They reached Vigil's Keep and at once, very surprisingly, Velanna approach the statue of Andraste. Her expression was unreadable as if she was unable to decide whether she should hate her or respect.

"I should hate her, but I don't," she said looking at the statue. "I can respect a woman who fights for freedom and justice."

Faren raise an eyebrow. "But she's human?"

She glared down at him. "I can look past petty hatred, when I have reason to. She freed the elven slaves." She looked back at the statue in slight amusement. "Funny, isn't it? Andrate fought a tyrannical empire, only to have her followers become one themselves."

Faren knew that the Chantry wasn't perfect, but from all tense and purposes it was a lot better than the Imperium. "An interesting observation."

"People with power never failed to abuse it. Even those with good intentions."

Faren crossed his arms. "And wouldn't it be the same if the Dalish had power?"

Velanna shook her head violently. "No, I seek justice for my people and… that is all. We would not be like—" She stopped herself as she watched Faren raise an eyebrow. "I… I wish to end this conversation. Let us be on our way."

He found Varel waiting in the hall.

"Commander…"

"Another wishes to undertake the Joining," he said.

Varel sighed. "I hope the fare better than Sir Mhairi. I'll make the preparations.

Moments later, Velanna was standing in front of Faren and Varel as he handed her the goblet.

"For this moment fourth, Velanna, you are a Grey Warden."

"Then let it be," she said as she drank from the goblet.

They stepped back and seconds later she collapsed. Varel examined her and could tell that she was still breathing.

"She yet draws breath, Commander," he said. "She will recover."

He found Oghren, and wasn't completely surprised to find that he was drunk, in the mess hall.

"Uh… you're gonna pay me, right?" he said barely able to stand on his two feet. "For all that arse-whooping I do for you?"

Faren shook his head. "You'll get a stipend, if the nobles pay their dues."

"A stipend," he snickered. "That's good." Then he looked at him blankly. "Yeah… what's a stipend?"

Faren rubbed his forehead and trying to resist the urge to pump Oghren. "It's the money we pay you."

"Money! There's a word I understand," he said cheerfully. "What an arrangement! You feed me, and I get to take my frustration hours on the darkspawn." He then looked at him with a drunkard look. "Anyway, can I have a pony?"

Faren laughed, but then he saw that Oghren looked quite serious, or as serious as one might be well drunk. "You're serious, aren't you?"

"Nah, it's okay. I know you think I'm… I'm just—" He then looked at him. "Branka used to collect these little… little horse statues, back when… back…" He suddenly began to change a shade of green. "Whoa… everything's spinning… and you're… very shiny. Gonna go sit down… now."

He then collapsed.

Nathaniel was looking at the history of the Grey Wardens when he saw the Commander approach.

"You know, I'm actually not the first Howe to be a Grey Warden," he said.

The Commander smirked. "Carrying on the family tradition, then?"

He smiled. "Following my grandfather's footsteps, more like. His name was Fadric Howe. He joined the order before it returned to Ferelden, just after the war." He then closed his eyes. "Never contacted his family again, just vanished. Now that I know about the Joining, I think he died."

The Commander closes eyes. "Many good men and women die in the Joining."

Nathaniel nodded. "I know that now. Father always said he was a horrible man for banding the family to join a pointless cause. I grew up ashamed of my grandfather, but now I see is bravery. That would take some getting used to."

"The only shame was your father's."

Nathaniel nodded. "My father often forgot 'nobility' has another meaning. You know, my grandfather had a bow passed down from his grandfather; I wonder if it's still around?" He then looked at the Commander seriously. "At any rate, we should probably get back to it. There are darkspawn to kill, I'll bet. Somewhere."

He decided to check up on Velanna and found that she was just staring at the library, but not taking a book for off the shelves.

"I envy the humans for so many things, but sometimes, I envy them most for their tales." Velanna glared at the book shelf. "Even the youngest human child knows of at least a dozen heroes of legend. These tales are taken for granted, they are so abundant. Oh, it makes me angry, sometimes. We Dalish have lost most of our history and our legends. What we do remember, we hold dear."

Theron had also been obsessed with stories and elven legends. Of course, that man had dealt with the issue by going out and becoming an elven legend. "We can share stories. They belong to everyone." At least, that had been Theron's philosophy. Despite them getting on the nerves, he did miss listening to Theron and Leliana trade stories at camp.

"But does a human value the tale of Paragon Aeducan as much as he does Dane and the Werewolf? Stories connect us to our past. They shape a people in profound ways. Without them, we are lost. I just wish I could so something to restore this lost part of our soul."

"Make your own stories," Faren suggested.

She scoffed. "Now you are just being ridiculous."

"Hey, Theron is writing his own book about our little adventures during the Blight and he and Killer made a big enough impact on the elven people," said Faren.

Velanna looked at him blankly. "Killer?"

"I mean Kallian Tabris, the first elven bann," he said. "I believe she's trying to help the Dalish sort themselves out at Ostagar and giving the elves rights.

Velanna didn't say a word and just simply left, she was certainly not like Theron.

He came across Justice as he took in his new surroundings.

"This world is nothing like I thought it would be," he said in awe. "The demons lust across the Veil, but the rest of us scoff. We pity mortals, we do not envy them."

"Perhaps you should help us, instead," Faren suggested.

"The spirits consider mortals beyond their reach, and beyond help," he said sadly. "They do not understand. We are wrong about this world. There is beauty here… and the mortals, they are worth saving. You helped me in the Fade, and have proven yourself since. It's not right to judge all mortals the same."

"So glad you approve."

Justice looked around making sure they weren't overheard and then leaned in closer. "I wonder… may I make a request?" Faren nodded. "There is something in this world you call lyrium. Might you find me an object made from it?"

Faren stared at him. "Raw lyrium is dangerous, even to my people and we're resistant to it.

"Not to body that's already dead, surely." Faren had to admit that he did have a good point. "I desire only the smallest bit of pure rock. The version of lyrium that mortals dream of in the fade… it is not the same. Here, it sings."

Faren had heard tales from the Mining Caste that lyrium sung to them, helping them mining it, but that was just the Stone guiding them to it.

"I'll see what I can do," he said.

"Thank you. That is most kind."

When you return to the hall he found it full of he thought for a moment about sneaking past, then shook his head, opened the door, and walked through the crowd.

Varel noticed him as he approached. "All rise. The Warden-Commander and liege lord of all Amaranthine enters." He gave Faren an apologetic look when Faren moved to stand next to him. "I've held it off as long as I could, but you hold the right of high justice on your land. Certain matters of court must be decided."

Faren was starting to grow tired of politics. "Anything I should know before we proceed?"

"By custom, the claimants make their case to you. I'll advise you after, and then you rule." He must have seen the irritation on Faren's face. "The seneschal of the Vigil can hold court, as well, if the arl commands it."

"A little warning would have been nice." Then again, looking around at the staring faces, maybe he'd made exactly the right impression.

"There is a matter with Ser Temmerly that simply couldn't wait."

"Let's begin."

"Be seated. The Warden-Commander will first hear the matter of the crown against the sheepherder Alec."

Captain Garevel stepped forward. "On behalf of the crown, I submit that Alec stole two bushels of grain bound for the garrison in Amaranthine. When confronted by soldiers, he confessed. The punishment for theft from the crown is death by hanging."

"What say you, Alec?" Varel asked.

"My sheep were slaughtered by the darkspawn. My… my family was starving. I ask for mercy, Commander. Mercy."

"The poor bugger," Varel murmured. "Had he stolen from anyone besides the crown, he'd escape with a flogging."

He looked into the young man's eyes and can help but find that there was something special about him. Theron always had good hunches when it came to following his gut and they always turned out for the best. "Join the army and your life will be spared, your family fed."

Surprise and gratitude showed on Alec's face. "Thank you, thank you!"

He saw disapproval on the faces of the nobles. They should know their duty was to protect their people, for he knew what would happen if the common people get overlooked. They turn to criminals.

"The next matter is of a civil nature. Lady Liza Packton is the sovereign of Teyrn's Down. She—"

The dour woman stepped forward. "I prefer to speak for myself. The old Arl Rendon Howe made certain promises to me." She held out a document. "Some of these he committed to paper. I was given the right to the incomes of the southern bridge."

Another noble shook his head angrily. One of the ones that had bent knee willingly at the ceremony. And if he recalled correctly, he'd seen the man at the Landsmeet as well. "And what part did you take in Howe's conspiracies, eh, Liza? To get such a fruitful prize." He turned to Faren. "I am Ser Derren, and it's my land she seeks. Taken from me because I was one of the few nobles who stood against Teyrn Loghain."

Varel's voice was urgent. "Commander, Ser Derren is an ally—and Amaranthine has precious few who support you wholeheartedly. If there's any hope of persuading more nobles to your cause, you must be fair-minded."

He had every intention of being fair. "It's legal, Derren. But I swear I'll make this up to you." He might not know how, but he'll certainly find a way.

"My father built that bridge. But… very well. I place my trust in you."

"The commander has spoken. The matter is resolved." Varel shifted his weight. "Bring in Ser Temmerly the Ox."

Garavel gave the man a hateful look. "Ser Temmerly stands accused of a murder most foul." He pointed at the massive man. "You and your men came upon Ser Tamra in the dead of night and did cravenly ambush her."

Temmerly gave a smug smile. "You dare too much, Captain Garavel. I am noble born, and will not submit to your accusations."

"You are accused of murder, ser! My soldiers found you fleeing while Ser Tamra's blood was still hot."

"There's a great deal of traffic on the roads." Temmerly's eyes looked down at Faren. "Not all of it human. And it's so dangerous at night." He smirked. "We were merely in a hurry to reach a nice, safe place."

"You mock this court with your denials."

"You have nothing, Captain. Release me, Commander—it's this common lout's word against mine."

Varel sighed. "You will recall Ser Tamra as the knight who warned us against a conspiracy. Ser Temmerly was a confederate of Arl Howe."

"Is there really no more evidence against him?" He didn't need it, but it would be nice.

"Only some blood on their clothes - a sadly common sight on travelers these days." Varel shook his head. "Besides that, nothing. The captain looked into the matter thoroughly."

"What would happen if we executed him?"

"There'd be some outrage. There's no love for the Ox, but he's a noble. With such scant evidence… But you are within your rights to execute him."

He looked at Varel grimly. "The conspiracies real. And they claimed their first victim."

Varel nodded grimly. "I fear you're correct."

He scanned the faces of the nobles. Releasing the Ox or ordering his execution would play right into their hands. Damn their bloody game, but since he was a Paragon now he better get used to it for this are the sort of thing that happens in the assembly according to Sereda. "Imprison him during our very, very long investigation."

The smug look on Temmerly's vanished. "What's the meaning of this? You can't do this!"

Varel had a little trouble not laughing. "Oh, but the Commander very much can." He squared his shoulders. "This session of the arling's court is over." He glanced at Faren. "And Maker help me, I hope the next one is easier than this."

No sooner had the nobles left a dwarven woman planted herself in front of him. "Where is he? I know he's here. Cough him up, Warden."

He realised that this must be Felsi. She wasn't exactly how Theron and Kallian described her.

She folded her arms and glared glaring. He had a feeling if the darkspawn didn't kill Oghren she would. "I don't know you're talking about."

"You're not going to pull the moss over my eyes." She started towards him, and he started backing away. Why was she looking at him like something was his fault? "Oghren, you get your hairy ass down here—"

"Hang onto your beard, woman. Is this a conjugal visit?" Oghren snickered. "Looking for Oghren to grease the old wheel?" He was beginning to wonder why he was still standing there and decided to leave the two married couple alone. But when he started to move, and Felsi grabbed hold of one of the straps on his breastplate and yanked him back before turning her attention back to Oghren.

"Don't lay a finger on me! You've done a lot of stupid things on a whim, but joining the Wardens—" Ah. That's why it was his fault.

Oghren laughed. "Didn't you say it would be… hot?"

"We were role-playing!"

Faren silently prayed for the ancestors to open the ground beneath his feet and swallow him up.

"This is getting awkward," he said as he tried to move slowly away, but Felsi pinned him to the floor with a glare. He'd seen less frightening ogres. Come to think of it, he'd seen less frightening dragons.

"See, you're making my boss uncomfortable," he said.

"You'd think your friends would have developed an immunity to embarrassment by now," said Felsi fiercely.

"Look, I didn't sign up on a whim, all right? You kicked me out."

"You were just looking for an excuse."

Oghren shook his head. "You kept trying to make me into something I'm not. I can't play house like you want me to." He sighed. "I'm only good at one thing, Fels, and it's killing."

"Maybe you two should calm down," Faren suggested.

Oghren shook his head. "No… no, Commander. We should've had this out before."

Felsi poked Oghren in the chest. "You had a good thing in the army. They respected you."

Oghren sighed. "Felsi, I finally got the ol'conker on straight and I don't belong anywhere but here."

"Fine, Oghren. If that's what you want. The baby and I will just have to get by without you." She turned and stalked out.

Right now he would rather want to face a high dragon. Maybe two dragons. And another archdemon. Oghren just stood there and grumbled. "Aren't you going after her?" Faren asked.

"I'd just end up being hit. She's a tiny thing but packs a surprising wallop, and in this mood she'd go straight for my danglers." Oghren walked back to the stairs.

He stood there for a moment.

He'd really, really rather face an archdemon. Then he sighed, and went after Felsi.

"Felsi, wait."

She whirled on him, and he took a step back. "What?"

"Look, I'll see if I can't get Oghren to take a more active role being a father."

"No offense, but I don't think anyone can change that man around. He's as stubborn as an ox."

He wanted to point so was she, but he rather not spend the next day in in bed recovering from Felsi's ferocity.

"You might be surprised."

He then walked back to the fort and knew he was going to have his work cut out for him.

When he returned to the front gates he found the entire phrase in uproar. Farmers, workmen and many others were gathered around yelling at the top of their voices at the guard try to hold them back.

"Thank the Maker you arrived," Garavel said as he approached. "Things are getting out of hand."

"You don't say," he said.

"My son is starving! Open the granaries." Voices called out from the crowd. "Bloody feed your people."

Varel sighed. "I fear this must be work of the conspiracy against you when the Wardens. If the common folk just rose up on their own, I'll eat my boot." He gave Faren a hopeful look. "Maybe you can say a few words? Calm them down. Make them see reason."

"Varel, you don't coddle a revolt. You put it down. Just give me the order."

"We will not be—"

"Let the commander speak."

"But we must eat! We—"

"Quiet."

He was very much not in the mood for this. It was an order he would never give. Ever. But there was no reason they needed to know that. "I kill darkspawn by the score. What are a few peasants?"

"What? What do you mean?"

"You will all die. And your families will suffer."

"Y-you're bluffing. You wouldn't do that."

Faren looked at Garavel and nodded. Garavel raised his hand about to give the order.

"They'll kill us," said a woman.

One by one they began to disperse and Faren sighed with relief. He was glad they saw reason, the last thing he wanted was to kill innocents.

Garavel was shaking his head. "I don't know how you did that. Men, stand down. I'll be in the keep."

Varel turned to him. "Before this… mess began, some nobles were awaiting an audience with you."

"What is it you human say? 'It never rains but it pours'?" Faren sighed.

Varel nodded. "I'll be in the keep."

They entered into the hall and found Bann Esmerelle standing there in her armour with some of her soldiers. Faren had a bad feeling about this even before you step into the room.

"Bann Esmerelle, the commander. What was this urgent matter?" Varel asked.

"I am here about the good arl," she then glared at Faren. "The good arl your friends killed."

Varel narrowed his eyes. "You're still loyal to Arl Howe?"

"Rendon was good to us. Good to me," she glared. "And now his death will finally be avenged."

Varel saw out of the corner of his eye, an elven assassin aiming a crossbow at Faren. Just as the assassin fired the bolt, he blocked it with his arm and roared in pain.

Faren quickly pull out his hammer and knocked away the two guards that attacked him. It was then that he noticed that Lady Morag and Sir Timothy will also with Bann Esmerelle and they charged at him.

He blocked Morag's sword with the handle of his hammer and spun in time to slam it into Timothy's shield sending him straight to one of the wooden posts. He then quickly pull out a dagger and stuck it into Morag's leg, causing her to drop and leaving her unprotected when he slammed his hammer on top of her head.

Bann Esmerelle charge towards him and rolled out of the way just as she swung her sword. He then used the momentum to slam it right into the back causing her to topple over and then he slammed his foot on top of her neck.

He went to examine the bodies of the assassins and discovered that they were Antivan Crow. Clearly, Kallian and Zevran had not killed all the Crows, but he hoped that would be the last of them.

Seconds later, Garavel arrived in the shook his head at the mess in hall. "First riot, now this… Blast it."

He bent down and examined Varel's wound. "Varrel's been hit. It looked glancing, he'll live."

"See that he does. He may have just saved my life."

Garavel nodded. "I'll have the herbalist attend them immediately." He then walked over towards him and his eyes widened as he saw the face of Bann Esmerelle. "Andraste's blood, that's—that's Bann Esmerelle."

Faren nodded. "And thus ends the conspiracy."

"She was a fool to attack you. I'll have trusted men clear this up. We can keep this quiet for while."

"Good, but we need to find a way to keep the suspicion off of us."

"Of course, Commander."

Once they disposed of the bodies, Faren went to see how Varel was doing. He were still on the mend and his arm was heavily bandaged.

He smiled as he saw him approach. "You're not here on my account? It's just a scratch."

Faren could tell from his voice that it was stinging a bit. "No diving in front of arrows. That's an order," he said firmly.

Varel laughed, but ended up wincing in pain. "I'm flattered by the attention, but even the herbalist admits that it looks worse than it is. I'll be barking orders for you in no time, Commander."

He went to talk to Voldrik and informed him that he had found a suitable granite deposit and gave him permission to use and then to secure the site. He then went over to his brother, Dworkin about the explosives he was developing.

"Oh, you're back to visit old Dworkin?" he said.

"You're in luck—I found some lyrium sand," he said pointing out the back of the sand.

"Wonderful. We can start making more explosives," Dworkin said eagerly, a little too eagerly.

"Warden, before you let my brother blow himself to little bitsies, tell him to be careful," Voldrik yelled.

"Don't listen to Voldrik. I know what I'm about," he assured.

"And how many apprentices have you lost? Three? No, four?"

"We all know the risks. If we succeed our names will go down in history."

Faren didn't fancy losing his fortress, not after they just finished rebuilding it. "Your brother is right. You're no use to anyone dead."

"Fine, we'll be safe," he then glared at his brother. "Happy now, Voldrik?" Voldrik nodded and Dworkin turned back to look at him and handed him a few grenades. "Thank you for your help. Please, take these. Use them to give those beasties a what-for. Ha!"

Faren met the others just outside the gate as they began to make their way back to the city.

"So, are we all going?" Nathaniel asked.

"We've got enough numbers to defend the keep and revenge outside," said Faren and he looked at Nathaniel and Justice. "Nathaniel, you and Justice to stay here. The rest of us will check out this rumour of a darkspawn hideout."

They were making their way through a forest and suddenly came across several Dalish elves.

"Andaran atish'an, travellers," said one of them as he approached them. "Do not be startled. We only wish to be about our way."

Velanna stared at him. "Marren?"

The Dalish named Marren stared at Velanna in surprise. "Velanna. Well, well, this is certainly a surprise." He then looked towards Anders. "You, travelling with—"

"Humans—yes," Velanna finished. "Believe me, the irony does not escape me, clanmate."

Marren narrowed his eyes. "We are no longer your clan, Velanna."

Faren frowned. "What is he talking about?"

"Velanna was exiled—she does not have a clan. We—"

"Stop," said Velanna. "I do not wish to speak of this." She then took a deep breath and looked at Marren. "Marren, the others who left with me… they are dead. And Seranni is gone, taken by the darkspawn."

Faren looked at Marren. "If she's still alive, we will find her."

"Thank you, whoever you are," said Marren, in mild surprise. "You have my gratitude." He then turned and looked at Velanna. "Ilshae warned her not to go with you, Velanna. You see what you brought on her?"

"Then tell Ilshae that she was right?" Velanna crossed her arms and annoyance. "Oh, I can see her smug—"

Marren cut across her. "Ilshae has passed on. You know nothing but hatred. The clan is better off without your poison."

Faren was and allow anyone to say that one of his of his Wardens. "That's not true. Velanna loves her sister."

Marren blinked. "You can friends defend you? This speaks volumes, Velanna." He then turned and looked at the rest of his people. "Ah, we lingered too long. Andruil guide your path, Velanna."

Once he was gone Velanna turned on Faren angrily. "Do not make a fuss over me! Let us be on our way."

Once they reached the city, several elves approached them, but there were more interested in Velanna.

"It's a Dalish! Nella, come see!"

"Ooh, she's very stern, isn't she?" The other elf turned towards her friend. "What's she doing here, do you think?"

And there Velanna went. "I'm right here, you slack-jawed oafs! At least have the courtesy to speak when I pass by."

"Oh… w-we're sorry, great lady. We didn't mean to offend."

"You two should have chosen your words more carefully," Faren advised in order to prevent more yelling from Velanna.

"Yes, we are very, very sorry."

Velanna shook her head. "Look how they cower. They're like frightened animals. The sight of them sickens me."

Faren rolled his eyes. "They cowered because you yelled at them."

Velanna glared down at him. "What would you have me do? Encourage the cringing ways?" She gestured back at the other elves. "Who will stand up for them, or respect them, if they allow themselves to be terrified by passerby?"

He'd seen alienage elves armed with shovels and rocks stand against a horde. "You're a particularly scary passerby."

She scoffed. "It makes no difference. Human, Dalish, dwarf—no one should be able to tell them their place." She turned back to the elves. "You two. A Dalish amulet, carved from the heart of a tree as old as this world. Remember who you are."

He saw Velanna examining a tree, and walked over to collect her. "This is a beautiful tree," she said. "I did not expect to find one strong and thriving in a shemlen town."

"Nature always finds a way."

"Nature does, indeed." Her voice took on a lecturing tone. "You may not recognise, but this is a dahl'amythal—the tree of Mythal. Our keepers' staves are cut from its like." She sighed. "Our keeper, Ilshae, had such a staff cut for me, for when I would take on her role."

"So you were never given your staff?"

"Clearly not, and besides, why do you care?" She waved a dismissive hand at him. "Ah, enough of this. I wish to move on."

He couldn't believe he was actually starting to miss Theron. Mervis was waiting for them. He stood when he saw them approach. "You're back! Have you any news?"

"I've dealt with your problem. The killings should stop now."

"Really? Oh, that's wonderful news!" He smiled broadly. "I hope the culprits have been brought to justice."

Faren didn't look at Velanna. "They have. In a sense."

"I promised a donation, didn't I? Here… take this, with the Merchants' Guild's compliments."

Velanna gave him the strangest look. It felt like her eyes were boring into the back of his skull. And yet, surprisingly, she actually seemed pleased.

He went to fulfil the final wish of the Warden he found at the Wending Wood and found that his wife had been cheating on him. It was clear that his death did upset, but what upset him more was the fact that he decided to come to Ferelden and he decided to leave after giving her the ring.

A few questions of the refugees led him to Colbert. The man started off hostile. "Eh? What are you staring at? Looking to start something?"

"Are you the hunter who found an entrance to the Deep Roads?"

Colbert nodded. "Ah, here to investigate the chasm, are you? It's about time." He gestured at the elf standing beside him. "I can't take all the credit for finding the rift, you know. Micah here fell in first."

Micah grunted and glared.

"Tell me what happened."

"It's quite a ways out of town. We were tracking a buck off in that direction, you see… before this darkspawn mess. We'd been on his tail for about a week at that point. I'd wager he thought it was great fun, leading us on a merry chase as he did."

"Go on."

"That buck was a sly one, he was. He had big feet and a—"

Micah interrupted with a grunt and an elbow.

"Oh, the chasm! Yes, er… we saw it coming over a rise." He gestured as he spoke, sketching the shape in the air. "It was really something to behold, a huge cleft, as though the Maker himself had cracked the earth in two, like… like an egg."

"I like eggs," Micah said.

Colbert continued, "It looked like someone had tried to build over it, but it must have been abandoned a long time ago. No one in town knew about it."

"Who tried to build over it?"

"People, I suppose? Maybe even the darkspawn." He began gesturing again, nearly hitting Micah in the face as he did so. "Well, of course we had to investigate! That was when Micah fell in. A shriek like you wouldn't believe, and he was gone."

Micah shook his head defensively. "Earth crumbled. Not stable."

"Right, and as Micah lay there yelling about his knee or his head or what have you, the darkspawn appeared."

"Looks like you survived."

"We got lucky. They seemed… occupied, like they had some place really important they had to be. Didn't notice us at all. Thank the Maker."

Anders folded his arms sceptically. "The darkspawn were so occupied as to overlook two screaming, injured men? Boggles the mind."

"I marked the chasm on my map so we could avoid it, but it sounds like you want to know where it is, so here you go." Colbert handed Faren the heavily stained map, then looked at him hopefully. "So… are we getting anything for our trouble?"

"Here's a sovereign."

Colbert's eyes nearly fell out of his head. "A whole sovereign? If there's ever a reason to fall into a darkspawn pit, here it is. Maker bless you."