I don't own Dragon Age or any of the mods listed. Warning: slight profanity

Chapter 6: Redcliffe Village

The next morning, as the group approached the end of the bridge, Alistair, who was in front, slowed down and turned to face Malcolm and Halia. "Look can we talk a second before we go any further. There's something I need to tell you. Something I should have said before."

Malcolm replied, "What's up?"

"I told Halia this. I'm a bastard. Arl Eamon raised me because I'm the son of one of his servant girls and… my father was… King Maric. So that makes Cailan my half-brother."

Halia's jaw dropped. Malcolm said, "Wait, Maric was your father? Why didn't you tell us?"

"Because you never asked?"

In response to that comment, Halia, with small tears in her eyes, walked up and slapped him. "You lied to me. How could you?" she asks, with more tears forming.

"I didn't lie. I just left that fact out. I didn't think it would matter."

Halia walked past his, trying not to cry. Malcolm asks him, "Does Loghain know?"

"He was Maric's advisor and best friend, so I think he should know."

"We can use this. We now have a legit-"

"NO! No. Whatever you're thinking, forget it. I was told, basically from birth, that I would not be anywhere near the throne. If anyone should get the throne, it would be Eamon. So, can we forget that I told you, and I'll go back to just being just some idiot that was too lucky to die with the others?"

Malcolm looks past him at Halia, who was hitting a tree, still trying not to cry. "That's up to her."

Alistair looks at her then turns back to Malcolm. "I don't think she wants to talk to me, right now."

Malcolm nods. "Wait here. I'll talk to her." He walks up to her. Tears were falling as she continued to beat up a tree. "Stop that. Don't you know trees can't fight back?" Not a change to her. He puts a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, come here." She turns around suddenly and throws her head on his chest. He puts one arm around her and the other hand on her head. "I never seen you like this. Do you have a crush on him?" he asks teasingly. She gave a small chuckle. "Oh, so you do have a crush. I wonder what will happen if I tell him?" again teasingly.

She chuckles again. "Don't you dare."

He turns his head. "Hey, Alistair."

She gives him a small punch on his chest. "Don't you dare, you asshole."

He smiles. "Now there's the Halia I know. Do you want to know something? You were right. I did have a crush on Leliana and she had one for me. So, if I told Leliana that you have a crush on Alistair, do you think she would tell him?"

She gave him another small punch. "If he finds out, you are one dead asshole."

"There, that's better. You feeling better now?"

She lifts her head, showing Malcolm the smile on her face. "Yeah. Thank you. But still, if you tell him, I will end you."

Malcolm smiles. "Don't worry. I won't tell."

"Thanks."

They give each other a small hug, and head back to the group. Malcolm spoke up. "Now, we have an arl to talk to."

When the group approached a bridge, a townsman ran up to them. "I… I thought I saw travelers coming down the road, though I scarcely believed it. Have you come to help us?"

Malcolm looked at the group confused, then back at the guy. "Help you. What do you mean? Is there a problem?"

"Then… you don't know? Has nobody out there heard?"

"Heard what? What's going on?"

"We're under attack. Monsters come out of the castle every night and attack us until dawn. Everyone's been fighting… and dying. We've no army to defend us, no arl and no king to send us help. So many are dead, and those left are terrified they're next."

Alistair pipes up. "Hold on. What is this evil that's attacking you?"

"I… I don't rightly know; I'm sorry. Nobody does. I should take you to Bann Teagan. He's all that's left holding us together. He'll want to see you."

"Bann Teagan? Arl Eamon's brother? He's here?"

"Yes. It's not far, if you'll come with me."

Malcolm said, "Lead the way." The townsman led the way to the chantry. Inside are older men, women, and young children. The man leads them to a guy in armor with a sword and shield, with the Redcliffe heraldry on it, who turns around as the group got close.

The guy looks at the townsman. "It's… Tomas, yes? And who are these people with you? They're obviously not simple travelers."

"No, my lord. They just arrived, and I thought you would want to see them."

"Well done, Tomas. You can go, thank you for bringing them." Tomas walks away, after giving a small bow. "Greetings, friends. My name is Teagan, Bann of Rainesfere, brother to the arl."

Alistair speaks up. "I remember you, Bann Teagan, though the last time we met I was a lot younger and… covered in mud."

Teagan looked confused for a second. "Covered in mud? …Alistair? It is you, isn't it? You're alive! This is wonderful news!"

"Still alive, yes, though not for long if Teyrn Loghain has anything to say about it."

"Indeed. Loghain would have us believe all Grey Wardens died along with my nephew, amongst other things."

Malcolm asks, "You don't believe his lies, then?"

"What, that he pulled his men in order to save them? That Cailan risked everything in the name of glory?" He scoffs. "Hardly. Loghain calls the Grey Wardens traitors, murderers of the king. I don't believe it. It is an act of a desperate man." He looks at Malcolm. "So… you are a Grey Warden as well? Is it possible we've met? You seem very familiar."

Malcolm looks at the ground. 'Okay. Everyone would have found out sooner or later. Just tell him.' "You may… have known my father… Teyrn Bryce… Cousland."

Leliana mumbled something to herself, as Teagan replied, "Ah, yes, that's it exactly. A pleasure to meet you indeed, though I wish it were under better circumstances." It seems like Teagan doesn't know. "You're here to see my brother? Unfortunately, that might be a problem. Eamon is gravely ill. No one has heard from the castle in days. No guards patrol the walls, and no one has responded to my shouts. The attacks started a few nights ago. Evil… things… surged from the castle. We drove them back, but many perished during the assault."

"What evil things are you talking about?"

"It's… some say it's the dead come back to live. The more people that die, the more creatures that attack us the next night. I may be no mage, but there is some dark magic at work here. Alistair, I hate to ask, but I desperately need help from you and your friends."

Malcolm replies before Alistair can. "If it's help you need, it's help you'll get. What needs to be done?"

Sten speaks up. "There are no darkspawn here, and nothing to be gain. It is a fool's errand."

"Sten, there may be no darkspawn here, but if we help them, we could gain some support for the darkspawn."

"Perhaps."

Teagan tells Malcolm, "Thank you. Now then. There is much to do before nightfall. I have two men in charge of the defense outside. Talk to the mayor, Murdock who is just outside the chantry, and to Ser Perth, one of Eamon's knights on the cliff at the windmill, watching the castle. I must fortify the chantry."

Malcolm turns to the group. "Okay here's the plan. Sten, Leliana, Morrigan, and I will help Teagan with the fortifications. You four," he points at Halia, Alistair, Zevran and Goliath, "will talk to Murdock and Ser Perth and help them out, while looking around for stuff we can use. Go." As those four leave, Malcolm turned to Teagan. "What do we have to work with?"

"There's only a few loose boards, but we can use benches and other furniture as makeshift fortifications. Again, thank you."

Malcolm nods as he turns around. "Sten, break apart any benches or other furniture we can use."

"Very well," he mumbles as he goes off.

"Morrigan, we'll need your magic to reinforce the boards as they are put up."

"Fine. Just so you know, I agree with Sten, why are we helping these people?"

"We're helping them, so they can help us. Now go."

"Fine." She walks off.

Leliana asks Malcolm, "What do you want me to do?"

"You'll help me and Teagan put the boards up." He turned to Teagan. "Where are the hammers and nails?"

"We only have two hammers," he says as he walks to a corner, "but we have plenty of nails." He grabs the two hammers and a bucket full of nails.

As Malcolm grabbed a hammer and the bucket, he says, "Good enough. We'll start with the windows by the front doors." As Teagan went to grab the boards they have at the moment, Malcolm and Leliana went to the windows.

On the way, Leliana asks, "Hey, Malcolm?"

"What's on your mind?"

"Why didn't you tell me you're a Cousland?"

"Leli, it's not you. It's me. Howe betrayed us a few weeks ago, so it's still fresh."

"What did you call me?"

"Huh? Oh, Leli. It's my nickname for you. Because… you are a lily in my eyes."

"Wow. That is one of the cheesiest pick-up lines I heard."

"Eh. I had to come up with a reason," he says smiling.

"I can forget how cheesy it is, since it came from you," she says with a smile.

"Good. Because I still can't think of anything else to use." She giggles at that and he smiles. As Teagan walked up, Malcolm whispers to Leliana, "Just in time to save me from more embarrassment." She smiles as Malcolm grabbed a board. "Leliana." He hands her the board. "Would you hold these up so we can nail it in?"

"Sure." She holds the board up on the window frame, as Teagan and Malcolm put nails in it.

After a few hours, the five of them finished up as the rest of the group walked in. Malcolm walked to meet them. "Halia, how are things?"

"We're just about done. We just need to speak to the Revered Mother for some amulets for Perth's men."

"Why? Does he think that the amulets would help them in some form or fashion?"

"The delusional human thinks that these amulets will provide some holy protection from your god."

"Well, I know for a fact that the Maker won't do anything to help. But it would boost their morale. That was what kept me going, thinking that the Maker would help."

Leliana walks up. "You can't be serious. You want to lie to the men?"

Malcolm put a hand on her shoulder. "I don't like it any more than you do. But just a boost in morale can in fact, help in battles. With how Teagan and Tomas described the previous nights, they need the boost, lie or not if their morale is boosted enough, they will believe that they will win. Please."

Leliana closed her eyes and looked in pain. "I… understand. Just hurry. I still don't like it."

"I don't like it either." Malcolm turned his head to Halia. "Hurry. Give the amulets to the knights, and make sure everything's ready. We'll regroup at the windmill before nightfall."

"Of course." They grabbed enough amulets for the men and left the chantry, while Leliana went to a corner.

After they left, Malcolm walked over to Leliana. "Leli?" He kneeled next to her. "Leli, I'm sorry, but they needed it. Okay?" He turned her around and gave her a hug. "I normally wouldn't do it, but they needed it."

"I understand, but that's not what I'm thinking about."

"What are you thinking then?"

"Just… Last night we had our first kiss, but now I found out who you are."

"Oh, Maker. Look I was planning to tell you. It only happened a few weeks ago so it's still fresh on me." He put a hand on her chin so he could tilt her head up to look at her. Tears were building up. He could not think of anything to say so instead, he brought his lips to hers and gave her a small kiss. He moved his hand from her chin to the side of her face. He looked into her eyes as he said, "You have to believe me. I was going to tell you. I hate myself for this, for you to find out this way. I promise that I will tell you what happened at Highever, I'm the only one who knows what exactly happened. Only Halia know, but what she does know is vague. You will be the first person to find out what fully happened."

"Does Howe know, that you're still alive?"

"I don't know, Leli. He was only there during the day. It happened at night. And other than Halia, everyone else who knew I survived is dead. Father, Mother, Ser Gilmore, Duncan, and Cailan are all dead."

"But what about-"

"He's a dog. He can't tell anyone. Well, he can, but nobody would understand him." She smiles and he smiles back. "There's that smile I love."

"Oh, so are you saying that my smile is the only thing you love about me?"

"Eh. Just for the moment." She playfully hits him. "Ow. Ease up. I bruise easily." She giggles. "Okay, now your giggle is the only thing I love." She tries to push him away, while smiling, but is unsuccessful. "You won't get rid of me that easily," he says with a smile before kissing her.

"Well. We need to get ready."

"Ah, come on. Just a few more minutes."

"We need to get ready before the group sees this."

"Well, you're right. I would hate for the group to gossip over this." He stands up then helps her up. The group got together at the windmill and slept till nightfall.

True to the previous nights, the undead came from the castle an hour after dusk. They lit the oil barrels, that Halia found, on fire and waited for them to get past the fire. After a few minutes, one of the militia told the group that the fiends are attacking from the lake. Half of the group stayed with the knight, incase more came from the road, while the other half went to defend the town square and the chantry.

The next morning, everyone gathered in front of the chantry, while Teagan gave a speech.

"Dawn arrives and we are victorious. And it's only because of the individuals standing here with me, that none has perished last night." He turns to the group. "My friends, it is as though the Maker, Himself, has sent you to us in our darkest hour."

Malcolm gave a small bow as he said, "I was happy to help defend the village."

"I offer my thanks and, if you'll allow me, this helmet," he holds out a helmet, "worn by my great-uncle, Ser Ferris the Red."

Malcolm give another bow. "Thank you, Bann Teagan. But I must humbly decline, as I don't deserve this."

"Nonsense. He would approve to giving this to one such as you. Please take it. I-no-we insist, it's the least we can do for your help." As he finishes, the crowd gets involved, telling Malcolm the same thing.

He looks at the crowd, then back at Teagan. "If everyone insists, then I humbly accept the helmet." As he reaches for it, the crowd goes silent. "However, I still don't deserve it. I only did what Grey Wardens are sworn to do." Then the crowd start to talk amongst themselves, before cheering for him, the group, and the Wardens.

Then the Revered Mother spoke up. "Let us bow our heads in honor for those who have fallen. May they be at peace, as they walk with He who is their Maker. May they receive His holy love and honor for the defense of their home and loved ones."

Malcolm finishes with, "So let it be."

Teagan resumed talking to the crowd. "With the Maker's favor, the blow we dealt last night is enough for me and the heroes to enter the castle and seek out your arl. Be wary and watch for signs of attack. We shall return with new as soon as we are able." As the crowd dispersed, Teagan turned to Malcolm. "Now, meet me at the mill as soon as you can. We must not waste any time." Then Teagan went to the mill.

Malcolm looked at the group. "Wait for me at the mill. I need to take care of some business." All but Leliana left for the mill. Malcolm walked up to her. "Hey. About yesterday…"

Leliana cut him off by kissing him. When she pulled back, she said, "I know. Don't worry though. We saved everyone. And you're right. Sometimes just having faith can make a difference."

"Thanks. But there is something that you need to know, before you find out by another way. Follow me. We need some privacy." When Malcolm lead Leliana behind the chantry and made sure no one could see them, he turned to Leliana. "What I'm about to show you is something only Halia and Goliath know about. But I'm afraid. I'm afraid of what your reaction will be."

Leliana walked up to him and put her hands on either side of his head. "Mal, whatever it is, I promise, I will not think any different about you." As if to prove it, she kissed him.

He grabbed her hands and brought them together. "Thank you." He let go as he took a few steps back. He looked at his palm, then closed it and his eyes. When he opened his eyes and hand, a small ball of electricity formed in his hand. As he slowly closed his hand, the ball got smaller and smaller then vanished. "I have kept this a secret as much as I can. The first person to see it was my mother that night, then Halia a week or two later." He looks at her. "They only saw it because of my anger." He looks at the ground.

Leliana just walked up to him and hugged him. As he hugged back, she said, "Thank you. Thank you for sharing. Mal, this doesn't change a thing. I still care about you, no matter what you have."

She looks up at him and he looks back. As he puts a hand on her face, he says to her, "Thank you." They share a brief kiss, and went back to hugging, before…

(Clears throat) They turn and see Halia standing there. "I hope I didn't interrupted anything."

"No, Halia. I just… decided to show her my secret."

"Oh, your magic?"

"Yeah. Come on. We need to talk to Teagan."

A few minutes later. Malcolm stood behind Teagan, as Teagan was saying, "Odd how quiet the castle looks from here. You would think there was nobody inside."

Malcolm replied with, "You know the saying, 'appearances can be deceiving'."

As Teagan turned around, he said with a chuckle, "So true, my friend. But I shouldn't delay anymore. I had a plan… to enter the castle after the village was secured. There is a secret passage here, in the mill, accessible only to my family. You should know why…" He looks past Malcolm and the group. "Maker's breath!" he said pointing.

The group turned around and saw a noble woman with a guard 'running' towards them. As she got closer, she slowed down while saying, with an Orlesian accent, "Teagan! Thank the Maker you yet live!"

"Isolde! You're alive! How did you…? What has happened!"

"I do not have much time to explain! I slipped away from the castle as soon as I saw the battle was over, and I must return quickly. And I… need you to return with me, Teagan. Alone."

Halia spoke up before anyone else did. "You don't seem very concerned about what's happened here."

Then Isolde turned to the group and looked shocked, as if she didn't see them when she walked past them. "What? I… who are these people, Teagan?"

Alistair sighs. "You remember me, Lady Isolde, don't you?"

Malcolm could see the disapproval on her face as she said, "Alistair? Of all the… why are you here?"

Halia spoke up. "We are here because it seems like only us care about this village."

Isolde looks at her. "Why is an elf wearing armor?"

'Oh crap. Here we go,' Malcolm thought as he put a hand on his face.

But luckily, Teagan stepped in before Halia did something. "They are Grey Wardens, Isolde. The entire village and I owe them our lives."

Isolde looks at them, while her guard walked a few paces away to watch the road they came down. "Pardon me, I would exchange pleasantries, but…"

Alistair spoke up. "Please, Lady Isolde… we had no idea anyone was still alive in the castle. We need answers. What happened?"

She walked closer to Teagan, as if she's ignoring Alistair. "I know you need more information, but I… don't know what is save to tell. Teagan," 'Yep. She's ignoring him,' Malcolm thought. "There is a terrible evil within the castle. The mage who is responsible was caught, but the dead still waken and hunt the living. And Connor… I think my son is going mad by it all. You must help him, Teagan! You are his uncle. You could help him. I do not know what to do!"

Halia speaks up. "Why do I get the feeling you aren't telling us everything?"

Isolde looks at her with disapproval and some hatred. "I… I beg your pardon!? Grey Warden or not, no one should speak that way to me." Especially an elf, her face says finishing her thought.

Again, Malcolm covered his face with a hand, expecting a retaliation from Halia.

And right on que, "Excuse me!? 'Lady' or not, the next time you speak to me that way, just because I'm an elf, I will kick your ass!"

Malcolm spoke up. "Halia! Just… just… just go away for minute."

"But you could see it on her face!"

"GO!"

"Fine!" She walked away.

Malcolm looked at Isolde. "Elf or not, she helped save your village, Lady Isolde. You need to treat her with respect." By her reactions and the look on her face, he can guess that, that hurt the spoiled woman. "But what is going on in there. What is this evil you talked about?"

"Something the mage unleashed. So far it allows Eamon, Connor, and myself to live. The others… were not so fortunate. It's killed so many, and turned their bodies into walking nightmares! Once it was done with the castle, it struck the village."

Off in the distance, Halia yelled, "Obviously!"

Isolde continued, "It wants us to live, but I do not know why. It allowed me to come for you, Teagan, because I begged, because I said Connor needed help."

Malcolm said, "Tell us more about this mage you mentioned."

She turns her head towards him. "He is an… infiltrator, I think… I think he was one of the castle staff. He poisoned Eamon."

Teagan asked, in shock, "Eamon was poisoned?!"

"He claims an agent of Teyrn Loghain's hired him. He may be lying, however, I cannot say."

Malcolm spoke up. "I doubt he's lying. When did Eamon fall ill?"

"Not too long ago. A week, maybe."

Malcolm scoffs. "That is just too recent to be just a coincidence."

Isolde looks at him. "A-Are you saying that Loghain poisoned my husband?"

"First: a mage says that one of Loghain's agents hired him to poison the arl a few days before Ostagar. Second: Loghain betrays the king at Ostagar by pulling back to quote, 'save his men from death'. Then third: he takes the throne and become king. It adds up when you think about it. Don't you say, Teagan?"

Teagan replies, "Yeah, it adds up a little too well to be just a coincidence."

Isolde probably does not care because she says, "Whatever. I just need Teagan to come back with me."

"I'll come with you, but first I need to talk to my friends."

"Don't take too long. I'll wait by the gate."

As she walks off, Halia and Teagan both walk to the group. "Here, take my signet ring, it opens the secret passage to the castle." As Malcolm grabs the ring, Teagan continues, "I have no illusion of facing this evil alone. When you get in, head to the courtyard and open the gate. That will allow Ser Perth and his men to help you. Also, I would recommend that you take no more than three with you through the passage. Now I must go. Good luck."

As Teagan walks off to join Isolde, Malcolm looks at the group. "I will have to agree with Teagan. I'll take Leliana, Alistair, and Zevran. Halia, you, Sten, Morrigan, and Goliath will be with Ser Perth and his men." Then the group of four went into the mill and Malcolm opened the hatch and looked down.

Zevran spoke up. "So, who goes down the hole first?" To answer this, Malcolm grabbed the elf by the collar and threw him down it. He screamed for a minute, then it sounded like he hit bottom. "Ow! I don't remember volunteering for this!" Leliana handed Malcolm a torch, which he dropped into the hole next. One by one they descended down the hole with Malcolm being the last one.

Hey guys. I know some will disagree with Isolde being spoiled, but think about it. *Spoilers* She hired Jowan to teach Connor how to control his magic, because she does not want him to be sent, plus she keeps this hidden from Eamon. She knew that the Circle would be the best place for her son, it will keep him safe and he would learn to use magic in a controlled environment. Mothers want their kids safe more than anything, but Isolde kept his magic hidden. Plus, with the way she treats Alistair now and the way she treated him when he was young adds to this.