Chapter 81: The Old Regime Ends
The afternoon before Anora's pyre was busy. There were so many details involved with changing the ruler of the kingdom that Alistair was kept very busy. One of the most important issues to work through was the security in the palace. Alistair asked Trent to evaluate the commanders who lived through the darkspawn attack and determine who would be able to be trusted.
Delia sat in the room as he interviewed the men, saying nothing, yet taking notes on what her talent told her of each individual. There were some men who were loyal to Anora or Loghain, and it was decided to give them the option of leaving the army or being redeployed to another region of the country. Most of the soldiers, however, were relieved to be out from under Loghain's command and were eager to pledge their loyalty to the new king and queen. They had seen the depravities committed under Loghain's command and were happy to serve a king who seemed to bring integrity back to the kingdom, something they hadn't seen since King Maric's reign.
As the interviews were ending, a messenger entered the room looking for the king. Delia stepped forward and asked if it was a matter that only the king could resolve. There was a man at the palace doors, claiming to be of noble blood and requesting an audience with the king, however the guards were reluctant to give him entry because he was unkempt and dressed in clothing of the Chasind peoples. Delia's heart skipped a beat. She wondered if the person would have any knowledge of Fergus, so she followed the messenger back to the doors.
Standing just inside the doorway was a man who seemed to have been in the wilds for a long time. His clothes were filthy and torn, his hair and beard long and uncombed, but there was something about his eyes that caught Delia's attention.
"Fergus? Is that you?" she asked the man as she closed the distance between them quickly.
"Lady Delia? Maker be praised..." He smiled in a way that showed his relief and happiness, his eyes sparkling. "I… I must admit it is a shock to see you. They told me that everyone in the castle was murdered by Howe. It is a wonderful surprise to see a familiar face!" He took a step back in embarrassment. "I would greet you properly, but I would hate to get any of this filth on you."
"It's quite alright, Fergus. You have no idea how wonderful it is that you are safe. We've worried about you for months!"
"We? Did someone else survive then?"
"Yes, Aeden is alive. He's here, in Denerim, but is taking care of the king's business at the moment. He'll return soon."
"Aeden…" Fergus whispered, his eyes filling with tears of relief. "At least I'm not alone. Is he…"
Delia put her hand on his shoulder, her eyes sparkling with her own repressed tears. "He is fine. Actually, you will be proud to learn that he is the Commander of the Grey Wardens of Ferelden."
"What?" Fergus looked at her in surprise.
"It's a long story, but the very short version is that Duncan helped us to escape with the promise that Aeden would be a warden. After everything that has happened, he is now the senior warden. But those stories can wait. Right now, you need a bath, clean clothes and a barber!" she teased, as she held her nose.
With a warm laugh, Fergus agreed. Delia asked one of the head servants, a man named Dougal, to take care of his needs. As he was about to lead Fergus to his room, Delia told him she would send for him as soon as Aeden returned.
"Thank you, my lady. I am glad our two families still have our close friendship within our hearts. We will grieve together."
She blew a kiss to him as he left for his room and then she started off to her husband's study. She found Alistair there, surrounded by Teagan and members of the palace staff.
"It looks as though you've been busy," she quipped with a grin.
"Yes, very. I think I will have to ask you and Trent to start evaluating everyone on staff. We seem to have a small rebellion with the personnel. I can't say as I blame them, hearing what Loghain and Anora treated them like. Many of the servants left during the fighting, several were caught stealing, and we'll need to hire many in the coming days." He rested his chin in his hand. "And I thought dealing with the nobles would be bad…"
Delia chuckled and gave him a hug. "Do we have enough people to make it through tomorrow's coronation?"
Seamus, the head of staff, nodded his head. "Aye, your majesty, but just barely enough. They'll be exhausted by the end of the day as I'll have to put everyone to work."
"Ask for volunteers for the day after tomorrow. We'll need a skeleton staff for the day, just enough people to cook meals. The guard can keep order, and the staff can have the day off to rest and be with their families. Anyone who does work shall get double pay, but don't tell them that until after they volunteer."
As Seamus and the other staff members left the room, Alistair smiled at his wife. "See? I knew there was a reason why I married you. You are a natural."
Delia kissed his cheek and then moved around the desk to the chair next to Teagan. "I have many talents you have yet to see," she teased. "Oh, the reason why I am here is that we have a special guest!"
"Really? So soon? I'm surprised anyone would even be ready for social events. Oooh, whatever shall I wear?" His eyes danced mischievously.
"Well, if you saw him when he arrived you would be wondering more about what shall he wear!" Seeing the confused faces of the two men, she explained. "It's Fergus Cousland! He's just arrived from the wilds. I didn't spend time to learn what happened to him, but he was dressed as a Chasind and in desperate need of a bath and a haircut."
Teagan's eyes brightened. "Fergus is alive? That's wonderful! Is he alright?"
"As far as I can tell. We need to reunite him with Aeden as soon as possible. He didn't even know Aeden was alive."
Alistair nodded. "Yes, I agree. It will be quite a shock to Aeden, but a good one. He should be back soon." His mood darkened as he realized there were more responsibilities on the agenda. "Anora's pyre is scheduled for early this evening. Teagan suggested, quite brilliantly I might add, that the pyre be handled as they do in Redcliffe and send her to her final rest on a boat. That way, her followers cannot retain any ashes as a relic of some sort. Besides, I think even Anora would appreciate such a dramatic end."
The three spent some time conversing amiably before Alistair took his leave to meet with Wynne. Teagan and Delia were left alone for the first time since the kidnapping. The air seemed tense. Both wanted to say something, but were afraid of it being the wrong thing.
Teagan finally cleared his throat. "You know, you made the right decision."
She looked at him curiously. "Which decision is that?"
"Marrying Alistair. You two are… good for each other. But more than that, it's obvious how much you love each other. It's inspiring, actually." He smiled at her warmly. "You know, I hope that I will be almost as lucky as you both someday."
Delia put her hand on his. "You are a good man, Teagan, and a wonderful catch for any woman. I'll keep my eye out for likely prospects," she added with a smile of her own. "I can't allow you to fall for just anyone."
He laughed. "Just promise me you won't try to control my romantic opportunities like my sister in law."
"Maker forbid!" Delia snorted. "I want to find you a proper match, not prevent one!"
Teagan looked at her softly, picked up her hand and kissed her knuckle. "Thank you, Delia, for remaining my friend. You don't know how much this means to me."
She placed her hand on his cheek, looking into his eyes. "You have always been a good and trusted friend, Teagan. I'm glad that doesn't have to change."
Delia excused herself to see if Aeden had returned. As she walked through the halls, she came across Zevran flirting with a servant. As the woman noticed Delia's approach, she hurried away. Zevran shrugged his shoulders as his friend looked at his accusatorially.
"What can I do for you, my dear Delia?" he purred.
"Since you are here, can I assume that Aeden is back?"
"Yes, he went straight to his room. You should find him there."
"Thanks, Zev. I'll see you at dinner."
She hurried down the hall to Aeden's room and knocked softly on the door. When she heard him call out to enter, she opened the door and walked inside. He was putting the finishing touches on his armor, the polish making it gleam in the waning sunlight.
"Aeden, I'm so glad you're back. I have wonderful news for you." Her face beamed with excitement.
"Whatever could make you this happy? I thought you already had everything you could have asked the Maker for," he teased.
"It's not what will make me happy, it's what will make you happy. Although, in the process it does make me happy. I think it will actually make everyone happy…"
Aeden laughed and put his hand on her arm. "Slow down, slow down. What is it that will make me happy? I swear, you are catching Alistair's speech patterns!"
Delia looked into his eyes and put her hands on his shoulders. "It's Fergus. He's alive… and here!"
"Fergus? He's… alive. That's fantastic!" Aeden's face went from ecstatic to sorrowful in the course of a second. "Does he know? I mean, about Oriana and Oren?"
"He was told everyone was killed. He thought we were dead as well. I can't tell you how happy he was when he learned you are alive." Her eyes danced with happiness. "Let me take you to him now, so you can have some time alone before dinner."
Aeden nodded and allowed her to lead him by the hand. His thoughts were jumbled. He was happy his brother lived, but all his grief was also brought to the surface of his soul. They rounded a corner and stopped in front of a door. Delia knocked, and opened the door.
There stood Fergus, adjusting a green doublet as he looked in a mirror. He looked just as Delia remembered him, only thinner and more guarded. He turned to them slowly, and seeing his brother immediately walked to him and embraced him.
"Aeden! Thank the Maker! I can't believe how blessed I am today! Let me look at you…" He examined his brother with the scrutiny of an older brother. "You've certainly been busy. I don't think you've ever looked so powerful. And you're a Grey Warden, eh? Congratulations!"
Delia gave both Fergus and Aeden gentle hugs before she left to give them some time alone. She walked back to her room. As she entered, she found Alistair sitting, just staring into the fire.
"Alistair… what's wrong?" Delia was worried by the expression on his face. He looked as though he was grieving for someone.
"I saw Wynne. She… examined me." He looked at his wife, his eyes full of emotions. Confusion, grief, happiness… they were all present at the same time. "Delia, I'm not tainted anymore. I'm not… a warden."
Delia pulled him into her embrace and held him tightly. "Perhaps it's a side effect from the Maker's returning you to me. You will always be a warden, Alistair, whether you are tainted or not. You survived the joining and took their oath. You are simply… unique. I'm certain there aren't many wardens who are also kings."
A laugh bellowed from his chest. "You are, of course, correct love. It's just, it was my last connection to Duncan. And now there's nothing."
"You have his shield and his blades. You also have your memories."
He sat down tiredly. "Yes, I suppose. It's just almost like I'm losing him again."
Delia sat on his lap and kissed his cheek. "What if I told you there was something you could do to bring him back into our lives in a way?"
"What do you mean?"
"Did I tell you our child is a boy?"
"A boy? No, you didn't. When did you learn this?"
"When I was in the Fade with my grandfather he mentioned that I would have a son." She smiled warmly and caressed her husband's cheek. "What would you think about naming him Duncan?"
"My… son. Named Duncan… You would be willing to do that?" he queried.
"Why not? It's a wonderful name, and I think naming our son after such a strong, brave man is only appropriate."
He kissed her warmly. "Have I ever told you how much I love you? Well, now I guess I have yet again. Why is it you always say the right things to make me feel so much better?"
"Perhaps it's because I love you as much as you love me."
They prepared themselves for dinner, knowing they would leave for the pyre immediately after they finished. Dinner was kept simple to take as little time as possible. Delia was happy to see Aeden and Fergus sitting together, laughing and joking jovially. As soon as the meal was finished, each member of the party walked solemnly to the shore of the Denerim harbor.
Anora's body lay in state on the deck of a small boat with her handmaiden, Erlina, at her side. Many citizens lined the banks as palace guardsmen surrounded the vessel to protect the bodies. Alistair and Delia were escorted to the site by a garrison of elite guards, each wearing the tabard of Ferelden over their armor.
Alistair approached the side of the boat and knelt in honor of the fallen queen. Every member of the party followed his example, only standing when their king rose. Turning toward the crowd, Alistair raised his arms for silence, and once the crowd settled he began to speak.
"I do not claim to have known Anora, but what I do know is that she tried to do what she felt was right for Ferelden. She became a queen from a common birth, and I know that my brother, Cailan, loved and trusted her very much. I pray they will find each other in the Fade and can have the kind of happiness in eternity that they were denied during their short lives. Maker, watch over our sister, Anora, and her faithful servant, Erlina, and guide their way to your side."
He nodded to the captain of the garrison entrusted to the care of the boat, and the men pushed it out into the harbor. Selected archers from each noble house were ordered to set the boat ablaze once it had reached the center of the harbor. Alistair and Delia stood there watching as the boat glowed, the light reflected upward from the water as the wooden frame was consumed by the flames. When the final embers ceased to be visible, the new king and queen of Ferelden led their companions back to the palace. The old regime had been put to rest, and the following day would begin a new era for all Fereldens.