Nevarra
Benjamin Trevelyan sat on top of his horse, eyes downcast underneath his hood staring at the ground along with the saddle and neckline of his horse. It stopped suddenly coming up short, grounding to a halt. All on its own, as if by some intuition it decided it had reached their destination.
Benjamin twisted his head around and peered up, the sun light he had been avoiding for the last several hours making him squint, as he had indeed reached his proper destination. The Circle tower in Nevarra struck out of the ground, towering above the plains around it like a particular rude gesture. Its blackness and sleek construction more of a blight on the land than anything else.
A single guard shack barred his way between the path he was on, and the entrance to the tower itself. A small building with just space enough for one bored guard.
The Templars probably figure if there is a rebellion then it will be from within and the mages would have to fight through level upon level of them to escape to the outside world. After all the goal of the Circle was really to keep someone in and not out. Most mages, even the most powerful and daring of Maelificar, would not blithely walk up to a Circle tower unless they had a very good reason.
Like me. Ben reflected.
The local Knight Commander had invited him here on unknown business, failing to elaborate on the purposes for the summons. But, it was an excuse to get out of his own tower, and the Knight Commander had graciously accepted his fellow's request. Not even bothering to send along a Templar escort that is how much I am respected, Ben thought blearily.
He kicked his horse gently in the side, "Come on, just a little bit further."
It whined slightly before breaking into a small trot. Marching right up to the guard shack and towering over it.
The Templar noticed, his uniform indicating his rank as a Knight Lieutenant, and sneered up at him.
The expression was instantly off putting for the enchanter sitting on his horse, looking down on the man. The mage probably had more power than the Templar before him, had the advantage in height due to his horse, and the Templar was all alone which technically made him outnumbered between Ben and his rented mare, but yet, it was he who was sneering arrogantly, confidently.
I just hope the rest of my trip here is at least slightly more enjoyable.
"What do you want?" The Templar finally asked thickly.
Benjamin lowered his hood showing his sandy brown hair, and piercing blue eyes, his hand dove into his pocket fishing for his pass.
He found it, and shoved it over to the Templar, "I am Benjamin Trevelyan, from the Circle in Ferelden, here to see the Knight Commander on a matter of importance. He requested me to travel here, and my Knight Commander agreed."
"I see," The man said looking it over, with exaggerated closeness. "All seems to be in order," He said finally shoving the parcel over.
Ben took it and shoved it back into his pocket where it belonged.
"You may pass," The Templar yawned, bored, as he rose the gate automatically, almost robotically.
Ben looked back at him curiously for a few seconds as his horse trotted forward, climbing right up to the edge of the tower itself. A score of black steps led up to the tower, where two Templars were standing guard. One of them was coming down, unalarmed, obviously having seen the exchange at the gate.
"Ser Mage," He said stepping up next to the Horse, "may I take your horse?"
"You may," Benjamin smiled, nodded, and then dismounted, patting his faithful steed a couple of times on its rump before marching up the stairs.
The other, much younger, Templar led the horse away, to stables that Benjamin had not noticed on his approach. The Templar's comrade tapped on the door twice as he approached, and it opened, with a great giant click, and grinding of its gears as it slowly started to swing open.
Ben clutched his staff leaning on it, waiting patiently for the door to open before him, fully and completely. He figured he could wait, that he was patient.
The door banged, and stopped, fully open, compared to the sunlight surrounding him the tower doors was a dark gaping hole in reality. Impenetrable by his sight. It makes me nervous. He slowly began walking, approaching the door, and marching up the steps.
Crossing the threshold his eyes instantly readjusted to the lack of light, and there was enough of it to see his surroundings. Yet another Templar guard was just inside the door, sword in a scabbard at his side, staring blankly off to space.
Ben smiled and nodded at her, friendly, the woman stared unblinkingly at the far wall.
Ok.
"Benjamin Trevelyan?" A voice asked causing his head to whip around.
A man stood there leaning against his own staff, far, far older then Benjamin was himself. About three decades I figure. Ben thought.
"Yes, what is it?"
"First Enchanter Marchand, I run the Chantry here…ahem." He cleared his throat and took a loud cough before extending his hand to Ben. Ben grasped it and shook.
Marchand waved his hand inviting Ben to fall in, the Enchanter from the Free Marches did so, both of their staffs, going tap tap tap against the marble floor.
"Knight Commander Huron expressly requested your presence," The First Enchanter explained as they began marching up the first flight of stairs.
"Do you have any idea why?" Benjamin asked, trying to wet his lips as his throat suddenly and inexplicably went dry. In theory he had nothing to worry about. Even though the Templars were cracking down to a far greater degree in recent weeks he had done nothing wrong. Before Kirkwall he wouldn't have given it a second thought.
But then Kirkwall happened. Then the walls came down. And ever since, there was tension in the air.
Less so with Benjamin preferring seclusion of his Circle's library to the bustle and hustle of the day to day population. Even in a room full of mage's.
Still, he had heard rumors. The few times he ate in the common areas, passing other mage's in the hall. Rumors, whispers, threats and murmurs. While his Circle wasn't as restrictive, he heard nasty rumors about some of the others through the Sending Stones. Though he was too busy reading to really look into it on his own.
Finally though, as they got to the third floor, the First Enchanter answered his question. "I do not know the answer…he did not consult me. But Huron, is a decent man. A lot more so then most of his officers, but he at least tries to keep the peace."
"I see, is he fair?"
"He is a Templar, with all the biases that come with the position…but…" The First Enchanter smiled, "he is fairer than most." His eyes darted around rolling over a young female elf as she nervously scampered before them. "In fact, the rumor has it that this Circle has had the fewest escape attempts out of any circle in all of Thedas. Out of all the ones loyal to the Divine in Val Royeux."
"I see," Ben said yet again.
The First Enchanter smiled grimly, "If you are worried that you are here for some form of punishment, you needn't bother, he wouldn't have sent for you, to do an assignment your own Knight Commander could have."
Ben breathed a calming sigh, feeling his muscles uncoiling slightly, he brought up a very slight smile. "I see, and thank you."
They had finally reached the second top most level of the tower. The front of the Knight Commander's office, a foyer divided it from the rest of the Circle and a simple black door was at one end.
Marchand bowed his head before hobbling off.
Ben took a moment, took a step, and knocked on the door.
"Enter, it is open." A voice called through it.
Benjamin reached out, depressed the handle, and swung it open.
Knight Commander Huron glanced up at his entrance, he held an open scroll before him that he was clearly reading it as Benjamin was entering. His features were curious at his new arrival. But they quickly split into a wide grin.
"Ah, Benjamin Trevelyan, welcome welcome!" He greeted. "Please, sit down, would you like anything? Wine? Tevinter port? Ferelden mead?"
"Uh...no thank you." Benjamin spluttered.
Knight Commander Huron was a lot younger then Benjamin would have given him credit for. His posture was straight, his back unbent by age, time, or hardship. His hair a clean and crisp sandy brown color mirroring Benjamin's own. Yet, he had a vital energy about him. Not from his Templar training, his position, or the Lyrium which gave him unnatural powers against mages, he simply felt…vibrant, alive.
Ben glanced around his office and saw that it mirrored his owner. The walls were rich and vibrant in their browns, his desk was thick and made of some sturdy oak. It was cluttered, but everything on the desk was neatly organized. All of this Benjamin took in with a sweep of his eyes.
And as he came back to his host, he realized he was being incredibly rude. Huron was staring at him with a slightly raised eyebrow looking at him. Ben gulped, and sat down.
Huron smirked lightly and took the seat opposite him, behind the desk.
"Sir, if I may, how did you know it's me?"
Huron waved the scroll he was formerly reading at Benjamin like a sword, "I have your file. Granted the picture that the Templars drew of you does not quite do you justice, the physical description is rather apt though."
"I…see." Benjamin said.
The two of them stared across the desk at one another. Templar and Mage. The oldest and bitterest of enemies, but also the best of friends, if circumstances permitted. After all, at least in theory, the Templars were supposed to protect the mages. But reality did not often match the idea, and Ben felt uneasy.
Being called halfway across Thedas from one Circle to another was not the best way to break bread.
"Sir…if I may…why me?"
"Why you?"
"Why have I been called here?" Ben tried again.
Huron smiled lightly and steepled his fingers while leaning back in his chair. "Because, I have read your file."
"My…file."
"Indeed," Huron nodded, "and that requires a little back story before I get to my proposal." He got up out of his chair and began pacing. "You are the perfect mage for what I have in mind. Aloof, reclusive, preferring to spend all of your time researching and reading rather than dealing with your fellows. You have few friends, few interests in women or real desires, you have no pretense to power, and you rarely get mad at your fellows and your people. The perfect candidate for my purposes. And while you currently show no real magical talent, your fellows believes you can if you put yourself forward in that area, as you do for your academic pursuits. This mission has been approved by the Divine, though some in the Templars have made certain stipulations which has led to your…recruitment, should you chose to accept it."
"And, what is the mission?" Benjamin asked, semi interrupting the Knight Commander mid speech.
Huron glared at him, "Things have been tense after Kirkwall. An entire city almost entirely destroyed because of what one mage set in motion. Both sides, both mages and Templars…to say nothing of the common citizenry, is upping the anty. Several people believe that Civil War is inevitable, others believe we Templars should deal with the problem now, before it grows out of control and neutralize all mages by any means necessary."
"I don't believe that," Benjamin said.
"No, you are an Aquetarian, you wouldn't." Huron said, sitting back down.
"Forgive me Commander, but I fail to see how I might help. I am still young, by mage standards, and not even a Senior Enchanter. I recognize the problem, but there seems to be little I can do about it."
Huron smiled, "It is my intention to create a new brand of Mages, based on certain recent theories and publications. These mages will join with the Templar Order in order to hunt down Maelificarum and other magical threats to the people's safety. This will allow mages to be seen by the people helping them, serving them. Not abominations, not dusty old men. But actually interacting with them…hopefully, maybe, this will lead to integration."
Ben's eyes widened, "Are you serious?"
Huron smirked, "Very."
"I can't believe anyone of your order would go along with this…scheme. Even if you wanted them to."
Huron nodded, "Yes, all of this is theoretical, another reason I wanted you, you can investigate the theory, make it better, come up with your own ideas on the subject…improve upon my original template. But many of the Knight Commanders have expressed much…skepticism. Lord Seeker Lambert in particular thinks this is a waste of time, but, he has given me full discretion in this regard. However, the idea does seem to have the support from Justina herself."
Ben blinked rapidly, "I see…"
Huron smiled lightly, "My motives are not entirely selfless. With our dependence on Lyrium we are destined, to a man and woman, to become a drooling, crazed, people. We have dependency on the Dwarves for our very livelihood, the Dwarves themselves are under constant siege by the Darkspawn…and we have no way of knowing how infinite this supply is. I doubt my idea will eliminate this dependence, the Templar Order will still be needed to deal with a great many problems…but if we can lessen the dependence, I feel it will be worth it."
Benjamin nodded, leaned back in his chair, and steepled his fingers, "I certainly see your logic. Though I am still not certain I am your man."
"Neither am I," Huron shrugged, "But you are the best I have. And, reading your file, you may be good enough. It's just you are young and inexperienced. But, that could also be an advantage."
"I see, and it doesn't hurt that I am a devout Andrastian I suppose."
"No, it doesn't. Will you take on the assignment?" Huron asked.
Benjamin thought about it lightly, chewing on his lower lip, deep in thought, weighing the pros and the cons.
On the one hand I may not know a lot about what he hopes I know, but on the other hand it is an excuse to not go back to my local circle.
"I'll do it." Benjamin said.
Huron's face split into a wide grin, "Excellent." He snapped his finger, a door behind him opened and two other Templars came through the door carrying stacks and tomes of paper and scrolls.
Benjamin couldn't help but feel a slight spike of alarm, no, calm, patience, they aren't here to harm you, they are just servants of the Maker. Just like you are.
The two Templars dropped the tomes on the desk in front of him.
"These are texts I think you might find helpful, texts on magical theory and combat. Templar dissertations on combatting dangerous mages. Several recent magical experiments on a new order of Chantry Mages. And, personnel files of several Circle Mages here…from most of the fraternities…who I believe could make suitable candidates for eventual training and integration. I expect a full report on your progress within the month."
"Yes Commander," Benjamin said getting up.
"Good, and while I know you like your solitude…get out there…mingle…try getting to know the other mages of the tower. If you can. This is not an order, but it is highly recommended given the circumstances."
"Yes sir,"
"And lighten up."
"Sir." He said, nodding.