Grrrgh, had some computer difficulties this week. I had to buy a new monitor. Money, money, money! But that is not my excuse for these smaller chapters. Frankly, they've just been harder to write. I am so looking forward to meeting up with Nate.

Now that I wined and have gotten over wanting to bang my head against a stone, I would like to thank zevgril, Enaid Aderyn, jen4306, Shacary and JugalettePENNER for your reviews. They made me smile and my son laugh. Thank you for that thoughtful gift. As always, thank you to all my ff fans. To the few, the proud and the elite - you're awesome people for hanging in there. Thank you!

It is very late and I have to be at work. Without any further ado...

Chapter 19

Frozen

A low hum ignited from the crowd, growing louder with each hammering of the Loghain's shield. A few called for the Warden's death while most called for mercy. I was no different, "Please! Oh please…just get up!"

All the pleading and begging in the world made no difference as I watched helplessly by the sidelines. Alistair lay across the throne bruised and bloodied gasping for air. His breaths were short and ragged as he fought to stay conscious. My nails bit into the palms of my hands until they bled while my heart felt like it was going to explode. Yet, I still could not tare my eyes away as I watched the events unfold.

Loghain's lips curled back in a viscious snarl as he flung his shield away from him. He lifted his blade high above him with both hands laced around the hilt, his eyes aflame with triumphant glee. People crowded around. All eyes were fixed on the two men. Alistair lay there motionless as frozen as time itself.

Loghain plunged his blade forward its target, Alistair's heart. Boldly, it advanced through the air in a large arc. Alistair kicked out with his uninjured leg. It was a brash move, but it gained him time. Those few precious moments that made the difference between his life and Loghain's death.

With his arm still entangled in the shield, Alistair rolled to the side using the momentum to propel his body upward and his shield outward. Logain's blade smashed into the floor while Alistair's shield collided with the Regent's head. Loghain's head jerked to the side then back. Alistair followed through with his sword as he embedded it cleanly between two ribs.

Loghain looked down, staring unwittingly at the sword that protruded just below his chest. A slow smile crept into his face, content with the knowledge that his beloved Ferelden was safe, "So…there is some of Maric in you after all."

Before I could stop him or say anything that would sway his vengeful course, with the last vestiges of strength, Alistair ripped his blade from his enemy's chest, "Forget Maric," he swung back, "This is for Duncan!" slashing across the half dead man's throat.

Blood sprayed, showering the forgotten queen that stood helpless by. Her father's body splashed to the ground as he breathed his final declaration, "Gooood."

Eamon's voice rung loud and clear, "It's decided, Alistair will take his father's throne."

A cheer went up amongst the nobles, free men and serfs alike. They crowded around Alistair and the slain Loghain, closing the gap and shutting me out.

Somebody else yelled, "Long lives King Alistair!" and more cheers went up.

A new found hope floated in the murmurs of the people. The air became stifling as they crowded closer, boxing Alistair in and keeping me out. I stood on my tiptoes to glimpse the new king, only to be knocked into someone behind me.

Then I heard him "Wait, what? No!" in a thin wavering voice ragged and torn, Chandra!"

"Alistair," I shouted.

"Chandra," he called out more tenuous.

I pushed my way forward elbowing anyone in my way, "Alistair, I'm coming!"

Blood oozed from his temple where he had been slashed by Loghain's blade, just above the right eye that was swollen shut. He looked around confused. My heart yearned for the loss that I knew was to come. I reached through the crowd and touched his hand, "I'm here."

He couldn't see me, "Chandra?"

I was instantly at his side, "Yes, my love."

Alistair staggered back, trying to balance on one leg. I caught him before he fell and offered my shoulder for support. He grabbed my waist and dragged me to him, "Chandra," it was a desperate plea, "Stop this…"

"I can't," I cried as I touched the side of his beautiful bloodied face, "I love you."