I would like to send a couple of shouts of my ff friends. Not only have they been there to support me and push me, they are wonderful writers themselves.

Enaid Aderyn - Up on the Roof (her recent story from the Archedemon's point-of-view). She is quick witted and has made 'one shots' emotionally stimulating and fulfilling.

Violet Therin - Rose of the Alienage and Thorns (I loved her post Alistair). Her writing is very endearing and thoughtful.

zevgirl - Duty's Burden (Interesting relationshp between pc/Zev/Alistair). Her writing is quickwitted and visual.

Ladyamesindy - I can't keep up with all her writings. You feel like you're there. Stunning and visual.

Thank you to Jugalette Penner, zevgirl and Enaid Aderyn...for your last reviews they got me over a hump and through a little more stuff more personal.

Shacary, don't give up. I'm back to writing. Faster!

jen 4306, we're almost there. Believe it or not...Nate is around the corner. Whew!

For anybody that I have not thanked (you have put me on you're ff Favs and alerts and have even written reviews) - Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Sorry this chapter is a little short, but my son said I should end it hanging and wanting more. I hope he's right!

For everyone else that is following this story- thank you for keeping up and hanging in there.

God Bless! galesong1234

Chapter 18

Mighty Are the Fallen

(Chandra)

"South Reach stands with the Grey Warden!"

"Waking Seas stands with the Grey Warden!"

"The Western Hills throws their lot in with the Wardens. Maker help us."

One-by-one Ferelden's nobles cast their lots in with us. I turned and regarded the Regent, "The Landsmeet is against you, Loghain. Step down gracefully."

Loghain looked around him and angrily addressed the nobles, "Traitors! Which of you stood against the Orlesian emperor when his troops flattened your fields and raped your wives?"

"Call off your men and we'll settle this honorably," I warned.

Loghain directed his attention to Alistair, "Then let us test the mettle of our would be king. Prepare yourself!"

There was a gasp from the throng of Fereldens as the two men circled in a final showdown. Loghain and Alistair stared each other down, each step calculating and lethal as they sized the other one up. One man a seasoned warrior and the other, youthful and energetic. Both were able to wield their sword and shield with deadly precision.

Loghain's sword scraped its sheath in a slow hiss as he raised it before him. He threw his head back and unleashed a raucous battle cry before he charged. Alistair was momentarily stunned as the seasoned warrior brought down his sword in a large arc. Alistair stumbled back to evade the blow with barely enough time to withdraw his own sword. Pound! Pound! Pound! Alistair pushed back with his shield. The older man took each hit solidly, blocking with his own shield. Loghain's sword fanned out deflecting the tip of Alaistair's sword as he lunged forward. Alistair fell back into the crowd. Loghain pivoted and brought the blunt end of his sword down on Alistair's back. Alistair fell to the ground. A swoosh of air escaped as he grunted in pain.

A woman cried. Several guards cheered. The battle played out. Someone had something to gain. Someone else had something to lose. The safety of Ferelden would be determined by the fate of the victor. I prayed that victor would be Alistair. My hands flexed tightly at my sides. I held the power to sway the outcome, but was intentionally helpless to do so. This was Alistair's fight. I could not intervene with my magic, not even to heal him.

Alistair rolled away in time to avoid another strike from Loghain. Blood rushed in my ears as I continued to hold my breath, waiting, watching and hoping. Slice, pound, jab, Loghain swooped down on Alistair with his sword and shield continuously beating Alistair to the ground.

Loghain pulled back for another blow. Alistair took the advantage and kicked him back then rolled to his feet. Loghain regained his lost momentum and whipped his sword across Alistair's exposed thigh. Alistair grunted in pain as his leg buckled beneath him. I touched my hand to my cheek then withdrew it. My hand was wet and sticky with Alistair's blood. I was so close that I could reach out, if only.

I watched in horror as Alistair scurried to get up as he crawled to the raised dais with Loghain in hot pursuit.

My heart pounded its silent chant, "Get up. Please, just get up, Alistair."

Loghain cut through air. Alistair slashed with his own blade. Sparks flew as metal scraped across metal. My cheeks puffed out as I slowly expelled the air I had been holding knowing that Alistair was safe, if only for the moment.

"Get up," my lips silently worked.

Loghain continued to hammer down, each strike closer to its mark. Alistair raised his arm to block. The shield chimed against the deafening blows, each reverberating sound hitting closer to the truth, that Alistair was quickly tiring and it would be over soon.

Loghain slammed his shield into Alistair's shoulder. Alistair screamed out in pain. My heart skipped a beat. Alistair's arm, still attached to the puckered shield, fell motionless to his side. Loghain shred through the air catching the edge of his blade across Alistair's face.

"Get up," I screamed!