Chapter 6 – Only hope
She covered the last mile to Skyhold in such a state of reverie that she didn't even notice when she crossed a large bridge and found herself in front of the entrance gate. The two guards opened it laboriously and after a moment the trotting chestnut mare moved forward. The clatter of hooves echoed through the courtyard. Hawke jumped off her mount and grabbing the reins led the animal to the stable. With a sincere smile, Dennet took the horse from her and led it to a stall. Fresh hay and water were instantly inside. The satisfied mare snorted and took to munching. Marian thanked the horse master for lending the animal and her gaze fled to an empty stall, which was usually occupied by a white steed.
-The Inquisitor is absent? - she asked curiously.
- He is not here indeed. - nodded Dennet. - About four days ago he took two soldiers and left the fortress.
-With the soldiers? - Marian was surprised. Herald always went on missions with a squad of his "special" agents. In practice, it was a collection of people like her. People with unique skill sets.
- Do you know where he went? - she asked again, adjusting her leather gloves.
-I am a simple horseman Miss. - said the man with a slight smile. - I just make sure that the horses are in the best possible condition.
Hawke nodded in understanding and went towards her permanently assigned chamber to freshen up. She passed Varric on the way.
-Drinks later? - he asked shortly. Hawke nodded with a smile. Maker knew how much she needed heavy alcohol right now. She needed to dull her distracted thoughts. As she walked along the walls, she suddenly heard two raised voices coming from the tower where Cullen usually officiated. She furrowed her brow and stepped a little closer to listen.
-We need to send a squad. - the commander said.
-It's too risky. - Leliana's cold voice could be heard. - Moving more troops in Orlais could be seen as an attack.
-What should we do then? Wait? - the commander again.
-Give Harding's men time to check the area. Maybe we're worrying in advance.
From behind the closed door, there was a deafening thump on the table.
-Dammit Leliana, he's been gone far too long. You know him. He would have given some sign by now. Sent a message, a messenger, anything. Something must have happened.
Hawke froze for a moment. She opened her eyelids wider and looked at the door. She didn't like what she was hearing. Her fists clenched and without wasting time knocking, she entered the tower closing the door behind her. Cullen and Leliana looked at her simultaneously.
-Hawke. - the former templar spoke up.
-What happened? - she asked immediately getting to the point. The spy-mistress sighed loudly.
-Four days ago, the Inquisitor left to the Emprise du Lion to help the people of Sahrnia get rid of the red templars. - she explained. - Just now one of my ravens brought a message from scout Harding that Herald has not appeared in the camp since yesterday.
-Then we must see what has happened. - Hawke said. The cold feeling in her stomach wouldn't leave.
-That's what I'm trying to explain to our spy-mistress. - Cullen said.
-As I said, we can't send troops...
-Send me. - Hawke interrupted. Her blue eyes stared solemnly at the two advisors. - I will go with Varric. The two of us will have a shorter trip and we won't be in the public eye.
Leliana and Cullen looked at each other. There was a sign of agreement in their eyes. Hawke headed for the door and before she left she heard the commander's worried voice behind her.
-Find him Hawke.
She stood at the door handle and without turning around nodded slightly. She immediately headed towards the tavern knowing she would meet the dwarf there. Varric was just bringing two mugs of caramel ale to one of the tables. When he saw her he smiled.
-You've got great timing, Hawke.
-We need to talk in private.
On her words, Varric's face soured.
-Aww, but I just got here. - he mumbled and got up from the table with a heavy sigh. - Cabot, don't touch my beer! - he shouted to the innkeeper. The dwarf who was just wiping the counter only muttered something under his breath. Hawke led her friend outside and looked for a quiet secluded spot.
-Every time you say you want to talk in private I get goosebumps. - admitted the dwarf.
-The Inquisitor seems to be in trouble. - announced the Champion.
-Oh... - he sighed. He was unable to say anything more creative. This was not good news.
-Leliana said he had gone to Emprise du Lion and hadn't checked in at the camp since yesterday.
-Oh... - Varric said once again but in a slightly lower voice. A genuine worry blossomed on his face.
-Cullen's hands are tied and Leliana seems to be pinning her hopes on the scouts of this Harding but I know that they need additional help.
Varric wordlessly slipped past the Champion and headed towards the main hall of the fortress.
-Varric! - shouted Hawke in slight anger and raised her hands in disbelief.
-I can't go just with bare hands can I? - he said. - I am going to get Bianka.
Hawke only smiled and nodded as she went to the stable to ask Dennet to prepare the horses for them.
###
A chill stung their cheeks and with each exhalation, a small cloud of steam rose into the air. Emprise du Lion greeted them with a harsh winter. Varric rubbed his hands together, again and again, trying to warm his stiff fingers. Hawke however, did not seem to mind the temperature. When they reached the ruined town, they did not even get off their horses. They listened to the scout's entire report from their saddles. Hawke knew that time was working against them.
-I'm glad you're here. I was just preparing a raven to send a message to the Skyhold. - admitted Harding. - The red templars have become very bold, not to say insolent. They attack Sahrnia regularly sending small groups from the north. My scouts are practically stuck in the town. - she added and spread out her hands helplessly. - This path leads to quarries. - she pointed to the southern route. - There...
Suddenly they've heard some shouting in the camp.
-People! People on the road!
-Maker's breath! What is it this time? - Harding muttered under her breath and shifted her gaze to the direction the caller was pointing. On the path leading to the quarries, a group of individuals dressed in tattered rags was walking slowly. Hawke squinted her eyes. Even from this distance, she could see that they were exhausted and freezing. When they got a little closer, she also noticed that they were walking barefoot. Their blue feet were completely frozen.
-By the Maker, these are our missing people. - a man spoke from somewhere on the side. - Bring blankets and light fires! - he shouted. On his order, everyone started to rummage through the ruined buildings trying to bring as many things as possible. Hawke slapped the sides of the chestnut mare with her heels as she moved forward. Varric followed right behind her nervously holding the reins. Maker's balls, he'll never get used to the saddle.
Marian led her mare onto the road. A group of miserable people had already begun to reach the town. They all passed her as if they had not noticed her at all. Fear and disbelief were in their eyes.
-They must have experienced something terrifying. - Varric shifted his gaze from person to person.
-What happened to you? - Hawke tried to find out but her question went unanswered. More people like the undead from Crestwood passed her and Varric. Marian jumped off the mare and grabbed the first person by the shoulders and shook him lightly. - What happened to you? - she asked once again. The boy was no more than fifteen years old. He stood still and stared blankly ahead. It was as if he was in some kind of trance. - Hey! - shouted the Champion, trying to get a reaction out of him.
-Hawke let it go. - Varric said. - They're in such a state that we won't learn anything from them.
Marian gritted her teeth. She let go of the boy's shoulders and straightened up, looking at the other refugees.
-He saved us. - muttered the young man suddenly. Hawke shifted her gaze to him instantly.
-Who saved you?
-He broke the padlock to the cage with a hammer. He made us run. He saved us. - the boy spoke in broken sentences.
Hawke furrowed her brow. The Inquisitor did not use a hammer. Maybe the boy was talking about one of the soldiers accompanying him.
-Where did he rescue you?
-Southern quarry. They took us there. I was so scared. - the young man clenched his eyes shut. Suddenly a woman came running towards them, holding a thick blanket in her hand. She wrapped it around the boy quickly and led him toward the town.
Hawke pressed her cherry lips together and mounted her mare again. Something cold fell on her cheek. She looked up at the sky. Dense clouds hung over their heads and slowly small snowflakes began to cover the area. If they wanted to find fresh tracks they had to hurry. She poked the sides of the mare and both she and the dwarf headed in the direction the refugees had come from. Harding mentioned that the quarry was half a day's journey on horseback with a leisurely ride. Marian put her horse into a gallop in an effort to shorten that time. Riding behind her, Varric almost clung to the muscular neck of his mount. Maker, he really hated horseback riding.
They arrived at the site in half the standard time. Just before they entered the quarry, they both dismounted from their saddles and cautiously walked closer. The surrounding area seemed to be empty. Both Marian and Varric could not see any activity anywhere. Marian looked at the exposed square, which was covered with at least a dozen corpses. Signs of battle could be seen literally everywhere and even the falling snow couldn't cover what had happened here. Hawke walked over to one of the dead templars. She squirmed at the sight of the red crystals protruding from his body.
-Shit, that nastiness is everywhere. - Varric muttered under his breath.
The surroundings were filled with a distinctive sound that only raw lyrium made. Bartend, before he went completely mad, recalled that a statue they found of the same lyrium was singing to him. They could not stay here long. Hawke walked a few steps away and stopped abruptly when she saw two bodies dressed in Inquisition garb. She swallowed her saliva hard. They had to be the soldiers who had accompanied the Inquisitor. They were now lying here dead next to something that Hawke at first mistook for crystals growing out of the ground. The monstrosity, however, seemed to have been quite alive not so long ago. Shattered pieces of crystal revealed partially bloodied skin. She looked around further checking out the other bodies. She prayed that she would not encounter the blue symbol of a flaming sword. A dozen meters away from the behemoth, she spotted a flash of metal. She stepped a little closer and gnashed her teeth. The Inquisitor's shield was already covered by a thin layer of snow.
-Shit. - she heard the dwarf behind her. He also stared at the cold piece of metal.
Hawke tremblingly drew in the cold air trying to focus. So far all they had found was a shield. Right next to it were the boot tracks, erased by the slowly falling snow, that led to the other exit from the canyon. A slight surge of hope was dampened by traces of blood found a few steps away. Hawke, however, would not give up and asking Varric to bring the horses, followed the trail. The tracks were uneven and in one place there were a lot of them. Marian recognized knees and hands. Not good. She walked another few steps hitting hoofprints. Right behind her Varric appeared, holding the reins of both mounts. Marian got on her mare and led her into a slow gait. Her gaze was almost glued to the ground. The hoofprints, at first distant, grew thicker after a while. The Inquisitor's mount stopped galloping. They encountered more bloodstains. Marian dismounted from her horse again, noticing an object in one of the snowdrifts. She stepped closer and pulled it out, shaking it off the excess snow. An Inquisitor's helmet. Varric once again cursed under his breath. Hawke raised her eyes quickly looking around nervously. She walked over to the mare and clipped the helmet to the saddle. She looked under her feet again. Despite the falling snow, more footprints were not far behind. They must have been close. She grabbed the reins and walked slowly forward. Unfortunately, along with the hoofprints, there were more red spots. Suddenly their horses became restless. Hawke looked around again. A small grove not far from them caught her attention. When she heard a quiet roar in the distance, she squeezed the reins and walked closer to the group of trees. The white steed stood among the trunks trotting nervously in place. From time to time he shook his head and his snorts made a snorting sound. When he saw them he froze for a moment. He looked as if he was about to bolt. With another nervous thrashing, he positioned himself slightly sideways to them. Hawke felt a shiver run through her body. On the stallion's back lay a disheveled man. His copper-colored hair was already covered with white fluff. His forearms, bound with leather reins, lay along the animal's muscled white neck and his right cheek pressed against the tousled mane. When Varric looked toward the grove he put a hand to his mouth, shock painted on his face. They were about fifteen paces from the mount. Hawke handed the reins to the dwarf and tried to get closer. When the horse saw this, it began to shuffle its hooves more and more and backed away. Marian stood up. She stretched up her arms trying not to look threatening. She made another attempt to get closer, but the horse backed away again.
-Steady. - she said in a warm voice stopping again. - Steady. - she repeated. The animal shook its head and whinnied quietly. Hawke was already a few steps away so she had a pretty clear view of the situation. The Inquisitor's left thigh and arm were pierced with a red crystal. Someone had attacked him with pieces of lyrium? She remembered after a moment that similar spikes were sticking out of the bodies of two dead soldiers. However, those wounds did not appear to be fatal. What worried her was the third spike protruding from his back. Her gaze was caught by the maroon streams of blood covering the white coat of the mount. No wonder the animal was frightened. With each inhale, its nostrils were teased by metallic scent. Damn, if only this animal would let itself be approached. As if sensing her wrath, the horse snarled and backed away again. Hawke furrowed her brow. What had Dennet told her about this race? The best Imperial blood?
-Varric. - she said in a calm tone trying not to frighten the horse. - What is this stallion's name?
-What? - asked the confused dwarf.
-What is his name Varric! - she said more firmly.
-I have no idea. What has that got to do with anything anyway Hawke?
-This stallion is an imperial breed. It is quite likely that he resembles a mabari in many ways. - she explained. - What's his name... think!
-Hawke I don't...
-You are the most well-read person I know. I know you have notes in some drawer related to the Inquisition for your new book. You must know the name of the horse the Inquisitor rides.
-Hawke, you overestimate my ability to pay attention to such details.
Marian turned around briskly. Her blue eyes were filled with anger. Was she angry at him for not remembering the horse's name?
-Varric if I don't get close to this animal, to the Skyhold we will have to transport a dead body.
The dwarf furrowed his brow and strained his mind. Hawke was right about the notes. He was also almost certain that he had written that name down at some point. What was that? Astel? Atrel? Astral? YES!
-Astral. - said excitedly pleased that he remembered.
Hawke shifted her gaze to the grove. Varric's words stirred the animal's yellow eyes.
-Astral. - she repeated the stallion's name. The white head turned slightly. - I know you are protecting your master. We are here to protect him too. - she spoke up. She raised her hands again and took one step forward. The horse whinnied but didn't back down this time. - Let us help Astral. I know you are afraid for you and for your master. We are afraid for him, too.
The horse seemed to have calmed down a bit. The next neighing was no longer nervous. It was more like an agreement.
-I will come over now and see how your master is doing. - she announced and, raising her hands all the time, walked a few steps again. The animal's head moved up and down. Hawke was already close enough to touch the muscular white neck. The stallion did not protest. She petted him briefly and then focused on the Inquisitor whose head was resting inertly on the mane of his mount. She brushed a clump of copper hair away from his pale face. It was wet from white flakes. She pulled off a leather glove and pressed her fingers to his neck. She sighed loudly when she sensed a faint pulse. - He's alive Varric. - she said with relief. Her voice almost broke. - He's alive. - she repeated in a whisper. She took a closer look at the embedded crystals. Just as she had guessed. The one sticking out near his left shoulder blade did the most damage.
- Andraste's bra. This is damned good news. - admitted the dwarf.
Hawke continued her examination. This state of affairs might not entrain for long. The nearly invisible clouds of steam rising from Inquisitor's nose were evidence of shallow irregular breathing. She touched the pale cheek. It was icy-cold.
-He needs to be stabilized here and now. In this state, he will not survive the journey to camp. - she announced and looked around the area. There was a fairly large hollow in the rocks not far from them. They would have at least partial cover from the snow that was already falling quite heavily. She looked into Astral's yellow eyes and pointed her finger at the hollow. The horse nodded again and slowly moved in that direction.
Hawke approached the dwarf taking the reins of her mare from him and they both walked to their new shelter.
Astral stood humbly under the rock 'roof' waiting for them. They both wrapped the reins of their mounts around the small stalagmite-like rock protrusions sticking out of the ground to keep the animals from moving away. Hawke walked briskly to the Inquisitor's horse and gently unwound the thongs holding his forearms. When she finished his inert hands fell to the animal's sides.
-Help me pull him off Varric. - she asked the dwarf.
Astral cocked his head to the side and snarled. Hawke moved away slightly measuring him with her gaze. The stallion bent his legs and lay on the ground making their task easier. Both Hawke and Varric could not get out of their awe of the animal. Marian carefully grabbed the unconscious Inquisitor under his arms trying to avoid the sharp spike protruding from his back. She laid him gently on his right side and, holding his head, reached into the saddle of the stallion still lying on the ground. The yellow eyes stared at her intensely, as if checking what she was doing. He did not protest however. There was always a thick cloth under each saddle. She needed it now. She placed the Inquisitor's head on her lap so both hands were free and reached for the straps securing the saddle. With deft fingers, she unfastened the fastenings and slipped out the piece of blanket underneath. She folded it a few times and placed it under the Inquisitor's head. He was completely numb which was worrying, but she tried to deal with one problem at a time. She stood up and walked over to her mare. From the yuk strapped to her saddle, she pulled out a red glass vial. A gift from a chantry sister at Crestwood. On her return to the Skyhold, she had felt well enough to keep the last bottle for herself. She didn't know what the concoction was, but it got her back on her feet in no time.
- I need help Varric. - She announced and knelt by Herold's copper-haired head. - I need to twist him slightly onto his back. Hold him by the shoulder. If he twists too much this red crystal will do more damage.
Varric knelt down next to her doing as she asked. Hawke turned the Inquisitor's head and placing her hand under his neck tilted it slightly. She parted his blue lips and with her teeth uncorking the red bottle she poured some of its contents carefully straight down his throat. She saw that his esophagus was reflexively trying to swallow the liquid. She repeated the process several more times until the bottle was empty. Ayden did not react in any way. His pale face was motionless and only tentative clouds of steam let her know that the Inquisitor was still breathing. Hawke gnashed her teeth. If he was the chosen one then why did Andraste let to all of this?
-Scout around for some firewood. - she asked the dwarf. - He needs to be warmed. His body is icy-cold.
Varric just nodded and set off in search of something suitable for firewood.
Hawke shifted her blue gaze to the red spike. She finally had a chance to accurately assess the damage. His left thigh and shoulder had stopped bleeding some time ago. She did not see fresh blood on his back either, but she knew that the wound was deep, and getting the crystal out of it would be problematic. A moment later her attention was drawn to a large dent in the templar armor. She took a closer look. It would take tremendous strength to dent an obsidian breastplate. When they reached the camp she will have to examine it more closely. For now, she tried to focus on what was visible.
- We must get rid of this lyrium as soon as possible. - she said seriously when she saw the dwarf approaching from the corner of her eye. - Lythia's potion should restore his strength and stabilize his condition but as soon as it takes effect we must transport him to the camp. In there it will be possible to take further action.
Varric stopped for a moment and threw a small pile of wood he had managed to gather onto the ground.
- You know a lot about this. - he admitted. Ever since he knew her, Hawke had had trouble with even a simple bandage.
Marian swallowed her saliva.
-Anders... - she started and slightly pressed her lips together. Saying his name out loud still caused her pain. - During our travels he had taught me a lot. I didn't want to be powerless again if the situation with the templars repeated itself. I didn't want to rely on his skills forever.
The dwarf sighed heavily. He had expected such an answer.
- I must admit that Blondie was able to pull almost anyone from the clutches of death. - he spoke up.
Hawke stared at the ground.
-Everyone but himself. - she muttered under her breath. Varric remained silent waiting for further explanation, but that did not come. He drew in a loud breath and reached into a small leather pouch at his belt. He pulled out two pieces of flint and attempted to start a fire. Maker's breath, mages had it much easier in this regard. He cursed silently when the wet woods refused to catch flames. After several more attempts, he finally succeeded and tentative smoke began to rise above the hearth. After a moment, small flames joined it.
Hawke stood up and walked over to their own mounts. Both stood quietly and again and again bending their heads down they tried to find some footholds between the rocks. She reached into the saddle of her mare and pulled out another blanket. She did the same with Varric's mount. She approached the Inquisitor who was lying near the fire, and covered him, then sat down on one of the small stones. She stretched out her hands towards the fire absorbing the pleasant warmth.
Varric took a seat across from her as well, trying to warm his frozen limbs. His gaze shifted to the white mount. The animal had already risen and stood closer to the Inquisitor. It bowed its head a few times, nuzzling his cheek with its nostrils. Lying under the blankets Ayden remained motionless.
The Champion's blue gaze also went to the stallion.
-Has it really been so hard for you to remember his name? - she asked. - You are the writer. Such things are your daily bread. - Hawke said.
Varric was silent for a moment as if gathering strength for an answer.
-I don't like horses. - he finally muttered. They both heard a disgruntled neighing.
-What? -Hawke was surprised.
-I'm a dwarf as if you hadn't noticed - he started to explain. - We dwarves don't like to sit on someone's back.
-You're an unusual dwarf, Varric.
-While your comment is a blessing to my heart, I must admit that in this regard I am like a typical dwarf.
-So all dwarves don't like horses. - she said rather than asked.
-I can't help it. It's in our blood. Just like you humans are afraid of spiders. I don't like horses, so I don't pay attention to their names.
Hawke smiled involuntarily and shifted her gaze to the hearth. The crackling flames of the fire were pleasantly warm.
-Is your book about the Inquisition going to be as colorful as the one about me? - she asked sarcastically.
Varric only snorted.
-You had the opportunity to see the whole shit show first hand. Do you think that coloring will really be necessary?
-I think the truth will be hard to swallow. - she stated.
The dwarf mused for a moment.
-Maybe slight changes will indeed be necessary. - he said seriously.
Hawke laughed out loud. Varric followed her lead. After a moment he became more serious and looked at the motionless Inquisitor.
-He really is our last resort, Hawke. I've been in the Inquisition long enough to be sure of that. The rifts, the breach... only he can fix it.
Marian also shifted her gaze to Herald. Varric was right. They couldn't let him die. She couldn't let him die.
Suddenly they heard a quiet moan. Lying beside his mount's legs, Ayden crinkled his forehead and clenched his fingers weakly.
- Finally some kind of reaction. - Hawke said hopefully. She walked over to the Inquisitor and put a hand to his forehead. It was warm. - The potion had begun to work. - she said quietly. However, the Inquisitor seemed to grow more restless by the moment. The quiet moaning was joined by a slight trembling of his whole body. - The fever was beginning to build.
-Is that good or bad? – Varric asked.
-It's good and bad. - answered Hawke.
-Not the answer I was hoping for.
-The fever indicates that his body has started to fight. Now we need to make sure it doesn't rise too high. Help me. We need to get him away from the fire.
Together with Varric, she moved the delirious Herald away from the flames. His cheeks twitched from clenching his teeth from time to time. Hawke held him down to keep him from turning onto his back. Despite the fact that he was clearly gaining strength his breathing was still shallow, which was odd. She placed her right hand on his head stroking his rusty hair. She tried to calm him down. It worked. Right next to her, the stallion's white legs were shifting in place anxiously. A quiet growl filled the air. Marian looked into the yellow eyes.
-He will come out of this. - she said.
Astral only nodded. The growling stopped.
Hawke suddenly felt Ayden jerk under her fingers. She tensed her muscles reflexively, holding him in place.
-Armor... the sword doesn't work... - she heard his desperate voice. After a moment he scowled and calmed down again.
-Prepare the horses. - she announced to the dwarf. - He is ready to go.
###
A blissful black void surrounded him. He felt nothing but it didn't bother him. It was an extremely pleasant change. Where was he? What had happened? It didn't matter at all. For the first time since he could remember, he felt no pressure, no rush. He wasn't responsible for anyone. The thought was liberating, but at the same time disturbing. Could he really afford to forget? A penetrating chill came over him right after the doubts did. Frigid needles dug into every fiber, paralyzing his muscles with pain. He gnashed his teeth and hunched over even more. Suddenly the ink blackness was illuminated by a green glow emanating from his left hand. He lifted it up. The anchor activated the magic, reminding him of its presence. The spring green of his eyes met the cold glowing green of the forgotten spell. He stood up slowly extending his hand in front of him. The green glow made the night turn into day revealing what was in front of him. The sight made him gasp for darkness. The snowy surroundings were strewn with hundreds of bloodied bodies. A terrible battle must have taken place here. Fluff slowly fell from the sky, trying to erase the traces of the massacre by wrapping the corpses in its frosty blanket. Ayden walked a few steps, hoping to find someone alive. Suddenly he saw movement at the edge of his view. Some kind of survivor. As he approached, he saw the familiar face of a woman. Her partially shaven head was covered with a fancy tattoo and her hair was braided into a ponytail with decorative beads. Next to her lay a metal shield ending in a sharp spike. Her inert right hand was clenched on a large sword and her whole body was covered with ruby fragments of sharp crystals. She lifted her head up, staring at the Inquisitor with dark, stern eyes.
-You don't care about my death. - she growled. - You don't care about my sacrifice!
-That is not true. - he answered with conviction.
-You want to surrender, Herald. I can feel your disgusting resignation. You want to choose the most convenient solution. Let the world burn as long as you have peace of mind. - She added and coughed heavily.
-Katria I... - he began, but the woman interrupted him abruptly.
-Atros was so proud to accompany you. I was bursting with pride that you chose me to be your attendant. We both gave our lives because we knew it was the right thing to do. We knew we were nothing by ourselves.
-Katria that's not true! - he protested.
-No? - the woman muttered and, although she had barely been alive before, she stood up suddenly. She walked up to him and pushed him. Ayden staggered back, barely remaining upright. - You are a coward, Inquisitor. You have no regard for the sacrifices of others. You don't care about the lives of your ants! - she pushed him once more. This time he was prepared and his feet were firmly on the ground.
-I didn't want you to die. I don't want anyone to give their life for me. - he answered firmly.
-Coward... ungrateful! - the woman roared.
-What do you want me to tell you? - he asked a little confused.
-A true leader appreciates the sacrifice of his soldiers. - she explained. She walked up to him and poked him in the chest with her finger. - A true leader does not give up.
-I didn't give up Katria. - Ayden excused himself.
-You didn't? Then what are you still doing here? Why are you stuck in this state instead of fighting?
Herald furrowed his brow. His lost gaze looked around again. The bodies disappeared and a black void appeared behind him. Before he had time to react, he felt the push again.
-You are not finished fighting Herald. Not while this dark spawn is wreaking havoc in Thedas. - the woman spoke and pushed him one last time. The black abyss consumed his body again. This time however, he did not fall into numbness. The sensation of falling ended the painful landing. His mind slowly returned to reality. He felt a soft bristle under his cheek, which became support for his inert head. The smell of a horse's mane was in the air. With an effort, he opened his heavy eyelids. The blurred snowy landscape shifted lazily before his eyes. He felt as if some internal flame was burning him from the inside while his skin turned into a frozen lake. He took a shallow breath, then the searing pain in his right side made him want to drift away again. The memory of the warrior's dark eyes and her bitter words prevented it. He put all his strength into making a sound. He wanted to make sure it was not another dream. He suddenly felt the steel muscles of the mount on which he was placed relax slightly and the landscape stopped moving. A pale face, over which wavy strands of raven-black hair were falling, suddenly appeared. Someone's cool hand quenched somewhat the heat radiating from his forehead.
-We must hurry Varric. The fever is eating him up mercilessly. - he heard a warm but slightly worried female voice.
-Hawke? - he wanted to ask, but only a weak moan came from his throat. A bright indistinct face looked in his direction.
- Hold on Inquisitor. We'll be at the camp soon. - her voice was like an echo. He clung to it like Velcro and closed his eyelids, putting all his strength into chasing away the emptiness that was calling him. Maker's breath, he would not allow the sacrifice of his soldiers to be in vain. He will not allow the world to descend into chaos. Corypheus would not win.
The mount's muscles began to work again. They moved on.
###
When the scout saw them on the trail she set the whole camp on its feet and then went out to meet them. Her worried eyes glanced again and again at the unconscious Inquisitor on the back of the white mount.
-Maker's breath. - she managed to mewl. She gestured to her two men and ordered them to prepare a place in the tent. The two men only nodded and left in a hurry. - Where did you find him?
-It is not important. - said Marian, jumping down from the mare. - I will need clean cold water and a hunting knife. Also, collect all the potions you have at your disposal. Especially the elven root extract and Falendalis.
Harding nodded and instructed the next two people. Some boy walked up to them and took the reins, leading the horses to the makeshift stalls. Hawke furrowed her brow. It was the same boy she had tried to ask about what had happened at the quarry. He himself however, did not seem to recognize her. Hawke took the reins of the white stallion and led him to the tent that was prepared. Two men approached her trying to help pull the Inquisitor off his back, but Astral snarled in loud protest. The men moved away at once. Hawke let them know she could handle it. She and Varric carefully carried Herold's inert body into the darkened interior and laid him on soft cushions. Using a hunting knife, Marian cut open the templar's kilt and part of the leather leg near the embedded crystal. She did the same with his biceps. She was relieved when she did her first thorough examination. The skewers would be able to be pulled out without cutting the skin. She laid out clean bandages and the concoctions Harding's men had collected on a small blanket. She reached her hand to the first skewer that protruded from his left bicep and clamped her fingers on it. She took a deep breath and jerked with all her might. The crystal came out whole. She breathed a sigh of relief and, throwing it to the ground, reached for a bandage. She soaked it in Falendalis extract and wrapped it around the slightly bleeding wound. As a second step, she took care of his left thigh. It was a bit harder but the second time she did it. Ayden did not particularly react to what was happening to him, which helped a bit. Finally, they reached the worst wound. The spike on his back was shorter, which showed that it had sunk deeper into his muscles. With a heavy heart, Hawke walked over to one of the burning candles and plunged the blade of the hunting knife into the tentative flame. Her hand trembled for a moment.
-Help me, Anders. - she whispered to herself. After a moment she managed to control the trembling. As the metal changed color she approached the Inquisitor lying on his side. Her blue gaze looked to Varric who was helping her. The dwarf nodded with determination.
She made the first incision and the pungent smell of burning skin filled her nostrils. However, she did not retract her hand confidently maneuvering the weapon. Great concentration was painted in her eyes. The only reaction from the Inquisitor was a weak clenched fist and a quiet moan. Blood ran down his partially exposed muscular back. A moment later, a third spike landed on the ground. Hawke soaked a clean cloth in the water cleaning the deep wound slightly. She applied a piece of bandage soaked in the concoction to it and, holding it in place, turned the Inquisitor onto his back. His inert head turned to the side. The next step was to pull off the metal breastplate. She didn't want to waste time with the buckles so she cut the straps off with her knife. She put the breastplate aside and unbuttoned the linen shirt underneath. A large purple bruise appeared on the right side of his chest. Marian pressed her fingers to the ribs examining them carefully. At each touch, Ayden groaned a little louder. Marian hissed. In addition to the three stab wounds, the Inquisitor had a broken rib. Therefore, his breathing could not stabilize. The fact that he was still alive could be considered a true miracle.
-Shit. - Varric said when he noticed the bruise. - Andraste must really like him.
-If she did, she would have saved him from such a fate. - Hawke hissed suddenly.
-She saved him from dying Hawke.
-No Varric. She didn't. We did. We kept him from dying. - she said reproachfully. - If we hadn't been there...
She was interrupted by a scout entering the tent.
-How is he? - Harding asked with concern.
-I think the worst is behind him. - said Marian and rubbed her forehead tiredly. She went to the bowl with water and rinsed her bloody hands. She watched as the clear liquid slowly changed color.
-These damned red templars... - hissed the female dwarf in anger. - Some of the survivors spoke of a great behemoth. Did you find such a thing in the quarry or are these just the concoctions of a panicked mind?
Unfortunately, that's true. - Varric informed.
Harding only sighed.
-I'm sending ravens to the Skyhold. Do you want to pass some message?
-Let the ambassador start negotiating the possibility of sending more troops here. - Marian said. - We need to clear the area and find out more about these templars.
Harding nodded approvingly and left the tent. Hawke went to a bench with extra blankets nearby and, reaching for one, approached the Inquisitor covering him. Fatigue was starting to get to her. This day had been far too long. Outside the tent, she heard nervous growling and some voices. She looked outside to find out what was going on. She saw two men trying to contain a prancing white stallion. She approached them and ordered them to move away.
-Astral. - she said reassuringly. - Easy Astral. They meant you no harm.
The stallion calmed down slightly.
-No one should go near him. - she instructed the astonished men. - This stallion stays here. I promise he won't cause a problem. Just bring him fresh food and water.
She took hold of the animal's snout with her left hand and stroked its soft nostrils with her right. Yellow eyes gazed at her calmly.
-Ayden is better now. - she said quietly. After a moment she only realized she had used the Inquisitor's name and not his title. She quickly pigeonholed that thought somewhere deep. - I promised these gentlemen that you would not cause any trouble. Can I count on you?
As if in response she heard a friendly snort. She smiled and went back to the tent.
-I'm going to see if they have any alcohol here. For Andraste's breaches, I hope they do. - Varric communicated.
-Look for something for me too. - Hawke asked. Varric only raised his hand in a gesture that he understood and left the tent.
Hawke was left alone. She sighed loudly and walked over to another bowl of clear water. She dipped a piece of cloth into it and as she approached the sleeping Inquisitor she gently wiped his face. He wrinkled his forehead and groaned quietly.
-I should have accompanied you on this mission. - she said suddenly. - I shouldn't have left Skyhold. Certainly not for such a reason. The difference between us is that you are trying to save the world and I can't forget about revenge.
She closed her eyes and pulled her lips together. She drew in the air trying to chase away the moisture rising in her eyes. She suddenly heard quiet sparking. The Inquisitor twisted violently to the side. His left hand trembled and gloved fingers clenched into a hard fist. An indistinct pale green glow sought an outlet. Startled, Hawke tried to flip him onto his back again. Ayden gnashed his teeth then his eyelids opened suddenly. Confusion and pain could be seen in the green eyes.
-Pull it off. - he whispered. Hawke didn't know what he meant at first. The fingers of his right hand desperately grasped his left wrist. The sparking sound continued to fill the air. - Pull it off. - he asked once again.
Marian grabbed the onyx glove and slid it vigorously from his hand. She froze. A bright green glow escaped from between his fingers and dark thread-like veins reached the wrist. She had never seen an anchor up close, but she felt it was not a normal sight. She wandered with confused eyes over the suffering Inquisitor not knowing what to do.
-It will pass... - he groaned. As if at his command, the glow began to fade and the sparking sound died away. After a moment, only a long scar remained inside his hand. Ayden looked at it and hissed in mild anger. He calmed down after a while and twisted weakly on his back. When he tried to take a deeper breath a dull pain in his right side made him cough a few times. After a moment he opened his eyelids again.
-Where am I? - he asked.
-At the camp near Sahrnia. - Hawke announced. She could not take her eyes off his left hand. The dark threads seemed to have lengthened?
Ayden furrowed his forehead. He felt a dull pain throughout his body.
-How did I end up here? - he asked again.
-Varric and I found you not far from here. Your horse dragged you away from the quarry.
Ayden took another shallow breath and gasped quietly.
-Why are you here? - he asked another question.
-Leliana got a report from Harding that you weren't coming back for a long time. She sent me and Varric to look for you.
Hawke made no mention of the fact that she herself had forced that decision.
Ayden swallowed thick saliva.
-Can you put me back on my feet?
His question surprised her. What did he expect from her?
-I must return to Skyhold as soon as possible. The red templars... have some new warriors. - he explained. His green gaze stared at the dark fabric of the tent.
-I know, I saw the corpse.
A shiver ran through the Inquisitor's body. As if hazy memories were coming back to him with redoubled force.
-You were at the quarry?
-Yes.
-Atros and Katria... - he began uncertainly, but expected what the answer would be. Hawke guessed it was the two soldiers.
-I'm sorry. - she announced. - They defeated that behemoth, but they did not survive the battle.
She saw the Inquisitor clench his teeth.
-I must get to the fortress. - he said stubbornly. – We need a plan.
-Inquisitor, you can't rush some things. - Hawke announced. - Not long ago we were wondering if you would even open your eyes. You have to give yourself time.
-Time is a luxury I can't afford. - he hissed and tried to get up but he was too weak and the pain, which seemed to be throbbing everywhere, did not make it easier. Hawke approached him briskly.
-You won't get anywhere this way. - she said firmly. His glowing green eyes made her silent for a moment. She noticed after a moment how he covered his left hand with the blanket.
-Something is going on with that thing that closes the rifts, isn't it? - she asked directly. Ayden closed his eyes and drew in a shallow breath. She had hit the nail on the head. - I saw you closing the rift at Crestwood. It causes you pain.
-The pain is bearable. - he said suddenly. Green gaze was fixed on the ceiling again. - But I'm afraid I'm running out of time. - he fell silent again for a moment as if wondering if he had said too much. - After closing the breach, the mark stabilized. - he continued. - However, each time the rift is closed the corruption gradually widens.
Hawke remained silent, analyzing what he had said.
-No one in Skyhold knows about this. - she said suddenly. - I haven't heard a single conversation about it. How did you manage to hide this from your advisors?
-I don't see them often enough for them to notice. - he explained.
-And your companions on missions? Varric?
-I make sure to travel in a different formation each time. It's an effective distraction for them.
Marian closed her eyes and lowered her head. Maker's breath he was all alone with this.
-Hawke. No one can find out. - he said firmly. - The Inquisition needs inspiration, hope. If their Inquisitor is to give it to them, they cannot know.
-And who gives that inspiration and hope to you? Andraste? - her voice sounded sharper than she had planned. Ayden remained silent, feeling that continuing the topic would lead to an argument. Hawke sighed. - Do you really think she chose you to be her herald?
Ayden moved slightly looking for a more comfortable position.
-I am a man of faith Hawke. I believe in the Maker and that he watches over us. I believe in his chosen one, but I am not arrogant enough to consider myself her betrothed.
-Many people are convinced of that.
-You were the Champion of Kirkwall, so I'm sure you know the power of symbolism. People need to believe in something Hawke. If believing in me gives them hope and strength to go on, I will not question that faith.
There was no boasting in his voice. He was simply explaining rationally what was happening. Talking with him and being in his company, she was not surprised why so many people were joining the Inquisition.
-So we need to speed up our actions. - she said firmly.
-That is why I came here. - he announced. - Getting rid of the red templars in this area will not only free the tormented inhabitants but also give us a lot of influence.
Hawke cursed in her spirit. Now she regretted leaving Skyhold even more.
-I'll do what I can to get us to Skyhold as soon as possible.
She felt a warm touch on her forearm.
-Thank you. - said the Inquisitor and smiled. Hawke felt her heart begin to pound. Surprised by that, she stood up quickly.
-You must cooperate too. The evening is approaching so all you have to do is rest. - she explained.
His smile widened. Hawke turned on her heel and walked out of the tent. She walked a few steps looking for a secluded spot. She couldn't catch her breath. Her heart was going to jump out of her throat and she felt a burning heat on her cheeks. She shook her head vigorously as if trying hard not to let her mind know what caused her reaction. She had to find Varric. She sincerely hoped that the dwarf had found some alcohol by now.
###
After Hawke abruptly left the tent, Inquisitor was left alone. He pulled his left hand out from under the blanket and looked at the dark lines extending past his wrist. He hoped that informing Hawke of everything had been a good decision but he felt it would have been worse if he hadn't said anything. How much time he had left? He sighed quietly and turned his head. Near him lay three dark crystals. Spike-shaped lyrium. He wrinkled his forehead and, extending his hand, tried to reach them. He managed to take one. He laid back and hissed feeling pain under his left shoulder blade. He waited a moment for the stinging sensation to pass and brought the crystal closer to his eyes. The lyrium was dark. It looked like an ordinary ruby and, most importantly, it made no sound. Just like the one Atros crushed with his hammer. They had to take it to the Keep. Maybe Dagna would have some answers. He placed the crystal next to him on the blanket and tried to get up. Another sharp pain effectively prevented him from doing so. "Andraste, give me strength." He asked in his spirit. He really wanted to be in Skyhold as soon as possible. His green eyes moved to his unbuttoned shirt. A sizable bruise adorned the right side of his chest. With each shallow breath, he felt the pain of a broken rib. He shuddered at the memory of the behemoth's huge, hard-armored foot. For a moment he thought he would be crushed. However, he did not run away from those memories. On the contrary. He replayed them in his head like a loop. He had to remember as much as he could in order to come up with a plan of action. His green eyes looked at the mark again. He reached for a nearby glove and put it on his hand.
Suddenly, the entrance to the tent swung open, revealing a young girl. In her slender little hands, she held a tray of food. Ayden estimated that she was about sixteen years old. She tentatively approached the Inquisitor and bowed.
- The dark-haired maiden sent me Your Worship. - she said in a thin voice tinged with a distinctive orlesian accent. On her pale face admiration and adoration were mixed with slight fear. - She said you need to get stronger. My mother always said that nothing is as comforting as a good meal.
Ayden smiled warmly. A blush bloomed on the girl's face. She placed the tray on the blankets right next to him. The Inquisitor made another attempt to get up. He thanked the Maker that he was able to do it this time. He glanced at the meal brought to him. The wonderful aroma of herbs and juicy meat made his stomach churn. He wrapped more of the blanket around himself and reached for the bowl of stew. The meat was juicy and pleasantly teased his taste buds.
-Does Herald like it? - the girl asked.
-It is delicious. - he admitted honestly. - I didn't hear your name. - he turned to her.
-Oh, I'm so sorry. - she answered a little surprised. - I did not think that my name would interest Your Worship. I am Oriana.
-It's nice to meet you, Oriana.
The girl bowed again.
- It is an honor to meet you, Your Worship. I never thought it would be my privilege to bring food to Herald himself.
Ayden smiled again remembering what Hawke had said not so long ago. He began to wonder if the Champion was having a little right. The last thing he wanted was for him to go from being a symbol of hope to an idol to be worshipped like Andraste. He took another bite of the stew.
- And I never thought I would have the opportunity to taste such deliciousness. - he admitted. The girl blushed again.
- At least this is how I can repay you for saving my dad. - she looked down at the floor. Ayden remained silent sensing the continuation of the statement. - My papa was one of the lost who recently returned. He told us of the brave warriors who faced off against the red templars. He said we should be grateful to the Maker for the Inquisitor.
Ayden sighed in relief. So the prisoners that Atros had freed had managed to reach the town.
-I'm glad you got your father back. - he announced. The girl bowed again and left the tent. Just after she had disappeared behind a thick curtain, muffled excited voices could be heard.
-Have you met the Inquisitor? What is he like?
-I heard he's consulting with Andraste herself.
-And I heard that all he says are the words of the Maker.
Ayden grabbed a mug of warm tea and took a sip. A pleasant sweetness spread down his throat. After a moment, he felt sleepiness building within him. He pushed the tray away from him and folded his head against the soft pillow. He hoped that tomorrow he wouldn't feel like a punching bag.
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Few that was a long one :). I hope you enjoy it and see you in another chapter!