Sparkler and the Wolf

48: Tunnels and Dead Ends

The following morning the companions waited while Dorian cleared his sigils for the path west of the camp and made steady progress checking caves and paths fie any sign of the Venatori. By mid-day they'd made a sweep of half the oasis but had found little mire than a few discarded magical tomes Dorian said were inconsequential.

After a short break to eat and rest, they resumed their search of the oasis, pausing outside a dark cave.

"Well shite." Sera swore. "I don't like this cave. There's no torches only that stupid veil-fire shit. Can't see nothing with that magical crap, makes it seem like the shadows are moving."

"I have to agree." Cullen nodded, his face grim. "What purpose does it serve that all the torches are of veil-fire? Dorian, you have any ideas on this?"

"Typically veil-fire is used to simply illuminate runes carved on a wall. I agree they are a poor substitute for torches. In this instance, I can't imagine why it's been used here."

Fenris had ventured inside, lighting his brands to cast more light as he followed the dark passage. "There's a ladder back there. I believe it leads out of the valley we're in."

"Not a fan of climbing ladders in the dark." Varric grumbled.

"I can't say I'm fond of it either." Cullen agreed. "But it needs to be checked out regardless."

"Well then." Dorian smiled. "Lead the way Commander. I'll send up some wisps to help with the dark."

"Just make sure you keep your magey crap away from me." Sera growled, following after Cullen.

"For the last time Sera, magical light is not crap. It's helpful." Dorian reminded her. "It can't hurt you."

Sera snorted and kept walking while Varric followed.

"I keep telling you Sparkler, just give up already. She's never going to believe you."

"But it's just silly. " Dorian protested as he stood at the bottom of the ladder waiting for his three companions to reach the next level before following. "Because covering yourself in elemental goo is so much safer."

Fenris chuckled behind him as they began their ascent. "It might not be safer but it is entertaining."

"And yet she refuses to call it magic." Dorian huffed. "It's ridiculous."

"Then just agree to disagree. Maybe you can find out where she gets those concoctions and make up a new one that makes her glow."

Dorian laughed. "That wouldn't really serve much purpose amatus."

"It's what came to mind first mage, but it's more about setting her at ease than adding to her arsenal."

Dorian reached the landing and turned to give Fenris a hand up. "You constantly surprise me amatus." He whispered, surprising the elf with a swift kiss. "Thank you."

"There's another landing up here." Cullen called from above them. "Looks like there's one more and that it leads to a tunnel. Probably a way out."

"We're on our way." Dorian called back.

Fenris nodded for Dorian to precede him up the ladder. "Let's go mage, I'm right behind you."

"In any other setting I could do something very sinful with that statement."

Fenris snickered. "I've no doubt of that, but get moving love. I'm starting to dislike this cave as much as everyone else."

Dorian huffed at him and headed up the next ladder. "I'll be glad when this business is done."

"Agreed."

Ten minutes later they were outside the cave, surrounded by sand and rock and standing a hundred feet above the oasis.

"Good to be outside again." Varric said. "So Curly, what now?"

Cullen frowned at the dwarf. "Varric, the path only goes one way."

"True. But it doesn't look like there's much over there except more sand."

"Still gotta look right?" Sera asked, skipping ahead of Cullen. "Sides, so long as there's no caves I'm happy."

"Lead the way then Buttercup."

"Just... be careful!" Cullen shouted after her as she disappeared around a rocky slope. "Maker's breath, I'm not certain why the Inquisitor sent her on this excursion. She's not exactly suited to fighting Venatori."

"Maybe not Commander." Dorian agreed, joining him as they followed her up the path. "But you do have to admit it's not boring with her around and she does like sticking things with arrows, so there's that."

"So long as she sticks them in the right things." Cullen muttered, rubbing a hand over his forehead.

Dorian noticed the gesture and frowned at the older blonde man. "Are you all right?"

Cullen looked at him, confused for a moment and looked away. "I'm fine. It's just a small headache."

"I could help with that if you like."

"Thank you but it won't be of much help until we've finished for the day. Remind me later."

"Alright."

"Hey you lazy nugs hurry up!" Sera shouted from ahead. "Found something!"

Minutes later they were standing on a small wooden platform staring down into another cave.

"It's another cave." Dorian murmured unhappily. "Complete with stairs that don't reach the ground and all the torches are lit. Anyone else have a bad feeling?"

"The Inquisitor's party might have left them burning. She did come here and deal with the rifts after all." Cullen reminded them.

"So we're all good for jumping in a hole then?" Dorian continued.

"I don't see we have much choice in the matter." Cullen replied, stepping down onto the wooden walkway. "I'll go down first. Sera and Varric can follow and you two can bring up the rear. I'll check for magical traps before you come down."

"Seems we have a plan then." Dorian observed, his brow still furrowed. "Lead the way Cullen."