Aedan Cousland woke with a start. He was confused, he had had a dream, something about the Maker… But never mind, it was a dream, nothing more.
Rat-a-tat-tat! Someone was knocking on his door. "Enter."
"Sir! I have an urgent letter from Queen Anora in Denerim!" burst out a young, enthusiastic private, barely able to contain her excitement.
"Thank you, return to your duties."
She handed him the letter and hurried out of the Warden-Commanders bedchambers.
Aedan quickly ripped open the letter, tearing the Theirin seal.
The letter read:
Warden-Commander Aedan,
I write to you with grave news. King Alistair has disappeared in the Free Marches. He was going there to settle a dispute between Tevinter and the Free Marches. I would send over legions of men to search for him but that could be misread as a declaration of war. I beg you to go and investigate. Wynne and my father seem intent on going there with you, your fourth companion may be of you own choosing. Come to meet Wynne and Father in Denerim by tomorrow morning. Good luck.
Your Queen,
Anora Mac Tir.
Tevinter… Something seemed odd about that… Something to do with his dream maybe? But it was irrelevant at present. He immediately set off for Sigruns room. He knew exactly who else would be coming with him.
Within two hours Aedan and Sigrun were at the gates with an armed guard of a dozen Wardens who had just been sent from Orlais. They immediately set out, riding hard to reach the capital. Despite Seneschal Varels reassurances they were good men, the Orlesians seemed a little frosty towards Aedan. They had just left the cover of the Wending Wood when they were stopped by something in the middle of the road.
It was ten feet tall, roughly man shaped and it shone like the light of a million stars. Its face was beautiful, yet its expression was one of someone with dogs droppings under its nose.
"Halt, Mortals! Which one of you is the Warden-Commander? I can sense the taint is stronger in that one…." he pointed at Aedan. "Is it you?"
"Yes, and who may you be? Some sort of Fade Spirit? Or Demon?" asked Aedan.
"Ignorant fool. I am not a spirit or a demon. I come with a message from the Risen." it corrected.
"Who?" asked Aedan, confused.
"I believe the mortals call him the Maker. But that is irrelevant. He has long watched you from his throne in the heavens and doesn't wish to be your enemy. He asks an alliance." the messenger recited.
"For what purpose?" inquired Aedan, fascinated.
"To undo what he has wrought. The mortals will perish, but you may stay with him forever young and powerful." replied the messenger.
"I decline." Aedan said, ending the conversation.
He drew his sword.
"Then I am sorry for what I have to do." The messenger clapped and all the Wardens burst into black flames.
The messenger clapped again and vanished, going to tell his master what had occurred.