Chapter 31: Into The Castle
It was morning, Bann Teagan had called all the survivors from the battle last night to assemble in the village square. The victory came at a high price, almost half of the village militiamen had fallen in the battle.
Bann Teagan now stood in front of the Chantry, alongside him stood Alvar Cousland and Ser Perth. Alvar's companions stood behind him. Along with Ser Perth, Murdock the mayor and the Revered Mother of the village Chantry also stood.
"People of Redcliffe!" Bann Teagan began his speech, "Dawn arrives, and we have survived the night! We are victorious!"
The people let out a loud and enthusiastic cheer at his words.
"But this victory came at great cost," Teagan continued speaking, "so we should not forget that none of us would be here if not for the heroism of the people of Redcliffe!
"The might of people of Redcliffe has brought us victory."
Alvar frowned and glared at Teagan beside him, he cleared his throat. Teagan heard him but did not look at him.
"But brave men alone is not enough," he spoke, "Without good leadership, even the bravest armies would fail. Thus, I thank this good man beside me," then he raised an arm towards Alvar, "I thank Lord Alvar Cousland for leading the people of Redcliffe to victory. The Maker truly smiled on us when he sent him to us in our darkest hour!"
"Thank you, Bann Teagan," said Alvar, then he took a single step forward and faced the crowd.
"I am happy to have saved the people," he bellowed, "I may not be your lord but I consider every Fereldan as one of my own. And I am delighted to have led such brave men as you to victory!"
At his words, the people let out another cheer.
"Hail Lord Alvar! The champion of Redcliffe!" bellowed an enthusiastic villager. "Hail!" yelled the crowd in joy.
Alvar turned to Teagan and smiled smugly as his corny speech had the effect he had desired. Teagan was impassive, if he had felt snubbed he would not show it and give the arrogant Cousland the satisfaction.
The Revered Mother of Redcliffe took a couple of steps forward and stood on Teagan's other side, she spoke, "People of Redcliffe, let us bow our heads and give honour to those brave souls who gave their lives in defence of our village!"
"Yes, Ser Robin, beloved father and knight of Redcliffe, we salute your sacrifice!" declared Bann Teagan, "Weston, soldier and son of Redcliffe, we salute you!" Then he announced a few more names he knew.
"You and so many others who fell valiantly in defence of our homes, now walk with the Maker," proclaimed the revered mother. "Long may you know his peace and love!"
"With the Maker's favour, we have delivered a blow to the monsters that is enough for us to enter the castle and seek out my brother Arl Eamon," declared Teagan. "I do not believe the monsters are fully defeated yet, so be wary. Keep watch and train like before, there could be another attack.
"That is all we have for now; we will soon return with news!"
Teagan then turned to Alvar, "Our victory has given us the chance to strike at the castle," he declared. "Take some rest and join me at the village mill. There we shall talk as to how to proceed next."
"Good," said Alvar, "I am hungry and I have some work here, I will join you soon."
Bann Teagan walked away towards the village mill, followed by Ser Perth and a handful of his knights.
Alvar then dispersed his companions whom he asked to go and do whatever they wanted. He had ordered them to come to the mill in about two hours. All except for Alistair went different ways.
The former Templar claimed he had nothing to do and hence remained with the young nobleman. Alvar now turned to the chantry and walked inside, with Alistair following him. He went towards the head of the hall and stood in front of Andraste's statue. Then he knelt on the floor and prayed, thanking the Maker for granting him the victory. His Warden companion also joined in the prayer.
Once they were finished with prayers, they turned and walked towards the exit. On the way, Alvar was approached by Bevin.
"Lord, I want to talk to you," he said.
"Not now, Bevin," answered Alvar, "I have some urgent work first," saying that he walked outside the Chantry.
Alvar's eyes darted around the village square. He then caught Mayor Murdock leaning on a wooden fence near the blacksmith's house, he had a leather canteen with him from which he was drinking water. Alvar and Alistair approached him.
"Greetings lord!" he bellowed as Alvar neared him, "Maker, I can't believe we survived the night. If not for you, I don't think we would have lived to see this day. You have my eternal gratitude, lord, I will never forget your assistance."
"Alright, now tell me, where is the barkeep Lloyd?" demanded Alvar.
"Lloyd? I haven't seen him since morning," answered Murdock, "I think he has fled the village."
"How so?"
"With so few people remaining I would have seen him," said Murdock, "Even that elf mercenary is missing."
"Bastards!" Alvar cursed angrily,
"Is something wrong, my lord?" asked Murdock.
"Yes, Lloyd had a sword which belonged to me and that knife ear was a spy for my enemies," Alvar answered angrily, "Maker, I would have killed that little shit if we were not short of men last night."
Murdock was silent, he knew not what to say, "I am sorry, my lord," he uttered apologetically, "I can send men to look for them, if you wish."
"No, don't bother," said Alvar, waving his hand in an imperious gesture, "We don't know when they fled and how far they would have reached now. We can't send men away from this village until the evil here is purged."
"I need nothing else, Murdock," said Alvar, "I will go now, I have things to take care of,"
"As you wish, my lord," Murdock bowed as Alvar and Alistair walked away.
"Andraste, it is my own carelessness that is responsible for this," proclaimed Alvar. "I should have killed both of those knaves when I had the chance."
Alistair frowned in surprise, "You know, I don't understand, why are you so angry about that Lloyd and the elf escaping," he spoke curiously.
"I don't care about Lloyd, Alistair," answered Alvar, "That sack of shit can go anywhere he wants, it is what he took while fleeing. The sword which Bevin gave me!"
"It is just a sword,"
Alvar looked at Alistair with surprise, "Have you lost mind?!" he yelled. "It wasn't just any sword! It belonged to his family! It was his heirloom just like my own family sword which I gave Arl Bryland before the battle of Ostagar. I want to make that boy Bevin, my squire Alistair. And now I must go and explain to him that I have lost his family sword!
"As for that elf, he was Howe's spy! If he has his wits about him, he would be fleeing to Howe and telling that bastard about how he saw the last Cousland heir in Redcliffe. And soon we might have an army bearing his or Loghain's standard at Redcliffe border!"
"Maker's breath!" exclaimed Alistair, "What do we do now?!"
Alvar took a few breaths and gently rubbed his forehead, "Now, let us focus on more immediate issues. We need to get into Redcliffe castle and meet Eamon…. if he is still there.
"For that we must first find out what is happening in the castle. Where is Morrigan?"
"She and Violena went to the tavern," answered Alistair, "They said they wanted some breakfast. But why?"
"I want someone to gather information on what is happening in the castle," said Alvar. "Morrigan is the only one among us who can change her form. If anyone can get inside and out of the castle easily, then it is her."
Alistair nodded in agreement, "Good thinking, then let us go to the tavern," he said, "Even I would like some breakfast. Maker, I am starving."
With that decided, Alvar and Alistair walked towards the tavern.
Alvar and Alistair entered the tavern and looked around. They noticed Morrigan and Violena sitting on a table and having breakfast consisting of bread, cheese and boiled eggs. They walked towards them.
"Alvar, Alistair!" Violena called them, "come join us," she requested.
Alvar and Alistair joined them, Alvar sitting next to Morrigan while Alistair sat next to Violena.
The barmaid Bella came to them, "What can I get you, lord?" she asked.
"Bring us what they are having, and make it quick," demanded Alvar.
Bella bowed and walked away.
"Now, we have won a great victory last night," proclaimed Alvar. "A victory that would not have been possible if not for all your help."
"Thank you," said Violena, while Morrigan continued her breakfast.
"Morrigan," called Alvar turning to her, "I have an important task for you."
"What?" she asked.
"We will soon be going to the castle," said Alvar, "A castle that has been infested with monsters and Maker knows what. We do not have any information as to what is going on inside.
"This is where I need your help. I want you to change your form to a bird and fly above the castle. You must observe the castle, the layout, any demons on loose. Just gather information as to what we can expect when we go there."
"Are you serious?" demanded Morrigan.
"Yes, we need to know what is happening inside."
"But why me?"
"Because, you are the only one who can do this," answered Alvar, "I do not know anyone else here who has the ability to change their form."
"I refuse, do you take me for a lowly scout?" retorted Morrigan.
"No, you will do it," Alvar spoke sternly, "Do not forget what we talked in your mother's hut. You agreed to obey my orders if you are to come with us."
"Alvar," Violena chimed in, "Let me go instead."
"What?"
"I will fly over the castle and gather information for you."
"How will you do that?" asked Alvar. "You do not have shapeshifting abilities."
"Actually, Morrigan has been teaching me the ways of shapeshifting all these days."
Alvar was astonished on hearing this, "Is that so? when did this happen?" he demanded.
"Every night, when we would camp," answered Violena. "I would go to Morrigan and she would train me in shapeshifting magic."
"So that is why you have been going to her every night!" exclaimed Alistair. "You were learning magic from her."
"Yes," said Morrigan, she narrowed her eyes, "What? Did you have any wild imaginations?"
"No, I just…"
"On a second thought, I don't even want to know what goes on inside that empty head of yours," said Morrigan.
"Uh.. forget it," groaned Alistair.
Alvar tried to recall, he did remember seeing Violena a few times with Morrigan in the camp. But he had not thought much about it.
Bella brought them the ordered food, Alvar and Alistair started having their breakfast.
"How far have you come in learning this skill?" asked Alvar, daintily cutting a piece of bread.
"Quite good, I would say," Morrigan answered him. "She needs some practise, but she is quite good. I would say she is ready for your task in hand."
Alvar wondered whether Morrigan was truly endorsing Violena or was it a ruse to stop him from asking her. He turned to Violena, "Are you sure of this?" he asked, "Do you really feel ready for this task?"
"I am," said Violena, "I will gather all the information you want about the castle."
"Alright, as soon as you finish your food, you shall fly to the castle."
Once they had all finished their breakfast of bread, cheese and eggs; they got up to leave. Bella approached them.
"How much is it?" he asked her.
"Eighty silvers," came the answer. Alvar then took out eighty silvers from his coin purse and handed her the money.
"Thank you, my lord," she spoke, "And my lord, there is something I wish to talk to you about."
"What is it?"
"Well firstly, allow me to say how delighted I am to see that you survived the battle. I was afraid, for a while I did not think either of us would live. I am delighted the Maker answered my prayers and kept all of us alive."
"Many fell in the battle," said Alvar, "But their sacrifice shall not go in vain."
"Yes, may they rest in peace," uttered Bella softly, "My lord, I wanted to ask. What happened to Lloyd? I mean, he hasn't come back. Did he also fall?"
"I haven't seen him yet, nor have the men found his body," said Alvar, "We think he must have fled."
"Well then, that leaves me in charge of this tavern then."
"Yes," said Alvar, "And I expect you will run this place better than Lloyd did."
"I will, my lord," Bella affirmed confidently, then she looked down, "And my lord, I wish to ask for a favour."
"What is it? If I find it reasonable, I will grant it."
"Well, I…." Bella stammered shyly, "I… I do not know how do I ask this…"
"Just break word and be done with it," demanded Alvar, losing his patience.
"Yes, my lord," Bella nodded, "I am very grateful for all that you have done to me, however I cannot help but feel there is more to my life than this. I wish I would not have to stay in this tavern anymore, I am hoping if you could help me leave."
"Look at the nerve on this serving wench! She dares to ask you for such brazen favours!" exclaimed Morrigan. "This is why I say we shouldn't be helping everyone we see. Offer them a hand and they forget their place."
"I apologise, lord," Bella spoke with horror. "I did not mean to overstep, please forgive my insolence. If you desire anything from me in return, please say so lord. I promise, I will give you anything."
"Anything?" asked a surprised Alvar.
"Yes, anything, my lord," affirmed Bella,
"Well, I can talk to Bann Teagan about you," said Alvar, "He might allow you a job as a maid in his castle."
"My lord, I would like that! It would be an honour!" exclaimed Bella.
"Then I will speak to him when I can."
"Thank you, my lord," said Bella, then she approached closer, "Now please allow me to repay you for the favour." She placed a hand on his chest and smiled seductively. "I have a room upstairs or do you wish to go somewhere else, great lord?" she asked with a suggestive tone.
Alvar simply took her hand and pushed it aside, "A tempting offer, but I have a wife and I wish to remain faithful to her." He declared, then he smiled, "But my friend Alistair here is not married, I believe he would be more receptive of your rewards."
"What?!" Alistair was taken by surprise at Alvar's words.
Alvar quickly left the tavern, with Violena and Morrigan following him. Alistair and Bella looked at each other. Bella approached the Grey Warden.
"Shall we go upstairs, ser?" asked Bella with a flirty expression, "I can assure you, it will be a delight," she added with a wink.
Alistair blushed visibly, "I… I.. I don't know what to say," he stammered.
"You don't have to say anything, my dashing knight," she said softly, "just follow me,"
"I mean, look, you are a nice girl and all, but… not now, okay?" Alistair stammered bashfully, "Maybe some other time, when I am ready, alright?"
Bella gave a sigh of disappointment, and pouted, "Alright, I will be here if you ever need me."
"Yes, goodbye," saying that Alistair and he quickly walked out of the tavern. He wondered if Alvar got possessed last night, which might explain his attempt to set him up with Bella.
xXxXxXxXxXx
Once outside the tavern, Alvar, Alistair, Morrigan and Violena walked towards a secluded place near the trees.
"Are you sure you can do it?" asked Alvar.
"Yes," Violena affirmed confidently.
"May the Maker keep you safe," he proclaimed.
Violena closed her eyes and placed her hands on her chest. Her lips moved as she silently recited the shapeshifting spell.
After a couple of minutes, Violena had transformed from a human woman into a white pigeon. Alvar and Alistair were astounded by the transformation. Violena in pigeon form then took to the air, flying towards the castle.
"That was marvellous!" exclaimed Alvar.
"Yeah," added Alistair.
"She needs some more practise," said Morrigan, "But it is much better than before."
Alvar and Alistair turned to face Morrigan. "For your own sake, you better hope she returns safe and sound!" declared Alvar gravely.
"What now?" asked Alistair.
"Now, I have to go and explain to a child that I have lost his sword." Said Alvar.
xXxXxXxXxXx
"I take it you are Kaitlyn," said Alvar, to the young girl.
"Yes, my lord," nodded the girl, "My brother Bevin here says that you found him and told him to come here."
"I did,"
"Thank you, my lord, I was very scared!" exclaimed Kaitlyn, "I had thought the monsters had taken him."
Alvar was about to ask regarding his offer to make Bevin a squire when Bevin spoke, "Do you have my sword?"
"Bevin!" exclaimed an embarrassed Kaitlyn.
"Well actually, Bevin," spoke Alvar with hesitation, "Your sword, I had given it to one of the villagers last night, like I had said earlier. But that knave has fled, taking everything he had with him, including your sword."
Bevin was silent, disappointment and sadness all over his face, "Can you find him?" he asked.
"No, but I will compensate you for the blade." Saying that Alvar took out his pouch and starting counting a few sovereigns.
"My lord, this isn't necessary," said Kaitlyn.
"No, I promised your brother that I would return his sword to him in the morning," explained Alvar, "Since, I cannot do that now, I will make compensation in any way I can."
"Here is ten sovereigns," said Alvar, handing Kaitlyn a handful of coins.
"That is a lot of money, my lord!" exclaimed Kaitlyn, "We can move to Denerim with it and even open a shop or something."
"Bevin, have you spoken to your sister about my offer?" questioned Alvar.
"He did," Bevin's sister answered for him.
"And do you have an answer?"
Kaitlyn and Bevin looked at each other, their faces showed uneasiness. Kaitlyn then sighed and spoke, "My lord Alvar, allow me to say what a great honour it is that you have offered to my brother. It is an honour for my family. Our parents would have been very proud if they had lived to see this.
"But if he is to become a knight in your household then he would have to leave to stay in your castle. He is the only family I have left since the death of my parents. I would be left alone, I…."
Alvar raised a hand in the air, stopping her, his face was impassive. Kaitlyn was worried, hoping she had not offended the nobleman with her refusal.
"You do not want to be separated from your brother," spoke Alvar, "family is important. I understand your concern. But there is a solution to this predicament.
"My wife would like to have a lady-in-waiting. I would extend you the offer of lady-in-waiting to the lady of House Cousland. Your duties would be to wait and serve your lady. You will be given a room in the castle; your food and clothing will also be arranged."
Kaitlyn was stunned by his words.
Alvar continued, "Then you and brother will be living in the same castle and you will be able to see each other whenever you are able to."
"My lord, I… I don't know what to say," she stammered, "I do not wish to trouble you, I..."
"Nonsense," said Alvar, "I make this offer because it is beneficial to all of us. My wife also wants to have a lady-in-waiting. I wouldn't be making this offer if I was to gain nothing from it."
"But I don't know if I can wait for a lady of such a high standing, lord," spoke Kaitlyn, "My father was just a simple knight in Arl Eamon's service. I fear I am not noble enough to be considered worthy of serving Lady Cousland."
"You will be trained in all that is required in the performance of your duties," declared Alvar. "Just like your brother will be trained to become a knight. As for your breeding, do not worry about that."
"Yes, my lord," nodded Kaitlyn.
"So, what is your answer?" demanded Alvar.
Kaitlyn looked at Bevin, who stared hopefully at her. Then she spoke, "My lord Alvar, I am very grateful for your offer. I and my brother accept your offer. It will be our greatest honour to serve House Cousland."
Alvar was happy at their answer, he gave a small smile.
"Good," he said, "Unfortunately, my castle is not in my control and my wife is far away. It will be quite a lot of time before you can properly join my house. But instead, you both shall go to South Reach. The Arl Leonas Bryland is a friend of mine, I will arrange for you to stay in his castle while you serve him in return.
"But for now, I want the two of you to stay in Redcliffe and not leave this village. When I have time, I will write a letter to Arl Bryland about you. Then the two of you shall take the letter and go to South Reach. The Arl will take care of what happens next."
Kaitlyn and Bevin listened silently, then they nodded, "We will, my lord. We will wait here until you give us the letter and deem it right for us to leave to South Reach. I promise, we will serve the Arl of South Reach just as faithfully as we will serve you."
"Good," said Alvar, "Now, I have things to do, I shall take my leave."
Saying that, Alvar and his companions left the Chantry.
xXxXxXxXxXx
Bann Teagan stood with his hands behind him, near the village mill overlooking a cliff. He was staring at the castle, deep in thought. Ser Perth, the captain of Eamon's household guard and a couple of knights stood near Teagan. Alvar and all his companions approached them.
"Odd how the castle looks so calm from here, it is almost like as if no one is living there," mused Teagan. "But Maker knows what is happening inside."
"I believe we will learn soon," said Alvar, "I have sent one of my companions to scout the castle. I am expecting her to return soon."
"What?" Teagan was taken aback, "There is only way to the castle, through the bridge. How would your companion get inside. And if she is inside all alone…. then Maker help her."
Alvar chuckled, "She won't be going inside," he said, "I had ordered her to scout the castle from outside."
"But how is she doing it?"
Before Alvar could answer, a white pigeon came flying from the castle and descended on the ground next to Alvar.
Alvar knew who it was and smiled seeing her return. The next moment, the pigeon transformed into a young girl.
"Violena, I hope you are alright!" exclaimed Alvar.
"I am," said Violena, "No one suspected I was anything other than a pigeon."
Teagan and his knights were left gaping at this. He had never seen such magic before.
"I thought shapeshifting magic was only a rumour," commented the Bann, "I didn't know it still existed."
"It exists outside of your Chantry," answered Morrigan, "Like many other schools. Away from where your cowardly templars cannot kill what they cannot control."
Teagan did not answer the snide remark, he turned to Alvar instead, "I am impressed you have such skilled men and women to serve you."
"Great men always have skilled followers ready to serve them!" Alvar declared rather haughtily. Then he turned to Violena.
"Firstly, I am delighted to see you return unscathed. Thank the Maker you are safe!" exclaimed Alvar, "Now tell me what did you see in the castle?"
"I flew over the castle," said Violena, "It was empty, no guards, no monsters, no servants, there was nobody outside. However, I felt an eerie feeling as I flew around. I could feel the presence of evil in the castle.
"I thought of descending on the windows and mayhap take a look inside. But I feared the evil being might catch my presence and it would be dangerous. So, I didn't see inside the castle."
"You did well, Violena! I am very proud of you," declared Alvar.
Bann Teagan spoke bringing their attention to him, "Good, now we shouldn't delay further, I had a plan…. to enter the castle after the village was secure.
"There is a secret passage here in the mill. Accessible only to my family," he said gravely, "We can use the passage to enter the castle rather than try the front gates."
Alvar frowned at the Bann's words, he knew there would be secret passage to the Redcliffe castle. Every castle has one, after all he and Sancia had also used such an entrance to flee during Howe's attack.
The thoughts of Sancia and Howe brought back memories to Alvar. He wondered how she might be doing in Storm Coast, with his uncle and cousins. And Howe's attack made him recall his parents whom he lost in the attack. His home which was now occupied by the Howes.
"Lord?"
Teagan's words snapped Alvar from his musings. "Yes, I heard what you said. I was thinking, why did you not mention this passage earlier."
"Because if I did, you would have chosen to enter the castle instead of staying at the village and defending the people." Teagan answered him, "I would say I am sorry, but I am not. After all your concern here is seeking Eamon rather than the people not owing fealty to you."
Alvar frowned and glared at Teagan, "You are right about that Bann Teagan," he responded. "But I am no hare-brained fool to try and enter the castle knowing how many of those monsters are still alive."
Teagan was about to respond when his eyes caught on something behind Alvar. "Maker's breath!" he exclaimed. Alvar and his companions also turned around to see a young beautiful woman in her mid-thirties and a guard run towards them.
The woman had red hair tied in a simple bun at the back of her head, and she wore fine silken robes. Alvar knew her, he had met her before.
"Teagan, thank the Maker you are alive and safe!" she gasped in a clear Orlesian accent.
"Isolde! you are alive!" exclaimed Teagan, "How did you? what is happening?" demanded Teagan.
"I do not have much time to explain!" she answered frantically, "I slipped away from the castle as soon as the battle is over. I must return quickly.
"And I need you to come with me, Teagan…. alone," she softened her tone.
"Ho! What is going on here?" demanded Alvar, "Why do you want Bann Teagan to go with you?"
Isolde looked at Alvar and his companions, "What? I… who is this man, Teagan?" she asked curiously.
Alvar was taken by surprise at the question. But before he could say anything, Alistair spoke, "Hello Lady Isolde, don't you remember me?" he asked in an exaggerated cheery tone, "Don't tell me you have forgotten me so soon."
Isolde looked at him and her eyes grew wide, "Alistair? Of all the…. what are you doing here?" she questioned. Her tone changed, now there were hints of aversion in her voice. Then she turned to face Alvar. She pondered for a few of seconds and then recognition hit her.
"Wait, I think I know you," she said, "You are Alvar Cousland, son of Teyrn Cousland of Highever."
"It is Lord Alvar Cousland," Alvar spoke sternly, "It has been a long time since we spoke last. And it seems you have forgotten where you stand in the meantime."
"Isolde, Lord Alvar and his followers here saved our village," said Teagan, in attempt to diffuse the situation, then he spoke in Orlesian, "Unfortunately, without them I do not think we would have survived. It was either taking his help or none."
Alvar knew Orlesian and understood, but he kept quiet. With the political rivalries between his family and the Guerrin house, he did not expect anything different. Their recent alliance was an alliance of convenience formed due to sharing of common enemies.
Isolde now turned to Alvar, "My apologies, lord, I have too much on my head now. I meant no disrespect."
Alvar nodded in response. "Now tell me what is happening in the castle, how is Arl Eamon?"
"I know you need more of an explanation, but there is little time now" Isolde spoke sadly. Then she turned to Teagan.
"Teagan, there is terrible evil within the castle. The dead waken and hunt the living. The mage responsible was caught, but the evil still exists."
"I knew this was the work of a mage," declared Violena, "I did feel the presence of evil magic while scouting."
"Yes, and Connor is going mad. I think he may be possessed," spoke Isolde.
"What? Connor is possessed?!" exclaimed Alvar.
"Maker, Connor is a mage?!" exclaimed an equally surprised Alistair, "How?"
"He always was," answered Isolde. "We…. I tried to hide it as much as I could."
"DidEamon know of this?" asked Teagan.
"No," Isolde shook her head. "If he did he would have sent him to the Circle. I don't want to lose my only son!"
Alvar was impassive, "rightly so," he said, "Now look what your actions have achieved. Your son is possessed by a demon and its lackeys are rampaging your own village."
Alvar's words angered Violena. She was touched by Isolde's actions; wishing her own parents would have had at least some of the concern which Isolde has for her son.
"She did what any mother would!" Violena lashed angrily, "What would you do if your child would have been a mage? Would you hand him over to the Chantry just like that?! I think not."
Alvar turned to Violena in surprise, he did not expect her outburst, "Arlessa Isolde is the lady to these people, just as I am the lord of Highever," he spoke gravely. "As the ruling nobility, the well-being and safety of our people must be foremost in our minds when we make our decisions. It is our sacred duty to govern them and not use our power for selfish reasons."
Some of Alvar's companions found his words quite hypocritical. But before any could speak, Isolde chimed in, "We can talk about that later," she said, "Please Teagan, you must come with me! There is very little time!"
"How is Teagan going to help?" questioned Alvar.
"He is my son's uncle," answered Isolde, "Connor may be possessed but he is still there. I have seen him return every once in a while. I am hoping seeing Teagan would help him overcome the demon."
"That could happen," commented Wynne, "The presence of a loved one or someone close might help him become more resilient."
"Yes, please Teagan, come with me now, I beg of you," pleaded Isolde, "The demon in Connor allowed me to come and bring you. What if it thinks I am betraying it? It would kill Connor! Please come with me… you must!" tears flowed from her eyes, as she pleaded her brother-in-law.
"Alright, I will come with you," said Teagan.
"Is this wise?" questioned Alvar, "It could be a trap laid by the demon. You could get yourself killed."
"I do not know," answered Teagan, "But I will do it. Mayhap it is a trap or mayhap not, but Isolde, Eamon and Connor are my family. I will help them when they need it.
"Unlike some, I will not leave my loved ones in the face of danger."
Alvar understood what the Bann meant by the last comment, Alistair sighed. "As you wish," Alvar answered coldly, "If you are going to get killed just remember that the reason some men prefer to flee is to live and fight another day than die foolishly in vain."
"I will, now we must plan this out," said Bann Teagan, then he turned to his sister-in-law, "Isolde, can you excuse us for a while? I need to make plans with Lord Alvar."
"Alright, I will wait by the bridge," said Isolde, "But please hurry up," she pleaded. Saying that, she and her guard walked towards the bridge.
Teagan then turned to Alvar. "You and everyone here will go the castle, but only I will go with Isolde" he said, "Lord Alvar, you and your followers shall enter the castle through secret passage. Ser Perth will show you the way.
"In the meantime, I shall try and distract the evil in the castle. I will try to draw its attention to myself thus allowing you to enter without being noticed.
"Whatever you do, remember that Eamon is the priority here. If you have to, just get him out of there," Teagan spoke gravely, "Isolde, me or anyone else,…. we are expendable."
"Of course, you are expendable," answered Alvar coldly.
Teagan narrowed his eyes, "Not if Eamon is already dead," he said. Then he approached closer to Alvar, "The villagers may have cheered your name but do not be under the assumption that the people of Redcliffe might accept you as their lord just as easily."
Alvar was silent, he did not say anything.
"Now it is time for me to leave with Isolde," saying that Bann Teagan and Isolde walked away.
Alvar now stood with his companions and Ser Perth along with some knights.
"Ser Perth, how do we get inside the castle?" demanded Alvar.
"There is a secret entrance to the castle on the eastern side of the promontory," explained Ser Perth, "We will take boats to go across the lake and get to the entrance. From there we will enter inside and make our way to the castle.
"But lord, we cannot have all of us enter inside together."
"The demon or whatever will detect the presence of a large group?" suggested Alvar.
"Yes, my lord," nodded Ser Perth, "Instead, I recommend that I shall bring four of my men and you will bring four of your followers with you."
"What about the rest?" asked Alvar.
"They shall all wait outside the main gates and keep watch," answered Ser Perth, "If we do manage to get to the courtyard, we can open the gates and let them in. But bringing so many of us through the secret entrance is a risk."
Alvar pondered for a moment, "A fair plan, knight," he said, "I shall bring four of my companions, while two others will wait with your men."
Ser Perth then walked towards his knights while Alvar approached his companions.
xXxXxXxXxXx
"Shall we wait here for you, my lord?" asked one of the boatmen.
Alvar pondered on the question. They had taken two boats to get to the castle promontory. He, Alistair, Violena, Wynne and Leliana were on one boat while Ser Perth and four of his knights took another. Each boat was rowed by one boatman. Sten and Morrigan were to wait with Ser Perth's remaining knights outside the castle's main gate.
"If the situation goes worse, we might not be able to escape from the front gate," said Alvar, "In which case, we will need your boats. So, both of you remain here and wait for my next orders. Keep yourselves and the boats hidden, use those bushes and leaves for cover."
The boatmen agreed and after anchoring the boats. With the knights' help, they covered the boats with bushes and leaves. But not before laying in them with a blanket for cover.
"Now, Ser Perth," Alvar turned to the knight, "get to work."
Ser Perth nodded and with his men, he walked towards a rock on the promontory. Beside the rock, he ordered two of his men to clear the light vegetation on the ground. The men cleared it and Ser Perth inserted Bann Teagan's signet ring into a carefully concealed slot. Then he moved a metal slab away and thus revealed an underground tunnel.
Two of the knights lit a few torches. Ser Perth took one of the torches and turned to Alvar, "Follow me, my lord," he said and descended down the tunnel. Alvar followed after him while his companions and the other knights also went after them.
xXxXxXxXxXx
The dark tunnel led them to the dungeons under the castle. As soon as they entered the dungeons, they were assailed by undead monsters who suddenly rose from the ground. The sudden attack had taken Alvar and his men by surprise, but they managed to fight off the undead with relative ease.
"How nice of the demon to welcome us like this," commented Alistair.
"The dungeons seem to be infested with these undead," said Alvar, "Mayhap the entire castle is infested with them. We must clear out the dungeons before we advance any further. We can't let the monsters flank us as we go upstairs."
His companions and the knights agreed. And with that decided, Alvar and his men went to each room killing any undead they would see. At one point they reached a corridor which branched into two paths. Alvar and his companions took one while Ser Perth and his knights took another.
Alvar and his men reached a hall which connected to multiple dungeon cells. They noticed a few of undead monsters trying their best to enter a locked cell. Their attempts to enter the cell roused Alvar's curiosity. As soon as the undead noticed Alvar and his followers, they charged towards them.
Alvar and his companions quickly slew the undead and the room fell silent.
"Hello? Is anybody there?" a male voice spoke from the direction of the locked cell.
"Maker, I have heard that voice before," commented Violena.
"Let us go see who is it," said Alvar and they all rushed towards the locked cell.
The inmate came closer to the prison door, he is a young man of similar age as Alistair. He was dressed in circle mage robes.
He looked at Alvar and his companions. Violena saw him and was taken back.
"Jowan?!" she exclaimed loudly.
"Violena? I am so glad you are alive," said the inmate.