CHAPTER 4: STUPID MAN
I will never blink kid.
He'd made a perfect recovery. Thanks to Anders he looked like he'd be able to leave soon. Provided we found his parents. He smiled and laughed rubbing a little to roughly on my back for my taste. "Good kitty!" He laughed and ack choking Valerie here.
Lucky you're such a cute little elf.
I'd heard Anders talking with Varric more the other day. The kid could keep his near mangled leg. Anders had been able to save it, but when he healed it. It would never look the same again. The damage had been made to kill him. He had his life though, so I guess that counts.
Although he'd never get over the trauma, he put up such a brave front. He couldn't have been more than six years old. The strength of children is so amazing, they can almost always bounce back with a happy face. All it takes is a little encouragement.
"Here, drink this." Anders leaned over handing the kid a cup of water. He took it and gulped it down like it'd be his last. "Taking a liking to Lady Whiskers are you?"
"Fluffy kitty!" Yes fluffy, I've noticed.
"Child, where are your parents?" Anders sat down on the little mat placing a hand on the elf's shoulder.
"Mommy told me 'run', and she stopped moving." Oh god, the poor kid lost his mother that night didn't he. He didn't mention his father, which leads me to believe he wasn't around; well it could have meant anything really. I can't just assume.
"Do you have any other family?" The boy just shook his head. Anders stood up from the mat and walked across the room telling the kid to rest. He lay down and after a few minutes released his strangle hold on me. I wiggled out slowly so as not to wake him and bound, yes don't judge, across the room into Anders' lap.
"It's sicking isn't it Lady." You got that right. "And to think. The guards will do nothing about this. They won't even try." Anders grit out bitterly. The elves did seem to have it pretty bad, at least from what I could tell.
Merrill didn't look like she was at all upset about anything, but Fenris looked generally pissed at the world. Then again they're just two out of god knows how many in this city. Oh the joys of racism. I'd hate if the kid had to be put into a orphanage. Nothing that I could do about it though, and neither could Anders. He couldn't keep him in the clinic forever.
It was to dangerous apparently. With him being able to use magic and all.
"I'll think of something Lady." He sighed heavily relaxing into the chair. He did, I didn't like it one bit. I followed him to the orphanage that day, and it was heart breaking. It took so much begging for the woman to take in another 'knife ear'. Wow what kind of racist bullshit is that?
He checked on the kid for a few weeks after that from a distance. He looked like he was doing alright, maybe he would get adopted, but according to Anders it wasn't likely. He was better off here though, at least he would be safe.
"Alright Lady, pick up the bandages." Again with this... I thought I'd made it clear I could understand you. "Who's a smart girl!" I dropped the bandages and tried to run before Anders would pick me up and start cuddling me.
No stay away crazy cat man!
Gack! Damn-it he caught me. I kicked my legs trying to get free, but he held on to tightly. Please stop this is embarrassing... Alright Anders, you're lucky I like you at least a little bit. If you didn't look so damned sad all the time. Don't you dare speak a word to this to anyone. I'll scratch you again, I'll do it too. I'm not afraid.
There was a loud banging on the door and Anders stopped his choking cuddle trying to murder me. They banged again with much more urgency. My captor slowly walked over to the door and looked out through a small crack. I couldn't really see who it was, but Anders decided to unlock the door and let them in sitting me to the ground.
I ducked into my hiding place peeking my head out as two men and a dwarf walked into the clinic... wow that sounds like the start of a bad joke.
"You are the healer correct?" The dwarf asked as the two men took up positions by the door. I could see the look of distrust on Anders face.
"Who are you?" He was no longer the silly carefree man he'd been a few seconds ago. He was dead serious and didn't trust the three men.
"Please, relax. We know who you are, and we come for your assistance." The little man waved his hands in a nonthreatening manner, but Anders didn't drop his guard.
Anders crossed his arms against his chest waiting for them to elaborate on their own. When they didn't he turned his head back making himself look tougher than he was. Or he could have been that tough, I'm not really sure. "And why would I help?"
The dwarf gave a little laugh sending his 'body guards' out the door. "I hear you want to rescue the mages from the tower. Listen, we have a plan to break them out a few at a time."
"And where do I come in?" He dropped his arms. Was he really considering doing this, what kind of idiot are you don't agree to some random dudes claims. Dumb ass.
"If they see a Grey Warde-"
"How do you know so much about me!" Anders nearly growled out giving a strange blue glow before it stopped. He sighed and rubbed at the bridge of his nose. "Alright, suppose I do help you. Where would these mages be until I could help?"
The dwarf placed a hand as far as he could reach toward Anders' shoulder and pulled him down to whisper in his ear. I could see Anders' expression turn to extreme concentration. Anders stood back up giving the dwarf a nod of his head. That idiot had agreed to whatever stupid plan he was making.
Anders went about gathering things, and preparing to go out for what could be a long time. The dwarf settled in and his buddies stayed some place outside. I snuck out, I don't trust them at all. Maybe it's because I've been stuck like this that I don't just trust everyone who comes up to me, or if I've always been like this. But something was seriously wrong with this group.
I looked around the dark alley trying to find the two men, but they were out of site. I wandered around a little more until I came to the steps and could hear talking.
There was a low gruff laugh from one man. "Those chantry bastards are going to pay us a fortune."
"One apostate and we'll be set for life!" The other gave a snort. What are they talking about... this doesn't sound good. I leaned down on the stairs trying to see the men hiding under them like rats. Cats hunt rats you bastards, you better not be plotting something...
The stair I was standing on gave a loud groan and the men stopped laughing and talking. "Someone's there!" They called rushing out from hiding. They had weapons drawn, but stopped and stared like a couple dim-witted morons.
"It's a cat..." No shit. "Think it heard us?" One asked in a slight whisper. I pined my ears against my head beginning to sneak away.
The other guy slapped the other in the chest with the back of his hand. "It's a cat! Who cares." Oh look the smart one of the two. Good bye!
As I ran I nearly caused the dwarf to trip over me as I ran back to the clinic. He gave a loud curse and knocked over a stack of empty crates. Anders was prepared to leave and had gotten a long bladed looking staff thing. I jumped in front of him and used all my strength to push him back inside. He only tripped over me as he walked.
"Sorry Lady, you need to stay here." I bit down onto his boots trying to hold him inside the room, it wasn't working. You stupid fool those guys are bad news. "Lady! Not now." He bent down and pried my teeth from his boot and pushed me back. I jumped right back up and bit down onto his robe making him growl in frustration.
Listen to the smart girl and keep your ass at home!
"Lady please, I'll feed you when I get back." I don't want food damn-it. "I'll just be gone for a few hours. Just to the Wounded Coast, now stop." I dropped his cloak. Don't you walk out that door mister, don't you... oh you fucking idiot.
I paced around the room looking at the door. What do I do... I don't know what to do... Shit shit shit... Ah-ha! His friends, maybe I could get them to help me! Aw but how... oh screw it I'll figure it out when I get there.
Now where was that smelly ass bar.
Up this lift thing, I remember that much. I stared at it for a second before jumping up on the thing and pouncing on the lever. I weighed just enough to make the lever go down and the lift went up. I landed back on the floor of the lift and when I got to the top ran out into a small crowd scaring them.
Sorry people bigger worries right now.
I looked around the streets for awhile before I saw the group all standing outside of a building. There you are Garrett! I ran toward the tall man but skid to a stop at the feet of a very big and very mean looking dog.
Was that even a dog! What the hell is that thing, it's huge!
It looked down at me snarling and a little foam coming from it's mouth. "Ugh nice doggie..." He stopped growling and tilted his head giving a little whine. Garrett looked down at the two of us, but I hardly noticed him, what with the big row of teeth ready to do who knew what.
"Feng... stop its just a cat."
"Oh it's Lady Whiskers!" Merrill cooed and bent down disregarding the cat and dog situation. "What are you doing out here all alone? Wheres Anders, did you get lost? I get lost all the time. It's nothing to be ashamed of."
"Daisy, I told you to use the yarn." Varric gave a laugh as Merrill stood up holding me against her shoulder. I could just stare wide eyed at the dog.
Wait I came here for a reason. I wiggled my way out of Merrill's arms and she nearly panicked thinking she dropped and hurt me. I scurried around Feng and pawed at Garrett's feet.
"Come on, Anders needs help!"
"Feathered one?"
"Yes Feathered on... wait what?"
Feng gave a loud bark causing Garrett to ignore me and look to the giant mass of dog. The dog understood me, and I could understand him... what the hell is going on here...
I had to do something those guys were going to hurt Anders. If not out right kill him. I didn't think that Garrett and the group would actually catch on that something was wrong. Thankfully they did, and Anders would be alright. He'd have to be. Throwing my head over my shoulder quickly I make sure they're still following behind me, how I'm so much faster is beyond me, thank god or the maker or what ever it is in this weird world.
Anders why do you have to be so trusting of complete strangers! Idiot, you should have seen this coming. I so wish I could yell at him for how stupid he is, damn curse or what ever; I'm sick of being a cat! Now it's only a matter of actually finding where they went.
"Garrett is there any special reason we're following blondies cat?"
"I just have a bad feeling." I hear the man say as we search the coast for any sign of foot prints in the loose sand. Feng sniffs the ground walking in erratic circles trying to gain Anders' scent.
The big dog's head lifts up and he give a bark signaling that we should follow him now. "How far Feng?"
"Not far, this way." The big dog's tongue lulls outside of his mouth as I race to keep up with his much longer legs. "Feathered one is in trouble. I smell it."
"Not good." I mutter to him thinking the worst. "How many are with him?"
"I can sent four others." He says proudly.
"Good boy Feng. I'll be sure to find a bone or something for you later." Feng barks loudly jumping over a fallen tree, and I climb my way up it behind him. The guys behind us all easily make their way over the log in time to see us run into a large cave. Anders, you better be alive.
Suddenly Feng stops dead in his tracks sniffing at his feet again. His jowls lift up in a silent snarl. We must be close. He tenses up and looks toward Garrett, awaiting for his command. The large man holds his hand out flat telling the massive dog to stay where he is. He hunkers down and prepares to lunge if need be.
"Is Anders alright?"
"Can't smell blood, don't think dead."
I lower myself to stay by his side keeping my eyes on the group as they pass by us. But I can't take just sitting here, I have to see for myself if he's alright.
"Blood!" Feng suddenly jumps to his feet, his eyes wide. "Lots!"
I hear a shout from a man echo through the cave and lightning crack and flash. Garrett and the others didn't sit still any longer and rushed around the corner. The men that had stabbed Anders in the back didn't stand a chance.
"Wait, don't kill him just yet." The blonde spat out a mouth full of blood and wiped it from his chin with the back of his hand. "Who sent you after me!" He ordered grabbing the man up by the collar of his shirt. With a weak grunt and insult in some language the man bit down hard on his tongue, and went limp. "Damn..."
He slammed his fist into the wall and ran a hand through his hair. Looking up to the others he cleared his throat and scratched at his neck sheepishly. "What did you get yourself into this time, blondie?" Varric said with a slight chuckle.
He continued to dab his hand at his lip trying to wipe away already dried blood. Obviously trying to delay his response. He might have been fine even if Garrett and everyone else hadn't shown up to throw the others numbers off, but I don't think even he would really want to risk that. There were far more than just the original four that Feng had smelled on the beach.
Speaking of Garrett he walked right up to Anders, got right in his face and threw a punch. "You damned fool!" Flinching at the other mage Anders held his hand to his chameleon jaw and stared bug eyed. If the man yelled any louder I'm sure the cave would come crashing down on us any minute. It hurt both Feng and my ears, not to mention all in ear shot. Everyone else had to be thankful that they weren't on the receiving end of his little speech. I know I am, jeeze scary, I almost feel sorry for Anders.
All the way out of the cave Garrett continued on. I don't even think he stopped to breathe for a moment, and by the time he did stop my ears were ringing like the bell around my neck.
Once we were close to the city walls Anders slowed, kneeled down and I stopped in front of him. "You don't think I'm a fool do you Lady?"
"Meow..." He picked me up, and I shot my paw out smacking as hard on the nose as the little furry pad would allow. Idiot.
I am surrounded by violets
Fading before you return
I will forgive the silence,
But do you hear me cry?
Destiny rumbles the fortress
Love conquers everything
You fought your way through the darkness
Take my hand, run with me
Desire of Ages - Sleep Thief