Chapter 9 – Forced truth
The siege of Adamant was difficult. Grey Wardens fought like lions putting up fierce resistance. Their mages managed to summon a large troop of demons, which did not make things any easier. Despite winning the battle, the Inquisition troops suffered heavy losses. They had to cut off the head of the snake as soon as possible. They had to get to Clarel. They entered a small courtyard in the middle of which glowed a large green rift. The commander of the Grey Wardens had just sacrificed another Warden. Not far from her stood a tevinter mage who had managed to escape them during the battle in the Western Approach.
-Clarel. - shouted the accompanying Logain. - Stop this madness!
-You call this heroic sacrifice madness? - asked the mage with a slight sneer. - The Grey Wardens are ready to ensure that the Blight will never affect Thedas again.
-We are ready to die for this, Logain. - Clarel said firmly. - You were there when the Fifth Blight swept through Ferelden. From all of us, you should understand the most.
-I understand only that you believed the Tevinters' trickery. - Logain explained. -This mage does not want to help you. He wants to forcefully incorporate you into his master's army. Corypheus already controls most of our mages.
-Corypheus? - there was a look of surprise on the commander's face. - But he's dead.
-Corypheus started this madness. - the Inquisitor spoke. If he does not dissuade the commandant from her insane plan, they will face a bloody battle. For a moment he thought he had succeeded. He could see doubt in Clarel's eyes. However, she ordered the ritual to continue. The Inquisitor and his companions drew their weapons.
-We don't have time for this. - Levius hissed and mumbled something under his breath. When he finished, a powerful roar pierced the air. Ayden felt a shiver run down his spine. He knew that roar all too well. A moment later a huge shadow appeared in the sky. Two membranous wings spread wide and doing one lap, the blight-touched dragon sat majestically on one of the distant towers. Seeing what was happening Clarel seemed to come to her senses. She uttered a short spell and directed it at the mage. Levius flew several meters into the air and fell heavily to the ground. He got up quickly and started to run away into the depths of the fortress. Driven by revenge, Clarel rushed after him. Ayden shouted to his companions and the pursuit began. The giant dragon flew to the air once more, circling over the walls like a vulture over a battlefield. Its red breath wreaking havoc. The Inquisitor finally caught up with the commander, who was venting his rage by casting spells at the mage. He looked around quickly. They were in the open, and with a dragon circling overhead, it was not the best position.
-You killed us! You killed the Grey Wardens! - hissed Clarel as she unleashed another volley of lightning from her hand. Levius scowled at the cobblestones.
-You killed them yourself. - he said with a slight smile. He didn't care if he died anymore. Another roar pierced the air. The landing dragon suddenly grabbed the commander with its teeth and threw her a few meters forward. Clarel landed hard on the cobblestones. The huge paws were approaching her inexorably.
-In war, victory. In peace, vigilance. - whispered the Grey Warden, clutching her bleeding belly. She poured what's left of her strength into one last spell and a moment later, sparking lightning struck the reptile's throat. The dragon shuddered and rolled across the smoothed stones. An Inquisitor standing nearby barely avoided being crushed by its massive body. However, the force of the impact was powerful enough to destroy the overpass they were on. Individual pieces of what had been a solid floor began cascading down into the chasm and Ayden slid down with them. He had almost managed to grab solid ground when he heard a desperate voice behind him. Hawke clung to the sloping edge dangling her legs over the bleak void. Ayden lay on his stomach and tried to pull her up. Suddenly, just behind him, he heard a rasping crack and the entire section of the overpass they were on flew into the abyss. Fear struck him with redoubled force. "Maker, this is the end," he thought. The image of his brother, with whom he had spoken not so long ago, flashed before his eyes. This time Karl would be in real mourning. Somewhere in the distance, he heard familiar sparking. He didn't focus on it though. He curled up in a ball and surrendered to fate.
For a moment the world was filled with ink blackness and suddenly he felt himself falling again. His head was down, so he desperately began to wave his arms to turn around. It did not help. Just before he reached the ground his body slowed down and finally came to a complete stop. Slowly he opened his eyes. He was suspended in the air about a meter above the ground. He stretched out his hand in curiosity and tried to touch the black surface with his index finger. The moment he did so, the force holding him stopped and with a heavy groan he hit the ground. He stood up slowly groaning quietly. He gripped the metal covering of his helmet trying to control the slight ringing in his ears. He shook his head a few times and looked around a little more carefully now. His pupils dilated. Slowly he pulled off his helmet as if not believing what he was seeing. The darkened green sky was dotted with bits of rock floating in the air. From time to time, sparking discharges could be heard somewhere in the distance.
-Where are we? - he heard somewhere above him. He raised his green eyes. Hawke was hanging over his head and her feet seemed to have naturally stuck to the hanging rock.
-That's...Fade. - this time the voice came from the right. Logain, standing nearby, was almost in a similar position to Hawke. - Your mark. - he added after a moment. - It must have opened a passage.
-And I thought nothing more strange would happen to me. - said Varric. The dwarf was standing next to him. Fortunately, he was not breaking the laws of gravity.
- We are in the Fade, but I don't think we died. - came another nonchalant voice. Dorian was just shaking out his robes.
- Have we physically entered? - asked the Inquisitor in disbelief. - How is that even possible?
- Your mark has already done so many interesting things and you still ask? - laughed the mage.
- I will ask a more practical question. - Hawke said. - How do I get down to you?
- I've never been to the Fade personally, but if the principles are similar to those in dreams then all you need to do is simply go ahead. Gravity here is a very relative concept. - Dorian explained.
Hawke cautiously stepped forward, and before she knew it, she was standing next to them. She had to admit that it was an unusual experience. Logain followed her example.
- So... What's the plan? - Varric asked.
- You've been in a similar situation before. - Hawke turned to the Inquisitor. - Does any of this look familiar?
- I don't remember what happened in Haven Hawke. - he muttered as if in slight annoyance. Marian pressed her cherry lips together.
Ayden furrowed his forehead and pressed his fingers to the base of his nose.
- Think, think. - he whispered.
- Look over there. - Varric spoke up suddenly, pointing his finger at the horizon. There was a huge breach in the sky that looked like a breach in Haven.
- This could be our way back. - Dorian stated.
Ayden sighed aloud. He had no better plan anyway. He put his helmet back on and headed toward the breach.
After a few dozen meters, they were attacked by a group of spiders. Do spiders live in the Fade? The creatures did not put up much resistance so they quickly managed to deal with them. As they made their way along a small rocky path to another more open area, a figure appeared to their eyes. Dressed in the robes of the Chantry, the woman stared into the breach. After a moment she turned around. Ayden froze and almost held his breath.
-Divine Justinia? - he asked in disbelief.
The woman smiled slightly, deepening the many wrinkles on her face.
-You must reach the breach. This is your only way out. - she spoke calmly. - A powerful demon rules this place. A demon in the service of Corypheus himself. It feeds on fear, terror, and now the world is filled with it.
-Who...what are you? - asked the Inquisitor once more.
The woman smiled.
-The path forward is blocked by a barrier of taken memories. You must exterminate the minor demons that control it. You must regain the lost part of yourself, Inquisitor.
The woman did not speak again and Ayden felt that further questions would go unanswered. After a moment, luminous figures began to loom in the open area between the protruding stalagmites. The Inquisitor drew his sword and his left hand grasped a templar shield. The others followed his lead. Previously phlegmatic, the seemingly attacked demons resisted fiercely. Arrows from Varric's crossbow mingled with Dorian's fireballs created a deadly dance. Hawke performed her cat-like acrobatics and slashed the air with her twin blades. The demons roared just dissolving into the air. Logain raised his shield and positioned himself with his back to the Inquisitor. Ayden did likewise, allowing both men to protect each other's backs. The demons advancing on them had no chance. When the fighting finally stopped Herald looked around carefully. Some of the creatures had left behind pale balls of light. He approached one of them and reach out his hand.
Why are you doing this? You of all people?
They heard.
-What was that? - asked the confused dwarf.
Ayden shook his head slightly. Something in his memory was stirring to life. Guided by some inner instinct, he approached the next passage.
Hold the sacrifice.
Another bass voice rang out. No one doubted who it belonged to. Ayden shook his head slightly again. It was as if a single torch slowly began to illuminate the darkness in his mind. He leaned over the next light.
Run while you can! Warn them!
Justinia's desperate voice echoed through the air. The Inquisitor clutched his helmet with his hand. The surging wave of returning memories brought him to his knees. The fragments of events finally fell into a logical whole.
The Divine Justinia was immobilized by a group of Grey Wardens using magical bonds. Terror was painted in her bright eyes. After a moment, Corypheus stood in front of her, holding an elven artifact in his hand. His clawed hand moved the sphere closer to Justinia's face. Green sparking light covered the dark material and seemed to suck the life out of the divine. Suddenly, Ayden appeared in the doorway. His templar armor flashed in the invisible light.
-What is going on here? - he asked. With a momentary diversion, Justinia managed to free her right hand and knocked the spherical artifact from clawed fingers of her oppressor. Seeing this, Ayden ran towards it quickly. When his left hand touched the dark surface, searing pain shot through his arm. Suddenly, a blinding whiteness filled the view.
The Inquisitor knelt on the ground trying to catch his breath. He blinked his eyelids several times, trying to focus. The vision ended and he returned to reality. Hawke walked up to him and put a hand on his shoulder. He turned his head slightly and stood up gravely.
-So this mark... It's not from Andraste. - Logain said.
-It seems to be the result of a failed spell. - Dorian added in a light tone.
-The path before you is open. - said the mysterious woman calmly. - More fragments of memory await discovery.
Before they knew it, she was gone.
-Are you all right? - Hawke asked worriedly. The Inquisitor was still kneeling on the ground and his bright green eyes were fixed on the dark rocks. He looked as if he couldn't quite believe what he saw. What everyone had seen by some twist of fate. Marian had the impression that deep down Herald hoped that the anchor was something more than the effect of some spell.
Ayden took a deeper breath and nodded slightly.
-Let's move on. - he whispered.
As they traveled further, a heavy bass voice rang out in their ears.
-You are in my domain. I rule here and fear rules here. I wonder what your limited little minds are hiding.
-Let's keep moving. - said the Inquisitor firmly.
-Dorian... because I think I'm talking to Dorian? For a moment I thought it was your father. - the first statement was addressed to the tevinter mage.
Dorian snorted under his breath. The comment honestly made him laugh.
- I'm really hurt. - he replied with a theatrical sneer. Corypheus however had already chosen his next victim.
-Logain... a traitor to Ferelden, degraded and forgotten by the country he sacrificed his life to. Or did you deserve it?
Logain hissed under his breath.
-You haven't said anything I wouldn't repeat to myself. - the Grey Warden cut him short.
The Coryphaeus continued his game. This time it fell on the dwarf.
-Varric... because of you, Hawke is in danger again. Someday you'll have to weep over her grave.
-Keep talking smiley. -Varric said but Hawke could sense that the Corypheus' words had pierced his hard armor.
-Don't worry Varric. - she spoke comfortingly. - You know very well that trouble is my specialty. I've had my share of it without you. - her cherry lips lifted in a slight smile. The dwarf also smiled, and a grimace of relief bloomed on his face.
-Hawke...
-Oh, my turn. - threw Marian.
-Do you think your actions have changed anything? That what you're doing now will change anything? You couldn't even save your city.
Marian smiled mockingly.
-If that's all you've got, you can give up now. - she said confidently.
-Ahh and then there's the matter of the rebellious mage.
The Champion's face became serious.
-What would poor Anders think if he knew that after his death you turned your affections to a templar?
Hawke gnashed her teeth. Her cheeks twitched mercilessly and her leather-gloved hands clenched into fists. The sharp metal tips of her fingers nearly pierced her skin. She felt the gaze of the other companions on her, most notably the bright green eyes of the Inquisitor. However, she did not dare to look him in the face. She was afraid of what she might see in it.
-Tearing you to shreds will give me real pleasure. - she growled. - This time I will make sure that you stay dead.
She quickened her pace without looking back.
-Then we move on to our thief. Andraste's chosen, Herald, the next prophet. You let everyone believe that story.
It took Ayden a moment to realize that the bass voice was talking about him. His green gaze was unable to tear itself away from Hawke's back.
-You have built the Inquisitor's image on a lie. Do you think your pathetic organization will be able to stop me? I am the embodiment of a God, and you are closer to vermin.
Ayden remained silent. He knew it was no use arguing.
The figure of the woman appeared before them again. She pointed with her finger to another area where luminous figures floated. Blade and magic cleared the area revealing luminous fragments scattered between the rocks. Another wave of memories brought the Inquisitor to his knees.
A pack of spiders drove him up a steep staircase. At the end of the stairs was a gaping, torn crevice.
-Faster, they'll catch up with us soon! - he shouted to the woman running behind him. They were almost at the top and rescue was at hand. Justinia fell suddenly, and one of the spiders grabbed her leg with its jaws. Ayden wanted to go back for her, to help her.
-Flee. - she managed only a whisper before demons cloud covered her completely. Ayden gritted his teeth and, closing his eyelids, made his way toward the rift.
White light filled the world again making the Inquisitor blink his eyelids. The black ground appeared a moment later in his field of vision. He once again grasped the air trying to control his trembling. He felt someone's touch on his shoulder. This time Logain stood beside him and helped him up from his knees. Ayden shifted his green gaze to the woman. The wrinkle-covered face smiled sadly.
-That was you. - he said quietly. - It was Justinia, not Andraste who helped me out of the Fade, and then you...she died.
-Are you her soul? - Logain asked uncertainly.
-If that's the version you want to accept as true. It is as good as any other. - she stated. Suddenly her body was covered with a yellow light. - You are close now. The demon can sense it too. Prepare for battle. - she warned, then flew off in the direction of the breach.
She was right. They did not have to march long. When they emerged from the short rocky corridor, a terrifying sight appeared before their eyes. The huge body of a spider was staring at them with dozens of eyes, and from its curved fangs, a gray ooze was dripping onto the ground.
-Maker, have mercy. We have to fight THAT? - asked Dorian in resignation.
The creature did not seem to be attacking. It also seemed unaware of their presence. Instead, another demon appeared in the middle of the open space. Its sharp-toothed mouth opened in a mocking grin. Six spider-like legs protruded from its back. A shrill screech pierced the air.
-This one must be the brain of the operation. - Varric stated and drew his crossbow.
The luminous figure of a woman joined them.
-We're starting the last act. - she said. Her body lit up even more. - Inquisitor, tell Leliana that I am sorry. I have failed her, too. - then she soared into the jaws of the giant spider. Its body was like the sun. The huge creature wailed, and the rows of eyes closed.
-She weakened it. Now we have a chance to break through! - Dorian shouted.
-We just have to beat the toothy one. - added Varric sarcastically. - Easy.
Ayden pulled his shield in front of him and struck it several times with his sword. The eyeless head turned towards him. The creature squealed and moved at him. Its stick-like legs attached to its back tried to reach exposed parts of his body but the Inquisitor successfully blocked the attacks with his shield. Somewhere behind him, he could hear Logain's shield buzzing from the blows of the next creature that materialized. The demon was getting weaker by the minute. Finally, Ayden came at it from behind, his sword piercing the nasty head. The demon wailed some more and fell to the ground. The creatures it summoned dissolved.
A throaty roar rang through the air and the huge legs of the terrifying spider moved.
-Now is our chance. Run to the rift! Now! - urged the Inquisitor. Dorian and Varric needed no further encouragement. Ayden, Hawke, and Logain also tried to reach the green glow. The previously unseen eyes of the huge creature opened suddenly and two of its massive legs blocked their path.
-Someone must distract it. - announced Logain.
-I'll stay. - Hawke replied firmly. Her blue eyes stared at the huge body. A nasty gray secretion still dripped from its curved fangs. Dozens of eyes were already staring at them more knowingly.
Ayden looked at Champion in horror. For the first time in a long time, she returned his gaze. He saw peace in her blue eyes. She smiled weakly and squeezed the twin daggers tighter.
-I will finally be able to join him. - she said quietly.
-Hawke don't... - whispered the Inquisitor.
She closed her eyelids as if preparing for what she had to do. A single glistening tear ran down her pale cheek.
-I'm coming to you Anders.
She tensed her muscles, preparing to run. Suddenly she heard a throaty scream right next to her. Logain passed them both charging at one of the massive legs.
Confused Hawke didn't even have time to react. The huge spider shifted slightly focusing on the Gray Warden. The path to the rift was open.
-Logain! What are you doing?! - she finally managed to shout.
-Let the old fool perform one last heroic act. You are needed by the world... both of you. - Logain wheezed, trying to avoid being crushed by the huge limb. - Run! Now!
Hawke tensed her muscles again. She felt the Inquisitor suddenly pull her towards the glowing rift. She gave in to it and ran along with him.
Ayden felt a tremendous force push him to the surface of reality. His ears were filled with the sounds of battle in addition to a slight ringing. He got up quickly from his knees and looked around hurriedly.
-Close the rift! - he heard someone's voice. His confused mind was unable to match the owner. Guided by reflex, his left hand went up and the green ray shooting out of it, merged with the sparking rift. After a few moments, the green light was gone and the remaining remnants of the wandering demons dissolved into thin air. For a few moments, the world seemed to stop. Confused, Inquisition soldiers and the Grey Wardens who were obviously losing the battle, stared at the somewhat dazed Herald. Suddenly the square was filled with a chorus of cheers. Their savior had once again returned from behind the Veil and saved them from the advancing demons.
A terrifying thought suddenly clung to the Inquisitor.
-Hawke. - he whispered and his desperate green eyes began to look around nervously. He pulled the metal helmet off his head, widening his field of vision. He spotted her beside the ruined statue. Her tousled dark hair was dusty. Varric was crouching next to her. A dwarven hand rested on her shoulder. He was saying something to her but the Champion was as if in amok. She sat leaning against a piece of destroyed wall and stared at the ground. Ayden dropped the helmet he held in his hand and walked briskly towards them. As he approached Varric rose, his brown eyes filled with worry.
-What happened out there? - he asked quietly. The Inquisitor remained silent, his green gaze staring at the seated Champion. He knelt suddenly beside her and locked her numb body in a strong embrace. Hawke seemed to revive.
-I was ready. Why was even this denied to me? - she asked quietly. Ayden hugged her even tighter as if in response. The fingers of his right hand sank into her raven hair. Marian lifted her suddenly numb hands and returned his embrace. A spasm ran through her body. One... then another. Finally, she leaned her forehead against the cold metal breastplate and, burying her face in it, began to sob. Ayden pressed his lips to her head.
-But I am not ready to lose you, Marian. - he whispered. He felt her sobbing stop slightly. Tentatively she raised her head. Two glittering marks adorned her pale cheeks, and her blue eyes met his green gaze. She felt his thumb, hidden behind an onyx glove, wipe away her salty tears. Suddenly his soft lips closed over her cherry lips. The initial surprise quickly turned into a brief kiss that was reciprocated.
Varric, standing nearby, only smiled under his breath and approached the struggling Dorian.
-Did I see correctly? - asked the mage curiously.
-Yes. - cut short Varric suggesting an end to further questions.
The Inquisitor stood up slowly, helping Hawke up from the ground. The Champion wiped the remaining moisture from her face and shook the remains of dust from her wavy hair. Ayden walked to the center of the ruined square and swept his gaze over the people staring at him.
- Adamant Fortress is now under the supervision of the Inquisition. - he announced. More cheers filled the air.
One of the soldiers approached him and bowed slightly. A man dressed in the armor of the Grey Wardens stood next to him.
-The Grey Wardens, or rather the survivors, surrender to you, Herald. - announced the soldier. The other man's winged helmet turned slightly as if surveying the surroundings.
-Logain? - he asked quietly.
-He sacrificed his life so that we could get out of the Fade. - Herald explained.
-Logain was the highest rank. Without him... What should we do, Inquisitor? - asked the Grey Warden helplessly. Fear could be heard in his voice.
Ayden drew in a heavy breath and furrowed his brow. His mind was back on track and already starting to calculate.
-I cannot incorporate you into the Inquisition. Your mages are too prone to corruption. - he said. - Leave Orlais and go to Weisshoupt. There, Corypheus' influence will not reach you.
-As ordered, Herald. - replied the Grey Warden in a more confident voice. The soldier standing next to him bowed and escorted the man away.
-It was like riding a horse without holding the reins. - Dorian said with a little excitement in his voice.
-I've had enough excitement for today. - Varric admitted. - I want to go back to Skyhold and order all the beer Cabot has.
-Beer is such a common drink. - Dorian muttered under his breath. - I hope Josephine managed to bring back some tevinter's red wine.
He and the dwarf moved away towards the exit. Their heated discussion could still be heard after they disappeared from sight.
Hawke stood beside the Inquisitor, staring at the soldiers scurrying about. Those who were able to move with their own strength helped the wounded or escorted the surviving Wardens.
-I will help with dressing the wounded. - she said.
The Inquisitor grabbed her hand. The grip of the onyx gauntlet was brief but meaningful. The green gaze stared into the ruined square. Hawke knew his mind was already consumed with devising the next steps of action. After a moment, he moved away without a word and, picking up his helmet from the ground, placed it on his head. He approached a group of soldiers asking for the location of Commander Cullen. One of them pointed in the direction he should go. Marian followed him with her eyes until she completely lost sight of him.
-Pardon me. I need help. - she heard a worried female voice next to her. - My friend. He is bleeding badly.
-Lead me to him. - she answered and followed the woman soldier.