King Cailan had been informed that Duncan and his new recruits were on approach and grinning like a boy he rushed out to greet them. He was pleased at the group on approach, it appeared Duncan had done well and the ranks of the Wardens would increase by a sizeable amount. His gaze was quickly drawn to the stunning brunette and he realized almost right away who it was. Instant confusion hit him, Lana had been dead set against joining the Wardens, had gone so far as to take the man down hard for even thinking of conscripting her.
"King Cailan, this is quite the surprise." Duncan greeted him with a formal bow.
"Not expecting a royal greeting?" Cailan grinned, "I think I'm more surprised that you convinced Lana to join you." he held out his arms for her.
Kaylana quickly moved to embrace him, kissing his cheek in greeting, "Cailan." she murmured not smiling in greeting.
Cailan's smile vanished, "Lana, what's happened?" he could feel it in her being and the way she held herself that something was very wrong.
Kaylana pulled back and reached into a pocket, she produced the signet rings of her parents.
Cailan paled, "Lana... what, why do you have those?" he asked quietly.
"The night Fergus left with the troops Arl Howe's men attacked. Oriana and Oren were dead before I could reach them, Father died in mothers arms, Mother sacrificed her life to give me time to escape." Her face hardened, "I'm giving you notice Cai, that treacherous bastard dies by my hand as soon as the Darkspawn are dealt with."
Cailan nodded, "Of course. You'll have my troops as well as Highevers you know that. How did he think he could get away with it?" he shook his head in shock, reaching up to hold her by the shoulders, Kaylana and Fergus were like siblings to he and Anora. He and Lana had been through so much together and there were days he'd wished his father had never made the arrangement with Loghain about Anora.
Kaylana was about to answer when a terrible thought occurred to her, "He must have solid reason to believe that you will not be around after the attack here to deal with him."
Cailan became thunderous and he gripped her shoulders tighter unconsciously, "We will talk more of this in private." he growled darkly.
Kaylana winced and nodded, "Cai, gauntlets are not comfortable."
He quickly released her, "Sorry. Go rest up, Highever's tents are to the right in the main encampment. Fergus is out scouting so isn't here at the moment..." he was at a loss for words, the Couslands were like family to him and wise council in Landsmeets, that Bryce and Eleanor were gone was a devastating blow for Ferelden.
"Thank you. I'll be addressing the people of Highever, they deserve to know." She bowed her head politely and looked back at the Wardens, "I'll see you around I'm sure. You're all welcome in Highever's camp." she nodded and left the King to greet the Wardens.
Demarin, head of the Highever servants, was momentarily shocked at the sight of a travel weary Kaylana Cousland. He'd expected the Teyrn but definitely not the daughter. "My lady!" He quickly pulled himself together and dashed over to her, bowing in greeting.
"Ah Demarin, looks like you have things well under control here." Kaylana smiled, it wasn't just the Teyrns tent that was spick and span but all the soldiers tents she'd passed had also been in good order.
"One does what one can in these circumstances." He beamed up at her, "I must say this is quite the surprise my Lady, I take it your father will be along shortly?" he assumed she must have sweet talked him into letting her come after all. That thought was quickly questioned at the look of raw anguish that filled her.
"Demarin, I need you to gather all the servants and have Captain Leonys assemble all of the soldiers. I must address you all." Kaylana had debated if she should clean up or appear as she was. She'd decided to go with the travelled look and not the pampered noble most who weren't from Highever thought her to be.
Demarin fought the sense of dismay that was sinking in his stomach and bowed, "Right away my Lady." he quickly dashed out with elven fleetness.
At the knowledge that Lady Kaylana was calling for all of Highever's people they gathered quickly outside the tent of the Teyrn.
"My lady, we are gathered." Captain Leonys bowed to her, his deep voice breaking through her thoughts.
"Thank you Leonys." Kaylana took a deep breath, she'd been mentally preparing and bracing herself for this. Striding out with head held high and shoulders straight she was greeted with cheers, she was very popular with the people after all. She managed a small smile and waited for silence.
The cheering died out quickly at her appearance. They could all see that something was amiss.
Projecting her voice for all to hear she began, "Ladies and gentlemen of Highever I know you were expecting my father to arrive with Arl Howe and his men as they were delayed before your departure." she shifted her weight and suddenly appeared taller and more imposing to the people before her. "Hear me and hear me well!" she called, "Arl Howe's men were NEVER delayed!"
There was a soft mumble of confusion.
"The night of your departure Arl Howe ATTACKED CASTLE COUSLAND!" she shouted, her voice carrying further than just the men and women of Highever and those surrounding began to listen in earnest.
The people of Highever cried out in dismay.
"The Teyrn and Teyrna!" a few called.
Kaylana held up her hand for silence and was granted it instantly. "The Teyrn and Teyrna along with my brother's wife and son have been brutally murdered. I barely escaped the slaughter and that is what it was. Every living soul in Castle Cousland was to be silenced and it breaks my heart that very few who were within its walls that night made it out alive." she had to stop at the piercing cries of dismay and horror that filled the camp.
Tears began and more than a few looked around at their brothers and sisters in arms mournfully.
Kaylana's lower lip trembled for a moment, tears remained unshed but made her sapphire eyes glisten for all to see. "For this heinous betrayal I will see Rendon Howe's head on a pike!" she bellowed, "King Cailan has already vowed that as soon as we have defeated the darkspawn he will turn the vengeance of Ferelden on Howe! As soon as we are done with these beasts we will return to Highever and AVENGE our brothers and sisters, our loved ones who have been ripped from us. We will teach not only Howe but ANY BACKSTABBING BASTARDS what happens when you turn on the proud, honourable and STRONG men and women of HIGHEVER! For HIGHEVER!" she raised her fist in the air defiantly.
"HIGHEVER, HIGHEVER, HIGHEVER!" The troops and even the servants bellowed with all their might, their fists raising and punching the air with each cry.
"For King Cailan!" She cried.
"LONG LIVE THE KING, LONG LIVE THE KING, LONG LIVE THE KING." they cried.
Then Captain Leonys roared in a much louder bellow, "FOR THE COUSLANDS!"
"COUSLAND, COUSLAND, COUSLAND." That last cry echoed even louder and with greater gusto that all before.
"Ready yourselves for WAR, Highever, decimate these cursed Darkspawn so we can bring the wrath of the Maker himself on Howe. I have every faith in you that we will succeed. My brothers and sisters, you are dismissed, return to your duties." She nodded to Captain Leonys.
While they could have fallen into grief Lady Kaylana's inspiring words had them fuelled for war. They knew that she was true to her word, that when the evil that was the darkspawn was eliminated they would return to free their families.
In the distance a number of nobles including the King had watched on.
"I'm glad she's on our side." One of them commented.
"She is an inspiration and a powerful legacy of the Couslands." another agreed.
Loghain glared at them. He said nothing of his knowledge that the Cousland's had been conspiring with Orlesian's yet, that would come out later. At the proper time. For the time being he would be keeping a very close eye on the Cousland lass.