Quest Intro: The Source, pt 1

Darn's letters to Zara

Day one
There were three bandits on the road near Denerim. We didn't get along very well…

Day two
I found an interesting bug on the road. It is black with a funny horn. Father would know what it is but I don't … I took him with me for you to see him as well.

Day three
Rain again mixed with snow; I had to stay in the Merry Mabari tavern for a night.

Day four
The bug died, I am so sorry. I will try to find another if I can and bring him to you.

Day five
I am getting closer to West Hill. Merchants are avoiding this place for some reason, maybe it is not very alluring after the war.

Day six
Nice walls, I guess… But this place smells from miles away even to me. Not that I am complaining but it is odd, when something smells worse than rotten fish at the Docks in Kirkwall. I will get the cargo, fetch it to arl and be back in Denerim in no time . . .

Meanwhile in Denerim

I check at the gates every day for a letter, but so far, no word.  He would have sent a message as soon as he got there.  Darn always does.  A whole week has passed and I've heard nothing . . . I can't help but worry.  This was supposed to be an easy mission, a quick trip to West Hill and back for some misplaced cargo.  I know it would be wiser to stay here, to wait.  He's probably too busy to send word; he could even be on his way back already.  

Everything is probably fine but . . . when I think of him, there is a sense of dread.  And then there are the nightmares.  In my dreams I see him walking ahead of me into the darkness.  He looks back once, eyes telling me to stay, and then he is gone.  It's just a dream, I tell myself, but I don't believe it.  

Reluctantly, I scrape together what gold I've earned and put together a mismatched group of friends and mercenaries.  People who can see me safely to West Hill.  More importantly, people who can help if my dreams are more than just a lover's fear.  It's no easy trip.  My armor fits tight now, and I am tired all the time.  That would be enough to make the journey difficult, but it's also winter.  

The roads are bogged down with frozen muck, and every morning the world is covered in a shiny new layer of ice, or if we are very unlucky, mounds of soft, white snow.  As cold and miserable as we are, it gives me hope to see how slow travel is in this weather.  Perhaps his messages were lost along the road to the never ending snow and ice.  If so, he will frown when we arrive, and tell me I am silly.  But at least he will be alright.  

The gates of West Hill come into view late in the afternoon.  A walled city, carts lined up at the gate, guards shouting orders; I can feel the tension in the air.  Something is wrong.  Fear grips my heart but I push it away.  I've come this far, like hell I will turn away now.  I give George a quick grin and nod to the rest of our motley bunch.  Adrienne and Tegnar are vouched for, but how will the others fair?  How far can I trust them?  

Darn would  tell me I should have thought about that before I left Denerim, and he would be right.  Too late for second thoughts.  My betrothed is here somewhere and whether he knows it or not, he needs me.  I walk forward as if I know where I am going and what I'm doing, doubt locked so deep in my mind that even I forget it is there.