Maxwell slowly opened his eyes and he was relieved to discover that he was not in chains and instead lying on a bed. Above him was a roof. The grain in one of the beams formed a pattern that resembled the face of a dog, it appeared that he was still in Ferelden.
He then heard the sound of a door opening and turned slowly to see a young elven girl.
The young elven girl leaped backwards in surprise, dropping the box she was carrying. Causing him to sit up immediately.
"Oh!" She stared, wide-eyes. "I didn't know you were awake, I swear!"
He began to rub his head, he had a massive headache. "Don't worry about it. I only—"
The elven girl fell to her knees. "I beg your forgiveness and your blessing. I am but a humble servant." She looked up at Maxwell. "You are back in Haven, my lord." The girl's eyes were huge, almost worshipful. "They say you saved us. The Breach stopped growing, just like the mark on your hand. It's all anyone has talked about for the last three days."
Clearly he had missed a lot in the last three days, because before everyone wanted to kill him and now he appeared to be worshipped. Maxwell then looked down at the mark on her hand. It ached dully, but no longer burned. "Then the danger is over?"
"The Breach is still in the sky, but that's what they say," said the girl scrambled to her feet, and walked backwards a couple steps. "I'm certain Lady Cassandra would want to know you've wakened. She said, 'at once.'"
It took her a moment to put a face to the name. The Seeker. "And where is she?"
"In the Chantry, with the Lord Chancellor and your honour guard." The girl started to leave, and then turned back. "'At once,' she said."
The sound of the door shutting made her jump. Maxwell stood, slowly. He felt felt slightly dizzy for a moment, but it passed quickly. Haven. Then the Chantry would be… He'd find it. Someone had dressed him in… that was a lot of buttons. He found his clothing in a trunk, underneath some of the most overdone armour he'd never seen. It took him a few minutes to get dressed, and he winced as the armoured tunic settled over his bruised shoulder.
He took a deep breath, and walked to the door.
He came to a dead stop two paces outside the door. It wasn't the bright light that stopped him, but the crowd of people. Staring. At him. Not just staring. Many of them had their fists pressed to their hearts in a gesture of respect. Some were staring at him with open mouthed adoration.
A voice from the back of the crowd reached his ears. "That's him. That's the Herald of Andraste."
Other voices came. "They said when he came out of the Fade, Andraste herself was watching over him and that she chose the others that accompanied him."
"Hush. We shouldn't disturb him."
"That's him. He stopped the Breach from getting any bigger."
"I heard he was supposed to close it entirely."
Some of them were bowing, on their knees, like he was a king. This was a certain change of pace, because three days ago everyone wanted him dead.
"Still, it's more than anyone else has done. Demons would have had us otherwise."
The Chantry sisters bowed their heads as she passed.
"Still a lot of rifts left all over. Little cracks in the sky."
"He can seal those, though—the Herald of Andraste and his honour guard."
"Someone had better. You won't seal those rifts with the Chant of Light."
"Chancellor Roderick says that the Chantry wants nothing to do with us."
The huge doors of the Chantry blocked the sight of the people. He had clearly missed a lot since he was out and began to wonder what happened to Adaar and the others, for it sounded like that they were alive and well.
His footsteps echoed through the Chantry as he walked towards the inner door. More voices drifted towards him. Arguing. It took him a second to recognise Roderick and Cassandra. Cassandra, it seemed, was now convinced of her innocence, at least.
His hand was on the door handle. He took a deep breath, and opened the door.
There indeed were standing Cassandra and Roderick, but also there were Adaar, Ellana, Erdic and Adaar.
Roderick glared. "Chain him. I want him prepared for travel to the capital for trial."
Both templars turned to look at Cassandra. Cassandra gestured. "Disregard that, and leave us." The templars closed their fists over their hearts and left the room.
Roderick's eyes narrowed. "You walk a dangerous line, Seeker. I've already allowed you to allow his accomplices to walk free."
Cassandra glared at him. "The Breach is stable, but it is still a threat. I will not ignore it."
Maxwell found his own voice. "I did everything I could to close the Breach. It almost killed me."
"Yet you live," Roderick sneered. "A convenient result, insofar as you're concerned."
"Have a care, Chancellor," said Cassandra threateningly. "The Breach is not the only threat we face."
"Someone was behind the explosion at the Conclave," said Leliana came around the table to stand near Cassandra. "Someone Most Holy did not expect." Her steel-coloured eyes watched Roderick. "Perhaps they died with the others—or have allies who yet live."
"It did sound like that there were others in the chambers," said Adaar.
"And all I know is that I did sensed powerful magic before we entered into the chambers, I find it hard to believe that someone that powerful could have entered into the temple without anyone knowing," Ellana added.
"I am a suspect?" Roderick actually took a step backwards.
"You, and many others," said Leliana coldly.
"But not the prisoners." Roderick gestured at the four of them.
"I heard the voices in the temple." Cassandra shook her head. "The Divine called to them for help."
"So their survival, that thing on his hand—all a coincidence?" Roderick all but threw up his hands.
"Providence," said Cassandra with a firm nod. "The Maker sent her to us in our darkest hour."
"So you've changed your mind about us," Erdic noted.
"I was wrong," Cassandra admitted. "Perhaps I still am. I will not, however, pretend you four were not exactly what we needed when we needed it."
"The Breach remains, and your mark is still our only hope of closing it." Leliana leaned on the table, gazing down at the map.
"This is not for you to decide," said Roderick folded his arms.
Cassandra picked up a thick book and set it on the table. The sound echoed off the stone walls of the room. "You know what this is, Chancellor." She set her hand on the book. "A writ from the Divine, granting us the authority to act. As of this moment, I declare the Inquisition reborn." She stepped towards the Chancellor, forcing him to step back. "We will close the Breach, we will find those responsible, and we will restore order. With or without your approval."
He started to say something, then turned and stomped out of the room. Leliana's eyes focused on the book. "This is the Divine's directive: rebuild the Inquisition of old. Find those that will stand against the chaos." Her voice was quiet, and there was an almost haunted look in her eyes. "We aren't ready. We have no leader, no numbers, and now no Chantry support."
"But we have no choice: we must act now," said Cassandra turned to the four of them. "With you at our side."
Maxwell eyes glanced down at the book. "What is 'the Inquisition of old,' exactly?" he asked.
"It preceded the Chantry. People who banded together to restore order in a world gone mad," Leliana's explained.
"After, they laid down their banner and formed the Templar Order," said Cassandra. She then shook her head. "But the templars have lost their way. We need those who can do what must be done united under a single banner once more."
Ellana frowned at the two women. "But aren't you still part of the Chantry?"
Cassandra snorted. "Is that what you see?"
"The Chantry will take time defined a new Divine, and then wait for her direction," said Leliana.
"But we cannot wait. So many grand cleric has died at the Conclave…" Cassandra shook her head. "No, we are on our own. Perhaps forever."
Maxwell came to the Conclave just to restore order and just looking Adaar's eyes that was her goal was well. Ellana couldn't return to her clan or else people would hunt them down and kill them and as for Edric, he very much doubt that the Carta would protect as well as the Inquisition.
Maxwell then turned and looked at Cassandra and Leliana. "If you're truly trying to restore order…"
"That is the plan," siad Leliana.
Cassandra held out a hand. "Help us fix this before it's too late."
Maxwell nodded, and gripped Cassandra's hand with her own.
Haven reminded Ellana of a disturbed anthill. Ravens were flying constantly, taking messages far and wide on black wings. Just outside the walls, young men and women set aside their shovels and picked up swords.
Someone brought her new gear. The leather coat was well-made, and fit her perfectly. She let a servant take away the beaten gear she'd been wearing earlier. Mostly, she just tried to stay out of everyone's way.
Near the apothecary, she came upon Solas doing the same thing. He nodded in greeting and then turned his gaze upon Maxwell. "The Chosen of Andraste, a blessed hero sent to save us."
Ellana just smiled. "Is he riding in on a shining steed?"
His gray eyes twinkled. "I would have suggested a griffon, but sadly, they're extinct." He gestured for her to walk with him. "Joke as you will, posturing is necessary." She joined him as they walked a slow circuit of the town. "I've journeyed deep into the Fade in ancient ruins and battlefields to see the dreams of lost civilisations. I've watched as hosts of spirits clashed to reenact the bloody past in ancient wars both famous and forgotten. Every great war has its heroes. I'm just curious what kind the four of you will be."
For a moment, she watched the elven mage out of the corner of her eye. He was unusual, for he clearly was no city elf and definitely not Dalish. "What do you mean, ruins and battlefields?"
He shrugged. "Any building strong enough to withstand the rigors of time has a history. Every battlefield is steeped in death. Both attract spirits. They press against the veil, weakening the barrier between our worlds." A faraway look came over his face. "When I dream in such places, I go deep into the Fade. I can find memories no other living being has ever seen."
Her eyes widened. "You fall asleep in the middle of ancient ruins?" She knew how dangerous it was to enter in ancient ruins will while awake. "Isn't that dangerous?"
"I do set wards." His words were tinged with laughter. "And if you leave food out for the giant spiders, they are usually content to live and let live."
"I've never heard of anyone going so far into the Fade." Even the Dalish knew how dangerous it was to enter into the Beyond. "That's extraordinary."
"Thank you." He smiled at her. "It's not a common field of study, for obvious reasons. Not so flashy as throwing fire or lightning." He tilted his head. "The thrill of finding remnants of a thousand-year-old dream? I would not trade it for anything." He was silent a moment, and then he nodded as if coming to a decision. "I will stay, then, at least until the Breach has been closed."
"Was that in doubt?"
He shrugged. "I am an apostate surrounded by Chantry forces and unlike you, I do not have the protection of man with a divine mark protecting me." His eyes went towards a group of templars standing near the gate. "Cassandra has been accommodating, but you understand my caution."
Ellana just smiled at him. "You came here to help, Solas. I wouldn't let them use that against you."
"How would you stop them?" Solas asked curiously.
"However I had to."
Solas looked at her slightly surprised. "Thank you." They returned to where they had started their trek. "For now, let us hope either the mages or the templars have the power to seal the breach."
Erdic retrieved notes for an alchemist and had a pleasant chat with the blacksmith. It seemed people had joined the Inquisition for many reasons. The quartermaster had joined because her high opinion of none other than Loghain had made her unwelcome in many parts of Ferelden. A templar, Lysette, had been rescued by Inquisition soldiers and decided to remain. The merchant, Seggrit, was there because he had nowhere else to go.
Varric was near a campfire, working on some notes. He budged to the side a bit to make room for him on the bench. "So, now that Cassandra's out of earshot, are you holding up all right?" He chuckled. "I mean, you go from being one of the top four wanted criminal in Thedas to joining the armies of the faithful. Most people would have spread that out over more than one day."
His eyes went to the Breach. "I have no idea what's happening anymore."
"That makes two of us," he said putting his notes back into a lapdesk. "For days now, we've been staring at the Breach, watching demons and Maker-knows-what fall out of it. 'Bad for morale' would be an understatement. I still can't believe anyone was in there and lived."
"If it was that bad, why did you stay? Cassandra said you were free to go."
"I like to think I'm as selfish and irresponsible as the next guy, but this…" He sighed and leaned back. "Thousands of people died on that mountain. I was almost one of them. And now there's a hole in the sky. Even I can't walk away and just leave that to sort itself out."
"I'm still not sure I believe that any of this is really happening," said Erdic shaking his head.
"If this is just the Maker winding us up, I hope there's a damn good punch line coming." He shook his head. "You might want to consider running at the first opportunity. I've written enough tragedies to recognise where this is going. Heroes are everywhere. I've seen that. But the hole in the sky? That's beyond heroes. We're going to need a miracle."
Cassandra found Maxwell the next morning. The two of them walked into the Chantry together. Maxwell looked down at his hand, turning it this way and that as she observed the mark. "Does it trouble you?" Cassandra asked.
There was still the dull ache, like touching a nearly faded bruise. "I just wish I knew what it was. Or how I got it."
"We will find out," Cassandra assured and her eyes fell on to the mark before coming back to Maxwell's face. "What's important is that your mark is now stable, as is the Breach. You've given us time, and Solas believes a second attempt might succeed—provided the mark has more power. The same level of power used to open the Breach in the first place. That is not easy to come by."
Somehow that didn't reassure him. "What harm could there be in powering up something we barely understand?" he asked.
Cassandra actually smiled. "Hold on to that sense of humour." She opened the door, and led Maxwell into what they were apparently calling the 'war room.' Adaar, Ellana and Erdic were already waiting inside along with three others. She recognised Leliana, and the commander from the mountaintop. The third was a pretty woman in an ornate, Antivan style dress. Cassandra gestured. "You've met Commander Cullen, leader of the Inquisition's forces."
Cullen smiled. "It was only for a moment on the field. I'm pleased to see you survived."
Cassandra then turned her eyes to the woman in Avtivan dress. "This is Lady Josephine Montilyet, our ambassador and chief diplomat."
"I've heard much," Josephine smiled and giving him a small curtsy, miraculously without disturbing the metal writing board she carried. "It's a pleasure to meet you at last." The name Montilyet did ring a bell, but he couldn't quite place it.
"And of course you know Sister Leliana."
Leliana nodded, and started to speak. "My position here involves a degree of…"
"She is our spymaster," Cassandra said, cutting the other woman off.
"Yes." Leliana rolled her eyes, but there was a trace of fondness in the gesture. "Tactfully put, Cassandra."
Maxwell looked at or them. "Pleased to meet you all."
Cassandra gestured at the table. "I mentioned that your mark needs more power to close the Breach for good."
Leliana nodded. "Which means we must approach the rebel mages for help."
"And I still disagree," said Cullen sharply. "The templars could serve just as well."
"We need power, Commander." Cassandra spread her hands. "Enough magic poured into that mark—"
"Might destroy us all." Cullen stood his ground. Maxwell turned to Adaar, who gave him a look saying 'they've been at this all day'. "Templars could suppress the Breach, weaken it so—"
"Pure speculation," said Leliana dismissively.
"I was a templar. I know what they're capable of."
Josephine swooped in to stop the argument. "Unfortunately, neither group will even speak to us yet. The Chantry has denounced the Inquisition." She pointed her pen at Maxwell and the others. "And you, specifically."
His parents were going to die of shame. "They still think we're guilty."
"That is not the entirety of it any longer," Josephine said. "Some are calling you the 'Herald of Andraste'. There are also calling Adaar, Ellana and Erdic your honour guard. That frightens the Chantry. The remaining clerics have declared it blasphemy, and we heretics for harbouring you."
Cassandra gritted her teeth. "Chancellor Roderick's doing, no doubt."
"It limits our options," Josephine admitted. "Approaching the mages or templars for help is currently out of the question."
He already had people calling him that, but he didn't know why. "Just how am I the 'Herald of Andraste'?"
"And how did we become his honour guard?" Erdic asked.
"People saw what you did at the temple, how you stopped the Breach from growing," Cassandra explained. "They have also heard about the woman seen in the rift when we first found you. They believe that was Andraste. They also believe that Andraste chose Adaar, Ellana and Erdic to represent their race as your honour guard."
"Even if we tried to stop that view from spreading—"
"Which we have not." Cassandra interrupted Leliana.
Leliana continued speaking as though the interruption had not occurred. "The point is, everyone is talking about you."
Cullen looked quite amused by this. "It's quite the title, isn't it? How do you feel about that?"
"It's… a little unsettling," Maxwell admitted.
"You can say that again," said Adaar.
"I'm sure the Chantry would agree," Cullen said in an amused voice.
"People are desperate for a sign of hope," Leliana explained. "For some, you're that hope."
"And to others, a symbol of everything that's gone wrong," Josephine said.
Adaar shook her head. "They aren't concerned more about the Breach? The real threat?"
"They do know it's a threat. They just don't think we can stop it," said Cullen, resting his hands on the hilt of his sword.
"The Chantry is telling everyone you'll make it worse," said Josephine.
"There is something you can do," said Leliana giving him an encouraging look. "A Chantry cleric by the name of Mother Giselle has asked to speak with you. She is not far, and knows those involved far better than I. Her assistance could be invaluable."
There was better than doing nothing. "I'll see what she has to say."
Leliana pointed at the map. "You will find Mother Giselle tending to the wounded in the Hinterlands near Redcliffe."
"Look for other opportunities to expand the Inquisition's influence while you are there," Cullen said.
"We will need agents to extend our reach beyond this valley." Josephine pointed her pen again. "And you're better suited than anyone to recruit them."
"In the meantime, let's think of other options," said Cassandra looked at each of them in turn. "I won't leave this all to the Herald or his guard."
Maxwell couldn't believe this was happening, it was as if his entire world had just turned upside down. Once his parents heard of this they would either be furious, ashamed or extremely delighted that he had been called the Herald of Andraste.
