Chapter Fourteen

The Wilds

"How did you get Duncan to respect you so quickly? And what are you making him do?" Daveth asked me as we got into the Wilds.

I shrugged, "Kallian was there – she knows."

Kallian snorted, "You told him everything about his life history in less than 2 minutes, Val – all this before giving me a nice set of daggers when he planned to buy me some himself, and then you go and prove yourself a prophet!"

"So Duncan wasn't mistaken then?" Natia asked. Alistair looked shell-shocked.

"No, he wasn't. I can see the future, past and present as it's revealed to me – I know what I can prevent, what secrets to tell and when to keep my mouth shut. I gained this ability when I was made a Seeker. Along with control of the elements and two very rare abilities that the Seekers would love to control; they want me, yes – but thanks to Cailan and the Right Hand, I'm safe enough for now. They were allowed to mark me as a Seeker – and that helped to keep them off my back because they think that means that I'm at their beck and call. Well, I made my own vows, so if what they want conflicts with that, they can shove a hot poker where the sun doesn't shine."

Elissa snorted, "Cute."

Alistair asked, "A Prophet…what, like Andraste?"

I shrugged, "Perhaps a little like Andraste… but I don't plan to start a religious war and take down the Imperium – that's already been done. I also don't plan to marry the Maker or go days in seclusion without food or water. Then there's the whole plan to not get burned at the stake like she did – it sounds painful."

Alim snorted, "Fire never hurt you before."

"No – no element on its own can hurt me – but a magic fire might for all I know."

We were attacked by wolves not seconds later. When the fight was over, I skinned all the wolves.

I heard the man call out, "Someone…please, help me…"

I stood and rushed over, still holding the last bloody pelt in my hand.

I was kneeling next to the man, looking him over when he looked up and asked, "Who's that… Grey Wardens…?"

"Well look at that; he's not half as dead as he looks is he?"

"My scouting band was… attacked. They… came out of… the ground. Please… I need to… return to camp. Help…" I noticed that his wound was blackened. I wasn't too sure but…

Solona said, "I'm a healer – I could…"

I shook my head, "Alistair – use that Warden sense of yours; is he tainted?"

Alistair, who'd been digging in his pack, froze and closed his eyes. He pulled his hand from his pack and gave the man a sad look. "He won't survive long enough to participate in the joining, but yes… he is. I'm sorry, friend."

I shook my head, "I know what Marethari used to keep Theron alive this long – I'm still using it on him… look, friend – your choices are Death or Wardens."

Alistair nodded, "With being tainted, that really is the only choice…"

"W…Wardens." The man gasped. I reached in my pack for a couple herbs, my mortar and pestle and a flask – I whipped up a quick potion that was green sludge in color and handed it to him. The taint receded in him slightly.

Alistair quipped, "Looks like we'll need 10 Vials of blood then – not 9."

The man shakily got to his feet and Solona helped heal him up a bit. He introduced himself as Richard.

Jory spoke, "But did you hear him; an entire patrol of seasoned men killed by darkspawn."

Alistair sighed at the man and said, "Calm down, Ser Jory; we'll be fine if we're careful."

"Those soldiers were careful and they were still overwhelmed. How many darkspawn can the 12 of us reliably slay; two dozen – a hundred? There's an entire army in these forests."

Richard nodded in fear.

Alistair glanced at me for a second and saw I was staring at Jory with disbelief before saying, "There are darkspawn about, but we're in no danger of encountering the main horde."

"How do you know? I'm not a coward but this is foolish and reckless. We should go back…"

I stepped forward, "You sound like a coward to me. Overcoming all of this? It's part of your fucking test. Honestly, are Theron, Kallian and I the only real men here? Shit – Theron is surviving the taint as we speak, Kallian kills rapists for breakfast and you all seem to forget that I can do what none of you can! Jory – why are you even here? You have a wife in Highever with a child on the way, right? Wardens don't pay that well – you'd be better off joining the regular army!"

Elissa scoffed, "What about me?"

I smirked, "Afraid of spiders – not a man."

Alim glared, "And me?"

I gave a wicked grin, "Afraid of me – not a man."

There were giggles at that one. I could understand fears – really, everyone had a fear or two – but Jory pissed me off to no damn end. Alistair snorted at my assessment and spoke again, "This actually is part of the test. As for whom the men are… I know I'm relying on you to protect me," he winked.

Elissa laughed, "I'd trust Val to guide me through the Horde safely."

Alistair flushed before turning to Jory again, "Know this; all Wardens can sense Darkspawn. Whatever their cunning, I guarantee they won't take us by surprise. That's why I'm here, after all."

I rolled my eyes, "Yeah. Even if they can sense the Wardens in return, warning will make all the difference in any fight. If you know there's a pack of wild animals and how many there are then you know how to counter."

Alistair gave me a sharp look, "You really do know quite a few secrets, don't you?"

I smirked, "More than you, at any rate."

Elissa sniggered as he looked at her, "Look, Alistair – we've learned to just… roll with the punches when it comes to Valeria. She knows too much for us not to."

He went a little red at the attention from her and coughed, "I will… follow your lead then, Lady Elissa."

Theron snorted, "Looks like he is interested in her after all."

I grinned, "That's good – I went to all that effort to get permission, I thought it would be wasted."

Solona grumbled good naturedly about Templars getting the best women, and I said, "Rest assured, Lona – if he suddenly and abruptly ascends to the throne of Ferelden we will all jump ship." I made sure my voice was sarcastic. Alistair looked at me wide eyed and shook his head, "Makers Breath, no one wants to see me on the throne; me included!"

"Not like he could take the throne anyway," Solona said, "Not unless he's related to someone powerful."

I shrugged, "Who knows? I don't see all or know all – but really, I got tired of Titles when that Howe brat, Thomas, used it as a reason to make fun of me."

Alistair relaxed thinking I didn't actually know about his heritage.

I picked a few of the strange looking flowers, and when Elissa asked "What are you doing?"

I gave her a look, "White with a red center. The Kennel Master was saying he could make an ointment for his tainted hound, remember? It might help."

"Oh… carry on, then." Lis nodded.

I was designated to carry the Spawn blood and made sure we collected the lockbox for Jetta in Redcliff. When asked, I shrugged and said, "If it were my family, I'd want to know…"

We wandered towards the tower and as in the game; the chest was there in the middle of the floor.

"Well, well… what have we here?" I turned to look at the sultry voices owner. She was 5'6 with gorgeous raven hair. She looked oddly elegant… her hair was long hung in waves down to her shoulder-blades though it was pulled back at the sides and pinned in the back with a feather ornament. Her top was halter-strapped, backless and dipped down to her navel. She did not wear a bra so her boobs were actually poking out the sides. Her pants looked sturdy enough though and her boots were lovely too. I couldn't stop staring at her bright golden eyes with a slight slit to them.

"Are you a vulture I wonder? A scavenger, picking amidst a corpse whose bones has long since been picked clean? Or merely an intruder; come into these darkspawn filled wilds of mine in search of easy prey?"

I chuckled as the men glanced around at each other and said, "More like, they're wardens. This used to be a Warden Archive you know."

She glanced at me and smirked, "Tis a tower no longer; the wilds have obviously claimed this desiccated corpse. I have watched your progress for some time, indeed. Where do they go, I wondered; why are they here? And now, you disturb ashes that none have touched in so very long. Why is that?"

Alistair yanked me behind him and said, "Don't answer her, she looks chasind."

I rolled my eyes, "Nu-huh."

Morrigan smiled, "Oh, you fear barbarians will swoop down upon you?"

"Yes… swooping is bad…" Alistair growled out.

I shoved past him only to realize… the whole fucking group had closed around me! I sighed, "Move out of my way or I'm throwing a fire ball!"

They all scrambled – even Richard. Morrigan looked amused, "Women do not frighten like little boys; tell me your name, and I shall tell you mine."

"I'm Valeria, a pleasure to finally talk to you. You've been following us since we gathered Richard here, right?"

"Now that is a proper civil greeting; even here in the Wilds. You may call me Morrigan. And… yes, I happened along just in time to see that. He was quite fortunate to encounter such a skilled Alchemist. And then you scold the big one and push that one on your… sister? I do not know how one so formidable could make such a… odd choice."

I smirked at her, "You have no idea what he's capable of – you don't get that good at swinging a sword without picking up some strength and skill, yes? One does not need to be smart to be… pleasing."

Alistair flushed and stammered as Morrigan looked him over, "Fair enough, then. You intrigue me, Valeria…"

Elissa was re-evaluating Alistair with an impressed look at my words – she was so much more curious now.

"She's a Witch of the Wilds, she is! She'll turn us all into toads!" Daveth cried out. I shot him a look, "Keep it up, Daveth and she won't get the chance – I will have Lee do it."

Morrigan chuckled as the cut-purse shut his mouth. Theron nudged me, "I didn't know you could be so ruthless, Lethallan."

I gave him a look, "Jory brings out the absolute worst in me, dear. I assume you know why we're here then, Morrigan? There were treaties in that chest…"

Alistair snarled and said, "You stole them didn't you? You're some kind of sneaky… witch thief!"

She chuckled, "How very eloquent. How does one steal from dead men?"

I elbowed Alistair and he looked startled, "If you keep this up, I'll tell Duncan you were a naughty boy that needs no supper."

He pouted at me and shut up, but Duran laughed.

"How come he gets the lesser threat?"

"Well, if he's going to be my brother-in-law one day…" I shrugged. Alistair groaned and went red again.

Morrigan laughed, "It was not I who removed them."

"Do you know who did?" I asked. She smiled and I could just imagine her as a cat with her tail flicking back and forth, "Twas my mother, in fact."

"Could you kindly take us to her?"

"Now there is a sensible request. I like you."

Alistair muttered, "I'd be careful if I were you. First it's I like you then bam; Frog time."

"As a Seeker I am highly resistant to hostile magics. Blood magic, enemy magic and even Templars… the real witch of the wilds knows all about me, actually."

Morrigan looked at me sharply, "How do you know my mother?"

I smiled, "Through Journals she left at Castle Cousland back when she was Lord Conobars wife. Thanks to Flemeths' research, I finished the thing she had been working on; a special pack that can hold hundreds of items but be so small. I have three of them with me – this one, that one and the one Alistair is currently trying to hide."

She looked impressed, "How did you do it? Mother is still working on that design – she can't make it work…"

I shook my head, "She was using the element theory when she should have been focusing on Enchanting." I shrugged. I heard a laugh and looked up to see the woman in question. Flemeth was 5'8 with white hair, gold eyes and looked to be in her early 40s.

"So you were able to complete my research? I think I'd like to know more about that."

I smirked at her, "We can talk later – for now there is a battle on the horizon. I really must thank you, Flemeth – I learned much from your old journals; old potions, a few poisons and spells I was able to teach to Lona here…"

Morrigan finally spoke, "Mother, I bring before you some Grey Wardens who…"

Flemeth scoffed, "I do see them girl – the blond ones' armor told me who they were. Though with the addition of you, girl… not quite what I expected."

"I'll take that as a compliment, Asha'bellanar." I nodded. Theron gasped softly, but I stopped him from bowing. "You know nothing beyond the title, Lethallin – do not bow to one you do not know."

Flemeth laughed, "You I like! She is right – don't bow if you don't know why you are bowing."

He nodded mutely.

"Are we supposed to believe you were expecting us?" Alistair asked, trying to discreetly move in front of me. I stopped him and gave him a glare, "Alistair, you need to be nice – Flemeth protected those treaties for us when she didn't have to. Like I said at camp, the seals wore off long ago. Without her, we wouldn't have those treaties."

Flemeth looked surprised before laughing and handing me the bundle, which I promptly put in my pack, "You're a seer, girl?"

I shrugged, "More like one of the few, the proud and the chosen. I accepted the offer, enough said."

"You are that girl I heard about from the Sabre Clan, yes; the one who brought the Golden Halla?"

I nodded, "Indeed – you and I will have much to discuss after the Battle. I do wonder though – could I stow my horse, Aravel and two hounds here until then?"

Elissa hissed a breath, "You think something will happen."

"I know something will happen, I just can't figure out what." I muttered. I hated lying.

Flemeth thought for a minute, "Very well. I will have Morrigan follow you to bring them back."

I bowed to her, "The dogs will stay in the Aravel and Kane – my horse – will pull it. She need do nothing more than be in Kanes' sight and he will follow."

Flemeth looked impressed, "An Imperial Warmblood, then?"

I nodded, "A gift from Cailan – so was ghost, my Mabari."

She laughed, "Ghost… I like that. Tell me he's white?"

"I'll do one better and tell you that he's an Albino."

Even Morrigan looked amused at that. Flemeth laughed more and said, "Well, you have what you came for. I'll watch the dogs until you come to retrieve them, but when you do, we will have a talk."

I smirked, "Would you expect any different, Old Bat?"

Morrigan showed us to the camp and even came in with us. I could see the disgust on her face as we approached Duncan.

"Duncan, I will be holding on to the treaties for now. Come, we need to talk before you attempt the Joining ritual."

Alistair watched me slack jawed when I 'ordered' Duncan around and he obeyed.

I handed Alistair the flowers for 'Old Ren'.

He pouted at me but took the flower to the kennel master.

"Duncan tomorrow is the night. No matter what happens, Alistair and Elissa at the very least need to be sent to the tower. Honestly, I'd prefer the whole group of them to come to the tower with me… look, I can't lie to you – you will die tomorrow. Gaia, I wish I could prevent that, but it needs to happen… but that being said, Alistair thinks of you as a father figure so I have to ask you for something."

"Anything, my lady, just say the word."

"I need something of yours to give to Alistair to remember you by. He really loves you, Duncan… tomorrow will be a difficult day for him."

He thought for a moment and reached up to his ear, taking out his earing. I smiled when I saw a ship sailing the waves engraved on it – it was a pirate earring. "Also, is your shield still in the Denerim cache?"

He nodded with a chuckle, "I take it you plan to retrieve that too?"

"Fuck yes; Alistair loves you like a father. And if I am being completely honest, I love you like one too."

He nodded and sighed, "Speaking of… I suppose I need to tell him about his parents after the joining. Thankfully, the battle isn't until tomorrow night."

"One last thing… I need the recipe for the Joining formula. Only the ones who go to the tower will survive."

Without a word he led me to his tent, wrote me the recipe and instructions before aiding me in procuring the necessary reagents – minus the blood.

We walked back over to the camp and I looked over at the hounds, "Buster, Ghost, you two go with Morrigan. Behave." They hopped into my aravel while I hooked it up to Kane. The horse nickered. I patted him, "Be good for Morrigan and Flemeth, boy."

He gave my hair a quick munch before following after the witch.

We both headed to the Meeting spot – where I had first found Alistair with that awful mage, Uldred.

As Duncan and I approached, I heard Daveth saying, "Yeah, Ser Knight, try not to wet your trousers until the ritual starts."

I snorted and all eyes turned to Duncan and me. I caught sight of Cailan looking our way from his tent. He gave me a smile and I waved at him.

Jory did not have a chance to speak back as Duncan spoke first, "At last, we come to the Joining. The Grey Wardens were founded during the First Blight, when humanity was on the verge of extinction. So it was that the First Grey Wardens drank of Darkspawn blood and mastered their taint."

Jory gaped and said, "We're going to… to drink the blood of those… those creatures?" I sighed and said, "What in the world did you think the blood was for, Jory – War Paints or nail polish? No, I know – you thought we were going to burn it like a smudge stick and sing around a campfire!"

More snorts followed and Duncan spoke again, "As the first Wardens did before us, as we did before you; this is the source of our power – our victory."

Alistair said, "Those who survive the joining become immune to the taint. We can sense it in the Darkspawn and use it to slay the Archdemon."

Alim looked at me and chuckled, "Those who survive?"

I answered that one, "The Joining is deadly, Lee. At least two among us will not come out of this. I just don't know who." More like I didn't want to say.

Jory paled and took a small step away from me as though that would increase his chances of survival. Duncan spoke again, "We speak only a few words prior to the Joining, but these words have been said since the first. Alistair, if you would?"

"Join us, Brothers and Sisters; join us in the shadows where stand vigilant. Join us as we carry 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."

Duncan picked up the goblet and held it out to Daveth first, saying, "Daveth, step forth."

The cut-purse nodded solemnly and took the goblet. He sipped it and handed it back to the commander. It was maybe 10 seconds later that he cried out, his eyes going completely white as his hand shot to his gut. He fell to his knees, crying out in agony and I covered my mouth in horror. It happened so fast and it looked so… painful.

He was spasming until… he just went still. Duncan sighed in pain and said, "I'm sorry, Daveth."

Duncan looked to the Redcliff knight and said, "Step Forward, Jory."

The knight backed away slowly and stammered out, "But… I have… a wife – a child! Had I known…I would…"

"There is no turning back." The commander said, walking slowly toward the knight who was reaching for his great-sword.

"No – you ask too much; there is no glory in this." He extended his weapon and Duncan pulled a dagger. Jory swung and missed as Duncan parried the blade and got in close, sinking it into Jory's chest saying, "I'm sorry Jory."

"Step Forward, Elissa." she didn't even argue. Just took the gobbled, sipped and handed it back. Her eyes went white and she groaned. But there was no continuous cry or spasming – she would live.

In fact, all the others lived… other than Richard the Guard from the wilds. I was happy with that outcome. And there was enough blood left over to make 8 pendants. Shaped like little glass gryphons, even I got one. I gave Duncan a confused look, "I didn't drink the Kool-Aid, Duncan."

Alistair snorted before Duncan said, "No – you didn't. The Amulet will mark you as a Warden to any Warden. They will sense it. With what you said, I am naming you my Field-Commander and honorary Warden. It's a rare occurrence to have an outsider join us in this way, but…"

I nodded and tied the 'oath' to my Sun amulet. Duncan nodded firmly.

Duncan pulled Alistair aside and talked to him some more about his family while we waited for the others to wake up. It took an hour.

The order of who woke first was as follows; Theron, Elissa, Kallian, Solona, Duran, Natia, then Alim.

Once they were awake and sent for food, I trailed along behind Duncan like a puppy and soon, Loghain and Cailan came into view.