Chapter 60
All the forces that could be gathered had assembled. They came from all over the country, from every walk of life. The Dalish, the Circle mages, the Templars, the Legion of the Dead, Bhelen's own forces, and even laymen fighting today to ensure the sun rose upon their families tomorrow.
Different races, different vocations, all were united by the threat of the Blight. On this day, they were all of them heroes.
The forced march from Redcliffe to Denerim had exhausted the forces, so they had stopped once the city was in sight for a brief respite. Just how much rest could be had in view of a burning city, Leliana didn't know. Nor could she guess whether all the forces they had gathered would be able to take the darkspawn horde down. What she did know was that the lives of thousands hung in the balance, and they would not forsake them.
Alistair stood looking out at the city under siege, no doubt thinking of Ostagar. A little distance away sat Aedan, whetting his family blade, a small but savage smile on his face. The two had survived everything together, and this was the curtain call.
Andraste, help us all survive this together.
"It feels so surreal," said Alistair when she went up to him. "I can't believe that we made it this far."
"But you did," she replied. "Now lies the hardest part."
"Yeah. I'm actually glad the archdemon showed itself. We can end this now. Pay back the debt with a year's worth of interest."
"Let's."
Loghain's voice rang through the makeshift camp, calling the forces to attention. It was strange to be at the head of an army after spending a year putting it together. Aedan came up behind Alistair and pushed him forward.
"Give them some words of encouragement, Warden Alistair," he said with a wink as Alistair stumbled forward. "They need it."
"You can do it," she added when he looked back at her. At that, he smiled, and turned to face the crowd; all the thousands of people who had come to die for their cause.
She saw him take a deep breath and square his shoulders. Leliana smiled to himself.
I am proud of you, Alistair.
"I salute you," he began. "Everyone present, know that this is the proudest day of my life. Our dream to raise an army and beat back the Blight has finally been realised. I couldn't ask any more of you, but I am also proud of every single one of you. This army embodies all the Warden ideals: unity, belief, and sacrifice." He took a deep breath and spread his arms wide. "So join us, brothers and sisters! Join us in the shadows where we stand vigilant! Join us as we carry the duty that cannot be forsworn! And should you perish, know that your sacrifice shall not be forgotten!
"Before us lies the might of the darkspawn horde! Gaze upon them now, but fear them not! Today, we show the Grey Wardens that we remember and honour their sacrifice! For Ferelden!"
He unsheathed his sword, turned, and pointed it right at Denerim.
"For the Grey Wardens!"