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Blood Song	By : Hikari86 Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 1651 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Bioware owns everything Dragon Age. I claim no ownership and make no money/profit.

Chapter List
- 8
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Trouble Brewing

Lisha awoke the next morning with her body screaming at her to stay put. She ached all over with her abdomen feeling the worst. When she forced herself to sit up, she noticed her bandage needed to be changed again. It was already saturated which meant the wound wasn't closing properly. She knew it was probably best to go to Anders and have him fully heal it, but she didn't want him to until he was fully recovered. Fighting through the ache, Lisha dressed herself and made her way first to the infirmary to have her bandage changed. Once that was done, she made her way next to the kitchens to get something to eat. It was here where she found everyone else, which didn't surprise her.
“Why are you all up so early?” Lisha asked sitting down next to Sigrun. “I thought you guys would take the opportunity and sleep in.”
“Despite how tired we were, Commander,” said Anders. “Those dreams don't seem to care. I know that's why I'm up so early.”
“Is it the same for the rest of you? Dreams?”
Oghren and Nathaniel nodded.
“Not me,” Sigrun commented. “I'm not used to the surface yet, so getting any type of sleep wasn't going to happen.”
“Well don't think it's going to get any better,” said Anders.
Lisha eyed her three Grey Wardens. “Were the dreams any different than normal?”
“Not really, though mine seemed to be more potent.” Anders put down his empty bowl and rubbed his eyes. “Do we have to do anything today, Commander? I would really like to get some more sleep if possible.”
“We still need to investigate the Wending Woods, but I guess that can wait until tomorrow. You all look like you need to get some more rest.”
“Is there a reason why you want to know about our dreams?” Nathaniel asked.
“No reason. Just wanted to know.” Lisha had her own dreams last night, strange dreams that didn't feel like darkspawn ones, but yet darkspawn were in it. Two strange creatures that felt more like the alien darkspawn, talking and discussing some type of plan. The broodmother, ugly and revolting, her laugh and cry echoed through Lisha's mind. Was that the Mother? She had been called that in the dream, but Lisha couldn't be for sure what she had dreamed about. It felt different, odd, especially since she hadn't had a darkspawn dream in months.
“So, for today, I suggest everyone get something to eat then go back to bed. But before you do, Sigrun, I would like to get your Joining started this morning. Are you ready?”
“Yes, Commander, I am,” Sigrun said standing and facing Lisha. “I am ready to become a Grey Warden.”
“Good, you'll need that spirit. Now come with me and we'll find Varel.”
“Um... Lisha.” She was half way to the door before Nathaniel's voice stopped her. She turned to face him and found all three men standing from the table and looking at her.
“Yes?”
“Are we able to witness the Joining? We would like to be there.”
“Of course you can. All of you can come to any Joining you want. You're Grey Wardens, already privy to our secrets. So come if you wish.” They all nodded as Lisha turned around and lead them all out of the kitchen and into the throne room where Varel was, already getting things prepared for the day. Lisha noticed there was something going on in the throne room she didn't like. Too many servants running around, getting things organized. It was similar to right before her fealty ceremony.
“Varel... did you remember the Joining this morning?”
“Oh, Commander, yes, yes, of course. But I prepared it in a side room, if you don't mind. There's something urgent that needs to be done in the throne room right after.”
“What's that?”
“I'll explain it to you after, Commander. We really don't have much time right now. Follow me.”
Varel took them to a side room which was barely big enough to hold them all. He preformed the ritual and Sigrun drank the blood. She coughed and fell to her knees, but did not pass out. Her eyes turned white and she curled over from the pain, but never did she lose consciousness. Lisha couldn't be more proud, happy that Sigrun had survived and increased their numbers. Now all she needed to do was find another mage to help out Anders, as well as finding more worthy candidates to really increase their numbers.
When it was finished, Lisha told Nathaniel, Anders, and Oghren to make sure Sigrun was all right and to take her to her room if needed. Varel took her back in the throne room and Lisha soon noticed why all the servants were running around. In the short time they had been in the side room going through the Joining, the throne room had filled with nobles and others. Varel took Lisha to the end of the room where Captain Garevel stood and announced her, quieting the room.
“All rise. The warden-commander and liege lord of all Amaranthine enters.”
“Varel, what is going on?” Lisha whispered in his ear.
“I'm sorry, Commander, I tried to hold it off as long as I could, but you hold the right of high justice on your land. Certain matters of court must be decided, and they must be decided now.”
“I wish you could've warned me first.” Lisha scanned the room, seeing all the nobles staring at her. She recognized a few of them, and to her relief, it appeared as if Bann Esmerelle wasn't there.
“I know, and again I'm sorry, but Lady Liza Packton demanded this audience... quite loudly. Plus there are some other matters that need your immediate attention.”
“Okay, then explain all this to me, Varel, because I have no idea what I'm doing.”
“By custom, the claimants make their case to you. I'll advice you after, then you rule.”
Lisha sighed. “This sounds like something Arawin would be thrilled about, deciding the fate of a noble. Couldn't you have held it off until she got here? I'm sure she could have done this even in her condition. Would've enjoyed it more too, I'm sure.”
This made Varel chuckle. “I would if I could've, Commander, but when nobles want something bad enough, then it's best to just get it over with.”
“Fine. Let's begin.”
“As you wish.” Varel then addressed the crowd. “The warden-commander will first hear the matter of the crown against the sheepherder Alec.”
A young man came out of the crowd and stood before Lisha. He was anything but a noble with his dirty clothes and unkept hair. He bowed to her, looking rather frightened. Captain Garevel then took his place on the other side of her.
“Commander, on behalf of the crown, I submit that Alec stole two bushels of grain bound for the garrison in Amaranthine. When confronted by soldiers, he confessed. The punishment for theft from the crown is death by hanging.”
“Death by hanging?” Lisha said surprised. “Don't you think that's a little cruel for theft?”
“Had he stolen from anyone besides the crown,” said Varel. “He'd escape with a flogging.”
“What say you, Alec?” Captain Garevel continued.
Alec straightened himself and took a deep breath before looking Lisha in the eye. “My sheep were slaughtered by the darkspawn. My... my family was starving. I ask for mercy, Commander. Mercy.”
This was what Lisha didn't like, having to decide the poor man's fate. Although it was wrong for him to have stolen, he did have a reason for it.
“This needs to be dealt with in a sensible matter, Commander,” Varel whispered. “The common folk already appreciate you sending soldiers to defend their lands, but you can't show them too much leniency.”
“I know, but I also know Zelda wouldn't like to hear someone was killed just because they stole from her. Especially if their family was starving.”
“No, I don't think the queen would like hearing that,” Varel smiled.
“Alright, I think I have a decision.” Lisha stepped forward. “Alec, I am not without mercy. You will receive a flogging instead. Afterwards, I then want you to bring your family here and join the army. They will be fed.”
There was a murmur amongst the crowd, and it didn't sound good. Lisha noticed it was mostly coming from the nobles.
“Oh, thank you, thank you!” Alec said bowing to her. “I will.” Lisha thought she never saw someone smile so broadly for being given a flogging. Two guards came behind him and took Alec away out of the room.
“Next is a more serious matter, Commander,” said Captain Garevel. “Danella, a soldier of the Vigil, abandoned her post and was caught three leagues away. She is charged with desertion. Even if it were not a time of war, the penalty would be death.”
A soldier this time walked out of the crowd and stood in front of Lisha. “I asked the old captain several times to release me from my oath,” she said. “The darkspawn are too near my family's farm. They need me, my lady. I'm no coward.”
“You dishonor everyone who serves the Vigil,” Garevel nearly growled. “You think you're alone in having family under threat?”
“The men are afire over this one,” said Varel. “Danella is an accomplished scout. But desertion could destroy the army.”
Again Lisha was placed with a hard decision. Danella had a good reason to leave, had even tried to be released first, but Garevel was right as well. She was not the only soldier who had family under threat. But death still seemed too much.
“I'm sorry for your family, Danella, but I can't let desertion go unpunished. You will instead be placed in prison for one year.”
Danella didn't look very happy about the decision, and neither did the crowd behind the soldier. Lisha didn't care, though, even if it meant losing a fine soldier during such a time. Desertion could not be tolerated.
“The commander has spoken,” said Varel, silencing the crowd. “We shall move on. The next matter is of a civil nature. Lady Liza Packton is the sovereign of Teyrn's Down. She--”
“I prefer to speak for myself.” Lisha recognized the lady immediately as one of the nobles who didn't bow to her at the fealty ceremony. Liza came streaking down the middle of the crowd with a nobleman behind her. “The old Arl Rendon Howe made certain promises to me. Some of these he committed to paper. I was given the right to the incomes of the southern bridge.”
“And what part did you take in Howe's conspiracies, eh, Liza?” said the nobleman. “To get such a fruitful prize.” He turned to Lisha and bowed to her properly. “I am Ser Derren, and it's my land she seeks. Taken from me because I was one of the few nobles who stood against Teyrn Loghain.”
Lisha nodded to him.
“Commander, Ser Derren is an ally,” said the captain. “We have precious few who support you whole-heartedly.”
“If there's any hope of persuading more nobles to your cause, you must be fair-minded,” Varel whispered.
Lisha looked to both Lady Liza and Ser Derren. Liza seemed to be giving her an evil eye almost as if saying if Lisha didn't settle this matter in her favor, things would turn out bad. Ser Derren just seemed annoyed that he had to be there to fight for something be believed clearly belonged to him.
“Varel, does the southern bridge belong to Ser Derren?” she asked.
“It does, Commander. Or at least it did.”
“And what of the papers Lady Liza speaks of? Did you get a chance to look over them fully to determine if they are authentic?”
“Actually, Commander, Lady Liza was never able to supply us with a copy of the papers. They apparently disappeared.”
“Really?” That made Lisha's decision easier. “Well, since Lady Liza was unable to provide a copy of the papers she claims Arl Howe provided, I'm afraid I cannot determine if the trade was authentic or not. So I rule that Ser Derren keeps his lands.”
Ser Derren smiled and bowed to her deeply before making his way back into the crowd. Lady Liza, however, stood there with a scowl on her face. “How dare you! Bann Esmerelle will hear of this!” She turned up her nose and walked briskly out of the room.
“The commander has spoken,” said Varel, quieting the crowd once more. “The matter is resolved. This session of the arling's court is over. Please exit the throne room.”
“It's over?” Lisha asked relieved.
“Yes, Commander, it's over, thank the Maker. And I really do hope the next one is easier than this.”
“I just hope the next one Arawin will be here to handle. I don't think I would ever want to go through that again. And please, Varel, next time give me some warning.”
“I'll try, Commander, but sometimes these things just pop out of nowhere.”
“Right. Well... I at least learned a few things from this.” Varel cocked an eyebrow at her. “I know I have the common folk's support, my soldiers will not try and desert again, and I know of at least two nobles who may be apart of that conspiracy.”
“Who, Commander?”
“Lady Liza and Bann Esmerelle. But don't do anything, Varel. There isn't any proof, just my suspicions. Now, is there anything else you need from me? Any more surprises?”
“No, no,” Varel chuckled. “Nothing that needs you immediately, at least. Although Woolsey would like to know when you're going to the Wending Woods.”
“Tomorrow, after my Wardens have gotten a full day's rest. I know we should probably go sooner, but I need them to have all their strength just in case we run into something big.”
“I understand, it's just that trade has been severally halted because of what's going on in those cursed woods. Be careful, Commander.”
***
“No.”
“Come on, Sis!”
“I said no, Keiven!”
Zelda walked down the hall to her room with her little brother trailing behind her. He was a mage, and a full mage of the Circle. One of the youngest to ever go through the Harrowing. Keiven had helped to defeat the archdemon, and because of this, when he returned to the tower, First Enchanter Irving decided there was nothing more to teach him. Keiven went through the Harrowing without fail, defeating the demon in the Fade easy and fast. Afterwards, he was permitted to go to Denerim to be with his sister, if he wished. But there was really only one reason he wanted to come.
“But Zelda, you promised!”
“I said you could become a Grey Warden when you turned eighteen, and you are not eighteen.”
“I wasn't suppose to go through the Harrowing until I was eighteen,” Keiven grumbled. “But yet here I am, in full Circle mage robes!”
“And don't think I didn't have a nice little chat with the first enchanter about that either.” Zelda stopped in front of her room and stared down at her little brother. “I'm not having this conversation with you again, Keiven. The answer is no, and it will be no until you turn eighteen, so stop asking.”
“But, Sis!”
“Enough!” Zelda made her way inside with Keiven still following her. She hoped his pestering would end, but it wasn't looking like he would. It was a surprise to her, however, when she saw Arawin sitting in her room. “Arawin, you're back early,” she said. “I thought you'd be at your cousin's all day.”
“Yeah, I thought so too,” said the elf. “But I could really only take so much.”
“What does that mean?” Zelda made her way over and sat down next to her. Keiven found himself a seat on the other side of the room. She wished he would excuse himself, but she knew he wasn't done arguing with her yet.
“Soris's little boy is cute and all,” Arawin explained. “But messy and loud.”
This made Zelda laugh. “What do you expect? He's just a baby, and you'd better get used to it.”
“Don't remind me. I better not start acting like Valora, at least. She was the most annoying part. When he fell over, she had to check every last inch of him to make sure he wasn't hurt. Then there was her constant questions to me. 'When are you due?', 'Do you know the gender?', 'Do you have a name picked yet?'. Ah! She was driving me insane!”
“You've been asked those questions before.”
“Exactly! Do you know how many times I've been asked those three questions? And it never falters. It's always those three that everyone asks!”
“Oh Arawin. Did you at least get to talk to Soris? Your father? Shianni?”
“Of course I did. I talked to Soris and my father first thing. They were all at Soris's house. But after awhile, my father and Soris had to go to work. They both work for the same noble, which left me alone with Valora and the baby. That's when all the annoying stuff began to happen. Luckily before I went completely insane, Shianni stopped by. We talked for awhile, learned what the other one was up to since the Blight, but she wasn't able to stay long. Being the bann of the alienage doesn't give her much freedom anymore. But boy, did she get some things done! The alienage looks great. There's no smell anymore, the streets have been restoned, half of the condemned buildings have been renovated, looking great, and the Vhenadahl actually looks like it's being taken care of for once.”
“Well, Alistair did give her what she needed to make the alienage better.”
“She still has a long way to go, though, but it's getting there. I'm glad I made her bann. I know I wouldn't have been able to make it look so good in so short an amount of time.”
“So, then,” said Zelda. “Since you're here, what would you like to do for the rest of the day?”
A knock at the door interrupted Arawin's answer. Zelda went to open it, revealing a servant who said she was needed in the throne room.
“Never mind,” she said to Arawin. “I'm needed. Apparently some of the nobles for the Landsmeet are here and they want to see me. I don't know how long it will take.”
“Just go,” said Arawin. “I was going to say I wasn't sure, anyway.”
“Alright.” Zelda stared down at Keiven. “You better behave yourself, young man.”
“Yes, Mother,” he said looking away from her.
He's doing it again. Zelda pushed to Arawin. So be careful.
Don't worry, I can handle him.
Zelda looked to both of them before leaving the room. It stayed silent between the two for a moment before Keiven finally spoke up.
“Um, Arawin. There's something I would like to ask you...”
“If it's about you joining the Wardens, I'm on the same page as your sister,” said Arawin. “You're too young.”
Keiven rolled his eyes. “Yes, yes, I know that. Although I was kinda hoping you may change your mind, especially after you become commander. You do have the power to overrule her, you know.”
“Of course I have the power, but that doesn't mean I'm going to make you a Grey Warden. When you turn eighteen, come to me again.”
Keiven stood fast and glared at her. “I know that already! The two of you don't need to pound it in my skull all the time!”
“Maybe we wouldn't have to if you listened once in awhile.”
“Look,” Keiven said as he went and sat next to her. “That's not really what I wanted to ask. I wanted to know about something else... someone else, actually. Zelda refuses to talk to me about her. Even more so than about me becoming a Grey Warden.”
“Someone?” Arawin said looking surprised. “And who might that be?”
Keiven turned away from her and stared at the floor. “Morrigan...”
“Morrigan? Oh, I understand now,” Arawin chuckled. “During the battle of Denerim, you followed us because you were interested in her. Is that why you want to know? Because you like her?”
He kept his face down but Arawin could see he was blushing. “I just want to know who she was,” he said in a quiet voice. “She disappeared immediately after the archdemon was defeated.”
“Yeah, well, there was a reason for that, and it's the same reason for why your sister refuses to talk to you about her.”
“Can you tell me, then?”
“Are you sure you really want to know? Who she was and why she ran?”
Keiven looked up from the ground and stared into Arawin's eyes. He saw the left one, all green, dark like an emerald. The right, however, which was also surrounded by a tattooed feather, was mostly a different color. Touching the white was a light blue, crystal, while a circle of green surrounding the iris. It was the same thing in Zelda's left eye, only the opposite. It was her right eye that was still its true color, crystal blue, the same as his.
“Tell me.”
“Alright, I'll tell you.” Arawin situated herself to be more comfortable. “Morrigan was actually an apostate. We found her in the Korcari Wilds where she lived with her mother, Flemeth.”
“Hang on,” Keiven interrupted. “Flemeth? The Witch of the Wilds? You can't be serious.”
“Oh but I am,” said Arawin. “Flemeth is real, I met her myself. In fact, if it wasn't for her, then me, Zelda, and Alistair wouldn't have survived Ostagar. She somehow was able to pluck us from the tower of Ishal and take us to her hut in the middle of the Wilds. There, she and Morrigan healed us. When we awoke, Flemeth then told us what happened and what we needed to do.”
“Wow,” Keiven said intrigued. “Flemeth must be old and powerful. So should Morrigan. Uh... powerful, I mean.”
“She's definitely old, and powerful, and batty,” Arawin mused. “But yes, Morrigan is powerful as well. Throughout our travels, I don't think we would've been able to make it without her. She came in handy a few times.”
“I'm sure.”
“Well, after we all woke in Flemeth's hut and learned what we needed to do, Flemeth offered for Morrigan to come with us. That's how she became apart of our group. And from then until after the Landsmeet, Zelda didn't seem to have a problem with her. It wasn't until the night before we left Redcliffe to fight the archdemon, did it start.”
Keiven payed close attention to her. “What happened?”
“Well, I have a question for you, Keiven. How much do you know about Grey Wardens?”
“Uh... just what everyone else knows. I know Wardens are tainted, but it's different from the darkspawn. I'm not sure how you get tainted, though, and live.”
“And you won't learn that until you're eighteen.”
“Funny,” Keiven said narrowing his eyes. “What does knowing about Grey Wardens have to do with what happened that night?”
“I'm getting to that. Basically, it has to do with how you kill the archdemon. If anyone other than a Warden kills the archdemon, then the archdemon's soul will travel through the taint to the nearest darkspawn and become reborn, starting the cycle all over again. But, if a Grey Warden should do the killing, the archdemon's soul will travel to the Warden, and be destroyed. In the process, however, the Grey Warden is also destroyed along with it.”
“How's that possible?” Keiven asked. “You and my sister aren't dead.”
“It's what we expected to happen when we did go to kill it. But as for what happened that night, Morrigan came up to us and gave us an offer. Well, it was really an offer to Zelda since it had to do with Alistair. She told us we could kill the archdemon and not die if Zelda could persuade Alistair to lay with her in a ritual. From the ritual a child would be conceived in her, and then when the archdemon was slain, whether it be by a Grey Warden or not, the soul would travel to the child instead.”
Keiven looked away again. “Did Morrigan like Alistair or something?”
“Actually no, they hated each other. She said the only reason it had to be him was because he hadn't been tainted for very long. Riordan and Damien had been Grey Wardens for too long, so the taint within them was too much, I suppose. But in the end, Zelda refused her, and the two of us went into battle thinking it was going to be our last.”
Keiven focused back on her. “So if my sister refused the ritual, how did you two survive killing the archdemon?”
“Alistair happened. Apparently when Zelda returned to him that night, he could tell something was wrong with her. He knew we had been talking with Morrigan, so when Zelda fell asleep, he went to Morrigan to find out what happened since Zelda refused to say. There, he took Morrigan's offer and preformed the ritual.”
“What?” Keiven said with anger, standing with his fists clenched. “You mean he cheated on my sister? I'll kill him!”
“Settle yourself, Keiven,” Arawin said grabbing his wrist. “It's not like Alistair really wanted to do it, but he did because he knew it would save Zelda's life. He was doing it for her. He understood why she had refused Morrigan because of what the witch wanted. It's what Zelda wants more than anything, but can't seem to have. And she does know what happened between Alistair and Morrigan. Obviously he told her after we woke and realized we weren't dead.”
Keiven settled himself and Arawin let go of his wrist. “So what did Morrigan really want? An heir to the throne?”
“No, all Morrigan wanted was the soul of the archdemon, nothing more. Like I said, she would have taken it from Riordan or Damien if they hadn't been tainted for long. Alistair was the only choice.”
“Right.” Keiven sat back down. “So I assume that's the reason why she left so quickly?”
“Yeah, she wanted to raise the child her own way. Alistair would never get involved, and she would never use the child against him to seek the throne. It's a shame, really. She was my friend and there are times I miss her.”
“Yeah,” Keiven agreed. “Thanks, Arawin. I appreciate you telling me this.”
“No problem, Keiven. If there's ever anything Zelda won't tell you, you can always come to me.”
Standing, Keiven rolled up his sleeves and faced the door, determined. “I will. Thanks again.” He went to leave, but Arawin grabbed his wrist again. She pulled him down and twisted his arm so she could see the markings she had seen and thought she had felt earlier. They were scars, lines that went down, some looking old, some looking fresh.
“Keiven... what are these?”
“Nothing,” he said pulling his arm away. He quickly rolled down his sleeves to hide the scars.
“Nothing? Those aren't nothing, Keiven. Are you doing blood magic?”
“I... I might have... dabbled.”
“Dabbled? Keiven, it's blood magic. You don't just dabble!”
“Yeah, but... Jowan dabbled.”
“And look what happened to him! Why are you doing blood magic?”
“I...” Keiven made sure to cover-up all of his hand in his sleeves. “I wanted to see what it was like. I wanted to see if it would make me a better mage.”
“Oh Maker,” Arawin said rubbing her face. “Don't you think you're a good enough mage after going through the Harrowing at only fifteen? After helping to defeat an archdemon? What is going through your head? Your sister is not going to like this.”
“No, don't tell her, please,” he pleaded. “I promise I'll stop.”
“You really promise?” Arawin said eying him.
“Yes, I swear it.”
“Alright, I won't tell Zelda. But if I find out you're still doing blood magic, then not only will I tell her, but I also won't let you join the Wardens. Got it?”
“I got it,” Keiven whispered. “Thanks again.” He then left the room, leaving Arawin puzzled.
“That boy's going to be trouble. I just know it.”
***
“So you're the dwarf I saw blow up those darkspawn. Good job.”
“Thank you, Commander. Glad you noticed. The name's Dworkin Glavonak, but some call me Dworkin the Mad.”
“I can see that,” Lisha smiled as the dwarf laughed. “Are you related to Voldrik?”
“Sure, he's my brother. We came up here at the bequest of King Rylen to help the Grey Wardens the best we could. I know you already talked to my brother about fixing the damage to the keep, which he's working on. So I'm glad you came to me to help with your defenses.”
“Really? What did you have in mind?”
“I've been perfecting a type of explosive, one that'll give those beasties a real crack! I've been experimenting with lyrium, lyrium sand to be precious. The dust is too fine and doesn't give that nice boom. So, Commander, if you don't mind, I would like to continue my work. The only problem is I used up most of my lyrium sand during the invasion.”
“Then here,” Lisha said as she handed him a pouch of coins. “Will that do?”
“Oh yes, Commander it will!” Dworkin said excited. “Now I just need to sneak it in here. It may be sand, but it's still lyrium.”
“Do what you need too, Dworkin. And oh! Did you or your brother get a chance to look at that tablet we pulled from Kal'Hirol yet?”
“Not yet, Commander, but I think Voldrik took a look. When we are fully able to study it, we'll let you know.”
“Thanks, Dworkin. Take care, and don't blow yourself up.”
“Aye, Commander.”
Lisha continued her tour of the courtyard, seeing that it was looking a lot better than last time. She was impressed with the work Voldrik was doing and how fast he was getting it done.
After dealing with the court issue, Lisha had gone back to her room to get some more rest. She didn't get much, however, being interrupted several times by servants looking for her. Eventually she gave up and went out to the courtyard to deal with anything that needed her attention. After dealing with a few discrepancies, reading some letters, and inviting merchants to set up shop, there wasn't much left for her to do. She stopped and stood underneath the Andraste statue and looked around at all the work being done.
“Oh, there you are, Lisha! I've been looking all over for you.” Anders came running to her, looking rather hurried and anxious.
“Anders? What is it?”
“We need to go to Amaranthine. I just got word--”
“If we're going to Amaranthine for anything, mage,” Nathaniel said coming up to them. “It'll be for what I need.”
“Your problem isn't bigger than mine, Howe,” said Anders. “And this is important. My life might be at stake.”
“Hang on,” Lisha said getting in between the two. “What is going on here? Anders, you came to me first, so what do you need? Nathaniel, you can tell me your problem afterwards.”
“Well, you know the templars brought me to Vigil's Keep from Amaranthine, right?” Anders explained. “It's because that's where they caught me. At first they thought I was in Amaranthine to catch a boat, but I was actually there to meet a contact. And I just got word from that contact now. I was sent a letter.”
“What were you meeting this contact for?”
“She was looking for something for me. A cache, where the templars are holding phylacteries. Mine was apparently amongst the ones here in Amaranthine. If we go to the city, Commander, then we can find the cache and destroy my phylactery. I'll finally be free!”
“But... you're already free,” Lisha said looking him up and down. “You're in the Grey Wardens, and King Alistair allowed your conscription.”
“Yes, yes, that is true, but what if the Chantry decides that mages in the Grey Wardens are apostates too? I can't take that chance. I need to find my phylactery and have it destroyed before anything like that can happen. Only then will I be truly free from the Chantry.”
Lisha wasn't so sure it was wise to go about breaking into caches and destroying phylacteries, especially since that templar, Rylock, didn't seem to want to let Anders go. But if it was what he wanted, then she would oblige. “Alright, Anders, if that's what you want, then we'll go to Amaranthine and find the cache.”
“Thank you, Commander. You have no idea how much a relief it will be for me when my stupid phylactery is destroyed and gone. No longer will the templars be able to track and hunt me down. I will be able to focus all my attention on what we are doing.”
“So are you saying you weren't focused when we were in Kal'Hirol?” Nathaniel asked. “Because that might actually explain a lot.”
“No, I was focused, and that's not what I meant,” said Anders. “I would just feel a lot better if I didn't have a phylactery anymore.”
“And we're going to go and deal with it, Anders,” Lisha said. “But what is going on with you, Nathaniel?”
“I just found out my sister is alive,” he said.
“Did you think she was dead?”
“I thought all my family was dead. Since my father was killed by Zelda, I just assumed she either killed the rest of them or had them executed. Turns out it was neither. My mother died before the Blight even started, and my brother, Tomas, was killed during. Delilah, however is still alive and living in Amaranthine. I ran into an old groundskeeper who used to work here with my father. He told me all this. Please, Lisha. I want to go to Amaranthine to find her. I need to know.”
“You know,” Lisha said as she looked from one to the other. “I believe we can do both, don't you think? And I need to go to Amaranthine anyway to get some more supplies. Maybe Sigrun and Oghren could use a trip to the city as well.”
“I don't see why not,” Anders mused.
“Alright, I want you two to get whatever you need to go and also find Oghren and Sigrun and tell them we'll be leaving here in about half an hour. Got it?”
Both Nathaniel and Anders nodded to her and took off to the keep. Lisha stared up at the statue, hoping this trip to Amaranthine wouldn't cause much trouble.

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins: Awakening
A/N: Rylen (Noble Dwarf): He was made king instead of Bhelen or Harrowmont. You can learn how in Blood Bond, Chapter 66: Fire and Ice.
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Blood Song