What Secrets Await

Chapter 34: Aftershock

Breathing through her nose was impossible. Half her vision was lost, the swelling of her brow and cheek forcing the eyelids shut. With her good eye she looked around, back and forth, fearfully watching every part of the room, thinking more attackers could arrive. A small part of her mind knew the threat was passed but it was stifled by remnant terror from the attack.

Cole remained nearby, standing as still as the bodies on the floor. She couldn't help but look at them. The face of the closer man was visible, a nose and eyebrow showing from behind the skewed mask. The knife wound in his heart still pulsed blood, making the puddle beneath him continue to grow. When the gush slowed she breathed a little easier. Another few minutes and her crying yielded to silent tears.

The Iron Bull returned, wiping a cloth over blood spattered on his arms. He'd cleaned his axe already.

"He won't be bothering anyone anymore. Except the gardener. His body landed and broke one of those fancy vine things."

Cole said nothing while Bull approached Maeva.

"Alright, let's get you back to the villa. Can you stand?"

Maeva tried to stand on her own but her legs shook. He reached to take her arm and she jerked back with a whimper.

"Hands are bad," said Cole.

"Okay, okay. Uh, how about I keep my hand closed but you can use my arm. As much as you want, or don't want." Bull made a loose fist aimed away from her and offered his elbow.

Somehow this was okay with her. She reached up and grasped his thick arm, letting him effortlessly drag her up as he stood to full height.

Bull nodded and led them away. "Let's go. We should be packed up and leaving in an hour." Maeva remembered this plan from yesterday; the Inquisition preferred to leave Halamshiral now that the Winter Palace ball was over, instead of staying overnight. Something about obligations elsewhere, but truly she'd thought everyone was eager to get away from the oppressive decorum observed at Court.

After a few steps she stabilized enough to let go and walk behind Bull. Cole followed her, staying a few feet back. Out of pure paranoia, she turned to check on him a few times before relaxing enough to know he would keep her safe.

After some turns and stairs they were in a hallway and passed two people, nobles or officiants of some kind. They gasped as they saw Maeva's state and began whispering. She caught the word 'inquisition' and remembered that even if they didn't know who she and Cole were, The Iron Bull stood out as the only Qunari in Orlais. With a brief green flash, Cole disappeared. She and Bull paused around the next corner. Cole returned moments later.

"I made them forget," he said simply.

Bull grunted and they resumed the walk. She crossed her arms over her chest and kept her head down as she followed.

"So, we should probably keep this under wraps until we're outside of the town. If this gets attention, they'll start looking for the bodies, questions will get asked, that kind of thing. Could get ugly. Even if our people find out, this will raise some issues, cause delays. Unless... Do you want to stay here tonight, to recover?" He turned to look at Maeva, not breaking his stride.

She shook her head adamantly. "I want to leave."

"Okay. Me too."

A few minutes later they took to the familiar garden passageways she'd used many times earlier that day.

Last time I was here, I was thinking of Eranan. I was so happy.

The idea of happiness felt utterly alien to her now.