Part 01: Tainted Hero
Chapter 5: Comrades in Arms

She didn't wake until mid-morning the next day. Brina stretched or tried to. Every move she made, her muscles resisted. Even breathing hurt. Bandages covered most of her torso and upper legs. Bruises covered the bit of skin she could see beyond the bandages. A few bruises covered her shins and forearms from a fall she had taken sometime during the escape and from defending herself. She couldn't look at it much longer.

A young woman was nearby, tending a small fire. She wore a wool shift dyed orange. Gold threads formed a sunburst along the bottom hem and her collar. Her braided bun was tight and neat.

"Good morning, miss. How are you feeling today?"

Brina struggled to sit up. "Sore . . ."

"Would you like some tea?"

Brina nodded. "You must be . . . a . . . Sister?"

The woman smiled and handed Brina a cup. "Yes. I help tend the wounded."

"Who's sister are you?"

"I'm not sure I understand."

"You say you are a sister, but who's sister?"

"Oh! No," the Sister laughed, "I did have a brother, once, but I'm not called a 'sister' because of him. It's a title in the Chantry. I have taken vows and dedicated my life to serving the Maker."

Brina furrowed her brow. "Your Maker has a funny way of doing things."

"You are from the Avvar, yes?"

"Aye."

"We always hear such strange tales-"

"Sister Paulette!" A much older woman in red and white with a grand headdress and a stern look stood at the gate of the infirmary.

The Sister's eyes widened."I'm sorry, but I must go. I already changed your dressings. You are free to wander the camp. Try to take it easy. I'll change your bandages at supper."

Lowlanders and their Maker. What a strange world I've found myself in.

The pain was already beginning to fade away. Clean clothing was folded on the table and some crutches nearby. The clothes were simple and lightweight. She found she didn't need the shawl to keep warm as bandaged as she was. Brina glanced at the crutches. Do I really need these? No, I'll be fine.

She tried to take a step. Her legs were too weak, and she fell. Brina managed to catch herself on the table. Maybe I took more of a beating than I thought. She picked up the crutches and braced herself.

Brina took a few awkward steps. After walking a few rounds around the infirmary, she made a decision.

At the exit, a guard stood watch. He wore silverite armor with the image of a flaming sword engraved on the breastplate. His helmet concealed all but his eyes. As she approached, he straightened and crossed his arms, blocking her.

She stopped, confused. "I, uh, was told I could explore the camp."

"Nice try, apostate. You're not going anywhere."

"Ah, my name is Brina Ulriksdotten. I arrived here with Duncan to join the Grey Wardens."

"What kind of a name is 'Ulriksdotten'? If you are going to lie, at least try to make it believable."

She squinted her eyes. "It's an Avvar name."

"Maker's Breath, that's an even worse lie."

Brina could feel anger rising. Her face felt hot, and a fire raged in her gut. "It's no lie. Go ask Warden Commander Duncan or Warden Alistair if you don't believe me."

"I'm not going-"

"Wesley?" A female soldier with hair like flames and her face covered in freckles approached.

Oh, he's got friends. Brina hung her head and sighed.

"Aveline, what are you doing here?"

"I just came to tell you I'm being sent into the Wilds. Scouting mission. We should be back tonight. What's going on?"

"This apostate was just trying to leave. She claims she's a new Grey Warden recruit."

The woman smiled at her. "You're Brina? The Avvar?"

Obviously. She didn't think it wise to aggravate her rescuer. "Aye."

The Templar shot an incredulous look at Aveline, "Is . . . she is the recruit?"

"Oh, Wesley. Yes, she's one of the recruits."

"Why wasn't I informed? All I was told was there was an apostate here who had encountered a demon."

"You arrived after she did. I'm not sure who told you that."

Wesley's eyes narrowed. "Alistair. I'm going to ring his neck."

Brina sighed, "He really is a bronto's ass."

The corner of Wesley's mouth twisted up, but at least he didn't look like he would throw her in chains now. "Hmph. Fine, carry on. Don't try anything funny."

Aveline shook her head. The soldier and Templar carried on with their conversation as Brina brushed past as quickly as she could with her cane. Oh, Mountain-Father. This will be an interesting experience.

Nearby, a woman in red and orange stood, preaching and praying. Soldiers sat on benches or knelt on the ground.

"Here lies the abyss, the well of all souls. From these emerald waters doth life begin anew. Come to me, child, and I shall embrace you. In my arms lies Eternity."

A man standing near the back of the group noticed her. He had short brown hair, a trimmed beard, and receding hairline. "You're one of the other recruits, aren't you?" he said, motioning her over.

"Aye. Brina Ulriksdotten."

"I'm Ser Jory, from Redcliffe."

"Ser Jory." She nodded. "Where's Redcliffe? My hold never traded with humans aside from other Avvar; mostly just dwarves and a few Dalish clans."

"Redcliffe is north-northwest of here, near Lake Calenhad."

"Ah, near Sigmund's Folly. I heard there was a village near there."

"I've never heard of that place."

"It's on the south side of the lake, aye? There's a cliff overlooking the lake . . ."

"Oh, yes! I know it! Right across from the castle on the east side."

"That's the closest I ever was to a Lowlander village."

"Why do your people call it Sigmund's Folly?"

"It's an old legend. One of the other holds wanted to attack the castle. Sigmund hailed from Red-Lion Hold. I don't recall most of the story, only that in the end, he attacked the castle alone by catapulting nugs over the wall from that cliff. He was shot full of arrows from behind. Thus, the cliff was named Sigmund's Folly, and he earned the legend-mark Sigmund the Porcupine posthumously."

"Now that's a story they never told us. So the lesson was?"

"Never attack without a plan 'B.'"

Ser Jory laughed loudly.

"Sers! Do you mind? I am trying to conduct a sermon!" The priestess's face turned beet red. Brina could almost see the steam coming from her ears.

"Sorry, ma'am . . ." Ser Jory rubbed the back of his head and gestured at Brina. "I will have to talk with you later. I promised Alistair I'd meet at the sparring ring at a quarter to noon."

"Of course."

Ser Jory nodded and made his way around her.

Every direction she looked, there were soldiers, Chantry sisters, Grey Wardens, and Templars. It's all so different. The armor, the food, the people. Brina began noticing elves and dwarves, especially among the Grey Wardens. Especially the people. Every Templar she passed glared and narrowed their eyes at her. She stared hard back at each one. They are as mistrustful as I am. What do they teach the shamans here to cause such hate?

A squirrely voice caught her attention. "Ah, c'mon. I'm to be a Grey Warden, y'know? This is a dangerous place, and these are dangerous times. Never know when ya might meet death. So, what'd'ya say? Shall we have what could be our last tussle? Have some fun while we can?" A small, skinny bloke waggled his eyebrows at a tall, blonde female soldier.

The soldier gave a disgusted sighed and rolled her eyes.

"Can I take that as a maybe?" The man held out his hands and gave his best charismatic smile he could muster.

It wasn't enough. The soldier walked away.

"Well y'know where to find me tent!" His gaze landed on Brina. "Oh, well hello there. You are a lot of woman."

Brina furrowed her brow. "I'm sorry?"

"Oh, I don't mean nothin' by it. I've just never seen someone who was both built and feminine. And so tall."

Brina glanced down at the man who was barely even with her breasts.

"And I must say, I certainly have a great view."

Brina raised one of her crutches, ready to clock him on the head.

"Wait, wait! I'm sorry! I'm just out of me element is all. Hang on, you're one of the other recruits, aren't ya? I shoulda realized it sooner. Me name's Daveth. I'm from Denerim."

". . . Brina." They stood in awkward silence.

Just as Brina was about to excuse herself, Daveth cut in, "So you're one of the barbarians, right?"

". . . Avvar."

"Right . . . You never- ah . . ."

Brina raised her eyebrows. ". . . Never . . .?"

"Did your people ever attack any Fereldens?"

"Not for a long time that I know of."

"Oh . . . good, good."

"I'm sorry, I must be going."

"Oh, yeah, o'course!" Daveth scurried away.

Maybe I should just . . . Go sleep the rest of the day.

She turned back the way she'd come when a series of cages caught her eye. A man in hunting leathers stood near one pen. He had a worried expression. Curious, she made her way over. "Ho, there! What's going on here?"

The man didn't look at her. He continued to frown at the hound inside the cage. "I'm afraid the Mabari aren't doing too well."

A whimper came from one of the hounds. The brown Mabari huddled into a ball in a small corner of his kennel. In the other cages, several other dogs appeared to be suffering. She wondered what could be wrong with them. They didn't look hurt.

"Are they sick?"

"I'm afraid so."

"What's wrong with them?" Brina stepped close to the kennel, peering inside. The hound gazed at her. The poor thing has seen horrors.

"The Blight. This hound was part of a skirmish. Swallowed some darkspawn blood. His owner died."

"Aye, I've seen it before."

Jove gave her a strange look. "Then you know these hounds don't have long."

"Is there anything that can be done?" No creature should have to suffer such a fate.

"I think I might know how to help them. It won't cure them, not really, but they won't die so quickly or painfully. Are you going into the Korcari Wilds? I'm looking for a flower. It's somewhat rare in these parts, but I've heard they grow here. It's white. Large leaves and petals. The very center of it is red."

"Oh! You mean Sigfrost's Eye? They were my Ma's favorite. There's a gully full of them near my clan, or there was."

"I'm . . . Not familiar with that name. I've heard it called Andraste's Grace."

Brina sighed. "Well, it sounds the same based on its description. I don't know if or when I'll be going into the Wilds though. If I get sent, I'll check in with you before I go. What's your name?"

"Jove, the Kennel Master. If I'm not around, just ask. Everyone here knows me. And you are?"

"Brina Ulriksdotten."

"Ah, you're one of the recruits, then?"

"Aye. All right, Jove. I'll see what I can do. I won't be going anywhere until tomorrow at the earliest, though."

"Wait, Brina, is it? Can you do me a quick favor?" Jove unlocked the gate to the mabari's kennel.

"Aye, if I can."

"Can you put this muzzle on him? There's another treatment I want to try, but I can't get close without risking the taint myself. You're a Grey Warden, or will be soon. At most you'll have to worry about a couple of teeth marks."

"What makes you think he'll trust me?"

"I dunno. I've got a good feeling about you."

Brina took the muzzle from Jove's hands and stepped inside. The hound whimpered again. The beast growled when she came close. She held a hand out. The mabari sniffed it warily.

"I need to put this on you so your kennel master can help you."

The mabari whined but let her put the muzzle on him.

"May you walk in light and be unafraid of the darkness." She scratched behind the hound's ear.

Jove looked at her thoughtfully. "Let me know if you find it."

Brina's armpits were becoming sore from her crutches. I should probably rest before I push it too far. She glanced back at the Mabari. He had his head on his paws, looking up at her. When he met her gaze, he wagged his stubby tail slowly. "I'll find it for you."