Here's the next chapter, but I am afraid that due to the heavy work load I have currently, my writing time has been cut in half and I will have to postpone the next chapter post for a couple weeks. I am really sorry about this but I promise Damien and the rest of the gang will be back soon. I hate it when real life gets in the way of both reading and writing good fanfiction.
Please let me know what you think of this next chapter, hearing from all of you really brightens my day. Enjoy!
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Shaking everything around him, the dragon roared one of the most horrifying roars he had ever heard as it bore down on him with its claws and fangs. He could feel its eyes burrowing into him as he tried to turn away, but he couldn't move. He couldn't even blink or close his eyes.
"Damien!" someone shouted from a distance.
Who was it? He knew that voice from somewhere… some other time.
"Where are you?" Damien asked but he still couldn't look away from the dragon. Its eyes felt as though they would burn holes straight through his chest.
"Damien, wake up! You're safe, now open your eyes," the voice ordered.
The dragon faded into smoke as light started to return control of his vision to him. Yet as his sight came back to him, pain racked his side and labored his breathing. As his vision cleared, he could see Wynne above him as shimmering, green light emanated from her hands.
"You are quite reckless, my dear warden," the old woman said as another pair of hands placed a cool towel on his forehead. Damien turned to find another mage with a thick gray beard and kind, dark brown eyes.
"You have my thanks, young man. Wynne tells me that you lead the charge to retake the tower and saved many lives in the process," the man stated using another damp cloth to wipe the blood from his face.
"You must be the First Enchanter. I have a proposition for you, if we're not too late to stop the Templar attack," Damien wheezed. The old man let out a booming laugh before smiling down at him.
"You are certainly focused on your goal, but we will discuss it once we have completed the task at hand," the man responded. Damien nodded as he tried to sit up, but pain shot through his entire side sending him back to the floor with a groan.
"Don't try to move just yet, Commander. You have several ribs broken and I am still healing them. The damage should be healed in a few hours, but the pain will remain for several days," Wynne explained as she repositioned her hands over his injury.
"I guess using my side to drive my dagger home wasn't the best idea, huh?" Damien said wincing and trying to look around the room.
"You should have used your head," Alistair stated appearing over him.
"I feel like I shouldn't respond to that statement," Damien replied.
"Why is that?" Wynne asked.
"Using my head could mean both thinking about the situation… or, the more likely idea that popped into blondie's mind, using my head like a hammer instead of my side," Damien responded before turning his attention back to Alistair. "Sorry brother, one crack in my skull is enough for me."
"I might give you another one myself," Lyna stated. Damien saw a fresh bandage around her wrist that she tried to hide.
"Not with that hand," Damien stated nodding toward her injury. "What happened?"
"Abomination. It managed to get close enough to grab me," she answered producing her injured hand.
"Anyone else hurt?"
"A few scarpes and bruises but nothing too serious. Leliana got slashed across her back but only barely made it through the armor. Sten had a broken finger and a couple cuts, but he told us not to worry about it, then there's this pretty boy who managed to escape without a scratch," Lyna stated shoving Alistair with her good hand.
"What about our friends from the Circle?" Damien inquired looking over at Wynne.
"Only fatigued, my boy. Nothing to worry about. As you can see, I'm no spring chicken," Wynne stated.
"Don't give me that. You've still got some life in those old bones," Damien replied smiling. "What about Neria and Daylen?"
"Neria is fine, not a scratch. Daylen injured his ankle when an abomination managed to knock him back, but Neria healed it up. He'll be limping for a few days but he'll be fine," Alistair reported.
"Alright then, Alistair help me up. Lyna, pack 'em up and move 'em out," Damien ordered. Wynne started to protest but Damien raised his hand. "Before we do anymore treatments, we get to the gate and stop the Templars from invoking the Right of Annulment."
"As much as I know it will hurt him, I agree with the assessment of our rescuer. Gather everyone together, Wynne, and bring them to the first floor," the First Enchanter ordered. Wynne nodded as Alistair helped get Damien to his feet, looping the opposite arm from his injury over his shoulder to help support him.
"What? You're not going to carry me?" Damien asked with a smirk.
"Well, I would, but then your new admirers would get jealous," Alistair stated motioning to the mages and their team around them who were all saluting him as they passed. Damien hung his head, wincing as he reached up and pulled his hood up to hide his face once more.
"A little late for that, isn't it?" Lyna asked.
"It's never too late to conceal yourself. The less time someone has to see your features, the less time they have to remember them," Damien stated as all the occupants of the room formed a line behind them.
As they made their way down the stairs, Damien spotted Neria and Daylen standing over the Templar that had been imprisoned in the barrier. Uldred's death must have brought it down.
"No, I won't listen to your lies," the man protested.
"Cullen, please," Neria pleaded reaching out for the man, but Cullen slapped her hand away.
"How deep you beasts must have delved into my mind? Why? Why must you show me her?" Cullen screamed.
"Enough!" Damien shouted as Alistair helped him over to the trio, though Damien did regret raising his voice as the vibration sent a fresh wave of pain radiating through his chest and side. He was sure the Templar would lose his temper and possibly hurt someone if he did not interfere. "Calm yourself, Templar. The rebellion has been silenced. Return with us to the first floor." Damien motioned for Lyna to come closer as the Templar covered his ears again.
"No! You will not trick me! Be gone!" Cullen roared.
"If he doesn't calm down, subdue him… gently," Damien whispered to Lyna. She nodded and circled around behind the Templar.
"Still here? But that usually works," Cullen cried panicking.
"Because this is reality. Now calm down," Damien said groaning as his ribs protested his speaking once more. "Join the line. If you need healing or help, I'm sure Neria would volunteer."
"Damien, I don't know if having a mage help him is a good idea," Daylen protested.
"I know, but the rest of us are too tired or injured. Keep an eye on them, but keep your distance. If he tries anything, subdue him," Damien whispered.
"Right," Daylen answered as Neria looped Cullen's arm over her shoulder. Lyna stepped back to Damien's side as the line of survivors made their way down the stairs. She smiled knowingly, but all that did was confuse Damien a bit more.
"What?" he asked gripping his side.
"You're helping out Neria with this more than that Templar and you know that. Very romantic," Lyna whispered.
"Whatever. Look, I'm in pain and walking down stairs hurts even more, so let's get this over with," Damien said letting Alistair lead him back into line. Lyna smiled and ran ahead making her way down stairs.
"You have a romantic side?" Alistair asked.
"Oh, shut up. If I do, that's news to me," Damien replied.
Each step hurt more than the last but he kept moving. He tried to keep an eye on the line of mages, but his vision kept blurring on him. Maybe he should have let Wynne heal him a little more before headed down. They made it down a few more floors when Lyna reappeared. She smiled and held out his scarf to him.
"It's dried now," she said holding it out to him. He smiled and looped the scarf around his neck.
"Thanks," Damien replied. It felt good to have his scarf back on again. He had to admit he felt better with the scarf on. He lifted the scarf up over his nose and mouth and nodded his thanks to Lyna again.
000
After a long and painful climb down the stairs, Damien found himself among the survivors on the first floor. The children and survivors Damien and his group had found throughout the tower numbered nearly 200 people, but with only a few dozen who were battle ready. Even if he managed to get the mages on board with rebuilding the army, they would not have the manpower he was hoping for from them.
"Just set me down here. I need to rest. Alistair, Lyna, go with the First Enchanter to get the Templars to stand down. Once that's done, ask the Knight-Commander and First Enchanter to come and speak with me," Damien said as Alistair set him down against one of the pillars.
"No problem, but do we need to keep our affiliation secret?" Alistair asked.
"Yes, they don't need to know. As much as I want to trust our allies, I don't want word leaking to Loghain," Damien explained.
"What are you two talking about?" Lyna asked.
"It's nothing," Damien said motioning for Alistair to come closer. "Make sure she keeps it under wraps."
Alistair nodded his understanding and waved for Lyna to follow him as they joined Irving and headed for the main entrance.
Wynne made her way over to the Warden as he watched the tearful reunions between the survivors. She knelt down next to Damien and started to heal him again as he leaned back and tried to relax as much as possible.
"You did a good job," Wynne said smiling.
"Thanks, I guess, but I was really only here to recruit for the army," Damien replied wincing as his ribs shifted slightly.
"Yes, but you placed the wellbeing of the mages as your primary goal, but still fought your way through the entire tower. I am genuinely impressed with you, Warden Commander," Wynne stated.
"Excuse me," Daylen said approaching them.
"What's going on? Did something happen with that Templar?" Damien asked starting to get up, but he was quickly pulled back down my Wynne, much to his discomfort.
"No, nothing like that. I was just wondering if I was any help to you?" Daylen asked sitting down in front of Damien with his staff across his lap.
"Andraste's knickers! That's what you're worried about? Yes, you were a big help. There was a reason I came to the Circle for help first out of all the other places I could have gone. I never thought that this is what I'd find but, hey, my mission is still pretty much a success," Damien replied.
"Then, if I could, I was wanting to join your group and travel with you," Daylen said bowing his head.
Damien smiled and glanced over at Wynne before looking back at the young mage. "I'll tell you what, convince Wynne and Neria to come with us too, then you're in," Damien groaned as Wynne continued to heal his wound.
"Sure, I can do that," Daylen said looking over at Wynne. Damien could see that he was slightly disappointed with the answer.
"Relax kid. You're extremely powerful and talented. I was actually hoping to recruit you to the Wardens if we both make it through this Blight," Damien reassured him giving the youth a pat on the shoulder. "The reason I'm asking for you to get Neria and Wynne to come along is so we can have some talented healers."
"I suppose I should take that as a compliment," Wynne said lifting his arm causing the warden to groan in pain once more.
"You should. The mage that's with us now is not very skilled with healing magic. Besides, I've seen wolves with better bedside manners," Damien stated as a shiver ran up his spine. He couldn't help but be nervous with how Morrigan would treat him and his wound.
Wynne smiled and placed her hand on his shoulder. "I don't believe that you would want someone like me in the Wardens, but I would very much like to join you group," she said smiling.
"Well, then that solves part of the problem. How about you try to get Neria on board too," Damien said smiling. Daylen grinned and nodded before making his way over to the other large group of survivors.
Damien smirked and closed his eyes. He might call Daylen 'kid' but he wasn't that much younger than him. At least he didn't look like it. Though come to think of it, Damien wasn't really all that sure how old he was now. He had lived in Highever for a solid few years, traveled all over Fereldan, and had seen his fair share of tough winters and harsh summers. If he really thought about it, and assumed that the first memory he had was from when he was 3 or 4, he must have been in his late twenties by now. Daylen did not look more than a day out of his teens.
"What's on your mind?" Wynne asked. Damien looked back over at his nurse and sighed.
"Nothing, just thinking. Trying to figure some things out," Damien responded.
"I would be more than willing to offer council if you would like," Wynne offered.
"I guess I'm still trying to figure out if I can really pull this off. Everyone is looking to me to be a leader, but I'm flying by the seat of my pants here. In battle, it's easy enough to keep my focus, but with all this political stuff and making decisions… I'm not sure if I can do it," Damien replied. He felt a little better just getting his concerns out in the open. No matter what her reply was, at least that weight was off his chest.
"You have a good head on your shoulders, young man. Don't you forget that. Keep your goals in mind in every decision and I am sure you will make the right call, be it political or strategic. Military strategy and politics are not that different after all," Wynne stated as she finished his treatment. The pain was still intense but it did not hurt near as much to breathe anymore, and that was certainly an improvement.
"So how long will I be laid up with this?" Damien asked placing his palm over his injury.
"With proper care and rest with a few poultices, I'd say three days to get you back in battle ready condition," Wynne said handing him a small red vial. Damien held it up a little higher to examine it before looking back to the mage. "Apply that before bed every night. It will help you sleep and quiet some of the pain."
Damien nodded and groaned as he tried to get to his feet, but slid back down realizing his energy was completely spent. He surprised himself with the fact that he was still awake at all. Sten quickly stepped up and knelt in front of him.
"I am unsure of you," the qunari said bluntly.
"What about me makes you unsure?" Damien said slipping the vial into his pocket and used the pillar behind him to push himself back up onto his feet.
"I have heard stories of the Gray Wardens. They say you are strong warrior. That you fight the Blight, but thus far, I am unimpressed," Sten said crossing his arms.
"Sten, you might think you can take on an army of darkspawn alone, but I know for a fact that I can't. We need an army and these mages are the first step. You told me you were a soldier and that you would follow me, right?" Damien snarled keeping his hand over his side trying to keep the pain from causing him to pause.
"Correct."
"Then shut up and fall in, soldier. Do I make myself clear? I'm not here to impress you," Damien snapped. He hoped a more forceful approach with the qunari would convince the warrior to stop questioning him. Damien was doing enough of that to himself as it was.
"I look forward to seeing what you are here for," Sten responded standing and making his way across the room to the opposite wall.
Damien took a slow breath trying to calm himself down, only to wince once more as his side protested. He had to calm himself down so he could deal with the Knight-Commander and the First Enchanter with a clear head. He started making his way over toward the front door as it opened revealing the two heads of the Circle Tower.
"To be perfectly honest, I had my doubts when you said you would clear the tower," Greagoir said as Damien approached.
"Great to hear it," Damien said smiling eliciting a chuckle from the First Enchanter. "Knight-Commander Greagoir, you promised your support for the Blight and the mages are obligated through the treaty. However, First Enchanter Irving, I have no intention of forcing the issue especially after all this. That being said, we do needhelp from both Templars and mages."
"I can understand your situation, Warden Commander, but with the amount of men I lost in this incident, our focus must be on preforming our duties to oversee the mages. They are free to help you," Greagoir said motioning to Irving.
"And we pledge all the support we can muster. There are several groups that are researching sites and artifacts all across Fereldan. I will summon them back to the tower," Irving stated.
"How many mages do you think will be able to fight?" Damien asked.
"Conservatively I would guess a hundred, but we will supply all the surviving tranquil to enchant weapons and armor," Irving stated.
"That would be a great help. Commander Greagoir, I understand that you have your duty to think about, but I do believe that since the mages have pledged their support, you should at least send a company of Templars with them to help counter the magic the darkspawn use," Damien said wincing again as his side ached with each word.
"I can understand your desire for the advantage, but with the man power that we have, I'm afraid that is unlikely," Greagoir stated.
"I understand, but if those reinforcements you sent for do arrive and you are able to spare a few to join us, please do so," Damien said extending his hand. The Templar was stubborn and far too focused on his obligation to the Chantry, but getting him to promise the possibility of help would be enough, then later on he could convince him to send his troops with them to keep an eye on the mages that would be in the battle. His instincts told him not to play that card yet and hope the Knight Commander came up with the idea himself.
Greagoir nodded and shook his hand. Damien spotted the First Enchanter with a knowing smile in his face. He wondered if the mage knew what he was planning. He did seem a little too clever for his own good.
"On top of recruiting, I have three mages that have asked for my permission to join my team. I would like you to give your permission to allow them to leave with me," Damien said turning to face Irving.
"I see. I suppose that the three you speak of are the three that helped you clear the tower?" Irving asked.
"That is correct. On top of allowing them to join my team, I also want to inform you that once the Blight is over, I plan on having at least Daylen Amell join the Grey Wardens. Possibly Neria Surana as well, but I'm not sure about her yet," Damien said.
"Of course. As I understand it, you might be the last Grey Warden in Fereldan. It only makes sense for you to replenish your numbers," Irving stated still smiling.
"Then I have your blessing?" Damien asked.
"That you do, my young friend. That you do," Irving responded shaking Damien's hand.
Perfect, not only did he have the full support of the mages, but a pending promise of support from the Templars too. No to mention three talented and powerful mages to come with him on his journey.
Damien nodded to the Knight-Commander and First Enchanter before turning and heading back toward the main area where all the survivors were huddled. Alistair and Lyna were at his side almost instantly as Alistair returned to being his crutch.
"Gather everyone up. We head for the Spoiled Princess in ten minutes. Make sure our new members get the message," Damien said giving Alistair a small push forward before propping himself up against the wall.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Alistair asked.
"No, I'm dying," Damien mocked sarcastically. "Seriously, I'm fine. Round everyone up. I'll head for the docks. I'm sure the rest of you can catch up in no time." Damien smirked before turning away and slowing hobbling toward the exit. He was so looking forward to that warm bed at the Spoiled Princess. He would take a night or two to help him and the rest of his team recover before moving out again. Maker knew they all needed a good night's rest after this ordeal.