A/N - Well here's the next chap. Our remaining four in Highever

Enjoy!

Kaldur was in a dungeon and strapped to the wall and dying of thirst. This was the third day that he, Conner, Artemis, and Zatanna had been trapped. When they awoke the foursome tried fighting their way out but to their horror their powers were limited here. Sure Conner still had his super strength but he wasn't invulnerable and made the mistake of getting slashed with a sword. Zatanna could still cast spells but she too was captured. Artemis broke three soldiers' arms before she was taken down. And Kaldur was still strong but couldn't use his electrical spells and his gills had vanished. They were waiting on the man called Fergus Cousland to come and interrogate them again. He interrogated them together, and separately and got the same answers. They had no idea how they had gotten inside the Teynir of Highever.

"We have to get out of here some how," said Artemis for about the fifth time.

"Even if we were to get out of here," said Zatanna. "We would still be trapped in this world. Klarion's spell sent us into that stupid game Dick and Wally turned on. Unless we defeat the game, we'll be trapped in here forever."

Conner replied," well maybe we need to take this castle."

"Unless you want another scar across your chest, I suggest you cool it. You aren't Superboy here. You're just Connoer an abnormally strong teenage boy; But guess what you can still be killed."

Connor sighed as the door opened. A woman entered. She was wearing leather armor that showed off her many beautiful features. She had blond hair that was tied into a ponytail. Strapped to her side were two very long and sharp looking daggers. She had a very fair skin.

The woman smiled at Kaldur with perfect white teeth and said,"so you guys are the ones who took out an entire unit of soldiers? Impressive. Nice to meet you guys. And don't worry I promise that I'll have you guys out of here as fast as I can."

"Don't make promises you can't keep," growled Conner.

"I don't, I always keep my promises. My name is Ruby Cousland."

"Well Ruby," said Artemis. "Aren't you going to get us out of here? These chains aren't doing my wrists any favors."

"I am but first you all are going to answer three of my questions."

"And then we can leave," asked Zatanna.

"I don't have the power to let you leave the castle only Father can decide that. What I can do: is get you out of the dungeon, into a hot bath, some nice new clothes, and a decent hot meal."

"All that in return for three answers," said the Kryptonian. "This must be a joke. We've been answering that idiot Fergus' questions for three days and he still hasn't let us out."

Ruby took off one of her leather gloves and rubbed her forehead.

"I agree my brother can be an idiot, but he's just concerned for his people. Four adolescents injured some of our best soldiers. But that's not important now. Are you all ready?"

The four teens nodded.

"Well," said Ruby. "First question is for my personal knowledge. What are your names and how old are you?"

"-Kaldur Durham I'm 21.

"-Artemis Crock 19."

"-Conner Kent I'm almost 22."

-"Zatanna Zatara just made 19."

Ruby nodded her head and said," you guys are very young to be so dangerous I'm very impressed. Question number two: How did you all come to be inside Highever?"

Artemis answered," we truly have no idea. One minute we were doing our own thing and the next thing we know, we're in a fight for our lives against your soldiers."

"And if it means anything," said Kaldur. "We're sorry that we injured them."

Ruby let out a cackle within the dungeons.

"Oh Maker," she said wiping tears out of her eyes. "Don't be at all. Everyone of these soldiers needs a lesson in humbling and the four of you gave it to them. None of these soldiers could beat me in a fight if I had one dagger behind my back, but I believe you about how you arrved here."

"You can fight," asked Conner.

Ruby reached inside her boot and pulled out a dagger and flung it just under Conner's crotch area.

"Oh fuck," he cried not moving.

"I'm not the average helpless female," said Ruby with a smirk.

"I like her," said Zatanna.

"Third Question: Did you guys come here alone?"

"No," said Kaldur at once. "We have friends here too, but I doubt they're in the castle otherwise they might've tried saving us. Two males: Wally and Dick, and a female named M'Gann."

"I'll tell the guards to keep a look out. If your friends come to Highever I'll be sure that they're brought to you."

Kaldur sighed. All of Ruby's questions had been relatively easy now it was time to see if she was going to keep her word.

"Final question: Are you ready to get out of here?"

They all smiled at her final question and in unison said," yes."

Ruby took a key from a pouch inside her armor, and released them all from their chains. As Ruby and the foursome was leaving every guard bowed to her.

"Are you a Princess," asked Kaldur.

"Ew I hate that word," said Ruby. "Makes me sound weak. No I am the second child of Lord Bryce Cousland, Lord of Highever. So I guess you would call me Lady Ruby Cousland. But please don't. We're on our way to a wonderful friendship and I don't want you guys to ruin it."

"We're friends now," asked Artemis.

"Of course we are. You all gave me no reason to believe that you were lying to me I'd like to be friends unless you say otherwise."

To Kaldur's surprise it was Conner who said," I trust you and I'd like to be friends."

Ruby smiled and led Zatanna and Artemis into her room where servants were preparing a bath. Then she took Kaldur and Conner a room where there were two large tubs with steaming water in them.

"Get cleaned up in here," she said. "Not to be rude but you guys stink something terrible."

"Not bathing for three days will do that to a person," said Kaldur. Conner removed his shirt and Ruby saw there was a large cut going from the top of his right shoulder going diagonal to the middle of his chest.

"Did the guards do that," she asked.

"Yeah," said Conner. "But don't worry I smashed the one who did this over the head with my fist afterwards."

"Father told me. It took the smiths fifteen hours to get that helmet off of Ser Gilmore's skull. It's a wonder you didn't kill him."

"Our teachers have always stressed that killing is unnecessary," said Kaldur.

"Then your teachers were wise beyond their years. Now enough talking. You two enjoy your soak in the bath. I'll see you two in about an hour."

Ruby closed the door and they heard her yell," anyone opens this door without my consent and by the Maker I'll feed them to Brutus. Do you understand? Good!"

They head Ruby leave.

"Who's Brutus," Conner asked while removing the rest of his clothing.

"No idea," replied Kaldur. "But he's obviously no one to be played with."

The Atlantean and the Kryptonian both got into the hot water. Kaldur absolutely loved it. He had been deprived of a full body soak for three days. That was pretty much to torture to anyone from Atlantis. Conner took a bath like dog getting water every where, but thankfully the servants had left plenty of extra jugs of water over the fire for them.

"Do you think that we'll get out of here," asked Conner rubbing soap on his body.

"We have no choice," replied Kaldur. "It's either get out of here or become part of a virtual reality world. And I have no intention of doing the latter so we must do the former."

They relaxed in the tubs for a while and just enjoyed the quiet. As both teens were getting out of the tubs a giant bear like dog came bursting through the door and tackled Conner.

"What in hell," he cried. Conner grabbed the dog by the scruff of his neck and lifted him in the air. "This damn dog is enormous.

Kaldur folded his arms and said," perhaps this is Brutus."

"Brutus goddamn you get your ass over here," came Ruby's shriek. "You need to get washed down before dinner since you've been killing rats!" Ruby entered the room and upon seeing both Conner and Kaldur naked she smiled covered her eyes with one hand, but was still peeking.

"I don't see anything I don't see anything. I'm just getting my infernal beast and then I'll get out of your hair." Ruby's not seeing anything resulted in her rubbing Kaldur's chest, and slapping Conner's butt. Finally, she grabbed Brutus and left leaving Conner's face the color of a tomato. Ruby had left them some clothes. The pants were just a step below 2012 skinny jeans and were tight in all the wrong places. The white shirts were nice however. They were like regular T-shirts but longer and more comfortable.

Ruby re-entered the room after five minutes and said," well come on dinner is about to be served, we even have a special guest a Grey Warden."

"Pardon me Ruby," said Kaldur. "But what is a Grey Warden?"

"Maker have you all been living under rocks? The Grey Warden's are an ancient order of heroes who have dedicated their lives to defeating the darkspawn."

Ruby brought them to Zatanna and Artemis who were both wearing dresses. Upon seeing Artemis in a dress Connor almost laughed but her glare was scarier than Batman's. Upon getting to the dinner table they saw Ruby's parents. Teyrn Bryce Cousland was an older man dressed in red silks, while his wife Eleanor was dressed in a multitude of colors talking to another woman. Kaldur could see Fergus on the other side of the table speaking to his a woman and a boy who looked dead on him. Must've been his wife and child. Sitting on Lord Cousland's right was a man in armor.

"That's the same man from the opening," Zatanna whispered.

Kaldur silenced her with a look. After dinner was over, Ruby led the four superheroes back up to the living quarters. For the next month or so she was going to be ruling Highever.

"At least I'll have someone to talk to," she said. "I love Orianna and Oren but they can be dreadfully boring sometimes; Orianna did offer to help me poison Fergus while they were courting."

"She would've poisoned your brother," asked Artemis in shock.

"Poisoning comes as easy to an Antivan woman, as putting on make-up and a stupid dress does to an Orlesian woman. Well Kaldur, Connor here we are."

They had arrived at the boys' room again.

"I'll see what I can do about getting you two your own rooms tomorrow."

"Your kindness is much appreciated Ruby," said Kaldur rubbing his eyes.

"Yeah thanks," yawned Connor.

"Well it's obvious that you two are tired so get some sleep and I'll see you in the morning."

As soon as Connor opened the door Brutus pounced him.

"You know," grunted Connor pushing the dog off. "You've got to stop doing that."

"I think he likes you Connor," said Zatanna.

Ruby whistled and Brutus left with the girls. Kaldur and Connor didn't say one word they climbed in the bed, layed down head to foot and both immediately passed out in five minutes.

Halfway through the night

Kaldur could hear a lot of noise. It sounded like metal clanging. It couldn't be sunrise yet. He looked to his right and saw that Conner was still snoring. He attempted to go back to sleep but the clanging was just persistent. Two minutes later it woke Conner up.

"What the hell is that noise," he growled covering his ears.

"The knights must be training," sighed Kaldur. "Just try to go back to sleep."

"Wait what was that?"

"What was what?"

"I heard a scream."

"I don't hear an-"

"There it is again."

Conner jumped out of bed and opened the door. As soon as he did an arrow flew at him but he caught it.

"Kill them," barked a knight.

Kaldur sprung out of bed as Conner ran out of the room. The clone tackled one knight and Kaldur began fighting with another. Thankfully he still had his super strength but he wasn't as strong as Conner. He couldn't dent the armor. He tripped one knight and ran back into the bedroom and found what he was looking for. A long sword and a shield. When he came back outside Conner had knocked out the remaining knights.

"You're getting slow Kaldur," teased Conner.

"If we're in a game," said Kaldur. "Then what we've been taught about killing goes out the window."

Conner smiled a devilish grin and ran back into their room and when he came out he was sporting a 2-handed long sword that he was holding in one hand.

"C'mon we need to find Zatanna and Artemis," cried Kaldur.

"We're right here!"

Kaldur turned and saw Ruby, Zatanna, Artemis, Brutus, and Lady Cousland coming down a flight of stairs. Artemis was armed with a bow.

"What the hell is going on," yelled Conner.

"Arl Howe has betrayed us," said Lady Cousland. "We need to find Bryce and flee the castle."

"He may be dead already mother," said Ruby. There were tears in her eyes.

"Where are Orianna and Oren," asked Kaldur.

All the women put their heads down and Brutus whined.

"We will get vengeance," snarled Ruby.

Suddenly there was a twang and an arrow flew at Ruby.

"Dleihs," cried Zatanna. An invisible barrier protected Ruby from the arrow as they charged into battle again. Thankfully Kaldur had practiced using the long sword some in Atlantis before coming to the surface. He cracked one soldier over the head with shield and the finished him by impaling him in the gut.

"Erif nrub nordluac elbbub," cried Zatanna. Flames burst all throughout the hall and catching several of the enemy guards on fire, allowing Lady Cousland and Artemis to finish them off with the bows they were carrying.

"You're a mage," asked Lady Cousland in shock. "Outside the Circle as well? I can't believe it."

"The Circle," asked Zatanna in shock. "Uh what's that?"

Suddenly two more unfamiliar guards appeared. Conner flung his great sword at them. One moved with quick speed and the other dodged it acrobatically but Conner was faster. He ran and lifted them by the throats and held them there.

"Why are you attacking the castle," he bellowed. "Who the fuck are you?"

"Supey it us," one of them choked out.

Kaldur upon hearing Conner's nickname 'Supey' ran to them. The guards removed their helmets and lying on the ground were Dick and Wally.

"Thank goodness you're safe," sighed Zatanna.

"You know them," asked Ruby.

"These are the friends we've been telling you about."

"Good introduce me later; right now we have to get out of here."

Suddenly a dark elf with braids came charging up the stairs with his sword and shield. He bulldozed right into Conner knocking him down; and smacked Kaldur in the face with his shield. Kaldur felt his lip split open at once. The elf immediately jumped on Zatanna and placed a sword to her throat.

"Get away from my friends," he snarled.

"Let her go," screamed Artemis strapping an arrow.

"I'll kill her before you let that arrow loose archer."

"Fat chance!"

"Mahariel stop," cried Wally. "She's one of the people we've been telling you about."

Mahariel looked at Zatanna then said," you're sure?"

"Positive," yelled Dick. "Let her go!"

The elf helped Zatanna up then said," well that was awkward. Sorry about that."

"Where's M'Gann," asked Connor.

"She's with Duncan dude," said Wally.

"Duncan was with Father," said Ruby. "C'mon let's move."

The now larger group ran through Highever killing any of Howe's soldiers that got in their way. Dick, Kaldur, Wally, and Conner were a fighting force to be reckoned with. They cut down anyone in their path.
When they finally reached the kitchen area to check for servants they found the cooks all dead and a barely alive Lord Cousland.

"Bryce," screamed his wife.

Lord Cousland's clothes were covered in blood. There was a dagger imbedded in his gut also.

"C'mon Father we have to get you out of here," exclaimed Ruby.

"Oh god he looks bad," whispered Wally.

Kaldur knew how this was going to end.

"I'm sorry pup," gasped Lord Cousland. "You and your mother have to leave me and warn Fergus. I'll only be in your way."

"No," said Lady Cousland. "We took vows, for better or worse. I'm not leaving you here. Now get up we have to escape."

"She's right Father," said Ruby tears in her eyes. "We must go."

"Indeed we must."

They all turned and saw Duncan at the door and closely behind him with blood on her armor was M'Gann.

"Thank goodness you four are alright," she said in their psychic link.

"Bryce," said Duncan. "Arl Howe has obviously betrayed you. We must report this to King Cailan."

"Cailan is all the way in Ostagar," exclaimed Lady Cousland standing up. "Bryce will never make it to him like this."

"My time has come Eleanor," sighed Lord Cousland. His eyes were already graying over and his breathing was becoming scarcer. It was only a matter of time now.

"We have to help," cried Artemis.

"No," said Dick. "I think this is the way it was meant to be."

"Duncan one last favor," said Lord Cousland. "I think you know what it is."

"I'm afraid I can't do it for free Bryce," sighed Duncan. "You know what I want."

"I know just get her out safely."

"What are you two talking about," yelled Ruby.

"I will get you out of here safely Ruby Cousland," said Duncan. "In return you must join the Grey Wardens. We are in need of strong warriors to face the darkspawn."

"My father is dying and all you can think about is destroying the darkspawn. We need to call a Landsmeet and let them know what Howe has done."

"The darkspawn are far more important than politcs Ruby."

"Darling," said Lady Cousland. "Go with Duncan he can at least get you out of here safe."

"No Mother," cried Ruby. "I'm staying here with you and Father. We can still win this fight."

"Highever is lost pup," winced Lord Cousland. "Stay alive, grow stronger, and one day take vengeance."

"Ruby we have to leave," said Zatanna putting a hand on her shoulder. "It's only a matter of time before find us."

"You don't know what I'm going through right now," Ruby yelled.

Kaldur sighed for Zatanna knew the most out of anyone what Ruby was going through.

"Pup promise me something," said Lord Cousland.

"Anything," whispered Ruby.

"Promise me that you'll join the Warden and then take revenge on Howe."

"Father please anything but that."

"Promise me."

"I…I… I promise Father."

Ruby got up and said," I accept your offer Duncan. Come on mother."

"I'm staying with your father dear," said Lady Cousland.

"BUT YOU'LL DIE TOO!"

"Sweetie I know, but I swore to stay by your father's side. This is where I must stay."

"No you can't I wont let you."

"We have to go," yelled Conner.

"Do it then," said Wally.

Conner walked up to Ruby and pinched a nerve in her neck and she passed out. He scooped her up in his arms and threw her over his shoulder.

"Take care of her," said Lady Cousland with tears in her eyes. Connor nodded his head and they left the kitchen, left Highever, and escaped into the darkness.

A/N - next chaper Ostagar.