The Dalish Commander (The Daughters of Thedas Book 2)

28: True Family

Soundtrack:

Hand of Sorrow ~ Within Temptation (The Grey Wardens Theme)

I don't know how long I was out cold but I awoke to Velanna over me. "Not who I expected to see hovering over me," I said.

"Good, you're awake. Now the boys can stop fretting."

"We wouldn't want that, now do we?" I sat up and noticed Velanna giving me a look as if she were studying me. "What?"

"It's curious how the Shem all respect you because you killed an Archdemon. How the men who follow you have such loyalty to you."

"Velanna, I am the only Warden to survive killing the Archdemon. It's why Wardens are needed." She turned to leave. "Why were you exiled?"

She stopped. "The Shemlens near where you met me were trying to drive my clan away. For a while, we resisted. Then they tried to burn us out. They would have destroyed the entire forest just to keep us from their farms. The others were afraid. Keeper Ilshae said that if I wanted to fight the Shemlen, I would fight them alone."

"So you left."

Velanna sighed. "I think Ilshae expected me — wanted me— to back down. But I was too proud and too angry. Thus I called Ilshae a coward and turned away from the clan."

"What about Seranni?"

"Seranni only followed me in the hopes of changing my mind. A few others wanted what I wanted and followed us." She paused. "They are dead now."

"Your sister may still be able to be saved. If we reach her in time."

"Do you really believe that? Sometimes I think you have more hope than I."

"Sometimes I wonder myself." I stood. "We have work to do."

~~~

The others were relieved to see me. Between Anders and Velanna, my wounds were completely healed. Varel questioned my decision to head to the Knotwood Hills to investigate the Deep Roads entrance.

"I'm well enough to go. The Archdemon didn't kill me, do you really think a few treasonous nobles will stop me? These factions need to be stopped and quickly."

"Yes, Commander."

"You really should know by now how hard-headed she is," Oghren said with a laugh, which brought a smile out of Nathaniel.

We weren't even to the courtyard before Anders started his annoying the hell out of Justice game. I swear the Mage's favorite pastime was annoying people. "So are you saying that you could become a demon, Justice?"

"I said no such thing."

"You said that demons were spirits perverted by their desires."

"I have no such desires."

"You must have some desires."

"I do not! Desist your questions!"

Anders opened his mouth and I gave him a look. He immediately closed it and gave me a grin.

"I am waiting for the day someone hits you in the mouth," Velanna said.