Betrayal, and Heartbreak
Chapter 3
"So, let me get this straight. You want me to kill Flemeth, The Witch of the Wilds?" said Aedan incredulously.
" 'Tis correct" replied Morrigan.
"Your mother?"
"Yes. Must you persist with these questions?" she said, crossing her arms.
"And you're sure there's no other way?"
"I have given it much thought. Have you any suggestions?"
"…No"
"Then I would suggest that you to get on with the task at hand".
"Very well, I shall slay Flemeth, and bring you her true grimoire."
"You have my thanks."
Aedan merely nodded and returned to the centre of the camp. He motioned towards Alistair, Wynne and Zevran to join him. They journeyed south, fighting occasional darkspawn patrols, and finally reached the Korcari Wilds. They found Flemeth waiting for them, a smile plastered across her face.
"Come to slay me, have you? So Morrigan has found someone else to dance to her tune?" she cackled.
"Should I dance to your tune instead?" replied Aedan.
"What if you could get the grimoire without a struggle? What if I merely let you have it?"
"Nothing comes without a price"
"Words of wisdom. You may have the grimoire. I am interested in seeing how darling Morrigan attempts to protect herself from me. Perhaps I will come for her later, many years from now."
"…Very well" agreed Aedan. "The grimoire, where is it?"
"Aedan! Have you lost your mind? You would willingly betray a companion to Flemeth?" shouted Wynne.
"Silence, old woman! You have no say in this. I stick to my decision. It goes without saying that if you let Morrigan know what transpired here, you may end up even more dead than you already are. And no spirit will be able to save you this time" replied Aedan, a mad look in his eyes.
"I believe you are making a mistake, but it shall be as you say." said Wynne, her voice full of disapproval.
"Ah, I knew I made the right choice saving you, Warden" laughed Flemeth. "Here is the key to my hut, take the Grimoire and whatever else you may find interesting."
Throughout this exchange, Alistair had stood and listened quietly. He found himself strangely torn apart. On one hand, Aedan was the leader of the party, and he was in no position to go against his orders. However, he couldn't stand by and watch Morrigan being betrayed like that. There was also a matter of his own feelings; he couldn't let any harm befall Morrigan. Maker blast his feelings!
As they journeyed out of the Wilds, Alistair suddenly stopped.
"You go on ahead, there's something I have to check here. Perhaps the old Grey Warden outpost has something that might help"
"That's uncharacteristically clever of you, Alistair" teased Aedan. "Very well".
As soon as he made sure they were out of sight, Alistair turned back towards the solitary hut in the middle of the Wilds,. There was a task to be completed.