Chapter Thirteen

Battle of Redcliff

"What's the plan?" Aedan asked.

"Aedan, Alistair, Lyna, Sereda, Lelianna, my sons and Morrigan, you'll go with the soldiers to the main path to guard from that force. Sten, Wynne, Anduin, Zev, Inas, Jaina, Daylen 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," 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."

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 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 walked beside me, "You plan to allow Alistair to court you… but you wouldn't let me?"

"Okay – to be fair, you never tried to court me, Anduin. You just wanted me to marry you, and I still have no idea why. Also, I don't plan to marry him."

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?"

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."

Jaina bit her lip and Wynne said, "And in Azeroth you never…?"

"My last Ex is now my sister-in-law… take that as you will."

Inas flushed, "Speaking of, she sends her love…"

I chuckled, "I fully expect to see that baby when he or she is born."

"Of course!" he smiled.

Anduin finally replied to me, "Was it ever really about the throne?"

"Honestly? I really am that selfish – I can't be queen to people who hated me for so long. But even without the throne… I had already vowed that the next real relationship I have would have to have romance. I was… I am so tired of feeling like love isn't in the cards for me."

Sten also finally said something, "Kadan… I have a question about your first life."

"Speak it," I nodded. We had just reached our location. I raised my head to Murdock who nodded his. I glanced at the Chantry roof and saw Berwick. Lloyd looked nervous by the fire.

"In your first life… was there this… romance, you speak of?"

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, Bellisima!" 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 folk 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, Lady 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'.

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.

My sons seemed to get giddy as we made our way toward the Tavern. I shot them amused looks.

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 sons have taken a real liking to you. Do you wish to leave with them? They are about to go now, so…"

She bit her lip and looked at them. "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." Asthan said.

Alstus grinned, "And it would be our distinct pleasure to foot that bill."

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

"What? You can't…" he saw the serious looks my boys 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 our Alchemy shop… and the only place to get a decent drink is the Inn… why not open your own bar?" Asthan asked.

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

I snorted, "If my sons don'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 they all went through to Dalaran. When I closed it, I noticed the stunned looks from the patrons. "What?" I asked.

"How… how…?" Lloyd stammered.

"Magic – duh." And we left.

"So… you're a Duchess and bloody rich?" Zevran asked.

"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!" I defended. Alistair laughed, "I think we're all 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 sons up with a woman after meeting them for the first time?"

"Why not? They liked her, she liked them… it was a win-win."

"How is that going to work?" Daylen asked. "They're twins – they share most things. It wouldn't be the first time they did that either. They had a woman before; Jenny was her name – a blood elf woman who was completely in love with them. It's about time they moved on from her – she was killed a few years back. This was their first time showing interest in a new life-partner."

"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 Duchess Atarah Stormlight – General to the King of Azeroth and 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, Aedan, Alistair and… Wynne – you all come with me. The rest of you, wait with Ser Perth on the castle bridge."

The five of us entered the tunnel, and I heard the 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?"

"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."

"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 have a deal going and she's already working on her end."

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.

We did find Valena after navigating the main floor of the castle for a damned hour – it was a maze and had almost as much overall floor space as the Tower did.

I began shooting arrows the second we were in the courtyard – and 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 potential Warden Recruit now."

"What?" Teagan and Isolde exclaimed. I shook my head, "Nothing is official. Lyna, use this time to evaluate him and make a decision. I will have him recruited if you say so. Sten, I want you to keep an eye on Jowan – he's a blood mage, after all. 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 Wynne – 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 two 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."