Dragon 9:30, 5th Solace

REDCLIFFE CASTLE

Teyrn Loghain and his wife entered the castle of Redcliffe with rest of their party. Arlessa Isolde come to them in a rush. 'Thanks the Maker, you are here!'

'Something happened, Arlessa?' Loghain turned to woman, expecting bad news from the start.

'Mage came to my castle, they took care of my little boy. He's clean of demon possession. Uh… they will take him to Circle in two days… but there is more. They can't cure my husband… what will happen to Eamon?'

'Mhm… so that idiotic Blood Mage did some good work, huh?' Morrigan chuckled and regarded Arlessa with usual smirk on her face. Nevertheless Isolde didn't comment on that. In the meanwhile Teagan came to them as well.

'Your Teyrnship, man who looked for a cure came to us from his errand.' Loghain turned to Bann. 'Better let's talk in Eamon study.

'Fine, Lady Isolde, please take care of everyone. They need to rest. Mahria, Bryce, Nathaniel come with me.' Four of them proceeded to Eamon study.

STUDY

Mac Tirs, Bryce and Nathaniel went with Teagan to Eamon's study. Bann related to them story about one of Arl's knights who was looking for Urn of Sacred Ashes. 'You want me to believe that some ashes will cure Eamon state, Teagan?' Loghain sighed and shook his head. Bann's revelations about some crazy errand made him angry. They had more important thing to do than chasing some myths. 'Maker preserve me, that world is getting more crazy with each passing day.'

'And you keep to call me that… now I think I'm perfectly normal.' Mahria regarded ceiling with her usual manner, she also smirked at whole situation.

'Please, just listen, Your Teyrnship… Ser Donall came to Redcliffe today. He said he was in Lothering first then he went to Denerim to Brother's Genitivi home. He was ambushed there but luckily he managed to kill those people. From what he learned, Urn of Sacred Ashes is located in Haven.' Teagan sighed. He knew that everything sounded ridiculous, but they didn't have much of a choice.

'What do you think, Loghain?' Mahria pulled her head down and turned to her husband, gazing at him with curiosity.

'I don't have men to spare... We need to wait for Duncan's messenger. We need to be ready to go to Ostagar.' He brushed his hair in nervous manner. 'And Grey Wardens from Weisshaupt and Montsimmard will come here in few days, so I was told. Maker… Orleasians...' Mahria stood up and started to pace around room for a moment. Then she turned to Loghain.

'Let me go there. I will take Nathaniel and Morrigan with me… and maybe Solona and that fellow… Zevran. Just give me four of your men and I'll take four of my archers. We make it quick… Where is Haven by the way? Give me your map.' Loghain took map from a puch and unfolded it. They leaned above piece of paper.

'It's not here.' Loghain regarded map for a moment then moved his eyes to look at Mahria. 'There is no Haven on this map. But... I remember that on older maps... it was… somewhere around here.' Loghain pointed at Frostback Mountains. 'Strange it was erased on this one.'

'This one you got recently, yes?' Mahria looked at map suspiciously. 'Someone wanted to wipe Haven existence?'

'That must be so... are you sure you want to go?' Mac Tir looked at wife with mixed feelings. Something was not right here.

'We don't have any other options, do we?' She shrugged her shoulders then turned to Nathaniel. 'What do you think, Nate? Want some adventure?'

'Idiot… if there was an ambush in Denerim… what will we face in Haven, I wonder? And those Crows...'

'Mahria… I don't thin-' Bryce started but as always his daughter didn't let him finish.

'Pa. I'm grown woman now… and wife… and captain of royal army. Please, stop with worrying about me. If anyone cross my path, he will just regret it. Do not worry, it will be fun.' She smiled mischievously. 'Fine, we'll leave tomorrow. No time to waste. Is that fine, Commander?' Loghain regarded Mahria and nodded.

'Yes, Captain. Now, let's change into something more comfortable.'

'There will be supper in a moment, Your Teyrnship.' Teagan stated then gestured toward the doors. 'Please let me escort you to your chambers and then let's eat together.'

MAC TIR'S GUESTROOM

After supper and endless talk with Arlessa and rest Mahria and Loghain returned to their chamber. Mahria took her bow and checked if everything is fine, she waxed bow string and polished wooden part of the bow. Loghain watched his wife in silence, he was mesmerized by her moves, her gentle approach toward weapon she used to train with, to hunt and to kill people. After Mahria finished with bow, she started to polish her sword and dagger. While polishing, she noticed her husband looking at her. 'Hmmm?'

'I don't really like the idea of you leaving me here...'

'Don't fret, General, your Invader will come back swiftly.' Mahria smiled at him, still polishing the sword 'Just consider it as one of my patrols, a longer one.'

'It was really long ago since you were on a patrol... But I don't have choice, it's better if someone I trust will go to Haven. And you are only one I trust here.' Then he stood up and approached Mahria. 'Let it go, it's polished and shiny already.' He took sword from Mahria's hands to put it away, and pulled her up. Like every time, her legs were swinging above the ground, she felt so tiny in Loghain's arms. 'I need to inhale you, so your scent and taste will remain with me for the time you will be away.'

'Such a possessive husband.' She moved her head to his neck, sniffing it with purr sounds. 'I want it as well. Take me, love, I need you. Now.'

'And who is possessive here, huh?' After they were done with coupling they were laying on the bed, embraced. 'Do you think you will find anything in Haven?'

'Dunno… Maybe… If someone ambushed that knight in Denerim, that's mean there is something there. Something worth hiding.' Mahria looked at the ceiling and sighed. 'Haven… strange… you know anything about that place?'

'Not much. I recall it was marked on my older maps. It's sheer luck I remember where it's located. You will need to ask people about it… during your travel.'

'Yes, I know.' Mahria started to think deeply. Secret village with old powerful relic, that was really strange for her. Loghain looked at her and embraced her firmly. 'What is it?' She turned to him, question in gaze.

'Maker… we should be in Gwaren now.'

'Not talking to each other… yes... it would be better.' Mahria looked askance at him.

'Don't say that...'

'Sorry… you're right… we should be in Gwaren… making another baby right now… but we are here, with pile of shit on our heads… when spy from Amaranthine will come here?' She quickly changed the subject.

'In a few days. I'll question him. This is too much, Mahria… that bastard Howe tried to kill twins… poisoned Eamon… turned Circle of Magi into one big, crazy place full of abominations and demons... ' Loghain started to count.

'Do not forget he wanted to kill both of us as well.'

'Ah, yes. I completely forgot.' Loghain chuckled. 'I wonder what else he planned.'

Dragon 9:30, 7th Solace

EAMON STUDY

Loghain was sitting in Eamon study as he claimed it for himself for a time being. When he overheard faint knocking he raised his head above the reports and letters. 'Come in.'

'Your Teyrnship, spy from Amaranthine came just now. You wished to speak to him.'

'Ah, yes. Bring him here.' Loghain waited for a moment for the man. When he entered, Mac Tir gestured to him to sit down on the other side of big wooden desk. 'Good day to you, Lark.'

'Your Teyrnship.' Man named Lark lowered his head in a bow. 'How can I be in service? You ordered me to came here in haste.'

'Lark, I need some explanations from you.' Mac Tir looked at spy with angered face. 'Please explain to me, how is it possible… that you hadn't inform us about Howe's attempt to murder Arl Eamon? Or Howe's plans in Circle of Magi? Or him hiring assassin to kill me and my wife?' Spy eyes widened at those statements.

'I… no… It's first time I hear those. I was at his side almost all time, Your Teyrnship! It's impossible!'

'Almost, you say?' Loghain eye's narrowed.

'Only in Denerim he managed to get away from me, but I tried to send my men after Arl even then.' Man seemed really confused to Loghain. 'I can't explain how it happened… how he managed to plan all those things… maybe… he had some shadow supporter?'

'And when he went in Denerim?'

'To Alienage, Your Teyrnship. He met there with someone, that I was reported about. Although my men couldn't tell me with whom he met. They just said it was bald beggar, he epokę with nim for a moment then tossed nim some coins. Then he had walked around Alienage for some time and went back to Royal Court. I send a report to His Majesty..'

'Bald beggar…? I bet it was Uldred. In Alienage you say?' Man nodded to Loghain. 'Maker… Thank you, Lark. You can rest now...' When spy left the study, Loghain stood up from the chair and approached window, buried in thoughts. 'Who was your secret sidekick, Howe? Uldred? I don't think so… There must be more to it… What a shame you're dead… I should had interrogated you more. Bastard.'

Dragon 9:30, 9th Solace

HAVEN VILLAGE

After Mahria left with her party to Haven she looked for any information about the village. Everyone tried to ask people they met on the road, but no one knew anything. Even merchants said that they didn't really go there, as people of Haven were harsh and didn't welcome any strangers. After four days they got to secluded village. They were greeted by guard, in rather unwelcomed manner. 'What are you doing in Haven? There is nothing for you here.' Mahria regarded him, as his voice was really similar to Loghain… but her stir faded away quickly and looked around.

'So this is Haven, huh? I'm Teyrna Mahria Mac Tir, in behalf of King Maric Theirin I came to look for something that might be here.' She looked at guard, not intimidated by his words at all.

'What do you want?'

'I'm looking for Brother Genitivi. From what I know, he came here a while ago.'

'Who?' Guard looked at Mahria curiously, somehow she knew it was fake curiosity. 'Perhaps Revered Father Eirik will know of whom you speak. Unfortunately he is ministering to the villagers, and cannot be disturbed.' Mahria gasped and widened her eyes.

'Come again? Revered… Father? This is first time I hear such a nonsense.'

'It isn't nonsense! It always been thus in Haven. We do not question tradition.' Solona bring her horse closer and inserted herself in the talk.

'Traditions? Like what traditions? Are your traditions very different from ours?' Guard turned to Sol, brows knitted.

'Our ways are not the ways of lowland cities.'

'Fine, fine.' Mahria felt impatience already. 'Tell me why no one heard of Haven? Why this village isn't on the maps?' Guard narrowed his eyes. She knew he was fed up with talking too.

'We keep to ourselves. We see no need to announce our presence to the world. It is more peaceful that way.'

'Peaceful, you say…? Tell me, have you heard of the Urn of Sacred Ashes?' Mahria saw a faint jolt in his eyes. He knew, yet he contradicted.

'The Urn is nothing but a legend.' Mahria scratched her cheek, looking at the village again. Poor households were situated near the road leading up the mountain. Between the trees, at the end of the road she could see bigger building… as she assumed, that was the Chantry.

'Yet… as Brother Genitivi researches suggests… that it may be more.' Guard gasped and smirked mischievously.

'You may trade for supplies at the shop… if you want. Then I SUGGEST you, Teyrna…' His words were full of threat, Mahria didn't gave a damn about them nevertheless. '... and your companions leave.' Morrigan chuckled behind Mahria.

'They are hiding something. 'Tis obvious, is it not?' Mahria turned and winked at the witch.

'Sharp mind, as always. That's why I enjoy your company soooo much, my dear.' Then she turned to the guard and gestured with her hand to venture deeper inside the village. 'We will explore village for a while.'

'We do not appreciate lowlanders 'looking about' our home as though it were some sort of zoo. Like I said, trade for supplies in the shop… then leave.' Mahria disregarded the guard and again shook her hand to show the rest to go.

'Let's go to the shop then.' After a moment they got to the building with a sign stating it's local store. Mahria pointed at Solona and Nathaniel to come with her. They went inside, shopkeeper approached them.

'Who are you? You're not from Haven...' Mahria sighed.

'Why does everyone tell me that like I don't already know it? Tell me, good man, have you seen a man called Brother Genitivi?' Man shook his head.

'No… I've never heard that name.' Meanwhile Solona paced around to spot dead body in the back of the shop. 'Hey! What are you doing? That's private!' Man dashed to Solona to attack her, but Nathaniel was quick. He stabbed shop owner in his stomach, body fall to the ground.

'Oh, I'm sorry.' Solona smirked. 'There is body there, Mahria.' Three of them went to the back to see dead knight, with Redcliffe heraldry.

'He's from Redcliffe. I bet he was looking for Brother Genitivi.' Nathaniel stated after quick observation.

'So he IS here.' Mahria shook her head. 'Better let's go and pray in the Chantry.'

HAVEN'S CHANTRY

Everyone entered the chantry to overhear someone was praying in front of group of people. Mahria went first, pushing them aside to see who let the prayers. It was older man, and judging by staff he was wielding, a mage. 'Ah… welcome. I heard we had a visitors wandering about our village. I trust you've enjoyed your time in Haven so far?'

'Oh, yes. It's really beautiful place… Especially with bodies of dead knights from Redcliffe.' Mahria nodded, her eyes were locked on the man. 'Eirik, I presume?' Man didn't reply, he looked at his fellow villagers.

'This, my brothers, is what happens when you let an outsiders into the village. They have no respect for our privacy.' Then he looked at Mahria again, teeths clenched with anger, arms crossed. 'They will tell others of us it we let them. Word will spread, and the what?' Then he pointed at Mahria. 'You, stranger, do not understand our ways. You would bring war to Haven, in your ignorance.'

'Stop with this bullshit… tell me better where is Brother Genitivi. What have you done to him?' Mahria stepped forward to the man. With every passing minute she was getting angrier and angrier. 'Tell me now!'

'We don't owe you any explanations for our actions. We have sacred duty; failure to protect Her would be a greater sin. All will be forgiven.' Woman regarded crazy eyes of Eirik. He really was believing in some strange thing that allowed him killing innocent people who happened to just come to that forsaken village.

'Oh yes you does! I'm Captain of royal army, I came here on King's behalf. I was sent here by Commander Mac Tir and you won't give me some bullshits about anything!' She poked him in the chest with might, at this actions villagers proceeded to attack them. They were unlucky and stupid though, as they were unarmed with only clothes on. Solona and Morrigan took care of the Eirik, and Mahria with her party fought with the rest. It was quick victory. After they were done with them Mahria sat on the bench. Nathaniel came to here.

'So what now…?'

'You tell me… I wanted some explanations… But now they got really quiet.' Nathaniel wanted to say something but she moved her hand to silence him. 'Shut up… shut up everyone!' Mahria looked around, she heard something. In the back. 'Over there! Come, people.' They went to the chamber in the back of the chantry. Man was lying there. He looked weak. Mahria recognized him, Brother Genitivi. He opened eyes and looked at approaching group.

'Who are you? They… They've sent you to finish it?' Mahria and Solona kneeled next to him.

'No, Brother… it's me, Teyrna Mahria? Do you recognize me? I was attending your lectures in Denerim so many times.' Mahria looked at Amell. 'Sol, heal him.'

'Your Teyrnship, yes I recognize you now… you don't know how glad I am to see someone who isn't from this village… I...' He groaned in pain.

'Hush, please. We will take care of you, Brother.' Solona moved her hands above man and casted healing spell. 'Your leg was wounded heavily. But I'll cure it. Just give me some time...' Genitivi sat up, looking at Mahria.

'I don't have time to rest now. I'm so close. The Urn is just up the mountain.' Nathaniel came forward and looked at him in disbelief.

'So… the Urn is real? How do you know?'

'Nathaniel Howe, so you are here as well?' Genitivi smiled at man 'No wonder… you were always where Mahria's. At least when you were younger… Anyway... My research led me to Haven… and I have heard the villagers talking. I know the Urn is here.'

'Such great news, brother! We need that Urn… Arl Eeamon is sick… we need to cure him.' Mahria brightened at the news, at last there was something to hope for.

'The arl is sick? Will he live?'

'We all hope so. That bloody mongrel, Howe, send apostate to poison Eeamon… he ordered blood mage to wipe entire Kinloch Hold… he tried to kill my twins!' Genitivi looked upon Mahria with fear and disbelief.

'Maker… Politics. Never did anyone any good.'

'Tell me more, about it. I'm in the middle of it, Brother.' Mahria sighed and tilted her head. 'Will the ashes cure him?'

'The arl is a noble soul. The ashes will surely cure him. Listen Mahria, Haven lies in the shadow of the mountain that holds the Urn. There is an old temple there, built to protect it. The door is always locked, but I know what the key is. Eirik wears a medallion that opens temple door… I've seen what he does with it.'

'Medallion?' Mahria wondered about it for a moment. Then turned to Nathaniel. 'Nate, go and search that sods body.' Nathaniel went back and swiftly returned with medallion hanged on his hand.

'This one, Brother?' He asked and moved his hand up to show item to the man.

'Yes, that is your key. Take me to the mountainside, and I will show you.' He stood up with loud grunt.

'Are you sure, Brother? Will you manage?' Mahria helped Genitivi to stand and looked at him with concern.

'Mahria, child, don't worry about me. It's not that far and… will you let me lean on you, Nathaniel? For the Urn, any pain is worth enduring.' Nathaniel took Genitivi from Mahria and nodded.

'Of course, Brother. I'll help you. You will ride with me.'

'All right, people! Let's move!' Mahria ordered and everyone left the Chantry. They rode up the mountain for some time till they get to temple. They dismounted horses and proceeded into it. After walking up the freezed corridor they saw locked doors that Genitivi mentioned.

'Here we are. Give me the medallion, and let's see if I remember…' He took it and put on the door. 'Yes… you see, it can be manipulated, just like this… and there, a key to open the way. Now, let's see if we can open the door. There should be a place to insert this.' After a second Brother Genitivi found hole and opened the doors. Everyone gasped in awe. Brother simled to himself and went through. They entered huge hall, in few places there was snow piling up. On the sides there were pillars supporting high ceiling. Brother Genitivi was inspecting it with pure awe. Mahria went to him and asked if he wanted to tag along, but man refused.

'Go, Teyrna. I will be all right. I could not keep up with you with my injuries. I should be safe; I don't think there are any villagers left.' Mahria nodded and gestured to her party to go. They searched temple, interrupted by cultist who were living there. Later on there were even mages who summoned demons, which really enraged Mahria as she was fed up with those. Then party proceeded to caverns with more cultus… and dragonlings. After they killed first of them Mahria started to laugh.

'My, I haven't seen Goddes of Fury in six years. I'm honoured, Mahria, but can you stop? It's creeping me out.' Nate walked to her with grimace on his face.

'Shut up, Nate… did you see that?! Real dragonlings! I hope we encounter a real dragon… or better! A high dragon! My childhood dream is coming true!'

'Are you and idiot?! You want to fight high dragon?! I don't want to hear that… stop and let's move.' Nathaniel just shook his head in helpless gesture and walked away. After some time and few more fights they stopped to see two ways, to the left and right. Mahria regarded those for a moment.

'Let's go to the right, people.'

'Why right?' Nathaniel looked into that direction.

'Because I say so. Come on.' Few minutes later they encountered opened cages and drakes. Those creatures were even tougher than dragonlings. But somehow they dealt with them as well. Mahria was really pleased. 'Who would have guessed that we will meet here dragonlings and drakes. Please remind me that when we will come back we need to take scales and leather from them.'

'Scales? Leather?' Solona approached Marhia. She looked puzzled at her friend.

'Yes, sol. Those scales and leather can be used to craft superior armors. They are really good protection.'

'Oh, I see.' They turned back and when they were at the forking in the road they turned left. Yet again they run to cultist and drakes. After fighting all of them they went through opening which lead outside. It was small hollow between mountains, on the other side they noticed doors leading to next part of the temple. But as soon as they started to walk, they overheard loud roar. Everyone looked at the mountain to see high dragon circling above their heads just to land in front of them.

'Why have you mentioned high dragon, Mahria?!' Nathaniel cracked up. It was far too much for him to handle. He looked at her to see Mahria in pure awe. 'So what now?' She turned her head to him with big grin.

'I want it's skulls. Anyone else wants something?' Mac Tir looked around with question. Morrigan smirked.

'I want it's claws…'

'As you wish, my dear. Anyone else?' Nathaniel regarded everyone and anger started to build inside of him.

'Are you all insane?! It's fucking high dragon, people! We can't possibly kill that beast!' As he said dragon flew from the mountain down to face them.

'Nate, we don't have choice now, do we? She's blocking the way. Now be smart for once and just try not to get killed, good?' Mahria was still grinning when she ordered everyone to get ready. Her soldiers occupied dragon while she took position higher than dragon and send arrows at him so fast that it was hard to notice when they were actually drawn and shot. 'Sol, try ice magic or electricity… fire won't do anything to that beast, their scales are immune to fire!' She shouted at warden mage who was sending fireballs and giant ice shards at the beast.

'As you wish… Barrier!' Solona shouted and everyone started to feel effect of her spells. Then she stood up and started to cast another spell. 'Blizzard!' Wind and snow started to circulate around everyone. Dragon was confused, heavy damage was starting to wear it.

'Aim for the joints, people! Behind knees, and on the soft skin on the neck!' Mahria shouted as loud as she could muster to outshout blizzard. Dragon's movement became slow due to freezing. She aimed one arrow and took out it's one eye, moment later she aimed and shot another eye. High Dragon was blind and furious now.

'Sol! Aim with electricity on the head! I took out it's eyes. Aim for the eyes!' Solona nodded and again recite spell. Thunders landed on dragons head, burning eyes and brain. Creature staggered and landed heavily on it's side. 'Whoa! We are the best!' Mahria started to laugh again. 'You see that, Nate? Our mad skills are just amazing.'

'There will be no living with you now… Poor Loghain...' Nathaniels just shook his head and approached high dragon. Smell of burned flesh struck his nose. 'What a stench… Maker's balls...' Everyone gathered near the beast to admire it.

'Sol, heal everyone, we need to rest for a moment. Morrigan please help Sol with healing.' Mahria approached dragon again. 'This skull will look just great in my garden in Gwaren.' Nathaniel snorted at that.

'You want to decorate your garden with dragon skull? For real?'

'Bad place? Hmmm… so I will hang it in the main hall. Yup, that's better place.' Nate facepalmed at that.

'You are hopeless case...' After everyone were healed and rested they went behind dragon to the temple. As they went inside and looked around a thought struck them. That place wasn't similar to previous temple. 'What is this place…? It's different from the rest of the ruins.' Just a moment later they realised that there is man standing at the end of the chamber, blocking further way. Mahria waved her hand for everyone to gather.

'I bid you welcome, pilgrim.' Man said with ghostly and unnatural voice. Teyrna looked around quite puzzled then again at man and asked.

'Um… I'm here for the Urn of Sacred Ashes. And… um… Who are you exactly?'

'I am the Guardian, the protector of the Urn of Sacred Ashes. I have waited years for this.' Mahria's brow rose at that statement.

'Yes… so how come you have been here for so long?'

'For years beyond counting have I been here, and shall I remain until my task is done and the Imperium has crumbled into the sea.'

'You know, Imperium is no longer as powerful as it was… but that's not the point. Do you know that bunch of idiots who attacked us?'

'When my brethren and I carried Andraste from the Imperium to this sanctuary we woved to forever revere Her memory, and guard Her. I have watched generations of my brethren take up the mantle of their fathers. For centuries they did this, unwavering, joyful, in their appointed task. But now they have lost their way. They have forgotten Andraste, and their promise. And now they worship dragon as incarnation of Andraste.' Mahria smirked at that.

'Really? Because we just killed that high dragon. So tell me, Guardian, where can we find the Urn? I need the Ashes to cure noble man.' Guardian looked into her eyes and nodded.

'Yes. Still, you must prove yourself worthy, Teyrna Mahria Mac Tir nee Cousland, Captain of the Royal Army.' Everyone gasped at that display.

'How did you…?' Mahria's eyes narrowed as she tried to figure Guardian up.

'I know a lot of things, Mahria. But... It is not my place to decide your worthiness. The Gauntlet does that.' His hand pointed at her. 'If you are found worthy, you will see the Urn and be allowed to take a small pinch of the Ashes for yourself. If not...' He paused meaningfully.

'I'm ready, Guardian. We all are.' Guardian nodded yet again.

'Before you go, there is something I must ask. I see that the path that led you here was not easy. There is suffering in your past… your suffering...' Mahria squirmed in her position. She knew where that talk lead to. '... and suffering of the others… You betrayed your husband, he made you suffer for three years… yet you forgave him his... betrayal? In an instant… You don't regret that decision? No second thoughts?'

'No.' She answered, with strong voice. She was sure of her decision even though pesky voice sometimes tried to tell her otherwise.

'Thank you… This is all I wished to know.' In the back Morrigan gasped and shook her head.

'Is there any religion that does not thrive upon guilt like a glutton at his lunch? No? I thought not.'

'Lady Morrigan, let's be nice here.' Mahria smirked and turned to wink at her. After Guaridna of the Unr asked awkard question to the rest of the party, they were allowed to go further. 'Listen now.' Mahria turned to soldiers. 'You will stay here with lady Morrigan and wait for us. No need to go to the temple in a big crowd. Rest, make a camp here. After we will come back, we will stay for a night.' Soldiers nodded and saluted to Captain Mac Tir then went to lay camp. Mahria with Sol, Nathaniel and Zevran entered the Gauntlet. Some time later and some strange trials they had to pass they found themselves in large hall which was guarded by a fire. And an old altar. Mahria approached it and red the inscription. Twice. Then she have read it aloud. 'Cast off the trappings of worldly life and cloak yourself in the goodness of spirit. King and slave, lord and beggar; be born anew in the Maker's sight. Um… do I get it wrong… or do we have to strip out of our armors?' Nathaniel gasped at that, Sol giggled nervously and Zevran… he just smirked and proceeded to unclasp his armor.

'I'm starting to enjoy that, my lady.' He said, looking at Solona and Mahria with grin which just got bigger.

'Mahria… are you sure we should…?' Nathaniel asked with nervous twitch in his voice. Mahria nodded.

'Nate, take this perverted elf outside, I'll go there with Sol. If he will see me like this and then start to brag about it, I'm pretty sure he won't live long.' Then he pushed elf to the door. 'Value your life, Zev, my husband is rather fierce man… and possessive.'

'What a shame… fair enough. Let's go, my lord.' Zevran was heavily disappointed but he turned around and left with Nathaniel. When doors were closed, Mahria and Solona quickly stripped out of their armors, only left in their underwear.

'I feel awkward, Mahria.'

'Me too. But at least there are only two of us here. Let's go.' Two women passed the fire which didn't burn them, just left nice sensation of warmness. Just when they passed Guardian appeared in front of them.

'You have been through the trial of the Gauntlet.' Mahria and Sol squealed, but man continued his speech, not bothered by it. 'You have walked the path of Andraste, and like her you have been cleansed. You have proven yourself worthy, pilgrim. Approach the Sacred Ashes.' Women were blinded by white light, after a moment they found themselves in their armors again, Guardian nowhere to be found.

'Huh? That's strange… but what isn't strange here...' Mahria walked toward stair where she saw statue of Andraste, like always, fire burned in Prophet's hand. In front of the statue Mac Tir saw the Urn. Solona looked at that in pure awe.

'I… I never dreamed of this… I have no words to express my feelings now, Mahria.'

'Me too.' Mahria kneeled in front of the Urn and started to pray. She was overwhelmed by the sight, and by the feeling of connection with Andraste. She was believer, yes, but she questioned many things in her religion. Now she was right there, with proof of Andraste existence. After few moments she stood up and approached Urn closer, she withdrew pouch from her pack and took a pinch of ashes. 'That's it. I have ashes. We should go back and rest.'

REDCLIFFE VILLAGE

Loghain was inspecting king's army when messenger arrived. 'Your Teyrnship, Wardens are coming to Redcliffe, they will be here in a moment.' Mac Tir nodded to the man and dismissed him. After a longer while he saw raiders in Warden's armors. 'Wardens from Montsimmard I assume?' He asked when they were close enough.

'Teynr Mac Tir, pleasure to meet you.' A middle aged woman bowed to man and jumped off her horse. 'Warden Commander Clarel, at your service, Your Teyrnship.'

'Glad you're here. How many Gray Wardens are with you?'

'Around one thousand, they are few hours behind us. Also there are few legions of Chevaliers with us.' She added awkwardly. She knew a lot about Mac Tir and Orlais history.

'Hmpf… yes… Maric's request. Who is in charge of them?' Loghain wanted to scream… A thought of Chevaliers on ferelden lands made his blood boil. But it wasn't time nor place to argue. Blight was far more dangerous threat than some orlesian bastards now.

'Grand Duke Gaspard de Chalons.' Man shivered lightly at that name. He knew that Gaspard wanted to kill Celene. Him being here… with chevaliers at his side could mean trouble.

'Good. We are waiting for Warden Duncan message. But I think we won't wait long. Strange news coming from Ostagar and it's surroundings.' Warden Commander Clarel nodded. 'Please, Commander, come with me to Redcliffe, we will talk there.'

REDCLIFFE CASTLE

Loghain and Wardens were talking and eating when servant come with a message. 'Your Teyrnship, there is message from Ostagar. Crow just came.' He approached with a note. Mac Tir took it and red. Warden Clarel looked curiously at the man.

'What is it, Your Teyrnship?' Loghain regarded note then Warden for a moment, in silence then spoke.

'We need to leave as soon as possible. Darkspawn is gathering its forces. Please go to your men and I'll give order for the King's army. We're leaving immediately.' After giving orders to pack and leave, Loghain went to Bann Teagan.

'Teagan, you will stay here. I'll leave twenty of my men to help you here. When Mahria will come, please tell her to go to Ostagar.'

'As you wish, Your Teyrnship. Er… good luck, may the Maker watch over you all.' Bann bowed to Loghain and left. Mac Tir went to his guest chamber and started to pack himself. He regarded few belongings of Mahria with longing.

'Pity I'll go alone there… but at least I hope you are safe, love.' He said to himself. Moments later Teyrn Bryce came to his room.

'Ready, my friend? My soldiers are already packed and with King's army.'

'Yes. We should go, Bryce.'