Magic and the Inquistion

by Battleship Vytalia

Finding himself in a fucked up fantasy word, a wizard has to find a way to get back to his own universe. All that stands in his way, are demons, a mage-templar war, a great big fucking hole in the sky, a civil war in knockoff France, a female elf mage who finds him fascinating, and an ancient human mage who is in severe need of a makeover

6. Chapter 6 Betrayer's Folly

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, Dragonage or anything else I may reference

Magic and the Inquisition

Chapter 6 Betrayer's Folly

9:41 Dragon

Hinterlands

Quickly and silently, Valeyna advanced towards her targets. In front of her, two Templar's had their back turned as they stood beside the entrance to the small village. Gently drawing her small sharp knife so as not to make a sound and alert the Templars, from its sheath, she stalked towards her target making no noise whatsoever controlling her footfall to make far less noisy steps as they impacted the grass as well as ensuring she did not accidentally step on some twig. On her right, Cassandra copied her example only she possessed a rather dagger instead of a small cutting knife. Unfortunately, Cassandra's armour prevented the Seeker from being anywhere near as subtle in her actions compared to the young elf who had spent a good amount of her time light on her feet dancing across the forest occasionally with the hunters of clan Lavellan. Something that was showcased rather obviously when by accident the dark-haired woman stood on a twig that snapped. Reacting before anything could be screwed up, the two rushed over hiding behind a rather conveniently placed boulder before the Templar's turned around.

Having recognised the lone stone tower within the mostly destroyed village as the headquarters for the rouge Templars in the Hinterlands, Valeyna knew she had to clear it of enemy forces less it's strategic position overlooking the only bridge over the vital river be turned against them. They had seen this location the previous day when they had first arrived at their broken down castle they had slept in the previous night and seen for themselves the damage wrought by the rouge members of the Templar order. In the clearing surrounded by stony hill formations on one side and a river on the other were homes that had once been owned by normal common folk that had been burnt down in the most part or occupied by the attackers. Bodies had been dumped haphazardly into a pile with no care for those now dead instead they had been left to decompose in the open allowing for flies to buzz around as they waited to feed upon corpses.

Elsewhere in the clearing, Templar's walked around completing their daily tasks, sounds of metal clashing against metal were prevalent as they trained against one another. Another sound that could be heard was the thunking of wood as Templar archers loosed their arrows at set up targets practising their accuracy for when they inevitably faced down another mage. All around the camp, there were gaps for people to sneak in through and all had been plugged with a posting of Templars to securely hold the many entrances to their camp. Not that they were doing a good job.

Brilliant fighter's the Templar order might be, but they still got bored and after having cleared away anyone who had been in this village before they had arrived, they felt safe in their power. After all, who was going to clear them out, the King of Ferelden?. King Alistair had far more important concerns on his plate to worry about than just a few Templars causing on a holy crusade. Thanks to their newfound safety, they had grown bored in their location and were raring to butcher some mages and all those who sympathised with their cause only for now they had been halted due to the forces of a heretical order which had just shown up on their doorstep. But ultimate they were still bored, and when bored they tended to look for anything to entertain them which in this case were a few girls that they had "commandeered" to help the Templar order. As the holy servants of the Maker and the ones who held back the evil that was magic, it was only fair in their minds if they had certain individuals to alleviate their "troubles". As for the girls themselves, they wouldn't dare complain out loud at the treatment, one only had to look at the pile of bodies to see what happened to them and that was if they were men. It wasn't allowed to last long, just a few quick goes to humiliate them and then they were executed with their bodies joining the rest of the corpse pile. What was even worse, was that all of it had to take part in the tower itself just in case some idiot decided to attack them. As if anyone was that reckless.

Hiding behind the large rock, Valeyna concentrated on what she remembered was a Templars weak point in their armour and the best way to slip her knife into it. She dare not use magic less the sound it makes draw too much notice and alert the others in the area. Without a doubt, she knew that if the Templars were to get wind of an attack on them, then the girls who resided in the tower would be outright murdered. One of the greatest problems with her choice of attack in a subtle manner was that it forced her to split her team in two. The first group of her and Cassandra would sneak into the main village and rescue a group of hostages stuck in a tower whilst Nat and Varrick would infiltrate the tower itself in hopes of killing the Templar commander. Another reason why she couldn't use magic besides the noise it generated, was that the smell of a burning corpse would soo waft itself around the rest of the Templar base. For this exact reason, the group had lost half its strength as both her and Nat were rather useless leaving it up to Cassandra and Varrick to cover them.

Cassandra's stony gaze fell upon her as she gripped her sword while placing herself in a more advantageous position. Curious as to the nose they heard, the Templars got closer. Searching her immediate vicinity for any sort of way out of this in hopes of saving innocent girls lives, she smirked when she saw a grey small rock that would fit in the size of her hand. Picking it up, she peered around the rock just revealing enough of her body to see the area behind the rock yet still remaining unseen by the Templars. It was a far easier job then one realised. While wearing armour was a very valuable commodity for Templars so they could protect themselves from attack, their helmets only had a very thin gap for their eyes severely limiting their vision.

Valeyna waited for the Templars to change the direction of their gaze. When they did, she threw the rock that she had previously picked up high into the air and behind the armoured men. It flew for a few metres before then hitting the ground behind the Templars. Spontaneously the men turned on their heels expecting to see some kind of apostate only for instead them to come face to face with none other than the terrifying monster that haunted the dreams of men and demons alike, for they saw a squirrel. They laughed at their own paranoia lowering their guard not believing that they had been so disturbed by such a creature. It was the last thing they did. Neither of them felt as strong hands gripped their helmets tightly and the sharp cold metal that plunged hard into the back of their necks and came straight out the other side. They were then caught swiftly before they could fall and lowered to the ground were quickly hidden away by their attackers leaving the entrance they were guarding wide open.

Continuing in their mission, the two of them crept into the back end of the village vaulting over a small wicker fence on one house into its back garden. Scanning the immediate area in the small but still possible case that they disrupted any person, the women kept silent although relieved. When they checked back door into the house they hoped desperately that with all the chaos, that whoever had owned this house had simply forgotten to lock the door. They had. Progressing inside, the two of them slid their backs against the interior wall by the front window which overlooked the main road in the village supplying them a favourable view of the village.

For the next ten minutes, they watched the village outside of this small shack that hadn't even possessed a wooden floor but rather a hard dirt floor only made so by the constant pressure of walking provided from the common folk who had once lived within. They marked down where each of the archers was located which in general was in groups of five situated within a bigger group of about thirty templars in total. Each group besides its five archers also had twelve normal Templar's with their swords and shield alongside three veteran Templars equipped in far bulkier armour with a thicker shield that would be able to take the impact of a staff's usual spell protecting the Templar from harm. All in all, there were three groups of stacked together Templars consisting of a total of ninety and another forty other Templars which were more on their own various performing duties or simply relaxing with an unknown total in the tower itself.

Aside from the rouge Templars, they also saw where some captured mages were being held going by their fluffy shouldered mage robes. Both Valeyna and Cassandra wondered why the Templars had kept some mages captive, but it was soon made prevalent as a Templar with an evil malicious grin on her face marched to the wooden house that the mages were being kept in. Upon her arrival, the six Templars who had been standing guard moved to let her pass while one of the group opened the door revealing the looks of terrified mages. The woman whoever she was, left the house mere moments later with a young child no older than Nat was, brutally dragging him by his ear all the while the kid tried to fight the best he could. After a hard yank, the boy pulled free only for seconds later the Templar woman to get in front of him and shove her knee straight into the kids gut winding him as he fell to the floor with a heavy thump. With no care or mercy, she then proceeded to drag the kid head first through all the mud, blood and shit of the village before dragging him up a pyre where a beam of wood was set upright.

"Maker have mercy" Cassandra was horrified by what she was seeing. The two women witnessed as with tears and streams running down the boy's cheeks that the kid was tied to the wooden post. Once the Templar woman had ensured that the boy had been tied down correctly, she stepped down from the wooden pyre with excited glee as she heard the boy wail for help.

"Brothers and Sisters of the Templar Order" Increasing the volume of her voice, the woman's words echoed around the camp grabbing the attention of all those within the vicinity to hear, after a few moments of checking that she had everyone's gaze on her, the woman continued her speech. "Today we do our rightful duty to the Chantry, Andraste and to the Maker himself. For too long magic has been allowed to plague this good earth corrupting all it touches. For a time we were sworn to defend the people of Thedas from the evil that is magic so that good people may live their lives free from terror. We were kind to the mages, we allowed them to live in Circles meant to protect them so that they could harness their power for good." While she yelled, Valeyna noticed that the Templars who were off guard as showcased by them not wearing their helmets showed anger on their faces as the name of the Chantry was brought up as well as what their former duty had been. "However was our kindness ever acknowledged"

"No" The crowd of Templars yelled loudly answering the question that their commander had given them. Anger burned in their eyes the memories of good friends and comrades lost to the forces of magic or corrupted by its presence fresh in the minds of many.

"That is right my friends. Their disgusting kind never thanked us for the kindness that we showed them, they refuse to admit that they are not even people. Because that is what mages are bothers and sisters, they are simply shells for demons to come through and destroy the world. They are not people, they do not deserve our kindness or respect, rather they are a curse on good people, a curse that had brought countless horrors like the Blights themselves." As she continued to bellow on to her lunatic Templars, the sounds and angry yelling coming from her subordinates only increased to the point that only the commander could be heard.

"It was Andraste herself who said that Magic is meant to serve man and never to rule over him. Yet the mages have never heeded the wise words of the Prophet and have sought only to showcase Magic's true purpose. Yet people ask for proof of Magic's evil, Mages scoff at us believing that we are the tyrants., they lie, of course, Templar's have only ever served the common folk and to protect them every action is required and justified".

"That's not true" Cassandra spat angrily upon hearing the disgusting words that were vomited from the vile repugnant woman who was demonizing mages, This was not the true Templar order, the true Templar order was to protect both the common man and the mage from harm. Mages were born with an incredible curse, but so many were good people who did not deserve to be born the way they were. Valeyna, for example, may have been Dalish but she used her magic to assist the Inquisition to bring order back to Thedas and to help people. Nat also helped people with his magic by killing those who would harm innocents. Solas was yet another mage who was on the Makers side. The Maker did not hate mages, for when the Breach opened he sent three. One gifted with none other than the key to closing the Breach itself, the other who held advanced and extreme knowledge of the Fade and the third a powerful mage who could strike down those who would see chaos reign.

"Cassandra you need to be quiet, else someone hears us" With an angry growl, Cassandra relented, but she could only watch angrily with her lips twitching as she knew what that Templar woman was going to do to that child. It was a fate that nobody deserved.

"Herald they are going to kill a young boy simply for having magic. Surely we must help" Painfully, Valeyna closed her eyes slowly gripping her staff as she did so. She felt anger, so much anger inside of herself for not intervening. That boy was going to die, he was going to be burnt alive screaming as the fire cooked him alive treating to him a brutal death and there was nothing she could do. She wanted to help, the boy didn't deserve to die. Except for the moment she revealed herself, was the moment everyone died. The house where the other mages were locked up in, was made of wood and guarded by Templar's with unlit torches in arms reach and a fire pit directly in front of them. Should she show herself, then the Templar's on guard would set the entire house on fire burning all the mages alive. Not to mention, that she was also concerned for her own safety. Her staff gave her away as a mage making her an easy target for the Templars to cut down. All the soldiers of the Chantry would have to do, is nullify magic and that would leave her and Nat out of the fight leaving Cassandra and Varrick to fight one hundred Templars on their own.

"No, if we do the mages will be killed" As much as she hated it, the way her stomach was sinking with dread, she did not muster herself from her spot and also prevented Cassandra from leaping into action. She carried on watching.

"And now they have gone one step too far. Not only have Mages destroyed the Chantry in Kirkwall killing the revered mother and sparking of the first rebellion, but they also destroyed the Templars there. After which they then escaped like the cowards they are including one other than the one responsible for such a horrendous act. And not only did the mages dare to oppose us by killing us, the Makers chosen one's soldiers sworn to defend this land from the heresy of magic but they did the evilest thing of all. They destroyed the conclave killing Divine Justinia herself"

Roaring in utter anger, the templar's drew their swords waving them in the air as they yelled the name of the now dead Divine in vengeance. Calls for the death of all mages were made, that no mage should be left unpunished and finally, that from this day a mage should never be allowed to live.

"And what has happened since the death of our beloved Divine, her two most trusted members have created the inquisition to none other than seizing power and worst of all they named a HERETIC the Herald of Andraste. I for one will not allow the name of the Maker and Andraste to be sullied in such a way, I will not allow a corrupt and decadent Chantry to prevent us from accomplishing the true goals of the Templar order. From this day forth I declare an annulment of all mages, wherever they may hide on every continent of every race. We shall find and slay them all until none remain. And we shall start with this one. Let this one be a message to all those with the barbaric curse of Magic. Your kind will no longer be tolerated"

Grabbing a torch, the woman shoved it into a fire pit before igniting the stick with red hot fire an action that was then taken by three other Templars who took their positions at one of each of the four corners of the square-shaped pyre. By now the kid had screamed so much that his voice had gone course begging and pleading for his life for mercy invoking the name of the Maker and Andraste. The commander ignored the pleas and the tears in his eyes the fear plastered on his young innocent face. Instead, the commander wore a happy psychotic grin on her face as she lowered the torch excruciatingly slowly so as to torture the boy even further teasing the boy with mental torture about something they could not stop.

Flames danced from the torch happily leaping onto the old dried wood base that made up the stand of the pyre. A few moments, that was all that was required for the fire to turn into a blaze as it lathered itself from all four corners smothering the entire wood before finally once given enough energy, it blazed upwards like an inferno. Then the screams came, the nightmare-inducing god-awful utter agony of the screams emanating from the boy's mouth. Screams of pain as the fire licked and dried the boy's skin cooking them slowly like one might cook a piece of meat on a spit. The flames burnt all, the tears straining the boy's cheek as he cried out in pain and for his mother, for it to stop, anything. Death permeated the air; the smell of a child cooking was met with joyous applause by the Templar's as they yelled in triumph.

Then it fell silent.

No screams, no wailing, only the sounds of flesh being cooked alive and the crackling of fire as orange flame danced wildly gave away what was occurring.

The boy was dead.

"Those monsters, they are not Templar's they deserve nothing but death for their crimes" Enraged, it required all of Valeyna's strength to prevent Cassandra from kicking the door down there and then and massacre every single Templar in the village.

"Leave it to Nat and Varrick Cassandra" Valeyna implored as best she could not wanting to raise a scene and risk the lives of more mages. "We need to get those kids out of that house". Valeyna's tone was harsh, her eyes burning with fury at the sheer lack of mercy that the Templar's had treated the young boy and the screams he yelled. Locking onto the Templar commander she gave a silent prayer to Elgar'nan the god of vengeance to grant her strength so she could kill that woman when the time came. For now, she convinced the Seeker to focus on what was more important. They ducked down under the window again escaping the vision of the Templar commander as she examined the area looking for any hostiles.

Sneaking out of the house and directly into an alley nestled between the house they had been in and another leading directly onto the main street, they paused. Templar soldiers were standing guard waiting watching for an opportunity to fight or kill anyone they could as adrenaline pumped through their veins. On the other side of the street, a young set of eyes located in the house golding the mages hostage discovered the two women. Screaming banging and yelling suddenly emerged loudly from the structure drawing the six guard's attention to the individual making such a ruckus. Recognising a distraction when she saw one, Cassandra grabbed Valeynas shoulder and started pulled her out of the alley into the street.

Quickly dashing as fast as they could, Valeyna picked up another stone from the road as she did so Thanks to the distraction of both the boy's body burning located by the Templar commander and the now distracted Templar guards, the two easily managed to get to the other side where they were spotted again by the mages inside. They kept quiet, both sides knew that any sort of sign would tip the Templars off to a rescue resulting in all of their deaths.

"Be quiet back there before we set all of you alight at once" Angrily yelling at their prisoners the Templars with their swords drawn banged against the slightly damaged front door. Slipping around the back, Valeyna felt wary and scared as she came within enough distance to feel the Templar's abilities first hand. Her connection to the Fade had been weakened and made impossible to draw upon. From this moment until she left the vicinity of the Templars she knew she would not be able to draw on the slightest spark of magical energy. It had for this exact reason why the mages had been captured like pigs only unlike animals, they got to watch as they were each taken away one by one and burnt at the stake or worse for attractive females, taken to the tower.

Crouched beside the side of the building, Cassandra gave a quick glimpse at what was at the other side. The woman frowned as she counted the opponents. There were only two Templar's that were guarding what seemed to be an entry into an underground basement attached to the house above. Most certainly if the rest of the building was formed of wood, then the basement had been created of stone to better store perishable items or it had been used for that purpose before the Templar's arrived. Ever since their arrival, the Templar's had decimated leaving the group very little in terms of structures to properly operate. Nevertheless, they had made a smart tactical move by placing the mages in a location that they could not escape from with any attempt resulting in them being cooked alive.

The basement entrance had been barred shut however by a thick wooden plank pushed through the two handles preventing anyone from the inside from opening it. Still, two Templar's had been assigned to guard the back entrance just in case there was an incident of some kind. However, like the other Templars they had encountered, the guardians of the basement door didn't seem very interested in their job rather they were bored beyond belief and so arrogant in their idea that a person could not sneak into their camp that not once did they contemplate performing a scan of the area to ensure no one was attempting to sneak up on them and kill them weren't they weren't looking. To Cassandra, it was disgraceful to see Templars so poor at basic jobs, even if they had become psychotic murdering assholes. On the other hand, lazy Templars made for easy pickings. With hand motions alone, Valeyna and Cassandra picked their targets and stalked forward's with weapons drawn.

A quick shiv of her knife into the back of the Templar's neck instantly ended the life of the former Templar. Once again ensuring that the Templars bodies made no sounds, they caught them before gently laying them on the floor. Cassandra took the next action, stepping towards the basement entrance she gripped the plank of heavy wood where she then yanked the blockading wood out of the handles bars leaving the door in a position to be opened. When she opened the doors to the basement, Cassandra was met by the faces of terrified mages who looked at her in fright. Not letting them ruin her plan, Cassandra placed a finger to her lips to indicate that she needed silence. The people complied.

"I am Cassandra Penthagast of the Inquisition and this is the Herald of Andraste, we require your silence for you to escape. For now remain silent as we clear a path for your escape". On hearing that none other than the legendary chosen women that had survived the conclave, the mages offered the most respectful bow that they could give as they gave off what they considered to be a more appropriate greeting for someone of Valeyna's social standing. It was interrupted when one man in his thirties pushed ahead of the group of mages so that he could be seen by both of the women.

"What about my daughter, she and her friend were taken to that tower. Can you get her back, please she's all I have, she doesn't deserve to be treated like some whore" Focusing on the tower, Valeyna shook her head, it was too much of a risk for her and Cassandra to head there, they would be spotted instantly resulting in a group of dead mages. She did feel for the man, to have his daughter taken away to be raped by Templars likely before they brutally killed her was not a fate she would want for anyone. But she had a more important job of rescuing the majority of the mages.

Before they began this operation, Nat had stated that there was the very real possibility that there may be mage prisoners and in which case if that were true, then they should do their best to rescue and recruit them into the Inquisition to assist them in their goals of closing the breach. Now that she had discovered that there were indeed mages that required saving, she knew she had to rescue the mages and for this reason as much as she despised the idea of what those Templars may be doing to the young girls who had been taken, that she could not place one man's daughter above the lives of all the other mages. Only once the rest of the mages were safe, could she cut loose on the Templars and start killing them or going on more high profile rescue missions. Otherwise, she would have to rely on her two friends to complete their half of the mission.

"I have friends wrking on that, for now, I need you to stay here while Cassandra and I clear a path for you to escape" With trepidation and fear, the man had tears starting to run down his cheeks as he thought of what might happen to his daughter. In another scenario, the man would have gone after his daughter himself but right now he had no way to help his daughter, with his magic repressed by the Templars. Anything he would try would end up killing his daughter and his friends alongside the other members of the circle they had escaped from. Because of this, he desperately clung to the young Dalish woman's words and prayed to the Maker that she would be successful.

"We need to go, drag those bodies inside and stay quiet until we create a path for you." With orders given from Cassandra, the two carried on around the back of the house looking to identify the best way to escape the village. The route they took, Valeyna knew that it had to be short and have as much cover from archer fire as possible. Should the Templars be made aware of their presence, then archers would be the most poignant problem they would face. Because mages only wore robes, a decision made by the Templars that were supposed to be a stylish choice when in actuality it was to prevent the mages from having anything to defend themselves from a sword slash or arrow, the mages were very likely to be killed if they were hit.

After only a small amount of searching, they found one. There was a small narrow crack in the valley on the north side barely wide enough for one person to squeeze through and led onto an incline. Luckily, it was defended by a lone distracted Templar. The only problem with this route was that they would have t expose themselves and cross the street to get to it and escape. Y when compared to the other entrances that were close to Templar backup, it was also the least defended and offered the best chance for escape. They didn't go for it, however, rather the two women scouted the area around their escape route and learned of what they would be facing.

One of the groups of thirty templars were close and an alert to them would most assuredly lead to the extinction of all of the mages. Despite this, Valeyna still accepted this route as it was the best possible way to get the innocent mages out of the area. To this end, she alongside Cassandra quickly crossed the street and sneaked to the poorly manned crevice she had seen.

Unfortunately, Cassandra's footsteps weren't quite enough, the heavily armed lady had rushed too much alerting the Templar soldier who picked up his sword as he opened his mouth the undoubtedly bellow out to his companions that the base had been infiltrated. Striking between the eyes of the Templars unguarded forehead, Cassandra's dagger went straight through the skin and bone striking and killing the brain dropping the corpse to the floor.

"Disgraceful, Templar's should always wear helmets when guarding a location". Valeyna gave the seeker an odd look.

"You're berating them?" Cassandras faced turned to that of a more serious one like when she would bark out orders to the training soldiers back at Haven.

"They may be rogue, but they were once Templars, they should have known better." Shaking her head, Valeyna returned her attention back across the road to where she had left the mages. Once she knew she had the group's attention, she gave a wave of her hand to indicate that they should start moving from their location over to the escape route. It started off as a few waves of three to seven just to try and minimize the noise, things were going well and some of the children had already reached their position and began crawling out of the valley. Then the fourth group went, a group of three consisting of two teenage female mages and what was likely their tutor. They ran across the still empty road.

Whoosh

Slamming into the man's chest with a mighty thwack, an arrow penetrated the flesh of the man sliding straight through until it cut directly into his liver. A brief groan of pain escaped the man promptly followed by two high pitched screams from the girl as they stopped in their tracks shaken by fear. This proved to be their death as two more loosed arrows fell from the sky and stuck their chests killing them instantly.

"Run" Valeyna screamed at the top of her lungs. Grasping the staff from her back, she targeted the first group of Templars. It was the group of six who had instantaneously performed their duties of setting the house alight before then throwing away the torches and rushing to meet the now scampering mages. As soon as the first one came into sight, Valeyna unleashed a bolt of chain lightning at the men covered in armour. It struck hard and true, using the steel of their armour as a conductor, the powerful lightning attack bounced from the first Templar into all the others dropping their charred bodies down to the floor dead.

Yells of bellowing Templars soon followed, in the distance heavy footfall was painfully clear as the Templars all left their position to strike the group of escaping mages. Arrows kept flying from on top the tower, only they had swapped their aim form the weaponless mages to her and Cassandra who in contrast had weapons in their hands. Raising a barrier over herself, Valeyna was glad of the spell's existence as an arrow raced towards her and then disintegrated off her shield.

"We must protect the mages Cassandra" The dark haired woman nodded in return before charging in the direction that the group of thirty Templars had been stationed. Both of them, of course, knew that with just the two of them, they didn't have much hope of fending off the entire garrison. As to when Nat and Varrick would arrive and provide assistance to them in the fight, Valeyna didn't know, but she desperately hoped that they would deal with the archers. A bolt rushed towards her. Her eyes widened in recognition. Throwing her self to the side, narrowly she managed to dodge as a ballista bolt crashed into a mage directly behind her slicing them in half like a hot knife through butter.

"A ballista, they have a fucking ballista" She yelled angrily as she took in the sight of the now very dead mage that moments ago had been behind her and the large chunk of wood that had severed their body from their legs. More screaming and yelling followed from the mages as they gave up all pretence of trying to be sneaky instead taking their chances and summoning whatever barriers they could to defend themselves as they made for the valley entrance. Another bolt followed missing her but impaling itself into the ground on Valeyna's right-hand side. "Nat where the fuck are you?".

Nat and Varrick

"So kid, what you going to do when we get back to Haven.?" Curious about the boy's future plans, Varrick kept his voice relatively quiet as they infiltrated the base. As the two of them were most assuredly the sneakier ones of the group, Varrick because he was a rogue and Nat since he had a seemingly amazing ability to stay out of the sight of Templars, they were the ones who would be climbing up the tower in hopes of finding the commander of the area.

"Read most likely. You wouldn't happen to know any decent science and technology books would you." Nat replied lightly. Behind his sunglasses, he bookmarked the location of every single Templar and the weapons that they were using and the likely strategies that they would use. He didn't have anything as fancy as photographic memory, although he would have loved to have that special ability. Rather it was all down to experience, after enough battles, you just knew where everything was subconsciously and how enemies would use it and in turn, he knew how to counter it.

"Technology, why do you want to read that type of stuff?" Most books that kids read to Varrick's knowledge were more often obsessed with becoming knights and fighting evil creatures for boys. In the case for girls, it was about becoming beautiful girls that guys would want to marry. Personally, Varrick preferred fiction. It allowed him to escape the shitty reality of life and if not, he often found at a minimum the commentary on everyday life amusing.

"Just curious" Nat responded blandly backing himself against a wall as a Templar turned in his direction escaping from view. Honestly, without access to the internet to keep him entertained and learn random facts about things or just study entire new lessons, on things like science, he was struck with having to rely on the books he had on his kindle. The technology of this world was something that intrigued him for a multitude of reasons.

For one, he desired to place where roughly this world was in the technological process compared to Earth. Currently, he was favouring more towards the early renaissance period thanks to things such as the designs of modern sailing ships, heavy plate armour, gunpowder otherwise known as Gatlok to the Qunari and multiple other notable things that were associated with the late medieval period. As for why he wanted to know about technology, the answer was rather simple. Knowing about such technological advancements could prove useful in the long run if he was unable to go home and was stuck here.

He wasn't some fool optimist who absolutely believed with utter univariably that he was going to escape this fucked up world and return to his more sane one of Earth. Even if that did mean returning to a world where nuclear war could occur and the social situation at home was going to utter shit thanks to consecutive awful muggle governments no matter the bloody party. Even with all the possible searching, he could do, the odds of ever discovering and then replicating the elven cross-dimensional portal was slim, Rather the far more likely result was that he was stuck here for the rest of his days away from home in a dangerous world. Should that be the case, then he had no intention whatsoever of doing nothing bar sitting on his arse all day complaining about the loss of the "good old day's" hidden from the rest of humanity.

Not that it sounded all bad, being alone away from annoying neighbours was something he rather very much liked the sound of. However, he liked to do something with his time, things like solving problems or reading a book or something practical in general. Not to mention, sitting down on his ass all day every day wouldn't get him a job even if he didn't need one thanks to his magic. He craved something that could stimulate his mind, especially as most likely his magical combat skills would surely deteriorate over time as there weren't any official duelling tournaments unless he decided to go to war with someone.

He also desired political power, he was still learning more about this world and especially about magic and how powerful it could be directed by those who made the big decisions on Magic. Officially he was classed as a mage and therefore any legislation passed by any monarch or the Chantry would affect him restricting his freedom. Considering that most legislation on magic was to thrown them in a circle, it was a necessity that he could gain the power he needed to ensure that he was safe from any action taken against him.

Hence he had come to the conclusion that should he not be able to return to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northen Ireland the place of his birth, then he would become a businessman recreating what technology he could from the earth and sell it here for a profit. Thankfully he had already gained an interest in science and technology before departing for this world leaving him a strong base for any future projects or businesses he may have. Of course, creating a business wasn't that simple, he needed to get a good look at the market to see what was being sold by competitors and thrust himself in the places that nobody even knew existed.

To gain any type of monetary power, he would have to start off small; building up the capital and the technology so he could expand his potential business. For instance, he knew that should he bring forth the steam train to this world and then charge those who desired to use it, then he could make a good deal of profit from such a venture. Only it was not so simple as major problems hindered him. Firstly, iron and steel in this world were ridiculously expensive because of the lack of technology to both efficiently mine it, and craft it. Most iron and steel of this world were hoarded for weapons with full steel plate armour for a knight being worth at least a year's wages. To create a train and the track that would be needed to ensure that it ran without giving away too much of his magic, he would first have to kick-start an entire industrial revolution.

Nat knew that many other things and processes needed to be created or invented first, but it was still a backup plan for the future in case things went poorly in his quest to return home. Without a doubt, his main priority where nearly all efforts would be focused on would be to get home. Yet he could not ignore the very real possibility that he never would achieve that requiring him to have a backup plan just in case. Should he be able to return home to his world one day, then he may be annoyed with himself for diverting time away from his goal and creating a business. On the other hand, if he didn't then he would be glad that he had planned ahead for his own financial safety. Speaking of which, with a new set of future plans being put into production, he knew he had to ensure that he was not attacked by possible opponents in the case he was successful.

As a member of the merchant guild, Varrick had a large number of contacts and knowledge on how the different businesses worked. If he were to befriend the man, then he may get the leverage needed to get the man to assist in him in his future goals. For instance, Should he need to know the locations of vast iron sites, Varrick would likely be able to find out for him alongside who was operating them. Should he manage to get a business running, then he could speak to Varrick about encouraging his contacts into a business deal with him. Varrick could also provide him with a starting point in any business he made, with how influential he was in Kirkwall, Varrick might be able to speak to some people about bending the rules for him.

"Yeah, I might know a few. When we get back to Haven I'll give you a list" Following the boy closely, Varrick assumed that with how much the boy read, that he simply desired to learn new things about the world including how things worked. Not that he had a problem with that, those who weren't born into noble or merchant families were dirt poor and suffered through life. Learning a decent trade and working for a merchant or something similar could lead to a better standard than most and with the kid's abilities, he knew a few people who wouldn't mind in the future having a young deadly mage with them.

"Thank you, Varrick. Now please don't yell this next part." After sneaking around the village, they had come to the back part of the tower. It wasn't in the best of condition having most likely been damaged in a confrontation with the mages at an earlier date, but it was still good enough to act as a base. The back part of the tower hadn't been guarded, mostly as there was nothing to guard, no back door into the tower or cellar, no houses nearby and no escape to the rest of the Hinterlands area. On the opposite side of the tower where the front door was located, there were a set of guards who like every other Templar they had witnessed, were rather bored with their jobs of standing around despite being religious maniacs. How they had managed to avoid the archers on the higher levels was thanks to a mix of training and the archers being too bored to care.

Not desiring to risk the fact that his magic would be unaffected by the Templars raising future uncomfortable questions, Nat had not used any fancy magic to hide him and Varrick from sight such as a camouflage spell. Rather instead, to try and help them sneak around the tower, he had applied a muffling spell on them. It was not as good as a silencing charm which would prevent all noise entirely, but the muffling spell was a way of decreasing the noise to a certain level and still being believable. Should he start throwing blasting curses around, then the enemy would be alerted. still, it was better than causing Varrick to get suspicious and the dwarf accidentally revealing what had happened to Cassandra or Leliana later down the line. Otherwise, It was only slightly annoying having to hold back on such useful spells. Had it not been for the presence of Varrick, then he could have dealt with this situation rather easily. Onto the enemy Templars that were guarding the place, he wasn't impressed by what he had seen.

Actually, Nat was rather pleased with the rather lacklustre standards that these bored out of their mind Templars had. Their sloppiness with their duties made it far easier for him to discover a way into the castle without using the front door. Because, While the front door may have been guarded heavily and with the tower not possessing a back door leaving it firmly secure, the Templars had felt rather safe leaving a wide wooded board window open to the fresh morning air of the Hinterlands.

Before Varrick could even ask what the kid meant, he felt his feet unwillingly leave the ground, shocked he looked around trying to figure out what had happened. Only once he looked at his feet, he saw that he had already risen at least four metres off the ground and was continuing to rise towards the open window. Below him, Varrick chuckled slightly shaking his head as he saw the kid with that staff of his lift him higher into the air without a word before then depositing him onto the towers stony window.

Nat didn't follow immediately, instead, preferring to give himself five minutes on the floor to ensure that Varrick had secured the immediate area. With no sounds of battle, he raised his wand at the window once more only this time firing a rope connected to a large metal grappling hook at the end. Clinging once it struck the stone window frame sill, Nat pulled back the rope. Once Nat had given it a good few tugs making sure that the rope was strong and secure so he wouldn't ultimately plummet down to his death, he gripped the rope and then proceeded to haul himself upwards his feet impacting the castle walls steadying himself while his arms did the vital work of pulling himself upwards.

"Nice work kid, how come you didn't do the floaty thing on yourself" Gently landing on the floor of the room, Nat vanished the climbing rope and joined Varrick answering his question as he did so.

"Its awkward, two mages levitating one another at the exact same time is far easier than trying to levitate yourself unless you know how to fly" Varrick blinked had the kid seriously just implied what he thought he did.

"You can fly kid, Wish I had that type of power, you don't know the number of things I could use that for. Ah shit" Breaking his lock picks, Varrick swore, it had been a rather nice set that Hawke had bought him a few years back. With the door lock now jammed, Varrick turned to Nat silently asking him to sort the problem out most likely by blowing the door up. Nat shook his head, approaching the door to the room, he lowered his wand in the direction of the keyhole and then cast an unlocking charm. A small flash of white light from the keyhole later, and the door was unlocked. Turning his attention onto the dwarf Nat saw that Varrick who had been expecting a bit more of an explosive solution. Then he witnessed Varrick treating him with a very intrigued look. That intrigued look soon enough turned into a smirk as Varrick thought of all the little things he could use such a spell for. "So you can fly and unlock door's, just curious but what else can that spell of yours do. For instance, could it open a locked safe?" Desiring to build a good relationship with Varrick, Nat relayed some information to the man.

"No, I can't personally fly, its a very tricky type of magic to learn even among our people. It requires ridiculous amounts of power and knowledge. In fact, there's only ever been one person amongst our people that could fly, and that guy's now dead. As for that unlocking spell, so long as it isn't protected by magic, I can open any lock or door from the smallest one to the most tightly protected ones." Varrick grinned, he was glad that he had asked that when he was alone with the kid, had he asked it in front of Cassandra, then the woman would have been far more cautious of the kid or berate him for merely inquiring just what Nat could do with magic. The possibilities were endless, if he could manage to convince Nat to give him some help with some particular objects, then it would save him a decent amount of coin then having to use a large amount of favours hunting and recruiting the one person who might be able to open a particular locked item.

"How come no one else learned to fly?" Varrick asked, entering an open room, they were soon met by two very startled Templars. Two startled Templars who soon found themselves impaled by arrows not making a noise. Varrick nodded toward Nat thankful that the kid had managed not to give their location away to a bunch of rather inept Templars.

"Guy wanted to keep the magic for himself, it's not uncommon. He also wasn't exactly in a position to teach others considering the fact that he was the leader of the group who wanted to conquer Thedas in the civil war. Shame really, Wish I knew how to fly". That was something that Varrick entirely agreed with, he may be a dwarf but he could just imagine the shocked look on Cassandras face if he was to suddenly start flying in front of her. Actually, that gave him an idea, he'd have to speak with the kid later but he had an idea for a great trick.

"So kid about this unlocking spell of yours, do you think you could help me out with a small favour when we get back to Haven" Varrick wouldn't lie about the fact that he was somewhat jealous of the kid. He had to learn how to pick locks with his equipment and there was always the chance of it breaking, so for a mage to have a spell that simply unlocked something was rather amazing. It was also very profitable.

"That depends on how much you're paying. After all, when I say that spell unlock's anything that isn't magically protected, I mean anything. You could have a twenty ton highly reinforced door with the most complex gear system requiring a hundred keys that had to be made out of a particular metal all turned within a particular pattern within a certain time frame. All I have to do is cast one simple spell it's open sesame." While Varrick didn't exactly understand the last phrase, he was very happy to hear just how effective Nat's little spell was. If the kid was telling the truth, then all the troubles that he and others he had been in contact with when it came to opening certain locked containers, then he may have singlehandedly just found a master key. Of course, he'd have to test it out, he couldn't exactly make money if the kid was lying to him, but he trusted the kid to a certain amount.

"20%" Varrick offered. Noticing the slightly greedy tone to the man, Nat smiled internally. Varrick was generally a good guy from what he had seen so far, he was a rogue and so had the typical traits that came with it such as wanting to expand his business and was willing to use cutthroat tactics if absolutely needed. Yet he could tell Varrick more often than not didn't want to go round killing people when they could negotiate things diplomatically. Varrick was also quite protective it seemed. He had noticed how the man would talk to the servants from time to time when he was reading about Thedas asking them how he was. It was made far more apparent when after only knowing him for a short time, that Varrick had sent word to his contacts for help.

"70%" With a fake gasp, Varrick felt a little joy at seeing the kid try to barter with him. It was almost like seeing a young protégé join up, stepping into the big bad world as they got ready to make their first cutthroat deal and take on other merchants.

"Come on now kid, I'd be doing all the work, I need the extra fees to cover the finding and transport task. 25%" Varrick waited for a response, he wanted to see how far the kid was willing to take this.

"70% of profit, after all, expenses are paid, no less" Moving up the stairs, Varrick while aware of his surroundings had not noticed that by now they should have been noticed for the noise they were making. What he didn't know, was that while Nat was attempting to keep off using magic, he was using a local sound muffling charm, that while not as effective as an outright sound barrier preventing it from escaping, essentially lowered the sound they made. Should a Templar notice them and use their abilities, he could then drop the muffle charm raising the sound to a normal level allowing Varrick to believe that they were dealing with a rather rubbish bunch of Templar's.

"You aren't asking for much" Varrick joked "25% is a good amount for a kid your age, far more then what others have and certainly above what any mage kid in this part of Thedas. Why would you want more?" Varrick observed the kid closely. Nat had a good business face, he never let anyone see what he was thinking or gave off any emotion when he talked. It was slightly creepy in that respect, but it also gave him something that most merchants spent years trying to get only for it to be very sloppy.

"Books, property, land, food, I'm not the type who relies on handouts. If you want my help Varrick, then it's 70% of any profit on anything that I open. If you have a problem, then I can always ask someone else, personally, I like working with you which is why I offered 70% instead of 80%" Screwing his face into a ball, Varrick tried to think of a reasonable deal that he could give to the kid. He did want the kids to help in this matter, that was if the boy was telling the truth, however. If not then he would cancel the arrangement.

"All right how about 50% after profit. But just so you know kid. This deal is only up for grabs if you're telling the truth. Also if you don't mind kid give this spell a demonstration when we get to Haven. Oh one more thing, you're only getting this deal because it's you if it was anyone else I wouldn't go past twenty so count yourself lucky". Staying silent for a moment pretending to ponder the arrangement Varrick was offering him weighing up the pros and cons, he soon came to a conclusion.

"I accept your offer Varrick shall we draw up a contract when we get back." In truth, Nat had never wanted 70% of the profits. At most he wanted forty per cent of profit so he could start to line his pockets with gold that he could store away for a later time. Asking for far more then he was going to get was only logical, if he said 40% outright, then Varrick would try to whittle him down, yet by giving an unrealistic number her could be whittled down to his original goal of 40% at most.

Another key thing by making this trade deal with Varrick was that it may get him a foot in the door when it came to the Merchants Guild. In the future should any of Varricks contacts want anything personal done, then they may come directly to him should Varrick give his name out. With any luck he could make Varricks contacts his contacts bringing him one step closer to a possible business should he require one. He almost felt bad for Varrick, if things were different and he wasn't on purposely trying to avoid connections with people, then he could see himself becoming friendlier with the man. For now, he would have to settle for exploiting the man's natural reaction to take care of those he worked with.

In contrast, Varrick had a different view on the trade. He was only willing to give up so much money because the kid really needed it. With his entire family and people dead, he had no one to rely on and unless he got some form of gold, the kid wouldn't make it long in the world. Besides He wasn't really going to lose much with the deal he made with the kid, he had far more coin then he really needed and if he gave some to a kid who's in need of some then it was all fine and good. Besides once the kid had some money in his purse he'd then start cutting back on the deals he gave.

"Sure kid for now we need to stop these Templar's from losing their minds if they haven't already and stop them from killing everyone"

"I think they already have" Motioning towards a window, anxious as to what he was going to see, Varrick joined the younger kid at the open window and viewed as what they assumed to be none other than the rouge Templar commander snatch an innocent kid from a home. Nat refused to remain silent neither making any expression or motion to turn away or show pain. Nat didn't know the kid so he couldn't say the kid's death affected him, it didn't make him sad or angry about the kids particular death instead it only reinforced his position. Templar's did not deserve mercy, this might be a rogue group of Templars, but all the same, they did not deserve mercy. Their order was nothing but an oppressive group who abused their powers to kill and torture anyone all for their ridiculous misguided beliefs on magic. Templar's weren't police who were supposed to keep law and order, they were nought but a bunch of thugs preying on those weaker than them. And yes while some Templar's were good people, they were the minority.

A templar's mission was simply to kill mages purely because they had magic and refused to be locked away in some prison like an animal. Templars had made their choice when they took on their jobs, and they knew what it would entail from the start. Mages didn't have that option, mages were simply born different, it was just like being born from another ethnicity or race. If one wished to despise a group of people, then it shouldn't be because they were born with magic or were born an elf or human. No, if one truly desires to hate another group, then it should due to actions or beliefs or religion of the people they despised.

Hating an individual because they were a Templar made sense, Templar's had made a choice and would, therefore, have to be held accountable for that action. Mages, on the other hand, did not choose to have their magic, they were simply born different and were oppressed because of it. They were essentially born to be nothing but slaves, since as soon as they were found they faced death or working in a tower crafting goods for others with nothing in return with only occasionally being let out of their cages to have even the slightest glimpse of freedom.

And yes while some mages did go bad, it was not because of magic, it was simply due to psychology. Some people were evil people, magic didn't change that. What did it matter if a person was burnt alive or stabbed to death, the result and thereby the sentence to the crime should be treated the exact same? It was only to be expected, after all, that upon escaping from a circle, that mages would be paranoid and so willing to kill. It certainly did not excuse their actions killing innocent people bar in a time of war. However, the amount of pent-up stress and aggression that mages would have because of their poor treatment by templar's was bound to make them lash out. If a normal person discovered a mage, then in terms of pure survival, it only makes sense that the Mage ensures that the person who discovered them never reveals the information to the Templars. And now when the mages finally had a chance of being equal, to enjoy both the rewards and risks of being a normal person, the Templar's desired to grab them by their old leash and kill them outright all because they were born with magic.

He wasn't naive, he could see the use of Templar's in this world, but only in a very limited role. Mages were far more at risk to possession by demons than anyone else, and should a mage fail and they transform into an abomination risking the lives of others, then having a group of people who were specifically trained to deal with demons was a good idea. However, that good idea had been blown entirely out of proportion and became corrupt as instead of them acting like a police force; where they would only deal with those who committed crimes, they had instead become authoritarian despots. Throwing mages into circles in the hopes of preventing crime, was the exact same as throwing black, white, Asian, or any group people purely on the way they were born from the moment they are recognised in order to help prevent crime. It was nothing but racist bullshit.

Point blank the Templar order had been a good idea that had become entirely corrupt to its revolting core. There was no saving this organisation, it had to be destroyed and if really needed, something entirely new put in its place. There was nothing else for it, only one viable solution could be made.

The Templar's had to die.

Varrick in contrast at seeing the scene below him turned away in disgust as the woman who he identified as the commander finally set alight the pyre turning it into a screaming deathbed as the smoke choked the kid while the fire cooked him bit by bit until the screams were no more.

"Shit, it's just like Kirkwall all over again. We're going to need to take those archers out on the roof if the Herald and Seeker wants any chance of escaping" Varricks voice turned harsh, flashes of the mage rebellion in Kirkwall, the screams, blood and corpses that littered the ground, the thing that the Grand Enchanter had done to himself and poor Bethany. That girl had bonded greatly with the man only for her to be betrayed by that very same man all because Meridith had slaughtered them for Blondies crime. There was nothing he could do for the dead kid, but there certainly was for those down below in the village that the Herald was attempting to rescue.

"mmmprgh" Suddenly above them the sounds of muffled yells and screams could be heard, these were then followed by a dark and cruel voice. Nat didn't rush up the stairs, the muffled scream he had heard was most certainly one for help, but going full speed and slamming open the door was not a smart move. He was in the centre of the Templar base where a great many deals of mage hunters were located. Blowing the door off may give him a temporary surprise advantage over anyone inside the room, but that noise would echo around alerting the other Templar in the camp to his and Varricks presence. For this reason, he moved up the stairs at his usual pace before then peering through a keyhole to see, what the cause was of the anonymous muffled scream he had heard.

In the room, were a set of obvious off-duty Templar's, only unlike the few other off-duty Templar that they had witnessed on the way upwards, these ones had taken a different course of action to take on how to spend their free time. As shown by what they were doing to the lone female of the group. She was a young highly attractive, most likely around his age human girl going by her round as they brutally forced her body back and forth from the Templars as they abused her. They struck her, yelling abuse about her being a mage whatsoever and that she had no rights in the slightest with only one lone repulsive purpose in life. On the floor to the side, was the remains of another girl, a redheaded elf girl who had her face smashed in and a certain white liquid staining all over her dead battered nude corpse.

The girl kicked and screamed tears rolling down her cheeks as she tried to scream through a cloth gag that had been wound around her face. She kicked one of the Templars, only to receive a hard punch to her face dazing the girl. This was then followed by a swift punch to the stomach winding her. Now in control, the Templars grinned maliciously at the prettiest mage they could find the second prettiest they had already enjoyed themselves with. Struggling to regain her breath, the girl looked up fearfully no longer having the strength to resist the inevitable brutal treatment they had in store for her as she desperately tried to get oxygen into her lungs. The Templar's reached out to grab her.

She screwed her eyes shut and screamed.

Thump

Splash

Something warm and liquid splattered against her pale skin then the sound of multiple heavy objects hitting the floor reached her ear. She panicked, what did the Templars plan to do with her. Already they had killed her friend before her as payback for killing one of their order, were they going to stab her.

"You're safe now, open your eyes now" A calm voice spoke to her in the distance, in response she curled up not believing the cruel words of the Templars and what cruel acts they desired to perform on her. She did not want to see what they were going to do to her. Suddenly she felt her terror fade, her mind began to calm for some reason that she couldn't explain. She heard the voice again. "You're safe, please open your eyes" Reluctantly she did so, revealing her emerald eyes, she gasped at the scene before her.

Blood coated the walls of the tower running down and staining the floor's old orange tattered carpet. Corpses littered the ground like toys only they had their heads removed from their torsos leaving both parts of the body to lay apart from one another like a doll she had once played with only for another child to rip its head off in spite. Despite this strange calmness that had overtaken her, she focused her petrified gaze on the one whose voice had cut through the darkness as she had kept her eyes closed hoping to avoid the torture.

"Who are you" Her voice trembled, silently she prayed to the prophet Andraste that this boy had indeed saved her and was not another Templar.

"Your clothes first" Blushing red at having not even realised that in her fear she had not tried to cover herself up, she instantly moved her hands in order to prevent the stranger from seeing her in such a state. Not meeting his eyes embarrassed at her position, her eyes briefly looked up wanting to make sure that this boy did not mean any harm only for her eyes to widen. Cloth from her now destroyed robes came together in the air neatly knitting itself together. She could see the strands and fur all come perfectly back into place like it had been done by some master apparel worker, not it was even better than that, it was like her dress had been sent back in time and restored to what it once was. Speechless at such a display, she said nothing besides a small peep when the repaired robes split down the back and then flew onto her front half fitting around her until she was entirely covered once more in her mage robes. Afterwards, the back of her robes was done up.

"Thank you, you're a mage" Instinctively knowing that he was safe to be around, she raised her head up wanting to meet his eyes as she gave a proper thank you only she met a strange black thing covering them. The boy didn't answer her question at first, instead, he brought out the smallest staff that she had ever seen in her life before then bringing it down to bare near her face. "What are you going to do" Before she could feel scared, the tip of the staff glowed. Instantly, the pain in her face disappeared entirely. Gingerly she raised her finger sup touching where a wound should be only to feel nothing, no bump no bruiser or cut. Her face was perfectly fine, he had healed her. Straight after he repeated the process on the rest of her body, healing the wounds so quickly and leaving not even a scar, after only a minute, he had healed every single injury on her body. He reached out to her with an outstretched arm, nervous she accepted allowing him to pull her back onto her feet. "I, I can't thank you enough. I'm Elyria Trevelyan You saved me from" She shivered, fear pushing through the strange calming that had been placed upon her.

"Trevelyan, you wouldn't happen to be from the Trevelyan family in Ostwick?" She turned her head on hearing a new person, who she saw wasn't who she expected. It was a dwarf, she didn't know who he was, but she just hadn't been expecting a dwarf. She tossed aside those thought's she was grateful for her rescue.

"Yes. When I was discovered to have magic, I was sent to the Ostwick circle. When the circles fell, we tried to join up with the other mages but we got delayed and" She couldn't carry on, memories of her friends and tutors being slaughtered. All the blood the dead bodies, the end of everything she knew, the Templar she had killed when she had escaped and her capture what the Templars were going to do to her what they had done to her friend and the others. She collapsed only for Nat to catch her in his arms preventing her from impacting. "Thank you". Seeing the stress she was under, Varrick gave a small smile hoping to cheer the girl up or at the very least prevent her from thinking of what had nearly just happened.

"Don't worry, we're with the Inquisition. Dealing with demons, Templar's and mages since two days ago three if you include today. We'll get you home kid doesn't worry for now just stay with us and try to keep out of reach of the Templar's. If you want you can always hide behind the kid, he's the one who saved you after all" Varrick winked at the girl. Nat rolled his eyes at that, the last thing he needed was some teenage girl who didn't currently possess an exactly strong emotional control. He could also tell what Varrick was trying to do and it wouldn't work.

"I'm Nat, the fat git trying to play matchmaker is Varrick. Just stay in cover, we'll handle the rest" Despite the situation, Elyria couldn't help but give out a small laugh at hearing the way the guy had introduced himself. She could never dream of speaking to anyone like that, her family and the circle had drilled into her respect ever since she was a young girl. Not saying anything else, Nat headed back onto the stairs to head up to the next level. There was no way yet of knowing if Valeyna had gotten detected, he hoped not but either way he needed to get rid of those archers before they caused a problem for her down the line.

Later

Following the two members of the Inquisition, Elyria watched with a sense of smug happiness as she saw the Templar's get cut down one by one. She didn't know their faces, but they had butchered and raped her friends burning them alive and calling it justice. Seeing her oppressors cut down brought her immense delight for she was getting vengeance and most importantly, it came from a mage. And that that turned her thoughts to that particular mage. She had never seen any mage at her age as powerful as Nat was. The way he easily cut through Templar after Templar without hesitation and all so quickly was awe-inspiring. Her teacher had said that she had been one of the most talented mages he had seen, and she thought she had been talented for her age. But Nat, Nat was in a whole other league. She admired the way his spells sped so fast that she would blink and miss them entirely, how close they were together and how effective they were cleaving off the heads of Templar's before they even had a clue as to what had happened. It was simply amazing she wished she could be so talented, she hadn't even been allowed to take her Harrowing yet, something that according to her teacher was several years away much to her chagrin. She couldn't help but think to herself if he would be willing to teach her what he knew. If she became as powerful as him, then she could return to her family and defend them.

Turning around, Nat went to check out the window only to sigh internally with great annoyance as he saw Trevelyan. He recognised that look in her eyes, the mystified amazed one that shone with surprise, he'd seen it so many times on the faces of younger wannabe duelists. They were amazed at what he and other professional duelists could do and would then spout something like how they wanted to be like him or if he could teach them or if they could hang out or something. It was all incredibly droll. The thing he hated most was when he had those fucking fans would follow him around and ask something begging to get responded to or for him to sign something or to teach them. He fucking hated it.

He had taken up duelling for himself and nobody else. The fans could like him as much as they wanted, but he cared nothing for them, they were nothing but strangers with an unhealthy obsession. Trevelyan it appeared had entered that bloody camp and he could already tell that the girl was going to beg him to educate her on magic. Once they had saved these mages, he would ensure that alongside the others that they move the mages to the refugee camp as quickly as possible before the girl started bloody stalking him.

"So Trevelyan how's things in Ostwick" Nat promised to buy Varrick something when he got back to Haven in thanks for starting a conversation with the girl.

"Good before the rebellion, once Ostwick got the news, a few of us escaped before the Templars could get us. Is it true that the grand Enchanter died at the conclave" Varrick confirmed the news with an apologetic nod?

"Do you hear that" Stopping the conversation dead in its tracks, Varrick and Elyria listened.

Fwoosh

"That sounds like arrows and the Ballista's, they were testing them earlier" Hoping to prove herself useful to those who had rescued, her, Elyria did her best to inform Nat and Varrick about the weapons that the rouge Templar's had acquired.

"Valeyna" Rushing towards the edge of the room towards one of the windows, he scanned the village for the location of his companion. He soon found her. Valeyna was in trouble, Templar's were dashing towards her location swords drawn and archers readying their bows. In the distance, he located the Templar commander as she yelled orders to her troops her sword in hand as she moved as quickly as possible most likely so she could kill Valeyna. His attention was soon grabbed again, as a heavy bolt of wood soared downwards towards Valeyna and the mages that she was escorting.

"Varrick, clear downstairs and take Trevelyan with you. I'll handle the archers"

"Well, Bianca baby is it looks like we have some work to do. Kid follow me". Still scared, Trevelyan accepted the orders given to her by the fellow mage racing down the stairs so that she and the dwarf could join whoever this Valeyna person was.

Blasting down the door to the battlements, the Templar which had stood to fire his arrows was blown of his feet where gravity then took hold of him pelting him at the ground below smashing him on impact into jam. Shocked by the sudden explosion, that had just occurred out of nowhere, the Templars threw themselves on the ground as a first response, leaving themselves exposed in an undefended position. They never saw the cutting curses coming instead only feeling the slightest pain before their heads rolled off their shoulders leaving the entire battlements empty of its former alive users.

Wasting no time, Nat sprinted towards the nearest ballista. At this distance, there was nothing that the Templars could do in an attempt to nullify his magic leaving him free in his options. To this end, he rapidly enchanted the ballista that had been used against Valeyna. First was a replication spell on the bolts so every time one would fire a new one would appear, second was a spell that cranked the wheels back at a speed that no human could have hoped to replicate. After that was an aiming spell, all he had to do now was mentally think of the person he wanted to kill, then once he had that person in mind, the ballista would make all the necessary calculations.

He fired the ballista.

Singing a deadly song as it fell downwards at tremendous speed, the commander of the Templars was only given the briefest warning as she heard the sound of imminent death before the bolt ripped straight through her armour and out the back impacting the floor leaving a deep cavity in her chest large enough for a person to look through one side to another. There was no warning whatsoever, for the next Templar was treated to the same fate skewering them with a giant wooden pole with a sharp metal point at the end. After the first five Templar's had been cut down in quick succession, the other Templar's stared back at the tower with fear in their eyes not that it showed behind their helmets. This momentary distraction gave a few of the mages who were assisting Valeyna in the escape the opportunity they required to unleash a powerful tempest spell above the Templar's. With lightning thundering above them and electrocuting them and frying their bodies, bolts from their own ballista rapidly turning them into Templar Kebabs and their leader dead, they panicked and retreated.

Valeyna and Cassandra

"We've won" Breathing outwards, Cassandra announced the results of the battle. "we need to alert the inquisition and tell them to take this castle over." Falling back to the Herald, Cassandra kept her sword and shield in her hands making sure that there was no sneak attack from the retreating Templars. However, while she was still prepared for battle, she had in fact withdrawn from the fighting keeping close to the mages sending a silent message to them that they shouldn't even consider running away. The purpose of this was that in her mind there was a very high chance that there could be apostates hiding in the group hoping to avoid just punishment for their crimes.

"First we need to decide what to do with these mages" A glance at the mages would easily tell an observer that they had no hope of escaping. One of the reasons for this was that Valeyna and Cassandra had just fought off a very large amount of Templar's. Then, there was whoever was manning that giant ballista up on the tower with surprising amounts of accuracy. Even now as the Templar's were retreating away from the tower, the ballista never stopped firing continuously butchering the Templar's who had once charged them in hopes of ending their lives. Thirdly whoever was controlling that ballista was happily continuing to cut down the fleeing Templars.

"Good they are surrendering, at least some of them have sense" Cassandra soon paled a small look on horror on her face. Straight after speaking those words, it became apparent that the ballista kept firing only this time it mercilessly impaled even those who had surrendered."Who is on that tower, those Templars had surrendered they must be given a trial?" No matter what she said, the ballista never stopped firing and after a few minutes, every single Templar lay dead with not one survivor.

A little later

"Well you're not dead, guess I'll have to try harder next time" Joking as he approached Valeyna, Nat was once more glad for his enchanted clothing. Unlike Varrick who's clothing were permanently stained red with the blood of Templar's coating even his face and exposed chest, Nat was entirely clean without a drop on him. Upon hearing the joke, Valeyna gave a light chuckle it was good to make sure that Nat hadn't been killed. She had been worrying about him, while she never said it top him, she was deeply petrified that with the Templars nullifying ability, that he would have been left exposed and injured if not outright killed. Those fears were promptly pushed aside once she saw that he was mysteriously the cleanest one of the group and not looking tired in the slightest.

"No more then you" She replied happily glad that he hadn't been hurt. Then her eyes turned to the human girl following so closely behind him. With the close proximity she was staying to her young mage friend, Valeyna was sure that had the girl been any younger than she actually was, then she would have been hanging off his clothes like a young child.

Moving herself to see better the girl better, she frowned in a remorseful fashion as she saw how sacred the girl was and the way the girl's eyes darted up to Nat as if he was her protector. Valeyna didn't know what had befallen the girl, she looked fine her clothes were in perfectly good condition, then the horror struck full force like a sprinting Halla crashing into her as she remembered what one of the men had said. She grimaced in reply anger and hatred towards the dead Templars burning within her from committing such a revolting act. She approached Nat hoping to check on the girl to make sure she was okay only the girl stepped back frightfully hiding behind Nat as if for some sought of protection.

"This is Elyria Trevelyan, she was in the tower she's the only survivor". On hearing that news, a cry of pain and anger toward out as the man who had been the father of the other child crying out for the death of his daughter. Nat continued. "Elyria this is Valeyna Lavellan a member of the Inquisition" Stunned, Elyria bowed instantly showing respect for the woman known as none other than the Herald of Andraste. Valeyna groaned in response couldn't people just ever treat her as a normal person for once. She was Dalish, she didn't believe in their Maker let alone picked as the chosen one for the Maker. Only Mythal could have protected her from what had happened at the conclave.

"My lady it is an honour to meet you." Elyria's tone was not quite broken, Valeyna realised. The girl was very much scared, but it appeared that by some luck Nat had gotten to the girl before the Templars had done anything too bad against her.

"Okay, now that's over don't we have horses or something like that we need to pick up". Cassandra blinked at that, how long had it taken them to rescue the mages and take the tower. Looking up at the sky in order to roughly work out what the time was by the position of the sun, she was surprised to see that it was late morning. That was strange, normally an operation like this would require most of the day yet they had done everything so quickly well besides the part where the Templars had attacked, but that battle hadn't taken long.

"Indeed we should get to Master Dennet as soon as possible for now we need to deal with the mages" On that note, Valeyna turned to focus on the mages, likely out of fear or thanks they had not decided to run away and escape to Redcliffe where the rest of the mages were located. Not that she was going to complain, the Inquisition was going to need the help of every mage they could get their hands on if they wanted to close the breach. "Mages" She addressed. "I am a part of the inquisition, we require mages to help us seal the breach and prevent Demons from taking over this world. Join us and we will see you protected from the Templar's. If you do not, then you are welcome to rejoin the mages at Redcliffe"

Surprisingly, before the mages could even start discussing whether it was a good deal or not, Trevelyan had already stepped forward to the group bowing and then swearing an oath of loyalty to the inquisition. It didn't take long for the other mages to follow her example, with their heads bowed they agreed to the offered terms that Valeyna had set out for them.

"We are grateful to have you mages fight beside us as allies of the Inquisition" Wanting to see how her companions felt about her decision, she could sense a disapproving look on Cassandra's face, the woman's lips had frowned and her eyes narrowed on the mages likely trying to read their actions and gather if any of them needed to be given their own trial for any crimes they may have committed.

"So we have a bunch mages huh, let's just hope they don't blow up the chantry this time" While not disproving of her choice, Varrick couldn't help but be wary of the mages. With the stress that they had endured over the last few days, he could quite easily see tensions rising between the small group of Templar's stationed at Haven and the growing number of mages. On the other hand, even if it wasn't a particularly large group of mages, getting them out of the Hinterlands and somewhere whey they could utilize their purpose for good without screwing shit up and killing innocent people was a decent thing.

"We will have to send word of their arrival, the Templars there will need to ensure that they dod not pester the mages." Trevelyan freaked at the word Templar, her face went pale and strangely she went to grip Nat'arm tightly. Before she could though, Nat stepped away leaving the girl grief-stricken a betrayed look on her face, she approached towards him again hoping desperately to feel safe again, to feel protected.

She had fought the Templars and lost as had those she escaped the tower with. Foolishly when she had run away she thought she would be powerful enough to defend herself and friends with her magic easily battering down those who would take them as slaves again. But then the Templars came. Tears escaped her eyes, they had violated and then killed her best friend in front of her and had nearly done the same to her. But they didn't. They had been stopped by none other than a mage like her. She knew she had to remain strong, she had just sworn to fight for the Inquisition, but she didn't feel safe. Not even the presence of the other mages made her feel safe, they had tried to fight but ended up like her locked up in a house destined to be burnt alive or violated and then have their necks slit.

"Templar's, why are there Templar's" Trevelyan took another step towards Nat feeling safe in the proximity to the one mage who could slaughter Templar's with utter ease. He made her feel protected and she didn't want to lose that right now.

"They are what remains of the Templar's that attended the conclave". Cassandra addressed the petrified girl. "They should leave you alone. If not, speak with Commander Cullen he is the one in charge of the Inquisitions forces. If that doesn't work, speak to the Herald of Andraste or myself. If you have any questions you should speak now." Taking her turn to explain the situation that the mages would face when they arrived at Haven so they wouldn't freak out beforehand, Cassandra attempted to calm down the population of mages but much to her avail, it achieved nothing.

"This is not a time for division. The breach threatens the entire world, If we fight amongst ourselves then it will swallow us all and no one will be safe. Desperate to try and get the assistance of some of the mages, Valeyna implored the group of mages her voice remaining strong but also compassionate as she hoped that even though they had been seriously wronged by the Templar's, they may be able to put aside their differences... at least for now. With a large amount of trepidation, Trevelyan led the way, not because of what the Dalish elf woman had stated, rather if her rescuer a mage her age who dealt so much damage to the Templar's stood by the Inquisition, then so would she.

"I accept" Once more committing to the purpose of the Inquisition, Trevelyan joined the rest of the mages who also pledged the same oath. When they began to walk, Trvelyan ensured that she stayed on the edge of the group. After a little walking, they made it to the entrance of the refugee camp. Immediately seeing their presence, one of the soldiers approached the group wary of so many easily identifiable mages. Before he could speak, Cassandra took the man aside informing him of the situation and how they were to be taken directly to Haven as fast as possible. This was followed by orders to secure the castle that they had just taken. Everything was done quite quickly and soon the group of four began to turn around to head to the horse master and make sure that they got their horses before it was too late.

"Lady Trevelyan" Blinking at hearing her name called as she had been more focused on the other mages, Trevelyan turned and found none other than the strange boy who has saved her.

"Take these for the road, its chocolate and some tea. Done worry the tea's been enchanted to stay warm and here's a pouch to store it in." Giving her the gifts, a faint dusting of red graced Trevelyan's cheeks. Gratefully she accepted the gifts with a small smile and looked down to wrap the pouch around her waist so as to hold them. When she looked up with a small smile on her face though, her saviour was gone having already left with the others leaving her alone. Feeling guilty, she was about to sprint to say thank you only her name was called out again this time by one of her fellow mages. Sighing she joined them on their journey to Haven vowing to herself that when she arrived she would find the boy and thank him for all that he had done to her.

Later

Not bothered in the slightest, as their feet impacted the hard bloodstained floor of the castle grounds that they had previously placed under siege and conquered not even an hour ago. The four ignored the gory sight of multiple Templar's having very large holes blown out of their chest. Had others witnessed the mentioned scene, then those with less hardy stomachs surely would have vomited. Some of the corpses were in such a bad condition, that it was like a miniature darkspawn had been growing inside of the Templar's chests before escaping outwards ripping and tearing all flesh, bone and organ apart in a messy display of violence. In the eyes of two members of the group, specifically the two mages. They saw it as a just thing. What the Templars had done and were planning on doing was inexcusable. The Templars they had slain had no right to mercy and certainly didn't suffer any.

Rather the main concern of three of the members was made poignant by ones intrigued and interested face, one's smirk and ones look of confusion but also a desire to learn. The other already knew what they were going to ask and groaned internally as he waited for the inevitable bombardment of questions.

"So Nat" Valeyna began teasingly hoping to rile him up and make the kid blush. "I saw that you gave that girl some chocolate and tea." She spoke slowly drawing the question out inspecting his face and movements as carefully as she could, she wanted no needed to see the kid blush. It was impressive Valeyna admitted the way he never gave off anything about what he was feeling, but she also knew that this was a weak point for him and she desired to exploit it. "Do you have certain feelings to that girl. She is very beautiful you know. I would be surprised if she didn't want to take you somewhere private and her show you, her "appreciation". With the way she looks at you, it wouldn't be hard. Creators know's if she's willing I will."

"The Herald is correct, that girl was gazing at you rather intently. She seemed rather attached when Templar's were mentioned" Cassandra added.

"It makes for a great story kid. A Young heroic mage saves the damsel in distress, at last, the last possible minute healing her wounds and slaying the villains. Over time the two learn to love each other and have a family together". Varrick joked good-naturedly. Nat understood that the others were trying to be kind, but he couldn't join them.

"That girl requires serious counselling. She just witnessed the brutal rape and murder of her friend before her very eyes. She would have received the exact same treatment if we hadn't arrived when we did. The only reason she's "attached" herself to me, is because I represent strength and security to her. I am a mage who is the same age as her and yet managed to kill those Templar's at close range where they should have held the advantage and cut me down. To her, I am a person she likely desires to emulate, in hopes that she will never feel defenceless again so that nobody will do to her what was done to her friend and nearly done to her. As for me giving her chocolate and tea, as well as healing her wounds. I don't think trying to calm her down and give her a small amount of kindness that might stop her from falling into depression and committing suicide as a bad thing. Also, on the more tactical view, according to Varrick the girl is of noble blood. If she should happen to pertain a good standing with her family, then we may be able to gain influence to help the Inquisition. If we mock the girl in front of her, we lose that power."

There was no anger or annoyance his tone, in fact, there was no emotion at all. Instead, the normal cold emotionless yet calm voice spoke as it always did unhindered by the words that were pronounced. Yet Valeyna couldn't help feel a pit of deep guilt grow within her burying deeper and deeper as she was made aware of the girl's situation. She had heard stories occasionally from other elves when the Dalish clans met up about close or bad experiences with humans that they had experienced. Often the good bad stories were simply when the Dalish ran out of an area, the bad ones usually centred around when nearly an entire clan had been massacred with very few survivors. The more medium bad stories were generally how a clan had lost a few members due to disease of angering some lord or villagers.

"Nat I'm sorry" Speaking gently not wishing to offend her young friend, Valeyna apologised for making jokes.

"I'm not offended Valeyna just don't mistake my kindness for a girl who had just been traumatized, for romantic feelings. When we get back to Haven I'll try and speak to someone might be able to help her to start to recover from her ordeal. Otherwise, we have business we need to get on with." Motioning to the west where the horse master was supposedly located, the group carried on for a small amount of time in silence before Cassandra curious about the youngest member spoke.

"Nathanael you said that you don't have feelings for the girl, I wonder have you ever been with anyone" More than Cassandra was interested in the question, Varrick kept his ears sharp waiting to hear about the kids exploits with someone or his first time with a girl. At his age, most kids had already done it a number of times. It was mostly done at whore houses where it was almost seen as a right of passage otherwise they were already in relationships and getting ready to be married if they already weren't.

"No, and I'm not interested into getting involved with one either. My future is far more important to me than some girl. Not to mention I don't see any advantage in the slightest to becoming involved with someone". Cassandra nodded giving understanding face.

"I can understand that. There is so much work to be done, a relationship would take away far too much crucial time away especially when the breach threatens us all." Varrick rolled his eyes giving a fake sigh as she shook his head at the Seeker in an apologetic way.

"Oh come now Seeker with us trying to save the world, everyone needs a little love. It's how all stories are, the main protagonist starts off single but by the end of the story they've found someone they truly care for. And most importantly one of the best ways to show how much the characters show their love is through very well written and described lovemaking scenes". Turning red, Cassandra averted her gaze from the face of the smug dwarf hoping not to let the man see what dirty thoughts were going through her mind. The Herald, on the other hand, was grinning wickedly.

"I love those scenes, there's a few I want to try out with someone if they're willing. Say Varrick when we get back would you be up for a little "fun" " Winking the elf was glad to see Varrick chuckle in response before he then took a mock lustful gaze as his eyes scanned up and down her well-built figure before ultimately shaking his head.

"Sorry Herald, you're just not my type perhaps the Seeker though" Grinning, Valeyna turned her beautiful eyes onto the dark haired warrior. Fluttering her eyelashes, she was elated when she saw the red rise on the woman's cheeks as she flustered trying to find a response.

"What you say Cassandra do you want me to make me scream your name tonight. Trust me, it will be amazingly fun, and the things you could do to me. This one time when I was with my clan, me and Eldrion found some strawberries by a lake and we spent the whole night" Cassandra froze her eyes darting all over the place not entirely believing that the Herald of Andraste had said such a vulgar thing to her. Had the woman truly just asked to bed her and the vulgarity at what she was proposing? By the maker.

"Uhm... I, uh, what you said, how do I put this. By the Maker" Falling back onto her training, with her cheeks still flushed she breathed in and out a few times to catch her breath and calm her down before finally she managed to find the words to respond to the Heralds proposition. "Herald you are a brilliant person, but I do not."

"She's not gay Valeyna. You know doesn't bat for the other team, she's straight, heterosexual for the more scientific terms, she wants the D. In other words, she likes guys". Cassandra nodded glad for the quick interjection taking away the pressure of trying to discover the right words, only she hadn't heard of three of the phrases that the kid had used to describe her preferences when it came to a possible romantic partner.

"Yes as Nathanael said, I am not interested in such an... act" Finally Valeyna turned on Nat this time determined to get a blush or anything out of him.

"So Nat" She began.

"Not a chance in hell" With another rejection Valeyna gave a dejected look before she then recapped on what was another strange phase that Nat had used. What was Hell and what did it mean if he were to reject her on it?

"Nat this Hell thing, what is it exactly" Nat sighed internally, asking him an Atheist to explain the Christian belief system really wasn't the smartest idea. He hadn't even once bothered to waste his precious time reading the bloody book. He had far more important thing's on his time than reading a dull fictional book about an oppressive set of rules and how all magic was evil and utter nonsense like that. Asking him to explain the Christian faith was like getting the American Republican party to accept that Climate Change was real. Still, he'd try. Hopefully, he wouldn't get into a religious debate.

"According to one of the religions my people had. Hell is a spiritual realm of never-ending evil and suffering. It is the home of demons and perpetually on fire typically depicted as being the centre of the planet and controlled by none other than the leader of all demons known as the Devil also occasionally known as Lucifer. Either way, when a person dies, Hell is one of three possible realms that a person goes to for the rest of their eternity. Hell is for the bad people, where once they arrive, they are then promptly tortured for the rest of eternity in the most brutal ways possible such as being continuously boiled in a pot, flayed, again and again, put on a torture rack and continuously pulled or whipped. I think it has multiple levels but I don't really know. Lovely place to visit during summer great fun for the whole you can even take photos"

The expression on the three companion's faces was exactly what Nat had been expecting even with his sarcastic tone. Cassandra looked rather disturbed by the mental image of what was happening to people. This was most likely that because demons were always a problem for Thedas actively subjecting people to eternal torture and torment for the rest of eternity to what she likely perceived as the Makers most sworn enemies was rather horrific. Varrick also gave a slightly painful face, but he also seemed to be fascinated with the idea of this hell and was perhaps thinking of some way to add it into the next novel he wrote. As for the young incredibly attractive elf she was also rather disturbed by the idea of just tossing people to demons once they died.

"So kid these other two realms when a person dies what are they" Sensing the natural curiosity, Nat sensed a potential business opportunity.

"If I tell you Varrick, then if you reference them in any work you do then you have to pay me a 30% percentage on any book with this stuff in it"

"30% that's preposterous, 15%"

"25%" Nat countered

"18%"

"20% take it or leave it" Mulling the figures in his head, Varrick nodded and shook Nat's hand on a deal made.

"20% then. You know what kid; when we get to Haven I'll teach you some techniques for trading with merchants. I'm only giving you this as it'll be interesting to see you barter with another merchant. I can just imagine their face" To the sides, Valeyna and Cassandra watched the exchange curiously before then focusing on Nat as he carried on explaining.

"Anyway, the other two dimensions are Limbo or is it Purgatory? either way its one of those two. The other one is Heaven. Heaven is the opposite of hell, where when a person dies instead of cursed to eternal damnation, they are instead rewarded living the rest of eternity happily and with all their previous friends and family generally doing whatever they wish in the presence of God. Limbo, on the other hand, is the middle ground, its neither good or bad and is far more akin to being stuck on a wagon for the rest of one's life. So more eternal boredom for the rest of eternity. However, don't take my word for it as I never read the books."

"Heaven you mean when people die they live by the Makers side for the rest of eternity" Hearing that, Nat didn't know if Cassandra hearing the idea of a Heaven was a good thing. According to the Chantry there was no heaven and there was no hell, people may swear on the Void which he guessed was something like hell but for the most part, it just sounded like Limbo until the Maker decided o get off his lazy ass and do something. Heaven, on the other hand, sounded something the Chantry would love the idea of. Already they had declared multiple exalted marches/crusades against different groups. If they got it into their head that they could call for another one, only this time declare to all those who fight for their cause that they would be gifted with eternal happiness in the presence of the Maker after they died. Then there was going to be a lot more trouble. Hell would also have a negative effect if the Chantry implemented something like that in their teaching, then they would be able to demonise certain groups even more than they did now.

"Well with him and his angels anyway. Don't quote me on that"

"Angels, what are angels?" To his side, Nat noticed that Varrick had brought out a book he was keeping from somewhere and had started to note down everything he was saying. Cassandra, on the other hand, listened incredibly intently it was almost if to Nat that she was noticing so many similarities that she might be wondering if the two religions were the same only with Christianity perhaps being an offshoot branch that knew different stories. Then again, it could be the opposite and she was trying to determine that if the two religions were connected, where they may have split up.

Truthfully, Nat couldn't blame her on that front. While he hadn't given it much thought yet with all the stuff he had to learn, the more similarities he noticed about not only the Chantry but also older religions on this continent, the more he wondered if there was a far older connection to this world then he knew. He decided that when he got back to Haven, he would speak more to Solas about the old elven gods and to Leliana about the Chantry. If there was a connection between Earths religions and Thedas's, then he needed to know what exactly those connections were. For now, he had to explain angels.

"In the modern sense, Humans with at least ten times the beauty of the most gorgeous elf of all time, the strength of a thousand qunari warriors, more grace than any animal. They are ageless and immortal, gods first children, warriors of brilliant strength and ability, wiser and more intelligent than any mortal. Not to mention the puffy white wings on their back with a glowing crown of golden light above their heads called a halo.

Their job is to act as protectors and guides giving out helpful advice to mortals where they may occasionally save them from devastating deaths or mistakes. Of course, should they take part in sin, then they are kicked out of heaven or as it is more colloquially called, falling from grace. In other words, depending on who tells it, they become normal humans, demons, fallen angels which are just like normal angels only their wings turn as black as night to reflect their sin as does their Halo. And once fallen from grace, they then do things"

"Things" Cassandra inquired, curiously she wondered just what an angel would do after they had lost their place form heaven.

"Depends on the angel, some try in vain for the rest of existence to get God to forgive them so they can re-enter heaven, others live normal human lives. A different type would indulge in sin allowing themselves to feel more human by indulging in all those forbidden things that angels are restricted from like falling in love or having sex or eating a large amount of food. Others in anger join Lucifer and the legions of hell essentially becoming demons. As I said, depending on who tells the story depends on exactly what fallen angels are." Varrick massaged his beard carefully all sorts of ideas running through his head, he wasn't planning on writing a book just yet, but he wondered if the kid had any idea of a story background for such a character.

"So kid, do people write fiction about this religion"

"That's putting it mildly. Anyway yes, they did but with the war, every single book or copy would be destroyed meaning you can write anything you wish without facing copyright. In fact, I might just write a book myself. Of course, if you're willing to find me a decent agent, I would pay you a finders fee"

"Excuse me, when I want to write a book you ask for a certain amount of percentage on sales, but if you want to write one you'd only pay me a finder's fee." Astonished by such an offer, Varrick waited to see how the kid would justify his reasoning yet he was also impressed by being so daring as to be so cutthroat, he acted just like a merchant.

"Well, one you're a high-class author. Anything you write will get instant attention, in contrast, if I write anything I'm going to need the money just to cover my living expenses. As of currently, I don't have a copper to my name. Speaking of which" Nat turned to face Cassandra. "When exactly do I get paid?"

"Paid, why would you get paid?" Cassandra replied in disbelief. The entire concept of a mage behaving money was foreign, mages had always been stuck in circles so they had never once required money so for a young mage to ask for payment.

"Oh, in that case, fuck this I'm going to go to Tevinter at least there I'll be appreciated." Not waiting for a reply, Nat made an exaggerated effort of turning on his heel and proceeded to march north a few stops before Cassandra's voice cried out.

"Stop. Very well when we get back to Haven I will speak to Josephine about payment" Nat turned around again joining the group.

"Wait if he's getting paid then why I am not getting the same treatment. I am the one with the mark after all" Grinning at Nat's actions, Valeyna found the perfect excuse to badger the warrior woman, she wanted to see where this was going.

"I also need to be paid Seeker, not to mention I need to be compensated for the lost business I have because you kidnapped me and dragged me halfway across the continent" Pressured by three dangerous people, with a painful look she backed down to the demand to being paid. When she got back she would have to discuss the matter with Leliana and Josephine hopefully they would be able to sort this mess out.

"Anyway Varrick, I need the money especially if I am ever to rebuild my people. Now that we've been discovered, It will be impossible to go back to our hiding away from society thing. Besides you're a very kind handsome merchant prince who won't care about the small amount of money I may ever get from any book I might publish.". Varrick rolled his eyes but a smirk had appeared on his face, he would agree to the kid's terms on one condition, a condition that he thought he would win.

"Sure kid, I'll agree you just have to give me the basic plot of your story and the protagonist's name. If you cant think of something then you don't have much chance of becoming a writer, in which case I know a few friends who could find a mage of your talents rather useful after this whole giant hole to hell thing is through. Actually, I rather like that word fits the shit we're in brilliantly. Honestly, Varrick wasn't going to do such a thing, it was merely a joke to rile up the kid when they got back to Haven he would speak to the kid to help his thinking process and give him some tips to writing books. Besides the type of stuff the kid was thinking about writing was not his thing, he wrote more along the lines of fictional stories that would take place in this world.

"Sorry, Varrick I won't let you steal any ideas from me. " With a grin, Carrick gave Nat a nod of approval. He was glad Nat had some business sense if he didn't then he was afraid that perhaps others would take easy advantage of the kid leading him on with fake unwritten promises and then be screwing him over the first opportunity they had. Cassandra, on the other hand, held a different view.

"You would ransom an entire region, to make a profit off it. What about those who worship, do you not have any concern about insulting those who believe in that god." To her, a devout woman who worshipped the maker for all that he had done for her and the world, the very prospect of somebody using a faith similar to her own was utterly repulsive. By telling false stories, the boy was setting up false literature that people would believe. Varrick on the other hand when he wrote kept to how the Chantry was in his books, never did he add in a new character in the past or create entirely new creatures to simply add to a well-established faith. No his stories while fictional were always based in reality.

"Nope," Nat popped the p as he carried on forward. "The people that worshipped this religion was the same lot who pushed us out of our homes over a thousand years ago. With all the stuff they've done to us, profiting of their religion is the least they could pay in compensation." Cassandra was scorned, how could anyone be so heartless, even if she believed that the Heralds religion was wrong, she would never go so far as to write literature which would change things about it.

"But to do such a thing, to profit of another's belief for one's own gain that is despicable"

"You're one to talk Seeker. Doesn't the Chantry have hundreds if not thousands of buildings dotted all over the continent dedicated towards your Maker? Does it also not pay for the large number of sisters and other servants it has via donations. Donations which would be better served being placed into businesses and education to help raise the standards of living around the world rather than building fancy palaces, owning a fanatical religious army, oppressing others simply because they were born different whether elf or mage, call holy wars whenever they desire simply due to a difference of opinion. Also does the Chantry not have exceptional power and influence, if they so desired they could label an individual as undesirable or kidnap a person within a political territory and face no repercussions as all you would have to do is say that the Chantry ordered it. Not to mention, the Chantry also profits off religion as it enables itself to control the narrative of certain facts and get away with outright lies even erasing entire bits of history simply because it is convenient. So yes please do explain to me how profiting off a religion is evil."

Nat waited for a reply and waited even more, the more he watched Cassandra's face twist and turn into all types of shapes as she attempted to find an appropriate response, the more he found it entertaining. There wasn't a chance that Cassandra could not deny that the Chantry had profited off religion and even better, she couldn't deny that she hadn't benefited from the Chantry profiting off religion. Her life training and all the powers she held was because the Chantry had used its money to build itself whatever it desired and then used its power to fight anyone who opposed it. And what Cassandra hope to deny, if she said she hadn't then he would merely mention that the Seekers had been formed and were funded through the chantry, and if she mentioned holy wars he could counter that by calling for an exalted march, they were profiting as they would be able to ultimately spread their religion further. Within time, more churches erected in converted areas meant more profit for the ones at the top.

"But you are a non-believer, you do not care about the religion like others do. You creating stories about such a thing is like me creating stories about your people" Gaining a more triumphant look on her face, Cassandra gripped her sword tightly in confidence that she had won the debate.

"So I don't care, if folks want to write about my people then they can go ahead. They can think of as much stuff as they can possibly want. They can spread as many false impressions as they desire, fair is fair after all. Should a person desire to write a fictional book about how my people are always the evil villains who want to do nothing other than conquer and subjugate the world using brutal methods such as mass starvation and placing them internment camp. And how the protagonist of their story is some young plucky person coming from an oppressed family who somehow manages to drive off the evil empire even if it is entirely unrealistic. If a book is a work of fiction, then a writer can do anything they desire. The problems I have are when a nonfiction book is on purposely written false especially when it is to push a religious or political message."

Tears rapidly tore down Cassandra's points, everything she had mentioned so far was brushed aside and rebutted time and time again. Desperately, she tried to find an argument to defend her position on why making up stories for a religion was an un-moral thing and why Nat should not use another's religion for his selfish profit.

"What about their feelings, their beliefs, they could find what you write down offensive and blasphemous." Silently begging Varrick for help on the subject, the woman felt betrayal hit her as Varrick merely grinned fascinated with where the debate was going and especially as it started to reveal to him just who Nat was as an individual but also more importantly, what his people were like.

"You're always going to hurt someone's feelings no matter what you do. If let's say someone wanted to ban anything blasphemous against the Chantry because its offensive, then surely Valeyna could demand that nobody ever insult the Dalish or say anything blasphemous against them. Which in that case it's only fair that nobody says 's anything wrong about the Qun or about Tevinter or anything. As soon as you start to ban one person from saying something because you find it offensive; before you know it everything will be illegal. If you find the idea of what I'm doing detestable, fine that's your opinion. In contrast, I think the Chantry having the ability to call for exalted Marches create organisations like the inquisition and hold private armies that suppress the rights of minorities is an evil group that needs to be abolished. Would you prevent me from having such thoughts and throw me into a dungeon or burn me at the stake. Finally, Cassandra compare what I may gain in profit from a few fiction nooks compared to the Chantry. I may introduce a few readers to some new concepts for a book that they will know is fictional, and earn a small amount of coin. If a person doesn't like my book then they choose not to read it or burn it or wipe their arse with it. In contrast, if a person doesn't agree with the Chantry, they can expect to have an army of soldiers turning up on their door waving sharp pieces of metal around threatening to kill them. It's hardly an equal comparison. Lastly, besides it being fictional, I doubt there is one follower of the religion on this continent so there's very little risk of a holy war."

Checking the map that she had been given, Valeyna listened intently to the discussion fascinated by the very strange views Nat held of the world. All these things he seemed to hold sacred, these ideas of fairness equality, the defence of allowing a person to mock his own people in response for the same it was just very strange. She wouldn't stand for people insulting the Dalish, the number of times she had been called a savage by humans or a knife-ear or that Dalish culture was uncivilized, it riled her up so much that she had always been ready to defend her people and its culture but Nat, Nat was very different.

"Nat how exactly did your people work" Before Nat could respond, howls yelled loudly into the air scaring the other local wildlife. Somewhat pleased to get out of the argument with their youngest member, Cassandra was pleased about the emergence of wolves as it would allow her to concentrate on something else. Without hesitation, she raised her shield at the first creature and ran towards the first enemy.