Blessings
by: Vema
Authors Notes: I very much appreciate that I'm being added to people's alerts! Thanks so much! I'd also love some feedback, so if you're enjoying the story, if you have some constructive criticism, I'd love to hear it! :) Thank you.
Chapter Two
He could sense the tower looming over them as the caravan of Templars neared Lake Calenhad. The loss of his vision had not only left him with the uncanny ability to sense evil, but also magic. Even a half a day's ride away, he could feel the air beginning to sizzle, and by the time they approached the dock, his senses were filled with the crackling of concentrated enchantment. So many mages, in such a small area, casted magics almost constantly – this was the only explanation for the sensation around him now.
Ser Otto took a deep breath as he stepped down from the carriage, the soles of his boots knocking against the wood of the dock. Home, he thought joyfully. The sounds and smells of the lake conjured in his minds eye the silhouette of the tower against the blue sky and white clouds, a beacon to him. A sign that the Maker was watching over them all.
And yet...it seemed off. A dark tint to the magic around him. Something had gone wrong.
"Do you require assistance into the boat, Ser?"
The voice came from his left. A young man, he though. Inexperienced, but well meaning. "No, but thank you."
The boy still hovered as he climbed into the boat, and it made the older Templar smile. As the boat began to move across the still water, he heard the seat next to him creak slightly, and felt someone leaning near to him.
"Maker watch over you, my child."
"And you."
He felt his apprehension growing as they neared his old home.
.
.
.
"Ah, Otto!" cried Greagoir as he entered. "It's good to see you, old friend."
"And you, Knight Commander."
"Leave us," Greagoir directed to the Templars that had accompanied his friend. "Please sit. Now, Otto, I have reviewed your report of the event, and I had some questions for you."
He nodded. "Of course."
"This demon – it was responsible for the destruction of the orphanage?"
"I believe so, Commander. The souls of the children were trapped by this demon. There was no maleficar remaining, if there was one to begin with."
There was a pause, and he heard the shuffling of papers. "And the Grey Wardens helped you with this?"
"Yes, Bronwyn and Alistair, and some others who are helping them with their quest to stop the blight. A noble cause. A remarkable woman."
"Indeed. As you have no doubt deduced, we are still recovering from an infiltration of blood mages here. The Wardens assisted us here as well."
"I have heard some talking. So many lost – mages and Templars." He had never thought to come back to this. He took a moment before his next comment, wondering how to word it. "I ...did not see Wynne with the Warden."
Greagoir took a deep breath. "I'm sure she is fine. We would know, if she was injured or... anything else had happened. Bronwyn was a mage, she came from here. She would send word."
Otto nodded. It was not common knowledge, but Greagoir was close Wynne, something they kept hidden from all others. As one of Greagoir's closest friends, he had been trusted with this. Their relationship had been going on for over three decades.
"I spoke with her before she left. I asked her ...not to go, but...you know how she is." He rubbed his face. "I know she feels this is her purpose, but I cannot bear this. Ostagar was -"
"Commander, I know." He thought he heard someone shifting closer to the door outside, perhaps an overly curious guard. "Every mage is needed at this time, to rebuild the circle."
"Yes." He took a deep breath. "And all Templars as well. Could I behoove you to stay behind, help us identify the worst of the evil, I would be grateful."
"You are my commander. I will do as you ask."
"Thank you, Otto." He was quiet again for a moment. "And...and improvement?"
Ser Otto sighed. "No, no improvement. There will be none, Greagoir. You know this."
"I am sorry, my friend."
"I am not. The Maker gives us each what we need in this life. He has given me sight for the time I needed it, and now he has shown me how to be grateful for life." He stood and put his hand on his friend's shoulder. "It was not your fault."
When he was greeted with silence, Otto walked out, asking the Maker to give his friend the same peace that had been bestowed to him.