Chapter 27: The Royal Bastard
It was noon as the fugitives made their way southwards from the town of Caer Oswin. Alvar and his retinue had now lost their pursuers and were now walking their horses. Alvar walked at the front leading his companions. Violena trotted a little to catch up to him.
"Alvar," she called as she now walked alongside with him, "I wish to talk, about what happened in Caer Oswin."
"Break word," he said.
"Why did you kill Bann Loren?" she asked, Alvar turned to face her, bewilderment on his face. Violena continued, "I mean, I know that he betrayed us but we did manage to escape…. and he was no longer able to harm us."
"I have faced enough betrayals in the past few months," said Alvar, "I have faced betrayals from four different people, some of whom I trusted to be my friends. I will not tolerate any more, no matter who it is. But that is not my only reason, I also wanted to send a message."
"What kind of a message?" she asked.
"I had to show his son Aedan and everyone else among the nobility that I am not to be taken lightly. I had to show them that I am not a man to be crossed!" declared Alvar. "If I had spared Bann Loren the nobility would see me as a weakling. They would see my mercy as a sign of my weakness. It would set precedents for more treachery in future."
"Mercy can never be a weakness," proclaimed Leliana from behind.
"If that was true then I wouldn't be here," retorted Alvar, looking over his shoulder.
"How? What do you mean?" asked Violena.
"During the Orlesian war, my father and grandfather fought alongside the rebels while Rendon Howe's father Arl Tarleton Howe fought for the Orlesians. Eventually, my grandfather William Cousland defeated Tarleton Howe at Harper's ford, he captured him and executed the traitor by hanging. Then Tarleton's younger brother Byron became the new Arl Howe. Byron and Rendon Howe defected to our side. My grandfather granted them amnesty and made Arl Howe his vassal. Since then, arling of Amaranthine has been my family's vassal.
"My father tried his best to improve the relations between our two houses, he went out of his way to do so!" snapped Alvar, he recalled how his father and mother were the only noteworthy guests at Rendon Howe's wedding. "But now, look what my grandfather's mercy brought me! My family is dead, my lands and men are lost, my proud wife lives in a relative's house as a refugee; And I am the most wanted man in the country!"
Violena and Leliana were silent for a moment, then Violena spoke gently, "That is heart wrenching, but they couldn't have known that Howe would betray your house in future? What do you think they should have done?"
"Grandfather should have exterminated the Howe line!" bellowed Alvar, "He should have purged every Howe from existence! The only good Howe is a dead Howe!"
"If he knew then what has happened now, I am sure he would have done that," said Violena, "But how could he have known what would happen in the future? Your grandfather and father did what was best for the time."
Alvar scoffed in response, he turned aside and did not speak.
Silence fell in the vicinity for a few moments, which Violena would break with another question, "So you think killing Bann Loren will show the nobles that you are not to be taken lightly?"
"Do you disagree?" countered Alvar.
"Not really, but was it necessary to do it so brutally? What would the other nobles whose support we seek think when they see how ruthless you are?"
Alvar turned to face her, "I wouldn't have harmed a single hair on Bann Loren's head had he not betrayed me! I was punishing a traitor to House Cousland. I was setting an example of Bann Loren to show the nobility of what they can expect from me if any of them get any bright ideas. It was also a message to Loghain and Howe as to what awaits them once I get my hands on them."
"But now the nobles will fear you as much as they fear Loghain," observed Violena.
"I must be feared and respected if I am to rally the lords of the land under my banner and overthrow Loghain. The only way to do so is to show them that Lord Alvar Bryce Mardonius Cousland is not a man to be treated lightly and any who cross me will face the wrath of House Cousland!"
Violena nodded in understanding, "But Alvar, aren't you already well respected among the nobility?" she questioned, "I heard that at the Landsmeet, almost half of the nobility refused to follow Loghain, and many of them are your vassals and allies."
"Where did you hear this?" questioned Alvar. "I do not recall speaking to you about such things."
"I talk with Alistair and others also,"
"Alright, and coming to your question; it is true that over half of the nobility refused to swear fealty to Loghain," said Alvar. "And it is also true most of them were vassals and allies of my family. But what they respect in me now, is the Cousland name.
"I am now the last descendant of the oldest house in Ferelden, in fact, my family is older than the kingdom of Ferelden itself. It is my heritage that the nobles follow, along with the prospects of benefits of being allied to my house. Without my heritage, I am just a young inexperienced soldier of Ferelden.
"And given my age and inexperience, I am certain many of the nobles who are much older than are sensing an opportunity to advance their own station by influencing me."
Violena looked confused, Alvar continued his words, "I mean that most of the nobles might be hoping that they can influence my inexperienced mind to benefit themselves. I am certain that not all the nobles are refusing to follow Loghain simply because he rewarded my family's murderers or because he killed Cailan.
"And not all of them are my allies or support me. Bann Teagan of Reinesfere for example who represented his brother Arl Eamon of Redcliffe and his allies also refused to swear fealty, but they have little love for the Couslands."
"Why is it so?" asked Violena.
"Politics," answered Alvar. "For ages, my family has had a bittersweet relationship with House Theirin, Arl Eamon is one of their closest allies thus the rivalry is shared."
Violena wanted to know more about the relations between the noble houses and why the relations between House Cousland and House Theirin were sour. But she hesitated to ask, for she wasn't sure how much would Alvar open up to her. While they had spoken quite a bit, Alvar was always closed off towards others when it came to his personal thoughts. He could be quite moody as well; she could never guess what topic would be too personal and what not. Every evening when they would camp; Alvar would keep to himself, he would speak very little to her or the others and as for his personal life, he hardly spoke anything.
After a few minutes of silent journey, Violena suddenly remembered something, "Alvar, what of Bodahn and Sandal?" she gasped.
"What of them?" asked Alvar nonchalantly.
"We left them in Caer Oswin while escaping!" exclaimed Violena, "What if Aedan catches them?"
Alvar was silent for a minute, he had forgotten about the dwarven father son merchants who accompanied him since Lothering, "Bodahn and Sandal did not accompany us to the castle when we met with Aedan and his father. I do not think they know that the dwarves came with us."
However, Violena's worry was not put to rest by his words, "True, but what if they do get to know that?" she asked worryingly, "The townsfolk had seen them with us, what if someone reports them to Aedan?! They would be imprisoned and tortured! Or Worse!"
Alvar was silent and impassive, there was complete lack of emotion on his face. On seeing no reaction to her outburst, Violena yelled, "We must go back and save them! We cannot leave them there…"
"You are not going anywhere!" Alvar declared sternly.
"But we cannot leave them like that! What if Aedan decides to torture them in our place since he could not get his hands on us?! Will you let them suffer for no fault of theirs?!" Violena gabbled anxiously.
Alvar was silent for a few moments, "They knew the risks," he spoke gravely looking ahead, not facing Violena, "I did not force them to accompany me, they chose to do so on their own will. And they did so even after knowing that I am a wanted man."
"I will not risk my neck to save their hides. If you wish to do so, then turn around and go! But you will do it alone!"
Violena was shocked by Alvar's callous action, even more so by the cold tone of his words. But there was nothing she could do, so she silently prayed to the Maker to keep the two dwarves safe.
After travelling a little more distance, they suddenly heard a cry. Alvar and his companions turned in the direction of the sound. It came from beyond a hill nearby.
"Did you hear that? It seems someone is in trouble," observed Violena.
"Yes, come let us take a look at what is happening," said Alvar and he spurred his horse towards the hill, "But we must keep out of sight," he said.
xXxXxXxXxXx
Alvar and his companions stood on a hill and looked down at the small glade below. They noticed five soldiers cornering a man. The soldiers were dressed in Fereldan chainmail and the shields on their backs carried Oswin's coat of arms. Their captive was a man with greying hair. From his conduct, it was clear that he was being harassed by the soldiers.
Alvar grimaced in disgust at the scene.
"What is happening?" asked Violena, on seeing Alvar's face.
"Quiet!" hissed Alvar, "we must watch," then he turned to Leliana, "nock an arrow and keep ready," he ordered, "But do not loose until I tell you!"
Leliana agreed and without getting down from her horse, she took out her bow and nocked an arrow. The rest of them watched while sitting on their horses. Alvar clutched the hilt of his sword at his belt with his sword-arm, ready to draw when needed. He narrowed his eyes and watched the scene below intently, trying to discern the situation.
The soldiers had their backs to the hill and thus did not notice Alvar and his companions on it. Alvar watched the captive man intently. He recognised the clothing he wore, "That man wears the uniform of King Cailan's honour guard!" he exclaimed softly.
"Yes, I know the man," Alistair added softly, "He is Elric Maraigne, the captain of King Cailan's honour guards. I remember seeing him in Ostagar, he was a close confidant of the King."
"Hmm… he survived Ostagar despite being in the frontlines alongside Cailan himself," commented Alvar, "but what did that dog Loren want with him?". And they continued watching the scene below in silence.
After an exchange of words between the soldiers and their captive, none of which could be heard by Alvar; the leader of the soldiers drew out his sword. He was poised, ready to stab his captive. Alvar raised his eyebrows and turned to Leliana.
"Leliana, bring him down quick!" he commanded, while drawing his sword, "Alistair, Sten, with me!"
Alistair and Sten drew their longsword and greatsword respectively while Leliana loosed an arrow at the leader of the soldiers. The shaft struck the leader at the back of his neck and emerged from the other side. The leader of the soldiers cried out and fell dead on the ground. The remaining soldiers surprised by the sudden attack turned in the direction of the arrow and drew their swords.
"Have at them!" yelled Alvar as he along with Alistair and Sten charged with their horses towards the soldiers.
Alvar, Alistair and Sten charged towards a soldier each. The soldiers did not have enough time to get together and brace for the charge, as the trio of Alvar, Alistair and Sten neared them very quickly. Alvar and his companions struck at the opponents from the horseback killing them in single blow. Sten with his greatsword had cleaved the head of his target. The last remaining soldier tried to attack Alistair nearby and before Alistair could turn and face him, an arrow from Leliana struck the soldier, dropping him dead.
Alvar's remaining companions descended the hill and joined their leader. Alvar now approached the captive man called Elric who was standing still holding his breath in fear.
"Are you alright?" asked Alvar.
Elric let out a sigh, he took a few quick breaths to steady himself, "I am," he panted, "My thanks, kind ser, I did not expect the Bann's soldiers to notice my escape and catch me so quickly. I would be dead now if not for your intervention, many thanks ser."
"If I am not mistaken, you are one of King Cailan's honour guards, were you not?"
"I was," said Elric, "Elric Maraigne is my name. I was the captain of Cailan's honour guards. And you?"
"I am Lord Alvar Cousland of Highever," proclaimed Alvar, "I am also with the Grey Wardens."
"The Grey Wardens?" Elric's eyes brightened, "Then the Maker does have a sense of humour," he laughed.
Alvar frowned and looked confused, "What do you mean?" he asked.
"The king had entrusted me with the key to the royal arms chest," answered Elric, "He said if anything were to happen to him, it was vital that I deliver it to the Grey Wardens."
"Hmm… why didn't he give the key to Duncan himself when he was in Ostagar?" asked Alistair.
"He tried to, but he could not," answered Elric, "Duncan was quite busy with the new recruits and keeping Loghain at bay. Whatever his reasoning, Cailan entrusted me with the key."
"Busy? You mean poisoning his recruits and killing them when they refuse," scoffed Alvar.
"My lord?" uttered Elric, not understanding Alvar's words.
"Never mind," said Alvar. "Was this key the reason Loren's dogs caught you?"
"Could be, I do not know if they knew about it," said Elric, "Or mayhap, they wanted to extract any secrets I hold as a close confidant of the king."
"What does this chest hold?" questioned Alvar.
"The royal arms chest, it is where Cailan kept his father's sword," Alistair answered for him, "The one he claimed he would slay the Archdemon with."
"Did Duncan tell you that?" asked Alvar.
"Yes," nodded Alistair.
Alvar sneered, "He kept the family sword safely in the chest rather than using it in the battle? Cailan as always the fool."
"I do not like your tone, lord!" protested Elric, "Cailan was our king, he was my friend!"
"Bah!" scoffed Alvar, "Just because I am against Loghain do not presume I like Cailan. You should watch your tone," he said sternly, "Right now, it is I who hold the power of life or death over you."
Elric lowered his head; he did not say anything.
"Now tell me," demanded Alvar, "Is that all contained in the chest?"
"No, there is more," said Elric, "There was a secret compartment where he kept documents concerning his dealings with Empress Celene and the Orlesians."
Alvar's eyes brightened at that, 'his communication with Celene? Now that is interesting,' mused Alvar. Now he felt he had to get his hands on those letters as they would tell him what exactly was Cailan planning to do with the Orlesians.
"I suppose you have the key to this chest?" questioned Alvar.
"I do, my lord," said Elric, "Thank the Maker that you came before the soldiers could take me to their Bann. Even though I managed to hide the key from them, I am sure the Bann would have tortured me and got it."
"Give me the key," demanded Alvar, extending a palm.
Elric hesitated for a moment and then he put his hand inside his pants and took out the key from his inner clothing. He offered the key to Alvar.
Alvar grimaced with disgust, "Clean it first you fool!" he ordered. "I don't even want to know how long has it been there!"
Elric apologised and thoroughly rubbed the key with his tunic. Then he offered the key. Alvar accepted it. "Now where is location of this chest?"
"It was in King Cailan's tent," answered Elric, "The darkspawn must have plundered the tent, but I do not think they would have managed to break open the chest. I believe it to be still intact."
"It is in Ostagar! Maker curse my luck!" exclaimed Alvar.
"You will be taking me along when we go there won't you," Alistair piped in, "Call me sentimental, but I have left some darkspawn back in Ostagar who deserve a sword through the middle."
Alvar turned to face him, before he could say anything, Wynne also joined in, "I also have unfinished business in Ostagar," she proclaimed, "The events of that dark day still haunt my thoughts, Alvar. If that is where we are headed I would accompany you."
"It is vital that we do not let the king's documents fall into wrong hands," added Elric, "As for Maric's sword, it is a starmetal blade. The very thought of Maric's sword in the hands of such monsters turns stomach."
"Have you all lost mind?!" yelled Alvar. "Ostagar is the Hinterlands, our line of control ends at Wulfenglen keep in South Reach. Even Lothering has fallen to the darkspawn.
"Ostagar is in darkspawn-controlled territory and you are all thinking of venturing deep into lands under their control risking our lives?!"
"A starmetal sword is a rare one," said Sten, "A sword of such make should not be left to the mercy of darkspawn."
"I know the value of that sword, Sten," responded Alvar. "But do we venture into darkspawn infested lands looking for it?! And what if we come across the Archdemon? Can the handful of us fight and kill it?"
"Actually, there wouldn't be many darkspawn in Ostagar now," said Morrigan.
"What? Why do you think so?" demanded Alvar.
"The darkspawn are rampaging across the Hinterlands, pillaging and burning villages in the south like Lothering," answered Morrigan, "They cannot be doing that if they are all still scavenging in Ostagar no? At least if most of them are still in Ostagar."
Alvar pondered on her words for a couple of moments, "Your words make sense," he said, "But the decision of where do we go next, we shall make it later. Once we are beyond Oswin's borders."
"I agree, my lord," said Elric, "We must leave this place before Bann Loren sends more of his soldiers after us."
Alvar smiled, "It is not you that the bannorn's soldiers will come looking for, but me,"
Elric looked confused at Alvar's words.
"Bann Loren is dead," declared Alvar.
"What? How?!" exclaimed Elric.
"I killed him," Alvar answered confidently, "By now his son would have deployed his entire fyrd to hunt me and my companions here. With me on their minds, I doubt the soldiers would even bother to get to you."
Elric was speechless, he knew not what to say.
"Now let us leave this place," declared Alvar turning to his companions. "Let us go southwards, the southern border is closer to us."
"I will go the other way then," said Elric, fearful of what the bannorn soldiers would do to him if he was caught with Alvar.
As Alvar turned his horse around and was about to go southwards, "And lord!" Elric called him, stopping Alvar.
"What?" asked Alvar looking over his shoulder.
"If you happen to find Cailan's body," spoke Elric, "I beg you to please see it off, he was our king and his body shouldn't be left to the darkspawn's filth."
Alvar scoffed at that, "You don't tell me what to do!" he bellowed and spurred his horse southwards. His companions followed his lead.
xXxXxXxXxXx
The next day, Alvar and his companions crossed the borders of Oswin. They travelled southwards, and by evening they camped in the outskirts of a small village. Alvar had wanted to replenish his supplies at Caer Oswin, but he could not. Thus, he decided to buy food and water from the nearest village and so he along with his entourage had camped in the outskirts.
Alvar and his companions sat around the fire, except for Morrigan who set up her own fire far away.
"Alvar, where will we go next?" asked Violena.
It was a question Alvar was asking himself as well, he had not yet decided where would they head next. Before he could answer anything, Alistair spoke, "Let us go to Arl Eamon in Redcliffe," he said. "Redcliffe is only a few days of journey southwards from here, we will reach there soon. And Arl Eamon can help us…"
Alvar sighed loudly and rolled his eyes, "For Maker's sake Alistair, how many times must we talk of this?" he snapped. "Why are you not understanding? You…"
Alistair raised his palm, stopping Alvar, "No, you tell me why do you hate Arl Eamon so much? What has he done to you that you are avoiding going there?"
"Now is not the time for this," scoffed Alvar.
Alistair was relentless, "Then when is the time for it huh?" he demanded, "We know so little of what is happening in Redcliffe, yet you hesitate to go there!"
"I hesitate because we know so little of what is happening there," retorted Alvar, "And what little we know is not good news either. Instead, we could go to another of my allies or visit the other parties in the treaty like the dwarves or Dalish Elves."
"But we will get a clear picture of the situation in Redcliffe only if we go there!" countered Alistair, "And what is the worst that can happen? We find nobody to help us?
"Arl Eamon and Bann Teagan were uncles to Cailan, they have no reason to side with Loghain… if that is what you are afraid of."
"Bann Loren lost his wife and son to Howe," retorted Alvar, "That did not stop him from being opportunist and siding with his family's killers."
"Yes, but Eamon and Teagan are honourable men!" declared Alistair, "Bann Teagan even spoke against Loghain at the Landsmeet! Can you say the same for your Bann Loren?"
Alvar did not answer.
"I thought so, it was your decision to go to Caer Oswin that almost got us all killed! So now, for once try listening to me!"
Alvar was angered at that comment, but he knew Alistair was right. It was his own judgement to visit Bann Loren which almost got them all killed. But he would not admit it. He sat silent and turned away, staring at the fire.
"He has a point, Alvar," said Violena. "We could at least visit Redcliffe and see what is happening there," she spoke softly, placing a hand on Alvar's shoulder.
Alvar turned to her, he sighed, "Alright, we shall go to Redcliffe," he declared.
"Now you tell me why are you so adamant to see Eamon?" demanded Alvar, facing Alistair. "Why do you trust him so much?"
"Have I not told you this earlier? He raised me," Alistair answered nonchalantly, "In case you forgot, I am a bastard. I was raised by Arl Eamon."
"I remember that, I mean why did Arl Eamon raise you?" asked Alvar.
"My mother was a maid in Redcliffe castle," answered Alistair, "I was born in Redcliffe castle."
"Who is your father that Arl Eamon himself would take a personal interest in raising you?" questioned Alvar.
Alistair became uneasy at the question, "I well… he isn't anyone of note. He…."
"You are telling me that Arl Eamon took a personal interest in a random nobody's son? Ridiculous, there has to be some reason why a man like Eamon would have personal interest in raising a bastard child just like that."
Alistair was silent for a few moments, he seemed to be in deep thought, then he turned to Alvar, "My mother was actually close to Eamon's family, she had been serving him well from a long time; And she died giving birth to me. So, Eamon felt obliged to raise me. That is why he chose to raise me."
Alvar rolled his eyes, he wondered if Alistair really believed he would be convinced by such a poor lie. He had suspected earlier that Alistair might be Eamon's own bastard son and now after seeing Alistair's desperation to hide the identity of his father he was sure of his speculation.
'Either Eamon is his father or he himself does not know,' pondered Alvar, 'If he does not know, then Eamon must know and that man has to be someone of note if Eamon himself had decided to raise his seed personally. Hmm… I could find this out by going to Redcliffe. Yes, Redcliffe will give me the answers to this,'
"Actually, I see your point now," said Alvar, surprising Alistair and Violena, "What we know of the situation in Redcliffe is only rumours, we can confirm them only by visiting there. We shall go to Redcliffe next!"
"Maker, you finally see reason!" exclaimed a delighted Alistair.
And after some time, Violena had a question to Alistair,
"Alistair, you said you were recruited by the Grey Wardens from the chantry, why were you in the chantry if you were raised by Arl Eamon?" she asked.
"Well, I was living in Redcliffe castle until Eamon's son Connor was born, then I was sent to the chantry," answered Alistair, "You see I never got along with Lady Isolde. She always hated me."
"Who is Lady Isolde?" asked Violena.
"The wife of Arl Eamon," Alvar answered her.
"Yes," affirmed Alistair, "There were rumours that I was the Arl Eamon's bastard; which were not true but that did not stop them from existing.
"The Arl did not care about the rumours but Arlessa Isolde, not so much. And by the time I reached my tenth summer; Arlessa Isolde gave birth to Eamon's only son and I was packed off to the nearest monastery, which was the Redcliffe chantry to join the glorious Templars!" he spoke the last sentence in a sarcastic manner.
"That is so horrible!" gasped Violena, "To banish a child of ten years of age from the only home you had ever known?! I am anguished to hear that." She felt she could personally relate to Alistair's situation here.
"It is actually a common treatment of illegitimate children among nobility," said Alvar. "Most bastard sons often end up in the chantry or the city guard. While bastard daughters always end up in the chantry."
"Meh, the Arlessa had already made sure that the castle was no longer a home to me by then," Alistair said casually, "In fact, the Arl gave me a home, he put a roof over my head when he had no reason to. He has my eternal gratitude for all that he did to me.
"As for leaving the castle and moving to the chantry, it was an improvement in a way," he chuckled as he said that.
"What do you mean?" asked a curious Violena.
"For the start, the chantry offered me a proper bed to sleep, it wasn't something I had in the castle,"
"You did not have a proper bed in the castle?!" Violena was surprised at Alistair's words.
"No, I would make my bed in the stables," answered Alistair, "With the horses for company."
"What?!" Violena were astounded at the answer, even Alvar suddenly turned to face at Alistair with raised brows.
"He did not offer you to sleep in the servant's quarters either?" questioned Alvar.
"No, it was the stables. And sometimes it was the kennels also."
'Kennels?!' Alvar was more shocked by this answer than the previous one. 'Eamon would make his own bastard son sleep in kennels? Or if he is not his son, then whose?' Alvar had suspected Alistair's father to be a noteworthy man which would explain Eamon taking an interest in him, but the treatment received by Alistair in Redcliffe made it seem untrue. 'There is no way Eamon would treat a noteworthy man's son in such manner but then why would Eamon take an interest in him if his father is a nobody?'
'Maker, the more I think about it, the more it is baffling it gets. I will get the answers to all these questions in Redcliffe. Yes, there I can find out what Alistair and Eamon are hiding.'
Alvar watched Alistair intently as he and Violena were talking, 'I will find out what you are hiding in Redcliffe, Alistair,' he thought to himself.
xXxXxXxXxXx
Around four days later, Alvar and his retinue reached the outskirts of Redcliffe village. They made camp for the night in the woods which were a couple of leagues outside the village.
They had just finished having their dinner when Alistair approached Alvar and Violena.
"Alvar, Violena, there is something I must tell you," he said, somewhat hesitantly.
Alvar and Violena exchanged glances and turned to Alistair.
"It is about Eamon,"
"Break words then," commanded Alvar, as he placed his plate on the ground.
"You remember I said that I was raised by Arl Eamon right?" spoke Alistair. "There is more reason behind it."
"You said your mother was a maid who worked in the Redcliffe castle," said Violena.
"But that alone does not warrant a nobleman like Eamon to raise me like a son," spoke Alistair. "I haven't told you about my father."
Alvar was excited, he would finally learn who Alistair's father was. Wynne who was also seated nearby turned to Alistair with interest.
"The reason Eamon actually raised me is because my father was…. Maric," uttered Alistair, "As in King Maric, father of Cailan."
Alvar and Violena were stunned on hearing this, Alvar was not at all expecting such an answer.
"Wait, King Maric, the former king of Ferelden?!" gasped Violena.
"Yes, the one and same."
"You are telling me Maric laid with a serving wench in Redcliffe castle?" questioned Alvar.
"Uhm.. yes," uttered Alistair, not really happy having his mother being called a wench, "I mean, I don't see any other way how I would be born."
"I can't believe it!" exclaimed Violena, understanding how the tryst could have happened, "I never imagined Maric would lay a castle servant."
"So, that is where Cailan gets his lecherous ways from," commented Alvar, "Like father, like son."
"What? Even Cailan would lay with women other than his queen?" asked Violena.
Alvar laughed, "Oh, you have no idea of how he would use his royal privileges," he said, "That dog would bed anything that moves and even remotely resembles a woman."
"Right, nobles and their privileges," uttered Violena, "How could I forget that?".
"Why did you not tell this earlier?" demanded Alvar, raising his voice.
"How did you expect me to tell something like that?" asked Alistair, "Just randomly blurt out 'Hey my father was the king you know!?'" he spoke in a mocking tone.
"You could have said it when I asked you so many times," said Alvar.
"Look, it does not matter alright," said Alistair, "My father's identity changes nothing, I was never meant for the throne. I am still a nobody who was supposed to be dead at Ostagar, but I survived…."
"Alistair, why are saying that?" asked Violena in a concerned tone, "We can actually use this to our advantage against Loghain. Can't we Alvar?"
"Oh no, you don't," protested Alistair, "I know what you mean, I have no desire to become king. I will not agree to any ideas of such sort. I…"
"Alistair," Alvar called him, stopping his protest, "Did Maric ever publicly acknowledge you as his son?" he asked.
"No," Alistair shook his head, "he never acknowledged me, he might have known about me. But I don't think he cared, and I was always kept away from his presence."
"Then you are an illegitimate bastard," declared Alvar, "you have nothing to worry about."
"What?" Alistair and Violena asked at the same time.
"There is legitimate bastard and there is illegitimate bastard," spoke Alvar, "You are an illegitimate one,"
"What does that mean?" asked Alistair curiously,
"You don't know about that?" Alvar asked in a rhetoric fashion, on being greeted by blank faces of Violena and Alistair, he sighed as he readied to explain, "A bastard is of two kinds a legitimate bastard and an illegitimate bastard. A bastard child becomes a legitimate bastard when the father publicly proclaims and acknowledges the child as his own. If the father does not claim the child as his, then the child remains an illegitimate bastard.
"Does it matter here? You would ask," Alvar continued explaining, "Very much yes. Because a legitimate bastard is legally a part of his father's household. He will have rights as the child of the man, but only subordinate to his father's legitimate children, if any.
"An illegitimate bastard on the other hand is not a part of his father's household. Thus, he has no rights to himself which would be available to his father's legitimate children. You are an illegitimate bastard," said Alvar turning to Alistair, "So you are legally a commoner. Or… in your own words, a nobody who should have been dead now along with the others at Ostagar."
"That is excellent, I have never wanted to be king," said Alistair, then he breathed a sigh of relief, "I am so relieved to hear that."
"But why?" Violena asked Alistair.
"Are you serious?" asked Alistair in return, "Being king means I have to lead our country, and you do not want me as a leader, trust me."
"But who shall become the king then?" asked Wynne, "Surely Anora is not the only person with rights to the throne."
Before Alvar could answer, Alistair cut in, "No, if anyone is to become our king and lead our realm, it is Arl Eamon. Only he has the will and the right to do so."
"Eamon?!" Alvar snorted loudly, he laughed, "That senile old crow is related to Theirin house through marriage of his sister, he has no Theirin blood in him. Not even a little. His claim to the throne is weaker than Anora's which itself is saying something."
"Anora's claim is weak?" asked Violena, "She was King Cailan's wife right? I thought her claim should be quite strong."
"It is not," Alvar said sternly, "Anora was Queen consort to Cailan. She became royalty by marrying Cailan. She is the daughter of a flea ridden peasant; she doesn't even have noble blood let alone royal blood. If she had a child or if she is pregnant with Cailan's child, then she would have been able to keep the throne and rule as regent to her child, until that child comes of age.
"But she doesn't have a child with Cailan. If she had, then her claim would be very strong. Loghain and Anora know this, which is why they have seized power through force. They know how fragile their claim to the throne is,"
"Then who according to you has claim to the throne?" asked Violena.
"Yes, even I would like to hear this," added Alistair.
Silence fell in the camp, Alvar stared at the fire, his face showing deep thought. After a few minutes of silence, Alvar spoke, "Me," he uttered, "I should be the king!" he proclaimed.
Astounded by his proclamation, Alistair, Wynne and Violena exchanged dumbfounded glances with one another.
"You? How?" Alistair was first to ask.
"Do you all know of the treaty of Highever?" asked Alvar.
The three of them shook their heads.
"During Calenhad's wars for unification of the Teyrnirs into the kingdom of Ferelden, my ancestor Teyrna Elethea Cousland fought against him," Alvar explained slowly, "Teyrna Elethea and her fyrds were eventually defeated but not before making Calenhad pay a heavy cost. Then Calenhad and Elethea signed the 'Treaty of Highever' at the Stone of Malcolm on Malcom's hill. According to the treaty, if Calenhad or his descendants were to die without heirs then the throne of Ferelden would pass on to Elethea Cousland or her descendants.
"And now, Cailan has died without any children and I am the eldest surviving descendant of Elethea Cousland. So, I claim the throne of Ferelden with the Treaty of Highever as my backing."
Silence again fell in the camp for a few moments, "Why did Calenhad sign that treaty with Elethea?" asked Violena.
"Calenhad wanted to build a nation and he did not want to do so by forcing people to submit, instead he wanted the people to become a part of his new country…. That is what his scribes will say if you ask them, but that is not all," said Alvar with a smile, "The actual reason is that my family, the Couslands, were greatly loved and respected by the people of Highever while Calenhad was seen as a barbarian invader. Had he tried to directly impose his rule over the people of Highever, then he would have his hands full with a hostile population. He would be forced to leave too many of his troops in Highever to maintain public order.
"Thus, to avoid that he offered Elethea to become his vassal in his name. Elethea knowing of the power she held over the people of Highever, made sure to extract as many concessions as possible. The Treaty of Highever is the result of that."
"What of Theirin blood?" asked Alistair, "You speak of how Eamon and Anora lack the Theirin blood, but what of you? Do you have the Theirin blood to claim the throne?"
Alvar turned to Alistair and beamed confidently, "I am covered in that aspect as well," he said, "My great grandmother Elissa Theirin was the daughter of King Venedrin Theirin, she was King Brandel Theirin's younger sister. Just one year before the Orlesians invaded Ferelden, King Venedrin married his daughter Elissa to my great grandfather Teyrn Ardal Cousland.
"A year later, my great grandfather Teyrn Ardal Cousland would fall in battle against the Orlesians alongside King Venedrin Theirin; his wife the Princess Elissa was pregnant with my grandfather William Cousland then. She then had to govern the Teyrnir of Highever and raise her son alone. Maker bless her resilience."
"And that is how I have Theirin blood also in my veins," declared Alvar, "It even made Cailan a distant cousin of mine."
"Wait Cailan is my half-brother, if he is your cousin, then," spoke Alistair, looking at Alvar, "So am I. We are also cousins then!"
Alvar sighed, "Yes, that we are," he said.
"Wow, it feels…. strange," muttered Alistair.
"But Alvar," spoke Violena, "Will the nobles support you as their king?"
"They supported my father to become king five years ago at the time of Maric's disappearance," answered Alvar. "But I cannot say if they would do the same with me."
"The nobles supported your father for king even when Cailan was alive?!" exclaimed Violena in surprise.
"Yes, and the events of those days really set the political landscape today," said Alvar,
"I read that a civil war had happened, but I am afraid I don't know much about it. Can you tell me what happened then?" requested Violena.
"Yes, five years ago King Maric disappeared on a sea voyage he had set out on, I was studying in Orlais during that time," explained Alvar, "Before he left, Maric had not declared his only son as heir and there was debate in the Landsmeet on who should succeed Maric as the next king of Ferelden.
"My father was just second to the king and was greatly admired and respected among many nobles. Backed by over half of Ferelden's nobles, my father tried to claim the throne for himself. He proposed that Cailan being too young and Ferelden just having recently won her independence from Orlesians would need an experienced ruler.
"There was opposition, Teyrn Loghain and Arl Eamon were the most vocal. They wanted Cailan to succeed Maric. Eventually, the nobility splintered into two factions. The Couslands led by my father Teyrn Bryce Cousland, consisting of Highever, the arlings of Amaranthine and South Reach; the bannorns of Waking Sea, Storm Coast, Oswin and numerous others in the north and centre of Ferelden.
"And the Theirins led by Teyrn Loghain of Gwaren and Arl Eamon of Redcliffe, the arlings of Denerim, Edgehall, Stenhold and the bannorns of Rainesfere and numerous others in southern and the central Ferelden. Both the sides mobilised their armies and readied for a conflict. Ferelden was on the brink of a civil war."
"What happened next?" asked Violena curiously.
"My father offered a compromise,"
"Why? was he losing the civil war?"
"No, there were no battles yet," answered Alvar. "My father came to realise that the civil war would ruin Ferelden and weaken it. Only the enemies of our country would be benefitted from such a situation. The Orlesians who still dream of taking back their lost province would try to exploit the post-civil war condition of Ferelden. Thus, he offered a compromise, that he would agree to Cailan as king of Ferelden but he would be head of the royal advisors to the crown.
"And so, the civil war ended without a single man dying and as part of the pact, a royal council of advisors was created. It consisted of my father, Arl Eamon and Arl Kendells of Denerim. But the divisions that were created then would not heal soon.
"The Couslands and Theirins weren't always had a bittersweet relationship but the succession crisis had strained our relations greatly. My father tried to mend the relations and I fear that is one of the reasons which led to the downfall of our house."
"What? How?" asked a surprised Alistair.
"My father wanted to show everyone that he stands with King Cailan against the enemies of our nation, that is why he sent our entire fyrd to help Cailan at Ostagar, while most other nobles only sent a part of their fyrds. And look what the absence of our men in Highever did. Howe mutinied when most of our men were away and my entire family paid the price."
"So, you are saying that Howe would not have mutinied against you if your father had not sent most of your forces to Ostagar?" commented Violena.
Alvar was silent for a minute, "Yes," he uttered, "My father wanted to start afresh, he tried to mend the divisions between both our houses and he paid a very high price for that. And how does Cailan reciprocate? He allows that jackal Duncan to force me into his wretched order!"
"That ungrateful dog! Serves him right that he himself is left to rot in Ostagar by his own father-in-law."
"Don't say that! He was our king!" protested Wynne.
Alvar turned to face her, "Your king! Not mine!" he bellowed. Then he got up from sitting on the log and stretched his arms.
"Now you all go to sleep, I will take the first watch," commanded Alvar, "Alistair, I will wake you up when it your turn."
The companions all went to their respective tents and Alvar was now sitting alone on the log beside the fire. His arms were crossed and he was in deep thoughts.
Ever since Ostagar, Alvar never had the time to ponder on the issues he had talked now with his companions. He had almost forgotten about the Treaty of Highever until now, although it was currently in Sancia's possession. He had been so focussed on killing Loghain and Howe that he had never pondered on the events after that. Loghain has seized power in the aftermath of Cailan's death and by killing Loghain, Alvar would leave a power vacuum.
Alvar always had ambitions and he recalled Flemeth's words after Ostagar. Life is full of hidden opportunites, only those who see them and use them shall prevail and also mayhap you may gain more than you lost.
Alvar wondered if this was now an opportunity for him to take the throne of Ferelden. With Cailan dying heirless, he now had a strong claim to the throne. He is backed by a treaty by King Calenhad himself, he has some Theirin blood in him and all he needed now is military power and that he is gathering in the form of allied/vassal nobles and the dwarves, dalish elves and mages with whom he had Grey Warden treaties with.
Alvar fondly recalled planning secession with Sancia and Ser Alan, on the day of the battle of Ostagar. 'King Alvar and Queen Sancia of Highever? No, King Alvar and Queen Sancia of Ferelden sounds better!' he mused to himself.
But not everything was rosy either, Alvar had not forgotten his recruitment into the cursed Grey Wardens. He had not forgotten how Duncan has scarred his body and soul by forcing him to drink darkspawn poison. Duncan had rendered him to a life of immense pain, an existence where the darkspawn poison in him would slowly eat him up from inside. He was also rendered infertile or at least difficult to have children.
Alvar wondered if he does manage to make himself the king of Ferelden, would his rule be a short one and would he die without an heir? And with these thoughts in mind, he continued his watch.
A/N:
guest (Esp) I do not understand Spanish, so I used google translate to read your review. I am delighted you like my story, Alvar's interactions with the companions will change as time goes. Especially his relationship with Alistair. Will it change to good or bad shall be seen in future chapters. As for other origin characters, they will make brief appearances when their time comes.
And there is chapter 27, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and the story so far. As always, let me know your thoughts in the reviews.