Author's Note: I think there will probably be one more chapter after this one to wrap up a few things, then we'll be heading off to the Brecilian Forest. Hope you enjoy!
"How can you tell?" Wynne asked.
Avernus looked over at her with a frown. "This is why I've always said we needed more mages in our ranks. There is so much knowledge that has been kept from those in the Circle. I can't rightly blame you, I suppose, but it is so very, very disappointing."
"It has to do with the Joining process," Harry said.
"Your conjecture is correct," Avernus nodded. "We keep too many secrets, perhaps. By going through the Joining, Grey Wardens take in the taint from the darkspawn and become resistant to it, should they survive. However, this ties us to them as well. Which means that we can sense when darkspawn are near, but they can do the same, although not quite as well usually. Thank Andraste for that!"
He chuckled for a moment before he continued. "That is how we know when a Blight draws near- we can sense the presence of the Archdemon, and knowing that one has arisen, we can try to prepare for the coming struggle. It seems that those few of my comrades in Ferelden had met their match if they have not put a halt to your claim."
"We believe all of the Grey Wardens died at Ostagar alongside the king," Harry replied.
"A new battle lost at an old battlefield," Avernus said. "It is a shame. But why has a powerful mage such as yourself taken on the mantle?"
"Someone needed to," he shrugged. "I couldn't sit around and let the Blight consume everything."
"You do realize that you will not be able to stop it, though," Avernus pointed out. "Not permanently, anyway. Not without a Grey Warden."
"Why is that?" Sirius asked.
Avernus shook his head and sighed. "It is said that the soul of an Old God is what animates the Archdemon. Such a soul is very powerful, and by its tie to the taint, it is able to live on- grasping onto the nearest darkspawn and rebirthing itself whenever it is slain. However, if a Grey Warden should deal the final blow, we are able to destroy it, although the cost is great. For the soul of the Archdemon will try to attach itself to the Grey Warden instead of reaching for a darkspawn, and in the ensuing conflict of souls, both shall be obliterated."
"Obliterated?" Leliana gasped.
"Depending upon your beliefs, that means possibly not able to move on to whatever lies beyond the Fade," Avernus cocked his head. "However, that is clearly conjecture, for no one truly knows what comes after death."
"So, you couldn't sense the taint within Harry and therefore realized that he isn't actually a Grey Warden," Wynne spoke up. "Can all Grey Wardens do such a thing?"
"Doubtful," Avernus snorted. "I likely know more about the taint and the powers it gives us than any other. But then, I have had more than two centuries to study it."
"Two centuries?" Oghren asked. "You don't look bad for such an old guy."
"It is only because of my research that I am still able to maintain my mind," Avernus added. "Normally, I should have heard my Calling long, long ago. And I do hear the song of the Archdemon, so I will be in great danger if the beast comes near."
"The Calling is when the Grey Wardens' time has nearly run out," Morrigan explained. "The taint slowly kills them, so when they know the end comes, they go into the Deep Roads for one last glorious battle against the darkspawn." She laughed to herself for a moment. "It is said that thirty years is likely the most a Grey Warden can survive after they undertake the Joining, so the fact that you've lasted this long is quite remarkable."
"As I said, I've studied the magic of the taint for a long, long time," Avernus answered.
"Blood magic too," Wynne glared at him.
"Indeed," he nodded in agreement. "I would not be here otherwise. There is power in blood just as there is power in the taint. If you've ever seen Blight magic used by a darkspawn, you have seen a possible combination of both. Or, in the case of the Grey Wardens, we can also use a combination of both. Finally, blood magic is how I was able to summon the Dryden boy here through his dreams."
"How does that work?" Sirius asked.
"I'm guessing because he had access to some of his ancestor Sophia's blood," Harry suggested.
"Precisely," Avernus replied. "You know more about blood magic than I would expect from a Circle mage."
"I'm not a Circle mage," he answered.
"That explains it then," Avernus said. "Well, before we get too far along in this discussion, may I suggest that we do something about the torn Veil? I can repair it in the main hall, where the damage was greatest, but only if you can protect me and distract any demons that try to stop my work."
"Sounds good to me," Sirius said. "Let's get this done, and then you and Harry can talk more."
"Very well," Avernus replied. "Onwards."
With that, the group headed back to the primary section of the castle and back into the main hall, Harry in the fore with Prongs once again leading the way to try to ward off any spirits trying to pierce the Veil.
"That is a very interesting ability," Avernus said as he watched the conjured Patronus.
"Where I come from, it was used to fight off a spirit-like creature that made those in its presence relive their worst memories," Harry explained.
"Hmm, sounds like fear demons," the old Grey Warden replied. "Well, whatever it is, I would recommend that you keep using it for as long as you can. While I try to repair the tear in the Veil, spirits will be drawn to the magic I use and they will be quite vicious in their attacks. Demons don't want this type of doorway closed, you see."
"Makes sense," Harry agreed. "What do we do?"
"I will unravel the summoning circles I drew so long ago," Avernus answered. "Beyond that, since it was my damage that brought the weakness here, the magic should still be attuned to me. That will help my efforts. Be ready to defend me."
"Oghren and I will stay near you," Harry said.
"Me?" the dwarf asked.
"I trust you can smash anything before it gets within reach," he replied.
"Oh, I can do that," Oghren chuckled darkly.
"The rest of you, spread out around the room. We'll keep any enemies from being able to focus on any of us, and I will keep Prongs charging around the area, hopefully keeping our foes distracted."
They took a couple of minutes to prepare, readying their weapons and spells, and then Harry gave Avernus the signal as he began to chant.
The first enemies tried to appear, demons clawing through the purple mist that hung in the air, but Prongs charged through them and nothing but soft shrieks were heard as the spirits were banished. A single rage demon, its fiery form pulling itself up seemingly through the floor did succeed in making it into the room only to immediately be assailed by a blast of Morrigan's cold magic. The chilled spirit was then punctured by a couple of Leliana's arrows and an explosive spell from Sirius destroyed what remained.
"Keep watching, more will come!" Harry called out as he directed his Patronus back over to him.
Avernus finished his first task, moved over to a second area of the room and things repeated. This time a couple of rage demons appeared, Morrigan catching them both with a Cone of Cold before they were shattered, one by Wynne's Stonefist and the other by a blasting curse from Sirius.
"I can smell more of them approaching," Sirius yelled.
Avernus was bent over and breathing heavily. "Give me a moment."
Harry waved his wand and Prongs charged back and forth through the room. The old Grey Warden mage shuffled over to another spot and began to chant once more.
"Get ready!" Leliana warned.
"Save some for me this time!" Oghren bellowed.
A couple of lesser shades tried to pierce the Veil only to be run through by the glowing Patronus once again- their forms dissolved as Prongs did his work.
But at the same time, a desire demon faded into the middle of the room. The tall, succubus-like creature attempted to cast a Horror spell, but the Patronus disrupted the monster's magic. As it scowled, it began to channel cold instead.
As a single target, Harry's companions had far too much firepower and they all let fly. Sirius shot a bolt of lightning at it, Leliana pierced its chest with an arrow- but Harry was disappointed when the demon seemed to shrug off the Crushing Prison spell he sent its way.
"Sectumsempra!"
The dark cutting curse that Morrigan sent drew a nasty gash across its torso. Harry was a little surprised to see her switch over to the yew wand, but his attention was then drawn by Oghren doing a flying tackle into the demon and proceeding to cave its chest in.
As the monster's form dissolved, the purple mist too seemed to fade.
"It's over," Avernus sighed. "The Veil is strong now, or stronger at least."
"Is everyone alright?" Wynne asked.
"I believe so," Leliana replied.
"What shall you do now?" Avernus asked.
"We could use your help," Harry answered.
"Stopping a Blight is a much younger man's game," the Grey Warden said, making Harry chuckle. "What's so funny?"
"You're one of the few people who could actually call me a younger man."
"That may explain the strange magic I can sense from you," Avernus replied.
"In part," Harry nodded. "But I mean knowledge and information much more than front line help. I would think there would be at least a few tomes around here that might give us insight into how to fight the darkspawn. However, finding a living Grey Warden exceeded my expectations, and I would very much like to discuss a few things with you."
"That sort of aid I can grant," he agreed.
Levi spoke up. "I suppose there's little for my family here then. My grandmother, Sophia- there's no way to redeem her name, is there?"
"History is not kind," Avernus exhaled sadly. "Sophia Dryden was a remarkable woman, but I have little I can offer other than my word on the matter. I am sorry, young man."
"Well, it's not all a loss," Levi replied as he looked around. "Maybe my family and I can help make something of this old keep. The physical parts all seem sturdy, and now that the demons are gone, maybe it can once again become useful."
"Let's all be careful as we search though," Wynne cautioned. "There may be something we missed."
"Maybe we should split up," Leliana suggested. "Two or three of us should be able to handle any stragglers."
"I'll watch your back," Sirius added with a wink at the bard.
"I would hope so," she teased.
"Come on, Wynne," Oghren said. "The sooner we finish up, the sooner you and I can share a drink. I'm pretty sure I saw a few old bottles of something or other in a room on the ground floor."
"Levi, you might want to stick with them," Harry suggested. "Safety in numbers."
"Right," the merchant agreed and the main hall was soon much emptier.
"As for me, I would like to continue my research," Avernus said. "I hope we won't have any dispute about that, since you are not from one of the Circles. Many of them would likely drown me in arguments about ethics and concerns over my methods."
"Judging by the skeletons I've seen, I assume you've used test subjects before," Harry replied. "Unwilling ones?"
"We were running out of time, not to mention supplies," he answered. "I would have died long ago beside my fellow mages if not for my skills and my experiments with both blood magic and the nature of the taint that lives inside all Grey Wardens. We all know that by joining we have chosen our fate. But I discovered ways to unlock the power of our tainted blood which could be of great help to the others. Even if I die here, I would ask that you send them my research."
Harry sighed. "You may continue your research, but no innocents."
"If I must," Avernus agreed. "However, if you come across... say, a bandit or two who have come into contact with the darkspawn..."
"I'll keep you in mind," Harry said.
Morrigan snorted. "I approve. What better way to make use of the common thug than advancing magical knowledge?"
Harry just rolled his eyes and turned back to the elderly Grey Warden. "Let us discuss the Blight and the darkspawn."
"As you will," Avernus nodded.
The main hall was just large enough for Harry to set up the magically expanded tent and so he did so after he had spoken with Avernus for awhile. The old Grey Warden had gone back to his tower, while the rest of the party was still off exploring the rest of the keep. Morrigan was waiting with him though, and he had a few questions for her.
"How is it you knew so much about the Grey Wardens?"
"I learned many things from Flemeth, including things about the Grey Wardens," she answered. "Before you ask, I could have told you more but it seemed not to matter at the time. 'Tis the first time we've actually encountered one."
Harry nodded and went over to the kitchen area, intent on preparing an evening meal for everyone. "What about the part with the Archdemon? About how it's destroyed."
"You seemed to believe you could find a way to defeat it with your magic."
"A bit more knowledge could have come in handy to help me plan such a thing." He looked in the glass behind the counter and watched her expression. As usual, Morrigan was trying to keep her mask up but he noticed a hint of something that she didn't manage to hide.
"Do you have any ideas?" she asked.
"Hrmm," he muttered as he went back to pulling supplies out. Harry decided to make a stew since it was simple enough and yet could give his hands something to occupy their time while he thought over certain problems. "I do have a couple of ideas, yes."
"In truth, I was hoping for something more reassuring than 'maybe.' Do you doubt your magic in this case?"
"My lack of precision in what I know is the problem," Harry replied. "I've dealt with something that was similar in my world, so I believe a few different things could work. It might be best for me to begin work on a ritual."
"Ritual magic could work," Morrigan admitted. "On another topic, I have... a problem with which I could use your help."
"I'm listening."
"Did you ever finish reading Flemeth's Grimoire that you recovered from the Circle Tower?"
"No," he said. "I've been focusing more on other things. I assume you have though?"
"Yes," Morrigan shivered. "I had thought it would have more knowledge about forgotten or forbidden spells, things the Circle would have wanted kept secret. But in truth, 'twas a different sort of magical knowledge that was written within those pages. I have discovered how she has extended her unnaturally long life."
Harry looked over his shoulder as she had stopped. "Go on."
"There have been stories of her having daughters before me," she explained. "Flemeth had even referenced doing so. But the truth which she kept from me is that she would use them- to possess their bodies once her own failed her. You spoke of perceiving some ancient spirit within her- it seems that is the true Flemeth. The body is just the most recent shell she has used."
Morrigan walked over to him and softly laid a hand on his shoulder. "Harry, please... don't let that happen to me."
"You're safe with me."
"For now, perhaps." He felt her hand slide up his neck and into his hair. "But I would be much safer if she were gone."
"You want me to kill her?" he asked.
"Unless you can think of a more permanent way to deal with her." Morrigan whispered into his ear, "I would make it worth your while."
Her wiles were not unappreciated, even though he was cooking at the moment. "We could do that."
"No, I... I'm afraid that I do not have enough information about exactly how she possesses her victims," she countered. "I will need to be far enough away so that she could not do so to me when you kill her."
He chuckled. "You think she's like an Archdemon?"
"As I recall, the night you arrived we both witnessed her ability to transform into a dragon," Morrigan replied. "I would rather not take the risk."
That was a sobering thought. Harry nodded in agreement. "I'll go without you then. Do you think I should take any of the others?"
"They could create a distraction," she shrugged. "If you mean would I trust any of them to be capable of handling my mother, then I would have to say no. But feel free to take the dwarf- if he died, the smell would be greatly improved by his removal. For that matter, take the preachy old woman too."
Harry snorted at her suggestion. "Are you not going to tell me to take Sirius and Leliana also?"
"Well," she smirked at him. "I didn't want to push my luck."
His godfather and the Orlesian bard happened to return at that moment, making Harry smile even wider.
"We found more goodies!" Sirius said with cheer as he dropped a sword and a bag of gold on the table. "Hidden loot is some of the most fun. But I was a Marauder, and we knew all about using secret passages and the like. You might want to check the sword for enchantments- I could tell it was magical, but from what I've seen, you know a lot more about that sort of thing than I do."
"I'm a little busy at the moment," he answered as he motioned to the pot. "Remind me after dinner though, and I'll take a look at it."
"Fair enough."
"So, speaking of surprises," Harry began. His words halted as Oghren and Wynne entered the tent right then.
"Ooh, what smells so good?" Wynne asked with a smile.
"I'm making a stew."
"Great, I'm starving," Oghren said. "Nothing works up an appetite like killing demons."
"As I was about to say," Harry started again. "I have a little quest for us to go on tomorrow. Or rather, Morrigan does."
All eyes shifted over to her as she shot a glare at Harry. "I only asked for Harry's help."
"Help with what?" Leliana asked.
"We're going to kill a powerful old witch," he replied with a grin. "Who may possibly turn into a dragon and try to kill us all."
"Sounds fun," Oghren laughed. "I'm in."
"I was actually thinking of leaving you behind to-"
"Don't you dare!" he protested. "There's no way you get to go kill a dragon without me. By the stone, Harry, I thought we were friends."
"Alright," Harry surrendered with a wry grin.
"You know I'm not going to let you do this without me either," Sirius said. "But how dangerous is she?"
"Very. Assume Voldemort's level or worse."
"Merlin," Sirius gasped and shook his head. "I'm still coming with you."
"This is the famous Flemeth you're talking about, correct?" Leliana asked. "After all the stories I've heard, it would be a shame if I didn't get to see the legend and how this turns out. Count me in as well. Just try to make sure she doesn't kill any of us first."
"I'll do my best," Harry replied.
"Then I should probably come along as well," Wynne added. "It sounds like my healing abilities may be necessary."
Morrigan turned around and started to reach for something to help Harry with his cooking. He tried to look at her out of the corner of his eye, wondering if he might catch a little blush or something like it.
"Morrigan won't be joining us." He told the others of her concern about a possible possession and they began to form a plan for how to kill the Witch of the Wilds.
"This place is a dump," Oghren announced as they approached the odd, ramshackle house in the marsh the next day. Harry decided to set the carpet down a few hundred feet away in order to make sure it didn't get damaged if a rampaging dragon appeared.
He'd also made sure that he and Sirius both had their brooms shrunk and ready in case they did have to get involved in some sort of aerial battle.
Harry was hoping that Wynne could handle his flying if it came to that. Unfortunately, that would leave the dwarf on the ground, but Oghren had brought along a crossbow just in case Flemeth didn't want to 'let him have any fun' by trying to smash her to pieces. Flying out of the way of his great maul was 'cheating' as far as he was concerned.
Flemeth herself opened the door and walked out to greet them. Judging by the lack of surprise on her face, Harry assumed she had some sort of proximity alert ward up. Since she'd had some type of protection that kept the immediate area from being overrun by darkspawn, it would have been foolish to expect to be able to ambush her.
Plus, Morrigan had asked for Harry to search the building for anything of value- especially any other tomes about magic.
"Greetings, Harry," she said. "I hear you've made good progress on your quest."
"Who did you hear that from?" Sirius asked as he looked around the boggy marsh. "I doubt you get many visitors all the way out here."
"Maybe a little bird told me?" Flemeth suggested with a cackle. "Or perhaps the wind itself blew tidings of your journey. But the fact that my errant daughter is not with you leads me to believe you have come for a different reason. I wonder if Morrigan feels proud of herself for enchanting such a powerful sorcerer into doing her bidding?"
"I haven't made it very hard on her, have I?" Harry chuckled. "But we both know why she fears you, what dark purpose you would force upon her."
"Force upon her?" she quirked an eyebrow. "I must have failed in some of my teachings. Then again, she always was a most headstrong girl, so maybe I should have suspected this would come to pass. Tell me, Harry, do we finish this dance in the usual way, or do we introduce a new motif to the proceedings?"
"What are you suggesting?"
"You could take my real grimoire- we both know she desires it so- and tell her I am slain," Flemeth replied. "We may never see each other again, and Morrigan need not fear any reprisal coming from me. I may merely watch- it would be interesting to see what she would do with her freedom. Enlightening even. What do you say?"
Harry looked at his companions and they spread out around him. "I wouldn't lie to her like that."
"I thought as much," she sighed. Flemeth took a few steps away from her home onto a slightly raised area and turned back to face him. "I will make you earn it, then."
Her form glowed yellow, brighter than anything but the sun, forcing them all to shield their eyes. And in that moment, they heard a roar. The spots in their eyes gave way to reveal an enormous violet dragon.
"By the stone," Oghren gasped. He grabbed his maul and charged, bellowing out a taunt as he ran.
"He is insane," Sirius muttered as he called down bolts of lightning from the sky before setting aside his staff and drawing his wand. Two conjured lions charged into the fray, hopefully helping to distract the monster from going against any of their friends.
"Indeed," Harry said as he spun his staff and cast the Winter's Breath that Morrigan had often used for single targets- he wasn't sure how effective it would be, but considering the dragon's firey breath it was launching at the lions and Oghren, it seemed prudent to use an opposing element.
Seeing Oghren about to take the brunt Harry then immediately followed up with a Force Field around the dwarf- the telekinetic shield protected him from the flames even though it held him in place.
But Harry had also read of a unique spell effect that he then triggered- layering a Crushing Prison atop him, a Shockwave burst out from Oghren, making the dragon flinch for a second and then roar out in pain as the spell damaged her. The two conjured lions were also knocked over, but at least Oghren was safe for the moment.
Which meant he then finished his charge and smashed his maul into the front leg of the dragon.
Arrows were beginning to dot the torso and long neck as well- Leliana was going to turn it into a pin cushion if this lasted long enough- but Harry doubted they were more than scratches to the enormous beast.
Wynne cast a Regeneration spell upon Oghren since the dwarf seemed to be in the most danger, and judging by the claws that kept swiping at him, her magic was going to be necessary sooner rather than later.
A deafening roar came from the dragon and they all had to cover their ears- Harry's were still ringing even after it was over. He thought of a spell that may just win things before this got too out of hand.
But his Mana Clash- the spell he wished he could have used against Voldemort all those years ago- was ineffective against Flemeth now in her dragon form.
"I should have known it wouldn't be that easy," he sighed as he raised his left hand, feeling the power of the Elder Wand trapped within his arm practically vibrate as it longed for violence. "Confringo!"
The blasting curse took several chunks out of the dragon, dark red blood spewing from the wounds. In response, she focused on him and launched a blast of flame at him.
"Protego!"
The shield charm held long enough to block the dragon's breath, and thankfully Sirius was still casting spells in the meanwhile, his face in a rage as he pointed his wand at her. "Avada Kedavra!"
The green light struck the dragon dead center in the chest, but its effect was only similar to the blasting curse Harry had used a moment ago.
However, in that brief moment, Harry was able to cloak himself and disappear from sight. He mounted his Firebolt and swung wide around the dragon, not wanting her to sense him in any way.
"Look out!" Wynne cried as the dragon spewed its fiery breath towards Leliana and Sirius.
Harry's eyes widened, but his godfather was able to conjure a shield to save them from the worst of the flames.
Wynne's response was very interesting though. She glowed brightly- a wave of energy shot out of her and slammed into the dragon, disorienting it. And she was still glowing afterwards.
There was no more time to waste, Oghren had been knocked aside by another massive claw that had knocked him off his feet, so Harry once again brought out Gryffindor's legendary sword. He rocketed towards the dragon and swiped at its neck, the blade digging in deep. Harry was barely able to pull it free without falling off his broom.
Flemeth roared again, and he flew around her once more, avoiding its wings and shooting lower towards its abdomen. He held on tight with his knees as he flew sideways and used both hands to drive the sword into the monster's torso as far as he could.
Even more blood spewed from the gash in its stomach and it slumped on its side.
Harry landed and put away his broom, once again readying his staff as he approached the apparently dying creature. A reptilian eye glared at him for a few seconds before it closed, the head collapsing onto the ground.
"Did we win?" Oghren asked as he struggled back to his feet.
"It seems so," Harry replied.
Wynne was fussing over the other two, healing the burns they'd suffered. Sirius laughed as she prodded him.
"You know, I've done plenty of crazy things in my life before, but this is the first time I've ever faced a dragon."
"Lucky you," Harry said.
"Lucky me," Oghren added with a grin. "This was a battle worth remembering. What do you say, red? Want to write an epic ballad about our triumph against this mean old bitch?"
"I may need a few glasses of wine to settle my nerves first," Leliana replied.
"How many does this make for you, Harry?" Sirius asked. When Leliana looked confused, he explained. "My fearless godson first had to battle a dragon when he was only fourteen. And he outflew it on that very same broom that I had bought him the year before as a present."
"At least I didn't have to try to kill it," he sighed. "Although stealing an egg from its nest was probably in some ways worse. But I have a feeling this won't be the last- not even close to it with everything I'm learning about this world."
"It is called the Dragon Age for a reason," Leliana added. "They were said to be extinct years ago, but their return near the end of the Blessed Age was what caused the Divine to name it so."
"The Archdemon still awaits," Sirius nodded. "So that will be at least one more that we have to deal with before we're through with this Blight."
Wynne slumped to her knees once she had finished healing them.
"Are you alright?" Leliana asked.
"That took something out of me," she replied. "The spirit that dwells within me channeled its power through me, and I must confess to feeling rather weak now."
Harry conjured up a large soft chair for her and helped her to sit. "You should be safe to rest for a bit. I need to search the house for anything of value to Morrigan before we leave."
"I can help with that," Leliana offered and Sirius nodded as well.
"The rest of you go do that and I'll keep an eye on Wynne," Oghren said. "Maybe a sip of my own personal recipe will help bolster her spirits."
Wynne laughed softly. "I think I would like that."
"Alright, yell if you guys see anything," Sirius said as he opened the door to Flemeth's house.
"Keep a watch too," Harry suggested. "With the owner now dead, the magical protections around this dwelling may start to fall- and that means darkspawn could be on their way."
"Well, get to looting then!" Oghren said.
Harry chuckled as he went inside.
Morrigan was tense while she waited in the courtyard of the old castle. Knowing the power of Harry's magic to travel over great distances, she couldn't help but think that the trip to kill her mother shouldn't take long. And while she did have faith in him succeeding, she also realized it was possible that some of the others could be harmed or even killed in the attempt.
Voices came from above and she spotted the flying carpet coming in for a landing. Everyone had returned.
Harry disembarked and walked over to her with a smile, a book in hand. "This should be Flemeth's real grimoire, or at least that's what I believe she would claim. I found a few other goodies that I'll show you later."
"Excellent," she whispered as she opened the tome, already pulled to learning more secrets from her ancient mother. "Were there any problems?"
"Piece of cake, really," Sirius said with a laugh as he headed for the door. "I am hungry though, so I'm thinking we have lunch before we plan our next destination."
"I worked up an appetite too," Oghren agreed.
The others all went inside as Harry rolled up the carpet and put it away.
"It was too easy," he muttered to himself.
"What?" Morrigan looked up from the book.
"It was too easy." He ran his hand through his hair and sighed. "She turned into a dragon- which wasn't a huge surprise- but then she didn't try to use her ability to fly, instead remaining within reach as she fought us. That doesn't make sense. Her demeanor about it all, it was too nonchalant. As if she weren't worried about dying at all."
"Perhaps she was over confident?" Morrigan asked. "I do not know how many years it may have been since she faced such a challenge in combat."
"No, I don't think that was it," he frowned. "It was almost as if..."
"What?"
He thought for a moment, turning over a terrible idea in his mind. Remembering the terrible and immense power he'd felt when he tried to read Flemeth's mind the day he had first come to Thedas, he knew that his theory was bound to be right. The irony was just perfect, and Harry had long known that fate had it out for him.
"She isn't truly dead."
