As the sun sank below the horizon Regina stood with Cullen, Warden Cousland, her companions, Ser Perth, and the remaining Redcliffe Knights on a hill overlooking Redcliffe Village. Regina held her staff at the ready, as a light breeze blew through the air and she scanned their small group.
Maker, everyone's so tense, Regina thought. Then again, I can't blame them.
Her gaze instantly moved to Redcliffe Castle, from which a green mist emanated, crossing the bridge toward the village.
"The attack is upon us; steel yourselves," Ser Perth shouted.
"This is it," Warden Cousland murmured as she drew her sword from its scabbard.
"Why the mist?" Alistair asked with a raised brow.
A valid question, thought Regina.
"We do not know, this is how it always happens," Ser Perth answered, widening his stance and tightening his grip on his sword.
As he spoke, Regina noticed the blank look on his face.
Intriguing, she thought as the green mist swirled around her and downhill. Why would the demon signal the beginning of each assault?
However, she didn't have time to consider this question as the sound of creaking bones approached. In the wake of the green mist was a large group of skeletons.
"Mages, whenever you're ready," Warden Cousland instructed.
Regina and Wynne raised their staves and lit the oil barrels at the top of the hill. Flames flicked at the wooden barrels just as the undead reached the blockade. Several of the skeletons caught fire and dropped to the ground, as more of their comrades rushed forward.
So far, so good, Regina thought.
"That won't hold them forever; everyone else, get ready," Ser Perth shouted.
The warriors and archers readied their weapons and prepared for the fight ahead. Regina watched as more skeletons barreled past their fallen allies. Once again, Wynne and Regina lifted their staves in unison, firing an arcane bolt at the incoming undead. Their arcane bolts hit two of the undead, who fell to the ground.
Hopefully, this will make things easier, thought Regina.
Despite their assault, more skeletons charged through and around the spikes. Once they reached the bottom of the hill, Ser Perth and Warden Cousland led the charge forward.
"For Redcliffe!" Ser Perth shouted as he charged forward.
"For the Grey Wardens!" Warden Cousland yelled at the same time.
Behind the swordsmen, archers nocked their bows and set to work, launching swiftly volleys of arrows. Cullen remained by Regina's side as she summoned a bolt of lightning to hit a few skeletons in the back.
As another wave of skeletons appeared and charged downhill, Regina raised her staff and froze a large group of them. Encased in ice, this allowed the other warriors to smash them to bits. Wynne healed any warrior or archer who became wounded, while Regina cast lightning bolt or cone of cold.
"Well, so far things appear to be going well," she murmured.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Tomas running up the hill.
"And, as usual, I spoke too soon," she added.
"You really expected things to go perfectly?" Cullen asked with a raised brow.
"To be honest, I had no prior expectations," Regina replied.
In her peripheral vision, she noticed Wynne raise her brow. Regina, Cullen, Warden Cousland, and her allies all turned toward Tomas.
"Grey Wardens, your assistance is greatly needed in town," Tomas panted, nearly out of breath.
"Then let us be off," Warden Cousland said, partly turning to look at Ser Perth. "It seems you all have things in hand here."
Ser Perth nodded with a heavy sigh. "Aye, we do. Maker be with you all."
"And you as well," Warden Cousland said with a nod before looking at Tomas again. "Lead the way."
Warden Cousland, Warden Alistair, Wynne, Barkspawn, Regina, and Cullen followed Tomas across the bridge and downhill. Below, Regina noticed the villagers fighting a large cluster of skeletons. Regina ran as fast as her legs could carry her toward the villagers.
She raised her staff at the first group of skeletons and froze them. Dwyn and his human comrades hacked them to bits, while Cullen swung his sword at another small group of undead.
"Maker's Breath, they just keep coming," he grunted.
"Then we keep fighting back," Regina replied. "Until daylight."
"Agreed," said Cullen.
Regina raised her staff again, sending a lightning bolt down on a crowd of skeletons. The lightning bolt hit the group and they landed in a heap on the ground. Beside her, Cullen hacked at two more skeletons, the couple moving through the score as one.
Andraste, it's as if all of the dead villagers are becoming part of this demon's arsenal, Regina thought. Then again, maybe that's why the attacks have persisted for so long.
Pushing such dreary thoughts aside to focus on the present, she raised her staff and a strong wind blew several skeletons toward the docks. They landed in the water and Cullen rushed to cut down the remaining two.
Regina swung her staff, sending plumes of fire and ice at groups of skeletons while Cullen cut down the rest.
"Thanks," she said.
"You're welcome, love," he replied.
"Ugh, take it somewhere else you two," Dwyn remarked with a roll of his eyes. "We have undead to kill."
"But can undead really be killed twice?" Warden Alistair asked.
Regina laughed softly while Dwyn and Warden Cousland rolled their eyes.
"Now's not the time, sweetie," Warden Cousland replied.
Regina searched the village, finding only fallen skeleton corpses and a few villagers on the ground. She glanced at the horizon, and relief flooded her as the sun stretched above it.
"The sun has risen," Bann Teagan remarked, sliding his sword back into its sheath. "Thank the Maker, we have survived!"
Many of the villagers shouted and cheered, raising their fists into the air while others sobbed or clung to one another in relief or sorrow. Regina slid her staff onto her back, before turning and embracing Cullen.
Thank the Maker, she thought.
"Andraste, am I glad you're here," Cullen murmured against her hair.
"Me too," she whispered.
A few minutes later, Cullen stood beside Regina, Warden Cousland, and her companions, along with Mayor Murdock and Bann Teagan on the front steps of the Chantry. The remaining villagers huddled around the Chantry stairs, swarming the smaller group.
Maker's Breath, Cullen thought. The battle was hard fought, to be sure, but we made it.
"Let us thank the Maker and Andraste that the village of Redcliffe has pulled through this disaster," the Revered Mother said as she extended her hand toward the crowd. "However, we must also acknowledge that there are many more who did not survive. Let us take a moment of silence to pray that they have been sent to the Maker's side, and reside happily with him."
Cullen bowed his head with the others as he said a silent prayer for the fallen. Once everyone had finished, the crowd's gazes focused on Mayor Murdock.
"While there's much rebuilding that needs to be done, we will have much to celebrate," Mayor Murdock began. "However, there will still be a handful of villagers, knights included, keeping watch."
Mayor Murdock stepped back while Bann Teagan stepped forward.
"Mayor Murdock is correct, we have much to mourn and celebrate, although we mustn't get too carried away," Bann Teagan said. "Now that the initial danger has passed, I will be taking the Grey Wardens and their companions with me to Castle Redcliffe to assess the danger and hopefully, put an end to this nightmare. May the Maker watch over you all."
Just as Bann Teagan stopped speaking, a cheer rose throughout the crowd.
"Teagan!" Everyone chanted, raising their fists in the air.
Cullen watched Bann Teagan's expression from the side. While his eyes looked ready to close and there was a slight frown on his face, the frown eventually gave way to a small smile.
Bann Teagan did much for these people in their hour of need, thought Cullen. No wonder he became the Arl.
"Thank you all," Bann Teagan said as he raised a hand into the air. The crowd grew silent as they listened with rapt attention. "I appreciate your sentiments, but they are premature until we learn the true nature of what has transpired in the castle. Grey Wardens, we must away."
As the villagers continued cheering and applauding, Bann Teagan led Warden Cousland, her companions, Regina, and Cullen off the front steps and through the crowd.
"Maker, these people must have been through so much to warrant such cheers," Cullen murmured.
Regina nodded. "Indeed. It's one thing to hear about what happened here, and it's another thing entirely to experience it."
"It is," he agreed with a nod.
A light breeze blew through Cullen's hair as he and the others walked out of the village and across the bridge. As the sun ascended in the sky, the air grew warmer.
If we hadn't just fought an army of undead, it would be a pleasant morning, he thought with a wry smile.
Cullen and the others quickly climbed the hill, stopping before Bann Teagan as he stood beside the windmill. Teagan briefly glanced over his shoulder at the castle, which shone in the early morning sunlight, before focusing his attention on the group.
"Now, I have a plan-" he began.
Cullen's gaze immediately shifted to the bridge above, which lowered in time for a woman and an armored man to cross. He squinted and focused on both figures as they drew closer.
"Maker's Breath, who is that?" Regina inquired, mirroring his thoughts.
Bann Teagan shifted his gaze to the woman and armored man and upon closer inspection, Cullen noticed the woman had blonde hair styled in a neat bun and the armored man carried a weapon.
"That looks like Arlessa Isolde," Bann Teagan replied as the two figures raced downhill. "And one of the guards from Redcliffe Castle."
The group fell silent and turned to face Isolde and her guard as Bann Teagan quickly closed the distance between them.
"Teagan, thank the Maker you yet live. I hoped that when the sun rose you were still here, but I was not certain," said Isolde, her eyes shining with hope.
She stepped forward and embraced Bann Teagan, who returned her hug.
"Isolde, it is good to see you again," he said as they reluctantly parted. "The rest of the villagers are safe, but only just so. Tell me, what news can you bring of the castle? Is my brother still alive?"
Isolde worried her upper lip and a sinking feeling hit Cullen's stomach.
"Yes, what can you tell us of what's happening in the castle?" Warden Cousland pressed.
Arlessa Isolde's gaze moved to Warden Cousland and her comrades. She raised a brow, before shifting her blue eyes back to Bann Teagan.
"Teagan, who are these people?" she asked.
"Hello, Arlessa, I'm not sure if you remember me," Alistair piped up.
"Alistair?" Isolde asked with a raised brow.
"Arlessa, this is Warden Cousland, Warden Alistair, and their allies," Bann Teagan answered, gesturing to the small group in turn. "They helped defend Redcliffe against last night's undead attack."
"Forgive me, with all that's happened lately things have been quite tense," Isolde replied. Warden Cousland nodded and the Arlessa shifted her attention back to Bann Tegan.
"What has been happening at the castle, Isolde?" Bann Teagan asked, studying Arlessa Isolde's face.
She's hiding something, I just know it, Cullen thought.
Isolde sighed as she chewed her upper lip. "I am sorry, but I cannot go into specifics. All I can tell you is that, a great evil has taken over the castle. Teagan, I am in the painful position of asking for your help. You must come with me, please."
Bann Teagan sighed. "All right, Isolde, I will come with you. But first, I must speak with the Grey Wardens and their allies."
Relief shone in Isolde's eyes. "Oh, thank you, Teagan. Maker bless you, but please, do hurry."
Isolde and her guard walked up the hill, waiting near the top. Bann Teagan shifted his attention to the Grey Wardens and their allies.
"This feels like a trap," Warden Cousland said.
"My thoughts exactly," Cullen agreed.
Bann Teagan sighed in frustration as he ran a hand through his hair. "I know, but Isolde seems desperate. I have never seen her this way before." He briefly glanced up at Isolde, before looking back at them. "Listen, I have a plan. There is a series of tunnels beneath the windmill specifically for the Arl and his family to use should the worst come to pass. They lead directly to Castle Redcliffe, and should allow you to sneak in without being noticed."
Cullen partly turned to Regina and shared a knowing look. Both nodded once, before returning their attention to the conversation at hand.
Even though we know what may transpire, we cannot share this knowledge with the others, thought Cullen.
"And in the meantime, you'll enter the castle with Isolde and try to figure out what's going on?" Cullen finished.
Bann Teagan nodded. "Precisely."
"I don't like this," said Alistair. "For starters, we have no idea what you'll be walking into."
"I don't either," Bann Teagan said, shaking his head. "But for the moment, this will have to do."
"Be careful, Bann Teagan," said Warden Cousland. "And may the Maker watch over you."
"You as well, friend," Bann Teagan replied with a resigned sigh. He adjusted the straps on his shield, before walking over to join Isolde. "I am ready to depart."
"Thank the Maker," said Isolde.
Inwardly, Cullen winced as Isolde took Bann Teagan's arm and dragged him uphill.
"Right, we do this slow and careful," Warden Cousland said.
"Before we do that, what was that look you two shared?" Alistair asked, looking between Regina and Cullen.
"What?" Regina asked.
"I too noticed the way you two looked at one another," Wynne agreed.
Regina sighed as she cast a sideways glance at Cullen.
"Let us just say, there are certain events and things that we know about because we are from the future," Regina supplied. "Unfortunately, we cannot share such occurrences until they actually happen."
Hopefully, that will suspend their disbelief for the time being, thought Cullen.
"We understand," Warden Cousland replied with a nod. "For the moment, we should enter the tunnels."
Cullen turned and followed Warden Cousland to the windmill. He stepped ahead and held open the door for the others.
"Thank you, Knight-Templar," Wynne said with a polite nod.
"You are most welcome," Cullen replied.
"Thank you," Warden Cousland and Warden Alistair said in unison as they entered.
When it was Regina's turn, she flashed him a flirtatious grin.
"Why, thank you, kind ser," she said.
Heat rushed to his cheeks. "You are most welcome, my lady."
He quickly followed her inside and closed the door. He watched Warden Cousland bend down and open a large hatch, recalling this was the same door the Inquisition scouts had used when dealing with Magister Alexius.
It is impressive that even after all this time, this door and the tunnels remain, Cullen thought.
"Would you like some help?" Warden Alistair inquired.
"Of course," Warden Cousland replied.
She grabbed one side of the hatch door, while Warden Alistair grabbed the other.
"On three," she said. "One, two, three."
Both warriors grunted with the effort as they lifted the hatch as it opened, Cullen felt cool air surge up from the door. He peered through the group to find a set of stairs leading to a darkened place below.
"These must lead to the tunnels," Warden Cousland remarked. "Everyone, be careful going downstairs. We don't know what awaits us."
Warden Cousland stood up, before drawing her sword and slowly walking downstairs. Warden Alistair followed close behind, with Barkspawn hot on his heels.
"Something tells me that whatever we find in these tunnels will shed some light on what's been happening here," Wynne remarked.
"I hate to say this, but I think you're right," Cullen added.
He watched as Wynne descended into the darkness, and he and Regina followed close behind. Fortunately, the tunnels weren't as dark as he'd thought. Warm orange light emanated from wall sconces hanging at intervals.
"These are not nearly as dark as I'd thought they were," he muttered.
"No, although how they keep them lit is a mystery," Regina added.
Cassandra grunted as she swung her sword at a nearby Venatori mage. The mage jumped back and barely avoided Cassandra's blade. She stepped to one side and avoided their plume of flame, before raising her sword and charged once more. Incidentally, she hadn't realized quite how many Venatori there were when she'd made plans to storm their base.
Maker, they just keep coming, she thought. But we can't let them win.
The red and brown Venatori mage raised his staff and sent a column of ice toward Cassandra. She rolled out of the way just in time, lifting her sword to slice the mage's head clean off. The head, body, and staff fell to the ground and Cassandra grunted as she raised her sword and blocked a gust of wind sent her direction.
"I hope Dorian is having better luck than we are," she murmured.
Krem, who swung his sword at a nearby Venatori soldier, grunted as the sword connected with the soldier's chest.
"You and me bother, Seeker," Krem replied.
"Dorian, how's that spell coming?" Cassandra shouted.
In a far corner of the battlefield, Dorian held his staff as he tried working out the spell.
"I need a little more time," he replied. Cassandra noticed the perspiration on his forehead as his brows furrowed together.
"I don't mean to rush you, Kadan, but you may want to try working faster," The Iron Bull said.
He raised his giant axe and held off two Venatori soldiers at the same time.
Show off, thought Cassandra as she searched for another opponent.
"I'll try," Dorian replied. "But it's easier said than done trying to replicate an unfamiliar spell."
"Less talking, more spell casting," Cassandra shouted.
Sweet Andraste, please let him bring them home safely, she thought in silent prayer.
Regina walked closely beside Cullen down the hallway. Her ears perked up when she heard a man's whining voice up ahead.
"Please, I told you everything I know; don't kill me."
Regina cast a sideways glance at Cullen, whose eyes were wide and whose face had lost all color.
"Who is that?" she murmured.
Cullen didn't open his mouth but simply shook his head.
"Cullen," she prodded gently.
"Someone I have not heard in a long time," he eventually replied.
When the group finally reached the end of the corridor, they found three skeletons surrounding the last cell on the left. Warden Cousland and Warden Alistair withdrew their swords and rushed ahead, easily cutting down the undead. Once the way was clear, Regina noticed a dark-haired man wearing purple robes cowering in the far corner of the cell. His brown eyes were wide in fear, which grew wider upon seeing Cullen.
"Knight-Templar, what are you doing here?" he said.
"Jowan," Cullen answered, his tone clipped and short. His brows furrowed together as he reached for and withdrew his sword from its sheath. "That's how you escaped."
Warden Cousland and Warden Alistair lowered their swords. Warden Cousland raised a brow, before focusing on Cullen.
"You know this mage?" she asked.
"Jowan is an apprentice mage," Cullen answered, with venom dripping from his voice. "He is a blood mage, and was to be made Tranquil."
Jowan hung his head as everyone, including Regina, turned to look at him.
No wonder Cullen holds so much venom for him, Regina thought.
She shifted her gaze to him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "He can't hurt you," she murmured.
Cullen remained tense for another moment, before placing a hand over hers. Regina gently squeezed his hand and both lowered their hands before they shifted their focus to the imprisoned apostate.
"Now that Knight-Templar mentions it, I do remember hearing something about this," Wynne added.
"Then how in the Maker's Name did you get here?" Warden Cousland inquired.
"I knew I was going to be made Tranquil, so with my friend's help, I escaped," Jowan answered. "However, one of the Templars caught me."
"But then how did you end up here?" Warden Cousland persisted.
"One of Loghain's men prevented the Templar from taking me back to Kinloch Hold," Jowan replied. "Through this intermediary, Loghain instructed me to poison Arl Eamon. But I didn't mean for all this to happen."
Regina glanced at Cullen, who still wore a murderous expression.
Even though I don't think Jowan was one of the mages who tortured him, Cullen still holds venom for him, thought Regina. And I can't blame him.
"What were you doing here, besides poisoning Arl Eamon?" asked Warden Cousland, steering the conversation away from Cullen.
"I was hired by Arl Eamon and Arlessa Isolde to tutor their son, Connor," Jowan replied sheepishly. "He began developing magic, and they wanted me to help tutor him."
Which in turn is what started this whole mess, Regina thought.
In a way, this set of circumstances reminded her of when she'd started developing magic as a child. There had been numerous hushed conversations between her parents but in the end, they'd relented and had her sent to the Ostwick Circle.
"The Arl and Arlessa hoped that if Connor knew enough of his abilities, he could learn to keep them secret," Jowan continued.
"Why is that?" Warden Alistair asked.
"Because magic apparently runs in the Arlessa's family," Jowan responded. "She's a very religious woman."
Warden Cousland sighed as she folded her arms. "Could you excuse us for a moment?"
Jowan nodded. "Of course. It's not as if I can go anywhere, anyway."
Warden Cousland gestured toward the end of the hall, and everyone followed her. When they were at the end of the hall, she spoke in a low voice.
"All right, even though I believe Jowan's story, I'm not certain what to do with him."
"He's a Maleficarum, we should kill him," Warden Alistair hissed.
"Alistair," Wynne chided, giving him a dark look. The strawberry blond warden shrugged, and Wynne continued. "While I agree a Maleficarum isn't trustworthy, I hesitate to do much of anything with him."
Cullen nodded. "Wynne is correct. He is in the Redcliffe dungeons, and we should have him remain here until Arl Eamon is well enough to decide his fate."
Warden Cousland sighed. "To be honest, that was my initial inclination. I don't feel comfortable having a Maleficarum help us, but on the other hand, I don't feel comfortable just leaving him here." She then turned and motioned for the others to follow as she walked back toward Jowan's cell. "Do you know where the Arlessa is?"
"I do not," Jowan answered. "After she imprisoned me, I have not heard much from her since. She sent guards once to torture me for information, but I had none to give her."
"Why was she torturing you?" Regina inquired.
"Because her son had made a d-deal with a d-demon, and as a result, became possessed," said Jowan, wringing his hands.
Alistair winced while Cullen let out a tired sigh.
"Which is how this whole debacle began in the first place," Warden Cousland said. "Very well, stay here and we will come collect you when we are done."
"Understood," Jowan replied.
Warden Cousland then turned toward the group. "Let's move, people, we have a castle to clear out."
Keeping her gaze straight ahead, Regina walked beside Cullen and past Jowan's cell.
Cullen's pulse increased as they climbed the stairs and entered Redcliffe Castle. He moved his hand to the hilt of his sword as his eyes scanned the nearby hallway. So far, things were quiet but he knew they wouldn't remain that way for long. He cast a sideways glance at Regina, who had already removed her staff.
Maker, I hope we're able to help Connor and bring an end to this madness, Cullen thought.
His hopeful thoughts were shattered by the sound of groaning skeletons; Warden Cousland, Warden Alistair, and Cullen quickly removed their swords from their sheaths as several undead ambled toward them.
"Pick a target and take it down," Warden Cousland instructed.
"For the Grey Wardens," Warden Alistair cried as he rushed into battle.
Barkspawn chased after the Grey Wardens while Regina and Cullen ran to one of the skeletons together. Cullen sliced the undead creature's head clean off, while Regina scattered the bones with a gust of wind. The pair moved as one; Cullen slashing with his sword while Regina used fire, ice, or wind to finish them off.
It has been some time since I've been out in the field, thought Cullen. I feel much calmer than I expected to.
Fortunately, the skeletons were easily dealt with. However, Cullen and the other warriors lowered their swords instead of sheathing them.
"I think it's a good idea to keep our weapons at the ready, should we find more undead," Warden Cousland advised.
"An excellent strategy," Wynne remarked.
Cullen kept his head on a swivel, scanning their surroundings as they walked the temporarily empty corridors. When they reached a set of double doors, they stopped.
"I can hear undead in this room," Warden Cousland murmured. She looked over her shoulder at Cullen. "I think we should have all three warriors enter the room first." Barkspawn yipped and Warden Cousland added, "And Barkspawn."
Cullen cast a sideways glance at Regina.
"I'll be fine," she reassured him. "Go."
Reluctantly, Cullen joined Warden Cousland as she reached forward and opened the doors. Cullen and Warden Alistair kept their swords raised and moved to flank Warden Cousland. In his peripheral vision, Cullen saw Wynne and Regina move to stand close behind the warriors.
"We move slowly," Warden Cousland instructed.
"Understood," Alistair and Cullen said in unison.
While I haven't heard much about Warden Cousland as a strategist, she is a good one, Cullen thought.
As the group moved deeper into the room, the skeletons turned to face them.
"You know, it never ceases to amaze me how often you alert enemies to our presence," Alistair remarked.
"Just get them," Warden Cousland shouted.
Cullen, Warden Cousland, and Warden Alistair charged forward. Cullen swung his sword at the nearest undead, cutting it cleanly in half. He felt and saw a gust of wind rush past him and slam some more skeletons to the ground. Cullen swiftly followed up by swinging his sword and severing their heads from their bodies.
Maker's Breath, how many undead does this demon have, he thought.
Just as he kicked one skeleton away from him, he watched the undead creature
shatter into numerous pieces. He glanced over his shoulder to find Wynne nodding at him.
"My thanks," he said with a sigh.
"It is no trouble," Wynne replied. "Although I am concerned at how many skeletons this demon has managed to acquire."
"Indeed. It is most disconcerting," Cullen agreed.
"No doubt the villagers that died in the attacks," Regina said.
A shiver ran down Cullen's spine. "A chilling thought."
"Let's keep moving. The sooner we find this demon, the sooner we can deal with it," said Warden Cousland.
She led the group out of the room and down one of the numerous hallways. As they passed a singular door, Cullen heard a soft, small voice.
"Please, Maker, save me from this madness."
"I hear someone," he said as he stopped walking.
Warden Cousland immediately paused, turned around, and walked toward the door. She lowered her sword and slowly opened the door. Cullen, Warden Alistair, Wynne, and Regina all rushed toward it. Barkspawn followed close behind, nipping at Warden Couland's heels.
"Dammit, dog, step back," Warden Cousland said with a sigh of frustration.
Cowering in the back corner of the pantry was a young woman with messy shoulder-length blonde hair. She wore a fancy brown dress with matching shoes and a necklace.
"You must be Valena," Warden Cousland said, holding up one leg to prevent Barkspawn from getting any closer. The mabari wagged his tail and woofed happily.
"Yes, I'm sorry, I was not trying to attract attention," Valena said in a meek tone.
"Your father, Owen, has been worried sick about you," Warden Cousland continued. She cast a sideways glance at Warden Alistair, who moved toward and bent down to keep Barkspawn from getting any closer. "He made us promise to rescue you should we come to the castle."
"My father?" Valena's brown eyes widened in relief. "He's still alive?"
"Yes, he is," Warden Cousland answered with a nod. "He's still down in the village. We've cleared the rest of this floor, and there's a set of stairs leading to a tunnel that runs beneath the windmill. You should be safe there."
"Oh, Maker, thank you so much," Valena said as she stepped out of the pantry. "I never thought anyone would come to save me. I'll head there straight away, Andraste watch over you."
Cullen stepped out of her way as the young woman hurried down the hallway and out of sight.
"When we return to Redcliffe, we should ensure she's arrived safely," Wynne said.
"Good idea," Warden Cousland agreed. "For now, let's keep going."
She closed the pantry door and resumed leading the group down the corridor. Cullen kept his eyes and ears open as they reached another set of stairs, and they climbed them single file.
"Maker, how many stairs can one castle have?" Cullen asked.
"Quite a lot, actually," Alistair joked, glancing over his shoulder at the blond former Templar.
Regina kept her staff in hand as they reached the second floor of Redcliffe Castle. Warden Cousland opened the door with one hand while peering out into the hallway.
She's being cautious, Regina thought. Given all that we've seen thus far, that's understandable.
"All right, the coast is clear," Warden Cousland murmured. "I want all three warriors and Barkspawn to go first. The mages will follow close behind."
"Understood," Warden Alistair said with a nod.
Regina looked at Cullen, who cast her a sideways glance.
"We still work together," he said.
"I'll be right behind you," she reassured him.
Warden Cousland, Warden Alistair, Cullen, and Barkspawn all ventured into the corridor first. The three humans had their weapons withdrawn, ready to strike at any moment.
"You care for him, don't you?" Wynne whispered, looking between Regina and Cullen.
Heat rushed to Regina's cheeks even as she kept her focus on Cullen.
Now really isn't the time or the place for this discussion, she thought. But something tells me we're going to have it anyway.
"I do," she admitted.
"I thought as much," Wynne replied with a nod. "While I do not know how things are in your time regarding mages and templars, you should tread carefully. That man has been through much, and it takes a strong individual to survive what he has."
"He's told me some of what happened," Regina answered.
Not to mention the nights he wakes up in a cold sweat, she thought but didn't say.
"He is a good man, and he draws much strength from you," Wynne continued.
Regina felt and resisted the urge to squirm but instead, she simply nodded.
"It looks as though the coast is clear, for the moment," she said. "We should probably join the others."
"Agreed."
Regina and Wynne moved into the hallway and joined the other warriors. As soon as Warden Cousland opened another door, more undead streamed into the corridor. The group fought their way through this floor, with the warriors taking point while the mages hung back.
Maker's Breath, there certainly are a lot of undead, thought Regina as they approached a set of double doors. Hopefully, we reach that demon sooner rather than later.
Regina gasped just as Warden Cousland opened the door to the courtyard, putting one hand to her head and swaying slightly.
"Is something wrong?" Cullen asked, turning around to face Regina.
"I felt a strong wave of magic just beyond that door," Regina replied.
Wynne nodded. "Yes, I felt it as well. Whatever is on the other side must be very powerful."
"All right, everyone, stay alert," Warden Cousland said, lifting her sword as she slowly and cautiously opened the door.
Barkspawn's tail went still as he began growling and his hackles went up.
"Well, who or whatever's on the other side must be a real piece of shit for Barkspawn to act like this," Warden Alistair remarked.
Warden Cousland's face became an expressionless mask as she led them through the open door. Regina's heart sank into her stomach as she felt a wave of nausea hit her. She spotted several undead across from them and on top of the stairs to the right. In the far corner was a Revenant, a demon that possessed one of the skeletal corpses.
Despite the fact I've faced these before, it never becomes any easier, thought Regina.
"Sweet Maker," Cullen murmured.
"Is that what you were both sensing?" Warden Alistair asked.
"Yes," Regina and Wynne replied in unison.
"Great," Alistair murmured.
"We've faced much worse, love," Warden Cousland reassured him. "We'll defeat this as well."
That seemed to strengthen Warden Alistair's resolve; he straightened his posture and tightened his grip on his sword.
They encourage and better one another, Regina thought. Just like Cullen and I.
"Right, what's our strategy?" Warden Alistair inquired.
"Wynne, Regina, see if you can draw and engage the Revenant. That will allow the warriors to deal with the other undead," Warden Cousland said, adjusting her grip on her sword. "Just be careful, and time your shots."
"You as well," Wynne added.
Warden Cousland nodded once in acknowledgement, before rushing to engage the undead warriors. Warden Alistair, Cullen, and Barkspawn followed close behind.
"Maker, give me strength," Regina muttered.
She and Wynne raised their staves and cast Cone of Cold on the Revenant. The spell temporarily froze the Revenant and the human warriors made short work of the skeletal warriors.
Regina followed up with a lightning strike to the Revenant while Wynne summoned a giant fist composed of stone that rose from the ground and dispersed the skeletons. Regina set her jaw as the Revenant thawed and raised its bony hand, pulling everyone closer toward it. Regina held up her staff as she and the others were dragged toward the possessed undead.
"Is there nothing we can do to resist this?" Warden Cousland asked.
"No, its magic is too powerful," Wynne replied.
Regina just barely avoided an arrow to the back of her head. She swiftly turned around, sending a gust of wind at the undead archers. Wynne sent a Stone Fist toward the Revenant, which knocked the creature against the nearby wall. Warden Cousland, Warden Alistair, Barkspawn, and Cullen engaged the Revenant. However, the Revenant stood up and knocked everyone away from it with a spell.
Slowly, Regina grabbed her staff and picked herself up off the ground.
"Maker's Breath," Warden Alistair grunted as he picked himself up. "This thing is powerful."
"Yes, but there are more of us which means we can take it down," Warden Cousland said, determination strong in her voice.
She raised her sword and charged again but this time, slashed at the ground which caused dust to kick up and block the Revenant's view. She partly looked over her shoulder at the mages.
"Wynne, Regina, cast a spell while it's confused," she shouted.
The mages did as they were instructed, with Regina sending a plume of flame in its direction while Wynne sent another Stonefist. It rose from the ground in front of the undead creatures while flames raced toward and consumed the Revenant. The undead creature raised its fist in the air, and Regina followed up with a lightning strike.
"Take that, you bastard," she said as she and the others watched it disintegrate.
Andraste, I used a lot of mana during that last fight, she thought as she felt her knees buckle.
At that moment, the three remaining skeletal archers stood up and focused on the group.
"I'll stay with her, while the rest of you deal with the archers," Cullen said.
Warden Cousland nodded, and she and her companions charged at the archers. Cullen moved to Regina's stand, lightly grabbing her elbow.
"Are you alright?" he asked, his face full of concern.
"I, I think so," Regina replied. "I believe I used a bit more mana than I thought."
"You should consume a lyrium potion or have Wynne take a look at you," he urged.
Just then, Wynne turned and ran toward them.
"What is it you need?" she asked.
"Do you have a lyrium potion for Regina to consume?" Cullen replied.
"Of course." Wynne nodded as she removed one from her pouch and handed it to Regina.
"Are you sure you don't need it?" Regina asked. "Who knows what that demon may throw at us."
"I am certain," Wynne replied. When Regina hesitated, the older mage added. "Your lover is right. Your face is white as a sheet, you need this more than I do."
Regina took the lyrium potion, yanked the top off, and greedily consumed it. As she drank, she felt as if she had received a full night's rest. As she finished it, she saw her hands shake.
"Thanks," she said, tossing the empty container away from her.
"You are more than welcome," said Wynne.
Just then, Warden Cousland and Alistair rejoined the group.
"Is everything all right?" Warden Cousland asked, looking between the three with a raised brow.
"Wynne gave me a lyrium potion," Regina answered. "I'm fine now, and we can proceed."
Warden Cousland nodded. "Fair enough." Barkspawn barked in reply, his tail wagging happily. "You've already had enough treats today, I think."
Barkspawn whined, before sitting down and dramatically letting his tail droop. Warden Cousland laughed softly as she reached into her pocket, pulled out a dog treat, and handed it to him.
"Here ya go, boy," she said.
Barkspawn heartily ate it and Warden Cousland reached down to scratch behind his ears.
"Come on, boy, we're not done yet," she said.
Barkspawn woofed once, and Warden Cousland stood up. Turning toward the double doors, she tightened her grip on her sword. She cautiously placed a hand on one of the doors, before Warden Alistair walked up beside her.
"Be careful, love," he murmured. "We don't know what that demon has in store for us."
"I will," Warden Cousland reassured him.
Warden Alistair stepped back, and Warden Cousland opened the door. Regina walked beside Cullen, ready for whatever lay in store for them.
Maker Willing, we can help the people of Redcliffe, Connor, and Arl Eamon at the same time, thought Regina.
As Warden Cousland opened the door to the next floor, Cullen briefly glanced over at Regina. The lyrium potion had brought more color into her cheeks and a spring in her step that hadn't previously been there.
The group carefully entered the third floor of the castle. The atmosphere was eerily quiet and still, and the hairs on the back of Cullen's neck stood up.
"Warden Alistair, do you feel—" he began, uncertain of how to finish.
"I do," Warden Alistair said with a nod, before glancing at Warden Cousland. "The throne room is just up ahead, by the way."
"Good to know," Warden Cousland replied.
She led them down the short hallway and to the left. As soon as they entered the spacious room, Cullen felt a wave of powerful magic hit him. Wooden pillars lined either side of the area, extending up to the ceiling. A deep blue carpet ran down the center of the expansive throne room, leading to a large, wooden, armed chair with plush padding. Standing in front of the throne was a young boy with large dark patches under his eyes. A maniacal grin appeared on his face as he watched Bann Teagan, with an unnaturally large smile, perform tricks. Standing to the left of Connor with her body slumped over and a resigned, tired expression on her face was Arlessa Isolde.
Maker's Breath, I knew he was possessed; but to actually see it is another thing entirely, thought Cullen.
He braced himself as the demon possessing Connor's body shifted its attention to the Grey Wardens and their allies.
"Well, mother, what do we have here?"
