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Blood Promise	By : Hikari86 Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 4556 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Bioware owns everything Dragon Age. I claim no ownership and make no money/profit.

Chapter List
- 14
- 15
- 16
Poking the Hornet's Nest

The trip down from the mountain was easier for Jordan, but still tedious when they had to go on the narrow ledge before the cave again. Anders had helped with that just as he had done the first time, but that was all that occurred between them as they made their way through the cave. After her bout with Justice, Jordan wondered if the spirit really could control Anders at a certain level. Anders looked to be in control most of the time, but then again, the two were suppose to be one in the same now. It was something she pondered about trudging through the cave, but what occupied her thoughts the most were what Flemeth had spoke.
The witch had spoken again in riddles, metaphors that to Jordan, made no sense. But she talked about change, something was going to happen to the world that was going to bring on a huge change. What that could be, Jordan couldn't even begin to guess. There were many huge things that could change the world. Then there was her destiny, and the destiny of her companions. Apparently they were all intertwined now, and whatever was coming to the world, they would all face together. And then there were the witch's last words, her warning to Jordan. Either a promise she already made, or one she would make in the future would be her downfall. She had wanted to ask Flemeth more questions, but she knew either the witch would only answer her in riddles, or not at all. Either way, Jordan would be left with nothing more than what Flemeth already gave her. She was going to have to find out the answers on her own.
The cave was dark, but the light of the three staffs kept the cave bright fairly well. It was enough for Jordan to stare at her right index finger and see the small scar upon it that was slightly lighter than the skin around it. Bethany had a similar one on her own right index finger.
As they exited the cave, and made their way down the mountain path, Merrill became more and more anxious. She had become very quiet and inward after Flemeth left the altar. She had suggested they leave the graveyard as soon as possible once the witch was gone. It was the last thing Jordan had heard her say since beginning their trek down. Everyone had actually been quiet. The only ones who spoke were Aveline and Varric as they whispered to one another. Now, as they entered the Dalish camp, Merrill became pale, and lowered her gaze to the ground.
Jordan took the lead once they were back on level ground. She noticed the Dalish did not seem to relent in their own glares, staring at the group as they made their way through to the other side. It almost seemed as if they were worse than before.
“Da'len.” Keeper Marethari stood before the group, stopping Jordan in the middle of the camp. She nodded over toward Merrill, who lifted her gaze and stared at the Keeper, not showing any weakness.
“Keeper.”
“Are you sure you won't change your mind?” Marethari asked. “You do not have to leave us. You will always be a sister in this clan.”
“I... Ma serannas, Keeper, but I must go. This is what I believe in, and I'm not going to give up.”
Marethari sighed, her exhaust with whatever they were talking about evident. “Then so be it, Da'len. Just know that if you do ever change your mind, there will always be a place for you here.”
“Dareth shiral, Keeper,” Merrill bowed. “Let's go,” she spoke to Jordan. “I'm ready.”
“Of course.” Jordan then nodded to Marethari before going around her to lead everyone out of the camp. When they were finally making their way through the forest, Jordan sighed in relief, finally glad to be away from the hard, angry eyes of the Dalish.
“So someone's finally taking her away from us. Good.” Jordan recognized Fenarel as he leaned next to a tree on the side of the road. He too, had those hard, angry Dalish eyes as he glared over at Merrill. “It's about time the Keeper got rid of you.”
“Fenarel,” Merrill said, sounding almost hurt. She straightened, however, and stared at him the same way she had the Keeper. “I have made my choice. And I will save our clan, whatever you think.”
“It can't save us. They're dead, Merrill, and fixing it won't bring them back. Now leave us, before the corruption you brought spreads.” He then made his way past, not looking back as he went toward the Dalish camp.
“So... that's a nice mountain, isn't it?” Jordan said as she stared up at Sundermount. No one seemed to notice her attempt at defusing the situation.
“Merrill, are you all right?” Bethany asked.
“I... I'll be fine,” she said, although they could tell she was lying. Merrill looked on the brink of tears, but she kept her composure. “We should keep moving.” This time she took the lead, not waiting for Jordan or any of the others to say any more.
“It's your own fault, you know,” said Fenris. “Blood magic is never the right choice.”
“Fenris,” Jordan warned.
“She needs to know she's making a stupid choice. Deciding to use blood magic over being with your family is ridiculous!”
“It's not only about the blood magic,” Merrill said, turning to glare at him. “There's more to it than that.”
“Such as?”
“I...” She snapped her mouth closed and turned back around. “You wouldn't understand.”
“You're right, I don't understand how you can be so stupid.”
“That's enough, Fenris,” Jordan snapped. “Leave her alone. This is hard, and I'm sure whatever she's choosing over her family is worth it.”
“Would you choose blood magic over your family?” Fenris asked her.
“She said there was more to it than blood magic, but...” Jordan hesitated for a moment. In truth, she wasn't really sure if she would. Blood magic was bad, but she didn't want to prove Fenris right. “If it meant saving my family, then yes... I would choose blood magic.” She turned away from him, missing his scowl. She caught Anders's eyes, however, as he looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “What? I would do anything for my family. Even beyond my own capabilities.”
He didn't say anything. Only took his eyes back to the front of the road. For the rest of the time they traveled back to the Wounded Coast, no one spoke a word.
***
Jordan crouched behind a boulder, foliage covering her as she counted the Tal'Vashoth standing outside the cave entrance. One was so close she could have reached out and grabbed his ankle, but she wouldn't, due to the fact she wasn't ready yet to attack them. The Tal'Vashoth hide-out wasn't hard to find, mostly because everyone knew where it was. It wasn't like the Tal'Vashoth were trying to hide. They knew no one unworthy would come after them, so what would be the point?
After getting her count, Jordan quietly made her way back to where the others were hiding further down the path. When she got to them, she noticed Aveline had already come back from her own scouting. “What's your count?” she asked the warrior.
“At least twenty,” said Aveline. “Although I'm sure there's more deeper in the cave.”
“Yeah, that's about what I got too.” Jordan scratch her head, not fully sure how she was going to do this yet.
“You know this is stupid, right?”
“Of course I do,” Jordan smiled.
“We shouldn't do this. We should just head back to Kirkwall now before the Tal'Vashoth know we're here and forget about it.”
“Aveline,” Jordan pouted. “You know I can't just do that. I gave Javaris my word. Plus what happened to 'let's go take care of the menace?'”
“That was before I realized how many Tal'Vashoth there actually were. And there's a reason why the guard haven't gone after them before now. Tal'Vashoth are not easy to kill.”
“No Qunari really is,” Fenris put in.
Jordan looked at both of the warriors. “Well I'm doing this with or without you.”
“I never said I wasn't going with you,” said Fenris. “I was just merely stating a fact.”
“Alright, then, fact accepted. Now let's move on up and try and figure this out. Any who don't wish to take part, you can head on back to Kirkwall.” No one went back, although she did get a nasty look from Aveline before the warrior finally decided to follow Jordan back up the path to the cave entrance. To a certain point, Jordan had everyone get down to the ground and hide within the foliage. From their point, Jordan could see very well. Three Tal'Vashoth were on the outside, standing guard, while within the cave, Jordan could count at least fifteen other bodies or so. She couldn't quite tell how deep the cave went, so there was really no telling how many more Tal'Vashoth there may be hiding within.
“We need to be careful,” Fenris whispered right beside her ear. It nearly made Jordan jump due to the fact she hadn't realized how close he was to her. Or how he had been able to sneak up on her like that.
“Yeah, I already know that,” Jordan whispered back. “Three Tal'Vashoth was one thing, but this number is more than likely going to give us problems.”
“That's not all. They also have a saarebas.”
“A what?”
Fenris pointed and Jordan followed his direction to a Tal'Vashoth hidden within the shadow of the cave. If it wasn't for the shadow, or Fenris pointing him out, Jordan would have completely missed him entirely. The thing that surprised her considering once she saw him, she knew he was a creature that would be hard to miss. A Tal'Vashoth—Qunari—yet not one. His horns had been sawed off to the base of his head. There was a large, thick, leather collar around his neck, with straps at the bottom of the collar that wrapped themselves around his body. His mouth was sown shut with crude wire, and a metal mask blocked his face. The mask looked like it obstructed his vision, but Jordan couldn't be for sure.
“A Qunari mage,” Fenris explained. “It's what they do to their kind that have magic. They're collared and kept on tight leashes.”
“How awful,” Merrill whispered behind them.
“Why would they do that?” Bethany asked.
“Isn't it obvious?” said Fenris. “The Qunari fear magic, and they know what mages will do if left to their own devices. They take no chances.”
“And I'm sure that's how you think every mage should be kept?” Anders asked, heat in his voice.
Fenris looked back at him, and Jordan hoped the two of them wouldn't start fighting here. “Actually, I do,” said Fenris. “But that fate is something you won't have to fear, mage. The Chantry hasn't gotten to that point. Yet.”
Anders was about ready to rebuke, but Jordan quickly cut him off. “Hey, this is not the time for you two to start fighting. Save it for the Tal'Vashoth. Now...” Jordan took a deep breath. “Fenris, is there anything special I should know about the saarebas?”
“It's just like any other mage,” said Fenris. “But more controlled. Easiest way to take him out would be to go after his arvaarad, the one that holds the leash.” Fenris then pointed to one of the Tal'Vashoth standing outside the cave. He didn't seem any different than the others, but then Jordan noticed he had a rod hanging from his belt. It was something she had noticed before, but had paid no heed to.
“Are you saying the rod he has is what controls the saarebas?”
“That's exactly it, but don't think getting a hold of the rod will let you control the mage. It'll just keep him from using magic. But I can't be positive.”
“I'd like to know how you know all this,” said Anders. He had made his way closer to where they were, going on Jordan's other side.
“I know because I'm from Seheron,” Fenris said glaring over at him. “The ways of the Qunari were not taught to me directly, but what I did learn came secondary from Danarius. He was a man that made sure he knew both his enemies and allies front to back.”
“That is a smart thing to know,” commented Isabela all the way from the back. “Know everything there is to know about everybody and nothing will surprise you. Hmm, why didn't I think of that before?”
“So is there anything else we may need to know, Fenris?” Jordan asked. “Such as how to defeat them, maybe?”
“You'll want to lure them out of the cave, don't go in. There will more than likely be traps.”
“Got it.” Jordan looked back at the Tal'Vashoth as an idea came to her. “Hey Varric, can you come up here?”
“Sure thing, Hawke.” Varric crawled his way to the front, squeezing his way in between Jordan and Anders. “Do you have an idea?”
“I do. Tell me, Varric, have you ever poked a hornet's nest before?”
“Uh, Hawke... I've basically lived in the city my whole life. No hornet's nests around. And I wouldn't be that stupid.”
“Well I have,” Jordan said as she smiled at the cave entrance. “When you poke a hornet's nest, some leave to investigate. Once you kill one, then the whole nest swarms. I'm thinking if you're able to kill one of those Tal'Vashoth now, the rest of them may swarm out of the cave like hornets.”
“Ah, I see what you're getting at.”
“So do you think you can do it?”
“Is a nug hairless?” Varric made his way fully up to the boulder and took Bianca from his back. He then placed the crossbow right on the rock, between the foliage to take aim.
“Do it, Varric,” Isabela teased. “Show us what you and Bianca are made of.”
“Before he does, however,” said Jordan. “I want the rest of you back down the path. Once we get their attention, then we're going to lead them into an ambush. Get into pairs, so you two find someone else to buddy with because I don't want any 'accidents.'” She eyed both Fenris and Anders.
“I can take care of myself just fine against Tal'Vashoth,” Fenris growled.
“Just get down there and stay low until you hear my signal. Got it?” They all nodded and headed back down the path, even if a little reluctant. Jordan waited until they were all out of sight. “Go for it, Varric.”
The dwarf lined up his aim, placing in a bolt and cocking the crossbow. “Any particular target you would like for me to dispose of first?”
“Whichever one looks the biggest and meanest.”
“They all look like that.”
“Then kill the arvaarad guy. Hmm, that might actually kill two birds with one stone. Then we may not have to worry about the saarabas.”
“Maybe, but another Tal'Vashoth might pick up his rod.”
“True, but kill him anyway.”
“As you wish, Hawke.” Taking aim, Varric then fired, the bolt flying through the foliage and embedding itself right in the arvaarad's chest. The Tal'Vashoth staggered for a moment, surprised by the impact and the bolt sticking out of his chest. Eventually he fell and the other two standing guard with him went over to investigate what had happened to their comrade. Within the cave there was stirring, and Jordan knew it was time to make her move.
She stood straight up, revealing herself fully. “Hey boys! Do you like the gift?”
“Basra!” one of the Tal'Vashoth shouted, spotting her. He said something else in his strange language Jordan didn't catch, but she assumed he was probably calling the others as the rest of the Tal'Vashoth in the cave began to scurry.
“You have made a gruesome mistake, human,” said the second. “What do you think you are doing?”
“Poking! And by your reaction, I do believe it worked. Varric.” Another bolt went flying out of the foliage, this time embedding itself in the head of one of the Tal'Vashoth still in the cave. This caused the first Tal'Vashoth to curse more in his language before raising his spear and charging. The others behind him doing the same thing.
“Time to go,” said Varric as he bounded away from the boulder and down the path.
“Right behind ya!” Jordan shouted, chasing after him. A spear flew past her head, and she knew the Tal'Vashoth were right at their heels. Hopefully the others would be ready down at the end of the path.
The cave the Tal'Vashoth had been hiding in had been at the top of a warn path just off the main road on the Wounded Coast. If Jordan could get all the Tal'Vashoth to just before the main road, then they could trap them and it would be easier to finish them off. The only thing that might go against her plan was their numbers. The Tal'Vashoth outnumbered them by a lot. If her friends could kill as many as they could during the ambush and dwindle their numbers down, then they may have a chance. Two were already down, but Jordan wasn't sure how many more there were to go.
Something else then flew past her head, this time almost getting her if she hadn't have ducked. It had been an arcane bolt, one that had felt odd to her, but recognizing it as magic had been the thing that saved her. Either another Tal'Vashoth had picked up the rod to control the saarabas, or there had been a second one in the cave.
“Faster Varric!” Jordan said as she pushed the dwarf a little down the hill.
“I'm going as fast as I can!” Varric heaved.
Jordan looked back to see a whole swarm of Tal'Vashoth after them. Definitely more than twenty. “Make it faster, please, they're right behind us.”
Varric snorted, but after turning and seeing the large group of ashen-skinned giants behind them, he soon picked up his pass.
When the two of them finally got to where Jordan wanted them to be, she slowed. “Now!” she cried.
At that moment several things happened. Behind the group of Tal'Vashoth, several vines shot out of the ground, some penetrating through Tal'Vashoth bodies, while others entangled around their limbs, pinning them in place. A mass of brush also blocked the path, keeping any from making their way back up the path. A fireball then blazed its way across the vines, engulfing any Tal'Vashoth tangled within. In the middle of the swarm, both Fenris and Isabela burst from either side of the path, taking the Tal'Vashoth near them by surprise. Fenris lopped off the head of one before spinning to strike another in the chest, his blade cutting right through. He was able to kill two more before he had to start defending himself. Isabela had obtained about the same body count, slicing her way through one Tal'Vashoth to the next, hitting vital areas with her twin daggers and moving on with quick speed.
Jordan allowed one of the Tal'Vashoth to collide with her, Edge and Ripper in place to protect her from the spear tip. Beside her, she witnessed Aveline's ginger-red hair streak past as the warrior herself collided with two Tal'Vashoth. Her sword stabbed straight into an abdomen of one while her shield bashed the head in of the other. The two Tal'Vashoth were down before they could counter, and Aveline quickly moved on to more.
Paring the Tal'Vashoth she was fighting, Jordan ducked the thrust of his spear. She moved to his side, sticking in Ripper and yanking the dagger out, using the serrated edge to tare chunks of flesh out. The Tal'Vashoth bellowed in her ear and moved away, swinging his spear into her side. Jordan grunted from the pain and went to protect herself with Edge as the Tal'Vashoth moved to strike her again. He didn't make it as ice encased his body. A stone fist then smashed into his chest and the Tal'Vashoth shattered to pieces. Anders was fast by her side, sending out a cone of ice, freezing three Tal'Vashoth that were right in front of them.
Nodding her thanks to him, Jordan made her way past the frozen giants and into the melee. She found Fenris and Aveline on the side, taking down Tal'Vashoth with great force. Isabela was in the center, making her way around, stabbing the Tal'Vashoth in the back and vital areas. Bethany and Merrill stood at the top part of the path, sending out spells just as Anders was at the bottom. Varric had found himself a large rock to stand on, giving him a good view of the swarm to send his bolts into. Jordan did as Isabela, going about the Tal'Vashoth until she found what she was looking for: The saarabas.
His magic was foreign, alien feeling, but she had fought alien magic before. The darkspawn emissary were just as strange feeling, different from humans or elves. But magic was magic, and all mages used mana or blood to fuel their spells. Most of the soldiers at Ostagar would not dare go near an emissary, instead leaving them for either the Circle mages or the Grey Wardens to deal with. Jordan was one of the few soldiers who would go after them, not afraid of their magic. She would strike fast, dispersing their spells with Edge, and going straight for the neck or chest. This saarabas would be no different for her. As with normal mages, as with the emissaries, the saarabas may have different ways of using it, but it was still mana that fueled his spells.
It was an arcane bolt that was hurtling towards her. Jordan picked up her pace, sweeping Edge in front of her just as the arcane bolt came close enough. The blade hit the spell, killing its magic and dissolving as she went right through it. The saarabas was taken aback. He stumbled backward just as Jordan plunged Edge right into his throat, going over the leather collar. The Tal'Vashoth mage gurgled, blood squeezing out from between the wires holding his lips together. Jordan cut Edge across the rest of the way, opening the entire front part of the saarabas's throat. As he fell, Fenris then took out the last Tal'Vashoth, and everyone stood catching their breaths.
Jordan pulled Edge out and cleaned the blood off with the saarabas's own robes. She then looked around to make sure everyone was okay and caught the sight of Anders staring at her. It was for a brief second before his face changed, and Jordan was unsure what he was staring at her for. Had it been admiration? Was he impressed with how she had handled taking down a mage? Or was he staring at her with contempt? The fact that she could take down a mage so easily meant she was dangerous to him, and maybe not worth having around anymore. It could have also been both.
“That was... interesting,” he said as he walked slowly to her. “I wasn't aware you had that kind of... skill.”
“My father taught me that just because someone is a mage does not make him my friend,” Jordan said as she replaced her daggers. “Learning how to fight magic and take down mages was just as important as learning how to defend oneself from a sword. I hope that impressed you more than frightened, since you have nothing to fear from me, ser mage.” Jordan did a little curtsy.
“No, I wasn't... frightened by it.” Anders cleared his throat. “Is everyone all right? Does anyone need any healing?”
“I've got this bruise on my breast that might need your attention,” Isabela pouted as she stuck out her chest.
“Something actually serious,” Anders frowned. “Jordan, how's your side?”
“Bruised, but nothing broken,” Jordan said as she examined herself. Her side was tender, but she could tell it was fine. It was the same side Bethany had fixed after their fight with the creatures at the graveyard. Her magic was still there, protecting Jordan, but only for a short time.
Aveline was the only one with a serious injury that Anders attended to. She had broken her arm at some point during the fight. She didn't even remember it happening, only realizing that it was broken after her adrenaline leveled and the pain became evident. Jordan actually found it quite amazing no one else had gotten seriously hurt or worse. It just proved to her that the team she had assembled would work, despite their differences.
***
After Anders healed Aveline's arm, they headed off back to Kirkwall without thought. The Tal'Vashoth count was thirty-two, which included two saarabas, the one Jordan had taken down, and another one killed by Fenris. Whether there were more Tal'Vashoth out there, either in the cave or out scouting the area, they didn't want to stick around to wait for. Jordan figured thirty-two Tal'Vashoth was enough for Javaris. It was more than most people could say, as most who went against Qunari—Tal'Vashoth or otherwise—normally didn't live to tell the tale.
All in all, Jordan figured it had been a good trip, despite Flemeth's eerie words. They had gained a new ally, Merrill having opened up once again after their fight with the Tal'Vashoth. She and Bethany had struck up a conversation, Bethany asking about Merrill's unique kind of magic that seemed to use the nature around them, such as the vines. Merrill explained that it was a special type of magic from the old days, used only by Keepers, and never taught to outsiders. Bethany seemed saddened by this information, but that didn't stop her from still learning a little more about it. Later, somehow in their conversation, they had switched to talking about baby animals, which made Jordan shake her head.
Also on this trip Jordan had learned a little more about Fenris. He was from Seheron, and knew things about the Qunari. She hoped his knowledge went deeper than just knowing ranks. She realized she was probably going to need him when she went to face the Arishok at the Docks. The thought of which made her blood nearly freeze. She knew nothing about how to deal with Qunari, nor was she all that great when it came to business. If this worked out, and Javaris was able to get the gaatlok from the Arishok, then Jordan knew she had to make sure Varric smoothed out the details with the dwarven merchant considering he dealt with them all the time.
By the time they arrived back at Kirkwall, it was early afternoon and the streets were busy. Jordan pushed her way through, going straight for the Docks where the Qunari compound was located, and where Javaris would be waiting for her.
“Hey, Hawke, what are we doing?” Varric asked.
“Going to the Docks. Remember the reason why we killed those Tal'Vashoth?”
“I do, but what about Daisy?” He gestured to Merrill, who Jordan hadn't noticed until now how pale she had grown again, and was looking about the city with both fear and awe.
“Oh, well... um...” She wasn't sure what to do with the Dalish elf. She couldn't stay with Jordan and her family. Gamlen would never approve. Plus it was already crowded enough. Jordan also didn't want to send Merrill to Darktown, where she may be taken advantage of by the cut-throats lurking in the shadows. Course, with her innocent self, she may be taken advantage of where ever she went.
“If it's not too much, I'll take care of her,” said Varric as he smiled up at the nervous Dalish mage. “It's okay, Daisy, we'll find you a nice home to stay in. I know a guy who owes me a favor. I'm sure he has a place you can rent.”
“Rent? But I...” Merrill looked as if she might cry. This was overwhelming for her. “I don't have any money.”
“It'll be all right, I'll take care of everything for you. Come on, Daisy. Maybe you need a drink. That might calm your nerves.” Varric took Merrill by the elbow and started leading her away.
“If you don't mind, Jordan,” said Bethany. “I think I'll go with her. Make sure she gets settled in.”
“Sure, you go ahead,” Jordan nodded.
“I'll go too,” said Isabela. “Poor thing.”
“I think she'll be fine with Bethany and Varric, Isabela. Plus I might need you when we face the Arishok.”
“Oh, you mean you're going to go and do that now?”
“Yeah. Javaris is waiting.”
“You don't need me for that,” Isabela waved off. “You should be able to handle the Qunari just fine. Besides, you have Fenris. Let him do all the talking.”
“Isabela...”
“I've got some things to do anyway,” she said as she began to back off. “It was fun going to Sundermount with you, though. Next time you need me, just holler, okay? Bye!” Jordan frowned at Isabela as she took off, not fully understanding why she was leaving so suddenly.
“Bloody slattern,” Aveline murmured. “Do you want me to bring her back?”
“No, let her go,” said Jordan. “The four of us should be good enough. Unless any of you need to leave me?” Aveline, Anders, and Fenris shook their heads, indicating they would go with her to the compound. “Good, because I'm going to need all of you. Especially you,” she said to Fenris.
“I will do what I can to help,” he nodded.
Glad she had her support, Jordan took them to the Docks and found the Qunari compound. It was tucked away in a corner, hidden from all who passed it. Or just ignored. There was one Qunari standing at the gate, watching as the humans passed by without a second glance. He looked no different than from the ones Jordan had just recently killed.
“Hold it, human,” he said once Jordan and the others reached him. “What is your purpose?”
“I have business here,” she spoke. “With the merchant dwarf, Javaris, and your Arishok.”
“The short mouth, yes,” the Qunari said with displeasure. “Enter, if you must, basra.” He opened the gate for her, and Jordan slowly entered the compound.
It was a little unnerving entering such a small space with so many ashen-skinned giants staring down at her. They stood about, muscular arms crossed, and eyes just as intense and unrelenting as the Dalish's had been. Jordan kept her composure, keeping her head high and walking briskly as she made her way to the back of the compound. There she spotted Javaris standing at the bottom of a set of steps that lead up to a dais with a large stone chair. On it sat what looked to be the largest Qunari Jordan had ever seen. The Qunari were already huge in their own right, but the Arishok—for this could not be any other Qunari—towered even over his own brethren. His horns were larger, curling and looking heavy upon his head. His body was nothing but muscle, chiseled and sharp. He stared down at the dwarf with a straight, if not slightly bored, face, listening to him speak.
“Ah, and here she is!” Javaris said as he saw Jordan making her way over to him. “My right hand has arrived. About time you showed. I've been here for hours.”
Jordan smiled down at him. “Killing Tal'Vashoth takes time, you know.”
“Sure, so does that mean you got the job done?”
“I'm here, aren't I?”
“Beautiful.” Javaris stared back up at the Arishok, a big grin upon his face. The Arishok made a low rumbling sound in his throat, and when Jordan looked up at him, she thought she saw slight anger in his eyes.
“Arishokost,” Fenris said as he took a place beside Jordan. “Maraas shokra. Anaan esaam Qun.”
This seemed to surprise the Arishok, although his face didn't change much. “The Qun from an elf? The madness of this place.”
“Did that help?” Jordan whispered to him.
“We shall see.” Fenris then hung his head and made his way back behind Jordan. She didn't really want him back there, feeling more comfortable with him by her side during this situation, but Jordan didn't show her discomfort.
“Yes, well, that said,” Javaris went on. “I am glad to report that your hated Tal'Vashoth were felled one and all. Right?” He looked at Jordan. Before she could answer, he nodded and turned back to the Arishok. “Yes, they were. So, I'm ready to open negotiations. For the explosive power. As we agreed.”
The Arishok stared down at the dwarf, leaning forward from his seat and placed his hands in his lap. “...No.”
“What?” Javaris said shocked. He looked to Jordan. “I don't think he's getting it. Could you make your elf friend say something to him that would have him understand?”
“I don't know. Is there anything you can say, Fenris?”
Fenris grumbled, more at Javaris than at Jordan, but he made his way back to Jordan's side, nevertheless. “Qunari do not abandon a debt,” he spoke to the Arishok. “I humbly request clarification from the Arishok.”
“I have a growing lack of disgust for you,” the Arishok responded in his deep, booming voice. Jordan wondered if there was a smile behind that statement, but she never saw one come out. “The dwarf imagined the deal for the gaatlok. He invented a task to prove his worth, when he has none.”
“Then we have wrongly inserted ourselves in your affairs. Would you have us kill this dwarf?”
“Wait, what?” Javaris stared at Fenris with wide eyes. Fenris, however, kept his focus on the Arishok, his face just as emotionless as the giant Qunari.
The Arishok paused for a moment, he and Fenris's eyes locked. “How many were killed?”
Fenris then took his eyes away and nodded to Jordan. “Thirty-two,” she said.
“Impressive. For a woman. The fact you were able to kill so many should not be. Are you really a woman?”
Jordan snorted. “Should my gender be in question? I killed the Tal'Vashoth along with my friends. Their blood is upon our blades. Go and scout for the bodies yourself if you don't believe me.”
The Arishok studied her, his eyes unrelenting and cold. “You are not a women, then, if you faced Tal'Vashoth. The dwarf, too, is not worth dying to you. As he was not worth dying to them. But you... you keep good company. Let him live. And leave.” The Arishok waved them off as he leaned back in his seat.
“This is just perfect,” Javaris grumbled. “Thanks a lot for all your help,” he said sarcastically to Jordan.
“Hey, we tried,” said Jordan. “You can forget the investment, but I would still like to be paid for doing your dirty work.”
“Are you kidding me? You're not getting anything!”
Jordan stared at Javaris, stunned. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me.”
“As so did I,” said the Arishok, looking back down at the scene below his chair. “Do you owe this human, dwarf?”
“You said yourself, there was no bargain,” Javaris scowled. “I'm not getting a sodding thing out of this.”
“This human did what you could not—something I did not expect of an outsider. And you have involved me. If you made a bargain for the Tal'Vashoth, that debt for their lives will be honored.”
Javaris glared at the Arishok, then around the compound as some of the Qunari looked as if they would strike him down if he didn't do as the Arishok said. “Sod it all!” he yelled. “Here, take your bloody coin!” He slammed two pieces of gold in Jordan's hand then made his way out the compound, mumbling as he went. “Horn-head oxmen and mongrel dog-lords. Suck your own powder and blow your heads off. Sod it!”
“You will leave as well, human,” the Arishok spoke. “There is no more coin for you here.” He then waved, and some of the Qunari began to advance on Jordan and her friends. Taking the hint, Jordan ushered everyone out. She turned back one last time to see the Arishok staring at her. His face neutral and unreadable, making her wonder if by poking one hornet's nest she might have inadvertently poked another.

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age 2
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Blood Promise