Chapter Thirty-Three

Fort of a Thousand Vigils

It took us a week to get there – and as promised, Alistair kept Duncan and his guards half a day behind. Mhairi, Lyna and I used some of my mounts. I had let Mhairi use my Griffon, Nia – it was her last day alive after all, though she didn't know it. Lyna was given a mana-saber and I chose to use my fox mount.

When the three of us arrived, I saw hope flash in the eyes of the man we approached. My hair had become my iconic feature; everyone knew they could identify me by my purple hair – or my longer than 'normal' elf ears.

"Your… your worship! Thank the maker you and the Lady Commander have arrived."

Lyna took point, "Where are the other Wardens?"

"I…" the man glanced behind him in fear, "There was someone right behind me; a mage, I think. He might have been a Warden but… I don't know. All I heard were screams and people dying. I got out as fast as I could, but ran into these…" he looked ill as he glanced at the three Darkspawn corpses beside him before continuing, "Please – you need to help them! You need to do something."

I nodded, "We plan to, don't worry. The Kings' caravan is half a day behind us – nothing will get past us, so make use of these bandages and wait here in case other people make it to you."

He looked so relieved as he took the bandages, "Yes, your worship; of course."

I was never going to get used to that… I really hoped that didn't mean I was supposed to… no, of course not – no way was I going to the conclave.

Mhairi spoke to Lyna, "We don't seem to have a lot of time, commander."

Lyna looked at me, "The Darkspawn seem to have launched a surprise attack, Tara – how?"

Mhairi looked worried as she rambled, "The blight is over – how… how are they so organized?"

I sighed, "Why are we standing around when we have things to kill and people to save? We will have answers then – I refuse to stall too long and risk my son and King Alistair getting here before we clear the place."

Lyna nodded, "Let's go then."

Mhairi nodded, "Of course, your worship…"

"It's Tara, damnit – or general."

She coughed but nodded.

We fought our way through the courtyard and grounds – killing every 'spawn' that we came across and saving as many people as possible. I'd made sure to get the aid supplies to the people too.

When we got to the keep and rushed passed the gates, Mhairi looked horrified by burning dead bodies hanging on the ramparts. She almost threw up before saying, "This is unbelievable! The keep has been completely overwhelmed. How did the Wardens not sense the Darkspawn coming? I don't understand."

I sighed, "There were only about a dozen Joined Wardens, right? Well, this force would have decimated that number. Not to mention, there are like 2 or 3 spawn in the group that can't be sensed – they were at the front of the charge."

That was when the shrieks attacked us.

When they were dead, Lyna noticed the door to the gatehouse was barricaded from the other side. I motioned to the opposite direction and said, "There's a way around if we go that way… coming?"

Both women nodded and followed me.

The moment we rushed through the door, we saw my favorite Circle escapee… Anders! He was 5'8, with his blond shoulder-length hair tied back, a gold earring, brown eyes and a strong jaw covered in tan-gold stubble. He was quite cute but… well, I had Alistair and Cullen – no way could this guy live up to that. He was a player during Awakening from what I knew – and when compared to his sweet future self, well… there was no compare.

He was frying a Hurlock when we got to him, and I giggled as he waved his hands like in the game while turning toward us.

"Er… I didn't do it? Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm not beaten up about them dying, to be perfectly honest. Biff there made the funniest gurgle when he went down."

"Not too fond of them, I take it?" I asked, amused. Mhairi looked disturbed.

"Oh, I know. Most people enjoy being kicked in the head to be woken up each morning. Me? I'm just so picky." I laughed again and Anders gave me a wink.

"You may call me Anders, my deal lady. I'm a Mage, and sadly a wanted Apostate."

"An Apostate… at Vigils Keep?" Mhairi asked looking stunned. She no longer looked at Anders in disgust however, after his mention of being kicked.

"You weren't here when we arrived. I'm quite sure I would have remembered a lovely woman such as yourself," he gave me a mock bow as he flirted, "We were just stopping by on our way back to the tower, actually. Just a short rest, they said… now they're dead. Shame."

"Templars who abuse the ones they are supposed to protect or 'apprehend' deserve no less," I shrugged. Anders grinned at me.

"Well, tell you what, I'll help you and we can discuss what comes later…once all the bastards are put down, yes?"

"We'd love you to join us, Anders. Oh, I think I saw a cat around here… if we find it, do you think you could make sure it's okay?" I smiled.

Lyna looked confused, "What – the Tabby cat that ran past us a while ago? It looked fine to me and Darkspawn don't usually go for animals, do they?"

"I'm sure the fur ball is safe from that… I just worry that it had its tail stepped on or something." I pouted at her – that's when she understood… because Anders said, "There's a cat… oh I do hope it's okay…"

Lyna nodded, "It should be fine – but the sooner we clear the keep the sooner we can find and check on the cat…"

Mhairi looked so lost, poor girl.

"Mhairi… if my Intel is correct," Lyna snorted – thankfully only my people and the Chantry higher-ups knew I was a seer. Loghain had been saying it at the Landsmeet, but I don't think anyone actually payed attention to him. At least… no one had called me on it, "Then Oghren should be around here somewhere… did you happen to meet a surly red-haired dwarf who always seems to be drunk?"

"Him… yes, he was here when I left. I don't like him much though."

"Then we should find him soon. He survived the blight, no way is this gonna kill him," I sighed.

We found him… drunkenly hacking away at darkspawn in a room not far down the hall.

We also found 5 survivors and after a quick heal from me, we sent them out the way we came – the path was cleared after all.

He saw us and blinked for a moment. "Aha! There you are. When these darkspawn showed up I thought, 'just you wait until the new commander gets here and you'll all be spitting teeth out your arses!' Followed the screaming and sure enough, here ya are. Good on you," I snorted. "Doubting your eyes, heh? I get like that after the fifth bottle or so. Came here thinking I might try my hand at becoming a bona fide Grey Warden."

"I can't believe the wardens didn't kick him out," Mhairi muttered.

"Heh hey! If it isn't the recruit with the great rack," Oghren said leaning against the bannister.

"Yes. A prize for the Wardens, I'm sure." Mhairi shot back.

"I know, I know too good to be true, right? Hey… who's the mage? Boyfriend? Should I leave you two alone?" Oghren asked though he directed it at me, not Mhairi.

"Woooow, a dwarf that smells like a brewery. You never see those anywhere," Anders snarked causing me to chuckle when Oghren replied, "Heh, a Mage comedian, thought those usually dies young."

Lyna was trying hard to cover her laughter, so I stepped in, "One: Anders, he is a brewer and he makes some damn good ale. Two: Oghren… you know there are risks to the Joining, right?"

He scoffed, "There are risks to getting up to take a piss in the morning, Tara. I piss on risks."

Anders snorted, "I'm sure risk appreciates that."

Oghren smirked at me, "Well, we can talk about that later. Right now, there are more darkspawn around in sore need of a beheading!"

Lyna nodded, "I do love killing what your ex-wife tried to tame."

Oghren and I laughed. I said, "Oh, Lyna – you kill me. Now, shall we?"

"Yes, let's go introduce some Darkspawn arses to my foot. Only polite thing to do," Oghren grinned as I laughed.

Even Anders laughed at that one.

When we found Rowland half-dead in a hallway after raising the gates and… Dwarkin blowing things up. I think I liked that Dwarf and the Engineers in Azeroth would adore him to pieces…

Rowland was so close to death, I couldn't save him if I used my damn blessing – which was too intimate to allow. It was meant to only be used between me and those I cared for – family, lovers and children kind of thing… because of the feelings it invoked when shared.

Rowland groaned and looked up as we came upon him, "M-Mhairi? Is that… you?"

"Rowland! General, Commander… Rowland was a knight recruited from Denerim like me. We must do something…"

Lyna looked to me and I sighed as Anders said, "He looks beyond healing. Maybe a shot of whisky for the pain?"

Oghren grunted in approval, "I like the way you think. Tara, anything you can do, or should I hand him my flask?"

Rowland looked at us in shock as his eyes landed on me, "The… chosen…"

I bowed my head, "Anders is right – even I can do nothing for him. Forgive me, Rowland. I should have come sooner… if only I hadn't been weak from birthing…"

Rowland gave me a pained smile, "We only had but a moments warning before they were on us, Worship. The seneschal ordered a counter-attack, but they came out of nowhere. There is one with them – a darkspawn who talks; his magic… is powerful."

Oghren looked at me, "A talking Darkspawn? The lad must be delirious."

"All emissaries can speak – they just prefer not to. But the one who attacked is more like a fanatic follower." Anders looked sick at my words.

"There's… something in my blood… maker, help me – it hurts!"

"I can ease the pain. You will still die – but it will be less painful."

He nodded and I cast the detox on him, cleansing the taint within him. He looked so relieved and Mhairi shot me a grateful look, mouthing her thanks.

Rowland spoke one last time, "It was my greatest honor to meet you, your worship. I wish I could have… fought at… your side… just once…" his words slurred and slowed.

His head fell to the side and he gave a last breath. Mhairi bowed her head, "We will avenge you, Rowland – I swear it."

She thanked me for easing his pain as she stood and we headed off again. By the time we reached the last point of the invasion, Mhairi looked so determined to kill the Withered that she was growling.

We heard the talking as the Withered kicked one of two men off the battlements. After he turned to look at the second man whom was being held by another darkspawn.

Varel was 5'10, white hair that was kept neat, grey eyes that spoke of wisdom and hardship, and darkened skin from days in the sun.

The withered looked like a tall human with black, yellowed and grey skin – late decay, in other words. Its eyes were surrounded by red paint and the eyes themselves were cloudy. This Voldemort look-alike had no nose or lips to cover the teeth it had. And it wore chainmail armor while carrying an axe.

It spoke to Varel, "Be taking this one, gently. We are wishing no more death than necessary."

Varel scoffed, "Necessary? As if your kind has ever done anything else!"

"You are thinking you know our kind, human? It is understandable, but that will soon be changed."

"Others will come, creature. They will stop you."

The Withered looked at us, "It seems your words are true; more than you are guessing."

Anders pointed, "Wow! It is talking!"

"Well let's shut it up, already!" Oghren called out. Varel saw me and shouted, "Commander, your worship!"

The withered looked confused, "Worship?"

"Oh – I guess that's me, then. Alright, withered – let's talk."

"You are knowing my name?"

"Oh… I thought it was a title, but yeah. I'll give you one chance to let my man there go and allow you to return to the Architect – or I will kill you here and now."

"You are knowing my master – then you are knowing my orders."

"That's not an answer, Withered." Lyna said. The Darkspawn shook his head. I decided to try detoxing the Darkspawn.

It screamed in agony as it fell to its knees. I walked leisurely up to the creature while Lyna attacked the one holding Varel. "I gave you a chance – I know for a fact you misunderstood the orders of the Architect, Withered. He wanted a parley, not an attack. He wanted to talk. Pity, you will now die having failed your mission and your master."

The withered looked horrified as I took his head.

I looked over the battlements, "Those are the Kings soldiers' and caravans – looks like Alistair arrives just as we finish here. Let's go greet him, yeah? I want to hold my son."

Varel looked stunned as I just turned and walked away from the corpse at my feet after setting it on fire.

"Looks like I missed the party. Too bad, I rather miss the whole darkspawn killing thing."

"King Alistair," Mhairi knelt.

I smiled and took Duncan direct from Alistairs' arms as he grinned at me. "This is what happens when I trail behind you, love – you get all the fun."

I shot him a look, "Be happy for that – Duncan is safe."

He nodded, "Yes, he is. Though he was not happy when you left ahead of us last night."

Alistair sighed, "I certainly wasn't expecting this. What's the situation?" he caught my smirk and shot me an amused look.

"What Darkspawn remained have fled, Your Majesty. The Grey Wardens who had arrived from Orlais appear to be either dead or missing." Seneschal Varel replied.

"Missing? As in, taken by the darkspawn? Do they even do that?" Alistair asked. I could hear the nerves in his voice so I reached up and grabbed his face, pulling him to look at me.

"Look at me, love. These 'spawn may be different, but we will take care of it."

"And how about you, my love? You weren't badly hurt, I see," he asked in a soft voice.

Lyna laughed causing the others to all look at her as though she were crazy. I grinned at her, "Lyna is right – as if any mere mortal creature could harm me. I've got the moon protecting me."

Alistair chuckled, "I fell in love with an Indestructible Goddess. I am such a lucky man. You have quite the task ahead of you. Really, I'd love to stay and help, but as you know, I'm needed in the Bannorn. You're on your own for the moment." He looked sad that he couldn't stay.

"Hey, what am I; chopped nug liver?" Oghren groused.

"From the smell, that's not a bad guess," Anders smirked, causing Alistair, Lyna and I to laugh. I saw Shana was at Alistair's side so I leaned down and gave her a scratch. I had assigned her to looking after Duncan and Alistair – and she seemed quite content with the pup.

Oghren grumped, "I came here to join the Grey Wardens and from the looks of things, you could use the extra hands. Where's that cup – I'll gargle and spit!"

Lyna lost it as she said, "You're not allowed to spit, Oghren."

"Heh – that's what I always say."

"Your Majesty, beware! This man is a dangerous criminal," Templar Rylock said. She was nearly as tall as Alistair with black hair done in buns, brown eyes, and… she looked older than the game implied. Early 60s if my guess was right.

"Oh, the dwarf is a bit of an ass, but I wouldn't go that far…" I sniggered.

"She means me," Anders sighed, and I stepped between him and Rylock as she snarled, "This is an apostate who we were in the process of bringing back to the circle to face justice."

Anders sighed, "Oh, please – the things you people know about justice would fit in a thimble. I'd just escape again anyhow."

"Never! I will see you hang for what you've done here, murderer."

"Hey! He didn't kill those Templars – the Darkspawn did. I'm sorry, Templar, but this man is being conscripted into the Grey Wardens on my order. If you want him you'll have to fight your way out," I glared at her.

"Oh, in that case… In front of these witnesses I hereby invoke the Rite of Conscription on the Mage Anders," Lyna said.

"What? Never!" Rylock cried.

"I believe the Grey Wardens still retain the Rite of Conscription, no? Besides, The Makers Chosen is standing between you and… Anders, so there must be a reason. I will allow it," Alistair said coldly, picking up on my severe dislike of Rylock.

"If… if your Majesty and her worship feels it is best," She bit out before stalking off.

"Me? A Grey Warden? I guess that will work!" Anders smiled at me.

"Well… if you have everything under control, I will need to take my leave. I hate having you do this love… it would be so much more interesting if you stayed at court," Alistair grinned at me.

"I'm sure the Bannorn could wait just one more night? Stay… just the night. I mean…"

He chuckled, "Convince me." My new group looked stunned but I grinned.

"I promise to teleport over and visit you as often as possible if you do…"

"Hmm… well it is pretty late. Secure the area, we'll leave at dawn!" he commanded. Lyna was sniggering as she said, "You do know how to get your way, Lethallan."

"Let's all go see… the prisoner that gave your men a hard time before we arrived." I stuck out my tongue. Varel flinched, "Shouldn't we perform the Joining on these three first?"

"No – there is fourth, I just need to talk to him first."

"You intend to have that man conscripted?" Varel asked. I shrugged, "I need to talk to him first."

Alistair started laughing, "Third time you've said it, maybe people will listen now?"

We all headed to the 'dungeon'. I made a motion, causing everyone to stay back while I approached the cells with my son in my arms. Nathaniel was 6' even, cropped black hair, green eyes…he was 30, I knew that much.

The guard ranted to me but I shot him a look, "Enough. Shoo, guardsman – I need a private moment."

The guard sputtered but Lyna came forward and dragged him away. Nathaniel came to the bars looking at me in confusion, but still snarked.

"Well, if it isn't the great hero; conqueror of the Blight, Vanquisher of evil and chosen of the Maker… aren't you supposed to be 10 feet tall with lightning bolts shooting from your eyes?"

"Gods, don't I wish? That would beat being half that height with a god complex, anyway. I suppose you're trying to insult me, but honestly, I think you're cute and funny."

I heard Alistair coughing – more like choking on air. Nate gave me a puzzled look and said, "Somehow, I thought the one who ordered my fathers' death would be… more impressive. I mean, we've all heard the stores by now – calling shadows, making portals and turning into a Dragon… I'm Nathaniel Howe. My family owned these lands until you showed up. Do you even remember my father?"

"Oh, I never had the unfortunate displeasure to meet him. Your sister, however, is quite lovely and married with a son on the way. No, I didn't order his death – Aedan Cousland took justice for the unjust massacre of his family. Your sister will tell you just how bad that man had gotten to be. People change, Nathaniel; and you've been in the Marches for… what? 8 years – 9?"

He blinked in shock, "You know my sister?"

"Not personally – though, I know she's in amaranthine if you wish to see her after the Joining?"

"The… you're conscripting me?"

"Would it be so bad if it resulted in you seeing the only family you have left?"

"I… I came here thinking I was going to try and kill you. I even started to lay a trap… but… then I thought about how I didn't have family and… all I wanted was some of my families' things. It's all I had left, I thought…"

Alistair was growling, "He was going to…"

"Shut up, love." I said. Nate jerked in shock as he finally noticed the king. He looked at me in slight amusement, "You're very forward with the king."

"He loves me, so I can get away with it – I wouldn't suggest trying it yourself. You know… your father would have done what he did without the Blight – at the first opportunity, he would have killed Bryce and Eleanor and Fergus… Aedan was lucky to get out alive. Bryce only dealt with Orlais on Cailans orders – and your father knew that, but decided to claim that Bryce was a traitor. He could have spared Oriana and Oren – Fergus' wife and child – but instead, they were the first of the family to die so that the Teyrn and his wife lost some moral to fight. Delilah will tell you herself how bad Rendon was, I swear it to you. If she tells you different, I will allow you to leave with anything you wish despite going through the joining."

He looked suspicious, "You will? And why is that?"

"The sins of the Father are not the sins of the son, Nate. My own father was titled The Betrayer if that tells you anything. Yet after many years, he was called Jailor and that title overrode Betrayer. He redeemed himself. You are a good man, but Aedan was… think of how you feel and apply that to him 4 fold. Because unlike you, he was so close to his family and he personally saw the bodies of his sister-in-law and nephew. He barely escaped with his life. Can you understand that? Alistair granted one boon to each of the Wardens who ended the blight – Lyna asked for land, Sereda asked for aid, Daylen asked for the Circle to be self-governed, and Aedan asked that the Howe family pay for Rendons' crimes. Alistair couldn't have refused that one request when all eyes were on him."

Nate sighed, "You're right. Logically, I know that."

"Emotions don't listen to Logic, Nate. But I will give you one choice. Let us conscript you, have a chance to talk to your sister and if it doesn't work out you walk away with family heirlooms… or, walk out now. Leave with nothing and swear not to come back."

He flinched. I know my words seemed harsh, but… I needed him in the Wardens. He nodded, "I will join… but only until I talk to Delilah. If she says father was a good man and you allowed him to die… I won't stay."

I smiled, "That's all I ask. Let's go take care of the joining then."

In the keep, Alistair held Duncan as we watched Lyna and Varel perform the Joining. The accountant that the First Warden sent watched me with interest; I knew she would report all my doings to her boss when he arrived in two days to meet with me. Alistair had both of our Joining Amulets so that he still felt like a Warden to even the oldest of them.

First was Oghren – and yes, he actually was the only one not to pass out during the Joining. Then, Anders took his sip with success. Mhairi died as the third participant – Nathaniel cried out when she was pronounced dead. I gave him a sad look but he just kept eye contact with me as he sipped the blood. He lived, of course.

After, I had several guards haul them to their rooms in the family and guest wing. I had been given the master bedroom for my stay – Lyna would move into it when I left.