Dragon Age Origins: The Tale of Solana

Chapter 9: Ostagar

They have been travelling south through the Hinterlands to the ruins of Ostagar, on the edge of the Korcari Wilds. The Tevinter Imperium built Ostagar long ago to prevent the Wilders from invading the northern lowlands. It's fitting they make their stand here, even if they face a different foe within that forest. The king's forces have clashed with the darkspawn several times, but here is where the bulk of the horde will show itself.

Duncan and Solana rode up to the makeshift gate guarded by Ferelden soldiers. "Hail, Grey Wardens!" They dismounted and the soldiers took the mares' reins. Solana looked about the outside ruins of Ostagar. They had been able to see the towers for a few miles now, but they looked even more impressive up close. They had finally made it to the war campsite. Solana began to feel uneasy at the thought of fabled monsters running in battle at her for several long hours. The thought did not sound comforting.

Duncan had explained before arriving that there was only a few Grey Wardens within Ferelden at the moment, but they were all here. The Blight must be stopped here and now. If it spreads north, Ferelden will fall. Solana had carefully remembered all he said while at the same time worried. Up until now, she had honestly believed there was no such thing as a Blight. To hear that they are real is even more terrifying as she remembered the old wise tales.

As they neared the bridge, a man wearing gold colored armor stood under the arch next to several men. The man's face lite up as he noticed the trio. "Ho there, Duncan!"

"Who is that," Solana asked as she marveled at the man jogging their way.

Duncan sighed. "That would be your King. King Cailan."

"The king?" Solana's eyes grew big and she almost didn't fully believe Duncan. She was about to meet the king of Ferelden! What an honor! She wondered what her father would think, what her mother would have thought?

King Cailan took Duncan's outstretched hand. "King Cailan? I didn't expect—"

"A royal welcome?" Cailan laughed at his older friend. "I was beginning to worry you'd miss all the fun!"

"Not if I could help it, your Majesty." Duncan looked over at Solana, whose mouth was still gaped open from surprise.

"Then I'll have the mighty Duncan at my side in battle after all! Glorious!" King Cailan could just see it now. The Ferelden king running in to defeat the Blight with the help of the Grey Wardens! How exciting, his feet almost began jumping up and down in enthusiasm! He noticed the elven woman standing there beside Duncan staring at him. He turned towards her. "The other Wardens told me you've found a promising recruit. I take it this is she?"

Duncan smiled proudly. "Allow me to introduce you, your Majesty."

"No need to be so formal, Duncan. We'll be shedding blood together after all." Solana watched as King Cailan stepped towards her and looked down with a soft smile. "Ho there, friend! Might I know your name?"

"I-I..." Solana had to take hold of the words swimming around in her head. She had never spoke to a such a higher up human before, let alone a king! Besides Vaughan Urien, she had never even spoke to a lord either. "I am Solana, your Majesty."

Cailan smiled. "Pleased to meet you! The Grey Wardens are desperate to bolster their numbers, and I, for one, am glad to help them. I see you're an elf, friend. From where do you hail?"

"The city of Denerim."

"As do I! Though I've not been in the palace for some time. Do you come from the Alienage?"

Solana almost wanted to use sarcasm, but she reframed. This was the king after all. She nodded and Cailan smiled big. "Tell me, how is it there? My guards all but forbid me going there."