Inquisition Agents

Chapter 11: Darkspawn

Alenka led the agents out of the castle and toward the forest that covered the northern part of the comte's land. It wasn't raining anymore, but it was still so cloudy it was difficult to tell which time it was by the sun's position.

During the way, Gerald was willing to know more about comte Neruda and his family. By Alenka's answers and the way she spoke, the minstrel could grasp that the comte was an angry man whose imperious personality and temper compensated for his short stature. As he was in one of the lowest nobility ranks, Neruda was trying to stand out and climb the social ladder, as it was natural in Orlais, and the current civil war had multiplied his anxiety. Now, faced with a dawrkspawn incursion, Neruda had his blinders on. He was devoting all of his resources to expelling the invaders before they could destroy his lands. He had little concern even for his own children, whom he believed were safe enough in the hands of stranger soldiers and his steward. On the other hand, Lady Marcia Neruda was the daughter of a well-respected baron whose lands neighboured the comte's. It was a marriage of convenience, as Neruda wished to absorb the baron lands into his. Unfortunately, Marcia's father died two years ago and only her own charity and personality had been keeping her freeholders loyal to the comte.

- And you, milady? How did you come up working for the comte? - Gerald asked.

- My family has served the comte for several generations. This, and my affinity with magic, has enabled me to succeed my uncle's position as steward. - she said.

- What about the kids, Alenka? Do you think they're in real danger travelling back home? - Dazkar seemed concerned.

- Our soldiers reports didn't sound good, indeed. However, they're being escorted by Ser Blaker, one of our best warriors, and two other soldiers. This should be a pleasant journey, but Lady Marcia insisted on having more protection for her lovely children. They're young, indeed, but her mother still thinks they're babies.

- As any mother does, I guess. - Oerik said, smiling.

He was about to light up his pipe when Alenka pointed out a break in the trees.

- There, once we cross the bridge ahead there's an excellent place to stop for lunch and to rest.

As the agents emerged from the woods, however, it was obvious that something was wrong. There was a deep chasm directly ahead, but no bridge to be seen. Just as Fenrraor pointed out the heavy stakes to which a wooden bridge was probably once attached, the group heard a shout, followed by a chorus of answers. Suddenly, a band of horrifically ugly, squat humanoids with yellowish-grey skin charged out of the woods, brandishing throwing axes.

- By the Maker! - Alenka cried. - Genlocks!

Keaton walked forward and prepared mace and shield. He had been travelling since that morning with his full armour, ready for action. Oerik could spot a little smile of satisfaction on the warrior's face.

- Time for the show, guys. Oerik, Gerald, with me. Dazkar, stay behind and cover Alenka. - he said on a military tone.

- I do know how to fight, sir. - Alenka protested.

- And we cannot go back to the comte with his steward hurt. Don't worry, milady, we're made for this. - Oerik winked to the woman while preparing his axes.

- Leave it to me. - Dazkar stated, and rose a protective force shield around her and Alenka.

- Fenrraor, the flank is yours. - Keaton added, but giggled when he noticed the elf was already out of sight.

With a battle cry, the warrior charged against the band of genlocks. When his shield was smashing one of the creatures, Fenrraor knocked down another monster from its back, stabbing his twin light swords on the genlock. Oerik was covering Keaton's flank, while Gerald stayed near the women using his bow. The minstrel was, in fact, a good shooter.