Chapter 9

Becoming the Champion of Kirkwall was the last thing to which Shaye had aspired. Suddenly, she was forced to play politics and to consider with far greater intensity, her every action. Whether she liked it or not, the people of Kirkwall were influenced by what their Champion did or did not do. There were certain expectations of her. She was expected to attend parties and soirees, to speak at events. She was petitioned by nobles and commoners alike to intervene and settle this business squabble or resolve that land claim. She hated the formalities, the politics, the gamesmanship, but, she was good at it. Cullen had once called her a fixer. As usual, he was right. She had been trying to fix things for others all her life.

What she hated, was the time away from Cullen, but Varric cautioned her about being with Cullen.

"Hawke. If Kirkwall thinks you are in bed with the Templars, than the Mages and the Guard have no chance. Kirkwall will be ruled by Meredith."

"Varric, I am in bed with only one Templar, and trust me, it is not Meredith. Besides, Kirkwall doesn't know about Cullen and me. We have been discrete. Even you didn't know until I told you."

Varric chuckled. "Funny Hawke. But I am serious. The Templar Mage thing is heating up. Mark my words. You will have to take a side."

"Varric. There is no tenable side to take. Both Orsino and Meredith are wrong, and right now, I can support neither."

"I don't disagree with you Hawke. But I am telling you – the day will come."

Shaye knew it to be true. Lately, the worried look on Cullen's face told the story. Cullen had told Shaye that Meredith was becoming increasingly odd and withdrawn. He was, for first time, truly questioning her beliefs. It was not just her strict adherence to Order, it was her strict adherence to a twisted view of the Order.

"She is becoming paranoid. She has always surrounded herself with a group of Templars of dubious reputation, and has shut me out of her dealings with them. Over the years, each has proved to a fanatic, unworthy of the Order." Cullen had said. "What is worse is that she knows you have done some work for the Templars and that you and I have become "acquainted", as she put it." Shaye, she has asked me to spy on you. She is frightened by your power Shaye and I fear the worst. We must be cautious."

She pushed the thoughts away from her mind. She was hoping to see Cullen tonight at last. It had been almost two weeks since last she saw him and at that, it had only been for a brief time. She missed him terribly.

Cullen entered the Knight Commanders office. Meredith was behind her desk, leafing through some documents. Minutes passed. She is doing this on purpose, Cullen thought, but I will play my part and not allow her to unnerve me. Finally, she looked up and acknowledged him.

"Ah, Knight-Captain Cullen. I understand that you wanted to see me." Meredith smiled.

"Yes Knight-Commander. For several weeks now in fact." Cullen bowed deeply.

"Cullen, you are my second. You are welcome to speak with me at any time."

"Perhaps Ser William was not clear on that point, Knight-Commander." Cullen replied courteously.

"Are you suggesting anything Cullen? That would not do. Ser William is my secretary and my dear friend."

"Not at all Commander."

"Good." Replied Meredith coldly. "Now, what is it you wanted to see me about Knight-Captain, I am very busy."

"Of course." Said Cullen. "I understand that the top floor in The Gallows has been locked. I have tried to see the men stationed there, but have been refused entry."

"Then my dear Cullen. I guess you will not be able to see the men. There were abominations locked up in there. They already contaminated the men. The area is being quarantined and is temporarily off limits. No one will be allowed in or out save my special forces." Meredith responded, her tone icy cold.

It was as Cullen suspected. Meredith was coming undone. Cullen knew some of the Mages that had been taken, and they were not abominations. And even if true, some may be saved. Had the hero of Ferelden taken Meredith's perspective , then Cullen would not be here. Meredith was pushing Orsino into a corner. Soon Orsino would have no choice but to rebel openly, if not become a demon himself. Interesting that she finally admitted to having a "special force". For the last few years Meredith had surrounded herself with some of the most zealous Templars she could find. Templars that had never quite taken to Cullen's presence. Templars like Alrik, Mettin, and Karras.

"Your special forces do know that even Justinia I proclaimed that mages who honor the Maker and keep his laws are welcome as our brothers and sisters ? There may be some that can be saved. Meredith, please you know that I myself was in similar circumstances…." It was a weak attempt, but Cullen had to try.

Meredith slammed her fist onto her desk. Her face reddened, and then softened. "Of course Knight-Captain. You must trust me as you always have. The Mages who were imprisoned were possessed and the Templars are dead. I have simply sealed off the area for clean up, you have my word."

"Very well. Then I am satisfied." Cullen lied.

Meredith smiled. "And the other matter Cullen? You have bedded the Champion by now?"

This was the moment he had dreaded. He prayed to the Maker he could pull it off. No emotion.

"Apparently she prefers the charms of Elven slaves, I am sorry to say. But, I do believe she will support the Templars."

Her cruel gaze seemed to penetrate his very being. It took every ounce of strength to stare her down.

"Too bad. Then I suppose there is no more point for you to continue to see her. It has been about two weeks since last you met has it not? She will be arrested shortly anyway." Meredith said matter-of- factly.

No emotion, he said to himself again.

"Arrested? Surely we could use her assistance." Cullen said evenly.

"She consorts with an abomination. That Anders fellow. We could never touch him; he is a Warden after all. I suspect the whore screws both Elves and Mages. We will see where she lands, and if it is on the wrong side, she will be taken." Meredith laughed and she returned to her papers.

"Hmm, Mages and Elves, but not Templars. Hardly seems fair." Cullen said as he bowed.

"Dismissed." Meredith said chuckling, without looking up from her papers.

Cullen couldn't get out of there fast enough. He rushed to his quarters. He felt unclean and he felt physically ill. He had to see Shaye, to warn her, but Cullen was now being watched and scrutinized. To continue to see Shaye would jeopardize them both. He couldn't go to her, at least for now. He prayed Shaye would understand.

Not only was Cullen sickened by Meredith's derogatory remarks and threats against Shaye, he was mortified by what she had revealed about her special forces, and to have confirmation that his worst suspicions about the Mages and Templars locked in the Gallows were true. Shaye had no choice now but to stand with the Mages. They would be slaughtered otherwise. Cullen had no choice but to stand by his men, even if that meant supporting Meredith for now.

But how was he stand against Shaye? And how would he protect Mages and Templars both in the battle that was certain to come? Cullen had been gathering evidence against Meredith and had begun to formulate a plan to move as many Mages as he could out of the Gallows, if he needed to. It seemed clear now, that he would have try to get as many Mages out as he could. And he knew just the man to help him.

King Alistair's timing could not have been better. Shaye had not been the only one to receive a request to meet with the King of Ferelden.

"Your Highness. I am honored that you have taken the time to see me, considering your busy schedule." Cullen said

"Please Cullen, call me Alistair. I hate the Your Highness thing." Alistair said rolling his eyes.

"Very well Alistair."

After taking some time to catch up, Alistair cut to the chase.

"I did not have much success with Meredith. I am trying to convince her to let the Ferelden Mages return to the Tower. She said she would gladly entertain the idea, once the Mages who have escaped from Kirkwall have been returned." Alistair shook his head. "We are at a stalemate, it would seem, unless you can assure me that the rumours about The Gallows are untrue."

"I would like to say that there is no truth to the rumours, but I can't. Meredith has gone too far. She has become unbalanced." Cullen said, feeling a sense of shame.

"Look, Alistair, the treatment of the Mages here has always been harsh – much harsher than at the Circle of Ferelden. But you must understand that the Mages here in Kirkwall are weak and the veil is extraordinarily thin. Mages were poorly trained and this was tolerated, perhaps, I am sorry to say, even encouraged by both Meredith and Orsino, each for different reasons. I have never seen so many abominations in my life. The Champion's own mother was killed by a Mage, a Mage that Orsino knew about, aided, and ignored." Cullen paused. "I have tried to moderate the conflict, and I have failed. It is a simple as that. It has cost me everything."

Alistair heart was stirred by the look in Cullen's eye. It was the same look he had so many years ago, when he thought he had lost Tess after Ostagar.

"You have not failed Cullen. It is Meredith and Orsino who have failed - their ambition and their arrogance. It is the Grand Cleric and the Viscount who have failed - their passivity and capitulation."

"I was a fool Alistair, to think that I could support what the Order and the Circle are supposed to stand for and that somehow I could protect what the Order and the Circle needs to return to here in Kirkwall." Cullen said angrily. "Alistair, I ask that you allow the few Mages I have been able to "release" safe passage to Ferelden until this conflict, which is ready to explode, is over. An ex-Templar had been helping Mages escape Kirkwall for some time. I have re-instated him, and he is willing to help."

"I will do what I can Cullen. I don't foresee any problems. And then?" Alistair said.

"I don't know. I will bring Meredith down. I have enough evidence. I shall bring it to the Grand Cleric Elthina. I am being watched, followed. It is difficult, but I will manage. The Grand Cleric will have to step in."

"Elthina is not exactly known for getting involved." Alistair replied.

"True enough, and I cannot help but feel her neutrality has exacerbated the situation. I only hope that after this is all over, Templars can regain their standing and do what they are supposed to do. Protect Mages."

"Maker protect you Cullen." Alistair said and then with a gleam in his eye, he produced a small package and handed it to Cullen.

"I met with the Champion yesterday. She asked that I give this to you." Alistair said grinning.

"Oh, th, thank-you." Cullen whispered.

Cullen couldn't wait to open it. He looked up at Alistair, and as though he could read his thoughts, Alistair nodded.

Cullen tore open the package. Inside was a large silver charm on a thick chain. It was a beautifully designed hawk. He turned the charm over, and there etched on the smooth surface, the words he had hoped for: Return to Me. His relief and joy was palpable.

"I feel as though I am back at Chantry school, passing notes for friends, but I am planning to see the Champion once more before I leave. Shall I say anything?" Alistair asked.

Cullen smiled. "Please do not tell her of the content of our conversation for it would put her at risk. Just let her know…" Cullen paused. "Let her know I will return."