Chapter Twenty-Seven

Battle of Redcliffe

"What's the plan?" Aedan asked.

"Aedan, Alistair, Lyna, Sereda, Leliana, Alstus, Draka, Carver and Morrigan, you'll go with the soldiers to the main path to guard from that force. Sten, Wynne, Anduin, Zev, Inas, Jaina, Daylen, Rulen 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. Aedan and I will have lead of the two groups in case something happens. Pelagos, I want you in the Chantry as a last resort; protect those people, calm them… tell them of Bastion to distract them… but do not tell them it is an afterlife. The people here need their belief in the Maker," I was pacing as I outlined the plan. Everyone nodded along. I took my hair in hand and braided the bulk of it back so that it wouldn't get in my way for the battle.

"What about Shana and Hero?" Aedan asked. I gave him a blank look, "I thought that was obvious – they stay with their people. Fiona and Silverite will also fight with us… Fiona with Alistair and Silverite with me."

He flushed, "Right – that was… a stupid question."

"Wynne, make sure you keep Murdock healed. He's the most vulnerable because he likes to rush to the defense of others; even at the risk of his own life. I will focus on keeping everyone as a whole healed. Anduin, you have the power of the Light – use it. Jaina, pretend this is us taking back undercity – I want you in the sky firing blasts at as many monsters as you can."

She flushed, "You levitate a ship one time…"

I grinned, "Those cannons were a sexy feature on that sky ship – even Thalyssra wanted that spell."

Others looked confused, so Aedan asked, "What… floating ship?"

"It wasn't even a sky-ship! It was a regular ship that she had up in the air, firing cannons at the city Anduin was attacking." I laughed.

"What is a sky-ship?" Alistair asked. Jaina gave him a look as Morrigan said, "It is obviously a ship that travels the skies… just as stupid as ever."

He shot her a glare, "Why do you always go on about how stupid I am; I'm not stupid, am I?"

I bit my lip as Morrigan shot back, "If you need to ask the question…"

"Because it hurts my manly feelings, you know. All one of them." I heard sniggers from half the group.

"Then I'll be sure to write you an apology once all of this is over." She quipped.

"I was educated by the Chantry. I studied history. They don't make stupid Templars." Anduin shot me a look, silently asking why I was allowing this. I shot him a wink as Morrigans voice dripped with sarcasm, "Then I must have been mistaken. I'm very impressed."

"No you're not. You're not even listening to me."

"My, you are smarter than you look after all. Your Chantry must have been very proud." She said and that did it – even Sten looked amused.

I grinned, "Ah – I love the banter between Morrigan and Alistair… just remember, banter is fine, attacks have to wait until after we kill the big dragon thing."

Morrigan smirked, "As amusing as it is – he's not worth my time, nor the effort it would take."

Alistair grumbled, but didn't reply. Anduin looked at me, "You allow in-fighting?"

"All duels must be official, but otherwise… banter lets off frustration and encourages others to do better in an effort to prove themselves. Alistair fights like a demon on drugs just so Morrigan has a harder time finding fault with him and likewise, Morrigan fights like a dragon to make it easier to belittle him. In essence – she says he's worse at fighting than she is because she can kill more, so he fights harder to make it more… even. You should hear Leliana tease Sten about the cat."

Sten stiffened, "I was helping it train – nothing more."

Leliana giggled, "You cannot fool me – you are a big softie."

He shot her and then me a glare, "We will never speak of this again."

I shrugged, "So you don't want to hold Cinder?"

"… I did not say that."

The bird cooed and fluttered over to the giant, landing softly on his shoulder. He nodded. "Hmm… I see what you mean." Inas nodded.

"Right then – get in position, the battle starts as soon as the sun sets."

Anduin pulled me in for a kiss, "For luck before the battle…"

I chuckled, "As though we'll need it – I think just my pack and the people from Azeroth could do this without help from the villagers."

"Can I get a… good luck kiss?" Alistair asked shyly. I pulled him down and kissed him – knowing that several villagers were watching us even if they couldn't hear us.

We began heading outside and getting into position. Andy had an arm around my shoulder as he asked, "So… I mean, I'm glad we're together now, but… you're letting Alistair court you… and I just… I want to know why you never let me…" now was a fine time to feel insecure.

"Okay – to be fair, you never tried to court me, Anduin. You just wanted me to marry you… and we don't know that I'll be able to marry Alistair. I want to, but the ruling body of Ferelden – the Landsmeet – might not allow him and I to marry even though Cailan wanted us to marry to secure an alliance."

Jaina gave me an amused look, "Then why court him?"

"… How many times must I explain? Okay, fine… he's cute, adorable, awkward, innocent, and honorable… he has charm and charisma… I think he's super sweet and he is actually trying to woo me – no man has ever tried that before – ever. Not in any damn life. Earth was only one woman… Nirn was unique in their 'courting' system… Azeroth was half a nightmare and that was before the third war. A girl likes to feel wanted; you know? Even Kayn didn't court me – we were mostly just casual sex until we just… got married."

Anduin looked horrified but Inas snorted, "You're right… I never noticed before but even Nessa didn't court you. You took her to bed and suddenly you were a couple. I didn't see it coming."

I sighed, "Sometimes I feel like that's all I'm good for – a session or two in the bedroom. In my first life, I had only two hobbies – sewing and cooking. Then I get transported to Nirn and fucking hell, I was just lucky that my new body was equipped to deal with running and fighting. I still had to train, learn to use weapons and magic and avoid getting hit… I learned to work leather, mix potions… but still, no one really wanted me. You know I was actually alone when I died – no kids, no spouse… nothing. I had 9 houses – nine! I was rich, famous but no matter who saw that damn amulet no one wanted me."

"Amulet?" Daylen asked.

"The marriage system in Skyrim was unique – as I said. Buy an amulet of Mara, the Divine Goddess of love, and put it on… make sure it's visible to other people, of course. If someone sees it and comments on it, you can talk about it – ask if their interested in you kind of thing… if they say yes, go set up a wedding at a temple of Mara and get married – that's all there is to it."

Inas blinked, "Seriously? That's really all… and you never married?"

I snorted, "I haven't been married since I was on earth… when I was human and powerless, like everyone else. No one ever made a move in Skyrim and I was always wearing the amulet – after I killed the World-Eater of course."

"… I didn't realize that I never… by the Light; I'm a fool…" Anduin sighed.

"What about your first life – was there love there?" Zevran asked.

I sighed, "There's the caveat, hmm? No, there wasn't."

Zev blinked, "Then how did you end up married to the woman?"

"Oh… it was arranged by our parents. I was the daughter of a noble, she was famous… I carried the kids because she needed to keep her figure; I stayed home because I had no workable skills. Actually, we were going through a divorce when I died. She was leaving me for a guy she was in love with. I couldn't fault that. She was so distraught that she had fallen in love with someone else – I guess I was just glad they waited until they told me before they started seeing each other in earnest."

"So it was an amiable parting?" Wynne asked. I nodded, "I wasn't going to keep her tied to me when she was so obviously in love – besides, the arranged marriage did what it was supposed to. We had 2 sons, ages 6 and 8; the families were one at that point."

It was then that we heard, "Monsters attacking on the lake!"

Jaina used a board and floated into the air, shooting arcane missiles as well as frost bolts. Anduin was casting smite or power words – using his shield on me and him. I saw Sten chopping zombies in half, from the skull on down. Wynne mostly focused on healing, and Shana would tackle and move so others could take the heads off. Daylen was helping Wynne with the healing spells and I was killing anything that I could see.

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, Bellissima!" 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?"

Anduin and Jaina both laughed at that. Inas was swapping between bear and cat forms to kill things. Zev 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. When I landed, I pulled the green blade and started hacking away.

When the last one fell, I felt the dawn coming. Aedan and the others came down the hill soon after the sun peaked the horizon. I made my way to the chantry door and gave the signaling knock.

When the door opened, Bann Teagan saw everyone had survived – unfortunately this included Lloyd – Jaina was watching him closely.

This caused a cheer from those inside. He smiled and once everyone had exited the chantry for some air, called out to the crowd.

"Dawn arrives, and we survived the night! We are victorious! And it is these good folks 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, Queen Stormlight. With luck, we will be discussing things with my brother soon."

Mother Hannah spoke, "Let us bow our heads and give honor to those who gave their lives in defense of Redcliff. Now they walk with the Maker – long may they know the peace of his love."

"So let it be," Aedan, Wynne, Leli and I all bowed our heads.

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'.

Anduin pressed his lips to my temple, "I feel a little selfish asking – but are you going to continue using Stormlight as your last name?"

"Why wouldn't I? I'm married to you, yes – but I'm also engaged to Cullen Rutherford and will likely be Alistairs' mistress; I won't be leaving him even if we can't get married. That's three men with their own last names… am I going to mash them all together and hyphenate them or something? Whose name would be first or last?"

Anduin nodded, "A… good point…"

Alistair shrugged, "I sort of figured the same; though, if she had to pick one, I'd say High King trumps King or Knight-Captain, so I think that means your name would be the one picked."

I snorted, "That's true – but I've always been a rebel; I'd pick the 'lowest' rank just to mess with peoples' heads."

"So Rutherford then?" Aedan asked.

"Nah – I'm still going to keep 'Stormlight' just because I don't want people thinking I'm picking favorites."

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 Tara – because you're the bravest person I know; braver than Grandfather I bet!"

Anduin was chuckling, but I knelt and said, "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 19, he'll definitely be a great warrior."

I stood and gave him a slight bow, "Then next we meet, you will be Ser Bevin. Until then."

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

"Deadly." I nodded.

Alstus seemed to get giddy as we made our way toward the Tavern. I shot him a knowing look – I had guessed that Bella was his Soul-Mate; and she might be Asthans' too but he…

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."

"Ah, but my son has taken a real liking to you. Do you wish to leave with him? He's about to go now, so…"

She bit her lip, "You know what? Yes, I think I do. I don't have much though…"

"Not a problem at all – in fact, it's probably better that way. Easier to get you acclimated to Dalaran if your wardrobe if from there. And it would be my distinct pleasure to foot that bill." Alstus smiled at her.

She smiled and called out to Lloyd, "I quit!"

"What? You can't…" he saw the serious look my son shot him and his protest died at once.

"Maybe I could find work in a better bar there," Bella mused.

"You know, there's an open spot across from my Alchemy shop… and the only place to get a decent drink is the Inn… why not open your own bar?" Alstus suggested.

"Oh, I don't have that kind of coin…" she flushed.

I snorted, "If my son doesn't finance it, I will – if you feel uncomfortable about that, you can always pay it back later."

She smiled and Alstus said, "I uh… I bought that shop a while ago. Just didn't know what to do with it yet."

"There ya go then. Alright – everyone from Azeroth ready to go?"

They all nodded and Bella did too. I opened a portal and Alstus and Bella wet through to Dalaran; a separate portal for Jaina, Draka, Anduin, Inas and Pelagos went to Oribos. When I closed it, I noticed the stunned looks from the patrons. "What?" I asked.

"How… how…?" Lloyd stammered.

"Magic – duh." And we left.

Zevran hummed, "So… you were already rich before taking the throne of the Alliance?"

"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."

Lyna snorted, "You still hold the purse-strings, Lethallan."

I shrugged, "Did you want an allowance?"

Sereda roared in laughter, "Treating us like kids now?"

"… It was a serious question! Daylen and Carver get one…" I defended. Alistair laughed, "I think the rest of us are a little too proud to accept an allowance."

"Well… okay. Then I guess just let me know if anything is needed."

Aedan smirked, "So… you seriously set your son up with a woman?"

"I think Bella was his soul-mate; he might not have taken to her as well if she wasn't. And why not? he liked her, she liked him… it was a win-win."

"Fair enough, then. As long as everyone is happy," Alistair chimed in.

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 I would have thought.

"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."

Aedan 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 Isolde, my name is High Queen Atarah Stormlight – Queen of the Illidari, Duchess of Northshire and acting Warden-Commander of Ferelden. I am currently leading the last detachment of Ferelden Grey Wardens to end the blight with Aedan Cousland, Alistair Theirin and a few others. We helped to save the town last night."

She froze before dipping a curtsy in my direction, "My Lady, forgive me for not being able to greet you as is proper. 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 ken 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."

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, myself… anyone else is expendable. I can delay no longer, good luck." He walked off and I sighed.

"Daylen, Carver, Rulen, Aedan, Alistair and… Wynne – you all come with me. The rest of you, wait with Ser Perth on the castle bridge."