The wolves weren't much of a threat, though Brehan was surprised they'd attacked at all. Perhaps the presence of so many darkspawn was affecting the local fauna. They rescued an injured soldier, Lenore healing him enough to enable him to make it back to camp. They hadn't gone much further when Alistair's head came up. "Darkspawn nearby," he said.

Saitada scanned the area. "There," she said, pointing at the figures moving on a nearby hill.

Cathiel unslung her bow. "I see them. How do you want to do this?"

Saitada considered a moment. "You and Daveth stay back with Lenore, stick to the bows. Alistair, Brosca, and myself will go from the right, Brehan, Jerath, and Jory hit them from the left. Lenore, let's see what those spells of yours can do. Send them to us."

Lenore smiled, and stepped back to between Daveth and Cathiel, both of whom readied their bows. Jory glanced back at the elves before assuming the lead. Brehan followed, letting Jerath take up the rear. He shifted the axe, getting ready to strike.

The fire spell hit the ones on the top of the hill, scattering the rest to come at them. Brehan stepped up to Jory's left, and the two of them went to work with mighty swings, taking out the three darkspawn fleeing the fire. Jory laughed, his expression a bit cocky. "Not so tough as all that, are they?" Brehan was about to agree when he heard the growling behind him.

He turned in time to see Jerath's blade remove the top of a genlock's head before it could bring it's crossbow to bear. Four others lay at the shorter elf's feet.

Jerath was already wiping the blood from his weapons when Brehan and Jory reached him.

Jory's jaw was practically dragging on the ground. "Where does an elf learn to fight like that?"

Jerath shrugged, and bent to a genlock whose throat he'd cut, carefully collecting the still flowing blood into a vial. Saitada and the others came around to their side of the hill. "We got four," Saitada called out. "Daveth, Cathiel, and Lenore got one each. How many did you get?"

Brehan looked around at the bodies. "Eight."

Saitada gave him an impressed look. "Not bad for our first outing. Fill your vials, and lets go find the scrolls."

Jerath wordlessly handed over the vial he'd finished to Brehan before filling the remaining two. Jory gave him another look before falling in behind Saitada. Brehan hesitated, waiting for Jerath to finish his task.

"Yes?" Jerath asked.

"Um... where does an elf learn to fight like that?"

"Denerim, obviously." He placed the two vials into his belt pouch, and headed after the others.

Brehan followed, shaking his head slightly. "That's not really an answer to the question."

"Isn't it?"

"There has to be a better story than just 'I'm from Denerim'."

"Why?"

"Uh..." Brehan shook his head. "What kind of a place is Denerim?"

"Human, mostly."

"That's not what I... is that?" Brehan sighed in vexation. "Fine. I'll ask Duncan then." He started after the others, then stopped again, and turned back to the smaller man. "In the barn. You let me hit you."

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Doesn't matter."

"You can kill five darkspawn before I can even turn around, but you let me punch you in the face. Why?"

"I'm supposed to hurt darkspawn," Jerath replied. He walked past Brehan and followed the others.

Brehan shook his head, and looked once more at the corpses Jerath had left behind. Then he followed his companions.

#

They encountered another large group of darkspawn. Saitada called the tactics, and the band cut through easily under her direction. The darkspawn had fallen on a pair of soldiers earlier. Lenore wrinkled her nose at the condition of the bodies. One of them had been clutching a scroll case. Curious, she opened it. A parchment and a small bag of ashes fell into her hand. Quickly, she scanned the parchment.

"What you got there?" Brosca asked.

"A story of some kind. These men were looking for some stones."

Brosca raised an eyebrow. "Any stones in particular?"

"A cairn of some kind," Lenore said. She tucked the ashes into her belt pouch, then looked over at the others. Saitada was filling the last vial.

"What the hell kind of treasure would get these dusters wandering around spawn?" Brosca asked.

Lenore grinned. "Shall we find out?" She pointed towards the top of the hill, where a pile of stones was visible.

Brosca looked over towards the others. He caught Saitada's eye, then jerked his head towards the hill. She gave him a nod, then gestured for Jerath and Brehan to follow.

Hiking her robes up a bit, Lenore headed up the hill. There were ashes on the stones, and she bent to take a closer look. There was a faint aura of magic around the stones, like nothing she'd seen before. From her beltpouch she withdrew the container of ashes, then sprinkled them over the ashes. There was a faint surge of energy, and then nothing. Brosca raised his eyebrow at her. "Well?"

"I'm not certain." She straightened, then turned towards the elves. Her eyes widened and she stepped backwards.

Jerath and Brehan turned immediately to see what she was looking at. "Fenedis," Brehan swore, as the demon surged towards them.

"Who summons Gazarath?" The demon's voice groaned as it aimed a blow at a dumbstruck Brehan. Jerath tackled the taller elf out of the way and rolled back to his feet.

Lenore fumbled for her staff as the demon started to come towards where she and Brosca were standing. Below, she could see the others start charging up the hill. Jerath slashed his sword across the demon's back, and the thing whirled on him, striking out with long, razor sharp claws. He ducked back, and Brosca took the opportunity to leap forward and smash his mace into the thing. When it whirled on the dwarf, Jerath closed in again. When it whirled towards him, Brosca and Lenore hit it simultaneously, him with a mace and her with a blast of ice to the head. It fell, tearing apart and vanishing as it did. Something clinked as it hit the ground.

"What the hell was that?" Saitada asked as they others reached them.

"A demon," Lenore said.

"Where'd it come from?"

"Um..." Lenore glanced back at the stones, then to Saitada. "I think I might have summoned it."

Saitada stared at her. "Why?"

"I didn't know what was going to happen," Lenore said.

Jerath bent and picked something up from the remains of the demon. The blade was ornately hilted, and the blade was traced with elegant runes. He held it in front of him, revealing it was actually a few inches longer than he was tall.

Brosca let out a low whistle. "I'm guessing that's what those dusters thought was worth dyin for."

Saitada rubbed her forehead. "Lenore, in the future, could you please let us know before you potentially summon horrors from the beyond?'

"Yes," Lenore said brightly.

#

"Why are you picking flowers?" Alistair asked.

"Numin'lin," Brehan said. "Juice from the petals can be made into an ointment that helps treat blight sickness." He pointed. "Elfroot. Treats just about anything. And Deathroot, does pretty much the opposite of elfroot." He shrugged at the other man. "Mostly force of habit."

"And what's that one?" Alistair asked as Brehan casually dug out a root without visibly slowing his pace.

"Ginger. Tastes good."

"Ah. You uh... don't ever get them confused, right?"

"You won't find a living soul that has complained about my cooking," Brehan said.

Alistair snorted.

Saitada held up a hand, then pointed. "Those ruins. I think that's what we are looking for."

"Matches the description," Alistair said.

"Any spawn?"

Alistair cast out his senses, then shook his head. "None close."

Saitada nodded. "Stay together, keep an eye out. Sooner we get these treaties, the sooner we can get warm."

#

Saitada approached the box. The lid was broken, and caved in. A quick search revealed the contents had either been lost to time or removed. She started to stand up when she caught sight of a figure standing on the age-worn steps. The figure started walking towards them. "Well, well, what have we here? Are you a vulture, I wonder? A scavenger poking amidst a corpse whose bones were long since cleaned? Or merely an intruder, come into these darkspawn-filled Wilds of mine in search of easy prey? What say you, hmm? Scavenger or intruder?"

She rose, and moved to stand in front of the others. "We are neither. The Grey Wardens once owned this tower."

The woman held out her hand and gestured at the ruins. "'Tis a tower no longer. The Wilds have obviously claimed this desiccated corpse." She continued descending the stairs. "I have watched your progress for some time. "Where do they go," I wondered, "why are they here?" And now you disturb ashes none have touched for so long. Why is that?"

"Don't answer her," Alistair said in a loud whisper. "She looks Chasind, and that means others may be nearby."

The woman gave a contemptous sweep of her hands. "You fear barbarians will swoop down upon you?"

"Yes, swooping is bad." Alistair rolled his eyes.

Daveth's voice held a note of panic. "She's a Witch of the Wilds, she is! She'll turn us into toads!"

"Witch of the Wilds? Such idle fancies, those legends. Have you no minds of your own?" She shook her head and smirked. "You there. Elves are not frightened little boys. Tell me your name and I shall tell you mine."

"I am Jerath." He gave her a polite nod. "A pleasure to meet you."

She smiled. "Now that is a proper civil greeting, even here in the Wilds. You," she said, looking directly at him. "May call me Morrigan." She looked back towards Saitada. "Shall I guess your purpose? You sought something in that chest, something that is here no longer?"

Alistair shook his head. "'Here no longer?' You stole them, didn't you? You're... some kind of... sneaky..." He frowned, then continued. "Witch-thief!"

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

"Quite easily, it seems. Those documents are Grey Warden property, and I suggest you return them."

"I will not, for 'twas not I who removed them. Invoke a name that means nothing here any longer if you wish; I am not threatened."

Saitada held up a hand to forestall Alistair. "Your mother?"

"Yes, my mother. Did you assume I spawned from a log?"

"A thieving, weird-talking log, perhaps," Alistair said.

"Not all in the Wilds are monsters. Flowers grow, as well as toads."

Saitada rubbed her forehead. "I want an honest answer; Are you a Witch of the Wilds?"

"Have I been dishonest?" Morrigan arched an eyebrow, then gestured dismissively. "Some call us witches, yes, but purely out of superstition."

"You know what the Circle of Magi is, don't you? The Circle requires an accounting of all mages. That is the law of the land and the Chantry." Alistair folded his arms.

Morrigan merely smirked. "If you wish to tell your Chantry about me, go ahead. I have nothing to fear from priests."

Saitada glanced back towards the others. Jerath shrugged, then looked to Morrigan and asked, "can you take us to your mother?"

"There is a sensible request." Morrigan smiled. "I like you."

Alistair aimed an elbow at Jerath, which the young man neatly avoided. "I'd be careful. First it's, 'I like you...' but then 'zap!' Frog time."

"She'll put us all in the pot, she will. Just you watch," Daveth said.

Jory shrugged. "If the pot's warmer than this forest, it'd be a nice change."

"Follow me, then, if it pleases you." Morrigan began walking. Jerath followed. Saitada glanced aback at the others. Lenore shrugged. Brehan was staring after the witch, a curious expression on his face. Saitada sighed, then followed after the elf.

#

"Witch of the wilds?" Saitada asked, looking up at Brehan.

"I suggest we tread very carefully," Brehan said.

"Then the name does mean something to you?"

"If it is Asha'bellenar, those who anger her have a tendency to end up in pieces, decorating her trees," Brehan replied. "She is not friend to the Dalish, but neither is she enemy. Our keeper's instructions regarding her were very clear. Be polite, do as she says, and then run like the Dread Wolf was on your heels."

"Well, you're just a bundle of laughs," Brosca muttered.

#

Morrigan emerged from the woods into a clearing that contained a small, slightly listing hut. An old woman, spindly with age, stood nearby, examining the small flowers on a strange looking bush. "Greetings, Mother. I bring before you Grey Wardens who -"

"I see them, girl." The woman's yellow eyes looked them over sharply. "Mmm. Much as I expected."

"Are we supposed to believe you were expecting us?" Alistair glanced at Saitada, his face clearly stating he was less than impressed.

"You are required to do nothing, least of all believe. Shut one's eyes tight or open one's arms wide..." The old woman flopped a hand up and then down again. "Either way, one's a fool."

"She's a witch, I tell you! We shouldn't be talking to her!"

"Quiet, Daveth! If she's really a witch, do you want to make her mad?" Jory asked, glancing at Brehan.

"There is a smart lad. Sadly irrelevant to the larger scheme of things, but it is not I who decides. Believe what you will. And what of you?" She narrowed her eyes at Saitada.

Saitada sighed. "I believe you're crazy and possibly dangerous."

"Is that all? Surely your mind stretches farther than these surroundings? And you?" She glanced first at Jerath, then at Brehan. "Does your elven mind give you a different viewpoint? What do you believe?"

Brehan shifted his weight from side to side. Jerath answered. "Believed or not, some things must be accepted."

A strange expression crossed the old woman's face, and she barked a laugh. "Tere lies the answer I hoped to get. An open mind, yet not made of mush. Am I simply complimenting you? Wait and see! So much about you is uncertain..." She cocked her head at him. "And yet I believe." She looked to the side. "Do I?" She looked back at them, and showed a hint of teeth. "Why, it seems I do!"

"So this is a dreaded Witch of the Wilds?" Alistair asked, elbowing Brehan.

"Witch of the Wilds, eh? Morrigan must have told you that. She fancies such tales, though she would never admit it! Oh, how she dances under the moon!" The old woman laughed.

Morrigan rubbed her forehead. "They did not come to listen to your wild tales, Mother."

The old woman's tone became brisk. "True, they came for their treaties, yes?" She held out a scroll case. "And before you begin barking, your precious seal wore off long ago. I have protected these."

"You..." Alistair started to object before processing her words. "Oh. You protected them?"

"And why not?" she asked, as Saitada took the scrolls from her. "Take them to your Grey Wardens and tell them this Blight's threat is greater than they realize!"

"What do you mean the threat is greater than they realize?" Lenore asked.

"Either the threat is more or they realize less." The old woman shrugged, her voice impatient. "Or perhaps the threat is nothing! Or perhaps they realize nothing!" She laughed again.

"How do you know all this?" Lenore asked.

"Do I? Perhaps I am simply an old woman with a penchant for moldy parchments." Her laughter was mocking now.

Saitada frowned in irritation. "I'm sure they'll be eager to act on your advice."

"Well, I cannot be responsible for their doubts. I would go mad!" She cocked her head to the side. "Or am I already?" Her laughter rang out again.

"Thank you for returning them," Jerath gave her a slight bow.

Her laughter stopped, and she gave him another odd look. "Such manners! Always in the last place you look. Like stockings!" She shook her head. "Oh, do not mind me. You have what you came for!"

"Time for you to go, then," Morrigan said, giving them a shooing gesture.

The old woman scoffed. "Do not be ridiculous, girl. These are your guests."

"Oh, very well. I will show you out of the woods. Follow me." Morrigan began striding back the direction they had come.

#

After Morrigan left them at the edge of the woods, Saitada again raised an eyebrow at Brehan. "You've been quiet."

"I mislike this," he said.

Brosca snorted. "Are Dalish really scared of that nutty old bat?"

"She was a mage," Lenore said. "I could tell that much. So was Morrigan, that staff of hers had power."

"Apostates," Alistair said. "We should mention them to the templars."

"Waste of time," Brosca said. "We've got bigger things to worry about, and with spawn all over the place, so do they."

"A fair point," Saitada said. She looked down at the scroll case. "We have what we needed, anyway. Let's go get the rest of this over with."