A/N: Please, remember to review with any comments, question, concerns, or constructive criticism that you might have.
Chapter 7:
Last Minute Recruiting
After getting help in the forms of the circle mage, Vivienne, and the mischievous elf, Sera, Wayne and his group headed back to the village of Haven. As the various servants and workers moved to gather supplies for the group's next trip, Wayne spoke with his two newest comrades to get to know them. Wayne was surprised to find Vivienne actually wanted the Circles to return, believing that the Circles were key to protecting mages from those that would harm them. Wayne had to admit some of her words, namely the parts about giving mages a safe place to learn and grow, made sense, but he was still iffy about the parts about taking children from their homes and forcing them into that situation with Templars having complete control over their lives. He remembered enough of reading about the Stanford Prison Experiment to know that was a bad idea.
His talk with Sera was a bit more…casual.
"I been hearin' some weird stuff about you," Sera said when Wayne met her in the small tavern in Haven.
"What kind of stuff?" Wayne asked.
"Like you came from another world or somethin' like that and crossed the Fade to get 'ere," she said, "Any o' that true? You ain't gonna start spittin' out demons or somethin' are ya?"
"Uh, no, I can honestly say that I'm not," Wayne said, not entirely sure that she was serious.
"Well, whatever then," Sera said, shrugging.
The rest of the conversation was mostly involving Sera trying to explain what the Friends of Red Jenny were in her usual confusing and roundabout fashion.
After finally giving up trying to understand the strange elf, Wayne headed to the Chantry to check in with the leaders of the Inquisition.
Entering the room, Cassandra said, "Good, you're here. We need to decide which side that we're going to meet with."
"I take it you're referring to the mages and templars," Wayne said, "Can't we meet them both?"
"I doubt that'd be successful," Leliana said, "Once one group finds out that we're in talks to team up with the other, they'll likely take offence and not listen to a word we say."
"Fair enough," Wayne said, "So, what side should we go for? Mages or Templars?"
"We are actually divided on the topic," Leliana said, "We were hoping you might help us to make a decision."
"Well, I think we should at least see what the mages have to say," Wayne said.
"I think it's early to write the Templars off," Cullen said, crossing his arms over his chest, "We could still reach them."
"The Templars have made their position quite apparent in my opinion," Cassandra said.
"Xena's got a point, Galahad. Between the mages and the templars, the mages seemed welcoming to us whereas the templars just gave us the finger," Wayne said.
"I still believe we can reach them, but we need to reach a decision," Cullen said.
"Well, I think it's best if we go to see what the mages have to say," Wayne said, "At least figure out what they want in exchange for helping us."
"I disagree with this, but do what you think is best," Cullen sighed.
"While you're heading to meet with the mages, perhaps you could investigate some interesting rumors I've received word of from the cult in the Hinterlands. Some of the refugees they've helped in our name let us know that a grey warden had supposedly been spotted in the Hinterlands," Leliana said.
"A grey warden? I think I heard of them," Wayne said, "Some kind of warrior guild or something, right?"
"They are much more than that," Leliana said, "They are the only ones that can end Blights once they begin. They are heroes for it, but many become wardens out of necessity, seeking to avoid punishment for their crimes, rather than become it to serve their duty."
"Huh, so are they any good in a fight?" Wayne asked.
"They are only allowed to join the Order if they can fight," Leliana explained, "How good they are depends on the person. More importantly, the Grey Wardens disappeared from Thedas right when the Breach first appeared. This may not be a coincidence and could imply they were involved in some way."
"Sounds like it's worth checking out," Wayne said, "Alright, once the supplies for our trip is set up, we'll head to the Hinterlands first to search for this Grey Warden."
With that, Wayne left the war room with the rest of the Inquisition leaders each leaving to handle their different tasks, but when he was leaving the Chantry, he was stopped by a soldier he didn't recognize.
"Excuse me, I'm looking for someone in charge around here," the unknown soldier said, addressing Wayne.
"I can help you," Wayne said, shrugging, "What's the problem?"
"My boss, Iron Bull, wants to meet with the one known as the Herald of Andraste. He wants to offer a mutually beneficial deal," the soldier said.
"What sort of deal?" Wayne asked.
"Well, it'd be best if Iron Bull explains it, but our mercenary group is pretty well known. You won't regret having us on your side," the soldier said.
"Alright. Where is this Iron Bull of yours?" Wayne asked.
"You can find him on the Storm Coast," the mercenary said.
"That's not exactly on the way to our destination, but if this guy can really help us, I guess it would make sense to go and see him," Wayne said.
Once the group was back together and mounted on some of the new horses they received from Master Dennet, Cassandra asked, "Shall we head to the Hinterlands?"
"Not yet," Wayne said, "Someone told me about another group that wanted to join us. They're on the Storm Coast right now."
"Do we have time to waste time on a potential ally when we have to deal with the rebel mages and the Templars?" Vivienne asked.
"We can't exactly turn down help. The Inquisition's situation can't afford to just turn down someone that's willing to help," Wayne said.
"A fair point. I suppose the rebel mages can wait a little while longer for us to arrive," Vivienne said.
The group managed to travel to the Storm Coast without incident, the horses cutting their travel time in half.
"Well, I can see why they call it the Storm Coast!" Wayne said over the heavy wind and pounding rain.
"Yeah, but across that water out there is the Free Marches, my home sweet home," Varric said, "As bad as the weather is, I can't hate this place too much."
The group made their way to the base that Scout Harding set up for them.
"Hey, Harding, any sign of this Iron Bull guy that we're meeting?" Wayne asked.
"Yeah, we got word that there was a group fighting some unknown soldiers on the nearby beach. We were just about to launch a rescue when you guys showed up," Harding explained.
"Well, guess we should go help them then," Wayne said, taking his assault rifle off of his shoulder, "Let's move out."
Wayne and the rest of his companions hurried down the hill towards the fight they could hear a few minutes after leaving the camp.
Sera, Wayne, and Varric opened fire on the soldiers the instant they were in range, while Vivienne and Solas used their magic on them and Cassandra, the lone warrior in the group, charged to join the potential allies against the demons. The small number of enemies that they were fighting didn't last long against the mercenary group and their reinforcements.
"Alright, everyone, let the throat cutters do their work," a seven-foot tall man with horns said, "Krem, open some of those casks so we can celebrate another job well done."
The large humanoid turned to Wayne and his group.
"You the Inquisition forces?" the large man said.
"Yeah, I'm Wayne and I'm guessing you're Iron Bull," Wayne said, "You sent a message saying that you wanted to join up with the Inquisition."
"That's right," Iron Bull said, nodding, "I can offer the services of myself and my Chargers, some of the best mercenaries you can ask for if I do say so myself."
"Well, we can always use skilled fighters," Wayne said, nodding.
"Well, it's not just our skills in a fight that I'm offering," Iron Bull said, seemingly uncomfortable about what he was going to say next.
"What do you mean? What else can you give us?" Wayne asked.
"Information. You see, I'm a member of the Ben-Hassrath, a division of the Qunari army," Iron Bull said and, seeing Wayne's confused expression, added, "We're…spies."
"So, you're…a spy?" Wayne asked with a disbelieving tone, "Uh, I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to tell people that."
"Only if you're spying on the people you're telling," Bull said, "You see, the leaders of the Qunari agree that the Breach is a major threat and the Inquisition and, more specifically, you, are best equipped to handle it, so we want to offer whatever we help we can give."
"What's the catch?" Wayne asked, getting suspicious.
"I'll be reporting back to my superiors every so often. Nothing too major, nothing you don't want them to know. Just updates on what we've been up to," Bull said.
"Hmm," Wayne said as he considered his offer.
"While I'm not overly fond of the Qunari's heretical beliefs, I believe we would be remised in refusing their offer off-hand," Vivienne said.
"I'm inclined to agree," Cassandra said, "Like you've said, we can't refuse help that is offered."
"Eh, I've had enough of the Qunari from Kirkwall, but it's up to you," Varric said, shrugging.
Wayne turned to the tall Qunari and said, "Guess you're in."
"You won't regret this, Boss," Bull said smiling.
"I'm sure," Wayne said, nodding, "Let's head back to the camp, so we can head back to the Hinterlands to meet with the mages."
Reaching their camp, Harding approached them with a troubled look on her face, "Herald, sir, I'm glad you've returned. One of our scouts just reported in. Some of our scouts have been taken by a local religious group known as the Blades of Hessarian."
"Are they still alive?" Wayne asked.
"Last we saw," Harding said, "They seem to be keeping them alive to try and draw us in for a fight. Seems like the leader has it out for us."
"Great, well, we can't leave them to their devices. We need to deal with them ASAP," Wayne insisted.
"Then, you might want to look into this outpost here," Harding said, pointing to a place on a map, "We got word that they were here. Maybe you could find some information there."
"Sounds good," Wayne said, "Alright, everyone, let's move out."
Wayne and his team headed out, traveling down the coast.
"What the hell!?" Wayne shouted, as he watched a huge humanoid fighting a dragon that was breathing lightning.
"A giant? They aren't usually in this area," Cassandra said.
"Figures," Wayne groaned, "Not only do we have another dragon to deal with, but also that giant and they're in our way."
Just as he said that, the dragon took the sky and flew off, leaving the group to deal with the wounded giant.
Bull and Cassandra charged the giant as the rest of the team used long range attacks to keep it off balance. Bull and Cassandra sliced at the massive creature's legs, causing it to fall to its knees, allowing Bull to swipe up and slice its throat.
They continued to the outpost, where they were instantly attacked by men in similar outfits. The attackers were too disorganized and lacking in numbers to last more than a few seconds against Wayne's much more skilled team. Once the last attacker was down, Wayne and his team searched through the derelict buildings for information.
"Guys, I found something," Wayne said, looking at what looked like a necklace and message. Once the team was gathered around him, he said, "Apparently, this necklace lets the wearer challenge the current leader of the Blades for leadership."
"And they just leave such a thing lying around?" Vivienne asked, "Clearly these so-called Blades of Hessarian are a foolish band of heretics."
"Actually, it seems like they are bound to follow the leader regardless of whether they like him or not, which most don't apparently. However, they don't believe they'd be able to take him down themselves," Wayne said, looking at the note.
"Well then, perhaps we should give them proper leadership," Vivienne said, standing straighter.
"Would certainly be better than having to fight the whole group," Wayne said, putting the necklace around his neck.
Going further down the beach, Wayne's group found a makeshift fort. Prepared for an attack, Wayne and his team approached the front gate and, much to their relief, entered without incident.
The leader was standing at the base of a shrine with two mabari by his side.
"Who dares to intrude upon the domain of the Blades of Hassarian?" the leader asked loudly.
"You might have heard of the Herald of Andraste? Well, my friends and I have heard you've been giving the Inquisition a hard time and we can't allow that. So, we're here to challenge you for the leadership of the Blades of Hessarian," Wayne said.
The man hefted a battleaxe and said, "Fine! I will enjoy feeding your guts to the crows!"
Wayne sighed, "Idiot," as he pulled out his sidearm and drilled the man in the head, while his allies took care of the attacking mabari.
"You have defeated our leader," one of the members of the Blades said, approaching the group.
"You're not upset?" Wayne asked, suspicious.
The man shook his head, "No, he was a brute. Unworthy of leadership. You, the Herald of Andraste, will lead us on the true path. You will find no one questioning your leadership."
"Great, meet up with the Inquisition forces and they'll send your people where they're needed," Wayne said.
"As you command, Herald," the man said before leaving them.
"Alright, everyone," Wayne said, "Let's head out to the Hinterlands."
The group followed him to the Hinterlands and, after meeting and recruiting the Grey Warden, Blackwall, who didn't know anything about the disappearance of the other Grey Wardens.
"So, you've come from another world? Truly?" Blackwall asked Wayne as the group made their way towards Redcliffe.
"Yeah, kinda weird, huh?" Wayne asked.
"That's an understatement," Blackwall said, "Sounds more like something from one of Master Tethras's books."
"Oh, didn't know you were a fan," Varric said, getting interested in the conversation.
"Well, I wouldn't say a fan, per se," Blackwall said, "I might have read some of the Hero of Kirkwall while I was in an outhouse, but uh, there, uh, were some pages missing."
"Say no more," Varric said waving it off.
As they neared Redcliffe, some guards were frantically running towards them. As they ran past, Wayne grabbed one by the back of his collar.
"Hey, what's going on?" Wayne asked the man.
"Th-there's one of those rifts blocking the gate to Redcliffe, but there's something different about it!" the man said, before Wayne let go of him and he ran off.
Wayne looked at the group and said, "Well, that can't be good. Guess we've got one more obstacle to deal with before we get to the mages."
The group hurried to the gates, finding, as the man said, another Fade Rift was blocking the gates, preventing them from being opened. They instantly noticed strange rings of magic on the ground around the rift.
The team launched their attack on the demons coming out of the rift. Wayne, staying back to attack with his assault rifle, noticed that the demons would suddenly move at different speeds when they entered the rings on the ground. As a result, it was hard for the long-ranged fighters to get a bead on the moving demons, but eventually the team took out the last one and Wayne sealed the rift.
"What was that?" Wayne asked, "What were those circles on the ground?"
"I have never seen such things before," Solas said, "Not even in the Fade."
"So the apostate admits that there are holes in the tutoring his spirits gave him after all," Vivienne said with a haughty tone.
"Perhaps the good Circle mage would be so good to inform us what her proper education tells us," Solas said, non-plussed by her tone.
"Alright, girls, you're both pretty," Wayne said, rolling his eyes, "Let's meet with the mages."
Sure enough, once the gates opened, a mage came out to meet them, "Ah greetings to you all. We thank you for your help with that rift. I will take you to Grand Enchanter Fiona. She'll want to talk with you about why you're here."
Something about the way he said that raised a red flag for Wayne, so he asked, "What do you mean why we're here?"
"Well, no one knew you were coming so your arrival is a pretty big surprise. Now please, follow me. I'm sure Grand Enchanter Fiona can answer any other questions for you," the mage said.
Deciding to find out more about what was going on, Wayne and his team followed the man through the gates of Redcliffe.
A/N: And there's chapter 7! Please remember to review with any comments, question, concerns, or constructive criticism that you might have.