Dragon Age Origins: The Tale of Solana

Chapter 17: The Gang

Duncan's gaze from over by the large fire was what made Solana smile. How he stood proudly by it, and how he felt strong just by his presence. He lifted a large, dark eyebrow at her. "You found Alistair, did you? Good. I'll assume you are ready to begin preparations."

"Yeah," Solana looked away. It had taken nearly all day just to catch back up with Duncan. She found that the notion had to be quite funny in Duncan's eyes.

"Assuming," Duncan said looking straight ahead as Alistair took his place next to him, "of course, that you're quite finished riling up mages, Alistair."

"What can I say? The revered mother ambushed me," Alistair joked as he did a fake cry. "The way she wields guilt they should stick her in the army."

Daveth standing nearby snickered. Duncan turned and he wore a disappointed glare. "She forced you to sass the mage, did she? We cannot afford to antagonize anyone, Alistair."

The loudness of his voice at the end brought everyone around to attention. He raised his chin up and looked down at Alistair thus. "We don't need to give anyone more ammunition against us."

Alistair was about three feet tall right then. He glanced over at Solana who stood stiff, watching the whole thing. "You're right, Duncan. I apologize."

Duncan now turned to all of us once more. "Now then, since you are all here, we can begin. You four will be heading into the Korcari Wilds to perform two tasks. The first is to obtain three vials of darkspawn blood, one for each recruit."

Solana exchanged glances with Daveth who smiled knowingly. She wasn't all too impressed however, seeing as she was more than a bit leery of the place. "Go into the Wilds," she questioned. "Isn't that dangerous?"

"You weren't recruited out of charity," Duncan stated plainly. "All three of you are skilled and resourceful. Alistair is the most junior member of our order and will accompany you as is tradition." Solana looked over at Alistair who happened to be glancing her way as well. "I doubt you will need to go far into the Wilds to find what you seek."

"And what's the second task?"

Duncan watched the fire next to him with interest. "There was once a Grey Warden archive in the Wilds, abandoned long ago when we could no longer afford to maintain such remote outposts. It has recently come to our attention that some scrolls have been left behind, magically sealed to protect them. Alistair," Duncan turned to his young recruit, "I want you to retrieve these scrolls if you can."

That sounded more like a mission for actual Grey Wardens than new recruits. "Is this part of our Joining, to," ask Daveth.

"No," Duncan said with a serious frown. "But the effort must be made. I have every confidence you are up to the task."

He said this looking at Solana. His eyes shining with knowledge, and inspiration... Just like her mother's. Solana nodded, and stood up straight. "Find the archive and three vials of blood. Understood."

Duncan smiled for the first time. He turned to Alistair now, "The scrolls contain treaties promising support. Treaties that may prove valuable in the days to come. Watch over your charges, Alistair. Return quickly, and safely."

Alistair thought of Duncan so much like a father. To hear him say to come back safely was enough to kick him into action. "We will."

"Then may the Maker watch over your path. I will see you when you return."

They set off on their mission at hand. Alistair came running up to Solana's side looking determined. "Come on, the sooner you get this done the better. Trust me."