Hello all! Another chapter is upon us. Took me long enough! As per usual. A huge thanks and hugs to my ever amazing beta alyssacousland. Who proofed this even though she wasn't feeling well.

Enjoy!

Ostagar Army Camp

November 10th 2009 3:00 am
Marlon

While the Royal army, senior wardens, and the circle mages all march down to the battlefield, we junior wardens stand before Duncan and Jessica, who just finished telling us what our job is to be come fighting time. I, for one, am thrilled not to be taking on hordes of darkspawn. However, Jessica seems to be the only other person who shares my relief. There were outcries of epic unfairness of the whole plan. Alistair, Jordan, Marlya and Zella appeared to be particularly broody about the 'light- the-beacon plan'.
Actually four of us are lighting the signal, while the others keep watch outside of the tower and hold off any darkspawn that may break away from the battlefield. Needless to say, I volunteered to help light the beacon. Now don't get me wrong. I would love to cap some darkspawn ass, but if there are as many as Duncan say, I feel living to see another day is a far better option. What can I say, I'm a pseudo chicken shit.

"I still say our place is out on the field with all of the other wardens," Alistair argued. "What if you need us and we're off standing around with our thumbs up our ass waiting for something to do?"

Well now, the red-faced, angry lad has a point. I snorted at the mental image, but Duncan and Jessica looked less amused. Actually, Duncan wasn't amused, Jessica had the slightest hint of a smirk going.

"These orders are directly from his majesty. Given how many inexperienced fighters we have among us, I just so happen to agree with this plan." Duncan looked as if he wanted to say more, but was rudely interrupted by the mass outcry of frustrating coming from the other wardens.
There are plenty of angry faces about. Really? Do these morons really want to die that badly? I almost argue that if these idiots want to die so badly, let them. Darwinism at work here.

"Fuck His Majesty and his stupid plan." Marlya practically screamed. I'm fairly sure she was heard by everyone in the camp. "I came here to kill some darkspawn. I could have lit fires in prison."

"I hear matches are hard to come by in prison and they don't give you much in the way of crap to fill your cell. So unless you're one of the many who are curious if one can light a fart on fire, you'll just have to make do with this signal." Jessica said, completely straight faced. This was met by soft chuckles . Even Duncan turned his back to the rest of us to hide his amusement.. The only one who didn't seem to be laughing was Marlya.
Duncan turned back to all of us and spoke before Marlya could say anything in retort.

"I say again, this is by royal command. I'm sorry everyone but my hands are tied." All of us grew silent as we were once again brought back to the reality of our menial task at hand. "If it's any consolation to any of you, once the beacon is lit you all can join the rest of us on the battlefield."
"Well fine." Alistair pouted once again. "But if the king asks us all to wear dresses and dance the Remigold, I am seriously going to have to question his ability to hand out menial tasks."

All of us looked at Alistair as if he had grown a second head.

"What the fuck is the remigold?" I asked a loud. Apparently, I forgot to use my indoor voice.

"He's talking about a type of dance that was done in the middle ages." Duncan said, sounding somewhat surprised as he stared at Alistair. "I didn't know anyone in your generation knew about group dancing anymore."

Alistair's lips turned into a smirk and he shrugged. "I spent a lot of time reading about the ye olden times in the chantry library."
This hardly surprises me. I'm sure there is plenty of time to study between training to hunt down mages like rabid dogs. Oddly enough, I don't see Alistair as the mage hunting type. I base this conclusion solely on the fact that I've seen him give our attractive group mage the twitterpated look more than once. It's kind of cute, and weird.
"You? Know how to read words? I must say, hearing of your accomplishments never ceases to amaze me." Jessica says in mocking surprise.
While everyone giggled, Alistair's smile matched Jessica's own sarcastic smile, his cheeks red with embarrassment, or anger - I couldn't figure out which.
"You really are funny," The smile was still plastered on his face. "tell me, do you know sign language?"

I turn my attention to Jessica. A smirk was tugging at the left corner of her lip.

"I really wasn't trying to be funny, but thank you. And yes I do know sign language."
Alistair brings up his left hand. Lifting his hand, palms faced towards his face, he places four of his five fingers downwards. The only finger that remains upright is the middle.

"Then I'm sure you know what this means." It wasn't a question.

"You're showing us your IQ?" Jess asks, wearing a sardonic smile. Alistair's mirrored her smile, his eyes narrowing as he kept his middle finger in the air in front of jess.

"That is quite enough children," Duncan's authoritative tone cuts through the rising tension between Alistair and Jess. We all stand up a bit straighter at his order. "you all have a job to do. I suggest you all decide on groups and who will go where. May the Maker watch over you all." Duncan quickly turned on his heels and left before anyone could speak.

As Duncan strode past me he muttered something underneath his breath. It was rather hard to make out, but I did happen to catch something about moronic adults acting like children. One could hardly deny that keen observation. Well okay, I couldn't argue. I'm sure others in our group would be insulted hearing the truth.
After Duncan departed for the battlefield, we picked our group leaders and decided which group would be going where. I was honestly rather surprised. With all of the massive personality clashes amongst us I expected chaos. A hasty democratic vote took place. Originally we had all voted Alistair to lead the Ishal party, but he was quick to give the rein of command over to Jessica, who was less than thrilled, but took the job without complaint. Zella would lead the lookout group. Since she is the most observant and skilled hunter among us it made sense. The Dalish couldn't have cared less, but accepted her new title.

Jessica, Alistair, Pamela and myself were the Ishal tower team. After the beacon was lit, we had all agreed to meet outside of the tower, then the battlefield. Should anything go wrong our official cell phone holder was Pamela, while Jordan was team 'our job is way too fucking easy' cell phone monkey. If we were to run across any problems, we would at least have back up.

How fucking hard is it to light a beacon? What could go wrong?

Ostagar battlefield

November 9th 2009 3:21am

Duncan

I could not get away from the new group of warden's fast enough. What the hell have I done?
Forcing all these people together is just asking for disaster. Desperate times call for desperate measures I suppose. I'm just glad I'll be on the battlefield and won't have to be anywhere near any of them until they finish their mission. Which will hopefully take a very long time.

Oh, Maker, the whining that is sure to follow is hardly anything I'm looking forward to. But it's better to have whining newbies than dead.
As I exit the camp, I stop on the slope that leads to the actual makeshift battlefield. The king's army has taken position just outside the camp entrance closest to the tower of Ishal. It's not as vast as it could be. Much of the king's army is still fighting the good fight in Tevinter. It annoys me that Cailan can't be bothered to call upon the rest of his deployed cavalry, or wait for uncle's army to arrive. The Circle mages do make up some of the difference in a lack of armored bodies, but not by much. If an actual horde is coming our way, we are outnumbered. I doubt Loghain's troupe will make much of a difference, but he does have the more experienced soldiers. Hopefully that will count for something.

A pang of dread fills me as I think about what awaits us. It takes every ounce of inner strength I possess to keep the contents of my stomach. Maker help me, but I'm having doubts about this plan. Sadly, I know better than to voice my concerns to His Majesty at this point. No doubt he would laugh it off as some kind of joke. That's the problem with dreamers with power. They believe themselves to be impervious to disaster. Having songs and stories written about their bravery is well worth the lives lost and families destroyed.

Knowing I'm unable to delay any other, I make the walk down the sloped path and down to the field. I easily spot Cailian talking excitedly with one of my wardens. The king smiles widely as he sees me approach. Never have I wanted to smack sense in to anyone as badly as I do him. It would be a waste of time.
I bow before taking my place to the left of the excited king.

"It's a good day for a battle isn't it, old friend?" The excitement oozed from his voice.
I grimace and inwardly sigh before answering.

"Of course, Your Highness." I keep my voice even and monotone.

I chance a glance at Cailan, who is looking oddly serious.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared," A soft smile formed across his lips. "I know everyone believes I'm here for the glory. I let them believe these things because nothing I say will change anyone's mind of the kind of king they believe me to be. Duncan, I'm here today because I believe Ferelden and its people are worth saving, worth dying for. These men and women here today have left their families to prove how much they love this country they call home. They all inspire me to be a better person. Anyone can sit on a throne and order people to die for their country. I've never wanted to be that king," he paused, gesturing with his hands towards his army. "Being out here among these people is the best way I can think of to prove I have faith in them and that we can win today."

I don't even attempt to hide my shock. This is the most mature thing I've ever heard from Cailan's mouth. He chuckles at my reaction.

"Contrary to popular belief Duncan, I am capable of a deep thought now and again." Cailan smirked followed by laughter and a clasp of his hand on my shoulder.
"I never doubted for a moment, your Majesty." I say instead of laughing like I want to. I've known the king his entire life, and never once have I heard him say anything remotely thought- provoking. "But you do speak as a man who is expecting to die."

"Do I? I have big plans after this, so I certainly hope I'm not made into darkspawn chow."

There is the king I know. I already miss deep and insightful Cailan. At least I'll have my memories.

I roll my eyes and sigh softly. "Darkspawn aren't zombies, highness. They don't eat people."

"Only as far as you know," he said with a grin.

I shrug. Hoping to lose some of Cailan's interest.

I was thankful to see Cailan turn to the grand cleric standing directly behind us. It was time to give the soldiers the chantry's blessing. The king is the first to receive the Maker's blessing. He bowed his head in thanks to the blessing he has received.

The sisters weaved their way through the sea of soldiers, granting the Maker's blessing upon all who wanted it. Most of the soldiers found the prayers as a source of strength. There were a handful of soldiers who did not seem to take the same comfort and energy from these blessings. These are the men and women who have gone out into the wilds and know what violence the darkspawn are capable of inflicting.

The more battles I experience against these creatures, the more I find myself understanding why blessings are of little comfort. I'm becoming a cynic at my old age. Or maybe it's because I know my time is nearing. My calling as it were.
A hand slams down on my shoulder.

"Buck up my man," Cailan said, the grin spreading across his face. "This battle will be no different from the others"

Buck up? He may be the king, but that doesn't exclude him from being an utter jackass.

A sharp pain creeps over every part of my body. Had I not been used to this sensation, it would have made me double over in pain. The usual intense headache quickly followed.

The Darkspawn are here. Many darkspawn. The more there are the more intense the pain. Feeling darkspawn is a blessing and a curse. Knowing where they are is an advantage, but the pain they bring to the human body is almost unbearable.

I looked out across the field and into the wild forest. What emerged were in the thousands.

I realize this is not going to be like the other battles. I glance at Cailan from the corner of my eye. His face is pale and his eyes are wide with surprise. No doubt, he's come to the same conclusion. Sadly, there is no backing down now. No matter how much any of us want to turn tail and run.

A dreadful but true realization hits me.

We'll be lucky if a handful of us survive.

Ostagar Battlefield

November 9th, 2009 3:30am
Avellne

The men are silent as our enemy emerges from the forest. Hell, even I'm stunned. Why are there so many of them? There have never been this many before. Has word got around to the other darkspawn that our army has defeated so many?

I should be talking my men up; giving some inspiring speech of surviving the odds against us. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find my voice.

The only sound coming from the field is coming from the darkspawn. Spewing, screaming and howling in victory. Can't say I blame them. Were the odds in our favor, we would be screaming in a victory we had yet to obtain.

A hundred darkspawn are easy enough to take down. But this had to be a third of the fucking horde..

I wanted to kick myself for doubting, but numbers are everything in a battle. Sadly, that is something our side greatly lacks.

In every soldier's life, there comes a time where our lives flash before our eyes. My thoughts wander to my husband, Wesley. Will I ever see him again? Would we ever have the children we've always wanted, but waited to have? Does he know how much I adore and love him? Would he ever know? If I died today, would there be enough left of my body to find and bury?

A mental kick is what I need.

I close my eyes in order to see an all too possible picture in my mind.

Darkspawn invading Lothering. Fear stricken children running for their lives. My husband fighting for his life and those he is sworn to protect. The town being overwhelmed by these disgusting beasts. Death and destruction everywhere. Wesley's lifeless eyes peering back at me as he lay being devoured by darkspawn.

I don't allow the vision of what is possible to continue. It's far too painful.

No!" My mind screams, as I quickly snap open my eyes. "I will not allow that to happen! Those bloody bastards have taken too much already"

I gathered my wits and opened my mouth.

Instead of words, an angry scream emerged. Matching those of the darkspawn across the field.
I did not need to look around me to know I was being watched. I could care less if they thought I was crazy. I'm pissed and feeling brave at the moment, and I don't really care who knows it.

I guess my display was inspiring. Soon the soldier next to me joined in my battle cry. Within a matter of moments, I couldn't hear my screams over those of my fellow soldiers. If all of Ferelden could not hear us, I'd be completely surprised. I can't speak for everyone else, but I was filled with pride beyond measure. For the briefest of moments I actually believed we could win this battle, and send the darkspawn off running with their tails between their legs.

Riled and ready for a fight, the alarm sounded for archers and catapults to fire into the hoard. It knocked the first several rows of darkspawn out, leaving us with hundreds less to kill. It isn't much, but it's something.

An alarm demanding a second wave for the forces above sound. More flaming arrows and boulders pass over our heads, and into the seemingly never-ending horde.
I took an odd pleasure in watching darkspawn die. Heads were crushed, bodies were splattered and arrows protrude from vital body parts.
The barrage from above stopped. A period of reload time was needed. Which meant we were up next. Good. My blade is singing for blood.

I believe we all would have preferred gun's to swords. Unfortunately, with the war still raging in the Tevinter weaponry choices are rather slim. Most of the country's gun supply had been shipped overseas and manufactures could produce fire arms fast enough. Given the king's impatience for a battle, guns would never made it to Ostagar in time anyways. We work with the tools we are given and don't bother complaining about it. I prefer a sword anyways. I like a weapon that allows control.
A second alarm sounded. There was a roar from the men and women around me. All at once he charged head on towards the darkspawn. The sounds of swords clashing and screams of agony surround me. I know most of them are the screams of my fellow soldiers, and as much as it pains me, I concentrate on the Herlock charging towards me at full speed.

Holy Hell, but these monsters are fast. But I know I'm faster.

I bring my sword back in a striking position. I don't give the beast a chance to do anything with its own sword. I bring my own blade across its neck. A look of what I believe is shock takes over its hideous features. I watch as its body slumps to the ground and its head rolls towards me; stopping at my feet.

Kicking the head as far away from myself as I could, I prepared myself for the next attack. Taking down Hurlocks and Genlocks were easy enough. It was the sheer number of them that would make this exhausting.

Suddenly, the ground shook with such force, nearly everyone was knocked off their feet. I looked up for the source of the quake.
It's the first time I've ever physically felt the blood drain from my face. Fear consumed every fiber of my being as I watched that fresh hell emerging from the forest..

"Ogre." I breathed as I got to my feet.

Not just one ogre, but a small army of them.

The courage I felt before was now gone.

For now I needed to protect the king.

If that failed, it was either escape or death.

Selfish as it may be, I choose life.