The Cold Moment - 6

 Wind howled in the distance, warning of the oncoming storm. All at once, the commotion within the mansion's walls had ceased. The thralls gave pause, not enacting the final blows to Allora and her companions, but simply keeping them suppressed to the floor. A bloodmage sauntered into the room, purposely clacking her heels loudly as she stepped. Her dark brown eyes passed Hawke and stuck themselves to her elven friend, face twisting into an expression of mirth when he growled at the sight of her.
  "You remember me, do you? How delightful...."
  Thoroughly confused and trying to blink back the fog from her eyes, Allora called in question.
  "Fenris?"
  He didn't look to her, keeping his glare fiercly focused on the Bloodrager.
  "After you had fallen, Bloodragers did indeed attack the Chantry. In the battle that followed, two of them attempted to flee," bitterness seeped into his voice "I stopped the other, but this one escaped me."
  Pressing her palm to the back of her skull as it throbbed, she murmured "I see...."
  "You will not be there to stop us next time, elf. You are going to pay for interfering, with your life. But, do not think it will come quickly. Oh no! Not. At. All."
  The blood mage moved closer, stopping in front of Hawke where she knelt. She only glanced at her chosen victim for a brief second before moving her attention back to him. Reaching down, she took the berserker's throat in a tight grip, returning Fenris's glare straight back into his eyes. Taking great pleasure in the hatred pouring from his expression, she sighed with glee.
  "She will make a lovely thrall. Your Chantry friend as well. And they will bring you your end."
  Allora grabbed her tormentor's wrist, ripping the hand from her neck in defiance. A thrall responded, lashing a fist across her face hard. She dropped to her side, consciousness reeling. Cursing at their enemy in Tevene, Fenris tried to get to his feet only to receive the same punishment. There was incredible strength behind the blow, and he was thrown back down to his knees. Hands to the floor, he braced himself up as he fought its sting. The thralls surrounding him each pressed a foot into his back, keeping him from trying again.  
  "We had best get started."
  The thralls on the balcony dragged Sebastian down the stairs, utterly ignoring his weak struggles to fight back. They carelessly dropped him at the Maleficar's feet. Afterward, they proceeded to pin both he and Hawke tightly down. Allora struggled through the increasing haziness in her mind, burrowing deep into herself. She desperately reached for the rage contained within her, fighting to loose her inhibitions and set it free. It responded to her will, breaking out into every fiber of her being.
  Despite this, she only managed a short fit of thrashing before her body refused to try any longer. The attempt had been rather pathetic. The thralls barely took notice and had no difficulties keeping their hold. Closing her eyes in disappointment and shame, Allora wished she would slip from awareness. Tired of pushing through the clouded sensation in her head, she really did not want to watch the blood mage take pleasure in her failure as the ritual did its grisly work.
  As the Bloodrager sliced into her wrist, preparing to unleash her magic, the first bolt of lightening streaked through the sky outside. It brought with it thunder and rescue in its wake. Led by Captain Aveline, guards came charging into the mansion. They immediately threw themselves into battle against the thralls, Aveline herself clashing with the apostate. Sebastian gave a cry to the joy and overwhelming relief shared by them all.
  "Thank the Maker!"
  In spite of having numbers on her side, Kirkwall's guardsmen were expertly trained and cut through the mage's forces with fierce precision. The Bloodrager herself hastily lashed gashes across her arms, giving all she had against Aveline. Not only would the Guard Captain not be moved, but, this time, her attacks were more aggressive. Fueled by the drive to protect her friends, she handily pounded the opposition into defeat.
  By the next lightening flash and rumble of thunder, it was over. Aveline's men, at worst, boasted a cut or two. Otherwise, they were all unharmed and beamed with pride. They all took up the same stance, at attention and awaiting the Captain's command. All save her husband, guardsman Donnic. He stepped over and offered aid in getting the injured onto their feet.
  Reaching Fenris first, he helped the elf, who had already struggled up, steady his balance. Then, Donnic moved to Sebastian, pulling him up from the stone tiles and remaining under his arm to keep him supported. The Chantry Brother deeply thanked the man for such help. Meanwhile, Fenris limped over to Hawke's side, joining Aveline in bracing her up into a sitting position. They held her there as she, once again, attempted to clear her head.
  "Are you hurt? Can you stand?" Fenris questioned her.
  Despite the fact she had not received the same damage as he and Sebastian, he was still worried and couldn't keep the concern from showing. The memory of watching her nearly die was a plague to his mind that would not relent. It had been haunting his thoughts, even his dreams since the incident had taken place. Never giving him a moment's peace unless he had something else to focus on. It had also bred a sort of paranoia in the back of his mind, causing him to slightly panic inside whenever she took a hit. Whether it was a serious blow or not.
  "It doesn't look like you've sustained any real harm," Aveline stated as she hefted Allora to her feet "You should have stayed home and rested a bit longer."
  "I'm fine." Hawke replied, trying hard to stand on her own and not sway.
  Neither companion looked completely convinced.
  "You're lucky I arrived when I did. I wouldn't even be here if I didn't have the information you requested, Fenris."
  The elf looked to her expectantly.
  "What do you mean?" Allora asked, more confused than ever,
  "I'm supposed to be off duty. I had just finished a patrol in Darktown. Donnic convinced me to join him for a relaxing drink at the Hanged Man. But, I decided to relay my information first. When I reached the Hightown Market Square, I saw my guards mobilizing to respond to an emergency and took the initiative. If I hadn't decided to come here first, I wouldn't have been here to help. Im glad I did."
  "What information do you have?" Fenris cut in, seeming slightly anxious.
  She gave him a stern look, "That can wait for a bit. First, we should get you to a healer. Also, if the Bloodragers have become such a hazard, I need to organize an immediate investigation so we can track them down and put a stop to this threat. I will not have thugs, mages or not, putting people at such risk in my town."
  With a sigh, he dropped the conversation.
  "I am glad you came. Thank you Aveline." Sebastian remarked sincerely.
  "I fear the thought of what would've befallen us if you hadn't. So, yes, thank you." Hawke added.
  Fenris gave a curt nod, his thoughts distracted.
  "You're quite welcome." She smiled.
  Motioning to Donnic, her husband took her signal and shepherded the small group out of the mansion, taking them to Anders. She, meanwhile, turned and addressed her guardsmen. Getting her investigation underway.