“All right. Let’s get moving.”

Azry and Alistair lead the way. 

And Blaze follows along.

It’s a quiet walk, though the path does lean steeper in places. During those times, someone always drops back to assist Blaze. 

Zevran watches, but doesn’t come close enough to touch. There’s an almost sad look on his face. 

She tries to assure them that she's fine, but will accept their help.

About half the day is gone when the path levels out, and the sounds of a market can be heard in the distance. 

But Azry seems suspicious. 

"Something wrong?"

Alistair can't sense anything, but that doesn't mean there isn't anything there.

"Something feels...off."

Wynne casts a protective charm over everyone.

Blaze readies herself, look around, alert.

"Nothing gets by you lot, ey?" A man appears from behind a tree, tossing a knife in one hand. He seems very relaxed for someone so outnumbered. "Was told you'd be tricky, but here you are, walking right into a trap, and then realising it was there."

He catches the knife one last time, and then whistles. 

More bandits (are they bandits appear), one of them holding a staff. They raise it-

"Alistair!"

Alistair digs deep, and casts a wide Silence.

The mage's spell sputters, and even as they try again, nothing comes to the staff.

She can feel what that is, is glad that it seems to have missed her, and spins fire up around them - it'll give anyone pause for thought before attacking. (She'll panic later, worry later. She can feel the edges of it now, but she'll ignore it, she can't afford to let it incapacitate her right now.)

Alistair charges forward, Azry on his heels. 

Leliana and Anwen remain back with Morrigan and Wynne. 

Zevran dances between foes, keeping one eye on Blaze the whole time. 

She's...okay. Holding her own.

Once their foes are down, Azry kicks over the leader, who is still gasping. 

“How did you know we were coming?”

The leader spits out blood. “Didn’t- Just...been here, waiting.”

“A sound plan,” Morrigan drawls. 

Wynne busies herself going between all the party members, healing minor hurts. 

After a moment, Blaze joins in. (If she's busy she won't think.)

“There’ll be more like him,” Azry says darkly. 

She then bends down, and cuts the man’s throat. 

“Loghain doesn’t even need to send men to do his bidding.”