20-Warden Expedition: Vigil's Keep

The next day was a very busy one getting everything together for their journey to Orzammar. Dugan looked over the maps that Anton had drawn and Mari helped with annotating. Anton stood there with his hands on his hips and said, "Thank the Maker … or the Stone or whatever … that you came by Dugan. The order was all wrong."

Makis walked in as Dugan just laughed. "Not wrong, Anton. In fact, it was pretty sodding close for a human! But, I think I've given you an idea of what to ask the Shaperate for."

"Aye, that you have, Dugan," Anton said as he started an outline of what went where.

Actually, Anton had made two sets of the maps. It must have been really quiet at the Warden Compound while we went on our trip to the Circle and beyond, Mari remembered thinking to herself when she found that out. One set for the Wardens and one to give to the Shaperate, as they seemed to want whatever had anything to do with the dwarven people and the Deep Roads … even if it was wrong.

Mari frowned. "All that exploration by Wardens over the centuries and they just kept going over the same places. I wonder if the Wardens were directed away from the Deep Roads on the eastern side of Ferelden on purpose."

"I don't think the dwarves would do that," Dugan said, "but, who knows. Even the royal family isn't privy to everything in the Shaperate." A very deep frown appeared on Dugan's face. "And, they can be ordered to erase anyone from the Memories … like a falsely-accused murderer … at the whim of anyone in charge."

"Well, Dugan, they're just gonna need tae put ye back now!" Makis said forcefully without a hint of his usual grin. It was heartwarming to Mari how close the two dwarves had gotten. It just showed that caste, culture, race, skin color or any personal inclinations should never be sources of division.

Gorim had been quietly sitting in the corner. He laughed. "Yeah, well, let's just see what happens at the gate. At least the two of you are Wardens …" he put up a hand to stall any argument and added, "I'm still thinking about it. I'll need to get the same things that Alistair is going to get. Maybe I'll make up my mind by the time we get to the gate. That is, unless we run into some darkspawn without going into the Deep Roads."

"Now, you just jinxed it, Gorim." Anton grinned. "Duncan's giving Andwn a chest of the components. So, be sure that's what you want to do whenever you make that decision." He turned his grin toward Mari. "You won't have months to mull it over like circumstances permitted Mari to do."

The rest of the day was settling on logistics. The first few weeks would be slow-going. The group going north was going to stop at Vigil's Keep first to hear Warden Bryant's report, double-check the barrier door and drop off a wagon of goods requested by the Arling. Then, they were taking three wagonloads of stuff to Soldier's Peak along with the group of Weisshaupt Wardens. Several days later, a much smaller group was going to stop in Highever for the night for Alistair. Then, on to Orzammar. Poor Rosy, was Mari's thought.

Fortunately, the next day was bright and sunny. As Mari had just closed her over-stuffed backpack and looped some equipment on the sides and the bedroll on top, there was a knock at her door. "I'll be right down!" she said to the door.

"It's Anora, Mari," the Princess said. "Do you have a few minutes?"

"Oh! Of course!" Mari replied as she opened the door. "Come in. I just finished stuffing my backpack with everything I possibly could."

Anora laughed as Mari closed and locked the door. They walked to the window and spoke in conspiratorial whispers. "I just wanted to tell you that Cailan has found a place for us to retreat to in a few days. I spoke to him about what you and Wynne had said. At first, I thought he dismissed the idea; however, a few days later, he told me he had a surprise for me. A place for just the two of us to spend some time."

Mari took Anora's hands. "Where?" she whispered.

"I have no idea." Anora laughed and squeezed Mari's hands. "It's already doing something I would ordinarily oppose … but I do look forward to it … wherever it is."

"It's away from here," Mari said. "That alone makes it a smart move. I'm sorry I won't be here when you return."

"I know," she said. "That's why I slipped in for a few minutes. I'll give you all the details when you return. I just wanted to let you know that I value your advice, Mari."

"Thank you for telling me," Mari replied. "Now, I'll have something pleasant to think about as we move about our duties, which I fear may not be all that pleasant all the time."

Anora quietly agreed, "Duty is seldom pleasant." She turned to leave and then turned back. "Oh, yes. One other thing I wanted to mention to you is that there is another 'girl' friend that I confide in from time to time, but she's here even less than you or father. In fact, she hates Denerim. Have you met Elle Cousland?"

"I did, actually," Mari replied. "We even had a brief, but good conversation when we stopped in Highever on the way here the first time. That's when I met the Highever folk and spied Nathaniel leaving for Kirkwall at his father's insistence. We started with her showing sincere sympathy for my recent escape from my devastated world and ended with her sharing that she was betrothed to Nathaniel. I hope she and Nathaniel can work out a way to be together soon."

"As do I," Anora said. "I hope the Landsmeet sees things the 'right' way. I just wanted to mention that Elle may be a good friend for you to have, too. But, now, I need to let you get underway."

Mari grabbed her backpack and opened the door. The pair went downstairs to be caught up in a flurry of activity: Wardens rushing in and out with personal things as well as Warden things, helpers moving boxes to presumably the wagons outside, people laughing and smiling, people solemn and thoughtful. Anora slipped around and out the door Matis held open for her with no trouble.

"Ah! There you are!" Duncan walked over. "How are you feeling today?"

"Physically fine, in fact stronger than I ever have. Mentally anxious, to be honest … but excited to be about this thing I insisted I wanted to do." She smiled at Duncan. "Don't worry, Mom, I'll be fine," she added quietly. "How are you feeling?"

He looked around and spied Loghain. Then, he nodded his head toward the cartographers office. "Let's talk with Loghain and the others," he told Mari as he motioned for her to go into the office, ignoring the question about his own wellbeing. Del was already there with Anton, Riordan, Marris and his mabari Marbry, Gorim, Dugan and Makis.

After Loghain joined them and Anton closed the door, Del sat in a chair by the work table and said, "As I indicated I would do, I have sent messages to all Warden-Commanders in Thedas that the Fifth Blight will be in Ferelden. They are to send 20 of every 100 of their wardens to Ferelden." Del looked at Loghain. "No officers higher than Senior Warden. The Commanders have been ordered to remain in their territories and prepare for the worst."

Mari looked around in alarm. "All because of my dream?! Are you sure that's a good idea?"

Anton carefully pulled a fragile parchment out and laid it in front of Mari. "Because of your dream … and this."

"Haska spent the night starting to look through the jumbled mess of warden documents they hurriedly put together before they left Weisshaupt." Riordan nodded to the parchment. "He found that this morning."

Mari looked down at it. It was a drawing of a round room with stone statues of soldiers around the wall and griffons guarding the doors. "So much for hoping it was just a dream," Mari said under her breath. "How …?"

Del sat back and sighed. "We have no idea what we have, if I am to be honest and direct. Haska is asleep now. I almost had to tie him to his bunk. He will be staying here and going through what we brought with us. The others will be scouring Soldier's Peak for anything else. We must organize our knowledge!"

"I don't mean to insult the Haska, but could he have just drawn the room?" Mari asked.

Loghain scoffed and Del glared at him. "Loghain asked the same thing. Haska wasn't privy to your vision and no one told him more than that you saw the Archdemon being awakened in a chamber. Could be why he noticed this, though." He turned the document over. "This is Anderish for 'plans for dragon cells with magic wards on the statues'. Haska does not know Anderish. Plus, you can see how old it is. No doubt recopied over the centuries."

"We should ask the Shaperate if they have anything like what you saw," Dugan said. "Who knows? They might have more information."

"Good idea," Anton said as he carefully packed the drawing away in a sturdy box.

"Is that exactly what it looked like in your dream, Warden?" Loghain asked.

Mari took a deep breath. "Yes, exactly."

"Dozens of Wardens from all over Thedas are about to descend upon Ferelden. Is there any chance you could be mistaken?" Loghain asked.

Mari knew he was just asking questions that he needed to ask on behalf of Ferelden. "There's always a chance of mistake when the mind is involved, but that is how I remember it, Your Lordship. I only hope I was seeing it as it was occurring and not a memory of the past." She looked to Duncan. "So, we go back to being prepared is better than not prepared?"

Duncan smiled. "I believe so."

A knock at the door preceded Matis saying, "A messenger from Ostagar, Commander."

"Enter," Duncan said. When he saw who it was, he added, "Arisiel? We weren't expecting you. Is there anything wrong?"

"Morrigan, an apostate friend of Solas, flew into Ostagar to report that she'd seen the Archdemon. The Captain sent me with her to check it out." She paused and looked around the room. "We've seen it, Commander," she said. "The Archdemon. It's … it's floundering around miles south of Ostagar like it's learning how to fly again, but it's definitely the Archdemon. There's a big, dark hole in the ground fairly close to where we saw the Archdemon. Must have been the exit dug from the Deep Roads. The Archdemon is dark purple. It's trying to figure out how to spit purplish flames. Just like the tales of Garahel. The most defining reason … it senses stronger than any other darkspawn I've ever been around."

"And, the horde?" Del asked.

"There is a sizable horde surrounding the Archdemon at all times … or Warden Captain Leciah would have taken it out already," Arisiel replied with a grin. "Other than that, not many darkspawn above ground elsewhere. Morrigan's doing a more complete circuit right now. We'll send updates as we get them," she replied. "Leciah feels like we have time, but we need to hurry to set our southern blockade."

Loghain sighed. "That confirms it, then. The Landsmeet is next week, but we need to start preparing now." He turned to Duncan. "I'm going to speak to Maric and tell him that I need to head to Ostagar with Ferelden soldiers the minute the Maker-Forsaken Landsmeet is over. I may send a battalion down now. I'll let you know, Duncan, so you can send word down to the Warden Captain."

Del pursed his lips. "Damn politics … but we will need to gain the support of the Ferelden nobility. If you leave immediately after the Landsmeet, Duncan and I will be joining you as soon as we can, Loghain."

Duncan turned to Arisiel. "Get some food and rest. Let me write a report for you to take back to Leciah." At her nod of assent, Duncan turned to the members of the expedition. "Continue on with your mission, only now we are recruiting during a Blight."

"Although you already have the right, conscription is authorized," Loghain said. "I'll clear that with Maric, but I doubt he'll deny it." As everyone started to gather things up, he walked over to Mari. "Be careful, Mari. Be alert for the Architect. If your dream was real, that monster might remember you. Might even be looking for you. No one knows where this blasted darkspawn is now."

She smiled at him and leaned closer. "Like I told Duncan, I'll be fine … Dad."

When they left the room, Alistair was entering. "I've got my horse all ready and stuff on our wagon." He looked at Mari and pointed his chin at the Wardens leaving the cartographers room with Loghain.

"I'll update you," Mari said quietly. She turned to Anton. "Are we ready to go?"

"Yep, just need to add these few things to the supply wagon and we can head out," Anton said. "I packed our copies of the Intent contract with the maps. We can write out more on the way, just in case we get some recruits." He looked at Alistair. "We're grateful to soon have you in our ranks, Alistair."

"Uh, thank you, Senior Warden," he said. As Mari pulled him outside and started walking to where the horses were tied, she explained what had just happened. "Shit," Alistair whispered with no apology.

From the side, they heard a familiar voice. "So, do you think you could use Bianca and me on this trip? I've been released from Landsmeet duty, thank the Maker. Don't know if they'll let me into Orzammar or not. Not sure I want to go down into that hole."

"There's an inn by the door to the elevator down, Varric," Gorim said as he added his stuff to the supply wagon and got up on one of the benches inside it. "You may not be the only one forced to stay out." Varric handed him his backpack and climbed in next to him. Makis and Dugan added their packs and got into the wagon, sitting on the other bench.

Shortly, Anton shoved his many boxes and sacks under the benches and closed the back. "You gentlemen are in charge of seeing that none of this stuff bounces out en route." Then, he got on the driver's bench and stood to speak at full volume to everyone. "I know we have a rather large group until we get to Soldier's Peak, but still keep alert. Ferelden has some of the stupidest bandits in Thedas and might give it a go even against the odds. Also, Wardens, keep your darkspawn senses alert as much as you can. We'll move out into the Palace courtyard and form up with Ferelden soldiers in front and in back of us. We lose most of them at Vigil's Keep." He took a deep breath. "I never thought I'd say this in my lifetime, but we are officially in the Fifth Blight. We've had warning and we're as prepared as we can be at this point." He pumped his fist up and shouted, "For the Grey Wardens and Ferelden!" He grinned at Mari. "Ahlnac sonde mak!"

Mari heard a loud repeat reply from the Wardens in the group, Andi, Margia, Analeese and the wardens staying at the entry to the Warden Compound, the Palace guards and even outside the walls surrounding the Palace. Even a return reply of the simple Alamarri phrase that carried so much meaning. Maybe she had told the tale once too often at the Gnawed Noble and the Pearl. The journey would be long, fraught with worry and extra danger … but it would have purpose. The Fifth Blight would be defeated. Unlike Mari's own world, Thedas would ahlnac sonde mak.

She just wished the intermittent doubts that crept into her thoughts would stop.

The journey to Vigil's Keep took over three weeks. After the first week and a half, they settled into a routine every night. On the road, they unpacked very little and ate cold rations most of the nights. Fortunately, the notorious Ferelden weather cooperated most nights. Anton and Mari worked out an Intent list if they ran out of copies of the Intent contracts. Fortunately, the bandits were smarter than Anton gave them credit for and no ambushes were attempted.

About a day out from Amaranthine, they hit an unused waystation and took the opportunity to cook a hot meal. Some of the Ferelden scouts had hunted for brief periods during the journey and had gathered a couple of stags which were immediately dressed and butchered in preparation for a time when the steaks could be cooked. One upside to the damn cold country of Ferelden was that things didn't spoil as quickly. That night they all had a hearty, hot stew. Makis and his cooking talent became quite popular after that. He was designated the official expedition cook.

The next morning they decided to press on by Amaranthine, much to the disappointment of those who were looking forward to an evening of the special ale at the Crown and Lion Inn. Mari kept quiet that she was glad to miss the hangover.

About mid-afternoon several days later, the caravan turned onto the road to Vigil's Keep. As they neared it, Mari was impressed by the size of the place. There were repairs and fortifications being made to the walls. It looked old, but it was old. Very old. Soldiers met the group at the gate and showed them to two large barns inside the walls where all the wagons and horses fit quite easily.

Good thing, too. A powerful storm threatened to hit shortly after everyone was shown to rooms for the evening. Lord Thomas apologized for the barracks accommodations. Warden Marienna and Mari shared a smile. "Better than the cold ground, yes?" Marienna whispered.

"Quite," Mari whispered back. She turned to Thomas and said, "These are a nice alternative to the bedrolls in tents we've been in, Lord Thomas. Thank you so much for your hospitality."

He smiled and nodded. "Dinner in one hour … or whenever you've rested enough. Adria will keep the kettle warm."

They were surprised to find enough washing basins — one between each pair of bunks — for everyone to clean up a bit before dinner. Marienna's lower bunk was next to Mari's. She lay back for a few minutes. "He is a very nice noble. Nice-looking, too. You know, we have been treated better here than the last time we were in Val Royeaux. I used to be such a snob. Travel outside Orlais has opened my eyes."

"We all learn a lot when we venture outside our home land. Good people are good people no matter their history or station in life," Mari said quietly. She sat and pulled off her boots and armor and quickly wiped all the road dirt and grime off as much of her body she could reach. After putting her armor, boots and weapons back on, she went to dispose of the filthy water in the basin and refill it for Marienna. "Here you go. Nice and clean for you."

"A few more minutes in a comfortable bunk," Marienna murmured.

"Do you want me to wake you in a bit or just let you sleep?" Mari asked. Marienna only smiled and winked. "Okay, then, Marienna. May you have tolerable dreams." It seemed that the Orlesian Warden was asleep by the time Mari got to the hallway door. Fortunately, the storm only skirted the Vigil with gusty wind but no rain, so Marienna should have a pleasant rest.

There was someone Mari hadn't been able to have much time with lately. She and Alistair had both decided not to spend too much time together on this trip to avoid gossip. It turned out to be futile. Gossip can never be avoided. Regardless, they didn't have much of an opportunity for more than a few minutes together from time to time.

However, now, he was waiting for her at the end of the hallway to the downward stairs. He took her hand and pulled her to him, giving her a gentle kiss. "I've been wanting to do that for a while, you know," he said afterwards.

She put her hands on either side of his face and drew him into a second gentle kiss. "Me, too."

The sounds of others coming out of the bunk rooms and heading their way circumvented any further intimate contact. Like two kids caught in the backyard shed, they both giggled and ran down the stairs.

Sadly, Alistair got pulled away to speak with Thomas. So, Mari went to the pig trough … um, Warden table … to eat huge amounts of food. Other guards and personnel of the Vigil were also eating there, but they were at other tables. Being able to eat so much was awesome. If Mari liked something, she could eat two, three or four helpings … and not gain a pound! There were some benefits to becoming a Warden.

After time for eating gave way to time for laughing, Thomas walked up and asked for silence. Marienna joined them then and filled her bowl. She grabbed some bread and cheese and sat down next to Mari. She leaned close and said, "I heard all the laughter even in the bunk room. Didn't want to miss any fun."

When Thomas got the attention of everyone there, he grinned at Mari. "I hear one of the Grey Wardens tells a tale of old Ferelden. Do you think if we ask her nicely she'll share it with us?"

Mari narrowed her eyes at Alistair who threw up his hands, palm out. "Don't look at me. Nope. No way. Wasn't me." He pointed at Mari and turned to Thomas. "I told you she would blame me."

"And, why would you tell him that without telling him about the tale?" Warden Marris said. His mabari Marbry punctuated the revelation with a resounding moof. Alistair just put his head in his hands.

Varric laughed and slapped the table. "I've been trying to get her to tell it all the way from Denerim. I keep missing her storytelling at the Pearl and the Gnawed Noble."

Mari stood. "Well, since our generous host has shared this fantastic bounty with us, how can I refuse him?"

"Right," Varric said. "She's a Warden. Ply her with food next time."

Mari smiled at Varric and winked at Alistair. This time she walked around during the telling and used more gestures. She also used a Ferelden accent for the speakers. Ideas her listeners had mentioned before. She took out the parts about environmental destruction. Thedas didn't understand climate change, so it had been confusing to some who had heard the tale before.

"All right, then. Long, long … long ago a young lad grew up as most lads did. His father taught him how to be a man and his mother trained him how to love, how to respect, how to be considerate of others.

"However, when he came of age, the world got increasingly angry. Family took up arms against family to keep what little was left for themselves … even burning down farmlands and orchards and towns and cities.

"One day, the lad looked on in horror as his parents were slaughtered. Even though he was considered a man by then, he cried and ran and ran and ran away from the overwhelming odds against him.

"Just as the young man was about to give in to despair, he met a knight. The knight's armor was shiny and new. His steed was white and proud. His giant sword was the finest blade the young man had ever seen.

"'Why are you running? Is danger nearby?' the knight asked as he readied his sword.

"The young man told him that all was lost. It was gone. Destroyed. There was no reason to go on.

"'There is always a reason to go on, lad,' the knight said. When the young man asked him what that reason was, the knight sheathed his sword and slipped off the horse. He led the mighty steed with the reins. 'We have the responsibility to make tomorrow a better day. Come with me for a time and let's see this lost world of yours.'

"So, they walked back the way the young man had run. It didn't take long to run into the highwaymen who had killed his parents. 'Come along peacefully, boy, and we'll letcha live,' their leader said with a smirk on his face. A full dozen armed men surrounded the lad and the knight. They all shared the same smirk … at first. The young man thought they weren't already attacking because of the obvious considerable might of the knight. In reality, it was the look of determination on the young man's face.

"'Take a long look at these men, lad, tell me what you see.' The knight always stood behind the young man, letting him do the talking.

The young man was petrified at first, not wanting to even move, but determined not to run again. "I see the smug men who killed my parents and took our stores and our land,' he replied.

"'Look behind the smug gaze. What do you see?'"

"At first, the young man just quickly looked at them … until one of them looked down in shame. Then, the young man took another look into their eyes. He saw desperation under the smirk. He saw loss in their eyes. He saw torment, anguish, despair … guilt. The young man turned to the leader and said, 'You do this because you think there is no other way.' The knight smiled. The leader just laughed evilly, but not all of his men joined in. 'If there were another way, could we fix this?' the young man asked.

"'There is no other way, boy. Might makes right! Take him to work our farms!' the leader said while pulling his sword. It appeared that he had said those words before and clearly expected his men to obey. A few did not.

"One of the highwaymen stepped in front of the leader. 'What 'arm would it do to listen? I'm tired o' bein' hungry. Killin' everyone who used to work these fields ain't fillin' me belly,' he said to the leader. At first, it looked like the leader was just going to cut down his own man, then others in the group asked the same question: 'Yeah, what 'arm would it do?'

"The young man remembered something his father once told him. 'A man needs a blade for defense and it's important to learn to defend yourself, your family, your lands. A blade lifted in despair, a blade lifted in anger only leads to more despair and anger. Instead, let's all sheathe our blades and talk. We can plan how to fix this land. As long as we live, as long as we can replace our despair with hope, we can … find a way.'

"No one died that day. The following days saw many arguments and discussions, but the young man's determination to make things work kept anger from turning into rage. They adopted the line, 'Find a way!' Those three small words stopped arguments. They calmed rising anger. They turned despair to hope. Slowly, slowly the farms were divided among the survivors. The herds started to increase and crops became bountiful. The small group turned into a large group over the many years that the young man led his people from despair to hope."

Mari stood in the center of the room and raised her hands. "Ahlnac sonde mak! That's old Alamarri for 'Find a way!'" She lowered her hands and added, "Did that young man invent the phrase, or did he learn it from his father, his father's father, all his ancestors? Ferelden has been here a very long time. You see the farmlands all around you? The young man was no one anyone remembers but his guidance built Ferelden back from the ashes of near annihilation. There is always hope here. They found a way. Ahlnac sonde mak!"

Then, she raised a finger and added, "Oh yes, one other matter. The knight? Now, that was a strange thing. No one ever recalled seeing a knight on a mighty white steed. But, to the young man, the knight was always there. Just like our courage and our bravery are always there. We just need to listen."

A strong round of "Hail Ferelden! Hail Grey Wardens! Ahlnac sonde mak!" got everyone pumping their fists in the air. When they noticed that Mari didn't sit down, they quieted. "I told that story for the very first time only days before I decided to become a Grey Warden. As if that young man and the white knight had been whispering in my ear from the winds of Ferelden, I knew the Grey Wardens were one of the greatest examples of my tale. It was the Maker's Fate that I had become an assistant to Warden Anton. As everyone in Vigil's Keep is all too aware, the darkspawn are more numerous and more dangerous now." She looked over to Riordan.

He nodded and said, "Tell them."

"Some of you know this already," Mari began. She slowly looked around the room. "The Archdemon has been sighted and verified in the Korcari Wilds." She waited for that to sink in and added, "It is time again for Ferelden to ahlnac sonde mak. The Grey Wardens stand against the evil. The worst evil on Thedas. We can begin the battle and we will finish the battle for only a Grey Warden can permanently kill the Archdemon. That is a fact, not legend. The first Archdemon kept coming back until the Grey Wardens were formed, until a Grey Warden made the ultimate sacrifice and slew the Archdemon, thereby taking the essence of the Archdemon into themselves … and taking it to the Maker to destroy.

"Do you hear the knight speaking? He is always there. We just need to listen." Mari motioned to Riordan, hoping he wasn't going to be too pissed with her for not arranging this ahead of time.

Riordan smiled and stood. "Over the next few months, plans will be made. A Landsmeet is going on right now with the Banns, Arls and Teyrns. Your lands will need to be protected. Does everyone need to become a Grey Warden? Absolutely not. But, we do need more brave souls than we have now." He motioned to Mari. "Bravery comes in many forms. Some need to protect. Some do not. Soldiers need to be fed, housed, outfitted." He nodded to Mari.

She tried to hide her surprise at that and stood. "The life of a Grey Warden is not an easy one. You must remain focused and do all the things that help you maintain that focus. For example, if a marriage helps you remain focused, it is not an obstacle. If the marriage makes demands that interfere, it is an obstacle. However, noble titles and other duties are forfeit.

"Joining the Grey Wardens is a lifetime commitment. Your home is wherever you are posted and it changes as you are posted where needed. Your challenges will be dangerous. Every part of the life of a Grey Warden is dangerous. Even the Joining is dangerous and may cause your sacrifice right away, even so it is necessary to go through. The Joining protects you from the taint. If your sacrifice does come with your Joining, you will never be forgotten.

"In the Warden Compound in Denerim, there is a wall listing the names of the honored dead lining the courtyard. Once a year, all the names of wardens who gave that sacrifice are remembered." She smiled. "Don't see many old Grey Wardens, do we. However, just as with the young man who led his people with hope, the life of a Grey Warden is filled with battles and horror and sorrow … and honor and glory and the determination of the righteous. The Chant has the perfect words. 'Blessed are the righteous, the lights in the shadow. In their blood the Maker's will is written.' Sounds almost made for Grey Wardens, doesn't it." Then, she took a deep breath and sat down awaiting the response.

Thomas was the first to stand. He rightly turned to Anton. "My ancestor, Padric Howe, gave his life for the Grey Wardens. No one in our family knew what happened to him … until I was in Denerim one year and went to that celebration of the honored Grey Wardens. His name is on that wall with hundreds of other Ferelden Grey Wardens. I volunteer for the Grey Wardens once the Vigil and the Arling are sorted out."

To all the wardens' surprise, over twenty men and women also volunteered once the Vigil and Arling were staffed and protected. Anton and Mari were surprised, but ready. They had a stack of Intent Contracts ready to go along with a Master List for the maybes. Everyone who stood, signed their contract. Several more said they had to speak with their families first. They went on the Master List.

Mari walked up to Thomas. "You, my Lord, are setting a high bar for the rest of Ferelden."

He smiled back. "And, you, Warden, have a very persuasive recruiting talk. I've been told of your history. I, for one, am very glad to have you among us. And, call me Thomas."

"Thank you, Thomas," Mari said quietly. "If you know my history, you know that my world did not fare well. I hope to aid Thedas avoid such a future."

Alistair walked up. "After Thomas threw down the gauntlet for all the rest of us, I went ahead and signed my official Intent Contract. I've already sent letters to Highever of my pending Wardenhood."

Anton called for quiet. "We have grave times ahead. The Arlship of Amaranthine has shown its dedication to Ferelden." He held up the stack of signed contracts. "Warden Bryant and Warden Marris with his mabari Marbry will be staying here to liaison with Amaranthine until such time as they are needed elsewhere. When the Arlship is settled, alert them and we will start the process to bring you all into the Wardens." He took a deep breath. "It … your willingness to join us, to fight horrible battles, to give up your lives and titles … we will all ahlnac sonde mak. The Grey Warden motto is: In War, Victory. In Peace, Vigilance. In Death, Sacrifice. Thank you, all of you." Then he sat. "Now, I think I'll have another piece of that wonderful pie!"

Mari pursed her lips. "Ah well, I guess I'll need to find that mabari breeder some other time."

Alistair laughed. "Not to worry. I know where they are. Niclah was an orphan I helped to find a home a while ago with the Marsiniks. Not too far off from Highever. I'm sure we can swing by. Maybe one will finally imprint on me."

"That's right … they choose their companions?" Mari asked with a grin. "That's wonderful!"

"As it should be," Thomas said. "They are smarter than us by half."

Alistair was about to say something when every Warden in the room stood.

Riordan said the reason why. "Darkspawn nearby! A lot of darkspawn."

Alistair turned to Mari. "Do you sense anything?" When all he got in return was an intense look from Mari as she looked around the room, he added, "You do, don't you."

Mari shook her head, but her mind was spinning. "No, not really. They tell me it takes time … but I've heard the story of that trip Maric took. The Architect wanted wardens for his experiments. There are a lot of Wardens here tonight. I wonder …."

Mari went over to Riordan. "Could this be The Architect?" she whispered. "You know the story about Maric's trip with the Orlesian Warden-Commander? There are a lot of wardens here. That darkspawn and his minion have been in … and below … Ferelden before, doing experiments on Wardens, like Fiona. Who gave the darkspawn the barrier door keys for the earlier attack on the Vigil?"

Riordan nodded. "Get weapons and go outside immediately! The Architect emissary likes to experiment on Wardens. If this is him, let us avenge those lost to his insanity! Also, kill the dwarf with him first. There are theories that she holds the blood magic key to the Architect's rebirth if he falls."

Bryant said, "I'll take Mari, Marris and Marbry and double check the barrier door below. Fortunately, Andwn reopened the door and collapsed the tunnel on the other side of the door before we again closed and locked the door. Maker willing it will remain untouched." When Thomas looked like he was going to go along, Bryant added, "If you go now and become tainted, Lord Thomas, your options to wait for the Arling to be settled may be gone. I know from experience."

He only smiled sadly. "I know the way the best and fastest. We'll be in and out quickly to join the rest on the field outside the walls."

Riordan stepped in. "Bryant, I need you with us. Your Templar skills will be necessary to interrupt and control any emissaries."

Alistair also looked determined. "I'll go with the others, but remain near the gate until you all return." He smiled. "Gorim and I need to get our vials of darkspawn blood. Nice of the darkspawn to give us the opportunity."

"Lord Thomas is going with us, Senior Warden," Marris said. "He can show me and Marbry the way and get back quickly." To punctuate what his human said, Marbry barked.

After looking around, Riordan motioned to Makis and Dugan. "Go with Lord Thomas, Mari, Marbry and Marris. Check out the barrier door and get back up here as soon as you can." He noticed Varric walking up. "Varric, we need you and Bianca on the ramparts." He turned to the group going down, took out the warden barrier door set of keys, handed them to Mari and said, "Good luck. I was told you know how to use these. Open the door to make sure the tunnel is still blocked. Check it out well and get back up here."

Varric momentarily looked disappointed, but nodded and headed outside.

Thomas and Wardens headed down to the lower tunnels under the Vigil. It didn't take very long to get down to the door. After Mari took a moment to remember how the puck and the star worked, she opened the door.

They all breathed a sigh of relief to see the solidly blocked tunnel; however, they soon heard faint scratching from the other side and Marris made it official, "They're trying to get through. I don't sense many. Maybe a scout group tasked with sneaking in and opening the gate above. Mari, close and lock the door. Once that's done, Thomas, please take Mari back and alert Riordan." He looked at Dugan and Makis and looked around. "Let's see if we can make a nice surprise for the bastards if they try to unlock that door."

Mari looked at the keys and handed them to Marris, showing him how they worked. "Lean something heavy against the door. That way, it won't just swing open right away. When they try to unlock the door, lock it back up right away." She shrugged. "That might make it not worth the trouble?"

Dugan laughed. "That'll likely mess up the lock, but they won't get through. Good thinking, lass."

She smiled at Dugan. "Just stay as safe as you can. Too bad we didn't learn how to use Dworkin Glavonak's lyrium sand to collapse this side, too."

Dugan looked around. "Seems like good solid granite in this part of the tunnel. That barrier door should be enough … if the darkspawn hadn't stolen keys over the centuries."

Mari and Thomas helped them roll several large stones that looked to have fallen from a ledge nearby. They fit firmly against the door. Mari took a moment to catch her breath and said, "Maybe we need to enlist the dwarves' help in changing the locks."

"Aye, put it on the list," Makis said as he took up a place further down the tunnel to wait.

"All right then, ready to head back up, Mari?" Thomas asked.

She nodded in return, skritched Marbry's scruff and told him, "Take good care of them, Marbry."

He moofed in return.

They made their way back up quickly. Fearing that they would hear sounds of battle in the courtyard just outside the door, they quietly made their way up to it and looked out. Archers were firing from the ramparts … and a few darkspawn corpses littered the courtyard … but the main battle was still outside the walls. "The darkspawn were counting on their scouts opening the gates for them," Mari whispered to Thomas. "These must have climbed over the wall before the archers got up on the ramparts."

He nodded and said, "Damn smart darkspawn. Let's head up to the ramparts and see how well you use that bow."

"I'll go up to get a handle on what's going on," Mari said. "But once I find Riordan or Anton, I need to report to them about our findings."

"Right, follow me," he said. He showed her up a ladder to the ramparts. They saw a pitched battle going on. After a few minutes, Thomas pointed out where Riordan was … surrounded by darkspawn. Apparently, Alistair had moved on to a further battle.

Mari readied her bow. "Let's see if we can help clear around Riordan first."

"Good idea," Thomas replied. He turned to the other archers. "Mari and I need to get to Senior Warden Riordan," he said as he pointed to where Riordan was. "Let's clear the area around him so we can speak with him."

Varric walked up from the end of the ramparts and started firing Bianca while Thomas and Mari were getting set up. One darkspawn after another fell. When Thomas and Mari joined in with the other archers on that side of the ramparts, Riordan's attackers were downed quickly. He spun to grin up at the ramparts and salute.

Mari made a motion for him to meet her at the gate. Varric stayed up top and just kept killing darkspawn. It seemed a frighteningly large force. Dozens? Hundreds? The grunts and moans and screams of wardens and soldiers being injured could be clearly heard from where she was standing. She'd never been in a war. She'd never even played a video game of being in a war. Keep it together, she thought to herself. No freezing up.

As they were heading toward the gate, Thomas said, "If I needed proof that we're in a Blight, I've just gotten it."

"True," Mari said. "Do you have messenger birds for Denerim?"

"We do, but this will need more explanation. I'll send a messenger to the Palace as soon as we've routed these bastards." Thomas was pissed. Mari had a fleeting thought to suggest that Thomas go to the Landsmeet, but gave it up when she saw his determination. There was no way he was leaving his post.

The gate guards cracked open the gate only enough for the two of them to slip through. The signal to get back in was two short knocks and the words, "Ahlnac sonde mak." That made Mari smile.

Riordan ran up to meet them. After Mari and Thomas filled him in on what they found, he turned to Thomas. "I know I can't order you to do so, but please get Varric and the two of you go back down to watch that door, Lord Thomas. Tell Dugan and Makis we need them up here."

Before Thomas could leave, a hawk flew over, landed … and reformed into Solas. "A very tall darkspawn has shown itself along with a dwarf fighting beside it." Solas pointed to the west. "He's that direction, trying to flee away to the northwest. A group of Wardens have him surrounded for the moment."

"Confirmation, then," Riordan said. "The Architect himself is here."

Mari spared a thought that few lost a beat when Solas appeared, short of Thomas' look around to see if anyone else found it worrying. It seemed Ferelden was becoming used to the ancient elf and his shapeshifting abilities.

"Drake's Fall," Thomas said. He turned to Riordan. "I'll agree to leave you to it, if you swear to me that you'll get rid of that particular darkspawn."

"We'll do our best," Riordan replied as he, Mari and Solas started to make their way west. "Keep them off our flank!"

Thomas nodded and saluted. "Yes, Senior Warden!"

As they neared the battle with The Architect, Riordan pointed ahead to the archers. "Mari, stay over there with the archers. If you see The Architect become frozen, feel free to shoot it in the eye," he said with a grin. She despaired of that tale ever disappearing.

There were quite a few darkspawn in the way before she would have a clear shot at the Architect. Mari kept firing her bow and many of those darkspawn fell from her shots. She had had to learn how to shoot wooden Ferelden arrows. She focused on the nearest darkspawn. Draw. Aim. Shoot. That's what she concentrated upon. She had to get used to this. Even with her determination, she felt a tremor from time to time when a nearby warden or soldier fell. The sounds were bad enough. The stench of the battle was worse. Fear. Fear had an odor. Mari knew much of that was coming from her.

Thankfully, Andwn and Solas were set up to handle injuries so the injured … and dying … were taken to the mages by Amaranthine men and women wanting to be helpful, but not ready to take a chance on becoming tainted. The mages had also floated several glowing orbs over the battlefield so they weren't just depending on the moon's light to see what they were doing. Only one was up that night.

Thank the Maker we're not fighting during a storm, Mari thought to herself.

After about thirty minutes, a cheer went up as The Architect howled, "Noooo!" Word came from the front that the dwarf was dead.

Mari froze for a long moment as a huge fireball from the Architect headed toward Warden Ellin who had just gotten the killing blow on Utha, the dwarf. Mari knew how the Warden felt. She'd experienced the trauma, but survived because her body wasn't really there. Warden Ellin watched that fireball coming toward him and knew he didn't even have the few seconds it would take to dodge it. Mari had no doubt the Warden had gone to the Maker. She didn't have the time to ponder how that religious thought came to mind and shook it off before anyone noticed. She started to shoot at darkspawn again. Even with tears on her face, her aim and determination were deadly to the darkspawn after that.

The rest of the darkspawn on the field became confused for a time that their master had called out. The Wardens on the line surged through … like a hot wire through a block of butter. Mari had seen a butter sculptor once. She had used several hot wires to get the block of butter to a starting point for the intricate work. The archers kept pace behind the line fighters and were able to down any darkspawn that tried to move around the warden line.

Finally, they got near enough to The Architect in the gloom.

They also saw all the fighters who had already fallen. A bunch of torches had been driven into the ground for some light to augment the orbs and moonlight. Andwn and Solas were up and healing as best they could. Whenever it looked like The Architect was going to try to leave, one of the mages would freeze it or Bryant would stun it.

"Maker, that thing is powerful," Marienna said from next to Mari. "I wonder if it's one of the original Magisters."

It was the first time Mari even noticed the Orlesian Warden was standing right next to her. Mari had to admit this darkspawn's power lent credence to the passage in The Chant. Mari said, "With this many darkspawn under its command, I guess we know what it's been doing the past 20 years."

"Look around. Some of the dead darkspawn are wearing Warden tabards. Bastard. He was using Wardens. If your dream was right, he accidentally started the Fifth Blight," Marienna replied.

Then, several things happened.

The Architect turned directly toward Mari and shouted, "You survived? How unfortunate." He started to cast a spell, but was stunned and frozen. Mari was in range. "Shoot the eye to your right. I'll shoot the other one," she said to Marienna.

To her credit, Marienna didn't question it. Mari's shot was low and hit the jaw. Marienna's shot hit the right eye. Solas was yelling something before a pillar of fire came down directly on top of the Architect. It fell in a blaze of fire. Solas stumbled. That magic must have been his. The front line fighters made certain it was very dead.

Everyone else went after all the remaining darkspawn who were starting to run away. Very few, if any, got away. The rest of the evening was done on remote control. Mari doubted anyone would understand those two words together like that, so she kept quiet.

Drag darkspawn bodies to the darkspawn pyre. Change cloth wraps around your nose and mouth as frequently as you could. Instruct non-Wardens on how to safely clean off the darkspawn ichor. Help the injured to Andwn's and Solas' healing area. One of those injured was Alistair, but he was soon healed and cleaned up, no visible evidence of the taint yet, and released to go to his bunk and sleep.

Thomas, Varric, Marris and Marbry soon joined the rest of them. Marris no longer sensed the darkspawn, so they came up to see how they could help above.

Unfortunately, there were some who would never see the rest of the Fifth Blight. Many of Maric's Shield and soldiers of the Vigil fell bravely fighting a foe they had never fought before.

Wardens Tarron and Marlon — who came with the First Warden — were wardens who had never seen Ferelden before … but they fought and died for Ferelden that night.

Two of the recruits who said they would become wardens had been killed by the Architect early in the battle while Mari was still in the tunnels. Riordan said their names would be added to the remembrance wall. He felt that Duncan would agree with him that if they signed the Master List or a Contract, they would be considered Warden Recruits.

Warden Ellin from Denerim died when he took that early fireball from the Architect after killing the dwarf and assuring the Architect wouldn't rise again … hopefully. Mari had only spoken to the brave Warden in passing and now regretted not getting to know him better.

Seventeen of the darkspawn ghoul corpses wore ratty Warden tabards. No identifying tags or pendants remained. No one would ever know who they were.

When the pyres had done their work on the darkspawn corpses, Riordan said to move the honored dead closer to the Vigil. He said he'd sent to Amaranthine for Chantry support for a service. Surprising to Mari, three Templars and two Revered Mothers arrived in the morning along with Brothers and Sisters. Fate must have intervened as the Chantry folk had already been on the road to a holding nearby. They arrived and had arranged the pyre and readied the service even before Mari awoke.

She was the kind of exhausted where all the sound around her was muted and she was semi-dazed. The next morning, she didn't even recall lying down. She had slept in her armor and her bow and quiver were on the floor next to her bunk.

"Unnnn," was all that came out when she tried to open her eyes. When she heard Marienna's laugh, she turned her head. "And, I thought I was in shape."

"Think about it, mon ami," Marienna said. "All the lugging and lifting we did after the battle would have most in bed for days. We Wardens are strongest!" Then, she grrrrrr'd.

That made Mari laugh just before she realized that Riordan had walked over to their bunks. He laughed, too. "I would love to growl with you this morning, but we need to be moving on as soon as we can."

Mari and Marienna looked at each other and said at the same time, "Grrrrrr!"

Riordan smiled. "Get cleaned up, go down and eat breakfast. The service for the honored dead will take place right after. I'd like to be back on the road before midday, or right after lunch. It'll take a couple weeks to get to Soldier's Peak with all the wagons. We'll have fewer personnel with the remaining Maric's Shield staying here. I'm adding a trip to Drake's Fall after that, just to make sure there aren't any more smart darkspawn there, gaining power."

"As you command, Senior Warden!" Marienna said with a salute as she jumped up off her bed.

All Mari did was say, "What she said, Senior Warden. I'll just lie here and wake up while she's using the basin." She opened one eye and looked at Riordan. "Solas?"

"He is on his way to Denerim with reports. From Thomas to King Maric. From me to Duncan," Riordan replied. When someone hollered his name, he nodded and left.

"I hope that gets the nobility off their asses," Mari said as she slowly sat up.

Marienna laughed. "Obviously, you have never had to deal with nobility. Ferelden may be different from Orlais, but I doubt it is much different if King Maric insisted on Duncan and Del staying behind."

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AN: Thanks so much Judy! And, thanks for the follows. You have no idea how much they all mean to me. :) Next time, the Maker-Forsaken Landsmeet and Solas delivers his missives from Thomas to Maric and Riordan to Duncan.