6

Dante looked up at the sun, it was getting well into the afternoon and he still had much to do. If I don't hurry, Fergus will have left before I get a chance to deliver father's message. Dante began to make his way to the family bedchambers, but he hesitated. He looked towards the castle study. 'Perhaps we have time for a slight detour, what do you think Dane?' The mabari barked in agreement. 'Well, I'm glad we're on the same page.' he said to his loyal hound as the pair headed for the study.

The Highever castle study contained one of the finest collections of literature in all of Fereldan. Hundreds of books, some so old that they could only be handled by Brother Aldous, who painstakingly maintained them. Many scholars from all over Thedas would have given their right arm to learn, even for a few hours, in that study; Dante, on the other hand, could not stand spending time in the room. He thought the study was stuffy, dark and boring. Upon entering the study, Dante was filled with memories of the countless hours he had spent under Brother Aldous's tutelage, hours in which he could have been outside, playing with the other children who lived in the area around Highever.

'Ah, the young Lord Cousland has decided to grace us with an appearance.' an old voice echoed around the room, Dante turned to see his old mentor, stood with three boys who were squiring in the castle.

'Aldous, not quite dead yet I see?' Dante asked with a smile.

'Don't you have some women to pester, young man? Or have you finally decided to attempt to fill that yawning chasm that is your mind?'

'If I remember correctly old sage, your lectures did lead to yawning.'

'If only your mind were as quick as your tongue.'

'I learned from the best, my friend.' Dante called out as he moved into the next room; a smaller add-on to the study, affectionately known around the castle as 'The Snug', which was often used by anyone wanting a quite place to read. Inside he found Diarren and Iona, sat at opposite sides of the room; Diarren in a large antique chair that Bryce favoured, Iona on a much more modest wooden chair. He walked toward Iona, casting a glance over at Diarren, who was totally engrossed in whatever book he was reading and hadn't even noticed Dante's entrance. Excellent, Dante thought, wouldn't want him interrupting me at work.

'Good evening Iona' he said in his most pleasant voice. The girl jumped, and looked up at him, her eyes wide in what Dante liked to think was awe.

'Good… Good evening my lord.' She stumbled as she sprang to her feet.

'Do you have a few minutes to talk?'

'Of course, my lord. Is there something specific you wish to ask me?'

'Not really, I just wish to learn a little more about you. I must admit, I have not met many Elven ladies-in-waiting.'

'Lady Landra has been very good to me, I notice that your mother does not have any ladies-in-waiting. Unusual for a woman of her stature.'

'My mother has always been very independent, she doesn't care to be fussed over, but I have to say, if she found one like you; I might encourage her.'

Iona blushed 'Thank you, you are very kind.'

'Do you have any family in Fereldan?' he asked.

'Only my daughter, sir.'

'Oh? You have a daughter?'

'Yes, my lord. Forgive me, I shouldn't have mentioned her.'

'Its quite alright. What of her father?'

'He died, some years ago now.'

'My sympathies. Are you… with anyone at the moment?'

'Oh, no, my lord. There has not been anyone since my late husband.'

'That must get quite lonely.'

'I honestly don't have much time for that sort of thing, my lord. But I do think of such things, occasionally.'

'Well…' he glanced over at Diarren again, So engaged in a book when he shares a room with a young woman such as this? I shall never understand a man like him. He turned his attention back to Iona. '…perhaps we could discuss that in private. Later on, maybe? In my room?'

Iona hesitated for a moment, looking down at her feet; yet Dante knew what her answer would be. She looked him in the eye.

'If I come to your room when everyone is asleep, would that be agreeable?'

'Yes,' Dante took a step closer to her. 'That would be very agreeable, but for the moment, I have duties to attend to.'

'Until tonight then.' She said to him. Dante gave the elf a sweeping bow, making her grin in spite of herself, before he turned and left the room.

7

Dante knew he couldn't procrastinate any longer, he needed to speak to Fergus; so he made for the bedchambers. He passed the guest quarters in which Lady Landra was most likely resting. He looked at Dane, 'Would it be wrong to pay her a visit at some point?' He asked his dog. Dane gave a low whine, 'Yea, you're probably right.'

He walked to Fergus's room and knocked lightly on the door, not wanting to wake Oren if he happened to be asleep. There was no reply but he could hear voices coming from within so he decided to show himself in. Inside he found his brother, Fergus, as well as Fergus's wife, Oriana, and their boy Oren. Oren sat playing on the floor. There were not many things in Dante's life that he could say he truly loved, but the boy was one of them. It still amazed Dante how fast Oren had grown. It seemed like only yesterday that Fergus had told his family that they were expecting a child, but it had been nearly three years since then. Fergus and Oriana were stood with their arms around each other and were clearly sharing an intimate moment.

'I shall miss you, my love.' Oriana whispered into her husband's ear.

'And I you, more than anything.' he replied.

'Do you mind?' Dante interrupted, breaking the mood, 'I've only just eaten and you two are nauseating me.'

'Ah, brother!' Fergus embraced his younger sibling. 'I'm sure that one day you, too, will have a woman in your life.'

'No fewer than three if you please.' Dante joked, making Fergus chuckle in spite of his wife's disapproving looks.

'I mean a real woman, not a turn in the straw.'

'Fergus!' Oriana interrupted, motioning at Oren, who sat playing with his wooden animals, completely oblivious.

'Real women are hard to find brother. It seems that all the best ones are already taken.' Dante looked up momentarily, his eyes catching Oriana's.

'I have to agree, brother.' Fergus put an arm around his wife. 'Tis a shame I will have to leave her.'

'I wish I were going with you, brother.'

'I wish you were coming too, I could use you at my side. But I have to admit, I feel better knowing you are here, watching over my family. You will look after them, wont you?'

'Of course, Fergus, as if they were my own.'

'Are… are you here for a reason, Dante, or did you merely want to wish your brother well?' Oriana interrupted.

'As a matter of fact, there is something.' Dante turned his attention to Fergus. 'Father sends a message, he wants you to take the men and leave ahead of him, tonight.'

'So it is true, the Arl's men are delayed?'

'It certainly looks that way, brother.'

'Well, then I suppose I had better get underway as soon as possible; those darkspawn aren't going to fight themselves.' Fergus said, scooping up his knapsack and slinging his shield over his back.

'I would hope you planned to say goodbye before you left, my boy.' The Cousland brothers turned to see their father walking in through the open door, followed closely by their mother.

'Look after yourself, son.' the Teyrna asked placing her hands on her son's shoulders. 'I shall pray for you every day.'

'A good shield would be more useful.' Dante muttered under his breath, earning disapproving looks from both his mother and sister-in-law.

'May the Maker bless us with victory' Fergus jumped in, 'and some ale and wenches if he's not too busy.'

'Fergus! You would say this in front of your mother?' Oriana turned her scorn to her husband.

'Wha's a wemch?' Oren joined in from his spot on the floor.

'A wench, Oren. Is a woman who serves ale in a tavern…' Bryce kneeled in front of Grandson. '… or a woman who drinks a lot of ale.' Dante burst into a fit of laughter, even Fergus, who had earned more than his fair share of his wife's displeasure for one day, had to laugh along.

'Bryce, really!' The Teyrna clouted her husband on the back of the head, earning even more laughs from her children.

'I shall miss you, mother dear.' Fergus said while wiping a tear of laughter from his eye. 'You will look after her wont you brother?'

'Mother can look after herself Fergus, always has. In fact, I would consider sending her to fight the darkspawn in your place.' Dante answered.

'She could scorn them back into the deep roads.' Fergus agreed.

'Enough, enough!' Bryce pleaded. 'It is nearly time for you to leave Fergus, and Dante, I think you should get to bed. You will have a long day tomorrow.'

'Getting sent to bed early, little brother?' Fergus mocked as the two brothers shook hands.

'I don't mind brother, I have someone waiting for me.' Dante looked over his shoulder as he walked toward his bad chamber. 'Enjoy the long march in the cold!'

8

Dante Cousland had watched his brother leave the castle grounds through his bedroom window, he couldn't help but wonder if he would ever see his brother again. From what he had heard all the battles in the south had gone well so far, and Dante was confident in his brother's, and his father's for that matter, fighting skill.

It's getting rather late, Dante thought to himself, where is that girl, what was her name? Iona. Perhaps she got nervous and changed her mind. Just as the thought crossed his mind he heard someone moving in the corridor outside. Of course! She doesn't know which room is mine. I'd better go and get her before she runs into Oriana, or even worse; Mother.

Dante opened his bedroom door and found the person he least expected.

'Arl Howe?'

'Oh!' The man turned around, surprised. 'I didn't mean to wake you, lad.'

'Its… its fine. What are you doing here?' Dante was perturbed.

'I was just taking a walk. I have a lot on my mind.'

'Oh? Such as?'

'Its nothing to concern yourself with lad, its just…' He paused. 'I have been presented with a opportunity, a once in a lifetime opportunity, but… some people… may get hurt. Never mind, I shouldn't be talking about it, forget I said anything.'

Dante was confused, 'Does this have something to do with the battle in the south?'

'Well, yes.'

'Its a strategic decision?'

'You could say that lad.'

Dante looked over the Arl's shoulder and saw Iona, she walked around the corner but upon seeing the two men she stopped and stepped back out of sight. I'd better get rid of the Arl quick or she might leave, and a night with only my palm for company is the last thing I need right now.

'Arl Howe, people get hurt in war. Look at the bigger picture, and if you decide that there is more to gain than there is to lose, well, then just do it.'

'Perhaps you're right lad.'

'Listen, I have a lot to do tomorrow, you and my father are leaving and apparently I'm in charge. So if you have to pace; could you please do it somewhere that is not right outside my bedchamber?'

'Of course, lad. And… I wouldn't worry about tomorrow. Just try and get some sleep.'

'I will Arl Howe.'

Dante stepped back inside his room. He held his door open only slightly and watched the Arl walk off down the hall through the small gap between the wooden door and it's stone frame. As soon as his father's friend has disappeared from sight Dante stepped into the hall, hoping the girl hadn't lost her nerve.

'Iona?' Dante whispered into the dark, attempting to make himself heard without waking his family.

'My lord.' Iona stepped out of the shadows and walked over to where he stood.

'I apologise for the delay.' Dante said, holding the door open for the elf 'After you.' She walked inside.

Iona had made herself comfortable, they had shared a couple of glasses of Orlesian wine and had talked at length, mostly about her. He had learnt about Iona's life in the Alienage, her daughter, and the fact that she hadn't had a partner, or even a lover, since she had lost her husband almost five years ago. He hadn't told her much about himself, such was his way, he preferred to listen and to learn; revealing as little about himself as possible.

Dante refilled her glass, 'So, Iona, how do you feel about humans?'

'That is… a difficult question. What exactly do you mean?'

'Do you find humans attractive?'

'Well… some humans certainly.'

'And what of me?'

'You are very handsome, it has to be said.'

'Well I happen to think that you…' he moved his face closer to hers, '…are incredibly attractive.'

He kissed her, she hesitated at first, then kissed him back; softly at first, then with more passion. He slipped his hand under her dress and moved it up her thigh.

'Wait…' she broke away '…it has been quite some time since I have…'

'Its alright.' he slid off the bed and onto his knees in front of her, 'I'll handle everything. Just lie back and enjoy it.' He positioned her feet to either side of him, and pulled her closer. Her breathing quickened as he rolled up her skirt and began kissing up her thigh. She lay back on the bed, closing her eyes and running her hands through his hair as his tongue did its work. It was not too long before she was forced to stifle groans and screams that could have been heard throughout the entire castle. The first of many.

9

Dante lay in the darkness, unable to sleep. He turned his head and looked at Iona, who had fallen asleep in his arms almost immediately after they had finished. It seems I have exhausted the young lady, Dante though to himself with more than a little pride.

Dante had enjoyed her, and the time that they had spent together, but this was the part that he hated. He didn't like sharing his bed, being so close to another person for so long made him feel uncomfortable; in fact the only living thing that he didn't mind sharing his room with was Dane, who often slept at the foot of his bed. Dane was not in the room tonight, however, because in Dante's experience; women were often put off by the slobbering mabari staring at them and panting along while they were enjoying the most intimate of acts. Nights like tonight Dane would happily wander around the castle and find somewhere warm to sleep.

Slowly, he pulled his arm from underneath the sleeping elf. One of the reasons he hated sharing his bed was the heat, he couldn't sleep when he was hot. He threw his legs out of bed and stood. He stretched and looked at Iona again, who had pulled the blankets right up to her chin, he could tell that Iona was not someone who usually slept peacefully. He supposed he wasn't surprised, growing up in an Alienage couldn't have been easy, or particularly safe. Dante crept naked into the small washroom that stood on one side of his bed chamber. He poured some water into the stone basin and rubbed it onto the back of his neck; which instantly refreshed him.

He stopped, turning his head, had he heard someone moving around in the hall? Its probably Dane looking for somewhere to sleep. Then he heard what he thought was a man's voice. Maker, who has reason to be up at this hour? If its Arl Howe pacing again then we may be forced to have words…

The door to the bed chamber crashed open and Dante froze, the wardrobe blocked his view of the open frame and he couldn't see who was there. Two arrows flew into view and both struck the sleeping elf. Iona made a small gurgling sound and fell silent. Dante threw himself next to the wardrobe and out of sight, pressing his back against the wall, his heart was pounding in his chest.

'Is that him?' A voice from the corridor.

'I'll check that the boy's dead so we can join up with the others.' A second voice replied. A figure entered the room, and passed right by him, but it was too dark for Dante to make out who it was. The man stopped a couple of feet away from Dante and stared down at the bed. 'Is it the Teyrn's son?' The first voice asked from the hall.

So, they're looking for me. Well I wont disappoint them. Dante reached across and gently plucked a steel mace that hung on his wall. His eyes adapted to the dark and he could now see the intruder's face, but it was nobody that he recognised.

Dante struck, leaping forward and smashing the mace into the back of the man's head. He fell immediately so Dante turned his attention to the second man, who was now stood in the door frame. Dante charged at the man, giving him no time to collect his thoughts and catching him off guard. The man panicked, attempting to nock another arrow but Dante was too quick, swinging the mace in a overhand arch, bringing the spiked ball onto the top of the man's head. There was a crunch as his helmet bent inwards and blood sprayed down onto the floor. The man collapsed at Dante's feet.

Dante stood, breathing heavily, blood running down his face and chest. The adrenaline rush was making him shake, he took a moment to collect his thoughts. He knelt down and examined the body. This man I do recognise, but from where? Is he a bandit? He turned the corpse over, his jaw dropped as his eyes locked onto the insignia on the breastplate. The Bear? That's Howe's insignia. This… is one of Howe's men! Why would Howe's men be trying to kill me? Are they acting under Howe's orders?

'It's the Cousland boy!' Dante turned his head, to see another of Howe's men encroaching upon him, followed by a second. Dante grabbed the dead guard's sword and took a battle stance. He was outnumbered but he didn't care, these men were in his house, Iona was dead and he was angry, angrier than he had been in a long time. 'Looking for me? Well I'm right here! Let's see what you've got you bastards!'

The two men looked at each other, whatever they had expected to find inside Castle Cousland it hadn't been this; a naked young man, covered in blood and standing over the body of one of their fellows.

One of the soldiers ran at the boy, he swung his sword as hard as he could, trying to take the lads head off in one stroke. Stupid mistake Dante thought as he easily dodged the blow, ramming his own sword through the mans gut as he did so. The second guard panicked, he turned and tried to run, but he stopped in his tracks. A large mabari blocked his path, he put his hand on the hilt of his sword and attempted to pull it free. He wasn't quick enough, the dog jumped on him, its massive weight knocking him to the ground. Dane had ripped the soldiers throat out before he had chance to scream.

'Dane, here.' Dante called, the dog sprang immediately to his master's side.

Dante turned to see his parent's bedroom open and his mother step out. She was dressed in her armour and had her bow drawn.

'Dante?' she asked.

'Yes mother. It's me.'

'What in the Maker's name is going on? I heard shouting, and there were men in the hall.'

'It's Howe's men, they killed Iona and tried to kill me.'

'Howe's men, why? Why would he do this?'

Dante wasn't sure, but he had a good idea. 'He's attacking while our men are away.'

'Where's your father? We need to find him.'

'You're right, let me get dressed and we'll go.'

Dante put on his armour as fast as he could, but he did not rush, it would do him no good if his armour slipped in the midst of battle. He grabbed a steel long-sword and a large wooden shield. He took a deep breath and left his room.

Wait, what of Oriana and Oren? Dante sprinted across the hall and threw himself into his brother's door. If there is a Maker, then please, please, make it so that they came to my room first. But it was not so, in his brother's room he found the bodies of Oren and Oriana, both drenched in blood. Dante fell to his knees, he had never felt anything like this.

'By the Maker, NO!' Eleanor had followed Dante, and there she stood, tears running down her face. 'Howe is not even taking prisoners! Why is he doing this?'

'I don't know…' his voice full of hate. '…but I will see the bastard dead for this, I swear it.'

The Teyrna placed her hands on her son's shoulders. 'Come on, we cant stay here.'

Together Dante, Eleanor and Dane fought their way through Howe's forces. Leaving non alive. 'We have to get to the Great Hall, so we can find your father and escape.' The Teyrna said, firing an arrow into one of Howe's men.

'Escape?' Dante slammed his shield into another man, sending him sprawling, 'I want Howe dead.' He stabbed downwards, ending the man's life.

'No son, we're outnumbered. You must leave here alive, if something has happened to Fergus; then you must carry on the family name.'

'Is there nothing we can do?'

'We should get to the treasury, the Cousland family sword is there, if there is one thing worth saving in the whole castle, its that sword. Howe must never have it.'

'That's it? We can't just let Howe win.'

'Then survive, live to fight another day. And take vengeance.'

The three of them continued, joining up with any surviving Castle guards, that they found along the way. Together they battled dozens more of Howe's men, including trained mabari hounds the soldiers had brought with them. Dante took no pleasure in killing the dogs, they had no choice in the fight unlike their dishonourable masters.

Eventually they got to the Treasury, inside Dante procured the Cousland family sword, shield and armour. All of which Dante equipped. He grabbed as much gold as he could and stuffed his belt with sovereigns. The party then proceeded to look for survivors. They first checked the study, but found only brother Aldous's body, along with the bodies of the three young boys who he was tutoring. A search of the Chantrey was also unsuccessful, finding no sign of Mother Mallol.

At last they made their way to the main hall, Dante opened the door and peeked inside just as he had done earlier that day. But this time he did not find his father, instead they came upon Ser Gilmour and several others from the castle guard, fighting more of Arl Howe's men. They three of them joined the fight. Among Howe's forces was a mage, she hurled bolts of lightning around the Hall, frying many of Castle Cousland's loyal guards before Dante finally separated her head from her shoulders.

Once the remainder of the soldiers were dead, Dante approached Ser Gilmour. 'My Lord, and the Teyrna as well, it is good to see you live. When the fighting started it was all I could do to hold the gates. But I was certain Arl Howe's men had gotten through.'

'They did get through!' Dante did not mean to snap that Ser Gilmour, but his emotions were all over the place.

'Sir Gilmour…' Eleanor was relieved to see the young man unharmed, '…we need to find Bryce, do you have any idea where my husband is?'

'I believe the Teyrn was headed to the servant's entrance, my lady.'

'We have to find him, will you not come with us?'

'No, my lady. My duty is to stay here. I will give the two of you as much time as I can. Go, find the Teyrn.'

'Thank you Ser Gilmour.' Eleanor embraced the young knight, 'You will not be forgotten.'

Dante, his mother and Dane left the great Hall, for what Dante thought could well be the last time. The service entrance was in the kitchen, so it was that way in which they headed. They had almost made it, when their path was blocked. The knight that had accompanied Arl Howe to Castle Cousland stood before them.

'Step back, mother.' Dante said, putting an arm in his mother's way. 'This one is mine.' Dante placed his shield on the ground, by his mother's feet. He charged at the knight, leaping in the air he raised his sword above his head. The knight carried a maul, which he held up in defence. Dante struck down with his sword, a blow powerful enough to knock the maul out of his hands, but Dante lost his balance, both men crashed to the floor together. The knight grabbed hold of Dante, the two struggled but the knight was the stronger of the two men. He wrapped his hands around Dante's throat and began to squeeze. Dante felt unconsciousness beginning to creep over him, when an arrow hit the knight in the shoulder. His grip released, and Dante seized the opportunity, hooking his arm behind the knight's leg and sweeping the larger man, winding up on top of him. Dante punched the man with all the force he could muster, then again, and again until his face was raw and bleeding. Dante stood and lifted the knight's maul above his head, 'No, please.' The knight begged through broken teeth, but Dante would not listen, he brought the maul down as hard as he could, the knight's head disappearing beneath it.

The trio made their way through the kitchen, finding Nan's body as well as the servants, More names to add to your list Howe. You seem good at murdering helpless women and children, we'll see how your skills fare when I find you. They moved past and into the larder, where they would find the servant's exit. Dante looked down and saw an enormous amount of blood on the floor. He followed the trail with his eyes, it led to his father. Bryce was lay on the ground, clutching his stomach in a pool of blood. 'Father!'

'Bryce!' His mother added as the pair ran towards him.

'Eleanor… my son...' His voice sounded incredibly weak. 'Thank God you're alive. I feared… I feared…'

'Hush, Bryce.' Eleanor whispered. 'It's alright.'

'You have to get up, father. We have to get out here.'

'I would not survive the standing, I fear.'

'Then we'll simply have to drag you out.'

'Only… If you're willing to leave pieces of me behind, pup.'

'Come on, Bryce. Once Arl Howe's men break through the gate, they will find us! We must go!'

'Leave me. Someone… must find Fergus… Warn him.'

'Bryce, no. We can flee together. Find you healing magic.'

'The Castle is surrounded… I cannot make it…'

'I am afraid the Teyrn is correct. Arl Howe's men have surrounded the Castle, getting past will be difficult.' A new voice, coming from the kitchen. Dante recognised the man who entered the room as Duncan of the Grey Wardens.

'Duncan…' Bryce was barely able to speak now '… I beg you, take my wife and son to safety!'

'I will, your lordship. But I fear I must ask for something in return.'

'Anything…'

'What is happening here pales in comparison to the evil now loose in this world. I came to your Castle seeking a recruit. The darkspawn threat demands that I leave with one.'

'I… I understand.' Bryce looked to his son. 'As long as he will live.'

'Then I offer you a place within the grey wardens. Fight with us.' Duncan now also looking at Dante.

'If this is what I have to do; then I accept your offer.'

'We must leave quickly then.' Duncan got to his feet, as did Dante, the Teyrna on the other hand, stayed where she was.

'Darling…' She said through tears, '… go with Duncan, you have a better chance to escape without me.'

'No, no.' Dante was in shock. 'I can't let you sacrifice yourself!'

'My place is with your father. By his side, to death and beyond.'

Dante did not know what to do, he just stood there until Duncan firmly took his arm and led him down the servants passage. Dante turned and looked at his parents, it seemed like a dream. 'I love you both… so much.' Duncan took his arm and pulled him away. That was the last time the Dante saw his parents, and it would haunt his dreams for the rest of his life.

10

They had walked. The commander of the Grey Wardens and his newest recruit walked for hours. Together they watched the sun rise, reach its highest point and set again. Duncan took the lead, plotting their path while keeping an eye on the road behind them, making sure Howe's men had not caught up. Dante just walked behind him, staring at the ground, his feet hurt and his legs ached but he didn't care. He didn't care about anything anymore. Duncan noticed that the boy hadn't spoken since they had fled Highever, but he chose not to mention it, he would come around in his own time. Duncan was used to dealing with loss. They marched without resting for almost 20 hours until Duncan deemed it safe to make camp.

The pair made camp by the side of a lake; Dante collected firewood while Duncan and Dane went hunting for small game. They returned with three rabbits, which they cooked on a small fire. They ate in silence. After the meal Duncan attempted to strike up a conversation.

'Tell me Dante, have you ever heard the origin of the Darkspawn?'

Dante shook his head.

'The Chantrey teaches us that it is the hubris of men that first brought the darkspawn into our world. The mages had sought to usurp haven, but instead they destroyed it. They were cast out, twisted and cursed by their own corruption. They returned as monsters; the first of the darkspawn. They became a blight upon the land, unstoppable and relentless. The dwarven kingdoms were first to fall, and from the deep roads the darkspawn struck at us again and again until finally until finally we neared annihilation. Until the Grey Wardens came. Men and women from every race; warriors and mages, barbarians and kings. The wardens sacrificed everything to stem the tide of darkness. It has been four centuries since the victory and we kept our vigil, we have watched and waited for the darkspawn to return; but those who once called us heroes have forgotten. We are few now, and are warnings have been ignored for too long. It may even be too late, for I have seen with my own eyes what lies on the horizon.'

'What do you mean?' Dante had listened intently to Duncan's story.

'I'm afraid I can't say any more until after your Joining ritual.'

'Joining ritual? What's that?'

'I'm sorry, my boy, I really cant say any more.' Duncan, stood and unfurled his bedroll. 'I do suggest you get some rest. We have a lot to do tomorrow.' Duncan undressed and got into his bedroll, he was asleep in minutes, leaving Dante alone with his thoughts.

Gone… its all gone. Mother, Father, Oren, Oriana, Nan, Aldous, Mallol, Ser Gilmour, Iona, the servants, the guards… all dead. And who's left? Me. The cowardly son who ran from the fight and abandoned his family. I wish I could go back, I'd tell Duncan to fuck his Grey Wardens and I'd murder every single one of Howe's men in the place. Then I'd find Howe himself and I'd gut the bastard, but I'd do it slow, I'd keep him alive as long as I could.

But Dante knew there was no point dwelling on this, it wasn't like he could do anything about it now. If he went back to the castle now; all he'd find would be corpses. And its not like I could of prevented it, there was no way I could've… then a new thought hit him like a bolt of lightning. I told him to do it. By the Maker, I told him to do it! He asked me if he should grasp an opportunity and I told him to do it! It really is all my fault, I'd been so concerned with trying to bed Iona that I wasn't listening to what Howe was telling me…

Dante started pacing, he felt sick, his hands started shaking. The blame for everyone's death was on his shoulders. He walked down to the waters edge. I could just walk into the water and be done with this, end it all. For a moment he honestly considered it. No. I'm not taking the coward's way out, never again. I'm going to be a Grey Warden, I have a job to do. I'll make my parents proud, there sacrifice will not be in vein. But there's going to be changes, no more being spoiled or acting without thinking, and no more chasing women. I'm a Warden now. Dante unsheathed his dagger. Words were one thing, he needed to do something real, something to prove to himself that he was serious about changing. He grabbed a handful of his hair with one hand, wrapping it around his fingers. He brought the dagger up and started to cut.

11

Duncan awoke and at first he did not recognise the young man who stood before him. The boy who a few hour ago had a long black mane now had hair that was no longer than the stubble on his face. The boy's demeanour had also changed noticeably, his shoulders were no longer slumped and he walked with purpose.

'You certainly seem to be in a better mood.' The older man asked with a smile.

'Yes.' Dante replied, collecting his possessions together 'I feel a lot better. I know that I have to become a Warden, and I'm ready to do whatever it takes.'

'Good, because the life of a Warden is not an easy one, and once you start; you can never turn back. You could lose everything'

'That's fine by me Duncan, I have nothing to lose.'

The two men collected their equipment together and headed south. They travelled for days, walking during the daylight hours, training, eating and sleeping at night. By the time the tower of Ishal came into view the two travellers had grown close and Dante had learned much.

'We'll be at Ostagar before nightfall, once we arrive we will find the rest of the Wardens and make plans with the king. The events that take place here will make history, there can be no mistakes.'