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Co-Author and Beta: Etheral-23

Undead Siege: Act II

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The night had come, with the last traces of Akatosh's light vanishing in a stream of orange over the horizon. Soon the stars took their place.

Miara rolled her neck, popping her joints in anticipation, looking far too calm in the eyes of less experienced warriors. Standing on the southern road to the village with her were Marcus, Sten, Oryrn, Gin, Faren, Brianna, Neria, and Leliana, alongside their faith mabari. With the bard standing on wooden scaffolding designed to place the archer militia. While standing next to the warriors were the Redcliffe knights, armor repaired as best as possible, holding unto the silver weapons Miara had provided. The other half was stationed on the western road near the windmill to hold off the advance of the undead. With the golem Shale being left near the Chantry to the rest of the reserves to keep them safe just in case.

The terrain had been prepared, layered with multiple traps. Oil to be set aflame, mud to keep the creatures from advancing too fast and overwhelm them.

The dunmer laid a hand on her Dawnbreaker; she could feel the sword's eagerness to destroy anything 'impure'. Dawn was always a feisty lady, very angry she was. It was fortunate that Meridia could look the other way when it came to Serana, finding great delight in the vampire who purposely stopped Molag Bal's follower's plan to darken the sun. The Prince saw it as one of the greatest insults one could throw at her hated enemy. So she... 'Tolerated' Serana's presence, allowing the Dragonborn to keep the powerful sword.

It wasn't often she got to bring Dawnbreaker to bear fully, not when she had Serana to worry. A few blasts from the sword's holy power could kill her. This was why there were no protests with Serana joining the western front.

Dawnbreaker's fury would be unleashed this night.

Which would be soon, if the presence of rising foul magic in the air was any indication.

Across the night sky, the thunderous roars of her greatest draconic companion echoed, knowing they were accompanied by his flames finding a target. The men and women of Redcliffe looked amongst each other in concern, feeling very much out of their depths considering just 'who' was aiding them in the Hinterlands.

Miara's red eyes narrowed, turning to meet Marcus' and Oryrn's gazes. "They come"

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At the windmill, its fan blades jostled from the light breeze. Serana, alongside her daughters, Morrigan, Alistair, Sereda, and Theron stood at the second entrance into Redcliffe village. The mages of the group had properly sealed the main gate with arcane sigils and trap. Sadly that could not work for this entrance. So the group stood ready as a foul air slowly came. The Nordic vampire drew her father's sword; "Be ready." Frost danced in her free hand.

Sofie and Sarya stood firm beside their mother. Sereda held her silver sword and shield firm and ready; Alistair's eyes darkened; "That is not ordinary fog." Theron's bow was knocked with an arrow at the ready.

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The waves at the pier swayed as more fog had begun to roll in. "I've never seen a spell like this," Brianna hissed as she gripped her staff and stood ready beside Neria. "Or such power." It was both immense and sickening. Both Loke and Bran growled, their fur raised and teeth bared.

Gin's ears twitched holding his new ebony crossbow with silver arrows. Low moaning echoed from the fog as silhouettes rose from the water. "Do wardens get hazard pay for dealing with crap like this?" He muttered to himself

At his side Sten said nothing as he held his new sword and wore his new armor well. This should be a good test for both.

Several glowing red eyes pierced through the fog before an inhuman roar that sounded like the cry of a thousand lost souls rang out. Out from the fog ran out corpses upon corpses charging like feral beasts for their prey. Some held weapons while others flailed about.

Many were skeletons with skin handing to their bones, and patches of old long hair that had kept growing through the years. Others were more recent, people that had been claimed in the Hinterlands, the bodies of men and women alike, elder and young. The most worrying ones were those wearing armors, rusted and dented; they all marched like a hungry horde of locusts. Hungry for the flesh of the living.

There were so many of them, either a very powerful necromancer was at work, or an ancient curse had truly swept upon the land.

"Stand fast!" Marcus barked at the soldiers, "The dead envy that spark of life you have, that is why they come for you! But it is that spark that will burn them!" He shouted inspirational words, rousing the hearts of the fearful and frightened people of Redcliffe, giving them the courage to fight.

The horde came for them, but now they were ready.

Miara held Dawnbreaker tightly in her hand, charging a fireball in the other. "Set them ablaze!"

Together with Brianna, Neria and Oryrn, they conjured flames and shot them straight at the horde. It was not aimed for the undead directly, but the ground they trotted upon, covered with oil. Though the fireballs were strong with their blaze, all it took was a small spark to create a raging fire.

The lesser undead fell with the flames, disoriented, their bodies too frail to withstand it. The stronger ones marched forth, paying no mind to the flames licking at their figures; they could no longer feel pain.

"Archers!" Marcus roared.

Soon dozens of silver tipped arrows rained down from the rooftops. Hissing, cries, and wails pierced the night as numerous undead fell. However many more remained undeterred as they kept their advance. Loke and Bran growled at their respected masters' sides. Marcus peered to Oryrn, Miara, and Sten who nodded.

"Charge!" The Cousland's voice bellowed he and others did the same and ran forward to meet their foe.

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Lightning, ice, and fire shot through the second gate from Serana, Sarya, and Morrigan. Within moments after the roar from the pier came charging undead from both sides. The three mages at the windmill gave the undead a warm welcome as their spells tore into the horde. Shrieks of pain echoed but figures could be seen not bothered by the attacks. "Get ready!" Serana commanded.

The corpses shambled and run awkwardly, the horde might be mindless that but that did not make them any less dangerous. They did not break their charge no matter how many spells were thrown at them. Serana gathered the fury of the tundra in her hand, unleashing a torrent of cold that literally froze many of the lesser undead in their tracks, turning them into ice statues, many of them tumbling over and shattering.

"Sarya!" Serana shouted for her youngest to her part.

The genius of the arcane chanted in a silent tongue, waving her fingers in intricate patterns as a complex green sigil appeared before her. The ground before the undead's path caved into a sinkhole, quickly being filled by the screeching creatures, they tumbled and fell, but still climbed over each other to reach their targets.

"Sofie!" The vampire called.

The Nordic woman held her greatsword tightly in one hand, her magic coursing through the weapon as fiery red runes shined over the blade, flames igniting. Her teeth bared as a growl escaped her lips, veins pulsing under her skin as her muscles bulged larger, the veins glowing red, her eyes becoming two slits for a moment.

Sofie let out a scream of primal rage, holding her blade high and burying it in the earth until half of it was covered. The ground cracked opened in a straight line, tremendous heat melting earth and rock as sludge filled the sinkhole.

Alistair along with some of the soldiers looked on in awe; "Have I mentioned I am glad your family is on our side?"

"Glad to hear it!" Sofie raised her sword from the ground; "this lava pit will be good for one minute!"

Theron was already firing his bow; "Then best not waste it!" His words hold weight as many undead fell into the molten pit to their demise. Cleverer undead ran around the pit or walked over their melting comrades.

Serana's sword moved like a dance as it slashed through several shambling corpses, but she kept her sharp eyes to the larger figure coming their way towards the entrance. She dodged several bolts of lightning as an Arcane Horror floated towards them. "Well, this won't be a boring night," She quipped.

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Marcus let out a shout, blocking his face with an armored arm. The flash of blue and gold washing over him harmlessly, but the arcane energy still felt unnerving to him. The sound itself drummed painfully in his ears. "Maker's spite!"

"I told you, you have nothing to fear!" Oryrn shouted as he finished off an undead that had survived the holy sword's blast. "Dawnbreaker only harms the undead!"

"Well forgive for instinctively shielding myself against something I could only describe as the Maker himself smiting these things!" The Cousland snapped back, a single slash from his family sword cutting down a burning corpse running towards him.

"Maker's Breath..." One of the knights muttered in disbelief, a sentiment shared by many in the southern front as they watched the dunmer work.

She danced between the undead, her shining blade cutting them down so swiftly, igniting them in a blaze of golden and azure flames. To the mages the weapon's magic felt absolutely unreal, there shouldn't be any single artifact capable of generating THAT much magic and keep going like that indefinitely.

The feeling coming from the sword alone... they could only describe it as 'fury'. The magic from the blade was furious, as though the blade itself was angry.

Neria did admirably at only flinching slightly when the next wave hit. Fortunately the deeper Miara trenched herself in the undead the further away it got. The soldiers at first were terrified, they all were, but the dunmer was doing a magnificent job in single handedly destroying a lot of the undead by herself.

In big part due to her sword, Dawnbreaker.

Miara spun around, her cloak trailing behind her in an arc, dodging the rusted axe of a one-armed undead. Dawnbreaker cut through the ancient tissue and bone, leaving a path of flames. She buried the blade inside the chest of another corpse, this one crumbling to ashes instantly, unable to withstand the sacred sword's power.

With a war cry, she parried away flair of a large armored undead, a more recent one by the looks of it. It slammed a large tower shield towards her, so the dunmer back away, and instead choose to simply cut down another lesser undead behind her.

Dawnbreaker's jewel flared, and the blade unleashed its fury once more.

"Sweet Andraste!" Ser Perth exclaimed as holy fire ignited the undead around Oryrn's mother, sending them in a panic once more. "Be it your gods or the Maker himself, Oryrn, I am grateful your family came to Ferelden!"

"Stay focused Perth!" The dunmeri Templar snarled as he slammed his shield hard on a charging undead. It screeched hitting the ground before growing still from Oryrn sword cloaked in holy fire. "The night is far from over!"

Having switched to his new silverite daggers, Gin flowed around the undead horde slashing any that drew close. At his side Faren was as they cut down their enemies with deadly precision. "Not bad for a duster with barely any meat on his bones!" the dwarf jested while stabbing both his silver daggers into a corpse's chest.

"Coming from a man who comes up to my waist, I am amazed they haven't trampled you yet!" The City Elf severed the head of an armored skeleton.

Faren let a out loud raucous laugh; "HAHAHA! I knew I was going to like you, elf! "

Brianna roared extending her free hand; a fireball blasted forth incinerating several enemies as a predatory smile appeared on her lips. "Now this is fun!"

"You and I see this night very differently," Neria chimed back weaving a healing spell on a few wounded men.

"I do wish you lightened up!" Her longtime human friend remarked back; "How about after this is over we sweet talk some of those handsome knights and-"

"WE ARE NOT DISCUSSING SEX RIGHT NOW!" Brianna whistled witnessing several undead sent flying from her flustered friend sending out a wave telekinetic magic.

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Even if Morrigan disliked their situation, she could not lie in that she didn't enjoy the battlefield in some way. To her, it was a way to express her own power, her superiority. Granted, her enemies were mindless corpses, but it was still enjoyable in its own way.

In fact, in the this fight she tested just how much she had advanced in the Tamrielic arts, conjuring a being of pure flames. Like a mixture between a desire and a rage demon, it danced in the air, casting fireballs and setting undead ablaze with ease. All by her command.

Alistair grunted as he shield bashed an undead, its facial bones cracking under the shield's blow, before finishing it off with a swipe of his blade. Next to him Sereda shielded the blow of a large mace, face twisted with effort as her knees buckled under the weight but she held strong, thrusting her blade through the undead's leg, severing its knee and making it fall under its own weight, it shrieked like a wild animal until she slammed down her shield over the creature's head, splatting its long rotten brain over the ground.

"Good to see someone else sees how shields are for more than blocking!" The Warden jested, standing back to back to the dwarven warrior. "Was starting to feel lonely!"

"I swear you remind me of Faren!" Serana shouted, slashing away at a skeleton. "Only slightly more tolerable!"

A gloved fist shattered through the rustic armor of a skeleton. The bone was not match for Sofie's immense strength as it crumbled to the ground. Near the imposing woman a Templar and knight watch while taking down their own foes. "We may endure this night," the holy warrior remarked.

Sarya growled with her wards up with the Arcane Horror focusing its magic against her. Neither Theron nor Serana could assist her as scores of undead came for both. The Dalish warrior having to forgo his bow for his sword tearing into several enemies. "You are more annoying than a Lich!" The Telvanni growled.

The Horror casted hexes of confusion and terror, but Sarya's mental defenses were strong enough to shrug them off. In retaliation she casted chains of arcane energy sprouting from the ground, holding the Horror. The demon struggled, casting bolts of foul arcane power wildly, Sarya deflected them with a ward as she charged towards it, grasping its twisted face and casting a strong immolation spell, setting the creature ablaze and reducing it to charred corpse.

Theron deftly dodged the sweeping strike of two undead, rolling right between them before standing up behind them and burying his blade on the back of one, and then kicking it away. He deftly caught the skeletal hand of the other undead, stopping its attack, the corpse snapped at him, seeking to bit his flesh off. The dalish scowled at the creature, merely stabbing it under the chin and through the skull. Ripping the weapon from those bony fingers, he arched his arm back and threw the blade with all his strength, the blade piercing the back of a shambling corpse that approached Alistair, earning him a thankful nod from his fellow Warden.

Serana vanished in a blur of red and black, almost like mist, dashing between the corpses as her blade struck in unnatural speed. She was deathly shadow in the night, severing heads of the long dead enemies, this time making sure they would not rise again.

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Loke and Bran were swift as they brought down several undead with their jaws. Around the war hounds Sten and Oryrn had grouped up facing down several corpses. Neither spoke as their weapons and the dunmer's holy magic decimated their enemies. "At the shoreline!" A knight yelled which made both gazed toward the pier.

Rising from the water were three towering undead figures adorned in rustic golden armor. One held a halberd, another with a sword and shield, and the last one a warhammer. Their eyes glowed a malicious crimson as they stalked forward.

A low grunt came from the Tamriel Templar; "Three Revenants. Whoever is doing means business tonight." Qunari and elf took note of the trio breaking off; with the sword and shield undead going towards Marcus. The halberd coming towards them, and the warhammer Revenant begun to charge for Miara.

Oryrn held his ebony sword firm as it glowed in holy fire; "Let's send these poor bastards back to the grave." Sten nodded soon taking stance with his greatsword.

An aedric spear form on Oryrn's grasp before soaring towards the undead. The greater undead staggered momentarily, but resumed its march, snarling and letting out a bloodcurdling cry. Sten brought down his sword in downwards swing, but the revenant blocked it with the halberd's shaft. The Qunari growled as the tides shifted, slowly finding himself overpowered as the creature pushed him back. The Sten was not used to facing physically superior opponents, but he would not relent.

Oryrn swiftly charged, his ebony blade piercing its side from an opening in the ancient plate, making the creature cry out with a loud shrill as the holy energies of the blade burnt it. But it once more proved its status as a greater undead by enduring it, even as Sten took the initiative and pushed the undead back with a powerful kick.

Quickly recovering the undead thrust its hand, dark red magic gathering as it sent the qunari flying back with a powerful telekinetic burst. The halberd suddenly burned with purple flames, and with a diagonal swing sent a slash of arcane fury towards the holy templar, who barely casted a ward in time to weather the blow, though his barrier shattered on impact, making him stagger back.

Marcus grunted with effort avoiding the shield of the Revenant that came for him. It was proving a smarted opponent, deftly avoiding several strikes from his silverite blades. His attacks being met by the beast's ancient shield, and its speed were also deceptively quick with its sword hand.

Close by Miara was using her agility and quickness to avoid the blows of her opponent's warhammer. The Dunmer snarled as the undead giant purposely avoided Dawnbreaker while attacking at the same time. "Whoever is doing this is paying attention now!" She roared as the Revenant slammed its hammer down once more. The elf leapt on the top of it before taking a big jump over the monster. Maneuvering herself through the air she brought down her holy blade into the beast's back and into its rotten heart.

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At the Chantry some of the militia men flinched upon hearing the inhuman shriek that came near the main road. At the front of the men, Bann Teagan (in full plate armor) and Shale observed the battles going on; "They are getting smarter." The human noble remarked grimly; "they know where and on who to focus on"

Dwyn grunted; "This is a damn sodding night."

"But with Light Bringer and his family along with the Wardens we should be alright!" A hopeful farm boy remarked holding a spear.

Murdoch sent a sharp look to the lad; "Don't presume anything."

"I'm a damn bar owner Murdoch! I'm not a fighter!" Lloyd snarled at the mayor.

Before the Bann could silence them, the militia grew distracted by the shimmering glow from the crystals on the golem's back and shoulders. Flickering like a harbor beacon transmitting a code.

"Um, is it supposed to do that?" One of the volunteers asked.

The golem let out a sigh, the cracks on his face twisting to show a very life-like frown. "And for one night I wanted to avoid having rotten guts spill all over me" The golem turned to the side, surprising the Bann and his troops as the great stony being marched towards the path that lead to the pier. "Alas, 'twas too much to ask it seems"

The water rippled, heralding movement, something was underneath the lake and coming closer. Teagan's eyes widened as more corpses rose out from the waters in a nightmarish scene, wet carcasses of skeletons and rotten bodies climbed over the docks and shambled towards not the warriors, but to the Chantry!

"More are coming from the lake!" Teagan shouted, waving his sword and signaling the militia. "Pikemen center and front, archers behind!"

Though inexperienced yet organized, the militia soldiers armed with rudimentary but effective leather armor, armed with the silver tipped spears and arrows, and blades, stood in formation. They obeyed the Bann's orders without question, even if they felt fear, the arrival of the Wardens, their defense of their beloved village, their training and arming of their fighting, had all bolstered their morale tremendously, they would not fail.

"Archers, support the golem! Front line, take care of the stragglers!"

Shale's fist smacked together, the green crystals on them shining and emanating a soft magical mist. The lesser undead were truly mindless creatures driven by basic instincts, they saw a large juggernaut of a stone creature and decided to attack it anyway. Though Shale had a penchant for squishing, undead were such dull creatures that it made the fighting somewhat less enjoyable. With their dumb minds that could not even grasp fear, those rotten disgusting innards that would no doubt be staining the cracks on his body for days to come.

Well at least they squished as good as any other inferior meat bag.

A large stone fist ripped away the head of one of those damnable zombies cleanly. Old armor cracked and dented massively under his heavy blows, shuttering bones and organs. One hit that was all it took to destroy most of the creatures that came his way, weapons bounced off the stone body harmlessly, and the golem was an unstoppable walking siege engine that could easily face a large number of the horde without any trouble.

Arrows soared above Shale, stricken down the undead far behind, as the pikemen shouted, thrusting their spears at the corpses that neared close to their defensive line. Most of the undead were easily being handled by Shale, taking a great deal of pressure off them.

A skull was crashed to bits the moment Shale got his massive hand on it. He grabbed the legs of the now unmoving corpse and began swatting away at any charging zombie foolish enough to get close, the impromptu club lost parts of its body with each target it hit, leaving only the legs held in the golem's grasp.

Shale frowned as a group of more heavily armed undead finally emerged from the lake, no doubt it had taken them far longer to cross the water dressed in such heavy armor. Their wet forms marched towards the golem, red eyes blazing behind the slits on the helmets. The golem smashed his fists together, making the green gems shines more brightly, raising his fists above his head, and he slammed the ground with all its might. The magic charged from those large stone fists to the earth bellow, sending shocks and tremors that cracked the ground open, making the undead knights stumble and fall.

One quickly tried to get up in the uneven terrain, but the moment it raised its head all it saw was the large stone foot hanging above him. The foot descended, followed by the squishing sound of fluids and cracking bones.

Berwick Shot an arrow into several charging undead; "Will I at least avoid torture for helping you out Bann Teagan!?"

"So long as you weren't involved in poisoning my brother alongside that rat in the cell;" The noblemen finished off his current opponent. "But we are still having a long talk Berwick!"

Murdoch brought down his silver war axes with a roar before releasing a loud gasp. A shrill that sounded more like a woman came to his right as he saw Lloyd falling to the ground holding a badly wounded arm. His eyes however were wide with fear as an armored skeleton stood over him raising up its rusted greatsword.

The end did not come for the bar owner as a large pike shot through the skeleton's body shattering it. Said pike came from their golem warrior who had picked off the weapon from a fallen undead threw it with outstanding speed and strength. Lloyd only heaved as the village mayor came to him; "You alright?!"

"If I survive this Murdoch, Bella can have the bloody bar! I am done with this damn village!"

Well, least that was one good thing that came out of this mess.

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When night came upon Redcliffe, only two places were safe as a refuge. The village itself and Fort Connor which housed many people from the Hinterlands and who could not seek shelter in the village for being too full. Its mighty gates held fast against the clamoring undead who attempting to force their way inside and kill the living within.

But for this night. None had approach the gates as dragon fire turned the corpses to ashes from the enormous ruby wyrm that flew in the skies above. Soldiers, Templars, and knights in the fort's courtyard along with civilians watched in awe and terror. A man with short brown hair, fair skin, and scruffy face adorned in plate armor kept his gaze on the dragon.

At his side an elven child looked on in awe; "Did the dragon come to save us Ser Donall?"

"It... appears so little one."

The dead rising from their graves, a mysterious curse taking over the lands, and now, a dragon swooping down to save them from the walking corpses.

Truly, the Maker sent strange signs.

"Restless and profane, hear my Voice and return to the endless slumber!" A mighty, thunderous voice echoed through the night, the roars returning in full forces as the winged creature in the distance rained down fire to the dead.

Even with the roars and flames, there was a deafening silence. "Was it just me... or did that dragon just 'speak'?" Another knight slowly spoke.

Truly strange signs...

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Neria shouted as she assisted Marcus in his bout with the Revenant, she called forth a strong barrier to defend him against the greater undead's blows and spells, fortified his stamina and vitality, letting him fight with renewed vigor. It showed in his movements, attacking with such speed and precision as though the entire night had not tired him in the least.

His blades clashed against the Revenant's own sword, ringing against the great circular shield as the undead held up his defense against the warrior empowered by his comrade's spells.

Combined that with the enchantments to the new armor from Miara. The former noble felt like a feather in the wind. He ducked under the undead knight's shield getting behind the monster. His blades slashed through the Revenants waist cloak and armor. It shrieked in pain as it fell forward onto its hands and knees. But had little time to recover as Engeram severed its head, killing the undead completely as the body fell limp to the ground.

"My thanks Neria!" He shouted over before running over to aid Oryrn and Sten.

Sten roared as he brought down his greatsword upon the greater undead, the tall corpse raised its halberd and unleashed a burst of lightning. Electricity coursed through the qunari's quivering form, before being thrown back by a much stronger blast of lightning. The enchantments on his armor to resist magic were what allowed him to survive the attack, but he was still weakened, Sten struggled to even get up.

The Revenant tried to seize this chance and finish him off, when Oryrn appeared to protect the qunari, raising his shield to defend him against the undead's halberd. The revenant struck and struck relentlessly, letting out an unnatural shrill cry as dark flames covered its blade. Oryrn quickly casted a holy ward through his shield, the spell rippling like water as the dark burning blade impacted, sending swaths of arcane flame everywhere.

Oryrn couldn't retaliate just yet, Sten's weak struggling form behind him could barely move, he could only keep casting the barrier to depend his comrade, hoping his magicka reserves could outlast the undead's.

Suddenly, the undead stopped his attack, letting out a cry as an engraved silverite blade pierced its stomach. Marcus twisted Engeram inside the undead, but all it did was enrage it further. A blow to his face with its armored hand was enough to send him flying back, the sword still stuck in the creature. The noble born spat out some blood, watching as the Revenant approached with a hateful glare.

Suddenly, a blast of gold, the beast staggered as a golden spear stuck through its shoulder, then another, and another, Oryrn threw javelin after javelin in quick succession, forcing the undead to its knees. Marcus swiftly stood up, running up to the creature, pulling out his family blade and decapitating it with a mighty swing.

"Damn good job you dusters!" Faren cheered with a laugh.

Both he and Gin ran over after they had finished off their remaining enemies. Sheathing his own sword Oryrn turned to the Qunari who regained his bearings, fully stood once more; "Are you alright?" Sten gave a low grunt but nodded. Patting the taller man's shoulder he turned to Marcus who retrieved his sword; "Impressive skills, Cousland!"

"Same to you, Redoran!" Marcus huffed as Brianna and Neria soon joined them. "Was that all of them?"

Once more a blast of holy fire was seen near the piers, Miara's magical sword at work once more. It would soon be it seemed.

Falling onto his backside, Gin groaned; "That might have been the last of them I think."

"It was." The group turned as they saw Sereda and Serana along with their companions striding towards them. The dwarf grinned as she spoke once more; "I think we finally turned the tide."

Alistair came beside Gin sitting down on the ground; "By Andraste I hope so."

Walking away from the piers Miara sheathed her blade before taking a deep breathe; "Zeymah!" Her voice shook the very lands as she roared; "Los fin golt stin?! (Are the lands free!?)"

A deafening roar shook the very ground once more as Odahviing now flew above the village; "Nust los stin! (They are free)!" The great ruby dragon bellowed back.

Her companions and the soldiers who had fought at their side looked at the dunmer; Marcus approached her, exhaustion clear on his face. She gave him a reassuring nod, which made his shoulders drop, letting out a long sigh as relief washed over him.

He turned to face the soldiers, raising his sword to let out a victorious cheer, letting them know the battle was won.

The air that night for once was not filled with the cries of loss and pain, but the exuberant shouts of victory.

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Redcliffe awoke the morning after not with fear and grief, but with joy and celebration. There was not a single casualty from the night before, as if the Maker himself had delivered victory unto them. His aid arriving in the form of the Wardens and their allies.

Teagan crowned them champions, the heroes Redcliffe had needed in their hour of need. Many in their party took the heartfelt thanks and praise from the crowd with grace; others like Neria were pretty overwhelmed with this sensation. The young mage tried to made herself scarce, not knowing how to deal with so many people showering her with praise.

"I can't deal with this..." The elven mage said, wishing to be anywhere else but here. Mages usually did not do well with crowds.

Miara and Serana's son Oryrn gave her a friendly nudge, "You get used to it"

"I'd rather not"

The tall elf gave her a gentle pat on the shoulder; "If I'm being honest I don't like crowds either." He gently chuckled. "Could tell you about few balls I escaped from."

A snorted laugh came from the younger elf before peering near the Redcliffe wall. More specifically to Odahviing perched on it, looking down at the village's festivities with indifference; "At least it only took an hour to convince people he wouldn't eat any of them."

"I don't think it hit them just yet," Gin remarked beside them. "These folks are just happy to be alive and safe."

That was true enough, after the cheering had died down the night before Miara had explained to the Redcliffe residents that Odahviing was no threat. This was verified by Bann Teagan and Ser Donall who ran back to the village once it was safe. So at present the ruby dragon's presence was being taken with wary stride as the people celebrated.

Leaning against a home, Morrigan kept her distance among the people and her companions save Miara who was eating an apple beside her. "I had figured you would take part of this drivel of praising."

"Had my fill of it thirty years ago."

"Look at them, celebrating like this victory was their own" The witch said in distaste. "They're only alive because of us"

"It was kind of you to help them" Miara simply said.

"Ugh, I did NOT want to help these people. I just find myself dragged into whatever pointless endeavor this inane party of ours sets to do because I'm outnumbered in my opinion"

"Sure" Miara shrugged, taking another bite.

Her golden eyes narrowed, "I hope you do not come to the foolish notion that I might actually, on some level, entertain the thought that the weak should be coddled"

"Wouldn't even cross my mind"

The swamp witch didn't' know why, but there was just something in the dunmer's tone that irritated her to wit's end. "Well I can see I won't find any like-minded companionship here" She said, going off to find a quiet spot in the village.

"I'm sure Loke and Bran wouldn't mind more of the treats you give them" Miara fought back a smirk as the witch froze momentarily, before huffing in irritation and storming off. It had been a while since she had this much fun teasing someone of Morrigan's mentality. Their cold outlook on the world was always so fun to thaw out.

"Charming little witch isn't she?" Serana spoke, appearing out of seemingly nowhere, to wrap an arm over the dunmer's shoulder. "Reminds me of some forsworn we've met"

"With less human sacrifice"

"So far"

"Our young mage friends of these lands have amazing talent. I truly want to see how far they can go," Miara bit into her apple. "Perhaps even be better people for it"

A scoff came from the vampire; "Oh you are such a bleeding heart my love."

"I know~"

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Also keeping a good distance from the celebration was Theron who quietly drank one of the many free beverages given by the now new tavern owner Bella. It was still unusual to be thanked by humans, strange to be honest. He wasn't outright rude to any who came to him, but he much rather they gave him his privacy.

Save of course the one person who seemed hell-bent on driving him insane. "I wonder what that Bella girl looks like without all those clothes," Theron rolled his eyes while Sarya purred beside him. "I mean look at those breasts."

"I gather you don't care for whom you share your bed with," Theron quipped in a dry tone. His words being meant as an insult.

And of course she just kept on talking; "Well I'm not my elven mom, she really has a thing for Argonian and Khajiit men."

The dalish set down his mug with a disgusting expression, vividly remembering the images shown to him and the clans about those lizard and cat folk. "Your mother is a deviant"

"Yeah" Sarya replied, like it was an obvious thing.

"Gods I wish I was back with my clan..."

"Back to Meeeeeeerrill, you mean~" She teased him like a child, poking him in the arm and everything. "Cause you liiiiiiike her~"

"Aren't you older than me?" Theron growled in irritation. "Why do you behave like a little girl?"

"Well for one, I'm eventually going to be older than everyone. Leading to that point, cause life would be boring otherwise"

"Wonderful. You annoy me just to amuse yourself" The dalish thought of how to fight back at her foolish prodding, but considering who his assailant was, it'd just end in failure. "Don't you have better things to do?"

"Maybe. But I consider this very important" She said matter of factly.

Theron rolled his eyes, "The oh so wise and mighty mage considers it a big part of her day to drive her 'lessers' insane"

"Well I'm just doing what I promised Merrill"

His mug was halfway to his lips when he stopped, blinking a few times and looking at her confusedly. "What?"

"Merrill" The dunmer woman replied, tilting her head to the side. "I promised I would keep you company. So you don't feel alone"

Theron stared at the older elf who smiled; "'I know Theron can be a little unpleasant with you. But I know you're a sweet and kind person who looks out for everyone. So please look after him for me.' As she put it." The Dalish warrior blinked; "And may come to a shock to you. But I always keep my promises."

He... really could not figure this woman out. Was she insufferable on purpose or does she not know how to converse with people properly? As much as just listening to her gave him a headache, her eyes shone with pure sincerity. Maybe it took someone like Merrill to be able to just be around her and endure her antics.

"I will never understand you," Theron muttered rubbing his eyes.

"Well it would be boring if you could."

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Loud barks echoed around the village alongside the laughter and joy of children. Marcus grinned as he sat the chantry steps observing Bran and Loke running around with the children following. "That is a good sight isn't it?" the voice of Teagan garnered his attention as he turned to see the Bann sit beside him.

"A sight I hope to see with my children someday," the Cousland remarked with a grin before turning serious; "Anything from Berwick?"

"He was only here to spy on the Hinterlands and Redcliffe for Loghain. Shale proved a resourceful tool to see if a person was lying."

Of that he no doubt. "Does he know anything about the poison used?"

"No" The bann said with disappointment. "This leads me to ask your aid to enter the castle, Marcus. Your mages tell me the castle is... warded, they can't see what's happening inside. They used a lot of words I don't understand" He rubbed his temple slightly. Yes, Marcus sometimes struggled to follow conversations regarding arcane matters. "Gather your companions by the windmill, so long as whatever is happening in the castle continues, Redcliffe will not be safe"

The Cousland softly groaned as he stood up, he had not rested as much as he should have from the night before, but they didn't have the luxury of a good night's rest. A serviceable one had to do. "We'll get to the bottom of this" He promised the bann.

Teagan nodded his thanks and walked away. Leaving Marcus to begin looking for his party members.

"Out of the anvil and into the smelter" The voice of his dwarven friend spoke as she approached him, she was out of her heavy plates, wearing a simple linen shirt and pants fit for a dwarven woman, clearly having heard his conversation with the bann. "I don't envy your responsibility, my friend" A country split, the Blight bearing down on them all, and to top it all off, the world itself throwing obstacle after obstacle in their paths.

"Someone has to do it" Marcus simply said, waving for her to accompany him.

Sereda chuckled as she followed; "Ever the hero, like in the stories you loved talking about when we were children."

"I do wonder how Calenhad the Great would have handled this mess."

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Odahviing observed the gathering of his Briinah and her family, along with the joor companions of this strange land to the village's windmill. Faren gazed up at the great ruby beast who stared back. "Never thought I'd ever see a sodding dragon." the rogue dwarf's eyes were wide as he soon shrugged; "But then again never thought I'd ever be out of Orzammar."

"Are you most certain it is not a bird?" Shale remarked; "It perches like one."

A low growl came from the Dovah; "Dragon fire can melt rock. Care to experience that construct?"

"Drem..." Though Miara's voice was soft, it carried weight that resonated between the Golem and Dragon which both turned to her; "No killing each other please?"

"'Killing' would imply this thing's alive" The red dragon snorted at the golem, "And that it could even harm me"

While Shale's glare did nothing, Miara's certainly did. The dragon obeyed his overlord and relented, Serana snorted openly at how tight a leash her lover often kept the dragon in line.

"Let's try to keep the village from burning shall we?" Alistair's jovial voice spoke up as he and several others of their companions, "We've only just saved it last night"

"Odahviing likes to pretend he doesn't care, but I think he truly is a big softie" Leliana said, hands folded together as they softly grasped.

"Yeeeah, no" Sofie droned, "Unless he personally likes you, Odah is content to leave you to your fate"

"I like to believe there is goodness in everyone, even dragons" The bard said ever so sweetly and positively.

"Then your beliefs are as your songs, sweet on the ears but ultimately transient" The dragon said with intention of openly offending her.

It had the opposite effect, "Awww, I didn't know you liked my songs" She sounded genuinely touched.

"What?" It was honestly hilarious to see the dragon taken aback. "Did you even hear what I just said, mortal? Bah it is true what the elders say; the minds of poets and minstrels are like riddles"

A small giggle emanated from Sarya which only drew a sigh from Theron. Marcus turned his gaze to Sereda; "Lovely people I've been traveling with aren't they?"

"Well, considering I've been around Faren for a while now. They are breath of fresh air." The said roguish dwarf let out a pained whine holding his heart as if wounded. "See."

Sten only muttered something in qunlat as Brianna adjusted her armor; "I swear it feels like I'm wearing nothing with this new gear." While overall resembling Warden Armor, there were mark differences since they were made from Tamriel material. Never mind the enchantments. For Alistair and the other Wardens, this had to be the best gear they ever had.

"I know if feels like silk," Neria beamed looking down.

Miara grinned; "Glad you like it."

Choosing not to hear the idle babble of her colleagues, Morrigan looked ahead at the castle. Whoever set the wards over it was impressive. But lacked the refinement of an experienced mage.

"Hmph" The witch tapped her chin. "For whatever is causing this to affect a region as large as the Hinterlands..."

Though she was just thinking out loud, Neria added her own opinion in the matter. "Either a group of demons or a very powerful one must have taken root in the castle"

"Are there even demons that strong?" Gin asked, not liking the prospect one bit.

"Certainly" Neria said without preamble. "Some are strong enough to control entire areas of the Fade because they embody very wide and strong concepts. There have been recorded instances in which a single demon has been able to influence the dreams of mortals in a region as large as a city and the surrounding areas, perhaps even a country"

Well, that brought Miara unpleasant memories of Vaermina...

"But that's dreams, Neri" The Amell pointed out worriedly. "A demon of that caliber would need to be in the physical world to be able to revive undead from miles away. The thought that there might be one in Redcliffe is-"

"Terrifying" The young Cousland finished for her, a wary look in his eyes as he gazed at the castle in the distance.

"I've been trying to scry the place, but the veil of magic surrounding it is too thick" Sarya commented, lifting her hands in exasperation. "No doubt, we have a greater demon in our hands"

"Can you banish the demon?" Marcus asked the mages.

"If we can find whatever's tying it to this realm, then it's possible" The swamp witch addressed.

"I'm glad to hear you all have an idea of what to do" Bann Teagan was suddenly heard as he approached the group, once more wearing his plate and chainmail. "For I certainly have no experience when it comes to demons"

"And this is why keeping court mages is a good idea..." Brianna muttered under her breath.

Behind the Bann with Ser Perth and Donall; "Since we disposed the last of the undead, all that remains is entering the castle," Donall spoke with wary concern; "We don't even know if Arlessa Isolde or young Master Connor are alright."

That drew Marcus's attention; "I noticed they weren't in the village. Where were they last?"

"In the castle, Isolde and Connor both refused to leave Eamon's side," Teagan huffed with concern; "Because of the undead, and the wards over the castle I don't even know if my family is alright!" The young noble tried to reign in his emotions. Yet they bled through his tired visage.

The senior Warden and former Templar came over to the Bann's side; "Don't lose heart. We will find them Teagan."

"I pray you're right Alistair." The grinding of metal grabbed everyone's attention as the large metal gates of the castle begun to rise; "Now what devilry awaits us?" The Bann dryly jested

Squinting his eyes a bit Gin saw three figures behind the gate; "Looks like we will find out."

As the gate fully lifted, a woman dressed in fine clothes began to walk across the bridge with two guards in the same style of armor as Perth and Donall. The woman looked around in her thirties with fair flawless skin, and brunette hair in a bun though loose. Her almond eyes widened as she near the windmill; "Teagan!" She spoke in a very Orlesian accent before screaming and stopping along with her guards at the sight of Odahviing gazing at her.

"Isolde!" The man cried out in surprise and relief at the sight of his sister-in-law. He approached her, but the woman and her guards back away in terror at the sight of the dragon. Those familiar enough with the reptilian facial features of a dragon could tell that Odahviing was enjoying the frightened sight of the noble woman and her entourage. Teagan lifted his hands placating as he gently reached her shoulders to put her at east. "Isolde, it's alright. The dragon is... with the people who helped save the village" He comfortingly said.

"I... I don't understand" The woman looked on the verge of a panic attack.

"Trust me; I have trouble believing it myself. Just trust me" He said with humor in his voice, overjoyed to see her alive and well. "But Maker you're a sight for sore eyes!"

The noble woman's gaze traveled to the dragon before going over the large and rather colorful party made up of so many different people. The fact that there was a great red dragon perched like a bird made her go over the fact that there were three grey skinned elves.

"I... If you say it so, then I believe you, Teagan" Isolde finally said, clearly still trying to come to terms with the revelation.

"What happened?" The bann asked her, "What's going on in the castle?" His eyes grew frightened, "Are my brother and Connor okay?" Did Eamon's condition worsen in the intervening time? Maker if that was the case then his brother would be on death's door right now...

"Eamon yet lives, and... so does Connor" The way she stumbled on her words did not go unnoticed by some of the party members. "I managed to escape the castle to seek it aid, quickly, we need to go back!" She tried tugging at his hand but he remained firm.

"You want to go back now?" Marcus said incredulously, stepping forward, "Lady Isolde you're our only clue as to what's happening in the castle, you need to tell us more"

Her eyes widened momentarily, "Marcus?" She said in surprise at the sight of the youngest of Bryce's youngest son. "I-I know it's hard to understand, but we only have a short time. Teagan can help, but he needs to come with me alone"

"Now THAT sounds like a terrible idea" The Senior Warden of the party pointed out what everyone was thinking. And the moment he spoke the arlessa's eyes soon shifted from surprise to irritation and barely contained loathing.

"Alistair, you're here too?" She sounded extremely displeased with the fact.

Though he grinned; those who knew Alistair could tell he was trying not to sneer; "Pleasure to see you again too Lady Isolde."

"I thought you were with the Templars, why are you back in Redcliffe?"

"I'm actually a Gray Warden now if you must know. And despite everything Redcliffe is my home as much as it is yours." The young man's words grew biting as he tried to hold in his rousing anger.

Walking up to the nobles, stepping in front of a surprised Alistair. Miara sharply glared at the human woman with a deep scowl. "This young man risked his life to keep this land and its people safe. He has more than earned the respect of those around him. And not your contempt, little girl."

"GIRL!?"

A snort came from Serana; "You always could sweet talk the nobility, love."

"My mother knows how to make a first impression," Oryrn droned rubbing his eyes beside Neria and Brianna.

"If we could please keep things civilized" Teagan interjected, stepping between the women and looking at his sister-in-law. "Why do you need me to go alone?"

"I..." The arlessa stammered, clearly at a loss. "I can't explain at the moment. You just need to trust me, please Teagan"

Great, this was a trap if there ever was one, Miara thought as she fumed to herself.

The bann let out a sigh as he patiently spoke, "Just let me talk to our allies here. And I promise I'll go"

"What?" Marcus couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Teagan you can't just-!"

"I made my choice" The older noble said in a tone that broke no arguments. He looked at Isolde once more, "Just a few minutes, and we'll go"

"Oh thank you" The woman let out a breath of outmost relief. "Blessed Andraste, thank you"

Teagan nodded with a soft smile, and the moment Isolde and her guards turned to give them some room to talk, the gesture disappeared, turning to the Wardens and their allies with outmost severity. "Yes I know; this is all extremely suspicious." He said before they could overwhelm him with arguments. "But I need to get into the castle, and... maybe it is best if I cooperate with Isolde"

"Bann Teagan, with all due respect" Neria spoke, concern evident in her eyes. "This is insane"

"We don't know what's happening inside" Brianna added, "She could be enthralled for all we know!"

"She looked fairly cognitive for a thrall if that was the case" Morrigan threw in her two septims.

Serana shook her head, "If the caster is talented enough, a thrall can appear and act no different than a regular person" As a vampire, she would know after all.

The bann covered ran a hand over his goatee, eyes shifting as he pondered their next course of action. "Here's what we'll do" Teagan said, "One way or another I originally was going to give you instructions to enter the castle"

"Wait" Gin frowned, "You had a way to enter all along?" Many of the group shared his surprise, exchanging surprised and questioning looks all along.

"There is a secret passage, connected to this windmill right here" Teagan said, looking over his shoulder to make sure Isolde was at a good distance and couldn't overhear. "It leads straight to the dungeons. The reason I hadn't gone already myself was because of the undead attacking, I couldn't just leave the village unattended. And I needed every able bodied soldier I could muster right here"

...Rare thing to find good and just nobles. And Teagan was proving to be as good a man as Bryce was. Miara folded her arms under her bust; "Alright, go with Isolde but extremely careful. We didn't survive last night to lose one the few good men this country has left."

"I am flattered Lady Miara," He gave a quick smile before turning serious to Donall and Perth; "Guide them through the castle. Any evil that you come across send it back to the Fade."

"Sir." Both knights gave a short bow and salute.

A low whimper came from Bran; "I'm worried too, boy." Neria whispered patting her dog's head.

Giving a final nod, but a hopeful look, the Bann soon went to Isolde and the guards and walked back into the castle. "I don't like this. We're going in blind," Marcus remarked.

"We have to have faith milord," Ser Perth spoke up gazing to everyone; "You all have earned the respect and trust of Redcliffe. So I only ask that none of you speak of this hidden route into the castle to anyone."

"Our lips are sealed Perth," Oryrn addressed for everyone; "Let us finish this nightmare and see that it never happens again." Loke let out a bark in agreement.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Now this was familiar scenery for Miara, a long, narrow, smelly and more than a little damp passage. Ahhhh how many countless times had she delved through these in her time raiding and plundering tombs for their treasures. Such a nostalgic feeling it brought.

"Why can't more human constructions be more like this?" Sereda shared the sentiment evidently. "You surfacers could learn a lot from building nice, sturdy things underground.

Though not everyone was so thrilled. "UGH!" Brianna gagged, "It smells. WHY does it smell so much?"

"We're under the lake" Serana explained, "Humidity is strong here"

"Ohhh mushroom" Faren said jovially, eying a particular kind of large shroom growing on the walls.

"Don't you dare" The dwarven lass warned, "Last thing we need is you seeing flying nugs"

"In my case, I see flying mammoths" Sofie said in jest.

Gin gave her a curious look, "What's a mammoth?"

"It's like an elephant with fur"

"Ah... what's an elephant?"

"Giant quadrupeds with tusks and a long trunk for a nose" The Surana explained without missing a beat. "They live in very hot and arid regions, like the northwest of Thedas. Tevinter actually employs them as a type of heavy cavalry unit" The city elf gave her a very strange look, wondering just how she came about that knowledge. "I read a lot"

"More like you read half of the Circle's library," Brianna droned; "Least you don't act like you own it like Finn."

Neria gave her friend a chiding look; "Finn's not that bad."

"Does he compare to Urag?" Sarya interjected between the two.

At that the two young ladies were silent before looking at each other; "Finn's not really scary." Neria mumbled.

Bri deadpanned; "And still very much alive and not a ghost."

Theron and Alistair looked back at the two mages; "I am afraid to even ask." The dalish remarked garnering a nod from the former Templar.

Loke and Bran sniffed around as Ser Perth and Donall led the way. "The air feels too still," Sten quipped as he kept his eyes moving around them.

"Glad I wasn't the only one feeling the same," Oryrn addressed in a hushed tone.

"We're inside the demon's sphere of influence" Sarya pointed out, "We have to be careful, more demons could manifest inside the castle"

They reached the end of the passage, the uneven rocks of the tunnel clashing against a well-built brick wall; next to it was a level, which was pulled by Ser Perth with a soft grunt. Hidden gears and pulleys activated, the wall shaking as it slid down into the ground, revealing a chamber beyond with rows of barred cells. The whole area was dark and poorly lit, aged bricks nearly black in coloration.

"Here we are; the dungeons" Ser Donall said as the large party entered the chamber. "From here we'll need to up to main floor"

"Where do you think Teagan and lady Isolde would be?" Alistair asked.

"Possibly near the main hall, lord Eamon is in his chamber which is nearby so-"

Suddenly, a meek voice echoed from inside one of the cells. "H-Hello? Who's there?"

The knights exchanged a surprised look which quickly morphed to disdain. "And of course he survived this ordeal..."

But their surprise was nothing compared to the shock evident in Neria's and Brianna's eyes, the sheer improbability of the situation made deny it could be 'him'. But there was no mistaking that voice. With hurried steps they forced their way pass the group to stand before the cell where the voice had come from. Once they saw inside they gasped, Neria covering her mouth while Brianna slowly shook her head.

"Maker, it can't be..." The elf's mutter was muffled behind her hands.

Brianna's mouth moved and closes before she finally mustered the words. "Jowan?"

Inside the cell was their old friend, his robes ragged and torn in places, his skin pale, like hadn't eaten or slept properly in days. He looked at them in astonishment from his spot on the corner, before quickly getting up with a stumble. "Neria, Bri! I'm so happy to see you-"

"Not a step closer" The sheer coldness in Brianna's voice, the loathing in her eyes, was enough to stop him in his tracks. "We have not forgotten what you did"

"I..."

"Why are you here?" She asked him before directing her question to one of the knights. "Why is he here?"

"You know him?" Sir Perth shook away with confusion before answering. "He's the one who poisoned the arl"

"What!?" Neria's eyes could not have gotten any wider.

Amell was also in shock before a pronounce frown formed on her lips and turned back to Jowan. She lifted a hand and gestured with her finger for her old 'friend' to come closer.

A low gulp came from Jowan; he has seen Brianna angry before. But rather terrified of the intense glare coming from her. Slowly he crept forward near the door till Bri's arm reached through the bars and hand grabbed his collar. Before the man could even react his head smashed into the iron bars. Jowan shrieked collapsing onto the ground holding his now broken nose. "What the bloody hell!?" He hissed out in pain.

"I should be asking that!" Bri snapped back with a snarl; "Blood magic, then running off leaving me, Neria, and Lily to be punished by Greagoir!" Her voice progressively growing louder and more enraged. "Now you poisoned the Arl of Redcliffe for that fucking traitor Loghain! Have you lost your fucking mind?!" Her chest heaved, sucking in as much air as she could, her rage filled gaze never wavered.

At her words Jowan winced and shrunk under Bri's stare. Each word felt like a hot spike driven into his heart, and it was deserved. But what also gripped his shame was the disappointment and grief that shone in Neria's eyes.

Faren turned to Gin with a hushed voice; "She is pissed."

"I noticed."

"Um, can you fill the rest of us in on this fellow Bri?" Alistair spoke as he walked over to the girls with Perth, Donall, and Marcus in tow. Miara slowly followed along with Serana.

The Amell shot a glare to the former Templar who nearly recoiled but it swiftly returned to the man in the cell; "This is the arsehole responsible for me and Neria becoming Wardens. We grew up together in the Circle, Neria and I thought him as family, we were always there for each other… a kindness he did not repay" Each word was filled with venom, seeking to hurt the man as much as he had hurt them. She took pleasure in seeing it was working.

The city elf got a better look at the young man behind bars, swearing softly under his breath. "Shit it's him..." He recognized him from the brief time on the Tower, hard to forget after the stunt he pulled.

Marcus quickly marched to stand before the cell, Alistair following closely behind. "You work for Loghain. Explain, now" His commanding voice broke no arguments.

"The... The Templars eventually caught me in Denerim, but Teyrn Loghain and his agents found me. Told me I could have a better life if I helped him save the nation" Jowan admitted with shame in his voice, he knew what he had done.

"But poisoning Arl Eamon?" Alistair demanded; not understanding why the mage would be willing to do such a thing. He looked so weak and pathetic, almost harmless. "Why would you agree to that?"

"It was Teyrn Loghain, the Hero of River Dane" The mage said as though it was obvious. "The man's a hero of the nation, I-I thought he must have his reasons..."

"I'm afraid any semblance of reason has long since left his mind" Marcus darkly replied. "He abandoned the king to his death, and then blamed the Wardens, calling them conspirators"

The young mage wince, "Yes so... so I came to learn in my time here"

Brianna let out a long growling sigh through her nostrils, pacing slightly as she tried to keep her thoughts in order. Neria merely stood there, watching her old friend with a betrayed and pained look. Jowan could not even meet her gaze out of shame.

"Okay" The Amell said as she settled down, "How were you able to poison the arl in the first place?" Such a high ranking noble would have tons of security and guards to keep him safe, there was no way a mage with no talent in infiltration such as Jowan could ever manage to get even ten feet near the man.

"Loghain's people figured the perfect way for me to get close. The arlessa herself hired me"

His response cause many a pair of eyes to widen in confusion, "Isolde did what?" Marcus muttered before facing the mage once again, "For what purpose?"

Jowan's next answer replaced any confusion the party had with shock, his words icing the veins of many present. "She needed someone to tutor her son... he's a mage"

"Connor?!" Marcus was taken aback by that.

Alistair swiftly peered over to Donall and Perth who did not meet his gaze; "You two knew?!" Everyone looked to the two knights.

"The Arl and Arlessa made us swear never to make it public," Perth spoke in shame.

Donall sighed; "His magic manifested some time ago. Arlessa Isolde was both horrified and shamed."

The last word drew Sarya's attention; "Shamed? Of her own son?" Anger roused in her voice.

"Lady Isolde is a deeply pious woman," Jowan spoke up as he healed his nose.

At that Alistair nodded; "I can attest to that, the woman is a pure devote of the Chantry."

"Lovely, so she is an indoctrinated sheep," Morrigan muttered out loud earning a few glares. "Yet she refused to follow certain edicts where they see children off to the gilded cages they have for all mages."

Ser Perth conceded with a nod; "Yes."

"Do you know how dangerous that is!?" Alistair spoke up as his Templar training took hold.

Pieces began falling into place like a puzzle in Miara's mind, the dunmer quickly arriving at a horrified realization. She looked at the young man, who to his credit did not look too shocked at her own appearance, what he went through had hardened him to something so inconsequential.

Her red eyes narrowed in concern, "The boy, Connor, he called a demon didn't he?"

The Dragonborn's words made the others quickly connect the threads, all of them arriving at the same dreadful conclusion as she did.

"Shit..." Sofie muttered as next to her Leliana let out a frightened gasp, worried over the poor child.

"Is Connor possessed?!" Alistair demanded, whatever the answer was, he needed to know what became of Eamon's son.

"That's the most likely case" Jowan replied, "I didn't teach him much, just some basic control we're taught in the Circle so far. But Connor, he has amazing potential, his presence in the Fade must have attracted a strong demon, preyed on his mind"

Oryrn was reminded of Amalia in Honnleath, how the child had nearly been tricked by a demon, her young impressionable mind ripe for the entity to manipulate and corrupt. "Can the boy be saved?"

"It... depends" Neria muttered, speaking for the first time. She forced herself to look away from Jowan. "If the demon has yet to enter Connor's body fully, we can sever the connection"

Brianna looked grave at her eyes went to Marcus; "But the demon has fully possessed him... Then-"

"We will save him," Sarya quipped in a steely tone, like there was no other option.

"But..." Leliana spoke up, conflict evident in her eyes. "What if the demon has taken over Connor's body completely?"

"Then the boy is dead" Morrigan's upfront words told them exactly the situation they could be facing. "And the demon has burrowed into him, using his body like clothes. There'll be nothing of the child remaining"

For a moment, nobody said anything.

"I wanna go back to fighting undead..." Faren muttered to himself. And Sereda could safely say she shared the feeling.

"No more wasting time then" Marcus said, keeping his voice firm. "Let's go"

Brianna gave Jowan a look of disdain, "What about him?"

"He stays here" The Cousland stated, "And awaits judgement for his crimes" By the look of satisfaction on Brianna's face, she agreed with the decision.

Jowan merely hung his head, surrendering to his fate.

As the large party advanced, Neria was the last to leave, looking at her childhood friend with many emotions, most of them painful, mixed in her gaze. Anger, sadness, betrayal, as well as some fondness and caring she may still have, all for the young man who had once been her family.

Jowan finally met her gaze, no words were spoken, his eyes held immeasurable regret.

Surana said nothing; she merely followed after her companions, leaving Jowan alone in the dark.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Leaving the dungeon they went up a flight of stairs to the guards' room that managed the area. Eerily the room was vacant of any occupants. Save the rotting corpses of the guards on the ground. Neria had to turn away as rats had devoured portions of them. Exiting the dungeon they came to an intersection that led to several rooms, and if not for the Redcliffe knights, Miara guessed they would have wandered aimlessly around the place.

The group enters a long corridor with several doors. Once more they were met with deafening silence. "This place is making my stones itch," Shale quipped.

Loke and Bran kept their noses to the ground before their ears shot upwards. A growl came from the war hounds as the group noticed decomposing figures shambling about. "Just what we needed," Sarya droned; "More undead." Lightning buzzed around her hands.

Marcus gazed around the area they were in; "This corridor is just big enough for us all to fight, but be careful hitting a friendly."

The corpses approached, both from servant and soldiers, their flesh decayed and their attires torn in places. A bolt of lightning from Sarya disintegrated the top half from one of the lesser undead, arrows soared in between the combatants, burying themselves in the heads of the undead.

With her lover in such close proximity, Miara made sure to use Dragonbane, the katana hacking pieces from the corpses with clean cuts. Fighting side by side with the warriors as they drove the creatures back. Spells flung from staves rained down upon the undead further back, as their rogues sneaked in through their lines and cut them down swiftly and with great precision.

Against such a sizeable and capable party, the undead quickly fell before the Wardens and their allies. They had fought against a great horde of them last night; these remaining shamblers that had been here when the castle fell weren't even a challenge.

"Okay, I gotta say" Faren grinned, spinning his daggers before sheathing them. "I think we're awesome"

"Against a group like ours? A few undead won't even be a problem" Alistair pointed out, cleaning his blade from the corpse's grime and blood.

"Now if only the rest of the Blight could be so easy" Theron grumpily mused to himself.

"Chin up" Sarya ever so brightly spoke, "If there weren't danger then there wouldn't be adventure. Now" She casted Detect Dead in one hand, and the only signature she saw was her vampire mother's. "Think that's all of them in this area of the castle"

Remembering the promise she made to Owen the smith, Miara casted Detect Life herself, looking over every direction, and hoping to find any sign of life. Her red eyes widened the moment she saw a beating living aura huddled in a corner of the area. "There's someone alive here"

The dunmer strode quickly to the closed door, likely blocked off from the other side. "Hello, I know someone is inside there!" She was met with silence; "We're not demons. We came from the village."

"Lies!" A woman shrieked from the other side; "T-Those monsters had to have destroyed the village! Killed everyone like they killed those in the castle!" Grief crept in the woman voice; "My father is as dead as the village."

Donall recognized that voice as he came over; "Valena! It's Ser Donall, the village is not destroyed, and your father is alive."

"Right, you're just another demon that want to kill me and make me into one of those things!"

"We're not demons Valena," Ser Perth joined the other two; "We're all alive."

The Dragonborn spoke once more; "My name is Miara, I'm one of Oryrn's mothers. I promised your father Owen I'd save you and get you back to him."

For a long moment there was silence before they heard shuffling of objects. Ever so slowly the door creaked open revealing a fair skinned young woman with average looks and long blond hair, she wore a simple but elegant dress. Her almond eyes were wide with fear which slowly ebbed away at the sight of the two knight. Her eyes grew wide again at the sight of the grey skinned red eyed elf; "By the maker!"

Perth raised a hand; "It's alright. Don't let appearance scare you."

"She has grey skin and red eyes!"

"And she promised her father to find you" The knight said. "He's been devastated"

"M-My father?" The poor girl stammered, "Oh Maker I've been here for so long, he must think I'm dead..." She looked a little gaunt, like she hadn't slept or eaten properly in days. But she had done an admirable job, staying clear from the undead roaming the castle.

"Stay hidden, we will deal with what's cursing the castle" The dunmer said comfortingly, "We'll get back to you once everything is safe, and you'll go back to your father, I promise"

The young woman looked at the grey elf, lips pursing as tears gathered at the corner of her eyes, overjoyed that this nightmare was finally over. "Okay... Okay" She repeated, more to herself than to the others, she finally gave the red eyed elf a look of outmost gratefulness, "Thank you..."

"Just stay here" Miara smiled softly, "It'll be alright"

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Ser Perth and Ser Donall guided them through the many corridors until they arrived at the courtyard, where more undead awaited them. Including a Revenant, which pointed their blade at them challengingly... had it not been surrounded by multiple warriors, mages, and a golem that pummeled it to bits, it would have actually been a dangerous threat.

Miara honestly could not remember the last time she had participated of such a large and talented adventuring party. It was both hilarious and a little disappointing how fast they could dispatch otherwise dangerous enemies when dogpiling on them. Even accompanied by literal dogs that would barrel them down and maul them.

Gin gazed around the courtyard; "You know. I half figured whatever would be waiting for us in here would have been more dangerous than the undead army we faced last night."

"I was thinking the same," Sereda retorted kicking the head of the Revenant.

"If I had to guess," Sofie cleaned off her blade; "Perhaps the demon wasn't expecting anyone to reach the castle."

The group was silent for a moment before a snort came from Theron; "I think it would have been unlikely to house a large undead army inside the castle"

Deciding not to waste any more time the group went up the stone step to the castle main hall. The area itself was enormous with six cement pillars on either side. The architecture both on the outside and within was very reminiscent or High Rock to the Tamriel family. Banners hung on the walls with the Redcliffe insignia. At last they neared two large double doors.

"Be ready for anything," Marcus spoke to everyone as Ser Perth and Ser Donall opened the doors.

The group marched through a hallway that lead directly to the main hall, a large open area with two rows of long tables with chairs, and a large chimney at the end of the room, its blazing fires illuminating the chamber.

They found a most bizarre scene, Teagan prancing around with articulate movements, as if playing the role of a court jester. His audience was the arlessa Isolde, looking extremely harried and afraid, a pair of soldiers with dead gazes, clearly not in control of their own minds, and finally, laughing and clapping in merriment at the entertainment his uncle provided, a young boy no older than ten dressed in refined shirt and pants.

That was him, the young Connor Guerrin…

The boy's mood change upon seeing the company that had entered. Even before he spoke, they could all tell something was wrong with him, but that voice made them fear for the worst. "What is the meaning of this interruption?! Who dares disturb my fun?!" It was wrong, unnatural, deep and loud with inhuman tones. Not the sort of voice a child should have.

"Maker he's really possessed" Neria muttered in fear.

Sten grunted, taking a step forward with a hand to his blade, only to be stopped by Marcus. His blue eyes telling him to stay his blade for now.

"T-These are the people I told you about, Connor" Isolde hung her head low, afraid of her own child. Of the thing that was in control of him.

"So you were the ones who saved that miserable little village" The child said with disdain. "Insolent, most insolent. I should have your skin pulled by hooks until nothing but muscle remains" He smiled in joyous contemplation.

"Pull their skin, rip it all up hahahahaha!" Teagan laughed manically in a shrill voice, it was clear the man was not in control of his own mind.

Miara looked back at their mages, taking a step back and softly muttering loud enough for Sarya to hear her. "Ward up the place"

Her youngest daughter's eyes widened momentarily, before subtly signaling Morrigan, Brianna and Neria to follow her lead. They stood behind, the larger bodied warriors of their party who took notice of their actions, and slowly spread their formation, shielding their actions from the demon's eyes.

"Connor I beg you" The mother was in hysterics, tears falling from her eyes. "Don't hurt anyone..."

The child stumbled as if physically struck, rubbing his eyes. "Uh, what? M-Mother... what's happening?" He spoke in a normal childish voice.

"He's not fully possessed" Alistair breathed out in relief. "We can save him" His mother tried to approach him with desperation.

Miara quickly whispered to her son, "Oryrn, get ready to exorcise him" The Templar only gave the smallest of nods in acknowledgement. Meanwhile the Dragonborn kept a paralysis spell at the ready behind her back.

Behind them, their mages stealthily began their work, chanting under their breaths, hiding the dots of white magic that gathered at their fingertips, focusing their spell to be casted over the whole room, to seal away any entrance and exits so Connor would not escape.

The child's momentary freedom was broken, and the demon soon took over again. "Away from me, woman!" He snarled, shoving his mother away, Isolde winced before standing back to where she was.

"I bid you greetings young master Connor." The possessed boy turned to Miara who slowly came forward. She gave a respectful formal bow, but only part way to keep her hand hidden behind her; "I am Miara Redoran."

"What is this creature mother?" Connor tilted his head; "It looks like an elf, but its skin and eyes are wrong."

Marcus came beside the Dunmer "She is an elf. Connor. Do you remember me?"

Connor stared at the former Noble for the longest time; "This one knows of you. Marcus Cousland..."

"And who is in control of this body at present if I may ask?" Miara drew closer while still speaking in a tone of respect.

"The one who heard the cry of child in need of help." the tone being of mock concern and empathy; "Father was dying, I begged for anyone to save him, and in my dreams my pleas were answered. In exchange... We. Become. One..." A malicious smile grew on the boy's lips. A smile that should never be on the face of a child. "Long have we ached to have true form. To be whole and real as you are." Connor looked at his hands; "We refuse to be incorporeal any longer, merely the form shaped by mortals."

A low grunt came from Sarya as she droned in a whisper; "Lovely, it's self-aware..."

"Perhaps we can come to an arrangement then" The dunmer lied seamlessly. "We only came in passing, I assure you this was all a terrible misunderstanding"

"You stopped my soldiers from reclaiming my village" The demon accused, "Mistake or not, you must be punished. Your skin is ugly, grey like ash, I wonder if your flesh is just as unsightly"

Miara was undeterred, she had heard all manner of sadistic threats over her long lifetime, many expressing much greater depravity than what the demon had in mind. "You want to take this land for yourself do you not?"

"It IS mine already" The creature petulantly said. She didn't know if it was its true nature, or that was Connor's youth affecting it. "The flesh sacks have proved uncooperative however"

"But you hold yourself up in this castle, too afraid to come out" She taunted, making the demon's attention be solely on hers. Miara could feel the wards being set up in the room thanks to her companions' efforts.

"How dare you?!" The demon snarled, "I control everything here, from the Fade to this physical realm!" The fire behind them flared with greater intensity, making Isolde cry out as she backed away.

Miara did not even blink, "So you claim, but you can't even escape this room"

The possessed child frowned at her words, "What are you talking about?"

Their mages acted, fully casting the wards over the great hall, barriers of arcane energy shining over the doorways, keeping anyone from going in or out. Above them in the ceiling they shined too with arcane sigils, warding off any more demonic influence from escaping the castle.

Suddenly being cut off from his surroundings, his power now limited to the room, the demon looked around in confusion, startled by the sudden apparition of these wards that had him trapped. Fists shook with anger and indignation, a thousand curses forming on his stolen lips.

"I shall devour your-!" He was struck in the chest by Miara's paralysis spell, but she doubted it would hold long against the creature.

"Oryrn now!" The dunmer shouted, and he soon dashed forth, holy magic glowing in his hands as he reached to hold the child's head.

Holy magic surged through the boy body, a roar so loud, inhuman, and pained rang out from his throat. Maternal instincts had kicked inside Isolde who screamed but was held back by Perth and Donall; "CONNOR!" The Arlessa was like a wild animal as she tried freeing herself from her knights.

"By the will of the Nine Divines!" Oryrn roared as Connor's body was engulfed by golden light; "Release this boy!"

It ended within a blink with the Templar's hand recoiling from the boy's head and the magic faded. Moving like the wind, Miara and Marcus caught young Connor who was now unconscious. Releasing their Arlessa, she barreled over to her son in tears. The guards that stood like dolls as well as Teagan fell to the ground like marionette with their strings cut.

However that was the furthest from Isolde's mind as she held her son's face and looked up to Oryrn; "What did you do?"

"Severed the connection between the demon and Connor. He is safe, Arlessa Isolde."

Everyone around let out a loud breath of relief before hearing a groaning voice. Holding his head, Teagan slowly got to his feet along with the guards; "What in the Maker's name?"

"You were enthralled, Bann Teagan," Neria explained as she came up to him with Brianna; "How do you feel?"

"Like I had a dozen pints of ale..."

"The child's safe now" Brianna breathed out in relief. "The demon surely is still in the Fade, but will deal with it later. Right now we need to make sure there is no lasting damage from its actions"

Sarya's eyes widened as a thought occurred to her, "Wait, the demon said it saved the arl's life right?"

"Yeah, so?" Alistair asked.

"Did it actually restore his health, or just kept the poison from finishing him off?"

Frightened eyes looked amongst themselves in realization at what she was going to.

Serana swiftly casted detect life, frantically searching the area. There she spotted the flickering lifeforce of an individual, it was weak, fading...

"Sarya, go to the arl!" Her vampire mother shouted, pointing at the direction where she saw the dying lifeforce. "Now!"

The honorary Telvanni needed not be told twice, and vanished with a flicker of arcane light.

Marcus let out a long wary sigh, gently handing Connor to his crying mother, who held him tightly in relief. Even though they had saved his life, it felt as though the nightmare was far from over.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ XxX

So how was that folks?