Part Three
Redcliffe
Rosalyn stopped at the gate; waiting for Alistair to catch up then the group entered the town together. Alistair looked around him, a puzzled then concerned look crossing his face. Sensing his worry, Rosalyn put her hand out to stop him, "What?" she asked.
"I don't know," he replied, "Something's…off….wrong. Where are the guards? And why don't we hear the Chantry bell, it's near noon."
"Perhaps the guards have left for their change," she said.
Alistair shook his head, "No. The guards change every four hours so they would have changed by now. Something is wrong here, Rosalyn." He walked to the cliff's edge and looked down at the town. There were no workmen, shoppers, craftsmen or anyone down at the square. "Look, its market day and the square is deserted. I don't like this."
"What do you want to do?" she asked.
Alistair turned, "Zevran, what did you see on your scout?"
"Nothing. Cows, chickens, some dogs roaming around. No one else. Odd for a town this size," he reported.
"Damn odd." He looked back down at the village below, "Zevran, take Sten and Morrigan and go around to the other side of the village. There is another gate there, behind the Chantry. We'll enter here and you can meet us at the chantry. Check out the area and report to us." Zevran nodded and he and Morrigan followed Sten as they made their way to the other side of town.
Alistair looked at Rosalyn and Leliana, "Let's wait a bit and let them get there. Then we'll enter, casually. Watch for anything out of the ordinary for a little town." The last he directed at Leliana, who nodded and walked to the cliff edge to keep watch. He looked at Rosalyn, "Sorry, I don't mean to step on your authority. It's just that you don't know the town and having lived in the city all your life…well, even Sten calls you Kadan."
"'Kadan' only means that I'm worthy to be followed; a status that could change with the winds." She paused, smiling at him, "I'm happy to follow you anywhere, Alistair. And I'm fine with you being in charge. We never said there was any one lead person, just the 'Wardens." He smiled down at her, making her glad she didn't have to give orders. She liked him as the boss.
"They are there," said Leliana, pointing to the back gate. Alistair and Rosalyn joined her and they strolled into town, looking around for anyone who might be able to tell them what was happening. As they reached the junction where the road branched out to the castle and the town, they were met by a young man standing guard at the crossroads, hidden in the brush.
"Are you here to help us?" he asked, excitedly.
Alistair recognized the young man, "Tomas? Calm down and tell us what's the matter."
Tomas took a deep breath and drank some water that Leliana gave him. He smiled weakly at her and she returned it warmly, "Go on," she said.
"Monsters attack us every night with no letting up. So many have died." The man was clearly under too much stress and suffering from lack of sleep.
"What kind of monsters? Darkspawn?" asked Alistair.
Tomas shook his head, "I don't know. You should talk to Bann Teagan. He's here, helping us. I'll take you." Alistair looked over at Leliana, who nodded and took off in the direction of the back gate to find Zevran, Sten and Morrigan. He looked down at Rosalyn, who also nodded and they followed Tomas down the hill.
As they passed through the village, they began to see what they could not up on the hill. There were bowmen and warriors concealed all over the area, keeping watch for anything out of the ordinary.
They entered the chantry to find it crowded with people, most were young or old, sick or wounded. Tomas led them to the back of the room, where a man in chainmail was talking to a chantry sister. He looked to be in his thirties and definitely in charge.
"I'll see what I can do, sister. Please excuse me." The man turned toward Tomas next, "Tomas, who are…Alistair? Maker's breath! You're alive!" He came forward and embraced Alistair and both men smiled.
"Glad to see you're well, uncle. I was hoping for a warmer reception in the village. Like old times," he said.
"As you can see, that's not possible at the moment but I could scrounge up some ale for later, perhaps? What happened? We all thought you were dead with the other Wardens."
Alistair nodded, "No, fortunately we were sent elsewhere and missed that party." He turned to Rosalyn, who had been watching the exchange with great interest. "Uncle, this is Rosalyn, a fellow Grey Warden…and a good friend." Rosalyn smiled up at him at the last. "Rosalyn, this is Teagan Guerrin, Bann of Rainesfere, and Arl Eamon's brother."
"How do you do dear lady, a pleasure, I'm sure." Teagan looked at Alistair, who narrowed his eyes and quickly shook his head as Teagan took her hand in his, bowing over it.
Rosalyn was speechless for a moment. "I'm very happy to meet you." She paused a moment to let it sink in. "What has happened here, my lord?"
"A few nights ago we were attacked by some force from the castle. We have tried to contact them, but there has been no word for days. As you can see, it has been most dire." He waved his hand towards the people gathered around for shelter. "We have lost so many people; I don't know how much longer we can last."
"Do you have many fighters?" asked Alistair.
"Not now. So many have died or fled, we don't have enough to put up an adequate defense now. The more who die, the more there are to attack us. The odds are overwhelming now."
"We will help you."
Alistair's head turned quickly to look down at Rosalyn, surprised. She was looking up at Teagan with a determined look. He turned to his uncle, "Of course uncle, we are more than happy to help."
"Oh, that's wonderful," Teagan exclaimed. "Murdock is in charge in the square, and I've set Ser Perth to defending the crossroads. They will be able to help you best. I will lead a small group to defend the chantry in case it's attacked. Maker watch over you, and thank you." With the last, he winked at Rosalyn, inciting a groan from Alistair, who took her arm and led her away, heading for the doors.
"Your uncle?" A puzzled Rosalyn asked as they left the chantry. "I thought you had no family but your half-brother."
"Oh, uh…about that. He's not really my uncle but I grew up calling him that. He was around quite a bit when I was growing up; he was in command of the Arl's army then. When he was older, he inherited his title from an uncle and moved to Rainesfere. He was good to me, used to take me hunting and fishing sometimes." His eyes became wistful as he remembered.
"That sounds wonderful," she replied. "My father is like that. He used to take us out of the city on long walks, sometimes overnight. He thought we needed the outings to teach us about the world outside the Alienage. He was right."
Alistair smiled down at her. She had never spoken about her childhood. "Did you have fun?"
Rosalyn laughed, "Soris and I loved it but Shianni hated it as she grew up. She would rather stay cooped up with a good book or work on the ledgers for the hahren. She does the accounting for his office. We used to love going out so we could practice the bow. It was hard to do at home."
"Except for the rats?"
"Except for the rats. Although that was fun too."
"You'll have to show me sometime," he told her, stepping closer and looking down at her intently.
She suddenly became very unsure of herself and blushed, making him smile even more, "Only if you show me something from your childhood. Agreed?"
"Done," he agreed. "Shall we go see Murdock?"
"Lead on, my prince," she teased as he started down the steps.
"Stop that," he replied, not turning around as he walked on. Rosalyn laughed and followed.
A talk with Murdock revealed a lack of dependable labor to repair weapons and armor as well as few citizens who needed to be persuaded to help with the defense of the village. Alistair took Leliana and Sten with him to visit an uncooperative blacksmith while Rosalyn took Morrigan and Zevran to visit a trader named Dwyn and the local tavern to see if there were others who could help. They agreed to meet with Murdock to report their success when they had finished. With Zevran's encouraging, she walked up to the tavern first.
Several men were sitting at the bar and tables, drinking and talking when they entered the public room. Many of them recognized her Warden tunic and hailed her, thanking her for her help and offering her a drink. One of the men complained that Lloyd wouldn't let them have free ale as they had fought to defend him from the monsters. Rosalyn was incensed that he wouldn't pay the poor men at least a few ales for all the fighting and dying they were doing and promised to look into it.
The owner, Lloyd, was a nice enough man; even though the fact she was an elf seemed to irk him a little. The fact she and Zevran were armed to the teeth seemed to convince him of their sincerity and he listened patiently to their proposition; he could provide the men with ale in return for their service in keeping his tavern from being burnt to the ground and him from being killed.
"It's a fair proposition, don't you think?" she asked him slyly, "I mean, you are a businessman, aren't you?"
Lloyd looked suspiciously at the three of them, "Well…I suppose for today it would be all right. But only if they agree to help me protect my business."
"Done," she said. After a trip to the table to talk to the men, they were also agreeable to the proposition and the bargain was struck and with it, she gained a half dozen men who would otherwise not have fought at all. Rosalyn received several offers for a drink and one marriage proposal. She took a rain check on the drinks and sweetly turned down the proposal, thanking the men then left for Dwyn's house.
Zevran was curious as to where she learned her negotiation skills. "You managed to convince a room full of men to fight for the village without a bribe or a weapon. You are a most amazing woman, my darling Warden." He took her hand and raised it to his lips, lightly running his tongue over her skin as he kissed her hand. She shivered and he smiled. "Most amazing," he repeated.
Rosalyn looked up and noticed Alistair approaching them, a scowl on his face. "Zevran, I thank you for the compliment but I…well, I have to go talk to Dwyn." She pulled her hand away a little too forcefully and walked down the hill, Morrigan following, leaving Alistair and Zevran to glower at each other without her.
Rosalyn stopped at the bottom of the hill and looked up at her fellow Warden. He was exchanging words with Zevran to the amusement of Leliana and disgust of Sten. She wondered what they were saying but decided that she would leave it for now. Sten looked down at her and she nodded, motioning him to come too. He headed towards her.
"What is that all about or do I want to know," she asked the big Qunari.
"Apparently they are discussing how one should treat a female Grey Warden. I do not see the problem, myself. You are a leader; they should treat you as one, not as an object of enjoyment for them," he said.
"Object of enjoyment? What do you mean, Sten?" she asked, confused.
Sten paused, seeking the words he needed then continued, "They see you as an object to be enjoyed like the loose women and men you might find in a seedy tavern. I do not approve of their reasoning and do not understand their logic."
Rosalyn blushed with embarrassment at his words and Morrigan burst out in gales of laughter. "Uhhhh…thank you Sten, I'll speak to them about that." She walked on down the hill to the square listening to Morrigan laugh all the way.
They found Dwyn's house and were joined by Alistair and Zevran, who had run to catch up with them. Rosalyn was too embarrassed to look at them so she knocked on the door. There was no answer so she called out, "Anyone in there?" When she heard nothing she resorted to more devious means, to Alistair's surprise, and deftly picked the lock on the door.
"Where did you learn to do that?" he asked.
"I didn't always just collect money and deliver goods for the smugglers," she answered and left it at that. She opened the door slowly, her daggers at the ready.
"Fine, just when I had that door jammed well too," raised a voice from inside. Rosalyn looked in and saw three men, two humans and a dwarf, standing in the room, heavily armed.
She sheaved her daggers and opened her hands so they could see them, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you but I thought the house was empty. We were checking for anyone who might need help."
"We're fine here and your apology is accepted. I'm Dwyn," was the reply.
"I'm Rosalyn. Why aren't you out helping defend the village?"
"They never did anything for me," Dwyn declared.
"Can I change your mind?" she asked him, a seductive look in her eyes.
The dwarf stepped forward and looked her up and down approvingly, "Maybe, but I don't think a night with you will be enough for this, even though it sounds fine."
Rosalyn smiled and retorted, "You sure? I could…pay you…" She ran her hand through Dwyn's hair and down his cheek, eliciting a smile from the dwarf.
"Pay would be nice, but I'll have to pass on the rest. You understand."
"Too bad. It might have been fun. How about fifty silver?" she purred at him.
"Sounds fair. We'll see you on the square, my dear," Dwyn said, smiling up at her. She opened her purse and presented him with his money.
Rosalyn shook his hand to seal the deal, "I look forward to it." She turned and left the house, companions in tow.
As she walked back to talk to Murdock, Alistair ran up and grabbed her arm. "You weren't really going to sleep with him. Were you?" His normally smiling face was registering a look that hovered between distaste and horror.
Looking up at him she made sure he understood her clearly and that the others did to, "No, I didn't have to. There are two things dwarves love in this world, Alistair, money and the joy of a good bargain. Dwyn just got both and I'm only out fifty silver. He would have charged us two sovereigns otherwise."
"So you were bluffing?" he asked.
She shook her head, "I was bargaining. Everyone has a price, Alistair, even you. I gave him what he wanted. The fact that I have to offer more is a technicality." She turned and walked on to the square, turning back unexpectedly, "Not bad for a loose woman, hmmm?" With that she continued on, leaving him behind.
After talking with Murdock, the group went up the hill to see Ser Perth, who turned out to be a handsome knight with a dazzling smile and manner. He was happy to assist her with the defense plans, offering to show her personally where he had stationed his men. Rosalyn walked with him, Alistair following, offering suggestions, admiring his work and strengths. Alistair interjected a question or two himself as they talked, keeping a hand on the conversation. When the knight asked for 'holy protection' for his men, she put Leliana on the task. Ser Perth thanked her graciously, taking her hand and bowing over it. Rosalyn gave him a warm smile and took her leave, heading down the hill to the village square to see Murdock once more.
As she walked along, she was conscious of Alistair following her, but hanging back slightly and giving her space. She hadn't been very kind to him earlier but neither had he to her; not after all they had exchanged. She was hurt that he might think of her as just a loose tavern girl. She had never been one, even though she had had the chance more times than she could count. Dallan had never thought of her that way, even though he was less than truthful about himself.
She had taken up with Dallan when he had recruited her for the smugglers, and he had been her first lover. He was exciting and knowledgeable about how to please a woman and she had reaped the benefits, spending hours in his bed. When she had found out he had others besides her; others who could take care of needs she couldn't fulfill, she still continued to see him even though she knew it would end in heartbreak. Rosalyn had been foolish then and wouldn't be again. When Dallan had married a woman from Amaranthine the year before, it had broken Rosalyn's heart. Marriage to Nelaros would have been a clean start for her and she would make sure she had that start, Alistair be damned.
Murdock was more than pleased they had solved the problems he had given them. He offered them shelter for the afternoon if they were interested. Morrigan left with Sten and Zevran to scout the castle, while two women from the village offered Leliana and Rosalyn a place to rest and a meal. Alistair looked a bit lost as she took off with Leliana but was soon called to the chantry to spend time with Teagan. He walked away slowly, waiting to see if he could get some time alone with Rosalyn, but she quickly disappeared, leaving him standing. He retreated to the chantry, shaking his head and mumbling something about women to the amusement of several of the militia.
Three hours later, Rosalyn found herself walking to the chantry to meet her companions when she came upon a curious sight. On the steps of the chantry sat Alistair, surrounded by a dozen children. He was regaling them with the tale of Garahel, the Dalish elf who had defeated the Archdemon four hundred years before. They were completely enthralled.
She stood in the shadows watching and listening to him, wondering what made a man like him. He had had a childhood that in many ways was worse than her own had been, yet he was kind and generous to all. In Lothering he had opened his purse and taken out a few silvers and put it in his pocket, giving the rest to the Revered Mother for the care of the refugees. She found out later it was all he had. Even in the midst of suffering and fear, he found time to tell a story to some children. He was a most unusual man by any standard.
Alistair finished his story and bid the children goodbye, telling them to get to the chantry before darkness came. They scattered quickly and he looked up and out over the square, "You can come out; I know you're there, Rosalyn."
She walked out from the shadows, coming to stand in front of him, "I was hoping you were too busy to notice."
He turned to look at her, scooting over on the bench to make room for to sit beside him. "You're angry with me."
"A little," she said, sitting down.
"I could have been more diplomatic back a Dwyn's. I misjudged you. It's something I seem to do a lot lately," he turned to her adding, "I am very sorry."
Rosalyn looked at him closely; she saw the lines of care around his eyes that weren't there before. He'd lost a lot in the last weeks, more than she knew plainly. She spoke softly, "You were concerned for me. You have been since I've known you. I …well…it's just that no one ever looked out for me before. I really don't know what to think about it all."
"What about your father? Didn't he?"
"Of course, but in the alienage it's different. Everyone looks after everyone else. We have to. I was always keeping Soris or Shianni out of trouble and making sure my father had nothing to worry about."
Alistair looked back out over the square, "I really don't mind, you know…looking after you. It's kind of nice sometimes."
She looked over at him, "It is nice," she admitted, smiling at him. "I should probably tell you that there are other things you will not like about me. You should know now, I'm no saint, Alistair."
He turned back to her, "Neither am I Rosalyn. I never have been." He watched her as she looked out over the square at the militia as they prepared for the night's battle. Suddenly he stood up and held out his hand, "Come and walk with me."
Rosalyn looked at the hand he offered, contemplating the implications, finally she took off her gloves and stuffed them into her belt, "Okay," she said and took his hand.
Together they walked down the chantry steps and turned to walk towards the lake. As they walked, Rosalyn realized Alistair had not let go of her hand. She smiled a little and kept going, enjoying the beautiful day and the feel of his hand in hers.
They walked to the dock where normally the fishing boats would be moored, but there were none to be seen as they had been taken as a means of escape or had been broken up to use as firewood or barricades. Alistair stopped at the edge of the dock and looked up at the castle, so quiet and menacing. Rosalyn watched him as he looked, feeling his worry and fear for the people there. She squeezed his hand and he turned to look at her, his face suddenly changing, becoming softer but still intense. His free hand came up and brushed a stray lock of hair back from her face, tracing a line down her cheek until he held her cheek in his hand. Alistair's eyes never left hers, looking deep into them, searching for something. She sighed and leaned into his hand, and heard his intake of breath.
Slowly he leaned in, his lips brushing hers, uncertain and testing, waiting for her response. Rosalyn's lips began to press back, softly, letting him know she wanted him to continue. He brought her hand up to his heart, gripping it tightly in his as he slowly deepened the kiss, becoming bolder and more intense. Time stood still for them.
They heard the sound of a man clearing his throat nearby, and they reluctantly parted, resting their foreheads against each other for a moment before turning to look at the intruder.
"Forgive me; I had not wanted to interrupt…" said Zevran. "The Bann desires to see you both as soon as you are able." He leered at the both of them, especially at Rosalyn, who felt him undressing her with his eyes. She blushed at the attention, causing Alistair to move his body just enough so that he was between them.
"Thank you, Zevran. We'll see him at once," he answered curtly, his body language challenging the elf to say more.
Zevran knew an exit when he saw one, "As you wish," he replied, turning and heading back to the chantry, laughing to himself.
Alistair's eyes showed his anger at the elf's arrogance and his attentions towards Rosalyn. He turned around to see she was smiling up at him, a pleased and happy look on her face. She raised her hand up to his cheek and lightly ran her fingers down, caressing his skin. He closed his eyes and felt the anger release. She smiled and he took her in his arms, holding her until all the anger was gone. "We should go, I suppose," he said into her hair. She nodded and their lips met in a promise of the future. Turning, Alistair took her hand as they walked to the chantry together.
All preparations for battle had been taken care of so the companions headed to the village square to make their stand. Bowmen were stationed at high points on top of buildings and roofs while warriors were assembled in the square and at the top of the hill to defend on foot. Rosalyn and Alistair informed Teagan that they were as ready as they could be.
Just after dark, an eerie silence came over the town. Sten looked down at Leliana and Zevran, his eyes full of worry. Leliana moved closer to the big Qunari in an attempt to seek protection from the unknown, praying quietly to herself. No one knew what was coming but everyone felt its presence. Morrigan shuddered and began mumbling a curse, while Zevran pulled his daggers, nervously checking their sharpness. Alistair moved closer to Rosalyn and put his hand around her shoulders and squeezed, causing her to jump. She looked up and smiled slightly but could see the anxiety in his eyes. Being a Warden wasn't helping them tonight.
Suddenly a cry went up from the top of the chantry, "They're coming!"
Everyone sprang into action with Alistair, Rosalyn, Sten and Zevran heading to the cliff to assist the defense of the cross roads and Morrigan and Leliana staying in the square to coordinate the defense of the chantry and assist Teagan and Murdock.
At the top of the hill, Ser Perth's men had dug a trench about six inches deep and filled it with oil they had found in the village store. Once the creatures turned towards the windmill, Rosalyn fired a flaming arrow to light the oil and create a wall of fire to divert the walking dead through a narrow passage, enabling the archers to pick them off. Those who made it through the gauntlet were dealt with by the warriors. It stopped many from entering the village.
As the fight began to die at the top of the cliff, a messenger arrived from Leliana begging for help for the square. The dead creatures had discovered an alternate way into the village and were streaming in, overwhelming the small force gathered there. Rosalyn told Ser Perth to keep his men attacking the creatures in the gauntlet then headed with Alistair and the others to the square.
The square was full of the creatures as they tried to get to the chantry and its inhabitants. Leliana and Morrigan stood on the steps, firing all they had at them but they kept coming. It was a losing battle for the force.
Alistair looked down at Rosalyn, "Get to the steps and fire all you have. Let's see how you can kill the rats!" She looked up and nodded, seeing him smile. He took her arm, leaned in to her and said, "You'd better not get hurt. Now get going recruit!"
"I won't…boss," she replied, smiling up at him before turning and running off to her place, Alistair watched her as she ran.
He shook off the image of her and headed with Sten and Zevran to bolster the ground troops, who were finding it rough going. He split the forces in half, each group defending an opening in the barricade. Rosalyn, Leliana and Morrigan stayed on the chantry steps and reigned arrows and magic.
With the companions' help, the tide turned in their favor and the creatures were soon beaten back to the lake. From there it was short work for Morrigan and the bowmen to pick them off one by one. There were still a few hours until dawn so they continued to patrol and worked their way to the castle gates before turning back to the village. With the gates locked from the inside they would not be able to reach anyone who might still be alive inside.
At dawn the happy defenders gathered at the chantry steps where the companions were honored for their hard work and the dead were mourned. Rosalyn was presented a gift of a helmet that had belonged to Teagan's great uncle, a famous warrior. She was most honored by the gesture.
Teagan thanked them again and asked that the companions meet him at the windmill at the top of the hill. Alistair looked at his uncle curiously and agreed to be there as soon as they had cleaned up and eaten. Teagan agreed and had some of the village women provide them with water to wash and some food.
As Teagan departed and the crowd dispersed, Alistair looked down at Rosalyn as she watched the people return to their work. Satisfied they could be alone; he took her hand and led her to the far side of the chantry next to the wall. Once there, he took her in his arms and kissed her with all the pent up frustration, worry and relief he had inside him. Rosalyn returned the kiss with equal measure. They parted to catch their breath, their lips still touching. "I was so afraid for you. I thought several times you were…." He stopped; thinking about what could have happened.
"It felt like we were in the Tower of Ishal again. Without the hope of any rescue," she replied, clinging to him as she shook.
Alistair brought his hand to her face, holding it as if it were a delicate piece of art, "I don't think I could stand to lose you too. Not after all the others." His mouth met hers again as if to burn the thought into her flesh. When he released her, he said half-heartedly, "We should go meet Teagan."
"Yes," she agreed unwillingly. Alistair nodded and they walked to the top of the hill to meet with Teagan.
They found the Bann at the cliff's edge watching the castle that had been his home. "It's so quiet you'd think there was no one there." He turned to Rosalyn and Alistair, "I have a plan. The castle can be entered through a secret passage known only to my family."
Rosalyn was impressed with his revelation, "Convenient."
"I should have gone in and tried to see what I could do but I could not leave the villagers to defend for themselves," he admitted.
"You did what you thought you had to do, uncle. No one will question your choice," Alistair told him. "I would have done the same."
"Thank you, Alistair. It means much coming from you. But if only I…Maker's breath!" he exclaimed, looking up the road.
A well-dressed middle aged woman accompanied by a guard was running towards them from the direction of the castle. She was slim and attractive, wearing her hair in the Orlesian style on top of her head. Alistair turned away for a moment and groaned causing Rosalyn to look at him, her curiosity piqued.
"Teagan!" she cried, "Thank the Maker you are here!" She threw herself into Teagan's arms while Alistair rolled his eyes.
"Isolde, what are you doing here?" he asked.
"I came for you, Teagan. You must come back with me. Connor has….has gone mad, I fear. I need you to help me with him. Please, Teagan, you must come with me!" She threw herself back into Teagan's arms, sobbing loudly.
"Why does Teagan have to come with you?" asked Rosalyn, her eyes narrowed at the woman's pretense.
"Who are you to talk to me in such a way?" she demanded.
Alistair stepped forward and sighed loudly, "Please my lady, we must know more."
"Alistair? What are you doing here?" she snapped.
Teagan jumped in, "They are Grey Wardens, Isolde. The village and I owe them our lives."
Isolde let the comment slide, turning to Teagan, "You must come with me, Teagan. Connor will listen to you, his favorite uncle. Please!" she pleaded.
Rosalyn looked at Alistair who shrugged his shoulders, passing the decision to her. It was clearly something he was not comfortable dealing with. "We have to make a decision," she said.
Teagan make his decision, "I will go with her and try to see what I can do there. If I can, I will open the gates for you and Ser Perth's men to enter and retake the castle."
"And what of us?" Rosalyn asked.
Teagan pulled off his ring and handed it to her. "Here is my signet ring. It will open the trap door in the mill that leads to the passage and the door at the end. The passage comes up through the dungeon and will take you to the chapel." He turned to look at the castle then at Isolde, who had gone to wait by the bridge. "Eamon is the priority here. You must see to his safety."
"We will save you all," she told him.
"You are a good woman," he said, taking her hand and kissing it. "Maker watch over you." With that he joined Isolde and they left for the castle leaving them behind.
Redcliffe Castle
Alistair suggested they take Zevran and Leliana with them as there was a need for stealth. They entered the passage quietly, making their way through the tunnel under the lake. The way was difficult, muddy and damp and all four were soaked to the skin by the time they reached the heavily fortified door that led to the dungeon. Rosalyn inserted Teagan's ring into the slot and Alistair turned the handle, calling upon Zevran to help push it open. They entered the dark depths of the dungeon, weapons at the ready.
At the end of the long row of cells, they came upon a group of walking dead terrorizing a young mage locked in the cell. The group took care of the creatures quickly, and Rosalyn asked the mage why he was locked up.
"Lady Isolde had me imprisoned because…well, I poisoned the Arl," he replied.
Alistair was indignant, "You poisoned him! Why?"
Jowan was nervous at Alistair's outburst, "I was instructed to by Teyrn Loghain. He discovered I was a blood mage and sent me here to tutor the Arl's son. I could buy my freedom with this one deed."
Rosalyn looked at Alistair, both of them thinking the same thing, "Why did the Arlessa need you to tutor her son?"
Jowan ran his hands through his hair and paced back and forth, "Connor is a mage, and needed to be taught how to handle himself and his power. I never intended for any of this to happen! I only poisoned the Arl, not summoned all this! I want to do something to help."
Rosalyn looked at Alistair, gauging his feelings. He was showing anger but apprehension and some pity. She raised her eyebrows and he nodded. "Do you truly wish to redeem yourself or is this a ploy to get out?"
Jowan opened his hands, "I truly wish to help. I swear. You may kill me if I break the oath."
Rosalyn looked at Alistair, who reached forward and reluctantly unlocked the cell, allowing the mage his freedom. "You can follow us," he said. Jowan nodded but insisted he would stay back from them and allow them to lead the way.
Alistair was familiar with the way now that they were in the castle. He led them to a set of stairs at the end of the next section of cells. They climbed slowly with Zevran in the lead, opening the door and looking into the hall. "No one here," he reported and they entered the hallway.
"We need to head down that hall and through the kitchens to the great hall," Alistair whispered, pointing to a door in the middle of the hallway.
The group hadn't gotten ten feet down the hallway before they were attacked by a group of corpses, raging at them from the chapel. They dispatched the group quickly only to have Jowan open the chapel door and disappear. The sound of fire and ice spells was heard shortly after as he made his way through the big room. Alistair shook his head at the mage and led them down hallway leaving Jowan to fend for himself.
Entering the kitchen was equally as hazardous as they faced more corpses and some hungry Mabari hounds; finishing them off as quickly as they could. Exiting the room, they found themselves in another hallway, and Alistair led them through another door to the cellar where they located the outer door to the bailey. Looking down at Rosalyn, he gave her a task, "When we get to the bailey, Zevran, Leliana and I will cover you while you run to the gate and pull the lever." She nodded and the group started to move up the stairs, but Alistair stopped her before she could go farther. "Run fast," he whispered, "I'm not ready to lose you yet." She looked up and smiled, boldly placing a kiss on his cheek before taking off for the gate.
She took off at a dead run, finding herself chased by corpses. She reached the lever, jumped and pulled, putting her weight into the draw. The gate rose about a foot and stopped, allowing Ser Perth to crawl under the gate and pull on the lever with her, raising it enough. The Redcliffe knights and guards streamed through, attacking the creatures at will. Rosalyn ran to Alistair's side and began to fight, taking out as many as she could with her bow.
At last the bailey was clear and they were able to catch their breath. Alistair put his arms around Rosalyn and hugged her. "I thought you'd never get that gate up," he teased.
"I thought I wouldn't either. Ser Perth had to climb under and help. I was too light!" She laughed at her helplessness and he joined in.
"I owe you then," he said.
Rosalyn looked up at him, his eyes were shining bright as he looked at her and she blushed at his regard. "I'll have to think on that," she replied.
"I hope so," he countered softly.
Ser Perth told them his men were ready and together they entered the castle. They weren't prepared for what was they found.
With Ser Perth's help, the party entered the main hall. The Arlessa was waiting for them, with her son, Connor, standing on the dais at the back of the hall. Alistair and Rosalyn, along with Ser Perth led the way to greet them.
"So these are the ones who defeated my soldiers? What is that staring at me? I can't quite see it." The voice was not that of a boy but of something unworldly and evil. Rosalyn suddenly chilled as she watched it.
Isolde was aware of their apprehension and spoke out to her son, "This is an elf, Connor. We have them here at the castle."
"Oh yes! I had their ears cut off and fed to the hounds. Shall I send it to the kennels, Mother?"
Rosalyn's eyes grew wider and she instinctively took a step back towards Alistair. He reached out his hand and took hers, squeezing it.
Bann Teagan laughed out loud at her reaction causing Connor to look crossly at him, "Quiet Uncle!" He turned toward Rosalyn, who had regained her composure and stepped forward. "What have you come here for?"
She raised her chin, looking him in the eye, "I came here to stop you."
The boy laughed a maniacal laugh that chilled her to the bone. "I'm not finished playing! I crave excitement! You spoiled my sport and now you will repay me!" he yelled.
Rosalyn addressed the Arlessa directly, "So HE is the evil you spoke of."
Isolde began to cry, "Connor didn't mean to do all this. It's the mage's fault…he started it all."
Connor's eye grew narrow as he regarded Rosalyn, "It was a fair deal!" As he ran from the room, a glow began to emanate from Bann Teagan and the guards that surrounded them. They raised their swords and attacked the group, forcing them to fight back. After a heated battle, the guards were dead or wounded and Teagan was knocked unconscious.
Alistair revived his uncle, who was unharmed except for a bump on his head.
"Teagan! I would never have forgiven myself if you had died. I am a fool!" cried the Arlessa.
Rosalyn had had enough of the poor mother routine for now, "You knew about this all along."
"I didn't tell you because I hoped you would help us. He isn't always like this; the real Connor breaks through. Please protect him!" she pleaded.
"What are the options?" asked Rosalyn.
Alistair shook his head sadly, "There is only one sure way to deal with a possession such as this, and I do not want to suggest it."
Leliana was incensed, "We can't be considering this! He's just a boy!"
"The demon in Connor needs to be destroyed. Killing him is the easy way but a mage could confront the demon in the Fade and not hurt Connor himself." Jowan had shown himself.
The Arlessa was incensed at the mage's appearance but grasped at the hope he gave, "Jowan? Can you really kill the demon without hurting my boy?"
Jowan went on, "I cannot. But I can enable another mage to enter and do it. It normally takes several mages and lyrium…but I have blood magic. I can take the life force of someone and use it to power the ritual. Someone would have to die."
Rosalyn shook her head to the relief of many, "Blood magic is not an option. Is there no other way?"
"We can find mages and lyrium at the Circle of Magi," Alistair added. "It's only a day's journey away."
She looked at Alistair and could tell that was what he wanted. "Let's go then," she said and turned back to Teagan, "Can you keep him under control?"
"I will keep Jowan here to help. Go quickly," Teagan said.
"We will make a check to see that the castle is secure first," said Alistair and they spent the next two hours searching in groups for survivors and killing the last of the corpses.
When they were satisfied that the castle was safe, Alistair led the way to the gate and back to the village to collect the others. It was time to travel fast.
The Road to Kinloch Hold
Rosalyn decided they needed to move fast so she asked Sten to stay behind and assist Teagan in putting the castle to rights and helping recruit and train soldiers for the coming war. Morrigan had no desire to visit the Tower so she remained to help Jowan with Connor and to assist with Eamon's care when she could. Leliana and Zevran would accompany them to Kinloch Hold to beg help from the mages.
Alistair was strangely quiet on the road. They had chosen not to borrow horses as Rosalyn didn't ride and had an admitted fear of them. "I try to stay away from creatures that might just be smarter than I am," she told him, laughing. He smiled at her admission but not much else.
The road was not well traveled and they made good time. Four miles up the lake they found a dock and were able to pay a local merchant to take them to the tower, shortening their trip by a few hours. It also gave the four of them a chance to rest from their long ordeal at Redcliffe.
Zevran and Leliana curled up on their bedrolls and slept while Rosalyn sat in the shade of the mast eating. Alistair sat on a crate in the front of the boat, sharpening his sword, looking out over the water. She watched him, closing her eyes and reaching out with her senses towards him. There was worry, anxiety and disappointment there, along with grief; a combination she had not expected to find considering how well he had handled himself in the last days.
She kept probing him until finally he raised his head and without turning, sighed and said, "Stop that."
Rosalyn went to him, sitting down on the deck next to him. "Good thing I'm not a Darkspawn. You took way too long to notice." She looked up at him and saw he wasn't smiling. Sobering her mood, she spoke again, quietly, "You knew many of them, didn't you."
"Yes," he answered. "Too many of them."
She hesitated in her reply, realizing that he was facing a great loss for the first time. His parents were gone before he was old enough to know them and he had never been close enough to anyone else but Duncan to feel that loss before. Rosalyn had always had family around her, when she lost one there was pain but Alistair had never had family like that. The pain for him was real and cut deeper than he knew how to deal with.
"You've never lost anyone like this before, have you?" she asked.
"No. My parents, I guess. But I had only met my father once or twice and never knew who he was when I did. I don't even remember my mother; I was so young when she died. What do you do to get through it?" he asked.
"I remember the good times I had with them and that someday I will see them again, when I go to be with Shartan and the old ones at the Maker's side. Eventually the hurt dulls and I can go on."
He turned to look at her, "Do you really believe that?"
"Yes. Faith sustains us, Alistair. You don't have to be religious to understand that. Believe and it will be so. They are waiting for us," she replied. "Duncan too," she added. She reached out and took his hand in hers and squeezed.
He looked into her eyes then and smiled his smile, "What did I do to deserve you?" he asked, totally amazed.
"Easy. You drank Darkspawn blood and went to war. Simple as that," she answered.
Alistair nodded, knowingly. He reached down, grabbed her shoulders and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. When he drew back, his hand came up and brushed the hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear. "I'd do it all over again," he whispered, kissing her.
The Circle of Magi
Just when they thought they might have a hand on everything, it all went horribly wrong.
Rosalyn downed another healing potion as she caught her breath. They had battled at least a dozen enthralled or possessed mages and Templars in that last battle and were nearly exhausted. She looked over at Alistair who had loosened the straps of his breastplate in order to staunch a wound. He looked up and saw the worried look she was giving him and smiled, shaking his head. Rosalyn smiled weakly back, but trusted his judgment. They had picked up a mage healer to join them not long after entering the tower. Wynne was a striking middle aged woman with a formidable countenance who could hold her own as healer or fighter and they all had to admit she was more than just a good asset to the group.
"You need to rest that for a while or it may open up again," Wynne said, tying the last binding on Alistair's bandage. "Does anyone else need healing?" she asked. When there were no takers, she found a spot in the corner of the storage room and tried to rest herself.
Rosalyn went to the door and looked out, watching for Zevran to return. She had sent him out to scout the area for any other threats while they secured the room for a much needed break. Leliana had returned to the main hall to report their progress to the Templars. There was still no sign of him so she shut the door tightly.
She looked to Alistair, sitting with his back against the wall and his eyes closed. He worried her. Ever since they had entered the tower he had fought like it was his last battle, taking point each time they set out and jumping into the middle of every skirmish they fought. It was almost as if he had a death wish. Rosalyn sat down next to him and drew him down so his head rested in her lap. She stroked his hair and he let out a sigh and began to relax. "Why are you doing this?" she asked quietly.
Alistair sighed again and opened his eyes to look up at her. "I want to get this done quickly so we can get back."
"So you think killing yourself will make it happen faster?"
"It wasn't my intention."
"Then stop. We have to work together to finish this, you know that. Killing yourself makes nothing better, only worse. I…I need you to stay with me," she declared, her eyes tearing.
He turned his head and looked up at her, pulled his gauntlet off and ran his hand along her cheek. "I'm sorry. I didn't think. I want so much to be able to end this, to make everything better for my home and what's left. You can understand that, can't you?"
"It won't bring anyone back, Alistair. I know; I've tried. That's how I got here, remember? It's together or not at all, okay?
"Together then. Now I'll take Wynne's advice and rest. Stay with me?" he asked.
Rosalyn nodded and ran her fingers through his hair again. He relaxed against her and took her hand in his, closing his eyes and smiling. She smiled at his comfort but her heart was disquiet. She knew it would not be the last time they had this talk.
"There you are. I was beginning to think you'd be asleep forever." Alistair's voice was like silk running over her skin, soft and sensual and Rosalyn wanted nothing more than for him to take her in his arms and make her his own, over and over until they were spent. His dark blond hair glowed in the light and his blue eyes shone with an ethereal light that drew her in. She went to him when he called her, wrapping her arms around him as he planted soft kisses on her face and throat. "Come with me, Rosalyn. Let me give you what you need," he whispered. His hands roamed over her and she moaned with desire and ecstasy at his touch. He was everything she wanted. "Say yes, love, and you can stay with me forever."
The vision changed to a garden full of flowers, fragrant and bright. Alistair took her down to the grass, his hands lightly running over her body and she realized they were naked. She gasped as he entered her and rose up to meet him as he stroked her over and over. The sensations were beyond anything she had ever experienced and she wanted more and more. Her want and need grew as she heard him say, "Say yes, my love. Say you want this…"
Rosalyn awoke with a jump, a cramp in her neck and confusion in her mind. Alistair still slept; his head on her lap. She remembered the dream and scooted away from him as quickly as she could. He let out a groan of discomfort but settled back down, his head resting on the floor where she had been. It had been a dream but like no dream she had ever experienced; it was too real and too vivid. The Templars were right, evil stalked this place and it was stalking her. Were the others affected as well?
She stretched, wondering how long she had been asleep. Wynne still sat in the corner, dozing, her staff lying across her lap in preparation for any trouble that might show itself. Rosalyn looked up to see Zevran standing at the door, keeping watch outside. He turned when he heard her and smiled. "Better?" he asked.
"Not really," she answered, standing to stretch then walking over to where he was. "See anything?"
Zevran shook his head, "We seem to have found a secure place for now. We should get moving again soon, though. It will not remain so for long and I am…uncomfortable here. Evil stalks these halls like nothing I have ever imagined. It is a place even the Maker has abandoned."
Rosalyn remembered her dream and nodded, "We should wake the others, then." She turned to walk back when she felt a hand on her arm.
Zevran's eyes were dark as he gazed at her, a look she was too familiar with, desirable and dangerous. He pulled her to him and brought his lips to hers, as if he were seeking an answer to a question. She opened her lips and took him in, tasting and probing him with her own lips and tongue. He sighed then and slowly pulled back, looking down on her, "I…I'm…" he started.
"I know," she finished. "It's this place. We can't let it get to us, Zevran. Evil is here and they want this from us. We must resist, regardless of what we might really feel."
Zevran nodded and turned back to the door. Without looking back, he spoke, "I want you Rosalyn. That will not change when we leave here."
She stopped and turned to look at him again. He was elven, like her. He understood what it was to be elven, what it meant. The connection was there long before they were even born and it drew her to him. "I know," she replied. "But we have a job to do." He nodded as she turned to wake the others, not noticing Alistair's blue eyes, shining, watching them.
"Why do you fight? You deserve more…You deserve a rest. The world will go on without you…." The sloth demon's words sounded so wonderful to Rosalyn, warm and happy, a chance to be content at last. She closed her eyes and took what he offered, peace washing over her tired body.
"Ahhh. There you are, my dear. Am I disturbing you?" Duncan slipped into the bed, warm and welcoming, taking her into his arms and claiming her mouth. "You've been at Weisshaupt for a while now. I've missed you so. Is it what you expected?" he asked her.
"I...I was asleep. Did you need something?" she asked, confused.
"You," he replied as he entered her.
Rosalyn rose to meet him, crying out with the pleasure it gave her to have him again. He was everything she remembered and more, but something was different. He knew her too well and they had not been together long enough for that. "Duncan? Why are we here? Shouldn't we be fighting Darkspawn?"
Duncan raised his head and looked into her eyes, the amber of his own glowed with a light that pierced her soul. "The Darkspawn are gone, love. You were there at the final battle." He bent his head and suckled her breast as she arched into his mouth, crying out.
Rosalyn gasped as he released his hold, a sense of abandonment building in her, "But…but what of Alistair? Was he there? Why isn't he here?" she asked him, closing her eyes.
"I am here, love." Alistair's voice was soothing. She opened her eyes to see Alistair in Duncan's place. He lowered his head and kissed her, the promise of great passion oozing from him. "We are both here for you."
Rosalyn blinked twice, seeing first Alistair then Duncan again. Where was she? She tried to remember; the Tower, the battles, the sloth demon. "You're hiding something," she told him. "This is the Fade."
"Foolish child. I give you everything and you throw it away." The voice was Alistair's and Duncan's and neither. "Violence is all you want. Then take it."
The battle was swift and over quickly; the demon fell at her hand. She stood over his body as it shimmered and disappeared. When she raised her head she found herself in a long corridor with four doors. The far door blazed with magic and she found she could not come near it. The first door was open and she entered it.
The door sent her to a dark room. Zevran was lying on a rack, his arms outstretched while two men prodded him with sharp objects. Zevran made no sound even though he was obviously in pain.
"Zevran! Are you all right?" Rosalyn asked, drawing her swords.
"What are you doing here? You aren't supposed to…" He groaned as one of the men stuck him with a red hot knife. "It's part of the Crows initiation. I can…do this," he panted.
Rosalyn took a step forward, brandishing her weapons, "You are an Antivan Crow! Remember? This is a dream!"
Zevran paused, considering her words. "That can't be right, yet I know you are speaking the truth. What is this? A memory?"
The torturers took the opening and struck. Rosalyn parried their thrusts easily, darting in and out. When they lay dead, they shimmered like the demon and disappeared and Zevran was standing before her in the corridor. "Well, that was bracing! Nothing like a good racking, is there?" He began to shimmer and fade before her eyes, "What?" he asked and then he was gone.
The second door sent her to the top of a high hill. Wynne stood there, surrounded by the bodies of young mages. Her eyes were full of tears as she looked down at them. "I failed them," she kept saying, "I failed them all."
"Don't believe it, Wynne. It's a dream, you're in the Fade," Rosalyn pleaded.
Wynne shook her head, "Leave me. I shall scatter their ashes and give them rest."
Rosalyn grabbed the older woman's shoulders, "Remember why you are here! You're a mage and you're in the Fade. Come with me!"
"Stay with us, Wynne. Let us give you rest. You have earned your place with us," spoke the voices of the dead.
Wynne's eyes grew wide as she realized her mistake. "Maker! Stay away creatures!" She raised her staff as Rosalyn struck out with her swords, striking down the corpses as they closed in on them.
"Is it over?" asked Wynne, "Thank…." She shimmered and disappeared before she could finish and Rosalyn was back in the corridor, standing in front of the third door.
Rosalyn opened the door and found herself in a small valley. Children were playing in the grass, laughing happily. She found Alistair under a tree, talking to a young blond haired girl. He picked the girl up and twirled her, making her laugh as his own laugh echoed back. Rosalyn smiled as she saw him. So happy and fulfilled, the worries of the war, the Wardens, even her, were gone. He turned as if he knew she was there. "Hey! You're here! Come with me, I've someone you need to meet." He took her hand and led her over to another tree where a woman was laying out sandwiches on a table as if for a meal. "This is my sister, Goldanna, and these," he gestured at the dozens of children playing around them, "are her children."
"Your sister?" asked Rosalyn, "But I thought…."
He continued as if she hadn't spoken, "We're one big happy family again."
"Alistair?" asked the woman, "Is your friend staying?"
Alistair took Rosalyn's hand, "Say you'll stay. Goldanna's an excellent cook."
"You need to come with me, Alistair. This is a dream," she told him.
"I don't think so. I'm happy here and you would be too. Say you'll stay."
Rosalyn took his face in her hands. "Alistair, concentrate on me, on what I say. You're in the Fade. This is a dream. You have to come with me!" she begged. "Please!"
His eyes were glazed as he looked at her, but a spark lit in them at her words. "There was…a tower…the Circle…demons. I…can't…remember."
"You must come with me!"
"NO! He is ours!" screamed Goldanna. Rosalyn drew her swords and found Alistair beside her, sword and shield in his hands. The demon drew on her child minions to attack but Rosalyn concentrated her attack on Goldanna, finally felling her with a blow to the neck and the minions were gone.
"Goldanna?" he said as he stared at the demon's body in its true form. "I didn't…how could I?"
Rosalyn put her hand on his arm, pulling him away. "It's the Fade, nothing is what it appears." He turned to look at her and nodded, then disappeared, leaving her standing in front of the fourth door, alone.
The fourth door opened to reveal a twisted garden of unearthly plants and trees, intertwining amongst each other. Rosalyn worked her way to the center, reaching out with her senses and feeling her way. An opening appeared ahead and she found him, Sloth, standing in the center.
"Ahhh, another rebellious soul. Playtime is over and it's time to go back now," said the creature, its voice dripping with promise and desire.
Rosalyn shook her head, "I'm done with you. I want to be free."
"But you can be free here, happy and safe with the love of those you desire. Isn't that what you want? It is what they want." Alistair, Wynne and Zevran appeared next to her, their weapons drawn.
"No!" she replied.
"So be it," said Sloth as he rose up and became an ogre. The four of them fought the creature through four different changes, each on more powerful and draining than the last. When at last he was defeated, a young mage stood in the demon's place.
"Niall?" asked Wynne.
"It is I, Wynne. You did it," the mage said. "I knew you could. When you go, take the Litany of Adralla from my body, it will help you in your fight. Farewell." He disappeared, leaving them in the fourth floor atrium, alone.
Though not physically tired from their ordeal with the sloth demon, the party decided to take some time to rest and recover their wits before continuing on. Zevran scrounged up some cheese and bread and Wynne produced a few bottles of homemade wine she had found along the way. "The apprentices won't thank me for stealing their stash," she laughed.
Zevran left for a brief scout ahead and Wynne searched the room for anything that might assist them in their work. Alistair sat with his back to the wall, silently sharpening his sword. Rosalyn had learned it was one of his ways to deal with uncomfortable feelings. The sound of the whetstone against the metal sang as he moved it up and down the edge. She bent down and grabbed the hilt of his sword and took it from him, handing him her own. "There will nothing left if you keep that up, she told him." He took her blade, checked the edge and began to run the stone over it. She watched him for a bit, and satisfied he was okay, sat down next to him and pulled out her own whetstone to sharpen her daggers. "You didn't eat," she said.
"I'm not hungry," he replied.
"And you're no good to anyone if you're too weak to fight, Alistair. Please?"
He reluctantly put down her blade and picked up a wedge of cheese. Smelling it, his eyebrows lifted as he recognized the type and bit into it heartily. "My favorite," he commented, his mouth full.
Rosalyn smiled at his enthusiasm. "I thought you'd like that. There's more if you want it." He nodded and helped himself. "Would you like to talk about it?" she asked.
Alistair stopped chewing and looked up at the windows that lined the atrium. The sun was coming up and they had begun to glow with the early morning light. "I….I was happy. I've never felt that way before; total contentment." He shuddered as he remembered, "I never wanted to leave. I was eager to give up the fight, the throne, even you and the Wardens for it. Why?"
Rosalyn thought about what he said. She understood it too well. She was ready to stay with in Weisshaupt and be happy with the shades of Duncan and Alistair forever. "Our strongest dreams are what we can't have. You want a family, I want to be free and belong. They are good dreams, Alistair, but they are unlikely given the lives we have chosen and who we are. We knew that and used it against the demon. You made your stand and I am proud of you."
"I would still be there if you hadn't come for me," he said, looking down at the floor.
She turned her head to him, "I will always come for you when you need me."
Turning his head to her, he looked into her eyes and saw the truth. He dropped the sword and stone and gathered her up into his arms, burying his face in her hair, gaining strength until it was time to move on.
The young Templar was held in a cage of energy that both imprisoned and sustained him at the same time. As powerful as she was, Wynne could not break the spell, only weaken it. Once weakened, the man was able to speak to them. His name was Cullen and he had been there since the beginning, enduring endless hours of mind torture and attempts to control him. It had been by shear will that he had resisted so long; all the others had long since succumbed.
"Where are the mages that stood against Uldred?" Wynne asked him.
Cullen was confused, "They are in the Harrowing Chamber, but there is nothing you can do to help them. You must kill Uldred."
"We will," Rosalyn told him.
"You must kill them all!" Cullen was emphatic. "None can survive!"
Rosalyn shook her head, "I want to save as many as I can. They can't all have turned."
"Thank you, I knew you would see the way," a relieved Wynne responded.
Cullen shook his head, "No one ever listens! To insure the security of the Tower, you must kill everyone up there!"
"I will not cause the death of innocents," Rosalyn said.
"Then you are a fool. Maker watch over you," said Cullen as they climbed the stairs.
If the tower below had been an indication of what they were to find in the Harrowing Chamber, they were unprepared for what they found. A group of mages lay on the stone floor in the middle of the room, surrounded by abominations. A single man stood in the middle, his mage robes flowing with the power emanating from him. He turned as he sensed their presence. "I bid you welcome. Care to join in our…revels?"
Rosalyn was tired, dirty and wanted nothing more than to find a meal and a hot bath. She had had enough. "I take it you are Uldred."
"My pleasure. I'm quite impressed that you are alive but of course that means that my servants are not. Pity."
"You will soon follow them," was her cool reply.
A smile unlike anything she had ever seen spread across Uldred's face. Both Alistair and Zevran sensed the malice it contained and moved closer to Wynne and Rosalyn. "I offer you a gift unlike anything you can imagine. You've seen but the tip of what you can have. It is glorious!"
"There is nothing glorious about what you've become, Uldred," taunted Wynne.
He turned his gaze on the woman he'd known and lived with so long. "I could give you this gift. Join me, Wynne"
"No!" was Alistair's' firm retort. "Enough!" He stepped forward and threw all his power into his Templar talents, casting Holy Smite, draining mana from Uldred and causing him to stagger. Zevran took the advantage and struck from behind, his poisoned daggers flying while Wynne threw ice and fire at the abominations, keeping them at bay. "Use the Litany!" Wynne screamed.
Rosalyn began to chant the litany's words, memorized as she had sat in the atrium. Finding a rhythm and keeping the words going, over and over as the others continued to strike the creatures. When at last, only Uldred remained, Rosalyn pulled her throwing knife and hurled it, catching him dead center in the eye. He dropped to the ground, spasming his last as the words of the Litany died on her lips.
The next thing Rosalyn remembered was Alistair's voice, coaxing her back as a cool compress was placed on her forehead. "Rosalyn? Come back to me. Come on recruit, shape up!"
"Stop that," she replied shakily. She sat up slowly with Alistair's support.
"Easy does it," he said, grinning at her. "It's over."
"What happened?"
"The Litany," answered an unfamiliar voice. "It takes a lot out of you. You did a marvelous job, though; as good as any mage." The voice belonged to an older, grey haired man with a kind look about him, First Enchanter Irving. "Uldred is dead."
"What happens now?" she asked.
"We will rebuild. The Circle owes you a debt that we can never repay."
"Can you come to Redcliffe to save a possessed child?" Rosalyn asked him.
Irving nodded, "Of course, my dear. We will leave at once. Come; let's go tell Greagoir his job has been done for him."