Mythal's Favour: A Dragon Age Origins Fan Fiction

Chapter 10

Chapter 10 – Orzammar

Ayu stared at the three men from along her arrow shaft. She held her ground as the leader, Imrek, took a step forward.

“Do you really want to trifle with a Grey Warden?” Ayu's voice was dark and angry. “I warn you, I have bested one of the Crows. They're supposed to be the best assassins that Antiva has to offer. I would leave with my life intact, if it were my place to choose.”

Near the back of the party, Zevran dropped his gaze, running a hand through his hair. Leliana heard him clear his throat and saw his cheeks redden slightly.

The gates of Orzammar fell into an eerie silence. Small snowflakes drifted down from the sky and a gentle wind blew around them. Time seemed to crawl as Ayu stared at Loghain's men. She could feel her chest swell with each breath; her cloak fluttering behind her. Phoenix's power was tingling at the edges of her senses. The snowflakes started to swirl around Ayu where she stood. Wynne and Morrigan shot each other a knowing glance. They could sense Phoenix stirring inside Ayu's body.

“Perhaps you should calm yourself, child.” Wynne approached Ayu from behind, speaking softly to her.

“Perhaps you should mind your tongue.” Ayu spat back, her voice deepening.

A flicker of magic struck out at Wynne. Wynne looked startled for a moment, but composed herself and retreated behind Alistair. Ayu remained focused on the three men in front of her. She'd think about apologizing later.

The third man began to pull his sword from its scabbard. Without hesitation, Ayu let her arrow fly. The arrow struck the sword and knocked it from his hand; the sword clattering on the stone. The man jumped back and looked at Ayu's stationary form. She had another arrow notched and was ready to release it if necessary.

"Hmm, well played Warden. You can make this much easier on yourself if you just surrender." Imrek brandished his sword once more.

"What you don't understand is, I will win. I think you should back down and leave while you still own your lives. I will not ask again." Ayu's narrowed eyes glared at him from along her arrow shaft. With a blinding swiftness, Ayu released her arrow. It struck the rock of the wall beside the mage, catching in one of the cracks. The mage stood still in fear. His wide eyes looked at the fletching of the arrow that barely missed him. "I don't miss more than once. What is your decision? Do you foolishly stay and fight, or will you send Loghain a message?"

Ayu pulled another arrow to her bow and stood, waiting. Beren was by her side, growling ferociously, with raised hackles. A moment passed and Sten moved to stand on Ayu's other side. He raised himself to his full height and crossed his muscular arms over his chest. The trio stood in silence waiting for the men to answer.

"Very well, Warden." The leader spoke, sheathing his sword. "We know when we are bested. What is your message for our master?"

"Tell Loghain, the Grey Wardens are not the enemy. However, if he continues to stand in our way, there shall be dire consequences." Ayu voice was stiff with anger.

Imrek motioned for the others to leave. He glared at Ayu once more and moved down the few stairs from the gate. Ayu kept her arrow trained on the men until they moved out of sight down the trail. Finally lowering her bow, Ayu forced out her breath; a great plume of white vapour escaping her lips.

“Heh, by the Stone, you got yourself some rocks there girlie.” The guard lowered his axe. “Welcome to Orzammar.” He signaled two other dwarves to open the doors to the dwarven city.

Ayu silently nodded once to the guard and walked through the giant doors into Orzammar.

* * *

The rest of the party followed on Ayu's heels as they walked into the opening hall of the city. Eventually, the party began to surpass Ayu. Alistair and Sten took the lead. Zevran attempted to get closer to Ayu, but was cut off by both Wynne and Morrigan. The two women took positions on either side of the elven woman, keeping all others away. Ayu visibly shrank into herself as she looked up, wide eyed, at the towering door frame. Wynne looped her arm around Ayu's elbow and gently guided her forward.