Dragon Age Abomination's Origin
Chapter 35: The Hounds of Revenge
Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon Age, though it would be cool to own it if I didn't have to work for EA.
Beta Reader: Albert
Last Update: 11/25/2014
Scene I
On the walls protecting the city of Denerim stood several guards that would rather be anywhere else than guarding the heart and soul of Ferelden. One reason was that the Teyrn of Denerim made life difficult for those not in his private army. The other reason was out of sheer boredom. Boredom that only would be relieved when the nobles and their large honor guard came. As the guards dozed off, a lookout sounded the alarm that someone was coming and in force, so the soldiers either scrambled to greet the nobles or prepared to push an invasion force back. The Sergeant in charge of the wall climbed up to see what triggered the alarm.
"What do you see grunt," the Sergeant barked out.
"Sir, I see eleven flags approaching," the soldier with a spyglass reported. "It could be several honor guards sirs."
"Who?" the Sergeant asked with s bit of skepticism. "There aren't that many important nobles in Ferelden and all of them are here except Arl Eamon Guerrin." The sergeant straightened up to asked, "Can you tell whom they are?"
"Yes sir, they are coming into view now," the soldier reported as he got a closer look. "It's impossible. They can't be marching together."
"What is?" the Sergeant demanded.
"From the book of flags I had to memorize, they are Redcliffe Forces, the Ash Warriors, the Blackstone Irregulars, the Circle of Magi in Ferelden, two different regiments of the Templar Order, the Mage's Collective, the Antivan Crows, the Dwarves of Orzammar, the Dwarves' Legion of the Dead and the Dalish Elves. All marching together in one army," the soldier reported.
"That's impossible," the Sergeant stammered. "The Arl of Redcliffe couldn't have gotten the mages and templars to work together. Let alone get the drunken dwarves to leave their underground tunnels and convince the knife ears and foreigners to help him."
"Their not helping the Arl," the soldier had stated without emotion.
"If they're not helping the Arl, then why are they marching with him?" the Sergeant asked.
"They are all marching under a twelfth flag, it's the Grey Warden's flag," the soldier simply replied.
"WHAT?" the Sergeant yelled as he grabbed the spyglass from the soldier. He focused on a group of eleven individuals, a dog and a white mountain caring a twelfth flag that was blue and had a white griffon on it. It was the flag of the Grey Wardens.
The Sergeant put down the spyglass and walked over to the end of the rail to bark out orders, "One of you, inform the Regiment Loghain Mac Tir and Teyrn Rendon Howe that the Grey Wardens have arrived."
"Yes sir," one of the soldiers replied and ran out to inform Loghain while the Grey Warden's Generals and their honor guard were about to march into the city.
Once inside, Eamon could not help but comment, "Denerim is the heart and soul of Ferelden. It was the city of King Calenhad, and the Birth Place of Andraste. The city is as stubborn as a mabari and just as good to have at your side. If we defeat Loghain here, the rest of the nation will follow. By calling the Landsmeet, I have struck the first blow. The advantage of the moment is ours. He will have little choice but to show himself and directly oppose us. The only question is how soon."
"We suspect it will be very soon," Aveline commented. "He will probably come to see what he can expect and how much of a battle he faces."
"Then we better hurry to the estates and be prepare to greet him," Shianni suggested.
"Good, for the sooner we're done with the Landsmeet, the sooner we can see Loghain pay for his crimes," Alistair added with a calm steady anger.
Scene II
It did not take long for Loghain to arrive at the front gates with his compatriots, Ser Cauthrien and Rendon Howe. They were allowed in, as guests, for it would not be civil to turn them away. All three came in heavily armed as they marched to the greeted all the generals of the Grey Warden's army, the Grey Wardens themselves, and their companions. The two groups came face to face with enough tension to suffocate a room.
Tension that only builds as Eamon came forward to great their guests, "Loghain. This is… an honor, that the Regent would find time to greet me personally."
"How could I not welcome a man so important as to call every lord in Ferelden from their estates, while a Blight crawls across our lands," Loghain snarled.
"The blight is why I am here, with Cailan dead, Ferelden must have a king to lead it against the Darkspawn," Eamon stated.
"Ferelden has a strong leader, its queen," Loghain growled at Eamon. "And I lead its army."
"If Anora rules, then why don't you let her speak for herself instead of you speaking for her?" Aveline asked Loghain.
"Ah, well if it isn't the young Grey Wardens. I thought we might meet again," Loghain commented with a thoughtful expression. "You have my sympathies on what happened to your order. It was unfortunate that they were thrown away to feed a man's ego before his untimely demise."
"Feed an ego, or left as sacrifice in a bid for a power grab?" Shianni asked offhandedly.
"You should curb your tongue," Loghain snarled. "This is my city, and not a safe place to speak treason, for anyone." Loghain then switched gears as he focused on Eamon, "There is talk that your illness left you feeble, Eamon. Some worry that you may no longer be fit to advise Ferelden."
"Illness?" Eamon asked. "Why not call your poison by its true name? Not everyone at the Landsmeet will cast aside their loyalties as easily as you and as these… sycophants."
"How long have you been gone from court? Surly you recognized Redon Howe, Arl of Amaranthine, and Teyrn of Highever," Loghain pointed to Howe.
"And the current Arl of Denerim, since Urien and his son were unfortunate victims at Ostagar and their meeting with the White Wolf," Howe added with a smirk. "The regent has been… generous to those who prove their loyalty."
"It's amazing what boot-licking can accomplish," Eleanor stated with a demented smirk. "Especially in claiming others land and titles that do not belong to you. Did you get those other titles honorably, or thorough murder and thievery like you did with my husband's."
Howe growled as Ser Cauthrien stepped up to his defense, "Don't interrupt, churl. Your betters are talking."
"Enough, Cauthrien, this is not the time or place," Loghain ordered before turning his attention to the others. "I had hoped to talk you down from this rash course, Eamon. Our people are frightened. Our king is dead. Our land is under siege. We must be united now, if we are to endure this crisis. Your own sister, Queen Rowan, fought tirelessly to see Ferelden restored. Will you see her work destroyed? You divide our nation and weaken our efforts against the Blight with your selfish ambitions to the throne."
"Enough," Aveline stated. "This is not about who will sit on thrown, but who will lead the army against the Blight. With that in mind, we propose a compromise."
"What kind of a compromise?" Loghain asked.
"The game will be simple who can get the most support before the Landsmeet," Aveline stated. "The winner will not only get the other side's army, but he also will determine the fate of the head generals."
"And by head generals, you mean…" Howe stammered unsure he liked were Aveline was going.
"Us, Arl Eamon, Alistair Theirin, and Shianni for the Grey Warden's army while you, Ser Catherin and Rendon Howe for Loghain's forces," Aveline commented. "And by one's fate, we mean from being killed as traitors or forced to serve the other side for as long as the other desires."
"And why should I agree to this?" Loghain asked as the others were taken by surprise from Aveline's suggestion.
"The Blight is the Warden's primary concern, and we cannot afford to waste valuable resources fighting each other," Aveline explained to Loghain. "Just think of it as an incentive to be nice and civil while the people of Ferelden decide who can save Ferelden from the Blight."
Loghain narrowed his eyes before he reluctantly agree, "Very well, I will agree to your terms. However, do not expect mercy from me, there is nothing I won't do for my homeland."
Those were Loghain's final words before he left with his company of co-conspirators, leaving the Warden's army alone. Once Eamon was sure they were alone, he turned to the Wardens and stated, "Well that was bracing, I wasn't expecting Loghain to come this soon. Nor was I expecting to offer such a deal. Do you have any idea what you have done?"
"We ensured that no matter what, Ferelden will be saved either by our hands or Loghain's," Aveline explained to the Arl. "Seeking justice is all well and good, but allowing a country to burn for it will get nothing but land as black as soot. We just have to win to ensure justice is done."
"Oh, so that is all we have to do, no pressure then," Alistair had commented.
"Wardens, are you sure?" Vartag asked. "We promised to follow you to fight the Blight, not Loghain."
"Yes Wardens, I am not sure I want the elves under the command of someone like Teyrn Howe," Lanaya added. "I heard that his people do not treat elves well. In fact, he can be downright cruel."
The others agreed and Aveline nodded in acknowledgment, "Listen, we are not saying that it wouldn't be dangerous and risky, but we need to do whatever it takes to end the Blight. You agreed to help the Wardens end the Blight, whether it's through us or through someone else."
"True enough, Ferelden's survival is the most important thing to do. We just need to insure Alistair is made king," Eamon added. "Now then, we need eyes and ears in the city. Loghain has been here for months. The roots of all his schemes begin here. The sooner we find them, the better we can turn them to our advantage. But we had a long journey and need our rest. Come seek me out when you're ready to talk strategy, upstairs in my sitting room. We can lay out our plans for the Landsmeet then."
"Very well, everyone find a room and relax before we meet with Eamon in a few hours," Aveline ordered and the groups dispersed for their rooms.
Scene III
Deep within the confine of a single room, Reina and Zevran settled down and unpacked. As they unpacked, Zevran pulled out a small golden earring with a large green gem that dangled to the side. Zevran held it tightly as he looked on the gloves given to him by Reina before he got up and moved to Reina. He stood over Reina and held out the earring to her.
"Here… it seems an appropriate moment to give you this," Zevran stated.
Reina picked up the earring to asked, "Is this an earring?"
"I acquired it on my very first job for the Crows," Zevran explained. "It belonged to a Rivaini merchant prince, and he was wearing a single jeweled earring when I killed him. In fact, that's about all he was wearing," Zevran chuckled at the memory. "I thought it was beautiful and took it to mark the occasion. I've kept it since… and I'd like you to have it, as a memento for being so good to me."
Reina held it up and stated, "It is so beautiful Zevran, thank you."
Zevran smiled as he waved Reina on, "Do not mention it and please do whatever you wish with it. In fact, feel free to sell it, or wear it… or whatever you'd like. It's really the least I could give you in return."
"Thank you. I really appreciate it," Reina smiled as she put it on her right ear.
"It's meant a lot to me, but so have… so have you. Thank you. I have no better way to say it." Zevran stated with a smile.
"That's so sweet," Reina said before she kissed Zevran a peck on the lips before she gave him a bear hug.
Zevran froze for a moment but soon warmed up to the hug as Reina leaned into Zevran's body, getting conformable within the elf's arms. Zevran looked up to see Kissara giving him a nod of approval before walking away, leaving the two alone. Zevran smiled as he looked up to see a crow in a window above him. The Crow had a look of death before it spread its wings and disappeared into the dark before dawn.
Zevran realized that the Crows were here and probably would attack soon. He was about to get up to tell people but stopped when he looked at a contented Reina. He smiled as he decided that it might be best for everyone to have a few hours of peace before he warned them that they were in danger. He would tell the group about the possibility of a Crow ambush when the time came.
Scene IV
After a few hours of rest, the Grey Wardens' group walked into Eamon's study to meet with the Arl. In the next room, an armored Eamon poured over a map of Ferelden with the generals they recruited. They were talking about troop deployment when Eamon noticed the Wardens and asked to be excused. Eamon then came into his study and directed an elf from the shadows.
The elf was a plain, dark haired woman in a maid uniform. An ordinary elf that would easily blend into any background if it were not for the fact the woman had a crest on her outfit. It was a shield with two diagonal crossed blocks, one white and the other gold. It also had a lion on each side, facing the shield. It was the crest of Therein family and only one person would be able to use it. It was Anora, Maric wife and Loghain's daughter.
Eamon greeted them with a smile while the elf remained behind him, "Ah, Wardens. I trust you've made yourself comfortable."
Shianni answered Eamon for the group, "Yes, it is nice and cozy."
Eamon nodded, "Good, since it's likely to be your last rest for quite some time." Eamon then turned to the elf, "This is Erlina. She's-"
However, the elf, Erlina interrupted Eamon and stepped up to speak in an Orlesian accent, "I am Queen Anora's handmaiden. She sent me here to ask for your help."
Amused more than offended by being brushed aside, Eamon chuckled, "Or perhaps the young lady prefers to speak for herself."
"Why would her highness ask the aid of her father's enemies?" Alistair asked.
"The queen, she is in a difficult position," Erlina explained. "She loved her husband, and she trusted her father to protect him. When he returned without the king, amid dark rumors, and made her reveal secrets of her husband to turn the country against him, what was she to think? She worries that he was somehow involved in her husband's disappearance, but when she tried to speak with her father, he does not answer. He tells her 'not to trouble herself,' and takes more power from her for the 'better of Ferelden,' or so he claimed."
"So you're saying Anora knows Loghain had her husband killed, possibly for power," Leliana theorized.
"You're also saying Anora fears that her father plans to take the throne from her," Aveline added to Leliana's theory.
"My queen suspects she cannot trust her father. Loghain is subtle and very secretive, but Rendon Howe, he is privy to all the secrets and… not so subtle," Erlina told the group.
"That was a mistake," Eleanor commented aloud. "Howe was a master infiltrator and spy during the war with Orlais. He could very well be using Loghain more than Loghain is using Howe."
"My Lady found that out the hard way," Erlina admitted sadly. "She went to see Howe. A visit from the queen to the new arl of Denerim is only a matter of courtesy and she demanded answers."
Aveline shook her head, "We take it that the visit did not go well."
"Yes, and he said things no decent person would repeat. He called her every sort of name, 'traitor' being the kindest, and locked her up, supposedly as a guest," Erlina explained to the group.
"Loghain wouldn't allow this to happen to his own daughter, would he?" Wynne asked with an unbelieving tone.
Erlina was not so sure, "King Cailan was like a son to him, and Loghain left him to die. Does he love Anora more? Who can say? I think… her life is in danger. I heard Howe say she would be a greater ally dead than alive, especially if her death could be blamed on us and Arl Eamon."
Eleanor shook her head 'no' before stating, "I don't think her father would kill his own daughter. However, I wouldn't put it pass Howe to have her killed in secret."
"Especially if it would give him a political edge and direct Loghain's ire on us for killing his only daughter. Our entrance on the scene may be all that Howe needs to blame Anora's death on us," Aveline added.
Eamon agreed with Aveline's assessment but had other things on his mind, "Maybe, but we may have no choice but to trust Anora. The queen is well loved. If Howe somehow succeeds in pinning her death on me… I' m not sure that's a risk we can afford to take."
"So what do you propose we do," Morrigan hummed.
"I have some uniforms hidden nearby," Erlina stated. "Arl Howe hires so many new guards every day, a few more will not cause much stir. I will show you to the servants' entrance. We must sneak in and out with my queen before anyone is the wiser. I will go ahead to Howe's estate. Meet me there as soon as you can."
Erlina then ran out to the estate, leaving the group alone as Aveline stated, "This smells fishy, we think it probably is a trap."
Eamon agreed reluctantly, "Maybe, but I don't think so as her story matches what little intelligence we have gathered. Besides, with Anora's knowledge, we have a far better chance against Loghain. Also, if Anora speaks out against Loghain, hers would indeed be one of the most powerful voices at the Landsmeet."
"What is Anora like?" Reina asked.
"She and Cailan were promised as children and practically raised together," Eamon told the group. "She was a smart child, knew how to listen, and how to blink those big blues eyes and get anything she wanted. Calian didn't stand a chance and was whipped the moment she batted her eyelashes at him." Eamon chuckled before adding, "Her mother's looks, her father's brains, and the best tutoring Maric's money could buy. It's a potent combination."
Aveline thought it over before stating, "Thank you Eamon, but now is the time to discuss strategy… in private."
"As you wish Wardens," Eamon bowed before returning to the war room, leaving the group alone.
Once he was gone, the others waited for Aveline to speak, "Alright, it's obvious that if we take a mix race group to the estate it would be suspicious. So an all-human group will be required. We will take Leliana, Alistair, Eleanor, Wynne, and Morrigan with us on this mission."
"Why must you take an all human team?" Sten asked with a raised eyebrow.
"What type of people do you think Howe is more likely to hire in bulk?" Aveline asked rhetorically. "Human mercenaries are usually hired in human lands."
"That's good and all, but what about the rest of us?" Shianni asked.
"Well we may want you to run interference," Zevran suggested.
"Zevran, what's the matter?" Reina asked.
"Um… well you see, I feel the Crows may ambush us while heading to Howe's estate," Zevran stated.
"How sure are you of this?" Sten asked.
"Oh, quite sure my very tall, muscular friend. I have a feeling they are here. I know how they think and what they plan to do." Zevran explained before he added, "On the bright side, I know every possible location for their traps."
"So we can avoid them," Alistair theorized what Zevran wanted.
"In part," Zevran admitted, "but I also suggest that we take care of them now before he tries something even more desperate."
"Also to get revenge against the Crows having Rinna killed," Shianni had pointed out, much to Reina's worry.
Her worry only increased when Zevran gave the simple answer, "Maybe."
"Very well, Shianni take the others and stop the Crows." Aveline stated before she added, "Preferably by killing them."
"Will do," Shianni acknowledge before the two parted ways.
Scene V
By mid-afternoon, Aveline's group had arrived at Howe's estate after taking the long way around to avoid locations where the Crow's likely had set traps. Once at the estate's borders, the group witnessed a large number of people yelling at the guards at the entrance. At the back of the angry mob stood the maidservant, Erlina next to a wagon filled with silver armor that was the uniforms of Howe's security forces. Erlina waved them over when she saw them arrive.
Once they were up close, Erlina explained the rest of her plan, "The servants' entrance is on the other side of the house. We must slip past this crowd to reach it. We will have to be very careful: Teyrn Howe is inside."
"Howe is here?" Eleanor asked in shock and a hint of excitement.
"Yes," the maid nodded, "and wherever he goes, a great many guards go with him."
"What's with the angry crowd that looks ready to lynch people?" Alistair asked.
"The estate is in poor repair," Erlina explained. "The new arl has not been very prompt in paying his workmen."
"What an idiot, and he wonders why people despise him," Eleanor snarled.
"Calm down mother, we have a job to do," Aveline told Eleanor before turning her attention to the elf. "Erlina, the uniforms if you please."
"Yes, they are in the wagon," Erlina pointed out. "Please get dressed and hurry. My lady does not have much time."
Aveline nodded before the group put on the medium or massive armor painted silver over their robes/armor. The armor was flexible and light as it was made from cheap, grey cast iron. Howe apparently wanted his cannon fodder to look presentable. Once they were presentable, the group followed Erlina around the crowd, pretending to be a patrol that just returned. They even fooled the guard over the railing as he congratulated them on a patrol and gave a few catcalls at Aveline, Leliana, and Morrigan.
Eventually they reached the end that held the servant quarters but hit a snag in the form of two guards in the front of the servant's entrance. They would have walked in but Erlina stopped them, "Please stop, I need to distract the guards while you sneak in."
"You need to distract them to get in?" Alistair asked Erlina with a twitch. "Why are we wearing this stupid armor if it won't get us in?"
"Those two know who is allowed to come and go," Erlina explained to the group. "They will not be fooled. But the uniform should work on most of those inside."
"Alright, let's get this over with," Aveline told the maid.
"I will lure them into the courtyard. Hide in the bushes," Erlina commanded the group.
Aveline's group complied and hid in the bushes as Erlina acted like a frighten maid that thought she had seen monsters. The guards reluctantly followed the maid. They did not want to raise the alarm on the words of an elf, but they also did not want to look stupid for not investigating the elf's complaint and getting in trouble for it. So the two ran off while Aveline's companions snuck into the estate, followed by Aveline wondering how the others were doing.
Scene VI
Outside the estate, Shianni's group waited two hours before taking the route that would take them to Howe's estate. Within minutes, they struck gold when they sprung the trap they were hoping as many humans and elves appeared on the rooftops around the stairway alleyway. They were equipped with daggers, bows and arrows, and wore black leather armor. The stairs leading to the roof was littered with traps and five Antivan Crows were waiting at the top. Leading them was a human with greased brown hair and a stern face. The man was someone Zevran knew, Taliesin.
"So here at long last is the mighty elven Grey Warden. The Crows send their greeting, once again," the human, Taliesin, greeted with a cocky smirk.
"So they sent you, Taliesen? Or did you volunteer for this job?" Zevran asked.
"I volunteered of course," Taliesen declared. "When I heard the great Zevran had gone rogue, I simply had to see it myself."
"Is that so, well here I am, in the flesh!" Zevran exclaimed with arms wide open.
"You know this doesn't need to end for you," Taliesen explained as he tried to persuade Zevran. "You can return with me, Zevran. I know why you did this, and I don't blame you. It's not too late. Come back and we'll make up a story. Anyone can make a mistake."
Zevran looked hesitant, unsure what to do. That was until Reina stepped up to defend Zevran, "Zevran doesn't need the Crows any longer."
"Oh? Does Zevran need to live?" Taliesen asked sarcastically.
Zevran just smirked at Taliesen's comment, "I suspect I will manger just fine, Taliesen." Zevran's mood shifted to a somber one as he pulled out his blades, "I'm sorry, my old friend. But the answer is no. I'm not coming back… and you should have stayed in Antiva."
"Ashamed," Taliesen stated before he barked out, "Kill them all!"
Almost immediately, the Crows on rooftops began scaling down to engage the enemy while the archers took aim. Shianni's group scattered as the Crows let their arrows go, hitting only dirt as they dashed or rolled away. Shianni and Reina in particular rolled to the side of a building that had Crows scaling down while the archers reloaded to fire. They would not get a chance as Shianni's knives and Reina's Spirit Arrow hit them right in the head. The archers never knew what happened before they went limped and fell off the roof.
While the archers on the rooftop fell, the other assassins scaling down to attack met their doom. Those that landed near Shianni and Reina were mauled by Ranger and Kissara. They ran as fast as they could to tear apart any assassin that threaten their masters. Another was taken and killed before he reached the ground as Shayle grabbed the assassin that scaled down and smashed the assassin into the wall. The shattered Crow was then flung around like a club, while Sten and Oghren used their sword/axe to overpower the dagger-wielding assassins. As they wiped-out large numbers of assassins, Zevran dashed up the stairs to confront the leaders.
Zevran zigzagged, avoiding the traps and disarming them as he ran up as he dodged the four archers that tried to kill him. Taliesen's arrogance turned to concern as Zevran neared the top of the stairs. It was then that worry turned to fear when Zevran leaped over the traps onto an archer just as he took aim. Zevran was faster as he broke the bow and stabbed the Crow in the neck. The archer feel to the ground as Zevran turned to engage Taliesen.
Zevran moved in for an attack in close quarters as he slashed and struck at Taliesen who evaded and deflected Zevran's every move. As they struggled, a Crow switched from his bow and arrow to daggers and joined the fight. Zevran switched from an aggressive attack to a defensive stance as he evaded the two assassins. One that was once a friend and now seemed just as skilled as Zevran. Zevran had to keep on his toes as he avoided the two like the plague. As he danced, he noticed one of the archers take aim. Zevran rolled on the ground to evade the flashing daggers and arrow.
Taliesen did not see the arrow, but knew Zevran had ducked for a reason and followed suit and rolled out of the way. He did not warn his partner and the assassin got an arrow to the chest for helping Taliesen. Zevran got up and dashed at the assassin that mistakenly killed his own comrade. Zevran reached the archer and stabbed the man in the neck before he slit the man's throat in a spin. As Zevran pulled his blade out of the deceased assassin, he saw the last archer take aim. They looked each other in the eye as Taliesen moved in from behind Zevran, waiting for Zevran to try to evade so he could kill him.
Zevran would have died if a goddess were not looking out for him. A Vulnerable Hex pulsed under the archer's feet before a Toxic Bomb exploded around the assassin. The killer fell to the ground and twitched as Zevran spied Taliesin held in place by roots. Zevran turned to see Reina had saved him, and he nodded a thank you to her as she whipped out the remaining Crows, leaving Zevran to deal with Taliesen, who was trapped.
Zevran danced around the pinned friend as he poked and prodded him before going into a full rush. Taliesen caught Zevran's blades and struggled for supremacy. As they held blades, Zevran kicked Taliesen hard in his stomach, forcing him to trip on Reina's roots as he fell on his butt. He could not get up due to the roots as Zevran tried to stab Taliesen but Taliesen fought back despite his limited position. Taliesen did not even have a single cut while he forced Zevran back after cutting his cheek. Zevran jumped back and decided he was done trying to get in close, so Zevran pulled out a small knife as he stared his friend in the eye.
Taliesen realize he could not dodge the knife and begged Zevran for his life, "Don't do this Zevran."
Zevran held the knife tightly before he answered Taliesen's pleas, "I'm sorry my friend, but it has ended. Death happens to us all, especially when you were the one who killed Rinna. For what's it worth, I'm sorry."
Zevran threw the knife hard at Taliesen. Taliesen tried to deflect it, but he was not fast enough as the knife embedded into his head. Taliesen was dead and Zevran just stared at the corpse as blood drained from his friend. Zevran was quiet as he looked at a man he once called his friend until Reina touched his shoulder and brought Zevran out of his remorse with healing spells to heal his cuts. He was a hundred percent as Shianni removed the rest of the traps before her team regrouped.
Zevran looked at them in a somber mood to state, "And there it is. Taliesen is dead, and I am free of the Crows. They will assume that I am dead along with Taliesen. So long as I do not make my presence known to them, they will not seek me out."
"That's a good thing, right?" Reina asked in concern.
Zevran laughed in response, "A very good thing. It is in fact what I had hoped for, ever since you decided not to kill me. I suppose it would be possible for me to leave now, if I wished. I could go far away, somewhere where the Crows would never find me. I think, however, that I could also stay here. I made an oath to help the Wardens, after all. And saving the world seems a worthy task to see through to the end, yes?"
"I don't know about the others, but I would be happy for you to stay," Reina answered thoughtfully. "In fact I want you to stay, by my side and perhaps become something more."
"So would I, except not in the romantic way that Reina wants," Shianni nodded as the others indicated their support.
Zevran smiled in reply, "Then stay I shall. I'm with you until the end… provided you do not tire of me first. Or I die. Or you all die. But there you go. Let us return home and wait for the others to finish their big mission, yes?"
Shianni nodded in return, "Move out," before they left the blood scene behind. They headed back to the estate to wait for their friends' return.
Scene VII
Moving around the estate had proved easy for Aveline's group, as they were not even questioned by the other mercenaries. The only possible trouble was the captain, but he was too busy sleeping with an elven maid to notice them. Eventually since they found Anora's room among the rooms holding mages and guards. It was very fortunate that Howe's men were not paying attention.
However, finding Anora was not as simple as getting her out of the estate or even opening the door. Anora was behind a door locked by blood magic, and the only way to free her was to kill the blood mages or force them to drop the spell tied to their blood. So they agreed to hunt the dungeon for the blood mages while Anora's maidservant remained at the door, as she was not one for battle. After the Wardens agreed, Anora told them at the last minute that they are always with Howe and probably have to kill him as well. Upon hearing that bit of news, a grim smirk passed over Eleanor's face foretelling the extreme pain and death that awaits the Teyrn.
The group disguised as guards took their leave to look for a dungeon's entrance that was left unlocked. It was disturbing as they found the entrance to Howe's bedroom. He was even sicker than people imagined. Eleanor took great pleasure in tearing apart the bedroom. They found many jewels, some of which belonged to Eleanor that her husband had given to her and she was extremely happy to reclaim. After tearing the bedroom apart, they entered the dungeon to see a guard that stood there. A guard that showed he knew who was meant to be down here and in proper silverite armor.
He yelled out, "Hey, you are not supposed to be here!"
However, before the guard could confront them, two lean arms shot out of a cell and wrapped around the man's neck. The soldier screamed in shock and pain as one arm strangled the man while another pushed against the man's face. Then with a loud crack, the man's neck broke and now his face was turned one hundred-twenty degrees to the right. He was dead and held in place by the man who killed him and now searched the body. The man quickly found a key to open the door as he let the dead guard fall to the ground.
The man pulled the corpse into his cell and stripped the man of his armor, before putting it on himself. He walked out to reveal a thin faced man with long black hair tied into two braids in front of his face. He was a muscular man that muscles now stood out as if he had been skinned. A man who was worn down by malnutrition and torture and yet he was a powerful man with brown eyes similar to Duncan's own eyes.
He faced the group with a peaceful demeanor as he spoke in a mixed pre-Orlesian's romantic and Ferelden's western accent. Creating a unique gentlemen style to his voice, "I thank you for creating such distraction, strangers. I have been waiting weeks for this opportunity. Do you think you could…" the man stopped and stared at Alistair, "Alistair? Is that you?"
"Who…?" Alistair began to ask but stopped when he recognized the man. "Wait. I know you. You were at my Joining. He's was a Warden from Orlais. Jader, I think. Or was it Montsimmard? I'm afraid I don't remember you name."
The man bowed before introducing himself, "Riordan, senior Warden of Jader, but born and bred in Highever and glad to be home."
Morrigan looked at the man strangely to ask, "Wait a minute, if you are a Warden, then why weren't you killed at Ostagar?"
"It was because I wasn't there," Riordan explained. "I was sent from Orlais when we received no word from King Calian. The knight had invited all the Wardens of Orlais and their support troops to join him, then… nothing."
"You were captured?" Morrigan asked.
"Yes," Riordan told the group.
"How were you captured?" Leliana asked.
"With an offer of hospitality and a poisoned chalice," Riordan said with disgust. "I was a fool enough to think Howe didn't yet know who I was."
"Where is Howe?" Eleanor asked with enthusiasm.
"I saw him go into the dungeons. He may still be there," Riordan told Eleanor.
Eleanor was about to run in but Aveline stopped her, "No, we need more answers before we go in and you may get killed going down there alone." Eleanor reluctantly agreed.
They questioned Riordan to learn the situation. The Grey Wardens brought two hundred of their men along with twelve divisions of cavalry when Loghain stopped them at the border. They decided it was not worth the risk of being involved in Ferelden's civil war and stayed out while Riordan scouted Ferelden. He also revealed that they did not do anything and stayed back to prevent the Blight from spreading beyond the borders. They were not about to risk war when the Blight was on the verge of breaking out.
Riordan also reveal he lost his papers, papers that held a list of the Wardens who died and vital information on the Joining. Hopefully it was too encrypted for others to crack. Eleanor remembered the papers as she ransacked Howe's bedroom and did not destroy them, as they were not Howe's papers. She told Riordan where to get them and he was grateful and promised to pick them up before he left. He also worried about the Joining and that they may be unable to get new recruits.
"It would be impossible for the Joining to work since recruits need not only fresh darkspawn blood but a drop of blood preserved from an Archdemon. Ferelden's supply should have been in the vault, but it was gone. I can only imagine someone took it out and Loghain either confiscated or destroy it."
"So there is no way we can get it back?" Morrigan asked.
Riordan nodded yes, "As some of you may or may not know, the Joining's chance of success is slim anyway. Loghain has done far worse to the Wardens than cut off our recruiting. Good thing you plan to remove him from power."
"I assume you will be going on your way?" Aveline asked.
"Yes, as I have a sudden desire to breathe some free air," Riordan explained. "I will seek you out later-after I find a good physician. Good luck to you… Brother and Sisters." Riordan gave one final bow before he disappeared and made his escape from Howe's estate.
After Riordan had walked out on his own power, Aveline turned to order, "Everyone, out of Howe's armor. We will not be able to remain hidden here."
"How can you tell?" Alistair asked with Wynne asking similar questions while the others began taking off the fake armor.
"It was how the guard spoke to us before Riordan snapped his neck," Leliana stated. "He knows that only a certain amount of people come down here. That would mean we are dealing with Howe's most loyal troops and we cannot sneak by them."
"Correct and there is only one way to deal with them," Aveline stated.
"Kill them all," Eleanor added before taking off the disguised with the rest.
Once they removed their disguises, they moved deeper into the dungeons. The first door they opened revealed a dozen soldiers waiting for them. One noticed them and gave a predatory smile as he went for his weapons. That soon turned into pain as Aveline fired off a Grease spell before a Fireball, setting the area on fire. They all began to scream as the fire spread through the room. One of the archers panicked as he tripped over one of their own traps and set it off. The explosion killed all but one. The remaining soldier slowly rose up to fight, but was killed by Eleanor and Leliana's arrows.
"Well, looks like the fun is about to begin," Eleanor smiled before they went deeper into the dungeon.
Scene VIII
Aveline's group proceeded through the insanely large dungeons eliminating any soldier they could find. However, they also discovered a large number of people trapped within the dungeon. Some were elves that had been tortured even before Howe took power and he never let them go. Others were far more important. One was Rexel, who was a soldier from Ostagar that was reported missing after disclosing Howe's corruption and one missing solider the Chantry Board had offered a reward for any that could find him, even though he was driven insane by all the torture Howe inflected on him.
Another was Oswyn, the son of an important nobleman named Sighard, Bann of Dragon's Peak. Oswyn found out through a friend that was at Ostagar that Loghain left before the king was overwhelmed. Oswyn made inquires when his friend disappeared and he was captured by Howe. He was then tortured until he was crippled beyond the point of being healed by magic. The last person they helped was a templar named Irminric, brother to an important noblewoman named Alfstanna, who was the Bann of Waking Sea. Irminric was a templar that hunted for a blood mage they knew, Jowan. He was captured by Howe and locked up long enough that his mind had begun to decay from lyrium withdraw. The Chantry will raise bloody hell when they find out what happened to one of their templars.
Getting them out of the dungeons was important, so they decided to give them their disguises and told them to find Erlina, the maidservant of Anora and that they would escape together. The prisoners agreed and made their way out of the dungeon as the group moved into the last room that they had not check in the dudgeon. It was the place where Howe held private executions and conducted hideous tortures with his blood mages. They were not disappointed when they found Howe, with four of his honor guards and two blood mages in a bloody room filled with spikes.
Howe was smug when they saw the Warden's group, "Well, well, if it isn't the Grey Wardens. I must say I'm surprised Eamon condoned you invading my castle and murdering my men. Is he losing faith in the persuasive powers of his Landsmeet?"
"We're here for Anora and perhaps justice for Eleanor," Aveline explained as she and her group readied their weapons.
Howe laughed, "So you're helping the traitorous bitches. Amazing how the mighty are played. Anora does love games and Eleanor could hit the right emotional bodies." Howe then got serious as spoke in a dark, menacing voice, "You should have left when you had the chance. But now, you will be taken as my prisoner and your friend will pay for your defiance."
Teyrn Howe then pulled out his daggers and yelled out, "Men, get them!"
Howe and his honor guard went on the offensive while the mages tried to invoke some powerful spells. Tried to invoke being the operant phrase, Wynne and Aveline teamed up to hit them with a double Mana Clash. One mage was killed and the other was wounded. Wynne moved to attack the surviving mage as Aveline helped the others in their fight; the honor guards were not only picked for their loyalty but also for their great skill. Each Warden had to take a man while Eleanor fought with Howe.
Eleanor's marksmanship was put to the test as she tried to keep up with the nimble man. She made him dance away while she tried to pin Howe to the floor with arrows through the foot. Howe leaped over the arrows as he danced from side to side, but he was flung across the room by her Rapid Spirit Arrows, he suffered only bruises. Howe moved with caution as he saw Aveline support her mother and a second archer, Leliana, who fired from the opposite direction. Behind Aveline, he saw one of his elite guards with a sword and shield was give broken ribs from being slammed into the wall by a powerful spell combo, and his head was set on fire thanks to close range magic. Another with a spear was behind Leliana, with multiple arrows all over his body. Two of his guards were taken down quickly and Howe was being pushed back.
Howe backed away on the defensive as he watched one of his men who held a great sword was batted away by Alistair's shield. Alistair then stabbed the man through his armpit and into his heart. He was dead before he hit the ground and Alistair joined in the fight against Howe. Alistair bull rushed the man, swinging his sword as the Teyrn avoided or deflected Alistair's blade until Alistair tried to slam his shield into Howe's face. Howe jumped up on and off Alistair's shield and rolled away to get some breathing room to check on the rest of his men while avoiding long range attacks.
The sight made Rendon Howe angry as he watched another man holding dual blades was being electrocuted for fun by Morrigan. While the last blood mage he employed was fighting for his own life. A life that would soon end due to the Glyph of Neutralization under the mage's feet that would neutralize any spell he produced. Just before Wynne took him apart with her physical spells performed outside the Glyph of Neutralization. He watched his only support being bludgeoned to death, leaving him alone to deal with the Wardens.
Howe would have been done for as Alistair moved in for the kill, but he was not without any tricks. While Alistair was in valence form, Howe was still able to roll pass Alistair's defenses to his exposed back. Alistair quickly turned around, but Howe was able to nick the younger man in the neck with his poisonous blades. Alistair staggered and wavered as the poison took effect. He fell to his knees, gasping for air as Rendon Hove was forced back by a spell combo of Toxic Breath from Morrigan and Aveline's Flame Blast, creating a raging flame that would force anyone back while Wynne worked to extract the poison from Alistair.
As Howe was pushed back, Morrigan hit the field with Quicksand to keep Howe in place. However, she did not consider that Aveline was near Howe and she fell in the field. Aveline began to slip and sink while Howe moved towards Aveline, intent on taking her life as she tried to crawled way. Howe did not get a chance as Aveline used a muddy Water Whip to knock him on his ass as Aveline escaped. Howe screamed in frustration and then in pain as four arrows from both archers found their mark. He was pinned in the mud that slowly hardened into stone, holding the arrows in place.
Howe struggled as blood leaked through the four holes holding his limbs to the floor. Eleanor walked over to Howe. She walked over with a bow and arrow ready to attack. She took aim as Howe turned to face her with face full of rage, "You damn bitch! I should have made sure that you were dead when I took your husband's life!"
Eleanor took aim and asked, "Why did you betray Bryce?"
"Because I deserved more," Howe growled.
"You are right, you deserve more than a quick death," Eleanor stated before sending her arrow through Howe's cheeks and tongue and imbedded itself into the stone floor.
Howe gave out a gurgled scream while Eleanor calmly took out another arrow. She took aim at direct range and let it go near Howe's eyes. His eyes and face split open spewing blood and clear fluid out of the open wounds as he gurgled in pain. Howe continued to scream as Eleanor took two more arrows and fired them in his ribs. Eleanor then took another, as she was intent on dragging out Howe's death for as long as she could when Aveline stopped her.
"Stop this mother," Aveline command. "You are after justice, not revenge. Torturing him is not what you need."
Eleanor looked at Aveline and then at Howe. She sighed out, "Thank you," before letting an arrow go through Howe's heart.
Eleanor turned away letting Howe die a quicker death then she had planned as Aveline rifled through his pockets and located his master key. She left Howe accompanied by her now fully healed companions as they walked away. Not one looked back to see that Howe had died alone and in constant pain, just as he tried to leave Bryce. However, unlike Bryce, no one, not even his children would be sad that he was gone. He was truly the opposite of Bryce Cousland.
Scene IX
Once they were out of the dungeons, they moved quickly to avoid all the patrols while heading to Anora's prison. In the hallway Erlina helped by tending the wounded when Anora's door open. The blue-eyed beauty walked out disguised as one of Howe's guards. She removed a few of the golden hair strands from her eyes to get a good look at her rescuers and nodded to the group, "My thanks."
Alistair could not help but joke, "No problem my highness but aren't you a bit short to be a guard?"
"Funny. Very funny," Anora answered in a sarcastic tone.
"Alright that is enough, we need to get this large group out of the estate," Aveline told them.
"Yes, we must go quickly and avoid notice," Anora nodded to Aveline's commanded. "If Howe's people find me... I mean us we'll be killed. And if my people find me, they will insist on escorting me back to the palace… where my father may also have me killed."
"Then we have no time to lose, move out," Aveline ordered.
The group quickly moved to the front entrance, expecting to find the two guards that they would have to be taken out. However, they did not find two or even six guards. They found over twenty highly trained soldiers. Soldiers led by Ser Cauthrien herself. "Wardens!" Ser Cauthrien called out. "In the name of the regent, I am placing you under arrest for the murder of Rendon Howe and his men-at-arms. Surrender and you may be shown mercy."
Aveline stopped and went for her weapons when she noticed most of the soldiers were Loghain's elite soldiers or knights. They were well trained in their weapons, and they would be difficult to beat on their own. Aveline also suspected there were mages in the background, ready to heal or attack on Ser Cauthrien's orders. It would be a tough fight, and one they may not be able to win without innocent casualties.
Especially as Wynne whispered, "What should we do? If we get into this fight we may have a lot of innocents die, including the queen."
Aveline sighed, as she stared with defiant eyes at Ser Cauthrien before making their only real choice. Aveline dropped her swords, raised her hands, and said, "We surrender."
Alistair could not believe his ears, "Why stop now? Cauthrien is all that stands between us and freedom."
Erlina also spoke when nudged by her mistress, "Are you sure this is what you wish?"
"If we fight, a lot of innocents could be caught in the cross fire," Aveline stated. She then whispered, "Plus surrendering will allow most, if not all of you to escape. The good of the many must outweigh the good of the few."
The group reluctantly agreed and dropped their weapons. Ser Cauthrien nodded as her men moved forward, with iron chains. She spoke to Aveline as she chained the White Wolf personally, "I'm surprised this ended peacefully, you reputation does not indicate that you would surrender."
"We do what we must for the good of all," Aveline stated. She then asked, "Can you say the same for Loghain or is he still in the past?"
Ser Cauthrien did not answer as she picked up Aveline swords. Aveline saw that only Alistair was also chained. "Bring the Wardens," Ser Cauthrien ordered. "Loghain doesn't care for the rest."
The two Wardens were picked up and dragged away, but not before Aveline called out, "Mother, Leliana, don't worry, we will see you again!"
"And tell Shianni that I love her!" Alistair added before the two were taken away.
Aveline and Alistair's companions just stood there as their friends and love ones were taken away and out of their sight. As it became apparent that the rest were free to go, Anora jumped up to take charge, "Come on, we need to get to Eamon. If anyone can get your friends free, it is him."
"Especially if he has my father's backing," Oswyn added, and the withdrawn templar nodded in agreement for his sister.
Leliana shed a tear before she wiped it away and led the large group back to the estate.
Sorry about the delay, I had a flash drive crash with all my school and fanfic files. So I had to rebuild all from scratch. That included going through each chapter. Hope you enjoy the update.
Author Note
1) I hope you like the introduction. I felt it was important to indicate how people react to the Grey Wardens.
2) Aveline would ensure all her bases are covered to save the day.
3) Another oversight is why not put on a uniform and act like a patrol returning home. By blending in as returning troops, they essentially could avoid any fights or alarms.
4) The hardest part for picking the accent was easy; making it sound like it belong to another country that does not exist was hard. So I tried to pick what they sound like to be as French=romantic, and American=western (only that can work).
5) Eleanor finally got her revenge and this one felt bloody.
6) Aveline is the type that is concerned with the good of all. She could have stayed and fought and she could lose all her political influence needed to end the war.
Character Stats
Name: Riordan
Race: Human
Type: Warrior
Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 3, Willpower 2, Magic 1, Cunning 1, & Constitution 2
Specialization Schools: Berserker, Champion, & Vanguard
Skills: Poison Making & Survival
Talents: Warrior: Master, Dual Weapons: Master, & Sword and Shield: Standard