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Chapter 6

Left at Dane's Turn 

9:29 Dragon, 17th day of Firstfall, Autumn

   Our heroes, still carrying several arrowheads stuck in their tender parts, limp back to South Reach.  They variously walk or sit on the cart that Bran is pulling (full of ceremonial armor, silverite ore, and other loot).  Once back in the village, all go to the Chantry to get help with their wounds (Bran asks a lot of questions and volunteers to help treat his friends so he can learn more - but no one accepts).  Jayce secures the ore in a Warden hidey-hole and begins composing a letter to the Warden-Commander of Ferelden.  The ceremonial armor is delivered to Adina at the Arl's estate. Adina reluctantly awarded Bran, Landon, and Daniella a sovereign each in acknowledgement of a job speedily done. Adina's outlook brightened considerably when Bran mentioned Sal was dead and payment for the armor should be held for Sal's next-of-kin.  Finally, Adina granted all three access to the Arl's extensive library.

9:29 Dragon, 18th day of Firstfall, Autumn

     After a well-earned night of rest, Landon settled in at the library to begin researching various topics of interest.  Daniella and Jayce convince Bran there is time to visit Dane's Turn and return before the Coming of Age festivities begin.  The three head out, stopping along the way to deliver Martin the Templar elixir he so direly needs. 

9:29 Dragon, 20th day of Firstfall, Autumn

     Traveling on foot to Dane's Turn took a bit over two days. Dane's Turn consists of a single building:  a small inn run by a dwarven couple, Olaniv and Orta. Orta prepared a hearty lunch as Olaniv exchanged news with the party. The dwarves were saddened by Sal's death and spoke well of Sal, toasting his memory with fondness and a sense of the inevitable. 

     When asked about Daniella's siblings, Olaniv recalled Orli and Roi coming through a few years back and also Verell's recent visit but of the others he had seen no sign.  

     The trio headed to the farmhouse only a mile or so up a mostly overgrown path. The house was well locked up, but on the door they found a letter from Verell written to Daniella.

     Apparently Verell was attacked by werewolves on the way to the house and had contracted lycanthropy. However, being a spirit mage he was able to slow the progression of the disease and had further taken measures by putting himself into some sort magically induced sleep in hopes that she might still be able to help when she finally got there. The letter also directed Daniella and her friends to seek out the local Dalish tribe for help with the medicine they use to 'treat' werewolves, and also to create another potion that will allow non-mages to enter the Fade so she (they) could come speak to him. By the way, this was the group's first introduction to the "Forest Tea" that masks a person's scent to the werewolves. You have to drink it with every meal as long as you are in the forest -- and it tastes like, well, damp dirt.

     The letter also describes where to find the key to the house, so they can get in and finally see what Varell's fate is currently. Not knowing what exactly even a werewolf looks like, they assessed that in his magical sleep he looked far more man than beast which was definitely a cause for relief, but not much more. Verell's original letter to Daniella was written over six weeks previously, and while the group did not know how long it usually takes to fully succumb to lycanthropy everyone had a sense it was probably measured in days, not weeks or months. Inside the house, Verell left additional instructions regarding how to contact him in the Fade.

     When the group went outside, Bran thought to call out to the "elves watching us" ... Bran was guessing, but Jayce had seen them following the group into the farm. After calling out,  an elf named Mandlen came forward to speak with them. He had yet more tea with him and was there to escort them to the camp.

     They arrived at the camp, indeed expected, in particular by the Keeper Kalihara, who clearly knew they were coming, and was not in the least bit pleased at their arrival. She also asked about the 'other one,' with dark curly hair and when pressed about her visions would only say "Choose wisely, Bran of Honnleath" in a slightly scolding and hopeless tone.  

     Fortunately, their potion maker was a lot friendlier. Brendesh set about reviewing our recipes and was most curious about their provenance. Bran spoke loudly over Daniella's honest answer and assured Brendesh that Verell was a mysterious mage - who could know how Verell had come across them in the course of his travels?  

    With everything more or less in order at the camp, the trio set out to look for a wyvern ... (more to come) 

on to The Well-Worn Path