Chapter Three

Prepare

I helped old Ren the minute we were back at Ostagar. I cooed to the hound as I calmly placed the muzzle on her, "You will survive this, love… I swear it."

She whimpered but nodded – she could sense the other forms within me.

When we got to Duncan, I said, "Duncan, you and I will have to have a chat before the Joining – everyone else can meet us where we need to go."

Alistair, getting Duncans nod of approval, took everyone else off to the area.

When we got to Duncans Commander tent, I turned and spoke, "So… you're going to die tomorrow. The battle will be your last… but Alistair thinks of you as a father figure so I have to ask you for something."

"Anything, my lady, just say the word."

"I need something of yours to give to Alistair to remember you by. He really loves you, Duncan… tomorrow will be a difficult day for him. I may be a bit hard on him, but he… I can understand him."

He thought for a moment and reached up to his ear, taking out his earing. I smiled when I saw a ship sailing the waves engraved on it – it was a pirate earring.

"One last thing… I need the recipe for the Joining formula. Don't ask me too many questions – I don't know all the answers – but… just know it'll be necessary. I need the formula and the spell to make regular Darkspawn blood act like Archdemon blood."

Without another word, he wrote me the recipe and instructions before aiding me in procuring the necessary reagents – minus the blood.

We both headed to the Meeting spot – where I had first found Alistair with that awful mage, Uldred.

As Duncan and I approached, I heard Daveth saying, "Yeah, Ser Knight, try not to wet your trousers until the ritual starts."

I snorted and all eyes turned to Duncan and I. I caught sight of Cailan looking our way from his tent. He gave me a smile and I waved at him.

Jory did not have a chance to speak back as Duncan spoke first, "At last, we come to the Joining. The Grey Wardens were founded during the First Blight, when humanity was on the verge of extinction. So it was that the First Grey Wardens drank of Darkspawn blood and mastered their taint."

Jory gaped and said, "We're going to… to drink the blood of those… those creatures?" I sighed and said, "What in the world did you think the blood was for, Jory – Perfume? Or did you think we were going to paint our nails with it?"

More snorts followed and Duncan spoke again, "As the first Wardens did before us, as we did before you; this is the source of our power – our victory."

Alistair said, "Those who survive the joining become immune to the taint. We can sense it in the Darkspawn and use it to slay the Archdemon."

Aedan held his hands up and chuckled, "Those who survive?"

I nodded firmly, "As with anything that grants power, there are always risks. Not all of us will make it through this."

Jory paled and took a small step away from me. Duncan spoke again, "We speak only a few words prior to the Joining, but these words have been said since the first. Alistair, if you would?"

"Join us, Brothers and Sisters; join us in the shadows where stand vigilant. Join us as we carry the duty that cannot be forsworn. And should you perish, know that your sacrifice will not be forgotten – and that one day, we shall join you."

Duncan picked up the goblet and held it out to Daveth first, saying, "Daveth, step forth."

The cut-purse nodded solemnly and took the goblet. He sipped it and handed it back to the commander. It was maybe 10 seconds later that he cried out, his eyes going completely white as his hand shot to his gut. He fell to his knees, crying out in agony and I covered my mouth in horror. This was what happened if it failed? It was more… mild in the game.

He was spasming until… he just went still. Duncan sighed in pain and said, "I'm sorry, Daveth."

Duncan looked to the Redcliff knight and said, "Step Forward, Jory."

The knight backed away slowly and stammered out, "But… I have… a wife – a child! Had I known…"

"There is no turning back." The commander said, walking slowly toward the knight who was reaching for his great-sword.

"No – you ask too much; there is no glory in this." He extended his weapon and Duncan pulled a dagger. Before Jory could move, I cast entangling roots on him. His moment of stunned confusion as he looked down was all Duncan needed.

Lyna spoke up, "Me next then? I'm not feeling too good, so if I'm gonna die…"

"Step forward, Lyna." Duncan nodded looking grim as he shot a look at me. I shrugged – I was unsure if they would all live through this. Just because each of them was the potential player character didn't mean they would all live.

Lyna sipped and handed it back. She held her head as she cried out, her eyes also turning white. But there was no continuous cry or spasming – she would live.

Duncan looked to Darrien next, "Step Forward, Darrien."

He didn't make it. Of those assembled, only Aedan, Lyna, Sereda, and Daylen lived. I sighed and held my hand out for the goblet. He didn't say anything, just handed it to me.

I took a gulp… I cast my detox just as I felt the Joining begin to kill me… and it worked.

I gasped out in pain, "Fuck… let's not try that again, Duncan. That almost killed me."

"… How did it not?" Alistair asked.

"When I felt it failing, I detoxed. So yes – I can cure the Blight." Duncan stiffened, "The Wardens…"

"Can't know this. I'm just one person, Duncan – and if people know I can cure the blight, the Wardens will kill me. They don't care – this would mean a decrease in their numbers. Half the higher ups love the fighting – they don't want it to end. Also – I can't cure the Darkspawn so Wardens are still needed."

"You're right – with what they… with Fiona… I have no doubt that you're right." He sighed. I nodded, "About her – Alistair, Duncan has some things to tell you. I'll watch over these four."

Duncan pulled Alistair aside and I sat to watch my small unit.

Lyna was the first to wake. Aedan was next, and then Sereda. Finally Daylen woke just as Duncan and Alistair came back over. Alistair spoke up, "Four more deaths… in my joining, only one of us died, but it was… horrible."

I nodded firmly, "It would have been 5 deaths if my detox didn't work. I had a feeling it would – why else would I have been put on Thedas when I wouldn't survive the joining? But know this, all of you – no one is to know I failed the joining. As far as anyone knows – I didn't actually undergo the Joining. I'm an honorary Warden, but still the Field-Commander. Duncan thought it was best that a Diplomat wasn't put into the Order – do I make myself clear?"

"Ser, Yes Ser!" Daylen, Aedan and Sereda saluted. Lyna nodded and said, "Good call, Lethallan."

Duncan handed all 5 of us Griffon shaped glass amulets with blood in them. I lifted an eyebrow, "This is so that others will know you're a Warden – even if you don't feel like one to us normally, the blood in the amulet will trick most Wardens."

I nodded and looked to my unit, "You 5 go get some food – and no one let Alistair cook… his cooking will do what the joining didn't." I smirked and the others all began ribbing Alistair.

"Not you though, Atarah – Cailan has requested that you join us for the War meeting for tomorrows battle."

I nodded, "I thought he might…"

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.

"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." The man 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 cut in with a glare at Cailan. "You will apologize to Loghain. I know you were baiting him into an argument when you brought up Orlais. And Loghain, you will apologize for using Maric against him."

They both looked at me stunned – and they weren't the only ones. Everyone at the meeting was staring at me. When no one spoke or made a move I snarled and slammed my fist on the table, "Now! We are too old to play a game of baiting when we are at war."

Cailan was the first to jump to action, apologizing to Loghain but making it clear he still thought Orlais was an ally. Loghain also apologized.

"Now, gentlemen – I was called to this meeting by you, Cailan so I assume you want my input?"

"Who are you?" Loghain asked.

"General Atarah Stormlight – from the Alliance of Azeroth. Cailan has named me a Diplomat, but I prefer the art of War to politics."

Loghain actually chuckled, "I feel the same way… alright, give us your input."

"Cailan will be leading the charge with the Wardens from what I understand. They want to draw the attention. Loghain, you will lead more than half the army, yes? I think you waiting at this location for a signal would be best."

"That is the current strategy, yes." Cailan said.

"There's a beacon on top of the tower of Ishal – on the 15th floor. We plan to have someone light it when Cailan gives the signal." Loghain looked at me with a more relaxed expression – I think he liked me.

"Then who do you have to light it?"

"I have some men…" Loghain began but I held up my hand.

"I'm going to suggest something. I know I'm a General, but I've just been given a unit of 5 men – almost none of them tested in battle. I have an Elf, a Dwarf and 3 humans at my command… add a Mabari if you count Aedans' hound. I took care of most of the fighting during their test so I failed to see them handle their own. The Tower sounds like the least dangerous place I can get to evaluate them."

Duncan nodded quickly and said, "The only ones I've seen fight are Aedan, Alistair and Atarah – and she's only an honorary Warden at this stage – she has unique skills and circumstances. I figured with her being named a Diplomat, I shouldn't put her through the Joining…"

Cailan beamed, "I think it's a fine idea – in fact I was going to suggest at least Alistair and Atarah going to 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 rounded group of 6 can be considered a strike-force. And, as I said, these ensigns are all untested – other that perhaps Alistair. 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, Aedan and Sereda are Warriors, Lyna and I are Rouges. Daylen is a mage and a war hound makes bingo."

"What's… bingo?" Cailan asked bewildered. I shook my head, "Not important. What is important is that untrained and untested can get people killed. Alistair and I can corral the group if they prove to be unfit. We are also both Templar trained, so the one mage won't be a problem. It makes sense."

Loghain looked thoughtful, "That's true… I've always personally sparred with my men when I can to get a feel for their level of expertise. Ser Cauthrien was the only one I didn't need to do that with. This plan will suffice. Just know, I'm not arguing your use of the Wardens because General Atarah is right – Untried can cost lives." That he used my title was actually a move of respect on his part… I had earned his respect!

"Another thing – I don't think Cailan should be in the Vanguard – that is far too risky; for several reasons."

Loghains eyebrows shot up and Cailan pouted, "What reasons?"

"Obviously, number one is that you're the king. Number two – you don't have an heir yet. If something happens to you, it will be chaos. Number three would have to be that you aren't prepared – you have been fighting smaller skirmishes, yes, but this will be a large battle. If you need more reason than that, I'm sure Loghain would love to give you a few."

Loghain actually smiled at me, "I've already listed all those reasons and more. Not that my son-in-law will listen."

Cailan pouted more and said, "My decision is final on this matter – I will be in the Vanguard."

"Then I have to insist you name an Heir – here and now. Failure to do so will result in me tying you up like a roast boar and leaving you in your tent for the battle; and that won't be the first time I've done so." I said.

Loghain looked surprised but Cailan looked thoughtful. "I… actually do have an heir. I have a half-brother. He's a bastard, but that doesn't make him any less my brother, right?"

I shrugged, "Bastards are a time-honored tradition, it seems. I'm one too."

Cailan laughed, "I'll name him my heir then – Alistair Theirin, my brother."

I pretended to gape, "He's your brother? Damn… I knew he looked like you!"

Loghain gave me a funny look, "They look nothing alike."

"Height, hair and eyes beg to differ, Loghain. Think about it for a minute – their hair is the exact same shade. Yes, Alistair has flecks of green in his eyes, but both of them have that golden-brown color as the dominate eye-color. And you can't sit there and tell me that they don't both have that boyish charisma that screams of being flirty. Plus – they're both obsessed with their hair and I've seen both sneaking cheese!"

Cailan flushed, "You… saw that did you?"

Loghain snorted, "I'll give you the obsession and the cheese… I'll even give you the hair and eyes. But they look so different otherwise."

I shook my head, "When I met Alistair, my first thought was, 'huh, he looks like the king…' Don't deny it. Anyway, now that we have an heir named, I won't fight you on being in the Vanguard… just make sure that information is written down and placed somewhere safe – like… do you have a royal arms chest?"

Cailan nodded, "That's a good place to put it – my father's sword is in there too."

Duncan discreetly nudged me with a smile, "Then if we're done here, Atarah and I will head back to our camp. With the battle being tomorrow, we will need all the rest we can get."

Cailan bowed his head to me, "It was an honor to have you in our strategy meeting, General."

"Don't get too hopeful, Cailan. I can get you a meeting with Anduin – but with what they're fighting now an alliance might not happen for at least a decade. Though he might aid you after this – foods, healers and such could be sent to help lower the catastrophic impact of the Darkspawn."

Cailan nodded, "If we need them, any help would be appreciated. Tell me, what do you think he might like from us?"

I thought for minute – what did Thedas have that could be useful to Azeroth?

"Me. That I've made this place my new home is all that will be required. Though, he won't like some things you have going on, he won't actively try to interfere. Anduin is a good man."

Loghain snorted, "What sway do you have with the king?"

"… I'm his betrothed." I muttered, looking away.

Duncan gaped, "You didn't tell me that!"

"My unit was there when I was informed of the new development… while we were in the woods."

"How is that? You were informed in the woods?" Cailan looked intrigued – Loghain looked suspicious.

I pointed to my necklace, "This is enchanted so that I can speak with my cousin no matter where we are. He informed me that my Uncle – his father – signed the Betrothal Contract not long ago."

"I thought only Sending Stones could do that." Loghain commented.

"You underestimate our Mages. Lady Jaina Proudmore is the strongest mage we've ever seen. That she was named Lord-Admiral of Kul Tiras was only a matter of time."

Everyone blinked, "You… title your mages?" someone asked. It was a man in a robe.

"Mages, Warlocks, Shamans, Druids… anyone with magic is no less that those without. Anduin is a Priest – he can use the power of 'heaven' or the Light to heal or smite."

"Your King has magic?" Loghain said, scorn in his voice.

"Magic is Innate – we can no more choose who has magic than who doesn't – not like it is hereditary either. King Varian, Anduins' Father, was only a Warrior. More than half the population of Azeroth has some form of magic. And it's not like the Magic here at all. Only Warlocks can deal with demons, mages can open portals, Shamans can talk to the elements… and everyone has their place."

"Do… you have magic?" Cailan asked with a smile.

"I was given Templar training – do you think Greagoir would allow that of someone with magic?" I evaded with a blank face. Even Loghain seemed to relax at my words.

"Fair point. Right then, we'll talk more after the battle, Atarah. Sleep well," Cailan nodded.

"You as well, your majesty." I nodded my head and we went over to the group.

"Smooth evasion, Atarah." Duncan muttered. I grinned, "It worked, didn't it?"

He laughed, "That it did."

We got to the group and I smirked, "All right crew – listen up."

All 5 of them looked at me. I noticed a lot of other Wardens watching us in confusion and curiosity as Duncan let me make a mini-speech.

"By request of your King Cailan, our unit will be storming the Tower of Ishal tomorrow. Our role is to light the beacon when the signal flare goes up. Now, we will not be in the actual battle, but our role is just as important. Without the beacon, Loghain will not know when to charge. I want to hear no complaints about this."

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'll let that slide as a question – this time. The king originally planned to send only you and me, Alistair… you are his heir, after all."

I heard exclamation of shock and outrage. Alistair froze, "You're joking! I'm a bastard."

"And he has named you his heir so that he could join the Vanguard without my stepping in to tie him up and leave him in his tent. I told him he needed an heir and you were his first choice. By the way – weren't you listening? I'm a bastard too."

"But… what made him choose me?" he asked dismayed.

"Not sure – I really thought he was going to name his Uncle Eamon or something." I shrugged.

"Wait… Alistair is the Kings' half-brother?" Aedan asked.

"… well, I guess since we're talking about it… Yes, I'm a bastard – and just so no one makes smart comments, I mean the fatherless kind. My mother was a… serving girl at Redcliff castle. Arl Eamon raised me and he did that because my father was King Maric… which, yes, makes Cailan my half-brother. It doesn't mean anything to me… well, I guess it does now – but I never wanted this. Besides, I'm a grey warden – we give up our titles and…" thank goodness he reverted to what he'd been told about his mother before today…

"You were named his heir after becoming a grey warden, ensign. Unless something happens and you take the throne, you are still my ensign. Do I make myself clear?" I smirked.

"Thank the Maker… I mean, Yes Ser!" he gave me grin.

"Good – now as I said, we will not be in the actual battle. The only difference between what the King planned and what I added is that the other four will be joining us."

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."

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

"For you, maybe; but it has to be a pretty dress, commander." he winked at me. I chuckled, "Careful what you promise – I've been known to dress men in unusual gear to cross enemy lines before."

He flushed and shrugged.

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

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

Sereda scoffed, "You know, that could actually make a great distraction."

"What, me shimmying down the Darkspawn line? Sure; we could kill them while they roll around laughing."

I heard a few more people laughing and Cailan himself spoke from behind me, "Now I'm curious, brother – would you put on a dress and dance the Remigold?"

"I just said I would draw the line, your majesty." Alistair snarked before catching the words, "Brother?"

"Well, you are my brother – now my heir. I came over here to tell you myself, but looks like I was beaten to it by our resident diplomat."

I shrugged, "I would have held off if you'd told me, Cailan."

"Right – that was my mistake. Well, that was… all I came over here for…" he was flushed and rubbing the back of his neck in a very Ferelden gesture. I chuckled, "Was it really? Embarrassment like that doesn't come so easily – unless it's Alistair."

"Hey!" the man in question cried. Everyone else laughed and Cailan said, "Well… no, it wasn't. I was wondering if you wanted to join me for dinner to discuss more about Azeroth."

I shook my head, "No – I still need to finish debriefing my team on tomorrows' mission. Thank you for the offer, though."

He nodded, "I guess I'll see you tomorrow then…"

I watched as he walked away and looked back to the group, "As I was saying; we will need to cross the bridge, head to the tower and make our way to the 15th floor. From there, we will overlook the whole damn battlefield – the signal will be easily spotted."

"Can we at least join the battle after?" Sereda asked.

"No – orders are to stay there and wait. A second signal will go up if we are allowed to join but that's more of a… 'We're losing, get out' signal." I shrugged.

"Tomorrow at noon is when we plan to begin the battle. When Duncan leaves us all at that time, we will have about two hours. Remember you are all Wardens – and I will not have my unit doing anything dishonorable. Lok'tar – Victory."

One of the other Wardens in the camp came over. She looked furious, her short blonde hair swaying as her green eyes flashed.

"Just who do you think you are? You're a new warden – you're at the bottom of the food chain. You don't get to give orders!"

Duncan began to speak, catching the womans notice. When I motioned, he stopped. This made the woman confused.

"I am General Atarah Stormlight – your new field-commander. I'm also a diplomat here at Cailans Welcome. I was given complete control of this unit of 5 Wardens. Do you want to readdress me, or do you wish to verify my claims first?"

She looked at Duncan who nodded. She paled, "I… I'm sorry commander. I didn't realize…"

"And that's the only reason I'm not tearing you a new one, ensign. Next time, it would be best for you to check your facts before acting."

"Y-yes, Ser." She slunk off. I sat to enjoy my… meal? I set it back down – no way was I eating that slop. I reached into the pouch that Inas had given me – the glorious asshole had filled it with food.

I began making myself a spiced Falcosaur omelet with roasted Paleo steak, Foosaka, river onion and a hint of musken-butter. The others were all watching.

"What… is that made of? It looks delicious…" Lyna asked. I laughed and told her.

"What is a Falcosaur?"

I drew a highly detailed one in the dirt. "Makers' breath… that thing looks like it would eat us alive!" Daylen commented.

"It totally would too. They're about 8 or 9 feet tall – meaning bigger than a Qunari."

"Yikes. And those feathers… can it fly?"

"No, Aedan – it cannot. But I do have a large fox mount that can…" I flushed at the looks I received.

"What? It's not as weird as the flying pig!" I said. Alistair snorted, "I guess I'll have to put that dress on after all. I believe I once told someone I would dress as a girl when pigs could fly."

The others all laughed.

"I have a flying stone dog too." I smirked. "That I have to see," Duncan snorted. I let out 7 short whistles in rapid succession, drawing all kinds of looks.

My Imperial Quilen appeared beside me. He was 10 foot at the shoulder with green jade 'fur' and grey stone body. He wore a saddle and armor. I saw Loghain and Cailan watching us from across the camp in shock.

"Sylvain, meet my crew – crew, this is Sylvain. I rescued him when we took down the Mogu in Pandaria. He's been mine since."

Duncan slowly approached. Sylvain gave him a look and nodded his head. I grinned, "The Quilen can sense worth in people. If one is worthy in the same way the Quilens master is, they will befriend you."

Duncan reached out and set his hand on the giant stone creature. I sat back down to finish my omelet and Syl plopped to the ground. Loghain came over, "What is that?"

"My Quilen, Sylvain. Noble creatures – with high honor."

Cailan looked excited, "How did it get here?"

"Each mount is trained to respond to a specific set of whistles. I have over 400 mounts so imagine the amount of whistles I needed to learn. When not in use, the mounts are happily enjoying time in a void stable. That's a fairly new development – only beginning at my suggestion when the Void was taken control of by the Void-Elves."

"Amazing! What other types of mounts do you have?" Cailan sounded so adorable – like a child in a candy shop.

"Dinosaurs, horses, foxes, giant cats… you name it." I grinned.

Loghain snorted, "If I could name anything – I'd name a Griffon."

I winked at him, "Maybe I do have one or two of those… I guess you'd have to find out, wouldn't you?"

"You are toying with me." He glared.

I shrugged, "Can you blame me? If I did have Griffons, they'd be highly coveted here – I understand they're extinct, yes?"

"Well… I suppose that's true," Loghain sighed. "I won't say yes or no – due to that alone."

"Right, well… I'm going to bed. I suggest you all do the same," Duncan nodded. I waved my hand at Sylvain who nodded his head and vanished.

I pulled Alistair aside for one last thing.

"So… you told Duncan to tell me about my mother… thank you for that. Though… I guess this means that the woman I thought was my sister, isn't."

I shook my head, "Trust me, that's for the best – from what I know of this Goldanna woman, she's no more than a gold digger. She won't like you at all… but if you want, we can still meet her."

He flinched and sighed, "Well… good to know that now then… but I think I would like to meet her at some point. Anything else I should know?"

"How do you feel about getting your ear pierced?"

"Um… what?"

I showed him Duncans' earring and said, "Mister Commander gave me this for you – it was his, now it's yours. I can make it into something else for you or I can stab you – your choice."

"This… it's Duncans? I mean… why?"

I gave him a look, "He told you about his… coming up, right? You love him – like the father you never had, so I… asked him."

Alistair looked stunned and nodded, "Uh… stab me then – I mean…"

I grinned, "I know what you mean, Alistair. Lean down and stay as still as possible."

He did and I used my fire element to heat the earrings sharp edge before swiftly stabbing him in the ear. I then used swiftmend to heal him at once.

He hissed in pain before smiling at me, "Thank you, Atarah."

I nodded, "Don't tell the others I played favorites – I'll deny it."

He laughed and nodded.

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 Warden regiment, 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 a regiment 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 used energy arrows from my special bow. When they were all dead, I ordered, "Daylen, focus on healing spells. Lyna, you get to shoot the Hurlock archers. Alistair, Sereda – focus on the Genlock warriors. Aedan and mage 2, the Hurlocks with pointy weapons need killing. I will take care of any and all magic wielding darkspawn and ogres. If we come across Shrieks, I want Mage two and Sereda to change targets. Do I make myself clear?"

The new mage was flushed and said, "My name is Gary."

"Gary it is, now… am I clear?"

"Ser, yes Ser!" Alistair saluted and I rolled my eyes as we moved past the first room. I held a hand up to halt them all when we got to a choke point and said, "Everyone waits here for my signal."

I went into cat form and used prowl. I began killing all the Darkspawn in the room as I came out of stealth. I heard battle from outside the room knew that there had been three that had been coming around – the others made quick work of them.

I told them to focus on looting as we moved ahead – handing my void-bag to Aedan to hold for anything we might need.

So far, we had replenished the stock of Arrows on Lyna, replaced Gary's staff when it broke, found a few gift-able items and even some more health poultices. Money wasn't an issue since my Void-Storage had more than 1,000,000 gold… yeah, I was rich.

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 Aedan 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 Lyna 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 mentally calculated, "No – by my estimation, we still have 4 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 Lyna, "Light that fire; I'll get the attention of dumb and ugly. Alistair, Aedan and Sereda – help me kill that thing. Gary, Daylen, heals are a priority. 2 minutes until the signal starting… now!" I shouted as I loosed an arrow at the ogres' leg. Lyna moved swiftly and silently with a lit piece of wood I handed to her. She made it to the signal with 30 seconds left.

The Ogre fell when I put a final bolt of pure energy directly in his eye and shouted, "Light it now!" on its way down, the Ogres horn cut through Alistairs shoulder and down his chest; ripping his warden armor. I cast swiftmend, but couldn't immediately tend to it.

Without hesitation, Lyna threw the torch on the beacon and we all rushed to the window to look out over the battlefield.

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. "Loghain is sounding a retreat."

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

The others all looked at me, and Aedan asked, "What do we do, Atarah?"

I bit my lip and encased the room in ice, "We wait – the Darkspawn will try to get through my defenses, but we aren't going to let them. Remember what I told Flemeth? She's on her way here now to save us."

Gary looked at me in horror, "You're a mage?"

"I'm more than a mage – but that isn't what matters no…" my words were cut off as an arrow pierced his head. My head snapped to the side and I saw the Spawn had made a hole in my ice. I reinforced the wall and looked over at the mage, "Well… I can't bring back the dead. Everyone keep an eye – you see a hole, tell me… we don't need more dead."

It wasn't long before help arrived in the form of a Dragon – Flemeth.

When she looked around and saw us all, alive and mostly unhurt, she looked impressed, "Well… looks like I wasn't needed here, after all."

"I have no idea where I'm going by air – we needed a guide." I let out a series of whistles, calling for 5 flying mounts before taking my own unique flight form – a spectral dragon-hawk.

If Blood Elves had been able to be druids; that had been the theme with each of my first 4 forms. My cat form was a fucking Lynx; my bear form was ghost bear – ghostlands – my water form was a type of mana-wyrm/eel hybrid. My original flight form was just a regular Dragon Hawk; it only changed to spectral when I was allowed to see the Sunwell for the first time. A droplet of water from the well – no bigger than a pebble – had risen from the well and shot to my forehead. All my forms had gone spectral – as well as any new ones I'd learned since then.

My step father, Lor'themar, had theorized that the Sunwell had claimed me – just as Elune had. It was from then on that no one faction of elf held a claim on me. I was allowed to roam. Yes, I was still alienated, but I wasn't openly attacked anymore.

The mounts flew behind me, all following their mistress as I followed Flemeth.