The road was easier this time, with adequate supplies. Teagan had offered them a cart, but Saitada had decided to just go with a donkey and a pack saddle. The cart limited them to roads, and with a civil war brewing, odds were they'd have to take advantage of Brehan's woodlore to avoid attention from unwanted parties.

Brehan and Leliana ranged ahead. From time to time one or both would come back with a report. The sun was directly above on their fifth day out when they both headed in her direction. "We need to get off the road," Leliana said. "Soldiers coming this way. Loghain's men."

Saitada nodded. "Which direction is best?"

"North," Brehan said, pointing. "There is a valley, a mile or so in. My clan would camp there when moving through this area."

She nodded, and gave the signal. "How many soldiers?"

"A couple hundred. A few more than I care to tangle with," Brehan said, shrugging one shoulder. "We can make camp, wait a couple hours, then circle around and avoid them."

"Good plan. See if you can find us some dinner?"

#

"Here, look at this. Do you know what this is?"

"Your new weapon of choice?" Cathiel teased, looking at the dried rose.

"Yes, that's right. Watch as I thrash our enemies with the mighty power of floral arrangements! Feel my thorns, darkspawn! I will overpower you with my rosy scent!" He gave her an amused look. "Or, you know, it could just be a rose. I know that's pretty dull in comparison."

"Sentiment can be a pretty potent weapon."

He looked at her, his face odd. "Is it that easy to see right through me?" He shook his head and smiled. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I picked it in Lothering. I remember thinking, 'How could something so beautiful exist in a place with so much despair and ugliness?' I probably should have left it alone, but I couldn't. The darkspawn would come and their taint would just destroy it. So I've had it ever since."

She smiled at the dried bloom. "That's a nice sentiment."

He looked at it a moment, then looked back at her. "I thought that I might... give it to you, actually. In a lot of ways, I think the same thing when I look at you."

He stood before her, his face earnest and open. She couldn't help herself. "Feeling a little thorny, are we?"

He broke into laughter. "Wow. 'She'll never see through that,' I told myself. Boy was I wrong."

She took the rose, and sniffed it before looking back to him. "Thank you, Alistair. That's a lovely thought."

"I'm glad you like it. I was just thinking... here I am doing all this complaining, and you haven't exactly been having a good time of it yourself. You've had none of the good experience of being a Grey Warden since your Joining, barely a word of thanks or congratulation. It's been a lot of death and fighting and tragedy." He shifted awkwardly. "I thought maybe I could say something. Tell you what a rare and wonderful thing you are to find amidst all this... darkness."

"I feel the same way about you," she said, laying a hand on his arm.

"I'm glad you like it. Now..." He waggled his eyebrows. "If we could move right on past this awkward, embarrassing stage and get right to the steamy bits, I'd appreciate it."

She laughed. "And you were doing so well, too."

"Oh? Your loss, then. All the ladies go on and on about how suave I am. I don't know how you can resist me like you do." He laid a hand over his heart. He looked up. "Oh, look, is that a cloud? I expect rain. Ho-hum."

"You're so cute when you're bashful."

"I'll be..." He laughed. "I'll be standing over here. Until the blushing stops. Just to be, uh, safe. You know how it is." He moved away, stumbling a bit as he practically fled.

She smiled, and tucked the rose away carefully into her pack.

#

"I heard that in Orlais, minstrels are often spies."

"Where did you hear this?" Leliana asked, her tone slightly guarded.

"A book, in the Redcliffe library." Brehan raised an eyebrow at her.

"And you did not think that this could be historical fact, and no longer true?" She laughed, and then shrugged before giving him a cautious look. "Not all minstrels are spies, most are just singers and storytellers. But some of them are... are what we call bards."

"And the bards are spies?"

"Bards are minstrels, and more. Spies, as you say. Some say there is a bard order, but I don't think this is true. Many bards work alone, or in small groups, doing the bidding of a patron who pays for their services. If there is an organization behind it all, no one knows who they are."

"Patron? What sort of patron?"

"Nobles, mostly. In Orlais there is much rivalry amongst the high-born. They fight over land, influence, and the favor of the empress." She rolled her eyes. "But they cannot do this openly, because it is impolite, and in public they wear smiling faces and pretend to be civil. In secret they plot and scheme to destroy each other. It is a game completely meaningless to anyone but its players."

"You were a bard, weren't you?" he asked quietly.

She sighed. "I have revealed too much, it seems. But it doesn't matter what I used to be. It is the past."

"But why were you living a cloistered sister in rural Ferelden?"

"I..." He saw a cloud come over her eyes, and realized she was about to lie to him. "Found myself in Ferelden and sheltered from bad weather in the Chantry And when the storm passed I just... did not want to leave." The cloud vanished as though it had never been. "I like to say the Maker brought me here."

"Perhaps."

"Do you believe in the Maker?"

He touched the tattoos on his face. "Do you know of the Vallaslin?"

"I know it is called blood-writing, but that is all."

"When we Dalish reach adulthood, we meditate, and choose which of the Creators calls us the most strongly."

"Which are yours?"

"Dirthamen." He folded his arms. "Tamlen's Vallaslin was of Falon'din. Dirthamen and Falon'din were twins. Dirthamen is the keeper of lore, god of secrets and knowledge."

"And Falon'din was..." Leliana concentrated. "The guide to the beyond?"

"The friend of the dead, yes. You were listening."

She smiled, then sighed. "Was Tamlen your brother?"

"In every way save being born of the same parents."

"I am sorry."

He nodded, then gave her a considering look. "Can you teach me to be a bard?"

"Hmmm... there's an idea. I've watched you, and I do think you'd find some of my skills quite easy to pick up."

"If I am to navigate the world of humans, it seems they would be useful skills."

#

Alistair sensed someone approaching. He turned, expecting to see Cathiel. He blinked when Jerath nodded at him. "Er... hello."

"You were a templar."

"Well, yes. I didn't take the vows, but well, yes." Alistair gave him a wary look. "Why?"

"Can you teach me?"

"I suppose I could..." He frowned. "When the grand cleric let Duncan recruit me, she made me swear never to reveal templar secrets outside of the Chantry. I'd rather not go back on my word." He shuffled his feet when Jerath raised an eyebrow. "You don't need templar secrets to defeat the darkspawn."

"I'll respect your word." He turned and started to walk away.

Alistair blinked, and then sighed. "Wait." Jerath turned back around. Alistair ran a hand through his hair. "This is not something small you're asking."

"Neither is defeating a blight."

"It won't be easy."

"If it were easy, someone else would do it."

Alistair snorted. "True enough." He looked at the other man for a moment, and then nodded. "Okay. That move you did, the feint where you switched your grip and... okay, you help me be a better fighter, I'll teach you templar tricks." He shrugged. "We don't have any lyrium, so I'm not sure how effective this is going to be, but I can teach you the basics. Not that you'd want to take lyrium. It's addictive."

Jerath nodded. "Get your sword."

"What?" Alistair's widened. "You want to start now?"

"Time grows short."

#

"Denerim." Saitada looked over her shoulder. "We should try to remain somewhat incognito."

Brosca glanced over at Sten, and then at Brehan. "Some of us do kind of stand out in the crowd."

"If they identify us, they identify us, but let's not perform a song and dance routine in the commons about it, shall we?"

"Not even a tasteful one?" Brehan asked. Leliana elbowed him.

Saitada sighed. "Cathiel, shoot him. Alright, what other business do we need to take care of in Denerim?

Cathiel frowned. "We should resupply as much as we are able. Denerim is still more or less untouched by the Blight."

"Do it." Saitada considered. "Potions and whatever supplies Lenore needs especially. Anything else?"

Brosca put a hand on Jerath's shoulder. Jerath glared at him and moved away. "Get Jerath a pint and a lay? Little duster is almost all grown up now."

Zevran laughed. "Ah yes, the coming of age deflowering."

"Cathiel, shoot them."

Cathiel touched her bow. "I'll also need to pick up more arrows."

Saitada sighed. At least morale was high.

#

Brosca stepped in front of Jerath, blocking him from the path into the market. "Where do you think you are going?"

Jerath pointed at the market and said "Swords."

Brosca shook his head. "Nope, you are coming with us."

Lenore linked her arm through Jerath's with a mischievous smile. He tensed. "Zevran was telling us about a local marvel we simply must explore."

Jerath sighed, and shook his head. "The Pearl."

Brosca grinned. "You've heard of it?"

"I am from Denerim."

Lenore frowned. "I heard they aren't letting anyone into the alienage." She glanced over at Brosca and Zevran. "Maybe we could sneak in..."

"I can get in once it gets dark." He twitched a shoulder and tried to pull free of Lenore. She tightened her grip.

"Well, that's hours away yet," Brosca grinned. "To The Pearl. It's time to get you a woman."

Jerath sighed, shook his head. Lenore giggled, and dragged him along with her after Brosca and Zevran.

#

"You know... maybe this isn't the best time to be thinking about this, but I've something to ask you. Seeing as we're in Denerim now, I'm wondering if we might be able to... look someone up."

"You have a friend here, outside the Grey Wardens?" Cathiel asked.

"I'm not talking about a friend, exactly. And..." He caught he raised eyebrow, and shook his head. "No, it's not that sort of friend, either. The thing is, I have a sister. A half-sister. I told you about my mother, right? She was a servant at Redcliffe Castle, and she and she had a daughter... only I never knew about her." He sighed. "I don't think she knew about me, either. They kept my birth a secret, after all. But after I became a Grey Warden I did some checking and... well, I found out she's still alive. In Denerim."

"That's wonderful news," Cathiel told him.

"She's the only real family I have left, the only family not also mixed up in the whole royal thing. I've just been thinking that..." He ran his fingers through his hair anxiously. "Maybe it's time I went to see her." He shifted hesitantly. "With the Blight coming and everything, I don't know if I'll ever get another chance to see her. Maybe I can help her, warn her about the danger, I don't know."

"If you want to, we could try."

Alistair smiled. "Could we? I'd appreciate that. If something happened to her and I never went to at least see her, I don't know if I could forgive myself. Her name is Goldanna and I think she remarried but still lives just outside the Alienage. If we're in the area, then... well, it's worth a look."

"Let's go."

"Now?"

"Might as well."

#

Brosca gave a low whistle when they entered the Pearl. "Nice place. So, what'll it be?" He waggled his eyebrows at Jerath.

Jerath gave him a look, and Lenore giggled. Zevran tapped his lip thoughtfully. "Something sweet and innocent? Or experienced and skilled?"

Brosca grinned. "Bah, this little blighter saved all our necks. Let's get him both."

Zevran's smile widened in approval. "I like the way you think. Come, let us check out the merchandise. Only the best for our friend.

Lenore dragged Jerath to a table and sat him down. "Stay here," she admonished. She glanced around, taking in the room, and observed, "look, violence. You watch, we'll be right back."

Jerath rolled his eyes, and then nodded in resignation. She took a few steps and saw him start to stand up. She immediately pushed him back into the chair. "Stay." She glanced at a tall man. "You. I'll give you two silvers if you don't let him run off."

The man grinned and nodded. Jerath put his head on the table and sighed.

Brosca glanced up at Lenore joined them. "This place seems to have it all. Elves, dwarves, humans... Jerath does prefer girls, right?"

Lenore pondered a moment. "I think so. He does seem to like Morrigan's outfit."

Zevran nodded. "Baby steps, we can induct him into more interesting depravities later."

The proprietress, Sanga, smiled, "shopping for a friend? I can bring a few out, let you decide."

Lenore grinned. "Perfect."

They put their heads together and discussed options.

Brosca smiled. "So, we agree then? The blonde?"

Zevran nodded. "Sweet and innocent in appearance, and highly recommended."

"Should we arrange a bottle of wine as well?" Lenore asked.

Zevran nodded, "a tasteful red, I think. Something on the robust side, for contrast."

Brosca handed Sanga a few coins. "Alright... hey, where'd he go?"

Lenore glanced around, "oh, there he is. He found a card game."

Zevran looked in the direction she pointed, and started laughing as he walked over.

#

The woman Jerath was playing cards with looked up as they approached. "And look who we have here. Come to apologize for leaving me bereft of my lord husband and then vanishing without a trace?"

Zevran gave her a small bow. "You know it was just business, Isabela. Business that turned out well for you, I see - you inherited the ship, I take it?"

"Hmph." She shrugged. "I suppose I never did like the greasy bastard. And the Siren treats me far better than she ever did him."

Lenore smiled, "You two know each other?"

Zevran nodded. "Indeed. This is Isabela, queen of the eastern seas and the sharpest blade in Llomerryn. And Isabela, my dear, you will no doubt be amused to discover that I am traveling with Grey Wardens.

Isabela glanced over at Jerath before turning her gaze to Brosca and Lenore. "Grey Wardens? Charmed."

Lenore grinned, 'so you are the captain of a ship?"

Isabela's face was proud. "Yes. The Siren's Call - my pride and joy. She's seen me from my own Rivain and the isle of Llomerryn to the coast of Par Vollen. All I need is my ship, and the wind at my back. And once my men have had their fill of the pleasures of dry land, we will be off again. We are getting as far away from this Blight as possible."

She glanced over at Jerath, and gave a sigh. "I suppose I owe you a dueling lesson then. I think you were cheating."

Jerath gave a slight smile, "so were you."

"Fast hands. Could I entice you to leave your Order and sign up as one of my crewman? I could use those hands at my... helm."

He shook his head. "I don't know anything about sailing."

"The ship is the best teacher. She will guide you with her sighs... her shudders, her gentle swaying as she rides the crests of the waves. When you become one with her... instinct takes over."

Lenore grinned broadly, "ooooh, shivery."

Jerath twitched a shoulder, and then glanced at his companions. "I think Brosca could benefit more from your lesson than I could. I am accustomed to doing battle a particular way."

Isabela gave Brosca a once over. "It will take you years of practice to achieve true mastery of the style, but I can teach you the basics. I do, however, wish to get to know my potential student better."

Brosca grinned. "Perhaps we could visit your ship. I'd love to see what's below deck."

Isabela smiled slowly. "Ooh, and now you've piqued my interest. It would surely be rude of me to decline such a... delicious offer. And what about you, Zev? Shall we, for old times' sake?"

"Oh, Isabela, you and your ridiculous appetites... perhaps we should leave it up to our friend here?"

Brosca grinned and took Lenore's hand. "The more the merrier."

"Ah, this brings back memories... Come, my ship is down by the docks, and I am sure you will find my cabins quite... comfortable."

#

Denerim's market was bustling. To half the people here, the Blight was still little more than a rumor. She sighed. If Denerim didn't see to its fortifications soon, the city was going to be in dire trouble.

Saitada stopped suddenly. Sten narrowly avoided tripping over her, redirecting his balance with something a bit less than grace. She listened again over the din of the marketplace. There. She walked quickly towards the other side of the market.

A dwarf, dressed in surfacer clothing, was standing in front of a market stall. "Dwarven crafts! Fine dwarven -" He saw her. "My lady! My Lady Aeducan? Is-is that really you?"

She grinned as she walked towards him. He stared at her a moment, then hugged her. "I knew you survived. I never stopped believing it. And neither did your father."

She introduced Sten, and they talked, filling each other in on the last few months. Her father's death hurt, but it was not unexpected news. Gorim sighed. "Before I left for the surface, King Endrin sent for me. It was almost more than I could endure, seeing him so. As if he were long dead and rotten, and now merely an empty husk collapsing in on itself. He could not even rise from his bed, and the room stank of decay." He shook his head and sighed again. "He asked me... to give you the Shield of Aeducan. And this letter."

"The shield..." She caressed it, and sighed. Memories seemed to reflect in its polished surface. "I had almost forgotten about it."

"I have carried them with me since I left Orzammar. As angry as I once was with the king, when I saw him that final time..." He sighed. "I pitied him. His eyes have haunted me since. If it were possible for a man to die of regret, I think King Endrin did." For a moment, they stood there in silence. He shook his head, then managed a smile. "But... we shouldn't dwell on the past. I can hardly tell you how good it is to see you alive."

"I can't believe I've found you here of all places."

"Aye." He gestured to the shop. "And far happier in my exile than I ever expected to be."

"I'm glad you're happy."

"And you?"

She sighed. "Not until the villain who killed Duncan is dead."

"Then I wish you all fortune." He laughed. "My life has been far less dramatic. I-" He shrugged. "I have married into a surface family. My wife is the daughter of the best smith in Denerim. We're... expecting our firstborn before the spring," he said proudly.

"Gorim Saelec, a merchant. It's hard to believe it." She shook her head. "Well, when can I meet the lucky girl?"

"I would love to introduce you. But you must have more important business than hearing about me."

"Well, I've got to thump sense into some nobles, upset a regency, locate a long lost relic, and stop a blight. Business as usual, I suppose."

Gorim laughed. "Have a look at my father-in-law's crafts. All fine work, and I'll cut you a discount."

Sten nodded to Gorim. "Kadan, we need to find the others."

Saitada nodded. "I'll be back. We can catch up later."

Gorim nodded.

#

Isabela grinned at Lenore before raising an eyebrow at Brosca. "She's quite feisty, isn't she?"

Brosca smiled, "she bites too."

Lenore laughed. "I do not!"

Isabela ran a hand down Lenore's arm before addressing Zevran. "Well, that brings back memories, doesn't it, Zev? Pleasant ones even."

Zevran leaned against the wall and laughed. "For you, maybe. I still remember the time your husband tried to kill me. I had to flee across the rooftops completely unclothed."

"Ah, yes... those pleasant memories. Now, wasn't there something you wanted from me? The lesson your friend won, perhaps?"

Lenore blinked, then shook her head and looked around the room. "Hey, where did Jerath go?"

Brosca laughed. "Why that little... well, at least the outmaneuvering was enjoyable. Alright, let's have this lesson."

"Come, we will need some space for this."

#

Leliana smiled at Brehan. Between the crowds and the stares he was getting, he was clearly uncomfortable in the city. She considered a moment, and then led him to the Chantry. It was quieter there, in the Chantry garden, and he seemed to relax a little. He met her eyes, and shrugged. "What do you know of this place?" he asked.

"Denerim is Ferelden's most important city, yes? This is the seat of power, the jewel in the crown of a king." She looked around. "She is Ferelden's heart - her walls are strong, but within them lies so much beauty. Just like the country and the people."

He smiled at her. "It's... loud."

She giggled. "Look, see that woman there. Look at her dress."

"It's green."

"No, really look at it. The color is subdued, but look at the cut and fit. It's well made. She is no noble, but is a woman of wealth, who can afford good clothing, but also a woman who must still work, and so there are few frills."

He narrowed his eyes, and then nodded. "That one." He glanced at her, and then looked back over. "Colorful. Wants to be seen, but the clothing isn't fine. Wants to draw attention to himself. The armor is scuffed, the sword used. Mercenary. And dangerous."

"He is. A crimson oar. I will make a bard of you yet."

"That one."

"Which one?"

He pointed at the ground again. "The one that was here before us."

She narrowed her eyes. "How can I judge if I can't see them."

He knelt, and sketched the track in the air. "A heeled boot, narrow at the toe. Weight forward, but not moving quickly. Well worn, shaped to the feet. A bit of loose stitching on the side of the right boot."

"A woman, down on her luck. But competent, a fighter. Perhaps come to the Chantry to view the board for a job?"

He gestured at a group of women standing near the door. "Which one?"

"I can't see their boots from here."

"You don't need to see the shoes, you saw the tracks."

She nodded. "The blond."

He considered, then nodded. "She'd be my guess as well. I'll make a tracker out of you yet."

#

Sten glanced back once over his shoulder as he followed Saitada towards the alienage. "What does it mean, he was your second back in Orzammar?"

Saitada frowned thoughtfully. "Well, I suppose you could say... huh... I guess you could say in some ways you or Jerath would be my seconds now, the people I count on to have my back and to tell me when I'm being an idiot."

Sten's mouth gave the briefest twist of a smile. "And he walked away from that duty?"

Saitada shook her head. "No. It wasn't that way. If anything, I released him from that duty. I'm glad he's made a home for himself here."

"You two were..."

Saitada shrugged. "We were friends. We were fond of each other. If his wife makes him happy, then I will love her as a sister."

"That is a most sensible way of viewing the situation."

"That's me. The sensible one."

"It occurs to me your life would not change much by embracing the Qun."

"Is this the recruitment speech, Sten?"

"An observation."

"There is something to be said for certainty and borders. But we have those in Orzammar as well, and the result was the casteless. You have...what was it, Tal'Vashoth?"

"Yes"

"Why do the Tal-Vashoth fight you?"

"Isn't it the nature of a wound to bleed? I have no more answers than you. Why do we fight the darkspawn? Why do the darkspawn fight us?"

"Don't the Tal-Vashoth give reasons?"

"Now and then. Do the reasons matter? It makes little difference to those they fight. Tell me, then: Why do you fight?"

"To defend my people."

"In the antaam, we are told of the enemy: Assume he loves as you love, hates as you hate, and fights just as hard as you. It's a lie, of course. But does that matter, so long as you stand, and believe you know your enemy? The Tal-Vashoth wish us dead. And we wish to go on living. The point of our war is war."

"Tell me then, what would happen if your people came to Orzammar?" Sten appeared startled at Saitada's question. "It's not always a lie, Sten. Maybe the Tal-Vashoth have a point."

"Undoubtedly. They've used it to kill countless people."

Saitada raised an eyebrow at him. "You don't think they have any justification?"

"No. But they don't care what I think. Do you think all your Deshyrs are justified in their actions?"

"No, not all of them. But some of them, yes." She sighed. "I didn't mean to offend you by speaking of this."

"I have no feelings you can hurt, Warden."

Saitada raised an eyebrow at Sten. "Odd"

"What is odd?"

"In all the time now that we've known each other, I believe that is the first time you haven't actually been honest with me."

Sten frowned. "There are times when words fail."

"Indeed. I've often found it better to judge by actions rather than words."

"There are times, kadan, it seems you come very close to wisdom."

"And there are times, salroka, it seems you come very close to humor."

#

Saitada almost didn't notice when Jerath quietly joined their group. She spared a glance for the small dog at Jerath's heels. "I thought Brosca and Lenore dragged you off."

"They ran into an old friend of Zevran's. I decided to let them all get acquainted."

Saitada nodded. "Brother Genitivi's house is near the entrance to the alienage."

"That would be this way, then." Jerath pointed.

Sten and Saitada followed him through the market to a row of neatly appointed houses. Saitada nodded. "This one, I think." She rapped lightly on the door. There was no answer. She knocked again. She frowned. "What do you think?" she asked Jerath.

He tried the knob. The door opened. She gave him an annoyed look, and walked inside.

#

A man came out of a back room. He started when he saw them. "Yes? What are you doing here?"

"Brother Genitivi, I presume?"

"No. No, I am Weylon, Brother Genitivi's assistant. When you first came in I was... was hoping that you had news of Brother Genitivi - wishful thinking, it seems."

"Has something happened to Brother Genitivi?" Saitada narrowed her eyes.

"I haven't seen Brother Genitivi in weeks. He's sent no word; it's so unlike him. I am afraid something has happened. Genitivi's research into the Urn may have led him into danger."

"Why would searching for the Urn lead him into danger?"

"Perhaps the Urn has been lost for a reason. I pray for Genitivi's safety, but hope dwindles with each passing day. I-I tried to send help, but some knights came from Redcliffe looking for him not long ago. I sent them after Genitivi and they too have disappeared.

Saitada sighed. "I must go after them. I need the Urn for Arl Eamon."

"No, don't ask me where they went." He shook his head, and wrung his hands fretfully. "You'll go after them, and what if ill-luck should befall you, too? This search is a curse, on all of us. Some things are not meant to be found. I know that now."

"I am willing to risk it. Tell me where he went."

"So be it. All he said before he left was that he would be staying at an inn near Lake Calenhad, investigating something in that area."

"What exactly was he investigating?"

"I don't know. All I discovered from going through his research was that he was staying at the inn."

Saitada blinked. Behind her, Jerath spoke. "But you just said he spoke to you and told you that."

"Y-yes, of course he told me, but I also went through his things to see if I could find other clues to his whereabouts."

She watched as Jerath set a hand on his blade. "You sound nervous. Hiding something?"

Weylon looked from Jerath, to where Sten stood next to the door, his arms folded. He looked back at Saitada, then at Jerath again. "That's n-not true. I told you everything I know. Brother Genitivi told us - t-told me about the inn and that's all!"

"Us? Who's 'us?'" Saitada asked.

"Us? I mean me. T-there is no us... bah!" He shook his head. "Why do I keep up on this charade? I gave you a chance to turn aside and forget you ever heard of Genitivi and the Urn. But you persisted. Now it has come to this... Andraste forgive me. I do this in Your Name!" He drew his blade, and charged.

Saitada set her sword. The man practically ran into it. He staggered backwards, then smile fiercely and came at her again. She cut him down. She shook her head. "Idiot."

"Or smart." She turned and raised an eyebrow at Jerath. He shrugged and gestured at the corpse. "We can't question him now that he's splattered all over the floor."

"Look around. Got to be a clue somewhere. Sten, watch the door."

#

Morrigan resumed her human form to help them search. They found the body of a young man Saitada presumed was the real Weylon.

Jerath handed the journal to Saitada. She skimmed through it quickly. "Haven, in the Frostback Mountains."

"Half a country away." Jerath observed.

Saitada sighed. "We need Eamon. Without him, we have no chance of getting the human armies behind us. We need Ferelden."

Jerath nodded. "By your command."

Something about his voice caused her to raise an eyebrow. Morrigan had gone back into the other room and was looking through the books. Saitada sighed. "It's just us here, Jerath."

He shrugged. "We could back Loghain. Grey Wardens should remain neutral."

"That rockslide has already tumbled, Jerath. Loghain declared war on the Grey Wardens." Saitada sighed, and looked up at him. "You think I am letting my feelings make the decision."

"I think it is possible you have a bias in the matter."

Saitada nodded. "You might be right. However, either way, we could still use Eamon. Either to oppose Loghain, or to get those opposing Loghain to stand down." She glanced at the corpse on the floor. "What do you suppose he meant, he does this in Andraste's name?"

"Perhaps Leliana would have some insight there."

"Maybe. Let's get going." She stopped, and glanced at him. "Did you need to visit anyone?"

"The Alienage is closed. I could break in, but... if there is trouble..." he sighed. "No."

"Let's find the others. Where did you leave Brosca and Lenore?"

"At a brothel."

"At a..." she laughed. "By the Stone." She glanced at Jerath out of the corner of her eye. "You could have stayed."

He twitched a shoulder. "I've had better stew."

"That's not the only thing they serve at brothels, you know."

"I hear they also polish anvils."

"Yes..."

"And pudding peaches."

"Right..."

"And dampen divines."

"I'll stop if you will."

"Deal."

#

Alistair stared at the door of a small house, barely more than a hovel. "That's... my sister's house. I'm almost sure of it, this is... yes, this is the right address. She could be inside. Could we... go and see?" He shuffled his feet, fidgeting anxiously.

Cathiel glanced at him. "Wouldn't you rather meet her on your own?"

"Do I seem a little nervous?" He looked down at himself, then sighed. "I am. I really don't know what to expect. I'd like you to be there with me, if you're willing. Or we could... leave, I suppose. We really don't have time to pay a visit, do we? Maybe we should go."

Cathiel started walking to the door. "Fine, let's see if she's home."

"Will she even know who I am? Does she even know I exist? My sister. That sounds very strange... "sister." "Siiiissster." Hmmm... Now I'm babbling. Maybe we should go. Let's go. Let's just... go."

He stopped talking when she knocked on the door. A voice inside yelled for them to enter. She glanced once at Alistair, then opened the door.

Inside, they looked around. The place was small and cramped, but clean. Alistair inhaled, then called out, "Err... hello?"

A woman in worn clothing came in, her strawberry blonde hair graying around the temples. "You have linens to wash? I charge three bits on the bundle, you won't find better. And don't trust what that Natalia woman tells you either, she's foreign and she'll rob you blind."

"I'm..." Alistair looked at Cathiel, and she gave him an encouraging smile. "Not here to have any wash done. My name's Alistair. I'm... well, this may sound sort of strange, but are you Goldanna?" He spread his hands a little and shrugged. "If so, I suppose I'm your brother."

She stared. "My what? I am Goldanna, yes... how do you know my name? What kind of tomfoolery are you folk up to?"

"Are you sure your information was correct, Alistair?" Cathiel asked, noting the rather shocked look on his face.

"Yes, I... I think so. I'm sure of it, in fact." He turned back to the woman. "Look, our mother... she worked as a servant in Redcliffe Castle a long time ago, before she died. Do you know about that? She-"

"You! I knew it! They told me you was dead! They told me the babe was dead along with mother, but I knew they was lying!"

"They told you I was dead? Who? Who told you that?"

"Them's at the castle! I told them the babe was the king's, and they said he was dead. Gave me a coin to shut my mouth and sent me on my way! I knew it!"

"I'm sorry, I... didn't know that. The babe didn't die. I'm him; I'm... your brother."

Goldanna scoffed angrily. "For all the good it does me!" Her face became accusatory. "You killed Mother, you did, and I've had to scrape by all this time? That coin didn't last long, and when I went back they ran me off!"

Cathiel saw Alistair's face become stricken, and she frowned at the woman. "That's hardly Alistair's fault, is it?"

Goldanna sneered at her. "And who in the Maker's name are you? Some tart, following after his riches, I expect?"

"Hey!" Alistair folded his arms and glared. "Don't speak to her that way! She's my friend, and a Grey Warden! Just like me!"

"Ooohhh, I see." Goldanna gave a mocking laugh. "A prince and a Grey Warden, too. Well, who am I to think poorly of someone so high and mighty compared to me?" She made a shooing gesture. "I don't know you, boy. Your royal father forced himself on my mother and took her away from me, and what do I got to show for it? Nothing. They tricked me good! I should have told everyone! I got five mouths to feed, and unless you can help with that, I got less than no use for you."

"I... I'm sorry, I... I don't know what to say..."

"Goldanna, Alistair came here hoping to find his family."

"Well... so he's found it. I'm his sister. But what are you to me, boy, except the one who took my mother away, hmm?"

"You think I wished her dead? I never wanted that. I didn't have the life you think I did, Goldanna."

"I suppose not. A bastard is still a bastard, isn't he? But... brother or no, I've got five mouths to feed and no time to spare until they are."

Alistair ran a hand through his hair. "Then let me promise you this, Goldanna: I'll do whatever I can, speak to whomever I can, to ensure you and your children are taken care of."

She just smirked at him and shook her head. "Mmm. That sounds all well and fine, but you'll have to forgive me if I don't exactly hold my breath."

"You have my promise. I can't give you more than that. I... let's go. I want to go. Goodbye, Sister."

Cathiel followed him out of the house.

#

Outside, they walked almost to the Chantry gate before Alistair stopped. Cathiel laid a hand on his arm, and he turned towards her. "Well that was... not what I expected. To put it lightly. I'll live up to my promise, I suppose, but... this is the family I've been wondering about all my life?" He shook his head. "I can't believe it. I... I guess I was expecting her to accept me without question. Isn't that what family is supposed to do? I... I feel like a complete idiot."

Cathiel gave him a hug. "Everyone is out for themselves. You should learn that."

"Yes." He returned the hug, then smiled at her. "I suppose you're right. I should."

"Besides, you don't need her. You have others who care for you."

"Such as? The only person who ever cared about me was Duncan. And he's gone."

"You have friends, Alistair. I'm one of them. I care about you."

"I... I thank you. I'm glad you came with me. Let's just go. I don't want to talk about this anymore."

#

Saitada glanced around at the others. She assumed the raven sitting on Jerath's shoulder was Morrigan. "We have a few leads."

"This should be good," Zevran said.

"First off, we have a chance to go learn a few things about Loghain's troop movements, and possibly acquire an ally. Brosca, take Zevran and Lenore, and go see if you can lend Bann Telmen a hand. Brehan, Leliana, there is a missing caravan near Redcliffe, belonging to one Arl Bryland. We could use his support, see what you can find. Jerath, Morrigan, some soldiers went missing south of Redcliffe. My guess is darkspawn, and you two are the most mobile. Scout and report back. The rest of you, we are heading to Lake Calenhad to scout the trail of Brother Genetivi. Odds are, it's a trap, so expect trouble. All of you, meet me back in Redcliffe as soon as you are finished. If I'm not back yet, report to Teagan and do what you can to help him shore up Redcliffe."

"Yes, oh fearless leader," Brosca said.