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Blood Song	By : Hikari86 Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 1631 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
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Chapter List
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The New Recruits

The trip down from the Vigil's roof didn't take as long as Lisha thought it would. Before she knew it, following Varel, they were back down in the courtyard heading toward the main gate. On the way the taint within Mhairi was beginning to show with an increase of fatigue and weakness. Mhairi could barely keep herself up. It got to the point that Anders had to help her the rest of the way, allowing her to hang on his shoulder as they reached the gate.
Once at the gate, Varel and Lisha stood side by side as they waited for the king and his men to make their way down the road. Lisha spotted Alistair up front in his gold-plated armor, blonde hair still short and messy, and his signature smile as he came right to her.
“Lisha!” he said excited. “I thought Zelda and Arawin would choose you. It's great to see you again. Been a long time.”
“Andaran atish'an, King Alistair,” Lisha greeted with a bow. “It has been a long time.”
“King Alistair?” Mhairi said looking up at him. “Anders, please put me down.” The mage did so gently and Mhairi went on her knees. “My king, it is an honor.”
“Thank you, but... you don't look so good. In fact, this place doesn't look all that great either. Lisha?”
“Apparently darkspawn attacked before we arrived. I'm not actually sure what happened fully, but the situation has been taken care of.”
“I can answer that, your Majesty,” Varel said stepping up and bowing. “We were preparing for the commander's arrival when the darkspawn came from no where, even catching the Wardens off guard. We fought them off but there are severe casualties, the worst of which is that all the Orlesian Wardens are either dead... or missing.”
“Missing? As in taken by the darkspawn?” Alistair asked confused. “Do they even do that?”
“There's some strange things going on with the darkspawn, Alistair,” said Lisha.
“Yes, such as why they haven't retreated back into the Deep Roads yet. That's one of the things the Orlesian Wardens were worried about and were investigating, I think. Well, Lisha I'm afraid that's something you're gonna have to look into on your own. I'm too busy at the moment with some trouble in the Bannorn, Zelda's got that stupid Landsmeet thing to deal with, and Arawin... well I'm sure you know.”
“Yes, I know, and she better be behaving herself.”
“Hey, what about me!” Lisha turned her head to see Oghren glaring at both of them. “What am I, chopped nug liver? I came here to join the Grey Wardens, and that's what I'm gonna do!”
“So you really are planning on still joining after going through that mess?” said Anders.
“I'm a dwarf, sparkle-fingers. If I'm not in a tavern drinking ale, then I'm in the Deep Roads killin' darkspawn.”
“Your Majesty, if I might have a word with you.” A woman in templar armor took a step to the front and stood next to Alistair, whispering in his ear, although everyone could still hear her.
“Oh what is it now, Ser Rylock,” Alistair said rolling his eyes.
“Your Majesty, I wish to warn you about this dangerous criminal.”
“What? The dwarf may be a bit of an ass, but--”
“No, not him. The mage!”
“Of course she'd be talking about me,” Anders said crossing his arms. “I was wondering when she'd notice me standing here.”
“You're not getting away this time, Anders,” Rylock said glaring at him. “This time I'll see you hanged, murderer.”
“Murderer? But I didn't kill those templars! Oh what's the use, you'll never believe me.”
Rylock then turned to Lisha. “If you would, Commander, I will gladly take this apostate off your hands.”
“Actually,” Lisha said slowly. “He's been no bother. In fact, he's been very helpful and would make a fine addition to the keep. I think I'm going to invoke the Right of Conscription.”
“What? No! You can't do that?”
“But she can,” Alistair commented. “I believe the Grey Wardens still hold the right, which I will allow.”
Rylock narrowed her eyes at Lisha but took a step back. “If it is what your Majesty thinks is best.”
“Ha! Way to go, kid.” Oghren made his way over to Anders and clapped him on the back. “Welcome to the Order!”
“Me? A Grey Warden?” Lisha noticed Anders looked horrified at the idea at first, but it soon disappeared. “I never thought about it before, but sure, that'll work!”
“It'll be an honor to fight at your side, ser mage,” Mhairi breathed on the ground.
“And it'll be an honor to fight at yours as well when we get you all better,” Anders said as he helped her to stand.
Lisha nodded toward the two before focusing back on Alistair. “Thank you.”
“You're going to need all the recruits you can get,” he said. “So if you see any potential ones, don't hesitate.”
“Don't worry, I won't.”
“Commander, your Majesty,” Varel said stepping up to them. Lisha noticed a young boy running from where Varel had been back to the keep. “I have word that there are actually more survivors than we originally thought, which is a good thing. We will start immediately on getting the Vigil back in order, but there was a lot of damage. I will have a full and more concise report for you later, Commander.”
“Thank you, Varel,” Lisha nodded. “I will especially want to know how many of the Wardens are dead and how many are missing.”
“Of course, Commander. Now if you don't mind, I think I will go and get things ready for the Joining ritual. I believe you will want your recruits placed in the Order as soon as possible. Especially poor Mhairi.”
“Then get it done, please.” Lisha looked to Mhairi and knew the sooner the Joining could begin, the better.
“Well, it looks like you have everything under control,” said Alistair. “So I think I shall take my leave.”
“I thought you came here to welcome me?”
“I did, but I wasn't planning on staying long. Plus you don't need me here getting in the way. Trust me, I do that a lot. And I need to get back to Denerim to make sure Zelda hasn't been swallowed by the Landsmeet yet.”
“What's going on?”
“Just business you don't need to worry about at the moment. Your focus needs to be on the darkspawn right now, Commander. But let's just say if things go a certain way, Zelda and I may be coming to help you sooner than you think.”
Alistair and Lisha soon said their good-byes and Alistair took his leave with his men. Ser Rylock was a little reluctant to leave, but eventually followed the king down the path and away from Vigil's Keep.
Watching them go down the path, when they were finally out of sight besides a few lit torches, Lisha gave the word for everyone to move. Anders picked Mhairi back up and with Oghren's help, carried her up the stairs and into the keep.
***
They arrived in the throne room to find it empty. It was a large room with several pillars spaced evenly within to hold up the ceiling. A round fire pit blazed in the center, smoke from the flames being sent upward to a vent in the ceiling that opened to the sky.
Oghren and Anders took Mhairi to the other side of the room and placed her against a pillar before spacing out and forming a line. Lisha walked around the fire pit inspecting it as well as the rest of the room and the three recruits. The throne room definitely showed the old arl's wealth. Books lined the walls along with old paintings, animals skins, and interesting weapons and armor. Lisha felt out of place and uncomfortable in that room.
“So... am I free to go yet?” Anders asked as Lisha passed him.
“Not unless you want to be hunted by Ser Rylock again,” she answered.
“I was able to evade her before, I can do it again.”
“I'm sure you could, but as a conscripted recruit, you have no choice right now. Besides,” Lisha continued after seeing his face fall. “It won't be that bad. As a mage in the Grey Wardens you'll be free from the Circle forever. They won't hunt you anymore.”
Anders scoffed. “I highly doubt that.”
Lisha turned away from him and smiled. Even if Ser Rylock did decide to come back after him, she would be risking angering the Grey Wardens as well as the king. Hopefully the templar was smarter than that.
After a few minutes, Varel came in from a side door carrying a tray with three chalices. He placed it down on a table as Lisha came to greet him.
“You know, it occurs to me, Varel, that you are not a Grey Warden.” Lisha peered into the chalices seeing the black darkspawn blood within.
“No, I'm not, and don't plan on joining anytime soon, Commander.”
“Then how come you know how to prepare the Joining? And, I assume, know also how to initiate it as well?”
Varel smiled at her. “The Orlesian Wardens thought it best if someone trustworthy outside of the Order knew the Joining ritual just in case all of them were... out or unavailable. Which was something that happened quite often in fact.”
“Well, then I guess it's a good thing they did too, otherwise we'd be lost. I've only ever experienced one Joining, my own, and have no idea to how do it. You're going to prove very useful.”
“I would hope so, Commander. And don't worry, I won't go blurting out Grey Warden secrets. In fact this is really the only thing they told me.”
“It's a big secret, though.”
“True. Now, shall I proceed?”
“Yes, let us start.” Lisha made her way to the table with the chalices as Varel positioned himself in front of the three eager recruits.
“We shall start the Joining by saying the words said since the first: Join us, brothers and sisters. Join us in the shadows where we stand vigilant. Join us as we carry the duty that can not be forsworn. And should you perish, know that your sacrifice will not be forgotten. And that one day, we shall join you.” Varel went over to the table and grabbed a chalice and brought it over to Oghren first. “From this moment forth, Oghren, you are a Grey Warden.”
Oghren took the cup and peered into it before glaring up at Varel. “What's this? The sampler size? Are you trying to say something about my height? Huh?”
“Um... this is the size chalice we've always used,” Varel said a little taken aback.
“Really? Fine,” Oghren growled before he took the cup and poured the contents down his throat. Lisha thought back to her own Joining, remembering the horrible taste and the pain the blood brought. It was a burning sensation, one that spread through the body like wildfire, causing insufferable agony. Yet Oghren's reaction was quite different than what she remembered feeling herself and seeing from the other recruits.
When he was done, a large belch passed out his mouth and he smacked his lips as if enjoying the taste. His eyes became pure white as they usually did when a Joining was successful. “Mmm, not bad. Has a bit of a bite, but otherwise I'd say better than some dwarven ale.”
Lisha laughed from this. It figured with all the things Oghren had drank over his lifetime, he'd be fine with darkspawn blood and it would agree with him.
“Uh, Maker help us all,” Varel said as he took the chalice from Oghren. He shook his head on the way back to the table and Lisha just shrugged her shoulders.
Grabbing another chalice, Varel then made his way to Anders and handed it to him. “Anders, from this moment forth, you are a Grey Warden.”
Anders as well peered into the chalice at the dark liquid but looked more scared than Oghren did. “You mean, we have to drink... darkspawn blood? That's it?”
“That is it, yes,” said Varel.
“Well alright, but if I wake up two weeks from now bound for Rivain in nothing but my smallclothes and a tattoo on my forehead, I'm blaming you.” Anders looked into the chalice once more before drinking down the contents. His reaction was something Lisha was more used to seeing.
She could see the pain in his face as the heat spread through his body. Anders convulsed a little, holding his chest and leaning forward. He looked as if he wanted to scream, but no noise was coming from his throat. He closed his eyes, stood up straight and when they opened, were completely white from edge to edge. He then fell to the floor, passed out, and Lisha didn't need Varel's reassurance to know he was still alive as she felt him through the taint.
“He lives, Commander, and will awaken soon.” Varel went back for the last chalice and brought it to Mhairi. “From this moment forth, Mhairi, you are a Grey Warden.”
Using the pillar, Mhairi forced herself up from the floor. She took the chalice and gazed into it longingly. “I have awaited this moment,” she whispered. She went to put the chalice to her lips and as soon as the blood hit them, Lisha wished she had stopped her.
The poor girl drank down the blood then threw the cup down as the burning pain began to spread through her body. She coughed and convulsed violently, holding her throat and falling to her knees. She then fell forward, landing on her chest and stilled.
Varel looked down at her horrified. He quickly checked her, then raised slowly when he found she was gone. “I am sorry, Mhairi. My the Maker watch over you.” He collected the chalice and slowly made his way back to the table with a hung head.
“She is at peace now,” Lisha whispered. “Creators guide her.”
Oghren made his way over to Mhairi and turned her over, placing her hands on her chest. “Poor kid. She made a damn good Grey Warden, though.”
“That she did. Varel,” Lisha said turning to the seneschal. “I'm afraid I don't know the human custom for burials. Do you think you could make sure she gets the best?”
Varel straightened himself out and wiped tears from his eyes. “Of course, Commander. I will make the preparations and alert her family.”
“Good. Make sure they know she died bravely as a Grey Warden.”
“I will, Commander.”
“Oh... my head.” Anders began to stir on the floor. His hands went straight to his head, rubbing his temples as he sat up.
“Well done, lad,” Oghren said as he crouched over the mage. “You made it!” Anders opened his eyes and screamed. Oghren jumped back and yelled himself. “By the Stone, boy! What was that about?”
“I thought... I thought I had died and was being attacked by a demon,” Anders breathed. “A very ugly, smelly demon.”
“Why you...”
“Alright, you two, behave yourselves.” Lisha went over and helped Anders to stand. The mage still held his head and wobbled a little before steadying. “Don't worry, Anders, it'll pass.”
“Oh, that was horrible,” Anders said shaking his head. “I don't think I've ever felt pain that bad before, and I've been Holy Smited more times than I can count.”
“Ah, it wasn't that bad,” Oghren said smacking him on the back. “Besides, be grateful you survived while someone else... didn't.”
Anders looked to see Mhairi's body on the floor. He went over and knelt next to her. “Damn. I didn't think she'd die.”
“It was hoped none of you would die,” said Lisha. “But that's just how it is. It's one of the reasons the Joining is a secret and why you're not told what you must do to become a Grey Warden.”
“I didn't even want to be a Grey Warden, but she did.”
“Don't think too much on it, kid,” said Oghren. “She was a good one, but now she's with... uh what do ya say? With the Maker or something like that?”
“Yeah.” Anders stood and went to join Oghren and Lisha on the other side of the room. “So what now, Commander?”
“Varel's going to take care of her funeral arrangements,” Lisha answered. “But as for now...” She put up her hands and turned away from them for a moment to hide a yawn. “...I'm not sure.”
“If you need to, Commander, you may retire to your room,” said Varel. “I know it's been a long night for you, and your room has been prepared for you. It's the old arl's room, right at the end of the hall.”
Lisha hid another yawn before answering. “Thank you, Varel, I think I will do that. Anders, Oghren, go ahead and choose your own rooms, but only if they're already unoccupied. Go and get some sleep. I have a feeling we're going to have a long day tomorrow.”
“Yes, Commander,” they both said before leaving the throne room.
“You won't need to worry about a thing, Commander,” Varel continued. “I'll deal with everything tonight and have a full report for you in the morning.”
“Varel, please, you don't always have to call me 'Commander'. You can call me Lisha. After all, you shouldn't get used to me being in charge.”
“I do understand,” he said. “But it's only proper. When Commander Arawin does take control, I promise you I won't be confused.”
“Alright, but you should also get some sleep yourself.”
“Don't worry too much about me, Commander,” Varel laughed. “I've lived off barely any sleep almost my entire life. I was a captain at Ostgar, which only allowed me maybe two hours a night to sleep. I think I'll be fine. Now would you like an escort to your room?”
“No thank you, Varel. I think I can find it myself. Good night.”
They bowed to each other before Lisha left the room. She made her way down the hall and to the room at the very end. When she entered she noticed it was huge, no doubt the largest room in the entire keep. The bed itself nearly took up one third of the room with bedposts that stretched to the ceiling and were surrounded by thin, see-through curtains. Lisha noticed that the room looked neutral, with nothing in it that appeared to have been owned by the old arl. She figured they had removed anything of Howe's that needed to be.
As she stood in the doorway, she looked to the side and saw another door a few feet away from the one she was standing in. She went to open it to find another room beyond. It was much smaller, almost like a closet than a room, but it had a bed and a dresser within, plus another door on the other side that lead back out into the hall. Lisha figured it was a room that belonged to either a personal servant or guard. One that would be at Howe's every beck and call twenty four hours a day.
As Lisha looked around the tiny room, she realized it was perfect. Here she would be close to Arawin and would be able to get to her fast if she was needed while also giving Arawin privacy in the old arl's room. Lisha nodded her head and sat down on the bed.
***
The next morning Lisha awoke to a growling stomach. Once she was dressed and ready, she made her way to the kitchen first, realizing it had been awhile since last she ate. It was no surprise to her when she entered the mess hall to already find Oghren and Anders there stuffing their faces.
“'Mornin', Commander,” Oghren said with a mouth full of oats.
“Hey, Comman--” Anders also had a mouthful, but Lisha stopped him before he could finish his sentence.
“Please, both of you greet me after you've swallowed.”
Anders quickly chewed and swallowed. “Right, sorry. It's just these oats are so good for some reason. I don't think I've ever been this hungry or ever willingly ate this many oats!”
Lisha smiled as she joined them at the table. “Well get used to it, that's just how things are.”
“It's a Grey Warden thing?”
“One of many.”
“Oh, Commander! I'm so sorry, I didn't see you come in.” A cook came out from the kitchen area and bowed to her. “Would you like some breakfast? Unfortunately all we have prepared this morning is oatmeal. Only two of the morning staff survived the attack last night.”
“There are only two of you in there?”
“Yes, and we are responsible for breakfast and lunch, but don't worry, Commander. We may be behind this morning, but we'll catch up for the afternoon.”
Lisha peered at her. “There's no need to push yourselves if there's only two of you. If you have to, make a giant bowl of soup or something to last the day.”
“Yes, Commander,” the cook bowed. “I will be right back with your breakfast.”
“And bring some more for me, too!” Anders said holding up his bowl.
“So...” Lisha said turning back to Oghren and Anders. “How did you both sleep?”
“Horrible,” Anders answered with another mouthful. Lisha cleared her throat and he swallowed before continuing. “I had these awful dreams. They were of darkness, shadows and whispering. Kept me up most the night. Is that a Grey Warden thing too?”
Lisha nodded as the cook placed a bowl in front of her and Anders.
“Are you serious?” Oghren bellowed. “You mean I'm gonna be havin' those dreams for the rest of my life now? Sod it!”
“They go away in time,” said Lisha.
“Yeah, but as a dwarf I'm suppose to sleep like the Stone! That means no dreams!”
“Well not anymore,” Anders laughed. He began spooning oatmeal into his mouth again.
Lisha took her spoon and began eating as well but more polite.
“So could you tell us about yourself, Commander?” Anders asked.
“What do you want to know?”
“Well I can already tell you're Dalish by the tattoos, and might I say how lovely they make you look. I've always liked women with tattoos.”
Lisha half smiled at him. “Yes, I am Dalish, and married.”
“I don't see a ring.”
“Unlike the human tradition, the Dalish don't wear rings to prove our union. They're too easily taken off or lost. Instead, we place our union on our faces. You see this?” Lisha pointed to the wave wrapped around her right eye. “It has several meanings, one is that I'm married.”
“Oh? And what are the others?”
Lisha touched her forehead to the blue waves going in opposite directions symmetrically. “These are what I got when I became a hunter apprentice. They are the beginning of the Andruil pattern. She is our Goddess of the Hunt. The rest-” Lisha traced her hand down the right side of her face, following a water pattern that fell like a waterfall around her eye and down to her chin. “-is the symbol of water and life. Water flows on just as life must, never stopping, not even for death.”
“Interesting,” Anders said intrigued. “And like I said, they make you look very lovely.”
“Hey now, the lady already told you no,” said Oghren. “Besides, I know her husband, Dayno. He's a good man and could probably kick your ass. By the way, Commander, where is he?”
“Dayno is... with Zevran. Helping him with an important matter.”
Oghren snorted. “That's what I thought I heard. Is it also true Arawin's got a little blighter on the way?”
“Yes, Oghren.”
“Well hot damn! When's she gettin' here? I gotta see this.”
Lisha placed down her spoon and pushed away her empty bowl. “I don't know. At first I wanted her to come right away, but with the situation with the darkspawn, I'm not sure if I even want her here.”
Oghren laughed. “I wouldn't worry about her too much. When Felsi was carrying she was still as feisty as ever. I don't see Arawin being any different. Besides, I think it would be nice having a little nugget runnin' around here.”
“So then why don't you bring Felsi and your little one here?”
Oghren looked away from her, and Lisha almost thought she saw pain and regret on his face.
“Oghren... why are you here?”
“It's... nothing. Felsi and I... we're fine.”
“Something tells me that's not true. If you and your wife aren't getting along, running to the Grey Wardens isn't the best way to handle it.”
“It's nothing, Commander, all right?”
“Wow, wow, wait a second,” Anders said putting up his hands. “You have a wife, and a kid?”
“Yeah,” Oghren answered. “Why?”
“How is it that someone willingly had sex with you?”
“How is it that no ones popped you one in the jaw yet?”
“How do you know? Maybe someone already has.”
“Well it's about ready to happen again if you don't shut that pie-hole of yours.”
“Actually, it's an oats-hole now.” Anders shuffled more oatmeal into his mouth and grinned broadly at Oghren.
The dwarf growled. “Watch it, sparkle-fingers. That pretty little face of yours isn't gonna last very long if you keep it up.”
Lisha shook her head as she stood and handed her bowl to the cook as she came back out of the kitchen. She denied any more food, although Anders took it gratefully.
“Be careful, Anders,” said Lisha. “Don't eat too much.”
“Whatever you say, Commander,” the mage said with yet another mouth stuffed full.
“So what are we doing today anyway?” Oghren asked.
“I don't know yet. I need to go find Varel first and get a full report. Then I'll see what needs to be done.” Lisha made her way out of the mess hall and to the throne room where she found Varel. The fire pit in the middle of the room was already blazing and Varel stood on the other side of it, facing away from her. Two others were standing around him, an older woman and a man. They were in conversation and as Lisha got closer she could hear what they were saying.
“The Commander must be informed about the Deep Roads entrance,” said the man. “It could be their base of operation.”
“You'd have the Wardens chase a rumor, then, Captain?” the woman questioned. “And even if it proves true, unless the Pilgrim's Path is cleared by the time your army assembles they'll have nothing to eat but shoe leather.”
Varel shook his head at their conversation and turned around to see Lisha making her way to them around the fire. “Garevel, Woolsey,” he said making them stop and look to Lisha. “The commander is with us now and I'm sure she's already had a tough morning. Greetings, Commander. Did you sleep well?”
“Not as good as I would like to have, but enough.” Lisha stood in front of all three of them and glanced at each one in turn.
“I'm sorry to hear that, Commander.”
“No need, Varel, but do you have the report for me?”
“Yes. The Vigil, I'm afraid, was severally wounded after last nights attack. She's a strong keep, but also very old. There is a dwarf here, by the name of Voldrick who may be able to restore her if you speak with him.”
“What about survivors?”
“That is a little bit better news,” said Varel. “More than half the Vigil's staff and soldiery survived, but many of the survivors are wounded in one way or another. There are also lots of repairs that need to dealt with for armor and weaponry, otherwise, the remaining soldiers who can fight won't be able to.”
“And the Wardens?”
Varel sighed and Lisha already knew his answer. “That, Commander, is the worst news. Twelve Wardens came from Orlais, and by my count, eight are dead while four are missing.”
Even though she knew the answer, she was still surprised to hear it, but kept a straight face. “Eight are dead. You're sure of this?”
“Their bodies were found, Commander.”
“And the four missing?”
“No trace.”
“So they could still be alive.” Lisha looked away from Varel for a moment to the fire. “What about Damien? Where does he fall in the two categories?”
“Damien is one of the missing, Commander.”
Relief flickered on her face for only a brief second before going straight again. “Zelda and Arawin will be glad to hear that, or at least glad to hear he may still be alive.”
“Let's hope he's still alive, then.”
“Yes. Now, is there anything else?”
“Right, Commander. May I introduce to you Mistress Woolsey and Captain Garevel.” Varel gestured to the two standing on either side of him. “Mistress Wooley here was sent directed from Weisshaupt to handle the treasury. Garevel has been appointed your new captain after his predecessor met his demise during the attack.” Both Woolsey and Garevel greeted Lisha and all three bowed to each other. “Commander, there are three things I believe will need your immediate attention,” Varel continued. “Woolsey, you may go ahead.”
“Thank you, Varel.” Woolsey placed her full attention on Lisha. “Warden-Commander, it is a pleasure to meet you. But there is a dire situation you must know about. Along the Pilgrim's Path, caravans are being attacked and destroyed. This is disrupting trade between Amaranthine and Denerim, which if not dealt with will bring economic collapse to the city.”
“Where are the caravans being attacked?”
“In the Wending Woods. Normally we wouldn't ask you to deal with it personally, but with so few soldiers, it is unavoidable.”
“Hmm, I didn't notice anything too strange in the Wending Woods when Mhairi and I passed through. We weren't attacked.”
“I believe whatever is the reason for the attacks may only be going after larger groups, since the two of you and other smaller groups have passed through safely. But I can't be for sure. Who knows how many other smaller groups did not make it.”
“Yes, but how is this going to bring economic collapse?” Lisha asked. “Amaranthine trades with more than just Denerim. There is also the Highever trade and from over seas.”
“This is true, Commander, but it is the trade route between Denerim and Amaranthine that is the most important. If the Pilgrim's Path is choked, then Amaranthine will not survive for very long. It must be dwelt with, Commander, especially in this dire time.”
Lisha rubbed her face, already feeling the stress and discomfort of being in charge. “I'll see what I can do.”
“I advice that you do. In the city of Amaranthine, there is a trader, Mervis, whose caravans have been hit particularly hard. He may be able to help you to know exactly where in the Wending Woods the attacks are occurring.”
“Commander.” Lisha uncovered her face to find Captain Garevel in front of her now. She nodded for him to continue. “I have a matter to bring to your attention as well. When the Orlesian Wardens were here they began gathering information about the darkspawn. One thing they came across was a promising lead told by two hunters. They told a tale of finding an entrance to the Deep Roads.”
“No real surprise there,” said Lisha. “In my clan, hunters were usually the ones who found everything.”
“Yes, well, these two, Colbert and... the other one, claim there were darkspawn everywhere, and this was before the fiends appeared throughout the whole arling. The Wardens were just about to send someone to track down Colbert.”
“So did they know where Colbert was?”
“Colbert and his friend were in Amaranthine and I believe they should still be there. More than likely they'll be outside the city gates with the rest of the refugees.”
“Alright, I'll look into that too.” Lisha sighed as she thought about the two tasks, trying to determine which one took more priority.
“Commander, there is one more thing you need to know about,” said Varel. Lisha gestured for him to go ahead. “Out of the four Wardens missing, I do know where one might be.”
Lisha raised an eyebrow. “Really? And why are you just telling me this now?”
“I thought it best to tell you separately. The Warden's name is Kristoff and he wasn't here when the darkspawn attacked. Instead he was out in the field, researching why the darkspawn hadn't gone back underground. A fortnight ago he left and I assume he went to the city.”
“If there is a Warden out there, I need to find him and figure out what he's learned. I don't know the city very well. If he is in Amaranthine, where should I look for him?”
“I'd say the inns and taverns since that would be where most travelers go.”
“Okay, so three important things. I'll need to go and decide which one needs my immediate attention first as well as talk to that dwarf you mentioned about repairs. Is there anything else?”
“Actually, there is one more thing, Commander. I would advice for you to not leave the Vigil today. I hope you don't mind, but I went ahead and announced the ceremony to where the nobles will give you their oaths of fealty. I thought it best to get it started right away.”
“Are you sure that's wise?” Lisha asked. “Once Arawin gets here then they'll have to do it again.”
“They will, of course, and just as nobles are they won't like having to do it for a second time, but it is best for them to give you their oaths now so there isn't too much trouble. Course, I say that lightly.”
“Right. When will it be?”
“As soon as all the nobles arrive, which should hopefully be sometime this afternoon. If you're not here, I'll send someone for you when we're ready to begin.”
“Thank you, Varel. I think I'm going to go ahead and... go outside for a moment.”
“I'll be here, Commander.”
She was starting to get a headache. Three things she had to deal with and now this. Lisha had hoped she would be busy enough with the darkspawn she wouldn't have to worry about the nobles, but it looked like she was going to have to no matter what.
Leaving the throne room, she ran into Oghren and Anders in the hallway on her way out to the courtyard. “Good, there you two are,” she said. “We have business that will need to be attended too.”
“Finally!” said Oghren. “Are we goin' after darkspawn?”
“We may. I've just been given some information about things that will need to be looked into. One is that a Grey Warden from Orlais still lives and is out there somewhere. I've decided that he's the least of our priorities because he's a Warden and can take care of himself, but the other two I'm not so sure about yet. So today I might just send the both of you on your own to Amaranthine to investigate. If I do don't make me regret it.”
“You won't have anything to worry about with us, Commander!” Anders said saluting her. “Just tell us where to go.”
“Well not now,” Lisha said closing her eyes and shaking her head. “Right now I need you two to follow me out to the courtyard so I can assess the damage and see what needs to be done. Uh, this commander thing is starting to become more complicated than I thought it would be.”
***
They made their way out to the courtyard, still finding it in ruins. Bodies of soldiers and darkspawn were still littered about with blood still staining the cobblestones. Soldiers were running about, however, trying to clean up the mess the best they could.
“Ooh, would you like at that!” Anders had walked over to a statue out in the middle of the courtyard and let out a low whistle. “Andraste was quite the looker, wasn't She?”
Lisha walked out to the statue as well and looked up at its cold, stone face. “I don't see how you could get looks from stone.”
“It was carved in Her likeness, wasn't it? So She had to be good-looking or else why would they carve it like that? Plus the Maker fell in love with Her so She couldn't have looked too much like an ogre.”
“I really don't know. I know nothing of your human religion.”
“I suppose you wouldn't, being Dalish and all. But I do wonder sometimes about Her. Like what do you think Her reaction would be to what the Chantry and the Circle are doing today?”
“Again, I'm not sure.”
Anders laughed. “Right. I think She'd be confused if you want my opinion. The way the Chantry uses the Circle to chain us mages down and vilify all of us wasn't something She was fighting for.”
“I hope you aren't going to go into some type of religious rant, Anders.”
“Oh, don't mind me, I do that sometimes.”
“Commander! There you are,” a woman cried running over to Lisha. “The seneschal wanted me to tell you about the prisoner we have in the dungeons.”
“There's a prisoner in the dungeons?” Lisha asked. “What does the seneschal want me to do about it?”
“I believe he wants you to go down there and decide what to do with him. Apparently he was a tricky one. Took four Wardens to capture him. I can take you to the dungeons, if you like.”
“Yes, let me see this prisoner.”
“Follow me, Commander.”
The woman took Lisha and the others past the statue and to a door on the other side of the Vigil. Going down a flight of stairs, they came to a holding area with cells, all of which were empty except one. A guard stood next to it and when Lisha entered, he quickly straightened and bowed to her.
Lisha nodded to him before making her way to the cell and looking in at the man inside. He was sitting in a slight shadow, half his face concealed with dirty black hair hanging to his shoulders. He also had a rough face that looked as if it had been toughened from a hard life. His eyes were cold, ice blue and when they looked into Lisha's own she could sense his mistrust but there was no fear. He stared at her without any sign that he would look away.
“What's his name?” Lisha asked the guard without looking away from the man.
“He didn't give his name, just kept quiet. We caught him trying to sneak into the keep at night. He had several suspect things with him which we've placed in that chest over there.”
“How long has he been in here?”
“A few days. We wanted to wait for you before doing anything with him. It's your call, Commander.”
“Then open the door, and leave me with him.”
“Commander? Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
The guard unlocked the cell and backed away though he left the room slowly.
“You two as well,” Lisha said to Oghren and Anders.
“Uh, I don't think so,” said Anders. “I don't think it's wise to leave you alone with him.”
“Anders, don't worry. I'll be fine.”
“Believe me, kid,” Oghren said taking Anders by the robes and pulling him. “She'll be fine. Lisha's tougher than she looks.” Together the two also left the room leaving Lisha alone with the prisoner.
Carefully Lisha stepped over the threshold and into the cell. The man stood, still keeping his eyes on hers.
“Well, you're not what I expected,” he said in a gruff voice.
“I'm not? I can't say that doesn't surprise me.”
“I thought you'd have red hair.”
“I dyed it.”
“Unlikely. You're not the Hero of Ferelden. Either of them.”
“No, I'm not, but I am a close friend. Tell me, why did you come here?”
“Interesting you would ask me that first before my name.” The man crossed his arms.
“If you wanted people to know your name you would've told them already. Why should I think I'm any different? But if you want to tell me your name, then go right ahead.”
“My name is Nathaniel Howe and I came here to kill the warden-commander.”
Lisha raised an eyebrow but kept her focus. “You came to kill Arawin? Why?”
“Technically I came to kill both Arawin and Zelda. I planned after killing the elf, I'd go to Denerim and kill the queen.”
“You're either very brave or very stupid to be telling me this. Course, it does make me laugh a little to hear it. There's no way you could kill either of them. You'd first need to get past me to get to Arawin anyway.”
Nathaniel uncrossed his arms and for the first time looked away. “I know, it was stupid, but I was angry after learning who killed my father. Zelda and I used to be childhood friends, but we had a falling out after awhile. I never thought she would do something like killing my father in cold blood.”
“I don't know the whole story, but I do know she had her reasons.”
“Is there really any reason for a man to be killed and his family name be blackened? When I left, the Howes were renowned. But now that I'm back, you can't go anywhere without hearing how horrible we are.”
“Do you not know what your father did during the Blight?”
“I know enough. I know he and Loghain did what they thought was best to defeat the darkspawn and protect Ferelden. They were both heroes from the war with Orlais, but apparently that wasn't enough to save them.”
“No, it wasn't.”
“Look,” Nathaniel said taking a small step closer to her. “If you want to know the truth, I did intend to come here and kill the Heroes of Ferelden, but once I got here I realized I only wanted to reclaim some of my family's things. I was able to get a few before getting caught.”
“The things in the chest?” Lisha went and opened the chest, finding several things within: a shortbow with quiver and arrows, leather armor, a few vials of poisons, a hunting knife, and several small trinkets. Lisha picked up the vials and looked through them in the light. She recognized them as deathroot extract, Soldier's Bane, and concentrated venom. “So you changed your mind. Then what were you going to do?”
“Go far away, perhaps. Maybe some place where my name wouldn't get me spat on.”
“So what would you do if I let you go?”
Nathaniel stared at her dumbfounded. “If you let me go? I... I guess I'd go far away like I said. Or maybe I'll change my mind again and come back. You may not catch me next time.”
“You're not making the best case for yourself.”
“I could lie, if you'd prefer.”
Lisha thought for a moment. Nathaniel seemed interesting to her. “Maybe instead you should work to regain your family's honor.”
“Like do what?” Nathaniel laughed. “Maybe I should go and enlist in King Alistair's army. I'm sure Zelda would love that. If I know her, she'll probably have me executed before I could even make it to the gate.”
“There's other ways you can regain honor, Nathaniel. And I think I know what I'm going to do with you.”
“Good. I want to get this over with.” Nathaniel went and sat back where he had been in the shadows. Lisha went to collect Oghren, Anders, and the guard, telling the guard to go get Varel. When Varel arrived in the dungeon, he went straight over to Lisha who was standing in front of the still open cell.
“Commander, have you decided what to do with the prisoner?” he asked.
“I have. Did you know this is Nathaniel Howe?”
“A Howe?” Varel shook his head. “The Howes are formidable enemies, Commander. It doesn't really surprise me one has shown up here.”
“He stated he came because he wanted to kill the Heroes of Ferelden, but then changed his mind.”
“He actually threatened the lives of Commander Arawin and Queen Zelda?” Varel said angrily. “If he did, especially the queen's then I'll--”
“You'll do nothing of the sort, Varel. Nathaniel will not be executed because I'm conscripting him.”
“Commander, the Right of Conscription? Seriously?”
“What? No, never!” Nathaniel blurted as he bolted up and ran to the open door. The guard pulled out his sword, ready to stop him if he tried anything. “I refuse, kill me first!”
“And it's very possible that you might die,” said Lisha. “But if you don't, then it'll give you a chance to redeem your family's name.”
Nathaniel narrowed his eyes at her. “I say no.”
“You don't have a choice.”
“Commander, I insist you change your mind,” said Varel. “If the queen should find out what you intend--”
“The queen doesn't have to know.”
“This doesn't feel right to me, Commander. We won't be able to hide it forever.”
“Then when she finds out, I'll deal with her.”
“Right, Commander. I'll go get the preparations ready for the Joining.”
Lisha nodded as Varel left the dungeon. She then turned to Anders and Oghren and had the two escort Nathaniel out the cell and all the way to the throne room. Once again the room was deserted except for Varel who was already waiting for them with a chalice.
Anders and Oghren placed Nathaniel in front of the fire and stood on either side of him while Lisha went to stand at the side of the room. Varel with the chalice in hand walked to Nathaniel and looked to Lisha who nodded for him to begin the Joining.
“Nathaniel Howe, this is your Joining to become a Grey Warden. You must drink this and it will be complete.”
“What if I refuse or just spit it out?” Nathaniel asked. He didn't seem to be hostile, only curious.
“I wouldn't advice that,” said Oghren. “It's going down your throat one way or another.”
Nathaniel's ice blue eyes stared at the chalice then flickered to Lisha. She nodded to him and taking a deep sigh, he took the chalice and drank.
His reaction was what Lisha thought it would be. He held his chest, pain etched all over his face, and his eyes turned all white before he fainted on the floor.
“He lives, Commander,” Varel said after checking him. “The Howe was stronger than I expected. For better or worse, he is a Grey Warden now.”

Author Note: Damien (Orlesian Warden) - Damien was found in Fort Drakon when Arawin and Zelda were captured after killing Howe. Chapters 69 and 70 in Blood Bond explain his story.
Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins: Awakening
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Blood Song