Soundtrack:
Requiem for a Dream ~ Clint Mansell (Battle of Amaranthine)
When Sigrun, Tristan, and I returned to the Keep, we were met by Maverlies. "The Seneschal is looking for you, Commander."
I nodded. We made our way to the throne room. I noticed there were several nobles gathered.
"Thank you, Maverlies," Varel said.
She saluted and stepped to the side.
"Many of the lords have gathered. The Darkspawn have fielded armies and the nobles want to know how you will protect them. Shall I assemble them?"
I nodded. "Assemble the men. It's past time to deal with this threat."
"I will send the messengers at once."
I turned to Sigrun. "Find the rest of the Wardens and have them come here immediately."
"Yes, Commander."
~~~
The nobles slowly arrived at the Keep. I was sure a few of them were purposely dragging their feet.
One of the nobles approached us. "We have waited long enough," he said, impatience coloring his voice. "Those who are late will just have to be filled in."
Tristan gave a low warning growl.
"Lord Eddlebrek, this is the Commander of the Grey's council. Not yours," Varel warned.
Eddlebrek looked at me. "What will you do, Commander? I've lost whole villages to the army — army!— of Darkspawn."
"The enemy is out of hiding. We will find them and strike." I saw Oghren grin.
"This is no—" Eddlebrek was interrupted by an Elven girl who burst through the doors at that moment.
"Commander!" She stumbled a bit before regaining her footing and running towards Varel and I. "Commander!"
"What is it, girl?" Varel asked.
She was breathless. "A Darkspawn army is within sight of Amaranthine." Many of the nobles gasped.
"Maker protect us!" Eddlebrek exclaimed. "They're attacking the city!?"
"Some of the Vigil's soldiers are still there," Garevel said. "She won't fall easy."
"Our forces cannot move quickly enough," Varel said. "But a small band might make it in time."
"But that's suicide!"
"So was facing an Archdemon." I turned to Varel. "I'll rally Amaranthine's defenders."
"If anyone can do it, it would be you," Varel said.
"Nathaniel, Anders, Oghren, you're with me. Garevel and Maverlies, ride with me as well."
"Yes, Commander."
"And here I thought I'd retire to the country with a plump wife and several nubile mistresses," Anders quipped before sighing. "I suppose it'll have to wait."
"I originally thought us both mad when I asked to join the Order," Nathaniel said. "But redemption. A man could die for that and feel good about it."
YOU ARE READING
The Dalish Commander (The Daughters of Thedas Book 2)
FanficWith the Archdemon dead, the Darkspawn should have retreated back to the Deep Roads. But something odd is at work around Amaranthine, the new stronghold of the Grey Wardens. As the new Commander of the Grey, Realin Mahariel-Theirin must rebuild the...