14-Wardens North and South
Far, far to the north, a mostly non-violent coup had just ended in Weisshaupt. The previous Orlesian First Warden Franc just disappeared one night, saying that he was going on his Calling and leaving it up to the remaining Warden officers to elect a new First Warden.
At least, that was the forged note that a charismatic and ambitious Warden from Hossberg showed everyone. Of course … first … he had ascertained that the old First Warden had, indeed, not spoken to anyone in Weisshaupt before leaving. The forgery was easy. Del had been a forger and spy before being conscripted into the Wardens, after all. He wondered if someone had finally killed the old bastard and buried him somewhere in the plains, but he didn't mention that, either.
Del was tall and handsome with wavy dark blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. His good humor always got him out of trouble … until he became ruthlessly hunted for bedding some royal's wife. Even his good humor couldn't get him out of the royal's demand for retribution. The Grey Wardens saved him from that fate, however. He owed the Order a lot and had become more serious and determined of late.
As Del knew would happen after Franc up and disappeared — after weeks of deliberation, debate and, frankly, yelling and screaming — Senior Warden Captain Delrisi Kankut ended up sitting at the First Warden's desk simply because the Orlesians could not decide on which Orlesian butt to put on the chair. Typically, the outgoing First Warden named a successor before leaving, but Franc didn't. Even in the real note the old bastard left.
The reason Del got the job was really quite simple. It was Fate. Had to be.
Del walked into the First Warden's office before anyone else did the morning of the disappearance, before anyone was even aware that Franc was gone. Del had been ordered to report to Franc to discuss discipline of some of Del's squad. Instead of a discussion, Del found a note on Franc's desk that said he couldn't decide on who to name, so left it up to the Orlesians to decide. Del laughed as he read it because he knew what it would mean. The egos of the Orlesians would end up getting in each other's way and there would be a long and contentious fight, but it gave Del an idea. He burned that note in a brazier on his way out the heavy double doors. He put on a puzzled face and joined the others in asking where the First Warden had gone. No one had seen him leave, oddly enough. It was like the man simply disappeared. A group including Del walked into the First Warden's office and "found" the forged note … and the heated discussions began that led to Del sitting in the First Warden's seat.
Franc had probably spent more time in his office in Weisshaupt than any other First Warden. He never went anywhere. His best and only real friend had died in a deadly storm on the Waking Sea a couple of decades before. Since then, Franc had avoided travel more and more. He stopped visiting other outposts throughout Thedas. He even stopped visiting the Royal Palace of The Anderfels and he once spent more time there than in Weisshaupt. So, everyone already felt Franc was going a bit crazy … that the taint was surely about to call in it's marker.
Weeks earlier, Franc had confided in Del that he would go on his Calling soon. At the time, Del assured him that he would follow whomever the new First Warden was. Del was a man who was always available with a ready ear to listen and had insinuated himself into the hierarchy of the Wardens in the decade of years he'd been at Weisshaupt. Charismatic. Young. Handsome. Conniving. Political. But, he truly did want the best for the Grey Wardens. They had saved him from royal vindication, after all.
Recruitment was down everywhere. Discipline was spotty, at best. Some Warden organizations were hardly organized and slowly falling apart. Very few were models of success. Orlais was a large organization, but no one was really in charge of the entire country. There were several Warden-Commanders in Orlais. It led to lack of vigilance, in Del's opinion.
Del picked up a new report from Ferelden Warden-Commander Duncan. He found it in a file marked To Be Burned. Long ago, Ferelden had been one of those disorganized countries due to being off-limits to the Grey Wardens for hundreds of years. Until King Maric got an an up-close taste of the life of a Grey Warden. He opened Ferelden to Wardens once again.
The first Warden-Commander Polara made a good start at organization and Duncan learned well at the side of Polara. Oddly enough, the same storm that struck fear in the old First Warden, spurred Duncan to stay on top of things in his country. Duncan had been caught in that freak storm, also. Life was short. A Warden's life, even shorter.
Funny thing … Fate.
Weisshaupt had also just gotten a message about the finding of Soldier's Peak in usable condition … and of increased darkspawn on the surface. Del rummaged around the desk he'd been trying to straighten for the last few hours and found the secret packet for the First Warden and Warden-Commanders only. He pulled out a list that had been recopied over the years. Information that could not be lost.
Duncan had gone along on a fateful trip about twenty years ago to find the Orlesian Warden-Commander's brother … and, by association, they ran into The Architect. Duncan knew that his then Warden-Commander knew where the the future Archdemon-dragons were buried. Del wondered if Duncan had ever been told: Urthemiel was buried under the Korcari Wilds. So, increased darkspawn in Ferelden was very troubling.
And that bastard, Franc, was going to burn the report rather than find out more about it. Probably the real reason he bolted, Del thought while grinding his teeth. I wonder where the bastard really went. I doubt it was the Deep Roads. But, Duncan's report gave him an idea. "Ana?" Del called out to his assistant.
"Yes, First Warden?" she replied as she came to the door holding several stacks of paper.
"Has Riordan left for Jader yet?" he asked as he stepped up to her and took away her burden.
"Not yet, First Warden," she answered with a grateful smile.
"Go find him. I need to tell him to go to Ferelden, instead." Del stepped up to her desk and carefully placed the unwieldy stack in a clear place.
She looked at him as if he were crazy. "Pardon my frankness, Del, but the Orlesians are going to question that change."
He laughed. "Jader was a punishment for Riordan. The Orlesians will consider the home of the 'turnip dog lords' an even worse punishment," he replied as he motioned toward the door.
"Devious," she said with a chuckle as she hurried out.
After a much shorter time than he anticipated, Riordan was standing in his office door. Del could hear Ana getting back to work at her desk. "Did I hear right? You are going to save me from going to Jader, so I can visit with my old friend Duncan?" Riordan said with a chuckle.
Del motioned for Riordan to sit and closed his office door. As he walked back to his desk, he handed Riordan Duncan's report and the super-secret list of where the remaining three Archdemons were buried.
Riordan read the list first. He glanced at Del and then read Duncan's report. "Shit. So, that bastard, Franc, just didn't want to oversee a Blight."
Del nodded. "Likely. I know you're walking into the belly of the Loghain beast, but maybe you can make peace with the man somehow." Del nodded to the list in Riordan's hand. "It seems that Duncan has figured out that a Blight is likely upon us."
"Do you really think it's that serious?" Riordan asked.
"Not yet. I need to settle a few more things here before I leave. That's why I'm sending you now. Don't mention a Blight unless Duncan brings it up. It's his country. I shall try to be shortly behind you. Check it out. Assist Duncan and the Ferelden Wardens. If it turns out to be a Blight, and Duncan doesn't mind, aid him there. And, don't worry about Jader. Maurice's brother lives in Jader, so I'll send him instead." Del leaned back in his chair. "Send real reports only to Masina in Cumberland. I'll notify him to send them on to Denerim. Send fake ones talking about how horrible it is to be stationed in Ferelden through Jader. That should keep them off my back … and yours." He smiled. "They only wanted you to go there as a 'punishment' for your backtalk to my predecessor. How soon can you leave?"
"I'm already prepared for travel," Riordan said. "I can leave tomorrow." He grinned. "I'll look suitably annoyed after walking out your door."
"Good man. And, good luck," Del said as Riordan left. Del gave a moment or two of thought to how different things might have been if Franc were still there. Did he leave because he was afraid of a Blight starting in Ferelden? Did he want to burn Duncan's report so he wouldn't look like the coward he was? Del sighed and shrugged. No one would know the answers to those questions now.
∞∞∞!¡!¡∞∞∞
Mari looked west to the road up the escarpment to the Hinterlands. They were camping about a day out from Lothering, traveling on the Imperial Highway. The land here was beautiful … grasslands with copses of trees here and there.
"Soon, the grasslands will be dotted with tall yellow flowers," Duncan said as he walked up.
"Earth had a tall, yellow flower. We called them sunflowers." She turned to Duncan and smiled. "They're called sunflowers here, too. I bought a small sack of sunflower seeds in Denerim to plant and another sack of roasted sunflower seeds to eat. I'll share with you later."
"Sunflowers, I'll need to remember that. Yes, I would like to try them," Duncan said. "Perhaps we can plant a few in Denerim and a few at Soldier's Peak."
"That's what I was thinking," Mari said. "Matis told me that, in addition to the garden houses near the Warden wing of the Palace, there was once a rooftop garden at the Denerim compound. Andi overheard and we were both excited by the potential for herbs and small amounts of vegetables. Hopefully, there's a similar place at Soldier's Peak for a small garden." She paused and took a deep breath. "I was also wondering where you might post me after I become a Grey Warden."
"That is a good question, Mari." Duncan turned to her. "So, you don't plan to use your one opportunity to change your mind?"
Mari just shook her head. "I have a chance to do something here to protect my new world. There really was no way I could stop my old world's annihilation. No one would take a fantasy fiction writer seriously. However, you have the darkspawn here. Different way to end a world, if just as complete."
Duncan thought for a moment and then said, "I think I'll be posting you in Denerim at first because of your ability to converse intelligently, to admit when you need to investigate something, to do whatever it takes to learn what needs to be learned, to do what needs to be done. How would you feel about that?"
"Well, I'll need to make friends with the Grand Cleric at some point, as well as the other notable citizens in Denerim," Mari said. She added with a grin, "Temper my unapologetic idealism to simply a positive outlook." Then, she frowned, "I wish there was a way to continue helping the mages, but I realize that will not be my primary responsibility."
Duncan smiled. "Greagoir seems to have taken to you as well as Mother Dorothea and Sister Leliana, perhaps during your Warden business you can still drop hints to them … to find a way."
Mari then quietly asked, "Could we keep me as one of those secret Wardens for a while?"
"Are you saying that you wish to only sign the Alistair Maneuver contract?" Duncan asked.
"Not necessarily, I just don't want to be pulled out of Ferelden because I'm … an off-worlder, a world-hopper, an unusual trophy or the like," she explained.
"If I don't add you to the list of Wardens, Weisshaupt won't send me its share of your salary, which is also a very big negative for any secret Wardens. I had not thought of that until now," Duncan said. "It's not a large amount, but it is on par with Ferelden ranked soldiers and more than we'll be paying you as a companion. Sadly, we don't have enough discretionary funding to provide that part for you. And, even though Loghain offered to help our budget, it really wouldn't be wise to take advantage of his generosity at this moment. Since we aren't in an emergency situation right now, perhaps, we should delay in your Joining until we find out who the new First Warden is."
If Mari had any comment to make about that, she was interrupted by Andwn. "Mari, look!" Andwn hollered. He was directing a faint lightning stream to a metal bar embedded in the dirt. Andwn had spent time figuring out a way to control the lightning better. Anders came up with a way to try to channel the energy of the lightning rather than just send it out to destroy. He also found a metal bar in the stockroom that the Tranquil there would stick in a fireplace to heat up until it brightly glowed a yellowy-white, not the red of most smithy metals. Then, they put it in a heat-resistant handle and used as a lantern of sorts in areas they didn't want to bring an open flame. Mages weren't always available to cast magical light and they didn't always have access to magical items that gave off light.
The metal bar in the ground was glowing, giving off light as well as heat, even after Andwn stopped the lightning.
"Yes! I hoped you could figure out how to direct the bolt without destroying the target," Mari said as she ran over to the experiment and Duncan followed. "The lightning causes a current of electricity and heats the metal of the bar. I'm sure I'm missing something to keep it going. We had something we called a light bulb. There was coiled metal wire inside a glass globe filled with some kind of noncombustible gas. That metal bar Anders got from the stockroom must be made from a similar metal. Anyway, we transmitted the energy through wires strung across the country. That kept the globe producing constant light. I'm not sure how all that works, actually. I'm no scientist."
Ardoc smiled and said, "Well, that's all well and good, but it's not that … what did you call it? A battery?"
"Princess Anora wants to begin a university in Denerim. Perhaps we could get one of the professors interested," Duncan suggested. "Another reason to station you in Denerim. If something can come of this, it would be beneficial to all. Imagine how surprised the Archdemon would be if the Wardens could shine a light at it to better see it on the battlefield."
Mari frowned. "I wish I knew more about science." She winked at Duncan. "Of course, then I'd be signing up for Her Highness's university."
"Then, I am glad you do not know more about science," Duncan said.
Once dinner was finished, Mari walked over to Duncan who was drinking something from a metal flask encased by a beautiful leather cover with a griffon embossed on it. "I wasn't ignoring what you suggested right before Andwn pulled me over, Duncan. I needed to think about it."
Duncan raised an eyebrow. "And?"
"The potential of being reassigned somewhere else is the only issue that bothers me," Mari explained as she sat next to him. "However, I intend to be a Grey Warden no matter the answer. So, why wait?"
"Then, we can proceed as we had discussed," Duncan said as he passed over the flask. "Shall we drink on it? This is brandy made from peaches that grow in the Free Marches. Wynne shared a couple bottles with me. It's her favorite." He grinned. "It tastes much better than the Joining formula."
The next day, late afternoon, they rode into Ostagar. From a distance, a rider on the Imperial Highway could tell two things: even centuries later, Ostagar still had structures standing and it must have been magnificent in its day. As soon as they opened the gate for Duncan, Mari, Bryant, Andwn, Ardoc and the Glavonak brothers and their wagon, they spotted a group of a dozen or so people standing next to a tall tower.
Dworkin and Voldrik Glavonak jumped off their wagon, tied off their team, and walked over to look at the tower. The Wardens and Mari tied off their horses' reins on the wagon and followed.
"Commander!" a tall, slender woman in leathers yelled as everyone walked up. She was a bit younger than Duncan, but Mari guessed not more than a few years younger. Her brown hair had white mixed in and she kept it back in a ponytail. At that moment, she had a broad smile on her wise face.
"Leciah, I'd like to introduce you to a new recruit, Marisia Park," Duncan said. "Mari, this is my second-in-command Warden Captain Leciah.
Leciah's smile broadened even more. "Another woman! Maker be praised! Welcome to the Grey Wardens, Marisia! You are joining an organization who appreciates you no matter if you are a woman or a man, dwarf, elf or human." Her accent was definitely Fereldan.
"I had that feeling, Warden Captain, but thank you for confirming it," Mari said with a grin of her own going.
Ardoc motioned to the tower. "What's going on?"
Leciah's smile quickly turned to a frown. "Well, I told you in my last report that the cliff-face had a number of cave entrances. Thanks for sending more Wardens down to help explore them because some had darkspawn in them." She paused to let that sink in. "Yeah, and they were digging. No openings to the Deep Roads in the ones nearby, but dangerous to keep open, I think." She motioned from the edge of the cliff over to the tower. "One of them goes from there directly under the Tower of Ishal if my reckoning is right. We need to get someone down here who can collapse that tunnel and backfill it somehow so we can fortify the tower and use it safely."
Duncan motioned to the Glavonaks. "May I also introduce Voldrik and Dworkin Glavonak, experts in the demolition, repair and construction of old buildings … and tunnels."
Dworkin put his hands on his hips. "I'd like tae go take a look at the mine or tunnel we're standin' on, Commander. I have some lyrium sand with me. Hopefully, there's more down there."
Leciah sent a questioning look toward Duncan. He replied, "We met up with the Glavonaks on the way here. They already planned to scout out the caves of the Korcari to find lyrium sand, an ingredient in Dworkin's explosive formulas."
"Aye," Voldrik said, "no disrespect to yon mage, Andwn, but Dworkin and I can look at an area for the faults and imperfections in a tunnel to collapse it safely. Probably." He frowned at Dworkin. "It's hard to be exact, as with most endeavors in life."
Leciah chuckled. "That's the Maker's Truth, but we can't let you go alone. This sounds like a beneficial plan for both the Wardens and you. Let's plan on an early start tomorrow. Warden Rakida is making a terrific stew. Let's go warn her of unexpected visitors!"
After the newcomers got the horses taken care of and they were settled in nice, warm tents with cots off the ground, thick blankets and comfortable pillows, they gathered around the large bonfire and began to eat their stew. Leciah commanded a large force of Wardens, easily three times the force in Denerim. It was a very pleasant meal. Everyone there, other than Mari and the Glavonaks, was a Warden. They shared reports and stories of the day and were very welcoming of Mari into the Order.
Duncan and Leciah went off to talk on the bridge between the main camp and the tower. Shortly, they called Mari over to speak with them. Duncan motioned toward Leciah to speak. "Mari, Duncan just told me your story and, uh, well, to come to the point, I'm worried about giving you the Joining. If you come from a different world, you may not react the same. You may not become protected as a Warden or it may automatically kill you."
"Or, it may work fine," Mari said. Then, she frowned. "Everyone's been so accepting here that I didn't even think of that. Duncan's told me what's involved in the Joining. While sort of revolting, it makes sense." She looked at Duncan. "Is there anyone who can test my blood or something to see if it works?" She sighed.
"I may be able to answer that," a male voice said from the tower end of the bridge.
Everyone turned and pulled their weapons. Mari took a long look and her jaw dropped. "You," she whispered. Standing there was a tall, lithe, bald male elf.
Leciah sheathed her daggers. "Solas, I warned you that sneaking up on a bunch of Wardens was a dangerous move. You know about what's out in the Korcari. You helped us gather some of the reports." She turned to Duncan. "Duncan, this is Solas, an apostate who lives in the Wilds … and knows shapeshifting, specifically birds. He's been invaluable in collecting darkspawn movements on the surface around Ostagar."
"I've seen him before," Mari said. "Tell me how you can find out whether I can take the Joining."
"Mari, is he the dreamwalker?" Duncan asked.
"Yes," Mari replied. "He told me that I wasn't what he expected."
"I am a somniari, but I did not walk in your dreams," Solas answered. "I was in the Crossroads when you fell through the Eluvian from your world. Wet, crying, in shock. When it was destroyed, an alarm went off throughout the Crossroads and I went to investigate. The Crossroads is not always a kind place to be caught in without an escort. I didn't have anything with me to help you in that state and I knew magic would only go so far, so I left to get some of my gear. You had already gone by the time I got back."
"Crossroads? Is that what you call that field of towers?" Mari asked.
Solas delayed his answer for a few moments. He looked like he was trying to decide whether to say more and how much to divulge. Fortunately, he must have decided to be completely forthcoming.
Shortly, he took a deep breath and said, "Yes, very few know of its existence. It was once very active as it was the only way to travel between the Elvhen cities and outposts. However, to try to explain it is difficult. It is a part of the Fade with doorways to places throughout Thedas and, apparently, other worlds. The one to your old world is the only one I know of to another world. I originally though it was an Eluvian to a distant, undiscovered part of Thedas. The natives there called the land Anacost. I suppose that is the best way to describe it," Solas said. "When I got to that destroyed Eluvian, you were laying on the ground crying in absolute despair, curled into a ball." He gave her a half-smile. "I said that you weren't what I expected … because I had forgotten about the … time that must have passed between the present and when I had visited Anacost. You looked quite different from those who came before you." He reached into his tunic and pulled out something that was a surprise. "Your ancestors gave me this. I know they were your ancestors because I had adjusted the Eluvian at the bottom of that lake to only accept members of their tribe."
Mari pulled out the necklace her father had given her. "You met my father's people. You were really there. The Anacostan tribe. My father told me that they called the land Anacost." She smiled. "He would be so envious you had met them before the humans from across the sea came and forced them off their lands."
Solas face clouded with a bit of anger. "I did not know that had happened. And, I'm guessing it was those from across the sea that destroyed your world?"
"Yes," Mari whispered to herself. "Earth was so big and full. I thought I wouldn't be able to do anything. People protested strong-arm authoritarians. Those brave people were beaten and killed by men and women who thought you did what the leader told you or you were fodder for beatings and death yourself. But, I still could have done more. Should have done more." She looked up at Solas with tears in her eyes. "If there is any way you can figure out how to make the Joining work for me here, I have a chance to really make a difference."
"I see," Solas said. "This is personal. Is Warden Arisiel here? Perhaps I could speak with her?"
Leciah looked to Duncan who nodded his approval. "Follow me, Solas. We have Warden Mage Andwn here, also." Then, she quickly turned back, "Oh! And, by the way, Solas also found and brought us the Warden treaties with the Dalish, dwarves and humans."
"Then I would have to say that we are very grateful for your help, Solas," Duncan said.
"And, that is why I stay to help. It is nice to be appreciated," Solas said with a small bow as he turned to follow Leciah.
When they were out of earshot, Duncan grasped Mari's upper shoulders. "I will only say one thing before you do this: there are other ways to make a difference, Mari. The Chantry with Mother Dorothea. The nobility. Alistair. Highever. I and the others have grown quite fond of you. I now understand why it is prudent to Join new recruits as soon as possible before relationships develop. Your death would be a hit to morale with Fereldan Wardens that we can scarcely afford right now if a Blight is indeed here on our doorstep."
Mari almost stepped out of his grasp in surprise. Then, she smiled. "Or, you can use my name as a rallying cry. All this doesn't sound very Warden-Commander-like, Duncan. We'd better keep this sentimentality to ourselves."
That made Duncan smile and then laugh as he released her shoulders. "And, then, you go and prove my point. I am hardly a sentimental man." He winked at her. "But, yes, let us keep this between us."
Mari turned to glance at the retreating Solas. "How old do elves get here? My father's tribe existed centuries ago."
"The Dalish elves tell of the days of Arlathan where elves were immortal," Duncan replied. "Modern elves have the same lifespan as humans, I believe."
The ultimate result of the mages putting their heads together was to wait until they could get back to Denerim to consult with the Mage Collective there to get their input. They were, after all, studying all of Avernus' papers. Something there may help better the odds that Mari would survive, even if she hailed from another world.
The next morning, the Glavonaks and several of the Wardens stationed at Ostagar explored the cave or mine that went under the Tower of Ishal. Andwn and Ardoc went along with them.
Mari, Bryant, Duncan and Solas (as a bird flying above them) went into the Wilds to collect a vial of darkspawn blood. A preservation spell would allow the vial to remain stable for several weeks until a determination could be made about Mari's Joining.
The blood sample was unnervingly easy to procure. The darkspawn were everywhere. Just as they were getting ready to head back, they heard and felt an explosion.
Bryant just sighed. "I hope everyone survived that."
"We'll find out soon," Mari whispered, hoping the same thing.
Once in sight of Ostagar, Solas bid his farewell. "I must check on my friends in the Wilds tonight." He turned to Mari. "I doubt I'll be back in time for your departure in the morning, Mari. It was a relief to find out you are doing well. Not that you have any choice, sadly." He turned to Duncan. "I'll likely meet up with Andwn at the Mage Collective in a week or so."
"Anything you can do to assure Mari's successful Joining would be appreciated, Solas. And, again, thank you for finding the old Warden treaties," Duncan said. "With the alarming number of darkspawn we saw today, I fear we may need them. Safe journeys."
Solas nodded, changed into a magnificent eagle and headed east. A few moments later, another eagle joined him in the sky.
"Wow. That's handy magic. One of Solas' friends, I presume," Mari said. "I wonder …" she added quietly to herself. She recalled several times that she saw a pair of birds around her. She dismissed it as paranoia for the moment.
As they entered the gate, Andwn walked up with a big grin. "I've almost got shapeshifting, Duncan!"
A pretty elf with an intricate facial tattoo just laughed. She had blonde hair tied back in a bouncy ponytail and large green eyes. "Well, I'd say you've got the theory down, Andwn, but I wouldn't practice shifting until we can work together more."
"Oh! Pardon my manners. Mari, Duncan, this is Warden Arisiel. She's been working with Solas. Arisiel, Mari is the Warden recruit I mentioned and Warden-Commander Duncan," Andwn said.
"Oh, I guessed as much," she said. "It's nice to meet you, Commander and Mari. My Keeper trained me and hoped the Wardens could find a place for me. I think you know her, Duncan. Keeper Marethari of the Sabrae Clan. They already had two mages and couldn't safely protect one more. Andwn was in the Warden patrol that came through. So, it was either the Wardens or being outcast."
"Marethari is an old friend, so I know you've received the best training possible. She's going to try to get more Keepers to share third mages with the Wardens, I understand." Duncan regarded Andwn thoughtfully. "How long would it take for Andwn to become proficient in flying, Arisiel?"
"At least a month before we can start on the very basic animals. Several months of practice and observation of birds," she replied. "Some of that time could be enhanced with Solas' instruction, but his appearance in camp isn't really regular."
"Andwn, once we finish with Mari's Joining, how would you feel about returning here?" Duncan asked.
Andwn smiled broadly at Arisiel. "See? I told you I wouldn't even have to mention it to Duncan."
She laughed. "You were right. He is a very perceptive commander."
"I would like to do either or both of those things, depending on my availability. In fact, if we can recruit more mages, we all should be trained," Andwn said. "If I can't come down here, the Mage Collective also knows the magic of shapeshifting. I will learn it as quickly as I can."
"I agree that all Warden mages should become proficient in shapeshifting; however, please keep it quiet for now," Duncan said. "The non-Wardens might not like that our mages can scout … and spy on them. And, the Chantry would have a great deal of concern about it. They can't really stop us, but it makes things easier not to rub their noses in it."
Arisiel started to argue, but Andwn replied first. "I understand. Arisiel, we have to rely on aid from the Chantry-besotted shems." He winked at her. "Also, it's better that they don't know we can spy on them, right?"
"Well, when you put it that way," she said with a small smile. "Let's work a bit more on the practice routines before you have to leave in the morning."
Leciah walked up just then with a smile on her face. "I guess you heard the explosion. Everyone is fine. Those dwarves know their stuff. Dworkin was beside himself with all the lyrium sand he found along the walls of that tunnel. It only took a small amount to collapse it."
"And, the Tower?" Mari asked.
"That took the longest time. Voldrik directed all of us in how to stack boulders and rocks in the cavern at the end of the tunnel. He was pretty sure it didn't go all the way to the Tower, but wanted some reinforcement anyway. The small depression from the explosion a good distance from the Tower confirmed that the tunnel hadn't gotten that far yet. The darkspawn had been digging there. It would have gone all the way to the Tower before too long," she explained and then chuckled. "Everyone's already eaten and are getting ready to go to sleep from exhaustion."
"Perhaps we should hire some help for the Glavonaks on the other mines and tunnels," Duncan said. He shook his head. "I fear that some of those tunnels may already be connected to the Deep Roads."
"Yeah." Leciah had a good frown going. "If we can at least collapse the ones nearby, I'll feel a lot better about our chances of holding this outpost." She looked at Duncan. "We need more Wardens, Duncan. It's my feeling that the time of dancing around the nobility is over. Even if it's not a Blight, there are just too many darkspawn here."
Arisiel leaned over to Andwn. "I like our Captain."
Duncan smiled. "We all do, Arisiel." He took a deep breath. "Looks like there will be no need for the contract, Mari. We need more Wardens now."
Mari looked out over the edge into the Wilds. "It's so beautiful out there. Serene. Peaceful. Worthy of protection."
"I agree," both Duncan and Leciah said.
"Very well, we head out after breakfast and head directly for Denerim." He looked at Arisiel. "If we have time, I'd like to see Marethari and thank the clan for referring you to us. Do you know where they might be?"
Arisiel gave him possible directions and then, they all grabbed several muffins each and some cheese before going to sleep. Mari wondered if she would survive the Joining. Then, she told herself, Thoughts like that are counter-productive. I will survive and I will make a difference. Ahlnac sonde mak.
!¡!¡
"So, you met the girl?" Flemeth asked her old friend as she set down her pack.
"I did." That was all Solas said as he flipped through a tome Flemeth had of blood magic rituals.
"But?" she encouraged him to expand.
Solas sat back. "She's determined to do something to save this world since she feels like she did nothing to save her world. She hopes to become a Grey Warden. In fact, she wanted to take the Joining today, but Duncan's second suggested we study her differences. If she's from another world, the Joining may automatically kill her … or it may not work at all. I found that insightful enough to make my presence known to Mari."
"Smart Warden," Flemeth said. "I agree with Duncan's second."
Solas smiled. "Mari just countered with, 'Or, it may work fine.'"
That made Flemeth laugh … as it did with Morrigan who walked into the room. "I watched the conversation. I have to say that I like this woman. She's able to argue her point without being snide … my problem … or getting angry, which is often Mother's problem."
Flemeth took a deep breath. "I'm coming around that your interference with Alistair may have worked to save Ferelden, Fen'Harel. By my reckoning, they have just gotten about a year's jump on preparation. But none of my recent foreshadowing includes a woman from another world. Mythal thinks she may be from a different time, a different place on this world. She recalls a tale about an ancient cataclysm long, long ago. Destroyed all the people other than the ones here on Thedas."
Solas looked up. "Curious. I remember that tale. I, too, have not seen her in my ritual visions. I decided it was because of other serious matters of a more urgent nature. Anyway, maybe you need to meet Mari? Anyway, as you mentioned before, I wonder what other affects may have also been put into motion. What other threads have I pulled from the tapestry?"
Morrigan tsk'd and put her hands on her hips. "Priorities. The Blight will kill us all. To date, that storm put many things into motion that seem to be more positive than negative."
"What are you looking for in that book?" Flemeth asked.
"I wondered if one of these rituals can assure Mari's survival after the Joining. I doubt it, but it's worth a look. I'll be leaving in a few days to go to Denerim and meet with the Wardens and the Collective." Then, Solas turned to Morrigan. "It's the things we don't know about that worry me, Morrigan," Solas said as he went back to reading his book.
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AN: Thanks to Judy for the encouragement! And, thanks to ollsiaa for the Favorite of this story … and to bestbeachperson for adding it to your Alerts! Next week, we take a peek at what's going on at Vigil's Keep, the Wardens go through the Brecilian Forest and run into the Sabrae Clan and Alistair and Varric are atop Fort Drakon and spy Duncan and the Wardens returning to Denerim!