A/N - Normal service resumed. Thanks for the PMs last Friday when I hadn't uploaded anything. I'd had a very bad, in fact awful and rather trying day when returning from holiday, that left me in a foul mood until the following Monday. That's how bad it was! But it was nice to know people are so eager to read the next chapter!
"So what's your story?"
Solona almost jumped out of her skin at my question, looking at me, her face etched in concern. "What do you mean?" she asked nervously.
"Well, I'm in my usual spot at the rear. And usually I'm by myself unless someone wants to talk. Aedan takes point, because he's the leader. Everyone else follows him. The cart is in front of me because its slow and will hold up everyone else. There is little reason for anyone to be back here. Good chance of being the first one to die if we're taken by surprise from behind. So, I ask again, what's your story? And you can trust me enough that I'm not going to judge nor bite your head off."
"Why do you care?"
"Well, we're going to be working alongside each other and I like to get to know people who I'm working with. Aedan has taken you on because he wants Grey Wardens, but I'm not sure he's looking past that at the moment. I want to know that I can trust you. If you're loyal too, that's a bonus. But trust is the most important thing."
I noticed her wring her hands nervously. I guess she was wondering what to say or ask. "Okay, what do you want to know?"
"Well, let's start with the basics. What's your name?"
"You know that!"
"Your full name?"
"Solona Amell."
She announced the surname like I should know it. I didn't, so asked, "And where are you from?"
"Kirkwall." She looked at me again as if I should know or at least heard of it. After shrugging, she added, "It's a free city to the north of Ferelden, across the strait, part of a region called the Free Marshes. That's where my family is. Or, at least, that's where they were."
"So you're a long way from home?"
"Something like that. I was taken by the Templars as a child. A small child. Memories of my parents are vague. We're cut off from the outside world for the most part, particularly apprentices. I haven't heard from parents in a long time. They have no doubt moved on with their lives."
She looked direct into my eyes, hers a very dark brown and I couldn't help feel that they were immensely sad. So I smiled at her, which caused her to smile, and her eyes sparkled. She had black hair, incredibly dark, allied to rather pale skin. I assumed she hadn't spent much time outside. She was slim, with a smaller bust than the other women in our group. Being a man, of course that was something I would notice. She was tall, not as tall as myself, though she did appear did have a long pair of legs, her strides near matching my own. All in all, apart from the different coloured eyes, she reminded me of a certain someone I had met in Skyrim. A definite reminder, so I'll admit to an immediate attraction because of it.
"Why did he want to bring me?" she finally asked. I heard how unsure she sounded. It was no real surprise. Everything was happening rather quickly.
"As I said, he wants Grey Wardens."
"There has to be something else too."
"Well, I've made my feelings known about the idea of the Circle."
Now she looked at me, intrigued as to what I meant. "And what are your feelings?"
"Surely there has to be a better way of protecting both mages and people, than putting mages behind lock and key, having you watched day and night by Templars who apparently have authorisation to kill you with next to no hesitation. That doesn't seem right."
I noticed the shock at my response. "You support our freedom?"
"Not like what you did back at the tower. A lot of innocent people died. And I have learned one or two things that bring caution to my ideal, namely demonic possession and blood magic. But I can honestly say I already don't particularly like the idea of the Templars."
"An unusual viewpoint. Nearly everyone fears or hates us."
"I'm different. I'm not from here."
"You don't look like you're from Tevinter. They're the only people who respect mages because that's who is in charge."
"I'm from… somewhere else. It's a long story. I might tell you some day."
"Still, it's nice to hear someone isn't afraid of all mages."
"So why did you try and help Uldred, apart from the obvious?"
"You've heard of the Harrowing?" I nodded, my face grim as the details were hard to forget. "I've only recently passed mine. I did so with flying colours, but it's still a traumatic experience. Non-mages would have no idea what is expected and the consequences if we fail."
"I've heard about that too."
"Mages shouldn't have to pass these sort of trials, and be killed without mercy if they fail. Our lives are difficult enough as it is. Uldred promised us freedom. Have you any idea what it's like to be under observation all day, every day, the people watching you just waiting for the slightest mistake, a mistake that will either lead to your death or being Tranquil? I don't know about other mages, but I'd rather be killed than made Tranquil. Imagine living the rest of your life without any emotions. No anger, sadness, happiness, joy and all the other feelings we experience. Nothing. It's existing, that's it." She paused for a moment, before adding, "Don't get me wrong, though. My heart goes out to the Tranquil. I feel sorry for them." She was on a roll now. "And don't get me started on the Templars. Some of them are okay, their hearts are in the right place, they truly want us to be safe. Those I can handle and even be friendly with. It's the Templars who believe they have some Maker given right to treat us harshly, keeping us on our toes, always afraid of making a mistake. Some Templars seem to take great joy in our private pain."
"So you weren't happy there?"
"I had some friends, mages only though. I had none as Templars, though friendships are generally frowned upon between mages and Templars anyway. You try and maintain an equilibrium within a Circle, but are you ever truly happy? If Wynne says she was, then I think she's either lying or fooling herself. There's no fun in being in what is effectively a prison your entire life."
I'll admit, I felt sorry for the poor girl. And after being told similar things by Wynne, I could only assume Solona was still quite young. She certainly looked it. "Well, you're going to be made a Grey Warden soon enough. Your days at the Circle are now over."
Noticing the slightest of smiles appear, I figured her mind had been put at rest. I knew mages were an asset, having worked alongside those with the gift in Skyrim and now in Thedas. If what I'd seen recently was correct, the mages on Thedas were even more powerful, and I'd dealt with some mages who had made me experience real pain.
Our progress was slow, escorting the survivors, so we had to camp a few miles outside Redcliffe, or at least that's what Alistair said when we were putting up our tents. With such a large group, and knowing the darkspawn were operating in the area, three of us kept watch in two shifts that night. I took the first with Sten and Leliana, the qunari keeping to himself, unsurprising after his revelation the night before. Leliana chatted for a while, but there were no more personal details shared between either of us. I'd shared everything I could, while she was nowhere near close enough to tell me absolutely everything. I didn't mind. I'd lend an ear if she wanted one.
Waking Aedan when it was time, he took the second watch with Alistair and Morrigan. I was surprised the two Grey Wardens were not verging on exhaustion. Alistair mentioned that Wardens do eventually adapt to the dreams, if not nightmares, though sleep was still a luxury.
It was bitterly cold the next morning, but at least it was dry, though the clouds promised an influx of poor weather. After a quick breakfast, our column moved out again, Alistair suggesting that we should arrived in Redcliffe before lunchtime if we made good progress. The suggestion was received loud and clear by everyone, and the column moved at a brisk pace once we were on our way.
As soon as Redcliffe castle came into view, resting at the top of a nearby hill, the villagers couldn't retain their excitement at the prospect of being safe once again, forcing Aedan and those in front to march along even quicker. Aedan didn't particularly mind as he wanted to know the situation regarding Arl Eamon. The three of us had talked long about our options, and Alistair was adamant that having Arl Eamon on our side would only help the Grey Wardens tackle the Blight. But we'd heard no news since Lothering about his condition. We could only hope he still lived.
Turning off the highway onto the main road leading into Redcliffe village, we were surprised at the distinct lack of traffic in and out of the village. Recliffe was an important town, and although the Blight would stop some traffic, the fact there was none whatsoever was cause for concern. Leaving my spot at the rear, I jogged forward to join the two Grey Wardens. They knew what I was going to say, voicing their own concerns immediately.
Coming to a bridge, a gate ahead with a path leading up to the castle, another off to the right leading down into Redcliffe itself, we noticed a pair of town guard at the far end of the bridge, obviously waiting for someone to appear. Both ran in our direction as soon as they saw us. I'm not sure if they were excited to see us or not, but there was an air of desperation about them.
"Have you come to help us?" one of them asked, the tone carrying the same desperation his face conveyed.
"We didn't think anyone was coming to save us!" the other exclaimed.
"Save you? What's going on?" Aedan asked.
The two guards shared a look. "You mean you haven't heard? Has no-one out there been receiving our messages? Our requests for assistance?"
"I'm afraid the civil war and darkspawn invasion has severed communication between most towns and villages. And, to be honest, we're only here to see Arl Eamon. We know he's sick," Aedan replied.
"He could be dead, for all we know. No-one has heard from the castle for days."
The three of us shared a concerned glance. "What? Why?" Alistair asked.
"The monsters! They've been attacking us for over a week now, coming from the castle, or out of the lake. So many of them, every night. Everyone has been fighting. And we've lost so many already."
I could head the villagers titter behind us, and knew they could hear snippets of our discussion. I turned and gestured for them to remain calm. "We'll find out what's going on," I stated gently, "You'll be safe here."
"Can you help us?" the guard asked.
"I'll feel like more of a bastard if we don't help, Aedan," Alistair stated, half a joke to his admission regarding his birth.
Aedan looked at me next. "Are you seriously going to ask for my opinion? You know what I think."
"Protect the innocent."
"If these people need help, then I think we're in the position to offer it."
"Like usual, brother, you read my mind." He turned back to the guard. "Right, let's make our way into the village while you explain what's going on."
Sitting on the shores of Lake Calenhad, Redcliffe wasn't quite what I had expected. Hearing it was an important arling, I thought it would have been far larger than it was. I kept any opinions about Redcliffe to myself, following the lone guard down the hill, the other maintaining position at the bridge. Taking pride of place in the village square was the Chantry. It was here that we saw the first sign of battle, and the fortifications built by the villagers were piecemeal at best. I counted no more than a dozen people armed ready to fight, and none looked like professional soldiers. The guard who had escorted us from the bridge pointed in the direction of the Chantry, suggesting we speak to the Bann.
"Let me speak to him once we're inside, Aedan," Alistair proposed, "He knows me well."
The Chantry was full of civilians. Women. Children. The elderly. The infirm. Despite the crowd, the noise was at a minimum. I guess being a house of the Maker, decorum was expected even when death lingered at the door. Our entire group, Wardens, warriors and the villagers from Honnleath, entered to find this scene, Alistair gesturing ahead where a small group of men and Chantry sisters appear to be in discussion. Alistair, Aedan and I approached the group, waiting until their conversation was complete. Upon turning around, the man who appeared to be in charge smiled.
"Alistair? I had no idea you were still alive!" he exclaimed, quickly grasping his hand, "How are you?"
"I'm well as can be expected, considering what happened at Ostagar and whatever Loghain has planned for us."
The Bann scowled upon the mention of the name. "Those of us who believe in the honour of the Grey Wardens know those are lies, Alistair. Loghain would have us believe you are traitors. Hardly. I have no idea what Loghain actually intends. The throne itself? I would never have believed he even thought about it until he pulled his army out and left Cailan for dead. Whatever the case, rest assured, the Grey Wardens are welcome within this arling."
"Thank you, Teagan."
"Who are your friends?"
"This is Aedan and Uhtred Cousland. Aedan is a fellow Grey Warden."
He shook both our hands. "You have my condolences. I knew your father well. He was a good man, and your mother a wonderful woman. What happened was…"
"It will be dealt with in time, ser," I replied. Teagan heard my tone and merely nodded.
Alistair then introduced the rest of the group, glossing over the unimportant details, such as the apostate witch, the blood mage from the Circle, the golem from ancient times and the convicted qunari in our ranks. Teagan said little, likely realising the Grey Wardens were going to need the help of anyone willing to pick up a weapon and fight.
"And the rest?" he finally asked.
"Villagers from Honnleath," Alistair replied, "It's been attacked by the darkspawn. The few people with us are all that survive. We thought they would be safer here."
"Any other time, I would agree with you, but we're under attack. Eamon is gravely ill, and we've had no news from the castle for days."
"Monsters, I understand?" I asked.
Teagan nodded. "Every night for at least the past week. The few guards that remain and the villagers are doing their best to fend them off, but the attacks are getting stronger."
"What are these monsters exactly?"
Teagan shrugged. "Not darkspawn. Not demons. The best way to describe them would be undead."
"Oh, I've fought undead before. Won't be a problem," I remarked.
Aedan looked amused. "Another one of your Skyrim adventures?"
"I've told you all about draugr. If I can handle them, I can handle whatever undead is going to wander out of that castle."
"I wish I had your confidence, but we've lost a lot of good people fighting them off. Alistair, will you be willing to help us?" Teagan asked, hoping for a positive response.
"Teagan, you don't even have to ask. But can you help the villagers?"
"Of course. The Chantry will be our refuge while we fight off the monsters. So if you're here to help, I can suggest you speak to two people. Ser Perth is situated up the hill, taking position nearest the castle gate. He has a few knights that have done their best to protect us, but their numbers are few, and the monsters are many. Otherwise, the village mayor, Murdock, is leading what is left of militia. They've been taking position outside the Chantry every evening."
"We'll get started straight away. We have a few hours until sunset," Alistair stated.
"Maker bless you all."
The villagers thanked us profusely before we walked outside. A couple of the men offered to help, but we told them just to stay safe indoors. They'd been through enough as it was. Outside, the two Grey Wardens and myself had a mini-conference.
"Uhtred, head up the hill, check the tavern and then speak to Ser Perth. Find out what the situation is on the ground and what they think they'll need. Take Leliana and Wynne to cast their eye over conditions too. Alistair, you'll work with me. We'll speak to Murdock and find out what he needs."
"What about the rest of them?" Alistair wondered.
"Well, Morrigan has already made her feelings known," Aedan replied with a scowl. Oh, trouble in paradise already. "But she'll no doubt help if the rest of us are. I think having three mages will certainly help."
"Uhtred, you say you've fought undead. Any tips?"
"Make sure your sword arm is ready, Alistair. If the undead are the same that I've dealt with before, then they are merciless killing machines. They don't tire, they don't rest, they just attack until either you or they are dead."
"So I take it you've been successful before then?"
"Only thanks to having help from others."
"What about your own gift?" Aedan asked quietly.
"I haven't had much practice. After what happened last time, I'd rather leave it as a last resort."
"Okay. We won't rely on it unless we're inundated and losing too many people."
Gesturing, I walked the three of us forward. "What we need to do is lengthen the barricades and filter the undead towards just the one opening. It is here that the three of us, Sten and whoever else has a shield, forms a wall." Turning, I continued. "We should build a small platform for the archers and the mages so they can see over us. If they can fire past us into the crowd, that will only help us."
Aedan nodded. "Very good. I'll see what we can put together. Right, it's still early, not even midday. Let's get started and met back after noon and see how we're looking."
Collecting Leliana and Wynne, we marched back up the hill and took in the view. Lake Calenhad appeared peaceful enough, one or two boats out of the water, no doubt doing a spot of fishing. The village wasn't particularly crowded otherwise. I guess many were staying indoors where they felt safer, even during the day. I had one or two more ideas about what we could do before turning and wandering off towards the tavern. It wasn't particularly full, no surprise as it wasn't even lunchtime, half a dozen militia were crowded around one table, with a solitary elf sat in another corner. Walking towards us as we entered was a rather attractive woman, who I guessed was the waitress.
"What can I get you?"
"Nothing right now. We've only just arrived. Are they militia?"
The waitress nodded. "Yes. They're just some of the sorry souls who've been fighting this week. Seen too many of their friends and fellow citizens die at the hands of those monsters. They come in to drown their sorrows early but they'll be ready to fight tonight."
"What about the elf?" Leliana asked, and I heard the note of suspicion.
"Name's Berwick. He's been here for a few days now. Doesn't really say much. Keeps to himself."
"And the guy behind the bar?"
"That's Lloyd, he owns this place. Ugh…"
"What?" I asked quietly.
She looked around, checking her surroundings, before she stepped closer. "You look like you can handle yourself. I want out of here. Or, if not myself, then I want him gone. He pays me a pittance and he… gropes me constantly. It's humiliating, particularly when some of the customers try it too. Those, I can just slap their hands away and admonish them with a laugh. When it's your boss…"
"Uhtred, what are you thinking?" Leliana asked. I glanced at both her and Wynne and could see the look they each returned. Both knew me well already. Yep, looks like I'm going to involve myself like usual. I wonder if Aedan is doing that down there?
Focusing my attention on Leliana, I asked, "What are you thinking about the elf?" in return.
"I might go and find out. You'll talk to the owner?" I nodded. "Wynne, come with me. Let's have a chat with our elven friend. I'm intrigued by something."
"If you need a drink or anything, just let me know. My name is Bella."
Approaching the bar, the man standing behind was quite tall but overweight and sweating profusely. Wiping his brow with a towel, he flung it over his shoulder and folded his arms across his chest. "New in town?"
"Something like that. Who are you?"
"Name's Lloyd. I own this bar. Want a drink?"
"Not at the moment. After information."
"Depends on what sort of information you want. You're a stranger here, and information usually isn't free."
"Are you helping in the defence of the village?"
He scoffed. "Are you serious? Why would I want to do something like that?"
Gesturing at the table of militia, I replied. "Well, they look like farmers to me yet they have picked up a weapon to defend this town. Why haven't you?"
"I would if they'd let me fight," Bella called as she walked by. Glancing her way, she stopped out of sight but was clearly listening in.
"It's not my fight," Lloyd stated, "And I don't like the accusation."
"Well, you did just ask why you would want to help in the defence of your village? I don't like calling a fellow man a coward, as I can understand anyone's hesitation, but I see many other folk, not trained in war, picking up a weapon and fighting. So I can ask why you feel inclined to not help out?"
"Why should I fight and possibly die for anyone?"
"Because picking up and helping your fellow citizens is the right thing to do." I gestured to the table of militia, now listening to our conversation. "How can you look those men in the face, knowing they have put their life on the line each night, while you stay in here? I'm a stranger in this town, so are my friends, and yet we're willing to put our lives on the line to help put an end to this. So why can't you?"
He had no answer to that one. I didn't think he was a coward. I thought he was selfish, expecting others to put their lives on the line first. Maybe that was just my thinking as a warrior. I knew plenty of men and women who would prefer the safety of the indoors instead of taking on whatever monsters lurked in the shadows.
Add to that, what the waitress told me had angered me somewhat. Sure, I'd only heard her side of the story, but I'd been in enough taverns and inns in Skyrim to know what goes on. I didn't think she was lying. She was genuinely upset.
"I don't have a weapon. I've never needed one," he finally said.
"I'm sure the militia will have weapons and armour available. Have you held a sword before?"
He nodded. "I did a little training as a youth. We all have."
"You probably won't be in the thick of the fighting if you do join in. That's what me and my Grey Warden friends are for."
He perked up at that. "You're a Grey Warden?"
"No. But I am a warrior. And there are two Grey Wardens that are willing to help. We also have mages to help provide assistance."
"Well, I guess I could help out."
"Good man. Once we solve the problem with the undead, we can find what the situation is with Arl Eamon. But the priority is protecting the town tonight. And, all being well, you'll be back here tomorrow morning to serve the militia drinks after our victory."
I was rather used to negotiating and giving speeches after the Dragon Crisis in Skyrim, so wasn't surprised I managed to encourage the barkeep. Even the militiamen around the table were nodding their heads at my words, no doubt finding a little more inspiration in addition to the liquid courage they were no doubt relying on.
"If I survive the night, I may just find myself generous enough to lay on free drinks for the militia."
That earned a roar of approval from the militiamen. "When you close up later, head down towards the Chantry. I'm sure the mayor would like to speak to you before you're outfitted and equipped ready for tonight. And remember one thing, you don't have to be a hero. It's simply a case of doing your part."
"Of course. And… Thank you, for making me see reason."
Wandering across to the militiamen, I took a seat and discussed what had been happening. I could feel the nerves emanate from them. Little surprise. As I'd noticed, they were certainly not warriors or knights. Not even soldiers. Farmers and fisherman I found out after asking what they did for a living. None had even done any fighting before the first attacks on the village.
Asking them what sort of undead they were fighting, they couldn't tell me much other than the fact they came out of the castle and the lake. And they were very hard to take down. "They'll take more than a few swings to finally put on the ground," one of them said.
I felt a tap on my shoulder, Leliana gesturing that we should make our exit. Wishing the militiamen good luck for that evening, I followed the two women outside, Leliana turning to face me as soon as the door closed. "I knew there was something about him."
"What?"
"A spy knows a spy, Uhtred. He's here working on behalf of Loghain."
"What? Why?"
"He was told to watch the castle. Things went a little pear shaped for him when the dead started to rise."
"Was he involved in any way?"
"From what he said, and the letter that he carried, no. To be honest, he was scared to death even before we started talking to him. But I've managed to get us another body for tonight."
"I think the dagger to the throat, suggesting he help out or lose a lot of blood, helped decide his mind, Leliana," Wynne stated, though she didn't sound disapproving of her method, "And you managed to convince the barkeep, Uhtred?"
"Didn't even have to intimidate the man too much. I know I'm not quite as convincing as Aedan can be. That man could convince a king to hand over his crown. No, I just appealed to his better nature. It somehow worked."
"Well, the more the merrier," Wynne said cheerfully. How she could sound so cheerful with what lay on the horizon… Still, at least there was positive news.
The three of us headed towards the windmill where around half a dozen knights were being put through their paces by a seventh. Not wanting to interrupt, we watched in silence, hearing the clang of metal on metal, or the thunk of metal into wood. The knights were not holding back, and I imagined they'd likely already worked up a real sweat, clad in armour that covered their entire body, including their heads. Eventually the lead knight turned in our direction, removed his helmet and appeared surprised at our appearance.
"May I help you?" he asked.
"To be honest, ser knight…"
"The name is Ser Perth."
"We're here to help you, Ser Perth. My name is Uhtred. Uhtred Cousland."
"Cousland? But I'd heard… Is your brother here too?"
I thumbed behind me. "He is. He's helping down near the Chantry. He's a Grey Warden. There are two Wardens here."
I saw the shock. "A Grey Warden? But they were all meant… I mean… What brings you here?"
"We need to speak to Arl Eamon. But we know he's sick and now monsters are attacking this village. So, as I said, we're here to help."
Ser Perth sighed with relief. "Thank the Maker someone is willing. I take it you know what's been happening each evening?"
I nodded. "Aye, we're aware. Aedan is putting together defences to keep the civilians in the Chantry as protected as possible. But what's the situation up here?"
Waving for us to follow, we stopped at some nearby barricades. "They appear from the gate up there. We try and stop them each time, but our numbers are few, and every night has been a holding action. There are seven of us left. There were fifteen when this started. I don't think we can lose anymore."
"Well, there are two Wardens, myself, three mages, Leliana here, who's lethal with a bow, Sten, who is a brute, and then we have a golem."
"A golem?"
"Aye, just woke it up. That'll come in handy."
"It sure will. Those numbers may just help us turn the tide. If we can put a halt to their attacks tonight, we may have a chance at sending someone up to the castle. That's the hope. The lack of news is concerning."
"Is there anything you require before I meet up with my brother?"
"Not at the moment. We're trained and ready for this. Knowing that help is finally here is a relief. The Maker must be watching over us."
Aedan had been busy with Alistair. Weapons and armour had been gathered for anyone who was willing to pick up a weapon and fight. More recruits had been persuaded to join in the defence of the village. The militia, who were barely trained men themselves, were being put through some drills by Sten. After sparring with him a number of times, he was a good choice. Morrigan sat back, barely getting involved, which wasn't a surprise. I found Solona inside the Chantry, chatting to some of the villagers.
Walking around the village, I got a sense of where the undead may come from. The entire shoreline was unprotected, and if they were rising from the deep, there was little we could except wait for them to bottle up outside the Chantry. Looking up at the castle, it was eerily quiet, as if not a thing lived within its walls.
"Evil lurks behind those walls," a quiet voice said beside me.
"What makes you say that, Wynne?"
"I'm old enough to have seen the worst in man and magic. I dread to think of what we're going to find behind those walls. I have little doubt it will be horrifying."
"More demons?"
"Possible, if not probable. I cannot think of anything else that would cause the dead to rise."
I kept my eyes on the castle, wondering if anything mysterious would happen. But nothing out of the ordinary occurred. It was simply an unsettling silence, absolutely nothing moving along the walls, the faintest breeze causing nearby trees to sway. Otherwise, all was still. Eventually Wynne and I walked back towards the Chantry, where we would make our plans for that evening.