Chapter 33
Araya
"You found Alistair, did you? Good. I'll assume you are ready to begin preparations. Assuming, of course that you're quite finished riling up the mages, Alistair." Duncan looked at Alistair with a raised brow.
"What can I say? The revered mother ambushed me. The way she sticks guilt they should stick her in the army." Anyone from the Chantry can do that Alistair. Believe me Mother Mallol did it to me all the time.
Duncan shook his head, "She forced you to sass the mage did she? We cannot afford to antagonize anyone, Alistair. We don't need to give anyone more ammunition against us."
I mutter under my breath, where no one could hear me. "Maybe you should tell that to some of your new recruits." I saw a smirk reach Nienna's face and I realized she heard me. Heightened hearing… got to remember that one.
"You're right Duncan I apologize." Alistar said this, but didn't look completely sorry.
"Now then," He turned to the four of us, "Since you are all here, we can begin. You five will be heading into the Korcari Wilds to complete two tasks. The first is to obtain four vials of darkspawn blood, one for each recruit." He told us, and I noticed Nienna scribbling it down in a small notebook out of the corner of my eye.
"And what's the second task?" I inquired.
"There was once a Grey Warden archive in the Wilds, abandoned long ago when we could no longer maintain such remote outposts. It has recently come to our attention that some scrolls have been left behind, magically sealed to protect them." Duncan turns to Alistair, "Alistair, I want you to retrieve these scrolls if you can."
"What kind of scrolls are these?" Nienna asked him, a bit of curiosity in her voice.
"Old treaties, if you're curious. Promises of support made to the Grey Wardens long ago. They were once considered only formalities. With so many having forgotten their commitments to us, I suspect it may be a good idea to have something to remind them with." He explained, as she continued to write it down.
I wondered, "And what if they are no longer there?" When Duncan turned to me, I realized I was talking out loud.
"It's possible the scrolls may have been destroyed or even stolen, though the seal's magic should have protected them. Only a Grey Warden can break such a seal." He didn't seem to mind any of the questions, more amused if anything and appreciating that we were interested.
"I don't understand… why leave such things in a ruin if they're so valuable?" Alistair asked him, a bit of confusion in his voice.
Duncan gave a small sigh, "It was assumed we would return someday. A great many things were assumed that have not held true."
"How will we find this archive?" I wondered, Could it be marked on a map or something?
"It will be an overgrown ruin by now, but the sealed chest should remain intact. Alistair will guide you to the area you need to search." Duncan nodded to Alistair, who nodded back.
"Find the archive and four vials of blood. Understood." Nienna closed the small notebook and slipped it into a small pouch on her belt. How many pouches does she have on that thing?
Duncan became stern, "Watch over your charges Alistair. Return quickly and safely."
Alistair nodded, "We will."
"Then may the Maker watch over your path. I will see you when you return."
Our group nods to Duncan. Nienna and I place our packs near the Grey Wardens' camp. I take my shield off of my bag and place it on my back. No point in giving anyone a reason to rifle through my things. Nienna pulled a few small poultices from her bag and put them in another pouch on her belt before closing it and standing up straight. The two of us walked back to join the others before heading to the gate. A soldier warned us to be careful before letting us enter the wilds.