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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
- 36
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- 38
Goose Chase

The Amell mansion had always been thought of as a beautiful and sot-after home. When Lord and Lady Aristide passed, and their daughter, Leandra, didn't show to claim the house, many nobles waited anxiously for Gamlen to pull one of his stunts and lose the mansion. They would then swoop upon it like vultures, eager to obtain the prized Hightown estate. Yet the slavers who took the mansion from Gamlen would not allow that to happen. When it was learned the Amell estate was lost by the last heir, most nobles made quick work, but the slavers dealt with any who tried. Eventually the nobles of Kirkwall gave in, and the slavers quickly turned the once most sot-after mansion into a headquarters for trafficking slaves. This went on for many years, the mansion going into disrepair. When the mansion was finally eradicated of the slavers by Jordan and Bethany, it was so damaged, that it was no longer wanted by the nobles of Hightown. Jordan was able to buy it without much hassle, and made quick work to repair what the slavers had done.
When investigated, the mansion really wasn't in as bad a shape as first thought. With a few dwarven workers, it only took a few weeks for them to bring it back to its former glory.
“Welcome home, Mistress Jordan,” Bodahn greeted her as he opened the door for Jordan. “It's good to see you back so soon.”
“Yes, I suppose I am,” Jordan smiled at him. It was mid-afternoon, a rare time for Jordan to be home.
“Your mother is waiting for you in the parlor. Along with a guest.”
“A guest? Who's here, Bodahn?”
“He said his name was Sebastian, and he came here looking for you, messere. Your mother has been entertaining him since he arrived.”
“Sebastian?” Jordan asked herself softly. “I wonder what he's doing here? Thank you, Bodahn,” she said to the dwarf. “I'll go and see them now.”
Jordan made her way from the main atrium to the larger entrance of her home. It still brought some wonder to her every time she stepped through the doorway, seeing the mansion that really did belong to her. There was a large fireplace to her right which had a nice fire flickering behind its grill. Chance laid sound a sleep on the rug in front. He didn't open his eyes or look up when Jordan passed by him, but his tail did wag a little from her footsteps.
Going to the left of the room, Jordan walked to the doorway that would take her to the parlor where her mother and Sebastian were waiting. Before the parlor were the stairs, leading to the second floor where Jordan and Leandra's bedrooms were. Next to the stairs was a hall that lead to the bathing room, kitchen and larder, and Bodahn and Sandal's bedroom. There was also the door that opened to another set of stairs going down to the cellar. All of this had been revamped and decorated. Jordan had even made sure to go back in the cellar and take the shield that had the Amell crest upon it and hang it above the fireplace.
Jordan stood in the doorway to the parlor, a room with another fireplace and more stairs going up to a study. Here she saw Sebastian and Leandra talking. Her mother dressed in fine silks, while Sebastian was not in his usual Chantry robes, but instead in a fine set of shiny gold and white armor. It shimmered brilliantly in the light of the fire, almost making him glow. This surprised Jordan, as she wasn't expecting to see him in armor, nor was she expecting to see him with a bow and quiver on his back. The bow looked to be of good quality and fine craftsmanship. Jordan stood where she was for a moment, thinking and trying to figure out not only why Sebastian was in her home, but also why he was dressed as if he was ready for battle.
“You have a very fine home, Madame Hawke,” Sebastian said as he looked around the room.
“Yes, I am very grateful to have a daughter who went out of her way to provide such a place for me,” Leandra smiled.
“Didn't you say this used to be your childhood home?”
“It was, and it still surprises me sometimes when I wake and find myself back in my old bedroom. I think I'm still dreaming.”
“Speaking of your wonderful daughter.” Sebastian nodded towards Jordan in the doorway.
“Oh, Jordan!” Leandra said as she beamed at her daughter. “I'm so glad you're home.”
“Bodahn said you wanted to see me,” said Jordan.
“Yes, I need to speak with you about something important.”
“Good day, Sebastian,” Jordan nodded to him. “Fancy meeting you here.”
“I would have properly announced my arrival,” said Sebastian. “But what I have come to see you for has occurred only recently.”
“I'm sure.”
“Excuse me, Sebastian,” Leandra said as she made her way towards Jordan. “But allow me to steal my daughter away for one moment, then you may have her.”
“Of course. Take all the time you need,” Sebastian bowed.
Leandra lead Jordan out of the parlor and towards the stairs leading to the second floor.
“What did you want, Mother?” Jordan asked. “And did Sebastian tell you why he's here, by chance?”
“No, just that he wished to speak with you.” Leandra smiled at her. “He is rather handsome, isn't he?”
Jordan frowned. “He's a Chantry priest, Mother.”
“Oh, I know. I also happen to know he's a prince who happens to be the last of his line.” Leandra's smile grew. “I believe he's allowed to leave the Chantry to claim his birthright, is he not?”
“Mother,” Jordan said, narrowing her eyes.
“I'm just teasing, dear! Besides, he's a good boy and all, but I know he's not your type. Too proper and orderly.”
Jordan blow out air, flinging the hair in her face away from her eyes. “What's the reason why you wanted to see me?”
“Right, I'll get to the point. You remember we have the viscount's gala coming up here soon, don't you?”
“Yeah... unfortunately,” Jordan sighed.
“Now I know how much you love these social gatherings, but this one is important. It's in honor of the viscount's son, after all.”
“Yes, Saemus.”
“Yes, which means I need to buy you a proper outfit. Some point today I would like to remeasure you so I can get the proper size. Now what color would you like? A new shipment of fabric came in from Orlais yesterday, and it has an array of different colors and styles.”
“I don't know!” Jordan heaved. If there was anything more Jordan hated than the social gatherings, it was dressing up for them. Shopping was not her favorite thing to do, and looking over fabrics and trying to pick a decent one that might go with her eyes made her shutter. “How about... black?”
Leandra frowned at her. “Jordan, this is a party, not a funeral.”
“Then just pick one for me. I don't care.”
“Dear, you're making this harder than it should be. I'm only trying to put you out there, let it be known that I have a beautiful daughter and she's available.”
This made Jordan groan. This was another reason why she hated the gatherings. Leandra was always introducing her to the young gentlemen in her attempts to find Jordan a suitable husband.
“You know I'm only trying to help you,” said Leandra, seeing her daughter's expression. “I know how hard it is for you to socialize, so if I need to push you in the right direction, then I will.”
Jordan bit her lip, knowing this conversation was just going to go in circles. She and her mother had already had enough of them. “Just... get me whatever you think I'll look good in. Okay, Mother?”
“Alright,” Leandra sighed. “I'll find something for you. Now go ahead and tend to your guest. I'm leaving for the market to get the material. I'll see you later.” Leandra kissed her daughter on the cheek before making her way up the stairs.
Jordan walked back into the parlor, seeing Sebastian as he stood next the fire. “Sebastian,” she said.
Sebastian turned to her. “Serah Hawke.”
“You can drop the honorific,” Jordan said as she made her way to him. “I can't stand it when people call me 'Serah.'”
“Then will 'Hawke' be sufficient?”
“Sure.”
“I shall not dally, Hawke, for why I'm here,” said Sebastian. “I remember what you did for me three years ago. You killed Flint Company, basically saving my life and avenging my family all in one. For that I owe you a great debt I don't believe I'll ever be able to pay.”
“Don't worry about it,” Jordan waved off. “I don't know why people think they owe me sometimes.”
“I'm afraid I can't just do that,” Sebastian said grave. “Because there is something else I must ask of you.”
“Oh?” Jordan gave him her full attention.
“I learned who hired Flint Company—the Harimanns.”
“The Harimanns hired the mercenaries?” Jordan asked. “Well... I guess I'm not that surprised. They are an unusual family.”
“They were my parents' allies,” Sebastian continued, looking distraught. “It's hard to believe they betrayed us like this. Lord Harimann was a good man before he died. His daughter, Flora, I believe took over the family estate, but it's Lady Johane Harimann I'm mostly interested in. They say she's become quite reclusive of late.”
“Do you know why they might have done this to your family?”
“I honestly don't know. Money? Power? It's hard to say. Lady Harimann was always jealous of my family being royalty when hers was mere nobility. But I can't imagine that pushing her into outright murder.”
“You've clearly been in the Chantry too long. Jealousy is the perfect bed-mate for murder.”
“I suppose,” Sebastian sighed. “I just don't like to think that was the reason. I remember my mother and Lady Johane used to be good friends.”
“So what do you want from me, then?” Jordan asked. “Are you wanting to seek revenge on the Harimanns now? Need me to do that for you too?”
“No,” Sebastian said, holding out his hands. “That's not what I want. I merely wish to speak with them, see if what I was informed about was true. If it is, then I will take them to the magisters, and seek justice in the courts.”
“Pfft, how boring is that?”
“For someone like you, I'm sure it's very boring, but it's what I wish. The reason why I came to you is because I would like for you to accompany me when I go to confront them. I would hate to think a confrontation would occur, but one might, and having you there as back up would put me at ease.”
“Okay, I think I can do that.”
“That is good to hear,” Sebastian said, seeming relieved. “The grand cleric did not wish me going, but I insisted. I need to know the truth, even if it's not what I want to hear.”
“Is that why you're not in your Chantry get-up?”
“Yes. I thought it best if I wore my old armor instead of the robes of the Chantry.”
Jordan nodded. That armor was going to protect him better than robes would. “When would you like to go to the Harimanns'?”
“It doesn't have to be at this very moment,” Sebastian answered. “We can go later, if you prefer. Especially if you might have more important business to attend to.”
“I actually do,” Jordan said as she looked out the parlor door. “I really only came home to see my mother, then I was going to head to Darktown.”
“Do you mind if I accompany you?”
Jordan stared at Sebastian peculiar. “Why would you want to go with me?”
“I have heard about your adventures, Hawke. I won't lie to you that I do sort of miss that type of life. You help people. In the Chantry I help people as well, but it's not the same. I thought, if you don't mind, and while we wait to see the Harimanns, I might be able to accompany you on some of your outings.”
Jordan chuckled at him, fully gazing at his armor and bow. “Are you sure you want to go to Darktown in that? You'll stick out like a sore thumb. May even attract unwanted attention.”
“I can handle myself. I was a prince, after all, and I do not carry this bow just for decoration. Plus, I'm sure with your reputation, we would have no trouble defending ourselves.”
“This is true,” Jordan smiled. “And you are not something you find everyday. A Chantry priest who actually knows how to fight. Alright, if you wish to go with me to Darktown, and possibly to even worse places, then you shall come with me. I need to go check on a friend, and on the way, I'll fill you in on what I'm currently investigating. I'm sure you know about the troubles with the Qunari.”
“Oh yes, I am very aware of them, just as everyone else is, I'm sure.”
“Then you may find what I'm about to tell you interesting.”
Jordan said good-bye to her mother and Bodahn before she and Sebastian departed from the mansion. On their way to Darktown, Jordan explained to him the best she could about her own dealings with the Qunari, and now what the Arishok had told her about the stolen poison. Sebastian became interested in her story, and was eager to get working on finding Javaris, and stopping him before he could hurt anyone.
***
“Darktown. My home away from home.” Jordan beamed as she and Sebastian walked down the dirty streets. Beside her, she noticed Sebastian looking around with a grave face.
“If only the Chantry had more resources, we could come down here and help these people,” he sighed. “Give them what they need and deserve.”
“What are you talking about?” said Jordan. “The Chantry has the resources! They're just selective on who gets it.”
Sebastian stared over at her. “That's not entirely true. The Chantry helps whoever they can. It's just there are so many who need it, it's hard to help everyone.”
“Sorry, but I can't really believe that. Not after the life I've lived.”
“I'm sorry to hear that.”
Jordan rolled her eyes as she turned the corner and headed to the alcove where Anders' clinic was located. Already she could see the doors were wide open with a few patients sitting inside. Jordan hoped Anders was done with them, because she was going to need him for her mission. But before they could continue, Jordan needed to make something very clear to Sebastian.
“Before we go in,” Jordan said, pulling him to the side. “I need to make sure you understand something.”
Sebastian peered at her curiously.
“In there is a free clinic, run by an apostate. That apostate happens to be one of my best friends. He does good work by healing any who comes to his clinic and not charging them. So if you think that just because he's an apostate, you need to run to the templars and inform them, then we're going to have some problems.” Jordan kept her eyes squarely on Sebastian's, giving him the same look she gave to Fergus before he left Lothering. And also the same look she gave to Fernis outside of his mansion. She wanted to make sure Sebastian knew she was serious.
Sebastian looked back at her for a moment before speaking. “You don't need to fear, Hawke. If this apostate friend of yours is doing good, like you said, then I won't report him to the Circle. They would only want to lock him up and keep him away from the people who may need him.”
“Thank you,” Jordan said, although she didn't relax completely. “Keep that in mind when you meet him. Also, I do have another apostate friend. She is under the same protection as he is. Is that understood?” Jordan didn't like mentioning this to Sebastian, putting both Anders and Merrill at risk, but she felt as if she needed to. Sebastian was going to get enough surprises when he did finally meet them. And not just from them being mages.
Sebastian sighed. She could tell he was fighting his sense of morals. The Chantry priest in him saying he did need to report the two apostates to the Circle, but at the same time, not only did he not want to get on Jordan's bad side, but he didn't want to disrupt the aid the mages may be giving out to the needy. In the end, Sebastian made the right decision. “I will not say anything about them,” he stated. “You have my word.” He bowed to Jordan, and she finally relented her gaze. She still wasn't sure she could trust him completely. After all, she hadn't told him the whole truth. But his word was good enough for now.
Jordan began making her way into the clinic. The patients already there, to her relief, appeared to either be leaving or resting after getting their treatment. She groaned, however, when she happened to notice who Anders was dealing with.
“Will you please look!” Isabela said, her skirt hiked up to the point of nearly showing everything. “I've never seen anything like it before.”
“Isabela!” Anders nearly shouted. “Please put that down! There are children who come in here, you know.”
“Alright,” Isabela said as she put down her skirt. “What about looking at this? I believe it's the same.” This time Isabela widened the top of her tunic, almost having her breasts completely come out. “What do you think?”
“I think you're insane,” Anders said as he averted his eyes.
“Oh, Anders.” Isabela twinkled her eyes. “It's not like you haven't seen my breasts before.”
Sighing, Anders grimaced as he peeked at what Isabela was trying to show him. “Maker's breath, Isabela. Can you ever stop getting these diseases?” He went over to a table and picked up a poultice and tossed it her way.
Isabela caught it before tucking back in her breasts. “But if I did then I wouldn't have your beautiful eyes scanning my body.” She smiled wickedly at him.
“This is the last time. Don't come to me next time you get one of these diseases again.”
“Then what's the point of having you around?” Isabela opened the poultice and began rubbing it on the affected areas.
“I don't even want to know,” said Jordan as she chuckled to herself.
“Jordan?” Anders said as he saw her. “I... I didn't know you were there.”
“It's not like I announced myself or anything. Just so happened to walk in at the wrong time.”
“Or the right time,” Isabela stated as she smiled over at her.
“So was this the 'important business' you needed to attend to?” Jordan asked.
“More or less. I did have other things I needed to do, and... Who is that?” Isabela's mouth gaped as her eyes locked onto Sebastian who was standing slightly behind Jordan.
“Greetings, Serah,” Sebastian nodded to her. “My name is Sebastian-”
“So you're Sebastian Vael, huh?” Isabela quickly made her way over to him. “I can't believe I haven't noticed you before. I'm Isabela. Captain Isabela as soon as I get a ship.” Isabela eyed him, looking him over as if he was a piece of meat she couldn't wait to sink her teeth into.
“Maybe you never noticed him before because he's been in the chantry,” said Jordan. “A place you like to avoid.”
“Oh, that's right,” Isabela pouted. “I forgot you're a priest. No robes, just beautiful armor that brings out your best features.”
“Thank you, I think,” Sebastian said as he backed away from Isabela slightly.
“Isabela, leave him alone,” said Jordan. “You know you can't have him. Even if he could be with you, I don't think he would, knowing what you have.”
“It'll go away,” Isabela said to Jordan. “And I'm more careful than you may think.”
“Ha!” Anders laughed.
“So what brings you here, besides the obvious?” Isabela asked.
“Remember that dwarf, Javaris?” said Jordan.
“Yeah, unfortunately.”
“Apparently he stole something from the Qunari, something that wasn't what he thought it was, and I need to find him before he can hurt anyone with it.”
“Ooh, sounds exciting. Is that what we're heading out to do now?”
“First I need to find out where he went. Which means talking to the Coterie if Varric, Merrill, or Fenris haven't already.”
“Let me guess,” said Anders. “You're here because you want me to go with you?”
“Is that a bad thing?” Jordan smiled at him.
Anders sighed and looked around his clinic. His other patients were gone. “Let me put somethings away, then I'll be right there.” He went back to the table he had retrieved Isabela's poultice from and began collecting the rest of the poultices and potions upon it. He then made his way into the back storeroom.
“Isabela, Sebastian, could you wait outside, please?” Jordan asked them as she walked towards the storeroom.
“Sure thing, Jordan,” Isabela smiled. “We'll leave the two of you alone. So... Sebastian,” she said as she linked her arm with his and lead him out of the clinic. “Let's talk. So how much do you really love the Chantry life?”
When Jordan reached the doorway, she peered in the storeroom to see Anders with his back to her as he put things on the shelves. She could tell something was bothering him, although she could have easily guessed what that might be. It had been some time since the last she had seen him. He had been somewhat distant of late, absent from his clinic for days at times, and also occasionally ignoring her when he was in his clinic. Either intentionally or not. Jordan wanted to know what was going through his head, but she herself, had been busy the past few months.
“Hey,” she said, leaning herself against the doorframe.
Anders stopped what he was doing and turned to her. He half smiled. “Hey.”
“How've you been?”
Anders didn't answer her right away. Only turned back to his work before saying anything. “I've been all right.”
“Are you sure?” Jordan asked. “We haven't really talked much in awhile.” She made her way more into the storeroom. “I can tell something is bothering you.”
Anders sighed and hung his head. “Of course there's something bothering me. Bothering us.”
Jordan went and stood next to him, making sure he could see her. “What's going on?”
“Everything,” he said, looking at her. “I'm just simply loving what the knight-commander is doing. Not to mention templars have been spotted snooping around Darktown. I nearly had a few right at my doorstep the other night.”
This nearly made Jordan's heart stop. “They aren't after you, are they?”
“I don't think they're after me, specifically. They were just checking the refugee camps. But it's not like this place is a secret. It's only a matter of time before there really are templars at my door.”
“Then maybe you need a better place to hide,” said Jordan. “And I happen to know the perfect place where I can lock you up and keep you safe from those nasty templars.” She smiled at him.
This made Anders chuckle. “Sweetheart, I'm not letting anyone lock me up, you included.”
“That's too bad. There goes my idea for bondage.”
Anders rolled his eyes at her.
“So what is so wrong with you coming and living with me?” Jordan asked. “You'd be a lot safer in a home in Hightown than down here. Plus the secret entrance to my cellar is right outside your clinic.”
“I can't do that to you,” Anders said, becoming serious. “You're risking yourself just knowing me. Having me in your home would just make things worse. The knight-commander has become ruthless when it comes to apostates. She's having her templars raid mage families in the middle of the night. Set curfews. And any apostate the templars do find are immediately made tranquil. No Harrowing, no inquisition. Just straight to the brand.” Jordan could see his brown eyes darkening as he spoke. This was something that bothered her just as much as it did him.
“I bet Justice is loving it. He must not know where to turn first!”
“No, he doesn't,” Anders sighed. “And it's getting harder to contain him. In the Fade, there is no 'time.' Emotion rules everything. Justice doesn't know how to sit idle until the right moment to strike. And I can't say I have any greater patience. I fear what my anger has made of my friend.”
“If you've been able to keep him at bay for the last three years, I know you can continue to keep him from fully taking control.” Jordan gave him her most reassuring smile.
“I know,” Anders smiled back. “And your support has been helping me greatly. I appreciate it, Jordan, even if sometimes it doesn't seem that way. I'm just trying so hard to make things work. It's just so difficult at times. It makes me wonder why I decided to take something so big on in the first place.”
“You did it because you wanted to help your fellow mages. You want them to have the same freedom you have, or at least, to be treated better than they are.”
Anders stared at her, passion in his eyes. “See, that's why I need you around. To help remind me of what I'm fighting for. And I have been helping mages here as best I can. It's just been slow work.”
“Keep going. Don't give up.”
“I won't.”
“And I'll be at your side the whole time.”
Anders frowned at this. “You really shouldn't.”
“Don't start that with me,” Jordan said stern. “This is my choice, and if I want to be by your side through all this, then I will. You have my word.” Anders looked as if he was about to protest, but she stopped him before he could. “Are you done so we can get moving?”
“You still want me with you even with all that could happen to you if we're caught?” he asked.
“Of course,” she spoke. “I'll always want you, no matter what. Even with Meredith looming over us. Besides, I need a mage.”
“You mean Merrill isn't available at the moment?” he smiled at her.
“She could be,” Jordan smiled back. “And if she was, there's nothing wrong with having two mages, now is there?”
“I guess not. So let's go ahead and go before Isabela ruins Sebastian from ever being able to enter a chantry again.”
“Right, I nearly forgot about those two being alone out there,” Jordan laughed. “Let's go before something bad happens.”
Jordan went out first, followed by Anders as he locked up the storeroom. When they went out the clinic, Jordan found Isabela and Sebastian, along with a third member.
“Fenris?” said Jordan, staring at him. “What are you doing here?”
“Looking for you,” said the elf.
“How'd you know I'd be here?”
Fenris frowned at her. “When looking for you, Hawke, there's really only two places you could be. Either the Hanged Man, or here. And since I was just at the Hanged Man, the choice was obvious. And here you are.”
Jordan crossed her arms. “I did tell you I was heading home, though.”
Fenris continued to stare at her, knowing better.
“Well I was at home!” Jordan blurted. “Why do you think Sebastian's with us?”
“Yes, I've already been introduced to the priest and have heard why he's here.”
“Okay, then tell us why you're here.”
“I came to give you information. Varric's contacts gave us a few leads on where Javaris might have gone. We each split to investigate, and I came here to Darktown to speak with a Coterie member who was selling a trading contract. It turned out to be Javaris's, and the Coterie happened to give me another lead since he still owes them money. Javaris has skipped out of town quick. They believe he took Smuggler's Cut. If we hurry, we should be able to catch up to him before he can reach the Wounded Coast.”
“Really, Smuggler's Cut? That's not far from here.”
“Then what are we waiting for?” said Anders. “Let's get going.”
Jordan nodded and started making her way towards the entrance to Smuggler's Cut. It was one of the many secret passageways under Kirkwall that smuggler's used to bring their goods into the city. Smuggler's Cut just so happen to reach farther out into the Wounded Coast more than any others, which was why it was more ideal to use when one wanted to bring something into the city. Or even to get out of it.
“So this passageway we'll be using...” Sebastian said to Jordan. “You said it leads to the Wounded Coast?”
“Yes it does,” Jordan answered him.
“How exactly?”
“Oh, you'll love it,” Jordan beamed. “We'll be traveling right under the city. In the sewer systems.”
***
“Yuck,” Jordan heard Isabela mutter. She looked back at her pirate friend to see her examining an unidentifiable grayish-brown substance on the bottom of her boot.
“Is this really what people put themselves through just to smuggle something into the city?” Sebastian asked as he carefully stepped around the muck.
“Oh, this actually isn't so bad,” said Jordan. “This is tame compared to some parts of the sewer system.”
“I would hate to know what those are like.”
“Disgusting, backed-up, plus there's the mysterious deaths that happen. Bodies floating down the stream with expressions of horror on their faces and strange marks upon their bodies.”
“Don't you dare start talking about that, Jordan,” Isabela warned. “You know how creeped out I get about that damned legend.”
“What legend are you talking about?” said Sebastian.
“The legend of the deadlights,” Jordan said in an eerie voice. “They say once you see them, you can never look away, and you die in their horrifying glow.”
“It's a rubbish legend,” Anders muttered.
“But it's true,” said Isabela. “I actually saw one of the bodies they uncovered. It was horrible.” She shuttered and rubbed her arms. “Which is why you really shouldn't talk about it, Jordan. Not while we're down here.”
“Oh, Isabela,” Jordan sighed. “It's just a story!”
“I don't care. Talking about them brings the deadlights to you.”
“Then we'll see what happens when they come.” Jordan went closer to her, smiling wickedly. “Didn't you know, Isabela? Everybody floats down here! And especially with your gigantic boobs, you'll float too!”
“I'm warning you, Jordan!” Isabela heaved, glaring at her friend.
“Float, float, float.”
Isabela growled and went to swipe at Jordan, but missed when Jordan ducked her swing.
“Quiet, you two,” said Fenris. He was leading the group and stopped them.
“What's going on, Fenris?” Jordan asked. “See something up ahead?”
“Yeah, I see light-”
Isabela screamed.
“Not that type of light,” Fenris grumbled. “Daylight. I believe we've reached the Coast.”
“Good. We can finally breathe fresh air,” Sebastian sighed.
Jordan went ahead of Fenris and saw the light shining through the little exit. As she went through to the outside, her eyes stung from the brightness, blinding her for a moment. Her eyes only focused just in time for her to see the arrow hurtling towards her head.
She jumped, rolling down the hill and landing at the feet of a man who was just as surprised by her appearance as she was of his. She got to her feet, narrowly escaping his swinging sword as it ringed through the air. Jordan quickly grabbed Fury and sliced the red blade across the man's back. He stumbled, and tossed out his shield at her. Jordan ducked it, stabbing Edge into his calf in the same move. Crying from the pain in both his back and leg, the man turned on Jordan and tried to get at her with his sword. Jordan blocked it with Edge, then sliced Fury across his throat. He went down quick, giving Jordan enough time to scan what was going on.
They had come across a camp where several men appeared to be packing their supplies away for a quick escape. Jordan and her friends must have surprised them, though Jordan couldn't figure out why they were being attacked. It wasn't until she spotted a familiar, hunched over figure of a cowering dwarf against a rock that she realized what was really going on.
Another arrow went past her head, having been deflected by a shimmering blue shield. Jordan spotted Fenris take down a fairly burly man, one twice his size, before he made his way to another that was threatening Anders. The mage, himself, was fighting a third with his staff, using the blade end like a sword, only occasionally being able to release a spell. Jordan went to make her way over to help him, but Isabela beat her to it. The pirate made quick work of the man, hitting him in vital areas before going off to help Fenris.
A third arrow went past Jordan, but this time it had come from behind her. She saw Sebastian as he aimed, releasing his arrow which hit the other archer in the head from across the area. He then quickly released a third arrow, striking a man who had been sneaking up on Jordan from behind. She thanked him for that before making her way to the still cowering dwarf.
“Stop your blubbering, Javaris.” Jordan grabbed him by the collar and pulled him to his feet. “That any way to greet an old friend?”
“You?” Javaris steadied himself and blinked a few times. “Granny's garters, she would hire you!”
“She?” Jordan said, raising an eyebrow. “I wasn't hired by any 'she.' In fact, I wasn't hired at all.”
“Then what the sod are you attacking me for?” Javaris yelled at her.
“Excuse me? I only came out of the cave. You attacked me first.”
Javaris grumbled. “I can't buy a break on discount! You know what? Go ahead. Take my head and pike it back to that sodding elf! I need the rest.”
“You really need to start explaining yourself better, dwarf,” said Jordan as she was trying to figure out what he was talking about. “What elf?”
“You don't know?” Javaris said, seeming surprised. “Then why are you tracking me?”
“Because you stole a formula from the Qunari! I'm here to stop you. It wasn't gaatlok that you stole, it's something far more deadlier.”
“No, no, no.” Javaris shook his head at her. “Let's get something straight first. I stole nothing from the Qunari. I learned my lesson three years ago. But if you're saying someone stole from the Qunari, then that means it was probably her. Bitch-born!”
“I guess the obvious thief was a bit too obvious,” said Anders, who along with the others, had joined with Jordan.
“Look,” Javaris went on. “I'm minding business, same old, and out of the blue some elf tries to kill me. Says she's got the Qunari powder and I'm her cover. I slipped her, hired some bodyguards, and ran for it. And now you're here. Great.”
Jordan sighed, trying to figure everything out. “If that's true, then where is this elf?”
“Sod if I know! Leaving the other person behind is the first step in running away. Sorry if that's inconvenient. Maybe you should try Lowtown. I just want to get out. With my dead guards. Thanks for that.”
“Next time, get some smarter guards.”
“Did you not hear me say they were cheap?” Javaris grumbled even more as he surveyed the dead bodies. “Now are you going to let me go?”
“Just get out of here,” Jordan waved.
“Right. Got me a rosy future to plan out. Think I'll start by selling some boots.” He pushed his way past Jordan and the others, making his way to his dead guards and began taking off their shoes. All the while muttering to himself. “Sodding bunch of... take a long breath on a short shaft you... blasted dog-lord in-roaders.”
“This is just perfect,” Jordan heaved. “Going on wild goose chases is not very productive.”
“No, but we did learn something,” said Anders.
“And what would that be?”
“That whoever stole from the Qunari was an elf. If we check out Lowtown-”
“Yes, an elf in Lowtown,” said Fenris. “That shouldn't be too hard to find.”
“It's still something,” Anders said, glaring at him.
“It is, but really at the moment, we have nothing,” said Jordan. “If anything, let's just head back to the city. We can try and figure out what to do next after I get a drink.”
“Sounds like a plan,” said Isabela. “But do you think we could take the coast instead?”
“Afraid of the sewers, Isabela?”
“No! It's just a nice day to walk the coast. Why waste it?”
It was a nice day. The sun shinning with barely a cloud in the sky. Even if Isabela wasn't fully admitting the reason why she didn't want to go back in the sewers, Jordan could agree with her on one thing at least. “Alright, let's go. I think I would prefer the coast, too. Certainly smells better.”

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age 2
- 36
- 37
- 38
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Blood Promise