Sorry about the delay! January is the Bane of my Existance - Thank the Maker it is nearly over! ;-)
The greatest of all thanks to voltagelisa - who not only helps make sense of my madness, but reminds me every day what true friendship is!
Thanks to everyone who has read and favorited this story!
A special welcome to my newest readers: , heavenXscent, and Deliciously Weird - I cannot tell you how much your support means!
To the awesome "We Hate Howe Club" and my repeat reviewers: voltagelisa, Lavinia Luscious, zevgirl, Miltonia,
CCBug, sandradee27, Nithu, Nanicane, WitchWeaver, tgail73, KayraCousland, and Eriana10: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for being my inspiration!
As the sun rose on the party camp, the companions began stirring, dismantling the tents and preparing for the voyage to Haven. Alistair and Sten were hunting in the woods for meat, as Sten had insisted the Templar accompany him.
"You are too soft for a Grey Warden," Sten announced as they met outside their tents. "If you hope to defeat the Archdemon, you must be stronger! I venture the female Warden could take you easily in a fight."
"Why, Sten, I do believe that was a compliment," Morrigan drawled as she walked toward them, heading to the stream to gather water. "And directed at a woman, no less! I think Zeva may actually fall over unconscious when she hears this!" Chuckling softly, she continued on her way, the two men staring uncomfortably after her.
"I'm not sure I like this 'friendlier, happier' Morrigan," Alistair said quietly, glancing sidelong at his Qunari companion. "It makes me wonder what innocent creature she sacrificed this morning to put her in such a good mood."
Nodding his head, Sten grabbed his weapon and headed from camp. "There is great wisdom in those words," he replied.
Zevran finished packing their equipment into Bodahn's cart and moved to the fire, helping Leliana and Wynne work on breakfast. "So, which of us has the honor of waking the Warden Commander and Zeva?" he asked, his stomach listing at the thought of having to see the two of them together.
"None of us will be waking them up, Zevran," the bard replied happily, stirring the pot of porridge she was preparing. "They will arrive when they are ready, and no one is to interfere with that. Do I make myself clear?"
"Well, aren't you the brash and confident one this morning?" Morrigan sneered, approaching with the pot of water and herbs for their morning tea. "You really think you have accomplished something wonderful, don't you? Joining Zeva with that imbecilic man?"
Zevran suppressed the smile that threatened to spread across his face. Though he may not always agree with the witch's choice of words, he could not doubt her good judgment.
Barely stopping for a breath, Morrigan continued. "Let me tell you something," she spat, glaring at Leliana. "You have no idea what you have really done, as you know nothing of what it truly means to become a Grey Warden. Zeva will only find heartbreak by giving herself to Duncan, and who will be there to help her recover? You? Naïve girl, you will come to regret this; believe me." With a last hateful glare at the shaken bard, she turned and stalked away.
Zevran gazed after Morrigan, her words racing through his head. This was not the first time she had mentioned Zeva experiencing pain and heartbreak from being associated with the Warden Commander. Though the others may disregard her comments, he could see something wrong in her eyes. The witch obviously knew something more than what she was willing to say, and he had every intention of discovering the truth. If there was anything that could be done to protect Zeva from the fate that Morrigan spoke of, he would see to it personally.
o~~~~~~~~o
Zeva was roused from her deep sleep by the touch of warm hands travelling up her back, massaging her muscles. "Ummm…" she purred, crossing her arms above her head and resting her chin on them. "I think I could get used to waking up like this."
Chuckling softly, Duncan began kissing his way up Zeva's spine, until at last he reached her neck. Brushing her hair aside, he nibbled on her shoulder, her soft moans filling his ears and setting his blood ablaze.
Sliding his arm around her waist, Duncan reached between Zeva's legs, parting her lips and teasing her with his fingertips. Shivers flowed through his body as she spread her thighs, giving him greater access to her moist sex.
Her passion rising, Zeva threw her head back, resting it against her beloved's chest. "Please… I need you…" she cried, rocking her hips against his throbbing erection.
Grasping Zeva by the waist, Duncan pulled her up onto her hands and knees. He positioned himself at her opening, thrusting into her roughly; growling as he felt her warm walls grip him, pulling him deep within her.
Slowly he moved, leaning over her back and slipping his arm around her, once more stroking her swollen nub. As he felt his lover begin to shiver beneath him, crying out in ecstasy, his thrusts became more frantic; the heat in his loins spreading throughout his entire body, threatening to consume him whole.
"Oh… Zeva!" he roared, pulling her tight against him and filling her with his release. Breathlessly, the couple fell onto the bedroll, a tangle of arms and legs.
When at last he could move, Duncan pulled the covers over them, snuggling against Zeva's back. "You know," he heard her whisper, "we are going to have to return to the others soon. We do have a mission to continue; though I would much rather stay in this bed with you forever."
Laughing softly, Duncan kissed her on the top of her head. "Yes, I know," he replied. "Reality comes all too soon. But for now, let's pretend that there is no one else in this entire forest but the two of us."
"I love the way you think," Zeva said, rolling over to face him and bringing her lips to his. "Well, since there isn't anyone else around, I don't see any reason we should keep quiet, do you?"
"Maker, woman! You are trying to kill me, aren't you?" he laughed huskily, pulling her beneath him and capturing her mouth, kissing her with renewed passion.
o~~~~~~~~o
Teagan entered Fergus' room, smiling softly in greeting when he saw First Enchanter Irving at the Teyrn's bedside.
"Good morning, First Enchanter," Teagan said softly, moving close to the bed and gazing down at the unconscious form lying in it. "How is he?"
"As well as can be expected, Bann Teagan," Irving said, shaking his head sadly. "He has been through a terrible ordeal, judging from the injuries which cover his body. I made a thorough examination of him last night and found both new and old wounds. Furthermore, I can detect lingering traces of magic around him."
"Magic?" Teagan asked worriedly. "Has something been done to him?"
Irving placed a steadying hand on the Bann's shoulder, smiling at him. "Nothing untoward," he said softly. "It appears that he has been under the care of a healer, and a powerful one, at that."
"What makes you say so?" he asked, staring at Irving curiously.
"I have been First Enchanter of the Circle of Magi for many years now," the mage explained. "In that role, I have seen many of the strongest mages that Fereldan has to offer. Never, in all that time, have I felt residual traces like this. I would venture to say that Teyrn Cousland's injuries were originally far worse than the scars indicate, and a powerful individual saved his life."
"Where have you been, my friend?" Teagan murmured, pulling a nearby chair next to the bed and sitting down.
The elderly mage sat next to him, sighing heavily. "It is a shame that Warden Zeva missed her brother's arrival," he commented quietly. "I know how concerned she has been for him."
Teagan's heart clenched painfully as he remembered his inexcusable behavior the night before Zeva left; particularly with regards to Fergus. He had replayed the events of the evening in his mind a thousand times since her departure, at least the parts he could remember. So much of it was foggy, the ale having distorted his recollections.
He remembered watching Zeva throughout dinner, and the pain he felt as he witnessed her interactions with both Duncan and the assassin. He clearly recalled the crass statement he made which resulted in the stabbing retort from the woman he loved.
His last clear memory was of the fight with the Warden Commander, which ended with his broken nose and the heated reference he made to Fergus. The events following the altercation were muddled, at best. He knew that Morrigan had come to his room, healing his injuries and reprimanding him for his actions. He was also nearly positive that they had spoken about Zeva's missing brother, though he assumed it was part of her censure of his behavior.
Looking at Fergus now, he prayed that his friend would recover quickly; for himself as well as the Teyrn. Though he knew it was selfish, he was sure Zeva would be far more receptive to his apologies if he had helped save her brother's life. And once Fergus learned of his sister's relationship with the Warden Commander, Teagan was hopeful that he would step in and convince her of the foolishness of her choice.
Returning his attention to Irving, Teagan nodded and spoke quietly. "Yes, she has been quite concerned," he stated. "Zeva and Fergus have always been extremely close. I know she will be forever grateful to you for helping him to recover." And, hopefully, grateful to me, as well, he thought, smiling softly to himself.
o~~~~~~~~o
"Good morning, everyone!" Zeva called happily as she and Duncan entered the main campsite, carrying several bundled packages, which they deposited into Bodahn's cart.
"Afternoon, you mean," Morrigan replied, looking up from Flemeth's Grimoire and frowning at the joyous couple. "I had begun to believe 'twould be necessary to send a search party into the woods soon, just to make sure you yet lived."
"Your concern is touching, Morrigan," Duncan stated sardonically. "I would be more apt to believe you would send wild wolves, hoping they would catch us at an inopportune moment and rip our throats out."
"Hmph!" Morrigan snorted, rising from her seat and approaching Zeva, her gaze locked with the Warden Commander's. "In your case, that idea is quite appealing. However, I would never put Zeva in such danger; unlike some individuals, who cannot seem to keep their mouths shut among strangers!"
Zeva held her hands up, silencing both companions. "Please!" she pleaded, smiling softly and shifting her gaze between the feuding pair. "Can we stop all the infighting? We have had such a difficult time so far and the road ahead of us will only grow more dangerous. I really do not wish to have the added tension; particularly among those I care about."
Much to everyone's surprise, Morrigan was the first to acquiesce; nodding slowly and placing her hand on Zeva's arm, smiling gently at her. "If it is your desire, Zeva," she began, "I will make every effort not to turn the idiot man into a toad. However, and I wish to be clear on this point, I will not accept another failure like the one in Denerim; not without serious repercussions."
The Warden's shoulders visibly relaxed, and she returned her friend's smile gratefully. Turning to Duncan, she raised an eyebrow expectantly.
"You are right, of course, my love," Duncan agreed, seeing the witch flinch at his term of endearment. "I will put aside my personal feelings for the time being, as our mission must come first. However, I maintain the same stipulation. If, at any time, I find reason to believe that you have placed Zeva or any of our other companions in danger, you will answer to me, witch."
"Funny… I don't feel much better after this conversation," Zeva said, crossing her arms and staring sternly at them both. "I still have things to pack, so I will leave you two here. Please try not to dismember each other before I return." Turning quickly, she walked toward the entrance into the forest.
"I certainly cannot have you carrying all those heavy packages yourself, my darling Warden," Zevran said, standing up from the fire and falling into step next to her. "Though, should you pull a muscle, I have some massage techniques that would curl your lovely toes…" he trailed off, laughing at the feigned look of irritation Zeva gave him.
Morrigan snickered at the look on Duncan's face as the pair left their sight. "I think you would be wise to worry less about me and more about our handsome elven assassin, Warden Commander," she commented snidely, returning to her seat by the fire and once again opening the black Grimoire, carefully reading each passage. "I think he is not one to give up easily," she added quietly, grinning to herself as she saw the red flush creeping up Duncan's neck.
Walking to the campfire, Duncan nodded toward Leliana and Wynne in greeting. "She is truly a horrid woman, isn't she?" Leliana asked, staring pointedly at Morrigan. "Sometimes she makes me so angry, I wish I could punch that smirk off of her face!"
"Though I may not have your physical prowess, my dear," Wynne added, "I do find myself wondering what it would feel like to light her hair on fire."
"Well, I shall be sure not to make you ladies angry," Duncan said, smiling warmly at the women. "Is there anything else that needs to be done before we leave?"
"No, Ser!" Leliana exclaimed, smiling broadly. "I put Sten, Zevran and Alistair to work right after breakfast packing up the camp so that you and Zeva would not be disturbed. And, if I may be so bold, was your night everything that we planned?"
Duncan could see the hope in the bard's eyes, and he had to laugh. "Yes, Leliana, it was perfect," he said softly, "and I cannot thank you enough for all of your help. You kept me centered on what is truly important in my life, and I will be forever grateful."
"Now," he added, his expression darkening, "if I could only be rid of that damned Antivan…."
"That isn't likely, Warden Commander," Zevran said quietly as he stepped toward the group, his eyes flashing dangerously. Zeva had continued into the camp, putting the last of her bags into Bodahn's cart. "Zeva may be extremely forgiving when it comes to you, but I will not forget the sight of her being carried unconscious through the forest by Howe's men. Tread carefully, Duncan, for I will never be far from her."
Zeva returned to the fireside and Zevran's expression immediately lightened, a cheerful smile spreading across his lips. His eyes, which were still locked with Duncan's, were the only indication of the anger he was holding in check. "Did I miss something?" Zeva asked, looking curiously at her companions.
"Not at all, Zeva," Leliana said, jumping up and sliding her arm through the Warden's. "We were just preparing to leave." Calling the companions together, Duncan led the group northwest, in the direction of the mysterious Haven.
o~~~~~~~~o
The journey was long and arduous, as the weather grew colder and the snow began to fall around the party. The campsites were often quite small, the group huddling together to maintain warmth. The supplies they had procured in Redcliffe were invaluable; there were plenty of animal furs and cloaks to keep each companion protected from the elements.
Duncan and Zeva needed no additional warmth, as their nights were spent wrapped tightly together, reveling in their newfound intimacy. They always positioned their tent well away from the others, as their lovemaking was never quiet in nature. On more than one occasion, Morrigan was heard to complain at breakfast about her lack of sleep. Zeva would smile innocently and suggest that she might wish to try warm milk and honey before going to bed, as the concoction had always helped her sleep when she was a child. Though the witch would glare evilly at the laughing Warden, Zeva could see a faint smile behind her eyes.
Alistair stayed close to Wynne and Leliana, barely speaking to Zeva during their travels. After all they had been through together, his distance was upsetting to her. When they were just a day's journey from Haven, she approached him, hoping to discover a cause for the change.
"Hey, handsome!" Zeva said, walking up to Alistair and sliding her arm through his. She noted the way he flinched at her touch and drew away, gazing down at her feet. "I am sorry, Alistair. I didn't mean to bother you…" she began, turning away from him.
"Zeva, wait," he said and grabbed her hand, pulling her back to him. "I am sorry; I shouldn't be acting this way, especially after everything you have done for Arl Eamon and his family. You saved both his wife and son, when it would have been far easier not to, and I wanted to thank you for that."
"It's not done, Alistair," Zeva said cheerfully, smiling up at him. "There is still Eamon to save, but we will succeed there, as well. I am sure of it."
The Templar's chest tightened painfully as he gazed down at her. In the short time they had been together, Alistair had developed feelings for Zeva, and it had come as a complete shock when she and Duncan had reunited so passionately at Castle Redcliffe. He hadn't wished to interfere with their relationship, so he had pulled away from her, in an effort to ease his own suffering. Now he knew that wouldn't work; she was his friend, and he couldn't refuse her anything, even if it meant he would be forced to love her from afar.
"Thank you, Zeva," he said softly, "for everything."
"Now," she began, "would you care to tell me has been bothering you? Why have you been so distant, Ali? Did I do something?"
Blushing slightly, Alistair glanced away, unsure of what to say. "I know you have been occupied lately, and I didn't want to intrude," he said quietly.
"Oh," Zeva murmured, his meaning suddenly clear. "I am so sorry, Alistair! It never even occurred to me how surprising my relationship with Duncan would be; especially since we had never mentioned it before."
"Um.." the Templar began nervously, "how long have you and Duncan been together, if you don't mind me asking?"
"To be truthful, Alistair," Zeva explained quietly, "we only just admitted our true feelings. Though I have cared for him since the first day he came to Redcliffe."
Glancing down at Zeva, Alistair widened his eyes. "So, when Loghain betrayed us at Ostagar…." he trailed off, realizing the pain she must have endured.
Placing her hand in his, Zeva squeezed softly. "Yes, Ali, I understood your pain at losing him only too well," she whispered, fighting the tears which threatened to fall from her eyes.
"I wish I had known," he said gently. "You were so wonderful with me; and all the while, you were in as much pain as I was. Possibly even more."
"Well, there is no reason to dwell on the past anymore," Zeva said, smiling warmly at the Templar. "We are all together again, and nothing will pull us apart!" Hugging Alistair tightly, Zeva turned and walked back to Duncan's side.
That night, the party camped at the base of the mountain leading to Haven. Alistair sat next to the fire, speaking softly with Leliana, when he saw Duncan approaching his and Zeva's tent. Excusing himself, he approached the Warden Commander, calling his name.
"Yes, Alistair?" Duncan asked, turning toward him with a smile on his face. "What do you need?"
"I just have one question for you, Duncan," he began, glancing around to make sure no one else could hear. "Zeva is so happy, and she has such an optimistic view of her future. I look into her eyes and I see the hope there; hope that will die when she learns the truth. Have you even bothered to tell her about the Calling?"
Duncan's smile vanished, replaced by a stern glare. "No, I haven't told her about the Calling, Alistair," he answered, his voice cold. "We have been through so very much already. I will tell her when the time is right, I promise; but there are so many things that could happen before the Blight is defeated, and I want her to have some happiness. Please do not take that away from either of us."
Alistair stared at his mentor for several minutes before he spoke. "Fine," he agreed, his expression serious. "I will keep quiet for now, but don't think that you can withhold this information from her forever. She deserves to know the truth, and I will see that she gets it."
"Thank you," Duncan said softly, placing his hand on Alistair's arm and squeezing gently before walking back to his tent and slipping inside. Alistair returned to the campfire, silently cursing himself for keeping such an important piece of information from his closest friend.
Neither man saw the figure step from the darkness, his amber eyes glittering lethally. The Calling? Zevran thought angrily. So this is what the witch was speaking of! It was obviously something which would bring Zeva great pain; and Zevran Arainai would kill or die before allowing her to be harmed again, by anyone!
o~~~~~~~~o
The group entered Haven at sunrise. They were met at the town's gates by the most unfriendly guard Zeva had ever had the 'pleasure' of meeting. He claimed to have no knowledge of Brother Genitivi, and insisted that they remove themselves from Haven without delay.
"We have come quite a way, Ser," Duncan said graciously. "Would it be possible for us to replenish our supplies before we leave?"
"Fine," the guard replied angrily. "You may visit the town merchant, but that is all. Revered Father Eirik is ministering to the villagers right now and he would not want you to interrupt the service.
"Revered Father?" Leliana asked, stepping to the front of the party. "I have never heard of this before."
"Haven has always had a Revered Father, and we never question tradition," the guard replied, staring maliciously at the bard.
Zeva pushed past the man, heading further into town. "Well, thank you for your 'gracious aid'," she spat. "Now, if you will excuse us, we have things to do."
"She is quite divine, isn't she?" Zevran said, smiling mischievously at Duncan before following Zeva down the dusty path to the store.
As soon as they were out of sight of the guard, Zeva pulled Zevran toward the nearest house. "There is something wrong with this place, Zev," she said quietly, "and I want to know what it is."
"As always, my dear, our minds are perfectly in tune," he replied, moving onto the porch of the home and checking the front door; finding it locked. Bending down, the elf removed his lock picking tools from his leathers and used them swiftly, opening the door and pulling Zeva inside, shutting it behind them.
Turning to scan the interior, Zeva gasped, grabbing the assassin's hand and pulling him toward the far wall, drawing her dagger from its scabbard behind her back.
"My darling Zeva," Zevran said, staring at the bloody altar before them, "remember when I told you at the Circle Tower that I wished to pick our next destination? I trust you will listen to me this time."
"What in the…" Duncan exclaimed, stepping into the house and spotting the altar. "Is that human blood?"
"I would not be surprised," Morrigan replied, moving closer to the grisly scene. "Something evil hovers over this place. I could feel it as soon as we arrived."
"Well, if anyone would recognize evil, you would," Leliana remarked, searching the room for any information that may help them. "Duncan, come and look at this," she called, lifting a book from a nearby shelf and offering it to him.
"Dragon cults," the Warden Commander remarked, flipping through the first few pages. Turning toward Zeva, he held the book up. "Leliana and I found similar literature in Brother Genitivi's home, in the belongings of the Weylon impostor. I would venture that the Brother stumbled onto something much more dangerous than he ever imagined he would when he entered Haven. We should be on our guard."
Snorting irritably, Sten pulled the sword from his back and headed toward the door. "I will not cower before butchers," he declared. "I will find the guard and make him talk."
"Sten…" Duncan began, but Zeva put a hand on his arm to silence him.
"I agree with him," she stated bluntly, gazing steadily at the Qunari. "We know Brother Genitivi came here and we know these people are hiding something. I say we find out exactly what the big secret is."
"Wise decision, Warden," Sten said, inclining his head toward her in agreement. "Let us be off, then. The darkspawn are getting further away the longer we remain here." Opening the door, the warrior started to walk out when an arrow flew past his head, barely missing his right ear.
"Morrigan, Blizzard!" Zeva yelled, brandishing her weapons and dashing through the door, Zevran and Duncan at her heels. Outside they found more than a dozen villagers, all armed with primitive farm instruments, their eyes blazing with hatred.
Running toward the nearest archer, Zevran used his duel blades to cleanly sever the man's arm, removing his head right behind it.
"I see no reason to waste such a spell on these cretins," Morrigan exclaimed, shifting into her Spider form and launching herself onto the Dragon cultists, paralyzing them so Nihlus could end their lives with a quick snap of his jaws.
Leliana and Wynne stayed upon the porch; the former using her bow to cover her companions as they engaged the enemy, and the latter healing the party as needed.
The rest of the group spread out amongst the villagers, using swords and shields to diminish their numbers. The battle was quickly over; the cultists being no match for the Wardens and their allies.
Duncan quickly divided the party into teams and they searched the nearby buildings, finding no remaining stragglers. Zeva and Wynne searched the village store, collecting any useful items. In the back of the building, they discovered the corpse of a Redcliffe Knight and Zeva shook her head sadly at the sight.
"These were good men, Wynne," she said, leaning down and covering their faces with nearby blankets. "They did not deserve this, and when I get my hands on Revered Father Eirik, he will regret his choices, I assure you."
"I agree, Zeva," Wynne said softly. "There is no reasonable explanation for any of this."
As they moved toward the exit, Zeva spotted a locked chest and picked it, smiling broadly at the item she found inside. Perfect! she thought, reaching within the container and claiming her prize. He will be thrilled!
The duo exited the store, meeting their fellows in the center of the village square. Alistair and Sten had taken a layout of the area and were reporting to Duncan.
"…dead end," Alistair finished, pointing toward the pathway to the right of the store. "However, the incline to the left seems to lead to the chantry that the guard mentioned earlier. We moved close enough to hear voices inside, and then returned."
"That is our destination, then," Duncan replied, turning toward Zeva as she and Wynne arrived. "What did you find in the store?" he asked, smiling warmly at her.
"Corpses," she said, her eyes darkening in anger. "Some of the Redcliffe Knights obviously came looking for Brother Genitivi and were murdered by these monsters. So, I would like to reach the chantry as soon as possible, if we could, as I find myself quite anxious to meet the Revered Father and introduce him to the end of my blade."
"Of course," Duncan said, placing a hand on her arm. "Let's be off."
They approached the Haven Chantry carefully, Zeva, Duncan and Alistair in the lead. Inside, they could clearly hear a strong, male voice, instructing his flock as to their importance in protecting the most blessed and holy of all deities.
Zeva glanced at Duncan and, upon receiving a nod from the Commander, opened the door to the chantry and moved inside, her weapons drawn.
The Revered Father was standing near the altar, surrounded by a dozen villagers and several heavily armed guards. He continued his sermon as the party entered, seemingly unaware of their presence. Zeva, unwilling to be ignored, brushed past the villagers and stood before the older man, Duncan at her side.
"Ahh, you must be the visitors I have been told about," the Revered Father said, glancing between the two Wardens. "I trust you are enjoying your trip to Haven so far."
"I cannot say I enjoyed finding the murdered bodies of Redcliffe Knights hidden in the back room of your village store," Zeva spat, her anger rising. "Neither did I enjoy the rather gruesome sacrificial altar you have arranged in one of your homes. Your people are murderers and I will see you pay for your crimes. "
"You see?" the Revered Father exclaimed, addressing his followers. "This is what happens when strangers are allowed to wander free in our honored village. Fear not, Brothers and Sisters, they will not be allowed to spread their lies about us. All who are faithful to Her will be raised to Her side when She comes in glory to make the world whole again!"
With this declaration, the Revered Father raised his staff, casting protection spells on his congregation. The guards drew their swords and attacked, their attention focused on Duncan and Zeva; a decision which ultimately proved fatal for them, as the Wardens' companions were left virtually unchallenged, able to move freely around the room, selecting their targets carefully.
Morrigan stretched out her arms, transforming into a Flying Swarm. Screams erupted from the cultists as the cloud of insects descended upon them, stinging all who were within range. So frightened were the villagers by her display, they barely noticed the approach of Alistair and Sten, until it was far too late to stop the duo. In mere moments, the cultists lay dead on the ground, and the Templar and Qunari turned their attention to the guards who were protecting Eirik.
"You always show me such a wonderful time, my dear Warden," Zevran called happily as he decapitated the guard in front of him, his back pressed against Zeva's. The two rogues had been steadily progressing toward the Revered Father, who had moved to the back of the Chantry, placing his guards before him.
"Of course I do! I would hate for you to get bored with me," the Warden replied, activating Punisher, stabbing the guard blocking her path three times; twice in the legs, the final critical blow entering his neck, ending his life.
Duncan reached Eirik first, his way cleared by his companions. The mage, sensing that he had been defeated, tried to rush past the Warden Commander, only to be cut down with a quick slice of his blades. The last of the cultists fell quickly with the death of their leader, and the room was soon bathed in silence.
"Tear this place apart," Zeva commanded, moving through an open doorway into an adjacent office. "There has to be evidence of Brother Genitivi somewhere." The companions spread out, checking the area for any sign of the missing scholar.
"Zeva, I have found something," Leliana called and the Warden rushed to her side. She was examining a brick wall next to the altar. Feeling over the surface with their hands, the women located a hidden switch and the wall opened up, revealing a library behind it.
On the floor lay an injured man, nursing a badly damaged leg. Zeva approached him cautiously, smiling as the stranger looked up and met her gaze.
"So, Eirik sent you to finish me, did he?" the man said, his voice weak.
Kneeling at his side, Zeva shook her head. "Are you Brother Genitivi?" she asked softly, helping him to sit up. "My name is Zeva Cousland, and I am here to help you."
Releasing a sigh of relief, the man smiled, nodding his head. "Bless you! I am Brother Genitivi, and I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to see someone who isn't part of this madness," he declared. "I have been held here for the longest time, and as you can see, I am not faring well. My leg is badly injured, and I can no longer feel my foot."
"Wynne," Zeva called, moving aside for the mage, "could you please see if you can help the Brother?"
Kneeling onto the floor, Wynne carefully examined Genitivi, her hands glowing brightly as she ran them over the muscles near his foot. "I have stabilized the leg, but you will need quite a lot of rest before you can even consider putting pressure on it."
"I cannot rest, not now," Genitivi said, shaking his head emphatically. "I have never been this close to the Urn and I cannot simply stop, even for the sake of my own health."
"We are seeking the Urn, as well," Zeva said, gazing down at him. "I need the ashes to cure Arl Eamon Guerrin, who has fallen ill to the effects of a poison for which we have no cure."
"Then our goals are the same, I see," Genitivi replied. "Haven sits at the base of the mountain that holds the Urn. There is an ancient temple at the top where the Ashes reside. The door is always locked, but Eirik wears a medallion around his neck that acts as a key. If you can get it to me, I can unlock it for you."
Duncan stepped forward, handing Genitivi a small metal medallion. "Is this the item of which you speak?" he asked. "I found it when I searched the Revered Father's body.
"Yes!" the scholar cried, gazing in awe at the object in his hands. "Let us head there immediately, and I will show you how to enter."
"Should you be travelling with us, Brother?" Zeva asked, concern evident on her face. "You are seriously injured, and I worry that you may harm yourself further if you join us."
"If you can help me to the temple, I will be fine," he replied, smiling at her. "I cannot fight, but I was never much of a warrior before my injuries."
Nodding, Zeva turned to her companions. "Sten," she called, looking toward the Qunari, "would you please carry Brother Genitivi to the temple? I do not wish more harm to befall him."
"Yes, Warden," Sten said quietly, moving forward and lifting the scholar easily from the floor. "Anything to move this faster. We need to resume our search for the Archdemon."
Maker, he has a one-track mind, Zeva thought, shaking her head.
Sten led the party up the mountainside, following the directions that Brother Genitivi gave him. At last they reached the door to the temple, and the Qunari carefully placed the scholar on his feet, helping him to balance so he would not have to put pressure on his damaged foot.
Examining the medallion, Genitivi manipulated the metal pieces, bending the petals inward and placing it into a niche in the stone door. As he turned it, the party heard a series of clicks and the door opened inward, revealing a darkened corridor.
"I have waiting so long for this moment," Genitivi said, his voice barely a whisper. "I can hardly believe it is finally here."
"Well, come on, then," Zeva said, motioning for Sten to lift the dazed scholar. "We should not delay."
They stepped through the door, eyes widening as they entered a massive cavern; snow laying thick on the ground and walls. The party gazed around, marveling at the once opulent scene which stretched out before them…