Hey everyone. First let me say thank you to everyone who is following this story. Special thanks to Kira Tamarion who wrote my first review. I'm glad to hear you like it so far. I encourage everyone else to review as well, they really keep me going.
Anyway this is the beginning of the battle of Ostagar. I kinda rushed through it, because I was ready to be done with Ostagar and move towards the other parts of the story, so this may be my more average writing. My apologies in advance.
***DISCLAIMER*** I do not own anything associating Dragon Age. I do own any OCs and the plot/wording.
Enjoy.
It was late afternoon in Ostagar and the encampment was in the stages of preparation for the upcoming battle. Captains and Lieutenants were drilling soldiers. Ash warriors were training their mabari. Weapons were being sharpened and armor was mended. Mages were practicing their spells and the chant of light could be heard from the couple of revered mothers. And King Calian was walking around with Duncan and Loghain seeing to the final details of the proceedings.
That morning when Alistair had woken up and walked into the dining section of the warden tent, he had been surprised to see Alex eating breakfast with Duncan. They had greeted him simultaneously as he had sat across the table from them.
As they ate, Duncan had explained that Alex was staying to help with the battle. This had confused Alistair. If she was his daughter, he would have dragged her back to Nevarra kicking and screaming if he had too, he'd even told them this. They had laughed about it with Duncan saying, that once his daughter had made up her mind, there was no changing it.
Afterwards, Duncan had called for all the wardens to assemble, sending Alex off to help the archers. Alistair was also told to go help with the other battles preparations and that Duncan would speak to him later.
That's what he was doing now, carrying buckets of water to the kennels. Alistair felt a bit worthless that he was the only grey warden doing such lowly chores. He thought that Duncan had sent him away because Alistair wasn't needed, but he knew that wasn't the case.
Whatever it was Duncan wanted to speak to him, was obviously important, so Alistair did his tasks without complaining.
He was pouring the last bucket of water into a trough, for the few mabari who were to sick or injured to fight in the battle, when an elf named Pick came up to him.
He told him that Duncan had ordered him to collect Alex, who should still be with the archers, and take her with him to Calian's tent. With a toss of the bucket, Alistair ran off to do his bidding.
At the opposite side of the camp, he found Alex with a commander. She had her hair pulled back into a high ponytail but her bangs were left to fall on her forehead.
As he neared, Alistair found that they were arguing about the position of the archers. Alex was glaring at the man, who was at least three times her size. Her face set in a way that demanded respect, much like her fathers. But the man before her wasn't wavered by her intimidating stance.
Her voice was surprisingly calm as she told him, "I'm telling you, it would be best if some archers were left here. They could shoot from the walls and have a better vantage point."
"You may think so, but the King request that all archers be on the ground with the rest of the warriors."
"Well, it's obvious that the King isn't an archer." Alex propped her hands on her hips.
"And you are?" he asked haughtily.
"Your damn right, I am." She exclaimed sneering up at him. "I may fight with a sword but I can shoot a bow better than any archer you have in this entire camp. And I know that shooting from a top a wall is far more effective than shooting from the ground."
"Then perhaps you better bring this up with the King," he turned and walked away.
"I will," she yelled at his retreating back, mumbling something about him being a pigheaded bastard.
He smiled as he approached her, "It's nice to see everyone getting along so well," he said sarcastically.
Her fierce eyes glanced towards him, but as she recognized him, they softened and she smiled. "Hello, Alistair. How much of that did you see?"
"I think I came in around the time you were about to rip that poor man's head off."
"I wouldn't have too, if he would get his head out of his ass long enough to actually listen to me." She glared in the direction of the commander.
"It's not like it's his decision anyway."
"Maybe, I should go and try to convince King Calian but I doubt he would listen too."
"Probably want do any good."
"Still couldn't hurt to try." She lifted a shoulder.
"Well you're in luck. Duncan wants us to meet him in Calian's tent."
"Oh great," her eyes rolled, "I already hear the riveting conversation we're going to have."
"I'm sure it's going to be the chat of a life-time," he laughed and they walked side-by-side towards the King's tent.
As they approached the large yellow and blue tent, a guard that was standing at attention near the entrance of the tent, stopped them. Alistair spoke to him and the guard apologized, stepping aside to let them inside. Calian, Loghain and Duncan were standing around a tall table; a map of the camp was spread across the top.
"So," Calian said, "the archers will shoot from here first."
"Then the ash warriors will release their mabari." Loghain coolly stated.
"And once that is done," Calian got a bright look on his face, "the grey wardens and the rest of the army, charge into battle."
"I tell you, this is foolhardy Calian."
"Nonsense, Loghain. It will work." Calian pointed to the map. "Now you and your men will wait here for the signal."
"Once the beacon is lit," Loghain laid his palms down on the table, "my men and I will then flank the darkspawn."
"They won't see it coming." Calian grinned.
"Of course, your majesty, but it is almost night fall. I must go and make sure everyone is prepared and alert them to get to their positions before the sun sets."
"Very well, Loghain," Calian nodded to the general as he added, "good luck to you."
"And to you," Loghain turned away from the table. He acknowledged Alistair and Alex with a curt nod as he exited the tent.
"There you two are," Duncan stepped up to them with Calian beside him.
"Commander, your Majesty." Alistair bowed his head respectively to them.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, your majesty," Alex bowed to Calian.
"And you milady," He responded with a smile. "So she is the daughter you told me about, Duncan?"
"She is."
"I can see the resemblance, although she must get her eyes from her mother."
"Indeed," Duncan smiled down at her. "But she is just like me in more ways than one."
"King Calian, I have something I wish to discuss with you?" Alex had a serious look on her face.
"Oh," he looked inquisitively down at her, "what is it?"
"I think it would be best if some archers were left to shoot from atop the walls."
"You mean, some should be left to fire from where the ballista's are?"
"Yes, the height of the walls would give them a better view of the battle field and keep them from being attacked directly, so that they can focus on their shots more."
"Hmm, I see what you mean." He smiled at her. "You truly are your father's daughter."
"If only you knew your majesty." Duncan said.
"Well, that is quite the plan milady, and I will talk to the archer's commander and see what can be done."
"Thank you, your majesty."
"And Alistair," Calian looked towards him, "you fair well, I assume?"
"I admit I've been better."
"Indeed, going into battle is never easy. But it is the glory that comes afterwards that makes it worth it in the end."
"Then glory to us all," Alex exclaimed with a smile.
Calian laughed. "I like your daughter already, Duncan. She doesn't seem to have a coward bone in her body. She gets that from you, no doubt."
"In fact she does your majesty."
"Well, I best be getting to the battle field," Calian walked towards the exit. He turned back, holding open the door with one arm and added, "I'll see you at my side in battle, Duncan."
"It will be an honor, your majesty." He bowed as Calian nodded to him and left the tent.
When the opening, closed, Duncan turned his attention to Alistair and Alex. "I have called you two here to discuss a very important matter." He walked out of the tent signaling for them to follow him. Outside the sun was barely peeking over the horizon and big grey clouds were hanging in the sky, threatening rain. Soldiers were marching towards the gate, which would take them to the battlefield. Duncan led them to a fire that burned in front of his tent. "The King has requested that a grey warden go to the top of the tower of Ishal and light the beacon. Alistair, you will be the one to carry out this task."
"What, I won't be the battle?" He exclaimed.
"This is by the King's personal request."
"But you said that every Grey warden was needed."
"Alistair, if the tower isn't lit Loghain's men won't know when to charge."
"So he needs a grey warden standing up there to hold the torch, just in case, right?"
"That is not your choice. If King Calian wishes grey wardens to ensure the beacon is lit, then we will be there. We must do whatever it takes to defeat the darkspawn, exciting or no." He stated.
"I agree with Alistair," Alex spoke, "he should be in the battle he is a grey warden after all. If you want, I'll do it."
"I'm glad to hear you say that Alex, because you'll be going with him."
"I can do it alone."
"You are not a warden Alex, and I will not send you into battle alone."
"Father," she looked at him, her hands on her hips. "I am more than capable of lighting a torch by myself. Alistair is a grey warden; he should be in the battle."
"Young lady," Duncan said sternly, "one of our ground rules of you staying was that you wouldn't argue."
"But-"
"Alex," he drawled.
She glanced down at her feet, and then she looked back up staring intently at her father. "When do we light the beacon?"
"We will signal you when the time is right. Alistair will know what to look for"
"Can we join the battle afterwards?" Alistair asked.
"Stay and guard the tower. If you are needed, we will send word." Duncan replied.
"Then I am ready." Alex stood firmly.
Alistair sighed, "As am I."
"Then good luck to you both." Duncan began to walk away.
"Father," Alex called out to him. Duncan turned around. "Good luck, I love you." She smiled a little but it didn't reach her eyes.
Duncan closed the distance between them in two long strides and held her in a tight embrace. "And I love you, my darling girl." He pulled back his hands still gripping her shoulders, a grim smile on his face. "You make me proud, Alex. Any father should be so lucky to have a daughter like you."
"And any daughter would be proud to have you as a father." They embraced again before stepping away.
Duncan was beginning to walk away; he stopped when Alistair cried out, "Duncan may the Maker watch over you."
He glanced back. "May he watch over us all," he replied profoundly then walked away.
Alistair and Alex stood watching as Duncan walked through the gate towards the battlefield. It wasn't until he was completely out of sight that Alex spoke.
"This is it." She was still looking at where her father had retreated.
"This is it." He nodded to her.
"I'm sorry, Alistair. I know you would rather be on the field with the other wardens." She placed a hand affectionately on his arm.
"Its fine," He sighed, "I'll do as Duncan commands me too. But just so you know, if the King ever asks me to put on a dress and dance the Remigold, I'm drawing the line. Darkspawn or no."
She grinned at him. "I think I'd like to see that."
Alistair laughed in spite of himself. "For you maybe, but it has to be a pretty dress."
"Thank the Maker; I have plenty of dresses back at home." She giggled.
"I doubt I'll be able to get into any of them."
"I think we can squeeze you into one."
They laughed together for few more seconds and as their laughter died down, Alistair said, "We should get to tower. The sooner we have it lit, the sooner we can join the battle."
She looked at him with a positive look in her eyes. "Then let's get going then."
Alistair agreed and they walked towards the bridge that would lead them to the tower.
xXx
Soldiers, mages and mabari stood silent on the battlefield, the prayers of the revered mothers as they walked through the army burning essence and the harsh wind, offering the only sound. Their blank eyes were trained on the horizon, watching as the sun sank below, slowly counting away the time before the battle would begin. The King and Warden-Commander stood on an embankment, looking out over the army.
"The plan will work, your majesty," Duncan said, his voice cutting through the silence.
"Of course it will," Calian told him confidently. His eyes never glancing away as the sun was engulfed by the horizon and the darkness surrounded them.
Suddenly, the battlefield was filled with an eerie silence, the sound leaving with the sun. Hearts beat frantically and bodies became tense, when out from the wilds stepped the darkspawn horde.
Genlocks, hurlocks, ogres and shrieks all came out snarling with their rotten faces. The air was filled their foul stench as they marched closer to Ostagar. On a rise in the earth a Hurlock Vanguard stood, howling out orders to the other darkspawn.
"Archers," Calian called out as the creatures drew nearer.
Arrows were lit with fire as the commander raised his hand. As his hand fell, the arrows flew, raining fire on to the darkspawn. They struck the beast in their heads and torso, burning them as they fell and died with a squeal.
"Hounds," Calian commanded.
Without hesitation, the ash warriors released their mabari. The dogs raced fearlessly towards the horde. Many latched onto the neck and legs of the darkspawn, tearing them apart with their teeth. Others were killed by running out to the blade of a sword, dying with a loud yelp.
Calian unsheathed his sword and raised it high. "For Fereldan," He shouted pointing the blade to the darkspawn.
With battle cries and shouts of intended victory, the army charged towards the horde, swords and shields rose defensively. In response, the darkspawn charged as well, growling and roaring. It began to rain as Calian and Duncan took their weapons, quickly joining the soldiers on the field.
The battle had begun.
