Maxwell frowned at Varric in the Great Hall facing a fire, he looked very deeply troubled.
"Corpheus is back… Well, shit," said Varric.
"You said he was a darkspawn… or a magister? What is he really?" Maxwell asked.
"I'm not sure," Varric shrugged. "I don't think Corypheus really knows either. He is definitely a darkspawn. But… when we found him, it was pretty obvious that he hadn't heard about. He thinks he's a magister—a priest of Dumat, in fact. And he says he broke into the Golden City, like in the Chantry tales."
"Honestly, I'd rather fight an ancient darkspawn with a pet archdemon than deal with a hole in the sky," said Maxwell honestly. "At least you can kill darkspawn."
Varric looked at him uneasily. "We didn't just think Corypheus was dead. He was dead. No pulse! No breath! Full of stab wounds! There wasn't a lot of room for doubt. It makes me wonder… I thought the Wardens imprisoned Corypheus to use him. Maybe they did it because he can't be killed."
Maxwell frowned, he still had no why they were in Corypheus' prison in the first place. "How did you and Hawke even wind up in a Grey Warden prison for ancient darkspawn?"
"Corypheus sent people after Hawke," Varric explained. "I assume that Erdic mentioned about some mysterious disappearances from members of the Carta. Well, it was Corypheus who sent them, he managed to control an entire clan. Make them drink darkspawn blood. Weird shit." He shook his head and looked back at Maxwell. "We tracked the Carta to an old dwarven… fort or something in the mountains. Of course, it turned out to be a trap. They needed Hawke's blood to open the locks holding Corypheus, and they drew us into the prison to get it."
Maxwell didn't like the sound of Corypheus been immortal. "Let's hope Corypheus just turns out to be really good at playing dead."
Varric nodded in agreement. "That makes two of us." He then looked to his feet and shook his head. "Maker's breath, what have I let loose?"
"'Brutally murdered' is not really the same as 'unleashed upon the world,' Varric," said Erdic as he approached them.
"In this case, it might be." He then took a deep breath and looked at the two of them. "But the two of you have got more important things to do than to listen to me worry. Just let me know when you want something shot."
Maxwell and Erdic then left Varric to worry by himself and then Maxwell looked down at Erdic.
"So what's become of your wife?" he asked.
"I've told her to come here, after what happened in Haven I think it's safer if she and our child was surrounded by heavy stone walls and guarded by soldiers with that thing on the loose," said Erdic.
"Probably the wisest course of action," Maxwell nodded.
Ellana found Solas in the round room. He looked surprised to see her. "Good afternoon," he said, tilting his head in greeting.
"I'm interested in what you told me of yourself and your studies. If you have time, I'd like to hear more." She missed their walks around Haven.
"You continue to surprise me." His expression was odd. "All right, let us talk… preferably somewhere more interesting than this."
They walked around Haven, under the mabari decorated gates and back towards the Chantry. "Why here?" she asked. The place looked odd with only the two of them present.
"Haven is familiar." He indicated the small building that had served her as living quarters. "It will always be important to you."
"We talked about that already."
They stood in the room where she and the others had been held prisoner what seemed a lifetime ago. "I sat beside you while you slept, studying the Anchor." His voice was contemplative.
Ellana frowned. "How long can it take to look at the mark on Maxwell's hand?"
"A magical mark of unknown origin, tied to a unique breach in the Veil? Longer than you might think," Solas smiled. He then turned towards and his grey eyes measured her. "I ran every test I could imagine, searched the Fade, yet found nothing. Cassandra suspected duplicity. She threatened to have me executed as an apostate if I didn't produce results."
Perhaps it was even odder that she'd grown to like the Seeker, considering how they'd met. "Cassandra's like that with everyone."
Solas laughed. "Yes."
"Maxwell was never going to wake up and the three of you didn't look any better." They walked across the village square. "How could you, a mortal sent physically through the Fade?" He gestured. "I was frustrated, frightened. The spirits I might have consulted had been driven away by the Breach. Although I wished to help, I had no faith in Cassandra…" He stopped at where he'd often stood to look over the camp. "Or she in me. I was ready to flee."
"The Breach threatened the whole world. Where did you plan to go?"
"Someplace far away where I might research a way to repair the Breach before its effects reached me." He shrugged and gave her a slightly embarrassed look. "I never said it was a good plan." He turned his eyes to where the Breach swirled up in the sky. "I told myself: one more attempt to seal the rifts." He held out his hand. "I tried and failed. No ordinary magic would affect them. I watched the rifts expand and grow, resigned myself to flee, and then…" He held Maxwell's wrist as he closed the rift. "It seems Maxwell held the key to our salvation. He'd had sealed it with a gesture…" He turned again to face her. "And right then, I felt the whole world change."
"Felt the whole world change?" Ellana asked as she looked into his grey eyes.
Solas smiled. "A figure of speech."
Ellana then slowly and carefully made her way over to Solas. "I'm aware of the metaphor. I'm more interested in 'felt'."
Solas looked into her brown eyes. "You change… everything."
Ellana smiled. "Sweet talker."
Then much to Solas' surprise, she grabbed him by the helm of his tunic and pulled him into a kiss. It was short and she quickly pulled away, but then he pulled her back in and they fell into a deep passionate embrace.
He then broke away feeling deeply embarrassed. "We shouldn't. It isn't right," said Solas as he looked around Haven. "Not even here."
"What do you mean, 'even here'?" Ellana frowned.
He looked amused. "Where did you think we were?"
"This isn't real." She'd been to the Fade, but never… had he shaped Skyhold, and Haven? Reshaping it to take them from place to place so smoothly she'd never even…
"That's a matter of debate…" He spread his hands. "Probably best discussed after you wake up."
Ellana sat bolt upright and discovered that she was in her chambers. She placed a hand across her lips as if trying to remember the case she shared with Solas. She couldn't believe it, her first kiss and she was dreaming.
"Sleep well?" Solas' eyes danced mischievously.
"I've never done anything like that before." She tilted her head at him. "On a number of levels."
Solas laughed and then gave Ellana an apologetic look. "I apologise. The case was impulsive and ill considered, and I should not have encouraged it."
Technically speaking it was all her fault, after all she was the one that started it. "Solas, I thought you are interested. If I misread you, I apologise."
Solas shook his head. "No, you have no need to apologise, I…" He took a deep breath and looked at her straight in the eyes. "It has been a long time, and things have always been easier for me in the Fade. I am not certain this is the best idea. It could lead to trouble."
"I'm willing to take that chance, if you are," said Elllana folding her arms.
Solas looked taken aback. "I… maybe, yes. If I could take a little time to think. There are… considerations."
Ellana placed a hand on his shoulder and looked at his grey eyes. "Take all the time you need."
Solas smiled at her. "Thank you. I am not often thrown by things that happen in dreams." He twitched a shoulder. "But I am reasonably certain we are awake now, and if you wish to discuss anything, I would enjoy talking."
They walked along the battlements, occasionally stepping to the side to make way for others. "I need to know more about Corypheus."
"We spoke of this on our travels to Skyhold. What more can I tell you?" He nodded at where Cassandra was smacking around practice dummy. "Cassandra and Varric seem more familiar with our adversary."
"You've given me good counsel before. I could use some now."
He slowed his pace, and then nodded. "My apologies, Ellana. My poor manners shame me. I claim no secret wisdom, but I will guess as best I can."
"What can you tell me about the source of Corypheus's power?" She paused at one of the towers, stopping to admire the view.
"According to the lore, the ancient magisters of Tevinter received guidance from the Old Gods." He stood next to her, leaning on the stone as he looked out over the valley below. "Corypheus commands a false Archdemon—a corrupted Old God. This suggests he no longer sees himself as their minion. Some of his unique power comes from the corruption of the Blight. The rest may come from the orb he carries."
She nodded. Blackwall may know how to kill darkspawn, but he knew little about their origins or the underlying aspects of their power. Leliana mentioned the only two people who would know more about Corypheus either dead or missing. "What do you think Corypheus will do next?"
"You shamed him when you destroyed Haven. It spoiled his glorious victory. It would be worse to acknowledge that you had done so. He must continue on his course or show weakness. He will return to his plans to throw Orlais into chaos and then conquer it for Tevinter."
It made sense, given what little they knew about Corypheus. "You're sure that's what he'll do?"
"As certain as is possible, assuming I can plausibly predict a man who seeks to rise to godhood." He turned towards her, leaning on the ramparts. "The key is understanding this: no real god need prove himself. Anyone who tries is mad or lying. His deception will undo him, as it has done countless fools before."
It would seem as if Corypheus was still suffering from mankind ancient enemy. Pride. "I would like to know more about the orb he carries."
"As I said, that must be the means by which he created the Breach. I suspect the blast that destroyed the Conclave was more accident than anything…" He looked back towards Haven. "The result of unlocking power that had sought release for ages. What I cannot understand is how he managed to survive such an explosion."
That was a very good question. Some ancient magic from the time in which elves were immortal? "You said that you believed the orb is elven?"
"I never would have believed a Tevinter mage could unlock such a powerful relic. It clearly enhances his abilities, giving him access to power he should never have known." The notion seemed to disturb Solas.
"Like the power to control the Archdemon?" Ellana guessed.
"Indirectly, one assumes. Nothing in any lore connects my people to the Old God dragons who became Archdemons."
Ellana frowned at this, because they were both elves, but Solas always acted differently to other elves whether they were Dalish or city elf. However, they did have a bit more pressing concerns than Solas' indifference.
Ever since they moved to Skyhold Leliana suggested that they could do with an arcanist to help enhance their weapons with Harritt. He agreed and they began searching for the best and he recently got news that they had succeeded.
He went down to the forge, which was located right underneath the fortress. The forge had a stunning view of the entire landscape as water rushed in front of it.
He saw Harrit, who acknowledged his presence. "Inquisitor?"
"The Arcanist has arrived?" he said.
Harritt nodded though his expression was befuddled. "You should see for yourself."
He looked around the forge, but he couldn't see anyone. Then a young, cheerful voice greeted her. "Hello there!" He turned, but saw no one. He then looked down and saw a dwarf. No one had told him that the arcanist was a dwarf? The young woman grinned up at him. "Well, don't just stand there slack-jawed, let's figure out what you need."
"You're the magical advisor?" he stared.
The girl's eyes suddenly widened. "Oooh, you're him. The Inquisitor." She bounced up from where she'd been examining a piece of equipment, then practically skipped in a circle around Maxwell. "I'm Dagna. Arcanist Dagna. It's an honour, Your Worship." She caught Maxwell's hand and stared at it. "Is that it? The hand-Anchor-mark? It's pretty. The Breach was pretty, too. In a… 'destroy everything' sort of way." She laughed as she let go of Maxwell's hand and began pointing at and describing the new equipment that had been moved in.
Maxwell caught that one of the new devices was for runes, but the girl was talking far too fast for him to be able to follow even if she had been a metallurgy expert. Eventually, Dagna took a breath and Maxwell was able to get a word in edgewise. "You're not what I was expecting. You're a dwarven 'arcaneist'?"
"The only one!" Dagur smiled. "When you learn things everyone says you can't, you get to be the first! I don't need to tell you. I've looked at Harritt's devices. The precision is fantastic, but typical. Mundane. Old thinking!"
"It's what now?" Harritt seemed to be trying to work out how insulted he should be.
"No disrespect meant to the classical trades!" Dagna called over her shoulder. She turned back to Maxwell. "But you need a new perspective. I've made adjustments. As long as I keep making them, you can craft just about anything. Almost safely!"
"Where does a dwarf go to study magical theory?" Maxwell folded her arms and watched Dagna tinker with something on one of the benches.
"Get out! I asked myself that question for years." Dagna waved a hand. "Turns out, not in Orzammar. I had to start at a Circle. I had help, though. A Grey Warden, and I am forever grateful. With that sanction, I visited a half-dozen Circles." She sighed happily. "The wonders I have seen! And with an objective eye, I can spot where they overlap. That's a surprise for every teacher!" She continued on, discussing several different fields.
"Your years of study have paid off," Maxwell noted.
"Oh, yes. The mages said I brought a valuable perspective. I've even presented my work to the College of Enchanters. I wanted an exchange. The surface could learn about lyrium-smithing, and Orzammar would gain knowledge of magic. But now there's no college, and so far as the the Shaperate is concerned, I'm casteless." Dagna's shoulders slumped just for a moment. "So you're getting my best work, Inquisitor." She brightened again. "Let's make some great stuff.
"You gave up so much. Left your home. Was it really that amazing?"
"Yes." Dagna nodded emphatically. "I left my home and my family, but I knew—I just knew I could be more than a smith. I wish my people weren't stuck in the past, and I regret that my father couldn't imagine another life for me. But I don't regret what I did." Pride showed on her face, and Maxwell couldn't help but smile.
"You mentioned a Grey Warden who helped you start your studies?"
"Not just any Grey Warden. The Grey Warden. The Hero of Ferelden is a hero in Orzammar, along with the others! It's incredible that someone like them would stop to help the little people. Literally." She giggled.
"The Warden affected you in a special way."
"Talk to anyone, they'll say the same. It was a dark time. He was my light. He saved us." Her voice grew quieter. "He saved me."
"All right, rein it in. You have work to do."
"Right, sorry. I get carried away when I think of it. Ready when you need me."
Maxwell decided before leaving that he should inform Blackwall of the corruption within the Grey Wardens. He found the old Warden in the barn, apparently he made it his home.
"You need something?" Blackwall asked when he saw him approach.
"Varric's friend Hawke, said there were suspicions of corruption in the Grey Warden ranks. Do you know anything about that?"
Blackwall gave him a very concerned look. "Corruption? What sort of corruption?"
"Corypheus. He's known to influence the minds of Wardens."
Blackwall placed his hands on his hips and look to the floor. "That could very well explain why so many have disappeared."
"Are you feeling all right? No voices or anything?" Maxwell asked concernedly.
"If I start hearing things, I promise you'll be the first to know," Blackwall assured.
"On the topic of Corypheus, how do Wardens kill an archdemon?" Maxwell asked.
"Short answer? Stick it with the sword into it stops moving," said Blackwall simply.
Maxwell frowned, he got the impression after reading the Tales of the Wardens that it was a lot more complicated than that. "Wardens are in all the tales. If it was that easy, anyone could do it."
"No, it's really is that simple," said Blackwall. "Just because the Archdeam is magic doesn't mean it can't be killed with swords. It just…" It was then that Maxwell noticed that Blackwall looked slightly uneasy, "has to be a Grey Warden sword." He then saw Maxwell's sceptical look. "Look, it's not the killing blow that's the problem. It's getting the dragon to the point where it's vulnerable, where it actually can be killed. There's no short answer for that, afraid."
Maxwell hope there was some sort of special trick and was extremely disappointed.
Cole was following the Inquisitor. Cassandra narrowed her eyes slightly. She wasn't convinced allowing the strange boy to remain was a wise idea. Yet with the Inquisitor, Ellana and Solas both along, they were probably more equipped to handle the creature than those remaining behind. The only one who seem to be as concerned as she was had to be Adaar, who didn't take her eyes off the boy.
She gave the boy-like creature a wary look. "If you are to fight alongside us, Cole, I expect you to follow orders. The Inquisitor believes you wish to help, but I will not allow you to threaten innocents."
"Yes." He nodded at her happily. "Help the hurt, save the small. If I become a demon, cut me down."
"Do not doubt me. I will do it."
He actually smiled at her. "Good."
"You're…" She tilted her head at him. "Serious, aren't you?"
"Yes." He tilted his head back at her. "I hope you are, too."
The air around Crestwood was filled with a mist that bordered on rain. Scout Harding was waiting for them. "Good to see you and your guard safe, Inquisitor. We've got trouble ahead."
"If you're on edge, I should work the entire Inquisition," Maxwell joked.
"Or increase my hazardpay," Harding joked back. "That's an option."
"Are things that bad?"
Instead of responding, Harding led him down to the shore. Beneath the lake he could see the tell-tale green glow of a rift. Water and mist sprayed out of the water above the glow, creating a small storm. Maxwell found himself at a complete loss for words.
"Crestwood was the site of a flood ten years ago during the Blight." Harding gestured at the remains of houses that dotted the shore. "It's not the only rift in the area, but after it appeared, corpses started walking out of the lake. You'll have to fight through them to get to the cave where Sir Hawke's Grey Warden friend is hiding."
"It's possible that demons are entering the undead," said Ellana. "Sealing the rift should stop them, but at the moment it at the bottom of the lake."
"Have any undead attacked the camp?" Maxwell asked looking back at Harding.
"We've had a few shamblers, but most head toward the village below. Maybe someone in Crestwood can tell you how to get to the rift in the lake. Maker knows they'll want help. Good luck, and please be safe."
"There must be a way to get to the rift in the lake." Maxwell narrowed his eyes at the water.
"You mean assigning and wearing all your arm and wading in?" said Dorian.
"Yes, preferably without drowning," Cassandra added.
"Maybe the locals will lend us a boat?" Varric offered.
"Whatever were not going to figure it out by standing here, maybe we can ask the villagers," Adaar advised.
They headed up the road just in time to see several corpses attack a young woman. Before Maxwell could draw his daggers, there were two men leaping to her defence. He changed his plan of attack accordingly. A few steps closer revealed that both men wore Warden armour. The taller of the two helped the young woman back to her feet. "I'd go back to the village, miss. These roads aren't safe."
The other man bowed to him. "The Grey Wardens thank you for your aid, Inquisitor."
Maxwell shot a quick look at Blackwall, who was staring at the two men. "What are you doing in Crestwood?"
"A Warden named Stroud is wanting for questioning. We heard he passed through here, but the villagers knew nothing." He then looked down at the slain corpses. "They have troubles enough."
"What have you been told about this rogue Warden?" Adaar asked.
"Warden-Commander Clarel ordered his capture. I can say no more than that." The Warden shrugged. "I hope Sir Stroud comes with us peacefully. I trained under him for a time. He's a good man, I'm sure of that."
"Will you stay to fight the undead here?" Maxwell asked.
"My orders forbid it. Crestwood was only a detour."
The other man then spoke. "If the Inquisition can help, I beg you to do what you can. The villagers have already lost too many."
"Farewell."
Maxwell watched them go, and then Adaar asked Blackwall, "I take it you didn't know either of them?"
He shook his head in response. "Nor do I know the Warden they are hunting. Not right, refusing to help."
"None of those Wardens mentioned a new leader. I don't think they're part of Corypheus's plot to seize the Order," Adaar noted.
"I don't think so, either," said Cassandra. "The infiltration in their ranks maybe subtle."
"Or they're some of the best liars I've ever seen." Varric kept Bianca ready. "Nah, you're right. They're probably clueless."
"I hope Hawke's Warden friend has answers for us," said Maxwell.
They had to fight their way through undead to reach the village. The people there were relieved to see them. Maxwell watched Cole out of the corner of his eye as they entered. The spirit… or young man… seemed happy to be out with them, helping people. And his combat skills were formidable. He saw her looking at him. "They're frightened inside. Trapped by the walls that protect them."
It took him a moment to parse his meaning. The people in Caer Bronach had little hope and were afraid, but if they left, they'd be at the mercy of the undead. "We'll help them, Cole."
Maxwell was surprised that he actually had to convince the mayor to accept their help. He gave them a key that would unlock the dam control past the fort, after warning them that the fort was full of bandits that would need to be evicted first.
"A group of us should remain here to guard the village in case more under show up," said Adaar.
Maxwell nodded in agreement. "Erdic, you, Cole and Sera stay here and protect the villagers the rest of us will go to this fort."
"You've got it," said Erdic.
They soon reached the fort and it certainly very defensible, but there were no patrols. It could be that the bandit didn't predict anyone attacking the fort with the undead roaming around.
"Gate open, no patrols," said The Iron Bull glanced at Maxwell. "Risky, but we could rush it."
"It may be our best plan," said Adaar. "The bandits would have been prepared in case the villagers attacked, but there will be ill-prepared for us."
"Solas and Ellana will put up barriers for you, Cassandra, Blackwall and Adaar you will engage them. Me and Varric will keep the bandits off guard and prevent them from regrouping. Solas and Ellana will hit them from range," said Maxwell when approached the large door he raised an eyebrow at The Iron Bull. "Care to knock?"
He unlimbered his axe and nodded. He hit the door with Adaar and Cassandra on one side and Blackwall on the other. With the Ellana's spell around him, he didn't get so much as a splinter. She then fired lightning hit the archers on their vantage point before they could loose any arrows. Adaar spun, taking a man's arm off with a blow from her greatsword and Iron Bull do the same with his axe. Blackwall focused more on defence, repeatedly putting himself between the bandits and the mages. Cassandra was faster than he'd expected, and had a hell of a swing. Maxwell the other hand was sneaking behind their ranks and taken them out from behind.
Within minutes, the keep was theirs.
It took Iron Bull and Blackwall both to get the dam controls moving. The entire dam shook slightly as the water came through. Maxwell could hear the roar even before they were back outside.
They returned to find Inquisition soldiers gathering at the fort. Dorian smiled at him. "Thought you could do with some reinforcements."
"You made good time." Maxwell smiled, and then took a look at the newcomers. A few soldiers, and quite a few of Leliana's people. Including a couple mages. An elven woman named Charter was apparently in charge of the group, and was giving instructions on securing and utilising the fort. Maxwell was left to hope that Leliana had already cleared it with the king and queen of Ferelden.
He left Adaar Bull with the soldiers, and instructing her, Iron Bull and Blackwall to take care of the remaining bandits in the hills.
It was going to take some time for the lake bed to dry enough for them to head down. In the meantime, they could find Hawke.
The first rocky cliffside they encountered contained red templars and a family of wyverns. They limped back to the fort in surprisingly high spirits. The presence of a rather large veridium mine would get Crestwood back on its feet quickly now that the wyverns were cleared out.
Adaar and her party had apparently spotted a dragon back in the hills. She had to promise Iron Bull that they'd go back and hunt it later. Cassandra did not look pleased at the prospect.
Dorian moved closer to the fire. "Why is it always so cold? How do you southerners stand it?"
"What's the matter?" Iron Bull poured himself a drink. "Not enough slaves around to rub your footsies?"
"My footsies are freezing, thank you."
"The moisture in the air should settle in the next couple days. It will get warmer then." Maxwell shrugged.
"I find that hard to believe," said Dorian. He then looked to Varric. "So Varric, are you and Cassandra…" Dorian raised an eyebrow.
Varric's eyes went widened. "What? No! Why would you even ask that?"
"Truly?" Dorian gave him a disbelieving look. "Bizarre."
Cassandra was all but reaching for her sword as she glared at the mage. "I'm right here!"
"See?" Dorian gestured at her. "She's right there. What are you waiting for?"
"Just because two people dislike each other doesn't mean they're about to kiss, Sparkler."
"Not according to your books."
"Don't mistake me for that hack who wrote Hard in Hightown II. I can spell."
Sera practically fell off the barrel she was using as a seat she was laughing so hard.
Morning brought ground safe to walk on. He sent half of his group to help Erdic to guard the villagers from anything they stirred up, and headed into the caverns with Ellana, Cole, Solas, and Cassandra. The clouds and mist kept it fairly dark.
Spirits glowed with ambient light as they moved through the ruins. He asked Ellana and Solas why there were so many spirits here instead of just demons, and they pointed out how thin the veil was in the area.
They found a spirit ordering the remains of furniture to move. After watching it for a moment, Maxwell approached it cautiously. It turned towards him. "I order you to tell me why nothing here heeds my commands."
Solas moved in behind him. "A lost spirit. This should—"
"Silence!" the spirit barked. "Let the other one talk."
Maxwell glanced over his shoulder, but Solas appeared more amused than affronted. He glanced over his other shoulder. "Maybe you can give it some guidance, Cole."
Cole stepped forward. "Maybe. My name is—"
"Ugh." The spirit's glow flared dimly. "Compassion. Did I ask your name?"
"Sorry." Cole actually hung his head.
Ellana looked to Solas. "Spirits are your expertise, Solas."
The spirit turned towards the elven mage. "Then tell me why nothing here changes!"
"This realm follows different rules from the Fade's. Will alone cannot overcome what you see." Solas tapped his staff against the piece of furniture, and then used the staff to push it in the direction the spirit had earlier ordered it to move.
The spirit's glow brightened for a moment. "Then what's the point of it?"
"A solid form is both shackle and strength. It affects more than you can imagine." He drew the staff back towards him, letting it draw a line in the muck.
Maxwell then allowed Ellana to take over since she knew more about spirit and demons than he did.
"Are you a spirit or demon?" Ellana gazed at the spirit in fascination. It was nothing quite like anything she'd seen before. Alien, but not monstrous.
"'Demons'? Those dolts who would suck this world dry? I am called to higher things." She got the impression that the spirit was drawing itself up.
"All powerful spirits represent something. Compassion, justice, wisdom…" At least, that had been her understanding, and Solas had seemed to agree.
"Soft virtues, all. I am more. I am Command."
The spirit flowed a few inches towards Maxwell. "What of you? I felt your coming. Is there something like in us?"
He could hardly say no since he did command armies. "I think there must be," said Maxwell.
The spirit rose slightly, and glowed more strongly. "I knew it. Make your armies ready. Cleave to your loyal servants. You will need them all."
"What's so distressing about the real world?" Maxwell asked.
"It ignores me." The spirit sank down almost a foot. "I order the rocks to part, but they do not. I bid the sky draw close, and it stays still. I don't know how you mortals stand it."
"Why haven't you gone back to the Fade?"
It rose again, though not as high as it had earlier. "I will not be denied. I refuse to leave until something obeys my orders."
Maxwell considered a moment. "Then I feel compelled to help you. I pledge myself to your service."
This time the spirit glowed brightly enough to light the area. "Excellent. I have only one command. A creature made of rage had the gall to chase me across the lake. Destroy it in my name and be rewarded."
"A simple enough request," said Cassandra looking a bit nervous at the situation. "The rage demon might threaten others as well. Killing a demon is worthy of us, at least."
"It's humming below us. A window, wanting, wandering, looking back at what's looking."
"Cole believes we are headed in the correct direction," Solas clarified.
They continued making their way through the caves. Maxwell stopped at a couple points to collect samples of ore for Dagna. He caught sight of something else in one of the tunnels. "Bodies? Were people living down here when Old Crestwood flooded?"
"Yes." Cole's voice answered him. "A wall of water, washing over. Lungs tight to bursting, and then suddenly soft, sleepy, sliding away."
"There's dwarven ruins down here."
Solas touched one of the walls. "The dwarves built well. Their runes still sing."
They continued ahead and found the rage demon. Ellana used ice to hold it in place, and Cassandra's sword came down, shattering the creature. Maxwell and Cole moved in to deal with one of the shades, and Ellana ducked beneath the claws of the other. Cassandra was there a heartbeat later, using her shield to force it back.
Ellana used her meagre healing abilities to deal with the scratch on the Seeker's arm. Maxwell, Cole and Solas were both undamaged.
"Demons ahead. They don't understand it here. They want to destroy everything." Cole looked troubled as they approached the rift.
It sparked, and the strange glow that indicated the arrival of demons appeared. Maxwell concentrated on the two nearest her, focusing on the new power he had learnt. The fountains burst, but did not produce demons. Ellana with the help of Solas created a barrier around Cole and Cassandra.
Both of them used their power to dispel the fountains during the next wave, cutting the number of demons they faced by two thirds. It took a third wave before he was able to close the massive rift.
"The spirits possessing the dead will plague Crestwood no more." Solas bent to collect some of the residue the rift had left behind.
"Let's tell the mayor." Maxwell around the chamber. When they had time, he'd have to send researchers down here.
"They were hurting, and we helped. Their lives are better because of us." Cole almost sounded cheerful.
"The nugs seem to like it down here."
"It's quiet. They like the quiet." Cole watched the nugs a moment. "Dwarves used to trap them, but they don't remember the dwarves. Even dwarves don't really remember the dwarves."
"You know, Leliana used to keep one as a pet."
Maxwell stared at Cassandra. "You're joking."
Laughter infused Cassandra's voice. "I am not." She glanced back at the nugs. "What was its name again? Schmeples? Schmuples? It is right on the tip of my tongue."
They activated another of the elven artifacts. Solas marked the location on his map.
After so long in the caves, it was blinding to see daylight. Actual daylight, not cloud cover. The sky above was blue. And there was another rift. Once again, Ellana and Solas dispelled some of the fountains before they could produce demons. Ellana made a mental note to ask Solas if preventing the demons from crossing over would prevent them from actually becoming demons, or what exactly was happening when they dispersed the energies.
Royal elfroot grew in the shade of the small pond. She collected a few of the seeds before heading back to the town.
Returning to report to the mayor revealed that it had been the mayor who had flooded Crestwood in the first place. They would have to see to it he was brought to justice, whatever justice was in this situation.
The young lady that the Wardens had rescued was standing on the heights. She practically gushed about how heroic the Wardens were, and said she was planning on seeking out the Order and joining. Maxwell couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret as she advised the girl to stay her hand. Now was not the time to be joining the Wardens.
She collected Blackwall before heading back out. Hawke was waiting for them just outside a cave. He gave her a nod of greeting.
"Glad you made it. I just got here myself," he said jerking his head at the mouth of the cave. "My contact with the Wardens should be at the back of the cave."
They began to enter into the cave. "Is not the only Warden around here," said Adaar. "It's a good thing his friends didn't find him in Crestwood."
Hawke nodded. "Yes, I saw them earlier. They've been told he's a traitor and ordered to capture or kill him." He shook his head. "How much blood is shed by good men following bad orders?"
Whoever Hawke's contact was, had cleaned out the smugglers that had been previously using the cave. Maxwell entered cautiously, looking around. A small scraping sound caught his attention, and he turned to find a man in Warden armour, sword in hand and aimed at her. He had a very thick black moustache.
Hawke stepped forward and was flanked by Maxwell's guard. "It's just us. I brought the Inquisitor and his guard."
The man lowered his sword, and sheathed it before nodding. "My name is Stroud, and I am at your service, Inquisitor."
"I'll take all the help I can get. I know the Wardens have troubles of their own." He looked at where Cassandra and Blackwall stood, trying to get a since of their feelings on the matter. Blackwall looked somewhat confused, and Cassandra suspicious. Her eyes went to Hawke, who appeared to be watching her reaction. "I wonder, though. Might those troubles have anything to do with Corypheus?"
"I fear it is so. When my friend Hawke killed Corypheus, Weisshaupt was happy to put the matter to rest." He walked to a table spread with papers. "However, Constable Mahariel thought otherwise. He knew that an Archdemon can survive severe wounds that seem fatal, and he feared Corypheus might possess the same power. I also fear that outcome and worked with him in order to discover the truth." He tapped one of the papers and pushed it towards her. It contained references, written in a cramped but precise hand. "His last message to me was that he had discovered proof and then I hear that he had died in a cave in. And, not long after, every Warden in Orlais began to hear the Calling."
Hawke walked towards them, his eyes widened. "Maker, why didn't you tell me?"
Stroud shrugged. "It was a Grey Warden matter. I was bound by an oath of secrecy."
Maxwell didn't like the sound of this Calling.
"You think Corypheus is using this 'Calling' to control the Grey Wardens?" Adaar asked.
"Not precisely," said Stroud. "The Calling warns Grey Wardens that his time in this world grows short."
"And every Grey Warden in Orlais is hearing that right now?" Hawke's eyes widened, and he was reminded that his brother was a Grey Warden. "They think they're dying?"
"Yes, likely because of Corypheus. If the Wardens fall, who will stop the next Blight? It's our greatest fear."
"So Corypheus is in controlling them," Hawke gestured angrily. "He's bluffing them with this Calling, and they're falling for it."
"Is the Calling they're hearing real, or is Corypheus mimicking it somehow?" Ellana asked as she began to go through the notes. She noted that a few of them were in a different hand.
"I don't know. Even as a senior Warden, I knew little about Corypheus and Constable Mahariel hasn't been in the order as long as I have." Stroud folded his arms and shrugged. "The Wardens believe it to be real, and they will act accordingly. That is all we know for certain."
Maxwell frowned, and shook his head. "How can Corypheus make all these Wardens hear the Calling?"
"I cannot say. We know little about him, save that he is dangerous. He is a magister as well as a darkspawn—and speaks with the voice of the Blight. That lets him affect the minds of the Wardens, since we are tied to the blight ourselves. It must be how he created this false Calling."
A disturbing thought came to his mind. "You said all the Wardens are hearing the Calling. Does that include you?" He turned to his stalwart companion. "Or you, Blackwall?"
Stroud's voice was blunt, his gaze distant. "Sadly, yes. It lurks like a wolf in the Shadow around a campfire. The creature that makes this music has never known the love of the Maker but… at times, I almost understand it. We must uncover what Corypheus has done an end it. This cannot stand."
Blackwall straightened, squaring his shoulders. "I do not fear the Calling, and worrying about it only gives it power." He gestured firmly. "Anything Corypheus does will only strengthen my resolve."
Two, at least, were not slaves to Corypheus. A very small comfort. "So the Wardens think they're dying and they have stopped thinking clearly? That won't go well."
Stroud paced. "We are the only ones who can slay an Archdemon. Without us, the next Blight will consume the world. Warden-Commander Clarel spoke of blood magic ritual to prevent future Blights before we all perished. When I protested the plan, called it madness, my own comrades turned on me." He tapped a map. "Grey Wardens are gathering here, in the Western Approach. It's an ancient Tevinter ritual tower. Meet me there, and we will find answers."
