Vendicor: Indeed.

Jarjaxle: The House of Repose was interesting because a group of cordial assassins was always very interesting for me.

METALHELLSPWN: I'm glad you enjoyed it! Its good that I am able to write some more anxiety/suspense.

ENJOY!

Chapter

Two days in…no sign of James.

The carriage driver did his best, I could see how the dark shadows were under his eyes. When he was supposed to sleep, he often took watch over Josephine and ensured her safety inside. Despite both our urging, he pushed on.

The first night had passed easily and so did the second. We switched when we needed to, continuing to run this carriage until we got into safer territory.

That changed on the morning of the third day, it was a hope that we could meet James by now, a hope that was fading as the sun continued to climb. We had reached a point where we were approaching the Emerald Graves when Cedric stopped the carriage, as I stepped out I saw he was working on removing the harnesses from the horses. As I walked up, I noticed how the horses were shivering and the layer of sweat on them.

"Are they alright?" I asked.

Cedric shook his head, "Three days without sleep, if we push them further then we're gonna be walking the rest of the way to Skyhold."

While he spoke, I noticed how his hands were slipping along the harness connected to the horses.

"Here, let me-"

As I began to reach over, Cedric pushed my hand aside, "Grab the food bags on the back, and a brush. We just need three hours."

Pulling my hands back, I nodded before going to the back of the carriage.

I had already discarded by noble attire, wearing nothing but the pants and a simple short sleeved shirt. I ensured to give the top to Josephine to use as a pillow for rest and not get filth on it.

Grabbing the bags, I walked towards the horses, who had been freed as I set the bags down. The horses beginning to eat quickly before moving to the river.

Cedric, setting down the harnesses had leaned against the carriage with a soft groan. Taking that moment, I gently set a hand on his shoulder, "Look. Sleep, I can take over."

Cedric shrugged my hand off, "No, I can-"

"-sleep inside of the carriage."

I set my hands on his shoulders, "You need sleep, we're stopping to care for the horses, I can take watch for the duration. Sleep, ok?"

Cedric shifted slightly before slowly nodding, walking towards the carriage while Josephine stepped out.

"Is everything alright?"

I nodded, "We make camp for the next few hours to rest the horses. Then a final move to Skyhold."

Josephine nodded, before glancing around.

River behind us and further on was an open grassland, before us was a set of growing trees that made up a looming forest. A place that seemed…open to an ambush.

As the afternoon sun hung above us, I allowed Josephine to rest and drink water. She had to be getting hot in her dress.

The horses meanwhile were living life; after they ate, they ran along the water and shook their manes before settling down in the grass. Heads down and most likely asleep.

Leaving me on watch with my paranoia.

As the horses rested, I just went to the other side of the carriage and kept walking back and forth.

Constantly.

After ten minutes I was familiar with the sound of the river behind me.

Thirty minutes had me counting how many steps I took before I turned around and walked back, continually scanning the trees.

After another thirty, I moved to a point. Stopped. Scanned the forest for several minutes before walking to the next point, repeating, and then walking back.

An hour went and I was then playing with my magic, having small bolts of lightning jolting from one hand to the other. Then to having a massive snowflake spinning in my hand.

Hmmmm…

With a gesture, the snowflake exploded into multiple smaller snowflakes.

I will keep that on the back burner.

Another fifteen minutes, I brought it back up.

I explored with snow, lightning, and fire. Using smaller scales to turn the focal element into several smaller pieces, currently I had done eight.

As the end of the third hour approached, I had already gotten the feed bags put back onto the carriage. Getting the horses, I started to fasten them back to their harnesses before checking on Josephine and Cedric.

Both were resting in the carriage, Cedric using my overshirt as a pillow while Josephine rested her head against the window.

Sighing softly, I tapped on the carriage until Josephine's eyes opened. Cedric was still dead tired, and so he didn't notice, as the ambassador looked at me I softly said, "We're off. Just wake him up when we enter the forest."

Josephine nodded.

Climbing up, I took the reins in hand and clicked them, sending us back on the road.

Tree's swiftly began to overtake everything until the afternoon sun shined down through layers of leaves and branches. Illuminating the path forward and a sight that no matter what, I always fell in love with it.

Living in a crowded population, pollution was something that always affected my home. The only thing I really saw was the moon and the faint blinking stars against a smoggy night sky. Now?

I could see the moon, the stars, and most shapes and aurora's that drifted in space. The likes of which no one has seen in too long.

As my mind drifted to how long it had been since I left my home, I shook my head and focused again.

According to the map, we would have another hour or so until we reached the main camp in the Emerald Graves. As the horses nickered, the sun began to fade as moonlight took its place, the carriage lanterns giving a soft glow along the mossy ground, as we went through the well-traveled road.

At least until we came to the crossroads.

As the horses whined loudly, I jerked the reins to get them to stop.

At the foot of the crossroads was a set of torches, illuminating the paths ahead. What caught my attention was that up ahead was a sign directing us to where we needed to go, that was planted right above a scarecrow.

This scarecrow was wearing Inquisition armor.

Stopping the carriage, I listened carefully.

I listened for traveling animals, or the rustle of branches as birds landed.

There was nothing but the crackle of torches.

I slammed my fist on the carriage roof twice, there was rustling movement form inside before Cedric climbed out, eyes staring out ahead.

"Ser?"

"Up ahead."

Cedric climbed up next to me, still holding the reins, I slowly moved the horses forward to get a better look.

The armor had faint traces of blood along the green cloth that wound around the person's neck, the listless body of James was hanging there for us to see.

I heard Cedric swallow loudly, "The…The body looks fresh, about a day old."

I gripped the reins tighter, "Cedric, which direction to the camp?"

Cedric gestured to the left, "About a twenty-minute journey…if we go slow."

I cracked my neck, taking the reins I brought them down, "YA!"

With a loud whine, the horses took off down the road at a dead sprint. Cracking the reins again, I then handed them over to Cedric who took them with ease.

As I looked behind us, I noticed how several black horses were already after us.

Ok let's just be careful now…

Settling my hands down on the roof, I slowly pushed myself up and moved until I was standing on the cart.

Stamping my foot, I shouted "Josephine, stay down!" before allowing ice to settle around my boots, keeping me locked onto the top of the carriage.

The horses held three people, all in black and brown leather armor. Two lifting what resembled bows with the strings pulled, crossing my arms I allowed the arrows to bounce harmlessly across the Barrier, however it was at that time that two more horses appeared at either side of the carriage.

Shit!

Looking both ways, I watched as they got closer to the carriage door with a hand outstretched.

"HOLD ON SER!"

With a sudden jerk, I crouched against the wooden roof as an arrow flew over, the carriage swerved right and caused that assassin to pull back. Thrusting out my palm, I shot a blast of ice towards the left assassin and knocked him off the horse; turning to the right side, I attempted to launch another ice blast when two arrows clattered against the rear of the cart. Throwing up another Barrier behind us, I attempted to throw another ice blast at the assassin to the right, who simply slowed down slightly. Launching another ice blast, the assassin ducked aside before leaning out of his saddle only to sit back up and throw a knife; conjuring another Barrier, I lost focus on the other and it shattered as two more arrows crashed into it. The third assassin rushing forwards on his horse, perfectly balancing himself as he then launched himself towards the back of the carriage.

As his gloved hands landed on the carriage, I shot a stream of ice at him. Rather than freeze him, he simply pulled himself up and drew two knives.

"CEDRIC TURN!"

The carriage swerved again, the assassin losing balance and tumbling to the right and once again catching himself on the side.

Right by the door.

Josephine screamed.

Gritting my teeth, I broke the ice around my feet before laying along the roof and punching at what I could see. With a grunt, my fist impacted a leather cap as the assassin swiped wildly at me with his dagger, which I managed to grab before trying to burn him.

As fire curled around his wrist, he dropped his knife. Only to grab my wrist and pull, using the carriage to brace his feet and land on the carriage roof. Taking another knife form his belt, he pressed his knee against my right hand before raising the blade up.

As the assassin drove the knife down, my free hand quickly snapped a Barrier over my body. Once. Twice.

"HOLD ON!"

I snap my head to see Cedric beginning another turn, I looked back at the assassin to see how he lifted the dagger, now aiming for Cedric's exposed back. Cocking my fist, I swiftly drove it between the man's legs.

There was brief croak come from his mouth, using that I grabbed his leather armor and pulled, using my boot to launch him over my head and off the carriage.

In the process, I ended up going ass over tea kettle. Rolling off the carriage, my hands scrambling against the polished oak.

A loud crunch as something impacted wood behind me.

A hand grabbed mine.

Gripping the lifeline, I dangled against the carriage with my feet brushing across the ground before I grabbed the frame of the door, locking eyes with Josephine, her hand clutching mine.

"You alright?"

As I was about to speak, I hear the clanking of metal.

Looking back, I saw several metal chains connected to the rear wheels of the carriage.

Chains going taunt.

Slamming my palms against the door, I managed to freeze the side of the carriage shut before the sound of crunching wood filled my ears and I went airborne.

Soaring through the air, splintered wood flying throu-

Glass from shattered windows flew as I covered my face. Screaming in fear as I curled up into a ball. Seatbelt tightening across my tummy.

Chestnut hair flew as the left side of the ca-

FOCUS!

Thrusting out my palms, a massive pile of snow formed ahead of us, large and thick. My body crashed into it, slowing my impact as I went through both sides, the air pushing out of my lungs as I went rolling across the grass and dirt.

The horses were whining loudly.

I ended up on my stomach as another groan filled the air. Wheezing in pain, I slowly pushed myself up.

The horses had managed to keep going, carrying nothing but the original harnesses they were in.

The carriage had almost turn into woodchips, the main body was resting on its side and being primarily held together by ice.

Cedric had landed nearby, he also managed to survive thanks to my rushed snow pile. Shaking the snow from his armor, he moved to help me up, "Are you alright ser?"

"I'll live," I rasped.

Cedric nodded before he turned and started moving towards the carriage with a limp in his leg. With my chest burning, I followed.

We both watched as the door pushed open, with a faint sound of "Help…"

Between us, Cedric was faster as he climbed up and quickly helped Josephine up. Blood was trickling down her temple as she clung onto Cedric tightly, we both helped her down to the ground as she slumped against me.

"Where's the camp?" I asked, feeling the bruises beginning to form.

Cedric made two quick glances, "From here, ten minutes."

I nodded, "Come-"

"No. Take her."

Cedric drew his sword as I blinked stupidly.

"What?"

Cedric took several steps back, "They're still after us, only a matter of time. I can buy you more of it."

I blinked several more times, "No. No we can-"

We heard horses whine in the distance, coming from the path behind us.

Cedric drew his sword, "Go ser!"

Before I could say a word, he hurried off, still limping in pain.

Biting back the curse, I bent down and lifted Josephine off her feet. Holding her in a bridal carry as I hurried down the road, my lungs quickly burning as I continued to run.

Josephine groaned softly, "Max-"

"We're gonna make it."

Josephine nodded slightly, "We will?"

"Yes!"

Thank the Maker for Cassandra's training.

Doing my best to shut it out, I started sprinting. Josephine curling against my body, her breathing was shaky and I noticed how her eyes fluttered and seemed to look about hazily.

"Hey!" I said. "Bitch!"

Josephine sluggishly focused on me, "Inquisitor-"

"You need to stay awake, got it Josephine?"

Come on…

"I will…not tolerate that language Inquisitior," she stated. Bringing her hand up to lightly smack my chest.

"Refresh my memory for me, says who and why not?"

Josephine blinked a few more times, "It is..umbecoming…undercombing…unbecomting…I'm very tired…"

"Just stay awake, ok Lady Montilyet?" I ask. "Stay awake!"

"But…I want to sleep…"

Come on come on come on!

The trees loomed higher.

How long was I running?

"You have to stay awake until we get you to the camp," I exclaim.

"Ah…why? What happened to the carriage?"

"It broke…remember?"

I was starting to pant, slowing down my pace.

Come on WE HAD TO BE THERE!

Horses neighed behind.

SHIT SHIT SHIT!

Gritting my teeth, I poured more energy in as I ran. My breath coming out in harsh gasps as Josephine continued to ramble.

"Ah…broke…was it the trees again? Did the Red Jenny's make the birds attack?"

I shook my head.

The racing of horses got closer.

COME ON!

Sweat trailed down my face, along my back.

I could see faint torches in the distance.

I heard the sharp whine of horses as the hoofbeats stopped.

YES!

Keeping my pace, we quickly approached the torches, and I recognized the familiar eye of the Inquisition. Several guards were positioned nearby, when their eyes landed on me, they raced forward and drew weapons.

"Ser! Lady Josephine!"

One guard took her from my arms while the other started to pat me down, trying to pull me into the camp. Pushing them back, I suck in several deep breathes.

"Take the Lady to the nearest tent and officer. Do NOT let her out of sight."

The guard paused, before taking Josephine and racing into the camp, the other looked at me.

"Orders?"

"Grab five more soldiers now," I stated. "Cedric bought us time, we might be able to rescue him."

The guard nodded, going to the gate and shouting, "LION SQUAD! FRONT GATE NOW!"

I could hear the camp beginning to bustle as a group of five soldiers approached, all armored up. Nodding, I drew the sword from my belt and lead them back down the path.

After a quick jog, which still had me panting heavily, we had managed to get back to the broken carriage. The ice by now had melted, leaving nothing but wooden rubble, further down the road were two figures.

An assassin, in pitch black armor. A cloak hanging around their shoulders, a belt of daggers went across their chest as a sword hung from their hands. With a sword laying on the ground and a severed hand connected to it, Cedric was curled on the ground, right hand curled into his chest as blood leaked onto the forest floor.

"Inquisitor," a feminine voice spoke as the assassin bowed respectfully, a black leather mask with eyeholes greeted my gaze.

I glared back, as I took a step forward the assassin held a blade towards Cedric's throat.

"Let him go."

The assassin spun the blade ever so slightly, "Ah…not so fast…there is something that needs to be said."

My hand tightened on the leather wrapped hilt.

"While this is strictly business, I will not lie that I am somewhat hurt by you…three of my men dead. I like to stay on equal footing."

I scowled, "Two men went missing in Val Royeaux, another left for the crows…currently you seem to have a hand ahead of me."

The assassin cocked her head, "This man had a hand in the death of my allies, why should I not take him as compensation?"

"You hunted us over three days," I replied. "This man proceeding to not sleep and push to help us escape."

The assassin didn't move, "There is a debt to be paid, Lord Inquisitor. It must and will be paid."

Then I felt…something.

Ever since I first picked up a staff, I felt a bubbling in the center of my chest, coursing through my veins as I unleashed elemental fury against my enemies.

This time, it felt more…controlled. Disciplined. Energy that want to move, to enforce. I followed my instincts, taking magic that I wanted and pushing it down, through my right hand and into the sword as I lifted it up, pointing it at the assassin.

The blade was gold in the moonlight.

"If there was a debt, it has been paid in full by my men. If you take this life, then I will take every precaution to ensure that you never leave this forest alive."

The assassin cocked her head, "Giving us a chance at Lady Josephine."

I took a step forward, "If you do manage to kill the Lady Montilyet, I will make this forest your tomb, leaving your corpses for the carrion to devour."

The assassin stilled, the sword having drawn a small stream of blood from Cedric's neck.

I did not move. Glaring daggers into the two eyeholes for the mask.

The forest rustled.

Armor shifted behind me.

The assassin slowly, almost painstakingly pulled her sword away. Returning it to her belt, she bowed before turning and walking into the forest with hardly a sound.

After a few moments, I took slow steps towards Cedric. My troops following until we were in reach, then two soldiers started treating him while the other three and I made a protective circle around him. As they lifted him up, we all started back together, Cedric still in the center while we returned to the main camp. I saw Josephine being tended to in the same tent while Cedric was laid down on a makeshift cot, as I quietly sat in the corner on some boxes, I looked down at the sword in my hands.

The only thing there was a silver hilt, and the symbol of Andraste embossed in the center.

Read, Have a Great Day and God Bless

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