A musical voice cut through the din of battle and fire as Lavellan cut down the last of the Venatori in the mansion's foyer. "Dorian Pavus," said a red-haired woman garbed in Tevinter-style armor, "the pariah of House Pavus. To what do I owe the honor of basking in your presence in this humble manor of mine?"

"Rathana Porenni," Dorian almost seemed to drawl back, "what does a supposed respected Magister like yourself stand to gain from stealing a mansion in the middle of the sea?"

Rathana's eyes narrowed a fraction. "So, you're with the Inquisition in truth, then. Pity. I had thought you were a bright mind."

"I would say the same to you in regards to the Venatori, but we both know that your family are the worst sort of Tevinter supremacists our homeland have ever produced."

"Please, darling," Rathana replied with a mocking tilt of her head, "I'm not a Tevinter supremacist. I'm simply someone who recognizes the inherent superiority of humanity and wishes to see our race break free of the chains put upon us by the Elves."

"The chains put upon humanity by Elves?!" Lavellan repeated in a startled and slightly incredulous tone. "What madness are you talking about?"

"Surely you of all people have noticed, Inquisitor, that most magic in practice today is based upon the tenets of Arlathan." Rathana's lips curled in disgust as she continued. "Disgusting, isn't it? We humans have achieved so much, are capable of so much, but we cling to the magic of a people who tore themselves apart."

"And how is taking over this manor in the middle of nowhere supposed to help with that?"

Rathana tapped her chin thoughtfully. "You're right, it does seem rather odd unless I show you an example." Clapping her hands twice, a couple of armored soldiers entered onto the terrace overlooking the foyer where their mistress stood, a familiar young man being dragged between them.

"Cole!" shouted the Inquisitor in concern.

One of Rathana's hands snapped out, grasping Cole's chin in her hands. Humming to herself for a handful of moments, she nodded as she let the spirit's head drop back onto his chest. "Wonderful, a Spirit of Compassion should do nicely for what I have in mind." Turning to the members of the Inquisition arrayed against her, she continued. "This manor was built over a large deposit of ancient red lyrium, Inquisitor. It is potent beyond belief, and has been altered using a form of ancient human magic I discovered for the purpose of corrupting purpose."

A steady thrum seemed to shake the very foundation of the building as an eerie red light blazed forth from several tiles in both the floor and ceiling. The two armored guards released Cole from their grip as he began to shake and writhe as if in pain. A howl from his throat cut across the island, causing those who had been basking in what they thought was a near-victory to tense for battle once again.

"Inquisitor!" Solas spoke in alarm, "we must stop her before she binds Cole, before she turns him into a demon!"

"Sera!"

"Already on it," Sera said as she loosed an arrow towards Rathana's throat.

An arrow that bounced harmlessly off of a barrier that Rathana had placed around her body. Red lines of harsh angles snakes their way up the Magister's body in response to this use of magic. "Nice aim," was all Rathana said before turning her attention back to the task of corrupting Cole. In response to this use of magic, suits of armor that had lined the wall as seeming empty decorations glowed red inside and took up arms in their mistress' defense.

Iron Bull, Blackwall, Varric, and Dorian leapt immediately into action, stopping the blows that would've been fatal and coordinating their attacks together to push the sudden offensive back. "Go on, Boss!" said Bull as he ripped his axe from the crumpled form of the animated armor that had been closest to him. "We got this."

"There's a path this way," said Cassandra as she burst through a formerly locked door. Lavellan and the others were quick to run after the Seeker. But by the time they made it up the stairs, it was too late. Rathana had already left, and Cole... had been changed.