Chapter 14 – Well of Sorrows
The Arbor Wilds fully deserved its name. Huge trees with vast crowns that seemed to be climbing up to the sky, obscured the sun. Only here and there you could see small clearings where young, sun-thirsty seedlings fought a fierce race among themselves for access to the sun. At the base of the trunks, there was a wall of green, in some places so thick that it was impossible to penetrate it even with the help of fire magic. Overwhelmed slowly but surely by the wildlife, the old elven ruins were swarming with venatori troops. Gaspard's army and the Inquisition's soldiers worked together in a fierce campaign to distract the enemy, only for the Inquisitor and his small team to make their way into the heart of the ruins. Whatever Corypheus was looking for had to be there. For the first time in a long time, Solas took part in a mission. This mysterious apostate had extensive knowledge of the Fade and his previous hypotheses were mostly correct. Besides, he was an elf so it was almost natural to include him in this expedition. Hawke, who was also part of the team, watched the mage carefully. She did not feel comfortable in his company. She could trust a tevinter mage but Solas had a strange aura about him. Ayden told her about how mage had saved his life in Haven and it was thanks to him that they had learned what an Anchor was for. The Inquisitor had also consulted him about the growing corruption on his hand but Solas announced that his knowledge of the strange spell had run out. The more Marian learned details about the elven mage the more she came to the conclusion that Solas only shared information when he felt it was necessary. Ayden however, did not seem to notice that, so Hawke did not pursue the subject unnecessarily.
The group eventually reached the ruins. Ivy-covered, cracked monuments were a slowly fading testament to the ancient elven race that had reigned here centuries ago. According to legends, the elves of Arlathan bore no resemblance to their current descendants. Magic coursed through their veins and their longevity was extinguished one day like the flame of a burning candle. No one knows what really happened. All information about it was lost in the sands of time.
For a long time, they did not meet any venatori, which testified to the effectiveness of the fighting forces of Orlais and the Inquisition. However, they had to hurry. Every moment of peace here was ransomed with blood elsewhere.
-The monuments in these ruins are... strange. They present a slightly different picture of elven history than I have encountered so far. - Morrigan spoke up. Celene's former advisor had made things clear in terms of her presence in the ruins. Besides, what Leliana said was true. The woman had an incredible knowledge of the ancient elves and their lore. In some cases, she even surpassed Solas in that regard.
-If there is nothing to see here we must move on. - said the Inquisitor firmly. Morrigan only snorted in slight displeasure but did not persist.
Their calm did not last long. When they found themselves inside the narrow corridor, the sound of clashing steel came to their ears. Somewhere ahead of them a battle was taking place. The Inquisitor and his companions cautiously approached the stone balustrade surrounding a small terrace. Just beyond the bridge below a squad of venatori was fending off attacks from a group of elves.
-These are the same warriors we fought in the jungle. - whispered Dorian, remembering one of the few encounters they had along the way.
Ayden had expected that not all of the mages would be busy fighting the Inquisition troops, so the sight of a group of venatori did not particularly surprise him. The mysterious elves were clearly trying to stop the intruders from advancing.
The venatori were led by Calpernia and they did not have to wait long for the fair-haired leader to be joined by Corypheus.
-And there is our main antagonist. - Varric muttered under his breath. One of the elven guards said something in his language. His hate-filled gaze rested on darkspawn.
-The wretch mocks you, Master. - Calpernia hissed, clutching her staff tighter.
-These are but just remnants. They will not keep us from the Well of Sorrows. - said a familiar bass voice.
-Well of Sorrows? - whispered the Inquisitor looking to Morrigan for an answer. The mage only nodded her head letting them know she didn't know herself. The Magister tried to cross the stone bridge, but the two columns at the beginning of it shot bright flames towards the intruder. The slender body of the darkspawn began to melt before their eyes and soon all that was left was a pile of glittering ash.
The Inquisitor's team, including himself, froze. Was this the end of their struggle? Just like that?
They were so preoccupied with what had happened that they hardly noticed when the fighting elves, along with Calpernia and her venatori crossed the bridge. Ayden gave the signal and the team walked closer to the bridge passing by bodies of the slain elven soldiers and Grey Wardens. Suddenly they've heard a cracking sound just behind them. The body of one of the Grey Wardens twitched suddenly, writhing in unnatural convulsions. A strange black ooze began to seep out of the dead man's mouth, eyes, and ears. After a moment, his hands turned into familiar claws and a red flash appeared on his face.
-It can't be. - whispered Hawke. The Corypheus was coming back to life before their eyes.
-Cross the bridge! To the temple! Quickly! - shouted the Inquisitor. The others needed no further encouragement. Suddenly, a mighty roar pierced the landscape and a grey dragon emerged from the trees. Its membranous wings flapped with a bang. The group rushed into the temple and at the last moment managed to slam the heavy door, which had been sealed by an ancient spell. Everyone was panting with exertion and nervousness.
-What the hell was that? - Dorian spoke up.
-It seems that Corypheus is able to transfer his spirit into the bodies of beings affected by the Blight. - explained Morrigan hurriedly.
-That would explain why he survived the clash with us, Hawke. - Varric said.
-The Grey Wardens didn't kill him, they put him in prison. - Marian wheezed. Her breathing slowly began to calm down. She straightened up slightly. - They must have known he couldn't be killed.
-Everyone can be killed. - growled the Inquisitor under his breath. The cheeks on his face twitched in tension and his onyx-gloved fingers clenched into fists. - Morrigan, you said Corypheus came here for the eluvian so what is the Well of Sorrows?
-Unfortunately, my knowledge in this subject is as limited as yours, Inquisitor. - explained the mage.
Ayden sighed aloud and combed his coppery hair with his hand. Despite the additional unknowns, they had to focus on the task at hand. The only certain option they had at the moment was to follow Calpernia and her venatori. The mage needed to know what the Well of Sorrows was and where it was located.
-Let's go. - he said.
-Wait Inquisitor. - Morrigan spoke up suddenly. - There is old magic at work in this place. I suppose some of the ancient rituals are still active.
-And what will that get us, witch? - asked Hawke impatiently.
-We can gain invaluable knowledge that will give us an advantage.
-Why do I get the feeling there's something more behind this. - Dorian admitted suspiciously.
-Because you're an ignorant ignoramus? - hissed Morrigan.
-Auch. - said the mage.
-No... Morrigan is right. - said Solas, who had been silent for some time. - Some of these temples have rites of passage that make it possible to bypass their traps without much difficulty.
Ayden sighed heavily.
-Are you sure? - he asked after a moment. The elf's serious dark gaze was answer enough. - All right, lead the way then.
The rituals, fortunately, did not cause the trace of Calpernia to disappear. On the contrary. As they descended the winding staircase they could only hear the mage barking out orders. Before they stepped out into the square, Hawke stopped the Inquisitor with a gesture.
-How do we play this, Inquisitor? - she asked quietly.
-You have the scroll with you. - he stated. - I want to convince her to leave this place.
-It may be hard. - Dorian announced.
-Maybe, but if we're successful, there will probably be more venatori leaving the ruins than this group here. - Ayden said. - Calpernia has had quite an effect on them.
-Whatever you want to do, do it quickly. - Morrigan whispered. - Our position is not exactly secret.
Ayden looked out quickly into the square, assessing the number of individuals roaming around.
-Prepare yourselves in case something goes wrong. - he announced and slowly moved forward to be seen. - Calpernia! - he shouted.
The venatori froze and turned their heads towards him. Their leader followed. Ayden stopped just short of the stairs. The rest of his group followed suit.
-I hope your Inquisitor knows what he is doing. - Morrigan hissed under her breath.
-Don't worry, witch. He always knows what he's doing. - Dorian replied nonchalantly.
Some of the enemy mages had already prepared to cast spells, but Calpernia stopped them with a gesture of her raised hand. Her gray eyes showed intrigue.
-I didn't think the Inquisitor would come here personally, but I guess that's why your troops are thrown as food for my mages.
-Call them off, Calpernia. - Ayden asked firmly.
- You think I will do that at your polite request? - she asked with a sarcastic smile.
-Corypheus is using you, all of you.
-Corypheus will help me restore the Empire to its former glory. It will finally bring back the days when talent was the most important trait, not the caste one was born into.
-Do you really believe that? - Dorian interjected. - The Empire was built on the shoulders of slaves. Corypheus will not change that.
-He freed me from the yoke of my master, who underestimated me and what I can do.
-A master bound by a spell only to test it before using it on you. - Herald declared.
-Lies! - growled the mage.
-I know that Corypheus did not allow you to go to the Temple of Dumat. - Ayden continued. Surprise appeared in Calpernia's grey eyes. He had managed to plant the first seed. - He didn't want you to discover the truth about what he had done to Erasthenes.
This time the mage seemed to freeze. Uncertainty crawled across her face.
-These are only words, Inquisitor. - she spoke at last.
-We have more than words. - Hawke said, standing next to Herald. Her hand was clutching a dark scroll. - See for yourself. - she added and threw the scroll toward the mage's direction. Calpernia seized it in mid-flight and unrolled it carefully. Her gray eyes pierced the black text and her teeth clenched with each word. When she reached the end she rolled it up with a shriek. Her right hand was covered in flames that burned the document in a few moments. The hooded faces of her squad members stared at her, waiting for orders. After a moment, the mage seemed to calm down.
-If any power can challenge Corypheus it lies in the Well. - she said suddenly. - Perhaps its price is too high but if you can take it... humble him.
Solas clasped his hands lightly on his staff.
-My venatori and I will not stand in your way. - Calpernia added.
-Will you call them all back? - asked the Inquisitor.
-Those who want to follow me. - admitted the woman. - Not everyone obeys my orders.
-Thank you. - replied Ayden.
Calpernia nodded and motioned to her men to leave.
-Well, that wasn't so bad. - Dorian admitted happily.
-I wish it were that easy with Corypheus. - muttered Varric.
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The Well of Sorrows turned out to be a shallow pond filled with crystalline water. Before they could see this closely guarded secret they encountered a group of ancient elven guardians who had been tending the ruins of the temple for centuries. Their leader, Abelas, was initially distrustful and eventually led them to the well only because they had performed rites of passage which signified respect for the place. Ayden sighed, being grateful for his decision. Had they been too hasty the confrontation with the guardians could have ended very differently.
They now stood in the open square, which was overgrown with wild ivy and young tree seedlings. In its heyday, the entire temple including this shrine must have been a beautiful place. The calm, undisturbed waters of the pond mirrored the rays of the midday sun streaming into the square. This part of the temple was like the inside of a cathedral. Almost no sound could be heard in the air. A few dozen paces away, an inactive eluvian could be seen behind the pond.
Abelas walked to the edge of the pond gazing into its clear depths.
-After death, each Mythal's guardian gives up their memories filling the Well drop by drop. - he declared. - Its waters hold the knowledge of thousands of such drops. Whoever draws from the Well will serve our Lady for eternity. - he informed.
-Let me do it, Inquisitor. - Morrigan spoke. - Of all the people here, I have the most knowledge to deal with its power.
-Of course, you will be able to use it in the way you are most comfortable, which. - hissed Hawke. The Champion trusted the woman even less than Solas.
-Do you see a better candidate? - the mage was outraged.
-Using the power of the Well can be dangerous. - Dorian said.
-So it's all the more reason for me to do it. - Morrigan insisted. - The Inquisitor is too valuable to expose himself to such danger.
Ayden glanced at the calm waters of the pond. Uncertainty shone in his green eyes. He needed additional opinions. He turned to Solas with a silent question. He valued the elf's advice greatly. After all, it was because of him that he was still alive and the Inquisition could draw breath until the next skirmish in the Skyhold after Haven was buried by an avalanche.
-The Well is an unknown. The only thing we really know about it is that the knowledge it contains is bought with service to an ancient goddess for eternity. In my opinion, it is best that no one uses it. Abelas should destroy it. - answered the mage.
-We need this knowledge elf, otherwise, Corypheus will be reborn again and again until he triumphs. - said Morrigan firmly.
Ayden shifted his green gaze to Hawke looking for advice. Marian sighed nervously. Her blue eyes glanced briefly at the surface before returning to the Inquisitor.
-Your mark... - she said quietly. - Maybe the Well will give you a solution.
The Inquisitor raised his gloved left hand, staring at its leathery interior. He drew in a deep breath and turned toward the pond. Hawke was right. What did he really have to lose? Like the Champion, he didn't trust Morrigan either. If they were to use the knowledge gathered here then he must use it. He carefully put on his heavy armor-clad legs stirring the calm of the holy waters. Morrigan took a nervous step forward, but Hawke stood in her way. Her blue eyes nearly pierced the woman's and her head cocked slightly to the side in a gesture of denial.
Ayden slowly approached the center of the pond and when its crystalline waters reached the blue emblem on his gleaming breastplate, he stopped. A strange peace filled his mind. He felt as if he were at home. He took one last look at his companions and then scooped up a small portion in his hand and pressed it to his lips. The pond water was cool and pleasantly refreshing. Instinctively, he closed his eyes as images filled his mind and a cacophony of whispers reached his ears. New sensations, delicate at first, began to overwhelm. The images covered the world and the whispers became like the buzzing of a swarm of insects. He felt as if he were drowning. He groaned loudly and fell to his knees. Suddenly everything went silent leaving behind a black void. He slowly opened his eyelids and looked around. The outside world had disappeared, replaced by a dark blue shroud of nothingness.
-Why am I here? - he asked. The whispers returned, but he could not make sense of them. - Corypheus... a Magister wishes to rip the Veil open. I must learn how to stop him. - more whispers reached the already mumbling. - If you can help me vanquish Corypheus, take whatever price you wish. - he tried hard to get an answer. For a brief moment, he wondered if he was actually worthy of this knowledge. Maybe he really wasn't the one who should be using the Well. Suddenly the whispers became almost deafening, but their incomprehensible babble began to clear after a while. The solution slowly began to push its way into his head. When the mumbling quieted down, he sighed in a gesture of understanding and clenched his left hand on which the Anchor rested. - I see. - he replied quietly. A strong shiver ran through his body and brought him to his knees. The world disappeared again in impenetrable blackness.
-Inquisitor. - he heard as if from afar. - Inquisitor! - repeated a desperate female voice. He opened his eyes and jerked all his muscles. Only after a few moments did he realize that he was lying on the colorful tiles of the bottom of the pond, which was now empty. He looked around in confusion and stood up slowly. - How are you feeling? - Hawke asked, standing right next to him. He wrinkled his forehead and looked at her with green slightly confused eyes. He remained silent. He put his right hand to his temple and shook his head slightly. The whispers returned. He raised his chin abruptly and his already focused gaze rested on the entrance. The familiar silhouette of the darkspawn appeared against the massive doorway. Seeing them, Corypheus growled in fury and soared through the air. Not far from them an active eluvian flashed blue.
-Through the mirror. Now! - shouted Morrigan. Everyone started to run towards the only exit. Ayden was the last to run but after a while, he slowed down until he came to a complete stop. The rumblings in his head continued.
Halfway there, Hawke turned suddenly.
-Ayden! - she shouted desperately. His green sad gaze made a chill pierce her stomach. For the love of Andraste, did he want to stay here and fight this creature alone?
Ayden shifted his gaze to Solas, who upon hearing the girl also turned away. The others had already managed to pass through the mirror.
-Solas. Take her away from here. - he asked. The elf furrowed his brow. He wanted to say something, but Ayden spoke up once more. - Solas... Ver ish'ala. Ar ema. Is isala nuven'in. Melena sul tarasyl.
The mage froze for a moment. He was surprised that the Inquisitor spoke fluent elvish, but after a moment he nodded in a gesture of understanding.
-There's no way you're staying here alone! - growled Hawke. She wanted to approach him but she felt a touch on her shoulder. She didn't even have time to react when her world became foggy and her muscles went weak. She felt someone sling an arm over her shoulder, supporting her now numb body. Solas took one last look at the Inquisitor.
-Thank you. - whispered Ayden and smiled weakly. Hawke desperately wanted to speak, but the incapacitating spell cast by the elf effectively denied her that opportunity.
They both passed through an eluvian that had lost its luster and its insides shattered into pieces. Ayden felt relieved. They were safe. Hawke was now safe, away from the greedy paws of Coryphaeus. Suddenly his left hand sparked loudly and a powerful pain pierced his entire arm. The Inquisitor fell to his knees grabbing his wrist. He growled loudly.
-So all is not lost. - a thick bass voice spoke. The darkspawn towered over Herald like a predator over its prey. - The thief slammed into his cage.
Ayden was unable to rise. It felt as if his left hand had been nailed to the ground. The pain robbed him of all will, and the whispers fell silent. A needle of fear pierced his tortured mind. Maker, had he miscalculated the situation? Had he misunderstood the message?
-A familiar sight. - Corypheus spoke again. - But this time you cannot move the mountain.
Ayden mustered all his strength to lift his head. His green eyes, filled with agony, stared hard at his tormentor. The Coryphaeus turned his head slightly and squinted. The dark gaze shifted to the Anchor. Ayden heard a quiet whisper somewhere in the back of his mind but felt it was not directed at him.
-Maybe I'll still make use of you...Herald. - he stated after a moment and the fingers of his clawed hand formed an unusual gesture. The Inquisitor was once again pinned to the ground. The pain was now so intense that a deafening scream escaped his throat. "Maker, help me survive this". A desperate thought rushed out. His mind fled into the void, which after a moment consumed him completely and he toppled inertly to his side. Coryphaeus approached him staring at the still unquenchable Anchor. - Interesting. And I had almost written it off. I wonder Herald how long your Andraste will allow you to endure the pain that awaits you. What you have experienced now is nothing compared to what I will prepare for you.
Ayden heard no more. His inert body lay on the sacred ground and consciousness fled from reality.
Corypheus laughed throatily. The squad of Grey Wardens he controlled joined their ruler.
-Take him away. - he gave a short command and then headed towards the exit. The two retainers grabbed the inert body of the Inquisitor and followed their master.
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Eluvian threw them out like a slingshot and in a short time, they were all in a small room in Skyhold. Solas was the last to appear along with the dazed Hawke he was supporting. They all turned around waiting for the last passenger.
-Close the eluvian Morrigan. - said the elf.
-But the Inquisitor... - began the dwarf but Solas interrupted him.
-Close the eluvian. - urged the mage. Morrigan raised her hands and the glow disappeared. Hawke seemed to start coming back to herself. Whatever Solas used on her stopped working. After a moment she pushed him away slightly and shook her head shakily. She looked around the small room quickly. Unfortunately, she couldn't see the copper hair among the gathered. Her hand suddenly clenched into a fist that landed on the elf's cheek. Solas staggered but did not fall.
-You left him there! - she growled in pure anger. She felt the spell begin to fade. Her teeth clenched in her jaws, making her anxious cheeks twitch. - If you ever use that spell on me again I'll slit your throat!
Solas turned away massaging the slightly sore spot.
- The Inquisitor asked me to do this. - he announced, feeling the questioning looks of the rest of the group.
-Great. - muttered Morrigan in displeasure. - I told you to let me be the one using the Well. At least we would have the knowledge and now we are left with nothing. That Inquisitor of yours must have lost his mind.
-Why did he do it? - Varric asked. He couldn't believe what had happened and his gaze spontaneously flickered to the eluvian. It was as if he subconsciously hoped that Herald would still appear in it.
-He always has a plan. It had to be that way this time, too. - Dorian said with a little hope in his voice.
-How come he spoke to you in elvish? Was it the influence of the Well? - Hawke asked firmly. - And what did he say to you?
Solas sighed quietly.
- "Take her away. He must believe he has won. The mark will strike unnoticed. Wait for the sign." - recited the elf.
-What the hell does that mean? - hissed Marian.
-It looks like the Well gave him the answers he was looking for. - said the elf.
-So he got caught based on such unverified clues? - Varric wondered. This was not like the Inquisitor. - Corypheus could kill him outright. In Haven, he had wanted to do just that, after all. He claimed the Anchor was useless.
-This is where my guesses end. - Solas admitted it.
-Hawke. - Dorian said quietly. - He may have learned something new. As I said before, he always had a plan. He said to wait for a sign, so that's what we have to do.
- What sign, Dorian!? - snarled the Champion. - The only sure sign is that he's not here! Corypheus can do whatever he wants with him now, and we are powerless against it. - she clenched her teeth and rushed out of the room like a hurricane. It was as if she had run amok. She did not even see the people she was passing and did not even notice when she reached her chamber. Fury slowly turned into helplessness, which turned into despair. She sat on the bed and, propping her elbows on her knees, hid her face in her folded hands. Suddenly, she heard the clang of the door opening. She raised her head seeing the dwarf.
- Hawke, I am of the same opinion as Dorian. The Inquisitor has already come out of the back of shitty situations that I am calm about him. - he tried to comfort her.
- He's not coming back Varric. - Marian said quickly wiping away the tears flowing down her cheeks. She managed to calm her emotions somewhat. - I could see it in those damn green eyes of his. That same look Anders had when he was at my mercy after blowing up the chantry. Ayden will kill Corypheus, but he will die in the process.
She got up quickly and began to rummage through the cabinets looking for some liquor. After a few moments, she pulled out a bottle of red wine. She froze for a moment staring at it intensely.
- You promised me this on your next visit, you son of a bitch. How are you going to keep your word now? - she growled under her breath and uncorked the bottle. She didn't even bother to pour the contents into the glass. The sweet and slightly tart taste irritated her tongue. She sat down heavily in the chair and her blue eyes gazed out at the snow-capped peaks visible outside the small window.
Varric silently sat down in the other chair. Hawke should not be left alone now. Maker's breath, this loss could be the nail in her coffin. The only close person she had left was her sister, slowly building her own life. From what he could tell, she had returned to a slowly recovering Lothering. She even met a farmer with whom she helped mages find their way in the chaos. As far as he knew she was happy.
Marian took a solid sip straight from the bottle.
-He said he loved me. - she muttered under her breath. - Do you know what I said to him?
Varric remained silent. Sweet Andraste, he wasn't sure that he was the right person for such confidences. He wished he had dragged Dorian here with him. The mage seemed more knowledgeable in these matters and it seemed to the dwarf that Hawke valued the tevinter's opinion.
Marian took another sip. The sweet and tart taste spilled again down her throat.
- Nothing. I said absolutely nothing to him. I was afraid to name the feeling, and now it is too late.
She tilted the bottle again. This time it looked like she was drinking water.
- Hawke... - Varric spoke up. - ...I'm no expert in these things but I think I have a pretty good eye for people. He knows.
He did not speak again keeping his friend silent company. After a long moment, Marian sighed aloud.
- You are a good friend, Varric. - she said quietly. - The best I ever had.
The dwarf could hear the beginnings of intoxication in her voice.
- Thank you for being here. - she added at the end.
- No problem Hawke. - replied the dwarf and they both looked out the window in silence.