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5. The Bigger the Coincidence, the More Skeptical You Should Be
"Blackmail?" Cassandra shrieked. Wincing away from her, I started to wonder if I should tell the council the full details of the Lord Seeker's threat.
"Can we be certain he will carry out his threat?" Leliana inquires.
"Not at this point in time. The information he is threatening to reveal would not just damage us, but him as well. He is still gathering all the Templars, and probably said what he did in the hopes that we wouldn't interfere." I answer.
"If he is gathering the Templars, but is hiding the reasons why and for what, it means he's raising an army. We should begin planning counter-strikes immediately." Cullen proposes.
"What we should be doing is planning counter-measures in the case that the Lord Seeker does carry out his threat." Josephine argues. "Tell us, what is the information he has against you."
"He knew my real name." I answer with a reluctant sigh.
"Are you telling us that your name is not Saryssa?" Cassandra asks, her voice sounding tense.
"It is, but I adopted the name Lavellan when I joined the clan eight years ago. Before then, I held my father's surname." I reach for my father's necklace that lay under my scarf, one of the few sole possessions I had left of my parents. "In any case, contacting the Templars would be inadvisable until we know what they're planning."
"One of my agents did tell me that the Grand Enchanter invited you to Redcliffe, to discuss the possibility of using Mages against the Breach." Leliana interjects.
"Just to see what they're willing to offer. I haven't made a decision on asking for their aid." I reply, confirming my intention of going.
"I've also received word that there's a Grey Warden in the area by the name of Blackwall. It might be worth your time to talk to him." She adds. Everyone else let out a groan of discomfort.
"Is there something I need to know?" I ask the room.
"Several months ago, all the Grey Wardens seemed to have suddenly disappeared, both in Ferelden and Orlais. Our dear spymaster, seems to think it might be connected to what happened at the Conclave." Josephine explains.
"Did they leave nothing behind to indicate what happened?" I enquire.
"No, as far as we're aware, they simply vanished without a trace." Leliana replies.
"Hang on, you actually think there's a connection?" Cullen interjects.
"Despite the fact that it was only ten years ago, the Blight is still a fresh memory in people's minds. Many still see Wardens as paragons of righteousness, instead of the unscrupulous characters they were viewed as before the Blight. They'd be needed now, more than ever, to help with the Breach, and they've completely vanished. Even if they weren't directly responsible for the Breach, their absence is a little too convenient for my taste." I explain.
"If you believe that to be the case, then we should find this Warden as soon possible" Cassandra suggests.
Blackwall was in the middle of drilling his "conscripts" when he saw them. Four women; two were Elven archers, one was a heavily armoured warrior, and the last was an aristocratic mage. That almost seems like the opening of a joke. Despite their differences however, all four of them looked dangerous enough to be wary. Especially since they were specifically approaching me.
"Excuse me, but would be Warden Blackwall by any chance?" One of the elves asks.
I was about to reply, when I saw an arrow coming at her, and blocked it. A group of bandits charge from the cliff. With a rallying cry, I charge at them, conscripts close behind me. I was surprised, but not ungrateful, when the female quartet backed us up. After the bandits were dealt with, I took a breath to regard the dead men. I feel a sting of guilt, and let the conscripts go home. I've taken away enough innocent men, I don't need to take anymore.
"Well now that that's over with, would you be willing to answer some questions?" The elf from earlier asks.
"Not until you answer mine." I retort. "Who are you, and why are you looking for me?"
"We are agents from the Inquisition, here to find any link the Grey Wardens might have in the Divine's murder." The armoured warrior declares, cutting off the elf.
"Maker's balls! Are you joking?" I demand at their audacious accusation.
"We are not accusing anyone of anything at this point in time. We are, however, concerned that the Wardens disappearance could have been a pre-emptive measure against the tragedy at the Conclave." The elf explains, glaring at the armoured woman.
"Unfortunately, I can't tell you where the other wardens are, as I've been on my own for several months now. I can tell you though, that the Grey Wardens had nothing to do with what happened at the Conclave. We have no political ties, and therefore had no reason to be involved." I explain.
"Do you have any idea where the rest of the wardens might be?" The elf continues.
"It's possible they're hold up at our stronghold in Weisshaupt, that's up north in the Anderfels." I reply.
"As riveting as the interrogation is, I urge us not to be late for our next engagement darling." The aristocratic woman interjects, grabbing the elf's attention.
"Of course. Thank you for your time Warden Blackwall, may you find good fortune in your future." The elf departs.
Watching the women leave, I felt another jab of guilt to my insides. As well as shame. I took on this new life as a way to make up for past mistakes. To become a better man than who I once was. Now here I am, doing nothing while the world went to the Void. Steeling my resolve, I grab all the essentials I'll need, before running after the group.
"Inquisition agents, please wait!" I cry out, slowing my pace to a walk. "If you'll allow, I wish to help the Inquisition in whatever capacity you wish."
"Are you certain this won't interfere with your duties as a warden?" The elven woman from earlier asks, surprised at my declaration.
"It is a warden's duty to protect the people during their darkest hours. It would be neglectful of me to do nothing while others sought to close the Breach. If you need something more substantial, I can offer you treaties that will allow you to recruit whomever you need." I request. The elf looks at the armoured warrior, who nods back at her.
"We would be grateful for your assistance Warden Blackwall." The elf answers with a smile.
Saryssa grunted at the mistimed swipe from a fear demon, at my torso. The others seemed to be having similar trouble, judging by their defense stances. What is happening, that time seems to distort? Focusing back to my opponent, I dodge another swipe before taking the kill shot. I help the others, noticing it taking longer than usual to finish off all demons. I quickly close the tear, breathing a sigh of relief when it does close. As we catch our breath, Cassandra points out the same problem I notice. I'm about to agree, when the gates open and an inquisition scout runs towards us.
"Lady Herald, we're glad you've come. Something strange is going on." The scout informs.
"We noticed there was change with the rift." I reply.
"It's more than that, the rebel mages seem to be surprised at our arrival." The scout clarifies. Cassandra and I share a look of confusion.
"Keep observing the situation, we will proceed as originally planned." Cassandra orders.
"Is there any insight you can give as to why Fiona would hide our arrival, Vivienne?" I ask.
"It's possible that her dementia is finally starting to show." Vivienne offers.
Putting the comment aside, we proceed to the village with caution. Hearing the villagers hushed gossiping as we passed. No one seemed pleased that the mages were residing in Redcliffe, and they were not happy about the Arl being cast out of his own keep. First things first, let's see what these mages are willing to offer. We reach the designated tavern for negotiations. Upon entering, we notice the place is sparse, with only Fiona and a few other mages present.
"Herald of Andraste, First Enchanter Vivienne." Fiona greets.
"My dear Fiona, you look awful. Are you not getting enough sleep?" Vivienne inquires sarcastically.
"Now that we have settled with pleasantries, may I ask why the Inquisition has decided to approach the mages?" Fiona askes. Cassandra and I share a look of concern.
"You personally invited us here, in Val Royeaux about a fortnight ago." I reply cautiously.
"You must be mistaken. I have not been to Val Royeaux in months." Fiona declares. "In any case, I am unable to negotiate on behalf of the rebel mages."
"Forgive me for saying this, but I'm not quite sure I'm following the situation. If you are the leader of the rebel mages, then why are you unable to negotiate?" I ask.
"Because the rebel mages are now indentured to the Tevinter Imperium." A voice from behind answers. We all turn to see a tevinter noble approach.
"Agents of the Inquisition, allow me to introduce you to Magister Gereon Alexuis." Fiona announces. The magister stops directly in front of me.
"So, this is the fabled herald." He reaches towards me and lifts my father's necklace. "Interesting design if I do say so."
"It was a gift from my father." I explain, feeling dread chill down my spine. It must have come lose in that last fight.
"Your father had an interest in butterflies?" He inquires, letting the necklace drop.
"I don't see how that is pertinent information for these negotiations." I coolly retort.
"Straight to business I see." The magister comments, while directing us to a table. "As it stands, the Inquisition needs a great deal of power to seal the Breach. The mages are the only option you have."
"And what would the Imperium benefit from this arrangement?" I inquire.
"At the moment, the mages are a considerable expense. If the Inquisition negotiates an appropriate arrangement, the Imperium will see this as compensation." The magister explains.
Another tevinter enters the tavern with a scribe. Unlike the magister however, this new vint was younger and very pale.
"Agents of Inquisition, allow me to introduce my son, Felix." Alexius announces, gesturing towards the newcomer.
The young man, Felix, seemed unsteady as I watched him sway side to side. I see him start to pitch forward, and rush forward to catch him. I feel the young man grip my arms to steady himself. His right-hand slides down my arm, and I feel him palm something into my hand. The young man straightens himself and gives me an apologetic smile. Alexius nearly shoves me aside to look after his son.
"I apologize, but I'm afraid this will require all of my attention. Let us schedule our negotiations for another day." Alexius excuses, guiding his son out of the tavern.
As the two of them exit, Felix gives me a quick look with a subtle nod. Fiona and the rest of Alexuis' entourage quickly follow them out, leaving the place empty, apart from us. I turn over my hand to see what the young man slipped into my hand and find folded paper. I unfold the note and quirk my eyebrow at what is written. I hear Cassandra's armour approach from behind.
" 'You are in grave danger, meet me in the church.' " Cassandra reads aloud.
"Don't tell me we are going to fall for such an obvious trap." Vivienne snidely discloses.
"It's only a trap if we blindly fall into it." I retort crushing the note, my lips turn into a smirk.
Dorian didn't think his life could get any worse. My father tried to literally control him through magic, I was a social pariah back home, and my mentor abandoned all his ideologies to join a fanatical cult. I honestly didn't think it could get any worse, until I went south to stop his mentor and discovered what Alexius was attempting. At least Felix was willing to help me stop Alexius for Alexius's sake. And I was on-board with Felix's plan to secretly meet the Herald of Andraste in a church, until a tear in the Fade and time opened spilling out demons.
I heard the door open and saw a group of women enter the church. Two blonde elves, a dark-skinned sorceress, and a dark-haired knight. They all start attacking the demons. Even accounting for all the time fluctuations, they all seemed to be holding their own very well. As I expelled his last demon in time to see one of the blonde elves march forward and close the rift. She made the effort look seamless, as the rift sealed without any discharge.
"Fascinating. Tell me, are you acutely aware of what you are doing, or do you just wave your hand in the air and hope for the best?" I suggest.
"It requires a little finesse." The Herald replies.
"Allow me to introduce myself." I announce with a bow. "Dorian Parvus, formally of Minrathus."
"I'm aware there is a Magister Parvus in the Imperium, but you seem too young to be him." The Herald replies.
"Ah! Finally, a native that is not ignorant to my culture. The person you are referring to is my father. I myself, am but a mere Altus." I explain.
"My dear Herald, I believe it best for you stop further socializing with the swine. It will lower people's opinion if you don't." The sorceress declares.
"Hate to admit it, but Vivvy's right, here. No good'll come from dealing with his lot." The other blonde elf adds.
"Interesting company you keep." I comment. "Regardless, I assume you are here because Felix gave you the note."
"Yes, however the method that was used seemed to draw more attention than warranted." The Herald answers.
"Yes." I drawl. "Unfortunately, Felix has come under a serious malady, and Alexius is more than likely being a mother hen. It may take some time before Felix arrives."
"Or he could arrive on time." Felix's voice calls out.
I turn around to embrace the young man. As I pull back, I notice that Felix has gotten paler since I last saw him a week ago. I grimace in sympathy towards the poor boy. Blight sickness is a terrible thing to endure, made worse by the fact that there is no cure. You just steadily felt the blight steal your life away until there is nothing left but breath and pain.
"Took you long enough. Is he getting suspicious?" I ask him.
"No, but playing the sick card was obviously the wrong choice. Thought he would never leave my bedside." He explains.
"Well now that Felix has arrived, could one of you please explain what is going on?" The Herald asks.
"My father has joined a cult and is planning to unravel the entire fabric of reality as we know it." Felix answers.
"No one is capable of such magic, clearly these men are charlatans." The sorceress declares.
"A month ago, you would have been correct, but you all just saw proof of our claims moments ago. It was purely theory when Alexius and I came up with the idea of manipulating time, however recent events have driven him into testing it against the inquisition." I explain.
"For what reason?" The dark-haired knight asks.
"My father wishes to go back in time to prevent the tragedy that befell myself and my mother. A group
Tevinter supremacists called the Venatori has given him the means to do so." Felix answers, the Herald and the knight share a look.
"You've heard of them before." I state.
"We've had interactions with them before. Do you know what they want?" The Herald asks.
"The leader of the Venatori, someone only known as the Elder One, claims that you stole his mark at the conclave. In exchange for providing the means to help him, my father is to go back in time to prevent you from interfering. That's how he acquired the mages before you did. As a test, he went back in time and indentured them into his service as bait to lure you in." Felix explains.
"That part has worked so far. Do either have any further insight to give us a plan?" The herald asks.
"I could help with that, but I can't risk staying in Redcliffe for too long." I answer.
Just then, a scout enters and gives the Herald a missive. She reads it, cocking an eyebrow at first before smirking.
"Return to the camp and if you see warden Blackwall, inform him that he will joining me to the north. Cassandra, you will escort Altus Parvus to Haven and formulate a plan with his help." The Herald orders.
"What shall the others about why you are delayed?" The knight inquires.
"There's someone I need to meet on the Storm Coast." She replies.
There was always something relaxing about cutting down a body The Iron Bull found. Or perhaps it was more likely the simplicity of it. Raise your weapon, swing down, watch your opponent fall dead in three seconds. It was definitely more enjoyable when you are facing a small group, unlike the never-ending hordes of Seheron. Damn that hellhole. Looking over my shoulder, I notice a blonde elven woman sitting on a rock watching us. She didn't seem afraid, in fact she looked down-right comfortable with her legs crossed, her face resting in her hand. She suddenly smirks and points behind me, and I knew then who she was. Swinging around, I cleave into the guy who was charging at me. Pulling out my axe, I grin as the body bursts before hitting the ground. I love that part. Looking around, I see the chargers have taken care of everything already.
"Krem, how'd we do?" I yell.
"Five or six wounded, chief. No dead!" He yells back.
"Just what I like to hear! Let the cutthroats finish up, then break out the casks." I order, hearing crunching footsteps approaching from behind.
"So, you're the Iron Bull. I hear you want to do some business with the inquisition." States a woman's voice.
I turn to once again face the Herald of Andraste, Saryssa Lavellan. The Ben-Hassrath were interested in the Breach, but they also wanted to know anything about her. According to intelligence, no one could find anything about prior to her initiation into clan Lavellan. And the rumours about the possibilities were as random as being a demon possession to a secret assassin. Orders were simple; anything on the Breach is good, anything on the Herald is better.
"Come! Have a drink with me while we talk business." I offer, leading to spot off to the side.
"Upfront I will say that, as a mercenary group, you are excellent. However, in your offer you did imply their would be other benefits in my favor." She comments.
"Depends on how open you're willing to be. See, I'm part of the Ben-Hassrath, like spies in the Qunari, and they want to know everything about the Breach. So, in exchange for the occasional briefing, they are willing to share any intelligence you might want." I explain.
"I'm willing to accommodate your terms, however I do require you to use . . . discretion in your reports." She advises.
She's warning me to be careful about what I share. Wonder if that's for her benefit or the inquisition's.
"That's fine. Anything I send will most likely be reviewed by your spymaster, Lelianna I think her name is, before it even leaves the inquisition." I accept.
"That's good to hear. I was hoping to be able to enlist your aid immediately, but first I need to know. How proficient are you against Tevinter mages?"
"Redcliffe castle is one of the most defensible fortress' in Ferelden. It has repelled thousands of assaults, and we do not even have the manpower to amount one in the first place!" Cullen argues.
Ever since she returned, Saryssa has been listening to the four of them argue around and around. Cullen and Josephine believe that any frontal attack on Alexius is futile, as well as extremely dangerous. Leliana and Cassandra are adamant that taking no action against Alexius would leave us vulnerable from a close threat. Dorian has been silently mulling his wine in the corner, not offering any kind of contribution. Bull assured me he would join us as soon as the chargers were settled, however I had been hoping we would have developed a plan before he did. I can't help but sigh as I rub my face as we go into another round of what we can and can't do.
"Enough!" I interject. "We've been arguing in circles. Now Cullen, you said that any head-on attack against the castle would be disastrous, but there must be other ways into the castle. Strongholds like these usually have hidden passages to the outside for royalty or family members to use to escape."
"There is, the Hero of Ferelden and I used it to sneak into Redcliffe during the Blight." Leliana replies.
"Then that's our way. We send in a small force to infiltrate, no more than fifteen." I suggest.
"That plan won't work. They'll be discovered before they get close to the Magister." Cullen counters.
"Then perhaps we send a distraction, in the guise of the envoy he specifically requests in his letter." Josephine offers.
"Unfortunately, this whole plan is fruitless, unless you can get your agents past Alexius magic protecting the castle." Dorian argues.
"Then we are lucky that volunteered to aid the inquisition in this effort." Leliana snidely retorts. The opens, revealing The Iron Bull.
"Sorry I'm late. Settling in took than expected." Bull explains.
"No problem at all. Allow me to introduce everyone. Cullen's our military commander, Josephine is our ambassador, Leliana's our spymaster, Seeker Cassandra Pentaghast, and this is Altus Dorian Parvus." I introduce, indicating who is who.
"Oh my!" Dorian exclaims. "It seems I'm out of wine. And since this meeting is essentially concluded, I shall take my leave."
As soon as Dorian leaves, Bull quickly closes the door and locks it.
"So what do you think?" I ask.
"Hmm. Shouldn't be too hard to take him out, if need be." Bull concludes.
"Parden me Herald, but are we not to trust Altus Parvus?" Cullen enquires, sounding confused.
"Cullen, you've kept your hand resting on the hilt of your sword, even though you are among allies in this room. Why?" I interrogate.
"To be prepared for anything that might happen?" Cullen supplies.
"Precisely. We don't know what Dorian's true intentions are. We only know that he is currently against Alexius, which falls in line with our current goals. Should he turn on us after we defeat Alexius, or even before then, I want to be prepared."