Chapter

The wind howled as we climbed up the mountain, after a short hike up we started to use ladders to ascend higher and higher, I kept my hood flipped up as the snow pelted our faces, trying to minimize the snow landing on my head. Soon we had hit a tunnel and were slowly making our way through it.

I could see my breath as we walked, our footsteps echoed in the darkness.

"What sort of tunnel is this?" Solas asked.

"An old mine, there are numerous tunnels in these parts similar to this one," Cassandra explained.

"And the soldiers have to be deep inside, don't they?" I asked.

"That and whatever is detaining them," Varric spoke.

I turn towards the dwarf, "You know, you have an extraordinary talent at making things worse."

He smiled, "It's a gift."

Rolling my neck, I tightened my grip on the staff, looking around anxiously in the dark.

"What's wrong Maxwell," Varric asked, "Afraid of the dark?" he said a bit teasingly.

I scoff, "No. I'm worried about what will come out of it. Ever notice how in spooky stories it's in the dark?"

"But that's all they are. Stor-"

A hiss sounded and suddenly three green wraiths appeared, throwing balls of green fire.

In a flash, Solas had moved in front and pointed the head of his staff at the trio of wraiths. Then, a light blue shield appeared, as the green fireballs raced towards it, they exploded in contact and created a sort of smokescreen.

Solas whirled his staff and sent several forms of magic racing into the smoke. A loud shrieking was heard and when the smoke cleared, all that remained was a puddle of green substance. I took that moment to look at Varric, who looked away sheepishly.

"Sorry." Solas said, "I just reacted, I apologize if I got in the way of your magic."

It took me a moment to realize he was talking to me.

"Oh no," I say lamely, "Just, just go ahead. Do your thing"

The elf nodded his head before moving forward. After a few moments I quickly followed the elf.

"Actually," I say, "how exactly did you do that whole…blue glowy thing?"

"You mean a Barrier?" Solas asked.

"Yeah that."

"Well…" Solas frowned, "I…have never been asked that before. I would say that, I focus on my magic, and try to…shape it into a shield. Is that understandable?"

"Yes," I reply.

No, that was like telling a child to draw something was to easily picture in your head and draw. This would end with the drawer totally screwed up drawings of people or buildings.

By then, we had exited the tunnel, and come across three bloody corpses.

"I guess we found the missing soldiers," Varric said.

I frowned, "No. There should be more, no way would there just be three guys."


Two held my arms while the other punched my face, snarling I kneed him in the gut before slamming my foot down on the foot of my left assailant.

"MAX!"

There she was, a blur of blonde hair, punching and elbowing another pair of perps.

"ONE SEC!"


"-be holed up ahead."

Cassandra's voice snapping me out of my reminiscence.

Jogging down the hill, we went down a beaten path that went closer to the spiraling pillar of green.

"HYAH!"

Hearing more sounds of combat, we see another Rift while several soldiers attacked more demons.

Dashing forward, I conjure up some fire and blast at the closet demon before I notice a Shade approaching.

Ok, Barrier test.

Raising my staff, I thought of a steel shield and tried to create it.

Nothing happened, and the Shade raised its clawed hand.

"Oh shit!"

Raising my staff, I managed to catch the claw and pushed it to the side before swinging the staff back up and blasting ice right in the monsters face.

The head was completely frozen in ice as its claws tried to scrape it off, and I couldn't help but laugh at my action.

I heard Varric laugh to, "Damn that was good!"

"Focus boy!"

I quickly duck to avoid a green fireball before firing a bolt of lightning in retaliation.

"Thanks!"

We soon cleaned up the demons and I sealed the Rift in a flash of green.

"You're getting more proficient at that," Solas commented.

"Let's hope it works on the big one," Varric stated.

I crossed my fingers, "Don't jinx it Varric."

"Lady Cassandra!"

A woman, wearing a bronze armor and a helmet approached the said woman, who shook the soldier's hand.

"Lieutenant, it's good to see you alive," Cassandra said.

"Barely, we owe it to you for aiding us."

Cassandra shook her head, "Thank the prisoner; he insisted we come this way."

The soldier girl looked at me, "Prisoner? Then you…?"

I shrugged, "Save the thanks, let's just get the Breach closed."

The woman made a fist and placed it over her heart, "You have my gratitude."

I shifted awkwardly, how do you respond to that?

"The way back is clear," Cassandra said, "Safe for you and your men."

Apparently you don't respond to it.

"Alright," the soldier said, "Let's move."

As they hurried up the way we came, Solas turned towards us.

"The path ahead also seems to be clear," the elf said.

"Let's go," I said.

"Agreed, before any more demons come out."

Hurrying along, we went down several more ladders before we were at the foot of the mountain.

Several large slabs of rock gutted into the sky, green cracks covered several of them. Dropping from a ledge, I suddenly held a hand over my mouth to try and not vomit.

The whole place smelled of…something burning, something disgusting. Which was explained when I saw multiple corpses, brown and red, were frozen in positions where they had their hands held up, as if pleading for their lives.

"The Temple of Sacred Ashes," Solas said.

"Should be renamed to Sacred Burning Bodies," I muttered.

Walking past a corner and another corpse, I see a sort of clearing with a giant green Rift in the center, I watched as tendrils of magic swirling upwards to the Breach.

I heard someone walk up to my left, "So holes in the Fade don't just…accidentally right?" Varric asked.

Someone went to my right, "If enough magic is brought to bear, it is possible," Solas said.

"But there are easier ways to make things explodes aren't they?" Varric asked.

I blinked, "Who said they wanted it to explode?"

Varric turned towards me, "What do you mean?"

"This…" I sighed, "I don't know. It doesn't feel right, but…I know that it wasn't some planned explosion."

"We will consider how this happened one the immediate danger has passed," Cassandra stated.

Footsteps sounded, and I turned around to see Leliana appeared with several soldiers.

Cassandra spoke first, "Leliana! Good, take your men and surround the area."

The woman nodded and did as the Seeker asked.

Then Cassandra turned to me, "This is your chance to end it, are you ready?"

Something was nagging at me, I didn't know what.

"It's a long way up," I say.

"No," Solas stated, "This Rift was the first. Seal it, and that may be the key to seal the Breach."

"Then we go down," Cassandra said.

As we did, a loud voice echoed through the crater.

"Now is the hour of our victory. Bring forth, the sacrifice."

I looked around, "What the hell?"

"What are we hearing?" Cassandra asked.

"A guess," Solas said, "The person who created the Breach."

It was as I was about to go down a set of stairs, I saw several red crystals forming from the ground.

Rubies?

I stepped towards them curiously, but as I was about to touch it, a hand grabbed mine.

"Don't," Varric said, "Trust me, you don't want to do that. Its evil."

I raised an eyebrow, "Why? What is it?"

Varric had a serious look, "Red Lyrium, are you seeing this Seeker?"

Cassandra hurried up and her scowl deepened, "I see it Varric."

"But what's it doing here?" Varric asked.

As Solas gave a response, the voice spoke again.

"Keep the sacrifice still."

"Someone! Help me!"

A woman.

"That is Divine Justinia's voice!" Cassandra exclaimed, and I could hear the slight horror that rattled her.

Swallowing, I vaulted over a railing and dropped down into the crater.

As I fell, I felt the Mark crackle as yet another voice spoke.

"What's goOOHH WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU?!"

I blinked.

"T-That was your voice," Cassandra stammered.

"You don't say?" I retort sarcastically, "and you still think I did it?"

"She called out to you? But-"

The Rift flared, and a flash of white blinded us all before two people appear.

One was shrouded in black flames and burning red eyes, while a woman wearing a large…headdress and the clothes of the Chantry, the woman had red flames restraining her arms.

Then I suddenly jog up.

"What's goOOHH WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU?!" I shouted, staring in shock at the shadowy figure.

The woman looked at me, "Run while you can! Warn them!"

The other me blinked, "B-but I came here to-"

The man in darkness spoke, "We have an intruder. Kill him, now!"

Then the scene once again exploded in white.

"You were there!"

Cassandra strode up and grabbed me by the shoulders, "Who attacked? And the Divine, is she-"

Grabbing the Seekers hands, I pushed her back, "I don't KNOW!" I shouted, "I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED! Look, if I knew I would have told you back when you had me in stocks, but I DON'T! I don't even know who that was, or what the hell we just saw!" I exclaim, pointing to where the image had just appeared.

"Echoes," Solas said suddenly, "The Fade bleeds into this place, showing what has happened. This Rift is not sealed but is shut…temporarily. I believe that with the Mark, the Rift can be opened and sealed properly, and safely."

I blinked, "Wait, you want to open up the scary green Rift? Letting out more demons to attack us, and then shut it again?"

Solas nodded.

"Does…does nobody else see how crazy this is?" I asked.

"It is a risk we will take," Cassandra said.

"It's a bad idea," I reply.

"Well do you have another one?" Cassandra asked.

"Yeah, how about we just…" I trail off as Cassandra places a hand on her blade.

"…do as the elf says."

Letting out a breath, I slowly raise my hand before using my Mark to open up the Rift.

"BE READY!" Cassandra shouted.

Soldiers drew their blades and went forward.

As the Rift opened in an explosion of green, a giant foot appeared.

As I stumble back, my eyes widen as a massive demon comes out, with two long horns and multiple eyes. As it crashes onto the ground, electricity crackles on its white, scaly body as it rises back up and roars.

"I KNEW THIS WAS A BAD IDEA!"

"PRIDE DEMON!"

Arrows whizzed through the air, but the monster seemed to shrug them off like they were mere annoyances.

We can't beat this thing. There was no way.

The Pride Demon swatted away two of the soldiers, and they flew into the wall before I heard several loud cracks.

We can't do this.

I backed away.

My eyes trailed from the demon, to the rock wall and stairways leading up before going back to the two fallen soldiers.

An idea came to me.

"This is a bad idea," I muttered.

Dropping my staff, I sprinted away.

"COME BACK YOU COWARD!" Cassandra shouted.

I kept muttering, "Bad idea" under my breath as I rushed towards the fallen soldiers. Quickly I grabbed the two swords before taking them in a reverse grip as I sprinted up the stairs.

I let out a breath, hopefully she answers.

"Andraste?!" I shouted in my head.

"What is it?"

"I could really use some help with my dumbass idea."

"Why?" she asked slowly.

"Just make sure I don't get myself killed."

As I went higher, I managed to reach a similar height as the Pride Demon, but not by distance.

Taking a breath, I thrust out my right hand as I leaped over a railing. Ice froze beneath me and began to form a sort of platform, which I ran across towards the demon, who still had its back to me.

"I am so glad they don't know Frozen," I said.

Stopping the ice beam, I sprinted to the edge before leaping off the icy platform towards the demon.

Raising the two blades, I stabbed them downward, and into the creature's shoulder blades.

As the demon roared in pain, I shouted, "THIS WAS A REALLY SHITTY IDEA!"

The demon writhed and tried to snatch me off his back, I kept a tight hold on the leather sword grips.

"MAKERS BALLS HOLD ON TIGHT MAXWELL!"

Varric.

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK I'M DOING DWARF?!"

The Pride Demon roared as it bent backwards to try and snatch my form.

I leaned my body away from the grasping hands. Then one particular wrench cause me to loosen my grip; a massive, scaly hand wrapped around my back before pulling me off and sending me skidding across the ground.

I barely managed to get on my hands before I saw that the Pride Demon was making his way towards me.

I swore as I began to crawl back, away from the approaching monster. My hands fumbling over rocks and the craggy ground, pulling myself farther from the creature crowing for my blood, however the demon gained more ground than I. It swiped its hand at Varric, knocking the dwarf off his feet and sending his crossbow askew, another swipe sent Cassandra crashing into Solas.

My back hit a wall.

"Oh hell."

The Pride Demon roared as it sent a fist flying towards me.

I crossed my arms in a feeble attempt to protect myself

"Concentrate my champion!"

A wall of ice erupting from the ground.

Biting my lip, I focused on that image before a cracking sounded as a wall of ice growing up from the ground. Trapping the demons fist inside, like a sort of handcuff.

We aren't kill this thing anytime soon!

"Any ideas," I say aloud.

"You possess the power over the Rifts!" Andraste exclaimed in my head, "Send it back to the Fade!"

The Rift.

Getting to my feet, I ignored the pain in my body as I rushed back to the glowing green mass before thrusting out my palm.

It felt like I was trying to push a set of doors shut, only a force wanted to keep them open.

The sound of shattering ice filled my ears.

Redirection.

I let out a breath and closed my eyes, switch the direction.

Like a vacuum.

The force shifted, and soon it was going in the opposite direction. The wind stirred around my leather booted feet, it tugged at my hoodie and my jeans.

I snapped open my eyes, "Like a giant, motherfreakin' vacuum cleaner!"

I saw the Pride Demon reach towards me, only to dissolve into green particles and get sucked back into the Rift.

I focused on the Rift, grabbing the doors I shouted, "Now shut!"

With a loud "BOOM!" the Rift exploded outwards, sending me onto my back.

Looking, I see that only a thin green line was visible, the only thing left of the Rift.

I wanted a nap.

My head thunked against the ground.


Something was cushioning my body, and my head was resting on something, it just felt very pleasant. I felt a soft hand combing through my hair, as the person hummed a tune.

I didn't know if it was a dream, but I just hoped that it was my mom doing that.

"Well done my champion."

Letting out a shout of surprise, I quickly sat up to see the glowing form of Andraste, and it quickly blinded me.

Covering my eyes, I say, "You wouldn't happen to have a normal form by any chance?"

The goddess let out a 'Hm' before she said, "At one time, yes. However it has been too long for me to remember."

I sighed, "Well…thanks for earlier."

"You are welcome my champion."

Slowly lowering my hand, I then take in my surroundings.

I was lying on a four poster bed, with red covers on top, inside of a white room that seemed to fade into nothing. Andraste

"So…why am I here?" I asked.

"I came to say that you have started in your way of changing the history of this world, and enforcing it," the goddess said. "I also wished to say that you have done exceptional when handling the demon. I was very surprised by your thinking."

I shrugged, "Me too."

"I also with to apologize, as I have not given you sufficient knowledge about our world," Andraste continued, "If you would like, I could inform you of our land."

I shook my head, "No thanks. I think that I should probably get back up and figure it out…wherever I am."

Andraste nodded, "Of course."

Taking her hand, she waved it in front of my face and I soon felt my eyes drift shut.


Opening my eyes, I found myself sleeping on a bed inside of a wooden house.

Suddenly the sound of glass breaking and a person went "Oh!"

Sitting up, I see that there was a small gir-er, elf looking at me with worry.

"I-I didn't know you were awake, I swear!" she exclaimed.

I blinked, "What's wrong? Why are you-"

"I-I said the wrong thing, didn't I?"

"Now wait," I say.

The elf fell to her knees, "I beg your forgiveness and your blessing. I am but a humble servant."

"…what?" I say.

The elf girl quivered, "F-F-Forgive me, my lord."

I got to my feet before walking over to the elf, who quivered with every step.

Biting my lip, I kneeled down before touching her shoulder, "Don't… freak out. I'm not going to hurt you or anything, but…could you tell me what happened?"

The elf girl slowly looked up, when she saw that I was calm, she also relaxed, "You are in Haven, my lord. They say you saved us, the Breach stopped growing, just like the Mark on your hand."

I instantly looked at my hand to see that she was right, the Mark was a green line stretching across my entire palm, but that was it.

"It stopped?" I muttered.

"I-It's all anyone has talked about for the past three days."

Wait…

"THREE DAYS?!" I exclaimed.

The elf quivered and bowed her head again.

Ah damn it, great job Maxwell.

"Sorry," I say, "I'm just surprised, but…everyone, they're…happy with me?"

"That's all I heard," the elf girl said.

"What about the others?" I asked, "Solas, Varric, Cassandra."

The elf girl quickly shot to her feet, "Lady Cassandra will want to know you've wakened, 'At once' she said."

I nodded, "Ok, I'll head out now…where is she exactly?"

"The Chantry, a-at once," the elf girl said.

Before I could say anything else, she ducked out the door.

Letting out a breath, I got to my feet and rolled my neck. Looking around, I then noticed a small mirror on a barrel, I also noticed that I was not wearing my hoodie, which was actually missing.

My hair!

I grabbed the mirror and looked at my reflection.

The only thing dark about me was my plain black T-Shirt. My eyes and my hair were a dark grey, my skin was like the snow that fell outside, but decorated with a spray of freckles.

"Its alright," I mutter, "These people have elves, the least craziest thing will be your hair."

Setting down the mirror, I let out a breath before heading to the wooden door and pulling it open.

Only to stop to see outside.

Two soldiers had their hands over their hearts, almost like an escort as people lined up along the road in a similar position. I looked at them warily before slowly walking down the path, trying to ignore the eyeballs boaring into my head.

"That's him, that's the Herald of Andraste."

What?

"They say when he came out of the Fade, Andraste herself was watching over him."

I look at the man, who had shoulder length blonde hair, and shifted anxiously under my gaze.

"Hush, we shouldn't disturb him."

As people continued to question and talk, I moved up a set of stairs to the massive church, passing more people who either kneeled at my feet, or placed their fist over their heart.

I noticed that more members of the Chantry were waiting outside of the massive building.

"Chancellor Rodrick wants nothing to do with us," one said.

"That's not his decision sister."

Pushing open the doors, I walk across a green carpet to where the shouting was heard.

"Have you gone completely mad?"

It was old Chancellor Palpatine.

"He should be taken to Val Royeaux immediately, to be tried by whomever becomes Divine."

"I do not believe he is guilty," I heard Cassandra reply.

"The prisoner failed, Seeker. The Breach is still in the sky, for all you know this was how he intended this way."

I decided to enter then, and counted five seconds of silence.

"Chain him!" the dumbass said, "I want him prepared to travel to Val Royeaux."

"Really?" I ask, "After everything I just did, you still want to throw me in chains?"

The Chancellor went red and was about to speak again before Cassandra cut him off.

"Disregard that, and leave us."

As the soldiers left and doors shut, I cross my arms and look at Cassandra, "Nice to see you again…and not be in chains."

The Seeker nodded her head, "Greetings."

Leliana strode up, "Someone was behind the Conclave, someone the Divine did not expect. Perhaps they died with the others, or have allies who yet live."

I noticed how the Chancellor seemed to puff up, "I am a suspect?"

"Why wouldn't you?" I say. "It would make sense."

"Coming from the prisoner, oh that is rich!"

I frowned, "The prisoner who fell out of the Fade? The prisoner who helped shut the Breach? Me, a suspect?"

"Absolutely." the man growled.

I scoffed, "Good luck trying to hold anything against me."

Cassandra strode forward, "I heard the vision in the Temple. The Divine called for his help."

"So his survival? That…thing on his hand, all a coincidence?"

Man Palpatine would not let up. It didn't mean that he was actually right in his suspects…kind of.

"Providence. The Maker sent him to us in our darkest hours."

Wait what?

Cassandra was looking at me…almost expectantly.

"Wait, you believe me now?" I ask.

It was just…hard to wrap my head around.

"I was wrong, perhaps I still am. However I will not pretend that you were not exactly what we needed when we needed it."

I heard Andraste laugh, "She is not far off."

"The Breach remains," Leliana said, "and your Mark is the only thing that can close it."

"This is not for you to-"

"Oh would you just shut up?!" I exclaim, "Or do you just like your voice ringing through the air?"

"I will have you hanged boy," the Palpatine wannabe said, pointing a finger at me, "and I will not rest until-"

He was cut off by the sound of a book being slammed onto the table.

"Hear me Chancellor," Cassandra began, "This is a writ from the Divine, granting us the authority to act. As of this moment, I declared the Inquisition restored."

Inquisition? Like the Spanish Inquisition?

My eyes widened as the Seeker advanced towards the robed Chancellor.

"We will close the Breach, we will find those responsible, and we will restore order. With, or without you."

The Chancellor flashed me a look of loathing before storming out.

As the doors slammed behind him, I looked Cassandra, "That. Was. Awesome."

I then turned back to the book, "Now what exactly do you mean by the Inquisition?" I asked.

Leliana spoke up, "It preceded the Chantry, people who banded together to restore order in a world gone mad."

I raised an eyebrow, "What happened when the world…wasn't so mad."

"They laid down their weapons and formed the Templar Order. But the Templars have lost their way. We need those who will do what must be done united under a single banner once more."

I nodded, "Ok. Bear with me though; I…didn't really get involved in politics much, but what about the Chantry? Aren't you two parts of them?"

Both women snorted, "Is that what you see?" Cassandra asked.

"The Chantry will take time to find a new Divine, and they will wait for her direction."

"But we can't wait," I say. "Also, wouldn't most of their main choices have died in the Conclave? As the…more important clerks were there?"

Leliana nodded, "However, we aren't ready. We have-"

"No worries," I say.

The women blinked, "Pardon?" Leliana asked

"The people before, they had nothing right?" I say, "Only a goal. So why should we worry? Who cares?"

Cassandra nodded, "You…do have a point."

I let out a sigh, "Well this has been a rather strange couple days, I hardly imagined this would happen to me."

"Agreed," Leliana said.

Cassandra took a deep breath, "So…will you help us?"

I blinked, "Sorry?"

"Will you help us?" Cassandra asked again, only this time more forced.

No way…

I crossed my arms and got a grin, "You think…that I'm going to help you? After you punched, chained, and insulted me?"

Cassandra swallowed, "I am sorry about that," she said slowly.

Don't laugh, do not laugh.

"I don't know," I say. "There is one thing I want first."

Cassandra clenched her jaw and looked me in the eye, "Name it."

I narrow my eyes, doing my best to seem like a creep and licked my lips before leaning in, I almost saw Cassandra's skin crawl as she looked away.

Glancing at Leliana, who was looking a bit worriedly, I gave her wink before pressing a finger to my lips.

Leliana grew a huge smile.

"I need…" I whisper, "a staff."

Casandra froze, "I'm…sorry?"

I assumed a nonchalant position, "Well if I'm going to help then I need a staff, as I'm not sure what happened to the other one during our fight with the Pride Staff."

Cassandra nodded, "Done."

Cassandra still looked firm. As if I still had more demands.

"That…" I tap my chin, "and my hoodie."

Cassandra cocked her head, "Er…done…?"

I couldn't keep a straight face anymore.

"…you know I was joking right?"

Cassandra blinked, "What?"

A huge grin broke out, "You didn't seriously think that I would just go and abandon the both of you to handle this right?"

Cassandra's eyes widened before they narrowed just as fast, "You…"

"Are totally with you," I say hastily, grabbing her hand and shaking it.

She nearly crushed it.

"Now," I say, clutching my throbbing hand, "is it just going to be us three leading the merry band of the Inquisition? Or what?"

Leliana smiled, "We have a few people."


A few hours later, Leliana and I had reentered the Chantry. I figured it would be good if I stayed away

"I do not understand why you insist on wearing…those," the red haired woman said, gesturing to my jeans and hoodie.

I fiddled with the drawstrings, "I could say the same about your choice of clothing. They feel comfortable," I try to explain.

"However they won't do well protecting you will they?" she pointed out.

I sighed, "Just don't worry."

As we approached, my Mark tingled again.

I don't know how but we stopped, "Does it trouble you?" Leliana asked.

"It doesn't hurt anymore if that's what you mean," I say.

"No. I mean…" Leliana frowned, "are you alright with it on your hand."

I frown, "It is, what it is. I'm just glad it stopped growing."

"The Breach and your Mark are closely connected, both are stable. You have given us time; Solas believes that a second attempt might succeed, provided the Mark has more power."

"Let me guess," I say, "The same amount of power that created the Breach in the first place."

Leliana nodded.

"That isn't going to be easy," I say, "But it kind of sounds fun, how dangerous can powering up bizarre magical artifact be?"

The woman raised an eyebrow, "Hold onto that humor."

Pushing open the doors, I entered the room to find that Cassandra, and two others were already inside.

Cassandra eyed me, "You took your time," she said.

As Leliana went to the edge of the table, which had a large map on it, I raised my hands, "Sorry, it just took a few moments to find my hoodie."

The Seeker sighed, "May I introduce," Cassandra began, "Commander Cullen, leader of the Inquisition forces."

The man was blonde, and he had on steel armor with the head of a lion on the chest plate, and red fur along his collar, "Such as they are. We lost many soldiers in the valley, and I fear many more before this is through."

"Let's hope they don't," I say.

Cassandra then looked to the second person.

The woman had dark, caramel skin and even darker hair tied up in a knot, she was carrying a clipboard that had a candle burning and a bright yellow dress adorned her.

"This is Lady Josephine Montilyet, our ambassador and chief diplomat."

The woman smiled and did a…curtsy?

"I've heard much, it is a pleasure to meet you at last."

I looked at her before saying, "Do…I bow back to you?"

The woman chuckled, "No. It is unnecessary."

I let out a breath, "Good because I have no idea on proper manners."

I thought Josephine twitched there, but Cassandra was already talking.

"Of course, you already know Sister Leliana."

The said woman nodded, "My position here involves a degree of-"

"She is our spymaster," Cassandra interrupted.

"Yes," Leliana said, "Tactfully put."

I looked around to see that everyone was looking at me.

"So…why am I here exactly? Leliana mentioned a plan," I say.

Leliana nodded, "Actually, it was Cassandra's. She mentioned that your Mark needed power if we want to close the Breach for good."

Before I could ask how we get this power, Leliana continued with, "Which means we must approach the rebel Mages for help."

"And I still disagree," Cullen said with a note of distaste, "The Templars could serve just as well."

I cleared my throat, "As interesting as this conversation is, I have a feeling there is a problem there."

"Yes…Maxwell," Josephine said, "Neither group will speak to us yet. The Chantry has denounced the Inquisition and you specifically," she continued, pointed her quill at me.

I blinked, "Me?"

Josephine nodded, "Some are calling you, a Mage, the 'Herald of Andraste' which frightens the Chantry. The remaining Clerics have declared it Blasphemy, and we are Heretics for harboring you."

I frowned, "Chancellor Dumbass?" I asked.

Cullen and Leliana grinned while Cassandra and Josephine frowned, "Rodrick," they both said.

"Ok, but…the Herald of Andraste? Where did that come from, exactly?"

"The people have heard of the woman first seen in the Rift when you emerged, calling her Andraste and you, her Herald," Josephine said calmly.

My jaw opened and closed, I tried to form some kind of words but they wouldn't come out.

People were already talking about how Andraste sent me? I mean, they weren't wrong but I just…

"Even if we stopped that view-" Leliana began.

"Which we won't," Cassandra stated.

Leliana looked aggravated at that, "Even if we do, everyone is talking about you."

"Quite the title, isn't it?" Cullen asked, "How do you feel about it?"

I could almost feel Andraste peering over my shoulder.

"I…don't know," I admitted.

"The Chantry has decided that for you it seems," Cullen said.

"People are desperate," Leliana began, "There are looking-"

"For a sign." I interrupted.

I glared at the spymaster, "Just as I told Cassandra when she pulled me out of that church, people like to look for an idol, something to say 'Hey! This proves I'm right' and so on. I don't know what to believe right now, but I don't care. Do you think that the Chantry might get someone to attack us?"

Cullen scoffed, "With what? They only have words at their disposal."

I raised an eyebrow, "The pen can be mightier than the sword."


Held at gun point…again.

"I wouldn't do that," I say.

"Yeah?" the guy asked.

You could tell he was already high, his pupils were like pinpricks and the white of his eyes were a light red.

I nodded, "You pull that trigger then every cop is going to on you, faster than white girls to Starbucks."

The guy blinked, "Really?" he asked as he lowered the gun slightly.

I nodded my head, "Oh yeah."

The guy nodded, "Then I should go."

"That sounds like a great idea."

As he ran away, I ran my fingers through my hair.


"There is one who may help," Leliana stated. "A Chantry Cleric, known as Mother Giselle, has asked to speak with you."

I blinked, "Why would she help us exactly? She has heard that I am a dangerous heretic, right?"

Leliana shrugged, "I heard she is a reasonable one, not easily paranoid like the other Chantry members."

I nodded my head, "Sounds good. So how long before we go see Mother Gisselle?"

"We can head out any time you wish," Leliana said.

"One last thing," I say.

Turning to Cassandra, I raised an eyebrow and a cheeky grin formed, "You wouldn't happen to have my staff would you?"

Cassandra had to be bodily restrained by Leliana as she attempted to tear me apart.

Read, Have a Great Day and God Bless

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