Chapter Fifteen

Betrayed

I heard Cailans voice as we approached, he was talking to a man who was in his late 50's at a guess. He had black hair – Thedas' most popular – and blue eyes and he stood at 5'10.

"Loghain, my decision is final; I will stand by the Grey Wardens in this assault."

"You risk too much, Cailan. The Darkspwan horde is too dangerous for you to be playing hero on the front lines." Loghain shouted.

"If that's the case, maybe we should wait for the Orlesian forces to join us after all."

Loghain slammed a fist on the table, "I must repeat my protest to your fool notion that we need the Orlesians to defend ourselves."

"It is no fool notion. Our arguments with Orlais are a thing of the past… and you will remember who is king."

"How fortunate Maric did not live to see his son ready to hand Ferelden over to those who enslaved us for a century!"

I flinched at the tone. "Then our current forces will have to Suffice, won't they? Duncan, are your men ready for battle?"

"They are, your Majesty."

I growled before anyone could continue, "Cailan Theirin and Loghain Mac Tir – I expected better of you both. You two are fighting like children – Gaia' Roots, I thought Loghain was older than Bryce, not a boy of 12 summers! And you, Cailan, are a king and should start acting like it. I thought we were at war with the Darkspawn – not each other."

Everyone at the meeting gaped at me as Cailan began laughing, "Val! You are right, of course – Loghain; I apologize for my harsh words a moment ago."

Loghain flushed, "I apologize too. It's good to see you again, Valeria – you remind me who I am."

I smirked, "Ha – just don't send me to be hanged for interrupting your fight."

Cailan laughed, "No, no – you were quite right. Besides, I asked you to be here, so naturally I would want your input."

I nodded and looked at Loghain, "Shall I give my input now, or was there something else first?"

He shook his head, "Tell us what you think should be done, and then we will tell you the strategy in place."

He was testing me, was he? Fine, I would play his game.

I looked at the map, "Hmm… Loghain will likely be leading at least half the men so I would say you keep them over here until the main force has been distracted… we should have some kind of signal to show when you need to flank the Darkspawn. There's a beacon on top of the tower of Ishal – on the 15th floor – right? Maybe have someone with good eyesight up there waiting for a signal to light that beacon. Duncan should lead the Initial Charge – he's getting on in age so if things go south, losing him won't have as big of an impact as losing… well any noble who has the foolish notion to ride for glory without an heir and a spare at the very least. We should also have people manning ballistae and catapults if we have them in these locations here and here."

Loghain looked amused and Cailan looked flushed. I gave a fake confused look, "Did I say something wrong? I thought it was a good…"

Loghain shook his head, "You laid out the current strategy perfectly except… the noble who is leading the charge without an heir is… King Cailan."

I forced myself look horrified, "Oh Gaia – I really stepped in it, didn't I? Well… if you don't have at least an heir, then… you shouldn't be in the charge at all. Stay on the bridge, overlook the battle and coordinate from there."

"I… what if I did have an heir?" he muttered.

"Then it wouldn't be as foolish, but still not advised… do you have an Heir?" I asked.

"Well… not a legitimate one. I have a half-brother. I could name him as my heir for the time being…"

I shrugged, "It is a kings right to formally recognize any family ties someone might have. If you want to recognize this… person… you would merely need to have it in writing. And speaking of…"

Cailan smirked, "You're quite witty, aren't you. I do have your blood rights' statement, right here – naming the rights to Elissa and you. It holds both my own seal and Loghains' too. Howe will be brought to judgement – no matter what."

"Like I told you before – it pays to have back-up plans. Like having an Heir and a spare – don't just name one heir if you can name two. Don't fight in the vanguard without at least one heir. For the love of all that is holy, don't antagonize your allies when you can taunt your enemies instead. It pays to be good to those who are good to you, Cailan."

He laughed as Loghain looked impressed with me. Loghain said, "I forget that you are only 17 at times. If I didn't know better, I'd put you in your 30s."

"I was blessed with a perfect memory which made learning anything and everything so easy. I was also given an analytical mind, so this kind of thing comes naturally. You know I love books and such."

"Speaking of – your birthday is coming up… I got you something." Loghain said handing me a small box. I opened it at once. I gasped. It was a lovely locket style necklace with my Tree of Life impressed on it. "Oh, Loghain… it's beautiful."

Cailan, not to be outdone, passed his own box across the table while he signed the paper in front of him.

I chuckled lightly and opened it. I gave a confused look at what was inside – locksmith tools, a book in how to pick locks and a few locks. He chuckled, "You expressed an interest in learning how, so I asked a few of my contacts to find you the best tools, a few locks with 'varying difficulty' and that guide book."

I smiled, "I can't believe you remembered! Thank you, both of you."

The people around the table were gaping. Uldred was the mage at this little party and even he couldn't believe his eyes.

Duncan looked amused, "When is your birthday?"

I shrugged, "Guardian 11th. I try so hard to get them to stop giving me things – but men are so stubborn."

Cailan laughed, "It's because we love you, of course. And since you've gained the approval of Loghain with your words, I will head them. I will name not one, but two heirs. My half-brother will be the first in line to the throne, but failing that I am naming you. If I fall and something happens to my half-brother, you will take the throne."

I paled, "I'm sorry, what? I'm not… I'm not even related to…"

"You said I should have an heir and a spare – well, I only have one family member at the moment, so I'd have to name someone without tie to me by blood. Who could be better than a woman who was groomed for the position for 16 years?"

"But why me – why not… Elissa or… Arl Eamon?"

"Elissa is a warden now, right? She cannot inherit unless they are the last of their line. And Eamon is getting rather old – people want an heir that is younger or similar in age to the current ruler." Cailan shrugged.

"I suppose… I mean, it's not like I'd ever actually take the throne anyway, so there should be no harm in it…"

He started writing while Loghain said, "Back to the plan – I have a few men stationed…"

I shook my head, "I trust your men, Loghain, but this is a trivial task at best – and we happen to have 7 brand new Wardens who are un-tried in battle. As there are two mages in the group and no Templars, I was thinking Alistair and I could join them."

Cailan looked amused but asked, "Why you two?"

"Well… Alistair was trained as a Templar for almost 10 years – I saw his file, and you know I'm the one who sent Duncan after him. I'm a seeker with powerful abilities. The two of us together would be enough to handle the mages should anything happen since I more than excelled in my… training. Especially as these two mages are stronger than the Grand Enchanter due to my special training – right Uldred?"

The mage glared at me before saying, "They both hold the record for swiftness in the Harrowing – as well as… complete control of magic. I hate to agree with her, but they are strong."

Cailan picked up on the hostilities between the mage and me.

"9 people seem a bit much for a detail in lighting a beacon, Val," Loghain said.

I nodded, "Under normal circumstances, I would whole-heartedly agree with you, Loghain – but Theron was poisoned so he's weaker, Solona and Alim are mages so not front line no matter how perfect they are, Duran was starved in the Deep Roads, Natia was starved in a Carta prison, Kallian has already killed one noble man for raping her cousin so I can't say she can be trusted around other noble men, and Elissa is my sister so of course I want her with me. Alistair and I being Templar and Seeker would make things easier for the others since there are two mages and we all know that no one trusts mages. On top of all that, none of them have been tested in true battle – what if they freeze up in the middle of a fight? I trust Elissa and the mages with my life, but the others… I can't vouch for them. Not to mention… I'm 17 – not exactly front lines material and I can't just sit around with my thumb up ass waiting for something to happen – I may as well go with the detail."

Cailan was laughing at my wording.

I saw Duncan hiding his amusement in his eyes – he knew I was so full of shit because I wouldn't have told any of them about my abilities if I didn't trust them with my life already.

Cailan nodded, "I'll allow it. The new group of Wardens will light the beacon."

"You rely on these Grey Wardens too much; is that truly wise?"

I spoke at Loghains words, "Maybe it isn't – no one is fully trustworthy without knowing them first; but this task might have an unseen benefit. What if there is something that happens, like a rafter falling and preventing people from getting to the top of the tower? Having a larger group go in would be ideal – 9 people can move a rafter. The Tower of Ishal is old, Loghain, it's bound to have such problems. And like I said, they are untested. And as none of us will know what to look for, Alistair being there is yet another benefit. Yes, it sounds like a waste of resources, but if these people can't fight, they could get others killed. Not to mention it's a well-balanced group. Alistair, Elissa, Duran and Natia are all Warrior types; Kallian, Theron and I are all roguish types; and Alim and Solona are Mages – I know Solona is more a healer than anything and Alim is Primal like me – Elements for the win, right? Look, untrained and untested can get people killed. I've seen my share of death, believe it or not; may I direct you to the fact that I survived not one but two family Coups – and with Alistair and Lis, I'm sure we can corral the others if they get sick when something dies."

Loghain looked thoughtful, "That's true… I know I would never allow an untried recruit to fight at my back without the guidance of one who is…"

I beamed. Cailan chuckled, "I think she wins again, Loghain – she got us to apologize, she got me to name an heir, she gets a whole damn regiment on that tower… if something did happen, I think she'd make a good monarch. Here are the two letters, Valeria. This one entitles you to your blood rights, and this one is the naming of my heirs. Loghain, sign this one real quick."

Loghain leaned forward and did as he was asked. He looked me over in approval, "You're right, Cailan – she certainly has a knack for winning a verbal debate – possibly from her early training. You plan to let her carry that around?"

He shrugged, "Why not? Her name is on both papers. As for you, Valeria… call me Cailan – I think you've earned that much, at least. How about you join me for dinner and we can discuss more about what Howe has done?"

I shook my head, "Thank you, Cailan, but I must decline. It would be highly improper for me to accept as a young woman who is still unmarried without an escort. Even though we act like brother and sister, we still are not related and I'm not fostered to your house… If you wish to know more, you could talk to Duncan as he was there."

"About that – you're only 17… we could still foster you to the Theirin house. Especially now that you're my 'spare' so to speak," he shrugged.

I smiled, "If you wish. But I still need to debrief the team about our mission, so…"

Cailan pulled out a book. Gaias' roots – he carried around the family genealogy book with him? Well, I wasn't much better…

He scribbled in it before handing it to me. "I usually carry this because it was the last thing my father handed to me. So here, in front of these Witnesses, I name you a Theirin. You can keep your name as Vane, if you wish. But you're my sister now."

Loghain smiled softly, "I would have done the same, you know. But I don't carry the family book around."

I giggled, "Well – no one can doubt this. You pressed your seal into it!"

He gave me a wink, "Wouldn't want anyone thinking you're illegitimate, Princess."

I groaned, "That was your whole goal in this, wasn't it?"

Duncan gave me a look, "Inform the others of the plan, Valeria. I've already spread the word through Alistair that you were named Field-Commander."

I nodded and said, "I'll also talk with Alistair about that gift you gave me for him. He won't like what it means, but he'll appreciate it if… if you fall tomorrow. Gaia, I can't lose you too, Duncan – fight your best, because if I lose another father figure I will kill whoever caused it by raining fire and brimstone on them!"

Cailan and Loghain looked stunned at my words, but Duncan smiled, "I will do what I can, then. Set your tent up in the Warden Camp, near mine. I won't be letting anyone get a chance to do anything."

"Okay – see you later, Duncan."

At the Camp, I said, "Gather up, guys – Duncan sends word."

All 9 of them converged on me without hesitation – though many others were listening in, I pretended not to notice.

"As you guys know, Cailan summoned me to the War Council. It was a test – he wanted me to lay out a strategy, and… well, I passed and also managed to get him to name an heir – I don't know who – just that Loghain signed off on it. Now, our group of ten – this batch from the joining, Alistair and myself, will be going to the Tower of Ishal to light the beacon."

Alistair almost dropped his bowl, "What? We won't be in the battle?" he looked at me almost betrayed and I rolled my eyes.

I sighed, "None of us – other than you, Alistair – are actually 'tested' in battle. We don't have time for mock-trials so this was the solution – half of you are only allowed to follow because I'm a 'child' who needs guards; ugh. Alistair, you are going because you know what signal to look for when we need to light the beacon."

He sighed, "I get it, I get it… just so you know; if the king asks me to put on a dress and dance the Remigold, I'm drawing the line – Darkspawn or no."

Elissa snorted, "Oh, I'd love to see that."

"For you, maybe; but it has to be a pretty dress."

Duran chuckled, "You have some odd ideas about the king…"

"Hey, I happen to be quite fetching in a dress."

"It could actually be a great distraction – you shimmying down the darkspawn line…" Solona smirked.

"Sure – we could kill them while they roll around laughing," Alim snarked.

I coughed, brining all the attention back to me, "The plan is this – our unit crosses the bridge, going through the tower up to the 15th floor where there will be a beacon ready for us to light, courtesy of Loghains own men. From the top of that tower, we will overlook the entire battlefield, so the signal should be easily spotted."

Alistair raised his hand and I had to smother a laugh as I called on him, "Yes, Alistair?"

"Can we at least join the battle after?" Alistair asked. I shook my head, "The orders were clear – we stay with Loghains men. I'll get my ass handed to me after all this for snapping at him and Cailan; I'm sure of it."

"Doubt it – they both adore you," Elissa pointed out. I flushed and held up the book, "Cailan adopted me."

The whole group fell silent. Alistair choked on his stew, "That makes you his heir, right?"

I shook my head, "Second heir – he named his half-brother his first heir, though I still get the unfortunate title of princess."

Alistair paled, but no one seemed to notice as Elissa said, "Who is this half-brother?"

I shrugged and put the book in my pack, "No clue – I didn't ask or snoop through the papers. I suppose that makes him my brother too though. Maybe I'll ask Cailan to introduce me to him when this whole thing is over."

Loghain spoke from behind me, "I'd say you already know him, but I'll not tell you who just now."

I smiled at him, "To what do we owe the honor, Loghain?"

Loghain nodded at me, "I wanted introductions to your… regiment. Duncan seems to wish he'd been able to recruit you. I decided to see who he got to fill your spot."

I chuckled, "This is Theron, the one who was poisoned. He's Dalish and a skilled Archer. Kallian here is the noble killer and wicked good with those blades from what I've seen. Alim and Solona are the mages we recruited though I've known them for more than a year. This is Duran Aeducan, second son of King Endrin, exiled as a Kinslayer. Natia Brosca, the woman who singlehandedly won the Provings and killed the leader of the Carta on her way out. Oh, and Elissa is the pretty one who looks like she's going to be sick at my lack of sense."

Elissa saluted, but the others – upon hearing their unique introduction – made sure to look suitably terrifying. Loghain looked at me with amusement.

"You manipulated Cailan and me – you said they were untested!"

I grinned, "It's true – Theron and Elissa are the only ones I've seen in battle and Theron is weakened from his long stint of being poisoned. Thus, they are untested. I know what Alim and Solona are capable of in theory but… that's because I trained them."

Loghain snorted, "But you knew how they were recruited, who they are and what they specialize in!"

"You see, I do have a reason for keeping these people out of the main battle and in a suitably 'useless' place. If we make it out of here alive, I'll even tell you what it is. Oh – how is Queen Anora? She's your daughter, if I recall…"

He smiled softly, "She is well. I doubt she will be happy about who was named Heir, but she actually likes you so she may be happy about that. It's been too long since we last visited Highever… I admit I hardly recognized you. You've grown so much in the last year."

I laughed, "You, however, have yet to age a day in the last two years. What's your secret, my lord? Every woman I've ever met is dying to know."

I heard snorts and laughter as Loghain scoffed, "Now I remember why I don't go to Highever – you have an odd sense of humor."

I shrugged, "No odder than Duncan back in the day, right?"

Loghain laughed, "You're right – Duncan was just a boy back then; we all were. Has he told you many stories?"

"Actually, I was writing to Fiona."

He stiffened with a sharp look, "You've met her?"

"Not in person, but I had questions only she could answer."

Elissa spoke up, "That mage woman you were talking to Duncan about?"

I nodded, "Yeah – she's the one."

Loghain patted my shoulder, "I just came over here to wish you luck in the battle tomorrow – you may only be going to the tower, but… still."

I smiled at him, "Thank you – and luck to you as well."

Alistair spoke in the silence, "… Well, he didn't hand you your ass."

I giggled as the others all slowly started to laugh too. When it all calmed back down I said, "Should I count myself…?"

Before I could finish my sentence, Duncan and Cailan had approached. Duncan was smiling as he took us in.

Duncan spoke up first, "I assume this levity comes from you, Valeria?"

I shook my head and pointed to Alistair, "I told you he has a witty comment for everything, Duncan."

Cailan chuckled, "Alistair, might I have a word with you? It's nothing bad."

Alistair nodded but I couldn't resist, "Please tell me you're going to ask him to put on a dress and dance the Remigold! I actually want to see him say no."

Cailan snorted as Alistair flushed, "You are… a bad person!"

I winked at him, "Come now, Alistair – you know that's not true! If you could just admit you fancy my sister, I'd stop the teasing…"

Elissa scoffed, "Liar."

"… It's not lying if my fingers are crossed…"

Cailan started laughing, "Oh Maker, what have I done? Ahem – Alistair, Valeria… come with me."

I stood and followed the two of them into Duncans' tent.

Cailan sighed, "Alistair, I've been told you're aware of who your father is?"

The man nodded and I said, "Oooh – who is it?"

Alistair shot me an amused look as he thought I really didn't know. Cailan coughed, "Alistair is my half-brother, Valeria – the one I spoke of."

"Oh – so he's our brother!" I exclaimed and threw my arms around Alistair. The poor man seemed completely off guard and awkwardly hugged me back.

Cailan laughed, "She was quite persuasive in having me name an heir and as the only other person of the Calenhad bloodline you were the first choice. And since she made such a good point, I named her as the spare – if something happens to both of us, she will take the throne."

I flushed red, "Wow, I… wow… promise me you won't die Cailan – Elissa does not want the throne and she's got that spark in her eye that says she'll go for Alistair…"

Alistair scoffed, "Neither do I!"

Cailan laughed, "If you believed our father Alistair that just means you'd be right for the throne – you'd do well. Meaning, of course, that just reassures me that if anything happens, the two of you will do right by our people. I'm not changing my mind, and I'm pretty sure tomorrow will be an easy battle if things follow the plan. You and Loghain are adept strategists, after all."

I sighed, "Fine – but I'm telling you now, Cailan. If Alistair takes the throne, I don't want to be called princess and I do want to be left alone while he tries his best to get me out of the line of succession."

Alistair choked as Cailan cracked up in laughter again. Cailan said, "Well, you are already a Princess even if you never ascend. As of now, Alistair should be called Prince Alistair."

"Maker, no…" Alistair grumbled. I giggled, "We can keep it a secret for now, right? As far as anyone knows, this conversation was because Alistair nipped some cheese that was meant for you and you recalled a question you had for me so you took the opportunity of having an escort."

Alistair nodded, "Everyone who has met me will believe that I took the cheese too – I'm always eating cheese…"

Cailan laughed, "A family trait – father and I… well, let's just say that the royal kitchen has quite a bit of cheese."

"Is vanity of the hair a family trait too?" I asked – Cailans' hair was done elaborately. He nodded with a smirk, "Part of being a Theirin, I'm afraid."

"Uh-huh… Sleep well, Cailan – glorious battle awaits us all."

He walked out of the tent with us, "And you, Valeria. And Alistair… next time, just ask – I don't mind sharing my cheese on occation."

Alistair flushed, "I didn't know!"

People were whispering the minute those words were said. I hopped over to sit in front of Alim and said, "Braid my hair."

He snorted but took the comb I was holding out. Kallian, Solona, Natia and Elissa all looked amused until Lee began deftly braiding my hair into an elaborate style – I had trained him very well. At once, the other girls came and sat closer, asking if he could do their hair too.

The men, realizing this, all watched with stunned expressions. Lee smirked at me, "Who knew you would attract girls for me, Val?"

I smirked, "Why do you think I ask you when I can do it myself or ask Elissa? I mean, yeah, I like having my hair played with, but… you've been single forever, bro…"

"Says the woman who refused to take a suitor," Elissa grumbled.

"I have Cullen – and I am happily in love with him. Besides, I wasn't in line to inherit the Teyrnir of Highever unless something happened to you and Fergus. I had no reason to get married yet. But you… you were the spare, and now you're not… fuck. Wardens don't have land or titles… fuck – this means I'm the heir to Highever if something happens to… Fuck!" I cursed. Greagoir better keep Oren safe.

Before the battle the next day, my group was gathered in front of Duncan.

Duncan sighed, "It's time for us all to begin moving. I am glad to have known each and every one of you. Normally, in such a group the warden who's been in the order longest would be in charge – but from here on, you all listen to Valeria. She's an honorary Warden; but most importantly, I trust that she will lead you all in the right path. If anything happens, follow her."

"Duncan… May the maker watch over you," Alistair looked pained.

"May he watch over us all," Duncan gave a small nod and pulled Alistair and I into a hug. I grunted, "Daaaaad!"

He chuckled and said, "If I had the option, I'd say you two would be the children I never had. Valeria – thank you, for all you've done for me and Alistair. As for you – watch out for her."

Alistair snorted as Duncan released us, "Tell her that – she didn't let me in the Wilds, you know."

I grinned, "I'll let you protect me from some things, but for the most part it's just not needed."

Duncan chuckled, "Fair enough – Valeria… this is for you."

He held out a dagger – his dagger. I gasped as I took it while handing him one from my belt to replace it with. He smiled, "It's made of Dragon Bone – a gift from Warden-Commander Genevieve. It has enhanced damage to dragons. I received this with one other Dagger – I gave that to another friend a while back though. I gave you something for… but you said you see me as a father figure and I refuse to leave you with nothing."

It looked Orlesian – fitting since Genevieve was Orlesian herself. I sheathed it and threw my arms around Duncan, "Mala Din'anshiral Na Revasan Duncan – Atish'an Shiral." Your journey of death is the place where freedom dwells – peaceful journey.

He hugged me tightly, "Ma Nuvenin, Da'len."

Gaias' Roots, he spoke Elvhen so well… I heard Therons' gasp at my words and her sputter at his own. She sighed, "You both speak Elvhen quite well – Dareth Shiral, Duncan."

He smiled softly, "Dareth Shiral – and maker watch over you all."

The battle began not long after Duncan left and we made our way swiftly to the long bridge that was being hit by large boulders. I was unaware Darkspawn had siege weaponry. We began speed walking across at my insistence. We couldn't run or we'd hit spots that would be shaken by boulders.

The group let me set the pace, thankfully. Once we were across, we were approached by two people – a mage and a warrior. The warrior spoke, "You… you're the Grey Wardens, right? The tower – it's been taken!"

I took point and asked, "What do you mean; taken how?"

"The Darkspawn – they came up from the lower chambers – the basement door had been barricaded but they dug right through the floor! Most of our men are dead."

Alistair put a hand on my shoulder, "I think this means we need to pick up the pace – you were right to urge for this rather than just one or two."

I gave a firm nod and looked to the two men, "Mage, you're with us – soldier, get to Loghain and let him know what's happened."

"Yes, my lady!" they both saluted and the soldier ran off. We picked up the pace, killing 33 darkspawn on our way to the tower from that point.

Just inside the door of the tower we were set upon by a large force. I looked to the group once they were dead.

"Okay, people – here's the plan. Alistair, Elissa, Duran and Natia will be pulling Aggro – aggression – meaning that they should be pulling the focus. Theron and Kallian will be sneaking around to do damage. Solona, you focus on healing – Alim, do what you do. Uh… other mage, what's your spec?"

"Elemental, my lady – and my name is Jake," he flushed.

"Burn what you can, freeze what you can't. I will be switching between Elements and arrows, so let's make this work."

To his credit, Jake didn't even comment on my supposed Magic… good lad.

I actually sent my group to loot boxes and chests whenever my gut indicated. So far, we had replenished the stock of Arrows for me and Theron, replaced staffs for every mage, found a few gift-able items and even some more health poultices.

When we got up to the second floor, Alistair stopped us to ask, "What are these Darkspawn doing ahead of the rest of the Horde – there wasn't supposed to be any resistance here!"

I heard Elissa scoff, "I don't know, you could try telling them they're in the wrong place."

"Right… because this is clearly all a big misunderstanding; we'll laugh about it later!"

I spoke, "Why would they target the tower at all? Unless they knew the plan…"

Alistair shuddered, "Now there's a scary thought. They couldn't know the plan; how? They're not that smart are they? At any rate, we need to get to the top of the tower and light the signal fire! Teyrn Loghain is waiting for it."

I nodded firmly and we continued on. We looted less from this floor and found the kennels where I had Alistair release the hounds. The farther up the tower we went the less there was to kill.

It was on the fourteenth floor that Alistair muttered, "Loghain had better to be ready to charge as soon as we light the signal – I get the feeling we've missed our cue."

"I don't think so – my count holds another 10 minutes. We're almost there!"

When we entered that final floor – and it was all one large room with a ceiling high enough to fit a 20 foot giant – there was an Ogre. It was eating Loghains men.

I looked at the group and whispered while the Ogre was distracted, "I'm going for the signal – distract or kill that thing A.S.A.P."

They all nodded and we got to work.

The four Warriors all charged at once while the mages all blocked me from the ogres' sight or went to healing. Theron shot an arrow into one of the Ogres' eyes, causing it to focus on the fighters. Kallian used her daggers to climb the ogres' back while Elissa took out a kneecap.

I looked out the window and saw what could only be the signal – a flaming arrow shot straight up. I used fire element to light the beacon just as the Ogre began to fall.

I saw Loghain look up to us and then to a woman beside him and say something. From here, I couldn't read his lips… but I knew.

I cried out in dismay, "Loghain is sounding a retreat."

Alistairs' head shot to look at me in horror, "What?!"

The others all looked at me, and Elissa asked, "What do we do, Valeria?"

"We stand – we fight until we can't… and we pray to whatever gods can hear us that we make it out of this!"

They all took fighting stance – and I stood at the back of the group in despair. I couldn't afford to take damage if I was going to help haul the others out of here. I spoke once more, "I had a vision – I and one other need to hide if I'm going to help our back-up save our lives. Hold out for as long as you possibly can!"

They all looked to each other and somehow voted for Alim to be the one that hid with me.

I condensed the air so I could run up to the rafters while holding Alims' hand – Kallian laughed, "That's not Flying, Val!"

"I never said it was, Kal." I shouted back.

The door burst open with arrows shooting straight at my friends and family below me. I stifled the urge to throw up and scream. Alistair took a sword to his shoulder and a shield to his head, Duran took a dagger hilt to the temple and a blade to the chest. Theron took three arrows to the gut, and Kallian took a sword to the chest and I could just barely sense that it didn't hit anything vital going in or out. Elissa took an arrow to the chest and three to the shoulders. Natia got sliced in the face and they left a dagger in her chest. Solona got hit with magic from an Emissary. I almost did scream however, when Jake got his head cut clean off. My friends were bleeding out and I knew that the only reason the darkspawn didn't take the women was that they were too newly tainted – they wouldn't be able to be Broodmothers for some years yet, so just let them bleed out.

I had to keep a hand over Alims' mouth to keep him quiet. I came down to start what healing I could – with eight injured people, Flemeth could take four in her claws with Alim and I holing the others on her back… I landed next to Alistair who was now crawling across the floor. He stopped and croaked out, "The… others?"

"Will mostly live, Alistair… don't die on me, please?"

He coughed a weak laugh, "I'll live… if you do…"

"I swear it. We will live." I was crying as I looked around the blood soaked floor and began using force magic to move everyone into one spot for easier pick up. The roof shattered.

I threw up a magic shield to keep falling debris from hitting the others. Flemeth landed beside me and turned to her human form. I stood, "Just in time, Mythal – pick 4 and I'll grab the others."

She jerked in shock, "You know about that?"

"Look – I will answer any questions you have back at your hut; for now, the Wardens are dying and need aid."

She nodded and turned back to dragon form once more. She took the two dwarves and two mages. I took the others and we flew off towards her hut.

Her Dragon form was a deep purple, almost black. Her eyes stayed the same, however.

I helped settle the other three between Alim and me.