Into the Woods (a Dragon Age fanfiction)

Time Don't Run Out on Me

Fergus was pacing back and forth on a strip of dirt he had already worn bare, chafing at the inactivity, when a loud broken-hearted cry from Arthur split the air. He and Wulfric, both with the paternal instinct galvanizing them, made it to the boy's side at the same time. Head in his hands, Arthur was rocking back and forth, keening. Wulfric pulled the boy into his arms.

"What is it? What do you see? Is it Mama?"

Still sobbing, Arthur looked up at his father, managing to nod his head.

Wulfric's arms were trembling, but he held himself together, meeting Arthur's eyes. Gently but firmly he said, "We're going to help her. Tell me what you see."

"I—I can't!"

"Look at me. No, look right here, right at me. Tell me what you saw. Where is your mother?"

"The clearing where we saw the big snake."

"The anaconda?"

Arthur nodded.

"Is she hurt?"

"I ... I think so." Fresh tears began to fall, and Arthur's voice broke. "She doesn't see anything. It's all black!"

Fergus was alarmed, but Wulfric seemed relieved. "If she was dead, we'd see the Fade. I think." He frowned. "I'm not completely clear on how his sight works."

"What do we do?"

"We have to get there. Arthur has some rudimentary healing skill, maybe he could—"

"What of Anders?"

"They're far on the other side of that clearing. We'd never be able to get him and then reach Morrigan's side in time."

Fergus considered the situation. "It's too bad the horses are in the other camp. Can't waste the extra time."

"That's not a concern." Wulfric put two fingers to his mouth and whistled a shrill, sharp set of notes.

In a few moments, a long, snakelike head poked itself out from between two trees, followed by another and another. At a nod from Wulfic, the creatures hopped lightly out of the undergrowth. They stood on two legs, slightly taller than Wulfric, their tiny little front legs held over their chest as if they were clutching a pocketbook. Sharp teeth showed in their long jaws, but they sidled toward the humans almost shyly.

Varric whistled. "Those aren't horses."

"They're the horses of the Tirashan. They live near the Driazi camp, which isn't far from here. They're the fastest creatures in the forest, possibly in all of Thedas." One of the creatures came toward Wulfric, laying its long head on his shoulder. He stroked the smooth mottled-grey skin. "Arthur and I will go to Morrigan. Fergus, you ride for Anders. Varric, you mind staying here by yourself? Best to have someone here in case the others come back before we find them."

"Of course. I'll have plenty to write about." The dwarf was looking the slender creature over with interest, his hand making motions in the air as though he was drawing it for future reference.

Fergus held out a hand and one of the animals came toward him. "Are you sure it can hold me? I'd hate to hurt it."

"They're a lot stronger than they look. It's just like riding bareback, brother." Wulfric put Arthur on the back of one and climbed up on the one he'd been petting. With a squeeze of their legs, the animals took off, moving rapidly through the trees and underbrush until they were out of sight.