Mythal's Favour: A Dragon Age Origins Fan Fiction

Chapter 6

Chapter 6 – Urn of Ashes

The party traveled as quickly as they could to Redcliffe, Wynne remained in the cart with Ayu and kept her asleep for the journey. Beren was forever at her side, much to Wynne's annoyance on occasion. Morrigan and Wynne attempted to determine why the Chantry would condone the use of dragon blood in the 'ink' they keep on their belts, but they were coming up with no ideas.

Ayu began to stir again and this time Wynne let her fully wake. Ayu tried to sit up, but Wynne gently pushed her back down again.

“You must rest, Ayu. You have been though quite the ordeal.” Wynne spoke softly.

“What is . . . going on?” Ayu said, trying to sit up again.

“Lie back child. You are exhausted and need to save your strength. Here eat some of this.” Wynne pushed some dried meat into Ayu's hand and urged her to eat.

Ayu rested on her side and nibbled on the food, not particularly interested in it, but eating it for Wynne's sake.

“So how did I get out of the tower? What happened in there anyway? I remember only flashes of light and mages drenched in their own blood.” Ayu asked quietly.

“The Lady Phoenix aided us in defeating Uldred and his abominations. She saved the mages Ayu. You both did.” Wynne patted Ayu's shoulder.

“I would not be so sure of that.” Ayu thought to herself.

The group finally made it to Redcliffe nearing the end of the third day. Alistair and Ayu had filled the mages in on what was happening to Connor and they moved with haste into the castle. The party entered through the front gate and quickly made their way up to the room where Connor slept. Isolde and Bann Teagan had been waiting for the party to return and were relieved to see them. Connor was still under Phoenix's induced sleep, but was beginning to stir as the mages prepared the ritual area. Wynne took Isolde and Teagan off to the side of the room and tried to calm them.

Once the mages had the ritual area prepared and were ready to begin, Alistair brought Connor over and placed him on the floor in the circle of candles. The mages stood outside the candles, waiting for their cue to begin.

“Which one of you will be entering the Fade?” Irving asked all the mages.

“I shall go.” Ayu stepped forward, though her movements were still unsteady.

“No child. You are too weak yet.” Wynne placed her hands on Ayu's shoulders and moved her away from the ritual area. “I know your heart is in the right place, but you cannot go.”

Ayu reluctantly sat where Wynne pushed her down and didn't protest anymore. Irving looked around at each mage in the room, silently asking who would go. Ayu saw Morrigan roll her eyes and silently curse herself as she stepped forward.

“I will do it.” Morrigan said curtly. “Let us get this over with, shall we?”

Irving nodded his approval and Morrigan took her position in the ritual circle. The mages began to weave their magical spell and Morrigan collapsed into sleep. The observers watched with baited breath until Morrigan and Connor returned.

The boy's eyes fluttered open and he called for his mother. Isolde dropped to her knees at his side and was relieved to see that he was back to normal. Wynne went to Morrigan and helped her to a chair. Teagan approached the Wardens as the mages began to clean up.