30-Preparation for War

Surprisingly, Mari slept well the night before the Joining in Ostagar. Even a troubled mind could only stay awake so long … and it had been a long, difficult trip. No dreams of darkspawn or the Archdemon. No memories of the Joining deaths in Dragon's Peak nagging her to stay awake, blaming herself. Even she had to admit that was irrational, but she was the most emotional person in Thedas.

In the morning, she meditated for a while to calm her emotions as much as she could. Then, she went to the Joining area to help Andwn and Anders prepare the Joinings. When she got there, the mages were putting a list of recruits by each of five chalices. "I guess there's a reason that one of the chalices only has one name?" she asked.

Andwn grinned and then hugged her while Anders chuckled. Anders explained, "Andwn reminded me about your … vaccines … and that some people were affected adversely by ingredients in the vaccine. I suggested we ask each recruit if they'd ever reacted to any of the herbs in the mixture …."

"One of them couldn't tolerate spindleweed, of all things!" Andwn interrupted. "It's not an herb that has anything to do with the resistance, just to aid in feeling less pain afterwards."

"Fortunately, it's not a very common intolerance. It's also used in a potion that hardens the skin of the user to temporarily add a bit more armor against wounding," Anders explained. "For some people, the effect can go deeper, and the effect is permanent. The fortunate individuals find out with a stiffening of a finger or toe. The unfortunate may lose the use of their hearts or lungs … leading to death. You may notice that one of the recruits has a stiff finger. He has his own chalice."

"Wow," Mari said. "I'm glad it's not very common."

"Me, too," Duncan said as he walked in. "I'm also glad you brought it up, Mari, so we can ask recruits ahead of time. It doesn't mean we're going to change the formula for everyone because, without it, others may succumb to the pain that the spindleweed can ease."

Andwn then got more solemn. "But, it won't stop all deaths, Mari. It's just one more thing to help keep more recruits stay alive. We hope."

"I know," Mari said quietly. "I will always react to any deaths … that's who I am … but I will try to not let it keep me from honoring their sacrifices."

Unfortunately, three of the Gwaren recruits were sacrificed to the Joining. None were the one with the stiff finger and each one drank from a different chalice. Mari had to reconcile that at least one may have been saved by the discovery of spindleweed allergies. Duncan and Andwn were right, she reminded herself. Honor the sacrifices.

After the service for the honored Wardens, Duncan took Anton and Mari to an office in the Tower of Ishal. "I fear we need Loghain to stay here with the increased buildup of darkspawn."

Mari could hear Maric and Loghain arguing in a nearby room. "Sounds like Maric wants to stay, too."

"He does." Duncan sighed. "He is important to keep alive, but the morale he can give his men cannot be matched."

"I assume Maric's Shield will be staying with him?" Anton asked.

"Correct," Duncan replied. "So, the continuation will be the two of you, Anders, Andwn, Makis, Gorim, Bryant and Dugan. I would have preferred that Anders or Andwn stay, but they convinced me that it would be better for them to make certain all the recruits survived to make their way down here."

Mari frowned. "About Redcliffe … I was sort of counting on Loghain opening the way to get Eamon to agree to allow us on their lands."

"Too bad for Eamon, we have a right to recruit anywhere in Ferelden," Duncan explained. "I can get Maric to give a writ to you, explaining your duties and responsibilities."

"How much do we press it if he doesn't recognize the writ?" Mari asked.

Duncan smiled as Anton said, "I can handle Eamon."

"Okay, I just …," Mari sighed and paced. "What would everyone do if both Loghain and Maric are killed down here?"

"What would everyone do, indeed, Mari?" Loghain said as he stepped into the room with Maric on his heels. He had a smile on his face, which was disconcerting.

Maric did not look happy. He gave Mari a stare that made her rather uncomfortable. "Loghain and I made a wager. If you brought that situation up, I would be going along with the Warden recruitment group."

Mari snickered. "I suddenly feel sorry for Eamon. Kinda hard to refuse the King of Ferelden." She held up a finger to stop an interruption. "However, Duncan did just explain the value of morale. I suggest this compromise. Your Majesty, if we delay our departure for two or three days, would that give you enough time to visit with everyone here in Ostagar? Personal, small gatherings of soldiers and others here to express your gratitude and motivate them to do their best for Ferelden while you continue on with your mission to increase our forces … and, thereby, increase our chances of success." She winked at Loghain. "Tell them that you're ordering Loghain to stay behind to personally lead the forces."

While Mari had been speaking, Duncan slipped to a chest and brought out a bottle of some kind of spirits and mugs. "Shall we drink on a good plan to proceed, Your Majesty?"

Maric glared a bit more and then nodded. "I suppose that would work, but Loghain and Duncan shall be required to attend me during this morale tour of Ostagar." He looked at Mari. "I should require you, as well, but I think I'll let you out of it … this time."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Mari said. "I would like to spend some time with the new Wardens along with the Wardens with us on the recruitment assignment. Perhaps you can put the new Wardens on one of your gatherings."

"And, I have a few more records corrections to make," Anton said. "I need Mari to help me finish those up." Mari and Anton slipped out as the other three made plans for their morale meetings in Ostagar.

!¡!¡

Solas sat outside the First Warden's office while Del, Enri and Cassandra had a loud discussion inside the office. Not an argument, exactly. More like a debate conversation where each party wished his or her voice to be louder than an opponent.

Del's assistant Ana just kept glancing at the door and at Solas. Finally, she asked, "Can I get you anything, Solas? We have some dry wines in the cabinet." She smiled. "Ones I like."

Solas smiled back at her. "Thank you. That would be appreciated. It appears that the 'momentary' conversation is beginning to die down. We both may need some by the time they finish."

As if Solas had done a spell, as soon as he and Ana had finished their wine, the door opened and Cassandra stepped out. "I shall be leaving in the morning with our Seekers, First Warden. As soon as I can return them to Val Royeaux, I shall endeavor to get permission from Lord Seeker Lambert to return to Ferelden."

Del walked out with a smile on his face. "Sounds like a good plan, Seeker. Do take care on the road back to Val Royeaux. The Venatori sound dangerous and ruthless. Fortunately, it seems the Seekers here were not under a spell like Sarnak had on the Lord Seeker. They were just obeying orders from a commander in thrall. Your Seekers have been most cooperative, awaiting your arrival."

Solas almost smiled. Del just made a thinly veiled threat. He could tell that Cassandra caught it: just what did Del mean by 'most cooperative'? Solas knew it meant that the four Seekers were quiet and respectful. The Weisshaupt Grey Wardens currently had two mages who infrequently used blood magic against overwhelming darkspawn with very effective results. They were also healers. They did not do mind control. Or, so Solas had been told.

But, Cassandra didn't know that, or that they were Orlesian and Nevarran, not from Tevinter.

"Ana, please show Cassandra and her Seekers to the guest quarters and have someone see to their needs until they leave in the morning," Del said.

Once Cassandra left, he turned to Solas, "Join us, please."

Del walked to his desk and took one of his sending stones out of its pouch. He held it until it clicked. But while he was waiting, he turned to Solas. "Zevran is heading to the Arlathan forest to look for more of these. Anton told me that King Endrin in Orzammar found a number of pairs in an abandoned Deep Roads outpost that the dwarves shared with elves at some point … I assume after the fall of Arlathan. Anyway, Endrin gave Anton one of a pair so the dwarves could keep in touch with us. Anton is on a recruitment mission, so I took the dwarf sending stone to Soldier's Peak for Arctavi to monitor." It clicked. "All right Arctavi, what is it?"

"The Legion of the Dead was unable to close the passage to the south from Bownammar, First Warden," Arctavi said. "In fact, they reported that the darkspawn from the south seemed more intent on going northwest under the Waking Sea."

"Have the dwarves sent any soldiers to Ostagar yet?" Del asked.

"No, First Warden. They are readying for a darkspawn onslaught in Orzammar." Arctavi sighed. "They are requesting any Grey Warden aid they can get."

Enri said a few words in Antivan followed by, "A diversion, perhaps? If so, which is it? northwest or Ostagar? Braska, what if they are heading to Kal Sharok?"

"Or, here," Solas said.

Everyone in the room looked at Solas so he expanded on that possibility. "Kal Sharok is not so very far from Weisshaupt. Anton tells me that since the enmity with Orzammar, the Deep Roads around Kal Sharok are not that well documented." He sighed. "Or, it is a strategy to make us thin our forces … and that would make it seem that this Archdemon is more strategic than Andoral, at least in the tales about Garahel."

They could hear Arctavi throw something breakable against a wall. "We also need to deal with Corypheus, First Warden. In truth, they may be headed there. A new Warden is a Malcolm Hawke son, Carver Hawke. After his Joining, Carver reported a dream about Corypheus. The darkspawn told him to come to the Vimmark mountains and use Carver's blood to set Corypheus free."

Solas frowned. "Who is Corypheus?"

"One of our last remaining secrets, Solas," Del said. "Is Riordan near?" When Riordan answered that he was listening, Del said, "Seems you will be going to Orzammar after all, Riordan. Pick a few of the new Wardens to go with you to visit with King Endrin. Leave Thomas in charge at the Peak in your absence. Explain to Endrin that his news about the failure in Bownamar makes it difficult to send an entire detachment at this time as we are concentrated at Ostagar at this time. Arctavi, give the Orzammar stone to Riordan so he can communicate with King Endrin if he needs to." He looked at the stone. "I shall fill Solas in on Corypheus, Arctavi, and let you know if any more needs to be done in that regard."

Del dropped the stone in the pouch and turned to Solas. "We believe Corypheus was an ancient Magister. The one who was the High Priest of the Old God Dumat. To be honest with you, I do not know how we captured him; however, he has been bound in an old Warden base in the Vimmark Mountains, which is to the northeast from Orzammar, not northwest. As you say, the Deep Roads up there are not well-explored. The ancestors of the Hawkes used powerful blood magic to do this binding and it has to be refreshed every so often. The last to do it was Carver's father, Malcolm. We have not destroyed Corypheus because a Grey Warden cannot. We are not completely certain, but the current belief is that if we kill him, he will inhabit one of us and then be free to move about as he pleases. Much like the Architect would have inhabited the Grey Warden Utha if she had not been killed prior."

"Seems to contradict the tale about the soul of the Archdemon being destroyed by meeting the soul of the Grey Warden who kills it. But, as I understand it … this Corypheus is not an Archdemon. Perhaps the Architect used Utha as a phylactery of sorts. May I see this prison?" Solas asked. He recalled the voice from the north that interrupted his early foreshadowings. That must have been Corypheus. He knew he would have to confront it at some point. Seemed like the Wardens might give him the opportunity.

"Why would you need to do that?" Enri asked.

"If you want him destroyed by a non-Warden, I believe I may be able to help," Solas explained. "However, I need to see these wards to discover the magic used to bind him there."

"Get a map that Solas may take with him, Enri," Del said.

After Enri nodded and left the room, Del added, "I only agree to this because I feel someone such as you may actually have an opportunity to defeat him. Be honest with me, how great a chance do you give yourself. Thedas will need you more during the Blight, my friend."

Solas thought a moment. "Since the darkspawn were not around during the time of Arlathan, I have only recently learned of them. I shall not be going alone. There is another ancient walking Thedas. I do believe the two of us will be able to defeat him."

Del sat back and sighed. "Very well. I will give you a writ to get inside if you need it. Warden Commander Larius is currently in charge there … and he won't believe you. Do not contact him if you can avoid it. He is nearing his Calling. I fear many of the Wardens at the outpost may have … issues of the mind. I had hoped to delay dealing with this until the Fifth Blight was ended. The fact he can enter the dreams of someone all the way in Denerim indicates a power stronger than we guessed."

Enri arrived with the map and Del rolled it out. "This is a tower sunk into a hole. You should be able to fly down without going through the maze of the surrounding access tunnels and bridges." He opened a small diagram. "This is a chart of the floors you must visit. There are locks on these floors. You must release the locks from the bottom up." Del walked to a vault door in his office and opened it. He walked in and then out carrying an intricate ring. "Put this on before you unlock that final one at the top. Once he is freed, you will need to tap this on the four … I'm pretty sure it's four … containment alcoves around the edge. It will release him from the last bindings, but he will not be destroyed otherwise. I doubt he will make this as easy as it sounds. He will rise from his prison on the top. Kill him there. Be sure to put barriers up so that no Warden can get near to him. Hopefully, no Warden will even know you are there."

"This will take a little time to get done. Weeks, maybe months," Solas said. "But, I believe it best to remove this creature from rising at an inopportune time."

Del folded up the map and chart. "Maker or Creators or whatever guide your path, Solas. If you and your friend feel you would be unable to do this … and survive, do not attempt it. We will find another way to protect Carver Hawke. I will stay here for three months before I head back overland."

!¡!¡

It was difficult to leave Ostagar. Not because there were any personnel issues. It was difficult because the darkspawn had started small attacks on the fort. A lot of them. The fighting was keeping everyone busy. Fortunately, there were few deaths. The Wardens felt the Archdemon was testing the Warden capabilities and strength in Ostagar. Much to Loghain's disapproval, Maric participated in these battles.

Everyone got to see the effect of good morale up close. However, when Maric was injured in a rather nasty encounter, even the lowliest soldier and Warden insisted he should continue with the recruitment … and use his non-trivial abilities and position to find more recruits.

Loghain and a battalion of Maric's Shield escorted Maric and the Wardens to the road up the escarpment to Redcliffe with no trouble.

Trouble decided to wait for them in Redcliffe.

When they were shown through the main gate, knights of Redcliffe were present and took a knee in front of Maric. Someone must have seen them enter the area and rode ahead to alert the castle.

"Welcome to Redcliffe, Your Majesty," one of the knights said.

Maric smiled and slid off his horse. The rest of them followed suit as Maric said, "Thank you, Ser Perth. We were hoping to have an audience with Arl Eamon if …." He was interrupted by a high-pitched woman's scream. Everyone pulled their weapons.

Ser Perth started backing toward the stairs. "Please remain out here until we investigate the situation."

Bryant walked up. "I was once a Templar, Ser Perth. I could go with you … in case."

"I remember you, Bryant." Perth paused a moment and then nodded. They all ran into the castle.

Andwn whispered, "He must have shown magic."

"The son?" Anton asked.

The tears started flowing for Mari. She took out her gift from Nalah Laren. "This just isn't right."

Maric put his arm around Mari's shoulder. Moments later, Eamon walked out trying to hold back a woman Mari assumed was his wife, Isolde. A Templar was holding a loudly protesting, angry young boy. He walked down the steps with the obvious intent of taking the boy away.

Bryant came out of the house and looked decidedly angry. "Ser Harrith, it really doesn't need to be this dramatic, does it? We're not even certain of the facts."

The Templar spun on Bryant. "A witness came forth and saw the lad cast a spell, ex-Templar. You know better than to question me in public!"

"That old shrew has always hated me!" Isolde screamed.

"Ser Harrith, you are aware of Mistress Hansley's distrust of Orlais," Eamon said.

Mari suddenly felt it. Darkspawn nearby. It was the first time she'd felt it, but it was exactly as everyone described. Ants marching all over her body. Mari reached for her bow and arranged her quiver.

At the same time, Anton pulled his sword. "Everyone who isn't a Warden get inside and lock the door. Ser Perth close the gate when we get outside it." He looked at Eamon. "Darkspawn, Your Lordship."

Before anyone could move, an emissary and a group of hurlocks were coming across the access bridge to the castle gates. Mari pulled an arrow and aimed for the emissary. She could hear Andwn and Anders start to cast. She released the arrow and got the emissary with an arrow just before Andwn froze it. She shot it two more times before it thawed, and fell into a heap. That emissary was no Architect. Mari heard the doors to the inside of the castle close behind her as the Wardens ran forward.

Unfortunately, no one stayed behind to close the gate. Anton turned to Mari. "Go inside the walls and release the gate, Mari!" He gave her a small smile. "You can still shoot through the portcullis. Bryant, go with her in case Harrith becomes completely unreasonable."

As soon as she and Bryant closed the portcullis, Ser Perth, a couple other Redcliffe knights and some of Maric's Shield along with Maric came out. "Your Majesty, I guess requesting nicely that you go back inside would fall on deaf ears?"

"I wish I had deaf ears. It's quieter out here," he grumbled. He looked back to the door and held out his hand. "Give me your bow and quiver. You and Bryant go inside and see if you can calm down the situation before anyone does something stupid."

"I … I'm not certain I wouldn't make the situation worse, Your Majesty," Mari said honestly. When Maric just kept his hand outstretched, she took off the quiver and handed him the bow. "I give you one order that you cannot deny, Your Majesty," she said. "You absolutely will not do any more than shoot through the portcullis. And, stay alert for darkspawn archers. They put nasty poison on their arrows."

He smirked. "As you command, Warden."

As Mari got to the stairs, Ser Perth went alongside. "I'll open the door for you, Wardens. Maker save you." He gave a code password and knock and the guard posted inside opened the door.

As soon as the door opened, Mari knew why he asked for the Maker's help. It was simple matter to follow the shouting to a small office with way too many people inside it. However, before she and Bryant could get to the door, everyone got quiet, except Harrith.

"As soon as the Wardens finish with the darkspawn, Connor here and I will leave for the Circle Tower, immediately," Harrith said. He had his back to the office door and looked to be holding something on Connor's throat. Everyone stood stock still. Isolde was in tears.

Mari stopped Bryant and got close to his ear and whispered, "Something's wrong here. Let me try to get Connor away from Harrith."

Bryant nodded and silently slipped to the side of the door behind a standing suit of armor, hidden from anyone in the office or coming to the office.

Mari took a deep breath and walked toward the door as if she were unaware of any problem. "Your Lordship, Anton has ordered me inside …" Harrith turned halfway to the doorway. Mari could see that he held a knife at Connor's throat. "Maker's Mercy! I gave my bow to King Maric," Mari said as she threw up her hands, showing that she wasn't holding any weapons.

"Unsheathe those daggers and put them outside the door … slowly!" Harrith commanded.

Mari did what he asked and walked back inside. She could see Connor was going from angry to scared. "Can we just have a conversation, Ser Harrith? I swear that I shall not try anything." She thought about just asking him to release Connor, but the boy was his only bargaining chip.

Harrith sneered. Almost exactly like Vaughn Kendells did that one afternoon in the Gnawed Noble. Mari began to wonder where the blood mage was. "You said that Mistress Hansley told you she witnessed Lord Connor casting a spell. I assume you verified it?"

"I didn't need to," he growled. "She's the only sane one in this Maker-forsaken castle full of heretics."

"She works in the castle?" Mari asked.

"She's our new housekeeper," Eamon said. "I wish now we never hired her."

Isolde looked confused a moment. "So do I, husband. I … I can't recall her experience now. Why did we hire her?"

Eamon narrowed his eyes. "Ser Harrith recommended her."

Mari held her hands out to Harrith. "Please, Ser Harrith. Lord Connor is beginning to … soil his trousers. Let me take him, so your uniform doesn't get soiled. You can put your knife on me."

"What?!" Harrith screamed. Mari guessed he didn't like being shit on. "You piece of mage filth!" Fortunately, Mari was able to easily get Connor from the Templar as he was looking down to check his scarlet skirt for brown streaks.

Just then, a middle-aged woman stormed into the room. "You stupid Templar! You gave up your greatest prize for a lie from this harlot!"

Mari slowly backed Connor to the other side of the room while an argument broke out. She caught Bryant standing by the door and mouthed the word, "Smite."

Bryant concentrated a few seconds, stepped into the doorway and cast Smite on the room. Mistress Hensley dropped just the way Andwn did on the steps of the Warden Compound those long months ago. The smite didn't affect Connor. Then he turned his weapon on Harrith, but there was no need. He was in shock.

Just then, Andwn ran in. "I felt that outside the door, Bryant. Why …" Then, he noticed the old woman on the floor and Harrith with a dazed look. "Maker's Breath." He looked at Mari. "Blood mage?"

"I think so," Mari said as she gently handed Connor to his mother.

"You saw!" Isolde said as she gently held her son. "That Warden Templar cast a spell to catch a mage and Connor didn't fall."

Bryant walked over to Harrith and put out his hand. "Manacles for the blood mage?"

"I … I was in thrall? How long?" Harrith said quietly. He didn't protest when Bryant reached into a side pocket and pulled out the largest manacles Mari had ever seen.

Isolde turned toward Mari. "Come with me, Warden. Let's get Connor to safety and let the men sort this out."

Mari nodded. "Of course, Your Ladyship." Maric walked in then and gave Mari a questioning look while handing her bow and quiver back to her. Mari only tossed her head back to the room.

She sheathed the bow, readjusted the quiver and picked up her daggers. Then, she followed Isolde up the nearby stairs to the next floor and into a well-appointed child's room. Filling the room were what Mari would call educational toys, books, warrior toy weapons … all thrown around as if an actual fight had occurred. That's when Mari realized that was likely what did happen when they had initially heard Isolde scream. A woman came to stand in the doorway after everyone else entered. Servant?

Isolde put Conner down and knelt in front of him. "What do you need to say to the Warden, Connor?" she asked. Her voice was shaky. They both had just had a terrible fright.

Mari just wanted to tell them that she would leave them to their peace, but decided to also drop down to Connor's level and kneel.

He walked over. "Grey Warden, thank you for rescuing me," Connor said with no shake to his voice.

Mari put her hands on his upper arms. "You were so brave, Connor. In the face of all that danger, you were so brave." She smiled and blushed a little. "I must apologize for that horrible lie I told about you to get that Templar to release you."

He smiled and laughed. "It worked, Warden! You're forgiven."

"Still so brave," Mari answered quietly.

"Yes, my Connor is the bravest of all of us," Isolde replied. Connor went back and hugged his mother.

After a long hug, Isolde looked at the woman standing in the doorway. "Milly, please take Connor down the back stairs to the kitchen and give him his choice of treat … for being my strong and brave little boy."

Mari had to reach for the handkerchief again as she stood. "Forgive my emotion, Your Ladyship. I'm afraid I have a reputation for getting emotional. I'm sorry. This … this treatment of children is so wrong." She knew Harrith was acting under a control spell, but, no doubt he had ripped mage children from their parents more than once.

Isolde guided Mari to sit on a chair next to Conner's bed while she sat on the bed. "You must never apologize for being sensitive, Warden. I despair of the unemotional men that surround me all the time." She smiled and continued, "You see, the Chantry has somehow found out that my family has magic in it. Mother Hanna in our Chantry did not request extra Templars, but Grand Cleric Elemena sent two here before she was forced back to Val Royeaux. Thank the Maker she is gone. I do not know Mother Arasis, but I must send her a letter thanking her for recalling those Templars. Then, Ser Harrith … changed. No doubt under the thrall of that blood mage."

Mari wiped her eyes, folded her handkerchief nicely and said, "Your Ladyship, I have a much different feeling about magic than some I have met recently." She took a deep breath and looked at Isolde. "I believe that magic is a gift from the Maker. However, I have learned that those blessed with the capability do need training. Control is the only thing that keeps a good mage from turning to the demons in times of stress."

"That sounds … reasonable … I suppose." Her eyes started tearing up. "It's only … that it took so long for Eamon and I to have a child. I only wish to give him an heir … and now …." She dropped her face in her hands.

Mari went to sit next to her. When it sounded like Isolde's sobs were ending, she handed Isolde her handkerchief. "I apologize that it's half-damp, Your Ladyship."

She used it to dry her eyes and then looked at it. "Marisia and Alistair … the Prince?" she asked as she handed it back.

"He is no longer a Prince of Ferelden. We're both Grey Wardens now." Mari straightened it out in her lap. "Alistair's adoptive mother gave it to me. We've decided to put any blossoming relationship on hold until after the Blight." Then, she folded it and put it away.

Isolde reached over and took Mari's hand. "You are the one who told Alistair to follow his heart. You are Marisia Park." She chuckled. "You should have heard my husband when he returned from that rushed trip to Highever."

"I didn't get around to introducing myself, did I. Anyway, I think His Lordship was just concerned that Alistair be given the proper training in nobility as well as upbringing to be a good man," Mari guessed. "The Larens took care of the latter, admirably. Things worked out … the way Alistair wanted them to work out."

From the doorway, Eamon said, "Lucky for you, young lady, Prince Cailan is due for an heir." Then, he smiled. "I must again apologize for my manners that day … and thank you for saving Connor. When I came home and told Isolde about Alistair, she suggested to me that if I had brought a babe home she might have thought he was my bastard, no matter the story I would tell her." He looked at Isolde. "That would have ruined quite a few things for us, I'm afraid."

"But, husband, what are we going to do if Connor does have magic?" Isolde said. She looked at Mari. "The Grey Warden brought up the importance of control. We will need to …." She put her face in her hands again.

Mari stood so Eamon could sit next to his wife. She let the poor woman have her cry and then said, "Your Ladyship, Your Lordship, the Ferelden Circle is a very good training school for young mages. It is a fair academy with fair Templars. I've witnessed it. You both have already gotten an impressive start on helping Lord Connor see the value of strength and bravery. However, he will need the … uninterrupted years … of Circle training necessary to utilize his Maker-blessed ability, if it comes to him. My only piece of advice is to simply continue on with your steadfastness. If the time comes … that Connor needs the training given in the Circle … he will walk through the doors of the Circle with the confidence he needs to succeed, to learn to control any temptation to go astray. I fear that many children do not have such competent parents as you both."

"Thank you, Warden," Isolde said. "You have given me much to think about. Perhaps you should petition the new Divine to revise the harsh attitudes … as you have done to my own harsh attitudes … and fears … of magic." She took Eamon's hand. "Will you hate me if your heir turns out to be a mage?"

Eamon squeezed her hand and smiled. "I could never hate you, Isolde. I've loved you since the first day I met you."

Mari took a backward step toward the door. "I'll just … be …"

Eamon laughed. "Nonsense, Mari. Don't run off. I can better understand why Duncan has you doing recruiting. And, why Alistair is attracted to you." He put his arm around Isolde. "Beloved, if that day comes, we shall turn the Arling over to Teagan and go somewhere else … together."

Mari shrugged. "Perhaps there's an empty holding near to the Circle? You would need to speak with Knight-Commander Greagoir about if or when you could visit Lord Connor."

"You would do this for me, husband?" Isolde asked.

"Of course, I would …" Eamon began.

Mari didn't hear more because this time she did flee the room and started to go back to the front of the castle. She had to take a moment to consider that Isolde was not the person Alistair and Nalah said she was. Perhaps she was more caustic toward Loghain and commoners. Even Eamon was very different from the first time Mari had been in his presence. But, then, she did recall that Isolde mentioned that Mari had tempered her caustic ideas toward magic. Mari didn't feel she had been particularly convincing, but, then, the entire situation with Connor and the blood mage would give the harshest heart pause.

When she got outside, everyone looked like they were getting ready to leave. "I guess this isn't a good time for recruiting here?" she asked.

Anton took a deep breath and then smiled. "Actually, we're done here. Arl Eamon has appointed Ser Perth with the duty of recruiting men and women for the Grey Wardens. He and some fellow knights of Redcliffe will escort the recruits to Ostagar where someone will explain some details that the knights don't know. Good job, Mari."

"Ancestors be praised," Dugan said quietly. "I'm not sure I could handle too much more time here."

"I was about to say the same." Gorim was sitting on the steps sharpening his blade.

Maric smiled. "Loghain did say that each place would be different." He cleared his throat. "I do have a favor to ask. If you would be so kind as to escort me and the Shield back to Ostagar, I'd like to alert Duncan to the situation." He sighed. "And, then I shall head back to Denerim."

"I think that's a good idea, Your Majesty," Anton said. "I'd like to update Duncan as well about watching for this blood mage influence."

Mari nodded. "That was the easiest recruitment so far; however, you're right. We really need to be additionally vigilant of the influx of blood mages into Ferelden. Greagoir mentioned that the Seekers had been infiltrated by a Tevinter group called the Venatori. At a guess, it sounds like they really want to interfere with the Grey Wardens ending the Blight." She turned toward Maric. "Perhaps Loghain needs to return to Denerim with you to handle this extra threat?"

Maric gave a half-smile. "I'm hoping we can convince Duncan of that very necessity, but if Ostagar is going to be the first target … well, Loghain should likely stay there. Maker save Leciah."

Bryant lifted a sack and motioned to the gates. "The staff should have our horses ready for us. We passed a canyon of sorts on the way here that would maybe be a good place to camp. At least, it used to be."

"There was a report that a dragon had moved to a place further inside the canyon. Even so, there haven't been any reports of the dragon causing any trouble," Maric said. "Other than chasing out some Carta poachers," he added with a look to Makis.

They had already finished burning the darkspawn bodies. No barrier door keys were found on the emissary. So, it was a brief ride to the canyon Bryant mentioned. It was right before the road down the escarpment. They had just ridden right by it earlier. Mari chastised herself for needing to be more vigilant.

However, they were met with the sound of a dragon roaring just inside the crevice opening. Mari didn't get a feel of darkspawn, so it wasn't the Archdemon. A gout of flame caused the Wardens to have to pause going into it. When they heard the dragon flying away, further into the canyon, the Wardens cautiously crept into the camping spot. There were ten or more burning bodies lying around, along with some smaller dragon-like bodies. The Wardens, Maric and his Shield officers quickly extinguished the flames. And, then, Bryant started to look around. "I think this would not be a good place to camp tonight. Perhaps we should go back to Redcliffe village and stay at their tavern. Lloyd will let us stay in the common room for the night … probably. Mother Hanna may let some of us stay at the Chantry."

In her head, Mari heard, "They killed my drakes for their dragon blood." Was she actually communicating with a real dragon?!

She looked around. "Did anyone else hear that?" When she noticed everyone else nod while looking around, she had her answer.

"You can all hear me? Good," the voice said. "They were planning to use dragon blood to control the Wardens."

Mari looked at Maric and he nodded at her to do the talking. "I'm so sorry to hear about the death of your drakes. I am Warden Mari. The world I come from didn't have dragons, so I know how special you are to Thedas."

"Curious," the voice said. After a pause, the voice continued, "I need to approach you."

"Why?" Mari thought.

"You are in no danger from me," the voice replied. "I just saved your Order."

Mari looked around. Everyone shrugged and nodded. "Very well. Where would you like us to stand?"

"Gather at the opening to the evil mage camp. I shall try to land in the center." After a short time … after the traveling staff took all the horses outside the canyon and waited … a real dragon landed atop the edge of the canyon. It was golden and mauve … beautiful and majestic! "I cannot land there. But, this is close enough." She looked like she was sniffing the air. "I ask that you gather my drakes so that I may keep anyone else from using them."

Everyone pitched in and gathered the six dead drakes, gently laying them in the center of the canyon. Some of them looked horribly tortured. Mari's tears fell. She noticed that Andwn and Anders were also getting emotional.

"Now, please move outside the canyon," the voice said.

They did as the dragon requested. A gush of heated air and a few tendrils of flame is all they felt and saw. When the dragon gave a wail of despair, Mari actually sobbed. Andwn, Anders and even Maric joined her.

"Thank you for your respect of my deepest sorrow," the voice said. "King Maric, I sense your presence because of your ancestor's blood. I only wish you to know that I am not your enemy … as long as you leave my brood alone. There are others like me in Ferelden. I cannot speak for them. I took care not to burn the evil mages things. May you find information you can use. Finally, Warden Mari, you are as much of this world as those around you. Farewell."

Before Mari broke her stunned silence, the dragon had flown away. "What did she mean by that?"

Anton furrowed his forehead. "That was odd. Perhaps it was a compliment to you for adapting to Thedas?" He took a deep breath. "Let's look for these evil mage documents. I suspect Seeker Cassandra will want to see them, as well. Then, we'll head to Redcliffe's Tavern and see if Lloyd is generous tonight."

"I'm sure Mother Hanna and Ser Harrith would like to see them as well," Bryant said. "I suggest we go to the Chantry first and ask them if we can bed down there for the night." He added a mumbled, "Not sure I can tolerate Lloyd tonight."

True to the dragon's word, they found a small chest of messages and plans in a tent where the blood mages … confirmed to be Venatori … slept and made their ideas come into being. Only a few of the documents were understandable. Unfortunately, all of the actual plans were in Tevene, the language of Tevinter. No one there could read Tevene. The only word that stood out was something-something-Venatori. Of course, that was frustrating for everyone. They gathered the chest and other magic items up and headed to the Redcliffe Chantry.

Bryant took the lead and spoke with Mother Hanna who graciously agreed that the Wardens and the King and their men could stay in the Chantry. Ser Harrith made room for some in the barracks.

They showed Ser Harrith the documents that were readable. After a few moments, he put down his pile of documents. "Warden Mari, I must thank you for finding a way to convince me to release that poor boy."

Mari smiled at the distraught Templar. "You're welcome, Ser Harrith. I'm very glad it worked. Fortunately, Lord Connor wasn't mortified by it."

Mother Hanna frowned. "How did you defeat the blood mage's hold on one of our best Templars, Warden?"

"I lied, Your Reverence," Mari said. "I used something that would have worked on me, I'm afraid. The fear of …." She had to think for a moment. "Young children who are scared sometimes forget their … um … privy training."

Hanna smiled at Ser Harrith and then laughed. "Maker's Breath, that would have worked on me, as well, Ser Harrith." Fortunately, a small smile appeared on Ser Harrith's face, as everyone chuckled.

Makis fell back and laughed heartily. "Me, too, Templar. I have a new nephew and I know I'd hate that!"

Bryant only smiled. "Has Hansley, if that is her name, said anything?"

"Nay, the Warden mages are keeping her asleep until we need to question her," Harrith replied.

On cue, Andwn and Anders walked in. Anders said, "From a Circle mage's point of view, I think she should be executed. Humanly, but completely. She's sound asleep with a double Templar guard for the time being."

Mari told them what Greagoir had shared with her. Apparently, they'd already received a brief notice to be on the alert for Tevinter influence, but none of the details … other than Lambert admitting to a failure of the Seekers.

A messenger then arrived with several things from Hansley's room, including a spellbook, written in an arcane language, which Anders and Andwn could read. Anders said that it had control spells powered by blood. There was also an incriminating directive to kidnap Connor and bring him to Tevinter. It had been written in Fereldanese. The messenger said that Hansley was Fereldan, not a native of Tevinter. It spelled the woman's doom.

Hanna shook her head. "Lord Seeker Lambert is a strong man with strong convictions. I only met him briefly, but that was his reputation. Sadly, I found myself not surprised that Grand Cleric Elemena had been influenced due to her age."

Maric obviously decided to let her opinion of that go … and said, "I think you need to return to Denerim with me, Wardens. As does Loghain."

"I agree, Your Majesty," Anton said as he started to gather up the papers. "Haska knows some Tevene and, of course, Arctavi up at Soldier's Peak is from Tevinter. Tevene is his native language. Whatever Haska cannot decipher … well, we can take up to the Peak. Our recruitment is on hold for now, pending Duncan's approval. Perhaps we'll take it up afterwards. For now, I suggest we get a good night's sleep in a quiet place and leave with the dawn." He looked at Harrith. "I also suggest you execute the blood mage, Ser Harrith. This may sound harsh, but I think you should do it while she is under a sleep spell, followed by a quick pyre. Some of us witnessed her statement and the result of the smite on her. In addition to the evidence found in Hansley's room, I feel these documents will incriminate her. Andwn, what are your thoughts?"

Andwn took a deep breath and glanced at Anders who was looking with expectation on Andwn's feelings about Anders starting this. "Ordinarily … however …," He blew out the deep breath he just took. "I agree."

"I also agree," Maric said. "In fact, I'll perform the execution if you wish. All these Venatori will have a standing execution order with extreme prejudice. I'll go up to the castle now and alert Eamon. He may wish to join me."

"Extreme prejudice" surprised Mari. But, they were just words. A curious coincidence … like "fly in the ointment" or the innkeeper in Kinloch named Schmidt. Perhaps these Originators went back and forth a lot. One of them must have written the story for that game that her friends loved and played for hours at a time.

The execution and pyre were held that evening. Eamon only stood witness. They went to the mage's cell in the Chantry. Andwn performed a shield spell on the blood mage, just in case she had a phylactery someplace nearby so she could be resurrected. Maric took out his sword and separated her head from her shoulders. The pyre took place outside in the middle of the square in front of the Chantry. Eamon, Isolde and Connor were present.

Maric's speech was short and pretty good.

"Citizens of Redcliffe, this person was a maleficar who used her Maker-given gift of magic to control people. Many of us witnessed it and documents verified her guilt. She used her evil arts on Arl Eamon, Arlessa Isolde and Lord Conner … as well as Ser Harrith. Fortunately, Ser Harrith broke her hold on him. Warden Bryant's smite disabled her."

Mari turned to Ser Harrith behind her and whispered, "Do you see anyone here whom you don't know?"

He furrowed his brow and looked around as Mari turned back forward. From behind her, Harrith whispered back, "There are two strangers in the back. I shall keep an eye on them."

Maric told of specific details in the evidence while Mari and Harrith had their conversation. Then, the king continued, "I called a summary judgement on her, with the concurrence of Arl Eamon, and she was executed by my hand. Mother Hanna performed the rites on her soul to send her to the Maker for eternal judgement. This woman was a blood mage from Ferelden, but she had become a member of the Venatori, a Tevinter organization who wishes to end Ferelden and Thedas and planned to use the darkspawn to do it. His Lordship and I decided she did not deserve Redcliffe's usual honored dead ritual of a boat floating away set afire by a flaming arrow. If you hear someone speaking with an accent from Tevinter, do not approach him or her. Contact Mother Hanna or Ser Harrith and let them handle the situation." Maric nodded to the Brother holding the pyre torch and it was all over quickly.

When Mari noticed the two Harrith had identified starting to slip away, she heard the Templar say the words she'd heard from Bryant enough. He cast the smite spell on the strangers and they also fell unconscious. He and Bryant ran to the semi-conscious mages. Anders ran over the put a sleep spell on them.

Andwn knelt and looked through their packs. He found notes similar to the ones on Hansley.

"Where are all these Tevinters getting into the country?!" Eamon cried. "And, why are they here?"

Maric took his brother-in-law's shoulders. "Miles of unguarded coast, Eamon. Even our notorious weather calms from time to time."

"I'm afraid they're here to cause trouble for Ostagar, Your Lordship," Anton said.

A dwarf with two human bodyguards walked up. "I'd be happy to volunteer to execute 'em, Arl Eamon. Just say the word. Damn Tevinter."

Without any hesitation, Eamon said, "Do it, Dwyn."

Andwn held up his hand. "Wait! These notes are in Fereldanese. Must have been from Hansley. They say this one with the dark hair is a prisoner. He had tried to infiltrate the Venatori here and spy on them." He quickly read down the parchment. "This other mage was going to hand him over to us for us to execute him. Probably why the note is written so we can understand it. The prisoner's name is Dorian Pavus." Andwn looked at his wrists and … rather invasively … his arms and legs. "No scars. This man isn't a blood mage."

Dorian drowsily mumbled, "If you're going to molest me thusly, at least buy me dinner first."

Everyone pulled their weapons.

Anders asked, "How are you conscious already?"

"Mediating potion … in my pack," he replied with a slurry voice. "Meant for Oscar, not you, putting a spell on me."

Harrith roughly pulled his arms to his back and put manacles on Dorian's wrists before the Tevinter mage mumbled, "You may wish to delay taking my head. I know things you should hear."

Everyone looked toward Eamon and Maric. Eamon said, "Very well, we'll take him to the castle dungeon after taking care of his companion." Eamon looked at Dwyn. "Execute the other one."

It went quickly, same as with the woman. Andwn put a barrier spell on him and then Dwyn neatly separated the head from the body. Quite a few citizens did step up to Maric and Eamon and thanked them for protecting them and serving swift justice on the guilty. Connor was the picture of decorum. He closed his eyes during the execution, but Mari had thought about doing the same thing. Truly, Connor was the bravest of all of them.

Finally, Eamon asked Andwn, "Will you remain in the dungeon area to keep Dorian asleep?"

Andwn agreed. "Anders and I will both watch him, along with Ser Harrith, if he's all right with that."

A few of the people grumbled about magic in general. Surprisingly, Mother Hanna and Ser Harrith put all those grumbles to rest quickly with statements of confidence of Ferelden's Circle Training.

"Curious," Dorian mumbled. "Not what I was told to expect from the Chantry of the Whi … the Chantry down here."

After the beheaded man was thrown on the other pyre without ceremony, Isolde and Connor walked up. "King Maric, all of your party is invited to stay at the castle tonight. Connor and I would like to show our appreciation and promise to send you off as early as you wish with proper rations for the road."

Mother Hanna smiled. "I believe Her Ladyship's hospitality will be a bit more comfortable than the Chantry barracks."

"We just didn't want to burden you, Arlessa," Mari said. "Your family has had a frightful day."

Connor smiled. "A frightful day with Grey Wardens saving us!"

That made everyone smile.

One of Maric's Shield threw Dorian over his shoulder and they all, including Ser Harrith, headed to the castle. Ser Perth and other knights and soldiers of Redcliffe started a patrol around the area as well as visiting the citizens, encouraging them to stay inside at night and bar their doors. All the animals were locked in barns. Anton said he would speak with Duncan about adding Redcliffe to Warden patrol routes. The dinner was small and introspective, followed by everyone crowding in front of the dungeon cell holding Dorian.

By then, he was fully awake, even though his hands were still bound behind him. Maric and Eamon walked up. "So talk," Eamon said. "And, I'd better believe what you have to say."

"My name is Dorian Pavus from Tevinter. The Archon bid me to join the Venatori and spy on them, cause trouble for them, things like that," he said.

"Why would the Archon send you?" Maric asked.

"Magister Gereon Alexius was my mentor." Dorian took a deep breath. "His son Felix and Gereon's wife recently died during a darkspawn attack on the way to Hossberg. Felix was also a friend of mine. The deaths destroyed Alexius. He joined this group called the Venatori. We all thought them long disbanded. Alexius wants the Grey Wardens to pay a price for letting the darkspawn decimate his family. He believed that the Grey Wardens had been breeding darkspawn in Weisshaupt to give the Order justification for existence. Because of my connection to him, the Archon arrested me."

"And, yet, the Archon sent you to spy on them?" asked Eamon. "You're going to need to do better than that."

Dorian looked at Ser Harrith. "I was trained at the Minrathous Circle of Magi and earned the rank of Altus. I don't practice blood magic."

"You're from Tevinter," Harrith said. "I find it hard to believe that you do not at least dabble in blood magic."

Mari looked at Maric and he nodded his head. She was pleased that he was beginning to know her that well. "Dorian, you lost your friend and mentor. Wouldn't the Archon believe you had also joined the Venatori?"

"No, actually," Dorian said. He smiled at Mari and continued, "My father is Magister Halward Pavus. He knows the Archon personally and volunteered me for this … duty. They just made it look like they were arresting me." He sighed. "Took the Venatori long enough to rescue me from those dungeons. Anyway, the story was that since I had a vendetta because of my friend's horrible death, Gereon suggested I be sent to Ferelden to spread Venatori evil here. Thus, I ended up … in this dungeon."

"I've met Halward Pavus, actually," Eamon said. "He attended a conference in Ostwick a few years ago that I attended to fill in for Bryce Cousland. Halward never mentioned he had a son."

"We aren't … always on the best of terms … but he didn't want me to stay in Minrathous." Dorian shrugged. "He didn't deign to tell me why. Likely because I might embarrass him and actually fall for that Venatori falderal. Or, even more likely, he wanted me to get lost somewhere down here and never return." He turned to Eamon. "Send him a letter and ask him."

"I shall do that," Eamon said.

"You mentioned you know something we might want to know?" Maric asked.

"Yes, first, good job getting rid of the group here. If you're able to control dragons, then you are stronger than they ever let on in Tevinter," he replied. He cleared his throat. "Right. Not interested in flattery. The Venatori's goal was to take over Redcliffe by kidnapping Lord Connor and holding him for ransom for certain … requests. Like refusing to help the Grey Wardens or Ferelden in the Blight. They would require the Arl to house them and act as mediator with King Maric and Teyrn Loghain. The old bat was to control Ser Harrith to take Lord Connor and hide him in that canyon out of town, where they would dispatch the Templar and, when the boy's usefulness was over, they would spread the word that Lord Connor was a mage and had turned to demons to save himself. Old tale, but effective."

"Thanks to Warden Mari's intervention," Ser Harrith said. "I was able to break that control."

"Well, it was that, perhaps, and the rune I slipped into the sheathe-side pocket of your … skirt yesterday," Dorian said while nodding at Harrith's uniform.

Harrith quickly reached in and pulled out the rune. "Andwn, can you tell what this does?"

"I can identify it, Ser Harrith, but it would take a bit of time," Andwn said.

Anders was looking through some of the documents. "If you recall, we found an inventory during our cursory look through Dorian's stuff, Ser Harrith." He pointed to the middle of the parchment. "Here it is, Andwn. A word that looks like "rune"…"

"Rieus," Dorian said. "I believe the rune's name is in your language."

Anders nodded and continued, "…of the Litany of Andralla. I didn't know we could make it into a rune." He grinned at Andwn. "Handy with these Venatori bastards around."

Dorian nodded to his pack. "There are several more in my pack. More than just handy when infiltrating a group of blood mages."

"I wonder if Thalen at the Wonders of Thedas in Denerim can copy it," Andwn said.

"If he canna do it, I bet Garin knows someone who can … in Orzammar," Makis said.

Trying to get back on topic, Mari asked, "What are the Venatori's plans for Ostagar?"

"Oscar, the man you summarily executed … thank you, by the way … was the leader for all of southern Ferelden," Dorian replied. "I was under the impression I was going to go there and meet Marinius with the Tevinter Warden Mages. He's the one charged with organizing in Ostagar. I do believe all the Tevinter Warden Mages are Venatori."

"Dammit," Anton said. "I know Marinius."

"Pavus could still be lying to us," Maric said. With a smile he added, "I had to mention it since Loghain isn't with us."

"We can't leave Dorian here, then," Mari said. When everyone turned to her, she added, "Arl Eamon and his family have gone through enough. I suggest we leave a couple of the runes with His Lordship. If any situation seems questionable, use the rune to see if that makes a difference." She looked at Dorian. "You said you were going there to meet Marinius. Does that mean he doesn't know you?"

"No, he doesn't. I just arrived in Highever. Oscar met me there and we traveled to Redcliffe. The people we were supposed to meet here in Redcliffe were all dead when we checked the camp." Dorian shrugged. "It appeared they were trying to use some drakes' blood to power their spells and Mother Dragon got angry … so we slipped into the village to see what was going on. Oscar was angry that you had caught and executed the old woman. The Templar noticed us, smited us … and you know the rest."

"I predict some Warden executions," Anton said.

Makis picked up a fist-sized rock and threw it at a wall where it shattered. "We really donna need this shit right now. I volunteer to be executioner, Anton."

Bryant just chuckled and said, "Get in line, Makis."

Noticing that Maric was still worried, Mari said, "We can't leave Andwn and Anders here to keep him asleep. Ser Harrith needs to be on patrol to find any other strangers that Dorian didn't know about. I assume you've already sent a bird to Greagoir?" When Harrith nodded, she continued, "Dorian does anything suspicious, we execute him on the road."

"And here I was starting to like the lady Warden." When Mari sent him a scathing glare, he added. "Right. No lady jokes, got it."

Bryant said, "That bow isn't just for decoration, Pavus. Her specialty is shooting emissaries in the eye. Just thought I'd mention it."

"Take the manacles off him, Harrith," Maric said. "But, you stay in the cell until morning. Then, you go with us to Ostagar, maybe to Denerim."

Andwn and Harrith, Bryant and Anders took watches on the prisoner/spy during the night.

Isolde had arranged a very special treat for Mari. A bath akin to the ones she had gotten during that first visit to Highever castle. Someone must have blabbed, Mari thought to herself as she sank into the warm, scented water so that only her face was above water. Thank the Universe!

Early the next morning, they headed back to Ostagar loaded with extra rations and pastries from Redcliffe castle's very good cook.

Unfortunately, trouble decided to come along with them back to Ostagar.

Dorian proved to be a very valuable traveling companion. Some of his force magic took out several darkspawn at once in battle after battle. No darkspawn even got close to him. They lost count after seven skirmishes during what normally would have been a six-day trip. Dorian was alarmed. He saw first hand that interfering with the Grey Wardens really could spell the end of Thedas.

After that seventh skirmish, Andwn and Anders spent time with Dorian as he translated the plans for Ostagar and southern Ferelden.

Loghain was not going to be happy.

!¡!¡

Solas arrived at Flemeth and Morrigan's subterranean home late one evening. No one was there. Flemeth left a note in Solas' room that she was visiting with Marethari in Ostagar. There was no indication of when she would be back.

Suddenly, a barrier filled the doorway to Solas' room. "Who's there?!" Morrigan said from outside the barrier.

Solas walked to the door. "Sorry about returning without any notice, Morrigan."

"The only reason I didn't just attack is that it was your room," Morrigan replied with a smirk. "I've been halfway expecting that annoying dwarf from the Crossroads to show up here. He and his father are in Ostagar, at the moment."

"Really?" Solas pondered a moment as Morrigan lowered the barrier. "He might be helpful. I wasn't planning to make an appearance in Ostagar, but he might know something that would aid me … and, hopefully, Flemeth."

Morrigan put her hands on her hips. "Aid you with what?"

"I have volunteered to destroy one of the ancient magisters named Corypheus for the First Warden. I'm here to ask Flemeth to join me." Solas sat on his bed.

"I don't recognize that name," Morrigan said. "Join me in the kitchen while I prepare dinner. Mother should be here soon."

Solas followed her and helped her gather the risen dough for bread. "It has been a long time since I've enjoyed the aroma of baking bread."

"Dinner will be simple tonight. I bought some cheese from Bodahn Feddic, the strange dwarf's name is Sandal." Morrigan kneaded out the bread and put it on a slide for the fire. "Oh, that's right. Bodahn says that he's Sandal's father, but I have my doubts. I doubt whether Bodahn has any clue about Sandal's time in the Crossroads. Sandal's specialty is enchantment … the only word he seems to know. He could maybe help you after all. Bodahn will exact a price, though."

"What enchantment do you need, Fen'Harel?" Flemeth asked as she walked in the kitchen. Once Solas filled her in on his plans, Flemeth frowned. "I should have stayed in Ostagar," she mumbled. "Mythal knows nothing of this Corypheus as an ancient magister. Did the First Warden give you a clue of what its capabilities are?"

Solas stepped into his room for a moment and came back with the drawing of the tower. "Corypheus is trapped in a Warden tower in the Vimmark Mountains to the north. They discovered that the Wardens cannot approach it, lest they become influenced to aid Corypheus. Therefore, no specifics on its abilities."

"Thankfully, it seems that the current Grey Wardens don't seem that stupid," Morrigan said. "Let me guess. Grey Wardens can't kill it."

Solas sighed. "No, they cannot get close enough to kill it lest the bond of darkspawn blood allows Corypheus to use the Grey Warden as a phylactery. In any case," he began as he pointed to several points on the drawing, "His prison is locked through a series of locks … powered by a very specific blood magic binding. It was most recently renewed by Warden Carver Hawke's father, Malcolm. I understand that the recent re-binding was forced on Malcolm."

"We'll need Carver's blood to unlock it then," Flemeth said. "Although, since he's a Warden now, that may not be a good idea. Does he have any siblings?"

"A brother in the Denerim guard and a sister in the Ferelden Circle," Solas replied. "There are guardians that will arise after we open each lock. Perhaps the brother can actually come with us. Having a sword and shield fighter might help us keep our distance and quickly end those battles. However, I doubt I can fly my griffon form safely to the bottom level with a rider. We may need to use your preservation spell on the brother's blood, instead."

"Were you planning to tell Duncan any of this?" Morrigan asked. "He will want to know."

"I would think the king would be more interested if you plan to approach the brother," Flemeth said. "The preservation spell's duration should last more than enough time."

"I'll head to Ostagar in the morning and speak with Duncan," Solas said. "And, then, see if Sandal can help me."

"I'll follow and stay out of sight … unless you take too long," Flemeth said and then smiled. "I really wouldn't mind killing one of the bastard's who started all this … or so the Chantry says." She looked at Morrigan and opened her mouth to speak.

Morrigan quickly said, "No, I don't mind you going. Just don't die. I'd like more preparation before I begin being as confused as you are all the time … Mythal. And … there is a major darkspawn horde heading to Ostagar. I'll need to leave soon." She looked at Solas. "You may wish to leave now and get your business done before reporting to Duncan. You have a day or so."

Solas stood. "Thanks for the warning, Morrigan … but why did you wait until now to tell me?"

"Because if Mother was going to be alone, I wanted you to be here while I scout for the Wardens," Morrigan explained as she pulled the perfectly baked bread from the fire. "Since you are both going to leave, I thought you should know."

Morrigan laughed at her mother's look of complete shock and astonishment. "Nice to know I can still surprise you."

!¡!¡

AN: Thanks to everyone still reading my tale! Things are beginning to heat up.