There and Back Again Ch. 067-068

"Well, for one, the little ones should go to school. If they can read and write, do numbers, that sort of thing? They might be able to get a job. Work for a shop owner, or even open a business for themselves. And those businesses are taxed, so they eventually pay back what it cost to educate them.

"I mean, why doesn't the Chantry do that? It seems to me the best way to keep people having faith is to educate them. They can teach religion while they teach reading, and suddenly maybe people are a little more devout, a little more dedicated to the Chantry, in addition to being able to do something with themselves other than steal." My mouth started to run away with me, and I didn't know how to stop it, so I just brashly carried on.

"And why doesn't the Chantry do better helping the poor people? Isn't that the point of a charity? They should be running soup kitchens and clinics, and using the Chantry buildings as places of refuge for the homeless. That's what many of them do where I'm from. I can't understand why it doesn't happen here. And what about the noblewomen? I understand some of them fight, but most of them don't. Is there any reason that they are not out, among their people, teaching or healing or running charities? I'm sorry, I'm sure this sounds offensive, but your culture is extremely ridiculous and barbaric."

Theron laughed right out loud, and I grimaced at him. No matter what I said, laughing at me is just rude. Seeing my face, he tried to stifle his laugh.

"Oh, I'm not laughing at you, Sierra. I'm laughing at the response I'm imagining in the Landsmeet and with the Grand Cleric when I take you with me to tell them what you just told me. I want you to say it just exactly like you did now, too, no trying to cushion the blow for them."

I must have still looked confused, because Teagan finally took pity on me. "There have been those in the nobility who have been campaigning for exactly what you've been talking about for years. Maric started it, his son continued it, and several other nobles have been working towards the same goal. In Highever, and Waking Sea, and Rainesfere, for example. Some, though, have pushed back, saying it's not their job to elevate the ignorant peasants."

His willpower was impressive; he didn't look at his brother, whose face was pink with embarrassment (or anger, I wasn't sure), but it was obvious that Eamon was among those who didn't feel they needed to make any effort on behalf of the poor. I decided I'd pretend I didn't know, and rub it in a bit more.

I put on my best innocent expression. "Well, I suppose I can imagine that people like Bann Ceorlic, or Arl Howe would feel that way; they're clearly deranged anyway, and that sounds like something such unenlightened men would agree with wholeheartedly. I'm so grateful to be surrounded by much better people, ones who care about others and not just themselves."

Tomas, across from me, aimed a kick at my shins, and I gasped; unarmoured, it really hurt! I scowled at him, and he gave me an exasperated look in return. In contrast, Theron had a huge smile on his face, and Teagan seemed to be hiding a laugh behind his hand in the guise of a cough. Eamon tried his best to keep his expression neutral, pretending that I hadn't been including him in my sweeping generalisation.

"Yes, well, this has been a fascinating conversation, but I believe lunch is over. Perhaps later this afternoon, Lady Sierra, I could have the honour of a conversation in my study?" Eamon's lemon-face wasn't quite amusing enough to distract from my concern.

I nodded, knowing I was going to be called on what I said to Isolde. I need backup. "When Aedan has a moment, we'd be pleased to see you at your convenience, your Grace."

Theron jumped in. "Might I be included in this conversation?" He winked at me.

Eamon sighed. "Of course."

"I'll just go find Aedan then."

I stood to exit the main hall, unsurprised to have almost everyone except Eamon follow me, wanting to know what was going on. I sent Blake up to my room and told him to take a nap - he was appalled that I wanted him to nap on my bed, but I insisted - and dragged everyone else into the library. I told them what had happened, including everything Isolde said, with Theron adding in comments when I forgot something.

Teagan was tickled pink by the whole thing, and wrapped me in a hug, making me laugh. Tomas, on the other hand, was completely exasperated. He didn't disagree with me, but seemed to despair my inability to manage it politely. I stuck my tongue out at him.

"And exactly how far do you think I would have gotten by asking her politely to stop beating a child to death?"

Which was of course, exactly when Aedan came in, followed by the three mage recruits. Anders had on some clothes that actually fit, and was carrying a pack full of what looked like armoured robes, as well as a new staff; Solona and Jowan also had packs that were full to bursting. "Beating who to death?"

I sighed and shuffled over to him for a hug. "I've gotten myself in trouble."

"What did you do this time, sister dearest?"

I went through the explanation again, and was relieved to see nothing but fury when I told him what Isolde had done. He didn't even blink when I told him about telling Isolde about my parentage. He gave Theron a surprised look when I explained how he had stopped me from doing anything rash, and had backed me up.

I told him we were expected to meet with Eamon, and he rolled his eyes. "He can whine all he wants; if he can't control that hag of a wife, then we can't be expected not to step in. Don't worry."

Theron spoke up. "So, what are you going to do with the kid, now?"

I sighed. "No idea. I hadn't exactly thought that far ahead. I can't leave him here, that's for sure - Isolde will probably have the kid locked in the dungeon, accusing him of stealing the clothes I gave him."

"I've got an idea," Theron offered. "When we get back to Denerim, I will need a manservant to help me. Eamon, I'm sure, will offer me someone of his, since I'm sure Loghain will have sacked most of my staff by now. I'd prefer to have someone with no other political loyalties. I don't usually even let Anora hire my personal staff. I can train the lad, while we're here, and extend my protection to him; Isolde won't dare to touch my manservant, I don't think."

"He doesn't read, I don't think, and all he's ever done is grunt work. He won't be very much help at first."

"That's why having him start now is a good idea; I can have him ready for when we get to Denerim."

"You will teach him to read?"

Theron nodded, and I considered. It was actually an exceptionally generous offer, and I imagined the work required of a manservant would be much less soul-crushing than grunt work in Redcliffe's kitchen. "I'll talk to him about it this afternoon, and bring him to you this evening if he agrees."

He looked surprised. "And if he doesn't?"

"Then I'll figure something else out. Where I come from, everyone gets a choice. I won't be like Isolde; child or not, he can choose." I turned back to Theron, scowling. "And by the way, what the hell is with all the curtsying and Isolde calling you 'Your Majesty'? I thought we'd been clear that no one was to know your identity."

He flushed. "Actually, it started about the same way as your discussion with Isolde - she got angry with a 'mercenary' who was allowed to wander the castle at will and was sleeping in a fancy guest room instead of the barracks; she started shouting at me, and tried to kick me out. I even told her who I was; she didn't believe me, and slapped me. Teagan had to step in and stop her. I wasn't very sympathetic to her, after that, and let it go a bit too far with humiliating her; the staff caught on. Don't worry, they've all been threatened within an inch of their lives if they tell absolutely anyone who I am. They're all terrified of Isolde already; I don't think they'll betray me."

"I suppose I can't blame you for that. I didn't exactly do better."

Everyone broke up, going their separate ways for the afternoon; Theron asked if he could talk to me before I left, and Aedan insisted on staying as well. We waited while everyone filed out, laughing and chatting about what I'd done. Finally we were alone in the library.

Theron ran his hand through his hair, still short but with blond roots and the brown colour fading; it was a familiar gesture, one that I saw from Alistair every time he was uncomfortable. I almost laughed.

"Look, I just wanted to apologise. For everything." He glanced at me, and seeing my eyes narrow, hurried on. "I swear, Sierra, I wasn't actually trying to do anything to you, that day in the basement. I truly followed you out of curiosity, and then when I saw you there...I called out to you, shouted a couple of times, actually, but you couldn't hear me over the sound of the water. I should have just left, but I...actually, I don't know what I was thinking, but I swear I had no intention of wrongdoing. And then when you overcame me so easily, I was embarrassed, and then offended when you seemed so...friendly, with Aedan, and I just..." He trailed off, looking sad and vulnerable.

I waited, and finally relented. "I'm guessing no one's ever said no to you before."

He nodded, avoiding my eyes. "True. And I handled it poorly, obviously. I just wanted to say I was sorry. I am probably exactly the entitled brat you think I am, but I realise I need to change that if I want to turn this country around, and that includes how I treat others. For what it's worth, I am sorry."

I studied his face, and couldn't see anything except sincerity behind his words. I nodded. "Apology accepted. And I'm sorry I over-reacted, too. I wasn't exactly feeling safe, in Ferelden just in general, and I was probably a bit on edge. I shouldn't have accused you of..."

"Being a pervert? Not that you actually said that, though I'm sure you thought it. And, wait, what did you call me? Pampered and spoiled?" I blushed. "You weren't wrong. And I'm sorry."

"How about we just pretend it never happened? You never saw me naked, and I never held a dagger to your throat?" Aedan choked at the details, and I chuckled.

"Deal." He smiled, and offered me his hand, which I shook. "So, um...you're a Cousland?"

I told him about meeting Bryce's spirit, and about discovering Aedan and I had the same birthday. "So obviously I can't exactly prove anything, but...yes. I think I probably am."

Aedan put his arm around my shoulders. "I don't need proof. Even my mabari knows it's true."

"Or maybe he just likes me better."

Aedan ruffled my hair. "What's not to like?" Prince barked, and we laughed.

Theron just smiled at us both, somewhat wistfully. "I'm happy for you both to have found some family. I always wished for a sibling, growing up..."

"Well, you have one now, you know. You could always, I don't know, go say hi sometime..."

He flushed. "I just might. Would...would you mind being there, if I do? You seem to be good at diffusing awkward situations."

"Or making them worse," I laughed. "Of course, I'd be happy to help, if Alistair is okay with that. We'll be in Redcliffe for a couple of days, anyway - you just let me know." I sighed. "So shall we go get lectured in Eamon's office? I'm not exactly looking forward to that, but..."

Aedan nodded, and we followed Theron out of the library and to the door of Eamon's study. I'd been in it before - to find Alistair's mother's amulet, of course - but otherwise we'd always just used the library for a meeting place. Eamon's study wasn't small, but it was quite formal. He had a few hard-backed chairs, some ugly family portraits, and a large desk; there was a hearth along one wall, but it wasn't lit, leaving the room chilly. He gestured for us all to sit.

He turned his gaze to me. "I'd like to know what exactly you thought you were doing, in the kitchens today, with the Arlessa?"

His emphasis on her title put me on the defensive, and I felt my shoulders tense. Before I could say anything, Theron cut in.

"She was preventing your wife from accidentally murdering a child, Eamon. I saw the whole thing. Honestly, Sierra stepping in prevented me from doing something infinitely worse. If I'd been the one to stop her, Isolde would be sitting in your dungeon right now, Uncle."

Eamon scowled at Theron. "I'd like to hear it directly from the lady, if you don't mind."

Calmer from knowing at least Theron supported me, I replied. "I was cutting through the kitchen on the way to my room when I came upon the Arlessa hitting a child with a spoon. The child in question already had several welts on his arms and face, as well as some older bruises, so clearly that wasn't the first time. I grabbed her arm and took away the spoon, and asked her what she thought she was doing. She accused the child of stealing an entire wheel of Orlesian cheddar. When he denied it, she tried to hit him again, and I restrained her again." I was grateful I didn't have to admit to more than restraining her; physically all I'd done was hold her arms.

"Theron came in, admitted that he'd eaten the cheese, and then your wife started shouting at me for interfering. Theron held me back from slapping her, which I really, really wanted to do; I told her that technically I outrank her and that I was taking over as guardian for the kid. I also told her if I ever heard rumours of similar atrocities being perpetrated on helpless children or servants that there would be consequences."

Eamon's expression was neutral, but his face was quite purple. I took another deep breath and kept going before he could interrupt me. "And then I took the kid, and had him healed - he had several broken bones, did you know that? In addition to having been whipped enough to leave scars. He is severely malnourished, and his growth may be permanently restricted because of it. Anyways, I gave him a bath, and bought him some clothes that actually fit, and got him fed.

"Frankly, you can do whatever you want with me; it was the right call. That child's parents worked for you, Arl Eamon. His mother was killed as a direct result of your wife's actions. And you had him starved, sleeping in the stables, wearing clothes that barely counted as decent, and being beaten regularly."

"That isn't any concern of yours." Eamon narrowed his eyes at me.

"Are you joking?" I interrupted him, talking over his attempt to speak. "Tell me you're joking. Abuse of a child is everyone's concern. Every decent person, anyway, though perhaps I shouldn't expect you to be one of those. I know this isn't the first time she's treated a child like that, and if someone doesn't stop her, it won't be the last, either. She's a horror, your Grace. I am unsure if it's true evil, or just sheer selfishness and stupidity. And that's not even bringing up the whole 'Connor being an abomination' situation, which she brought about, allowing your poisoning to happen and your village to be decimated. I don't recall her ever apologising for any of that, or for the way she treated Alistair, either. It may not have been you that did the things she's done, but you should have stopped her, and I hold you equally responsible."

I was breathing hard by the end of my rant; Aedan looked dazed by my outburst, but Theron gave me a broad smile. Eamon actually looked vaguely ashamed, though not nearly as much as he should. He changed the subject without comment.

"Explain to me how you outrank my wife, the Arlessa?"

"I'm the long-lost daughter of Bryce and Eleanor Cousland. I'm vague on the details, I admit, but I'm pretty sure a daughter of a Teyrn outranks the wife of an Arl." I looked at Aedan and Theron. "Doesn't it?"

They nodded, and Eamon looked thoughtful. "Do you have any proof of this parentage?"

"Not really. Though it doesn't matter; I've no plans to claim any rights to Highever or any of that. I'd prefer to be just a woman, not some snooty noble. But if claiming my heritage is what it takes to stop someone from beating a child, then I'll use what I have to."

"You realise that with no proof, I could have you arrested for assault on the Arlessa."

Theron and Aedan were both on their feet before I could respond, both with hands on sword hilts. Eamon's eyes widened.

Theron spoke first. "Try it, uncle. I will not have this woman detained, or tortured in your dungeon like that idiot Jowan, for preventing your harpy of a wife from killing someone. Keep in mind that the only reason Isolde and Connor are both alive at all right now is because Sierra convinced everyone not to go forward with either killing your son as an abomination or using your wife's life force to allow him to be saved. She convinced everyone to go to the Circle instead. If that's not enough reason for you to drop this and rein in your wife, then perhaps this will do it: I fully support Sierra in this matter. If you persist, you will find yourself stripped of your Arling, and your wife deported back to Orlais where she belongs. The same goes for having servants, especially children, beaten, starved, or left to sleep in the stables in future. Have I made myself clear?"

Eamon nodded, pale and looking a bit ill. I wanted to dance with joy. Of all the things I'd always wanted to say in game and never got the chance, taking Eamon down a peg was at the top of my list. Right after scolding Cailan, which I'd already done. I hoped it wouldn't cause problems later, but really, the stuff that was happening couldn't continue, and Theron didn't need Eamon as much as Alistair would have. And as much as Eamon was a gigantic pain in the ass, I think he legitimately was a traditionalist, and as such, a Theirin supporter. I hoped it would be enough for him to listen to Theron.

And I was suddenly intensely glad that Theron and I had been able to mend fences.

Aedan took my hand and led me out of Eamon's study. I managed not to until we were out of sight, but I started shaking almost the moment we got out. Aedan put his arm around me, half-dragging me further away while also trying to offer comfort. He found an unused guest room a couple of hallways down, pulled me into it, and then hugged me.

"If I know you, you're shaking more in rage than anxiety."

I chuckled softly. "You got me. Not going across the desk to throttle him was one of the hardest things I think I've ever done."

"If it makes you feel better, I think it will be at least somewhat effective. Eamon is terrified of losing his influence at court; he can't afford to piss Theron off too badly. And I have to give credit where it's due; Theron was amazing in there."

"Gives me hope maybe the King won't be a complete idiot."

"I know, right?"

I sighed. "I wish you weren't going off with the mages to collect darkspawn blood. I want you to stay here."

"Me too - sleeping cold on the ground does not appeal - but Zev and Shale are coming with me, so it won't be just the four of us. Zev already knows everything anyway, and Shale won't care that we're collecting blood. She just wants to squish something."

I had to admit I felt better that they'd have the golem with them to 'tank', and I knew Zev would never let anything happen to Aedan.

"So what do you think the story is with Anders and Solona?" Aedan asked.

"I dunno. I had no idea they knew each other. And with Anders' rather free-loving reputation, I'm confused."

"Well, this trip ought to be interesting, anyway."

I hummed agreement. "I suppose I should check in on Blake."

"And I'd better check on my recruits. Tomas is kind of scary when he's in recruiting mode, hey?"

I laughed. "I'm just glad it's you, not me. Go. I'll see you at supper."