25-Warden Expedition: Highever & Orzammar

The trip to Highever went quickly with wonderful weather! Rosy seemed pleased to be on the road. The roster of Wardens on this journey was a bit different than the initial planned group who sat around that table in Denerim weeks ago. Or, was it months ago? Currently, Anton was the leader while Riordan stayed at Soldier's Peak.

Dugan had sent a messenger to Orzammar a couple of months ago, alerting his father that he was still alive and that he and Makis were Wardens now. Warden Gorim would be a surprise. Anton sent along another official message to King Endrin and Shaper Czibor of the Shaperate that the Wardens (including Dugan, Makis and Gorim) would be visiting Orzammar shortly. Andwn and Mari came along as was planned, leaving Anders and Lehan to continue looking over the Architect's documentation and experimental notes. Cullen thought about going, but he was still a bit weak from his Joining. So, he stayed behind.

Once Cullen was strong again, Riordan thought he might send Cullen with Bryant and Marris to go to Denerim and gather an expedition to explore the silverite mine in the Wending Wood. Only if Vigil's Keep had remained clear, of course.

Greagoir went with the Orzammar-bound group only as far as the cutoff to Kinloch Hold Circle Tower before he bid farewell and headed back to the Circle, grumbling something about being able to get a good night's sleep once again.

Mari rode next to the half-wagon as the expedition headed up the road to Highever. The half-wagon was one of Mikhael Dryden's newest inventions. It was a perfect travel mode for dwarves and important things that didn't take up a lot of room … like maps and documentation. It was half as wide and half as long as a typical wagon for hauling. It weighed quite a bit less. Mari mentioned using springs on the axles to help prevent some of the roughness and, of course, Mikhael came up with the perfect shock absorber. The trip to Orzammar would be a good test. Drantac was the largest and strongest draft horse the Wardens had and it was his turn on rotation, so the half-wagon was no problem for him.

Mari glanced at the two new dagger hilts peeking over her shoulders … an incredible gift from Mikhael. He named them Lightning and Ice. He had heard about Mari's ideas on magical lightning and that she had shot the eye of a frozen emissary right after she arrived. Anders told her that she needed to get lightning and ice runes put on them sometime … maybe in Orzammar. Dugan said he knew Garin, a merchant in the Commons who used to be a smith. Either he or someone he knows could probably attach the runes … if they could find someone selling the runes. Surprisingly, Makis knew someone in Dustown who might have them. That vendor sounded like the equivalent of the Dark Web or Black Market on Earth.

The guards at the Highever gate let the Wardens through and showed them to the stables and barn. After the horses were taken care of and the wagon secured, the Wardens headed for Highever Castle to meet with the Couslands; however, Mari had permission to go speak with the Larens first. Andwn and Makis went with her.

Her knock was greeted by Nalah asking for a few moments. When she opened the door, much hugging and excitement ensued. "Word spread quickly," Nalah said as she showed them to the dinner table. "The entire city is in preparation. Please sit and let me get you some of the fruit pie I just took out of the oven."

Makis grinned. "Never met a Warden who would decline a piece of fruit pie, Mistress!"

"That's the Maker's Truth," Mari said.

They sat, ate pie, drank cider and talked about Alistair mostly. Teyrna Eleanor surprised everyone and joined the group, pleased to see Mari again. "Bryce is speaking with Anton and the others about Blight preparations," she explained. "He just got back yesterday with the news."

Gilsen managed to make it home before all the pie was gone.

Mari felt the Larens … and even the Couslands … were glad to hear of Alistair's choice to become a Grey Warden. Captain Langstar wasn't too happy to hear that Alistair wasn't coming back, but was proud of him in any case.

Eleanor filled everyone in on Elle's situation at the Vigil. Then, she laid the bombshell that Elle's wedding would be soon with only close family to attend. In fact, Eleanor was leaving the next morning. Celebrations to follow after the Blight. That brightened everyone's mood.

Nalah gave Eleanor a quilt she had just finished for the happy couple. It was incredible! It was a montage of Highever and Amaranthine landmarks with a ribbon connecting all the scenes that was threaded through two golden rings at the top. It brought Eleanor to tears. Of course, it did the same for Mari.

Then, Eleanor excused herself to prepare for her journey there.

Fortunately, all the visits and discussions were handled quickly and efficiently. No drama. The Wardens were able to get back en route for Orzammar in two days. For the most part, the weather cooperated after Highever. Oh, it rained. But, the nasty storms seemed to stay away. The Crown hadn't built those handy way-stations this far west yet, so it meant camping every night. Anton knew of a couple of natural way-stations … caves … en route, both of which had other travelers in them. The evening in one of the caves was fun and light-hearted. The other cave was rather trying as the people with them that night were afraid the Warden expedition was a bunch of Orlesian spies with non-Orlesian accents. At least, it made for a peaceful night as the two groups stayed far apart. Fortunately, that was a large cave.

It was mid-afternoon when they finally arrived at the good-sized village outside the huge gates to the Orzammar elevator. They may not have technology in Thedas, but the dwarves of Orzammar knew how to make mechanical devices to great success.

Anton and Mari rolled up all the maps and papers into two heavy carrying cases. Anton told them that the Wardens usually were given a couple of rooms in the Palace. Dugan and Gorim felt fairly certain that would still be the case, but they needed to wait and see to be certain.

Mari handed Rosy off to a young dwarf girl named Rosie! The girl spelled it out.

"You betcha', Warden! Me namesake will get the fresh oats and the warmest stall while ye be down there!" Rosie assured Mari.

Mari handed Rosie a couple of sovereigns. She had been paid a few times by then and was feeling generous to the friendly dwarf. "Thank you so much. She means a lot to me."

Rosie met Mari's eyes with a look of complete surprise. "Thank ye, Warden. It's nice tae be this appreciated."

Once in line for the gate guard, Gorim turned to Mari, "No offense to anyone else, but you really are one of the nicest humans I've ever met, Mari."

"I try, Gorim." Then, she chuckled. "I'm not sure Greagoir feels the same."

Surprisingly, the line went quickly … because many were being turned away. The Wardens got to the gate and the guard smiled. "We were expectin' ye, Wardens." The elevator door opened as Mari noticed a runner enter a door on the side. They could hear footfalls going down stairs before the door noiselessly closed. When the guard noticed Mari's broad smile, he added, "First time in Orzammar, lass?"

"Yes!" Mari replied. "Quite the impressive entrance."

Makis said, "Wait 'til ye see the thaig."

The guard's smile faltered, but he didn't respond. Once they got inside the elevator and it started going down, Makis explained, "See? I told ye about feelings fer the Casteless."

"Well, you're a Warden now … member of a service class with only one agenda," Anton said. "They'd just better get used to it because in a Blight we might be coming here a lot." Anton added a mumble, "He probably lost a lot of coin during the Proving where you wiped out the Warrior Caste."

The descent took forever! It made Mari wonder just how deep they were … before she decided that she really didn't want to know. When the doors finally opened to the hall of honored dwarfkind, Mari stepped out and Andwn laughed. "Told you!" he said to Dugan.

Dugan, who'd been rather quiet, smiled. "He told me that you'd stop and stand there in awe."

"I hope I have time to walk through and read the plaques before we have to leave," Mari said.

Another surprise awaited the Wardens at the end of the hall where it opened onto the Commons and the bridge over to the Proving Grounds. Dugan whispered the names. King Endrin Aeducan and Bhelen walked up to Dugan.

The King grasped Dugan's shoulders. "Welcome back, Warden. We have a lot to discuss … my son." Then, he turned to Anton. "And, welcome Warden Anton and all Wardens." He turned toward the dwarf standing next to the King. "For those who haven't been here before, this is my youngest son, Bhelen. We have a surprise for you. Follow me, please. We'll go someplace private to talk."

The Wardens followed as they turned to the left and took an elevator up to the Diamond Quarter. (Mari had memorized the map of Orzammar that Anton showed her. The map didn't do justice to the immenseness of the thaig.) Before they reached the Royal Palace or the Shaperate, the King turned into one of the buildings and one of the Royal Guards standing outside it opened the door.

Once inside and the door closed, the King motioned to Bhelen who explained, "This was once the estate of a Lord of Orzammar, Lord Harrowmont." It looked as if Bhelen had to stop and take a deep breath for a moment. He turned to Dugan. "It was Harrowmont who arranged for Trian to be assassinated and staged it to appear that you had done it."

Gorim interrupted. "My pardon, Your Majesty, Your Highness, but Harrowmont told me it was Bhelen who convinced the Assembly to deny Dugan the right to defend himself."

"I know, Gorim," Bhelen said. "The Assembly made a summary vote. Harrowmont arranged it all so no one got a chance to talk. Not even me."

Dugan looked to the King. "What evidence do you have that Harrowmont planned all that?"

The King picked up a sheaf of parchments from a desk and handed them to Dugan. "You can read all of these later. The gist is that Harrowmont had been working to remove the Aeducans from the throne for years." Mari noticed that the King looked harried … but he had a … vibe that just seemed off. Maybe all the stress he'd been under. "I always considered Pyral a close friend … until I overheard him tell a servant to pour a liquid from a vial into my bedside water pitcher … then he paid her quite the sum to keep quiet and told her to say that Bhelen gave it all to her. That particular evening, the Ancestors were guiding my path. Harrowmont didn't realize that I'd followed him to the kitchens. Not to spy on him. But, to do something that I didn't do very often. I'd come to the kitchens to personally thank the dessert cook for an excellent dessert that night … for me and my old friend, Pyral Harrowmont." Then, the King had to stop and pace. No one interrupted him.

After he calmed down a bit, he continued. "When he noticed me standing there with two of the Royal Guard, he tried to grab the vial back, but the servant was quicker. She handed it off to the Guard with the coin Harrowmont had paid her. The Guard investigated and found other evidence documented in those papers, Dugan. The poison was Noble Killer. I would have gone to bed, never to rise again. Frandlin Ivo saved himself and his family by testifying against Harrowmont."

Bhelen couldn't keep quiet. "Lessa was the servant he was trying to buy off. She was already an informant for Father."

Gorim couldn't keep quiet either. "Lessa?! I recruited and trained her myself!"

"Thank the Ancestors you did, Gorim. Her testimony to the Assembly — along with the evidence found in this estate — sealed it for Harrowmont. He was executed shortly after and his family has been exiled and removed from the Memories," the King said. Then, he turned toward Dugan. "Your name and Gorim's name have both been restored to the Memories, my son." He turned to Makis. "Your name has been added to the Memories, blessed by the Ancestors in a Proving, Makis." He nodded toward Bhelen. "That was Bhelen's idea, Makis. He felt his son's uncle should be in the Memories since you and your mother and Rica all belong to the Aeducan family now."

Mari thought Makis was going to faint dead away … really. He tried several times to say something, but then just nodded. "Thank you," was all he got out.

Anton sighed. "There is one more thing you should know before we leave this secure location, Your Majesty. An Archdemon has been sighted in the Korcari Wilds. The Grey Wardens expect the Fifth Blight to begin within the surface year. We're gathering Wardens and Warden allies in Ostagar to try to limit the degradation to the Korcari Wilds."

Anton didn't mention the treaty in his backpack. He didn't need to mention it. King Endrin stared at Anton for several minutes and turned toward Bhelen. "When we get back to the Palace, send word to Kardol that his guess was correct. I don't think he's headed back to his outpost yet." Endrin turned back to the Wardens. "We'll discuss this more, Anton, but the Legion has already noticed a marked increase in darkspawn around Bownammar. They've seen the darkspawn head south along the Dead Trenches and plan to seal off that passage. While they won't be able to go to Ostagar right away, what they're planning should help keep the horde numbers lower."

Then, the King turned toward Mari. "And, lastly, Warden Marisia Park, your name has also been added to the Memories." At her look of surprise, he smiled, "Yes, I know of the start of your journey in Thedas. In times past, so many mistakes have been made by exiling family members to the Deep Roads. I had a patrol of the Legion of the Dead follow Dugan … and then Dugan and the Wardens after he met up with them. They told me of a human who walked out of the Stone to join the Wardens. They told me of her incredible story that they would have never believed except they saw her leave the embrace of the Stone with their own eyes."

Mari was frozen for a moment. "Your Majesty, it may have looked like that but it was an Eluvian, a portal system used by the elves long ago who had dealings with the dwarves."

Dugan frowned. "It did look like a mirror until you stepped out, Mari, but it melded back into the wall of the tunnel, like it was never there. You may not have been sent by the Stone, but the Stone sure wanted you to stay."

Mari leaned against the wall as Bhelen said, "Huh, an honest human who doesn't want the adulation of the dwarven race?" Then, he chuckled. "We don't think anyone else knows, Marisia. The Legion is pretty good at keeping secrets."

"Unlike us humans who can't keep a secret to save our grandmothers," Anton said. He walked up and put his hand on Mari's shoulder. "Let's just hope nothing comes of that rumor."

Andwn leaned against the wall next to Mari. "You haven't tried to go through any other Eluvians since you got here, have you?"

"No … why?" Mari asked.

"Well, just my imagination running rampant … but you said the one from Earth disintegrated after you came through and then the one in the Deep Roads melded into the stone behind it," he said and then shrugged. "Maybe you should avoid those things if at all possible until we can talk to Solas about it."

"Enough tense talk," King Endrin said. "Let's adjourn to the Palace and get you all settled in the Warden Wing. Then, Shaper Czibor is anxiously awaiting some new maps from Anton and Marisia."

"We hoped Dugan would come back at some point, so Father has redressed your suite, Dugan — along with the two other rooms on that hallway — as the Warden Wing," Bhelen said.

That finally got a broad smile from Dugan. "Thank you," he said. "I've been worrying about what was waiting for me here. It's nice to know it all worked out." He hugged Bhelen. "I'm very glad to hear about a new Aeducan, Brother!"

Bhelen hugged him back. "Rica'll join us for dinner, along with little Ansgar."

Once Bhelen showed the Wardens to the new Warden Wing, he left to take care of some things … like alerting the Legion of the Dead that they were in the Fifth Blight.

Dugan looked around the room with eight nice bunks around the walls, each with a chest at the foot. A key was in the chest's lock that could be taken with you after valuables were locked away. "A much more useful room than as a prince's bedroom," Dugan said.

Makis sat on his bed, still shaking his head. He finally spoke. "I'm part of your family now, Dugan. I … I still don't believe it."

Dugan smiled. "You, me and Gorim are now part of a bigger family … the Grey Wardens."

Mari locked her saddlebags and backpack into her locker and sat on her bed. That's when she noticed a door into an adjacent room. She walked over to look in and was speechless for a few moments! "A bathroom! A real bathing room?" She went over and looked at the tub, sorta like a big block of stone had a tub chiseled out of it and then smoothed and coated somehow. Unlike the tub in Highever, this one had a faucet, but no knobs. Then, she looked at the privy. It was a toilet not too unlike the ones on Earth, only this one had a force field of a sort at the bottom and no water.

She heard Dugan chuckling behind her. "Dwarves can't cast magic, but some dwarves work with runes for the necessities. Unfortunately, those dwarves tend to lose their minds after a bit." He walked over to the bathtub and ran his hand from the left to the right of the faucet. "You gotta work on finding the right place for how hot or cold you want the water. If you look down the drain, you can see that blue glow. It vaporizes the water and the filth. All those pipes and pumps aren't an option underground. The privy works just like the tub drain."

"We gotta get those for the Wardens," Andwn said.

Anton laughed. "Those runes probably cost more than Soldier's Peak did. We're just damn lucky to have rooms in the Palace. Now, gentlemen, how about we go to the Shaperate while Mari has a bath?"

"But, I want to go to the Shaperate, too," Mari said. "How about I worry about bathing later."

"If it's okay, Anton, there are some informants as well as my family that I'd like to check in on," Gorim said. "They'll tell me if this is all real or not." He took a deep breath. "Not that I don't want to believe your father and brother, Dugan, but I'd like to make sure."

"Yeah, I think I'd like to go talk to my father a bit. Makis? Want to go with me?" Dugan asked.

Makis thought a moment and then nodded his head. "Yeah, I need to go see Mother, too … I wish I didn't, but Rica will drag me there if I don't go. I'll need to ask around for where her room is."

"Bhelen's room's around the corner on the way out," Dugan said as he headed for the door. "I bet your Mother is close."

"Bath for me, then!" Andwn said with a grin. "Shoo!"

While Dugan and Makis headed for the Royal office, Gorim showed Anton and Mari to the exit. "Thanks, Gorim," Mari said quietly as they stepped out into the Diamond Quarter. "I'd have gotten lost a dozen times in there."

Both of the guards at the door and Gorim laughed. "Yeah, you wouldn't be the first one to say that about the Royal Palace," Gorim said. "But, at least the Warden Wing only has a couple of hallways to remember. Some of the hallways to the kitchens and preparation areas are a maze."

Anton walked to the railing overlooking a large lava pool. He pointed to a giant barrier door way on the other side of the Commons. "That's the entrance to the Deep Roads. I hope we get to speak with Kardol." He sighed. "We're not a large enough contingent to check out Bownammar, but Duncan might want to send a squad of Wardens here to do that."

Mari spotted a line of bulky animals loaded down with boxes and blankets and supplies. They sort of looked like rhinos on Earth, only with more horns and a line of vertical scales along their backs. "Are those brontos?" she asked.

Gorim nodded. "Yep. Never get in the path of an angry bronto."

Mari laughed. Now, all the references that Makis said made more sense. "Good to know." Then, she put on her thinking face. "Bownammar. Bownammar." Then, her eyebrows hit her hairline. "That's the one you said was a months-long trek just to get there."

"Yep." Gorim shook his head. "I've never been there. But Dugan and I have traveled pretty far into the Deep Roads. Have you been there, Anton?"

"Once," Anton said quietly. "We made it to the Dead Trenches. That's where we lost half of our patrol. Would have lost all of us if it hadn't been for Kardol and the Legion."

A gruff laugh from behind caused everyone to spin around. "And, there is Kardol, now," Anton said with a grin.

There stood a dwarf in sturdy studded leather armor. Mari was surprised that Kardol had a facial tattoo that seemed to mark him being Casteless. However, she didn't bring it up. She hadn't heard much about the Legion of the Dead, other than about their bravery. They held a funeral for themselves when they joined. The rationale was that if they were already dead then they could face the darkspawn without fear. She hadn't been told that Casteless could belong.

Kardol's laugh turned to a smile and a shoulder punch on Anton. "Nice tae be remembered there, Warden. Yeah, ye picked a really bad time tae come visit our far outpost." He looked Mari up and down. "Ye takin' in more … eh … this be her, ain't it?"

"Yeah, King Endrin told us a Legion patrol saw her arrival," Anton said quietly. "We're trying to keep that as unknown as we can."

He smiled at Mari. "Welcome tae Orzammar, Warden. Don't go with the patrol tae Bownammar." He looked at Anton. "Broodmothers. Don't take any females with ye'."

"A Warden group killed a nasty one at the bottom of a surface holding called Drake's Fall. We almost lost a mage," Gorim said. "We also killed The Architect and his dwarf vessel, Utha. Mari was part of that group."

"We're going to the Shaperate to see about the Deep Roads under northern and eastern Ferelden," Mari said. With a smile, she added, "And, thanks for the warning, but Wardens go wherever they're needed to go. We have a pact that we'll never let any Warden be dragged off alive … be they male or female."

He smiled, looked down at his feet and then at Anton. "Ye got a good one here, Anton. Lucky tae nab Gorim, too."

Anton proudly replied. "We've got the best cadre in Thedas at the moment… with what is coming." He said the last with a look that he didn't want to talk about it out in the open.

Kardol only nodded. "The Legion's gettin' ready, Wardens. We'll talk more before ye leave." With that, he nodded, turned and walked toward the Palace.

Gorim motioned toward the Shaperate. "There you go. I'll be around. If you're not back in the Palace by time for dinner, I'll come get you. But, you can't miss the Throne Room and banquet tables. They're easy to find."

"Sounds good, Gorim," Anton said. "We all know Kardol is right, you know. We were damn lucky to get you in the Grey Wardens."

"Thanks." Then, Gorim walked away toward the elevator down to the Commons. It made Mari wonder who his informants were, but that wasn't any of her business unless he chose to share.

Anton and Mari entered the Shaperate … which sort of looked like a library from the front. A smiling older dwarf greeted them. His beard was gray and braided and he wore a fine set of leather armor. "Welcome, Wardens. Your visit has been entered into the Memories." Mari noticed that he glanced at the tube-shaped map carriers Mari and Anton had.

"Thank you for your warm welcome, Shaper. We bring new and updated maps of the Deep Roads for you," Anton said as he took the carrier off his shoulder.

"Please follow me," Czibor said and led Anton and Mari through a back door, down a long hallway with numerous doors on either side to a closed barrier door which he opened in a pattern quite different from the ones in the Deep Roads. Once through the door, he locked it back up.

Mari gave Anton a worried look which he only answered with a relaxed smile and nod, like he wasn't worried.

Then, he took them to an enormous room with a wall filled with a complete map of the Deep Roads! But, it wasn't on parchment. It was etched on stone with blue shining lines! "This is the most accurate map of the Deep Roads in the Memories, Wardens. We make changes as they come to us." He chuckled a bit. "Warden Anton's maps have made it even more accurate, much to the consternation of our scribes."

"Is that lyrium, Shaper Czibor?" Mari asked.

"It is." He swept his hand around the room. That's when Mari noticed the circle of doors, some open, some closed. Only one doorway had another closed barrier door. "These are the Memories. Caverns and tunnels stretch far and wide from this nexus, recording the history of Dwarvenkind. Not many have seen the Memories. We offer you this honor because there is a Blight on our doorstep. King Endrin sent word ahead. Your request to see the Deep Roads under eastern Ferelden was approved." He cleared his throat. "You have four hours to copy what you seek. No more. No less. I shall send word to the Palace that you will be released at that time."

"Thank you, Shaper," Anton said. "We'd better get started, Mari." He turned to Czibor. "Where would you like me to lay out the maps we leave behind?"

"When you're done, please lay them on the etching table. Our scribes will take it from there," Czibor said.

Mari took a smaller parchment from the top of the stack. "Shaper Czibor, the Wardens found this drawing among things they brought with them from Weisshaupt." She showed him the drawing of the Warden protection room for the dragons that would become Archdemons. "And, in my Joining, I had a vision of this same room. At the center of the room was a gigantic golden dragon that became the Archdemon after hundreds of darkspawn descended on it." She took a deep breath. "Are there any Memories of such a structure?"

Czibor took the parchment and said, "This is our copy?"

"Yes, the Warden researcher said that the copy we're keeping had likely been recopied over the centuries. He thought you should have a copy and suggested we ask you if you had anything to share," Mari said.

"I will give this project to Shaper Valta and we will let you know if we find any Memories," Czibor said. With that, he nodded and locked them in the room.

With much difficulty, Mari managed to curb her curiosity and helped Anton lay out the incomplete map they had prepared in order to add details. She took a moment to look around … it was like she was a speck on the motherboard of a computer. Only, they recorded data with lyrium … which was unique to Thedas as far as she knew.

"We shall be trading places, Mari," Anton said as he got out their drawing and writing tools. "This time you will be sketching the Roads as best you can and as quickly as you can and I shall be annotating them since I know Dwarvish." He pointed to Orzammar on the parchment. "Start here and draw solid lines to denote the new northern Ferelden Deep Roads on the lyrium map. There are many crosscuts, denoted by dashed lines, that go around cave-ins. Catch as many as you can on your second go through. Once I finish labels, I'll help with those. Speed is important. We can pretty it up later."

Mari nodded and began at the Orzammar door and started drawing lines. She didn't know Dwarvish, but there was a lot of notation. The main Deep Roads of north Ferelden bent a bit north and then nearly due east through what looked like a port of some kind on the Storm Coast, then on under Drake's Fall and ended at Vigil's Keep. There was a dotted line section that looked to go through a large thaig, skirted by the city of Amaranthine and then, from there to the Wending Wood — where The Architect had his depraved laboratory — until it bent southward.

"Apparently, no one's actually seen Deep Roads from Vigil's Keep to the Wending Wood. Looks like they made a guess, though," Mari said.

"At least none that have been explored yet," Anton replied. "Something for a time after the Blight. Maker."

There was a notation under someplace in Denerim. After Denerim, they branched southwest to South Reach and south to Gwaren. The Wardens had already filled in a lot of the Deep Roads that went northwest from Gwaren, but Mari was surprised to find a wide stretch that went directly under the Korcari Wilds and then headed back around to Orzammar, meeting up with the Dead Trenches and Bownammar.

They were working together on catching as many of the crosscuts as they could. Fortunately, Anton said to work from Orzammar to Denerim on those. Just as they were finishing the ones around Denerim, they heard the main door begin the unlocking sequence. "Carefully roll these maps up while I take out the ones we're leaving here," Anton said.

Mari complied. She didn't want to. She wanted to beg Czibor for just a little more time, but she followed Anton's lead, held her tongue and did what he asked. The result was that they were hoisting the map carriers on their shoulders and ready to leave as Czibor opened the door and let them out.

Silently, he relocked the door, turned and led them out to the entrance. "Thank you for adhering to the time limit. You showed respect to Orzammar and Dwarvenkind and will be allowed back at a future time." He turned toward Mari. "The time limit is only arbitrary due to the exposure to lyrium in the Memories. Four hours is the maximum limit we dare to allow humans." He smiled. "At least, to humans we respect in turn."

"Thank you, Shaper," Mari said.

"Now, you'd better hurry back to the Palace," Czibor said. "They are holding up dinner for you to arrive."

Anton laughed. "Thank you for this opportunity, Shaper … and the warning. Fortunately, it is close."

With that, Anton and Mari rushed over to the Palace. Gorim caught up to them and whispered something to Anton that he didn't share. They went to the room, cleaned up as quickly as they could. Mari assumed that Anton would lock the sketch in his chest, but he folded it up and put it in his lower inside left boot and pant leg. "There's so much I want to talk about!" Mari said.

That got a strangely worried look from Anton. "I know. We'll talk later."

Then, they followed a Royal Guard to the Throne Room where everyone was waiting for them. However, they were more raucous than impatient! Sitting around a large table, set with so much food and drink that Mari wondered if the legs could possibly hold it up! King Endrin sat at the head of the table with Bhelen and Rica on his right and Dugan on his left. Two empty chairs were next on the left. Makis sat next to Rica. Andwn sat next to the empty chairs and Gorim sat next to Andwn.

"There you are!" King Endrin said. He motioned to the two empty chairs. "I'm afraid you're about three goblets of wine behind us!"

"We're Wardens, Your Majesty," Anton said. "It won't take long for us to catch up."

Mari walked over to the crib behind Rica. "May I?"

"Of course," Rica replied after getting a nod from Bhelen. "Hold him if you wish."

Mari wasn't planning to do more than pull the blanket back to see the face to go with the two gorgeous little eyes. However, she didn't want to insult the new parents. She carefully lifted the bundle and took a look. She grinned at the smiling parents. "He's got a very strong chin and expressive eyes … pretty close to a perfect match of his parents."

"Get ready tae hand her a napkin," Makis said.

Mari held little Ansgar for several minutes. "Not today, Makis. I'm holding the future of dwarvenkind. Not something to get emotional about, is it, Ansgar? Someday, you may be sitting at the head of your own table with other adoring Wardens. May it be a good time for your people and all of Thedas."

"I'll drink to that," Bhelen said. "Well said, Marisia. Well said."

Everyone who wasn't holding a baby took a drink from their goblets. Mari noticed the baby yawn and his eyes got droopy. "I think His Highness is signaling that he needs his sleep," she said quietly. A servant came up at Rica's wave and Mari handed the baby to her when Rica motioned to do so.

Mari watched the servant and the baby leave and then walked over to her chair and picked up her wine goblet. "And, I would like to toast the Aeducan Family and it's continued strong leadership of Orzammar." She hoped she got that right as she said it.

King Endrin stood and lifted his goblet. "One more toast and we end the preliminaries. To the Grey Wardens. Truly, the only group who knows what the dwarves go through with the darkspawn." Everyone stood and raised their drinks and then everyone sat down to a scrumptious dinner, large enough for fifty people.

Once dinner was eaten and dessert had been served, Bhelen looked at Dugan. "I guess there's no coming back?"

Dugan frowned and shook his head. "I'm afraid not. I am no longer a Royal. I'm a Grey Warden." He smiled slightly. "It wasn't the future I ever envisioned for myself, but it is now mine to live." He looked around the table. "The Stone set me on this path. I don't doubt it. They have much to teach me and I believe I have much to share with them."

Bhelen looked a bit sad, a bit angry and … incongruously … a bit relieved. Mari would have to think about that, but then, everything concerning the dwarves seemed to be confusing.

Rica reached over and squeezed Bhelen's hand. "If you will excuse me, I'm sure Ansgar will be wanting his dinner." She smiled at the Wardens. "This was very pleasant. I find myself a bit relieved that such competent Grey Wardens will be helping us through this."

Everyone stood when Rica stood to leave. Bhelen walked her to the door where four guards waited to escort her to their suite. When he returned, he motioned for everyone to sit down. "So, Anton, were you able to add to your maps?"

"Indeed, we were," Anton explained. "There was a curious stop under Vigil's Keep with what looked like a guess of sorts connected to a known section in the Wending Wood in the area of an abandoned silverite mine. We uncovered a laboratory in that mine where The Architect had done experiments on Wardens who had gone missing over the years. We found some documents that our mages are looking over now. However, now that we know the Deep Roads run close, I have a feeling that Duncan will be sending a squad to investigate those tunnels more closely."

"Can he spare a squad to do that?" King Endrin asked.

Anton smiled at Mari. "Mari here is our recruiter and she's already gathered quite a few new Wardens in recent weeks. However, all that will have to wait for a while."

"Were you about to offer sending a Legion squad to help during the Blight, Father?" Bhelen asked.

"I would have, but Kardol's told me he wants to first work on closing off the Dead Trenches' southern route to the Korcari Wilds. That should ultimately be as helpful to killing the darkspawn there, I would think," Endrin said. "Unfortunately, I don't think he has the manpower to do both at the same time."

Bhelen looked nervously to Makis. "Do you think any of the Carta would be able to help out during the Blight?"

Makis pursed his lips and took a deep breath. "Well, after me and Leske cleared out our way tae leave and killed Beraht, they had a lot fewer members. So, I'm not sure ye can count on 'em. Ye told us this afternoon that Jarvia took over and Leske's her toadie now. Neither o' them got all the pull Beraht did. Still, enough to cause trouble, I'm sure." He turned to Anton. "Me and Andwn went tae Dustown to check things out. We found out that the Carta's tryin' tae make noises that His Highness owes the Carta for Rica's trainin' as a noble hunter. Prince Bhelen don't owe 'em a bent coin, o'course. Rica's always been smarter than that entire bunch o' no counts."

"That she is," Bhelen said quietly.

"I guess that makes you a smart Prince for marrying her, Brother," Dugan said with a smile.

"Thanks," Bhelen smiled back at his brother. A genuine smile of gratitude. Then, he turned to his father. "Father, I think we should give Anton one of the sending stones Kardol found in Cadash Thaig so we can keep in touch … at least through the Blight."

"You have a set of sending stones?" Mari asked. Then, she cleared her throat. "Sorry for the interruption. It seems that those communication sets are more common than anyone thought."

King Endrin only chuckled. "Cadash Thaig was one of those where elves and dwarves cohabitated centuries ago. The elves were fleeing their enemies. Cadash is nearer to the surface and the dwarves of that time let them live there in exchange for their magical help."

"Cadash was on one of those new Deep Roads spurs we found out about tonight," Anton said. "Of course, Kardol probably helped map that one along with the web of crosscuts to get there."

Endrin turned to Bhelen. "Go get the blue set, son. That's a good idea. Even after the Blight is over, it would be helpful to have a quicker way to get information from the Wardens."

Bhelen nodded. "Be right back."

"So, I assume you're going to be heading back to Denerim tomorrow?" Endrin said.

Mari caught Anton's quick glance toward Gorim as he answered, "Yes, this trip was to gather as much information as we could to rout any Architect leftovers in the northeast. We don't want to be flanked during the Blight. I shall be contacting Duncan as quickly as I can with Kardol's information. With your generous gift of a sending stone, we should be able to get you information about anything we uncover."

"Good, good," Endrin said.

Bhelen came back in carrying a small metal case and gave it to Endrin, who opened it to show them two round sapphire blue stones.

Endrin turned toward Andwn. "This set is low on power at the moment. Do you think you could power it, Andwn?" That question seemed to surprise Bhelen.

"Yes, I can do that, Your Majesty," Andwn said. He stood. "It will only take a few minutes." When the king handed him the box, Andwn cast a stream of the blue mana to one stone and then the other and then handed the box back to Endrin. Andwn sat down. It didn't look like it depleted him in the least.

Endrin took out one of the stones and a thick leather pouch. He put one stone in the pouch and handed it to Anton. "Take out the stone and hold it for a few minutes until it glows. It will attune to you to contact this stone we keep here. To activate it, hold it again and wait for a click to tell you that someone here is ready for your message. If you need to change the attunement, simply have the new person hold it for a few minutes until it glows."

Anton held the stone until it glowed and then put it back into the pouch. "Thank you for this again," he said. "Perhaps we should retire for the evening, Wardens. We have a pressing journey back tomorrow." He smiled at Mari. "And, Mari really wants to try out that bathing tub."

Everyone laughed and after a few parting words, Bhelen showed them to the Warden Wing. However, before they turned down the hallway toward their room, Bhelen stopped the Wardens and whispered, "Do not drink the water in your room. Check all of your chests for traps and carefully go through all your belongings. Father's had some servants in and out of there all evening while we were in the banquet hall." He turned to Mari. "I hate to do this to you, but you should probably forego that bath tonight." Then, he laughed as if he had just told them the funniest joke and guided them to the room with two Royal Guards standing by the door. "Good night, Wardens. Sleep well. Father and I will be busy with Assembly matters in the morning, so we will likely miss your departure. Good travels."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Anton said as they went inside the room. Once the door was closed, he motioned for everyone to remain quiet and to go to their chests immediately. Makis stopped everyone and took the time to check each chest before it was opened. He did find a wire on the side of one of them, but it was loose. It put everyone on edge.

Mari yawned and said out loud, "I'm too tired and it's going to be a long haul tomorrow. I'm just going to go to bed."

"That sounds like a good idea," Anton said.

Andwn's curiosity got to him and he went into the bathroom. When he returned he looked angry. He mouthed the word, "Tomorrow."

However, everyone did use the toilet after Makis checked it for issues and proclaimed it clear. That's when Mari noticed that the tub's runes had been removed.

Needless to say out loud, everyone was on edge and no one got much sleep. After six or so restless hours, everyone got all their things and departed the Royal Palace … leaving formal farewells with the Royal Guard to pass on to the King and Prince.

Makis, Andwn and Mari went to Dustown to buy lightning and ice runes … which pretty much used up all the coin Mari had on her … and then had Garin put one of the runes on each of her daggers … which put her into debt to Andwn. There was no outward indication until Mari pulled them from their sheathes. Intermittent arcs of electricity appeared on one and foggy wisps on the other one. Andwn said they also hurt the enemy with additional lightning and cold injury.

Anton, Dugan and Gorim met up with Kardol and some of his Legionnaires. He told them he was headed to the south of Bownammar area to make an attempt at closing off the Deep Roads that headed into the Korcari. After that, fifty or so of the Legion would be heading overland to Ostagar. Hopefully, it would only be a delay of a few months. It sounded extremely dangerous when Anton relayed it to everyone as they met up to leave Orzammar.

No one stopped them on the way to the elevator or after they exited. Mari was really getting a little anxious with all the unspoken issues after dinner, but knew that it was something for the road. Rosy was so well cared for, Mari wondered if she'd want to leave. However, after a quick brushing from Rosie, the mare was ready to travel again.

Mari did notice a few glances and whispers, but that was something that could have easily been explained as, "Wardens are leaving already?" gossip. She couldn't fathom how people knew they were Wardens. No one was wearing Warden armor or even a tabard, but, somehow, they knew Wardens were riding by.

They rode hard out of the village and down the road to Gherlen's Pass, checked in with the Guards there and kept going until mid-afternoon when Anton stopped the group by a nice place for a late lunch.

Once they got to a loud stream, Anton wrote a note and passed it around. It said, Take everything out of your packs and make certain nothing has a rune attached to it. Such as a listening rune. Give them all to me.

Mari thought that was a bit paranoid until she found one behind the bottom fold of her backpack. Anton found three and the dwarves each found one. Anton gathered them up and put them inside a glowing metal box, set the box next to the rather loud, rushing mountain stream and walked back.

He mouthed the words, "Double check."

Andwn looked at Anton and mouthed the words, "Sending stone?" He held out his hand and Anton put the pouch into Andwn's hand. He cast a spell on the pouch and then another spell that Mari was unfamiliar with. "I was wondering why you wanted me to put a silence spell on that box," Andwn said quietly. "I also put a silence spell on the pouch, just in case," he added as he handed it back to Anton.

After everyone did and found nothing else, he said out loud, "Gorim has something to tell us."

"Did Bhelen set Harrowmont up?" Dugan asked.

Gorim sighed. "No, Dugan. Your father did … but he was right about Harrowmont working to unseat the Aeducans." When Dugan was about to interrupt, Gorim continued, "Lessa's dead. After all that falderal in the royal kitchens, Bhelen had Vartag Gavorn — his second — check on everything. He walked into the kitchen as the cook found Lessa lying dead in the pantry. It looked like she slipped and hit her head … but there wasn't anything slippery on the floor and there was a bruise on her forehead like someone pushed her head against a shelf. I know, Gavorn is sworn to Bhelen. But, my sister Misky gave me this."

He handed Anton a short note and everyone read it over his shoulder: No one goes against Endrin Aeducan and lives. He killed his own brother to make sure he got to wear the crown. Sound familiar? Harrowmont was getting too disloyal, starting to politic to remove Endrin, who made sure that did not happen. Bhelen's son … and Dugan a Warden … are the only things that are saving him. Heirs are important to Endrin … only one at a time, though. Not sure the old bastard could throw a new one anymore. Watch out for yourself! —Misky

Everyone looked at Dugan who looked horribly miserable. He just found a fallen log and sat on it. "I … I need some time to think. Go ahead and eat."

"King Endrin always has a Tevinter mage working for him," Gorim said. "I also got suspicious when that stone wasn't powered up. Bhelen looked surprised, too."

Andwn frowned. "Those stones were already powered up. It was a waste of magic to top them to full."

"I noticed that Bhelen seemed surprised and I was surprised it didn't seem to tire you at all, Andwn," Mari said. She grinned. "I just assumed it was because you are a super mage."

They set up camp, fed the horses and took them to the stream running by the camp to drink. Dugan was still just sitting on the log looking over the stream. Gorim had tried to get him to at least eat a ration bar, but Dugan only shook his head. Once everything was set up and they'd eaten, Mari went to sit next to Dugan.

"I'm still not ready to talk about it," he said quietly.

"Not here to talk," she replied. "But, I will listen if you change your mind."

Sure enough, it didn't take too long until Dugan said. "I just can't reconcile that our Father had Trian killed … just for a reason to get rid of Harrowmont … and so convincingly lied about it all. I'm worried about Bhelen and his family. Father takes Tradition too far. He's so tied up with the Aeducan legacy that nothing should get in the way … not even the ascension of his own Crown Prince."

Dugan sat silent for about a quarter hour. "And, then to have me sent to the Deep Roads. Did he really send the Legion after me for my protection or to make sure I found Duncan? What were their orders if I didn't? Were they supposed to kill me if I missed the Wardens?"

After another few minutes, he continued, "We always knew he was a hard man, but to kill off his own eldest son and blame his second son … send his second son to die in the Deep Roads or become a Grey Warden … and then shift the blame to his acclaimed 'best friend' when I did find the Grey Wardens."

He slipped down to sit on the ground and lean back against the log. "He's going to have a surprise if he ever thinks he can do that to Bhelen." Mari slid down to sit next to him. "Bhelen is as good a liar as our Father. Maybe better. And, he's been collecting information on the deshyrs in the Assembly. Probably already has things in line to take over at some point. I hope he waits until after the Blight, but I really don't care." Dugan put his face in his hands. "I feel … I feel betrayed and useless to do anything to help Bhelen."

When Mari heard a small sob, she ventured to put her arm around Dugan's shoulders. He didn't get angry. He leaned against her and cried. If he'd been able, he would have seen the tears slowly fall from Mari's eyes as well. She noticed Anton and Gorim glance over from time to time, but they all knew Dugan had to work it out himself.

Finally, he pulled away from Mari and sat back, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. He smiled at her. "Gorim's right, you are the nicest human either he or I have ever met."

She mirrored him by wiping her eyes and sniffing. "Thanks."

"You know what snapped me out of it?" he asked her. When she shook her head, he answered his own question. "Remembering you telling the First Warden … our ultimate boss, by the way … that he needed to stop worrying about things that didn't happen. In my head, I reworded it to stop worrying about things I could not control."

"There was a prayer on Earth," she said. "It went, 'God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.' That's a hard one to live up to."

"Aye, I'd have to agree with that one … sorta splits you in two." Dugan took a deep breath, stood and reached down to help Mari to stand. "Thanks, lass. I think I can sleep now."

"Anytime, Dugan," Mari said. "I owe all of you guys so much. Anytime."

Anton set up watches. The night was crisp but clear, so they slept under the stars by the fire. It was a solemn, quiet night and passed with no interruptions. Andwn took the silence spell off the sending stone. If they had a contact from Orzammar, they needed to answer it. It did vibrate a little when used, so Anton just buried it in his hip pocket for the journey back.

Makis walked over to the box of listening runes after saying that he had an idea. He opened the box and took one out. "Damn the Carta tae the lava! Lookie at what they left on us. Probably had someone sneak in while we were eatin'. Bastards. Everyone look through yer stuff and toss whatever ye find intae the stream here."

Anton smiled broadly, but didn't throw the box into the stream. Makis put the rune he took out back into the box with the silence spell on it and gave it to Andwn.

Andwn shoved the box deep into his backpack. "These things are valuable, but they have a range on them. Endrin probably just wanted to know if we found out anything he didn't want us to know. They can be reset easily enough. There's a place in Denerim with a Tranquil who could do it for us.

At first, Anton considered going straight down to Ostagar until Andwn reminded him that Arctavi had a sending stone to Del. Then, he decided we'd swing by Highever to report the possible Deep Roads under the area and then on to Soldier's Peak and Denerim.

!¡!¡

AN: Thanks to everyone still reading this story! And, thanks for your review, Judy! Next time, the group heads back to Denerim with stops in Highever (with a surprise visitor for Mari) where the Hawke's decide to ride along to Denerim … and Soldier's Peak (with a surprise for everyone)! Alistair has the opportunity to show his leadership abilities in Denerim. :)