Chapter 64: Allies and Friends
It took Kallian several days to heal from her injuries.
The elf lapsed in and out of consciousness, haunted by dreams of the horrors she had experienced in Fort Drakon, the torture, the groping from the cruel guards, and then the march out here, where the Arl's men had locked her in these crow cages.
Left her to die.
Every time a new nightmare began, he was there, that bastard Vaughan. His cruel laughter ringing in her ears as he killed Nelaros, as he beat and raped Shianni. Kallian could do nothing but watch.
Tears ran down her cheeks.
She felt a warm hand on her forehead, a warm sensation that brought comfort to her aching body.
She opened her eyes.
She was lying in a tent, she had been cleaned and her wounds had been dressed. The soiled remains of her wedding dress were gone, and she was wrapped in fur bedroll.
The wedding had only been months ago, but it seemed like an eternity, an entirely different life.
There was something on the left side of her face. She tried to remove it.
It was then that she realized that she was not alone.
""Leave it my dear," an old woman's voice said stopping her. "Your eye was damaged, I have done what I could, but you must keep it in complete darkness. It may not be as good as it once was, but hopefully you should be able to see at least somewhat through it."
She felt the covering, realizing now that it was a makeshift eye patch. She remembered Vaughan slicing her face. She supposed she was lucky that her eye was still there.
Kally turned her head, an old human woman in red robes sat over her. A tall shem warrior with a short goatee and heavy chainmail stood beside her, guarding the old woman she supposed.
The elf tensed.
Humans were never kind to her people, especially armed humans.
"Do not fear," another voice said gently, "No one is going to hurt you, I think you have suffered enough."
She turned to see as strangely dressed elf. Long blue coat, pointy hat, and some kind of blue and silver gambeson, he was also armed with a sword at his belt and a staff in his hands.
Most humans did not like seeing an elf armed with a dagger, much less a sword.
They thought it gave the elves ideas.
In Kally's case, they were right.
The male elf regarded her with large compassionate brown eyes.
"I'm Alim," he informed her, "This is Wynne and Gus, we mean you no harm."
The girl relaxed slightly, if these humans allowed armed elves in their presence, perhaps they were not all bad.
"I wasn't dreaming," she said thoughtfully, "When you pulled me out of that cage that was real?"
The male elf chuckled.
"I could pinch you if you like?"
"Unnecessary," she said giving him a wry smile, the first smile she had worn in months.
She shifted uncomfortably, modesty made her pull the furs a little higher up. She was grateful for their help, but did want to give any one anymore of a show then she already had.
Alim said nothing; he was at least being respectful of her situation. Few men in the alienage would have done the same.
"We have some questions if you don't mind," Alim said, "If you're feeling strong enough to answer them."
Kally sighed.
"You saved my life," she said, "The least I can do is provide you with answers."
This Alim nodded, he looked pleased. Perhaps he expected her to tell him that her life was none of his business.
They could have left her to die in the cage. She doubted she would have lasted another night between the hunger, the thirst and the winter cold.
It is a harsh world Kallian, her mother had taught her, finding those willing to help for no reward is a rare thing.
A few answers were cheap, more than worth someone's life.
"You were convicted of murder?" Alim began.
She nodded, she did not deny it, considering what had happened, and she would do it again.
"May I ask why?"
Kally's eyes turned flinty.
"His bastard men murdered my fiancé," she began, "He kidnapped me and my friends. He…he hurt my cousin…hurt… hurt her bad. I fought to free myself and Shianni. I won't feel pity a man who had none, for a man who treated me and mine like animals."
Alim pursed his lips; she thought he knew what she meant when she said that Shianni had been hurt.
She took a deep breath, she had no tears to shed, dehydration had robbed her of them. The old woman, Wynne offered her water, she sipped and nodded gratefully.
"Why were you charged with murder then?" the shem Gus asked, "It sounds like self-defense to me."
She laughed mirthlessly.
"Who do you think the guard would believe, a girl from the Alienage or the Arl of Denerim's son? He was noble born. I am nothing, just another elf."
Alim's ears twitched.
"The Arl's son?" he asked.
"My victim," she growled defensively, "May the bastard rot in the void."
Wynne gave the girl a sad look. Alim's mouth became a grim line.
Gus laughed.
The three of them all turned to face the knight. Alim did not see murder and rape as very amusing apparently.
Kally agreed.
"Would you mind letting us all in on the joke Gus," Alim said crossly.
"Vaughan Kendals," Gus said regaining his composure, "You killed Vaughan Kendals for hurting you?"
"Was he a friend of yours?" the girl asked coldly.
IOI
Fergus shook his head.
The knight sneered at the very suggestion. Their fathers may have both been on the royal court, but no Vaughan was no friend of his, no friend of anyone, even the few sycophants that he attracted only stayed because of his title.
No Vaughan was no friend of Fergus Cousland.
"The man was a stain on the honor of Ferelden," Gus spat, "I blackened his eye when I was thirteen. I caught him trying to look up my sister's skirt," Gus smiled at the memory. He had gone easy on the little bastard. Elissa had wanted to cut his throat.
After hearing the girl's confession, perhaps he should have let his sister do the deed.
"They sentenced you to that cage for killing Vaughan? They should have given you a medal girl. You greatly improved the bloodlines of Fereldens' nobles with your service."
"On behalf of someone who travelled in noble circles," he said, "I thank you girl."
IOI
Despite the pain she was in, the Kally grinned savagely.
She had gotten so tired of hearing how evil she was for killing a Ferelden nobleman. Hearing that she was not the only one who had hated the jackass made it a little easier to stomach. She had started to doubt the righteousness of her choice as she had froze in her cage.
Perhaps she had not made a mistake after all.
"You survived punching a noble?" Alim asked his companion, "with no reprisal?"
Gus looked chagrinned.
"My Father had great favor with King Maric," the knight replied evasively, "I was well loved in Highever, even by the Teyrn."
"Must have been," Alim snorted, whether he believed his friend Kally was not sure.
Alim turned his attention back to her.
"You said you fought to free yourself?"
She nodded.
"I thought they did not allow elves marshal training?"
Kally grinned.
Before anyone could stop her she had the dagger out of Gus's boot. Her body screamed at her, but no one was able to stop her.
She held the blade to Alim's throat.
The male elf did not even flinch.
"Are you certain of that?" she asked, "About elves not having any marshal training?"
Gus frowned starting to draw his sword.
Alim stopped him with a raised hand.
He smiled at Kally.
"Are you going to use that blade?"
"I needed it to make a point," she said, "I have no desire to hurt you. You saved me."
She lowered the dagger, letting it rest in her lap.
Alim rubbed his neck, he looked amused.
"I am a grey warden," he informed her, "I don't know if you remember me telling you that before. The people travelling with us are trying to help stop the Blight. I will not force you to join us, if you wish we will let you off in the next town we pass through, but with your skills, which are impressive by the way…"
Kally grinned.
"I'm not at my best," she said, "I'm slow from my injuries."
Gus chuckled.
"If that is slow dear girl," he said, "I would hate to see you when you are at full strength."
"The point is that Ferelden needs people to fight for her," Alim continued, "If you join us, you will share in whatever rewards we find, but it will not be easy. Teyrn Loghain is trying to stop us."
The girl frowned.
"Loghain is leading Ferelden now isn't he?" she asked.
Alim nodded.
Kallian's good eye flashed with anger.
"He put me in that cage, he and his scum," she growled, "If you are going to take him down too, then I want in. He had the alienage purged, I heard that when I was in Fort Drakon. My family may not even be alive now because of him."
She held out her hand to Alim.
"I am one of the finest sword arms in Denerim and that is not me bragging that is fact," she said, "Put a sword in my hand and I will win this war for you."
"You do not lack confidence," Wynne smiled.
Kally shrugged.
"Don't underestimate me old one," she said, "Vaughan did, and he is not here anymore."
Her bravado seemed to amuse them, Kally did not care.
She knew what she could do.
"Heal me up the rest of the way," she said, "And you will add another willing fighter to your cause. What say you?"
IOI
Alim smirked.
The girl was fast, if she was as skilled when she fully recovered, she would be a great asset.
No, Alim would not let this opportunity pass him by.
If she was just bragging idly, she would die, but he did not think she was. She spoke with far too much conviction for that.
They would heal her up, and give her a sword.
He was curious to see what the girl could do.
IOI
When Kally was strong enough to travel they continued on their way to Soldier's Peak. Bodahn had managed to scrounge up a sword and some armor for Kallian.
She nodded, pleased with her new acquisitions.
The wardens and their allies cut across country where they could, the civil war still raged despite the winter. Loghain's men still held the roads. Several times they had encountered patrols.
The warden could not let them escape.
Kally proved herself during one of these early engagements. She had gotten separated from the group, and three knights had managed to surround.
Gus tried to reach her to help, but realized that it had not been needed.
The girl was a she-demon with a sword, quick and ruthless. If Loghain's men had suspected an easy victory by cutting her off from the others they had been mistaken.
It was a mistake they would never learn from sadly.
He had managed to aid her though, an archer had targeted her on her blindside, the patch hobbled her slightly.
He dealt with the man.
She nodded in thanks.
He returned it.
Such battles became common the closer they drew to the coastlands. They encountered few darkspawn here, the bulk of the horde was still farther south, but the wardens knew that situation would not last. It was only a matter of time until the Blight surged north.
They needed to move quickly to stop that from happening.
Levi led them to a network of tunnels that led to Soldier's Peak. The main way had been blocked centuries ago, and this was now the only way in.
Alim sought volunteers to accompany them, they had no idea what was waiting for them in the abandoned warden base.
Everyone stepped up, strength and numbers and all.
Alim requested that Shale and Theron stay behind. Someone needed to watch over the Feddics and the supply carts. Neither of his companions liked it, but they obeyed.
That settled; the group set out with Levi Dryden in the lead…
…Back into the darkness…once again.
IOI
"I'm cold."
Sereda did not expect any of the others to acknowledge her complaint, but felt the need to air it anyway.
It was cold down here, when were underground tunnels so cold? Had the humans never heard of using lava vents?
"This is not the deep roads Seri," Alim sighed, "I don't think the dwarves built these tunnels."
Seri sniffed.
"More proof of the failure of human engineering," she said imperiously.
Oghren snorted.
"What's the matter princess?" he chortled, "Missing the deep roads already?"
She glared at him.
"Shut up Oghren," she snarled pulling her cloak tighter around herself.
She pushed forward, almost bumping into Zevran.
The assassin grinned.
"I can think of ways that we can keep warm my dear," he purred, "Would you like me to share some with you?"
The dwarven woman gave him her most acidic smile.
"You don't give up do you?"
"Not until I have taken my target," he smirked, "no."
"I don't believe that," she sneered, "If it was true, you would not have failed against Alim."
Zevran winced.
Alistair chuckled.
Gus laughed.
"Ouch my dear," Zev said clutching his heart, "You wound me to the quick."
Seri laughed.
"I would happily wound you elf," she said, "but Alim still needs your skills. So you must remain healthy for the time being, how sad."
She passed him by, trying to catch up with Leliana and Morrigan.
IOI
Zev smirked as he watched her go, enjoying the view.
Seri was truly an intriguing and fascinating woman.
Gus walked up to the assassin.
"I don't think she is going to fall for your charms assassin," he said with a sneer.
Zev shrugged, that remained to be seen.
And so their dance continued.
IOI
It took almost two hours of wandering in the dark tunnels, but finally the wardens and their allies emerged into the light.
Everyone blinked as they stepped into the light.
A massive abandoned fortress towered above them.
Levi Dryden smiled.
"Soldier's Peak," he said thoughtfully, "Maker…what a fortress. I told you that ole' Levi would find you a safe way through the tunnels."
Alim shook his head.
"How in the Maker's name did you do that by the way?" the elf asked, "I didn't see any markings or landmarks."
Levi shifted uncomfortably.
"You would not believe it if I told you."
"Try me."
The merchant looked around nervously.
"Well…um…every so often…I…this place…I saw it in my dreams. They showed me the way here. I never came alone of course, too risky."
Alim crossed his arms over his chest.
"You did not think to tell us this before?"
"I did not want you to think me some moon addled simpleton," Levi said defensively, "I have my wits about me."
IOI
Leliana stepped forward, seeking to sooth their leader and their guide.
"We both know the value of dreams," she said speaking more to elf than the trader.
"Do you not agree Alim?"
The warden mage snorted.
"I suppose I do 'my friend." he said, "I suppose I do at that."
The coldness in his voice surprised her. He had been civil towards for the last few days, but the closeness they had shared shortly after they had left the tower was gone.
The bard found herself wondering if she had done something wrong.
IOI
Alistair stepped forward, looking at the old structure, the abandoned towers, and walls. The wind keened mournfully through the broken windows.
"So this is Soldier's Peak," he said dryly, "Looks like it has seen better days, better centuries to I'd wager."
Morrigan smirked at her lover.
"Once the wardens flourished, their hearts true, their caliber certain. Now they accept people…like you…my Alistair."
"Heeey," he said giving her a gentle poke in the ribs.
The witch giggled.
IOI
Alim rolled his eyes.
Get a room you two, preferably with a very thick sound proof door!
He turned to the bard. The whole friend thing, it was still rankling him. If that was all she wanted then so be it.
He would be civil to her, but that was it.
"Sister," he said to Leliana, "Go forward and see if you can sniff out any traps."
"Yes…warden," she replied.
She bounded forward.
Alim watched her go. Bandit gave him a concerned look.
He glared at the dog.
"Don't look at me like that," he warned.
Bandit whined.
"Everything fine Lim?" Alistair asked.
"Yes," the elf replied.
"You sure?"
"I'm fine Ali!" he growled.
Thunder rumbled overhead.
Alistair jumped back, fearing the coming lightning.
Alim sighed; a calming exercise brought his temper back under control.
Still…Alistair should have known better.
Alim was in no mood to talk right now.
They had work to do.
IOI
Alistair let him pass without a comment.
He knew better to deal with the elf when he was in one of his moods.
Kally came up beside him.
"I know I'm the new girl here," she said shyly, "But what is up with Alim?"
The former Templar shook his head.
He saw the sad look Alim had on his face when Leliana called him simply warden.
"I think he and Leliana are fighting," Alistair informed her.
"Really," Kally said with a twitch of her ears, "Are they…together?"
"Yes, no, maybe," Alistair shrugged, "Sometimes they can't be separated from each other, and then there are times they look like they want to kill each other."
Kally snickered.
"Sounds like love to me," she smirked.
IOI
Alim heard the conversation, but did not chastise either Kally or Ali.
Love?
Love was not the problem, or perhaps it was.
Leliana was everywhere now; she haunted his sleep and his waking hours. He almost would have preferred the darkspawn dreams to his nocturnal fantasies about the bard.
The fact that she did not want him, the fact that she wanted to simply be friends made it worse.
The elf snarled. He felt like an idiot.
He drew spellbinder.
Soldier's Peak stretched out before him.
He found himself hoping for something to destroy inside.
He had a lot of aggression that needed to be purged.
Strom clouds roiled overhead.
Yes a battle right now would be nice.
It would be very nice indeed.