Chapter 38 = = Untainted Friendships
After Vespers, Eamon and Teagan met with Alistair, Aedan, Surana, Emmalynn, Leliana, and Riordan in the Arl's library to touch base and to plan.
Eamon's obvious discomfort at having Emmalynn at the meeting– and Teagan's obvious pleasure in his brother's discomfort–were like a sideshow to the meeting.
"Alistair, what did you find out so far about Denerim's defenses?"
"Unlike the palace district that is in a well-secured part of the city, the area north of the river, where we are and the Denerim Market, is a wall away from disaster. Siege weapons are needed at those walls. Additionally, we need to reinforce the area around the City Gate.
"I will draw up several maps tomorrow and take a look at the area near the docks. While we wait to hear from Morrigan, I think it will be important to develop some preliminary battle strategies. It would help if I had a warden work with me."
Riordan said, "I would like to help."
"I was hoping to have your input, Riordan." Alistair grinned.
Aedan nodded. "Thank you, I think your insight would be vital. Oh, were you able to find the Cache?"
"Yes, and I brought back joining supplies, but there is too much there to move. There are also Warden uniforms, which might be helpful at the Landsmeet."
"Joining supplies? Do you think now is the time to recruit more wardens?" Surana asked.
"We will talk about recruitment after the meeting," Riordan said.
Aedan looked at Riordan. "Actually, I would like to get input from those here."
Teagan offered, "I think recruiting wardens or any major actions taken by the Wardens before the Landsmeet would be political suicide."
Eamon nodded. "I have to agree."
"We must do what is needed to fight the Blight," Riordan countered
"Riordan," Alistair began, "the Wardens have not yet secured the support of the Crown, which includes the royal army. The Regent accused the Wardens of regicide. Until the Wardens are cleared by the Landsmeet, which I am quite sure will happen, the Wardens are pariahs."
Riordan sat back. "I see your point."
"Surana, Emmalynn, how are the mages?"
Surana deferred to Emmalynn. "The mages are happy to be allowed to use their magic. I have my mages focusing on large effect spells. I want them to work on increasing the intensity and increasing range while decreasing mana use – that can be done, it just requires practice, which they're doing. What we don't have is a way to bring a dragon down from the sky. If it can be lured to within 100 feet of the ground, we can use area effect spells to bring him all the way down, but if stays in the air…"
Riordan nodded. "That is an excellent point. I have some thoughts about that." Once again, the senior Warden fell silent, clearly waiting to meet with just the Wardens. Aedan was noticeably irked but kept it out of his voice and words. "Any more progress on the Landsmeet, Arl Eamon?"
"Nobles are arriving in the city. Thanks to Alistair's leadership, though, we can count on Arl Leonas and Arl Wulf, as well as Bann Oswyn, and Bann Alfstanna."
"No, all I did my duty to the Realm, as a Knight, pure and simple."
Aedan looked around. "Well, that about all we need to discuss right now. Unless anyone has anything further?"
Everyone shook their heads.
"Alright. I want the Wardens to gather here after dinner so we can discuss Grey Warden business."
Emmalynn stood, and Riordan asked, "Could I speak with you briefly Emmalynn, in private?"
"Certainly, where would you like to talk?"
Riordan looked at the Arl. "Arl Eamon, may we continue to use the library?"
"Of course."
Alistair, Aedan, and Surana looked at Emmalynn, the question clear: are you okay being alone with him?
"Perhaps we should sit over by the hearth?" Emmalynn suggested, answering the unspoken question.
They moved to the hearth and sat down; once the door closed, Riordan looked at Emmalynn. "How was it that you were able to help me?"
"Um…long version or short version?"
"Short version"
"I can, to some extent, counter a part of the taint."
Riordan looked visibly stunned. "Have you done this with the other wardens?"
"I've healed the other wardens. What I did with you was different because the taint was preventing you from eating and getting enough nutrients. I did something similar with a templar at Ostagar." Her eyes teared up; Ser Allyn's death still hurts.
Not noticing Emmalynn's discomfort, Riordan frowned. "What happened with the Templar?"
"He was infected by a wound taken while fighting darkspawn. By the time I found out, the taint had taken hold. I was able to counter it enough so we could get back to Kinloch. He was able to dictate a letter to his family and say his goodbyes. He…he was able to die in his own bed, not at Ostagar."
"The only way I know to slow down the taint requires... potions. I have not heard of a mage being able to do that without an object or potions. How were you able to?"
"I guess you want the long answer, then."
"Yes. In fact, I insist."
Emmalynn looked at Riordan, her tone calm yet direct. "I know the lengths to which Grey Wardens go to protect Warden secrets. What I am going to tell you is what I know as a healer, and I have not shared this information with any non-warden. If you conscript me, I will die, as will my baby. I will not survive the Joining."
Riordan winced and looked at Emmalynn. "I didn't mean to sound threatening. Conscripting you would be a sin. Your gift is far more valuable than any edict on Grey Warden secrets."
Emmalynn nodded. "The taint has an entropic property to it. Entropy is the magic of negation. In some respects, it is the magic of the void. I am a creation mage. Creation magic and Entropic magic exist in opposition. So, I can counter Entropic magic. Clear so far?"
Riordan nodded.
"There is something about the taint that feels...very…dark."
"Dark?"
"Dark, rage-filled to a degree I cannot begin comprehend. The energy from that dark, rage-filled place is what powers the Blight magic. It's clear that the taint can be removed, at least it was the case with Grand Enchanter Fiona, and when the body dies the taint is removed from the soul. I used my Creation magic to counter some of the effects from the taint."
"How do you know that the taint is removed from the soul upon death?"
"I am a spirit medium, and I am advised by a rather powerful guardian. Which leads me to ask, have you explained to Aedan, Surana, and Jowan why a Grey Warden has to make the killing blow?"
"Surely Duncan told them?"
"They don't know why it has to be a Grey Warden, only that it does, and that the previous Wardens died killing the archdemon. Please speak to them."
"I will when I meet with them tonight. Do you know why?"
"No. I only know that it has to be a Grey Warden and that none of the previous four survived the killing of the Archdemon. I found that out from historical accounts."
"Thank you again for your healing, and for your insights about the taint."
During dinner, Aedan decided to hold the "Wardens only" meeting in the morning when everyone was fresh. Surana left for Bann Teagan's promptly after dinner hoping there would be a message from Zevran, and Alistair and Emmalynn left for the mage encampment. Teagan was ready to go back to his estate so Leliana and Aedan, holding hands, walked Teagan to the courtyard.
Teagan asked, "So, how was the Redcliffe guard?"
"Not bad. They aren't the Royal army, but I think we can whip them into shape. It was odd: the Arl was in armor but he didn't spar."
"The only thing my brother wields now is guilt…and the occasional pheasant leg."
Aedan chuckled, "Interesting image. Good night, Bann Teagan."
Once Teagan left the courtyard, Aedan turned to Leliana and grinned. "So, we have some free time, do we?"
"It would seem so. We should make the most of it, yes?" Leliana smiled provocatively at Aedan who responded by pulling Leliana into his arms and kissing her until she was breathless.
"Oh yes." He grinned. "Yes, we should indeed."
~oOOo~
The following morning, Oghren, Sten, Jowan, and Surana left for the Arl's estate; Oghren and Sten would begin working with the Arl's troops and Aedan would join them after the meeting. Wynne arrived at Eamon's estate early, waiting for them.
Zevran, who was still searching for clues and evidence as to Eamon's involvement with the Grand Cleric and her edict, had left Surana a note the previous night that said he would be returning within two days.
Teagan, Alistair, and Emmalynn had just arrived to join Teagan for breakfast at the same time Sinclair entered the dining room. "My Lord, Lady Emmalyn, these have been delivered by a palace messenger." He handed each a small scroll case. Teagan smiled. "Thank you."
"Thank you, Sinclair." Emmalynn smiled.
Both opened their respective notes. Teagan glanced over his. "It's from Loghain and Anora." He read:
8 Solace 9:30
Dear Teagan
Anora and I need to meet with you, Alistair, and Aedan as soon as possible before the Landsmeet. There are several things you each need to know and once you do, it is our hope that we can all figure a way forward to fight the Blight – something I foolishly underestimated – as a united country.
I know through some of my actions I have given you little reason to trust me, but I am sincere. If you do agree to meet with us, please send back a time and place and Anora and I will be there.
LMT
Teagan leaned back in his chair. "This sounds more like the Loghain I knew before Ostagar."
Alistair nodded. "I agree. After we rescued Anora and I heard what happened, I'm far more inclined to trust Loghain. I also noticed he excluded Eamon, again. What are your thoughts, Da?"
"Honestly, I'm more inclined to trust Loghain than I am my own brother. Do you think Aedan
will agree to meet with him?"
Alistair nodded. "I do."
Emmalynn suggested, "If Aedan is available tomorrow, you can meet in my command tent at mage encampment. Security's no problem; you'll be surrounded by mages who want to turn Arl Eamon into a toad. We can also make sure none of the Arl's spies are lurking about and the Regent and Her Majesty can easily get there from the palace without being seen."
"An excellent solution." Teagan stood up. "I will send a messenger with a note to Aedan and once I hear back from him, I'll send a message to the palace. Thank you, Emmalynn."
"Happy to help!"
Emma opened the letter addressed to her.
8th Day of Solace,
30th year of the Dragon Age
Dear Emmalynn,
Thank you again for your visit. Because of your compassionate wisdom, I feel more hopeful about the future. I feel strong enough to begin to face my grief and still be the Queen that Cailan and our child need me to be.
In you, I believe I have found not only a healer but also a friend
In gratitude,
Anora
Emmalynn smiled, "What a sweet note," she said softly. She looked at Alistair, "Maybe I have a new friend."
~oOOo~
Loghain was surprised by the quick response. He read the note to Anora:
Dear Loghain,
We agree to meet with you and her Majesty. Meet us midday tomorrow the 9th at the entrance to the mage encampment - we can talk in the command tent. Emmalynn assures me that every mage in the encampment would be happy to turn Eamon, or any of his spies, into toads. It is easy to reach from the palace without being seen. A raven will deliver a map later today.
TG
Loghain smirked. "Many times, I've hoped Eamon would croak, but I never thought of his actually being turned into a toad."
Anora nodded in agreement. "Emmalynn saved the Arl, his son, and his wife. She and Alistair fell in love and Eamon – who is fixated on Alistair being king – demanded that Emmalynn break Alistair's heart or he would accuse both her and her tutor Wynne of consorting with a blood mage."
"What? That kind of accusation would result in them being sent to Aeonar or killed, or have their magic taken away? Clearly, that didn't happen, though?"
"Emmalynn did not want to lie to Alistair and didn't want to give Eamon the chance to try to manipulate her into doing his bidding. She left Redcliffe in secret and returned to the Circle. Before she left, she arranged for Aedan to tell Alistair the truth the following day, once everyone found out that Emma was gone.
"With Emmalynn at the Circle, and Wynne the only healer for Aedan's people and Alistair, Emmalynn figured, correctly, that Wynne would be safe. She hates Eamon for trying to manipulate Alistair's life. Alistair has no desire to be king."
"Maric didn't want that title for him, either."
"She is a very brave woman; a gentle soul with a backbone of steel." Anora smiled.
"Sounds like someone else I know." Loghain looked at his daughter with affection.
~oOOo~
Aedan, Jowan, Surana, and Riordan sat in the library. Expecting a battle of wills, Aedan was taken aback by Riordan's worried and slightly abashed expression.
"Riordan, what is on your mind?"
"Did Duncan tell you why it has to be a Grey Warden that deals the killing blow to the Archdemon?"
"No."
"Then what I have to say is going to be difficult to hear."
AN: Thank you to Melysande, Judy, Onyx Drakon for your wonderful comments.
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