Chapter two: Under Siege

Chaos had officially taken over, as the horde of militia stormed the village through the entrance and began to pillage. Everything that was made of wood was set alight while the fleeing villagers were either chased after or run through with swords and daggers. One by one members of the village guard and the attacking militia began taking loses, but after a while it became obvious that invading army were more aggressive and disciplined than the defenders. Swords were broken and shields were buckled, all the while brave men and women fell to the enemy in the most brutal manner.

Jayden pushed through until he came to the front lines, with sword in hand he watched as the two forces clashed. The young noble saw Daggers plunged into stomachs, shields deflecting attacks and swords cutting off heads and limbs. His breathing became fast and heavy as he witnessed the nightmarish scenes before him, everything that was happening reminded him of stories regarding the Fifth Blight and the war of Five Arls. Instead of fear coursing through him Jayden managed to keep his nerves under control, instead he felt a bitter sweet excitement to all that was happening as if he did not fully grasp the real danger that could await him. Out of the hundreds of people around him Jayden noticed out man out of many, the one he saw looked directly at him. This rugged and brutal brigand stood completely still, dressed in cheaply produced iron armour and wielding a sword and shield his very appearance seemed terrifying. Jayden could feel the fear inside of him but he dared not let it show, his father had trained him not to display his true feelings in presence of his enemy although it took a great deal of focus to do so.

Jayden then raised his sword and charged toward his enemy; in a matter of moments the young noble was within arm's length of his opponent he swung his sword. As the blade was just about to strike the foe's armour he quickly dodged the attack before lifting his weapon. As he strung down with all his force Jayden raised his blade as fast as he could, with the strength of opposing forces both swords were locked together with brute force. Jayden looked directly into the eyes of his opponent; with his bloodshot eyes and more scars than a veteran soldier was not something Jayden thought would be his first opponent. Using a sudden and brutal bash with his knee against the brigand's groin turned the battle in Jayden's favour; taking the opportunity the young nobleman retracted his weapon before plunging his sword directly into the brigand's neck.

Blood squirted out the wound and flowed down the blade like a waterfall, Jayden watched as what little life remained in this warrior quickly slipped away. As he pulled the blade from his opponent's neck, Jayden watched as the warrior slumped to the ground as his blood poured out onto the ground. Bastion came running up behind Jayden and saw the body on the ground, "…Feels different dose it not?"

Jayden quickly turned in shock only to have his nerves calmed to see his close friend. He sighed with relief before replying, "…sort of the same as the stories. Expect the stories don't say the heroes felt empty after killing someone, they should have said that".

Another warrior came charging toward the two, his iron mace was held over his head as he made his approach. When he was in range the warrior was about to make his move when Bastion reacted, with the dagger in his left hand he thrust it into the chest of the brigand before pulling it back out and kicking him to the ground with ease.

"Jayden we need to think about this," Bastion said, "The town is under siege, we should try to find the Master of Lodus and his marshal. Maybe we could help organise the defence or at least help coordinate things".

Tywin ran into the fray, as each warrior made their attack the young Templar managed to cut them down with ease. Unlike Jayden and Bastion he spent no time standing about, he was too focused on trying to stay alive using his combat training. Charing in to joining the Templar was Chumley, they both stood side by side as they cut a gruesome assault through the enemy ranks.

Chumley cut down a warrior while speaking to Tywin, "A Dwarf and a Templar standing back to back, this is something the Shaperate should be recording!"

"What's a Shaperate?" Tywin asked.

Chumley sighed in disappointment in the realisation that he was not among fellow Dwarves, "Just focus on staying alive Cloudgazer!"

Syrus stood still with absolute fear coursing through him, in every direction he looked someone was either dying or fighting. Being a mage had been kept away from the world and locked within the Temple of Magi; as a result he was shielded from the harsh and sometimes brutal reality of day to day life and never expected to be outside yet alone in the middle of a raging battle. From left to right all he could see were swords clashing and throats being cut. Out of the dozens of people fighting among each other one noticed him; Syrus could feel his heart flutter uncontrollably while his stomach began churning at an incredible speed. In the moments that followed the warrior raised a razor sharp axe over his head and charged toward the young mage.

As his hands shook Syrus thought of what he could do, over a thousand ideas rushed through his head yet he couldn't do any of them as the majority involved running in opposite direction. With no other choice that came to mind Syrus tried to put one of those ideas into action, within moments he lifted the end of his staff and pointed it toward the approaching attacker.

Channelling his emotions into the staff a ball of light blue energy appeared to emanate from inside, it moved down from the very tip all the way to the bottom of the staff. Before he knew what was happening Syrus saw a bolt of lightning surged through the air and struck the approaching warrior directly in the chest. With a low murmuring followed by erratic bursts of blood pulsing from the now gaping wound from his chest, Syrus's would be attacker fell backward and died within moments.

Lovis noticed what had happened and as he quickly walked past Syrus he patted the young mage on the shoulder and said, "Nice one Apprentice"

As the apostate charged off into battle Syrus remained where he was, when he should have been proud of what he had done the young apprentice could only feel a deep sense of disappointment. With a droopy frown and a somewhat damaged spirit Syrus mumbled, "It was supposed to be fire"

Jayden continued to battle against the waves of attackers that poured into the village, although he managed to cut them down one by one he started to notice the village guard were taking heavy causalities. Quickly turning to Bastion the young noble shouted, "We need to fall back! There are too many and I don't think we'll last much longer out here"

Bastion blocked an attacking opponent with one dagger and with another in his left hand he plunged it into the warrior's chest, he pushed his enemy away Bastion looked toward Jayden and replied, "You're right, I'd suggest we head to a strong house, maybe even look for the Village Master or the Bann for that matter"

"Good Thinking!" Chumley added as he sunk his age into the forehead of a would-be-soldier.

From over Jayden shoulder a stray arrow narrowly missed his ear; it darted through the air and went right between the eyes of a stray raider. Very shocked by what had happened the young noble turned around, Jayden was shocked to see Alexis had taken up a bow and was now firing as many arrows as she could at the invading army. Bastion ran past Jayden and patted him on the shoulder quickly followed by his instruction, "We should had to the Village Hall, maybe the Bann or someone is organising the defence of the village"

Jayden was quick to take charge of the satiation; he raised his sword over his head and shouted, "Everyone on me! Fall back!"

Alexis, Syrus and Chumley were fast to react while Lovis and Tywin were still fighting on the front line. Even as what little of the village guard either fell or retreated Lovis stood strong, dealing magical destruction in every and any direction he could manage. The Templar on the other hand realised the tactical situation, the odds were slowly turning against them and staying there would result in certain death. With little to no options Tywin did what he thought was right and called out to Lovis, "We need to get out of here, now!"

"But I'm wining," Lovis stated proudly.

Tywin realised that simply talking wasn't going to get this wild mage to listen to reason, reduced to only one option he did what he thought was right. Before Lovis knew what was happening Tywin put away his weapon before quickly and tightly wrapped his arms around the Apostate's waist and lifted him off the ground. Lovis tried to franticly break free yet it seemed his efforts met with little success, as he looked back to see the advance of the attacking army only to be angry that he didn't get the chance to fight them.

"Dam Templars have to ruin all the fun!" Lovis hissed, "Why couldn't you let me fight them you dam boot licker!"

Amused by what he heard the Templar replied, "Boot Licker? Please, the Knight-Commander has called me far worse things than that"

As the group retreated further down the road until they reached the village square, Jayden saw the bulk of the Guards and Militia had gathered around the hall and started to construct a make-shift barricade. While the Militia used old benches and doors to form the barricade the remaining guardsmen stood watch and awaited the invading forces. Jayden turned toward Bastion, "Alright, we're here, now what?"

"Either find the Bann or anyone who's in charge would be a good idea,"

As Jayden and his group approached the village guard saw them, a few of them drew their weapons and readied for the possibility of fighting.

"State your business!" One of the guardsmen shouted.

Jayden realised he had to say something so he thought it would be a good opportunity to state his identity. The young noble raised his hands above his head, "My Name is Jayden Brent; my father is Teryn Agon of Greenstone. We're not here to fight; my friends and I wish to help you"

Most of the guardsmen lowered their weapons, one of them stated, "Go inside and speak to the Wardens, they're over seeing things here and if you wanna know more you can find them in the Village hall"

Everyone in the group became confused; if what the guardsman said was true then possibly there could be some Grey Wardens in the village. Pondering on this thought Jayden suddenly became overwhelmed with excitement, he had only read about the Grey Wardens and a certain Warden-Commander had been something of a role model for him during his childhood. With only one option to take the young noble thought he should speak with the Wardens and with that decided he headed for the main hall. The rest of his group followed behind him, Lovis violently patted Tywin on the back before adding, "You can put me down now Arse licker!"

"Your insults are getting better already," Tywin mockingly replied.

With no second thought on his actions the young Templar simply threw Lovis from his shoulder onto the ground. While Lovis stumbled onto the ground Tywin did not bother to help him but instead dusted his hands, he looked down on Lovis with a fiendish grin before speaking, "Try to keep up Apostate"

As Tywin ventured onward Lovis waited until he had left. As he got back up to his feet Lovis followed behind him while mumbling to himself, "Templar Bastard"

As the group entered through the doors of the great hall Jayden was the first one inside, the design of the great hall was similar to that of Greenstone's. The walls were composed of fine brickwork with stainless steel holding to place candles in for light during the late periods of night. In the middle of the grand hall were two long tables that had been pushed together and a large map of the village and surrounding land. On the other far end of the room a number of sleeping rolls had been lain out for wounded guardsmen and militia, those who were too injured to fight were tended to by the healers and chantry priests.

Everyone in the hall was busy, not a single person stood idle and even a few of the children were helping with moving large wooden benches outside to strengthen the barricade. Such a combined effort of all villagers seemed to be strange to Jayden, in Greenstone the peasants and the nobles kept each other at arm's length and nothing could change that. But here at a time of chaos the everyday working of normal life had been forgotten about, here and now all that mattered was staying alive no matter the cost. Everyone in the group looked around at their surroundings, tensions were high and many of the elderly and young children seemed to be worried by what was happening. Some of them were gathered around a Lay-Brother who was giving a sermon to inspire them not to lose hope, for some it worked while others were not too sure.

Jayden pushed through the light crowds and approached the centre of the hall, standing around the main tables were two groups. The group on the left side were dressed in the standard armour of the village guard, in the middle of this group stood a middle aged man who seemed to be the commander of the guard. His hair was a faded blonde that started to show a strand or two of grey indicating his youth was slowly coming to an end. He wore a suit of dark blue chainmail armour, painted across the chest plate was an emblem; it depicted a coat of arms with two black ravens either side of white circle with a clenched fist raised upward. Stood opposite on the other side of a table were a collection of armoured figures and all of their armour depicted the icon of the Grey Wardens. The leader of this group was Elven male, roughly in his late forties but still seemed to be in a sturdy and healthy condition.

Jayden approached the strategy table, "Excuse me, I'm looking for person in charge"

The man in the dark blue armour seemed shocked, he quickly stood to attention and bowed his head, "Lord Jayden, has news of our struggle spread to Greenstone already?"

"Not exactly I am here to help. It's good to see you Bann Lettic, at least one of my father's vassals is here to brandish support," Jayden replied, "With that in mind I would wish to offer any help I can"

"An extra sword arm is always appreciated," The elven warden stated, "You'll have to speak to the Commander and he can assign you to do something"

"Good to see some sort of help has arrived,"

The group looked across the table; standing directly opposed to them seemed to be Dwarf dressed in a more detailed suit of Grey Warden armour. Across his shoulder plating where a silver trimming and down across his right shoulder to his left hip was a dark purple sash. His hair was blood red and his beard was shot yet braided elaborately. Tattooed on his right cheek just below his eye socket was a Dwarven brand that looked similar to an S, the only difference being in the middle of it was a small square.

Chumley pushed his way through the group until he came to the front and stood beside Jayden. As he looked across the table he was in complete shock, he quickly cleared his throat and stood proudly, "Paragon Brosca, it is an honour to meet you in person"

"Brosca?" Jayden pondered, "As in the same…"

"Faren Brosca," the Dwarven warden interrupted, "Commander of the Ferelden Grey Wardens, Paragon of Orzammar, founder of House Brosca, Champion of Redcliffe and Hero of Ferelden. It's a pleasure to meet you both"

Jayden was in complete shock, directly opposite him stood a living legend and a person he had admired for many years. As the Dwarf and young noble walked around the side of the table both of them were excited, when they came within half a metre it almost seemed as if they would have to fight over who got to shake his hand. Jayden and Chumley took a brief glance at each other only to realise that they shouldn't get too over excited and they should both focus on understanding what was happening. Calmly retaining a focused mind Jayden asked, "Although it is a great honour to meet the Hero of Ferelden I should focus on what's happening. As you already know the village is under attack, do you know who they are or why they are attacking? Also, I thought there were no Grey Wardens in Pedgite and why is one such as yourself here?"

Faren looked back to the Elven warden and Pedgite nobleman, "Constable, take the men and have them outside and have them join the main bulk of the village guard. Bann Lettic, go out and rally the men as we may need to launch a counter offensive against the enemy"

Both of the men nodded in agreement, they and the others departed and made their way to outside of the great hall. Jayden and Chumley stood either side of the Warden-Commander while the others of their group gathered around the table. Faren looked around at this collection of young people, all of them were inexperienced but they all had a hidden potential which needed to be realised. The commander rested both of his hands on the table top and looked around the room, "I'll skip introductions as I think most of you know who I am, some of you maybe surprised to see a Warden in your country as it has been a very long time since my order have had a strong presence here. I assure you this has not deliberate but my order has considered your kingdom has been seen as a low risk priority. Because of the security of your nation we have used it to our advantage, during the First Blight my order built a structure known as the Grey Tower and inside it we placed a terrible evil"

Everyone else seemed to be unsure of what Faren was talking about but it was something seriously important. Bastion was the first to ask about it, "What exactly did you lock away?"

"I'd rather not into that right now," Faren replied, "But what was sealed away must never be released. However some people in this world would want nothing more than to see the world fall into chaos. A few months ago I began an investigation on behalf of the First Warden, he had heard rumours that some of the Wardens within the order were acting strangely and even taking funds from their stationed outposts. As I dug deeper and deeper I came to realise that there were a handful of Wardens who had been stealing funds. I confronted them about it and before I could alert anyone they captured me. During my captivity I learned who they were, the Wardens I investigated had been corrupted by a cult known as 'The children of Kostamojan' and they're determined to break open the being that's is imprisoned in the Grey tower"

"What does this have to do with us exactly?" Lovis asked.

"I'm telling you all of this for a very good reason; I need your help to stop the cult,"

Everyone around the table became stunned by what they heard; they had come to aid in the defence of the village and now they were being asked by a legendary Grey Warden to join his campaign to bring an end to an evil cult. None of them were prepared for what they had just been told and none of them had a single idea of what to say. As they all stood there in silence Jayden looked around at each of them, everyone remained silent and even though he had his doubts the young noble wanted to know more on why Faren needed his help. Swallowing his worried and doubts Jayden asked the key question everyone was thinking. Turning toward the Dwarven Warden he asked, "What would you need us to do?"

Faren didn't reply straight away, instead he slowly reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver key with a griffin's head at the top. He held the key between his fingers and held it high for everyone to see, "This is what they are after"

"So they're willing to murder hundreds of innocent people in efforts to get a small silver key. Talk about insane beliefs," Tywin whispered to Syrus.

"This key is one of five," Faren continued, "Together all five release the binds that keep an ancient evil in containment; I came with an expeditionary force consisting of no more than sixty men and women with the main purpose of securing the Grey Tower"

"So the other keys are in the tower?" Bastion asked.

Faren put his key back into his pocket, "No, four were hidden in certain areas in Pedgite while one was taken to Weisshaupt Fortress and stored in its historical vaults. When I told the First Warden about the cult I was given orders to extinguish them and to secure the Grey Tower. I was given this key along with a marked map of Pedgite showing the location of all four keys. I sent some of my scouts in hopes of recovering them yet none of them have returned, I fear they have fallen prey to the Cult and its followers"

"…What does this all have to do with us?" Syrus wondered.

"In simple terms I need you," Faren stated, "The Cult know my men and they will be targeting all Grey Wardens no matter where they are in Pedgite, you are all unknown to the enemy and since you're a small group it'll be just as hard for them to tack your whereabouts and recover the four keys"

Jayden thought to himself about the situation. This was something he never thought he would have to decide upon, struggling to make up his mind the young noble had many reservations over why he could be a candidate. Trying to emit an aura of confidence Jayden stood up straight and placed both hands on his hips, "…What makes you think we could do better than your scouts?"

Faren looked up at Jayden with a determined scowl, "My scouts are known to the enemy, you and your friends are unknown to them and stand a better chance of moving around freely without being targeted. I would not divulge any of this information unless I felt you were able to perform this task"

That shroud of confidence Jayden tried to project suddenly vanished, he turned toward Bastion and displayed his 'need some advice' expression only to see that his closest friend reflected his own inner-doubts did nothing to help his decision making. With so much to consider and so much doubt inside of him Jayden had to know why he was being considered for such a dangerous task, "Warden…why…why us? Surely you could have given this to an experienced warrior or even a mercenary you're considering us, why?"

Faren looked around at the entire group, "Many of you see me as a Grey Warden, some see me as a hero and one of you sees me as Paragon. Before all of this, before I became a Grey Warden I was considered worthless; I grew up in Dust Town, a part of Orzammar and because I had no caste that meant I had no place in Dwarven society. One day a stranger and I had a chance encounter, he was a human from the surface and he was a Grey Warden looking for recruits. After he saw what I was capable of he knew I had the potential to be more than what I was, I know for a fact that without him my life would be completely different to what it is now. The only reason I was able to become a Warden, a Hero and a Paragon was because someone gave ma chance. Jayden, I see something inside you and that side of you is looking for chance to prove your skills to the world. So, which of you are willing to undertake this quest?"

Every member of the group fell silent. With their minds racing trying to think none of them looked toward each other, this choice was something that nothing any of them had expected to be in such a position. Jayden knew that no matter how many times he thought about the pros and cons he would still have to decide, with an equal chance of failure matching an equal chance of success he thought of what Faren had told him about one person being given a chance to prove themselves. Even as worry and logic tried to convince him say no that desire to be more than a noble and that childhood dream of heroics ran through his mind. This Grey Warden was giving him the possibly to breathe life into that very dream felt this would be the only offer to come along, his heart swelled with pride and his fears vanished and replaced with excitement.

"I'll do it," Jayden said, "I'll help you secure the keys"

Every other member of the group looked at Jayden with profound surprise, none of had finished thinking through yet alone deciding on if they should go. Faren turned back toward Jayden and then looked around the room to see if any others wanted to join. Bastion walked over to Jayden and stood beside him, pushing his friend on the shoulder with such force that Jayden had to turn around.

"Jayden are you sure about this?" Bastion asked intensely.

The young noble quaintly laughed, "Why wouldn't I be? This may not have how I imagined it but this is my chance, a chance to test my skill and prove my worth"

Bastion was deeply worried for his friend but he also knew what he was like, no matter what he said or how many flaws in the plan he noted there would be little to no chance Jayden would listen to him yet alone take his side. With his worrying and concern for his friend Bastion knew there would be only one way to ensure he'd be safe, "…well, if you're so sure about this there will be only one way you'll stay safe. I guess I'll have to come with you, I mean your father would be deeply angry with me if I let you go and ensured you remain safe"

"May I join you?" Chumley asked, "You fight well Jayden and it would be an honour to stand alongside you in battle"

Jayden then looked back toward Chumley and held out his hand, "Another well trained sword arm is always a good thing"

"What about a good mage?"

Jayden, Bastion and Chumley looked toward Tywin and saw his desire to help. Syrus on the other hand became very worried; he moved closer to his friend and pulled on his arm, "Are you sure about this?"

The Templar then pulled his arm free and patted the young mage on the shoulder, "Don't worry little man, we can help Pedgite and doing so will put us in the good graces with the king and he can guarantee the Chantry won't punish us. Besides, the chance to fight alongside Jayden would be an honour"

Syrus could feel his hand shudder, to avoid having anyone see it do so he quickly made it take hold of his staff. Taking one or two deep breathes Syrus looked toward Jayden, "If Tywin goes then I'm going with him…but….but what about Alexis?"

As he looked around the room trying to see where Alexis was, among the many people there Jayden couldn't see here anywhere. The young noble then asked, "Speaking of Alexis, where is she?"

A firm and stern grip took hold of his shoulder; Jayden then looked to see what was causing it to only to be surprised. Standing behind him was the very person he was looking for but she was completely different in appearance. While Faren had been talking she had changed her clothing, instead of wearing the tattered clothing she had one when they first met the young elf was dressed in studded leather armour and tied to her back was a quiver filled with arrows. Her hair had been tied back into a bun using nothing but brown string and in her other hand she held a sturdy longbow. Seeing her as she was now was something he didn't expect, Jayden was used to seeing elves in simple clothing as the ones he'd been close to were either servants or from the local alienage.

"The Creators placed me upon a strange path and I feel that it was their will that I meet you," Alexis spoke, "I never thought that it would lead me back to the Shemlen but if it is their will then that is their will. I am skilled with the bow and I wish to join you on your task"

Jayden didn't expect her to be willing to join yet alone could look any more beautiful than she was before. Flustered and trying incredibly hard not to blush Jayden put on a false show, he cleared his throat and stood straight. The young noble rested his hands upon his hips and turned to face Faren, "Well, now that my company and I are ready we should take our leave"

Faren quickly managed to detach his longsword and it's scabbard from his belt, taking hold with both hands the Dwarven warden presented it to Jayden, "Before you go I have but on favour to ask of you. If I wish for you to take my Longsword, I fear that if I am to fall in battle that our enemy may use it against our allies and to inflict suffering on innocent people. Please, I offer you my sword Starfang, may she serve you as well as she has served me"

Jayden saw this experienced warrior hold before him, as he reached out and took hold of the weapon a deep surge of delight ran through him. Jayden placed one hand on the sword handle and the other on the scabbard; with his fingers rightly wrapped around the handle he pulled the sword from its sheath before holding it upright so he could examine it. Its serrated blade extended a good two foot from cross guard to its pointed tip; forged from metal that gave the impression of extreme coldness while being pure and corrupt as the light reflected on its surface. Across the blade were light blue lines that reached the tip of the surface all the way down to the hilt, they were so detailed the seemed to be like veins within a living being and Jayden could hardly believe such a detailed weapon could exist. Jayden quickly sheathed Starfang and took it from Faren; with his other hand he detached his family's sword from his belt and held it out toward Bastion.

"Bastion, do you mind?" Jayden asked, "I cannot think of anyone who would be as worthy as I to bare Loyalty, my family sword"

Bastion simply nodded with a hint of pleasure, "It would be my honour"

As his friend took Loyalty from him Jayden saw Bastion attach it to his belt and knew he had made the right choice. This heart-warming moment came to an sudden end when a loud thump followed by, "Yer this great and all but there is a serious problem,"

Everyone around the table turned toward Lovis who had quickly interrupted the sombre atmosphere with but a few short words. He seemed to be unlike the others who were enjoying the glee of the moment he seemed to be upright and focused on the current situation. The apostate raised his arms and looked around the room, "Ok this is a great moment and if we can stop this cult then that's fantastic but look around, we are in the middle of a raging battle and the attacking army is advancing in all directions. If we are to leave here and find these keys then how are we going to be able to leave without having to fight our way out?"

Faren then slowly and carefully wrapped the map marking the other locations of keys around the one he already possessed. He held it out toward Jayden and as he took it Faren responded to Lovis, "I do know a way you can leave and when you are ready my fellow Wardens and Bann Lettic's men shall launch a counter-assault against the cult's forces. During this offensive it will draw the bulk of the enemy's forces to our ranks and that will open the way for your group to escape. All you need do is but give the word and we'll be ready"

Jayden drew Starfang from its scabbard and stood ready, looking around at everyone in his group to see if they were ready. They followed his actions, each member readied themselves encase they had to fight their way through. Jayden unrolled the map that was tied to the key; he looked at this piece of parchment that depicted his homeland with great detail. Each location had been marked with the cross with some additional notes as to where they were exactly. Memorising where they were and the fastest route to the first location Jayden put the key and map away in his pocket. Jayden took a deep breath before gazing at Faren and stated, "We're ready"