CHAPTER ELEVEN
Nathaniel had a restless night's sleep. Part of it was the endless nightmares that plagued every Grey Warden. The other part was more personal. He was very concerned about Alexa and her determination not to take the assassination plot against her seriously. He knew these people; these nobles who were anything but. They were vengeful, spiteful people that would stop at nothing to get what they wanted. And right now they wanted Alexa dead. Well, if she wouldn't do anything about it, then it was up to him to take action. At the moment, though, he had nothing to go on. He would need to hope that Ser Tamra would deliver those intercepted letters as promised. The best he could do was stay by Alexa's side and defend her in the event of an attack.
Nathaniel dressed in his armor and prepared to journey out. They were going to the Wending Woods to deal with the trade crisis. He knew Alexa would rather go search for Kristoff, but the economy of the Arling was hanging heavy on everyone's mind. It was a toss-up as to which was more important to deal with first, the darkspawn or trade. Both were vital to the well-being of the land. Alexa had dispatched soldiers and newly recruited Grey Wardens to defend the farms, so the task of restoring trade fell to her.
Anders and Oghren had just woken up as Nathaniel strapped his bow across his back. He did not wish to start his morning listening to them bicker. He would hear enough of that on the road. They had just started needling each other when Nathaniel reached the barracks door to leave. He closed the door behind him then went to the courtyard to wait for Alexa.
Nathaniel exited The Vigil and saw Alexa was already in the courtyard. She was stroking the nose of her horse. Nathaniel watched her. It was during private moments, when she was unaware that she was being observed that Alexa looked most natural and relaxed. She always held herself proudly, but there was no pretension in her posture; no stiffness from the rigors of command. She looked like the Alexa he remembered; the Alexa he had fallen in love with so long ago.
Anders and Oghren joined Nathaniel, making quite a lot of noise as they did so. Their talking caught Alexa's attention. She gazed in their direction, her eyes glancing over them then resting on Nathaniel. Her demeanor did not change, but she held Nathaniel's eyes. For a moment, his breath caught in his throat. He thought she might say something or give him a smile, but she was distracted by the kitten that seemed to appear from nowhere, rubbing against her legs. Alexa looked down to see the orange and white tabby. She smiled and reached down to pick-up the kitten. Anders and Oghren brushed by Nathaniel with Anders slapping him on the back. Nathaniel watched as they walked towards Alexa and then joined them.
"What do you have there?" Anders asked Alexa.
"A kitten; I don't know where it came from."
Anders approached her and stroked the kitten's head. Immediately upon his touch, the kitten began to purr. "I had a cat when I was in The Circle. He was a good mouser."
"He seems to like you," Alexa said.
"I've always had a way with animals," he said, scratching the kitten's ears. His purring grew louder.
"I'm more of a dog person myself," Alexa commented. "Why don't you take him?"
"Me?"
"Yes. I would be worried that such a little kitten would get lost around here. Besides it still needs to be taken care of for a little while longer until it grows some more."
"Well…I…" Anders began as Alexa handed the kitten to him. Anders held the kitten against his chest which began kneading his robes. He smiled down at the animal. "I suppose I could make room for you in my pack. You're small enough."
"You'll need to name him," Alexa said.
Anders lifted the kitten and looked into its face. "I'll call you…Ser Pounce-a-lot."
"What?" Nathaniel said, not believing his ears. "Ser…Pounce-a-lot?"
Anders looked at him defiantly, "Yes. Do you have a problem with that?"
"Not at all," Alexa stepped in. "He's your cat. Name him whatever you wish. But now we must saddle-up and head towards the Wending Woods. The sooner we can solve the merchants' problem the faster we can turn our attention to finding Kristoff."
Anders removed his pack and made room for Ser Pounce-a-lot who immediately snuggled into the warm environment and went to sleep. Ander placed his pack in its place and climbed onto his horse, then helped Oghren into the saddle. Once everyone was ready, they headed out of The Vigil and on the road to the Wending Woods.
The journey was uneventful Alexa was quiet for most of the trip. She would speak when spoken to and occasionally issue an order, but the silence was mostly filled with Anders and Oghren's banter. After a couple of days' travel, the group entered the Wending Woods. Just at its entrance was a burned-out caravan; the bodies of its occupants strewn along the ground. Nathaniel jumped off his horse and inspected the wreckage.
"This doesn't look like darkspawn. Look at the blast pattern. A mage was involved in this attack."
"Bandits?" Alexa asked.
"Maybe. But whoever it is, they were thorough and vindictive. I don't see any weapons from the caravan occupants."
"Perhaps they took them with, as salvage."
"That is possible."
"Let's continue on," Alexa said.
They traveled farther into the woods and came across a few other burned-out caravans. They continued moving along the path when suddenly a man came running towards them. He had darted from a grove of trees. When he turned and saw Alexa and her Grey Wardens, he screamed and fell to his knees in front of them.
"Please…please don't hurt me. I…I need to get out of here!"
"Who are you? Why are you running?" Alexa asked him.
"Me? I'm no one; just a refugee. I couldn't get into Amaranthine. They're still not letting anyone into the city on the orders of Bann Esmerelle. I thought…I thought I'd try to get to Denerim. They said…they said the woods was full of evil and I shouldn't travel this way. They were right."
"Evil? Are there darkspawn about?" Alexa inquired.
"Darkspawn, yes, but that's not the half of it. There's this Dalish elf; a mage; she's killing every human she sees."
"Dalish? That doesn't make sense."
"I know what I saw. The darkspawn attacked a Dalish camp; killed almost everyone. They took a few female elves with them. That scared me, so I started to run. I came across a merchant caravan who was willing to give me a ride to Denerim. But we was attacked. This crazy Dalish mage blasted at us with her staff. She called the trees and animals of the woods to attack us. I barely made it out alive. I'm going to go back to Amaranthine. At least I can sit outside the city walls and be safe."
"Are there more darkspawn ahead? Where's this Dalish mage?"
"I don't know and I don't care. Please just let me pass."
Alexa gazed at the man. He was too terrified to invent such a story. "They way behind us is clear. Do not make me regret letting you go."
"Oh, thank you, my lady. May Andraste herself bless you." The man bowed, then bolted past them, running for his life.
"You believe him?" Nathaniel asked her.
"I do."
"But why would darkspawn attack a Dalish camp? And take away some of the females?"
"I would say that darkspawn are mindless creatures that attack anything in their path. But since meeting darkspawn who talk and seem to be capable of cognizant thought, I'm not sure. But the taking of females…they're needed for breeding."
"Breeding? You mean…" Nathaniel said aghast.
"They're called Broodmothers. Females are…changed…so they can…propagate…the darkspawn population."
"Changed?"
"Yes. I don't know exactly how, but I have seen the results. It is one reason why I know there are far worse things than death," Alexa responded quietly. "Let's find these darkspawn and this Dalish mage. Then perhaps we can resolve the trade problem and get back to finding Kristoff."
Alexa and the others traveled farther into the woods. Just as they were about to cross a bridge over a small river, several lightning bolts hit the ground near them. They looked up to see a female Dalish mage brandishing her staff at them.
"Come no closer, shem or next time my aim will be true," the Dalish mage shouted.
"We're Grey Wardens investigating the attacks on the merchant caravans," Alexa told her.
The mage paused. "I am the one attacking the shems' caravans," she replied defiantly.
"So I've been told," Alexa responded. "Why?"
"The shem kidnapped my sister!"
"I was informed that it was the darkspawn who took your sister," Alexa replied.
"Dark…" she paused as if considering the possibility, then tossing the thought aside. "A convenient lie!" she spat.
"I could throw a fireball at her," Anders said. "Or freeze her."
"No. She has the advantage of position over us. I'd like to avoid a confrontation if possible," she replied. Alexa turned to the elf. "Look, let us ride up there and we can talk. You can show me what evidence…"
"No! Stay away!" she screamed and threw a fireball in their direction. It was aimed to do no damage to them, but did give the elf time to get away.
"Damn. Why isn't anything ever easy," Alexa murmured. She crossed the bridge and followed the uphill path to where the elf had just been standing. As they reached the top of the hill, they saw the remains of a Dalish camp. The group dismounted and examined the scene.
To their left were freshly dug graves with Dalish symbols adorning each. Looking straight ahead there was the remnants of the attack. Nathaniel moved forward and examined a pile of weapons strewn about. Their position looked odd.
"Does this seem staged to you?" he called back to Alexa. She moved to join him.
"If there was a fight, then the weapons would be all over. And if this was an ambush, the weapons wouldn't have been left behind at all."
"Exactly. This looks as if there was a methodical plan. But darkspawn doing this?"
"I wouldn't doubt it. After meeting that talking darkspawn on the roof of The Vigil…" Anders said, shuddering. "He seemed capable of providing strategy and tactics."
"Come on; we need to find that elf and put a stop to her attacks," Alexa commanded. They re-mounted their horses and left the massacre site, continuing along the path.
"Eh, Commander?' Oghren called out.
"Yes?"
"I've been observing that the stone around here is granite; would be good material to use in rebuilding The Vigil."
"Good eyes, Oghren. Once we're finished here I'll have soldiers and craftsmen retrieve the granite for Voldrik's use."
As they looked for any sign of the elf, they were surprised by a group of darkspawn. The leader recognized the symbol on Alexa's armor.
"Grey Wardens! The Architect shall be pleased. Capture them!"
Alexa unsheathed her sword, leaned low over her horse's head and charged straight into the small band of darkspawn, giving out a yell as she did so. Oghren jumped off the horse and ran towards the oncoming fray. Anders took a position far enough back to utilize his full range of magical abilities. Nathaniel watched as Alexa went on the offensive. He cursed and followed her into battle, preparing his bow and aiming it while he rode.
Alexa reached the first darkspawn and was able to cut him down quickly. She turned her horse around to swing at another, her blow just glancing her opponent. She positioned herself to take another swing when she was hit dead on by a lightning bolt. It knocked her from her horse onto the ground. Nathaniel saw Alexa fall.
"Alexa!" he screamed and aimed his bow at the darkspawn emissary that had taken her down. His arrow hit its mark, killing the creature. He rode towards her and jumped from his horse, ready to defend her from any attack.
Oghren saw what had happened and fought his way to Alexa's side. Anders provided cover for him. By the time he reached Alexa, she was on her feet ready to swing at the next attacker. They stood in a semi-circle with their backs to each other in an attempt to ward off any attacks from behind and fought those darkspawn remaining. Anders moved to a spot where his area of effect spells could do the most damage. Fighting furiously at each other's side, the group finally defeated the small band of darkspawn.
Alexa approached the leader who was dying. She wanted to question him about the elves and this Architect. The creature's eyes became slits as she approached.
"Did you attack the elves?" she asked.
The darkspawn grinned, "Yes."
"Why?"
"Knew humans would be blamed. Knew elves would attack humans. Knew Grey Wardens would come."
Alexa knitted her bows together. "Are you saying you did this to bring us here?"
"The Architect…needs Grey Wardens. Their Commander…special treat."
"Did you kidnap female elves? Where are they?"
The darkspawn's grin grew wider; more gruesome. "The mines…" he managed to sputter. He then fumbled for something around his neck. Nathaniel saw him move and drew his bow, ready to attack if the creature lunged at Alexa for a final blow. The darkspawn yanked at the chain around his neck, but the effort was too much for him. His eyes rolled back into his head, his hand falling to his side, scaly fingers opening to reveal a necklace. Alexa retrieved the necklace and studied it. She recognized the Dalish markings on it. It must belong to one of the female Dalish elves taken by the darkspawn. Alexa rose, pocketed the trinket and sheathed her weapon. She then began to walk towards her horse. Nathaniel grabbed her arm, stopping her movement.
"Alexa? Are you okay?" he asked with great concern.
"I'm fine."
"That was quite the blow and tumble you took."
She smiled at him. "I'm indestructible or haven't you realized that by now? Or at least very, very difficult to kill. Let's try to find that elf." Alexa continued towards her horse.
Nathaniel shook his head in admiration and bewilderment. He then followed her.
"Can you track her Nathaniel?" Alexa asked him.
"Perhaps, but with the fighting here and her magic, finding the signs will be difficult."
"I have faith in you," Alexa replied. There was something soft and caring in her voice. This was not the Commander of the Grey speaking, but Alexa Cousland.
Nathaniel felt his insides go all warm at her tone. If they had been alone he would have taken her in his arms and kissed her. Instead, he just nodded and climbed onto his horse. Once they were all in their saddles, Alexa let Nathaniel lead them.
He began to find some signs but wasn't sure if it was the elf or markings they had made in previously passing. He followed the trail which led them back to the Dalish camp. When they entered, they saw the elf kneeling at the grave sites of her fallen people. Alexa gestured for her group to halt. She then slowly dismounted from her horse. The elf didn't move.
"I'm sorry for your loss," Alexa began.
"Keep your sorrow, shem."
"I know it's easy to believe that humans did this, but they didn't. This was a darkspawn attack."
"I heard."
"What?"
"I was near when you questioned that creature. I didn't know darkspawn could talk."
"He had this on him. Do you recognize it?" Alexa asked, holding out the amulet.
The elf turned and saw the necklace. She quickly moved towards Alexa, snatching the amulet from her hand.
"This is my sister Seranni's amulet! I need to find her!"
"If the darkspawn took her, there is most likely not much hope for your sister."
"I need to try. She is the only family I have. I overheard him mention the mines. I'm going to go there and try to find her. I'll go alone, but…there is safety in numbers."
Alexa gazed at her. She didn't like this manipulative elf who had all of the arrogance of Morrigan without any of the charm. "We need to investigate the mines anyway if it is a darkspawn lair. It is our duty to eradicate them. If you wish to join us, that is your decision. I will not stop you. But our goal is the darkspawn, not your sister. If we happen to find a trace of her…"
"Yes, I understand. I'm Velanna, by the way."
"Alexa and this is Nathaniel, Anders and Oghren." Each of them nodded in turn.
"A pleasure," Velanna responded, but they weren't sure she meant it.
"Let's go," Alexa said, "and remember to be ready for anything."
Alexa and her team tied their horses to a nearby tree outside the mine entrance and walked into the cave with Alexa leading the way. Anders was on her right. He leaned in while they walked.
"Do you trust her?" he asked Alexa in a low voice, referring to Velanna.
"No. It's not because she is an elf. I have some close friends that are elves. It's that she is…"
"Untrustworthy," Anders finished for her.
Alexa smiled at the mage. "Yes. So keep an eye on her. If anyone might be able to get the jump on her if she attacks, it will be you."
"You can count on me, Commander," Anders promised.
Nathaniel was walking a little behind Alexa and noticed the very private and intimate conversation between her and Anders. He scowled. The mage seemed to have a very easy relationship with her. They got along well and did not seem to have the tension he believed existed between himself and Alexa. He then looked at their new party member. The elf rubbed him the wrong way; a trait shared with the others. Only Oghren didn't give any indication that Velanna bothered him. But Nathaniel wasn't sure if she was just unpleasant or she was hiding something. He would just watch her for now.
They descended down a rickety staircase into the bowels of the mine. The place appeared to be abandoned. They fanned out and explored the small exterior room. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. They gathered in the center of the room.
"Well, nothing looks to be…" Alexa began. Suddenly there was a loud hissing noise. They looked around searching for the source when above them on a platform appeared a tall, lanky creature. There was a female dwarf with him; a dwarf that had the markings of being possessed with the darkspawn taint.
"My patience has been rewarded. I thought perhaps we would need to visit Vigil's Keep again to see you, but you have found me. Welcome, Warden-Commander." The creature spoke well; its voice clear but with a strange soothing, apologetic tone to it. Its speech was deliberate.
"Who…" Alexa began, but she began to feel dizzy. She looked down and realized they were standing on some sort of poisonous gas trap. The green fumes swirled around them like smoke and before any of them could move, they felt their bodies going down and everything went black