Looked like the quiet that had fell over the battle was just the calm before the storm. Rannon's eyes went from the approaching Nicolette to what could only be described as something from nightmares. As he watched, a Darkspawn he knew he'd love to kill rose up among the ranks and performed a ritual that chilled Rannon's bones. The hairs on his neck standing on end was all the warning he received (and needed). He dived onto the ground as the sickly energy arced to and fro above and around him. He could smell the sulphur in the air, and his heart nearly stopped as he saw the magic fly straight over Gideon. 

"Get down!" he barked, and Gidoen did as he was told without question, the dog's chest hitting the ground with his head under his paws. It seemed like it lasted an hour, but realistically he knew it was only a few moments. What must have been dust whipped into his prone form, and when it dawned on him that he was covered in the ashes of his fellows, he shuddered and nearly vomited his last meal onto the ground. He placed his hands on the bloodied dirt and pushed himself up to a standing position. He patted himself and shook off the dust and Warden ash, bile still in his throat as the soldier pushed the hellish thoughts from his mind. He happened to be looking back towards the lines when he saw Celica fall. 

"NO!" he roared, the words coming forth from somewhere deep within himself. He almost couldn't believe it. He had not known her well, but from what he had witnessed, she had a respect for her position and an honor he, in turn, respected. The tide had only just turned seconds ago, and now all seemed to fall apart before his eyes. Images of the Ostagar massacre flitted through his mind, and he clenched his teeth. Not this time. Anger and hatred almost seemed to emanate from him as he contemplated all that had just transpired. [i]No[/i], he repeated in his mind. [i]Not this time[/i]. He would see that Emissary dead. And he would kill anyone who made the mistake of getting in his way. Gideon seemed to be reading his thoughts, the Mabari giving off a howl that reminded Rannon he had friends left in this world. 

A surge of energy slammed into the ground at the approaching army, scattering their ranks and rending Darkspawn bone and armor. He did not know who the hell did that, but he was not about to argue with good fortune. His heart yearned to behead that mage Darkspawn, and now Rannon had a clear line of sight of him. However, first things first. 

"You!" he said, pointing at the closest Warden. The man balked, obviously as shaken as Rannon. He cleared his throat and regarded the Ferelden soldier. "What?" he asked incredulously. The tall warrior fanned his arm out as he spoke. "Tell these men to get ready! NOW! We move forward!" he cried. "Get them ready to charge! We have one shot at this. There's an opening in their lines!" The Warden seemed to agree, but he was about to say something else before Rannon cut him off. "Do it now!" Gideon bared his teeth for emphasis, and as he saw men running to and fro, he had a feeling they wouldn't be quick enough. 

"You're staying here." he said, turning around and looking forward. If someone else had been standing there, it would have looked like he had spoken to no one in particular, but Gideon gave a growl of defiance. "Fuck off." he told the dog, and the Mabari stiffened, then whined. Rannon was not in the mood to hear any of it, but Gideon bumped his leg with his enormous head and gave a 'harumph'. He shook his head. "Maker's breath." he muttered, and hefted his heavy blade. "Fine." he said. He steeled himself, not even looking behind him to see if he had support. Rannon knew there was no time. They had to kill this Darkspawn leader before their army formed up once more. He charged, maneuvering his blade from up high to a forward guard. He would kill this Emissary, even if he had to crawl out of the pit of hell to do it.