Nemesis
"One from whom there is no escape…"
"Just…just stay away! Please, be reasonable! You don't need all of them, just take me!"
He stared down at the bride, eyes sparkling malevolently. "The more the merrier is what I always say…" His fingers brushed against her cheek, a gesture that would have been loving under ordinary circumstances. Instead it sent chills down her spine. She fought the urge to recoil in disgust. "There have been rumours about you…that you're a scrapper. A mouthy little knife-ear is what my men call you. Is that true?"
The bride swallowed thickly. "I...I honestly don't know what you're talking about. I'm just like any other elf in the Alienage." her eyes darted to and fro, seeking some form of escape. She saw Shianni's shoulders stiffen as the shem continued to touch the bride with a familiarity that should have been reserved for the bride's intended. The other women surrounded Shianni, weeping and resigned to their fate. "I'm begging you, ser. Please let these women go."
The man seemed to contemplate the bride's words as he ran his thumb and index finger along her pointed ear. She was sickened by the reaction it elicited, but she couldn't help it. The heat pooled between her legs and she bit her lower lip. The man knew what he was doing to her, and he sneered. "Alright, we'll keep you and the drunk. The others will be sent back to that cesspool you knife-ears refer to as a home."
Shianni's eyes widened. "Touch me and I'll gut you, you pig!"
The bride shook her head vehemently. "Ser, please let all of them go. I'm…" She inhaled deeply. "I've never lain with a man, and I guarantee the same can't be said of these other women. They're not worth your time. Let them go, and I promise you that you won't be sorry." She could see the tears glistening in Shianni's eyes. The bride looked away.
"Perhaps there is something to what you say…" he leaned forward and cupped the bride's chin. "Very well. Men, take the whores back to their pathetic little alienage. Once you've returned there should be plenty left of this pretty bride for all of us. I, of course, get to enjoy her first." The young bride stood before him, eyes downcast. As soon as the men turned to usher the women out of the room, her captor backhanded her, sending her flying to the ground. She landed on the hard wooden floor and cried out in pain. Her hip and arm began to throb almost immediately. She watched as the guards struggled to drag a writhing Shianni from the room.
"Cousin!" Shianni sobbed. "I won't let them do this to you!"
The bride glanced over at Shianni, her eyes suddenly cold and unrelenting. "Leave this place, and tell no one of what transpired." The bride turned her gaze upward to the man standing over her. "I'm yours to command, milord."
"Cousin!" Shianni shouted. "You can-" the door slammed behind her.
"You're smarter than most knife-ears," the man pointed out. "In my experiences, most of them begged for their lives…and that can become so very boring. I find you to be quite…refreshing."
The elven woman refused to meet his gaze for fear of voicing what she truly thought. "I'm glad you find me pleasing," she whispered, trying in vain to ignore the dull ache that had begun to trail from her hip to her lower leg. The man paid no heed to her discomfort and pulled her roughly to her feet, crushing her against his chest.
"So, is it true what you said?" he whispered into her ear. "You are untouched?" His tongue snaked out to suckle at her dainty earlobe. The bride simply nodded by way of reply. "Well then, I'll just have to put that to the test."
Luckily the bride knew the identity of her attacker…his face had been burned into her memory. As he ripped her wedding dress from her body, she vowed that she would be the last woman that this shem would terrorize…assuming she lived through the experience. In an effort to maintain her sanity, she forced herself to visualize something more pleasant…anything to distract her from the nobleman's biting and slapping…
"Soris…what if he doesn't find me appealing?" she asked, shifting her weight nervously. "There are much prettier girls in the Alienage…and I…well, I'm plainer than most…and from what I've heard of him, he could have his pick of any one of them."
"I don't think you need to worry about that, Cousin," Soris chuckled. "Besides, it's not like you're ugly."
She slapped her cousin playfully. "You'd better shut your mouth, you know that I'm perfectly capable of kicking your ass." Her eyes widened. "Oh shit, he probably doesn't know that I have martial training from my mom."
Soris sent her a sideways glance. "Oh, he knows alright."
Her mouth fell open. "How?"
"I told him…I probably shouldn't be telling you this, but you're obviously nervous about this whole thing, and you really don't need to be." He sighed and continued. "He came to the Alienage a couple of months ago. He wanted to see his promised bride. It was a daring move on his part, but he's apparently also known for his gutsy nature. Anyhow, I saw that he was a stranger, and I greeted him. He introduced himself and I knew who he was straight away. I explained that you were my cousin. He asked if you were around, and…well I played a bit of a joke on him. You see, Shianni was already half in the bag and was screaming her fool head off at the Elder. She looked a right mess, her hair all tousled, and it looked like she hadn't bathed in weeks. I pointed to her and said, 'there is your betrothed.' You should have seen his face! You know what he said? 'She's very spirited. I look forward to spending my life with her.' I could tell he was lying, but it was obvious that he was an honourable man. I patted him on the shoulder and said 'relax, I was only kidding.' His shoulders sagged with relief. He looked around a bit more, trying to pinpoint who his future wife might be. Liana was there, so I'm surprised he didn't start drooling on the spot. Only…he didn't even give her a second glance. That's when you came out of your house carrying a basket of linens. I even remember how you looked – hair pinned up in a haphazard bun, plain white linen dress, sweat beading on your forehead…you could have given Shianni a run for her money. Then I heard his sharp intake of breath. I glanced over to him, and his eyes widened. 'Please tell me that that raven haired beauty is my betrothed,' he said breathlessly. 'That she is,' I replied. 'She's…stunning,' was all he managed to utter. I do believe you walked by us at that point, and you were so close I could have reached out and touched you. You nodded to both of us and went about your duties."
Her eyes widened further. "That was him?"
"Yep. And do you know what he said when you were out of earshot? 'Her eyes…they're violet…I've never seen such a thing.' He was completely smitten. That's when I told him about your warrior training. I fully expected him to run from the Alienage screaming. Instead he said, 'strength is a necessity when you live in a world such as ours…besides, I find strong women to be quite captivating.'"
She felt butterflies fluttering in her stomach. "He-he said that?" She suddenly couldn't wait to meet her future husband.
"Well, what do you know? The little knife-ear was telling the truth about being a virgin," he sneered. He gazed down at the blood stained sheets. He strode over to the door and allowed his guards entry. "I'm done with her, boys. You can have your fill."
One guard licked his lips while the other glanced about worriedly. "Lord Vaughn…don't you think perhaps others may follow?"
Vaughn scoffed before exiting the room. "More little knife-ears? Please. Even if they did show up, I'm sure you could handle them." He winked at the guards and strode from the room, leaving them to gaze upon the young elf curled into the fetal position on the soiled bed.
"What-uh-what do we do with her?" Asked one guard.
"What do you think?" asked the other. Suddenly the sound of someone clearing his throat was heard behind the guards. They both spun around and were face to face with a young red headed elf.
"Um…hello," he said awkwardly. The bride recognized his voice immediately and sprang into action. She leapt from the bed and pounced upon the smaller of the two guards. He let out a yelp of surprise…his last dying sound before the bride snapped his neck effortlessly. The red headed elf was momentarily taken aback by the bride's viciousness, but quickly regained control of himself and aimed the crossbow he carried at the other guard, loosing several bolts into the man's face. Both guards lay on the ground in crumpled heaps.
"Thanks, Soris." The bride said softly. She wandered over to where her torn dress lay and pulled it over her head.
Soris nodded. He turned to give her privacy as she dressed, and despite the fact that his back was facing her, he'd seen, if only briefly, the blood smeared upon her thighs…and the bruises that already formed…and the welts…and the bite marks. His wrath overtook him, and the bride saw the seething rage in his eyes. She placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Calm yourself, he'll be getting his comeuppance soon enough," she then looted the guards' corpses and found a dagger that was still in its sheath. She pulled it free and looked over her shoulder at Soris. "Guess this'll have to do, eh? Too bad these shitheads aren't carrying swords."
Soris blinked, focusing once more on their situation. "Oh, I forgot. Remember that shem, Duncan? He sent me with this." He handed her a broadsword, which she hefted, a satisfied and feral grin gracing her features. "I should also mention…Nelaros is here too. He was the one that insisted we come and rescue you."
She straightened and twirled her weapons in both hands. "We need to find him immediately."
Soris nodded. "He can't be far. He was guarding the area just beyond the bedrooms."
The pair set out, slaying several guards along the way. It wasn't long before they caught up with Nelaros. The bride's eyes filled with tears of relief at the sight of him.
"Nelaros!" she cried out, rushing over to him. Only, she didn't see the guard standing behind him, didn't see the shem wield his sword and bring it forward, plunging it into Nelaros' back. As the guard withdrew his sword from her intended, she heard his strangled cry. She watched as his blood began to seep through his linen shirt. He fell to the ground, arm stretched out to her. All movement seemed to cease. She stared at Nelaros' lifeless form, his face serene even in death. Time sped up when she felt the twisting of her insides.
"Filthy elves," the guard scoffed. "They're like a bloody infesta-"
The bride lashed out with her dagger, catching the guard in the stomach. The pleasing sound of metal rending flesh. The guard's weapon clattered to the floor, and his breathing became laboured. The bride leaned into him and whispered into his ear. "Gut wounds…they've gotta be the worst. You'll be in agony for hours. You killed my betrothed, and that was a mistake. Do you think you'll be found before you die? Or will you be forgotten in all of the confusion, left in this shitty room with your hands pressed to your stomach, trying desperately to keep your guts from slipping out of your body?" She extracted the blade from his stomach, her hand soaked with his blood. Without her holding him up, the guard crumpled to the ground. He let loose several cries of anguish.
"Aren't you going to kill him?" Soris asked. She didn't answer. She knelt beside Nelaros, cradling his head in her arms. She kissed his forehead and rocked back and forth.
"I wish I could take you away from all of this. You deserve a proper resting place." She made no effort to wipe off the tears that trailed down her cheeks. She ran her fingers over his chest and felt something round and solid, hidden in the inside pocket of his simple leather jerkin. She reached into his pocket to sate her curiosity, and extracted a ring. The wedding ring he was to give her. She heaved a sob and placed the ring on her finger. "I'll never forget you," she whispered, running her fingers along his cheek. She leaned in and kissed his lips. They were still warm. She got to her feet and wiped away the tears. She turned to Soris. "Let's find the bastard that started all of this."
"Wait wait, let's not be too hasty. Kill me and your precious streets will run red with elven blood. Leave now, and you'll be forty sovereigns richer." Vaughn's voice was as smooth as silk, but the panic in his eyes belied his calm façade.
"Forty sovereigns? Really?" she repeated. She chewed on the inside of her cheek, feigning contemplation.
"You're not seriously considering-" Soris began.
"Of course not, fool!" she cried out. "He thinks his life is worth forty sovereigns? I hate to disappoint, but it isn't even worth the shit on his boot heel." In two quick steps the bride was upon him. He held up his hands as a means of defence, but she paid him no mind. With one swift motion she separated his head from his shoulders. Blood rained down upon her, and she practically bathed in it. "You deserved worse than that," she spat upon his corpse. Soris grabbed her arm.
"We need to leave…now."
As they entered the Alienage, the Elder stood before them, along with the Warden shem and the women that had been held captive.
"You saved these women from a fate worse than death. For that we are eternally grateful, child." Valendrian murmured, clasping the bride's shoulder. She flinched and turned away from him.
"Nelaros did not survive," she whispered. "He died…trying to save me. I don't think I'm worthy of such a sacrifice."
Valendrian sighed and squeezed her gently. "Oh, but you are. Never forget that. What of the Arl's son?"
"I killed him," she replied, her voice emotionless.
"Then the guards will arrive shortly," the Warden shem announced.
The sound of marching troops reverberated through the square. The bride almost smiled at their timing.
"To what do we owe the honour of this visit?" Valendrian asked smoothly.
"Spare me the pleasantries, Valendrian. The Arl's castle walls have been painted with blood and we know the culprit is a member of the Alienage," the head guard snapped.
"I did it," the bride stepped forward.
The head guard tilted his head to one side. "All by yourself? I'm supposed to believe that?"
"Whether or not you believe me is of little consequence. All you humans want is a knife ear to blame for killing that sonofabitch. Well, here I am. It was all my doing."
"You are very brave to take the blame, otherwise many would have suffered. What is your name, elf?"
"My name is Kallian Tabris, daughter to Cyrion and Adaia Tabris," she replied. "I'll take whatever punishment you see fit."
"Very well, come with me," the head guard ordered.
That was when Duncan, the Warden shem, stepped forward and invoked the Right of Conscription.
"It is done…Welcome," Duncan intoned. He helped Kallian to her feet. Her head was pounding.
The blond shem was appraising her, worry etched upon his features. "Did you have dreams? I had terrible dreams in my Joini-"
Kallian held up her hand. "Be quiet, shem. My head feels like it's been split in two."
"How do you feel?" Duncan asked.
"I feel kind of…"
"Wait…Alistair, do you feel that?" Duncan interrupted.
The blond shem stood stock-still. "Is it…darkspawn?"
Duncan shook his head. "No, it's more akin to what I feel when another Warden is near. At the moment I sense your presence, Alistair, as well as Kallian's…but there is another…a weaker presence…"
"Where is it coming from?" the blond shem inquired.
"It seems to be emanating from…" his voice trailed off as realization dawned upon him. "Oh Maker…Kallian, I'm so sorry."
Kallian frowned, shaking her head. "I don't get it. What are you sorry for?"
"The presence is…in you," Duncan replied. "It would seem that you are with child. I do not know how it survived the Joining…"
Kallian's mind was reeling. "But-but that's impossible! I've never even-" her heart stopped. "Oh…oh no…please…no…"
"I don't get it…shouldn't she be happy about being-" Duncan sent a stern glare in the blond shem's direction, effectively silencing him.
"I am sorry, Kallian. There are ways that we can…resolve this issue. Potions and magic that can be used," Duncan ventured.
Kallian's features hardened. "No. I won't kill it. It belongs to me and will bear no trace of him. If anyone says otherwise, their blood will coat my blades."