DISCLAIMER: I base my stories on Intellectual Property (IP) owned by BioWare ™ and EA™. I pretend to live in their world.
SPOILERS: I refer to information from the games, the novels and the comics. If you have not played or read, please beware.
"Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment…"
That was Ferelden
Ruled by King Maric the Savior
Camelot – Lerner and Lowe
Chapter 55 – BROTHERS AND SISTERS
9:29 Dragon Solace === Warden Compound, Denerim
Eryhn and Alistair gathered their belongings from the Denerim Monastery immediately after the Tourney ended. Ehryn had a large pack stuffed full. She wore her own practice armor and carried her Templar sword and shield. Alistair's barely filled pack sagged against his back. After packing up the few items in his room, he had gone to the basement to retrieve his belongings from the trunk there, but the old arming clothes, drawings and dagger took up very little room. Lys' letters had never been returned. He wore a linen tunic and leggings, a scuffed leather vest, and cheap leather boots.
"Is that everything, Alistair?"
"Yes, Se…Warden Commander."
"I see. Well, we can outfit you at the compound."
"Thank you, Warden Commander."
"Let's go. We can just make dinner if we go briskly. It will be a good opportunity for you meet the others."
Duncan and his two recruits crossed the market towards the bridge over the Drakon. Alistair, slowing to look around, had to run to catch up with Duncan and Eryhn.
"You staring as if you've never seen a market before," Eryhn said, looking at Alistair.
"Am I staring? That's because…I love to shop. Shoes particularly. You know all the styles, colors…have you ever seen Antivan leather boots? Red ones go particularly well with Templar uniforms."
Eryhn just looked at him, not sure if he spoke seriously or not.
Duncan rolled his eyes, but said nothing. He simply hurried them across the bridge and past the fine homes of the Palace District. Alistair saw the Wyvern of Gwaren on one gate. That must be Gwaren House. Duncan noticed Alistair's interest.
"That is the estate of Teyrn Loghain," Duncan said.
"The Hero of River Dane," Eryhn added. "I saw him in Highever a few times. He visited the Teyrn. He and Lord Fergus walked right through town. No guards. Big as day." She looked at Alistair waiting for a comment, but none came. "Have you ever seen the Teyrn?"
"A few times. He came to Dragon's Peak sometimes with Queen Anora. Before she became Queen she visited the girls' school." Alistair added hoping to fend off further questions. He glanced back at Loghain's estate. I wonder what she would say if I told her I almost spent Satinalia there once.
"We're at the palace," Duncan announced. "The warden compound has its own entrance. You're not to use any other entrance or wander the grounds outside the compound. We have everything we need within our own space." He looked from one recruit to the other.
"Yes, Warden Commander," they replied in unison.
"Good. Now our gate is guarded by both Palace Guards and a warden. I'll make sure you're known to them."
"Can we just leave and go into town if we have no duties?"
"For shopping?" Eryhn asked.
"Well, of course. A man can't have too many shoes. And scarves. You're from Highever. You must know about fine wool scarves."
Eryhn just shook her head.
Duncan exhaled, blowing his breath between pursed lips. They didn't lie about his jokes. "You can Alistair. Although I suggest that you…both of you, go in company with other wardens at first. Denerim is a big city. We don't want either of you to get lost."
"Understood."
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
"Eryhn, you will be the only female warden in Ferelden. It's a distinction. There haven't been many female wardens, but the few who belonged to the order distinguished themselves. You will have your own room in a separate wing. Enjoy it. I hope to recruit a few more women, so you may have company soon." Duncan called a young elven girl over. "Phyllia, please show warden recruit Eryhn to her room. Make her familiar with the facilities then bring her to the hall for supper."
Yes, Warden Commander." The elf turned to Eryhn. "Please, recruit, come with me."
Eryhn smirked at Alistair. "I'll enjoy the privacy Warden Commander. Thank you." She followed Phylllia.
"Alistair, you will also have your own quarters, although not so private as you're accustomed to."
Alistair followed Duncan from the entry hall into a corridor. He turned left at the first door.
"This is my office and quarters."
They entered a study complete with desk, bookcases, chairs, and fireplace. They went through a door on their right. Alistair could see a bedroom through the open door at the end of a short hall. A door on their left opened into a smaller room complete with bed, stool, chest, table, and shelves. It looked very like his room at the armory. It even had a small, high window.
"You will bunk here, Alistair. I want you to serve as my squire. I've had mixed reports about you. Most of them label you a troublemaker. I'll have none of that here. On the other hand, a few have given you credit for adjusting well to unwarranted punishment. You'll have to show me which reports were correct. We'll start with a blank slate."
"That seems fair Warden Commander. Will you tell me my duties?"
"I will, but first let's go have supper. I'll introduce you to the others."
"Will I be permitted to leave the room when I have no duties?"
"Yes, of course. As I said before, your free time is your own. Use the library, train, whatever you wish within the compound. Or go into town with others. What you said earlier, that no one could speak to you. Was that true?"
Alistair looked at him, then down at the floor. He looked up again, "Yes. I taught some classes for pages, but I didn't stay afterwards to chat. I took orders from other templars. I didn't ask questions, just did as I was told. I was a servant. A disgraced initiate. I haven't had conversations with anyone other than Arms Master Quenton in a year. Well, unless you count Knight-Commander Cynan or the Grand Cleric. I had interviews with them every so often."
"With the Grand Cleric?"
"She took an interest in my punishment. I suppose that's why she opposed my recruitment today." Alistair looked at him. "Why did you recruit me, Warden Commander? Florian fought better than I did."
Duncan frowned. "I don't think he did Alistair. Certainly not given the difference in your preparation and readiness. I spoke with Quenton. I know you practiced on your own. You showed courage and character in victory and defeat. I remember you from Kinloch Hold. You fought with great skill there."
"That was a long time ago. Is that all?"
"Should there be something more than skill?"
"Perhaps. It's something I don't talk about so…let's drop it.
"I know who you are Alistair."
The young warden recruit grimaced looking at the floor. "I thought you might," he almost whispered. "How?"
"I knew your father, Alistair. You look very much like him."
"So, just a guess?"
"No," Duncan said slowly. "He told me about you years ago. Asked me to look in on you at Redcliffe if I passed through."
"And did you?"
"A few times."
"So, he knew how the Arl treated me?"
Duncan frowned. "The Arl put a roof over your head and fed you. I only learned of the Arlessa's mistreatment later."
Alistair stared at the floor for some time. He looked up at Duncan and shrugged. "Hardly matters now, right?"
"It is in the past, Alistair."
"Grand Cleric Elemena knows who I am too. She wanted to make sure I didn't use my parentage to gain favor. The Knight Captain didn't know. He just liked to yell at me. He thought it pleased the Grand Cleric.
"In our meetings, the Grand Cleric made it quite clear that she thought I had used my identity to gain privileges in the past. She let me know I deserved no favor." He frowned. "I didn't use it. No one at Dragon's Peak knew who my father was. I was just a bastard orphan to them. The Grand Cleric didn't believe me. They were all punished because of me." He shrugged. "I have no interest in anyone knowing who my father is. Or in seeing anyone associated with him. I hope you don't tell anyone. I'm just Alistair, Grey Warden Recruit."
"I agree with that attitude. I won't tell anyone, Alistair. Becoming a warden means giving up everything you were or had. All wardens stand on equal ground." Fiona wanted him to have a normal life. I wonder if she would have chosen the Palace if she could have foreseen this. Maric tried to honor her request. She would probably kill him for failing, if he wasn't already dead. This is not what she had in mind.
"Good. That's good. I'll try not to disappoint you." Alistair followed Duncan to the hall.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Solace passed by quickly. Alistair found he could easily perform the duties Duncan set for him. His duties as a squire were minimal. Duncan preferred to care for his two blades himself. He left his shield, long sword, and crossbow for Alistair to maintain. He saw to Duncan's armor, arming clothes, and boots. A servant took care of Duncan's clothes and laundry. Taking care of one man's armor and practice equipment hardly filled his day. Even with training every morning, he had free time.
After he finished his morning duties for Duncan, Alistair went to the armory to practice forms and spar under the supervision of Warden Eugene. Eugene had been a chevalier in Orlais, but as a younger son, chose to volunteer for the Wardens. He worked Alistair hard.
"I'll have you ready to challenge almost any other warden within the month, boy."
Alistair had seen Eryhn sparring with other wardens, but Eugene forbad him to spar with anyone but himself for the first month. He worked Alistair hard, improving not only his form, but his endurance and strength. The gibes he had come to expect from his fellow recruit continued.
"Still not ready to spar with the men, Alistair? Until you beat them, you can't spar with the women."
He grinned at her today. "Bottoms a bit dusty, Eryhn. Been cleaning the yards?"
"At least I'm in the yards."
He shrugged. "I'll get there. Then we can have a rematch."
She sniffed. "The outcome won't change." She limped away.
"Ignore her Alistair. She's good, but over confident. She thinks she has nothing to learn. It will be her downfall. Darkspawn don't fight by the rules of the tourney yard."
"How do they fight?"
Eugene grinned. "Now that is the right question, mon ami. Let's get started."
Alistair discovered the library during his second week at the compound. He felt like he had found an old friend. Duncan assured him he could borrow any book he wanted, surprised at his interest. Alistair started reading warden history beginning with the tales of the First Blight. He soon added books describing the tactics needed to fight the various kinds of darkspawn. Duncan often found him in the library, hunched over a book after supper. Finally, he had to suggest that Alistair should be more social with his fellow wardens.
"Oh. Sorry. I guess I'm so used to my solitary ways I forget to join in."
"Well, you should. Go out if they invite you. Have a few pints."
"You want me to go out drinking?"
"Alistair, it's a normal activity. Yes, go. Just remember to exercise moderation. I expect you up and functioning at sunrise."
"Right. I'll keep that in mind." He smiled.
9:29 Dragon 4 August === Warden Compound, Denerim
The recruits kept busy during Solace. Alistair's nineteenth birthday passed unnoticed, although several large wheels of Lanarke Blue and Blarliathe Cheddar, courtesy of Fergus Cousland, showed up in the Warden Compound kitchens on the twenty-eighth. Duncan told Alistair it was not unusual for Fergus, as the King's liaison with the wardens, to gift them with Highever products.
Fergus visited in person in August when he came to Denerim for the Landsmeet with his parents, Oriana and Oren. He brought five-year-old Oren and Jadyn, his mabari, with him to the compound.
"Fergus," Duncan stood and extended his right arm in welcome when the young Lord entered his study.
Fergus gripped Duncan's forearm as Duncan did the same to his. "It's good to see you Warden Commander. I hope you don't mind, I brought my son."
"Not at all." Duncan stooped to greet the boy by in the same manner, extending his right arm. Oren grinned and grabbed Duncan's forearm. "Quite a grip young man. You'll be a fine warrior like you father one day."
Alistair stood in the shadows of the hallway to the bedrooms. He wasn't sure he wanted to meet Fergus, but didn't know how to avoid it. He sighed and walked into the study. He was never quite sure how much of his history Duncan knew.
"Shall I get refreshments, Warden Commander?"
Before Duncan could reply, Fergus did.
"Alistair. I'd heard you became a warden." Fergus smiled. "It's good to see you looking so well."
"Lord Cousland." Alistair saluted, arms crossed over his chest, not smiling.
Fergus, instead of pressing him to be more friendly, bent down to speak to Oren. Oren looked at Alistair, eyes wide.
"Are you a warden too?" Oren asked.
"I am or soon will be. I'm a recruit at present, serving Warden Commander Duncan."
"Can you fight?"
Alistair did smile then. "Yes. That I can do."
"My papa uses a sword and shield, but Aunt Lys uses a sword and dagger."
"I use a sword and shield, Oren. That's your name, right? Oren?"
"Oh, yes. Sorry. I'm Oren Cousland."
"I'm Warden Alistair." Alistair held out his hand. Oren gripped his wrist smiling. "Well met, Lord Oren."
Alistair stood. "Warden Commander?"
"Ah, yes, Alistair some ale, bread and cheese would be welcome. Have Cook send a tray up. Perhaps you could take young Oren on a tour while his father and I talk." Duncan looked at Fergus for permission.
"I think that's a splendid idea," Fergus agreed. "Jadyn will go with you."
The mabari stood.
"Jadyn, obey Alistair."
The mabari huffed and followed the young warden and Oren out the door.
"He looks well."
"He has fit-in well. His wit seems to be appreciated by the other wardens."
"Not by you?"
"It can be wearing at times. He spent a year cut off from the other templars. I think he's making up for lost time. He has refrained from pranks, however, which I appreciate."
"His skills? Lys said he struggled during the Tourney."
"He did. It's to his credit that he did as well as he did. The Grand Cleric forbad him from practice or sparring for a year. I only knew his skills from seeing him spar at Kinloch Hold two years ago."
"Maker, we knew she held him separately from the other initiates, but not to let him train?"
"I don't know why. Arms Master Quenton didn't either. It's not his place to question."
"No, of course not. Did he practice in secret? He must have maintained some skills to win bouts."
"I assume he did. I did not ask for details. Sometimes it's wise not to know too much."
"Of course." Fergus shook his head. "Well, I did not come to visit him. I came to see how the wardens fare at Ostagar and in the Wilds. We'll rotate a new company of Maric's Shield into place after the Landsmeet. I will accompany them, but not stay long. I'd like to return home for Satinalia this year. Apparently the king and queen will join us in Highever."
"You don't seem excited by that, Fergus."
"I enjoy a quieter Satinalia than one with royal visitors. And Loghain. It will be nice to have my sister Lys home. But we digress again."
"We do. Darkspawn activity had not worsened. They push at the Wilds borders, mostly east of Ostagar, but don't go much beyond. A few villages and farmsteads have been attacked, but nothing worse. I expect activity to slow over the winter. We'll know better what we face in the spring. I should have a report for you before the Guardian Landsmeet. Frankly, I'm not optimistic. I still think this presages a Blight. Perhaps the Archdemon will show itself in Wintermarch."
Fergus shivered in spite of the still warm weather. "What can we do to prepare?"
"Convince your fellow nobles. Even the king, as much as he…idolizes his idea of the wardens, does not believe me."
"I'll start with my father," Fergus promised. "He has returned to Court. Perhaps he can convince the others before spring."
"Good. I suspect Alistair will take young Oren to the practice yards. You're welcome to spar with him if you wish."
"I might do just that." Fergus stood. "I do have a question. I know the wardens have an initiation. I assume from Alistair's comments his has not yet taken place?"
"No. There is some preparation for recruits before we can complete the initiation."
"I see. May I beg favor?"
Duncan stared at him, eyes narrowed, before answering. "I'll let you know if he passes it successfully, Fergus."
"Thank you. We would all appreciate knowing."
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Oren and Alistair walked into the armory where half a dozen wardens prepared to spar.
"Nursemaid duty? That fits." Eryhn smirked at Alistair.
"Warden Alistair is not a nursemaid." Oren frowned.
"And who might you be?"
"Oren Cousland."
Eryhn eyebrows rose. "Well, nursemaid to a baby noble."
"I am not a baby."
"Eryhn just let it go. There's no need to pick on a child. Lord Fergus meets with Duncan today and they asked me to give Oren a tour."
"Wardens don't bother with nobles, titles or governments, Squire Alistair."
Eryhn jumped as Jadyn growled behind her.
"You may not care, but I suggest you curb your tongue, because Lord Fergus' mabari does."
Eryhn turned slowly, only to face an angry hound.
"Stand down, Jadyn," Oren ordered, sounding very much like his father. "She's just mean. I think I'll ask Aunt Lys to challenge her."
"Who?" Eryhn asked.
"My Aunt Lys. She fights with Hrothgar's Wrath."
Alistair stifled a chuckle with a cough. "He's right. Hrothgar's Wrath is a free mercenary co-"
"-I know what they are Squire. And I know who he means now. Lady Melysande Cousland. She…I've seen her fight. He's right. She's good. I always wished she would enter a tourney in Highever, but she never did. Something about it not being fair to the rest of us if the Teyrn's daughter entered."
Jadyn emitted a sound that was not quite a growl and pushed between Eryhn and Oren. Eryhn backed away.
Alistair took advantage of Eryhn's distraction to take Oren through to the practice yards where they watched two wardens spar. Fergus found them there. Alistair felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to find Fergus grinning at him.
"Care to go against me?"
Fergus wore armor and carried his sword and shield.
"I'm not sure I'm ready for that, Your Lordship."
"Dragon Feathers. And it's Fergus."
Alistair stared at Fergus and burst out laughing. "Dragon Feathers?"
"Ah…I had to clean up my language," he replied nodding at Oren. "One of my new sayings."
"Well, I suppose I could spar with someone whose worst expletive is Dragon Feathers."
"Oren, I'm going to spar with Alistair. You sit on this bale of hay and watch. Jadyn will stay with you."
Jadyn barked.
"Yes, Papa. Will you win?"
"Maybe. Alistair is good though, so maybe not."
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Fergus carried a tired Oren as he and Alistair walked back to the compound entrance. Jadyn trotted beside them. After he and Alistair sparred, Alistair showed Oren several forms. Once he had learned the motions, Alistair let him repeat them holding a blunted dagger. Oren had learned quickly much to his father's delight.
"You teach well."
"He's fun to teach. Pays attention better than most of the pages I taught." Alistair tousled the boys head when he grinned at Alistair's praise. "Thank you, Fergus. This was…it was a good way to learn about former friends. Oren is a font of information."
Fergus laughed. "He does chatter. Takes after his aunt." He decided to ignore the former friends remark. "I'm glad I sparred with you today and not five weeks ago. I've improved a lot since I came here."
"I'm not. I might have beaten you five weeks ago, if that's true. Maker Alistair, you still move more quickly than any sword and board man I know."
Alistair smiled at the praise. "I've taken up the bow again, too. Maybe we could-"
"-very funny. I'm still terrible, even though I lead a mounted archery unit. They shoot and I shout," he grinned, "and keep my sword loosed in its scabbard. No. I'll take a rematch in the sparring ring though. Perhaps we'll meet at Ostagar in a month or so."
9:29 Dragon 6 August === Warden Compound, Denerim
Lys stood to one side under the awning of the merchant's stall while Kai searched his wares for just the right birthday gift for her cousin Shianni. Sherpa sat patiently at Lys' feet. As she watched the crowd, four Grey Wardens, wearing warden tabards over their armor, entered the market walking west. They laughed and joked as they walked. Three were older wardens in the thirties or forties. The fourth was a much younger man. Lys watched him.
One of the three men surrounding Alistair punched him in the arm and nodded toward Lys.
"Looks like you've got an admirer, Alistair." Malachi nodded toward a tall, young woman in a fuchsia gown and moss green cape standing at the edge of a merchant's stall across the market. Her hood pooled around her neck, revealing dark brown hair artfully braided and falling over one shoulder. A mabari sat at her feet.
"A noble, no less. Look at that mabari. A beauty." Bruno whistled, attracting the attention of the girl's companion, an elf, and the mabari.
Alistair blushed, as he always did when their teasing involved a girl. He looked at the girl, who continued to stare while the elf next to her touched her harm and spoke to her. The auburn haired elf spoke to the woman like a friend, not a servant. He shrugged.
"She's looking at all of us, not just me. She's probably impressed that we're wardens. Or she can't believe your beard, Bruno." He poked the dwarf walking next to him.
The ginger dwarf grunted.
"Probably looking for the songbirds nesting there," Alistair teased. "That was a mellifluous whistle."
"A what? Sometimes I think those big words you use must be dirty," Bruno grumbled.
The other wardens laughed. "Yeah, those noble girls keep birds in cages you know. Better be careful, Bruno. She might cage you as a pet."
Alistair looked back.
"You know that elf doesn't act much like a servant." Anton observed. "That's unusual, even here in Ferelden. That kind of familiarity would never be allowed in public at home."
"It's allowed in private?" Malachi asked.
"Depends. Rumor has it the Empress allows her spy master extensive liberties." Anton shrugged. "Elves have all sorts of uses in private in Orlais. Is that not true in the Anderfels, Malachi?"
The wardens continued towards the bridge over the Drakon towards the Palace district and the Warden Compound.
"Lys? What's wrong?" Kai squeezed her arm again.
"Sorry, Kai." Lys realized a tear had run down her cheek. She brushed it away. "Lost in thought I guess."
"Or in a view of Grey Wardens."
"You noticed them too?"
"I noticed a handsome young one, who looked a lot like the templar they conscripted at the Tourney."
"It was. He looked right at me. Not a flicker of recognition. I'm such a fool."
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Alistair had first glimpsed Lys in the Royal Box sitting next to Loghain, behind Duncan and Cailan. He had had no doubt the young woman in the market was his childhood friend. Yet he thought it best they not meet. What would we say? Their friendship had always been tenuous he realized now. They had only been together five times, once in Highever and four in Redcliffe, for a few weeks each time. They had been children. Yes, they had connected from the moment he warned her away from the Arlessa's roses. Lys had changed his life for the better for a while. When he saw her, he realized he had nothing to say to her anymore. Once their worlds had intersected, but they no longer did. Any connections they once had were long gone. A teyrn's daughter and a grey warden have nothing in common. Fergus had been friendly, but he hadn't suggested Alistair visit his family. No, all he had now were memories.
He rubbed his hands through his hair. He had seen her before she saw him in the market. I think I managed indifference. He smiled to himself. I am glad I saw her. It's nice to have a grown up image. The elf must be her friend Kailian. The mabari was certainly her Sherpa.
He looked up at the palace from the practice yard. He knew she lived there as one of Queen Anora's Ladies. Could he manage an accidental meeting? He shook his head. How? Storm the palace. Scale the garden wall and hide in a tree? There's no point. The Warden Commander would be angry. Only Fergus had spoken to him since he arrived at the compound, but visiting the wardens was Fergus's duty as liaison. He would not have come otherwise.
At the Chantry he had told himself no one visited because the Grand Cleric forbad it. Now there was no excuse. The wardens mentioned King Cailan visited often. That he had not sparred with them since the tourney, surprised them. And Loghain. Surely Duncan would let Loghain visit. Or had Loghain given up on him since his outburst at Dragon's Peak so long ago. He hates the wardens. Probably hates me for becoming one. They don't care. Maybe they never did. They just wanted me away from the Chantry.
9:29 Dragon 10 August === Warden Compound, Denerim
"Walk with me, Lady Melysande, " Anora ordered.
Delilah and Pippa looked at each other as Anora and Lys walked down a path away from the clearing under a birch tree where they sat on a blanket. Princess Elin had just learned to sit up, but still wobbled. She turned, as if to watch her mother, overbalanced and toppled over on the blanket. She giggled and grabbed for her rattle. She rolled onto her back waving the silver rattle at the sun sparkling through the branches. Elspeth, her nurse, sat nearby watching her charge.
"Has Lys angered Her Majesty? She sounded so stern." Delilah watched the two women walk away.
"I don't think so." Pippa looked perplexed as she watched the retreating figures.
"She's been strangely quiet since the Tourney."
"Lys has her moods," Pippa replied. "She probably overlooked something and Her Majesty wants to speak to her about it. She forgets things when she's preoccupied."
"Preoccupied with what?"
Pippa groaned to herself. I need to watch my words. Delilah hadn't identified the young templar with the boy who had visited Highever one Summerday. "I don't know, Del. I just know that when she's quiet like that she's usually preoccupied with some problem."
"Problem?"
"It could be anything. She hasn't confided in me so I don't know. I'm sure Her Majesty will help her regain her focus."
Delilah nodded, thinking she should mention this to her father. It seems innocuous enough, but he gobbled up anything about the Couslands. It would save her a verbal beating when she saw him next.
"You've been very qui…no subdued these past few days, Lys. It's been weeks since the Tourney. You seemed to have accepted Alistair's fate. What's wrong?" Anora tone had become gentle once they were alone.
"I'm fine, Your Majesty, just, as you said, feeling subdued."
Anora stared at her.
Lys suddenly giggled. "Oh Maker, Your Majesty. How is it possible for you to look just like your father?"
Startled, Anora mouth opened then closed before she finally spoke. "No one has accused me of that before."
"It's the stare. You have Teyrn Loghain's stare. I never realized it before."
"You're changing the subject, Lys Cousland."
Lys smiled. "Not on purpose. Truly, it's amazing." She sighed. "It's silliness. I saw Alistair. In the market the other day. He walked through with several other wardens. He looked right at me and didn't recognize me."
"Perhaps-"
"-no, he looked at me for a long time. His companions teased him about me because I was staring at him. I heard them. He showed not a flicker of recognition."
"It's been a long time Lys."
"I know. It's just…I wrote him once that he wouldn't recognize me now that we had grown up. He wrote back assuring me that he would always know me. I suppose I clung to that and…it's hard to realize I was right." She looked off towards the west wall. A guard walked across on the wall walk. A few roses remained on the vines. "I'll be fine. It's just a childish hope that's gone. I'm surprised it hurts this much. I thought I'd already let go."
"It's not always fun, being right," Anora said. She linked arms with Lys and they walked on . "Thank you for telling me. I've learned, from you mother in fact, that sharing hurts lessens them."
Lys smiled again. "She's told me that as well. Perhaps I haven't learned the lesson. I did tell Kai. She was there, but she never knew him so it's different telling you."
Anora squeezed her arm and let go. "We should get back."
They walked in silence for a while.
"You can tell Del and Pippa, when they ask, that….um….that you forgot to order some samples I wanted from House Haris."
"But I didn't. They'll arrive today."
"Two days late!" Anora said a little too loudly as they approached the others.
Lys put her head down stifling a smile. "Thank you, Anora," She whispered.
9:29 Dragon 7 August === Warden Compound, Denerim
Alistair took the note with the Griffon crest stamped into the wax seal to Duncan.
"This just came, Warden Commander. The messenger said it came from the compound in Jader."
"Good. I've been waiting for this. Have your fellow recruits gather here in a turn of glass, Alistair."
Alistair went in search of the others. In addition to Alistair and Eryhn, an Alienage elf named Peryndel and a human from the Bannorn just west of Denerim named Crispin waited to take their Joining. Duncan had recruited Peryndel and Crispin just before the Tourney. They had trained with Eryhn during Solace.
Alistair found Eryhn and Crispin in the armory. Peryndel he located in the library. The elf spent more time there than Alistair. He suspected Pery spent the time improving his reading skills as much as researching the wardens and looking for elves among them. Pery had been fascinated to find out about Garahel, the elf who ended the last Blight.
The meeting with Duncan lasted only a quarter turn of the glass.
"We leave in the morning for Ostagar. We will travel lightly and quickly. Gather your things, pack them as you've been taught and be ready to leave at first light. Pack carefully. You will live with what you pack for at least a month. Don't concern yourselves with food or drink. They will be provided. If you need to go to the market do so. I want you all here for supper and early bed. You should enjoy a final night on a mattress."
Duncan looked at his recruits. "Any questions."
The four looked at each other and then shook their heads.
"Good. You have your orders. Carry on."
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Alistair went to his room and laid out what he thought he would need. He had acquired more possessions since coming to the wardens, as well as a comfortable amount of coin. Smalls, tunics and leggings, softer boots for camp, two sets of arming clothes, wool and leather breeches, stockings, his leather vest, boots, splint mail, sword, shield, bow, arrows and quiver, fletching supplies, flint, water skin, personal care items …he scratched his stubble. What had he missed? A cloak? He would need to purchase that or see if the wardens issued one. Rain cape and cowl too. At the Peak a few boys had knitted hand covers…mittens? I wonder if I can buy those in the market.
It was still warm along the coast in Denerim, but he knew farther south and west winter would come early. Duncan had not said how long they would be at Ostagar. He had no map, but he figured it would take about three weeks to get there; it would take three more to return. Best case he guessed they would be gone ten weeks or more. By Harvestmere they would be well into a Ferelden winter in the south.
Duncan sat at his desk when Alistair entered the study.
"Warden Commander."
"Yes, Alistair."
"Do the Wardens issue cloaks and cowls? For winter."
Duncan smiled. "Yes. Go see the quartermaster. He's under orders to issue winter gear to you. And Alistair, good thinking. Don't tell your fellow recruits. I'll have the winter gear with us, but I wanted to see which of you realized the need."
"I'll keep quiet. Umm…do the warden's issue rain capes? Waxed capes that is?"
"You like your comfort, I see."
"Well…I like to stay healthy. A shelter half would be good too."
"Just ask. If we don't supply it, Quartermaster Timon will tell you."
Alistair grinned. "Sounds good, Warden Commander."
Duncan watched him leave. Well, he learned something at Dragon's Peak. He's like his father in some ways, the sense of humor certainly, but not in all. I see Fiona in him too. Her stubbornness and persistence and her intelligence. Not that Maric was stupid, but Alistair is quick.
Duncan went back to his letter to Riordan in Jader. Writing in cypher, a different variation each time, took so long.
Riordan,
I have our new recruit. You'll meet him at Ostagar, with three others, for the Joining. You mentioned you might take him to Jader. I'd prefer you did not do that. I believe he will be an asset to our fight here, if he survives. We should discuss when we meet, as there would be issues if he left Ferelden at this time. I'm keeping him close. I cannot, of course, guarantee he won't be hurt, but he's a fine fighter. He has a better chance than many should we have to battle our way through the Wilds to get our vials of blood.
I hope you bring additional Archdemon blood with you. I would like to recruit ten or more wardens over the winter. I'll make a circuit of Ferelden and hold another Joining at Ostagar in Guardian. I hope to find a few mages as well as warriors and rogues.
In peace, vigilance,
Duncan
Warden Commander, Ferelden
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Duncan knocked on Alistair's door.
"May I come in?"
"Of course, Warden Commander."
"I'm curious. Have you packed your belongings yet?"
"No. It's all there on the bed."
"May I inspect?"
Alistair shrugged. "Of course."
"I'm doing this because you asked the right questions." Duncan's lips quirked into a crooked grin. "And you're right here. I'm not inspecting the others."
He sorted through Alistair's belongings. "A book?" He held up a small rectangle wrapped in waxed cloth.
"Well, there may be lax times. There was when I traveled to Kinloch Hold. I missed having a book on that trip. I missed books all last year. It should stay dry wrapped in that. There's a wax tablet and stylus in there as well." He scratched his chin. "It's a history of the fourth Blight."
"You're thorough."
"I'm missing maps. I haven't had time to copy one yet. I was just going off to do that now."
"You can read maps?"
"Of course. I estimate the trip should take 3 weeks give or take depending on whether we cut through the Southron Hills or stay on the West road to Lothering."
"That's correct." Duncan raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"Dragon's Peak boys aren't as stupid as the rest of the templars make us out to be." He grinned. "We learn to use our brains and our swords; then we learn how to decide which weapon best fits a situation. I also learned from the Teyrn when he visited. You know he visited, right?"
Duncan nodded, pulling thoughtfully on his beard. "Go ask Timon to issue you a map set. I have one, but it's always good to have a spare."
Alistair eyes widened. "My own set? Brilliant." He hurried off to the quartermaster.
He's easy to please. Duncan walked back to his desk, deep in thought. I may have gotten much more than I realized with him. A well-educated warrior trained by Teyrn Loghain himself. I think I'll keep that quiet for a while. Riordan doesn't need to know right away. Not to mention the furor if he disappears and surfaces in Orlais after the Joining. Duncan frowned. Riordan can't plan to pretend he died in the Joining. The Fereldans will find out unless they hide him away permanently. When the Fereldans do, the wardens will be summarily banned again just as a Blight's beginning. I don't care what Orlais and Ferelden do in normal times, but now fighting a Blight comes first. Whatever Riordan says, moving him to Orlais is a political move, not an order from Weisshaupt.
A/N: Thank you for reading whether or not you review, fav or follow, I appreciate you. I hope you continue to read and enjoy.
Huge thanks to my wonderful beta Kira Tamarion for her sharp eyes. Her astute comments improve every post. Any errors are all mine. Thanks to all who Favorited, offered Kudos, Subscribed and/or Followed. I do love reviews and welcome comments, encouragement, suggestions and critiques.
Wow. Lots of reviews this week and some comments on Tumblr. Special thanks to all of you: Arsinoe de Blassenville, dustywalker, clafount, Mike3207, KatDancer, caraine,pyjamaprisonerand SnowHelm. I appreciate the continuing thoughtful feedback.
