Chapter Eleven

Escape

By the time Dairren got to the room, I claimed it was too late and I was too exhausted to actually do anything more than cuddle… he didn't actually seem too upset at that – more relieved than anything. When I heard Ghost begin barking, I shot up and began getting my armor on. "What… what's going on?" Dairren asked.

"Dairren, we're under attack. Either grab a sword from the corner of the room or get out of the way; I'm not letting you die."

I had made sure my room was always prepared for anything that could happen – weapons, potions, and anything else I need. He looked surprised but instantly moved to get his shirt on and moved to grab one of the two swords in the room. I had packed up a lot of stuff last night while I waited for him – my pack now held armors, clothes, weapons, extra arrows, potions, poisons, blankets, my crafting tools, my makeup – I worked hard to make all of that stuff – and my guitar.

I was ready when the door burst open, but… it was Elissa, not an attacker.

Dairren followed us as we attacked the two men trying to force their way into the Tyrens' bedchamber.

"Darlings… are the two of you alright; Dairren?" Eleanor look startled.

"No time for talk, mother; those are Howes' men and I don't see Father…" I said.

"You're right – we must find him. A scream woke me up so I… I bared the door. Why would Howes' men attack us?"

"They've turned traitor. If we don't escape, who knows what he'll say to the King to justify this?" I growled. Elissa look horrified at the thought and said, "We should see about Oriana and Oren." Eleanor turned to go grab her weapons from the bedroom and I gave Elissa a small shake of my head. He flinched as he glanced at Fergus' room.

I managed to kill the bastard who was about to slice down Oren – but Oriana was already dead.

Elissa growled and looked at me, "We will make him pay!" I nodded and he relaxed a bit as Eleanor said, "Howe is not even taking hostages; he means to kill all of us! Oh, poor Fergus… come on, I don't want to see this."

Oren was hugging onto Eleanor the whole time – and it was the only reason she stayed back in the following fights.

We fought our way out of the Family wing and I saw Dairren giving me speculative looks each time Elissa made a statement and waited for me to confirm or deny.

When we came to his and his mother's room… he cried out, "Mother! Why… why would Howe kill…?"

"Oh Landra… I'm… I'm so sorry… if she hadn't come to me… if she hadn't been here…"

"Mother; this is not your fault. Howe is a fucking bastard of an individual. I will see to it he gets what he deserves if it's the last thing I do." I snarled. Dairren looked heartbroken, "I… I will support that in any way I can…"

"I'll let you know," I nodded and Eleanor stopped our progress to talk for a moment.

"Can you hear the fighting? Howes' men must be everywhere."

"What can we do?" Elissa asked. I knew she was asking me, but mom took the lead.

"We need to get out of the castle. The front gates – that's where your father must be."

"We should stop at the treasury too; the Family Armaments can't be allowed to fall into Howes' hands and we should also check if Mother Mallol made it out… I fear that Howe has gone mad and might…"

She nodded, "If Howes' men are inside, they must already control the castle… we'll have to use the servents entry in the Larder to escape; do you all hear me?"

I nodded, "It's likely the only way out at this point. If Howes' mind has really broken, he won't see that as a way in or out – most nobles don't think about it in the first place, let alone during a mental break… and we should kill any of Howes men we come across; we don't want our people dying just because they worked for us…"

She thought for a second before giving a firm nod and we headed off. More than half our guards and knights were already dead – they had been off-duty and thus asleep and un-armed.

Those we saved, we directed to the Larder to escape rather than to try and save the castle.

When we got to the Treasury, the family armor was swiftly equipped by Elissa – Sword and Shield included. They looked like avenging family guardians. I also collected 800 Sovereigns – the Couslands were very rich; they invested in several things that I had nudged for; especially when it looked like I had a nose for it and was always right. Most of the coin was in the hidden treasury in my lab.

Dairren had waited outside the Armory as a look out, so I'd used the elements to collect the coins.

At the Chapple, I was damn happy to discover a note that said that Mallol actually left early in the evening… until I saw that her destination was to visit her niece at Kinlock Hold – a priest initiate named Lily… fuck, this world really was small, wasn't it?

"At least she got out," Dairren sighed in relief that Howe was prevented from committing such a sacrilegious act. I nodded – Mallol could still be saved… I hoped.

When we got to the great hall and killed the invaders, Ser Gilmore shouted, "Go! Man the gates; keep those bastards out as long as you can! Your Ladyships, my Lord… thank the maker you're still alive. I was certain Howes men had gotten through!"

"Oh they did, Ser Gilmore… they Killed Oriana and Lady Landra… not to mention Aldus and half the guard…" Elissa glowered darkly.

"When I realized what was happening, it was all I could do to shut the gates… but they won't keep Howes men out for long. If you've another way out of the Castle, I suggest you use it."

"Where's father?" Elissa asked.

"Last I saw the Tyren, he'd been badly wounded and I urged him to go but… he was insistent on finding you all. He headed to the kitchens; I believe he thought to find you in the Larder at the servant's entrance."

"Come with us," I pleaded. Gilmore deserved a chance… "If I do that…" damn, straight up rejection…

Elissa yanked him into a kiss as she cried – she knew she couldn't change his mind. He kissed her back with such… longing and heartache; a bittersweet farewell. When he pulled back, she said, "If I never said it before, I do care for you… I'm… I'm so sorry."

He kissed her again, "I love you, Lissa – and I will kill anyone who tries to get past me. Now go – run."

Mother looked completely stunned before saying, "Maker watch over you Ser Gilmore."

I patted Lis' shoulder, "It'll be… no, it won't be okay… I'm sorry, sis."

My mother nodded, "I agree. Look, there's the Larder."

Bryce was holding his gut, groaning.

Eleanor looked horrified as she shouted, "Bryce!" and ran to him.

As she knelt in a pool of his blood she glanced at me, "He's… he's beyond my abilities," I whimpered. I knew that healing magic would not be enough for a punctured lung – not unless it was Alim, Anders or Flemeth; he was drowning in his own.

"Makers' Breath, what happened?"

"Howes' men… found me first… almost… did me in… right there…" He groaned.

"We need to get you out of here!" Dairren cried.

"I won't… survive the standing… I think…"

"Then we will avenge you and find Fergus," I nodded gravely.

"Yes… once Howes' men… break through… they will… find us. You must… go…"

"I'm afraid the Tyrens' correct. Howes' men have not discovered this exit, but they do surround the Castle. It will be difficult getting past them."

Duncan and Kallian came strolling in with Iona. Kallian bowed her head to me and I stood. "Kallian, help me with something?"

"Anything, Val – you have but to name it."

I handed her the blue 'void' pack as I had taken to calling them, "Fill this with as much food as you can fit in it and cooking utensils too – there are 7 of us since father won't survive being moved, mother will likely stay with him… but we will still need rations… make sure to get all the cheese." I was thinking of Oren, Elissa, me, Kal, Duncan, Dairren and Iona.

Elissa looked pained as Eleanor nodded fiercely at me, "It's the best way – to give you time to escape. I will kill every bastard that comes through that door until they cut me down or I'm sure you're safe."

Duncan looked at me and, receiving a nod, turned to Father and said, "I… what is happening here somewhat pales in comparison to the evil now loose in this world… I came here looking for a recruit and the Darkspawn demands I leave with at least one. Elissa was my first choices… but I can swear on my life I will not recruit Valeria too."

Bryce nodded, "I understand."

Elissa gave me a quick glance, remembering our talk after supper last night and said, "I accept. But if I have a chance, I will be calling for blood rights against Howe."

I nodded, "And if you are not allowed due to Warden Status, I bloody well will."

Duncan then looked to Bryce, "I will take your family to Ostagar; to tell the King what happened. Then your daughter will join the Wardens."

My mother pulled me into a hug, whispering, "I'm glad we fostered you. Protect each other and do what is right… we love you all so much…"

Tears spilled from my eyes as I nodded, "I love you both too – so much… you have no idea…"

Father gave me a soft look as he held his side. I pulled out a single potion, "This will numb the pain, Father. You'll… you'll still… but it won't hurt anymore. You won't feel it when…"

He let me pour the mix into his mouth, "Thank you, pup… we love you both too. Live well."

I let Elissa guide me from the castle under her arm.

Thankfully, I'd had my Aravel and Kane close to the Servant's Exit, so we weren't completely without anything.

When we made camp nearly 15 hours later, I ruffled through the rations in my bag. I lit up when I saw something I could cook with – a pot and a pan!

I took charge, "Lis, take the hounds and hunt for meat. Rabbit or Deer is good if you can. Rabbit is tender and I can make sausage and jerky out of deer meat. The skin and fur would also be good for making blankets or armor. Duncan, collect firewood. Dairren and Kallian, you two clean and sharpen the weapons, make sure they're in perfect shape after last night – just because Duncan wears the Warden Colors now doesn't mean we won't be attacked on the road or in the night. Iona, help me get these vegetables cleaned for use. Oren, you can either sit tight or help Iona and me."

"…" It was silent for half a second before everyone just… got to work. Lis grabbed my bow and changed into her leathers for better hunting, Duncan ambled off for wood and the two others just gathered everyones weapons. Iona sat with me and washed onions, carrots and potatoes in the stream beside us. Oren, poor lad, just sat processing his mothers' death.

I was glad no one questioned my orders. Duncan and Kallian would follow anything I said because of the visions I had – no one needed to know that they were very few and far between and that most of my knowledge came from a second lifetime. Iona and Dairren would do as I said because everyone else did and Elissa had learned long ago to never question my choices for survival.

When both Duncan and Lis returned, I removed my gloves and tore the sleeves off of a cloth shirt in my pack before putting it on – ignoring the cries of shock when I changed with no regard to the fact that I was surrounded by men. Kallian had given an appreciative whistle though and I could tell that Elissa was stunned by the 'new' tattoo along my collarbone. It was a part of Mythals' Vallaslin, though only Duncan seemed to recognize it. I got it last month – almost two months ago now. They had never marked a human, but apparently, a visit from Asha'bellanar changed that.

Using the now defunct sleeves of my shirt, I made them into hair ties and put my hair into a braid before going to work on skinning, gutting and cleaning Elissas' kills. Elissa accepted a hair tie too, so did Kallian, Iona and Duncan. Dairren and Oren were the only ones who didn't need one.

Once I had Duncan setting the skins and furs for drying, I set to work turning the deer meat into sausage and jerky while the Rabbit meat was 'stewing' with the few potatoes, carrots and onions that Iona and I had cleaned.

"You are quite an adept survivalist, Valeria." Duncan noted. I grinned, "You could say that. I've been training in everything that would help me survive on my own since birth. My first skills were stealth and pick-pocketing the visiting nobles. No one suspects the Lady – let alone the future queen – it seems. It's all about strategy, after all. The more things you know, the higher your chances of survival in precarious conditions." I gave a quick run-down of skills I had, and even Dairren looked impressed.

Duncan nodded, "You're right of course. I do believe that my time as a thief help saved my life at one point after joining the Wardens. I think Alistair might like you quite well."

I snorted, "Thanks, but Elissa can have him. He's sweet and all, but… I really love my Templar. Besides, the future works best if Elissa marries him."

He laughed, "Permission granted, I suppose. You know where this Dalish clan is that you wish us to visit?"

"Of course I do – you saw my marks, Duncan. That's 100% bona-fide Vallaslin. I wasn't allowed to have it on my face as I am not Dalish, but I more than earned the Vallaslin and title of Vhenallin; Friend of the People. They call me, Banal'ras – Shadow."

Elissa sputtered, "That's what that means? Why do they…?"

I gave her an amused glance, "My hair – they no longer know the word for 'moon' so they used shadow. It was a toss-up between that and 'Sun Shadow' because of my birthmark."

"What does that mean – A… toss-up?" Kallian asked.

"You flip a coin over two options; heads is one, tails is the other, right? Well, you tossed the coin up, and while it's in the air, it could be either one – a toss-up."

She looked amused, "This is not the first time I've heard you use a strange phrase."

"It won't be the last, either – I'm a strange person." I nodded with a solemn face. Duncan snorted.

Our next stop was Sabre Clan. I took point as someone they knew.

"Aneth Ara, Marethari. I fear I must trouble you for a night or three. My home was… well, I had to flee." The Dalish Keeper was 5'5 with black and grey hair to match her green eyes and tan skin.

"Of course you may stay a bit, Da'len! Theron and Tamlen have gone hunting only this morning."

I nodded, "Thank you – I think I may send Duncan after them though… something doesn't sit right about it."

Duncan stiffened, "I will track them and return in a few hours."

Marethari looked worried, "What do we need to do, Da'len?" they knew about my talents too and Marethari wasn't the only one watching us at this point.

"… In about three days, I think it will be time to pack the camp and head for Kirkwall." I said.

She nodded, "We will start getting things ready then."

"Tomorrow, you will have a flat-ear visitor who wishes to join your clan. His name is Pol, and he is a fine young man… Have Junar train him in archery."

She caught my meaning, "Then he will be welcomed. Your Aravel can be set up over here, Da'len."

I smiled, "I can just fit us all in there if we pile up like pups. There are only 7 of us not counting Ghost and Buster." I motioned to the dogs. I heard a surprised laugh and turned to look at Fenarel – standing at 5'7 he was blonde, tan and had blue eyes. He hugged me, "Good to see you again, Lethallan – am I to assume Ghost is the white one and also yours?"

"You know me well, Lethallin. Guys this is Fenarel; a man who once broke my heart." I was dramatic again. Kallian chuckled, "Was it the same reason that I turned you down, Val?"

"You damn well know it – breeding with a human isn't good for the bloodlines, you know. Anyway, this is Kallian Tabris, Dairren, Duncan and Iona. You know Elissa already, of course.

Marethari smiled, "Andaran Atish'an, friends."

Duncan left to hunt the two young hunters and I had Elissa show the others around the camp while I talked to Master Ilen.

"So… Master Ilen, I have quite a few things I could trade for tent materials. I also will teach you how to make a new potion of mine – one that can mask a hunters' scent well enough to fool anything with a sharp nose."

"What do you want for the potion recipe, Da'len?" he asked kindly. "Another bow – make and color don't matter – and it's for a Shem female about 5'6 with a lithe build."

"I can have it done by tomorrow."

I smiled, "That would be perfect, thank you."

"I see you still carry the bow I made for you." He smiled. I nodded; I loved my Dark Ranger bow so much.

I had just finished teaching him the recipe when there was a commotion – Duncan had returned with Theron – he was covered in black veins and I jumped into action with Marethari, leaving everyone around me in horrified silence.

I needed to know this magic that Marethari used to temporarily suppress the blight sickness in him so I could keep at it as we went to the Circle and Bann Lorens' lands before heading to Ostagar.

Duncan had taken Kallian with him as he headed back to the ruins to see about anything else he could – I had given him instruction that the mirror would need to be destroyed when he had a chance – and not to touch it directly either. Elissa was told to protect me; Dairren and Iona had taken to doing whatever I needed.

We stayed in the Camp for three days waiting for Theron to recover. Marethari had given me the Roots of Mythal Vallaslin on my face after I helped save him – I was more than a 'friend' of the people now; I was one of them. The Vallaslin on my face was silver in color to match my hair, while the 'roots' along my collar bone were crimson.

Iona had done most of the cooking over the past few days – and I only let her because she said it took her mind off of what had happened.

Lis followed me around like a damn honor guard, much to the amusement of the clan. I ventured into the woods and proved myself to the both of them by taking out several Sylvans for the Heartwood they yielded. Why did I do that? Well, I did it for two reasons – one; show that I could handle myself while she stood there gaping and two; I wanted that bow for Leliana. Ilen didn't have the materials, it seemed; so I would get them.

I was pacing when those humans came to cause trouble – looked like they were all still alive though. When they saw that there were humans in the camp – 3 nobles after introductions – they weren't sure how to react. Marethari gave them an amiable greeting and told them that the camp would be moving on as soon as their ill child was ready for travel.

The humans, seeing that I was smiling at Marethari, left it at that before departing.

When Theron woke, I was the first thing he saw. "Lethallan… what are you doing here?"

"Saving your life, apparently – you gave us quite the scare, Theron Mahariel. Seriously, I dare you to do it again and see what happens." Fenarel started sniggering from beside me.

He sat up rapidly and said, "Tamlen! We have to…"

"You will do nothing until you speak with the Keeper first, Theron. Fenarel, go get Marethari please. And be quick, yes?" he nodded and rushed out.

"Tell me he's okay, Lethallan; please tell me…"

I shook my head, "I don't know where he is, Theron. He's not in my sight at the moment. He may be… gone."

He cried out, "The… the ruins… could he be there?"

"I don't know. You can go take Merrill and Fenarel and look after talking to the Keeper, okay? Duncan and Kallian are already there – you haven't met them, but they saved my life and Duncan saved yours."

He nodded, "Okay, Lethallan – I will… I will go with Merrill and Fenarel to look at the ruins."

Marethari spoke from behind me, "Da'len, give us a moment please." I nodded and left the Aravel.

When Theron returned again with Duncan and Kallian after going to the ruins, he rushed into my arms with tears on his face, "I kept telling him… we should have… come back – gotten the keeper… oh, Lethallan… why?"

I held him and shook my head, "I don't know, Lethallin. We all have a time and a place where the road ends and the Creators call us home. I suppose this must have been his. Come; let us go talk to Paivel about setting up a service for young Tamlen."

He clung to me – the Dalish were highly tactile people and it wasn't uncommon for them to sleep in puppy piles at all. I would share my Aravel with him while we traveled so that he would have that comfort.

After speaking with Paivel, I shooed him off to talk with Marethari and Duncan while I made the others get ready. Master Ilen approached me and gave me the bow. He also handed me an Amulet?

The necklace was beautiful – and there were two of them. One was a carved Halla with ruby eyes and the other was Dahl'amythal wood – the Tree of Mythal from which Dalish Keepers' staves are cut – shaped like a sun with a ruby in the middle. I looked confused as I accepted both.

"The Sun is your own. The wood was left over from Merrills' staff and the Keeper thought to honor all you've done for us by marking you as having finished Keeper training – you know that most of it has to do with the elements, after all. And the Halla one… well, I'm not sure why I thought you may need one that conceals magic, but keep it well, Da'len."

I gave him a slight bow and said, "Ma Serannas, Hahren. I can already think of what it may be used for."

He smiled a bit, "That's good then; Dareth Shiral, Da'len – May our paths cross again."

I nodded, "They will – you know me." He chuckled and said, "So I do. I am glad you were so persistent in getting to know us almost 2 years ago. I think it helped that you already knew some of our words and such… and the unique way you arrived."

I shrugged, "I'm an elf trapped in a human body."

Kallian let out a laugh. Master Ilen bit back a smile before patting my shoulder, "Thank you for the recipe, Da'len."

Later than afternoon, the clan gathered to say good-bye to Theron and me. He had received a ring from Marethari and the necklace I had gotten was proudly displayed around my neck. It was like a choker on a leather strap, so it sat obvious no matter what I might wear. The Halla one was on a metal chain; easily able to hide and tucked into my pack at the moment.

When we made camp that night, Dairren shifted uncomfortably – I had left the hunting, gathering and weapons to Theron, Elissa, Kallian and Duncan so Iona, Oren and Dairren had nothing to do.

The dogs had set up a perimeter again and were guarding it religiously.

"What happens now?" Oren asked as we ate.

Everyone looked to me so I said; "Now… we return Dairren and Iona home since it's on the way to the Circle of Ferelden where we will recruit two more people. After the Circle we head on to Ostagar."

Dairren looked relieved, "You think my father has heard about…?"

"No – Howe is keeping his coup a secret for the moment. I got a bad feeling about that, actually. It's like he doesn't want anyone to know until he can do… something."

"Oh… he's going to be quite mad about Mother. The fact that you saved my life… my father and I will stand with you no matter what."

I nodded, "We may need that support to get Highever back, but I'll let you know after I talk with the King."

He smiled at me, "For what it's worth, Valeria… I'm glad you were one of the ones to survive."

I chuckled, "You know… I am too. I'd hate to die after all the trouble I went through to learn so much about survival."

Theron snorted, "That would be a waste."

He had no idea…

I had enough blankets and tents at this point that no one was cold or without shelter. Duncan, Theron and I swapped for guard watch. Theron would be able to sense the Darkspawn, and I had learned long ago that I had the 'survival' perk like in the game. I could sense 'enemies' around me. Animal, humanoid or avian didn't matter.

Bann Lorens' Lands were on our way, and Loren was so grateful for his sons' life that he equipped us with horses and more rations to make up for the 'delay' in our trip to Ostagar… and tried to get me to stay and marry Dairren. I'd smiled and said I was tied to the Wardens for now.