Duncan hadn't been too interested to hear about Morrigan and her mother, simply reminding Alistair that his past as a Templar, and thus their status as apostates, was irrelevant. He took their vials, telling Lance to hold on to the treaties for the time being, and lead them away to a secluded part of the camp.

"The last trial you will face is the Joining," he told them. "It is a tradition as old as the first Grey Wardens, and one we keep to this very day."

"It's what gives us our power," said Alistair. "It's how we sense the Darkspawn and kill the Archdemon."

Ser Jory had expressed some trepidation at the prospect of another test. By his understanding he'd already done enough to prove himself in the eyes of the Wardens and didn't need any more tests, especially considering that his wife and forthcoming child were waiting on him.

"I'd give a lot more than that if I knew it would stop the Blight," said Daveth. He was shifty, but in this he seemed sincere. "Tell me, Ser Knight, would you sacrifice yourself to save your pretty wife and baby?"

"I…"

"I know I would. Maybe we'll die. But if we don't stop the Blight, everyone will die."

"He's right," said Lance. "We don't have anything greater to lose."

Ser Jory stayed silent, thinking it over. Lance meant every word. He would die to become a Grey Warden; he had nothing left otherwise. He found out today that he was good at killing Darkspawn, and that was enough for him. He would continue to kill them, for as long as he could. And then he would give the same to Arl Howe.

Duncan and Alistair returned, carrying with them a number of pendants and a large goblet. Duncan removed the vials of Darkspawn blood and poured them into the goblet as he spoke.

"This is what makes a Grey Warden. You will take the Taint into yourself, master it, and you will be a Grey Warden."

"What?" asked Ser Jory. "Men have died from tasting that blood."

"But some survive," Duncan countered. "We have survived. Mastering the Taint means that you can sense the Darkspawn. It means that you can defeat them. This is the source of our power, our victory."

Alistair nodded. "Burns a bit going down, but otherwise you should come out fine."

"I'll do it," said Daveth, stepping forward. "Even if you won't."

Duncan looked them over, seemingly satisfied. "There are a few words spoken during the Joining. Alistair, if you would."

Alistair bowed his head and spoke, "Join us, brothers and sisters. Join us in the shadows where we stand vigilant. Join us as we carry out the duty that cannot be forsworn. And should you perish know that your sacrifice will not be forgotten and that one day we shall join you."

"Daveth, step forward," said Duncan, holding out the goblet for him to take. Daveth took without hesitation. He put it to his lips and tilted his head back, taking a large gulp of it. Lance wondered what Darkspawn blood tasted like and realized that he would soon find out.

Daveth handed the goblet back, wiping his lips and smiling.

Then he convulsed.

He gagged and choked, grabbing for his throat, eyes rolled back in his head. He doubled over, moaning in pain and trying to formulate words. His entire body spasmed as he fell to his knees and started seizing. It took less than a minute, but Daveth was dead on the ground.

"I am sorry Daveth," said Duncan. He turned to Jory, offering the cup. "Jory, you are next."

"No," said Ser Jory, terrified at what he just saw. "I won't. I have a wife and child! It isn't right! There's no glory in this!"

"Jory, you have no choice," said Duncan. Alistair turned away.

"No, I can't," Jory pleaded. He reached behind him, drawing his sword. "I won't!"

Duncan, still holding the goblet, set upon Jory, running him through with his dagger. Jory called out in pain, but fell to the floor silent. Blood pooled around his body and Duncan wiped his blade off on Jory's trousers. He looked up at Lance.

"It is your turn to drink," he said. Lance stared in disbelief. He watched a man die from drinking. He watched a man die from not drinking. It was an interesting test to be put through, and Lance realized that he had no choice. It wasn't just a matter of "drink or die" but he really had no choice. What was left for him to return to? What would be left once Blight passed through Ferelden? Even if Cailan could stop it, what would be left?

No. He was going to be Grey Warden, no doubt.

He reached out, took the cup without a second thought and put it to his lips. He only hesitated for a moment, working to be sure that he wouldn't gag. He tilted the cup forward and opened his mouth, letting the brackish, sandy blood in.

It was salty, and grated on his tongue. He gagged in reflex, holding it in his mouth before swallowing. It left a rusty taste in his mouth, but he swallowed it. He felt fine. For a moment, he thought he'd made it.

"From this moment forward," said Duncan. "You are a Grey Warden."

And then he convulsed. Black spots appeared at the edge of his vision and white hot horrendous indescribable pain filled his senses. He lost all sense of time and place, and he collapsed. The world disappeared.