Opposites Road

Captain Malcolm was waiting at the bottom of the gangplank when she escorted Leliana, the Wardens and Irving with a couple other mages to the Tranquil.

Ealisay smiled back. "Permission to come aboard, Captain?" she asked playfully.

"Permission granted, my lady." Malcolm bowed to her and turned to the Wardens. "You're friends have already boarded and are below decks. Sue will take you to them. My lady... a few words?"

Ealisay nodded and left her traveling companions to the large man named Sue. She met Malcolm towards the end of the dock. "What's the problem?" she asked.

"The Bann hired me to carry you and mages," Malcolm answered lightly but his eyes started to darken. "He said nothing about a band of misfits."

Ealisay made an effort to keep her voice light. "They go to Redcliffe to seek the Arl's aid. Two of them are Grey Wardens and need our help against the Blight, one of them is a Lay Sister of the Chantry." With a sigh she dug into her coin purse and pulled out ten gold coins. "Here, I assume this would cover the trip for them?"

Malcolm stepped back with his hands at chest height waving her to put the coins away. "No, no! I am not asking for money from you, my lady." he sighed and shook his head. "Grey Wardens are now fugitives."

"Well, so am I, am I not?" she replied curtly. "After what you told me at lunch I should be dancing on the gallows for treason." She backed away from him and lifted her chin. "We are facing a Blight, are we not?"

Malcolm nodded.

"Then should we not give those that slay archdemons aid?"

Malcolm sighed and nodded. "You are right, my lady. I apologize for my outburst."

Ealisay came towards him and patted him on the back. "No need, Captain. You were only trying to protect your crew."

"You are very generous." he replied and brightened as they walked to the gangplank to board the ship. "It was quite a sight to see you throw that templar into the lake. Ha ha, seeing one of those stuck up mage-hunters get thrown off their high horse by a pretty lady is not something readily seen."

Ealisay chuckled and climbed up the gangplank where Irving, the other mage, Wynne, and the two Wardens were waiting for them with Zee. She gave them a welcoming smile. "Gentlemen, lady, is everything stowed away?"

"Yes, everything is stowed away. We," he gestured to himself and the Wardens and Wynne. "wish to hear more of what bothers Redcliffe."

Ealisay nodded and looked to Malcolm. "We should be on our way then."

Malcolm bowed to her. "Yes, my lady." he spun around and shouted a few orders to his crew. A few answered back and he stalked off to take a stand on the poop deck.

"To the captain's cabin then." she replied and lead them to where she had spent most of the day at.

There was no one there and Major and the other hound were content with taking to guard the door when they had all entered. Alistair and Daylen brought chairs over for Ealisay and Wynne facing the seating against the back windows. The three men took their seats across from her.

"Hopefully, I can answer all your questions with this." she replied and thought for a moment. "The Arl's son, Connor, was starting to show an aptitude in magic. His mother, to hide that fact, hired a man whom she thought was an apostate to tutor Connor."

"Connor? A mage?" Alistair asked in disbelief.

"Yes, but the apostate turned out to be a blood mage who was ordered by Teryn Loghain to poison Arl Eamon."

"What is this mage's name?"

"I don't know." Ealisay answered with a shrug. "I suspect that his poisoning the Arl left the boy vulnerable to a demon who he made a deal with. The demon also made it so the dead would walk the earth and attack Redcliffe."

"Do you know what kind of demon?" Daylen asked.

"I don't know. I talked Bann Teagan into getting a ship so that I could get to the tower and back as quickly as possible. We should reach the village around dawn."

"Why?" asked Daylen, studying her. "Why are you helping people you don't know?"

"Because they needed it." she replied sternly. "I didn't trek across Ferelden, get attacked by Dragon cultists and go through the Gauntlet to the Urn of Sacred Ashes just to be taken down by the undead."

Alistair leaned forward. "You found the Urn of Sacred Ashes?"

"Yes, I was looking for a scholar by the name of Genitivi and his research brought me to the Frostback Mountains... I hope he got to Denerim alright." she replied off handedly. "Poor man was tortured by the cultists and they broke his leg." she looked over at Irving. "Do you have any questions?"

"How close did you get to Connor?" Irving asked.

"I was only in the castle for a short time just to save a couple of people and bring out the mage. I haven't seen Connor."

Irving nodded and stood. "More of the truth will be revealed when we reach Redcliffe. This old man needs his rest."

Ealisay followed suit. "You are probably all tired from the tower. I will speak to the Captain about where you shall be bunking tonight."

"Where are you bunking?" Alistair asked and after a moment of silence decided to elaborate. "We wouldn't want you to be thrown out of where you're bunking."

Ealisay gave him a sweet smile. "I slept on the way here. I couldn't sleep even if I wanted to." She picked up a book that lay on a desk nearby. "I shall be on the fore deck should any of you need me. Good night."

The door opened and Captain Malcolm came in. "Ladies and Gentlemen by the direction and speed of the wind we should dock at Redcliffe by mid morning tomorrow. If you wish I shall be glad to show you where you shall be bunking for the night."

"Thank you, Captain."Irving replied as Ealisay slipped by Malcolm and climbed the stairs topside.

The night was clear with the moon high above them and the stars were glittering in the sky and on the lake. There were a few of the crew shuffling about and they tipped their hats to her as she passed. The fore deck was small and with the tiny lantern there she could read in seclusion without deterring the crew from their duties. The rocking of the ship was soothing as it broke the small waves of Calenhad. It was like the lake was rocking the ones below deck to sleep as a mother would.

She delved into the book with the dogged boredom that she took at her lessons in the castle. It should have been interesting but the thought of not knowing what was going to happen after she got everyone back to Redcliffe and healed Eamon made her nervous. Eamon and her father had been friends and she hoped that he could give her some guidance. There was also the Grey Wardens to think of. Were they going to ask for aid from Eamon as well?

The quick double rap of metal on wood caused her to look away from her book and over to see who it was. It was the young Warden, Alistair. He smiled sheepishly at her and twisted his fingers little. She closed the book, not caring if she lost her place. His smiled made her reciprocate with a smile of her own.

"Can't sleep?" she asked as she slid her legs closer to leave more room for the man to sit.

"Um...I'm sorry if I disturbed you. I'll go." he replied and turned to leave.

"No, don't –." she started and reached out her hand to stop him. Her hand landed in his armored forearm and it was enough to stop. "You aren't disturbing me." she gave him a small smile. "What troubles you?"

Alistair sighed and took the offered seat that was left on the fore deck. "I am just worried about Arl Eamon and Connor."

"So am I." she sighed. "We'll heal Eamon andConnor."

"The Arl raised me until I went into the Chantry." he sighed rubbing his face with his hands. The cold metal of his gauntlets slipped over his face, not the comforting feeling he was expecting from warm skin. "If anything will happen to him..."

"Nothing will happen to them." she cut into the silence that he was leaving. He looked over at her and saw the steely glint of determination in her eyes. The lantern behind her cast her face in half yellow half blue light. She looked a mix a luminous softness and fiery hardness. "You have had a hard day. Take off your armor and get some rest. Even Grey Wardens must rest."

He nodded and stood. "Thank you, for what you're doing for Lady Isolde and Connor."

Ealisay watched him walked back to the hatch to take him below and hoped that she had done the right thing.

The village looked peaceful from the water as the Tranquil sailed into the harbor that lay in the shadows of Castle Redcliffe. Ealisay had traded the fore deck for the poop deck to get a better view of the village. Below her on the main deck the companions of the Wardens and Mages milled about in their little groups and conversed.

Beside her stood Major, who had spent the night down below with the other mabari keeping watch of the mages and the other travelers. The Wardens' traveling companions were a eclectic bunch, most noticeable was the giant Quanari who stood taller than Shale but her golem companion was more animated.

As they drew closer Ealisay could see that Shale was standing at the dock, the crystals embedded in her stony form glinting in the morning light. She almost wanted to wave at the golem but guessed that Shale would only look on incredulously. Alistair and Daylen climbed up the stairs to the poop deck both looking less then refreshed.

"Good morning gentlemen." she greeted with a wide smile.

"Good morning," replied Daylen with a matching smile and stifled a yawn.

"Did you not sleep well?" she asked seeing the dark circles under their eyes.

"This is my first time on a ship," Daylen confessed and chuckled. "and Alistair snores."

Alistair's eyes narrowed at his fellow's comment. "I do not!"

Ealisay shook her head with laugh. "I'm sure you heard someone else snoring."

"Ha! Someone's on my side." Alistair grinned.

The ship swayed softly as the ship turned to head to the dock that was nearest the General Store. Ealisay shifted her weight nervously when she didn't see Teagan and Isolde at the dock where she thought they'd be.

"Where's Bann Teagan and the Arlessa?" she asked coming down the gangplank.

"The annoying woman and the sissy ran into the castle last night." Shale replied before the knight could.

"What?" she glared at the knight and the golem. " How could you let them do something so stupid?"

"I could not catch them. I am, after all, made of stone. At least I didn't have to hear her wailing and weeping when they left."

Ealisay turned to Perth. "And you? What stopped you from going after them?"

The Knight looked chastised. "My duty is to serve the Arl and his family –"

"No! That is a sorry excuse. Give me your sword and shield." she held out her hand.

"Are you sure that this is necessary?"Alistair asked from behind her. "He was just doing his duty."

"No, he was charged with protecting the Arl and his family from harm!" Ealisay hissed. "Give. Now."

Perth handed her his longsword and shield, his head bowed in shame. "Forgive me, my lady."

"You better pray that they're not dead, Perth." she growled and turned around. Alistair and Daylen were a few steps away but she was not looking at them. "Major! Come!" she called.

From the top deck there was a bark and then the muscled mass of her mabari charged down the gangplank to his mistress.

"Lets go." she ordered and started off at the sprint through the houses towards the castle.

She did not notice Perth and the Wardens chasing after her and Major. All she could think of was the blatant stupidity that ran this house. Well, it was the Arlessa's stupidity that caused this and was the woman ever going to get a talking to when she got a hold of her. Her body pulsed with energy as she climbed up the various terraces that led up the castle and pushed herself when she reached the stone bridge leading to the castle. The gate was still open from Isolde fleeing the day before. Major growled and slowed down in front of her causing her to stop just in front of the gates.

There were corpses laying strewn about courtyard and some of them had to have been cursed to walk again. She lifted up the shield in a defensive position her borrowed long sword ready to defeat whatever creature came for her. She stepped carefully into the courtyard and heard the clanging of armor behind her. Her attention, however, was not on those behind her but in the hiss she heard from her left.

The sound of the dead resounded through the walled area and a few of the bodies stood and came at her. There was a couple of shouts behind her and she charged into the fray. The creatures were not armed and were easily put down with a slam of the shield and a slice of the sword. The hissing to her left increased and she felt something pull at her. The force pulled at her and her feet slid across the paved ground. A hand grabbed her sword arm and stopped her unwilling movement.

She glanced back and watched Alistair and Daylen charge at the creature that had tried to her pull her. Perth let her go as the men engaged the creature and she stomped up the stairs, her shield protecting her from the arrows of the skeleton archers at the castle's front door. She heard a dying scream of something behind her as she bashed her shield against a skeleton, sending it over the high edge of the landing.

"Ealisay! Behind you!" Alistair shouted coming up the stairs.

Ealisay spun around and with her sword skewered the last skeleton on her sword. It crumpled to the ground in front of her. "Thanks." she replied as he and his fellow Warden climbed up the stairs.

"Those things...they were the things that attacked the village?" Daylen asked sheathing his twin daggers.

"Yes, but they had not attacked since Lady Ealisay left for the Tower." answered Perth.

"Where's Jowan?"

"Murdock has him locked in the Chantry with Mother Hannah. He has not caused any trouble."

Ealisay gave the knight back his weapons and straightened the skirt of her dress. "Lets go see if Connor is safe."

Perth pushed the large wooden doors open and stood aside so that Ealisay could enter and she handed him his sword and shield. The entrance was empty and they followed her into the front hall. In front of the large hearth stood a couple of guards, Isolde and a young boy. Bann Teagan was performing a dance, that to a child's mind would find funny. The boy had to have been Connor and he did not look to be like any child that she had seen. Isolde looked as though she was carrying a heavy weight and exhausted.

The clanking of the knights' and the Warden's armor caused Connor to look away from his uncle. Teagan stopped dancing at an invisible command and took to sitting by Connor's side like a court jester.

"So these are our visitors? The ones you told me about Mother?" Connor's voice was deep and thick, not a child's voice at all.

"Y-yes Connor."

"Lady Isolde," Ealisay took a stepped towards them. "Please, come here."

"And this is the one who defeated my soldiers? The ones I sent to reclaim my village?" he narrowed his eyes. "And now it's staring at me! What is it, Mother? I can't see it well enough."

"It's a woman, Connor."

"She's probably younger and prettier than you. I'm surprised you haven't had her killed out of jealousy."

Isolde got on her knees facing Connor. Ealisay took a step closer when the boy put covered his eyes with his hands. "C-Connor, I beg you, don't hurt anyone!"

Connor looked up at his mother. "M-Mother? What...what's happening? Where am I?" at that moment he sounded like a child.

"Oh, than the Maker! Connor! Connor, can you hear me?"

She didn't see Ealisay grab her arm just as Connor shook his head slightly and snarl.

"Get away from me, fool woman!" the demon-child growled. "You are beginning to bore me."

Ealisay dragged the Isolde away from the dais. "Please, don't hurt him!" she implored. "He's not responsible for what he does!"

Ealisay glared at the boy or at the demon inside the boy. "Leave them be, demon!" she hissed pulling the older woman closer to her. "Go, get the mages." she breathed into Isolde's ear and pushed her behind her so that Perth could reach her.

"It was a fair deal!" the demon cried. "Father is alive, just as I wanted. Now it's my turn to sit on the throne and send out armies to conquer the world! I crave excitement! And action! This woman spoiled my sport by saving the village and now she'll pay!"

The guards around him lifted their crossbows and aimed at Ealisay. From behind her an arm wrapped around her and pulled her back covering her torso and head with their shield. For a moment she thought it was Perth but when she looked up she saw Alistair's face. Around them were the clanging of swords and the thudding of bolt fire. The young Warden removed his hand... from her breast? He had accidentally grabbed her left breast when he pulled her to safety. He pushed her back to the safety of the alcove while his companion and the knights took take of Teagan and the guards.

"Was this what you had in mind?" he asked.

"No!" she answered tartly. "I didn't even want to be near the castle until after getting rid of the demon!"

The fighting stopped and Alistair gestured that it was safe. Daylen was helping Teagan off the floor and Connor was gone.

"Where's Connor?"

Teagan shrugged. "He must have fled upstairs to the family quarters."

Ealisay nodded. "Good he won't cause much trouble from up there. Isolde is getting the mages."

From the front rooms there was the sound of stone hitting stone and Shale came through the doors with Isolde and the mages, including Jowan, in tow. The golem came over to her and presented a pouch. "You forgot this in the Mill."

Ealisay forgot she had left the Ashes in the Mill for the fight and she saw that she still had Teagan's signet ring on her finger. She pulled off the ring as she took the pouch and gave both to Teagan.

"Thank you for the use of your ring, Teagan." she replied. "And here is the ashes for the Arl."

"We have started preparations for the ritual," Irving replied going over to Teagan. "We need a volunteer to enter the Fade and confront the demon."

"Jowan is going in." Ealisay's tone was final.

"A blood mage entering the Fade? He could take control of the demon." Alistair replied in shock.

"He helped start all this in the first place. He needs to fix it." Ealisay turned to Jowan. "This is your chance to mend some of what you tore apart. Don't mess it up."

"Yes, my lady." Jowan nodded and turned to Irving. "I'll do whatever I can to stop this. I have much to repent for."

Irving shook his head but looked as though he acquiesced to her request. "Very well. Come, Jowan."

The two mages left the main hall to finish the ritual, leaving the rest of the group to wait.