Although the canticle itself was decanonized and declared dissonant by Divine Renata I following the Fall of the Dales, its rough melody survived thanks to the efforts of both dalish Keepers and city elf hahrens, determined not to let both Shartan's life and the Chantry's hypocrisy be forgotten.
The arrangement which is about to be presented to you is a relatively new composition by Sister Anthea, with contributions from Neria of Clan Ralaferin and Elder Geven of the Verchiel Alienage. It was comissioned by Divine Victoria in 9:45 Dragon. In a decision that was somewhat controversial among the clerics, but viewed as crucial and necessary by the Divine, it contains several phrases in Elvhen. These are, to the best of the knowledge of the elven contributors to the arrangement, the last remaining fragments of an elven epic song about Shartan's life.
(1) At Shartan's word, the sky grew black with arrows,
at our Lady's ten thousand swords rang from their sheaths,
a great hymn rose over Valarian Fields:
Those who were once slaves shall be free!
(2) The legion fell before them like wheat before the scythe,
but the armies of Tevinter were numberless.
A sea of death which crashed upon the Prophet like waves;
Those who were once slaves shall be free!
(3) The host of the Lady began to falter
the legion turned spears, swords, fire and ice upon them,
and the warriors of the Lady were scattered, divided;
Those who were once slaves shall be free!
(4) And the Prophet stood beside Shartan
and shouted to her host: βBehold our champion, who stands at my side!β
(Shartan, ma ghilana)
And gave to him the blade of her own mother,
(garas na hanin'shiral.)
Those who were once slaves shall be free!
(5) She said: βTake this, my champion, and free our people.β
And the Prophet and the People struck down the Tevene.
The Prophet and the People claimed the field together,
(Elvhen dar enasalin)
Those who were once slaves shall be free!
(Vir him revas!)
(6) And before them, empty, outstretched lay the land,
which led to the gates of Minrathous.
The host of Andraste marched as one,
Those who were once slaves shall be free.
