Chapter 50) Siren's Call

Aiden POV


I coughed as the smell of rotten fish slammed into my face. I hated coming down to the docks. I really did.

"Candidus!" I called, making my way through the crowd. "Candidus!"

"Oh, Aiden!" Candidus called back, waving from his seat. He was in the middle of cleaning the side of a ship. "Everything all right?"

I headed to the edge of the docks, hoping I wouldn't fall in. "You almost done? Your wife needs you for something."

"Just about done with my shift, yeah." He nodded, smiling. "Just need to finish this up."

"I'll wait, then." And try to not fall and drown.


I was on a ship. I was on a ship. I was on a ship over water and I still couldn't figure out how this happened.

"Sten?" Blinking slowly, I dragged myself out of my thoughts and concentrated on the others. Which included Lady Elspeth, dangling upside down on whatever that center post of the ship was called, pointing to something. "Can you hand me that?" she asked, as if requesting a cup of tea. "I didn't think I'd need it when I climbed up."

"This?" Sten asked, picking up something I couldn't recognize. "Is there something wrong with the sails?"

"It's nothing too bad, but I would like to tend to it now before it worsens." He passed it up with an approving nod and she slung herself right-side-up before climbing even higher. I tried not to gawk at the height. "Thank you, Sten. Zevran, demonstrate how good you are with your hands and hold this down."

"My dear lady, you should not tempt me so!" Zevran laughed. He was up in the air too, also not unbothered by the height. I thought them all insane. "Lest I give you a private performance."

"I'm sure Aiden would like it better." Hey! "There we go." And they both jumped down. I tried not to wince at the loud thuds. "How goes the horizon?"

"All is well, and there have been no unexpected delays," Sten reported easily. He glanced at me, eyes narrowed. "You should be standing and watching, not hiding in a corner."

"Excuse me for not being a fish in the water," I immediately snapped, sighing as I pushed myself up. I had liked my little corner. "Lady Elspeth, will you remind me how I got to be on a ship again?"

"You volunteered, focusing on the cannon part of the plan," she answered easily. I sighed, wondering where my sense went. "Here." She pulled a little candy from her pack and passed it over. "Ginger is good for nausea." I instantly popped it into my mouth, actually enjoying how it burned. It gave me something to focus on. "Is that a bit better?"

"A bit, yes, my lady." She smiled slighty, and I took a deep breath. "For the record, if something happens to the ship, are there… ways to avoid drowning?"

"Stay close to someone who can swim?" That didn't make me feel better at all. "Sten, do the qunari have tricks for when their ships sink?"

"Qunari dreadnoughts do not sink," Sten replied instantly. I almost thought he found the idea funny. Either they survive, or they detonate to distract the enemy and alert the others of the danger." …Qunari really took the whole 'sacrifice the one for the many' thing too seriously for me. "But swimming is something all are taught before taking to the sea. If the painted elf there can also swim, we can make up for Aiden's deficiency."

"I apologize that my lack of time and confinement to an Alienage made it difficult for me to learn the supposedly basic skill of swimming," I deadpanned, not even caring. Though Lady Elspeth looked sad, Sten smiled approvingly. He really liked it when we stood our grounds, it seemed. "Regardless, now that I can actually think a little, how are ships and one of your uncles connected?"

"Mother was originally from the Storm Coast," Lady Elspeth answered. A particularly large wave rocked the boat, and both she and Sten helped me keep steady. "So, Fergus asked for assistance. Our uncle spared no expense." Oh, we were talking about a blood related uncle for once. Also, why was Zevran quiet? He was just staring out over the water. "They're good ships. They're similar to the models Mother used for raiding." Ah, I seeee… wait, what? "I take it you have not heard much of the stories behind the Seawolf, though you know the chantey." That chantey was hilarious. I hadn't known it was about real people until the strategy meeting. "She never wanted us to know, but someone in Orlais recognized how her ship, the Mistral, sank his warship and declared a duel. It was quite messy. We learned Mother was an accomplished archer that day as well." She shrugged at my disbelieving stare. "So, we're doing quite nicely, and Zevran is unusually quiet." Glad I wasn't the only one who thought that. "Zevran, is all well?"

"Ships are blooming at horizon's edge," Zevran answered, making his voice purposely dramatic as he leaned on the railing. I admired his courage. "Remind me again why there are only the four of us on this ship? Typically, ships have a greater crew."

"Our ship is smaller than the others, sacrificing firepower for maneuverability. Due to how it's built, Aiden and Sten can man the cannons while you and I navigate." She headed to the railing too, and I followed reluctantly after Sten's stern look. All I could think was how a heavy, wooden, flammable ship was all that was keeping me from plunging into the far too dark water below. "The others are not like that, so they have greater numbers." Using the railing, she lifted herself up and leaned forward, almost dangling. "Oh, good, they haven't sent them all out. We'll have ships by the end of this." Yay? Well, ships would be useful if we had to evacuate the country? …Oh, that was a grim thought. I didn't want it.

"Do they not know how to sail?" Sten asked. He was scowling, and I thought he sounded disgusted. "There is little coordination between the ships. It's like children playing without rules."

"Amaranthine ships are much different than Highever ships," Lady Elspeth explained. Tired of feeling nervy, I grabbed the back of her armor and tugged until she was standing with two feet on the docks again. "I'm sure they've figured out how to fire, but we should still have the advantage." Good. I'd hate to be out here and be in a lot of trouble. "Zevran, you're frowning."

"Is it not alluring?" Zevran cracked. Still, his eyes were serious and the frown didn't disappear. "That ship there, with all the cannons pointed at it." He pointed for emphasis and I noticed something else. The ship looked significantly different from the others. "I think that's the Siren's Call." Ships… had names?

"Is she not part of the Felicisima Armada?" Lady Elspeth asked. I just tried to figure out why ships had genders. And what this 'armada' was. "That is strange. It does not seem likely that Howe would hire them."

"And unless Isabela somehow lost her ship, I doubt she would do business with him." He shook his head. "She's a raider, yes, but she has lines she will not cross."

"Not even for coin?" Sten asked, voice even more deadpanned than usual. He didn't look impressed with the ship, or conversation.

"I highly doubt Fereldan has enough money in all its coffers to drag any raider into a war, much less Isabela," Zevran answered easily. He turned to me. "Would it be too much trouble to see if we can talk to her?" Why was he… right, leader. Yeah, no, I had a line.

"Ask my lady," I replied, pointing to her. She blinked slowly, like I'd caught her off guard. For once. "I'm too busy trying to not be seasick to lead, so whenever we're on boats, just assume she's in charge."

"Well, I can't say I don't mind having a woman over me." Ah, if only we were on land. I would've laughed. "Then, Captain Elspeth." Lady Elspeth turned her blank stare to him. "What do you think?"

"…It would be good to save in ammunition," she replied slowly, face softening as her eyes sparked with ideas. "Having the favor of a pirate would also be useful, yes?" Pirates, raider… wait, hold on, I remember hearing rumors of some group called 'Raiders of the Waking Sea'. Was that what the Felicisima Armada was? "Let's bring her alongside, and see if we can work a deal then." Sten looked ready to protest, but Lady Elspeth gave him a look. "Trust me, please. I am merely thinking of what is best to take care of all the soldiers." He sighed, but nodded. "Thank you, Sten. I'll be counting on you when the fighting starts." He nodded again, and this time I thought him more pleased. "Zevran, let's go."

It honestly astounded me how quickly, and easily, Zevran and Lady Elspeth got the ship to ride close to the 'Siren's Call'. Of course, it quickly turned to shock as a bright laugh rippled through the air. "I thought there was Antivan leather on the wind!" A woman wearing tight clothes that bared her legs and chest leaned against the railing. I noticed her skin was darker than Duncan's, and was set off by the numerous gold jewelry she was wearing. "Zevran, you scoundrel, what are you doing here? Assassins don't play naval battles."

"I have achieved enlightenment, dear Isabela!" Zevran replied without missing a beat. He jumped to my side and gestured. "I am now in service of this handsome warrior sex god." Thank you, darker skin, for hiding how red my face likely got.

"Mmm, he is lovely on the eyes. I can see the rippling muscles even under the armor." Was she Antivan? "So, he's your captain?"

"No, that would be me." Lady Elspeth stepped up, leaning against the railing. I noticed her hands tremble, even though her face was calm. "I am Elspeth, Lady of Highever, and it seems to me, Captain Isabela, that you are in the company of my enemies. That isn't a very wise place to be."

"Oh, fantastic! A pretty girl taking command!" Isabela laughed. I focused behind her, to the others on the boat, and thought them looking stiff. "Well, while I never claim to be wise, I can't say I like being among your enemies either, sweetie. Unfortunately, I'm a little stuck." Yeah, the cannons did a thing. I wondered why they weren't trying to attack us. Were they more afraid of Isabela? Or… wait, I couldn't even see people on the other ships! "See, some of my crew ended up caught, and the piece of shit lord here gave me an ultimatum. Guard the seas or they die. I agreed to the former, thinking I could split, but the cannons are a problem."

"I suppose, but right now, you are caught in the middle of two armies." Lady Elspeth smiled sweetly. "In exchange for a couple of favors in the future, I can send a message to mine to let you pass unimpeded."

"Hmm…" Isabela's eyes narrowed. I glanced around our own ship and saw Zevran still next to me, and Sten already at one of the cannons, ready for the fight, and out of sight. Expecting the worst? "Well, I hate being indebted, but I think I hate getting caught up in the fighting more, especially since I'm supposed to be escorting some of Castillon's cargo right now. Consider it a deal."

"I thank you dearly." Lady Elspeth's sweet smile softened. "Please, give my regards to him. If he does not remember, tell him I am the girl behind the blood incident." …The what?

"Oh, that was you? Clever!" Isabela laughed and rocked back on her heels. I just tried to figure out WHAT THEY MEANT! I'd need to ask Lord Nuada. "I'll give Zevran a signal when we're ready to bolt."

"Then I shall give the message to the others. It has been a pleasure, Captain."

"That it has, Lady." Isabela disappeared from the railing.

Lady Elspeth promptly collapsed. I knelt down next to her, noticing how pale she was. "Oh, Maker, that was so terrifying," she whispered. Her voice shook. Zevran hovered worriedly, but I signed for him to go to the navigation, and he did without a word. "Did I do okay?"

"Yeah, I think so," I murmured gently. She gave me a wan smile. "Need anything?"

"You and Sten to get ready to fight."

"I meant for you." I held up a hand to cut off her protest. "You did your duty. Mine, as leader, is to at least try and make sure you're okay." She smiled wryly. "So?"

"…If it isn't too much trouble, I would like a hug." I gave it freely, without hesitating, and some part of me was startled at how easily I hugged a noble. "Thank you, truly." She did look a little better when she pulled away. "Now, cannons."

"Aye, aye, captain." We both burst into quiet laughter before standing up and going our separate ways. She, to Zevran, and I, to Sten. Without a word, Sten showed me immediately how to use the things, arming and whatnot. Maybe Layla should have been here instead. Magic on the seas seemed like it would be potent. But she had wanted to stay with the larger group, since we didn't know if that ghost would have more consequences. …I was still horribly annoyed neither Cleon nor Lady Elspeth had told me, but I'd let it slide. This time.

It felt like I had just gotten settled when the signal apparently went up, and Elspeth and Zevran were twisting the ship into the hole in the formation, left behind as the Siren's Call broke free to safer waters. I took a breath to settle my nerves, reminded myself that if something went wrong, I had three very skilled people ready to help, and lit the fuse for the cannon. I covered my ears to protect them from the explosion and watched as the cannonball punched right through the hull of an enemy ship.

I glanced up at the castle as the sea battle began in earnest, Lady Elspeth coordinating the ships. We had their attention. Now it was up to the rest to wipe out the inner group.

We could do this. We survived Ostagar. We survived demons and werewolves. Humans? Humans weren't so scary. Even if we were basically floating on a deathtrap.


Author's Note: Naval battle, with Aiden being the only one who hasn't been on a ship. And, since there's a battle on the sea, why not bring in the favorite pirate? (Eleanor being originally of Storm Coast, and her prowess during the war, was revealed in World of Thedas, volume 2)
Next Chapter – Highever Castle with Nuada