Hello Loves~ Here is Chapter 23! I hope you enjoy! 3
A scream lifted into the air, my body reacting as more cries filled the space around me. Unearthly screeches above all the madness, my mind screaming for me to move. Demons. My mind whispered, I needed to move! I was slow to wake up, my muscles sluggish and painful. My eyelids fluttered open, but I saw nothing but darkness above me. I tried to move again, but my hands were bound, the sound of rope flexing as I pulled alerting me. I looked around as I heard the screams close to me, my eyes widening as I heard hissing breath next to me. For a moment I stilled completely as my eyes shifted over, my heart pounding in my ears. A demon shifted towards me, its charcoal black eyes narrowing at me. Its lanky legs sliding forward, wobbly and unnatural. My body reacted as it lifted its claw and I rolled backwards away from its attack. Pain shooting from my back and side making me wince in pain and fall back down to one knee, gasping for air. The demon screeched and bared its teeth as it ran towards me, giving me little time to recover. I managed to dodge the attack and leapt upwards and kicked it in the face, landing and pulling at my binds. What kind of brute ties binds this tight? I jumped bringing my hands underneath my legs as the demon swiped at my feet. Rolling away from it, I grabbed the small dagger I always kept in my boot and held it at the ready as the demon ran at me again. This time moving to all fours, clawing at the ground and gaining momentum as it rushed towards me. Taking a deep breath, I threw myself upwards to dodge, my dagger slicing across its back as it skidded past me. I landed with a glare on my face as it whimpered and fell over for a moment before shaking it off. It roared and ran at me again, swiping madly and I tried to dodge. It swiped down at me and I slid past the attack before driving the dagger into its leg. It screeched in pain as I pulled my knife back and it swiped wide earning a slice across its arm. It cried out again in pain as it fell and I took the opportunity and drove the knife into the skull of the demon. Its screech of pain died as it turned to ichor and ashe before me. I flipped the knife in my hand and sawed at the ropes until they came loose. I touched my wrists trying to soothe the raw skin as I moved towards the screams. I saw a group of people being surrounded by demons. A child's scream filling the air. I moved fast, my blade slicing through demons, one right after the other. Having to stab and slice multiple times just to kill a couple of them. I looked down at the knife in my hand in annoyance as the demons faded into the dirt. A screech from behind us alerted me that this wasn't the last of them. I turned to the group of people who all looked to me in confusion and awe.
"Fall back! This place is not safe!" They looked to one another before hearing someone call out.
"Is everyone alright!?" A man shouted above it all. I looked over and saw him staring at me. His eyes wide. I believe I found the brute. The people around me looked to the man and nodded pointing at me.
"She saved us! That woman!" He looked me up and down before snapping out of it and nodding.
"We need to retreat. Demons don't just crawl around. There must be a rift somewhere close if there's this many." I urged and he nodded.
"We thought as much as well. Come, everyone grab what you can and follow us!" I moved with this man. He was a taller man, dark shaggy brown hair that looked more black than anything. His eyes were even darker as they trained on me. He reminded me of someone..but, I just couldn't put my finger on it.
"We will lead them deeper into the forest. We found some other survivors from South Reach. Go with them. Keep them safe."
"You seem to trust me for someone you left gift-wrapped for the demons." He snorted as we moved forward.
"You seemed capable. I'm sure that was hardly an obstacle for you." My eyebrow twitched at his words. Ass. "It's hard not to trust you when you could have run from the fight, but I wager you're just like us. Trying to do anything to help as many survive this as possible." He said with a frown. For a moment I pondered it, but there was little time as another wave of demons flooded towards us. My eyes widening as I gripped the small dagger in my palm tighter.
"I could use my weapons back, it'd make this faster." I said and he shrugged.
"Well I don't have them, so work with what you have." My eyebrow twitched again. I don't like this guy. I heard an explosion go off that rocked the ground. Demons screeches of pain echoing through the canopy of the forest we were in. Four men ran out of the shadows searching the crowd, their eyes landing on me and the taller man.
"We'll hold the line, go! Take the women and children further in, follow the river to the east. Go!" I looked again at my small dagger pitifully, but sighed. It'll just have to do I suppose. There were about 5 demons slinking out of the woods at us. I got down into a fighting stance as the demons moved towards us. The man pulled a large sword from his back. I titled my head to him as he ran forward and arched the sword over his head and brought it down, cutting straight through the demon's body. My eyebrows lifted for a moment before I ran forward and slid around, driving my knife through one of the demons' heads before flipping off of it and knocking the second onto the ground beneath my boot and killing it as well. I felt the mans' eyes on me as I skidded across the battlefield. I killed another two as the man killed more on his side. A pained grunt from behind me caught my attention and I whirled around, but only found his blade through another demon. My eyes scanned him for a moment before he pulled his blade back and nodded.
"We've held them off long enough. They should be out of the radius. Let's go." I nodded and jogged with him away from the demons as they turned to puddles of black goop. My eyes scanned the darkness as we ran, but saw no one. How long had we been fighting? It couldn't have been too long, could it? We continued to run, the man pulling out a compass and nodding ahead of him. We made it to a river, a little pile of rocks in the shape of an arrow pointing straight. We followed it quietly, my eyes constantly scanning my surroundings. Normally, I'd sense something if there was danger, a gut feeling. There was something about these woods that gave me that feelings constantly, making every nerve feel on edge.
"What's your name?" He asked in a huff. I looked over at the man. He had a pleasant enough voice. A little raspy, but a rich Fereldan undertone.
"Quinn." I said after a few moments of pause. "Yours?"
"Roland." He responded blandly. I wondered why he even wanted to know my name if he was going to sound so uninterested. "You fight well." I nodded.
"You too." I said as I nodded to his sword. "Mercenary?" I asked and he frowned.
"The big sword, that much of a giveaway?" I snorted.
"It was more your unfriendly demeanor and scowl to be honest, but yes the sword too." A slight puff of air came from his nose, something akin to a laugh, but it seemed like it was foreign even to him. The moment was brief as I felt the impending sense of danger pulling at me. I looked around, my pulse racing. Roland seemed to notice.
"I don't like this." He muttered as he looked around. I nodded in agreement. "They say these woods are cursed. Who the fuck had the idea to come here?" He asked. "Fucking demons." He cursed and I nearly laughed, a fond smile coming to my lips as I thought of Bull. My heart suddenly sank when I realized I never saw him at Haven. Was he? No...no he couldn't be dead. I felt my heart ache for my friend and I prayed for a moment that he was still alive. He's dead. You know he is. Praying will do nothing. My mind hissed cynically. I tried to push the thoughts into the back of my mind, running a hand through my hair. My body was still tense, but the adrenaline was wearing off and I could feel the pain enter my limbs again. My back pulsating from what felt like a massive bruise. A sting, possibly a cut irritated by the fabric of my shirt. I pushed on doing my best to ignore the pain, but my new companion seemed to notice.
"You alright?" I nodded stiffly.
"Could be worse."
"Not really what I asked, but I'll accept it." I hummed as we trekked on. How much farther did they go? I saw two men walk out and one stopped me dead in my tracks. His blonde hair shocked my system. From far away he looked just like him. Cullen? My mind was crueler than any being on the earth.
"Roland! Glad to see you didn't get yourself killed!" His voice. It wasn't the same. There was no warmth in it.
"You're a dick, Bran." He growled in annoyance. He took notice of my pause though and he frowned down at me. "What is it?" He asked as I pulled my eyes away from Bran. Realizing that I must have looked like a scared halla. I shook my head, looking around.
"Nothing." I muttered, my heart feeling like lead in my chest. Who was this man? Why did he look so similar? I got closer and saw his eyes were a deep brown. I stared for only a moment before his eyes connected with mine.
"Ah, glad to see you're awake. I apologize if you had a bit of a rude awakening." I lifted an eyebrow. I didn't respond, instead I just looked away with a frown tight on my lips. It hurt to look at this 'Bran'. He had to be somehow related, there was no other explanation.
"Why were you all so much farther than the meet up point?"
"We found my sisters in the woods a little ways upwards. They made it this far into the woods without help. Can you believe that?" He asked in amazement. "Come, we have some food, you must be famished." I didn't move. Roland looked at me and then at the Bran and the man next to him.
"You coming?" He asked and I shrugged. I shifted and shook my head.
"I'm not hungry." I said. I didn't want to be near this 'Bran'. These shocks of pain rushed through my chest every time I looked at him. "I'm just going to sit down somewhere." I replied softly as I moved away from the group.
"Hey!-"
"Let her be." Roland said quietly as I found a nearby tree and sat down. My heart in my throat as I leant against the tree slowly. My hands shook slightly as I pulled my tattered cloak around myself. I leant my head back against the tree, closing my eyes. I was hungry, the pains in my stomach evidence enough, but I couldn't be near this 'Bran'. Not right now. Flashes of Cullen's lifeless body flashing through my mind. I opened my eyes and stared ahead. When would this stop? I knew there was nothing I could have done. I know I shouldn't feel guilty, so why was it still haunting me? You still have nightmares of Tayen. This may never leave. I frowned at my own thoughts. You're stronger than this, Quinn. This is more than mourning, this is just self-pity. I frowned and shook my head. I need to eat, gain my strength. I'm definitely going to need it. My heart suddenly was in my ears as what Bran said hit me. The similarities between him and Cullen was no coincidence. They were related and he had said his sisters made it through the woods. Could it be?
"Quinn!?" I stood and turned, seeing Rose and Mia run to me, the boy Thaddeus in Mia's arms. I felt this immense relief in my chest, like a weight being lifted as they ran to me and nearly knocked me over. Rose held me to her, Mia holding onto me as they gushed. I let out a choked whisper of relief as I held them. "We were so scared! We thought we lost you!" Rose cried as she held onto me.
"Don't ever do that again! Do you hear me? Don't you ever try to throw away your life like that again!" Rose exclaimed and I felt tears fill my eyes. I felt small hands hug my neck and I paused as Thaddeus held onto me.
"Auntie Quinn you're back!" I smiled and looked into his eyes and saw Cullen's staring back at me and my heart nearly shattered.
"Come. Let's get you some food. We can catch up then. Okay?" I nodded knowing she wouldn't give me any other option. I sniffed back the tears and walked with them, Thaddeus back in Mia's arms but staring at something past me. I looked from him to whatever was behind me, but there was nothing. I stared into the darkness feeling something, but couldn't see anything. A demon? No...maybe it was just the woods? These woods made every fiber of my being stand on edge. The feeling was gone and I continued to stare for another moment wondering if it would show up again, but it never did. I frowned, listening before turning back to Mia and Rose who were watching me in confusion before nodding.
"Sorry, I thought I heard something." I said and they nodded warily. I looked back to Thaddeus, but he didn't seem scared. Maybe he was just a brave kid? Did he not fear the woods or did he just not know any better? I watched him look almost sad when he must have felt that whatever was there was now missing. My eyes widened a bit, but I pulled my hood up and shook my head. What was he looking at? I looked back once more and still felt nothing. I continued to walk forward with them and we made it into the more cluttered portion of the camp. A small fire with a huge pot sat over it. They greeted the sisters back and I saw Mia's husband Terrance nod to us as he walked over and held out his hand.
"We fought together, but I do not believe we were formally introduced." He said with a broad smile. "Terrence Fren. I was captain of the guard at South Reach, but it appears that that title means little now." He said and I nodded shaking his hand.
"Quinn Thedran. I unfortunately don't have any titles worth noting." I said with a smile. He chuckled at that and shrugged.
"How about leaving the titles to the Orlesian's. They seem to matter more to them anyway." I felt a small smile pull at my lips.
"As part Orlesian I can vouch for that." I said and he smiled and chuckled at that. There was a silence and Mia brought over a bowl for me and she handed over Thaddeus to Terrence.
"Would you watch him? I was told that Quinn has some untreated wounds." I frowned.
"I'm fine-"
"Did I ask if you're fine? You are not going to be able to keep fighting if you don't take care of yourself, you know?" With a sigh I nodded and she pulled me away to a tent. Rose came in with a small bag of medical supplies and motioned for me to undress. I did so, sitting my bowl down and taking everything off except my pants and my smalls. Rose and Mia sucked in a breath.
"It's not that bad."
"Quinn! You are covered in bruises, what do you mean it is not that bad?!" Rose immediately grabbed a salve and looked to my wrapped wounds seeing that they were dirty and seemingly the stitches someone had done for me had broken.
"How long has it been like this?"
"The days have been a blur in all honesty." I said with a frown. "I...It's been a bit rough." I said as I shifted. My ribs contracted and made a bruise ache quieting me for the moment.
"I'm so sorry. You stayed behind to save us while you were like this…" Mia shook her head. "I feel horrible." I shook my head and placed a hand on her arm.
"I don't really feel that much pain. I have a high pain tolerance, you know? I'm sure it looks scary, but it's truly not as bad as it seems." I replied with a small smile, trying to ease her worry. She frowned down at me.
"Still, you're human, Quinn! Maker at least tell someone if you're hurting! You don't need to do it all by yourself." She fussed and I stared up at her. "You're not alone. We're here with you and we're going to make sure you survive this, okay?" I felt a look of shock pull at my features. She sighed and smiled as Rose touched her shoulder.
"We care for you as if you were our own sister, Quinn dear. Rely on us and we won't let you down." I felt my heart in my throat. Maker, they were so much like him… So stubborn.
"That doesn't mean you can go running around like a mad woman taking on the world either!" Mia scorned as I felt a fond smile come to my lips. She paused, her words drawing out in confusion. "What is it?" She asked as a tear fell down my cheek which I quickly wiped away. Surprised and angry at my emotions for betraying me. "Quinn?" She asked worried as she wiped the tear away from my other cheek that I didn't realize was there either. "I-I'm sorry for fussing. I was just worried-" I waved her off as I let out a small puff of air.
"Don't apologize." I said as I gave her a soft smile. "I just really missed you both." I said in a small voice that if it were anyone else I'd be ashamed. Rose moved forward and hugged me tight.
"We missed you too." She said as she hugged me. She was so warm and gentle. Mia placed her hand on my shoulder and I smiled at her letting them comfort me. I saw Mia wipe away tears too as Rose smiled and pulled away.
"Okay enough of this sniffling let's get you cleaned up. Why don't you eat that while we're working?" I nodded as I relaxed as they started working and I groaned in pain as they fixed my bandages and I took small bites of the soup. They finished up and gave me a small potion and I thanked them quietly.
"Here. Put these on. There was a creek nearby, I'll go clean these." Mia paused grabbing Rose.
"Be careful. You don't know what's in these woods." Rose nodded and gathered up my clothing and Mia handed me a shirt. "It's a bit oversized, but it's clean and you don't have to walk around smelling like demon blood." She said with a soft smile. I thanked her quietly as I pulled it over me and stood wincing slightly. She helped me and I nodded to her as we moved out of the tent. Bran walked forward and I felt my heart drop upon seeing him, but swallowed it as he held out my daggers to me. I titled my head to them.
"I wanted to apologize earlier." He said as I took the daggers and I titled my head up to him.
"For tying me up and leaving me for dead?" I asked and he stiffened looking slightly annoyed when a rough chuckle was heard.
"Yes." He said with a frown as he rubbed his chin.
"Well thanks for the apology." I replied curtly with a nod. "It is unnecessary though. You deemed me a threat and tried to protect the people you brought with you. I'm not angry, but I hope now you realize that I am not not here to hurt anyone." He nodded with a small thankful smile.
"It is hard to deny that you are not a threat when you help us without even knowing us." I shrugged. "I must ask why though." I huffed.
"Seemed like the right thing." He clapped a hand on my shoulder and I fought not to cringe either from the pain or the physical contact.
"Then it seems you're like us. We just want to do right by these people." I nodded as I looked up at him and moved away out of his grip.
"Thank you." I replied and pulled my daggers around my waist walking off away from him. I strut towards the creek, my eyes searching for Rose. I found her at the creek and paused when I tilted my head to the trees. I moved to them and leant against one of them looking towards Rose. "Like to watch, huh?" I asked with a frown as Roland next to me on the opposite side of the tree huffed.
"You know, I don't know exactly who you are, but I have a feeling you're not exactly who they think you are." I shrugged.
"Who do you think I am?"
"Someone we got lucky to stumble upon." He replied with a grunt. "Far tougher than you look."
"Careful. That almost sounded like a compliment." I replied in a monotone. There was a brief silence, the faintest sounds of Rose cleaning and humming quietly in the background.
"I wasn't spying on her, by the way. I just didn't want her to be harmed." He added with a frown in his tone.
"She's very pretty."
"She is." He paused and I lifted an eyebrow.
"She's single."
"Really?" I could hear the surprise in his voice. He grunted in annoyance. "Nevermind that does not matter. I wasn't trying to seem-"
"I don't care." I replied with a straight face. "Your business is your own, but if you like her makes sure nothing happens to her." He paused for a moment.
"Just who are you?"
"No one to worry about." He frowned.
"You move like a poorly trained assassin." He said and I snorted quietly.
"And you move like an Orlesian soldier." I responded with a sneer. "See? I can insult too." He smirked.
"It was not an attempt to belittle you, you are an incredible fighter."
"I know." I responded with a click of my tongue.
"And so humble."
"One of my best qualities." I replied in the same monotonous tone. He snorted at that and shook his head, his amusement short lived. I sensed it too, my head popping up.
"What is that?" I asked quietly as I looked around. There was a shift in the air. A new presence entered and we both noticed, Rose dutifully doing the clothing.
"You feel it too, yeah?" He asked and I nodded. It was the same feeling from when we first arrived here. When Thaddeus had stared off into the woods behind us.
"If I'm correct, we're being watched. I noticed when we first got into the camp." I said and he looked at me before nodding. "Stay here. I'm getting a better look." I moved and climbed the trees. Looking around feeling the presence coming from just past the treeline to the north side of the clearing around the creek. The air suddenly felt heavy around me and my mark started to flicker. My hairs suddenly stood on end when I looked into the shadows where I felt eyes on me, but saw absolutely nothing. I frowned feeling my body stiffen like a bound coil. I felt eyes on me again and I watched evenly along the shadows, but nothing happened. My body still wound tight and ready to spring at anything that dared hurt her. The heaviness of the air was gone as I could no longer feel whatever it was watching me. I frowned to myself deciding it'd be best to stay close even though my mind was begging for answers. Why did it leave though? Was it just...observing? Taking a head count? If it was a demon-no...no demons don't act like that. At least none that popped out of rifts. They all seemed to be lesser demons, mindless pawns. I glared into the darkness as I reclined in the tree watching and waiting. She finished her cleaning and I watched as she walked back towards the camp, Roland beneath me leaning up against the tree nodded to her.
"Oh! Ro-Sir, I didn't know you were out here. Did you need some privacy? I can leave-"
"No, no. It is not safe to go off alone. I only wished to make sure that you were safe." She paused for a moment before smiling.
"So, you were watching over me. Thank you, but I can take care of myself." I grinned at that, shaking my head. She's grown since I last saw her. She doesn't seem the meek little mouse she used to be.
"I am sure you can, I only worry." He replied and I heard her hum.
"Ah, well that's different. For a moment it seemed like you thought me incapable of protecting myself." She said in an almost cheery tone. "If you just worried, that just tells me you care and I appreciate it." I heard him chuckle quietly and I smiled to myself at the two of them. Cute. My heart ached for a moment as I listened to them leave, chatting quietly amongst themselves as I stayed in the tree watching the creek. Waiting for any movement, but felt and saw nothing. It was quiet except for the rustling of woodland animals. I closed my eyes for a moment letting my body rest as I thought about what to do next. We could stay here for the time being, let everyone rest up and regain our strength. With the creek we'd have a reliable water source, we'd also need to set up hunting groups to go get food, unless they were able to bring enough food for all these people. My guess is that they didn't. If we could get that set up and maybe some guard rotations we might be able to recuperate and set out for the water again. The only problem is that among the people we have I spotted a few elderly. It was a miracle they made it this far, but statistically speaking they won't survive. I heard footsteps approaching me and I frowned to myself as my eye peeked open to see Roland back.
"Still here?" He asked and I let out a sigh as I dropped down and leant against the tree. "I did a full sweep of the area and saw nothing, no demons and barely any signs of wild life." He said with a frown. I cursed mentally, but nodded to him as I crossed my arms.
"I thought as much. All the animals probably went farther into the woods to get away from either us or the demons." I frowned. "Either way, it's not promising. I highly doubt we have enough food to last all these people till we reach the coast." I said, his head bobbing as well in agreement. "Should you discuss this with Bran?" I asked as I shrugged. "He seems to be the leader, or the only leader figure we have at the moment." He hummed an annoyed sound.
"He seems to think we will have plenty of food to wait out here for a little while. He says the people are tired, not conditioned to be on the run." I let out a sigh. He wasn't wrong, but overestimating how much food is always a bad choice. "He is setting up guard patrols and hunts as we speak." I watched the woodline for a moment before nodding. "What do you think we should do?" He asked and I lifted an eyebrow.
"I do not think waiting here for a bit to regain strength is a bad idea, but if we stay too long we give the enemy more time to progress their movement across Thedas. Who is to say they will not move to the coast next to continue on to other continents. The faster we get to the shore the more likely our survival is." He frowned.
"What happens when we get to the shore? There was a port town, yes, but what if they have already evacuated and taken all the boats?" I nodded.
"Then we come up with a new plan." He looked to me and nodded, leaning against the tree with me watching the opposite side.
Days passed and I hadn't felt the presence again, but these woods still put me on edge. Everywhere I went I felt this impending doom draped over me. They had decided to keep camp for another few days so that the wounded could recover. I was also feeling better from the rest I received per Mia's pestering. The guard rotations had been set and seemed to be working. No demon attacks for the last couple of days and no one had heard anything suspicious. Some of the people had even started to use trees and rocks to make fences as some kind of protection. I frowned at the thought, comfortable. They were getting comfortable, these poorly made defenses only gave the illusion of safety, but it was enough for these people to think they were safe here. The food was running out and our hunting trips over the last few days had proven fruitless. Two rabbits and one skinny bird. No other animals seemed to be around and if they were they were very good at hiding. I moved out of the tent I was sitting in, sleep obviously not coming to me tonight. I moved around the outskirts of the small campsite we had hearing people whispering to themselves not noticing me.
"Why can't they spare any more food? Don't they know no person can live off of just these scraps? How ridiculous!" I rolled my eyes as I paused to listen in. "They're probably just saving it all for themselves. If those rats think they can keep it all to themselves, they're wrong." The pompous woman growled as she grabbed at her dress.
"Marie, there is nothing they can do. We have to be rationed in order to survive." She scoffed.
"You're just as useless as they are! You said you'd provide for me and look at what you've done! You've killed me! I'm wasting away!" My eyes lowered into a glare as I heard the man cough.
"I-I'm sorry, dear. I will try harder. I will make sure you stay alive, I swear it!" He pleaded with her and my palm flared angrily in the darkness, barely hidden under my glove. I heard a smack and she scoffed at him.
"You weak thing! I don't want to be alive if it means you are! Get out of my sight!" She growled at him and I set my eyes on the woman getting a good look at her. When the next demon attacked I should just let them eat her. I shook my head pulling myself away. What a bitch. Imagine being married to someone like that. My palm tingled making my whole hand feel numb for a moment, my fingers working at the muscles to ease them as I continued walking around the camp. I stopped again hearing voices speaking from inside a tent.
"Laura, how much food do we have left?" The one voice that I recognized as Brans' spoke up.
"About two days worth. After that we are completely out. We can maybe spread the food out by cutting rations even more, but the people are becoming angry."
"How much longer would that give us?"
"Maybe stretch the two days into four? It's not much." 'Laura' said with a frown in her tone. "The hunting trips have also not been producing much food. All the wildlife seems to have left or died. We do not know the plants in this area too, so we are unable to tell if they are safe to eat or not." There was a heavy sigh as Branson moved around the tent.
"Might I suggest sending a few people ahead and scouting out the area closer to the coast? We are intending to head there anyway and if it is unsafe it would be better if we found out before sending all of us." Another man said to which Laura spoke up.
"We are not certain what resides in these woods. If we send a scout group it is likely that they will not come back and our numbers will dwindle. Travelling as a group is safer in my opinion." The other man huffed.
"What about if we send that woman. The one that you found in South Reach?" A new voice suggested making me lift an eyebrow. "The survivors told us how she saved them with just a knife. Surely she could-"
"You cannot just ask her to do that! Even though I don't...I don't know enough about her to trust her completely, she's still a person. Sending someone out there without help is little better than murder!"
"Laura is right, we cannot just send her out there. If she is capable then we would be safer with her nearby. We also do not have enough resources to send with her." The man tried to argue, but was quickly silenced. "Enough Marcus, it is final. We will reduce the rations and-"
"You can't! People are starving already. People are talking! They don't believe in us!" 'Marcus' argued, but Bran cut him off swiftly.
"This was never about believing in us. This was about survival. We got as many out as we could whatever happens to them after it is their choice. They can choose to stay and possibly die or they can choose to leave and possibly die. It is up to them." I watched him through the tent and I felt my heart ache. He almost sounded like Cullen for a moment. I walked away, I'd heard enough and people were starting to move around camp again. I sighed as I did a full walk around the camp, nothing out of the ordinary. Everything was still quiet, my hand wasn't flaring either which means there's no potential danger around. I moved back to the creek wondering if that presence would return. I hadn't felt it in days, which was strange. Why would it be around so often and then just leave? Also why was Thaddeus unbothered. I had thought perhaps he was a child that was not often spooked, but even it had sent chills down my spine. Children though...they...children creep me out to be honest. They can see things adults can't. Believe in impossible things and sometimes they're not always so impossible. Perhaps I should speak with him. Ask him about what he saw. I found myself standing next to the creek. Dipping my hands down into the water I cleaned them off and splashed my face with water. Sighing I held my sleeve up to my face to wipe it away when I felt the air thicken around me. Like a blanket being lowered over me. My hairs stood on end as I looked around me. I sensed something directly behind me and I wheeled around seeing Thaddeus watching me. Fucking creepy I tell you.
"Kid you shouldn't walk up on people like that. In fact, you shouldn't be out here right now. It is not safe." I said, feeling the presence around me.
"What do you mean? You're out here Auntie Quinn. Mom said if you were around we'd be safe." I felt a small smile come to my lips as I looked around cautiously. "Did you see my friend? I think he's around." Yikes. I stared at the boy for a moment.
"Your friend?" I asked. Honestly I don't know why I asked. I didn't really want to know.
"Yeah. He was with us when we were in the woods. When we had to run away from home." I tilted my head staring down at the boy before nodding.
"Okay, kid I-" I paused seeing red eyes over his shoulder and I felt my hand instinctively move to Thaddeus's arm. My eyes locked with the red ones. "Thaddeus. Go to your Mother." He tilted his head as he looked at me and then back at the eyes. He looked back at me.
"Oh, don't be scared. That's just my friend." My eyes went from the kid to the eyes. "He's nice."
"He?" I shook my head and looked around. "Nice?" I frowned. "Thaddeus go to your Mother. Do not come back out here unless I tell you it is safe." I said and he frowned looking back at his 'friend' before nodding and gave a small wave. I stood with a glare at the eyes. I maintained my distance glaring at the eyes that watched me.
"So you're the presence I've been feeling." I said with a frown as I watched it. "What are you?" I asked, but it didn't say anything. "Great." I muttered in annoyance. He watched me carefully as I slid my daggers back into their holsters. "Look. I don't trust you, but you apparently have been helping that family. I don't know why, but thank you." I said with a frown as I looked back towards the campsite. His eyes widened as they watched me and for a moment I saw the red fading before returning nearly immediately, his head suddenly twisting to the side. His eyes turned back to me staring down at my hand. I hadn't realized that the weight in the air had lifted for a moment. Suddenly it was back and denser than before. My eyes widened as I felt my hand suddenly turn numb, my fingers tingling as the pressure stifled the mark's energy. A silence. I looked back up at the eyes as mine widened marginally. "Templar." I muttered as I felt my eyes move into a glare again. My heart was hammering as I felt this rage pour through my veins. Visions of the Red Templars at Haven, at the monsters that killed my friends flashed through my mind. I flinched as it was suddenly gone. "HEY! GET BACK HERE!" I yelled and I took off after him.
"WAIT! WAIT AUNTIE!" I stopped and turned to see Thaddeus running after me.
"Thaddeus what did I say?"
"Don't hurt him! Auntie please! He's good!" I stared at the kid before huffing as he held onto my sleeve. It was dangerous though, every Templar I'd come across recently are mindless killing machines...but this one seemed different. Maybe this kid is onto something. I stifled my anger as I nodded to Thaddeus.
"Fine. I won't hurt him unless he tries to hurt me."
"Promise?!" I rolled my eyes, slightly annoyed.
"I promise." He nodded and smiled at me.
"Thank you Auntie!" I sighed as I nodded to him.
"Now you make me a promise and go back to your Mother and do not leave her side until I return."
"Okay! I promise! And I never break a promise!" He ran off and dissapeared from my view as he went back towards the campsite. My eyes swept back to the woods and I set off. I paced forward quietly listening in for anything that could give away its position. I walked around marking trees on my right so that I could follow them back in. I frowned standing in the middle of the darkened woods. Not even the moon daring to peek through the canopy. Where'd it go? I sighed and looked around, my eyes barely picking up anything. I closed my eyes and listened. Allowing my other senses to take over when suddenly I felt something to my right. I tilted my head in confusion and looked towards it when suddenly a screech was heard in the air. Oh great. I looked around as I heard a rustling coming from behind me. I slid behind a tree holding my daggers up and crossing my arms to get as small as possible. I hid in the shadows for a moment trying to hear where and how many there were. I might just have to make a break for it if there were too many. I waited when suddenly I heard a low chortling sound coming from my left, far closer than the screech. I let out a quiet breath as I steeled myself, adrenaline pumping through my veins. I flipped around the tree, my dagger slashing at the creature that had made the sound, the demon's body recoiling with a hiss. I didn't stop as I leapt onto its body driving my blade through its skull silencing it before it could screech out to other demons that must be in the area. This might have not been the best plan. A shrill shriek lifted into the air, the sound making my hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Demons. This close? I bolted back for the camp, my eyes widening when I heard screeches coming from my right side, the scratched trees on my left. I felt my heart pounding as I moved faster, but I was suddenly knocked to the ground. I gasped out in pain as I heard a scream lifting through the trees. My eyes widened as I looked over, my dagger holding up the demon's face from mine as it snapped at me. It snarled in my face as I struggled to keep it away from me. I pushed hard slicing my dagger outwards and shifted to the right, throwing it over my shoulder. I rolled away as it bled and gargled a scream at me, the demon's eyes wide as its body reared back and then skittered towards me. I slid to the side and kicked it into a tree snarling at it as I drove my blade through its head. I panted pulling away as I heard another screech. A cry emanating from around me.
"QUINN! HELP ME!" I spun looking for the voice, but it was behind me. That voice...it almost sounded like the Divines. Like that vision we saw at the destruction or the Conclave. "HELLP MEEEE!" The voice screamed louder this time, distorting around me as I backed away. I heard something rushing me from behind and I twisted around, searching the darkness as a demon launched itself at me from out of nowhere. I gasped and rolled away, my daggers out the side as I bounded upwards and attacked the demon. I felt something at my right. I slid around the left side of the demon and sliced at its arms, their claws reached out towards me. Avoiding the claws I managed to land a hit as another demon launched at me. Twisting around the back of the demon I kicked it forward into the outstretched claws of the other. They both screeched before my daggers snapped into them ruthlessly, silencing them as they turned to goo and ash. I panted as I went to move and hissed in pain. My side with a long gash along it. I grunted in pain as I grabbed it and for the moment everything was quiet again as I pushed on. I pushed out of the woods, my hand soaked in blood from my side as I cursed quietly. I heard another scream ahead of me this time and I frowned. Was I even heading in the right direction? Where were my scratches? There were so many screams, but I couldn't tell which were real. I tried to think of something I could do, anything. I couldn't hear anything as screams just seemed to surround me. I squeezed my eyes shut and placed my hands against my ears to block out the sound. My legs failing me and bringing me to my knees. Everything felt so heavy, my chest feeling like it was going to cave in on itself. I looked up to see a demon running at me. I threw my dagger forward and it hit the demon in the shoulder knocking it backwards as I collapsed backwards. My heart in my throat.
"Fuck." I cursed as I tried to drag myself away from the demon, but it grabbed my foot. I was dragged back towards it, its claws in my skin. I grabbed my dagger and stabbed it multiple times in whatever I could reach. Nothing but my will to live fueling me. I cried out as it collapsed on top of me. It's dying gasps shuddering around me. I heaved breaths, my ankle burning as I backed into a tree. These demons were stronger than the ones before. It was then that I noticed the pull of the Fade, sending out a pulse like force through the air. I remembered when I first encountered a rift and it did something similar to what the pulse felt like. A new wave of demons were coming. I had to get back. I lifted myself up and pushed myself off of the tree, everything blurring around me as I ran through the woods, not stopping. My hands frantically searched the wood of the trees on my left. I suddenly felt the air turn heavy and I tried to run, but something threw me up against a tree. Oh come on. I grunted in pain as I leant against it. My eyes widened as a demon launched at the place I was just standing. It hit the ground and before I could react it was dragged away into the darkness. I stared at it as I leant against the tree as its struggling grunt suddenly ceased. What the- I saw the red eyes and I leveled my dagger at it. It's eyes looked up and down at me as I glared.
"Like what you see, Templar?" I asked in a bit of a snarl, the eye's went back up to mine in a bit of a challenge. I pushed away from the tree and moved towards the south when suddenly I was pushed and turned. I looked as the eyes were now in front of me. I growled at it as I tried to take off again when I was suddenly thrown to the ground pointing in the same direction I was. The red eyes Templar standing in the darkness watching me. It's like I'm a sheep being herded by a dog. "Is...are you helping me?" I asked with a frown as it bobbed its head under the sheen of shadow. I could just barely make out its silhouette. It was big whatever it was. "Creepy, but I'll bite." The Templar laughed, a quiet chuckle. Rough and scratchy like the sound hadn't been used in a while. It sounded odd and distorted, but strangely comforting. I lifted an eyebrow, but followed the silhouette as it ran forward. I heard screams all around me and I shook my head. We ran through the woods and it was maybe only a five minute job and we got back to where I had entered the woods and I turned to the shadow as I walked into the clearing. With narrowed eyes I watched as it never took a step into the moonlight. I looked away towards the campsite, seeing no one on high alert. No demons had gotten near apparently. Those screams...who were they from then? I looked back towards it and nodded. I moved back to the camp quickly. Mia's eyes were wide as she spotted me and ran up to me.
"Maker's breath, Quinn! What happened to you?!" She asked fearfully as I held my side.
"Demons. There's a rift nearby, it's not safe here anymore." I said as Rose joined her and shook her head in fear.
"Maker...but most of the people here aren't even recovered yet…" She frowned looking at the people in the area around us all sleeping peacefully. I grunted in pain, a tree catching my fall.
"I will go tell Bran. Quinn, rest. I will be right back." I nodded and held my side glaring in annoyance. That demon went right through my fucking armor. She just cleaned my clothing for me too. I frowned as I leant heavier against the tree, wincing as I grabbed a strip of linen Rose had cut up for wounds. Pulling off my armor I wrapped my waist trying to ignore the pain as my wounds bled and ached. I let out a deep breath as I tied off the wrap around my waist and relaxed against the tree.
"What happened to you? You look like crap." Roland grunted at me.
"Thanks." I grunted back at him in annoyance as I stifled a hiss of pain. He noticed and grimaced.
"How far are the demons?" He asked and I shook my head.
"Not sure. They were not far and I felt the pull of the Fade nearby." I said with a pensive frown as he closed his eyes for a moment before nodding. He was about to respond when shouting started inside the camp. I looked over as I heard a woman's voice over the others.
"NO! WE WILL NOT LEAVE! YOU CANNOT MAKE US LEAVE! WE ARE SAFE HERE! THERE HASN'T BEEN A DEMON ATTACK IN DAYS!"
"IF WE LEAVE WE'LL ALL DIE! YOU CANNOT!"
"WE STAY HERE! WE'LL FIGHT OFF THE DEMONS IF WE HAVE TO!" I shook my head at the voices.
"Those lunatics actually wish to stay here?" Roland rumbled above me before crossing his arms. "How mad." I nodded in agreement before sighing and looking down at my hands.
"YOU! You fought off those demons! Tell them we should stay here!" They pointed at Roland and I. We both frowned.
"We cannot keep fighting those things forever and these woods are unforgiving. We will never be safe here." Roland spoke up looking over the crowd of people.
"T-that's ridiculous!" The pompous woman from earlier cried. "We're not safe anywhere! At least here we have some food and water and you want us to leave all this behind for a chance we'll survive a little longer?!" She cried. "You're mad! If we stay here we can survive!" I looked to Roland as he held his hand out and I stood with a grimace on my lips when Bran and a woman walked forward.
"Those who wish to stay, may stay, but I do not believe that it is safe for us here anymore. All those who wish to stay will have supplies left behind help out. All who wish to leave may come with us and we will make our way to the coast." I stared as Bran's eyes fell on me and he nodded to me. I nodded back. "All who wish to leave raise your hand." Out of the twenty something people we had 10 including myself all raised our hands. I looked to the people who weren't raising their hands, the pompous woman holding her husband's hand down glaring at him and then at all of us. My eyes fell on one of the raised hands seeing the Healer from South Reach. My eyes widened slightly when I noticed her arm was wrapped up in bandages. Her eyes held mine for a moment before looking away quickly. She looked horrified. Why was she looking at me like that?
"Fools! All of you wish to leave!? What is wrong with you?!" The woman shouted with a snarl on her lips. "You're all cowards!" She screamed at everyone with their hands raised. "You're making a huge mistake! I hope you all get eaten by those monsters and-" A screech filled the air, sending a pulse through the camp. A scream lifted into the air as well jarring everyone for a moment as long, lanky shadowed arms grabbed her and dragged her into the woods. Her screams dying on her lips not a moment after she entered the shadows.
"M-marie?" The husband broke the silence in shock. Everyone's eyes were wide as we all stared at the shadow.
"Roland."
"Aye, Lass." He pulled his weapon and I pulled mine as I felt demons all around us. My palm sparked like mad as multiple demons screeched from every direction. Mia and Rose looked at us and grabbed Thaddeus as Terrence grabbed his sword.
"RUN!" I yelled at them as demons poured from the tree line attacking and slashing through anything they came across.