Heading into the barracks Jayden hoped to get a moment to himself. He had just met with Lord's Tranford and Turnwell who were eager to prove themselves after the majority of the nobility had abandoned Gwaren. They had both volunteered themselves and several of their men to the fighting should they be required. Jayden had accepted their help knowing they would need every able body available to them. Both men had been fierce fighters in their day and had remained in fighting form, it just increased his anger towards those who had taken the preventative and then left. He hesitated at the door of the refectory seeing a lone soldier eating. He recognised Colin who was only a few years older than himself, but hadn't spoken to him much, Michael had seen to that. He wanted to be angry with him for stealing the preventative, but there was something about the soldier that seemed so defeated that instead he found himself sitting on the bench opposite him. "Colin, isn't it?"

Raising his head Colin flushed and sat up straight. "Champion." He eyed Airyl uneasily, relieved when she lay down.

It hadn't taken long for people to realise who he was, Airyl being more of a giveaway than his own face. Biting back the sigh at the title that annoyed him so much, he met the soldier's gaze. "I prefer Captain William."

"Of course, sorry I … I didn't want to do it." Colin whispered, flushing in shame, staring into his bowl. "Take the preventative I mean."

"Then why did you?"

"You don't know what my uncle is like." Colin whispered. "When my parents died, he made sure I could join the guards, that I could stay in Gwaren, that my sister and I could stay together. I owe him. I knew it was wrong, Maker I did, but I did it anyway because … because if I didn't, he would make sure Catherine and I were separated. She's just turned sixteen, I have to protect her. The other soldiers want nothing to do with me, I can understand why and I can accept it, because what I did meant protecting her."

Jayden felt exhaustion dragging him down, wondering why people had to use each other the way they did. "Why didn't you tell Captain Marcus that?"

"It wouldn't change anything and besides I deserve to be punished I know that." He sighed softly. "I can't believe they all just left."

"Is your sister still here?"

"Yes, she helps with the injured. I think she would be an amazing healer if given the chance." His fists clenched. "If they were going to leave, they should have taken her with them. Now … now she has to stay and face this."

"We will evacuate if the fighting is lost and everyone has been assigned a ship."

"I know I just …"

"You want to protect her."

Sighing, Colin nodded.

"I think we should speak to Captain Marcus about why you did what you did. We all need to be working together and you being ostracised is not helping the situation."

"It doesn't matter why I did it, I still did it."

"I happen to think it matters a great deal why you did what you did."

Startled Colin finally met his gaze, surprised to see compassion in his eyes. Sighing, he stood, cleared away his bowl and followed Jayden to the Captain's office.

xXx

Carrying the box of first aid supplies to the infirmary, Catherine hesitated as she saw her brother standing with several soldiers. She realised she was holding her breath, none of the soldiers had spoken to him in weeks and it had been obvious some wanted to do him physical harm. While the soldiers didn't appear to be as friendly as they had once been with him, they were certainly tolerating him. She gave a tentative smile as he glanced her way and nipped her lip nervously as he hurried over to her taking the heavy box. "So … are they speaking to you now?"

"They are tolerating me though I have a long way to go to regain their trust."

"What changed?"

"I told Captain Marcus why I did what I did."

"I told you to do that in the beginning. Why now?" She glanced in the direction he nodded, seeing the Champion.

"Oh."

"Captain William asked why I did it and it all spilled out. I didn't think it would make a difference, but while they are still angry about it they understand why I did it. I think they are angrier at uncle now than me."

"So they should be, mother always hated him." She linked her brother's arm and squeezed gently. "Things will get better now. So … will you be seeing Captain William more often now?"

Raising an eyebrow, Colin glanced down at his sister. "You are not getting involved with a soldier, not even one who is Holy Andraste's Champion!"

Giving her most innocent smile Catherine squeezed his arm again. "Come on, Serin needs those supplies."

xXx

Seeing the Champion surrounded by people eager to hear of his experience of Holy Andraste, though keeping a little distance due to the wolf at his side, Mistress Marsden strode forward. "Give the lad some space!" She snapped, swatting her cane at those gathered, ignoring Petra's attempts to get her to stop, smiling smugly as they reluctantly dispersed.

Jayden couldn't help smiling. "That was effective, maybe I should keep you with me."

"Too old for that, well now let's look at you; got yourself a fancy title."

"Not my idea I assure you."

"The Chantry wouldn't endorse such a title without cause and the posters said enough."

"Is there something I can do for you, Mistress Marsden?"

"Well, you can tell me how I'm supposed to fit my life into two trunks?" She noted his wince and realised she felt a little sorry for him, their situation was hardly his fault and he was doing all he could to help them.

"Everyone has allotted space on their assigned ship, if there was more room you could take more things. I'm sorry. Take what is most precious to you, the rest can be replaced."

"You say that, but who's going to replace it? I've built my stock of fine and rare materials over a lifetime!"

"I know it is hard and unfair Mistress Marsden, but space can't be created out of nothing."

Marsden pursed her lips and looked in the direction of the docks. "Well maybe I can strike a deal with the Captains, I bet they have room in their fancy cabins for an extra trunk each and they can have an item of clothing of their choice made." She nodded to herself linking Jayden's arm. "Right lad come with me, you will give Captains Barin and Jacob something handsome to look at and your fancy title may sway Elric and Cormac."

Petra chuckled at his flush before giving him an apologetic smile.

xXx

After what seemed an excruciatingly long time to Jayden, he was relieved that Marsden got her deal and they could leave.

"That went well." Marsden stated happily. "Four more trunks will save most of my rare and more expensive materials. Petra dear, go in and boil some water. I have a hankering for some tea."

"See you later Will." Returning his smile, she hurried inside.

"Right then, before you think I'm a selfish old woman who likes to get her own way, while that might be true this was for that young woman. I was going to leave all this to her, I'm getting too old to do the more complicated things now, but since it looks like this won't be here for much longer if the damn Darkspawn have their way, well I have to adapt. Just like I did when we faced the Orlesian's. She has a real talent for the work. Least I can do is make sure she has enough to keep the business afloat elsewhere."

"That is very generous of you."

"Why because she's an elf? That doesn't make any difference to me, just like it doesn't make any difference to you. Besides, she's as close to family as I have these days and the little one is a delight. I know how rough her family has had it; I aim to make sure they don't fall back into that again. Right then, you will have more important things to do, off you go."

Smiling Jayden bowed and took his leave glancing at Airyl who he knew was thoroughly confused by the older woman. "It's just her way." He said smiling. "Come on Marcus will be wondering where we are." A short time later Jayden stood at the gates of his family estate and felt a deep ache in his soul. He was not returning home as he had hoped would be the case the next time he entered, instead he was under orders from his father to ensure that certain items were saved should evacuation be necessary. Scheneshal Paril had already been given the list, Jayden was just there to collect a few more private items. He was surprised that Paril had retained the post given his attitude the last time he had been here, but if nothing else the man was good at organising things. He turned at the sound of what could only be described as a bellow, his eyes widening with delight as he saw three druffalo. He moved over to them, Airyl beating him to Fae, the pair touching noses. Smiling, he patted them gently, talking soothingly. Mercifully one of the ships was specifically outfitted for animals, still he knew the journey if they had to evacuate to Highever would not be comfortable for any of them, but the ship was being adapted as best they could in the time they had, to be ready for the number they would need to get on board. Better cramped than dead he told himself, but he knew cramped conditions could be just as deadly. He hoped the adaptations would make the journey safer and more tolerable. As Marcus cleared his throat, he gave them a last pat and followed him inside to the Great Hall.

There were two large trunks already there filled with his father's maps, books and specific weapons. The Scheneshal was busy instructing several men so Jayden and Marcus went straight up to the bedrooms. In his father's room he collected the hand sized portraits that his mother had treasured of their family and her jewellery box that was still in pride of place on the dressing table, his father had never been able to bring himself to remove it. He lifted the catch, opening the lid and smiling at the pieces of jewellery he remembered so well, all had been his mother's favourites and most had been from family members. Carefully closing the box, he placed it and the portraits carefully in the trunk by the door. He collected the few books that had been her favourites and added them to the trunk before retrieving a small box from the top drawer of the dresser. Glancing inside he realised the emergency coin his father had informed him of was quite substantial. He lingered only a moment longer before moving to Anora's room, taking her jewellery box. She had taken most of her things with her to Denerim, but these pieces held sentimental value for her. Finally, he moved to his own room swallowing against the lump forming in his throat. He opened the trunk at the end of the bed smiling to see his treasure chest and mabari. He quickly filled the trunk with his books, maps, pictures and the ship his grandfather had carved for him, along with the raven that had been part of Aedan's apology. Moving back downstairs he made a final check of the study ensuring all the maps had been collected and a second small chest of coin that his father had given him specific instructions to distribute among the staff once in Highever should evacuation be necessary. He slumped into his father's chair feeling an unexpected rush of grief.

"I will give you a moment." Marcus stated softly, leaving to arrange for the trunks from the bedrooms to be brought down.

For a moment Jayden let tears come to his eyes before brushing them swiftly away. "It's just a building." He muttered, ignoring the ache of his heart, forcing a smile as Airyl gently nudged his hand. Leaving the room, he hesitated at the cellar steps feeling drawn to go down. Grabbing a torch, he slipped down the stairs realising he had stopped before a pile of boxes and chests. Sighing he put the torch in the holder and began moving boxes, smiling as Airyl watched him curiously, sniffing each box. Finally, he reached the one he had uncovered and then hidden again so long ago. Easing open the chest he carefully moved the material of his mother's wedding dress finding his childhood fiddle beneath. Part of him wanted to leave it where it was and let it be destroyed, but his traitorous hands were already picking it up. It was far too small for him to play now, but it was still a beautiful instrument. He wondered if perhaps Alistair and Bethany's child would be musical. He wished he could take everything there were so many memories, but there was not enough room on the ships.

Taking a deep breath, he grabbed the torch and hurried back up the steps, whistling for Airyl to join him, meeting Marcus in the Great Hall once again. In total five trunks were to be taken to the ship. Jayden nipped at his lip, at most there was room for three and that was pushing it. He debated whether to leave his own things, they were childhood items after all, but with a little time and careful re-packing they managed to get everything into three trunks. As they were loaded onto the cart to be taken to the ship Jayden said goodbye to the druffalo and he and Marcus headed in the direction of the wall. He glanced at Marcus as the alarm bells began to ring, breaking into a run.

As they reached the wall, they realised everyone was just staring as black clouds rolled across the sky like waves, purple lightning flickering within giving off an eerie glow. In moments the sun was blocked out and they were plunged into darkness. There were shouts and then torches were lit across Gwaren. The alarm bells seemed to become more frantic and then a red explosive arrow burst out its light above the furthest watchtower and seconds later the soldiers manning the towers were racing for the walls.

Rathnal joined them with Alistair, his face grim. "It's beginning then."

Jayden gave a slight nod, relieved when the guards reached the gates and they were shut and barred once more. Govak and his men were still working on reinforced gates, but it appeared they had run out of time. By the light of the torches lit at the watchtowers they saw the Darkspawn appear.

Marcus stared in alarm at the growing numbers. "Maker's breath." He glanced at Jayden who was watching them, his expression unreadable. The farms and mills stood empty and now every citizen of Gwaren was behind the walls. The golems had moved into position at the gates should the Darkspawn breach them, several squads of soldiers waiting with them, archers lined the walls, mostly made up of the Night Elves. The mages and Templar had also joined them on the wall. "Everyone is in place; we await your signal."

"You need to stop deferring to me, Captain Marcus. I did not come here to take over!"

"As you have said repeatedly, however, the point still stands that you have far more experience with Darkspawn than I. Everyone is aware we will take our orders from you."

"Very well." Jayden moved to the centre of the wall as the Darkspawn approached the nearest watchtower. "Archers ready!"

The archers readied their arrows, flames burning, ignited from the braziers. The Darkspawn were steps away from the trenches when Jayden gave the order to fire, the trenches of oil becoming a wall of flame that caught the first line of Darkspawn. "Archers ready!" Jayden commanded again, signalling them to release as the Darkspawn began to emerge from the flames, the arrows hitting the large boulders along the line of the trench, the attached vials smashing on contact, a thick fog forming as the contents were released to the air. The Darkspawn screamed in frustration and fury as some fell into the pits that opened up beneath their weight, their bodies pierced by the stakes beneath. "Fire!" Jayden roared, the disorientated Darkspawn stumbling and falling prey to the arrows. As the fog began to disperse the second oil trench was lit, the still bewildered Darkspawn found themselves forced into yet another barrier of flame.

Jayden signalled to Zevran who in turn signalled Dylan and Reece.

Captain Marcus stared in awe at the lightning and snow storms that tore into the Darkspawn ranks. "Sweet Maker!" He gasped as forked lightning tore through a small group of spawn leaving them charred husks on the ground. They had all had some preparation so they wouldn't be alarmed by the magic, but he had never imagined this was possible. As the storm ended and the fires burned low he searched the smoke seeing forms emerging.

"Archers fire at will!" Jayden commanded, preparing to fire himself. Darkspawn fell beneath volley after volley of arrows until nothing moved between the tree line and the walls.

"It worked!" Marcus gasped. "Maker, they didn't even reach the walls."

Jayden searched the tree line. "Keep a constant watch, this isn't over and we better deal with the bodies."

Marcus signalled to a large squad of soldiers moving into place at the gate. They moved swiftly splitting into two groups, one concentrated on decapitating each corpse, the second hurrying to create giant pyres, the spawn burning within the hour, they wanted nothing the Emissaries could reanimate should there be any in the ranks.

Jayden moved over to Rathnal and Alistair who were looking to the treeline. "More out there?"

"Unfortunately, yes." Rathnal muttered. "I think they were testing us."

xXx

An hour passed, the soldiers tense and uncertain. "What are they waiting for?" Gilon muttered.

Rathnal sighed softly. "That!"

All eyes turned seeing the ogre move from between the trees, massive in stature, two shirek assassins by its side signifying its rank as Alpha.

"They have Emissaries too." Alistair muttered.

"At least there appear to be fewer Darkspawn than the last attack." Marcus stated.

"True, but the ogres, shrieks and Emissaries are the most powerful." Rathnal countered.

The soldiers watched in dismay as the Emissaries countered the fire from the oil pits they had lit again and created a shield of shifting black that repelled their arrows.

"Concentrate all crossbow fire on the ogre!" Jayden yelled as the creature began to run towards the gates, but the shield flared into life surrounding it. "Night Elves, your targets are the Emissaries."

An Emissary furthest from them, unshielded, believing itself safe, screeched in pain as an arrow drove through its chest, the tip tearing through to its back. Gilon grabbed another arrow, his heart pounding surprising himself he had made the shot.

Genlocks and Hurlocks immediately surrounded the remaining Emissaries, forming a barrier with their bodies.

As the Night Elves concentrated on trying to eliminate the Darkspawn between them and their targets the ogre slammed into the gates, though they held they shook with the impact. Guardsmen Thomas and Philip activated the mechanisms that allowed the boiling oil to flow out of the wyvern's heads on either side of the gate, the heads shifting as they directed them.

Roaring in pain and fury as flaming arrows rained down on the oil, the ogre threw itself at the gates and wall, the gates were unable to withstand the frantic brutality of the ogre, as moments later it crashed through only to be met by two golems, its roar of pain cut short as Tolband gripped its throat driving it to the ground, Rumold grabbing the head and giving it a brutal twist snapping its neck. Colin was closest and he quickly severed its head, spinning at the shrieking sound as two Shrieks materialised, their blades driving through two soldiers who were clutching their bleeding ears. Alistair leapt at the nearest as it was suddenly frozen, smashing into it with his shield and shattering it. Ser Matthew did the same with the second shriek, the golems having moved to help block the way in, as more darkspawn were surging towards them.

Tolman moved swiftly to Jayden's side. "We are running out of arrows."

"Already! Govak! Where are those special arrows of yours?"

"Not ready yet!"

"Damn it Govak we need them!"

"Well there's nothing I can do about it yet, the substance is volatile enough without using them too soon."

Cursing under his breath Jayden moved over to him. "When will they be ready?"

"Tomorrow." He winced at his glare. "These things take time!"

"We are going to need those new gates of yours and don't tell me they aren't ready; we will have to use whatever you have because there is no repairing what we had."

"You get rid of the Darkspawn and me and the boys will deal with the gates."

Nodding Jayden turned away from him, moving over to Rathnal quickly explaining the situation.

"We are going to need to go out there."

"We knew we would." Jayden muttered, despite having hoped to avoid it. "We can't afford any more of them to get beyond the walls."

"Alright then, Alistair, you stay with Zevran and Ser Matthew at the gate. Maker willing there won't be many for you to stop."

Jayden sent up a signal arrow that sent out a green light, four squads of fifteen soldiers hurrying to the gates, Reece and Dylan taking up positions on either side of the wall at the gates. Unsheathing his sword, he glanced at Gawain who was suddenly at his side. He was relieved the guardsman didn't protest; they had argued enough when working out their strategies. "You know what to do, we clear the way for the archers to take out the Emissaries, but if you get an opportunity to kill it you take it." Signalling to Rumold and Tolband to guard the gates until they were replaced, he led the soldiers out.

Lyra watched as the battlefield fell into chaos, Jayden and the squads with him were making effective use of the mist that seemed to disorient the Darkspawn and various explosives that Govak had managed to come up with. They had wanted the arrows so such close quarters fighting might have been avoided, but there was no choice. She fired another arrow, her heart pounding at how close it came to hitting one of their own soldiers. She had trained so hard, thought herself ready for this, but the sheer chaos was terrifying. She glanced at Gilon who had moved to her side.

"Concentrate love."

"I'm afraid I might hit our own people."

"Concentrate on the Darkspawn getting past them."

Nodding Lyra forced herself to ignore the burn of her arms, the fear that gripped her and fired until she had no arrows left.

Rathnal found himself fighting back-to-back with Jayden and Gawain, Airyl howling and tearing at those surrounding them, realising quickly they had become a focus for the Archdemon's forces. "I guess they know who we are." He snarled, driving his sword into the gut of a genlock, turning sharply and driving it up through the chest of a Hurlock.

"Then let's make them regret it." Jayden snarled, checking for their own soldiers who were too far away to help, sending up an arrow that gave off a purple light that was both a warning and a signal. He had no idea how Govak made the different colours, but it was very useful. He saw soldiers suddenly breaking away from the fighting and running as though their lives depended on it back towards the wall, grabbing Airyl he dropped to his knees, Gawain and Rathnal doing the same as a shield of blue surrounded them.

Taking a deep breath Dylan drew on his mana focusing on the element of fire creating a firestorm that rained down on Jayden's location. Twisters of fire erupted from the ground tearing into the Darkspawn ranks as fireballs hit the tightly packed clusters of Darkspawn protecting the emissaries. Tendrils of fire lashed out at the spawn and waves of flame engulfed the battlefield. Shuddering Dylan sent a last blast of fire at a group still protecting an Emissary before he staggered backwards, startled as Mathew grabbed him stopping him from falling. Gasping for breath his knees gave way, aware that Matthew was still holding him.

As the shield vanished Rathnal stood and stared at the devastation the fire had caused. "Damn the Storm Coast really wasn't a one off."

"He will be paying for it." Jayden muttered. "So let's make it count." Raising his sword, he was relieved to see the soldiers racing back towards them as they took the fight to the last pockets of Darkspawn, decapitating as they went.

An hour later the battlefield was eerily silent, fires burning the remaining bodies of the Darkspawn and the injured soldiers retrieved and taken to the infirmary, the dead carefully placed in a building outfitted for the purpose. Jayden was relieved to see Govak's men putting into place the reinforced metal barrier doors. Wearily forcing himself to climb the walls he moved to Captain Marcus who was giving out orders for more arrows to be made and setting up a rota to allow the soldiers to begin to get some rest.

Turning to him Marcus shook his head. "Enchanter Dylan is something else."

"He is very powerful to be sure, was he taken to the infirmary?"

"Yes, Ser Matthew said his collapse was exhaustion. Enchanter Reece is remaining on the wall, but holding that shield took it out of him too."

Nodding Jayden moved over to Reece who was pale but still on his feet. "You need to sleep."

"One of us should be here and Dylan …"

"You need to sleep." Jayden stated firmly.

Sighing Reece nodded and slumped down, closing his eyes.

Shaking his head Jayden smiled slightly glancing at Airyl who settled next to him. Heading down to the infirmary he quickly found Matthew who was sitting watching over Dylan who looked ghastly pale. "I should have been clear that he was not to burn himself out."

"He did what he had to do." Matthew glanced at him, frowning. "You're injured."

Jayden glanced at him startled only now feeling the throbbing of the wound at his side.

Emily was with him moments later forcing him to sit and removing his armour to see the jagged wound at his side. "You need better armour." She muttered.

"Just patch me up, the Darkspawn won't stay gone for long."

Turning to the boy at her side she whispered something and he ran off, before she turned her full attention to the wound. By the time she had finished the boy had returned with a set of armour. "This is my cousin's spare set; it should fit you."

"Won't he need it?"

"He died." She met his compassionate gaze. "Of the blight sickness."

"I'm sorry."

"Thanks to you we have a way to counteract it now, the least we can do is make sure you have armour."

"Thank you." Doing his best to ignore the throbbing pain and adjust to the feel of the new armour Jayden left the infirmary finding Gawain waiting for him

"You could have been killed." Gawain hissed.

"But I wasn't."

Gawain swallowed his anger at the authority in Jayden's voice, he was no longer a child, but an experienced soldier and he realised he needed to remember that.

"Come on, we better make sure we are prepared for the next attack.

xXx

Hours passed and there was still no sign of the Darkspawn mobilising. Sitting at one of the lit braziers near the section of wall by the gates, Zevran began the process of sharpening his weapons simply for something to keep him occupied. He suspected it was dawn, but the constant darkness had them all disoriented. He glanced up as Jayden joined him.

Stifling a yawn and rubbing his eyes, red with fatigue and the smoke from the many torches lit to give them light, Jayden gave a sigh of relief as he finally sat down.

"It is a wonder, is it not that they wait. I thought Darkspawn to be in favour of brute force, not mind games."

"But their master loves mind games." Jayden sighed deeply. "I think Rathnal and I made a grave error in going out to fight them without wearing helmets that would mask our faces. The Archdemon now knows for certain we are here. I believe the delay is because it is massing enough forces to obliterate Gwaren and us with it."

"Then is it not perhaps time to move on before more life is lost?"

"All my arguments to evacuate immediately have been politely refused. They are stubborn and will not leave unless there is no chance. I do not know what else to say to sway them."

"Then let us hope the Archdemon does not intend to appear in person. The Warden Commander and Alistair are skilled to be sure, but I suspect they would have a hard time getting near it, let alone killing it."

Jayden shuddered at the thought, forcing himself to his feet. "I think perhaps I will speak again to Captain Marcus."

xXx

Trying to ignore the exhaustion tugging at him, Gilon took a sip of the herbal tea warming his hands around the hot mug. There had been no further attacks for two days, but the Darkspawn were still there, shifting among the trees. No-one knew why they were waiting and most were too afraid to speculate. He had heard the Wardens talking quietly and he realised they feared the Darkspawn were waiting for the Archdemon. He had no doubt the two Wardens would do their duty and try to kill it, but he wondered if they would even get the chance, for surely it would not show itself without a major force to join it. The need to evacuate was drawing closer, but the citizens of Gwaren still held onto the hope, however slight, that their home could be saved.

He had indulged in subtly watching Jayden trying to take the measure of him. The young noble had kept a respectful distance from Lyra, relaying commands via Kalris, the Night Elves Commander. Everyone had been drafted to help, whether that was making meals, carrying messages, making first aid supplies or poisons and crafting weapons. Everyone's skills were utilised in the best way possible. He was willing to listen to ideas from anyone and often incorporated them. He had expected nothing less given all Lyra had told him, yet it was still good to see her memories remained a reality. He watched the people of Gwaren follow the commands of their future Teyrn without knowing who he was, most clinging to the hope that as Holy Andraste's Champion, he could lead them through this. He clearly wasn't happy with the title, but given it rallied people he used it to bolster morale and it seemed the Chantry was never without someone offering up prayers. Despite the tension growing throughout the military, Jayden had actively worked to ensure they did not fall into panic. He watched as the young Captain walked through the soldiers and civilians, offering words of encouragement, often laughter burst out from whichever group he was with. He knew everyone's names and often a little about that person, that couldn't simply have come from his childhood in Gwaren. Gilon had tried very hard to dislike him, but despite his former relationship with his wife, he found himself respecting him.

xXx

Jayden stared out across the battlefield, this waiting had him and everyone else on edge. The Archdemon was planning something and he was desperate to evacuate everyone. He glanced at Rathnal who yawned loudly as he joined him. "You should get some rest."

"So should you, you've been up longer than I have."

"I don't trust this silence." Jayden stated uneasily.

"Nor do I, but until the Archdemon makes a move there is nothing we can do. We should get some rest while we can." Hesitating, Rathnal felt his heart sink as the alarm bell began to ring. "Or not."

Jayden followed his gaze to where Darkspawn were coming out of the trees at an almost leisurely pace. He kept his eyes on the enemy as the battlements filled with soldiers, archers ready, several youngsters filling extra baskets with freshly made arrows.

Dylan and Reece who were now fully recuperated joined them along with Ser Matthew, Zevran and Alistair.

Captain Marcus stared in horror at the advancing horde. Already he could see more of the creatures than had been present in the first attacks together. The ranks of Darkspawn seemed to part and out of the trees strode five ogres, each flanked by two shrieks and two emissaries.

"Maker, how many ogres does the Archdemon have?" Rathnal spluttered. "They are supposed to be the rarest of all Darkspawn!"

Captain Marcus paled. "They mean to breach the walls and destroy us all." He realised with chilling certainty that given their enemies numbers, there would be no surviving a confrontation. He moved over to Jayden. "Forgive me, I should have ordered the evacuation before now. It was beyond foolish to wait."

"Give that order now and tell them to hurry."

Marcus quickly moved to the messengers giving them their instructions before he returned to Jayden's side. "I had truly hoped Gwaren could be saved."

"I did too." Jayden felt the blood drain from his face gripping the wall in shock. The Darkspawn had parted again and an Alpha strode forward, face even more disfigured than its fellows from their last confrontation. He heard Rathnal curse, but he couldn't take his eyes off the creature that had almost killed him.

Rathnal felt his stomach churn as the Alpha kept on walking towards them and stopped just out of arrow range and the range of the mages, brandishing Jayden's stolen weapons.

"Champion!" The Alpha roared, throat aching unused to speaking. "Face me, or Gwaren falls!"

xXx

Author Note: Thank you for reading, it is always appreciated.