Chapter 7: Binding

(Adamant)

Cole was worried, where were they? Where was Jane? A loud, painful inhuman scream ran out from the rift. Next he saw Hawk and Alistair stumble out followed by the Inquisitor holding a limp Jane close to his side. The using the mark on his free hand, the Inquisitor dramatically closed the rift behind him. Those closest to the rift were knocked over and the remaining demons vanished. Cole walked over and gently took Jane from the Inquisitor, who then stepped forward as Alistair said, "No demon army for Corypheus, it appears. The Divine…or her spirit…was right. You know that's not how they see it, though. They just saw their Inquisitor work another miracle."

"They came out of this alive. As far as I'm concerned, they can tell whatever stories they like, "replied Maxwell.

"I suppose 'The Inquisitor and his friends escaped by the skin of their teeth' wouldn't be as good for morale, "said Alistair with a smile.

A scout walked over and said, "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 herself. As for the Wardens, those who weren't corrupted helped us fight the demons."

A Warden in full armor stepped forward and saluted as he said, "We stand ready to help make up for Clarel's…tragic mistake."

"What happened to Jane?" asked Cole carefully laying her down on the ground.

"She saved us by nearly killing herself and struck a decisive blow against Corypheus, "said the Inquisitor, "She saved our lives not because she sworn an oath or been marked as special. She saw what needed to be done and figured out a way to do it so that we all survived."

"Alistair, "said the armored Warden, "you're the senior surviving Grey Warden. What do we do now?"

Hawke gave the armored Warden an ugly look and Alistair sent the Inquisitor a questioning one. The Inquisitor answered, "You stay and do whatever you can to help. Alistair believes that the Wardens are worth saving…and I trust him."

"But they hurt people, "said Cole, "Because of them Jane was hurt."

Maxwell continued, "You're still vulnerable to Corypheus, and possibly his Venatori, but there are plenty of demons that need killing."

"While they do that, "Alistair said, "I'll report to the Wardens at Weisshaupt. Corypheus won't catch us with our trousers down again. Hawke, could you please contact your brother and have him, with your help, keep an eye on the Wardens here."

"Oh, he'll just love that, "said Hawke, "And I will keep an eye on them."

"Thank you, Your Worship, "said the armored Warden, "We will not fail you."

"Good luck, Inquisitor, "said Alistair, "Tell Morrigan…ah, just tell her I stood there looking foolish."

"Come on, Cole, "said Dorian kneeling down next to Jane, "Let me help you get her to the healers. Hmm."

(Skyhold Atrium)

"I cannot believe the Grey Wardens could ever conceive of such a plan, "snarled Solas, "To seek out these Old Gods deliberately in some bizarre attempt to preempt the Blight…"

Maxwell leaned onto Solas' desk and said, "And calling the army of demons. That's my favorite part."

"The demons are nothing. They were a tool to them, "Solas took a deep breath to calm down, "Forgive me. The entire idea is…unnerving. Plus I'm concerned about the excessive concern that Cole displayed for Jane."

"Oh, "said Maxwell, "Isn't that what he is suppose to do, worry about people and try to help them?"

"Yes, "said Solas turning away, "But he seems to concentrate on aiding Jane more than anyone else. He actually was angrier in regards to Jane getting hurt at Adamant than anything. It wasn't until she woke up that he began to calm down."

"Maybe it's because he's been working with her so much, "said Maxwell with a shrug, "Or that it was her that gave him the most support while we were in the Fade. Or maybe he just likes her."

"That's the problem, "said Solas, "A spirit of compassion should not become too attached to anyone or it might become too focused on that person. If that happens, it might become obsessed with that person thus becoming a Demon of Obsession.

"No offense, Solas, "said Maxwell, "But you yourself said that he basically human in all respects. Maybe he's just having his first crush?"

"Physically he is human, "said Solas firmly, "but inside he is a spirit and can become a demon."

"I will not become like them, "said Cole walking into the room, "To make sure I want you to bind me."

"What?!" exclaimed Solas, "No!"

"Ok, "said Maxwell, "That was unexpected."

"Why not, you like demons, "whined Cole.

"I enjoy the company of spirits, "said Solas turning to glare at Cole, "Which is part of why I do not abuse them with bindings."

Cole replied, "It isn't abuse if I ask!"

"Why do you want to be bound, "asked Maxwell.

"If Solas won't do the ritual to bind me, some else could, will! Like the Warden mages! And then…I'm not me anymore. Walls around what I want, blocking, bleeding, making me a monster."

Maxwell said in a flat voice, "There must be some other option to prevent that from happening."

"Indeed, "said Solas, "I recall stories of amulets…"

(A little later, in Jane's room)

"What the hell, Cole!" Jane said from her bed, when the human-like spirit appeared, "How could you ever believe that binding yourself was a good idea. And then I had to hear it from the Inquisitor."

"I just don't want someone else binding me and forcing me to hurt people, "said Cole forcefully as he sat on the edge of the bed, "They will not make me hurt you."

Jane's face softened and with a sigh she said, "But being bound is not the answer. Even if someone here did perform the ritual, it would have changed you and most likely for the worse. You would be Cole any longer."

"Sorry, "said Cole shrinking in on himself and then his sat up straighter, tilting his head, "Slight gnawing, stomach grumbling…you're hungry. I'll be back with something some food. You need to eat more."

"Cute, "said Jane after Cole left, "He wanted to have himself bound to a blood mage and then has the nerve to scold me for not eating. What will I do with you, Cole. Ow!" Jane grabbed her right hand. It felt like someone slapped her hand hard with something.

(Kitchens)

Cole stood back away from the cook holding his hand close to him. When the cook caught him going through the pantry, somehow snuck up on him and slapped his hand with a large cooking spoon as he was reaching for a half a loaf of bread. "That'll teach ya from stealing from MY kitchen. Off with ya!"

To be continued…