There and Back Again Ch. 165

His expression didn't get less confused. "Here, where? Sierra, you're not making sense."

I sighed, remembering belatedly that Faren had been unconscious all through our trip to the Dragonbone Wastes; he'd missed the Mother entirely -- and the eluvian that had been hidden in her lair. He'd been told the stories, but that wasn't the same as seeing it for himself.

I shook my head. I don't have time -- but I couldn't say how I know that. "All you need to know is that there's a magical artifact in that room. A similar one in the past was corrupted by the darkspawn taint, so I want you here in case anything happens." I lifted the thin gold chain that held my sending crytal from around my neck and handed it to him. "If I'm not back shortly, use this to contact Aedan and Alistair, and tell them what happened. And if anything that isn't me comes through that door -- kill it. We don't really know what the artifact is capable of, or where it leads."

"Just wait, then. We can watch the door and wait until the Commanders get back."

"And if something happens in the meantime? For all I know there could be darkspawn coming through, or demons. We don't have the staff to keep a barricade down here for weeks, with everyone off in the Deep Roads." I tugged on my braid irritably.

"And what are you going to do about any of those things alone? Your husband isn't going to be pleased."

I sighed. "I know. But I have to do it anyway. Besides, I've just got a feeling about this. I can't explain it, but this...whatever is happening, it's meant for me. I have to go in there. Maybe Morrigan needs my help." I paused. "Wait, actually -- we're going to need a code word. If there's demons or something else going on, I want you to make sure it's really me."

"What?" He looked bewildered.

"Just pick a word, Faren."

"Amgeforn."

I repeated it several times to make sure I had pronounced it right. "What's that mean? Actually, tell me when I get back."

He frowned. "I don't think—"

"Sorry Faren. I've got to go." I forced a smile, faking confidence I didn't feel. "I'll be right back."

With that, I escaped back down the hallway. I made eye contact with each of the three soldiers standing outside the eluvian's room, then gestured with my dagger; Dera pulled open the door. I took a deep breath, and stepped inside.