Sorry about the horrible delay - Real Life has been terribly busy, but I am thrilled to be back to writing this story!
The most heartfelt thanks to voltagelisa - There's just no way to say - in Cree, French or English - how much your friendship means! Thank you!
Thanks to everyone who has read and favorited this story! Your response was AMAZING and I am so glad you were pleased!
A huge welcome to my new reviewers: 007Diana and Alaskantiger - I am thrilled that you enjoy the story!
A very special thanks to my reviewers: voltagelisa, zevgirl, FalynnAngel, AdalaeAmell, Kimber75, gamerchic, dragonlover131313, fifespice, sandradee27, Elriendel, tehPrincess, MrsSparrowDarcy, Illusionary Ennui, and RewindedMiracle - I hope I continue to entertain
Alexa crept along the darkened corridors of the warehouse, Aveline and Dane following close behind her. Despite her desperate need to locate her missing mother, the Champion knew she needed to be cautious. She would be no help to her mother if she got herself killed in a well-hidden trap.
Leandra was supposed to meet Alexa's uncle, Gamlen, for lunch and he had arrived at the Hightown mansion in a panic when she failed to turn up by late afternoon. Aveline and Alexa had been together when he came looking for her and the Guard Captain had insisted that they begin a full search of Lowtown for the missing noblewoman.
After bribing a local urchin for information regarding her whereabouts, the women followed a blood trail to the nearby Dark Foundry, where Alexa had found the remains of some other missing women several years prior. In the back, previously unseen by the Champion or her companions, was a trap door leading into the caverns below the building. Now, as they moved cautiously through the darkened interior, Alexa prayed they would arrive in time to save her mother from the monster that was preying on the women of Kirkwall…
"Do you hear that?" Aveline said as they inched toward a narrow stairwell. "I can hear movement below us."
Alexa's heart raced as she disabled the firetrap at the top of the stairs, once again praising Varric for teaching her that necessary skill. She heard the muffled sounds of movement, as well. Using every ounce of control she had left to keep from rushing forward, Alexa motioned for Dane to remain at her side as she rose above the bannister, gazing down into the darkened room below.
Her hand flew to her mouth as she witnessed the horror taking place in the bowels of the foundry. A long, stone table had been placed in the middle of the room, covered in a stained white cloth. Candles glowed all around, their flickering light bathing the makeshift altar in hues of red and orange. Leandra Hawke lay frozen on the hard surface, her arms and legs bound to each corner. Her makeshift gown was tattered and covered in blood. Her eyes were wide open, staring blankly at the ceiling far above her.
Aveline grabbed Alexa as she dove for the stairs, pulling her tight against her chest. "Careful, my friend," she whispered into the mortified young woman's ear. "Leandra may only be in shock and injured. We need to know more about our enemy before we go charging into battle. I know this will be difficult for you, but you need to stay here and watch; at least until we know how many opponents we are facing."
Alexa knew the Captain was correct. With only the three of them in the rescue party, they had to be cautious and plan their attack. Grudgingly she moved once more to the bannister, gazing at the prone woman below.
"I believe the time has come for me to move on, Mistress Hawke," a cloaked figure stated as he approached the stone table, chuckling darkly. Though she heard his words, his voice was muffled somewhat by the cowl on his robe. "You will be the last visitor to my home, I am afraid. Not that I haven't had a wonderful time here in Kirkwall. Your beautiful daughter, more than any other, has given me memories that will last a lifetime."
"You?" Aveline asked, gazing questioningly at Hawke. "You know this man?"
Alexa shrugged, shaking her head slowly. "I don't know," she replied. "I can't really hear the voice well enough to know if I recognize it. We need to get closer."
"Not yet!" Aveline said, holding onto her arm. "Let's see if anyone joins him first." Against her better judgment, Alexa agreed; her attention once more focusing on the unknown assailant.
"As much as I long to remain here in Kirkwall," he continued, running a finger over Leandra's cheek, "enjoying the many 'splendors' it has to offer, I know that my identity will be discovered if I stay much longer. After all, how long can I hope to remain concealed from the authorities who hunt me if I am seen in the presence of the great 'Champion of Kirkwall' on a daily basis?"
Slowly he drew back the hood of his cloak, his white hair falling around his face in soft waves; the glowing blue lines now visible on the back of his neck….
His gaze shot to her own as she gasped aloud, her eyes instantly filling with tears. His expression was one of pure malice; the normally handsome elven features twisted in anger.
"Alexa, welcome," Fenris said as he stepped closer to her mother's body; a bloody dagger appearing in his right hand. "I didn't wish for you to be witness to this. I was so looking forward to 'consoling' you following your mother's untimely demise."
"Get away from my mother, you monster," Alexa said through clenched teeth. She raised her hands, the bright glow of her fire magic beginning to swirl around her fingers.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," he said, sliding the flat surface of the dagger along Leandra's left breast. She could see the lustful gleam in his eyes as he admired his handiwork and she had to hold tight to the bannister to keep from vomiting. "What if you were to miss me and hit poor Leandra?"
"How could you do this?" Alexa cried, staring down at the man to whom she had given her heart. "This can't be who you really are."
"Oh, but it is, my dearest Alexa," he replied as he slowly turned the knife so that the sharp edge pressed against the skin; dimpling it without breaking through. She watched for the slightest sign on life from her mother, but her body remained completely motionless. "It is who I have always been. The Tevinter Magisters knew this, and that is why they tried to lock me away. Fools! They couldn't control my power, and neither will you."
Fenris sighed deeply, shaking his head sadly at Alexa. "My beautiful Champion, though I have quite enjoyed this little conversation, I think it is time for me to leave," he declared. "I am sorry I will be unable to attend your mother's funeral, as I am sure it will be quite beautiful." Never taking his eyes from hers, Fenris drove the knife into Leandra's chest. Alexa's scream echoed off the walls of the abandoned facility. For a moment she imagined that she would see blood spray over the white altar cloth, but that wasn't to be. Her mother was already dead, just as she had feared. Now all that was left was to avenge her murder. She and Aveline rushed toward the stairwell, nearly colliding with the villainous elf.
Alexa dove at Fenris, preparing to burn out his eyes with her hands. In defense, he grabbed her forearms and pushed with all his might. The Champion heard Aveline's anguished cry as she crashed through the wooden bannister; her arms flailing as she neared the concrete floor below…
o~~~~~~~~o
"NO!" Alexa screamed, bolting upright in the spacious bed. Tears streamed down her cheeks as the memory of her mother's death played again and again in her mind. The curtain was instantly pulled aside and Feynriel climbed onto the bed, pulling her into his arms and rocking her gently as she cried.
"He was r-right, Feynriel," she whimpered, clutching onto his shirt. "Denarius was right. F-Fenris was the one who killed my m-mother. Oh, Maker, how could I have been such a fool?"
"You could never be a fool, Mistress Hawke," the half-elf replied, rubbing his hand over her back. "Many people were taken in by the elven criminal. Master Denarius told me that he has a talent for convincing others to believe his lies. Please do not cry anymore. I hate to see you this way."
Feynriel had been drawn to Alexa from the moment they first met; after all, she was a beautiful woman and had saved his life on more than one occasion. Over the past few years, however, he had matured and his youthful infatuation had begun to blossom into something more. Now he was in her bed, holding her in his arms and providing her with the emotional support that she so desperately needed. Though he fought against it, the young mage couldn't help but notice the soft curves of the Champion's body as she pressed tightly against him. Nor could he ignore the fragrance of jasmine in her hair…
"Feynriel, what has happened?" Denarius said as he entered the stateroom, moving quickly to the side of the bed. For the briefest of moments, the apprentice felt a jolt of anger at his master's interference. Then, quickly remembering his position, he turned them both toward the Magister, a look of embarrassment on his face.
"It was a nightmare, Master," he replied, gazing pointedly at Denarius over the top of Alexa's head. "I am afraid that Mistress Hawke has begun to remember the events in Kirkwall."
Alexa murmured something into his chest and he leaned down, unsure of her words. "I am sorry, Mistress Hawke, what did you say?" he asked gently.
Pulling back from the elven mage, she smiled wanly at him; the tears still flowing from her eyes. "I said Alexa," she repeated, her cheeks reddening as she gazed down at the wet patches on his shirt. "I want you to call me Alexa, Feynriel. After all, you have been with me for more than one complete breakdown at this point. I think that more than qualifies you to use my first name, don't you?"
Denarius clenched his fists, suddenly filled with an unprecedented rage. The idea that Feynriel would be so familiar with his Alexa was nearly more than he could stand. However, if it aided his cause, he would allow it – for now. Breathing deeply, he regained his composure and leaned forward, placing a hand on his pupil's shoulder.
"I think it may be best if I spoke to Alexa alone for a while, Feynriel," Denarius said, forcing his lips into a warm smile. "You have been very diligent in watching over her and I am sure you could use some rest."
"Of course, Master," Feynriel said, rising from the bed. Before walking away, he turned once more toward the Champion. "I am sorry for what you are enduring, Mistr… Alexa," he said, blushing as he spoke her name. "I promise you that I will do whatever is necessary to make sure the criminal is found and made to pay for the pain he has caused you."
"Thank you, Feynriel," Alexa replied, wiping the remaining tears from her eyes. "You have been positively wonderful." The elf's cheeks flushed once again and he bowed respectfully before heading toward the door. He turned back one last time as his master called to him.
"Can you please have some tea brought in for Mistress Hawke and myself?" Denarius asked. "And some food, as well. I think it would be good for Alexa to have a decent meal." Nodding silently, Feynriel left the room, the door swinging closed behind him.
Denarius slid onto the bed, taking Alexa's hands into his own. "I know this won't be easy for you, my dear," he said softly, "but I need you to tell me about the nightmare that caused you such agony. If I am to help you regain your memories, I need to know what you are seeing so that I can make sure it is accurate with the facts as I know them to be."
A few stray tears slipped from Alex's eyes as she prepared to relive the horrific Fade experience. Denarius reached forward, gently brushing them away. Taking a deep breath, she slowly recounted the dream, her voice breaking as the memory of it became too much to bear.
Denarius listened intently, his eyes widening as she spoke of the horrible things that Fenris had said to her. His reaction wasn't one of shock, as the physical reaction may have led her to believe; but rather pride in the fact that his pupil had done such an amazing job at creating a true nightmare. Feynriel was indeed a prize. Denarius had to hide a smile as he thought of his return to Minrathous. With Alexa as his willing partner and lover, and Feynriel to deal with those who would oppose him, there wasn't anything that would keep him from ruling over the other Magisters. All that he ever wanted would be his.
His face showing the deep concern that he wished her to see, the Magister listened to the last of her tale before nodding solemnly. "As loathe as I am to agree with you, your vision was correct," he explained. "Obviously your mind is beginning to heal from the terrible fall in the dungeon, and your memories are returning." Squeezing her hands gently, he looked deep into her eyes. "Though I cannot even begin to imagine the pain these recollections bring to you, I promise you this. You will not face these horrors alone. I will be beside you for each step of this journey; and when we at last meet the monster who tore your life apart, we will bring him to justice together."
Alexa shivered at the passion with which Denarius declared his intent to remain at her side. She couldn't recall anyone ever being so vehement about aiding her; though, truth be told, she couldn't recall much of anything for certain prior to this journey. Her cheeks flushed as she remembered the cold manner in which she had treated the Magister to this point. If he was indeed all that he claimed to be, she owed him the greatest of apologies.
That was the question, though, wasn't it? Was Denarius the devoted, compassionate individual she saw before her? Danger signals still rang in the back of her mind as she looked upon him. Though it would be far easier to believe the Magister's every word and give herself over to his control, Alexa was no fool. She vowed in that moment to remain at a distance from the mage until she was truly sure of his sincerity.
Denarius inwardly groaned as he recognized the doubt in Alexa's eyes. He knew he shouldn't be surprised at her reluctance to trust him. After all, she was an extremely intelligent woman – that was one of the many reasons that he wanted her so badly. If he hoped to gain her trust, he knew he had to move their relationship to the next level.
"I think it is time you left this stateroom," he said, caressing her hands one final time before rising from the bed and moving to the nearby settee. "We kept you here for your own safety, as well as the safety of the crew," he explained. "Now that your memories are returning, I see no reason for you to remain locked away here. You need fresh air and sunshine, and I intend to see that you get it."
Alexa shuddered involuntarily as she remembered hearing about her behavior toward Lavenar and Elenia. No matter how tempting freedom may be, she could not risk harming more innocent lives. "Are you certain that is a good idea, Denarius?" she asked, stepping from the bed. "I wouldn't want to cause further problems…."
"Nonsense!" he declared. "You are no prisoner of mine! I understand your caution, given the unfortunate demise of my servants, but that is behind us now. And, if you recall correctly, I told you that you are in no way to blame for their deaths. Fenris is responsible, and he will be the one to pay for all that has happened."
He paused as the door to the room opened and a frail looking female elf entered the room; carrying a tray laden with food and drink. She placed it on the nearby table and bowed quickly, never looking up as she rushed from the room. Alexa's heart ached at the fear she felt radiating from the young woman. She knew it was due to her horrific actions and she prayed she would be able to make up for her mistakes.
"Now, my dear," Denarius said, taking her arm and leading her toward the table, "let's enjoy this wonderful lunch and then I arrange for a bath and some clean clothes to be brought to you. I am most anxious to see you in the bright sunlight."
o~~~~~~~~o
"Asha'bellenar?" Varric asked, his eyes widening as he gazed at Merrill. "You mean that witch that came out of the locket when we met you? What does she have to do with any of this?"
"She lives in the Wilds, Varric," Merrill explained, her voice shaking slightly. "One of her many identities is as the Witch of the Wilds."
"Witch of the… WHAT?" Anders asked, ignoring his nausea as he headed into the room. "It can't be! King Alistair and Aedan Cousland killed her during the Blight. Whoever you met, it wasn't Flemeth."
"Actually, it was, Anders," Merrill replied, gazing sheepishly at him. "According to all that I know, she was the one who rescued Alexa and her family when they were fleeing Lothering. In return, Alexa agreed to carry a locket into Kirkwall, delivering it to my clan. Asha'bellenar had encased part of her essence in the locket; and when it was opened, she appeared and thanked Alexa for saving her life. Your king may have imagined that he destroyed her in the Wilds, but I can assure you that he is wrong."
"So, you are saying that this witch has enough power to aid Denarius in his plans for Alexa?" Fenris asked, doubt evident on his face. "It took nearly a dozen Magisters to complete the ritual that transformed me. I cannot imagine that one mage, no matter how powerful, can have abilities equal to that."
"Her abilities aren't equal, Fenris," the blood mage stated bluntly. "They far surpass those of your Tevinter Magisters, even when they are combined together. Have your Magisters lived for many lifetimes each? She has. Asha'bellenar was able to take a small part of her own spirit and resurrect herself from it. Do you really think she will be unable to aid your former master in a ritual like the one you described?"
"None of this is getting us any closer to rescuing Alexa!" Sebastian cried, returning once more to the table. "We need a plan, not useless speculation! Whether this Flemeth is involved or not, we know what Denarius has planned for Alexa. We need to decide how we can stop it before he succeeds!"
"What we need," Anders said, attempting to keep the conversation civil, "is help. We are entering Ferelden, a country unknown to most of you. If what you say is true, and Flemeth is involved, our plans will have to include her. Therefore, I think our first step should be to meet with King Alistair. He fought her before, and won. I think he is our best hope to defeat her once again."
Varric laughed, taking a swig of his ale. "Leave it to the Blondie to come up with a reasonable plan!" he said jovially. "I say we meet with this king and learn all he knows about the witch before we fly blindly into the Wilds. That leaves us with a new problem. How are WE ever going to get an audience with the king?"
"He was a Grey Warden, you know," Anders replied. "I may no longer be with the Order, but I think he will agree to see me; especially if we tell him our reason for arriving in Ferelden."
"I may also be of aid in getting in to see him," Sebastian said, his voice returning to normal. "As the Prince of Starkhaven, I can easily request a meeting with the monarch."
"The exiled Prince, you mean," Fenris spat angrily. "I am sure he will be thrilled to meet with a ruler who doesn't even have a country to lead."
"I believe I stand a much greater chance than you – a runaway slave," Sebastian retorted, glaring murderously at Fenris.
Isabela slammed her fist on the table, drawing the attention of everyone in attendance. "And, once again, the two of you insist on putting your petty jealousies before the true issue at hand!" she declared; her furious gaze travelling between the two opponents. "I swear I should have left you BOTH back in Kirkwall! Now, if you are finished belittling each other, I suggest we allow Anders to try to reach the king first. I have heard he is still quite involved with the Grey Wardens, and I believe that is our best chance of gaining an audience."
"No arguing with the Captain, boys," Varric announced, rising from the table and winking at the pirate. "You may find yourselves swimming back home. We have a long journey ahead of us, and I suggest we get to work preparing for our arrival in Denerim. Isabela, could you please put the romantic rivals to work; preferably far away from each other? I think it would do them good to work out some of this aggression they seem to be feeling."
"Brilliant, as always," the Rivaini replied, slapping Varric on the shoulder. "Come, gentlemen. I do believe there are several rooms that need to be repaired after the storm last night." Fenris and Sebastian exited the room behind her; staying as far from each other as the cramped space would allow. When they were gone, Varric turned back to Merrill. She was still seated at the table, shaking her head sadly.
"You know, Varric," she said quietly, glancing up at him. "If those two behave that way when we reach Alexa, she may not want to come home."
"No need to worry about that," the dwarf replied, placing his hand on her shoulder and squeezing gently. "Hawke may scream in frustration at the two of them, but you and I? She could never stay away from us for long. You make her smile more than anyone else I know, and her heart would simply break if she ever had to part from her handsome dwarven companion."
Merrill rose from the table and hugged Varric tightly, giggling into his ear. "I do love you, you know," she said happily as she pulled away. "Whenever I am down, you find a way to raise my spirits."
"Just one of the many services I offer, Daisy," he replied, leading her onto the deck to watch the waves roll by.
o~~~~~~~~o
"What do you mean, the Champion is gone?" Seneschal Bran cried, pacing Aveline's office furiously. The Guard Captain had been avoiding this particular conversation for several days, unwilling to answer the plethora of questions she knew would come her way when Bran finally cornered her. Unfortunately, he had arrived in her office before she was able to head out for her morning guard post inspection. Now, she had nowhere to run, and the Seneschal didn't appear to be in a mood to postpone his interrogation.
"How many ways is there to interpret the word 'gone', Seneschal?" Aveline asked, running her hands over her weary face. A good night's sleep had been virtually nonexistent in her house since the abduction. She and Donnic spent most of their nights prowling the seedier areas of Kirkwall; keeping their eyes and ears open for any hints of impropriety among either the Templars or the Circle mages. When Hawke was finally found and rescued, Aveline wanted her to have a home to return to.
"Your sarcasm does you no credit, Guard Captain," Bran replied, the strain of recent days showing on his face, as well. Tensions were running high in the city; and now that the Viscount was gone, the bulk of the complaints were sent directly to the Seneschal's office. Knight Commander Meredith had proclaimed herself to be the 'temporary' authority in Kirkwall, but she rarely made an appearance in Hightown. Instead she spent her time hunting down the blood mages that Bran was now certain never existed in the first place.
Aveline sighed, motioning for the exhausted Seneschal to take a seat in the chair opposite hers at her desk. Smiling wanly, he accepted her offer; running his fingers through his unusually mussed hair. "Sorry if I was short," Aveline said, nearly choking on the apology. It wasn't in her nature to explain herself to anyone except her husband, and that she only did on rare occasions. However, she knew she might eventually need Bran's help, and it never hurt to have a useful ally nearby. The Seneschal was nothing if not politically ingenious, and that talent could make the difference to this battle in the end.
"What I am about to tell you cannot leave this office," she began. "There are those who would use this information as an excuse to make both of our jobs even harder." Over the next hour, she explained to Bran all about the kidnapping; leaving out the female elven body she and Donnic had discovered and disposed of in Lowtown. The dead girl perfectly matched the description she had been given of Fenris' sister, and Aveline was fairly certain that she was the 'witness' her companions had spoken of when they told her of Hawke's kidnapping.
The duo set in silence for several minutes once Aveline finished her narrative. Finally, Bran shook his head, rising from the chair and resuming his walk around her office. "So the Champion is in Ferelden, having been kidnapped by a psychotic Tevinter mage," he said, sighing heavily as he stopped to look at Aveline. At her slight nod of agreement, he continued. "I can certainly see why you would wish to keep this information quiet. Should Meredith discover the details of Hawke's abduction, it would greatly fuel her crusade against all things magical."
"Aveline, we have received a message from Var…" Donnic said, opening the office door and stepping inside; his voice trailing off as he saw that his wife was not alone. He quickly stood at attention, nodding respectfully toward the Seneschal.
"It's alright, Donnic," Aveline said, motioning for him to close the door behind him. "I have explained our current predicament to Seneschal Bran and he agrees with our desire to keep Hawke's voyage away from those who would use it for their own ends. Were you saying that Varric sent us a message?"
"Yes," the Guardsman said, pulling a small piece of parchment from the pouch on his armor and handing it to her. Aveline quickly scanned the short missive and then looked up at Bran.
"It appears that the Eternal Majesty will be arriving in Denerim within the next two days, weather permitting," Aveline said. "They were delayed by several days as they were blown far off course by a rather unexpected and violent storm. Would any of us be surprised to learn that Denarius had something to do with that?"
Bran nodded, crossing his arms over his chest. "The Magister would be a fool to think that he wouldn't be followed," he surmised. "Therefore, I am sure he would do whatever was necessary to insure that his pursuers remained far behind him. Though I hate to believe that his powers are that substantial, we cannot ignore the possibility. It sounds as though your friends have quite the fight ahead when they finally catch up to this Denarius."
"True," Aveline said, gazing worriedly at her husband. "However, they appear to have a solid plan for dealing with him. According to Varric, they will attempt to meet with King Alistair, to get any aid he may be able to provide them in their rescue mission."
"That is actually a very good idea," Bran stated. "King Alistair met briefly with the Champion during his visit to Kirkwall, and I was led to believe that he was quite impressed with her. He even went so far as to suggest that she would make a fine Viscountess. I have no doubt that he will give them whatever aid he can. From a political perspective, this could also make for a fine beginning to a new treaty between the two countries." Bran couldn't help but smile at the irritated expression on Aveline's face. "Someone in Kirkwall must think of the future," he said calmly, walking toward the office door.
Grasping the handle, he turned back to Aveline. "Please keep me updated as to your companions' progress," he said. "I will make sure no one questions the Champion's absence."
"Thank you, Seneschal," Aveline said, genuinely smiling at the politician for the first time since she had met him so many years ago.
o~~~~~~~~o
"Denerim is actually a beautiful city," Alexa said, glancing around at the busy marketplace. "When I lived in Lothering, we often heard tales about the filthy, corrupted streets of the capital city, and I never had a desire to visit here. It appears that those stories may have been wrong."
Denarius gazed down at his companion, and was surprised to find that her wonder was contagious. The last several days onboard the ship had been nothing like he ever imagined it could be. After the dream of Fenris' betrayal, Alexa had begun moving about the vessel freely; though Denarius' personal guards were never far away. She was told they were there for her protection, and she seemed to accept that explanation. However, Denarius was fairly certain that she thought they were following her to keep her from injuring any more of his servants. It worked perfectly for him, as the added guilt made her more receptive to his advances of friendship, and allowed him to keep her magical restraints in place without having to explain their necessity.
His plan was working perfectly, except for one small problem. The more time he spent with the beautiful Champion, they more he began to enjoy her company. Though he always intended for her to be his lover, he imagined that he would maintain the upper hand in their relationship. Now he was concerned that should he continue on his current course, she may eventually become his master, and not the other way around.
The party turned down a deserted street; heading toward The Lion's Claw, the inn they had procured for the night. Alexa felt a shiver of unease as she glanced at the darkened houses on each side of them. She moved closer to Denarius, her voice low as she spoke. "Something about this doesn't seem right," she said. "Should any street in a bustling city be this empty?"
No sooner had she spoken than a large party of raggedly dressed men stepped into the road before them. The obvious leader of the menagerie moved forward, addressing the group; his malicious glare making Alexa's skin crawl.
"And what have we here, boys?" he called out, a cruel smile forming on his lips. "More visitors to our fine city? I suppose it would only be right if we tell them about the local Visitor Tax; after all, we wouldn't want them to get in trouble for failure to pay, now would we?"
The guards on either side of Denarius drew their weapons, moving closer to their master in an attempt to keep him protected. Waving them off, the mage stepped forward, addressing the stranger in his usual arrogant tone. "I am quite sure I would have been informed of such a tax," he replied, his hands glowing slightly in his anger. "Now, I would suggest you return to whatever hole you crawled out of, before I am forced to do something that you will regret."
"A mage, eh?" the bandit said, the smile never leaving his face. "Well, what do you know? I happen to have those, as well." To prove his point, he nodded his head and a bright light flashed from behind Denarius' party. Alexa spun in the direction of the magic, too late to prevent the attack. A shockwave struck the men around her, knocking the guards off their feet. Only she and Denarius remained standing, protected by the magical barrier he had erected around them. Raising her hands to retaliate, Alexa swore loudly as she remembered the golden bracelets on her wrists.
"Denarius," she cried as the bandits drew their weapons and began to move slowly but deliberately forward, "you have to release these bindings! I can't help you if you don't!"
His eyes flew open wide as he glanced over at her. "Maker, Alexa, I didn't even remember you were still wearing them!" he replied, regret evident in his eyes. Reaching toward her, the barrier still holding firm around them, he touched the bands; catching them as they fell from her wrists.
Alexa gasped in delight as the powerful elemental magic flowed through her once again. She hadn't realized how lost she had been without it. Instantly she turned toward Denarius, raising her hands in his direction; bright orange flame dancing around her fingers. The Magister couldn't hide his concern as his eyes met hers. Releasing her magic had been an enormous risk on his part. If she turned on him now…..
"Down!" Alexa cried, a huge ball of fire forming between her hands. Denarius dove out of her way, awed by the raw power she possessed. With practiced ease, she threw the fire toward the bandits, smiling in delight as they were engulfed in the heat. The men at the front of the pack were instantly incinerated, while those in the back screamed in terror, flailing their arms in a vain attempt to staunch the conflagration that slowly consumed them.
Recovering quickly, Denarius turned his attention to the three mages at the far end of the street. He recited a quick spell, smiling cruelly as the bandits screamed and began turning their attacks on one another. It didn't take long for them to destroy each other, and the street was peaceful once again.
"Impressive," Alexa said, breaking the stillness of the night. "You will have to teach me that particular spell." Denarius turned to see the Champion kneeling on the ground, running her glowing hands over each of his men; healing their wounds. She truly was an amazing woman! One moment she was a master of death, and the next she was an angel of mercy. He had never desired her as strongly as he did in that moment; having witnessed just a fraction of the power he knew she held at her command.
"That is a mere taste of all that I have to offer you," Denarius replied, trying without success to keep the lust from his voice. Alexa looked up from her ministrations, a pink hue to her pronounced cheek bones.
Their private moment ended as Ser Willem Agies, the Captain of Denarius' personal guards, began rising from the ground, moaning softly. Denarius moved to his side, pulling him to his feet. "Are you quite alright, Agies?" he asked, feigning deep concern.
"Y-yes, I think so, Master Denarius," the soldier replied, glancing quickly at his fellow soldiers; all of whom were finally stirring. "I cannot apologize enough for our incompetence with regards to your protection. My shame is all the greater for the fact that you had to rescue us."
"Actually, it was Lady Alexa who did the rescuing, Agies," Denarius replied. "I merely aided her in this matter."
His eyes widening, Agies approached Alexa, taking her hand in his and placing a quick kiss on her knuckles. "Thank you, Milady, for your timely actions," he said, smiling warmly at her. "My men and I will do all we can to help you in your search."
"You are welcome, Captain," Alexa replied, removing her hand from his grasp. "Now, I suggest we leave this area as soon as possible, as more of these bandits may arrive at any time."
"Wise as well as beautiful," Denarius murmured, bringing a slight blush to Alexa's cheeks once more. "To the inn, Agies! I think we could all use the rest."
o~~~~~~~~o
"Come in," Denarius called, looking up from the ancient tome in his lap. The group had reached The Lion's Claw with no further interruptions; and the Magister was now relaxing before dinner, having first escorted Alexa to her suite. The door to his room opened and Captain Agies entered the room, bowing respectfully to his master.
"You sent for me, Master Denarius?" Agies asked, standing at attention inside the door.
"Yes, Agies," Denarius replied. "I wanted to speak to you in private regarding the attack this evening."
"Of course, Master," the captain replied quickly.
Rising from his seat, Denarius moved to a nearby desk, pouring himself a glass of Antivan brandy. "I know I have told you how important it is that Lady Alexa becomes a willing part of my circle, have I not?" he asked, gazing at the soldier.
"Of course, Ser," Agies replied. "You made that quite clear from the beginning of our trip."
"Well, this attack provided Lady Alexa with an opportunity to prove her newfound trust in us," he replied, taking a sip of the warm liquor. "And the plan went perfectly, if I do say so, myself. You and your men should be pleased with your performances. I assume the local coterie has been paid for the loss of their members?"
"Yes, Ser," Agies answered, smiling broadly; thrilled that he and his soldiers had pleased the Magister. "I was told to relay their appreciation for your generous contribution to their organization. Should you need any further assistance, they will be happy to provide it."
"Excellent, Captain," Denarius stated. "I think we may have at least one more mission they can undertake on our behalf. After all, we need to make sure Fenris and his companions are kept well behind us as we begin our journey into the Wilds."
The captain nodded curtly. "Of course, Master Denarius," he began. "I will contact them immediately and begin the necessary preparations. This will not delay our departure from Denerim. Allow me to say how relieved I am that there will no more attacks on your person. The first priority of myself and my men is always your safety."
Denarius nodded thoughtfully, raising his goblet toward the captain. "If all goes according to plan, Agies, that priority will soon change to include your new Mistress, Lady Alexa Hawke," he said, a sly smile curving the corners of his mouth.