Chapter Twenty-Six

Fight Club

I gathered my whole group and Teagan in the Revered Mothers' office for a strategy meeting. I sat leaning against the desk as I eyed them all.

Sten spoke first as he wore his Shokra-taar – he was ready for battle, "What's the plan?"

"Elissa, Alistair, Buster, Lelianna, Lyna, Alim, Duran and Morrigan, you'll go with the soldiers to the main path to guard from that force. Sten, Kallian, Solona, Natia, Wynne, Barkspawn, Zev and I will guard at the lake for when they come from that way. Those two points are the most vulnerable, not to mention they can be used as choke-points, and we will be able to keep everyone in the chantry safe whilst simultaneously being in the right places to make sure none of those bastards survive to morning. Aim for the skull, set them on fire if possible. Elissa and I have point – if you need to designate a leader, we're that. Ghost will stick with Teagan as a 'last line' of defense. Solona, Alim – you two are masters in Tai Chi – if need be add magic to the moves and call it Magic Bending. Like this," I used water and moved with the element and Tai Chi.

It was reminiscent of Avatar the Last Air Bender. Tai Chi Chuan was the basis for Water-bending anyway. Kung Fu (Hung Ga form) was Earth, and Fire (North Shaolin) while air was Baguazhang.

Solona moved along with me, and I noticed she had unintentionally gained control of the water – because I wasn't trying too hard to keep it. I released my own control and stopped moving as she continued.

I smirked at the awe in her eyes when she realized what she was doing. Alim looked stunned – this wasn't something anyone here was practicing, after all. I saw Morrigans' look sour as she said, "It appears I should be learning these forms as well."

Teagan was floored. I took control back and put the water back into the cup I had pulled it from before saying, "Now, when you do that, it doesn't need to be just water – channel your mana into it and use it as a weapon – stab someone in the eye with ice, bash them with a rock or so on. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Sensei," Alim and Solona said at once as they bowed. I bowed back and looked at Alistair, "These fancy moves may save your skin too – don't be afraid to bend backwards if you feel that you can't duck. All of you have learned a thing or two from me over the past two months – use them. Sten, I want you hacking heads off these fucking monsters. Wynne – focus on keeping people healed – especially Mayor Murdock. He… seems the type to jump in front of people."

Catching my meaning, she nodded. I then turned on Teagan, "You will be staying safely in the Chantry as a calming presence for the people. We don't need people panicking more than they already are. I will make a machine that will emit a soothing sound – no magic needed."

Interest lit his eyes as he nodded. I looked to Elissa, "While on the path, you will have a flame wall – don't let anyone be stupid and stand in the fire to kill those things; wait for them to come to you. Alim isn't as good at healing as Solona – so if someone is seriously injured, keep them back until we can heal them. I want no casualties – because I know it's possible. If everyone lives to see morning, I will make the unhealthiest food I can think of – Pizza."

People nodded and moved to their positions after I set up the sound machine – it played a soothing piano music with a rainy background. The children were fascinated with it and just sat listening with their eyes closed. I saw many parents giving me grateful looks.

We didn't have to wait long before we heard, "Monsters on the lake!"

I alternated between Elements, archery, my whip and Martial Arts. I saw Sten chopping zombies in half, from the skull on down. Wynne and Solona mostly focused on healing, Kallian was a whirlwind with her daggers, and Natia was charging around gathering Aggro like it was candy and Barkspawn would tackle and move so others could take the heads off.

I shot an arrow toward Zev as he looked at me – it hit the face of the zombie behind him and he smirked, "You are good luck, Bellisima!" he shouted as he spun low to knock down another zombie.

I smirked and called out, "Well, of course! How else would I end up in such delightful company?" I kicked out behind me, hitting a fresher zombie in the gut, knocking it down.

He laughed, "Good point!"

Using one of the barricades as a stepping stone, I jumped into the air and shot down a Zombie that was about to kill Murdock. It exploded in a shower of guts and entrails.

I then whirled and grappled with another zombie that had thought to sneak up behind me. My fluid motions knocked it down swiftly and Sten beheaded it. I froze the feet of one zombie that got too close to Solona before using my whip to rip the head off.

After an hour, I became a beacon to zombies as they tried to overwhelm me with numbers. I turned my fighting into a dance – a duck here, a spiked whip twirl there and a shower of arrows once or twice. Soon, even my group just stood aside and watched as I laughingly killed skeletal monsters with ease. I didn't even realize as dawn approached and my secondary group came down as I finished off the last of the monsters.

Sten clapped my shoulder, "The Arishok would fall to your skill."

I beamed at him, "Thank you, Sten. Elissa; go let Teagan know that we're all alive?"

When the door opened, and Bann Teagan saw everyone had survived, he was happy – when he was told by the survivors that I was the main reason for that… well, he couldn't stop thanking me.

"Dawn arrives, and we survived the night! We are victorious! And it is these good folk beside me that we have to thank for our lives today. Without their heroism, we would surly have all fallen. I thank you, my friends, for truly the Maker smiled on us when he sent you to us in our darkest hour. Allow me to offer you this, at least – the helm of Ser Ferris the Red; my great-uncle and a Hero of Ferelden. He would surly approve of me passing it to one so worthy."

Taking the helm, I crossed my arms over my chest and bowed slightly, "It was nothing much, My Lord – I could not stand aside and allow you all to perish."

He beamed at me, "Many would do just that, Lady Vane. With luck, we will be discussing things with my brother soon."

Mother Hannah spoke then and I smiled softly as I spoke at the end with the others, "So let it be."

Teagan spoke again, "With the makers favor, the blow we delivered today is enough for me to enter the castle and seek out your Arl. Be wary and watch for signs of renewed attack. We will return with news as soon as we are able."

The Bann turned to us and lowered his voice as the people surrounding us wondered off in high spirits. "Now, we've no time to waste. Meet me at the mill in an hour and we can talk there." I nodded and the Bann began to get things ready for his 'departure'.

I made my way to Kaitlyn to return the Green Blade – for which she smiled and thanked me. "You saved us. I can't believe we're alive and that it's finally over! With the money you gave and grandfathers sword, I'll have someone take us to Denerim. With any luck we'll be safe there. Maker watch over you – we'll never forget you."

Bevin rushed forward and hugged me much to his sisters' surprise and said, "I'll work hard to be a knight in the future. I'll fight evil in your name, Lady Vane – because you're the bravest person I know; braver than Grandfather I bet!"

I hugged the kid back with a smile, "I'm honored. Maybe when you get to that point, seek me out. You're brave enough to help me save the world one day."

He nodded in fierce determination, "Give me 10 years and I'll be worthy of it."

I smiled and nodded, "If you say 10 years, then you must practice hard."

Kaitlyn looked proud, "He's been practicing with daggers and such since he was about 5. When he hits 20, he'll definitely be a great warrior."

Oh… I'd underestimated his age a bit but I looked at Bevin with a smirk and bowed slightly to him, "Then next we meet, you will be Ser Bevin; until then."

Alistair looked amused, but I gave them a look and Elissa said, "You were serious about that?"

"Deadly." I nodded.

We swung by the Tavern where Lloyd was looking through the stock to make sure nothing was taken advantage of in his absence and I walked up to Bella who said, "I admit, for a while, I didn't think any of us would survive. It's good to see that I was wrong."

I gave her my best flirty grin, "My dear, I do believe I made you a promise."

"Oh, you mean about helping me leave? I wouldn't hold you to that, m'lady; you've already done so much for us."

I chuckled, "You could always come with us. With what I imagine you've gone through here, life and death situations would be just another Tuesday for you."

Alistair laughed and Aedan snorted while Zev nodded somberly (somehow managing that with a smirk) and Leli smirked.

"I… don't think a woman like me would do well in that sort of life." She blushed so prettily.

I gave her a small bow, "As you wish, my dear. 500 silvers should be enough to start a new life, yes?"

She gave a cough of surprise, "That could get me to Denerim… what would you… require for such a gift?"

I shook my head, "I was serious yesterday – no beautiful woman should be harassed as you have."

She beamed at me before leaning in and kissing me on the cheek. I smirked and brought her in for a real kiss – much to the shock of the militia and my group.

Morrigan looked at me, "Just how much gold do you have?"

I gave her a grin, "Enough to buy Highever back if need be."

Alistair paled, "You're bloody rich."

"Am I really? As leader of this group, I pay for the majority of what we need or do so… it's more the group that is rich – besides, it's Elissas' money too."

Elissa snorted, "Not really – most of it came from the inventions you created over the last two years."

It was Zev who said it, "You really are an omen of good luck, Bellisima."

Bella giggled and nodded, "I have to agree there. Thank you, m'lady."

I nodded to her and we all headed out the door and up to the Windmill.

We passed Dwyn on the way and he nodded to me, "That was some fight, Salroka. Reminded me why I left Orzammar in the first place."

"Oh? The constant blood, ash and dust got to you, did it?"

He laughed at my snark and nodded, "That it did, though… I'm not sure who's dirtier – the darkspawn or last night's horde."

I chuckled, "Get some sleep, Salroka – once we finish storming the castle, I plan to do just that myself."

"Good idea. Maybe I'll just lie in bed for a week. Good luck at the castle, hero," He nodded to me and we continued on our way.

Next we passed Ser Perth and he grinned at me, "Victorious beyond all expectations – not a single death last night. Surely the Maker was smiling on us. I will be remaining here to guard the village and receive any fellow knights that come along… at least until the castle is returned to order." I patted him on the shoulder as we walked passed him.

Teagan looked at me, "Odd how quiet the castle looks from here – you would think no one was inside at all… but I shouldn't delay things further. I had a plan – enter the castle after the village was secured. There is a secret passage here in the mill – accessible only to someone with my family's signet ring. Perhaps I should have gone in sooner, but I could not leave the villagers… Makers' Breath!" he exclaimed and pointed behind us. I glanced at the woman running toward us.

Arlessa Isolde was 5'7 with lovely blond hair running in waves to her waist. She looked as though she'd been in a bit of a scuffle as her appearance was harried and tears marked her cheeks. Her eyes were a lovely shade of blue and her skin flawless. She approached alone.

"Teagan; thank the Maker you live!" her Orlesian accent wasn't as… pronounced as in the game – likely a result of living in Ferelden for almost a decade.

"Isolde; you're alive! How did you… what has happened?" Teagan asked.

"I do not have much time to explain. I slipped away from the castle as soon as I saw the battle was over. I must return quickly… and while this sounds horrid of me, I need you to come with me, Teagan." Huh… she sounded more reasonable than I would have thought.

Elissa sighed, "Careful, this could be a trap."

"What… who are these people, Teagan?"

Alistair flinched and moved to my side, "You remember me, Lady Isolde?"

"Alistair? Why are… why are you here?" she didn't sound mad… just terrified. I spoke, drawing all eyes, "Arlessa, my name is Valeria Vane – though you may know Elissa better. I am currently leading the last detachment of Ferelden Grey Wardens to end the blight. We helped to save the town last night."

She froze before dipping a curtsy in my direction, "My Lady, forgive me for not recognizing you. You have my thanks for your help last night."

"Think nothing of it, Arlessa. I would do the same twice over at least. For now, what can you tell us about the situation here?"

She nodded swiftly and said, "I know you need an explanation, but I… don't know what is safe to tell. There is a terrible evil within the Castle. The dead waken and hunt the living. The family crypt was completely emptied to start this. The mage responsible was caught, but still this continues. And I think Connor is going mad. We have survived but he won't flee though he's seen so much death. Please, Teagan – you are his Uncle… maybe you could make him see reason where I have failed."

She was sobbing as I patted her back. I had been so determined not to like the woman who treated Alistair like a saddle sore… but she didn't seem so bad. Though, Alistair looked stunned at her outburst so maybe it was a case of people changing with time.

I looked at Teagan, "Make your choice, Lord Teagan."

He looked hesitant but nodded, "The king is dead and we need my brother now more than ever – I will return to the castle with you, Isolde. Let me give my farewells and we will be on our way."

"Bless you, Teagan… thank you!" she sobbed as she moved aside to wait while he spoke softly with us.

"I get the feeling there is more going on, here, but I cannot let Isolde return alone. Perhaps I can help them or perhaps this is a trap, but this is my family and I must try. I have no illusions of being enough to fight this evil alone, however and you have proved quite formidable. Here is what I propose – I go in with Isolde and you use the secret passage. At worst I can at least distract whatever the evil is and increase your chances of getting in undetected. What say you?"

I nodded, "It's a good plan – regardless of the fact it makes you out to be bait."

He chuckled darkly and said, "It's for the best. I prefer to go in with you, but if I can be of use otherwise, then so be it. Ser Perth and his men will watch the gates – if you're able to open them, I'm sure they'll be able to help you secure the castle. Here is my ring – it will open the door to the passage in the mill. Whatever you do, Eamon is to be the priority. If you have to, just get him out of there. Isolde and I… anyone else is expendable. I can delay no longer, good luck." He walked off and I sighed.

I only took Alistair, Solona, Elissa, Alim, and Wynne into the passage – the others headed for the Bridge.

I only took Alistair, Solona, Elissa, Aedan, and Wynne into the passage – the others headed for the Bridge.

"Get away from me! Someone, help me!" called a male voice.

I readied my bow and shot a single arrow that pierced through all three assailants before vanishing.

Jowans voice was hesitant, "H… hello? Who's out there? Is anyone still alive?"

I approached the cage and took in the sight of Jowan. His black hair had gotten longer – it reached his shoulders and looked as though he had continuously pulled it from its ponytail and retied it. He had sunken grey eyes – as though he hadn't slept in weeks and his skin was ghostly pale to match. He looked as though he hadn't eaten in days either so I pulled out some deer jerky and a water skin, passing them through the bars much to the shock of most in the group.

I approached, "Hello, Jowan… what are you doing in there?"

He flinched when he saw Alim, Solona, Elissa and I – all people that had been there when he fled the tower.

Wynne sighed, "I thought you looked a bit familiar."

"I… the Arlessa hired me to tutor Connor."

"So… what did you do?" I asked and heard Elissa cough but I shot him a look. I didn't know everything. Though I did know this, I wanted him to admit it.

"You… don't know? I poisoned the Arl. I swear I had nothing to do with the walking monsters though! I mean, I know it looks suspicious, but I swear on my life, I didn't do this. I was already imprisoned and starved when all this started. I don't have the energy to cast any spells – not even blood magic."

I winced and Wynne gave him a sharp look, "Blood magic is a dangerous road."

He sighed, "I know… at first, when Lady Isolde came in here with her men demanding that I reverse what I'd done, I thought she meant the poisoning of the Arl. That was the first I heard of the walking corpses. She was certain that I'd summoned them to torment her family and see Redcliff fall. She had me… tortured. There was nothing I could do or say that would convince her it wasn't me, so they… left me here."

I rubbed my face, "And your reason for poisoning the Arl?"

"I was sent here by Tyren Loghain – told Arl Eamon was a threat to Ferelden and that if I dealt with him Loghain would smooth things with the Circle. As you know, I'm a blood mage. You also know that I dabbled in the forbidden arts to… well, it doesn't matter now – I actually haven't used those abilities since I escaped the circle. That means death though – I thought Loghain was giving me a chance to redeem myself, but he's abandon me here. Everything has fallen apart and I'm responsible. I have to make this right somehow."

"I take it Connor is a mage, then? If Isolde needed a mage to tutor him…"

"Yes. He had begun to show signs and Lady Isolde was terrified the Circle would take him away for training. She needed an apostate to teach him in private so that…"

"Solona is from a noble family too – the Amells of Kirkwall are highly 'cursed' with magic. Jowan… you know I don't have a problem with mages, but… this is bad."

"Well… Eamon had no idea. I think this… might be Connors work actually. He had little knowledge of magic but he showed signs of great power so any demon would be attracted… I didn't have time to teach him more than a few basic things before… I never meant for it to end like this. Let me try to help you fix this."

"If I do that and the Qunari I have waiting for us sees you I'll have to fight him for real… again. Besides, I let you go once, and look where we are now. But… if I am able to get things sorted properly, I can have Solona conscript you into the Wardens since she's technically the Field-Commander…"

"Oh… I thought you…"

"I'm not a Warden at all. They elected me as leader due to some… unusual circumstances. I'll talk to her about it, but technically she has final say on that." Jowan nodded and sat in the corner of his cell. "Thank you, My Lady."

Alistair looked at me, "Why would we want a blood mage as a warden?"

I rolled my eyes, and said, "Jowan; you used your blood magic only to protect Lily right?"

"Well… yes – that was the only real instance."

Alistair gaped, "Really? Only to save… who was Lily to you?"

I answered, "She was a Priest Initiate and… they were in love. Lily had been given to the chantry, but just like mages, not everyone wants that life. He was trying to save her from Aeonar."

"What did she do to land that punishment?"

I looked at Leliana and replied, "She helped Jowan destroy his Phylactery. Solona and Alim helped too – but at Irvings' orders and my own to catch Lily in the act."

"What happened to her… to Lily?"

"I helped her – she's a kitchen drudge at a different circle now. She wouldn't want you knowing."

He nodded sadly.

"Anyway; we have a job to do. I'll make sure you're taken care of while we go about curing the Arl." He flinched and muttered, "There's no cure."

I snorted, "You really don't know who you're dealing with here."

Alistair laughed, "If Val told me the moon was green, I'd believe it at this point."

I gave a mocking bow and we entered the next room… where we had to kill a few more undead.

Aedan sighed, "Are you really going to have me recruit that mage?"

"It's… a possibility, but it's also your choice." I shrugged.

We did find Valena after navigating the main floor of the castle for a damned hour – it was a maze and almost as large as Highever Castle, even.

I began shooting 'magic' arrows the second we were in the courtyard – and I saw Ser Perth and the others watching us avidly. I had run out of actual arrows in the dungeon. It was a little known of enchantment I had on the bow – it could shoot arrows of energy if I knocked the string without an arrow.

I calmly walked over to the portcullis and climbed the side stairs to get to the lever above it – on the battlements.

Ser Perth and his me walked in looking at me in stunned silence. He asked, "My… My Lady, what was that?"

"The wood itself is magic. It was specially enchanted by a powerful enchanter before it was made into a bow." I shrugged.

Perth nodded, "An amazing thing to be sure! I wonder what that enchanter was called…"

I shrugged, "The Dalish merchant who sold me the bow did not say and I did not ask. I was already quite lucky to get the bow; I wasn't going to push it."

"How fortuitous then, My Lady. Shall we enter the main hall together? It must be held if we are to regain control of the castle."

I bit my lip while I debated. I shook my head, "Wait here for further instruction. We'll take care of it."

Perth looked confused but nodded.

My party – The nine wardens, the Qunari, the 2 extra mages, 2 other rouges, and 3 war-hounds – and me, of course, all entered the hall.

The moment we reached the hall, I couldn't help a startled giggle. Bann Teagan was juggling cups and balancing on one foot while twirling around.

Once Connor noticed us, he waved his hand and Teagan stopped and moved to the side.

"So these are our… visitors? The ones you told me of, Mother?" Connor was about 10 or 11 at a guess with sandy blonde hair and blue eyes. I smirked when he leveled his look at me.

"Y… yes, Connor."

He motioned to me, "This is the one who defeated my soldiers? The ones I sent to reclaim my village? And now it seems to be staring at me. I can't tell what it is, what is it?"

"She is… a woman, Connor…" I shook my head and said, "Connor is it? No, I see that you are possessed. You have two choices – go to the boys' room to wait until I come back with materials or I force the issue."

Without preamble he roared, "The father is alive – that was the deal! Now it is my turn to sit on the throne and send out armies to conquer the world. Nobody tells me what to do! I crave excitement and action! You spoiled my fun by saving that pathetic village and now you will repay me." He snarled and ran off as guards attacked us. We won easily.

"What just happened?" Teagan asked. "I would… like to know that myself…" Isolde was looking at me.

I shrugged, "I'm special – immune to demons and blood magic. I will leave Solona, Alim and Morrigan here with you to keep an eye on the boy…"

Isolde stiffened but I turned to the rest of them, I looked at my group, "I'm only taking Alistair, Sten, Elissa and Wynne with me back to the circle. I don't want anything to happen while we're gone; use Jowan if you need help, Morrigan – he won't cause any trouble since he's a potential Warden Recruit now."

"What?" Teagan and Isolde exclaimed. Solona sighed and nodded, "As the acting field-commander, I've been… pressed for recruits. I'm afraid I must insist on his recruitment since this is A Blight."

"Are you invoking…" Teagan asked, strained. Aedan glanced at me, but I didn't make any movement, just lifted an eyebrow. He groaned, "Honestly, he's only a potential recruit for now. I'd rather not take him…"

"Then don't Lona."

She looked relieved, "Thank you, Commander – besides, you promised him to Greagoir."

"That's true," I shrugged.

"Take a boat from the docks," Isolde muttered and I smiled at her. I didn't have to like her treatment of Alistair; she was a decent enough mother, at least.

We exited the building and I let Ser Perth know it was safe to go in at that he could ask my second while I was gone – Lyna – for an update or he could ask Teagan. He said he'd ask Teagan.

In the village, I made sure Valena made it to Owen – she had – and ended up with a whole suit of armor for Alistair.

We were able to get rations for the week on the 'lake' to get back to the tower from Lloyd – he was no longer angry at me since he was being commended for fighting with the militia.

We all swapped off with the rowing the first three day… but I got annoyed with that and said, "Pull in the oars."

Elissa and Wynne – as it was their turns – both looked at me, but didn't question it. I handed Alistair my packs and stood at the head of the boat, raising my arms and closing my eyes. I sent my senses into the water and was happy how easily the element responded to me in my tired state.

The current swirled around me and felt playful before gently moving our boat forward. I sat down as we moved at the same pace we had before, but without the tiring rowing. No way was I gonna let us be exhausted more than necessary over the next two days before we arrived.

Wynne looked stunned but I just lay down with my head in Alistairs' lap. He just began petting my hair while looking out at the lake. I smiled at my brother in name. I was glad the boat had a sun cover or we'd all be rather red right now. Sten really didn't seem to care much.

"Do we anticipate any problems at the Circle again?" Wynne asked. I shook my head, "No; it should be fine."

I yawned and added, I need a bit of sleep… the current should keep up all the way to the tower, though. If it stops at any point, wake me and let me know."

Sten nodded firmly at me. I saw the Alistair and Elissa exchange glances that said they were going to let me sleep regardless and I pointed to Wynne, "Don't let them man it out. Just because I don't foresee issues doesn't mean there won't be any. We will all need our strength."

"Then why can't you sleep if…?" Aedan asked.

"I will be fine – I've gone weeks without sleep while hunting."