Mythal's Favour: A Dragon Age Origins Fan Fiction

Chapter 26 - Fort Drakon

Ayu looked the woman over. She'd been underfed and was filthy, but both were easily remedied. "I am Ayu and this is Alistair. We're with the Grey Wardens." Ayu gestured to the other two. "This is Morrigan and Zevran. Are you able to walk?"

Enwyn nodded. "I will make myself walk. I wish to be rid of this place and the sooner the better. I will be no burden Warden, I promise." She pulled her makeshift hood up to cover her hair. "If possible . . ." Enwyn looked at the ground pensively, "they took my family sword and shield. I know I have no right to ask of you . . But - could we get them back? It's all I have left of my home." Tears pricked her eyes, though she tried valiantly to keep them at bay.

"We have to free Anora, but we will look along the way." Ayu led the group toward the door and found it locked. She tried the keys until one worked and she opened the door.

"Queen Anora?" Enwyn shuffled in beside Alistair, just behind Ayu. "Why on Thedas would she need rescuing?"

"According to the handmaiden, Arl Howe and her father locked her away in a room. I'm assuming she either posed a threat and wanted to expose them . . . Or this is a trap," Ayu paused, frowning. "I haven't figured out which."

"I see," Enwyn nodded. "If we can get my sword, I can help you fight." She clutched the rags about her shoulders.

"Can you even hold your sword?" Alistair asked not unkindly. "I think you should stay safe and save the little energy you have."

Enwyn bristled for a moment. She didn't like hearing about her limitations, but she sighed instead. "Perhaps you are right. I - I don't know if I would even be any good in a battle right now."

"Just stay in our group and keep your head down. You'll be safe." Alistair hefted his shield on his arm and offered Enwyn a comforting smile.

Enwyn pulled her hood over her face a little more and kept her head down, following diligently behind Alistair and Ayu. The party ascended a wide set of stone stairs that emptied beyond an archway into a large room. There was no sign of any guards up here, so the party jogged to the next door.

This door led to a hallway, lined with doors. Ayu motioned for everyone to fan out and check each one. Each person opened a door but did not see Enwyn's gear. They moved on to the next set of doors. Each one was a bust, but Morrigan's door was locked.

"Warden, here," she called. "This one is locked. I think you may have the key."

Ayu grabbed the ring off her belt and strode over to Morrigan. She tried each key until she found the one that unlocked the door. She gently pushed it open, but it was dark inside. Morrigan summoned a magelight, letting it float inside the room. It was an armory of sorts. Abandoned weapons and armour littered the floor and weapon racks. Enwyn's eyes grew larger in recognition.

"My sword!" she cried, practically falling over herself to get to it. "It's here!" She looked around for a moment and spied her shield. The Cousland family crest stood out proudly on the front of it.

"Perhaps we should get you in some kind of armor. There is enough here to make into some kind of protection." Ayu started picking through the room, handing Enwyn different pieces of chain armor to wear. "At least this way, you aren't as exposed if we run into harm."

Enwyn nodded and put the armor on over her rags. She belted her sword around her waist and attached her shield to her back. Ayu handed her a helmet that would obscure her face. She took it, slipping the metal over her head and adjusting it to sit comfortably.

Ayu smiled. "That's better and now they won't be able to recognize you either. Let's be on our way. I'm sure Anora is beside herself already." Ayu walked to the open door and into the hallway. The rest of the party followed, leaving the magelight to sputter out behind them.