Part 12: The Enchanted Templar

"Er, how do we get out?" he asked her.

"W-w-we must find the p-portal," she said.

He helped her up and searched until he found it. Picking her up, he ignored her protestations as he carried her to it and stepped through. He found himself standing in his apartments, and saw her lying nearby.

Picking her up again, he carried her once more, paying to the Maker that she would pull out of her lyrium coma.

He was almost out of the tower, hoping to use the confusion to get out and free them from the Tower. He ran straight into a group of people he didn't know. His heart sank until he saw Wynne with them.

"Ser Drass! You escaped the desire demon!" she said, obviously surprised. "I'm so relieved." She waved her companions, including, of all people, Irving, through the door.

They went out into the Tower entry, and he found himself alone with Wynne, Miranne cradled in his arms.

"You love her, don't you?" Wynne asked him.

He nodded, unable to deny it to this woman who meant so much to him.

"I had a son, many years ago. The Chantry took him, but I've never forgotten him, and I've never quite recovered from losing him. I wouldn't wish that pain onto anyone. Everyone should have the right to love," she reached out and placed her hand on his cheek.

"If I had the chance, I would help my son escape the life forced on him, and me, and the woman he loved." Then she put her finger against her lips and motioned for him to follow.

The group she was with was talking to Gregoior and Irving. All the Templars were gathered around, cheering. The crisis was over, for the most part. But one of the Templars was not pleased, shouting that the Circle had to be cleansed and all the mages killed.

Andrew's arms tightened around Miranne. No!

Wynne opened the front door and shooed him out. He slipped through and heard it close behind him. The boat lay unattended on the beach. He carefully laid Miranne down in it and slipped into the water and away.