It was a sunny day in the capital and the streets were alive with activity as Duncan walked through the Market district.
"Why did you need to bring me along exactly?", oh and Alistair too.
Duncan looked at his young pupil, who had recently become a Junior among the Grey Wardens. "Because Alistair you need to learn how to deal with such tasks. Before you know it you will be able to go on assignments on your own", he explained.
"Right, got it. So what brings us to Denerim then?"
"It seems that the guardsmen have been having trouble dealing with a certain difficulty here in the city. From what I've been told it seems that we have a thief on our hands."
"I'm sorry - our hands?"
"Yes, the guards men have asked for the Grey Wardens to help assist them in this matter. Apparently, this thief has been running amuck for months now and has always seemed to outmaneuver them each and every time. Right now we are on our way to meet with Captain Chase, who is head of the guards, to be filled in about the current situation."
Later, they finally reached the guard outpost that was stationed in the city. "Ah, Wardens. Good to see you. Please, come in", Captain Chase welcomed them into his office.
"So tell us Captain, what seems to be the situation here?" Duncan asked.
"Oh Maker, where to begin. As you both know we got a thief on our hands and not just some amateur mind you. We have a real professional a true master mind on our hands."
"What can you tell us about this thief?" Duncan questioned.
"They call her the 'Dark Crusader'"
"Wait, this thief is a woman?" Alistair interrupted.
"Yes, a woman", he confirmed, "Anyway, about 5 months ago we had a small series of petty thefts, which at the time wasn't a big deal. But, then over time, the crimes started occurring more often and the thefts became bigger. Just last week she broke into the Arl of Denerim's estate."
"Getting in there is quite a challenge", Duncan commented.
"Indeed it is. This one is quite a clever one. Always giving us the slip, disappearing without a trace, she always seems to be one step ahead of us."
"Could it be an inside job? Someone who is in the guard?" Alistair suggested.
"We've thought of that, but we only have a few women in our ranks and no one fits her description. She wears a cowl, which makes it even harder to figure out who she is exactly. But, it is strange though, the stolen items that we have recorded are mostly paintings, heirlooms, trinkets and so on."
"It's strange for a thief to steal priceless objects? Shocking", Alistair said sarcastically.
The Captain just shook his head, "No, you don't understand. You see the usual process for a thief is that whatever articles they steal they sell off immediately. The items then make their way through a chain of buyers until they eventually end up in the Marketplace. We check the shops regularly, but so far none of these items have made themselves known."
"Could they have been sold in other cities in Ferelden?" Duncan suggested.
"We've asked for reports from them, but nothing."
"So if she is not selling the items for profit, what does she want then?" asked Alistair.
"Here, we received this note two days ago", as he passed Duncan a sheet of paper.
" 'I have made myself a well know reputation here in the city. You are now aware of just how skilled I really am. Until I see improvements made in the Alienage only then will I stop and the items be returned to their rightful owners. If I see no progress made in two weeks time I shall make my greatest heist yet- I will steal Queen Anora's ceremonial crown. Know that nothing is impossible. Signed the Dark Crusader.'" Read Duncan.
"Well, she's got guts I'll give her that. But why the Alienage of all things?" said Alistair.
"Have you seen the Alienage? They don't exactly live a life of luxury in there. Though I must admit her acts are noble, but still a crime is a crime."
"Indeed, but what does the Queen have to say about all this?"
"I tried talking to her about it, though I intended to speak to the king, but he's in Ostagar at the moment so I had little choice. As far as the Queen is concerned the palace is impenetrable", he ended sighing.
"So what is your plan of action?" Alistair asked.
"As I see it there are two options: either find the Dark Crusader and try to reason with her or capture her as she attempts to steal the Queen's crown. Personally, I would like to see her take that crown, maybe that will finally get Anora to put some funding into the Alienage."
"Captain, why don't you let us try to track her down first. She has to have some contacts in the city, no?" offered Duncan.
"Very well, you two have a look around see what you can find, though I doubt you will. If you can't find anything then report back here and we'll discuss ways to make sure the Crusader doesn't succeed in the heist."
Duncan and Alistair left the guardhouse and walked through the crowded streets.
"So where do we begin?" Alistair asked.
"I think the Alienage is as good as any place to start since it is the Dark Crusader's main point of interest. Plus I have an old friend in the Alienage who may be about to help us."
"See this is why you're in charge." Alistair said as the headed for the Alienage.
