We left the Chantry and went to find this Murdock. He was on the other side of some archers practicing. We approached two men talking. One wore heavy armor while the other wore plain clothing. The armorless man had dark black hair and his mustache looked as if a squirrel had taken up residence beneath his nose.

"Still no sign of them coming from the castle, Murdock," The armored man was saying.

"Tell them to maintain watch. I don't want a surprise attack before the sun goes down."

The armored man placed a fist to his chest. "Yes, Ser. What should we do until then?"

"Pray. And hope for a miracle." The other man ran off and Murdock turned to us. He looked me up and down. "So you're the Grey Warden, are you? I didn't think they made women Grey Wardens."

I raised my brow. "And why would you think that?"

"For more reasons than you'd care to hear, I bet. Still, there's no reason to think Bann Teagan's lost his mind."

"Pig," I heard Leliana mutter behind me. I was half expecting a snide comment from Morrigan.

"We aren't going to turn aside anyone who wants to help, though. Even if they're an elf. Don't take me for being an ingrate or nothing."

Typical Shemlen. Right when I thought he was more worried about the fact I'm a woman, he mentions my race.

"Mhmm," Morrigan said.

"Well, we do want to help however we can," Alistair said. "You can trust us."

"Name's Murdock, mayor of what's left of this village, providing we aren't killed and hauled off to the castle tonight."

"You can call me, Realin."

"Fair enough. What can I do for you?"

"What can we do to help?"

"We need what little armor and weapons we got repaired. And quickly or half of us will be fighting without either. Owen's the only blacksmith who can do it but the stubborn fool refuses to even talk. If we're to be ready for tonight, we'll need that crotchety bastard's help."

"I'll see what I can do."

"I'd appreciate it. If he doesn't help, he'll die like the rest of us. What good will that do to anyone then?"

We then went to find the blacksmithy.

~~~

The door, of course, was locked when I tried the handle.

"Go away, curse you! Leave me in peace! You've already taken everything in my stores! There's nothing left!"

Alistair looked at me and shrugged. Sten had gone to help fortify the barricades better saying we didn't need him to talk to a blacksmith.

"Is this Owen, the blacksmith?" I asked. "I need to speak with you."

"Oh? Who is that? What do you want? I've been through enough."

"I'd prefer not to speak through a door. Can I come in?"

"Certainly not! I don't know you and I don't want to! Off you go!"

"He is a crotchety bastard, isn't he?" Morrigan commented. I ignored her.

"I need to talk to the repairs for the militia."

"That so? If Murdock wants any more weapons, you can give him the same answer I did: he can make them himself."

"I just want to talk to you."

I heard Owen grunt. "All right, all right. Though I don't know why you're so determined. Here, I'll get the locks." 

"Huh," Alistair said. "That was impressive. I thought you were going to have to pick the lock. Or break down the door."

He had no idea how many times my persuasiveness had gotten myself, Fenarel, Merrill, and Tamlen out of all sorts of trouble. Owen opened the door and Alistair, Leliana, Morrigan and I stepped inside. Tristan decided that outside was the best place for him. I soon smelled why.

"Maker's breath!" Leliana said. "What's that smell? It's like someone set a brewery on fire."

"Somebody's been drinking," Alistair said, sing-songy. The tavern in Lothering smelled better than this.

"So I let you in. You wanted to talk; we're talking. Mind telling me who you are?"

"Call me Realin."

"Funny, you didn't sound like an Elf through the door. Can't say I expected that."

I managed to resist rolling my eyes.

"Not many people do," Alistair muttered.

Owen either ignored that or didn't hear it. "Anyway, my name's Owen, though I think you knew that already. Care to join me as I get besotted? Or is there something in particular you wanted?"

"The militia needs your help desperately," I said.

"Why should I help Murdock when he won't help me, hmm? My girl, Valena, is one of the Arlessa's maids and she's trapped up there in the castle but the mayor won't send anyone for her. She's been my life since my wife passed on two years ago. Now she's dead or soon to be. I don't care what happens to me or the village or anyone!"

"So you intend to drink yourself to death?"

"Why not? It's not like we're going to live past the night anyhow. Or are you going to save us?" Mockery and drinking do not go together.

"We intend to try."

"Is that so? Huh. Maybe it's the drink talking but you almost sound like you believe that. Tell you what, if you want me to do repairs for Murdock and his men, promise me you'll go into the castle and find my daughter."

"I'll do my best."

"Not good enough! Murdock said the same damned thing and I didn't believe him either."

"You are asking a great deal, you wretched little man," Morrigan said.

Owen ignored her. "I want a promise. Promise me that you'll look for her, that you'll bring her back to me if you can."

"I promise you: I'll find her." I couldn't and wouldn't promise that she would still be alive if and when I did.

"I'll accept that. It's something to hope for at least."

"Oh, lovely!" Morrigan clasped her hands together. "Shall we next begin rescuing kittens from trees?"

"Morrigan...," I sighed.

"Right then. It seems I have some work to do, relighting the forge and I suppose I'll have to find some iron. Hmm, maybe at the mill. Bah, Murdock just better send his men here as soon as possible if I'm gonna do all these repairs and get them done by nightfall. Here." He walked over to a chest and pushed it aside and unlocked a trap door. He pulled out several weapons and armor. "See if you can use any of these. I threw them in there in quite a hurry."

The swords were too small for Sten to use properly, but Leliana found armor that would suit her well.

"Thank you, Owen," she said. It would give her more room to fight than the Chantry robes she wore now.

"It's the least I can do for now but you'll have to excuse me for now. I have a lot of work to do."

We left the blacksmith and informed Murdock that Owen would help. "Thank the Maker!" he said. "You have my gratitude. He's falling over drunk and still makes smithing look easy," He chuckled. "I'll send one of my men to inform Bann Teagan that our men will be ready before sundown."

"I still need to talk to Ser Perth," I said.

"You'll find him and his men at the mill by the bridge, to the north."

~~~

Sten approached us, having heard Murdock telling us where to find Ser Perth. "I was in the General Store to get supplies for the barricades and saw several barrels of lamp oil," he said. "They will be great for defense if they are alighted. Perhaps you can mention it to the knight?"

"Thank you, Sten. I will tell him. Great eye."

He nodded and went back to what he was doing.

~~~

As we approached the bridge, Leliana finally brought up Alistair's birthright. "There are many great tales of lost kings who return to their lands to reign in glory."

I glanced over at Alistair, who looked like he was regretting revealing his parentage.

"I am not lost. Nor, for that matter a king. And there is nothing glorious about me."

"You are Maric's son. You are the rightful king of Ferelden." Oh, boy. And I was a Keeper's daughter. That didn't mean I was the rightful Keeper of Sabrae Clan. I really needed to keep in mind that Dalish hierarchy was completely different from the Shems'.

"I am the son of a star-struck maid and an indiscreet man who just happened to be king. Look, I can't be king. Some days I have trouble figuring out which boot goes on which foot."

I couldn't help but smile.

Leliana chuckled. "Complete fools are made leaders of kingdoms all the time and you are not a complete fool."

"Are you sure about that?" Morrigan said.

Alistair ignored her. "What an utter relief."

"And don't worry about the boots. Kings don't need to dress themselves. That's what advisers are for, isn't it?"

"And star-struck maids, apparently."

We found Ser Perth before the conversation could continue. "Greetings, Grey Warden," he said. "I am as relieved as Bann Teagan is to see you here. I must admit I know not how to address an Elf in your position. I do not wish to be rude." I was discovering not all the Shemlen were evil and looked down upon the Elves as we had always been told. But it still surprised me when I found one that was respectful.

"Just call me Realin," I said. What the hell was he supposed to call me? I didn't know what titles the Wardens had.

"As you wish and thank you kindly. I am Ser Perth, until recently in direct service to Arl Eamon of Redcliffe. For now, my change is defending the village from these evil assaults. Would I not have chosen to seek out Urn of Sacred Ashes, perhaps I would have fended off what became of the castle. Or perhaps I would be dead. Ah, well with a pair of Grey Wardens aiding our defense, perhaps all is not lost."

"Have you considered using the oil in the village store?"

"No one told me of this. Oil, you say? How much exactly?"

"Enough to set many monsters aflame."

"Assuming that would hurt them... Yes, I see what you have in mind. That might be effective if used carefully. Yes, an excellent idea! I'll send some men to collect the oil. We'll use it to slow these creatures down."

"What else do you need help with?"

"We have sufficient armor and weapons but my knights are too few to stand against the monsters without assistance. Perhaps you could approach Mother Hannah in the Chantry for some holy protection against these evil creatures? Otherwise, I do not know what else you could provide beyond your own talents. We're as prepared for the onslaught as we possibly can be, all things considered."

"I'll see what I can do."

"That gladdens my heart to hear it."

~~~

We went down the hill back to the Chantry where we found Mother Hannah praying with a terrified woman and her children. When she finished, she looked up at us and approached me. She was an older woman. I judged her to be older than Keeper Marethari. Her hair was pulled back into a bun.

"You are of Elven blood and a stranger, yet you defend a home that is not your own. We are grateful for that." I really wished everyone would quit pointing out that I'm an Elf like I didn't know that. Or maybe they were surprised to see an Elf period.

"Is there a reason I shouldn't help?"

"Many Elves claim we wouldn't do the same in return." I had to agree. "I would like to think that is not true but I cannot speak for all. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Mother Hannah, head of this Chantry. Which, for the moment, is a place of refuge for these poor villagers."

"How awful these must be for you all!" Leliana said. "Is this everyone who is left?"

"All those who cannot defend themselves, yes. They are terrified of tonight's attack and I fear these walls will not keep them safe. What can I do to help with your task?"

"How safe is the Chantry?" I asked.

"It is the sturdiest building in the village. The women, the elderly, and the children will stay here during the battle while the militia and knights protect them. They set up a barricade outside the Chantry to keep the monsters from getting inside. If anything gets in... Bann Teagan is our only line of defense." She clasped her hands together. "Please, have mercy. Help these people! Do whatever you can!"

"That is why we are here, your Reverence," Leliana said.

"Ser Perth is in need of holy protection for his knights."

"I have done all I can for them," she said, wearily. "I pray for them each night and seek the Maker's forgiveness for their sins before they face their deaths. What Ser Perth seeks is something that is not in my power to give."

"Can't you just bless them?" I was going off of what Keepers and Hahran would do. I knew next to nothing of the workings of the Chantry.

"I can pray with them and give them my blessing but Ser Perth wants me to call upon the Maker to shield them from evil."

"Well, can't you just tell him the Maker will watch over him?" Alistair suggested. "Morale is a powerful thing, you know."

"You mean you want me to let them think the Maker protects them in a real sense? I will not lie to them like that!"

"But if they think it helps them..."

"I...," she paused. "I know their own faith may inspire them but if it will help bolster their faith I have several amulets with the Maker's symbol upon them. Tell Ser Perth he can have them. Now, please... let me tend to these poor folk. I must do what I can and I suggest you do the same." She turned away, signaling the conversation was over. We looked at one another and went back to Perth.

~~~

When we approached Perth, he inclined his head. "The knights of Redcliffe are ready to fight at your disposal."

Which took me by surprise. I glanced at Alistair, who only shrugged. Mr. I Didn't Want To Tell You That I'm Really A Prince was being no help at all. It would perhaps be easy to forget he was since he would rather I, of all people, lead than him.

"I spoke to Mother Hannah," I said.

"Has she offered anything?"

"She said that she has some Chantry amulets that you and your knights can have."

Perth's face brightened. "That's wonderful. Thank you," he said. "I will send some of my knights to collect them. Thank you again."

"I will return by nightfall and make the stand here."

"Very well, Realin. May the Maker watch over you."

~~~

Halfway down the hill, Alistair spotted the village tavern. "Look, a tavern."

"Alistair," I sighed. "Now is not the time for a drink."

"Didn't say we were going to drink. Maybe we can hear what else might be going on around here."

"Remember what happened in the last tavern?"

"I don't think Loghain's men would be in Redcliffe."

"I'm going to hold you to that."

We went in. To which I spotted an Elf first thing sitting at a table by himself. I approached him. "Strange to see a fellow Elf here," I said. He was the first I'd seen in this village. Everyone else I'd met or seen were Shemlen, with the exception of a Dwarf with an attitude.

"We have nothing in common. You're Dalish." This must be one of the flat-ears, the name the Dalish give the City Elves. And I didn't like the way he said the name.

"What does that mean?" The vallaslin must have given me away. We Dalish were proud to bear them. They were painful to receive and proved we had what it took to be adults.

"I'm not here to talk."

Leliana had been studying him. "There's something about this man's demeanor," she said. "I... I don't know."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"But you do, don't you? I know a spy when I see one." How would she know what a spy looked like? I was going to have to ask her about that later.

He ignored Leliana and turned his attention back to me. "Just because you're an Elf doesn't mean we should... be friends. I was just told to...," He seemed to realized he'd almost let something slip. "I mean... just leave me alone!"

"What do you mean?" I asked, my eyes narrowing. I was starting to think Leliana was right. "What were you told to do?"

"Nothing! Nobody told me to do anything! Just because you're a Grey Warden doesn't mean you can go around threatening people."

Alistair and I looked at each other, our hackles rising. Alistair was no longer in a relaxed state. I crossed my arms.

"Who said anything about me being a Grey Warden?"

The look on the Elf's face was priceless at me catching his slip up. "I just... uh... overheard it. That's all. If you'll excuse me, I want to get to the Chantry before the sun goes down."

None of us budged.

"This will just be easier if you tell us what you're hiding," I said, my voice taking on a dangerous tone.

"I don't want trouble. I... I'm going to the Chantry now. Just... leave me alone." He tried to stand, but I leaned forward, putting one hand on the back of the chair and the other on the table. It left me vulnerable, but I had a feeling this Elf wasn't going to do anything. Aside from soil himself. Just being a Dalish gave many pause.

"Stop right there," I said my voice low and steady. "Answer my questions or..."

He nearly fell out of the chair scooting away from me. "All right! All right! I'll tell you! Just don't hurt me," I straightened as his words came out in a rush. "This is more than I bargained for. Look, they just paid me to watch the castle and send word if anything should change. But they never said anything about monsters! I haven't even been able to report anything since this started. I'm stuck, same as you. I swear!"

"Who are 'they'? Who hired you to do this?"

"A tall fellow, I forget his name. He, uh, said he was working for Howe. Arl Rendon Howe. He's an important man, Teyrn Loghain's right hand! So I didn't do anything wrong!"

Alistair and I looked at each other.

"What are you supposed to watch the castle for?"

"Just to report any changes, honest! All I could send word about was the Arl getting sick. After that, the monsters started coming from the castle."

"How do I know you're telling the truth?"

"Here...," He reached into his pack.

Alistair reached for his sword, while I put a hand on my belt knife. He pulled out a parchment. We slightly relaxed, Alistair moving his hand away from his blade.

"This is a letter from them. It has instructions and everything. Keep it! Do whatever you want with it!" I took the letter, my hand never leaving my knife. "I just thought I was serving the king and making a bit of coin on the side. You have to believe me!" He eyed the hand and the knife it rested on.

"I think you should help defend Redcliffe tonight."

"All... all right. I'll do it. Thank you for your mercy. I won't forget it!" I allowed him to stand and he fled the tavern.

I looked over my shoulder at Alistair as I moved my hand away from the knife. "There wouldn't be any of Loghain's men in Redcliffe?"

"I was obviously wrong, but at least now we know he has hired spies."

"Were you really going to hurt him?" Leliana asked.

"No. From what I understand, the Dalish are just scary stories to the flat ears. I'm actually surprised he didn't wet himself by meeting one." I turned towards them. "I just used my race to scare the shit out of him and make him tell me what we needed to know."

Leliana smiled. "Sounds like you would have made an excellent Bard." My crash course in the Shemlen world hadn't included that and I didn't think that now was the time for that lesson.

"Let's gather the others and get ready for this fight."