Chapter 11: Grey Warden
We set off that morning on foot, as there is no clear path up the steep incline and we're afraid the horses might twist an ankle.
It doesn't take long before I see my first glimpse of red lyrium. The strange crystalline structures seem to grow out of the ground in spikes, and radiate a red aura that makes me feel uneasy. Tenebris needs to see this stuff.
"Try not to touch it, stuff drives you crazy," Varric warns. "I know you're curious, but trust me, just keep your distance."
"I am curious, but that stuff is giving me the creeps. I have no intention of touching it. I'll take fire-breathing dragons any day over that."
"I think we're in agreement on that one. At least dragons can be fought. Or reasoned with," he corrects himself. "Still can't believe I'm saying that."
We continue on to where Hawke says his Warden friend is holed up, passing more of the odd glowing monoliths of red lyrium, some small, and some that must have been growing for a while longer.
The cave in question turns out not to be far, and it's fixed with a wooden door bearing a strange symbol. Wait, the old ruins where we found Miracle bore that same image.
"What is that symbol?" I ask Declan.
"Not sure; Hawke, do you know?" he asks, pointing at the painted image of of a skull with a red blindfold over a black background.
"That's the banner of the Blind Men. They're smugglers, slavers. This was probably one of their old dens. But this is the spot. My contact should be inside, so if they were still here, I'm sure he's taken care of them."
"Ugh, Wardens," I grumble.
Varric pauses next to me. "Um, Hawke, why don't you and the Inquisitor go visit your friend while the rest of us stay out here for a minute?"
Garrett gives me a strange look, but doesn't move. "Why do you hate Wardens? They're heroes, they save the world."
"By killing dragons," I respond. "There's only one Warden in all Thedas I wouldn't hate, and I seriously doubt you have Alistair Theirin in there."
Hawke and Varric both stare at me with wide eyes.
"You do? Stars, why didn't you say it was him? That's totally fine then. Let's go see him."
"Hold up. Why is he so special?" Garrett asks.
I shrug. "Trade-"
"-secrets. Yeah, yeah, Ferox, we've heard that line before," he complains.
Declan opens the door, and we enter what appears to be a long natural tunnel. I cast Spell Wisp, one of the few spirit magic spells I know. It's normally used to boost spell power, but I only tend to attract the weaker wisps, so the difference is negligible. It does, however, eliminate the need to carry a torch, as the wisp gives a soft glow to my surroundings. I thank the tiny spirit for its help.
We navigate the slick cave, and I somehow manage not to dunk my feet in the many pools that dot the cavern floor. Declan is not so lucky, and he shakes his foot for probably the third time. We find another doorway built from wood and set into the surface of the stone. Declan goes first, followed by Hawke, and then the rest of us.
As only one of us can fit through the door at a time, I can't see much ahead of me, but I'm surprised to hear the sound of a sword leaving its sheath.
"It's just us. I've brought the Inquisitor," Hawke explains hurriedly, as the rest of us file into the room.
Alistair lowers his weapon. That's him, Alistair Theirin. He's more handsome in person. I smile at him as he looks over all of us.
"Hawke, Varric, good to see you again," he states, then turns to the rest of us, "I'm Alistair."
"We know who you are," I state, still smiling.
"I really need to change my name," he states, holding a hand to his head. "But no one cares about any of that anymore. Now I answer to Warden Commander Clarel, the same as everyone else...at least until the recent trouble."
"Does your trouble have something to do with Corypheus?" Declan asks.
"Yes, after Hawke killed Corypheus, I started to worry. Archdemons don't just die from being hit, and I had a theory that Corypheus might have the same ability. I started researching it, but that's when every Warden in Orlais started hearing the Calling."
"What?!" I exclaimed. "All of them at once? That can't be."
Alistair is startled, and stares at me. "You're no Grey Warden, how do you know about the Calling?"
Declan introduces me. "This is Ferox, new recruit, and an expert on dragons and dragon magic."
"Sorry, I didn't mean to spill Warden secrets. But, I know a thing or two about dragons, especially the ancients...and the way Grey Wardens are connected to them. I've studied rare magics all over the world, and Grey Warden rituals are of great fascination to me." I hope he will pick up on my meaning.
He frowns, and I'm still not sure if he understood.
"I suppose it shouldn't surprise me," he states. The Grey Wardens are a secretive bunch. I didn't even know about Corypheus being a magister until I started looking into it myself. It stands to reason they wouldn't tell us of outside researchers helping the order."
"Suffice it to say I probably know as much as you do about the Wardens and how exactly you and the Hero defeated an Archdemon," I comment, laying another hint. His eyes widen, and he looks at me suspiciously.
"You don't happen to know an old woman from the Kocari Wilds, do you? Used to live in a hut?"
"I'm no Witch of the Wilds, if that's what you're worried about."
His mouth settles into a firm line, and he turns back to the others. "The point is, every Warden in Orlais is hearing it. You get bad dreams, and hear the song. Normally, you go into the Deep Roads to die fighting. In Death, Sacrifice," he quotes. "Every Grey Warden is acting like they're going to die."
"And this is related to why you aren't following Clarel?" I ask pointedly.
"Yes, I protested a few of her newer methods. I think she's getting desperate, trying to make a last stand against the darkspawn before we all die, assuming the Calling is real, that is, and not some trick from Corypheus. Clarel sent guards, and well...here I am."
"That's why you're on the run," Varric clarifies.
"The Wardens are gathering in the Western Approach. It's at an old Tevinter ritual tower. I'm going to investigate, and I could use some help."
Tevinter ritual tower...I know the one. "Declan, if you're considering going, you know I'm going to want in on this."
"We could use the help of the Wardens, and it might better help us understand what Corpheus's goal is. We'll do it."
"Excellent. Now, I need to talk to that one alone," Alistair states, pointing at me.
I smile again. I was expecting that.
I nod at the others. Hawke frowns, but leaves with them. I have a feelings he's going to have more to say later about my "trade secrets" that can't be shared with others. Once the door is closed, and the sound of footsteps recedes, I turn back to Alistair.
"Alright, how is it that you know what you know?" he asks, shaking his head. "And what do you know, exactly?"
"I know plenty. I know that you're of the Calenhad bloodline, which means you have dragon blood. I know how the Joining is performed, and what the Calling is. I know a lot about Archdemons. I know that you fought alongside the Hero of Ferelden, and I know what you and Morrigan did on the night before the final battle to defeat Urthemiel and not die."
"How do you know this?" he questions, looking a bit deflated, but still angry.
"Declan mentioned I'm an expert on dragon magic. My family and I have traveled all over Thedas, studying rare magics. I've known Wardens who have shared their secrets, and I have seen their texts. I've learned a great many things, but don't worry, I'm no witch, and I'm not like Yavana. I have no intention of hurting or imprisoning you. I do want to save the dragons, but I don't need you or your blood to do it."
"So why all the hints if you don't want anything from me?"
"I just wanted a chance to thank you. You were able to save Urthemiel's soul, and keep that magic in the world. Without realizing it, you helped save Thedas from a bigger threat than the Blight."
"The child...do you know what became of it?" he asks hesitantly.
"I'm not certain. Flemeth's daughters are good at keeping themselves hidden. But I'm grateful. I know it's not why you did it, but the dragon's soul remaining in the world is a good thing, have no fear. I only wish we could recover it."
"We?"
"The keepers of dragons."
"You say that like it's supposed to mean something."
"It did once, but that was a long, long time ago. There aren't many left who know of us now. But, I am glad to have met you. Will you be accompanying us back to Skyhold?"
"No, I plan to head straight for the Western Approach. I will meet you there." He's quiet. "Do any of the others know about me?"
"Only what they have heard in stories."
"Let's keep it that way."