Dragon Age Origins: I Am Cousland

Chapter 1: The Betrayal

*NOTES!* 

My inspiration for writing this book came from serinityporter. Her book is really amazing. And if you enjoy this book you'll love hers. Minewon't do hers justice, this is my first book so just keep that in mine while you read(:

The picture I used and my inspiration of the character came from a drawing on deviantart by RinaCane

I simply took the storyline and expanded on the main character and this book is still somewhat a work in progress so if you see any errors PLEASE tell me so I can fix them.

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Chapter 1: The Betrayal 

I walked stealthily, avoiding any twigs. I left the estate all the time to go hunt in the lands just outside of Highever and to escape the life of the castle although my father hated me leaving the estate without telling anyone. My name is Katria Cousland and my family has resided here in Highever for many centuries, since before the war with the Orlesians. I have one brother, Fergus, who has a son of his own and of course my parents, Bryce and Eleanor. 

 I heard the clanging of armor running up behind me and I spun around with an arrow in my bow ready to strike; but instead found one of my fathers' soldiers holding his hands in the air in surrender.

"Your father is looking for you, my lady." I arched an eyebrow at the terrified man. "He didn't tell me the reason but only that he wanted you right away." I put my bow onto my back and sighed deeply. 

"Right." I puffed and followed him back to the estate to find my father waiting for me in the main hall.

"There you are, Katria! I was starting to get worried about you." My father looked at me with worried eyes and offered a half smile as I crossed the foyer.

"You needed me?" I asked, his smile faded at my tone.

"Yes." He rolled his shoulders and straightened his back, "Fergus and I are leaving this evening to join the king's army in the effort against the rumored Blight." He crossed his arms, " I thought you should know, since you'll be the one in charge after I leave." My eyes widened. I didn't want that, I wanted to go with them. Before I could say a word Howe strolled in, holding his head high and causing my eyes to roll in annoyance.

"Lord Cousland." he nodded his head and looked at me with a look of disgust on his face. He knew I didn't care anything for him, he clawed for power and control and I knew he would do anything for the power he craved. My father called him a friend but I couldn't trust him, I knew he was always scheming.

"Nice to see you too, Howe." I smiled at the corner of my mouth earning a sharp glare from my father. Howe made a disgusted noise.

"Is the Grey Warden here?" My father asked. I arched an eyebrow at him.

"Grey Warden? Here?" I fumbled out and glanced around the room anxiously. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a figure approaching, an older man with dark skin, dark eyes and chocolate brown hair with a scraggly beard that looked as though it hadn't been trimmed in several weeks.

"I can speak for myself if you don't mind." The man said, in a deep voice. "I am Duncan," I stared blankly at him. "I actually need to talk to you about something, Lord Cousland." He said again in his low voice, I observed both my father and Duncan. My father arched his eyebrow at the Grey Warden as he awaited his explanation.

"I'm actually here looking for capable people to recruit into the Grey Wardens." My eyes widened again and my gaze shot over to my father who shook his head vehemently.

"Katria, I know what you're thinking but I need you here." I let out a dramatic sigh and looked at my father who was giving me a stern look with his arms crossed across his chest.