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Chapter 12

A Mage, a Dwarf, and a Revenant Walk into a Chapel…

Thinking about Redcliffe only put Victor in a far worse state than when he just had the Templars to worry about. Wynne, Niall, and the other mages they had sent with Warden Gytha were powerful enough to handle the demon, but there was always the chance of disaster. There was little point in waiting for a letter from them. Either they would succeed and return victorious, or would fail and possibly bring with them a contingent of Arl Eamon's very angry knights, giving the Templars an opening to attack as well.

Victor was extra diligent with his morning and nightly prayers, said in the privacy of his bedroom away from the other mages so they would not see his worry. Plenty were already nervous and looked to him and the remaining Councilors for support. Victor gave it willingly for whatever it was worth. Everyone was looking to him for leadership and having prayed to the Maker for such a role in the Circle, Victor was ready to assist.

He also worked with Petra and Eadric on their message to the outside world, which they were calling the Declaration of Mage Rights. They had thought about softening the title but ultimately found no point in doing so. The outside world would be quite harsh with them once they heard of any such declaration, so why not be bold with it? Now on their fourth draft, the three of them were quite pleased with how it was coming along.

Anxious days passed and Victor kept himself busy with cleaning up the Circle. Today he would finally be fixing up the Circle's chapel, a welcome diversion from his stress by doing something simple but important in the Maker's name. So it was when Victor was in the Chapel, sweeping up the rubble and broken wood from the pews, that he was informed Gytha and the mages had returned.

Their mission was a success.

Victor dropped the broom and fell to his knees, turning to the overturned statute of Andraste in prayer to her. As soon as he checked in with Gytha, he promised to return and set her upright. Rising back to his feet, Victor rushed downstairs to the entrance hall, a smile on his face when he saw Gytha and the others with her, all of them looking very pleased as a crowd of star struck mages greeted them. Almost lost in the throng of people was a young red headed boy who looked shyly about.

"Councilor Amell!" Gytha announced, "The mages have done their duty. Redcliffe is saved and young Connor here is ready to begin his magical instruction!"

Cheers erupted from the mages as Victor processed the news. The mages had succeeded and saved an Arling from a horrible fate. They had lost none of the mages either, another positive sign. Best of all, it appeared that the Grey Wardens were true friends of the mages.

"The Circle welcomes you back, Warden Commander. It is a blessing to hear that your mission was successful and that the good people of Redcliffe are safe." Victor announced to general cheer from the other mages. He turned his attention Connor, who looked up at him with nervous eyes. "You must be Connor?"

Connor Guerrin gave an anxious nodded in response. He was a thin young boy who looked as though he hadn't had a proper meal in a month. And of course, he was no doubt traumatized by the whole experience. He would have to speak with Gytha about the boy and if he remembered the horrific experience of his possession. For now though, it would not due to scare the child anymore than he probably already was.

"The Circle welcomes you with open arms, Connor. We are honored to have you join our ranks."

Another nod from Connor. "T-thank you, Ser mage." He responded, shrinking back in embarrassment when a few of the other mages chuckled at his formality. Victor offered an encouraging smile, crouching down to the boy's height.

"No thanks is needed, Connor." Victor replied, "The Maker has seen fit to give you the gift of magic. We will show you how best to serve man with it."

A reference to the Maker seemed to calm the boy and brought a smile to his face. Even in the isolated world of the Circle, Redcliffe's piety was well known. Victor had known quite a few of the Chantry Initiates who had gone on to serve in the Redcliffe Arling to great excitement. Apparently, Redcliffe was a top posting for Chantry officials in Ferelden, second only to Denerim. Highever was apparently a close third.

After some more celebration with the returning mages, Gytha and the other Councilors peeled off to discuss matters further. Connor was left with in the care of Devin, an older mage who despite only being in his mid-forties was considered to be the grandfatherly sort for many mages. The Councilors made their way to the First Enchanter's study, shutting the door behind them for privacy.

"Thank the Maker you have all returned alright." Petra said in privacy. She hugged both Wynne and Niall tightly, who looked tired but satisfied.

"The mages were brilliant, especially both Councilors." Gytha complimented. "The demon is dead and Redcliffe is safe."

Gytha then began to recount the events of Redcliffe for the other councilors. The village of Redcliffe had suffered greatly and many were dead, but it still stood and was recovering. Any remaining undead ceased to function when Wynne confronted and slayed the demon in the Fade. Connor did not seem to remember anything that occurred, which was perhaps for the best. Wynne and Niall confirmed that while the Veil was a bit thin in Redcliffe castle now, it wouldn't endanger the Arling any further. However, Arl Eamon had not awoken when the demon was slain and was stuck in a comatose state.

"I spoke with Connor on the ship back to the Circle." Wynne explained. "The deal the demon made with him was to keep the Arl alive, not restore him to health. The demon did so and then, having… 'fulfilled' it's part of the bargain, took control of the child."

"It is incredibly fortunate the Arl did not perish when the demon did." Gytha confirmed. "Because of that, I bring with me the gratitude of Arlessa Isolde, Bann Teagan, the knights of Redcliffe, and the people of Redcliffe. You should all be proud of yourselves for what you've done."

Victor couldn't help but smile. It really was something. Perhaps this could truly change things? Instead of a Templar needing to kill someone who was possessed, a mage could come and try to save the person in the Fade? It was worth considering.

"Arlessa Isolde also sends her best wishes to Connor. She was difficult to convince, but she ultimately agreed that in these trying times, it was best for Connor to be in the Circle learning than waiting in Redcliffe for his father to wake up." Gytha told them, "Before coming to the Circle, I made sure to dock at the Templar camp and told them the good news. It also gave me a chance to introduce the Knight-Commander to the son of the Arl of Redcliffe."

The implication was lost on none of the mages. It made Victor rather uncomfortable. "That's… a smart move." Eadric finally said. "Children of nobles would certainly help our cause. We have none here anyways."

"There's Finn." Petra offered.

"His parents are seneschals to a Bann. Or something like that."

"So Connor is a deterrent?" Victor asked, keeping the anger out of his voice. He did like offering up a child who had suffered and inflicted great trauma to be used as a human shield. Gytha didn't seem disturbed though.

"He is a mage and belongs with others of his kind to learn magic. I see nothing wrong with that." She told them, moving onto the next subject. "Now, I have been speaking with Senior Enchanter Wynne and I have asked her to accompany me on my journey. Her expertise in the field of magic, especially in healing, would be a boon for us and a service to the mages. She is a fine woman and fine mage, a shining example of what the best of you can be."

That was surprising, and all the Councilors looked at Wynne with surprise. "Wynne?" Petra breathed, a hint of betrayal in her voice.

"It is for the best child. I can do more good for us mages amongst the Wardens than in here. I know I leave the Circle here in capable hands. But Warden Gytha had been called on an important mission. I wish to help her."

Ignoring his annoyance with Wynne, Victor's curiosity got the best of him. "What mission?"

And so Gytha, looking hesitant, explained that she and her party were about to set out and look for the Urn of Sacred Ashes.

While Gytha looked clearly dubious about the whole thing, the mages were fascinated by such a claim, Victor chief amongst them. Gytha was off to Denerim first to search for Brother Genitivi – the Brother Genitivi! – who had apparently come close to some sort of breakthrough in the search for them and Gytha hoped to join with him to find them.

"It is amazing." Eadric breathed. He had never been invested in the Chant, but even something like this was notable. And Brother Genitivi was a respected scholar, which counted for a lot amongst Circle mages.

Gytha remained silent on that part. "It is. Unfortunately, this means I won't be able to render immediate assistance to you regarding the Templars. And after I have completed my search for the Urn, successful or not, I must return to Orzammar to ratify the final treaty with the dwarves."

"How long do you expect this to take?" Petra asked.

"At best, if all goes smoothly, two months, at most."

"We have to hold out for two months?" Petra shot back. Victor was also surprised by that.

"It will take a week to get to Denerim to meet with Genitivi, and then who knows where he'll want to go from there?" Gytha explained. "I am assured that the location of the Ashes is in Ferelden, but with the way thing are in the country right now, getting to them may not be easy. And then afterwards I must meet with my people. Wading through Orzammar politics will be a challenge. Especially if my brother is on the throne.

But, based on what I have seen at their encampment, and the current state of affairs in Ferelden, I do not believe the Templars will attack you. A civil war rages in Ferelden now, especially in the north, so I doubt the Chantry will be moving many troops. Additionally, you have a well fortified position here. Any siege form the Templars would be difficult."

"They just need to get over to the island. That's all they have to do." Eadric commented.

Gytha simply shrugged. "Well they gave up that advantage and probably won't get it back. And if they do, I'm sure you can fight them off."

"We don't want to have to kill the Templars." Victor said.

"That may not be an option. Eventually. But again, for the foreseeable future, I do not see them attacking. And like I said before, I spoke with the Knight-Commander and made clear that any attempt to harm you will incur the wrath of the Grey Wardens. And if I can't avenge you, the Darkspawn will. I'll also made clear to him that he'd rather face the Darkspawn than a vengeful me."

Eadric, in full hero worship mode, was very much taken by Gytha's words. For that matter, the other Councilors were as well. With the last of their business concluded, the Councilors broke off. Wynne took Petra aside and began talking with her in whispers. Victor left them, having nothing to say to Wynne. With nowhere else to go, he decided to head to the chapel. What better place to go to celebrate such exciting news?

"May I join you, Councilors?" Gytha asked.

"Of course. And please, Victor is fine, Warden."

"Then Gytha is fine as well."

The two of them walked through the Circle, passing by excited mages. Everyone wanted to get a glimpse of Gytha. A few brave mages even said hello to her. Gytha was polite with all of them and Victor could tell she was enjoying the attention. He supposed that wasn't terribly strange. She had been a princess after all and modesty probably didn't become royalty.

"Your life sounds like a high tale from ancient Tevinter." Victor remarked as they entered the chapel. "Former Princess turned warrior in a legendary order. Fighting demons and werewolves and now searching for the very ashes of our Lady Andraste. I must admit, I wish I could accompany you."

Gytha shrugged at that, taking a seat in one of the empty pews. "More likely than not the Ashes are a myth. To be honest, I do not much care for this idea and am only going along with it to secure Teagan's support once Eamon dies. If I knew anything about any other nobles in Ferelden I would seek their support instead."

"The Ashes are real enough, just like our Lady. I have faith you will find them."

Gytha was silent at that, clearly unfamiliar with Andraste and her Chantry. Not wanting her to be uncomfortable, Victor pressed forward. "I took your advice about finding the… unsavory elements of the Circle." Victor told her in a hushed whisper, ashamed to even speak of it. "It seems the Circle is not pure as I thought."

Gytha chuckled at that. "Surely you never thought that with the Templar's lurking about?"

"I did, for the longest time." Victor told. "I full heartedly believed in the Circle and its integrity. I guess nothing should surprise me about its corruption now."

Gytha gave him a shrug. "That was its past. You are its future. What was once illegitimate may become business under the Council's rule. Now, tell me what you discovered."

It was a short story, but Victor told it dutifully enough. After spending the afternoon working on their Declaration, Victor had told his fellow Councilors about Gytha's suggestion and asked if they knew any mages involved in "business" outside of regular Circle operation. Petra, just as Victor had been, was shocked by such a suggestion and had no idea who to speak to about that.

But Eadric knew.

"Godwin." He had told them flatly, as if it were plain as day. "Godwin is the mage to go to if you need something under the table. Neither of you have heard the rumors?"

So the three of them found Godwin and pulled him aside for the chat. The man was a coward by heart and trembled before them, no longer as bold as he was in the Great Hall surrounded by other mages who might back him up. How he ever confronted a demon and passed his Harrowing was a mystery to all three of them. Perhaps he had passed the Harrowing by forfeit as no demon wished to waste time attempting to possess him.

"Alright, alright, yes. I may… may smuggle in lyrium for the Templars! So what? Templars needed lyrium and they'd get it anyways! It wasn't hurting anyone and I swear to Andraste and all her Divines I am not smuggling to them now!"

That was plainly obvious. "What about other things? You only smuggled in lyrium?" Victor had pressed.

"Well…." Godwin had said, chuckling nervously. "So, funny story that. Have any of you head of a little old organization called the Mage's Collective?"

Answers varied and were said simultaneously. Victor said yes and quickly denounced them as criminal organization, Petra replied they were only a rumor, and Eadric said yes and that he had actually bought something from them. He shrugged unapologetically when Victor and Petra gave him a look. "It's a little enchanted halla statue that lights up blue so I can read at night. It's very cute."

"See, he knows!" Godwin said. "Look the Mage's Collective does business with me and I do business with people in the Circle. They don't smuggle lyrium though. Way too risky. I work with some Carta folks from Orzammar for that."

"How are you even paying for this stuff?" Victor demanded, "We don't have money!"

"So, that's the tricky part. It's sort of like a barter system with them if you live inside the Circle." Godwin had explained. "The Circle has so many potions, books, rare artifacts, and mysteries that nobody notices if somethings go missing."

"So, you're just a thief? You're stealing from the Circle to just help out the Mage's Collective?"

"Actually, they pay me for a lot of it. I've got a small fortune of sovereigns stored away. It's what I use to pay for the lyrium shipments from the Carta."

"What in the Maker's name could you possibly even need money for?" Petra asked, ashamed that Godwin called himself a mage. "You live in a Circle! Everything is provided for us!"

"'Was' provided for us, Petra, in case you've forgotten. Having money is good for hard times such as this. I meant what I said at the meeting the other day, we're going to need to start thinking about buying supplies and making money! It's always been this way, and as leaders of the Circle, you three need to wake up to that reality!"

An epiphany hit Victor at that moment. "You're a Lucrosian, aren't you?"

"Course I am!" Godwin shot back, suddenly defiant. "I acknowledge exactly what the Circles are. They're not places of knowledge and learning or even prisons like those Libertarians will tell you. They're businesses! Places of commerce! Places where the Chantry can make a pretty sovereign or two or a hundred off of. That and use mages to fight in their wars against the Imperium or Qunari or whoever else they can't fight without the help of magic. Which is about everyone. And wars can bring in money just as much as they cost."

"All you care about is money? Is that really what you think the Circle is?" Petra spat.

Godwin was unashamed. "I won't apologize for acknowledging what you lot are too ignorant or too brainwashed to comprehend. Why shouldn't I try to take a slice of the pie from this racket?"

Thoroughly disgusted with themselves, the Councilors did manage to figure out how, when, and where Godwin had his items smuggled in. It all happened the night of a new moon, so the Councilors would be joining him the next time a shipment came. Victor felt dirty even talking about it, especially in the Chapel, but Gytha was looking at him with approval as he finished his story.

"You did well. I can tell the notion of working with criminals disgusts you. But sometimes, as leaders, we have to do what we must for our people's survival."

"I appreciate you saying that." Victor said, looking at the face of Andraste as she lay on the floor. Lady Andraste probably had to work with 'unsavory elements' during her war against the Imperium. It did not make her any less holy or chosen by the Maker to be His Prophet. "You were a Princess of Orzammar before you became a Warden. Is this how the world truly works? Scheming in the shadows? Conflict after conflict?"

It wasn't exactly patronizing, but the look Gytha gave him was pretty close. "Yes. Yes, it is. My father, King Endrin, made sure my brothers and I understood that from an early age. There can be great good in the world, but it will always be met with great evil."

"That is distressing to hear. And even more distressing to know I must engage with it in order to gain freedom for mages."

"You will still do what is right for them. They did well to choose you as their leader. I can tell there is greatness in your blood."

Victor actually blushed at that comment. "I don't know about that."

"You certainly stand out from your countrymen."

"Actually… they aren't my countrymen. I'm from the Free Marches originally, Kirkwall to be specific."

"How did you end up here?" Gytha asked, curious.

"Well, Kirkwall has its own Circle but since my family was wealthy, the Chantry didn't want me to get special treatment. So they shipped me off to Ferelden when I was eight and I've been here ever since."

Gytha was looking at him intensely. "Your family are nobles in Kirkwall then?"

"There's no nobility per se in Kirkwall. Not like how you're thinking of it. There's a bunch of wealthy lords and ladies who are considered nobles, just without the lands and titles. My family, the Amells, was pretty high on the pecking order, but we had a fall from grace."

Gytha scrutinizing gaze gave way to one of awe. "My belief in you is confirmed, Victor. There is greatness in your blood, demonstrated by your strength of character and ability to lead the mages."

Victors face went red again, pleased with the compliment. Remembering the virtue of humility, he looked to Andraste's overturned statue and remembered his earlier vow. "Gytha, would you mind helping me set Andraste straight?"

With a nod of agreement, they both rose from the pew and helped Andraste. Parts of Her had splintered off, but the marble she was made of was still mostly intact. As they got ready to lift, Gytha noticed something at the base of the statue.

"What kind of vial is that?" she asked.

Victor looked at it, unsure himself. The content of it were black and seemed to swirl about like storm. "I don't know. How odd." He commented, reaching down to take it. The air around it was cold, but he sensed no evil magic emanating from it. As he took hold the vial, it shattered to his touch and the black liquid – more of a goo – oozed across the ground.

And then a loud popping noise was followed by a guttural scream.

"Holy Maker!" Victor screamed. Gytha looked terrified.

Victor had of course read about Revenants and seen pictures of them in books, but never in the flesh. Authors had always described it as one of the most terrifying forms of the undead and it certainly lived up to that reputation. There was an eerie silence to the creature, even its heavy armor was utterly noiseless as it chaffed against itself with the creature's movements. In one hand was a greatsword so large it was horrifying the creature could wield it just single handed and in the other, a massive black shield with a golden band around it.

It was on them before either Victor or Gytha could stop gawking at it. Adrenaline pumping through him, Victor barely got out a frost spell before the sword sliced through him. The spell was strong enough to freeze the creature, but the ice shook against the creature's armor and it would not hold him for long. Gytha, who still looked terrified, pulled out her axe and shield and charged the enemy. With a thrust of her shield, Gytha slammed into the creature's knee cap and seemed to break it. Without missing a beat, Gytha then embedded her axe into the Revenants knee, cutting through bone and muscle and causing blackened blood to leak over the axe and ground.

With a violent shudder, the Revenant shrugged off the ice and lashed out. Gytha barely dodged a slash from its sword, saved by her shorter height, and quickly retreated, allowing Victor to get off a blast of energy that caused the Revenant to stumble back.

"Revenant!" Victor cried out. "Revenant in the Chapel! Help!"

To his horror, the Revenant seemed unaffected by the damage to its kneecap. It continued its advance, hobbled, but still strong.

"Freeze it again!" Gytha cried out, voice unsteady. "Freeze it!"

Victor let loose another freezing spell, this one less effective. The Revenant pushed through it, glowing red eyes locked on Victor as it walked towards him. Its single-minded pursuit of Victor gave Gytha an opening through. She charged the creature again, attacking it from behind and began hacking at its ankles and legs. As the Revenant began to stumble, Gytha moved her attack up to the demon's backside, cutting into its lower back and trying to damage its spine.

The Revenant hunched over, staggered and using its greatsword for support. Not a single moan of agony or any other acknowledgement of pain escaped its decayed lips. With rotted teeth bared, the demon turned its winged helmeted head and glowered at Gytha. Despite the damage to its back, the Revenant was still able to strike out behind it and slash out with its shield. Gytha raised her own shield in time and caught the blow, stumbling back before steadying herself on her feet as the Revenant rose up and attacked her properly.

"Freeze its arms! It's sword arm!" Gytha commanded, readying herself for battle. The Revenant slashed at her with alarming speed as Gytha ducked, weaved, and blocked the attacks. With intense focus, Victor froze the Revenant sword arm and gave Gytha an opening.

With a war cry, Gytha hacked once more at the Revenant's damaged kneecap, severing the tendons in it. The creature collapsed to its one remaining knee, bringing it to Gytha's height. With deadly precision and without delay, Gytha chopped at the creature's neck, its black, rotten blood spurting forth and covering her face. She kept hacking through, fending off the Revenants shield in between blows. Victor continued to freeze the creature, slowing its movements.

Finally, with one final cry, Gytha hacked off the creature's head. It fell from its neck hit the ground with a loud metallic thunk, its winged helmet clanging off the marble floor. The Revenant, headless, fell over dead, its rotted corpse sprawled out on the ground with a pool of black blood around it. Both Gytha and Victor were exhausted, bodies shaking as they came down from the adrenaline.

"You fought bravely." Gytha told him, steadying her breathing. "Braver than I was."

Because of sheer adrenaline, Victor actually laughed at that. "What are you talking about? You landed the killing blow!"

"I was… irritable. I have faced one of those creatures before and it almost bested me. No, that is too trite. It almost killed me. In Redcliffe. It's the closest I've ever been to death."

"Well, it didn't kill you then and it didn't now." Victor comforted her. "You're a Grey Warden after all! I'm pretty sure you'll only allowed to die to Darkspawn."

That got a dry laugh out of Gytha. "True enough." She replied, pulling herself together. She swung her axe down through empty air, causing tissue and blood to slide off. As she pulled out a rag to clean it off, a group of mages armed with staves burst into the room. Their determined looks dissipated into gawking as they looked between the Revenant, to Victor, and then Gytha cleaning her bloody axe.

"Maker's Breath!" one of them laughed.

"Stupid Revenant." Another mage joked. "It should've known it couldn't kill Victor in a Chantry."

"Or with a Grey Warden by his side."

Next up: a meeting with the Mages' Collective