Chapter 11
In the first year following her departure, I expected the Arishok to summon me and question me about Adaar, our partnership being a well-known sighting throughout the village. The summons did not come that year or the next, and not for another three years after that. Eventually the whispers around the village died down, and Adaar became a ghost that no one remembered.
In my six year as Sten of the Beresaad, I am finally summoned to appear before the Triumvirate.
When I step into the massive assembly hall, I am surprised to find it empty. The Arishok stands with his back to me. I take even steps towards him, arranging my thoughts in order with each step I take. When I reach the steps leading up to the throne, I unsheathe Asala and lay it by my feet. The Qunari do not bow to their leader, but we lay down their weapon in submission. The Arishok's reputation for ruthlessness and cunning is legendary and I would be a fool not to weigh my words and actions carefully. He makes an impressive figure. His red armour is dented and the paint badly scratched in several places. This skin is scarred from battle, and he is known to be a fearsome warrior. His braids have been tied behind his head, accentuating the three horns protruding from either side of his head, twisting and curling towards the back and painted with the same red vitaar that was carefully applied in tribal lines across his body. If he hears me enter the assembly hall he does not show it and I wait in silence for him to speak.
"Your commander tells me you have proven to be quite the warrior and scout."
I remain silent, as expected. I am only to speak if asked a question, and so I wait to see where this will lead.
"Pity you could not show the same resolve rooting out Qunari mages as you do wayward Qalaba and Dathrasi's"
My skin turns to ice. I dare not look up at the Arishok, and keep my gaze trained on the floor.
"Of course I knew about your dalliance with the mage, Adaar. It was I that allowed for it to continue for as long as it did. My reasons for allowing that travesty is my own, but you have sworn an oath to the Antaam and to me – an oath that you have made a mockery of. I should have you executed for treason and dissidence!"
The Arishok has moved down the steps and his voice is a dangerous low whisper in my ear. He steps back and his voice rises as he speaks again.
"A Saarebas was spotted in the Kocari wilds, in Ferelden. She is hiding out there, accused of killing a nobleman by means of blood magic. She fits Adaar's description. Word is that she has been terrorizing the Brecilian Forest for years. So not only has the Qunari proved unable to manage a singular mage, but we are also being tied to malifecars. Adaar's actions have focused the attention of Ferelden on Seheron, and it is unwelcome attention. Fixing your mess is not the demand of the Qun, and you should be grateful! Find Adaar and kill her. Once I have proof of her death, I will assign you a Beresaad and you will serve the Qunari people and atone for your stupidity."
I make a slight bow and wordlessly turn around, my tread not revealing the terror I feel inside. When I reach the door he calls me back. I turn around, eyes still averted to the groud.
"Bring me her head on a pike. Anything less and it will be your corpse displayed at the entrance of Seheron."