"Hey, Anthatal, wake up." The stick prodded him again, and the tall man rolled over towards it, groaning. "What, Alistair?"

Alistair's face appeared in the half-light that comes just before dawn. "Duncan wanted to see you. He's got to leave, so he wants to brief you before he goes."

Anthatal stood up and stretched, then pulled on a plain brown tunic and hose and walked out into the chilly morning. Duncan was waiting at the northern edge of the village, and he turned as the tall man approached. "Good, you're awake. Here's the situation: we couldn't get nearly as many Wardens here as we wanted, so I have to go find more. I'll see you at Ostagar in about a month, but as it stands, you are the highest-ranking Warden here, so you're in charge. It's simple enough; just get us an area near the old temple and make sure the Joining ceremony is ready for the recruits. Let the newer Wardens do as they please, but make sure they all are well-rested. We don't want any drowsy warriors on the battlefield."

"I understand, Duncan."

Duncan smiled, his weathered face half hidden under his beard. "Good. You should have no problems with darkspawn, but if they do arrive ahead of their main army, take some of the newer Wardens out to beat them back. They need experience and we can't afford to lose many soldiers before the real battle is joined. Leave with Cailan's army as soon as they are ready."

The old friends gripped each others' forearms firmly in the traditional Warden manner, and Duncan's face grew serious. "Cailan thinks that this may not be a true Blight, Anthatal. Make sure he doesn't get overconfident."

"I will, Duncan. Good hunting."

"The same to you, friend."

Anthatal watched Duncan's strong figure get swallowed up by the mists, and returned to the Chantry. Most of the other Wardens were already awake as he began to pull on his armor, and Alistair was engaged with two of the new recruits. Anthatal made a mental note to get to know them later, perhaps on the road, as he buckled his massive blade onto his back and prepared to meet the King of Ferelden.