Chapter Twenty-Eight

Clearing the Castle

The chosen group and I all headed into the secret passage. I heard a scuffle beyond the door.

"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 hitting the wall.

"H… hello? Who's out there? Is anyone still alive?"

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

He flinched when he saw Aedan, Daylen 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 Aedan cough but I shot him a look – I had to see if he'd own up to 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."

"And your reason for poisoning the Arl?" Carver asked in exasperation.

"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 may have figured out, I'm a blood mage. 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…"

"Daylen is from a noble family too – the Amells of Kirkwall are highly 'cursed' with magic."

"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 again. Besides, I let you go once, and look where we are now. But… if I am able to get things sorted properly, I will see about conscripting you. I cannot promise that, as I need to talk with my second first."

Rulen snorted, "You let him go before?"

"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. Daylen helped too – but at Irvings' orders 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. "You know… when I saw you at the Tower… I was quite surprised that the Templar with you was… responding to your advances."

Alistair frowned, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing bad – I just thought he preferred men. He was always stammering and watching Daylen, you know?"

Daylen laughed, "He's Bi – not gay. And he's essentially Atarahs now. They're set to get married as long as they can get permission."

We headed for the next room, where we had to kill a few more undead.

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

"It's… a possibility." I shrugged.

Rulen spoke, "I don't see why not – he is a Warlock, you said? Uses blood, summons minor demons?"

"Sort of – but the Warlocks here are different; Blood magic comes from demons and demons are… they don't bind the demons the same way – the demons take over their masters and they become abominations. They become the demons and need to be put down. They don't have the proper training to be warlocks. I suppose we could hire a warlock to see if Jowan could become one; he has all the markers for it…"

"We could cite experimentation…" Rulen mused.

"They Grey Wardens do anything they can to stop the Blights – if Aedan conscripts him and hands him over to Azeroth to experiment in Warlock practices it could help the Grey Wardens. Because if the Wardens ally with Azeroth like Ferelden is set to, then they could also get trainers; and if they get trainers, then demons would never be an issue in the Blights. Right now, we think that your mages are too different to learn to be Warlocks… but Jowan does have all the markers of a Warlock – Daylen has the Shaman traits, but can also learn druid and mage. Jowan was a shit mage, right?"

Daylen nodded, "He was unable to cast a simple Arcane Bolt – that's something every mage is taught."

"Jowan may have been a shit mage because he isn't a mage; he's a warlock. Aedan…" I asked.

"Very well – Jowan will be conscripted to the Wardens, not joined so he won't know any secrets, then handed over to Azeroth for Warden Experiments in learning Azerothian magic. But the flip side is that I – as Warden Commander of Ferelden – must receive updates every three months so that I can report to Weisshaupt on his progress. And if he becomes a full-fledged Warlock, he is to come back to Ferelden where he will join the Wardens in truth before being sent on to Weisshaupt."

"That's fair – but on the flip side, he won't be able to teach the abilities because he won't be trained as a trainer. Alistair wouldn't know how to go about teaching Paladin abilities either for the same reason. When being taught, the knowledge is imparted on you by a trainer when they believe you're ready – when I say imparted, I mean it's pressed into your head magically. It's a type of magic that anyone with sufficient will can do because it isn't a mana-based power. Like that power I promised Nessa. So, be sure to let Weisshaupt know they won't be able to exploit Jowan as a trainer." I smiled sweetly.

Aedan chuckled, "I will be quite sure to do so."

Rulen pulled out his communicator and pressed a few buttons. It rang for a moment before a womans' voice came through, "Rulen, my dear – you know you shouldn't be contacting me."

I knew that voice – Shinfel Blightsworn; a powerful blood elf warlock member of the Council of the Black Harvest… the Legion Warlock Hall. She was a Blood Elf; 7'2 with mostly pale skin. But during a battle with Cho'gall, he made her become a slave within her very own mind. It corrupted her blood and left her arms covered in black marks. Her lips were the same – a pale black. The experience had only served to increase the intensity of her sadism. Poor Jowan.

But that Shinfel called him dear… "Rulen, you naughty Paladin; you submit to Mistress Shinfel?"

"Ah – High Queen Atarah Stormlight."

"Glad you know my new name. How have you been, Shinfel?"

She chuckled darkly, "The Twilight Cult was eradicated – how else could I be?"

"Perfect. Listen, I have a favor to ask you. I have a blood mage here that will be conscripted to a specific order here in Thedas on my order; we plan to send him your way to see how he holds up to Warlock training since he has all the markers. The catch is that I will put you into contact with someone – the mages' commander – who will expect updates every 3 months until the training is done. And when the training is done, you send him back to us. You will be paid by the Crown of the Alliance for this, of course; and if Andy won't foot the bill, then the Illidari will – the Grey Wardens are similar to them in the whole 'do anything to defeat our enemies' thing."

She hummed, "I will accept payment from the Illidari; they are a neutral force. Very well – who is this person I will be training?"

"His name is Jowan and he's a Human; I'll let Kayn know to see to his upkeep. If you wish, you can move to the Fel Hammer and have him live there while you train him."

"You must not like this human very much?" she sounded amused – and I knew she was going to accept.

"Oh, me? Whatever gave you that impression? He only threatened to kill me 2 months ago – or was it 3? Tsk; it's a little hazy when you're immortal. Shall I have rooms prepared for you two? It'll be like 6 months before you see this boy; they won't release him until we undo his poisoning of an important nobleman."

"That gives me time to decide how to go about training him and gathering my things. Yes, have your man prepare rooms for us."

"Thank you, Shinfel." I smiled as she cut the call. I pulled out my communicator as we found Valena hiding in a linen closet. I sent her out the way we came and dialed Kayn.

"My Queen?" his dark voice asked. I rolled my eyes, "Prepare two rooms. One will be for Mistress Shinfel Blightsworn and the other for her new student under my order. He thought to play with blood magic and threaten me – no need to make him feel welcome. But remember that he is under my order so don't do anything too bad. Also, whatever the Mistress asks for, pay it – I promised her pay for her training this human. You have about 6 months until I open a portal to send him there."

"As you command – though, Matron Mother Malevolence will likely see to his… punishment for the threat to our Queen."

I shuddered, "Tell mother that it is unnecessary to cause pain – he'll be freaked out enough surrounded by Illidari, Shivarra, Broken and Naga. But a 6-armed spanking might be in order if he steps out of line."

"As you will, My Queen."

"Stop calling me that Kayn – you used to call me Iris; can't you do so again?"

"I… very well, Iris. We will have two rooms set up… perhaps near Loramus Thalipedes?"

"Oh yes – I love when you get manipulative and petty. Do it again," I laughed.

"Lady S'theno will see to escorting him to his room?" Kayn sounded so amused. I chuckled and the mention of the Naga Commander (Sa-the-no). "Yes! I love it; perfect plan – do that."

"As you command, Slayer." He said and we cut the call.

"And… 6-armed spankings?" Daylen asked.

"Shivarra are people with purple skin though sometimes are pink-skinned, six arms, and are technically demons. They are priestesses – devout and extremely charismatic. For the most part, they live to evangelize the power of Sargeras' dread vision; yes, the demon my dad acts as a jailor for. They are thought to be three times as fanatical as the other demons. I only know females – if there are males then there is not much known about them. The Shivarra that joined the Illidari under the Matron Mother joined after Illidan defeated their former leader, Magtheridon – a pit lord. They considered Sargeras a 'bore' and felt that there was no fun in his goal to destroy all life. I let them have fun – they follow me."

Alistair was flushed, "But a spanking?"

"They share a lineage with the succubae – the uh… desire demons of the legion. Revenant behind this door."

"You said you don't deal with demons…" Alistair frowned.

"Matron Mother Malevolence would be insulted that you called her a demon and threaten to spank you until you learn to call her Mother. Elune; give me strength – that woman scares me and gives me a thrill at the same time. Trust me – you don't want to insult Mother. What I want to know is how good she is in bed that after many centuries, Archmage Lan'dalock was so ready to break into a high security place just because her name was dropped. That man went redder than Alistair is right now and he just stammered out, 'The Matron Mother? Yes, of course. Anything for Malevolence.' And then he helped me – no questions asked. But I'm not her type so I don't get to know."

We were fighting as I called all of this out – Rulen looked intrigued, "My friend was with the Matron Mother? I will certainly use this to my advantage."

"You will not… I might need that connection again one day." I smirked darkly.

"Fine… but in private, I will tease him."

I saw Ser Perth and the others watching us avidly.

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

"Shall we enter the main hall together? It must be held if we are to regain control of the castle." Ser Perth asked.

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.

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 Daylen 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 Aedan, Alistair 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 Warden Recruit now."

"No – you have to take me; I'm your bodyguard… I can't guard your body if I'm not with you and Lan'dalock alone would have my head; to say nothing of King Anduin or Lor'themar or… any leader of Azeroth at all."

I sighed at Rulens' words, "In that case, I'm demanding that take no one else."

"Wait – you must be joking about that thing with the mage… the blood mage…" Isolde exclaimed. I shook my head, "Warden-Commander Aedan Cousland has already invoked the Right of Conscription; we will of course wait to take him until Eamon is up and walking, but his roll will be to be a Warden Liaison and Experiment in Azeroth. He has all the markers of Warlocks there; we're going to see if he can be trained. And since I really don't like Jowan, we have chosen a sadistic woman as his touter to teach him in a place where he will be surrounded by demon hunters and other… unsettling looking people. Sten will be keeping an eye on Jowan – if Jowan summons demons or does blood magic, Jowan will be killed. Swap out with Sereda since she is resistant to magics. And for Elunes' sake, someone feed that boy. Do I make myself clear?"

"Ser, yes Ser." My party saluted me.

Teagan looked pained but sighed, "We will… discuss that more when Eamon is better." I gave a sharp nod.

"Boys, Wynne, let's be on our way."

"Take a boat from the docks," Isolde muttered and I smiled at her. I didn't have to like her treatment of my… 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 – 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 Aedan. 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."

Aedan and Rulen – 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 surprised how easily the element responded to me.

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 flushed but just began petting my hair. I smiled at him.

"How did you do that child?" Wynne asked.

"Well… you see, my unique mix of magics allows me to control all the elements. That's technically a Shaman magic, but as it's the only one I have, I'm not actually a shaman."

"Do we anticipate any problems at the Circle again?" Wynne asked. I shook my head, "No; it should be fine. The only problem I could foresee would be Irving and Greagoir wanting to talk magic with me – that's it. We may all end up in the Circle boat on the way back with this little dingy tied to it… and maybe Cullen making some trouble." I sighed.

"Why would he do that?" Aedan asked, looking upset at the thought.

"Let me rephrase – making mischief. If he's better he might tease me, and honestly, that's not a bad thing."

Wynne patted my arm "You look… exhausted."

I chuckled and leaned against Alistair, "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."

I saw the three men 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."