Seeing Double

They rounded the corner and Sareyna gasped in shock. "Holy Crap, that's what Alistair will look like in a few years." She stopped up short, eyes scanning over the tall blonde. He obviously wasn't as muscular as Alistair and his hair was longer but the lopsided grin he gave her when he said "Eh…I didn't do it." was almost a perfect imitation of her husband's.

"Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm not broken up about them dying, to be perfectly honest. Biff there made the funniest gurgle when he went down. Oh I know, most people enjoy being kicked in the head to be woken up each morning. Me, I'm just picky."

Sarcastic like Alistair too. Tearing her eyes away from the eerie sight she scanned the floor. There was a tangle of Darkspawn and Templars at his feet. She didn't care what had happened in the room, her only concern was ridding the Keep of the Darkspawn and making it safe.

She elicited the mage's help to clear the keep. Alistair and Mhairi didn't exactly approve but didn't argue; they needed help. The Darkspawn had already decimated the Orlesian Wardens that had been stationed at the Keep. And Sareyna wasn't concerned about the mage trying to turn a spell against her and her companions. Fighting almost nonstop for a year had made Alistair very fast with his templar abilities.

The mage, his name was Anders, agreed to help them clear the Keep of Darkspawn. He proved quite useful, he was a healing wunderkind. His ice spells made moving through the Darkspawn much easier. He would freeze them and the rest of the group would smash them, very efficient.

They cleared the Darkspawn out as they worked their way through the Keep. One of the doors they opened led to a room full of Darkspawn being slaughtered by a dwarf. Sareyna and Alistair looked at each other with questioning looks; they recognized the armor, and the red hair.

Oghren turned and waived to them in the middle of fighting before slaughtering the rest of the Darkspawn.

"Look hun, he thinks he's in a parade." Alistair laughed.

Once the Darkspawn were all dead he turned to them. "Ah ha, there you are. When these Darkspawn showed up I thought, just you wait till the new commanders get here and you'll all be spitting teeth out of your arses! Followed the screaming, and sure enough, here you are. Good on ya!"

Alistair chuckled, at the imagery she supposed. "Oghren you're here?"

"Doubting your eyes huh? I get like that, after the fifth bottle or so. Came here thinking I might try my hand at becoming a bonafide Grey Warden." He shifted a little uneasily on his feet.

Mhairi gave a disgusted sigh. "He was here when I left; I can't believe the Warden's didn't kick him out"

Sareyna shot her a dirty look, which she missed. Her attention was still focused on Oghren.

"Hey, if it isn't the recruit with the great rack." Oghren smirked.

"Yes, a prize for the Warden's to be sure." Mhairi mumbled.

"I know, I know too good to be true right? Hey who's the mage? Boyfriend? Should I leave you two alone?" He asked the female warrior.

Anders' brow quirked, "eh, that's creepy." Sareyna thought, shaking her head.

"Wow, a dwarf that smells like a brewery. You never see that anywhere." Anders retorted.

"Huh. A mage comedian. Thought those normally died young."

Alistair snickered this time. Sareyna was trying not to smile listening to her old companion trade barbs with her newest ones. "It's good to see you again, friend." Sareyna said.

"I find that hard to believe." Anders quipped behind her back.

"As do I." Mhairi added.

Sareyna was about to say something when Oghren cut her off.

"Now let's introduce some Darkspawn arses to my foot. Only polite thing to do."

With Oghren's large blade helping them clear a swath they made great time. Finally, they were near the top of the Keep. They ran into a hallway where a man sat propped and very badly injured against the wall. Mhairi ran to his side.

"M…Mhairi?" He was obviously struggling for coherent thought through the haze of pain and blood loss.

"Roland! Commander, Roland was a knight recruited from Denerim like me. We must do something for him."

Sareyna looked to Anders who shook his head slowly. "He looks beyond healing magic. Maybe a shot of whiskey for the pain?"

Oghren looked at Anders. "I like the way you think."

"Stop joking, this isn't funny." Mhairi snapped.

Roland turned to look at Alistair and Sareyna. "The Commander?"

Sareyna stepped forward. "I'm here. I'm sorry I didn't come sooner." Alistair touched her arm reassuringly.

"We only had a moment's warning before they were on us Commander. The Seneschal ordered a counter attack but they came out of nowhere. There's one with them. A Darkspawn who talks, his magic is powerful." Roland's pained eyes closed momentarily.

"A talking Darkspawn? The lad must be delirious." Oghren sighed and looked away.

"There's something in my blood. Ahhh, it hurts." Roland groaned.

Sareyna hated to press a dying man but they needed to find the rest of the Darkspawn. "Where is this talking Darkspawn?" She asked carefully.

Roland struggled to reply. "It went that way." Gesturing to the left with his head. "After the Seneschal." Roland made a pained gasp and finally perished.

"I will avenge you Roland, I swear it." Mhairi said quietly.

The five of them moved up the stairs that Roland had pointed out to them. When they reached the top they saw a Darkspawn with a painted face speaking with a middle aged soldier. Sareyna shook her head in disbelief. Alistair and Oghren both gasped. They were all shocked that Roland had been right.

His speech wasn't the halting, near gibberish speech of Darkspawn emissaries, it was coherent and understandable. The talking Darkspawn ordered the others to attack Sareyna's group, instructing them to take the Warden's and kill the others. Sareyna had a weird flashback to Ser Cauthrien at Howe's Denerim estate.

While the two Darkspawn that were ordered were fairly easy to take down, the talking Darkspawn was a nightmare. They were all amazed at how much it took to kill him. Apparently speech was not all that was special about the painted Darkspawn. When they had defeated all of the Darkspawn on the roof of the Keep the man the Darkspawn had been about to kill briefly thanked them for saving his life.

He looked down from the edge of the roofs and noted there were travelers on the road. When he hoped they were friendlier then the last visitors, they had all agreed with him and followed him down to the gates.

When they reached the gate Maric was striding in. Sareyna was surprised to see him but Alistair didn't seem to be. Both kneeled before him and heard him say. "It looks like I've arrived a bit late. Too bad, I rather miss the whole Darkspawn killing thing."

Mhairi seemed to have finally figured out who the blonde man in the shiny silverite armor was, saying "King Maric" in awe and then kneeling quickly.

Sareyna and Alistair stood looking expectantly at Maric. "I wanted to give the Warden's a formal welcome." He said.

"You mean, you missed your grandson, right?" Sareyna asked smiling.

Maric returned her smile, albeit a bit sheepishly. "Well, at any rate I certainly wasn't expecting this. What's the situation?"

The man they had rescued quickly replied. "What Darkspawn remain have fled Your Majesty. The Grey Wardens who had arrived from Orlais appear to be either dead, or missing."

"Missing? As in taken by the Darkspawn?" Maric looked at Sareyna and Alistair. "Do they even do that?"

The man replied again "I do not know Your Majesty. I know only that we cannot account for all the Wardens."

Maric sighed tiredly then turned to Sareyna "I see. At least the Hero of Ferelden is still here and alive. That's something right?"

She smiled at Maric "I'm fine Maric, this might make things different but it's still our job to defeat Darkspawn. Did you find Wynne and Zevran on your way here?"

"As a matter of fact I did, they are a bit behind me in the cart. Don't worry I have my best soldiers with them since they carry the most precious cargo in Thedas."

His lopsided grin was brilliant and Sareyna thought again about Alistair and the mage Anders. Her eyes widened a bit as she realized what this might mean but remained quiet about it. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Maric scowled at her for using his title but then sighed heavily. "You have quite the task ahead of you. Really, I'd like to help you fight the Darkspawn but you're on your own for the moment."

"Hey, what am I chopped nug livers?" Oghren asked.

Anders clearly couldn't resist. "From the smell that's not a bad guess."

"I came here to join the Grey Wardens and from the looks of it, you could use the extra hand. Now, where's the giant cup? I'll gargle and spit."

Sareyna giggled and looked at Oghren. "You're not allowed to spit."

"Heh, that's what I always say." Oghren chuckled, Alistair joined him.

Mhairi made a disgusted face and said "I suppose all are welcome in this dire time."

Sareyna had had enough of the pompous bitch's self righteousness and turned on Mhairi. Maric, Alistair and Oghren all took a step back from Sareyna, distancing themselves from the onslaught. "You know what. This dwarf was one of the finest warriors in all of Orzammar. He fought with me against the Darkspawn from one end of Ferelden to the other. You cannot even imagine what he gave up to join us against the Blight. Then once we reached Denerim, he fought, literally at the King's side in the fight against the Archdemon. He fought his way through the Keep, alone, to find us. And what were your myriad and illustrious credentials. Oh, yeah. A knight in Denerim. Show some damn respect."

Mhairi had taken a step back from the Sareyna when she had started berating her. Her mouth opened and her eyes widened in surprise as Sareyna listed Oghren's accomplishments. When Sareyna finished Mhairi bowed her head. "Of course, you're right Commander." She said quietly, "I apologize Oghren."

Oghren smiled but didn't dare say anything.

"Joining the Wardens, eh? Well, good luck with that." Anders quipped. A templar stepped forward and Anders audibly groaned.

The templar looked at Maric and said "King Maric, Your Majesty beware, this man is a dangerous criminal."

Maric looked back at her in surprise. "Oh, the dwarf's a bit of an ass but I wouldn't go that…"

Anders cut him off quietly. "She means me."

Maric looked at the man finally and his eyes widened a little in surprise. Sareyna narrowed her eyes at Maric. Did he know the man or was he just surprised he was a mage. Maric's look of surprise was so fleeting, she wondered if she had truly seen anything at all.

Still staring at the king, the Templar added. "He is an apostate who we were in the process of bringing back to the circle to face justice."

Anders was annoyed now. "Oh please, the things you people know about justice would fit into a thimble. I'd just escape again anyhow."

"Never, I will have you hanged for what you have done here murderer." She snarled.

"Murderer? But those Templars were…Oh, what's the use. You won't believe me anyhow." Anders sighed in frustration.

"Sareyna, Alistair is this true?" Maric asked.

Alistair answered and received a withering look from the Templar. "When we found him he was fighting Darkspawn. There were Templars and other Darkspawn dead on the floor. Most of the Darkspawn looked burnt, the Templars did not. We didn't see him kill any Templars."

Sareyna nodded in agreement.

Maric looked back to the Templar. "Ok, are you saying you were here? That you witnessed it?"

"Yes, Your Majesty I saw him kill those Templars." She said indignantly.

"But when you came upon us there was no blood on your armor, from humans or Darkspawn. You also didn't mention this."

The templar spluttered for a minute before saying. "I saw him do it and left before the apostate or the Darkspawn could kill me. I thought to travel with your troops to safety. But as we are here and things have been taken care of and he is still alive I need to take him to the Circle." She lifted her chin haughtily.

Maric looked at Sareyna and sighed heavily. "It seems there isn't much to say." He smiled just a little at Sareyna. "Unless, you have something to add commander?"

Immediately knowing Maric's intentions she replied. "I do hereby conscript this mage into the Grey Wardens."

The Templar's face flamed red in outrage. "What! Never!" she spat.

Maric looked at her calmly, trying not to smirk. "I believe the Grey Wardens still retain the right of conscription, no? I know I made sure they did when I first brought them back to Ferelden. I will allow it."

Face still red and fists clenched, the Templar tried to school her face into acceptance "If Your Majesty feels it is best." She turned quickly on her heel and walked away.

Oghren looked at Anders. "Hah. Way to go kid, welcome aboard."

"Me? A Grey Warden? I guess that'll work." Anders smiled at Sareyna and Alistair.

Mhairi having been chastised once already, quickly added "Congratulations, ser mage. I look forward to fighting at your side."

Maric looked around sadly. "Then if you have everything under control, I will need to take my leave. There seems to be a disturbance in the Bannorn."

Alistair and Sareyna both looked at him in surprise. "Didn't he just say he came to give the Wardens a formal welcome?" Sareyna thought.

The man they had rescued piped up again. "I believe the estate has been secured, yes. We have suffered great losses but the Darkspawn are gone. And there are survivors." He turned and looked at Sareyna, almost as if noticing her for the first time. "Oh, excuse my manners; I am Varel, Seneschal of Vigil's Keep. I am most thankful for your timely rescue Commander. I will aid you in ruling Amaranthine."

"You are quite welcome." Sareyna literally sighed in relief knowing she wasn't going to have to run the Arling on her own. She knew a bit about such things from Highever, what she remembered the most though was how tedious and time consuming such things were. And she and Alistair still had to figure out what being Commander of the Grey entailed.

"Come and see me soon. There are many matters to attend to. Not the least of which is The Joining. You will need to replenish your numbers." With this he turned towards the Keep and left.

Sareyna was surprised that the Seneschal had turned and left without leave from the king. Then she remembered that Varel had probably fought with the King during the rebellion, a moment later this was confirmed when the King spoke again.

He took Sareyna's hand. "Listen to Varel dear, he is a good man, and very adept. Howe, that sot, never realized what a blessing Varel was. He was a friend of mine, be good to him."

Sareyna nodded "Of course, Maric."

Maric let go of Sareyna's hand reluctantly. "Well then, the security of Ferelden relies on the Grey Wardens now, even weakened as the Order is. It will be up to you to deal with the vestiges of the blight before the situation grows out of control. No easy task, but I am confident you are up to it. Good luck, Commander. May the Maker watch over you."

Sareyna nodded and hugged him before he went. Alistair shook hands with the King and he took his leave from the Keep.

"Uh, 'Reyna?" Alistair said quietly, "You didn't tell him about the talking Darkspawn."

"I know."

"But what if there's more. He should know." Alistair said.

"Well, let's see if it was an isolated incident first. And determine if it was Blight related, or something else entirely." She pressed her lips into a grim line. She hadn't liked not telling him, but it was Warden business, at least for now. She was more concerned as to why he left. "Any idea why he took off like that?"

"Maybe he didn't want to stay in the Keep because of the Darkspawn bodies and things?" Alistair was clearly as confused as she was.

Sareyna nodded. "We do still have clear grounds within the gate; they could have set up camp here at least." She shrugged and added "Maybe he's marching straight though."

Alistair shrugged "Perhaps. You better head in before Varel comes looking for us. I'll wait for Wynne, Zev and Trelain."

"Thanks luv." She smiled at him, and then turned to the others. "Alright you guys, come with me."

They all headed in and prepared for the Joining.