21-Solas Reports to Denerim

"I cannot believe you have the gall to stand before us and spout these lies, Warden-Commander!" Bann Ceorlic stood in the middle of the large Landsmeet Chamber and pranced and hollered, trying to fill the traitorous shoes of the now deceased Rendon Howe and failing so far. "Why should we even pay any attention to an Order in the political grip of Orlais! The vaunted First Warden just stands there with his look of disdain. Typical Orlesian disdain."

Maric was tiring of this nonsense. He knew he only needed to twitch for Loghain to start a fight … with weapons … in the middle of the Landsmeet. This argumentativeness had gone on for days.

Duncan sighed and turned to Del … who rolled his eyes. Del stepped down from the dais where he stood quietly all this time. He told Maric that he wanted to allow the Fereldans to handle their own problems. But, Del needed to clear this one up with his own voice … literally.

When Maric indicated that Del could speak, he said, "The Grey Wardens, Bann Ceorlic, are not in the political grip of Orlais," Del responded with his thickest Anders accent.

He smiled and looked around. "Because of the diligent vigilance of Warden-Commander Duncan and the Ferelden Grey Wardens, Ferelden is months ahead in preparation. Indeed, if he had not already set up a reinforced outpost at Ostagar, we would have missed the emergence of the Archdemon." He walked up to Ceorlic. "We now might have a chance to keep Lothering from falling into a blighted land, Bann Ceorlic."

He bowed toward Ceorlic slightly and turned to the rest of the nobility. "You can waste more time here arguing, denying the truth. Or, if you wish, you are welcome to go to Ostagar yourselves. You are all a most hardy group. We can assign you to a scouting party and show you the build-up of darkspawn in the Korcari Wilds. If you need more proof, you may continue deeper to witness the Archdemon yourselves, although it is doubtful even the most hardy would survive it. Or, you can believe what the Grey Wardens tell you and begin to prepare."

When the crowd quieted, Maric imperceptibly nodded toward Bryce who began to reel them in. After Bryce began speaking and had the attention of the Landsmeet, a guard stepped up to the throne and whispered, "Your Majesty, there in an elf in the rear chamber who says he has dire news for you. His name is Solas."

"Show him out here," Maric whispered. Bryce had paused when he noticed the guard. To the chamber, Maric said, "Continue, Teyrn Cousland. A messenger has news for the Crown."

Solas entered and handed Maric the letters. Maric opened the one addressed to him and asked Solas to hand the other to Duncan on the floor, after which Solas got permission to return to the back chamber behind the throne.

Bryce called for a few moments of silence while the King read the message.

Maric read the letter from Thomas … and then, he read it aloud to the chamber:

Your Majesty,

The darkspawn monstrosity called The Architect attacked Vigil's Keep with at least one-hundred of his "improved" darkspawn under his command. Fortunately for Vigil's Keep, I had given the Grey Wardens respite at the Vigil on their journey westward.

Once again, darkspawn tried to enter through the barrier door in the old tunnels below the Vigil. They were thwarted by the Warden's collapse of the tunnel on the west side of the door as well as an assignment of Wardens stationed here to handle any breach after that.

Your Majesty, the organization and battle skills of the Grey Wardens were akin to the many tales of Grey Warden bravery. The Architect and his dwarf lieutenant Utha were killed in the battle. We would not have survived this attack without the Grey Wardens. Please add my voice to what I know are many brave Fereldan voices to stem the Blight here.

Yours in service,

Lord Thomas Howe

Ceorlic put up his fist … but not to support any action. "Esteemed members of the Landsmeet, this brings up a very dire matter to Ferelden. I vote to deny the ascension of Nathaniel Howe or any of his siblings to the position of Arl of Amaranthine! They are but children incapable of protecting their own lands from a few errant darkspawn! There needs to be an investigation to find out if they had anything to do with that assassin who got away. That was very convenient, wasn't it!"

Maric's smile twisted and his eyes narrowed as a few started to raise their hands and stopped. Most were stunned by the news about the Blight. Maric was heartened to see most of the nobility coming to their senses.

Bryce stood and simply said, "I vote to approve the ascension of Nathaniel Howe to the Arlship of Amaranthine. We have no more time to dither! I call an immediate vote of the Landsmeet to confirm Nathaniel Howe as the next Arl of Amaranthine!"

There were some abstentions, but not enough. Maric was a bit surprised that Eamon approved the motion. Bryce's motion passed to Ceorlic's complete amazement. Apparently, Ceorlic's plans had been thwarted by the news of the Architect being killed. Ceorlic's blustering style was no match to Rendon when it came to riling up the argumentative nobility. Plus, everyone there knew that Rendon would want his eldest to take the Arlship. Maric wondered what Ceorlic was planning, but didn't want to spend the time at that moment to find out. He just needed this Landsmeet to end. Rendon's young assassin should get a medal from the Crown … maybe someday he will, Maric thought to himself.

Maric stood and motioned for Nathaniel to step up to the throne.

Nathaniel walked up and knelt before Maric who pulled his ceremonial sword and placed the flat of the blade on Nathaniel's left shoulder. "With this shoulder, you shall lift your people in strength and spirit." He moved the blade to the right shoulder. "With this shoulder, you shall lift your own heart and spirit in loyal service to Ferelden. With the Maker's Help, you shall be Arl of Amaranthine to the best of your ability." Then, he held the edge of the blade at Nathaniel's neck. "If you fail in your duties to Ferelden and Amaranthine, your judgement shall be reckoned in the ways of our Ancestors by my hand. How say you?" That pledge was new, the last part added to the oath directly because of Nathaniel's father.

Nathaniel looked up at Maric. "I shall raise the strength and spirit of Amaranthine along with my own heart and spirit to the best of my ability, Your Majesty, honored members of the Landsmeet. My blood will not stain your sword, Your Majesty, because I shall never give you cause."

Maric lowered the sword and smiled. "Rise Arl Nathaniel Howe of Amaranthine!"

Nathaniel rose and bowed to the King. Almost half of the chamber broke out in applause. An acceptable success for the Ferelden Landsmeet. Nathaniel turned to everyone with a large smile and bowed.

The official recorder stood and read the final proclamation of the Fifth Blight Landsmeet. "Our deliberations are concluded with the following actions decided:

"— Ferelden Warden-Commander Duncan, with advice of First Warden Delrisi Kankut and all knowledge housed at Weisshaupt, will work together with Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir, General of Ferelden's Armies to end the Fifth Blight in Ferelden. Warden-Commander Duncan and Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir have absolute authority in planning and execution. There shall be no further Landsmeets until nine months following the destruction of the Archdemon.

"— In effect, immediately, Arl Nathaniel Howe will take up the mantle of leader in Amaranthine. Teyrn Bryce Cousland shall spend any and all necessary time making certain Arl Nathaniel has everything he needs to run the Arling during the Fifth Blight."

He also read several smaller decisions that were more clarification than anything. Then, Maric walked to the front of the dais. "Fereldans are independent. Fereldans are strong of heart and sinew. Fereldans … protect … Ferelden!" The ground actually trembled at the rising volume of the response following each sentence. Maric let it go on for a few minutes and raised his hand for silence. "Together, in the language of old Alamarri, we shall ahlnac sonde mak!" Maric was actually surprised how many knew what that meant and returned the sentiment. "We shall find a way! This Landsmeet is concluded."

!¡!¡

Solas stood in the back doorway. It was behind, but on the level of the throne, so he saw what went on in the chamber. He knew then that he had made the correct decision to push Fiona and Duncan toward Highever rather than Denerim …eventually averting Maric's journey to the Silent Grove. Even Flemeth was coming around to this conclusion. Without Maric, this sentiment and overwhelming support would not have occurred. It was obvious that half or more of the nobility in the Landsmeet were against readying their own soldiers for a Blight. But, they could not go against Maric the Savior. Cailan wouldn't have been ready to become king. Alistair would not have had the support of his blood father along with his adoptive father. Ferelden would have had a much more difficult struggle … if not a total failure.

Not that he felt the Blight was going to be an easy catastrophe to defeat even now.

From his early foreshadowing, Solas didn't even know what a Blight was. He walked the Silent Plains in the Fade, but the thoughts and Blight spirits left there were scattered and confused. Thankfully, he found and spent time with the Dalish Sabrae Clan soon after. Keeper Marethari helped him to health and then helped him with his rituals to try to understand why he had awakened at that time. He asked her to keep to herself about his age, but Solas suspected she may have told Duncan after Arisiel told Solas that Marethari was friends with the Warden-Commander. Of course, by his visit she would know Solas was helping the Grey Wardens. A valid reason for sharing Solas' background with Duncan.

Marethari also educated Solas as to what had gone on in the world. Much of his foreshadowing of the future he kept to himself. So far, things were working out for the good … of Ferelden and of magic wielders. He still worried about that mysterious voice in the North — the one incarcerated in a Warden prison. The voice he could not deal with at the current time. He would need to survive the Blight, help Ferelden and gain his own power back fully before confronting the creature that went with that voice.

Solas still wondered how Mari fit into all this. It never became completely clear if he had awakened because of the upcoming Blight … or because Mari had been born and he needed to be ready when she came through the Eluvian. He thumbed his necklace that matched hers. Mari never was more than a small sense in any of his foreshadowing rituals. But, she was in all of the successful looks into the future. Morrigan and Flemeth felt she would end up having a part to play, but Solas wasn't sure. He just had the sense this was her spirit's way to ahlnac sonde mak.

Maybe it was just to remind Ferelden of that simple phrase.

Or, maybe Mari's role had already been accomplished? Perhaps her presence at Vigil's Keep attracted the Architect so he could be destroyed? True, there were many wardens present, but Mari was the one he failed to cremate in that "Old God" chamber of the Grey Wardens. However, the Architect gave no indication he was there for Mari … just his exclamation when he noticed her … so all that was just speculation.

Loghain entered the small waiting chamber. "Solas, please follow me. Maric wants to speak with you up in the family quarters." When Solas looked perplexed, Loghain added, "There are magical runes up there to keep our conversations private."

"Ah," Solas replied. "Please, lead the way, Your Lordship."

Loghain showed him through the back hallways, away from prying eyes, up narrow stairways and out into a surprisingly comfortable-looking room. "Help yourself to some wine. The others will be here shortly," Loghain said. "Bryce tells me you like the Amaranthine Red."

"I do, indeed." Solas poured a glass and took a small sip. Quietly, he said, "It reminds me of home, oddly enough."

"And, that would be … Arlathan?" Loghain asked as he motioned to sit at any of the soft leather couches or chairs near the fire.

Solas smiled. "After everything that's happened, it would be foolish to deny it, I suppose." Solas sat on a chair nearest to the fire.

"As Cailan once explained to Alistair, assume that everyone knows all your secrets and you'll suffer fewer surprises." Loghain smiled in return and sat across from Solas. "To be honest with you, I would find it easier to believe that you are not from Arlathan."

"Most would, Loghain … if I may call you Loghain?" Solas took another sip.

"In this room, the rule is that everyone is equal." Loghain put his half-finished glass down. "Did you have a title or commission?"

Solas thought about how much he wanted to divulge and then decided he would be forthcoming with the human that Mari considered a father-figure. "I will be honest with you, largely because Mari seems to value your opinion highly. I was a member of the Evanuris. I suppose it might be considered the ruling faction of Arlathan, in as much as Arlathan was not really 'ruled'… at least not in the beginning. For millennia, knowledge and study were the goals of the elves. There was no Veil then. No Chantry. Only brief contact with the dwarves for trade. Spirits mixed freely with us. However, as it seems always happens, we became too powerful. The Evanuris splintered and we warred amongst ourselves."

"Sounds like this could be an Alamarri story, Solas," Loghain said.

"If Mari's account is to be taken as fact, it seems to be a fault of thinking people of all races everywhere on all worlds." Solas stood and paced a bit. "Others of the Evanuris began a ritual of marking their followers with facial tattoos in order to tell friend from foe on the battlefield. After they killed my dearest friend, Mythal, I created the Veil. That act ended their free access to the freely-gifted power of the spirits and their reign of terror."

"Mythal? One of the Dalish Creators?" Loghain sat forward.

"The Dalish valiantly try to uncover truths about the Elvhen," Solas replied. "Sometimes they get it wrong. I am loath to correct them as it would throw their beliefs into chaos, I'm afraid. And, I doubt they would believe me."

"You said that you created the Veil and were one of these Evanuris," Loghain said. "Is Solas your real name?"

Solas gave Loghain a knowing smile. "No. I am Fen'Harel. Or, as the Dalish call me … the Dread Wolf."

Loghain scoffed. "I can't tell you how often I've heard, 'Dread Wolf take you.'"

"Rest assured that I will not take you anywhere, Loghain … or anyone anywhere, really." Solas finished his wine and refilled his glass. "I only ask that you share that with as few people as possible."

"Fair enough," Loghain filled his own glass with a much stronger drink. "I will tell Maric, Cailan and Anora and no one else. I recommend you share it with Mari."

"I shall," Solas said. He heard others nearing the doorway to the room. "She's probably already figured it out, anyway."

That made Loghain laugh. "Probably." Then, others entered the room. When Anora entered, Loghain asked, "How are you feeling, Anora?"

"I'm fine," she said as she sat on one of the couches. "I was listening at a side door during the Landsmeet. I just didn't want to interrupt by clearing my throat too often." She looked around. "I have no fever. I think Wynne called it the sniffles from the brief respite Cailan and I took. I am now more glad than ever that we managed it," she said as she looked lovingly up to Cailan.

"As am I, my heart," he replied … with the same look.

Bryce stepped over to the buffet and poured himself a glass of wine and smiled. "Wynne's never going back to the Circle, is she?"

"We've already sent a request to Irving and Greagoir to allow her to maintain her duties as Royal Mage along with a plea to Grand Cleric Arasis," Cailan said. "Since Celene has one … and Her Grace is born and bred in Ferelden … I would be surprised if she denies it."

"I hear Her Grace has approved the Denerim Sanctuary of Healing with mage and non-mage healers," Maric said as he poured out his favorite wine into a bowl in front of the bottle and sprinkled bits of cheese on it. When it didn't fizz, he took a drink and then looked at Solas. "A recent poisoning attempt and a way to discover if your wine is poisoned. Alistair's guard training saved my life. What news do you have of Alistair?"

"He was injured in the battle with the Architect, but is likely recovered by now." Solas smiled slightly. "He asked me not to tell you."

"I'm glad you did," Maric said. "Please be honest with the people in this room at all times, Solas. Alistair's walking headlong into the Fifth Blight. They will all be injured from time to time and, Maker willing, survive. This is not a place for politics or conniving. " He took a deep breath. "Please start with the casualties."

Solas really didn't want to go out of order, but Maric was the King. He closed his eyes, sighed and turned to Del. "First Warden …"

"Del," the First Warden said. "I'm told everyone is equal in this room, even though I suddenly fear I will not like what you say."

"Wardens Tarron and Marlon were both killed in the battle with the Architect," Solas said and then paused.

Del put his head in his hands. "They were both more logistics than warriors, but they were Grey Wardens above all."

"Their names will go on the wall of remembrance here in Denerim," Duncan said.

"They fought up front, Del," Solas said. "I was late to the battle, personally, but I was told they held their own quite well, very much like warriors … like the storied Grey Wardens. Marlon fell taking a lightning bolt heading for Andwn. Tarron fell clearing a path for non-combatants to move the injured from the field of battle to the healing area. Riordan is taking their ashes to Soldier's Peak. He's hoping they can put up a memorial for them." He turned toward Bryce and pulled a note out of his pocket. "Two died who had said they would become wardens. Lonnie Eddlebrek and Astra Markess signed the Master List of Intent." He handed a copy of the list to Duncan. "Riordan requested that their names be added to the Wall as Warden Recruits. Finally, Warden Ellin is the one who killed the dwarf Utha. He died when the Architect sent a fireball at him right after Utha died."

"Not good to hear of five Warden deaths before we even get started. Damn the Architect," Duncan said. "My letter from Riordan says the same. He said the Architect is dead. Do you concur, Solas?"

"The Architect is no more. Andwn froze the creature, two arrows got it in the eye and jaw …"

"Did the arrow come from Mari?" Duncan asked with a chuckle and then further explained. "She managed to kill an emissary with a shot through a frozen eye the day after she stepped through that Eluvian from her world. Her bow looks like it was made here, but it was not. As she has been asked not to use her futuristic ammunition, I fear our arrows have given her a bit of a challenge."

"Mari says that the eye shot came from Warden Marienna. Mari's shot hit its jaw. I finished it off with a pillar of fire. Since the dwarf died first, I do believe any chance of an Archdemon-style or mage phylactery rebirth is extremely low."

"Nothing is definite with a creature like that, I suppose," Cailan said.

Solas afforded himself a small smile. "There are seventeen capable warriors who also signed the list along with Lord Thomas — pending the settling of the Arlship. Nine signed actual Letters of Intent. One, of which, was Alistair."

"I suppose a battle like that will bring out the brave," Fergus said. He stood and walked over to his father. "We need to do something at the Vigil, as well."

"They were signed up before the battle," Solas explained.

"Mari talked them into it, didn't she?" Anora asked with a sad smile.

Solas nodded. "I'm told that she did. She told the tale of the young man and the knight first. Followed up with how the Grey Wardens follow the same directive. 'Whatever it takes' and 'Find a way' are not so dissimilar."

Nathaniel Howe didn't look surprised that his brother had volunteered. He stood up. "There are arrangements that I need to see to, Maric, if I may be excused. I'd like to return to the Vigil with all haste."

"Of course, Nathaniel," Maric said with a smile.

Bryce stood and took Nathaniel's shoulders. "I meant every word I said about you in the Landsmeet, Nathaniel." Bryce glanced at Maric and Maric nodded. "I'd like to leave with you in the morning. Just send word to Highever House when you plan to depart. I am most anxious to be heading back, also."

"Of course, Bryce." Nathaniel paused a moment. "In that case, if you don't mind, I'd like to move my things to Highever House so we might all leave together."

"I'll go help him," Fergus said. He finished his wine and stepped up to Nathaniel.

They spoke of arrangements for a few minutes and then Nathaniel and Fergus left. Everyone got more wine and bites of food and sat back down.

Loghain cleared his throat. "All right, tell us the gritty details, Solas."

Solas looked around the room … Loghain, Maric, Cailan, Anora, Bryce, Duncan and Del. He smiled at Loghain. "Loghain tells me he will be telling you this anyway, so I may as well tell you all. I am Fen'Harel."

"The Dread Wolf?" Anora asked in surprise.

"That is what the Dalish call their rendition of Fen'Harel," Solas explained.

Cailan sat forward. "So, the Dalish have it wrong?"

"As in all legends, there is a grain of truth at the core." Solas took a deep breath, put out his hand palm up and said a few words. Quickly … before any weapons could be drawn … he conjured a scene of tremendous natural beauty. The oval cycled through various scenes of Arlathan activities and festivals, ending with scenes of battles and a halt to the battle. Spirits on the field disappeared. Many looks of surprise and dismay were on the Elvhen faces of the combatants. "This was Arlathan. Ultimately, we destroyed ourselves long before Tevinter was even organized as a country. The only way to stop the complete destruction of Arlathan, and maybe Thedas, was to create a Veil between the spirit world of the Fade and our world of the living. Surprisingly enough, I discovered that magic in a tome I found in the Crossroads, a central location for the Eluvians, only days before I felt I needed to use it. Those few Elvhen who survived the battles were left powerless, cut off from the spirits who gave the leaders power. In terms of the Dalish, I created the Veil and sent the … Creators … to oblivion."

"Do you not get your powers from spirits, Fen'Harel?" Bryce asked.

"To be honest, I have learned many abilities from spirits long ago. I believe a spirit left that magic tome for me to find," Solas replied. He lowered the scene. "Even now, I have learned what has happened over the millennia by visiting ancient battlefields and walking the Fade there. And, power from spirits can be extremely helpful, but … it can corrupt and often does so. The Veil was necessary, but it has destroyed many of my spirit friends and those who try to cross the Veil latch onto any living person they can … to feel useful again. Sadly, our emotions turn them. Rage, Lust, Pride, Greed, Envy … all those things draw spirits and change them to demons. The demon you killed earlier at Vigil's Keep was a Pride Demon, I was told."

"It's disappointing that you will likely swear us to silence," Anora said. "The vast knowledge you could bring to Thedas might change some minds."

Maric laughed. "Are you trying to recruit a new professor for our University, Anora?"

When Anora only smiled at Maric, Solas answered the question for her. "At this time, my priority is do all I can to end the Fifth Blight."

"And after?" Loghain asked, suspicion never far from the surface.

"Do not take this incorrectly, Loghain, but I have absolutely no interest in Ferelden, other than see that it survives," Solas said. "I have not given much thought to what comes next. As an ancient elf, I am immortal … but I can still fall to weapons and treachery as readily as anyone else."

Bryce stood up and walked over to a large window. "Why waste time planning for the future when the Blight may not allow us a tomorrow, eh?" He turned and smiled. "On the other hand, it is our plans for the future that keep us going. My advice is to plan on other ways to ahlnac sonde mak for your future, Fen'Harel. I intend to for my future."

"Wise words, Bryce," Solas said. "I shall keep them in mind."

"Can you show us the battle with the Architect like you did Arlathan?" Cailan asked. The question was asked with curiosity, but not overly exuberant. The human prince seemed to have settled down to accept his place and duties. Solas wondered … in addition to more time with Maric … if it was Alistair or Mari or some combination that included those two individuals that made the difference.

Perhaps he would be a good king.

Solas thought a moment on the question. "That might save time, but bear in mind that I was not there at the beginning. I was told that Mari had just finished her recruitment talk and they were wrapping up the volunteer signatures when all wardens 'felt' the darkspawn, as they do. Riordan sent Lord Thomas along with others down to the barrier door to make certain it was secure."

"I was told that Andwn had already collapsed the tunnel beyond the door and relocked it," Bryce said.

"It was, Bryce. However, the door held even though one of the wardens who had gone with Lord Thomas sensed darkspawn trying to dig through anyway … before the Architect fell," Solas explained. "I believe they rightly surmised that the Architect sent a secret squad to infiltrate the Keep and open the gates from the inside."

Del sat back in his chair. "There were quite a few Wardens there. It would have been quite the prize for the Architect."

Duncan leaned forward. "And, the Architect needed more for his heinous experiments, no doubt. My guess is that the Architect didn't figure that Fen'Harel would show up."

"There were many dead darkspawn in tattered Warden armor who fought for the Architect," Solas said. "Perhaps, they fell to the monster's machinations." Before anyone could ask, Solas added, "They no longer had any identification of who they had been."

"Maker," Maric said. He sighed and looked at the ceiling. "The monsters we face may unman us."

"We'll need to warn the soldiers of that possibility," Loghain said. "Forewarned is forearmed as Rowan's father always said." He looked at Solas. "Please continue."

"I had delivered your earlier messages to Highever and Soldier's Peak by then, and explored the northlands a bit. I was on my way back, so I stayed in Soldier's Peak the night before." He smiled at Duncan. "I think you will be very pleased with the progress there, Duncan."

Then, he concentrated on his spell again. This time the oval showed the scene from a bird's perspective flying in from the northwest. The battle was already going on. The Architect screamed, "No!" as a dwarf next to him fell. Soon the person who killed the dwarf was engulfed in a ball of flame.

The next scene showed the Architect starting to attempt a withdrawal. The scene panned to head toward Riordan and others. The bird reformed as Solas and told Riordan they were urgently needed at the front. Riordan gave his orders to some to go back down to the barrier door and the rest ran up to the main battle.

The scene changed to two mages deeply involved in keeping people alive. It became clear just how powerful Solas and Andwn were. They would heal, and then follow seconds later with boosting spells. All that was interspersed with offensive spells to keep a seemingly never-ending wave of darkspawn away from the injured.

Finally, a quick look at the Architect showed that it was flagging, no longer retreating. The Architect turned and yelled toward Mari, "You survived? How unfortunate." Andwn looked at Solas and said, "I've one ice spell left in me. Hopefully, Mari will remember." The scene moved up and down as Solas nodded.

The one thing Solas hadn't mentioned before was the field of dead darkspawn surrounding the Architect — including a huge armored ogre. However, the creature's "improved darkspawn" came up short against real … untransformed … Grey Wardens. In quick order, the Architect was frozen, shot with a hail of arrows … one, of which, went through the Architect's eye hole in it's mask.

In the scene, Solas hollered for everyone to back away from the Architect. Andwn whooped as Solas cast a gigantic pillar of fire down on the Architect after the front fighters had retreated, dragging the honored dead and the injured with them. The creature seemed to pause … perhaps, in disbelief that it had been defeated … and then, as flames consumed it … it fell to the ground.

Solas sat quickly before he fell. One recollection spell was draining enough, but two depleted him. Surprisingly, Maric got up and grabbed the Amaranthine Red from the sideboard. He filled Solas' glass and said, "The Wardens truly are the heroes that fit the stories. That was incredible. So, it seems that Mari wasn't his target for the attack. It seemed the monster was surprised by her presence."

"Putting thoughts into pictures must take incredible power," Anora said. "I would not want to be your enemy, Solas. I hope you realize that we are not."

Solas downed the glass of wine and pulled out a lyrium potion. After downing the potion as well, he said, "I do hope you are not ever my enemy, but I have lived a long time. Betrayal is something I've experienced often, sadly. As for Mari, yes, it would seem the monster was truly surprised by her presence."

"That experience of betrayal makes us kindred spirits … Fen'Harel," Loghain said quietly. He looked around. "I suggest we do not tell anyone not in this room at this moment how Solas told us of the end of the Architect." Loghain got a sly smile on his face. "Something he could have easily reported with words."

"Easily, but not nearly as effectively," Bryce said. "However, I agree, Loghain. Even Fergus and Nathaniel need not know." He turned to Solas as Maric refilled Solas' wine glass one more time. "However, knowledge of your abilities will be known eventually … if you intend to aid us during the Blight."

"I do intend to do that, Bryce," Solas said after a sip of wine. "You are correct that my special abilities will likely need to be used; however, the later the Chantry hears about my abilities, the better."

"I'll drink to that," Cailan said, lifting his glass.

Maric raised his eyebrow. "And, what do you expect from us once the Blight is over? You see, Solas, I plan to have a future for Ferelden after the Blight."

"I expect nothing more than you remember everyone's contribution, Maric." Solas took another drink while a thoughtful silence fell over everyone. He broke it with, "To wrap this up, the Warden expedition has likely almost arrived at Soldier's Peak by now. Riordan was going to take four or five wardens with him to investigate a place called Drake's Fall. The Architect had been trying to retreat in that direction and Lord Thomas said the only thing there was an abandoned holding." Solas did not tell them there was an Eluvian at the bottom nor that he put a masking spell on it when he and Flemeth used it to to get to her hut. He started to say more when Bryce interrupted.

"Drake's Fall," Bryce said as he turned to Duncan. "There may also be one of those barrier doors in the lower basement there. I recall seeing somewhere that Drake's Fall used to be a trading outlet for some nearby dwarven community in the Deep Roads." He sighed. "We've lost so much knowledge and history." He smiled at Anora. "Thank the Maker Anora is trying to fix that."

"Riordan has a key set, so if they see it, he'll likely check on it to make certain it's closed," Duncan said.

"That reminds me." Solas reached into his pack and laid four stars and three round keys on the table in front of Duncan. "Riordan left one set with Lord Thomas, but he felt these should be kept here in the vault rather than take them all on the road."

"We'll need to be prudent about who we give these to in the future," Del said. "It's a good thing we reclaimed as many as we did … and got the Architect out of the way. The good people of Vigil's Keep and the Wardens in that fight are heroes. Perhaps, a special panel in your wall should be devoted to the heroic dead of the Fifth Blight."

"We'll put a memorial up at the Palace for non-Wardens, as well," Maric said somberly.

After a few moments of quiet reflection, Solas said, "I was told of Mari's Joining vision and I believe it is indeed accurate. The Architect must have just returned from his venture to awaken the Archdemon … although it sounds like it was more his intention to stop the transformation and somehow control the dragon. Difficult to surmise the intent of such a creature."

"If that damned Architect had just left the wards of the Wardens alone, it may never have awakened," Del said. "We have an old sketch of the plans to build the chambers for the buried dragons. They were warded," Del explained to Solas.

"Killing the Architect now prevented him from awakening Razikale or Lusacan, as well as more serious incursions in the future with his 'improved' darkspawn," Maric mused. "The Maker is guiding our hand." He gave everyone a half-smile. "I know that sounds like a Chantry Mother, but it just feels like some greater power is."

Then, the conversation mostly turned to more details of where to go from that point. Of course, it had been Mari who had the vision about the Architect's role in starting the Fifth Blight. Perhaps, it was Fate, Solas had to admit to himself. Or, was it the machinations of the Originators to save their homeworld? Maybe they set an alarm to awaken him at Mari's birth? Solas still couldn't fathom why they had to destroy Earth to get Mari to go through that Eluvian into Thedas.

Destroying worlds was not in any part of the Originators legends that Mythal had told him.

!¡!¡

AN: Next time … Soldier's Peak after the Drydens had some time with the place! Two new Circle recruits … and a Templar recruit … arrive with Greagoir. Riordan and the Wardens who went with him to Drake's Fall return. They explore the Peak and find rooms … and stuff! Alistair takes his Joining and has a familiar dream. ;) Yeah … it's a long one.