Cassandra grabbed the scout's jacket, before he could knock at the door leading to Cullen's office. The Commander needed rest and she will give it to him, no matter what. She motioned to a guard standing nearby and showed him the door.
"Stay here and don't let anyone disturb the Commander. Send them to me." Turning towards the scout she led him down in the courtyard.
"What is it?" The boy handed her a note. "This one arrived just now, with one of Sister Leliana's ravens. It's urgent, my lady."
Cassandra unfolded the paper and read:
"Envoy all right. Found a group of mages and Templars, they have wounded. The Herald's sister is with them. Prepare a Harrowing chamber as soon as possible. Send reinforcements quick. Templars please."
She felt goose bumps on her skin. "Shit." – She never swore but this was a dire situation and the message was just that. Shit.
The Seeker started barking orders to left and right. "Rylen, have some of your best Templars ready to ride in ten minutes. I need a healer!" She ran towards where the Mages settled their own tower and busted in like a hurricane.
"We need a Harrowing chamber ready by tomorrow morning!"
"What is the problem Lady Penthagast?"
"I don't know yet. I need one of the healers to prepare and go with the Templars Rylen gathered at the gate. Now."
"All right then. We will work all night and we will have it ready."
She massaged her temples. It was a bad timing for all of this. The Herald had yet to return from the Emerald Graves, Cullen was sick, Leliana still hadn't arrived and she was all alone. Ugh, sometimes I hate being in command." – She thought.
Azzura couldn't sleep at all; too many thoughts were rushing around her mind. She told the Templars to sleep, it was pointless to keep them awake, and they all were exhausted. The raven sent to Skyhold came back with the answer that a squad of Templars and a healer were on their way towards them. The two scouts went ahead on the road to meet them. Sighing, she stood near the cot where the Knight Captain was resting, still prey of his lyrium withdrawal. She put a hand on his forehead and the healing channeled between her fingers.
Interesting, that means my powers are only blocked.
"Of course they are blocked." – Flemeth's mocking voice sounded in her mind again. "You will have your powers only when you will really need them, for now." "What this supposed to mean? How do you know?"
"Remember to not play with magic you don't know, foolish child."- saying this, the Witch's voice disappeared once again, leaving Azzura frustrated and angry.
The Knight Captain woke up with a groan, eyes widening at the sight of the unknown woman standing over him. She looked down and pushed him back on the improvised bed.
"It's all right Knight Captain. I am Azzura Amell and I helped your Templars, they have been quite busy. I told them to rest." She handed him the water skin throwing a quick glance over the others.
"Waking up with the Hero of Ferelden looming over me, I still must be dreaming, my lady." – Azzura smiled at him, even blushing a bit. "Ser Lawrence, I take it that you really feel better. We sent a message to Skyhold and they are arriving with reinforcements, maybe we can get some lyrium for you."
He looked over to where his Templars were sleeping, his eyes warming at the view of the three of them. Azzura followed his gaze and felt emotions she thought buried deep in her soul; hope, sympathy and... faith. No, she lost her faith long time ago. Faith in people was possible but she lost her faith in the Maker when she left Kinloch Hold after the Circle fell.
"They fought like lions. When I got here they were almost overrun by the assailants but they never backed down. The girl, Chantelle is a wild fury and the boys are really hard to hit." – Azzura was sincerely impressed. The young Templars were really well trained and disciplined.
" I trained them. I was going to promote them but now I don't know where we stand in all of this. We will have to wait and see what the Inquisition will do."
"Knight Captain, what happened in Ostwick? Except for Kinloch Hold, Ostwick is the last stand in the neutrality and from what I have heard, the Ferelden Circle fell too. Petra told me that the First Enchanter Irving and the Knight Commander Greagoir died at the Conclave."
"So did their counterparts from Ostwick, I'm afraid. They four went there as neutral parties. Our both circles however, adhered to the Equitarians faction. We wanted the Circles but with new ideas."
"I can see what are those ideas, in the fervor with which your Templars defended their mages. We had the same ideals back when I was in the Circle and I suppose they continued." – She stopped short, trying to wash the bitterness of remembering Uldred's uprising.
"Petra arrived to Ostwick after that business with Uldred in your Circle. Irving sent her to us because she was traumatized. She told us about what happened and how you saved them. Senior Enchanter Amell, it's an honor to meet you."
Azzura laughed at the title." I actually am only a poor Enchanter. I joined the Wardens before Irving could tie me down to a desk. So, how comes that I see your group on foot, without horses?"
Ser Lawrence rolled his eyes." Evelyn forgot to tie them up for the night. They fled after they heard some wolves, with all our supplies." – The Warden laughed again, looking over where Evelyn rested.
"Don't tell me that she is the one who keeps the Knight Commander on his toes.'
"Yes, she is. The Herald's sister is the death of me. Not because I don't trust her, it's because I need to keep her out of trouble. After we discovered our lost horses she just cheered on and said that we can make it on foot, like pilgrims. Her brother would appreciate the worship. Maker help me, the Inquisitor will have his hands full with her there."- He smiled, now full awake and sitting with his back on the cavern's wall. "The Trevelyans are a colorful family to say the least. I will let her tell the story how she ended up on this road, she is quite the storyteller. As for we others, we had to abandon the Circle after almost everyone scattered around. The Trevelyans offered shelter to the children, Templars and Senior Enchanters left to watch over them. I decided to come here but I got the followers. Seems I am inspiring." – He said with a chuckle.
"Knight Captain, I don't want to worry you, I took care of the problem for the moment, but we have a desire demon in the leash. Marina, that girl over there, lost over. We will have to get her thru the Harrowing. I asked for a place prepared once we get there and there are some Templars coming our way."
Ser Lawrence glanced over the sleeping Templars:" Are you sure there is no danger?"
"Yes. Let them sleep, soon we will have to get on the road."
Evelyn Trevelyan stirred on her blanket and groaned: "Ow! Who closed the curtains?" Azzura muffled a laugh and helped the girl rise in a sitting position."
"Hello Senior Enchanter! How are you feeling?" Evelyn stomped a hand on Amell's mouth:" Please, don't yell!"
Ser Lawrence smiled, handing the water skin to Evelyn:" Drink. It should help with the headache."
"Oh! Why, Ser? That was a nice party, last night. I got drunk and now I'm paying the deal. Stupid Templars! I suppose we were victorious since we are alive?"
"You got hit by two smites in a row, I thought the worst. "
"Yup, because I am a knight enchanter that doesn't give them the right to pick up exclusively with me. I should have learned spirit healing instead."
The Warden liked the girl. Her temper and wit reminded her of a younger Petra and her funny puns. Without thinking she said:" I am too pretty to be a blood mage!'
Lawrence and Eve stared at her." Oh, sorry! It's just that Evelyn reminds me of Petra so much and I remembered a quote we used for a long time, to refer to her. You should ask her later." Amell specified with a wink in Petra's direction. Eve made a face:" Really? Petra used to be like me? But she is so posed and serious!"
"Oh, you have nooo idea."
"So, you know her?"
"We grew up in the same Circle."
Ser Lawrence interrupted her: "Lady Amell is the Warden Commander of Ferelden."
Eve's jaw dropped." Wow! I finally meet you! You are my favorite Hero!" At the scolding look Azzura gave her, Eve cleared her throat: "No Hero worship, got it."
"So Eve, if I may call you that, how comes that you are a Senior Knight Enchanter so young?" "Because I am that good!" Eve stop in the mid-sentence at Ser Lawrence's glare. "Well, maybe a little."
Definitely, Evelyn Trevelyan was a figure. She had the habit to say exactly what she had in her mind, most of it being so genuinely innocent and subtle that Azzura supposed that the girl got away with it easily. Except of Petra in her youth, only Alistair had the same moments. Azzura wondered how he is and decided that once she got to her destination, she will have to write him a longer letter.
The group of Templars arrived close to sunrise and the healer went over the survivors to check on them. The group leader approached Azzura and bowed to her.
"Knight Lieutenant Oliver Stone, My Lady! We are here to escort you back to Skyhold. Lady Pentaghast told us that the Harrowing Chamber you required it will be ready once we arrive."
"Nice to meet you, Knight Lieutenant. I hope everything will work out with, let's say, our denizen."
Evelyn stormed outside and stopped in front of the Knight Lieutenant:" Hi! Is my brother in his castle? I am his sister."
Ser Oliver blinked, trying to hide a grin: "That was … quite the presentation, my lady."
"Oh! I'm sorry; I am Evelyn Trevelyan, Herald's sister."
"The Inquisitor is not at the Skyhold but he is due to return this week. I'm sure he will be happy to see you."
"Like a house on fire." Evelyn replied back, stashing her staff on her shoulder.
The sun rose over Thedas and Skyhold; the Seeker was not impressed, she had a terrible headache. She and the mages stood awake all night, preparing wards and securing a closed space for the incoming abomination. Yes, the Seeker was sure of that. She saw a lot of demons in her life and she knew for sure that the mage won't survive the trial. Cassandra went to ask for more Templars to get ready, just in case the demon shows itself before they get in. She was also worried for Cullen, he didn't wake up yet.
The Seeker climbed all the damned stairs to his office and knocked on the door.
"Cullen? Are you awake?" – She heard his footsteps and a second later the door opened, showing a pale Cullen.
"Cassandra, what's going on? You are up early, is everything all right?"
She huffed and leaned on the wall near to his desk. "I haven't slept at all. We have a problem. There is a group of people coming in; the Herald's sister and King Alistair's emissary are with them. And also a possible demon possessed."
Cullen dropped on the floor the reports Cassandra just handed to him. He grabbed the desk's ledge with both hands, horrific images making way in his mind. Images from another time and another place, images he thought would just be buried and never come alive.
"Maker help us! I have to... do you …?"
Cassandra felt his distress, she knew how he will react but she had no other choice. Squeezing his arm, she tried to calm him down. His illness made him very susceptible and he had mood swings, today was the fear of demons apparently.
"We have everything under control, Cullen. You don't have to go there, I will."
He made a strained sound and turned his eyes towards the door. "But I am the Commander! How I cannot be there? What everyone will think?"
The Seeker had to be harsh with him, Cullen didn't take coddling really well and he seemed to respond only when someone gave him explicit orders. It pained her, but he needed to stay out of this, for his own sake and his mental health. His emotional scars were never healed. He could try and hide from anyone else, but Cassandra knew him. He was her friend, and he needed her help right now.
"Cullen, I give you an order! Take care of all these reports, by midday. Now, get to work."
He gave her a sheepish look, and then realization dawned on him. Cassandra gave him a way out without making him lose his troops' respect. Smiling, he bent his head and sat at the desk." Of course, Seeker. I will get to them, right away."
After she left, Cullen left his mind drift away. Before the Circle uprising he assisted to many Harrowings, which went good or bad for both mages and Templars. When a mage would pass the Harrowing, everyone would cheer and remember to breathe. When a mage lost it, the Templars had to strike down the abomination. If they were lucky and the mage resisted longer, they could dispose of him before the demon took a full possession. Still, there were times when the mage would so quickly fall to the dark side that the demon would manifest without haste, giving the Templars a run for their money in the struggle to cut it down. Those were the times when Cullen hated being witness at Harrowings. The fight, the gore, the smell and the leftovers after the battle. Cleaning was the difficult part, unpleasant too.
When the Tower fell under the blood mages, there were so many abominations and demons populating the halls, so much despair and struggle for survival. He had to watch how his friends died or submitted to the demons, in front of him. Mages and Templars alike. He had to watch Lucas being tortured for days, until he couldn't keep it anymore and threw himself on his own sword. When his turn came, Cullen resisted. He was abused, taunted and tempted with everything he wished for. The desire demon took Azzura's image and laughed at him, inviting him to kill her for revenge or to abandon himself to his love.
And then she came back, to save him. He didn't even think that she was real, until everything was over. She was carried out from the Harrowing chamber by Alistair, one of her companions. She was hurt but he couldn't find the will to approach her, even when Wynne asked him to do so. Mages hurt you, hurt your feelings and your heart, she did that to him.
The last time when he saw her it was when she came to his room, right before she left for ever.
Kinloch Hold, 9.31 Dragon
Cullen dragged himself towards his quarters, without looking back where Wynne was trying to bring back Azzura. She was hurt, but he had no idea where the wound would be. He wasn't interested. For what good she worth, she was dead for him.
Entering his room, he felt nauseous. Lucas' bunk was empty and his friend won't come back to sleep on it. Bryant was one of the few Templars left, Greagoir sent him to Denerim for the Right of Annulment. It was his luck that saved him.
Of course, the Warden won't hear about that, she refused to listen to him and tried to save the mages.
Cullen leaned on his bed, tears falling down his cheeks. He jolted when he saw his door opening and a voice, he once loved, called his name.
"Cullen? You are there, my love?" – Her words made him see black.
Empowered by his anger, he pushed her on a wall and closed his hands around her neck. "Mage! I am not your love! Not anymore! Get out from my sight!"
She was shocked and paled under his gaze. Gulping for air and struggling to get his hands off of her neck, she tried to speak, her voice hoarse.
"Cullen! You hurt me, please stop!" He stepped back and took a defensive stance, holding his hand on his sword's pommel.
"All right, say what you have to say, and then leave. I don't want to see you again."
She tried to approach him with her hand open, like she was approaching a wild animal. "Cullen, I am sorry for being so late. If I had known! I had to defend Redcliffe by an undead army and try to save the Arl."
"I see." – He said just that, nothing more.
She finally succeeded to put a hand on his cheek. Cullen flinched but he didn't retreat, just closed his eyes and inhaled deeply.
"I have missed you, my love. Are you all right? Did Greagoir talked to you?"
Her insistence on calling him her love maddened him.
"If I was your love, why did you leave me? What I have done to deserve your treason? Where you were when those Seekers interrogated me? You had all the time in the world to let me know that you survived at Ostagar! I had Wynne to tell me that! You said you loved me, but this is not true. You, like the other mages, hurt people, play with them and then you throw them away. Get out!"
"This is not the truth, Cullen! Let me tell you why I left you."
He was yelling now and unsheathed his sword. "Go... away! If not, I will kill you!"
Azzura stepped back, tears in her eyes. "I will go. Please talk to the Knight Commander or the First Enchanter, they know the truth. I beg you, Cullen! Talk to them!"
Then she ran away and in the next half hour she left and he never saw her again.
Cullen remembered that after his discussion with Azzura, the Knight Commander wanted to tell him something. He never believed what Greagoir told him. How could that be? By the end of the day and the next morning, Cullen worsened. Nightmares and the after battle shock got their toll on him. He would yell with glassy eyes to every mage he would see, sometimes took two Templars to hold him back on hurting someone. He almost lost his mind and he couldn't have coherent thoughts, see the difference between reality and his nightmares. The Knight Commander had no other choice than sending him to Greenfell. The recovery was slow and painful, his mind numb because of high dosage in lyrium. For three long years he tried to recover the best he could. Pieces of information would make it in that closed region from time to time. When he wasn't too busy watching in distance, his eyes filled with void, he could hear the Chantry brothers and sisters talking about the outer world's events.
"The Hero of Ferelden, that's how they call her."
"Yes, she is a mage. Imagine that. They say that she had success in acquiring the help of almost everyone."
"I can't believe it. She defeated the Hero of River Dane, but when he yields, she executed him in front of his own daughter! Poor Queen Anora!"
"Maybe she had a reason. I've heard that she did the same with Arl Howe. Not that I was a big sympathizer of his."
"A mage queen? Do you think should work? I don't think she is a blood mage, after all she is doing everything to defeat this Blight."
"Well, the new King, Alistair I think is his name, left her in the middle of the Landsmeet. Not so much love there, I suppose."
"The Blight is over! Praise the Maker! That girl did it! She defeated the Archdemon almost single handed."
Those rumors didn't help. He wanted to forget about her but like a nemesis haunting him, they kept growing and growing. He was grateful for what she did to end the Blight, but the only thing that actually made it through his mind; it was about her and her new lover, the King. At least she didn't shame herself even worse in his eyes, by continuing her relationship after Alistair became King. Cullen was happy at the thought that the King left her. Now she could feel what it means being betrayed by the one you love.
And here he is, ten years later trying to pick up the pieces of his shattered life, with her still in his thoughts. He understood what she did at the Landsmeet. She had to secure the throne for her lover. She was young and an inexperienced circle mage. Did she changed? Does she still loves the King?
The Commander jerked at the noises outside. People running and shouting, horse hoofs clattering on the stone outside the battlements.
Cullen opened the door just a little to take in the view, down in the courtyard. He saw some of his Templars running to meet the new arrived group. In the middle, he spotted a small figure strapped on the horse back, accompanied by a vision. The black horse, the vision was riding, made a straight line towards the mage tower with the other people in tow. Cullen had to shake his head and clear his eyes with his palms. A chuckle escaped from his lips. He took an old woman for a vision of a fiery woman riding a war horse. I must be sicker than I thought.
The old woman had all her white hair loose and he spotted her staff in her left hand. When the horse stopped, he saw the old woman jumping down with ease and running towards the mage tower's entrance. The Commander narrowed his eyes, bewildered, when he saw the old lady making signs towards his own soldiers and they responding to her orders like she was their own superior. When the old lady threw her staff in the air, in a wide arc, Cullen felt his mouth opening. The weapon came to life like it had its own sentience, following its owner.
Then he saw Cassandra running from inside with a few mages. They started to place magical wards spells around the area and soon everyone disappeared inside.
May the Maker help you all. – Like from their own volition, Cullen's knees bended down and he started to recite the Chant, praying for the old lady. He really hoped that she was a good mage because otherwise her place shouldn't be there.
Three Inquisition mages and several Templars were already inside when Azzura ran towards them holding a young girl by the hand. The Seeker knew her people and counted on them to know what they had to do, but the new mage was unknown to her. From the orders she gave to the Templars outside, Cassandra figured that the mage knew what was expected from her, and yet she had to be sure.
Approaching the other woman, sword and shield in hand, she asked: "I need to know if you know what to do in this case. Have you ever fought an abomination?"
Smiling and staff in hand, Amell turned to the voice talking to her. "Oh, not only abominations. I and the demons are long time acquaintances."
Cassandra gasped, tightening the grip on her sword. "What that supposed to mean?"
The smile on Azzura's face disappeared like it was never there. The Warden's eyes fell onto Cassandra's shield and breastplate. The eye and the sword emblem hit her in the face with their image. If looks could kill, in that instant from the Seeker could be left only a pile of smoking ashes, so Azzura's expression changed. "A Seeker!" – She spat – "Just my lucky day. Don't worry; I once cleared an entire tower filled with demons and abominations. Let's just hope that today is not the case."
As for the Seeker, she was taken by surprise at the change of mood in the other woman's voice. It was almost like the hate poured with every word she said.
Marina, the girl with the demon problem, was ready to face her trial. At the horrified look she gave to the older Enchanter after he explained what was about to happen and what were the consequences, Azzura thought that one day, things really needs to change. It's useless to explain to someone that they are undergoing an important test and if they fail, they will be cut down. Just those words were enough to make someone wary about their potential. She regained her composure and left philosophical matters for another time.
"One moment, Enchanter." – walking to Marina, Azzura took the amulet back, then squeezing the younger girl's hand, she encouraged her." You can do it. Remember that nothing is real, and demons' promises are a danger to you. "
When she retreated, to her dismay, the hell broke loose. The desire demon, unleashed, showed in the center of the Harrowing chamber and started to move her body towards Azzura.
"Hero, you always run from me." – hearing the demon saying the word hero, Cassandra left a yelp.
Unfazed, Azzura attacked the demon with her fire staff. "You should know me better by now. Your kind is not one of my favorite playmates." The Templars started to close in, attacking with their swords.
A look around her told the Warden that things were not going how they should go. The Templars showed signs of confusion and their attacks became unfocused and erratic. She had to take a decision but with the Seeker there, she had no other choice that to reveal what she knew. A shrieking laugh came from the direction where Marina stands. Pulling a dagger from under her robes, the girl sliced her wrists, blood dripping at her feet. The mages flew away, taking position behind the Templars.
Cassandra let a battle cry sound and lunged towards the blood mage.
"Guardian! Protect me!" – At Azzura's words, the Warden became enveloped in a shimmering shield of light and her staff burned with wider flames. Then, directing her voice towards the blood mage girl, she yelled: "Blood mage, your kind brought only destruction upon us. It's time for you to answer for your crimes."
The shimmering light covering Azzura changed to black. Cassandra opened her mouth, her face becoming one of horror, she turned towards Azzura." What in the Maker's...?" She couldn't finish her sentence when a fireball swooshed near her head and slammed into the blood mage.
The room's occupants were drifting slowly with their eyes wide open. Can't lose them right now. The Hero of Ferelden started to chant in tevene, attacking the demon in the same time. The tevene chant was replaced with elven incantations, words flowing easily from Azzura's lips. Mages and Templars shook their heads and ran to help the strange mage and Cassandra. The black void surrounding Amell became thick and only a dark shape left in her place. The darkness went towards the blood mage and the staff with its flaming head came to life. With a precise cut the mage cut the other woman's head, leaving Cassandra routed in place with her sword in midair.
The desire demon ran in circles around the Templars who gave chase, with the mages plummeting it with their spells. Azzura's dark shape brought the hands in front of her and released a chain of lightning so powerful, that the demon was paralyzed, shacking and screaming in pain. A Templar dipped his sword in its body, slashing it from head to its belly.
Everyone was panting and breathing from the fight, still Cassandra needed answers, like a good Seeker of the Truth would want. Sheeting her sword, she approached Azzura, now fully in human form and with her staff tamed, back on her back.
"Who are you? What are you?" – Azzura raised an eyebrow. She wanted to mock the Seeker but she needed to remember why she was here. Facing King Alistair's wrath was not a good way to start her new mission with the Inquisition. So she settled for a polite talk, instead.
"I am King Alistair Theirin's emissary. I hope we will discuss about my mission soon enough, Seeker. If you can gather everyone interested, I will be there in a few. I must rest for a bit."
"I… see. And if I am not intruding, what was about this entire spectacle you put on? What are you?"
"I am a human being, a mage and a woman. Nothing to fear off. This it will be also explained later."
Before other people could make any question, Azzura slipped out from the slaughtering chamber, how she named it, and went towards the black horse she left in the middle of the courtyard. She smiled to herself, the mages witness of the battle, will certainly have many questions too. She was ready to teach them what she was allowed to, nothing more. Blood mages were proud to be able controlling their opponents' minds; she will take the smile from their faces teaching the Inquisition's mages to counter attack them.
Star hoofed impatiently and dug his head under Azzura's hand.
Cullen took a deep, releasing breath. Everything was over, at least no one got hurt or worse, except for the girl they brought in, she never got out. He saw Cassandra giving orders to her men and scattering the onlookers. He decided that was the time to join the people downstairs, he felt much better now. Amused, he realized that he was searching for the wispy old lady. Then he saw her, stroking the black horse's mane, he stared. It was his horse! Hurriedly, he headed towards her.
Amell kissed the horse's nose." You were great! You are fast and brave. We can be friends for life, don't you want too?"
The horse master, who approached in, chuckled. Cullen could hear his reply, being right behind him. "Well, My Lady, I'm sorry but the horse has already a master. It's the Commander of the Inquisition." The Warden pouted: "Pity. I hope that the Commander is worthy of his horse, then. "Cullen narrowed his eyes at the half insult at his persona in favor of his own horse. " It was a pleasure to ride you, Star. Take care of yourself."
"His name is Tempest. And his master likes to think that he is worthy enough to not be thrown down from the saddle." – Cullen quipped at the back of the old lady.
That voice. Like honey melting. That lopsided smile.
Azzura felt her hair rising, her legs swelling and her eyes losing their sight. She steadied herself gripping the horse's neck, clutching the reins with what force she could muster. Breath stopped, ears ringing, she turned slowly to face the voice and her eyes took in, brown honeyed irises with long lashes.
Cullen couldn't move. Those eyes looking at him where too much, those lips…it couldn't be, but it was. The small scar she had above her right eye, he remembered doing it by mistake, with his armored glove, everything told him that it was her.
Azzura managed to say only "Cullen." Then she fainted, leaving him to hold her unconscious body in his arms. He forgot to breathe, forgot why he was there, and forgot the entire world. "You." – He choked with his own words, unable to do anything else than hugging her limp form in his strong arms.
"Commander! Do you need help?" – Of course! Jim, the always helping Jim, had to shake him from his own reverie.
Clearing his throat, Cullen motioned Jim to come closer. "Yes. The Warden needs help. Please take her to the infirmary."
Cullen Stanton Rutherford, ex Knight- Captain of Kirkwall's Circle of Magi, Commander of the Inquisition Forces, left the Warden hanging in Jim's arms and ran to hide in his office.