Ostagar Revisited
Winter came early to Ostagar. Snow drifted and covered everything. General Lee whined and the two Grey Wardens took a moment to gather their thoughts. So many memories came back, hopes and dreams now destroyed. So many good men dead. Jannasilane stood between them, the enormity of what happened hitting her. She reached for and took one of their hands into her own, giving what comfort she could. Alistair looked down at her and caught her looking up at him. Her eyes were dark with emotion but she didn't look away. He took some comfort in that. Ever since she came back with Zevran several days ago they'd been avoiding each other. Truth be told he hadn't been seeking her out in the weeks since Soldier's Peak. Maybe, just maybe she was starting to forgive him. "Looks like the darkspawn have been redecorating," he said lightly and was rewarded with a small smile. "Luckily for us the darkspawn don't like cold, so we shouldn't have as many to deal with."
"We're near Cailan's war council," Blake ignored Alistair. He didn't realize he was squeezing Package's hand. "Three months ago I was joking with Fergus about the cold and lonely march ahead of him. I came in from the other side, near the Tower of Ishal. Cailan met us just the other side of the bridge. He seemed quite happy to see us, to see Duncan returning with a new recruit. He promised he would deal with Howe once the darkspawn were defeated. It seems like another lifetime. Perhaps it was."
"Uldred and I were the only mages who survived. How strange it is to be back here now. It feels like we are walking on their corpses," Wynne sighed. The others stirred uneasily. They may not have been at Ostagar but they could feel the magnitude of the catastrophe which had occurred here. Even Morrigan was not unaffected.
Jannasilane sensed something. Darkspawn of course, but there was something else. It was hard to tell with so many of the twisted creatures nearby. She didn't even have time to frown over it before they were attacked. Quickly they got into their accustomed positions and fought back. Zevran maneuvered so he could keep an eye out for both the Warden and the pocket goddess. He was determined not to let any more harm come to her. He'd been watching out for her from a distance since the day by the stream. Unfortunately for Wynne that meant she got the 'benefit' of his over the top flirtatious comments.
The combination of snow and groups of darkspawn meant they moved slowly. As they continued their battles against the darkspawn Jannasilane tried to keep her senses tuned to find the 'other' that she sensed. Unfortunately she ended up distracting herself. When Alistair nearly got hurt because she turned away from a darkspawn coming against her Blake had enough. As soon as the skirmish was over he grabbed her upper arm and marched her away from the others. "What in blazes is wrong with you?" he demanded. His temper wasn't improved to see Zevran hovering nearby. "You need to concentrate on the battle at hand. Your personal issues cannot be allowed to interfere with the safety of the group, now what is going on?"
She was already pale from the realization that Alistair could have been hurt because of her. Blake yelling at her made her turn whiter, "I-it's not, it's not personal," she stammered. "I th-think there's a Warden somewhere."
Blake let go of her arm in surprise and then cursed when he saw the beginnings of burn marks. "Damn it, why didn't you say something? I wasn't trying to hurt you." He scowled at her.
"If my actions caused Alistair or somebody else to be hurt then I deserve them. I didn't even feel them until now." She looked over at Alistair; he was sitting and watching them with an anxious expression. Blake pinched the bridge of his nose with his fingers then motioned Alistair to join them. Before he could say anything Jannasilane spoke to the warrior, "I am sorry, Alistair. I do not wish to see you hurt, especially if I am the cause."
"No harm done," he shrugged, "to me anyway," he added when he saw the marks on her arm. He turned to Blake, "What's going on?"
"She thinks a Grey Warden is somewhere at Ostagar and she's been distracted trying to determine exactly where this person might be." Blake was silent a minute, thinking. "Maybe you are sensing a Warden, Package, but when we're fighting darkspawn or anything else you need to keep your attention focused one hundred percent on the battle. You can try your sensing thing again when we're not in immediate danger, is that clear?"
"Yes, Warden," Jannasilane answered in a small voice.
"You knew we were Grey Wardens when we first saw you, how come you don't know for sure if you are sensing a Warden now?" Alistair wondered.
"I suppose I assumed if more Wardens survived they would be with you and I sensed no others. You were not surrounded by darkspawn; we had just killed the only ones in the area. My sense did not become active until just a few years ago and I have not had much practice until recently. I know only that I got a quick sense of something that was not darkspawn, was not you and was not Blake. It felt related to how you and Blake feel to me," Jannasilane struggled to explain what she did not completely understand herself. "Perhaps I should see if this is something I can make stronger."
"That could be useful but right now we need to get ready. There are more darkspawn manning the ballistae overlooking the Wilds. Positions everyone!" Blake commanded. Another series of skirmishes commenced and steadily they cleared out the darkspawn this side of the bridge. The bridge seemed clear but there was no cover so they moved quickly until they reached the middle. There they stopped in shocked horror. "There used to be a statue here," Blake growled quietly, angered by the darkspawn treatment of King Cailan. Alistair just clenched his jaw and stared, his expression a mix of grief and anger. Jannasilane's eyes widened. In place of the statue which used to stand a man's body had been placed and posed. Arrows dotted his naked form. For a minute she thought she was looking at Alistair and had to turn her head to verify the warrior was standing next to her. She looked again at the body of Cailan. In spite of the pain he must have suffered death had given him a luminous beauty and tranquil grace. In the background Leliana said a soft prayer.
Their battle continued when the corpses on the bridge came to 'life' courtesy of a genlock necromancer. Alistair made a vow to come back and give Cailan what honor they could. On they went. Even though Blake had decided they would salvage after all the darkspawn were cleared out Alistair insisted on retrieving any of Cailan's armor they found. He didn't want to risk it disappearing again. "Do you still sense a Grey Warden, Janna?" Alistair asked before they followed their enemy into the Tower of Ishal.
"Ye-es, but it is muffled. I do not think too far away but I cannot get a good direction. It feels like it is coming from below, which I do not understand," she worried her bottom lip with her teeth.
"There are even older ruins underneath the Tower. The darkspawn broke through to come into the Tower from below but we'll see soon enough," Blake speculated. And in they went and just barely dodged a fireball. "We need to put that emissary down," Blake gritted his teeth. Fortunately none of them were hurt. Ogres were in the main room waiting for them and reminding both Wardens of their last ill-fated visit. The darkspawn even released a Bereskarn from its cage. Once they took care of everything on this level of the Tower they tried to open the door upstairs but it was jammed shut. Their only option was to go down the hole in the floor and find out what they could. Alistair voiced the distaste they all felt as they jumped down, one after the other.
There were more spiders than darkspawn in the underground ruins. Jannasilane shook her head as they moved along, "I hate the sound spiders make; it's creepy."
"I have to agree with the pocket goddess. The sound seems to stay with you even when they are gone," Zevran grimaced.
"I never noticed that. I agree they are unpleasant, but no more so than other creatures we have come across," Leliana replied.
Wynne spoke up then, "Ah, but our ears are not as sensitive as Jannasilane's and Zevran's. They obviously pick up something we are fortunate enough to miss."
"The way out seems to be up ahead. Our necromancer friend is out there and I am sure he has something special in mind," Blake interrupted them.
"He is not the only one; I can sense the Warden as well." Blake nodded at Package to show he understood and led the way outside. They had to blink in the sudden brightness. The two Wardens and Wynne also blinked back the sudden onrush of memories of the battle waged and lost on this very field.
"There he is, the Grey Warden, on the other side. He is surrounded," Jannasilane shouted and began racing off to help. The others were spurred to action and that's when the necromancer struck. He resurrected not just the dead soldiers but a giant ogre in Jannasilane's path. Quickly she slid between its legs and leapt onto its back with daggers slicing, slowing and weakening it while the others caught up to her. When she reached its shoulders she launched herself backwards over the heads and reaching arms of the angry skeletons. She hit the ground running and continued to the lone Grey Warden. She heard Alistair yelling to draw the attention of the small mob behind her and smiled.
When she got close to the creatures surrounding the other Warden she screeched. Those not disoriented were at least startled enough that she was able to bowl a few over and join the Warden. He nodded appreciation of her assistance and together they quickly dispatched the dead. Breathing heavily she looked around, "There he is, the necromancer, we stop him we stop all." Together they raced toward the fiendish creature. The other Warden fired arrows to distract it as they ran. Jannasilane separated from him in order to try and flank the creature. From across the field Alistair saw what they were doing and moved close enough to smite him before turning back to the ogre at hand. That smite gave them the opening they needed to take it down. Across the field the others were quickly dealing with the remnants of the attack.
Smiling, the other Warden turned to Jannasilane, "I thank you, milady, for your helpful intervention." He took her hand and bowed to her, kissing the back of her hand as he did so. She blushed slightly and he let go of her hand when he stood. "My name is Riordan, and how should I address my rescuer?" Riordan had always had a weakness for small curvy women and he could not hide the masculine appreciation in his eyes as he looked at her.
Jannasilane grinned then, "I think, Warden Riordan, you would have been quite successful without my help. I am Jannasilane, you can call me Janna or Lane if you prefer." His honest but gentlemanly appreciation was a balm to her ego, first damaged by Alistair then by Zevran. She chuckled at his look of surprise when she addressed him by his title but did not get a chance to explain before they were surrounded by the others.
Alistair and Zevran moved behind Jannasilane in a protective maneuver which was not lost on Riordan. He kept his eyes on Alistair even as Blake stood by her side, examining the stranger. "As I was explaining to the Lady Janna I am Riordan . . . Alistair? It is you, is it not?" he interrupted himself as he recognized the blond warrior.
"Yes, that's right. Wait a minute, I recognize you now." He spoke to Blake, "he was at my Joining, an Orlesian Warden from Montsimmard or Jader, I think. I'm sorry, I don't remember which."
Blake studied the older man. "Orlais? I thought all the Orlesian Grey Wardens were turned away by Loghain. Where are the rest of you?"
"You are correct in that we were indeed refused entry into Ferelden. This came as a surprise since King Cailan himself invited us but then we heard that the Grey Wardens were being blamed for his death. It was decided that one of us should try to slip into Ferelden and find out what was happening. I volunteered. I am Fereldan, born in Highever, and a friend of Duncan's. We joined at the same time and we felt I might have the best chance of success. Running into you here is fortuitous indeed."
"I have some questions of my own, if you don't mind coming with me," Blake answered him. He turned to the others who were watching with interest, "Alistair, Package, come with me. The rest of you, please salvage anything useable and take it near the old Highway entrance. Later Bodahn and Sandal can bring the cart and we can load up. I noticed a number of items we can use or sell and we'll be better equipped." He moved off with Package and his fellow Wardens.
"What about Cailan?" Alistair asked.
"I haven't forgotten him, don't worry. I would prefer to take care of the other business so we can focus on him when we send him off to the Maker. He deserves that much." Blake thought about the timing of events before he spoke again, "Riordan, Loghain must have sent the orders to refuse you entry some time before the battle here, which means he planned for Cailan's death weeks if not months ahead of time." He went on to detail for the older man exactly what happened. By the time he was finished they were back at the mage's camp.
"It is truly a shame that a great man would let blind hatred lead him down such a dishonorable road. I am glad you were able to find the old treaties. Grey Wardens are not supposed to involve themselves in politics but I do not see that you have much choice if we wish to contain this Blight. There have been increased sightings of darkspawn along the borders of Orlais and into the Free Marches though the focus remains here in Ferelden." Riordan hesitated before continuing, "I have other things to do here and in Denerim, Grey Warden business I wish to discuss with you." Delicately he nodded his head at Jannasilane.
Blake and Alistair looked at each other and grinned before looking back at Riordan, "Don't worry about Package," Blake laughed. "She probably knows more about Grey Wardens than either of us." He shrugged then, "you knew her father, Duncan. But if we are going to talk Warden stuff . . . Package, I don't think there's much but why don't you check out the circle up there where we defeated the first group of darkspawn. There's too many of us here to search for the key, we'll end up stepping on each other. Or worse we'll step on you."
"Now you make fun of my lack of inches," she stretched herself as tall as she could.
"I assure you, Package, you don't lack inches, now go," he laughed when she looked at him in perplexity before rolling her eyes and scampering off.
The three men watched her leave. Alistair spoke first, "you know, one of these days she is going to understand everything you and Zevran have ever said to her and take you down." Blake just grinned wickedly. Alistair scowled, "that is so not what I meant and you know it."
"She is refreshing, an exuberant and charming young woman," Riordan commented. "To the business at hand, my friends. My first duty is to make a list of all the Wardens who died here and notify my Commander. She will then do whatever needs to be done. The compound in the Palace is, or should I say was, not the only Grey Warden site in Denerim. We have a hidden arms cache near the Market District and a small apartment in one of the less affluent parts of Denerim." He sketched out the locations and told them how to get inside. "You must be circumspect if you go to either location. I doubt that Loghain knows about them but I need to ascertain this for myself. I have some contacts, friends of the Wardens, and may need to be in Denerim some weeks gathering information."
"Once we're done here we're going to Redcliffe to get Arl Eamon's support. He was Cailan's uncle. Why don't you meet with us there before you head to Denerim? We should have some news for you and you can stock up on supplies," Blake suggested. "Neither Alistair nor I have been Grey Wardens for even a year. We know a Grey Warden has to kill the Archdemon and about the nightmares, lower fertility, increased stamina, appetite and healing, the Calling and a shorter lifespan. Is there anything else to know or watch out for? Does it matter how we kill the Archdemon or only that it be a Grey Warden?"
"Be it by arrow, magic, sword or axe; be it in the head, heart or throat the only thing that matters is that the killing blow be by a Warden. Beyond that I think you already know the important part, to be firm in your beliefs, protect people from their own ignorance, and be as loyal as you can to your brothers, even knowing that you'll share their deaths." Riordan sighed, "This you do even though it seems an impossible task at times. I think I will do as you suggest and go to Redcliffe once I am done here. Do not wait for me if you are ready to move elsewhere. Once I am finished in Denerim I will return to Redcliffe and wait for you unless circumstances suggest otherwise, I gather it will be safer for you to resupply there than so close to Loghain."
Alistair suggested he leave or look for any messages with Bann Teagan or Arl Eamon. "Yes, that would be good. I shall go see if the little one found anything and make sure she is alright while you look for whatever it is you seek," with a smile and a slight bow he walked away from them. Alistair brooded a bit, he thought he detected a personal interest in Riordan's last statement but realized he had no right to do anything about it.
Jannasilane was standing at the edge of the circle overlooking the Wilds and the Tower while the wind played with her hair. Riordan admired the scene a moment before he quietly walked up to join her. She didn't turn around, kept her eyes on the world before her, "Hello, Riordan, I suppose this means you are done with your Warden business."
He cocked his head as he studied her, "Indeed we are, little one. How is it you know it was me instead of Alistair or Blake?"
She turned then and smiled up at him. He wasn't as tall either of her Wardens, about average height which meant she didn't have to crane her neck as much to see his face. He wasn't a young man, of course, but he was fit. His fighting skills were testimony to that. Dark brown eyes returned her gaze politely, reserved yet warm. She didn't sense layers of secrets as she had when first meeting Leliana, Morrigan or Zevran but rather the aura of a man used to being on his guard and keeping information close to him. Guarding his secrets rather than practicing deceit. He was an attractive man with a worn elegance in his manner and the lines of his face. She continued to study him as she finally answered, "I have been traveling with them long enough to know their, hmm, their mental scent I guess is the best way to describe it. You are Grey Warden but not Alistair and not Blake, your Wardenness is much stronger than theirs."
"I do not understand this ability of yours, but then it is hard for me to believe Duncan had a child and kept it secret all these years. He was good at guarding secrets entrusted to him, but I knew him as well as any. You are a lovely young woman and Duncan would have been a Warden for many years," Riordan didn't disbelieve her, the resemblance was there in the line of her jaw and strength of her chin if you knew where to look. He had only to remember the young fellow recruit; Duncan didn't have his beard then, for a comparison. The Duncan he knew would not have turned his back on a child he fathered by some miracle.
"My mother said he was traveling a lot on many errands for his Commander or the First. They were friendly but there was never a, er, formal arrangement between them. She said he was very dedicated to the Grey Wardens and she wasn't at all surprised when he was made Warden-Commander of Ferelden. He was away when she realized she was pregnant. She knew he would not marry her, or at least not want to marry her. So she left without ever telling him about me. You were a friend of his, perhaps you knew my mother as well? Alessandra-"
"Alessandra Alenahaella? She is a lovely woman, you have her eyes, little one," Riordan cut in. "I remember her; I think Duncan cared more than she realized. He was distraught for several days when he found she left. Her note simply said that she wished him well and would always remember him but she was needed elsewhere. He took it to mean her skills with healing potions." Riordan thought back to that time and considered. "I believe, though, that your mother was right about his sense of duty. By then he had come to fully embrace all that being a Grey Warden means, including the sacrifices which might have to be made. Some Grey Wardens do marry, but this happens rarely, and Duncan would not have been one of them. How does your mother fare?" he regretted asking as soon as he saw the grief in her eyes.
"She and my stepfather died in a fire shortly before I met the Wardens on the road to Lothering," she explained briefly. "Would you be willing to tell me about Duncan? We were planning to meet him in Denerim before the fire. I'd like to know more about him," she put her hand on his arm.
"Duncan was my friend, I would be honored to regale his daughter with stories of his time in the Wardens and perhaps even of his misspent youth," he could not help but smile at her. "I wish to ask you something about Blake. I do not wish to make him uncomfortable but I am curious as to his relationship to the late Teyrn of Highever. I grew up there and remember Bryce Cousland before he married and I joined the Grey Wardens."
She looked away from him then, "The Teyrn was Blake's father. He was in the castle when Howe's murderers attacked. Duncan, Duncan was also there looking for recruits and managed to get Blake away before Howe or his men tracked him down." Jannasilane looked back at him, "if you and Teyrn Cousland were friends Blake might like to hear about his father as a young man. Did he also have a 'misspent youth?'"
"It would not be right for me to tell you before Blake. Shall we return, my lady little one?" he crooked his arm for her and lifted an eyebrow when she started to put her arm in his then retreated. "Is something wrong?"
"I am sorry, I mean no offense, it is just that I am allergic to non-dragon leather," she flushed with embarrassment that she might have offended him.
"Ah," Riordan took off his glove, "then may I take your hand as I would if I were a high Orlesian noble and you a high Orlesian lady?" She giggled then and allowed him to take her hand. It wasn't like when Alistair used to hold her hand; Riordan took the tips of her fingers and lightly grasped them so that her hand was resting on top of his. Together they rejoined the other Wardens.