New Age
Chapter Eleven: Fools Get Kidnaped
"Greetings, Varric! A message for you," Hawke called as Varric looked up from his paperwork. "I've never seen you so deep in paperwork before. Getting tried of adventures?"
"Hawke, I'm a businessman. Now and then, I shoot people." Varric replied sitting back in his chair, rubbing at the ink stains on his arm. "So who it's from?"
Hawke leaned over and handed him the message, "The Dwarven Merchants' Guild. Galmold gave this invitation to me to hand directly to you, as all his other invitations go . . . missing ."
Varric covered his eyes, "Another Guild meeting."
"What's so bad about that?" Hawke sat in the chair opposite of his desk.
"A Guild meeting is potentially more dangerous than walking into a room full of giant spiders. Each member had his own web of deals, and you best step carefully or you will get caught in them," Varric described.
Hawke winched, "And no weapons allowed?"
"Oh, they're allowed. That's what makes' it so dangerous." Varric reached out and took the message. "Look's like I can't avoid it."
"Sorry, Varric," Hawke replied but gave a sly smile. "If you want, I can set fire to the build, and you can make your escape."
"Ha! I knew there was a reason that I kept you around, Hawke." Varric chuckled. "We'll keep that as plan B."
Hawke stood up and waved, "I'd best be off. Work to do, messages to run. You know how it is." Varric waved back and turned back to his paperwork.
Hawke headed back to the tavern floor, avoiding the drunks and keeping his head low. He was about to duck inside the kitchen when he saw Isabella walk in. She stomped up to the bar and called for a drink. The pirate quickly down the drink, and frowned into the brown liquid. Hawke reached into his belt and pulled out the thick chained amulet.
Fingering it a moment, he strode toward the rouge. She didn't notice Hawke's presence when he stood right next to her, but Corff the Bartender eyed him. Hawke knew better than trying to touch the rouge unaware so he cleared his throat. Isabella turned around searching for the sound, missing Hawke entirely.
"Are you Captain Isabela of the 'Siren Call'?" Hawke asked. Isabela jumped when she heard his voice by her elbow and looked startled at Hawke.
Isabela forced herself to relax as she gave a half smile, saying, "Formerly Captain Isabela seeing as my ship is at the bottom of the sea. May I ask what a sweet laddie is doing here?"
"Such flattery. I'm Hawke, serah" he introduced himself with a half bow. He had learned to be formal during his deliveries made people easier to deal with."I have a delivery for you."
Hawke handed her the amulet. She took it with a curious expression then examined it. Upon seeing the amulet Isabela hands began to tremble, and she clamped her hands behind her back to hide her reaction.
She looked at Hawke sharply, "How did you get this?"
"A dying sailor gave it to me to delivery to you. I also have a message for you." Hawke said. "Green Eye says, 'It was a night never meant to last.'"
Isabela sagged against the bar, catching herself in time, "And you said he was dying. Is he . . . ?"
Hawke nodded sadly, "He died the morning after the storm. He asked to be buried with his lady love."
"The sea. Maker, Green Eyes." Isabela rubbed her eyes but Hawke didn't see any tears. He knew Isabella would mourn in her own way later on. She took a deep gulp of her ale, and swallowed her sorrow.
"I'm sorry." Hawke said, and Isabela turned remembering him. She found sad blue eyes staring at her that seem to look right through her. She was unnerved but dismissed the feeling.
She smiled sweetly down at him, "Thank you, deary. How much do I owe you?"
"You owe us first, Isabela," Lucky appeared and strode up to Isabela, with two armed thugs surrounding her and Hawke.
"Well, Lucky. I'll tell you what. Since the information you gave me was worth nothing," Isabela waved her empty cup at him. "That's what I'll pay you."
"Me and my boys will get our money's worth. Bitch." Lucky snapped, grabbing Isabela's arm trying to stare her down. Isabela rolled her eye's unimpressed.
She mocked him, and in a flash had his head in her hands slamming it into the bar. Hawke stepped out of the way as a grey-haired man grabbed Isabela from behind. Hawke watched her bash the thugs, knowing she could handle herself. So Hawke didn't notice Lucky get up behind him until he had his sword at his throat.
"Don't move Isabela or your boy get's it," Lucky threatened, hand shaking on Hawke shoulder. Isabela stood still, hands reaching for her daggers.
"Drop your weapons. And give me all your money, wench." Lucky demanded, tightening his grip on Hawke shoulder. Isabela eyes were cold and calculating as she watched Lucky making him swallow hard. Isabela took her blades out, holding them in her finger tips, as she dropped them. Hawke sighed dramatically and grabbed his capture's hand. Hawke sent a bolt of lightening up Lucky's arm making his body convulse. Lucky drooped to the floor, twitching as he clutched his arm.
Hawke knelt down next to Lucky's head, and said, "Really Lucky? Taking a child hostage and threatening them. That's low even for you." Hawke patted his cheeks hard to keep him awake.
Then his eyes turned cold, "Try that again and you will find yourself face down in Darktown."
Lucky looked at Hawke in wide eye horror, his breath coming out in ragged gasps. Hawke glanced at the two downed thugs, "Consider this a warning to you all. Now take him and go."
On shacking limbs, his thugs pulled Lucky up and carried him out of the tavern. Each of them nursing their own wounds.
Isabela barked out a laugh and leaned against the bar, "Aren't you full of surprises."
Hawke shrugged and said, "You should have picked a better informant than Lucky."
"Someone like you?" Isabela eyes wrinkled in amusement.
"Nah. I know things but I'm no informant. I'm a messenger. I make deliveries."
"And you delivered Green Eye's necklace to me," Isabela fingered the chain links. "How can I replay you?"
Hawke shook his head and said, "I don't need payment for completing a dying man last wish. I only wish I could have saved him."
"You were there when he died?"
"Yes," Hawke looked away sadly, remembering the sailor's eye's.
"I'm so glad he didn't die alone." Isabela stared into her drink, lost in her own memories. "Thank you, my lad. Thank you for this."
Isabela knelt down and grabbed his shoulders. Startled by the sudden contact, Hawke stiffened then relaxed. She stared deep into his eyes studying him.
"Anything you want I will do it for you, deary. Anything at all." Isabela said seriously.
Hawke gave her a soft smile, "First, you can stop calling me pet names. My name is Hawke. And didn't I say I didn't need a payment."
"I don't like owing people debts." Isabella replied frowning.
"Then you can support my business. Deliveries cost five coopers for packages. Small parcels; three coopers. A silver for an arm load. Two coopers for a letter, and five for verbal messages." Hawke explained ticking off numbers on his fingers. Varric had explained the prices to him, and that with lower rates than the city messengers he would get more business from the lower city.
"A businessman . . . or a business lad." Isabella smirked, which Hawke returned.
"We all need to eat," Hawke replied with a shrug.
"Very well. I need to arrange a duel with a bastard named Hayder. Can you take this letter of challenge to him?" She said as she handed him a folded parchment. "He should be in the Hightown tavern, drinking expensive wine like he could afford it."
"A duel?" Hawke asked taking the parchment.
"I like duels. It's what I do." Isabela said with a chuckle.
"I bet." Hawke replied. "Well, consider it done. Two cooper, please." He held out his hand and Isabella put two silvers in it. Hawke pondered a moment if he was going to say anything. But he decided to accept the gift. He'd buy some pastries for the kids with it.
"I'll be here when you return with his answer." Isabela replied and waving at him. Hawke nodded and pulled up his hood as he ducked into the kitchen then out into the alley.
Hayder was easy to find, he was right where Isabela said he would be. But the high paying noble tavern wasn't about to let him a 'street rat' to pass its entrance was, so he passed the letter to barmaid. He stood outside the back of the tavern with his back to the wall, half hiding in shadows. After nearly twenty minutes past, Hawke was fully bored and was playing with his knife. He blamed his child body for having too much energy but Hawke knew he never had much patience.
"Why does it take so long to write a return message? I know he stupid but is he also illiterate." Hawke thoughts wandered.
Then the bar maid open the side door and called for him. Hawke detached himself from the wall and strode up to her. She looked down her nose at him, with a sneer, but Hawke ignored it and held out his hand.
"They want you inside," she gestured into the tavern.
Hawke's brow frowned, "Why?"
"They wanted to give you a verbal message," she replied and she crossed her arms. "Hands in your pockets. I won't stand for anything being stolen. Do you hear me?"
Hawke had to repress his eye rolled, and merely said, "Yes, serah."
"Good. Now follow me." She strode into the tavern calling. "Hands in your pockets!"
Hawke pulled his hands into his sleeves, and followed meekly. As Hawke passed a table, he used his magic and pulled a polished silver spoon off it using his magic. He hid a smug grin, as the barmaid didn't notice when she glanced back at him. She leads him up stairs to several closed rooms.
She open the third door on the right and called inside. She held it open and pushed Hawke inside before closing it. Hayder sat in a wooden chair facing the door, a wine cup dangled in his fingers. Two armed mercenaries stood at to his left with their face uncovered. Hawke felt his hands twitch with the sense of danger in the room. He kept his hands hidden, ready to use his magic at a moment notice.
"Come here." Hayder commanded watching Hawke with hard eyes. Hawke stepped forward wearily but stopped an arm length away from the former pirate.
"You were the one who delivered this?" Hayder asked gesturing at the letter on the table.
"Yes, serah," Hawke said meekly deciding to play the fool.
"What is your connection to Isabela of the 'Siren's Call'?"
"She a customer. I deliver messages." Hawke replied. "Do you have a return message for me to deliver?"
"That's not what I heard," Hayder leaned forward. "I shouldn't be surprised that whore birthed a child. Though you look nothing like her."
Surprise crossed Hawke expression, then he noticed Lucky sitting battered in the corner furthest from him. Hawke stepped back and began to summon his magic when he felt a pin prick on his neck. Hawke pulled out the needle seeing it coated in a green liquid.
"Poison." Hawke breathed, and felt is legs get shaky. He caught himself against the wall. The two mercenaries approached him and Hawke summoned fire to his hand. But as his vision became blurred, he couldn't focus on a target, and his shot hit the wall.
"Well, I heard from Lucky you had magic. But I didn't believe him." Hayder voice sounds distant to Hawke. Hawke fell to his knees, losing his focus on his magic. The fall to the floor felt long to Hawke.
"You are going to be insurance against Isabela, boy." Hayder explained. "After that you you'll be sold into slavery. That'll be irony for Isabela. A pretty lad like you ..." Hawke couldn't hear anything as darkness consumed him.
Hawke awoke to the pain of his wrist and shoulders. It only took him a moment to realize that he was up right, hands bound over his head. Hawke kept his eyes shut, wanting to go back into blessed unconsciousness. He groaned as his brain bounded against his skull. Voices, too loud for his liking echoed around him.
"That fool of a woman thought she could just kill me and end her debt." Hayder voice echoed the loudest.
Hawke decided that he needed to find out where he was. His neck was stiff but he looked up to see the image of Andraste staring down at him. The row of statues lined up in front of him along the red carpet leading to the entrance. Hawke dangled with his arms above his head, centered in the sun of the chantry flag bellow the dias where everyone could see him.
"And shot me," Hawke realized. "Even with my magic I won't be able to escape for this easily."
Then he noticed four armed guards in the corners of his vision. They were armed rouges with a pair of bows between them leaning against the banister on each side of the chantry. All of them had their faces covered so he couldn't tell if they were the same men as before. One lazily glanced at Hawke while the other stared down at the scene bellow.
"I don't care if it cost us more to get a bunch of street thugs to attack her, I want her dead or at least weakened before she gets her. You don't realize how dangerous she is. Hawke snorted, he realized that Hayder knew his enemy but wasn't smart enough to deal with her.
"But then again, I'm not much better because I got captured by this fool," Hawke thought miserably.
As effects of the drugs began to ease, Hawke took deep breaths in hope of relieving the pain of his head. Even if his hands were free, he couldn't concentrate well enough to use his magic.
Hayder noticed Hawke stirring and turned to him saying, "Good, you're awake. The stage is set. She won't be able to escape this time. She will pay her debt one way or another."
The chantry side door open so gently that nobody but Hawke noticed. A tired and very unhappy Sebastian walks in. He wore his black robes with a strung bow strapped to his back. Sebastian froze when he saw several armed men in the chantry. But his surprise turned to anger when he saw Hawke hung and tied. Hawke was even more surprised than Hayder at his appearance.
"Andraste's flaming ass! Who are you?" Hayder snarled.
Sebastian reached for his bow and said, "That is my question. Who are you and why do you desecrate this holy sanctum with your sins?"
"I have no reason to answer you, chantry bastard. You have interrupted my plan. Put down your weapon." Hayder command echoed loud.
Hayder's archers raised their own bows, and two targeted Sebastian the other two targeted Hawke. Hawke realized that the archer's reaction was planned, and while this wasn't Isabella, it would still work against Sebastian.
"Then why don't you answer me?" Isabela voice was accompanied by her appearance at the chantry entrance. She strode in with an ease stride but Hawke saw her scowl and knew she hid her rage. Aveline stood at her side, face hard and stormy with outrage.
"Isabela, about time you got here."
"I was slowed by those thugs you hired to kill me. But that wasn't really your plan now was it," Isabela said hands on her hips. She gave dismissive hand gesture at Hayder. "Impressive set up. But you really should do your research better if you want to threaten me."
"Don't act like you don't care about this brat," Hayder gestured with his hand and an arrow struck the wall just left of Hawke. Hawke flinched as the impact scattered pieces of stone at him but didn't utter a sound. Isabela and Aveline stilled their movements and watched wearily.
"He's a brave lad, hasn't made a noise since he woke up. Waiting for his mommy to save him. " Hayder mocked with a chuckle. "Now, where's the relic?"
"I lost it." Isabela replied flatly. "Castillon's just going to have to do without."
Hayder gestured with his hands disbelief, "Lost it? Just like you 'lost' a ship full of valuable cargo."
"They weren't cargo, Hayder, they were people."
"Those slaves were worth a hundred sovereigns a head, and you just let them scurry off into the Wilds." Hayder shook his head in disbelieve. "And now the Relic gone, too. Castillon won't be happy to hear that. Neither is your lad."
Hawke flinched at his tone and tired wiggling his hands to get a barrier set up. Hayder drew his sword, pointing at Hawke, "Either you find that Relic or your brat gets used as a pin cushion."
Isabela tilted her body to the side, "Really, Hayder you should learn who your threatening." She threw her dagger head over head past Hayder striking the rope holding Hawke up. Hawke had readied himself when he saw Isabela coil tight, but he still had to keep his balance when he hit the ground. He jumped to the side expecting arrows coming at him. When they didn't, Hawke looked up to find the archers being attacked by Anders and Varric. They had snuck in while Isabela distracted Hayder.
Hayder snarled and drew his great sword. Aveline charged forward with her shield raised to meet his attack. Sebastian had raised his own bow to strike at the archers backside Hawke wrestled with the binding to his wrist, when he felt killing intent at his back. Hawke used the oldest and easiest spell he knew that didn't need his focus to complete. His mind blast knocked the assassin back against the staircase.
The binds on Hawke wrists broke, and Hawke turned snarling at the assassin. His head ached and hampered his control on his magic. The fire in his hands burned and grew uncontrolled along his arms. Hawke could see the assassin eyes widen, as Hawke pointed a finger at him, fires reflecting in his eyes. It was a moment of stillness as Hawke directed his magic toward the elf assassin. Hawke knew he would watch this elf die while staring into his dark eyes.
A cry of pain distracted Hawke and he turned to see Aveline being overwhelmed by Hayder heavy attacks. Hawke directed his fire blast at Hayder back. Hayder screamed in pain as the fire consumed his back, his armor becoming hot enough to burn him. Aveline steadied her stance and continued her attack.
Hawke heard the scraping of steel and had enough notice to raise his barrier. The assassins' blade slides across the magical barrier, and the assassin jumped back before Hawke could counter. Hawke and the assassin studied each other, as Hawke reached into his belt to grab his broken staff. He raised it in front of him to blast fire at the assassin. Trapped in the staircase the assassin had no but to jump back wards onto the landing, where Hawke had laid an ice rune. As soon as the assassin touched the rune ice crawled up his body until his neck.
The threat neutralized for the moment Hawke directed a stone fist at an archer with had dropped his bow and was using a knife to attack Varric. The attacker was knocked down and Varric but a bolt in his head. Varric nodded his thanks and directed his attack to Hayder.
The former pirate was the last man standing and was being beaten by the combined attacks of the companions. Isabela manages to get behind him and cut his head off with a quick slice. Hayder body fell bleeding to the ground, and stained the chantry carpet. Hawke sagged to the ground with relief, clutched his head which still throbbed.
Anders reached him first took Hawke's head and looked into his eyes, "Where does it hurt?"
Hawke weakly pushed Anders hands away, saying, "Just a headache, Anders. I was drugged, and I'm still getting over the effects."
"Drugged! And you still used your magic. Hawke that extremely dangerous. What if your magic went out of control? You could have hurt yourself." Anders scolded.
"It was fine, Anders. I had my staff for focus." Hawke replied, waving his broken staff head. Anders rolled his eyes, but didn't argue.
"I don't think anything about this was fine, Hawke." Varric stated with a frown. "How did you get yourself drugged?"
Hawke shrugged, "By being a fool. I went alone into his room to get a verbal message to deliver to Isabela. Got hit by a poison needle from behind."
"You should have known better, Hawke," Varric scolded and Hawke nodded sadly.
"What I want to know is why you kidnaped in the first place?" Aveline turned to confront Isabela. "What is the relic?"
Isabela looked uncertain and replied, "I don't know what it is, except that its ancient and worth my weight in gold. Castillon has me chasing it down as payment for freeing his slaves."
"So why bring Hawke into this?" Anders snapped.
Hawke stilled Anders with a hand on his arm, "I was just suppose to be delivering a challenge for a duel for Isabela. Nothing more, nothing less. Except Lucky informed him about how Isabela defended me in the Hanged Man. Hayder thought to use me against Isabela. Though I don't know why he thought, I was her son."
"Lucky, wait till I get on him. He's not going to be able to find his balls afterwards." Isabela threatens with a smirk.
"Not unless I find him first." Aveline smacked her fist.
"Ladies, allow me to find him for you," Varric offered but Hawke could see a cold glint in his eye.
"Who's Lucky? I want a shot at him." Anders asked.
Hawke held up his hands, "Hold on. I told him I come after him if he tried anything. He's mine."
"No!" the adults shouted at him. Hawke crossed his arms in a stubborn act most of them recognized.
"Then it's a competition who can get to Lucky first." Varric said with a smirk. "Then we'll see how lucky he really is."
Sebastian's chuckle drew the attention of the group to him, "I don't know who this Lucky person is but he will get justice for endangering a child. May the Maker guide your hands. " Sebastian prayer made most of the group share a uncertain glance.
Hawke when over to Sebastian and held out his hand, "I thank you, brother for your aid in this matter. My name is Hawke."
"Sebastian Vael." He said taking Hawke hand with a smile adults gave child when they did something grown up.
"But I am sorry it interrupted your vigil." Hawke said.
Sebastian dropped his hand startled, "How did you know about that?"
Hawke gestured at his clothes, "Your morning someone. A death that happened recently. The shadows under your eyes show several sleepless nights. So not a prayer for the dead because that lasts only one night. You are carrying a bow which shows your contemplating a decision. Most likely if you should go after the killer and break your vows."
Sebastian eyes widen and his hand twitched to his bow. Isabela also looked uncomfortable, as she watched the young boy. Anders smiled knowing the remembering his first reaction to Hawke. Aveline was still watching Isabela and her actions.
Varric chuckled, "Hawke slow down, your scaring the poor normal people."
Hawke looked up into Sebastian eyes, "Sorry, I just wanted to offer my aid in payment for your help tonight. I'd be willing to kill them for you."
Sebastian stepped back even more shocked at what Hawke was offering, "What no! I could never ask that of a child."
Hawke repressed a sigh, and bowed his head, "Well, I wouldn't go after them personally. I know a couple of warriors that could easily deal with them. But anyway think about it. In the mean time you have my services for free."
"Services?" Sebastian questions.
"I'm a messenger. Have a delivery any where in the city and I do it." Hawke watched Sebastian relax.
"Now, Isabela. About that relic I'll help you find it." Hawke returned his attention to the pirate.
Caught of guard by the sudden return to topic, Isabela blinked, "What?"
"The relic. I'll help you retrieve it. I don't want this Castillon coming after when he comes for you." Hawke repeated.
"I'm not letting anyone come after you." Aveline stated firmly.
"Who's this Castillon?" Anders asked with concern.
"He's a powerful merchant based in Antiva. I believe he has ties to the Felishima Armada."
"Worst kind of merchant then," Varric said dryly.
"I still want to keep him away from Kirkwall. So the sooner we find the relic the better," Hawke said as he thought. "The sooner I can get the Qunari out of Kirkwall the better."
"I still don't know where it is but you'll be the first to know if I hear anything," Isabela promised.
Hawke nodded and waved to them, "You can find me in the Bazar. I'm off." He strode toward the door, Aveline and Anders at his heels.
"Hawke, I'm taking you into protective custody if I hear anything about this Castillon coming to the city," Aveline promised.
"Aveline the Pit is perfectly safe. I'll be fine." Hawke tried to reassure her.
"I'm still escorting you back. No arguments."
Anders interrupted Hawke as he said, "He's coming back to the clinic so I can watch him for side effects of the drug used on him. No arguments."
Hawke threw up his hands in surrender and when willingly with his friends. Varric chuckled loudly and followed at their heels. Those left behind watched in amusement and bewilderment. Sebastian bowed and went back to the prayer room. His thoughts even more confused than before.
Isabela's own words echoed in her head, "You don't know who your threatening. Neither do I."