Dragon Age: War of Gods
Hey everyone! Sorry for the delay on this chapter. I was on vacation, returned to college, and now I have to deal with the beauty of school! Not to mention that this story is just short of 6000 words, or 19 pages, as it were. Anyway, this chapter kind of got away from me. I didn't expect it to be so long and filled with so much content. It makes me glad I was able to make so much content for you guys. Anyway, I am thankful for your reviews! Hope you enjoy the next chapter!
Chapter 3
The Prince of Fereldan and a Shadow in the North
Rain came down gently while Alistair and Eldasar rode towards Denerim. There were a few rumbles of thunder here and there, but Eldasar urged the company to press forward as he was eager to venture forward. Alistair couldn't help but smile at his son's sense of adventure. The boy reminded him of Silwen, and Silwen was not one to rest when there was still traveling to do. Of course, that was during a different time. The world was darker then, and evil was threatening all things. But when Alistair saw Eldasar, he saw the light and hope that Silwen brought to him, and this comforted him more than he could describe.
Yet, though the King of Ferelden was filled with joy for his son, he was also troubled by Eldasar's silence during the ride back to Denerim. For several days, the boy seemed to have a long and far look. Thought ever gnawed Eldasar, and that thought was always about the Watcher of the gates to the Black City. At times Alistair would ask Eldasar of his thoughts, but Eldasar would always shake his head and tell his father that he was fine. Alistair knew better than that. It was the same look he had after the ending of the Fifth Blight. The same look he had when he thought about that night with Morrigan. It haunted Alistair. Even though it was what saved both he and Silwen, he couldn't get over the thought. He thought of Morrigan, just as Silwen thought of Morrigan. But she was gone, and there was nothing either he or Silwen could do about it.
Yet Alistair heard rumors of a raven-haired beauty in the West served as the arcane advisor for Empress Celene of Orlais, and suspicions were raised, but would not dare to confront Orlais about the matter. If Morrigan wanted to attack Fereldan, she would have done it by now, but it was about the boy that Silwen told Alistair of that he was wary of. That child had a claim to the throne, but Morrigan swore that he would never know of his true blood. Alistair could only hope that she made good on her promise. But now was not the time to think of Morrigan and her child. Now was the time to focus of getting Eldasar safely home. It was his promise to Silwen that their only child would always remain safe as long as they could protect him. And Alistair planned on guarding Eldasar to his greatest capabilities.
"How much further until we reach Denerim," Eldasar asked with a smile.
"I would guess at least three more hours," Alistair replied, "Excited, aren't we?"
"I haven't been home for a very long time," Eldasar said, "I couldn't begin to describe how much I have wished for this day."
"It will be good to have you home, my son," Alistair said gently.
Eldasar look over to his father and smiled as they rode forward. The company did not stop the rest of the ride. The rain stopped before they reached Denerim, and the sun shone clearly before them as Denerim appeared in the distance. With the strong alliance built between the Dwarves of Orzammar and the Men of Fereldan, the Dwarves had helped in the rebuilding of the great city. It was as it has always been, the jewel of Fereldan, and even more so with the influence of the Dwarves. Even as the company approached the gates of Denerim the city sounded the approach of its king and its prince. A cry went up from the city like a shout of victory after a great battle for the return of the blood of Theirin, and Eldasar knew he was at last home. But in his heart, he felt that his home would never be complete without his mother. Though he was sure he sure that he would love Leliana as a stepmother, it wouldn't be the same.
The company pressed forward through the streets, with hails and bows given from the people right and left. Eldasar was bowed to from time to time in the Circle, but not like this. It was new to him. There was beauty here, a different beauty from the Circle, and Eldasar enjoyed it. He enjoyed the fresh air that could be enjoyed. However, he was also used seeing equality. Yes, there was rank within the Circle, but everyone was generally treated the same. Here there were more differences. Yes, the people were treated with kindness and respect, but class was always there as well. Yet, Eldasar that people great and small had a minor distrust for him since he was mage, even though he was their prince. The Chantry was certainly against his claim to the throne of Fereldan, even though Leliana, who was a part of the Chantry, clearly supported his right to the throne.
They came swiftly to the Palace of Denerim, its white towers rose high and beautifully into the sky. Upon seeing them, Eldasar gave a slight sigh of relief. He was now home, with his father. Yet, he also wanted to adventure. He wanted to command armies in his father's name and bring honor to his homeland, much like his mother and father did. He wanted to make his father, his mother, and his people proud. But now, Eldasar would have to learn. He knew that better than anyone. And now began the part of lessons he only got a taste of while he was at the Circle. In order to become a good king, he must first be a good prince.
At the steps of the palace stood a tall, beautiful woman with red hair. Next to her stood identical twin girls who were about half the woman's height and a young boy who was just a little shorter than the twins. As Alistair rode in after Eldasar, the people in the courtyard all bowed before the King of Fereldan. Alistair raised his hand, and they rose. Eldasar knew his father had no desire for the throne, but Eldasar also believed that Alistair's lack of desire made him a better king. His father was by no means power crazy, and he was a fair and righteous judge. The people loved him, and the realm prospered under his rule. When the people rose, Alistair dismounted his horse and walked over to the woman and children.
"My queen," Alistair said with a smile and slight bow.
"My king," Leliana returned with the same smile and bow before she kissed him.
Eldasar watched the encounter with a sad smile. But Leliana made Alistair happy, and Eldasar guessed that's all that mattered. What happened to his mother, he may never know, but if she was by the Maker's side, he could only pray that she was watching and be proud of him. But if the Maker had turned his back on the world, why would the Maker make it so his mother could watch, assuming she was truly dead? But if the Maker does not care to watch humanity, then why does He send the Watcher to do it? He thought back to his time in the Fade and to what the Watcher told him. There are so many who claim to be faithful to the Maker. If the Maker has not forsaken the world because of the faithful, then why wouldn't the Maker directly intervene in the affairs of Men?
Eldasar thought it would be best to discuss such things with Leliana some time, but after she and his father spent some time together. He figured it would be a good idea to explore Denerim for a while, if he could. Of course, he was a man, now. He could go where he pleased. However, Eldasar had a feeling that he would need to study politics very soon again. That and war. He was much more interested in war, but those of the Templars would laugh at him when he said that.
"Once you have a taste of war, you will wish it never existed," the Templars would say, and Eldasar had a feeling that they were right.
"Eldasar," Alistair happily called to his son, "come over here. I would like to formally introduce you to your stepmother, Leliana."
"It is a pleasure, Eldasar," Leliana said in her beautiful Orlesian accent, "I have looked forward to meeting you for a very long time. I knew your mother, and, well, I loved her too. Much like Alistair loved her. I know I can never truly replace her as your mother or even Alistair's queen, but I will always try to make you feel loved and accepted with me. I love to be friends with you, if you will give me the chance. And maybe one day I can call you 'son' as well."
"The pleasure is mine, my queen," Eldasar said with a bow and kissed her hand, "I know you loved my mother, from what my father told me in his letters, and I know that you loved my father dearly too. I can't thank you enough for being there for him when I couldn't. And I would be honored to be a member of your family, as you are already a member of mine."
Leliana smiled at Eldasar and brought him into a gentle hug. Eldasar returned the hug and smile and Eldasar knew he was already accepted by the woman that was loved by both of his parents.
"Let me introduce you to the rest of the family," Leliana said cheerfully, "These are your sisters and brother. Katlynn, Annabeth, and Richard."
They were all beautiful children, and the three of them looked more like Alistair than Eldasar did, but Eldasar did not think long on such things. He smiled, and greeted the children of Alistair and Leliana. They were kind to him, at least, and that was a treasure to Eldasar's heart. But in the back of his mind, Eldasar felt like an outsider. He was no bastard, but he also knew that he would be no welcome king due to his time in the Circle.
"Comparable to the Archons of Tevinter," the Chantry said, but Eldasar was determined to prove them wrong. He was resolved to be a good king and to be devout to the teachings of the Maker. If only he had the knowledge and wisdom to do so. He was trained as a mage, a warrior, and even as a diplomat, but never as a prince. It was something the boy had to learn, and quickly.
"It is a pleasure to meet you and my brothers and sisters, my queen," Eldsar replied to Leliana with a smile and a slight bow.
"Please, you do not have to be so formal with me," Leliana said with a melodious laugh, "If it pleases you, you may call me by name. Or mother if you wish it, though I know I am not worthy of the title."
"Stepmother would be fine," Eldasar said, "Not to remind you, but to let you know that I do embrace you as a member of the family."
Leliana smiled at Eldasar and reached out of hold Alistair's hand. The family slowly entered back into the place, and the sound of birds chirping was in the air as the great doors opened. Leliana was quite talkative to Eldasar about his time within the Circle of Magi and told him stories of her time with his mother. She spoke about her own journey to the Circle Tower with Silwen and the evil that once cursed the place. The darkest tale was of Uldred and his joining with the Pride Demon that she and Silwen fought to save the Tower. Eldasar listened with gladness in his heart, for every story he heard from his father and Leliana brought him closer to his mother in spirit. For that, at least, he was thankful.
"I must ask you, Eldasar," Leliana said, "What was your time in the Fade like? Your mother spoke of her Harrowing in some small detail to me, but it was really to Alistair that she spoke of it. It was one of her many defining moments. She was a strong woman, and a dear friend."
"I almost died there," Eldasar said quietly, "Or, I should have died there. The demon I faced was a spirit of terror, and it lived up to its title."
"What happened?" Leliana asked curiously.
"I was saved," Eldasar said.
"Saved?" Leliana asked, "By what? Another spirit."
"I don't know," Eldasar said, "He didn't seem like any spirit I know of. He told me not to speak of that meeting. All I know for sure was that he was powerful. Very powerful."
"That is odd," Leliana said, "But thank the Maker you are alive!"
"Does the Maker ever intervene?" Eldasar asked suddenly.
"Well, the Chantry doesn't think so," Leliana explained, "The Chantry claims that the Maker has left all of creation, and will only deal with His children should they ever come to Him in death. The Chantry also thinks that the Maker will only return to His creation when His Chant of Light has been spread throughout all the world."
"And what do you think?" Eldasar asked.
"I don't think the Maker has abandoned His creation as the Chantry thinks," Leliana said, "I think He works in ways in ways we can't understand. I think that He is at work in the world even now, though the world refuses to see that. Did your mother or father ever tell you why I wanted to follow them against the Darkspawn so much?"
"A letter told me of some of my mother and father's adventures," Eldasar said, "But they never went into much detail."
"Ah, I see," Leliana said with a nod, "Well, I believe that the Maker spoke to me, through a dream and a rose bush that came back to life even though it was dead. I know that the Chantry says that the Maker only spoke to Andraste, but I have a hard time believing that an all-powerful and all-good God would simply ignore His creation. That means that the Maker isn't all-good or He isn't all-powerful. Or both. The only other option would be that the Chantry is wrong about the Maker. Of course, I would be burned at the stake for saying that."
Eldasar laughed with Leliana at her comment, but Eldasar couldn't help but think of what the Watcher had said to him. 'The world has been forsaken for the sake of the faithful,' the Watcher had said. How Eldasar wished he could talk to Leliana about this, but he knew he shouldn't. However, he had a feeling that Leliana was right about the Maker. Perhaps He hadn't abandoned the world. However, Eldasar knew that trying to answer questions he couldn't possibly know the answer to was worthless. The two discussed the adventures of Silwen, Lelianna, and Alistair for some time, and Eldasar always had many questions about Leliana's stories. She felt as if she were once again with Silwen, relating stories of older days and slaying the hated Darkspawn. Such questions always made her smile. However, their talks were cut short when Alistair found them.
"I need to talk to Eldasar alone," Alistair said quietly.
Leliana merely nodded and Eldasar left quickly with Alistair. The entered a smaller room that only Alistair had the key two. Inside the room were many relics, weapons and other things that seemed to have the mark of the Grey Wardens upon it. In the center of the room were two statues, one of a man and the other a woman. Alistair simply walked up to the statues and stared at them before kneeling in front of the statues in respect. When Alistair rose he saw Eldasar eyeing his father curiously.
"They are images of your mother and Duncan, my mentor," Alistair said, quickly reading Eldasar's thoughts, "It used to be that Duncan's statue only graced this room. When your mother vanished I had a statue of her made as well. They are reminders of the importance of the Grey Wardens. Reminders that the kings of Fereldan turn away this ancient and noble order. The Grey Wardens saved this country. Your mother saved this country. I want to honor her throughout the ages of the world. In this room are some of your mother's most valued possessions, as well the only possessions that we could retrieve from Duncan. In this room is a special sword that your mother once owned. Its name is Starfang. The sword was made from star metal that your mother and I found during our adventures. The man who forged this sword claimed that the world has never seen its like, and will never see its like again. She would have wanted you to have it. One day, I hope that I can give you may father's blade as well. But it is not yet that day. Wear Starfang proudly, and know that your mother and I, as well as all the people of Fereldan, are proud of you."
Alistair picked up the grey-blue longsword and handed it to Eldasar. The blade glowed blue and Eldasar felt its power at even the smallest touch. It had known the hand of the Arcane Warrior, and its own magic was powerful. For a moment, Eldasar felt as if the sword had a life of its own, connected to the Fade in a strange way through his mother. The blade glowed with a faint blue light as Eldasar studied the sword. Alistair smile and placed a hand on his son's shoulder.
"Fereldan will have need of you someday," Alistair said, "but today I need my son. For too long we have been apart. I see so much of your mother in you. Her bravery, her determination. You have her spirit, no doubt. I know in my heart that you will be what Fereldan will need. You will be a good king, and I will try to help you in every way I can to ensure you become the king you hope to be."
"What if I fail?" Eldasar asked.
"Your mother and I asked ourselves the same question before we fought the Archdemon," Alistair said grimly, "But in the we decided that we would not give up without a fight. If we had failed, we would have made sure we took as many Darkspawn with us. Your mother's mentor, Wynne, told her that the only way to be a good leader is to use your power in a way that will benefit those who follow you. Every action you make will affect those you follow you. Power, true power, is as constraining as it useful. You just need to know when to use it, when to show justice and mercy. Listen to those around you and take every piece of counsel you can get. Let those around you know you, and you them. Friends are important, for ruling is lonely and often filled with grief."
"I think I understand," Eldasar said in thought with a nod.
Alistair smiled again at his son and hugged him. He knew well that Eldasar would do well when the time came. But Alistair had to wonder how long it would be before Eldasar took his place as the king of Fereldan. He wanted to be there for his son for a long time to come.
"So I have to ask," Alistair said, "How long until this Templar arrives in Denerim? I thought the Chantry made it so that the Templars and Mages would leave the Circle together the day the Mage left."
"The Circle informed me that my companion would be at the Chantry upon my arrival," Eldasar laughed, "I suppose I should go pick up my new friend."
"I think that I'll join you," Alistair said, "It has been a while since I heard the Chantry scream at me about taking on a Circle Mage as my heir."
"This should be very interesting, then," Eldasar said with a smile.
The walk to the Chantry didn't take very long, as the people were mainly off at the Market District during the afternoon. People busily buzzed around the district, searching for food and clothes. Some searched for bows and arrows, preparing for what would eventually be a long and hard winter. The winters were always hard in Fereldan, but the people were strong and resilient. Fereldan knew winter the best. The only people that knew winter better were the Chasind, those of Korcari Wilds. Who knew how much further south those lands stretched, for lands were unmapped and untamed. But Fereldan had some peace with the Chasind, even if it was an uneasy peace. However, the Chasind did have some in Denerim that would establish trade. Though Fereldan did have much more to offer, the Chasind had medicines that Fereldan did not have, and those medicines were much needed at times.
Denerim flourished, though it still felt the damage of the Darkspawn invasion seventeen years ago. It even seemed more beautiful to Alistair despite the past invasion. Of course, the true jewel that was in the city was lost to him. Alistair loved Leliana, it was true, but he loved Silwen more. It was a wound Alistair could never fully heal, not matter how much he tried. Alistair could never fully understand why she left, but ultimately he knew that she left because she was a Grey Warden, just as he was. They both sensed things, and it was what they sensed that caused Silwen to disappear. Alistair never told anyone about that dark night, and he did not plan on it. All he knew was that he offered to go instead of her, but she refused, claiming that only he could teach Eldasar to be a good king. How he wanted to tell Eldasar what they both saw in that darkness, though.
His nightmares were always filled with it. A great beast, bathed in blood and clothed shadow and flame. All Alistair could see clearly were its molten red-yellow eyes. It spoke like that of the archdemons, but it did not feel like an archdemon. Or perhaps it was, and Alistair did not recognize it. But how could that be possible? An even more horrific thought was what if an archdemon could return from the dead? But seemed even less possible, for the essence of an archdemon was destroyed along with the soul of the Grey Warden. This was true of all but one archdemon, but he could not sense the presence of the archdemon that was absorbed by Morrigan's child. He could see in his dreams the sleeping Old Gods, though, and for long he feared that the beast was speaking to the last two Old Gods. And the Old Gods answered. But weather the answer was in a command or the reply to a command Alistair did not know. All he knew is that it shook him and Silwen to their very cores.
For seven years long years Alistair had those nightmares, and for seven years they had gotten worse and worse. Whether or not that meant his time was near, though, he did not know. But he always figured that the poison of the taint would fuel nightmares of death and destruction by Darkspawn, not a warning of things yet to come, if they came at all. And if he didn't dream about what he saw in the darkness, he dreamed about the boy he would assume was Morrigan's son. However, in the light of the Chantry, Alistair always felt the horror in the back of his mind flee from him. But it would return at night. It always did.
"Everything okay?" Eldasar asked, taking notice of his father's long, silent thought.
"Hm?" Alistair grunted, turning his attention to his son, "Sorry. I was just in thought about your mother."
"I miss her too," Eldasar said quietly, "We will find her one day."
"I hope so," Alistair said with a sad smile.
The Chantry stood before them, tall and beautiful as they came to its walls. The windows were stained with the colors of red, pink, and yellow. At the top of the Chantry was a statue of Andraste, holding a flame in her hand. Alistair smiled as he thought back to the statue of Andraste that held a living flame at the Temple of the Urn. That seemed so long ago, and just like yesterday simultaneously. The Temple stood proudly as it once had in the Frostback Mountains, the Chantry made quick work of cleaning and repairing the old place, and when word spread that the Urn of Sacred Ashes had been found at last, many pilgrims traveled to the Temple to behold the wonder of the Urn. The Guardian of the Urn still kept ever watchful over the Urn, slaying any whom he deemed to be unworthy of seeing the ashes of Andraste. Alistair hated having to send word to the families of those who were slain at the Temple, but the Guardian had to protect Andraste. Well, in truth, it was the Chantry's job to inform the families, but Alistair had a duty to protect those of his lands. So many duties, but Alistair kept them all. The people thought him a true and just king, ruling with kindness and honor. He still couldn't get used to the fact that he was an honored man throughout Fereldan. A hero in his own right. Though, the true hero of Fereldan was Queen Silwen. He hoped that Eldasar would find the kind of love he found at such a young age. A love that would last forever. But that was in the Maker's hands.
In front of the Chantry was a blooming garden of roses that Leliana had ordered to be made in honor of the Maker's vision that was given to her. The Chantry deemed such a vision heretical, but they allowed the garden because they agreed with Leliana's theology that the Maker will always preserve love and beauty in the world. Leliana's Garden became a great source of faith for those who had suffered the worst of the Blight. From the Garden, a person would take a single rose to his house, it was said that the rose would bloom there, the land that was owned by the keeper of the rose would flourish and grow strong under the care of the Maker. Though the Chantry would decry such myths as heresy, it gave the people hope. Alistair looked at the Garden with respect for Leliana's reverence to the Maker. She was a good wife, and an excellent mother and friend. Standing near the Garden was a young woman in a fine, silver armor with the insignia of the Templars upon it. Alistair couldn't remember many women being a part of the Order, but wasn't a great surprise that a she could be in the Order. She had long, brownish-red hair and green eyes that were akin to the green leaves of the Brecilian Forest. She was beautiful, to say the least, and Alistair had the distinct notion that she was waiting on his son to arrive.
"I swear, my family has all the luck with beautiful women," Alistair thought, jokingly.
The girl smiled when she saw Eldasar and Alistair approach the Chantry. She was probably not much older than Eldasar was, if not the same age. She carried a long sword at her side and a shield, with the usual Templar insignia, on her back. She wore no helmet, however, and her armor was very small to go with how short she was. But she looked fierce, as well as lovely. Alistair would hate to go against her in a dark alley were he a younger man, though he had a feeling that she was still rather inexperienced. Alistair would bet that she had never seen a real battle. A green child, but a confident one. She knelt and bowed before Alistair and Eldasar. Maker's breath he hated when people did that!
"Your Majesties," She said respectably, "I welcome you to the Denerim Cathedral. I am at your command."
"Rise," Alistair smiled, "Maker's blessings upon you, my lady. I personally welcome you to Denerim itself. I guess you are the young Templar to watch over my son?"
"I am, indeed, your majesty" she laughs after she rises, "My name is Abigail Rosland. I hail from Dragon's Peak and joined the Chantry under the Templar order six years ago."
Alistair recalled his own training as he looked at the girl. She could dispel magic, but so could Eldasar. The boy had studied vigorously through the four schools of magic and the notes his mother left him on Morrigan's magic, Wynne's magic, and the strange lore of the Arcane Warrior. The Arcane Warrior was the magic Eldasar treasured most from his mother as carefully guarded lore. The copies of Silwen's books of magic given to the Circle of Magi were some of the most highly prized possessions the mages had in their famed library. Only Eldasar had the originals. Eldasar was strong with magic, but Alistair had a feeling his mother would claim him to be stronger than she was. Alistair smiled. The boy was definitely his mother's son, utterly devoted and determined.
"Charmed," the young prince greeted, kissing the girl's hand in a respectful manner, "I am Eldasar, but I suppose you already knew that. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Abigail blushed slightly and returned her hand to her. Alistair couldn't help but chuckle to himself. He was definitely Maric's grandson. The two talked, getting to know each other a little while Alistair thought about how quickly his romance with Silwen started. He smiled to himself. Though, of course, she wasn't around forever. Too quickly had they come together, and too quickly were they torn apart by a simple feeling. They darkness they felt once again entered Alistair's mind. He shuddered. Maker help them all if his and Silwen's nightmares were correct, if there was a shadow in the dark that was coming for Thedas.
"We should probably head back to the palace," Alistair said, looking up at the coming sunset, "Wouldn't want to miss dinner."
Eldasar and Abigail nodded and the three of them headed back to the palace. The cool of the day started to grow colder. Fereldan winters were always harsh, and it always had cold nights. After they got back to the palace, Alistair had one of his servants show Abigail to her quarters. Alistair moved slowly to his own room in thought after he bid his son goodnight. Soon, he entered his chambers and saw Leliana sleeping soundly. He smiled as he saw her peaceful form, but as he got undressed and approached the bed, he saw a raven at his window. He looked surprised the bird that cried out and open the window… from the outside. The black raven morphed into a yellow eyed elderly woman once it landed gracefully on the floor. An elderly woman Alistair recognized all too well.
"Flemeth?" Alistair asked in shock and went for his sword.
Flemeth raised a hand and the sword flew away from Alistair's grasp. She smiled mischievously.
"Now, is that really the way for someone to treat an old woman and a guest?" She laughed coldly, "One would think a king, of all people, would understand the meaning of courtesy."
"I remember that you are a lot more than a simple old lady," Alistair growled warily.
"Very true," Flemeth laughed, "And in truth, I am stronger now than I was. The item which contained my spirit when your Silwen cut me down was made by a slightly younger Flemeth. And so, I have her body. However, I am not here to speak of my wild tales. The moon is not out for such revelries. Dark talk for dark times, as the saying goes. I bring you word or Orlais: Morrigan is dead, along with its Empress. The rebels won."
Alistair's eyes widened. Never had he thought that Empress Celene would fail to cast down Grand Duke Gaspard, especially since Celene was so close to destroying Gaspard's last castle.
"B-but how?" Alistair asked.
"Celene was betrayed," Flemeth explained, "By whom, I do not know, but she and Morrigan were assassinated within the Empress' own chambers. Val Royeaux was sacked the laid siege to and sacked the same night. This enemy of hers took up with the Tevinter Imperium, as I saw many of the banners of the old empire along with the rebel banners. Your Chantry capital has likely been destroyed."
Alistair looked at Flemeth. The old woman was cunning, manipulative, and powerful, but she was also wise. She aided those she felt had the will to change the world for some kind of good, even if it wasn't ultimately the Maker's good. Alistair did not trust Flemeth, he had no reason to trust her, but he did have reason to listen to her wisdom. Silwen was wise enough to heed it, and now Alistair had to.
"What is it that you want, Flemeth?" Alistair asked.
"What do I want?" Flemeth responded, "I want was is mine by right. Did Morrigan think I would simply let death take her from me? No, for she lives, yet no longer in physical form. The ring…. I feel it here even now. Her life force, I bound to it. And it is more powerful now than I had hoped, for she has felt the energies of the Old Gods flow through her. I shall weep for devouring such a beautiful soul, but she shall give me eternal youth and beauty."
Alistair looked horrified but he drew his sword. The Maric's blade glowed in a pale gold light, the lyrium runes of fire and ice still made it lent great power to the blade, and it responded coldly to Flemeth's mysterious stare.
"I will kill you before you lay hands on my son," Alistair growled.
"And how do you hope to slay me, your majesty?" Flemeth laughed darkly, "I have shown you that I am able to escape death, and I can do it again if I wished. But no, I shall not lay a hand on your son. For while I wish to acquire the ring again, there is power that guards your son that I cannot hope to defeat. Your son could kill me before I could even raise a hand to strike him, but that does not mean he can escape death. He is simply protected from magic and demons, which is a strange thing, for only the Old Gods had such powers. But… this strength feels older than the Old Gods…."
"What strength is this that could defend against magic and demons?" Alistair asked.
"I know not," Flemeth said, "but that does not mean he can't be overwhelmed by such things…. Know this there is a darkness that is coming after your son, and that darkness is what you and your Grey Warden saw…. The Old Gods stir in their sleep, they are lending their powers to another. One who can lead the Darkspawn into battle… and open the gates to the City of Blood…. Be on your guard, your majesty, for there are darker things in this world than Darkspawn and dragons…."
With that, Flemeth smirked and turned into a raven and flew out the window. Alistair watched the bird fly away, a sound like laughter followed it. Alistair wished with all of his heart that what Flemeth said was not true.
A/N: Wow that was long. Haha! Anyway, I hoped you enjoyed the chapter as much as I did. Please leave your reviews. I love feedback. :]