Chapter Forty-Five

Haven

Liam and Rulen had become a very dedicated force in keeping me safe. Liam found out that Rulen knew as we walked and the two had taken up some sort of brotherhood. Liam was a warrior and Rulen as a paladin meant that I was stuck using long distance spells and weapons…

I had already been doing that, but with tall men and broad shoulders in the way, it got a lot more difficult.

As we approached the town, I pulled out my wings – scaled and leathery and crimson.

I would admit to being a bit impressed – Haven was a lot larger than I had originally anticipated. I'd expected Goldshire outside of Stormwind – an inn, a smithy and not much else… this was more like Whiterun – a fully bustling and functioning Nordic city with everything it could ever need to be self-reliant.

I was flying just above the group – I had convinced them it was a good idea, though I actually wasn't sure myself.

The guard at the gate was staring at me slack-jawed.

I landed at the front of the group and fluttered my wings – but I kept them out. I gave the guard a light smile and he coughed, "What are… who are you?"

"You may call me Ebris." I responded softly.

"Ebris… like… no way…" he muttered before looking at me again, "There is nothing for you here."

"Oh? Do you not keep my mother on that mountain, friend? Reborn though she may be, I would still be her daughter." I remarked with a sly grin – I wasn't outright saying anything; let them draw conclusions from my words. I heard Alistair cough and felt Aedans amusement – I hadn't told them what I would be doing.

It helped, I think, that I was not carrying my own bag. But the guard still glared at me and said, "Prove it."

"I could turn into a dragon – as you've seen with my wings…"

Liam shuddered and began moving the rest of the group away – only Rose hadn't seen the form by this point. The guard nodded, "Yeah, sure – you turn into a dragon, and I'll take you to see… our leader."

I shifted – the process taking less than a second. My gleaming crimson scales looked to be dripping with fresh blood as the sun caught them. I noticed many people staring at me from the village. I looked down at the guard who said, "This way, My Lady. And of course, your companions are welcomed."

I shifted back just as I caught sight of a woman running to the chantry… I decided to keep my wings out.

Alistair put his arm around my shoulder before leaning in to kiss my cheek, "How is this faster?" he whispered.

I gave a playful smile, making people thing I was flirting with Alistair, "Because I want them all gathered in one place first – don't you see that all the villagers are following us after my display? Elune says that your maker doesn't approve of these fanatics worshiping a Dragon."

I pulled him in to a quick kiss and he gave me a smile. I could hear some villagers whispering about how affectionate we were.

We got to the Chantry just in time to hear, "We are blessed beyond measure. We are chosen by the Holy and Beloved to be Her guardians. This sacred duty is given to us alone; rejoice my brethren, and prepare your hearts to receive her." Father Eirik looked up and saw us approaching – surprise registered on his face when he saw my wings and that one of his own was leading us.

I was impressed by the fact that the Chantry was large enough to hold everyone from the Village – tough it looked as though all the kids had been told to stay home – I was sure at least one adult was with them.

Eirik spoke again, "I had heard we had a Visitor heading this way. I trust you've been welcomed?"

I gave a serene look, "Your people have been most accommodating, Father."

"I hear your name is Ebris?"

I chuckled, "All this fuss over little ol' me? I'm flattered." Then, in a move so quick that it couldn't have been tracked by the human eye, I cast sunfire – making sure to shield my people.

Only father Eirik was left alive; and only because I intended to question him.

"What is the meaning of this?" he shouted. I smiled coldly, "The maker does not approve of your worship of a false Andraste, Eirik. The Prophetess rests at the Makers' side – and there she will stay. If anyone was to be reborn, it would have been her followers or her daughters – not the ones who didn't deserve it, but the ones who were deemed worthy of the honor. Are you people so stupid as to believe he would send the woman he loved back here?"

Mother Roselle nodded, "That is the stance of the Chantry as well."

Eirik paled, "Who… who are you?"

I lifted an eyebrow as I folded my wings away, "I am a woman from a different world – one who is blessed by a goddess. I suggest you use your breath to pray for forgiveness, Eirik. Tell me, is there anyone watching the Children?"

He flinched – I knew what he was thinking – and sighed as he said, "It was Edward and Richards' turn to…"

"Good – I will not leave children defenseless with no way to survive." The man looked relieved and closed his eyes as I drew my Dread Wolf dagger from my belt and killed him.

I took the strange 'amulet' from around the dead mans' neck and we headed over to the wall. Sten commented, "An interesting strategy, Kadan – infiltrate to round them up and kill them all at once. You used their own beliefs against them."

"Yeah – people will believe almost anything if it aligns with what they already believe."

Sten nodded, "That is something the Qun has learned as well. Though we do not use infiltration much because it is seen as lesser or cowardly. I have never seen it used in such a way however."

Roselle looked a little green at that.

That's when I found the switch to open the wall – I twisted the torch holder 90 degrees to the right and the wall slid open. We approached Genitivi.

The scholar was on the floor, his leg bent at an odd angle. Genitivi was only about 5'9 with balding grey hair, pale skin that looked almost transparent and heterochromia – one eye was brown and the other was green. He spoke in a tired voice, "Who… are you? Have they sent… you to… finish me off?"

He groaned in pain before looking at me closely, "You're… not one of… them… thank the… Maker."

He was panting and it seemed like each word was an effort to say. He was covered in blood and his face was clammy. I chose to be nice and completely healed his wounds with two spells. He looked surprised but thanked me.

"You're Brother Genitivi, right?"

"Yes – thank you for the aid."

"Thank the maker!" Roselle cried; Genitivi looked amused at that, but said nothing to her for the moment.

I nodded, "Sorry to be the one to tell you this – Weylon is dead. A Haven resident killed him and took his place so he could send anyone looking for you to their death."

Genitivi looked sad, "Weylon was a good lad – I'll see to it he's honored as such. But I don't have time to rest now – the urn is just up the mountain."

"Good – Arl Eamon was poisoned so we need a pinch to cure him."

He snorted, "Politics; never did anyone any good. The Arl is a noble soul – the ashes would surely cure him."

I held up the 'amulet' and asked, "Do you know how to work this key? If not, I'll leave you here to rest while we go up the mountain ourselves."

He nodded, "I… do know how. It's ancient Tevinter mechanics." I nodded and motioned to Sten, "Sten, can you carry him or do I need to?"

"I'll do it." Rulen hauled the old priest onto his back.

I was glad I already knew how to get to the temple – both from the third game, and my visions.

"Didn't you heal him – why carry him?" Aedan asked in bewilderment.

"He'll still be sore for a time. Like when you exercise muscles that you haven't before." I explained, "My magic just shifted his bones, knit the flesh and muscle together and made it healthy, but when you walk after days of sitting still, it'll be painful. Magic isn't a cure all, Aedan. Anduin might have been able to completely heal him as a priest that utilizes the Holy Light, but he is a rare talent even then. His faith is so strong, that there isn't much he can't heal."

Aedan nodded in chagrin, "Ah…"

"Even the different Magic here can't heal everything all at once," Wynne used, "I would have been able to set his leg and get the healing process started but not heal him this much."

"Can I ask…?" Genitivi asked.

Rulen began explaining, "High Queen Atarah Stormlight of the Alliance of Azeroth, Queen of the Illidari Demon Hunters, Queen of the Vampires, Duchess of Northshire, daughter of Regent Lord Lor'themar of Quel'Thalas, and Recognized Prophetess of Thedas. Wife of High King Anduin Wrynn of Stormwind, Wife of Knight-Captain Cullen of Kirkwall, and Wife of Crown Prince Alistair Theirin of Ferelden. I am Rulen Lightsreap, Paladin of Dalaran and her bodyguard. This is Prince Liam Greymane of Gilneas and her adopted son. We're from the planet of Azeroth."

Roselle stepped in, "I'm Revered Mother Roselle from the Grand Cathedral, Brother. I am her official liaison. She's proved herself a seer and immune to demons."

Genitivis' jaw worked as he looked between all of us.

We arrived at the temple and Rulen set Genitivi down. He nodded and thanked the paladin.

I watched closely as Genitivi fiddled with the 'key' – it was fairly simple to me and I knew I could recreate similar things… we entered the temple fairly easily after that.

I was amazed to find that, unlike in the game, the Temple was in perfect condition… so far. The Temple looked new, and had a warm feeling that could only be described as coming home. There were many carvings on the walls, and more than just the four passages shown in the game. There was no snow or broken scaffoldings or… it looked like a genuine Temple – and I was sure the Disciples had been doing the upkeep on the Temple since the start.

As we walked – having left Genitivi by the entrance to study the paintings on the walls – I admired the temple. Without realizing what I was doing, I took a side hall. The Library! I froze for a moment before allowing my instincts to guide me – I wasn't even sure why I had come this way.

I searched around, finding the 'Ancient Encrypted Scrolls' knowing exactly what they were – I handed them to Leli for safe-keeping. "But what are they?"

"I plan to give them to the Linguist working at the Denerim Chantry. It's part of a forgotten verse in the Chant of Light."

Roselle gaped, "I'd rather send them to the Cathedral…"

"Only if you are taking them yourself. The mother in Denerim can actually translate them, so it just makes sense to give them to her."

"Oh… that's true, I suppose."

Rulen also snagged a book on my command to send to Nozdormu for translation and such.

Leli placed them reverently in a box before placing them in her bag. We continued on – I had Shale smash the door to the room that held the Key for the main chamber; the noise attracting the attention of the cultists. They were… easily dispatched.

Shale had finally given out her nicknames… mostly. Morrigan the Swamp Witch, Wynne was the Elder Mage, Zevran was the Painted Elf, Leli was the Sister, Sten was the Qunari, the Mabari were both 'Dog' – Shana was Dog 1 and Hero was Dog 2. Daylen was Male Witch, Lyna was the Painted Warden, Alistair was Whiney One, Aedan was given the call sign of Brother – since he was with the Sister – and Sereda was called the Dwarf. Rulen – as stated before – was the Tall Elf. Liam got Dog Man. Anduin got one too – he was Tall Human. Genn – who had shown up for dinner one night – was old wolf man. And I was Strange Elf. Roselle didn't get one for some reason.

Speaking of Shale, it was the first to speak after we left the library, "I heard the Strange Elf knows how Golems are made? I wish to know."

I snorted, "2 Rubies says that you won't believe me."

"… I will take that bet. Now, will it tell me?" I grinned and pulled out the pet rock I had made for her and said, "Of course, Shale. This is for you, though – its name is Onyx…" I was really hoping the golem didn't take offence to the pet 'rock'. It was actually made of a large chunk of Onyx I had found in the Brecillian Forest. I had carved a spot to put two rubies for eyes before painting a white mouth on it.

I noticed the looks everyone was giving me. Shale reached out and took it, bringing it closer to their face to examine it – though it was as big as their hand. "Oooh shiny. I like shiny things."

"I… wasn't sure what to get you – I like giving people gifts and… well…"

"I will accept this. Now, my question…"

"Fine; but don't interrupt until the end. Golems were crafted from either stone or metal by Paragon Caridin on the Anvil of the Void that now resides in Bownammar – a place now known as the City of the Dead – it used to be the Headquarters for the Legion of the Dead; the city has been reclaimed and lost many times. And the Legion still bury their dead there if one falls close enough to the city. Actually, Caridin built Bownammar as well – before he built the Anvil, even. Golems… the first Golem was created in about 225 Ancient – more than 1000 years ago – they were made to combat the Darkspawn that threatened the world during the first blight." I saw the faces around me filled with interest – it wouldn't last.

"But you must understand – only a true god can create new life from nothing… he had to use Dwarven volunteers. The process involves dressing the volunteer in armor the size of the golem, then pouring molten Lyrium through the eye holes, mouth hole, and joints of the armor. Before it cools, the armor is hammered and shaped to perfection – it sounds quite painful, actually. Then magic was used to animate the golems in a process similar to animating a corpse or some such. Enchanted control rods are used to turn the golems into perfectly obedient soldiers, at the cost of their free will. However if a golem lacks a control rod it retains its free will and perhaps its former personality returns as well." Disbelief now colored several faces. Taking away a persons' free will was slavery.

"There was no lack for willing participants in the beginning – the golems were winning – but the wretch of King back then – King Valtor – started forcing criminals, castles and political enemies to the forge. Caridin refused to create any more golems after only six years of continuous production. In response to Caridins… disobedience, King Valtor ordered for Caridin to be turned into a golem – to be as compliant as the rest of them. But Caridins apprentices didn't know how to properly create a control rod, so Caridin kept his own mind and free will and fled with his loyalists and the Anvil into the Deep Roads – to Bownammar, as I said. He hasn't been seen or heard from since."

Shale simply handed me two of their rubies. I laughed.

Leliana giggled, "Tara, you do have a flare for telling stories – even if they are true. The way you told us of your past, the Broodmothers, and now the Golems. You would be a wonderful minstrel or even a bard with your skill."

I rolled my eyes, "What are you buttering me up for?"

"Buttering you up? What does that mean?"

"To flatter someone excessive with the purpose of asking a favor." I smirked. She flushed, "I have been found out, it seems… I was hoping you would sing for us again."

"Since it's not my turn to cook, fine."

Shale shifted, "You say we will meet this Caridin?"

"He was your former commander and you stood beside him in his attempts to hide the Anvil."

"Wait! So Shale is over 1000 years old?!" Aedan exclaimed. I glared at him, "No, they're obviously 10 – with an age problem." Alistair snorted at the sarcasm that dripped from my voice. Even Shale harrumphed at Aedans words – I'd already said that no new golems had been created in that amount of time…

As we sat around the fire, I pulled out my magic speaker and shoved mana into it. The song I chose was We Live – Superchick.

There's a cross on the side of the road

Where a mother lost a son

How could she know that the morning he left

Would be their last time she'd trade with him for a little more time

So she could say she loved him one last time

And hold him tight

But with life we never know

When we're coming up to the end of the road

So what do we do then?

With tragedy around the bend?

We all sat in the silence that followed that song as Liam said, "… You okay, Ma?"

I shook my head with a sigh, "No – I don't think I am. If I had known that I wouldn't see Asthan again… I would have told them sooner, Liam."

"Ma – you can't blame yourself for this. Asthan wouldn't want that and Alstus says as much. You know this."

"I do. I also know that Sylvanas will turn away from the Jailor at some point because I saw it in a vision. But I don't care anymore. She took my son. My baby boy – who isn't even old enough to be considered an adult among the dragons or the elves. He's only like… a teenager. I'm pissed."

"Yeah – I know. I can feel it. And man but I don't envy anyone that antagonizes you at this point. You'll burn them to a crisp without a second thought and call it a night. But Ma… you need to think about what's best for the other one. Your emotions are running rampant." I knew he wasn't talking about Alstus – he was talking about the child in my womb; Duncan.

I bit my lip and sighed, "You're right, of course. I just feel so helpless. Mothers are supposed to protect their kids until they can't anymore. I already failed them so many times with their father…"

"But you can't dwell on that right now. Focus on the tasks at hand, Ma. One thing at a time and try to relax – you know that you need to."

I snipped back, "Then give me a back rub."

To my surprise, he stood up to do just that. Alistair coughed to cover his laugh.

"I think I really want to know what's going on," Rose muttered.

"You're just as lost as we are," Aedan shrugged, "We all thought she might be pregnant, but she took a lot of damage in Honnleath saving her in-laws and she didn't seem too distressed by it. Also, I think if she were, Rulen and Liam would never let her into the fighting. They also would have already told Genn, Anduin and Lor'themar. And if she had some incurable illness, she'd have told us by now. So, to sum it up – none of us have any clue what the fuck is going on. Not even her mates."

I felt ashamed by that – he was right; I really should tell my mates…

Liam said, "Aedan – don't." there was a slight growl in Liams' voice – made more impressive that he wasn't a Worgen.

Aedan looked surprised, "What?"

I coughed, "I know that I should tell them…"

"Ma – you don't have to. Sure, Anduin, Dad, Uncle L, and them will all be disappointed but that's better than the alternative – which, you said was the Archdemon killing at least 3 people in your pack and you weren't willing to risk that. You said that things will turn out just fine if you don't tell them yet. The only way you're going to tell them is if they swear on your marriage that they won't pull you from the fight." Liam reminded me.

I nodded, "And I stand by that. Kayn will be furious, you know. He'll go dragon hunting if he hears about it."

Liam snorted, "He'd go dragon hunting if he thought there was a chance of you accepting him back. Ma, I know you think he's okay with this, but he does love you."

I shook my head, "He's not one of my mates, Liam. I know he loves me. But it wasn't meant to be. Now – I'm going to bed…"

Alistair jumped up to follow me.

We were in the tent when he whispered, "… I just need to swear on our marriage that I won't… take you out of the fight? And you'll tell me?"

"Well… that's tricky – you, Anduin and Cullen would have to swear it for me to tell just one of you because I would be telling all of you. Don't worry so much – as Liam said, my visions showed that me fighting is fine and me not fighting isn't. I won't let 3 of my pack suffer for no reason."

He looked thoughtful before pulling out his phone and shooting off a text in what looked to be a group chat. He had gotten very used to the phone very fast. Cullen was still stumbling about it in some cases – even though they were just for texting and calling. (I had chosen not to tell people that the phones from my homelands were what they were – I didn't want people glued to the screens).

Alistair sighed in frustration, "Cullen says he doubts he could take you from the fight if he tried… but Anduin said that it's not a promise he can make because if it's pregnancy, then he'd want to protect you as much as possible. He also says that Liam blackmailing you wasn't very nice."

I chuckled, "Well, if he can't promise then I can't say it."

"What if I just promised not to tell him?"

"I can't make you promise that – you guys talk about everything together and I don't want you hiding anything from them intentionally." I kissed his cheek before curling into his side and settling in for the night. To be fair, I didn't want him in the position of breaking one promise – he'd promised the other two that he'd tell them if he found out I was pregnant and if he promised me that he wouldn't tell then it was a catch 22.

He pouted, "I… okay. I trust you."

The next morning we headed out; fighting our way through winding tunnels and cavernous rooms – we collected the Drake Scales, killed every cultist we could find and finally made our way to Kolgrim.

"Stop! You will go no further!" the man shouted. He was 6'1 with dark, chocolate colored skin, black hair that was slightly curly, and grey-brown eyes… why was a villain so good looking? Not. Fair.

I snorted and moved my way to the front of the group, wings out and bow ready.

"The righteous do not fear death, hmm? You have defiled the Temple of Andraste, Kolgrim, and you dare to worship a false Andraste? I may only be here for the Ashes, but you make a mockery of what you claim to worship!" I snarled. He paled as my wings flared – the scales and hide drawing plenty of attention. I drew my bow taunt, "Tell me why I shouldn't kill you where you stand?"

"F… false…?"

"Are you simple? Shall I show you what a real dragon looks like? 3 seconds, before I kill you on principle!"

"A real… dragon?" he flinched. "If… I will take your words to – ack!" I loosed the arrow as soon as the three seconds were up. Roselle looked ill – but she knew there would be death on this path.

Aedan looked at me amused, "Why are you so angry? You don't worship…"

"Heretics that kill indiscriminately and decide to keep what they think is a religious miracle a secret… make me mad."

Alistair hugged me while nodding. I sighed, "Let's go kill the Dragon, yeah? I just need to grab the summoners' horn…" I knelt and grabbed what looked like a carved dragon horn from Kolgrims' body.

Getting outside I had us all place our packs and loose things on the ground near the temple door. I glanced at them all and said, "Here's how this will work – I'm going to call the Dragon. Just as we engage the bitch, I am going to shift. I am spoiling for a fight right now. Wynne, Daylen – if it looks like I need healing, go for it. My blessing only activates outside of combat so… yeah. And Sten, I'm not going to keep you from the fight, just watch out for me."

He nodded with a small smirk o his lips – creepy, since he was so impassive all the time.

I received nods and affirmative grunts. We walked to the center of the path and I blew the horn before quickly taking Dragon form. The moment the Dragon landed, I attacked.

I was unfortunately caught off guard by a shout behind me and the dragon sank her teeth into my shoulder. I roared in pain and clamped my muzzle onto her forearm. I was furious that this bitch dared to draw blood… I didn't even think on the consequences that her blood would have on me as I ripped a chunk of her flesh out.

It was over soon enough – and the others got to watch what happened when a Dovahkiin was around a fresh kill… I gasped as I felt her knowledge settle into my brain.

Rulen was healing me at once while Liam made me sit down the moment I shifted back.

"What… was that?" Alistair asked.

"That was the power of the Dragonborn. I just absorbed her soul – and with it, her knowledge. The language of the Dovah here was once similar to what was on Nirn, it seems… but they've devolved since then. This one… she knew little – rather sheltered. But I did get one thing from it… this girls blood is potent. Alistair, I need you to drink a vial."

"I beg your pardon?" he flushed.

"Oh come on – you already know you have Dragon bloodlines, this will help you boost that. Believe me, you need it. All you need is a small amount. Sten, I know you want to take some – I will get us both a few flasks full and spell them for freshness as soon as Alistair does what I asked."

The giant crossed his arms and looked at the former Templar. Roselle was gaping at me – still processing the soul absorption.

"That was cruel – you are using Sten to achieve your goal, Bella…" Zev looked amused.

"Did you know I was the number one torturer when I was an assassin, Zev? Oh, I could make a mute sing tunes in tongues they never knew… keep taunting me and you'll get to see it firsthand."

He paled and nodded, "And… were you merciful with your kills?"

"Mostly. Sometimes, we got a contract for people like Loghain or worse… if they were evil to such a degree that I found it necessary, I'd find slow ways to kill them. My favorite was having someone swallow glass or… well, if it was a man who molested children, I'd have a lot more fun with it."

Leliana nodded, "Child molesters do not deserve a swift death."

Morrigan even agreed, and so did Sten.

Once Alistair had drank the vial of blood, I got to work draining 4 flasks worth of blood and setting a fresh spell on the sealed containers. My 2 flasks went in my void storage and handed Sten his. He nodded to me, "You have my thanks, Ataashi."

"Make camp – and someone break down that carcass. I promised my fake uncle Dragon hide and scales… besides, Dragon meat makes good stew."

Sten got to work on the Dragon as the others all made camp. I sat with my head in my hands.

"Something wrong, love?"

I glanced at Alistair, "Not really – just… the Dragons here are such simple creatures at a glance, but so complex inside. I'm still processing her knowledge. The little ones we killed and the drakes… they were all her brood, but she was forced to have them. She didn't feel safe among the Cultists – she was sort of… shackled. But she had her brood here so she couldn't leave. They were bleeding her often for the power that Dragon Blood grants. Her death was a kindness."

He looked stunned, "I never realized…"

"No one would – no one who isn't a Dragon. I need a drink or sex to get my mind off this."

Liam quipped, "No alcohol for you."

I glanced at Alistair with a smirk, "Looks like you get the job of helping me clear my mind."

He flushed, "I… well… it wouldn't be such a difficult job…"

I laughed, "Good to hear, my love."

Of course, I was the one to cook the Dragon meat stew… and after, I dragged Alistair to our tent.

"Makers' Breath… you know, I love you." He said as he held me to his chest. I hummed, "I love you too."

And yes – we had sex that night.