“They won’t make it as a Grey Warden.”
“The two new recruits. They won’t survive the joining. Tell the others to find some position for them around the keep.”
Nathaniel glanced over at the Warden Commander, the one woman in all of Thedas who saw him, not his family name, and gave him a chance. How he wished he could jerk some sense into his younger self for having been so stubborn and selfish, to not see it wasn’t a punishment, but a chance. But even now, seven and a half years later, he still would find himself on occasion questioning one of his dearest friends.
“They’ve not enough darkness about them, Nate,” she whispered, shaking her head slightly. Her hair was getting long, he noted, a bit concerned. Every time her hair got long, she would leave for a few months, only to return with it cropped closed to her scalp once again. He hated those months when she left, the Keep filled with many people, but few who understood him as well as she and Oghren did. Anders had fled, and Valenna and Sigrund were gone off to who knew where. They’d gone and looked, but it was near impossible to find those who didn’t want to be found.
“I’ve seen enough Joinings. I’ve seen enough good people die. Things are coming, Nate. There are whispers on the wind, rumblings in Orlais, and in the Free Marches.”
“You’re taking another solo trip?”
“I’m going to find a cure. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone. You’ll be in charge. Oghren will help. Stroud will mind the new recruits.”
She turned to face him, for the first time since their conversation had started. She seemed so much older than when they’d met. He supposed he did too. The Elven mage held a weariness about her she didn’t dare show outside of closed quarters with a very select few people.
“I’m not looking to live forever, Nate. Just long enough to see if I have to save the world again.”
He gave a short snort and shook his head.
“I’ll keep an eye out for a raven then.”
“You know as well as I Wardens aren’t to interfere.”
“And for as long as I’ve known you that’s not been true.”
“Keep everyone in one piece. If Orlais comes looking for more Wardens, send ravens to Val Royeaux and Denerim. One to Antiva if you’re desperate. I’ll get word.”
He gave a nod and clasped a hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. Nathaniel didn’t say another word as he watched his Warden Commander, Ellana Surana of Fereldan turn and walk out the door, not knowing what was to come, and praying that it would all work out for the best.