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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
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Uprooted

Chaos was everywhere. Shouts, screams, cries of death and pain all around her. Everything had gone wrong, so horribly wrong. The man beside her shot down by a crude arrow, another taken by a rusty sword. She fought on, slicing through the darkness that threatened to shallow her.
A light burned brightly behind her. A signal, one that was suppose to represent hope. But hope never came. Now it was just a burning brightness that illuminated the dark, making it worse. It showed the creatures within the darkness as well as the gruesome sight of blood and death.
She kept going, taking out anything in her path. She was looking for him, but he was no where around. She panicked. Where was he? Would she ever find him in the chaos? Again hope dwindled and again she had to fight, had to watch others be sucked in. That was not going to happen to her. She would find him no matter the cost.
***
When Jordan woke it was still dark outside. Her face was covered in sweat despite the cold chill coming from the open window. Uncovering herself, she rolled out of bed, planting her bare feet on the cold floor. It startled her, but she was already fully awake.
The nightmare was still fresh in her mind but it was beginning to fade, being replaced by a new headache. She moaned and flopped herself back on the bed, knowing if she was getting another headache she would never be able to go back to sleep.
“Jordan, are you all right?”
“What? Oh, Bethany... I-I'm fine.”
Her younger sister stood in the doorway frowning. “You know you can't lie to me.”
Jordan sat up and smiled at her. “There's no harm in trying.”
Bethany shook her head as she went to sit next to her on the bed. “Were you having another dream again? About Ostagar?”
Jordan chuckled a little. There really was nothing she could hide from Bethany, not just because she was a mage, but also because she knew her better than Jordan even knew herself.
“Jordan.” Bethany frowned again. “That's seven since you got back. Are you sure you won't-”
“Bethie,” Jordan stopped her. “I'm not tainted. You've checked and said I was clean. Plus after two weeks, I think I'd show signs by now, don't ya think?”
“I suppose, but I still worry about you. Carver doesn't have such dreams.”
“Carver probably does but he's not going to tell any of us. He's the man of the family, can't show any weakness, especially to his two sisters.”
“To his older sister, perhaps,” Bethany smiled. “But he does still tell me things sometimes.” She sighed and looked Jordan over, seeing the deep circles under her eyes and the paleness of her skin. “Do you have another headache?”
Jordan nodded and looked down at her knees. “I thought they were finally gone. It's been two years since I've had one this bad.” She winced from the throbbing in her temples and went to rub them. It was starting to become worse, making her stomach queasy. Bethany coming in had distracted her from the pain, but only temporally.
“I guess my spell didn't work, then,” Bethany sighed. “I'll get it, Jordan, don't worry.”
“I know you will.” Jordan attempted to smile at her little sister but found it difficult when another pounding pushed its way to the front of her head. “But do you think you could... deal with it now?”
Bethany shifted on the bed and placed both her hands over Jordan's temples. A soft purplish light glowed from her palms and Jordan could already feel the cooling effect of the healing spell as it spread through her head. Soon enough the pain was gone and she sighed out a huge relief.
“Thanks, Bethie. I really appreciate it.”
“You know I'd do anything for you, Sister,” said Bethany. “Besides, who else knows how to heal those monster headaches of yours?”
“Only you.” Jordan wrapped her arms around her little sister and pulled her down on the bed. “Do you mind staying in here until I go back to sleep? I might have another nightmare.”
“Jordan!” Bethany laughed. “Must you always joke around?”
“What, I can't have my favorite sister with me? It's not like when we were younger you used to pull me into your bed or anything, saying you needed me to be with you until you fell asleep.”
“Alright, alright, I'll stay.” Bethany turned herself and they laid next to each other, her back to Jordan's chest. Jordan hugged her sister tight, glad that even if they were older, they could still share a bed together.
“Jordan,” Bethany said softly after several minutes of silence.
“Hmm?”
“Thanks for coming back. And thanks for bringing Carver with you. I'm glad the both of you were able to make it out alive.”
“Neither of us were going to leave you and Mother, Bethany. I made a promise, remember?” Jordan held up the pointer finger on her right hand. It was met with the tip of the pointer finger of Bethany's right hand. The two fingers touched and a slight warmth passed between the two.
“I remember,” Bethany said. “Good-night, Jordan.”
“Good-night.” Jordan soon found herself slipping back into dreariness and deep into sleep.
***
In the morning, Jordan woke late, her body stiff from the night's activities, but she felt refreshed. She sat up and stretched, loosening her muscles and waking fully as the smells of cooking meat and fried eggs hit her nostrils. Apparently it had been Bethany who got up early this morning to help their mother cook breakfast. Jordan pondered for a moment why her mother hadn't come to wake her up but realized why when she began to recognize the remnants of a sleeping spell.
“Bethany must have put it on me before leaving the room last night. Ugh. I'm gonna have to speak to her about that later.”
Picking up a shirt and a pair of trousers off the floor, Jordan hastily put them on before making her way to the kitchen. There she found a familiar sight of Bethany and Mother plating food while Carver and their guest sat at the table. Jordan's mabari, Chance, laid under the table, waiting for scraps. His short, stubby tail began to wag when he saw her enter the kitchen.
“So you finally decided to wake, huh?” Carver stared over at his older sister.
“And you've finally decided to help Mother in the kitchen!” Jordan smirked. “Oh... wait...”
“Hey! I help... sometimes.”
“Yeah, when was the last time you did? Ten years ago?”
“Alright, enough you two,” their mother said. “I swear, it's like you two are still ten and eight. Jordan, Carver doesn't need to help me if I have both you and Bethany. Plus he does enough around here as it is.”
“So why didn't you wake me up, Mother?” Jordan asked as she made her way to the table.
“I saw how peaceful you were sleeping and didn't want to disturb you.” Leandra began setting dishes on the table. There were stripes of bacon, a bowl of fried eggs, warm biscuits and a pitcher of fresh milk.
“Well yeah, I look peaceful when Bethie puts a sleeping spell on me.” Jordan narrowed her eyes at her younger sister playfully.
“You know you don't sleep all that great after one of your headaches.” Bethany handed out plates and silverware before sitting next to Jordan. “I wanted to make sure you got your rest.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Jordan said as she began spooning eggs onto her plate. Everyone was soon collecting food and eating, Leandra eventually joining them.
“You know, Bryce, I really wish you would reconsider.”
The man sitting across from her looked up from buttering his biscuit and half smiled. “I appreciate your concern, Leandra, but I feel I've over stayed my welcome.”
“That's nonsense. You are no bother and have actually been very helpful despite your injuries.”
Jordan stared over at the man who only a few weeks ago had ended up on their doorstep half dead. He said his name was Bryce Cutland, though he stuttered when he said it. What he didn't stutter about however, was how he had ended up on their doorstep in the first place.
Bryce had been at Ostagar just as Jordan and Carver had. He was sent out into the Wilds to scout and found himself right at the heart of the darkspawn horde. How he survived, he wasn't sure. He said he just remembered fighting for his life, becoming weaker then suddenly... floating. He was above the horde, flying over them before landing in front of the Hawke house. There, Bethany and Leandra had found him and brought him in. Bethany treated his wounds and was surprised to find not only would he live but that he also wasn't tainted. His right leg was messed up pretty badly however, even with Bethany's best efforts, which meant he would never be able to walk properly again. For a few days he was feverish and waking now and then before Jordan and Carver came home. When his fever broke, Bryce woke and told them everything.
“I do thank you and your children for everything you've done,” said Bryce. “But I feel I need to get moving to find my own family. See if they're still alive, and if they are, show them I'm alive as well.”
“Oh yes, that I can understand.” Leandra looked from Jordan to Carver. “I'm sure they're worried about you. I would hate to think how I'd be acting if these two didn't come home.”
“Well you have two very smart kids to run when they did.”
“Actually, I was the one that ran,” Jordan corrected. “Carver was still fighting when I found him. Nearly had to drag him off the field.”
“It was our duty to fight, no matter if the flanking ambush happened or not,” Carver said defending himself. “And I would've stayed too if it wasn't for you. We're lucky we didn't get arrested for desertion.”
“They're too busy with the Blight to worry about deserters right now. Besides, we weren't the only ones who ran. Once King Cailan was killed... it was over.”
There was silence at the table after that. Everyone ate with their heads low, only speaking when asking for something to be passed. Eventually everyone finished and Leandra and Jordan collected the dishes. Bryce stood with the aid of his cane and limped into the front room where he picked up a bag and came back to the kitchen.
“Again, I want to thank all of you for helping me, but I really should be going.”
Leandra went to him and handed him a wrapped parcel of the morning's leftovers. “If you must, then at least take this for the road.”
“Thank you, my lady.” He took the parcel and placed it in the bag.
“And if you're really inclined to leave now, then at least let one of my children help you to the edge of the village.”
“There's no need-”
“No, I insist. Carver?”
Carver had been trying to leave the room but stiffened and slowly turned to his mother. “I've got things to do, Mother,” he said. “The animals need fed and-”
“Oh I'll do it.” Jordan put down the dish she was washing and went over to Bryce. “Don't want Carver getting all stressed out or anything.”
“I'm not stressed. It's just-”
“Go do your lies, Carver. I'll take care of it.”
Carver glared at his sister before exiting the kitchen in a hurry.
“Jordan...” Leandra said shaking her head.
“What? I just called him out.”
Leandra still shook her head but gestured for her oldest child to follow her out a side door to the backyard. “I really wish you were nicer to your brother sometimes.”
“I will when he stops being an ass hole.”
“Look, I didn't bring you out here to talk about that. That's something for later. I just wanted to tell you when you and Bryce get to the highway, give him this.” She handed Jordan a small pouch that jingled. Jordan felt it and looked inside to see a few decent coins.
“If you insist, Mother, but I can already tell you he's not going to accept it.”
“Maybe, but still offer it to him anyway. And make sure to give him the good one.” This made Jordan freeze as she was putting the pouch away and stare at her mother as if she were crazy.
“You're not talking about the dapple, are you?”
“Well the palomino isn't going to get him very far.”
“Mother... now I think you really are giving him too much.”
“I know,” Leandra sighed. “But I just feel it's the right thing to do. I know your father would have done it if he were still alive.”
“Right, he would have.” Jordan sighed with her. “Okay, I'll go get the dapple ready. Send him out to the barn when he is.”
Jordan made her way over to the small barn located behind the house. They only had a few amount of animals within; a cow, a pig, a few chickens and two mares. The dapple gray was the youngest and strongest of the two, and the one they used the most. The old palomino was good for pulling the cart to and from Lothering but other than that, the old mare was past her prime.
As Jordan entered the animals barely stirred to her presence. She made her way to the back where the two horses were located and began preparing the dapple mare for her long journey. By the time Bryce made it out to the barn, Jordan had her ready to go.
“So how many more times did my mother ask you to stay?”
“Only once, actually,” Bryce laughed. “Don't tell me you're going to start asking now.”
“No, no. If you need to go, then go. Although I would have to say you're very brave for going alone as you are. As a lone cripple, you're a good target.”
“I'm not as defenseless as you may think,” he said while patting his right hip. It was the place where Jordan knew Bryce hid his dagger.
“Are you ready?”
“More than ever.”
Jordan gestured to the mare, then taking his cane and bag, watched Bryce hoist himself onto her with his good leg. She then handed him his things and climbed on herself, seating herself in front. Taking the reins, she clicked and nudged the mare to go forward, leading her to the front of the house and down the path to Lothering. The Hawkes only lived about a half mile away from the village, and at a steady pace, Jordan and Bryce soon made it to the outskirts.
“Hold up,” Bryce said as they were about to pass the posts located at the entrance to the village, right before hitting the Imperial Highway.
“What's up?”
“Could we... look at the posts for a second?”
“Sure.” Jordan lead the mare to the post boards. Here was were news was posted about things happening in Lothering as well as Ferelden. It was also where the wanted posts were placed, the things looked at the most.
As Jordan positioned the mare close, her eyes immediately looked down at the wanted section. Although there was no merit to Carver's fear, it was still a habit of hers to look everyday. Desertion was a traitorous act, and if they had been caught, she and Carver would have been hauled off to prison. But just as it always was, Jordan did not see their sketched faces staring back at her, though what was there did surprise her. This time there were only three posts up, all for Grey Wardens.
Jordan laughed as she read their warrants. “Seriously? They're blaming Grey Wardens for the king's death? That's outrageous!”
“Yes, it is,” Bryce said as if he was barely listening.
“I pity anyone who thinks they're going to bring a Grey Warden in.” Jordan looked back down at the post and at the sketches. She didn't recognize any of them. She had seen the Wardens in camp and saw there were no females among them, but two of the wanted Grey Wardens were female. One was an elf, while the other female and the male were human. Jordan then noticed Bryce was looking very closely at the human female, studying her picture and description hard. “See anyone familiar?”
“No,” he answered quickly. “Just checking.” He looked away from the post and looked out to the highway before glancing at Jordan. “Shall we move on?”
“Right.” Jordan clicked the reins and the mare went forward. She brought them right up to the road before stopping and jumping off.
“Give me a second,” Bryce said as he attempted to swing his bad leg over.
“Don't bother,” said Jordan. “You'll need her, otherwise you won't get very far.”
Bryce sat himself fully on the saddle and stared down at her. “I'm not exactly sure what to say to you guys. You've done more for me than I could possibly ask for.”
“I know, so I hope you remember what we did. And I also hope you remember what I'm capable of.” Jordan fixed her eyes to his, unmoving.
“Jordan... I...”
“I can understand why you want to leave,” she said. “But so suddenly is a little... suspicious. Especially since you've been following my sister's advice up until now.”
“I guess I have been a little suspicious.”
“More than a little, and I was conscious of you long before this.”
“If you want to say something then just say it.”
Jordan shifted her feet but kept her eyes on his. Bryce dared not look away or try anything. He knew how quick she was and how easily she could kill him if she got close enough.
“You know my sister is a mage—an apostate. That's information that might be worth a lot to the right person.”
Bryce sighed knowing where Jordan was going now. “If you're worried I'm going to sell you guys out, don't. Although I can tell you've heard such words before and they've been false.”
“Too many times.”
“What can I say to make you believe me? After all your sister did for me, what your mother, brother, and even you did, I swear on the Maker I will keep your family's secret. I'm not one to go back on my word. I know what it's like to be betrayed. I also know how it feels to have a mage for a sibling. My younger brother is one, but my parents did send him to the tower. If I'd known what it would have been like to have him with us instead of away, I would have fought my parents harder. So please, Jordan... believe me or don't. If you do, then I'll leave and some how pay everything back for what you did. If you don't believe, then kill me right here. I won't even try and fight back.”
Jordan stood where she was and studied him, taking in his features: light brown hair with dark eyes, a scar that went across his face, starting at his left cheekbone and going down, over his lips and ending at the base of the right side of his chin. She wanted to make sure she could find him again just in case templars suddenly came to their door.
“It would be easier to trust you if I knew your real name.”
“That would be fair, wouldn't it?” Bryce smirked. “But I'm afraid I can only give you my first name. I have enemies and I fear if they knew your family helped me, they would hurt you. They'd do worse things than just sending your sister to the Circle.”
“You don't need to worry about my family. That's my job. But your first name will do.”
“It's... Fergus. My name is Fergus. Bryce is my father's name.”
“Okay... Fergus. It was nice having you with us for a time. Take care of yourself.” She handed him his pack as well as the small pouch of coins her mother had given her. Fergus took it and frowned when he realized what it was. “Don't say anything,” said Jordan. “Just take it.”
“But don't you need it?”
“We've got enough, okay? You're going to need it more than we will.”
“I'm not so sure.” Fergus fiddled with the pouch before putting it away. “I thank you again for everything you've done, so I hope I can ask one thing of you.”
Jordan raised an eyebrow. “What would that be?”
“You know as well as I do that the darkspawn aren't going to stay away from Lothering forever. Eventually they'll come and I don't want your family here when they do.”
“Neither do I, but it's hard packing and leaving, especially a home you've been searching for and finally found.”
“I understand, but it's not going to be much of a home when the darkspawn get a hold of it. Just promise me you'll get them out before that happens.”
“I will.”
“Good. Then may the Maker watch over you, Jordan Hawke. Be safe.”
“Same to you, Fergus Cutland.”
He nodded to her before taking the reins and leading the mare down the road. Jordan stood and watched him for a time before heading back to the village herself. She was going to get her family out, the only problem was getting them to actually do it.
***
Leaving Lothering was something neither of them wanted to do, but they had no choice. The darkspawn would come, it was an inevitable event, and when they did come, Jordan didn't want her family to be there. But the thought of packing everything up and moving again was what weighed in their minds.
For as long as Jordan could remember, her family had always been on the move, or on the run. Her father had been an apostate mage and because of this, they could never stay in one place for very long. Whenever he was discovered, they had to pack quickly for a fast escape before the templars could arrive. Sometimes they couldn't even pack and had to leave things behind, precious things like Jordan's favorite doll or Carver's prized wooden sword he made himself. It got worse when Bethany began showing her own magical talent. Neither Malcolm nor Leandra wanted to see their youngest daughter be taken away from them to the Circle. So Malcolm taught Bethany in secret how to control and master her gift, but it was also these teaching sessions that had them leaving suddenly as well.
Jordan figured she and her family had lived in almost every teryn, arling, and bannorn in Ferelden. She could remember living in Amaranthine, Highever, West Hill, Denerim, Dragon's Peak, Reinesfere, Redcliffe, South Reach, and Gwaren before finally settling in Lothering ten years ago. Malcolm had had enough and wanted his family to finally have a home and to live in peace, so he chose Lothering because it was a small village with the least amount of templars. There, on the outskirts of the village, he built the house and barn they lived in with his bare hands, using no magic at all. It was a first step to a normal life. He then later became a blacksmith in Lothering, again using no magic to make and repair weapons. His pieces became famous in the small bannorn, and it was this fame as well as him not using magic that kept the templars away.
The Wilds, which was basically their backyard, also proved to be a great place for Bethany to practice her magic without fear. The Wilds were already considered dangerous, filled with dark creatures and said to be the home of the legendary Witch of the Wilds. Any magic sensed there the templars ignored. Leandra didn't like it, however, having her youngest daughter playing in a cursed place. It wasn't until after Bethany spoke of her friend, a young girl with yellow, cat-like eyes and dark hair who lived in the Wilds did Leandra finally put a stop to Bethany going in alone. Eventually she put a stop to them all going in. By that time, Jordan, Carver, and Bethany had explored all of the Wilds they dared. It was also around that time when their father died and Jordan was forced to take over the family.
It was a hard first year, with Jordan only being seventeen, it was difficult for her to find any work that could keep her family fed. She would occasionally lower herself to thievery, stealing food and money from rich travelers as they made their way through the village. It was something she wasn't proud of, but it was something she had to do. She was now the patriarch of the family, and needed to find a way to provide for them.
When she turned eighteen, things began to look up when she joined the army for King Cailan. It took her away from her family, but every coin she earned, she sent to them. Jordan quickly made a name for herself, becoming known as one of the fastest rogues in the army due to her quick movements and fast reflexes, as well as her deadly accuracy when up close and personal with her enemies. She climbed the ladder and found herself in a lieutenant position within a year. After two years when Carver turned eighteen, he joined the army as well, happy to finally be able to find his own way, but only to be crushed when he was placed under his sister's command. The circumstances wouldn't last, however, as their first act together was traveling with the army back to the Wilds. There they both witnessed the betrayal and fled back to Lothering where they met up with Bethany and Leandra.
Now as time had passed since that horrible night, Jordan tried to get her family moving, away from their home, but it wasn't an easy thing to do. They didn't know where to go at first. The rest of Ferelden would more than likely be closed off to them due to others traveling to get away from the darkspawn. All the refugees in Lothering proved it was already happening. They were sure the other bannorns and arlings looked the same.
This thought of not knowing where to go stalled them for awhile before Leandra suggested they go to Kirkwall in the Free Marches. It was in Kirkwall where she had grown up and where she had met their father. She had belonged to the Amell family, a noble household. It would be a good place for them to go for Leandra's brother, Gamlen, was still there and would be able to help them. She sent a letter to him as they began packing, which was a task unto itself.
“Please, Mother. You know we can't take all this stuff.” Bethany stood in the middle of her mother's room, pleading with her as she busily went about.
“I know, but your father made this for me when we were in Redcliffe. And this when we were in-”
“Mother, I know.” Bethany took her mother by the shoulders and looked into her eyes, saddened. “This is hard for all of us, but we can't take everything.”
Leandra tried to hold back the tears but once she looked from her daughter and around the room she used to share with her husband, it was hard to keep them at bay. “I just have so many memories in this room. This whole house even. It was our first true home and now we have to leave it.”
“It's for the best, Mother. Father wouldn't have wanted us to stay here and die just to keep memories. We already have things to remember him by: your necklace, Jordan's dagger, Carver's ring, and my... well. I guess I'm the only one that doesn't have anything.” Bethany looked down sad at the realization.
“No, you do have something.” Leandra gently pushed her daughter aside and made her way to the closet where she began to rummage through the years worth of clutter that had accumulated there. “You were always meant to have it, I just wasn't sure when to give it to you. At first it seemed you may never have need of it, but... Ah! Here it is.” Leandra pulled out from the back of the closet a staff. Gold in color with a silver blade at the end and the carving of a woman, her arms stretched out wide and head thrown back at the top. “But now,” she continued while handing Bethany the staff. “I think you will need it if we run into darkspawn.”
Bethany took the staff, admiring it from top to bottom, amazed at its beauty. She could feel the power within and the signature that was unmistakably her father's.
“It was the first staff your father ever made. He always intended for you to have it once he learned what you were.”
“Thanks, Mother. This is... great.” Bethany went and hugged her mother, finding it hard to hold back the tears herself.
“Hey, that's a nice staff,” said Jordan as she walked into the room with Carver behind her. “That'll come in handy when we're on the road. Wait... is that Father's old staff?”
“Yeah, it is,” said Bethany as she showed it to her. “Mother just gave it to me.”
“Hang on,” said Carver. “Do you really think it's wise she carry a staff? I mean, that just screams mage!”
“What, like your greatsword screams buffoon?” Jordan smirked.
“Shut up.”
“It may say that, but when we're on the road with darkspawn on our tail, we're going to need her magic. And if anyone tries to mess with her, you know what I'll do.”
“Yeah, same thing I'll do.”
“Alright, we all know how protective the two of you are for me,” Bethany said getting in between her brother and sister. “So how is the packing going? Are we ready to leave yet?”
“We could be,” said Jordan. “But I'd be more happy if we had a few more things. I think Carver and I should head into the village and look through Danal's stock once more.”
“Danal doesn't have anything left,” said Carver. “His supplies have been wiped out for days.”
“Well, I still want to see. You never know, right? So let's go!” Jordan left the room without an answer. Carver stared at the doorway before finally following her.
“Watch Mother, will you Bethany?”
“Of course.”
Carver followed Jordan out the house, past the palomino mare strapped to the packed cart and down the path that lead to Lothering. The village was packed, tents were placed one right next to another, filling every empty space there was and more. There were even tents out in the back field where junk was tossed. Jordan and Carver made their way through the maze, passing refugees that begged and pleaded for spare food or coin. Jordan hated denying them but the coin they had was only enough for her family which needed to come first.
They made their way to Dane's Refuge, the only tavern in the entire village. It also served as an inn as well as a trading post. Jordan and Carver barely made it in the door as Dane's Refuge was crowded as it usually was. Everyone inside seemed to be shouting over each other with Danal behind the counter shouting the most. Jordan squeezed her way past to get to the bar and grab Danal's attention.
“Hey, Danal!”
“Ah! Jordan Hawke.” Danal slide his way down to where she stood, Carver right behind her. “What brings you here? I thought you'd have your family out of Lotheirng long by now.”
“Actually, we plan on getting outta here today,” said Jordan. “But I thought I'd get another look in that cellar of yours first.”
Danal shook his head. “There's nothing down there anymore.”
“Are you sure?” Jordan looked at him curiously. It was a well known fact Danal liked to hide things. His cellar full of supplies had been hidden from the villagers for a long time before someone came through and forced him to open it to the public. The rumor going around was that it was a Grey Warden.
“I'm sure. All I've got left is scrap, junk. The only person who I could sell it to would be a mad man.”
“Then call me a mad woman because I at least want to take a look. You never know, I might find something useful.”
“Ha! You'd be the first.”
“Come on, Danal.”
“Fine,” Danal grumbled. “But don't say I didn't warn ya.”
“You're so kind, Danal.”
“Yeah, whatever.” Danal allowed them to pass the counter and lead them to the back.
“You know this is a waste of time,” Carver whispered. “You're not going to find anything useful.”
“Carver,” Jordan said rolling her eyes. “If I seriously don't find anything then I'll give you permission to say 'I told you so', all right?”
Carver mumbled something under his breath, which made Jordan roll her eyes again.
Danal made his way out a back door and down a warn path that lead into the woods. They walked a few yards past the tree line before stopping in a small clearing. Danal dusted away some of the dirt on the ground to reveal a latch. He bent down and brought it up, opening a door that revealed a ladder and a large underground room. Jordan made her way down first. When they all were in, Danal lit one of the lanterns hanging from the ceiling and handed it to Jordan. She shined it on the shelves lining the walls and frowned. Carver and Danal had been right. There was nothing left but junk.
Still determined and not wanting to admit it just yet, Jordan went and searched through the junk, hoping to find something salvageable. There was nothing amongst the broken and worn scrap. Finally she stopped and sighed heavily. “All right, Carver. You can say it.” She waited for her brother's harsh retort but it never came. “Carver?” she asked turning around to look at him. He wasn't facing her, instead he and Danal were looking straight up at the trap door. “Carver, what are you--?”
“Quiet,” he said shushing her. “Did you not hear that?”
“Hear what?” Jordan got closer to the trap door and strained to listen. She heard nothing up above except wind. There weren't even any birds chirping, and the more Jordan listened, the more nervous she became. It wasn't until she thought she heard something on the wind did her eyes widen. She darted past Danal and Carver, making her way up the ladder where she heard it again, more clear. It was what she thought she heard. Someone screaming.
“You don't think this means...?” Carver stumbled out of the hole and stood next to her, staring horrified in the direction of the village. “Maybe someone's just getting robbed.”
Jordan wanted to hope Carver was right but there was no denying the stillness in the air, the screaming and yelling that began again. She could also hear the sound of metal hitting metal, and when the wind blew past Jordan's nostrils, that familiar foul stench filled them, making her shake her head. “It's not someone getting robbed. The darkspawn have finally arrived.”
“Damn it!” Carver yelled.
Jordan looked back at Danal who was still in the cellar, his head popping out of the hole. “Danal, get out of here now! The darkspawn have finally arrived!”
“Sod it all!” he said dropping back down in the cellar and slamming the door shut. Jordan scolded but knew there was no getting him out of there. He was on his own, right now she only had one thing on her mind: get to Bethany and Mother.
She began running through the trees, Carver right behind her without any encouragement. When they rounded the tavern, they found the entire village in chaos. Smoke choked the skies, blocking out the sun. Screams and the sounds of battle ricocheted off the walls of the tavern. A woman came running with a hurlock right after her. She tripped and fell, letting the hurlock sink it's blade into her back. The darkspawn then turned and saw them standing there. It let out a cry and ran toward them.
Jordan reached behind for her daggers, but grabbed only air. “Shit, we forgot our weapons, Carver!”
“You don't have to tell me!” her brother yelled. He leaped forward, ducking the hurlock's swing from it's blade. Rolling to his feet, Carver then punched the hurlock in the back of the head making it stumble forward. Taking the opportunity, Jordan kicked the darkspawn in the jaw. It fell and with quick reflexes, Jordan snapped it's neck with her feet.
“This is just great!” Carver said as he took the hurlock's sword. “I can't believe this is happening. 'Let's go to Danal!' you said. 'He may have something we need!' Sodding load of help that was! We could have left by now!”
“Carver, this is not the time!” Jordan yelled. “If you want, you can scream and cry at me all you want later, but right now we need to get home. We need to get to Mother and Bethany!”
Carver nodded and followed Jordan as she took off toward the village. Lothering burned and it was nothing but carnage all around them. They ran through as fast as they could. Carver occasionally stopping to take out a darkspawn with the blade as they came, but Jordan kept going. She had nothing to fight with and the thought of her sister and mother in trouble kept her forward. Once again she hated not being able to help the refugees, but her family came first.
Jordan and Carver made it to the path that lead to their home. They ran down it, hoping they would make it in time. Hoping the darkspawn hadn't found it yet. When they reached the end, they both stopped short, stricken by the sight they saw. The house burned, cart destroyed, horse dead, and Bethany and Mother nowhere to be seen.

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age 2
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Blood Promise