"Something's wrong." Talyn said to the others. "I can feel it. I can feel the Fade."
That uncomfortable tugging and burning sensation was shooting up her arm. Even the mark on her hand was glowing and getting brighter with every step they took closer to Redcliffe.
Talyn had made the decision to head straight to Redcliffe, instead of going back to Haven to discuss the Grand Enchanter's invitation. It would have wasted precious time. Who knew how long the Breach would remain stable. The others had agreed with her, that this was time sensitive and had to be dealt with immediately. Although Iron Bull had his reservations against the mages, being a Qunari and all, he was willing to follow Talyn anyways.
"Perhaps it's a rift." Solas said.
Iron Bull chuckled. "Finally, some damn action! I'm ready to take on a few demons right now."
"Be on your guard." Cassandra said, reaching for the hilt of her sword.
The tension in the air grew thick as they traveled through the forest. It was too quiet. Not even one bird sang their morning song, not one squirrel scampered about from tree to tree. And the air was cold, despite the morning sun that shone above them in the cloudless sky.
Once they were in the shadow of the entrance to Redcliffe, Talyn heard it.
Crack! Pop! Crack!
Her mark started to burn, sparking her nerves with pain. She didn't make a sound, just clenched her fist and willed her pain away.
Cassandra looked back at the three of them and unsheathed her sword.
Talyn knocked an arrow in her bow.
As they rounded the corner, the shades attacked.
Cassandra and Iron Bull shouted a battle cry and charged, hacking at the shades from their horses while Talyn and Solas attacked them from a distance.
The battle looked like it was going to end quickly.
But then, all of a sudden, the world froze. Talyn couldn't move, couldn't blink. All she could do was move her eyes, and she saw that everyone else was frozen as well. She fought against the invisible bonds, fought as hard as she could, but she still did not move.
Then the world was moving again. Talyn gasped for breath.
She reached for her sword and blocked one of the shade's attacks. When the sword made contact with the shade's leathery skin, the world started moving more quickly. The battle ended in less than five seconds. Talyn reached out to the rift, and in one very fast gesture she closed it. The uncomfortable tugging and burning in her hand ended as soon as the rift was gone.
"What the hell was that?" Talyn asked, breathing hard, her wide eyes meeting three equally confused faces.
At the sight of the rift disappearing, the guards at the gate shouted out, "it's the Inquisition!" And the gate started to creak open. Cassandra's horse broke into a canter the moment the gate was opened. Talyn, Solas, and Iron Bull followed.
They had to bring their horses to a skidding stop though when an Inquisition scout suddenly cut them off up ahead. The scout looked confused. He bowed.
"Lady Herald, we were not expecting you in Redcliffe."
"That's impossible." Talyn said, looking back at her companions. "Fiona invited us here herself."
"We had no idea of such an invitation. There's actually-"
"Lady Herald, it is an honor to meet you." An oily voice came out of nowhere. Standing behind the scout was a man in plain black robes, with yellow eyes and an ashen skin tone. The sight of him made Talyn uneasy. She didn't like the way he looked at them, like he knew something they didn't.
"And who are you, mage?" Talyn asked, her voice suddenly cold. She held her head high and looked down at the man, any trace of warmth she had leaving her face. Cassandra and Iron Bull looked at Talyn like she had grown a second head. Solas, however, was hiding a smile.
His bright eyes narrowed, and Talyn could see he had to battle with himself to keep his pleasant tone. "My name is Lysas, I serve Magister Gereon Alexius, who is now in charge of Redcliffe, and the mages."
"What did you say?" Cassandra and Talyn shared a look.
"The rebel mage leader Grand Enchanter Fiona struck a deal with Magister Alexius. However, she is expecting you in the Gull and Lantern. I can lead you there, if you would like."
"We can find the way ourselves." Talyn clicked her tongue and Shadow started to walk again.
Lysas's lips turned down slightly, something Talyn wouldn't even have noticed if she wasn't already on her guard about him. "Of course, Lady Herald. If there is anything at all that you need during your stay in Redcliffe, I can be found in the castle." He bowed deeply once more, and then disappeared.
"Does anyone else smell a trap, or is it just me?" Bull said, just loud enough for the three of them to hear and no one else.
"Be wary." Talyn warned them. "I don't like Lysas. He's hiding something."
"It's peculiar that our scouts in Redcliffe had no idea we were coming." Solas pointed out.
"Unless this is a trap." Talyn said quietly.
"Then we are in deep shit." Bull stated.
Talyn snorted in amusement. Although in reality, the situation was not in the least bit funny. Cassandra made sure to remind her of that with a disapproving glare.
The Gull and Lantern was an inn. Talyn made sure that her daggers she had hidden in her boots and the one strapped to her thigh were still where they were supposed to be before they headed inside. The inn was small, and empty, except for the lone elf mage with black hair. Her staff was strapped to her back, and she was sipping on what looked like tea. At the sight of Talyn and her companions, she smiled warmly.
"Lady Herald?" She asked, as if she didn't recognize Talyn. "I recognized you by your vallaslin. It's unique, apparently. Before this war, I had never even met a Dalish before. I find your culture quite interesting. Would you like some tea?"
Talyn sat at the bar stool next to her. "No thank you." She said politely. "We're here to discuss you and your mages helping with the Breach."
Fiona shook her head. "As one indentured to a magister, I no longer have the authority to negotiate with you."
"You have no idea what mistake you've made, making a deal with a Tevinter mage." Bull said with anger coating his voice.
Fiona gave him a sharp look. "I did what I had to do to protect my people. I share no love for this war with the Templars. But I will not stand for my people being enslaved. For my people being treated as dangerous beasts forced to do tricks to please the masses. Lord Alexius promised us safety from the Templars, a way to end the violence and let us live in peace."
"Then why did you find us at Val Royeaux to invite us here to negotiate?" Cassandra asked in irritation.
Fiona furrowed her brow. "I haven't left the city since before the Conclave, Seeker. I made no such invitation. I only knew of your arrival to speak with me because of Magister Alexius."
Talyn shared a worried look with the others. "Then who invited us?"
"Who knows?" An unfamiliar voice interrupted.
Talyn spun around in the bar stool and saw an unfamiliar man standing by the entrance, with Lysas by his side. The man wore red robes, with a strange red spiked hood over his head. He was a handsome man, but he strutted towards them like a peacock preening his feathers. He had an air of arrogance about him, of superiority. He didn't have to introduce himself for Talyn to know this was Magister Alexius.
On the other side of him was a younger man who looked like him. He looked pale, and sickly, but he stood tall, the way a little lordling did.
"I am Gereon Alexius, my Lady Herald. It is an honor to meet Andraste's Chosen." He smiled warmly at Talyn. But she could see the sinister smirk behind the smile.
Lord Alexius couldn't fool Talyn. He was a snake.
"I've been hearing that a lot recently." Talyn responded. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Alexius. These are my companions, Seeker Cassandra, Iron Bull, and Solas."
Alexius bowed his head slightly in greeting. "So, let's get down to business, shall we? I hear you want to make use of my mages."
Talyn didn't fail to notice the way Fiona tensed at the words my mages.
"I do indeed. If you haven't noticed, there's a giant rip in the sky. We need the rebel mages to help us close it, as soon as possible."
Alexius's smile widened. "And what will you give me in return?"
The younger version of Alexius suddenly groaned stumbled forward, knocking into Talyn.
Alexius gasped. "Felix!" He moved quickly to the man, helping him to his feet. "We must get you back to the Keep."
Alexius looked over his shoulder at Talyn. "I will send you an invitation and we will discuss this further." He looked at Fiona. "Fiona! Come." He barked at her, as if she was a dog.
Talyn saw Fiona's nostrils flare. But then a moment later she composed herself and stood to her feet. She bowed. "Lady Herald. Seeker." She then followed Alexius out the door.
Talyn looked at the crumpled parchment Felix had shoved in her hand.
Meet me at the Chantry. You're in danger.