Nathaniel crouched, and looked down over the trenches. He shook his head. "I don't understand. It should be swarming with darkspawn."

Anders frowned. "The dwarves have retaken considerable territory."

"Which is why we should be encountering the spawn here." He cast out his senses. "Stragglers, at least. The dwarves haven't claimed enough territory or fought enough spawn to account for this section of the Deep Roads to be empty." He stood, then glanced at his companion. "What about the Veil, any oddness?"

The glow came over Anders eyes, and Justice replied. "It is thin here. Many battles have occurred in the place. I sense no tears nearby."

"Any other suggestions?"

"Merely an observation." Justice pointed. "Lake Calenhad lies some miles that way. This would be the most direct path to that location. If Razikale is the Architect's target..."

"Then there would be a horde here. Jerath was sure they couldn't get to the one in the Western Approach. At least, not anytime in the next century." He frowned. "Could they really be marching to Weisshaupt?"

"Unless he has given up on his intentions towards the archdemons."

"Let's head back to the surface. I hate entering the Fade down here."

Justice tilted his head. "You should not be able to enter the Fade at all."

"So everyone keeps telling us." Nathaniel shrugged as he began the path back the way they'd come. "I don't suppose you have any notions there."

"If I knew once, it is knowledge lost to me."

#

Had Anders carried a staff, they'd likely have been challenged. Dagna, however, had managed to craft a sword that functioned much like a staff. Anders could use the blade as a focus, or as a sword. He was nowhere near the warrior Carver, Loghain, or Jerath were, but with the three of them taking turns beating on him and the guidance of Justice, he was no longer embarrassing. Jerath had been training the mage in an elven form of magic, and once Caronel had gotten over his shock at who and what Anders was, the young man had jumped at the chance to join in the training.

They were nearly at their destination when the sky suddenly changed color. Something in the sky to the east shimmered, and then a swirling vortex of green appeared. "What the...?" Nathaniel asked.

The blue light appeared in Anders' eyes. "It's a veil tear, but on such a scale..." He shook his head. "It should not be possible. It's not possible."

"Move. We need to get to the others."

#

Dagna and Merrill sat next to a griffin, petting it and chatting, with Carver hovering nearby. Anders was pacing nervously, and it was clear Nathaniel was trying very hard not to do the same thing. He looked up when Morrigan and Jerath entered. "What's going on?"

"Divine Justinia is dead." Jerath didn't bother with any preamble. "The Temple of Sacred Ashes was destroyed in whatever event created that Breach."

"Maker's Breath."

"There's more." Jerath sighed. "Some of you know already. Those we left behind at Vigil's Keep are gone. Official story is an earthquake. Based on my findings, someone blew the tunnel."

Nathaniel shook his head. "Who?"

"Let me finished. Clarel has recalled all the Wardens to Orlais. Those remaining in the Vigil have already abandoned it to obey that order. Varel, Garavel, and Ser Alec have rallied, so Amaranthine, at least, is in no immediate danger. Thus ends the good news. Except for us..." Jerath folded his arms. "Every Warden in Orlais and Ferelden is hearing the Calling."

Caronel immediately started shaking his head. "No. There is no way they could all be hearing the Calling at once."

"You mentioned that the First Warden accepted the mages with the intention of having them do research."

"On..." Caronel blinked. "On Warden disappearances in the past."

"We hadn't really found anything," Valya said.

"Clarel has made a contact in a Tevinter mage. They've been discussing blood magic."

"Does Loghain know what they are intending?"

"Per the direct order of Clarel, Loghain Mac Tir is a traitor to the Wardens and to be apprehended at all costs."

Carver blinked. "Then why isn't he here? You can't have left him in Orlais with..." He swallowed. "Apologies, Commander."

"Vigilance is with him. He's leaving a false trail, then meeting up with your brother. Red lyrium was all over the remains of the Temple of Sacred Ashes." Jerath sighed. "There are already people in Haven working on the problem, including the right and left hands of Justinia, Kirkwall's former knight-captain, and apparently Varric Tethras."

"A wonderful collection of people that will recognize us on sight." Carver sighed.

"And a competent collection, at least." Anders gestured. "If Varric's there and involved, it won't be long before Hawke is as well."

"I'm counting on it, that's why I sent Loghain to him. Unlike the rest of us, Loghain's been a good little warden for the past decade. Leliana won't be happy about his presence, but she'll accept it." He glanced over his shoulder at Morrigan. "Morrigan will stick with Empress Celene for now. As for the rest of us..." He shook his head. "Caronel, your crew stays with the griffins. Your job is to keep them safe. Worst comes to worst, you've got the caches. You'll be able to rebuild."

"You can't think it's going to get that bad..." Caronel's eyes were wide.

"Two days ago I wouldn't have thought someone could kick a hole in the sky."

"Fair point."

"As for the rest of us..." Jerath shook his head. "The Wardens have abandoned their posts, and there are still darkspawn to be dealt with. We've got to pick up the slack, or this... Inquisition... won't stand a chance." He considered a moment. "They've got a hell of a problem on their hands, and if they are going to solve it, they need the best." He looked over at Dagna. "And that's you."

She blinked. "Me?"

"Officially, you've no ties to us. Put out word that you're interested in lending your skills to the Inquisition. Leliana will jump at the bait. We won't be able to contact you while you are there, but Loghain is on his way." He smiled at her. "You're the best at what you do, Dagna."

"Then I'll do my best."

Jerath turned his gaze to first Carver, then to Temmerin, Nathaniel, and Anders. "Wardens, we've got a job to do. Let's move."