2: The Woman of Gold and the Commander in Red

The mercenaries stood with their mouths agape. The Temple of Sacred Ashes was gone, and above were it once stood, an ominous green tear sat in the sky. Dark clouds swirled around it and a visible column of what seemed like smoke trailed upward into its center. Green balls of fire shot out of the tear and hurled towards the ground in every direction.

In the distance, Ela could hear people screaming. Their cries came as a collective wail of despair, fear, and shock all in one. The collision of the fireballs with the ground shook the mountains with varying intensity and sent snow sailing high into the air. Clouds continued to collect around the anomaly, until the only light came from the tear, which bathed everything in its sickly green light.

"By the Creators," Evsa whispered. "The others…" She placed her hand over her mouth and fought back tears.

Lilith placed a hand on the elf's shoulder. "They might be okay," she said in a soft voice. "We don't know if they're gone. Who knows what that thing is?"

"That's just it though…who knows what that thing is." Raul stated hollowly.

Ela tried to force herself to listen, but her mind ignored their every word. Her earlier anger melted away and all she could think of was her brother. Aiden, who when he was a child cried whenever she left his side. Aiden, who was the only reason she had come back home. Aiden, who when he was five had iced over a lake, forcing them to flee from Templars. Her mind seemed to race through ever memory she had with him. She saw him crying after they had left home. Smiling, even though they only had a few tiny potatoes to eat for dinner. She heard him tell her over and over that he wanted to be like her. She saw them seated at the edge of a dock, legs swinging wildly, and making a promise to him. Telling him that no matter what she would keep him away from the Circles, keep him feed, and keep him safe.

'You didn't keep him safe.' A voice hissed quietly in the back of her head.

It made her heart throb violently and she felt her stomach coil tighter. Her legs began to shake, sweat gathered on her brow, her armor suddenly felt too hot, too tight. The urge to take off and run was overwhelming; yet, her feet stayed planted.

"Boss, what do we do?"

The question was enough to snap her back to reality. She looked between her men slowly, trying her best to hide the fear and the sadness that she felt.

Evsa's face was stained with tears, her knuckles white from clutching her staff so tightly. She seemed to be placing all her weight on Lilith's hand and Lilith herself looked grim.

She turned her gaze on Raul, who was motionless, off to the side. His daggers were hanging limply from his hands. His gaze was on her as well, mouth open in shock. His eyes felt like arrows and she quickly turned away.

Kata shifted uneasily next to her. His arms were crossed across his chest, his fingers digging into the side of his armor. For a second, Ela let herself be distracted with the idea of her brother in his first suit of armor. Her eyes began to water as she began to wonder if he truly would have been taller than her.

Kata's piercing gaze was enough to expel the thought. Now was not the time for tears.

They were all looking to her. Their eyes filled with sadness, fear, confusion, but mostly, a need for direction. A need she could fill.

Clenching her fists, she let out a heavy sigh, did her best to calm her nerves, quiet her racing mind, and regain control over her shaking limbs.

"We don't know that the others are dead," she began calmly. "Who knows, they might have gotten out in time. There's no point in speculating from down here. We need to get up there to find out for sure." Unclenching her fist, she placed her hand on the hilt of her sword. Doing her best to seem inspiring, she stood up straight and pulled her shoulders back. "Raul scout ahead. Stay in the shadows, don't draw attention to yourself. I need to know what we will be walking into at the top. Kata and Lilith I want you two up front. We don't know who, or what made that thing or how other people will be reacting. This could have been another attack from the mages, like Kirkwall."

With each order she gave, her men nodded in recognition. Hope returning to their eyes. It made her heart warm for just a second, before it was overtaken with the grief she was struggling to control.

He can't be dead.

'He may be and it will be your fault,' reminded the voice.

Biting her lower lip, she turned her attention to the small village behind them. Crowds of people were gathering by their gates. Soldiers stood confused, staring at the sky, unsure of what to do with themselves. She couldn't let her men, be like that. The worst thing for a soldier was to be directionless.

"Let's get moving!" she bellowed turning back to her men. "Evsa stick close to me."

The first thing Aiden felt was the cold hard ground beneath him. Then, the sudden sting of pain from his hand that sent his body into a spasm. Letting out a silent cry, he curled into the fetal position at the onslaught of pain. He laid there for longer than he could count, waiting till the pain subsided before he moved.

Rolling to his side, he opened his eyes, only for the world around him to spin. His vision was a blur of green, yellow, and black streaks. Blinking, he rubbed at his eyes till his vision steadied and cleared; then, rubbed them again in disbelief.

Nothing looked familiar. Rocks floated in the air, illuminated by a dull green light. Mist swirled around him, thick as soup. Dread seemed to hang in the air, pricking at his skin.

Goosebumps formed on his arms. Where am I? What was I doing? He couldn't remember. The only thing he could remember was sitting in a storage room with Thorn and a new hire Ela had picked up. And this, whatever it was, was defiantly not the storage room. His heart began pumping violently in his chest and he was sure it would give out at any moment.

"Hello?" He called out hopefully.

His voice only echoed back in response.

Suddenly, a bright light sprang to life. He squinted and tried to identify the source. A woman, seemingly made of light, stood at the top of an odd hill.

Ela? His heart calmed slightly at the sight and he stood hastily. He opened his mouth to call out to her, but a dull chittering distracted him. Turning toward the sound, he watched in horror as a group of giant spiders rushed towards him.

Glancing between the glowing woman and the spiders, he made what seemed like the best choice and ran to the woman.

As he half-ran, half-climbed to her, he could all but feel the spiders behind him. They chittered and clicked nosily. He was sure they would grab him at any moment. That they would tear him to pieces and no one would be able to find him here.

The woman reached her hand out to him and he reached back; praying to the Maker that she would save him. Praying that he would see his sister again. And when he was sure that the spiders below would catch him and drag him back down with them; she grabbed him, and everything went black.

Ela smashed her shield into the abdomen of a screeching shade and, before it could retaliate, buried her sword in its head. Kicking the corpse backward she turned to see her men engaging shades and wraiths. Evsa put a wall of ice between Kata and three shades, who roared in anger at the interference.

"Kadan, we will not hold much longer," Kata said turning to her. His sword was covered in black slime, the blood of the shades. "They are too numerous."

She nodded. He was right, they had not even made it to the second bridge before they were attacked by a third group of demons. There was no end to them. They just fell from the sky emerging from the balls of fire that the tear spat out, but she refused to stop. I won't stop until I know.

Glancing towards her men she took in their state. Kata was spotless, the Qunari wasn't even out of breath yet. Lilith had a minor cut on her chin and her breastplate was dented inward, but otherwise uninjured. Evsa, on the other hand, was doubled over and panting, her face drenched in sweat.

Ela knew the mage could not handle much more. They ran out of lyrium potions long ago and it would take time for her mana to recover.

One of the shades made its way around the barricade of ice, but quickly met its end to Lilith's spirt blade.

"We handle these, then, Lilith and Evsa," she said pointing at the two elves with the tip of her sword. "You two head back to camp. Kata, you and I, we will continue." Nodding, the team turned their attention back to the ice wall.

From the side a wraith moved to send a shot at Evsa, but was interrupted by two daggers in its back. Raul emerged from the shadows, a devilish grin on his face as he continued his assault.

Ela lifted her sword and cast a barrier over the rouge, hoping it would be enough to absorb any blows he would sustain. She turned her attention back to the shades knowing that Evsa's ice barrier would not last much longer. Moving next to Kata, she hoisted her shield up and readied herself to engage them.

The ice dissipated all at once, and the shades let out a roar before charging forward with claws at the ready. Her men rushed forward to meet them.

Kata swung his claymore over his head, bringing it down at the feet of two of the shades, sending them backward in a mini retreat. Ela took the advantage it gave her and rushed one, slamming into it with her shield and separating it from its' comrade.

She felt, rather than saw, the familiar ping of a barrier being placed over her and, with a security net in place, began her onslaught. Lowering her shield, she slashed as fast as she could, at every vital point she could think of. The shade screeched in defiance. As it tried to strike her, it only managed to open itself up to more attacks.

It slashed at her head and she ducked, using her shield to deflect the attack. Kneeling, she dodged a wraith's blast from the side; then, swinging her sword upward, caught the shade in the front of his torso and sent black blood flying into the air. The body fell into a heap of shapeless goo at her feet.

Raising her shield once again, she charged at the wraith. It retreated backward slowly, firing all the while, but the attacks did little as they bounced off the front of her shield. Two strikes and it fell.

Breathing heavily, she turned to see the rest of the demons gone. Only piles of green ectoplasm in the snow remained to signify that they ever even existed. Moving back to her men, she sheathed her sword.

"So…that wan't so bad." Evsa chuckled in between breaths. The elf leaned heavily on her staff and her fiery hair clung to her forehead.

Kata grunted in response. Digging into his pouch, he handed her a relatively clean cloth to wipe herself with.

Evsa took it with a mumbled 'Thank you' and began wiping her forehead.

"Boss, how you holding up?" Lilith asked, placing her staff on her back. Her blue eyes shone with concern.

Ela sighed to herself. What was she supposed to say? The question wasn't unexpected. It made her heart clench nonetheless. Was she supposed to tell her that she was fine? Lie to her? Or tell her the truth and paint herself in a weak light?

"I have hope," she lied. "You two need to head back to camp."

Lilith, knowing better than to question her, gave her a nod. Letting Evsa lean on her, the two turned to leave down the path.

"Soldiers," growled Kata. "Coming up the pass."

Ela turned quickly, her black braid whipping through the air. The soldiers were just making their way up the hill. Many looked frightened out of their wits; yet, they stood proudly, ready to face whatever danger may appear. Taking a hard look, she noticed that their armor was still unmarred. They had not seen combat yet.

A tall blond man led them. He wore a maroon cloak with a thick fur collar over his armor, much unlike the plain armor of the men following him. Deep set eyes stared at them from a strong jawed face. His hand rested on his sword hilt casually, and a shield with a strange eye design was strapped to his arm. As he approached, the way he walked, the way he held his shield, told her everything she needed to know. He was a Templar.

"Evsa, Lilith get behind us." Ela whispered. Quickly, both Lilith and Evsa positioned themselves behind them and Raul shrunk back into the shadows. Only Kata stood proudly at her side, staring down his perfect nose at the approaching men.

The blond-haired man raised a hand in greeting and she returned the gesture warily.

"I suppose you all are to thank for the path being clear." The man stated with a slight grin as he approached. Up close he was handsome. Light stubble covered his jaw and hazel eyes sat under a heavy brow.

"I suppose we are." Ela replied uneasily. She rested her hands on the hilt of her own sword. The men behind him shifted uneasily. "May I ask who you and your men are?"

The man nodded. "I am Commander Cullen, Leader of the Inquisition's forces," he declared proudly.

"Fancy title," Ela chuckled humorlessly. "I am Ela, Captain of the Bloody Suns." Turning slightly, she lifted her hand towards the remnants of her band. "These are my men. I don't suppose you know what is going on here?" She asked, jabbing her thumb at the tear.

"I doubt I know any more than you." The Commander said taking a few steps forward. "All I know is that demons are falling from it and many have taken to calling it the Breach." Looking down at one of the many piles of ectoplasm, he nudged it with his boot. "You have quite a capable band," he said. "I have to ask what you are doing heading toward the danger, rather than away from it." The last part came with a tone akin to accusation.

Kata snorted in irritation and Ela glared up at him, eyes shooting daggers before turning back to the Commander.

"Some of my men were stationed at the Conclave. I need to see if any of them are alive."

I need to see if my brother is alive.

The Commander considered her answer. His hard hazel eyes watching her carefully. "My men and I are headed to the Temple, as well. I doubt there were any survivors, but if there were, those at the Inquisition's forward camp will know. Traveling together we're likely to reach our destination faster, if you and your men agree to it."

Ela immediately considered refusing the offer. The man was a stranger, a Commander of a force that she did not even know had been reinstated, and worse yet, a Templar. The worst that could happen was that she would be considered suspect of whatever crimes had been committed. They might fight and, as good as her men were, she knew five against thirty was piss poor odds. The plus side, traveling with them offered protection and more soldiers to fight demons meant better odds for them.

Traveling with them however meant that she wouldn't be able to cast spells. Keeping the façade of being a normal warrior up would be imperative if the Commander turned on her. Few were familiar with Arcane Warriors and she preferred it that way. It had saved her skin more times than she could count.

"I think that idea a good one." She forced a smile. "My two companions here are returning to our camp," she said gesturing to Lilith and Evsa. "But Kata and I are at your disposal. Lead the way, Commander."

The Commander nodded his approval, turned, bellowed for his men to move out, and, in unison, they began their march up the mountain to the Conclave.

Ela turned to Lilith and Evsa, placing a hand on the taller woman's shoulder she gave them hurried orders. "Lilith when you get to camp, if there are demons move to the village. I don't want you all being easy targets. Evsa restock on lyrium potions, and health potions. Something tells me you all might need them."

"Right, Boss." They replied in unison.

"Good. Be safe." She said and with a turn of her heel she followed after the troops, Kata close at her heels.

Cullen marched through the thick snow hurriedly. The longer they delayed, the more lives were lost, Leliana's message had been clear about that. Off to his side the mercenary captain, Ela, and her tall Qunari companion marched with him. He had taken a risk allowing them to accompany him and his men. One he hoped would pay off. Throwing them a sideways glance he observed the pair.

The woman was short for a warrior. Not only was she short, but her armor was mainly leather. Had she not been carrying a shield, he would have guessed her a rouge. She kept her hand planted on her sword hilt, her purple eyes darting around suspiciously. Her complexion was darker than most Fereldan's and he guessed her to be from either Antiva, or Rivain.

He had no doubt that the Qunari was a ferocious warrior. A large claymore was strapped to his back, slightly tangled in strands of stark white hair. His chain mail armor gleamed in the unnatural light and Cullen found himself wondering, for the third time, if they had something to do with the explosion. They were on odd group after all.

"Something interesting you, Commander?" Ela asked sternly. Her purple eyes were boring holes into the side of his head.

Cullen removed his gaze from them and, clearing his throat, tried to come up with a suitable lie. "I was just wondering how you two ended up here in Fereldan."

"We're mercenaries," snorted the Captain, "we go where we're paid too."

His face grew hot and he cursed himself inwardly. Lying never was his strong suit.

"Well Commander, best get your head out of the clouds." Ela said her voice low. She drew her sword quickly, rolling her shoulders backwards. "I'm not sure what that is, but I'm sure it's trouble."

Cullen couldn't help but agree with her.

Ahead of them a group of green crystals floated menacingly above the ruins of a building. They crackled and shifted, as if it sensed their presence and, in a blink of an eye, tendrils of magic shot out of it and seemed to pull corpses and shades and wraiths from the ground.

"Men, attack!" Cullen shouted, drawing his sword. Charging forward, he engaged the shade closest to him. His men rushing forward to do the same.

The shade slashed at his left side immediately, a poor decision. He deflected the attack with his shield and, jabbing, caught it in its right shoulder. Backpedaling, the shade screeched at him, and he followed with his shield raised high. Filling his lungs with air, he lunged. The shade dodged, but moved to slow and found Cullen's blade buried in its abdomen. Twisting sideways, Cullen yanked it free and turned to find his next target.

To his relief, all his soldiers were still standing, many had grouped up with one another to overwhelm the demons. Turning, he looked for a group to aide.

That's when he saw them. The Qunari and the mercenary captain surrounded by three corpses and a shade. They stood with their backs against a collapsed wall in defensive stances. One of the corpses raised its sword and the two charged. A feeling of dread overtook him. It would be his fault if they died. Hoisting up his shield, he ran as fast as could to them, hoping that he would make it in time.

The Qunari reacted first. Taking one hand off of his claymore, he grabbed the woman by her back and sent her soaring into the air over the enemy's heads. She flipped gracefully; her eyes fixed on the charging corpses as she passed from above.

Cullen watched her tumble through the air with baited breath, confused as to what the Qunari had hoped to achieve. A distraction? Or was he hoping to get her out of harm's way?

The mercenary captain landed in a silent roll and, once she had gained her footing, bull rushed the corpse in the back. The force sent it flying onto the Qunari's sword, who swung it off easily, sending the body flying into its comrades on the left.

Turning, she thrust the edge of her shield into the corpse's neck to her right. A loud pop signified the spine being splintered and she wasted no time shoving it backwards with her shoulder.

The Qunari was at her side in an instant. Bringing his weapon down, he drove back an approaching shade, who screeched in response. Kneeling low, the mercenary captain leapt forward slashing at the shade's lower regions. The Qunari lunged with her in unison, his aim higher. Their blows landed and the shade was torn into three separate pieces.

Cullen came to a halt in front of them. A small smile, a mixture of both awe and admiration, pulled at his lips. He looked at Ela as she rose sheathing her blade. She smirked at him and something in his chest fluttered.

"Commander, the area is clear!" A soldier yelled.

He turned placing his sword back in its scarab and took in his men. A handful had minor injuries, cuts and bruises, but a few were more grievously injured.

"Jerald, get the injured back to Haven." Cullen ordered. The soldier in question uttered a quick 'Yes, sir' and moved out. Cullen turned his attention to the group of crystals that continued to shift in the air, the mercenary captain moving to his side.

"I need ten men to stand guard here!" He bellowed. "I can choose, or you can decide among yourselves, but we move soon." Conversing among themselves, the soldiers began hurriedly trying to decide who would stay behind.

"Think there are more of these things?" Asked the woman as she inspected the anomaly.

"We can only hope not." Cullen muttered. "But, considering the situation, I'm sure there are."

The crystals crackled, shifting violently and, again, tendrils snaked from it to the ground.

Drawing their weapons, they prepared for another attack. The soldiers arranged themselves hurriedly into a defensive formation.

This time it was not only shades, but another tall demon that sprung from the ground with surprising speed. Standing, it let out an ear-piercing screech, its tail flicking back and forth menacingly. Green mist began to pool at their feet and Cullen recognized it as a slowing agent.

"Get out of the mist!" He yelled to no one in particular. "Keep your distance from it!"

The green demon jumped into the air and vanished from view.

"Where'd it go?" The mercenary captain screamed.

"Keep moving!" Cullen bellowed back. He focused all his energy on getting out of the mist, there would be no fight if he couldn't move.

The mist grew thicker and his eyes began to sting, his vision growing cloudy. Walking through the mist felt like walking knee deep through sand. He heard a loud screech to his left and lashed out with his sword arm. Another screech to his right, and he lashed out there too. His heart pounded in his chest as he lashed out towards every inhuman noise, all the while forcing himself forward.

A hand grabbed his sword arm and, before he could fight it off, yanked him forward. Quickly, wiping his eyes he cleared his vision to see the mercenary captain blocking an attack from a shade. Knocking it back with her shield, she spared him a quick glance.

"You alright, Commander?"

He made to answer, but a sudden force knocked them all backwards. Landing on his back, the air left his lungs and he saw the green demon standing over them, letting off another deafening screech.

The mercenary made to stand, her shield up, but unsteady. The demon knocked her defending arm aside, sending her shield slamming into a wall and, with a triumphant roar, made to bury its claws into her. Using her sword, she partially deflected the blow. Two of its talons hit their mark and she screamed as they entered her stomach.

Gathering himself, he stood and charged at the demon. The Qunari did the same. Striking wildly, he roared and managed to leave a deep cut on one of its leg. Flinging the woman from its claws, the demon turned, kicked him in the abdomen and sent the Qunari reeling backwards.

Cullen gave a feverish war cry, striking at the demons back before it turned its full attention on him. He managed to block its first attack and parry the second, slicing into the meat of its arm. Its third strike, however, knocked him onto his back. His sword slid away from him and fear crept into his chest. The demon stepped toward him, arm coming down in a strike, raising his shield between him and it, he waited for the blow to land.

It never came. Instead, he heard a pain filled howl. Peeking from behind his shield, he saw the demon writing in pain as it was struck by lightning. Confusion came over him. There had been no mage in his company. A moment passed before he raced for his sword. The demon continued to screech behind him. Grabbing his sword, he turned to see the demon still being assaulted by bolts of lightning. When it fell to one of its knees, he raced forward without a second thought and, with all his might, drove his sword through its neck. The screeching came to a halt. Panting, he pulled his sword from the demon slowly.

Cullen's first thought was of his men and he turned to find them mostly unscathed, tired and bloody, but unscathed. His second thought was of the mercenaries and he saw the Captain standing, supported by the Qunari. She was covered in blood, her right hand clutched at her wounded side, trying to apply pressure. Blood leaked from the side of her mouth and he knew her injuries were severe. The air around her cracked slightly and a sense of understanding came to him. She was the mage.

Sheathing his sword, he made his way to them, aware of their wary eyes.

"Just stay back." She snarled weakly. "I know a Templar when I see one. Just leave us."

He didn't slow.

She raised her hand in warning, electricity crackling between her fingers.

"I mean it, Commander. Stay back."

He stopped where he was. "I'm no longer a Templar," he stated calmly. "I left that life behind. Please, I just want to help you. You saved my life today. Let me return the favor." He pulled a health potion from his belt. Shaking it slightly he held it up for her examination.

The Qunari mumbled something into her ear and she nodded in response, allowing herself to be set upon the ground. Ela winced in pain and Cullen had to stop himself from marching forward to aide her.

"You won't last long without this," he snapped. "Please, just take it."

"Fine."

Walking over quickly, Cullen shoved the potion into the Qunari's outstretched hand.

"Lean her head back." The Qunari said impassively as he uncorked the potion.

Cullen kneeled next to her, placing one hand on the back of her head, and the other on her wound. Amethyst eyes watched him carefully, wincing at his touch.

Up close the damage was more apparent. The demon's claws had gone clean through and she was bleeding profusely. Her left arm hung limply, most likely broken, and her breathing was ragged. Her cheek was bruised and blood fell from a deep cut on her brow.

The Qunari poured the potion down her throat slowly. Each swallow seemed difficult, but the woman managed to empty the flask without choking.

"That potion isn't going to be enough." Cullen said softly. "You need a surgeon. Let my men take you back to Haven. I'll make sure you're taken care of."

"No…No, I have to get to the temple." She protested. Shifting her legs, she tried to stand on her own, only to be meet with a spasm of pain.

"I'll look for your men." Cullen said pushing her back down. "You need rest."

"Kata, my sword…get my sword," the woman mumbled grabbing onto his arm. Her eyes were wide and pleading. "Please, bring it to me."

The Qunari shock his head in disapproval. "No, Kadan. You made a promise, you must keep it." His voice was low as he spoke, and Ela's facial expression softened. "I will look for him and the others. You must rest."

Cullen watched her face. Whatever that had to do with had seemed to calm her. The heat in her eyes seemed to leave and biting her lip she turned her head to him.

"You win, Commander. I'll see your surgeon."

Nodding quickly, he turned and summoned three soldiers. They hurried to him, their metal armor jangling.

"Get her to Haven as quickly as possible. Have the surgeon take priority if he can, she saved my life." He gave the orders hurriedly. Placing his arm under her legs, he hoisted her upward, causing her to wince in pain as he passed her to the largest of the three men. "If I return and find she passed before reaching the surgeon, it will be on you." Cullen threatened in a hushed tone.

"Yes, sir." The men replied fearfully. "We'll get her there quickly." With a curt nod, they began the trek back to Haven.

Cullen watched them leave, his heart pounding in his chest. Part of him wondered if she would survive. The other part, wondered why he cared. The Qunari, Kata, watched as well, still as stone, his arms crossed over his chest.

Letting out a heavy sigh, he drew his attention back to his men. They stood about, hands on their weapons, eyeing him.

"Make certain no demons escape from this…thing." Cullen growled gesturing at the green crystals. "The rest follow me."