02. THE INVESTIGATION
The Wardens searched the Wending Woods for hours, but it seemed the creature had taken Oghren where he would remain unfound. Given the current circumstances, all could hardly deny that they were scared. Effortlessly the creature had taken Oghren, who was known to be quite handy with a blade, yet overpowered so easily.
Fear had consumed the younglings, hope almost seeming just as far gone as Oghren was. The Commander felt terrible, it was her fault – she let this happen. She should have instructed her companions better; gone through some tactics and at least prepared them. But it was too late, Oghren was gone and they were not even close to discovering who was behind this.
Well, they did know however that the disappearances were being caused by humans, who were merely playing the host of demons which made them: abominations.
It was difficult for the Commander Warden to come to terms with the fact that not even the hero of Ferelden could solve this problem on her own, not even with the help of her companions. She would not risk them too, losing Oghren was enough to make her see that.
They set a course for Denerim, where they would speak to the King about the matter. Eleanor Cousland believed that she and her companions had witnessed what very well may be a new and dangerous threat to the peace of Fereleden.
As they rode towards Denerim, the Commander could sense the spirits of her companions had sunken low. Throwing a glance over her shoulder she caught sight of Nathaniel who seemed to be lost in thought.
"Is there anything you'd like to say, Nathaniel?" She asked, while her horse trotted on obediently.
At first Nathaniel seemed reluctant, as if debating whether or not he could trust the Commander with his thoughts, as if he again viewed her as an enemy just like when they'd met. But soon enough he realized that if he wanted to remain a Grey Warden he should respect the Commander, even if he found it to be nearly unbearable.
"I was just thinking how we would get Oghren back, that is all Commander." He replied defeated.
"Aren't we all?" Neveah said solemnly, a bitter smile etched on her face which bare Dalish markings.
The Commander remained quiet for a moment, already seeing the flags of Redcliffe, where they would spend the night, from afar. It would take less than an hour to reach the gates, she assumed.
"Where do you think the creature keeps its victims, Commander?" Neveah questioned curiously, tightening her grip on the rains of her horse.
"Not in the Wending Woods." She replied in a distant voice, in her mind piecing everything together, knowing she was only inches away from figuring it all out. "Not anywhere where we're conscious.." Eleanor followed in a mumble.
"What was that, Commander?"
"The Fade." The Commander simply answered. "It would make sense. Why we have found no trace of its victims and no one has seen them ever since they entered the Wending Woods."
All pondered on what the Commander had speculated and it seemed to make sense. It had been said that abominations had the power to take mortals into the Fade, trapping them there, but to what end? What greater purpose did it serve?
The Commander had propositioned to travel to Redcliffe and ask around about the local blacksmith. She was so sure that it was him she'd seen on that fateful night in the Wending Woods.
"It's you!" A farmer called from near a windmill as they neared the path that led to the gates of Redcliffe Castle, where Arl Eamon resided with his family.
The Commander smiled down upon the civilian.
"We're seeking passage to the castle – and if I may ask, is the Arl home?"
The farmer nodded, grinning from ear to ear.
"Dear maker! Yes he's in." He said, "This is such a great honor! I will send word to the Arl that you have arrived." And with that the farmer sprinted off.
Entering the courtyard of Redcliffe Castle, from up the stairs the doors opened of the castle and Arl Eamon emerging through the doorway, followed by his wife Lady Isolde.
"Commander, what a pleasure it is to have you." The Arl spoke with a broad smile as his wife nodded in agreement. "To what do I owe this engagement?"
"I'm afraid I do not come under the most fortunate circumstances. I have come to Redcliffe to ask some questions amongst the villagers concerning the disappearances in the Wending Woods, which I'm sure you've heard of." The Commander explained calmly.
"I have, yes that I have." The Arl replied pensively. "Well, feel free to conduct your investigation. May I offer you and your companions Castle Redcliffe to spend the night?"
"We would be honored to oblige to that, Arl Eamon." Eleanor said with an appreciative smile which touched her eyes.
Alone, Eleanor Cousland entered Redcliffe Village. She'd ordered Nathaniel and Neveah to get some rest in their chambers. They did not need to be present while she was questioning villagers about the blacksmith. Besides, it was her goal to do so as discreetly as possible, and bringing her companions with her would only draw more attention.
Clad in an emerald green cloak, she ascended up the stairs towards the local tavern. Pushing open the wooden door, faces from the bar and many tables turned. Her hood still overshadowing her face, their heads quickly returned to where they'd previously been set on.
The Commander let out the slightest sigh of relief. The last thing she needed now was an ambush of villagers gushing over what an honor it was to meet the hero of Ferelden.
While her eyes swept back and forth through the tavern she slowly neared the bar, carefully sitting down on one of the wooden stools. None of the patrons seemed to care less about her presence.
"What could I get ya stranger?" The barman grumbled in a low voice while drying off one of the metal jugs with a scrap piece or rag.
Cautiously she slid a sovereign coin over the bar towards the barman, lifting her face to gain a small part of his trust, so he could at least look her into the eye.
"All I want is information. Are you willing to give it to me?"
For a moment it seemed like the barman was going to turn her offer down, but when he flicked the coin into his pocket relief washed over her.
"What do ya need to know?" He asked in a whisper, leaning towards her over the bar.
"I want to know what happened to the blacksmith. Where's he been?"
A change occurred in the green eyes of the barman, his eyes flickered away from hers for a moment and then back again.
"Why would a stranger like you care for that old drunken blacksmith? What is it to you?"
"I thought I was the one here asking the questions? Perhaps we should stick to our roles."
"Aye." The barman agreed, a crease forming between his eyebrows. "First we thought the drunk had finally had one pint too many – people 'd been saying he'd been having some nightmares, said he was being haunted. We all thought it was the strong stuff talking if ya know what I'm saying." The barman let out an indifferent chuckle. "Before he left town however, the man seemed possessed. He'd been acting strangely, aggressively towards everyone. Like he'd lost his humanity."
The Commander arched an eyebrow curiously, slanting her head to the side while she kept eye contact with the barman.
"You don't say?" She mumbled. "Well, thank you greatly. I must be on my way again."
"Any time, stranger."
As her cloak flowed behind her like a river, she marched on back to the castle, lowering her hood when the guards glanced at her suspiciously. When her face was revealed they humbly apologized, and granted her passage to the castle.
Back in her chambers she sat down on her bed, gazing up towards the ceiling. Her suspicions had been confirmed: they were dealing with an abomination. Was it just the blacksmith who had fallen under the spell of the demon, or were there more?
Cradling her head in the palms of her hands she frowned, allowing herself to lie down onto the feather filled pillows. She thought of Oghren, wondering if the fearless dwarf was scared. If only she knew if he were alright, then perhaps she could get any sleep at all.