Thanks to awesome lady Seika for changing my mess into English. :D
Child's Play
When they returned to the castle after their visit to Bella–who was absolutely not expecting that they would really keep the promise and was terribly embarrassed–Alistair was waiting them at the gates with his arms crossed, and started yelling at Airam and Jowan. But while Jowan looked utterly terrified and just stood there trembling, Airam yelled right back. So he let the two Wardens solve their dispute by themselves and took Jowan into his room. He took the shot glasses and poured them both some brandy.
It was obviously the first time the young mage had anything stronger than ale, and was coughing and spluttering, but bravely drank it all. Perhaps he should have told him to drink it all at once. These mages, they really didn't know anything about real life.
"Thanks," he said, when his voice finally returned to him. "I caused trouble for him again, didn't I? I'm sorry for that."
"You know, you should really try to whine less. It's so not sexy."
"That's… Maker's breath, do you ever talk of anything else?"
"No, he doesn't. The question is, if our friend here is really so skilled, or if he keeps talking about it because he never gets any real action."
They turned to the door. Leliana was leaning against the door with an amused sneer on her face.
"My dear woman, if you have any questions regarding my experience in this matter, we can answer them together later, when we are alone, if you wish."
"I believe there is another way to answer that, related to a certain bet we made. It doesn't seem to me that you made any progress yet, unless I missed something. Anyway, right now, I'm here for Jowan. The First Enchanter and the Knight Commander would like to have a talk with you before you go to sleep. They are leaving for the Tower before the dawn, so there won't be chance to talk tomorrow."
The mage jumped up nervously and quickly put down the glass. "Oh great. They are going to skin me alive. I better not keep them waiting. Thank you for the drink, Zevran." And with that, he quickly bolted out of the room.
Leliana watched him, as he run down the hall. "Bit jumpy, isn't he? One would think I told him to go kill the high dragon."
Rolling his eyes, he poured some more brandy and leaned more comfortably in his chair. He was expecting this visit for quite some time–ever since that talk about Alistair's future rule on their way back from the mountains. So there was no point in avoiding it any longer.
"Yes. But I believe you came to discuss more important things than our Warden's nervous friend, right? Now then. Why don't you go on and tell me what you really want?"
"Straight to the point? As you wish. I need to know Zevran, how did you found out about me and what do you plan to do with that knowledge?" she asked in a cold and businesslike voice, and he laughed at the sudden change.
"My dear, you clearly underestimate me. Anyone who did not live isolated in a tower, the Chantry, a swamp, or among warriors who don't care about anything outside of their world, would recognize you for what you really are immediately. A gorgeous young woman, a minstrel, with extraordinary skills with weapons, with rather liberal views on some matters, with strong Orlesian accent–what else could you be, than a bard? And as for what I want to do with it, I don't know. I could inform our Warden, as he doesn't seem to be aware of it yet. Or, I could keep quiet. What would you suggest, hm?"
"What do you want from me, Zevran? I'm warning you–if you think you can blackmail me and force me to… do something indecent -"
"Tsk, tsk, such suspicions! Now you really hurt my pride. I know we assassins are not considered to be the most honest people in Thedas, but even we have some standards, you know. No, my dear, what I will do depends entirely on what you do. What are your intentions? Why did you join the Wardens?"
"You may mock me as much as you want, Zevran, but what I told the Wardens was true. I left my past as a bard behind me. When I came to live in the Chantry two years ago I had no idea any of this would happen. All I wanted was to stay there and serve the Maker."
She sounded sincere, but she was a bard, after all. It would be foolish to trust her. "And then you had a vision that told you to help the Wardens in stopping the Blight. You will forgive me for not believing you this."
"Believe what you want. At least I did not try to assassinate them. You are much bigger threat than I am."
"I might be, if I didn't want to get out of the Crows. And I need the Wardens alive for that," he snapped, irritated. He did not like to think about it. The idea that his little Warden could have died by his hands, always made him feel sick. "If your intentions are so innocent, why haven't you told the truth to the Wardens? They tolerate an assassin that tried to kill them, I'm sure they'd tolerate an ex-bard."
"I couldn't know that when I joined them, and later I didn't know how. But I will tell them… eventually. I'd like to do it on my own terms, however, at right time. Until then, could you keep quiet about it?"
"Very well. But know that I'll be watching you." And if I see anything suspicious I won't bother telling Airam; I'll kill you myself. That part remained unspoken, but Leliana was a bright girl. She would understand, of that he was sure.
"As you wish. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll go to have some rest."
It seemed to him that the door had barely closed, when someone knocked on it again. She probably remembered something else she wanted to say. "Come on in, Leliana."
"Oh-ho. You're expecting Leliana, are you? I'll get lost then, I don't want to interrupt." Airam was smirking provocatively. "I was only looking for Jon. He really has the knack of vanishing without a trace."
"Alas, while I would like that, I'm afraid that's not going to happen tonight. Probably. I'm an eternal optimist, as you know. And I believe Jowan is still with the First Enchanter and the Knight Commander."
By the look at the boy's face one would think he told him Jowan went and jumped into the cesspit. "Oh. Somehow, I don't wall to talk to him so urgently, any more. What's that you're drinking?"
"Plum brandy. Would you like to try?" He took a clean glass and poured some into it. "Actually, it's one of your Ferelden specialities, or so I'm told."
"Really? I've never heard of it. But then, I'm just a stupid, irresponsible, immature, selfish brat, so why should I?" The change in Airam's tone was so sudden and complete that he stopped in his track and looked at him, surprised.
"That's not what I said or how I meant it."
"Well that makes you the only one who didn't, today. All the others have decided that I needed a lecture on how a leader should behave. You sure you don't want to join their club?"
"Me? No thanks. I happen to be more of an individualist. Here. Drink this. It might not help with the club, but it will make you think of different things. Bottom up."
"What?"
"Let me show you." He probably shouldn't, that would be his fourth glass this evening and this stuff was really strong, but to hell with that. So he poured another glass, and quickly drank it in one gulp. The boy sniffed suspiciously at the liquid, and then did the same.
This time, it wasn't possible to not laugh, as Airam started coughing and gasping, tears streaming down his cheeks despite the furious glances the boy shot at him. "You…! Murderer… What the hell was that? I don't believe people voluntarily drink that stuff."
"I'm sorry. No, really, I am," he apologized, immediately belying his words with another fit of laughter. "Jowan's reaction was not so bad. But, it did work, no? It made you think of quite different things than how everyone hates you."
"It did not make me think. It made my brain stop completely," he snapped, collapsing in the nearest armchair. "But I guess that also helped."
"So. Have you already decided what should we do next? I believe there are few types of monsters we haven't encountered yet. Such as werewolves, or giants. It would be welcomed change to darkspawn and demons, no?"
"And what about golems? Though I hope there will be no fight, this time."
"You mean you want to go to check the golem mentioned by that merchant in the mountains?" He chuckled. Only yesterday he heard the boy discuss their route with Alistair, and they agreed to continue with treaties. But that was before they had the row over Jowan, of course.
"Well, I've checked it in the library, and if the rod works it could be useful. Golems are supposed to be incredibly strong, and very good fighters. It wouldn't be a bad thing, to have one at our side."
"I see. But what about the treaties? What if the Archdemon suddenly shows up while we are not ready?"
That was what Airam said himself yesterday, and his eyes narrowed dangerously as he recognized them. "I know," he replied coldly. "But we are not far from Honneleath now; it won't delay us more than a day or two. If we leave, however, we won't be coming back just because of this. We will leaving tomorrow after lunch, and we should be there before the nightfall. Which means we should both go to sleep. There's still much to do tomorrow before we leave."
The boy got up to leave, but then stopped, hesitating. "Zev, may I… ask you for something?"
Now, this should be interesting. "Ask away."
"I… well, I just–remember how last time you let me borrow your boots–"
Was it his imagination, or was the boy really blushing? "Yes, that's not easy to forget. Do you want help with packing? I'll be glad to help."
"Ah–that–would be great, thanks, I'd appreciate it. But, that's not… what I wanted." The boy was looking entirely embarrassed now. "I… actually, wanted to ask you, if… if I could keep them."
That took him by surprise. What the hell he would need the old pair of boots for? They were all given the new equipment, the best the Arl could provide, as a thank you for both defending the village and saving his sorry ass. So it was not that he needed them.
"Of course, if you want. But what– "
"Thanks, Zev. Good night." The boy flashed his sweetest grin and bolted out of the room. Most suspicious. There must be some serious reason for this… but he just couldn't figure it out. Sighing, he decided that solving this mystery would have to wait until morning.
oOo
But in the morning there were too many things that needed to be done to care about the kid's craziness. The others didn't like the change in their plan, but Airam deflected all comments with innocent smile and the tale of how useful a golem would be, if the rod worked. It didn't fool anyone, especially with Alistair storming around with sullen face. But as there were only two Grey Wardens in Ferelden, and one of them repeatedly refused to be in charge, they didn't have a real choice.
Just like big spoilt brats. Annoyed, he wished he could bend them over his knee and spank them… or at least their little leader. Oh, he would enjoy that. The images that popped in his mind at the idea made him grin slyly which irritated Alistair even more. He probably suspected Zevran had something to do with Airam's change of mind.
They left around noon. Honneleath wasn't far away, but without the usual merry banter, it seemed to last forever. They reached the first houses just as the sun was set down, and he felt a spark of hope. Even if the stupid rod didn't work, at least they would have proper dinner and beds for one more night. And that was worth a little detour, no?
But then heard the screams and a few villagers came running. Followed by darkspawn.
Brasca. Not this again.
oOo
The village was swarming with darkspawn, but against six of them–especially after they were suppressing their fury for a whole day–they didn't stand much of a chance. Oh well, at least Airam could now say that their arrival saved the villagers. For Wynne and Leliana, that would be enough to forgive him. Morrigan and Alistair would need some more convincing. For Sten, disagreeing with anything besides hunting the Archdemon was a matter of honour and principle, of course. Just as he expected, the fight was over before the fun really begun. They cut through them like a knife through butter.
But his little Warden did not look happy and proud at all. "Dear Maker," he whispered, as he looked at the massacred bodies of villagers, laying on the roads or hanging from the gallows. "Why are we always late? If only we left earlier in the morning, perhaps we would come in time to save them…"
"This is not your fault, Airam. Do not blame yourself. You could not know the village was under attack," said Leliana, hugging him.
"And there still might be some survivors. We should try to find and help them," Alistair pointed out meekly.
He didn't say anything. Airam's words touched something in him, and it hurt more than any injury from darkspawn. His common sense tried to convince him that it was a stupid and naïve thing to say, proving how very green and crazy the kid was, and that he, too, would become more realistic and pragmatic. But this–something–kept throbbing painfully, making him wish he could be like that once again… making him realize what he had become. And a memory came back, of a small boy, crouching on his bed, after another one of many beatings, swearing he would not be like his masters… I had no choice. I had to change. I would be dead, if I didn't. Yes, that's what he had told himself for many long years.
But now, looking at this crazy kid, broken over the deaths of a few pathetic villagers, it suddenly sounded hollow.
oOo
They searched several houses, but found only more corpses. But then they entered another house, bigger and nicer than any other so far. In the cellar they finally found survivors, behind some magical barrier. There were a few darskpawn trying to break through it, but it threw them back as if they were mere rag dolls.
The moment they dealt with the darkspawn, the barrier disappeared. Wynne immediately hurried to check if anyone needed healing, but it seemed everyone was all right, except one blond guy, who was apparently a mage that was keeping the barrier up. He was exhausted and completely drained of magic energy.
"Oh thank the Maker! I could not hold it for much longer. You came just in time. Thank you," he gasped, after drinking a few potions that the boy gave him. "But Amalia is still in there! Please, I know you did so much already, but save my little girl, I'm begging you!"
"Your daughter? Where is she?"
"In the cellar! She ran away when the darkspawn came," the man sounded desperate, and he grasped Airam's hands and squeezed them.
"All right, don't worry, of course we will save her," Airam tried to calm him and pull out of his grasp. "But what's so dangerous about that cellar that she needs to be saved?"
"My father… he was a mage. That part of the cellar was used for his experiments and he put some powerful defences against intruders…"
It was obvious that Airam was annoyed and wanted to say something at this, but thought better of it. Instead, he turned to them. "We will go, but I think two or three should be enough. The rest can help with healing and cleaning."
He was amused to see that nobody disagreed. Yes, they might have different opinions on a lot of things, but at moments like this, they all followed everything their little leader suggested without any complaints.
And so Wynne, Sten, Leliana and Alistair stayed to help, while he and Morrigan went with the boy, together with Rask.
"You didn't seem too happy when that guy told us about the laboratory," he asked as they walked down the narrow corridor to the laboratory, and was amused to see the boy start fuming again.
"Well, what kind of an idiot makes defences that harm his own family? He could have used the barrier, like his son, or something, to prevent anyone entering the lab. Even if she wasn't scared, what child would resist going to grandpa's lab, just to see why is it forbidden to go there? That's…. I can't stand it, I hate people who would hurt a little child, no matter how justified they think their excuse is."
"But 'tis the quickest way for the brats to learn their lesson. They would get hurt and think twice before going there again. Mother would do the same."
"Yes, well, I'm sorry to say that Flemeth does not pass as the model mother, Morrigan."
"Perhaps not. But her methods made me strong," she snapped, sounding slightly offended.
Not wanting to let this turn into another argument, he quickly stepped in. "Yes, I've noticed you care about the children quite a lot. Little Connor is your great fan, you know that? I've heard him saying that he'd like to be just like you."
Airam laughed, lifting his eyes piously to the heaven. "Oh, dear Maker, save the poor child and don't let that happen."
"Why? That little girl in the Tower, Stella– "
"She's not "that little girl" for you, Zev. Don't forget you're betrothed."
"The assassin is betrothed? You didn't tell me that!" Morrigan stopped and glared accusingly on the boy.
"I didn't? How could I forget? Yes, Zev made quite an impression on one of my friends…"
"What can I say? I am perfect, after all. Handsome, charming, sexy, and deadly with blades, no? Of course, a lady as fine and clever as little Stella had to recognize and appreciate it immediately. But what I meant to say was that you seemed to be good friends, no? Now that I think of it, should I be jealous?"
"Warden's girlfriend left him for you? She must have been blind, deaf and stupid."
"Girlfriend? Hardly. She's five." It was nice to hear the crazy kid laughing heartily again.
"Yes, we were friends. I was helping with the youngest, during my last year; I helped them to practice some basic spells, things like that. I know teachers should not have any favourites, but… it was like I had a little sister again."
Again? Does it mean he had a sister and lost her? The spirit in the Andraste's Temple, didn't he say something like that? He never gave much thought on what the spirit had said, first there was too much going on, and then he forgot.
But now was not the time to muse over it either, as they finally reached the laboratory. It didn't look like a laboratory… not that he had ever seen one, of course, but he thought it would look different. It was a rather small, plain room, with shelves filled with dusty flasks lining the walls, a writing desk with a few old, yellowed journals, and a door at the further end, slightly ajar.
Airam barely glanced at the flasks, flipped the journals, stuffed them into his pack–probably also very valuable, Zevran chuckled bbelow his breath–and then looked at the door. "Well, I guess that's the room where the mage who lived here did his experiments. So be careful where you step or what you touch. I just hope that the girl is still alive."
But there wasn't much to worry about. The room was empty and bare, except for few strange tiles in the middle.
And a little girl, talking to the cat as if it understood and replied.
The moment Rask saw the cat, he growled dangerously and looked up at the boy. "Yes, I know. Stay quiet, boy," he heard Airam whisper softly. "Hello, Amalia," he said aloud.
"Hello. Who are you? I don't know you. Did you come to play with Kitty, too?"
"I am Airam, this is Morrigan and this is Zevran. We are your daddy's friends. What are you playing?"
"Riddles. We were playing with the puzzle, but I can't solve it so we play riddles now. Kitty is very good at it."
"I bet she is. She looks like a very clever cat," Airam said with slight frown. "I'm sure your daddy would like her, too. He's so sad now, because he's all alone there. I'm sure he'd love to play with you and Kitty."
"No! I'm not going back! Kitty cannot go, she's trapped in this room and I won't leave without her!"
"She cannot leave the room? That's terrible! But I'm sure your daddy will know how to get her out. We should go tell him about it–"
The cat's eyes glowed dangerously–and then it spoke. Oh. So it was another demon. He should have guessed. It was irritating, that the dog was apparently able to recognize it, while he was not.
"Nice try, but it's useless. She won't leave without me. Amalia loves only me now. She would die to protect me."
"And I won't leave without the girl. Any suggestions how we could solve this conflict of interests?"
"Free me and let me go."
"Just like that?"
"I will take the girl, but she won't suffer. We will be partners, I will see the world through her eyes and she will have my power. And you would not regret it. I'll make you a rich and powerful man."
He shot the quick glance at the boy and saw that his eyes darkened dangerously. Why is hesitating at all? Let's kill the stupid demon and be over with this.
"All right. I will set you free. What am I supposed to do?"
What? He must have heard wrong. He could not really say that, not his little Warden, not after all that 'I can't stand someone hurting children'.
"You are not truly considering that, are you?"
"And why not," laughed Morrigan, "I say he finally got some sense."
Airam ignored both of them, eyes still locked with the cat.
"The tiles. It's some kind of a puzzle. Solve it, and the magic that holds me here in the cat form will be broken. The girl wasn't able to do it." There was a hint of impatience in the cat's voice.
He watched Airam, pacing around the tiles, murmuring below his breath. He still couldn't believe that this is happening, that his boy, always so willing to help everyone, really agreed to hand a child to the demon. Please don't do this, he was repeating in his mind, but he did not say it aloud. Why do I even care? I'm an assassin. And even though he was friendly with me, this boy is my master. The man I serve. Why should I care if he chooses to sacrifice a child for profit?
Airam shuffled the tiles, and a fire lit up, flames tracking the route he created with tiles, until reaching the last one, and a column of fire erupted from it. It seemed the air around them erupted as well, as if an invisible wall was blown up. The cat yelled triumphantly. So this is it. The demon is free.
"Yes, yes! Finally! After all this years, I'm free! Amalia, dear, come here. Let me in, let us become one – " the cat's eyes glowed enthusiastically, as it moved toward the girl.
"No! I don't want you inside me! Kitty, stop it! You're scaring me!"
He couldn't watch it. Closing his eyes, he started to pray to the Maker to do something to save the child, when he heard the Warden speaking again.
"Stop right there, demon. You will not touch her."
What? Opening his eyes again, he saw the boy standing now between the demon and the girl. The cat bristled, fretting and fuming.
"You dare to betray me, human? You dare to lie to me?"
"I never lied. I said I would set you free. Not that I would let you live," Airam explained calmly. He turned to the girl then. "Go to Zevran, Amalia. And cover your eyes." Their eyes met for a second, and he immediately felt ashamed for his doubts. Didn't he prove many times by now that he wasn't the type that makes deals with demons? But, he thought, it was the crazy kid's own fault. He was damned convincing. And he still didn't understand why the trick was necessary.
The demon did not appreciate the trick, either. Finally turning into its real ugly shape, it lunged at the boy, summoning a few lesser demons, as well. Poor thing. How could it know they slaughtered an entire tower full of its kin? The fight was short and very satisfying.
The moment it died, the girl collapsed on the floor. Airam was immediately at her side, looking very worried while he examined her. Finally he sighed with relief. "She'll be fine. Let's take her to her father."
"Allow me," he said quickly and lifted the girl. Airam just nodded. "You know, you almost got me there. Care to explain why it was necessary to pretend to have a deal with it? Couldn't we just strike it down right away?"
"Indeed. I hoped you finally got some sense, but I see you are still a naïve child, Warden."
"Morrigan, don't. I know you don't mean it, anyway. I had to make the deal with that demon, it was the only way how to free her without hurting her. She was totally under the demon's control. You heard the cat–the girl would die to protect her. If we attacked right away, Zev, she would see us as enemies, and would try to protect her 'friend' and would inevitably get hurt during the fight."
"And how did making the deal changed that?"
"We acted as friends; we kept the word we gave to her Kitty, to set her free, and it was Kitty who turned hostile and wanted to force herself in. It helped her realize what was going on, and find the will to resist the demon. She's incredibly strong, this one. You surely realize that too, Morri, don't you? And you would let demons take someone like her? Like I'd ever believe that."
Morrigan just grumbled something incomprehensible, but he caught a glimpse of a slight grin on her lips before she turned away.
"Why? What is so special about her?"
"Surely you noticed, when we come, that she was talking with the cat?"
"Yes. And? You talked to it as well."
"And it talked back, right? But did you hear it reply when it was talking with the girl?"
"No–oh. So she–is what, exactly?"
"If she was trained, she'd be what is called a mind-reader. It is a rather rare form of magic. Not unheard of, but really rare. The last known mind-reader died before I was even born. And judging by how quickly she was able to realize what the demon wanted to do and resist it, she has a strong will, as well. If a demon possessed her, with all that potential, in few years she could be a threat to the whole of Ferelden."
He listen, amazed, and humbled, realizing just how much his favourite little Warden understood, practically from the first moment he saw the little girl, and how much in advance he planned. And how incredibly stupid he was.
"I… thought you really wanted to give her up," he admitted quietly.
"I know. And it was helpful, in fact. Your reactions, of both you and Morri made the stupid thing believe it, as well," Airam just waved his hand and laughed merrily.
And his heart melted into a puddle again.
oOo
They were too tired to do anything else than drop dead in their beds, so the golem had to wait. There it was, a statue, slightly too big for such little square, swarmed with pigeons. He knew Airam was itching to try the control rod, though the boy did not mention it... he probably didn't want to be called a childish brat again. The next morning, however, they had to help with burning the corpses, and burring the villagers, first. Of course. He wouldn't expect anything else from his little Warden. And he preferred it that way.
Once they did everything they could help with, Airam took the girl's father for a talk. He returned almost an hour later, in very foul mood. "Let's go," he growled in such dangerous way that they all simply got up and followed him without single protest. They went to the golem, and Airam pulled out the control rod from his pack and said the activation words.
Nothing happened.
Airam closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Leliana. Could you please bring Matthias here? It seems he forgot to tell me something."
Leliana shot an inquiring glance at him, but didn't say anything, and obediently went to get the girl's father. They came almost immediately, though the man looked rather reluctant. Crossing his arms, he glared at Airam almost offended.
"Is there anything else I can do for you, Warden?"
Alistair stared at the man with incredulous look. "Something else? Oh, I get it. So all this fighting and cleaning, that was a favour you did for us?"
"No, no, you don't understand… I'm very grateful for what you did," the man realized his mistake, and immediately changed the tone.
"That's good. The survival rate of ingrates is ridiculously low. Or so I'm told," Zevran snapped angrily.
Airam chucked softly. "Leave him alone, you two. He's talking about the crystals he gave me for the golem… the problem is," he turned to the man, who was now clearly terrified, "the activation words do not work. Do you happen to know anything about it?"
It was very obvious that the man did know something about it, but didn't wish to tell it. But Airam once again had that look that could scare the Crow Masters–one of these days he should remember to ask the crazy kid where he learned to glare like that. So it didn't take long before the poor guy broke down.
"It might have happened that my mother gave the merchant the wrong words. She didn't want it activated, ever again. That… thing killed my father. It is dangerous. You really shouldn't–"
"Yes, I'm very sorry for what happened to your father. But, from what I got from his journals, he dabbled into demonology quite a bit, and did some nasty experiments on free will with it..."
"Do not talk about my father like that! He was a good man, and a hero!" The man was furious, all fear and respect forgotten now.
"Your daughter was almost possessed because of your father's experiments!" Airam yelled right back, then again closed his eyes and took few deep breaths. "But do as you wish. What I want are the correct words."
"And what if that thing starts killing people, when it's activated again?"
"From what you told me, it was never proved that it was really golem that killed your father. The rod was sold almost immediately… and with the wrong words, as well."
"I don't like what you're implying here – "
"Neither do I. But there it is. Now. Words?"
The man threw up his hands in frustration. "As you wish. It's 'dulen harn'. Just wait till everyone is safely in their houses before use it. And once it's activated, please leave immediately. And don't forget, if the damned thing kills anyone, it's on your head."
"Of course. Thank you." Airam gave the man the sweetest smile, but he just shook his head and quickly went to warn the people that the terrible killing monster was going to be activated again.
"Errr… Are you sure about this, Airam? What if–just if–the man was right?" He asked, warily, well aware it was going to turn the boy's wrath on him.
But Airam only frowned. "You didn't read the journals. If I was here then, I'd help the golem to kill that guy," he said quietly, watching the people running away into the houses, shutting doors and windows, as if they feared that if they left them open, the golem could see them and break in just to kill them.
Once the square was empty again, the boy lifted the rod again. "Dulen harn."
A soft tremble ran along the golem, and he instantly put hands on his daggers, though he was not sure if it would be possible to hurt this pile of rocks with blades. He could feel the same tension from the others, as they waited what would happen.
"So, someone finally found the control rod. And it's another mage. Just my luck."
It was difficult to guess what it was thinking, with that stony face and expressionless voice, but it didn't seem to be hostile. But he wouldn't let his guard down just yet.
"I am. But I'm not like Wilhelm," Airam tried to smile encouragingly.
"It knew my previous master? No… it couldn't. It's been so long… many, many years… and all the time, I had to stand here and watch those wretched little villagers, scurry about me…"
"A voyeuristic statue. Just what we missed," he heard Alistair grumble behind his back.
"So, what does It want from me?"
"It? Oh, you mean me. I'm sorry, where are my manners. I'm Airam, a Grey Warden. Pleased to meet you. What is your name?"
"It cares? The previous mage certainly didn't. I might have forgotten it during all the years I was called "golem". It was always 'golem do this, golem, do that, golem, kill the bandit, golem, pick me up, I tire of walking'… and just when I got used to the quiet life, It came with the control rod. Or… does It not have it?"
"It does. I mean, I do. Right in my hand."
"And yet… odd. Go on. Order me to do something."
"What? Why?"
"Just try it."
This didn't look good, it sounded like some dare game, and he grasped his daggers more firmly. Airam turned to them, to ask something, but then he saw his tense face and grinned mischievously.
"All right, then. Give Zevran a hug."
Wait, what? That crazy, little– "I… don't really appreciate hugs from strangers," he muttered, to the general amusement of the others.
Even Wynne. "Is that so, Zevran? But it does have marvellous bosom."
He would have answered with something, if he wasn't focused on the golem, in case it decided to obey the command. Luckily it didn't move.
"It holds the command rod, but I don't feel the compulsion to carry its order," it said calmly. "That means… the rod is broken, and I have free will again."
"That's… great. Right? And, um, now that you're free, what do you want to do? You're not going on the killing rampage, are you?" The crazy kid piped up nervously. It was almost cute. But he still didn't forgive him. Oh I'll give you a hug, you little blighter. Just wait.
The golem just scowled. "Don't be ridiculous. But… I don't know what to do. I don't have any memories, beyond watching this village. What about It? Why did It awaken me?"
"As I said, I'm a Grey Warden. I have a Blight to stop, and would appreciate the help with fighting darkspawn." Now that it was clear the golem was not going to attack them, the crazy kid sounded much more confident again.
"Darkspawn? Those creatures that attacked this village? They are even more annoying than villagers. Though not as bad as birds… birds are disgusting beasts that need to be exterminated."
He noticed the crazy kid shot a quick glance at him, but luckily, didn't have time to comment it, as the golem continued. What had gotten into the crazy kid today? Was this a revenge for his doubts yesterday?
"So I have two options now. To follow It or to go… somewhere else."
"You're welcome to come with me, if you wish."
"Are you sure about it? It is really big and it could be dangerous." Alistair didn't seem to be reassured at all.
"Really, Alistair? Wow, thanks for pointing it out for me. I would never notice it otherwise," Airam snapped, still bit coldly. So it was not over yet? He'd really wish they would make up quickly. This was getting really boring.
The golem watched the exchange impassively. "Then I choose to follow It. My name is Shale, by the way."
"A pleasure. Could you stop calling me It, now?"
"No. It is shorter and sounds better."
"Oh." He saw the boy's shoulders tense for a moment. Names are important. They show who you really are, Airam's words echoed in his head, and suddenly he really wanted to hug him.
"First the evil witch, then an assassin, and now this. I really hope we're full for crazy now," Alistair growled softly.
"Well, welcome in our party, Shale."
"So… where does It want to go now?"
"Now? Now we're finally going to find some werewolves for Zev."
And ignoring confused protests and questions from the others, their little leader turned on his heels and headed down the path.