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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
- 37
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Bitterness

It was early evening, the sun still in the sky, but beginning to make its way to the horizon. The air was warm, with a nice breeze that blew in from the Waking Sea. There was barely a cloud in the sky, and each of them enjoyed it as they made their way down the Wounded Coast.
On their walk, they played their traditional traveling games, with it quickly becoming a game of truth or dare where Isabela constantly went after Sebastian. With her devious ways, she had actually gotten him to confess some surprising things. Before he was placed in the Chantry—by his own parents, no less—he had lead just as a rambunctious life as she was now. Every night, Sebastian found himself with a new lover, either male or female, and waking up the next morning with a throbbing head and little regrets. It wasn't until he accepted the Maker and his bride, Andraste, into his life, did he see his sinful ways.
“It was no way for a prince to live,” he said solemn. “I see that now, and why my parents were ashamed of me.”
“Pfft, how is that not a way for a prince to live?” said Isabela. “That sounds like the life to me. If I had your money, then I would be living it up every single night!”
“What are you talking about?” said Jordan as she turned to look back at her. “You do live it up every single night! Even when your flat broke! I know, you've borrowed money off of me several times.”
“That's true, but I'm a woman.” Isabela fluttered her eyes. “I don't really need money because I can always get a man to pay for my drinks, but that doesn't mean having a princely purse wouldn't be fun.”
“Wanting to get the bad girl special at the Blooming Rose, huh?”
“Actually, I did get it once... not something I'd recommend.”
“You really should reconsider your ways, Isabela,” said Sebastian. “The Chantry has lead me to peace. It'll do the same for you.”
“Are you seriously suggesting I join the Chantry?” Isabela stared at Sebastian, disgusted.
“If not to join as a sister, then at least attend sermon on a regular basis. You will be much more happier once you've cleansed your soul, I promise you.”
The same look was still on Isabela's face as she turned to Jordan. “Why did you bring him?”
Jordan laughed. “Because just as Sebastian said...” She put her hands in front of her as if in prayer and looked on at Isabela kindly. “You need to find peace, Isabela. You're leading a destructive life.”
“Said the pot to the kettle,” Isabela sneered.
“Don't deny it, Isabela.”
“You're going to get it once we get back.”
“You can try, but you know I'm faster than you.”
“Not when you're drunk.”
Both Jordan and Isabela gave each other playful glares. “Is that a promise?” Jordan asked.
“You know it, sweet thing,” Isabela winked.
Sebastian looked at both of them, seeming confused. “I'm not really sure what they're talking about.”
“Don't try,” said Anders. “It's Isabela and Jordan. And I can already see how this night is going to end: with me trying to keep those two from succumbing to alcohol poisoning.”
“You know you love it, Anders,” Isabela smiled at him.
“Weren't you playing a game?”
“I was, and you know what... it's your turn!” Anders groaned as Isabela made her way to his side. Jordan would have liked to hear what Isabela was going to torture Anders with this time, but instead decided to make her way up front. Fenris had quite a distance on them, and Jordan could tell something appeared to be bothering him.
“You're brooding,” she said, sliding to his side. “Which is normal for you, but this brooding seems... a little different.”
Fenris slightly turned to see her before looking back straight ahead. “I'm just thinking.”
“Care to tell me what about? Or would you rather I leave you with your thoughts?”
Fenris heaved, but he didn't appear angry. “I've just been thinking about what we talked about in my mansion. About how I've stayed in place for so long and no hunters have come after me. Even when I was on the move, there was never an interval this long between attacks. It makes me wonder if Danarius has finally given up. And maybe if I can finally... relax.”
“You mean you'll stop brooding so much?”
He glared at her. “I'm not going to change my mind about mages just because my former master has stopped his pursuit.”
“Alright. But what do you plan on doing? You said you couldn't leave Kirkwall because of me. Does that mean you're going to stay and try and build a life?”
“That would be... nice. I suppose. I'm just... hesitant about it. It doesn't feel right to settle.”
“How's that?”
Fenris looked back at the others. Jordan did as well, seeing Isabela was busy teasing Anders about something, and Sebastian blushing a very bright red. Neither of them appeared to be paying attention to the two up front. Fenris then put his focus back on the road ahead, his eyes fixed on the horizon. Jordan waited for him to continue.
“My only memories are from after the ritual that gave me these markings,” he said. “And neither of them would I define as 'relaxed.' As Danarius' slave, I was constantly at the ready if my master had any need of me. Either from his own command, or if he should happen to be attacked. Then after I escaped, I was constantly on guard. Watching by back closely. Looking around every corner with the thought that a hunter might be there waiting for me. Everyday I anticipated running into more hunters, or even Danarius himself. My life was constantly living on the edge. Never staying put.”
“That life sort of sounds familiar,” Jordan said softly. “The life I used to live with my family back in Ferelden, when we were always on the move, ever wary of templars and the Chantry.”
“So you know what I mean, then.”
“I suppose I do. It was a life I got used to, ever on the move and on the alert. Maybe that's why I get so bored sometimes in Hightown when there's nothing to do.”
“Maybe even why you like to surround yourself with dangerous allies,” Fenris said as he faced her.
“Makes sense,” Jordan smiled at him. “But... I was wondering, if you don't mind me asking... how is it that you escaped? I mean, it sounds as if when you were a slave, you never thought about freedom. What made you change your mind?”
Fenris looked away from her again, this time staring down at his hands. At first Jordan felt as if she had crossed a line, it was a question he wasn't ready to answer yet. But to her surprise, he did.
“No, at first I had no intention of escaping. Freedom was the last thing on my mind. The first was protecting and obeying my master. But how I did escape...” Fenris grimaced and clenched his hands into fists.
“You don't have to tell me,” said Jordan. “Sorry. I was just curious.”
“You don't need to be sorry. I'll tell you. It's just not a pleasant memory, is all.” He paused for a moment, letting his hands unclench and fall to his sides before continuing. “You remember I told you I was from Seheron? I assume you also know about the war going on there between the magisters and Qunari. They have fought over the island for centuries, now. I was there with Danarius during a Qunari attack. It was a massacre, but I managed to get him to a ship—but there was no room for a slave. I was left behind. I barely got away alive, myself.”
“Is that when you escaped?”
“No,” Fenris said, shaking his head. “At that point I had no intention of escaping. That time. There are rebels in the Seheron jungles called Fog Warriors. They found me and took me in, nursed me back to health. I stayed with them for a time. Until Danarius finally came for me.”
“Making sure you were still alive?”
“More making sure his investment hadn't fallen into Qunari hands. That's the only thing he was relieved about when he saw me.” He became silent again.
“What happened?” Jordan asked, sensing Fenris was reaching an emotional part in his story.
“The Fog Warriors,” he went on. “I'd grown fond of the rebels. They bowed to no master and fought for their freedom. It was... beyond my experience. When Danarius came, they refused to let him take me. He ordered me to kill them. So I did. I... killed them all.” Fenris looked down at his hands again, almost disgusted by them.
Jordan wasn't sure what to think. “Even after all they did for you, you still killed them? Just because Danarius told you to.”
“It felt inevitable,” Fenris said, his voice harsh. “My master had returned and this, this fantasy life was over. But once it was done, I looked down at their bodies. I felt... I couldn't... I ran. And never looked back.”
“Danarius didn't try and stop you?”
“The rebels had wounded him. The soldiers he brought attempted to capture me—unsuccessfully. It was weeks before Danarius was able to mount the hunt in earnest, but by then, I was already gone.”
“And ever since you've been on the run, realizing the truth.”
“Yes. Years have passed since that day. I'm not sure how many, though. But through all that time I wondered if Danarius would ever give up. If he would just cut his loses and let me go. At first I thought he never would, but with so long since the last attack... maybe I was wrong.”
“Let's hope you are,” said Jordan. “Because I think it's about time you did start making a life for yourself. If you can't have the memories from your past, then you need to start making new ones in your present, and for your future. Good ones.”
“Thank you, Hawke,” Fenris said as he looked at her, and for once, Jordan did not see the bitterness in his eyes. “I'll try and do that.”
“Anytime, Fenris.” Jordan smiled at him, but then she happened to catch a glance behind her. When she turned her head, Anders averted his eyes, taking them quickly to the coast, and pretended as if that was what he was looking at the whole time. Jordan hoped he didn't think there was anything between her and Fenris, because there wasn't. But then again... Jordan had never thought herself into elves. Sure they were beautiful, and just as Isabela said, their eyes were captivating, but Jordan had never found herself attracted to any of them. Yet Fenris seemed different. Almost as if she was. She did like his company, and despite his bitterness toward mages, he wasn't that bad of a guy. His life had been hard, and he had a reason to hate mages. Jordan found him interesting, but she wasn't really sure exactly how interested she was with him.
Jordan kept her gaze on Anders. His own found hers for a brief second before he stared back at the coast again. It was enough to tell Jordan what he was thinking.
There was a shift in the air. Anders faced Jordan with wide eyes. “Jordan! Fenris! Look out!”
Jordan turned to see it, pushing Fenris just in time before the fireball could hit the two of them. They both hit the ground hard, tumbling into the rockface from both Jordan's push and the impact from the fireball.
“Jordan!”
“Fenris!”
Anders, Isabela, and Sebastian quickly made their way to them.
Jordan's head throbbed from hitting it on the rock. Her ears rang from the fireball's explosion. Below her, Fenris was shaking his head, just now registering what had occurred.
“Are you all right?” he asked her.
“Sort of.” Jordan crawled off him, and helped him to stand. “You?”
“Fine.” He then cursed and grabbed her face roughly. “Damn it, Hawke, why do you always have to go and hurt yourself?”
“Habit?” Jordan smiled, but Fenris didn't look amused. He instead stared at the gash on her forehead. “Mage!” he yelled.
“I'm here!” Anders yelled back. He pushed Fenris aside to look Jordan over. “Maker's breath.”
“It's not that bad,” said Jordan. “I can barely feel it.”
“That's not the point. You wouldn't even have it if I had gotten the shield fully up in time. At least I was able keep the fireball from taking off your legs.”
“Where did it even come from?” Sebastian asked as he looked down the road.
“It came from above,” said Anders as he began to heal Jordan.
“Looks like we've got company,” Isabela stated as she pointed to the top of the cliff. Looking up, everyone noticed as men began to accumulate at the top.
Fenris growled, his eyes hardening. “Hunters. I should have known better than to think I was finally free.”
“They do have perfect timing, don't they?” said Jordan.
“Stop right there!” shouted one of the men who looked to be a mage. “You are in possession of stolen property. Back away from the slave now and you'll be spared.”
“I am not a slave!” Fenris roared.
Jordan took herself from Anders and looked straight up at the foreign mage. “You've got the wrong elf! Fenris here is a free man!”
The leader glared down at her. “I don't know how you became in possession of this slave, and frankly, I don't care. But I will not repeat myself. Back away from the slave now or face the consequences!”
“No,” Jordan said brash.
The mage clenched his teeth. “Don't say I didn't warn you!” With his staff already in hand, the mage quickly fired a spell directly at Fenris. Jordan worked fast, grabbing Edge and slashing it across the spell before it could reach its target. The mage stared at her in surprise, but it didn't last long. An arrow came flying up and nicked him in the shoulder. Angered by this, he backed away from the cliff's edge and yelled for his men to attack.
More arrows flew both up and down. Sebastian took out one of the hunters, while their arrows bounced off the blue shield that Anders had put up to protect everyone below. Many of the hunters were now coming down from the side. Isabela and Jordan were already ready as they worked together, tripping the first hunters who reached the bottom, then stabbing them in the back. More hunters came down, tripping over their own dead comrades, then either getting slashed at the throat, or stabbed in the back. Fenris went right at the hunters with a primal fury, his eyes hard and so dark, even Jordan was a little afraid of him. He met two, slicing his greatsword right through them both before sinking his fist inside a third hunter who dared to go after him. Another mage then appeared, and tried to trap him with a paralysis spell. Fenris outmaneuvered the spell and sank the side of his sword right in the mage's side. The mage quickly went down, and Fenris recovered his sword before he went after more hunters.
Jordan quickly made her way up to the top of the cliff, Isabela behind her, watching her back. Sebastian was still at the lower portion, taking out archers. Anders had somehow got past Isabela and Jordan and was at the top, battling with the lead hunter. The mage had burning red eyes, which told Jordan he was using blood magic. She could also feel it in the air, saw as he collected the energy from his dead comrades. He hurtled a black mass at Anders, but he countered it with a shinning blue sphere or pure energy. The power coming from him was intense, and Jordan knew he was tapping into Justice's strength in order to defeat the Tevinter mage.
The mage appeared furious as he attempted to take blood from Anders, but was unable somehow by an unseen force he didn't fully understand. He again, hurtled a dark spell at Anders, this time nearly hitting him. Anders had used the same method as last time, but only his sphere wasn't nearly as big.
Jordan raced over, her daggers already shinny with blood, and she was determined to add this mage's own blood to them. Seeing her coming, the mage reached out a red aura encased hand. She felt his dark magic enter her body, but didn't stop, even when the blood in her veins began to boil. The mage was shocked to see her still flying towards him. He tried to release another spell at her, but he was quickly stopped by three invading weapons. Edge reached his side, stopping his magic completely, but not before Anders's spell hit and shattered the mage's arm. But it was Fenris's glowing, gauntlet-clad fist that made the killing blow. He had reached the mage seconds after Jordan, reaching into his chest and crushing his heart.
“Is everyone all right?” Sebastian asked as he made his way up the hill to the others.
“As good as I can be after that,” Jordan said while she shook off the remnants of the spell. Her whole body ached, but other than that, she was fine.
“Here, drink this.” Anders tossed her a potion and she quickly drank. Almost immediately she could feel the effects, and her body began to cool.
“I take it your master finally found you?” Isabela said to Fenris.
“It would appear he did.” Fenris peered around at all the bodies. He then fixed his cold eyes on the mage he had taken down earlier. Going straight towards him, he grabbed the mage by the hair and yanked his head up. To Jordan and everyone else's surprise, the mage cried out.
“Please, don't kill me,” he whimpered. As Jordan got closer, she could see he was young. Perhaps no more than an apprentice.
“Where is he!” Fenris screamed at him.
The boy cowered. “I don't know who you're talking about.”
“Don't play ignorant with me, mage! Danarius! Where is he?”
“No, no! It wasn't Danarius!” the boy cried.
Fenris growled, then slammed his face into the ground several times. When he was done, the mage had fresh blood pouring from his nose. “I won't ask you again.”
The boy began to cry. “I don't know, I swear! Hadriana was the one that brought us. She's hiding in the holding caves in the north. Please, let me go and I'll even take you there!”
“No need,” Fenris said cold. “I know what caves you speak of.”
“Then please just let me go,” the boy cried. “I swear I won't--”
“You chose the wrong master.” Fenris then snapped the boys neck, quieting him.
Jordan and the others had been staying back, not sure if they should intervene. Now as Fenris began to rise, his back to them, Jordan could see he was ridged. Hatred and anger radiated from all over him. She approached him cautiously, not wanting him to direct any of his anger accidentally on her. “Fenris...” she spoke softly. “Everything all right?”
“Hadriana,” he spoke. The name rolling off his tongue with bitterness and malice. “I really was a foul to think I was free. They'll never let me be!”
“This someone you know?”
He turned on her. Hard, burning eyes bored into hers. “Oh, I know her,” Fenris spat. “My old master's apprentice. I remember her well: a sniveling social climber that would sell her own children if she thought it would please Danarius. If she's here, it's at his bidding. I knew he wouldn't let this go!”
“Alright, can you at least calm down a little?” Jordan asked.
“No! I can't calm down!” Fenris yelled. He stormed at her, making everyone jump back. Jordan stood her ground. “I know she'll send more. If Hadriana's here, she won't stop. We need to find her. We'll send a message to Danarius he won't soon forget!”
His eyes were so hard and dark Jordan didn't even recognize them. She wasn't sure if it was the right decision to go after Hadriana, but she knew if she didn't help Fenris now, he would go on his own. And if that happened, then Danarius might actually be able to claim back his lost slave.
“Are you sure about this?” she asked.
“If you're not going to help me, Hawke, then I will go by myself. I will make that bitch pay!”
“Then lead the way.”
“The holding caves held slaves in the old times, but apparently they are no longer abandoned. We must go quickly, before Hadriana has a chance to prepare... or flee.” Fenris made his way back down the hill, and straight on the path that would lead them north. Jordan glanced back at the others, seeing they were tense. None more so than Anders, whose grip on his staff was turning his knuckles white.
“You really think we should follow him?” said Anders.
“I'm going because he's my friend,” said Jordan. “If the three of you don't want to come, then that's fine. But I'm not going to let him face this alone.”
“You know I'll come to help,” said Isabela.
“As will I,” Sebastian agreed. “I may not know much about his past, but I can tell he's troubled. He must not go down this path alone.” Together he and Isabela then began to follow Fenris down the path.
Jordan looked to Anders, wondering if he was going to abandon her.
“I don't see this ending very well,” said Anders. “You put too much trust in him.”
“I could say the same for you,” Jordan said as she stared at him. “But I trust you just as I trust him because you're my friends. And I don't abandon my friends.” With that said, Jordan then went down the path herself, after the others. Anders only paused for a moment before he followed her.
***
“Are you sure this is them, Fenris?” They had hide themselves behind several large boulders, looking over the entrance to a cave with only three men standing outside. They were lounging, talking to one another in Arcanum and laughing. Although it was the language of the Imperium, there were many slavers in Kirkwall who spoke the same tongue.
“I'm positive,” Fenris said, narrowing his eyes at the three men. “They bare Hadriana's crest. And her stench.”
“Well, by all means,” said Jordan. “If they smell like her...”
“We must deal with these three quickly, before they can sound an alarm. Although I wouldn't put it past the witch to know I was already here.”
“Then if this is a matter that needs to be dealt with, allow me, Fenris.” Sebastian bowed to the elf before taking out three arrows from his quiver. He placed one in his bow and aimed, keeping the other two close at hand.
“Isn't murder a sin?” said Anders as he eyed the priest.
“It is, and I will ask forgiveness from the Maker when I return to the chantry.” Sebastian concentrated as he aimed at the man closest to the cave entrance. “Those who oppose thee, shall know the wrath of heaven.” He released the arrow. It embedded itself right in the first man's chest. He died instantly, making the other two jump. Sebastian quickly reloaded.
“Field and forest shall burn, the seas shall rise and devour them, the wind shall tear their nations from the face of the earth.” His second arrow was released, killing the second man as it entered his skull. The third man, stunned by his two companions' deaths ran for the cave.
“Lightning shall rain down from the sky. They shall cry out to their false gods...” Sebastian fired his third arrow, and the last man went down before he could even reach the cave. “And find silence.” Putting away his bow, Sebastian went to each body and closed their eyes. Above all three, he did a silent prayer.
“Hm. I'm not sure if I should be impressed or horrified,” Isabela said while she observed him.
“Be impressed, but keep your distance,” said Jordan. “I'd hate to lose you to the Chant of Light.”
Isabela grimaced at her. “That's one thing you don't need to worry about.”
Going passed Sebastian and his prayers, Fenris entered the cave and peered inside. “It looks clear, but we still need to be careful. These caves were designed to guard against raids from fellow slavers.”
“You mean this is where slaves used to be kept?” Jordan asked.
“Exactly,” Fenris nodded. “There are many of these types of holdings in the mountains. Most aren't used anymore. Or at least not for holding slaves.”
“Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's go in, shall we?”
Fenris's face cracked into a wicked grin. He then made his way inside, Jordan quickly following him, then the others. The cave at first was dark, but light from lit torches along the walls soon gave them the illumination they needed. It soon became very clear that despite what the outside of the cave might have looked like, the inside was very much man-made. It felt almost as if they were walking through a temple. On the walls were designs of Tevinter runes. There were also pictures of slaves and their masters, similar to the ones seen at the Gallows. When they came to a door, Fenris tried it, but found it to be locked.
“Step aside,” said Jordan while she searched through her pack for her lock picks. “I'll get that for ya.”
“No, let me try first,” said Fenris.
“Huh?” Jordan said, unsure about what he just said.
Fenris faced the door and lifted his hand to it. Taking off his gauntlet, he then allowed the markings upon it to glow. He then phased his hand through the lock part of the door. He went all the way to his wrist before beginning to pull out. A click sounded, and once his hand was all the way back through, Fenris pushed the door open.
“How did you...?” Jordan asked, staring at his hand while he put his gauntlet back on.
“In the Deep Roads,” Fenris explained. “I experimented on the chest I found your dagger in. I've also been doing the same to locked doors around my mansion. I'm not sure how I'm able to do it, but apparently I'm able to unlock things when I phase through them.”
“Your markings seem to be coming in handy more and more,” said Isabela. “Wish I had them.”
“No, you don't,” Fenris glared at her.
“Is there anything in that room we should be wary of?” Jordan asked. She nodded to the door as it stood slightly ajar. So far nothing was happening that might suggest either Fenris had set off a trap, or there were people in that room. Although anything could still happen.
“It's safe,” said Anders. “I don't detect anyone in there. Although... there is... something.”
Fenris pushed the door open all the way, revealing to them a large chamber. In the middle of the chamber was a table, which held upon it an elf. His face twisted in his last few seconds of horror.
“Blessed Andraste,” Sebastian whispered. He bowed his head and said a few more silent prayers.
“Maker's breath,” said Jordan as she looked down upon the elf. “What happened?” The elf had been an older male. He was cut open, beginning at his throat and going all the way down to his groin. His insides had been taken out, some laying next to him on the table. No blood could be seen anywhere in his body.
“Blood magic,” said Anders. He had come behind her, nearly making Jordan jump. “And a gruesome ritual this was.”
“You see, this is what I've been talking about.” Fenris gestured to the elf's body. “This here is the legacy of the magisters! The destruction they leave behind just so they can have power.”
“Not all mages are like this,” said Anders. “Blood magic is probably the one thing I agree with you on, Fenris. It's deplorable that mages think they need to resort to it.”
“Don't even start to think you know the horrors of blood magic, mage,” Fenris growled. “If anything, you are just as guilty as they are.”
“Don't you dare start labeling me, elf. I have not ever in my whole life resorted to blood magic or demons!”
“Except that you have! Allowing the one in you right now.”
Anders began to tremble. “For the last time, Justice is not a demon!”
“Enough!” Jordan jumped between the two, placing a hand on each of their chests to keep them apart. “Not here. Not now.” She glared at both of them before fixing her eyes on Fenris. “We're here to help you kill Hadriana, not so you and Anders can fight it out. If you really want to kill each other, wait until we're back in Kirkwall so Varric can start taking bets.”
From her words, Fenris backed off, but his face still stayed hard. Anders did the same, but stayed just as Fenris was. Neither of them seemed to want to fully relent. It was a full minute before both gave in at the same time, looking away with Fenris striding toward the other side of the room.
“I'm not sure I understand what just happened,” Sebastin whispered to Jordan. “Was Fenris saying we're traveling with an... abomination?” He looked quickly in Anders's direction, then back into Jordan's eyes.
Jordan sighed, knowing eventually Sebastian would find out, but wishing he hadn't. “It's complicated,” she whispered back, trying to figure out how to tell the priest. “Anders is indeed possessed. But not by a demon.”
Sebastian narrowed his eyes. “I fail to see the difference.”
“Do you see him?” Jordan gestured to Anders. “Do you see that he is himself, and not some raging monster ripping us to pieces right now?”
“I suppose.”
“It is because what dwells within him is not a demon, but a spirit of justice. A spirit of virtue who is here to help. He is the reason why Anders is able to heal so many patients in a single day.”
“Justice does represent the ethical principal of treating everyone with a fair hand,” Sebastian said quietly. “But something tells me you're not saying everything, Hawke.”
“Just know that he won't hurt you,” said Jordan. “And this changes nothing from what we talked about earlier.”
Sebastian heaved. “It appears as if you like to keep interesting company.”
“Keeps me on my toes.”
“It's a fine line you walk, Hawke. You should be more careful.”
“Yes, I've heard that several times.” Jordan eyed him before making her way to where Fenris had gone. She wasn't sure about Sebastian anymore, but she figured he would still keep his word. On her way, she passed Anders, and when their eyes met, she could tell he had been listening to their conversation. He smiled at her slightly, Jordan returning the gesture.
Fenris, along with Isabela, had gone all the way to the other side of the room. They stood in front of another locked door, waiting for the others to finally join them. When the three reached where they were, Fenris phased his hand through the door lock. The lock clicked and the door swung open, showing a long hallway. At the end of the hallway stood a single guard. He had been facing away from them, but when he heard the door open, he looked over his shoulder and gasped when he saw the intruders. Shrieking, he then ran down the rest of the hallway and turned the corner.
“Crap. We've been spotted!” said Jordan.
“Doesn't matter,” said Fenris as he began making his way down the hall. “I can tell Hadriana already knows I'm here.” He started running down the hall, turned the corner, then burst open the closed door. Inside the new area, several hunters were running around, collecting weapons and preparing to fight. In a far corner of the room, a woman screamed. When Jordan entered, she spotted the poor girl cowering. She was an elf, most likely a slave.
Almost immediately, Fenris was on the rampage, his markings glowing bright as he attacked the hunters with a fatal fury. No hunter who went after him had a chance. Each one of them either fell to his sword or clawed hand that buried deep inside their chests.
Jordan and Isabela ran out together, Sebastian and Anders staying close to the door they had entered from. Jordan was faster than Isabela, so she sprang ahead, engaging in a fight with a hunter who had a greatsword. His swing was low, but Jordan was able to roll underneath it, coming up on his side and slicing Fury across. He turned on her but was unable to deal any blows as Isabela stabbed both her daggers in his back. With him down, they moved on to the next hunter who was ready to take on both of them. He had two daggers, just as they had, and was able to parry both as they swung, metal colliding and sending sparks. He spun his feet in the air, kicking Isabela in the stomach, and knocking Edge out of Jordan's hand. She blocked one of his attacks, keeping on the defense as he viciously assaulted both women. Isabela still had both her daggers, and after recovering from the kick to the stomach, she crossed her daggers to catch one of his. She spun, throwing the dagger from his hand, then cutting across his side. Jordan was then able to flip backwards, kicking his other dagger away and grabbing Edge from the ground. Edge was then planted firmly in his sternum when Jordan tossed it.
The elven girl then screamed again, causing everyone to look in her direction. The last hunter in the room was holding her with a knife to her throat. “Make one move, and I'll kill this knife-eared bitch!” he yelled.
“W-What's going on?” the girl cried. “I don't understand.”
“Shut up!” the hunter screamed at her. He pushed the knife closer to her throat, making her choke.
Jordan wasn't exactly sure what to do. If the girl was a slave, then she was an innocent, and didn't deserve to die.
Fenris's eyes narrowed, and his lips curled in a growl. His stance was tight, but he stayed in place. No doubt not wanting any harm to come to the girl either.
“That's what I thought,” the hunter smiled. “Wouldn't want one of your own kind injured, would ya? Now I suggest you do exactly what I say and put down that sword. I'll call the magister and she'll be here to collect you.”
Jordan could see Fenris struggling. She could also see the fear in the young girl's eyes. This was a situation she wasn't used to. No doubt not understanding what was going on, or why this man had a knife to her throat. Or even who these people were that were possibly making her life worse than it already was. “And what about us?” said Jordan when she noticed Fenris wasn't going to make a move.
“What about you?” the hunter asked.
“We brought the slave to you, don't we get a reward?” Fenris glared over at her, but Jordan didn't budge. “I mean, it's only fair, right?”
“No! You killed everyone in here! You've been helping him!”
“Except that me and my friends here were only defending ourselves. Your comrades attacks us without even asking what we were doing here. Pretty ridiculous, if you ask me.”
“I don't believe you,” said the hunter, although he still lowered the knife a little from the girl's throat.
“Just let the girl go, and we can talk. You seem like a reasonable man. Am I right?”
The hunter eyed her. “First tell your pet to lower his sword. Lose it, even.”
“Alright. Fenris, down, boy.” Jordan snapped her fingers and pointed to the ground. Fenris glared at her, almost appearing as if he was about ready to attack. She just hoped he understood what she was doing. “Fenris,” she said in a more stern voice. “Don't make me have to say it again.”
After another tense second, Fenris finally did so. He lowered his sword and placed it on the ground.
“Now kick it over to me, please.”
He did, but roughly. He then faced the ground, steaming.
“See? He listens. You just have to be real stern with him at times.” Jordan picked up his sword then went over and started stroking his hair. She could feel Fenris trembling, but he kept himself under control, and his face to the ground.
“Alright,” the hunter said slowly. “I guess it was a misunderstanding.” He then released the elven girl, throwing her on the ground. “What's your name?”
“You can call me Hawke.”
“What do you want?”
“I wish to speak with Magister Hadriana. If she wishes to claim my little Fenris for herself, then she better have a good reason. And a decent purse size.”
“Of course,” he smiled. “Orana, get up!” The elven girl quickly went to her feet and bowed to him.
“Yes, Master,” she said.
“Come with me,” he said to Jordan. “But keep your pet leased. There are more of us in here, and Hadriana is not a magister you will want to cross.”
“Understood. Lead the way, good ser.”
The hunter, taking Orana roughly by the arm, began making his way to an archway on the other side of the room. Jordan went to follow him, but Fenris grabbed her wrist tight and squeezed.
“What do you think you're doing?” he asked through clenched teeth.
“This'll be easier, Fenris,” she whispered. “Trust me.”
His eyes burned as they bored into hers. Soon he let go of her wrist. “You better know what you're doing,” he growled.
“Really, I don't, but I saw you didn't want that elven girl killed, and neither did I. I saw this as the only way. Plus, you'll be able to get close to Hadriana much faster.”
Fenris's lip twitched at this. “Don't make any mistakes.”
“And you behave yourself.” Jordan then slung Fenris's sword over her shoulder, making her wince from the weight. She adjusted it before following the hunter through the archway.
***
As Jordan followed the Tevinter hunter through the cavern, she knew it had been the right choice. The man-made cavern—a place where once slaves were held, made more evident by the rusted cages—was like a maze. The hunter lead them through a series of hallways and large chambers that almost felt like temples. Even though Jordan noticed there were very few hunters left as they went, she knew it would have taken them longer to reach Hadriana, not from fighting their way to her, but from getting lost in the maze of the cavern.
When they finally reached a smaller chamber, where Hadriana was keeping herself, when Jordan walked in, she knew things were going to be rough. Hadriana was a powerful mage, her magic already filling the room, dark feeling. She was dressed in fine magister robes, hair black and loose, and eyes an icy blue that were piercing. Her focus first went straight to Fenris when they entered her chambers, his head down and eyes staying to the ground. She then peered at Jordan and the hunter who had brought them to her. “Who is this?” she asked him, in a cold voice.
“Forgive me, my lady,” the hunter bowed. “But this woman says her name is Hawke, and claims to be the owner of the slave we've been tracking.”
“Really?” Hadriana's icy glare fixed on Jordan, searching. Jordan stared back, keeping her composure and showing she had no fear of the Tevinter magister. “Hawke,” Hadriana said slowly. “That name sounds familiar.”
“I wouldn't be surprised if you've heard of me,” Jordan smiled. “My name is notorious in Kirkwall.”
“Yes, I remember now. The name 'Hawke' is notorious, but I wasn't very impressed.”
“Apparently it was impressive enough for you to remember.” Jordan gave her a cocky grin, which seemed to annoy the Tevinter mage.
“Why are you here?” Hadriana asked. “I hope it's not to make a bargain.”
“Except that's exactly why I'm here. Your men attacked me without any reason.”
“They were under the orders to capture the slave by any means. If you happened to be in the way, it's not my fault if you get hurt or killed.”
“No, but I don't like it when someone tries to take my property without even asking first.” Jordan crossed her arms as she stared Hadriana down.
This made the mage laugh. “Do you think you can fool me?” she said. “I know Fenris, and there is no way he would allow someone to make him a slave again. Not unless he was given the proper persuasion.”
“I have my ways,” Jordan said as she gave a sideways glance at Fenris. “As I'm sure you can guess. We women do have certain... tools.”
“I can agree with that,” Hadriana smiled. Her eyes then drifted back to Sebastian, Isabela, and Anders, before looking to Fenris again. “Alright,” she said, staring back at Jordan. “If you really have domesticated him again, then this should be easy.”
“What do I get in exchange?” Jordan asked.
Hadriana cocked her head. “Your life.”
“Nothing more?”
“Is there nothing more precious than that? Really, ask anyone, I'm being very generous. In exchange for giving Fenris to me, I'll let you and your friends walk out of here unharmed.”
Jordan considered for a moment. “I suppose,” she said slowly. “Although I would hate to lose him. He has proven useful.”
“I'm sure he has. So you can see why my master wants him back so badly.”
Jordan cocked her eyebrows at her. “Are you saying he's not originally yours?”
“No, be belongs to my master, a very powerful mage in Tevinter named Danarius. He sent me here to claim his property when it was finally discovered where Fenris was located. Took some time considering we already thought he had left Kirkwall. Fenris likes to travel a lot, you see. Is it because he's been in your hands the last three years?”
“Possibly.”
“Funny how your name never come up in any of the reports.” Hadriana continued to eye Jordan, looking for something. Jordan wasn't going to let her find anything as she kept her own glare.
“I don't keep him on as tight of a leash as your master did. Or should have.”
“I see.” Hadriana relented. “Let us proceed. Fenris, come this way.”
Fenris stiffened from her command. He then looked up at Jordan. She could see his fiery eyes through his white hair, asking without words what she was planning next.
“No,” Jordan said, quickly putting her hand out to keep Fenris from moving forward.
“No?” Hadriana stared at her confused. “Do you not value your life?”
“You said you were not the original owner,” said Jordan. “If your master, Danarius wishes to claim Fenris back, then he needs to come here and do it himself.”
“You fail to see reason,” Hadriana said through her teeth. “I cannot return to the Imperium without Fenris. That was my orders, and I don't plan on facing my master without him.”
“I guess you're going to have to,” said Jordan. “Because I am not letting you take him. He is no longer a slave.”
“What?” Hadriana said, appearing even more confused.
Jordan smiled. “You really should have looked more into my name. Now!” Jordan tossed Fenris's sword in the air the best she could. In one sweep, Fenris grabbed it and struck against the hunter who had lead them here, taking his head clean off. He then stared at Hadriana, his eyes deadly.
Cursing in her native tongue, Hadriana quickly ordered her men to attack. She cast a spell right at Fenris, but he dodged it as he raced for her.
Jordan sprang to her right, taking out an archer before he could fire an arrow at Fenris. She then rounded his body and collided with another hunter with a greatsword. The hunter swung his sword right at her head. Jordan went under and took out his legs with a quick strike from Edge. He went down, an arrow to the temple finishing him off.
The battle was virtually one-sided as many of the hunters left were taken out by Anders when he released a massive fireball. Jordan tossed Edge into the neck of one whom was going after Fenris. When she retrieved her dagger, she felt the air shift, and knew it was Hadriana as she summoned her dark magic. Fenris was right on her, his blade striking against her staff, but he was unable to get past her defense. She pushed him back with a spell, sending him flying and skidding across the floor. Fenris collided with Sebastian, and the two went tumbling into the wall. With no one attacking her, Hadriana then went about casting glyphs all about the room. From them rose the undead, skeletal warriors with glowing red eyes. A similar glow could be seen radiating from Hadriana's own eyes.
Jordan cursed as a skeleton ran at her. She slashed Fury across its ribs, tearing away what little flesh it still had left. She broke several ribs and shattered the sternum, but it didn't slow the skeleton down. The undead creature shrieked, then swung its own sword at her. Jordan blocked the crude blade with Edge, but had to quickly turn and block another with Fury. A second skeletal warrior was right on her, swinging both its swords wildly. Jordan went under the two swings, hearing the skeletons' own swords collide with each other. She rolled to her feet, then struck the second skeleton hard in the back with Edge's pommel. The skeleton jerked forward, but quickly regained itself and turned on her, swords ahead of it. Jordan backed away, protecting herself with Edge and Fury. The first skeleton then slammed into her side, sending both of them to the ground. Jordan kicked the skeleton in the stomach, breaking its spine and detaching its legs from the body. It hissed in her ear and crawled on top of her. Jordan attempted to get it off, but it was strong despite having no muscles. The skeleton was about ready to slash its sword across her throat when something swung over Jordan's head and hit the skeleton, shattering its skull to pieces. Jordan pushed the rest of the skeleton off her and stood to find Justice right next to her.
The spirit's eyes shined their bright blue as he stared the second skeleton down. With a loud cry, the skeleton ran for him, swords high in the air. Justice growled, then threw the spell. It landed right in the skeleton's chest. When it reached him, Justice then swatted the skeleton away with his staff, sending it clear across the room and into a pile a newly emerging skeletal warriors. The skeleton stood and shrieked at Justice. It was about ready to run at him again, but then the spell in its chest exploded. The skeleton's entire body was blasted into a thousand pieces, all spreading everywhere, and even taking out many of the other undead around it.
“Go!” Justice yelled at Jordan. “I'll take care of these. You go finish off the witch.”
“Sure thing.” Jordan went straight for Hadriana, having to first move out of the way as Isabela went flying across the room. She and Fenris had been fighting the blood mage together, but Hadriana sent her away. She was now going against Fenris, one on one. Fenris moved shiftily, keeping Hadriana on the defense. He wasn't going to let her use another spell, but he was unable to get past her staff. Hadriana was a formidable fighter, even up close. The Tevinter magisters obviously trained well for anything.
“Maybe,” Jordan muttered to herself. She then smiled when she saw an opportunity. Taking to a run again, she slid on her feet. Fenris pulled his sword upwards, taking Hadriana's staff with him. It gave Jordan an opening as she slid between the two, jamming Edge right into Hadriana's leg. The mage screamed and fell, dropping her staff and reaching to take the dagger from her flesh but found she couldn't when Fenris's sword touched her throat.
“Stop!” she yelled at him. “You do not want me dead!” She looked up into his merciless eyes, her own losing their red glow. Any skeletal warriors that were still fighting fell to the ground as piles of bones.
Fenris sneered as he looked down at her. “There is only one person I want dead more.”
“I have information, elf,” Hadriana said quickly when she saw he was about ready to strike. “And I will trade it in return for my life.”
“What information could you possibly provide me that I would want from you?” said Fenris. “The location of Danarius? Ha! I'd rather he lose his pet pupil.” He raised his sword to strike her down, complete malice in his eyes.
“Wait!” Hadriana yelled. “You have a sister!” It was enough to make Fenris stop in mid-swing. He stared down at Hadriana, confused. “She is alive,” Hadriana went on. “You wish to reclaim your life? Let me go, and I will tell you where she is.”
Fenris glared at her, but he eventually lowered his sword.
“Hold on a second,” said Jordan. “How do we know you're even telling the truth?”
“You don't,” Hadriana smiled. “But I know Fenris, and I know what he's searching for. If he wants me to betray Danarius, he'll have to pay for it.” She looked back at him with a devious smile. “Well, Fenris? Do we have a deal?”
Fenris lowered himself so his face was right in hers. “We have a deal,” he said gravely.
Hadriana nodded. “Her name is Varania. She's in Qarinus serving a magister by the name of Ahriman.”
“A servant. Not a slave.”
“She's not a slave,” Hadriana confirmed. “Now get this blasted dagger out of my leg!”
Fenris cracked a half smile at her. “I believe you about my sister. But you should have known me better.” Hadriana screamed when Fenris's hand went into her chest. He squeezed and her heart burst, ending her life quick. Fenris then removed his hand and stood straight, staring about the room.
“Are you all right?” Jordan asked cautiously. She couldn't tell what mood Fenris was in. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“No, I don't want to talk about it!” Fenris burst. His eyes glared at Jordan as he advanced on her. “This could be a trap! Danarius could have sent Hadriana here to tell me about this 'sister.' Even if he didn't, trying to find her would still be suicide! Danarius has to know about her and has to know that Hadriana knows. But all that matters is I finally got to crush this bitch's heart. May she rot and all the other mages with her.” He turned away from Jordan, his gauntlet-clad hands clenching together.
“And here I thought you were unreasonable...” Anders muttered.
Fenris glared at him but didn't pursue. He instead went about staring around the room again.
“Fenris, calm down,” said Jordan, not liking how he was acting. “And don't start that whole 'mages are evil' thing again. You know damn well not all mages are like your magisters.”
Fenris stared at her. “And who should be our example? Anders? Merrill?”
“There are worse examples,” Jordan heaved.
“You saw what was done here. There's always going to be some reason, some excuse why mages need to do this. Even if I found my sister, who knows what the magisters have done to her. What has magic touched that it doesn't spoil?” Fenirs then began to back off, looking beaten and worn. “I... need to go.” He turned from them and fled from the room. Jordan went to reach out and stop him, to try and figure out what to say, but nothing came to mind. He was gone, and Jordan didn't know what to do to help him.

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age 2
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Blood Promise