Sorry for the delay, but I'm attempting to write my dissertation at the same time, heh, so updates will be sporadic, as and when I can :) This is a long chapter mind (hopefully not too long though!) so I hope that makes up for it :)
If you have the time to spare, please review :D They make me happy. Thanks to those of you that have reviewed and those who have alerted and/or faved :D
x.x.x.x.x
A number of months and many miles later
The coastal roads towards Minrathous were rough, no doubt because most of the traders that travelled between the capital and the port towns went by sea. Only those on foot or horseback used these tracks – a carriage ride would be painfully bumpy, not to mention the way this particular road skirted close to the cliff's edge.
Elissa was enjoying the view of the sea from the high roads and left the track for a while to stand at the tip of a headland. The sky was a clear blue, the spring sun high in the sky and its rays scattering over the blue of the sea. In the distance Elissa could see the large island that was Seheron – she laughed to herself, realising she's near enough come full circle. She thought of Sten and sighed – the qunari would probably have a word or two to say about her right now, questioning her reasons and purpose. Or possibly he wouldn't say anything: he didn't question her when she joined him on the voyage to Seheron after all.
Elissa looked northwards along the coastline – she could see the capital from here, perhaps a few hours away. She would be there by early evening at the latest. She was in awe at the size of the place already, even at this distance – she could see many spires and towers reaching towards the sky and a cluster of ships in the docks.
"Come on Madoc. Let's get going – maybe we'll get there before the markets close so I can get a bone for you." The mabari barked happily and jumped around in a circle as Elissa hopped down the grassy verge back onto the stony track.
They were back on the road for a couple of hours, the road skirting around a clump of woodland, when Madoc stopped in his tracks and let out a small growl. Elissa froze, her hands going to her swords on her back. The silence from the trees was unsettling, but she had to say for an ambush this wasn't the best place: the road was flanked by the seaside cliffs after all. There was only one way to jump onto the road.
She spotted something shining a few metres in front of her and she motioned Madoc to stay. She crouched to the road and smirked at the tripwire in front of her, quietly smug that she spotted it. She usually traipsed right through them, much to Leliana's exasperation. She reached for her knife at her waist and gently cut the wire, letting the ends fall the ground and rendering the trap useless.
Elissa quietly continued along the road, hoping that the avoidance of the trap meant she would pass the bandits notice.
No such luck.
There was a guttural shout, something which Elissa had guessed meant "To arms!" in Arcanum given the number of times she had heard it in the past few weeks. (Elissa's knowledge of the Tevinter language was even less than basic - indiscretions of former-Regents aside, Ferelden had little to do with the Imperium nowadays and Elissa was tutored in languages that would most likely benefit Highever or Ferelden, namely Orlesian and Nevarran for trade purposes plus a touch of Antivan – just in case.)
"Maker's mercy," Elissa swore. "Do Tevinters get a kick out of attacking lone women or something?" She sighed in resignation, pulling her swords off her back as she was surrounded by half a dozen armed men.
A seventh man stepped from the shade of the forest, obviously their leading judging from the mildly better gear he was equipped with compared to his companions. He said something quickly in Arcanum and looked expectantly at Elissa. She looked back with a suitably confused face and shrugged. "I have no idea what you just said."
The man laughed and repeated something else incomprehensible. Elissa sighed. "Look, can I just go please? I'd rather not arrive in Minrathous covered in blood if it's all the same to you."
The man made no attempt to decipher her tone of voice and instead beckoned with one hand. "Money," he said in Antivan.
Ah, so he spoke some Antivan then, did he? Nevertheless, Elissa shook her head, hoping that they'd just let her past if they thought she didn't understand them. "I think not."
The man barked something in Arcanum again and Elissa just rolled her eyes. "You know, you'll never be half the man your mother was. Such a shame," she said. It was childish and completely wasted, but she felt that she needed to make some effort to respond, even if they had no clue what it was.
It appeared however that his patience had run out, and he gestured to his archers to draw their bows.
"Oh please," Elissa scoffed, "if you want to threaten someone do it properly with a dagger or something." The archers, however, we not skilled at holding their stance and one of them let his hand slip, the arrow whistling through the air. It thumped limply against her leather shoulder guard and clattered to the floor. She gave the offending archer her iciest glare and spun the sword in her offhand threateningly. "Let me past, boy," she said, stepping towards the young man. "I don't want to kill you but I will if I have to."
The young man recoiled in confusion, not understanding her words by fully comprehending her tone. His eyes darted towards the leader, seeking instruction, support. Elissa turned, following the lad's gaze and directing her intimidation at the band's leader.
"Move," she growled in Antivan. "Or I will have to kill you."
The leader he laughed raucously and shouted something in Arcanum... and judging from the way the other men jumped to attention it was probably "attack" or "get her."
Elissa ducked the poorly aimed arrows and whistled her command to Madoc. The mabari leapt at an approaching assailant, pinning him to the floor and savagely tearing at his throat. Elissa lunged forward, stabbing the bandit leader in the neck with one sword and severed his head with the other.
Without their leader the battle went quickly downhill for the bandits until out of the seven only two archers remained, two young lads, probably not long turned eighteen. They exchanged frightened looks with each other, and Elissa surmised they were close friends, mayhap even brothers or cousins judging from the similar features. She lowered her swords and gestured Madoc to stay, looking at the boys sadly.
She jerked her head towards the forest and the lads got her message. Get out of here. They hurried off into the shade of the trees and vanished. Elissa looked down at Madoc, who was covered in blood, and sighed, realising she wasn't much cleaner.
"Come on," she said, "let's find a river or something. We can't wander into Minrathous looking like this."
Madoc whined in protest but followed his mistress obediently. Perhaps there would be a way out of this impromptu bath...
x.x.x
Dear Fergus,
I do hope my letters are getting to you at Highever (or Denerim, whichever) – I'd hate for you to be under the impression that I'm not thinking of you - because I am! Lots. In between episodes of being lost that is. (That was a joke – I've not been getting lost much. Master Aldous managed to successfully drill map-reading into my head after all.)
I arrived in Ayesleigh yesterday evening. The Rivaini people are a bit strange to say the least, but they're hospitable. Some seemed to take offence at my weaponry at first, but when I explained (with great difficulty: there aren't many who speak Ferelden up here and my Antivan, though improved from the journey, still isn't brilliant) that I was a Grey Warden their reservations quickly vanished. They hold Wardens in high esteem here – there's a massive mural to those that fell at the battle of Ayesleigh in the Fourth Blight, carved into the side of a rockface in one of the coves. There's also a big statue of Garahel at the town's centre. It's given me some ideas for what to do for the Ferelden wardens that fell during our Blight – though naturally it won't need to be nearly as large as this.
I'm heading towards Arlathan forest en route to Minrathous as soon as I find a ship heading to Denerim to take this missive to you. No doubt once you get it I'll almost be at the capital! I've planned a vague route now (you'll be pleased to know) – once I'm out of the forest I'll be taking the coastal roads to Minrathous, then the Highway down to the passes up to Weisshaupt. From Weisshaupt... I don't know. I may be there for a while, it depends on the welcome I get from my fellow Wardens.
I hope all things are well at Highever and that the politics of Ferelden aren't driving you insane.
Much love
Elissa.
Fergus Cousland rolled up the latest missive from Elissa and sighed. He must have read it about five times since the messenger handed it to him scant hours ago.
There was a knock at the study door and Fergus sighed again, sitting upright in his chair and removing his feet from where they were propped on the desk. "Enter," he called.
The door creaked open and Zevran popped his head around the door. "From the look on your face, my dear Teryn, you could do with a drop of this." Zevran brandished the bottle of wine hopefully. "A warm-up before dinner perhaps?"
Fergus laughed and reached over to the cabinet behind him for the glasses. "I like the way you think, my friend." Zevran deftly popped the cork with one of his daggers and poured into the waiting glasses. Fergus, glass of wine in hand, leant back in his chair and propped his feet back up on his desk.
Zevran sank back into the cushioned chair on opposite side of the desk and sighed. "So, the nobles in Denerim have been reaping the rewards of our illustrious Majesty's trade agreements with Orlais."
"Ah, it ought to come as a surprise how quick the promise of coin can chase away past prejudices." Fergus smirked. "It doesn't."
"Yet they aren't so quick to jump upon Anora's visions for the Alienage."
"Again, unsurprising. But what is Anora proposing?"
"Nothing too outlandish, just wanting to invest in a rebuild and proper drainage to improve hygiene and living. It appears she was impressed with the Highever set up when she last visited. Oh, and she wishes to have an elven representative at court."
"Ah. Therein lays the problem, no doubt."
"Indeed. Some of the more pragmatic banns – Bryland, Teagan and Alfstanna in particular – and both Arl Eamon and Arl Wulff are open to the idea. Teagan even proposed removing the ridiculous weapons ban - I suppose after fighting alongside Alienage elves at the siege he feels they've earned it. I believe that is Anora's reasoning as well – but naturally there is resistance."
"From who?"
"The usual suspects. Loren, Ceorlic and Franderel, amongst others with questionable characters. That prissy one with the odd face from Amaranthine – Esmerelle I think her name was. Nevertheless, expect it to come up as a point of contention at the next Landsmeet."
"Oh... fantastic," Fergus said sarcastically. He leant forward to refill their glasses. "Any word of Amaranthine?"
"They're still getting used to the idea of Wardens owning the place but no noble is yet foolish enough to question the Wardens presence so soon after the Blight. The contingent of Wardens from Orlais seem sound enough – led by a rather serious fellow called Kristoff – but they mainly keep to themselves, patrolling the lands and picking off darkspawn stragglers. The new seneschal is managing the day-to-day running, much to the relief of the locals since he is Ferelden born. He's got his work cut out for him, mind, clearing up the mess Howe made of it in his neglect."
"Well, if he concentrated on his arling instead of furthering himself I've no doubt Amaranthine would have flourished," Fergus muttered darkly. "Anything else?"
"Only the usual disgruntled mumblings that the positions of Arl of Denerim and Teryn of Gwaren are still vacant. Anora dismisses those complaints, insisting that succession disputes can wait until adequate repairs are completed, insisting that the seneschals in both districts are managing them admirably." Zevran smiled. "I believe Anora was wanting to grant the terynir to your sister. She was asking after her and wanting to know when she will return."
Fergus sighed and handed Zevran the latest note from Elissa. "Anora's intentions are good but it wouldn't be wise – having both terynirs under the rule of a Cousland will only breed suspicion and contempt in the Bannorn. On top of that, Elissa is a Grey Warden and the Wardens already have Amaranthine – no, it would be best if the terynir was gifted to a general of some renown."
"Your darling sister is the only general of renown around."
"If she hears you calling her darling you're for it, you know that?"
Zevran laughed and laid the letter on the desk. "I not only know it – I count on it. Though it appears it will be some time before she's about to chastise me for pet names," he added, waving a hand at the letter.
"Well... quite." Fergus sighed for the umpteenth time that afternoon. "I worry. I know I shouldn't – she's more than capable, she always has been but it's not just about her wellbeing, physical or otherwise. After all that's happened... the memories I have here are painful but that's only because I remember what I've lost. She was here when Howe went on his mad rampage, she saw it all... I've just got this niggling feeling that she might not ever come home – that she might not feel able to ever come home."
Zevran reached over the table to refill Fergus' glass. "She will come home. She does miss this place. Did Leliana tell you of when we went to Soldier's Peak?"
Fergus racked his brain. "I don't believe she did."
"Ah, well, I'll not ruin a story of haunted castles and demons that should only be told with a bard's silver tongue, but I will mention something of the journey up there." Zevran put his fingers together and regarded the teryn of Highever with golden eyes. "Soldier's Peak is in the mountains east of here, and on the way up towards the mountain trails we came to a fork in the road. It was getting dark, so we camped in a glade not far from the road. After a while, Elissa must have gone for a walk because Leliana noted that she was missing.
"I volunteered to search for her and found her back at the roadside looking wistfully westwards up the road to Elstran's Gorge. Had she not been so devoted to her duty I think she would have gone home there and then you know – she said "It would be so easy – the main road to Highever is just up that pass," and then wandered back to camp." Zevran chuckled at the memory. "I had no idea what she was on about - the name "Highever" meant nothing to me at the time and it wasn't until I was on watch with Alistair later than I discovered the importance of the place.
"She will return. I know she will. She said she'd be back, and she's never let me down before."
Fergus turned the letter towards him again and looked over his sister's flowing script. "I'm tempted to send a missive to Weisshaupt, but there's a substantial risk that it would either arrive before she did or after she left. Aside from that there's nothing for me to say – nothing that can be committed to paper, anyhow." Zevran raised an inquiring eyebrow and Fergus grinned. "Don't look at me like you don't already know, because I know you do."
"Oh, I know many things, my dear Teryn – though if we are thinking about the same thing then I would agree that is information meant to be passed on personally..."
x.x.x
Minrathous was huge.
There was no other word for it. Elissa had always though Denerim to be fairly impressive but this was entirely different. Instead of homely and richly decorated estates, nobles in these parts appeared to outwardly mock each other with their individual towers. She half expected the Grey Wardens to have a tower at this rate; thankfully they had a more practical compound and barracks.
She paused, stretching her main sword arm and wincing at the tightness in her shoulder before approaching the guards at the compound gates, looking up at the Grey Warden banners that fluttered in the sea breeze. "Uh..." she started. "Do either of you speak Ferelden?"
One of the guards looked confused but the other smiled. "You're a long way from home, my lady. Can I help you?"
"I was wondering if I might be able to impose on your hospitality. As a fellow Grey Warden, that is."
"A Grey Warden? From Ferelden? Then..." The guard's eyes widened and he muttered something in Arcanum, probably an exclamation to the Maker of some kind. "You're... the last Warden of Ferelden, yes?"
"Elissa Cousland, yes," Elissa said. She felt sheepish under the man's awe-inspired gaze. "I know it's rude of me to expect shelter but I can't speak a word of Arcanum so I –"
"Sister, it is an honour to meet you," the guard said. "I'll send Brennan to inform the Senior Warden of your arrival." The guard gabbled the news to his companion who nearly dropped his pike in surprise before vanishing into the compound.
Some time later, after chatting for sometime with the guard (his name was Mikahel, he Joined about four years ago after being recruited in Nevarra, then transferred to Minrathous with the Senior Warden about six months ago) Elissa was greeted by an elven woman wearing a set of studded leather armour with a thick studded belt with the Warden Commander crest as a buckle.
"Sister," the woman said, her Ferelden carrying a heavy Orlesian accent. "I am Namina, Senior Warden of Minrathous. I bid you welcome to our barracks Sister and hope you enjoy your time here." She nodded to the guards to carry on and invited Elissa to walk with her.
"The First Warden at Weisshaupt mentioned you were travelling, Sister, but I daren't hope you'd head this far north."
Elissa smiled. "The stories I have heard of Minrathous piqued my curiosity. Though now I'm more curious – the First Warden is aware of me? And my travels?"
Namina laughed. "You helped end a Blight – how could he not be aware? He sent missives to all bases I believe, informing them of you and your travels – information he received from your Queen, so I'm told." Namina opened the door to the guest quarters and ushered Elissa (Madoc at her heels) inside.
"Are you injured?" Namina asked. She'd noticed that Elissa's right arm was swathed in bandages under her leather armour. Elissa shook her head.
"No, not injured – it's for support more than anything." Namina raised an eyebrow, detecting the first statement as true but the second as false – still, she didn't press the issue.
"Make yourself comfortable – you've arrived just in time for dinner. I eat with the others in the mess hall – I don't like to stand on ceremony - but if you prefer, I could have a meal sent to your room for you?"
"No, no – I'd be honoured to join my brothers and sisters in the hall," Elissa said with a smile. "Though if you could have something sent up for my mabari so he is out of the way I would greatly appreciate it."
Elissa warmed to Namina and her down-to-earth attitude. She told Elissa of the upset the Archdemon dreams had caused her and the other Wardens, and the frustrations of the contingents unable to cross the border because of politics. Elissa learnt that there were around thirty Wardens stationed here in Minrathous, a seemingly small contingent for such a large city, but there main remit was not the city itself but the High Reaches mountains to the northwest, where old dwarven thaigs acted as shelter for darkspawn.
Over dinner, Elissa sat with and spoke with any who could speak Ferelden: namely Namina, her second-in-command Faelan (a heavy built Tevinter warrior), Arrim and Alarra (elven twins from the Free Marches) Rache, (a mage from the Tevinter's Circle) and Mikahel.
Thankfully none of her dinner companions made her feel uncomfortable as a result of her celebrity status – and they continued talking over wine long after dinner was cleared. Conversation spanned a number of topics, and Elissa learnt a lot about Tevinter and the Warden system.
"If I may be so bold, Namina," Elissa asked, a thought suddenly occurring to her, "You must meet a lot of resistance with the locals. An elf in your station in Tevinter... I wouldn't have thought such an appointment would go down particularly well."
Namina and Faelan both laughed. "You would be right, my friend, hence my appointment here in Minrathous. The slavery in Tevinter has to stop – and while the Grey Wardens can't be seen to be influencing politics here like they do in the Anderfels, Warden Commander Kalem will do whatever he can to make the nobles feel uncomfortable." Namina grinned. "It's a knack of his. And Faelan's a big enough lad to deter any trouble, aren't you Fae?"
Faelan's grin could only be described as wolfish. "If there were any trouble you'd only leave me with scraps anyway. Appearances aren't everything."
"There is no slavery in Ferelden, is there?" asked Alarra. She and her brother both had bright blue eyes and fiery red hair – both with wirey frames which no doubt boasted strength and speed. Elissa guessed their combined rogue talents would be a force to be reckoned with in battle.
"No," Elissa said, "though there was an incident with the former Regent – Loghain, the man with an obsessive hatred for Orlais and everything to do with it, I mentioned him earlier – he had... teamed up with a Tevinter slaver. He was selling elves from our Alienage in Denerim – under the ruse of a healing operation, stealing them from their families right from under their noses." Elissa looked solemn. "Yet the man who was once a hero for our nation seemed to think he was doing what was best..." She shook her head in disgust and continued. "The operation was headed by a blood mage called Caladrius. I don't know how many Ferelden citizens were shipped out before I got to him... I know I was too late for some."
"Caladrius!" Rache said suddenly. "That good-for-nothing, sorry excuse for a mage!" The Tevinter Wardens all looked surprised – clearly such an outburst was uncommon from their soft-spoken mage. "Where is he now? I'll burn him from the inside out – a slaver indeed! And he wondered why the Templars at our Circle rule with an iron fist."
Elissa smiled. "The last I saw Caladrius he was a bleeding corpse on the floor of the warehouse he was using. He made the mistake of attempting to by his life by offering me a ritual to enhance my strength by sacrificing the elves around me." Elissa stretched her neck and felt the vertebrae in her click satisfyingly. "I accept that the Wardens will to anything to end the darkspawn, but as far as I'm concerned, as soon as blood magic starts to draw off anyone else's life force other than that of the caster, I'm not interested."
"Hear, hear," Rache said. "Better that the line is never crossed, however. There are other ways to victory."
There was the toll of a bell sounding the change of the watch and Namina started. "Sweet Maker, is it that late already? We've talked away half the night! Time for bed, the lot of you – especially you, Elissa, I've no doubt you're exhausted. Arrim and Alarra will be at your service for the duration of your stay."
"Oh, I wouldn't want to impose," Elissa, said with an embarrassed laugh. "My inability to speak Imperialist shouldn't take my fellow Wardens away from their duties."
"Nonsense," the twins said together. "We'd be honoured to show you around Minrathous."
Namina chuckled. "Our duties in Minrathous are few, and Arrim and Alarra have not long returned from scouting in the mountains on the border. They get bored around here – if anything I'm hoping you'll keep them out of mischief, if only for a brief while." Arrim looked sheepish while his sister looked scandalized.
"You make us sound like errant teenagers! What kind of impression is that for Warden Elissa?"
"One not far from the truth," Faelan rumbled, causing Rache and Mikahel to laugh.
Elissa grinned at the exchange, enjoying the family atmosphere here in Minrathous. "Then Arrim, Alarra, if you would be so kind to accompany me to the market tomorrow – I have no doubt I'll need your language skills to beat the traders at their haggling game."
x.x.x
The market in Minrathous stretched across two plazas linked by a series of stall-lined streets. One plaza was surrounded by taverns, houses and estates, the other (which was open right onto the docks) flanked by warehouses and shipwrights.
Elissa was charmed by the twins accompanying her. They were young, around nineteen summers, and Wardens for just short of eight months. They were recruited by Namina in the Free Marches town of Tantervale, after the pair ran into a spot of bother.
"So, the Free Marches isn't exactly an easy place to live," Alarra explained. Elissa nodded in understanding, having heard much about the ragtag collection of states. "And Arrim and me got by best we can – we were thieves for hire, essentially. Part of a game between the bigger noble houses in the Marches of 'who has the biggest secret art collection' – stupid really, but it paid well. Then Arrim got caught by the guards after our contact for one of our jobs ratted us out." Alarra clenched her fists. "So I hunted down the little weasel, slit his throat, then slipped into the jail to get Arrim out."
"But I'd already let myself out," Arrim said with a shy grin. "And we were both being chased by guards when we bumped into each other – literally – in the atrium of the prison. We tried to leg it, but were caught – by Namina."
"I thought that was it then – we were both gonna get strung up," Alarra said. "But Namina just grinned at the pair of us, looked up at the oncoming guards and said to the captain 'I'll take these, if you don't mind,' grabbed one of each of our arms in hers -,"
"- and she's damn strong, I had bruises for weeks," Arrim interjected.
"- took us back to her camp and said she'd heard about a pair of red-headed devils causing havoc in the Marches and offered us both a place in the Wardens." Alarra shrugged. "Beats stealing for money, that's for sure."
They spent most of the day in the upper market, Elissa shopping for small gifts to take back with her to Highever. She also bought Madoc a bone, as promised the day before, and then in the hunt for heavier armour for when she headed south to Weisshaupt, followed the twins to the lower market by the docks.
Elissa noticed four heavily armed guards loitering around one of the warehouses and pointed that out to her companions. "Slavers," Arrim said under his breath. Alarra merely spat on the floor in an unladylike fashion, but Elissa echoed her sentiment behind the gesture.
"Why are they there?" Elissa wondered aloud.
Arrim was wondering the same. "I thought the slave market wasn't open until tomorrow," he said looking at his sister expectantly. Alarra nodded.
"It isn't. Which means they're not working on the official market."
Arrim hissed under his breath. "Non-contract slaves. The worst kind."
"How is there a worse kind?" Elissa queried. Slavery was slavery – wasn't it?
"There's no good slavery if you ask me," Alarra explained, "but the official market slaves are contracted slaves – specific roles, rules about how you treat them and so on. A slave owner has as much chance of breaking the contract through maltreatment as the slave has by not doing their tasks. Also, those slaves will have sold themselves or been sold by their families. It's not right, but there's an element of consent involved. Non contract slaves are those that are smuggled in – elves stolen from other nations. It's illegal, and those caught face execution – but it still happens."
"Smuggled from other nations?" Elissa repeated. "So there could be Fereldens in there?"
"Quite possibly."
Elissa looked at the twins, then back at the warehouse. "I don't want to ask you to do anything that will get you in trouble," Elissa said with a sigh. "But I can't walk away from this without finding out if there are Fereldens that Loghain sold in that warehouse."
"But what will you do if there are Fereldens in there?"
"I don't know," Elissa said. "Free them somehow. Buy them, then free them if necessary. Anything."
Alarra looked at her brother and smirked. "Come on, Arrim, don't look so scared. If there are Fereldens there then they are definitely non-contract slaves – consider it a service to the community."
"But what if -,"
"Namina will no doubt appreciate what we've done. Aside from that, we won't get caught."
"Don't risk yourselves for my sake," Elissa said with a shake of her head. "I don't want to get you in trouble."
"Nonsense," the twins said together. "You'll need our help," Arrim added.
Elissa looked at the matching determination in their blue eyes and sighed. "Fine. But if anything happens, this is my fault. I won't let you take the blame for my interfering." She looked over at the warehouse, a plan forming in her head now she had people to direct. "We need to get someone inside – find the origins of the slaves. I know you're both rogue class – can one of you sneak in?"
"I'll go," Alarra said with a nod and cloaked herself in shadow and slipped around the back of the warehouse.
Once inside, Alarra felt her heart sink to see a dozen elves caged and chained. There were only two guards inside the warehouse – clearly they had confidence in their restraints. Alarra noticed that one of the elves in the corner cage was tied down more heavily than the others – while the others were either just caged or in manacles, this one had his arms locked together behind his back, his feet manacled and even his fingers tied together.
A resistor, thought Alarra, and one with some skill it would seem. Did he manage to escape once? Twice?
Alarra silently went up to the cage to get a closer look. His midnight hair was shoulder length and parted in the middle, his skin weathered and lightly tanned, though he looked pale due to confinement and probably lack of food. His dark green eyes, however, were sharp and watchful – and it was then Alarra realised he had been following her movements all along. Had her shadow faded? Her heart hammered in fear at the thought.
The caged elf must have seen her eyes widen because he said quietly. "I can see you. The others cannot. You are still blended in shadow, so do not worry. But why are you here?"
"Are you from Ferelden?" Alarra whispered. The elf nodded.
"All of us are. Sold by the Regent, of all things. So much for no slavery in Ferelden."
Alarra nodded. "That's all I need to know. I'll be back soon," she added, and quickly slipped back out of the warehouse, back to Elissa and Arrim.
Elissa took note of Alarra's grim expression. "There are Fereldens in there?"
"Twelve of them. All Ferelden. The one elf I spoke to said they were sold by the Regent – they must be from Caladrius' last shipment before you killed him."
"Andraste's blood," Elissa said, running a hand over her face. "I've got to get them out of there. Get them home." Her eyes scanned the harbour and a grin spread across her face when she spied a familiar ship in tied to the docks. "And the Maker smiles on me once more – Arrim, Alarra, wait here – I'll be back shortly."
Elissa jogged down the pier and felt her smile widen even further when she saw the captain at the base of the gangway. "I see the Dancer is looking as fine as ever, Captain Skyhold."
The captain turned around and greeted Elissa with open arms. "My Lady Cousland, fancy seeing you here - what a pleasant surprise! I delivered your belongings to the palace in Denerim, as requested. A charming redhead helped me deliver them – she asked after you, I think her name was Leliana?"
Elissa positively beamed at the mention of one of her companions. "Yes, she is a dear friend of mine – though I'm afraid I am here to impose on your hospitality again."
"Well you're just in time for a trip to Denerim – I leave on the evening tide in fact."
"Oh no – not for me, Captain." Elissa lowered her voice and quickly relayed her intentions to the captain. "I can of course recompense you for the trouble in coin."
Captain Skyhold waved Elissa off. "I'll only take enough to cover food for the dozen and not a copper more, my lady. Your intentions are admirable and I would be honoured to help you rescue some of Ferelden's citizens. But hurry – the tides will not wait, I fear, and the harbourmaster will not take kindly to delays."
Elissa nodded and dashed back up to where the twins were waiting behind piles of crates. "I've negotiated passage to Denerim for them – now all we need to do is get them out of there. While I would like to avoid a scene, we don't have the time – we will need to use force. I understand if you cannot aid me further -"
"Nonsense," the twins said together, and Elissa laughed.
"Namina would have our heads if you got hurt –" said Arrim.
"- so don't think we're not helping you fight!" finished Alarra.
Elissa felt the anticipation of battle thrum across her nerves and her grin became almost feral. "Let's go," she said, stepping out of the shadow of the crate and into the sunlight, striding towards the waiting guards. Alarra was at her heels, while Arrim nimbly hopped up on the pile of crates to get a vantage point with his bow.
The guards started at their aggressive approach and the four heavy armoured mercenaries jumped to attention, hands going to their swords.
"Out of my way," Elissa demanded. "Or you will pay for holding Fereldens against their will."
The tallest of the burly men laughed, eyeing the young woman and two slight elves and making severe underestimations. "Pay? And how, little bird, do you propose to make us pay?"
Elissa drew her swords and spun them menacingly. "The usual way will do." An arrow whistled passed her ear and lodged in the throat of one of the guards to the tall man's left. He dropped to the floor, the death rattle of his last breath bubbling over the blood pouring from his throat.
The other guards joined the fray, and Elissa engaged the biggest mecernary head on, while Alarra led the others a merry dance, dodging their clumsy attacks. She darted under the swinging maul and stabbed her assailant with a poisoned dagger. The man dropped his maul as burning pain seared through his abdomen and he fell to his knees. Her second attacker swung his greatsword but again to no avail, his poor warrior's technique leaving many openings for Alarra to use to her advantage. She ducked under his sword and stabbed him in the back while simultaneously Arrim caught the guard in the chest with a barbed arrow.
Elissa was locked in a fierce battle with the final guard, one who she supposed was the leader, since his skill was a mild improvement of his now dead fellows. His movements were still sluggish, allowing Elissa to avoid his shield bash and counter attack, her flurry of blades savagely stabbing him repeatedly until he fell.
Alarra and Elissa darted for the door to the warehouse, pulling it open. The two guards on the inside paled at the sight of the blood covered women and went to grab their swords. Elissa stopped one with the point of her blade and Alarra halted the other by tripping him up so he fell on his face and savagely stepping on his back.
"The keys," Elissa said with a frighteningly sweet smile, "if you would be so kind."
The terrified man down slowly and unwound the tie fastening the keys to his belt. He handed them over to Elissa's waiting hand and froze, not wanting to make any sudden movements.
Elissa lowered Starfang and jerked her head to the exit. "Go. Before I change my mind."
Alarra stepped off the floored guard and let him scramble to his feet. The two men ran for the door, nearly knocking over Arrim in their haste to escape. Elissa tossed a couple of the keys to each of the rogues. "Let's get these people out of here."
One by one each of the cages were opened and a huddle of confused elves gathered in the middle of the warehouse, Alarra and Arrim passing a skin of water around and explaining that they were being sent home. Elissa meanwhile was carefully unlocking the heavy manacles of the dark-haired elf in the corner.
"Maker's breath," she said, "why did they lock you up so tight?"
"So I wouldn't get out. Give me a bent piece of wire and I'll work most locks down. I escaped twice times."
"Then why are you still here?"
"I got caught while trying to free the others the first time. They just tossed me back in the cage and cuffed my hands," he said. "But if you know how, cuffs aren't that difficult either. The second time the commander twigged and bound me up twice. Had I had a blade on me I think I would have got free but..." The elf winced as he pulled his stiff arms free and rolled his shoulders experimentally. "I couldn't leave knowing the others would still be here." The elf looked at Elissa closely. "I recognise you... from the picture they were sending around the guard houses. You're a Grey Warden aren't you? How are you here?"
"You were a guard?" Elissa queried, ignoring his questions.
"Oh... no. I was a prisoner. Actually... what happens now? Where are we going?"
"You're going home. Back to Denerim. I've got a ship waiting for you all."
"Ah." The elf squirmed. "I... can't go back. I'm a wanted man you see – the Regent sold me instead of hanging me. Wasn't worth the rope he said."
"What's your name?" Elissa asked.
"Darrian. Darrian Tabris."
"Well, the Regent is no longer in control of Ferelden. I'm sure whatever you did to upset him would be forgotten."
"Erm... probably not."
Elissa scrutinised the young elven man. "What did you do?"
"I killed Arl Urien's son."
"Vaughan?" The elf nodded. "Dare I ask why?"
Darrian look surprised. "Why?"
"Yes. You must have had a reason for it, I presume?"
"I... yes, but... no one's ever asked why before." Darrian let his gaze drop. "No one cared to ask why. Not from an elf."
"Well, I do," Elissa said stubbornly.
"I was supposed to be getting married. He kidnapped my bride, my cousin Shianni, and Soris' bride Valora, as well as the other bridesmaids. Soris and I went to the estate, snuck in through the servants entrance, and fought our way to him. He raped Shianni, and tried to buy his way out of it, so I killed him."
"Shianni? I met a Shianni at the Alienage in Denerim. And a Soris in the Denerim estate dungeons – do they both have red hair?"
"Yes – how do you know...?"
"Elissa!" Arrim called. "We haven't got much time!"
Elissa helped Darrian to his feet. "Quickly – we have to get the others on the boat. Don't worry – I won't make you go to Denerim yet. We'll think of something."
"Let me go with you," Darrian said.
"What?"
"You're a Grey Warden. Why don't you conscript me? I'm skilled – I can fight, amongst other things. I'll prove it to you," he said, his green eyes alight with determination. "Let me travel with you for a time, as a test. I'll prove myself to you."
Elissa considered it carefully and quickly. She could use with another travelling companion other than Madoc... and providing he survived the Joining, she would have another Warden for Ferelden. "Alright. But let us get your kinsmen on the Dancer and out of here," she said. "Quickly now before we are noticed."
"Wait!" Darrian said quickly. "Your name – what's your name?"
"Elissa." And with that she rushed off to lead the Ferelden elves onto Captain Skyhold's vessel, glad that she was able to rectify some of Loghain's desperate mistake.
x.x.x.x
I know the ending was a bit... meh . but it was starting to get really really long lol! Hope it was worth the wait.
Please review – they make me happy :D