WARNINGS: Violence, gore and death.

Cullen and I stared at each other a moment, not believing our ears as we listened to the ominous tolls of the bells. It had been one bell at first, off in the distance, but within moments, every bell along the warning path began to sound. Those bells meant only one thing: an attack. Cullen's lips were still parted with the words he'd been about to say as a shout came from behind us.

"Commander!" I turned towards the shout, to find Amelia Heeley half-holding, half-dragging one of Leliana's scouts. An arrow protruded from their shoulder and another embedded within their leg. How they'd even been able to move...it must have been agony. Another recruit was with her and Rylen had shouted for Cullen at the same time.

Cullen jerked his head up to Amelia, "Report!"

The scout gasped in air. "Enemy force...approaching...ser." They seemed be struggling to breathe, so I went to them, my hands running over their injuries. The arrow had gone deep, piercing the tip of their lung. Then I felt it - the tip of the arrow was made of red lyrium and it was rapidly infecting the scout's body. "Sister...Nightingale...ordered us to...fall back."

I tried to give them relief, but the lyrium was spreading too fast for me to do anything. "Commander."

Cullen held up a hand to me. "Finish, scout."

The scout gulped down more air, their legs giving out and Amelia held their head in her lap. "Commander," she pleaded with Cullen.

"Do you know what has happened?" he demanded of Amelia, who shook her head. "Then be silent. Finish your report, scout."

"Some of us...had gone missing...we sent word...orders arrived...army burst from the mountain." The scout gasped, their eyes going wide in terror. "Deep Roads...used the Deep Roads...we think." The scout began coughing, blood dribbling from their mouth. "No banner...bulk over the mountain...massive." The scout dropped to the ground and began to convulse. I put my fingers to their temples and willed them unconscious, but I felt them die beneath my touch.

"Heeley," Cullen ordered. "What happened?"

Heeley stood and came to attention before Cullen. I closed the eyes of the scout, murmuring the Chant. "The enemy attacked us on sight. They poured from the mountain, ser. There must have been a Deep Roads entrance we were unaware of - it's how they slipped our notice. Or they dug through." Amelia panted. "We got the first bell rung, but one by one they shot us down. I was the only one to make it, Maker be praised. I warned the guards. They told me to report to you." Her eyes met his. "Venatori andRed Templars, ser. Both were among the army." Maker, they've joined forces? "Found the scout dragging themselves towards Haven. Said they had to inform us...got only bits and pieces. I think they were picking off the scouts before coming out in full force. Tried to stop us from sounding the alarm - nearly succeeded." Heeley dropped to a knee, cradling her stomach.

I bent to her, feeling around with my magic. She had a few contusions from falls and a cut at her side, but her injuries were minimal. I used my magic to heal her, the last of my mana going with it, but her wounds went beyond her skin. Her eyes were full of fear and grief as they stared at the scout. I helped her to stand and she came to attention before Cullen once more.

"And you?" Cullen asked the other recruit.

"Sister Nightingale sends word, ser," the recruit said, "Possible attack coming."

"You don't say," Cullen growled.

Rylen had joined us, listening to Heeley's report with rapt attention. "Orders, ser?"

Cullen calculated for a few breaths, his face becoming grim. Cullen turned to him, "Captain, gather all the soldiers outside the village and direct them to the gate. All civilians beyond the wall need to be brought inside - to the Chantry. Tell Dennet to bring the livestock and mounts inside - as many as he can safely." He turned back to Heeley. "Gather the guards and have them start loading the trebuchets." He looked to the recruit. "Get Sister Nightingale - tell her to bring her scouts and the archers. Find Barris and tell him we need the templars. Warn the others: enemy forces approaching, to arms. Go!" Rylen and Heeley saluted before running off to their orders. Cullen turned to me.

I gestured to the scout. "Those arrows - they're tipped with red lyrium, Cullen."

He stared down at the scout. The song could be heard emanating from their limp body. "Maker, help us," he murmured. "We need the mages. Can you rally them?"

"Yes, Commander," I saluted and turned.

He caught my wrist and I met his eyes. They were full of things he wanted to say, but couldn't. His lips parted, "Only the mages that weren't on the mountaintop. You and the others are still drained, I can feel it." He stared hatefully at the timber fencing, as if he were staring at the enemy and I watched as his nostrils flared. "They picked the perfect time to attack." For a moment, I saw a flicker of guilt on his face before he trained it into his usual mask of stony determination. His eyes found mine, the Commander firmly in place. "Stay back to help get people to safety and gather supplies - I'll have Josephine assist you." I studied his eyes, wanting to say so many things as well. He squeezed a little before letting me go and racing towards the gate.

Maker, please, keep him safe. I ran through the village, hearing Cullen's shouts behind me for the soldiers to prepare as he commanded various orders. I could feel the panic spread like wildfire through Haven, the people not knowing where to go or who to go I could grab, I told to head for the Chantry. They'd nod, but I was unsure if they heard me, their eyes wide in confusion and fear. I couldn't linger. I pushed myself harder to find Fiona and the others. Ellana, Cassandra and the other companions ran past me, towards the front gates. The mages were huddled together before the Chantry, looking terrified.

"Fiona! Mages!" I shouted as my feet pounded against the ground. Fiona turned to me. "The Commander calls for mages to the gate to help the soldiers defend Haven." I stopped before them as eyes met mine.

Silence returned to me as they exchanged glances. "Why?" Someone questioned.

"Indeed, we were called here to close the Breach, not give our lives for the Inquisition," another called.

"Fiona," yet another whined, "Don't let them do this! It's no different than Alexius - they want us to fight their battles!"

Absolute rage burned in my gut. Cowards. What pathetic cowards! "We are asking you to fight withus, not for us!" I shouted. "You closed the Breach, but you would stop there? Turning your backs on the Inquisition that has given you a second chance?"

Shouts could be heard on the other side of Haven now, soldiers battling beyond the walls. Maker, protect Rylen and the others. People were running into the Chantry, but too few. Where are they? Where is everyone?

"If you die here, your second chance means nothing!" Someone at the front shouted.

That rage reached a fever pitch as I felt dread whispering to my heart. I yanked him forward by his robes. I stared him down, letting my rage show just enough that frost danced off my skin. "You wanted your freedom," I growled before shoving him back and glaring at the others. "Go fight for it." A few shifted, a look of determination on their faces, but not enough. I took a deep breath, praying for patience that we did not have the time for, "I am a mage, just like you. I grew up in the Circle. I have seen the best and worst of mages andtemplars. I understand your struggle. Why should you die for the cause of others? Why should you give up your lives for those who have never cared about you?" I was getting their attention. "Because it's what is right!You have finally gained freedom - would you lose it at the hands of enemies that wish to ruin the very world you wanted to live freely in? Would you prove yourselves the monsters people believe you to be by turning your backs on them when they needed you most?" I looked at them all, their eyes trained on me. "I know it's unfair, but my dear mages, when has life everbeen fair for us?" There were a few humorless smirks on their faces. "The Maker blessed us with magic to serve, help me serve the Inquisition! Help me save us!" Fiona was the first to raise her staff and shout a defiant cry, the others following suit. Relief spread through me. "All those who were not assisting with the Breach and who are able to fight - to the front gate!" They split off, leaving Fiona and about twenty other mages. "The rest of you, in the Chantry!"

Fiona came up to me as they turned to go inside. I watched as Josephine ran inside the Chantry behind them. "What would you have of us?"

"We're going to need healers," I stated. "Start setting up cots and medicinal supplies. Use lyrium potions only if necessary - we'll run out before we know it." She nodded and entered the Chantry, I was on her heels.

"Talitha," Josephine caught my arm. "The Commander ordered us to see to gathering supplies and getting people to safety."

I nodded. "Suggestions?"

She looked around the room. "It'll need to be small groups." Josephine turned to the room, somehow managing to get everyone's attention without shouting. "Thank you. We need to gather supplies and get everyone inside who is not already." She turned to me. "Mistress Talitha will direct you."

Nerves fluttered for only a moment, but I pushed them down. I looked around the room, forming groups in my head before I spoke. "The mages not fighting will remain inside to see to any wounded, with the exception of Solana, Bethany and Minaeve. You three - make your way to the healer's cabin and gather all the medicinal supplies you can, I will see to the fledgling mages. Mother Giselle and the Sisters - assist the mages, their magic is spent. Flissa, Seggrit, Threnn and the Chargers, you're in charge of food, water, bandages, tents, wagons that can be pulled by hand and any other additional supplies. Direct everyone not inside to the Chantry. Harrit, Feldor, Arlen collect any weapons and equipment you can - Lysette, Keran protect them since they're going beyond the gate -"

I was cut off by Dennet, my mother, Camlen and little Fioren strapped to mother entering the Chantry, Inquisition soldiers escorting them. Dennet's mabari led the way, blood on their muzzles. "Our mounts n' druffalo are dead - those monsters slaughtered 'em so we had no means of quick escape," Dennet stated, his face grim. Panic rippled in the room.

"Everyone, please," I pleaded. "Those of you who have duties, go!"

The groups turned and ran out of the Chantry. I hurried to catch up, but was stopped at the doors by an injured Dorian who was leaning heavily on his staff for support. There were a few soldiers carrying an unconscious Felix behind him. Alexius was in the basement, locked up in a cell, but Dorian had stayed behind with Felix to try and weed out more information about the Venatori. Dorian's face was pale as he held his side and I could see blood seeping through his fingers. His grey eyes left Felix and flicked to me. "And who might you be?"

"Talitha."

"Dorian. I'm here to warn you, fashionably late, I'm afraid," he said, bravado still in his voice. "I tried to send a message ahead, but..." He pulled his hand away from his side where he was bleeding heavily. "It was me or the bird and I'm too pretty to die."

"What's going on?" I asked.

"We grosslyunderestimated the Venatori's numbers," Dorian stated grimly. "It seems my countrymen just couldn't wait to join a cult bent on destroying the world. They are led by a woman named Calpernia. They've joined forces with...corrupted templars. They are led by a man called Samson. All are in service to this Elder One."

"Maker, help us," I murmured. "There's healers over there," I directed the soldiers. "Dorian, if you could help them once your patched up, it would be deeply appreciated. Their mana is spent." He nodded and I raced out of the Chantry.

Up above the walls, I could now see hundreds - thousands of torches moving like ants upon the mountainside, rushing towards us like a river. Maker, my enemies are abundant. Many are those who rise up against me. But my faith sustains me; I shall not fear the legion, should they set themselves against me.
 I could hear Cullen shouting orders and attack plans beyond the wall, rallying the soldiers. The other groups were spread out, getting supplies - Da and the others had slipped out the gates to the smithy. Flissa had gone to the tavern, Seggrit towards the cabin where he stored his goods, Threnn towards the requisition supplies, while the Chargers had split to assist them all and gather people. Solana, Bethany and Minaeve had slipped around the corner of the cabin nearby.
I watched as the trebuchets launched projectiles into the air and heard the responding cries of the enemy as they hit. The one furthest south, beyond the wall, stopped in its movements. I shook my head and pushed myself to the cabin the fledgling mages were housed in near the healer's hut. My heart was pounding in my chest, my feet hitting the hard ground as I raced.

Bursting through the door, I caught Sarah's eyes. They were all terrified. I did my best to stay calm, but show the severity of the situation. "Little ones, we need everyone in the Chantry. Can you all line up, take each other's hands and follow Miss Sarah?" I instructed. They grabbed their things and slung them on their shoulders before lining up. I turned to Sarah. "Lead them. Don't stop and don't look back. I'll be behind you as quick as I can." Sarah nodded before taking the frontmost child's hand, a girl with dark hair and hazel eyes, and leading them out the door.

I followed them out to hear the southern trebuchet fire. The projectile flew, arching high into the air before it crashed into the mountainside and exploded. The force brought down a part of the mountain, snow and rock hurling towards the enemy force as if the Maker himself was stretching out his hand to crush them. Their cries of panic and shouts to run reached our ears even as the avalanche thundered towards them. Like a candle, hundreds of their torches were snuffed out, the force cut in half. Shouts of victory rang out beyond the wall.
I opened my mouth to join, but from the shadows behind the healer's cabin emerged crimson. Eyes full of malice and mouths twisted with cruelty crept towards us with weapons drawn. The Red Templars had flanked Haven, using the initial attack as a cover. Cullen and the others would not reach any of us in time.
As I shouted to the others to run, an earsplitting roar drowned everything out - our victory, the mountain crashing down upon a part of the enemy and the hope that had flickered in my heart. The light of the moons darkened above us as a dragon launched into the air, time itself freezing. A ball of fire decimated the trebuchet that had hit the mountain before the dragon raced across the sky towards us, fire raining down upon everything as it went.

"Move!" I screamed. "Run for the Chantry!" The others nodded as we all raced towards the building. I pushed hard to get to the children who still had not made it inside, their cries tearing at my heart as explosions began sounding all around us. Solana and Bethany weighed down by satchels filled with medicinal supplies, Minaeve weighed down by books and all of her research. Behind us, I heard the templars roar. We're not going to make it. "Bethany! Solana! Cast glyphs to slow them down - ice, paralysis, fire, anything! Put ice walls in their way! We can protect ourselves once we reach the Chantry!"

They stopped and turned, palming their staves as they did so; Bethany slammed her staff into the ground, ice erupting as it shot towards the group of red templars barreling towards us. Were they even more monstrous?They froze in place, only for the spell to be broken as a glyph appeared over the ice.
Freed, the monsters shook off the cold and charged. Red eyes, crystals along their skin - fangs and mottled flesh. The people of Haven - soldiers and village folk - started falling around us as shards of red lyrium were shot like arrows, piercing through armor as if it were no more than air. Bethany tried freezing them again as Solana placed glyphs of fire, only for opposing glyphs to appear once more.
A maniacal laugh sounded in front of me as a dark haired mage appeared. Linnea.All along her exposed arms were fresh cuts, some even bleeding and I watched as she raised a hand to snap her fingers. A few of the dead nearby began to stir, their bodies moving unnaturally as they stood upon their feet. The children screamed and cried in earnest as Sarah put herself between them and the blood mage.
Linnea only laughed harder as more crazed mages appeared, summoning demons with their blood as the corpses began shambling towards the terrified children. Maker, hear my cry. I could feel the pain from the demons, but I thanked the Maker that the corpses seemed to dull it.
I heard Cullen shouting down by the main gate, but any help was too far away. I tried to will my empty reserves to do something, cursing the Breach in the sky for taking everything I had and now leaving me unable to help anyone. I ran to stand next to Sarah, her blue eyes wide with terror. Hulking red knights, mutilated horrors and a few red templars that looked more crystalline than human stalked up behind Linnea. Maker, please!

"This is the Inquisition we were supposed to join?" Linnea sneered. "How absolutely pathetic. What is your power compared to the Elder One? We'll wipe you from the earth, nothing more than an annoying insect. Then the Elder One will reshape the world as we know it - mages will rule!" Sarah palmed her staff and shot fire as Linnea. Linnea's evil smile only widened before a shield of blood stopped Sarah's spell. "Let me show you what realmages can do!"

Linnea began to work some spell and as she did, Sarah began to scream. The children flinched away from her, huddling amongst themselves. The girl with dark hair and hazel eyes bravely put herself between them and the monsters around them. Linnea's fingers were moving and as they did, Sarah turned on the little ones. I could see horror on her face, confusion in her wide eyes as she raised her staff at them. She was going to attack them.
Bethany and Solana were holding off the templars at our back, corpses were wailing hungrily to our sides, Linnea and her blood mages cackled madly at our front. The Chantry was only steps away, but as the dragon roared and explosions of its fireballs sounded all around us there would be no one inside who could hear us. No, no, no!

Out of nowhere, a huge form leapt at the red templars, roaring as it did. "Get out of here, little ones!" Asaala shouted.

"Get to the Chantry!" Lysette's voice ordered as she stood between us and Linnea.

"Talitha, go!" Solana shouted. "Get them inside!"

I palmed my staff and whacked Sarah in the side to get her away from the children. I apologized, but didn't stop. I scooped up the smallest child and told the others to run. Arrows took down the corpses in our path, the Chantry so near. I could hear the others fighting, fear rolling in my gut, but I didn't stop. Then I heard it, the wingbeats of the dragon, a sharp inhale before it roared.
Without thinking, without hesitating, I threw myself at the children. Tucking the little one beneath me and with a cry of pain, willed my drained body to erect a barrier around us. I prayed to the Maker that it reached them all. The ball of fire decimated everything, hurling us off our feet a split second later.
I groaned in pain. I could feel it, a wound on my thigh. I forced the tears away as I felt the skin burning with dragon fire, felt the blood trickling beneath my armor where a piece of shrapnel had buried itself. I moaned for the little ones to run, to get to the Chantry. I felt them shift around me, through bleary eyes saw their forms race for the open doors.
A templar stalked them, roaring as it chased them down. I cradled the one I held against me, cried out to the Maker as my eyes couldn't look away. Out of the Chantry, Chancellor Roderick ran shouting for the templar to stop. Roderick threw his hands out, putting himself between the children and the templar. The man cried out as the monster buried his blade deep into his gut.
The children scrambled inside and before the templar could get any closer, Dorian stepped out and set the creature ablaze: red lyrium, bone and flesh melting away. Dorian dragged Roderick back into the Chantry before racing to me. Roderick used the door to help himself stand, pressing a hand to staunch the flow of blood from his gut as he shouted for those still fleeing to enter the shelter of the Chantry.

Dorian helped me to stand and I groaned in pain as I did. "It's only a scratch, no need to be so dramatic," Dorian tutted.

"Take her," I gasped. Dorian gingerly took the child from my arms. "Get inside, tell the other mages to come to the door and defend the Chantry. If we fall, seal the doors shut."

Dorian only nodded before running back to the Chantry. Once he was turned, I took the pressure off my wounded leg. Yanking the shrapnel out with a stifled cry, I pushed my mana even more, squeezing out a last few drops as I tried to heal my own wound. I knew it wasn't fully healed, knew it would easily reopen, knew there was most likely still a piece of that shrapnel embedded in my leg, but it closed just enough I could stand without wanting to scream.
I turned and grief gripped my heart. Asaala was down, her gut cut open, surrounded by dead templars as Minaeve crawled towards her - some of her flesh burned away by the dragon's fire. Solana was standing over Bethany and between Minaeve and Asaala as more templars stalked towards them. A templar must have gotten to Bethany as a part of her leg was missing - cut clean off by a blade. Sarah was dead, hit by the fireball, but Linnea had caused a demon to possess her body which was now feasting upon a dead Lysette.
Time slowed around me. Beyond, I could see Cullen, Barris and Keran fighting off templars that were pouring in from a breach in the timber fencing as Cassandra and Ellana assisted them, protecting Da, Arlen, Harrit and the other smith workers. Vivienne and Bull were trying their hardest to get into the blazing cabin that held Seggrit's goods as he screamed in agony.
Vivienne tried to freeze the fire, but it only burned hotter, Bull and her both cursing at the top of their lungs. Try as they might, the fire was too hot and not even Vivienne's ice could stop it.
Solas and Cole raced towards the tavern, Solas throwing out magic to halt its collapse just as some of the Chargers made it out. Krem turned a second too late to grab Flissa before a red templar arrow found its mark in her chest. Krem shouted as Flissa's eyes went wide as she shoved Krem out of the collapsing doorway.
Varric, Sera and Mahanon were racing towards us, shouting for us to run as they shot arrows at our enemies - they were almost out and they were too far away to wield their daggers. Another explosion sounded. The fire was spreading inside Haven, consuming everything. The Chantry seemed to be the only building not on fire.
There were dead all around, caught in the fighting or the fire as they tried to reach safety. I spotted burning corpses, some too small to be anything other than children. The smoke caught in my throat, in my lungs and I couldn't push away the thought that I was choking on the ash of the dead.
I heard the doors of the main gate rattling again as the templars pounded upon them. Watched as they poured in from everywhere. We'd cut them down with the avalanche, but their numbers still exceeded our own. Fear gripped me anew - this force cared not about the destruction they had wrought. Death, destruction and fear was all they cared about achieving.
Cullen roared for everyone to run for the Chantry, tearing through any enemies that came between him, the others falling in behind him, removing what obstacles they could out of his way. His eyes found mine and I saw the shout on his lips just as I felt them.
Drawing my metal blades, I swung into the torso of the mage that had been about to attack. They screamed as I wrenched my blades free. I cut two more down before they could cast their magic, but then my body froze of its own accord.

Linnea cackled as she stared at me. "No wonder the Chantry forbid blood magic! They knew we'd be unstoppable if we ever learned how to wield it! What power! What absolu-" Linnea's words were cut off as a blade pierced through her gut.

Minaeve kicked Linnea off her blade. Her brown eyes held agony. Part of her face was burnt, along with her hair and half her body, burned to the bone. "M...Me-ira...G-go!" she gritted out.

"No!" I yelled. "Not without you!"

A bitter smile curled on her half-burned face. "I...am...al-ready...dead. Dr-dragon...fire...is...magic..."

"No!" I cried, tears falling down my face.

Linnea screeched as she yanked herself off the ground, her blood flying around her as she worked her magic. Solana was dragging Bethany to the Chantry, screaming for anyone inside to hear her. The mages were lining up, downing lyrium potions before they began erecting defenses.
Cullen and the others were shouting at us as they fought off the templars. Cullen tried to stop, to help, but Threnn shouted for him and the others to get inside the Chantry as she took up a sword against the templars. Varric and Sera's arrows were spent, the mages magic spent so with livid faces they ran for safety. Bull and the Chargers tried to help, but Minaeve roared for them to go, to take Asaala inside. They lifted Asaala between them, casting tear-filled eyes at Minaeve. Minaeve shoved me away as Linnea summoned demons, I gasping in pain at their appearance.

"GO!" Minaeve roared, picking up Sarah's staff. She slammed the staff into the ground, blocking off all but a single path to the Chantry.

"Minaeve!" I cried as I felt gloved hands dragging me away. "Minaeve! MINAEVE!"

I could only watch as she and Threnn were surrounded by templars. I was fighting whoever held me, fighting like a wild animal. The wound on my thigh opened up, the burn screaming with pain, but I didn't care. We crossed the threshold of the Chantry and I yanked myself out of the person's grip. Ripping a lyrium potion off the belt of one of the mages, I downed it, feeling the liquid sing in my veins as some of my mana replenished. Not enough, but I would give Minaeve all the time I could.
I shouted for the other mages to focus their attacks on the templars and watched as they began falling around Threnn and Minaeve. My mana was draining quickly, the assault on the Breach and that barrier had taken too much.I knew the other mages had to feel the same way - lyrium potions could only do so much.
 Varric, Sera, and Mahanon stood on either side of me, their arrows replenished. With a nod, I summoned my fire bow, feeling my mana drain even more. Letting out a defiant cry, I shot a fire arrow at Linnea and watched as it tore through the maleficar's throat. I shot arrow after arrow, but there was no saving them: Threnn fell to her knees arrows littering her front as she fell backwards dead.
Minaeve continued to fight alone and I prayed for her, proud of her bravery: Maker, though I am but one, I have called in Your Name, and those who come to serve will know Your Glory. I remembered for them. They will see what can be gained, and though we are few against the wind, we are Yours.
 As the last fell, Minaeve sank to her knees with an anguished cry before she died. Panting as I breathed in the cold air, my body shaking as it was completely and utterly drained, I blinked to find all of the enemy dead and the others looking at me.

"Could I have some of those, yeah?" Sera questioned beside me. "Could use friggin' magic arrows that never end. Friggin' helms. Friggin' blood mages and their friggin...selves."

"Very impressive," Mahanon stated.

"You've been holding out on us," Varric chuckled. I said nothing as I took a step towards Minaeve. A gentle hand closed around my arm and I looked down at Varric. "She's gone. They fought bravely and bought us time. Let's not waste it."

I looked to Minaeve's body, the dead and destruction all around her. A cold and dark place to die, but she had sacrificed herself for us. I let out a shaky breath before sending fire arrows at them, giving them their last rites under my breath. Watching the gentle flames a few moments, I turned my back.

"Close the doors." There would be time to grieve, to mourn later. You have grieved as I have. You, who made worlds out of nothing. We are alike in sorrow, sculptor and clay, comforting each other in our art.

Inside the Chantry was chaos. Wounded were shouting in agony, children were crying, the mages and templars were screaming at each other. Mother Giselle and the other sisters were doing their best to provide hope, but it was broken in this room, weighing down upon everyone like the cries of the dying.
I spotted Solana who was weeping and cursing under her breath as she worked on Bethany and Asaala. Fiona, Vivienne, Dorian, Ma and a few of the other mages were working alongside her to tend as many as they could, quickly. They were draining fast though, as was our supply. I jumped in and began working.
Wounds from blades, arrows, shields, two-handed weapons, magic and the dragon's fire were the injuries of many, but there were a few that had red lyrium growing out of them as they wept in anguish. I went to them first, giving them peace through unconsciousness. Turning to the others, I started assessing the worst injuries and which ones could wait. Wait for what? There was no escaping this. I pushed the thought away, focusing instead on treating the injuries I could that did not require magic.
Once the initial chaos calmed, I watched as Cullen, Ellana, Cassandra, Leliana and Josephine conversed. Cullen had been seeing to his men, ensuring those injured were brought to us while assessing who could still fight. I could see it in his face, he would take whomever was left, stand before the Chantry and fight to the last.
Ellana asked for options, Cullen told Ellana the truth: our position was a poor one and we were running out of time quickly. Dorian was near them as he'd gone to work on Roderick who was quickly bleeding out, but Roderick slapped Dorian's hands away, saying there were others worth saving. Dorian refused and said at the very least he could slow the bleeding - Roderick agreed. Cole appeared beside them, looking worried.

"There has been no communication, no demands," Cullen stated to Ellana.

"There will be no bargaining," Dorian voiced. "This Elder One takeswhat it wants."

"That dragon stole back any time you might've earned us with the trebuchet. We have only Minaeve and Threnn to thank for this brief respite," Cullen spread his hands. His voice was bitter, angry and yet beneath it all, I could hear his resignation. Maker, please no.

"I've seen an Archdemon," Cole spoke. "I was in the Fade, but it looked like that."

Cullen rounded on the boy, his voice harsh as he shoved a finger at Cole. "I don't care what it looks like!" He pointed his finger at the Chantry door. "It's cut a path for that army! They'll kill everyonein Haven!" His voice echoed in the main hall of the Chantry, bringing the fear to a peak.

"The Elder One doesn't care about the village," Cole implored. "He only wants the Herald."

I stood and began to murmuring to the mages not healing to start leading people to the basement. I went to Mother Giselle and asked her to do the same, her dark eyes studying me. Bull, Elizabeth, Henry and Barris asked what they could do, all relatively unscathed - a few cuts and bruises. To Bull and the Chargers I assigned gathering food and supplies to take below. To Elizabeth, Henry and Barris, I assigned carrying of the injured that could be moved.
Rylen approached me, murmuring that he was putting together a list of the dead at Cullen's request; I named off those I knew that had fallen, barely able to get Minaeve's name out. I told him to go below and help sort everything out. Da, my brothers, Mahanon and Laren pitched in where they could, while Ma helped coax the children downstairs, little Fioren somehow asleep agains her chest as Camlen helped encourage the other children.
As they saw to their tasks, I came to Solana's side and began helping her with Bethany and Asaala. I put a tourniquet on Bethany's leg before letting Solana take over. Downing another lyrium potion, I set to work on Assala. Asaala's injuries were grave, but I thanked the Maker there was no red lyrium. Her stomach was open, she had a deep gash in her shoulder and another at her calf. I feared she wouldn't make it, but as long as her heart still beat, I would work to save her. As I worked to put her back together, I could overhear Cullen and the others.

"If it will save these people," Ellana began, "He can have me." I whipped my head towards her. No! I will not lose anyone else I love. Maker, please...let there be a way...please.

Cullen protested, as did the others. Ellana was not going to sacrifice herself when she was the only means of sealing rifts, when she was what gave the Inquisition hope, when they had no idea why the Elder One was after her. Cole cut through their arguments as Ellana again shouted that it if was the only way to save Haven, she would gladly give herself up.

"It won't," Cole shook his head. "He wants to kill you. No one else matters, but he'll crush them, kill them anyway." The boy looked away. "I don't like him."

Cullen rounded on Cole again, "You don't like -" he cut himself off, throwing his hands in the air as he sighed. "Herald, there are no tactics to make this survivable. The only thing that slowed them was the avalanche. We could turn the remaining trebuchet, cause one last slide."

"We're overrun," Ellana shook her head. "To hit the enemy, we'd bury Haven."

"This is not survivable now." Cullen argued. "The only choice left is how spitefully we end this." Maker, hear my cry!

Dorian stood and got in Cullen's face. "Well, that's not acceptable. I didn't race here only for you to drop rocks on my head."

Cullen spread his hands, his voice angry and bitter as he turned to Dorian. He was a mess, cuts and bruises on his face. His armor was damaged, his fur and leather burnt in places. "Should we submit? Let him kill us?"

Dorian looked Cullen hard in the face. "Dying is typically a last resort, notfirst. For a templar, you think like a blood mage." Dorian poked Cullen's cuirass.

Before Cullen could punch Dorian in the face, Cole spoke up, "Chancellor Roderick can help!" Cole was looking away from them all, towards the basement stairs. "He wants to say it before he dies."

The two men stopped their squabble as the group turned to Roderick. "There is a path...You wouldn't know it, unless you'd made the summer pilgrimage as I have." He coughed and groaned as he stood to face Ellana. There was a look on his face, a mixture of awe and hope. "The people can escape. She must have shown me...Andraste must have shown me so I could...t-tell you," he stepped closer to Ellana.

"What are you saying, Roderick?" Ellana asked, her voice daring to hope.

"It was whim that I walked the path, I did not mean to start...it was overgrown...," Roderick met her eyes, "Now, with so many in the Conclave dead...to be the only one who remembers..." Roderick chuckled, "I-I don't know, Herald...If this simple memory can save us, this could be more than mere accident. Youcould be more." For the first time since this all began, Roderick looked at my sister with the same look everyone else gave her: hope. "The path lies beneath us." Ellana nodded as Dorian took Roderick's arm and slung it over his shoulder. "Herald, if you are meant for this - if the Inquisition is meant for this - I pray for you."

Ellana watched Roderick for a time before turning to Cullen, "Let's get everyone down below."

Cullen, Leliana, Josephine and Cassandra began ushering those left down the stairs, directing them to follow Roderick. The mages who still had magic left, used it to levitate Bethany and Asaala down the stairs; the rest of the injured carried on makeshift cots by those who could carry them.
Cullen came before his able-bodied men who snapped to attention as he asked for volunteers to fight their way to the trebuchet with him to load it. I paused on the stairs and turned. No, no, no! All raised their hands. Maker, please!
 Cullen turned to me as the soldiers readied themselves, his eyes sad, yet full of determination. He took two great strides, grasping my hand as he pulled me behind one of the stone pillars. Our lips met as he crushed me against him.
His affection hungry, his armor digging into me, his hands desperate to hold as much of me as he could. I could feel it in his body, in his kiss: he was saying goodbye. Without a word, he tore away, unsheathing his sword and strapping his shield on as he and the other soldiers came before Ellana.
The main hall emptied of all, but us. Banging echoed in the hall as the Chantry doors rattled, the dragon's roar ringing in our ears. The soldiers raced out the door, a few falling as they opened, before they cut down the templars. Cullen stopped just long enough to speak with Ellana, who was assisting the soldiers.

"We'll load the trebuchets," Cullen spoke, his voice empty. "We'll keep the Elder One distracted until you're above the tree line - send up a fire signal once you reach it. If they are to have a chance, I will let that thing hear me." His voice had turned deadly by the end.

"This Elder One wants me," Ellana emphasized. "He will not stop for anything - or anyone - but me. There is no point in you dying when he and his dragon will only come after me."

"We cannot risk you," Cullen argued. "This is my duty. A few lives in exchange for everyone else? For yours that is so important? I mean nothing."

Ellana turned to him, a sad smile on her face. "I'm sorry, Commander, but you swore you'd care for my sister the way she deserves - you dying is not what she deserves."

Cullen stammered, but his hesitation cost him. No, Ellana! No!She pushed Cullen with magic, sending him back a few columns as she ran out the door. No, no, no! I watched Cullen stumble before he righted himself. I saw the anger and determination flash in his eyes, he was going to go after her. He would sacrifice himself for her - for the Inquisition. I watched as his body tensed. My eyes flicked between him, the Chantry doors, and the door to the basement.
Maker, please help me! Please! I cannot lose them! Tears began slipping down my cheeks again as anguish gripped my heart. Her purpose is obvious - as obvious as the mark on her skin. She is meant to lead - to change the mortal world. She cannot do it without you. You cannot abandon her.
 I froze as Purpose's words came to my mind. It had not been a grim, but vague prediction said in jest. He had meant it. He had known - or guessed what would come, maybe not now, but he knew it would come. And what had I asked? Why would I abandon her?
Purpose had known the answer to that too - Cullen. I would have to choose between them; choose between living with Cullen or dying so that my sister might live. I wanted nothing more thanto be with Cullen, to love and live with him, but there would be no world without Ellana. I had witnessed that much - witnessed our fates if Ellana perished. Beyond that, I would never forgive myself if I doomed Ellana to this fate when I knew I could have done something - could have spared her. I would not abandon my sister. Guilt tore at me, believing I was abandoning Cullen to give Ellana a chance, but I prayed he would find comfort in the arms of someone worthy of him. Time had stopped as these pieces clicked together. I had to stop Cullen and I had to reach Ellana, but I had no magic left. Maker, if this is what I am meant to do...help me.

"Meira," Purpose's voice spoke beside me and I turned. "Let me aid you." His gold eyes were blazing as he took in my face. He took my hand and I felt my mana replenish as he opened the Fade to me. I felt the wound on my leg heal completely, my being fully reenergized. "Now, let's go help Ellana reach her purpose." He shifted, now wearing armor, a sword and a shield in his hands before he disappeared and reappeared at the Chantry doors, causing Cullen to swear in astonishment as he came to stop.

Pushing down the pain, pushing away the thoughts of how much pain I was going to cause Cullen by doing this to him, I stepped through the Fade to come before him. His amber eyes were wide as they met mine, disbelief on his face as he looked over Purpose. "Meira? What are you doing? Who is-"

I met his lips in a deep kiss, pouring everything I had into it. All my love, all my hope, all my happiness, everything that he had made me feel. He gave in, unable to resist as he wrapped his arms around me to kiss me passionately. Hating myself, I used his distraction to shove him away from me with magic as I jumped out of the Chantry. A part of him had to have been expecting it as he caught himself, but I froze the ground beneath his feet.

Roaring as he tried to get to me, I forced down my tears. "Meira! Don't! Don't do it! Don't! Meira! For the Maker's sake, Meira, don't! MEIRA!"

As he raged, his face livid and eyes full of terror, I smiled at him, as broadly and carefree as he'd done once. I met his eyes, pouring all the love I felt for him into them, "I love you, Cullen. Always."

My name tore from his chest a final time, but it was muffled as I sealed him in with a wall of ice.

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