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Blood Song	By : Hikari86 Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 1631 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Bioware owns everything Dragon Age. I claim no ownership and make no money/profit.

Chapter List
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Arrival

Lisha and Mhairi left Denerim immediately as soon as Mhairi had gathered her things. On the way, Mhairi told Lisha all she knew about Amaranthine and the Wardens there. Lisha in turn also told her a little about her life as a Dalish hunter and her own joining of the Wardens.
“So you've only been a Warden for eight months?” Mhairi asked. “Zelda and Arawin must think very highly of you to put you in such a position.”
“I did lead the Dalish into the battle,” said Lisha. “And I suppose my older experience could help, but dealing with humans is something I'm not quite sure about.”
“I understand what you mean. The time I was there, the nobles were already complaining and making problems for the Wardens. Lucky we had Varel to help keep the nobles at bay.”
Lisha began to feel her nerves working on her. She didn't understand it, as a hunter she had faced many dangerous beasts. She faced the werewolves without any fear, nor the darkspawn. Yet the thought of having to deal with human nobles made her blood turn cold. She was an elf, a Dalish elf at that, and had no idea how the system worked. She really did hope this Varel would be able to take care of things when she couldn't.
It was mid afternoon, the next day when they began making their way through the Wending Woods, taking the Pilgrim's Path straight to Vigil's Keep. Lisha looked about the woods, feeling at home amongst the trees. She could feel the mystery of it all, but it wasn't any different than that of the Brecilian Forest. It seemed in all of Ferelden, and perhaps in all of Thedas, the forests were plagued with mysteries and eerie happenings. It was more than likely because the Veil was so thin in these parts, due to unknown events in the past. Lisha knew she would have to explore these woods more when she could. Their age and appeal drew her in.
“So tell me, Mhairi,” Lisha said breaking the silence. “How did you become a Warden recruit?”
“Ever since the battle of Denerim I've always wanted to be one,” answered Mhairi. “I was in that battle and was able to see Queen Zelda and Commander Arawin fight the darkspawn first hand. They were amazing, an inspiration to me. When I first became a soldier I wasn't sure it was what I really wanted to do. I come from a long line of soldiers and guards, and it was something always expected of me. But when I decided I wanted to join the Wardens instead, I felt like it was what I was meant to do. Not exactly sure how to explain it, Commander.”
“I can understand what you're saying.”
“Yes, well, my family wasn't too happy about it, but at the moment I'm doing it for myself. After I realized what I wanted, I heard the Wardens were calling for recruits, anyone who wished to join should travel to Amaranthine. So I went, and the Orlesian Wardens looked over everyone who came. They tested us to determine if we were even worthy enough to go through the Joining. I was so excited when I was chosen, and even more so when they sent me to Denerim to await the arrival of the new commander.”
They continued walking, only stopping a few times to rest and get some food before moving on. The sun was beginning to set and it wasn't until after it was all the way below the horizon was when Mhairi pointed out Vigil's Keep. Even though it was dark, Lisha could still see the keep pretty well. It was large, bigger than she had expected and somewhat intimidating. It's gate stretched out, sheltering a massive courtyard and buildings with stairs leading up to the keep itself, sitting atop a hill. But as they approached, something seemed to be amiss.
Mhairi slowed down and began to look around seeming somewhat bewildered. “I don't understand this, where is everybody? They were suppose to meet us out here.”
“How could they know we were coming?”
“I sent out a messenger before we left. He should've gotten here before us and everyone should be out here to greet you.”
“Do I really need a formal greeting?”
“You're the Commander of the Grey, of-”
“Wait!” Lisha grabbed Mhairi and stopped her from going forward. She smelled it on the wind and when she looked up at the stars, Lisha saw they were being obscured by black smoke. The electric chill then began to run up her spine, the very chill that told her darkspawn were close. “The keep has been attacked.”
“It has!” Mhairi fretted. “By what?”
Lisha didn't need to answer as they heard a cry and ran to the gate. There they saw a man running toward them with three genlocks on his tail. “Help!” he cried when he saw them.
Mhairi immediately grabbed her sword and shield and went straight for the closest genlock. Lisha, feet planted and bow already out, notched an arrow and released it at the furthest one. The arrow embedded itself in the genlock's head, bringing it down for good. Mhairi smashed herself into the darkspawn. It stumbled but recovered quickly, bringing it's own sword forward and hitting her shield. Swinging her shield across, Mhairi hit the genlock in the head and pushed it on the ground. Her sword then came down on it's chest and the darkspawn sputtered blood before lying still.
The man had a mace in his hands, and seeing the one genlock being taken down by Lisha's arrow, turned around and began fighting with the last darkspawn. The genlock was quick to overpower him, it's double weapons moving faster than his one. The man fell to the ground and tried to protect himself from the final blow. Lisha quickly stepped up, hitting the genlock in the face with the end of her bow and sweeping around, sliced the darkspawn's throat with her dagger. The genlock quickly went down and the man stood and began continuously hitting it with his mace, even after it was dead. Lisha had to eventually stop and calm him down.
“It's dead, you can stop now.”
The man heaved out a sigh and backed away from the corpse, dropping his mace. He then looked up at the two women. “W-Warden-Commander?” he choked.
“Yes. What happened here? Do you know?”
“The darkspawn! They just came out of nowhere! Took the Wardens completely by surprise.”
“Where are the other Wardens?”
“I-I don't know. There were some people behind me, not sure if they were Wardens.” He looked around the yard and through the gate. “And I don't know where they went either.”
Lisha took a deep breath as she began to concentrate. She could sense several darkspawn within the keep, but she could sense no Wardens which worried her. There was also something else. A strange sense within the taint that she had never felt before. It was eerie and alien and as she prodded, the stranger it felt.
“Commander?” Mhairi said breaking her concentration.
“Oh, right.” Lisha shook her head and peered over at Mhairi. “We need to do something.”
“What do we need to do, Commander?”
Lisha faced the gate. “Head into the keep and deal with the darkspawn, and look for survivors and get them out.”
“Of course, but...” Mhairi looked toward the gate as well, confused. “Does this make sense, Commander? I mean, shouldn't the darkspawn be retreating back underground? How could they still be up here, attacking in such an organized way?”
“I'm not exactly sure. Maybe there's something else leading them.” Lisha searched the taint again for that alien presence but now she couldn't find it.
“You mean something other than an archdemon?” Mhairi widened her eyes at the thought. “That's not a very comforting thought, Commander.”
“No, it's not.” Lisha turned to the man that still stood behind them. “Go, get out of here. Find help if you can.”
“Right,” he nodded. “I'm not staying here any longer than I have too, and if I see anybody on the road, I'll send them this way.” He picked back up his mace and ran down the road, away from the keep. Lisha and Mhairi then turned their attention back to the gate and began making their way through.
***
Mhairi lead them through the courtyard, along the way she and Lisha stopped to help where they could. They came across soldiers fighting the darkspawn, nearly being overwhelmed. Everyone they saved they told to leave, to get somewhere safe, and if possible, to send for help. Lisha wasn't sure what help they could get, but anything would be nice.
“Here, Commander! We need to go this way!” Mhairi brought them to a flight of stairs that lead to the main door of the keep. Lisha began making her way up, but stopped when she felt the presence of two very powerful darkspawn. One coming from behind, while the other was ahead. She turned around and saw the ogre charging forward, it's head down and giant horns protruding straight for her.
“Jump, now!” Mhairi didn't have time to react as Lisha pushed her over the railing just as the ogre collided with the wooden stairs. They splintered and shattered into many pieces, showering the two women in splinters.
“Commander!” Mhairi screamed from the other side. “Commander, where are you?”
Lisha had jumped and landed on her feet. She backed away from the ogre a little and aimed her bow. “Mhairi, focus on the ogre right now. Don't worry about me.”
She saw Mhairi stand and shake off the splinters. The ogre stood as well and roared, blood dripping from it's head as it had also hit the rock behind the stairs, crumbling it to pieces. Mhairi went after it, sticking her sword in it's hind leg. The ogre growled and turned on her, swinging it's hand to grab her but she ducked in time. She ripped her sword out then brought it on him again, nearly ripping the muscles in his leg out.
Lisha fired her arrow, sending it into the ogre's neck. She fired several more, all landing within it's chest area and above. The ogre wasn't able to move very far with it's damaged leg which caused it to bellow as it picked up a large piece of broken rock and hurl it at Lisha. Lisha leaped out of the way just as Mhairi took the ogre's distraction and climbed up it's back. She then planted her sword in it's back and pressed down on it's spine, snapping it. Heaving a heavy sigh, Mhairi made her way down from the ogre. Lisha didn't sense it until it was too late.
The shriek jumped from the shadows with a piercing cry. Mhairi turned around and was slashed in the front by the creature's sicicled claws. Mhairi cried out and fell to the ground, the shriek leaping on top of her.
Lisha acted fast, driving her shoulder into the shriek's side. The darkspawn went off Mhairi and screamed before turning and going for Lisha. The elf tossed her dagger at the shriek. It caught in the creature's chest as it came for her. Lisha then, in quick succession, notched two arrows and shot them into the shriek's eyes. When it was dead, she turned to Mhairi.
“Mhairi, let me take a look.”
“I'm fine... Commander.” Mhairi struggled to get up. Lisha looked her over to see two diagonal stripes in her breastplate. The gashes underneath were deep and bleeding. Lisha took the breastplate off along with her undershirt and began to rip it in strips.
“Hold on, Mhairi, I'm going to wrap this around you.” Lisha wrapped the strips around Mhairi's chest the best she could.
“Thank you, Commander,” Mhairi said as she struggled to stand. “But we need to keep moving.”
“Are you serious?” Lisha said holding Mhairi steady. “You are in no condition to continue fighting and there are still a lot of darkspawn here.”
“No, I can still fight if I have too. But we do need to keep going. We need to find Varel, and see if any Wardens are still here. If we come across a healer, then--” Mhairi cringed and doubled over. Her grimace told Lisha what she already knew. “I'm... tainted now, aren't I?” She looked up at Lisha but she didn't look afraid.
“Yes, but I would fear bleeding to death more than the taint at the moment,” said Lisha. “Once we get everything situated here, then we'll start your Joining immediately. You're going to be a Grey Warden. Tonight.”
Mhairi stood straight up, looking proud and ready to move on. Lisha didn't like continuing with Mhairi's injuries, especially with the other strong presence in the taint ahead of them. They needed to find a healer quick, if there was any still alive in the keep.
“Let's go, Commander.”
“Alright, but stick close to me, and don't try anything too bold. You don't have any armor right now.”
They used the ogre's dead body to climb up to the next level where another gate stood closed. Going toward it, they were then blow back when the gate exploded open. Mhairi cried out from the impact as they skidded across the stone, nearly going off the edge of the platform. On the other side of the gate, Lisha saw several darkspawn fighting soldiers with an emissary who had been the one that blew the gate open. It was the emissary Lisha had sensed and in a rush she bolted to her feet and made straight for it.
The emissary, feeling her coming, turned and fired several bolts from his staff. She ducked and dodged all of them, rolling on the ground, grabbing an arrow and landing on her knee to release it right at the emissary. The arrow nicked his cheek and the emissary summoned a fireball. Lisha rolled out of its way, springing up on her feet and pulling out her dagger at the same time. She ran for it, dodging more magical bolts and a few arrows before reaching her target.
The emissary brought his staff up to block her dagger. Lisha spun, spinning her bow above her head, then bringing it down to smack the emissary in the back. The darkspawn jerked forward, nearly falling on it's face. Lisha brought her dagger down on it's lower back and kicked it down on the ground. She pulled out an arrow and at close range, fired it straight into the emissary's head. With it down, she then began releasing arrows into the darkspawn around, bringing them down and allowing the soldiers fighting them to deal a final blow. When all of them were dead, Lisha ran over to Mhairi and helped her up. A soldier ran to them to see what he could help with.
“That was... amazing!” he said as he took Mhairi's other side. “Are you the warden-commander?”
“I am,” said Lisha. “Can you tell me what happened here?”
“I'm afraid I can't, ser. These darkspawn just came out of nowhere, even surprised the Wardens. We were waiting for you to get here. I have no idea where anybody is, but we do have a place set up right over here for the injured.” He lead them past the keep's doors and up a few stairs to a landing. There, Lisha saw many injured soldiers being tended to.
“Is there a healer around here?” Lisha asked as they placed Mhairi down on the stairs.
“No, and I'm afraid we don't have a whole lot of supplies, either. Most of the things we need are in the Vigil, and we don't want to risk any more lives by sending them to retrieve it. The keep is overrun with darkspawn.”
Lisha looked over at the entrance then down at Mhairi.
“Don't leave me here, Commander. You know I'm coming with you.”
“You need to rest.”
“The bleeding has stopped, I'll be fine.”
Lisha checked her cloth stripes and even through they were filled with blood it did appear as if the bleeding had stopped. But Lisha also noticed how pale Mhairi was and even if she could fight, she still didn't have any armor.
Mhairi continued to stare at her, a determination in her eyes that showed she didn't care.
“Do you have a breastplate she might be able to wear?” Lisha asked the soldier.
“Maybe, let me go see.” The soldier came back with a breastplate already covered in blood and dented. “Will this do?”
“It'll be fine. Mhairi, put it on and let's get moving.”
Taking the breastplate, Mhairi put it on the best she could then stood and together she and Lisha headed into the keep.
***
“Why are there so many gates in this place?” Lisha and Mhairi had made their way into a large front room with another gate blocking their way and balconies on either side.
“I suppose Arl Howe really wanted security,” said Mhairi. “And... it looks like we won't be able to get through this way.”
The gate was closed and the lever to open it was on the left balcony. Lisha looked to see stairs leading up to it, but they were blocked by debris. Turning to the other side, there were stairs there as well, leading to a door. “Where does that door lead?”
“To a catwalk outside. Oh! It goes around to the balcony on the left and I think there's even a door that will lead to the lever. If we go that way, then we'll be able to open the gate.”
“Then let's do it.”
Lisha helped Mhairi up the stairs and to the door where they opened it to an interesting sight. The room beyond was littered with darkspawn bodies and a few templars. Standing in the middle of it all was a mage. A genlock was going at him but the fire shooting from his hands brought the darkspawn to it's knees before completely catching on fire. When it was dead, the mage shook his hands before turning to see Lisha and Mhairi standing there. He then turned back around but did a double take when he realized someone was there. He looked around the room at the bodies, lingering a little on the templars before facing back to them.
“Uh, I didn't do it.”
Lisha raised an eyebrow. “Uh huh. So I didn't just see you take that genlock down?”
“Oh, the darkspawn, yes. The templars... no.” He smiled at her while placing his hands behind his back.
Lisha crossed her arms and gazed over at the two templars laying behind him. They looked as if they had died by darkspawn hands, but she couldn't be for sure. In truth, she didn't really care.
“Wait,” Mhairi said perking up. “Who are you? I don't remember you being here.”
“Then you must've not been here when we arrived. You would've remembered me.” The mage winked at her and Mhairi recoiled. “Anyway, my name is Anders, mage and sadly a wanted apostate. These two caught me in the city and brought me here on the way through just for the night. Then the darkspawn happened, and well... here I am!”
“Indeed.” Lisha looked him up and down. She didn't know too much about the Circle, but she knew enough to know that the robes he was wearing weren't Circle robes. They were slightly dirty and worn telling her he had probably been on the run for a long time. “So do you plan on running now that your escorts are dead?”
“That was the plan, yeah.”
“Are you a healer?”
“I've been known to conjure a healing spell or two if need be.”
“Good, because I could have some use for you. I don't really care if you're an apostate or not, but if we're to keep going and find out what happened, I'm going to need you to heal her.” Lisha placed Mhairi against the wall and let her slide down to the floor. Anders crouched over her as Lisha took off her breastplate.
“Ooh, that doesn't look good,” he said once he saw the wounds. “Were you gals out there fighting the darkspawn to prove something?”
“No. As the warden-commander, it's my duty to deal with them and save as many people here as I can. Now, if you'd please...”
“You're the warden-commander? There was a lot of commotion about your arrival. I didn't think I'd get the chance to see you.”
“Yes, my name is Lisha and this is Ser Mhairi, a recruit, and if you don't do something and she dies, I will personally hand you over to the templars myself.”
“Alright, alright.” Anders began healing Mhairi's wounds, a soft blue light emitting from his hands that hovered over her. “But does that mean... you'll let me go after this?”
“If that's what you want, then yes. But first we're going to need your help with taking back this keep. After that's taken care of, you're free to do what you wish.”
Anders finished healing Mhairi but looked solemn. “I was able to do what I can, but I'm afraid--”
“I know I'm tainted, ser mage,” said Mhairi. “But I'm going to be a Grey Warden after this, so it doesn't matter.”
“Be a Grey Warden, huh?” Anders said as he helped her to stand. “Well good luck with that.”
“It's an honor.”
“I'm sure.”
“Okay you two, enough. Mhairi, put your breastplate back on and let's get moving. Anders, stay behind us and do what you can from afar.” Lisha took the lead through the room and out the other side to the catwalk. All three went around to the other side and to the other balcony in the larger room from before. Lisha went straight over to the lever and pulled it to open the gate. Once it opened, a large number of darkspawn made their way out as if they had been waiting for someone to open it. Lisha prepared her bow, ready to jump down from the balcony to attack.
Something was then thrown into the darkspawn group. It smoked and before Lisha knew what it was, Anders grabbed her by the waist and yanked her away from the edge of the balcony. The blast shook the entire room and a fireball spread throughout the lower level of the room.
“Creators! What was that!” Lisha pushed Anders off her and ran to the edge to see all the darkspawn below dead and blown to tiny pieces.
“Good try, beasties! Come again is you dare! Haha!” On the other balcony, where they had been before meeting Anders, stood a dwarf. He eyed Lisha and nodded before darting out the door.
“That would be a mad dwarf,” said Anders.
“I remember him,” said Mhairi. “I think his name is Dworkin, and yes, he is mad.”
“Well, he just cleared the way for us, so let's not waste it.” Lisha jumped over the railing and landed at the bottom level. The others followed, but used the stairs instead as they moved away the debris.
They made their way through the keep, killing darkspawn and saving survivors who were either hiding or fighting. Although Lisha could feel the taint spreading through Mhairi fairly quickly, with her wounds healed now, the warrior didn't let it stop her. She was a battering ram, plowing through the darkspawn and cutting them down with ease. Lisha could already tell she would make a fine Grey Warden.
Anders proved to be very useful, releasing spells and bringing darkspawn down with no problem. He took on emissaries whenever they came across them without breaking a sweat. Lisha hated that she would have to let him go when this was all over, but she'd made a promise.
As they ran through the keep, they came into a room with many darkspawn and a dwarf in black armor taking all of them on. Lisha stopped cold to see the unusual sight then realized she recognized the mess of red hair. Oghren took down a hurlock then turned to see the three new arrivals. Seeing Lisha, he waved before going back to swinging his massive battle axe at the dark creatures.
With Sulhigil in hand, Lisha launched a brigade of arrows into the group of darkspawn. Mhairi ran to Oghren's side, running her sword into a genlock's abdomen and twisting it out. Anders stood behind Lisha, one of his arcane bolts slamming into a hurlock trying to sneak up behind Mhairi. It exploded on impact, showering the two warriors with black blood and gore.
“Well, there ya are!” Oghren said to Lisha once all the darkspawn were brought down. “I was wondering who those two pee-brains were going to choose as the commander.”
“I hope he's not talking about Queen Zelda and Commander Arawin,” Mhairi frowned. “Because if so--”
“Oh quit your yappin'!” Oghren bellowed. “If they were here right now they'd probably call me a nug-humping son of a bitch. We traveled together when they were stopping the Blight, so I think I got privileges.”
“It's nice to see you again, Oghren,” said Lisha. “And yes, Arawin and Zelda appointed me as warden-commander until Arawin is capable of taking the duty.”
Mhairi snorted. “I find it hard to believe it's good to see him again. He was here when I left. Can't believe the Wardens didn't kick him out.”
“Hey, and you must be the recruit with the great rack,” Oghren chuckled. “Ol' Oghren missed ya.”
“Uh, and he still smells horrible.” Mhairi pinched her nose and waved her hand in front of her face.
“A dwarf that smells like a brewery,” said Anders. “You don't find that anywhere.”
“And mage comedians usually die young.” Oghren smirked at Anders.
“What are you doing here, Oghren?” Lisha asked. “Last time I heard, you were a captain in Fergus's army.”
“I was, but changed my mind.” Oghren paced about the room, looking uncomfortable. “It wasn't... what I thought. When I was fighting along side Zelda and Arawin, killing darkspawn and all, that's what felt right. So here I am, ready to do whatever I need to do to become a bonafide Grey Warden.”
“Well... I don't see why not. If you come with us and help to win the keep back then you'll be a Grey Warden, Oghren.”
“Are you sure he has to come with us?” Anders asked.
“We need everyone we can get, and since he's still capable of fighting, I don't see why not.”
“I guess that's true.”
“Now Oghren, is there anything you can tell us about what happened here?”
“Not really,” the dwarf said scratching his head. “I was passed out from last night, see. I woke up when I heard the sound of someone being hacked to death. I yelled at them to keep it down, but before I knew it, my door burst open and a hurlock came roaring in. So I jumped outta bed, grabbed my axe and took care of it. Been fightin' these critters ever since.”
“So you don't know what happened to the other Wardens?”
“Nope.”
Lisha breathed out heavily and closed her eyes. Again she tried to feel through the taint any Grey Wardens that might be around, but she still felt nothing. “Alright. Let's keep going, then. Where do you think we should head?”
“Maybe we should head to the throne room,” Mhairi offered. “That might be where any other survivors are holding up. With any luck, Wardens will be there and the seneschal.”
“Okay, Mhairi. Lead the way.”
Mhairi continued taking them through the keep, leading through doors and up stairs and across catwalks. Lisha wondered if she would ever learn the keep just as Mhairi had. She knew instantly where she was going. Lisha tried to pay attention, but was unable to keep it straight.
Along the way they ran into more darkspawn. They took them down with relative ease with Oghren in their group. Adding another warrior to the mix helped to take the pressure off Mhairi as the taint within her was beginning to slow her down. Lisha could see it on her skin now, dark patches beginning to grow and the veins under her skin becoming more prominent. She was sweating more and breathing harder. Her swings were becoming more sluggish, and her hits doing less damage. But even with that, she was still a wrecking force.
Just hold on a little longer, Mhairi. This will be over soon.
As they ran down a hall, which Mhairi said would lead to the throne room, they went past a body set up against the wall. Everyone thought he was dead until he moaned. Mhairi stopped and looked back and was shocked to see who the man was.
“Rowland!”
The man slowly stared up at her, his eyes glazed and milky, skin patchy and black, crinkled and dry. Lisha could feel the taint seeping through him like sewage, very far in, too far in fact for him to be saved even by the Joining.
“M-Mhairi...” he said, his voice croaking. “Is that... really you?”
“Yes, Rowland, it's me.” Mhairi knelt before him, her face showing sadness as she stared at her friend. “I'm sorry I didn't get here in time.”
“Mhairi...” Rowland reached out his hand and Mhairi took it. “I know you did what you could.” He then shifted his eyes over to Lisha. “Commander? I... I'm sorry--”
“There's no need for you to be sorry, Rowland,” said Lisha. “Can you tell us anything? Can you tell us what happened?”
Rowland closed his eyes. “Darkspawn... came out of nowhere. Not even the Wardens... knew. We were all preparing for you... caught off guard. A massacre. Killed many Wardens, took the seneschal to the roof. And a darkspawn... one that... talks.”
“A darkspawn that talks?” Oghren said skeptical. “The lad must be delirious.”
“It... really does.” Rowland coughed violently, leaning forward into Mhairi. She looked to Anders for help, but the mage shook his head.
“There's nothing I can do,” he said solemn. “He's beyond healing magic.”
“Relax, Rowland,” Mhairi said bringing him closer to her. “Everything will be all right.”
“With you here, I know it will be.” Rowland then moaned as Mhairi stuck her knife into his chest. He went limb and Mhairi gently placed him against the wall and shut his eyes.
“You will be avenged, my friend. I swear it.” She stood and placed her knife back in its sheath on her waist.
“Do you need a moment?” Lisha asked seeing the pain in her face.
“No. I will grieve for him afterwards. We should get moving, Commander. If there really is a darkspawn out there that talks, it needs to be dealt with.”
***
They made their way to the roof, a vast catwalk that stretched far across the top of the keep. Lisha could see down layers of the keep and far into the courtyard. The ground below was misty and obscured, making it seem as if there was no ground. There was also that feeling again, that alien presence in the taint that she had felt before. It was stronger and closer now, pulling her in the direction at the edge of the roof, right where a group of darkspawn were huddled with several humans. They ran to the group, just as a genlock pushed a soldier off the edge of the roof. A larger darkspawn, one Lisha had never seen before, and one she soon realized the alien presence was coming from spoke.
“We are not wishing anymore death. Take this one gently. We need them alive.” He directed the normal darkspawn around, some of them holding soldiers by sword point. One man in particular he hovered over.
“No more death?” the man said. “Like your kind has wanted anything else.”
“You think you know of our kind, human? You know nothing, but you will learn.”
“You will not get away with this, creature! More will come!”
“More have already arrived.” The darkspawn turned around just as Lisha and her companions arrived. They stared at each other for a moment, but Lisha saw after a few seconds the darkspawn seemed confused. “You are not the ones known as the Heroes of Ferelden,” he said to her.
“No, they are beyond your grasp, creature.”
“It really is talking,” Anders said shocked. “That's something you don't see everyday.”
The creature growled. “I am the Withered. I was sent to retrieve Grey Wardens by the Architect. You are the last Grey Warden here and must come with us.”
“The commander doesn't have to go anywhere,” said Mhairi taking out her weapons. “You have made a big mistake coming here.”
“Let's shut this thing up,” Oghren said joining her.
“If that be the case.” The Withered pulled out his own weapons, two gruesome looking moon-sicicled swords. “Kill the others, but leave the Grey Warden alive.”
The other darkspawn let go of their captives and ran at them.
“Run! Get out of here!” Lisha screamed at them as she released several arrows at the coming darkspawn. A few of the darkspawn went down immediately while the rest were killed from Anders's fireball that exploded in the middle of them.
Mhairi and Oghren ran straight to the Withered. The darkspawn readied himself for them, catching their weapons in his own. Mhairi yanked her sword free and smacked the Withered in the leg with her shield. Oghren twisted his axe and pushed it forward, the edge nearly cutting the darkspawn's neck. The Withered moved back, sweeping his swords forward. One collided with Mhairi's shield while the other hit Oghren's breastplate. A strange shock wave emitted from both swords and it pushed both Oghren and Mhairi on their backs.
With the two warriors down, the Withered made a line right to Lisha. Lisha backed away, aiming her arrow precisely before firing and hitting him in the weak spot in the armpit of his armor. The Withered stopped and growled, pulling out the arrow but then was struck by lightning as it fell from the sky. Anders then summoned a stone and propelled it at the Withered. It hit him squarely in the chest, knocking him back. The Withered quickly recovered himself, but lost one of his swords. By this time Oghren and Mhairi were back on their feet. They ran at the Withered, Oghren burying his axe in the darkspawn's side while Mhairi smashed into his other side with her shield.
The Withered gasped and fell to his knees from both impacts. Another stone shot from Anders's staff, hitting the Withered higher in the chest. It knocked the darkspawn fully to the ground. Mhairi scrambled over and took the Withered's sword away before driving her own into his skull. She fell on her backside while breathing heavy once he was dead.
“Easy now, Mhairi,” Lisha said. “He's dead. You did it.”
“I know, Commander. And it felt righteous.”
Lisha made her way over to the men who had ran to the side of the building still on the roof. The man who had spoken to the darkspawn before came to her and bowed. “Commander.”
“And you, my good ser?”
“Right, I am Seneschal Varel, Commander. And the men and I thank you for the timely rescue.”
Lisha studied the men behind him. “Is this... all that survived?”
“No, there are others I believe who have locked themselves in the throne room and perhaps even more hidden in the keep. I'll have the men go around and find everyone so they know it's safe. That is, of course, if it is safe.”
Lisha scanned the area once more, searching for any darkspawn that might be left. “It's safe. All the darkspawn have been taken care of. When you have the totals, I'd like to know. And I'll need to know about any surviving Wardens.”
“As you wish, Commander, but first, I think we should deal with the approaching guests.”
“What?” Lisha quickly turned to the front of the courtyard and saw lights traveling in the mist. There were many as they traveled down the path to Vigil's Keep. She once again scanned to see if they were a threat, but found they weren't. She found it interesting as well once she realized who was leading them. “They are no threat, Varel. Come, let's go give the king a proper greeting. Shall we?”

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins: Awakening
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Blood Song