Chapter 9
Amaranthine, Delilah's home.
Nathaniel left to see his sister, Delilah, with a broad smile on his face when he saw her hearty and hale. He was going to be an uncle in the Spring. Even inviting her to the Keep, she softly rejected. She was deliriously happy with her husband, for whom she loves unabashedly. He wanted nothing but that for his sister. She deserved it. Especially after what she spoke of.
"Father was evil. After mother died, he got worse. During that time, he was hurting the people. He sold elves." She cupped his cheek. Her eldest brother she can see again. Pitied him, for family loyalty blinded him. "You never saw it. Ever. You idolized him so that it was painful to bear. The new Arlessa, she will lay down her life. I had heard she saved Eileen."
Nathaniel tilted his head in confusion. "Eileen?"
"You remember, little Eilly Bensley?" Nathaniel nodded, and he remembered her now. "Either way, that terror kidnapped her, Mosley the Snake. Him and his gang have been awful. He lured her for money."
"How has it come to this? The city, these lands were flourishing!" Nathaniel looked around his sister's humble home. She wanted to stay here and not at the Keep, because she was happy.
"Father bled all the resources, left the city when he… He left us. Thomas is gone. He ran me off… He was mad. The strangest of it all, the rumors that Teyrn Loghain had gone into seclusion after that horrendous battle at Ostagar."
She spoke of how their father seemed to change overnight. He was a completely terrifying person. When the news spread that while their father was in Highever, tragedy struck. The only survivor was their father and his men.
"I cannot sit and think most days that it could have been me. Us, if either of us had married to the Couslands, I could very well be dead as well." Her hand went to her stomach, subconsciously rubbing her slight bump. "That poor baby. Father killed children. Poor Fergus. Please, speak with the Warden-Commander. She saved us from the Blight, slain the Archdemon."
"The Warden-Commander at the Keep is not the one who stopped the Blight. That was Warden Surana. The Commander is Swiftleaf…. Oh, Maker!"
"What is it, brother?"
"Lady Swiftleaf is the Warden-Commander. She does not look like someone of father's age."
"I heard father had Ser Kal'an killed. He was Lady Deedolit's - Ferelden's Savior child. Do you think she knows?" She whispered harshly, as if Lady Deedolit would reprimand them right there.
Nathaniel nodded. "She knows. She had told me that her daughter…" Nathaniel laughed. He could hardly breathe.
Delilah chuckled with him nervously. "What have you found so amusing?"
Wiping a tear from his eye. "Warden Surana, the Hero of Ferelden, is the Warden Commander's daughter. The new Arlessa of Amaranthine." His realization, she was telling the truth. She let him go, not because she feared for her life, or because she wanted to make an example out of him. Deedolit was treating him as she would anyone else.
Of course, he heard all about the rebellion growing up, but always at the forefront was this amazing mage. Who could inspire just with a smile? Why would his father kill someone who had inspired victory?
He felt foolish now, having thought back. He threatened the life of one of the most important people of their time.
"I am certain she will forgive you. Swear yourself to her. I do not approve of what father did, he deserved it. I stand with Lady Swiftleaf." Offering her brother her council before offering a hot meal.
The night was long; the company was brilliant. Delilah's husband, Albert, was a kind man. He doted on his younger sister. Nathaniel could not be more proud that Delilah was alive, having found her love match. He set off for the Keep the next morning.
By that afternoon, he arrived to a throng of people, nobility and commoners alike in the grand hall, buzzing about like bees. Upon seeing him, they swarmed. His father's loyalists.
The throne room of Vigil's Keep.
Wading through the many people that were in attendance. He felt someone bump into him. "Nathaniel Howe? I should say, Arl Nathaniel." One vassal hushed near him for only him to hear. "You know you are the rightful heir. Come, there is someone who wishes to speak with you." The young woman sipped the wine, leading Nathaniel to Bann Esmerelle.
"I brought him Your Grace." The little blonde licked her lips seductively as she watched Nathaniel.
Bann Esmerelle bowed her head in greeting. "My Lord, you have returned. I had not heard a word when you arrived back in Ferelden?"
"None knew of my return. I heard you wanted to speak with me?"
"Yes. First, I am so sorry to hear what happened to your father. These Orlesian bastards. There is also talk of an elf, the elf, who murdered your dear father now owning these lands! Could you imagine?"
A false smile he wore for the unpleasant company was painful. "The thought had never crossed my mind." Nathaniel answered honestly.
"Well, it has mine. Now your father has promised us certain things. We have the documents to prove such things. As we hope you will uphold if we swear ourselves to you. The true Arl." Esmerelle smiled. She had the backing of several well-known families, and she will align herself to the child of Rendon's now that he is back to claim his lands.
Nathaniel stiffened. This was not something he was expecting. What this woman spoke was treason to the Arlessa, more incomparably the crown. He would have to let Lady Deedolit know they conspire. "I heard these lands are no longer are in the Howe name. How would I claim something the King himself issued?"
Esmerelle snorted softly as she waved the delicate chalice in her hands. "You are the sole surviving Howe. By birth, these lands are yours. I believe that the bastard of Maric's had not known that you were alive. I will send word backing you to Denerim, then we can see if that bastard will honor your birthright."
Nathaniel repelled. This woman, his sister, warned him about being indeed crafty. Delilah said that she was making a delivery to the notable private salon in the city and overheard that Esmerelle had held the city together since their father fell, while the city catered to the nobles solely. The rest of the city was in disarray. Nathaniel was aghast. "You call our sovereign king a bastard. You would say the same about me, would you not Bann Esmerelle?"
The woman smirked. "He is, unlike our beloved King Cailan. This one, no one, knows his mother. He is just Maric's bastard." She casually remarked.
"The man who was the Maker's chosen. You speak ill of? Who would reinstate my father's lands if I lose my head?"
"Oh, calm your anger. No harm in speaking my mind. I know better than to say within earshot. Though you never answered my question. How do you feel about an elf being the Arlessa who murdered your father?" Coyly sipped her wine again.
Nathaniel nodded. He wanted to pull the skin off of his face. "If she is a good leader to the people, would I even need the land back?"
"Your father's promises?" The Bann rebuked.
"Do you know who the elf is?" Nathaniel turned toward the large doors as they creaked open.
Varel stepped out to stand by the throne that sat empty. The others who were chatting amongst themselves in small groups all turned to the front.
"Lords and Ladies, I present the Warden-Commander of Ferelden and Arlessa of Amaranthine, Deedolit Swiftleaf." Varel's voice was firm.
The room looked at the large doors once again as the tall elven woman stepped through. Her long hair pulled back, braided in a way that it showed her tapered ears. A gown of her family's royal blue color that just so matched the colors the Wardens wore. Swept the rugs as she entered, silver thread laced sleeves that neatly covered the backs of her hands with long sleeves of her outer gown barely brushing the floor. Her head held high, a beautiful silver circlet adorned her forehead. Deedo was glowing in the candlelight from torches around the room, as well as the large brazier in the middle of the room. They all bowed, or curtsied, then stood up, when the Arlessa gave word to rise. The chattering quietly throughout the room again.
"That is Lady Swiftleaf. Ser Kal'an's mother?"
"I thought she met the Maker. No one has heard of her for decades."
"That is the Savior of Ferelden?"
"She cannot possibly be the same person. She looks so young."
Bann Esmerelle sneered. Nathaniel excused himself, going to stand by the other recruits who were close to the Beguiler. They stood, looking around at the minor and high-born nobles. A handful were together in groups. It was obvious who was with whom, from just their state of dress.
Varel introduced the Bann first. "As tradition states, Bann Esmerelle of Amaranthine, you have the honor of first speaking." Turning his head to Deedo spoke hushed. "She is powerful. With many who have followed her since Arl Howe's death. Most have promises they will try to uphold. Others held no love for the man. I suggest you choose wisely. If they follow the old Arl, Maker help us. For you need the nobles on your side."
Esmerelle came to stand before the tall elf, her face held no emotion for who she spoke to. "I Bann Esmerelle promise to be faithful to the Arl in all matters of life, limb, and earthly honor. Never will I bear arms against him, or his heirs. So I say in the sight of the Maker." With a purposed smile on her lips stepped to the side, making eye contact with Nathaniel with a nod of her head.
"You speak against the Arlessa!" Several shouted treason in defense of the Arlessa. The room was raising to a loud clamor.
Deedo raised her hand, silencing the room. "I see. I assume you are meaning Nathaniel?"
Esmerelle stopped, turning to the tall elf once more. "Yes. He is the rightful heir now that his father is gone. You Orlesians had not learned with Maric the Savior and Teyrn Loghain had cleared these lands once before. Rendon was there. We all thought the Howe family had perished. Nathaniel he is living, the King will grant him his lands, and title."
Deedo's smile was charming. She held no ill will. How could anyone remain calm when a traitor was placing false fealty? "I was there during those times. You may send word to his Majesty."
"Pardon?" Bann Esmerelle chuckled.
Deedo stepped down from the throne steps. "If you feel I do not have the best interest in this Arling or its people. Then please inform the King I have been doing less than savory satisfaction." Her smile is soft still. "Though beware, there are vile hindrances between here and Denerim. You would risk a sole messenger?"
"I would." Without missing a step. "To ensure that this Arling is secure in the right hands. Those hands are with the surviving Howe. Nathaniel." The Bann tipped her nose haughtily in the air, confident of her decision. She will not back down.
Nathaniel excused himself as the group parted, allowing him through. Standing before the elven woman. "Arlessa Swiftleaf, Savior of Ferelden, mother of Ser Ikal'antúlien, mother to the Hero of Ferelden. I swear my life to you. If you would have it. I am not my father, as his crimes were worthy of his death." Looked her in her eyes before dropping to one knee with his head low.
Deedo smiled when she heard him, acknowledged him with a slight nod of her head. "Raise. I accept you." Helping him to stand whispered in his ear. "May we speak later?"
"Yes, my Lady."
Bann Esmerelle looked livid. The savor of Ferelden? That woman was mother to Ser Kal'an, and the Warden who saved them from the Blight? Now, this boy is a traitor to his dead father's name. A slight gesture to an elven servant caused him to scurry out of the room.
Varel smiled and introduced Lord Eddelbrek. "I, Lord Eddelbrek, promise that I will be faithful to the Arlessa in matters of life, limb, and earthly honors." He continued swearing his allegiance as Esmerelle but to who now stands before them.
Deedo acknowledged him with a nod of her head.
Several others swore themselves to the High Elf. Deedo stood beaming. As each announced, she wavered slightly. Varel tapped her elbow. "Are you well?"
"Yes."
"Do you want me to send them away?" The look in his eyes pleaded. The man did not want to be around the snakes that once came when Rendon was Arl.
"No, I will speak with them. Prepare a room for someone." Deedo went to speak with one of the guest who looked to be fretting by the minute. "Hello, my dear. You look as if you will simmer from existence?"
The timid girl shook with fear. Turning to address the Arlessa, her eyes darted nervously about. Mostly to the back of Esmerelle and the party who stood around her.
Deedo took her, leading her away to block the view of the Bann. "My dear, what causes such fretting?"
"Ah, Warden Commander. We have heard many wonderful things about you. You are most magnanimous indeed."
"No, I am for the people only. From when I first stepped foot on these lands. I have been for the people. Now tell me what troubles you so? Your name, girl?"
"Tamra, Ser Tamra ma'am. I have seen your face, the many deeds you have done. So many have fortunes tightly intertwined with the old Arl. The nobles here, some. Seek to end your dominion over them, along with the Wardens." She inclined her head in the direction so subtly that Deedo understood.
"Has it been told that I was of unjust ear? Tell me, how do you know of this? The Bann would align with the Howe boy without knowing what brought the downfall of the Howes'."
Tamra agreed. She heard the tales of the one that they called Swiftleaf, a name that seemed too magical as the stories about her. "I cannot give what I do not possess." Tamra bowed her head.
"I see." Deedo straightened up. Excusing herself, Tamra paused her once more. The Lady Knight walked behind one pillar in the throne room. Deedo followed behind, making sure the girl was not being watched. "My Lady, I have… I have intercepted some of their missives. They are cryptic things. Any individual message is unintelligible. Together, they form a pattern." Ser Tamra cleared her throat, her eyes darting about again. "They mean to end you before you can begin. A deadly coalition."
Deedolit looked at the girl, hearing what she said. "How did you come by such missives? You are telling me you have been intercepting these cryptic letters that are a target to me?"
A brief nod of her head was still no assurance that this stranger was telling her truth. "I swear myself to you and your cause. Taking an oath, I would not lie to save my skin. I pledge my sword to you this day. May my blade be proof of my allegiance. They conspire when news of the old Arl's lands relinquished."
With strained breath, Deedo let a half gasp escape her lips. What her image saw miles away was grotesque, malformed bodies of what may have been darkspawn. Or a very twisted variation that was unknown to her, even the Wardens. She sent the few she had out to see to the area that the two hunters had spoken of well before the ceremony. Now a chill ran throughout her body. Her mind linked with her persona, who now made their escape. Come to see the young woman before her, she nodded. "I will need to see the missives."
"I was unsure if it was wise to inform you. I had not brought them with me. Though if I am allowed a few days, I will present them to you." Swallowing hard, "I have more to lose, with precious little gain."
"I will await your return, someone to watch over you." Deedolit beckoned to one of her young guards. "Watch over her." Dismissing them both, returning her attention to the others in the room who wished to speak with her.
The first to speak was once again Lord Eddelbrek was at her side. He made it clear what he needed: the farmlands, the lands that were the very heart of the Arling, needed guarding. A gentleman was next to him dismissing his talk of the farmers. Deedo leaned to Varel. "Who is this?"
Varel nodded. "Lord Guy, Your Grace. He sides with Esmerelle in all matters of the city."
"Yes. I will do my best for the safety of the people and property. Lord Eddelbrek, I will send out guards when I am able… to where you see fit."
Just then Bann Esmerelle stepped forward, as she had been eavesdropping. "I will beg to differ. The city needs guards."
"The city has its constables. Correct?" Deedo quickly interjected. The Arlessa challenged the Bann with just a simple look.
Bann Esmerelle and Lord Guy both nodded curtly in a huff before slipping off to speak with the few others who were of their party. With a shake of his head, Varel was undoubtedly full of the nobility this day.
"What will you do, Your Grace?" Varel offered as they walked towards the throne.
Deedo looked amongst the people for a moment, weighing the options of what each has spoke. "There is a plot to drive me out, as well as the Wardens." Her lips did not move as she sounded in Varel's ears. "Do not look alarmed. Ser Tamra said as much. From the time of my… My daughter's announcement as Arlessa."
Varel turned to the High Elf. "Who? Do you have names? The right of high justice is yours, as treachery is a capital offense."
"Ser Tamra is dealing with the issue. I have someone following her closely to ensure we have all those conspirators."
"She is sly, that one though very knowledgeable." Varel added. Seeing that it piqued the Lady's interest. "There are some other means to gather information if you choose to hear it. Though it is less than pleasant to speak of such matters with you."
Deedo smirked. "If you thought seeing me as a troll was unnerving. Speak your mind. Unpleasant talks do not sway my appetite."
Agreeing though not quite grasping what the woman meant, he continued. "There is one who we can send, the 'Dark Wolf.' would be suitable to spy on the nobles."
"How would I reach this Wolf?" The Lady inquired, with a smirk.
"An enigma though said to be current within the city of Amaranthine."
"Then I shall have to meet with this person. Varel, we have guests arriving soon. Have we have prepared the rooms for new arrivals?"
Getting up from her seat, Arlessa Deedo turned to leave for her chambers. "They have my lady." Varel bowed.
"Arlessa Swiftleaf has retired for the evening. Please clear the hall and enjoy your evening with a meal and simple festivities."
The Silverite Mines, Wending Wood.
During the night, Deedo slipped off into the Warden recruits section of the Keep. The night guards on duty greeted their commander as she passed. The few who she assigned were ready at the gates.
Finding Anders and Velanna resting in their cots, stirring them, motioned for them to follow. Much protest for her to stay in the castle's safety was clear when she was just at the gate held up by her self-proclaimed right hand. Having held Nathaniel back by ordering him to stay and keep the Keep guarded.
Deedo was feeling weaker, running on nothing more than half her strength and energy. She pushed on, needed to. Firelight and mage light flitted through the dark of the moonless night. Deedo in the front leading them, Velanna right along with her as Anders and the handful of guards sped along to the mines.
Grateful the elf for having enough Spirit potions of Wolf to make their time short both ways. Trudging through, Deedo and her troop finally reached their destination. Thus began the search for her missing Wardens, a lost child, and a missing sister. They searched the interlocked and dead ends that sprawled deep underground. Velanna and Anders, along with the guards, were far behind their Mistress.
Deedo left specific instructions that whatever was found to take the recruits that were coming to Vigil's with her, and at the castle, to join the Order without haste when she returns. Not knowing what they would walk into, if that the Wardens survived the past few months down here… One could only hope.
They ventured deeper into the mines. Much needed ore was about. She instructed them to gather what they could. To bring back to the blacksmith named Wade. The busy sounds of chiseling faded away as Deedo walked on. Anders and Velanna on her heel. The elven Elder stopped. Soft weak sounds of moans caught her ear.
"H… help…" The voice was weak. "Pl-ease…"
"Anders?" Deedo called to the blond man behind her. Anders came to her side. Deedo urged him with her. The light that the others held in glowing stones dimmed.
"My Lady, we cannot see."
"I can see just fine. Just keep close to me. I think we will need to heal someone." Deedo followed the sound. Filtering from what she could hear in the echoing cave. Dripping water, soft howls of wind, and talking, muffled and murmured in the distance. Her eyes scanned the darkness before them, veering from the forked path she found laying there in the dark a man, thin, his leg twisted at an odd angle, bruised. Deedo approached closer, his face gaunt. "Are you well?" She whispered.
A soft pleading groan escaped him. Deedo grabbed Anders, who fell to the ground. "I cannot see, my Lady." He hissed.
Deedo sucked in a breath, swiftly casting her strongest sight spell. His sight enhanced, Anders blinked a few times to adjust to the lit world around him, then without a second more, the Beguiler bid him work on the man at their feet. Anders set to work right away. The beguiler backtracked to the guardsmen and Velanna, casting her sight spell on them.
Without haste, the tall elf turned from them again to the path she had not taken before. There was a Darkspawn, with dragonlings. Casting once more, she shifted her sight to the sight of one of the scaled young. A hand upon her shoulder, she came to her senses.
The small elven woman looked to where her commander stood. "What had you seen?"
"Dragonlings. A large Darkspawn. Six or more, I could only see a fraction. Stay here." Deedo went to check on her healer. "How is he?"
Anders shook his head. The man still breathed, but he was weak. He told of how the Darkspawn dragged them off into the mines. They took several from the Keep, experimented on. Of how he escaped to only to be left in the poor condition he is. That was what Anders had gaged from between labored breaths. The others had carried the man out into the open to head back to the castle.
"There needs to be a better healer. Do you think the others are still alive? Given the condition this poor fellow was in, I do not expect it to…"
"Do not finish that thought." Deedo started. "Get the guards to carry him back. Go with them back to the Keep. I have to see Velanna's sister, yes? Go." She ushered Anders, with some of the guard, on and then swiftly to the side of Velanna.
Month 7 - Solis, the Throne room of Virgil's Keep.
"Arlessa of Amaranthine, Warden-Commander of Ferelden, Deedolit Swiftleaf." Varel announced once the Elven woman walked into the room.
Loghain was dumbstruck. He had not expected to hear the new Arlessa to be none other than the one he last saw months ago. His eyes beheld his lover. Loghain stood there. He looked at the woman with an exceedingly critical eye. Before he knew it, the words were uttered with much disgust in the crowded room. "Just who are you?" Loghain's eyes narrowed at the Beguiler that stood before him. He was certain that the woman before him was a farce. Beautiful as she seemed, her presence, her visage held much authority, and yet something was off. What he could not tell. "You cannot possibly be Lady Swiftleaf." He spat.
A throng of chatter went on around them. "Loghain, stand down." His commanding officer was quick to silence him.
Varel quieted them. "Warden, what are you insinuating? This is the Warden-Commander of Ferelden." Varel stated soundly.
Loghain looked between them and at his commanding Warden, then the woman once more. "Warden-Commander, may we speak in private?"
"Loghain, I shall not tell you again. Stand down."
To the surprise of his fellow recruits and Senior Warden, she granted him a moment.
"Warden Loghain. This way, please." Deedo smiled, gesturing to the study.
The door closed behind them, Loghain allowing the woman in first. It was then; he realized. "What game are you playing? That is not how you world address me, no matter the company present." Loghain questioned with scrutiny.
Deedo turned around with a queer look, then a subtle smile she graced him with. "What are you referring to? You are Loghain? Warden of the Grey."
Loghain stepped to her, her head reaching his chin. She looked up at him. He stood glaring at her. Those eyes of hers, he knows them, or he thought he should. Raising a hand to her cheek, she moved away slightly. As a reflex, he noted, she would never move from his touch. Deedolit always had an embrace for him. Never so rigid. Looking her over once more, and into those eyes, nothing was there. This was not who they claimed she was, this thing before him was not Lady Deedolit. He knew not what trickery that had been at work here, but he was bound to uncover it. Storming away from the woman who looked at him questioningly, he flung the door open. Loghain's concern grew. Who was that thing standing in place of Deedolit?
"Seneschal Varel." Loghain breathed hard. He knew that his new position did not warrant him the right to question someone of a higher station. It was a chance he had to take. "I may have spoken out of turn, pray. Where had the new Arlessa been last?"
"Many places. The last was to the city the other day."
"Alone or with the guards?"
Before the Senior Warden could speak, Varel stilled him. "Alone. Why do you ask?" Varel was even more curious.
When the Arlessa walked from the study, taking her place back at the throne, she looked between both men. Varel rubbed his chin in thought. He turned to look at Velanna standing among the alcove of books, seeming to study her for a bit. "I would speak to Anders, the mage. If anything was amiss, I have noticed nothing. Maybe the boy would have more insight." With a nod, both men went to seek the mage that came with the others from the Silverite Mines. Much to the confusion of the others.
"What's that, something off with Velanna and the Warden-Commander? I mean, that elf is as terse as they come, but she had said little to me. Ask Sigurd."
Loghain looked at him, his arms folded over his chest. "Where had you gone and come from?"
"To the Silverite Mines in the woods, some weeks back."
"Nothing of note? Odd about the Arlessa?"
Anders shook his head no. Pointing to the dwarfette, they turned on the small woman, her eyes growing wide in confusion. "Sigrud?" Varel went to speak first, before Loghain could. Loghain was already barraging her with multiple questions.
"Have you noticed anything with the Warden-Commander from when we had gotten back with the others?" Anders said.
"No, not really. I know she was quiet, but I haven't spoken to her. But she was like that when she came to get me from the Deep Roads."
Varel reeled. "She was here with us when the noble swore themselves to her." How could she be in the same place, and there?"
Loghain thought back. "She is never quiet. She always has something to say, always welcoming." He said.
The others agreed. Nathaniel came to stand with them. "Teyrn Loghain, what brings you here?"
"Nate, you and the Arlessa are chummy. Have you seen anything odd about her?" Anders asked.
Nathaniel thought for a moment before he spoke. He knew that something was off. He only spoke of what he had seen. "She looks less tired." Varel had to agree. From the short time that they have known the woman, she held conversations with each of them, save for Sigrun, who came weeks ago. "No, Lady Deedo would make the meals. She hasn't, not even held a conversation with more than a handful of words." Nathaniel said he noted her behavior differed from when he saw her last.
When Varel brought up that the Joining was about to take place when she returned, she held no emotion about it, had not overseen the event, personally, as they had discussed. Most of the recruits underwent the ritual. Varel suggested they hold off and the Arlessa just turned to do paperwork.
Mhairi and the children who Deedo brought in came out for some air. Varel looked at them and went to ask who brought them here. The Templar who came with them, exited the Keep to mind the children with Mhairi, stated that it was Lady Deedo who rescued them.
Anders raised a finger in thought. "Oh yeah, a fellow came here a while ago, some merchant."
Varel interjected, with the news that Deedo had helped bring children in. Then, turning to find the large Qunari that had come to the Keep two weeks ago, Anders spoke of. "Two elf females, covered in blood, asked me to come here for a business opportunity. I offered aid as much as I could."
That was all Loghain needed to hear. The woman who was posing as Arlessa Deedolit Swiftleaf was not Deedolit Swiftleaf. Running to the stables, Loghain, Anders and Nathaniel rushed out of the gates of the Keep, heading to the Silverite Mines once more.
Mhairi was confused. "Varel, what is going on?"
"Whoever is in the Keep, is not the Arlessa." Varel looked at the Keep doors.
Deedo stepped into the light. She stood watching them all.