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In the middle of the night they walked down the Lowtown streets before they saw at a market a woman in Chantry robes talking with someone, who seemed to be dressed as a mercenary.
It was well past midnight when they left. They started to make their way through the market when they saw a woman in chantry garb walking around, talking with some mercenary.
"Here, miss. Word is, you're looking for help and paying well." The man said.
"I need someone native to the dark places beneath Lowtown. If you claim as much, yes, I will pay." The sister said.
"I am, I am. Let's just slip into this alley and me and my fellows can have a look at the money on offer." The man said.
They all sighed, realizing what was going to happen next as the woman naively followed the man into a dark corner. One would have to be a complete idiot to trust a stranger in Lowtown in the middle of the night.
"Oh, boy..." Wanda groaned.
"She has chosen poorly." Fenris nodded.
"That woman is in real trouble. We could help her." Bethany said.
"It does appear she could use some help. Especially now." Marian agreed.
They exchanged a glance, and then headed in to save the woman from herself.
They quickly ran round the corner just in time to see the chantry sister. Upon seeing them, the bandits immediately attacked them, but they were clearly outmatched. Bethany blasted them back as Fenris, Isabela and Carver charged forward, cutting them down with their blades before Marian finished them off. Wanda did not even need to bother to attack.
"Well, thank you for your timely intervention. I am… out of my element." The sister said.
"A foolish risk in Lowtown." Marian said.
"I had to come here to get the type of person I need. Someone of bloody skill, but also integrity. Perhaps the kind who might leap to someone's defense." The sister said. "I have a charge who needs passage from the city. If you are willing and capable, meet me at my safehouse nearby."
"Assumption is the mother of all failures." Wanda noted. "It almost got you killed a moment ago."
"All the more reason to end this quickly. You must need coin. Everyone here does." The sister said.
The group exchanged looks, scowling. It looked as if they just jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire.
"Varnell?" The sister called out as a templar showed up.
"A bloody templar. Just what we need." Carver muttered.
"I hope you will come. This matter only grows more urgent with time." The sister said as she walked away.
"She's hiding something." Marian said.
"Clearly." Fenris agreed.
"Still, we could use the money." Carver pointed out.
"We should be careful. Who knows what are we getting ourselves into." Wanda warned as they nodded.
They made their way to this safe house and as they bumped into Merrill along the way, apparently she had gotten lost, and she ended up joining them.
Varnell stood with his blade drawn. His stance was wide, ready to move on them. Marian and Wanda had the sneaking suspicion the man might be hostile.
"We're expected." Marian said.
"I thank you for coming." The chantry sister said upon entering. "This matter is delicate, and I need someone of… limited notoriety who will not link this to me." She adjusted her robes. "It is an escort, but I think you will agree, the nature of the party makes this… unique."
"If this is criminal, I already have enough trouble." Marian said.
"I should think you're about to have more. I am Sister Petrice. I have assumed a burden of charity. This is my charge." She gestured as Varnell led out a Qunari, who had some harness on his neck with chains, somehow restraining him.
"Maker…" Aveline and Bethany trailed off.
"Oh, boy." Isabela groaned.
"Shit… I mean, Maker." Carver said.
"A saarebas? Here?" Fenris shook his head, perplexed.
"A what?" Wanda asked.
"A Qunari mage." Fenris explained. "The Circle keeps an eye on human and elven mages but the Qunari treat their people, who have magical powers, very strictly, since they may be even more powerful than any ordinary human or elven mage. They can't be without supervision, otherwise…" He had a grim look in his eyes as Wanda nodded, having a good idea.
"Would even a templar bind a mage like this? A survivor of the infighting with their Tal-Vashoth outcasts. I call him 'Ketojan', a bridge between worlds. The viscount, and others, feel that peace begins with appeasement. This mage would likely be returned to his brutal kin. He can serve a purpose. I want him free. He must be guided from the city without alerting his people, or being seen in my care." Petrice said.
As she talked, they couldn't help but feel something in her words rang hollow.
"I've had dealings with the Qunari leader. He'd want to know about this." Marian said.
Petrice was taken aback by this. "You… have dealt with their leader? If you have interacted with Qunari, you know how they treat those who leave their heathen order. The Arishok would doom this poor creature. But knowing this is useful. If they challenge you, attacking an ally would only confirm their barbarism. You are still right for the task."
"We must help this poor creature. He has faced worse than what I run from." Bethany said.
"I can get him out of Kirkwall. He's a bit conspicuous for the streets, though." Marian said, although none of them could shake the strange feeling that something was off about the task.
"Better out there than here with the templar." Carver pointed out.
"This mage will be a fine example of how cruel Qunari are, even to their own. But only if you play out just so. The passage here leads to warrens of the Undercity. It is dangerous, but that is why you were hired. Good luck."
Marian made a mental note to be sure to give Aveline a full report later.
Ketojan followed them indifferently. They were almost out of the tunnel when a group of thugs accosted them.
"What the blazes is this? Looks like a walking armory." The leader of the thugs stepped forward.
Marian sighed. It appeared that despite that astute observation, these idiots were still going to attempt a shakedown.
The thug walked towards them. "Look at this. Undercity's feared by all, but there's no shortage of fools with coin who want to test it." The thug looked over at Ketojan, and narrowed his eyes. "What is this thing, collared like a dog lord's bitch? You some sort of Qunari lover? Maybe I should get rid of you and see who'll pay the most for your pet."
Ketojan made a growling noise. One of the other thugs shook his head. "Uh, I don't think it likes you threatening its master. Maybe we let this one pass."
"Clever move." Wanda said. She was not very familiar with Qunari but something was telling her they were better off not agitating Ketojan.
The leader of the thugs took another step forward, clearly trying to be intimidating. "And let you lot make a holiday of the last free place in Kirkwall? Tax it up like even Lowtown?" He then drew his knife. "I'll cut up and save the biggest piece for your pet."
Merrill started to step forward, but before she or anyoene lse could react, Ketojan threw out a spell that sent the thugs flying backwards, setting the room on fire as the thugs started screaming.
"By the Void! Kill it! Kill them all!"
Marian, Carver, Aveline, Fenris and Isabela drew their blades and attacked. Fenris ducked as one of the thugs attacked with his axe and sliced him in the chest. Aveline blocked with her shield as more of them fired arrows from their crossbows before Carver, Isabela and Marian cut them down, while Wanda shielded herself and Varric and Bethany set them on fire. Once the thugs were down, they turned back to the Ketojan.
"The danger has passed, Ketojan. Calm yourself!" Ketojan growled, but the fire around his hands died. Marian blinked in surprise. "You did what I said. Did I hit the right phrase or something?"
Ketojan merely growled again as Wanda glanced at Fenris, who shrugged. "He may not know, himself."
"Can't you just nod as "yes" or something like that?" Wanda asked as Ketojan growled once more.
"For all we know, he's asking for a chamber pot." Varric noted.
"The sister has assumed a great deal from a few grunts and twitches." Fenris said.
They all sighed in frustration.
"Keep control, and a mother who is on your side." Marian said as Ketojan growled in response. "Of course, I expected no different."
They went down the tunnel outside onto the coast, where they faced a group of Qunari, who were heavily armed.
"You will hold, basra vashedan. I am Arvaarad, and I claim possession of Saarebas at your heel. The members of his karataam were killed by Tal-Vashoth, but their disposal leads only here, to Saarebas and you." One of the Qunari said as he stepped forward.
"I just got here, coming from the other way. If there was a trail, I did not leave it." Marian protested as they all realized that Sister Petrice had set them up
"Yet you are here with Saarebas. This is a crime of freedom, his leash held by unknown basra. We will not allow that danger to continue. Let your own mages doom you—Saarebas will be properly confined." The Qunari said. It was definitely a setup.
"And if he doesn't want to go back?" Marian challenged.
"Saarebas! Show that your will remains bound to the Qun." The Qunari ordered as he stepped up. Imediately Ketojan knelt and growled. Arvaarad gave Marian a smug look. "He has only followed you because he wants to be led. He is allowed no other purpose."
They tried to make sense of what was happening. He glanced at Ketojan. "The sister called him 'Ketojan'. You are Saarebas?"
"Saarebas is his role and his name, as you understand it. It is the accusation and acknowledgment of being a mage." The Qunari explained.
"And you are Arvaarad?" Marian asked. They all started to have a feeling this was going to end violently.
"My role is to hold the leash and hunt the grey ones who leave the Qun." Arvaarad narrowed his eyes and tried to look intimidating. They had to admit it was far more effective for the Qunari than the thugs earlier. "Or bas who have not yet been enlightened."
"Does it matter that someone used your dead people to get you here?" Wanda questioned, crossing her arms.
"No doubt they were cast from your shoulders as you or your partner thieves grew weak. It is a crime whose victims are beyond caring. It will be dealt with, but the greater threat is clear. It is my role to secure Saarebas. It is the role of another to purge the perversions of your kind." Arvaarad said.
"He is bound and abused, and you want him caged. Why?" Marian questioned as they realized how extremist the Qunari were.
"The power that he has, that all Saarebas have, draws from chaos and demons. They can never be in control." Arvaarad said as he turned around before facing them again.
"So you're scared of them." Wanda realized.
"Just like everyone." Merrill noted.
Arvaarad turned and glared at them. "We leash Saarebas because they are dangerous and contagious. Not even your templars fully grasp that threat."
"We've met with your leader. The Arishok would not want a potential ally challenged in this way." Marian said.
"Claiming to know the will of the Arishok with Saarebas in your care is maraas imekari, a child bleating without meaing." Arvaarad said. "The Arishok nows what is to be done with Saarebas who lose their Arvaarad. There is no greater threat to their control."
Marian was unsure whether to meddle into the Qunari's affairs. "Our job was to get him out of the city. If he wants to go back to you, that's his business."
"You show an unusual ability to reason, basra." The Qunari said, impressed before turning to Ketojan, who got up. "Saarebas! Nehraa aqun ebra kata Arvaarad!" Ketojan growled as the Qunari neared him. "You are certain?" Ketojan growled again and nodded as the Qunari pulled out some wand as the harness on Ketojan's neck glowed.
Ketojan turned to Marian, speaking English. "Basvaarad, you led well. I thank your intent. Panahedan, as you find the Qun."
Ketojan neared Arvaarad, kneeling.
"You should be honored by this action, basra." Arvaarad as he pulled out his sword. "It is his last." He stabbed Ketojan in the chest as he fell down, dead as they looked shocked.
"What the hell?!" Wanda demanded. "I thought you needed him back with his people!"
"You had your captive! Why kill him?" Fenris demanded.
"Knew it! Can't trust a zealot!" Varric snapped.
"He lost his lead." Arvaarad said. "The risk of corruption was certain. But he is owned his death by honoring you. He knows the Qun wants more, as will you." He turned to the group.
"You got what you wanted. Why try to fight us now?" Marian asked, trying to avoid a fight with the Qunari.
"An uncollared saarebas spoke to you. You were already exposed but there's no way to know what demon may have written his words." Arvaarad said. "Killing you is demanded but the respect of Saarebas has granted honor. Be grateful. Not every neck earns a ceremonial cut."
"Damn it." Wanda groaned.
Marian, Carver, Fenris and Aveline dodged before pulling out their swords, blocking the Qunari's weapons. Fenris knocked one of them back before Aveline stabbed him in the chest. Carver spun around, cutting down two Qunari as Marian jumped on one of them, stabbing him in the head as Varric shot down two more with Bianca. Wanda shielded herself, Anders, Bethany and Varric with her powers from the spears the Qunari threw at them before Bethany threw a fireball, incinerating the Qunari and Anders froze them before Fenris smashed the ice sculptures as they finished the Qunari off.
"Maker. There was no need for this." Bethany muttered.
"Determined from a start. Petrice set a trail." Marian noted.
"She set us up." Wanda said. "I think we need some answers."
"Some? I'd say a lot." Carver snorted.
They walked back into the tunnel, heading for the safehouse. They found Petrice and Varnell in the process of stripping it.
"Leave nothing. It must be clean with no ties. It…" Petrice stopped upon noticing the group enter. "Well. My helpful associates from the streets. You… took the Qunari from the city? Without incident?"
"Don't pretend. You know what we faced." Bethany sneered, all of them glaring at Petrice.
"Without incident, she says. Really?" Carver snorted.
"Mind your tongue, Fereldens." Varnell warned.
"Please. Speak your mind." Petrice said.
"The bodies of the mage's karataam led right to us. Why?" Marian inquired.
Petrice narrowed her eyes at her. "You come back speaking their language and think to lecture me? If such a plot exists, if the Qunari had murdered you trying to help their slave mage, then yes, somebody might have found that useful. It would have cast doubt on appeasement. Perhaps your death would have been a tragic necessity. Perhaps finding the mage was a rushed opportunity. But all we have now are dead Qunari and a word of a sympathizer."
"I'm not sure we should get involved into this." Wanda said, although she herself wanted to get to the bottom of this but fanatics and zealots on both sides seemed something that could quickly get out of hand. It would have been better to intervene, when it was really necessary. So far, nothing wrong had happened in the city. Yet.
"We want no part of your little war. Pay us what we're due." Marian said.
"Take your coin. Disappear back into Lowtown. Rest assured I will not make the mistake of looking for help outside the faithful again. The stakes—eternity—are just too high." Petrice said, handing them a pouch of gold as they left.
"We'll be hearing from that one again." Fenris said as they nodded. They also had a hunter the next time they meet it would be to prevent another such incident from happening.
It was probably a stupid idea, but Marian stopped into the Qunari compound to talk to the Arishok, while the rest had gone home. "Why do you bother me, human? The dwarf paid you. There is no more. Your kind think selfishness and want are normal. This city, all of it, leaves a bad taste."
"If you despise this place, why haven't you left?" Marian questioned.
The huge man was looking at her contemplatively. "Since we arrived I have seen nothing but greed and weakness. Dwarves, humans, elves—just… festering. No order, no goal. You are one of the few I have met with any ability. And yet this too was random, a result of selfishness." He spread his hands. "I cannot fathom how a mire like this can be justified." He shook his head. "You turned from me. Do you turn as easily from all this… chaos?"
Marian agreed with the Arishok to a point but she was certain that their perspectives were still too different "My welcome to the city was not so different from yours." She said.
"And yet you suffer it." The Arishok scoffed in disgust.
"It's an opportunity to make a real difference." Marian pointed out, remembering the bandits and mercenaries they had eliminated in the past year in Kirkwall.
"Karasten are soldiers. The Qun made it so. They can never vary from that assigned path, never be other than they are meant to be." The Arishok rose, and paced the area in front of his bench, gesturing at the other Qunari as he spoke. "But, they are free to choose within that role. To accept and succeed, or deny and die. Glory is clear and defined." He gestured as he paced. "Could you—could not this entire city—benefit from that certainty? How else will you know when you have made 'a real difference'?"
"He is free to choose to obey? This isn't contradicting to you?" Marian questioned.
"He chooses to be. As do we all, long before any of your meaningless freedom are presented. I am not the one to educate you. I did not intend to land here. But the city may demand certainly. I suspect we are done human." The Arishok said as he sat back down on his bench.
That was definitely a dismissal. They continued to talk more about the Qun and the more they talked, the more contradictory it sounded. The Arishok said the Qun was not military, but it standed for order and discipline. Marian found out that she only remained because of some demand by the Qun and wouldn't leave until that demand was met, which did not bode well. Marian then decided it was best to talk about the reason she came.
"I've had confrontations with others in your command." Marian said.
"There have been a number of incidents, but you must mean Arvaarad, found dead after tracking Saarebas." The Arishok said. Clearly, he was not stupid. "I thought nothing could threaten Arvaarad."
"You are not angry?" Marian wondered.
"A mage is dead. That is what matters. The rest is… impressive." The Arishok nodded to him. "But do not repeat it."
As long as the Qunari did not attack Marian or her friends, there would be no need to repeat it. Though considering the Qunari's attitude towards mages, the odds were not in their favor.
"I believe a member of the Chantry intended it to happen." Marian noted.
"Friend and enemy blend together in this sea of filth. I can barely discern one group from another." The Arishok said, looking at her contemplatively, and then, oddly enough, giving her arespectful nod. "But as this clearly means something to you, I acknowledge the risk taken."
"Saarebas chose death over leaving the Qun." Marian said.
"That is good to hear." The Arishok nodded.
"That is all you have to say?" Marian questioned.
The Arishok narrowed his eyes at her. "I will not insult Saarebas with the suggestion that that making the right choice was difficult. I expect as much from every Qunari. I doubt Saarebas earned a greater honour in his life than my reaction now."
"Farewell."
"Panahedan, human."
Present
"So the Champions dealings with the Qunari were the actions of a Chantry sister." Cassandra said, disbelieved.
"A zealot, I've seen the kind of damage they can do. They always cause more harm than good and ending up killing good people, who just wish to prevent a war." Leliana said.
"We cannot be known for certain." Cassandra argued.
"Then the only way we can be certain is to hear the rest of the tale."
So, what do you guys think about it?
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