Olorin woke up very slowly and very groggily. Rubbing his eyes the first thing he saw was Duncan and Alistair looking over him. Duncan spoke to him.
"It is finished. Welcome."
"Two more deaths. In my joining only one of us died. It was horrible though. At least two of you survived." Alistair said morosely.
"How is William?" Olorin asked.
"He is still sleeping. We wake up at different times, normally within half an hour or so. You was an exceptionally quick five minutes. Most Wardens take at least ten minutes."
William chose that point to wake up himself, and Duncan muttered that it was seven minutes, before welcoming William into the Wardens as he had done.
Alistair then handed them a little necklace with a pendant on. He informed them that it was known as a 'Wardens Oath' and contained a small amount of Darkspawn blood and was worn in remembrance of those who died in the Joining. It was also enchanted to help increase their stamina.
"The King has requested both of your presence at the final strategy meeting tonight. I believe he wishes to congratulate you both. Take five minutes to collect yourselves then come to the strategy table."
It didn't take long for Willaim and Olorin to recover. According to Alistair although many people did not survive the Joining, it did not generally take long to recover from it.
In due course Olorin and William headed to the strategy table where an arguemtn was breaking out Cailan and Loghain Mac Tir, his chief strategist. It seemed Cailan was more focused on the myths and legends of the Grey Wardens and wanted to fight alongside them while Loghain wanted to focus on the strategy and protecting the King.
Ignoring Loghain, Cailan looked at the two new arrivals.
"Ah the two newest Grey Wardens. Congratulations are in order I hear. You join an honoured band of warriors who will play a key part in the battles to come.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Olorin and William said at the same time before Loghain interrupted.
"Your fascination with glory and legend will be your undoing Cailan. We must attend to reality."
"Fine speak your strategy."
William and Olorin both listened carefully. To both of them it sounded like a sound strategy, though they both questioned why Cailan wanted three Grey Wardens out of the fight. They did so only in their heads however as they did not want to be seen questioning the King.
They both left with Duncan, feeling reasonably confident about the strategy. The idea of a flanking attack was a good one and would hopefully catch the Darkspawn unawares. They wouldn't be using cavalry as horses did not normally react well to Darkspawn but no plan could be perfect. Regrouping with Alistair, they told him the plan before being given their briefing by Duncan.
Alistair protested that he wanted to fight with the rest of army and other Wardens. Duncan just pointed out that it was the Kings decision and he could do nothing to change it. During the briefing Duncan reminded them of the best strategies to combat Darkspawn and told them to move quickly and get the beacon lit as soon as possible. He also told them not to join the battle unless called for and if the Archdemon appeared to try and leave it to the more senior Wardens, though to try and protect the regular troops from it.
With his piece said, Duncan left off to give a briefing to the other Wardens and left Olorin, William and Alistairto prepare for battle. They all made sure their sword was sharp and Alistair and William made sure that their armour was still easy to move in or if it needed oiling while Olorin just rested. He had no armour and needed to make sure his mana was as high as it could be. He made sure to know where his five lyrium potions were however. He also made sure William and Alistair knew where they were just in case he passed out from mana depletion.
After an hour and a half they heard the horns that signalled the start of the battle so they got up and moved to the bridge over which Olorin and William had arrived, weapons drawn and ready for combat. The sight of the horde took Olorin's breath away. He decided it was a good job they had a sound strategy because the Ferelden forces were definitely outnumbered. They moved over the bridge, dodging a few rocks that had been hurled their way by Ogres before hearing the sound they had least been looking forward to. A soldier carrying the heraldry of Gwaren, signifying him as one of Teryn Loghains troops came running towards them.
"Grey Wardens help! Darkspawn have taken the tower."
The three Wardens swore as one and gathered up six Gwaren troops and a mage Olorin vaguely recognised but had never really spoken to, and gave them a quick briefing. One of the Gwaren troops had an axe and shield, three had battleaxes and the last two were archers. William gave them the briefing. Even though Alistair was the more senior Warden, as the son of a Teryn William had previous experience of commanding troops.
"You with a weapon and shield follow Alistair and I. We'll charge into the Darkspawn. Two handed warriors I want you to try and flank them while the archers thin out the group. Olorin and the circle mage will focus on any archers before helping the rest of us. Understood?"
The group nodded their ascent and quickly moved out, coming across the first group of Darkspawn quickly. As William and Alistair charged into the group, Olorin fired a Chain Lightning spell that caught two of the archers, with the circle mage taking out the other remaining one with a stonefist. Olorin then threw a spell that seemed to surprise his companion as he used rock armour on himself. The mage got a further surprise when Olorin drew his sword and rushed into the group in a melee.
As he reached the group he ran through a Hurlock that had been attacking Alistair before spinning and knocking another one out his staff. While it was unconscious Olorin stabbed it through the heart with his sword. He was soon rushed upon by another Hurlock. He blocked the Hurlocks first two swings with his staff before he parried the next with his sword, creating an opening. He swung his staff around and jabbed the Hurlock with his staff, forcing him to bend down double from having the wind knocked out of him. Olorin soon drove his sword through the top of creatures skull.
The Darkspawn group was now dead, though the human forces had suffered causalities. All the Gwaren melee fighters were either dead or wounded beyond battlefield healing, and one of the archers had been impaled through the eye by a Darkspwan dagger, leaving only one archer and the circle mage. None the less, the greatly diminished force pushed on into the tower.
As soon as they came across the tower Olorin knew there was an ambush. There was the tell-tale sign of conjured grease on the floor. He would bet all his power on there being a Darkspawn mage just round the corner ready to cast a fire spell to light the grease on fire. Speaking of his suspicions to the group he came up with a plan. Estimating where the grease ended he put a barrier which would take some time for any enemy mage to break down. It would also not allow any physical objects through. He had choosen a stronger barrier than the one he had used at Highever to make it harder for the enemy mage to bring it down.
After the barrier was erected and stable they all moved forward to the edge of the barrier. Present was one Darkspawn archer, two Genlocks with swords and shields and a Genlock mage. As soon as Olorin dropped the barrier Alistair and William rose their shields to protect Olorin and the Gwaren archer from the Hurlock archer. The Gwaren archer fired an arrow straight through the heart of the Genlock mage killing him instantly. Olorin followed up his collapse of the barrier by firing lightning at the Hurlock archer killing him as William and Alistair quickly dispatched the two melee Darkspawn that the circle mage had weakened with a hex.
Moving through the tower it was much the same. They'd come across some Darkspawn, the circle mage and Gwaren archer would hang back, taking out any archers and harassing the other Darkspawn. William and Alistair would keep the melee Darkspawn busy. Olorin would help the others with any archers after dealing with any mages there may be before drawing his sword and launching himself into close quarters combat, always careful to cast rock armour on himself before doing so. His robes would offer him no protection if struck with a blow.
Though it was not often he was struck with a blow. Duncan had taught him how to fight against skilled opponents. Though the Darkspawn hit with a lot of power, they had little skill and Olorin was able to use his burgeoning skills with a sword to great effect. Though he had no doubt that if he was to face a swordsman of any skill he would be in trouble and would require either an opening to fire a spell at his opponent or for Alistair or William to bail him out of trouble. That was the reason he tended to stay away from the 'Alpha' Darkspawn they sometimes came across, only engaging them from distance.
Their tactics worked quite well. Not many of the groups of Darkspawn posed a challenge and those that did soon fell when Olorin brought his magic to bear on them. They were making good progress up the tower, though as William pointed out they had likely missed the ideal time for the signal. They all just hoped that they were not too late.
However once they reached the top of the tower, they realised they were most likely in trouble. There was only one Darkspawn up here, but it was the largest Darkspawn Olorin had ever seen. Now he could see why Alistair had warned him and William about ogres.
The Ogre picked up a piece of debris and hurled at them. Though the three Grey Wardens managed to leap out the way in time, their two companions weren't so lucky. They no doubt died instantly as they were crushed by the giant piece of debris.
William shouted to Olorin, warning him to stay back, as if he would do anything else. Olorin did indeed stay back, shooting bolts of energy at the Ogre, hoping to damage it under its thick skin. William and Alistair charged forward.
Olorin was running out of spells though. He'd tried ice spells, fire spells and lightning spells. 'Stone fist' seemed to be the most effective. Eventually he managed to summon up enough power to overcome the creatures innate resistances and place 'Death Hex' on the creature, greatly weakening it. Alistair and William were still slashing at its legs, hoping to break through the muscle and force the creature down onto its knees so they could land a lethal blow. However the end came when Olorin managed to direct a 'Stone Fist' straight in the Ogres face, which sent it flying onto its back. William and Alistair took full advantage of this as they jumped on it, William forcing his family sword through the Ogres skull, and Alistair forcing his Warden sword through its ribcage and into its heart. Either strike would be lethal on their own, both together just left the Ogre no chance.
Olorin immediately turned to face the fireplace where the kindling had been placed to light the signal and shot a small burst of flames at it, setting it alight. All three of the Wardens rushed to the window to check the progress of the battle. And what they saw was not good. The Darkspawn had made significant headway into the Fereldan forces. However it was clear the army had not yet broken and Loghains charge should be enough the win the day. Looking over to where the forces under Loghains command were stationed, they expected to see Loghains men mustering for the charge. What they saw however appalled them. Rather than charging, Loghains men were moving in the other direction.
"The bastard. He's quitting the field." William muttered.
"Hurry, we must get down there and provide reinforcements." Alistair declared. William and Olorin nodded, thinking that even though the three of them wouldn't make much difference, they hoped they'd be able to assist some of them in retreating. And they were relatively fresh, coming through the tower with no injuries so they might be able to reach the King and pull him out of the battlefield. However what happened when they turned around immediately stopped that idea.
The door flew off its hinges and Darkspawn poured through the door. More Darkspawn than they could possibly fight, but that didn't stop them trying.
Olorin created a wall of fire and sent it flying towards their enemies, burning the first line to a crisp. He then drew his sword and moved into the stream of enemies, firing off bolts of fire and lightning in between running through Darkspawn with his sword and hitting them with his staff. He then moved back, sheathed his sword and started chanting. Most spells required only intent and power. However the most powerful required chants. And it was one these spells Olorin called upon now.
"William, Alistair, move back!" he shouted as he finished his chant. As soon as they heeded his warning he raised his staff high and into the air before bringing it down, banging his staff on the floor.
Out of nowhere flames erupted at the back of the Darkspawn ranks, burning them to a crisp. The heat from the flames were that intense that Olorin could feel sweat running down his face already. He saw William and Alistair charge into the group that had been in front of the inferno that now raged, killing them quickly. Unable to hold the spell anymore, Olorin dissipated it, letting the energy of the flames run back to the fade.
However his spell hadn't been enough. The Darkspawn ran through where the flames were, surrounding William and Alistair. Both fell after taking down six and five Darkspawn respectively.
Olorin didn't see this however. He had passed out as soon as his spell ended, his reserves of power drained and unable to reach a Lyrium potion in time. The Darkspawn moved down the stairs, leaving them for dead, thinking no help would get to them.
As he drifted into unconsciousness the last thing William saw was a giant bird coming to fetch them. He smiled, thinking his brain played funny tricks on him when he was about to die.
o-0-o
Olorin woke with a sudden breath and sat straight up, his mind struggling to catch up where he was. He last remembered being at the top of the Tower of Ishal, Darkspawn closing in. He had tried to hold them off with an inferno spell but the power of it after the fight against the Ogre had quickly drained him, and the onslaught of Darkspawn did not leave enough time to down a Lyrium potion.
Looking around he realised he definitely wasn't still at the top of the Tower of Ishal. He was in some kind of simple dwelling, on a wooden bed with no mattress, just straw and a similar bed right next to him. He could smell a stew cooking, though that smelt like it was coming from outside.
Looking around he saw a large bookcase up at which a familiar person was placing a book back. He quickly realised the person was Morrigan, the witch he had met in the wilds before the battle.
"Ah your eyes finally open. Mother shall be pleased."
"Hello Morrigan. How did I end up here? Where are William and Alistair?"
"I'm glad to see your memory is intact. Your fellow Grey Wardens are outside with my mother."
"Yes but how did we get here?"
"'Twas my mother. She turned into a giant bird and plucked you all off the top of the tower. I'm afraid you had to be carried in her beak."
Olorin didn't mind this. It was better than waking up still on the top of that tower. Or even worse, not waking up at all, though one bit of information caught his interest.
"Your mother is a shapeshifter?"
"Yes, as am I. I guess it is not something your circle teaches?"
"No. There is no way the Templars would let us learn something we could use to escape so easily."
"That is a shame that Templars dictate what you can and can't learn. Must hamper your magical ability greatly." Olorin detected a slight sneer to her voice then, as if she was superior to him.
"Perhaps. But ultimately I was left with little choice. What could I do? Escape?"
"Of course."
"And then what? Be branded a blood mage and hunted down with my phylactery to be killed by Templars?"
"Surely that would be preferable to being cooped up in a tower." Morrigan stated.
"No I doubt it would. I like living."
Morrigan just tilted her head in acknowledgment on the point, though it was clear she still disagreed with him.
"How are William and Alistair? I presume we lost the battle when Loghain quit the field?" Olorin enquired.
"You did indeed, all the Grey Wardens bar you three are dead. So is your King. Your two companions are fine, though the dim witted one is being a little childish and mopping."
"You mean Alistair? Don't you think that is perhaps unkind considering the circumstances?"
"Possibly. But mopping around is hardly going to change that is it?"
"True enough. If you don't mind, I will go outside and join the others."
"Do as you wish. It is of little consequence to me."
Olorin said nothing and just pulled on his robes that had been stripped from him, probably to check for injuries. He doubted he had any, as the Darkspawn likely saw him go down and just left him. He was pleased to see that although his robes were dirty, they did not have any holes or tears in them and the enchantments were intact. Now dressed he looked over to the side where he saw his staff propped against the wall next to Morrgians and what he presumed was her mothers staff. Morrigans was a little more powerful than his standard issue circle staff, but her mothers was massive in power and looked ancient. He hated to think what someone so powerful was capable of doing with such a powerful staff.
Walking out the door he saw William and Alistair talking to Morrigans mother, worry etched onto their faces.
"Here you are." The old woman spoke. "Your fellow Grey Warden. You worry too much."
"Maker its, you." Alistair greeted him.
"I thought you were dead for sure when you collapsed after that spell." William said.
"No just mana depletion. If it ever happens stick a lyirum potion down my neck and I'll wake up eventually."
"Indeed it was a powerful spell you cast. I saw the fire from here."
"Thank you. And thank you for saving us. Morrigan tells me you used your own magic to save us."
"Yes, how did you save us?" William asked.
"I turned into a giant bird and plucked you all off the top of the tower."
"So I wasn't seeing things!" William exclaimed.
The old woman just laughed.
"No you wasn't. It was just me."
"Its just occurred to me we don't know your name?" Alistair asked.
"Names are pretty things, but useless. The Chasined call me Flemeth. I suppose it will do."
"Flemeth? The Flemeth? Then Daveth was right. You are the Witch of the Wilds."
"And what does that mean? I know a bit of magic and it has served you all well has it not?"
"Indeed it has." Olorin interrupted before Alistair could really put his foot in his mouth. "Indeed shapeshifting is a branch of magic I've only read of a few times. I would love to learn it."
"Perhaps you will one day lad. You're certainly not lacking in power."
"We're getting off topic. We need to figure out what we're going to do about Loghain and the Blight." William interrupted.
"I thought the answer was obvious. You still have your treaties do you not?"
"That's true." Olorin said. "With them we can compel the Circle, Dalish and Dwarves to help us."
"And Arl Eamon at Redcliffe." Alistair interrupted. "His armies weren't at Ostagar. If he knew what Loghain had done I'm sure he'd help us."
"So its settled then. Are you ready to go out and be Grey Wardens?"
"We are. Thank you for all your help Flemeth."
"No no, thank you. And there is yet more help I can offer you."
At this point, Morrigan exited the hut and spoke to her mother.
"The stew is bubbling mother dear. Shall we have three guests for the eve, or none?"
"The Grey Wardens will be leaving shortly girl. And you shall be joining them."
"Such a shame- what!?"
Olorin couldn't help but laugh as her cool exterior was breached by surprise.
"You heard me girl, the last time I looked you had ears."
"We will gladly take her with us, if she agrees."
"We will?" asked William.
Alistair decided to add his opinion at this point.
"Not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but outside of the wilds she is an apostate."
Flemeth looked down her nose at Alistair, as if wondering how he could be so ungrateful.
"If you don't wish for help from us illegal mages young man, perhaps I should have left you on top of that tower."
"Point taken." Alistair acknowledged.
"Besides, the aid of a powerful mage is always valuable." Olorin counselled. William agreed once he saw Olorin and Alistair were willing to go along with the decision.
"Fine then. Allow me to get my things if you please."
"And do you understand what I am offering Wardens? I give you that which I value above all else in this world. I do this because you must succeed."
"We won't fail you Flemeth. And we'll do our best to make sure Morrigan comes back safe." Olorin said with conviction.
Morrigan came out of the hut again, this time with a sack to put over her shoulder carrying whatever things she had decided to bring with her.
"I am at your disposal Wardens. I suggest a village north of the wilds as our first destination. 'tis not far and you will find much of what you need there. Or if you prefer I can simply be your silent guide. The choice is yours."
"I don't know about William or Alistair but if we're to fight side by side I don't want to force you into silence."
Alistair and William nodded in agreement.
"Very well then." Morrigan said before turning to her mother.
"Farewell mother. Do not forget the stew on the fire. I would hate to return to a burned down hut."
"Bah. Is far more likely you will return to see the entire area, along with my hut, swallowed up by the Blight."
Morrgian looked quite downtrodden at this and seemed to try and make an apology, which Flemeth waved off.
"I know dear. Try and have fun."
With that, the group of three became four, and headed off into the wilds.