Dragon Knight-Commander (A Cullen Rutherford Shapeshifter Romance)

Chapter 13

We'd set up camp by the most beautiful waterfall. It had rainbows dancing all over it where the light split in the spray. I sat on a rock and just looked. Then, as was my habit, I grabbed a map of the area and took Warrior Girl up to the peak of the nearest mountain, laid out the map and took in landmarks as far as I could see. My little troop would stand in silence in a circle facing out, always ready with weapons. Always ready to protect me. They understood my personal mission to find a way home. Up here the sunset carried on endlessly scarlet and orange scorching the valleys below.

We had an early start so I went straight to bed after supper. Cullen hadn't approached me once. He was entirely engrossed with his men - preparing weapons, last minute drills, putting his little markers on his little maps for positioning. They all listened to him and respected him utterly. Not one of them knew where is power and strength came from.

The next day, the rift was quickly sealed, the darkspawn stood still with their beady eyes watching my hand while they were slaughtered. God forbid if any of them had looked cute. I would probably have resisted leading them into their death like a demonic Pied Piper.

And now it was over. Cullen's men had overpowered the Chantry soldiers and those that had put up a good fight were taken into custody. They sat sullenly in makeshift wooden cages to be carried back to Skyhold.

I walked through the camp to my tent and Cullen approached me. 'All's well, Cat?'

'Yes, kicked some demon butt.'

'Well done.'

I folded my arms. 'Anything else, Commander?'

A flicker of concern crossed his forehead. 'Commander?'

'Well, you were all, "my lady" this and "my lady" that yesterday.'

'We haven't had the opportunity to discuss matters, Cat. You are battle weary, but the fight was over sooner than I anticipated.' He licked his lips. 'There is somewhere I would like to, erm, take you. It's a long shot -'

'Don't sweat it, Cullen. I get it, we're both a bit embarrassed. Forget it.' I turned towards my tent, his armoured arm snaked out and pulled me around.

'I am not embarrassed. That kiss was the most wonderful moment of my existence. Embarrassment is not the emotion I feel.'

Okay. 'Did you take your potion today?' I asked, warily.

'Cat. Please, focus. There is a side mission for us. Leliana had intelligence some time ago from an enchanter who wrote of someone else, another enchanter who had your power over the darkspawn. We had little to go on, but I have made enquiries today and I have his whereabouts. I would take you there now. We can camp at dusk, find this enchanter tonight or tomorrow and return back to camp. It would also give us the opportunity to straighten everything out.'

'That's - yes. Wow. Give me a moment.'

I approached my team and explained that I was going to see an enchanter about an enchanter.

Maxwell said, 'I would come with you. I have heard talk of many thieves accosting travellers along the Eastern approach.'

Cullen's low voice boomed out at my back making me jump. 'It's the Eastern road by Echo Valley. They have been cleared. I do not expect trouble and a show of force may frighten our target. But thank you, Maxwell. Instead, drink, eat, meet with the mages in the town, for you have all deserved it this day.' He pulled out his golden sword from his scabbard, lifted it high in the air and raised his deep, strong voice for all the camp to hear. They stilled and listened. 'Today was indeed a good day. One and all, you fought bravely and skilfully. We suffered no injuries, no losses. The Inquisition is strong.'