Part Nine
Soldier's Peak
"There it is. Soldier's Peak. It's a monster, that's for sure," exclaimed Levi.
Rosalyn smiled up at him, teasing, "You did get us lost a couple of times,"
"The map got soggy, silly girl!" he chided as Rosalyn laughed. She liked Levi very much. "You go on and I'll follow behind," he said, "There's a stench of death here that I'd rather avoid at all costs."
She reached into her belt and pulled out a long dagger, "Can you use this?"
"I've never been one for daggers or knives, but I can shoot a bow if you have one."
Alistair was soon rummaging through their goods in the wagon, pulling out the bow he had been carrying since the Brecilian ruins. "Take this then. I won't need it. Show us what you've got," he challenged.
"All right, if you insist, I'll embarrass myself. It has been a while, you should know," answered Levi as he tested the bow's draw. Leliana helped him, and Rosalyn couldn't help noticing how their fingers kept touching as she helped him. When he was satisfied, he nocked an arrow and drew. "The spot down the hill where the tree splits," he said. Loosing the arrow, it flew straight and true, hitting the spot at the juncture of the tree dead center. "Not bad," he said, surprised.
"Not bad at all, Levi. Where did you learn to shoot like that?" asked Rosalyn.
"Oh, my pap made sure we could all shoot and use a dagger and sword. As merchants, we are easy targets. I've rarely a chance to use the skills now though. I usually just hire some help and let them take care of it."
"Well, you have a place with us anytime you want," said Alistair as he patted Levi on the back. "Today, keep back with Jowan and try not to let anyone get through to him. He'll take care of the rest."
Jowan nodded, "I can at that, ser." Alistair looked sideways at him, his eyes narrowing; Jowan corrected himself, "Alistair."
"Better," he replied, making Rosalyn and the others smile. "Levi, lead us in." The merchant nodded and walked to the gates. It took Jowan's magic to open them as the years of rust and decay had fused them together. With a lightning spell aimed at the fused sections, the gates parted easily and allowed them access.
Levi led them through the gates slowly as the companions fanned out to check for any danger. Suddenly he stopped, his face turning white as if seeing a ghost. The yard was suddenly full of soldiers, ghostly in their appearance but no less dangerous looking.
"Fall back! Fall back already!" commanded a lord to the troops in front of him.
The knight shook his head, "Taking the Peak will not be easy, m'lord."
"I gave the Wardens one chance to die with honor. Instead, they hole up like cowards. We follow the King's command, then. Starve them out," the lord ordered.
"But the Peak has months of supplies."
"Then we wait. When they are too weak to lift their weapons, we will send them to their final judgment!" ordered the lord.
The apparitions shimmered and turned to mist as they watched. Levi shook his head to clear it, his hand clutching his stomach. Leliana was soon next to him, her hand on his arm. He covered it with his own then looked to Rosalyn and Alistair. "Wh…what was that? I felt sick all of the sudden. I saw…something there. Am I going mad?"
"I heard an Orlesian ballad about something like this once. A beauty trapped in a dream, never waking up." Leliana declared.
"That makes me nervous," Levi added. "How is this possible? Is the place haunted?"
Jowan took a few steps forward, his hands outstretched. "The Veil is thin here, like the Tower. No doubt demons and spirits have entered our world. I can feel them."
"Andraste's mercy! Good thing you came with us, Jowan. Can you all handle it?"
"We should be able to, Levi. It doesn't seem as bad as the Tower," said Rosalyn. Jowan nodded his agreement.
Levi smiled a nervous smile and squeezed Leliana's hand, "Then it's a good thing you came Warden. After you…"
The fortress turned out to be a very busy battleground for the little group. Walking dead and demons stalked the halls wherever they went. The front entrance hall brought more images of the events that had transpired two hundred years before. They saw Sophia Dryden pushing her men to fight harder, telling them they would never give up, while a Warden mage was telling her that his spells would only work so far and that drastic measures were needed.
Alistair was confused as he watched the visions. When they cleared he expressed his feelings out loud, "Why was the Peak being attacked by the king? It all makes no sense. The Wardens are by nature neutral in politics and government."
"Perhaps it's an incident that isn't recorded any more. You said yourself the records from the time are scarce," Rosalyn told him.
"May be. I want to know more. Let's keep going."
They continued to search the hallways and rooms on the bottom floor, eventually finding the library. They spread out through the room, looking for any evidence that could help them. Levi and Rosalyn found a burned and charred book on the floor. Picking it up to read it, the group was again assailed by images from the day the fortress fell.
"The door won't hold, Archivist!" cried the Scribe.
The archivist kept writing, "I'm almost done…The truth must be told."
"What does it matter? We never should've done it. Wardens aren't supposed to oppose kings and princes."
"Should we stand idly by while…" The archivist was cut off as the vision ended abruptly.
Levi shook his head, "Rebellion? What are they talking about? If only the book wasn't burned."
Alistair took the book from Rosalyn, "Rebellion goes against everything the Wardens stand for."
"Sophia must have had her reasons. Sometimes you can't just stand idly by."
Without warning, the room filled with shades and the walking dead, surrounding them.
"Form a circle!" commanded Alistair as they rushed for their weapons. Levi and Jowan stayed to the inside as the others attacked any enemies that got close. Eventually they were able to finish them off.
"That's what Duncan told me when he gave Nelaros and me the weapons to rescue Roz and the other girls," Soris said as he cleaned and sheaved his daggers.
"Said what, Soris?" as Rosalyn.
"Nelaros and I asked him if he would help us rescue you. He said couldn't go himself, but he made sure we had a chance."
"I don't remember that," Rosalyn told him. "Duncan gave you the weapons?"
"And a way into the estate. We couldn't have gotten in without him." Rosalyn put her hand on Soris' arm and squeezed, he covered it with his own and held it. "I just wish we'd been more successful," he said with regret.
"I miss Nola too," she said quietly; he nodded.
"We should go and look for more answers inside," Alistair said as he started down the next hall. They found the stairs to the next floor and followed them to a room that seemed to have been a common room where the residents would have relaxed. As they climbed the steps to another level, they saw what appeared to be a mirror in the corner of the room. Glowing circles were set into the floor at regular intervals.
Suddenly the room grew misty as the shades of the Wardens appeared again. They saw Sophia Dryden command her men to attack at will then ordering a mage to summon the demons to help them. He began to chant and there were soon shades and demons attacking the king's soldiers. When they had dispatched their targets they began to kill the Warden troops. The mage was unable to stop them and ordered his acolytes to retreat and leave the Wardens to die at the hands of the creatures.
The mist receded as quickly as it appeared, leaving the confused companions alone. Levi was first to talk," The Wardens summoned demons! My own grandmother…she knew."
Rosalyn glanced over at Jowan before she answered; he looked the most uncomfortable she had ever seen him. "The Wardens don't forbid blood magic, Levi. Anything it takes to win is what we do. I'm sorry."
"I just thought my family was better than that." He started to walk farther into the room when Jowan put out his hand to stop him.
"Summoning circles," he said as he pointed to the glowing circles. "The far mirror is a gate to the Fade. Blood magic is at work here, very strong and very evil." He took two steps forward, put his hands out and closed his eyes. "The gate is open. That's where all the spirits are coming from. From the looks of it, it's been open a long time; centuries maybe. We will have to close it somehow."
"How would that be possible?" asked Alistair.
Jowan got a wary look on his face as he searched for the answer. "It would take the mage who set them to undo the circles or…very powerful blood magic."
Alistair looked down at Rosalyn, the worry and fear apparent in his eyes. He looked back to Jowan, reluctantly asking, "Can you unravel them?"
He shook his head. "Not without more blood than any of us is willing to provide. It would take a second summoning to fix this. I…I won't do that."
Alistair nodded his acceptance, putting his hand on the mage's shoulder. "I don't blame you for not wanting to do it, Jowan. Thank you for not crossing that line." Jowan smiled slightly at his words. "Is there anything you can do to protect us?"
"Only blood magic will keep us safe from that, but I think I know a spell that will shield us for a while. It will take some blood though. May I?"
"Go ahead," said Rosalyn without waiting for Alistair's response. She took out her dagger and held it out to Jowan as he began chanting. When the chant reached a fevered pitch, she sliced open Jowan's hand and withdrew. A blue light enveloped them as they stood there, dissipating after a few seconds. Jowan slumped a bit as he finished, temporarily drained. Alistair handed him a lyrium potion while Leliana and Rosalyn bandaged his hand.
"That was blood magic? It felt like a pleasant sleep. Does it always do that?" asked Levi.
"If only it did, my friend," Jowan laughed at his assessment. "That should protect us for a while. I hope long enough to stop whatever it causing this."
"Let's move on," said an impatient Alistair as they skirted the circles and headed for the stairs to the walkway between the towers.
They hadn't gotten through the door when the mirror began to glow, the room filling with shades and a spirits. "Kill the spirits first!" Jowan hollered. "They control the shades!" He began to shoot bolts at will.
Levi and Rosalyn began to shoot their bows at the far creatures, while Alistair, Leliana and Soris kept the near ones from getting through. Each time they eliminated nearly all the creatures from the room, the mirror would glow and the room would fill again.
Jowan suddenly stepped forward from the group and began to chant. Alistair yelled, "No! Jowan stop!" and prepared to drain his mana.
"Stay back!" Jowan commanded as he finished his spell. The room filled with a thick red mist that masked the circles and the mirror from view. "Get out, quick! It won't last!"
The companions headed for the steps and out the door to the causeway between the towers. Alistair checked the door to see if any of the demons had followed but found none. He turned to Jowan, demanding answers. "What did you think you were doing?"
"It was a mist spell, tainted red with blood to mask the circles. They 'sensed' our presence and would have kept bringing forth more and more spirits to fight us until we succumbed to their will or died," he answered. "And…yes. It was blood magic."
Alistair shook his head. "Fine! You know how I feel." He sheathed his sword and took a drink from his water skin. Rosalyn put her hand in his and squeezed, reaching out with her senses. "Stop that," he said to her, smiling weakly as he caught her. She laughed softly at his reaction. "Let's go on," he said.
Rosalyn and Soris stepped forward first, checking the way ahead. "Traps," said Soris as they walked. "The way is clear down the middle though." Together they dismantled the traps and cleared the way. "Just like home, huh?"
"Only with a lot more dead things," she replied. Soris laughed nervously.
Halfway down the causeway they were attacked by a half dozen walking dead but easily picked them off with bows and magic. The door to the next tower was before them so Jowan laid his hands upon it to check for any demons or spirits that might be on the other side. Finding nothing, he opened the door to reveal a room that looked like a chapel of a sort. They examined the altar and found animal sacrifices and evidence of blood magic rituals. "This has been used for a long time," commented Jowan. "Someone has been sacrificing to the demons to appease them or keep them at bay, or both. The most recent was only a few hours ago."
"So someone is still here and is keeping this going?" asked Levi, who had been silent for a while as he found a way to deal with the fantastic things he'd seen and experienced.
"I have no doubt. Without regular sacrifice or appeasement, the demons and spirits would have abandoned the Peak long ago. Someone is keeping them here for a purpose."
Leliana shivered in horror as she thought of all the souls who were trapped in the fortress without release. Levi put his arm around her shoulders in comfort, drawing her to him. "The sooner we are gone from here the better," he said.
"I agree. Let's check out that room." Alistair pointed to a room to their left and started for the door.
Jowan put out his hand, "Wait. There is…something." He put out his staff and chanted a phrase. The staff began to glow brightly. "Open it now. This will mask us for a few moments; long enough to assess what's there." Alistair drew his sword and signaled to the others to follow.
There were many things that they expected to find in the room, but what they found was not one of them. Upon examination, they found it to be the office of the Warden Commander. A desk was at one end, in front of a large empty fireplace; files and papers were scattered everywhere. Behind the desk stood a woman in Warden issued armor, armed with a two-handed blade, her back to them. She turned around and revealed the decaying corpse of a once lovely woman with features much like Levi's.
"Step no further…" the creature commanded. Jowan stepped forward and began to chant a mist spell. "Get this annoyance away from me. This one would speak with you."
Rosalyn stepped forward. "Don't, Jowan. Let us hear this." As he stepped back, she whispered, "Be ready and strike her if need be, though." He nodded. To the woman she asked, "Why should I speak with you?"
The creature smiled as it regarded her, "Because the Peak is mine. This one is the Dryden. Commander. Sophia. All these things." It laughed as it talked.
Levi was overwhelmed, "Gr…grandmother?"
"You have slain many of the demon ilk to get here. This one would propose a deal."
"Why should we trust a demon?" asked Alistair as he pointed his weapon at her.
Sophia laughed again, "What is one woman-child compared to your might? Strike me down if my terms offend you. A fool I would be to betray a Warden.
Rosalyn looked at Alistair, who shrugged but didn't lower his sword. "Levi, I'm afraid your great-great grandmother is possessed."
"And she's really let herself go. Sophia is dead; I don't know what that is."
"Is there anything of Sophia left inside of you?"
The creature laughed again, "This one has tasted her memories, seen her thoughts and hidden places. She is food for this one, no more, no less."
Alistair raised his sword to attack, "I think I've heard enough. Time for you to die!"
"Fools!" Sophia screamed as she drew her sword and rushed Alistair. The room filled with shades, engaging each one of them away from Sophia except Alistair. He struck out at her with every bit of strength he had but she kept coming at him. He began to weaken and soon found all he could do was hold his shield and absorb her blows.
Rosalyn struck out with her sword and took out the shade in front of her. Looking to Alistair, she saw his dilemma and started to move to his side. As she did, a second shade attacked her from behind and forced her into a defensive posture. "Jowan! Help Alistair!" she screamed as she fought the shades off.
Jowan began to chant furiously as he struck back at the shade in front of him. Pulling out his dagger, he turned and cut his hand as he cast an ice spell at Sophia, freezing her in place. Casting Stone Fist at her, the Warden Commander shattered into a thousand pieces just as Alistair crumpled to the floor from a heavy blow.
With Sophia dispatched, the shades soon followed. Rosalyn ran to Alistair's side and helped him. "Sit still! Let Jowan check you first."
Jowan cast a healing spell on him even though he could find nothing outwardly wrong other than exhaustion. "You should be all right. Rest a while, we could all use one." The last he said to everyone.
Rosalyn helped him sit up and he leaned back against her as he caught his breath. Looking up at Jowan, he said, "Thank you, Jowan. You saved my life." He held out his hand to the mage in friendship.
Jowan took his hand and shook it strongly. "It was my pleasure, ser…Alistair. It's a life worth saving. I owe you more than I can ever repay." He smiled then and they both laughed, peace having finally been made.
They spent an hour or two resting and looking around for any evidence that would help them figure out what had happened at the fortress. Soris and Jowan picked up as many of the files and letters as they could and read through those that were still legible. Soris was first to comment, "The only thing I see is vague references to their 'grand scheme.' Lots of orders for foodstuffs and weapons; they were planning something really big here."
"Sophia Dryden seems to have been one of the major players for whatever it was. Many of these letters are asking for her approval or go ahead with other plans. Nothing here that pinpoints what those plans were," said Jowan as he tossed the last of the letters aside. "It makes no sense. Why would anyone go to all this trouble to assault this base? There is so much more to this."
"Then let's go on. We should get out of here soon. I don't want to be here after dark," said Alistair as he rose. Rosalyn stood up next to him and reached out with her senses to test his strength. "I'm all right," he replied to her prodding and bent down to kiss her as proof.
"Hmmmm….so you are. Let's go then," she said as she shouldered her bow and led the way out to the hallway, the others following her closely.
A large door was set into a far end of the hallway. Jowan held up his hands and took a quick step back. "There's something there! It pushed at me!"
"Pushed? You mean it sensed you?" asked Alistair.
"Yes, and it doesn't want us to come in there. I think we've found what we're looking for," Jowan answered. He put up his hands and began to chant. His staff began to glow a bright blue as he cast at the door. Suddenly the door creaked loudly and the hinges snapped, leaving it ajar in its frame.
"You couldn't have done that before?" asked Rosalyn sarcastically.
"What? And spoil all you and Soris' fun?" Jowan answered. "You know me better than that, Roz." They laughed but sobered quickly as they prepared to storm the room.
Jowan chanted a cloaking spell and entered first, Alistair, Soris and Rosalyn following, with Leliana and Levi last. There was a short set of stairs that led into a large room. Torture racks and cages stood around the walls, scattered and rusting. A raised platform was at the far end, on which a man dressed in the robes of a Grey Warden mage stood looking down at a long table full of various pots, bowls and potions.
As they got closer, he stood up straight and sighed. "I hear you…Don't disrupt my concentration," he warned. The mage turned slowly, revealing an ancient looking man, tall and once handsome but ravaged by centuries of living. When he spoke, his voice cracked from long periods of disuse, "Even now the demons seek to replenish their numbers. Are you to thank for his welcomed but temporary imbalance?"
Jowan spoke first, "The old Warden mage from the visions. You are still alive?"
The mage chuckled at Jowan's awe. "Only just. My time left is very short."
Leliana was terrified but found her voice, "Careful! This…man has dabbled in things forbidden by the Maker. He looks frail, but I do not trust him."
"So the Maker told you that; did he?" the mage laughed loudly at her innocence. Levi moved closer to Leliana and put his arm around her. "Short-sighted men have forbidden my research, not any god."
"Who are you, if I may ask you?" Alistair asked politely.
The mage straightened his collar and looked down at Alistair, "I am Avernus, once chief mage of the Grey Wardens of Ferelden. But now…you see. Clearly you are Wardens so why are you here and are your intentions?"
"We are here to rid the Peak of its plague of demons," replied Rosalyn.
Avernus nodded his agreement. "That should be your first and only priority."
Alistair stepped forward, "We do need some answers though."
"Of course you do. What are the questions?"
"How have you survived all these years?"
"As my body aged, I found ways to extend it; at a small price." He came down the small staircase to where they stood on the floor, walking slowly and stiffly.
Jowan looked around the room at the torture racks and decaying bodies, "With blood magic, I see."
Avernus regarded the young mage, his gaze knowing, "As you would know." Jowan looked cowed for a moment but did not back down.
"Tell us what happened here," he asked.
The old mage acquiesced, nodding at Jowan, "What use is storytelling now? The tyrant Arland is long dead as are his followers and nearly all of his descendants." The last phrase he aimed at Alistair, who shifted uncomfortably in his stance. "Sophia's corpse may walk and talk, but she, too, is no more."
"How was Arland a tyrant?" asked Alistair.
"He ruled with fear and poison. His treacheries pit the nobles against each other in a terrible battle. Many thought him a monster so they gathered allies to rebel. Eventually even the Wardens fell prey to their plotting."
"And what happened to the rebellion?"
He shook his head, "Too many mouths to quiet. Even sorcery can only go so far there. So we met with Teyrn Cousland to persuade him to our side. With him there was a chance. But we were ambushed and forced to flee here."
Jowan shook his head, "You practiced blood magic on the nobles?"
Avernus laughed at the insinuation, "Of course! To keep our secrets safe; it was no less than what you would have done." Jowan shook his head but Avernus went on, "Sophia forbade me using it on their leaders. It was her undoing."
"You had to know summoning so many demons was foolhardy."
"Perhaps it was, but it makes no difference now. For months I prepared the summoning circles while Arland's men pounded the gates." His voice became stronger as he told the tale, pride beginning to overwhelm him, "I researched the darkest depths of the Fade. It was a triumph of demonic lore. Alas, with so many variables, calculation errors are inevitable."
Levi could stand back no longer and stepped closer, "Commander Dryden knew of the demons?
"She gave the order. I would have done it anyway. Only under Wardens can true magical research continue. We have a chance to rediscover the ancient secrets of the Tevinters!"
"Then you are to blame for all of this," accused Rosalyn.
"From a Warden, that does mean something." He shook his head, his years showing, "So tired…so old. I will undo my greatest of mistakes. Let me cleanse this place. Let us go to the great hall and I will repair the damage I have done. Then I will submit to whatever justice you feel I merit."
Rosalyn and Alistair looked at each other, each one gauging the others feelings. She nodded and he turned to Avernus, "Until the demons are dead, we are allies."
Avernus nodded, "That will do for now. There will be peril. The demons will fight us every step of the way. Come." The group followed the old mage back to the great hall and what awaited them.
Avernus led the way back down the stairs to the great hall where they had found the summoning circles. The circles glowed with magical energy and grew brighter as they sensed their presence. The old mage raised his hands and chanted a spell and a shield came up around them, masking them from detection. "This will allow us to prepare but will last only a short time. Destroy anything that comes out of the doorway. I will unravel the circles. Let us begin,"
"Levi, stay back with Leliana and Jowan and concentrate on the far demons. Lyn, Soris, and I will take those who get too close to Avernus." He looked over at the mage," Will that be sufficient?"
"It will. I shall begin now." To Jowan he said, "Concentrate on the mirror when you can, it will slow their entry." Jowan nodded.
Avernus walked to the first circle and began to chant loudly. The circle began to glow brighter and the mirror gate shone with a blinding light. Before they knew what was happening, the room was filled with shades and demons. They fought them one by one as Avernus chanted and Rosalyn noticed the first circle disappearing along with several of the demons. The old mage moved to the next circle in the sequence and began again, chanting loudly as the others continued to fight off the demons. When there was but one circle left, they faced the final foe, a desire demon and her minions. Rosalyn and Alistair took on the demon; Rosalyn stabbing it over and over as Alistair drained mana from it. A slice from his sword brought it down and the room was plunged into darkness.
Jowan chanted and his staff lit up, illuminating the entire room. Avernus caught his breath and spoke, "It is over. The Veil is stronger now." He sighed then continued, "I submit myself to your judgment. Would it be possible for me to be left to experiment in peace?"
Alistair took Rosalyn's arm and led her away from the others. "I'm a little confused here. What should we do? He is responsible for the deaths of many but they were in a situation that no one should ever be in."
"Perhaps if we knew what his research entailed. If it is something that could benefit the Wardens or others in a good way, he could be allowed to continue it supervised," she remarked.
"Avernus, what is the basis of your research?" Alistair asked.
"I…you should know that it is in regards to the Wardens and the taint within us. I cannot say more in present company," Avernus replied, his hand indicating Jowan, Leliana, Soris, and Levi.
Alistair nodded in agreement. "Soris and Leliana, would you excuse us? Levi, bring the wagon up to the yard and find us someplace for shelter."
"We will. I'm famished, aren't you?" Leliana asked Levi.
"Indeed, I am," he answered, smiling brightly. "Avernus, sir, would you join us for dinner later?"
"Dinner. I haven't….perhaps. We will see how our meeting goes," he answered politely but uncomfortably. "Thank you." He waved his hand towards the door, "Shall we?"
"Jowan, you are with us," said Alistair. He whispered, "I want to know anything you know about what he's doing and whether he's on the level."
Jowan was surprised to be included until Rosalyn whispered, "You are a Warden, even if you haven't gone through the Joining." He nodded and smiled, following Alistair and Avernus. Rosalyn stopped Soris and whispered something to him and the others. Leliana giggled and Levi smiled broadly saying, "I think we can handle that." With that they took off and she joined the others.
"What was all that?" asked Alistair.
"A little task I needed done. Nothing to worry about, love," she answered.
"When you say that, I always feel like I should," he answered. She laughed at his suspicion and they followed Avernus to his laboratory room.
Avernus gave them a thorough tour of his laboratory and a complete accounting of his research and findings. He had discovered that the Darkspawn taint contained elements of great power that, once tapped, would make a Warden more powerful than any had ever imagined. He admitting to using unwilling subjects for his tests, a fact the others did not approve of. But while much of what he had discovered was foreign, Jowan was able to keep up, asking many questions and taking notes as they talked. Once he had shown them what he knew, Avernus stood back, allowing them to talk amongst themselves.
They walked to the opposite side of the room where Alistair was first to speak, "I find this fascinating but cannot begin to understand even the smallest part. I have no idea what to do."
"Does this make any sense to you, Jowan?" Rosalyn asked.
"Much of it is already known but he has taken some new approaches that the Chantry will find unacceptable. I think its valuable research but his methods of testing must change. Forcing subjects cannot be tolerated."
"So what do we do in the meantime?" asked Alistair.
Rosalyn looked over at Avernus, standing patiently, waiting for their judgment. "Would it be so terrible to let him continue without the live subjects? We can send to Weisshaupt for someone better able to decide the matter. I am not comfortable doing it myself."
"That would be a reasonable choice, given our position. Let's do it," announced Alistair. "I don't think he will be going anywhere as he doesn't seem to have long to live."
Rosalyn nodded her agreement and looked to Jowan. He looked at them then at Avernus, then back again, "He will need supervision. Without it, he could return to old habits. I should like to stay, if I might."
"Stay here? With him?" asked Alistair, baffled.
"Yes. I could study his notes and help him. When he is gone, I will make sure it is all kept for posterity and properly reported to the authorities at Weisshaupt. He only has a couple of months left, I can tell. I want this, Alistair. It's a way I can make up for my misdeeds and make myself useful."
"Are you sure, Jowan? He could very well make you his next subject." asked Rosalyn, laying her hand on Jowan's arm in concern.
"I'm sure. He's too weak to be able to do much now. Most of what he has done in the last few years was to simply maintain spells he cast long ago; that takes much less mana than casting. I should be able to withstand him if he tries anything. If he will allow it, I will stay."
"Very well," said Alistair. They returned to Avernus where Alistair announced, "You will be allowed to stay here and continue your work with some changes. You will no longer use unwilling subjects for testing or blood magic, and Jowan will remain here as your assistant and liaison with us. You are required to explain and report everything you have done here to him and he will document it."
Avernus was silent for a long moment, regarding the young Wardens. Clearly he had misjudged their strength and intelligence. "Very well, as you wish. I welcome the company." He nodded to Jowan, who nodded back. "I do not sense the taint within him though. He has not gone through the Joining?"
"No, he has not. We are new to the Wardens and do not possess the knowledge," answered Rosalyn.
"While I do not object to him being present as I work, if he is to assist, I would like that he be a Warden. I can take care of that, if you wish. It is the least I can do."
Alistair and Rosalyn looked at each other then turned to Jowan. "Jowan, are you ready to join us?" she asked.
"Yes. Let's do it," he answered confidently.
Avernus put his hand up in a gesture of blessing. "Then I will make the preparations while you eat and make camp. Return here when the moon rises and we shall have our Joining." He started slowly to his table, then stopped and turned to them, "Would you…could you have some food sent to me while I work? It has been so long since I had anything good."
"Of course we will," Rosalyn said, smiling.
"Thank you," said the old mage. He turned and walked up the steps to his lab table and began to work.
Levi, Soris and Leliana had set up camp in the main entrance hall. The fireplace was burning brightly and a hearty stew was bubbling in a large kettle. Leliana was busy making biscuits and cooking them on a hot pan.
"Smells wonderful," said Alistair, taking the lid off the pot and sniffing. "Is it ready?"
"Very nearly," Leliana replied, smacking his hand. "Just a few more to cook."
Rosalyn found a bowl and plate and dished up some stew and biscuits. "I'll take these to Avernus. Where are Soris and Levi?"
"Seeing to your little task. They should be just about ready." Leliana leaned in and whispered to Rosalyn, "Second floor, the little room in the back." Rosalyn nodded and took off on her errand.
"What was that all about?" Alistair asked Leliana.
She laughed at his suspicion. "You are too nosy. You'll see."
"Women."
Leliana laughed, "Indeed."
After they had eaten, Alistair, Levi and Soris went out to secure the wagon and oxen for the night while Leliana and Rosalyn ran upstairs to the second floor. Jowan was there, fashioning some torches to hang in the wall sconces. "There," he said, casting a spell that set them ablaze. "That should give you enough light."
"It looks great! Where did you find that? It's huge!" Rosalyn asked, pointing to the bed.
"Levi took three others apart and made it. I sewed three old straw ticks together quickly and we brought up as much sweet grass as we could find to fill it. It should be comfy enough for tonight. He will love it," said Leliana.
"I hope so. I owe it to him after the last time." Her ears pricked at a yell from Alistair. "We'd better go; I'll be back in about an hour or so. Jowan?" She gestured to the door and he followed, looking back at Leliana, who smiled at him warmly.
They reached the downstairs hall and were met by Alistair. "What's with all the secrecy?" he asked.
"You'll find out soon enough," was all she would say. "Let's go." He sighed loudly and followed her.
They walked to the old mage's laboratory where he was waiting for them. Rosalyn noticed the empty bowl and plate sitting on his table where she had placed his portion of the stew. Avernus saw her look and said quietly to her. "It was delicious, thank you."
"You are very welcome," she replied, smiling.
Avernus gestured to the table and said, "Shall we begin?" To Jowan he said, "For a thousand years, men and women, warriors and mages, have stood together to battle the Darkspawn evil. We have drunk of the blood of our enemies and mastered the taint within us. Tonight you join us in that fight, Jowan." He turned to the table and picked up the Joining chalice found by Rosalyn while they were at Ostagar. To her he said, "If you would, my dear."
Rosalyn spoke the words that Alistair had spoken to her only a few months ago. They had come so far in that time that it seemed a lifetime ago since she had heard them, but they still echoed in her head and heart as she spoke, "Join us, brother. Join us in the shadows where we stand vigilant. Join us as we carry the duty that cannot be forsworn. And should you perish, know that your sacrifice will not be forgotten. And that one day we shall join you." Alistair's hand took hers as she spoke.
"Step forward, Jowan and drink from the cup as we did before you," said Avernus. Jowan took the cup and drank, handing it back to the old mage. Avernus nodded to Rosalyn, who drew her dagger and came to stand next to him as the taint took him. Alistair stood behind him, ready to lend assistance.
Jowan shook with pain and stumbled forward a step, doubling over. His body rose to an upright position as the taint took hold of him, his eyes glazed over darkly. Avernus looked to Rosalyn and shook his head and she sheathed her dagger and stepped back. Jowan collapsed and Alistair grabbed him, easing him to the floor. "He is strong. Good. He will need that strength," said Avernus, pleased.
Avernus took the chalice and returned to his table, stopping to look at it more closely. Rosalyn sat down and took Jowan's head in her lap and smoothed his hair. Alistair bent and kissed the top of her head, whispering, "I love you," then joined Avernus at the table.
"Strange," the mage said, "This is the same chalice I drank from all those many, many years ago. Yet tonight, it seems like it was only yesterday."
"It was over a year ago for me. I can still see the four us standing in that circle at the compound in Denerim. We lost only one that night," replied Alistair as his finger traced the griffin emblem on the chalice.
Avernus nodded. "I was the only one of six at my joining. It was also at the compound in Denerim. I had never been out of the Circle and was newly harrowed. I was so young…." He hung his head. "I have so much to regret in my life. I shall never be able to atone for it all."
Alistair put his hand on the man's shoulder, "You have a chance to try."
The old man nodded and turned to look at Rosalyn as she sat with Jowan. "She is…yours?" he asked.
"Yes."
"She is…a worthy heart. Do not lose her. The pain is…unbearable."
Alistair opened his mouth to question him, but stayed his tongue. Some things were better left alone, he thought. He looked down at Rosalyn as she held Jowan and smiled at her. "A worthy heart indeed," he said.
Jowan awoke from his nightmare with a cry, sitting up quickly as he called his magic for an imagined fight. "Shhh Jowan. It's okay, you're fine." Rosalyn's voice floated through the haze towards him like a healing balm. He closed his eyes and felt her hands as she soothed his brow. "Welcome back," she said as she eased his head back down to her lap.
"That was worse than any Harrowing could possibly be," he said, closing his eyes tightly as he tried to master the pain. Avernus stepped forward and chanted a short phrase and healing energy engulfed Jowan's body. The young mage sighed as his strength returned. He took Rosalyn's hand from his brow and held it as he sat up. "Thank you, ser Mage."
"You are welcome. And you are correct, it is worse than the Harrowing. You have not been through that ordeal, I gather?" Avernus asked.
Jowan hesitated for a moment before he answered, "No, I haven't. I was…recruited before I could. It is a long story, I'm afraid."
"Then I look forward to hearing the tale. If you are able, shall we start? There is much for you to learn and little enough time to learn it." He held out his hand and helped Jowan to his feet. Together they walked to the table, deep in conversation.
Alistair held his hand out to Rosalyn, who took it as he helped her up. She went straight into his arms as his mouth found hers, his hand cupping her chin to hold her in place. After a moment, they pulled away, "I think they will be happy together, don't you?" he asked, smiling.
"It's a match made in….well, I guess the Fade. I just hope it was the right thing to do," she said.
"I don't think Jowan will allow any more of Avernus' tricks. He was pretty adamant about his revulsion to the methods used. He may be a blood mage but you were right about him. He cares."
Rosalyn narrowed her eyes at his change of heart, "So all that fuss we went through about him was unnecessary?"
"I wouldn't say unnecessary, but in the end it was a lot of fun, wasn't it? I do love fighting with you, you know." His hand came around her and cupped her behind, lifting her towards him.
"Oh! In the mood for some wrestling, I see."
"Always, love. How about you?"
"Always. Shall we find someplace?"
He kissed her in a possessive, wanton kiss that shook her to her toes. "Yes," he replied, his voice betraying his desire.
"Well, all right then," she said, borrowing one of his favorite expressions. Taking his hand, she led him down the stairs to the second floor and the room in the back.
"Where are we going? Is this the big secret?" he asked.
"Just follow me," she said.
Rosalyn opened the door to the back room to reveal a warm and dimly lit room with a roaring fire in the small fireplace. A meal of meat, cheese and fruit was lying on a table with a large pitcher, glasses, and a bottle of wine. In the corner was a hastily made, large bed covered in a huge straw tick mattress and blankets and furs. Rosalyn went to the table and picked up the wine and took it to Alistair, who was still standing at the door, a peculiar look on his face. She presented him with the bottle, "I believe I said I'd provide the wine."
He took the bottle and looked down at it, a bottle of good Antivan red, and his favorite. "This is what you had Leliana doing?"
"And Levi and Soris and Jowan. Everyone had a hand in it. I…I wanted to make up for missing it before. You wanted it so badly; peace and quiet, no keeping watch and a bed, you said. I just added one more thing…me." She walked to the door and shot the bolt in place. "You have me all to yourself until morning. Now what will you do with me?"
Alistair was dumbstruck as he looked at the room, the bed and finally Rosalyn. "You remembered," he said, awestruck. "I thought…"
She came to him and took the wine, setting it on the table before returning to stand in front of him, "You thought I wouldn't remember? I told you before, I always remember what you tell me, and I always will. I choose you, Alistair Theirin. There is no one else."
"Stop that," he said as he claimed her mouth in a searing kiss, his hands roaming over her body as she arched towards him. "I hate that name."
"So do I," she replied, her hands reaching for the buckles of his breastplate. "Almost as much as I hate this armor you have on. Take it off. Now," she ordered as she unfastened the buckles on the breast plate and greaves and pulled them off.
"Yes, ma'am," he replied as he unbuckled her chest piece and dropped it to the floor. Her greaves, gloves and boots soon followed as did his. Picking her up, he carried her to the bed and set her down, pulling on the laces of her breeches and pulling her shirt up and over her head. She pulled his laces and he took off his shirt, her hands exploring him. Their smallclothes followed and he stood still, looking down at her in awe. "I've never seen you before. The light was so dim the first time. Maker! You are so beautiful!" His arms took hers and pulled her up to him and he buried his face in her hair, shaking with emotion.
Rosalyn held him close and stroked his back as he calmed. When he had, she pulled the thong from her hair and shook it out for him. "I'm not going anywhere, Alistair. Never. Please!" she begged.
Alistair picked her up and set her against his hardness. She moaned as she felt her wetness sliding against him and he captured her mouth in a kiss and set her down on the bed, pushing into her core. They gasped as they joined themselves and began to thrust immediately against each other. Rosalyn wrapped her legs around him as he probed deeper into her and they climbed to a peak together. Just as she was breaking he called out to her, "Look at me, Rosalyn! Watch me!" She opened her eyes and looked into his and saw the passion breaking. She called his name and was soon crashing with him as they watched each other, their own version of the Joining, until they fell back on the bed, spent with emotion and exertion. He curled her into his arms and held her tightly, pulling the blankets over them, whispering, "I love you."
"I love you, Alistair," she replied sleepily as she settled herself in his arms. And for a while, there was peace in their lives.
Dawn came too early for either Rosalyn or Alistair's liking. Sleep had eluded them most of the night as they preferred to enjoy each other instead of getting the rest they both knew they needed. Only after their bodies collapsed and refused to continue did they finally fall asleep to stay, Rosalyn tucked neatly in Alistair's arms under the pile of furs. As the early morning light became visible in the slit windows high up in the room, Alistair kissed Rosalyn and got up to relieve himself. She stirred and sighed, burying herself deeper into the furs where he had lain, absorbing his warmth.
Gauging the time of day, Alistair knew their time was short. They were expected at Lake Calenhad within the week to meet the others and start the long journey to Orzammar, the last leg of their journey. He dreaded the underground city as much as the Deep Roads and knew Rosalyn would hate it more. She wasn't the type to be closed in for long and it was likely that they could be there for a while if the rumors Bodahn had heard about King Endrin's health were true.
Alistair walked to the table where the food still sat, untouched from the night before. He cut a piece of cheese and poured a glass of ale from the pitcher, smelling it first and smiling as he realized it wasn't the cheap kind he hated and always seemed to get. "She really does pay attention," he thought as he drank from the glass, "I'll never measure up to this." He looked over to the bed where she lay, sleeping peacefully and looking so beautiful. With a final look up at the window to gauge the time, he downed the ale and cheese quickly and headed back to the bed for as much time as he could.
Rosalyn awoke, feeling the touch of his hands on her skin and moaned slightly as those hands found a place she liked. Alistair laughed at her reaction and doubled his efforts to arouse her. She sat up and looked down at him, "You know, I don't think I've ever been awakened so wonderfully."
"Then I intend to do it this way from now on," he replied as he worked his way back up to her mouth. "And try twice as hard." He captured her lips in a deep kiss as she relaxed back down and he settled between her legs.
She laughed at his efforts, smacking her lips, "Mmmm….cheese and ale. I've never had breakfast this way before." Her last thought was lost as he entered her. "Uhhhh…," she said as she tried to form another thought, "…oh, never mind." Alistair chuckled at her distraction and they took their time finishing their breakfast.
Half an hour later, the sun was full up as they heard Soris knocking on the door, "Roz! Alistair! Are you there?"
Rosalyn groaned and buried her head in Alistair's neck, "Send him away. I want to stay here."
Alistair laughed, "If we only could love. I suppose I had better tell him we aren't dead or anything." He sat up and stretched, "Okay, okay, Soris! We hear you. Is everyone up yet?"
"Just me. Leliana and Levi…well, they aren't up yet either. What's the plan?"
He looked at Rosalyn. "Leliana and Levi?" She smiled and nodded and he said, "Huh. I missed that." To Soris he said, "Load the wagon and see if you can find them. Tell Jowan we are leaving and that I'd like to see him before we go."
"All right. Do you have some food? I'm starved."
Rosalyn laughed, "I'm coming, Soris. Go start your work." To Alistair she said, "Boy, some things never change." She sat up and scooted to the edge of the bed, "He'll stay there until I feed him." She stood up and shivered in the cold room, her arms clasped about her. "Brrr! It's freezing in here! Where are my clothes?"
He laughed at the family humor, "Your breeches are over there, your shirt is over there, and your small clothes are anywhere." He pointed in three opposite directions, laughing as she ran all around the room looking.
"Funny. Just wait until you have to find yours," she replied sarcastically. "You'll never find them. Where did you say my smallclothes were? Oh never mind." She sat down on the bed and started pulling on her breeches and shirt. He pulled her down next to him and kissed her soundly. "Stop that! Soris is right, we have to go. It's a long way to Orzammar. Besides, we have every night from now on, right?"
"So is this where you ask me to move in with you?" His face was serious but there was a twinkle in the sky blue eyes.
Rosalyn pulled on a sock and grabbed another, throwing it down when she saw it was Alistair's, "Well….I suppose it's a given that you do."
"If I didn't know better, I'd say you just asked me for a commitment."
He had her and she knew it. "It would be nice…if you wanted," she said softly.
Alistair sat up and looked at her; this was a side she hadn't shown before and he liked it, the woman in love. "I do want it, Lyn. I want you, always, wherever we are."
Rosalyn smiled as she looked at him. This was all so new and wonderful; she didn't know what to think. "Then yes, I want you to move in with me."
"Then I accept," he replied, holding his hand out to shake hers to seal the deal. She put hers out and he pulled her down into his lap. "Maker! I do love you, you know." He held her close and kissed her.
"I wouldn't be able to do all this without you." She buried her face in his neck and clung to him, "I'd be so lost. I love you so much." She kissed him then pulled back, "I will always remember this night as our first even though the other one was very nice."
"Well, I'm glad you liked it. Lightning didn't strike me dead so I'd say it was a success."
"Lightning?"
"It's a Chantry thing."
"Oh…sure," she said, puzzled. "Time to go then. Now, where are my boots?"
A half hour later, they had dressed and bundled up their gear to leave. They took one last look around the room they had shared so well the night before and looked at each other and smiled, the upcoming night on both their minds. "Get everything?" asked Alistair.
"Never did find my smalls. My best pair too," she lamented.
"Oh, I'm sure they'll turn up somewhere. If not, I'll buy you some new ones, lacy." He smiled a wicked smile as he stuffed his hand in the pocket of his breeches and felt the soft cotton garment he'd hidden there. "Whatever color you want."
Rosalyn looked sideways at him and narrowed her eyes. "Okay…I'll think about that." She headed for the door and opened it, heading down the stairs to the main hall.
"You do that, love," he replied, still smiling wickedly, watching her backside all the way down the stairs.
