The Heroine of Ferelden

Ch: 8

The next day, late in the morning, Elra gathered with her companions, awaiting the arrival of those who had received her messages. The first to arrive was Sten, the disciplined and stoic Qunari warrior who had fought alongside her during the Blight. His imposing figure and quiet presence radiated the same sense of duty and fatalism he always carried.

Shortly after, Aneirin, a city elf and former apprentice of the powerful mage Wynne, arrived with a group of mages. Aneirin had proven his worth through his magical skills, and despite the tensions between mages and the rest of the world, she stood confidently beside her peers.

Elra greeted each of them with a nod, knowing they were key in the upcoming fight. This new challenge would demand all their strength and unity, just as the Blight once had.

After gathering her companions, Elra made her way to the training fields with Loghain at her side. The soldiers, a mix of experienced city elves and humans, stood in formation, their posture erect and disciplined. Elra’s sharp gaze swept over them as they inspected the ranks together.

She broke the silence, asking, "Is everyone here holding up well?"

Loghain, ever efficient, replied, “Yes, for the most part. But there are some... becoming difficult to handle.”

Elra's expression hardened slightly. "Send them to me."

Without hesitation, Loghain nodded. “Yes, ma'am.”

She knew the importance of discipline, especially with the looming threat ahead. If anyone needed reminding of who led the forces, she would ensure they understood before it was too late.

Elra stood in the tent, her presence commanding as the shivering youths—both human and city elf—stood before her. Cold water dripped from their clothes, a punishment meant to jolt them into a state of attention. Their earlier bravado, the racial slurs, and their questioning of her authority had vanished, replaced by trembling.

She could see fear in their eyes, but there was defiance, too—especially in the humans, who perhaps still saw her as just an elf, not their commander. Elra's grip tightened on the cane in her hand. It was more for a show  she wasn't planning to actually use it

"Do not even think about moving," she ordered, her voice cold and measured.

She knew what they were thinking. They saw her rise as luck, a result of circumstance, but Elra had fought for every ounce of respect she had. Duncan wanted to hire her mother but still he chose her for her strength and will, not because of any luck. She would not let these youths, still wet behind the ears, undermine the discipline she had fought to instill.

"You think this is a game? You think you can question my authority because of who you are or what I am?" Elra took a step closer, the cane in her hand making a soft noise as it tapped against her palm. "Let me be clear. I will not tolerate insubordination or racism in my ranks. You stand here today because you serve the Queen’s forces, not yourselves."

Her eyes swept over them, making sure they understood. "And if any of you think otherwise, you’ll learn the hard way what that means."

Leliana, watching from the side, let out a soft, mocking laugh—enough to shame them even more. The sound echoed through the tent, and the humiliation hung in the air.

When Elra paused, she turned to Leliana. "What should I do with them?" she asked, her voice steady.

Leliana, still smiling, shrugged. "Let them go," she said, her tone light. "We need them for the battle. They’ll be of more use in the field than lying here nursing their pride."

Elra narrowed her eyes, considering the advice. Leliana was right—they couldn’t afford to lose soldiers, even disobedient ones. But Elra also knew that without a proper show of discipline, such behavior could spread like a disease. The troops needed a reminder of loyalty and order.

Her gaze fell back on the young soldiers. "Fine," she said, "but we need a way to make sure they—and everyone else—remember their place."

She turned to Leliana again, a slight smirk on her face. "Anyone here you want for yourself?"

Leliana’s eyes scanned the group before resting on one of the younger city elves. "That one," she said with a sly grin. "He's the lesser evil out of the bunch. I think I could make him useful."

Elra nodded, then looked back at the others. She couldn’t let them off without a stronger reminder of their duty. Something that would make them think twice before stepping out of line again.

(Continued)