Hey guys been busy enjoying spring break with my brother
Anyway I actually wrote this chapter about a week ago just needed to edit it
Well here it is. Long but not as long as I've gone before
Thanks for reading
Kirkwall
Viscount's Keep
One day after the attack
"Nobles of Kirkwall I assure you the situation is under control. The incident here at the Keep has been over exaggerated. I will not allow fear and panic to take hold of the city" Viscount Dumar said.
A crowd of Nobles had gathered at the Viscount's Keep and ambushed the Viscount. Seneschal Bran had tried to hold the Nobles back calming them down but in the end Dumar was forced to take matter into his own hands.
"How is the city safe? A Hightown resident was murdered and no one will tell us anything! An attack on the Viscount Keep! A fire in the Marketplace! An incident in the foundry district of Lowtown! The Blooming Rose shut down! What is happening!" a frantic Noble shouted.
Viscount Dumar grimaced as a murmur traveled through the crowd of Nobles. All of them were panicked and fearful of the events that had occurred in the city these past few months.
"The murder of Aldos on his estate is under City Guard investigation and as such not all the details are available to the public. Everything that can be done is being done. The City Guard will keep the peace and I ask that you remain calm" Viscount Dumar said settling the crowd down.
"When will it end! The crime in the city has gone through the roof!" another panicked Noble, this one an older woman, called. Now they notice the crime. A shame our high class is so unaware of things outside their circle of business Viscount Dumar thought to himself.
"Soon my lady. In all my years as Viscount you have never doubted me. When I was elected Viscount the people put their trust in me and so I ask you do so once again" Viscount Dumar said calming looking each Noble in eye.
Always make eye contact. Make them think each and every one of them is more important the others Viscount Dumar thought having had years of experience in politics.
Silence filled the Keep as the Nobles took in the Viscount's words.
When they thought the city was peaceful I was mocked as being placed by the Chantry and not elected. Now when they are in fear I'm once again the Noble they chose to rule Kirkwall Viscount Dumar mussed.
Seneschal Bran chose that moment to take the lead gathering the Nobles attention as he called "the Viscount is very busy and he has heard your complaint. We ask that you leave us to do our work the city has issues to attend to."
Mumbling amongst themselves the crowd of Nobles began leaving. Viscount Dumar watched them leave beside Seneschal Bran.
"Well done Sir" Seneschal Bran said. "It is to be expected. I've managed to calm the Nobles but now so soon after the attack it's only natural they'd panic" Viscount Dumar said. "Can you imagine the panic the city would face if the Coterie had assassinated you… uh forgive me Sir I spoke out of term" Seneschal Bran said shifting awkwardly.
Viscount Dumar slowly raised a hand to his bandaged forehead. "You are forgiven Seneschal. The Coterie failed but people are still scared. It was very close and if Mr. Hawke and his 'contacts' hadn't intervened…" Viscount Dumar said.
Seneschal Bran looked at his feet before turning to the Viscount saying "Sir I believe you need more time to recover. Your staff and I can manage in the time being."
"No I will do my duty. We must all do our part Bran" Viscount Dumar said slightly surprised by his Seneschal showing concern for his health. Seneschal Bran turned seeing another Noble heading for them and held out his hand saying "the Viscount is no longer hearing complaints."
Viscount Dumar notice who it was however and stopped Seneschal Bran.
"I can spare a moment" Dumar said calmly. Now standing before the Viscount and his Seneschal was Marcus Tacitus. Marcus Tacitus was regarded by many as the quite possibly the richest man in Kirkwall. Or at least the richest man in Kirkwall when he was actually in the city. Unlike most of the higher class in the city Marcus was not a Noble but a merchant and investor.
Hailing from the lands of distant Tevinter, Marcus had arrived in Kirkwall during the Blight. Marcus had made several trade agreements within the city and now partially owned two of the five banks of Kirkwall. Marcus traveled much in his business transactions but something here in Kirkwall kept drawing him back. He'd even purchased a rather large estate. Though he was not a noble Marcus was often treated as one and sometimes as more than one.
"I trust are you okay Viscount. The city has been in panic these past few days. It's very bad for business" Marcus said in greeting. "I am fine. I apologize for not personally thanking you for your donation to the city in these troubled days" Viscount Dumar said politely.
Marcus… he does not care for me or my health. He pretends his concern but there's no mistaking the coldness in his eye. His love of the city comes only from his love of wealth Dumar mussed.
"The city had issues to attend I understand. Know that in these troubled days I am at your service. Coin perhaps for repairs and as always I promise a small but fair interest rate" Marcus said in a humble bow.
"We manage for now. The offer is appreciated" Viscount Dumar said not wanting to get into debt with this Tevinter business man. He has positioned himself well with his donations to the city. There isn't a man in Kirkwall, Noble or otherwise, who can ignore Marcus Dumar thought.
Marcus smiled warmly as he took his leave.
"I do not trust that man. There are rumors that he keeps slaves in the estate he bought" Seneschal Bran said once Marcus had left. "Be that as it may it is out of our hands. Marcus has diplomatic immunity and investigating or imprisoning him could bring war with the Imperium" Viscount Dumar said in a bitter sigh.
"Many people owe coin to the man. Exiling him from Kirkwall would damage the city's economy but I believe it was wise of you not to enter into his debt Sir" Seneschal Bran said.
"His donations to the city have been helpful but I will not allow the government of Kirkwall to find itself in debt to any man" Viscount Dumar said firmly.
"Come Bran. There is work that needs to be done" Dumar said.
Kirkwall
The Hanged Man
Varric's Private Suite
"Hawke doesn't have time for us anymore" Isabela said jokingly as she barged in and interrupted Garrett and Varric's discussion. "I've been busy" Garrett said frowning. "Moving up in the world just not the way Hawke intended" Varric said smirking as he took another drink of Ale.
"I know. Varric tells me you even get personal face time with the Viscount" Isabela said moving to lean on Garrett's shoulder to his annoyance. "It's business and our meetings are more than just us two" Garrett said smiling lightly as he gently pushed Isabela off his shoulder.
"All the same recent events in the city have got everyone's attention. Even me" Fenris said speaking up. "We're not supposed to talk about it Fenris. Remember what Hawke said the Viscount keeps a good lid on things for a reason" Anders said.
"You three and your secrets. It's so boring these days. I actually miss the days we were doing those jobs for the expedition" Isabela said gliding into the chair beside Garrett and putting her feet up on the table.
"Those days are over" Garrett said.
"Now we just need to collect our due" Varric said hiding the bitterness with a smirk.
While Garrett had started running with Tolan and helping the city against the Coterie threat Varric had still been looking into his brother Bartand and more importantly where most of the coin was while finding buyers for what treasures Garrett and the others had managed to bring with them.
"I could always use the coin" Anders said shrugging. "I only managed to sell a little of it. We found treasures and I'll not be suckered into bad deals" Varric said gesturing at the heavy bags of coin placed around the table.
"Everyone take their share. Isabela where's Merrill?" Garrett said as he took the bag of coin meant for him as the others did the same. "Still cooped up in that hut of hers in the Alienage. I visit every now and again, here I'll give Merrill her coin" Isabela said.
"Why don't you guys just go back into the Deep Roads. Varric said there was a lot of treasure that Bartand never got it" Isabela asked looking at Garret.
"Because Hawke had the bright idea of unleashing the Darkspawn on the Rock Wraiths" Varric said with a smirk. "There's no going back there. The Darkspawn reclaimed their territory thanks to us and trust me going back down there is suicide" Anders said darkly.
"It worked and we got our treasure" Fenris said surprisingly following Varric's lead and lighting the mood as he grabbed his coin.
"Varric what about Bartand? Any leads where that cheater is?" Garrett asked. "I have some leads but he's enjoying his wealth, moves around a lot" Varric answered bitterly. "He's a smart bastard" Fenris said taking a drink of Ale.
"You know Hawke I still have some jobs here and there. You ever need me I'm here. Sigh and it's not like there's much to do anymore with people so scared" Isabela said standing up.
"Thanks Isabela but I'd rather not keep dragging people into this" Garrett said calmly. "It's like Varric always says gallant Sir Hawke always thinking of others" Isabela laughed taking her leave.
"I wasn't a Knight I was a Soldier" Garrett called as Isabela left.
"It makes for a better story. Besides Hawke you're always so serious now. Someone needs to lighten the mood or we'd all end like Fenris here" Varric laughed.
Fenris tilted his head at Varric.
"That's what you're here for Varric. Finding intel and telling crazy tales" Garrett said smiling slightly, he did miss their earlier days with the expedition. The days where he had kept his sister safe.
"I don't wanna know what you say about me" Anders sighed while Fenris actually grinned, he being the only one of them that Varric didn't tell Tales of. "Don't worry blondie I never use your real name" Varric reassured. "Nice catching up guys but I gotta go. Business and all" Garrett said standing up. "I'll let you know when I get more leads on Bartand" Varric said shaking Garrett's hand.
Garrett nodded at Varric before turning to Fenris saying "for what it's worth I'm glad you're staying in Kirkwall." "There's coin here and I like using my master's former estate" Fenris answered in a shrug.
"If you need help again I'm here" Fenris said. "Thanks for everything Fenris but I think you've helped enough. If any Nobles bother you in the estate again let me know and I'll straighten them out" Garrett said.
I mean that Fenris but you stand out quite a bit. Not good for the things Tolan and I do Garrett thought honestly as he finished his ale.
"Anders I'm sorry but I might need your help again soon" Garrett said turning to leave. "I already said I'd help Hawke. You and the Smuggler Lord don't have to do everything yourselves" Anders said calmly.
"It's an honor thing" Garrett said running a hand across his Ostagar Knife that he always sheathed on his belt.
I could have sold this long ago… might have even got some good coin for it but no. It's a part of my life I can't forget. A Soldier's honor Garrett thought letting his Ostagar Knife go.
"I'll see you around guys. Thanks for the coin Varric" Garrett said leaving Varric's Suite and heading for the exit to the Hanged Man.
The Gallows
Circle of Magi
Practice Chambers
"Trust me Kenneth you need to learn this" Bethany said as she cast an arcane shield over herself while Kenneth watched in awe before Bethany dispelled it.
"Okay" Kenneth said summoning a weak light blue field around himself that looked like it might fall apart without so much as a tap. Bethany sighed as she reached a hand over and tapped Kenneth's arcane shield. Kenneth hung his head low as the light blue shield around him shattered at Bethany's touch.
"You just need to try harder" Bethany said. How can the Meredith be so cruel… adult mages fail the Harrowing sometimes. Can she really think a child could survive? Bethany mussed. "I'm not good at this like you Bethany!" Kenneth groaned.
He's always trembling now. Do the Templars even know how terrifying the Fade can be to a young mage.
"Hey come one I learned this before I was ten. You can do it same as me" Bethany said patting Kenneth on the back. Kenneth nodded before looking up at his one savior in the Circle. "Where did you learn Bethany? You haven't been here long and you already know more than a lot of apprentices?" he asked.
"My father taught me. The day a used magic I accidentally froze my twin brother's shirt. We moved around a lot but every day for four hours he would take me aside and make me practice" Bethany answered.
"You dad was an Apostate too? Wow how did he last so long out in open? And you too?" Kenneth said in awe. "… I don't really know my father never seemed afraid about himself. It was weird he was only every worried about me being taken" Bethany answered slowly.
"I remember the day I was taken. It was two years ago I had started having nightmares and my father called the Templars" Kenneth said rubbing his arms.
"You're father called the Templars?" Bethany said her eyes wide. "Yeah… at first they didn't think I was a mage but the Templars held a bag of Lyrium at me and it reacted. I hadn't even done anything but I had magic" Kenneth said glumly.
The magic isn't strong in him. His problem isn't controlling his magic it's gathering it together… the exact opposite of me Bethany thought.
Bethany remembered how scared she had been when she was child. All the nightmares she had and the accidents she caused without meaning too. Her father Malcolm had trained her to tame her magic, to respect but never fear it. It seems Kenneth and a lot of the Circle Mages had been taught to simply fear their magic.
"Kenneth try again. Don't tremble stand firm and strong" Bethany said patting Kenneth on his shoulders encouragingly.
Trying once again Kenneth summoned the arcane shield around himself managing to keep a light blue field but it stood weak and feeble. Bethany frowned as she raised a finger and poked Kenneth's arcane shield shattering it into nothing.
A demon would go through Kenneth like a knife through butter Bethany thought darkly.
Kenneth looked away not meeting Bethany's eyes. He was glad Bethany had decided to help him even though no one else, not even Tobrius, had been willing as the Templars were bound to notice sooner or later. "This isn't working" Kenneth moaned. Leaning in so the others wouldn't hear Kenneth whispered "you said I'll need to defend myself but I can't protect myself."
"What about offense" Bethany asked getting an idea.
Kenneth looked up at Bethany in awe. "Offense… but the Templars warned us to never attack. We're only allowed to learn restraint. Only Enchanters learn anything else" the boy stammered.
"Trust me" Bethany said. "I… okay" Kenneth answered. "What do you want me to do?" Kenneth asked nervously. Bethany slowly stepped back and raised her staff casting arcane shield over herself. "Attack me" Bethany said.
Kenneth gaped at her.
"Go on. I'll be fine trust me" Bethany said. "What do I use?" Kenneth asked nervous. "When I was little girl my father used to make practice with fire and ice magic. My father believed that learning to use both made you a master of control" Bethany answered.
"Why?" Kenneth asked.
Bethany smiled remembering her father's wise words to her as she recited them back to young Kenneth, "Fire is alive and must be contained while ice is slow and needs to spread. They are polar opposites of the same practice. Control."
Raising his hand slowly Kenneth strained and let loose a small burst of feeble sparks of flame magic that struck Bethany's arcane shield sizzling out into nothing. That's not enough Bethany thought as Kenneth sighed feeling doomed.
Dispelling the arcane shield around her Bethany moved to stand beside Kenneth. "Don't give up. I know you're scared" Bethany said reassuringly. "Everyone's scared of the Harrowing not everyone comes back" Kenneth whispered glumly.
"I meant your magic" Bethany said. "My magic still scares me sometimes but the trick is control. Gather it up Kenneth don't be afraid" Bethany said raising a hand and summoning a small ball of blue flame magic in her hand.
Kenneth starred eyes wide at Bethany's blue flame. "Let it grow but don't let it spread" Bethany said the blue flame magic growing bigger but never leaving her hand before Bethany let it fade into nothing.
Getting a serious look on his face Kenneth raised his hand like Bethany had and gathered his magic willing the flame to appear. It started slow at first a spark or two but slowly the flame magic began to grow until finally a ball of red flame magic stood in Kenneth's hand.
Kenneth let out a heavy breathe as he struggled to keep the red flame magic going but Bethany smiled as it was the first signs of control. "Don't be afraid. Control it, all the power is with you" Bethany said echoing the words of her father.
Seeing the Kenneth's hand was trembling Bethany gently placed a hand on the boy's wrist as the red flame magic grew but never left Kenneth's hand. Kenneth smiled and slowly started laughing in relief as he stabilized the ball of red flame magic in the palm of his hand.
Bethany smiled and let Kenneth's wrist go.
Slowly waving his fire filled hand back and forth Kenneth laughed with joy watching the flames dance as he said "I… I've never done it before."
That's when Bethany noticed it. The practice chambers had grown silent. Turning around with Kenneth they noticed that several of the other apprentices and younger mages were watching them. Kenneth stood frozen, the red flame magic still blazing in his hands, as the three Templars stationed in the practice chamber made towards them.
"Put the fire out. Let it fade away" Bethany whispered to Kenneth whom hurried did as he was told, the Templars heading for them. Though Circle Mages could use the practice chambers they were only able to practice their magic with at least two Templars present at all times.
Now standing before Bethany and Kenneth stood three fully armed and armored Templars looking very serious.
"What are you doing Mage?" one of the Templars, a middle aged man with a burn across his face and apparently the leader, said. "Helping a friend. Kenneth was having trouble so I thought I'd lend a hand" Bethany answered a little nervous.
I've got to stop doing that. I can't let the Templars know they scare me Bethany thought to herself realizing that must have been what Garrett had felt all those years he had helped hide her. Garrett went inside the Chantry he even talked with Templars and worked with Sir Thrask a few times… he must have been so scared for me but he never showed it Bethany realized
"You showed a boy to cast fire" the leader said leaning in looking over Bethany accusingly as the two Templars behind him shifted and crossed their arms. "It helped him. He couldn't cast anything without it falling apart" Bethany answered remembering what Garrett had always done when confronting people and looked the Templar straight in the eye without blinking.
Kenneth stood behind Bethany.
"He is a boy. He should not be learning to burn things he should be reading the Chant and learning of the curse he will carry for the rest of his life. He is too young to cast spells" the Templar said sternly with a cold look in his eye.
Too young to cast spells but not too young to take a Harrowing Bethany thought bitterly as she bite her lip.
"He used an arcane shield but you didn't care" Bethany said pointing out how the Templars left them alone until Kenneth had successfully cast fire. The leader said nothing but looked past Bethany at Kenneth behind her whom looked scared.
"The practice chambers are here for Circle Mages to practice magic" Bethany pointed out. "Under Enchanter supervision! I'm warning you girl. I'm warning you" the Templar said leaning in a cold look in his eyes.
Bethany stayed silent trying not to show the fact that she was nervous and maybe even scared.
"I gave her permission to help Kenneth" a voice suddenly called gathering everyone's attention, Templars and Circle Mages alike. The crowd splitting before him as he walked across the chamber Tobrius appeared holding one of his many books looking stern.
"Excuse me" the Templar called as his two fellows shifted beside him.
"I gave Bethany permission to help Kenneth" Tobrius said moving to stand in front of all three Templars despite their armor. "Enchanter Tobrius?" One of the other Templars said shifting uncomfortably behind the leader.
"Be that is it may I now forbid Kenneth to enter the practice chambers with or without Enchanter permission. Knight Commander Meredith will hear of your suddenly willingness to teach children flame magic" the leader of the Templars said sternly.
"Of course. The Knight Commander must be informed of every action us Enchanters make regarding the younger mages. Next I suppose you will inform Meredith of the robe shortages" Tobrius said surprisingly sarcastic as a few Circle Mages chuckled.
"I will inform Meredith of this. Mark my words Enchanter Tobrius" the Templar leader said turning a deep shade of red after Tobrius's little jape. "Out!" the Templar leader called at Bethany and Kenneth.
With a quick nod and gesture from Tobrius, Bethany and Kenneth followed them out of the practice chamber. After leaving the practice chambers the three of them were alone in the hallway. Tobrius pulled Bethany and Kenneth aside saying "you two are lucky I was nearby."
Bethany looked Tobrius over saying "… I was always taught to do the right thing." "Thank you Mr. Tobrius" Kenneth said slowly.
Tobrius let out a heavy breathe saying "I can't cover for the two of you forever. I wish I could, I truly do but Meredith's changing the rules." "Do all the Enchanters know about me?" Kenneth asked slowly from behind Bethany.
"All the Enchanters know. I'm sorry Kenneth … if… if you were older but Meredith is persistent" Tobrius said with pity. "Is there really nothing you can do?" Bethany asked. You managed to help me… practically gave me a guide on what to expect.
"Some of the Enchanters and I have been trying to contact Grand Cleric Elthina but she is very busy and contacting her is difficult especially for mages, even Enchanters" Tobrius said.
"What are we going to do?" Bethany asked glancing at Kenneth. Is this what Garrett felt? All those years he spent worrying about me and my magic she thought. "You've done what you can Bethany" Tobrius said smiling at her sadly before turning to Kenneth and saying "you did well Kenneth. I thought you were a year away from casting at least."
"I… I had a good teacher" Kenneth said smiling at Bethany, if a little nervous.
"My advice to the both of you is to low lay" Tobrius began as Bethany got ready to retort only for the Enchanter to raise a hand. "The Templars will be watching you now, the both of you. You helped him more than you know… I believe he may stand a chance" Tobrius said.
Kenneth looked up at Tobrius in awe.
"Practice what Bethany taught you when you can. But remember when the time comes you will need your wits as well as your magic" Tobrius said kneeling down to Kenneth. Tobrius… he's like a father to the Circle Mages Bethany mused.
"Run along now Kenneth. Practice and read the book Bethany gave you" Tobrius said with a glance back at Bethany. "Okay. Thank you" Kenneth glancing at Bethany before leaving.
"How long does he have?" Bethany asked worriedly.
"Two days" Tobrius said frowning heavily as he crossed his arms behind his back. "Why two days?" Bethany asked. "When a Harrowing is set up the Templars leave it open for three days. They give spirits and demons time to enter… two days from now Kenneth will be taken from his room at midnight" Tobrius answered somberly.
"You said he had a chance" Bethany said hopefully. "Yes but something's been happening. You noticed it during your Harrowing" Tobrius said turning to look at her. "What? My Harrowing?" Bethany asked curiously.
"I heard from Orsino that your Harrowing was particular difficult" Tobrius said slowly. "A Pride Demon snuck into my Harrowing" Bethany said darkly remembering the cruel and smiling demon that had pretended to be a Spirit of Justice.
"And after you a Circle Mage failed his Harrowing. I don't know all the details but from what I've heard a Pride Demon was involved. It made the Templars on edge" Tobrius said darkly as he gazed at Bethany, the only mage he'd ever known who stood against a Pride Demon alone.
"If that Pride Demon appears at Kenneth's Harrowing…" Bethany said trailing off not being able to finish her thought. Tobrius looked away. "That's not fair" Bethany said fighting to keep her voice low.
"It's out of our hands Bethany. All we can do is hope for the best" Tobrius said solemnly.
Kirkwall
Darktown
Near Anders's Clinic.
Garrett Hawke walked through the mostly empty streets of Darktown heading to meet pick up Anders as one of his former co-workers Chella trailed behind him.
Chella was a little older than Garrett but a bit shorter than him with dark red hair and brown eyes, she wore light brown armor with two one handed axes sheathed on her back. Back when he was under Athenril's service nearly two year ago Garrett had worked with her a few times and they got along well enough without exactly being friends.
"I'm just saying Hawke. You and me eh? Don't tell you haven't looked my way before; remember all those jobs we did way back when" Chella said following after Garrett. "From what I hear you haven't been to no brothels either. Come on Hawke I'll let you scratch your itch and you put in a good word for me" Chella said having no shame in what she was offering to her semi friend and co-worker.
Glancing back at her Garrett began "Chella you were always nice to my sister and you kept some of the guys from bothering her and I'm thankful for that. I am." "But you don't have to sell yourself to me and I can't put in a good word for you. I'm not as highly placed as you and everyone else seems to think" Garrett said.
"Hawke you're basically his right hand man" Chella snorted. "Tolan doesn't have a right hand man. I work with him but these are his plans and honestly I don't know if I could do this as well as he does" Garrett said honestly.
"Our leader trusts you Hawke. Besides not everyone is okay with how Tolan does things or how he replaced Athenril" Chella said.
Stopping in his tracks Garrett turned around.
"What do you mean Chella?" Garrett asked sternly. "Just saying a lot guys know you Hawke. You were with us a long time before you left and yeah we called you mister goody two shoes but you had no enemies amongst the Smugglers. We respect you hell Athenril respected you" Chella said poking Garrett's chest with her finger.
"I'm not having this conversation Chella" Garrett said sternly.
"We respect Tolan, we do. He's led us well and I don't think anyone but him could have planned all this, dealing with the Coterie and working with the City Guard" Chella said fairly.
"But?" Garrett asked crossing his arms.
"But Tolan wasn't always one of us Hawke… you know that better than anyone" Chella said. "I left the Smugglers. Tolan leads them now not me; and if you want to move up the ranks you have to work for it Chella. I can't do it for you" Garrett said sternly.
Chella stood silent for a moment before she laughed saying "you sound like my old man. I swear Hawke you were born to be grown up." "Come on I'm running late" Garrett said moving on. "Seriously were you ever a kid?" Chella asked laughing as she followed Garrett. "Yes I was kid once, surprising as it may seem I wasn't born an adult" Garrett respond.
Reaching Anders's Clinic and meeting the man whom pretended to be asleep outside Garrett waved letting him know who it was.
Stepping inside they found Anders waiting for them.
"Hawke what took you so long" Anders said looking bored as he waited for them. "Sorry Chella over here got in a bit of trouble with the City Guard and I had to pull her out" Garrett answered.
"Wait. What? I thought the City Guards left the Smugglers alone" Anders said confused. "They didn't know I was a one of Tolan's smugglers. Took Hawke to bail me out" Chella answered.
"So what's the job this time?" Anders asked. "Just some back up. Tolan's discovered where the Coterie's been getting their coin from since Athenril died. Apparently there still a few smugglers left besides Athenril's old gang" Garrett said beckoning Anders to follow him.
"They aren't that impressive. Whatever rival smugglers that survived trying to replace our group but eh our leader's still smarter than them and we have the numbers" Chella said speaking up with pride.
First you wanted me to put in a good word for you. Then you doubted Tolan's place as leading the Smugglers than you say he's the best leader we've ever had Garrett thought as glanced at his co-worker and raised an eyebrow.
"I never said our new boss wasn't a good leader" Chella said shrugging.
"The Smugglers Lord has some competition eh" Anders said as he followed Garrett. "Yeah but nothing we can't handle" Garrett responded.
Elsewhere
Lower levels of Darktown
"There you are Hawke" Tolan said in greeting as he took in Garrett, Chella, and Anders. They were hidden in the shadows watching as a few rival smugglers sneaked about trying to be discrete but not fooling Tolan and Garrett.
"Is that them?" Garrett asked in a low voice as the four of them watched the rival smugglers disappear down a makeshift staircase that looked like it'd been made recently. Tolan nodded saying "there's a hidden cove somewhere down here in Darktown. We follow these idiots over there and shut it down."
Putting on his Raider Mask and hood Tolan slowly starting leading them forward as a mixed group of Smugglers and Red Iron mercenaries followed carefully.
Though the criminals of the Kirkwall were all doing a lot more than usual Darktown itself was mostly empty of the people just trying to get by of late. The people in Darktown weren't stupid they knew what happening and they stayed clear of the lower levels.
Reaching the makeshift staircase Garrett and Tolan took the lead slowly making their way down until they reached a narrow path.
"Want me to scout ahead" Anders whispered as he gripped his staff. Garrett nodded whispering "if you wouldn't mind. We don't know what's ahead." Chella moved aside as Anders took the lead and led them past the narrow path and into a cove hidden from the other parts of Darktown.
As Garrett and Tolan stepped inside they saw the ship the Coterie had managed to get inside their little hidden cove. The ship was medium sized, not as big as the ones Athenril had managed to smuggle in, but it still held lots of coin. The rival smugglers had worked out a system to get ships past the Docks where Tolan's smugglers were, and down here to Darktown.
Men were unloading chests of coin and with a hurried nod from Garrett, Anders went on the offensive before the rival smugglers noticed them. Casting a hurried fireball Anders hit two rival smugglers as they were bringing a large chest down, killing both of them as cove erupted into chaos.
"We're under attack" a man shouted from atop the ship. Garrett and Tolan charged as Anders cast spell after spell and the mixed group of smugglers and Red Iron men charged.
Garrett slit the throat of rival smuggler as he dropped the chest he was carrying and made to grab his weapon but moved too slowly. Tolan covered blocking a crazed slash with his Longsword before parrying the attack and stabbing the man through the heart.
Anders noticed more rival smugglers grabbing weapons and sent a hurried Chain Lightning their way.
Chella danced forth slamming one of her axes into the throat of a rival smuggler as a Red Iron man used his Shield to block a stab that was aimed at her back. The Red Ion man slammed his Shield into the rival smuggler before slashing him across the chest.
"Thanks" Chella called as she finished off another rival smuggler.
While Anders and the group of Smuggler/ Red Iron men fought around the cove, Garrett and Tolan boarded the ship. "Whatever it is we can't let them have it" Garrett called as he and Tolan fought their way past three rival smugglers.
"If we need to we'll burn the ship down" Tolan called. Both Garrett and Tolan played their parts well and successful fooled some of the rival smugglers into abandoning the ship and making a run for it only to find Anders and the mixed group of Smugglers and Red Iron men waiting for them.
"No! Stand and fight you lazy dogs!" the Ship Captain cursed unsheathing a rather large looking Greatsword as he glared at Tolan and Garrett. The Ship Captain was a Tevinter man with a tattoo on his cheek. He was enormous with broad shoulders and stood nearly a head taller than Garrett or Tolan.
"Big man I see. We've fought bigger things that him" Tolan said as he Garrett stood their ground on the charging Ship Captain. We've fought Darkspawn Garrett thought as he and Tolan worked together attacking the large Ship Captain.
Garrett blocked with his Shield then batted the Ship Captain back with his Longsword as Tolan rushed forward slashing the man's back.
Roaring in pain the Ship Captain swung his Greatsword wildly forcing Garrett and Tolan back but suffering no injuries. Gesturing to Garrett with the old Ferelden Army hand signals Tolan told his fellow Ostagar survivor to rush first in a faint then let him attack.
Agreeing with the plan Garrett charged forward using his Shield to block the Ship Captain's slash before trying to stab with his Longsword. The Ship Captain did what both of them expected him to do and leap back avoiding Garrett's faint only for Tolan to backstab him with his dagger.
Stumbling forward and dropping his Greatsword the Ship Captain fell to his knees as Tolan pulled free his Dagger. Seeing the Ship Captain was still barely alive Garrett ended the man's misery with a single slash across the throat. "Good work" Garrett said as he and Tolan made for the cargo hold of the ship only to stop in their tracks as an eerily familiar noise ripped through the air of the hidden cove.
The sound of the unseen force of Blood Magic.
Down below where Anders and the mixed group of Smugglers and Red Iron mercenaries had nearly finished off the rival smugglers… Leech had appeared. Rushing in from another entrance to the hidden cove Leech flooded in threatening to overwhelm Tolan's smugglers.
They sent Leech… the Coterie's learning. They knew we'd come after their weak spots they knew we'd find the rival smuggler's cove Garrett thought taking a look below.
Chella tossed one of her axes at Leech only for feral Apostate to deflect it with a single flick of his hand that blasted the axe away. A Red Iron mercenary tried to charge Leech but met his end violently as Leech raised a hand his unseen force grabbing the man and ripping through the armor.
The Red Iron man screamed horribly as he died.
Leaning on a railing of the ship Garrett watched Leech burn down two of Tolan's Smugglers while Chella only barely escaped.
"This is bad" Tolan grunted. "Anders will even the playing field. Tell your men to stay out of it, that fight's too much for us" Garrett said just as Anders rushed forward staff held out meeting Leech head on.
Tolan nodded and ordered his smugglers to leave Anders and Leech's battle alone and focus on the raid instead. Chella and a few other of Tolan's smugglers started boarding the ship.
"We might have to burn the ship down for real" Garrett said wanting to help Anders but knowing that Tolan needed him here as they raided the cargo hold. "If it comes down to it we will" Tolan said as they burst the door open and reached the cargo hold finding several chests of coin that fueled the Coterie.
"Alright we take what we can" Tolan said just as Chella and a few of Tolan's smugglers joined them in the Cargo Hold. "We don't need to count it just take it and move" Garrett said as he ushered Tolan's men to go faster.
Back below the ship Anders fought against Leech. Apostate vs. Apostate
Anders raised his staff firing bolt after bolt of lightning keeping Leech at bay and more importantly keeping the fight between the two of them. Leech glared at Anders showing his sharpened teeth. That's never good… what is up with that freak and his teeth Anders thought gripping his staff ready to block.
Raising his hand and biting his lips Leech used his Blood Magic and one of rival smugglers that had tried to run suddenly flew across the hidden cove. Unable to move due to Leech's unseen force the man yelped in fear as he suddenly stood beside Leech.
Without so much as glancing at him Leech slit the man's throat and began to feed on the blood fueling his powers. NO! Anders thought as he quickly cast an arcane shield around himself.
Leech turned to the former Grey Warden and unleashed a burst of Blood Magic.
Anders tried to dodge but Leech's Blood Magic hit him anyway, he flew across the cove and slammed into a wall leaving cracks in faded concrete. Groaning from the impact Anders lay on the floor barely moving, the arcane shield fluttered weakly, it had saved his life but he was still hurt.
Managing to look up Anders saw Leech kill a Red Iron mercenary by ripping through the man's armor before turning back to look at him.
Back aboard the Tevinter ship Garrett and Tolan exited the cargo hold followed by Chella and a few of Tolan's smugglers, each of them carrying the Coterie's coin.
As they were leaving the ship having successfully taken the Coterie's supplies and making their getaway when Garrett noticed what happened between Leech and Anders. "Anders!" Garrett said.
"We don't have to win we just have to make it out of here" Tolan said not liking what he was seeing as Leech started towards them. "Meeran's waiting for us, we make it out we'll have backup" Tolan said as he gestured for Chella and his other smugglers to retreat with the Coterie's coin.
Leech was about to burn Chella and a few others only for a Spirit Bolt to hit him in the back sending him to ground. Tolan's smugglers used the time to start leaving as Leech got to his feet in the strange quiet yet forceful way of his.
Anders pulled himself into a sitting position the arcane shield still fluttering around the former Grey Warden but weak and feeble.
Leech showed his sharped teeth as he slowly started towards Anders.
"I can't leave my friend" Garrett said turning to Tolan. "Hawke-" Tolan began only for Garrett to repeat an old saying from their Army days, "no man left behind." "Go then. I double back with help" Tolan said as he moved on leading Chella, his smugglers, and the Red Iron men out with the Coterie's coin.
Garrett took off towards Leech as he nearly reached Anders. Leech was mocking Anders as the feral Apostate lazy blocked a hurried Spirit Bolt.
"Hey!" Garrett called heading for Leech.
Leech slowly turned his head glancing at Garrett almost like an afterthought before stopping his tracks entirely and turning around. "You!" Leech snarled as Anders began to heal himself. He knows I destroyed his Tomes Garrett thought remember when he'd almost lost his life under Leech's Blood Magic.
Raising his Shield, Garrett slowly began moving forward. Anders needs time to heal… I just need time to stall before Tolan comes back. "You will suffer for your crimes against me" Leech said raising a hand and using his Blood Magic only for Garrett to channel his Templar powers into his Shield blocking it.
Though Garrett blocked it he was pushed back nearly two feet. He's feed recently that means he's strong Garrett realized. Leech summoned a 'cloud' of flame magic sending it Garrett's way. Dashing sideways Garrett only barely dodged the flames.
Anders got to his feet having healed most of the damage.
Garrett rushed forward raising his Shield once again as he blocked a hurried fireball. Moving quickly Garrett dashed forward trying to slam his Shield into Leech only the feral Apostate to blast him back with his unseen force.
Barely managing to keep his footing Garrett slashed with his Longsword but Leech side stepped. Can't give him the chance Garrett thought as he rushed forward despite his bad footing. Slashing his Longsword the other way Garrett managed to hit Leech across the chess…
Only for Garrett's Longsword to bounce off with a sharp clang… Leech had cast Rock Armor on himself.
Should have kept my distance Garrett thought as he failed to raise his Shield in time and Leech blasted him back, the unseen force slamming into him.
Garrett landed flat on his back dropping his Longsword.
However before Leech could kill Garrett a Chain Lightning struck the feral Apostate sending him back as Garrett started to get up. Not making the same mistake this time Garrett raised his Shield as he moved back picking up his Longsword.
"Stay back Hawke he's too much for you" Anders said having made his way to his friend gripping his staff tightly.
Leech once again got up staring both of them down. "I planned to kill you slowly but no more holding back" Leech said in his low icily cold feral voice. Then Leech raised both his hands his unseen force ripping through the air in a shockwave the blasted both Garrett and Anders back. Garrett had raised his Shield using his Templar powers but even still he wasn't able to block all of it.
Garrett slide across the floor while Anders landed hard a few feet away, his arcane field fading away into nothing this time.
As Garrett slowly managing to get to his knees Leech dragged Anders forward with his unseen force. Only Anders wasn't fighting back he wasn't even moving… the former Grey Warden had been knocked unconscious.
Leech now held Anders by the throat as he showed his sharpened teeth ready to feed. Only for something to stop him. Anders opened his eyes and looked at Leech, only his eyes weren't the same anymore. Blue fire erupted from Anders's body burning Leech's hand.
Yelling in pain Leech released Anders stepping back as he held his burned hand.
Anders suddenly stood tall with no fear as his veins lit up bright blue. "Soulless Fiend! Your reign of terror ends today!" Anders yelled in an astringent and cold voice that did not belong to Anders… Justice had awoken.
"What are you" Leech said backing off… as if actually afraid.
"I am Justice! Here to avenge the fallen and bring about your doom!" Justice yelled as Anders's body began to glow all over.
Leech sent a burst of Flame Magic at Justice only for the strange hybrid of Spirit and Apostate to block it with easy. Cold and uncompromising Justice strode forward as Leech used Blood Magic pushing his opponent back and tried ripping through his armor.
Garrett watched stunned as Justice not only resisted Leech's Blood Magic but broke free. Roaring in the effort Justice simply shattered Leech's hold on him.
"I fight for the just! I will not be stopped!" Justice roared as he fired a burst of blue flame magic. Leech stumbled back managing to block most of the blue flame magic but not all of it. Before Leech could respond Justice had reached him.
Looming over Leech like some demon out of the Fade, Justice grabbed the feral Apostate by the throat and hauled him up effortlessly. Looking Justice directly in the eyes Leech showed his sharped teeth in a snarl. Blood Magic… don't look him in the eyes Garrett thought as he slowly got to his feet.
Instead of falling under Leech's control however Justice angrily head butted Leech yelling "your foul magic has no power over me. I cannot be compelled!"
Maker… Justice is beating Leech Garrett realized in astonishment. The once so feared and powerful Leech was tossed back and beaten again and again by Justice. The feral Apostate's rock armor serving little protection against the raw power of the former Grey Warden.
Justice was relentless slamming his fist into Leech again and again before kicking him hard in the chest as the feral Apostate lay unable to fight back. Spiting his own blood out of his mouth Leech snarled and tried to use magic but Justice simply hauled him up and tossed him like a rag doll.
Leech landed hard with a heavy thud.
"Hawke!" a voice called confused and maybe even frightened. Turning Garrett saw that Tolan had arrived with help, Meeran and a few Red Iron men along with Chella. Tolan and the others all stood gaping at the scene before them.
"… now's the chance. We can finish this, whatever that thing is it's killing Leech" Tolan said.
Garrett nodded starting forward as Tolan, Meeran, Chella and the Red Iron men following suit. All of them closing in on Leech as he was beaten by Justice. Only something happened before they could surround Leech and finish him off.
Leech had bitten his own arms drawing blood… raising his hands before Justice could act Leech blasted him back. Justice barely managed to hold his ground as Leech cast flame magic creating a buffer between him and everyone else.
Garrett, Tolan, Chella, Meeran and the Red Iron men were forced to keep their distance as the flames narrowly missed them.
"There is no escape" Justice called as he sent a burst of blue flame magic at Leech only for the feral Apostate to dodge it. Before Justice could attack again Leech held out his hand his unseen force gripping Justice but instead of ripping, crushing.
Justice roared in his cold almost demonic voice as he struggled to break free. Seeing a chance Garrett pulled free his Shield and flung at Leech. Clank Garrett's Shield slammed into Leech's side nearly toppling the feral Apostate.
Justice slumped to floor kneeling as Leech cast more flame magic batting the others away while he made his escape.
"Damn" Tolan said as they stood unable to pass through the fire and Leech made his escape… but wounded and weak. Before he could completely escape Justice sent a hurried Chain Lightning his way which stuck Leech in the back.
Leech groaned in pain but made his escape.
Justice got to his feet and dispelled the fire leaving nothing but ashes behind.
"What in bloody hells was that! Damn I could hire you" Meeran said in his grizzled rough voice as he took a drink of vodka. Chella stayed back with the Red Iron men… they didn't know what Justice was but they were afraid.
"Anders you okay?" Garrett said slowly walking to his friend.
Justice turned to Garrett just as Tolan caught up with them saying "Hawke what is this?" "Hawke you aid the criminals! You aid him!" Justice roared as he glared menacingly at Tolan before starting forward. Tolan backed up his Longsword held outward.
"Anders no! He's a friend" Garrett said stepping between them as Justice loomed over both Tolan and Garrett.
"Traitor!" Justice yelled.
Justice was about to continue but something happened, the strange blue light in Anders's eyes faded away. Suddenly Anders was back but he weak as he started to fall only for Garrett to catch him and help him regain his footing.
"Are you an abomination?" Tolan asked taken aback. "He's not" Garrett answered. "Either way I could use him. You ever need a job Healer, come find me" Meeran said smirking.
"I'm sorry. Justice doesn't like criminals even if they're fighting organized crime like the Coterie" Anders said panting as Garrett helped him forward and picked up his Shield. "We raided the Coterie they lost their coin and Leech is wounded. We're done here" Garrett said not liking the way some of the Red Iron men were looking at his friend.
"A good day in the end" Tolan said. "Hawke… you work with a-" Chella began as she kept her distance from Anders. "An Apostate? Yeah. It didn't bother you before" Garrett interrupted.
"Leave him" Tolan said sharply as he noticed Chella warily grip one of her axes. "The ship and the cove?" Garrett asked. "We'll burn it down. All of it they went be using this system again" Tolan said signaling to his men.
Meanwhile
Hightown
Hidden Safe House
The small but comfortable house wasn't much to look at just another one of the higher apartments for the more wealthy Merchants. At least that's what Aveline thought when she and the other City Guards first saw it.
Inside however Aveline found that the small house was more like a miniature estate with its many comforts and well-made silk sheets. That raid was going well as Aveline rushed through the rooms searching for former Magistrate Vanard along with Senior Officer Qerth and a dozen City Guards.
Sir Thrask and four Templars also searched through the Coterie safe house. So far they'd only found one Apostate that Sir Thrask had quickly killed before they moved on. As Aveline kicked open a door and stepped in an axman jumped out at her his axe raised.
Aveline raised her Shield blocking the ax as she pushed the man back with a shield slam. The axman stumbled back as Aveline rushed forward and stabbed him. Checking the corners of the room Aveline called "clear!" and moved on.
"We found him!" Senior Officer Qerth called as Aveline ran to his side. Finding him near the backdoor of the safe house Aveline saw Qerth holding Magistrate Vanard.
Qerth hauled Magistrate Vanard up by his silk robes holding a Longsword to the older man's throat, "cuff him" Qerth called. Aveline strode over and hand cuffed the former Magistrate. "Finally caught you. Vanard you've brought shame to everything the Magistrates ever stood for" Aveline said coldly.
"But… I was so careful. How?" Vanard said in disbelief as Seniors Officers Qerth and Aveline dragged him out of the Coterie safe house. Once outside they found Sir Thrask waiting for them with his Templars and six Vanard's guards that Sir Thrask had captured.
"Excellent work" Sir Thrask said in greeting. "We do our part. Any more Apostates or just the one you killed" Aveline asked knowing Qerth hadn't spoken with any Templars since Senior Officer Cedric had died on the first mission to capture Vanard.
"Just the one but something's happened recently… Very recently. Magic that I've only ever sensed once before. I don't know what it is and that worries me" Sir Thrask said frowning.
"Leech?" Aveline asked as Qerth scoffed at the Templars have trouble sensing with the very thing they were trained to do.
"No. It was like the Fade itself emerging in our world" Sir Thrask said frowning heavily.
"We'll look into it" Aveline answered as they dragged Vanard forward. As they were escorting Vanard back to the Barracks prison Qerth spat on the former Magistrate saying "I lost an old friend of mine for your worthless life."
Later
Lowtown
One of the many hovels that Tolan's Smugglers used.
"Your info was good. Magistrate Vanard is in our custody and Qerth is questioning him as we speak" Aveline said nodding at the nervous looking Janos.
"Same for the rival Smugglers. You pointed us in the right direction but we managed to find them. The won't be using the hidden cove again" Garrett said. Tolan stood silent wearing his Raider mask along with his hood but nonetheless he looked pleased.
"That's enough for now right?" Janos said nervously as he shifted uncomfortably. Exchanging a look with Tolan, Garrett turned to their inside man saying "for now yes. But you'll have your part to play when the time comes."
"And you'll be rewarded when this is over as promised" Aveline said reassuring the nervous Janos as he nodded saying "okay."
Tolan silently handed their inside man a ragged hood common in Lowtown, the sign for Janos to leave, it wasn't wise for him to spend too much time away from Dixon's forces. Putting on the hood and leaving Janos carefully made sure to be casual.
"We have another problem" Aveline said getting Garrett and Tolan's attention after Janos had left the hovel they were in.
"What?" Tolan asked. "Sir Thrask sensed something today as we were getting Vanard. He doesn't think it was Leech but whatever it was it was strong" Aveline said. Tolan was about to say something but Garrett interrupted saying "it's not a problem."
Aveline was about to say something but Garrett spoke up saying "trust me it wasn't the Coterie and it won't happen again." Aveline gave Garrett a knowing look before nodding. "I'll let you know if anything happens, Hawke" Aveline said as she left.
Once they were alone Tolan glanced at Garrett saying "it appears your friend the Healers attracts certain unwanted attention."
Night
The Gallows
Bethany's Apprentice Chambers
Once again Bethany Hawke was tossing and turning in her sleep not having a nightmare but simply aware of what was happening in the Fade. The Harrowing was hard to ignore and even without trying to Bethany could get glimpses of the Fade and the Spritis and Demons that also heard the Harrowing's Call.
Why does this keep happening? Bethany thought. Bethany remembered what Maire told her and even though she was impressed Bethany wasn't. But something caught her attention as she couldn't help but look as she saw Pride Demon.
The Pride Demon slowly began circling the Templar's playground that was the Harrowing. The section of the Fade that would be Kenneth's Harrowing.
The Pride Demon could have even been the one that had snuck into her Harrowing as she saw it change form. Shrinking from its original massive size and taking the form of a heavily armored man.
The Pride Demon had disguised itself as a Spirit of Justice.
Long I know.
If pacing is off it's because I've moved certain scenes to the next chapter.
If I had kept them in it this chapter would been way too long.
Pay attention to the way Justice acts
But I digress...
Thanks for Reading and please Review.