Chapter 11: A Mother's ConcernsThe feeling of being oppressed by someone's essence is something I've never forgotten. It's the feeling of helplessness, the weight of terror that someone has the power to do what they will with you. It's a useful tool for those who want to subjugate others to their whims.
Fortunately for me, I already knew how to deal with it.
When I had first felt such power, it had been while traveling with Hawke to confront Uraj. The Forge's essence had done much the same as the Goodmother's, leaving me unable to move an inch. Hawke had lifted that burden by using his own essence to shield me. Now, I was more than capable of shielding myself.
I closed my eyes and focused, reaching into the depths of my soul, willing it to pour out as I had practiced countless times bef
