Author's Note:Thanks to all the people following and reviewing! It is greatly appreciated and I'm glad to hear you like the story so far.
Chapter 8 – The Longest Night, Part 1
Serena awoke to the sound of growling.
"Peanut, hush. You'll wake up the whole castle," Serena mumbled. She rolled over, snuggling into Dairren's shoulder. "Dozy dog."
"Serena... I think..." Dairren rubbed her back, gently waking her up. "Serena, I think someone is in the hallway. I tried to quiet your hound, but..."
"What?" Serena sat up, grabbing her clothes off the floor. "Who could possibly-" She picked up Dairren's pajama pants and tossed them to him. "If it's my mother..."
Dairren pulled at Peanut, who was now jumping at the door, growling loudly. "I tried to quiet him, but he simply won't have it!" He pulled uselessly at Peanut's collar, but the hound was nearly as large. "I don't know why he's so angry!"
A muffled yell broke through the hall, and they both froze. Peanut barked loudly, jumping at the wooden door again.
"Something is wrong. Did you hear that?" Serena turned to her armoire and pulled out her practice leathers. "I'm going out there-"
"My lady, no!" Dairren let go of Peanut. "Let me check, it could be nothing!" He paused, listening hard at the door. "I don't hear anything now."
Serena frowned, listening. "I definitely heard something. It sounded like someone yelling." She threw on a light shirt over her leggings, and then strapped her gauntlets on. "I need to make sure Oren and Oriana are okay." Pulling on her armor, she looked at Dairren. "I'll just be a minute."
"Serena, no. Just let me check first. I don't want you to just waltz out there." He put an ear to the door, turning the lock slowly. A low growl escaped Peanut from beside him.
"Do you hear anything?" Serena asked.
Dairren shook his head and turned the knob. "I'll be right back, I'm just going to look down the hall."
"Here, take this," Serena said, handing him one of her silverite daggers. "Just in case." Dairren looked down at the dagger apprehensively, but nodded.
"Just in case," he repeated. He gave her a quick kiss on the lips, and then slid out the door. Before she could pull him back, Peanut pushed through the door and followed.
Serena peeked out the door, her other dagger in her hand. Dairren was creeping down the hall, Peanut right behind him, snuffing loudly against the ground.
"Over here! I see another one!" A loud male voice shouted. Peanut barked loudly, and Serena heard men's heavy boots running down the hall.
"Dairren! Hurry! Come back in here!" Serena yelled. Dairren turned, about to back into the room when an arrow flew past his head. "Maker's breath! Dairren!" Peanut growled and charged forward, just as two men appeared. An archer behind them nocked another arrow into his bow and pulled back.
"Serena! Run!" Dairren cried. He threw her dagger at the nearest man, hitting him right in the gut as Peanut grappled another to the ground, jaws snapping his neck. The guard doubled over, screaming, as the archer behind him released his arrow right into Dairren's chest.
"Dairren!" Serena felt a scream of fury erupt out of her as she rushed forward. She turned to the archer and threw her dagger right at his neck, cleaving right across. Blood spurted from the wound and the archer dropped to the ground. Peanut turned and knocked the wounded guard to the ground, his jaws sinking into his neck as the man continued trying to scream. The hound twisted, and abruptly the hall was quiet.
Serena dropped to Dairren's side, cradling his shoulder. Blood gushed from the wound in his chest, spilling out onto the stones around them. "Please be alright. Please, Maker have mercy, please, please." She pushed his red hair out of his face and his brown eyes locked onto hers.
"Serena... I... sorry..." His voice was barely a whisper.
"No, no, you're fine, you're fine. Dairren!" Serena watched his eyes close slowly, blood still flowing freely down his chest. "Dairren, please, please..." Her eyes welled with tears as she felt his body go limp in her arms.
Peanut padded over to his mistress with his head down, blood dripping from his muzzle. He let out a low whine, nosing Dairren's body gently. Serena brushed the tears from her cheeks, feeling wetness mix with the blood on her hands.
Gently pulling Dairren's body into her room, she pulled the arrow from his chest slowly, her stomach turning slightly as it gave a sick sucking sound. Serena felt her eyes tear up again as she crossed his arms over his chest and kissed him on the forehead. Slowly, she began the prayer.
"Blessed are the righteous,
the lights in the shadow.
In their blood the Maker's will is written."
Serena crossed herself silently, and bowed her head. Grabbing her knapsack before she left, she headed back into the hallway, walking over to the dead guards, and pulling her daggers from each. She wiped the blood on their tunics, kicking the archer hard in the head with her boot for good measure.
"Serena! Darling!"
Serena gaped as her mother rushed down the hall, her dress exchanged for light leather armor like Serena's own. Eleanor carried a large bow and a quiver of arrows were strapped to her back.
"I heard fighting outside and I feared the worst. Are you hurt? There's blood all over you!" Eleanor looked at the three dead guards, then at her daughter's daggers. "Did you-"
"Mother... They killed Dairren! We heard yelling and he came out here to see, and they shot him in the... right in the chest. He's dead." Serena shook her head, trying to push the tears away again. "Who are these men? They're not our guards."
Her mother shook her head, pointing at the dead men. "Did you see their shields? These are Howe's men! Why would they try to attack us?"
"He told Father his men were delayed!" Serena kicked the guard at her feet, releasing some of the anger she felt at her inability to prevent Dairren's death. "He turns around and attacks us while our troops are gone! I knew it! I knew there was something awful about that bastard!"
"You don't think Howe's men were delayed on purpose, do you?" Eleanor's face tensed. "I'll cut his lying throat myself," she muttered.
"Is Father with you?" Serena asked, looking down the hall after her mother.
"No, I was just about to ask you. He never came to bed. We must find him!"
Serena glanced down the hall at the open door. "I want to check on Oren first." She turned and ran down the hall with Peanut, hearing her mother right behind her.
"Andraste's mercy, what if the soldiers went into your brother's rooms first?" Eleanor cried. They pushed open the door and Eleanor screamed. Serena covered her mother's eyes, whispering "Don't look, don't look." Eleanor pulled away, dropping to her knees at her grandson's side.
"No! My little Oren!" She cradled the boy's broken body in her arms. "What manner of fiend slaughters an innocent child?"
Serena noticed a bruise forming around his neck, it looked as if a guard had grabbed him and slammed him against the wall multiple times. A pool of blood surrounded his head. Serena crouched beside her mother, tears dropping quickly onto her nephew's small form.
"Oriana is gone, too," Serena whispered. Oren's mother lay prone nearby, her middle slashed clear across. Serena pursed her lips tightly to avoid the surge of nausea that threatened to overtake her. "Why... would they do this?"
Eleanor shook her head, her voice thick with pain. "Howe isn't even taking hostages. He means to kill us all..." She took her daughter's hand, looking away from the bodies. "Oh, poor Fergus. Let's go find your father, I don't want to see this..." Serena nodded, holding her mother's hand as they left the room. Serena felt a mix of emotions battling inside her, she couldn't decide whether she wanted to run or vomit. The adrenaline of the moment finally won out.
They moved down the hall, and Eleanor broke away, dashing into another room. Serena heard her cry out and rushed in behind her. Her mother kneeled beside the boddy of Lady Landra, crying softly. "Oh, dear Landra... I'm so... sorry..." Serena patted her mother's shoulder awkwardly, not knowing what to say. She was afraid they would run into this many more times before they reached her father.
"If she hadn't come to me... if she hadn't been here..." Eleanor sobbed. "And her son... All my fault..."
"I don't see Iona..." Serena whispered. The blonde elven woman wasn't in the room at all. "Maybe she got away?"
"We can only hope someone did," Eleanor replied, wiping her tears and standing. They headed down the hall quickly, Serena directing Peanut ahead of them to scout for more of Howe's guards.
"It sounds like the fighting is everywhere!" Serena pulled her daggers, ready for anything. "Mother, I think you should stay here, I don't want you in danger. Peanut and I can find Father."
"My only grandson is a corpse," Eleanor replied, her voice cracking with strain. "What do I care about danger?" She grabbed her daughter's shoulder, looking intense. "The front gates! That's where your father must be."
Serena listened hard, frowning. "I.. don't think so. It sounds like the worst of the fighting is coming from downstairs..."
"If Howe's men are inside, they must already control the castle. We must use the servants entry in the larder!" Eleanor pulled Serena close. "Do you hear me?"
"But Howe-" Serena protested.
"The castle has fallen!" Serena looked up as a servant ran past them. "I'm getting out of here!"
"Wait," Serena called to him. "Stand with us!" The servant turned, his eyes wide with fear. His face contorted slightly, as if he couldn't decide whether to obey the command or not.
"Y-yes, my lady." He glanced over his shoulder. "They will be here soon! They were right behind me."
Serena and her mother stood, readying themselves for the oncoming men. The man pulled out a short sword, his face wary. Four men turned the corner, the Howe livery clear on their shields. Eleanor loaded an arrow and shot, dropping the first man to the floor as he screamed in pain. Serena found herself vaguely impressed at her mother's skill with bow, after all these years.
Peanut bounded forward, Serena and the servant right behind him. The hound barreled into the group of men, knocking them into the walls. Serena pushed forward, thrusting one dagger into the nearest soldiers back side, and slicing another across the throat. Beside her, the servant parried a sword thrust from the final guard, turning quick and pushing his short sword into the man's gut. Another arrow flew past Serena and hit the guard behind her as the man fell back to the ground.
"Serena! The main hall is just in here!" Eleanor pulled her daughter to her feet and pointed. "Bryce might be inside!" Serena turned to the servant.
"Thank you, good man," she said quietly. "Use the servants exit in the larder, escape while you can." The man nodded gratefully and ran off as Serena followed her mother into the main hall.
The hall was a disaster. Wounded men lay at the large table while another guard tried to bandage a man's arm. Another group of Cousland guardsmen were securing the front doors with chairs and other furniture from the hall. Serena scanned the room for her father, but didn't see his auburn head anywhere.
"Bryce isn't here," Eleanor cried. "I thought-"
"It's alright, Mother." Serena hugged her mother tightly. "We'll find him, I promise."
"Your Ladyship! My lady! You're both alive!" Ser Gilmore emerged from the group of men at the doors, striding towards them quickly. "I was certain Howe's men had gotten through. It was all I could do to get these few men here to shut the gates..."
Serena glanced at the doors. Despite the men's barricade, she could hear something large slamming against them on the other side.
He followed her gaze, shaking his head. "I don't think they'll hold long. If you have another way out of the castle, I would use it quickly. We shall hold the gates as long as possible."
"Have you seen my father?" Serena asked.
"When I last saw the teyrn, he'd been badly wounded... I urged him not to go, but he was determined to find you. He went towards the kitchens." Ser Gilmore shrugged, his shoulders slumping with fatigue. He looked as if he had been fighting for his life for hours, and with a shudder, Serena realized that perhaps he had. "I believe he thought to find you at the servants exit in the larder."
"Oh, bless you, Ser Gilmore," Eleanor said, shaking the knight's hands gratefully. "Maker watch over you!"
"Maker watch over us all," Ser Gilmore intoned. He headed back to the men at the door, shouting orders as Serena and her mother headed out the back of the hall.
Serena paused at the door, listening to the sounds outside. There was yelling, a crashing sound... but nothing sounded too close. "Mother, I know a shortcut to the kitchens, its right up ahead, so just follow me, okay? We need to move quickly." She slowly opened the door, and slipped out, Eleanor and Peanut right behind.
"Right through here," Serena said, pushing a false wall back. Eleanor slid into the space and Serena followed, popping the wall back into place. With any luck, they would be able to get all the way to the kitchen through here without running into any of Howe's men. Peanut bounded ahead, snuffling along the ground.
"Sweetheart, how did you know this was here?"
"Ah, Fergus and I... we used to play capture the flag with some of the squires..." Serena felt the tug in her chest at the mention of her brother, but ignored it. "These passages are the easiest way to get around the castle without being seen." Serena stopped, pushing gently at the wall ahead. "The kitchens are just across the hall from this painting."
"Painting?" Eleanor's voice sounded incredulous. "What painting?"
"The... painting of grandfather... in the west hall... it opens..." Serena shrugged sheepishly. "I might have used it before... to sneak food from the kitchens for Peanut..."
"Thank the Maker for that silly dog's stomach," Eleanor said with a sigh. "This passage might very well save our lives."
Serena pushed the painting open, and stepped out, looking up and down the hall quickly. Peanut gave a small bark, backing up and lunging forward. He cleared the opening and skittered to a halt in the hall, his tongue rolling out in a grin as if to say this was such a fun game. Serena shook her head. That dog...
Eleanor climbed out of the portrait hole, looking around. "To think this was here the whole time..." She held out her hand and Serena could see it trembling. "Let's just find your father."
They entered the kitchens slowly, Serena with her daggers out. The room was dark except for a small lantern in the corner, and the tiny bit of light coming from the dying embers in the stove. It appeared as if Howe's men hadn't even bothered with the room, and headed straight for the bedroom chambers.
"Do you see anyone, dear?" Eleanor stayed near the wall, bracing the door shut with her body. Peanut sniffed around, nosing his way into the larder. He disappeared inside and then barked loudly.
"Serena? Is that you, pup? Who's there?" A weak voice called out.
"Bryce!" Eleanor charged past, Serena right on her heels. They pushed into the larder, kneeling down beside the teyrn. "Bryce! Oh, there's so much blood..." Eleanor's hand pulled away and Serena saw it was dark red.
"Howe's men... found me first," Bryce rasped. "Almost... did me in... right there." He wheezed with pain, and Serena saw a trickle of blood escape his lips. "Duncan... found me... brought me here..."
"And left you lying in a pool of your own blood?" Eleanor cried, clutching her husband's hand tightly. "Oh, Bryce... we have to get you out of here!"
"I won't... survive the standing, I think." Bryce closed his eyes, his face quickly losing color.
"Then we'll drag you out!" Serena kneeled at her father's fallen form, unsure of what to do. "Between us, we could carry you."
"Only... if you're willing to leave pieces of me behind, pup." Bryce blinked, focusing on Serena. "Someone must reach Fergus. Tell him... what happened."
"Bryce, no! The servants entrance is right here!" Eleanor begged, tears streaming from her eyes. "We can flee together, find you healing magic!"
Serena watched uselessly, she simply felt numb. There had been so much blood and death, and some of it by her own hand. She looked down at her hands, the blood already drying on her skin, and felt a shiver run down her spine, much different than the one Dairren had caused her earlier.
Dairren... the thought of him twisted her insides. If he had just stayed in... if she had pulled him to her... he might... Serena felt another tear slip down her face and she wiped it away angrily, refocusing on her parents.
"My love... the castle is surrounded... I cannot make it."
"I'm afraid the teyrn is correct." Serena turned and saw the huge form of the Grey Warden, Duncan, standing behind her. She hadn't even heard him come in he was so quiet. "Howe's men have not yet discovered this exit, but they surround the castle," Duncan continued. "Getting past will be difficult, even if the teyrn were not wounded so severely."
"You're Duncan, then?" Eleanor replied coolly. "The Grey Warden?"
"Yes, your Ladyship. The teyrn and I tried to reach you sooner, but the way was barred with men. It was all I could do to get him here."
Eleanor nodded at this, her face relaxing some. "My daughter helped me get here, Maker be praised."
"I am not surprised in the least," Duncan replied, and Serena thought she saw the ghost of a smile. "She is a very capable young woman."
"Can you help us? Help me fight them?" The words were tumbling out of Serena's mouth before she knew she was saying them. "Please."
Duncan placed a kind hand on her shoulder. "Not here, I'm sorry. There are too many men and they seem as willing to kill me as they are all of you. I believe flight is our only option now."
"Duncan... please... take my wife and daughter to safety." Bryce coughed, blood splattering the front of his tunic. "I beg you..."
"I will, your Lordship. But I fear I must ask you for something in return."
"Anything-"
"What is happening here pales in comparison to the evil now loose in this world. I came to your castle seeking a recruit." Duncan paused, his face tense. "The darkspawn threat demands I leave with one."
"I will go!" Serena exclaimed, breathless. "I will go with you. Please, just save my family!" Duncan nodded, turning to Bryce.
"I will take the teyrna and your daughter to Ostagar, to tell Fergus and the king what has happened here. Then Serena will take her place with the Grey Wardens."
"So long as justice comes to Howe... I agree," Bryce murmured. "Pup, go with him. You will... do great things... Ferelden... needs..."
"Bryce, please!" Eleanor tightened her grip on her husband's hand and looked at her daughter. "Darling... go with Duncan. You have... a better chance to escape without me."
"Mother, no-" Serena protested, but Eleanor held up a hand, cutting her off. Bryce tried to speak, but Serena could see her mother had made her mind up.
"Bryce, hush, I'll kill every bastard that comes through that door to buy them time. But do not ask me to abandon you. I will not."
Serena kneeled at her father's side, grabbing her parents' hands. "I love you both, so, so much."
"Then live, darling." Eleanor kissed her fingertips, touching them to Serena's forehead. "Become a Grey Warden and do what is right."
"Go, pup. Warn your brother... and know that we love you both. You do us proud." Bryce smiled weakly, squeezing Serena's hand. A thunderous crash sounded in the castle, and Duncan put a tender hand on her shoulder once again.
"They've broken through the gates," he said. "We must go now."
Serena kissed her mother's cheek and stood. "I will make you proud."
"You already have, sweetheart," Eleanor said, tears falling freely. "We love you!" She stood, disengaging her hand from Bryce's and pulled her bow. "Go, my dear! Go!"
Duncan grabbed her hand, pulling her after him. "Stay with me, my lady. We must move swiftly." Serena gave her parents one last fleeting glance before she ducked into the servants exit to follow the Grey Warden, her faithful mabari on her heels.