Saitada coughed. Brehan and Leliana broke apart and turned to face her. They actually blushed. "Ara seranna-ma, lethallin," Brehan said.
"Wow," Saitada said, trying to keep a straight face. "She kisses you and you forget how to speak the King's Tongue." She wasn't sure what his next comment meant, but she was fairly sure it was rude. "We arrived just a few minutes ago. Find anything other than Leliana's bedroll?"
"You're terrible," Leliana said. "We found the caravan."
"They'd tried to avoid darkspawn, and ended up trapped in a little valley by them. We killed some darkspawn to create a distraction and got them on the move again."
"Good work. Any of the others back?"
"No. We only arrived last night," Leliana said. "How did your quest go?"
"More incompetent assassins. Hopefully the others will return soon. We are heading to Haven as soon as everyone arrives."
#
Finding Dwyn was easy. Convincing him to give up the sword slightly more difficult. He demanded six sovereigns at first. She started to negotiate, and then one of his thugs mentioned something about her being 'that elf's boss'. Dwyn immediately dropped the price to two sovereigns.
It was a fine sword, well-balanced and sharp. Spartan in it's design, with a subtle pattern on the hilt. She found Sten at the blacksmith's, overseeing the repair of his dented breastplate. His eyes widened when she offered him the sword.
"Strange." He held it, his eyes tracing the blade. "I had almost forgotten it. Completion." He looked at her, and a trace of amusement entered his voice. "Are you sure you are a Grey Warden? I think you must be an ashkaari to find a single lost blade in a country at war."
"You're welcome, Sten."
He shook his head. "I would thank you for this, if I knew how." He put the sword into it's sheath, then nodded to himself. "And I could deliver a much more satisfying answer to the arishok's question if the Blight were ended, don't you agree?"
She nodded. "Absolutely."
His face actually broke into a smile. "Then lead the way."
#
Brosca, Lenore, and Zevran arrived shortly before dinner. Brosca saw her, and tossed her a salute. "One Bann rescued. Supply wagons underway."
"Let all flee before the wrath of the wardens," Lenore said, giggling.
"Are you..." Saitada narrowed her eyes. "Drunk?"
Brosca considered a moment. "Yes." He gestured back. "One of the supply wagons has..." He pulled a bottle from his pack and examined the label. "Whiskey."
"It is very good whiskey," Zevran said.
"They suggested we test it, to make sure it was good enough to present to..." Lenore blinked.
"Warden-Commander Aeducan, which is you," Brosca said. He handed her the bottle.
She looked at it. There was maybe a half inch left in the bottom. "It was very good whiskey," Lenore said.
She sighed. At least morale was high.
#
Perhaps it was being back in a real bed. Or perhaps it had just taken this long to process what had happened in the Wild. Or maybe, it was just the first chance he'd actually had to fall all the way into sleep.
He found himself standing once more in the hazy reality he recognized as the fade. It looked different, now. The area looked like the castle, save for floating candlesticks and books which turned pages by themselves. He walked, wandering aimlessly, until he found himself in the weapon yard.
"You can't be here." He heard the voice that sounded like his, and turned. The spirit stood next to a weapon stand.
"Don't you mean shouldn't?" he asked.
"No. I mean can't. You are no mage. Only mages can touch the fade through their dreams."
"I was an abomination for eleven years."
"I suppose you have a point there." It shook it's head. Then it picked up a sword. "Shall we?"
Jerath drew his own blade, and stepped into the sparring ring.
#
The next morning, she saw Jerath and Morrigan sitting at a table, apparently having breakfast. She gestured to one of the servants, then joined them. "When did you two get in?"
"Shortly before midnight," Morrigan said. "We did not feel it necessary to wake you."
She nodded. "And the soldiers?"
"A demon. Took care of it."
"Let Teagan know. Will you two be good to head out again?"
They both nodded. She looked from one to the other, and then nodded in return. Jerath, at least, she trusted, and he seemed able enough to handle Morrigan. Alistair had mentioned he'd grasped the fine points of templar training quite readily. Alistair had been rather shocked, actually. Normally it took years. But then, normally, a fifteen year old elf wouldn't be the best fighter in their group. Maybe she just needed to redefine normal. "We'll leave as soon as everyone has eaten."
#
"What do we know about Haven?" Lenore asked.
"Next to nothing, I'm afraid. It's a rather isolated village. We'll stop in Honnleath, refresh our supplies, and see what they know." Saitada adjusted her weapon harness as they headed out.
It was the second morning when Brehan alerted them to darkspawn. An isolated group, but a fairly large one. Saitada considered, then called out the tactics. Enough for a challenge, to see how those who hadn't yet fought darkspawn managed.
They were starting to fight well together. Even Brehan managed to hold his ground, laying about him with the long-handled axe as Leliana fired off arrows. Next to her, Sten went to work with military procession, matching his movements to hers so that they moved across the field like a well-oiled machine. Brosca and Zevran stayed with Wynne and Lenore, making short work of any that tried to threaten the mages. Alistair held the small hill Cathiel was using as a vantage point, her arrows flying with pinpoint precession.
As for Jerath and Morrigan... they were more akin to a force of nature. The witch laughed gleefully as a darkspawn exploded, then the ones hit by its entrails also began to explode. Jerath was a whirlwind of blades as he moved through a group of shrieks, taking out the more dangerous of the darkspawn and leaving the hurlocks and genlocks for the others.
When it was over, Saitada cleaned her blade and cast her senses to make sure none of the non-wardens had been affected. She'd been having Lenore make the potion Brehan had once used just to be safe, as well as making everyone drink a potion that was supposed to increase resistance. There had been no complaints.
The merchant they rescued gave them a golem control rod and a command word. He claimed there was a golem in Honnleath. Saitada handed the rod off to Lenore, who seemed to find the thing fascinating. She hoped the mage didn't take it apart, just in case there actually was a golem in Honnleath.
#
Honnleath had been overrun. Saitada divided them into teams. She took Sten, Wynne, and Zevran. She put Cathiel in charge of the second team, consisting of Alistair, Brosca, and Lenore. She considered a moment, then gave Jerath charge of the third team, Morrigan, Brehan, and Leliana. She expected to hear a complaint from Brehan, but he just looked at Jerath and shrugged.
She sent Cathiel down the center and Jerath to the west before taking the east. Zevran managed to make himself useful by disarming a few traps as they moved through. She called out the darkspawn as they went, and they managed to save a few villagers. Not many.
#
Cathiel sighed as Lenore began examining the golem. She was almost relieved that the control rod did nothing. The mage was visibly disappointed. She waved as she saw Saitada's group coming, more refugees in tow. "I think we've cleared most of them. Brehan said he sensed more spawn in a building over that way. Jerath's team went to clear it, see if they couldn't find more refugees."
Saitada nodded. "Lenore, Wynne, we've got people in need of healing." She gave Lenore a pointed look, and Lenore nodded.
Cathiel frowned, then cast her senses. At least two of the villagers had the taint. She clenched her fists. It wasn't fair. Maybe if they knew how the Joining worked, they could... Alistair put a hand on her shoulder, his face sympathetic. She leaned into him, drawing strength from his presence.
She couldn't help but think of Fergus. Had he survived Ostagar, only to fall victim to the Blight? In some ways, the not knowing was worse. She watched as Saitada and Wynne took aside the two carrying the taint. She saw the hope die on their faces. The old man started to weep. The woman just looked beaten. Both looked to their families before refusing the potions.
Saitada gave them other bottles. The poison Brosca and Lenore had brewed back in Redcliffe. Lenore had assured them the poison was painless. Imbibers would simply go to sleep, and never awaken. It was the best they could offer.
Griffon was playing with a couple of the children, happily licking faces. He managed to get a bit of laughter out of some of the children when he rolled over and wiggled happily.
More people came out of the building Jerath and the others had entered. A few families were reunited to joyous cries.
#
"Still have the control rod?" Jerath asked.
"Um... yes." Lenore held it out.
"The merchant had the command word wrong." He shrugged.
"Oh. How did you find the real one?"
"I rescued a little girl from a demonic cat."
She laughed. "You know, if we weren't wardens, that would actually sound like a strange day." She walked back over to the golem, and activated the control rod before speaking the command phrase.
A moment later, she jumped backwards as it actually started to move. She heard Saitada let out a small curse, and gave the dwarf an apologetic look. "Sorry, sorry, I didn't think it would actually work."
And... it didn't. Oh, sure, the golem was awake and moving. It worked. The control rod, however... She glanced at Brosca. "You know, you really think I'd learn."
He chuckled, then managed to convince the golem to accompany them. Saitada looked a bit dismayed, but sighed and nodded.
Resupplying wasn't an option. In fact, they ended up having to give some of their supplies to the refugees to ensure they were able to reach Redcliffe safely. For that, at least, Lenore was grateful. She didn't introduce herself to the Rutherfords, but was glad to see they all seemed safe and sound. She made sure they all had some of the resistance potion she'd brewed before they went on their way.
It was the least she could do.
Chapter Seventy
Haven
"Interesting strategy. Tell me: Do you intend to keep going north until it becomes south, and attack the archdemon from the rear?"
Saitada shrugged. "It'll never see this coming."
Sten's voice became dry. "Truly. It would surprise me if my enemy counter-attacked by running away and climbing a mountain."
She shook her head. "We're not 'running away' from anything."
"The archdemon is our goal. And we are heading away from it. To find the charred remnants of a dead woman." He shook his head. "You haven't thought this through."
She almost wished that were true. She'd been thinking it through for days. She also wished she was sure this was the right move. "Consider this training for what's to come."
"There is only so much one can prepare, kadan. Eventually, one must simply step forward and accept what comes." He looked down at her. "I trust you with my life. But this is not my life at risk. It is our goal."
"I know. I don't intend to fail, Sten."
"Be careful, kadan." He shook his head. "I have spoken my mind. Let us waste no more time here."
"Agreed. If this doesn't pan out..." she sighed. "Then it is on to Orzammar. We'll have to do this without the Ferelden army." She glanced up at Sten. "Any chance of getting the beresaad out to give us a hand?"
"I fear they would not reach us in time."
"And we'd still have to deal with Loghain closing the borders. Pity, if I had about twenty of you and Jerath, I think we'd have this whole 'darkspawn army' issue solved."
He actually smiled a bit at that.
#
The guard met them at the top of the incline. He folded his arms, and glared. "What are you doing in Haven? There is nothing for you here."
Saitada blinked, and looked back at the others. Leliana gave her a confused look and shrugged. This wasn't the reaction any of them were expecting. "I have business here."
He gave her a stern look. "No, you do not. I would have been informed if someone was expecting... a visitor."
She narrowed her eyes. What kind of town didn't want trade? She glanced back at the others again, then gave them a small nod. She saw Jerath and Sten go immediately on alert. "Is there a Brother Genitivi here?"
"Who?" He shrugged. "Perhaps Revered Father Eirik will know of whom you speak." He gave her a dismissive look. "Unfortunately, he is ministering to the villagers at the moment, and cannot be disturbed."
"Revered father?" Leliana shook her head. "I have never heard of this."
The guard's voice became curt. It has always been thus in Haven. We do not question tradition."
Saitada began making plans to look around the village more discretely. "Very well. Excuse me."
"You may trade for supplies at the shop if you wish. Then I suggest you and your companions leave." He moved away from them.
"Ah, quiet, insular communities," Zevran said dryly. "There's always something nasty going on behind closed doors."
Wynne rolled her eyes. "You always think there's something nasty going on behind closed doors."
He winked at her. "That's because there often is." He smiled. "I hope it involves chains. I hope they ask me to join in."
Brosca and Lenore both snickered. Alistair made a groaning noise. Saitada just shook her head. "Cathiel, take Alistair and the filthy trio to this shop, see what supplies you can get. Brehan, Leliana, see what you can find out about this revered father business. Sten, Wynne, Shale, you're with me, let's take a look around." She turned her gaze towards Jerath. "I've got a feeling this town has something nasty. Go find it."
He nodded, and started walking, Morrigan a step behind him.
#
"I don't suppose you know of this place?"
"It's creepy."
Brehan nodded. "I'd almost feel better if I could sense darkspawn. At least then we'd know what dangers we faced." He considered. "If the Chantry has brothers, why not fathers?"
"Men are considered to be too passionate to lead in matters of spirit."
"Male keepers seem to do just fine."
"And perhaps it is merely tradition, originating in the betrayal of Andraste by Maferath."
"Ah, tradition."
She laughed. "You say that as though the Dalish are not also steeped in tradition."
He tweaked her nose playful. "Our traditions are prettier."
She gestured up at the chantry. "You cannot deny that is a beautiful building."
He ran his hand down the bark of a tree. "Look at how this tree stretches it's fingers to the sky. What building could compare?"
"I think this is one of those arguments neither of us will ever win."
"Only because you are too stubborn to admit I'm right." He kissed her cheek.
#
"Who are you? You're not from Haven..."
Brosca smirked. "Why does everyone tell me that like I don't already know it?"
"We... we don't get many visitors." The shopkeeper shuffled nervously.
Brosca jerked his head at the others, and they began to spread out and look through the store. The shopkeeper tried to keep eyes on all of them. Brosca walked up to the counter. "This is the shop? I'd like to trade."
"I don't have much, but I suppose you can take a look," the shopkeeper said. He gave Brosca a grudging look.
"Don't suppose you've seen man called Brother Genitivi?"
"No." He shook his head curtly. "I've never heard that name." He looked up at Lenore. "What are you doing? That's private!"
Brosca glanced at where Lenore was standing next to a door into another room. The shopkeeper started to walk towards her, and Brosca moved to block his way. He saw Cathiel's head come up, and Alistair put a hand on his sword. "What are you hiding?"
"I don't see how that's any of your concern."
He narrowed his eyes. "I'm making it my concern."
Fear began to show in the man's eyes as he snapped. "No! You have no right!"
Brosca blinked as the shopkeeper drew a long knife from his belt. Zevran's thrown blade caught him in the throat, and he dropped. Brosca shook his head. "What the sod?"
Lenore and Alistair walked into the other room. They came back out a moment later. Alistair shook his head. "One of Eamon's knights."
"They cut him up," Lenore said. "Like... well, blood magic comes to mind."
"Well, shit."
#
The altar had been used recently. Blood pooled in the center, and ran over the sides in dark rivulets. Morrigan frowned. "That is human blood."
He took a closer look, then raised an eyebrow at her. "How do you know?"
"I just do." She met his eyes. "I also know that no one can lose that much blood, and live."
Jerath put a hand on his blade. "Let's go."
#
Saitada saw Cathiel walking towards her, hand on her bow. The others followed. Brosca actually had his mace out. Suddenly Cathiel went for her bow and Saitada started to turn. Leliana's arrow pegged the crossbowman before he could bring his weapon to aim. Armed villagers began to come out of nowhere.
Against armed wardens though, they stood little chance. They moved the merely unconscious ones into a house, and blocked the door. "Explanations would be good," Saitada said.
"We found one of Redcliffe's knights," Lenore said. "Well, most of him."
"Most of him?"
"He'd been dismembered."
"Jerath and I found an altar, one likely used for blood magic," Morrigan said, gesturing back at the house.
Brehan glanced at Leliana. "We didn't find anything quite that spectacular, but it looks like the rest of the village is up in the chantry."
Saitada nodded. "Let's go see if we can find some sodding sense anywhere in this place."
#
"...we are blessed beyond measure; we are chosen by the Holy and Beloved to be Her guardians."
"Humbly, we come before the Holy and Beloved."
"This sacred duty is given to us alone; rejoice, my brethren, and prepare your hearts to receive Her."
"Blessed fire cleanse and consecrate our souls."
"Lift up your voices, and despair not, for She will raise Her faithful servants to glory when Her -"
"Well, this is nice and creepy," Brosca muttered.
The man in the robes lifted his hands, and smiled at them. "Ah... welcome. I heard we had a visitor wandering about the village. I trust you've enjoyed your time in Haven so far?"
"Your people aren't very welcoming," Saitada said. She jerked her head and the others spread out, taking up positions.
He gave her a scornful look. "What sort of welcome do you expect when you break into our homes and kill one of us?" He gestured to his flock. "You see? This is why we do not like... 'visitors'. They are not like us. They will do us harm if we let them."
Saitada struck her boot against the ground, sending a ringing sound through the stone building. "What have you done to Brother Genitivi?"
"We don't owe you any explanations for our actions. We have a sacred duty; failure to protect Her would be a greater sin." He raised his hands towards the ciling. "All will be forgiven." He lowered his hands, and a smile crept over his face. "Brothers, you know what must be done."
Almost as one, the worshipers in the Chantry drew their weapons and started to attack. Brehan hesitated as a young woman, barely into her teens, attacked, and took a dagger in the arm for it. Alistair had a similar difficulty. She understood their reluctance as a gray haired woman in farmer's clothing came at her with what looked to be a sickle. She smacked the woman down with her shield and went after the revered father.
He fell beneath her blade. She looked back to see Wynne doing some healing. Most of her comrades looked pale, and a bit sickened by what had happened. She sighed. At least with killing darkspawn, you were sure who and what the monsters were.
#
"Who are you? They... they've sent you to finish it?"
"Brother Genitivi?" Lenore asked, kneeling next to the man. Her fingers glowed white as she moved her hands above his injuries."
"You're..." Relief shone on his face. "You're not one of them. Thank the Maker."
"Are you all right?"
He gave her a disbelieving look. "What do you think? Weeks of scant food and water, the torture... oh, I've never felt better in my life."
"I get the point," she said, shaking her head ruefully. "Can I do anything for you?"
He shifted, and winced. "The leg's not doing so well and... I can't feel my foot."
"Wynne, can you help?"
She nodded, and came over to begin checking the injured man. "I can set the leg and ease some of the pain, but he'll need a lot of rest in order to heal."
He shook his head. "I don't have time to rest now. I'm so close. The Urn is just up that mountain."
Lenore blinked at him. "How do you know?"
"My research led me to Haven... and I have heard the villagers talking. I know the Urn is here." He tried to sit up. "Haven lies in the shadow of the mountain that holds the Urn. There is an old temple there, built to protect it." He grabbed Lenore's arm and gave her a triumphant smile. "The door is always locked, but I know what the key is. Eirik wears a medallion that opens the temple door... I've seen what he does with it."
She raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"
"The medallian is like... a puzzle box... I will show you, if you bring it to me."
She glanced back at the others. Saitada tossed her the medallion. "This medallion?"
This time he managed to sit up. "Yes, that is your key. Take me to the mountainside, and I will show you."
"Are you sure you can make the journey?" she asked, looking over his leg.
He gave her a hopeful look. "It is not that far and... will you let me lean on you? For the Urn, any pain is worth enduring."
She considered, then nodded and looked over at Brosca and Zevran. "Maybe you two could rig a litter? Or Shale could..."
"Shale could not," the golem said.
"Rig a litter. We'll get him up there," Saitada said. "He's made it this far."
#
They made it up the mountain without incident. Alistair and Brehan got Brother Genitivi on his feet, and practically carried him to the door. He touched it almost reverently. "Here we are. Give me the medallion, and let's see if I can remember." He fiddled with it. "Yes... you see, it can be manipulated, just like this..." It sprang open, forming a star shape. "And there... a key to open the way."
"I wonder who created that," Lenore mused.
Genitivi smiled at her. "It may have been passed down through the generations from the first people who built the temple." He looked back at the door. "Now... where does this go?" He fit the key into an indentation, and the door swung open.
They entered, and looked around in wonder. Leliana's face was almost as ecstatic as Genitivi's as she took in the carvings and frescoes. Genitivi's eyes were wet. "What I would give to have seen this hall in all its splendor, as it was meant to be..." He laughed. "Still, sweep away the ice and the snow, and traces of beauty remain."
Saitada shook her head. "We can't afford to linger."
"I'm sorry... what? I was a little distracted. I apologize." He pointed. "These carvings were created just after Andraste's death, and they may reveal things about Her life that we do not yet know... I think I need more time to study these statues and carvings."
"You want to stay here? Is it safe?" Lenore asked.
"I could not keep up with you with my injuries. I should be safe; I don't think there are any villagers here. Go. I will be all right. Perhaps my destiny was only to lead you to the Urn."
Saitada gave him a brief nod, and considered. "Shale, stay with him. Any villagers give him trouble, well, just pretend they are pigeons."
"I can handle that," Shale said.