Time Of Reckoning

Chapter 8.

Leaning against one of the pillars, Mel listened to Duncan explain to the group their next task. Some bullshit about the wilds. Kills some darkspawn, fill these vials with their blood, blah, blah, blah.

Yawning, she glanced over at the dwarf who seemed just as uninterested as her. At least she wasn't throwing fake pity at her whenever Mel turned around. The mage - Dante - Seemed to keep to himself, twitchy and nervous, he was. Like he expected someone to show up at any minute to come and behead him. Daveth seemed to be scared of her, so he kept a distance. Mel liked Daveth. Then, there was Jory, a rather imbecilic shemlen knight who apparently didnt know that elves could be Grey Wardens.

Seems poor Commander Garahel wasn't as renowned as he damn well deserved.

Alistair nodded to each and every one of Duncan's words like a dog on a leash. Not even Fjara's pup seemed that obedient. Fjara herself seemed to take on a role of leadership rather quickly with the durgen'len. It made no difference to Mel though, one shem was no different than the other... Well, other than Duncan. Even under all of her anger, Mel couldn't help but respect the Commander.

Before Mel knew it, the group was headed for the gates that led to the wilds. Finally, some action.

~●~

Mel was the first to wake up after having drank from the Joining chalice. Duncan helped her stand up, placing a steady hand on her shoulder. The other two still laid slouched against the stone wall. Ser Jory, Dante and Daveth's bodies were nowhere to be seen. Jory's blood still stained the dirt floor, however. A reminder of his cowardice.

"It is over, you are now one of us, Mel. Welcome."

"I... Could really go for a stiff drink right about now." Groaning, Mel leaned her head on the wall, enjoying the cool stone against her skin. Duncan chuckled but didnt respond, Alistair nervously watched over the other two. "Are you... Sure that they'll make it?"

Duncan nodded, patting Alistair on the shoulder. "They are stronger than you think, give them some time. While we wait," he turned to Mel. "You and I will attend the King's meeting with Loghain and the others. I wish for at least one of you to be there."

Mel gave him a sarcastic thumbs up, swallowing the vomit that bubbled up her throat. "Mhmn." She simply began walking, not waiting for anything more. Alistair sat atop the table and kept watch while Duncan slowly followed after Mel to the war table.

Already, pointless bickering filled Mel's ears as she made her way down through the ruins. The two noble shems argued over strategies that - in the end - meant nothing. Mel had seen the vast horde that was approaching Ostagar. They didnt stand a chance. And yet Mel didnt care. Truly, there was no life after her becoming tainted by that...

She didnt finish that thought, and simply focused on memorizing the map that laid out on the table. Mel hardly acknowledged Cailen's remark about her having become a Warden. She could feel Duncan's stare on her but truly, the feelings of the human King held no bearing on her. Duncan knew how she felt and didnt press her.

"Then we'll send our best. The new Wardens and Alistair will light the beacon."

That caught her attention. Mel flicked her eyes up at the King, raising a brow. "You mean I wont be in the battle?"

Duncan cleared his throat, placing a stern hand on Mel's shoulder and giving it a squeeze. "We need the beacon, lest Loghain not know when to flank the Spawn."

"See? Glory for everyone."

Mel wanted to groan. This was her father's king? This was the man that had ruled over Ferelden for five years? No wonder Vaughn was so confident. The nobles must have walked all over this manchild of a ruler.

No matter. At least Mel would have a good view of when the darkspawn overran him.

"With Dunacn and the rest of the Grey Wardens at my side, we will be undefeatable!" Mel's heart sank. Her frown somehow grew longer. As much as she hated her current position, she never wished any harm on the Commander. And the elf knew that this was a futile attempt... Duncan was going to die today.

And so was everyone around this table.