Chapter 65: Chapter 65: Ferelden

The meeting is convened within the Denerim Palace of the Ferelden Kingdom. Anora Theirin had been standing motionless beside King Cailan Theirin, who is seated on his throne. She surveys the serried ranks of nobles before her, and her eyes widens slightly as she picks out the forms of the Six Great Nobles among them.

The six of them gather together is a rare occurrence indeed.

The heads of these six families control almost as much land as the King, and between them their military power surpass that of the King himself. Because of this, they frequently found reasons to excuse themselves from the King’s summons. This is especially true for the leader of the anti-royalty faction ― the Noble faction ― Marquis Eamon Guerrin, who does not even bother to hide his disdain for the King. It is bad enough that for a while, people thought the Kingdom might fall apart from within.

The old warrior with long beard has been veteran in many wars defending his territory, Redcliffe that borders several countries. He is popular, and holds a great deal of influence and support with the nobility and the peasants —enough to make himself be viewed as a threat by other powerful nobles.

His father, Rendorn Guerrin rebelled against the King 70 years ago. Anora who is now merely twenty two years old, only hear the story from the legend. The rebels successfully overthrew the King and Guerrin family was promoted to highest rank of nobility. 

Rendorn then chased away Olga's forces that was occupying his land while he was away rebelling. 

Once he'd reclaimed his lands, Rendorn turned his attention to the recovery of his turf. He built a fort. His efforts resulted in improved trade and security for Redcliffe and its surroundings. He made regular visits to court, where his calm practicality earned him the respect of new King who then became the grandfather of current King, Cailan Theirin.

Another Great noble is the opportunist, Marquis Bann of Amaranthine. 

A strong looking man in armour and broad sword is standing, leaning on the wall as if disrespecting the King. He is Leonas Bryland, the Marquis from South Reach. Like Eamon, Leonas also in the Noble faction. 

There is a quiet man sitting and looking at the King seriously. He has slicked-back blonde hair and narrow blue eyes.

His face is pale and unhealthy-looking, with little sign that it has seen much sunlight. He is tall and skinny. Combined with his sallow complexion, he gives off the impression of a snake. He is not yet forty, but looked older because of his unhealthy pallor.

With mixed emotions churning in her heart, Anora looks away from him ― from Marquis Raeven, the lord Edgehall.

Of the two men present, who belong to the Royal faction, the first to catch Anora’s eye is Marquis Brumerush, the most luxuriously dressed person in the court.

This nobleman with handsome features is his forties. His domain, West Hills contains gold and coal mines, whose bounty of precious metals made him the wealthiest man in the Ferelden. However, dark whispers circulated that he is extremely greedy, to the point where he would even betray his own family for a gold coin.

There are also rumors that he has betrayed the Kingdom and is selling information to other countries. However, because of a lack of concrete evidence, nothing could be done about him. After all, beheading Marquis Brumerush ―a prominent supporter of the Royal faction― without any proof would cause all the nobles who follow him to switch to the anti-Royal faction. If he is aware of this fact and takes advantage of it to keep selling off information, then he would truly be the most despicable person present.

Next, Anora’s eyes turn to the youngest and most handsome of the Great Nobles, Margrave Lubreo Lambert. Lambert family is the lowest ranked among the six Great Noble. Lambert family rules the Abram territory which overlaps another territory of Blare family which is Count ranked. 

He is the only one staring at Anora which causes her goosebumps. She often hears rumours that Lubreo is not only very cunning but also extreme womaniser.

There is a senior noble who is not among the great noble families but also attending the meeting. He is Margrave Urovarna. His hair is white, and so little of it remained that there might as well have not been any at all. Though his body and limbs looked like gnarled wood, he still retains the gravitas expected of an elder. He is one of noble family in the royal capital of Denerim, which makes him one of loyal protector of the King.

For all these reasons,  King Cailan sits on his throne beside his Queen, Anora without making a fuss. If he dares to blame anyone, there is a danger of civil war breaking out.

“Now then, let us begin.”

The King’s tone seems slightly different than usual. Those with sensitive ears might have guessed the reason for today’s gathering and show it with curious suspicion.

“Read out the proclamation delivered by the Olga Federation emissary.”

In accordance with the King’s orders, the vassals flanking him on both sides begin reading the contents of the parchment.

The contents are roughly as followed:

"The Great Olga Federation acknowledges the sovereignty of the independent state of Arkland, ruled by the great Duke David Lassic known as the Undefeated King, and formally recognizes it as an ally of the federation.

Originally, the region surrounding Arkland including northern Ferelden and southern part of West Hills is the domain of the Duke. The Kingdom of Ferelden is unlawfully occupying this territory and must now return it to its rightful owner.

If Ferelden does not comply with this demand, the federation will aid the Duke in an invasion to reclaim their territory.

This will be a just war, fought to end unjust occupation."

***

"That traitor... His late mother is His Majesty's aunt. They were even given the rank Duke!" Bann Amaranthine shouts.

After the contents were read out, the room exploded into a hubbub of discussion. These terms were insane, and so was anyone who agreed to them.

“Just in case, I have also had the scholars examine the Ferelden’s history, and no mention of Lassic family ruling the surroundings of Arkland was discovered. There is no legitimacy to this claim.”

Marquis Leonas Bryland’s formidable presence ― a testament to his former glory as a warrior ― seems to give the other nobles courage, and they return his shout with their own approval.

“In other words, this isn’t even a proper demand, it’s a madman’s ravings!”

The boisterous cries ring throughout the hall.

Eamon Guerrin echoes him,

"Lassic family even invade Redcliffe unlawfully during my father's life!"

“Although it’s been delayed, isn’t this just the same old federation invasion they announce every year? They always find some stupid reason to declare war, so this time round, they must really be scraping the bottom of the barrel to throw up this barbaric man’s name, right? What a clown.... Undefeated King’.”

Marquis Brumerush's words are followed by the derisive laughter of the massed nobles.

The most experienced, Marquis Urovarna calmly voices up,

"But David Lassic is not only highest ranked noble but also arguably the strongest warrior in Ferelden. The position of Duke itself entitles him high level of autonomy. David's individual might plus his well trained Arkland fighters, are something we should consider before going against him. Each great noble, if enter into one on one battle against Arkland, will easily crushed."

Another man, lower noble, whose face is scarred from battle adds,

"We cannot easily tell who is the second, third or twentieth best fighter in Ferelden, but that David Lassic is by far undeniably the best fighter in Ferelden by too far margin. I saw him fought countless of times. He is a monster."

Another lower noble who dons an armour also adds,

"Other countries even declared David Lassic as among the best melee fighter in the continent."

Another man adds,

"I saw Duke Lassic single-handedly killed hundreds of men."

There is a moment of silence after the tale about Duke of Arkland was told.

Seeing everyone is speechless, Marquis Urovarna elucidates,

"Duke David has always been ambitious man, unlike his father who accepted peace by marrying previous King's sister. David Lassic will not be satisfied with just being a noble. Furthermore, he has extraordinary might and well trained soldiers."

He further explains,

"This is most probably plot planned by the Reskina royal brothers... The bloody king of White City and Federation emperor who is also from Reskina."

“That barbaric man is irrelevant! What we need to decide on is how to respond to the federation Emperor, isn’t that so, your Majesty?”

“It is as Marquis Bann says. We need to decide what the Ferelden’s answer will be.”

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“I beg your permission to speak,” Margrave Lubreo Lambert says as he advances, while glancing at Anora. 

“Accepting the Federation Emperor’s terms will be very difficult. Our only recourse is war.”

The mention of war sparks activity amongst the serried ranks of the nobility.

“Oh! Now is the time to crush them once and for all, and then take the fight to the Federation’s doorstep.” Marquis Bann shouts while punching to the air.

“You’re absolutely right, I’m tired of the constant federation invasions.” Leonas Bryland bellows.

“It’s time to let the fools in the federation know how fearsome we can be!” Eamon Guerrin shouts, and even draws his sword, point it to the air.

"We all know federation has been greatly weakened by Negara's invasion. Hahaha!" The rich Marquis Brumerush says and laughs.

These words, sandwiched by scattered laughter and repeats throughout the throng of nobles, grated unbearably on Anora’s ears.

For the most part, they had simply drawn up battle lines and confronted each other, or skirmished briefly with minor losses to the both parties. This year would probably be more of the same, and the nobles takes on an air of laxity as they imagine the same old events playing out again.

However, Anora speaks out, spurred by the cry of her instincts.

“Don’t think that this battle will end in a small skirmish like it always has!”

The nobles look like they have been splashed with a basin of cold water, and turn reproachful looks on her.

“I see. This is what our Queen actually believes. Can you give us a reason for that?” Eamon rudely interrogates her.

“Yes, Marquis, that is―”

The image of a certain person set alarm bells ringing through her heart.

“....That is to say, it is because of that man, Duke David Lassic.”

“My King, could you not hand over the outskirts of Arkland to the federation, no, to that duke?”

After a moment’s silence, angry shouts flow through the air..

“You! How shameless can you get, you chicken-heart?!”

Those shouts came from the nobles of the Royal faction.

“After his Majesty showed you such kindness, you turn around and tell him to surrender our land to outsiders? When did you start serving the barbaric man?! Not to mention, you haven’t even answered his Majesty’s question!”

In the face of such deserved castigation, Anora could not answer. Had she been in their position, she would probably have done the same thing.

“Enough.”

It was Anora’s husband who reaches a helping hand out to her in her hour of need.

“But, your Majesty!”

“I am deeply grateful that my subjects would be so moved on my behalf. It is because of that reason that I ask you to remember that my Queen would never betray me. She has fearlessly thrust herself into danger countless times for me. Someone like that would never do anything which would harm me.”

The great nobles who had shouted at Anora bows to the King. While he acknowledges this fact, he continues speaking to Anora.

“My queen, whom I trust like my right hand. Even if you are the one who puts forth that proposal, I cannot agree to it. Giving up one’s domain without a fight is not befitting of a ruler. Such an act cannot be allowed for the sake of those who live upon it. It would ruin their peaceful lives”

"That is undoubtedly so, your Majesty, and I hope you will forgive me for my foolish words.”

Anora lowers her head as her King, who loves the people so dearly, speaks to her.

"Still, the Queen has a point, no? We can avoid a war by handing over some territories. A noble also has a duty to prevent undue suffering to his serf. Would not a true noble be willing to rend his own body for the sake of the people?”

The one who spoke was from the lower noble who is from the group that dislike Marquis Brumerush and Eamon Guerrin. The words were pretty, but they were calculated to reduce the amount of land controlled by the Brumerush and Eamon Guerrin, and as such, their factions instantly rebut him.

“That land has been owned by them for generations! If you would give up land to the enemy, why not surrender yours first?!”

The reply comes just as swiftly.

“What nonsense is that?! The federation asked for Redcliffe and West Hills's surroundings! Do you really believe they’d accept my land from the other side of the Ferelden? Why don’t you think before you speak?!”

Lost in his thoughts, Anora only snaps back to reality after several hard stares from members of Brumerush and Eamon Guerrin's faction. They must have thought she had secretly conspires because she had suggested handing over the Redcliffe and West Hills’s territory. At the same time, they are looks of reproach for Anora, for being a former commoner who had forgotten the King’s largesse for making her Queen.

“Hmph! Then, why don’t you ask the King to exchange of your lands with the region around West Hills, and then hand it over?!”

“As though land could be so easily traded! You fools!”

It seems her husband purposely intends the powerful noble families fight each other so the King will become stronger. 

Just about any average human being would find it hard to put an end to circumstances which favours themselves. The King must also have wanted to vent his frustrations with the noble families.

"It’s like he’s drunk a sweet poison"…Anora thinks.

“I think it’s about time we stopped this petty squabbling.”

A deep male voice cut through the commotion ― everyone fall silent as they try to find its source.

Anora bites her lip as someone else usurped the role the King was supposed to play.

That victory was like sweet honey…

She does not think it was a big deal. However, would the King forget himself in that sweetness? Would the King that Anora was so proud of disappear? She could not erase such thoughts from her mind.

“Your Majesty, if the Federation’s invasion is a foregone conclusion, then we must prepare ourselves.”

“Marquis Raeven, it is his Majesty alone―” Bann defies him but...

Marquis Raeven interrupted those words from Marquis Bann.

“―A moment, please. If his Majesty’s troops are defeated, who knows where the Federation will attack next? Therefore, I will cooperate fully with his Majesty for the sake of protecting my domain.”

Silence falls.

The Federation’s troops are conscripted civilians. There is no way they are a match for the professional troops of the Arkland’s knights. The only way to defeat the Arkland’s advantage in troop quality is with overwhelming numbers. If Ferelden lords could not even muster up sufficient troops to match the Arkland’s, then the outcome of the war is already a foregone conclusion.

After hearing Raeven’s words, the members of the Noble families imagined the Imperial knights ravaging their lands as well.

The first to announce their support for the King are the nobles who hold land between the Redcliffe and West Hills, followed by the nobles who hold close ties to the first group, and in the end, all the nobles pledges their support.

“All right. Then, we shall delay our reply to the federation, and gather our troops at the usual place before we declare war. Naturally, I will be going as well.” King Cailan pronounces.

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