Blood Bond: Chapter 75

Call to Arms

It was past dusk when the golden flicker of the sparrow passed by Lisha's head. She had been out hunting, but stopped and turned back when the sparrow flew past. When she got back to the camp, already her fellow elves were packing and preparing for travel. In the center of it all stood Lanaya, giving directions and orders to all. Although she wasn't Keeper yet, most of the elves, including Lisha, already considered her their new Keeper. Zathrian's constant disappearances were beginning to be noticed by the clan, and with him currently gone now, Lisha wondered if he would ever come back.

"What's the word?" Lisha asked once she made her way over to Lanaya.

"Arawin's given the call," said Lanaya. "The horde is on the move and makes for Denerim. The archdemon is at the head, and they plan on striking it there."

"What does she want us to do?"

"Head there in the morning, which is when she and her companions will be heading out."

Lisha looked around the camp as she saw everyone hustling to get ready and packed for the trek through the forest. "Where is Arawin leaving from?"

"Redcliffe, which means..."

"We'll arrive there before she will." Lisha looked back at Lanaya and saw the uncertainty in her face.

"What do you think we should do?"

Lisha would admit that Lanaya was a better Keeper than Zathrian, but she was also inexperienced and unsure at times. This was not the first time she had asked for Lisha's guidance. "We head out when she wants," Lisha said after thinking. "But when we get to Denerim we do not immediately head to battle. We will observe first, then determine our course once we see how things are. If possible, we will wait for Arawin and her companions to arrive, or we go in as the front line."

"Do you think Arawin expects us to do such a thing?"

"She expects us to do what we need to do. We go and see."

"Right," Lanaya nodded. "Ma serannas, Lisha."

"I am here for you, Lanaya," Lisha bowed. "And what of the other clans? Has word been received?"

"There has, but unfortunately we are on our own," Lanaya said stricken. "Some said no, while others said they would come but they are too far away. We are the only clan in Ferelden, so if they are on their way, they will not make it in time."

Lisha considered this, and realized it was something she already knew. "And what of my mother-clan? What did they say?"

Lanaya shook her head. "They are already crossing the Waking Seas to the Free Marches. Keeper Marethari sends her regrets."

"As I suspected," Lisha whispered. "If she had known sooner, then we may not have been alone, but I know Marethari was trying to get her clan away from the Blight."

"Maybe that's something we should've done long ago."

"Perhaps, but it's something we can't dwell on now. We made a promise, we are upholding the treaties signed long ago. I am not going to abandon Arawin and neither will this clan."

"No, we won't." Lanaya stood proud and Lisha saw the strong leader she would become.
"Then let us get to it, then."

It was nearly dawn when Lisha stood in front of a line of hunters. They all stood proud as she walked down the line, examining them all. Dayno stood in the line amongst them, smiling at her as she passed. "You all are looking good," she said. "Deygan, straighten up a little. Panowen, your breastplate is a little off, fix it. Melora, your bow is cracked, do you need a new one?"

"No, Caun. This is my grandfather's bow and it has been cracked for as long as I can remember. It hasn't failed me yet."

"Good." Lisha continued her examination. "Cammen, I heard you and Ghenya finally came together."

"Yes, Caun," Cammen bowed. "We have. After the werewolves were defeated, I was able to finally go into the forest and bring back a pelt to become a full hunter." Lisha examined the fresh tattoos on his face. They were in the pattern of Andruil, different from most of the clan.

"Interesting that you picked Andruil instead of Elgar'nan for your chosen."

"You give me inspiration, Caun," Cammen bowed again.

Looking behind her, Lisha spotted Ghenya standing next to the fire Sarel was tending. She was one of the hunters chosen to stay behind with the women and children to protect them. The red-headed elf smiled at her love and Lisha felt pride swell in her knowing that despite the horrible times they lived in, those two could still find one another.

"When this is over, you two will be joined," she said turning back to Cammen.

"Ma serannas. I will not fail."

"I know you won't."

Backing slightly away, Lisha looked down the line once more. Her eyes met with every elf standing before her, all of them showing determination and pride in what they were about to do. Most of the hunters going were the ones who had suffered the werewolf's curse. Now, thanks to Arawin, they were fully recovered and ready to show their loyalty to the clan and to the Grey Warden who had saved them.

"Listen to me, Lethallins," Lisha spoke up. "Today we will embark on a historical journey, one that hasn't been seen in four ages. We will be fighting the darkspawn, creatures of darkness and torment. Creatures of nightmares and death. Together we will face them alongside the Grey Warden that saved most of you. We owe her a lot, and this is perhaps the best we can do in order to pay her back for what she did. But going and being by her side will not be easy. Some of you will not come back with us alive. It is a deep regret that we must face in order to keep our promise. But I know all of you are not afraid. You are here because you chose to be here, and those that have to stay did not choose to stay, but were asked. If all could come, then I know all of you would, because this clan's honor was not destroyed when the werewolves tried to rip us apart. And our honor is on the line. We will go to Denerim, where we will be fighting alongside shemlen and durgen'len. Today they are not our enemies or our rivals, but our allies. Show them our might. Show them our glory. Show them that we will fight and we will kill just as many darkspawn as they will. For we are the Dalish!"

"Keepers of the lost lore," the entire clan rang. "Walkers of the lonely path. We are the last of the Elvhenan, and never again shall we submit!"

Lisha smiled broadly. "You are ready."

Lanaya soon joined beside her. She was dressed in Dalish leathers, ready for battle with her staff strapped to her back. "I don't think Zathrien is coming," she said. "I don't sense him, and neither have I gotten any word. He usually sends me something."

"Is he dead?"

"No."

"We don't need him," said Lisha. "We have you. As far as I'm concerned, and as far as the clan is concerned, you are Keeper now, Lanaya. All of us will gladly follow you to anything."

Lanaya straightened and looked to the clan, to all the hunters, warriors, women and children. To Varathorn and Sarel who would be the leaders of the ones staying behind until she returned. All eyes were fixed on her as she met with every one.

"Then let us go, Lisha," she said. "Lead the way."

***

Cullen waited impatiently for Esumi to return. She had been summoned by Irving, an occurrence that was not foreign due to the fact she had been made a senior enchanter after coming back from Redcliffe. It was something Irving normally wouldn't have done, but with so few mages left and even less senior enchanters, no one made a fuss when he gave Esumi the position.

Cullen paced back and forth in the alcove, occasionally peaking around the stairs to see if Esumi was coming. He was beginning to become frustrated. Many times she had been summoned by Irving, but for some reason this time felt different. She had never taken so long before. It wasn't until he heard the distinct sound of her feet running on the marble did he relax, though it wouldn't be for long. She ran into the alcove out of breath with her hair out of place. They stared at each other for a moment, Cullen letting her catch her breath before asking her anything.

"It's time," she said.

"The darkspawn?"

"Irving just got a scry from Wynne. She says the entire horde has been spotted heading to Denerim with the archdemon in the lead. Zelda wants us to leave as soon as we can."

Cullen straightened himself. This was what he feared. He knew eventually Zelda would call the mages to battle, but he didn't think it would happen so soon. There was nothing he could do now to keep Esumi from going. But that wasn't the entire reason why he was upset. He had thought about it long and hard, and knew that he wanted to go as well. It wasn't to just be with Esumi, but because he felt it was also his duty to help against the Blight.

Esumi saw the look in his eyes. "Cullen, what are you thinking?"

"I want to go," he said.

"You know you can't," Esumi said shaking her head. "Greagior said-"

"I know. He told all the templars that we're not going. It's not our duty. We're to stay here and watch the few mages that will be left." Cullen rolled his eyes. "Damn shit, if you ask me. Who's staying, children and some senior mages? Like they're really going to need all the templars in the Circle to watch them. Not when we could be out there doing something."

"Cullen... you really want to be fighting darkspawn?"

"I want to help to protect my country. I want to help Zelda, the Grey Wardens, just as they helped us. I want... I want to make sure you'll be okay."

Esumi smiled at him softly. "I know you do, Cullen, but I don't think even you could talk him into letting you go this time. You got into enough trouble already coming back late when you did, and then when you stepped in when Greagior wanted to execute Jowan right then and there."

"I have to try, Esumi."

"Cullen..."

He didn't say anymore but kissed her before exiting the alcove. He made his way down the hall and to the first floor, past the apprentice quarters where there was much activity and to the templar quarters beyond. Templars were all around, discussing the current situation. From what Cullen heard as he made his way to Greagior's office was that some templars felt the way he did while others didn't like the idea of letting so many mages go just after what had happened. When Cullen finally made it to the end of the hall where Greagior's office was, he took a deep breath before entering.

"Excuse me, Knight-Commander, I don't mean to interrupt, but-"

"Cullen?" Greagior looked up from his desk and seemed surprised to see him there. "What are you doing away from your post?"

Cullen shut the down, knowing the templars outside were going to be curious to know what he was discussing with the commander. "Knight-Commander, I really want to discuss with you the Blight situation."

Greagior stood and stared at him. "Cullen, I already told everyone we are not going. It is not our duty. We are to stay here and watch the tower like always."

"But ser, is it not also our duty to protect the people? We protect them from the mages, but could we not also protect them from darkspawn? Emissaries wield magic. The darkspawn were created by mages storming the Golden City. Why can we not help to fight them?"

Straightening, Greagior kept his face neutral. "Why do you care so much, Cullen?"

"I care because Ferelden is my home and I want to do what I can to help protect it."

"If that is the case then why didn't you become a soldier? Or why don't you go and be one now? You're allowed to leave, Cullen. You might have made vows, but you can still walk away."

"Knight-Commander, I wouldn't-"

"Or are you wanting to do this because of her?"

"I-" Cullen stopped and stared at Greagior confused. "I don't know what you're talking about, ser."

"Do you think I'm stupid, Cullen? Do you think in all the years I've been knight-commander I haven't learned how to read between the lines?" Greagoir raised an eyebrow at him.

"I..." Cullen swallowed hard, trying to act like nothing was wrong. "What have you heard?"

"Technically I haven't heard anything. You and that elven mage have done very well in hiding your relationship, but there are still things that give the two of you away. Small things that someone who knows what to look for can figure out very easily."

Cullen stood perfectly still, even more afraid than he was before. Greagior was too calm. "It's... not what you think, ser..."

"Is it?" Greagoir turned away from Cullen, folding his hands behind his back and gazed out the large window. "I was once like you: young, confident, and in love."

"Ser?"

The knight-commander chuckled slightly but didn't turn around. Cullen was unsure how to react. He had never seen Greagoir like this before.

"Is it so hard to believe, Cullen? That I didn't used to be the hard-ass I am now." He sighed. "Yes, those were simpler times, when I was a fresh templar, come to the Circle and thinking I was able to handle anything. I was dead wrong, because it all came crumbling down when I looked into her eyes for the first time."

"Knight-Commander..."

"They're very tricky, aren't they? You think it's because they put a spell on you, but that's not the case. It's just how they are, how we are. These things just happen, even when they're forbidden. I knew we weren't the only ones at the time, and of course, apparently it's continuing."

"Knight-Commander, please," said Cullen. "Why are you telling me this? What are you trying to say?"

Greagoir turned and looked Cullen directly in the eyes. "Are you the only one wishing to fight the darkspawn?"

"No, ser. There are others who are wishing to go just as much."

"Hmm." Greagoir looked down at his desk and leaned against it. "Tell me one thing, Cullen, and I want an honest answer."

"What... what do you want to know, ser?" Cullen swallowed hard.

"Do you love her?"

His heart skipped, stopped. He went completely pale. Was Greagior really asking him this? Cullen felt his mouth go dry, his throat close. This was not the situation he wanted to be in. "I... uh..."

"Cullen, I asked for an honest answer."

"Y-You did. It's just..."

"Just tell me, son."

"I... yes, I do." Cullen straightened himself, ready to take any punishment Greagior would bestow upon him. He just hoped Esumi wouldn't be punished in the matter mages usually were for this type of behavior.

Greagoir didn't say anything, instead stood straight again and turned back to the window. "Go and gather the templars who wish to join the fight. Tell them to prepare themselves. We'll be leaving with the mages in the morning."

Cullen let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "Ser? So we are going to help against the darkspawn?"

"Might as well. If the Wardens lose, then we'll have to face them eventually."

"Th-thank you, ser." Cullen bowed and hesitated to leave. It appeared as if Greagior was done with him, but he couldn't be for sure.

"Cullen, you may go," Greagoir said slightly turning his head.

"Y-Yes, ser." Cullen bowed again before making his way to the door.

"Oh, and Cullen."

Cullen stood perfectly still, knowing what was coming.

"If I hear anything, anything about you and Esumi, then I won't hesitate. Do you understand me?"

"I do. Perfectly."

"Then carry on."

Cullen quickly made his way out of the room, happy to be out of there. When he was back in the hallway, the other templars quickly huddled around him, asking questions of why he had been in the knight-commander's office. Cullen was glad he had shut the door. Templars were sometimes worse with gossip than old fish-wives.

"What's going on, Cullen?" Joseph asked. "What were you doing in the knight-commander's office?"

"All of you who wish, go and gather your things. We will be traveling with the mages in the morning. We go to fight the darkspawn."

There was a mixture of emotions amongst the templars. Some were happy, while others were disgusted by the idea. Cullen didn't wait around long enough to hear the arguments. Fighting his way through, he made his way back out of the templar hall and all the way up to the fourth floor where Esumi would still be waiting for him. As he rounded the bend in the hallway, he heard a commotion coming from the alcove.

"I'm not arguing with you, Keiven!" Esumi's voice streamed out into the hall with an angry tone.

"But you promised! Both you and my sister!" Cullen slowly went into the alcove to find Esumi and Keiven facing each other.

"You're too young, Keiven," said Esumi.

"But I've been practicing, more than anyone here! And Zelda said if I practiced and learned more spells then I could go."

"She probably didn't expect this to happen so soon. And I don't think your sister would appreciate me taking her fourteen year-"

"Fifteen."

"Fifteen year old brother out to fight darkspawn. Besides, your shield spells still aren't good. You don't have any defense!"

"But I don't need shield spells when I have an actual shield!" Keiven pointed to the sword and shield on his back, the weapon pair he started carrying around when Esumi had returned from Redcliffe. "I'm better with a sword than a staff anyway."

"Yes, I've seen." Esumi shifted a murderous look over at Cullen. "You were the one that taught him."

Cullen smiled sheepishly at her. "He really is a better warrior than a mage. Must be that Cousland blood."

Esumi crossed her arms and began tapping her foot on the floor. She looked from one to the other. "The two of you will be the death of me."

"So I'm going?" said Keiven.

"I never said that."

Keiven turned to Cullen. "Will you talk some sense into her?"

"Uh, I'd rather not get into this," Cullen said backing away slightly.

"Don't tell me you're afraid of Esumi?" Keiven laughed. "She would never hurt you. Just tell her you think I should be able to go."

"Well, uh... the templars are going now," Cullen said to Esumi.

"What? You mean you actually talked Greagior into it?"

"Sort of."

"Then that's settled," said Keiven. "If the templars are going, then so am I."

"That's not your decision," Esumi protested.

"And it's not yours either. I'm sick of being left behind. I want to help, and I'm going to help no matter what anyone says." Keiven then stormed out of the alcove, pushing past Cullen before making his way down the hall.

"Well, he seems in good spirits."

Esumi leaned against the wall and placed her face in her palms. "What am I going to do with that boy?"

"Let him go. He's a good fighter, and you know we're going to need all the help we can get."

"I know," Esumi sighed. "But he's my responsibility. What if he's killed? I don't think Zelda would ever forgive me. I don't think I could forgive myself."

Cullen made his way over to her and took her in his arms. "Keiven won't die. I'll be there, you'll be there. He'll be fine. He knows what he's doing."

"Maybe." Esumi cuddled up to his chest the best she could with his heavy armor. "But I still don't like it."

"I'm just glad we'll all be going together."

"Too bad Greagior isn't letting Jowan go. At least he followed Zelda's letter by letting him live until after the Blight. I just hope she has another plan after this battle."

"I don't know if she does. I don't know if anyone knows what's going to happen after this. But I do know, no matter what, I will be by your side."

Esumi looked up into his eyes and smiled. "I'm glad to hear that at least." She lifted up and kissed him, happy to know he would be there.   

***

"You don't look so good." Sora stood in the doorway of their room as she stared at Rylen. "What's wrong, Rye?"

"Huh? Oh, nothing you really don't know about." Rylen stretched and rubbed his shoulder. He sat at his desk, looking over the latest report from his scouts.  

"So the sky is still getting to you?"

"Of course it is, but it's not just that. You know, king business. House Klaret still hasn't sent any men and I'm betting it has to do with their rivalry with House Rumold which has flared up again. Gah, why can't anyone get along?"

"Pff, who cares about those two houses. I say just let them kill each other then you won't have to deal with it." Sora walked across the room and to the dresser where she kept her flask.

"You know if I let all the rivalries kill each other, there would be no Orzammar left. But it is a tempting thought."

"See, where would you be without me?" Sora took a swig from the flask before making her way to the bed. "Only I could put such thoughts in your head. So, are all the men ready to head out tomorrow?"

"They are, but we still don't have enough, or as much as I would like." Rylen stretched out again, arching his back and yawning loudly.

"Come to bed, Rye," Sora said rubbing the sheets. "You need your sleep, and maybe a little stress relief."

"I wouldn't mind that." Rylen cleaned up his desk before making his way over to the bed. He sat down and kissed her, his arms wrapping around her body, bringing her close. "Are you sure about your answer?" he whispered in her ear.

Sora growled and pushed him away. "By the Stone, Rylen! Why are you bringing that up now?"

"Because I really do want to marry you, and I'm not going to stop trying until you do too."

Sora heaved and scooted away from him as she crossed her arms. "You know that can't happen. The Assembly will never allow someone like me to be your wife. I'm better off just being your courtesan."

"Don't worry about the Assembly, I can take care of them."

"Ha! You may have been able to talk them into making me and my sister warrior caste, but there is no way they'll bring us up to noble caste!"

"There is one way," Rylen said smiling at her.

Sora shook her head. "Like I'm going to be a Paragon. You're dreaming way too big, Rylen."

"It doesn't hurt to try, love. And who knows, maybe you'll do something so great the Assembly will have no choice! In fact, I'm willing to bet this battle you'll be leading the men in will do just that."

"Again, you're dreaming too big, Rye." Sora sighed then relaxed herself. "Although being a Paragon would be nice. Not just because I could be with you, but also because I would be able to give my sister, mother, and nephew a house of their own. Little Endrin would be able to grow up how he should, and Rica wouldn't ever have to work again. She would finally get the life she deserves."

"Does she not get that now?"

"I guess she does, but it would still be best if I could give her more. She gave everything she had to keep me alive and to make sure I had some type of life. I really want to make sure I pay her back for everything."

"And you will, love." Rylen scooted closer to her, taking her back in his arms and planting a kiss on her temple. "I'll make sure you can give her the world."

Sora turned in his arms and pulled on the small tuft that was his beard growing back. "Don't make promises you can't keep, Rye. You know I'll never forgive you if you can't deliver."

"Do you have so little confidence in me?"

"Maybe I have too much."

"Maybe you do."

They leaned into each other and kissed, taking the other in and forgetting about the stress and strain that would be placed upon them in the morning.  

***

Damien crouched himself low to the ground as he laid on top of a hill looking down at the massive river of darkspawn that flowed before him. He kept himself still, not wanting to gain any attention from the darkspawn that could notice him. He was very close, able to run and fling himself into the middle of the horde it he wanted.

They had drawn him again. He had tried to get away, tried to get out of Ferelden, but it was a futile attempt. Here he was again, following the horde and wondering what his intentions were. He was only one man. What could only one man do to the entire horde?

Damien's eyes followed the horde as it snaked its way through the valley. He saw darkspawn on the edges move off in different directions. They were off to scavenge, to burn and plunder the land and poor villages close enough to do so. He watched them, feeling his blood pumping and feeling the taint burn within his veins. He had never wanted to be a Grey Warden. Never had he wanted to fight darkspawn, but becoming one was the only way he could be free. But as Damien laid on the ground, watching the horde make its way to Denerim, he knew he was never free. He would be drawn to them no matter what now.

"Merde," he swore. "Ah! Belle, Chère, you better know what you're doing."

Damien crawled backwards down the hill, his eyes still on the massive black river. When he was far enough away, out of sight, he stood and looked east. He shook his head and began walking.