His Own Man
Nathaniel followed the long corridors that meandered through the palace. Having delivered the message to Arl Eamon he was anxious to return to Juliette's outer room, where the others were waiting for him.
"Warden Howe!" came his name, causing Nathaniel to stop and look about. He noticed that Bann Reign was seated in a window box, partially hidden in the evening shadows.
He approached the Bann who stood at his arrival.
"Warden Howe I am so pleased to have spotted you alone. I have so wanted a moment to speak with you." Bann Reign clapped Nathaniel on his shoulder, gesturing for him to sit.
The two sat down together while the Bann continued.
"I wanted to offer you my deepest condolences. I knew your father well and was deeply saddened by his loss."
"Thank you Bann Reign." Nathaniel said quietly.
"I cannot fathom what it must be like." Reign said sympathetically.
"His loss was a surprise."
"Well, yes, of course but what I meant was," and he leaned in a bit, lowering his voice, "was having to work for the woman who murdered him!"
Nathaniel was astonished. It had never occurred to him that the Bann would go after this angle. He hoped that his revulsion didn't show too clearly on his face, and if it did, that he would assume it was a response to his commander.
"My conscription was difficult for me." Nathaniel said, trying to limit his answer. "I was against it."
"So she murdered your father in his home and forced you to become a warden?" Bann Reign said with mock disgust. "And she seems to have gotten away with these injustices."
"Perhaps."
"You are aware why, are you not?" Reign said leaning in conspiratorially. "She is the King's whore." And Reign nodded for affect.
It took everything inside Nathaniel to not take Reign by his greasy hair and smash him to the ground. But he knew that this could lead to something and focused solely on helping Juliette.
"She used her weight at the Landsmeet, playing up the death of her family and got him the crown. Loghain tried to call the Landsmeet to address what she had done to your family but they were weak." Bann Reign sighed. "Her actions pushed the rightful, competent queen right out and up into Fort Drakon."
"You disagree with the Landsmeet?" Nathaniel asked.
"No. I know my betters should be making those decisions. I would not question them." he said. "But I do know that your father's murderer saw no justice, she gained power, title and lands and he got the crown. Quite tidy."
"Nathaniel, if I may call you that?" said Bann Reign though he didn't wait for Nathaniel's response. "Your father was a brilliant arl and business man. We worked together on many things. Queen Anora saw his abilities as well and had helped him many times in the years he built up his power."
"He admired Teyrn Mac Tir" Nathaniel commented.
"Who did not? Your father served Loghain during his time as regent and had impressed the Queen herself. So many good things were in store for your family." Reign sighed heavily. "But now look at where things are."
They fell into silence, Nathaniel not wanting to say anything. He knew the Bann wanted think this was all affecting him, angering him so silence seemed the best option.
"It is most unfortunate that Anora is no longer ruling. Many wrongs would be made right, I assure you of that."
"How so?" he prompted quietly.
"Well, for starters I expect she would handle the grave injustices done to the Howe family and name. Restore what has been taken." he said. "Our King is so inexperienced and these times are so troubled. I fear for Ferelden."
"Perhaps he will learn." answered Nathaniel
Bann Reign scoffed. "Dear young Howe, he is not knowledgeable of court life, he has only the education given to him by the Chantry and is, I fear, being led by the Cousland woman even now. And she serves others!"
"I only stopped you to tell you this." Bann Reign lowered his voice before continuing "I appreciate the things you have endured at that her hands and see the injustices done to your family by her and the King." Reign leaned in again "You have a friend in me, in many others as well. Perhaps better days are ahead."
Bann Reign stood abruptly and bowed preparing to leave.
"Bann Reign, please wait a moment." Nathaniel said "Is there something that I may do for you, to show my appreciation?"
Bann Reign smiled, reminding him of a jackal. "You are so much like your father. I believe there is."