17-Lessons in the Chantry and Blood Magic
Mari had a busy couple of weeks of organization and writing and editing Warden notes and maps. One afternoon, after Alistair finished with the University Council for the day, he asked Mari if she would like to go out into the city. Mari hoped he would go with her to the Chantry. He tried to talk her out of it, but she really wanted to meet the Grand Cleric before Elemena left. Mari didn't have a good reason why. She just felt it was important to mend that fence.
She wore the red dress.
"You look beautiful in that dress," Alistair said and then blushed. "Did I say that out loud? We should, you know, probably get going, you know."
That made Mari laugh. She was beginning to really like being around Alistair and his ever-ready humor. "So … you put that dress into my wardrobe?" she asked.
"What? Me? No, I … I," he began and then sighed. "Mistress Andi mentioned that Margia said you liked it and when you said you had only a couple of Thedas things to wear, she suggested I see if that merchant still had it. The merchant did, so I bought it for you and got Matis to put it in your wardrobe."
"I knew you would be unable to keep a secret from her," Matis said over his shoulder as he walked by.
"Thank you, Alistair," Mari said. A bit louder, to his retreating back, Mari said, "Thank you, Matis."
Matis turned and bowed with a smile on his face. "It was my pleasure, Warden Recruit."
As they walked out of the courtyard of the Palace, Alistair asked, "Is that really what you want to do? The Warden Recruit thing, I mean."
Mari looped her arm through his. "I do. Strange to hear from a heretic like me, but I think the Universe or Fate or Destiny or God or the Maker sent me here for that purpose. I really don't believe it was just a coincidence."
"Not for me to question all those lofty things," Alistair said. But, he looked sad.
"What do you think I should do?" Mari asked. "I give you permission to give me your opinion since I've already made up my mind."
He smiled. "Nope, that's something you'll never know, Warden Recruit. Look! Here's the Market!"
They took a leisurely stroll through the Market. It was packed! The weather was pleasant and Mari surmised that every citizen of Denerim wanted to get out and spend their hard-earned coin. The dress merchant commented on how nice Mari looked in her red dress and proceeded to tell everyone nearby.
Several days ago, Anton had gotten a bird message from Duncan that said they were delayed for a while at Vigil's Keep. No room to say why, exactly. With her recent paycheck, Mari bought a blue dress with darker blue embroidery on the collar, a pair of shirts and an actual soft woolen nightgown. It wasn't scratchy at all. It made Mari wonder if milling tech actually made the fabric worse on Earth.
Or, maybe Thedas' sheep didn't have itchy wool? In any case, she was suddenly getting quite the wardrobe.
Eventually, they ended up at the door to the Chantry. Mari noticed none of the glares she had received before. Maybe because she wasn't wearing any armor or weapons? In fact, all the Templars and Chantry folk were pleasantly smiling, greeting her and Alistair. Maybe Alistair was the reason, she told herself.
After being escorted upstairs by Irminric, she and Alistair stood in a reception room of sorts while Revered Mother Dorothea went to get Elemena. When the Grand Cleric entered the room, Mari bowed slightly, "Your Grace, I'm Marisia Park. I think you've heard a version of my story, but I'd like to tell you my version … if you would allow me."
The hardness around her eyes softened just a little when she likely realized Mari wasn't there to yell at her. "I would like to hear your version, Marisia. But first, I must apologize to you, young lady." She turned to Alistair. "And, to you Guardsman … Laren."
"We were told you were under the influence of a blood mage, Your Grace." Alistair smiled. "But, thanks for the apology, anyway. I accept it and forgive you. It's what the Maker teaches us to do, right?"
"Same for me, Your Grace," Mari said as she noticed just a bit of moisture in the older woman's eyes.
Dorothea smiled and motioned to a small table with chairs. "Please, let us sit and talk."
"Yes," Elemena said as she took Mari's hand after they all sat down. "Tell me the truth about your entrance into Thedas."
"So, it began on a day on my world that had started out as a good day…." Mari began. She left nothing out, so the story went on for a while. Dorothea stopped her in the middle and called for some refreshments. Mari was grateful, but did notice Greagoir somewhat nervously standing in the hallway. That made her smile, wondering if he was there to pounce on her if she started a rant akin to the one at the Circle. Then, she continued her tale … ending with, "And, now, I am going to become a Grey Warden because I want to help my new home. Something I wish I could have done on my world."
Elemena sat back in her chair. "If you truly believe that is the Maker's path for you, Marisia, then you can hardly deny it. I shall pray for your successful Joining and satisfying career in the Wardens. Duncan is a good man as far as Wardens go, but not all of them are. I'm sure you'll see what I say is true over time." She took a drink of juice. "I was told that you know I shall be returning to Val Royeaux in a few days. I believe you have met Mother Arasis in Lothering. She will become Ferelden's Grand Cleric."
Mari smiled. "I'm glad I was able to meet you before you left. It would have dragged down my spirit to have any misunderstandings between us."
Elemena reached over and squeezed Mari's hand. "I am glad as well, child. Now, if you will excuse me, I have much to do before I depart Ferelden."
"Of course," Mari said as she and Alistair got up to leave, as well. "Fair winds and calm seas on your journey to Val Royeaux."
"Maker be with you both," Elemena said.
"And, with you, Your Grace," Mari added.
"Maker be with us all," Alistair replied.
Dorothea stayed with Elemena, but Greagoir walked Mari and Alistair out to the Chantry courtyard. She grinned at him. "See? I only go crazy with people I think can take it."
He laughed. "Yes, that was a very good meeting, Mari. Dorothea really wanted you to become a Sister in the Chantry, you know. Reading people is a rare talent and we believe you have it."
"The upside being you don't have go through the Warden Joining, which I hear is … not fun," Alistair said while scrunching up his face.
"But, there's a chance that I'd have to go to Val Royeaux, right?" Mari asked. After Greagoir only frowned, "Yeah, that's what I thought. Don't get me wrong, Greagoir. I'm very flattered that Dorothea thinks that highly of me."
"I suppose you do make a valid point," Greagoir said quietly. Then, he smiled. "I'll be heading back to the Circle tomorrow. Wynne has been assigned to Denerim permanently to handle the healing clinic here and serve as Royal Mage to the royal family. Take care of yourselves, both of you. Thedas is a dangerous world. We have magic here that you did not have on your world, Mari. In the wrong hands, the result could be the same."
"Take care of yourself, as well, Knight-Commander," Mari said. "I depend upon you to be one of my sources of honest information about magic. I know now how dangerous it is … as well as how beneficial it can be."
He looked surprised. "I'm … I didn't realize you felt that way about my lecturing you." He grinned. "I shall look forward to lecturing you more."
"Uh, look at the time, Alistair!" Mari said with a twinkle in her eye. "We need to go to … the place … to talk to … you know, that person … about the thing."
After another round of laughter and fond farewells, Alistair and Mari went to the Gnawed Noble Tavern. It was full to bursting. A fantastic singer and her friend on a harp-like instrument kept most people's rapt attention during her performances. She started to feel a little sad because it was just the kind of music she would listen to while she wrote her stories. But, it was easier to get over it lately.
Fortunately, the loud, annoying tavern patrons waited for the performer's songs to end to enter the tavern. "Uhnnn," Alistair moaned. He leaned closer to Mari. "That's Lord Vaughan Kendells. What I would call him isn't something to say in polite company."
"Ah," Mari whispered back. "We had more than a few of those kinds on my world as well." She made to straighten her skirt and added another whisper, "He's coming over here, Your Highness. Ask them to join us." She hoped Alistair could somehow pull the weight of his station and get rid of him. He just looked at Mari like she was crazy.
She chastised herself for being too vague.
Vaughan Kendells wasn't an ugly man. If he didn't have that constant sneer, he might even be thought of as handsome. Just like every bully on Earth, he had a couple of toadies following behind him. "Well, well, well! Look here! Prince Alistair has caught the eye of the wench of the hour. Quite the catch, bastard prince," Kendells said.
Alistair took a deep breath and stood. "Lord Kendells, may I buy you and your companions a drink? Join us."
The look on Kendells' face was priceless. That was the one thing he did not expect. "Well, I … we … may not … I suppose we have a few minutes to waste, eh, gents?"
Alistair successfully avoided smiling at the flummoxing Kendells and motioned for a server to take their order. "Allow me to introduce you to Marisia Park. Marisia, this is Lord Vaughan Kendells and his companions. Lord Vaughan is the son and heir of the Arl of Denerim."
"Whenever you tire of the bastard, Marisia, you are always welcome to see me at the Arl of Denerim's estate. I'm sure I can show you a better time than Alistair can," Kendells said with his trademark sneer. Mari did notice that Kendells' "companions" were miffed to be left out of the introductions. She wondered if Alistair did that on purpose. Good job, Alistair! Mari thought to herself.
Kendalls sat down, leaving his friends standing. Mari and Alistair proceeded to ask Vaughan about his estate, his father, his heritage, his history. The more he talked about himself, the sneer slowly receded. He was proud of his family's history and she could tell he hated that not many other people would ask him. Mari got the feeling that not many people treated him with any kind of respect. Of course, his mannerisms were anathema to garnering any respect. Eventually, his companions … who were never introduced … walked away and found a different table with another man who laughed from time to time with something they said … right after they had glanced at Vaughan.
"Oh Maker, I think we've angered your companions, Lord Vaughan," Mari said quietly. "They keep looking over here with … well, with angry looks." Handy to have learned to sit with her back to the wall in crowded taverns from other fantasy stories she'd read over the years. She could cautiously watch everyone in the place!
Vaughan ground his teeth without looking behind him where they were sitting. "We aren't that close, to be honest. In fact, I'm considering spending less time with them if they can't be gentlemen." He put his hands on the table. "Thank you for helping me see that."
Alistair leaned closer. "I think they're speaking to a mage, Vaughan. I noticed his wrist and it looked scabbed over." He shrugged. "After that dust up with a blood mage in the Chantry, I've started to pay attention to things like that. Could have been an accident, but it could also be blood magic. Templars are investigating that blood mage Knight-Commander Greagoir subdued in the Chantry. They want to find out if she belonged to a larger group. Maybe we should go over to the Chantry and you can tell your story?"
Mari surreptitiously looked over and saw what Alistair had seen. The guy's wrist was actually dripping blood! "Maker's Breath, Alistair, you're right." She shook her head. "This is intolerable. For everyone. There are good mages. I've met them. These blood mages ruin any chance for any mage to live a productive life." She caught Vaughan's eye. "Don't let them ruin your reputation, Lord Vaughan."
In the wink of an eye, Vaughan changed. The sneer returned and he laughed. "You're both out of your minds if you think I would go anywhere with the bastard and his wench!" Mari realized immediately, of course, that he was making it sound like he'd been harassing her and Alistair … to cover for having had a pleasant conversation.
Vaughan pushed the table towards them as he got up to leave. Fortunately, the ale was gone and the mugs that hit the floor were empty. He turned to the bartender. "Let the bastard clean this up!" he shouted and walked over to the other table. The others got up and left with Vaughan.
The bartender came over and a server helped him pick up the bits of the one mug that had broken. Mari helped. "I'm so sorry that went that far," Mari said as she handed over a mug handle.
"Vaughan comes in here regularly, m'lady, and it usually ends up this way," the serving girl said. "He's a right bully, if you ask me."
"Right she is, m'lady. We don't fault the two of you in the least," the bartender added.
When the servers left the table, Mari looked around for Alistair and found him wiping the table where Vaughan's companions and the mage had been sitting. She was about to walk over when a female voice spoke up behind her.
"I wanted to introduce myself to you, Marisia," the woman said as Mari spun around quickly. "I am Alfstanna Eremon of the Waking Sea Bannorn and my brother, Irminric, was very positive in his comments about you. Welcome to Thedas." She whispered that last part. Obviously, Irminric had imparted to his sister the need for discretion.
Alfstanna held out her hand and Mari shook it. The gesture surprised Mari. It was the first time someone greeted her with a handshake. Up until then, she just wrote it off to being an Earth-gesture. "Yes, we traveled together to the Circle recently in a combined Warden/Chantry trip. I consider Irminric a friend. It's very nice to meet his sister."
"I also apologize for your treatment by Vaughan Kendells. He has turned into a horrible man lately the way he pushes everyone around and treats his friends," she added.
Mari frowned and leaned closer. "I'm not so sure that Vaughan is truly a horrible man to his friends. It may be the other way around. I think his friends may have employed a blood mage to control him. We just witnessed them speaking with someone whose wrist was bloody."
Alistair walked back and opened up a bloody cloth. "There was a pool of blood on the floor under where that man was sitting. The serving girl gave me this to show your brother, Bann Alfstanna. I fear Lord Vaughan may be in great danger."
"Come, I'm heading there right now," Alfstanna said. "I can add my witness to yours."
They quickly made their way toward the Chantry and ran into Irminric halfway there. Irminric took the evidence and the testimony and returned to the Chantry to alert Knight-Commander Tavish and Ser Frieden to investigate. He urged Mari and Alistair to stay as far away from Lord Vaughan and his companions as possible until they had a determination. Bann Alfstanna stayed to speak with her brother a moment.
On the way back to the Wardens' Compound, Alistair took Mari's arm and looped it through his. "Are you all right? You look upset."
She moved to hold his arm tighter. "I am a bit upset, Alistair. Very perceptive. Until now, I was thinking that blood magic was just a random thing, not very widely used … except as an excuse to subjugate an unpopular mage. But, now, I've heard about a blood mage at Vigil's Keep, possibly controlling Arl Howe and his family. Ser Frieden has unverified, but scary information of a cabal of blood mages in operation somewhere in Denerim. The Grand Cleric had been in thrall to a blood mage for over a year. I read a bit about Tevinter and the practice used to be widely used … may be still widely used. And today …" She sighed. "Influence increases power … and your world has an artificial way to exert influence through the control of blood magic." Then, she chuckled. "I can almost hear my mother tell me that the world is one of many colors. Thinking in black and white is not only naive, it is dangerous."
"Your mother was a very smart lady," Alistair said with a smile.
"She was. It's sad that she died from a plague, of sorts, but I'm lucky to have learned so many good things from her," Mari said. "Mistress Laren is also a very smart lady, Alistair. I don't know Arl Eamon and his wife, to be fair, but I am almost positive you would have had a very different upbringing in Redcliffe."
"I agree with that assessment," Alistair said. Then, he smiled, "I think our mothers would have liked each other."
"I'm sure they would have had a great time comparing notes about their children,"Mari said.
As they went through the Warden's gate, Ardoc met them. "Dugan and Makis are back. Dugan's real anxious to see his friend."
Mari grinned. "Let's get him and take him to Highever House!" she said as she lifted her ankle-length skirt and ran up the stairs.
Soon, the four of them were entering Highever House and running upstairs. Mari heard Wynne's voice as they neared Gorim's room. Wynne was saying, "Give your leg two more days, Gorim, and you should be back to your fighting strength once again."
Dugan moved ahead. "And, he'll have someone to make certain he keeps to that healer's order!"
"Dugan!" Gorim said as he started to get up.
Wynne put her hand on his good leg, stopping Gorim from putting his feet on the floor. "What did I just tell you, young man?"
"This is Senior Enchanter Wynne from Ferelden's Circle of Magi, Dugan. Wynne, this is Dugan and Makis from the Grey Wardens." Mari motioned to the right people matching the introduction.
"Makis, too?" Gorim said with a smile as he settled back against the pillows propped on the headboard. "Hah! I can't wait to hear about you going back to Orzammar and none of the Warrior Caste being able to touch you because you're a Warden."
Alistair chuckled. "I heard that none of the Warrior Caste could touch him before, either."
Gorim slapped his good leg's thigh. "That's the Ancestor's Truth, Alistair. Ancestor's Favor is supposed to be the whole point to the Proving."
Dugan turned toward Mari. "I just got done telling Anton about what happened up at Vigil's Keep, so you might want to check in with him." Then, he turned to Alistair. "Would it be all right if Makis and I stay for a while?"
"Not up to me! That's Gorim's call." Alistair said. "Did Fergus come back with you?"
"Nah, he'll be a while." Dugan reached into a pocket and pulled out a letter. "He asked me to give this to you, Alistair. Mari, Duncan gave me one for you, but I just slipped it under your quarters' door."
Alistair obviously stopped listening as he opened his letter and read it. "Shit," was all he said. He was about to explain what he read when they all heard a commotion at the front door. "I'll be back," he said as he handed the letter to Mari. "Go ahead and share it. It's something we should all know."
Mari read the first few lines and also said, "Shit."
"Must be bad," Gorim said.
"Lord Fergus is the heir and first son of Teyrn Bryce Cousland, the liege lord for Amaranthine," Mari explained. She held up the letter and read, proud of herself that she could now read it easily:
Alistair,
I'm going to be tied up in Amaranthine for the foreseeable future. Father just got here. To keep it brief, Arl Rendon Howe is dead. He was assassinated by a merchant's son who cared about Lady Delilah from afar. Although we were going to take Howe to Fort Drakon anyway, the young man saved us a lengthy Landsmeet and execution. Rendon had surrendered and admitted his role in various plots. Sorry to saddle you with the Council, but I really have no choice. Varric went to Kirkwall to rescue Nathaniel the same night before Howe was killed. Hope to see you soon.
Fergus
"Might as well join the chorus … shit," Gorim said.
As if on cue, both Nathaniel and Varric immediately stepped through the door. "Fergus gave an invitation to Varric for us to stay here," Nathaniel explained.
"Lord Nathaniel, thank the Maker you're home safely." Mari looked at the dwarf. "Welcome back, Varric."
At Nathaniel's quizzical look, Alistair said, "This is Warden Recruit Mari Park. She was with Duncan when you left for Kirkwall." He looked at Mari. "You must have seen him leave that day?"
"Yes, I was waiting in the courtyard until Duncan had … explained my position," Mari replied. "You came out with a knight who had been detained. And, I just read a note that said Varric was going to get you."
Nathaniel growled a little. "I wish I'd left Ser Branon for Alistair and the guardsmen to handle. He turned out to be another spy for Reinhardt."
"Do we need to expect Reinhardt to send lackies?" Alistair asked.
"He's dead … so's Branon," Varric said. "Nobody crosses Bianca and gets away with it. The Viscount saw to the clean up personally, so we're in the clear."
"The Viscount saw to the clean up?!" Alistair asked. "I'd heard he was rather hands-off in Kirkwall."
"I'd heard that, too," Nathaniel said. "Imagine my surprise when Dumar shows up and takes over. Varric's apartment was spotless when we left. Kinda scary, really."
"Yeah, that's what he wants people to believe so they'll blab anything in front of him." Varric shrugged "It's worked so far. I've done some stuff for him with the Dwarven Merchant's Guild. He's been wanting to get rid of Reinhardt for a while because of shady connections with Tevinter, so it was easy to get Dumar to help me."
Mari got Alistair's attention and handed the note back to him. "If Lord Nathaniel was traveling on a ship here, he may not know this," she said quietly.
"Maker," Alistair said. He took the note, but didn't just give it to Nathaniel. "Let's go to the Palace, Nathaniel. There's something …"
He couldn't finish because Nathaniel pulled the note out of Alistair's hand. Mari pulled a chair over for Nathaniel to sit. "Maker, no," he whispered as he unconsciously sat on the chair. "Tell me what's been going on. Varric told me about the darkspawn attack, the servant who turned into an abomination and about Thomas sort of taking charge. He said Father had been knocked unconscious."
Alistair looked toward Dugan who sighed. "I wasn't around for all of it, but Loghain and Fergus confronted Arl Howe while Duncan and the Wardens were doing the initial sweep of Vigil's Keep. The assassin in the note looked pretty upset that your Father had locked your sister away … and then he heard a guard saying that he might try something unsavory with Lady Delilah. He said that he was only there to try to break her out, but then, when he saw Arl Howe sitting there, awaiting travel to Denerim, he decided to just make sure nothing else ever happened to her. That was a couple weeks ago. Teyrn Cousland is there. I believe they took the Arl's remains to Amaranthine for the pyre."
Nathaniel stood. "Varric stay here. King Maric may decide to lock me up. I have no idea what's going to happen from here on out."
Alistair looked thoughtful. "Maybe Varric should come along, Nathaniel. He can add his voice to yours … and mine … that locking you up would be the stupidest thing he could do." Alistair grinned. "I think I can still get by with saying that to the King."
"As long as you don't use it too often … or too publicly, Alistair," Mari said. "I'll walk out with you." She turned to Gorim, Dugan and Makis. "I'll leave you guys to have a good visit. And, I've got a note from Duncan to read!"
Of course, just as they went through the main gate of the Palace, it started to rain. Mari ran for the Warden Compound after a quick farewell. The Wardens had an arm-wrestling competition going on in the main hall. Ardoc was winning. She briefly waved and headed up to her quarters.
True to Dugan's words, there was a letter that had been slipped under the door. She lit the chimney lamp on her desk and sat down to read it.
Mari,
I'll get right to the point. Darkspawn are much too active here in Ferelden. I fear this heralds a Blight, though I am loathe to declare it just yet. However, even a large incursion could be devastating for the country and the people who live here.
What I am getting to is this: we are going to need as many Grey Wardens as we can get. I accept your request to Join the Grey Wardens as soon as we can return to Denerim. We have gathered some fresh darkspawn blood to replace the old blood you got in Ostagar. I fear the preservation spell on the Ostagar batch has lapsed by now. But, you did kill your own darkspawn so that part of tradition has still been met.
Alistair, on the other hand, will have to travel with us and get his own. Yes, please ask him if he still wishes to serve. When you go north in a few weeks, please try to recruit one or both of the Hawke boys. I am certain we can find a place with Andi for their mother, if they both Join. I place recruitment in your hands, Mari. That will be your assignment for the near future. I am hoping we can fill our ranks through voluntary recruitment so conscription will be unnecessary.
I have sent a message to Anton and Riordan about this and have asked them to answer any questions or concerns you or Alistair may have.
I hope to be back soon.
~Duncan
Mari smiled and then got very serious. This is what she wanted. The Universe found a way to convince Duncan without any input from her at all. Even the Universe sometimes needed to ahlnac sonde mak.
A soft knock at her door was followed with, "Mari? Anton and Riordan, here … if you need to talk about … anything."
That made her laugh as she quickly opened her door and motioned for them to enter. "So, is there a handbook somewhere? How to Be a Grey Warden in Ten Easy Steps? That sort of thing?"
That made them laugh. "No, there is not, but there's no reason you couldn't write one if you want," Anton said.
"Actually, that is an excellent idea," Riordan said. "Take notes on your early years and we can all give our input, as well." Then, he laughed. "Of course, that might make it so large no one could carry it around."
"My first question: What happens when you drink from the Joining chalice?" Mari asked.
They looked at each other like Mari had lost her mind. Anton sighed. "Well, you already know what goes into it."
"She does?" Riordan asked. "And, she still wants to Join? Not sure I would have if I'd known."
"Really, Riordan? That's something to consider for what I might tell recruits … but no, I mean, after I drink that foul mixture, what happens?" Mari clarified.
"Ah, I have to say that the aftereffects vary," Riordan said. "However, to answer my guess for what your next question will be, I completely passed out for a few hours. I recall dreaming, but I do not recall of what. The people who sat with me said I thrashed around a bit." He shrugged. "I don't know why." He frowned. "By the way, the dreams don't go away, Mari. You'll keep having them."
"I passed out, too … and most do … but I remember my nightmare of running with a bunch of darkspawn through the tunnels of the Deep Roads. If you recall, I got blightsick in the Deep Roads, so that made sense … kind of," Anton said.
"I wonder what I'll dream about," Mari mused as she sat on the bed. "Have either of you done any recruitment? Duncan wants me to do some recruitment. What's important to tell and not to tell?"
"Change into something comfortable and come down to our office, Mari," Anton said. "I'll get Andi to bring us some of the leftover cookies and a mug of milk."
"Andi's cookies and milk?" Mari said with a grin. "Give me a minute and I'll be right down."
After they left, Mari quickly changed into her new leather pants, soft-soled shoes and soft blue woolen shirt. It was very comfortable and cozy … and warm. Even with all the humongous fireplaces in this country, the inside was still chilly this time of year. Hell, most times of the year, she thought to herself.
That didn't take long and she was soon sitting in a large padded leather chair in front of the normal-sized fireplace in the office she and Anton shared for their work. And, of course, she was stuffing her face with cookies.
"The best person to talk to about recruitment is Duncan, of course, but I've done a bit of recruitment from time to time," Riordan said. "The main thing is to know what you want the end result to be and then, go from there. If you believe the person is a perfect candidate for being a Warden, then don't give up unless they say or do something that doesn't fit in with the cadre."
Anton finished his cookie and added, "For example, if you hear about a mighty warrior that none can defeat, you go to talk to him or her. If their talk is confident but humble and you feel the warrior would be an asset to the Wardens … keep trying. Duncan wants to avoid conscription for a while, I know. But, keep the person in mind in case … you know."
"In case it turns out to be a Blight," Mari said quietly. "I'll do some thinking on what my mother used to say about convincing someone to do something they may not be inclined to do normally. Holding back less than savory information is not optimal … just so you know." She smiled. "I can't decide if it'll be easier or harder to recruit during a real Blight."
"Easier," both Anton and Riordan said.
"There are some unruly and cowardly people in the world, that is true," Riordan explained. "But, I believe there are still brave folk out there. I put those who volunteer to be Grey Wardens at the top of that list."
"I told you that I really had no choice," Anton said. "But, after being in the Wardens for over twenty years, I agree with Riordan. There are more brave fighters and mages than cowardly."
Mari smiled warmly. "I'd like to believe that's true. I'm not so sure it was true on my old world anymore … at the end. That's not exactly true. It wasn't cowardice that spelled our doom. It was an unwillingness to listen, to talk calmly, to compromise. An overarching disposition to believe the lie and ignore the true facts. But, so far, I've been shown kindness much more frequently than cruelty. I've seen both here."
Anton sat forward. "Who treated you cruelly?"
"Well, you know what happened days after I arrived in Denerim; however, this afternoon …" Mari filled them in on the events at the Gnawed Noble … and on the fact that she and Alistair believed Vaughan Kendells had been controlled by blood magic. "I don't know how that turned out. Hopefully, Ser Irminric will stop by and fill me in later. I hate that all mages suffer because of the actions of a few … at least, I hope it's a few blood mages." She sighed. "Blood magic seems to give the mage absolute power. We had a saying on my world: absolute power corrupts absolutely."
"Sounds like a wise saying," Riordan said.
They sat there for over an hour in a conversation that started out as an educational discussion for Mari … and ended with hilarious … and scary … stories about Anton's and Riordan's time in the Grey Wardens … which was interrupted by a distraught Alistair standing in the doorway. "Alistair? What's wrong?" Mari asked as she went up and took his hand.
He ran his hand through his hair. "Ser Frieden was killed tonight and several Templars were seriously injured, including Ser Irminric. Wynne's with him now. They found the mage who was following along with Kendells and his toadies. They followed him back to a … a group of four blood mages in the process of sorting through various blood vials they had collected over the months they had been in Ferelden." He looked at Mari. "Apparently, they don't need to be in your presence to control you if they have a sample of your blood."
"Months?!" Riordan asked.
"Yeah, maybe longer if the blood mage in the Chantry was part of their group," Alistair sat down on the chair Mari had left and Mari sat on the arm of the chair. "Ser Tavish just came to the Palace to let the King and others know and I was there with Nathaniel and Varric. The Templars killed all of them, but not before one of them attempted to control Ser Frieden. When that didn't work, the blood mage just drained Ser Frieden. They're searching through the place for any documentation." He put his head in his hands. "Maker."
"I was just telling Anton and Riordan that we had a saying on my old world: absolute power corrupts absolutely," Mari said quietly. "Just like with money and political power, that form of magic can eventually corrupt the mage who uses it. It seems you have Templars with abilities who can stop it, at least temporarily."
Riordan said, "It's not admitted widely, but there are some mages in the Wardens who practice blood magic, Mari. They bravely fight the darkspawn during their time in the Wardens. However, they don't usually use blood magic for the reason you bring up. They know the demons' temptation may, one day, be too enticing. One day, some situation may be too traumatic and they might listen to the demons. They don't wish to die." He sighed and sat back in his chair. "It just points up the immense value of someone like Andwn who has avoided that line of magic entirely. To be strong enough to ignore the demons. I wish we had hundreds like him." He smiled at Mari. "I mention that specifically because of your duties as recruitment Warden. You really need to take care about recruiting mages. Listen to the counsel of Irving and Greagoir carefully."
Alistair turned a questioning look toward Mari. She smiled and pulled Duncan's note out of her pocket and handed it to him.
"When we heard about the situation at Vigil's Keep, I wondered if my time in the Wardens would be coming due," Alistair said quietly.
Mari took his hand. "It hasn't been declared a Blight yet. I think you should speak with your parents first, Alistair. At least, write them a letter. Talk to Fergus and Elle and Teyrn Cousland … Loghain and Maric. You know, like you did on your eighteenth name-day? Maybe send a letter to Fiona? See what Midnight thinks," she added with a grin.
Alistair grinned back. "Now, that's the opinion that really matters." Then, the grin faded. "I guess you're determined to go through with this?"
"I am," Mari said with equal seriousness. "It's early. No Archdemon sighted anywhere yet. We have an opportunity to be ready. To get our vigilance system in place and active."
Anton said, "All because an unusual woman fell through a portal in the Deep Roads at our feet, practically. Curious how things work, eh? I credit the Maker. Others will credit Fate."
"I credit the way things work in the Universe," Mari said. "We need to listen, to be aware. In Peace, Vigilance. It's in the motto. Those first Grey Wardens understood that. They're counting on us to take up their conviction."
Riordan smiled. "Sounds like you have a good start on a recruitment talk, Mari."
"Definitely," Alistair said with a fond smile. Then, he took a deep breath and added, "I have other news. A bird had just arrived at the Palace saying that Loghain, Duncan, and others are planning to be back in Denerim by next week or the week after. Fergus, Bryce and Elle … and Midnight, of course … are staying with Thomas to help straighten out the mess there. Maric is going to call a Landsmeet as soon as he can to put Nathaniel up as Arl of Amaranthine. Nathaniel and Varric are staying at the Palace in the meantime."
Mari looked a million miles away. "I wonder how Vaughan and his friends feel now." She looked around at the silence. "I heard what you said, Alistair. That thought just popped into my head." With a chuckle, she added, "Maybe I'm tired. Anyway, I'm always curious about a number of things at any one time. Doesn't the Arl of Amaranthine have an estate in Denerim?"
"There is one, but Nathaniel didn't want to go there at night," Alistair said. "He has no idea the state of the place. I told him I'd go with him in the morning since Anora is suspending the structured Education Council until Nathaniel is confirmed … or not. There will still be smaller conferences."
"If it's okay with Anton, I could go along," Mari said as she looked toward Anton.
"I'd like to get back on the Deep Roads maps under the Free Marches tomorrow afternoon, but your morning is yours, Mari," Anton said.
"Thanks," she said with a stifled yawn. "But, for now, I think I'm going to go to bed."
Everyone laughed as she waved farewell to the men and headed to her room. It had been a long day, but a good one. She felt her relationship with the Chantry and Grand Cleric Elemena had been repaired and a dangerous group of unscrupulous blood mages had been destroyed … at the cost of a valiant and brave Templar's life. Thank the Universe Alistair was there to notice that mage at the Gnawed Noble.
That thought made her wonder if her arrival had made all that much difference in Ferelden. She was coming around to the realization that the real reason was Alistair.
That freak storm — that led Fiona and Duncan to leave the babe Alistair in Highever rather than in Denerim — seemed to be rather fortuitous … for more than just Alistair. If that poor babe had been left with Maric, he might have given him to Eamon Guerrin. What would the Arlessa have really thought about that? How would she react to her husband bringing home a baby? Would she really believe it was Maric's child? Lot's of variables there. Anyway, that environment would have created a very, very different Alistair. She wondered if Alistair would have even survived the ordeal. How different would Maric and Cailan have been? It was Alistair's spirit … molded by Gilsen and Nalah Laren … that Mari noticed the Royals relied upon … that she had to admit she relied upon more and more.
Mari yawned again. First, sleep, she said to herself as she donned her new, warm nightgown and slipped into her bed in her nice, warm quarters.
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AN: Heartfelt thanks to all of you who are reading this! Judy, thanks for your ongoing encouragement! :) Next time, tying up some loose ends in Amaranthine, Mari explains how karma works in regards to Rendon Howe, Anora and Mari have some 'girl talk', Duncan and Loghain return to Denerim … and a surprise visitor arrives! ;)