Dragon Age Origins: The Tale of Solana

Chapter 24: Duncan's Orders

Later, Duncan and Solana met up with Alistair by the fire. The whole walk over was filled with Solana thinking over Teryn Loghain's attitude. He seemed so displeased with the king. Solana understood that king Cailan had his faults, yet he had had several victories so far, and she saw no sign for worry in his plans. What was the shem up to then, other than arguing with a young man he clearly did not like?

A clap of thunder rolled over head. The wind had begun to pick up and Duncan knew a storm was brewing. It seemed all too convenient for him. He knew other things were at work here, but he kept his feelings to himself. No need to elaborate on such things when the young Wardens had more on their plate tonight.

"You heard the plan," Duncan said to Solana with a smile. "You and Alistair will get to the Tower of Ishal, and ensure that the beacon is lite."

"What?" Alistair stepped forward with fists tight. He looked upset, and Solana didn't understand what the problem was. "I won't be in the battle?"

"This is by the king's personal request, Alistair," Duncan said simply. He lifted a thick brow. "If the beacon is not lit, Teryn Loghain's men won't know when to charge."

"So," Alistair said with disdain, "he needs two Grey Wardens standing up there holding the torch. Just in case, right?"

Men and women ran by them, readying their positions around Ostagar for the battle in the wee morning hours to come. Solana had never battled in war before. Her mother once said that sometimes the battles would rage on for hours. Dragging out long into the night, and on rare occasions to the next day! She hoped tonight would not be one of those times.

"Tower seems like such..."

"Boring... Boring!"

The voices had returned and with all her might, Solana shoved them away. She had no time to deal with such trivialities. One thing she did agree with was how boring the mission seemed. If she was to be in this war, why not fight? Had not Duncan chosen her for her valor? Her skills?

"I agree with Alistair. We should be in the battle."

A crack of thunder made her jump as lightening lite the night sky above. The voices all laughed and a familiar song echoed in their laughter.

"Strange magic... Magic strange..."

"Storm brewing... A spell that rearranges..."

Duncan narrowed his eyes, at the both of them. "That is not your choice." He softened when he saw their expressions dip into apologetic frowns. "If king Cailan wishes the Grey Wardens to ensure the beacon is lit, then the Grey Wardens will be there. We must do whatever it takes to destroy the darkspawn... Exciting or no."

There was a moment where no one said anything. Alistair finally spoke up, "I get it, I get it." He put his hands on his hips and looked at Solana before looking back up at Duncan's warm, brown eyes. "Just so you know, if the king ever asks me to put on a dress and dance the Remigold, I'm drawing the line. Darkspawn or no."

Solana burst into a giggle that only ensued with more laughter. She could see the tall half-breed dancing for his loyal Majesty in a sparkling, pink dress with a low neck line. The image only produced more laughter from her, and the voices inside her head. "I think," she said in between chuckles, "I think I'd like to see that."

Alistair was stunned by the laughter ringing from the woman's mouth. He felt suddenly very embarrassed and he did not understand why. It was only a joke!