I smiled and took in the salty sea air as we rode into the Inquisition's outpost camp. Cullen hopped off the horse first and held his hand out to me and helped me off. His eyes scoured the camp, possibly making notes in his head of what he could help out with. Seems like something he'd do. Blackwall hopped off his horse next to us and ties his horse to a tree as well. We made our way through the camp and as we did soldiers saluted Cullen and I as we walked towards Scout Harding. She turned to us and straightened immediately a bit of a blush appearing on her cheeks.
"Lady Protector! C-Commander…uh, welcome to the Storm Coast." She said and tore her eyes away from Cullen to smile nervously at me. "I would've sent word sooner, but to be honest I didn't realize you'd be here this fast. We also have been a bit delayed." She added flicking her eyes at Cullen only briefly and blushing even further. Amusedly, I grinned at the scout. Did she have a crush on Cullen? Looking up to Cullen I saw him nod completely oblivious to Harding's blush. I shifted my weight and crossed my arms in an amused manner, wondering when or even if he would notice.
"What delays?" Cullen asked and she looked up at him again addressing him fully this time.
"A group of bandits operating in the area, Sir. They know the terrain and our small party is having trouble going up against them. Some of our soldiers went to speak with their leader. Haven't heard back though." I grimaced at that and rubbed the back of my neck. Because they're probably dead. I nodded to her and played with the grips on my daggers.
"Don't worry about it Harding. I'll do everything I can to find our people." I told her with a confident smile. She smiled over at me and nodded,
"Thank you, My Lady. That's a relief. The soldiers didn't have an exact location for the bandits, but they were starting their search farther down the beach. With all this fuss we haven't been able to conduct a proper search for the Wardens' either." She said and looked around her avoiding Cullen all together a blush creeping up her freckled cheeks again. "Oh, and enjoy the sea air. I hear it's good for the soul." She added before walking away. I grinned and looked up at Cullen as he looked around the camp before catching my gaze.
"What?" He asked confused as to why I was staring at him like that. I laughed and threw my hands up in the air. He hadn't even noticed. No wonder he didn't think any woman was pining after him. He's so oblivious! I looked around for a healer, following Leliana's orders and saw one just inside the tent. I walked up to him, Cullen right behind me and smiled.
"Hello, sir. The Commander needs to be looked at." I said and Cullen shot me an incredulous look.
"I do not need a healer, Lady Protector. We need to go find the Bull's Chargers and the Inquisition's men." He replied. Rolling my eyes at his childishness, I tapped the letter in my pocket.
"Fine. Then you can deal with Lady Nightingale's wrath." I said and he blanched a little in the face before sighing and walking into the Healers tent, but stopped and looked back at me.
"Do not leave this camp without me, got it?" He asked and I nodded and folded my arms over my chest.
"Wouldn't dream of it, Commander." I replied with a sly smirk and watched him roll his eyes at me before disappearing into the tent. I walked around and to the edge of the camp and saw just down below two different groups fighting. One in all black and the others in mercenary garb. The Bull's Chargers! I looked back towards the Healers tent. He was still injured, and I didn't want him fighting. If he did then he could get hurt worse and I would feel worse. I needed a way to keep him from the battle. Just long enough for me to neutralize the threat. I walked back up to the tent and looked to Blackwall. "I need you to keep him busy up here. The Bull's Chargers are down there and the Commander is still injured, no matter how 'alright' he says he is." I said and Blackwall nodded,
"I don't think I alone will be able to keep him up here. Not if he thinks you're in danger." Blackwall stated as he crossed his arms and I winced realizing he was right. Just then, I saw a woman walk up to me and look to the tent with concern.
"Is the Commander, alright?" She asked and I looked over at her and nodded with a small smile. Oh, you shall do perfectly. "Was he injured?" She questioned again what should I tell her? The truth? Or maybe something a bit more heroic and dashing. I smirked secretly before pulling on a look of fake amazement.
"Oh yes, he was! It was awful, he nearly lost his life saving these little orphan boys from a terrible house fire! He nearly didn't make it out!" I whispered exaggeratedly. Her eyes widened at my tale and she shook her head.
"Oh my!" She gasped and I nodded,
"He's right in there. I'm sure he'll appreciate it if you stick around and thank him profusely for all he did for those sweet, sweet children." I said to her and she nodded and stood dutifully outside of the tent. I ran past Blackwall and grinned as he shook his head with slight amusement as I ran down the hill and looked to the crowd of people. The first person I saw when I slid down the remainder of the hill was a Qunari man with giant horns.
"Iron Bull, I presume?" I asked and he looked to me shortly before nodding with a grin.
"Horns usually give it away. You here to help?" Without saying a word I smirked and ran forward slicing through an unaware Mages body. "Alright!" The Iron Bull yelled with excitement. I needed to cut these Venatori down before Cullen got down here. Knowing him he'd be barreling down here the moment he found out I was gone. Quickly running up to another I extended my blades and flipped over a warrior with a sword and rammed the shield into the man's head and swept his feet. He fell to the ground and I drove the dagger down with force and with a wet thud it sunk right into his chest. He jolted in pain, his eyes wide as the light died out of them. I heard someone running towards me and I rolled forward as I brought my daggers up. The great sword wielding man brought his blade down to where I was and missed. He pulled his blade around and swiped at me angrily. I bent backwards to miss the blade before twisting back up and blocking another attack by his blade and drove my dagger into his gut. Abruptly I heard my name called and looked towards the hill and saw Cullen running down the hill with Blackwall just behind him. His eyes wide as he pulled his sword. It was then that I heard exactly why he had yelled my name. Steps, rather large steps behind me and turned to see a man the size of a mountain. His black armor shining as he suddenly brought down his axe and I slid to the side to miss the attack. I kicked his hand making him drop the massive weapon and slashed my daggers across the marauders chest plate, but they only made him angrier. His big hand shot out and grabbed my around my neck. My eyes bulged as the man lifted me up and squeezed. I bucked against his hand and looked over to see Cullen struggling to get through people to me. I tore my eyes away as the marauder squeezed my neck harder. Clawing his hands as my feet dangled I heard him laugh.
"Die, bitch!" The marauder growled. My anger flared up inside of me and I kicked my feet forward and placed them on the marauders face effectively throwing myself backwards out of his grasp. He grabbed at his face and went to blindly grab his axe as he turned his helmet back around. His neck was exposed, just under his jaw. If I was quick enough I could strike there. Quickly I pulled my legs underneath me and launched myself upwards. As I did, I brought my daggers forward and drove them through the bottom of the marauders jaw. His blood splashing across me as I did. His eyes blew wide, his breath coming in gurgles and dropped the axe next to him as I snarled at him. He fell backwards and I landed with him before pulling my blades from the dead marauder. Cleaning the blood off my blades I heaved a breath and stood straight. Looking just ahead of me Cullen was staring at me with wide eyes and I felt the snarl drop from my face as I delicately hopped off the marauders dead body. Blackwall joined him and kicked the dead marauder before whistling in awe.
"Remind me to stay on your good side, Lady Protector." Blackwall stated with a chuckle and I grinned in his direction.
"What are you talking about Blackwall, I have no good side." I shot back playfully, but was silenced by the look Cullen gave me as he marched up to me. He does not look happy.
"What were you thinking?" He asked angrily, but quietly as he motioned around us. "You could've been killed!" He fussed as his hands went to my chin, surprisingly gentle as his eyes raked over my neck.
"But I wasn't." I shot back and kicked the dead marauder as Cullen inspected where the marauder tried to strangle me. "I can handle myself." I urged, but his eyes never looked towards me, only at my neck where I'm sure bruises were starting to raise.
"He had you by your neck, he could have-"
"But I killed him." I interjected, hearing him sigh. He dropped my head as he backed away. "Cullen…I'm alright." I said extra quietly and he looked up at my eyes and he nodded as he ran a hand through his hair.
"And all that blood?" He asked and I shrugged,
"Not mine." I replied simply and he gave me a sharper nod. "You don't have to worry about me, Commander. I've got this fighting thing down." I added with a grin and watched him fight the smile on his face. I am an assassin, but also a warrior. Thanks to my Father… Something about what I'd just said however seemed to spark something in him. Cullen's eyes turned angry as they slowly formed a glare.
"You still violated a direct order from your Commander. You were not to leave the camp unless I was with you." He ground out, his 'Commander' act back on. Shifting my weight I felt my eyes roll on their own volition.
"I apologize, I didn't realize I was still a prisoner." I drawled and Cullen's eyes flared angrily,
"You aren't a prisoner, Thedran, but you need to understand that you are no good to anyone dead." My eye brows shot up at the mention of my last name. That's new. I must've really done it this time. "I am the Commander, and you will do as I say." He declared and I balled up my fists, Maker he could be so unreasonable! I was doing that for him! To keep him safe! My temper flared, and I couldn't force it down. Matching his stance my eyes locked onto his the fire in his eyes mirrored in mine.
"And you need to understand, Rutherford that I don't give a damn who you are. You are not my Commander, I am not some green recruit. You do notorder me around. You do not lecture me. I can take care of myself." I hissed as I jabbed my finger at his chest. "Got it?" I sneered up at him, my hand slightly sparking brightly at my hip. His eyes filled with rage and he looked as if he were about to say something, but I spun on my heels and strut towards Iron Bull.
"Chargers stand down. Krem how'd we do?" The Iron Bull asked as he looked around the beach now covered in blood and bodies. The sea water slowly washing it away.
"5 or 6 wounded Chief, no dead." Krem responded with a sharp nod to the Iron Bull. He looked over at me briefly a small smile coming to his lips as he dipped his head in my direction. I returned the gesture and looked towards the Iron Bull again.
"That's what I like to hear let the throat cutters finish up then break open the casks. So you're with the Inquisition, huh? Glad you could make it. Come on, have a seat. Drinks are coming." He asked as he turned to me. I nodded with a smile and held out my hand for him to shake.
"Yes, my companion's right over there are as well." I said and he briefly looked over my shoulder before shaking my hand.
"I assume you remember Cremisius Aclassi, my lieutenant." Bull said as he looked to Cremisius.
"Good to see you again." Krem greeted with a smile. I smiled and nodded back to him as he came to stand next to me. "Throat cutters are done, Chief." Krem declared as he pulled his hands behind his back.
"Already? Have them check again. I don't want any of those Tevinter bastards getting away. No offense Krem." Bull said with a small smirk. Krem let a short smile spread across his lips before he shook his head.
"None taken. At least a bastard knows who his Mother was. That's a one up on you Qunari, right?" He fired back as he walked off.
"So, you've seen us fight. We're expensive, but we're worth it. And I'm sure your Inquisition can afford us." Bull said with a smile in my direction as he stood and walked towards me.
"The Chargers seem like an excellent company." I replied as I looked around the camp and noticed Cullen walking towards us. Just a couple strides away.
"They are. But, you're not just getting the boys. You're getting me. You need a front line bodyguard. I'm your man. Whatever it is, demons? Dragons? The bigger the better." He said as he strode past me and turned. "Oh, and there's one other thing. Might be useful…might piss you off. Ever hear of the Ben Hassrath?" He asked and I knew I couldn't keep my poker face for that one. Had I heard of the Ben Hassrath? Pffft, of course I have. A formidable and secretive Qunari spy network. Came across a few of them in Orlais. But…if he was asking…that means… Cullen appeared at my side immediately looking in between Iron Bull and me.
"Yes. They're a Qunari spy network or should I say…you're…" I said slowly and saw the smirk on his lips. Cullen looked to me and then back at Iron Bull who nodded with a similar smirk to mine.
"You're quick. The Ben Hassrath are worried about the Breach. Magic out of control like that could cause trouble everywhere. I've been ordered to join the Inquisition, get close to the people in charge, and send reports on what's happening. But, I also get reports from Ben Hassrath agents from all over Orlais. You sign me on, I'll share them with you." He replied and I squinted at him as Cullen moved slightly in front of me, his hand moving to my arm.
"You're a Qunari spy and you just told us?" Cullen questioned and Bull looked to him and nodded. I looked to him as well as my eyes slid down to his hand on my arm, my confusion quenching my anger. This man was going to give me whiplash. My eyes slid back up his form. He looked pensive like he was ready for an attack at any moment, but I'm not exactly sure who he expected to attack him. Was he really this antsy just around spies? What happens when I tell him what I am…If I tell him…
"Whatever happened in that Conclave, it's bad. Someone needs to get that Breach closed. So whatever I am, I am on your side." Bull stated, but Cullen still looked questioning.
"You still could have hidden what you are." He stated and the Iron Bull laughed.
"From something called the Inquisition? I would've been tipped sooner or later. Better you hear it right up front from me." He responded his eyes falling on me as I lifted an eye brow at Iron Bull looked directly at me as if he had some sort of spy sense. Did he know what I am?
"Alright, you're in." I said with a smile and the Iron Bull grinned.
"Excellent." He rumbled and turned to the men up on the hill carrying these massive crates. "Krem! Tell the men to finish on the road. The Chargers just got hired." Iron Bull called out and Krem turned somewhat exasperatedly.
"What about the casks, Chief? We just opened them up. With Axes." Krem grunted and the Iron Bull next to me called out.
"Find some way to seal them. You're Tevinter right? Try blood magic." Iron Bull said and looked to me, "We can head to Haven or we can stay with you. Heard the Inquisition was having trouble with bandits." He said and I smiled and looked to Cullen who still looked a bit skeptical. I needed someone who could keep the pressure off Cullen, Bull could do that and that way I could ensure Cullen wouldn't get hurt further. Not that I care. I hissed in my head, but I knew that was a lie.
"I'll take all the help I can get." He grinned and nodded clapping his hand down on my shoulder.
"You know, I like you, Boss." He said and I grinned and looked around the beach. Blackwall stepped into the Semi circle around me as I grabbed the map from my pants pocket and looked at the rendezvous point marked on my map and tapped it looking around the area.
"A team of Inquisition soldiers went missing trying to speak to a group of local bandits." I filled in for Bull and he nodded as Krem looked at the map over my shoulder. "We start looking here. This is where the group was supposed to meet up with Harding's team." I announced and looked to Iron Bull. "You've been around here, know any good way to get up there?" I asked and He looked down at the map and nodded.
"If we head back towards your outpost and head up the mountain that way it should be the quickest and easiest path. It also goes around the back so we can take any unfriendly welcome parties by surprise." I nodded and grinned towards him,
"Excellent idea." I replied as my eyes flickered over to Cullen who was situating his shoulder every once in a while. I tucked away the map and we headed up the hill. Cullen was falling back and I couldn't help but notice it. Perhaps I'd been too harsh on him, in his own way he was worried about me, just as I was for him. I didn't want him to be hurt, and since he was already injured he was…delicate at the moment. I should apologize, maybe he'd actually forgive me…
"Did you have an easy trip getting here?" Krem asked and I turned my head to him and smiled, I hadn't realized he was next to me.
"It could've gone better." I responded, my eyes flicking to Cullen again as I turned my head. "We ran into some trouble with Mages, but other than that the trip wasn't bad." I said with a reassuring smile. He chuckled and nodded as we hiked up the hill.
"I told Chief that you would be heading up here soon. Didn't expect you to get here so quickly. We're glad you did though…" He said awkwardly as he looked towards the Inquisition outpost camp and turned right and up the mountain. Was he flirting with me? I couldn't stop myself.
"As am I." I replied with a smirk and saw Krem's cheeks twinge pink before he gulped. I giggled at that, but stopped when I felt the heat of someone's eyes boring down on the back of my neck. I knew exactly who it was too, and for a brief moment I felt a twinge of regret, but shoved it down. Keeping my eyes forward I heard Krem speak up.
"Well in that case perhaps I owe you a drink." Krem flirted back making a smirk come back to my lips.
"Yes, perhaps you do." I quipped playfully as we continued to hike up the hill. We were quiet as we walked through the trees. It took about half an hour to travel to the spot, but once we were there I could see why they picked this place as a rendezvous point. It was thickly wooded and had one open spot and past that were two broken down cottages. We crept along. Bull signaled for his Chargers to hang back as he and Krem walked a bit ahead of us. Blackwall and Cullen flanking me as we moved. Something didn't feel right. It was too quiet and there was no one here or at least that we saw. "Something's not right." I called ahead quietly and Bull nodded as he grabbed his great axe quietly. My hand went to my daggers, but as I did I heard a bow tighten and my eyes followed the sound and I saw an archer in the trees just ahead of us. The arrow pointed towards Cullen. Immediately I threw him to the ground, his name falling from my lips as he tumbled down. The arrow shot and scraped over my arm as it shot past me. I gnashed my teeth as I pulled a dagger and threw it forward. The dagger hit where it was supposed to and the archer fell from the tree dead. Bull stopped as the archer fell a few feet from him and looked back at me. A moment later an ear shattering scream rose through the air. Cullen was back on his feet as he pulled his sword.
The fight broke out around us and I rushed towards the dead archer for my other blade my hand feeling empty without it. Flipping over the dead body I dodged a swipe from a long sword. These were no normal bandits. They moved with such efficiency as they attacked us. I drove my dagger threw the man with the long sword and looked towards Cullen. He swung his blade high, his shield pulled to the side as their blades clashed against another. Cullen cringed his left shoulder jarring. His wounded shoulder. I knelt down and grabbed the bow and the quiver of arrows. Sliding my daggers back in place I notched an arrow and lined it up as Cullen brought his blade down again. The great sword wielding man pushed him away and advanced on him. He raised his blade and I knew Cullen's shoulder couldn't take much more of this abuse. I fired the arrow and watched as the man cried out in pain as the arrow pierced through both of his hands, dropping his sword. Cullen took the opportunity and drove the blade through the other man's mid-section. Beside me I heard a woman cry out in anger and she raised a dagger towards me. It would take too much time to grab another arrow. I turned the bow and whipped the wooden part of the bow across her face. Her head snapped back and she sliced the dagger towards my chest. I blocked the attack with my forearm clashing against hers and grabbed her wrist. Throwing my motion up I flipped and she went with me and hit the ground hard. The dagger fell from her hand as she groaned before her foot shout out and kicked the back of my legs. I hit the ground and rolled away from her, but she jumped on top of me bringing the dagger down towards my chest.
"THAT WAS MY HUSBAND!" She screamed in my face as tears came to her eyes. The snarl on her face full of rage and pain as she brought the dagger down. And I faltered. I let the dagger go, but quickly moved to the side. The dagger dug into the ground as I brought my forehead forward and head butted her. She cried out in pain and that gave me the window I need to throw her off of me. She reacted quickly though, rage fueling her. She grabbed for my neck, but I was quicker and threw my foot forward, the tip of my boot colliding with the side of her jaw. She slumped against the ground before pulling herself up again.
"Maker woman, just stay down." I groaned as I stood and she pulled herself up and drew a smaller dagger from her boots and launched herself up at me. I twisted to the side as she moved past me. Her small knife extended.
"NEVER!" She screamed and turned to me the small knife pointed towards me. I'd had enough of this. I brought my foot up quick and knocked the blade from her hand. It flew straight into a tree and embedded itself in the bark as I kept the momentum going and flipped sending my other foot into her chest kicking her into a tree. "You killed him." She coughed and wheezed before yelling and running at me. I slipped a dagger from my pocket and grimaced as she ran at me. She raised her fist, but as she got close I stepped in front of her and drove my dagger straight through her. Her eyes were wide and she coughed up blood. Her lips curling at me. "You're a monster." She hissed as her eyes formed slits. I matched her glare as she slid off my blade. My eyes followed her as she fell next to the archer I'd killed. My eyes went to their hands and saw the matching golden bands on their fingers. I closed my eyes for a moment before I heard shouts of victory around me. My eyes opened, but were stuck on the woman now gripping the man's hand next to her. Staring down at them I found myself slipping into a memory, one very similar to this…
"Tayen…" I whimpered as he lay dying, the demon inside of him gone. Leaving his bleeding body in the dirt and charred grass of the courtyard around us. Dead assassins, my brothers and sisters littering the ground. The scent of blood and smoke hanging in the air as I crawled over to him. The gaping wound in my abdomen aching and burning as blood flowed freely. The scorched grass beneath me painted red as I panted with exertion. I pulled myself up next to him as he jolted with a cough of blood. My dagger sunk up and into his abdomen. His head limply flopped over to me and I saw him smile, a small trail of blood flowing from the edge of his lips.
"You were amazing, my love. You did it." He whispered and I felt sorrow clench at my heart as I raised my hand up and touched his cheek. The blood on my hand smearing on his cheek.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." I sobbed, tears flowing down my face as I kissed him. "Please don't die. Just hold on, you'll be alright." I whimpered as he laughed quietly at me, his body convulsing as another cough of blood clenched at my heart. He gripped my hand gently, his finger running over my engagement ring.
"Don't be sorry. You did what you had to. Thank you." He whispered as he kissed my ring finger. His eyelids drooped closed and I shook my head. Weakly I grabbed his face as his other hand slipped over my wound. "You saved me, you were always saving me. So now, I'm saving you." He whispered as his hand lit up with a blue hue. I shook my head,
"No, you need to heal yourself." I whimpered as tears fell freely as I tried to move away. He shook his head and kept me where I was.
"I only have enough energy for one of us. You." He whispered across my lips. The scent of blood on his breath, his hand dropped from my partially healed abdomen and he slumped more against the charred grass. I panicked and touched his cheek.
"Tayen! Tayen please! Don't go-!" I sobbed louder and kissed his lips like it would somehow magically heal his wounds. "I love you!" I added desperately and he smiled as he forced his eyes open a crack.
"I love you too, Quinn. Always." He whispered as his hand wove through my own left one. I watched as the light left his eyes and his chest stopped moving completely. No breath fanned across my cheeks as my heart dropped into my stomach and I felt sickly as I shook my head. My voice hoarse as I cried out for the Maker above to save him. "Maker please save him! Take me instead, just save him!" I prayed, but no one answered. Profanities and prayers fell from my lips as I held Tayen's face. My engagement ring winking dully at me. My Father ran into view and I saw his eyes flicker in between us and he lifted me into his arms quickly. I tried to fight him, to get back to Tayen, but he wouldn't let me. His eyes found mine as he carried me through the threshold of the house and to the Healers.
"Quinn…you did well." He whispered-
I felt someone jerk me suddenly and I looked over to Blackwall who patted me on my back, but I couldn't tear my eyes away from the couple. 'You're a monster.' Her words ringing in my mind and I frowned.
"Yes…I am." I heard myself whisper as my hand brushed over my ring finger, suddenly feeling odd and empty. Blackwall shot me a confused look.
"You're what?" He asked, "Are you alright?" He questioned sounding concerned. I sighed and nodded faking a small smile.
"Yes, of course. Never better." I mumbled as I turned away from the couple and marched towards the cabin where Bull and his Chargers were lingering. Cullen was standing in front of me, a look of concern on his face.
"Lady Protector, are you alright?" He asked as he shifted his weight to move in step with me. Ignoring his question completely I kept my eyes on Bull.
"We have work to do." I dismissed. Bull looked around the cabin cautiously before allowing me in. I paused once I was in the cabin. Bodies littered the ground, some face up with blood splashed on them, some facing downward into the floor. I walked up to the first one and dropped into a crouch and placed my fingers to the scout's neck. No pulse. "Dead." I announced as I stood. "I figured as much." I murmured and walked towards the table where there a letter in perfect condition.
"We need to inform Scout Harding of this. Their families deserve to know what happened." Cullen said from behind me as I picked up the letter and read it.
"It's not our place to disagree. They're attempting to set themselves up along the shore, and we have orders. We are the sword, not the hand that wields it. You taught me that.
If they are worthy, let them come with the Mercy's Crest. The Blades of Hesserian will listen. You will only get yourself cast out-or worse."
The Blades of Hesserian? The bandits?
"It appears that there may be a way to challenge the leader of these bandits. Something about a Mercy's Crest." I voiced as I handed off the letter to Iron Bull who was next to me. He read over the letter carefully and nodded.
"Or we could just kill them all." He responded and I snorted an unamused laugh.
"Yes or that. But, I think this is a problem with management, Bull. It even says there that they aren't the ones who gave the orders, they just followed them and they don't seem too happy about it." I responded and he nodded as Cullen leant against a table opposite to us, staring down at a map. His finger dragging along a path to a small 'X' marked in black ink.
"It appears their forces are just a bit further down the beach." Cullen said as he looked at us over his shoulder.
"Let's move then. These bastards have it coming." Blackwall urged us. I looked to Cullen taking notice of him situating his shoulder again. I clenched my jaw. I'd fight the leader, I just needed this mercy crest. These men were good, a large group of them could kill Cullen in his current state. I pulled my eyes away when he noticed me staring and caught Bull watching me with interest before nodding as if he knew my thoughts. We walked out of the cabin and made our way down the mountain. It was steep and Krem held his hand out in front of me to help me down the last bit. I thanked him and jumped down with his help. I looked back as Cullen slid somewhat gracefully down the mountain and hopped off the end. He stumbled only slightly before looking to me. I nodded and turned as Blackwall walked next to me.
"Those bastards named themselves after a blade of Mercy. I don't care what their reasoning is, they deserve to die for the lives they took." He grunted next to me, but I couldn't agree with him.
"Is that not what we are? Just with better leaders? These could be good men. People with families, but we wouldn't know because of their leader's actions." I stated and Blackwall froze for a moment as if thinking over my words before turning silent. We made our way to the camp and Cullen strode just behind me. I could feel him there, and it brought me comfort. I needed to find a mercy crest. There might be one near their settlement. If someone tried to challenge their leader…It's a long shot...I mean I didn't even know what the thing looked like. We trekked down the hill and as we moved around the large rocks and saw their wooden settlement standing tall before us. We shrunk down and hid behind the hill. The two guards at the front gate never seeing us. Cullen looked over his shoulder and then back at us.
"We don't know how many men are inside that fortress. I say we create a distraction large enough to draw their forces out here. Once they are out, we attack." He said and I nodded,
"And if their forces are larger than ours? There could be dozens of soldiers in there." I reasoned and did a head count on our party. It was the four of us plus the six of Bull's men. It would be even worse if we did a full frontal attack even if it was by surprise. I needed to find that Mercy Crest. Bull tapped me on the shoulder making sure to stay quiet.
"I found this on one of the bandits. It might be the Mercy Crest, and I know you want to try and save these people. If you think you can do it, then I'll give it to you. But, I'm not going to if you don't think you can kill the leader. Wouldn't be a very good bodyguard if I got my boss killed in the first 10 minutes." He whispered and I nodded and took the Mercy Crest from him. "If you want, I can fight him. But, you seemed determined to do it yourself, so I figured I'd ask." I nodded and held it in my hands keeping it out of eye shot from any others.
"I'll do it. I'm not going to send you in there, you have all these men to look after. Not that I don't think you could take the leader of course." I said and he smirked, "Hey, Bull if for some random reason I do get offed. Make sure the Herald doesn't get himself killed too, okay?" I asked and he nodded and clamped his hand on my shoulder. "Oh, odd request. Do you think anyone here has smoke bombs? I might need them." He nodded and called for a man named Rocky. A dwarf walked up to me as Cullen continued planning out the assault.
"Yeah, Chief?" He asked and Bull motioned towards me.
"Do you have any smoke bombs?" I asked and he checked his pockets and packs and clicked his tongue.
"No, I used me last one in the fight before this one." He grimaced and looked down into his bag, "But I got something even better." From his pocket he handed me a small ovular shaped container with a pin in it. Carefully handing me it he smiled. "Me own creation. Nothing else like it! Like a hand held bomb, but better. You put that near something and it'll blow it to kingdom come." My eye brow lifted and I smirked as I moved it around in my hand being very careful.
"How does it work?" I asked and he smirked and pointed to the button.
"You pull that pin and run or throw it. It's damaging. As long as you're not holding it you should be good. It take ten seconds to blow, again just don't be holding it."
"Blast radius?" I asked and he smirked like a little genius.
"That's the fun part. It's more of a tactical bomb. Very small radius, big concentrated explosion." I grinned at the bomb expert and looked down at it with a smirk. "What do you need it for?" He asked and I laughed.
"Not sure. I just feel that it is better to go in prepared." I said as I stood and pulled on the Mercy's Crest. Cullen looked up at me from his drawing in the dirt.
"Lady Protector what is that around your neck?" He asked and I tapped it gently,
"It's a mercy crest. You are going to wait here while I battle their leader." For a moment they were silent and then Blackwall and Cullen stood.
"What!?" They cried in unison and I looked over, the guards had not noticed thankfully. They looked to each other before back to me. Cullen took a step forward.
"No. There is a reason this man has not been challenged. You could be killed!" Cullen urged as he looked from the settlement to me. Yeah, totally nothing new there. Blackwall nodded next to him.
"He's right, my Lady. If you go in there without knowing anything about this man…the odds are not in your favor. The Commander's plan will work." Blackwall urged as well. I shook my head,
"And kill everyone in there? Possibly kill some of us? Because of one man's actions? If we can save these people and keep as many of us safe, should we not do it? They have a bad leader and he is forcing them to do bad things, I am going to give these people a better one." I replied strongly and heard Bull behind me as he placed a hand on my shoulder.
"She can do it. Let her." He said from over my shoulder and I nodded, my eyes falling on Cullen who was just itching to argue with my decision.
"I don't like this." He grunted as he looked towards the settlement again. A smile tipped my lips as I turned towards the settlement and walked forward. Cullen and Bull at my sides as I went. The rest following behind me. "My Lady, give me the crest. I will fight him." He said making me stop and turn to him. I couldn't be angry at him however, he just wanted to keep me safe. As I wanted to do the same for him.
"No. You are injured, I stand the best chance between the two of us." I stated as I looked to his shoulder and continued walking. He looked worried and angry at my decision. Looking straight ahead I addressed him quietly. "I'll be fine. I'm lucky." I stated simply and heard a short laugh burst from his lips.
"Why is that not comforting?" He asked as we got to the gate. The two guards flinched at the sight of us and looked at each other then back at me as the Crest jingled around my neck.
"I've come to challenge your leader." I called out and they looked to each other again and opened the gate.
"Only one can challenge him, lady." The guard on the left said to me with wide eyes. I grinned and nodded.
"And only one shall." I threw back at them slyly as I walked forward through the front gates. We went through the camp and I noticed dozens of men and women sharpening their tools, eating and practice fighting. Every one of them stopping to look at me as I passed. I looked back at Cullen briefly to see him remaining calm, but taking notice of all the people there were. And he was planning to take them all on. I turned back and stopped as the soldiers parted leading my eye straight to a rather large man roughly the size of Iron Bull with a large war hammer attached to his back. He turned and his eyes traveled to me and he looked around.
"Are you the new wench they brought me?" He asked with humor as his eyes looked around and then locked onto the Mercy Crest around my neck.
"Unfortunately for you, I am not." I responded sounding tougher than I probably looked at the moment. He straightened and chuckled as he looked around again.
"You must be a great warrior if you would think to take such a challenge." He returned with an interested look as he stepped down from the altar he was standing in front of. I looked down at my nails and grinned.
"I'm not half bad." I said and he boomed with laughter. Better to downplay myself and take him by surprise. He was incredibly big and his muscles rippled in the goatskin leathers he was wearing. Revealing his upper torso to me. He brought his hammer around and turned it in his hands. Dried blood still on his hammer as the man smiled at me.
"You see this weapon? The blood on this was spilt by men that were better than 'not half bad'." He replied as he walked a bit closer. I remained still as I grimaced at the blade in disgust.
"That's gross and extremely unsanitary to keep that blood on there." I admonished and heard Bull chuckle just behind me. The man looked to his hammer and then back at me.
"I like your spirit, pretty little one. I will give you one chance, you can surrender to me and be my personal wench, or you die like all the rest of the challengers." I shifted my weight and slid my daggers from their loops and held them in my hands as I grinned. Clicking my tongue I looked up at him defiantly.
"Damn…that's such a hard decision." I responded sassily as I strut forward my blades shining at my hips as I watched the man scowl and hold his hammer at the ready.
"Foolish choice." He muttered as he raised his hammer and brought it down towards me. I rolled to the side to miss the blow and bounded up. The large man pulled his hammer round again. I ducked and ran forward dragging my daggers along the exposed skin of his thigh. Barely being able to make a deep cut as he roared and flung his hand out. I dodged the blow just barely as I dropped to the ground and rolled away from his foot that was now coming down towards me. Bounding up again I looked towards his neck and saw a rough looking collar that connected to the thick straps crisscrossing his chest. I backed away before running forward as he brought his hammer down. Leaping onto his hammer I bounded off and my legs caught around his neck and I swung using my momentum to throw him off balance and released when he started falling to the left. I dropped onto the ground as he hit the ground heavily. I heard Blackwall cheering from the corner for me. The leader pulled himself onto his feet as I rushed him and brought his hammer up and I flipped over it, and brought my dagger down towards the leader's chest. When suddenly, I was hit and thrown backwards a sharp pain splintering across my ribs from the blow.
I rolled and bounded into a crouch and saw a man standing next to the leader, brandishing his own hammer. I grabbed at my ribs and heard Cullen shouting over Bull, Blackwall and the rest of the Chargers. The Leader stood and looked to the man and immediately snapped the man's neck. My eyes widened as the man fell to the ground dead. Sucking in a sharp breath and spun the daggers in my hands I got ready as he roared forward. His hammer raised as he made large strides down towards me. I waited till the last possible second and spun out of the way and sliced my dagger along his back. He jerked in pain and turned back to me abruptly changing his momentum and swung his large head almost brushing my nose. I pulled back up and saw the leader jerk his foot out and much to my surprise he tripped me. I fell to the ground and he brought his hammer down without hesitation. I felt my own eyes widen as I turned over onto my side, narrowly missing the attack yet again. I looked to the hammer with wide eyes as I turned back and wrapped my legs around the handle and kicked him away from it. I kipped up onto my feet as my hands undid my jacket. I have an idea and just the toy for the job. The bomb still sitting in my pants pocket, I grinned and shirked off my jacket and held it in my hand. The large man sneered and let out a brutish laugh.
"Undressing yourself for me? Interesting tactic, pretty little one." He mused and I nearly spat in disgust at him as he looked around to the men and women around. "Doing half the job for me!" He shouted as he laughed, but no one laughed with him. I growled in anger and ran forward. Leaping forward I threw at kick to his chin, my boot connecting, but hardly doing any damage. He growled and grabbed at me, and I saw my opening. I threw my jacket forward and swung around him making sure to keep the overcoat in place as I pulled the bomb from my pocket. Looking to it I pulled the pin with my teeth and heard a short click as I shoved it in between collar and his neck. I jumped from his body and rolled away feeling my ribs burn as I did. I turned and saw the man tearing my overcoat off of his face he threw it as he laughed. "Puny woman!" The large man spat as I backed away. 'You don't want to be anywhere near it' Rocky's warning played out in my mind. The man laughed at me as I backed away and suddenly the explosion went off. I held my arms over my face to block the explosion letting out a cry as the shockwave hit me. I didn't feel the heat of it or the debris though as I had expected. I cracked open an eye and saw a rift open directly in front of me like a shield. The men and women murmuring around me as I stared at it and then at my hand. It felt so good. This power surging through my palm, better than it's ever felt. In amazement I felt the pull of the Fade in my hand and I balled up my fist, and with a clap the rift closed. As it did, I saw what was left and I felt my jaw drop as I wheeled around to my companions who were staring in shock as well.
"Andraste's Flaming Ass Rocky! I had that in my pocket?!" I cried exasperatedly as I looked back at the obliterated leader then back at Rocky.
"What part of 'To kingdom come' didn't you understand?" He shot back with a laugh and I shook my head as I slid my daggers into their loops. I know, but…Shit. There was nothing barely left of the man except for some chunks of the man. Gross. A man walked up to me from the group of people surrounding me and handed me a Crest.
"You are our Leader now, my Lady." He said and bowed down before me as everyone else did around me. I grimaced and raised him up again motioning for everyone to do so as well.
"Uh, none of that bowing stuff please." I said and he looked around and nodded and looked to the flaming pieces of the older leader.
"What will you have us do, My Lady?" He asked and I smiled and stood straight.
"As of right now, The Blades of Hesserian are a part of the Inquisition. You will remain here and help out the Inquisition in any way possible. As well as, keeping the Storm Coast protected from any enemies to the Inquisition." He nodded and placed his hand to his chest and the others followed. "I will also expect reports of the status of the Storm Coast every once in a while." I added as I looked over from them to my companions who all had wide, stunned smiles on their faces. I grinned as I walked over, my ribs stinging in pain as I did so. Bull laughed and held his hand out and I clapped it above my hand with a wide smile.
"Now that is what I am talking about!" He yelled excitedly and I felt Blackwall's hand clap my back with excitement sending pain jolting through my ribs.
"You did it! Maker's Balls that was the greatest fight I've ever watched! When you stuffed that bomb-That was incredible!" He yelled as we strode from the Blade of Hesserian's camp. I looked through the group, but didn't see Cullen when suddenly I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned my head and saw Cullen holding my overcoat open.
"You dropped this." He explained. I stared for a moment before pushing my arm through the left sleeve and he held it as I pushed my right arm in. I clipped it shut and looked over my shoulder and smiled at him.
"Thank you." I whispered as he moved beside me, but his eyes fell down to my arm where the arrow had nicked me and lightly touched it.
"Anytime" He replied with a charming smile. I felt my heart beat nearly out of my chest as his fingers lingered on my arm sending flames through my veins. I felt a blush stain my cheeks as I stared up at him, his smile only growing a bit wider when he saw my reaction. Was he no longer mad at me? Why was he smiling at me like that?
"You two coming or not!? I'll start the celebration without you!" Bull yelled and I quickly pulled myself together and cleared my throat. Looking towards Bull I felt an awkward laugh bubble up through my throat and I looked briefly to Cullen.
"I…We should…you know…go. I hear there are drinks…" I stuttered and heard him chuckle at me and turn to leave.
"Are you alright, Lady Protector? You look flushed." He commented with a laugh and I glared at him, letting out a mock laugh.
"Oh, you've got jokes. That's fun." I grumbled as he laughed again. We strode down the hill to catch up with Blackwall, Bull and his Chargers as they made for the rocky beach. The sun showing the day was coming to an end.