CODEX
The Bannorn at the Borders of the Lands of Bann Ceorlic
"Once more, men! Once more!" the Warden shouted to her army, which was just within sight and earshot of the regent's retreating force.
A thunderous roar shook the ground. "Highever! Highever! Highever!"
Yes, rub it in their faces. There would be no forgetting the tragedy that brought her to this place in time. The enemy soldiers were hunched over, exhausted and demoralized, in full retreat from the coalition. The sight of their backsides brought a smile to the Warden's lips. To add frosting to the cookies that Sten seemed to love so much, in their haste to flee to safety, the enemy had abandoned their siege engines and their camp, leaving much needed supplies for the victors.
The Warden spurred her horse and rode in front of the advancing line of troops, handing her lance and her sallet to the sons of Bann Oswin and Bann Telmen, her new squires. "That's enough for today. This alliance of elves, dwarves and men has won a great victory over tyranny. We are one step closer to justice and one step closer to defeating the Blight. We may have routed the forces of Loghain Mac Tir, but it is the Darkspawn that is the greater threat and it is for them we must marshal our forces. You have earned a well-deserved thank you and a much needed rest. It is to you that I bow," she called and dipped her head to the army, sweeping her hand low.
Pikes, swords and shields banged and rattled to the chant of, "Warden! Warden!" Their commander drew Starfang and it glowed, even in the daylight as she circled it above her head, eliciting greater cheers. Then, she lowered the sword and ordered them to make camp and post scouts.
Only Sten seemed displeased. Walking besides the Warden, he looked up and frowned. "Kadan, why did you not completely destroy your enemy? They were at your mercy. The Qunari would not have shown such weakness towards a beaten foe. Your leadership was in error."
Months ago, Alice Cousland would have been gravely insulted, but now, she understood the people of the Qun – as much as they could be understood by an outsider through one man. He was challenging her…challenging her beliefs as a friend. "If I were to have completely annihilated Loghain's forces, how many of us would have died as well, weakening our strength?"
"That's inconsequential. Your enemy would be no more. You would march into Denerim and be the master of the city. All would bow or be put to the sword. That is the wiser course of action. Having let the regent's army go is folly."
"Who would then defend the city against the Darkspawn after we would have sacked it and destroyed Loghain's entire force?"
Sten thought for a moment, but countered with, "A fair point, but just how to you propose bringing those men to your side to defeat the Blight? They are still your enemies."
"That will be up to Arl Eamon. He intends to call the Landsmeet soon to decide the future of Ferelden."
"And you trust him?"
"…No. But, for the moment, our goals align."
The Qunari seemed confused. "Alistair seems to trust him. Are you humans always so divided in your opinions? I see that as being one of your most glaring weaknesses."
"Yes, we are always so divided. It is our fate…a weakness, but also a strength."
He shook his head. "Such chaos I will never understand. The Qun teaches unity of mind, unity of heart, unity of effort and unity of strength."
"I admire your philosophy. Perhaps, if we live to see the end of this, I will incorporate your wisdom."
Sten seemed shocked, his eyes narrowing and his brow furrowing deeply. "You never fail to surprise me, Kadan."
"It's a gift. And Sten, one more thing…if I were to have butchered the regent's army, would that not have fired more resistance against us? But, if I let five thousand frightened and demoralized survivors slink back into Denerim, would that not tax their resources and spread discontent until the Landsmeet convenes?"
"That is…formidable thinking. I look forward to the day that the Qunari will meet you in battle."
"The human in me hopes that day will never come, but should it, I will be ready."
The sound of hoofbeats drew the Warden's attention and she turned to see Alistair ride up. "Alice, we have rounded up over five hundred prisoners. Bann Pelham was captured when he was caught between Bann Telmen's rallying troops and our assault. He is…uhhh, demanding to see you."
Pelham…. She remembered the name. Along with Howe, it was a name she'd never forget. A fire grew in her gut and she thought about how many she had put to the sword in her quest for vengeance – mercenaries, assassins and even demons had been exterminated in the name of justice for the Couslands and for Highever. Her earlier words to Sten seemed hollow and distant when it came to seeing anyone responsible for the murder of her family at her mercy. Without another word, she dug her heels into her horse's flank and rode towards the gathering of prisoners that were guarded by survivors of Highever's sack.
The arrogant Bann Pelham rose and strode forward as if the Warden would kneel at his feet and kiss his ring. His men grasped his hands and tried to hold him back. "No, my lord!" they cried. "She has no mercy. She'll execute us all! Please!"
Pelham broke free and raised his arm as she approached. "Warden, I demand to speak with you!"
Yes, the Warden knew this man…one of Howe's lackeys and equally as depraved. He had been at Highever. She reined in her horse just before it ran him over, causing him to leap back in terror, his face instantly changed. Her mount snorted on him and stamped its hoof, pawing at the grass.
The Bann took a breath and recovered his senses. "Warden, you must-" he began until she put her finger up to silence him. She wheeled her horse, letting its tail snap into Pelham's face, and then took a spear from Ser Osric, one of the Highever survivors who had escaped with her. She held the spear up in an overhand grip and then spun her horse back around.
"You were saying?"
The man froze, stammering. He took several steps back, holding the palms of his hands out. "I…I…."
"You were at Highever. I remember you. Not so surly now, are we?"
"No…no, it was Arl Howe. No, please…spare me. It was all Howe, I swear."
No more words needed to be heard. The tip of the spear shot forward…just slicing Pelham's cheek. The prisoners all recoiled as if they had expected the man to be skewered on the spot and they, themselves butchered shortly. The Bann crumpled to the ground, sobbing.
The Warden then hurled the spear away, the tip burying into the ground an impossible distance ahead, propelled by her Fade fueled strength. She then pointed to the huddled captives. "You are not soldiers of the regent, nor are you soldiers of the Arl. You are soldiers of Ferelden! If you wish to fight for Ferelden and save her from tyranny and the Darkspawn, then join me. Here, you will find mercy."
To a man, they bent their knees. To Bann Pelham, the Warden said, "And you will write out a confession and condemn Arl Howe as the murderer of my house."
"Y…yes, my lady. But…but what will happen to me?"
"I confine you to the dungeon of Redcliffe until such time as I decide what to do with you." She wheeled her horse again and rode off with Alistair in tow. She felt numb and nauseous and thought her meal might reappear. But, not here. Not in front of everyone.
Alistair caught up with her and looked over with concern. "I thought you were going to kill him."
"I thought so too."