Chapter 3: Deathly Calm

Delia spent her time aboard the ship reading, working on an embroidered pillow, and conversing either with her brother or with Chloe. She had to admit to herself that it was very nice to have the older woman's company at times, especially since they were the only two women onboard. There were several members of the crew who unnerved her, especially Gibbet. If there were any way to avoid his line of sight, Delia would find it.

The first three days passed quickly. The wind was to their backs and the ship sailed swiftly across the sea. When Delia woke on the fourth day, the ship seemed unnaturally quiet. There was barely a wind, and the sea was as smooth as glass. She and Dairren dressed and walked to the galley for breakfast. Most of the passengers were already there and sitting at their normally chosen tables. Delia sat next to Chloe and looked across the room to see that the hooded elf was there without his normal companions. She involuntarily shivered, remembering his icy sneer and she turned her attention to her conversation with Chloe. Their companionable banter was interrupted only by the arrival of Nehairel, who sat across from Delia and smiled gently at her. He barely spoke to anyone, although Dairren had succeeded in having a conversation about the advantages and disadvantages of various weapons the night before.

Delia noticed that Nehairel was looking at her. "Ser Nehairel, you said that you will be taking a position as a knight at Vigil's Keep. May I ask why you are travelling such a long way for a new position?"

"Of course you may, my lady. I served with some men in the Free Marshes who know the Bann of the land. They felt that he might be able to use a man of my talents."

"Have you ever been to Fereldan before?"

"No, my lady, but I look forward to it. Tell me, do they really have dogs that are as large as a small horse? I hear they are smarter than most people and more deadly than assassins."

Delia chuckled. "Mabari hounds are large indeed, but I wouldn't go as far as to say they were as large as any horse. They are indeed intelligent and brave. My family's close friends raise them, so I have seen many over the years."

"You do own such a dog?"

"No, they are valued quite highly, and my family has never invested in one. I dare say that my father would love to have one, if only for the status that owning such a fine animal would bring to him."

With breakfast over, the other people at the table were getting ready to depart for their quarters. Nehairel looked over towards Delia and shyly asked, "Lady Delia, would you consider taking a stroll with me this afternoon on the deck? I would be honored to have the pleasure of your company."

"That would be lovely, Ser Nehairel. Some fresh air would be welcomed on such a calm day. Shall we plan on it after lunch then?"

Nodding his agreement, he bowed toward her and softly said, "I will count the minutes. Until then, my lady."

Dairren led his sister back to their cabin and sat on his cot. "So, it seems you have an admirer," he teased.

"Well, he may admire me, but you know that nothing will come of it. Even Mother would say that a knight would be beneath me, even as a low noble. Perhaps a conversation with him will prove to be a welcome distraction given the overly calm nature of the sea today. Maybe he'll even teach me to use a blade well enough that I could overpower you, dear brother, in a duel!"

Dairren laughed. "I may not be the most proficient with a blade, Delia, but I doubt you would be able to win a duel against me. You are, however, far prettier than I, and I have no doubt that you could disarm any other man merely with a smile." He smiled at his sister, knowing full well the number of young men who had shown their appreciation for her beauty and gentle nature. Someday there would be a man in her life that would be very lucky to win her heart.

They spent the morning reading. Without the wind, the air in the cabin began to feel stuffy, and Delia found herself looking forward to her walk on the deck. Lunch time arrived after what seemed like an eternity, and the siblings walked to their normal table. Much to Delia's surprise, Nehairel was already seated. He looked up at their arrival and gave her a shy smile. She smiled back and sat in her usual place, across from Nehairel.

When lunch was finished, Nehairel stood and offered his arm to Delia. "Shall we venture topside, my lady?" he asked softly. Delia smiled gently and took his arm. Suddenly her mind was filled with images of his life. It was not pleasant. His childhood was filled with beatings and he had run away at an early age. Somehow he found a position as a squire with an elderly knight who also abused the lad in unspeakable ways. The vision showed how Nehairel finally rebelled against the knight, killing him and taking all of his worldly goods. She saw his travels from place to place, pretending to be a full knight and fighting alongside others, but having a dark side to his personality that would come out at whorehouses. It seemed that he would hire a whore and then abuse her to death, then simply disappear from his post and move to another. She could see his heart, and it looked as black as night.

Delia gasped aloud, and Dairren looked at her in alarm. "Are you alright, sister? You are flushed."

She collected herself quickly. "I am fine, Dairren, I simply seem to have twisted my ankle as I stood. Ser Nehairel, would you please excuse me so that I may tend to it? I apologize, as I was truly looking forward to our stroll. Perhaps I will be better later and I can ask Dairren to locate you for me."

"Of course, dear lady. Please let me know if I may be of service in any way."

Chloe started to make a fuss over Delia and offered to bring healing poultices, but Dalia assured her that they had plenty in their cabin. Then Delia took her brother's arm and limped to their cabin. As soon as the door was closed, she threw herself onto the cot and buried her face in her hands.

"Whatever is wrong? You looked like you saw a ghost!"

"Oh, Dairren, I have never had my sight come to me quite that intensely. When I touched Nehairel's arm, the horrible things that I saw… he has murdered many women. I couldn't bear to walk alongside that… monster."

Dairren knew about her talent. Justine had called her a Seer, a very rare talent which gave Delia the ability to see into another's heart. She would see images of the person's past and be able to discern if they were trustworthy.

"I never knew your gift to be quite this strong. Are you alright?"

"Yes, Dairren I am fine. It must be the pendant that Justine gave to me. She told me that it would enhance my gift, and it certainly has. I do not know what to do about Nehairel, however. I can't pretend to have a sprained ankle forever."

"Perhaps you can have your stroll with him with me tagging along as the over protective brother, making certain against your protests that your ankle truly is fine. Then you will have fulfilled your promise, but you will not be alone at any time."

"I think that is as good a plan as any. I could then cut our stroll short and say that I feel the ankle needs a bit more rest."

"Then that is what we will do. I will find him after tea this afternoon, and we will get this stroll out of the way."

Delia nodded. This would not be the pleasant stroll she had hoped for, but at least the fresh air should feel good.