Chapter One
Safe Haven
I gasped as I came awake in a dark cell. I couldn't… what happened to the ship? This was dirt and ground – there was no rocking or waves or the smell of salt water.
I looked around and had the shock of my life. There was a mirror on the ceiling of my cell.
I was… different. My hair… it had never been so long in my life, or quite as red as it was now. My eyes were a vibrant purple color and along my neck were tribal like markings in a 1-inch collar area, comforting that they were still there – the one thing I always had. I lightly touched them as I lay on my back looking up at that mirror.
I was still in my navy dress uniform; the once white jacket and pants were now stained brown and green. My shoulder stars still looked okay, but my pins were all over the place. My hat was nowhere to be found – and we were indoors anyway. There was a purple heart, of course – but it was now hanging funny. I'd gotten that one for losing a finger while in the line of duty – said finger was back now, though. My Medals of Honor are what got me to Admiral. I had quite a few 'heroic' achievements that I didn't care about. Honestly, I could do without all the ceremony that had gone with the medals.
Why was I in Dress Uniform again? Oh – right… we had been set to dock today and I was supposed to head to… wait… that wasn't part of my uniform…
There was a fanny pack at my waist. It was black in color and flat enough to tell me it was empty. A shame – I could use a cold water right… whoa – I reached into the pack as it inflated. There was a glass bottle of water!
I sucked it down before stuffing the glass into the pack once more. It vanished.
I was not the only one in a cell, I noticed. One person was chained to the middle of the floor between the cells, but there was also one other in a cell across from me.
The chained person was a man who would stand at 6'2 with black shaggy hair, Green eyes and tanned skin. Looking at his build – broad shoulders, muscled, noble bearing, defiant stare and callouses on his good hand – I could tell he was an actual a rich kid.
The woman in the other cell was an Elf? She would stand at 5'4 with blonde hair that held brown highlights, Grey eyes and the bearing of someone who preferred hiking to partying.
I heard the door open and two women walked in. Both were human, like the 4 people who were pointing swords at the man until then. Of the women that came through the door, one was 5'9 with black hair and brown eyes. Her tan face was covered in scars – three stood out. Left jaw, right cheekbone, and right lower lip. The other stood at 5'7 with short red hair, clear blue eyes and flawless pale skin.
Instantly, I realized what was happening – the style of dress, the place, the weapons, the elf and these women… These were Cassandra and Leliana.
I spoke before they could, "Excuse me – where the fuck is this?"
Leliana looked at me, "Tell us who you are, and we will tell you where you are. I went over my records – I can find nothing about your style of clothes, the pins and medals or anything about you. You were not meant to be at the conclave." She looked weary – as though she had seen a ghost.
I kept my 'at ease' position, "Admiral Celeste Cousland, United States Navy. And I think I just figured out where I am thanks."
Cassandra moved closer, "Do tell – and what is the United States?"
I reached into a pocket and handed her my passport and then took off my Dog Tags to hand to Leliana.
"I seem to be in Haven, Ferelden – year 9:40 Dragon. Conclave was just destroyed with only three survivors. Seeing a human male, I'd say Maxwell Trevelyan. Seeing an Elven woman, I'd say Ellana Lavellan. You are Cassandra Allegra Portia Calogera Filomena Pentaghast – born sometime between 3 and 4 dragon in a carriage halfway between Cumberland and Val Chevin, right hand of the Divine, 14th cousin to the King of Nevarra. She is Sister Leliana Nightingale – Veteran of the fifth blight, concubine to Queen Elissa Theirin, and Left hand of the Divine – raised in Orlais, but her mother was Ferelden who had a fondness for a flower called Andrastes' Grace. Meaning… I also know what may have happened at the Conclave."
At once people drew weapons on me. Maxwell said, "How do you know my name?"
"What's important here is that I should not be here. I wasn't at the Conclave – I was on a damn ship in the Northern Atlantic Ocean – my retirement trip. That booklet should tell you should tell you my name, date of birth, race, country of origin, and pretty much all you need to know. The Dog Tags should tell you my blood type, name, Service Number and religion. There's also this – it can prove I'm not from… Thedas," I handed over my phone unlocked.
Cassandra gaped at it as she played around with it. Leliana looked it over too.
"How do you know so much if you aren't from Thedas?"
I sighed at Cassandras' question, "Because I'm from a world where this is all… a story. Look," I took the phone back and went into the photo gallery, bringing up a picture of Cullen – thankfully one where he was fully dressed – in a suit that didn't exist in Thedas, but dressed! If not for that picture, I'd only have the ones where he was naked with nothing really showing. He was my favorite, after all.
Cassandras' eyes widened, "This looks… like it was drawn… is this the Commander?"
I flushed and cleared my throat, "I may have a bit of a crush on the man – not that it will ever lead anywhere, of…"
She had swiped, finding a picture of a screenshot that detailed the process of making a broodmother. She couldn't read it, but had seen me flinch.
"What does it say?" Leliana asked. Right – they used a rune like system.
"Laryn," was all I replied with – she looked ill as she told Cassandra, "It's about Broodmothers, Cassandra."
They handed back the phone and I stuffed it into the 'empty' pack. I sighed, "Ask Maxwell your questions – but Solas is right, that mark can help."
Cass looked at Max and asked, "What do you remember of the Conclave?"
No one but Leliana was looking at me now, so I stripped and tried for new clothes from my new purse. I pulled out black jeans, a leather top and combat boots. I also brushed out my hair and pulled it back when cutting it off failed.
Leliana looked horrified when she'd seen the scissors and amused at my annoyance that the attempt to cut failed – all I did was break the damn scissors! I pulled out two hand guns – both .45 caliber and holstered them at my hip as Maxwell spoke.
He nodded, "I… I only remember that my father sent me to the Conclave – he wanted me to join the Templars, but with this mess going on… I was supposed to talk to any Commander I could in hopes they would take me since I had completed training at the Ostwick Circle. Trevelyans have always done things like that. I can't even remember arriving in Ferelden, though I do recall running, things chasing me and then… a woman. It wasn't her because the woman I remember was…"
"She was thinner and taller – glowing gold." I supplied. He nodded, "I… didn't want to say it quite like that."
"I know I'm on the heavy side – it's not something I could change. I'm also shorter than most elves, so…"
Cassandra did a double take at seeing I was now changed. I gave an amused grin.
I felt a flare of something – a change in the air and it seemed to coming from her. I watched her as her face slowly went slack and surprise showed.
I tilted my head, "Did you just… try to Seeker your way through me? Did you think I was a mage or something?"
She flushed, "I…well… perhaps?"
I shrugged and said, "Can we go stabilize the breach now? Leliana can go to the forward camp while you take us to test the mark on 'something smaller than the breach'."
The two looked at each other. Cassandra nodded and Leliana left.
I was let out of the cage, but Ellana was not. I looked at Cass, "Why bring me and not her?"
"You've managed to get weapons while in that cell – I doubt we could keep you there anyway. Until we know more, however, I wish to keep her here."
I shrugged, "These weapons will surprise you, so you know. They're loud and more than a little effective."
She looked confused, "What exactly are they?"
I smirked, "Navy Issue Colt 1911; also known as the Colt Government. It shoots .45 caliber bullets faster than a crossbow can shoot an arrow. It will leave a nice hole in something if I decide that something has pissed me off."
"… Prove it," she challenged. I nodded and pointed at a chair in the corner calling out, "Cover your ears."
Everyone did and I took the shot. The bullet embedded in the softer brick behind the chair. I policed my brass, of course.
Cassandra looked impressed, "What does it take to get one of those?"
"3 Months of training in firearm safety and management. In other words – no," I deadpanned – the last thing we needed was a trigger-happy warrior.
She gave me a confused look, "Why not? It is less training than with a sword or…"
"I said no, Cassandra – literally the last thing this world needs is guns and easier ways to kill one another. Come on – I want to see if the Commander is as handsome in person as he is in drawings."
She gave me a disgusted snort but I was too happy to care.
When we stepped outside, the hole in the sky was the first thing I noticed. It was green and black – swirling with the occasional meteorite falling from it. Platforms of land swirled in the air around the tornado-like vortex that extended from it.
She pointed, "We call it the breach – a massive tear into the world of demons that grows larger with each passing hour. It is not the only such rift – just the largest and the first. All were caused by the explosion at the conclave. Unless we act, the breach may grow until it swallows the world."
I glanced at Maxwell as he cried out in pain and fell to his knees. I knelt beside him, pulling a pain tonic from my pack and forcing his head back to pour it in. Cassandra cried out, "What are you doing?"
"I'm poisoning him – obviously. It's a pain tonic, Princess. That pretty little thing wants to kill him, it's bound to hurt."
This particular pain tonic was something I had simply thought of – so I had no idea what the effects were beyond numbing the pain.
"… Call me Cassandra."
"Or we can compromise and I'll call you Cass. Those are your options – Cass or Princess. You may be down the Nevarran line, but you are a princess."
She flushed, "I would prefer Cass, if those are my options. I do not really like Nevarra much."
"I know – when Anthony died, you had nothing tying you there any longer. I spent the last… well, I spent too many years in the Navy to call people anything other than a title, their last name or – if they're a friend – a nickname. I don't have an in-between option. I like you, I respect you – fuck, I'd take an arrow for you if I thought you couldn't take it yourself – because despite your harsh demeanor and lack of patience, you are an honorable woman who is devoted to her faith. Now, if that Breach swallows the world then we all die, so let's move on."
We reached a closed gate, where she yelled, "Open the gates – we are heading into the Valley."
"Yes, Seeker Cassandra."
We were walking swiftly – people pointing at me and Maxwell. I was armed, dressed well and looked like I was leading us rather than Cassandra. "How did I survive the blast?"
I snorted as Cassandra flushed, "They said you not only stepped from the rift right before she did. It was as though she was shoved, too. There was a woman behind you both; no one knew who she was. Admiral Cousland collapsed with her arms out protectively, though she had been shoved through."
I chuckled, "My title rings a bit hollow without a fleet of ships to command – besides I was retiring anyway. You may call me Celeste or Ms. Cousland – and I can see the wondering in your eyes, no I do not have any relation to the Queen."
She flushed, "You look almost identical to her – a bit younger and your eyes are a lovely purple, but otherwise…"
I blinked at that information – I wasn't even sure how I knew that Elissa had been the Hero of Ferelden… or that Leliana had been the romance option. Come to think of it, this explained Lelianas' reaction to me.
I shrugged, "Well… unless the reason for my past as an orphan is that I was magically teleported to another land as a newborn with the name Celeste Cousland written on a piece of paper, I can say with certainty…"
She cut me off, "You were an orphan?"
I rolled my eyes, "Indeed I am – no one could find anything remotely close in my DNA to anyone, so it was assumed that my name was picked at random by my mother who may have been in a terrible situation and feared for her life. I always assumed she died not long after leaving me at the fire station."
She looked thoughtful but said no more. Maxwell said, "I remember the Couslands having a younger daughter named Celeste – she was kidnapped the day she was born."
"I make no claims to be her and can see no reason why I would be her. Be sure to include that when you tell the Queen, Cass – that I make no claims. I would hate for her to think I was attempting to get close to her when she…"
Cass nodded firmly, "We do not know where Her Majesty is at the moment, but I will have our ambassador look into this matter while maintaining your stance so as not to upset the family. Many may mistake you for Queen Elissa regardless – be sure to correct them."
I smirked, "You intend to call me Admiral as often as possible to make up for the Princess comment, don't you?"
She flushed and said, "Well… perhaps it crossed my mind."
"I don't mind – it's been a title I've held for 8 years now so I will answer to it all the same. And when I ask Varric to write that book for you, I will keep your name out of it… on the condition lend me the first volume."
Her eyes widened, "… You won't tell him?"
"Honestly, I'll try not to – but unless I read the first, I have no reason to be asking for the second if he questions my interest…"
She thought for a moment, "I have a copy back at Haven… but tell anyone about this and I will deny it."
I chuckled, "There are very few people who would believe it anyway, Cass – Varric, Dorian and Maxwell are some of the few. You don't know Dorian yet, stop wracking your memory."
I looked around and cursed, "Jump!"
They both did without a second thought – just as the bridge collapsed. I landed on my feet – and thanks to my warning, they did too.
"Stay behind me," Cassandra said. I rolled my eyes and drew my guns while Maxwell dove for a two handed dual-bladed axe to our left. Just then I saw a vague purple form rise up from the lake – it was a hunched form with a rounded head that sported only one eye, two arms and a ghost-like bottom with no legs. It had spikes along the area I would have labeled to be its spine, though the way it was moving made me think there was no spine at all… perhaps the spikes were an exo-skeleton? I put one bullet in the shade as Cass killed the other.
Cassandra pointed her sword toward Max – who had his axe raised behind me. He lowered it and said, "Have it your way."
She shook her head, "No… I cannot protect you – and I should remember that you came along willingly to help."
I shrugged, "I could protect him, but I need to see him fight – I need to know if I should tell Cullen to whip him into shape with actual whips or if Maxwell will be fine."
Cassandra actually flashed me an amused smile, "So you would allow him into danger to test his combat prowess though you could defend him?"
"It's why I didn't kill the shade you were fighting – I am a damn good marksman and could have killed it before you even reached it. I wanted to see how you handled yourself. I know of your exploits – saving the previous Divine – and I know you earned your place as the Right Hand, but I needed to know if I needed to take command here."
She gave me an evaluating look, "That is fair – perhaps you would spar with me sometime?"
"Sure – after we get done saving asses, I'll put you on yours."
Maxwell laughed – I knew my words were cocky and arrogant, but I already knew I could best Cass in a fair fight.
I furrowed my brows and looked around again. Cass, trusting my instincts after my call with the bridge, asked, "What is it… and how did you know the bridge was going to collapse?"
"The bridge – from the story I told you about… but now… I can sense the earth. This isn't… normal. There's a plant over there – and ore beneath it. I could even tell you what they are – the information is just spilling into my brain. I don't think that it's magic…"
She shook her head, "It can't be – I used my seeker powers on you before remember? You have no magic in you, so what you're sensing… could be due to being in the Fade?"
I shrugged, "Let's move on – we can debate this later."
We were mostly quiet as we walked this time – I led the way, much to Maxwells' confusion. I knew it was Cass' way of testing me.
"We're getting close; you can hear the fighting up ahead." I tilted my head and listened, "Should we save them? It sounds like they are losing."
She bolted toward the sound.
We got to the ledge and I shot all four demons, causing Varric and Solas to look at me in stunned silence before Solace grabbed Maxwells' hand and shoved it into the Rift shouting, Quickly, before more come through!"
He was bald and stood at 5'7 with green eyes and pale skin. The dwarf with him stood at 4'6 with blond-brown hair, gold-green eyes, a squished and scarred nose, stubble with no actual beard and… his open shirt show-cased a lot of chest hair.
It was maybe 20 seconds before the rip just… sealed shut. I blinked and looked at him.
Maxwell glanced at me so I motioned to Solas.
Cassandra sighed, "So what did you do, Solas?"
Solas shook his head and clasped his hands behind his back, "I did nothing – the credit is his."
"At least this is good for something," Maxwell grumbled.
Solas nodded, "Whatever magic opened that breach in the sky also placed that mark upon your hand. I theorized that the mark might be able to close the rifts that have opened in the breaches wake – and it seems I was correct."
Cassandra seemed happy as she said, "Meaning it can also close the breach itself."
Solas shrugged, "Possibly."
This caused Cass and Max to look at me. I nodded firmly and they both looked satisfied, much to Solas' confusion.
The dwarf finally spoke, "Good to know; Here I thought we'd be ass-deep in demons forever." The dwarf approached me and gave a mocking bow, "Varric Tethras: rogue, story-teller and occasional unwelcome tag-along."
I smiled, "How is Bianca these days?"
He froze, "She and I have been together through everything… but I don't remember you."
"I wasn't talking about that Bianca…"
He narrowed his eyes, "I'm sure I don't know what you mean."
I shrugged, "As you say – Tell me Varric, would you class Hawke as sarcastic, diplomatic or aggressive?"
"… I would say Sarcastic."
I nodded, "What's a Mekel?"
Varric tried… he really tried to keep a straight face. But I could see the twitching of his lip so I added, "Looks like the duke...has fallen from grace."
He coughed and looked away. I smirked evilly and said, "One more line – for good measure: That's me, healing the poor, feeding the sick, and patting the hungry on the head."
He lost it, bending double and saying, "Oh, Hawke will love you."
Cassandra asked, "What did I just miss?"
"Everything I said was a line from the infamous man. I do so love when Hawke gets' smart-mouthed."
Varric shook his head, "I give up – you weren't there for any of that… how do you know?"
"But I was there. I happen to know everything that happened – even when Fenris and Hawke shared their first night together, I know how that… ahem, started. Do you think I'm guessing? I know most things because I lived them."
"… Tell me."
Solas scoffed, "Tell you what, dwarf?"
"I need to know how that started – Fenris would just brood and Hawke always just said that a gentleman doesn't kiss and tell!"
I grinned wickedly, "First – introductions. This is Maxwell Trevelyan, the Herald of Andraste and I am called Admiral Celeste Cousland."
Varric jerked, "Cousland – like the Queen or Teyrn?"
I snorted, "Not that I am aware of, though it seems I share my name with the lost daughter and my looks are near identical to the Queen. Just call me Celeste or… whatever, really."
He laughed, "I think you and I will get along quite well – just don't bring up Bianca again."
I bowed mockingly, "As you wish, Lord Tethras."
He groaned and I saw Solas smile – he loved that someone could annoy the Dwarf.
Maxwell jumped in, "So… you named your crossbow Bianca?"
"She'll be great help in the Valley."
Cassandra scoffed, "Your help is appreciated Varric, but…"
He cut her off, "Have you been to the Valley lately, Seeker? Your soldiers aren't exactly in charge anymore. You need me."
She grunted and Solas said to Maxwell, "My name is Solas, if there are to be introductions. I am… pleased to see you still live."
I heard Varric give a snort, "He means I kept that mark from killing you while you slept."
I chuckled, drawing all eyes, "Ar-melana dirthavaren. Revas vir-anaris," that was Fen'Harels' secret greeting.
My words were light, but the effect was instant. Solas responded seemingly at an impulse before realizing, "Amae lethalas… I see – you do indeed know more than one would believe – but do you believe in what you say?"
I smiled, "I believe in you, Solas – worry not. I really am a friend."
Varric sighed, "I didn't recognize any of that from my lessons with Daisy. Well, just one word – Revas. It means freedom right?"
"Very good Varric – Merrill was likely easy-going in your lessons, yes?"
He nodded, "Don't evade – what did it mean?"
I gave an amused look, "Did you know Fenris slammed Hawke against the wall on reflex that night? It was only when Hawke kissed him that things heated up."
Varric glared, "You're evading more."
"I'll tell you what was said the day you tell us all how you got Bianca. I mean, I already know – but I also know it's the one story you'll never tell."
He flinched, "Fine… was Broody glowing?"
"Like a torchbug in summer."
Solas looked amused, "As interesting as this topic is…"
I cursed, "Right – world to save, people to fuck over and a Commander to check out – let's go."
Varric laughed as we began walking, "You said you're an Admiral?"
"United States Navy, yes," I acknowledged.
Solas looked interested, "From what I've seen in the Fade, this… United States is not part of Thedas…"
I grinned, "Planet Earth in the Milky Way Galaxy, Mir Fen – the only connection to Thedas that I can see is dreams."
"Wait – you are saying that you came from a world beyond the Fade?" Cass cried out.
"And time seems to move faster there too – if I am actually Celeste Cousland of Highever, that is."
"What makes you say that?" Varric asked. Maxwell looked curious too.
"I'm 58 years old – when I was sucked into a damn rift in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, my body seemed to age backward. Tattoos were removed as I de-aged too… the tattoo I got for my 24th birthday looks brand new now, so I have to assume I'm about 24 now."
Solas' magic flared and I felt it examine me. I stumbled, "What's with the magic check-up, Mir Fen?"
"Why do you call him that?" Maxwell asked. "Noneya – that's why."
"The fuck is Noneya?" Varric grumbled.
"None ya damn buissness – in short hand."
Solas looked like he was trying not to smile as he said, "You could feel my magic?"
"And when Cass tried to Seeker Blast me, I felt it too – stop dancing and answer."
He nodded, "I was checking your age. You are indeed 24… and it seems that yesterday was your birthday if my calculations are accurate."
Maxwell cursed, "Yet another thing you share with the Lost Lady of Highever – are you sure you aren't her?"
"I'm starting to wonder, sure but… I don't… think so?"
Varric patted my arm, "Don't worry, Waves – we'll figure it out."
I chuckled, "Waves, huh? Sure, sounds good – I do love the open water. Mind you, being a Sea-woman wasn't what I always was. I didn't join until my late 20's because I went to medical school first."
Varric looked confused, "Medical School?"
"I am a certified surgeon, Varric – I specialized in Emergency Medicine, but I know quite a few procedures. I officially joined the Navy as a combat medic and did so many heroic things that they made me Admiral – meaning I was in charge of the Navy and I advised the President as part of his… inner circle. A President is like a king who can only rule 4 years at a time for a maximum of 8 years and is elected by the people of the country."
"That… does not seem like a safe system – anyone could…"
"Oh, Solas, you have no idea – we had a pretty bad president recently who everyone had compared to a notorious dictator from years ago before he ever took office. He still somehow won and… well, it wasn't pretty. He placed more value on money than saving the people and yet, half the country still supported him. Honestly, I recall saying 'I don't want to live on this planet anymore' near every time I had to go meet with him, but as someone who was pledged to the country… ugh."
Maxwell looked amused, "And now you don't live there anymore."
"Thank God – or the Maker or Fen'Harel for that. I think this was more Fen'Harels doing anyway – not like Jesus would do it."
"Jesus?" Cassandra asked.
I snorted, "Son of God – born to the Virgin Mary and died to save us lowly mortals from our sins. It's the most popular religion back on Earth."
I dug around for a bible in the strange pack at my hip and handed it to her, "That's the whole of the religious text right there – read at your discretion. People mostly twist the passages to fit their own needs these days. God says don't get tattoos, don't cut your hair, no mixed fabrics, no wearing gold or eating shellfish – but pretty much everyone does most of that. There are so many things that damn book bans but people still do it – and even call themselves devout Christians. People are stupid in my opinion."
I pointed up the path, "There's another rift outside the forward camp, Cass – pick up the pace or I test something about my new and strange abilities."
She picked up the pace.
We took care of the rift easily enough.
As we approached Leliana, my gaze was drawn to the man with her. He wore robes of white and red and wearing a black hat with white piping on it… He was pale skinned, covered in wrinkles and had brown eyes. This man was shouting.
"You made it; Chancellor Roderick, this is," Leliannas words were cut off.
"I know who he is! As Grand Chancellor, I order you to take this criminal to Val Royeaux to face execution!"
I snorted, "Forgive me, my name is Admiral Celeste Cousland; and by my order, this man is to be protected. You see, he doesn't remember what happened in the Fade – but I do. This man is Andrastes' Herald and I will protect him myself if need be."
Cass jumped in, "And you think to order me? You are a glorified clerk – a bureaucrat!"
"And you are a thug; but supposedly a thug who serves the chantry!"
Leliana spoke, "We serve the Most Holy, Chancellor – as you well know."
I gave a dark chuckle, "As I said – Maxwell is my charge and I will not forsake him for a random clerk who was too unimportant to even be at the Conclave. I will follow the orders of only a few people – King, Maxwell and Hands of the Divine. You couldn't take me if you had an army at your disposal. I dare you to try."
Roderick snarled, "Justinia is dead! We must elect a replacement and obey her orders on the matter."
"Closing the breach is the more pressing issue – I cannot allow this world to fall." I said.
Chancellor Roderick snapped at me, "Your charge brought this on us in the first place! Call a retreat, Seeker. Our position here is hopeless."
"You plan to stop me?" I asked with a smirk.
"If need be! You must face just…" I was around the table in two moves, slamming his head down into it. I looked at Cassandra, "Now what?"
She looked startled, but not angry, "We must get to the Temple – the valley is the quickest route."
Leliana spoke as the Chancellor held his nose, "But not the safest. Our forces can serve as a distraction while we go through the mountain pass."
"We lost contact with an entire squad on that path! It is too risky."
The chancellor, sounding more subdued, said, "Please – listen to me. Abandon this now before it is too late – before more lives are lost."
Maxwells' hand flared though he didn't seem to be in pain thanks to the tonic I had given him.
Cassandra looked at him, "What do you think we should do?"
Maxwell looked at me, "I'll follow your lead in this, Admiral – you haven't led us astray yet."
"The patrol is still alive, Leliana get someone up there. The rift there will seal when we stabilize the breach. Even if we don't save them, we save more lives by going the Valley route – and I am a big fan of keeping as many people alive as I possibly can."
Cassandra smiled, "Then we should set off at once." As we passed the Chancellor, he scoffed and said, "On your head be the consequences, Seeker."
I finally tested my theory – elemental control – by flexing my hand so that the air forced his head into the table again, stunning everyone.
Cassandra asked, "How…?"
"Not sure – I theorized that I gained elemental control in the Fade. It's why I can sense the plants and ores around us. But as you well know, I'm not a mage so this is… unique. It makes me wonder if Ellana got anything in the Fade since Maxwell has that and I got…"
My control wasn't that great however – I had intended to trip the chancellor but that hadn't worked at all.
We came to a ruin door – obviously the entrance to what was once the temple. Just past that was where I saw him.
I took in his features and took note of his unique armor and weapons. He stood at 6'3 with wavy blonde hair, pale skin, and whisky amber eyes – like in the sunlight, they were a lighter color. His voice was deep and resonating as he called out commands to the men around him.
I took off like a bullet shooting every demon I saw and thanking my lucky stars that they worked. Cullens' head snapped to look at me – as did every soldier I saved with my guns. I had to reload both guns twice before all the demons were dead.
He was so caught up in looking at me he didn't see Maxwell close the rift. I holstered my guns before policing all my brass – the bullets themselves disappeared with the demons bodies, but the casings… I was an environmentalist, so I wasn't just going to leave the brass.
"Lady Cassandra! You managed to close the rift? Well done!" I heard him call out.
"Do not thank me, commander – this was Maxwells' doing. And Lady Cousland here is the one you can't take your eyes off of."
I chuckled, "Admiral Celeste Cousland, Commander – at your service."
He flushed, "I… what are those?"
"Colt 1911 – Naval issue guns… you're pretty good with that sword."
"I would… hope so – I spent the last 10 years using it… Cousland, did you say? Like…?"
"Not that I am aware of – Queen Elissa did have a younger sister named Celeste, but I believe this may be the one exception to my rule."
"What rule is that, Waves?"
"I don't believe in coincidences – I follow the same rules as a favorite story character of mine named Gibbs."
Cass asked, "Such as?"
"Rule Number 9 – never go anywhere without a knife."
Cullen nodded, "A good rule, Admiral. I hope they're right about him – we lost a lot of good men…"
"Maxwell is Andrastes' Herald – I can promise you that, Commander. In fact, I promise you that the breach will be stabilized today."
He gave me a small smirk, "Care to wager on that?"
I grinned, "If I win – you buy me a drink. If you win, I'll give you a gun and show you how to use it."
Cass sputtered, "But you said you wouldn't…"
"Oh, for the man I have a huge crush on, I'll make an exception."
Cullen flushed and said, "The uh… the way to the temple should be clear, but I'll try to buy some more time. Lelianna will try to meet you there."
We entered the Temple, "The breach is a long way up, Waves… can you get him to it?"
"The breach is connected to that rift there; if I'm right, that's where we re-emerged. All we have to do is seal that rift, and it will stabilize the breach."
Solas nodded, "That is my thought as well."
"You're here; thank the Maker!"
"Position your men, Nightingale. We will have one nasty son of a pride demon to fight when we reopen that rift so we can seal it." She nodded and began barking orders as we made our way down.
"Now is the hour of our Victory; bring forth the sacrifice." I heard Corypheus speak in his deep and deceptively sexy voice. Cassandras head whipped to look at me, "What are we hearing?"
"At a guess, the person who really made the breach," I gave a curt nod at Solas' words. "Why is that voice familiar?" Varric muttered.
I sighed, "Because you've met this evil-doer before – you just don't realize it yet."
We passed the chunks of glowing red Lyrium and Varric gasped, "You know this stuff is Red Lyrium, seeker…"
"I can see it, Varric."
"But what's it doing here?"
I cleared my throat. "This mountain was brimming with Lyrium. Magic drew on it and the enemy corrupted it."
"Well, its evil… don't touch the stuff," Varric spat.
"Keep the sacrifice still," Corypheus intoned before Justina cried out, "Someone, help me!"
"That is Divine Justinias' voice!" Cassandra cried as we hopped down into the 'pit'.
That's when Maxs' hand flared and the 'vision' started.
"Someone help me!"
Maxwells' voice cried, "What's going on here?"
Ellana showed up with him, but she just seemed to be glaring at the dark mass.
"Run while you can, warn them!"
"We have an intruder… slay the boy and his pet!" must be talking about Ellana there.
"You were there! Who…?" Cassandra rounded on Maxwell – but not me. I hadn't been in the vision.
I cut in, "There was a fear demon in the fade that took his memories – you'll get no answers for the time being, Seeker."
"You really remember the Fade?" Maxwell asked softly.
"No – I don't. The damn thing took my memories too. I just know what happened because of the story I told you about. The fade bleeds into this place. What you just saw are echoes of what happened."
"She is right… and this rift is sealed… albeit temporarily. She's right that we need to reopen it, and that it will attract attention from the other side."
I showed Maxwell how to open the rift – and how to disrupt it so that the demon would be off balance.
When the rift finally closed, I caught him before he could fall over and tossed him over my shoulder in a fireman carry – I had always been unnaturally strong, which was one big reason the Navy loved me.
