Chapter 11
Deep Down Trouble
Cassandra waits for Lavellan to step out of her quarters, pacing the great hall. With much to address, her impatience permeates. The fires are burning a bit hotter this day or maybe she has just paced this room too long. Becoming Divine has been more eye-opening than she ever imagined. Never entering anything she does with a simple mind, her passion for justice and truth, seen in every choice she makes. All expected her to continue pushing the limits of what the Chantry represents and how the Seekers should continue. Still uneasy about allowing mages full rights to freedom, there is still much discussion on how to secure the safest path for all. Vivienne now securing her noble right in Val Royeaux has pledged to recover circles. Only allowing necessary controls. However, the push to educate is winning the battle in hopes that circles will become colleges. Holding the same place as a Chantry would in villages for those gifted.
Lavellan exits her room and met readily by her thought filled friend.
"What brings you this day?" Lavellan looks dearly at her friend.
"Well, many things if I am to be honest. So much change happening it seems endless to keep up, at times." Cassandra confiding in her friend.
"And to think, we are at a beginning?" Lavellan smirks in a taunting way at her dear friend. "Ah, you must remind me, as if I needed more weight." Cassandra's well know grunt greets Lavellan with comfort, pleased to see the hat had not completely drown out her friend.
"The dragon you came across has disappeared since your departure. It seems there is no connection to Tevinter." Cassandra breaks the casualty.
"So, whatever is in that temple must be guarded by the dragon, as Morrigan suspected?"
"It appears to be so. The village also seems void of any Tevinter living there. In fact, it seems no one, beyond the occasional bandit, has any connection to the town. I am afraid that is as far as our reach has taken us on the matter, perhaps Morrigan can find out more from her sources."
"Well, I suppose that is a door that won't be opening anytime soon."
"It may be for good reason. Though Morrigan is still seeking to work with our dragonologist." Cassandra expressing her concern of leaving what is well enough alone.
"I believe Morrigan has good reason."
"Let us hope, Inquisitor." Cassandra frowns at the alternative.
"I am concerned about our relations with the Dwarves, Inquisitor. Long have they been in the service of Tevinter, as it seems. Every time any of them branched out to help their old elven friends, nothing good came of the union. I am sure you are familiar with the events of Cad'halash."
"When they tried to aid the elves who were escaping the fall of Arlathan, they were all killed by the dwarves of Kal-Sharok." Lavellan shows her knowledge of the story.
"You must know then…" Cassandra stops and looks toward Varric as he comes walking up.
"I felt a ringing in my ears, should have guessed it was you. Let me guess you are about to delve into the stories of us dwarves?" Varric slyly exposing what he heard.
"Do you just linger waiting for me to show up, Varric?" Cassandra showing her frustration.
"Just want to make sure you don't scare off our friend here, Divine." Varric cuts back at her. "But, please continue, don't let little old me stop you two."
Cassandra cuts down a look of irritation at Varric. "Like I was saying, nothing good has come from any attempts to break the hold Tevinter has on the dwarves and their precious economy. It's been an alliance for two thousand years." Cassandra finishes her interrupted thought.
"For once Divine, I am afraid to say that I agree. They are a powerful alliance, no matter what was in the past."
"Honestly, our goal is securing what we need for any resistance they may bring. War is not my intent, but if we do face a threat, we need more than troops on our side. For now, our focus is on finding a cure and stopping those from entering the fade." Lavellan clears the fears of a mighty march anytime soon.
"Well, let's just hope Leliana has been excessively careful in her talks and … securements."
"We are working closely, making sure every trace is covered Varric. Have some faith."
"This last journey, is risky from what Leliana has told me. The information, however, will uncover a solution." Varric lets in his knowledge.
"We best be off then." Levellan cutting the conversation short, ready for what may come.
"Just don't go dying, we still need you to keep these crazy mage's from assaulting the fade." Varric looks to Cassandra with a worry for their friend.
"I pray Leliana is right." Cassandra answers Varric's concern.
Iron Bull sits at the bar, Krem and the chargers are out with Cullen's men, addressing the leads given to them of the possible locations of the crazed Mage's and Templars. Lavellan steals the moment with her friend. "Are you ready to meet the deep roads again Bull?"
"Ready and waiting boss. Nothing beats a fight along your side." Bulls hold great honor in his face. She can see it now. "Well, then, grab Dorian. We are off." Smiling and tapping her large friend on the shoulder as she stands to visit Sera and Cole before their departure.
"I never understood dwarves. They are funny, yeah? So you are going to get whatever it is to make things not sick anymore, right?" Sera shows more desperation than Lavellan had noticed before. Her spirit is playful, but her face holds meaning and purpose. She doesn't just push it all away, she holds it like a child, trying to understand it, but she can't or won't allow herself.
"That's the plan, you hear of any news?"
"Yeah, some guy named Thrull was asking around about you, says he wants a challenge. Not sure what that's about, but I'd keep an eye out." Sera goes back to her mumbling. As Lavellan walks her way out and up to see Cole.
"They use it. They infect what is not sick. That scares me."
"We will stop it Cole."
"If we don't, everything dies." Cole, never known for using comforting words to hide the truth they all face.
Scout Harding has set up a thorough camp, preparing for the Inquisitors arrival.
"Inquisitor, bandit activity has been seen in the area. It seems there is a bandit leader prowling the area. But, every time we sent troops out, they were nowhere to be found. It's kind of odd."
"Thank you, Scout Harding."
Out on the roads, the party has walked for some time now. Meeting with bandits and bounty hunters. Nothing new for the party of friends. The roads they walk, well used. Open lands filled with slight hills and grassy landscape topped with a big blue sky above, holding the bright sun. Mountains shadow in the background as they walk toward their map location. A well-worn wooden bridge comes into view, slight glistens of metal show there may be bandits ahead.
"Well, that's not very stealthy." A sigh from Dorian in play.
"If you want I can bounce an arrow off one of 'em, just to let them know we are here." Varric joins the jest. The party quiets now as they approach the group ahead. "Inquisitor!" A voice calls out. "I have come to challenge you!" A large man, amassed in heavy armor and a huge sword steps out.
"He wears the Mercy's Crest." Bull lets out what they all sharply recognize.
"He does have a mighty sword." Dorian breaks out… "What? Nobody? Where is Sera when you need her?" Dorian lets out his disappointment with the lack of follow-up.
"So, you have come to challenge me, for the Blades? I suppose nothing will change your mind?"
"Please say no, please say no…" Everyone can hear Bulls hushed chant in the background.
"I have come to challenge you." Nothing more said, as the brute draws his sword.
"So be it."
The brute and his men put up a good fight, but their might was no match for the group, experienced as they were.
"Disappointing," Bull mumbles.
"Just think of it as a warm up." Dorian suggests.
The group had honestly forgot that Lavellan was leader of the Blades. It almost seems trivial.
"So, that was the almighty Thrull?"
"Why was he even considered a lead?"
"I don't know, but I like this sword."
"You know what they say when the ego is bigger than the sword."
Laughter breaks out among the friends. Continuing, the stones double in size as the path begins to narrow. The party now walled in by the large stones carved from the rocks. Guarding there limited space, they walk down the path. The smell of dirt fills the air, stale as if there had not been a breeze blow in ages. Small rocks kick underfoot, the ground thirst's here, cracking under the dry conditions. Any sign of greenery has long been missing on this path. The stone darkens and becomes glossy in texture as they approach their marked location. Old weathered pillars mark what once must have been the massive entrance to this roads site. A Smokey mist, showing hints of red, floats in the air around them as they approach the once grand entrance. Silence holds the tongues of everyone. In this moment, they know answers lay behind those doors or a lost fate awaits them. Breath held tight in their lungs. Minds unraveling battle stances, movements, cunning plays in preparation.
Dirt dusts the air heavy. Small stones tap at the ground as the great doors push open. Metal, cutting through silence, the opening looking like a crack compared to their full ability. It's all they need to slide their bodies through. The stone walls keep their natural form. Pillars carved in place, eluding to a purpose they do not hold. The smooth stone floors go inward in great length. Recent activity exposed by the wooden carts left broken. Bodies of looters dot the floors. Most likely left from Leliana's scouts.
"I guess we are not alone in our interested of this place." Lavellan opens her thoughts.
"From the looks of the bodies, they are just looters." Varric tries to calm the intensity they all feel.
"We do know guards are nearby." Lavellan answers keeping them focused. Her disposition changed in these moments. What was once soft in her, you'd never know, if having only seen her on the battlefield. She strikes no immediate fear in those who oppose her, their arrogance keeps them feeling superior. However, once her blades become drawn and the eyes behind her light up echoing the same, the mood quickly changes. They appear as quickly as spirits and as brutal as demons. A fierce pack, skilled with intent. Idealized, they stand as guardians of what is righteous. Gifted by the gods, led by the hand of the Maker – they are champions. This does not hold true in the eyes of those who oppose the rebel Inquisition. Blood stains every one of their hands, trickery and deceit follows. A pack of wolves craving the power, the Nightmare holds.
With footsteps light on the surface of the stone, the party presses on down the long stone deep road. A carved room enclosed behind a small doorway. Inside, must lay the old merchants office or a guard station. Shelves, a desk, and chair carved out in the stone, show its purpose. The room stripped clean of anything of immediate value. A small parchment lay trampled in the corner. The writing is not legible, but the people back at Skyhold will be able to make more out. Continuing their walk further into the stone, bedrolls and crates – used as tables – begin to mark the path. Confirming the reports of Leliana's scouts.
"Shall we continue?" Dorian, having already surveyed the camp, sees nothing of value and presses the party onward. After a long walk, surrounded by droll walls, the road turns, opening to a set of curved stone steps that lead further down. This road, built with haste. The air around them does not open to a cool mist, nor a brighter path. The deep, darkness of the road below beckons death, harrowing at their fears.
"Hm, what a lovely welcome." Dorian jests, revealing his knowledge of the magic lingering. Bodies lying lifeless mark the steps as they lead deeper down into the stone. A desolate opening, leading down like an endless pit, spirals a command – attempting to pull at their wills. "I would imagine a warrior of lesser willpower would jump right on off." A comment comes forth from the Tevinter mage. Tested on more commanding levels, the party moves on in ease. However, this pull gains strength as their feet hit the smoothed surface, continuing the road, at the bottom of the stairs.
"Er, damn deep roads." Bull lets out expressing the resistance they must muster.
"We must be getting close." Lavellan relieves the moment as Dorian casts a barrier around them, warding off the ill intended magic.
"There are guards up ahead."
"Everybody ready?" Bulls tone setting the moment.
Rage demons lurk around two wraith, standing on guard in front of two arcane warriors. Devising their plan, the party splits into their roles. Dorian guarding Lavellan while directing casts at the Arcane. Bull heading the distraction pulling the wraith away, and Varric picking away at any opponent Lavellan digs her blades into. Their tactics successful and they overcome the first barrier of protection left here. Further down the empty road, the song darkens weaving a sickness, they all feel stirring within. If Cole were here he would be telling them all to not listen. Luckily, it is not the first time they have felt this sickness.
A new set of doors stand before the party. This section of the roads built for another purpose. Off in the distance, from the point they stand at now. They can see a slight shadow of the pillars marking the main deep road and the broken, obviously purposely blown up road that connects their location to it. This area possibly build to house a guard or caretaker of the area. It may have another purpose than intended. Opening the doors to this hollowed out cave, the room boasts towers of the Red Lyrium. Like roots it has gripped on the surface of the stones, the disease has taken ahold. In the middle of the room, a stone table holding a scroll in a magically sealed container, sits on the table; fully enclosed in a giant red lyrium vein.
"Well shit." Varric breaks the silence.
Another moment does not pass before they meet with a desire demon.
"Why do you come to this place, elf?" The demons voice inviting and warm.
"Show yourself!" Lavellan commands of the demon.
She appears, as a sexual vision, naked in her purple skin. A chain connects between her generous breasts, clamping the demons nipples. She exudes a sexual prowess that's hard to deny.
"A hot demon chic, sweet!" Bull breaks the moment.
"No, not sweet." Dorian cautions.
"What, adorable friends you have." The demon traces her hand up her thigh, tempting the party.
"Who has led you here?" Lavellan resists her rouses.
"I do not answer to you, elf!" The demons voice, dark, scratches at their minds.
"You chose to stay here?" Lavellan tries to reason with the she-beast.
"I take what I wish, elf." Her gaze breaking into Lavellan's will with the sickness in her dark eyes. "It has been such a long time, I do so treasure visitors." She resumes her play pressing harder at the parties resolve. "You come for answers, what price is worth having them, elf?" The demon makes her play, lowering her torso, teasing her way around their minds. "None you can offer." Lavellan's hardened spirit compacting down on the demon.
"Come now, be reasonable, we do not have to fight." Her taunts continue.
"Enough of this! Ma emma harel." She commands down the demons will, signaling an attack.
Her fight she takes to the air as the demon plays around in her weightlessness, continuing to taunt the party, as it casts its magic at the well-trained group. Calling up several other demons she commands. The souls of those who fell to the demons ruses since its presence in this lost ruin. Exposing its well skilled ability or the weakness of those who tempted their fate before. Either way, the desire demons power is strong and her fight lasting. Breaking opening the last healing potion, Lavellan tosses it to Bull who has been taking the damage, as he draws their attention from the rest of the party. He spins his mighty hammer around finishing off what remains. The desire demon becomes the focus of defeat. They dig deep, summoning every last ounce of power to aid their fight. Finally, she falls to their attacks, unable to pull anymore will from what surrounds her.
"Well, I don't know about you guys, but that was the hottest fight I've ever had." Bull pokes around at the circumstances that exposed a usually… hidden side to all of their natures.
"I'm glad that is over." Lavellan dismisses his jests, just wanting it to end.
"That demon must have been here for ages." Varric outspoken about the skill the demon held.
"Now we just have to get whatever is in there – out."
"We can't just break it?" Lavellan confused by the comment, as they have destroyed many in the past.
"This one is rooted to something greater, possibly the beginning. Contact with this may infect us all."
"Aren't the dwarves resistant?" Lavellan brings up a valid point.
"You know who we need?" Varric now inspired by the mention. "Dagna, if anyone can do anything with it, it would be her."
We need to get word to the scouts back at camp. They can send word and set up a proper guard of the area. The team leaves, but not before searching the demon. It holds an amulet of power and a belt of superior spirit resistance. "Those would have been helpful before we killed her, don't you think?" Dorian refers to the loot found on the demons remains