Solas and Varric were both tired. Together with the remaining five from originally twelve soldiers, they were fighting at a rift and hindered the demons from there to get into Haven. The Rift in the vail was open for two hours now and it continued to spat out Demons. The soldier next to Varric gasped for breath. The young man had a deep wound on his left side. Solas rushed to him and started to heal the wound, when a shriek made him look up. Another demon came out from the rift together with three others. Fenedis Solas cursed and started to cast his magic. Ice erupted from the ground and froze a shade solid. A soldier took the opportunity and shattered the demon into pieces. More demons came out of the rift and as the fight continued, Solas could see two figures jumping down from the destroyed path which leaded into the direction of Haven.
He could make out the Seeker Cassandra Pentaghast and the Dalish elf with the red hair and the mark on his hand. The Nevarran woman attacked a shade together with a wounded soldier. Solas felt how a protective barrier felled on him and how the barrier did hold the damage back from a demon. That must be the prisoner. Solas was a little surprised to see, that the redhaired Dalish elf with the green Vallaslin of Mythal on his forehead didn't use a staff. He was clearly a mage but he had daggers in his hands. Mahanon Lavellan sliced a demon in half with his daggers. The staff he had found on his way here was of very poor quality and did break when he had blocked the claw of the very first shade he had encountered. He had used his magic back then but it was a little more difficult without a staff. But he had managed to kill the demon. However Mahanon had made a mental note to train and got better in casting magic without a staff. Just in case his staff would broke again and he would have no other weapon with him. Well if he would ever get a chance to. He didn't know what would happen to him once the breach was closed. Cassandra had promised a trial but that could mean he would have to die. The daggers he now had were of better quality and he had looted them from a dead rouge. A bald elf with a green tunic and a wolfjaw necklace around his head approached him with two quick steps, one all demons were dead Quickly, before more come through! the elf yelled and cool hands grabbed his tingling left hand with the mark on it and pointed it against the rift. A green connection came from the rift to his hand and then the rift closed with a loud shattering sound. The bald elf let go of Mahanons hand and relieve could be seen on his face. What did you do? Mahanon asked and looked at the green glowing mark in his hand. I did nothing. The credit is yours. The bald elf said with a small smile. The voice was familiar to Mahanon and he looked at the elf with a small smile. Weren't you the one who gave me water? He asked and the bald elf nodded. Yes. I took care of you while you slept. He means. ` I kept that mark from killing you while you slept. Varric barged in. Mahanon turned around and saw a blond dwarf with blue sparkling eyes and a strange crossbow on his back. Despite the cold weather the dwarfs shirt was opened wide and revealed an amazing amount of chesthair. Varric Tethras. Rouge, storyteller and occasionally unwelcome dwarf said and did come closer, winking at Cassandra as he said the part with the tagalong. Cassandras face turned dark and she made a disgusted sound. My name is Solas, if there are to be introductions. I`m pleased to see, that you still live. The bald elf said. I`m Mahanon Lavellan. Pleased to meet you all. Mahanon said and smiled. Then Cassandra started to discuss the mark and the breach with Solas and they agreed to move onwards to the forward camp and from there to the Temple of sacred Ashes to close the breach. Lets go redhaid Varric said and jumped over a rock. Mahanon nodded and followed his new companions downwards into the valley.
The forward camp was located on a bridge. However before they could get in they had to close another rift. Solas and Varric had commented it with the words We are clear for the moment. Well done and Whatever that thing on your hand is, its useful The guards opened the gate and they were able to walk into the forward camp. Soldiers were standing around and two angry voices could already be heard from a tent across the camp.
We must prepare the soldiers . The prisoner must get to the Temple of sacred Ashes! It's our only chance! Lelianas voice could be heard. You have already caused enough trouble without resorting to this exercise in futility! A man in cleric robes yelled back. Leliana looked up as the group approached. Ah here they come. The man said and looked up as well. He starred at Mahanon with disgust and hate. Leliana stepped forward You made it. Chancellor Roderick this is-. she started to speak but the Chancellor interrupted her. I know who he is. As grand Chancellor of the Chantry, I hereby order you to bring this Criminal to Val Royeaux to face execution! he said and looked at Cassandra. Order ME? You are a glorified Clerk a Bureaucrat! Cassandra said and her tone went unfriendly as she stepped forward. And you are a thug. But a thug who supposedly serves the Chantry! Chancellor Rodericks tone went even more unfriendly. We serve the most Holy, Chancellor as you well know! Leliana interrupted him and her voice was sharp as a dagger. Justinia is dead! We must elect a replacement. And obey her Orders on that matter. The Chancellor answered angry and Mahanon sighted a little bit. Isn't closing the breach the more pressuring issue? He asked and looked at the shemlen with his stupid hat. YOU BROUGHT THIS UPON US IN THE FIRST PLACE! the Chancellor roared at the top of his lungs. Mahanon sighted again. This shemlen was hopeless and blind for the threat in the sky. He didn't like him. His left hand tingled again and then the mark started to react again. The breach expanded in the sky with a loud sound and Mahanons nerves felt like they were on fire. Groaning he looked at the Chancellor. Whatever you say is useless. We need to close that breach. I need to close it or all of Thedas will be doomed. You can discuss what will happen to me later. I won't survive long enough to keep listening and do nothing let's go! He said and walked forward. Well spoken. Varric commented and grinned. Together with Solas, Varric and Cassandra he left a baffled Chancellor and a small smiling Leliana behind and took the quickest route to the Temple of Sacred Ashes.