Kiera Amell thought her life was set before her. A talented Spirit Healer, she assumed that she would spend her life in the Circle of Magi healing the sick and mentoring apprentinces. That is, until a blood mage betrayed her trust and left her to pa...
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"Holy Maker," the guard standing next to Garrett said.
Garrett himself couldn't speak. Advancing onto Amaranthine was an army of Darkspawn. For the first time in his life, he was truly terrified. Garrett glanced at Aidan, a look of complete horror on his face.
"Aidan," Garrett managed to find his voice. "We can't defend against that."
"I... I know," his voice mirrored his face.
"We need aid. We need the Wardens."
"They won't make it on time."
"Send word anyway." Aidan looked at Garrett and the former Templar realized that he'd slipped back into his old ways. "We have to give the people a chance."
Aidan nodded and turned to one of his men. "Find the fastest runner and send them to Vigil's Keep to warn Commander Mahariel."
"Yes, Ser."
Aidan turned back to Garrett. "And I want you to help lead the defense."
"Ser?"
"You've just been promoted. Rally the men."
~~~
Keira heard the screams and looked out the window. "Maker's balls!" she exclaimed, holding Jocelynn close to her chest and stepping away from the window.
"What is it?"
"Darkspawn." Keira couldn't believe that she was saying it. "There are Darkspawn in the city!"
Delilah gasped, reaching for Albert. "What do we do?" she asked. "Do we run?"
Keira shook her head. "We won't be able to outrun them."
"I'm sure the Wardens will come," Albert said.
"But what do we do until then?" Delilah asked.
"We'll defend ourselves," Kiera answered.
"With what?" Albert asked. "I'm no warrior and you can only do so much with a dagger."
Kiera thought about revealing her secret but decided against it. "Trust me," she said with a smile. "They won't get past me if they break through."
~~~
For two days they heard the screams of their neighbors, the battle cries of the city guard and the soldiers still in Amaranthine, and the screeches of the Darkspawn. Kiera kept a hold on her magic the entire two days, ready to freeze any Darkspawn unlucky and stupid enough to break through the door. She'd changed back to the half dress and pants she'd worn when she and Garrett first began traveling together. The sudden pounding on the door caused Delilah to scream and Kiera nearly froze the door.
