Herald of Destruction

Chapter 11

-Cerridwen-

"I said I was sorry." Percy grumbled as Solas continued to give the group a frustrated look, the bald elf having been rather put out at being left behind. From where he sat nestled in the saddlebags, Hudson the Mabari gave an apologetic yip as well.

"In my defense, my thoughts were rather distracted due to this one running off like a fool." Cassandra gave Percy another irritated glance.

"Princess here's still a teenager, Seeker, and was just acting like one." Varric snickered as Percy made a strange gesture where he raised his middle finger alone at the dwarf.

"How far till we get to the Mage camp?" Percy rubbed his temples as he finished, looking towards Cerridwen for the answer.

"According to the map we should find a creek around the next bend and just need to follow it east." Cerridwen double checked the notes, happy to help her friend, ignoring the bald one's confused glance at Percy not reading the notes for himself.

"Water, I can work with water." Percy perked up at that, the group quickly finding the creek which Percy deliberately walked in, seemingly unhindered by the water resistance. If anything, he seemed more at ease than he had before.

"…Kid, if you can start making sense at any time ya know." Varric called, running a hand down his face while the Pegasus Blackjack seemed to snicker.

"My family's magics were tied to water. It's…comforting." Percy explained partially, having told Cerridwen in confidence that should he be in or near a large enough body of water his powers would work to their proper extent for that period of time.

"Perhaps this mage camp will have something that can help draw out your powers more." Cerridwen offered, Percy perking up in faint hope at that.

-Liliana-

Liliana was pacing back and forth in the War Council room, a dark scowl on her face as she heard the door open "Oh dear," Josie sighed as she entered alongside one of the Qunari Mercenaries who'd taken up helping around her office while his arm healed "that expression never results in good things."

"Sounds like there's a story there." Cullen commented as he entered behind her, "I'm honestly still just getting used to seeing her be serious. Our first impression was that that rather stuck."

"Now who has a story to tell." Josie teased, "But the last time I saw that face she made a member of the Orlesian court run away crying into the night, her dress covered in cheap Ferelden beer and reputation destroyed beyond repair."

"…I don't want to know." Cullen sighed, shaking his head in exasperation.

"I do!" Josie's new Qunari assistant grinned.

"My spies in Orlais have sent word to me. It would seem that the House of Repose has offered to take up Victoire's contract on Perseus' life." Liliana's irritated words killed the amused cheer of her colleagues.

"Sweet Maker damnit all." Cullen pinched the bridge of his nose "Liliana, I know it's your national past-tine, but all this bloody politicking is getting on my nerves. Is there no way to shut those self-important fools up?"

"Hopefully Perseus can find something of use when meeting with this 'Mother Giselle'." Josie offers a calming bit of advice, "And we can also look for any potential allies amongst the Orlesian court. Should we find one who is…amenable, we could gain their aide early on to both navigate the current waters of the court ourselves and to help counter any actions from those who would oppose us."

"A bodyguard for the young Herald wouldn't be a bad idea either." Cullen mused aloud "Don't get me wrong, he's a talented young man, but not only is he still young…" Cullen trailed off, looking for a good way to put his thoughts.

"He's reckless." Liliana answered for him "We've all seen how he throws himself into every fight, focusing entirely on offense. He needs to keep up that streak of skill and luck with every fight, those targeting him just need to get lucky once."

"I'll check for any viable candidates from our forces." Cullen nods, "Adaar, are there any from your company who could be of aide in this?"

"I'd be willing to do it if I wasn't dealing with this." The Qunari frowned, gesturing to the messed-up arm "But I was distinctly the strongest of my group, and in my current state the kid was able to beat me. No, he needs someone better than what I have, or you all would need to wait for me to finish healing and getting my arm strength back."

"I'll put out feelers for a guard and a courtly ally." Josie promised, eyes shining eagerly at the challenge "For now, Liliana's agents in the area can keep an eye on Perseus from the shadows."

-Percy-

"Now, what have we learned?" Cassandra scowled like a scolding parent or older siblings, the rest of the group going through the now raided Mage camp and looting everything that could be looted.

"That grabbing a mage and swinging them like a club isn't the proper way to take down a barrier." Percy sighed, "Using spells and enchanted weapons gets it done more efficiently."

"That's not what I…oh never mind." Cassandra rubbed her temples, "Are you going to do it again?"

"Probably not." Percy shrugged, not even going to try and act like he didn't give into his dumb impulses at times. Especially if he found a mage who managed to truly piss him off.

"Seeker, might I suggest saving the scolding for ruffles to take care of?" Varric snickered, the others having finished looting "I don't believe you're quite cut out for it."

"Very well." The armored woman's tone was clipped "Now that these rebel camps are cleared, we can proceed to find the Horse Master."

"Ain't nobody deserve that title but you boss." Blackjack pipped in, letting out a huff as they exited the cave and returned Hudson to the saddlebags. Patting the Pegasus' flank thankfully, Percy took point along with Cerridwen, the redhead showing him the various pieces she'd found in the mage camp loot. The large farmstead soon enough came into view, the familiar sight of a well kept stable a welcome one.

"I believe we've been noticed." Solas commented as they started approaching the farmstead gate, most eyes admittedly focused on the majestic black Pegasus who was making zero effort in hiding his wings.

"Thank you Captain Obvious." Percy rolled his eyes "Well, if we want their help, we should probably impress them. Care for another flight Cerridwen?" his Avaar friend's eyes lit up at the offer.

"Wait, Perseus don't you-" Cassandra started, after realizing what he meant, before he pulled the redhead up with him and took to the sky, Ceridwen's arms wrapped securely around his torso while Hudson yipped happily. "Come on Blackjack, let's show off." Percy's grin was wild as the Pegasus shot off like a rocket, moving through the air with the grace of an eagle, drawing the gaze of everyone at the farm. Partway through, a young girl ran inside the biggest house at the farm and pulled out a man Percy assumed was Horse Master Dennet, pointing at them in the sky.

"I believe we have their attention, Percy." Cerridwen rested her head on his shoulder as they continued their flight, "Should we not rejoin them on the ground?"

"I guess." Percy sighed, Blackjack already moving to do so "Hey, how much you wanna bet that he'll want to join just for the chance of trying to get some foals out of Blackjack here?"