The War Council
Ciara carried the tray of food, food that was piled high, straight into Duncan's tent. He stood before a table with a map laid out with notes surrounding it, their Senior Warden mage stood at his side, the raven on her shoulder cawing at Ciara, making her grimace. That raven was aggressive at the best of times, nipping at everyone besides its owner.
Ciara laid the tray down on Duncan's side, avoiding the raven which was trying to bore holes into her head with its eyes. "...What do we do about the Teyrn's distrust of us? He's been trying to have the King ignore our input in all the strategy meetings." Yegrettie was clearly unimpressed.
"We can only try offer as much help as we can and rely on the Teyrn's plans," Duncan sighed.
Yegrettie frowned, crossing her arms. "That doesn't feel right... We should be on the same side."
Duncan only grunted in acknowledgement before meeting Ciara's eyes. "How are the recruits?"
"Epona awoke much earlier than anticipated," Ciara admitted. "Startled Alistair and I when we saw her up and about too. She was surprised by Daveth's death but not Ser Jory's. Something about expecting it after the way he cowered before the Chantry lady calling her a heretic."
Yegrettie and both Duncan shared a sigh. "This was the Dalish recruit you found, Duncan?"
"Yes, she has been tainted for months now. I am glad my hunch was correct and that she survived the Joining." He eyed Ciara again. "And the rest?"
"A messenger ran round saying that Cobian is awake, he remains at the King's side, which is good, we now have a Warden who is close to both the King and Teyrn Loghain." Ciara smirked.
"I didn't select Lord Cousland because of his social connections."
"He's a good warrior and intelligent. I know," Ciara agreed. "The dwarves wandered off a while ago, Narascha seems to be sparring with the soldiers and giving them tips on handling the darkspawn, many are eager to hear her words too as a 'warrior of Orzammar'."
"She isn't telling anyone who she is I take it?" Yagrettie raised a brow.
"She seems to be keeping hushed about it," Ciara offered before grimacing. "Faren Tabris, he's with Lawrien. He and Daveth were good friends..."
Ciara winced at the thought. If they had been brothers she couldn't imagine how Faren would handle it. The thought of Lawrien going through the Joining only to see her choke to death on the darkspawn blood would have killed her. If Lawrien had died Ciara wouldn't be here, it would be awful on Anders and Myra, but Ciara would have went to the Deep Roads and gone for an early Calling.
She shook off the thought. Lawrien was here and so was Ciara. They were alive.
"That is the youngest recruit right?" Yegrettie winced, looking almost fretful. Ciara wanted to chuckle, it was probably her motherly instincts coming into play. She had two kids, not that Ciara knew too much about them though. "Why did you bring him here anyway, Duncan? I understood Lawrien, while I was reluctant I knew she was powerful but he's-"
"He's just as strong as Adaia Tabris-"
Yegrettie tensed. "Wait, the woman you said was Denerim's 'Dark Wolf', the greatest thief in Fereldan?"
"She worked for the Thieves Guild and her son seems to have followed in her footsteps. He took on Adaia's mantle after she died and became the next Dark Wolf."
Ciara had been shocked when Faren had put on the Dark Wolf's mask. The Dark Wolf was a known figure throughout Ferelden, but mainly known for their exploits in Denerim. Some nobles even showed off if something got stolen, said it was a prize worthy of the best thief's eyes, that they had something valuable enough to lure in a legend.
Legend indeed, the Dark Wolf had been around for years. Ciara highly suspected Adaia Tabris wasn't even the first wolf.
"The Princess of Orzammar, the son of the Dark Wolf, a Carta dwarf, a Cousland and a Dalish elf." Yegrettie shook her head. "That's quite the group you found this time, Duncan."
Duncan almost smirked at that but he glanced back down at Ciara. "How is Lawrien?"
"She's fine. She got far enough away from the Joining," Ciara said, earning a few sighs of relief. Lawrien couldn't handle the Joinings, feeling the life snapped out of someone due to the darkspawn taint always took a heavy toll on her, spiralling her magic out of control.
"That's good news. Don't worry too much about Faren, it will be stressful on him but he will pull through," Duncan said firmly. "Ciara, the King has requested that Narascha joins the war counsel tonight. Will you deliver the message to her?"
"I will do, Commander." Ciara bowed her head, smiling as she left, she narrowly avoided a nip from the raven by putting her tray between it and her before her escape.
.::.
Cailan and Uncle Loghain were still arguing away while Cobian dozed on Cailan's cot, trying to rest before the meeting tonight to discuss the battle plans. Ser Cauthrien watched over the argument quietly while Cailan's personal assistant, Laythor, a taller human who wore rich, quality clothes and was clearly neat and polished, served them all tea.
"My lord, do you feel well enough for tea?" Laythor whispered to him and Cobian nodded, sitting up and rubbing his throbbing head. He could still see the dragon, its roar rang through his ears.
He didn't have a way to explain it though, not without Uncle Loghain thinking he was a lunatic and needed shipped to Denerim for his own safety. Cobian couldn't explain the Joining after all, not with it being a secret, so hidden that it cost Ser Jory his life because he tried to flee. A shame, Ser Jory would have been a good companion, once he grew in confidence, but it wasn't meant to be. He smiled at his book, where Roderick's name rested.
He did it though. Cobian had survived and was now a Grey Warden. Hopefully Roderick was watching like he said he would, and wasn't having a heart attack at how murderous the Joining truly was.
"Thank you, Laythor."
Cobian turned away to watch the growing argument, Ser Cauthrien grew more annoyed with their King by the passing second. Cobian pushed away the blankets and slipped out of bed, he had no armour on, just his shirt and trousers and wondered who had changed him while he slept. He shrugged it off though and slipped on his boots before approaching the pair with his tea.
"You two are loud," Cobian complained softly, smothering a yawn.
Cailan smiled, ruffling his hair. "You seem a bit more awake. How are you feeling?"
"My head still aches, but otherwise I'm doing much better. A reaction to the Joining, I suppose. I wonder what triggers it though? Hm, I doubt I'll have much time to study it, especially reactions of my peers..."
"I'm really curious-" Cailan began.
"And I would love to tell you, but I can't." Cobian deflated. "Duncan might stab me."
"He did say you weren't allowed to talk." Cailan glowered. "But if he even so much as threatens to stab you-"
"Easy," Cobian hushed. "I'm fine. I'm more worried about you right now. Uncle Loghain looks ready to strangle you."
"Might be you too, he's been fretful since you were brought in unconscious."
Cobian grimaced. A fretful Uncle Loghain was terrifying, he was the one who forced Uncle Maric into obedience. Wild, wilful, stubborn Uncle Maric.
"Cailan." Uncle Loghain was glaring daggers and Cailan groaned. "You don't have an heir," Uncle Loghain insisted. "Risking your life like this is foolish when you haven't secured Ferelden's successor."
Cailan glanced at Cobian. "Hey Cobian, want to be my successor?"
Cobian huffed. "Ah yes, the people would love that. They think me insane or possessed. Not sure which is worse."
Cailan twitched, and Cobian leaned against him to sooth away the murderous glint in his brother's eyes.
"You can't just kill people for having an opinion," Cobian said mildly.
"Why not?"
"Because no."
"Bah! You're no fun!" Cailan dismissed him.
"Cailan!" Uncle Loghain snapped.
"I can't just leave our people to fight the Blight alone!" Cailan threw up his hands in frustration. "If I do what's to stop everyone else following me? I'm the King! Their example!"
"Exactly. You're the King. Order them," Uncle Loghain said icily. "Besides, there hasn't been any signs of an Archdemon-"
"It's here. Unfortunately." Cobian grimaced. "I can't tell you how I know, but it is here, perhaps not in the Wilds, but still. Besides, the Grey Wardens of Ferelden wouldn't gain anything in lying about an Archdemon. They couldn't risk the political fallout, not after having just been allowed back into Ferelden."
"A good thing, considering the Blight and all." Cailan smiled.
Uncle Loghain sighed before glancing over at him. Cobian tilted his head, puzzled at the look he was getting. It was a soft gaze, a rarity from Uncle Loghain. "Cobian, how are you handling everything?"
Cobian looked away immediately, down at his feet.
Cailan winced. "Have you even managed to mourn?"
"I don't have the time right now, if I think about them..." Oriana, his mother, father, Roderick. He left them all behind- Cobian closed his eyes and shook his head. "Later, when there isn't a battle at the edge of our doorstep, that is when I'll mourn properly, otherwise I'll be distracted, and a distraction isn't good to have during a time of war. No, it may kill me, or cause an extreme error. I will mourn later."
"We could send you to Denerim, to Anora as a messenger on behalf of the Grey Wardens-" Cailan tried but Cobian shook his head.
No. Not now. But soon, if we're stared down at his boots once more but looked up when a hand settled on to his shoulder, Uncle Loghain nodding.
"I understand, Cobian. You're doing well."
Cailan nodded eagerly. "Yeah, and just you wait. Fergus will be back soon and the darkspawn will be beaten here and now. Once that's done we'll go to Highever and take it back. Howe's head will go on a spike."
Cobian pulled away from Loghain's hand and embraced Cailan. Cailan flinched, startled but his arms then wrapped around Cobian. "It'll be alright, Cobian. We'll fight tonight, together on the battlefield and we'll beat them."
Cobian took a bit to pull away, to leave the comfort, but he managed with a small smile. "Thank you, Cailan."
"Anything for you, little brother."
.::.
Another warrior was sent flying into the dirt. Torph cackled. By now he would have thought the humans wouldn't look so stunned when they got tossed about by Narascha, but nope. Torph did have to give the kid some credit though, he had lasted longer than most of Nara's other challengers, and he even got back up to continue the match.
Narascha had announced herself as a former warrior in Orzammar and offered tips against the darkspawn and funnily enough the humans leapt at the chance. Torph had been expecting some snarky remarks but so far there had been hardly any, and those that had landed in the dirt quicker than they could say 'oh shit'. Now the humans looked more stunned than anything when they got tossed about.
"He's having fun." The man beside him grinned, while the woman by his side smiled warmly.
The pair were most definitely related, or were creepily similar. They were tall, with dark hair like the kid's was. The woman had the same bright blue eyes the kid did, while the older guy had more golden eyes in colour.
"Are you a warrior of Orzammar as well, ser?" the woman asked, her voice was soft and calm but he didn't let that fool him, he could tell she was no push-over.
She was muscular for one thing, while the guy looked like a twig next to her, with dark shadows under his eyes. Actually, next to her, it looked like a breeze could knock him over.
Torph cackled. "Hell no! Just an everyday street rat. Name's Torph."
"A pleasure to meet you. I'm Aryia Hawke."
"I'm Syrus Hawke."
"All of you siblings then?"
"Yeah, Aryia and I are twins, then there's Carver and Bethany, also twins, and then little Sarai." Syrus grinned wolfishly.
"Sarai hates it when you call her that," Aryia chuckled.
"I know. It's great."
Aryia paused, her eyes locked on something. Torph glanced over and saw Ciara stroll through the crowd and right into the ring like she owned the place. The fighting paused, and the kid's cheeks turned pink when he met Ciara's eyes.
Torph sniggered. "Oh no, is he developing a crush?"
"There aren't many woman here and she is pretty," Aryia pointed out, clearly just as amused.
"Ciara?" Nara tilted her head.
"My apologises for interrupting your spar, but your presence is requested at the war counsel," Ciara said.
Nara frowned. "Why would they want me at the war counsel? I'm not from here."
"They believe you will have some insight, considering your dealings with the darkspawn in the Deep Roads," Ciara explained. "We best not dally, the meeting will begin soon."
"Right, let us go." Nara nodded, though turned back to the kid and bowed. "Thank you for the spar."
The kid stammered for a moment before regaining himself and bowing back. "Y-Yeah, thanks mi' lady."
Nara smiled and retreated, following after the brunette as the kid approached his siblings who smiled.
"How do you feel, Carver?" Syrus asked.
"That felt good actually. I enjoyed it." Carver grinned, looking surprised and almost relieved. "She really knows how to use that axe."
"Would you like to practise some more before the battle tonight?" Aryia asked.
He clapped her shoulder. "Might have one moment for a spar before the battle, warm ourselves up!"
"Sounds good." Aryia smiled down at Torph, bowing her head. "Good day, Torph."
He waved her off. "Later."
His eyes did catch the youngest recruit wandering about. Faren looked tired. Torph whistled, earning a few looks, including the kid's who came over.
"Hey, kid," Torph greeted. "How you holding up?"
"I've had better days," Faren sighed softly. "I'll miss Daveth. He was a good friend."
"Seemed like a decent enough guy. Would have made a good Warden too," Torph offered. "Better than the Knight at any rate."
"Ser Jory was a good man too, only he would have made a better knight than Grey Warden." Faren leaned against the wall where the Hawke kids had sat a moment ago. "Grey Wardens make the sacrifices many others wouldn't, so obviously it was never going to be a 'pure' organisation."
"Are there any pure ones?"
Faren smirked. "Not a one."
"So, Daveth teach you how to steal?" Torph grinned.
Faren grinned slyly back, effectively distracted. "Me? Steal? It wounds me that you accuse me so, Torph!"
Torph snorted. "You're the best thief I've ever seen. Better than even me and I'm bloody well good at it."
"Daveth didn't teach me, though he did teach himself," Faren revealed. "You know who I ran with, right?"
"Aye."
"My mum held a high position in their group, so she and the guild taught me."
"Your mum?" Torph blinked, taken aback. His mum had only been good for birthing him. Not teaching him shit, except to take a beating. The rest had all been Rica.
"Yeah. Taught me how to use her daggers too." Faren held them up and Torph was struck by how beautifully carved they were, a piece that should have been worn by a noble, not a common thief. "They served her well."
"And you too I bet." Torph grinned. "Would love to sell that."
"I won't let anyone take it from me." Faren grinned but there was a warning in his eyes. Torph nodded, hoping the kid understood he wouldn't take the blade.
"Well, don't die around me or Lawrien and neither of us will loot ya," Torph teased.
Faren laughed. "I still can't believe it. She does it all the time!"
"Even right in their houses. Damn girl's a thief and not a subtle one either."
.::.
The meeting was chaotic. Servants were scurrying around, keeping drinks filled as well as the food, Laythor at the head of them. Cobian ate slowly, sipping at his tea as he noted every detail of what his Uncle said. Calian still insisted on fighting on the main front with the men, and it kind of felt like Uncle Loghain was about to commit murder. Duncan remained strangely silent during the meeting, staring with a faraway look at the map. Narascha was the opposite, her eyes were locked on the map, face hard.
Uncle Loghain's growled. "Cailan, this is foolish."
"Oh dear Maker," Cailan groaned, throwing his head back. Cobian raised a brow while their Uncle scowled. "Loghain, my decision is final! I will stand by the Wardens during this assault and there will be no changing my mind."
"You risk too much, Cailan," Uncle Loghain growled and surprisingly eyed Narascha. "I highly doubt the Princess would agree with you either."
Narascha looked taken aback. "You recognise me, Teyrn Loghain?"
Cailan startled. "Princess? Ah, yes, Princess Narascha of Orzammar! It's been years. I'm sorry I didn't recognise you." He then grinned. "Now I really want to hear your story!"
Narascha laughed sheepishly.
"You were the tiny dwarven girl who attacked Maric and I's knees when we came to visit Orzammar," Uncle Loghain snorted, looking oddly amused. "I believe you were trying to protect your father from the 'giants'?"
Narascha's cheeks turned pinkish, and she laughed again. It was the most relaxed Cobian had ever heard her sound. "Indeed, my father couldn't stop laughing, the guards freaked out the entire time. You have a good memory, Teyrn Loghain. As for your question though, I am unsure. My siblings and I were out on the frontline together at times, but always in different squads to try keep one of us safe in case of an ambush, but there are a lacking number of dwarves compared to humans, so perhaps King Cailan wouldn't need to fight?"
She looked slightly frustrated, but with what, Cobian couldn't tell.
"Last I heard you were going to be named a Commander within your ranks." Loghain eyed Duncan distastefully. "A shame you were dragged away from it."
"Enough of your conspiracy theories, Loghain!" Cailan snapped. "If you do not wish me in the frontline then perhaps we should wait for the Orlesian forces to arrive instead?"
Cobian groaned. They had been through this argument countless times already and Cobian had hardly been in Ostagar a day. Narascha openly gasped at the pair, shocked.
"Wait. We have reinforcements?" Narascha choked.
Uncle Loghain growled. "Orlesians are not reinforcements. They would enslave us the moment they get far enough into our lands."
"This is a Blight. Surely everyone topside allies together to defeat the darkspawn," Narascha insisted. "It can't be allowed to spread otherwise it'll just be the same situation up here like it is down below our feet in the Deep Roads."
"It's politics," Cobian said simply.
"Politics again?" Narascha snapped. "By the Stone!"
The priest nearby scowled at her but Narascha dismissed her. Cailan actually grinned at Narascha, looking relieved. "Ah, a fellow hater of politics I see!"
"Just because you refuse to become more responsible-" Uncle Loghain began.
Immediately Cailan began to bite back, the pair once more in a hated discussion. Cobian tried to interject, but he was ignored. Laythor sighed. The pair grew louder, almost yelling, so Cobian slumped in defeat. He reached out for a piece of parchment, rolling it up tightly. Narascha threw him a baffled look, while many of the other counsel members cowered back from the argument. Cobian raised his arm and smacked the parchment over his King's and Uncle's heads and the horrified looks he for thrown in return all over the table was almost satisfying. The King's guard looked as unfazed as ever, even though everyone kept looking at them as if excepting them to attack. Laythor merely smiled.
"Ah, sorry, Cobian," Cailan laughed sheepishly, wincing. "Forgot to give you a moment speak."
"What do you have to say?" Uncle Loghain huffed, raising an expectant brow.
"You've had enough time to bicker. We must plan. We cannot summon Orlais' support, not unless we wish to recall for a retreat and risk the South being overrun. That would ruin many of our lands, so we must take care of this now. Ferelden cannot stand against another war without huge consequences." He turned to Cailan. "Uncle Loghain is right. You risk too much."
Cailan groaned. "Not you too, little brother. See Uncle? What you've done to little Cobian over the years?"
Cobian smacked him with the parchment again. Cailan raised his hands in return, offering a surrender with a sheepish grin.
"Alright, alright," Cailan laughed softly before growing serious. "I must be out there though. If our men see their King retreating to safety then how can I except them not to follow me? I cannot ask them to put their lives on the line and not offer any support in return. My father would do the same-"
"Your father would heed my advice," Uncle Loghain grumbled.
"Or you would make sure he did," Cailan snorted.
"I'm persuasive."
"The plan," Narascha interrupted, scowling darkly. "May I ask what it is?"
"Right, sorry." Cailan leaned over the table, pointing at the map. "Let's work on your strategy. So myself,the Grey Wardens and the soldiers will draw the darkspawn to us."
Narascha frowned. "There are quite a few hillsides. That will make it more difficult for the darkspawn to navigate I suppose but also for us as well. You wished to plant the main force at the main entrance to Ostagar yes?"
"Indeed." Uncle Loghain nodded. "It is a good cut off point."
"But it also works the same way for us since we're in the middle of it. Not behind it," Narascha noted. "What have the scouts said about numbers?"
"This will be the largest battle yet, but we should be able to handle it as long as we are careful." Uncle Loghain answered.
"Ah, yes, I see concern. If there is a retreat there will be a whole mass of people charging for the one safety point," Cobian said. "Need multiple exit strategies!"
"I'm uncomfortable calling for a retreat when we need to win this battle," Cailan said softly.
"Don't be," Narascha said. "You might have to sacrifice lands to defeat the darkspawn. In all earnest, if you manage to defeat the darkspawn here, this will be the quickest Blight to ever be defeated in Thedas."
"There has been no sign of an Archdemon-" Uncle Loghain frowned.
"No, and that's because it could be anywhere leading its army," Narascha said. "It doesn't need to be here physically to send out orders. It will have Vanguards."
"Vanguards?" Cailan blinked.
"They are bred for the purpose of leading the darkspawn under the command of the Archdemon, made up of alpha and omega hurlocks. Omegas are the most powerful, and rare. If we're lucky, there won't be one in the battle tonight."
Cobian beamed. "There are so many different types of hurlocks?"
Narascha paused, then grimaced. "Oh, you're going to have a lot of questions, aren't you?"
"So many!" Cobian grinned.
"Let her continue, Cobian," Uncle Loghain hushed.
Narascha nodded. "Emissaries are the darkspawn's mages. They are highly intelligent, especially an alpha or omega one. If you see one kill it as fast as you can, you cannot let them control the battle. But it will take a lot to kill one, especially a Vanguard."
"So they are large targets," Calian said eagerly. "Good, we know who to try pick off."
"I'd focus on surviving if I were you," Cobian said.
Uncle Loghain nodded."Indeed, because if you are so intent on fighting you will be drawing the darkspawn's attention. Once you have, the tower will be lit to signal the charge-"
"To flank the darkspawn! Yes I remember!" Cailan nodded, grinning.
Cobian frowned though, Narascha's eyes met his and they both realised the same problem. Uncle Loghain had probably realised it already too, hopefully he already had a plan to counteract it.
"The biggest problem is timing. It has to be perfect otherwise the main bulk of the army will be overwhelmed"
"Or we won't cut off the darkspawn properly and the charge becomes overwhelmed," Cobian said. "The beacon must be lit at the perfect time."
"We might need a back up plan." Narascha grimaced, crossing her arms. "If you folk had tunnels, I could think of so much more."
"We could lay traps?" Cobian suggested.
"We didn't want our own men accidentally triggering them when they drew in the darkspawn," Uncle Loghain said.
"But Torph's traps are triggered by him," Narascha said. "He can explode them from a distance."
"Torph?"
"One of our Grey Wardens, a trapper I believe?" Cobian said. "And how fascinating-"
"Anyway," Narascha cut him off. "He could go set up some explosives to help cull off the darkspawn numbers."
"Marvellous!" Cailan cheered. "That would be of great help. But I must ask, who will be stationed at the tower?"
"A few of my men," Uncle Loghain said. "It isn't too dangerous, but it is vital."
"Your Majesty?" The mage approached cautiously. "Such things are unnecessary. We could use our spells to-"
"We will not risk our men's lives on your spell, mage." The elderly woman sneered.
Narascha bristled. Cobian tensed as well, this was religious politics entering the battle plan. It didn't belong here.
"Seriously? What is she even doing here?" Narascha snapped, jerking her thumb at the woman who gasped. "She hasn't been offering up anything to this war counsel yet she's blabbing her mouth away. And also, we won't risk our men's lives for him, but he's got to risk his for us? How much of a hypocritical bitch can you be? Go pick up a sword, fight in this battle, then come and blab your twisted tongue off to me, until then be silent!"
The priestess spluttered before her face went red with pure rage. "How dare you, dwarf-"
"She dares because she is a warrior of Orzammar," Cobian said happily. "Much more valuable than a priest at this moment of time. Unless you can convince the Maker to come down and smite the darkspawn for us. But no. Unable to. He never answers people."
"Cobian," Cailan groaned.
"What? There are thousands upon thousands of unanswered prays everyday!" Cobian complained. "I have them documented back home-"
"Enough!" Uncle Loghain snapped, pushing away from the table. "The plan will suffice!"
"We could do more," Narascha cut in, and ignored how the other counsel members looked at her as if she were insane for interrupting. But Uncle Loghain would actually like that, he liked people contributing to plans if the ideas made sense, and if not, debate with them and find a solution. "If we have oil we could set the darkspawn on fire, although that could cause a forest fire, so we'd have to be extra careful where it is laid."
"Are you suggesting we use arrows to set the oil on fire from afar?" Uncle Loghain asked.
"Yes!" Narascha grinned. "It might halt their charge a little, and I know the main purpose is to draw in the darkspawn so you can flank them, but it is better to cut down there numbers so the horde doesn't overwhelm King Cailan's men."
"The mages could also start the onslaught," Cobian said, remembering how delightfully destructive Lawrien was when it came to darkspawn. "Let them work together on a big attack to clear out some more darkspawn."
The mage paused. "We could work on a spell, there are several elementals who might be able to help produce up a storm."
"I have a few trappers as well, they can work with your dwarven friend on laying explosives and oil. Then we'll have the archers light it on fire once the explosives are out," Uncle Loghain said.
"If we had time there would have been plenty of ideas we could have done but-" Narascha deflated.
"Yes, it's always timing that's against us," Uncle Loghain agreed, grimacing.
"We better discuss a plan of retreat as well," Cobian reminded them.
"I had been giving it a thought," Uncle Loghain said, bringing out a scroll and laying it out over the map. "The trouble is getting the message to everyone at the same time, and the issue with the gates as you mentioned earlier."
"Horns will not work?" Narascha frowned.
"The storm coming tonight and the battlefield will be loud. We have horns but they are smaller, more personal to whatever Lord brought them. I would suggest using beacons but again, the chaos of a battlefield-"
"Magical flares?" Cobian suggested.
"Perhaps. We'd need mages and templars stationed in each unit in that case."
"We could use torches upon the walls instead, like a beacon. Each one should be lit across the wall, signalling the men to retreat," Cobian mused. "Would save mages from using up their strength too."
"Then we can make traps throughout the entrances. Like the obvious ones, some boiling liquid above the archways to pour down on the darkspawn or giant rocks to chuck at them. Anything to distract them and buy the men time to escape and regroup would be excellent," Narascha said.
"We only have a few hours left," Uncle Loghain reminded them.
"Then we do whatever we can to win," Narascha replied.
"Actually, I would like to mention the Tower of Ishal again." Cailan brought it back up and Cobian groaned. "It'll be quick, Cobian, I swear!"
"We have things to do, Cailan," Cobian complained, tapping his foot.
"What is it?" Uncle Loghain sighed heavily.
"I believe we should send our best to light the signal," Cailan said, a strange look in his eyes as he met Loghain's. Cobian frowned, eyeing the pair of them curiously but neither of them looked his way.
"Who do you suggest?"
"I think a few Wardens would be good to have up there." He cut off Loghain's beginning protest, staring firmly at him. "Cobian should be one of them."
"Agreed. Cobian and a few of my guards-" Loghain looked pleased.
"No," Cobian said flatly.
The council looked horrified that he had the audacity to actually say 'no' to the King and General. Calian winced, all while Loghain scowled.
"It's not up for debate, Cobian," Loghain began.
"We both know people call me a monster on the battlefield." Cobian frowned. "And they are right. Calian, if you're on the battlefield then so am I. If you take me off of it then you are being selfish."
Calian winced. "It's not selfish-"
"To protect me? It is." Cobian softened. "I know you love me. I know we're family. But you can't protect me from this war. Let me help where I'm useful."
Uncle Loghain blanked him out. "Cobian and a few of my men will be going to the tower to light the beacon-"
"Alistair as well," Calian cut in.
"Good, you have a Grey Warden! I'll be down in the field-" Cobian scowled.
"No you won't, and that's final." Uncle Loghain's glare sharpened. "We have our reasons, and it's not just to protect you. You might see something others won't when you're above us in the tower. I need you there."
"Excuse the language but that is bullshit." Cobian scowled. "You wish to protect someone who might possibly be the last Cousland since Fergus has yet to return and Oren's whereabouts are unknown. Bloodlines important, understandable, but if the one and only Theirin is going out to fight then I must go in order to protect him."
"You're going up the tower, Cobian," Cailan said firmly. "That's an order. Right, Duncan?"
Duncan nodded, still staring at the map. "As you wish, Your Majesty."
Cailan stared hard at him, and it made Cobian's blood boil because this was hypocritical, but he couldn't keep questioning Cailan's rule without others attempting to as well.
"I understand..." Cobian said reluctantly.
He'd question him privately, or maybe hit him with the parchment again.
"Your Majesty," Duncan spoke up, eyes finally off the map. "You should consider the possibility of the Archdemon appearing."
"There have been no signs of any dragon in the wilds," Uncle Loghain grunted, shaking his head. "If what Princess Narascha tells us is true, then its Vanguards are in control tonight."
"Just call me Narascha," Narascha said. "Much easier."
"Besides, isn't that what your men are here for, Duncan?" Cailan asked, a grin on his face.
Duncan hesitated before nodding. "Ah... Yes your Majesty..."
"Right, the Wardens will light the beacon once the signal is given," Uncle Loghain sighed, looking so weary.
"Thank you, Loghain." Cailan nodded. "I cannot wait for that glorious moment."
"Yes, Cailan... A glorious moment for us all..." Uncle Loghain murmured as he walked away, Cobian stared blankly at the table for a moment but Cailan patting his shoulder urged him from his shock.
He marched after the pair (and Laythor), and only spoke up once there was a good distance between them and the war counsel.
"You can't just stick me in a tower because you want 'another set of eyes' up there." Cobian scowled. "I'm a Cousland, we're sworn to defend you, Cailan, with our lives! Don't leave me sat aside on the sidelines-"
Cailan grabbed his hand, voice grieved. "Cobian, Fergus hasn't returned."
Cobian's heart fell. He knew Fergus hadn't, but the confirmation left him feeling weak in the knees. Cailan yanked him into an embrace, hugging him tight, and Cobian dug his fingers into the golden armour, clinging to him.
"You are the only Cousland we have right now." Cailan said firmly. "We don't know if Oren got to Anora yet, and we don't know where Fergus is-"
"Nan will make sure Oren gets to Anora. The Cousland heir will be safe." Cobian swallowed past the lump in his throat. "You don't have an heir though."
Cailan's eyes sharpened. "You vowed to me that you'd always listen to my orders, correct?"
"Once, yes," Cobian agreed reluctantly.
He had been a little boy back then, practising his bows and presentation. Anora had awed and called him adorable, and he remembered fussing because he was trying to be serious. To show this, he declared his loyalty to Cailan. And of course Cailan cried and hugged him.
Dramatic even then.
"Then this is my order, as your King." Cailan gripped the back of his head, forcing their eyes to meet. "You will live. You will do as Loghain says and go up to that tower and stay out of this battle. I will not have you die here. Understood? Otherwise I'll have Loghain throw you in a prisoners cart and haul you back to Denerim, Grey Warden or not."
"I'd fight him, Uncle or not."
Uncle Loghain grunted.
"And my Kings guard would help him," Cailan said stubbornly. "You might be a monster when it comes to fighting, but you can't take on all of them, and Uncle Loghain and his men at the same time."
That was a fair point. Not only that, it would waste resources. Uncle Loghain and his men needed to be fit and ready, and especially the Kings guard.
"I understand," Cobian sighed, leaning his head against Cailan's neck.
"Thank the Maker..." Cailan breathed out, kissing his hair.
Cailan ruffled his hair before they stepped apart. Cobian shook his head. "You're such a hypocrite. You're the last of your bloodline."
Cailan and Uncle Loghain both gained an odd look on theirs faces before nodding along. Uncle Loghain glared daggers into Cailan's back.
"Exactly why he should be staying out of the battlefield."
Cailan groaned. "Not again."
The bickering didn't distract Cobian though, he was really curious. What were the two hiding now? He let it be however, knowing neither of them would ever give him an answer.
"Where do you wish for me to be, King Cailan?" Laythor asked. "I may come with you on the battlefield and hold our banner up high for you."
Cailan stared at him blankly. "You have no sword training."
"I can flail about with a sword and try not to hit our men."
Loghain chuckled.
Cailan rolled his eyes. "I'd rather you ride back with the injured to Denerim."
Laythor bowed. "As you wish, my King. Although I too would have stood by your side in this battle."
Cailan smiled. "Thank you. All of you."
"If you wish to thank me you can listen to me," Uncle Loghain grumbled.
Cobian laughed. He had missed this and he hoped they all survived tonight, so they could have this again. But he knew that was unlikely to happen. Any of them could die, but he hoped it wouldn't happen despite that.
