Thanks for the reviews! I must apologize for how choppy the last chapter was in flicking from the different POV's on the battlefield, hopefully I've fixed it enough that I haven't left you reeling from 'where am I'.
This chapter is where things really start to divurge and some revelations come into play.
Enjoy! :)
Fergus looked around at his men who were following his lead. He heard in his mind Lana complaining about the rain, now he was blessing it as it washed off the tainted blood of the darkspawn. They had to get as far as possible but they were several days from Lothering. They had no food, no shelter, he had no idea how many of his people had made it this far. In their flight a great many had gone on ahead and were now trudging fearfully with no direction in mind other than away from the darkspawn.
The sound of hooves fast approaching snapped Fergus out of his despairing thoughts. Looking up he saw Sahera without his sister. Fear constricted his heart and he stopped dead in his tracks.
Sahera recognized the look instantly, "Lana is safe for now, she brings up the rear, inspires those who have fallen to despair to keep walking." she assured him instantly, lightly jumping down from the horse.
"Thank the Maker." the relief and hope that surged through him made him feel rather dizzy.
"She sent me to the camp to send the people there on their way. Demarin had already ordered the camp packed as he saw Teyrn Loghain's servants packing so they were ready. Lana suggests you go on ahead, tell those before you to meet in Lothering and make arrangements." she held out a heavy bag of gold.
"You mean Loghain's people were packing up before the battle?" Fergus exclaimed in outrage, accepting the bag given him.
"Yes my Lord." she nodded, while she had Lana's approval to call her by name she knew enough of shem customs to know that Fergus, especially now, was not to be called anything less unless she was given express permission.
"He planned this. He planned all of this!" Fergus went weak at the knees and felt sick to the stomach.
Sahera nodded, "Lana believes there is more to this than meets the eye. Arl Howe attacked your family knowing that there would be no reprisal. The only way for that to happen is for the King himself to be unable to carry out justice. Now the King is dead because Loghain quit the field." her voice was usually calm and even now she maintained her Dalish stoicism.
"Does her ladyship believe there's a connection?" Captain Leonys suddenly blurted in shock.
"She does, she does not know what that connection is though, she only knows that Loghain planned to quit the field and Howe knew he would get away with what he did to your family." Sahera had never seen Fergus, kind hearted, jovial and friendly Fergus so outraged.
He yelled out his anger, storming off a few paces.
The men who'd gathered around him shared his fury though not quite to the same extent of course.
"I swear if those two are in consort I will bring down the wrath of the Maker on their heads!" Fergus roared and was surprised by the resounding cheer of approval and agreement. "Sahera, any idea how many you passed on the way here?"
Sahera shrugged, "I was not counting my lord, but I would make a rough estimate at three hundred or so."
"Lana was trying to save some of the wardens, was she able to?"
"Three my lord." she nodded.
"That's something at least." Leonys nodded in approval, of course Lana had thought ahead, Blight's couldn't be stopped without wardens.
"Leonys I want you to gather twenty men strong enough to hold the line should any darkspawn snap at our heels. Lana's going to stay at the back of the line knowing her, she'll whip them along like mother but it's the most dangerous place for her to be." Fergus looked to the tired man who simply nodded.
"How far behind are they?" Leonys turned to the Dalish elf.
"An hour on horse back. I would recommend waiting here for them to catch up, recover your energy as much as possible." she suggested.
Fergus nodded in agreement, "Do so." With a little help in his armour he mounted the horse, "I'll have the men ahead stop for the night at a safe enough location, Lothering is at least two days march from here."
"Aye my lord." Leonys was already looking over those who'd gathered, some had moved on from the commotion but at least a dozen had remained.
Fergus rode on ahead, spreading the word that they were headed to Lothering and spurring on the troops as he went.
Lana was bone weary but she couldn't stop, they couldn't stop. Darkspawn had been harrying them but thankfully Temerly and Leonys had rallied together a defensive party that kept them at bay. Kallian had simply collapsed from exhaustion and now she carried the elf on her back. A soldier had tried to convince her that he could carry the lithe young woman but Lana had shaken her head, convincing him that his swords against the darkspawn were required more. Every now and then she felt a touch of magic rejuvenate her and smiled to Lucia in thanks. She didn't want to think. All she thought of was Cailan dying, that Ashana was most likely dead as well, that Loghain had abandoned them. She shook herself, she didn't want to think. One foot in front of the other. She was barely aware of anything when strong hands took Kallian from her and directed her. She didn't get much further before she blacked out into blessed unconsciousness.
Fergus was relieved beyond measure when his sister was carried in.
"She collapsed just outside my Lord, carried an elven girl for nigh on ten miles." Leonys wasn't sure where to put her, they were all dripping wet from the rain, the ground was mud though the Teyrns tent had been set up.
"Stubborn Pup, put her on the table." Fergus gestured, she looked ragged and understandably so, there was barely a soul among them who didn't.
Demarin helped Fergus get her out of the armour and wet underclothes. Drying her off Fergus carried her to her cot and eased her down. She was feverishly hot and that worried him. He wished they had a healer but they didn't and it didn't look like blight sickness, perhaps just over exhaustion and having trudged for so long in the rain.
The next morning Lana didn't wake so Fergus had her bundled up and put in one of the supply wagons.
By noon Kallian was glaring at the wagon being escorted by a group of loyal soldiers. "Nobles." she spat, "Why does she get to sleep in a wagon?"
Lucia and Cullen both glared at her.
"Since she carried your unconscious arse for ten miles and just about killed herself doing it." Cullen snapped at her in annoyance and disbelief.
Kallian missed a step and almost tripped, "What!"
"Do you remember how you got to camp last night Kallian?" Lucia asked her softly though her voice showed a little annoyance.
"I-I thought maybe, maybe Cullen carried me." Kallian mumbled, looking between them to see if they were having her on.
Cullen scowled and shook his head.
Lucia sighed and put her hand on Kallian's shoulder, "No, Lana did. Quite a few soldiers tried to take you from her but she wouldn't allow it, the soldiers were needed to defend our flanks. She carried you literally until she dropped."
"Ten miles Kallian and that's after having fought her arse off just like everyone else here. We'd be dead if it wasn't for her." Cullen added firmly, they both knew that for some reason Kallian had taken an instant disliking towards Lana because she was a noble.
Kallian's cheeks burned with shame at her harsh words.
Lana finally woke when they were a couple miles out of Lothering. When she emerged from the wagon, she was neat, hair brushed, in clean leathers thanks to Demarin, but had a haunted expression on her face.
Fergus had gone on ahead to make preparations, they were five hundred strong, five hundred out of one thousand three hundred originally, less than half of them had made it out. Still they were too many to just camp in Lothering itself.
Lana jumped in fright as a hand gently clasped her shoulder, she turned to see Lucia looking at her in concern and she relaxed.
"You need to eat something." she held out a strip of dried meat.
Lana's stomach growled, she was so hungry she didn't care where it came from or what it really was, "Thank you. Is Kallian alright? I can't remember when I passed out." she was worried she'd hurt the elf landing on her or something.
Kallian stepped out from behind Lucia and held up a water flask, "I'm fine, thanks to you Lana." the relief in Lana's eyes made her feel even more ashamed at her attitude towards the woman.
"Good, I was worried I'd landed on you or something." Lana managed a small smile and gratefully accepted the water.
They continued walking.
"How long was I out?" she asked curiously.
"Well sunset approaches and you were out since early last night. All night and nearly all day." Lucia motioned to the food, "Hence you need to eat or I'll shove it down your throat." she grinned.
The haunted look slowly faded and Lana actually smiled, "Well then, I'd better start munching."
Temerly kept a short distance from them, ever vigilant in the protection of Lady Cousland and grateful to the warden women for seeing to her needs. The little elf had been especially concerned, checking up on her constantly during the afternoon. He hadn't seen her fight but she was a warden so she was obviously quite capable despite her appearance.
Though she was still hungry after finishing the strip of beef as it turned out to be Lana didn't complain. She also didn't guzzle a lot of water down but drank a moderate amount and returned the water skin to Kallian with murmured thanks.
Lucia was concerned that the haunted look didn't quite vanish from Lana's eyes, but then given all they'd just experienced she doubted there wasn't a man or woman who didn't have a similar look in their eyes.
When they arrived at Lothering Fergus had them set up camp to the south of the township, between it and the darkspawn infested Wilds. He looked furious about something though the fury dulled a little at the sight of his sister walking on her own steam. Brother and sister embraced tightly.
"You had me so worried Pup." Fergus whispered in her ear, his voice choked with emotion.
Lana refused to cry and just held him tighter. "We've lost so many people Fergus." she murmured, her face buried in the crook of his neck. He was now the only man she would let this close to her willingly. The only other two had been their father and Cailan and both were now lost to her.
"We will avenge them." Fergus growled, the anger returning.
Lana pulled back and looked up at him questioningly.
"Teyrn Loghain has claimed the wardens set up the attack to kill the King, that he had to withdraw his troops to save them from warden betrayal." he spat the words out vehemently.
"That bastard!" she hissed, anger settling in her quickly, too quickly for her liking but she was tired and emotionally drained. She stepped back from him further and began to pace as she listened to him continue.
"Bann Ceolic pulled all his forces at the order of Loghain, they're headed to Denerim forced march, leaving Lothering defenceless other than a handful of templars. Refugee's have been pouring in for days, there's little room, shelter or food. Basic supplies are running out fast and merchants are demanding outrageous coin for what little they have left." he shared the horrific news blandly as he tried to contain his anger. "Not to mention our personal situation. We have five hundred to provide for, little supplies, no home, Howe will be after our heads as soon as he realizes we're alive and without Cailan, Loghain will make himself regent."
"He wouldn't... not to Anora!" she was appalled at the idea.
"We're at war and she'll agree to it, he's her father after all, Hero of Riverdane." he pointed out dryly in his anger.
Lana had stopped pacing and looked out to the troops who were smartly making camp, they were well trained after all. In the setting sun Lana had no idea the figures she and Fergus cut to those below them, Fergus a handsome tower of brawn and fury ready to protect that which he considered his, Lana a gorgeous battlemaiden of calculating appraisal as she considered their situation with one hand on her hip the other twirling her dagger.
"First things first. We need to speak with the Knight Captain here and the Revered Mother, without the Bann they'll be the next authority figures the people will listen to. Lothering must be evacuated immediately. While that's happening our forces will provide what protection we can, we can't face the horde but any roving bands of darkspawn can be dealt with. Once I've got some food in me we'll talk about what comes next." She nodded, her tone assertive and sharper than usual given her emotional state.
"Are you sure we've got time for that? The darkspawn are right behind us." Fergus frowned.
Lana whirled around to him, "Loghain abandoned these people. We are Couslands, we will not leave them as darkspawn fodder." her voice was raised and carried down to the troops who were once again inspired by her devotion to the people of Ferelden.
Fergus nodded and managed a smile, "I thought you might say that. They're ready to talk to us, though they don't know about Howe's actions yet."
"We need to find out how he plans to get away with this at a landsmeet. Loghain won't call one or the Bannorn would oust him in a heartbeat." Lana continued twirling her dagger absently as her mind tried to work through the fog of exhaustion and hunger.
Fergus put his hand on her shoulder, "Come on, perhaps they'll have a meal for us. Leonys and Temerly will take care of everything here." he'd already spoken to Leonys as Temerly had taken it upon himself to be Lana's personal body guard ever since Ostagar.
Temerly nodded, she would be safe with her brother.
"Temerly, organize a hunting party, we'll need fresh meat, as much as possible. Take Sahera with you, she'll show you a thing or two about how the Dalish do it." she smirked.
Temerly hadn't had much to do with the elven woman but her devotion to Lana was clear to all, "Yes my Lady." he bowed his head and went off to quickly fulfil his orders.
Walking through the small township of Lothering it was clear that the people there were struggling. Refugee's had made a camp in a cleared area east of the main market place that was rather empty of merchant carts at the moment. People looked tired, dirty, scared and hungry. It was heartbreaking to see.
The Chantry was very busy. Many a lost soul had come to pray or beg from the holy sisters for aid though all they had to give was a comforting word and prayer. Templars were trying to go about their duties whilst causing as little fuss as possible. One appeared to be giving orders, a darker skinned man in his mid thirties by the looks of it, his long dark brown hair was tied back in an orderly manner and his deep baritone was heavy with weariness.
"That's Ser Bryant, Knight Captain." Fergus nodded towards him for Lana.
Ser Bryant recognized the noble quickly and dismissed his men. Bowing to the newly arrived pair he straightened quickly to take in the woman who now accompanied him, his sister Kaylana. Her beauty was widely renowned and even in armour and dishevelled by the flight from Ostagar the rumours barely did her credit. "Lord Cousland, Lady Cousland." he greeted them.
Lana tore her gaze from the desperation of the people and could understand exactly why his shoulders were heavy, "Ser Bryant." she greeted kindly, aware that at the mention of their family name several nearby heads turned in wonder.
"Please come this way, the Revered Mother awaits." Ser Bryant led them to a chamber to the right side of the stage where a brother was chanting from the pulpit for the people gathered.
For the first time the words spoken in that sing song voice they all used made Lana's skin crawl. Clenching her jaw she kept her eyes focused on the man in front of her. When they entered it was clear this Revered Mother enjoyed reading. She had quite the library of books in her personal abode.
The elder woman was sitting in a chair positioned in the middle of the room where she obviously met many people. She had a round face, kind brown eyes, thin lips and her gray hair was pulled back neatly in a bun. Her aura was indeed that of a grandmotherly old lady. She took in the two young nobles before her and could see the anger that burned within them, especially the young woman. "Welcome Lord and Lady Cousland, I greet you in the blessed name of the Maker." she bowed her head politely to them, a gesture not normally required by Revered Mothers.
It served to cool off Fergus but only to incite Lana further. She asserted great will to keep her mouth tightly clamped.
"Thank you Revered Mother." Fergus spoke for them as he was the eldest after all.
"Little was spoken of the events at Ostagar when the Teyrn's men came through. The Maker must have his hand on you to have spared you from what took place there." Her voice was soft and calm and though she kept her words vague she quickly stopped at the outrage that poured from both nobles before her.
"Spared!" Lana snapped at her, "You think we were spared? Unlike Loghain we actually fought beside the king. We stood in that valley and faced the darkspawn head on with the wardens along with South Reach and the southern forces of Southron Hills. Two and a half thousand men and women stood and fought, only five hundred of us remain since Loghain abandoned us!" she stopped at the firm touch on her arm and looked up at Fergus.
"They know only what they've been told." He reminded her gently.
Lana took a deep breath and bowed her head, pinching the bridge of her nose as her head swam, "My apologies, it's... it's been a long, hard journey." she murmured.
"I understand my Lady. Perhaps you could enlighten us." The Revered Mother suggested, hoping that it would help get the anger from the hearts of these two powerful young people.
"Lana, you know more than I do." Fergus murmured to her.
Lana nodded, "The plan, which was Teyrn Loghain's, was that the Wardens and a large enough force to look like a feasible army would take their stand at the northern end of the valley by the Ostagar ruins. Once the darkspawn had fully engaged in battle with this force a beacon would be lit and Loghain's forces would attack from either side of the valley, flanking the darkspawn and crushing them from three sides." she took a deep breath, "We engaged the darskpawn as planned, the beacon was lit as planned, but instead of charging as planned Loghain's men quit the field and left us all to die." she clenched her fists, "When I realized what was happening I went to find the King, we had to pull out there was no way we could win against so many darkspawn. However, I was too late. King Cailan was crushed by an ogre before I could reach him."
Fergus stiffened, "Wait, you saw that?"
She looked up at him with tears in her eyes, "Yes. That's when I went looking for you as the next in command." her voice was soft as she choked back the tears.
"Oh Lana." Fergus pulled her in close for a hug.
The Revered Mother was deeply touched by the anguish on Kaylana's face, it was common knowledge that Cailan, Anora, Fergus and Kaylana were a tight knit group of friends. She remained quiet for the time being.
"How could Loghain blame the Wardens when it was his plan? He was the one who told them to make their stand as they did, they were following his orders." she hissed through her teeth.
Ser Bryant and the Revered Mother looked at each other, that changed everything they'd been told.
"The only people who knew that were Loghain, and those on the battlefield. He's probably counting on the darkspawn having eradicated us all and his reputation as the Hero of Riverdane will make people more likely to believe him." Fergus grunted.
"Oh of course, because the mighty hero would never just quit the field without even having drawn his weapon." Lana drawled, pulling back from him and wiping the moisture from her lashes.
"Especially with Cailan down there, he's been like a son to the man. Why would he do this? Why would he just leave him to die?" Fergus hadn't been able to figure it out for the life of him.
Lana had a much better idea. "Two reasons, first he believes that Cailan and I had an affair."
"What! That's absurd!" Fergus exclaimed, sure he'd heard the rumours, he'd defended his sisters honour with his fists on occasion but for Loghain to actually believe them?
"He and Cailan had an argument over it and just couldn't convince him otherwise because of the second reason. We spent just four weeks in Orlais." Lana wouldn't be able to figure out the details of who was communicating with whom but something had indeed gone down while they'd been away.
"But you were there to find out just who is really betraying Ferelden to the bloody Orlesians! Surely he wouldn't think you and Cailan would betray us? By the void you two are the most Ferelden nobility we bloody well have. Cailan can't stand that Orlesian maid of Anora's and you won't touch anything Orlesian with a ten foot pole!" Fergus argued, to in shock to care about the two people listening in on this private debate.
"Yet we went to Orlais. We spent four weeks there in fact. You know all you have to do is say the bloody word to Loghain and he sees red. That's why Cailan came to me, for my help in figuring out what the hell the Orlesians were up to. I think... I think we've been played. What other reason could Howe have had to not only do what he did but be able to get away with it considering just who is regent now?" she shrugged painfully.
Fergus went sheet white as the pieces fell into place, "Bloody flames Lana. You're- you really think it's all connected?"
"The Orlesians obviously realized Cailan and I were on to them so they planted evidence, started rumours about us to discredit us before we could put a stop to their plans. And because Loghain no longer thinks rationally when you mention Orlais they played him like a violin and he betrayed Cailan, he betrayed us and knowing the Bannorn he's going to cause civil war. Which is why he took Bann Ceolic's forces, he's going to be boosting his army as quickly as possible to force the Bannorn to its knees." Lana shook her head, the pieces had already been coming together in her mind, she was gifted with a good strategic head on her shoulders and the nous to deduce different paths through many variables. Which was why Cailan had wanted her help with Orlais.
Fergus knew her gut instincts were always spot on and he slumped back against a bookshelf. "But what about the darkspawn?"
"He doesn't think this is a Blight so won't treat it like one. He probably thinks the darkspawn will stick to the Wilds." She straightened her shoulders and took a deep breath. "But all the wardens I've spoken with have all talked about being able to feel the archdemon, all the ones who joined at Ostagar have been having terrifying visions of it, seeing it in their dreams. If it was only one or two it could be excused as just having bad dreams about the enemy but every single one of them?" she shook her head. "This is a Blight and we've only got three bloody wardens all of whom have been wardens for all of three days and are still trying to figure out their new senses let alone knowing how in the void they're supposed to stop a Blight."
"Maker help us." Bryant murmured in horror.
"You couldn't have found Duncan?" Fergus groaned.
"We're bloody lucky I found any wardens in that fucked up mess! The only reason I even got to them was that they'd been placed further back from the original front lines because they're new recruits. They were cut off from the others and surprise, surprise, I'm not a bloody warden, I don't have superhuman darkspawn killing abilities." she yelled at him in frustration.
"I know, I didn't mean it like that. You were amazing out there and we'd all be dead if it wasn't for you." Fergus quickly appeased her.
They were both quiet for a few moments as Lana fought for control over her emotions and Fergus tried to process everything.
"So what do you suggest we do?" Ser Bryant ventured into the silence.
Fergus looked to Lana, so Bryant and the Revered Mother did as well.
"Evacuate Lothering, get everyone out within the next few days. I don't know much about darkspawn but all the stories claim they go to the populated areas. Closest populated area to them now is right here. I would guess they'd move north east as that's the most fertile and highly populated area of Ferelden. So take your people west. Any of the townships around Lake Calenhad, the Frostbacks if they're desperate. But send them in groups, a whole town arriving at one place will simply cause far too many problems like what you're facing here, food will run out quickly." A thought suddenly came to mind and her eyes lit up.
Fergus smirked, "I know that look sister, what is it?"
"An idea. It'll need some time to figure it out properly but I think I might be on to something. For the time being there's not enough time left in the day to do anything." she looked to the Revered Mother, "In the morning, we'll return with a suitable plan of action as to how to evacuate your people. Tonight rest knowing that unlike Loghain, you will not be abandoned by the Couslands. Our forces will remain south and shield you as much as possible from the darkspawn." Lana bowed her head and turned to leave.
"Allow me to bless you before you go." The Revered Mother raised her hand to begin.
Lana couldn't stop her mouth, "I don't need the blessings of a god who abandoned us twice, he's no better than Loghain." she spat.
"Lana!" Fergus hissed at her, "You've always believed in the Maker."
"You didn't see what he let Howe do to your wife and son." She returned coldly then strode out, her posture oddly calm.
Fergus sagged, "My apologies Mother. Much... much has happened. I..."
"It is alright, she is young and angry at the Maker, understandably so given all you have experienced. Let us pray for her." she had seen how grief twisted belief in the Maker and prayed that Kaylana Cousland would find peace.