Author's Note: Sorry about the wait. Summer weather's been miserable where I live, but we're in the endgame portion of the story now. Hope you enjoy!
"To Denerim, men!" Arl Eamon called out above the courtyard of Redcliffe Castle and the knights cheered in response. Harry stood in the background and listened to the ground rumble as Eamon's forces began the march. The Arl turned and sighed. "I suppose we now ride into the middle of conflict. By Andraste's grace, we shall not fail, for if we do, I shudder to think what may happen to Ferelden."
"Taking care of Loghain's grab for power would be a positive step to unite the country," Harry nodded. "Perhaps Anora will be able to help us, assuming she will side against her own father."
"A worry I share," Eamon agreed.
"The measure of her ambition could be what saves the day," Harry added.
"Let us hope so." Eamon glanced at his forces and saw his brother readying their horses. "I shall meet you in the capital then?"
"My group will make a couple of stops to check on some of our allies before joining you there."
"Very well." Eamon offered his hand. "Maker be with you, Harry."
"Till we meet again," he replied.
Harry split away and ventured inside the keep to find the rest of his companions sitting around a table in a room out of the way, with Oghren and Sirius sharing a drink. Shale was looking bored, and the golem was quick to speak up as he joined them. "Are we finally getting on with this trip?"
Harry smiled. "I was thinking we could fly over to the Circle Tower and see if Caridin and the rest of the golems have made it that far yet. We can keep a watch for any darkspawn we might find between here and there."
"Then I may have something to squish after all," Shale sighed happily.
"Perhaps," he answered.
"Will you be sending the golems somewhere else?" Leliana asked. "Denerim maybe?"
"Not yet," Harry said. "We don't know where the hoard may be massing yet."
"And in the meanwhile, you will have almost invulnerable troops defending the mages," she said with a small laugh. "For as much as you hate politics, you seem to make canny moves like that well."
"Magical power is always a force multiplier in warfare," he shrugged. "One mage launching spells against the darkspawn could be worth dozens of archers performing a similar role with long ranged attacks. It is logical to make sure they are kept safe until the time for battle."
"You may suggest a cynical interest, my dear," Wynne chastised Leliana slightly. "However, keep in mind that many of the mages there are still children, and they will need to be protected. Some of our mages and templars will have to be left behind to guard the tower."
"Maybe not," Harry said. "I could possibly cast a spell to seal the Tower."
"Really?" Wynne asked hopefully.
"I'm not certain how well it will work, but it's worth a try."
Oghren downed his mug, belched and stood up. "What are we waiting for? I've had enough sitting around."
"Agreed," Shale said.
To the dismay of Oghren and Shale, they did not encounter any packs of roving darkspawn as they flew back to the Circle Tower.
However, they did spot Caridin and the other golems standing outside in the little hamlet built up around the docks. Harry was pleased that they'd arrived, and Shale was of course first off the carpet when they landed.
"You'd almost think Shale didn't enjoy our company," Sirius chortled.
"Oh, let her be," Leliana chastised him although she was grinning. "From what Shale told us of her time stuck standing around the town square for thirty years, I can't blame her for having a bit of an attitude about... what does she call us? Squishy, soft little things?"
"Perhaps we should go speak to Irving and Greagoir," Wynne suggested to Harry. "The fact that a small army of golems have appeared on their doorstep might have caused some apprehension inside."
Harry nodded. "True."
"Erm, if you'll all excuse me, I hear a pint calling my name," Oghren chuckled as he headed back to the little inn where Felsi worked.
"I'll join you," Sirius added.
Leliana looked back and forth for a moment and then smiled. "I have to go see what Oghren's old flame is like."
"Have fun," Harry waved.
Morrigan frowned next to him as they walked over to the boat that would take them across. "I would prefer not to come back here again, but I suppose I can do some research in the library while you two do whatever you will."
"Make good use of the facilities," Harry replied with a slight nod. "I'll probably join you after a bit."
"Fine."
"How about you, Wynne?" he asked.
"I want to make sure the apprentices are doing well," she answered. "Hopefully things have gotten more back to normal in the time since we had to deal with Uldred's rebellion and the demons he unleashed."
"Sounds like we'll all be busy this afternoon."
"So then I say, 'stop stealing my kills, dammit!' And the bloody golem just smirks at me," Oghren said with a laugh.
"You can't even threaten to wipe that look off her face," Sirius added as he grinned. "Not unless you want us to have to try to heal some broken fingers."
Felsi giggled. "That might keep him from doing anything stupid for a few hours at least."
"I can introduce you later," Oghren suggested as he winked at her. "See something special that most of the fools back in Orzammar couldn't even imagine until a few weeks ago. I'm still kind of surprised that Harry could talk old Caridin into coming with us. He's every bit as serious as you'd expect from a stuffy Paragon type. Even if he is made of metal now."
"Only you, Oghren," she sighed. "He's a legend who's been around for more than a thousand years. You can't expect him to want to get drunk with you, even if he were still able to do that."
"I think most of the golems we've spoken with have become rather gloomy after all their time spent fighting off darkspawn," Leliana suggested. "Perhaps a resounding victory will help to cheer them up."
"You really think you'll win?" Felsi asked. "I mean, I don't know that much about them, but haven't the previous Blights lasted for a long time?"
"Harry's got a plan," Sirius replied before finishing his drink. "And it seems like a pretty good one- assuming we can get close enough to the Archdemon to kill the blasted thing."
"I wonder if that sword of his would work," Leliana mused.
"A magic sword?" Felsi asked.
"Yeah, an antique from back home," Sirius answered. "It's imbued with a very nasty venom that could kill pretty much anything."
"And it's worked on Ogres within a minute or less," Oghren added. "Just a little scratch and they were keeling over. I'm glad Harry doesn't use it too often, or I'd be yelling at him for stealing my kills too."
"But for an Archdemon?" Felsi shook her head. "From all the tales, it might not be enough."
"We'll just have to hit it with everything we've got," Oghren said.
"So... when are you leaving?" she asked.
Sirius and Leliana smiled at each other as they saw the knowing look Felsi was giving Oghren.
"Oh, I'm sure Harry will have things to do to keep us here overnight," Leliana suggested. "Right?"
"Yeah, definitely," Sirius added with a grin. "Lots of planning and stuff."
"Well, I'm off work," Felsi said as she winked at Oghren. "I might be able to think of something to keep you busy 'till morning."
"See you tomorrow!" Oghren said without looking back as he pulled her out of her seat.
Sirius and Leliana laughed as the two dwarves ran off like a couple of teenagers. "It's good to see him having fun. I know Harry was a bit worried about how he'd adjust to life on the surface."
"I've heard about how big of a loss in stature that is for dwarves," Leliana agreed. She smiled and leaned against Sirius' side. "I think his girlfriend has helped a lot."
"They are pretty cute together," Sirius chuckled softly. "A couple of fiery little redheads."
"I bet they'd have adorable babies," Leliana giggled as she took another sip of wine. "I guess we should think about getting a room for ourselves soon too."
"Good idea." Then his smile dropped. "Son of a bitch."
"What?"
"Oghren didn't pay for his drinks before running off," Sirius grumbled.
"I wonder if that was his plan or if he was just too lecherous to notice," Leliana chewed her lip for a moment. "I suppose we'll have to repay his treachery tomorrow."
"Yeah, I'll think of a few jinxes to annoy the piss out of him."
"Tomorrow though," Leliana added. She finished her last drink of wine and stood up. "Let's not let the mood be ruined."
"Wonderful ideas like that are why I love you," he followed her lead.
"Shall we stay here at the inn, or go to the Tower?"
"I bet the Tower's got nicer beds," Sirius suggested.
Leliana smiled. "The Tower it is."
Morrigan had been reading from yet another spellbook, this one about particularly advanced Charms, when Harry finally joined her late that night. She set the book down and raised an eyebrow at him. "I missed you for dinner. I had to eat with the happy couple of new mages that you've been having research things for you."
"Alia and Galen?" Harry asked.
"Yes," she replied. "I must admit that I like the girl, even if she is a Circle Mage."
"Really?"
"She wants to destroy the templar order and be free," Morrigan added. "She's young enough that she doesn't have the power yet, but I can at least relate to that desire."
He chuckled in response. "I can't say I blame her- and after the war is over, I'll probably start making plans for ending templar control over mages. Though, I have a feeling that conflict will end up being much worse, and longer lasting, than the Blight."
"A realistic point of view," Morrigan agreed. "How goes the planning with the old men in power?"
"Irving understood the plan," Harry answered. "The mages will follow behind the golems on the march towards wherever the next battle takes place. Greagoir and a few of his templars will be escorting them, and they will be taking either flank. For his part, he sees it as a way to make sure none of the mages try to escape, but I want them there in order to slow down any forces that may try to charge into the midst of the mages so I didn't bother arguing."
"I can see the logic," she said.
"Reading anything interesting?"
"I've been practicing on animation charms," Morrigan replied as she pointed the yew wand at a candlestick which quickly began running around on the table. "From the first occasion we came here, I learned how useful they can be in combat. I believe there could be plentiful other reasons to use them as well."
"Definitely," Harry said before yawning.
"Do we need to get up early in the morning?" Morrigan wondered.
"No," he said.
"Good," she smirked. "We can sleep in, but I've need of you tonight."
Harry smiled and began to undress. He wasn't that tired yet...
A few days later, the group was all gathered on the carpet and disillusioned as they flew overhead of the outskirts of Denerim.
"Are you sure this is necessary?" Shale complained.
"I want to make sure the Arl's forces don't run into a trap," Harry replied as his eyes kept searching.
"Why don't I just land and smash anything that gets in their way?" the golem whined.
"We're trying to not make things worse," Wynne answered. "If we are able to remove Loghain without too much loss of life, then we'll have more defenders when the darkspawn come."
"And you can't kill the entire horde by yourself," Sirius teased.
"Damn right!" Oghren agreed loudly. "You've gotta save some for me."
"There they are!" Leliana pointed off to the southwest, from where the Redcliffe forces were approaching. "And no sign of trouble yet, so maybe things will go well today."
"We can only hope," Wynne said.
"Fingers crossed," Harry muttered as he brought the carpet to the ground and canceled the invisibility while the others disembarked. The carpet was put away by the time Eamon was in view at the head of the troops.
"Ah, it seems we have good timing today," Eamon said with a smile as he spotted them.
"No problems on the road, Arl?"
"Thankfully," Eamon replied. "Although that does mean the darkspawn were probably sowing destruction elsewhere. But for now, let us focus on the task at hand- to remove Loghain so we can unite the land and deal with the Blight without further delay."
"Agreed," Harry said as he walked alongside the mounted noble.
"We'll head for my estate in the city first," Eamon added. "I believe we can get everyone situated while couriers find out which of our allies have arrived and any delay we might have before the Landsmeet. I don't suppose you've seen any other nobles arriving today, have you?"
"Not any large forces like yours," he answered.
"Very well, that will just have to be something we'll deal with soon enough." They slowed as they reached the gates of the city.
"Arl Eamon!" one of the guards cried out. "We had heard you were ill, my lord. Maker be praised that you've recovered."
"Thank you," he nodded. "We're headed to my estate."
"Aye," the guard nodded to one of his men. "It's just off the northern market square, as I recall. Please, let us clear the path so there won't be any problems. It shan't be but a few minutes."
"Very well."
The march into the city took longer than Harry hoped it would, but there were a hundred armed men or more, so he walked patiently along with the Arl and listened to his mentions of other nobles who would likely be willing to support attempts to remove Loghain, as well as those who would be opposed. He just hoped that he wouldn't have to get too involved with the political infighting.
Eamon was still talking as they arrived in the entrance hall of his manor. "By calling the Landsmeet, I've struck the first blow. The advantage, for the moment, is ours. He will have little choice but to show himself, to oppose us directly. He will strike back at us. The only question that remains is how soon."
A messenger ran in looking startled. "Teyrn Loghain is here, my lord!"
"Sooner than I expected it seems," Eamon sighed.
That was when Harry got to see the man they were dealing with, as Loghain walked in clad shiny full plate armor. The hooked nose and sneering expression seemed familiar. Two armored people followed at his flanks, one a woman and the other an older man.
"Loghain, this is an honor," Eamon said. "That the regent would find time to greet me personally."
"How could I not welcome a man so important as to call every man in Ferelden away from his estates while a Blight claws at our land?" Loghain drawled in response.
"The Blight is why I'm here," Eamon countered. "With Cailan dead, we must have a strong united response to deal with the darkspawn and the Grey Wardens must be-"
"The Grey Wardens did nothing to save Cailan at Ostagar," Loghain interrupted.
"Neither did you," Harry cut in. "You were the one who took your men and fled the battle, abandoning your king."
"And people should trust a Grey Warden survivor?" Loghain jeered. "Don't think I haven't heard word of your survival, or your deeds since then."
"You know the truth of your treason," Harry shrugged. "My conscience won't keep me awake at night."
"You should curb your tongue," Loghain replied. "This is my city, and no safe place to speak treason. For anyone." He turned to Eamon and paced for a moment. "There is talk that your illness left you feeble, Eamon. Some worry that you may no longer be fit to advise Ferelden."
"Illness?" Eamon scoffed. "Why not call your poison by its true name? Not everyone at the Landsmeet will cast aside their loyalties as easily as you... and these sycophants."
Loghain snorted. "How long you've been gone from court, Eamon. Don't you recognize Rendon Howe? Arl of Amaranthine... and Teyrn of Highever."
"And current Arl of Denerim, since Urien's unfortunate fate at Ostagar," Howe added with a smirk. "The regent has been generous to those who prove themselves loyal."
"I've heard of how you betrayed the Couslands, you bastard," Eamon answered. "The other nobles won't sit by while you murder them and steal their lands."
"Not the type of ally I'd want," Harry muttered.
"Don't interrupt, churl!" the armored woman sneered. "Your betters are talking."
"Enough, Cauthrien, this is not the time or place." Loghain turned back to Eamon. "I had hoped to talk you down from this crash course. Our people are frightened. Our king is dead. Our land is under siege. We must be united now if we are to endure this crisis. Your own sister, Queen Rowan, fought tirelessly to see Ferelden restored. Would you see her work destroyed? You divide our nation and weaken our efforts against the Blight."
"I cannot forgive what you've done, Loghain," Eamon said. "Perhaps the Maker can, but not I."
"The emperor of Orlais thought I could not bring him down," Loghain sneered. "Expect no more mercy than I showed him. There is nothing I would not do for my homeland."
And with that remark, he turned and stormed out, Howe and Cauthrien following after him.
"Nothing he would not do, except support his rightful king," Wynne scoffed once they were gone. "Loghain may have been a great warrior once, but he has clearly lost sight of the duty he swore to the crown. King Maric would have his head."
"Alas, we don't have Maric or anyone else to stop him," Eamon sighed. "Having to rely our hopes upon his daughter may lead us all to disaster."
"We'll find out soon enough," Harry said.
"Right," Eamon nodded. "I will have someone show you to your rooms. Dinner shouldn't be too far off. We'll speak more later."
Harry drifted off to an uneasy sleep that night. Not even his exertions with Morrigan in their bedroom could completely calm his mind.
The familiar green haze of the surroundings of the Fade were soon to invade his dreams. Looking around the twisted realm, he forced a couch to take shape so he would at least have somewhere comfortable to sit while he went over the day's events.
After a few minutes of meditation, his eyes closed to ignore the strange visuals of the surreal dreamscape, Harry heard footsteps approaching.
"I hope I do not disturb you, Grey Warden." He turned and saw a tall woman with long curly brown hair and dark grey eyes. She walked over and sat down in a chair across from him. "When given the chance to come speak with you, I could hardly pass up the opportunity."
"You have me at a loss, I'm afraid," Harry replied. "I normally know the people who visit my dreams."
"My name is Rowan," she answered, a look of loss and sorrow in her eyes. "Once upon a time, I was a warrior. Then a queen. Finally, a mother, although my time with my son was cut short."
"Cailan's mother," Harry said. "I am sorry for your loss."
"I had hoped you would understand, Harry Potter," Rowan replied.
"What can I do for you?" he asked.
"I have heard you are called the Master of Death," she answered. "As one of the dead, I seek a boon from you. Do not let my son's death be in vain. Avenge him, and save our land."
"I'm already working on stopping the Blight," Harry said. "As for avenging your son-"
"Once upon a time, Loghain claimed to love me," Rowan interjected. "We were close. Very close. Can you imagine the betrayal I felt when he left my son to die?"
Harry took a deep breath. "You have my sympathies."
"I want his head!" Rowan growled. "He murdered my Cailan and stole his throne, pushing aside his own daughter in his lust for power. The man I once knew has become a twisted, wretched thing. Please, I beseech you, bring justice to that treasonous bastard."
Harry knelt in front of her. "I will do all I can to see your son avenged. That, I promise you."
Rowan choked down a sob and nodded at him. "Thank you, and forgive my outburst. Before I was given leave to find you here, I spoke with Lily Potter. She said you would honor my request. I will speak well of your virtue in the realm beyond. But I fear my time here grows short, so I will leave you to your rest. Maker guide you, Harry."
She faded from sight and he got up and went back to resting on the couch. Stretching out with a sigh, he hoped that he wouldn't have too many more visitors. The spirits still seemed to be avoiding him for the most part, at least.
He knew that bastard Loghain seemed familiar, and now that the backstory was revealed, he'd found another sneering asshole who needed to die.
The next day, Eamon asked Harry to join him in his study. Waiting there for the two of them was a petite female elf with black hair tied up in a bun. "This is Erlina, she's-"
"I am Queen Anora's handmaiden." Erlina's voice had a French accent, or what Harry was once again trying to remind himself was Orlesian in this world. "The timing of your arrival was fortuitous as it allowed me to slip away. She sent me here to ask for your help."
"What kind of help does she need?" Harry asked as he took in the nervous body language.
"The queen, she is in a... difficult position," Erlina answered hesitantly. "She loved her husband, and trusted her father to protect him in battle. When he returned with no king and only dark rumors, what is she to think? She worries, no? But when she tried to speak with him, Loghain does not answer. He tells her not to worry herself.
"My queen suspects she cannot trust him, and Loghain is very subtle. But Rendon Howe, he is privy to all the secrets... and not so subtle. So she goes to Howe. A visit from the Queen to the new Arl of Denerim is only a matter of courtesy. And she demands answers."
"That didn't go well, I take it?" Harry prodded.
"He calls her every sort of name, 'traitor' being the kindest, and locks her in a guest room," Erlina replied.
"To imprison the queen is definitely treason," Eamon cut in. "If we can rescue her from Howe, his head would be on a pike. And without his influence-"
"It would make Loghain look bad too," Harry added.
"If the palace guards besiege Howe's estate, my lady will certainly be killed before they can reach her." Erlina's worry was clear. "I think... her life is in danger. I heard Howe say she would be a greater ally dead than alive, especially if her death could be blamed on Arl Eamon."
"I could probably rescue her without too much trouble," Harry said.
"I have some uniforms," Erlina began to explain. "Arl Howe hires so many new guards every day, a few more will not cause much stir. I will show you to the servants' entrance. We must slip in and out with my queen before anyone is the wiser."
"A smaller group then," Harry mused for a moment. "Shale will have to stay behind. Let me discuss things with the others for a moment."
"Please hurry," Erlina fretted. "I do not know how long we have before the situation grows more dire."
"Trust me," Harry smiled. "We'll have her out of there in no time. If you'll excuse me..."
He found the others still gathered around the table where they'd had lunch. "We've got a rescue mission to perform. But it will need to only be a few of us."
"Why?" Oghren asked.
"Because we're going in disguise as servants to break out the queen," Harry grinned.
Shale sighed deeply. "I suppose this means I won't be going."
"Sorry," he frowned. "You'd be far too notice worthy for what I have planned. I don't really need any of you, theoretically."
"Because you can just apparate her out," Sirius agreed. "Still, it wouldn't be a bad idea to have someone watching your back."
"I will go then," Morrigan replied. "I may not care about the damsel in distress, but I have plenty of magic to deal with any foes we may come across."
"If this isn't going to be about busting heads, I might sit this one out too," Oghren shrugged. "What do you think, Wynnie? Want to go get a pint together?"
"I suppose someone should keep an eye on you," she chuckled. "You can tell me all about this Felsi while we're at it."
Leliana giggled as the two of them got up and left the room. "I still cannot believe that Wynne and Oghren would go drinking together."
"Wynne's not quite as proper as you might think," Sirius replied. "She told me she had a son many years ago, you know? That means she's lived more than just some stuffy academic stuck in that Tower."
"I suppose," the bard said.
"Do you need us to come with you?" Sirius asked Harry.
"I don't think so," he worried at his lip for a second. "It might be more useful if the two of you can check out the city for any other leads. Maybe other nobles that could use our help, or problems that Loghain may have caused. Anything like that could be a good step for what we need to do."
"We can handle that," Leliana agreed.
"Be careful, Harry." Sirius clasped his hand. "Don't get caught."
"You too," he replied.
"I'll keep an eye on him," Morrigan stated.
"You should leave your staff behind," Harry told her. "We don't want to make anything obvious."
She sighed for a moment and then nodded. "I suppose 'tis a good thing that I've learned magic from your world. A wand is much easier to conceal."
"Indeed," he said. "We should go get changed."
"A shame we don't have any time for some fun," Morrigan teased.
"I guess we'll have to save that for a victory celebration later tonight," Harry grinned in reply.
