[centre][b]Krios[/b]
(Warden Compound, Denerim)[/centre]

[b]“And he gave no indication as to how long he would be gone nor where he was going?”[/b] asked Krios as he mulled over the records that Mayson had placed in front of him. He reached out for a cup of diluted wine as his friend responded. 

[b]“Duncan simply said that he had some personal business to attend to; something about an old friend. He did say that he may return with some recruits however – something which we desperately need.”[/b] Mayson put extra emphasis on those last words and tapped his index finger on the list of wardens as he did so. There was only ten names on the list of current Ferelden wardens, a laughable amount when compared to the hundreds of Wardens that could be found in other countries. There was two reasons for this: Firstly, the wardens had only been allowed back in Ferelden in recent years and so it would naturally take time to settle and grow; and Secondly (and more importantly), many of the wardens had come from Orlais and so their loyalty and allegiance was constantly questioned. Krios drew his attention to the list as directed and sighed as he took note of each member’s status:

[centre]Duncan (Warden Commander): Currently away on personal business.

Patrick (Second in Command): With Alicia and Barrett in the Deep Roads investigating the City of the Dead. He will not be returning with them as he plans to take the long walk. 

Mayson: Stewarding the Denerim Compound.

Krios: [s]Maintaining a presence in the Frostback mountains.[/s]

Timond: Currently aiding the Blackstone Irregulars with a contract. Is continuing to improve relations and secure sponsorship and security. 

Alicia: Currently in the Deep Roads.

Barret: Currently in the Deep Roads.

Curtis: Currently with Sarah investigating strange reports on the south-eastern coast. Reports range from mysterious ships to darkspawn sightings. 

Sarah: Currently with Curtis on the south-eastern coast. 

[i]Pycell: Still no signs of the traitor. Possible sighting in Amaranthine.[/i][/centre]

[b]“Something big is happening with the Darkspawn and yet as things currently stand me and you appear to be on our own? At least until the others start trickling back in from their awkwardly timed assignments?”[/b] Krios tiredly rubbed his face before taking a bigger gulp of wine. It was hard to tell whether or not he looked more annoyed or anxious about the situation. 

[b]“And you definitely felt a large presence when you were in the south? It couldn’t have just been an emissary?”[/b] Mayson had asked Krios the question a few times now, each time hoping that his friend would suddenly realise that he was mistaken. 

[b]“No emissary I’ve ever come across has given off such a strong presence. And it felt like there was more darkspawn following it than there should have been. Given the increased darkspawn activity it cannot be a coincidence. But as you said, Duncan is probably the only person who could tell us whether or not it sounds like the Architect; no other living warden has seen him as far as I know.”[/b] Krios had felt the presence of something larger a day or two before the darkspawn begun seeping out of the mountains. He wasn’t sure what it was but it appeared to be moving North. The oldest of the Ferelden wardens (Patrick, Mayson, Krios and Timond) had been told about the Architect by Duncan, although he never really gave too much details of his story away. 

[b]“But that doesn’t mean we should just mope around until everyone gets back!”[/b] Mayson said in a suddenly cheerful tone as he rose to his feet. There was something about his blue-ish grey eyes that was surprisingly warm and made you feel comfortable, but it was certainly not the colour. [b]“We are in desperate need of recruits, funding, weapons and well… just about everything. Timond has managed to get us some resources from the Blackstone Irregulars and that’s why their boys are on the doors, but it’s hardly enough to sustain ourselves. King Calain is an avid fan of the Wardens and gives us some help but most of his counsel advices against it and unfortunately he complies. You need to get out there and bring in some capable hands and get us some more support!”[/b] Mayson boomed whilst he reached over and gave Krios a light punch on the shoulder. He tried to ignore his friends raised eyebrow and begun refilling both their cups. 

[b]“Why me? I’ve no authority to recruit people. And I’m surely the last person you want to send out to make friends; I stick out like a Qunnari in a whore house.”[/b] 

[b]“Because me and you are the only ones here and I certainly can’t do it. I’m sure Duncan will have no quarrels with you recruiting, especially given the circumstances.”[/b] Mayson paused for a moment whilst he withdrew a key from his robe, [b]“And given that our dear brother Patrick will not be coming back, you might as well make use of his room.”[/b]