Dragon Age: War of Gods
Hey, everyone! Hope you enjoyed the first chapter. Thanks for the reviews. It goes without saying that I do not own any part of the Dragon Age franchise. If I did, I would actually like to write for them. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this next chapter. Please read and review!
Chapter One
The Harrowing of Eldasar and the King's Arrival
The leaves were colored gold and red as Alistair and his six knights rode their horses to the Tower Circle at Lake Calenhad. He thought dearly of the beauty of the autumn he shared with his even more beautiful wife, Silwen. Where had she disappeared to? He had that question many time before, and Maker knew he would ask the same question many times again before he either saw the end of his life or the face of his wife again, if she was alive. Whichever came first. She had written him and their son a letter before she disappeared. The letter to Alistair was cryptic, claiming that there were dark dreams that she had; that she had sensed an evil looming somewhere that had to be investigated.
Alistair couldn't lie, he felt something he had not felt since the Blight. It felt like it was both far off and yet next to him at the same time. It didn't feel like Darkspawn, but something like he and Silwen had felt when it came to the Archdemon. It was strange, though, but something in his mind told him that it had to do with a certain witch that he knew he shouldn't be thinking about. Morrigan. That was a name he wanted to forget. He had hoped she was out of his life, though he did suppose he owed the lives of him and Silwen to Morrigan. Dark memories entered his mind of that night he spent with her. Though, Silwen did suggest he do it, and Morrigan was right when she said it wasn't unenjoyable.
Don't follow her, she said, and Alistair almost wished Silwen didn't follow Morrigan. However, Alistair at least knew in his heart that the boy would be safe under Morrigan's care. If anyone could protect the boy, she could. But Alistair couldn't help but wonder if it would have been better had he refused to go along with Morrigan's plan. A child with the spirit of an Old God, the sworn enemy of the Maker, inside him couldn't lead to any good. Yet, Morrigan had sworn that she would not let the child come to evil. Morrigan was a liar, no doubt, and she certainly played for her own agenda, but Alistair didn't believe she was evil. At least, he hoped Morrigan wasn't evil.
It was conceivable that, as far as Alistair was concerned, the child could force Darkspawn to his will. If that was true, Alistair shuddered at the thought of the child becoming the leader of the next Blight. However, it was Morrigan's claim that the spirit of the Old God would be contained, not being able to control the boy through corruption. However, that didn't mean the boy might not go through corruption. Yet, Morrigan claimed that the blood of a Grey Warden could completely quell the spirit of the Old God, keeping it from creating another Blight. Alistair could only say that he had to take the words of Morrigan by faith, as foolish as it seemed.
Yet, between Silwen and Lelianna, faith had become an extremely important resource to him. He had faith that his wife was alive, though all had claimed she was dead. He had faith his son, Eldasar, would pass his Harrowing, though he knew that demons would be drawn to Eldasar like a moth was drawn to light. Most importantly, he had to have faith that he was doing well in eyes of the Maker to all of Fereldan. He felt he had the weight of the world on his shoulders and there was nothing he could do about it. Yet, it was by some strength of the Maker that Alistair had endured. Lelianna had seen to that. For some reason, he had felt that Lelianna's faith that the Maker had not truly left the world was more comforting to him than anything he felt for a long time. He thought he was a broken man when Silwen disappeared without a trace, but Lelianna helped him as much as she could.
About three years after the disappearance of Silwen, much against Alistair's wishes, he was forced to remarry. With many who claimed that she was dead, along with the fact that she was barren, and the idea that Eldasar might not survive the Harrowing, Alistair had no real choice if he wanted to make sure his bloodline endured. To the surprise of many, Alistair took Lelianna as his new bride, and for several reasons. Though, many of those reasons were whispered gossip concerning an affair between Queen Silwen and the lovely Lelianna that even included King Alistair at times. In the time between the marriage between Alistair and Lelianna and right now as Alistair was thinking of all these things, Lelianna bore twin daughters and a son. Of course, the children of Lelianna were loved more by many of the peoples of Fereldan than Eldasar. The Chantry struggled with the idea of Fereldan's future king being a mage.
"Magic is meant to serve man and never to rule over him," the Chantry said.
Alistair and Silwen argued many times that a king is a servant to his people, but the Chantry often ignored that argument. This, however, was what started the king and queen's movement to free the Circle of Magi. And, for the most part, the movement was quite successful. The Templars and mages became friends fast friends with freedom the Circle acquired, but the Chantry still grumbled. Under the influence of Queen Lelianna, however, the Fereldan's Chantry came to understand and even favor Alistair's move to free the Circle. However, the idea of a king mage still bothered many. However, Alistair imposed the idea that the friendship between the Templars and mages should be made so they could travel together and serve and protect each other should a mage ever choose to leave the Circle. This friendship, however, was strained by the Mage-Templar War that consumed the rest of Thedas. While there was peace between the Circle and Chantry of Fereldan, distrust of the Circle by the Chantry was always obvious. If it weren't for Lelianna, Alistair was certain that the Chantry would have led a war against the Circle and kill his son.
"Thank the Maker for mercies big and small," Alistair thought to himself as he began to see the light of the sun reflecting off of the water of Lake Calenhad.
In the distance he saw the tall Tower on a lone island in the middle of the lake connected by a bridge. Its shadow was facing outward towards the king and his company. It wasn't that the Tower looked evil, but it at times could look eerie if the light struck it right. Though, memories of demons and blood mages battling against him and Silwen entered his mind as he saw it. Yet the Tower was a force for good, and Alistair knew it. And inside the Tower were mages that would help his son be ready for the Harrowing as much as possible. He knew, though, that Eldasar would be ready. Eldasar had to ready. Perhaps that legendary dragon's blood in him would help in the Fade. Eldasar was certainly an accomplished swordsman from what Alistair had heard from the Templars.
The Circle was much more secretive on Eldasar's training. Though, Alistair knew that Eldasar's cross of magic and steel was a result of the tome that Silwen sent with him. What was it called? Lore of the Arcane Warrior? At any rate, the tome was prized within the Circle as the resurrection of ancient Elven lore and several copies were made. However, the original tome stayed within Denerim along with much of the other original books Silwen had written. Yet, the Circle still prized the magical lore that Silwen had gifted to them, naming her a savior of lost knowledge. But still, Silwen disappeared, and as much as Alistair wanted believe she was still alive, Eldasar was all he had of her. That, and the two letters Alistair had from her. In the end, the letter to Alistair sent Silwen's love for her dear Grey Warden husband. Alistair felt like crying every time he read her final words to him. Though, that would not be the kingly thing to do in front of his subjects. Instead, he would read the letter alone, sometimes for hours, with only Lelianna to comfort him. The first time she comforted him, he knew he would come to love Lelianna, but not like he loved Silwen. That was deeper love that he could not explain fully to anyone, but Lelianna was understanding, for she loved Silwen too.
The letter to Eldasar was even stranger, for Alistair had learned from his son that the letter contained with it a ring made of rosewood and that Eldasar could sense things when he had the ring on. From time to time Eldasar could feel his mother. At other times Eldasar claimed he could feel another woman. Alistair had a pretty good feeling of who the other woman was, but as for sensing Eldasar sensing his mother Alistair didn't know what to think. The ring was only meant for Morrigan to sense the wearer. At least that is what Silwen told him, at any rate. Perhaps Silwen made is so that she could also sense the presence of her son, Alistair did not know. However, that gave him hope that Silwen was still alive, despite the claims that she was dead. However, even though he had hope, he was still forced to remarry. And what better than the woman that both he and his wife deeply cared for?
"You're majesty," a voice called out to Alistair, snapping him out of his though, "We are nearing the Circle Tower. Shall I signal our arrival?"
"I thought the plan was to sneak in," Alistair replied with a smile, "but they might as well know whose coming."
The gates of the Tower Circle were large and magnificent to behold, like unto the gate of Denerim, but older and far more majestic to behold. Upon the doors were images of Men and Elves keeping a silent vigil over the Tower. In the center of the door, however, was a crown that had the image of a dragon upon it. Alistair stared at the image of the crown, considering his own blood for a moment. He was of the ancient blood of dragons. He had a duty to guard his people. He had a duty to guard his family. He had a duty to defeat the evils that might threaten the world. Around the very edge of the door were Templar runes, protecting the Tower door from magic itself.
"Sir Harold," Alistair called, "sound our arrival."
Sir Harold drew his horn to his lips and sounded his horn with a mighty blow. The horn echoed loudly across the lake as Alistair and his company crossed the bridge. As the blast of the horn reached the Tower the gates were almost instantly opened to the King of Fereldan. Out of the Tower came a rather familiar Templar, though he seemed quite old now. He simply smiled and saluted Alistair and his knights as they approached.
"Hail Alistair, the King of Fereldan," the Templar shouted joyously, "Long may you live in the Light of the Maker!"
"Hail Sir Greagoir, commander the Templar guard of Tower Circle," Alistair called back, "Long may you live in the Light of the Maker!"
"I think I would rather that the Maker gather me to His side," Greagoir said with a smile, "I'm getting too old for this damn job."
"And may he reward you highly for your services in this 'damn job' of yours," Alistair laughed, "Has my son entered the Harrowing yet?"
"The boy insisted on waiting for you, you majesty," Greagoir answered with a smile, "I swear, he would enter the Fade to search for the Maker Himself if he thought it would make you happy."
"Well then we best make sure he isn't disappointed in his old man," Alistair laughed, "But I wish to talk to my son in private before he enters his test."
"Your majesty, I believe your son would have forced us to let him talk to you anyway," Greagoir said, "That or turn us all into toads. He is a clever one. I think he may have the quick temperament of his mother."
"And I think she would have turned you into a toad just for saying that," Alistair laughed before he drew a sad smile, "But, enough jokes. I came for my son. And whether it be for the last time or not is in the hands of the Maker."
Greagoir nodded solemnly as he asked Alistair to follow him. The Tower had been greatly healed from when it was invaded by demons and blood mages. In fact, the Tower had seemed to be stronger as far as Alistair was concerned. He smiled once again as memories of he and Silwen fighting evil together flooded his mind. He remembered their first kiss. He remembered the first night they shared a tent together. He even remembered that one time he, Silwen, and Lelianna shared a cabin with Isabella, though that memory was one that Lelianna was fond of bringing up when he and Lelianna were alone together. But the one memory that flooded his mind the most was when Silwen told him that she was pregnant. Alistair couldn't help but unleash his sheer joy at Silwen's news. His marriage to her and the announcement of her pregnancy were his fondest memories. And for those memories, he had a special love for his son, Eldasar Half-Elven.
The first thing Alistair noticed when he walked into the Apprentice Quarters was a young man, no more than sixteen years of age. The boy had piercing blue eyes and brownish-red hair that wasn't too terribly long. He also some facial hair that he kept trimmed enough to look good, but otherwise he had an excellent goatee. His robes were long, colored grey with red endings. He was sitting at a normal wooden desk with a quill in hand, concentrating hardly at whatever it was he was writing. Alistair smile to himself when he saw the boy, hard at his work.
"I do believe people usually look up when they hear a door open," Alistair called out to the boy with a smile, "or did these damn sixth sense mages already deprive you of hearing?"
The boy looked up from his study, clearly registering quickly what was said to him. His lips quickly formed a smile as his eyes intensely brightened. He got up and ran over to Alistair for an embrace. Alistair quickly captured his son in his arms and kissed his head. The boy was his height, which Alistair was at pleased with. A tall prince was always good for morale when it came to the battlefield.
"Father!" Eldasar cried happily, "You came, and at good timing too. Not quite as late now as you were to the Archdemon, eh?"
"Maker's breath!" Alistair remarked as he released Eldasar from the embrace, "I wish I had never told you about that! You definitely developed your mother's tongue."
"And your sense of humor," Eldasar replied happily, "Though I guess you and I were both raised well enough by dogs to comment like fools."
"Easy boy," Alistair laughed, "You may be my son, but I'm still your king."
"And I have eagerly looked forward to the arrival of my king," Eldasar said, "I am ready to make you proud."
"You already have made me more proud than I could possibly describe," Alistair said with a smile, "If your mother were here…."
"I know, dad," Eldasar said sadly, "I miss her too. But I can still make her proud from afar. If a cross between the blood of an Elf, Human, a Grey Warden, mage, a dragon, and royalty can't survive the Harrowing, I don't know what will."
"Easy, son," Alistair said, "The last thing you want to be is cocky. You may well survive the Harrowing but that doesn't mean your limits won't be tested to the utmost degree. From what I learned from your mother you will die if you fail. I can't lose you too."
"You won't lose me, dad," Eldasar replied, "I am confident in myself. Besides, from what mom told me in her letter, the Harrowing is a test of more than ability. I must always stay on guard, and I plan on doing just that."
"Your mother spoke of the Harrowing in her letter?" Alistair asked with surprise.
"Not very much," Eldasar said quietly, "All she was that she told that to 'keep her wits about her. True tests never end.'"
"If that is what she said, then it is probably true," Alistair said, "Whatever it is, you need to be keep your mind focused."
"If the Harrowing is what I think it is, then I would heavily agree," Eldasar said with some thought, "I think it may have to do with the Fade."
"What makes you think that?" Alistair asked.
"Well," Eldasar started, "the Fade is the only place that is discussed in the Circle that apprentices never go to except for in dreams, as all Men, Elves, and Qunari do. Mainly because mages will claim that apprentices are not quite ready to deal with the effects of the Fade."
"That is a reasonable guess," Alistair said, "as the main job of the Templars is to kill maleficarum and demon possessed mages, and the Fade is where mages can become corrupted or possessed. Being in the Fade myself has taught me a little bit about it."
"You have been in the Fade?" Eldasar asked in awe.
"Yes, once" Alistair said, "with your mother. She and I slew a Sloth Demon together. One of our more difficult challenges."
"That does sound challenging," Eldasar said thoughtfully as he played with his mother's ring.
"Do you feel her right now?" Alistair asked when he saw what his son was doing.
"I feel something," Eldasar said, "but it isn't mother. I talk with her in my dreams. I know she is proud of me. Nor do I feel the other woman, but I feel someone else at times. Sometimes I feel as if I have somehow connected with him. And just when I think I can see him, the connection is lost."
"Him?" Alistair asked.
"Yes," Eldasar said, "a 'him.' And a powerful 'him' if he is not connected to the ring. Yet, I still feel connected to him, and I always feel as if I should know who he is."
Alistair didn't ask, but if it had anything to do with Morrigan then Alistair knew exactly who 'he' was, and it unsettled him. The boy was never supposed to have any claim to the throne. Morrigan swore to it. But if Morrigan had plans to usurp the throne, Alistair did not know what to do. Alistair did not mention, however, that he too felt a strange connection too seemed to be a boy. At nights when he was with Lelianna he would see a boy stare at him. And that was all the boy would do: simply stare. He would never talk. Alistair was unnerved by the stare, for it always seemed the boy would search the depths of his soul. Every once in a while the boy would smile mysteriously at Alistair, but that is all that would truly happen between the two.
"Perhaps it is nothing," Alistair said finally, "but I think you should focus your mind on your test."
"That sounds like a wise idea," Eldasar said with a smile, "I shall return to you. You have my word."
"And I shall hold you to that word," Alistair laughed as he drew his son into a hug, "Farewell, Eldasar."
"Farwell, father," Eldasar, "I shall see you again soon."
From there, Greagoir took Eldasar Half-Elven up to the Harrowing chamber. Eldasar had only at times seen the second level of the Circle Tower, but never beyond. The Tower, as he expected, was even more beautiful and filled with wonder the higher one went. There were tapestries of knights and kings, Templars and mages, and of all the races that were known to Thedas. Eldasar even saw tapestries of dragons, Darkspawn, and of the great griffons, creatures that were heavily associated with the order his parents once belonged to. As he drew nearer to the Harrowing chamber he could feel things whispering to him, telling him to allow him to be taken. He could feel evil even before he knew what the evil was. It was around him, yet beyond him. At the same time, however, he felt a comfort, as if a hand were laid upon him to calm his spirit. Eldasar took a deep breath as he entered the Harrowing chamber. In the center of the chamber he saw a strange pedestal covered in ruin and lyrium crystals with First Enchanter Irving next to the pedestal. He and Greagoir slowly walked up next to Irving, who had a proud smile on his face. He looked at Greagoir before giving him a slight nod.
"So it has been said to your mother and the many before you," Greagoir started, turning to Eldasar, "'Magic exists to serve man and never to rule over him.' Thus spoke the Prophetess, Andraste as she cast down the Tevinter Imperium. Your magic is a gift, but it is also a curse in the eyes of the Maker. The Chantry would have it so you would not leave the Circle, forsaking all claims to the kingship that is your father's legacy. However, because of the work of your mother and father, the Chantry has decreed that should you choose to retain your birthright or leave the Circle for any reason after succeeding at your Harrowing, you are required to take with you a Templar. If that Templar believes that you are becoming a maleficarum, he has it within his right to act out the duties of the Chantry and slay you for crimes against the Maker and His children. Do you understand these terms?"
"I do," Eldasar said.
"This is lyrium," Irving said, pointing to the pedestal, "It is the source of all magic in the world as well as the source of our own power. Though we do not necessarily need to use lyrium to use magic, it does allow us to prolong our strength. It is also our strongest access into the Fade. This power inside of you is something you need to learn how to control to your fullest extent, in both the physical and dream worlds. You are ready, child. It must be the old legends of dragon blood running through your veins that have allowed you to enter this chamber so young. I remember you mother coming through here, and she wasn't much older than you. Only by four years, if I remember correctly. You have much to live up to, lad, but I am sure you will live up to the reputation."
"You have learned much, and if you have come far, young one," Greagoir said, "You are definitely ready for the challenge ahead. However, if we feel we must do our duty, we will. I hope and pray to the Maker we do not have to perform that duty."
Eldasar looked at the two aged men and smiled and nodded. He took a deep breath and walked towards the blue and black pedestal. He could hear the voices in his mind growing louder as he approached the lyrium, telling him to come. Telling him to die. He could feel his blood growing warmer as he stretched out to touch the cold lyrium, and then everything went black.
When Eldasar came to he stood up and saw a world with green sky. He felt a sudden urge of both calmness and uneasiness, but the unease won out over the calmness. He knew then that he was in the Fade. But where in the Fade was he? When he got up he saw he was on the edge of a great island overlooking many lesser islands around it. When he turned around he saw great dark walls before him, and the walls seemed as if they were crying an even darker blood. Before him was a giant gate that also wept of blood, but the gates were open. In front of the gate was an old man. The old man leaned on a wooden staff which had an eight-pointed star as its head. The old man simply stared and smiled warmly at Eldasar.
"Where am I?" Eldasar asked.
"That depends," the old man replied, "You could be in a dream, you could be in reality, or you could be insane. It doesn't truly matter which. All that matters is what you believe."
"And what is it that you think I believe in?" Eldasar asked again.
"That is for you to decide," the old man said, "However, I suggest you believe in that which will help you the most."
"And what will help me?" Eldasar asked.
"You ask what you already know the answer to, child!" the old man laughed warmly, "Did not those mages teach you about this place? I thought they had!"
"And how do you know what I have been taught?" Eldasar retorted.
"I am old, child, not blind," the old man replied, "Though I suppose I might as well be, considering what has been said. Yet, I am not as blind as everyone says."
"And what do they say?" Eldasar asked, taken aback, "Who are you?"
"They say many things," the old man replied, "As for who I am, I have many names, but let's just say I am the Watcher here. I watch the gate, as you can tell. As far as I can tell, you are wrong side of the Fade."
"I didn't know there was a wrong side to the Fade," Eldasar said, "I thought it was just a dream realm."
"And it is as much a dream realm as it is reality," the old man said with a smile, "The question is, will you allow the dream realm to alter the your sense of reality, or will you let your sense of reality alter the dream realm? The demon who seeks you cannot find you here, as his reality cannot reach to this part of the Fade, but I am the Watcher, I can reach him easily. You are here because you are meant to be here, because I wished you here. I can easily wish the demon here too, or I can send you to the demon who hunts you. He knows you are in the Fade, but he does not know where in the Fade. He can look all he likes, but he shall not find you."
"But I have to defeat the demon to pass my test," Eldasar said.
"And I could easily send you back to the physical world and you will never have to face him," the old man said, "But if truly wish to test you strength, I shall bring him here. The demon cannot pass through the gates as long as I defend them, nor could any creature."
"Very well, sir," Eldasar said, "I will face the creature."
"Maker's blessings upon you, lad," the old man said with a smile and nod.
"And upon you, sir," Eldasar responded with a smile.
The old man lifted his staff aloft and a majestic white light poured from the star upon his staff. Eldasar felt the warm light bathe around him as the form of a Terror Demon appeared before the old man and Eldasar. The Terror Demon looked around for a moment, confused as to where he was, but when he saw the old man, he quickly fell to the ground in a great cry and hiss.
"What do you want with me, Watcher?" the demon hissed hostilely, "Have you summoned me here to send me to the far reaches of the abyss where the damned are to walk forever?"
"If it is to the abyss you must go, then to the abyss you must go," the old man said, "but today it shall not be me that will strike you down. Should the Maker will it, it shall be this boy who shall strike you down."
"And how nice it is of you is it to bring me to my prey, Watcher," the demon replied, noticing the young mage, "Though I am surprised he is here. Is he of the blood of the Tevinter Imperium that he should walk here freely as you allowed the magisters to walk here so long ago? Are you so powerless that you let evil walk as freely now as you did then?"
"And yet you still fear me now as you did then!" the old man laughed, "All I do is in the Maker's name, and it is the Maker that shall destroy you at a time of his choosing. Indeed, all evil shall be destroyed at a time of his choosing. Evil does not go unchecked as you would have the mortal realm believe, but it is seen at every moment of every day. Be wary then, I say to you, for you have no true power against the Light."
"We shall see, Watcher," the demon hissed and turned towards Eldasar, "Come. Let us see if your champion is as strong as you believe him to be."
The Terror Demon screamed in wrath as he lunged forward at the young prince of Fereldan. Eldasar quickly shouted an incantation and a light blue field spread around him in defense. The demon was pushed back by the powerful shield and flung fifty feet away from Eldasar. The demon hissed at the boy and his eyes glowed red as he summoned the boulders of the earth around him. The demon then flung the boulders at Eldarsar, but Eldasar stretched forth his hand and lighting smote the boulders into sand and pebbles. The demon hissed at the boy when he saw his attack was destroyed and then raised his arms cried out into the heavens. When Eldasar blinked he saw five Terror Demons, all wrathful and with eyes filled with hatred.
"I shall have you, body and soul," they all said to Eldasar.
"You will have to kill me first," Eldasar cried as he summoned a fireball to smite the demons.
The demons quickly moved out of the way and charged at Eldasar, screaming in furry. But Eldasar summoned forth his remaining strength as the demons reached for him and his body erupted in flame. All five demons were struck by the force of energy and were thrown back. As they each struck the ground four of the demons disappeared. The demon screamed at him in anger, but he smiled when he saw Eldasar's heavy breathing and the gash across his torso as the boy fell to knees.
"Do you see, Watcher?" the demon cried in triumph, "Do you see how weak the mortal is? Does your champion have the strength to defeat me? Do you see how the darkness is all consuming? You have lost!"
"You are right, demon," the old man said with a smile, "I see him. I see his weakness. I see that he does not have the strength to defeat you. But you do not know that even the smallest of hope is enough light to cause the darkness to flee before it. Behold! It is not he who has lost, nor is it he who has won, but it is the Maker who has won and you who has lost!"
And suddenly Eldasar felt a light run through his body that felt like the light that came from the staff of the Watcher, and he felt his strength return anew as a sword of white light appeared in his hand. The hilt of the sword, much like the staff of the Watcher had the symbol the eight-pointed star upon it.
"But you aren't allowed to interfere!" the demon cried in terror.
"Nor am I," the old man replied with a smile, "The Maker chooses to act through whomever he wills at whatever time he wills it."
The demon screamed once again and tried to flank Eldasar, once again heavily wounding the boy by creating another gash across his chest. But as the demon struck Eldasar, he also struck the demon with his sword. The demon released horrendous screams as it died slowly from the sword piercing through his body. However, Eldasar also sank to his knees as he felt the darkness spread over his body. Before he collapsed, he felt hands of another upon his shoulders. He looked up with his remaining strength to see the old man smiling down at him.
"Peace, my child," the old man said, "The Maker is not done with you yet. Rest for a while, and recover from your wounds. I shall keep you safe under my watch. We shall meet again, you and I. Let your spirit heal, and your mind feel peace, for you have labored long. But speak not of our meeting to anyone. Know that I am watching you, and that the world has never been forsaken for the sake of the faithful."
And with that Eldasar closed his eyes and knew no more. And even in his dreamless sleep he felt the old man's final words to him, and Eldasar felt peace. And with peace came hope.