Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

We were on the road again, traveling for some time, having just come from the Dwarven city of Orzammar. Oghren had made himself quite useful, despite everything that went down while we were there. Though I continued to marvel how he was able to function with all the alcohol he consumes or where he gets it from. He asked to come with us and I saw no reason to deny him. We were definitely facing a Blight, that much was clear. I could use all the help I could find.  

Diving deep into dwarven politics was not what I had in mind when we showed up to invoke the warden treaties. I knew we should have gone to Redcliffe first. But no, I thought starting as far away as possible from Denerim and Loghain was a better idea. We would make our way East from Orzammar and collect the treaties as we went, getting Arl Eamon’s help along the way. But if Orzammar was any indication, we had our work cut out for us. 

I continued to mull over my plans as Alistair fell into step with me, “Contemplating throwing yourself into Lake Calenhad?”

I glanced at the lake that had been at our side for quite some time. “It would solve all my problems, because I wouldn’t have any after drowning.” I said dryly. 

“Hmm… feeling stressed, fearsome leader?” Alistair quipped back. 

“Well, we spent far too much time in Orzammar than I would have liked. Hopefully Arl Eamon is feeling better and we can swiftly move onto the Circle without any more delays.” 

Alistair placed a hand on my shoulder to get me to stop. “Is everything alright? You’ve been a little… strung out lately. We could stop and camp for the night, if you want a break from the walking.” 

I smiled reassuringly, “I’m alright Alistair. Thanks for the offer, but we should make it another couple miles if we’re going to reach Redcliffe by tomorrow.”

“Sure, but-” Alistair started but was interrupted by a frantic woman running up to us.  

“Oh thank the Maker. We need help. They attacked the wagons; please help us! Follow me, I'll take you to them!” 

After exchanging a quick glance, Alistair nodded and we rushed after the woman. Odin and Lelianna, once at our heels, overtook us, and rushed forward. We all came into a little alcove in the hills. Tall trees and hills surrounded us, but I could see the wagons the woman had mentioned. An ox lay dead in front of one and the other wagon had a broken wheel, but something about the scene immediately felt off. A well armored elf stood next to the wagons but other than him, the woman, and us, the area was empty. No bandits. No darkspawn.  

The woman slowed as she neared the elf, he smirked. She turned to face us, wearing the same smirk on her face. The elf moved his hand as a signal and the alcove flooded with mercenaries. The woman pulled out a staff, casting an armor spell and looking ready for a fight. 

It was a trap. 

A loud crack echoed through the alcove and I turned to see a giant tree tipping toward us. I dove out of the way as a tree crashed to the ground, blocking our escape. I rolled forward, coming up in a crouched position, and checking on my companions using my peripherals. Alistair and Lelianna were in the clear, standing several feet ahead of where the tree fell. Odin growled as he stood in front of me, defensively but also unharmed.

Oghren, Sten, and Morrigan had lagged behind us some time ago, it would take too long for them to catch up and maneuver the tree and the surrounding hills; we were cut off from each other for now.     

The elf drew his swords and cried out, “The Grey Wardens die here!”

“Great,” I muttered under my breath, pulling my sword out of its sheath. Another fight to death it is then. I was getting rather tired of these.   

The elf calling the shots stood behind his mage as she pushed us back with her combat spells. I silently cursed, wishing Morrigan could help us combat this. Archers lined the valley’s sides. 

“Lelianna, take out those archers and look out for traps. Alistair, you’ve got those foot soldiers. I’ve got the elf; and Odin?” My mabari stood ready for his next command. I pointed at the mage’s staff and commanded, “Fetch!”

Odin barked ferociously as he sped towards the mage. She screamed as he leapt at her, teeth bared. I stepped up to the elf assassin and brought up my swords.   

Our swords struck each other, both of us using two blades to fight. It made us more evenly matched, each of us having to compensate for the similar maneuverability. Stepping back to dodge an incoming arrow, I brought up my left weapon to parry a blow. The elf followed my retreat and continued to push my defense aggressively, not allowing me respite. 

This elf was good, I'd give him that. He’d been confident in his ability to overpower us in number. Though if the rest of my companions hadn’t lagged behind, they’d all be dead already. Without sparing a glance, I had faith that Alistair, Lelianna, and my Mabari were making short work of the elf’s mercenaries. Overall though, he was cocky, I could see it in his footwork. Every once in a while he’d step a little too close, over-extend when he swung his swords or his swords wouldn’t quite settle back to protect his front before he swung again. I just had to time my reaction.    

Using my right sword, I pushed his swords away, leaving his entire front exposed. I kicked him square in the chest and sent the lighter footed elf into the side of the nearby wagon. His head hit the wagon and he crumbled to the ground. Before I could approach him further, a straggler from the foot mercenaries came out from behind me so I had to draw up my guard again. Alistair was right behind him, though, and bashed the hired thug into a tree.

“Thanks,” I said out of breath. 

“Sorry, I let him get away from me. But I think that was the last one.” 

Removing my helmet to see better, I took stock of the battlefield. The mercenaries, mage, and archers were dead. Lelianna was going through their equipment and supplies now that everything was quiet. Walking over to the elven assassin, I noticed he was wounded and unconscious, but alive. Throwing his swords aside, I started searching his pockets for other weapons, maybe a letter from whoever hired him. His wounds were superficial, he wore lighter armor like myself and Lelianna. Given his fighting style, he was probably also a rogue. Maybe I should have just killed him, but I wanted answers. Pulling his arms forward, I brought his wrists together and began tying them with spare rope I pulled from one of the wagons.  

“What are you doing?” Alistair questioned as he sheathed his own sword. 

“Don’t you want to know who sent him? He’s still alive. And I have some questions for him.” I continued to tie his wrists. 

“You want to interrogate the man who just tried to crush you with a tree? What if he tries again?”

“I already threw his swords over there,” pointing at the weapons several feet away. “Want me to frisk him again for a tree? Or do you want to double check my work?”

“I really need to stop second guessing you or I’m going to regret it aren’t I?”

“Eventually,” I said as I finished tying the elf’s ankles together. I leaned him up against the wheel of the wagon he had used as a prop in his trap. He had very shiny hair and I brushed a few stray strands out of his face to see intricate swirls tattooed on his left cheek. Being an elf, objectively speaking, he was quite beautiful. He also looked quite peaceful when he wasn’t trying to kill me.

I started shaking the elf to wake him up. 

He groaned, “Hmm… uh, what? I..” He started but groaned again. I must have kicked him harder than I thought. “Ugh, oh I rather thought I would wake up dead, or not wake up at all as the case may be.” He seemed to look down and assess his situation. He shifted slightly and looked up at us. “But I see you haven’t killed me yet.”

“That can be easily rectified.” 

“Of that I have no doubt. You are most skilled. If you haven’t killed me, however, you must have kept me alive for some purpose, yes?” 

“We're going to need you to answer some questions first.” I said shortly. 

“Oooh,” he purred. “You’re rather an aggressive little minx aren’t you?” He tilted his head and added, “Lovely too.”

I kept my face neutral. 

“But if I am to be interrogated,” he continued, “let me save you some time. My name is Zevran; Zev, to my friends. I am a member of the Antivan Crows, brought here for the sole purpose of slaying any surviving Grey Wardens. Which I have failed at, sadly.”

“I’m rather happy he failed.” Alistair cut in. I glanced at him as he crossed his arms across his chest.     

“So would I be… in your shoes. For me, however, it sets a rather poor precedent, doesn’t it? Getting captured by a target seems a tad detrimental to one’s budding assassin career.”

“What exactly are the Antivan Crows?” I asked. I knew vaguely where Antiva was, it was north of Highever, up the coast across the sea. Beyond that, I wasn’t sure. I should have paid better attention when I was taught geography. Though most of that subject focused on the division of Ferelden and the many Arls, Bannors, and Teyrnirs.  

“I can tell you that.” Lelianna spoke before Zevran had the opportunity. “They are an order of  assassins out of Antiva. Very powerful and renowned for always getting the job done, so to speak. Someone went to great expense to hire this man.”  

“Quite right,” Zevran purred. “I’m surprised you haven't heard much of the Crows out here. Back where I come from, we are rather infamous."

“Not for being good assassins, I see.” I smirked. 

“Oh fine, is that what you Fereldans do? Mock your prisoners? Heh, such cruelty,” though he didn’t exactly make it sound like it bothered him.    

“You came all this way from Antiva?”

“Not precisely, I was in the neighborhood when the offer came, the Crows get around you see.”

“Who hired you to kill us?” Though I had a pretty good idea who it would be. 

“A rather taciturn fellow in the capital. Loghain I think his name was?” He paused for a moment in recollection. “Yes that’s it.” He nodded. “There was another man too. He initiated the contract for that Loghain fellow. A smaller man, scheming look in his eye… Howl or something like that.” 

“Howe,” I practically growled. 

Alistair looked at me and started to ask, “Isn’t he the one…” He trailed off when I shot him a look. 

I gritted my teeth for a moment then asked, turning back to Zevran, “Does that mean you are loyal to Loghain?”

“I have no idea what his issues are with you. The usual, I imagine, you threaten his power, yes? Beyond that, no, I am not loyal to him. I was contracted to perform a service.” 

“Not very well.” I heard Alistair mumble. 

I cleared my throat, “And now that you’ve failed that service?” I asked with a raised brow, crossing my arms. 

“Oh well that's between Loghain and the Crows; and between the Crows and myself.” He smirked. 

“And between you and me?”

He chuckled, “Isn’t that what we’re establishing now?”

“When were you going to see them next?”

“I wasn’t,” he readjusted his position, with difficulty. Then he continued, “If I had succeeded, I would have returned home, and the Crows would have informed your Loghain of the results, if he didn’t already know. If I had failed, I would be dead… or I should be at least as far as the Crows are concerned. No need to see Loghain then.”

“ If you had failed?” 

“What can I say? I am an eternal optimist,” he smirked again. “Although the chances of succeeding at this point seem a bit slim. Don’t they?” He laughed at his predicament. We all just continued staring at him. His laugh dissipated and he said, “No, I don't suppose you would find that funny, would you?”

Alistair piped up again and asked, “How much were you paid?”

“I wasn’t paid anything. The Crows however were paid quite handsomely or so I understand. Which does make me about as poor as a chantry mouse come to think of it. Being an Antivan Crow isn’t for the ambitious to be perfectly honest.”  

I frowned, my arms dropping to my sides, “Then why are you one of them?” 

“Well, aside from a distinct lack of ambition. I suppose it’s because I wasn’t given much of a choice. The Crows bought me young, I was a bargain too… or so I'm led to believe.” My face must have given something away because he said next, “But don’t let my sad story influence you. The Crows aren’t so bad. They keep one well supplied: wine, women, men,... whatever you happen to fancy. Though the whole severance package is garbage, let me tell you, if you’re considering joining, I'd really think twice about it.”

“Thanks, I’ll take that under advisement.”

My sarcasm didn’t phase him. “You seem like a bright girl, I'm sure you have other options.”

Brushing off his compliment, I continued, “Why are you telling me all this?”

He chuckled lightly, “Why not? I wasn’t paid for silence. Not that I offered it for sale, precisely.”

“Aren’t you at least loyal to your employers?”

“Loyalty is an interesting concept. If you wish and you’re done interrogating me, we can discuss it further.” 

“I’m listening...” I crossed my arms again. I could practically hear Alistair’s brow furrowing behind me. I don’t think he had uncrossed his arms this whole time.  

“Well, here’s the thing: I failed to kill you, so my life is forfeit. That’s how it works. If you don’t kill me, the Crows will.” 

The more I heard, the less I liked these “Crows.”

Zevran continued, “The thing is… I like living. And you obviously are the sort to give the Crows pause. So let me serve you, instead.”

 “Can I expect the same amount of loyalty from you?”    

“I happen to be a very loyal person. Up until the point where someone expects me to die for failing. That’s not a fault really, is it? I mean unless you are the sort who would do the same thing; in which case I don’t come very well recommended, I suppose.”

“And what’s to stop you from finishing the job later?”

“To be completely honest, I was never really given much of a choice regarding joining the Crows. They bought me on the slave market when I was a child, like I said. I think I paid my worth back to them plus ten fold. The only way out, however, is to sign up with someone they can’t touch. Even if I did kill you now, they may just kill me on principle for failing the first time. Honestly, I’d rather take my chances with you.”

“Won’t they come after you?”

“Possibly. I happen to know their wily ways however. I can protect myself as well as you. Not that you seem to need much help. And if not,... well, it’s not as if I had many alternatives to start with, is it?” 

“You must think I’m royally stupid.”      

“I think you’re royally tough to kill… and utterly gorgeous. Not that I think you’ll respond to simple flattery, but there are worse things in life than serving the whims of a deadly sex goddess.”

My eyebrow rose again, “And what do you want in return?”

“Well… let’s see. Being allowed to live would be nice and make me marginally more useful to you. And somewhere down the line, if you should decide that you no longer have need of me, then I go on my way. Until then… I am yours. Is that fair?”     

I contemplated his offer, “Why would I want your service?”

“Why? Because I am skilled at many things, from fighting to stealth and picking locks. I could also warn you should the Antivan Crows attempt something more… sophisticated… now that my attempts have failed. I could also stand around and look pretty, if you prefer. Warm your bed? Fend off unwanted suitors? No?”

“Bed warming?” I deadpanned in disbelief at his bluntness. 

“See? I knew we could find a common interest. Or two. Or three.” Then he purred again, “Really I can go all night… So, what shall it be? I could even shine armor. You won’t find a better deal, I promise.” 

I sighed, I was probably going to regret this. “Very well, I accept your offer.”

“What?!” Alistair blurted out. “You’re taking the assassin with us now? Does that really seem like a good idea?”

“Don’t worry about it. We can use him.” I reassured him. 

“Hmm, all right. All right. I see your point. Still if there was a sign that we were desperate: I think it just knocked on the door and said, ‘hello’.” We really couldn’t afford to pass on any help at this point.  

Lelianna spoke up next. “Welcome Zevran, having an Antivan Crow join us sounds like a fine plan.”

“Oh? You are another companion to be then? I wasn’t aware such loveliness existed amongst adventurers, surely.” 

“Or maybe not.” 

I cut Zevran’s ropes and helped him stand up. 

“I hereby pledge my oath of loyalty to you until such a time as you choose to release me from it. I am your man, without reservation. This I swear.” He bowed his head and then said, “Lead on.”

Chapter Text

We hadn’t traveled much further before I decided we’d make camp and wait for Morrigan, Oghren, and Sten to catch up to us. My other companions were as equally thrilled as Alistair about the new addition to our group. Sten didn’t really give a reaction but that was normal for him. Oghren commented that I was collecting waywards at every turn and my standards were falling. Dwarves and elves must not like each other very much.

Morrigan cautioned us against poison in our food but I wasn’t planning on letting Zevran near our food any time soon. She seemed more miffed by the fact that she had gotten stuck with Sten and Oghren for an extended period of time. I’d have to avoid teaming them up for patrol for a while. Maybe I could ask Morrigan to keep an eye on Zevran for a bit so I could get some sleep tonight. Alistair probably wasn’t going to let this go anytime soon, so the three of them can have the first watch tonight.

I chuckled to myself thinking about the three of them trying to make conversation. Maybe I was being too cruel.

“And what do you think is so funny?” Alistair asked as he walked up to stand next to me.

I tried to keep myself from laughing out loud, “Nothing, I was just wondering if you wanted first-watch tonight…”

Alistair raised an eyebrow, “That’s fine–”

I quickly interjected, “With Zevran and Morrigan, no take backs.”

His eyes widened in surprise, “No way!”

I laughed, “Fine, fine, pick anyone you want, but don’t stick Morrigan with Oghren for now. I’ll take her if I have to, on the second shift.”

“I’ll take Oghren and Lelianna then. You are twisted,” he made a face, then continued, “you know that?”

“I try,” shrugging my shoulders.

“So why does Morrigan get special treatment?”

I sighed, “Because she complained a little louder than everyone else today.”

Alistair smirked, “That’s why you’re in charge, fearless leader.”

“Which is why you get to be leader if I perish in battle, I’ll die knowing they’ll torture you next.” I said over my shoulder as I walked over to our supplies.

Camp was basically all set up. Sten was setting up the last of the tents with Oghren, and Morrigan was already sulking next to her own fire. I shook my head, what a band of waywards I had collected indeed. I looked over to see Zevran sitting next to the main fire seemingly staring at nothing. I grabbed a separate bag for some food and a spare canteen Lelianna had already filled with water.

Walking over, I tossed the bag of food and canteen onto Zevran’s lap. “Poor as a chantry mouse right?”

“I did say that, didn't I?” He looked through the bag.

“Most of us sleep next to the fire at night, especially when we have a watch shift earlier rather than later. Alistair, Orghren, and Leliana have the first shift.” I gestured to the far side of camp. “Morrigan sleeps over there… for some reason.” Then, I pointed at the wagon that was pulling up. “Bodahn and his son follow us and trade when we need to; if you find anything interesting in our travels, he’ll give you a fair deal.”

“You definitely have more resources than I was led to believe. I really didn’t stand a chance, did I?”

I sat down with my own food on the bed roll next to him. “No, you didn’t.” I smiled before biting into a lump of bread.

The fire crackled against the silence of the night. We ate quietly for a moment before I spoke again. “Would you mind if I asked you a question?”

“This should be good. Go ahead.”

“Why did you want to leave the Crows, exactly?” Besides their lovely parting of ways terms.

“Well, now, I imagine that's a very fair question. Being an assassin, after all, is a living at least as such things go. I was simply never given the opportunity to choose another way. So, if that choice presents itself, why should I not seize upon it?”

“You didn’t choose to join the Crows…” I nodded absentmindedly as I recalled bits of our conversation from earlier.

“Mm? To be truthful, I didn’t even know the Crows existed when I joined them. I was but a boy of seven when I was purchased. For three sovereigns, I'm told. Which is a good price, considering I was all ribs and bone and didn’t know the pommel of a dagger from the pointy end. The Crows buy all their assassins that way. Buy them young, raise them to know nothing else but murder. And if you do poorly in your training, you die.”

“And that system works?” I had to admit, I was shocked by the cruelty.

“Of course. You compete against your fellow assassins, and those who survive are rightfully proud of it. In Antiva, being a Crow gets you respect. It gets you wealth. It gets you women… and men, or whatever you might fancy. But that does mean doing what is expected of you, always. And it means being expendable. It's a cage, if a gilded cage. Pretty. But confining.”

“I think I understand.”

“As for what I will do in the future… presuming that there is one… I truly can’t imagine. It might be interesting to go into business for myself, for a change. Far away from Antiva, of course. For now, naturally, I go where you go.”

“Won’t the Crows eventually find you?”

“Eventually can be a very, very long time, if one plays their cards right. Come, now. Enough chit, chat. Talking about the Crows summons them, you know. Any Antivan fishwife could tell you so.”

I nodded and we went about our night. I did notice Alistair asking Morrigan and Lelianna to keep their eyes on Zevran for the time being. It wasn’t a bad idea; if anything we didn’t want him running off to warn anyone about his failure. An added precaution or two wouldn’t hurt.

Somewhere between dreams and the reality of the brisk night, I heard Morrigan talking to Zevran. Their voices were behind me but not out of earshot.

Morrigan spoke first, “So what is going to keep you from poisoning your target now that you have been allowed to accompany us, I wonder?

“You are. You will be watching me ever so closely to make sure I attempt no such thing.”

“And why would I do such a thing? Sneaking into our good graces in order to make another attempt is what I would do, were I you.”

“And here I was becoming rather fond of the idea of you watching me closely.”

Morrigan responded, “It would be a simple enough matter to poison the food in camp. Or cut our throats while we sleep.”

“You seem rather charmed by the idea,” his voice sounded amused.

“It would seem an appropriate result of sparing your life.” Morrigan was getting irritated.

“Ah. Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you then. The next time I am spared I will be sure to immediately turn upon my benefactors. Will that do?”

Morrigan simply huffed and I heard her steps leave the immediate area.

“Did I respond in a way that satisfies your suspicions?” Zevran asked. He didn’t sound angry, amusement still colored his tone.

I chuckled softly and rolled over to look at him. There was no one else around he could be talking to at that point. I stood up and took a moment to watch Morrigan’s retreating form. “I see you have already figured out everybody else’s favorite pastime.” Zevran simply raised an eyebrow and I continued, “Messing with Morrigan.” I chuckled and smiled. “To answer your question though, yes, you have satisfied my suspicions. Though I feel I should inform you that that happened a while ago.”

“Oh, really? Figured me out already?”

I shook my head, “No, but it’ll be amusing to try, I think. Not much else to do during these long stretches of travel. And something tells me, you would not object.”

“That, I do not. And there are other things one can do during long stretches of time.”

“Well, we do have a bit of time…” I put a hand on my chin thoughtfully, “you could…tell me about your adventures.” I finished and watched a small measure of disappointment flicker across Zevran’s face. I knew what he was getting at, I resisted the urge to snicker at his disappointment.

He regained his composure in the blink of an eye, however, and responded, “My adventures?” He chuckled softly, “I’m hardly an old man just returned from across the ocean, am I?
Should I shake my fist at nearby children while I talk about the good old days?”

“I meant your time as a Crow.” I gestured for us to sit and I sat upon my bed again. He followed and sat on another bed roll.

“You mean you want to hear about the grueling training? Being locked in an oubliette for weeks at a time? The Slavery? The festering injuries? Or are we seeking something more glamorous?

“Was it really so terrible?” I asked before I could stop myself.

“Oh those things never happened to me.” He deflected without flinching. He didn’t want my pity, but he would never show it either.

“Something more glamorous, perhaps then?” I prodded gently, we had already discussed some of the more bleak parts of his childhood.

“Well that should be easy enough, I think.” He looked thoughtful for a moment, then continued, “Let’s see. My second mission ever for the Crows was a bit intriguing. I was sent to kill a mage who had been meddling in politics.”

“Meddling in politics, how?”

“How should I know? I got the impression it involved sex… but then I get that impression about most everything. Odd really.”

I decided to sidestep that comment, I was starting to sense a theme when it came to talking with Zevran. “The Crows were willing to anger the Circle of Magi?”

“In Antiva, nobody is too important to escape the reach of the Crows. They have killed kings and queens. That is simply how it is. As it turned out, the mage in question was quite a delightful young woman. Long, divine legs, as I recall, I caught her in a carriage on her way to escape to the provinces. After I killed her guard, she got down on her hands and knees and begged for her life… rather aptly, I might add. So I joined her in the carriage for the night and left the next morning.”

“And she didn’t try to kill you?”

“Well, yes. Twice, actually. Then she decided to try and use me, instead. The woman had actually convinced me to speak to the Crows on her behalf. What can I say? I was young and foolish at the time. Then as I was kissing her good-bye to return to Antiva City, she slipped on the threshold and fell backwards out of the carriage. Broke her neck. Shame, really, but at least it happened quickly.”

“So, you didn’t actually kill her…”

“Not actually, no. I was a bit unimpressed by the development, at first. Then I found out she had told the driver to take her to Genellan instead. She had planned to lose me in the provinces. I would have looked very foolish to the Crows.”

I nodded. And then he'd be killed for such a failure.

He continued, “As it was, my master was very impressed that I had done such a fine job of making it look like an accident. The Circle of Magi was unaware of foul play and everyone was happier all around.”

“You got lucky.”

“I got stupid, in fact. And very lucky.”

“These sorts of things happen to you often?”

“Like being spared by a benevolent mark who then helps me escape from the Crows? Yes, it does seem to happen now and again, doesn’t it? It was after that when I learned one needn’t let a pretty face go to your head. Professionalism was key. That’s my moral of the day, you see.”

“That seems a little cold.”

“Mmm. Without a doubt. But a certain coldness is called for, no? You would think that, after all my youth and the hardship of my training, such coldness would have come naturally. Alas not.”

I smiled to myself, that was a good thing. “So you never mix business with pleasure?”

“Oh, I might be convinced, I think that it would take being captured and tied up by a beautiful Grey Warden at the very least.”

“I guess I have already done that.”

“And here the Crows had told me getting captured in the line of duty was the worst thing possible. What do they know?”

I laughed. I stood up as Oghren approached us from across the camp.

“Hello my stocky little friend!” Zevran spoke first.

Oghren looked him up and down and said, “Huh. You got small breasts for a gal.”

“Oghren!” I started, ready to chastise him further or at least get in between them if this got ugly.

Zevran simply replied, “Ah. This is where we begin the typical dwarven/elven rivalry, is it?”

Oghren looked him up and down again, “Nah,” and just took a swig from his flask. He turned to me and said, “Alistair is looking for ya.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose and nodded. I then waved my hand dismissively and said, “Thank you, Oghren.”

He grumbled something I couldn’t understand and sat down at his usual spot next to the fire. I glanced at Zevran but he merely nodded and I turned around to find Alistair. I supposed it was my turn to go on patrol.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Alistair had been looking more and more nervous, the closer we got to Redcliffe. I wondered if he was nervous to see the Arl again. He had told me about how he grew up here before he was sent to become a templar; then in turn, how Duncan found him and made him a Grey Warden. We still had a bit of a hike left, since Redcliffe was just on the other side of a valley wall.

“How about we take a break?” I decided, everyone slowed their pace to a stop. “We’ll start climbing after we rest for a bit.”

Alistair approached me and spoke in a lowered voice, “Look, can we talk for a moment? I need to tell you something I, uh, should probably have told you earlier.”

We walked a few steps away from the group. “What’s on your mind, Alistair?”

“I told you before how Arl Eamon raised me, right? That my mother was a serving girl at the castle and he took me in?”

“Yes.” I nodded.

“The reason he did that was because…” Alistair took a breath before continuing,
“Well, because my father was King Maric. Which made Cailan my… half-brother, I suppose.”

That shocked me. Reading the look on Alistair’s face, he was waiting for some sort of response. I decided to put him at ease but couldn’t resist teasing him at the same time. “So you’re not just a bastard, but a royal bastard?” I crossed my arms because I was still slightly upset that he chose now to tell me.

He laughed, “Yes, I guess it does, at that. I should use that line more often.” He took a breath, looking relieved that I seemed to be taking this news rather well, “I would have told you, but… it never really meant anything to me. I was inconvenient, a possible threat to Cailan’s rule and so they kept me secret. I’ve never talked about it to anyone. Everyone who knew either resented me for it or they coddled me… even Duncan kept me out of the fighting because of it. I didn’t want you to know, as long as possible. I’m sorry.”

“This is sudden, I will admit.” Did this change anything? Our plans? Would we need to take extra precautions? Then a thought occurred to me that I voiced aloud, “Does Loghain know?” He already wanted us dead, this would just give him another reason to hire more assassins, unless it had been Howe’s idea. In which case, did Howe know too? We already have a target on our backs just being Grey Wardens, so this can’t really change anything.

Alistair stirred me from my thoughts and answered, “Why wouldn’t he? He was King Maric’s best friend. I don’t know if that means anything, though… I certainly never considered the idea that it might ever be important. At any rate, that’s it. That’s what I had to tell you. I thought you should know about it.”

“Are you sure?” I tilted my head and asked, “You're not hiding any other shocking secrets?” I squinted at him with fake scrutiny.

“Besides my unholy love of fine cheeses and a minor obsession with my hair… no, that’s it… just the Prince thing.”

I chuckled for a moment then sighed. “I suppose I can understand why you hadn’t told me, until now. So, you’re the heir to the throne then?”

Alistair’s voice turned serious as he answered, “Let’s hope not. I’m the son of a commoner, and a Grey Warden to boot. It was made very clear to me early that there was no room for me raising any rebellions or such nonsense. And that’s fine by me. No, if there’s an heir to be found, it’s Arl Eamon himself. He’s not of royal blood, but he is Cailan’s uncle… and more importantly, very popular with the people. Though… if he’s really as sick as we’ve heard…” his face dropped for a moment, “No, I don’t want to think about that. I really don’t.”

He suddenly clapped his hands together and said, “So there you have it. Now can we move on, and I’ll just pretend you still think I’m some… nobody who was too lucky to die with the rest of the Grey Wardens.”

“As you command… my prince.” I gave a fake courtesy as an added touch.

“Oh, lovely! I’m going to regret this. Somehow, I just know it.”

I tried to contain my laughter this time, for his sake. “Probably, especially since there’s no realistic way to hide this from the rest of our companions… sorry.”

“Ugh,” Alistair groaned. He put his face in his hands for a moment then shook his head. “Alright, time to face the music…” he made a move to head back to the rest of the group.

I reached out an arm to stop him though. “Hold on, one last thing.”

“What is it?” he asked, curiosity piqued.

I made sure my tone was serious, “You aren’t a nobody, not to me. Not after Ostegar.” I decided to leave it at that to avoid any further awkwardness. I turned around and went to gather up everyone. We didn't have much more time to spare, so I made a mental note to talk to him about this later. “Let’s get going,” I called out to our group.

We could see Redcliffe Castle in the distance as we crested the final hill. The town of Redcliffe lay beneath us, nestled in a valley of sorts with Lake Calenhad cutting through the northern part of the land. Small creeks turned into cascading waterfalls as each one continued a journey over the surrounding hills and down into the larger body of water. Some of the buildings clung to the steep hillside, the bulk of the town rested closer to the lake’s edge. A windmill towered above them all, its rotating arms built clear of the valley to catch as much of the wind as possible. The road from the castle branched off to the mill and then downhill to the rest of the town.

A young man stood on the bridge leading to the mill. He was young and had a bow and a quiver of arrows strapped to his back. He rushed up to us as we neared the bridge, looking distressed.

“I thought I saw travelers coming down the road, though I scarcely believed it. Have you come to help us?”

I gave him a confused look and asked, “What do you mean? Is there a problem?”

“So… you don’t know? Has nobody out there heard?”

“We heard that Arl Eamon was sick, is that what you’re talking about?”

“He could be dead for all we know. Nobody has heard from the castle in days!”

Alistair, seemingly startled, asked, “What’s happening?”

“We’re under attack. Monsters come out of the castle every night and attack us until dawn. Everyone’s been fighting,” he looked down. “...and dying. We have no army to defend us and no arl and no king to send us help. So many are dead, and those left are terrified they’re next.”

I held up my hands to stop him. “Hold on, what is this evil that’s attacking you?”

“I-I don’t rightly know. I’m sorry. Nobody does. I should take you to Bann Teagan. He’s all that’s holding us together. He’ll want to see you.”

“Bann Teagan, Arl Eamon’s brother? He’s here?” Alistair asked.

“Yes. It’s not far, if you’ll come with me…” he took off down the road that leads down into the village.

I exchanged a quick glance with Alistair. He was worried. Something worse must be going on here. We followed the young man to the Chantry. We passed by so many tired and terrified faces. Men were practicing combat skills openly in the field directly outside the Chantry. We walked into the building, children cowered instead of playing. A tense silence clung to the air when it wasn’t filled with the moans of the injured. Our escort led us to the far end of the building where pews had been upturned and piled in the back to make more floor space. This was their last line of defense. My stomach flipped at the thought of what these people must have been going through every night.

A well dressed man stood conversing with an older gentleman, who stepped away as we neared. Then he spoke to our escort, “It’s Tomas, yes?”

The young man nodded.

“And who are these people with you? They are obviously not simple travelers,” He said as he glanced over at our group.

“No my lord, they just arrived and I thought you’d want to see them.”

“Well done, Tomas.” Teagan turned to us, “Greetings, friends. My name is Teagan, Bann of Rainesfere, brother to the Arl.”

I vaguely recalled my father telling me about Teagan: a good man, with a fierce sense of loyalty. Given that he and Eamon were brothers of the late Queen Rowan, King Maric’s wife, I could understand. He looked tired as well, despite his best efforts of appearing calm and collected.

“I remember you, Bann Teagan, though the last time we met I was a lot younger and… covered in mud.” Alistair spoke first. I didn’t mind him taking the lead, he was more familiar with this place and these people than I was. I had never met Teagan or Eamon personally.

“Covered in mud?” Teagan said in confusion. “Alistair?” Recognition dawned on his facial features, “It is you, isn’t it? You’re alive! This is wonderful news!”

“Still alive, yes. Though not for long if Teryn Loghain has anything to say about it.”

Teagan's voice became serious, “Indeed, Loghain would have us believe all Grey Wardens died along with my nephew amongst other things.”

“You don’t believe Loghain’s lies?” I asked.

“What, that he pulled his men in order to save them? That Cailan risked everything in the name of glory?” Teagan scoffed in disgust, “Hardly… Loghain calls the Grey Wardens traitors, murderers of the King. I don’t believe it; it is the act of a desperate man.”

That was a relief, maybe we could find some allies amongst the nobles after all.

He looked at me, “So you are a Grey Warden as well? Have I met you before? You look so familiar…”

“Oh, I don’t think we’ve met before,” I answered simply. It technically wasn’t a lie either.

“A pleasure to meet you then. I wish it were under better circumstances. You’re here to see my brother? Unfortunately that might be a problem. Eamon is gravely ill.”

Zevran cut in, sarcastically, “What a remarkable coincidence.”

Teagan continued without missing a beat, “No one has heard from the castle in days. No guards patrol the walls and no one has responded to my shouts.” He looked away momentarily. “The attacks started a few nights ago. Evil… things… surged from the castle. We drove them back, but many perished during the assault.

“What evil things are you talking about?” I was curious to know what these people had been facing.

“Some call them the walking dead, decomposing corpses returning to life with a hunger for human flesh… They hit again the next night. Each night they come with greater numbers. With Cailan dead and Loghain starting a war over the throne, no one responds to my urgent calls for help. I have a feeling tonight’s assault will be the worst yet.” He turned to Alistair in desperation, “Alistair, I hate to ask, but I desperately need the help of you and your friends.”

“It isn’t just up to me, though the Grey Wardens don’t stand much chance against Loghain without Arl Eamon.” Alistair looked at me. I nodded to take the lead once again.

“Bann Teagan, if you’ll pardon us for a moment.”

Teagan nodded.

The seven of us moved to the side, we needed to discuss this as a group. Though there wasn’t a lot of space for privacy, we were relatively secluded from the main part of the room. Before we could get started, we were approached by a knight. He was staring intently at my sword.

“That sword, that crest… you are of house Cousland. You’re the daughter of Bryce Cousland,” the knight took a knee, “My Lady.”

My eyes widened in surprise. I hadn’t intended to be recognized like this. It had been pure luck that Teagan hadn’t recognized the crest either. “Please, rise,” I gestured to him to stand. I glanced over to Bann Tegean, but he seemed to be engrossed in a conversation with someone else. “I no longer hold my title. I am simply a Grey Warden.”

“Figures yer a noble,” Oghren grunted. I shot him a look. He simply grunted again.
The knight still hadn’t risen, “Forgive me, my Lady. My cousin served under your father, he attested to the honorability of Teryn Cousland…” his voice then saddened, “while he was still alive. I heard what happened and I grieve for your loss. If there is–”

I cut him off, “Please just continue your service to these terrified people. That will be thanks enough for your cousin’s sacrifice.” I took his hand and helped him rise. I leaned in with a lower voice only he could hear, “If you would do me but one favor I ask that you keep my identity to yourself. I do not wish to burden anyone else with obligations to my grief, though I am happy you felt well enough to share yours with me.”

The knight bowed and said, “Thank you, my lady.”

With a final nod, I turned back to back to my companions. “Now, what are our options?”

Sten responded first, “There is no darkspawn here, and nothing to gain. It is a fool’s errand.”

“What would you have us do instead?” I said as a measured response.

“Leave,” Sten replied simply.

“Leave?!” Alistair interjected, stunned. “And what about our plan to get Arl Eamon’s help?”

“We cannot leave these people to such a fate. I am shocked at your coldness, Sten.” Lelianna commented.

Sten’s facial expression remained unchanged. “The plan was never to come and defend this village.”

“If there's a chance to rescue the Arl, we have to try.”

“Yet helping these humans does nothing of the sort.”

“I see it more of we’ll have to fight them tonight, with help or we have to fight them later, by ourselves as we try to make it into the castle.”

Morrigan weighs in, “How pointless, to help these villagers fight an impossible battle. One would think we had enough to contend with elsewhere.”

“Good as long as there’s a bloody battle, I say let’s wade into the middle of it!” Ogrhen said.

There was a slight increase in volume as they started talking over one another. Zevran simply remained quiet and watched them bicker back and forth. I pinched my nose in frustration, “Okay!” I waved a hand to silence everyone, “I’ve heard everyone’s opinion. We’re staying and fighting, I think it’s the best way of getting into the castle. We need as many allies as we can get in the nobility if we’re going to stand a chance against Loghain’s campaign against our efforts. We’ll just keep hitting walls if we try to take on the Blight without more help. We’ll head out for the Circle once we secure Bann Teagan and Arl Eamon’s support.”

Before anyone could object or interject again I turned back to Teagan. “Bann Teagan, we’ll help however we can.”

“Thank you. Thank you!” he was elated, “This means more to me than you can guess.” He turned to Tomas to address him, “Tomas, go inform Murdock of what’s transpired, then return to your post.”

Tomas bowed slightly and left with a curt, “Yes, my lord.”

“Now then. There is much to do before night falls. I've put two men in charge of the defense outside. Murdock, the village mayor, is just outside the chantry. Ser Perth, one of Eamon’s knights, is up the cliff at the windmill, watching the castle. You may discuss with them the preparations for the coming battle.”

I nodded, “We’ll do what we can.”

Once again we moved to the side and I started doling out instructions. “Sten, I need you and Oghren to help train the men. Morrigan, start by making some healing potions, then, even though it is not your specialty, start making some poisons if you know anything that’ll work on the undead. Lelianna, take Odin with you and talk with the Revered Mother and take care of any needs there. Make sure the Chantry is secure and everyone who can’t fight is accounted for. Zevran, Alistair, you’re with me; we’re going to go talk with Murdock and Ser Perth. We’ll address any further needs with them. Are we all clear?”

“I still think this is pointless,” Morrigan retorted.

“Noted, but we’re staying, you can either help us make it through the night or stand by and get killed for your trouble.”

“I will not back down from this fight,” Sten commented.

“That’s what I like to hear. Let’s move, we only have until night falls.”