Chapter 12: Opportunities in chaos

Alvar opened his eyes, he saw a thatched roof over him. His eyes darted around the room; he was in an unknown hut. From the kind of furniture and wall decorations he noticed around, he believed this to be somewhere in the Korcari Wilds. He looked at himself, he lay in a straw bed with a white blanket over him. He slowly helped himself to sit upright on the bed. He groggily rubbed his forehead trying to recall how he ended up here.

"Maker, my head…" he uttered, rubbing his forehead.

"Ah, your eyes finally open. Mother will be pleased." A familiar feminine voice commented.

Alvar turned to his left, towards the direction of the voice. He saw Morrigan approaching his bed.

"Wait, I remember, you are that girl from the Wilds," uttered Alvar, "Maker, what was her name again?" he uttered under his breath.

"Yes, my name is Morrigan lest you have forgotten," she answered nonchalantly.

"Right," Alvar nodded. "Where am I? What is this place?" he asked.

"You are in the Wilds, tis my mother's hut," she answered, "do you not remember anything from the battle?"

"The battle!" he gasped, various memories of the night flooded in his brain, "what happened in the battle?!" he demanded.

"The darkspawn have won the day," she answered, "your army was slaughtered. Twas a rout.

"The man who was to respond to your signal, quit the field. At least tis what mother said." She said casually.

Alvar did not respond, he stared down, at the ground silently for a few moments and then he raised his head to her, "I remember being overwhelmed in the tower, but how did I get here?"

"Do you not remember mother's rescue?" she asked.

'Would I have asked if I do?' Alvar rolled his eyes, he shook his head.

"Mother saved you and your fellow Grey Warden," she answered, "Although I cannot say why, for I would have saved the king. At least he would bring a bigger ransom."

Alvar was about to retort by telling her about his own heritage, how he is a descendant of the highest noble family in Ferelden, but he didn't, lest this witch get the idea to ransom him to Rendon Howe.

"Fellow Grey Warden, you mean Alistair?"

"The suspicious dim witted one who was with you earlier? If you mean him, then yes. And he is not taking the defeat well."

"How did your mother save us?"

"She turned into a giant dragon and carried you both in each of her talons," she answered casually,

Alvar stared at her, dumbfounded by her answer, "What?" he blurted.

"You can ask her, if you do not believe me."

Alvar pondered for a moment. He tried to recall the events of the battle, mayhap the dragon like shape he had seen was not a trick being played on his delirious mind but rather that was Morrigan's mother. As strange as it sounded, he could not think of any other possibilities.

He grew wary now, for it seemed Morrigan and her mother had more to them than he had thought earlier.

"Mother and I also tended to your wounds. For five days we took care of you and you are welcome."

Alvar was astounded that he had been laying without consciousness for five days. He then groped at his waist and thigh under the sheets. He remembered taking a pointed club to his waist and a slash on his thigh. He felt closed scars where he previously had wounds.

"When did Alistair wake up?" he questioned.

"Yesterday, he has been on edge since he woke up. The fool could not wait for you to get up and leave from here."

Alvar took a deep breath, "Thank you, Morrigan" he said gratefully, "Thank you for everything."

"I, you are welcome," she stuttered as if not expecting gratitude from Alvar, "your weapons and armour are over there." She said, pointing towards a table away from his bed.

"Thank you," he said again and flung his sheets, only to realise he had been attired only in his underpants. Overcome with shame, he quickly covered himself with the blanket. He shyly glanced at Morrigan and looked down at the floor.

Morrigan rolled her eyes, "there is nothing left I haven't seen," she said casually, causing Alvar to blush more. Morrigan then turned around and walked towards the door, smirking along the way.

Alvar stood on the floor and stretched. As he twitched his fingers, he felt somewhat different. He suddenly remembered something and he looked at his left hand. He then placed a hand on his neck, he felt nothing there. 'Maker, where are they?' he wondered in shock, and looked around his bed, 'those witches better have not…' his pondering stopped as soon as he saw two rings and a locket on a desk near the bed.

Alvar walked to the desk and picked up the rings and examined them. One was the Cousland signet ring which was always worn by the Teyrn of Highever, who rightfully is now Alvar. The other is his wedding ring; one of the many reminders of his beloved Sancia. On seeing his wedding ring, Alvar's mind wandered to Sancia, by now she must have reached Storm Coast and is safe in his uncle's estate, he hoped. He wore the two rings on the appropriate fingers.

Next, Alvar picked up the locket. It was a round silver locket adorned with Andraste's face and the flame emblem of the Chantry. That locket had been his from a longer time than he could remember. After examining the locket, he wore it over his neck and fastened the metal chain.

Alvar then walked towards the table containing his armour and weapons. Next to his armour, he found his white cotton shirt and his black pants, neatly folded. He also found his coin purse on the desk. Alvar opened the coin purse and counted the money. The purse still contained forty-five sovereigns as it had during the time, he gave Sancia thirty sovereigns, days ago. Even the seal of Highever was present safely in the purse. Not one of his belongings were missing.

As Alvar started dressing, he felt a twinge of guilt for suspecting Morrigan and her mother to have stolen his belongings. They have not only saved him from certain death, but also nursed him back to health and did not take any of his valuables despite having ample opportunities to do so. 'Mayhap I should give them more credit. But could they have any other purpose for saving me and Alistair?' He pondered, 'Let's find out soon' he decided while fastening his armour.

Lastly, he picked up his sword and shield from the table. He unsheathed the sword and examined the blade; the sword was still sharp and well enough for further use. He then examined the shield; a quarter of the shield was broken and the remaining part had cracks here and there. Alvar sighed, 'still it is better than nothing' he thought and flung the shield over his back. He then picked up his helmet, a winged steel helmet same as the one which Alistair uses, he would not need it now so he hoisted it behind his back over his shield.

He is ready now and he walked towards the exit of the hut.

xXxXxXxXxXx

"There is your friend, you worry way too much, young man," declared Morrigan's mother.

Alistair had been staring at the small pond near the hut. He turned around and saw Alvar and Morrigan coming from the hut. He heaved a sigh of relief on seeing Alvar.

"You! You are alive!" he exclaimed, approaching Alvar, "I thought I would never see you again!"

"Morrigan's mother saved us from the tower," Alvar nodded in response.

"Maker, it feels so surreal. If not for her, we would have been dead in the tower by now," Alistair gasped.

"Do not talk about me as if I am not standing here." Declared the old woman.

Alvar and Alistair approached her, "You have my heartfelt gratitude…. Er I am afraid I do not know your name."

"Names are pretty but useless, the Chasind folk like to call me Flemeth," she answered Alvar's query with a confident smile.

The two men were taken aback, "Flemeth! The Flemeth!" exclaimed Alistair, "Daveth was right, you are a Witch of the Wilds!"

Alvar would have face palmed at Alistair's lack of tact, but his mind was still groggy from waking up. Hence, he stood still.

"So, what if I am?" questioned Flemeth, "I know a bit of magic and it has served you well, has it not?"

"Yes, lady Flemeth," Alvar said politely, "we offer our thanks for to you and your daughter for saving our lives and nursing us back to health. Although I am afraid, I do not know your purpose to do so."

"Why not? after all we cannot have all the Grey Wardens die." Flemeth laughed, "Who would stop the darkspawn then?"

The darkspawn! Alvar recalled the battle of Ostagar, if it was true as Morrigan had said then Ferelden has lost many sons and daughters that night. 'Blessed Andraste, the Highever fyrd, Ser Alan, Arl Bryland! All gone!' he worried for his fallen soldiers. After his home and his family, now he had lost his army as well. The faces of Ser Alan Sinclair and the other Highever officers flashed in his mind.

But when Flemeth referred him a Grey Warden, something else snapped in him, "I am not a Grey Warden, Alistair is! Do not bother me with issues that don't concern me!" he retorted coldly.

"Why, yes! My apologies Lord Alvar, I should have known that the threat of a Blight does not concern gentlemen such as yourself," Flemeth answered with a mocking tone.

Before Alvar could respond, Alistair cut in, "Please Alvar, I have lost all those I know! Duncan, Nelson and all our brothers are dead. Please don't you also back out on me!" he pleaded.

"Why not?!" snapped Alvar, he turned to Alistair, "Ever since I met Duncan and the Grey Wardens, I have been beset with innumerous woes! You and your like have brought me nothing but misery!

"First my family slaughtered, then my home and my lands stolen, and now? Even my army has been massacred!" his voice was breaking in distress, "Ser Alan, Ser Robert, Ser Henley… so many good men slain and there was nothing I could do!"

"You both have lost a lot and have so much in common," Flemeth uttered nonchalantly, "mayhap you can make a good team. The world needs the two of you to stand against the darkspawn. As the only Grey Wardens, there is a lot depending on you. There…."

"To the void with the darkspawn!" thundered Alvar, interrupting the old woman, "to the void with the blight! To the void with the Grey Wardens!" he threw his arms in air.

"I have never wanted to be Grey Warden and I still do not. Let Alistair and those others like yourself who is concerned enough worry about them. I have had enough with the darkspawn and these taint guzzling wretches!"

Alistair was about to argue but Flemeth cut in, "Alright, what will you do then?" she asked calmly.

"I will go to Storm Coast in the north," uttered Alvar, "I will join my wife and my uncle…"

'He has a wife!?' Alistair was surprised on learning this. While Flemeth seemed unaffected.

"And I will try to take back my ancestral lands from the usurpers!" Alvar continued.

"And your uncle has a large enough army to help you?" questioned Flemeth.

"He has a sizeable fyrd. He is not the only one I am counting on," Alvar answered calmly. "My family has other vassals and allies as well. I can rally a large army under my banner, at least one large enough to face the Arl of Amaranthine."

"And the Arl of Amaranthine does not have allies?" asked Flemeth, "do you really believe Howe pulled off his mutiny at Highever without backing from anyone?"

Alvar was silent, he pondered, 'Maker damn me for a hare-brained fool! How could I forget that?' he cursed himself mentally. He remembered now all the discussions he had with Ser Alan before agreeing to Duncan's extortion. "Not at all, of course he has someone pulling his strings." He declared confidently.

"True, but what about your other allies? How many of them are trustworthy?" asked Flemeth, "The man your entire country reveres as 'the Hero of River Dane' himself has proven otherwise. Who can say about other nobles' true colours?"

"Then mayhap, I must look for allies outside Ferelden," Alvar answered confidently, "my father-in-law is the Grand Duke Frederick Van Markham in Nevarra. I and Sancia shall go and knock on his doors. He will offer us sanctuary."

"And what will you do in Nevarra, lad?"

"Sancia and I will lie low for some time. There I shall recover and watch over the situation in Ferelden," he declared fervently, "And when the time is right, I shall make my move and take back all that was stolen from me!"

"My, my! You child, are full of bold plans, aren't you?" laughed Flemeth, "a fine plan except for one thing. How do you know that the duke will agree to host you or how long will he provide you sanctuary?"

"What do you mean?!" growled Alvar, he was getting annoyed at the old witch's persistent questions.

Flemeth stepped closer to him, looking at his face, she spoke softly, "Duke Frederick agreed to give you his daughter's hand because of your name and standing."

Alvar just stared at her, he did not say anything. He had a surprised look on his face.

"Your marriage was a political union for both your families. You wonder how I know this? It is not uncommon among nobles, especially one as high standing as yours.

"While your father-in-law would host you and your pretty wife. We cannot say how long you might have to stay there? The situation here can become more worse and you might have to stay in the duke's estate for a long time.

"How long would it be before he thinks an alliance with the nonexistent House Cousland is of little worth; And his precious daughter would be better off with someone else. Someone who has what you don't. Someone who is not a fugitive, someone who has a home, someone who has wealth and power and can serve his interests better? After all he is also a noble and why would he waste his time with someone who only has name but no real power. What would happen then? Are you ready to risk…."

Alvar raised his palm, telling her to stop, he glared at her, "Listen here witch!" he hissed, having lost his patience, "Sancia's family is my family and family supports each other." He said gritting his teeth, "I trust my father in law's household and I do not need others especially someone like you to advise me on such matters."

Flemeth was undaunted, nor did she show any expression of disappointment. Her face was inscrutable, "alright," she said with a sigh, "do as you will. Just do not regret my words if they come true."

"Yes, I am sure your words will come true," mocked Alvar, "Mayhap the Maker is currently taking notes on how to run the world from your advice."

"Well, it seems you know more about the world than me," retorted Flemeth, "I have nothing else to tell you then. What advice could someone like me offer?" she said sardonically, throwing her hands in the air.

Flemeth's response hurt his ego; being a high-born nobleman, there are very few people who would talk to him in such manner. And this old woman's attitude rubbed him the wrong way. But with so many bitter memories still fresh in his vulnerable mind, her words did have effect. Alvar remembered that this is not just some old apostate living in the woods, hiding away from law. She is a powerful Witch of the Wilds with many skills and talents. She has centuries of experience and knowledge as no one can say how old Flemeth actually is.

He pondered on her words for some time as Flemeth stepped back and stood a couple of feet away. 'She does have a point,' he thought. Having faced betrayal after betrayal, Alvar was honestly not sure whom he could trust and whom he could not. Worry and panic filled his mind, as for the first time in his life he felt completely helpless. He was alone now; he had lost everything. In despair, he gazed at the clear sky and let out a loud scream, tears had started welling in his eyes.

"Maker help me, I have lost everything!" he cried, his voice showing displaying hopelessness.

Flemeth looked at him, "Well there is another way," she stated nonchalantly.

"Huh?" Alvar turned to face her.

"But I doubt you would require ideas from someone like me," she mocked.

Alvar did not answer, mayhap he should not have said that, he thought. This woman whatever she may be has only offered help so far and even saved him from certain death. She may have her own agenda in keeping him alive but so far it has not harmed him. "I… my apologies, lady Flemeth, I have been harsh with my choice of words. Please, I did not mean anything by them, I…"

Flemeth stopped him with a raised palm, "never mind, now you just answer me this, do you know of Calenhad Theirin?"

"Yes," Alvar answered, perplexed by the question, "He was the man who subjugated the various Alamarri tribes into one people, he conquered the various Teyrnirs and combined them into one kingdom, called Ferelden. He is the first king of Ferelden."

"Alright, what do you know of Kordillus Drakon?"

"The first emperor of Orlais, he conquered the various peoples in the western and central Thedas to create the largest realm after Tevinter Imperium. He is the reason for the presence of Andrastrianism in Thedas." Alvar answered the old witch.

"Good, and what about Tylus Van Markham?"

"A Nevarran general during the Exalted Age, he was a hero of the Fourth Blight. He used his clout to rally loyal nobles and disgruntled populace against the unpopular King Nestor Pentaghast. He led a rebellion against him, he killed the king and took the throne for himself.

"Under him and his descendants, Nevarra grew from a city state to a mighty kingdom, a major power to be reckoned with!" There is clear pride in Alvar's tone as he explained, "He is an ancestor of my wife, the founder of House Van Markham."

"Fine, now what about Sarim Cousland?"

The question caught Alvar off guard, "Of course I know my own ancestor! He was a knight in the service of Bann Conobar Elstan of Highever, during the Age of Towers. When the Bann was murdered, he saw the chance and took the leaderless lands and the title for himself. As the first Cousland, he is the founder of my house. And later his descendants slowly turned Highever from an outpost of Amaranthine to a city state and a Teyrnir of its own! He is the founder of the oldest noble house in Ferelden! He is…."

"Okay, that is enough" uttered Flemeth, putting an end to his prideful speech, "Do you know what is common in all these men?"

Alvar shook his head in response.

"All of them seized the opportunity when they saw it and look how well they fared," said Flemeth, as she approached him, "now Loghain sees the blight as an opportunity to claim the throne of Ferelden for himself. Mayhap even Rendon Howe thinks the same."

Flemeth paused for a moment and then continued, "Life is full of hidden opportunities, only those who see them and use them shall prevail."

"What are you telling me?" asked Alvar curiously.

"Howe took the opportunity to snatch your lands, Loghain took the opportunity to seize the crown for himself. But even you have opportunities to fight back and mayhap gain more than you lost,"

Alvar just stared silently, pondering on what the old woman just said.

"I gave you those Grey Warden treaties, didn't I?" asked Flemeth, although it was rhetorical.

"Yes, those treaties!" Alistair joined in excitedly, "Have you looked at those treaties? We have agreements with Dwarves, Elves and Mages. They are obligated to help the Grey Wardens during the blight. We can rally them under our banner. We could even ask Arl Eamon for help, he still has his army, I am sure he will stand with us."

Before Alvar could say anything, Flemeth spoke "I might be old, but Dwarves, Elves, Mages and this Arl Eamon, they sound like an army to me.

"Rally them to fight for your cause." She said looking at Alvar, with a cunning smile on her face.

"Not all the nobles would follow Loghain. Rally his enemies to your cause as well. This is not something you can do by running off to Nevarra. Build up your strength here because regardless of your enmity against Loghain and Howe, you must someday defeat the darkspawn as well. There will be no use in defeating Loghain only to later get overrun by the blight."

Flemeth was standing close to Alvar, she whispered, "Also you have another treaty, don't you? Something signed between Elethea Cousland and Calenhad Theirin?"

The last sentence gave Alvar a brainwave, he was reminded of the 'Treaty of Highever' document which he carried safely from Highever during the attack. Although the Treaty was currently in Storm Coast in Sancia's possession, he could still get it, probably much later. He glanced at Flemeth's face, she stood beaming at him. Alvar smiled back confidently, "Yes!" he declared enthusiastically, "we can rally the dwarves, elves and mages to our banner!"

"I agree, we shall rally the dwarves, elves, mages and Arl Eamon to defeat the blight, just like the Grey Wardens of old!" exclaimed Alistair.

'And to take back what is mine,' Alvar said in his mind. He turned to face Flemeth, a cunning but confident smile came to his lips. "Thank you, lady Flemeth," he said gratefully, "I will remember your guidance and I shall be eternally grateful for your help."

Flemeth laughed at the change in his tone, "Just remember, Men's hearts hold shadows darker than any tainted creature. Be careful in whom you place your trust and how you will engage with the nobles of your land." She advised him solemnly.

Flemeth smiled then, "So, are you two ready then, to face your enemies?" she asked, "Are you ready to earn the title of Grey Wardens?"

Before Alvar or Alistair could answer, Morrigan emerged from the hut and joined them. Alvar had never noticed when she had gone back inside, "The stew is ready, mother," she informed, "Are we having two guests for the evening or none?"

"The Grey Wardens are leaving soon girl," answered her mother. "You will be joining them."

"Such a pity," Morrigan replied nonchalantly, "Wait, what?!" she demanded facing Flemeth.

"You heard me girl, the last time I looked you had ears!" Flemeth laughed.

Before Morrigan could respond, Alvar cut in, "You want us to take her with us?" he asked in surprise.

"I mean, our path is full of risks and dangers. What if…."

"All the reason to have her with you," Flemeth interrupted him, "Morrigan has a lot of knowledge and skills which you can find useful for your task.

"Besides, any help now would be appreciated, no?"

Alvar and Alistair glanced at each other, both of them looked puzzled.

"Have I no say in this?" Morrigan protested.

"You have always been itching to go out of the Wilds, now is your chance," answered Flemeth, "But think dear, if these Wardens fail, then everything around us, our world, our hut and even I would be destroyed," she said softly.

"I… I understand," Morrigan said softly, her eyes showed resignation.

"Good," nodded Flemeth.

"Morrigan, what kind of skills do you possess?" questioned Alvar.

"I know magic of various kinds, the kinds you will not find among the city mages."

"Can you cook?"

Alistair's question took her by surprise, "Why, yes, I can cook!" she answered with a tone of annoyance.

"Excellent!" Alistair was delighted, "No more shall we suffer my horrendous cooking!"

"I also know fifteen different poisons that grow in this very marsh," Morrigan said calmly, "not that tis related to cooking, though."

Alvar turned to Alistair, delight now replaced by uneasiness. Alvar shook his head and turned to Morrigan, "Never mind that. Just remember you are under my command. As long as you listen to me, you can come with us." He said sternly.

"Alright," she answered, she then narrowed her eyes, "If you are thinking of making me your servant or ordering me to warm your bed I will…."

"Maker no!" Alvar exclaimed, throwing his hands in air, "Not at all, I am a nobleman. I am a man of privilege but I have never used my power to force a woman to my bed! Nor do I have any intentions to do so in future. I give you my word on this! You need not have any fears on this regard."

Morrigan was silent, she had a surprised look on her face on hearing this. Mayhap she did not expect this given Alvar's noble upbringing.

"Besides, as tempting as you are, I have a wife waiting for me. And I take my wedding vows very seriously."

Morrigan rolled her eyes at that, "Fine, allow me to get my things if you please."

"Take your time," said Alvar.

Morrigan went inside the hut, as the two men and Flemeth waited outside. After a couple of minutes, she emerged from the hut carrying a small bag. She had taken much lesser time than Alvar had expected. 'Unless that bag was made ready much before' he thought.

"Not to look a gift horse in the mouth," uttered Alistair, turning to Alvar, "But won't she add to our problems? Out of these wilds, she is an apostate. Can we take the risk to have her accompany us?"

'He does have a point' thought Alvar. But before he could say anything, Flemeth cut in, "If you do not wish help from us illegal mages, then mayhap I should have left you in the tower," she countered Alistair coldly.

"Point taken," said Alistair.

"Keep an eye on the stew mother," Morrigan turned to Flemeth, "I would hate to return to a burned down hut."

"Bah! It is more likely you will find everything burned down along with my hut, if you don't stop the blight!" retorted Flemeth.

"I… What I meant…" Morrigan looked sad.

Flemeth laughed, "Oh do have fun out there dear."

Morrigan approached Alvar, "I am ready and at your disposal, Wardens."

"My name is Alvar," Alvar said sternly.

"Alright, Alvar," said Morrigan, "now do you wish me to be your silent guide or should I speak my mind?"

"I do not care, as long as you listen to me."

"Fine, there is a village to the north of Ostagar, it connects with the Imperial Highway," explained Morrigan, "I would suggest for us to visit there and resupply."

"I think she means Lothering," commented Alistair.

"Yes, I know that village," said Alvar, "we shall go there." Just as soon as they turned away from the hut, Alvar suddenly remembered something, "Wait! We must find my brother!"

"What?!" exclaimed Morrigan.

"My brother Fergus was scouting the Korcari Wilds before the battle. He did not return before the battle which means he must still be here in the Wilds!" Alvar explained eagerly, "We must look for him!"

"The Wilds are filled with darkspawn. I do not think he would be alive." Morrigan said casually.

"Very sensitive," commented Alistair, his tone full of sarcasm.

"I am only telling the truth," retorted Morrigan.

"He took one thousand men on his expedition!" snapped Alvar, "how can so many men get killed by darkspawn so easily?!" he growled.

"In this forest? Anything is possible, lad," Flemeth joined in, her tone contained some sympathy. Although Alvar doubted her sincerity.

"If he had come across, I would have known. The Wilds are vast and filled with unnamed dangers, he could be anywhere," Flemeth explained calmly, "you might be searching for someone already dead. Trust me, you have much bigger worries now than of your brother."

That stung Alvar, he felt the words were rather harsh. But honestly, he wasn't really surprised considering from whom the words came. He was now really the last of his line, Alvar felt tears filling up in his eyes. However, this time he managed to control them. He was able to maintain his poise.

Before they left, Alvar had one last thing to do. He turned towards Flemeth, "Never again, will you or any of you, call me a Grey Warden. Do not, I say do not refer me as a Grey Warden again!" he said resentfully, his tone dripped with unmeasurable hatred of that particular word.

Flemeth simply stared at him, neither did Alistair or Morrigan have any comments. Alvar then turned around and walked away, towards the forest. Alistair and Morrigan followed after him.

"Now how many darkspawn are there, around us?" demanded Alvar.

"The forest is filled with them" answered Morrigan.

"Then how do we get out of this cursed forest without coming across them?" demanded Alvar.

"Why do you think I am here for?" retorted Morrigan, "we will watch out and avoid the darkspawn, we can deal with some strays but we must watch out to not get in way of large warbands.

"But we will get out of here. Although it may take some time."

Saying that Alvar, Alistair and Morrigan walked into the forest, and soon disappeared from sight.

A/N: Thank you guest for your review.