A/N - It's time for the Battle of Ostagar.
Conner sighed as he was walking to the front lines with Duncan. The entire Team was behind him except for Dick and that's what was worrying him. The Kryptonian couldn't help but think that something was about to go wrong in this battle. It was just way too easy. King Cailan was convinced that this battle was going to go fine and everyone was going to awarded glory; yet Duncan still had a look of disbelief on his face.
"Are you guys ready," asked M'Gann mentally.
"Hell no," replied Wally. "We could all die in this battle."
"I don't even think we should fight in this battle," sighed Conner.
"What do you mean," asked Kaldur.
Before Conner could continue a man bumped into Wally.
"Nice to see you again," he said with a small smile. "I wanted to make sure you didn't kill more darkspawn than me."
Wally smiled and introduced his friend as Carver Hawke. They had apparently met in the camp before the trip into the Wilds.
"Don't count on it man," joked Wally. "But seriously, be careful out there."
They bumped fist and Carver replied," you too." And then he went to join the unit he had been placed in.
Using his enhanced vision, Conner stared and could see the enormous horde of darkspawn approaching. There were genlocks, hurlocks, and giant ones about 9 feet tall with horns. According to Duncan they were called Ogres, and not to be taken on alone. Conner swallowed hard and watched as all the soldiers began to form in a line. One of the sisters from the Chantry was walking along the frontlines saying final prayers while swinging a large container holding incense.
"I can see them coming guys," said Artemis. "There's a fuckton of them."
"Lovely," groaned Kaldur.
As the spawn got closer and closer the land around them began to die. The grass turned to mud, leaves fell from the trees and the branches grew hard and dead and the lakes turned a poisonous color. The darkspawn were all roaring and growling. King Cailan stepped forward and raised a hand.
"ARCHERS," he yelled.
"That's my cue," cried Artemis.
"FIIIIIIIRE!"
Conner looked above as a ton of different types of arrows flew from the ramparts. Fire, Ice, and Poison arrows flew from the ramparts and impaled themselves within the darkspawn.
"RELEASE THE HOUNDS," ordered the King.
Mabari began running from everywhere. It seemed like a never ending river of giant dogs covered in Kaddis. According to Kaldur who was told by the Kennel Master, Kaddis was a type of ink with a smell that helped the Mabari distinguish friend from foe. Conner watched as the bear like dogs pounced the darkspawn and began tearing their throats out. Yet they were getting killed too.
"FOR FERELDEEEEEEEN," bellowed King Cailan raising his sword and charging forward.
Conner yelled alongside everyone else, drew his two-handed great sword and charged the field into the battle. Still having the ability to super-leap; Conner jumped and amidst all the "Maker's Breaths" and Great Andrastes" he crashed onto a darkspawn killing it instantly. Knowing he was surrounded, he swung his sword in a 360 motion killing any spawn near him. He grabbed one by the throat, lifted and impaled before kicking it off. By this time more of the soldiers had reached his position so that he had a little bit of back up. Conner spotted Wally running from spot to spot cutting off genlock assassin heads with his twin swords so they couldn't catch anyone off guard. Kaldur was fighting back to back with a woman with flaming red hair also holding a shield. Conner had never seen muscles on a woman like that, she was intimidating as hell. While blocking an attack from a Hurlock; he saw her stab a darkspawn right through the eye with her sword and then cleave up. M'Gann was fighting near him using both her telekinesis and telepathy effectively. She'd kill someone mentally from afar, then lift the body and slam it into another darkspawn. One by one the darkspawn were being cutting down. Carver stabbed a genlock in the stomach; Wally impaled his swords in a hurlock's feet allowing Kaldur to make the finishing blow. Zatanna though far away was casting spells only unique to her like making it rain fire for a minute. At the rate the battle was going they weren't going to even need Teyrn Loghain's soldiers.
After killing one more darkspawn, Wally appeared next to him.
"Dude we're kicking ass," he cried. "These things don't stand a chance."
Conner roared and killed a darkspawn that was targeting Wally's spine.
"The battle's not over yet Wally," he growled turning to face him. "Stay focused damn it!"
The Speedster roared and raised both swords and thrusted them forward just under Conner's arms. When the clone turned around he saw a genlock impaled in the middle of the face, and the chest.
"You watch you're back too," teased Wally running over to help his friend Carver.
After what seemed like hours the soldiers finally began to cheer. Conner looked up at the Tower of Ishal and saw that the signal fire had been lit. Teyrn Loghain's reinforcements were on the way.
"Thank God," cried Zatanna. "My energy is just about all gone."
"No time to rest," said Kaldur. Keep fighting until the reinforcements arrive."
Conner took a deep breath when suddenly he could hear voices through his super hearing. The voice belonged to Teyrn Loghain.
"Sound… the retreat," he said.
Conner felt his heart drop into his stomach. Had Loghain just ordered a retreat?
"What about the King," came a female voice. "We can't just-"
"Do as I command," responded the Teyrn.
Conner was in so much shock at what he heard that he began to hyperventilate. Loghain was betraying them to the darkspawn but for what? And an even better question why?
"Guys," cried Artemis. "More darkspawn are coming off the horizon. We're going to be outnumbered any second."
"Where the hell are the reinforcements," asked Wally.
"Loghain's betrayed us," Conner informed them.
"What," cried M'Gann. "How do you know?"
"Super hearing, we have to get fuck out of here or we'll all die!"
Suddenly there was a snarl and Conner turned around. An ogre was holding King Cailan its hand. It snarled and squeezed it's giant fist closed crushing Cailan's spine causing blood to gush from him. Duncan seeing his King murdered charged the beast. He out pulled the daggers strapped onto his back and they were sparkling with lightning. He jumped up and stabbed the ogre in it's chest and it collapsed, then lifting the daggers up, he stabbed the ogre right in the middle of the head. The old man rolled to the ground and crawled over to Cailan's body. Conner watched in horror as twenty seconds later; a darkspawn beheaded the old Warden with an axe.
"We have to go now," yelled Kaldur. "To the Wilds hurry."
"Not without Dick," cried M'Gann.
Suddenly all the soldiers and darkspawn looked up as a giant bird that looked like a raven-eagle hybrid with golden feathers flew into the Tower of Ishal. Seconds later it was flying away with the four Grey Wardens.
"AFTER IT," screamed Wally flying ahead of his friends.
"Zatanna, Artemis," said Conner. "Head back towards the campsite and go into the Wilds."
As much as he wanted to help the dying soldiers, Conner knew that he and his friends had to get out alive. They rendezvoused with Zatanna and Artemis and headed into the Wilds.
1 hour later
The Kryptonian had a knocked out Zatanna on his back, while Kaldur had Artemis' arm around his neck and he was supporting her. Wally suddenly collapsed on the ground.
"I have to rest," he wheezed.
"No Wally," replied Kaldur. "Get up we have to find Dick before we rest."
"You should all rest."
Conner turned around and saw Morrigan's mother emerging from the trees walking towards them with a smile upon her face.
"I told you that you'd see me again young man," she said to Conner with a grin.
"The darkspawn won the battle," sighed Conner wiping blood off his armor.
"Yes, even from my home I could sense the evil from the darkspawn. But don't worry; the darkspawn will not enter my domain for the time being. Not while they are feeding on the soldiers."
"Well we have to find our friends," said Artemis moving her hands out her face.
"Yes I know, follow me and I shall take you to them."
"Why should we trust you," growled Wally.
The old woman threw her head back and let loose a deep cackle.
"That's easy, you don't have a choice."
And Conner being too tired to argue, followed the old woman into the night.
Next Morning
Mahariel was waking up. He hadn't blacked out this many times in months. Not since he got his hands on those dwarven spirits. The last thing he could remember was the battle with the ogre. The ogre was holding him in its hand when Dick threw two daggers into its eyes. Ruby shot a poisoned arrow down its throat, allowing Alistair and Mahariel to finish it off. He looked down and saw that his right ankle had been bandaged.
"Ah you've awakened mother will be pleased."
Mahariel turned and saw the woman from the Wilds coming towards him with a small cup of water. He drank it and immediately felt energized.
"Thanks," he croaked.
"You are welcome," she said. "And I am Morrigan lest you have forgotten."
"Do you know how I got here Morrigan?"
"Mother rescued you and the other Grey Wardens. The man who was to respond to your signal quit the field. The darkspawn won your battle. Those he abandoned were slain and devoured by the darkspawn."
"Creators preserve us all, s everyone okay?"
"The girl Ruby was the least injured, the boy Dick had a broken wrist mother mended, and the suspicious dim-witted one Alistair has a bruised rib, but they are all alive."
"What about the others?"
"All fine, Mother brought them here shortly after you all. Everyone is outside by the fire. Mother asked to speak to you when you awoke."
"Were my injuries bad?"
"Yes but I expect you shall be fine. The darkspawn did nothing Mother could not heal."
"Why does your mother want to talk with me?"
"I have not a clue. Mother rarely tells me her plans."
Mahariel raised the covers and realized he was completely naked.
"Uh where's my armor," he asked.
Morrigan smirked and brought it over to him and placed it on the bed. As he got dressed he realized that she in no way shape or form turned around to give him even a moment of privacy; not that it bothered him at all. Mahariel opened the door to the small house and exited. A large fire was roaring in a small clearing a few meters away from the house. Dick and his friends were all huddled by one another all looking tired but okay. Alistair was staring out at the pond, and Ruby was petting Brutus who had a bandage around his left front paw.
"See," said Morrigan mother rising from her chair. "Here is your fellow Grey Warden. You worry too much young man."
Alistair turned around and ran to the elf and inspected him like a mother would a cub.
"You… you're alive," he gasped. "I thought you were dead for sure."
"I'm fine," said Mahariel. "I feel like hammered shit, but I'll make it."
"This just doesn't seem real, if it weren't for Morrigan's mother, we'd all be dead atop that tower."
"Ahem," said the old woman. "Do not talk about me as if I am not present lad."
"So then what shall we call you," asked Wally. "You didn't tell us your name the last time that we were here."
"Names are pretty but useless. However, the Chasind folk call me Flemeth, I suppose it will do."
"THE Flemeth," asked Ruby. "From the legends? Oh Maker, I can't believe it. Daveth was right, you're the Witch of the Wilds."
"My people know you as Asha'Bellanar," explained Mahariel taking a bow before Flemeth. "But your power is feared even among us."
"And what does that mean," asked Flemeth grumpily sitting in her chair. "I know a bit of magic, and it has served all of you well has it not?"
"So why did you save us," asked Dick.
"Well, we cannot have all the Grey Wardens dying at once can we? Someone has to deal with these darkspawn. It has always been the Grey Wardens duty to unite the lands against the Blight. Or did that change when I wasn't looking?"
"Four Grey Wardens to deal with a ton of darkspawn may be a problem," groaned Artemis. "Not to mention it changed when most of them were murdered!"
"If you believe that small numbers make you helpless little girl, then you have already lost."
"But we were fighting them," yelled Alistair. "The King's army had nearly defeated them. Why would Loghain do this?!"
"Now that is a good question," admitted Flemeth. "Men's hearts hold shadows darker than any tainted creature. Perhaps he believes the Blight is an army he can outmaneuver. Perhaps he does not see that the evil behind it, is the true threat."
"The Archdemon," cried Ruby.
"Okay I'm feeling lost," said Zatanna. "What is an Archdemon?"
"Long ago," explained Flemeth. "The Maker sent the Old Gods of the ancient Tevinter Imperium to slumber in prisons deep beneath the surface. An Archdemon is an Old God awakened and tainted by darkspawn. Believe it or not history says it's a fearsome deadly creature, and only fools ignore history."
"Will you help us fight the Blight Flemeth," asked Conner.
"Who me?" The old woman burst out into laughter. "I am just an old woman who lives in the Wilds. I know nothing of Blights and darkspawn."
"Whatever Loghain's insanity," growled Alistair. "We have to warn everyone about the darkspawn before it's too late."
"And who will believe us Alistair," asked Kaldur. "Keep in mind, Teyrn Loghain was the King's father-in-law; you think they'll take our word over his? Because based on my experience with nobles, people will always ally with those having more power when they're scared."
"He just betrayed his own King, Kaldur. If Arl Eamon knew what he did at Ostagar, he'd be the first to call for his execution."
"The Arl of Redcliffe," asked Ruby. "My father was friends with him."
"Yes, and Cailan was his nephew and he still has all his men. I've met him, he's a good man and respected all throughout Ferelden. We should go to Redcliffe and appeal for his support."
"And what if he refuses to help us," asked Dick. "Then what are we going to do?"
"You have more at your disposal than merely old friends," said Flemeth with a grin.
"OF COURSE," shouted Alistair reaching into his armor. He pulled out the papers that they received from Flemeth earlier. "These are treaties, during Blight; Grey Wardens can demand aid from dwarves, elves, and mages. They have no choice but to aid us as well."
"I may be old but dwarves, elves, mages, this Arl Eamon and who knows what else; this sounds like an army to me."
"And the year was starting off so peaceful," joked Mahariel. "Now I have to help build an army, convince a madman that the darkspawn are still a threat, and stop an evil Old God? My life is soooo fucked."
"Hey we're here to help," argued M'Gann with a grin. "You won't be alone."
He winked at her causing her to blush, and Conner to growl.
"It's always been the Grey Wardens duty to stand against the Blight," said Alistair with a smile. "And right now, the four of us, we're the Grey Wardens."
"Then what the hell are we," asked Wally. "You're errand runners?"
"Only if you want to be Wally," teased Ruby holding his chin.
"So," asked Flemeth. "You're all set then? Ready to be Grey Wardens?"
"I'd really be happy with just staying alive," moaned Conner.
Flemeth let loose her loudest cackle yet and bent over clutching her sides.
"Oh if it were only that easy young man," she cried. "But it is time for you to be on your way."
"Thank you for everything Flemeth," said Zatanna.
"It is my pleasure my dear, and before you go; there is yet one more thing I can offer you."
The front door to the hut opened and Morrigan came out side.
"Dinner is nearly complete Mother," she explained walking over to them all. "Shall it just be the two of us, or everyone?"
"The Grey Wardens are leaving shortly girl," said Flemeth. "And you will be joining them."
"Awww such a shame," said Morrigan pinching Alistair's face. "The Grey Wardens are leaving shortly and I shall be… WHAT?!"
"You heard me girl, the last time I checked you had ears."
"I think she'll make an excellent addition," said M'Gann. "We're kind of outnumbered by the guys."
"But she doesn't want to come," replied Wally.
"Her magic will be useful," explained Flemeth. "She knows the Wilds, and how to get past the darkspawn horde safely."
"So I have no say in this," asked Morrigan angrily.
"You have been itching to get out of the Wilds for years. Here is your chance. And as for you Wardens, consider this repayment for saving your lives."
"Welcome to the group Morrigan," said Ruby happily.
"Not to look a gift horse in the mouth," started Alistair. "But this'll add to our problems; out of the Wilds she's an apostate."
"A what," asked Zatanna.
"A mage who doesn't live within the circle," explained Flemeth. "And if you not wish help from illegal mages young man, perhaps I should have left you on that tower.
Mahariel chuckled," let it go Alistair. We need willing or unwilling help from everyone. We aren't going to defeat the darkspawn without magic."
"Mother," whined Morrigan. "This is not how I wanted this. I am not even ready-"
"You must be," replied Flemeth. "They need you Morrigan; without you all shall perish under the Blight. Even I.
"I… understand."
"And you Wardens? Do you understand? I give you that which I value above all in this world. I do this because you must succeed."
"She'll be safe with us," said Dick.
"Let me get my things," groaned Morrigan. She walked back into the house, and returned ten minutes later holding a staff, and carrying a small pack. "I am at your disposal Grey Wardens," she grumbled. "I suggest the village of Lothering far to the north as a first place to stop where we can replenish our supplies. From there you can choose where we travel, or if you like I can be your silent guide."
"Always speak your mind while your with us Morrigan," Ruby informed her.
"You will regret saying that," laughed Flemeth.
"Dear sweet mother," growled Morrigan. "You are so kind to cast me out like this. How fondly I shall remember this moment."
"Are you still here? I guess I can't get rid of you that quickly."
"Can you cook," asked Alistair.
"What," said Morrigan her voice dripping with venom.
"Oh shit," said Dick taking a step back.
"I think we should just go," said Mahariel stopping the argument before it even began.
"You wouldn't happen to have any advice would you Flemeth," asked Artemis.
"About the darkspawn," sighed the old woman.
"Yes."
"Only know that they are more cunning than they seem. More important by far is the Archdemon. It is the core of this taint and while it lives so does the Blight. This Teyrn Loghain is different however. You must deal with the repercussions of his deeds before you can face the Archdemon… unless it finds you first."
"If you plan on avoiding darkspawn," started Morrigan. "Tis probably a good idea that we leave now." As everyone began grabbing their gear Morrigan turned to Flemeth. "Farewell mother, do not forget the stew bubbling over the fire. I would hate to return to a burned down home."
"Bah," barked Flemeth. "Tis far more likely that you'll return to see this entire area along with my hut, consumed by the Blight!"
"I… all I meant was-"
"Yes I know, do try to have fun saving the world dear."
A/N - On to Lothering next to meet two more allies, then let the adventure begin.
