CHAPTER 8
Two days after the Teyrn's arrival, Nathaniel noticed that Fergus and Elissa had been talking intently away from the rest of the men. Afterward, Fergus came by as Nathaniel set up the campfire for that evening.
"Your Grace," Nathaniel said to Fergus as he put logs on the fire. "What can I do for you?"
Fergus gave him a look that was eerily similar to the one Elissa wore when she was analyzing a person or situation. "I was just speaking to my sister," he hesitated, "about you, actually. I wanted to talk to you directly."
Nathaniel nodded. "I am only surprised that you waited this long, honestly. I am sure you have … questions."
Fergus inclined his head once, "Just so. I wanted to watch you before speaking to her, come up with conclusions on my own about you."
Nathaniel had been uncomfortably aware of the scrutiny that he had undergone from both Fergus and his men, so he shrugged. "Comes with the territory, right?" He uttered a short, harsh laugh. "So what have you decided about me?"
"To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure," Fergus admitted. "I admit that when Elissa introduced you to me I was shocked. I'm sure you understand why. I honestly expected you to stay far, far away from Ferelden instead of coming back."
"So I heard. I'm surprised you remembered me. Your sister did not."
Fergus replied, "Ah, yes. You came to Cousland Castle what? Once, twice? And it was a long time ago, before you went abroad. You looked much different as a child, except for the eyes I think. Anyway, I think I should let you know that I greatly trust my sister's judgment of other people. She's always been good at that. Out of all of us, she was the only one who never really liked your father. We always thought it was because he kept trying to push arranged marriage between our families," at this Nathaniel shook his head and groaned, "but now I see that she knew something was … not right, there. She never reacted so negatively with other nobles trying to set her up with their sons – she would usually just politely refuse their offers and continue on her way.
"But you, she really likes you. She sees something in you that she never did in your father, something good and noble. And since I have never known her to be a poor judge of character, I am forced to think that there is something to that. Certainly your actions and the way you carry yourself suggest that what she says is true. I think that my biggest problem is that I never suspected your father to be capable of what he did, never picked up on signs that he could do so much wrong. I thought that while he would be abrasive at times, and not particularly good with people, that he had some redeeming values. Certainly our father thought so, but maybe he was blinded by decades of friendship. So I worry that my own judgment is suspect."
Nathaniel thought on this a moment. "I can certainly understand your viewpoint, Teyrn Cousland. When I came back from the Free Marches I thought that the rumors I heard were overstated accusations, an inflation of his role in the losing side of the war. But since I have been here, I've learned that he was to blame and that he ruined a lot of peoples' lives in order to try to gain political influence." Nathaniel took a deep breath. "I am deeply sorry that your family was one of the ones that suffered at his hands. The Couslands have always been fair and just, and to see them nearly destroyed over what amounted to petty jealousy," Nathaniel sighed. "It was a tragedy on a number of levels."
Fergus studied Nathaniel's face very carefully. "You know, my sister wasn't the only Cousland who decided that you were all right. Father liked you too, said you would surpass Rendon once you came into your own. Did you know that he offered to squire you so that your father would not have to send you so far away?"
Nathaniel was surprised. "No, I had never known that. I enjoyed my time in the Free Marches, but I never knew that there was an option to do so closer to home." He thought a moment. "But you know, Father would never have taken that offer. He frequently said how you and especially your sister had been given too much latitude." He raised an eyebrow. "Father was very strict."
Fergus laughed. "He would say similar things to my father about both of us." He then stood up. "I think I could get to like you, Howe. If you have any trouble with the men, you let me know, all right?" He extended his hand.
Nathaniel stood and completed the handshake. "Thank you. I appreciate being given the chance to prove to you that I am not the same as my father."