Chapter 36
Peace in the Dark
He looked upon the object of his affection, with the warmth of one thousand suns. His smile silly, a nervous giggle escaped his lips, Ancestors help him, why was it so hard to speak one's heart.
"You are without a doubt the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. You are beauty and function in one delightful package. Tomorrow we shall enter Kal'Hirol, and then the darkspawn will see what I already know. They shall burn in the fires of our passion. Together we are unstoppable.
Wren glanced up from his reading; the mage rolled his eyes at Faizyl who sat across from the fire from him.
"What are you doing?" the healer asked.
"What does it sound like ser mage," the dwarf said matter of factly, "I am confessing my undying love."
The mage gave the dwarf a confused look.
"You do realize that you are talking to one of your arrows yes?"
The dwarf pulled the shaft to his breast protectively, "Mind what you say," his expression hurt, "this is no ordinary arrow. It is in fact an explosive arrow." The dwarf's smile turned downright merry. "Thanks to Cap'n Justin I shall blow up many darkspawn tomorrow. It will be glorious."
The group had made camp in a small tunnel off of the main deep roads. It was something of a surprise amidst all the darkness; a small, untainted underground stream flowed through the tunnel. It gave the party a chance to clean up for the first time in days, to wash off the darkspawn blood and dirt that had become like a second skin over the last three weeks. It was also one of the few tunnels clear of deep stalkers or tainted spiders, which was a relief.
It had been almost two days since they had last had any contact with the darkspawn. The wardens were a little surprised by this. If the spawn had taken Kal'Hirol, these tunnels should be thick with stragglers, and yet they encountered none.
Wren was not letting the break in the conflict go to waste. He had actually slept peacefully for the first time in weeks. Justin and Leonie were currently on watch. Colo dozed near Merrill, who was eating… as usual.
She glanced up from her meal of hard tack, a curious look shining in the Dalish woman's eyes, "Have you given her a name?"
"Huh?" the dwarf asked.
"Merrill don't encourage him?" Wren sighed.
"I'm merely curious?" the Dalish shrugged.
"Why would I name an arrow?"
""Well, I knew this lovely dwarf in Kirkwall, Varric was his name. He had this beautiful repeating crossbow. He called her Bianca."
Faizyl's brow furrowed, "Why Bianca?" he asked.
"I don't know," the Dalish pouted, "He told me it was personal, which made me even more curious, it was frustrating."
"Well, what do you think I should name this lovely little arrow, my fine magical elven minx?"
"Oh," Merrill blushed at the comment, Wren shook his head, he had been working hard to drive a wedge between the Dalish and her fellow wardens, unfortunately, Colo had gone to the elf while he slept. The big idiot had apologized for doubting his "little sister," Merrill had broken down in tears and accepted his apology without hesitation.
Sometimes sacrifices are needed Flemeth had told him. Perhaps it was nearly time for one.
"We could name her Aveline," Merrill offered, "I knew an Aveline in Kirkwall; she destroyed all who stood in her path. My friend Isabela, she was a pirate by the way, called her a one woman battering ram. I think Aveline would be a fitting name for your arrow."
"Aveline," the dwarf considered the arrow in his hand, a manic grin spreading across his face.
Wren scowled, he did not like being reminded of Bela.
"Would you and Aveline like to be alone?" the healer asked drily.
"I would have to be careful if I did," the dwarf cackled, "Aveline is one lady who brings new meaning to the term blow your mind."
"And on that most disturbing of notes," Wren said rising, "I think I'm going to track down Justin and Leonie. Try not to blow yourself up dwarf, at least not until you can take some of our enemies with you."
"Will do ser mage." The dwarf laughed shooting off a smart salute.
Wren rolled his eyes. Why the captain thought it was a good idea giving the little maniac explosives was beyond him.
Still if the darkspawn were waiting for them at Kal'Hirol they would likely need the fire power.
Whatever was waiting they would be there tomorrow.
IOI
"So…um…how do you like serving with us."
Justin cursed himself, what kind of ridiculous question was that? They stood away from the others at the mouth of the stream. Faizyl suspected that the water was likely fed from the underground river that flowed past Kal'Hirol. If that was the case it was a good sign, if the darkspawn had overthrown the thaig then the waters would likely be corrupted at the source, it was not.
But if the darkspawn had not taken the thaig, then what had happened? Justin had no answers.
He kept watch while Leonie took the free time to get out of her armor and wash up for a bit. Her armor and tunic sat on a rock next to him. He could hear her splashing water on her bare skin, and was doing his best not to stare. Leonie had stripped down to her to hers smalls and an undershirt. He was now her commanding officer now damn it, not some drooling pervert.
Maker give me strength, he thought.
"I appreciate the chance to actually use my skills for once commander," the Orlesian said gratefully, "I would much rather be here then sticking out like a sore thumb in the Empress's court."
Justin chuckled, "Few would probably say they would rather be here than there Leonie."
"Trust me Commander," she said playfully, "Here is far less dangerous than the royal court, and the company is far better no?"
"I'm sure the darkspawn would thank you for that assessment."
"I was not referring to the darkspawn."
Justin swallowed at the tone of the woman's voice.
Was she flirting with him?
A year ago Justin would have reacted entirely different than he was now. Back then, he would have walked up to beautiful warrior, and offered his services in helping her bathe. Help her get all those hard to reach places squeaky clean. Of course he would have to get closer, a lot closer.
Stop it!
This was not the time or the place for such things. He needed to focus on the job in hand.
Who would need to know?
No it was wrong! It was not surprising that she may have become attracted to him over the past few weeks. They had been fighting closely at each other's side, had saved each other's lives several times.
"Leonie?" he asked.
"Yes Justin," she answered in a husky voice.
"Do you sense any darkspawn around us?"
"No." she replied, another splash of water, followed by a contented sigh.
"We should be sensing the Thaig by now shouldn't we? That many spawn in one place…"
No answer, just the sound of light footsteps behind him.
He suddenly felt very nervous, "Leonie?"
"Justin," she said in a slow sultry voice, "look at me."
The warrior turned as she threw her arms around his neck, her golden body blazing in the light of the distant fire. She pressed her mouth hard against his. His brain ceased to function, lost in the sensation of the woman's soft skin.
She broke the kiss breathlessly, "We should not let this lull in the conflict go to waste no? How about you join me in my tent, we could all die tomorrow. Why deny ourselves tonight?"
She kissed him again, fiercer this time. Justin felt all caution leaving him, lost in the first fires of lust.
Leonie would be an excellent lover, and she was right, why should they deny themselves.
Because it would break her heart.
Honey brown eyes rose before him, eyes full of pain and hurt.
Bethany's eyes.
"Stop," he gasped.
"Why," the Orlesian cooed, "we are just getting to the good part."
"I said no!"
He pushed her away from him, holding her firmly by the shoulders.
Her blue eyes were full of hurt.
"I'm sorry," he gasped, trying to will his heart to slow down, the beast clawed furiously in his breast, it would not have stopped, "I can't do this. I'm your commander, it would not be right."
A look of understanding passed over the Orlesian's face.
"It is the mage, yes?"
He thought about denying it. Telling her she was wrong, but he could not. She was a beautiful strong woman who in any other situation he would likely be laying with right now.
But Bethany…he could not do this to her.
He nodded…too overcome by controlling the beast to reply with words.
He expected an explosion, tears, an angry slap to the face, anything. Leonie however had one last surprise for him it seemed.
She freed herself from his grip, gently, and then she kissed him lightly on the cheek.
"She is a very lucky woman," the Orlesian said with a sad smile.
"I doubt that," he groused.
"Do you love her?"
There it was the big question. The one he had been avoiding over the last two months. He only had one answer for it.
You don't have to answer.
"Always,"he whispered, "and forever."
The knowing look on her face said that she had expected as much. She had hoped she was wrong, but…
"Does she know?"
He shook his head, "she deserves far better than I. She…she is worth fifty of me."
"When this is done, go to her. Let her decide for herself."
He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Was she saying he should go for Bethany? After all he had done?
Carver would have your head on a spike.
But he is dead.
Justin sighed, not really sure what to do. It was kind of hard to think with a beautiful naked she-warrior in your arms.
She slipped from him then, gathering up her clothes, "I'm sorry commander," she said apologetically, "that was foolish of me."
"You were looking for a little comfort. There is no shame in that." He replied, trying not to stare too much at her.
"I was not looking for marriage you know," she laughed lightly, "just one night."
"For what it is worth," he sighed, "I'll probably regret this in the morning."
"Oh that I do not doubt," she said in a low sultry voice, "I would have given you one of the greatest nights of your life."
"Beautiful and humble too." He laughed, "What a combination."
"I simply know who I am," she shrugged, "shame you won't have the chance to."
And what a shame it was. He found himself wishing for a very cold lake to soak himself in.
She left him then, pulling on her tunic and leggings. He watched her as she went to wake Colo to begin his watch.
That was very stupid Oslin, very, verrry stupid.
"Do you think I could catch her on the rebound?"
Justin jumped pulling his boarding ax. One of the shadows behind him parted, Wren stepped out of it.
The warden glared at his friend.
"Were you there the entire time?" Justin growled.
"Yes," the mage replied matter of factly.
"No one likes an eavesdropper, you know that right?"
"Not my fault she decided to get naked in front of you." The mage snorted.
Justin shook his head. His friend chuckled, "nice view eh?"
"Very," Justin murmured, touching his lips where she had kissed him only a few minutes ago.
"You did not answer my question," the mage chided, "Do you think she would…"
"No," he answered flatly.
"Pity," Wren shrugged, "Oh well I guess I'll have to find other forms of entertainment, besides watching you make a fool of yourself I mean."
"You should go get some rest," Justin advised, "we may have a fight on our hands tomorrow."
"Of course Captain," Wren bowed theatrically, "I will leave you to your…meditations." He gave his friend the most predatory of smiles.
Justin glared as the healer left; sometimes he wondered why he had never killed Wren, maybe because they were friends, and he would need him tomorrow.
Still the thought of killing the mage had merit.
At least for a moment.
IOI
"There she is, Kal'Hirol."
Justin looked over Faizyl's shoulder, the great dwarven fortress rose before them. Torches burned on its towers. The main gates stood open, no guards or Darkspawn visible.
A most foreboding welcome.
There were no darkspawn here, none close anyway. He sensed nothing.
Then why had this place gone silent.
"Justin looked over the others. They likely wondered the same thing that he did.
"Only one way to find out what is going on," He said drawing his weapons. Slowly he began to move towards the main gates, the others following in his wake.
Colo and Leonie followed close behind him. Despite their very embarrassing interlude the night before, the Orlesian was all business this morning. Her great sword gripped tight in her gauntleted hands. Faizyl had an arrow nocked and ready. Lightning crackled around Merrill as she moved forward. Four different Wrens glided around the group. Even Justin wasn't sure which one was real.
They approached the main courtyard of the fortress. It was empty save for two hulking statues blocking the doors, each ten feet tall, and made of heavy black steel.
"Faizyl," Justin asked the dwarf, "Are these golems?"
""Never seen golems like this before," the dwarf said nodding, "The head design is all wrong, Golems either have faces of men or heavy dwarven war helmets. These look like… I don't know, human war helmets?"
"Templar helmets," Wren snarled.
"Mythal protect us," Merrill said in a quavering voice.
Justin's stomach fell, Maker no! This better not be what I think it is.
The two golem's eyes flared to life, an angry red glow that flicked brightly, giving the two titans almost an insane gleam.
"Easy there," Faizyl said to the pair, he looked past them trying to see where the dwarf controlling the two titans were, "Easy there lads," he called out, "We're friendly, Grey Wardens here seeing if you are all alright."
The golems rose to their fall height. They seemed to glare down on the small party.
"Get back Faizyl," Justin cautioned, "steady boys and girls…steady."
The golems almost seemed to be smirking, which was hard to believe since they had no visible mouth. They advanced with a kind of swagger that suggested that they were used to power, and more than used to crushing others with it.
The iron portcullis behind the wardens came down with a heavy clang trapping them inside. The party formed a defensive square, ready for trouble.
It was only then that the golems spoke. Their voices cold and tinny, their words chilled Justin to the bone. The last two words that he had wanted to hear from the two behemoths.
"Hail Delance!"
"Fuck!" Justin growled.
At least he now knew who had seized Kal'Hirol.
Next Chapter: The return of the Anvil of the Void.