Part 01: Tainted Hero
Chapter 10: Of Wardens and Darkspawn
The next morning came quickly, though Brina felt entirely rested. I must have been tired. I fell asleep in my clothes. Her fire had burned down to little more than glowing embers. Even with magic, they required some coaxing before the flames would take.
Sister Paulette approached. "I saw you were awake . . . There's some druffalo stew already warm if you're hungry."
"Aye, thank you." Brina followed Paulette to the central fire; the sister scooped the soup into a bowl and handed it to Brina.
She held it in her hands, appreciating the warmth. Her breath and steam from the broth created a thick fog around her head.
There's frost on the ground. Thus begins the dying time.
"I heard you were . . . Successful? Are you a Grey Warden now?"
Brina shook her head. "That was a test. I'm to do something called 'the Joining' today. Some kind of ceremony, I suppose."
Paulette nodded. "I see. You . . . All of you are so brave. I'm not a fighter, so I stay here . . ."
"Healers are important too."
"Do you think so?"
"Of course I do. Not just anyone can be a healer." Brina sipped at her broth, letting the warmth spread through her body.
"I guess now . . . I've never thought of it that way."
They sat quietly for a time as they ate. Brina drained her bowl and stood. "Thank you for the stew, Sister. I must be on my way."
Paulette smiled. Brina left the infirmary. This time, she knew where to go. She arrived early. The large bonfire crackled loudly. Various guards, Templars, Wardens, and even some of the Chantry folk periodically fed the fire. There was always someone close by, tending to the perpetual flame. Brina had an unexpected moment to breathe.
The Joining . . . What is it? Why keep it a secret? The only reason I can think of to keep a ritual secret would be if death were a risk. Am I going to die today?
No, the Lady would not bring me this far just to call me back. I refuse to believe that.
Brina looked up into the sky. The moon had long since set and clouds covered the stars. The blackness pressed heavily over the camp. Even the large bonfire could barely hold it back.
Sweet Lady of the Skies . . . I cannot let Da's passing be in vain. Or Augur's . . . Thane Snow-Eye, Hilda, Ragnar, Una, Bjorn, Dagmar, Stoic, Svena, and all the rest.
I hope their souls made it to you . . . I'll return as soon as I can and give you the proper service you demand and give them rest. May they walk in light and never be afraid of the darkness.
The black abyss around her seemed to pulse as if in reply. Alistair stepped through into the orange glow. "Are you ready, Brina?"
Brina nodded. Ser Jory and Daveth appeared as well.
"I don't like this . . ." Jory's breath was shaky. Whether from fear or cold, Brina was unsure.
"Whinging again, Ser Knight?" Daveth teased.
"It's just . . . Why is this Joining such a secret? Why so many tests? Haven't we proven ourselves?"
"Maybe they just want to mess with your 'ead."
"All I know is I've got a wife heavy with child back in Highever. Why couldn't they have told me about this?"
"Would you have come if they told ya, Ser Knight? Maybe we'll die. Who cares if it stops the Blight?"
"You would not say so if you were expecting a child, rogue."
Brina wrinkled her forehead. "Highever? I thought you said you were from Redcliffe. Where's Highever?"
"I am from Redcliffe. I got married one year ago. My wife is from Highever and works in the castle. I requested a transfer. Both Bann Guerrin and Teryn Cousland obliged. I was participating in the Grand Melee in Redcliffe when Duncan recruited me."
"Methinks that Ser Knight is a scared little girl."
"I-"
Brina sighed. "Shut it, both of you."
"Yea, Ser Knight. You'll ruin the moment."
Brina shot Daveth a glance. Daveth's face sucked inward as though he'd partaken of something sour.
Duncan appeared from the darkness. "Good, you're all here. I spoke with Alistair when you arrived last night and understand you were successful."
Daveth hopped back and forth from foot to foot. "We were almost cooked up by some witches!"
"Yes, Alistair informed me of your encounter. You must understand that Grey Wardens are to remain neutral. Apostates in the Wilds are not your concern." He looked at each of them in turn. "Alistair, taken them to the Old Temple. I will be there shortly."
Duncan disappeared back into the dark. Alistair tossed his head in the opposite direction. Cold wind billowed around them as they made their way past the kennels; past the tents of higher authority. Guards stood watch all day and night around those tents.
They walked toward a grand archway. This area of Ostagar Castle was mostly intact. A grand staircase led up to the arch and into what was once the Great Hall. Parts of the tile peaked beneath the dirt and floral overgrowth. A pathway to the left had been worn down through the Hall to the very center where a long table sat covered in papers and maps.
To the right was a smaller set of steps leading to a raised level with a small room. Along the back wall was a long altar with a statue base. Whatever statue had once sat there was long gone. Brina suspected it had likely been a statue of Andraste. Pff, Lowlanders.
Duncan's approach startled them. "Now is the hour we come to the Joining. Those of you who survive will join our ranks." Duncan held a large silver goblet in both hands. The cup had a griffin engraved on all sides along with an inscription. Brina was unable to read it.
"Survive?" Jory sputtered.
So it's true. Korth, protect me. "Let's get on with this."
"Alistair, if you would say the words that have been said since the first."
"Join us, Brothers and Sisters. Join us in the shadows where we stand vigilant. Join us as we carry the duty that cannot be forsworn. And should you perish, know that your sacrifice will not be forgotten and that one day, we shall join you."
"Daveth, step forward."
Daveth gave a nervous hop but took the goblet in both hands. He screwed up his face, disgusted, before handing the cup back.
So far, so good. He seems fine.
Daveth's face slowly turned purple. Wait, he's not breathing.
The rogue gagged and clawed at his throat, dropping to his knees. His eyes bulged, and he let out a croak before falling on his face.
Blood pumped loudly in Brina's ears. That's so much worse than I anticipated. She could hardly breathe.
Alistair didn't flinch, but his face did not hide his feelings.
Duncan took a deep breath, hiding his disappointment. "I'm sorry, Daveth. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten."
Jory looked back and forth between Duncan, the goblet, and Daveth.
"Ser Jory, step forward." Duncan held out the cup to him.
"No . . ." Jory stepped back. "No, I didn't sign up for this. There is no honor in killing myself." Jory drew his sword. "I will not drink!"
Duncan handed the goblet to Alistair. Jory swung his sword wildly in fear as Duncan approached, repeating, "I will not drink!" over and over. Duncan walked straight up to Jory, drew a long dagger, and stabbed upward into Jory's stomach.
Brina's heart pounded. The man truly has no fear. What is my fate?
"I'm sorry, Ser Jory. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten."
Jory dropped his sword, falling to his knees the same way Daveth did. He pulled the dagger from his gut in stunned silence. "My . . . Wife. . . and child . . ." He fell forward. The light left his eyes as the blood pooled around him.
Alistair handed the goblet back to Duncan. They both had solemn faces.
"Brina, step forward."
Brina wanted to run, but she obeyed. Drink . . . And die . . . Or resist . . . And be killed. Her hands shook as she took the cup. She could feel the magic swirling inside. The blackness of the taint made the magic feel different. It tugged and pulled, like a rabid animal attacking its prey. She willed herself to drink deep.
It was hot, as though the sun burned within her, connecting with her veins. She tasted the lyrium, almost like sweetened rosemary. Then everything went dark.
A fire burned; several fires, as far as the eye could see. The sun broke over the horizon, and she saw them. Thousands upon thousands of nightgangers. Darkspawn. They were all looking a single direction, past her. A voice spoke. The language was unfamiliar, but she understood it.
"And thus the Grey Wardens add yet another to their ranks."
She turned. There at the head of the horde sat a dragon, larger than any creature she'd ever seen; nearly the size of Redcliffe Castle. Its skin was black and rotting though it was very much alive.
"I have tasted the flesh of many. I look forward to tasting yours, Grey Warden." The dragon laughed. At least, Brina thought it was laughing. The laugh rolled out across the camp almost like a growl.
The dragon roared and screeched, and Brina knew. This was the Archdemon, the leader of the darkspawn. The Archdemon breathed flames at her.
She screamed and covered her face.
She opened her eyes as someone shook her. Brina was breathing fast and covered in sweat. Both Duncan and Alistair crouched over her.
Duncan held out his hand to help her up. "You are now a Grey Warden."