Hawke and Stroud returned to Skyhold only a few days after the rest of them. Maxwell was making his way to the war room when he found Varric and Hawke in the hall, talking to each other. Hawke looked up when he saw him. "I tracked that Venatori mage back to Adamant Fortress. They're now looking at assault options in the war room."

"Thanks for coming," Varric said. He was slumped against the wall, looking down at his feet.

He saw Hawke's face soften as he looked at his friend. "You did well, Varric. The Inquisitor is…" He nodded to him. "Just who we need."

"Oh, it's been great. Murderous Wardens, Archdemon attacks, plenty of blood mages, and crazy templars. Just like home."

"I know how much you hated leaving Kirkwall."

"This is the ass end of Thedas. You know they eat snails here? Still, I think…" Varric sighed. "I need to finish this out. If it weren't for me and Bartrand, none of this would have happened. So much for changing our lives."

Hawke looked at his old friend and smiled. "That's what happens when you try to change things. Things change. You can't always control how."


Maxwell then entered into the war room and found that the rest of his guard was already present and along with them was Theron.

"Adamant Fortress has stood against the darkspawn since the time of the Second Blight," said Leliana.

"Fortunately, for us, that means it was built before the age of modern siege equipment." Cullen was actually smiling. "A good trebuchet will do major damage to those ancient walls. And thanks to our lady ambassador…"He turned towards Josephine.

"Lady Seryl of Jader was pleased to lend the Inquisition her sappers. They've already delivered the trebuchets."

"That is the good news." Leliana was staring at the map.

"None of that accounts for the Wardens summoning a giant demon army," said Maxwell

"That is the bad news." Leliana looked up at him.

Cullen nodded. "The Inquisition forces can breach the gate, but if the Wardens already have their demons…"

Leliana gestured at the war table. "I found records of Adamant's construction. There are choke points we can use to limit the field of battle."

"That's good." Cullen examined the documents. "We may not be able to defeat them outright…" He looked up at Maxwell. "But if we cut off reinforcements, we can carve you a path to Warden-Commander Clarel."

"I have to say that I don't like the idea of facing my brothers and sisters in battle," said Theron.

"I agree," said Adaar. "They're just good men following bad orders and I don't like that we have to kill these good men and women."

"If we don't we'll be facing a demon army and everyone will be killed," said Erdic.

"So our plan is to lay siege to legendary fortress filled with demons?" said Ellana.

"It will be hard-fought, no way around it," said Cullen grimly. "But we'll get that data open."

Josephine's face became hopeful. "It's also possible that some Wardens may be sympathetic to our cause."

Leliana's face, however, was more bleak. "The warriors may be willing to listen to reason, though I doubt that they will turn against Clarel directly. The mages, however, are slaves to Corypheus. They will fight to the death."

"Faren will be there and it wasn't for his influence the public would have already started this insane ritual," said Theron.

"How come Clarel just took command of Faren's forces?" Ellana frowned.

"Well, he got wind of Clarel's plan and went over to Orlais to talk some sense into her," said Theron. "He was after all veteran of the Fifth Blight and most of the Wardens did actually listen to him, especially the dwarven Wardens, he is a Paragon after all. Still he was a dwarf and therefore couldn't dream and no understanding of magic so Clarel listen to a mage, who wasn't affected by the Calling."

"Clearly fear has clouded her mind," said Eridc crossing his arms.

"We can still stop her before things get out of hand," said Theron.

"It's just a question of getting to the ritual site in time," said Adaar.

Maxwell tilted his head. "And you have friends among them?"

"We are building the siege engines and readying our forces, Inquisitor." Cullen straightened. "I'll let you know when we are ready to march on Adamant."


Adamant was massive. Maxwell imagined there was a time when the sight of the thing would have been inspiring. However, today they had to break through and take down the Wardens that were guarding the place.

The trebuchets fired, taking down the men on the walls for the Inquisition soldiers on ladders. The ram was moving forward. The tower shields and barriers of the mages protected the men. They headed in together. Theron, Stroud, Cassandra, Solas, and Cole moved in with them. Blackwall led Iron Bull, Sera, and Dorian in with another group. Vivienne remained on the heights, helping coordinate the attacks of the Inquisition's mages. Varric was with Hawke, though he'd lost sight of them. He was with his guard they would be the main centre of attention and hopefully divert forces away from the other battlements.

With a shuddering crash, the ram breached the wall, and his soldiers flooded in. Ellana put up a barrier as she moved in alongside them. Theron, Stroud and Cassandra went left, while Maxwell his guard and Cullen went right. Cole stayed near Solas as the mage arced lightning through the Warden archers. From above he heard a voice shout. "Pull back! They're through!"

The Wardens began retreating further into the fortress. A moment later, there was nothing standing in the small courtyard but Inquisition forces. Cullen turned to Maxwell. "All right, Inquisitor. You have your way in. Best make use of it." He gestured at his soldiers. "We'll keep the main host of demons occupied for as long as we can."

"We'll be fine. Just keep the men safe."

"We'll do what we have to, Inquisitor," he said determinedly. "Warden Theron and Stroud will guard your back. Hawke is with our soldiers on the battlements. He's assisting them until you arrive." Both of them turned at the sound of a scream, and saw a demon throw an Inquisition soldier off the wall. Cullen shook his head. "There's too much resistance on the walls. Our men on the ladders can't get a foothold. If you can clear out the enemies on the battlements, we'll cover your advance." He strode away, barking orders at his men.

"Let's go!" Maxwell yelled.


Cassandra started to brace for an incoming blow, but Theron moved to intercept it. Maxwell sneak behind a demon and then he stabbit it in the back and watched as it fell. Stroud then plunged his sword into the guts of a wrath demon.

"Brothers, can't you see this is madness?" Stroud yelled.

"It's no use. They're enslaved."

He looked down over the ramparts. A small group of Wardens had their blades drawn on other Wardens, and were being attacked by demons. They quickly jumped in to assist the wardens, Adaar cutting her way through the demons. Ellana then shot lightning for her staff between the demons and their handlers. Solas did the same. Within moments, the attacking Wardens had fallen.

Cassandra glanced at the Inquisitor, and then at the defenders. The Inquisitor held up a hand. "The Inquisition is here to stop Clarel, not to kill Wardens. If you fall back, you won't be harmed."

The leader of the defenders glanced at his comrades, then nodded. "All right. My men will stay back. We want no part of this." He sighed. "Deal with Clarel as you must." They moved back, letting the Inquisition forces past.

"Well said," said Stroud looking relieved. "I had hoped some of the Wardens would listen to reason."

"Let us hope that Clarel will do the same," said Theron.


It felt like old times again, going into battle next to Hawke. The soldiers of the Inquisition fought bravely, reminding him for a moment of the times they'd gone in at the side of the Kirkwall Guard, or even the templars. If only Aveline were here, Varric might have felt unstoppable. Except for the nagging feeling that Hawke shouldn't be here either. He should be home, with his daughter, with Merrill.

Varric took aim, picking off a demon that had managed to escape the storm Hawke had conjured. The Inquisitor was no slouch on the field, but the only one of his new friends who came anywhere close to the sheer chaos Hawke could bring to a field might have been Dorian.


They came up stairs to find Inquisition forces battling demons. As narrow as the battlements were, Adaar and Erdic along with Stroud and Cassandra charge forward. Ellana and Solas moved in unison, using their staffs to direct pointed fire rather than risk catching an Inquisition soldier with a stray bolt of lightning.

As soon as the first siege point was clear, Cole gestured and led them to the second. A pride demon was tearing through some of his people, and they were standing anyway. Maxwell dodge the creatures claws and then used the power of the mark to begin ripping away the creature's defences. The soldiers cheered as their blades began to bite deep.


Maxwell started towards another group of demons only to see them get blasted apart by a rain of fire. The demon that managed to avoid the flames caught a crossbow bolt. He turned and saw Hawke and Varric.

"I thought your men could use some help appear!" Hawke yelled.

"Good work," Maxwell nodded. "Stay with my forces and see that they survive this."

He nodded. "I'll keep the demons off them as best I can." Hawke then drove the blade of his staff into the face of a demon and then blasted a second one with a bolt of lightning.


They emerged onto the lower battlements. Hawke and Varric had beaten them there and were fighting alongside the soldiers. Adaar and Iron Bull will cleaning house with their blades and Ellana and Solas work together by providing magical aid the forces that needed them.

The last demon faltered, then Erdic's sword plunge into the gut of a demon.

"How many of them are there?" Hawke asked.

"Fewer thanks to you," a soldier replied. He glanced at Maxwell. "Hawke saved a lot of lives on the battlements, Inquisitor."

"Not all the wardens have stood against us," said Stroud glanced back at where a small group of Wardens had withdrawn from the fight and lowered their blades. "Maker willing we'll be able to reason with Clarel."

A soldier saluted. "Commander Cullen will hold a path open for us as long as possible, Inquisitor. Our forces are ready when you are."

Maxwell nodded, and began walking towards the large wooden door into the heart of the fortress.


Clarel stood on the balcony and next to her was Faren, who didn't look entirely pleased. Wardens and their demons stood in a circle around a rift, with several mages using their power to hold the rift open. Clarel gestured. "Wardens, we are betrayed by the very world we have sworn to protect."

Next to her, Erimond stood impatiently. "The Inquisition is inside, Clarel. We have no time to stand on ceremony!"

"I'm telling you Clarel this plan will just end in madness!" said Faren stubbornly. "You have practically taken command of my wardens and now you're trying to create a demon army. Have you forgotten what had happened at Soldiers Peek?"

"Your protest was overruled," said Erimond. "Now we must hurry before the Inquisition stops us."

"These men and women are giving their lives, magister. That might mean little in Tevinter, but for the Wardens, it is a sacred duty." She turned to the man standing behind her. He was old, and when he stepped forward, it was clear he'd seen many years of battle. Clarel's voice saddened. "It has been many long years, my friend."

"Too many, Clarel. If my sword arm can no longer serve the Wardens, then my blood will have to do." He closed a fist over his heart.

"It will." She stepped behind him, and with a smooth motion, opened his throat.

Faren just looked away, he couldn't stand this. Wardens sacrificing each other, saying.

It was at that point that Maxwell and the others entered. Erimond saw them and gestured. "Stop them! We must complete the ritual!"

Faren then took a step forward. "I personally would like to hear what they have to say for this? Maybe they'll provided a youth perspective on this insane plan!"

Maxwell was grateful for Faren's input, at least there was one commander that hadn't lost his mind. He then turned to Clarel. "Clarel, if you complete that ritual, you're doing exactly what Erimond wants."

Erimond sneered. "What, fighting the Blight? Keeping the world safe from darkspawn? Who wouldn't want that?" He gestured dismissively. "And yes, the ritual requires blood sacrifice. Hate me for that if you must, but do not hate the Wardens for doing their duty."

"We make the sacrifices no one else will." Clarel stepped forward. "Our warriors die proudly for a world that will never thank them."

"And then he takes your Tevinter ally binds the mages to Corypheus!" Stroud yelled taken a step forward.

Clarel actually took a step backwards. "Corypheus? But he's dead."

Erimond moved to her, laying a hand on her shoulder. "These people will say anything to shake your confidence, Clarel."

"What's the matter Erimond?" Faren sneered. "Getting a little too close to home are they?"

"I am only trying to help you Wardens prevent another Blight!" Erimond glared.

"Then why did you try to have me assassinated," said Theron he stepped forward and removed his hood.

Many Wardens guards when they saw Theron's face, even Erimond looked completely taken aback. It was clear that he surely believe that he had killed Theron.

"Tell them how you try to have me executed when I try to bring prove that your master was alive," said Theron.

Erimond then turned to Clarel. "Clarel, you can't believe this man. He's working for the enemy."

For a moment, Maxwell thought Clarel was going to listen. Then the woman straightened. "Bring it through."

"Please, I have seen more than my share of blood magic!" Hawke begged. "It is never worth the cost!"

"I train half of you myself!" Stroud yelled. "Don't make me kill you to stop this madness!"

On the balcony, Erimond actually looked amused. "Be ready with the ritual, Clarel. This demon is truly worthy of your strength."

Green light shimmered from the rift as the Warden mages began to focus their magic. Maxwell took another step forward. "Listen to me. I have no quarrel with the Wardens! I have spared those I could! I don't want to kill you, but you're being used…" His met the eyes of the men standing in front of her. "And some of you know it, don't you?"

A dark-skinned man in Warden blue slowly nodded. "The mages who've done the ritual? They're not right. They were my friends, but now they're like puppets on a string."

"You cannot let fear sway your mind, Warden Chernoff!"

Hawke glared up at Clarel. "He's not afraid. You are. You're afraid that you ordered all these brave men and women to die for nothing."

Stroud gave them all a pleading look. "I honour your bravery, my brothers and sisters. But this is not the way. You have been tricked."

"Clarel, if you do this you'll regret it," said Theron. "I've seen this happen before and the results were devastating. Don't repeat history, you must find a better way."

Erimond moved to stand between them and Clarel. "Clarel, we have come so far. You're the only one who can do this."

"Don't listen to him," said Faren. "He appeared out of the blue almost at the exact same time we began hearing the Calling, don't you think that's convenient?"

The Warden-Commander hesitated. She shook her head, doubt evident on her face. "Perhaps we could test the truth of these charges, to avoid more bloodshed."

He backed away from her, drawing his staff as he did so. "Or perhaps I should bring in a more reliable ally." He slammed the butt of his staff into the stone of the balcony as he turned to face Maxwell and his comrades. "My master thought you might come here, Inquisitor! He sent me this to welcome you."

In the distance, a roar could be heard. Maxwell saw the look of shock and horror on the faces of the Wardens as the dragon appeared in the sky. It landed atop a tower, and spread it's tattered wings as it roared again. Erimond started to laugh, and Clarel arced lightning into him, driving him to the ground. She then faced up towards the archdemon with lightning covering her hand.

"Clarel, wait…" Erimond begged.

Clarel then fired a bolt of lightning at the archdemon, which then turned it site upon her. Hit by the blast and both she and Faren jumped out of the way just in time. Erimond got to his feet and saw this as his perfect opportunity to escape.

"Help the Inquisitor!" Clarel yelled at Faren.

"Don't worry, we've got this," said Faren he pulled out his maul.

At once Faren and the Wardens helped Maxwell and his companions against the demons and the possessed Wardens. Faren practically jumped off the balcony and slammed his maul on top the head of a pride demon.

"We've got this, Inquisitor," said Blackwall. "You go after that bastard!"

"We'll cover your back!" Theron yelled as he plunged Starfang into a wraith demon.

Maxwell nodded and with his guard, along with Cassandra, Solas, Varric, Iron, Stroud and Hawke they began to chase after both Clarel and Erimond. They moved up the stairs in the direction Clarel had gone. With the thinness of the veil and the Warden mages still compromised, demons were everywhere. The Wardens fought alongside the Inquisition soldiers, pushing back where they could, but chaos reigned on the field. And the dragon… every time it dove, soldiers and Wardens alike died. There had to be some way to remove it from the field.


They turn round the corner and saw that Clarel had finally caught up with a fleeing Erimond at her mercy. The Tevinter mage kept on firing fireballs at her, pervasively bounce off a barrier.

"You! You've destroyed the Grey Wardens!" she said in fury.

She then created a spirit blade and slammed right into Erimond's stomach. The mage toppled over, but he simply laughed weakly as he tried and failed to push himself off the ground. "You did that to yourself, you stupid bitch. All I did was dangle a little power before your eyes. And you couldn't wait to get your hands bloody!" She sent another blast of energy at him and he slid across the ground. "You could have served a new god."

She raised her staff again. "I will never serve the Blight."

Clarel was about to finish him off, but then out of nowhere the archdemon landed and then catching Clarel in its massive jaws. It leaped atop a tower and shook it's head violently from side to side. Maxwell heard the Warden-Commander scream, and then the dragon tossed her aside like a rag doll before it began to move towards them. Cassandra moved to stand in front of him, shield ready. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Stroud and Erdic do the same for Solas and Ellana, and felt a slight bit of surprise when he saw Hawke move to protect Varric. Adaar and Iron Bull held their weapons ready preparing for a fight. Maxwell drew his daggers, he knew that this could very well be the end for them.

On the stone, Clarel was still moving, though blood pooled around her. She dragged herself towards them. "In war, victory…" She rolled to her back as the archdemon stepped over her. "In peace, vigilance…" Magic glowed around the woman's hand, and as the archdemon stood above her, she unleashed the last of her magic into its belly. The creature roared in pain and flung itself sideways, smashing into the stone. The bridge they were on started to shake and then began to crumble.

They all scrambled away from the crumbling bridge, but Maxwell had to come back for Stroud pulled him to safety before he fell into the abyss. All them ran as quickly as they could as the bridge crumble behind them. However, they were too late and they all fell slowly towards the abyss below them.

Instinct guided Maxwell's movements as they fell, and he willed energy into the mark as she saw the rift below.


For a moment, he floated with the ground above him. Slowly, he stretched out a hand. His finger was a hair from the surface when gravity seemed to reverse itself and she hit the ground with a grunt. Maxwell heard groans from his companions, and looked around. Cassandra was picking herself up off the ground, while Solas was looking around in a daze. Iron Bull looked as if he wanted to be anywhere else. Stroud had landed on a piece of floating debris in a sky that was entirely the wrong colour, and was oriented to a different gravity. The sight made his feel a bit dizzy. He looked around for Hawke and Varric, and found them on yet another piece of floating rock. The rest of his guard was standing beside him, clearly stated that he was.

"Where are we?" Stroud asked.

"We were falling," said Hawke.

At first glance, it was a canyon, with ankle deep water forming pools. The stone glowed with silvery-green veins of light and jutted out in all directions. Here and there were bits of construction, often oriented at different angles. A pale mist hung in the air, making it hard to focus on anything more than a hundred feet or so from them. And more pieces of stone hung in the air, some still, some tumbling slowly as they floated.

Hawke shook his head and ran a hand down his face. "Is this… are we did?"

"No, this is the Fade," said Solas his voice held a note of wonder as he looked around. "The Inquisitor opened a rift. We came through…" His face broke into a smile. "And survived. I never thought I would ever find myself here physically…" He pointed at what appeared to be a dark structure hanging in the air above them. "Look. The Black City, almost close enough to touch."

"This is incredible," said Ellana as she looked around and wonder. "Though I've never seen the Fade quite like this before."

Above them, Hawke folded his arms. "It's not how I remember the Fade, either. It could be that it's different because we're here physically."

Hawke looked down at on his guard. "The stories say the four of you walked out of the Fade at Haven. Was it like this?"

Maxwell frowned, and took in the sights. It was familiar, somehow, but… he couldn't draw the memories to him. "I don't know. I still can't remember what happened the last time I did this."

"I have to say that I don't recognise any of this," said Adaar and Eridc nodded in agreement.

Hawke nodded. He glanced down at Varric, and then lowered his friend to where Cassandra stood before using his staff to push himself off the floating debris. He landed on his feet. Hawke straightened back up. "Well, whatever happened at Haven, we can't assume we're safe now." Stroud jumped down as well. "That huge demon was on the other side of that rift Erimond was using, and there could be others."

"Oh, this is shitty," said Iron and he looked at Maxwell. "I'll fight whatever you lead me, boss, but nobody said nothing about getting dragged with the ass end of demon town."

Stroud glanced at her. "In our world, the rift the demon came through was nearby. In the main hall. Can we escape the same way?"

"It beats waiting around here waiting around the demons to find us, right?" said Erdic.

Maxwell took a deep breath and looked around. Green shown to what she somewhat arbitrarily decided was 'north'. "There. Let's go."


Maxwell touched Cassandra's shoulder reassuringly. The Seeker nodded in reply. Solas was still looking around like a child at a Wintersend celebration. "This is fascinating. It is not the area I would have chosen, of course. But to physically walk within the Fade…" He sighed happily.

Cassandra gave him an irritated look. "Concentrate on the task at hand, mage. There is nothing more dangerous than this place."

"Thank you for the warning."

Maxwell turned to Solas. "Solas, you're the expert on this place. Anything helpful?"

He considered the question for a moment. "The Fade is shaped by intent and emotion. Remain focused, and it will lead you where you wish to go." He tilted his head as he looked around. "The demon that controls this area is extremely powerful. Some variety of fear, I would guess. I suggest you remain wary of its manipulations and prepare for what is certain to be a fascinating experience."

"'Hey, chief. Let's join the Inquisition! Good fights for a good cause!'" Iron Bull muttered mimicking Krem's voice to the best of his abilities. "I don't know, Krem. I hear there are demons. 'Ah, don't worry about the demons, chief! I'm sure we won't see many!'" Iron Bull grumbled under his breath. "Asshole!" He then looked to the rest of them. "Everyone, if I get possessed, faint on my blind side, then go low. Cullen says I leave myself open."

"I'll bear that in mind," said Varric. He then turned to Hawk. "Is this really what it's like when you dream? How do you people ever sleep?" He shrugged. "Remember last time you ended up in the Fade, Hawke?"

"I remember the lot of you being tempted by demons."

"Well, they got better. Some of them."


They fought a group of demons. Their forms were slightly different than the ones they'd fought back on Thedas, and no sooner did he realise that then they seemed to shift to adjust. After the first battle, Ellana focused on the spirit blade, backing up the warriors. Solas focused on their defences. And Hawke more or less just set everything on fire.

Maxwell set a fast pace, but there were riddles. Answers. Puzzles to be solved. And each time, there seemed to be some small lessening of the weight in the air, abet barely enough to notice. Still, it felt right.

Iron Bull just kept on grumbling about how they got trapped in the Fade and apparently spend most of his conversations with Adaar, who didn't look too happy either. Cassandra and Stroud had shifted at some point during the last fray, with Cassandra now guarding Solas and Ellana and Stroud guarding her. Hawke and Varric seemed to be taking turns guarding each other, in movements practiced enough to seem second nature to both men.


They walked up a staircase of stone, and stopped dead in his tracks. Stroud nearly stumbled into her. Maxwell could only stare. He knew the woman. Maker, the all knew that woman.

Stroud's was barely a whisper. "By the Maker, could that be…?"

Divine Justinia inclined her head as they approached. "I greet you, Warden. And you, Champion."

Cassandra took another few steps forward. "Divine Justinia? Most Holy?"

"Cassandra." The Divine's face was warm and kind when she looked at the seeker.

Maxwell looked at Cassandra. "Cassandra, you knew the Divine. Is this really her?"

"I…" Cassandra's face showed how badly she wanted to say yes. "I don't know. It is said the souls of the dead pass through the Fade and sometimes linger, but…" Cassandra swallowed. "We know the spirits lie. Be wary, Inquisitor."

"I fear the Divine is indeed dead," Stroud agreed. "It is likely we face a spirit… or a demon."

"You think my survival impossible, yet here you stand alive in the Fade yourselves." The Divine spread her hands. "In truth, proving my existence either way would require time we do not have."

"Surely you can understand our concerns and explain what you are," said Hawke.

"I am here to help you." The Divine turned to meet Maxwell and his guard. "You and your guardians do not remember what happened at the Temple of Sacred Ashes, Inquisitor."

A spirit, then. The Divine would not have known them, and certainly not by their titles. "No, we don't."

"The memories you have lost were taken by the demon that serves Corypheus." She gestured. "It is the nightmare you forget upon waking. It feeds off memories of fear and darkness, growing fat upon the terror. The false Calling that terrified the Wardens into making such grave mistakes? It's work."

Behind him, Stroud bristled. "I would gladly avenge the insult this Nightmare dealt my brethren."

"You will have your chance, brave Warden. This place of darkness is its lair."

Ellana shook her head. "Corypheus seems to have a lot of demons at his disposal. How does he command so many?"

"I know not how he commands his army of demons. His power may come from the Blight itself." The Divine's eyes were calm and clear. "But the Nightmare serves willingly, for Corypheus has brought much terror to this world. He was one of the magisters who unleashed the First Blight upon the world, was he not? Every child's cry as the Archdemon circles, every dwarf's whimper in the Deep Roads…" She gestured. "The Nightmare has fed well."

Adaar took a step forward. "Can you help us get out of the Fade?"

"That is why I found you. When you entered the Fade at Haven, the demon took a part parts from you Inquisitor and your guard. Before you do anything else, you must recover it." She pointed at a mote of green light hanging in the air, then at another. "These are your memories."


The Divine hung in the air, held aloft by magic. Held aloft by the magic of a half dozen Grey Wardens. Corypheus strode forward, holding the orb in his hand. "Now is the hour of our victory."

"Why are you doing this?" Justinia stared at the Wardens. "You of all people?"

"Keep the sacrifice still." Corypheus held out the orb, and it began to glow faintly. The energy surrounding Justinia seemed to pulse and change.

"Someone help me!"

The door opened. Maxwell saw himself and the others, the day of the Conclave. "What's going on here?" Maxwell demanded.

Adaar, Erdic and Ellana drew their weapons. "Get away from her!" Adaar yelled.

"Run while you can! Warn them!" the Divine yelled.

"We have intruders," said Corypheus turning to face them. "Kill them. Now!"

Justinia took advantage of his distraction to strike the orb from his hand. It rolled and Maxwell caught it in his hand. The marked hand. The orb glowed with a spiralling green light that flooded into him, and he heard himself cry out in pain. Corypheus started to move towards him and Adaar, Erdic and Ellana rushed to his aid. Then the orb exploded and the memory faded.


"So you're mark did not come from Andraste," said Stroud his voice sounding curious. "It came from the orb Corypheus used in his ritual."

The Divine nodded. "Corypheus intended to rip open the Veil, use the Anchor to enter the Fade, and throw open the doors of the Black City." She raised her chin slightly as she met their eyes. "Not for the Old Gods but for himself." She turned to Maxwell. "When you disrupted his plan, the orb bestowed the Anchor upon you instead."

"I assumed it had to be something like that, but I didn't like to say anything," said Adaar.

Maxwell's eyes went to the mark on his hand and he could feel Ellana placed a hand on his shoulder. The power to rip open the world. "So this is, what, an accident? A random ricochet in the middle of a fight?"

"And if it was?"

"If it was, then neither the Maker nor Andraste when anyone involved in this!" Maxwell yelled furiously. "We're just…"

"If you believe in the Maker, then you believe He made this world and everything in it, including your accident. And if you do not, then nothing has changed." The Divine's face was sympathetic. "You cannot escape the lair of the Nightmare until you regain all that it took from you. You have recovered some of yourself, but now it knows you are here. You must make haste. I will prepare the way ahead." She vanished into a pass between rocking outcroppings.

Stroud then noticed Hawke's troubled look. "Something troubles you, Hawke?"

Maxwell turned. Hawke was glaring at the Warden. "Those were Grey Wardens holding the Divine in that vision." He gestured. "Their actions led to her death."

"I assume that he had taken their minds, as you have seen him do before." Stroud shook his head. "Come. We can argue after we escape this dark place."

"Oh, I intend to."


Cassandra glanced at Solas. "Could that truly have been the Most Holy?"

"We have survived in the Fade physically. Perhaps she did as well." Solas used his staff as a walking stick as they came up an incline. "Or, if it is a spirit that identifies so strongly with Justinia that it believes it is her, how can we say it is not?"

"Whether she is a spirit or a demon, she wishes to help us… for the moment, at least."

"I'm less concerned with her than I am with the Nightmare she mentioned."

"It is a fear demon, as I suspected, likely drawing on terrors related to the Blight. Fear is a very old, very strong feeling. It predates love, pride, compassion…" He gestured. "Every emotion save perhaps desire. Be wary. The nightmare will do anything in its power to weaken our resolve."

Stroud clenched his fists. "After what it did to my fellow Wardens, I pray we find some way to strike it."


"Ah, we have visitors." The voice seemed to come from all directions, reverberating from the very stones. "Some foolish little boys and girls comes to steal the fear I kindly lifted from their shoulders. You should have left your fear where it lay, forgotten. You think that pain will make you stronger? What fool filled your mind with such drivel? The only one who grows stronger from your fears is me."

Maxwell looked at the others and they kept moving forward. The spider like things moved to attack, and Ellana swept her spirit blade through the first to reach her. The swords of Erdic, Cassandra and Stroud made short work of the others, and Varric made a beautiful shot that dropped one foolish enough to try to leap at Maxwell's back, who quickly spun around and stabbed his blades into another. They tried afford attack on both Adaar and Iron Bull and were quickly slain by their blades.

The voice kept talking through the battle. "But you are a guest here in my home, so by all means, let me return what you have forgotten."

They hadn't gone much further when the voice began to speak again. "But perhaps I should be afraid, facing the most powerful members of the Inquisition." It laughed. "The Qunari will make a lovely host for one of my minions. Or maybe I'll ride his body myself."

"I like to see you try," Iron Bull muttered under his breath.

More demons fell. The voice chose a new focus. "Your Inquisitor is a fraud, Cassandra. Yet more evidence there is no Maker, that all your 'faith' has been for naught."

Cassandra's blade felled the last of the attacking demons. "Die in the Void, demon."

A dead end. They began to backtrack towards the fork in the path they'd passed earlier. "Dirth ma, harellen. Ma banal enasalin. Mar Solas ena mar din."

Solas shook his head. "Banal nadas."

Maxwell looked at Ellana, hoping that she could clarify what they had just spoken. Though she looked as confused as they did, clearly her elven wasn't as good as Solas.

More spiders, skittering ahead. Ellana put up a barrier, and let the warriors sweep the narrow path. The voice echoed off the walls. "Once again, Hawke is in danger because of you, Varric. You found the red lyrium. You brought Hawke here…"

"Just keep talking, Smiley." Varric practically growled the words. Hawke reached out and affectionately messed the dwarf's hair, prompting Varric to bat his hand away and smile.

They reached the new path, and began moving forward once more. "Do you think you mattered, Hawke? Did you think anything you ever did mattered? You couldn't even save your city. How could you expect to strike down a god? Merrill is going to die, just like your family, and everyone you ever cared about."

Hawke exaggeratedly mouthed the voice's words, then rolled his eyes. "Of course, a fear demon would know where to hurt us most. We must ignore it." The Champion sent a blast of fire ahead that sent pieces of one of the spider things flying in all directions.

"Warden Stroud. How must it feel to devote your whole life to the Wardens, only to watch them fall? Or, worse, to know you are responsible for their destruction? When the next Blight comes, will they curse your name?"

"With the Maker's blessing, we will end this wretched beast," said Stroud defiantly.


"Spiders. Always the Maker-damned spiders!"

Several of the others commented, and it seemed not all of them were seeing the creatures as spiders. Solas gestured. "Remember, we walk in the Fade. Demons of fear shape their appearance to unnerve each of us."

Maxwell hated spiders ever since he was a little boy. Evenly haploid a prank on him and dropped the spider down his shirt and ever since then he had been afraid of them.


The Divine, or the spirit that looked like her, was waiting for them again. "The Nightmare is closer now. It knows you seek escape. With each moment, it grows stronger."

Maxwell nodded, and then moved through the small valley. When the demons were dead, he used his marked hand to collect the memories once more.

They all saw themselves, climbing a steep staircase carved from the fade-stone. The Divine stood above them. "This is the Breach back in Haven. That's how we…" He swallowed. "Escaped."

"The demons," the Divine called as he reached for Maxwell's hand. Maxwell grabbed it and to be and to help the others up. They then ran towards the rift, but then something caught the Divine, and yanked her backwards. Maxwell quickly turned and grabbed her hand and tried to pull her back towards him, Adaar, Erdic and Ellana grabbed his arm and helped him.

Divine looked them. "Go." And then the Divine was gone. They then watched as they turned and entered into the rift.

Maxwell opened his eyes, he looked at the others who were slightly distraught by the image and then they all looked at the woman before her. "It was you." He knew he should have expected this. "They thought it was Andraste sending us from the Fade, but it was the Divine behind us. And then you…" He took a ragged breath. "She died."

"Yes."

"So this creature is simply a spirit," said Stroud

Hawke raised an eyebrow at him. "I think we all knew that was the case, Warden."

The spirit turned her kind eyes towards the Champion. "I am sorry if I disappoint you." His face softened in response to her words.

Maxwell could only stare as the Divine's face shift as the spirit abandoned the woman's form to become a warmly glowing being of light.

Adaar took a step forward and said, "The only thing that's important right now is getting out of the Fade. Whoever you are, you've helped us so far."

"What we do know is that the mortal Divine perished at the temple, thanks to the Grey Wardens." Hawke's glare returned in full force.

Stroud shook his head. "As I said, the Grey Wardens responsible for crime were under the control of Corypheus. We can discuss this further once we return to Adamant."

Hawke stepped towards the Warden. "Yes, Adamant, where the Inquisition faces an army of demons raised by the Wardens."

Stroud glared at him. "How dare you judge us? You tore Kirkwall apart and started the mage rebellion!"

"To protect innocent mages, not madmen drunk on blood magic!" Hawke stepped forward until he was only a few inches from the other man. "Even without the influence of Corypheus, the Wardens go too far. They need to be checked."

"Agreed," said Solas. "The Wardens may once have served a greater good, but they are far too dangerous now."

Reluctantly, Cassandra also nodded. "The Wardens are a risk. Send them away before they cause even more trouble."

Iron Bull then crossed his arms. "Don't know that we can pass judgement on the only folk who know how to stop Blights."

"My people have suffered enough under the Blights," said Erdic. "Can we truly risk banishing the Wardens?"

Varric laid a hand on Hawke's arm, trying to calm his friend.

They were standing in the middle of the Fade, demons all around them. Bickering. Maxwell stepped towards them. "Sweet Maker, could all of you please shut up?!" They all turned towards him with startled expressions on their faces. "We can argue once we've escaped from the giant fear demon."

"Agreed," said Adaar. "This is not the time to cast blame, we can sort this out once we are safe."

"Inquisitor…" Hawke gestured to where more demons were gathering, then drew his staff.

The Divine floated upwards. "The Nightmare has found us."

Stroud drew his blade, and Maxwell and his guard along with their companions moved to stand at Maxwell's back as they faced the demons.


"Come." Solas gestured for them to proceed as the death of the last demon caused the barrier to fall, allowing them to continue forward. "Real or not, the Divine is the key to escaping from the Fade."

They continued forward, and once again the voice echoed from the walls. "Do you think you can fight me? I am your every fear come to life. I am the Veiled hand of Corypheus himself. The demon army you fear? I command it. They are bound all through me."

The spirit that had been the Divine's voice was filled with satisfaction, and she seemed to glow even brighter. "Ah, so if we banish you, we banish the demons? Thank you, every fear come to life."

A frustrated roar answered her, ringing from the stone.


The spirit floated just ahead. "You must get through the rift, Inquisitor. Get through and then slam it closed with all your strength. That will banish this army of demons…" The spirit glowed with golden light, lighting the path for them. "And exile this cursed creature into the farthest reaches of the Fade."

"Look," Hawke gestured with his staff. "We're almost there."

"Great, Hawke," Varric shifted his grip on the crossbow. "Why don't you just dare the Old Gods to stop us?"

They came to a platform, and stopped short as the Nightmare arrived to do just that. The creature was hard to describe it had many eyes, more than a spider. It had large spiderlike legs and tentacles were drooling out of its mouth.

Before them, the spirit glowed even brighter. Her voice sounded sad. "If you would, please tell Leliana, tell them, 'I am sorry. I failed you, too." The spirit threw itself at the Nightmare, pushing it away and tumbling it down out of their view.

Now, they just had to deal with the demons. Maxwell murmured a prayer, and heard it echoed by Cassandra.


The last of the demons fell. Maxwell waved to Cassandra and the others, who began to run for the rift. Maxwell, his guard, Stroud, and Hawke started to move forward. And then the Nightmare was there, it's bloated body between them and the rift.

"We need to clear a path!" Stroud yelled as he set his shield, holding his sword at the ready.

"Go, I'll cover you." Hawke gripped his staff in both hands.

Stroud shook his head. "No. You were right. The Wardens made this mistake. A Warden must—"

"A Warden must help them rebuild! That's your job!" Hawke glared up at the Nightmare. "Corypheus is mine."

Maxwell looked to, Adaar, Erdic and Ellana and clearly they didn't like the decision either. He had to admit that it was a tough one and he didn't know who was best suited.

He couldn't bring himself to look at either of them. "Stroud…" He turned towards him.

He nodded. "Inquisitor, it's been an honour." He charged ahead. "For the Wardens!"

They watched as his sword slicing through the demon and causing it to shift. While it was distracted Maxwell led his garden and Hawke towards the rift. He took one last look back and saw that Stroud was still battling against the Nightmare and then jumped into the rift…


Maxwell landed and saw Inquisition soldiers and Wardens were still locked in battle against the demons. His eyes narrowed, and he focused his energy into the mark. His palm glowed with green light, and then he clenched his fist, driving his nails into his palm. The rift behind him vanished, and the demons with it.

Slowly, a cheer began to rise. Hawke turned towards him. "She was right. Without the Nightmare to control them, the mages are free, and Corypheus loses his demon army." He shook his head, and smiled. "Though as far as they're all concerned, the Inquistor broke the spell with the blessing of the Maker."

"Once they understand what really happened…"

"Honestly, after all the death they've seen… perhaps it would be better to let them believe the legend," Hawke suggested.

"I agree," said Adaar. "You become a symbol, a symbol they believe in, you can't just crush all the hopes and dreams. There are times when one must hide the truth from the people."

"Don't feel bad," said Erdic. "I've kept a few secrets every now and then and I've always been better for it."

"Is that supposed to make him feel better?" Ellana smirked.

"Hey," said Erdic.

A soldier rushed towards her. "Inquisitor. The Archdemon flew off as soon as you disappeared. The Venatori magister is unconscious but alive. Cullen thought you might wish to deal with him yourself." He glanced over his shoulder as a man in a griffin helmet moved to stand next to him. "As for the Wardens, those who weren't corrupted helped us fight the demons."

Faren then walked up, his armour very bloodied and he looked up at him. "But we must apologise for what has happened," he said. "Rest assured the Wardens will do anything in their ability…" He hesitated. "To correct our mistakes." He raised his head. "Where is Stroud?"

Hawke lowered his eyes and Maxwell saw his guard weren't able to look at him in the eyes. Maxwell closes eyes. "Warden Stroud died striking a blow against a servant of the Blight. We will honour his sacrifice, and remember how he exemplified the ideals of the Grey Wardens. Even as Corypheus and his servants tried to destroy all from within."

Faren nodded. "The Wardens are in a shambles, I cannot say for certainty what our course is."

"You stay and do whatever you can to help," said Maxwell firmly. "Stroud died for the ideals of the Wardens. In war, victory. And we are still at war."

Faren smiled. "Then will help you Inquisition whatever capacity we can. Theron can stay with you as a liaison."

Adaar then took a step forward, who look quite pleased with the result. "You're still vulnerable to Corypheus, and possibly his Venatori, but there are plenty of demons that need killing."

Cassandra just shook her head at Maxwell. "After all this, you give them yet another chance?"

"While they do that, I'll inform Weisshaupt what's happened," said Hawke. "Best they not get caught offguard."

Maxwell nodded in agreement, he would have preferred that Hawke stayed in help them, but informing Weisshaupt was important as well.

"Then the Grey Wardens will pledge their allegiance to the Inquisition, Your Worship," Faren bowed.

"Good luck, Inquisitor." Hawke bowed. "It's been an honour to fight alongside you and your guard. And take care of Varric for me."

He nodded.