We traveled quite a distance that day, although it was hard to tell exactly how far because of the lacking of landmarks and a map. But by the time it was dark we had made camp and had dinner. For now, we just rested. By tomorrow we would reach Redcliff by, maybe, midday. Once again, I headed to my bedroll first, claiming last watch of the night. Pendragon came with me and lay right up against me, resting his head on my thigh and we slept.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was in a cave, deep underground. Darkspawn all around me, but didn't seem to notice as they went going about forging their gruesome weapons and sparing against each other. They seemed to chatter, in a way, with their grunts, screeches, and bellows; whether they could actually understand each other, I didn't know.

I suddenly heard a loud roar and felt the earth shake so violently I almost fell over. I turned around and found the large dragon like creature I saw before, this time it was so close I could touch it with it's neck bent so low, it's eyes level with mine, seeming to stare right at me. I didn't actually know if it could see me or not, but I stayed perfectly still, other than shaking with fear like I wanted to. The dragon snarled and opened it's mouth and roared.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was shaken awake and looked up to see Alistair looking down at me, concern on his face. "You alright?"

I had to slow my breathing down before I could answer. I felt Pendragon nuzzle y hand and placed it on his head for assurance. "Yeah, dad dream."

Alistair sat down next to me and started stroking the Mabari's shoulder. "I had terrible dreams after my Joining. They say that eventually, most Warden's are able to block them out completely. Some get worse."

I sighed and sat up. "I hope I'm not one of those." I looked over to Alistair. "Tell me, is there anything else I need to know about being a Warden that I don't already know?"

"Well, there is the increased appetite." That would explain why I ate more than usual at the inn the night before. He thought for a moment. "Oh, and along with all the wonderful perks, you don't need to worry about dying of old age. You've got about thirty, or so, years to live before the taint kills you... or if you die in battle."

I stared at him in disbelief. thirty years? I was only 19, soon to be 20. I'd be just middle aged by the time the taint takes me. "Now, you see why we don't tell people what the ritual entails before they join?" Alistair asked.

"Thirty years..." Well, I guess I never was fond of the thought of having wrinkles all over my face. Sure, us elves kept our youth for a long time, longer than humans and dwarves at least, but still.

"Just try not to think about that part much," Alistair said. I rolled my eyes. "Oh, and I should probably mention something now, before we get to Redcliff, just off topic."

"What is it?"

He took a deep breath. "I'm a bastard. And, before you say anything, I mean the fatherless kind."

"Okay..." I was slightly confused. Why all of a sudden with the confessions? "And, forgive me for asking, but why is this important?"

"Because my father is... or was, King Maric, Cailan's father."

"Wait... what?" Now I was even more confused.

"My mother was a servant girl in Redcliff castle, but she died when i was born. Arl Eamon raised me and sent me to the Chantry to become a Templar."

I thought about this for a moment. "So, your father was the previous king of Ferelden?" He nodded. "And at the moment, there is no king." He nodded again. "And Cailan, to my knowledge, never had children." He sighed, but nodded his head. "So, does that mean you are the next heir to the throne?"
"Yes, Darrian," he said, sighing with slight annoyance.

"So," I continued, with a smirk on my face. "You're not just a bastard, but a royal bastard?"

Alistair laughed out loud, then covered his mouth, remembering the three that still slept. "Yes, I suppose it does."

I chuckled. "Well, I'm glad you said something now, instead of waiting till you got to Redcliff, and before any awkwardness happened. Thank you for telling me."

He stayed up with me till the sun came up and our little group continued our way. As planned, Redcliff castle came into view midmorning, and soon, we were looking down upon the village. Although, something felt wrong. I couldn't tell what it was, but my ears started twitching... That usually was a bad sign.

We were coming up to a bridge that crossed over a river that followed down the cliffs into a waterfall, when a human came running up to us, a bow drawn. "Thank the Maker," he said. "You've come to help us?"

We all looked at each other, confused. "Help?" Alistair asked.

The hope that was in the young man's eyes died with that word. "You mean- no one has heard?"

"Heard what?" Leliana asked in her soft voice.

"The village, it's been under attack for the past few nights. By monsters!"

"Monsters?" I asked. "What kind of monsters? Darkspawn?"

"Corpses!" the man cried out in fear of just saying the word. "The dead have been coming from the ground, the castle, and the lake, and attack the village at night." He shuddered from the thought. "Even those that have been struck down by them turn into the living dead and attack us as well."

"Why haven't you left?" Alistair asked. "During the day?"

"We can't," he replied. "We tried, but the corpses came up from the ground and dragged those down who tried."

I felt a hand on my arm and turned to see Leliana's soft blue eyes. "We have to help them."

"We need to get to the castle, though," I replied. "We need the Arl's help." I turned back to the villager. "Why hasn't the Arl done anything about this?"

"Arl Eamon's been ill for some time, and no one has been able to reach the castle."

"What about Bann Teagan?" Alistair asked.

"He's in the Chantry, organizing the village."

"Who's Bann Teagan?" I asked Alistair.

"He's... A friend, and brother to Arl Eamon," Alistair explained. "Please, take us to him."

"Yes, ser." The archer, whom we learned was named Tomas, took us over the bridge and down the steep path, past a large windmill, where some Templars were practicing. We crossed over another bridge and down again till we reached the village. The men were setting up barricades and practicing with swords, pitchforks and bows. For the size of the village, I was surprised to see only a few people. Had those creatures really killed this many already?

Tomas lead us to the Chantry doors and let us inside. Before I could get a good look around, I felt Sten's hand on my arm. "Is it really necessary for us to be here?" he asked. "Let these people fend for themselves. This has nothing to do with the Blight, or our mission."

I looked up at the giant Qunari. "But, it does, Sten. We need to get to Arl Eamon, to ask him for aid, and the only way we can get to him is through these creatures, whatever they are."

He hummed low, contemplating my words. "Alright. Since you insist. I have still yet to be impressed."

I chuckled. "Trust me, Sten. I'm working on it."

The two of us caught up to the others. The Chantry was almost overflowing with women, children, and the elderly. Cots were spread from aisle to wall and back again, the pews having been removed. There was a middle aged man where the alter should have been, giving orders to some men. From the looks of his fine clothes, I assumed he must be of noble birth. After the men left to carry out their orders, Tomas lead us up to the man. "Who is this, Tomas?" he asked.

"These people were walking through and decided to help us," Tomas replied.

"Thank you. Now, return to your post." When Tomas left, he turned his attenting to us. "Now then, who exactly are you?"

Alistair came forward. "Bann Teagan. It's been a long time since I last saw you. Last we met, I was covered in mud, from head to toe."

"Covered in mu-" the Bann paused. "Alistair?" He took a step closer to my fellow Warden and smiled. "Alistair! I thought you were dead, along with the other Wardens."

"Not all of us are dead, no thanks to Loghain. Tell me," Alistair continued. "You don't believe what he said about the Wardens, do you?"

Teagan scoffed. "You mean how he saved his men by pulling them away from the battle? That Cailan died all for glory? That the Wardens betrayed him? Not likely."

"Thank the Maker for small blessings," Alistair said.

Teagan then turned to me. "And you are a Warden as well?"

"Only just, ser," I replied. "I joined the night before the battle at Ostagar."

"Are there any more of you?" He asked us both.

Alistair shook his head. "No. Just the two of us. Which is why we need to get to Arl Eamon. We'll need his help during the Blight."

Teagan crossed his arms and sighed. "I wish I could help you, but we have problems of our own. Tomas explained to you what has been happening?" We nodded. "Then you should know how dire it is for us right now."

"And we want to help in any way we can," Alistair said.

"Alright then. Outside the Chanty the mayor, Murdock, is trying to get things organized. He may have something for you to do. Also, Templars at the top of the hill by the mill may need something. I have everything under control in here."

"Alright. We'll report back when we're done." Teagan nodded to him, and our group left the Chantry.

"Al," I said. "I think we should split up into two teams. That way, we can get things done faster."

"You may be right."

Suddenly, two arms wrapped around my neck. "I'll go with Darrian!" Leliana said, happily, almost squealing in my ear.

I sighed, heavily. "I guess Leliana and Pendragon are with me."

"You mean, I get stuck with a witch and an emotionless statue?" Alistair complained. "Oh, very well."

"You don't think we're happy about it either, do you?" Morrigan asked.

"Please, everyone," Leliana said, taking her arms off my shoulders. "Let's not fight. We need to work together." Pendragon barked his agreement.

"Leliana and I will go up the hill to the Templars," I said. "You three see what you can do for the mayor."

"Yes, ser," Alistair saluted. I rolled my eyes, and we went our separate ways.

Leliana stretched her arms in the air and took in a deep breath. "Isn't it a beautiful fall day?"

Why is she so chipper? "I suppose," I replied. "Why the sudden interest in the weather?"

"Why not?" she started. "We're in the middle of a Blight, and may have to face an unknown enemy tonight. Why not enjoy what the Maker has given us before the storm comes?"

Headache coming on... I rolled my eyes. "I guess."

She looked at me with a questioning look. "You don't see the beauty?"

"It's not that," I replied, petting Pendragon as we climbed our way up the hill. "It's just, I don't really believe in the Maker anymore."

I took a few more steps before I realized Leliana had stopped dead in her tracks. I turned back to look at her shocked face. "What do you mean, you don't believe in Him?"

I shrugged. "I guess, if He really is there, He hasn't given me any good reason to believe in Him."

"But, he gives us reasons every, single day." She looked around and found a bush with a small white flower growing next to it and pointed to it. "Look at that flower. This flower is the only flower that grows even in the most harsh of conditions. Through extreme heat waves to the coldest winters, it still blossoms. Do you know what it's called?" I shook my head. "It's called Andraste's Grace."

"Named after the Maker's Bride?" I asked.

She smiled. "Yes; It has the sweetest aroma and is very beautiful. I see this small flower as a symbol from the Maker, Himself, saying that even though the evils we go through, the trials and fears we face, the Maker still protects and watches out for us. He hasn't given up on us."

How can she believe all this? Even when I used to attend Chantry services, I don't remember ever hearing any of this. As pretty and as nice as it sounds, I still have a hard time believing anything good of the Maker. All He's ever done to me was throw hardship after hardship to me and my loved ones. How can a deity be loving when someone, like me, suffers daily? Oh, my head is pounding. "Okay, then tell me something, Leliana. If the Maker is still looking out for us, like you say He is, why does he let bad things happen? Like the Blight? Death?" I could feel myself getting angrier by the second. "Why would he let an innocent child lose his mother to rapists and murderers?!" I paused.

Damn it! I lost it. And here I thought I was over all that.

Leliana looked at me with a mixture of surprise and concern. "Darrian?" I unclenched my fists at my sides that I didn't know were there. "Are you alright?"

"Fine," I answered, much too quickly. but I didn't care. I was angry. I had every right to be angry. "Let's get to those Templars and see what they need." I started storming my way up the hill again, Leliana caught up to me, thankfully not asking about my sudden outburst.

By the time we reached the windmill, the knights were sitting down and sipping from their water skins. One of them noticed us and took a few steps towards us. "I'm Ser Perth. My men an I noticed you when the lad, Tomas, led you down to the village. Is there anything I can do to assist you?"

"Actually," Leliana said, quicker than I could. Damn female humans. "We were wondering if there was anything we could do to assist you." He gave her a questioning look. "You see, Ser, we're staying to help the people of this village, and Bann Teagan asked us to see if you or your men needed anything."

"I see. Well, that's very kind of you," He replied, a big smile on his face. "My men don't need much. But, they are all very nervous about tonight. I don't blame them." He looked up towards the silent castle. "The creatures that come out of there are not like anything we've ever faced."

"Are they darkspawn?" I asked.

He shook his head. "No. From what I can tell, they're corpses."

"Do you think a mage is behind them?" Leliana asked.

"I believe so." Ser Perth sighed. "Anyways, all my men need is sleep before the battle, and some assurance that the Maker is watching over us."

Again with the Maker. Damn Him. He's giving me a head ache.

"What if we ask the Reverend Mother if she could do anything?" Leliana asked.

He nodded. "If you could do that, it would set our minds at ease. And also," he continued. "If you could search the village for weapons or anything else we could use against the creatures, that would help as well."

"Of course," Leliana replied, and the two of us started our way back down the hill.

"Darrian?" I looked to Leliana, who had a concerned look on her face and had placed her hand on my shoulder. "Are you alright?"

I shrugged her hand off. "I'm fine." It was a lie, and I knew that she knew. I didn't care though. My head ache was getting worse and worse.

The tow of us were silent until we reached the bridge. "Are you sure you're alright, Darrian? You seem a bit agitated."

That's because someone keeps asking me question's I've already answered. I clenched my fists at my sides again. "Look, Leliana. Just because you believe in the Maker, doesn't mean we ALL do." I looked at her angrily. "Just leave it at that, please."

Before I gave her the opportunity to respond, I continued my way down the hill at a faster pace. By the time we reached the bottom, Alistair, Morrigan, and Sten were just coming out of one of the houses. From the smell of burnt metal, I assumed it was a blacksmith shop. I turned back to the ex-Chantry sister. "Leliana, why don't you go to the Mother. I'll search around for something we can use for tonight."

"Oh, um," she said, suddenly feeling slightly awkward. "Alright, as you wish."

I probably hurt her feelings a bit, but at the moment, my head was pounding so much that I couldn't care less who's feelings were hurt. I ran up to where the other three were, leaving her behind. "Sten," I called to the Qunari. He looked my way, with his usual unexpressive face. "I could use your help with something."

He nodded. "Good. I could get away form these two quarreling." Pendragon barked happily, his stub-of-a-tail wagging and he jumped up, paws on Sten's lower chest and tongue hanging out to the side. The Qunari, instead of pushing him off like I expected him to, petted him before the Mabari came back to my side.

I lead the way through the village, heading towards the southern shore of Lake Calenhad. Since the Templar gave me permission to search every building, I thought we'd start from one end and work our way back.

"Is there something troubling you?" I looked up to Sten, who was studying me. "You were not this agitated earlier?"

Of all the people to ask me, I never thought this Qunari would.

"I'm annoyed," I said. "All humans seem to rely on their Maker for everything, even through all these terrible events. The Chantry claims he left us Ages ago. I don't understand why they can't get that into their thick skulls."

"And why do you not believe?"

No. Don't think of that. DON'T. "I don't want to talk about it."

Sten seemed puzzled by this. "Were you not raised to believe?"

"I said, 'I DON'T want to talk about it!'" I knew I shouldn't have raised my voice like I did, but I did. I knew I shouldn't have punched Sten in the stomach, but I did. And now, I was suffering for it. My hand, which I pulled away from the Qunari, was throbbing, painfully. Stupid Qunari with the stupid Qunari armor. Why did it have to be so strong? "Ow..." I said, rubbing my hand, trying to ease the pain.

Sten looked down at me, unimpressed. "Do you feel better now?"

"No..." I stretched my fingers, hearing the popping of the knuckles. "Ow." Pendragon lifted his head enough to lick my hand, comfortingly.

"Shall we continue?" the Qunari asked.