Chapter 34 -- Good Times in Redcliffe
*****
We rode out of Denerim at dawn the next morning. Alistair, Cerys and Eamon strolled in while it was still dark, explaining that orders had been given. Once we departed, the city gates would be shut, and only guards patrolling the local area would be allowed out. Guards would also be patrolling the walls around the clock, and if the worst were to happen, fresh horses and messengers would be prepared to go at a moment's notice. Notices would be placed across the city, notifying civilians where to go and what to do in the event of any attack.
"What about Anora?" I wondered.
Alistair gave me a curious look, probably wondering why I cared. "The palace will be the safest building in the city. Eamon has graciously agreed to have his estate used as a safe haven, as will the Arl of Denerim's estate. Those three buildings, in addition to the Chantry building, will hopefully be safe enough if the worst happens."
Taking the south road was always going to have an element of danger, which is why Bodahn was happy to remain at the estate with the servants. We would have preferred to take them with us, but speed was of the essence, particularly with the route we were taking, and the oxen and cart would only slow us down. Alistair and Eamon assured us that they would be safe at the estate, barricades being raised by the time we departed, just as the sun was over the horizon.
Our journey passed quickly and without incident, only stopping to allow our horses a brief rest before continuing on. We made Redcliffe before nightfall, and rode into a nightmare, as the darkspawn had made their intentions clear.
Dismounting our horses, we bloodied our blades for the first time in what felt like days. I made straight for the biggest, ugliest darkspawn and unleashed the full fury of my Thu'um. The ogre erupted in flames, as did another few small darkspawn around it. Those of us armed with sword and shield then linked up and tore them apart, allowing our bloodlust to overcome us. We didn't just strike them down. We hacked them apart. Limbs littered the ground as we followed the path up to the castle.
The darkspawn must have been awaiting our arrival, and our two armies clashed with a roar. How we all survives, only the Nine ever knew. To be honest, half of us should have died, but their Maker was certainly looking over us as we stormed the castle grounds. I used my Thu'um time and again, simply to give us an advantage. I don't want to sound arrogant, but the darkspawn, even when bringing in reinforcements, didn't stand a chance against us once we held the courtyard.
Once our victory was assured, there was no time to waste. As soldiers immediately started to clear bodies, the rest of us gathered in the main hall. Eamon stated that messengers would be sent out immediately, though we knew units of soldiers would be heading our way. Messengers had already been despatched to the mages, elves and dwarves. They would head straight for Denerim and meet us there.
It was late night as we all sat around and discussed possibilities. I figured the best idea would be to gather near Denerim and wait for the darkspawn to come to us. They would eventually, and we would beat them there. It was certainly better than sending an army traipsing across Ferelden, looking for an enemy that didn't want to be found. It took a little negotiation, but Alistair finally relented and agreed that was probably the best idea.
Although I didn't go to bed alone that night, joined by Leliana and Natia, we did nothing but sleep. Or, I would have slept all night, except I was woken by banging on the door sometime early in the morning. Opening the door, I was greeted by a bleary-eyed Alistair, obviously woken himself. "Message from Denerim, Ragnar. The darkspawn have been sighted."
"Where?"
"A day out from Denerim. They're moving slowly, but the Archdemon hasn't been sighted yet."
"When do we leave?"
"We still need to organise tomorrow. We can't leave as a disorganised rabble. Soldiers are still arriving from all over Ferelden, and they can't arrive here to find us already gone. Denerim will have to cope until at least the day after tomorrow." It wasn't a good idea. It was a horrible idea. But it was also realistic. We couldn't leave without the army, otherwise we'd never stop the darkspawn. So I had to agree. "May the Maker forgive us," Alistair muttered, before he turned around and headed back to his room.
The next morning, we sent Zevran out on horseback to scout the darkspawn and to return once he'd found them and figured where they were heading. The rest of us started to prepare ourselves for what was to come. Soldiers kept arriving all day from across Ferelden, making camp wherever they could around the village. We didn't bother keeping count of how many there were. All I knew is that many of them would probably die before the darkspawn were defeated. We had three Warden. A Dragonborn. A few dozen knights. Perhaps double that in actual professional soldiers. The rest were men and women dressed in whatever they could find, armed with whatever they could kill darkspawn with. The odds were not in our favour, and we were alone. If the Orlesian Grey Wardens were still waiting to the cross the border, they'd never arrive in time now.
The evening meal was quiet that night, most of us no doubt thinking of what was to come. Zevran had returned once night had fallen, reporting that the darkspawn would reach Denerim before we arrived the next day. Alistair immediately regretted his decision, but it was the right one. We needed the army, and I reassured him that one decision alone could be the difference between victory and defeat.
Entering my bedroom after a final meeting with Riordan, Cerys and Alistair, where a few last truths were revealed, I had expected one or two girls to be waiting, but I didn't expect Morrigan. Before I could ask what she wanted, she said, "I'm not here to be fucked in the arse again, Ragnar."
"Are you here for that at all?"
"I'm sure you'll be disappointed when I say no." I actually was, though I had plenty of options that night. "What I am here for may save the life of a friend though." She was polite enough to explain the ritual but dumb it down enough so I completely understood what was required. All I could ask was, "Why don't you just ask Alistair yourself?"
"Because you know what he's like. He trusts me, barely, but I doubt will readily agree to something like this. No, he's going to need the advice of a friend."
"Then we'll ask together."
It was as awkward as you could imagine. Morrigan explained the ritual, how it would work, and the outcome. Alistair looked at me for guidance. "I can only suggest you do it, Alistair. Ferelden needs a king at the end of this, and while your sacrifice would be noble, your death would leave an empty throne. And if you land the killing blow, it will also save Cerys. And you and I don't want her to die."
"What about Riordan?"
"We could suggest this to him, but I think his mind is already made up about sacrificing himself. If he's willing to do that, so be it. But I think you should be willing to do this, Alistair. Besides, Morrigan's a good fuck. You'll enjoy yourself tonight."
Morrigan actually laughed at my comment while Alistair's jaw gaped. "You've had her too?"
"I'll be honest; I've had all the women in our group except Neria. And, to be honest, that's only because she's a recent addition. I think Lyna's already been in her ear about me. Those two elves are already thick as thieves."
"Hang on, Wynne too?" Even Morrigan looked surprised when I admitted that Wynne had also shared my bed for one night. "By the Maker, Ragnar, do you not fuck anyone?"
"Haven't fucked you yet, and that's only because you're male. Done it once, doubt I'll do it again. So, will you do it?"
