Chapter 4
Edward couldn't shake the distinct feeling that they were purposely being led in circles. He assumed that Morrigan had been trying to confuse the men, should they ever decide to return without her approval. He heard Daveth, who grew up near the Wilds, huff in exasperation more than once. It seemed that he too had taken notice that they were being falsely led. Morrigan had for her part, either not heard or was ignoring the man entirely. She turned her attention to Edward.
"Might a pose a question to you Warden Edward?"
He was slightly taken aback. "What sort of question do you wish to pose?"
"I simply wanted to inquire as to why these documents are so important to you Grey Wardens? From what I have witnessed, I would assume that a great battle is to take place soon." Edward couldn't help but feel that she was toying with the men. "Wouldn't the recovery of these treaties be a wasted task? Is not your attention needed elsewhere?" Alistair and Edward shared a quick glance.
"Who said anything about treaties?"
Morrigan gave Alistair a scowling look. "Do not think me as a fool boy," she replied, spitting out the words. "I have seen the documents that you search for, and I am well enough read to know what they are."
Edward once again scrambled to maintain a peace between the two. While he found Morrigan to be beautiful and very intriguing, he would be glad to be away from her as soon as they were able to secure the treaties. While the woman may not have had the Wardens on her dinner menu, he could tell that beneath the surface was a potentially dangerous individual. "So Morrigan, how was your mother able to open that chest? We were led to believe that only a Warden would be able to open it."
She became very amused at the question. "I am unaware as to the actual incantation used to open the chest, only to say that my mother was able to open it rather easily. A powerful mage had placed several protective wards over the chest, but as with any spell, it can quickly be reversed by a wielder of stronger magics." Edward came slightly unnerved. While he didn't seem particularly surprised at the revelation that Morrigan's mother was also a witch, he was uneasy at the prospect of possibly having to deal with two powerful witches should things not go smoothly. He was pulled away from those thoughts as Morrigan led them down a seemingly dead end path.
"Great, all this walking in circles, and she's managed to get us lost." Alistair shot Daveth a look designed to tell him to shut up. Morrigan removed the stave from her back and placed it on a nearby fallen log. Edward was at a complete loss at the sight of the trees and brush pulling back to reveal a path leading to a small pond. On the far side of the pond sat a small house. The smoke billowing from the fireplace gave an exotic odor that he didn't know if he found pleasant or not. He then took notice of the small woman standing near the pond seemingly muttering to the water. Morrigan was humored at the men's confusion with the scene playing out before him. She explained.
"Mother is simply speaking to the fish."
Alistair gave a quick snort. "Do they speak back to her?"
"Of course they do. To not do so would just be rude." She turned back to Edward. "Wait here. I will gather my mother. I'm sure that she will be eager to speak to you." Morrigan turned and left the four men standing on the path. They waited in silence before Jory gave a startling squeak. The three other men quickly turned to their comrade.
"I'm sorry. I don't like snakes," he explained as he pointed to the offending creature slithering away. Edward rolled his eyes and returned his attention to the two witches. He quietly wondered why it was that Jory had been selected as potential Warden. The man had managed to walk into a trap earlier, he lacked any kind of subtlety, and he found the man's hero worship of the Wardens to be overly nauseating. Edward had almost begun to question Duncan's abilities in selecting viable candidates. Perhaps it wasn't too late to talk Jory out of this. The man had a family. Edward would try to speak to him when they returned to camp. That was if they returned to camp. Morrigan's mother was now making her way toward the men. He heard Alistair whisper to him.
"Doesn't exactly inspire me to want to marry Morrigan if that is what she'll look like one day." He did his best to suppress a small laugh.
"I didn't realize that you and Morrigan were thinking that far ahead. Maybe when we get back to Ostagar, I'll stop by the quartermaster and pick you two out a real nice engagement gift." Now it was Alistair that was laughing.
"Mother," Morrigan motioned to the older woman. "I bring you four Grey Wardens who—"
The mother cut her off. "I see that, girl. Hmmm. Much as I expected."
Alistair looked at the woman suspiciously. "Are we supposed to believe you were expecting us?"
"You are required to do nothing, least of all believe. Shut one's eyes tight or open one's arms wide... either way, one's a fool!" the old woman cackled madly. Edward suddenly found himself taking back his earlier assessment and began to agree with Alistair that maybe, just maybe, the men were on their way to becoming a side dish.
"She's a witch, I tell you! We shouldn't be talking to her!" Daveth called from behind Jory. For all his bravado he had shown earlier back at the camp, Edward couldn't help but be embarrassed at the man's lack of courage when it came to the magical women.
"Quiet, Daveth," said Ser Jory. "If she's really a witch, do you want to make her mad?" Maybe Jory isn't a complete moron. Edward thought to himself. He gave an apologetic look to the old woman. He suspected that she had chosen to ignore Daveth's outburst.
"Now there's a smart lad," said the old woman. Edward was slightly perturbed at the smile that had formed on her face, "Sadly irrelevant to the larger scheme of things, but it is not I who decides. Believe what you will." She began to size up Edward. "And what of you boy? Do you possess a different viewpoint? Or do you believe as the others do?"
He wanted to tell her that he thought she was a nutty old bat and that he would just as soon be far away from this place. But he feared that would somehow end up with him being stuffed with mushrooms and cornbread. He instead channeled the childhood lessons of Elenor Cousland and answered diplomatically. "I'm not sure what to believe."
The witch nodded her head at his reply. "A statement that possesses more wisdom than it implies! Be always aware... or is it oblivious? I can never remember." She cupped his face in her hands, moving ever so close that her nose was practically touching his own. "So much about you is uncertain... and yet I believe. Do I? Why, it seems I do! She believes in you at least."
"Who?"
The crone cackled. "Not too bright though, are ya?"
"So this is dreaded and feared Witch of the Wilds?" Alistair spoke. Edward assumed that the Warden shared a similar opinion of the old woman.
"Witch of the Wilds, eh?" repeated the old woman before releasing Edward's face. "Morrigan must have told you that. She fancies such tales, though she would never admit it. Oh, how she dances under the moon!"
Behind her mother, Morrigan had turned her attention to the ground, embarrassed of her mother's jab on her behest. "They did not come to listen to your wild tales, Mother," she spoke softly.
"True, they came for their treaties, yes?" She reached into the satchel she wore around her neck. "And to answer your question, I took these from the chest years ago, lest they fall into some less than savory hands." It disturbed Edward the way the woman had pronounced the word savory. She handed the treaties to Alistair.
"You..." Alistair held the documents in disbelief. "Oh. You protected them?"
The woman raised an eyebrow. "And why not? Take them to your Grey Wardens and tell them that this Blight's threat is greater than they realize." The woman seemed to share Duncan's theory about the upcoming Blight. Edward thought that perhaps he should have dragged Cailan down here to speak to the woman. She seemed to be more informed about such things than the King of Ferelden had been.
"What do you mean the threat is greater than they realize?"
"Either the threat is more or they realize less. Or perhaps the threat is nothing! Or perhaps they realize nothing!" The old woman had returned to her nonsensical banter. "Oh, do not mind me. You have what you came for."
Edward inwardly released a sigh of relief before Morrigan gleefully responded. "Time for you to go, then."
The old woman quickly admonished the girl. "Do not be ridiculous, Morrigan. These are your guests."
Morrigan sneered, at the men or her mother, he couldn't tell. "Oh, very well. I will show you out of the woods. Follow me."
~o~0~o~
Edward was slightly humored by the fact that the return trip to camp took about a third of the time. Morrigan stopped about a hundred meters from the guard post. "I will go no further. Lest some of Alistair's friends get any ideas." Edward thanked the woman and began to make his way back to the camp gates. He felt a hand touch his arm, he was reminded of the night at Highever when it was Oren who reached for him. This time however, it was the young witch. "Do care for yourself Edward. 'Tis as Mother says, these others," she glared at the others as they walked towards the camp gates, "they fail to matter in the coming events. You however, you are the key." He stood in confusion as the witch sauntered back into the darkness. He turned and faced his fellow Wardens.
"Are you coming?"
Edward saw the look of concern in the Alistair's eyes. Shaking off the young witch's words he rejoined the men inside the encampment. While they had been away several things had apparently been happening. Teyrn Loghain had moved his tents to the far side of the encampment. There were now several people gathered around the platform in the center. A Chantry priestess was leading a sermon. Alistair motioned for the recruits to keep following him. They found Duncan in the same promenade that Edward had first met Alistair. He sat next to a large ceremonial pyre, Kalu lying down next to him. Edward saw that they were joined by a woman. He recognized her as Wynne, the mage he'd met earlier.
Duncan took notice of the men. "So you return from the Wilds. Have you been successful?"
Alistair nodded. "We have."
The Warden Commander stood. "Good. I've had the Circle mages preparing. With the blood you've recovered, we can begin the Joining immediately." Edward again saw the look of despair in Alistair's face. He took it upon himself to ask.
"Duncan, why the need for the darkspawn blood?" He was met with a hard stare from the elder Warden. Duncan rubbed the space above his nose. Looking to make sure that they were not being spied upon, he let the Warden recruits in on the secret.
"During the first Blight a small band of warriors took in the blood of the darkspawn by mistake. Instead of perishing like so many had before them, they noticed that they had been imbued with special…powers as it was." He took the vials and poured them into a large chalice. He then handed it to Wynne. She turned away from the men and began an incantation on the runed chalice. "Since that time we have searched for individuals of all races and creeds that shared the same traits of those who came before us, traits that would allow you to survive the Joining ritual. Traits that I believe you three recruits have within you." He gave a mournful look to the men. "But my beliefs in you will only go so far. There is only one way in which to test to know if you will survive the Joining."
"And that would be what kind of test?" asked Jory.
Edward found himself answering for the Wardens. "Simply survive the Joining." Duncan nodded his head at the statement.
"Wynne, are we ready to proceed?"
"Yes, I believe we are." The elder mage handed the chalice back to Duncan. "Now if you will excuse me, I don't have the stomach to watch any of this." As she walked past him, she pat Edward on the arm. "Good luck to you, young man."
Duncan motioned for the recruits to stand around him. "We speak only a few words prior to the Joining, but these words have been said since the first. Alistair, if you please?"
Alistair moved next to Duncan and spoke just loud enough for the three recruits to hear his words. "Join us, brothers and sisters. Join us as we pledge a pledge that cannot be forsworn. And should you fall, know that your sacrifice will not be in vain. And that one day, we shall join you again." As he spoke, Edward could hear the pain and sorrow in the man's words. The realization had come to him that there was a chance that they might not even survive the joining. He looked to Duncan, the man had moved in front of Daveth and presented him with the chalice.
"Daveth, step forward." The man took the chalice in hand and looked at the others.
"Cheers." he said as he slowly raised the potion to his lips. Duncan took the cup back from Daveth. Edward watched as it appeared that nothing was happening to the man. Suddenly he released a guttural scream that chilled Edward to his bones. The man's eyes had rolled back into his head, only the whites were showing now. He fell to the ground convulsing, before coming to a sudden halt. Edward feared the worst. Alistair moved down to check him. With a sigh of relief he called out to Duncan.
"He's alive." Edward felt a sudden sense of relief. He liked Daveth and had hoped that the man wouldn't fall before he had gotten a chance to fight. Duncan stepped up to Jory.
"Ser Jory, it is now your turn to take the pledge." Duncan presented the chalice to Jory.
"I don't think…I've decided against this. I have a wife... a child... had I known…" The knight had backed away several feet from Duncan. The elder Warden lowered the chalice.
"There is no backing out now. Once the ceremony has started, it must be completed."
Edward saw a look of terror in Jory's face. "If he doesn't want this, then why not let him walk away?" Edward saw the look from Alistair. It was a look that told him there was no walking away. Duncan had unsheathed a small dagger from his belt.
"Ser knight, I give you one more chance. Accept the Joining or face the consequences." Jory met the Warden's threat with the releasing of his own weapon.
"You ask too much. If I were to perish…There is no glory in that type of death." Duncan lunged at the knight. Jory moved with a speed that Edward had not seen during their mission in the forest. He was able to use the elder Warden's momentum and knocked Duncan into a nearby column. Alistair moved in to assist the man. Jory was able to parry the young Warden's attack and bashed his sword hard against Alistair's shield. Edward heard a sickening crack that he could only assume was Alistair's arm. Duncan rose, but had been slowed with his headfirst meeting with the ancient masonry. Jory kept the man at arm's reach. Suddenly he released a painful scream. Edward looked down to see the blood. The blood flowed from Jory's back, down the hilt of the dagger, finally pooling in Edward's hands. He had killed Jory, a man he had every intention of helping get out of his commitment to the Grey Wardens. Duncan shared a look with Alistair before speaking to Edward.
"Do not fret young Cousland. You have done what is necessary." He picked the Joining chalice up off the ground. "I take it you will take the Joining willingly?"
The young man had to tear himself away from the still-warm body of the Redcliffe knight. "I-I will." Taking the cup from the older man, he took a moment to look at the dark swirling substance brewing near the bottom of the cup. He looked up at the two Wardens. "How much am I to drink?" He hoped that the men would see his question as a legitimate query and not one bred in cowardice.
"Only as much as you can take in." Alistair answered through the obvious pain in his arm.
"Will it hurt?"
"Yes."
Edward gave one last glance to Duncan. The elder man remained stone-faced during the exchange between he and Alistair. It did not go without notice that Duncan had yet to sheath his weapon. Edward felt that the man was looking for a reason to use it. Deciding not to give him one, he put the cup to his mouth. The liquid burned as it coursed down his throat. Using the faculties he still had he returned the chalice to Duncan. Nothing was happening. He looked at both Duncan and Alistair. The men shared a questionable look on their faces. Alistair opened his mouth to speak, suddenly a fire burned through Edward's innards. A sharp pain coursed through his head. It felt as if there was a being inside of him that was attempting to claw its way out.
The sky was bleeding. No, not bleeding, but the sky remained tinged in red. The raindrops that fell appeared to be droplets from the wounded sky. Denerim was burning. The smoke choked the air that he tried to breath. The stench of death was so overpowering, that he could taste the copper of the blood that flowed down the cobbled streets. Everywhere bodies lay dying or in a state of near death. Those that were near their end called out to him, but it was not their voices that he heard. A whisper, so faint that he could not hear the words. A whisper that led him down his current path. He looked to the top of the tower. Atop the highest point sat a massive dragon. The beast seemed to be watching him. Amidst all the chaos that surrounded, the pale yellow eyes of the beast were transfixed squarely on him. The dragon stood on its hind legs and flexed its massive wings. Suddenly blue flame engulfed him. The flame did not burn, it did not crackle his skin, nor did it even suck the air away from his person. The flame seemed to be attacking his soul. He couldn't escape the pain. He screamed.
~o~0~o~
Rendon Howe looked over the bodies of the dead. While he had managed to take Highever away from the traitorous Couslands, there were noticeable absences from the dead. Bryce and Eleanor's bodies had been found in the kitchen larder. Cowering in their own cowardice, he thought to himself. His men had even managed to kill that Orlesian whore that the Teyrn had taken in as his daughter-in-law. While it gave him a perverse pleasure to see the desiccated body of his 'friends', it troubled him that his men had yet to find the bodies of Edward and the child. He had sent a contingent of his soldiers to intercept the Highever troops and kill Fergus Cousland, but they too had returned without success. The soldiers from Highever had made it too far south for his men to have had a chance. Even if he was able to portray Bryce as a traitor to his people, Ferelden law stated that his heirs, if innocent of any wrongdoing would be given lordship of the land. He may have had an argument for Fergus. He had in fact taken in an Orlesian as his wife. Edward would be more difficult to prove any wrongdoing. He was an exemplary soldier and had been assigned to sire none other than Teyrn Loghain himself. Yet it was Bryce's grandson that Howe feared the most. It wouldn't be the first time a lordship was given to one so young. The thought that somehow all three heirs had avoided death or capture weighed heavily on his mind. The doors opened behind him. He heard the distinct sound of silverite plate armor steps through the stone hallways. He'd anticipated this, but not so soon. He turned to see a young knight dressed in the Gwaren heraldry.
"Arl Rendon Howe," he gave a small bow, "I come bringing a message from Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir."
"Oh? And what message would that be?"
The messenger took a moment before answering. "The Teyrn would like to know just what the hell you are playing at."
The Arl displayed a look of innocence on his face. "I fail to understand what it is that you mean? I simply uncovered a treacherous plot by the Cousland family that had them aligned with Orlais. Is it no longer the policy of Ferelden to punish traitors to the Crown."
The Gwaren messenger was quick to reply. "Yes I suspect that all traitors will need to be dealt with."
Howe scowled at the messenger. "You tell his lordship that he would do well to keep on my good side. I now control the armies of Amaranthine and the remaining troops of Highever. An army of that size would be more than capable of holding off any that the Hero of River Dane would dare mount against me." Howe knew this to be inaccurate, despite the fact that he now held nearly thirty thousand soldiers at his disposal, Loghain controlled the armies of Gwaren, Denerim, and any others he seemed fit. Any offensive against Howe however, would cost both sides dearly. "You will also tell Loghain that I am assuming the Tyrnship of Highever."
"It is not in my Lord's power to grant the Arl with the title of Teyrn. Especially when Lord Edward Cousland currently is camped in Ostagar now, not more than a stone's throw away from both the Teyrn and the King."
"Take my message to your master. And tell him that he would do well to accept all that has happened here." Howe dismissed the messenger. After the man had made his way out of the chamber, the Arl turned his attention to the two men that lingered in the shadows. "Well it seems I may have some use for you yet."
The men stepped out of the shadows. One of them asked, "What is it that we can do for you, Teyrn Howe?"
Howe smiled. Teyrn, he liked being called that. "Forget the sons. If my suspicions are correct, they're both at Ostagar. By the time you got there it could be too late. My advice is to find the child. If you can find the boy, I'd wager that the Fergus and Edward would come out to find you." He reached into his cloak and tossed his coin purse in the direction of the two men. The second man quickly snatched the bag out of the air. The hood fell from his head revealing the small pointed tips of his ears. In a thick Antivian accent he addressed Howe.
"Then on behalf of the Crows, you have a deal."
~o~0~o~
Duncan sat watch over the two unconscious Wardens. Both Edward and Daveth had survived the Joining and for that he was grateful. Jory on the other hand had panicked and as such been killed. Duncan's gaze fell on Edward. He had been so quick to strike down the knight. Duncan had hoped to appeal to the man's rational side, but he had been unable to. For his efforts, he had received a concussion and Alistair had gotten a broken arm. Duncan heard the soft footsteps approaching him from behind.
"So Alistair tells me that the Joining was…interesting to say the least."
"Wynne," he acknowledged the mage. "I trust that Alistair did not fill you in on all the happenings."
Wynne took a seat next to Duncan. "No he did not. Although I have seen enough these blasted rituals to know who will and won't survive." She took a pause. "Either by the chalice or the blade. So the young Cousland boy does in fact live, I had a feeling he'd be okay."
Duncan took a long look at Wynne. "Did you know what was going to happen to him?"
"My visions are few and far between these days. If you are asking me if I knew what would happen to his family, then the answer is no." Wynne knelt and placed her hand on Edward's cheek "I have seen much when it comes to this young man, some great and then some that are…unfortunate."
Duncan sighed. "Then am I to take it that he survives tomorrow's conflict?"
"Yes, he will survive?"
Duncan smiled. "Good. Tonight I am to name him as my successor."
"And what of Alistair?"
Duncan shook his head. "Alistair is probably the greatest Warden I have ever known, yet he is no leader of men, at least not yet. Besides there are more pressing things in his future. Unless that has changed?"
Wynne returned to her seat. "It is as I told you years ago. I see Alistair with all of Ferelden at his foot. But now…Now I wonder if that is for the best?" The two sat in silence for several minutes before she spoke again. "Duncan, about tomorrow…"
He cut her off. "As I told you many years ago my friend, I do not wish to hear of my own fate. I will embrace eternity by my own accord and in complete surprise." Wynne nodded. Duncan already knew of the future that Wynne had seen, yet he had still never let that fate escape from her lips. They could hear the sound of another person walking up to join them. Alistair squat down beside the pair.
"I take it neither has wakened yet?"
Duncan shook his head. "No, although they have both begun to stir in the last few moments." He stood and helped Wynne to her feet. "Alistair, I am due to speak with the king. Please wait with them here and when Edward awakes can you send him to find me? I would wish to speak to him soon."
"Of course, Duncan."
Edward silently listened to the exchange between the wardens and the mage. What did Wynne mean when she said that he would do things that were unfortunate? And how did she see Alistair with the crown of Ferelden? He also wanted to know what it was that Wynne had seen about tomorrow's battle. Was Duncan going to die? She had a vision of Alistair as king, did that mean Cailan was going to die as well? Furthermore, what was Duncan doing naming him as the next Warden Commander? He had been a Grey Warden for all of an hour, weren't there other more qualified options? These questions all nagged at Edward's mind, but a more pressing concern remained. Why am I so damned hungry?
~~o~0~o~~
Ser Cautherine had never been truly able to grasp the intricacies of a battle plan. While she had proved herself to be a very capable warrior and leader, a tactician she was not. That in itself had drawn several questions and rumors when she had been selected as Teyrn Loghain's aid de campe. There were of course the accusations that she had been gifted into her position, a charitable act from the Teyrn to the orphaned daughter of one of his most trusted lieutenants. Her mother had served under Loghain since the rebellion, her last years before her death in the position that Cat, as her General called her, now held. There were those who whispered that her real station was that of Loghain's consort, a claim that she revolted. While the Teyrn was an admirable man, Cautherine had always looked to the man as a second father, which is why the other rampant rumor caused her so much distress. Many believed her to truly be the illegitimate daughter of the Teyrn and that her position within the Gwaren army was a reflection of that. While she had originally dismissed the claim, she had begun to have doubts as time had passed by. Once, as her mother lay upon her death bed, she had asked the woman whether there was a grain of truth to the claim. Her mother had simply smiled and asked her to take care of the Teyrn, to learn from him, and to cherish him. It was after his death that Cautherine had realized that she hadn't answered her question. Her promotion to the Teyrn's side had just confused her even more. In her heart she felt that she didn't truly deserve her station, a reason that she was grateful when informed that it would be Edward Cousland and not her that would become the new Captain of Gwaren's forces. But all of that had changed when Edward had been conscripted into the ranks of the Grey Wardens. As it was now, it was Cautherine, and not Edward who seconded Loghain here at Ostagar. And as it was, it was Cautherine who now looked stunned at the revelations of her lord's plans for the upcoming battle.
"My lord," she exclaimed. "What you propose is madness. Do you truly intend to commit treason?" Loghain never broke his attention from the maps on the tabletop. She looked to the other man in the room. "Duncan, please tell him not to do this." The Warden moved towards the table but it was to Cautherine he spoke.
"Ser Cautherine," he began. "You must trust us when we say that we did not reach this plan with ease. The Teyrn does what he does for the good of Ferelden, as I must do for the good of the Wardens." The woman looked between the two men.
"How may I ask is the abandoning the King to the darkspawn horde, good for Ferelden and the Grey Wardens?"
Loghain placed a comforting hand on the woman's shoulder. "Cailan has made a terrible error in judgment. He has chosen to proceed in this attack despite us being outnumbered almost two to one. He has also demanded that the Grey Wardens fight at his side." He nodded toward Duncan. "The Wardens are instrumental in a Blight. For them to be restricted to protecting the King on the battlefield is folly." Duncan joined in.
"It is the Wardens that must slay the Archdemon, yet the creature has yet to make itself present. If I weren't ordered by the King, I would have already led my men north. As it stands now, I am forced into a position in which I can find little room for an alternative." There was a sadness in the man's voice. "I will lead my men into tomorrow's conflict the way that we Wardens have always sought. I leave two Wardens behind. Alistair, for obvious reasons, and Edward Cousland, the man I have chosen to shape all future Wardens."
While she didn't fully agree with the plan, she understood the reasons behind the choosing of the two Wardens to be left behind. Edward was the son of one of the most beloved men in all of Ferelden. He was a multiple tournament winner, and he was a warrior with no equal. When they had been made aware of Edward's conscription into the Wardens, Loghain and Cautherine had both met the news with a heavy heart. No longer would the plan allow him to become Captain of the Gwaren army, instead his life would be charged with the eradication of the darkspawn. She knew immediately the reasoning for the selection of the Warden she knew as Alistair. It had been long rumored that the man was the illegitimate son of the late King Maric. A quick look to the Teyrn confirmed those rumors.
"So you intend to keep Alistair away from the battle, lest Cailan falls?"
Loghain nodded. "Duncan and I disagree on the young man's claim to the throne, but I cannot allow both of my friends' sons to fall on the same day. Cautherine, you have your orders. Get our men ready to leave. Do your best not to let on our intentions however. When the beacon comes ablaze that will be our sign to retreat." The woman took that as her cue that she was no longer required in the room. Bowing to the Teyrn, she extended her hand to Duncan.
"May you find peace in the next life Grey Warden."
Duncan took the woman's hand. "And you as well my dear." Watching the woman leave through the tent flap, he turned back to Teyrn. "Your daughters are both very loyal."
Loghain did nothing to argue the man's statement. "And to each their detriment."
"If this is to work, no one can know that this was part of our plan."
"You don't need to remind me old friend. If anyone ever finds out, it will be my head that finds the bottom of the basket." Duncan gave a small nod before making his way out.
"At least you will get the benefit of a basket. I doubt my slayers will be so kind." The two men shared a short look before Duncan left the tent. Loghain slumped into a nearby chair. Was he truly about to resign the King to his own fate? He had committed the son of his best friend and husband of his daughter to death.
"Maker, please let me be proven right."
~o~0~o~
Anora held the small sword in her hands. With her fingers she traced the petals of the small flower. Erlina had brought her the sword and a message with it. While it pained her to hear of Bryce and Eleanor's deaths, she was relieved to have been told that Edward had survived Howe's treachery. Erlina, the Queen's handmaiden, had also informed her that Oren the only son of Fergus and true heir to Highever, still lived as well. The boy was currently hidden away inside the Denerim alienage, a place that she agreed would be the safest until she could arrange for other accommodations. Anora turned her attention back to her handmaiden.
"Who else knows that the boy lives?"
Erlina looked up to her. "No one milady. Ser Edward gave explicate orders for my cousin to travel with the boy under assumed names. Even now the boy is still under the false name."
Anora nodded. "Tell your cousin to continue to do so. I will need time to think on this." The elf gave a deep bow before scurrying out of the room. Anora again looked upon the wooden sword. Edward was alive, but from the story relayed from Iona suggested that he was on his way to Ostagar. The news that had disheartened the Queen the most however, was that he was to become a Grey Warden. She pushed the thoughts of her old love away. She motioned to the guard nearest to the throne.
"I want a rider sent to both Amaranthine and Highever. Tell Rendon Howe he is to report before the Queen in five days time." The guard gave a bow and quickly made his way out of the great hall. Anora resumed her handling of the small wooden reminder of her youth. "I promise you my friends, that your deaths will not go unpunished."
~o~0~o~
Edward watched as Teyrn Loghain briefed the captains of the upcoming battle plan. The plan from all accounts looked to be quite capable. The Ferelden forces would gather near the field that ran beneath the large bridge. The cliffs that ran along the open space would act as a funnel, forcing the darkspawn to bunch together thus eliminating their larger numbers. After the bulk of the horde was engaged, a signal would be given bringing Loghain's forces into the fold. The idea was that the darkspawn would be flanked and escape cut off. Many felt the superior fighting skills of those gathered would overmatch the numbers of the darkspawn horde. Edward looked around at those that were gathered, again he was discouraged to see that his brother Fergus was not among those who would lead in the upcoming conflict. He didn't see anyone from Highever at all. Alistair stood beside him. The man whispered to Edward.
"I still don't see where you and I fit into the plan." Edward shook his head. Alistair was right. Duncan had told the two there was a special assignment for the two young Wardens. While Loghain had gone through several different scenarios, there was no mention of what was expected from the two. Edward waved off any more comments from Alistair and continued to listen to the plan, waiting to hear of his role. It wasn't before long that the meeting was adjourned. Duncan pulled the two aside.
"Duncan," Alistair began. "You said there was something special for the two of us?"
The elder Warden shook his head. "Yes. The King has asked that the two of you be responsible for the beacon."
Alistair was shocked. "What? We aren't to be part of the battle?"
"You will do as your King has requested. Do I make myself clear?"
Sheepishly Alistair answered. "Of course Warden Commander."
Edward tried his best to show a similar disdain for the plan. "What if the Archdemon appears?"
Alistair looked at him. "We mess our trousers, that's what."
Duncan shook his head. "I have not been able to sense the presence of the Archdemon. That said, if the beast shows, you will remember your duty as Grey Wardens." With those words he turned to leave. Alistair called out for the elder Warden.
"Duncan," the Warden Commander turned. "It has been my honor to have known you." Duncan said nothing, just a small bow and he walked away.
~o~0~o~
The current rain did nothing to allay his fears. In truth, Edward had never been as afraid as he was now. He'd been training for a moment like this his entire life, to fight in the name of Ferelden. To die for Ferelden, if the situation called for it. But this was different. Edward felt fear due to the fact that he was as far away from the battle as he could possibly be. From their position atop the ancient tower, he and Alistair could do nothing but watch as the battle came to its prologue. Kalu nudged against his leg, the dog seemed to feel his apprehension as well. Edward watched as Alistair paced back and forth. Watching the Warden, just added to the sick feeling that he felt. A sound of a horn in the distance drew the attention of both men. They rushed to the outcropping that overlooked the massive battlefield.
"Was that one of ours, or…?"
Alistair looked at him grimly. "No, it's the darkspawn." Edward felt a shudder as he returned his glare back to the open field.
The Ferelden army had taken their positions as ordered by Teyrn Loghain. The dog handlers stood at the front of the Ferelden line, their beasts snapping and snarling, ready to be unleashed fury upon the angry hoard. Behind the wardogs, stood a collection of Grey Wardens. Edward could see the small band of men and women, weapons ever at the ready. While he currently stood too far away to make out any individual, he knew that Daveth was among the thirty or so that now faced off against their sworn enemies. Behind the Wardens were the collected armies of Denerim and the Waking Sea. To the left of the tower, Edward could see the cavalry division of the Gwaren troops. He was puzzled why he couldn't see the bulk of the Gwaren men. He wasn't the only one that noticed the absence of the Teyrn's men.
"Can you see Loghain's men? Where are they?"
Edward shook his head. "I don't know. Maybe they've taken refuge in the tree line, trying not to give away their position." As soon as he'd made the statement he had begun to have doubts. The plan that he'd seen had called for the Gwaren forces to gather on the ridgeline and wait for the signal that he and Alistair would give. As of now, all he could make out at the position were a dozen or so horses. The flag bearers however, showed that the Teyrn was in position. He began to point it out to Alistair, when a sharp pain registered through his abdomen. It was quickly followed by the horn they'd heard earlier.
The woods began to erupt in flame, suddenly giving birth to all manners of hell. The heavy rain offered no relief for the pain of the forest. Darkspawn began to pour out of the wilds. Given the new illumination, Edward could now see the entire evil horde as it began to ascend towards the battlefield. It was simply massive. Thirteen thousand Fereldens awaited in the forge for the encroaching enemy. Another seven thousand stood at the ready, even now Edward knew that they were outnumbered five to one. Judging by the look of concern on Alistair's face, he had begun to realize that fact as well.
~o~0~o~
Duncan knew that the soldiers gathered were outnumbered, he could feel the horde from the taint that burned inside him. But he had no idea at the sheer mass of the enemy's numbers. For the first time in many years, he began to feel his age. Cailan however, seemed oblivious to the approaching doom. The Warden felt for the young king. The king sought a glorious victory. The young man seemed to be the only one who believed a thing was possible. Duncan had no misgivings about the outcome of the battle. He was going to die, they all were. Cailan had done well rousing those gathered here. He delivered a moving dialogue that drew many cheers and ovation. There were even many among the Wardens that had believed the King's claims for glory. Duncan had been reminded of Maric, his friend from all those years ago. A large part of him felt great remorse for the King. The battle plan, the real battle plan, would cause the death of the King. It was a plan built upon treason. It was a plan built upon necessity. In their deaths, the kingdom would have a chance to live.
Duncan walked beside the King. He and Cailan made their way to the front line. He took a second's pause to look to the Tower of Ishal. In the distance he could make out the two silhouettes that stood atop the tall structure. He wished he'd had more time. He wanted to tell Alistair that he was proud of the young man. He wanted to tell him that it was time for him to stop being afraid. It was time for him to take his rightful place, the place that was meant for him if life had taken a few other directions. Duncan prayed that Alistair would have the resolve to claim his birth rite. He prayed that the man would be able to keep himself together. Alistair had grown up without a family. In the six months that he'd been part of the Wardens, he had formed a kinship with those sworn to fight the evil they now faced. Within moments the only family the young man had ever known, would lay slain on the battlefield. Edward Cousland was another matter. He'd promised the young man his assistance in the retribution and recovery of his home and name, a promise that he'd no longer be able to keep. He had named the young man his successor, a position that now had him the leader of only Alistair and himself. There were a few Ferelden Wardens that hadn't responded to the call to Ostagar, but Duncan didn't know where they were now. The Warden hoped that Edward would have the vision to lead, and the heart and skill to protect Alistair. But most of all, he hoped the young noble had the strength to do what needed to be done when the time came. If only he'd had more time.
~o~0~o~
The rain had started to fall with a ferocious nature, matched only by the anger and aggression of the darkspawn horde. The legion had descended from the cover of the Kocari Wilds, allowing the Ferelden forces their first glances at the size and magnitude of their numbers. The sounding horns from both armies rang out across the bleeding sky. The Ferelden King barked orders to his Captains, who relayed those orders down the chains of command. From across the field came a series of growls and grunts, guttural calls spreading across the darkspawn hierarchy. Both armies seemed to be waiting for the other to make the first move. As if a sign from the gods upon high heaven, lightening flashed across the sky, striking a nearby stone structure. The darkspawn began their charge. King Cailan gave the signal for the archers to release their bounty. The arrows found their mark on a large number of the rampaging beasts, still they continued. A second order released the war hounds and their handlers. Both dog and man met the horde head on. The frontlines of both men and horde met in a cacophony of clashing steel and iron. The darkspawn, while lacking any skill or grace, attacked with a terrible ferociousness. The Wardens that taken to the head of the attack slashed and hacked through the initial surge. Lightening and fire erupted from the many spell casters that had taken to the conflict. For a split second the battle seemed to go in the favor of the Ferelden forces. Then all hell broke loose….
~o~0~o~
The Elven warrior Jirik Haan was the first Warden to fall. His body had yet to hit the ground before two more of his brethren joined him in the afterlife. The sheer mass of the darkspawn horde had begun to make up for their lack of skill. Duncan fought as hard as he'd ever had just to stay near Cailan. The king had managed to wander off from the elder Warden's side. He could see the large mass of evil focusing on the young King. Duncan threw himself into a large group of hurlocks that had turned their attention to the Monarch. Quickly slaying the beasts he turned to the king.
"My lord, it's time to call for reinforcements."
Cailan began to laugh. "We have them exactly where we want them Duncan."
"Even so, I believe the time to call for help is at hand." Cailan swiped his blade against the stomach of one offending darkspawn. He gave a nod to the Warden. Duncan turned to one of the surviving Warden mages. "Lina! Send the signal. It's time for the reinforcements."
The mage sent a bolt of light into the air. Within seconds the Tower of Ishal came ablaze, the signal for Teyrn Loghain's reinforcements, reinforcements Duncan knew were never coming.
~o~0~o~
Loghain Mac Tier watched as the Tower of Ishal came alive in flames. Cautherine, his young Captain, shifted in her armor at his side.
"What do you wish to do my lord?"
The Teyrn climbed onto his horse. After a moment, he answered. "Sound the…retreat." The woman gave a slow bow. She mounted her horse and motioned for the rest of the gathered men to sound the call. Loghain refused to fall in line with his men. He needed to see the consequences of his decision. He needed to know the fate of the King. He needed to bear witness to what so many would see as his crime.
~o~0~o~
Cailan saw the ogre too late. The huge beast swiped away the young Warden that had been assigned as his protector. It bore down on the king. Cailan swung his sword at the beast, striking it across the forearm. The beast roared in pain. The king smiled to himself, a delay that proved to be costly. The ogre grabbed Cailan and lifted him off the ground. The king felt the crushing weight of the creature's grip pressing down on him. The blackness began to swim into his vision. His thoughts drifted to Anora. He realized now that he hadn't been the best husband to her. He had taken others into his bed. He just wished he would have gotten the chance to apologize to her. He tried to scream out, but the words never came. Slowly darkness engulfed him.
Duncan ran to the young king's fallen body. Even though he had known the man's fate, seeing him broken and defeated weighed heavily on the Warden's heart. He turned to face down the huge king slayer. The beast had moved on to a group of archers that stood nearby. The senior Warden attacked the beast with all the fire and rage that he had built up in his lifetime. The beast stood no match for the man's furious attacks. Within seconds, Duncan stood over the fallen beast. The man felt a satisfaction wash over him, then pain, sharp fatal pain. Looking down he saw the tip of a blade that had been sunk into his back. Behind him he heard the guttural snarls of a darkspawn. Duncan fell to his knees. He looked over the battlefield. Everywhere evil spread over the Ferelden defenders, hacking, slashing, and in some cases eating the remains of the fallen. In his final moment, he took one last look to the watchtower in the distance. While he couldn't see his young charges, he knew they were there. As his own darkness arrived, he began to smile. There was still a chance. With those two, there was still a chance.
~o~0~o~
Edward couldn't fault Alistair. They had just witnessed the King and the Grey Wardens wiped out in a single wave. And more, Teyrn Loghain had abandoned the battlefield, leaving those gathered to their fate. Alistair had screamed in a mix of anger and anguish, and although there was no way of proving that he had been heard, the darkspawn had turned their attention to the tower. Edward did what he could to bar the massive doors that led to the pyre, but he knew that they wouldn't hold up long. He and Alistair were all that remained of those gathered here. Two men against a horde still forty thousand strong. They dug themselves in and prepared for their impending death. There was no mistaking the sounds of the hundreds of darkspawn that were attempting to climb the stairs to reach the Grey Wardens on the rooftop.
"So this probably isn't what you had in mind when you signed up, is it?" Alistair asked, the humor gone from his voice. Edward thought back to the week earlier when he had been willing to face Howe's men in the larder of Highever Castle. Somehow dying like this seemed to be his destiny. If he was going to die here, he was going to do so in a manner that brought honor to his family. He drew out his blades. The sword that he had wielded that night a week ago, and a dagger that Duncan had given to him earlier. Alistair took notice of the dagger.
"Where did you get that?"
Edward took his gaze off the barred doors for a second. "Duncan gave it to me. Why?"
Alistair shook his head. "That is the dagger of the Warden Commander. I guess that means you're the new boss."
"New boss? You mean I'm the Warden Commander?"
"Well you're the one with the blade. I can't think of why he'd have chosen you though?"
Edward shook his head. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"I'm just saying I know of a Warden that would have been more than happy to have been chosen as Duncan's successor." Edward thought he heard a hint of playfulness in the man's voice.
"Is this really the best time to be having this discussion?"
Alistair began to laugh. "Well we might not have another chance. I'm just curious how you got promoted before I did? It's because you're rich, isn't it?" Edward couldn't help but laugh as well. "Well for whatever reason, I'd say your reign as Commander is about to be the shortest tenure in history."
The two Wardens refocused on the barrier. The darkspawn in the tower should have reached their position by now. They were expecting the sounds of hurlock screams, genlock clicks, and ogres bashing in the door. Instead they were met with a simple knock on the door. Edward looked at Alistair, who met his glance with a shrug. After a moment, they heard another knock.
"Hello?" Edward called out.
After a second a familiar voice answered. "'Tis I, Morrigan. I have come to rescue you as it were. If you'd please allow me to enter."
Edward called out to the woman. "Uhmm…weren't there about a thousand darkspawn out there just moments ago?"
"They have been dealt with."
Alistair looked at Edward unconvinced. "And how do we know that you're not with them? We open the door, and you come in with about ten thousand of your tainted friends."
"I did not realize that the fool was still amongst the living. 'Tis of no matter. I promise that if you allow me entry, I will help you escape relatively unharmed."
Begrudgingly Alistair began to unbar the doors. Upon opening the doors, they were surprised to find Morrigan surrounded by the frozen bodies of countless darkspawn. She looked at Alistair. "I told you that they had been dealt with." The Warden was completely dumbfounded. Edward turned his attention back to the witch.
"You said you were here to rescue us. How do you propose doing that?"
Alistair snapped back into the moment. "Yes, I doubt the three of us can just walk out of here unharmed."
Morrigan stood defiant. "I know certain magics," she looked at Alistair. "Magics that aren't received well throughout civilized world."
Alistair looked at the witch suspiciously. "You mean blood magic?" Edward knew very little about the mages and the Circle, but he knew enough to know that blood magic was typically used by mages that were…well evil.
"You simple man. Not all banned magic is blood magic. There are some spells and magics that are ancient and from the time of the Tevinters. Magics, while not harmful, are banned by your Chantry."
Alistair wanted to offer rebuttal but was cut off by Edward. "What do you need from us."
"Take my hand and take a deep breath. We should be there momentarily."
"Be where?" Alistair asked. The answer never came as they were suddenly flushed with a bright light.
~o~0~o~
Daveth lay as still as he possibly could. The darkspawn that searched through the bodies of the fallen soldiers had yet to find him. Most seemed to preoccupied with the men that had yet to die. The screams and moans of the near dead, seemed to energize the darkspawn scavengers. Daveth had slowly managed to crawl to the edge of the forest. He'd taken a shock from one of the darkspawn spell casters and had been incapacitated during the combat. While frozen he'd watched as the signal was given and Teyrn Loghain had failed to heed the call for help. He also was forced to watch both the King and Duncan die in inglorious fashion. Now as he lay on the battlefield the only thought he could muster was escaping before the nearby looters discovered that not only was he still alive, but he was unharmed. A scream came across the field. The darkspawn that had been approaching his position quickly ran to its source. Judging by the sounds of their grunts and squeals, Daveth deduced that they were almost gleeful to get to finish off the human. He used the momentary distraction to finish his escape off of the battlefield. Using the thick brush of the woods, he stood and began to run north. He like, so many of the other soldiers, had heard the rumors of the Highever troops being camped just to the north. He would let the Commander of their forces know what had happened to those stationed at Ostagar. He had grown up in the Kocari Wilds, if he could get some distance between the darkspawn and himself, he could navigate out of the thick forest. He knew he had to escape. Someone, no everyone had to know what Loghain had done. It was up to him to spread the message.