Chapter 25

Natia sighed for what must've been the hundredth time. A war was raging all around them, plenty of darkspawn to fight and kill. And where she was…oh just trapped within the walls of the Royal – Ancestor Sucking – Palace!

At the moment she was standing in the same spacious room that'd served as the 'Landsmeet' hall not several days ago. Along with perhaps a hundred or so others. Bleeding Ancestors…they shouldn't be wasting time here! They should be out in the thick of it putting an end to that bloody Archdemon! But instead they were yelling at each other while the darkspawn were killing people in the streets.

"And I'm telling you Commander, it cannot be done!"

Ah, there was the cause of their stop and her boredom. Queen Anora was currently arguing with Aedan and Alistair over their current course of action. More specifically, they were trying to tell her that they needed to get to the Archdemon…and Anora was telling them that it was impossible.

"Riordan brought down the Archdemon Anora!" Alistair argued back. At least their Warden friend had started to grow something resembling a set of balls. He was actually using the Queens name instead of her title. "It's sitting atop the tower, just waiting for us! And well-you know. It's bad manners and all to keep a guest waiting."

Fighting the sudden urge to smack her head, she settled for merely shaking it. Ancestors…they really needed to work on his sense of humor…or his jokes at least. As nice as a man as Alistair was…he couldn't even make a simpleton laugh. Although…the look on his when they first arrived at the palace…well if she could've captured his face on a painting…it would've been priceless. Seeing his queen in full armour and with weapons was almost surreal.

After the Archdemon fell it took them nearly an hour of fighting to get through the darkspawn between the Alienage and the Royal Palace. Through the taint, she'd felt…something when the Archdemon fell. But ever since she had that feeling…the darkspawn seemed more interested in getting to the tower than they were in fighting against a group of heavily armed travelers. As if it were calling them to aide it rather than continue raging against the people of Thedas.

The courtyard surrounding the Royal Palace was swarming with darkspawn by the time they arrived. All of the windows of the palace were boarded up. Archers were placed on top of the palace raining arrows down on the darkspawn as others dropped stones, furniture, firewood or whatever else they could be spared on the darkspawn. The darkspawn were attacking the walls, windows, and doors with whatever weapons they had as they tried to gain entry. Some darkspawn however seemed to have no interest in the palace. They hardly gave the building a passing glance as they ran past and towards Fort Drakon. The thought that they were focused into doing more than mindlessly attack was worrying.

The prospect of fighting again filled her with such a thrill that she, along with the members of the Legion of the Dead, were running off towards the darkspawn before Aedan could give out any orders. The soldiers with them, along with a few of the elves brave enough to fight, began carving a bloody path through the darkspawn.

As the mass of darkspawn began to thin out, the main doors to the palace opened wide. Crossbow bolts and arrows took down the row of darkspawn nearest the door as soldiers poured out from the entrance. One soldier seemed to be leading the others from the palace. The dark blood of darkspawn coated her red armor and shield. Ancestors, whoever that soldier was…she was wielding a mace like a Legion of the Dead veteran!

Doing their best to protect the city elves with them, the two groups of soldiers formed a ring around the non-fighters and guided them inside of the palace. When the last of them where inside the doors slammed shut and heavy beams were placed across cutting off the darkspawn but at the same time sealing them inside.

The moment she wished that she could keep forever though was when Alistair thanked the unknown soldier and asked to see the queen. To which the soldier simply removed her helmet, showing him and everyone else that he was currently talking to her! The look on Alistair's face was…priceless.

"And I am telling you both," Anora's voice brought her back to the ongoing conversation. "There are simply too many darkspawn out there. Ever since the Archdemon fell, darkspawn from all over the city have begun gathering at the base of Fort Drakon. By now there are hundreds…perhaps even a thousand darkspawn surrounding the tower. Trying to fight through them, even if with our combined numbers, would be suicide!"

"Typical shemlen." Ancestor's tits! When did Lyna so close to her?

The Dalish Warden was leaning up against the wall next to her as she watched the three argue. "Ancestor's Lyna…at least warn me next time!"

Lyna smirked at her, at least she assume it was a smirk. The Dalish hardly ever smiled it seemed. "And miss seeing a durgen'len jump? I think not."

Shaking her head she turned back to the three. "So then…what would you suggest?"

One curved eyebrow rose. "We of the elvhen are no strangers to conflict; either against another clan or shemlen who wander to close to our camps. But…at times it is better to avoid a fight all together. If we can't go through an enemy…why not go around them."

"Whoa…why didn't we think of that?" She asked smacking her head dramatically. "Oi wait! We did! The bloody darkspawn have the bleedin tower surrounded! There be no 'around'!"

Shaking her head at the theatrics, Lyna pushed herself away from the wall. "Are you sure you're one of the durgen'len? Can you think of no other way to reach our destination without being seen? Perhaps…by using the same road we used before?"

Opening her mouth to protest Lyna's remarks she froze. "Bleedin Ancestors Lyna!" She exclaimed. "Why didn't ya remind us before?"

The Dalish shrugged. "I'd only just thought of it myself."

"Well come on then elfy," grabbing her hand Natia led her through the mass of people towards Aedan and Alistair. "Hey boys! Elfy here gots an idea!"

"Well…what is it?" Aedan asked eagerly.

Lyna gave her a hard look before facing everyone else. "If we can't go through the darkspawn without dying…then let us go around them." Anora opened her mouth, but Lyna pressed on. "The tunnel leading from here to the belly of Fort Drakon is still intact, correct?"

The three arguing humans stared in silence at Lyna and herself. A low rumble started up and suddenly Aedan threw his head back laughing out loud. "Maker…why didn't we think of that!"

Anora didn't look completely convinced however. "Even with the tunnel…the garrison that was in the tower was more than likely over run. Who knows what you'd all be walking into!"

"There's a chance though," Aedan said. "However small, it's still there. And right now…it's our only option. Unless of course you have a better one?"

The queen said nothing. "I thought not." Aedan said taking a step away.

"It's still suicide Warden-Commander." Anora countered. "Without an army…and against the Archdemon, and all the darkspawn guarding it…you'd all be killed."

Of course Alistair chose that moment to try again. "Lots of darkspawn to kill, certainty of death, small chance of success…what are we waiting for?"

Yeah…they definitely needed to work on Alistair's sense of humor. "We're Wardens Anora," Aedan said dropping all formalities. "Our purpose is to defend the land against the darkspawn and end the Blight." By now Kallian and Alim had joined with them. "Even if it means we give our lives in the attempt. We will do whatever we have to…even sacrifice ourselves to bring peace to the land. If we die, hopefully foreign Wardens can take up where we left."

Anora bit her lip. "Even if you go Aedan...you cannot order people to willing march to their deaths li-"

"There will be no orders." Aedan said sharply before turning to face the crowd. "We march on the Archdemon!" He began his words echoing throughout the hall. "There is a path that will lead us past the darkspawn and into the heart of Fort Drakon."

Everyone from the wounded to the able bodied was listening to the Warden Commander as he spoke. "The Wardens were founded for one purpose…and one purpose alone. To stand as a shield against the darkspawn. We march now to face the very heart of the darkspawn horde. Between us, stands nothing less than an army that will show you no mercy. I cannot, and will not order any of you to come with us. This is our duty…and ours alone. But should any of you be willing…your help will be remembered forever." There was a chill in the air as he finished. The other Wardens started to clap and the room erupted with a few cheers and applause for a moment. Aedan brought down his hands to silence them and once again the room was bathed in quiet.

Kardol, along with his eight remaining members of the Legion of the Dead, stepped forward. "You make a good speech Warden…but unnecessarily. The Legion is with you."

Mithra stepped forward next with a dozen elven hunters. "Our bows are yours to command Warden."

Ser Perth and fifteen soldiers of the Bannorn stood before them. Fist over their hearts and heads bowed. "Our blades are yours Commander."

The young elven mage Petra stepped forward along with two other mages and five Templar's. "We're with you to the end Wardens."

Turning back to Anora the queen had her face lowered. "I see there is no talking you out of this Wardens." Straightening she looked she of them in the eye. Her gaze lingered slightly longer on Alistair than any of the others. "Very well Wardens. May the Maker, your Ancestors, and your Creators be with you all."

The ones who volunteered began dropping items that they would no longer need in exchange for health poultices and weapons. Anora, along with many of her personal guards showed the Wardens and their volunteers to the tunnel entrance. Alim was the first to enter, with Aedan, Kallian, and Leliana close on his heels. Alim must've cast some sort of spell, because soon the tunnel was alive with light even though they had not torches with them. Just as Alistair was about to jump down into the tunnel after the, Zevran pulled him aside and began frantically whispering in his ear.

The young King's face turned beat red as he pulled back. "What are you – do you think I should?"

Zevran just shrugged. "What have you got to lose my friend?"

Alistairs face lost its red tint as he pondered Zevrans suggestion. "You're right. What have I got to lose?"

Moving away from the group everyone watched as Alistair approached his future Queen. Anora regarded his approach with a questioning look. "Alistair…is there something you-" The queen's words were cut off as Alistair took her in his arms and began to thoroughly kiss her.

Cat calls and whistles went through the hall at the very public display. Natia wasn't sure if it was out of pure shock…but Anora didn't seem to be pushing Alistair away…in fact it almost looked like she was enjoying herself!

As quick as it started, Alistair pulled away, leaving a more than slightly disoriented Anora in his wake. "Well the…that was worth it!" Alistair said grinning and hopping down into the tunnel after Aedan.

"I will get you back for that Alistair!" Anora shouted after him. "Mark my words!"

The Hurlock Vanguard was making all haste towards the large tower in the city. He had heard the Great Lord's call for help and had been rushing through the city to aid his master. Behind him ran all of his kin that he had managed to enthrall. A small genlock, a lesser Hurlock, a giant ogre, a stealthy shriek, a Hurlock emissary and at his heels ran a blight wolf. While not as powerful as the two generals that marched with the army, he was one of the many that fought in the ruins against the Wardens. He still remembered sinking his axe into the neck of the Warden Commander. Oh yes, he longed for the opportunity to once again take the head of another Warden Commander. This one, he hoped, would not be wounded beforehand.

For the honor of killing the Warden Commander, the Great Lord had granted him a wonderful gift. The ability to make others of his kin follow his commands, and his alone. The Great Lord had called this ability 'enthralling', and he was using it to its fullest in this battle. Already he had managed to kill several humans, elves, and dwarves. Each of them fell like logs under the swing of his axe.

With the base of the tower in sight, he signaled for his followers to spread out. It was hard to tell from this distance, but he could feel a slight change in the Bond. 'Warden's,' he thought lifting his axe with a grin. 'I wonder how many I will be able to kill this time!'

The main entrance was mostly destroyed, leaving him no choice but to lead his followers around to the back and try to find another entrance. And it was in that narrow alley behind the tower that they found their path blocked. Not by a squad of armed soldiers, but by a single person. A woman and an un-armored one at that. 'Careful,' he heard the emissary speak through the Bond. 'That one is what these un-believers call a 'mage'. They are much like us emissaries, and should not be taken lightly.'

Heading the word of his emissary, he ordered his kin to spread out as much as possible in the narrow corridor. "I will not let you pass here. 'Tis futile to try, as you can see."

He could just barely make out what the human was saying, but her hand movements led his eyes and showed him her meaning. All around her bits and pieces of his kin. Either torn to pieces or burned beyond recognition. 'Kill her!' He yelled through the Bond. 'For our fallen brethren!'

The woman just shook her head. "Fine. If you will not listen, then 'tis death that awaits you."

Her staff was suddenly lowered towards them. For a moment he thought she was bluffing, but from behind him a cry rose from his ogre. The once giant creature was being forced down onto its knee's. Its bones cracked and broke as if they were under strain from some powerful force. 'Crushing Prison!' His emissary yelled. 'Be more careful, she is very powerful!'

The lesser Hurlock ran forward, his blade lowered ready to run the woman through. At the last moment the woman spun, catching the Hurlock's neck with her staff, and turning it back towards him. Her hand slapped down on the Hurlock's face and a sizzling noise, followed by black smoke rose from his face under her hand. Before he could go to kill the woman, she released the Hurlock and pushed him away. 'Get away from him!' His emissary yelled.

Jumping back quickly, he put distance between himself and the Hurlock; his genlock and blight wolf however, where not so fortunate. The Hurlock had managed only two steps, before he exploded, destroying everything in the immediate area, including the genlock and blight wolf. Coming back to his feet, he signaled to his last two standing men; the emissary and shriek, to attack the woman. The shriek ran forward without question, and was met by ice that shot up like lances from the ground, and impaled the shriek, ending its life.

His emissary took the opportunity and cast a spell that surrounded the woman in a wall of fire. 'There is no way the bitch could've survived that. But-she was a formidable opponent. I will need to find more-"

A strangled cry brought him up short. His emissary was surrounded by… insects. His last man tried to fight off the swarm, but was eventually overcome by the attack and fell to his face. Dead.

Stepping back, the Hurlock Vanguard raised his axe and prepared to fight off the swarm. The swarm started to come together, and from the depths of the swarm, the black haired woman stepped forth. Each insect flew into her skin as if it was a part of her this whole time. "My, my, my. You and your men actually managed to put up a descent fight this time. But 'tis as I warned you. 'Twas the wiser option to flee when you had the chance."

Lightning began to form in-between the woman's hands. 'I am a Hurlock Vanguard!' He spoke not caring if the woman could understand him or not. 'I will die for the honor of the Great Lord!'

As the woman left the alley, she looked down at her injured right arm. That last darkspawn had actually managed to land a hit against her with that giant axe of his. But compared to some of her other injuries she had received, this was nothing more than a minor scratch. Looking up at the tower her thoughts went out to the ones fighting at the peak. "Farewell my friends. I have done what I can to aid you. 'Tis my hope, that one day you will all forgive what I have done."

And with that Morrigan, the Witch of the Wilds, daughter of Flemeth, and friend to the Grey Wardens, walked away from Fort Drakon. Her destination unknown, even to herself.

The first thing that hit Alim as the hidden door into the depths of Fort Drakon opened was the smell. It was the smell of rotting flesh, or burned flesh, the unmistakable scent of a recent darkspawn battle. Others with them had similar reactions to his own…reaching up and holding their noses as the first wave of stench hit them as they tried to adjust. The hall within the Fort was littered with bodies. The darkspawn taint was even more powerful within the tower than it'd ever been out in the city! Damn them for the lack of ventilation!

The corpses of darkspawn, humans, and elves were scattered across the floor. Bits and pieces of those unknown clung to the walls around the gruesome scene. Maker…they'd been too late. The darkspawn were already within the Fort! "Spread out!" Aedan hissed lowly trying to keep his voice down but still give orders. "Stay quiet. We don't want to attract unwanted attention. Alim, you take the lead. Out of all of us you have the most experience navigating this place. We need the nearest door we can find to cut the darkspawn off."

Taking careful steps he tried to avoid stepping on anything, or anyone, as he led the group into the prison. Leaning against the wall nearest to the entrance to the main hall that would lead to the entrance Alim poked his head around the frame. At least twenty darkspawn, including an ogre although how it got in here was beyond him, were at the far end of the corridor. The ogre was currently pounding away against the sealed door that would lead them to the second floor.

"There are at least twenty darkspawn, including an ogre," he said turning away from the open door. "They're blocking our path. The main entrance to the Fort is down a corridor to the left just before where the darkspawn are gathered."

Aedan pursed his lips. "Is there any way that you and the mages can seal the entrance?"

"There is a way." Alim said nodding. "Much like Wynne did back in the Circle. We can create a barrier in place of a door. But…it won't last forever…and it will take a lot out of the mages here. And…without a mage constantly feeding magic into it; it will fail much sooner than it should. But it should provide us a few minutes…maybe an hour at best. And the smaller the area we create the barrier at the stronger the barrier will be. And if we keep placing them as we go…we should be able to prevent any from catching us from behind."

Nodding to the plan Aedan faced the rest of their group. "Alright. Our archers will lay down a line of fire against the darkspawn at the end of the hall. Everyone else will advance and protect the mages. Once we reach the corridor leading to the entrance this half of you," he motioned towards one half, "will go down that corridor with the mages and protect them. Once they reach a good choke point the mages will create the barrier. The other half," he motioned to the second half, "will stay with me and keep the darkspawn in the corridor off the mages."

The tactic worked far better than Alim thought. The Dalish archers were able to completely surprise the darkspawn at the end of the hall. By the time the darkspawn realized they were there, they were half way down the hall and over half of the standing darkspawn were dead.

At the turn Alim, the mages and those Aedan selected split off from the main group. The door leading into the main hall was less than a few dozen paces away. And beyond that open path was a room overflowing with darkspawn. Lightning shot forth from his upturned palm hitting the nearest darkspawn standing in the entrance. Flames from his two mage counterparts flowed quickly after. Flames burned the darkspawn to a crisp and ice froze others solid.

The door was clear and Alim began chanting. His voice was quickly mimicked by the other mages as they began working in unison. The darkspawn in the main hall had recovered from the initial attack and were trying to reach them. But they were a step behind. With a shout the three mages completed the spell. Blue light filled the entry way. The first darkspawn to reach the barrier ran right into it; and was thrown back a good ten paces.

Seeing their fallen comrade the other darkspawn approached the barrier carefully looking for any way around. It was…eerie to say the least. The creatures that'd been plaguing his dreams ever since he joined the Wardens stood less than a few feet from him…and could do nothing.

"Alim," Aedans voice from down the hall broke his study of the creatures. "Let's continue on."

Giving on last look at the darkspawn Alim made a crude gesture towards the beasts before turning his back on them.

The room before the stairway to the second floor was filled with darkspawn…their corpses at least. The creatures had been burned to a crisp, frozen solid, mangled and left to rot. There was only one figure still in the room that was even capable to standing. Its short little body came up to only Alims chest, it's back was turned to the approaching Wardens as it scratched it's behind seemingly completely unfazed by the carnage around it. "Sandal?" He asked cautiously, recognizing the dwarf. "Is that you Sandal?"

The dwarven boy turned around and faced them. His ever present grin still on his face even though his skin and cloths were covered with pieces of darkspawn. "Hello."

The soldiers behind him quickly moved throughout the room as he approached the boy with Aedan. Corpses were search for anything that could be of aid to them, and a quick end was given to any still able to draw breath.

Kneeling in front of Sandal he reached out with his magic trying to see if the boy was unharmed. "Sandal…where is your father? And…did you do all of this by yourself?" Aedan asked going to a knee beside him.

To the first question the young boy just shrugged. "Safe…" And then pointed behind him. "Enchantment!"

The body lying behind Sandal was no darkspawn…nor was it dwarven. No…the one laying behind him was a human…a human that Alim knew all too well. "Jowan!" Alim shouted desperately going over to his onetime friends side. "Maker…can you hear me? Are you alright?"

Jowan's eyes fluttered opened, his hand reaching out blindly. "A-Alim? Is-is that you my friend?"

Taking his bloodied hand in his own he gripped tightly while trying to cast a wave of healing over him. Shock coursed through him as the full extent of Jowan's injuries became clear. "Stop Alim…" Jowan whispered his eyes squeezing shut as if the healing was causing him great pain. "Its…it's far too late now…save…save your str-rength for th-those who need y-y-you."

Despite his heart denying this fact…his mind knew that it was true. They'd-no he'd- arrived far too late to save his friend. His friend-despite what had happened recently-was going to die. And the fact that he could do nothing about it tore at him deeper than any darkspawn blade ever could. "T-the boy is quiet a-a marvel." Jowan coughed blood staining his lips and running down the front of his robes. "I-I almost felt like I-I wasn't needed. B-but I-I did my best. M-m-managed to kill some of them b-before one g-got to-to me."

A soft hand rested delicately against his shoulder. He didn't need to look behind him to know it was Leliana. Her hand was squeezing his shoulder trying to provide him some manner of comfort. Jowan reached down into his robes and pulled out a small roll of parchment. The white rolled paper was stained red with the mages blood. "I-I-I need you to-to do something for me." He said weakly forcing the parchment into his hand. "Find…Lili. S-set her free from…from wherever they put her…T-tell her…tell her I'm sorry…for everything. Tell her I…I still love her…"

Tears welled up in his eyes as he watched his friends. Small sniffs from Leliana behind him told him he was not the only one saddened.

Ringing of steel against stone came from down the hall from whence they came. The barriers that were placed in the path ways held as the darkspawn searched desperately for another way around. "Alim," Aedan said coming towards the trio. His eyes held sympathy for what was going on…but also a need. The ones behind them had shut the door and begun barricading the entrance with whatever they could find. "We need to move one Alim…they'll be on us soon."

"Listen to him my friend." Jowan cut him off before he was able to say anything. "I-I can't go on…A-and it would take far too much to heal me. B-but while I still have blood in my veins…I will stop the darkspawn from following you. It's the least I can do…Let me make up for my past mistakes my friend."

Alims eyes burned as tears now fell freely. Tucking the letter into the inner pockets of his robe he gave his friend's hand one last squeeze. "May the Make watch over and guide you to his side Jowan."

Jowan gave him a weak smile as Alim stood and joined his fellow Wardens. "And you as well…my only friend."

With a final look Alim turned away from his childhood friend and headed up the stairs after everyone else higher into Fort Drakon. His new charge Sandal hung by his side, looking back and forth between himself and Jowan. "Enchantment?"

Placing a hand on the young dwarf's shoulder he led the boy up the stairs. "He'll be alright on his own." He said his voice wavering.

Jowan watched his best, and only friend, turn and leave him on the floor of Fort Drakon. The young dwarven boy was staying by Alims side. Good. The boy would be safe with them. He hadn't lied. The boy was a marvel. If more discovered just what he could do…there was no telling what the Chantry, or the Circle, would put the pour lad through. His friend was truly one of a kind…no. All the Wardens were one of a kind. Despite all that had happened to all of them, they kept moving on, kept fighting for the sake of those around them. Maybe…just maybe if his friend were to return to the Circle after this…he would be able to change the current fate of the mages.

The door leading to the main hall buckled inwards as something heavy slammed into the other side. The magic barrier that was cast over the door would help it hold for a time…but even magic was sometimes susceptible to the most basic of human abilities.

The door buckled inwards again and this time the barrier buckled with it slightly. He didn't have much time to do what was needed.

Looking around at the mess within the room he found a small clearing on the floor, no bigger than a shield that was free of darkspawn blood. Gritting his teeth against the pain of moving he slowly pulled himself over to the clear spot in the floor. Before he could second guess his plan he jabbed his fingers into the open wound on in just gut; coating his fingers with blood. His whole life he'd always wondered why the Chantry considered blood magic so evil, besides the obvious consorting with a demon. But now that he was one…he understood. Blood magic drew power from the individual…unlike normal magic where it was drawn from the Fade. And that made blood mages immune to the powers of the Templar's…the Chantry's soldiers. If one could ever learn the magic without a demon…then they would be able to challenge everything.

Laughter escaped him as he realized what he was doing. Here he was about to die…and he was philosophizing! Maker…he couldn't stop laughing at the ridiculousness of it all!

His hand coated with blood he set about his task. Starting with a large circle that covered the entire clearing he began tracing intricate designs in blood within the circle. He was always gift with Glyphs…something that was hard to do. And a good way to torment unsuspecting Templar's.

The door buckled inwards again and this time the magic barrier shattered under the strain. Now the only thing keeping the door closed was the debris that was pile against it. Soon…it would all end.

The blood glyph was completed before him…now all he had to do was wait. It was strange…he was facing his own death…and he wasn't afraid. Even as the demon he made his pact for blood magic screamed within his mind trying to force him to flee and survive…he held his ground and he wasn't afraid. Perhaps…just perhaps it was because he'd finally found a true purpose.

The door slammed opened as an ogre fist went through the opening. Darkspawn small and large began pouring into the room, heedless of their fallen comrades lying around them. Placing his hand on the center of the Glyph he channeled what little energy he had from his blood and into the symbol. The blood writing on the floor glowed red as it became infused with magical energy.

"May the Maker send you all to the darkest pit of the Void!" He shouted pushing the last of his life energy into the glyph as the first darkspawn reached him.

The glyph below him exploded as he knew it would. The room and halls on the first floor of the Fort became flooded with Blood Fire. An old Tevinter spell he found that was used as a last resort only. Cries of pain and death left the darkspawn as Jowan felt his body become weightless. White light, almost like a rising sun greeted him. If this was death…then it wasn't so bad. Smiling for the first time in a long time Jowan felt something he'd never thought to feel again. Peace.

As the door closed behind him Alim fought with every once he had to keep his composure. This was Jowan's choice. And the right one. His friend would've only slowed them down…and drained the mages in their attempts at healing him. Making sure that the barrier on the door was firmly in place he turned away from the stairs and made it only three steps before the floor began shaking from underneath. "Jowan!"

His instincts forced him to turn back and try to go to his friend. He made it one step before the heavy form of Aedan wrapped him in gauntleted arms and forced held him back. "Let me go!" Yelling desperately he tried to get away from his friend. "I have to-"

"He's gone Alim." Aedan said his voice curt but full of sympathy. "He stayed behind for a reason. He's given us time…time to do what is needed. Don't let his dying act be for nothing!"

Losing his will to fight Alim began to fall limp within Aedans grasp. "I-I-I could've done more. I could've healed h-"

"He made his choice Alim." Aedan said loosening his hold on him and stepping away. "Honor his sacrifice."

Closing his eyes he turned away from the path behind them. Only Leliana, Aedan, and Kallian were with him. Only they saw his breakdown…but they shouldn't have had too. He should've been stronger. He will be stronger. Pulling himself together he nodded to Aedan and gave a reassuring smile to Leliana. "Your right. We have a job to do. Don't we?"

"That we do my friend." Aedan said clapping him on his shoulder nearly knocking him off balance. "Now let's end this so no more need die today."

The rest of the Fort was relatively devoid of darkspawn. Perhaps Sandal and Jowan had done a far better job than any thought in keeping the darkspawn from reaching the higher levels. That wasn't to say that it was completely empty however. Another passage must've existed because small groups of darkspawn still prowled the halls. Those groups however were nothing more than a slight passing bump in the path of the Wardens.

Alim fought without thought or feeling. He cut down darkspawn after darkspawn in an almost ruthless fashion. His magic was waning, so he instead relied on his bladed staff to do his fighting. He didn't stay behind the others anymore either. No...now he was standing toe to toe with Aedan at the front leading them. He would see that this was ended here and now. He would not let any more of his friends die today.

They were now at the final stage of their journey. The hall before the roof Fort Drakon was wide and spacious…and seemed to be completely untouched by the darkspawn. The thought that they were away from darkspawn proved to be false once they were fully in the room however. On the far side, beyond two side passages and before the door leading to the Archdemon stood the Wardens final challenge.

It was a Hurlock unlike anything any of them had ever seen or heard of. Standing even slightly taller and wider than the Hurlock general they fought in the Market Place its body was covered in dark red and black armor interchanging between chain mail and plated steel. Each of its hands held a great sword easily as long as he was tall. Its head was sounded by a layer of chain mail leaving only its face exposed. Its skin was withered, its black eyes were clouded over almost as if it was blind…but the beast looked right at them. Its cheeks were split on either side of its mouth and when it opened its mouth sharp jagged teeth could be seen as clear as day.

"So you've come Wardens…just as the Great Lord Urthemiel predicted."

Alim could only stare at the new threat in shock. The-the darkspawn just spoke to them! Sure he'd seen the darkspawn commune with one another…but he always assumed that it was through the taint like Riordan hinted at. But this darkspawn…outside of his voice being extremely raspy…spoke perfect common as if it were born to it!

"Y-you can talk? What are you?" Aedan said putting voice to the question everyone thought.

The creature merely shook its massive head. "So little you know of our kind Traitors. As for I…I am Commander. Leader of the armies of the Great Lord!"

"Traitor's? To whom?" Alim blurted out before he could stop himself.

The darkspawn began pacing back and forth as everyone behind Aedan and he spread out. "You, and your kind…the Grey Wardens…you are all traitors to the Great Lord! You…all of you have been blessed with the gift of the Great Lord! The Bond! Yet…instead of aiding the Great Lord…you turn your backs on him! You are the true Traitors…even more so than him!"

Alim was beyond confused. Was…was the Taint this 'Bond' that it was talking about…and who was 'him'. "'He' is the greatest 'Kin Traitor'! He thought to make me…he succeeded. But I do not serve him! I found the Great Lord's voice again! And now I follow only our Great Lord! But that is above you Traitors." Commander hissed. "For now the Great Lord has come to respect your ability in battle…and has an offer for you."

"We do will not listen to anything that beast has to say!" Aedan shouted pointing his swords at Commander. "If that is all then get out of our way…or you will die!"

It almost looked like the creature sighed. "The Great Lord was willing to let you all walk away from here. Let you live out your lives. But now…now his Great army shall crush you weaklings into dust!"

The last word was sent out in a shout. Magic rippled through its voice. The tables and chairs standing between them suddenly lifted off the ground and came flying towards them. Weak shots of Lightning from his staff turned all the tables and chairs into dust. "All of you! Too me!" Commander shouted.

Roars came from both side passages as ogres, hurlocks, and genlocks came streaming out into the room. "For the Wardens!" Aedan shouted rushing to meet the darkspawn head on.

The six Wardens rushed ahead of the rest meeting the darkspawn in a flurry of blades. The scant few that followed them were quickly behind them, supporting them and doing whatever they could to see that they made it to face the Archdemon.

The Commander had stabbed the point of each of its swords into the ground. It now stood with its arms across its chest and watched the fighting. One of the Knights of the Bannorn broke free from the darkspawn and charged at the Commander. The mutated darkspawn calmly sat still as the man ran towards it…blade raised high ready to end it.

Just as the man reached Commander, its arm shot out and grabbed hold of the soldier's sword arm preventing the blade from falling. Its free hand drove into the soldiers gut, doubling him over even with heavy arm on. Twisting the soldiers still captured arm back it brought its fist back down on the man's elbow. Bone snapped as the man cried out in agony as his was broken through armor. A quick back hand against the man's head and he was sent spiraling to the ground. The man was unable to do anything as the Commander grabbed his head between its hands. A quick jerk and the man's neck was broken.

"Maker," Alim hissed watching the display while sending a Lightning bolt through two darkspawn. How were they supposed to defeat that?!

"Wardens with me!" Aedan shouted leading a charge through the darkspawn and after the Commander.

The darkspawn almost seemed to smile as the six Wardens closed in on it. Taking up its swords the Commander faced off against them. "Come to me Traitors!"

Aedan and Alistair engaged the beast head on. The two swords men used everything they had to push against the Commander's two swords. Kallian, Natia, and Lyna had all gone to their daggers. The nimble women dove around the darkspawn jabbing quickly with their daggers trying to inflict as much damage as possible. Alim gathered what strength he had left and gathered Lightning between his hands. With Alistair and Aedan opening its guard, and the women distracting it, Alim was able to send a bolt of Lightning almost point blank into the monsters chest.

And it did nothing. The beast still just stood there as if all of their attacks were minor nuances. "How…disappointing."

A flurry of steel flashed through the air and suddenly Aedan and Alistair were sent flying through the air. Kicking back it hit Lyna in her stomach sending the dalish through the air and landing hard on the ground. Its elbow swept backwards hitting Kallian in her chest between her heart and neck and making her skid against the stone floor. Natia managed to stab one of her daggers into the center of its back. The Commander threw its head back in pain as the the blade bypassed its armor and found flesh. Kicking back it hit Natia in the chest throwing the dwarven Warden several paces away.

Now Alim was standing alone against Commander as it advanced on him. He wasn't able to move…watching his comrades be defeated so easily…

The Commander's two blades swung in a circle and descended towards him. Snapping out of his daze he managed to lift his staff in time to block. The force of the hit jarred his hands causing him to lose his grip on his staff. On reflex he bent over grab it…and was met with a knee to his face.

His head snapped back and his vision blurred. He stumbled backwards, and was suddenly stopped.

His vision started to clear. The Commander was standing before him. One sword was pointed at him…half of the blade anyway…the other half was sticking out from his back.

"Alim!" Was that…was that Leliana? Was she…was she yelling for him?

Alim was in shock…he was…run through by two feet of steel…in his gut. His strength failed him as he fell to his knees before the Commander. The darkspawn regarded him with a smirk. "Pathetic Traitors."

Using the last of his strength he reached out and held onto the Commanders hands. Lightning coursed through him and went through the blade and his hands into the Commanders arm. The palm of the darkspawn's hand wasn't armor…and therefore had no protection against the magic suddenly racing into it.

Roaring out in pain the Commander let go of both swords. His one good hand cradled his now burned arm as it backpedaled away.

Alims strength was leaving him fast…the blade in him was weighing him down. His vision faded as he fell sideways. His barely conscious mind was able to register that someone had stopped him from falling. As his vision faded he was blessed with one last beautiful sight. Lelianas face was above him. She looked…scared…worried. Maker…even with such distress…she was so beautiful. He…he want to feel her.

His hand weakly and shakily rose to cup her face one last time. One of her hands took his and pressed it against her face. Her face was warm…and wet. She was crying. Her mouth was moving frantically…but he couldn't hear anything. Willing his own lips to move he said the one thing he meant more than anything. "I love you." He managed to mutter before his strength left him. His hand fell and darkness covered everything.

Trying to clear the spots from his vision Aedan shock his head as he raised himself off the floor. The darkspawn had moved faster than anything he'd ever seen before! How could something so big move so fast?

Alistair was rising from the ground opposite him. Kallian was holding her chest coughing up blood. Natia was trying hard to roll over and stand. Lyna was cradling one arm against her body as she used her bow to help her stand. And Alim…Alim was still standing before the Commander. But…his staff was gone.

"Alim!"

Lelianas scream made him focus more…and his eyes widened. Half of the Commander's sword was pierced through Alims gut. Alim fell to his knees as strength left him. "Pathetic Traitors."

Alims two much smaller hands covered the Commanders. Suddenly the Commander let go of both his swords, one falling to the ground and the other remaining in Alim, and backed away quickly. Its left arm was smoldering as wisps of smoke escaped from under its armor. Alim, the last of his energy used, fell to the side only to be caught at the last second by Leliana who cradled the mage against her body.

Dropping Duncan's Sword he charged forward holding Starwrath in two hands. Roaring out in anger he brought the star metal blade down against the still good arm of the Commander. Bones cracked and blood sprayed as the sword cut through armor and flesh down to the bone.

Blue steel flashed as Kallian spun next to him. Starfang cut deep into the face of the Commander as she spun around to its back and stabbed with her Dragonbone dagger going all the way down to the hilt. Natia struck down with one axe behind the Commanders knee, then reversed her motion and cut back with her second hand axe into the shoulder of its bad arm. Lyna vaulted over the back of the Commander, thrusting down she stabbed her own Dragonbone dagger into the creature's clavicle before tucking and rolling away. Alistair slashed down with his sword, cutting the creature across the chest before punching with his shield putting the dull edge into the bridge of the Commanders nose.

Stumbling from the blow the darkspawn tried to back and turn away and in so doing was impaled upon Aedans blade. The Commander stared down at the blade in its chest before grapping it with its burned arm and pulling it in deeper into its body effectively pulling Aedan in closer. "I…I will n-not fall t-to T-T-Traitors!"

Aedan yanked back on Starwrath freeing the blade and then spun it around in a high arc. The chain mail stood no chance against the star metal blade as it cut through the Commanders neck. The headless corpse dropped lifelessly to the ground as the head rolled away.

"Alim! Maintenant, écoute-moi! Ouvrez vos yeuxmon amour! Ouvrez les yeux!"

Dropping Starwrath Aedan ran across the room to where Leliana sat cradling Alims head in her lap. The Orlesian bard was crying hysterically begging Alim to be alright. "Commander! Move aside!"

One of the remaining two mages, Petra he though her name was, pushed him aside and began felling around the sword in Alim. Her hand glowed blue as she began to frantically check his vitals. "He still lives…but he is fading fast! We must get the sword out of him now!"

The mage ripped the bottom part of her robes and then handed two halves of the torn fabric to both Lyna and Kallian. "Once Aedan pulls the blade free press those down on the wounds on his front and back. Keep the pressure on. I'll use magic to heal the worst of it." Pulling out a red vial she handed it to Leliana. "Once the blade is free try pouring this down his throat. It should heal his insides."

Lyna knelt down behind the mage as Kallian knelt in front of him. Grabbing the sword hilt he waited for Petra. "On three Wardens. One. Two Three!"

On command Aedan yanked the blade out of his friend's body. Kallian and Lyna were there instantly pressing the cloths against the wounds trying to keep him from losing too much blood. Petra's hand glowed blue as Leliana tried pouring some of the health poultice down his throat. Soon the vial was empty and Petra was breathing heavily. The second mage joined in and helped with healing…but all too soon the glow faded from both of their hands and the two mages fell back onto their heels.

"We…we can't heal him." Petra admitted.

Aedan closed his eyes tightly at the words. "What do you mean!?" Leliana shouted at the two. "You both have magic! You can both heal him!"

"Even magic has its limits." Petra explained sadly. "The reason we could not save Jowan was because even with the three of us combined we wouldn't have enough mana to complete it. Alim has been fighting all day. The physical exhaustion he was feeling, along with his complete depletion of magic, has left him completely helpless. His body doesn't even have the strength to even try and heal itself any more. A-and Sola and myself just used the rest of our own mana in trying to heal him…we're next to powerless now…and only have one lyrium potion a piece left. If we were to focus on healing him alone…we'd have nothing to use against the Archdemon…or to heal anyone else. And…he wouldn't make it."

Leliana was crying loudly as she lowered her forehead against Alims. The latter's skin had gone ghostly white. "Is there no other way?" Aedan asked his heart breaking.

Petra shook her head. "No. Our only hope would be to get him to Wynne. But…even if we could…I don't think even she could heal this."

The group was left in silence. Each paying their respects to the mage Warden as Leliana continued to cry. Her lips were moving frantically as she prayed in her native tongue. Wolf came over to Alims side. The mabari hound was giving off a slight whine as he gently nudged Alim with his snout.

A light tug on his shoulder drew his attention away from the scene before him. Sandal was standing next to him. His eyes were wide and moist as he stared at the fallen Warden. "Warden." He said looking up at him and then pointing to Alim. "Enchantment!"

Aedan shook his head slowly. "I-I'm sorry Sandal…there's nothing we can do."

Sandal's features sobered as he walked away. The boy bent down and lifted up a small stone from the floor no bigger than his tiny fist. Coming back to him Sandal held the stone between his hands. "Enchantment!"

Curiously Aedan took the stone from the boy. It was no longer blank. An intricate symbol was etched in some manner to one side of the stone. "Enchantment!" Sandal yelled taking the stone back from him and going over to Alim.

Kneeling down next to Alim, Sandel placed the stone rune side down against Alims chest above the wound. The boy pressed down and his face contorted in concentration. "Enchantment!"

The stone under the boys hand flashed and turned to dust. The rune that was on the stone was now etched onto the Alims armor under his under coat. "By the Maker! What did he do?!" Petra shouted.

Some color had returned to Alims face, and his breathing had evened out slightly. Petra was looking over the rune on Alims chest carefully. "Maker…it's a Paragon Stout Rune!"

"What is that?" Aedan asked. He thought he knew what most of the runes were. But this was one he'd never heard of before.

"It's a rune to basically increase a person's life force." Petra explained feeling Alims vitals. "It allows a person to push themselves longer, and harder. Or in the case of a wounded person…grant a small amount of life back to them."

"Does…does this mean Alim will live?" Leliana asked her eyes pleading for the answer to be yes.

Petra closed her eyes. "He is still at the brink of death. But now he has more time before he passes. The boy didn't stop death…but he did give us enough time to end this fight and get him to Wynne."

Still propping Alims head in her lap Leliana reached to Sandal and pulled the boy into a hug. "Thank you, thank you Sandal." She kept repeating holding the boy against her.

"How much time does he have?" Aedan asked Petra.

Standing Petra dusted herself off. "Hours…maybe a day at most. But…but it is better than the few minutes he had before the boy did what he did."

Nodding to her Aedan took stock of what they had. Of the hundred or so they set off into the city with so few remained. And that number was just cut down. Some of the ones who were with them upon entering the Fort were now dead or in no condition to continue to the Archdemon. Alim was not going to be able to fight. That left only five Wardens left to…do what they needed too. Of the soldiers they had left there were only two mages of the original twelve still stood with them, and only three of the original twelve Templar's were still standing. Mithra had six of her kin still with her and battle ready. Ser Perth still led seven of the Knights of the Bannorn. And Kardol only had his four Legion brethren and three non-Legion warriors with him. Not nearly the army he'd hoped to have…but they would have to press on.

"We grab whatever we can and create a barricade here in the middle of the room." He ordered gaining everyone's attention. "Those who cannot fight will stay here and guard our backs against any darkspawn trying to come up this path. Leliana, you stay here and coordinate the effort." The bard looked to protest…but her hands never left Alims face. She wanted to fight…but she couldn't leave his side.

"Everyone else will come with us against the Archdemon." He said addressing the still able. "This is the final step in ending this Blight. Once the Archdemon is slain…the other darkspawn will break and flee. Keep in mind that only a Warden can truly kill the Archdemon. The reason for this…is that a Grey Warden sacrifice is required to end the life of the Archdemon." The assembled stared at him in shock but he pressed on. "Should anyone else land the final blow against the demon, its essence will simply travel into the nearest darkspawn. This is the greatest secret of the Wardens…you all must take this to your graves. The only reason I tell you this now…is because we've been through a lot…and you all deserved to know the truth."

"We're with you Warden." Kardol said proudly. "We will fight the darkspawn even after they tear us to pieces. We will do whatever is necessary to see that you end the Blight…and we will remember your names forever!"

Mithra and Perth gave simlar sentiments to which the ones following them agreed with. The mages and the Templar's also agreed. Zev…the assassin was looking at Natia longingly…and the dwarf wasn't able to meet his eyes. Instead Natia just settled for holding onto her assassin lover's hand.

"Then let us end this Blight once and for all!" Aedan shouted raising his sword high and rushing towards the door to the Forts roof. Throwing open the doors to the outside the Wardens and their few defenders rushed out ready to meet their deaths standing tall.

There we go. Chapter 25! Next chapter is on too the Archdemon! Can't believe its been nearly 2 and a half years since I started this journey with you all. And to all of you who've added this story to their favorites, alerts, or just reviewed I want to thank you all.

And if y'all feel so inclined please leave a review for this chapter! As for the Disciple serving the Archdemon, I figured that the Mother has some on her side and she wants to serve the Archdemon again so why couldn't one whose been freed by the Architect go back to serving the Archdemon? And it also added another bad guy to the story no matter how short lived he was...

And way please review! And a big thank you to my beta reader Apollo Wings! To which I would greatly recommend that y'all check out Apollo's stories because they are awesome!

See y'all in the next chapter!

ffdrake