A/N: Given the size of this monster, I have decided to fill in a few gaps in my Grim Tales collection. Oghren's meeting with Felsi at the Tavern, Fergus and Kally's final surrender to each other, and of course a small intro for the Hawke family, given the fact that I have brought Carver into this. To answer the question, yes, I have been thinking about Dragon Age 2 lately, and now that I'm drawing closer to the end of Stormbreaker, I will probably start exploring those characters soon. For now, thanks for all the people who have continued favoriting and reviewing this story, it keeps me motivated and able to continue, thanks.

DG

Chapter 130: The Pawn

Alim and his party had no trouble leaving the confines of Fort Drakon. Thanks to Leliana.

The bard had been busy early on. She had recognized the need to cause a distraction early on. The guards in the main hall were many, and unlike Carver, the two women had not been able to learn the guard rotations that would have made their journey to the prison level that much easier.

"Keep them busy," Leliana had whispered to the witch.

"I will be back."

She slipped away just as the first soldier noticed a chantry sister in their midst.

No one saw the bard go.

Morrigan had done her part, keeping the young soldiers distracted. Few veterans were manning Fort Drakon now; all of them were needed in the field, putting down the last remnant of the nobles' rebellion against Loghain and his men. Most of the boys here were conscripts, still training and yet to see a real battle. Their fears drove them to seek blessing from the beautiful raven haired sister.

Morrigan tried to say what these men wanted to hear, but at the same time, speaking praises of the Maker, words she did not believe herself, came hard, and almost stuck in her throat. She glanced around in barely controlled panic, this was Leliana's arena not hers.

The witch had frowned.

She was going to kill the chantry twit for leaving her in such a situation. She…

One of the ballistae near the entrance to the lower level fired. Soldiers and staff both jumped as the heavy bolt struck the supports of another ballistae near the front of the chamber, the great war machine tilted as the heavy platform gave way, bolts, as well as pots of oil and other circle produced projectiles rolled down into the chamber creating greater confusion.

The guards and soldiers scattered, trying to prevent a fire or something worse should any of the "Special" containers ignited. Morrigan stood dumbfounded, until Leliana appeared next to her.

The bard had a smile on her face.

"The way is clear now," she said gesturing to the door to the prison level. The woman trusted to guard it had joined her fellows in trying to restore order. No one was even looking at the fired ballistae, the weapon that had started this mess, they were too busy trying to work clean up, but that would not last forever.

Both recognized the truth.

They needed to move…now!

Leliana was practically beaming as they made their way deeper into the fortress; so far, there had been no attempt by the guards to raise the alarm.

She smiled.

So far, everything was working perfectly.

Morrigan glared at her companion, still angry at her for leaving her with the fools that called themselves "the faithful."

"Why are you smiling," the witch demanded.

"I am not," Leliana said, "I'm simply…excited."

Morrigan shook her head.

"Tis more than that," she said, "You enjoy this don't you, all this sneaking around and causing trouble."

Her amber eyes narrowed.

"You love this foolishness."

Leliana pursed her lips. She considered what the witch had said.

She hated to admit it, but her companion was right.

On some small level, she still did love this.

Outsmarting those in power, turning their strength against them, it was the game in its purest form…

The thought made her frown.

She had tried so hard to forget that life. Alim had helped her accept that part of herself, but that did not mean that she wanted to dive back into the bardic life with no fore-thought.

No, she had tried too hard.

She did not want to be that person again.

She shrugged at her companion.

"I will always be a bard," she said softly, "But I endeavor to be more. I accept the darkness in me, but that does not mean that I wish to wallow in it."

Her eyes narrowed.

"I control it," she said, "It does not control me."

Morrigan sneered, but in the end she shook her head and smiled.

"Perhaps there is hope for you yet, Leliana."

The bard said nothing, she knew that the witch respected her darkness, and she respected control.

The bard shook her head.

She walked a fine line, a tight rope with dragon's fire for a safety net.

She took a deep breath.

She was determined not to be burned.

Leliana glanced around.

"According to my contacts," she said, "The more valued prisoners are kept in the lower levels. We will no doubt find Alim there."

The witch shrugged.

"Lead the way then," she said, "We do not have all day."

Leliana nodded, checking the blade hidden up her sleeve.

They needed to be quick and careful now.

They made their way down a small staircase; there were several large pillars before them.

Morrigan had suggested that they lose the disguises, but Leliana had rejected that idea.

The robes might still prove useful if they bumped into anyone who considered themselves one of the faithful. They…

That was when Alim had grabbed her. She had nearly lunged at him with her dagger but he was so familiar with her fighting style that he had neutralized her easily.

His kiss told her who he was, and brought a smile to her face.

"Hello Leli," he had said grinning, "Fancy meeting you here."

A mixture of relief, joy, and anger played across her face. She wanted to hit him, but at the same time she was just grateful that he was safe…

That he was alive.

"Who is this," Morrigan said interrupting their reunion.

She was pointing at the guard who had helped him…

…The guard that was now glaring daggers at Morrigan.

"You," he spat, "You…you're a witch."

Morrigan sneered at him.

"Do I know you, boy?" she cooed.

Carver's eyes narrowed.

"I know your mother," he spat, "You…you have her eyes. She…"

Alim frowned at them both.

"We don't have time for this," he hissed, interrupting them.

It was at that moment that Leliana noticed how badly hurt her dearest was, he was only just managing to stay on his feet.

She looked at both guard and witch.

"We can settle any personal problems later," she said, "For now…"

"We need to get out of here, before we are discover, yes," Morrigan agreed, "Tis a wise idea."

"Yeah," Alim agreed, he leaned heavily against the wall.

He turned to the soldier.

"Ladies," he said, "This is Carver, he got me out of my cell."

The soldier nodded, but said nothing, continuing to glare at Morrigan, who pinned him with a feral sneer.

Alim tapped him on the shoulder, drawing his attention.

"Which way Carver?" he asked.

The warrior shook his head, but gestured.

"The main hall is this way," he said, "But we have to wait for the guard change."

Leliana chuckled.

"There is no need; I arranged for…a distraction."

Morrigan snorted.

"Is that what you call that chaos?"

Leliana shrugged.

"Of course."

Alim chuckled.

"That's my girl," he purred.

He caught her blush slightly as she pulled her hood back over her features.

"You can pat yourselves on the back later," Carver said in surly voice, "For now, let's go, we don't have much time."

The warden and the two ladies seemed to agree.

Carver took the lead, as the two women followed in his wake.

Alim took the rear guard, pulling his hood farther up over his bruised face.

A few moments later a Fort Drakon guard escorted two chantry sisters through the main hall. A scout followed behind them. With the chaos of the malfunctioning ballistae no one noticed how bad the scout was limping, or bothered to check under his hood.

It would be almost an hour before someone discovered the warden was gone.

By then…they had made good their escape.

IOI

It seemed that the Maker was watching over them, no one sounded the alarm until the four where well out of eyeshot of the fortress' high walls. Still the group moved quickly, not wishing to get picked up by some random patrol that was taking its time coming back.

By the time that they made it to the back alleys of the city, Alim was out of breath, the injuries and torture finally drained away the last of his adrenaline and strength.

He sank to his knees, coughing weakly, the armor he was wearing felt like it had gained thirty pounds, it was all he could do to keep from sinking in the muck of a Ferelden back alley.

Leliana was at his side in an instant.

"Dearest?" she cooed.

Alim waved her off.

"I'm fine," he gasped, "Just need to catch my breath."

Leliana stayed at his side.

She did not look convinced.

Alim wheezed weakly, he coughed into the hard stone, his remaining strength almost spent, three days with little food or water had left him beyond weakened.

Morrigan approached him.

"You need healing," she said, "Here; this will get you back on your feet.

Alim sighed with relief as she touched his chest with a glowing blue hand. He raised his own hand, took deep breath and focused.

A few sparks crackled between his fingertips, not much, but it was a start.

The elf smiled.

His magic was starting to return. Soon he would be.

"UHNNNNN!"

They all turned as Carver fell to his knees, the soldier clutched at his chest, his helmet fell from his head, revealing short black hair and pale skin.

The man shuddered, his blue eyes filled with pain.

Morrigan rose.

"What is the matter with him?"

Alim's eyes narrowed.

Even in his weakened state he could feel magic.

Carver gasped.

The soldier was encased in magic!

Someone was torturing him.

"Stop it," he spat, "I did what you asked! Why? Why are you doing this?"

Alim's good ear twitched.

"Who are you…?"

Carver fell to the cobble stones, writhing in pain.

"I wasn't going to leave," he gasped, "I…I only thought about it! Please!"

It was then that Alim realized that Carver was not speaking to them.

He was talking to whoever had enchanted him.

The soldier let out a shuddering breath. Tears were coming from his blue eyes. He…he looked like he was about to pass out.

He hissed one last time.

"Please."

Whoever was behind the attack finally decided to listen.

They released him.

As quick as it had begun, the attack stopped, Carver slumped over, gasping trying to regain his breath.

Morrigan tried to approach him with a glowing hand.

Carver knocked it away.

"Don't touch me," he spat, "Stay away from me, Witch!"

He glared at her with pure hate.

"I've had enough help from your kind!"

She glared at him, but remained silent.

Carver struggled to his feet, brushing himself off.

"Damn her," he spat, "Damn her straight to the void!"

It was then, without his helmet, that Leliana realized who she was looking at.

"Hawke,' she said, "You…you are Carver Hawke."

He glanced at her, still dealing with the fading pain in his chest.

She removed her hood.

Carver blinked.

"Sis…Sister Leliana?" he said, "I…what…what are you doing here?"

Alim looked at them both.

"You two know each other?"

Leliana smiled.

"He's from Lothering, Alim," she said, "His family lived on one of the outlying farms, kept to themselves mostly. His sister Bethany was always welcome at the chantry. She…"

Leliana frowned.

"Carver," she said a worried look on her face, "where is your family now?"

He shook his head.

"I don't know," he replied, "I…Mother said she wanted to try and get to Kirkwall, we were attacked and…"

Carver shook his head.

"They think…think I'm dead. The witch…she…she made them believe I was dead."

He glared at Morrigan again.

"She was watching the attack," he growled, "I tried to protect mother from an ogre, but…it grabbed me…it…it…"

He was almost made mute with rage, but still he continued his story.

"I woke…hours later, wrapped in my cloak, she made everyone think I was dead, she must have cast the spell during the fight, after I fell I couldn't move. Then…then she came for me, after my family was asleep."

"She could have let you die, boy," Morrigan said blandly, "Count your blessings."

He continued to glare at her, if looks could kill…"

He continued with his story. His voice was almost cracking now.

"She burned some random body in my cloak. She told me that she had saved me for reason. She said that I could not rejoin my family until I repaid my debt.

He looked ready to leap on Morrigan, to throttle her.

She remained as cool and haughty as ever.

"You see what happens if I even think about disobeying," he snarled.

Morrigan sniffed and crossed her arms over her chest.

"It does sound like a spell my mother might use, yes."

Leliana gave her a sour look.

She turned to Alim.

"Could you help him, dearest," she asked, "Free him from this spell?"

Alim glanced at Carver. The soldier had a hopeful expression on his face.

"When I get my strength back, maybe," he said leaning on Leliana, "But there is likely a quicker way."

He looked at Morrigan.

They all looked at Morrigan.

"What?" the witch demanded.

"Morrigan," Leliana said.

"I do not know all my mother's spells," she said.

"But you know her magic," Alim said, "You might be able to puzzle out the answer."

"Perhaps," the witch shrugged.

"You also have your mother's spell book," Leliana reminded her, "Perhaps the answer is there."

Morrigan rolled her eyes.

"Were you both not listening, the boy is bound to protect you, as long as he obeys, he will…"

"MORRIGAN!" Alim and Leliana said in unison, now they were glaring at her.

The witch huffed.

"Very well," she spat raising her hands in surrender, "I will consult mother's grimoire. If the spell is there, I will try to come up with a counter spell. Tis the best I can do."

She glared at her three companions.

"Tis all I can promise for now."

Alim seemed to relax.

"Thanks Morrigan," he said giving her a weak smile.

"I knew we could count on you."

The witch rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath.

Carver still continued to pin her with a vicious stare, but she ignored him.

The sound of raised, official sounding, voices entered their conversation.

Carver drew his blade, as Leliana helped Alim further down the alley. They would have to take the long way back to the Arl's estate, it would be slower, but likely safer than the straight shot that would soon be filling with guards.

IOI

Carver took the rear guard; he would make sure no one came up behind them, not until they were safely back at the Arl's estate. The pain in his chest continued to tingle, a reminder of the witch's leash.

He shot the witch's daughter another withering glance.

The dark haired sorceress sneered at him.

"Avert your eyes, boy," she purred, "Unless you wish for something…unfortunate to happen to you."

Carver tightened his hand around the hilt of his sword.

The witch sniffed and followed after her allies.

Carver continued to glare daggers at her back.

Damn the woman, and damn her foul mother too!

He dared a quick thought of his family, praying that it would not invoke "his mistress'" whip.

Had they made it to Kirkwall? Were they safe in mother's family estate?

He shook his head.

The thought of mother's pain at his death haunted him. He wanted to jump on the first ship, and go searching for her, but…

He felt the fingers of magic starting to curl around his heart.

He abandoned such thoughts.

The pain subsided.

He took a deep breath.

He had no choice, he would have to remain here…for now.

His thoughts drifted to his sisters, his two apostate sisters. As much as he had wanted to get away from them, he found he was now worried about them, more worried than he would ever have admitted.

He imagined Bethany, how would she react to living in a city full of Templars?

He then…then thought of Moira.

He shook his head.

Moira was the most bookish, quiet girl he had ever known. The only time she had ever raised her voice was to him during one of their many arguments.

How would a wallflower like Moira survive in Kirkwall?

He feared…that she would not.

Carver's eyes narrowed.

He realized in that moment that he had a new mission, no matter what the witch who had bound him thought…

…He would not simply be the foul woman's pawn.

He would find a way to escape.

He had to survive this, the only way that would happen if the warden survived, so…that is what would happen.

When he was done, he would be on the first ship to Kirkwall.

He picked up the pace, trying to keep up with the warden and the two women.

He feared that Bethany and Moira would not survive without him.

He would not have that.

He had to reach them.

He had…to survive.