Chapter 8: Rage

(Redcliff)

"Didn't think we would be back here so soon, "muttered Varris as they walked through town, "What is it with Redcliff and spirit and/or demon problems?"

Solas humphed, still annoyed over the argument he and the dwarf had at Skyhold. How dare someone who has absolutely no connection to the Fade try to argue with him about spirits.

An angry sounding, "You,"coming from Cole broke him out of thoughts as he watched stunned as a rage filled Cole raced over to a human and brought him to his needs. "You killed me, "Cole growled.

(Skyhold)

Jane was at the tavern, reading a rather enjoyable book titled 'Swords and Shields.' Not one to improve one's mind, but one that was a fun read for a lazy day or trying to keep you mind off of things. She took a swallow of ale as she turned the cover. Just as she was getting to a good part, she gasped and nearly ripped the book apart in anger. Taking deep breaths she tried to calm herself down, not knowing why she was so angry all of a sudden.

(Redcliff)

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, "said the man that Cole chased towards a cliff on the farside of town.

"Sorry isn't going to help him now, is it, Kid?" said Varric.

Cole glared from under his had said heatedly, "No."

Varric handed Cole his crossbow and said, "Then pull the trigger and put him down like a mad dog. Do it!"

The man went down to his needs and begged, "No!"

Cole yells as he pulled the trigger but there was no bolt. His anger melted away and he just felt tired.

Varric placed a sympathetic hand on his back and asked,"How're you doing, Kid? Feel any better?"

Cole let Varric take the crossbow away and in a sorrowful voice said, "No."

(Skyhold)

Jane physically struggled with Iron Bull and Krem as the held her in place. Dorian stood out of the way nursing a busted lip as Leliana watched what was going on with narrowed eyes. Jane tried to break free but they were professionals and knew how to secure a prisoner and in her rage she wasn't thinking clearly.

"What in the name of the Maker is going on here, "demanded Cullen marching through the doorway.

"You were here when it started, Dorian, "said Leliana turning to the mage.

"Don't look at me, "said Dorian, "All I know I was trying not to gag on my drink and next I know she's punching me in the face."

Leliana asked, "Did she use her abilities? Was she glowing?"

"Now that you mention it, "said Dorian with a thoughtful look, "She didn't. So either she at knows this isn't right and is holding back…or she's so angry she's forgotten how to use them."

Jane suddenly stopped fighting and went limp. "Lock me up, "she begged, "I don't want to hurt anyone."

(The next morning in Redcliff)

Cole paced impatiently outside the stables as he waited for the others to show. He had to get back to Skyhold, he just had to. Didn't know how he knew, just…that something was wrong in Skyhold.

"Good morning, Cole, "said Solas making his way to the stables, "You seem to be in a hurry today."

"Need to hurry, need to get back, "said Cole, "Something wrong in Skyhold."

"Cole you know we are too far away for you to sense problems at Skyhold, "said Solas and then with a sad sigh, "Especially with you being more human."

"Where did this rage come from "Cole said hurried as he started pacing once, "I could have killed Dorian! Lock me up, please, lock me up!"

"Cole, "Solas said with a thoughtful look, "Where are you getting this from? From whom?"

"I hurt her, when I got mad, "Cole said frustrated, "She felt what I felt, but had no way to release the anger since it was not her own. Don't know why or how. She needs me to be there, not here." He then squatted down and hid behind his hat. "The Templars there will hurt her. Claim she's possessed but she's not, "he said in a tearful voice, "She worries for me, but she is the one in danger. I need to be there, not here."

"It's Jane, isn't it,"Solas said kneeling down next to the young man, "Somehow you two are connected but not bound or possessed."

Cole remained silent, shaking. Solas stood up and said, "This is what we'll do. You are going to assist me with preparing the horses, the Herald and Varric should be here by then and we can leave immediately. I'll explain to them the emergency and we will travel as quickly as possible back to Skyhold. So get up."

Cole stood up and dusted off his legs. Following Solas into the stables, he didn't notice the stable hand coming out from his hiding place from behind a straw stack. The stable hand's eyes started to glow gold as he followed the two into building.

(Later, in strange cave)

"Interesting, "the gold eyed man said picking up Cole by the neck, "You have been altered, more human. You can no longer able hide as easily from my indoctrination, but you are strong willed. It will take time." He drops Cole, who falls heavily to the dirt floor of what appeared to be a cave unable to catch himself due to being tied up. He fell next to a bruised and bloody Solas who was tied and sitting on the ground.

"Who are you, "demanded Solas,"What do you want with us?"

"I am Harbinger, "the man said, "I was to bring ascension to the humans when they acquired the attentions of those infinitely their greater. They were to become one with us, the Reapers, as we harvested all advanced life as we have done so in previous cycles. The humans rejected their destiny and we were brought down by the Shepard. Her interference brought a temporary halt to the infinite cycle. She destroyed my creator, forced my brothers to merge with the disease called organic life. I who was once the first am now the last. Soon to be the first once more. She and the rest of the human race must be annihilated before I rebuild and restart the cycle."

"What cycle? Who is this Shepard, "demanded Solas, "What of the other races. Elves, dwarves…"

"All technologically advanced life was to be harvested. Dwarves, Elves and even the Humans of this world would have been left in peace to grow or die on their own until the next cycle. But no longer, all sentient life will be now be harvested to fuel the rebuilding." Harbinger said as he walked to a small control panel in the wall. He tapped on it and a full size hologram of an older looking Jane in N7 armor appeared between him and the prisoners, "This is the Shepard. She is the one who thought she could stop the cycle."

"If you are so powerful as to destroy entire races, why would you need hostages? Why not just…"

"Injured, broken, needs repair, "muttered Cole as he was able to work himself into a sitting position, " Cannot move, but can work through the indoctrinated. Not enough power. Too primitive. No…"

Harbinger glowed as he back-handed Cole across the room so as to stop the young man's words. "You will not speak of your betters, creature, "snarled their captor, "The only reason why you still breathe is your connection to the Shepard. YOU will bring her to me."

"Ser, "one of Harbinger's follows walked in and kneeled as he said, "Darkspawn approach."

To be continued…