A/N: Sorry about the slow update. This chapter was giving me a headache and I was really unmotivated to write it, but re-reading all the nice reviews gave me that added boost to plow through it. Thanks for all the love and support. I never imagined that this story would gain the following that it has :-) I do have a request! If anyone is an artist, I would love to find cover art for this fic. You would be credited in the summary of course! If you are interested, send a PM my way.
Anders was utterly exhausted by the time Hightown came into view. There had been a nasty stomach virus going around Darktown, his patients were practically lined half way to Lowtown. He let out a sigh of relief when he opened the front door. Immediately he heard footsteps coming towards him.
"Oh Fenris I've been so worried - " Hawke stopped dead in her tracks.
"No 'Hi Anders, how was your day'?"
"Did you see Fenris on your way back?"
"Gee, now my feelings are really hurt."
"Stop kidding around, Anders. He's been gone for over two hours."
"Maybe he just went to the Hanged Man. Surely he wants to get out now and then."
"No, you don't get it." She was becoming frantic, her cheeks were flushed. "I had another stupid craving for those tart cherries I like so much and Fenris offered to get some from the Faraday's tree."
"You mean steal them from the Faraday's tree?"
"Whichever. The point is, it shouldn't have taken him this long. You know what those people are like. I'll bet they had him arrested! Oh, I'm going to march down there and give them a piece of my mind!" Hawke hollered, making her way to the door. Anders chased after her into the Hightown street.
"Love, you're in your housecoat. Don't you even want to get dressed first?"
"No."
Anders sighed and tagged along with her. She almost ran to the house. They slowed when they noticed six of the city guard in the area.
"Great." Hawke murmured to Anders. "They probably reported him." She walked past the guards, some of them bowed their heads to her in acknowledgement. She marched up to the Faraday's door and began to pound on it.
"Open up!" she screamed.
"Hawke, calm down." Anders said gently and she huffed. The door opened to Sir and Madam Faraday, a middle-aged couple, staring at them with fright. Hawke pushed her way past them into their main hall.
"Alright, where is he?"
"Where is who, Champion?" Madam Faraday asked, her Orlesian accent thick.
"You know damn well who I'm talking about. Fenris. Elf, white hair, big sword, very scowly. You reported him, didn't you?"
"No one's been reported and there is no one by the name of Fenris here, I assure you, my dear lady." Sir Faraday answered.
"Fenris! Are you here?!" she shouted, and Anders put his arm around her, to try and calm her. She whipped herself away from his touch, as if he were the reason that she was upset.
"Champion, please." The nobleman began.
"Don't you 'Champion' me. I know you caught him in your yard taking those cherries. He only did it because of me. Now will you please tell me where he is?"
"An elf, stealing from our yard? We ought to inform the guard now!" Sir Faraday bellowed and his wife looked disgusted.
"Isn't that why they're already standing out there?"
"Goodness no! There was a murder. Four men were killed just outside our door."
"See, love, he's not here. Let's get you back home." She sighed, leaving the house. The door slammed behind them.
"It just doesn't make any sense." She whined and ran her hands through her hair. They noticed Aveline was there now with her guards. She slowly approached them.
"Hawke." She said formally, as she always did, despite their friendship. "I'm assuming you haven't heard what's happened tonight."
"Not really."
"Four bodies were found. One of them had his heart ripped right from his chest." She said the last sentence slowly, and all parties knew what that meant. Fenris was involved.
"Have you found out any information on what occurred?" Hawke asked nervously.
"We did find this on one of the bodies." She handed Hawke a slightly blood covered map. She took it in her hands and scanned over it. It was a map of Thedas, with cities circled and a bunch of x's marked on possible destinations.
"It seems whoever these men were, intended to make a last stop in Tevinter." Anders swallowed hard, and watched as Hawke's face went white.
"No..." She said, her eyes glued on the map. Anders put his arm around her and a tear fell down her face.
"Slavers." She whimpered. "But why? Danarius is dead."
"Danarius was a powerful and well respected magister, from what I have gathered. Maybe someone else wanted what was once his." Anders responded.
"We need to find him." Her voice was quivering with emotion. Anders took her by the shoulders, and looked deep into her blue eyes, which were glistening with tears that threatened to fall.
"You are in no condition to go running after slavers, love." She pulled away from him, her eyes hardening.
"My condition? There would be no 'condition' if it weren't for Fenris! We have to go after him Anders." She yelled, and pleaded. Looking at her broke his heart.
"I will go after him. I need you to stay behind and take care of yourself."
"No, Anders. I'm coming with you."
"I cannot go on a rescue mission with the love of my life in harm's way. Think of the baby, Hawke. Please. I promise you, I will leave straight away, but you have to make a promise to me, first. You have to promise me you will stay home. I cannot do this if I am worried about you."
She looked completely torn, and finally after a few moments, she exhaled deeply. "Fine. Aveline, is there anything you can do to help?"
"I can escort you to the edge of the city, but that's as far as my duties to the city will allow me, Anders. There is a stable just on the outskirt of Kirkwall that will provide you with a quicker means of transportation." Anders nodded in agreeance, and Hawke bit her lip. He knew that Hawke hated what she was hearing, but there was no use in arguing any further. Precious time had already been wasted.
The three of them went back to the Hawke Estate so Anders could gather a few necessities for the trip.
"Could you go grab my coat, love?" Anders asked.
"Of course." She went up the stairs, and when she was out of earshot he turned to Aveline.
"I need another favor, Aveline."
"Go on."
"I need you to keep an eye on Hawke. Make sure she doesn't come after us."
"And just how do you expect me to do that, Anders?"
"You're a big girl. Stop her. By force, if necessary." Aveline glared at Anders and he sighed. "You know I didn't mean that the way it sounded. You're strong, alright. She's an emotional wreck right now. If anything happens to that baby, she'll never forgive herself."
She huffed loudly. "You know I don't exactly respect what the three of you are doing. But..." she paused a moment. "I do respect, Hawke. You can count on me, Anders. Find that elf, and bring him back. For Hawke's sake."
At that moment, Hawke came down the stairs with a heavy cloak and a parcel. "I packed some extra health potions, and snacks." Anders smiled at that and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Even in a crisis, she was always thoughtful.
Aveline and Hawke accompanied Anders on the way to the stable. She brought a few of her guards along, as it was dark out and took them a few hours to reach the outskirts. Hawke paid the stable keeper the cost to buy the horse, as they were not sure when Anders would return. She also gave Anders a coin purse full of gold, so he could buy any necessities he needed, should he run out. Before he mounted the mare, he grabbed Hawke into his arms, and held her tightly. He was afraid that he would never see her again. He kept his face masked for not wanting Hawke to doubt him, but knowing that Fenris was not able to take down the slavers himself left a queasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. He had no idea what he was up against.
"Take care, love. I'll return to you soon."
"Please do. I couldn't bare the thought of losing both of you. I love you, Anders."
"And I love you." he said, kissing her lips sweetly. Anders mounted the horse, and stared longingly at Hawke once more, before riding off in the distance.
The map implied that the slavers were making a stop in Cumberland before taking a ship to Tevinter. That's what he hoped anyway. Anders had been riding for a few hours now, feeling exhausted. Day would break soon, and he hadn't yet slept. He lead the horse over to a tree by a stream, and tied her to the trunk. The horse drank from the water that trickled along, as Anders slouched against the tree, completely drained. How did he even get himself into this mess? Months ago, he would have been the last person risking his own hide to save the elf. But then he welcomed Fenris into his home. For Hawke.
His mind started racing. Maybe this was his chance. Fenris was gone now. He could return home in a few days time. Tell Hawke he was too late. In a few months, their child would arrive and the elf would be forgotten. It's what he wanted, wasn't it?
No. Hawke would be devastated. To the Void, she'd probably run out to try and find Fenris herself. He couldn't do that to her, as much as he may have wanted to keep her and their child to himself. But, it was more than just Hawke. Anders had grown to respect Fenris in his own way. They would never see eye to eye when it came to mages, that was certain, but he had given him the gift of a child, something Anders had long since abandoned the idea of. And Fenris loved Hawke, he made her happy. Seeing Hawke happy made Anders happy. It was an ongoing cycle. One that he had grown accustomed to, and even enjoyed. Yes, he would find Fenris. He had to. He only hoped he wouldn't be too late. Anders then closed his eyes, knowing that being sleep deprived would serve neither of them when he caught up to the slavers. He needed his strength.
Fenris sat in the cage, running his fingers over the red cloth that was tied around his wrist. It had been two weeks now. Or was it three? He was beginning to lose count. The only thought that kept him sane was Hawke, and their child growing inside of her. He kept hoping that someone would come for him, someone would find him. But how could they, when they had no idea where he was? Even if they had an idea of where he was going, Hawke was pregnant. He couldn't bear the thought of her risking their child to save him.
He was beginning to give up hope. In two days, they were bound for Tevinter. If he made it on that ship, he would never return. Whichever magister bought him would be just as cruel as Danarius, no doubt. Once he was on their territory, there would be nothing Fenris could do to defend himself. Would they beat him within inches of his life weekly? Would they force him to lay with them? He cowered at the thought. He had been a free man for so long, he never thought he would become a slave again. Every night he dreamt of Hawke. He would wake in the morning, expecting to feel her soft skin against his, but would awake to a sore back, realising he was still caged like an animal, the feral wolf he was named after.
"Hey boys, look who's up again!" the leader - a man who went by Dagg - said. There was a hint of menace to his voice. He threw a rock hard piece of crusty bread through the cage, smacking Fenris right on the head.
"Eat up, slave. Who knows when your next meal will be."
Without a reaction, Fenris grabbed the bread and bit into it. He accepted his fate, there was no point in fighting the inevitable anymore. Maybe if he cooperated now, they wouldn't torment him as much on the ship. He could only hope.
As he was finishing his 'meal', there was a rustling of leaves and the sound of horses hooves on the ground. The slavers all stood up, weapons drawn, but Fenris didn't even look up. Not until he heard a familiar voice.
"Excuse me? I couldn't help but hear from the locals that you gentleman were passing through with the lyrium slave. I am a magister from Tevinter. I can save you the time and gold of travelling all the way to the Imperium."
Fenris' heart stopped, and he looked up to see Anders, clear as day. The mage hopped off of a brown horse. His hair was dishevelled and he was wearing a black cloak. The elf suddenly saw the light at the end of the tunnel. Someone had come for him, and that someone was Anders.
"Magister, huh? You sure don't look like no magister to me." One of the men grunted.
"Yeah, if you're really a Magister where's your fancy clothes? And what the blight are you doing in Cumberland?"
"Well," Anders said, striding confidently towards them. "I have a dear aunt who lives here. She just buried her husband, and I came down for emotional support. Word spread throughout the streets that you fine men were close by, so I had to see for myself."
"What exactly are you willing to pay?" Dagg asked, eyeing him down. "I imagine that if we go to Tevinter, a great deal of bidding will happen. He won't come at no low price."
Finally, Anders shot Fenris a glance, one that was completely informal so that the slavers would not read into it too much, but it was enough for Fenris to know to brace himself. An attack was sure to come at any moment. He stood in his cage, preparing himself.
"That's what I've come here to discuss." Fenris watched Anders closely, and he saw the mage's eyes land on his greatsword, that was laying close to the fire. He smirked, and turned to Dagg.
"How much do you want for him?"
"I ain't going any lower than fifty gold. Take it or leave it."
"Hmm, an interesting offer. I think I can top you."
"Is that so? With what?"
"With...this!" Anders yelled, shooting a cone of cold across them with his staff.
"We're under attack!" One yelled. Anders cast his fire magic on the lock of the cage, melting it right off. Fenris broke out within seconds, as Anders grabbed his sword.
"Fenris, catch!" He yelled, tossing the elf his sword. Fenris grabbed it, and lunged forward, gutting one of the slavers. He smiled as he did so, the man's innards splashing over him. He was stiff from lack of nutrition and movement the past few weeks, but he was still strong enough to inflict some real damage. Anders cast a fireball spell, the flames surrounding the slavers. One slaver rolled out of the way in an attempt to avoid one, but in the process collided into an oncoming flame. He immediately went up screaming in flames. He ran about fifteen feet away, before he succoumed to the pain, and fell over dead.
Another slaver shot an arrow at Anders, and as he tried to jump away from it, it grazed past his arm. He hissed in pain, and Fenris ran behind the offender, decapitating him when he wasn't looking. That's when he saw Dagg trying to flee the scene.
Fenris ran at him at full force, grabbing a hold of him, and slamming his body against a large tree. The man looked up at Fenris with pleading eyes.
"P...please.."
"I will greatly enjoy this," Fenris said through clenched teeth. His markings flared, as he plunged his gauntlet into his chest. Dagg gasped, eyes going wide, as he watched Fenris withdraw his arm, heart in hand. He crushed the heart with his fist, as Dagg's eyes rolled back, falling to the ground beneath him.
Anders came up behind Fenris as the elf turned around. The mage was covered in dirt, sweat, and blood.
"You...look as if you've been through the Void." The elf finally said after a few moments.
"You should take a look at yourself." Anders said, as he handed him a health potion. Fenris drank its contents in one gulp. He felt the familiar warmth spreading throughout his veins, and slowly began to regain some of his strength.
"How did you know where to find me?"
"The guards found a map on one of the bodies. Hawke wanted to come herself, but I wouldn't allow it. I hope she has kept true to her word."
"As do I."
Anders mounted his mare. Fenris looked up as the mage shot him an amused look.
"You're going to have to get on behind me."
Fenris scowled, and shook his head. "I would much rather walk."
"You'll hold us back, and Hawke's already been waiting three weeks. She's probably worried half to death."
At that, Fenris swallowed his pride, allowing himself to grab Anders' hand that he offered him, and swung his leg over the horse. He felt more than a little embarrassed, not knowing where to place his hands. Anders laughed.
"Hold onto my coat. I won't bite."
Fenris awkwardly placed his hands around the mage's coat, grabbing on to it with his gauntlets.
"There, that's not so bad, is it?" He said, as he clicked his teeth, signalling the horse to move onwards.
"Speak for yourself." Fenris said low in his throat. Anders said nothing, as they rode in silence for a few minutes. Fenris exhaled deeply, thinking of what almost became of him.
"You have impeccable timing."
"I do, don't I?"
"You're not making this easy, mage." Fenris took a moment, and when he spoke again, his voice was gentle, and sincere.
"Thank you, Anders."
As they headed back in the direction of Kirkwall, Fenris prayed to the Maker that Hawke had stayed put. He would never forgive himself if her or the baby came to harm. Hold on, Hawke, he thought to himself. I'll be there soon.