The Sovereign Bloodletter

by Tobuscus

If Marjolaine's purpose had been different and hired a more highly-trained assassin to kill Leliana, the events that followed would have turned out differently. *I've abandoned this project, so a big apology to the readers who were waiting*

1. Prologue

The Sovereign Bloodletter

A Dragon Age: Origins Fan Fiction

By AvaSlayer a.k.a -AvA-

Prologue

His footsteps were light on the stone streets of Denerim, moving quickly but quietly through the Fereldan capital. A black hood covered most of his facial features and he would be surprised if anyone here recognised him for Fereldans knew little, or mostly do not care, about their neighbouring nation's most wanted assassins. Sure, some might have heard about the Antivan Crows, the mythical status of their assassins and the fear their strike into the hearts of common folk, but to other orders of Assassins, the Crows are just a group of cocky, attention-seeking imbeciles. One can only be called an Assassin if no one knows anything about you, only how skilled you are. We are a mere flicker in the darkness and our strikes are hidden, but deadly and fatal, were the words his master once told him.

From the folds of his cloak, he withdrew a piece of paper. On it was the address of his next client, a wealthy Orlesian lady if his source was to be trusted. He looked up to the door in front of him, squinting to read the faint numbering on the wooden panel. He smiled, this was the house. Reaching for the door knob, he turned it and entered.

Two chevaliers in heavy grey armour stood on guard, one with a greatsword strapped to the back while the other had a shield and longsword. The fingers of his right hand were already around the grip of one of his daggers concealed under his cloak, a habit that saved his life on a few occasions. One of the chevaliers came forward, a helm hiding the entire of his face and spoke in a deep, male voice. "Are you the mercenary Madame Marjolaine hired?"

He gave the paper containing the address to the asking chevalier, and grinned at him. "An assassin, not a mercenary. Keep that in mind when you ask another of my kin, or someone might find your body at the bottom of the waterless well."

If the chevalier was offended, he did not show it. Stepping out the way, he allowed the assassin pass the door into a room which served both as a living and dining area. A kettle hung over the fire, boiling whatever liquid it contained. To his right was a small circular table surrounded by wooden chairs and sitting in one of them was a women, brown-haired and dressed in lavishly expensive clothing. At the end of the room were two closed doors, one on either side.

"Please have a sit, my guest," the women said, her voice heavy with accent.

"I prefer to stand. Marjolaine, I presumed?"

She nodded and stood, her eyes studying him intently. "I am told you are the best in all of Thedas, so I am right to expect your service to be fast and effective."

The assassin's lips curled into a grin. "With the correct amount of gold, of course."

"Is one hundred sovereigns enough for your liking?"

"That depends on who I am hunting. The price increases with the level of danger"

Marjolaine paused, contemplating how much information to reveal. "A travelling bard, a little redhead girl."

"Travelling alone or in a group?"

"A group of five, four humans and a qunari. Deal with the others as you please"

His brow lifted in interest, unseen under the darkness of his hood. But his voice betrayed his curiosity. "A qunari? Intriguing, and what about mages?"

"As far as I know, only one. An apostate."

The assassin's grin broaden. "Magic with the possibility of facing blood magic. This is going to cost you more, my lady."

"How much more?" asked Marjolaine, her expression passive.

"I think five hundred sovereigns would do the trick."

Marjolaine smiled, and snapped her fingers. A chevalier appeared behind him, holding up a bag full of golden coins. The chevalier dropped it into his hands, the weight of the bag caught him by surprised.

Marjolaine returned to her chair and took a careful sip from a teacup he could not remember being there when he entered. "Do not disappoint me, assassin. You will regret it."

He opened his mouth, but thought it was better to remain silent. He would let his actions do the talking for him. Turning towards the door, he passed the two on-guard chevaliers and out into the dam and cold Fereldan weather.

"Kill the little redhead girl, deal with the others as you please," he said to himself, reminding him of the mission's objective.