When Destiny Calls
A Dragon Age Story
Author's Notes: Many thanks to the writers and developers of the original Dragon Age storyline, without which, this story wouldn't be possible. This is the first segment, a prelude if you will. Future chapters will be more in depth and longer.
Also, this story is rated M for future chapters.
Chapter 1 -- The First Steps
I took in a deep breath, looking around at all of the unfamiliar expressions on the faces of those I knew quite well. Stepping forward, I knew that I would either complete this task or die. No one ever failed this test and survived to tell of it. It was the Circle's greatest secret to all but the Templars and the Circle Mages, those Mages having succeeded at the task that is now lying before my feet. First Enchanter Irving walked towards me, Knight Commander Greagoir at his side. The tension I felt in the room was staggering, and my courage almost faltered. I had one last chance to change my mind and undergo the Rite of Tranquility, but that thought chilled me to the bone. I wouldn't live as a Tranquil. I had no choices, this was my path. If I were to die from this, at least my life would no longer find pain and regret.
Irving didn't smile. This was serious, even I, the lowly Apprentice that I was, knew that well. Greagoir didn't smile either, though in my lifetime, I had yet to see even an inkling that it was possible for Greagoir to smile. Irving cleared his throat, breaking the uneasy silence that had fallen within the Harrowing Chamber. "Are you ready for this, young Toryn? Remember, if you agree to do this, there is no turning back." He said, none of the warmth that I was accustom to residing in his voice. Nodding once, I replied simply; "Yes, sir."
Greagoir then spoke. "You will be sent into the Fade to confront your demon." My eyes widened. So this was the Harrowing? I was being sent into the Fade? Without help, I could run the risk of a demon overpowering my will, transforming me into a....
"Should you fail, you will become an abomination. If that happens, my men will not hesitate to end the threat that you would become." Greagoir finished. 'Death. That's why no one ever survives. No abomination has ever been allowed to survive. They'll expose me to the Fade, and test my resistance to the Demons of the Fade. And should my resistance prove to be insufficient, they kill me. Figures...' I thought to myself. I felt sick, and it was clear that it was plainly obvious to everyone what exactly I was feeling.
"Toryn, all the Circle Mages you see have undergone this, and many Apprentices survive the Harrowing. The risk is there, yes, but until you learn to conquer your demon, then you will always be a risk to everyone around you. The Harrowing is our most important rite of passage. By completing this trial, you will become a Circle Mage, with all of the rights and responsibilities as such. You must trust our traditions. They are in place for a good reason. Do you understand what I am asking of you?"
"Yes, First Enchanter. I understand, and I..." – 'Will, Toryn, it's all a matter of will. Concentrate!' – "I am ready." My body tensed, despite my silent mantra, but it was done. There was no going back now. Irving nodded his approval. "Then let us start. Come to the pedestal." As I walked forward, I saw that the pedestal was full of lyrium. Lyrium had the capability of weakening the Veil that separated our world from the Fade, both strengthening our magical powers, but also increasing the risk that something on the other side might break through, finding a home in our mortal shells.
"Lean into the pedestal Toryn. Now your Harrowing will begin." Irving's last words to me clung to my soul like a wet shirt clings to skin. I leaned in, felt the fumes penetrate my senses, and the world went dark.