Chapter 13 – Hard reality
Temple of Dumat was as bleak as the books described it. Carved in dark stone, the statues blended into the stark features of the towering walls, sending shivers down the spine. The whole building looked more like a huge tomb than a temple built in honor of a long-forgotten god.
-A pleasant place. - Varric said sarcastically. - Hawke, I dream of the day when you will take me somewhere nice, or at least less... creepy.
-You would stop coming with me otherwise. - she snorted in amusement. The dwarf only sighed.
-The Inquisitor has been dragging me to all sorts of interesting places, but I must admit Hawke, you keep up with him very well. - said Dorian, riding beside them.
When they were close enough they dismounted. The surroundings seemed unusually quiet, which did not inspire optimism. From time to time, stronger gusts of wind rustled between the old walls, stirring up small particles of dust. Hawke looked around carefully for any danger but so far the area was clear.
-No welcoming party? I'm disappointed. - Dorian said under his breath. As if in response to his words, the four carved snouts crowning the main entrance flashed green, spitting a bright ray of light onto the ground.
-You couldn't stay quiet could you? - Varrric hissed. Dorian merely gave him a nonchalant look and reached for his staff.
After a few seconds, the bright rays disappeared and demons materialized where they touched the ground. Fortunately, there were not that many that their blades and magic could not handle. When the last of the creatures vanished into thin air, Dorian was trying to say something but dwarf's stern gaze effectively shut his mouth.
With an energetic step, they entered through the main door. The interior proved to be just as austere and overwhelming. As if that wasn't enough, the walls and floor were covered with red lyrium crystals. The distinctive quiet sound was echoing through the air. Varric grimaced.
-Of course, this nastiness must be here, how else. - he muttered under his breath.
Dorian walked over to a nearby bookcase. His eyes lit up at the sight of hundreds of books.
-Just think of how much ancient knowledge must be here, and how much has already been buried. - he said with pure fascination.
-Let's go. - Hawke replied firmly. - We can't stay here long. - her anxious gaze stared at the red crystals.
-I agree. - Varric echoed her.
-Wait a moment. - the mage insisted. - Maybe the answer to our question is somewhere in these books
-I don't think Corypheus is hiding dusty volumes from Calpernia. - answered Hawke doubtfully.
-You underestimate the power of a written word, Hawke. It is possible that somewhere in here there is a description of a spell or ritual that is inconvenient for our darkspawn. - the mage wrinkled his forehead for a moment when his eyes encountered a small crystal hiding between two thick volumes. He turned his head slightly and before Hawke could stop him, he touched the object with his fingertips. A familiar bass voice filled the room.
Awake, in a world twisted into perversion and ruin. Awake only to discover the light of wisdom has gone black. Samson has failed. But Calpernia stands ready.
Hawke reflexively grabbed for her weapon but when no opponent showed up she loosened her grip slightly.
-What was that? - she asked.
-I'm not sure but I see another crystal. - Dorian spoke up and approached the shiny object.
-You really are like a magpie. - Varric admitted. The mage only smiled wickedly and touched another crystal.
How does this age stand such desolation? They sing to a Maker who answers no prayers. Once I have ascended, I will be their answer. I will be the light.
-I think our dignified usurper of divinity keeps a journal. - Dorian said in mild amusement.
-Let's see if there's more. We may have hit the nail on the head. - instructed Hawke. Her blue gaze took a moment to find another crystal.
I recited the old verses. How easily they come, even after so long a slumber. Yet still, I do not feel the presence of Dumat - hear no whispers, no commands. Silence has fallen.
Rubbish.
Another crystal was touched by Varric.
Calpernia prepares to set foot in the place where regret dwells. To bring it into the light. She cannot know what must be done. Cannot understand. In time she will forgive.
-That was interesting. - admitted Dorian.
-It's still not enough. Keep looking. - Hawke recommended.
The mage found another crystal.
The Anchor has been stolen by a stripling. I shall descend on this Haven with fire and fury and take it back. Let us see what manner of "Herald" this age has bred.
Marian froze. After a moment she clenched her fists, and her cheeks trembled slightly. "This Herald will dismember you faster than you think." - she thought. She frantically looked around for another crystal hoping for more information related to the Anchor, but neither she nor her companions had come across any more fragments.
-Shit. - she hissed under her breath.
-Another room ahead. - Dorian said. - Maybe we'll get more answers there.
-I hope so. - Varric muttered. - The incessant sound makes my teeth clench.
Hawke silently opened the door behind which darkness greeted them. None of the walls were adorned with torches. There were no altars with burning candles. The only light came from a transparent dome in the center of the room, beneath which a hooded figure was kneeling. When the man heard them approaching, he raised his head. There was resignation and indifference in his tortured face, as well as pure physical pain.
-Maker's breath. - Dorian said. - I know him.
Hawke and Varric looked at him simultaneously.
-This is magister Erasthenes, the greatest expert on the old gods in Minrathus.
-So someone still remembers me... after so long. - the man said weakly.
-Your disappearance was quite notorious. - the mage admitted. - That barrier... I've never seen such a spell.
-It's a powerful combination of old tevinter magic. The one who calls himself Corypheus has bound me to this place by imposing the will of truth.
-Will of truth? - Dorian mused, searching his memory for something. After a moment he turned to Marian. - He can't lie, Hawke.
The Champion stared at the old man's face partially covered by the hood.
-Why is Corypheus imprisoning you here? - she asked.
-I am his experiment. He is testing a spell on me that he wants to use on my former slave.
-He wants to do the same to Calpernia? - Dorian asked.
-My bond is merely a sketch on a blackboard. Calpernia will be a masterpiece. - every word the old man spoke was marked by pain and extreme fatigue. He must have been trapped here for a long time.
-If Calpernia finds out what Corypheus is up to, she certainly won't be pleased. - Varric stated.
-The ritual... It's written on a scroll. Take it... take it. - the old man spoke again, his frail hand pointing to a shelf against the wall.
-Are there more traps here? More demons? - Hawke asked.
-Only those summoned outside. - answered magister. - The longer you stay here... the more demons come.
-Damn, we have to hurry. - Varric muttered under his breath.
-Varric, Dorian, take the ritual scroll and see if there's anything else of value. - Hawke ordered. When her companions moved away she asked. - The Anchor, do you know anything about it?
-Corypheus mentioned it. He said it was a tool that would help him tear the Veil of the Fade. But the tool was stolen. Corypheus was furious.
-Corypheus said something more about it? - another impatient question was asked.
-Everything is nothingness. Pain is the punishment for lying. The truth will set me free. Let me die. Strike a blow. - the man started mumbling.
-Focus old man! - Hawke hissed. - Did Corypheus say anything more about the Anchor?
-Pain is the punishment for lying. The truth will set me free. Let me die. Strike a blow. - repeated the mage.
Hawke clenched her fists and gnashed her teeth. The magister's mind began to fall apart. Frustration seized her thoughts. She had learned nothing new here. When she turned around the old man spoke once more.
-He is dying. The Anchor is salvation for the world, but doom for the one who carries it.
She looked at the old man once more.
-How can I fix it?
-You can't.
-Surely there is something that can be done! - she growled in anger.
-Some spells fade with the one who cast them.
-So the only solution is to kill Corypheus?
-Maybe. The magic he used is old. Older than Tevinter.
-Is it at least possible to slow down the corruption?
-If it is, only the Old Gods have the ability to do so. - said the old man.
Hawke clenched her fists so tightly that she felt the sharp ends of her gauntlets digging into the insides of her palms. Powerlessness battled inside her with growing frustration. She was really hoping to find some sort of solution.
Dorian and Varric approached her briskly.
-We have the scroll. We must get out of here as soon as possible. - the mage announced. Outside the door, they could hear the quiet grunts and squawks of the demons that were already summoned.
- Nothingness is salvation. Please strike a blow. - said the magister in a pleading tone. Hawke's face twisted.
-Varric... - she spoke to her friend. He understood without a word. He pulled out his crossbow and, loading a single bolt into it, fired at the trapped man. The sharp arrowhead slammed into the center of his skull and the old man's limp body fell to the ground. Hawke stared at the motionless corpse for a moment before she and her companions made their way towards the exit.
###
The small chapel in the Skyhold was unusually quiet today. Rows of candles placed on a small stone altar scattered the twilight shyly. To the right and left of the tall statue of Andraste, made of yellow sandstone stood two vases in which fresh flowers could always be found. Ayden took a few steps toward the altar, staring at the statue's sad face. After a moment he knelt on one knee and lowered his head in a pious gesture. A silent prayer came from his mouth.
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.
'''
In the long hours of the night
When hope has abandoned me,
I will see the stars and know
Your Light remains.
'''
I have heard the sound
A song in the stillness,
The echo of Your voice,
Calling creation to wake from its slumber.
'''
How can we know You?
In the turning of the seasons, in life and death,
In the empty space where our hearts
Hunger for a forgotten face?
'''
He was suddenly silent and rested his forehead on his folded hands. He sighed heavily. After a moment his green gaze rested on the motionless sand sculpture. - Andraste, are you really listening to these prayers? - he asked. A deafening silence answered him. - Does our Maker listen to these prayers? - another question was asked, followed by another moment of silence. The dead eyes of the statue were staring somewhere into the void. He shook his head slightly, chastising himself in his mind. - Forgive me for those questions. I believe you are there because any other option scares me too much.
He lowered his head again continuing his prayer.
You have walked beside me
Down the paths where a thousand arrows sought my flesh.
You have stood with me when all others
Have forsaken me.
'''
I have faced armies
With You as my shield,
And though I bear scars beyond counting,
nothing Can break me except Your absence.
'''
Suddenly there was an all too familiar sparking sound in the air. Ayden clenched his fingers together and gnashed his teeth but he did not stop praying.
When I have lost all else, when my eyes fail me
And the taste of blood fills my mouth, then
In the pounding of my heart
I hear the glory of creation.
'''
He groaned softly not able to speak further. Suddenly the sparking sound faded and the pain became a mere memory. He relaxed his fingers slightly and his green gaze wandered to the inside of his gloved hand.
His thoughts were broken by muffled voices from behind the closed door.
-The Inquisitor is now in prayer. - said a firm female voice. - He must not be disturbed until he has finished.
Ayden sighed loudly. Before he entered the chapel he told the Reverend Mother in charge that he needed a moment alone. He could expect that it would not last long.
-Sister Leliana said to bring him in as soon as possible. - a male voice spoke up. He recognized William.
-Sister Leliana can wait until the Inquisitor finishes his vigil. - replied the nun.
-She said it was a matter of urgency. - the messenger insisted.
Ayden bowed his head one last time and got up from the floor. He looked briefly at the sand statue and left the chapel.
-Where is sister Leliana expecting me? - he asked the surprised boy standing in front of the door.
-In the War Room, Your Worship. - the messenger answered slowly. The earlier certainty faded from his voice and a slight glint appeared in his eyes. Fear? Sweet Maker.
-You can rest assured, William. I'll go to her now. - Ayden said softly and as he passed them both he heard behind him a nun scolding the poor messenger for interrupting the Inquisitor's conversation with the Maker.
When he arrived, beside Leliana the other advisors were waiting for him in the room. One quick look at their faces was enough to realize that the matter was serious.
-What happened?
-My scouts report that Corypheus has already appeared in the Arbor Wilds. - Leliana announced.
Ayden froze for a brief moment and the fingers of his left hand clenched into a fist.
-Our troops and Gaspard's troops are already in place. We need to get moving Inquisitor. - Cullen spoke up. - If we don't act, Corypheus will slip out of our hands.
Ayden approached the large map, quickly analyzing the position of all the pawns. His gaze lingered on one of them. Underneath the circular stand was an inscription: "Temple of Dumat".
-Any news from Hawke? - he asked.
-No, unfortunately. - Leliana replied, lowering her head slightly. The Inquisitor gnashed his teeth.
- "Where are you Marian?" - was rattling around in his head. Before Hawke left for the temple she asked him not to move from the fortress until she returned. She was sure they will find something in it. A needle of unease drilled into his mind like an unwanted splinter. Has something happened? Maybe she needs help.
-Inquisitor, what are the orders? - the commander's voice broke him out of his reverie. Morrigan suspected that there was an active eluvian in the heart of the jungle and that it was probably the one Corypheus was looking for. Active eluvians have the ability to travel to different parts of the world and beyond. If Corypheus found a way to activate the mirror he could move anywhere. He could even attempt to enter the Fade with it.
All calculations told him to go to the Wilds as soon as possible.
Shit!
-Prepare the rest of our soldiers, Cullen. We're moving out. - he said with a heavy heart.
Suddenly the main door opened with a bang. All eyes were on it.
-Hawke. - Ayden whispered. Relief and anxiety flooded his mind at the same time. At first, he did not recognize her. Her outfit, face, and hair were covered with dried layers of green slime, dust, and blood. He could also see a shallow cut on her right thigh. There was however, determination blazing in her blue eyes. It was as if she paid no attention to her appearance or the impression she gave with it. She held a rolled-up scroll in her clenched fist.
-Before you throw yourselves into battle with the army of venatori, I want to show you what Corypheus was so careful to hide from his right hand. - she wheezed and threw the paper she was holding onto the table. Leliana reached for it carefully and unfolded it.
Ayden didn't take his eyes off Hawke. She must have fought quite hard in that temple. It also looked like she, Varric, and Dorian went straight to the fortress right after that, without even stopping for a short rest along the way.
-Varric and Dorian? - asked Josephine timidly, giving the Champion a worried look.
-Safe. They went to their chambers. - she announced. Her blue eyes stared at the Inquisitor. Ayden saw the sadness in them.
-Is this some kind of binding ritual? - Leliana asked suddenly as she finished reading the scroll.
Hawke shifted his gaze to her.
-That darkspawn wants to perform it on Calpernia. - she explained. - She will become a mindless puppet that will do his every bidding. For the former slave, it will certainly be like a slap in the cheek.
Leliana's pink lips lifted with a small smile.
-Good job Hawke. Calpernia will certainly not remain indifferent to this information. - she said.
-That ancient son of a bitch won't have it so easy with us. - muttered the Champion.
-All right. Prepare to march. - announced the Inquisitor, thus ending the meeting. When he was alone with Hawke, he walked up to her and hugged her tightly.
-You could have waited for me to wash this filth off. - she said sarcastically. As his embrace tightened even more she sighed quietly and returned the embrace. - I'm sorry. - she suddenly said in a resigned voice. - I couldn't find anything about the Anchor.
The Inquisitor released his grip and pulled her slightly away from him.
-Marian, you came back to me and that's all I'm interested in at the moment. - he said firmly. By the Maker, he was truly relieved.
She smiled weakly.
-Give me a moment to wash away this picture of misery and despair. It is not fair to appear in such a state before your Herald.
Ayden snorted loudly and ran his thumb over her dusty cheek.
-It is not so bad. Your Herald doesn't mind. - he replied teasingly. He saw a slightly tired smile on her face once again.
-When are you leaving? - she asked suddenly.
-If everything goes well, before noon. - he answered.
-I think I will be in a good condition by then. - she said.
-Hawke, you don't think... - he wanted to protest but she interrupted him quickly.
-I am thinking and there is no way you can talk me out of it. - she said firmly
Ayden sighed quietly. In that respect she was right. He knew her well enough to know that her stubbornness was second to none.
-Good Inquisitor. - she winked and patted him lightly on the cheek.
Did Hawke just praise him like some dog? He did not have time to react in any way because she turned on her heel and disappeared behind the door. He smiled slightly under his breath and nodded. Maker's breath, he loved this woman with all his heart. He walked over to the extensive map and reached for the pawn set on Temple of Dumat. He twirled it around in his fingers for a moment before bringing it to a large group located near the Arbor Wilds. His gaze swept the map one last time and he left the War Room.