They headed towards the meeting point where the kidnappers had Lord Bensley's daughter. They soon cross the wooden bridge that led them to an old ruin and there they found the kidnappers.

"Another step and poor Lady Eileen dies," the bandit leader warned. He then found them. "Where's Lord Bensley? The deal was he'd give us the money himself."

Faren stood firm. "Lord Bensley sent the Commander of the Grey instead."

One of the kidnappers' eyes widened. "Th-that's one that fought over hundred darkspawn by himself. Andraste preserve me."

It wasn't entirely true, but he was hardly going to correctt a bunch of bandits.

"Shut your trap. We still have the girl," said the bandit leader, though he did sound slightly nervous.

"You won't see a sovereign until I see the girl," said Faren firmly.

The bandit leader turned to one of his men. "Hawk, show her." Hawk walked off and soon return to a frightening-looking girl. The bandit leader then looked at them. "Now hand over the gold. Now."

Faren narrowed his eyes. "Send the girl first. Then I give you the money."

The bandit leader looked as if he was in two minds, but then he turned to Hawk. "Hawk, sent her over."

Lady Eileen ran up to them and he couldn't believe how stupid the bandits were. "The money. Now."

Faren smirked at the stupidity. "No. That girl was the only thing keeping you alive."

The bandits' eyes widened as before then drew their weapons.

"Defend yourselves, men!" The bandit leader commanded.

They didn't stand a chance, a swing of a hammer, a battleaxe, the twinge of a quiver and some fireballs later and all them lay dead on the ground.

Lady Eileen looked them with admiration and gratitude. "Thank you," she said.

She then kissed Anders on the cheek and ran off.

They continued into Amaranthine. Anders spread his hands and threw his head back. "Ah, can you smell that? That is the smell of freedom." Walking openly into a city was a somewhat new experience for him. Usually, he had to skulk. "It comes complete with the smell of dogs and dust, but the freedom is in there, too."

The commander raised an eyebrow. "You really don't care for the Circle of Magi, do you?"

Anders shook his head. "I escaped from the tower seven times. After the last time, they put me in solitary confinement for a year." He gestured with his staff. "Eventually, I'm sure they would have branded me a maleficar, true or not, and executed me."

"Was the Circle of Magi so bad?"

Anders kicked a rock as they walked. "The problem is that mages are tolerated. Barely. It's like you need permission to be alive. There's nothing a mage can do to prove himself. Everyone needs to be protected from you. The end."

"I can sympathise."

He blinked, and then looked again at his commander. The words sounded… honest. "That's good." He smiled. "Why aren't you in charge of everything, again?" He sighed dramatically. "All I want is a pretty girl, a decent meal, and the right to shoot lightning at fools."

Faren raised an eyebrow. "I think you're aiming too low."

He laughed. "True. I want a harem, a banquet, and the ability to rain fireballs upon every templar in creation." He shook his head. "Never mind me. Now and again I recall that I'm not sitting in a cell and I have to smile, that's all."

They soon reached the city, but before they gradually enter in it one of its guards stopped them.

"Excuse me, but I need to search your packs for smuggled goods," said the guard.

Faren frowned and crossed his arms. "I am the Warden-Commander of Vigil's Keep."

"But I have to! Constable's orders. We've been having trouble with smugglers and—"

It was then that the constable appeared frowning at the guard. "What are you doing, man? Are you accusing the Commander of the Grey of smuggling?"

The guard stared at him. "But I… I… you said everyone—"

The constable pinched the bridge of his nose with his fingers. "You are dismissed."

Slightly complexed, the guard bowed and left.

The constable looked at Faren with an apologetic look. "I apologise. Smugglers and thieves have all but taken over the city."

Faren nodded. "Glad to see you're taking precautions."

"Yes, Warden-Commander. The smugglers have us scrambling, to be honest," the constable frowned. "We could certainly use your help in this."

"What exactly is happening here?" Faren asked.

"With trade slowed to a crawl, smugglers have moved in—selling stolen goods at exorbitant prices," the constable explained. Then rub the back of his head. "If we could shut down the operation and sees the supplies, we could distribute it to the need."

Faren nodded. "How do I find the smugglers?"

"There is a smuggler doing business in the market. He probably knows where the hideout is. We haven't been able to get anything from him, but maybe you can."

He nodded.

They soon found the smuggler that the constable described in the market and when he saw them he turned and smiled.

"Greetings, could I interest you in—" He then frowned at him. "Wait a minute… my lads said they saw you talking to the—" His eyes then narrowed. "You should learn to stick your nose where it doesn't belong!"

He then made a run for it and then out of nowhere some of his goons appeared and did their best to stop them, but with very little success.

They practically chased him all over the city fighting his goons along the way. If nothing else they were certainly cleaning out the city and soon they saw him run outside the gates. They followed him until they reach an abandoned cottage just outside the city and found someone guarding it.

"Here to put a stop to our little operation? I can't allow that," he says he drew his sword.

It didn't take very long for them to cut their way through into the cottage. They found no trace of the smuggler, but there was a trapdoor.

The trapdoor soon led them to secret passages underneath the city itself and there was even a small dock that led out towards the sea. Faren had to hand it to the smugglers, they certainly knew what they were doing and they could certainly give the Carta a run for their money.

They found an extra passageway and discover that it actually led to the tavern strangely enough. They return to the constable and he was greatly believed that the smugglers would no longer cause any problems of the city of Amaranthine.

As they wandered through the city, Orghen looked around as if you were searching for something. "So, er… you think there's an apothecary around here somewhere?"

Faren frowned. "Are you injured?"

"Er… you could... say that…"

He didn't want to know. "We could dig up some poultices for you."

"I've tried those but they only stop the itching for a few hours…" He didn't want to know. He really didn't want to know. Oghren kept talking anyway. "Right, look. For the past few days I've had this… burning rash. The skin's actually got some sort of greenish look to it…" The man actually started to unfasten his greaves.

"I'm sure it will go away soon," Faren said quickly.

Oghren nodded. "You know, I bet it's that Grey Warden stuff we had to drink."

Faren blinked. "I've never heard of it causing a rash."

Orghen just smiled. "I'm special." That was certainly one way to put it. "Eh, I'll just see if I can't find some nice minty balm somewhere in this town."

As they wandered up to was the Chantry, Faren was surprised to find Wynne standing there.

"Well, if it isn't the Warden-Commander," she smiled when she saw him. "How have you been? I suppose congratulations are in order?"

"It's good to see you, Wynne," he said and then frowned. "I thought you went with Shale to the Tevinter Imperium?"

"Ah, afraid other matters forced me to remain here," she said. "But nevertheless it is good to see you." She then looked at him seriously. "I hear the darkspawn are not retreating as they should. It sounds like the Wardens have their hands full. I'd offered to help, but I'm afraid my presence is required elsewhere."

"Perhaps when you're done with your business?" Faren suggested.

Wynne smiled. "And by then you will no doubt have this mess sorted out. But we shall see." She then frowned. "The College of the Magi is convening in Cumberland, which is the reason why I was not able to go with Shale, I must attend. Hopefully all this will blow over before it's begun. But you have enough on your mind as it is. I shan't trouble you with this further."

Faren had a feeling that it might affect everyone, considering after a little experience at the Tower. "Indulge me. These events affect more than just the mages."

"Very well," Wynne nodded. "Then perhaps you should know that something stairs within the fraternities. The Libertarians wish to pull away entirely from the Chantry. And if they get enough support…"

Anders looked up. "Pull away entirely?" he gaped. "That's madness. I hate Chantry oversight as much as the next mage, but they can't just decide to leave. This is a recipe for disaster."

Faren crossed his arms. "This is troubling."

Wynne nodded. "Well, it could turn out to be nothing. But keep your ear to the ground, anyway. Now, I have a great many preparations to make before I leave for Nevarra. But perhaps there is something you can do for me. One of my… colleagues, Ines, has spent the last few months in the Wending Wood. The Circle has been unable to reach her, given the trouble in the area. If you happen to find yourself in the woods on your travels, perhaps you could tell her about the meeting of the College."

Faren frowned. "What's she doing in the Wending Wood?"

"Oh who knows. Rooting around in the dirt for some obscure plant or another, most likely. She has a keen interest in gardening. Oh, I'm sorry, I meant botany. Hobbies and eccentricities aside, Ines is a well-respected mage and a voice of reason, something we could use on our side."

"Will Robes be joining you there?"

"As a Warden, Daylen is technically no longer a member of the Circle. Besides, I have no idea what he's got to and he may be too busy to help with his research on the Blight." She then sighed. "I can't waste any more time. Good luck to you, Warden-Commander."

As they walked down from the Chantry a elven woman saw Anders and gestured him towards her.

"Oy! About time you showed up!"

Anders blinked. "Namaya? You're still here?"

She poked him in the chest. "I keep my promises. Here, turns out you were right. The cache is here in Amaranthine."

"It is? You found it?" He couldn't believe his ears, but then he remembered the Warden Commander was standing right behind him no doubt wondering what was going on.

"I did. What you do with that information is up to you. I, for one, am done dealing with mages." She thrust a parchment at him, and he took it.

"Er, I guess I should thank you…"

"Damned right you should." She narrowed her eyes. "You get caught, Anders, I'm not helping you again. That's all I'm saying." She stalked off.

He turned and rubbed the back of his neck. "I… suppose that requires some explanation."

Faren raise an eyebrow. "Friend of yours, I take it?"

"She's normally more welcoming than that," he said as he rubbed the back of his neck. "A lot more. Namaya is… a friend. Last time I escaped from the tower, I asked her to look into some things." He sighed. "That's why I was in Amaranthine. The Templars thought I'd come to take a ship, but it was to meet her."

"What did she learn?"

"During the Blight, the Templars moved their store of phylacteries to Amaranthine for safety." He hesitated, and then continued. "My phylactery is among them, Namaya learned. So long as the templars have that sample of my blood, they can find me. I need to destroy it."

Faren frowned. "But your Grey Warden now."

Anders crossed his arms. "What's to stop the Chantry from deciding mages in the Grey Wardens are apostates, too? I want to be sure they can't even find me again. Ever."

Faren sighed, it was obvious he was in two minds of this. You're right. They shouldn't be allowed to control you."

Ander just stared. It sounded like the man actually meant it. "I know we're busy killing darkspawn and all. But the sooner we find this vial, the better I'll feel."

They found the warehouse all right and Faren wasn't sure why he was doing this. There again this was an excellent way to get Anders loyalty and since he was such short-handed he couldn't really afford to lose any Wardens.

As they approached Anders tightened his grip on his staff. "No guards? Maybe they don't want to draw attention."

Then Rylock stepped out of the next room, accompanied by a dozen Templars. He really hated that woman. "And here I almost believed the infamous Anders wouldn't take the bait."

"Ah. Yes, I suppose I should have known it would be you," he grumbled.

She turned to Faren. "You made a poor choice with this one, Commander. Anders will never submit, not to us and not to you."

Faren narrowed his eyes. "He has made a fine Grey Warden so far."

Anders stared. Rylock smirked. "'So far', yes." She gave Faren what she probably intended to be a reassuring nod. "I'll make sure this murderer is never a bother to anyone again."

"What? No, you can't arrest me! King Alistair allowed my conscription," Anders said in desperation.

She sneered. "The Chantry's authority supersedes the crown in this matter. You cannot hide within the Grey Warden's ranks."

"No," said Faren calmly and firmly. "He stays with us."

"Hardly surprising. The Grey Wardens have ever been a haven for criminals and maleficar. I do not know how you inspire such loyalty, Anders, but it will avail you naught. Now you come with us."

She started to take a step towards him, and he felt the templar power that negated his magic as she started to draw her sword. And then she grunted as the Commander's hammer blocked it. He then spun and took out the Templar sending her straight into the wall and she slammed into it so hard she broke her neck.

Nathaniel and Oghren went for their weapons. He can believe what he was seen… they were defending him. He smiled as he brought his staff down on a Templar's skull.

Anders still had a disbelieving look on his face. "Hmmm… I wonder if Namaya knew about this? I guess it doesn't really matter." He shook his head. "Thank you. You stood by me, and I appreciate that."

"You're a friend. Friends stick up for each other," he said.

Anders was taken aback. "I… guess they do." He looked around at the corpses. "Anyhow, let's go before someone rushes in to waggle a finger at us."

Moments later, they reached the tavern, The Crown and Lion, and Faren approach the bartender.

"Something I can do for you, friend?"

"Did a Grey Warden named Kristoff come through here?"

The man sneered at him. "And who are you supposed to be that's asking?"

"I would be his commander."

The man started to shake his head. "An dwarf? I…" He stopped, and his eyes suddenly widened. "Yes, of course!" He spoke with forced friendliness. "Haven't seen that Kristoff fellow for almost a week now. Not sure where he went. His room's paid up to the end of the month. I guess he expected to be here a while."

"Did you ever speak to Kristoff?"

"Not much. He chatted up Sorcha a bit when she brought him his dinner. Maybe talk to her." He gestured at a young serving girl.

"I'd like the key to Kristoff's room."

"Of course. Here you go." He pointed. "It's the last room at the end of the hall. If he comes back and gets upset, however, it's on your head."

He walked to the barmaid. She gave him an appreciative smile. "I understand you spoke to Kristoff?"

"We chatted a bit. He was a friendly sort, for a Grey Warden. Spent most of his nights here, drinking. Wasn't ever loud or too forward. Haven't seen him for maybe a week, now?"

"Did he ever talk about what he was doing?"

"Said he was tracking some darkspawn. One particular group that's been raiding outside the city. He told me they were acting strange, those darkspawn. Acting obvious, like they wanted to be caught or something. I expect he caught them. Probably why he hasn't been back, right?" she said it confidently.

"Where did he go? Do you know?"

"No. He took a lot of notes while he drank, always writing things down. Maybe there's something in his room?" she smiled. "Send him my best when you see him."

He nodded and made his way to Kristoff's room, he did like this one that. Sounded as if he was walking into a trap, he really hope he wasn't too late.

Once the entered into Kristoff's room founded almost completely bare, except for a wooden crate, some notes on a table and the map of the area.

"Let's look through his things, we might find a clue," said Faren.

Oghren began looking through the chest. "Bah, just some personal items," he said.

Anders looked through the notes on the table. "It mentions a place called the Blackmarsh and something about a monstrous worm with legs," he read.

"I've never heard of such a thing," said Faren frowned.

Nathaniel looked at the map on the wall. "Several areas been crossed out except for the Blackmarsh," he said studying it thoroughly.

"Looks like we're heading to the Blackmarsh," said Faren.

He wasn't sure what awaited them, but he had a bad feeling about this.