roxie laugh and spun around to see her as she came down the stairs from the East Wing. She wore a simple, but elegant turquoise velvet dress that hugged her frame and accented every one of her curves. She wore a gold braded trinity belt that sat low on her hips and emphasized her long torso and full breast. This evening she wore her hair down, her chestnut locks framed her porcelain face and highlighted her sparkling green eyes. Wyatt found it hard to breath. He had only seen her in leather armor or in trousers and loose fitting shirts. Of course even in those items a blind man could see that she was very attractive, but the sight of her now made all air escape his lungs and he couldn't take his eyes off of her.
Mirima leaned in and whispered in Wyatt's ear, "Breath."
He took a deep breath as she glided down the stairs on the arm of young man that resembled the Teryn so much that it had to be his son. He was in the middle of a story that had Roxie so engrossed she stopped on the steps to listen to him. "So then AJ said, 'Reverend Mother if you to continue to make unfounded accusations and take that tone with me I'll have Commander Guerrin conscript you too'."
At first Roxie looked shocked and then she broke out into hysterical laughter. Through her laughter she said, "Oh, Gavin, I wish I could have been there to see that. I can't believe AJ said that."
Once she had composed herself, he said, "One for all…"
She broke out into a radiant smile and replied, "And all for one." They continued down the stairs and headed for toward them.
"Good evening," Roxie said as she approached them, "All of you look very chic this evening."
Both Bryland and Wyatt bowed to her; Bryland took her hand, kissed it and said, "My Lady, you look particularly beautiful this evening. I can't wait to see Remy and rub it in."
Roxie laughed and said, "Don't tease the poor man. He has been through a rough ordeal. Besides he has the charming and beautiful Frankie to keep him company this evening."
Wyatt raised an eye brow and Roxie said, "Frankie said that she felt bad for him so she decided to have her dinner with him and keep him company." Roxie paused as she turned toward her escort, "Let me make some introductions. Gavin, these three are Grey Wardens. This is Mirima, Wyatt, and Bryland."
All three of them bowed. Gavin bowed in return and said, "It is a pleasure to meet you. My parents are delighted that you could join us this evening. My mother just loves to entertain and to entertain Grey Wardens I think will keep her happy until Twelfth Night Celebrations."
"We are honored that they would invite us," Wyatt said.
From the top of the stairs a booming voice rang out, "Shave my back and call me an elf! Who knew this group would clean up so well." Gustr bellowed out.
The group turned around to see the dwarf make his way to them. He was wearing brown linen trousers and a colorful orange, brown and gold doublet. Roxie looked at Gavin and asked, "Where in the hell did Daisy find clothes to fit a dwarf?"
"Well, one of the soldier's has a son about Gustr's height who is on the portly side. Turns out his clothes are a perfect match for your friend."
"I am going to need a lot of ale to forget the fact that these trousers are riding up something fierce," Gustr murmured.
"I think we can take care of that for you my stocky friend," Aiden said as he entered the room with his wife and two young girls that were identical twins and looked to be a couple of years younger than Roxie. "I see that Roxie has introduced you to my son Gavin, but I don't think everyone has had a chance to meet the rest of my family. This lovely creature at my side is my wife, Daisy and these two equally lovely girls are my daughters Gabriella and Genevieve or as they like to be called Brie and Evie."
They all greeted each other and as soon as the pleasantries were over they made their way into the dining room. The Cousland family was a warm and gracious family and the meal was very entertaining. Even when Gustr let out the loudest belch Wyatt had ever heard the Teryn just laughed and said, "Aaah, the cook will be pleased. That's the sign of good meal."
After dinner drinks were served in the study. Roxie watched while the Teryna and her daughters tried to teach Mirima how to play the card game Alouette and he men gathered around the fire with their brandies. Wyatt noticed a large tapestry that covered almost an entire wall. The tapestry was the Cousland Family tree starting with Sarim at the very top. Just above the wall-hanging was an embroidered piece of fabric that read, "One for all and all for one". Wyatt had heard Roxie and Gavin exchange that phrase earlier. He would have to ask her about the meaning.
Wyatt walked over to the wall-hanging so that he could get a better look at it. He was so absorbed in his examination that he didn't hear Roxie approach him until she laid her hand on his shoulder. She looked at him and said, "You've been studying that for awhile. Find anything interesting."
"I just find it fascinating that so much of the history of Ferelden is up on this wall. You are fourth in line for the crown. Don't you find that amazing?" Wyatt asked.
Roxie shook her head and said, "You know I'm not in line anymore and even if I was that would change when Eva married and had a child. I don't want to rule. I never did it scared the hell out of me. I was supposed to become Arlessa of West Hills when my mother stepped down in a few years. I guess that title will now go to my brother, Regan."
"I'm a little shaky on my history…"
"History didn't have any applications for the battlefield so you didn't pay attention in that class either?" Roxie asked as she interrupted.
Wyatt laughed, "No I didn't pay attention very much unless it was military history, So correct me if I'm wrong, but your great grandfather Jackson Wayland became Arl of West Hills after Arl Wulff was found guilty of treason for conspiring to kill your grandmother Ella."
"That's correct," Roxie confirmed.
"And when Ella Theirin married your grandfather Leland Bryland, King Alistair made them the Teryn and Teryna of South Reach. Correct?"
"Yes, that is correct. Grams always said that it was Alistair's wedding present to them. I thought you said you didn't pay attention," Roxie questioned.
"I said I didn't pay attention much," Wyatt said. His attention was drawn to the current Teryn of Highever and shock rolled across his face. He cleared his voice and whispered, "I didn't realize that Daisy was the granddaughter of the Commander. I'm shocked that Aiden would take a chance marrying into a family that has magic in the bloodline."
He saw a sadness ripple across her face, but she quickly composed herself and said, "From what my mother has told me he loved her very much and he absolutely refused to give her up just because she may produce a child that was a mage. At the time his grandfather, Fergus and his father Bryce, threatened to disinherit him. He told them to do what they needed to do, but he wouldn't live with his Daisy. After Gavin was born they watched him closely. They even had the Senior Enchanter from the Circle come and a examine him; he showed no signs of being a mage so Bryce didn't change his will and left the title and land to Aiden."
"Wow, what a great love story," Wyatt said. Roxie nodded in agreement. "The saying above the tapestry, I heard you and Gavin say that when you were coming down the stairs. What does it mean?"
Roxie smiled, "The saying actually comes from three fabled knights from Orlais. It means that one member will fight on behalf of all the other members and that all the members will fight on behalf of the one. Bella and Fergus adopted that saying shortly after they were reunited after the Blight and it became the family mantra. It was drilled into both the Theirin and Cousland children that blood is thicker than water and that no matter what we fight for our families. The mantra has been passed down to each generation. Through Fergus and Bella and their kids there are now twenty six cousins and everyone one of us recites that saying to one another either as a way of showing support or unity."
"I like that. It has to bring you reassurance, Roxie, that even though you no longer have a title you still belong to this amazing family that loves and supports each other no matter what," Wyatt said.
Roxie nodded and said, "I do." She stared her rich family history and took comfort in the fact that she was surrounded by people that loved and cared about her and she drew her strength from them.
Wyatt ran his hand over the Roxie's Uncle Everett's embroidered name and his wife's maiden name – Neve Howe, Wyatt's aunt. "It's strange to see the Howe name on your family tree so close to the events that nearly destroyed this family forever."
"It really isn't. Your family has worked hard to restore their name. It started with Nate and his sister Delilah – who as you know, after the death of her husband Albert reclaimed her maiden name so that her son could carry on the Howe name since Nate would not be able to have children. King Alistair made your grandfather Bann of South Bannorn because he trusted him and his leadership. Both your grandfather and father have brought stability back to that region. Wyatt, you should be proud to be a Howe."
Wyatt nodded and said, "I am," he paused for a minute and then asked, "Why do you call Nathaniel, Nate?"
"Oh, well that is what Bella always called him in her journal so that's how I view him…as Nate," Roxie said.
They were quiet for a long time and then Wyatt said, "It's been a long day and I should head to bed."
"Yes, I agree. It will be good to sleep in a bed tonight," Roxie replied.
"Yes, it will. Listen in the morning Mirima, Bryland and I will be meeting to discuss our strategy for investigating these darkspawn attacks. I would like you there since you know this area better than us."
"Oh course, I could ask Aiden if we can use the study for the meeting and have breakfast set-up in here," Roxie offered.
"That would be great. Thank you" Wyatt replied. He looked at her for a long time and said, "I had a good time this evening. Thank you for sharing your family history with me."
"Same here, Wyatt, you helped me remember and trust once again in our family mantra. Good-night," Roxie said with a smile. Wyatt watched her as she said good-night too everyone. She was a walking contradiction. As she made her rounds wishing everyone good-night she was full of grace and elegance that only a well trained noble woman could have and at the same time she was a deadly force to be reckoned with in battle. She perplexed and mystified him, but she had so captivated him that he couldn't walk away from her even if he wanted to…which he didn't.