Varel met him in the hall. "Commander. Many of the lords have gathered. The darkspawn have fielded armies—and the nobles want to know how you will protect them. Shall I assemble them? Or do you need more time to strategies?"

Ragnar couldn't help but agree; they had all the information they could gather about the enemy now it was the time to act. "Assemble the men. We're going to war."

"I will send messengers at once."

Lord Eddelbrek stood up. "We've waited enough. Those who are late will just have to be filled in."

"Lord Eddelbrek, this is the Commander of the Grey's council, not yours."

Eddelbrek shook his head. "I am fearful for the villages on the plains. There's a darkspawn army—army—in the field. And with the soldiers returning to the Vigil…"

"Lord Eddelbrek, I understand your concern, and we can certainly not wait any longer," said Ragnar. "Now, we must go over everything we have learned about our enemy or, should I say, enemies."

"You're saying that it is more than just the darkspawn army?" said Lord Eddelbrek.

"Sadly is far more complicated at, because it would seem as if we are dealing with two different factions of darkspawn. According to the information we have gathered, the two groups are known as the Disciples and the Children, and they are being led by those named the Architect and the Mother."

"It is very concerning, Commander," said Varel. "I know that as well versed in darkspawn as the Grey Wardens, but this is unprecedented."

"Indeed, which is why I have sent messages to Chancellor Tyrell, asking if he can spare any kind of assistance. However, given the circumstances, I'm not entirely confident that he has any to spare."

"So, what do you plan to do?" Lord Eddelbrek asked.

"The enemy is out of hiding," said Ragnar. "We must find them and strike." Under the command of the intelligent darkspawn, a group that size was as dangerous as a horde. It was the beginnings of a new Blight, and Midgard had barely recovered from the last one; they needed to stop this before it got out of hand.

"This is no—"

A messenger came rushing in. "Commander, Commander."

"What is it, girl?" Varel asked.

"A darkspawn army is within sight of Trader's Bay."

Eddelbrek nearly staggered. "Maker, protect us. They're attacking the city?"

Garevel shook his head. "Some of the Vigil's soldiers are still there. She won't fall easily."

Varel sighed. "Our forces cannot move quickly enough. But a small band might make it in time."

Lord Eddelbrek shook his head. "But that's… suicide."

"We must try."

"Then I will rally the city's defenders," said Ragnar. Sadly, he could not strip the Vigil bare, not with the force still in the valley. And they'd need the Vigil as a fallback point for the people on the plains.

Sigrun grinned. "Fighting a horde of darkspawn with almost certain death awaiting? Don't even think of leaving me here."

"Who do you want to take with you, Commander?"

"Sigrun, Justice, Nathaniel, and Anders, you're with me. Velanna, organise an infirmary, there will be wounded. Varel, I'll trust you to organise incoming soldier's and start moving them out. Wartihog, keep the Vigil's gate secure."

Justice clenched his fists. "Our foes will pay heavily for their transgressions. This, I swear."

"And so it is decided," Varel said.

Wartihog nodded. "I'll make sure the Vigil's ale supply is safe. Leave a few darkspawn skulls for me to kick in, right?"

"May the wind be ever at your back, Commander," said Velanna.

Varel nodded. "The rest of us will stay here. Maker protect you and hold you close, Commander."

His Wardens fell into step behind him as the nobles watched them leave.

Nathaniel looked at Ragnar. "What's the plan, Commander?"

"I'm going to need you to focus your arrows on the casters. Anders, weaken their lines, keep them off balance. Try to give us openings. Justice, Sigrun, you're with me. Looks like we are going to need to cut ourselves a path."

The soldiers were trying, but they were outmanned. And then Ander's spells started to fall. The darkspawn were slowed, tangled as the grass beneath them grabbed at their legs. Nathaniel's arrow shot true, dropping an emissary that was starting to gather a counterspell. And then the Wardens were within the darkspawn lines, carving through them.

A cry went up among the soldiers, and they renewed their attacks, standing between the refugees and the spawn. And they held.

The gates were theirs.

One of the refugees walked towards them. "Please, Grey Warden! Save my family! My family's in the city!"

Constable Aidan rushed over. "Please, calm yourselves while I speak to the Warden-Commander." He drew a deep breath and approached Ragnar.

"Warden-Commander. I am glad you arrived when you did, but I fear there is little that can be done now."

"What happened?"

"A couple nights ago, a swarm of… of gruesome creatures emerged from beneath the city. They spread pestilence and destroyed everything they touched. Then, at dawn, the other darkspawn attacked." He shook his head. "Warden-Commander… it's too late. Trader's Bay is lost."

Ragnar's voice was calm, controlled. "The city still stands. It is not lost."

"Their corruption is so virulent… At least a quarter of the city succumbed within the first day." Aidan shook his head and opened his mouth to say something else.

"Constable! There is a darkspawn approaching, alone!"

Aidan turned to the soldiers. "Archers! Take him down!"

The darkspawn held up its hands. "Peace! Do not be killing! Only talk! The Architect has a message for Grey Warden!"

Ragnar glared down at the darkspawn. "What message?"

The darkspawn continued forward to meet them. "The Mother's army, it marches to Vigil's Keep. She attacks now! The Architect, he sends me to warn you!" The thing gestured urgently. "You must save the keep, then finish the Mother in her lair!"

"Why were you sent to warn us?" Ragnar asked.

"The Architect wishes to have the Grey Wardens' trust. He does not wish to see the Mother succeed."

Garevel stepped forward. "If we leave now, we may be able to make it back to the Vigil in time to save it."

"And what about the darkspawn here?" Aidan asked.

The darkspawn gestured. "Soon, they will go to Vigil's Keep as well. The Mother, she wants the keep destroyed utterly."

Garevel grunted. "The darkspawn has a point. We cannot leave with this other army hot on our heels. The constable says the city is lost. I say we destroy it. Burn it, and all the darkspawn within."

"I'm not giving up on Trader's Bay," said Ragnar firmly.

"Warden-Commander, we have already lost Trader's Bay. We can't lose the Vigil as well."

The same could have been said for Aresgan during the Fifth Blight, and they were able to save the city. "I have faith in the fortress and its defenders."

Nathaniel sighed. "Commander, we can't save Trader's Bay if it's already lost. We can still save the Vigil."

Sigrun clenched her fists. "I stand with the Commander. We must try to save Trader's Bay. That's what Grey Wardens do. We protect people."

He shook his head. "I don't want to see fire ravage these streets. But it may be our only chance."

Ragnar looked torn between trying to save the people inside the city and defending the Vigil.

"Then maybe we can help," said a voice.

They all turned and stared because in front of them was Teyrn Dagur and behind him was a small army of men.

"Dagur?" Ragnar stared.

"Chancellor Tyrell sent word that you might need some help," Dagur smiled.

"I didn't think any help would come," said Ragnar. "Especially from your Teyrn, was under the impression that you were extremely short manned after the massacre."

"Which is why I hired a mercenary company," Dagur smiled.

Then stepping forward was a qunari with an eye patch over his left eye and wielding a massive two-handed battleaxe.

"I'm the Iron Bull company commander of the Bull's Charges," he smiled. "Teyrn Dagur hired us to clean your land of darkspawn. We're no Grey Wardens, but we can fight just as hard."

"We'll secure the city you go back to your keep," said Dagur.

Ragnar smiled. "Thanks for the assist, Dagur."

"Hey, anything for my sister's lover," Dagur shrugged. He then turned his eyes to Nathaniel. "Good to see you to Nathaniel."

"Dagur, I wish to apologise for what happened to your family," said Nathaniel.

Dagur waved him off. "You have nothing to apologise for; it's not like you asked your father to kill my family."

"Commander, we need to leave now," said Garevel.

Ragnar looked at Dagur one last time. "Good luck."

"You too," he said.

Ragnar nodded and began leading his Grey Wardens and the captain away.

Dagur then turned to Iron Bull. "Now it's time for you to prove that I didn't waste any coin."

Iron Bull smiled and then turned in his men. "Chargers, it's time to retake this city. Move out!"

"Good luck to you, and Maker watch over us all," said the constable.

Dagur pulled out his axe and looked to the constable. "Sadly, the Iron Bull and most of his mercenaries don't believe in the Maker, but that's not going to stop us."

"Charge!" he commanded, pointing his axe towards the city.

Then their small army stormed into the city.

More soldiers rallied to them as they fought their way through the streets. By the time they were past the market, they had dozens. A few weren't soldiers but men and women armed with whatever they had at hand. The darkspawn, the one that had called itself the messenger, fought at their side.

At the top of the stairs, an emissary started to cast. Dagur had to admit that the Bull's Charges were certainly worth all the coins he had paid them. Normally mercenaries weren't as organised as this, but the Iron Bull commanded them effectively as if he had done this 1,000 times.

Dagur caught eyes with his second-in-command, who was clearly a young woman dressed as a man. Additionally, their mage was clearly a Freefolk Elf, but every time he questioned her about the staff, she kept on insisting that it was a bow.

Regardless they tore through the darkspawn like they were nothing, but his men were fighting just as hard, proving they wouldn't be out shown by a mercenary company.

Dagur saw the ogre set itself and came in low. As it started to move, he severed the tendons in its leg. The Iron Bull then moved in, practically tackling the brute and cleaned its head off with a single swing of his axe.

They continued fighting like this were several hours until the street was completely clear, but they weren't out of danger. Civilians were setting up barricades, giving the soldier's time to rest.

Iron Bull then approached Dagur as his healer began tending to his wounds.

"Not a bad fight," he said.

Dagur gave a smile. "Not so bad yourself, but were certainly not in the clear."

"True, they are clearly regrouping and looking to launch yet another attack," Iron Bull agreed and then looked at him curiously. "So was it like this during the Blight."

"Worse," Dagur admitted. "Sadly, for most of the campaign, I was healing after a darkspawn ambush. My sister, on the other hand, was right in the thick of it."

"I heard your sister fought alongside his Majesty," said Iron Bull. "You know I was thinking of taking part in his army, but sadly the Blight ended before I had the chance."

"Not a lot of people would have been excited about a Blight," Dagur pointed out.

"My people have never experienced one, until now," said Iron Bull.

"You were referring to the qunari that fought alongside Hiccup. I'm surprised you know about him. You are Tal-Vashoth, and as far as I understand, they don't see you as their people."

"True, but everyone knows about the companions of the Hero of Midgard."

The guard commander then immediately rushed over towards them. "Lord Dagur, we've received word of another wave of darkspawn approaching the city. They will be here within the day."

Dagur nodded. "Then we must prepare."

"Most of the survivors are taking refuge in the chantry. The militia has set up a base of operations there." The guard commander gestured. "You and your men can rest and resupply there. In the meantime, my men and I will search for survivors."

They took the guard commander advice and got some well-earned rest, but they were immediately woken up early in the morning

"M-My Lord! Come quickly. The darkspawn are still breaking through!"

"Breaking through where?"

"The inn! They're coming from the inn, somehow!"

Dagur turned to the Iron Bull. "I'm heading to the inn. Keep your soldiers here; hold the chantry." He called over his shoulder. "Let's move."

"Maker bless you, my Lord!"

They came out of the Chantry fighting. Larger children were invading the streets, and they were even more disgusting than he had been led to believe. He had his men battled ferociously until they finally reached the plaza.

The darkspawn general stood there and began to cast a spell. Dagur tossed his axe quickly, and it landed dead centre of the general's chest, killing him immediately, but we had a chance to cast a spell.

"How do they get into the city without us knowing?" Dagur asked.

"Smuggler tunnels," the constable guessed. "The Warden-Commander discovered a series of tunnels that lead outside to the inn. We just never got the chance to plug up the tunnel."

"Let's just get down there and stop more darkspawn coming through," said Dagur as she sliced off a genlock's head and then bent to open the trapdoor.

"But who knows how many darkspawn are down there? It will be pure suicide for you to go there alone," said the constable.

"That's why he hired us," said Iron Bull as he came down the stairs with his Charges.

"I thought I ordered you to stay in the Chantry," said Dagur.

"It one of guarded, but it won't be for long until we clean out those tunnels you need me in my men do help you do just that."

Dagur knew there wasn't really any time to argue. "Fine."

The constable was kind enough to give them directions, and sure enough, they came face-to-face with a great number of darkspawn in those tunnels. Naturally leading them was another general, and just like the previous one, he began casting spells.

Iron Bull's backup archer countered with some ice magic, and Dagur admitted that he was interested to see how she could explain how a simple archer could freeze a darkspawn in place. Iron Bull then charged in, swinging his axe smashing the general into bits.

The rest of the charges began causing mayhem within the darkspawn ranks, and without their leader, they were easily decimated.

"Follow the tunnel outside the city. That will bring us up in the darkspawn lines. If we hit the last of the leadership, the soldiers will be able to hold the city."

"After you," Iron Bull offered.

They exited the tunnel and indeed found themselves in the middle of the darkspawn ranks, but thankfully most of them were more focused on attacking the city itself.

Without hesitation and before they realised it, Dagur led the charge into their ranks, catching them completely by surprise. Iron Bull had his second-in-command guard the entrance while they pressed on their attack.

Despite being intelligent, these darkspawn apparently never occurred that they might use the same tunnel they used to sneak in to allow them to sneak into their ranks.

"Boss!" said Iron Bull.

Dagur could see what he was looking at as a fully armoured ogre was charging up the path towards the gate. The gate was barely holding as it was; there was no way it could take a pounding from an ogre that size.

"We need to take that thing down before it had a chance to break down the gate!" said Dagur.

"Right behind you," said Iron Bull.

They quickly charge the ogre diverted attention away from the gate, but it would not be easy taking down an armoured ogre. The armour may be crude, but penetrating it would not be easy especially considering it would be able to crush them with a single blow.

Iron Bull kept on swinging his axe, trying to keep it off-balance, allowing Dagur to attack its legs. He then got behind it, jumped onto its back, and immediately hung on for dear life as it attempted to throw him off.

Dagur quickly drew his short sword and plunged it into its neck, and Iron Bull then slammed his shoulder against it while it was off-balance. Dagur jumped off just as it hit the ground and, before it had a chance to recover, swung his axe down on top of its head, killing it right away.

The rest of the men dealt with the darkspawn and even killed the general in charge. With that, they began to panic, and they were either slaughtered or decided to run away. Dagur wanted to eliminate every single one of them, but everyone was completely exhausted from the siege.

From the city and what remained of the camp, she heard a cheer start to go up.

"We… won?" said Iron Bull sitting down.

"We won," Dagur nodded.

Constable Aidan came out of the gates. "My Lord, the darkspawn are retreating."

"And the survivors?" Dagur asked.

"They are being tended to. By the Maker's mercy, only a few were infected by the darkspawn." He sounded relieved.

"What news from the keep?"

"We haven't heard much, but the Warden-Commander and the other Wardens appeared to have just saved it and are now tracking the darkspawn forces towards the Mother's lair."

Dagur was wondering if they could join up with them to provide them with more backup.

"We'd never get there in time," said Iron Bull, as if reading his mind. "The best we can do is head to the keep and see where things go from there."

Dagur didn't like it, but he was right. "Then we're off to the keep."

"Yes, sir." He glanced at the creature again. "My Lord, what should we do with the messenger?"

"Kill him."

"It shall be as you say. Maker watch over you, Commander."

"Do you think the Warden-Commander can end this?" Iron Bull asked.

"I'm sure he can."

At Asgard, Hiccup and Astrid were visiting an old friend at the Grand Cathedral.

"Heather," Astrid smiled and immediately hugged her.

"It's good to see you to Astrid, or should that be your Majesty," Heather smiled.

"You can call me Astrid," Astrid laughed.

"You look good, Heather," Hiccup smiled. "So, what you been up to recently?"

"Merely prepping in the excursion to the Temple of Sacred Ashes, the Chantry wants to reclaim it and cleanse it from those heretics."

"Can't be many of them left, so I'll doubt you have too much problem."

"We will certainly be much easier after you slew that dragon. Though we still expect that those disciples to put up a fight, it is as much as their sacred ground as it is ours. After that comes a long mission of restoring the temple to its former glory, and after that, we shall see."

"I'm still not comfortable with people coming and emptying the urn," Hiccup frowned. "I mean, but it has been proven that the ashes have excellent healing properties; they are by no means endless."

"I expressed as much," said Heather. "But it is completely out of my hands; I am, after all, only a lonely Lay Sister, who so happened to have stumbled upon the temple."

"Plus, the Divine is getting on a bit," Astrid added.

It was no secret that Divine Beatrix was getting old; in fact, she was getting so old that she could hardly stay awake during a sermon.

"I don't want to worry you, but there are vultures circling, and many of them have their own ideas on how the Chantry should be led," said Heather.."

"And let us pray that they'll never be in charge, with only just come out of a Blight the last thing we want is any more chaos."

"Speaking of which is Ragnar doing?" Heather asked, looking deeply concerned. "I been hearing of the Grey wardens are in trouble."

"Ragnar is perfectly fine, and we been through far worse," Hiccup assured her.

"Maybe I'll stop by at the keep and see how he's doing when I make my way back to Midgard," said Heather.

"I'm sure he'll welcome you, but I think he would like you to focus on your own mission. I'm sure you have plenty of opportunities to see him once the temple has been secured."

Heather nodded. "I suppose you're right; I guess I'll just have to wait a little longer."