Alistair had outlined his plan, or at least the part he wanted them to know. Soldiers Peak was nestled within the mountains which meant there were lots of high advantage points and places to hide. The Peak was easily defensible and Alistair hoped they could use magic to add to its defenses. If they could draw the Archdemon to them, they might have a chance in taking it out, an all-out assault would get them wiped out and small attack squads would be little use against the Archdemon if it was surrounded by its horde.
"We clear as much of the perimeter as possible, that means taking out the Broodmothers as far back as we can and collapse the tunnels at the chosen distance so it is more difficult for the Darkspawn to move underground."
"So you would lead it right to us." Loghain hissed.
"Not right to us, but close enough that we can take it down." Alistair pointed to the map. "This valley is just beyond the Peak. We will need to scout it, but I'm betting there will be plenty of high spots to draw its attention. We concentrate on bringing it down and then you let us Wardens do the rest."
"A fool plan from a fool." Loghain snarled.
Alistair held his temper. "I realise it isn't the ideal plan, but this way what forces we have are as protected as possible, we aren't marching anywhere leaving us exhausted and possibly picked out by Darkspawn on the way. This way we stand a chance."
"I say let's go for it." Urgal though gruff sounded enthusiastic.
"You would." Loghain muttered.
"Loghain the plan has merit." Bryce stated firmly, turning to Alistair. "Clearing out the Broodmothers is something that must be done anyway and I'm sure we can make the surface access points to our tunnel system harder to reach. We have enough weapons and supplies here to hold out for at least a year if need be." He gave Alistair a warm smile. "Thanks to some astute forward planning."
Alistair acknowledged the compliment with a slight nod, tensing as Loghain's fist slammed against the table. "This will get us all slaughtered!"
Alistair stood straight and turned to the general. "I'm happy to hear alternatives."
Loghain's scowl deepened. "We cannot risk the Peak."
Howe glanced to the map and then to Loghain. "It might just work my friend. If enough Brood mothers can be killed and the Darkspawns way of getting to us underground cut off that should cut out the element of surprise. Scout groups could warn of surface attacks and I heard Urgal mentioning explosives last night. Maybe we could have a few surprises in store for them. I am not eager to have the Archdemon near us, but this Valley is still some distance away and if not what is the alternative? We stay here until our supplies run out? There are no ships, and Orlais is shut to us. We are on our own."
"Just how do you intend to get the Archdemon to the valley?" Loghain muttered, glaring at Alistair.
Alistair turned his gaze to the map. "That I suspect will be the easy part."
"And when it is there how do you plan to take it down?" Loghain persisted, his harsh tone grating on everyone.
Alistair gave a grim smile. "With distraction and a lot of luck."
xXx
Alistair ignored the ache of his ribs, the pull of the stitching and the painful rub of his armour. He moved on cautiously, signalling for everyone to stop as he inched forward to the cave entrance. They had spent the last week clearing out tunnels and caves, split into smaller assault groups. The plan was working and they had already collapsed the majority of tunnels.
Carver and Garrett had tried to get out of Alistair how they were going to get the Archdemon to come to the valley; but Alistair was tight lipped, saying only that their connection to the Darkspawn would bring it. Alistair if it was possible had distanced himself further, but surprisingly and to the relief of his friends was taking less personal risks. He still moved into the thick of battle, but was not as reckless as he had been on previous occasions and was quick to say if he was wounded. Carver blamed himself for the Commanders withdrawal and had attempted to draw Alistair out. His Commander was civil; friendly even at times, but there was no hint of what had passed between them. He remained frustrated and an ache of what had been possible built within him. He glanced to Alistair as he moved cautiously to the cave entrance, gripping his sword. He had come to boiling point with his frustration and he was determined to speak to Alistair when they got back to the Peak.
Alistair peered into the cave and pulled back sharply, his breath harsh in his ears. He stayed still for a moment before he inched back up the tunnel. "Two Brood Mothers and about half a dozen Genlocks."
"Well let's get to it." Oghren muttered.
Alistair swallowed hard, forcing himself to look at his friend. "Oghren, maybe you should sit this one out."
Oghren glared thinking Alistair referred to his previous injury, but he saw the look on Alistairs face. "Nug humping bastards!" Oghren roared, Aedan clamping his hand over the dwarfs mouth. Alistair glanced back up the tunnel, his heart pounding. They heard a scuffling noise and shadows flitted by the cave entrance before the Genlocks had entered the tunnel and were heading for them. Oghren wrenched free and gripping his axe ploughed into the Darkspawn, Alistair following, the others taking out anything that was left. Oghren kept up his momentum and burst into the cave stopping short.
He remembered her dark blond hair that always seemed so soft and smelled, well he didn't know what it smelled like he just knew he liked it. He remembered the way her body curved perfectly against his and the way she could insult him with just the right amount of teasing to stir his desire. He remembered telling her she needed to get out of Ferelden and when they had returned to Lake Calenhad the proprietor had been angry because she had upped and left. Oghren felt a maddness descend as the creature that had once been Felsi stared at him. "I'll make it quick." He muttered.
Thrashing tentacles impeded their progress, their awful wails calling for more Darkspawn. A frost spell from Anders, combined with paralysis from Hawke managed to get them a path to the creatures. They broke on Felsi trying to end her suffering as quickly as possible. Her wails would haunt them for nights to come. Oghren gripped the smaller throwing axe from his belt and building up speed threw it, Felsi's head taken cleanly from her monstrous shoulders. Oghren collapsed to his knees shuddering violently. Alistair gripped his shoulder before turning his attention to the second Brood mother. She was much bigger, horns protruding from her hairless scalp. She screeched and hissed spitting her venom at them. She caught Garrett on the shoulder with a barbed tentacle, making him scream out in pain, the impact tearing into flesh and muscle. Anders quickly moved to his side; but in his rush to help his friend, he missed the tentacle on the ground and let out a cry of shock as he was lifted into the air, before being slammed against the ground.
Zevran ran towards him, a stream of curses leaving his mouth as he struck at the flailing limb as she prepared to slam him to the ground again. Alistair darted in front of her grabbing her attention by throwing his helmet at her head. She hissed, spitting her venom at him. "Come on you bitch." Alistair felt the excruciating pain as a tentacle wrapped around his waist starting to crush him. He gripped his sword tight and almost laughed as she raised him above her head ready to dash him against the ground. Marhi had done much the same. He gave a sharp twist cutting through the limb and gripping onto the folds of flesh as he fell, pulling himself to her head, driving his sword through her spine before cutting the head from her shoulders. He jumped off ignoring the pain limping over to Anders who looked dazed, but thankfully apart from some bruises and a headache was unhurt, Hawke having healed the head wound quickly.
"You're nuts." Anders muttered to his brother.
Alistair grinned. "Got to keep you out of trouble baby brother." He turned back to the corpses and wiped the sweat from his brow. They were getting damned efficient at killing them, but no attack was without injury to them. "Do you both have enough mana to burn them."
Hawke eased himself to his feet. "First we deal with injuries then we deal with them."
Alistair nodded moving to the side as Hawke eased aside his armour. His ribs were badly bruised, he had a long jagged wound across his back and some venom had managed to burn through his armour to his shoulder and leg. Alistair sat down and let the soothing magic do its work.
Oghren moved to his side and sat next to him. "Why did you suggest I sit out of this one?" His voice gruffer than usual.
Alistair glanced to Felsi and sighed. "I …. I didn't ….. the burden of killing people who were friends let alone … damn it Oghren I just …" He spread his hands helplessly.
Oghren patted his uninjured shoulder. "Thanks for the thought you dumb nug."
Alistair gave a choked chuckle and gripped Oghren's arm. "I'm sorry my friend."
Oghren nodded. "It's better that we found her and ended it. This ain't something I will regret and neither should you. That's a fate worse than death and if those already gone could say something, it would be thank you." Oghren rubbed his chin and beard roughly. "Come on Commander, theres more tunnels and we ain't finished yet."
Alistair rose to his feet and pulled on his discarded helmet. "Let's get to it."
xXx
Exhausted they had made one final push, all three groups finding themselves meeting up at a tunnel entrance. Nathaniel and Serac, a castless rogue who had become Urgal's right hand scouted ahead. They came back moments later, both looking pale.
Alistair rose to his feet. "What is it?"
"By the stone there's a lot of them up there." Serac muttered.
"At least ten that I could count Commander." Nathaniel reported, explaining the layout of the cave.
Alistair took a deep breath. "This needs done."
Urgal gripped his arm as he moved forward. "Listen Commander I'm always up for the fight, but let's be sensible about this. We would probably kill them, but there might not be any of us left. This tunnel is one of the main ones and needs blocking. It might not be as far as we wanted, but if we take out that cave with an explosion, we kill the Brood mothers and seal up our tunnel, hopefully with the least amount of casualties."
Alistair rubbed his forehead. "How are you going to ensure what's in that cave is destroyed."
"Aye well; we will need a bit of a diversion, the explosives will need to be put at specific points and it's unlikely that whoever sets them up ... will he ain't coming back."
Alistair swallowed hard. "You have someone in mind?"
Thaml moved forward. "I'm your ..."
"Stand down Thaml." Urgal said gruffly. "Your expertise will be needed for the surface distraction." He glanced to Alistair. "They'll follow you Commander."
Alistair paled. "Urgal."
"Ain't never asked my men to do something I wasn't prepared to do myself. Me and a small team of my boys will get it done. You just make damn sure this means something."
Alistair felt his heart sink, shaking his head. "There must be another way, why don't we just collapse this tunnel?"
"Because the Darkspawn will dig through it in no time. Ain't I taught you anything!" He grinned. "Come on Commander, we all knew the risks. I've lived longer than I thought to and I've earned my place with the Ancestors."
Alistair glanced up sharply feeling the Darkspawn closing in on their position. He gripped Urgal's arm. "May the stone embrace you my friend."
Urgal smiled, returning the grip and pulling Alistair close. "When it's your time; come see me and the Ancestors and we'll buy you a pint, but you better have killed that thing first." Urgal and four of his warriors made their way up the tunnel, briefly acknowledging the others who were saluting them. "Come on boys. Let's show them how it's done."
xXx
This was harder than anything Urgal had faced before. He placed the explosives as those with him fought to give him time, trying not to be distracted by their screams. He felt panic move through him that he wouldn't get the job done and scowled. He'd never failed a mission before and he had no intention of starting now. He let out a strangled scream as he was dragged backwards and into the air, his eyes locking with the broodmother. He gave her a toothy grin before throwing the bomb at the explosives nearest him. It set off a chain reaction and as one exploded it set of the next until the fearful howl of the Brood mothers was drowned beneath the rumble of stone as the cave began to collapse. Urgal felt the heat of flame, a crushing blow from rock falling in on them taking him to the ground. He closed his eyes. Job done.
xXx
Darkspawn were everywhere, their screeching and stench lingered in every tunnel. Alistair channeled his rage at Urgal and his mens sacrifice into keeping those still with him alive. "Move!" Alistair roared as the ground rumbled beneath them and the explosion ripped a hole in the side of the tunnel. "Shit!" Alistair hissed as Darkspawn poured through from beyond.
Serac threw some bombs in their direction in desperation knowing they couldn't win against the sheer numbers filling the tunnel. "Run you dumb nugs!" He yelled. They raced back along the tunnel; the ground continued to rumble and vibrate beneath their feet, a crack in the stone they ran on, racing past them. "Move it or we'll be buried!"
They ran into a small cave, horrified as the ground beneath them began to break up. "By the Paragons we must have hit a fault line." Serac gasped.
"A what?" Alistair yelled, pushing his men on.
"All you need to know is we need to get ahead of it, or we won't be leaving."
Anders gave a strangled scream as the floor broke apart, glancing up in relief as Zevran and Aedan gripped hold of him hauling him back up. They ran on, dodging falling rocks and stumbling as the ground broke up around them. They managed to get into another tunnel the dwarves hurrying on ahead to lead the way. Alistair glanced back, what Darkspawn had managed to follow them were being buried.
"Move it Commander." Serac yelled.
Alistair's eyes widened as the tunnel began to cave in ahead of them. "Run!" He roared.
Carver felt as though his lungs were going to explode when an entire section of the tunnel ahead crashed down in front of him. He was blinded by the dust, his eyes watering badly and felt a hand grab his, stumbling on as rocks thudded around them.
Aedan collapsed to the ground as he ran out of the tunnel into a stable cave; gasping for breath, the dwarves having stopped running and were taking a well-earned opportunity to catch their breath, exhausted after their frantic flight. He turned hearing a thunderous crack, a rumble and the sound of rocks crashing against each other far too close for comfort. Oghren, Anders and Zevran emerged from the dust. They turned back, the tunnel blocked by rock. Aedan glanced around frantically; everyone bar two had made it through, Alistair and Carver were still on the other side. Despite his exhaustion Aedan started to tear at the rocks, yelling at the trapped men to hold on.
Everyone knew the stakes, behind that wall were two of the only three Wardens in Ferelden and if there was a chance they were alive they needed to get to them.
xXx
Alistair threw himself against Carver pinning him against the stone as the rocks fell around them. He gave a groan of pain, his body slumping as the stone landed against his back, his armour barely shielding him from the impact. Carver gripped him tightly against him, his heart pounding at the almost dead weight in his arms. When the rocks finally stopped falling Carver gently lowered Alistair to the floor, wincing at the hiss of pain.
"Damn it I can't see anything!" Carver snarled.
"S'okay." Alistair groaned."
Carver pulled off his gauntlets and took off his pack. There was a low clicking noise and two rune stones gave off a faint light. It was limited but enough for Carver to see the trouble they were in. They were blocked off on both sides in a relatively small space. He wondered dismally how much air they had. He glanced to Alistair and paled. Blood covered the left side of his face from a jagged head wound. His left side was battered and in places the armour had punctured flesh. "Alistair I need you to tell me where it hurts." Scrabbling in the bag for healing potions.
"S'okay." Alistair repeated.
Carver turned to him his hands shaking. "It's not okay Alistair." He began to tend to the head wound first, Alistair making small whimpering noises. "I'm sorry, but I need to treat this. Damn it why couldn't Anders be trapped in here too!" Alistair reached for his arm, stopping half way with a cry of pain. "Alistair for Makers sake stay still." Carver continued tending to the head wound gently cleaning the blood and dirt from his face as best he could, realising that tears were slipping down Alistair's cheeks. Carver swallowed hard; shifting his position to try and ease Alistair's discomfort, Alistair giving a scream of pain that made Carver freeze. "Alistair please tell me where the worst pain is."
"Back...like a blade...in my back." He wheezed out.
"Alistair I'm going to have to turn you." He slowly and carefully turned Alistair onto his less battered side; Alistair biting his lip to stop the screams of pain, which still managed to come out as strangled groans. Carver stared at the sharp slice of armour embedded in Alistair's back, far too near the lower end of his spine for comfort.
"Alistair I can't remove this I'll do more damage."
Alistair squeezed his eyes shut wondering at what point the Maker was going to give him a break and let him die. He shivered and gave a wheezing cough. "S'okay."
"Stop saying that!" Carver yelled. "What in the Void were you thinking? Why didn't you just get out?"
Alistair gave a shuddering breath. "Would never leave you behind."
"Why not?" His voice lowering in tone.
Alistair gave a gasping cough. "Garrett would kill me for a start."
Carvers face fell and he was glad Alistair couldn't see him. "That's a stupid reason."
Alistair tried to move, doubling over with a hissing breath spitting blood from his mouth. "Carver." His voice panicked.
"I'm here." Carver gently put a healing potion to his lips hoping it would relieve some of the pain. "Drink this."
"I'm sorry." Alistair mumbled as Carver gently wiped the splashes of the potion and blood from his chin.
"What for?"
"You deserve better than me." Carver realised he was trembling. "I've been a poor Commander. I could never be the man Duncan was."
"No one asked you to be you dope." Alistair shivered, causing Carver to press close to try and give him what body heat he could. He snarled in frustration, Alistair's armour was in his way and there was no way to remove it without causing further damage. He bit his lip as Alistair rested his head on his chest, his breathing easing a little.
"I'm cold."
Carver gently wrapped his arms around him wishing more than anything they were in his warm bed. "They'll get us out soon. Alistair you need to keep talking."
"Hurts."
"I know, but I need you to stay awake."
"Then you talk...like...hearing you talk."
Carver felt the flush rise from his throat to his forehead. "You do huh."
"When...you're not...yelling...at me." Carver winced, unconsciously running his fingers through Alistair's hair, stopping suddenly when he realised what he was doing. "Felt nice." Alistair murmured, giving an appreciative sigh when Carver resumed.
"Anders will fix you up just fine." He murmured. "We've been in worse situations than this and you always come out okay." He paused as he felt Alistair inch closer to him, carefully adjusting his position to suit the injured man.
"She...never really...wanted me...you know."
Carver glanced at him in concern. "What are you talking about?"
"Elissa...was never me...she wanted."
"But you seemed so close."
"She was a...good friend...I was a poor...second choice."
Carver swallowed hard. "Do you want to tell me who her first choice was?"
Alistair gave a laugh that became a tortured cough, blood staining his lips. "Cailan... can't seem to...get out of...his damn shadow."
Carver felt his heart squeeze knowing exactly how that felt. "Older brothers can be a pain in the ass. Still she was very pretty must have been nice to have her to snuggle up to at night."
Alistair let out a tortured breath. "Wouldn't...know. Just had a...few kisses. A pathetic... fumble ….the night I pro... Doesn't matter ... now."
Carver felt his heart pound again, angry at himself that he was glad Alistair had not lain with her. "I'm sure it wasn't pathetic." Wishing he could bite out his tongue.
"I …... wasn't who …... she wanted." Alistair closed his eyes relaxing against Carver, lulled by his fingers moving soothingly through his hair.
Carver shifted slightly and in a moment of boldness pressed his lips to Alistair's forehead. "There are people who do want you." He felt Alistair tense. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that."
They sat in silence for several minutes. "Carver."
"Yes?" Carver felt his heart pound as Alistair's fingers interlocked with his.
"Like you...a lot."
Carver felt as though his smile filled his whole face. "Like me or like me?" He felt Alistair spasm and clutched him tight. "Just keep breathing Alistair." His deep moan of pain sent terror racing through Carver. "Alistair don't you dare die, I love you do you hear me!" His panicked voice high pitched and trembling. Alistair's hand slipped from his, his eyes closed. "Alistair! Alistair!" He turned as he heard a booming sound and the rock pulled away from them, Anders coming into sight. "Anders help him!"
Anders paled seeing his brother and sank to his knees beside him. "Alistair!" Anders hands flared with blue pulsing energy; Alistair giving a stuttering breath, his eyes remaining closed.
xXx
Author Note: Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed. Thank you as well to those who have favourited and are following. Reviews are always appreciated.
