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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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Chapter List
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Day at the Beach

“Ah, I can't read this! Here, Fenris, can you make it out?”
Fenris took the map Jordan handed him. It was a map Jordan had taken from Danzig's corpse, hoping it was the one that would lead them to the hidden cave Feynriel was being held in. The writing on it she couldn't read, however, due to the fact it was in Tevinter.
“Let's see...” Fenris looked over the map, turning it several times in his hand. “You had it up-side-down, Hawke. We're suppose to take the path on the left, not the right.”
“Oh...” said Jordan. “So I guess there was a good reason for bringing you after all.”
Fenris ignored her comment as he studied the map. “Down the path we continue for several paces before making another left and onto the beach. The cave is hidden right on the cliff face, facing the sea.” He handed her back the map and Jordan stared at it, not really seeing what he had said, but trusted him anyway.
“Good. Thanks. Now let's get going.” She lead her companions down the path, which happened to only be her and Fenris, plus three mages. Jordan didn't mind, but Fenris seemed to resent coming along, as his glare kept traveling over to either Anders or Merrill. Merrill barely noticed, paying more attention to the scenery of the sea and cliffs than Fenris's constant evil eye. Anders, however, would match Fenris's glare every time their eyes met. Jordan knew what was going on, but ignored it as long as they didn't start arguing with each other again.
As they made their way down the path, Bethany next to Jordan staring out mostly at the calm seas, Jordan began thinking about what she would do once she had all the money for the expedition. She was halfway there with twenty five sovereigns, and even though that was good, her deadline was rapidly approaching. Varric had also brought to her attention that once she did get the money, Bartrand was only going to allow her to bring two others along into the Deep Roads. One slot was already filled, Bethany was coming with her no matter what. The other slot, however, she had hoped to fill with Aveline. It made sense, after all. Aveline had fought against darkspawn at both Ostagar and Lothering, just as Jordan had. And Jordan couldn't think of anyone better to be by her side besides her sister when trekking through the Deep Roads. Yet Aveline's statement saying she wouldn't be able to go, not wanting to leave the city due to her new position, was forcing Jordan to reconsider who might be going with her.
It was a tough choice, as her next pick would have to be Anders. As a Grey Warden, he would be able to tell them if darkspawn were near. It would have also been more beneficial to have two mages instead of one. From what she knew, Bartrand wasn't hiring any mages to accompany them, which meant Bethany would be the only one. Yet, despite the advantages they would have bringing Anders along, he had already stated to Jordan he wouldn't be going. Anders hated the Deep Roads. It was one of the reasons why he left the Wardens. And even though Jordan would have loved for him to come, she wasn't going to force him. But if not Anders, then who else could she take?
There was Merrill, of course, who could be Jordan's second mage, but the more she thought about it, the more Jordan knew it probably wasn't going to be her either. Merrill was too innocent and naïve, and to take her into such a place as the Deep Roads seemed like a crime. Sure she was a good fighter and had fought darkspawn before when her clan was being attacked during the time they were fleeing Ferelden, but Jordan couldn't be confident in taking her. She felt that she would have to defend her, and she was going to have enough of that with Bethany.
Then there was Isabela, the thought making Jordan laugh. Isabela was another she really couldn't see in the Deep Roads, especially not with the type of outfits she wore. And even though Jordan knew her friend would more than likely say yes if she asked her, she knew Isabela didn't really want to go. Jordan was willing to let her stay, too.
That left Fenris.
Jordan peered back at the broody elf, seeing he had finally stopped glaring at the mages walking behind him. She knew he was a good fighter, reliable to have at her back, but his attitude was what kept her at a distance. She wasn't sure how she would handle being around him for so long, cramped underground. Would she survive? Would he? It might not be worth it. But if he was the only one left, then she probably didn't have any other choice.
Jordan sighed as the thought settled in her mind. It appeared that's who would be going with her into the Deep Roads. Along with herself and Varric, Bethany and Fenris would be joining them.
Bethany startled next to her, and Jordan stopped short before the body bursting out of the bushes beside the path could fall on her. A man in heavy plate mail fell to his backside before screaming and scurrying to his feet and running to the other side and disappearing down to the beach.
“Get back here, Wilmod!” another man yelled as he too, burst through the bushes, nearly taking Jordan and Bethany out. He ran past them without glancing, and straight to where the first man had disappeared.
“Wilmod?” said Jordan as she saw the second man go down to the beach. “Oh! I guess that's one less person to look for. Come on.” She gestured for the others to follow as she went down to the beach to join the two men. Once on the sand, she forced the three mages to stay back, knowing the two they were following to be templars.
“Andraste be my witness, Wilmod,” said the second man, who Jordan assumed was Knight-Captain Cullen. “I will have the truth from you. Now!”
“Mercy, ser. Mercy!” Wilmod whimpered as Cullen advanced on him.
“Were it that easy.” Cullen grabbed Wilmod by the collar and forced him to his feet.
“Please, don't hurt me again!” Cullen did the opposite, however, kicking Wilmod square in the abdomen and throwing him back on the ground. Wilmod groaned and laid fairly still at Cullen's feet.
“I will know where you're going. And I will know now.” Cullen pulled out his sword and placed it at Wilmod's neck, pushing it into the other templar, making him yelp from the pain and cowering away even more.
“This is interesting,” Jordan said as she approached. “Is this how templars haze their new recruits? Or just the ones that went missing and then mysteriously returned?”
Cullen looked up from Wilmod and glared over at Jordan. “This is none of your concern, stranger. This is templar business. I suggest you move on.”
“Actually, this is my business. I need to speak with that recruit.”
Cullen took his sword from Wilmod and stepped away, advancing on Jordan. The knight-captain was much bigger than she was with his templar plate, and much stronger, but Jordan stood her ground. She wasn't going to let him intimidate her just because of who he was.
“I don't know what business you think you have, but you don't have any authority here. Please, move on before I forcefully remove you from this area.”
“No,” Jordan said holding her ground. “You need to tell me what's going on.”
Cullen would have said more to protest, but was cut off when someone behind her shouted Jordan's name. Jordan looked back to see the three mages and Fenris run down to the beach looking frightened before she began hearing a sinister laugh come from behind Cullen. Both she and Cullen then turned around to see Wilmod starting to rise, the laughing coming from him. His eyes shot open when he was fully erect, blood red with the skin around his mouth cracking as he smiled.
“You have struck me the last time, you pathetic human,” he said, his voice now high-pitched and anything but human sounding. He began laughing hysterically before spreading his arms and bursting into a bright light. Jordan had to avert her eyes, not understanding what was going on. What was happening to Wilmod?
“Jordan, get out of there!”
When the light died, what stood before Jordan and Cullen was unmistakeably an abomination, though Jordan could scarcely believe it. Wilmod wasn't a mage, how could he become an abomination? Yet there he was, a different type than the last one she had seen. Wilmod's skin was gray, covered in a thick layer of dried-on excrement. His belly was large and round, cracking the crud around his middle and stretching the skin to its breaking point. There was also a foul odor in the air, making Jordan feel nauseated.
Even though Jordan didn't much fear anything that had to do with magic, this made her hesitate somewhat. She didn't understand how Wilmod could be possessed by a demon. She wasn't even sure if it was possible.
“Maker preserve us,” Cullen muttered as he also took hold of his shield and stared Wilmod down. The abomination smiled at him, showing a complete row of black, rotten teeth. It then howled like a dog before taking several steps toward the templar. Cullen didn't hesitate as he ran toward the abomination, striking it across the belly with his sword. The sword merely bounced off the flesh, going backwards and sending Cullen off balance for a moment. In that time, the hunger abomination lunged forward and grabbed the templar around his sword arm, biting down with its blackened teeth into his gauntlet. Cullen tried to ripped his arm away, but the abomination was too strong, holding on and biting down as an acidic liquid dripped from its jaws and eroded away Cullen's gauntlet. A small fireball to its face finally forced it to release the templar.
Cullen stumbled back as many more spells attacked the abomination. It howled from the assault, but the spells didn't seem to have a huge effect. Vines shot out from the sand and wrapped themselves around the abomination's legs and arms. It was able to rip them from the ground like they had no grip. More fireballs and ice hit the abomination on all sides, but the only effect they had was annoying it. The abomination soon broke from the spells and ran straight forward. It went right after Bethany, howling and barring its claws. Jordan acted quick, forgetting her confusion and sprinted to meet the abomination before it could reach her sister.
She rammed her shoulder into its side, taking it from its desired course. The abomination howled and swiped at her, its claws long and sharp as they scraped against Ripper. The hunger abomination, despite its size, was a lot faster than Jordan had thought. It clawed at her, snarling and pushing her backwards as she stayed on the defense. She couldn't get around its claws, also weary of its teeth and the acidic liquid that would occasionally splash on her hands. Jordan knew she was having trouble. Abominations were creatures she didn't really know how to fight. They didn't really use magic, and this one wasn't even a mage.
Jordan ducked around the abomination's claws, but as she was preparing to stick Edge in its back, she found herself on the ground. Her back stung from the abomination smacking her with its claws, then digging into her leather jerkin. It fell on her, jaws clamping down on her shoulder. Jordan screamed as she felt its teeth go right into her flesh, the liquid stinging and sizzling. She tried to move, but its weight bore down on her, pinning her to the sand. Suddenly it was lifted, allowing Jordan to roll on her back. She cried out from the pain in her shoulder and held it as she witnessed the abomination being attacked by Fenris.
“Jordan!” Bethany was quickly by her side, removing what was left of her jerkin and examining her shoulder. Merrill and Anders briefly ran past them, looking back to make sure Jordan was okay before they stopped to help Fenris as he took on the hunger abomination.
Howling with fury, the abomination lunged at Fenris, striking his greatsword with its claws. Fenris moved fast, keeping the creature at a distance and always on the defense. He struck hard, occasionally sinking steel into flesh, but never letting his sword stay in too long. The creature's blood seemed to have the same acidic effect as its saliva.
The two mages separated and moved off to the sides. Their spells still doing little effect, but continuing as they helped to distract the abomination as Fenris went through with his assaults. He struck again and again, powerful swings that eventually knocked the abomination to the ground with the help of a few well-placed vines. With it down, he then rounded and struck his sword straight into the abomination's skull before it could recover. The creature howled then choked as he twisted the blade and ripped it out. With it dead, the abomination soon reverted back to Wilmod, the poor boy looking horrified as he laid still on the beach.
Once the abomination was killed, Anders quickly ran over to where Bethany and Jordan were. “Bethany, how is she?” he asked.
“It could've been worse,” Bethany said as she sat behind her sister, the purple aura of her magic glowing as she healed Jordan's shoulder. “Almost made it to the bone, but I have it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Bethany's been healing me ever since she learned how,” sad Jordan. “If she needs help, she'll ask.” She then winced when Bethany hit a particularly painful area.
“Sorry,” said Bethany. “But you have a lot of damage. I didn't realize the acid from hunger abominations could do so much destruction.”
“I didn't know demons could possess non-mages. Especially templars! Is it even possible?”
“It is,” said Anders. “And it worries me.” He looked back at Wilmod's corpse as Merrill and Fenris joined them. “Only a very powerful blood mage could do something like that.”
“Perfect,” Fenris grumbled. “Does that mean we may have to deal with something like that again?”
“If that's what's happening to the templar recruits going missing, then probably so.”
“I know you'd love that, right?” Jordan smirked up at Anders.
“Hey, any excuse I get, I'll take.”
“Speaking of templars... Bethany, stop.” Jordan pushed her sister away as she stood.
“Jordan, no, I'm not done,” Bethany protested.
“You can finish when there isn't a templar around. Now all three of you stay back.” Jordan rounded her shoulder, it still hurting her as she made her way over to Cullen. He was knelt next to Wilmod, finishing the pray that would send the poor boy to the Maker's side.
“I knew... I knew he was involved in something sinister,” Cullen said once he was done with the prayer. He looked up at Jordan. “But this... I didn't expect.”
“I don't think either of us would have thought he had a demon inside of him.”
“It's true,” Cullen said as he stood. “Normally we only worry about mages becoming abominations. I have heard of blood mages, or demons in solid form, who could summon others into unwilling hosts. But I had not thought one of our own would be susceptible.”
“You know,” Jordan laughed. “With what I've bumped into in Kirkwall, nothing surprises me any more.”
“Of course, and let me thank you for your assistance. I don't think I would have been able to handle him without your help. I am Knight-Captain Cullen. And you are?”
“Jordan Hawke.”
“Yes, Hawke, that name sounds familiar. And you keep... interesting company.” He stared over at the three mages. “Very interesting company.” He started walking towards them before Jordan blocked his way.
“You don't need to speak with them, you just need to speak with me.”
“You don't need to fear him, Jordan,” said Anders. “He wouldn't dare turn any of us in.”
“Huh?” Jordan said as she stared at him dumbfounded.
Cullen was able to slip past her. “You assume a lot, Anders. There's no Grey Warden bases around here to protect you.”
“I don't need Grey Wardens to keep me out of the Circle.”
“Um... Do you two know each other?” Jordan looked from mage to templar, completely confused.
“We do, in a way,” said Anders. “Cullen here used to be stationed at Kinloch Hold in Ferelden.”
“Oh, okay, that would explain how you two know each other, but why isn't he going to turn you into the Gallows again?”
“Because I know his dirty little secret.” Anders smiled broadly at the templar.
Cullen scuffed. “Like that will help you all the way in the Free Marches.”
“Would you like for me to write her a letter? I know she would be very willing to come all this way to see you.”
“You wouldn't dare bring her to the Gallows,” Cullen nearly growled, seeming as if he was about ready to pounce on Anders.
“Alright, I think I understand enough,” Jordan stated, ending their discussion. “I'm just hoping once we're done here, we all can go our separate ways without anyone getting hurt?” She eyed Cullen, hoping he understood her meaning.
He apparently did as he studied her, along with her companions. “Fine, but just this once. And I'm not doing this because of Esumi,” he said to Anders. “So don't even think about trying to use her against me again.”
“Wonderful,” Jordan smiled. “Now shall we get back to what we were discussing before?”
Cullen walked around for a bit before stopping and staring out over the sea as if he were longing to see something on the other side. “What did you want with Wilmod?”
“I wanted to ask him if he knew anything about Keran,” said Jordan. “He's the recruit I'm really looking for.”
“Keran?” Cullen turned his head to her. “He was the latest recruit to disappear. Wilmod right before him.”
“What were you wanting with Wilmod?” Jordan asked.
Cullen fully turned to her. “Ever since recruits have been disappearing, I've been conducting an investigation to their whereabouts. Wilmod was the first to return. I had hoped to confront him quietly, out of sight.”
“That didn't look quiet when we ran into the two of you.”
“No, but he was refusing to speak. I tried being nice at first, asking him what had happened. Had he left on his own? Was he taken by force? Did he know where the others were? All and any questions he refused to answer, which made me become more forceful with him. I meant to scare him into a confession. He had to believe my threats were genuine.”
“Well it looked like it worked. You scared a demon out of him.”
Cullen ran his hand down his face. “That was something I obviously wasn't expecting.”
“So what do you think happened to him?” Jordan asked. “And have you been able to find any useful information?”
“What happened to Wilmod, I'm not sure. There is definitely something foul going on, and I hope we are able to find the other recruits before something like this happens again. Especially Keran since he was one of our finest.” Cullen sighed. “I'm not sure where to go next, but if you're looking for Keran as well, then maybe you can help where I failed.”
“Such as?”
“During my investigation, I learned that all the recruits had a certain thing in common. At some point, they all had visited the Blooming Rose. Not that much of a red flag, due to the fact I know older templars who visit there a lot at times. And yes, we're not suppose to go to such places,” Cullen said as he felt Jordan's question forming. “But it happens.”
“Sometimes they break their vows by forcing it upon the mages,” said Anders, not bothering to whisper it to Jordan.
Cullen sneered at him. “Not all templars do that, you know.”
“I know. Esumi was willing, right? Lyra wasn't, though.”
“I'm not here to debate this with you, Anders.” Cullen put his attention back on Jordan. “Keran and Wilmod were last seen together at the Blooming Rose. I went to investigate, but I had no luck interrogating the, ah, young ladies there. I doubt they knew anything of magic or demons anyway.”
“So the brothel, then?” said Jordan. “I wouldn't mind going there.”
“The Order would truly be in your debt if you helped us with this. No one at the brothel will speak with me for fear I would shut them down for serving our recruits. If you learn what manner of creature did this to Wilmod, please come tell me in the Gallows. I will ensure you are rewarded.”
Jordan liked the sound of that. She would be rewarded for her trouble after all. “I'll do that as soon as I find anything more.”
“Thank you. Now, I will go ahead and return to the Gallows. Make sure that if you don't want your friends to be taken there to get them out of the city. This will be the only time I will allow three apostates to walk free.” He eyed Jordan before making his way up the beach and to the path. Jordan stayed where she was, the breeze coming from the waves whipping around her falling-out ponytail.
“That was close,” Bethany sighed.
“He only did that because he was all alone,” said Fenris. “I would have helped him if he really wanted to bring the three of you in.”
“Seriously, Fernis?” Jordan glared.
“I'm not going to lie, Hawke.”
She shook her head, thinking about her decision to bring him with her into the Deep Roads. It would be torturous, but maybe she could find a spot to trap him and then leave him there. Knowing her luck, however, he would find a way to escape and come after her.
“Alright, let's just count our blessings and keep moving. Let's get back to the path and find where we are.” As they made their way off the beach and back up the hill to the path, Jordan quickly made her way to Anders's side. “You have to tell me!”
“Tell you what?”
“Who's Esumi?”
“Oh!” He laughed at her curiosity. “She's a mage at the Ferelden Circle.”
“Really? And she and Cullen were...?”
“Yes. And apparently, Cullen still loves her, even if she is a full country away.”
“You have to tell me everything,” Jordan beamed.
Anders laughed again. “Alright, I'll tell you everything I know about their forbidden relationship. I believe it all started with her Harrowing...”
***
By the time they made it to the cave entrance indicated on the map, the sun was at its highest point in the sky. Jordan hoped with the slavers being nocturnal, that would mean they were asleep right now, with only a few up to keep watch. They waited outside the cave for a few moments so Bethany could finish healing Jordan's shoulder, and so Fenris could also scout within the cave. By the time he returned, Bethany was done and he had the information.
“They're located on the right side, in a large open chamber,” he told them. “Most of them are asleep, but there are a few who are at watch. And I believe your mage is located all the way in the back, bound and gagged.”
“At least that means we know he's still here and alive,” said Jordan. “Alright, let's see... were you able to count how many men were in there?”
“Not much. Maybe around ten or so.”
“This should be easy, then. Right. I don't see any reason why we should go in there quiet. They're already caught off guard. Shall we?” None of them argued with her as she lead them into the cave. Jordan went straight to the right, surprising one of the men keeping watch. She quickly dispatched him by cutting his throat. His cry caught the attention of the other watchman, who quickly rang the alarm, waking everyone else.
Jordan glimpsed Feynriel leaning against the far side of the cavern. He looked worse for wear, beaten and bruised and beyond exhausted. He startled from the alarm and tried to cry out but was unable due to the gag in his mouth. A man who had been sleeping next to him quickly jumped at the signal from the watchman. In a heartbeat, he grabbed Feynriel by the collar and dragged the poor boy across the cavern and to a higher level. Jordan ran over and stared up at the man, who was holding Feynriel at knife point.
“Take one more step, and the boy dies,” he said, digging the pointed end of the knife into Feynriel's neck. The boy whimpered from the cut, his eyes showing fear as they darted to the knife, then to Jordan, then back to the knife.
“What makes you think I care what you do to the boy?” said Jordan.
“There's no other reason why you'd be here.” He glared down at her, daring her to come any closer.
“Alright, I won't take a step,” she said. “But what about a small one? Maybe a skip? A hop? A caper?”
“Do not mock me, woman! I will kill him.”
“No, I don't think you will,” Jordan said as she took a small step toward them.
“What makes you think I won't?” He was beginning to show hesitates, backing away from the ledge and pulling Feynriel slightly behind him.
“Because he's worth a lot of money, isn't he? And with that storm last night, I'm sure you're behind with your schedule. Right? Can't afford to lose the profit now, can you?”
The man looked at her nervously, then glanced around the room seeing both his men and Jordan's own friends behind her. “Blast it,” he cursed. “You're no good to me as a corpse,” he said to Feynriel. “Men, get them!”
He threw Feynriel on the ground behind him, at the same time, an arrow flew by Jordan's head. It deflected off an invisible shield as she raced toward the archer who shot it at her. She could hear the mages already attacking the man on the higher level. She could also hear Fenris right behind her, verging right so he could go up the level and meet with several slavers. The archer she was after freaked when he saw her coming. He tried notching another arrow, but was too slow. Jordan plowed into him, ripping his throat out with Ripper before spinning to the archer next to him. He moved backwards to get away from her, but was unable to release his arrow when Edge broke his bow and plunged into his chest.
On the higher level, Fenris fought with the leader, the one who had grabbed Feynriel. Bethany had joined with him, freezing several slavers in place, then having them shatter when either Merrill or Anders released a stone fist in their direction. Fenris struck, his greatsword vibrating off the slaver's shield. He struck again, his swings forceful as they drove the man to the edge. He was having trouble keeping his balance and defending himself at the same time. In desperation, he swung his sword at Fenris's legs, only to have it be deflected. Fenris then jammed the pommel of his sword into the man's chest, completely sending him over the edge. The man fell, breaking his back. Fenris leaped down, driving his sword into the slaver's chest, just to make sure.
With all the slavers dead, Jordan made her way to Feynriel, finding the boy cowering next to the wall. When she went to take out his gag, he tried to scream, but seeing it was her, relaxed and let her take the gag from his mouth.
“You... You would have let him kill me!” he shouted at her. “He had a sword at my throat and you just... I mean...” He calmed down a little, realizing the situation. “Thank you, but... What if you were wrong?”
“If I was wrong, you'd be dead,” Jordan said as she cut the ropes binding his arms. “But you're not, so I wasn't.”
Feynriel stretched his arms and flexed his wrists, happy to finally be free from his binds. “Again, I thank you for freeing me, but why did you? Are you with the templars?”
“Don't insult us,” said Anders.
“I'd say we are,” said Fenris. “Once we're done here, he's going straight to them.”
“If that's really the case,” Feynriel said, going defensive. “Then maybe I would have been better off with the slavers.”
“We're not here for the templars,” Jordan defused, glaring at Fenris. “We're here because your mother sent us.”
“Hrmp, hardly a difference,” Feynriel grunted. “She's trying to get me to go to the Circle too! I already told her I'm not going. This is my life, and I will not spend it locked in a cage just because I was born different.”
“Don't let them, Feynriel,” said Anders. “No mage really needs the Circle. It was only designed to keep us locked away.”
“But maybe the Circle is what's best for him,” said Bethany, making Anders look at her strange. “He needs guidance. Where's he going to get that if not the mages in the Gallows?”
“You're the last person I'd think to hear that from,” Anders said, somewhat confused. “There is guidance outside the Circle. You had your father.”
“Yes, but he received his from the Circle itself. As did you.”
“It wasn't because I chose it. If nothing else, I can train Feynriel in Darktown.”
“No,” Feynriel said, shaking his head. “I appreciate that, but I need to get out of Kirkwall. The templars are already searching for me, I'm sure. The only way I'll fully get away is if I leave for good.”
“But where would you go?” Jordan asked. “Your mother is worried about you, and you can't just go out into the world on your own. See what happened when you tried doing that?”
“I don't care! I'll learn from this experience. Don't trust anyone. Especially ex-templars.”
“Does that mean you shouldn't trust me?”
“I don't even know you. I don't even know why you want to help me.”
“I know what you're going through, Feynriel. My sister's a mage, and I've spent my whole life protecting her from exactly what you fear.”
Feynriel paused and stared over at Jordan. He seemed to relax after getting heated from their conversation. “I suppose I can trust you, but... what other option is there?”
“I'd say if you weren't born human, you could go to my clan,” Merrill put in.
“That's perfect!” Feynriel exclaimed. “I could go to the Dalish.”
“But... did you not hear the part about being born human?”
“It shouldn't matter, right? My mother is Dalish and I have elven blood. Why would they not let me in?”
“Your flat ears, for one,” said Jordan. “But then again... Marethari doesn't seem like the prejudice type. Is she, Merrill?”
“No, but my clan sure is.”
“I don't care, I need to try,” said Feynriel. “I'd rather be killed by the Dalish than turned tranquil by templars! Look, I know it's different in other kingdoms, but here... no one helps Circle mages. Anything the templars don't like, you get the brand. The Dalish, they've had magic forever. They could teach me. I won't be a danger, I swear.”
“If there is another place he can harness his gifts, I cannot blame him for wishing to go there,” said Bethany.
“Because no Dalish mage ever went astray,” Fenris heaved. He had been trying his best to stay out of the conversation, but Jordan could tell he was struggling.
Jordan thought the idea was descent, sending Feynriel off to the Dalish, but she wasn't sure if him being a human was going to be a problem. She remembered how they acted toward her and the others when they entered their clan to take care of the amulet. Would they really accept Feynriel? Then there was also the problem of Feynriel's dreams. The reason why Arianni was looking for help in the first place. If he was being plagued by demons, would the Dalish be able to help with that?
“What about your nightmares?” Jordan asked. “Was you mother right? Are you plagued by demons already?”
“I... can't say for sure. I have... dreams. There are voices in the dreams. They ask me to come, to give shape to the Void around them. But the Dalish Keeper is wise. If anyone can help, she can.”
Jordan looked to Merrill. “Could Marethair help him?”
“I know she could,” Merrill answered. “But the fact he's human is still a problem.”
“Yes it is, but would she turn him away?”
“I... No. Keeper Marethari wouldn't turn him away. If you vouch for him, Jordan, then I'm pretty sure she would allow him into the clan, even if they protested.”
“It's settled, then,” said Feynriel. “I'm going to the Dalish clan. Where are they located?”
“At the base of Sundermount.”
“Then I'll go there right now. Thank you again.”
“Wow, you're not going anywhere right now,” Jordan said, stopping him before he would leave the cave.
“I have to go now!” he protested. “I'm not going anywhere else.”
“What about your mother?”
“I'm not going back to the city, and she wouldn't understand. Tell her if she wants to see me, all she needs to do is find the clan. I know they'll let her in without hesitation.”
“Alright, fine. But you're not going alone.”
“Then come with me.”
Jordan hesitated. She still had too much to do. Escorting Feynriel to Sundermount was going out of her way. She still wasn't even sure what else she needed to do.
“I'll take him,” said Anders.
“You will?”
“I know Sundermount and the ways of the Dalish. Plus the Keeper and the clan know me, so there shouldn't be too much of a problem. When Feynriel is with them, I'll return. Besides, you don't need me anymore at the moment, right? We've accomplished what we set out to do.”
“Yeah, we did.” Jordan didn't want Anders to leave her, but he was the best choice. She wasn't going to let Bethany go and Merrill was too afraid of her own clan to go alone. And, of course, Fenris was out of the question. “Alright, go ahead and take him. But report to the Hanged Man immediately when you return. That's where I'll most likely be. Or if not, Varric or Isabela should be there.”
“Right,” Anders smiled. “Let's go Feynriel. Sundermount isn't an easy trip.”
“Thank you,” said Feynriel. “And thank you, again, Serah,” he said to Jordan. “I won't forget what you did.”
“Just don't get yourself killed, okay?”
“I won't. And please tell my mother where I am. I don't want her to worry anymore.”
“I will make sure to do that as soon as I can.”
Feynriel nodded to Jordan before departing with Anders out of the cave.
“Hmm, I'm going to need to ask him how he knows so much about the Dalish,” Merrill said once they were gone. “He even has some of our rear potions. I saw them in his parcel!”
“Then ask next time you see him. I'm sure he'll tell you.”
“Oh, I will.”
“This is not wise, Hawke,” Fenris grumbled as they made their way out of the cave. “Sending that mage to the Dalish will cause nothing but harm.”
“Maker help me,” Jordan mumbled to herself. “Fenris, what's done is done. It was Feynriel's choice, so he's doing what is best.”
“It is not what is best, and it shouldn't be his choice in the first place.” He went in front of her, stopping Jordan right before the exit. “The Circle was made for a reason. Thrask may be a weak templar, but he still knew the boy needed to go. He posses a danger.”
“According to you, all mages are dangerous,” Jordan glared. “And in some cases, I would have to agree. But all Feynriel needs is a good teacher, and if he won't stay in the city, then I can't think of a better one than Keeper Marethari.”
“You really think she's a good teacher? Look what happened to her last pupil.”
“Hey,” said Merrill. “What's that suppose to mean?”
“You're a blood mage. Obviously something went wrong with your training.”
“Nothing went wrong with my training,” Merrill said, defending herself. “The Keeper was a very good teacher, and nothing she did or said lead me to the choice I made. That was all on my own, and I did it for a very good reason.”
“I doubt that,” Fenris scuffed. “There is no good reason whatsoever to justify using blood magic! And the fact you chose to use it all on your own proves the Keeper did something wrong. Otherwise you wouldn't have been so stupid.”
“I...” Merrill was hurt by his words. She stared at him with blinking eyes before looking away. “It's impossible to talk to you.”
“Maybe if you told us why you decided to use blood magic we may understand better,” said Jordan.
Merrill gave Jordan a cold stare. “It wouldn't matter. He'll just keep calling me an idiot. Which I'm not!”
“No you're not, but I'm not going to continue this conversation,” Jordan said rubbing her eyes, a new headache forming behind them. “Let's just get back to the city, okay?”
“Fine,” Fenris grumbled.
“Fine,” Merrill matched.
Jordan sighed, letting the two elves go forward on their own.
“Are you going to be all right?” Bethany asked, seeing her sister.
“I'll be fine, Bethany. Let's just get back to Kirkwall first, okay?”
Bethany frowned at her, knowing the full truth, but didn't push the issue. “Alright. But just so you know, I'm glad you did what you could for Feynriel. He'll be fine with the Dalish.”
“Thanks, Bethie, but I'm sure you would have agreed with me on anything, right?”
“Maybe,” Bethany smiled. “Maybe not. You might be my sister, but that doesn't always mean I'll agree.”
“Of course not. Now let's catch up to those two before they kill each other. Looks like I'm going to have to watch Fenris even closer now.”
***
As they walked the path back to the city, Fenris was in the lead all by himself. Jordan right behind him, with Bethany and Merrill in the back, talking. The unpleasantness from earlier having gone away.
“So if you could do anything—just anything at all—what would you do?” Merrill asked Bethany.
“That's easy,” said Bethany. “Be normal. No magic, just... normal.”
“Really?” Merrill questioned. “You wouldn't fly across Thedas or eat a cake the size of Kirkwall? Keep a baby griffon for a pet?”
“Oh! Well, now that you say it, the griffon might not be so bad.”
“I'd name mine 'Feathers.'”
This made Bethany giggle. “Yes, Feathers the baby griffon. How cute would that be! I don't know what I'd name mine, but I do know I would want it to be all white and fluffy. So fluffy I could cuddle it all day.”
“And squishy,” Jordan added. “The griffon shall be squishy, and that's what you'll call him. You shall call him Squishy and he shall be yours and he shall be your Squishy.”
This made both Bethany and Merrill laugh.
“Will the three of you shut up,” Fenris growled.
“Oh, come on, Mr. Grumpypants,” said Jordan. “Learn how to have a sense of humor.”
“It's not that. I heard something. I think it's coming from the beach.”
“Ooh! Do we get to have more beach fun?” Jordan stopped and listened. Sure enough, she heard some type of struggle going on just ahead of them, behind a large collection of boulders. “Do we dare go and investigate? I think we do.” Running down the small hill to the sand, Jordan took them to just behind the rocks so they could peak around.
“No!” she heard someone scream right before there was the sound of a blade cutting flesh. When Jordan peered around the rock, she saw a Qunari fall to the ground, his throat having been cut. Standing above him, cleaning her dagger off was a woman looking pleased as she turned to the young man who had fallen to his knees next to the Qunari.
“And the world's rid of one more Qunari. Easier than I expected. Call the men back,” she said to several others standing about. “We've got an appointment with the viscount. Isn't that right, Saemus?”
Jordan's eyes widened as she stared at the young man. Was that really Saemus Dumar? She had heard from Varric and from a few whispers that the viscount's son had gone missing, but nothing had fully come from the keep itself. More than likely trying to keep the matter quiet.
“Ashaad... you killed him,” Saemus said, almost unbelieving. He then stood and glowered at the woman. “You... you vashedan bitch!”
This made her laugh at him. “That one of their words? See, that's why you need to be dragged home. You're playing too nice with those things. I'll wager you've gone even further than that. Haven't you, brat?”
“You didn't need to do that. I would've gone back willingly. I wasn't his captive.”
“Doesn't matter. Your father is paying us good money to bring you home, and I'll do it however I wish.”
“I don't think so. There's no way I'm going back with you now. I will not see you murderers rewarded!”
“Spoiled shit!” the woman said as she slapped him across the face. Saemus fell back to the ground “I'll cut out your tongue and charge extra for bringing you back quiet!”
Jordan wasn't sure how much the viscount was paying to bring his son back, but she was sure he wouldn't pay more to bring the boy back damaged. And since Saemus didn't want this woman to have the reward money, there was no reason why she couldn't have it. “Damaged goods rarely get a better price than intact ones,” she said, making her way around the boulders.
The woman turned sharp, grabbing her daggers and stared Jordan down. “And who are you? Competition? Well, you're too late. The Winters have already claimed him.”
“The Winters? Oh,” Jordan said, recognizing the name. “Then you must be Ginnis. I've heard of you. Nothing good.”
“You don't really know who you're dealing with,” Ginnis said pointing one of her daggers at Jordan. “And who are you to think you're better than me?”
“Jordan Hawke,” she bowed. Ginnis's eyes widened but only for a brief second. “And thanks for making sure Saemus was safe for me, but I can take it from here.”
“You may be Hawke,” Ginnis smirked. “But you are alone and have no claim on this reward.”
“I'm not as alone as you may think.” Jordan gestured for the others and they stepped out from behind the boulders.
Ginnis still didn't relent. “You're still outnumbered. I have more men coming, so I suggest you continue on your way and I'll take Saemus back to the viscount.”
“Uh, let me think about it... Nope.”
“Then I guess you'll prove to provide some entertainment while we wait for the others. Men!” Ginnis attacked, running fast toward Jordan. Jordan stood still right at the last moment, ducking under Ginnis's strike and grabbing Edge from its sheath. She popped up behind the other woman and sliced Edge across her back. Ginnis went down, stunned by the blow, but quickly rolled back on her feet. She went back after Jordan, striking hard and fast, but Jordan was faster, blocking all of her blows. Ginnis brought one of her daggers low, but Ripper knocked it away. She then had to cross her two daggers to keep Edge from plunging into her chest. Ginnis then found herself on the defense, blocking Jordan's strikes and being pushed backwards on the sand. Jordan found they were nearly equal, but she was a lot faster. Faking a right with Edge, she then rounded the blade to the left, sticking it right into Ginnis's side. The other woman screamed and went to her knees, but not without trying to drive one of her daggers into Jordan's thigh. Jordan moved her leg, deflecting the dagger with Ripper, then shoved it into Ginnis's neck, stopping her for good.
With Ginnis dead, Jordan turned to see her friends had taken care of the rest of the Winters. She then went to Saemus and helped him stand. “You all right?”
“Not really,” he said rubbing his face where Ginnis had slapped him. “But I thank you for your rescue, Serah.” He looked around at all the dead bodies before settling on Jordan. “They're all dead, and good riddance. If I must, then I will go back with you to see my father. But... didn't she say there were more coming?”
“She did, which means we need to move quickly,” said Jordan. “Stay close, we may get attacked along the way. I don't really intend to bring you home in several pieces.”

A/N: Hunger abomination appearance comes from the 3^rd Circle of Hell: Gluttony, in Dante's Inferno.
Paraphrasing from Dragon Age 2
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