16 — Darkspawn … And, a Blood Mage

Thomas was at his wits end and just about to break out on his own when Brent came running down the stairs. Behind Brent, Gast was yelling, "Hurry up and get him outta there!"

Wisely, Thomas lay still until Brent came up next to him and threw Thomas over his shoulder. "Unnh, stay still. You're thin as a sapling but I'm no strongman."

"What's going on?" Thomas whispered.

"Darkspawn coming up from below. Your father's moved Delilah to the old Shatha house outside the walls," Brent explained as he slowly went up the stairs. "We sent Loghain a message a couple weeks ago and no response yet. Pray to the Maker that they're on their way." He grunted as he shifted Thomas. "We added a lie about monsters to hopefully get Loghain to bring some Wardens to witness your father's descent into madness. Adria's idea. Maker, now it's real."

Thomas whispered, "The Maker does have unique ways of making us pay for our lies."

When they exited the door, the Vigil's guards were just standing around and Rendon was no where to be seen. "Where's Father?"

"No idea." That was all Brent said.

"Put me down, Brent," Thomas said. "I'll act more injured than I am," he added in a whisper.

Brent slipped Thomas to the ground. Thomas grabbed his side and yelled to the nearest guardsman, "Report!"

"There are dozens of darkspawn running around outside the walls, my lord," the guard said. "Some got inside through the crypts and lower basements, Lord Thomas, but we don't think they're inside the Keep yet, but we don't know for sure. We think we killed those inside the walls."

Thomas looked up and saw an adequate number of bowmen on the wall. "Keep a sharp eye, up there! Get the monsters before they get to us!"

"Aye, Lord Thomas!" they all yelled back.

"Do we have enough on all the doors?" Thomas asked the guard. The look on the man's face answered the question. NO wasn't the answer Thomas wanted.

"My Lord, you need to get to the Shatha house with your sister," the guard said. "You aren't in any shape to be here. We've got it covered, my lord."

"Where's my father?" Thomas asked.

The guard looked around and everyone just shook their heads. "We don't know, my lord. He ordered Lady Delilah to the abandoned house out there and went inside. He said he was going to get his armor, but no one's seen him come out."

Thomas grit his teeth and asked, "And, Adria and the servants?"

"Adria is with the Lady along with most of the servants. We have some of our best guarding 'em. That Kirkwaller servant girl went with your father to help him get into his armor she said."

Thomas and Brent gave each other knowing looks.

Before Thomas could say more, a horn was heard. Brent whispered, "Please Maker, let it be Loghain."

"Who sent for them?" the guard asked but he didn't get an answer. The gate guards quickly opened the gate for the newcomers to get inside and then closed it immediately.

The first to get to Thomas and jump off their horses were Fergus and Elle, and, of course, Midnight was beside them. "Thom! Are you all right?" Elle asked.

"I've been better, Elle," Thomas said quietly.

"Thomas, what's the status here?" Loghain said as he slid off his horse. A dwarf with a fancy crossbow along with a couple other dwarves jumped out of a wagon. Other armed men handed off their horses to terrified stableboys. Thomas didn't know any of them or if they were Wardens.

"I was wondering that myself," Fergus said.

At the same time, Warden-Commander Duncan ran up and issued orders to the Wardens to investigate. He came up to Thomas along with a Warden mage who cast a healing spell on Thomas. The mage furrowed his brow with an unasked question. Thomas assumed it was because he realized there really was nothing to heal even though Thomas was limping and holding his side. At least, Thomas was able to act healed now.

Thomas filled Loghain and Fergus in on what had just been reported to him. "Finally, Father is inside with one of the servants, presumably to put on armor, but it's been a while and he has not come out."

"With your permission, Lord Thomas," Duncan said. "I'd like to take some Wardens in to check out the inside and find the Arl."

Fergus stepped close to Elle. "Do you know where this abandoned house is?"

Elle frowned and nodded. Thomas almost laughed. He knew how she hated to do lady's work. But, she dutifully said, "I'll go there and see to Lady Delilah and Adria." She grabbed Fergus' shoulder and added, "Be careful." Then, she turned to Midnight. "Come on, boy."

"I'm going inside," both Thomas and Brent said at the same time.

Loghain motioned to several of Maric's Shield soldiers to join the group going to the abandoned house. "We'll also join you, Duncan. Thomas knows the layout the best."

Thomas was surprised that Loghain said that, even though it looked like Duncan was about to argue. Thomas was even more surprised when Ser Cauthrien handed him a set of leather armor.

"It's not the best, Lord Thomas, but it should offer some protection. What weapon do you use?" she asked.

"Sword and shield in close quarters, but I'm better with a bow," Thomas responded as Brent helped him into the armor. In short order, a bow, quiver of arrows, shield and sword were given to him.

The Warden mage sidled up close to Thomas. "I guess my healing was really good for you to be so agile so quickly," he whispered. "My name is Andwn, by the way."

Thomas smiled and whispered back, "Long story, Andwn."

In minutes, the outside rotation and watch were arranged and some battles with the darkspawn had already started outside the walls. Thomas slowly opened the entryway to the manor and peered inside. "Maker," was all he said as he stepped inside and heard growling coming from the throne room. "Do darkspawn sound like that?"

One the Wardens with Duncan replied, "No, but I've heard abominations that do."

"Bryant, are you telling us that an abomination is waiting for us in there?" Loghain asked.

"Lord Thomas, Warden Bryant was recently Ser Bryant, a Templar at the Lothering Chantry," Duncan said. "Is this something we can handle or should we ride to Amaranthine to get more Templars?"

"That would take too long. It needs to die in that room if at all possible. I'll try my best to subdue the demon, but it will likely take all of us to destroy it," Bryant said. "Depending on how strong it is, this could be a very dangerous battle, Lord Thomas."

Fergus looked at the door and then at Thomas. "You've been injured. You could go wait with Elle and Delilah."

After hearing some loud stomping going on in the throne room, Thomas just shook his head and said, "Thank you for your concern, Fergus, but I need to see to this. I'll enter the room last, Warden, and assess if it's beyond my capabilities. If I feel I can contribute or that my presence will not be a hindrance, I'll remain at firing distance." He looked at Brent who had found a bow of his own. "Brent can stay next to me."

Loghain nodded. Everyone got ready and Bryant opened the door.

The entire room looked trashed. Fortunately, there were quite a few dead darkspawn littering the ground. Unfortunately, the gigantic demon in the center was identified by Bryant yelling, "Pride demon! You will pay for entering this world!" He followed by a forceful Templar ability that stunned the demon for a few moments. "Now!"

Thomas and Brent stood by the closed door and readied their bows. Thomas noticed Andwn head around the edge behind one of the pillars, but soon Thomas was busy trying to shoot through … and above … all the men in melee. The demon was huge!

Andwn stepped back into sight and motioned to Thomas to join him. Thomas shot one more arrow, nodded to Brent and they made their way around the wall to where Andwn was.

"Father!" Thomas said as he ran over to kneel next to him.

"He's unconscious. I healed him a bit, but he'll need more care later. Can you two get him out of here? I need to help the fighters," Andwn said.

"We can handle this, Warden," Brent said as he put away his bow and arrows.

Thomas was already lifting his father as Andwn ran to help the others down the Abomination. His father being unconscious was likely a blessing. Both Rendon and Thomas needed time to digest what had just happened to their home.

Between the two men, with assistance of a few soldiers of Maric's Shield, they got Rendon Howe to the abandoned house.

Elle opened the door and Delilah ran to Thomas. "Thomas! I've been so worried about you!" She looked a bit thin, but healthy otherwise. She showed them an old bunk to put their father on. The servants with them had put some bedding and blankets on the bunks in the house and made more pallets on the floor, expecting injured. Once that was done, Adria went into the little kitchen to see if she could get some water boiling. Then, Delilah soundly hugged Thomas.

After nodding to Brent who indicated he was going back, Thomas returned her hug and said, "I'm fine now. I think Father just forgot about me after a while so I was able to heal."

Elle joined the hug. "I'm so sorry we didn't think to check on you both more frequently. We had no idea your father had gone so far down a dark road."

"All I did was mention how nice Albert was to me," Delilah sobbed into Thomas' shoulder. "He lost his mind, Thomas! He made no sense."

Elle went to stand with the guards outside, but Thomas knew her. She just didn't want to be anywhere around when their father regained consciousness. One of them would not likely survive the encounter. Thomas had his money on Elle surviving. He'd still visit her in Fort Drakon.

Thomas held his sister for a lengthy time and then they both sat on a bench near to Rendon's bunk and watched him for a long while; standing when they heard a moan followed by sobbing from the bunk.

"I'm so sorry, both of you. I've been such a fool." Rendon's head moved back and forth on the pillowless bunk.

Delilah knelt next to the bunk and took her father's hand.

Thomas wasn't quite ready to forgive his father. "Was it that Kirkwall servant, Sharia?"

"Ye…," Rendon tried to answer but started coughing. Convenient.

Adria appeared with a mug at that moment. "Drink this, Your Lordship. It's only water, but that's all we have in our hiding place. Thank the Maker the water pump still works."

Rendon drank down the water with Thomas' help. Adria rolled up a thin blanket and put it on Rendon's cot as a pillow. Then, Rendon lay back down and said, "Sharia was helping me with … my armor when the … the darkspawn broke into the room. We were both … shocked and surprised. She … she changed right in front of me. She stretched out … and up into a huge … demon. One of the darkspawn carried a large shield that knocked me out. I thought I was dead. Is she dead?"

The door opened and several bloodied and injured people walked in and sat on the floor pallets followed by Andwn who looked like hell.

"I believe she is," Thomas said.

After a few more moments, Loghain, Duncan and Bryant walked in with the help of two dwarves.

Bryant said, "It's done."

Loghain sat on a pallet next to the wall. "I take it they are rare. Please tell me they are rare."

Bryant nodded. "Fortunately, pride demon abominations are rare. That mage was powerful to attract a pride demon."

Rendon closed his eyes and moaned. "I … I didn't even know she … was a mage."

Duncan walked over to stand beside Rendon's cot. "The darkspawn that were here now have been killed, Your Lordship, but they must have come from somewhere. One of the guards said there is a crypt and several lower basements. Is that true?"

Rendon looked thoughtful for a moment. After another coughing fit and Delilah giving him some water, he replied, "That is as likely a place as any."

"I'm afraid I need to ask you and your family, along with servants and the Vigil's guards, to find a place of safety — perhaps with Bann Esmerelle — until we can find the route and close it off," Duncan said.

Andwn reached Duncan as he started to sway. "You need to rest a short while, Duncan. Let me get some rest and I can give you all some stamina boosts."

Duncan sat next to Loghain on an adjacent pallet.

Rendon sat up. "Get Nathaniel home, Loghain. I implore you. I know we have our differences, but surely you can see he's in grave danger."

Loghain's head leaned back against the wall. "It's already being taken care of, Howe. We had a dwarf here who's traveling Ferelden, but he came from Kirkwall. He's played cards with Nathaniel. He and a Shield escort are headed to Amaranthine to send off a note to a trusted contact to get Nathaniel out of there … or to go himself to get your boy."

Thomas could hear soldiers taking places outside the old house. "I know the crypts and basements. I'll go with you to make sure you can find the right passages. I have a feeling the darkspawn somehow opened the old metal door down there."

"So, there is a barrier door down there?" a dwarf asked from the door. "My name is Dugan, by the way, and this is Makis."

"Yeah, Nathaniel and I explored those tunnels all the time, but we could only get as far as that door," Thomas said. "You got a way to close it up again?"

"Unless the darkspawn have disabled the door or dug it out of the tunnel walls, I do," Duncan said. "However, I have yet to see a barrier door that's been defeated." He turned to the dwarves. "Dugan and Makis, have the darkspawn pyre Wardens check for the round exit artifact and the star entrance artifact on one of the dead darkspawn … likely one of the emissaries. You've seen what those artifacts look like."

"What's the point of having a locked door if darkspawn have the keys?" Loghain asked as Dugan and Makis headed out.

"Over the centuries, not every Warden who's gone down there — and had the keys — made it back, sadly," Duncan replied. "Now, I'm going to take Andwn's advice and get some rest. He's usually good about these things. I suggest you and Bryant join me."

Rendon grabbed Thomas' arm. "I don't want you to put yourself in that much danger, Thomas. Just give the Wardens directions. It's their job."

The glare that Thomas sent at his father was all the reply he needed to give. Out of deference to propriety, Thomas did not say out loud that he had just been in considerably more danger at his father's own hand. "I'll have the Wardens and soldiers with me when we go down to close it up later. I'll be fine. Lay down. Right now, I'm going to make sure everyone is safely out and on their way to Amaranthine. Then, I'll be back by the time the Wardens and Loghain are ready to go investigate the old tunnels."

Thomas didn't miss the look that Duncan and Loghain shared as Thomas walked out. He was surprised to see Fergus and Elle standing by the outside door. Fergus opened the door and they followed Thomas outside.

"What did your father do to you, Thomas?" Fergus asked.

Thomas waited a moment to think about his response to that question. Then, he told Fergus the truth about what had been happening at Vigil's Keep, ending with, "…but he was under sway of a blood mage, Fergus. The blood mage who turned into that thing you and the others just killed. That should count for something, shouldn't it?"

Elle quietly … and rather calmly … said, "No."

At Thomas' surprised face, Fergus pulled a carefully-wrapped piece of singed parchment out of his pocket and held it up for Thomas to read. Thomas lost his bearings for a moment and began to sway. "He's been friends with Reinhardt for decades, long before Sharia came here." He put his hands on a nearby fence rail. "He … he was plotting all this time? He was plotting to kidnap Maric all this time. In tandem with Reinhardt. Sharia hadn't been here long enough for that to be her fault?!"

Elle picked up a rock and handed it to Thomas. He pitched it far into the darkness. Then, Elle put her arm around Thomas' shoulder as he continued, "Sharia was a spy for Reinhardt … to make sure … make sure none of Father's family stopped him … but he was already committed."

"That's how it seems, Thomas," Fergus said. "Some of your own guards have made statements about Rendon planning to move against Highever. Plans that had been in the works for some time. I'm afraid this note confirms it."

Elle shook out her hands that she had been wringing and said, "Maker, I'm going to be a nervous wreck until Nate gets home." She looked at Fergus. "Any judgement against Rendon won't fall to the heirs will it?"

"I will speak of Thomas', Delilah's and Nathaniel's innocence, but we've all been to the Landsmeet," Fergus said. "It will come to a vote. It will be up to them."

Thomas took a deep breath and hugged Elle briefly before he started to walk toward the keep. Over his shoulder, as he walked away, he said, "Do whatever you need to do, Lord Fergus. Delilah will be upset, but I won't be. I have good people to get to safety."

Elle glared at the door and then she and Midnight turned to follow Thomas. "I cannot be here when that soulless bastard comes out, Fergus. I'm going to help Thomas."

Fergus followed Elle. "Wait up. I'll join you."

!¡!¡

Rendon slept on the bunk … or, at least, that's how it looked. In reality, he had lain there awake while everyone else rested.

He had committed treason. He knew it. Everyone knew it. He tried to figure out how he could put the entire thing onto that blasted girl and Reinhardt, but it had been his idea to get Reinhardt to contact Aurelian Titus about the dragon blood flowing in Maric's veins. Eventually, they'd find proof of that … likely in his own office in the Vigil. He needed the money to hire mercenaries to go against Highever. Those negotiations were all done long before Sharia had come to work for him. He knew Loghain and Maric would figure that out, if they hadn't already.

Rendon never believed the myth about Calenhad drinking the blood of a Great Dragon to get his power, but the Magister did. During some pillow talk after a marginally satisfying sexual encounter with a whore from Tevinter, he found out that the Magister was seeking out an artifact that would give the magister tremendous magical power … but it needed the blood of a Great Dragon to power it. There were no more Great Dragons.

The whore must have been paid to mention it to Rendon.

But, there was Maric, who had defeated that fat buffoon Meghren. Everyone extolled it as a great act … the Maker's Blessing for the homeland of His Bride Andraste … but there was no way that pampered Orlesian could have defeated the very motivated and angry Theirin heir to Ferelden's Throne. The easily swayed by myth credited the blood of the dragon in Maric's blood. So, Titus had already heard the tale. He knew that Maric was his only hope to power this mysterious artifact.

The deal Reinhardt made with Titus was an easy and an extremely lucrative way to get rid of Maric … which would solidly open the door to getting rid of the damned Couslands who always stood in his family's way. That fop Cailan would be even easier to eliminate. He married a barren woman. There were no children. No one believed there ever would be. Rumors abounded about Cailan's infidelity. Maybe he would throw a bastard like his father. Likely not now, though. His marriage to that commoner princess had gotten more solid over the recent months.

Everything Rendon had done was to secure Nathaniel's future as Teyrn of Highever … and, of course, his own seat on the throne of Ferelden. The plan was for Thomas to handle the position of Arl of Amaranthine. Delilah would marry whomever Rendon decided would be an asset to his continued power. But, then that bitch Sharia made him turn against his son and daughter. Made them hate him. Titus and Reinhardt wanted Rendon to know that they were in charge.

But, Reinhardt had Nathaniel right now. That had been Reinhardt's idea … and Rendon's greatest miscalculation. He told him that he would protect Nathaniel. Nathaniel was Rendon's first born. It was why he agreed to send him north to escape any perceived involvement if the truth should somehow come out.

Still, Maric had to go. Rendon thought everything had been arranged a few years ago … and then that damned bastard showed up. A bastard right under Rendon's nose and he never noticed. That made Rendon a blind fool.

Everything Rendon tried to get Maric back to the Free Marches was turned down or turned over to Bryce. Maric no longer had any desire to do any diplomatic visits. He had a new son. A bloody bastard. And, he had Loghain whispering to him constantly … convincing him to stay in Ferelden.

Up until this very night, Rendon believed that Reinhardt was his ally … his friend … that he left one of his talented Orlesian spies/servants with Rendon for additional safety. She was an expert in subterfuge. Her Marcher accent was flawless. Her ability to move around unseen was unmatched. Her skill with poisons was considerable. There were fewer farm-holders who argued with Rendon now. The ones who did ended up dead from unexpected ailments.

Reinhardt hadn't told Rendon that she was a blood mage. Rendon thought Sharia did Rendon's bidding through subterfuge and poison. At least, Rendon needn't worry that she would talk now.

It made Rendon worry what else had been a lie. That was another foolish thought. Everything had been a lie. It made Rendon wonder if there even was an interest from the Magister or was it all a lie, too … orchestrated by Reinhardt and his cronies through that Tevinter whore.

Rendon's jumbled thoughts were interrupted by Loghain walking out. Duncan also got up and followed him. There were too many injured laying on floor pallets for Rendon to sneak out to listen, so he waited to see if they would come back.

Fergus soon walked in followed by Loghain. Duncan came in and went around waking those who could walk to help the more seriously injured out to wagons. The injured were going to Amaranthine until Vigil's Keep could be investigated and secured from the darkspawn.

Rendon thought that was the Wardens job. The darkspawn inside the Vigil was the Warden's fault. When he became King, the Wardens would be kicked out of Ferelden again. He …

"Wake up," Loghain said as he shook Rendon's shoulder. He had his sword out. He turned to Fergus. "Show him, but don't give it to him. I don't trust him not to try to destroy it."

Fergus held up a half-burned note. Delilah read it over Rendon's shoulder. He'd forgotten she was there. Rendon knew exactly what it said with the burned parts intact. He didn't need to read it. We all must be careful, Howe. Our contact in Tevinter still wants Maric and he wants him alive for his elf artifact. Do not, I repeat, do not move against the Couslands yet. N is an exemplary errand boy. I may just keep him. ~Reinhardt. He knew how damning it was even with words missing. He must have gotten distracted and a servant found the half-burned note and gave it to Loghain."I've never seen that before," Rendon said out loud, angry at his own inattentiveness.

"On authority of the Crown, Rendon Howe, you are under arrest for high treason," Loghain said solemnly. "Come quietly and it will work in your favor."

"He said he'd never seen it before!" Delilah yelled.

"That's not all we have, Lady Delilah," Fergus said as he pulled his sword. "The stories we've heard from your servants and seneschal are disturbing, Howe. When, exactly, were you planning to march on Highever and … 'kill every blasted Cousland there'." Rendon knew who had talked there. Damn guard sergeant. Rendon should have had Sharia kill him.

"I need to see to the evacuation of the Vigil," Rendon said as he slowly sat up.

"Thomas is taking care of it," Fergus said. "Doing a much better job than you ever did."

Civilization hadn't gone beyond blaming the issue of a man for his sins, but it sounded like Thomas was going to be all right and Nathaniel likely to take over the Arlship of Amaranthine. If Nathaniel lived, he would be incensed at the treatment of his father, but he would also be uninvolved. Nathaniel would dutifully take up the cause of ridding Ferelden of the Couslands. Rendon would see to it, even if it meant hiring another blood mage.

They would see to it that their sister married into wealth and position. The poor girl was standing there wringing her hands, a sniveling habit she got from her damn mother.

Rendon would die a traitor, but his children would succeed. "Very well," Rendon said as he stood. "I surrender." He was dead already. He knew it. "Everything I did was for Ferelden."

"Everything you did was for you," Loghain said as he pushed Rendon forward.

Rendon's final thought as he walked out toward a wagon with a shackled seat was … I deserved more. He got into the wagon and allowed himself to be shackled.

If he hadn't been wallowing in his self-pity, he might have heard the twang of the bowstring. The assassin wasn't that far away. His last thought was how he would get his spy in Fort Drakon to break him out … just before he felt the slam of the arrow as it sunk into his forehead.

!¡!¡

Loghain got out his bow. "Find that assassin!" he shouted and pointed in the direction the arrow seemed to have come from. "Get Andwn!" he yelled at a soldier nearby.

In minutes, Andwn, Thomas and Elle were running toward the wagon. Delilah was running behind. She ran directly up to Loghain. "You bastard! Some honorable man you are! Father surrendered! You put him in an open wagon to die from an assassin's arrow!" Delilah screamed. "Did you plan that, too?!"

"Delilah!" Thomas yelled as he grabbed her shoulders. "Apologize to His Lordship!"

She pulled out of his grasp. "You?! You're in on Father's assassination, too?!"

Thomas pulled off his gauntlets and pushed up the arm of his shirt, showing the scars. "Father had Gast do this to me! He did the other arm, too! Both of my legs were solid bruises!"

"Sharia told me that you had raped a servant in the kitchen, Thomas! That's why Father had you flogged!" she screamed.

Thomas had to take a deep breath. "Consider who told you that, Delilah. I would hope you'd realize that was a lie. Delilah, all those injured men that were in the old house? They were injured killing the abomination that Sharia turned into. You were influenced by a blood mage."

"Wh … what?" she stammered. She spun on Loghain again. "That's why my father did what he did! He was mind-controlled … and you set him up to die!"

Thomas tried again to take her shoulders. Only, this time, she allowed it. "Delilah, Father arranged with Reinhardt to have Maric kidnapped and taken to Tevinter. He did that long before Sharia was here. You know he always talked about taking over Highever …"

"He was never serious about that …" she said with a sob. Even Delilah was coming to the realization that she no longer needed to cover for her Father.

Loghain looked over to Andwn. He had jumped onto the wagon to check on Howe. The mage just frowned and shook his head. He knew it was a long-shot that Rendon would survive that, but he had to ask the mage to try. Delilah's cry caught Loghain's attention back.

"Albert?!" Delilah tried to run to him, but Thomas held her back. "You? It was … you? Why?"

Coming toward them were four of Maric's Shield with a young man between them. He was scratched and bruised, likely from trying to escape. "Yes, I'd like to know the answer to that, myself," Loghain said.

Albert turned to Delilah. "He was abusing you, Lady Delilah! Locking you away for weeks and weeks. Sending brutish men to demand trade goods from my father. One of them said he was going to be assigned to your prison soon and planned to … he … Delilah, I couldn't let that happen!" He sobbed. "I was just looking for a way to sneak you out. Then, I saw your bastard father sitting there. I had to make sure he could never do that to you again … even if I was executed for it."

Delilah fainted in Thomas' arms as Adria ran out of the house. "Bring her inside, Lord Thomas. I can tend to her while you go about the business of fixing things."

Everyone took a moment to calm down until Thomas returned. He turned to Elle and tried to say something, but just broke down. Elle held him for a moment and he regained his composure quickly.

Loghain motioned to several soldiers. "Men, watch the house until we can get this wagon cleaned to take them to Amaranthine."

Duncan walked up and said, "We have the barrier door artifacts, Thomas. If you'd prefer to stay here with your sister, you can just give us directions."

Thomas only shook his head. "Thank you, Duncan, but I need to do this. Follow me, please."

Loghain notified those at the abandoned house and they left to climb down to the tunnels below Vigil's Keep. It was an arduous journey but, ultimately, they found the open barrier door. Duncan deftly closed it and resealed it.

Thomas looked around and said, "It might be better to fortify this door by collapsing part of this old tunnel … or the tunnel closer to the Vigil."

"Perhaps, Lord Thomas. We can have Andwn look at it and see if there's any magic that might do that," Duncan said. "The Wardens have a pair of dwarves working for us who specialize in that sort of thing. Right now they are closing up some old tunnels and mine shafts around Ostagar. We can send them your way." Duncan took a deep breath. "For now, I believe you are as safe as can be. At least, as safe as you were. Give us a few days to investigate the rest of the Keep and these basements for any other breaches and your folk should be able to return."

"Thank you for coming to our aid, Teyrn Loghain," Thomas said quietly.

"Thank you for getting word to me, Thomas," Loghain said. "You've done a commendable service to your people. It speaks well of your quality. Now, let's get out of these tunnels and get some fresh air."

The trek back was faster by virtue of everyone knowing the route, mostly, and the men made it to the abandoned house in short order.

The Wardens, Fergus, Loghain and Ferelden soldiers remained while Elle, Midnight and Thomas made their way to Amaranthine with Delilah, the servants and the remains of the once Arl of Amaranthine Rendon Howe.

!¡!¡

After Fergus had gone to sleep, Loghain and Duncan sat quietly at the small table in the house to drink from their wineskins and eat some ration bars.

"What do you think is going to happen here?" Duncan asked.

"Damned if I know," Loghain replied. "I'd like to see Nathaniel get the Arlship … and that seems likely. I'd like to see Thomas rewarded for stepping up, but that will be up to the Landsmeet. He is the youngest. The Landsmeet doesn't often do what I think they should."

After Duncan filled Loghain in on what Ceorlic did to the Hawke's in Lothering, Loghain stared at him for a long minute. "That acorn didn't fall far from the tree, did it. You know his father handed Maric's mother over to the Orlesians. Bastard. Lost me a good family to Bryce." Then, Loghain sighed. "I don't see anything that can be done for that now."

Duncan chuckled. "Warden Ardoc guessed you wouldn't be pleased." In a complete turn of topic, Duncan asked, "Should I let Mari become a Grey Warden?"

After allowing a moment to register the abrupt change of topic, Loghain replied, "Alistair got a letter from her a few days before you returned to Denerim. He mentioned she said she was going to become one. I thought it was already done."

"No, my second, Leciah, brought up that Mari is from a different world and that the Joining formula may adversely impact her more than normal," Duncan said before sighing and going to sit on a bunk. "We've gotten advice from Keeper Marethari in the Brecilian and we left Denerim as our own mages were looking into it."

Loghain smiled. "I think … not unlike with Alistair … it is a decision that should be hers to make." Then, Loghain chuckled. "Maker, we're really beginning to sound like her parents. You know she thinks of us in that regard … Mother Duncan."

That brought a smile to Duncan's face. "I am fond of her. That is true. And, you are correct. If the mages find nothing conclusive, I shall leave it up to her. By the way, the Wardens are in your debt for the extra sovereigns, Loghain."

"As I said before, let me or the Crown know if you need anything, Duncan … even if it's for something other than Mari's pay. I think I've mentioned before that Maric and I consider the Grey Wardens a specialized arm of the Ferelden military. If we have a Blight, we should be able to help the Warden budget a bit. After you filled me in about the Korcari Wilds, it looks like Ferelden will be asking a great deal of its Wardens," Loghain said.

"I fear that is true," Duncan agreed. "Now, get some rest, Loghain. It will be a long day tomorrow looking through the Vigil … for darkspawn taint … and more evidence against Rendon."

Loghain nodded and walked over to another bunk. "Good idea. Until tomorrow, Commander."

!¡!¡

The morning after coming upon Gorim — and after a nice long bath — Mari opened her wardrobe to find a red dress hanging there. It was the same one that she told Margia she wanted. The kindness of the Wardens brought her to tears. It was that moment that she definitely decided … unless the Mage Collective uncovered something truly lethal for only her … she would be taking the Joining. She would wait until Duncan and the others returned … and maybe a short time after … but she was not going to be deterred.

She put on her cargo pants and shirt and went downstairs … fully intending to thank whoever bought that dress. But, they all seemed sincerely surprised that the dress was in the wardrobe. Matis swept by on his way to the door and Mari caught up to him. "How did a red dress just show up in my wardrobe, Seneschal Matis?"

"Goodness, that is a suspicious tone," he said.

"You didn't answer my question," she replied.

He turned and smiled. "No. I didn't, did I. Now, if you would excuse me. Someone is requesting to see you. You may follow me if you'd like."

She opened her mouth to say something, but he just turned and continued on to the front door. Then, it registered that he said someone was there to see her. So, she quickly caught up to him as he stepped outside.

Waiting for her was a very pleasant surprise! "Wynne!" She shared a hug with the elder mage and turned to Matis. "You're not off the hook, Matis."

"I have no idea what hook you are referring to, Marisia, but I look forward to our future conversation about it." He gave a polite bow to them both and slipped back inside.

Wynne laughed. "Seneschals. I guess they all really do talk like that. Andras in the palace is the same."

Mari rubbed her arms. "Let's go inside where it's a lot warmer!"

"Actually, Princess Anora introduced me to a young man named Alistair and he told me you knew of a dwarf who could use my professional eye for an injured leg?" Wynne asked.

Mari decided not to pry into her reasons for being in Denerim, but her curiosity was definitely aroused. "Come inside and let me get into more fitting attire." Mari thought Wynne would stay downstairs and browse the overflowing shelves, but she followed all the way to Mari's room. Good thing I straightened up after my bath, Mari thought to herself.

"What a pleasant room, Mari!" Wynne said as she sat at the desk. "Too bad the windows need to be curtained so tightly. Do you have a nice view?"

Mari smiled. "Now, I feel really dumb. I've never looked. It's been cold all the time, and I've been away for a long time … so I never bothered." She pulled on her armor and arranged her daggers. Then, she stepped up to one of the windows and pushed the heavy curtains to the side … which was truly no easy feat. Someone had already opened the wooden shutters so the view was easy to see. It was … artistic. "Fortunately, someone's already opened the outside shutters."

"That's usually a task for someone who scales the outside, Mari, and they are only closed during storms," Wynne said as she stepped up. "Oh my, you have a narrow view but it is interesting!"

Mari's room was on the second floor so it overlooked a narrow avenue that must be a delivery route to the main palace. There were crates and sacks stacked up by a door to the Warden's wing. However, there were also some hothouses at the end of the avenue. A multitude of colors could be seen inside the large windows.

Mari pointed up. "I can watch the Palace guards walk the ramparts or watch the people go about their business down below." She grinned. "I bet the colors in that … garden house change throughout the year. Matis tells me that there was once a garden area on the roof. Andi is the cook here and she's also Warden Anton's wife. She and I plan to check that out sometime."

When Mari stood there looking at the sky, Wynne gently squeezed Mari's shoulder. "Perhaps we should be about helping that poor dwarf."

"Right!" Mari said. "Thank you for reminding me to take time to smell the roses, but, you're right, we need to go help Gorim."

Wynne furrowed her brow. "That must be a saying on your world that I've never heard here, but I understand what you're trying to say. I may start using it."

After Mari grabbed her cloak and told Matis where they were going, the two ladies made quick time to Highever House. Gorim was awake and in the upstairs library reading when they were shown in. "Good morning, Gorim," Mari said. She motioned to Wynne and added, "This is Senior Enchanter Wynne of the Ferelden Circle of Magi and she specializes in healing. If you don't mind, she'd like to look at your injured leg."

Gorim popped up as soon as they walked in and bowed. "Do I mind? Not at all. Do you need me to stand or sit or lay down? They should have my room straightened up by now."

Wynne thought a moment. "I think lying down and taking any pressure off the leg would be preferable."

They headed to Gorim's room just as the servant finished changing the sheets and cleaning up. Gorim smiled at the girl and said, "Thank you so much. You folks have been so gracious and accommodating."

The girl was young. She blushed and said, "You are very welcome, m'lord. Just pull the sash right by the headboard if you require anything else. We'll be back with your lunch in a few hours." She looked at Wynne and Mari. "I'm Candla, m'ladies. Let us know if you need anything at all."

Mari motioned to Wynne. "This is Senior Enchanter Wynne and she's here to look over Gorim's leg."

The girl almost dropped the dirty sheets she was holding. "A … a … ma … mage without a Templar?"

Wynne smiled at her. "I have the full confidence of Knight-Commander Tavish and, as you can tell, I've been in the Circle for a long, long time."

The servant looked at Gorim and then back to Wynne. "They … they let mages do healing?" A tear slowly ran down her cheek. "I wish I'd known that. My mother died last month because there wasn't a healer around who could save her."

Wynne turned on her grandmotherly manner and had the girl smiling again in no time. Of course, the conversation was about going to the Maker's Side. It seemed to help the girl, so Mari just kept quiet.

Then, they went into Gorim's room. "I messed up, didn't I?" Mari whispered.

Wynne chuckled. "Yes, we usually try to avoid sounding like mages if we can, but lying is worse, I believe. Perhaps, you have just helped us find our first supporter for a Denerim clinic." She smiled at Mari. "That's part of the reason I'm in the city. Our little healer's clinic outside the Circle has been incredibly busy."

As Gorim laid down, Mari said, "Good luck with the Grand Cleric."

Wynne put down her pack and cloak and turned to scan Gorim's leg. "Yes, Greagoir is over there this morning. I don't envy him."

Gorim just laid back and sighed. "You humans are crazy not to use mages for healing. The idea was always discussed in Orzammar, but no one followed up on it since we're so resistant. We never thought the Circle would send anyone."

"Dwarves are resistant, but magic can still work with a bit more effort," Wynne said as she ran her hands over his leg. "For example, I can see that you have a small fracture in your lower leg bone. That's what causes the pain. It's tried to heal, but your continued walking on it has just made it worse." She sighed and put her hands on her hips. "I'm going to be in Denerim for at least two weeks. Likely longer. This is what I propose: I'll start a healing treatment today that will include some adjustments that will be painful, I'm afraid. Essentially, I'll be undoing some of the faulty healing it's done on its own. I'll be by every day for a week to repeat the treatment. However, you must stay in bed for two weeks. Please ask for a servant or friend to bring things to you and to handle personal matters for you. If you walk on that leg, it will undo everything you've gone through."

To avert Gorim's worry that he would be overstaying his welcome, Mari went downstairs and spoke with the seneschal. He said that Prince Alistair had already alerted him to that possibility and that Ser Gorim was more than welcome to spend his convalescence at Highever House. He would see to it that someone would stop by his room frequently to see to his needs.

At a knock on the door, the seneschal opened it for Greagoir. "We were just talking about you," Mari said with a grin. Then, he turned toward her and she could see his bloody armor and injured face. "Wynne!" she yelled. "Knight-Commander, what happened?"

"Please sit over here, Knight-Commander," the seneschal insisted as he ushered the Templar to a nice chair near the entry.

"I'm all right," Greagoir said as he sat down anyway. "I walked into the Grand Cleric's office unannounced and found a blood mage retracing some kind of symbol under the rug in front of the desk. Her Grace walked in behind me, but, by that time, I had subdued the blood mage and stopped her from transforming into an abomination. Tavish and others joined me and killed her after she refused to submit. Her Grace is … well, she started out accusing me of the murder of her 'special' servant. After she took in the situation … and the blood mage control over her ended … well, I'm afraid Her Grace is quite, quite out of sorts."

"Greagoir!" Wynne said as she ran down the stairs. She looked at Mari. "Go up and keep Gorim still." Wynne started healing Greagoir and continued, "I finished his first treatment and don't want to have to redo it."

Mari hesitated a moment, but nodded at Wynne and ran up to the stairs. She found Gorim grimacing and moaning.

"What's going on down there?" he asked through gritted teeth.

"Ser Greagoir is the Knight-Commander of the Ferelden Circle. He must have come here to alert Wynne to the irrationality of the Grand Cleric. Anyway …" Mari began. It didn't take long to tell him about everything she'd heard before she came upstairs.

Gorim laughed a little. At least, it took his mind off his now sort of broken leg. "Humans in power have a lot of similarities to dwarves in power," he said.

But, that truism made Mari sad. She sat in a side chair. "Truer words were never spoken, Gorim." Then, she proceeded to tell him her story, ending with, "… ultimately, on my world, power went beyond corruption. It destroyed my world."

Gorim had pulled himself up and Mari put some pillows behind his back during the tale, as well as more pillows next to his injured leg to keep it still. "Damn. The Wardens know all about you, too, then?"

Mari smiled a bit. "The Wardens, the King, the Princes and Princess, Teyrn Cousland, Teyrn Loghain …"

"And a few of us at the Circle," Greagoir said as he and Wynne walked in. "So, you trust him after only just meeting him, Marisia? That could be dangerous."

"He was Prince … now Warden … Dugan Aeducan's Second in Orzammar," Mari explained. "So, yes, by association, I trust him. Did you know that Dugan was a son of King Endrin before he became a Warden?"

"I did not know that," Greagoir said.

"I didn't either," Wynne said. "I've always wanted to go to Orzammar. Good idea supporting the leg with pillows, Mari."

Gorim guffawed. "No, you don't want to go to Orzammar. Trust me."

"So, you were able to use healing magic on Gorim?" Greagoir asked Wynne.

She smiled. "Yes, it was a bit more difficult, but it is possible. Maybe we should contact them sometime?"

"One crisis at a time, please," Greagoir replied. "But, I'll put it on the list."

Mari was surprised he was so positive after his ordeal. "After what just happened, would the Grand Cleric even hear of such a thing?" Mari asked.

That put a smile on Greagoir's face. "You left before I told the entire story, Mari. Grand Cleric Elemena is being replaced. Revered Mother Dorothea went to Val Royeaux to consult with the Divine who has approved Mother Arasis from Lothering be elevated to Grand Cleric here. Elemena is quite shaken up about the whole thing. Dorothea is consoling her now."

"Revered Mother Arasis would be a wonderful Grand Cleric, Greagoir!" Mari then explained how she knew the lady.

Greagoir said quietly, "Let us hope things in Lothering remain calm without Mother Arasis to mediate." He shook his head. "Bethany has turned out to be a valuable mage teacher for the younger apprentices. She has a way of making them really listen to her about the necessity of control. Everyone likes her."

"I haven't heard a single complaint," Wynne added. "Her father must have been an exemplary mage."

"Is this magic from blood a common thing up here on the surface?" Gorim asked.

"No, not common, but it is around, unfortunately," Wynne replied. "It is the fastest way to lose your soul to a demon. It worries me that the Grand Cleric was targeted. You said that girl had worked for her for over a year."

"I'm concerned as well, Wynne. Tavish is putting Frieden on an investigation in Denerim," Greagoir said quietly. "She must have had some support. If she was part of a group, he'll find out about it and we can take care of it." He turned to Mari and Gorim. "Please take care who you mention this to. I'll be reporting it all to the King and left word for Loghain. King Maric mentioned to me the possibility of a blood mage operating in Vigil's Keep and they went to check on it. They had Bryant with them. I haven't heard anything yet. Maker keep them safe up there."

!¡!¡

After a week of back-breaking labor for everyone, Loghain ended up sitting at Rendon's desk. He'd just gotten word that Varric took a ship to Kirkwall that was apparently waiting for him in Amaranthine harbor … just in case there was trouble. No doubt, it was Captain Isabela that Loghain had met earlier in Denerim.

Loghain was thoroughly disgusted at the documentation he found. Rendon had been plotting the demise of the Couslands since the Rebellion. The deal for Maric was relatively recent, but it had all been finalized before the blood mage servant had started at Vigil's Keep. Loghain wondered if he should approach this Lord Reinhardt in Kirkwall, but that was likely a job for Bryce.

Loghain would just take the man's head. It was a simpler way to deal with it.

But, it wouldn't stop this Magister from using someone else to get to Maric. He'd already sent a bird to Maric at the palace and suggested he double his, Cailan's and Anora's guard and put a guard on Alistair. Maric would give himself up for any of them. Maybe Varric's contact in Tevinter would have some ideas.

Duncan came into the office. "We've finally finished inspecting the place. For the most part, the darkspawn stayed outside with only a few venturing into the Throne Room. The Wardens have cleaned up what they could, which included ripping up the flooring in the Throne Room. It had to be burned. The walls and wall-hangings were spared by the size of the room. Andwn re-opened the barrier door in the tunnels below and fairly thoroughly collapsed the tunnel outside the barrier door. The door was unaffected and still locked securely. We still have some double-checking and perimeter sweeps, but we can get word to Amaranthine for the Vigil's people to return after the pyre and memorial at the Chantry." He put a valise on the desk. "I haven't looked in it yet. We found it under a loose floorboard behind the throne."

Loghain picked the valise up … and then put it into his backpack, along with other papers. "I've already read enough that I need a break from reading or heads will roll. Has Bryce gotten here yet?"

"No, but a messenger just rode in that said Bryce is close behind." Duncan frowned. "I know you tire of my seeing everything in terms of the Wardens — but Rendon Howe's machinations could have easily destroyed Ferelden in a Blight."

"Even without a Blight, Duncan," Loghain said, but stopped as they heard running footsteps.

A disheveled Bryce ran into the office. "Maker's Breath! I just saw the throne room. What happened here?"

After Loghain and Duncan filled him in, Bryce just slumped into a chair. "Right under our noses, gentlemen. I better understand Maric's need to toss bottles of wine into the fireplace. I'm going to need a little time to get ready to deal with Reinhardt. Hopefully, this Tevinter friend of Varric's can give us some dirt on Magister Titus."

Bryce took a deep breath. "I'm going to say something that will likely make you think I've lost my mind." He sat forward in the chair. "I'm glad all this has come to light … with solid evidence … it will shake up some of the nobility who have become complacent and put the complicit on notice." He slapped his thighs and stood. "I need to get to Amaranthine. Poor Thomas will need some support, I have no doubt. You're taking Albert to Fort Drakon?"

"I'll head over to Amaranthine with you … and, yes, the young man's in the dungeons here. We'll take him with us to Amaranthine," Loghain replied. "There's more, Bryce." Loghain reached into his backpack. "I'm going to leave a squad of Maric's Shield here until we can properly put together a defensive structure." He nodded toward Duncan. "And, Duncan is leaving Warden Bryant here temporarily until the Wardens feel better about the security of that barrier door." He handed Bryce the valise. "You may wish to look this over. It was hidden under the floorboards of the Throne Room. Neither of us has looked at it yet. I have a feeling it includes things that might be helpful in Amaranthine. Varric has already left Amaranthine en route to Kirkwall to get Nathaniel."

"Yes, I got your messenger note a few nights ago on the road." Bryce took the valise with an uncertain look. "I'll review these en route. I hope Varric has some luck rescuing Nathaniel and getting him away from Kirkwall."

!¡!¡

Branon didn't even knock. He just slipped into Nathaniel's room, walked over to where Nathaniel was sitting at his desk and whispered, "We need to leave here, now, Lord Nathaniel."

With an alarmed looked, Nathaniel mouthed the word, Why?

The Amaranthine knight leaned close and told Nathaniel of a conversation he had just overheard. It did nothing to remove the alarmed look from Nathaniel's face.

Unbeknownst to Branon, Nathaniel was always mostly packed for a quick exodus. However, when they slipped into the hallway and headed for the back stairs, Nathaniel's room still looked occupied … messy bed, books opened on the desk, discarded shoes next to the bed and clothing draped over a chair.

Unbeknownst to Nathaniel, Branon was also prepared to quickly grab his things. It only took minutes for the pair to make their way out of the basement door to Darktown, the underbelly of Kirkwall.

It cost Nathaniel a bit of coin to pay off anyone they ran into, but it was an investment in diversion. The tales they told the witnesses varied from running away from a harsh mistress to abandoning an abusive relative to just getting away from a strict wife to go gambling. There were a few who had already seen Nathaniel slip through. All he had to do was flip them a coin and nod. Branon never said anything.

Nathaniel kept his hand on his sword hilt the entire journey.

Few knew about the back stairs into Varric's room at the Hanged Man. Nathaniel pulled out his key and he and Branon slipped into the room. Nathaniel had been told that Varric was on his way home. He hoped the dwarf had already arrived, but no such luck.

"Father and Reinhardt are trying to sell King Maric to a Magister in Tevinter!?" Nathaniel asked as quietly as he could. He still didn't trust Branon. "That's … that's insane!"

Branon sighed and sat at Varric's table. "I know. Reinhardt was speaking to the Magister … through something that sounded like a shell from the beach. Must have been something magical."

Nathaniel looked around. "I was hoping Varric would be here. He'd know how to get us out of the city." At just that moment, they heard the scratching of lockpicks in the lock.

Both of them slipped into the sleeping nook and waited to see who came in. After that someone came in and closed the door, Nathaniel felt the point of Branon's blade against his back. He mentally kicked himself for being so stupid.

"You can come out, whelp," Reinhardt said. "Branon told me this is the place you always ran off to. Much more fitting for you to come to an unfortunate end here than under my roof. Good work, Ser Branon."

"Thank you, my lord," Branon said. "Did you think you could just sneak out every night and elude me … whelp?"

"How much is Reinhardt paying you, traitor? What's the price of selling out your liege lord?" Nathaniel hissed.

"But, I didn't," Branon sneered at Nathaniel.

"Branon has worked for me all along, Nathaniel," Reinhardt said. "For years, my Marcher friends and I have been setting up your father. Sharia was making sure that he follows through with Maric. However, my alarm that she had died just went off. Your father must have had a change of heart and killed her."

"My father won't do anything you ask," Nathaniel said as he slowly started to turn to the side to face both men. "Especially if you kill his heir."

"Oh, he won't know you're dead … until we need him to know." Reinhardt didn't seem to hear the door knob very slowly turning and he was standing in the way of Branon seeing it. "Where do you think …?"

The door slammed open with a very disheveled and angry dwarf holding Bianca on Reinhardt. Nathaniel quickly danced away from the rushed sword thrust Branon tried. "Drop the sword or your liege lord gets it in the back." Then, Varric leaned to his right, "Heard enough, Viscount?"

A number of things happened nearly simultaneously. Reinhardt turned and pulled his sword just as Branon tried that sword thrust again. This time, when Nathaniel danced out of the way, the sword found a home in Reinhardt's back … but the traitor to Rendon Howe was already dead with a crossbow bolt in his heart.

Varric aimed at Branon. "I think Bianca can get you before you can get over here, idiot."

"Viscount Dumar! I was only helping Lord Reinhardt arrest these murderers and bring them to justice!" Branon said.

By then, Nathaniel had his sword out, too. He laughed. "Do you think Varric has the pull to really bring the Viscount, Branon?"

Branon raised his sword to strike Nathaniel, but a crossbow bolt got him right through that small unprotected place around the arm. A second bolt went through his temple.

"Shit, I really thought he was coward enough to stand down," Varric said.

Just then, Viscount Dumar did walk in. "You were right, Tethras. Another Tevinter viper in our midst. Good riddance." Then, he looked at Nathaniel. "Varric was tipped by Corff that Reinhardt was coming to the Hanged Man. Reinhardt wouldn't be caught dead here. Lord Nathaniel, your father is another viper. Do not trust him. Ever." Dumar sighed and motioned to a man dressed in dark clothing in the doorway. "Take care of this, Moraty. Make it look like he ran off to be with his Tevinter mistress."

The man nodded. "You lot need to leave." He motioned his head toward a silent Isabela leaning in the doorway. "Get on 'er ship and take out. Give us a while to put this to bed."

"Thank you, Viscount," Nathaniel said quietly.

The Viscount sighed. "I do this as much for me as I do you, my boy. Moraty allows me to maintain my uninformed demeanor while I keep tabs on everyone in my city. It works for me."

Nathaniel was shaken. His confidence was in tatters. How could he ever become the Arl of Amaranthine? He granted himself a small smile when he thought about Elle. She would be able to let him know when he was being blind. Nathaniel nodded to Dumar, picked up his backpack and quietly watched as Moraty and a small crew of men and women made the room look as if nothing had happened. Of course, he had Varric clucking over his shoulder as to how things were arranged. Varric said he was paid up for a long time, so he'd send for his stuff later.

Once Dumar, Moraty and his people had left with their bulky packages, Nathaniel, Varric and Isabela left through Darktown. Varric's man, Corff, slipped him a note from Varric's contact in Tevinter as they were leaving. Varric just handed it to Nathaniel. Once on the ship Nathaniel read it: Such a shame! Titus' sought-after elf artifact was delivered to him completely destroyed, a pile of sawdust, or bone dust, not sure. Some hungry insects ate most of it. He won't need Great Dragon blood anymore. —M.T.

Varric's contact did a bit more than just spy on Titus, apparently. Nonetheless, it was good news for Maric. Maker save Thedas if that Magister ever got his hands on something like that.

Night was just turning to dawn as The Siren's Call slipped out the channel, leaving the City of Chains. Nathaniel hoped he'd never have to see those chained slave statues in the harbor again.

!¡!¡

AN: Thank you for your reviews, Judy and Kanta48! I really appreciate the encouraging word or words. ;) Next time, along with Alistair as escort, Mari meets Grand Cleric Elemena … a visit that turns out rather well. Then, the couple go to the Gnawed Noble and meet Vaughan Kendalls … take a guess how that meeting goes. Gorim gets reunited with Dugan. Nathaniel and Varric make it back to Denerim where Nathaniel finds out his father has been assassinated. Yeah, a lengthy chapter. :)