Chapter 102) Alienage's Strength
Aiden POV
"Daddy, why do you think elves are strong?" It was one of the constants in my life, all five years of it. Daddy saying that elves were strong, stronger than anyone, even themselves, think. He said it so much that Mommy mocked and teased him for it.
"Well, Aiden, it's simple." Daddy turned to me with a smile, lifting me up to sit on his lap. "Look at everything we endure in order to stay happy in the Alienage."
"Like eating rats?"
"Yes, just like that, though your mother makes the finest rat stew." His smile softened, though, and he tugged me in a hug. "We endure and survive so much. That's why we're strong, Aiden. No matter what comes our way, we will survive."
"…I don't get it."
"You will when you're older, Aiden. I know you will."
The darkspawn certainly were keen on breaking into the Alienage. Too bad for them that this was my home and I knew all the secret ways inside.
"Good hit, lad!" Kardol laughed as the two of us jumped down from a nearby roof to crush an ogre's skull. Between the two of us, it shattered, and the blood rained down as we landed. "Time to get the rest of the nug humpers."
"I'm going to check on the Alienage itself," I told him. He nodded, eyes telling me he expected that. "I trust you and the other dwarves won't have trouble, but shout if you need me." I waved as I ran inside, eyes darting around as I examined my home. Buildings were toppled. Some were simply burned to the ground. I could see corpses strewn about, some whole and some in pieces. But even through the smell of blood and smoke, I recognized the same calming scent of the vhenadahl, gentle and calming as it always was when winter came.
I slowed down as I reached it, the great and towering tree that symbolized 'home' for me. Even now, I was tempted to climb, and look up at the sky. That it still stood, proud and stretching to the sky… that it still rested here, with roots deep in the dirt… it symbolized stability to me, now more than ever. I could almost imagine it watching over me, over everyone, with calm eyes and a reassuring smile. Then again, maybe after meeting the Lady of the Forest, I was just more inclined to believe every tree had some sort of spirit resting within.
That the wind blew right then, and the leaves fluttered almost like waving hands, did not help the mental image. Ha, look at how crazy I am. Taking comfort from a tree. But, I needed to see it. In light of everything, I really did.
"Aiden!" To my utter shock, Shianni and Soris ran up, both of them armed. Soris even had the crossbow from when we broke into the estate. "Oh, I am so glad to see you!" Shianni said, not even bothering to stop before hugging me. Apparently, no matter how bloody I was, she would still greet me with a hug. Good to know. "How are you? Are you okay?"
"I think that's a question I need to ask you two," I retorted. I heard rumbling in the distance. Rain? "Tell me about the Alienage. I know it's under attack."
"Yes, there's a large group approaching, and the gates won't hold." She actually laughed. "But then, here you are. The knight in shining armor saving the day. Again."
"I don't think my armor is very shiny with all the blood."
"Blood is shiny too."
"You're ridiculous." I shook my head, trying to get serious. "Regardless, I and mine will handle this. You two-"
"No." For the second time today, I was stunned, and this time, Soris was to blame. "No, cousin, this is our home as much as it is yours," he pointed out. "I'd rather die trying to help than sit around, knowing what's coming. Besides, I'm not a bad shot." We had this conversation before. Back when we went to save the girls after our disastrous wedding. "You might be able to do it alone, but I know I can help, and I want to." The exact same words. "Even if it's just one arrow."
So, what else could I say? "Okay," I whispered. Both of them beamed. "Okay, cousins. Let's go be the heroes." I gave them my sternest look. "But you will listen to orders, understand?"
"Does that go for the rest of us too?" The words made me still and stare as Alarith came walking up with a group of elves. All of them were armed. "This is our home, Aiden," Alarith gently chided. I could only shake my head, chuckling at the madness of all of this. "Last time we were in danger, you and Soris went in, and you took all the blame. This time, we fight too." This was so ridiculous. "Tell us what to do, and we'll fight for however long we can."
"Well, I'd be wasting precious seconds arguing." Sometimes the greatest strength was found in the most unlikely of places. "Then, in that case, you all are going to stay back and defend the buildings, prioritizing where the young and old are hiding." I heard something shatter in the distance, and knew it was the gate. "We're going to meet them."
"Maker be with you, Aiden!" The blessing followed me as I ran straight for the gates of the Alienage. I could see Zevran and Leliana coordinating the dwarves to meet the darkspawn as they flooded the area. I was coming from a slightly different direction, but that wouldn't matter.
With the skill I had harnessed, with the power awakened in me by Avernus's potion… it wouldn't matter at all which direction I came from. All who stood in my way were going to die. Plain and simple, really.
With a roar, I charged through, breaking clear through the lines. I would let Zevran and Leliana handle the flanks. The front was mine, and I would lead from it. My blood thrummed with the thrill of the fight, and while the red would make me ill later, I ignored it all for now.
I found the general easily, an emissary launching a spell right at me. It slammed into me, and for one brief moment, I saw my vision blacken. But I grit my teeth and refused to yield. I brushed off the next couple of spells as I closed in, anger in my belly, fire in my spirit. When I got close enough, I called on the templar tricks Alistair showed me, and crashing into it, using all my strength to cleave it in two with a single blow. As the pieces fell, I turned and raised my weapon in the air, rallying the troops just as Lord Nuada taught me. The effect was instantaneous, and I swore they become stronger with the motivation.
So, I grinned and turned, daring the enemy to come. You wanted to attack my home, Archdemon? Time you saw just how much of a mistake that really was!
Next Chapter – Nuada in the Castle
