Leading the way down the dark passageway, the wisp Dylan had summoned darting a short way ahead of them, Rathnal was very aware that they kept travelling down. He wanted to turn back, but he wasn't sure how to handle the clearly on edge King, who was looking more frantic and wider eyed by the moment. He was very afraid that if he suggested turning back Cailan would race ahead of them anyway, at least this way he was maintaining some control. To his surprise the passage suddenly turned and began to head back up again, rather than soothing him, if possible, it put him more on edge. He halted everyone signalling for them to be quiet, he was sure he had heard footsteps. Easing forward he glanced around the corner, his eyes widening as he saw Aedan's group exit from a side tunnel seeing them all relax slightly. "Anything?"
"Nothing." Aedan glanced at the passageway ahead of them. "I suggest we go on together."
"Agreed."
It was then that they heard the sound of an explosion and the Wardens became aware that Darkspawn were nearby.
xXx
Dodging the black cloud that disintegrated with a blast of lightning from Morrigan, Rinna leapt behind a rock breathing painfully. An arrow had grazed her side and while she had managed to swallow a vial of antidote, she still felt dulled by the poison in her system. She hissed in pain as Leliana leapt behind the rock jostling her.
"Sorry."
"No problem."
Reaching for an arrow Leliana hissed realising she had used her last one. Unsheathing her daggers she laced them with poison. "I suppose now things get really intimate."
"You are an interesting Sister, good to have around in a fight. Ever consider becoming a Warden?"
Leliana grinned impishly. "I have my hands full with the dear Captain."
Rinna shifted her position. "Where is he?" She sucked in a sharp breath as he leapt out from behind several large boulders, using them to elevate himself, twisting in the air managing to avoid the blade of the Hurlock reaching for him, kicking it in the face so hard it hit the ground. Airyl lunged for its throat, ending it quickly. She watched him vault over a rock and grab Zevran hauling him back in time to save him from an arrow, before tossing another vial of the mist that seemed to disorientate the Darkspawn. "Nicely done."
"You see what I mean of course, always in trouble."
"Zev too, let's go give them a hand."
Skidding around a large boulder, Airyl howled fiercely and threw herself at the Genlock Shape changer that had become a blight wolf.
"They change shape!" Zevran almost shrieked. "Are the smaller ones not from dwarves, how does it even have magic?"
"Maker knows. I am not sure anything would surprise me with Darkspawn." Jayden muttered, grimacing as Airyl dragged it by the throat and shook it violently as though it was a rag doll. He moved swiftly, cutting off its head as she let go, wondering how many of the damn things had magic and praying they killed the one who had cast the spell on Cailan.
Peering around the rock Zevran jerked back as a Shriek appeared, covering his ears as it opened its mouth. Once the awful noise had stopped Zevran turned expecting an attack feeling disoriented and stumbling backwards as those terrible blade arms sliced through the air where he had stood. As it seemed to vanish, he shifted sharply, gasping in pain as blades drove deep, cutting through his leather armour as though it was cloth. He saw the sword burst through its chest as it withdrew, pressing his hands to the wounds even as he collapsed to his knees.
Dragging the thrashing Shriek backwards Jayden forced it to the ground, slicing through an arm that cut into his thigh, driving his blade down on its throat before limping back towards Zevran, Airyl whining anxiously.
Zevran heard Rinna's panicked voice and suddenly she was holding him, telling him it would be alright as Leliana grabbed cloth and herbs from a belt pouch working to stem the flow of blood. "I did not think to end my days beneath the surface."
"Don't you dare talk like that." Rinna hissed, her voice trembling.
"It is not so bad; I am with you after all." He squeezed her hand. "I …" Zevran glanced up anxiously as Jayden suddenly took Leliana's place uncorking a vial.
"This is going to hurt."
Zevran was given no time to ask what it was, but his suspicions were confirmed as he felt the cauterising powder touch his skin, gritting his teeth against the pain, his body shuddering before he slumped weakly against Rinna.
Leliana quickly moved to bind the wounds as Jayden returned to Airyl's side who was keeping watch.
Heart pounding Jayden glanced over their stone barricade, two Hurlock's and a small group of Genlocks were left and whatever Emissary was behind them casting magic. Theron, Morrigan and Sten were on the opposite side of the cavern. Quickly binding his thigh, he took his chance as a storm of flame manifested, leaping over the stone and hurling himself at the nearest Hurlock, driving his daggers in deep before twisting the blades and using the screeching Darkspawn as a shield as the Emissary cast life drain.
Theron fired three arrows in succession taking out the Genlocks who had survived Morrigan's fire. He glanced behind him seeing her tending to Sten. Surprising all three, Sten had shielded Morrigan from some form of energy ball while she was creating the storm, she had been knocked into the wall, but it was Sten who had taken the damage. He lay on the ground, each shuddering breath sounding as though it might be his last.
Working quickly Morrigan scanned him realising that the burns on the left side of his face and neck went down his body, the spell going for flesh without touching the armour. She knew the Qunari must be in intense pain and it was only a matter of time before he went into shock. "Why would you shield me?" She snapped.
A low moan left his lips as Sten felt Morrigan's magic ripple over his skin. He had sustained severe injuries in the past, but never had he experienced such pain. It felt as though flame was burrowing deep into him. "You are useful." He gasped, his throat constricting as the pain moved deeper still. "This is why magic must be controlled!" He growled, his body becoming rigid.
"Help him!" Theron snapped, his heart pounding, he had only two arrows left.
"T'is what I am trying to do!" Morrigan hissed her eyes blazing with fury. "T'would be more useful if you concentrated on the Darkspawn."
Gritting his teeth, Theron stood in one fluid motion letting his arrow fly, the Emissary driven back against the rock as it tore through its skull, blood forming a trail as it slid down to the ground.
Panting painfully, feeling the beginnings of her mana being drained too far, Morrigan was relieved to see Sten's body relax, though he lost consciousness moments later.
Theron's final arrow pierced the lung of the remaining Hurlock, as Jayden's dagger buried in its heart. Slumping against a rock he took a shuddering breath before grabbing his dagger hearing the sound of boots on stone.
Heart pounding brutally Jayden retrieved as many arrows as he could, throwing some to Leliana and Theron as he took up position near a now unconscious Zevran.
xXx
Easing towards the end of the passage Rathnal realised it opened out into a larger space, catching a glimpse of Theron, darting back as an arrow glanced off the rock. "It's us!" He yelled. "Hold your fire." Moments later they were all in the cave, Dylan joining Morrigan to help with Sten, Reece helping with Zevran. Robert quickly moved around the group helping with the lesser injuries.
"What in the Void happened?" Rathnal demanded joining Jayden who was sitting on a rock as Robert looked over the wound on his thigh.
"We expected a trap and we still got caught in it. Damn things seemed to come from nowhere. Two of the Genlocks used magic." He looked hopefully at Cailan. "Has the amulet changed?"
"No." He glanced at the dead Darkspawn feeling a rush of desperation. "It is still out there! We need to find it."
"Foolish to have come here."
Everyone turned at the harsh raspy voice, staring stunned at the Darkspawn. The Hurlock was taller than others of its kind, its bulky armour a sign of its strength, but it also carried a staff indicating it was an Emissary.
Pointing the staff at Cailan the Hurlock took a step further into the cave. "You are ours!"
Arrows flew from Theron and Leliana, they should have hit their mark, but instead they impacted a barrier that shimmered like black mist when hit.
Feeling as though the monster was smirking at him, Cailan felt rage course through his body. He wanted to scream, squeeze its throat between his hands. He noticed Ser Matthew move, saw the flash of light surrounding the Emissary and he leapt forward driving his sword against the creature, shocked as he was thrown back as the blade hit off the barrier surrounding the creature, Teagan and Alistair hauling him to his feet.
Matthew stared stunned, Wrath of Heaven had never failed to work for him and yet the creature seemed barely affected. Then he heard it, a broken disjointed sound from its lips and he knew it was the creature's version of a laugh, full of malice and hatred.
Glancing at the possible exit, Rathnal felt his heart sink, seeing Genlocks and Hurlock's begin to move into the room. "Damn it!" He glanced at Jayden who was throwing a vial that landed at the feet of Emissary's reinforcements, a second thrown by Morrigan that shattered near the Emissary. As Jayden's company took their positions, moving as though they had always been fighting Darkspawn, he, Peter, Aedan and Hunter lunged for the Genlocks at his command. The Genlocks and Hurlock's weren't protected by any blight magic shield and the arrows hit their targets though barely inconvenienced them. However, it created enough of a distraction for them to swarm the creatures, swords sinking deep into tainted flesh.
Dylan and Reece were doing their best to hold back the Genlocks from the King and Teagan with elemental magic and misdirection hexes, but for every one that went down two more took their place.
"If this is a small number of darkspawn …" Leliana gasped, her daggers ripping open a Genlocks throat. "Then I would hate to see what the Guardian's idea of a large force is."
Rinna glanced back at Zevran and Sten who were both unconscious. "I believe he misled us greatly." Or the Archdemon somehow knew we were coming.
Driving his shield into the Genlock, Alistair sent the creature flying before it reached Cailan. Nodding to his brother, he moved to his flank as the Genlocks surged towards them.
Theron gave a scream of pain, his bow hitting the ground as he stumbled backwards clutching his eyes as a black mist hit him. He felt hands grab him, a calm, reassuring voice cutting through the panic and pain, guiding him to relative safety behind the boulders. His eyes felt as though they were on fire. It was a spell he knew that much, not to kill him he instinctively knew that too. He felt his back against rock and his legs gave out on him, those guiding hands, now lowering him carefully to the ground. He was breathing hard, gritting his teeth against the screams, but he could feel a wet sensation on his hands and the smell of blood was thick.
Having to use every skill Warin had taught him to conceal his emotions Jayden yelled for magical assistance, but all of the mages were pinned down. "Theron, I need to see your eyes."
Theron whimpered and shook his head.
"Forgive me." Jayden stated softly, gripping his hands and forcing them away from his face, gritting his teeth to stop himself from recoiling. Blood seemed to be coming from everywhere and the skin around his eyes was badly burnt. Airyl was guarding them and for the moment at least the Darkspawn seemed more interested in the others. "This will hurt." He muttered, holding down Theron's arms as best he could with one arm, while he poured water over his face.
Theron screamed in agony, howling as the pain intensified as he felt the magic dig deeper.
Panting with exertion, Morrigan knelt beside them glancing at Jayden who was thankfully staying in control of himself. "Hold him." Gripping Theron's chin to hold his face steady she channelled her healing magic as Anders had taught her. She was sure he would have been able to heal these wounds, but they appeared beyond her capability and it was clear she was just causing him more pain. "Perhaps t'is like the spell crafted for the King, t'will not end until the Emissary does."
They glanced up as Rathnal leapt over the boulder, Morrigan blasting the black cloud following him with lightning. He hesitated seeing Theron. "Maker … we need to stop that thing."
"Agreed. Morrigan stay with Theron." Jayden demanded, startled when Theron gripped his arm.
"Don't Will, don't go near it. This is because I took the Archdemon's eye, what do you think it will have planned for the person who cast it out of his mind."
Rathnal glanced in alarm at Jayden who gently released Theron's grip and squeezed his hand.
"I won't be long." Jayden glanced at Morrigan. "Do what you can to ease his pain at least." He turned to Rathnal. "We need to get to Matthew."
Nodding Rathnal followed his lead, the pair tossing vials into the centre of the cavern, waiting a few seconds for the mist to rise and plunge the Darkspawn into chaos before they leapt over the rocks they were concealed behind, racing towards Ser Matthew and Enchanter Dylan who were supporting Kinnard, Tess, Cailan, Teagan and Alistair with a fierce group of Genlocks. Driving his blades through the back of a Genlock attacking Matthew, Jayden kicked the body away, Rathnal spinning and decapitating two heading for Dylan. "Matthew, do any Templar abilities work against that thing?" Jayden demanded as the last one currently attacking them was killed.
"Spell purge might affect it, but it will also affect our own mages. Wrath of Heaven did almost nothing to the damn thing."
"Dylan, get Robert and Reece and head to the back of the cave where Morrigan is. Do whatever you can to shield yourselves from a spell purge and be ready to use your most powerful offensive magic on the Emissary once it's shield is down. You don't hesitate, do you understand, the moment the shield is down you attack. Kinnard, take the King and Bann Teagan with you and head for the tunnel you came in by." He gave a sharp whistle signalling to the others under his command to get to him.
"If you have a plan to kill that thing, I want to be in on it." Cailan almost snarled.
"You are. You're the distraction. Head towards the exit and make sure it sees you go. Once the barrier is down the damn thing is free game and you can join the rest of us."
Jayden turned to Matthew. "The moment that things attention is drawn to the King, you do the spell purge, with luck it will take down the barrier around it."
"And if it doesn't?"
"Then we will think of something else." He turned as Gabriel, Lawrence and Terrance reached him, followed by Leliana. "Our target is the Emissary, Matthew will hit it with a spell purge, Leliana you, Tess and Terrance are on ranged attack. Gabriel, Lawrence and I will do what we can to get to it."
Rathnal rubbed his forehead. "Will …"
"We can't risk you or your Warden's more than they already are. Protect us as much as you can and we will get this done."
Rathnal signalled to his Warden's, each one throwing down a vial of the mist, Cailan reluctantly moving away from the fight.
Seeing the mages were as far away as they could get; Matthew flanked by Gabriel, Lawrence and Jayden raced forward to get as near the Emissary as possible. Skidding to a halt Matthew saw arrows fly past him into approaching Darkspawn, Rathnal, Peter, Aedan and Hunter appearing and disappearing into the mist slaughtering the vial creatures before they could get near him. The battle seemed to slow around him, the clash of blades, the smell of blood, sweat, magical discharge and the taint in the back of his awareness, all of his senses focusing on the Emissary. The greater lyrium potion he had consumed hummed in his blood, his eyes locking on the Emissary who was already casting another spell his focus on the King. His mind focused and clear, his intensive training kicking in he felt the threads of reality solidify around him, sending it out towards the Emissary. Colours heightened; his senses sharpened as they always did when the Fade was kept at a distance. Drawing on his training and his faith he intensified his actions, seeing the shield ripple and shatter, realising the others were already running towards the Emissary.
Roaring battle cries Gabriel, Lawrence and Jayden leapt at their enemy.
Cailan yelled in alarm as two ogres appeared out of the tunnel behind the Emissary, the first grabbing Jayden who was closest, Gabriel and Lawrence grabbed by the second who smashed them against each other with force before throwing them aside and giving a roar before it headed for Matthew.
Arms pinned to his sides, the huge fist slowly squeezing Jayden had no time to cry out, breathing becoming impossible. He had sidestepped death too many times to believe he could do it again. Pain tore through his chest as ribs cracked beneath the crushing force. Vision darkening, the irony wasn't lost on him that he had urged Cailan to commission better armour to give him valuable time in such a situation.
Airyl leapt at the ogre, her teeth sinking into its wrist, yelping as she was grabbed and thrown, hitting the ground unmoving.
Roaring in fury Terrance and Tess were already leaping at the ogre, Tess's blade driving into its chest before she was hit, the pain of the blow left unregistered as her head struck a rock with agonising force.
Terrance grunted in pain as the creature lurched back driving him into the rock face as his blade sank into its flesh, missing the target of its spine as he was forced to let go or be crushed, crying out as he was hit with a back hand swing, slamming into a boulder and hitting the ground barely conscious.
Stumbling back Matthew cursed as his foot caught a rock and he hit the ground, gasping as a huge hand just missed grabbing him. The ogre stood over him, beating its chest as it roared. Matthew scrambled backwards as two fists slammed into the ground where he had been lying, yelling out in pain as it grabbed his leg and pulled him back, driving his sword against its hand. The ogre roared in fury and Matthew found himself hanging upside down by his leg, the ogre's uninjured hand closing around him.
"Maker damn it!" Dylan snarled, they had lost precious time, Matthew's abilities were far stronger than any of them had realised, gripping Robert as he staggered. The younger mages shield had taken the brunt of the purge and had left him a little disorientated.
"I'll deal with the one holding Matthew, you help Will, your lightning will travel further." Reece demanded casting his spell.
Dylan cast a lightning bolt straight into the chest of the ogre holding Jayden, the creature staggering back, slamming him into the rock before it collapsed.
The second ogre found itself unable to move, before it exploded sending body parts flying. Wincing as a gore covered Matthew glanced over at him as he hit the ground, Reece gave an apologetic wince.
Snarling in fury the Emissary recovered itself, now flanked by shriek's it cast another spell, this time aimed at the King.
Cailan tried to dodge out of the way of the black cloud that manifested near him, but it changed it's direction to match his, before engulfing him and sending Kinnard and Teagan flying backwards. Cailan struggled wildly, but the mist solidified to bands around his body, pinning his arms to his sides. It rippled over his armour like waves before he rose into the air and as though pulled, he headed towards the Emissary. Heart pounding, he saw the shrieks standing beside the Emissary, the blade arms gleaming. He knew they wouldn't touch him, rather they were waiting for whoever came to help him.
Teagan struggled to his feet, limping forward, startled when he was pulled backwards, Kinnard suddenly in front of him. He heard a gasp of pain and saw the blades burst out of Kinnard's back, before he collapsed to the ground. Teagan stared at the Shriek; he would never see Loretta again, never have the family he longed for. Raising his sword he roared fiercely, startled as a sword burst through the Shriek's chest. As the creature collapsed to the ground, he saw Alistair's blade sweeping down beheading it.
"Teagan are you alright?"
"I … thank you Alistair." Turning to Kinnard, Teagan struggled to kneel pressing his fingers to his neck, sighing deeply. "Maker, I am sorry."
"If not for his sacrifice I would never have got to you in time." Alistair stated gently. "But this is not over, we can mourn the dead later, now we have to help Cailan."
"I know." Teagan glanced at the Emissary, heart pounding, his leg bleeding profusely, he yelled a warning as black mist surged from it, grabbing Alistair and dragging him to the ground, covering him with his own body. Despite the warning all who were standing were hit with the energy that sent them spinning into the air. When he looked up the Emissary and Cailan were gone. "No!" He gasped, struggling to his feet with Alistair's help.
Growling in frustration, Rathnal raced after him followed by Alistair seeing a smaller chamber up ahead. He slammed into a shield that shimmered as he hit it, his back throbbing with pain as he hit the ground, groaning as Alistair dragged him to his feet. They watched, helpless to reach him as Cailan remained trapped by the Emissary's magic. He turned as Robert caught up to them, the young mage swallowing a greater lyrium potion before manifesting a ball of shimmering energy which he directed at the shield. The grin as the shield vanished turned to a grimace as he clutched his chest staring at the Emissary in horror, sinking to his knees clutching at his throat. Rathnal stared in alarm, only vaguely aware Alistair was already heading towards the Emissary.
"I've got him." Reece yelled, dropping to his knees beside Robert. "Just kill that damn thing."
Rathnal raced after Alistair, seeing him drive his shield against the creature barely budging it, thrown to the ground with the impact.
Grabbing a vial from a pouch at his belt Rathnal threw the contents at it.
The Emissary jerked back as the liquid hit its flesh, screaming and clawing at its own skin, it's eyes widening as Cailan, now free from its paralysis spell, drove his great sword through its chest. The Emissary shuddered, snarling and growling still clawing at its flesh as Cailan kicked it off his blade and decapitated it.
Panting harshly, Cailan stared at Rathnal. "What was that?"
"The cure, Will gave it to me. A back up plan." Moving over to him Rathnal felt a rush of relief seeing the amulet.
Seeing his look Cailan grabbed the amulet grinning broadly, but the smile faded. "Why have my memories not returned?"
Groaning Alistair got to his feet. "Give it time, you just killed the damn thing."
They hurried back to Robert horrified to see him still struggling.
Robert shuddered painfully. "I guess ... I was always … meant to die at Ostagar."
"No." Reece shook his head, guiding his healing magic to the damaged organs. "You are going to be fine."
Robert smiled sadly, his body seeming to relax slightly. "It's alright Reece ... it doesn't hurt anymore. I … I spent my whole life ... feeling scared of my magic, but … the captain made me realise I could make a difference … be part of something bigger. Thank you all for watching out for me, I … for a brief time … it was like having a family again."
Reece lurched forward as Robert's head fell to the side. "No, Maker no!" Feeling wretched and sick, he leaned over and gently closed Robert's eyes. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."
Kneeling down beside them Alistair gripped Reece's shoulder. "I'm sorry, but others need your healing skills. I will bring him."
Swallowing painfully Reece nodded and stood, gazing at Robert and clenching his fists before he hurried back down the passageway.
Carefully lifting Robert's body, Alistair moved after him, Cailan and Rathnal flanking him.
Reece's gaze darted around the room. Most had injuries of a superficial kind, but there were serious injuries that had to be tended to. He moved to Dylan to find out where he was needed most. He saw relief in Dylan's eyes as he reached him.
"Tell me that thing is dead."
"It is."
"Good, where's Robert? We need him."
Swallowing painfully Reece bit his lower lip hard. "He … he didn't make it."
Paling Dylan felt as though the room was spinning, grateful for his friend's hand gripping his shoulder. "Damn it."
Sniffing back tears Reece steadied himself. "Where am I needed?"
Dylan swallowed against the lump in his throat forcing himself to become clinical. "There was nothing I could do for Kinnard, he was dead before I could get to him. Gabriel and Lawrence have regained consciousness. They are badly bruised, but the enchantments in their armour saved them from the brunt of that ogre's attack. Tess has a nasty head wound, but she is conscious. Terrance has a fracture in his arm and bruising, but again his armour saved him from worse injuries. Morrigan managed to stabilize Sten's burns though he will likely be scarred and Theron lost consciousness a short time ago, I … I'm not sure if his sight can be saved. Zevran needs some intensive healing, but the wounds aren't as deep as they first appeared so he stands a chance of surviving. Leliana has a head wound, but she says it is nothing, it will need to be checked once we reach the surface. Ser Matthew has a few cracked ribs, severe bruising and a sore leg, but nothing that won't heal given a little time and magical assistance. Warden Rinna is still a bit groggy from the poison on the arrow that nicked her, but she took the antidote quickly enough, there is some damage, but nothing that won't wait. Warden Aedan and Hunter are a bit banged up, but nothing life threatening. Warden Peter was hit by one of those damn Emissary's spells too, he has damage to his lungs and a nasty stab wound, but I think we can fix him up."
"And Will and Airyl?"
Dylan sighed deeply, glancing over to Morrigan. "Airyl's armour saved her from major injury, without that she would be dead, but she is bruised and one of her front legs will need more healing. As for Will, he's still unconscious. He has internal bleeding, cracked ribs and crush trauma, or at least that is what I have picked out from Morrigan's mutterings. She's been uttering curses I have never heard before, but she stopped threatening him if he didn't live just before you returned so I am taking that as a positive sign. If his armour had survived the first battle of Ostagar the enchantments would have helped to prevent at least some of his injuries. He should have gotten better armour before coming here." He sighed deeply. "Come on, we need to get everyone out of here, we are in no shape to face another attack."
xXx
Urthemiel roared his fury as he had done since he had felt the death of his prized Emissary. The creature had truly been one of a kind, more ruthless, cunning and powerful than any Hurlock before it. None of the others had been able to manifest the spells it could, most dying in the attempt. Perhaps worse, the spell had not fully germinated within the King, so close only to be destroyed at the moment of fruition. Tying the spell to the life of the Emissary had been a cruel necessity, it would be maintained no other way and they had tried many times with the prisoners he had demanded. He roared his fury, thrashing his tail and sending Darkspawn slamming into walls. The Old God forced himself to calm, just because his initial plan for the King had failed, did not mean he did not have other options. Sending the Darkspawn from him, he settled himself reaching out his mind to that of the King. He began to softly whisper, his words would not be registered consciously, but they would twist inside the King and trigger a darker side to him. He might not gain control of Ferelden's population, but he would have his revenge.
xXx
The group made slow progress returning to camp, crude stretchers having to be crafted for the dead and unconscious, others having to be supported to walk any distance. Alistair was helping Rathnal to carry the stretcher Jayden lay on, his emotions a mess of relief that his brother was safe, sorrow for the fallen and fear for his friend and the others who had been injured. The tavern quickly became an infirmary, but the bodies of Kinnard and Enchanter Robert were taken straight on to the chapel, to be laid next to the fallen Wardens.
Ayanna, Serris and Stephan quickly offered their healing services. Ayanna moved to help Aedan, Hunter and Peter, while Stephan checked on Sten before he moved among the soldiers offering whatever support Dylan and Reece needed.
Serris glanced over Theron's eyes before mixing a poultice that she applied around his eyes to the burned skin that magic seemed unable to heal. She then set about creating a potion for his eyes, applying several drops to each eye before casting a sleep spell to ease his pain. She then joined Morrigan, tending to Airyl until she had finished her current spell on Jayden. "How is he?"
"Alive." Morrigan muttered.
Reaching out, Serris stopped Morrigan from uncorking another lyrium vial. "You need to rest; you are mana exhausted."
"I know my own limits." Morrigan snapped.
"Perhaps, but you know he will be upset when he wakes if you have exhausted yourself. Let me take over while you get some rest."
Unable to hide the exhaustion claiming her, Morrigan stood. "You will wake me if there is any change."
"Of course."
Glancing back at Jayden, Morrigan moved reluctantly to her bedroll.
Smiling slightly, Serris turned back to Jayden carefully scanning him. "Well, that ogre made quite a mess, but you are lucky you have such talented mage friends." Serris worked for an hour to heal the trauma, Stephan taking over after her. Leaving the tavern Serris sighed softly making her way over to Rathnal. She noticed the King and Teagan with several soldiers, the other Wardens at various points on their perimeter. Gabriel and Lawrence were also on watch, though they were clearly troubled with grief and pain. "Any sign of the spawn?"
Shaking his head, Rathnal took his eyes from the Wilds. "Not a damn sign and I can't fathom why. They could crush us; it is not as though we can go anywhere given the injured."
"Perhaps this Archdemon is not yet finished toying with us."
Shuddering, Rathnal glanced towards the tavern. "How is Peter?"
"He should be up and about by tomorrow, though he is likely to be uncomfortable for a while."
"What of Zevran?"
"I cannot be certain, but should he survive the night I expect him to recover."
"And … and Will? Is he going to live?"
"I believe we will know the answer to that for certain come morning, but I hope so."
Turning back to the Wilds, Rathnal swallowed against the lump forming in his throat.
"I shall check the wards." Serris murmured, giving him a moment alone.
Watching her go Rathnal glanced again to the tavern feeling sick to his stomach. An hour passed and then two, but there was no sign of any Darkspawn. Rathnal paced the perimeter in agitation, everyone on watch was tense, seeing Darkspawn in shadows.
xXx
Having finally retired to his room Cailan lay down on the pallet and stared at the ceiling, feeling frustration and regret at the injuries sustained and the lives lost in ensuring his own life was saved. He was trying not to be too disappointed that his memories had yet to return, having finally taken Teagan's advice that perhaps some rest would help. He didn't believe he would be able to sleep, but the mental and physical stress he had experienced caught up with him and within minutes he was asleep.
Drifting through surprisingly pleasant dreams, Cailan suddenly shuddered as he realised, he was no longer in Rosslyn's arms, but on a cold marble floor, black as obsidian. Great statues of dragons loomed around the impressive, if terrifying room. He turned around at the sound of talons scraping against the marble, staring down startled, feeling cold metal at his wrists and ankles finding himself in chains before they dragged him down until he was kneeling. He looked up, jerking backwards as the huge dragon formed before him, prevented from running by the chains.
"I do prefer you on your knees. Did you think I would let you go so easily?"
"This … this cannot be real, it is a dream, a nightmare!"
"Even your Maker does not know the extent of my power, that even if the Emissary was killed the spell had given me enough of a doorway."
"I will never let you control me!"
"You have no choice." Urthemiel whispered, though the sound seemed to boom around the room. He had spent a great deal of time thinking about what had happened in the Deep Roads and he would make them pay for their insult. He was a God and they would beg him for mercy before the end.
Cailan stared in horror as the Dragon turned to mist and vanished. He pulled on the chains frantically trying to free himself. "No!" He gasped. "This cannot be real!" His only answer was the terrible, cruel laugh of the old God who had claimed him as his own.
xXx
Author Note: Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed.