Men of Redcliffe and the Parting Glass
Morrigan woke the next morning and was surprised to find herself still wrapped in Aedan's arms, her head resting on his chest, both of them laying in front of the now dead fire. Their bodies were covered in bruises and bite marks that they'd remember fondly for a long time. She had never been so completely spent in one night that she blacked out and slept so contently, no other man had satisfied her so utterly. Her hair was disheveled and flowing down her back and her arms were slung around Aedan's torso. She smiled to herself as she looked at how peaceful his was as he slept and listened to his gentle heartbeat. Morrigan was so…uncharacteristically content, just to stay like this in his arms.
That is until Alistair all but pissed on her contentment. She heard Alistair approaching her and realized that she and Aedan were only wearing a blanket. She covered Aedan's head with the blanket and pretended to be asleep. Hopefully Alistair would just go away.
"Morrigan." Alistair called as he walked up to her camp. "We've got to get moving soon. Are you awake? Have you seen Aedan anywhere?" Alistair pulled yanked the blanket off of Morrigan and revealed the two naked bodies underneath. If the was ever a time he wished the Maker would just smite him, now would have been good.
"Alistair! You moronic, blind, Templar-fool! GO AWAY!" Morrigan screeched, waking Aedan up immediately.
"Sweet, Holy Maker!" Alistair cried in equal parts shame and horror. "Oh, couldn't you have gone to your tent?! Oh, all the alcohol and hypnotism in the world can't make me forget that what I just saw! Sweet Andraste. I wish I were blind!"
"If you don't leave this instant I'll grant your wish!" Morrigan threatened while trying to cover herself.
With Alistair finally gone Morrigan quickly tried to put her clothes back on and forget that the idiotic Templar just saw her naked. "Ugh! Fool Templar!" she fumed as she dressed herself. Her anger quickly dissipated when she suddenly felt Aedan planting soft kisses on her bare back.
"Not quite the pleasant wakeup call I was hoping for." He said softly in her ear.
"Blame your fellow Grey Warden. 'Tis truly a wonder that he is the senior Warden between the two of you, truly." Morrigan huffed. "You should probably go and make yourself ready for the day, Aedan."
"Are you so eager to be rid of me, Morrigan?" Aedan chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her neck.
"Hmmm. Hardly, my dear Warden. But, alas, there is…a time and place for such…misadventures." Morrigan answered as he continued to kiss her.
"I can't wait." Aedan promised.
"I wouldn't be so eager were I you. My tastes can lean towards the…painfully perverse." The golden-eyed witch warned seductively.
Aedan bit down gently on Morrigan's slender neck causing her to gasp in pleasure, "In case you haven't noticed, mo suile orga whurnin, pain and I are on familiar terms."
"What did you just call me?"
Perhaps I'll tell you someday, but for now I should take your advice and get ready for the day."
Aedan kissed her cheek and quickly put his pants on and left her. She decided to wear one of her more…conservative leather jerkins to conceal the love marks Aedan riddled on her skin. She could her Zevran congratulating Aedan for his "conquest". As she fixed her hair she couldn't take her mind on what Aedan called her. "Mo suile orga whurnin?" It was definitely something from the old Alamarii tongue, but alas, it was not something she was taught. Perhaps later she could…convince Aedan what it meant. Morrigan finished packing her things and joined the others as they left the campsite. She wanted to walk next to Aedan, but he was speaking with Alistair and for obvious reasons she wanted to stay the hell away from him.
As Alistair walked next Aedan he could feel Morrigan glaring at him from behind, perhaps she thought if she kept glaring daggers at him she could stab him in the back. Alistair shuddered at the thought of Aedan being lured into the bloodsucking grasp of the Chasind bitch. "Seriously, Aedan. Of all the women in Thedas why her? I mean, there are easier ways to kill yourself, like throwing yourself in front of an ogre for example?"
"You really don't like each other do you?" Aedan asked rhetorically.
"Well, aside from the fact that she's a complete and utter BITCH…!" Alistair said loud enough for her to hear "…no I don't like her at all."
"She's not as evil as you might think, Alistair. And besides if you were raised by someone as batshit crazy as Flemeth you don't think you might have an attitude problem?"
"Alright, fair point, but it's your funeral. Just next time…maybe wear some pajamas or stick your axe in the ground, you know just to let the rest of us know that you two are…getting to know each other."
"Oh, jeez, Alistair! You still can't be embarrassed about that, can you? Haven't you ever seen a naked woman before?"
Alistair just stood there in awkward discomfort, his eyes shifting back and forth.
"Wait, are you serious? You've never seen a naked woman before?" Aedan thought for a moment and realized that Alistair's silence was telling him one of two things. "Alistair, please tell me you're not upset with Morrigan 'cause your jealous she got to sleep with me."
"What?! I'm not jealous! I'm horrified!" Alistair answered indignantly.
Oh, that's good! Aedan thought to himself. Alistair's answer could only mean one thing. "We're fighting the apex of evil on a regular basis, hell you willingly went through the Joining and you mean to tell me you've never been with a woman?!"
Alistair blushed in embarrassment, "Well, it's not that I've never thought about it, but you know…"
"What? You've never had the opportunity?"
"Well living in the Chantry isn't…exactly a life of rambunctious boys. They taught me how to be a gentleman." Alistair explained as-a-matter-factly. "Especially around women. That's not so bad, is it?"
"Excuse me, I didn't meant to eavesdrop but is what I'm hearing true?" Zevran interjected. "Alistair, my dear friend, I'm surprised at you. The death rate of Grey Wardens is one of the highest of any profession, even higher than being an assassin. In the Crows we were always given a bountiful opportunity to seek out any vice, pleasure and sin we so desired, because for all we knew we'd probably be dead the next day."
"I don't even want to know what you'd consider to be a vice and sin, Zevran." Alistair groaned.
Aedan couldn't take any more of this. It was way too sad and painful. "Alistair, we are the only Wardens left in this country, we're fighting the Blight and we both survived the Joining, so I say that entitles us both to a little vice to ourselves. So I suggest that you make a surefire effort to stay alive, because when we get to Denerim I'm taking you to a place called 'The Pearl' and when you leave I guarantee you will die a happy man."
"Ooh, yes!" Zevran agreed. "I've heard of that place even back in Antiva. When you go please let me tag along. I promise I can cover my own expenses."
"I'm not sure if I should be excited or terrified." Alistair groaned. "But alright, I solemnly promise not to die until we get to Denerim."
"Good man." Aedan declared and pat Alistair on the back.
As the company continued their long walk to Redcliffe, Aedan remembered everything he had learned about the Arling. His father taught him that the Fortress of Redcliffe was one of the most strategically important castles in all of Ferelden. A fact that became pivotal in both the conquest and liberation of Ferelden from Orlais. No invading force had ever been able to hold Ferelden without first controlling Redcliffe. This fact made the knights and soldiers of who served the Guerrin family some of the most formidable in the country. The Guerrin family themselves have always been capable administrators and leaders. Arl Eamon himself was one of the most powerful and well-respected men in the all of Ferelden.
Aedan's felt great relief when they finally approached the gates of Redcliffe village. Perhaps here they could get the support they desperately needed. Aedan's thought were interrupted when Alistair stood in front of Aedan's path with an uncharacteristically serious look in his eyes. "Wait. Look, can we talk for just a second?" The former Templar requested.
Aedan could see that there was something serious on his mind. "Is something wrong, Alistair?"
"I need to tell you something I, ah, probably should have told you a long time ago."
"Alright. Go ahead." Aedan sighed.
"You remember that I told that Arl Eamon raised me, right?"
"Yes, you said your mother was a serving girl and the Arl took you in."
"Right. Well, the reason he did that was because…King Maric was my father. Which made Cailan my…half-brother, I suppose." Alistair confessed with a fear and shame reserved for embarrassing childhood memories.
Aedan stood there completely stunned and felt like he'd just been bitch-slapped by the backhand of utter stupidity. He grabbed Alistair under the chin and took a thorough observation of his face and couldn't believe that he never realized that Alistair actually looked exactly like King Cailan! "How did I not see this!?" Aedan yelled in shock. "You look just like Cailan!"
"I would have told you but…it never really meant anything to me." Alistair explained. "I was an inconvenience, a possible threat to Cailan's rule and so they kept me a secret. Eamon never even told his wife. I've never talked to anyone about it. Everyone who knew either resented me for it because I represented King Maric's fallibility, or the coddled me….even Duncan kept me out of the fighting because of it. It's why he wanted me at the Tower of Ishal back at Ostagar. I didn't want you to know as long as possible. I'm sorry."
Aedan took a moment to register this potentially volatile yet useful information. Alistair was a son of Maric and Cailan died without heirs, this could tip the scales in their favor. "Don't you know what this means, Alistair? By the laws and customs of our people, this makes you an heir to the throne!"
"Sweet Maker, I hope not! I don't think so…you don't think so, do you? I'm a bastard, nobody even knows about me."
"Does Loghain know about you?"
"Why wouldn't he? He was Maric's best friend and closest confidant, I'm sure even he had a hand in my being sent to the Chantry and keeping me a secret."
"And you thought it wise for it to remain a secret?"
"It's just that…I hate how it's shaped my whole life. My blood has never been important enough to me and I've always been told how I'd never sit the throne. And that's fine with me, if the throne should fall to anyone it should be Arl Eamon. He may not be of royal blood but he's popular with the people. So there you have it. My dirty, nasty secret. Now can we please just move on, and I'll just continue to believe that you still think I'm some…nobody that happened to be lucky enough not to die with the rest of the Grey Wardens."
"Alistair…you cannot think that."
"Oh, Maker, I was afraid you'd say that."
"You are the rightful heir to our kingdom!"
"Aedan, I'm no king! I'm a Grey Warden and a bastard son!"
"So? King Calenhad was the youngest son of a Denerim merchant and a cleaner of the dog kennels. Look at what he accomplished! Even Maric wasn't born inside a castle."
Alistair sighed in exasperation. "Look, can we…discuss this at another time? Maybe after we see Eamon? I'd rather we discuss it with him present."
"Fine. I suppose arguing about it now is pointless."
Aedan and Alistair walked through the gates of Redcliffe leading down to the village and were greeted by Tomas who desperately asked if they were the reinforcements that were coming. When they told him they had no idea what he was talking about the young man decided to bring them to Bann Teagan who was leading the defense of the village. Tomas brought them to the village Chantry, it was a very large and sturdy building, the largest in the whole village, but what caught Aedan's attention the most was how full it was. Filled to bursting with the elderly, women and small children. Were they refugees? All the able bodied men were outside the chantry in makeshift barricades with looks of fear and anticipation plastered on their faces. What was happening here? Bann Teagan stood at the back of the chantry giving instructions to some of his men.
"Welcome to Redcliffe." Teagan greeted. "Though I wish it were under better circumstances. I am Teagan Guerrin, Bann of Rainesfere, brother to the arl."
"I remember you, Bann Teagan." Alistair reminded. "Though last time we met I was much younger….and covered in mud."
"Covered in mud?" Teagan's eyes lit up in joy and relief as his memory jump started. "I don't believe….Alistair! Is that you? I can't believe it! You're Alive!"
"Still alive. No thanks to Loghain's treachery."
"Indeed. Loghain would have us all believe that the Grey Wardens died at Ostagar along with my nephew. I am glad to see it's not so."
"You don't believe Loghain's lies, then?" Aedan asked.
"What? That her pulled his men back to save them? That Cailan risked everything in the name of glory? Hardly. Loghan call the Wardens traitors. Murderers of the king. I don't believe it. It is an act of a desperate man." Teagan paused a moment and looked at Aedan. "So…you are a Grey Warden as well? Is it possible we've met? You seem very familiar."
"I believe you knew my father, Bryce Cousland."
"Yes! That's it. I'm…sorry about what happened to him. I wish he were here know. He and Eamon could have put a stop to Loghain before this madness ever happened. No doubt you're here to see my brother? Unfortunately…Eamon became gravely ill some time ago." Teagan began explaining. "The attacks started ago. Evil…things…surged from the castle. We drove them back, but many perished in the assault."
"What kind of evil things are you talking about? Darkspawn?"
"No. But I truly wish it were darkspawn." Teagan answered with fear painted on his face. "Some call them the walking dead. Rotting corpses made to life with a hunger for living flesh…"
"It would take a mage to accomplish such a feat." Wynne explained. "One dabbling in bloodmagic and having a complete lack of a soul."
"There are several rituals in which one might do such a thing." Morrigan commented. "None of them pleasant."
"They hit again the next night." Teagan continued. "Each night they come, in greater numbers. And always their attack is announced by those horrid screams they make." Teagan was clearly disturbed by the mentioning of those screams. "With Cailan dead and Loghain starting a war, no one's answered my urgent calls for help. I have a feeling that tonight's assault will be the worst yet. Alistair, I hate to ask, but I desperately need the help of you and your companions."
"It isn't just up to me." Alistair answered sorrowfully. "Though the Grey Wardens don't stand much of a chance against Loghain without Arl Eamon's help." Alistair alluded toward Aedan, hoping he'd take the hint.
"You want my help? You don't even know me." Aedan pointed out.
"I know Alistair. And I knew Teryn Bryce. I trust the caliber of men associated with them both."
Aedan's path was clear. It was his duty to help these people regardless of what was happening beyond this village. "Very well, Teagan. We will help you."
"There are no darkspawn here." Sten interjected. "Is this delay needful?"
"Something you'd like to say, Sten?"
"Defending this village is not our goal. Your duty compels you to fight the darkspawn, and they are not here."
"My duty, Sten, compels me to defend my nation and the people in it. Is it not the antaam's duty to also fight for its people no matter their race or location?"
"….I suppose so."
"Thank you! Thank you, so much!" Teagan replied. "Please speak with Murdock, the village mayor and with Ser Perth. You can discuss with them the preparations for the coming battle."
"Can you tell us anything more about the creatures that have been attacking?"
"No more than what I've already explained. The most frightening memory we all have is that ungodly sound they make every night just before they attack. It's like listening to the void and all the wailing souls within burst forth."
"I see." Aedan said thoughtfully. "I will see about preparing for tonight's attack."
"Maker speed your way, my friend."
Out in the village
Everyone exited the village and set to work on making preparations for the oncoming battle. Wynne quickly began using her magic to heal as many of the villagers as possible, while Sten and Zevran looked to the defenses. Alistair busied himself with teaching some of the knights in tactics with dealing with the undead and Leliana helped with making more arrows and giving instruction to the villagers how to better use a bow. Morrigan kept to herself and watched the others.
Aedan spoke with Mayor Murdock about getting some extra help from the smith, Owen. After promising Owen that he'd find his daughter the distraught smith set to work repairing the militia's equipment. Murdock was impressed and relieved when Aedan managed to convince that dwarven trader, Dwyn, to come out and aid them. Perhaps with these Wardens here the village might have a chance after all.
Aedan noticed a young woman hysterically looking around the village and calling out the name "Bevin". Seeing how distressed she was, Aedan decided to see if he could assist her. "Is something wrong, miss?"
"I'm sorry." She sobbed. "Am I bothering you? I…I'll try to be more quiet."
"Are you alright? Why are you crying?"
"Those….those things dragged my mother away. I don't know what's happened to her, but I hear her screaming all the time, everywhere!" She cried.
"How terrible!" Said Leliana. "You poor thing…I wish there was something we could do to help."
"Calm down, miss." Aedan urged. "Please tell me what's wrong."
"I'm sorry, ser." She sniffed. "It's-it's my brother, Bevin…he…ran off! I don't know where he is. I'm so scared that those things got him, too!"
"Why would he run off? Do you know?"
"He said something about saving Mother….He's just a little boy! He doesn't understand that she's gone."
"Grief can make us do many things that don't make sense, I'm afraid." Wynne informed.
"I hope he didn't try to go to the castle. Maker that'd be awful."
"Where did you last see your brother?"
"At our house by the square. I looked there but I couldn't find him. I searched the rest of the village too. I called and I called but he never answered. I…I wonder if he ran off into the woods. I'm so worried about him. Without me he has nobody!"
"Kaitlyn…" Aedan spoke softly. "I know it's very hard for you right now. But you need to stay strong."
"I know, ser, I do. But I'm so worried about him. He's all the family I have left."
Aedan was all too familiar with the feeling of losing family. This girl just lost her mother and most of the village to these creatures that have been attacking them. He was compelled to aid her. "Don't worry, Kaitlyn. I'll find your brother."
"You will? Thank you! Thank you so much! I last saw Bevin at our house you might try finding him there."
As Aedan, Morrigan, Leliana and Wynne went to Kaitlyn's house, Morrigan couldn't help but feel the burning sting of jealousy at the sight of Aedan showing such…tenderness to another woman. The girl was attractive in a helpless lamb sort of way, but was Aedan truly so weak willed and easily distracted that he'd drop everything for every sobbing girl who batted her eyes at him. She was tempted to try and see if it would work for herself, if only it didn't seem so pathetic. Perhaps she could turn Kaitlyn into a toad. Perhaps that would make Aedan less inclined to focus his attention on her.
"Why are we even helping this girl? One would think we have enough to deal with as it is." Morrigan finally stated, letting her feelings known.
Aedan looked at her solemnly. "Tell me, Morrigan; have you ever felt loss? Have something you cared about so deeply only to have it ripped from you?"
"No. I never have." The witch answered uncaringly.
"Well, then you're lucky. Because you'll find that there is no worse feeling than loss. I would not see that girl suffer it. Not if I can help it."
They looked around the quaint house to find it empty, not a soul to be found. As the continued their search into what appeared to be the children's room they were alarmed when the children's closet started rattling.
"Is someone in there?" Aedan called out.
"Go…go away!" Cried the obvious voice of a young, scared boy. "This isn't you home! This is my home!"
"Young man," Wynne said authoritatively. "Come out this instant."
"I…yes, ma'am." The boy obediently complied in defeat. A young boy, barely even ten stepped out of the closet, he was clearly scared of the strangers in his home. "So I came out." He said tentatively "You…you won't hurt me will you?"
Aedan knelt down next to the boy. "What's your name, son?"
"It-it's Bevin. My sister's Kaitlyn. She came looking for me earlier, but I didn't want her to find me. I don't want to go back to the Chantry."
Aedan maintained his unusually calm demeanor. "Why are you hiding from your sister?"
"It's just that…I don't want to be scared anymore. I want to be brave. Father said I could his sword when I grew up. It was Grandfather's, and Grandfather was a great dragonslayer. I thought that if I had Grandfather's sword I wouldn't be scared anymore and I…could get the bad men who took mother."
"You had the right idea, Bevin." Aedan said smiling warmly at him. "You are indeed very brave."
"Th-thank you, ser. But the sword is too heavy for me. I can't lift it. I guess I'm not a great warrior like you."
"Don't worry. Your body will catch up with your heart. You'll grow up eventually." Aedan assured.
"That doesn't help us now." Bevin lamented. "Kaitlyn says that we're all going to die tonight."
"Perhaps. Nothing is certain. Be brave, remember?"
"Yes, ser." The boy answered with new found confidence.
"Where is the sword now?
"It's in a chest in Mother's room. Father gave me the key to it before he died. Perhaps…perhaps you could use it to get the bad men? And save us all?"
"I…would be honored to wield your family's sword in the village's defense."
"Alright. Here's the key. I'm going back to the Chantry, to Kaitlyn. G-good luck." The boy handed Aedan the key and rushed out the door to the Chantry.
Wynne was thoroughly impressed with what Aedan just did. After seeing how…severe he could be, she never would have guessed that he was so good with children. She had been mentoring students her whole life, and even when she started she wasn't that good with them. But Aedan earned that boy's trust and admiration so quickly. He was definitely one in a million.
Morrigan could scarcely believe what she saw and heard just now. The same man who she saw rip other men to pieces, and was leaving bite marks on her skin was now acting as if he were this lost boy's brother or father. She'd never been found of children, screaming, foolish things full of snot and tears and trouble, but Aedan handled him so well and was not in the least bit annoyed with the boy and his foolish notions. Morrigan had to admit, this soft side of him was unusual, yet very welcome.
How sweet! Never, never in a million years, would Leliana have guessed that Aedan had such a soft spot for children. The man who tore apart a tower full of abominations, kills scores of darkspawn on a daily basis and ripped men apart limb from limb was actually a big sweetheart deep inside. His display with that little boy was just darling!
Aedan found the chest in the Bevin's parents' room. The sword was actually very impressive. It was unmistakably of elven design, but it was made of veridium instead of ironwood, yet it seemed ancient. He ran his hand down the length of the blade and flicked his finger on the flat of the blade and heard the beautiful ring it made. A design and make that had been lost centuries ago. The blade was slender and smooth, but oddly enough it was green and warm to the touch. Certainly a sword meant to be past from father to son.
Aedan returned to the preparing the village. Murdock had everything he needed help with, so Aedan went to the local tavern were some of the militia were drowning their sorrows. He knew the best place to get a feel for the men around him as well as the best place to gather Intel was always the local tavern.
All the men talked about how much they dreaded the oncoming attack, but they were all mostly distraught at the thought of the horrible war cries the dead made before the attack. It made them lose heart before the fighting even began. Aedan knew of this tactic. Strike fear into the heart of the enemy, make them too scared and forlorn to want to pick up a weapon, and then lambs to the slaughter.
But what was most appalling to Aedan was the fact that the proprietor was charging full price for this watered down swill the militia had to drink. What an asshole! After speaking with Lloyd and some "convincing" Aedan ended up with owning half of the tavern. What a fortuitous gain. Aedan left the running of the tavern as well as the distribution of free ale to the barmaid, Bella, everyone seemed to like her better than Lloyd. Hopefully this would raise the man's spirits before the fighting began.
Before Aedan left he noticed he was being eye-balled by a wormy looking elf who made it an effort to seem like he wasn't watching Aedan. But Aedan knew better. He asked Lloyd and Bella about who this elf was and after gathering some information on him Aedan decided to confront him. With Sten standing next to him.
"Not looking for company." The elf said.
"So I hear you're Berwick." Aedan stated.
"W-what? Where'd you hear that?" He responded nervously. "Err…well, that's my name. Why?"
"I hear you waiting for your brother."
"My what?"
Now Aedan knew he had him.
"Oh, yes. My brother." The elf sputtered. "Yes. He was supposed to meet me her, but then I got stuck here when the monsters attacked."
"Heh. Right, and I'm Archon Hessarian." Aedan mocked. "You expect me to believe that?"
"L-look, I don't want any trouble, I was told to…" He almost let it slip. "Er…look leave me alone!"
"You were told to do what?" Aedan interrogated. "And who told you, elf."
"N-no one told me to do anything!" Berwick denied. "Just because you're a Grey Warden doesn't mean you can just go around questioning people!"
Aedan's reaver abilities started to manifest on his face. "And how do you know I'm a Warden."
"I-I…overheard it, is all. Look, I'm just going to go, alright!"
"Sit down." Aedan ordered him.
"I said I'm…."
Aedan donned a frightening appearance of red eyes, fangs and a demonic voice, "Sit your ass down." He demanded. "Now tell me exactly why you're here, or I'm going to gouge out your eyes and drop maggots into your empty sockets."
"W-what!? No! You wouldn't do that!"
"You'd be surprised, elf." Sten spoke. "I once saw him feed a man his own entrails."
"A-alright, al talk! Just don't hurt me! This isn't what I bargained for. I was paid a few sovereigns to watch the village and report any changes from the castle, that's all. But they never said anything about monsters. I haven't even been able to report anything with all these damned attacks."
"Very good. But who's 'they'?"
"I don't know who he was, just some tall human. He said her served Arl Howe. He's an important man, the right hand of Teryn Loghain. Here are the instructions he left me." He handed Aedan a letter detailing what Berwick was to look for. "I just thought I'd be serving the king and make a little money on the side, I swear I had no idea about that this was going to happen."
If this elf was telling the truth and Howe was somehow involved with what has happened here, than that means that Loghain was in on it. Motherfucker! "I think I understand your purpose in all this, Berwick. So here's what's going to happen: you will fight tonight and aid in the defense of this village and then you'll leave. I don't ever want to hear your name again."
"Very fitting." Sten commented.
"A-alright. I'll do it. Thank you for not killing me."
Aedan resumed his preparations for the village and went to speak with Ser Perth and was accompanied by Sten, Morrigan, Leliana and Alistair. Ser Perth seemed like a capable man but his men's and his own heart were starting to fail. Given what they've been going through Aedan was hardly surprised. But being knights of Redcliffe required them to be above the average Fereldan citizen. Aedan informed Ser Perth of the massive amounts of oil stored in the local store. Perhaps this could give them an edge by incinerating their undead adversaries.
"Is there anything else you need?"
"My men and I are well equipped to fight these monster when the time comes. But…perhaps you could ask Mother Hannah for holy protection against these evil creatures?"
"Excuse me? You really need 'holy protection' to defend your arling?"
"We're trained to fight in was not against…evil."
"You're trained to fight for your arl and your people! Who your enemy is should not matter. You really think some absentee god is going to help you?"
"And who may do without it, Ser?"
"If you love your land and your home fight for it! Fight because you're knights of Redcliffe and because it's your duty, instead of giving into despair to the point you feel as if you need trinkets that may or may not be blessed by some absent deity. I thought the men of Redcliffe were made of sterner stuff."
"As I said, ser, we've never fought an enemy such as this."
"Did Maric need the Maker when he drove out the Orlesians? Did Dane need the Maker when he drove the darkspawn out of the Valley? No. You cannot rely on gods to fight your battles you can only rely on yourselves."
"The Warden's right!" called one of the knights. "If the Maker were really helping us he'd of never let this happen in the first place!"
"Yeah!" yelled another. "I don't remember seeing Him last night when those creatures killed my brother! I didn't see the Maker stop them from carrying him off neither!"
"The Maker isn't going to fight this battle for us." Aedan declared. "The only person you can rely on is the man standing next to you."
"Y-you're right, ser." Ser Perth realized. "I hadn't given it much thought. But you are right. Unless those silver amulets call down the Maker to smite these creature, I doubt they'll give us much protection tonight."
"You are a knight of Redcliffe, Ser Perth." Aedan assured. "Stand strong. And fight for your home."
"Yes, ser."
Aedan and his group made their way back down the bridge to inform Teagan their preparations were as ready as they'll ever be. Sten was actually impressed with how the Warden raised their moral without invoking their superstitious deity. Morrigan thought it was about time someone told these men just how useless their Maker truly was. Leliana, however, was…uncomfortable with how Aedan virtually shattered those knights' belief and faith in the Maker.
"Aedan, how could you say that to those men?" Leliana questioned. "It's times like these that men need the Maker the most. I know you have no god, but do you really need to shatter the faith of others?"
Aedan stopped their walk in the middle of the bridge and looked at the view it over looked. "Look over this bridge, Leliana. What do you see?"
What could he possibly mean? "I see…the village, the lake and the castle."
"And that is all you can see. I see something more than that." Aedan explained. "I see…my whole culture, my homeland. When I told you that I have no god, I lied."
That surprised them all. "Y-you lied?" Leliana was confused.
"Ferelden is my god. She gave rise to my people and it's to her I want to return to when I die. I will fight only in her name. And if these men wish to survive not only this night, but the Blight as well, they must be willing to fight for Ferelden as well. Not wait for the Maker to grant them a miracle. We must make our own miracles, because that is the Ferelden way."
That was very deep to Leliana. She had never seen someone love his country so much that even the Maker fell short. She had to admit, that kind of patriotism was…awe inspiring. And while she didn't agree with his atheism, she could certainly respect the fact he didn't religious dictum to tell him what was right and wrong.
As Aedan entered the chantry he was caught by surprise when the young lady, Kaitlyn ran up and hugged him. This certainly caused a wave of jealousy wash over Morrigan, who started thinking about using that lightening spell she knew. But to avoid embarrassing herself she quickly walked off in a huff.
"This is the man I told you about, Kaitlyn!" Bevin said. "He's going to save the village.
"Bevin said you're the one who found him." She cried overjoyed. "How can I ever repay you?"
Aedan thought for a moment. "About your family's sword?"
"Bevin told me about Grandfather's sword. You found it then? I…suppose it won't go to waste in your hands."
"Perhaps I could pay you for it?"
"I suppose…but I've no idea how much it's worth."
"This is a very rare and valuable blade, plus it's a family heirloom. I can't give you less than five sovereigns for it." Aedan handed her a small pouch with the sovereigns.
Kaitlyn was washed over with emotion as her eyes went wide with surprise. "That's…that's incredibly kind of you! Thank you so much. How can I ever repay you?"
"Just stay safe. And look after each other. Nothing is more important than family."
"The Maker sent you. I know it."
Aedan approached Teagan and informed him of their preparations. "I must say you've done very well in helping us prepare and raising the men's moral. Well done, ser." Teagan complimented. "There are still a few hours left before night falls. If there's anything you want to do before then I..."
"No. I'm ready to make my stand."
"So be it." Teagan confirmed.
Dusk….
The sun's last rays of light fell over the horizon and night had fallen on them. Aedan, his company and the knight of Redcliffe waited at bottom of the hill over the bridge and waited for the battle to begin. The moon was full and its light shined on them, but the air was dead with an unnatural silence that was reflected on the men. They waited in trance-like anticipation, waiting for it to begin. The tension around them was taught enough to hang a man from it. And then it started. Aedan was shocked but the most ungodly sound that ripped apart the night's deathly silence. Like someone ripped open the void and unleashed all the damned souls from within it! And they were hungry!
The screaming became louder and louder, the sounds of dead voices in dried throats screaming at them from the castle, crying out in insatiable hungry and hate! Alistair could see the fear gripping the men's hearts. At this rate the battle would be over before the undead even got to them. Alistair walked over to Aedan, perhaps he could give them some kind of speech to raise their spirits. He walked over to Aedan only to find him standing like a statue, introverted and making some kind of noise in his throat and mouth. Was he…humming? Then he started singing in a strong, powerful voice that carried over the screaming.
Men of Redcliffe stop you dreaming.
Can't you see their spear point gleaming?
Ser Perth heard his words and joined his song.
See their warrior pennants streaming…to this battle field
"Sing!" Alistair urged the knights. "Come on, sing!"
In the chantry Teagn stood at the door with the other men who guarded the barricade waiting for the battle and Mother Hannah recited her prayers. Kaitlyn held Bevin to her while the scared boy did his best to block out the screaming. Suddenly Kaitlyn thought she heard some kind of tune through the window, being carried over the screaming dead and Hannah's prayers. It continued to get louder and more powerful and she realized she knew this song. "The Men of Redcliffe." Her father taught her this song. And she joined, if perhaps to calm Bevin.
Men of Redcliffe stand ye steady
It cannot e're be said ye
Bevin heard his sister's voice and slowly joined in.
For the battle were not ready
Stand and never yield!
More and more people in the chantry joined their voices with the song of the men who were protecting them. Soon the whole village was singing this song of their courage and drowned out the screaming of the dead.
From the hills rebounding
Let these war cries sounding
Summon all at Moira's call
The mighty foe's surrounding
Men of Redcliffe onto glory
This shall every be your story
Heed these burning words before ye!
Ferelden never yields!
The undead spilled forth from the castle and charged onto the village! The villager's courageous song drove them into a frenzy as the bared down on the knight who stood in their path.
"Light the fire!" Aedan commanded. The flaming separated them from the undead, searing their flesh and slowing them down, but they still continued forward! Aedan and Sten charged the one who made it out of the flame while the knights held back, waiting orders. Morrigan and Wynne threw their spells at any who got past the warriors.
The first wave defeated, Aedan regrouped with the men when a scout came running from the village.
"Help us! The village is under attack!" He cried.
"How did they get through!?"Aedan demanded.
"The monsters are attacking from the lake! Come on we're not that well defended we need your help."
Aedan to go to their defense! But first he had to make sure their position here would be held. "Alistair! You lead the phalanx!"
Alistair couldn't believe his ears. He was to lead these men? No! This wasn't the time to be indecisive. Aedan and these men were looking to him to hold this line. He could not fail now. " I…I'll do it! No one's going to die here!"
"Sten!" Aedan called grabbing Sten by the collar. "Make sure no of them gets past the line. Do you understand!? NONE MAY PASS!"
"It will be done!" Sten confirmed.
"Zevran! Guard the flanks! Kill anything that gets past them!"
"I'll make them wish they stayed dead!" Zevran boasted.
"Leliana! Morrigan! Wynne! You're with me!" Aedan ordered and the rushed back down to the village.
Aedan charged back down the hill with the rest of their companions. Alistair was now alone. He had to lead these men. He would not falter now! Not when Aedan and these men trusted him! Another wave of the dead began to charge.
"Knights!" Alistair ordered. "Shield Wall!" The men all locked their shields together and the flaming undead smashed futilely into this impenetrable of steel and pissed of dog-lords!
The wall held the dead did not pass them and those that did were quickly hacked and slashed down by the qunari and the Crow. The dead continued to smash against the shield wall and it was starting to take a toll on the men. Alistair had to step up their tactics.
"Phalanx!" Alistair cried. "Pincer formation!" The center of the wall backed up while the flanks stayed in place and created a V-like formation that turned into a choking point for their enemy. Soon the undead were assaulted on all sides by steel and flame. There was no room for them to move, no room to breathe. Just enough space for them to become dead once more.
Down in the village….
Aedan and his companions made it down to the village's barricaded square, where the men were engaged in combat with the dead. They were fighting in close quarters and firing arrows at random. Aedan charged into the barricades with Bevin's Green Blade and cut all his corpse adversaries down when they got too close. This was still only the first wave. They were not done yet.
"Wynne!" Aedan called. "Heal the injured. Use your magic to provide us some protection!"
"Of course!" The senior mage acknowledged.
"Leliana, I want you to lead the archers! Give us well timed volley fire!"
"I can do this!" The bard assured.
"Morrigan, use you're ice and lightening spells to whittle them down before they leave the shore!"
The witch smiled viciously at the undead assailants. "They won't be undead for long."
Aedan stood in front of the barricade protecting the chantry alone, the people inside continued singing. Not the Chant of Light but the Men of Redcliffe. Not too long ago he wondered what reason he had to live for. Well, now he found it. He refused to die until he knew his homeland and her people were safe! Once more the dead charged. Aedan went berserk and could his reaver abilities manifest as the entropic energy of the undead surrounded him, sustained him.
"Volley fire, present!" Leliana called and men drew their arrows. "Fire!" She continued to lead consecutive volleys to whittle down the number of zombies that came at them, but the dead's numbers were many and their arrows were limited.
Aedan charged forward, "Come! Feed ME!" He cried as he cut down all that stood before him while Morrigan conjured the Perfect Storm.
Murdock and Tomas watched in awe and amazement as this single warrior stood alone against this terrible force! They watched as he knocked of their heads and cleaved their bodies. The singing the chantry continued on through the night as the Wardens continued to hold their ground and destroyed their enemy.
Men of Redcliffe stop your dreaming
Can't you see their spear points gleaming?
See their warrior pennants streaming
To this battlefield
Men of Redcliffe stand ye steady
It cannot e're be said ye
For the battle were not ready
Stand and never yield
From the hills rebounding
Let these war cries sounding
Summon all at Moira's call
The Mighty foe's surrounding
Men of Redcliffe onto glory
This shall ever be your story
Heed these burning words before ye
Ferelden never yields!
Dawn….
It was done. After a long night of unwavering courage in the face of overwhelming odds it was done. They won the night. The sun's rays reached over the horizon and drove what remained of the undead horde back from whence they came. Teagan and everyone within the chantry emerged when the heard the men outside cheering both the Wardens' names as heroes and were amazed that not a single man who defended the village had died. It was nothing short of a miracle.
The Wardens and their companions gathered in front of the chantry were everyone waited to greet their saviors.
"Dawn arises, my friends, and all of us remain!" Teagan called. "We are victorious! And it is these good folk you see beside me that we still live. Without their heroism we'd have surely perished." Teagan faced Aedan and bowed humble. "I bow to you, ser. The Maker smiled on you when aided us in our darkest hour. Please, allow me to offer you the helm of Ser Ferris the Red, my great-uncle and a hero of Ferelden. He would be honored to have it passed to one so worthy."
Aedan was humbled by this gesture. "Please, I need no reward for doing my duty, Bann Teagan."
Teagan shook his head insistently. "I must insist. I refuse to let this act of yours go unrewarded."
"Very well. I humbly accept."
"Then take it. And use it in good health."
"Let us bow our head," Mother Hannah announced, "And give honor to those who died in the defense of Redcliffe."
Mother Hannah said a prayed for them, but Aedan remained silent. He doubted the dead could hear him.
"With this victory we have struck a blow that will allow to sneak into the castle and aid your arl." Teagan explained. "Be wary and watch for signs of renewed attack. We shall return with news as soon as we are able." Teagan turned towards Aedan. "Thanks to you we have a chance of getting in to the castle. When you're ready meet me at the mill."
Aedan acknowledged Teagan's instructions and decided he would first stop in the chantry to see Kaitlyn and Bevin. They were both ecstatic to see him.
"You, you saved us. I can't believe it. We're alive because of you." Said Kaitlyn.
"I told you he was a hero, Kaitlyn!" Bevin declared.
"What will you do now?" Aedan asked.
"With the money you gave us for Grandfather's sword, I've arranged for someone to takes us to Denerim. Hopefully we'll be safe there."
"About your family's sword, I think you should have it back." Aedan said handing over the Green Blade.
"What? No. You already paid us for it. And you used it to save us all. You should at least take that as a reward."
"I'm honored that you'd give such a weapon, but this is something that belongs in your family. I cannot in good conscience part you from it." Aedan insisted. "And besides, I like to use axes, anyway."
Kaitlyn was in awe of this man. "Thank you. Thank you so much! The Maker sent you, I know it!"
Before Aedan and his companions went to meet with Bann Teagan they made a quick stop at the tavern to get some well-deserved drinks. A night of slaying a horde of the undead can really make on thirsty. The men sat around the tables and raised their mugs to both their honored heroes and their honored dead. Murdock called for a moment of silence for those who couldn't share in this celebration with them. While they stood in silence Aedan gestured Leliana to grab her lute and everyone was surprised when Aedan's strong yet gentle voice filled the tavern with his song.
Of all the money that e're I had
I spent it in good company
And all the harm the e're I've done
Alas it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of wit
To memory now I can't recall
So fill to me The Parting Glass
Goodnight and joy be with you all
Of all the comrades the e're I had
They're sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e're I loved
They would wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls on to my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and I'll softly call "Goodnight and Joy be with you all"
A man may drink and not be drunk
A man may fight and not be slain
A man may court a pretty girl and perhaps be welcomed back again
But since it has, so ought to be
By a time to rise and a time to fall
Come fill to me The Parting Glass
Goodnight and Joy be with you all
Come fill to me The Parting Glass
Goodnight and Joy be with you all
Disclaimer:
Just so you all know, I heard the song "The Parting Glass" long before "Assassin's Creed: Black Flag" ever came out. The Parting Glass is a traditional Irish and Scottish song used in honor of past friends. The Lyrics I used were in honor of the late George Donaldson of Celtic Thunder, may he rest in peace. The song "Men of Redcliffe" I based of the actual song "Men of Harlech". A song written in honor of the brave men who defended Harlech Castle during a seven-year siege. The lyrics I used were from the 1964 movie "Zulu". I recommend listening to both of these songs as they are both worth hearing.
I do not own either of these songs or anything from the Dragon Age Series. Dragon Age and all of its character, and the world of Thedas in general, are the property of the BioWare Gaming Company. This story is completely fictional and was made for the enjoyment of fellow Dragon Age enthusiasts.
PS: Mo Suile Orge Whurnin is pronounced MOH SHOOLAH ORGAH WOOR-NEEN. If you wish to know the meaning then keep reading.