Plans to Keep Denerim Less Bloody

Flemeth's dragon had flown over Denerim weeks ago. The meeting this day was to put those daily conferences into a final plan. They had just spent hours hashing out defense plans for the areas surrounding Denerim. All good ideas were set to be implemented or had already been implemented. So far, bad ones had been dismissed, to Elle's mind. Many of the bad ideas ... such as everyone should just flee to the Free Marches ... came from Franderel.

She prayed to the Maker that Franderel's idea wouldn't ultimately turn out to be the best idea.

"You realize that Loghain will just walk in and change all our plans when he gets here," Bann Franderel said with a sigh as he finished his glass of wine. "Bloody man has to always have his way."

Elle had a headache that would need a miracle to cure ... and Franderel wasn't helping. She feared she might explode. On a suggestion from Loghain and Duncan, Cailan had put Elle in charge of communications, which she was working on setting up in Highever House. Anora had suggested that the Palace would be the wrong place for the communications personnel ... too many potential spies in the Palace. Elle knew Anora was still sensitive about that whole Erlina situation, so she readily agreed to it.

Ramara had two warden mages who could shapeshift into birds. They put Elle's communications center on their route to keep Denerim and the Palace informed. Nothing was in operation yet, but it was getting close.

To Franderel's comment, Cailan laughed in his politic way. "Many times, it does seem that way with Loghain, doesn't it, Franderel? However, I think he'll see that we've made a solid start!" He motioned toward Ramara. "And, Ramara received confirmation that he is on his way here, so we'll soon know."

Ramara turned to Valendrian. "Our new Alienage wardens have not left for Ostagar yet. We will place them to guard the elves, wherever they go."

Franderel frowned. "Allowing elves to walk freely about Denerim with weapons … what have we come to."

That did it for Elle. Varric would later tell the tale of the seismic shift in Ferelden's noble attitudes after her speech.

Elle stood up and leaned her fists against the table … training one of her deadly glares at Franderel. In her most scary and quiet voice, she said, "What have we come to? That is a most interesting question from just the latest failure in a long line of failures who have allowed the decline of Calenhad's first bastion. I realize that nothing can be done now, but I believe this needs to be said now. Instead of rebuilding and growing West Hill, it lies dormant. Indeed, I hear that people actually fear to tread its many, many empty hallways and rooms." Her frown deepened. "Except for the Orlesian soldiers in the lower basements who had to be routed by troops who were heading for Lothering. Thank the Maker we've been able to stop Orlais' ill-advised attempt and send them scuttling back to Orlais. May they kill each other off. So, we lost more of our defenses because you let your charge slide so far into disrepair. Don't deny it. I've recently seen it myself."

"Bryce, please keep your whelp silent. She has no …" Franderel started.

Surprisingly, Cailan looked pretty upset by what Elle had just said. It was why Elle had included the mention of the hidden Orlesians. She had learned well how to incite passion from listening to her father all those years.

Cailan cut off Franderel ... and Bryce's potentially heated response. "Franderel, I would be interested to hear where Lady Cousland is going with this."

"As would I," Duncan said as he entered the room with Morrigan following him.

Elle spared a warm smile for them both. "So good to see you again, Warden-Commander. Morrigan." She motioned to two empty chairs. After Duncan and Morrigan sat down, Elle continued, "I mention West Hill because it should be a secure fallback if the worst should befall Denerim, Amaranthine or Highever. It ... is ... not. We have one less vital citadel in our defenses." She took a deep, calming breath. "However, the real question is: HOW have we gotten where we are? Quite simply, complacency. Maric and Loghain had run out the Orlesians so we have nothing else to worry about, yes? Well, apparently that mindset was very, very wrong ... because we do have a lot of things to worry about!

"Until recently, I, too, must admit to being guilty of complacency. I was so mired in my daily duties, sticking to schedules that I had maintained for many years. I had to be asked about the status of Delilah Howe to realize that I had not seen her for over a YEAR. One of my dearest friends. In my desire to maintain the status quo, I had not taken the time to ride to the Vigil for a visit … in over a year. As most of you know, by the time I did visit, I found her locked in the North Tower, awaiting execution by her own father's mercenaries."

"Was there ever any proof that he ordered those mercenaries to destroy the Vigil or did they just take it upon themselves?" Arl Wulff asked.

"Seneschal Varel testified that Rendon Howe ordered the mercenaries to destroy as much as they could … and leave no one alive. It was corroborated by Captain Flewell, once a member of the Flint Company, and now in the employ of the Arling." Bryce frowned. "Rendon knew his daughter and son would be there at the time of the destruction."

"Maker's Breath," Wulff said as he reached over to squeeze his daughter's hand. "What have we come to, indeed, Lady Cousland."

"I say we ALL need to follow the motto of the Grey Wardens: In War, Victory. In Peace, Vigilance. In Death, Sacrifice. Ferelden is ours to make or destroy. We can follow in the footsteps of Orlais and satisfy excess over vigilance …" Elle said with a pointed glare toward Franderel, "or we can remain Fereldan." She turned her glare to a forced smile toward Bann Franderel, whose face could not be more red. "Once the Wardens have defeated the Archdemon, imagine the magnificent bastion you could create, Bann Franderel. West Hill could be … and should be … a monument to Calenhad's beginning." She motioned toward Cailan. "A line that remains unbroken in Ferelden."

Elle had noticed Anora narrowing her eyes, but she was surprised at the Queen's response. "Once the Blight is over, the Crown will want to work with you to do just that in West Hill, Bann Franderel. If we have any funds left, the Crown will give Teyrn Cousland the coin to administer to you."

Bryce didn't let that go. "Of course, Highever will aid you, Franderel. Since it was her bright idea, I would assign the restoration to my daughter to administer."

"See here, Bryce! I'll not so easily hand over West Hill to a girl!" Franderel stood, walked to a sideboard and poured another glass of wine, sloshing it all over the floor and Anora's new Antivan hand-knotted carpet. "If you want to waste the Crown's gold to restore that crumbling rock pile, so be it, but I must insist on administering the budget myself."

"No doubt to be used to buy more art, to be warehoused at your estate here in Denerim. You're drunk," Oswyn Sighard said. "And, you're an embarrassment, Franderel." He turned to Bryce. "As much as I would enjoy continuing this enlightening conversation ... and know that I concur with Elle completely, I move that we table further discussion of what to do with West Hill until after the Blight. Elle has stated that she realizes nothing can be done at this moment."

When Franderel turned a smirk toward Elle, Oswyn's father added, "However, we shall take it up at that time, Franderel. I also agree with Lady Cousland's assessment of our situation. Our lack of vigilance in our own lands has allowed the Orlesians to attempt to overtake us during a time of Blight. And, further, I suggest the Crown continue to support Elle's communications network after the Blight is over. We need to know what's going on in our country." He beamed at his son and sent a warm smile toward Elle, Wulff's daughter Cirene, Cailan and Anora. "Thank the Maker for our next generation." Then, his smile turned to an embarrassed grimace toward Duncan. "However, lack of expedient assistance to our Grey Wardens has also allowed the Archdemon to beat a path right to our capital, right through the Bannorn, the very heart of our country."

Duncan stood and cleared his throat. "I believe that may be my cue, my lords and ladies." After clearing the table, Duncan laid out a recently annotated map of the country. "First Warden Rodrigo sent to Weisshaupt for any maps of the Deep Roads under Ferelden. We await any Weisshaupt may send us." He took a deep breath. "However, these are the ones we have now and I believe they illustrate the danger well enough. As you can see, with very little variation, there seems to be a direct underground road toward Denerim."

"The dwarves used to do a lot of commerce with the Alamarri a few centuries ago. Gwaren and someplace on the Storm Coast ... to name a couple. It stands to reason they'd have an outpost somewhere around here," Gorim added.

"They did, Gorim." Duncan pointed to Dragon's Peak and somewhere along the Pilgrim's Path. "These are two potential spots for underground facilities where the dwarves could have done just that ... which may provide an opening for the darkspawn to hide their approach from the world above."

Cirene Wulff stood quickly and put her hand on her father's shoulder. "That's near our estate!"

"Loghain has already dispatched troops there, Arl Wulff, and I have sent some wardens with them. It's the reason for his delay in returning to Denerim," Duncan said. "We received a brief message that a dwarven-made barrier door had been installed in the passage under Dragon's Peak, but it is better to be certain. The stone around the door has been stressed recently, I understand, from a small earthquake and ongoing tremors."

Wulff stood. "We need to go, Your Majesties. I will send word as soon as I know something more."

"Arl Wulff, I don't mean to stop you — only give you a bit of hope — because the other exit is closer to Denerim and has no door." Duncan looked grim. "The darkspawn tend to gravitate toward the easier path. Loghain and I have sent word to Arlessa Delilah to send whatever she can to secure the mines off Pilgrim's Path. We are sending Ferelden soldiers and wardens there, as well."

Elle stood and carefully looked over the map. Then, she put her hands on her hips and shook her head. "The Archdemon is spreading us pretty thin."

"It is, indeed." Duncan turned toward an aghast Cailan and Anora. "The only advice I have to give you in regards to the city is this: the Palace is built upon a solid granite hill, as confirmed by dwarves that had been hired by Arlessa Delilah. So, it would be unlikely … although, I cannot give any guarantees … that darkspawn would tunnel up from below. Those estates on this hill are more secure."

Elle turned to her father. "The elves cannot stay at the Arl of Denerim estate, Father. It is located in one of the valleys of the city and has a large dungeon fraught with vulnerabilities. Maker's Breath, it's likely an easier opening for the darkspawn to slip into the city if that road toward Denerim heads anywhere near it."

Bryce turned to Valendrian. "It would be very crowded, but you are welcome to take refuge at Highever House, Hahren." He turned back to Cailan. "The rest of the city's population that chooses to remain could take refuge at the Amaranthine estate, Your Majesties, if the Palace becomes overfull. We will need to confirm that with the Arlessa, but I would be surprised if she declined."

Franderel had kept quiet; but, decided to choose that moment to speak up. "Like Wulff, I need to go. I shall return to West Hill and assess all these vulnerabilities you speak of," he said as he gathered his things to leave.

"Take care along the roads, Bann Franderel." Duncan turned to Ramara. "Do we have a warden or two here who could travel with him?"

"We do, Commander," Ramara said as she finished writing something down. "I've just made a note to send Kreeger and Samal with him." She looked at Franderel. "When should I have them report to you, Bann Franderel?"

He just shook his head. "Elves with weapons and Nevarrans in positions of authority." He jutted out his chin and shook his head. "I assure you, Nevarran, I will not need any of your thieving kinsman to travel with me and I'm not going to back down on that!" He rushed out the door before the stunned silence could end.

"Well," Elle finally said as she sat back down. "More wardens for Denerim, then."

Everyone could tell that Duncan was chaffing at the refusal. Cailan responded, "Captain Janas, please do not send any of our Denerim soldiers with him, either."

"I doubt I could make that order in good conscience, knowing that three-fourths of the city is vulnerable because of rock, or lack of it, under our feet." He took a breath. "I know Fort Drakon has a fearsome reputation, but it is also on this hill and we have many secure chambers … and cells. Others could be housed there."

Duncan interrupted, "That may not be prudent, Captain. As the absolute highest point in Denerim, it will be the place we would prefer a wing-damaged Archdemon to fight its final battle." At the surprised look around the table, he added, "It could not fly off lest it plummet to its death. And, once we have it grounded there, Fort Drakon will be a target of all darkspawn coming to aid their leader."

"Maker, I hadn't even thought about that," Janas said quietly, "but, I can see the value of the strategy. A perimeter of spiked fencing might be a good idea to make certain it dies if it falls off." He looked at Cailan. "We'll need to move our prisoners to the old palace cells, Your Majesty."

"I daresay Eamon won't like that, but he'd like dying to marauding darkspawn less," Cailan mumbled. "Hopefully, Leonas will return soon with those extra armaments from Kirkwall."

"As for the strategy, I'm sure you can see the value because it came from Loghain," Duncan explained with a large smile. He turned to Morrigan. "Please, get some rest and then depart to catch up with Loghain, check in with any of your scouts and report back. I'll be at the Warden Compound until you are able to return."

"You are welcome to stay at Highever House, Morrigan," Elle said.

Morrigan smiled at Elle. "Thank you, but I can still go a little farther before I need rest." She stepped up to the table and pulled back the map Duncan had laid there. "This is the plan for Denerim?" When Cailan confirmed it was, she added, "I shall report to Loghain that the city is preparing well and as quickly as it can."

"Thank you, Morrigan." That was said by several people around the table.

"You are all very welcome. As I said to Elle, my mother and I live here, too." With that, Morrigan bowed and slipped out the door.

Elle took a deep breath. It was time to come clean. She looked to her father and he nodded for her to proceed. "There is one more thing that those of you here should know. I suggest you keep it among us only. Morrigan's mother is also a shapeshifter and a master in the arts of foresight. She foresaw that the Archdemon was heading to Denerim … which has just been confirmed by Duncan. It was Morrigan's mother who shapeshifted and flew over Denerim weeks ago so … you would believe me and, so we would not waste time."

"And, you just happened to forget to mention that until now?" Cailan asked. He appeared too tired to be angry. Thank the Maker.

"That is quite likely your most manipulative move ever, Elle," Anora said. Then, she added with a smile, "But, ultimately, it was a good move. I doubt any of the attendees that first night would have believed it otherwise and I include Cailan and myself. In fact, we wouldn't have had that meeting without Morrigan's mother's flyover. Even though we do trust your counsel, Elle, if you had come to us with an unverified "feeling" that the Archdemon was coming here, we would have waited on confirmation from Duncan and lost several precious days of preparation." Then, Anora narrowed her eyes and added, "However, don't do that again."

Cailan just laughed.

"I do apologize and throw myself on your mercy." Then, Elle sweetly smiled. "But, this is the first moment that I had all the people I deeply trust in one place."

Cailan managed to give her grief about it on at least a dozen more occasions, but he did forgive her ... eventually.

...

In taverns across Thedas, Varric always started

his tale of the Battle of Denerim the same way:

"We learned that the Archdemon was more than a dragon … much more.

It was an Old God. It was cunning. It was the soul

of the darkspawn and it was their absolute ruler.

But, the hardest lesson to learn … the one that drove everyone crazy …

was that the Archdemon was also very ... very... VERY patient.

Fortunately, we were, too."

Elle would always guffaw at that.

...

Elle was having an increasingly difficult time keeping everyone motivated. Several times, she had to ask Cailan to get involved to stress the necessity of being prepared. A month and three weeks had gone by since that meeting with Duncan and no Archdemon had shown itself yet.

But, things were happening elsewhere.

The day following that meeting with Duncan ... with Bryce Cousland's permission ... Cailan sent Zevran on some secret mission to which even Bryce wasn't privy. In some respects, Elle missed having her friend near; however, in greater consideration, she thought that he might be safer wherever he was going rather than being in Denerim with an Archdemon breathing down their necks.

Zev did leave her a short note: Bellissima, you know that it would take something truly important for me to leave you and your family right now. But, if I succeed, the result will be nothing short of a miracle. —Z

Well, that wasn't cryptic, was it, Elle thought as she read it and then stashed it in one of her hidden compartments. Cailan was sending him on a "secret" mission. Theirins were renowned for their questionable "secret" missions from time to time. Alistair was born after a Theirin secret mission, after all.

Maybe Zevran wouldn't be safer, after all.

A month ago, they received word that Ostagar had been overrun and the forces there had to pull back to Lothering. Sadly, they only finished one other harness for other bird mounts, but Wade's leatherworkers in Denerim were busy working on more. The dragon scale and bone armor had to be put on hold, although Wade had already done some bracers and gauntlets for the wardens.

After combining the retreating forces of Ostagar with those in Lothering, the wardens encouraged the citizens of Lothering to evacuate, many who spat upon the severed head of the executed traitor, Coerlic.

Ferelden lost a lot of good soldiers and wardens in Ostagar. One of them was the new warden, Oghren. The story surfaced later that they found his body in the center of a circle of a hundred or more splayed-out dead darkspawn bodies. Varric tested out Oghren's tale in his rendition of the Heroes of Ostagar and it was very well-received. The surviving members of the Legion of the Dead told Varric that he would always be welcome in Orzammar if he could make them sound that heroic!

Fortunately, Odonna Aeducan and Carver Hawke were not on that list; however, Carver had become blightsick and joined the Grey Wardens. Rodrigo made him a Warden-Lieutenant. Carver enjoyed writing to his older sister, Marianna, that he was in charge of the Lothering Grey Wardens!

The last word they received from Highever was that the area was secure and all was well so far. The last letter had a postscript that the kitchen gardens had never been so productive before Marianna took over! Warden Anders would fly over to check on Highever from time to time. Much to the Highever Chantry's consternation, it was a requirement that all warden mages learn to shapeshift. Even the Isolationist Niall ... but he loved being able to shift into a mouse and hide if he needed to!

Stone masons in Denerim were already working on monuments that listed the names of fallen heroes … to keep themselves busy while Denerim awaited the Archdemon.

Duncan and Morrigan flew back and forth. The rumor mill was quite busy about that. Elle tried to explain the situation whenever she heard about the rumored tryst between Ferelden's Warden-Commander and the apostate mage/abomination/witch/curse/savior. Lately, Elle just gave up and let the people have their conspiracies … it made less for her to feel responsible about. And, if the rumors were true, and Duncan and Morrigan found a bit of happiness with each other, so be it.

Much to everyone's relief, Loghain was back in Denerim, at the head of the soldiers and coordinating the preparations for a pending attack. Contrary to Franderel's predictions, Loghain was pleased with the state of readiness when he arrived.

No one knew where Franderel was. It was rumored that he left in the middle of the night with anywhere from five to twenty-five to every wagon in Denerim filled with all his valuable collections. Presumably, he was nearing West Hill by now, but no one in Highever had seen him pass that way. Elle really didn't care where the old bastard was, truth be told.

Perhaps the darkspawn were decorating the Deep Roads with all his art.

The entire city of Denerim was filled with nervous citizens just trying to survive the wait as much as the upcoming attack. They bravely went about their abbreviated business during the day and huddled behind locked stone walls, doors and gates during the night.

Reports from the silverite mines off Pilgrim's Path were disturbing, but inconclusive. Scouts would hear noises, but could never find any breaches in the tunnels. Arl Wulff fortified the barrier door at Dragon's Peak, but also reported new tremors. On the possibility the tremors were caused by tunneling darkspawn, he was sending many of his people toward Denerim and Amaranthine for refuge. Many of Denerim's wealthier merchants were taking ship to northern ports. Maybe Franderel went there.

Delilah wasn't turning anyone away. The only good thing to come of Rendon's destruction of Vigil's Keep was that it was being rebuilt stronger than ever. The sinkhole in Knotwood opened into the Deep Roads and an old thaig, Kal Shirok ... quite the find for the dwarves to explore after the Blight. They discovered that one of the roads went right under theVigil. Thanks to the Glavornaks, that was one spar of the Deep Roads that was well and truly closed. Vigil's Keep was likely one of the most secure locations in northeastern Ferelden.

A surprise was that the new Grand Cleric Elthina arrived and refused to take her Templars and leave her new charge. Loghain later told the Defense Council that he didn't mind the useless merchants' exodus nor the Denerim Chantry Templars remaining. It made for fewer to protect and more to protect those who couldn't protect themselves or afford to flee.

The Chantry building was not on completely solid bedrock, but they were determined to stay there with the poor. Duncan assigned a rotating squad of wardens to assist the Templars ... unless the worst should occur and the wardens would be needed elsewhere in city.

Elle really liked Elthina, who seemed a completely different person from the one Varric had described. Maybe Kirkwall also had its own cabal of blood mages hidden somewhere?

Answering nervous questions was a constant activity lately: "No, the Blight isn't over because the wardens 'accidentally' killed the Archdemon at Ostagar; No, the Archdemon didn't move to Orlais and they just aren't telling us; Yes, the Crown will make an official announcement when it is over." Such were some of the duties of the communications network.

Presently, Elle and Anora were discussing plans to subdivide the Landsmeet Chamber to house more of the refugees beginning to arrive from Dragon's Peak and Lothering. They were forced to look up in surprise when Cailan marched into the small audience chamber and slammed the door behind him. The poor man had to turn and lean his head against the door to calm his breathing. "Gorim, would you please see that no one disturbs us … under pain of immediate execution," Cailan said quietly to the side.

"Of course, Your Majesty," Gorim replied as he slipped outside of the door. The dwarf didn't even grin. He was the consummate professional!

"There are already two guards by the door, Cailan," Anora said with a slight smirk. "Not to mention that we have Midnight to take care of any intruders who dare to enter uninvited."

Cailan turned to face his queen and took a deep breath. "I'd rather not bother dear Midnight with nobles and their whining," he said while he skritched the mabari's head. Midnight was very pleased for the attention and the respect! "For some reason, they are all afraid of Elle's Second ... so am I, truth be told."

That made Elle and Varric laugh. "He can scare the hell out of me," Varric said.

"What's wrong, Cailan?" Anora asked.

"How are you feeling, my heart?" he asked instead of answering her question … or prior to answering it?

"Our child is quite healthy and kicking, Cailan. He or she is ready for this all to be over." Anora unconsciously put her hand on her very-pregnant middle. "Or, he or she is waiting until just as the Archdemon makes its appearance."

"The way things are going, it's quite likely that second one," Cailan grumbled. "Loghain wants to pull Fergus out of Lothering because he doesn't want me on the field of battle."

"I don't want you … oh!" Anora chuckled. "With that kick, I think our child doesn't want you there, either."

"I can't say that I wouldn't prefer my brother be here, Your Majesties, but that does leave the wardens to handle the southern front alone." Elle had a frown.

"Have you heard from Alistair lately?" Cailan asked … sincerely, not trying to poke fun.

So, Elle answered sincerely with a roll of her eyes. "Not since last week when he wrote and assured me that they had everything well in hand, the sun was always bright and shiny and the Maker himself was standing nearby to thwart any breach in the front."

Varric laughed. "I wondered why you've been so grumpy lately."

Cailan sat next to Anora and put his arm around her. "I wish Alistair wasn't a Grey Warden, even though I know it was a necessary move. I'd prefer that my brother be here, too."

That did make Elle smile. Just as she was about to comment, however, Gorim cracked open the door. "Teyrn Loghain wishes to enter."

And, that cracked everyone up. "Let him in, Gorim," Elle chuckled.

Loghain walked in with a smirk on his face. "Rather fearsome guard dog, Elethea." Midnight barked. "Second only to you, Midnight," Loghain added.

"They are definitely the best, Loghain." Elle smiled, looked out the door and then back at Cailan. "It seems the hordes of crashers have departed, Your Majesty. May Gorim come back inside now?"

"I suppose," Cailan grumbled, but with a wink. "Is Fergus headed here?"

"Actually, I was about to send the request when I received this." Loghain held up a note. "Duncan and Rodrigo want the front lines to be wardens, so he was already going to send Fergus here with the last of the Lothering refugees and the Chantry personnel."

"Was?" Elle asked.

Loghain walked to a sideboard and poured himself a small glass of some kind of liquor. As he sat down next to Elle at the table, he said, "Teagan is having his own problems at Redcliffe. He's moved his villagers into the castle. There have been more frequent darkspawn attacks at night. So, Rodrigo is going to Redcliffe with Fergus and half of the non-wardens still in Lothering."

"Leaving Alistair alone in Lothering." Elle's frown returned.

"According to Rodrigo," Loghain said as he opened the note and looked at it. "Once the severity of the situation in Redcliffe is ascertained, he will likely return to Lothering." Loghain looked up. "By the way, we now have tack enough for two additional eagles with riders, allowing Morrigan time to ferry Duncan around." Then, he looked back down at the note. "Rodrigo is glad to hear that the Archdemon has not attacked here yet; however, he would like to see ... and I quote ... 'the damned thing killed, skinned, boned and bled with the head hanging over Denerim's main gate'."

"As would we all," Cailan said. Both Elle and Loghain were smiling at Cailan's fond touching of Anora's middle. He smiled back at them. "And, good news about the riding harness for more eagles. Here at the palace, we even have a plan if Anora goes into labor during the fighting. There is a vault in my office. Metal walls."

"He expects me to give birth to the Prince or Princess of Ferelden in a metal box," Anora finished for him. "I'll just have to postpone the birth until a better time."

"I was told that I was born during a horrible storm … howling winds, sleeting rain, cracks of thunder and lightning all around. Poor Nan had to huddle under an ice-pelted shield to run back and forth to the kitchen. Mother thought she could wait out the storm, but I just couldn't wait." Elle grinned. "I love Ferelden weather and its unpredictability and refused to miss my first storm off the Waking Sea!" She winked at Anora. "He or she may decide that during the triumphant end of the Blight in Ferelden would be the perfect time to enter the world."

A loud knock at the door put frowns on everyone's face. Gorim cracked open the door and then said, "It is Warden-Commander Duncan, Your Majesties."

"Of course, let him in, Gorim," Anora replied.

Duncan also had his own frown. "Good, you're all here." He turned to Elle. "I insisted that Morrigan get some rest at the Highever manor, Elle. That's why she's not here." Then, he looked around the room and took a deep breath. "I've been able to make a wide swing around southern Ferelden. Reports have been coming in that the darkspawn numbers have been quickly diminishing of late."

Cailan smiled. "Because we've been killing them, Duncan!"

Duncan only shook his head. "We don't believe that is the entire reason, Your Majesty. Redcliffe had suffered enough attacks to pull some wardens there. Lothering's skirmishes have been fewer and with less intensity. Rodrigo and I believe that the darkspawn and the Archdemon are headed here … that the attack on Denerim is imminent."

Loghain held up his note. "Rodrigo just told me he was going to Redcliffe."

"We managed to catch him before he had gone too far from Lothering." Duncan paused. "We are sending a few wardens to Redcliffe and leaving a few in Lothering under the command of Warden-Lieutenant Hawke, just in case … but all the rest, including Alistair and Fergus, are heading here. Unfortunately, they cannot arrive for a couple of weeks."

"So, we've gone from wishing the Archdemon would just show up already to hoping it takes its time," Elle said.

Anora stood … and then crumpled in pain. Sure enough, the young Royal did not want to miss what was to come. The growing pool of liquid at the Queen's feet signaled that truth.

Gorim ran out the door yelling, "I'll get the Royal Mage!"

Within a few hours, Prince Gareth was born and the line of Calenhad remained unbroken for now. Unfortunately, all celebrations were short-lived and news of the birth was unofficial word-of-mouth for the immediate future.

Anora refused to leave Denerim with Gareth. She rightly explained that sailing the Amaranthine at this time of year was foolhardy. If she had to die, she would rather not be wet.

At Cailan's insistence, Anora and Gareth were moved into the vault which was more spacious than Anora had let on. Cailan had all her current reading materials moved in along with their bed, the nursery and some things that might make it look like less of a metal box.

The Royal kitchens had a store of lesser-perishable food set up in a large storage closet with gallons of fresh water in case the vault door would need to be closed due to the palace being overrun.

Of course, the only way he could convince her to do that was to swear that he would stay in there with her and not go out and fight.

It was one of Elle's father's better mediation sessions.

And so, as these things often happen to Ferelden … after several days of high-altitude fly-overs, the Archdemon attacked during the early hours of the morning twelve days later.

AN: A couple more chapters to go (in Origins time)! Next time, the battle … a bit different due to the diligence of the Fereldans and the timely dispatch of the blood mages waaayyy earlier in the story. :) I hope everyone's had a safe and calm holiday season.

The Invisible Pretender, yes, I think the factors of fatherhood, a rational Loghain advisor and acceptance of a half-brother went a long way toward the maturity of Cailan. I'm glad you're enjoying the journey so far. Thank you so much for the review! :)

maj19841, thanks so much for the Follow and Favorite! :)