Chapter 10 = = Kismet = Drakonis to Cloudreach

The first person that Aedan and the group encountered upon entering Redcliffe was Ser Perth.

"Wardens, I'm glad you and your companions have arrived! Things are far worse than when I saw you in Lothering."

Aedan looked surprised. "Aside from the Arl being ill, what else has happened?"

"The Arl isn't just ill, he's been poisoned by a blood mage! And then, two nights ago, walking corpses started pouring from the castle. They attack at night and stop at sunrise. I fear many more would have died during that first attack were it not for the quick thinking of Bann Teagan and his son, Ser Alistair."

"Teagan and Alistair are here?"

Perth nodded at Aedan. "Ser Alistair mobilized and deployed the militia, while Bann Teagan protected those who fled to the chantry for refuge. There is more, but I think it might be best if the Bann himself explains it to you. I will take you to him. He is in the chantry."

On the way, Aedan asked Perth, "Has anyone been able to get into the castle?"

"No. The gates are all locked and there are no guardsmen anywhere to be seen. The only thing that comes out of the castle are the walking corpses."

Upon entering the chantry, Ser Perth bade the group to wait near the door. "I'll find the Bann."

A few minutes later, Teagan and Alistair appeared from the back of the chapel. Bann Teagan looked relieved. "Thank the Maker for your timely arrival! Aedan, I heard about what happened at Highever, and that you were conscripted into the Wardens. I'm so sorry for your loss –we will find some way to bring that snake, Howe, to justice."

Aedan quickly nodded. "Thank you, my lord."

"Please, I've known you far too long for such formalities. Call me Teagan."

Alistair briefly embraced Aedan, then stepped away so he could meet his friend's companions.

Aedan gestured to his group, "Everyone, this is Bann Teagan of Rainesfere and his son Ser Alistair. My lords, please meet Warden Surana, Sister Leliana, Morrigan, Sten from Par Vollen, and Senior Enchanter Emmalynn who is on loan to us from the Kinloch Circle."

Surana nodded. "Well met."

"I am only a lay sister. It is a pleasure to meet you both, although the circumstances could be better, yes?"

Morrigan rolled her eyes at Leliana. "The circumstances would be better if we had not met at all."

Sten merely nodded his head.

"My Lords." Emmalynn curtsied. Why is Leliana giggling?

Alistair was captivated by Emmalynn. She's almost as tall as me!

Thoughts about Leliana's giggles fled when Emmalynn looked at Alistair. Maker, he is a handsome man.

The color of her eyes reminds me of the bluegrass of Starkhaven.

The color of his eyes are like a forest – deep green with shades of brown

Just looking at her, I feel a sense of hope.

He shines with honor.

Aedan cleared his throat, causing Emmalynn to startle and she and Alistair looked away from one another. Blushing, she averted her eyes and looked down at her shoes. And Leliana is giggling again!

Alistair ran his hand through his hair, focusing on Aedan. "I know you are on a mission to end the Blight, and the undead certainly are not darkspawn. However, we desperately need help shoring up Redcliffe's defenses. We expect another wave of these walking corpses tonight. Will you help?"

"Actually, we need to speak with the Arl as his army is one of the few that wasn't at Ostagar. We also need his advice on the issues of Loghain's regency. Helping Redcliffe is relevant to our mission. But even if that was not the case, I'd never abandon you. So, what did you have in mind?"

"Let's go to the tavern and go over what needs to be done," Teagan suggested.

"Surana, Leli, Sten, could you join us?"

Emmalynn and Morrigan watched them walk to the tavern.

"Well, 'twould appear that our opinion is not wanted."

"Not wanted, but I think needed. How else will they know how to use what we can do?"

"'Tis irrelevant now. Once Aedan makes up his mind it seems only a sharp blow to the head would change it."

"I take it he can be stubborn?"

"Beyond just stubborn. The warden can be inflexible. Well, if our leader asks, tell him I shall return before the undead besiege the village." Morrigan left the chantry and Emmalynn figured that the raven-haired witch had just turned into a bird and flew away.

Shrugging and sighing, Emmalynn remained in the chantry and went to see how she could help.

Alistair found her there about half a candle later. She was sitting on the floor within a circle of children telling them a story:

"And all the remaining gods named the ptarmigan honored above even the loftiest eagles. So you see, courage is not a matter of size, as the ptarmigan is the smallest of birds. Courage is not the absence of fear, for the ptarmigan was afraid. Courage is going on despite your fear."*

She looked up and smiled. "Isn't that right Ser Alistair?"

Alistair sat on a bench across from Emmalynn. "Yes, you are absolutely correct." He looked at the children. "I have urgent business with your lady storyteller, if I may?"

One of the boys, perhaps five summers old, asked, "Em-lynn, promise you'll come back after the monsters are all gone?"

"I promise. Remember, listen to the Sisters, they will keep you safe." During these dark times, how many more children will need to be kept safe?

Alistair held out his hand to help Emmalynn stand, then offered his arm as they walked out of the Chantry. "You seemed to have won over the children quickly."

"I'm a good storyteller." Emmalynn blushed. "So, what is it you need, Ser Alistair?"

"Please, it's just Alistair. I'm taking you back to the tavern. I suggested to Aedan that it would be important to know how best to use yours and Morrigan's skills. Although, I didn't see her on my way here."

"Before she turned into a raven and flew away she told me," Emmalynn aped Morrigan's voice, " 'Well, if our leader asks, tell him I shall return before the undead besiege the village.''"

Alistair laughed. "Good impression!"

Emmalynn grinned. "Thank you. And thank you for your suggestion to Aedan."

~oOOo~

"It will be hard to split our forces between the dock and the main road from the castle," Teagan explained.

"Do any of these creatures come from the docks?" Emmalynn asked, tapping her finger against her chin.

"No; it's enough, however, that we cannot leave it unguarded," Teagan responded. "Do you have an idea?"

"Well, if we combine my repulsion glyphs with Rana's immolation glyphs, we can buy some time. My repulsion glyphs cover an area about half as wide as the small courtyard in front of the chantry, which is as wide as the dock entrance."

Pointing to the map she explained, "If I put the glyphs along this angle and they are paired with Rana's immolation glyphs, then corpses will be tossed from my glyphs into Rana's. I will know when my glyphs have been tripped. If we have Rana and Ser Stephan stationed near those glyphs, they can handle any corpses who survive long enough for a group from the main area to arrive at the dock entrance. Rana, what do you think?"

"Unconventional, but it should work."

"Excellent! Then we will use the grease and fire spells as we did with the oil barrels." Alistair pointed to the location to place the grease and fire spells. "Aedan?"

"I think we have a plan. Alistair, when we know the glyphs have been tripped, please lead a group to the docks. Emmalynn, thank you for the suggestion, and again, I apologize for excluding you."

"It's alright. I know that my magic abilities are different from Rana's and Morrigan's and it is reasonable to think that healers just heal."

Aedan said, "That said, I suggest we eat something and rest a bit before we set up glyphs and the like."

Teagan looked around the small tavern. "Now, where is Bella?"

Alistair looked round as well, then he mumbled, "Hmm, I don't see Lloyd either." Clearly hearing something, he stood up. "Excuse me for a moment." He walked purposefully into the storeroom.

After Alistair entered the storeroom, everyone heard muffled angry voices, one of which was clearly a woman's. Suddenly, there was a sound of a crate breaking followed by a groan. Shortly after, Bella came out of the storeroom looking relieved, smoothing her apron. Alistair came out a moment later and Bella briefly hugged him.

He returned and sat down, his tone was matter-of-fact. "Our militia will have one more fighter tonight."

"Bella?" Teagan questioned.

"No. Lloyd."

~oOOo~

As with the previous nights, the corpses attacked. It was well into the battle when the first glyph tripped. Emmalynn yelled, "Alistair! Docks!"

Alistair called out, "Perth, Donnelly, with me!"

When they arrived at the docks, many corpses had been incinerated by the glyphs; the rest were quickly dispatched by Rana's magic and the swords of the four knights.

Morrigan appeared at the docks, having flown in raven form. "We could use one or two of you back at the main area."

Surana looked at Alistair. "I think Ser Stephan and I can handle things from here."

Alistair nodded. "Thanks, Morrigan. Donnelly, Perth, let's go!"

~oOOo~

Unlike previous attacks, it was well before dawn when the corpses stopped coming from the castle. A cheer rang up from the survivors.

Teagan thanked all those who defended Redcliffe. "Your courage has saved many. Tomorrow, I will lead our knights, enter the castle to save the Arl and anyone else who may still be alive. For now, please go to your homes and loved ones, and rest – you've more than earned it."

Once the militia, the Mayor, and the Deputy Mayor left, Teagan looked at Perth. "We will regroup at the windmill a half candle after dawn and make plans to enter the castle."

"We will be there, my Lord." Perth and the rest of the knights bowed and left.

"Wardens, you and your companions really helped turn the tide. Let's go back to the tavern and get some sleep."

Aedan cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable. "Unfortunately, the tavern only has enough room for four of us."

"Oh! Don't worry, Aedan! I don't need a room. I'm staying at the chantry."

Aedan looked at Emmalynn. "Why?"

"I promised the children that I would come back once the monsters were gone. Even if they are already asleep, I gave my word I'd be there."

Aedan nodded. "We'll come to the chantry and pick you up on the way to the windmill."

Stifling a yawn, Emmalynn nodded. "I will see you all then."

Alistair smiled, holding out his arm. "My lady, may I escort you?"

Emmalynn blushed and nodded her head nervously. "Um…yes...Alistair…Thank you."

On the way back to the tavern Leliana giggled. "Alistair and Emmalynn are adorable! She is so cute when she curtsies. I haven't seen anyone curtsy since I was last in Val Royeaux. In Ferelden everyone bows."

"M's originally from a noble family in the Marches; that's where she learned it."

"Is Emmalynn religious?" Leliana asked.

Surana nodded. "M's Andrastian. Knows the Chant backward and forwards."

Morrigan sniffed derisively. "She worships the very religion that vilifies and imprisons her own kind."

Surana glowered at Morrigan. "Consider yourself lucky that M is who she is, otherwise you'd still be serving as our healer."

~oOOo~

Later that same morning, they all met at the windmill.

Teagan held up his hand on which he wore a signet ring and explained, "My ring opens a secret trapdoor hidden in the windmill. This is the entrance to a secret passageway into and out of the castle grounds."

Surana and Emmalynn looked puzzled, so Aedan explained, flatly, "Passageways like this provide a way for the family to escape." Unless your family has been massacred in their sleep.

Teagan nodded. "Indeed. We can use it to try and gain entrance into the castle. Ser Perth, you and the rest of the knights go to the main portcullis. We will go through the passage and open the gate for you, then as a group, we will enter the castle."

No sooner had the knights left, when the air was split by a shrill voice yelling, "TEAGAN! Teeaagaaan!"

Both Alistair and Teagan stiffened and turned toward the source of the familiar screech.

Emmalynn saw a well-dressed, well-coiffed woman of middle years, running in their direction. Is she the Arlessa? I thought the Arl was a man of more mature years.

The screeching woman threw herself into Teagan's arms, sobbing. "I was allowed to come out here and bring you back with me – only you, though. Please Teagan, please. You need to come with me right now," Isolde begged.

Despite Alistair's objections to his father going alone into what he and Alistair were sure was a trap, Teagan reluctantly agreed to go with his sister-in-law. He gave Alistair his signet ring. "Perhaps I can provide a distraction; Alistair and Aedan, get Eamon out of there. The priority is the Arl."

"No father, the priority is all of you."

Teagan squeezed his son's shoulder and then turned to follow Isolde.

Alistair took Aedan aside. "I know this passage like the back of my hand. I cannot count how many times I used it to escape Isolde's ire when I was a small boy. Aedan, perhaps I should lead the group until we get into the castle?"

"I think I would be foolish to say no." He turned to everyone. "Alistair knows the path we are taking and will lead us through."

~oOOo~

After dispatching several animated corpses, they entered the dungeons. Suddenly they heard, "Hello? Is anyone there?"

The voice came from a cell about halfway down the hall. Surana and Emmalynn looked at each other and Surana frowned. "Jowan? It can't be."

Alistair also recognized the distinctive whining voice of the mage. "Yes, it is."

Surana practically growled and ran towards the cell, a worried-looking Emmalynn ran after him.

Facing the black-haired mage, Surana raged, "Jowan! You cowardly traitor!"

Emmalynn placed her hand on his arm. "Rana, please."

He shook off Emmalynn's, still looking at his former lover. "I loved you, and you betrayed everything we were! You are nothing but a filthy maleficar!" Surana began to cast.

Emmalynn put herself directly in front of Jowan's cell door. "Jowan, crouch behind me."

"M, move!"

"No Rana." She kept her voice calm.

"Emmalynn, move!"

She gently pleaded, "No. Surana. Stop. Please, please stop."

After a few more tense moments Surana reluctantly tamped down his magic, but Emmalynn stayed in front of Jowan until she was sure her best friend had calmed down.

"This isn't over," he muttered angrily as she led him away from the dungeon.

~oOOo~

On the way to the audience chamber. They found one of the Arlessa's maids hiding in a small pantry. Alistair recognized her as Owen's daughter Valena. She sobbed in relief when she saw Alistair, who gave her a comforting hug.

He caught her gaze making sure she was paying close attention. "Valena, do you know the pathway that goes to the exit through the windmill?"

She sniffled and nodded. "Aye...Yes, Ser Alistair."

"Good, the way between here and there has been cleared, go and don't stop until you get to your father's shop."

She quickly nodded. "Thank you, Ser!"

Alistair watched until Valena had made the turn off the central hall to get to the staircase that led up. Thank the Maker she was still alive.

~oOOo~

When they reached the audience chamber the scene was surreal: near the throne stood a dejected-looking Isolde and next to her stood Connor. Though only a child, he was laughing maniacally in a voice far deeper than it should, as he made Teagan perform like a court fool.

Alistair sighed. Well, if there was any doubt left that Connor gave in to the demon…

Suddenly, the guards and Teagan attacked Aedan and the rest of the group, then Connor fled. Alistair was across the room from his father who was attacking Aedan. Aedan tried to stay on the defensive, not wanting to hurt Teagan, in the end, he had no choice but to shield bash the Bann.

Teagan collapsed. Emmalynn reached him quickly and began to heal his broken ribs and his bruised jaw.

Once the last guard died, demon's released its control of Teagan. He woke up and the first face he saw was Emmalynn's. "Is it over?"

"Yes, for now, my Lord Bann."

"Please, it's just Teagan."

Alistair saw Emmalynn smile at nod at his father. Then she looked up at Alistair. "He's alright, Ser Alistair."

"Thank you so much for helping him." He smiled widely at her and offered her his hand.

"Um…I'm a healer, it's what I do." My face must be as red as beetroots; he is so grateful and appreciative.

Alistair helped Emmalynn to her feet, then he helped Teagan. "Father?"

Teagan smoothed out his doublet. "I'm fine, albeit embarrassed."

"There is no need to be embarrassed, Da. We know it was Connor's doing."

"Thank you for your timely healing, my lady."

"You're welcome. Please, though, My Lord, I...I am a mage and thus not a Lady," she said softly.

Teagan looked at the young woman, his voice kind, and he smiled. "The Chantry may make that foolish distinction. I do not."

"Then...please call me Emmalynn."

On Teagan's command, Jowan was brought up from his cell. The mage shuffled in slowly, his expression fearful.

Jowan is injured. Before Emmalynn could investigate it further. Isolde yelled, "Jowan! What have you done to my son?"

He whined, "I told you Lady Isolde, nothing. What happened to Connor wasn't my fault!"

Surana was blunt. "Is Connor an abomination?"

Isolde gasped at Surana, "What do you know, mage?"

"Please, Isolde, he is a Warden," Teagan said.

"No! Connor isn't an abomination!" Jowan whined as he explained. "The demon is controlling him from the Fade. If a mage kills the demon in the Fade, Connor will be free."

"How do we get a mage into the Fade?" Aedan asked.

Surana shook his head. "It would take several mages and plenty of lyrium. The Circle is in no shape to assist."

"Is there no other way?"

"I could use…blood magic to send a mage into the Fade, but it would take a lot of blood."

"How much?"

"It would require a full sacrifice."

"I will do it." Isolde stepped towards Jowan.

"Isolde, no!" Teagan gasped. "You know Eamon would never allow this."

"He is my son, and there isn't anything I would not do to save him. I would give my life for him."

Surana was silent and looked to Aedan, who reluctantly nodded.

Looking at Aedan and Surana, Emmalynn stood between Jowan and Isolde, and calmly said, "No. You saw what happened in the Circle. I will not allow you to perpetra—"

"You'd rather us murder an innocent boy?" Aedan interrupted, growling.

"Of course not. I—"

Aedan snapped, "I what?"

She arched an eyebrow. "If you are finished interrupting me?" Her voice was firm, but calm and without rancor.

Aedan grunted. "Alright. Speak."

"We don't need much lyrium as I can amplify its effect. The village chantry will have more than enough. I only need Rana and Jowan to help. Morrigan, would you be willing to go into the Fade?"

Morrigan nodded.

Aedan looked uncomfortable. "I would rather you send Surana into the Fade."

"Warden, your trust in me is so gratifying." Sarcasm was clear in Morrigan's tone.

Emmalynn sighed. "Aedan, you and Rana are the last of the Ferelden Grey Wardens, and going into the Fade can be risky. Morrigan has the best chance of ending this quickly…Rana?" She looked pleadingly at her friend.

Surana looked at Aedan. "I told you M is a powerful mage…trust her."

Aedan nodded in resignation. "All right, we'll do it your way, Emmalynn. How much lyrium do you need? Will I need help carrying it from the chantry?"

"I need six vials of pure lyrium – the kind they give the templars, not lyrium potions. If you take two people with you, then you only have to carry one vial in each hand." She smirked.

Aedan chuckled. "I deserved that. Alistair, you know the chantry mother; would you come with me to get the lyrium?"

Alistair nodded, and to Emmalynn, he said softly, "Thank you."

When they returned with the lyrium Emmalynn took over. She poured the six vials into a ceramic bowl she'd found in the kitchens. They settled into a semi-circle with the bowl in the middle; Jowan moved slowly, but surprisingly didn't seem frightened. "Rana, take my right hand. Jowan, take my left, then place your other hand on the bowl."

"You don't need your hands to cast?" Aedan asked.

She shook her head and began to chant silently. Her cerulean aura appeared; it then proceeded to expand to Jowan, Surana, and then to the bowl. Morrigan placed her hand into the aura and was quickly sent into the Fade.

Two candle marks later Morrigan woke. "The demon is dead; the boy should be free," she reported as she stood up.

Isolde and Teagan ran to Connor's bedroom. Teagan thanked Morrigan and Emmalynn as he passed by.

Looking at Emmalynn, Morrigan commented, " 'Twas a demon of desire. No small wonder why the boy was drawn to it."

"Thank you for killing it," Emmalynn replied faintly.

" 'Twas not difficult. It would seem you had the difficult part." She looked at Aedan archly. "While you may not trust me, you would be well advised to trust our new healer."

Aedan rubbed the back of his neck and looked at both Emmalynn and Morrigan. "Forgive my being a complete arse. I know very little about magic and it appears much of what I know is wrong."

Morrigan nodded and left the audience chamber.

"There isn't much reliable information...ah...about magic out…outside of the...circle." Emmalynn put her hand to her head. It's my mana…at least I got Jowan through….

Aedan and Alistair saw her turn very pale and Alistair, who was the closest, caught her as she fainted.

"Surana!" Aedan and Alistair yelled at the same time.

*Excerpted from "The Ptarmigan: An Avvar Tale" Dragon Age: The World of Thedas Volume 2 at p. 216

AN: Thank you to my fabulous Beta ElyssaCousland!