Rise of a Champion

by Homer's Disciple

Follow Garrett Hawke as he survives the fall of Ostagar and escapes the Blight, tries to keep his family together and his rise from a Refugee to a Champion and the events that shook the world like never before

23. Templar Dealings

Hey Guys, been awhile. I'm just happy to have finally graduated already
Only spent so many boring hours on it, but eh we look pretty damn good in the pictures(or so my friends and bros tell me)
Anyway this Chapter's a bit long so sorry about that again

Day, Outside Kirkwall
The Wounded Coast

Garrett Hawke stood near the entrance to a Cavern looking warily at the man in-front of him as Varric stood beside him with Fenris and Isabela stepping out of the Cavern. Once out of the Cavern Garrett and the others saw Alain, the one Starkhaven Apostate that had surrendered, standing beside Sir Thrask as he spoke with a group of armored Templars.

Nearly ten Templars apparently led by a man with a thick beard arguing with Sir Thrask, is that Sir Karass then? well then Varric stick to the plan... I hope you can Bullshit our way out of this Garrett thought as Varric moved to stand in-front. "So you're saying this boy is all that is left of the Apostates here" Sir Karass said sternly to Sir Thrask as he blocked Sir Karass standing in-front of Alain. "I ran away when Decimus began to use Blood Magic sir and I surrendered peaceful... I don't even have my Staff with me" Alain said nervous speaking up for himself.

"They are no more Apostates in the Caverns Sir Karass I explored it" Sir Thrask said just as he, Alain, Sir Karass and the other Templars heard them and turned towards Garrett and the group. Sir Thrask turned to face them as Alain and the other Templars did the same. Garrett stood behind with the others letting Varric take the lead for he was the only who had a chance of ending this without bloodshed.

"Who are these people?" Sir Karass asked looking at Varric, standing in front of the others, then Garrett, Isabela, and Fenris each in turn. Varric walked forward cool as always saying "just some hired help, when Thrask saw he might need help he contacted us, I mean all those paths in there, one man can't track everyone through that Cavern." Sir Karras turned to his fellow Templar Sir Thrask saying "is this true?" Sir Thrask paused for briefest of moments then quickly replied "yes, I knew I'd need help so I 'hired' some, then we could cover more ground and regroup back here, I was waiting for them when you arrived Sir Karras."

"What of those Starkhaven Apostates" Sir Karras asked looking at Varric then at Sir Thrask. Sir Thrask looked at Varric, whom pulled out his Crossbow and stroked it like a hunter petting his favorite tool. Looking up from his Crossbow, Varric said "when they started using Blood Magic we killed them all, those Apostates like to fight at a distance but hehe they're not the only ones who play like that."

Damn I never realized just smooth Varric can be... he's a better actor than people give him credit for Garrett thought as Sir Karras smirked at Varric's words seeming to like the way Varric spoke. "Yes, that's something some of our Archers have learned as well" Sir Karras said seeming to enjoy imagining Varric's Tale of sniping Apostates.

Varric grinned back at Sir Karras saying "but that's not important right now, right now I'm the man who's going to get you a medal for putting down this Mage Rebellion." Sir Karras grinned saying "I'm listening." Varric gestured to the Cavern saying "well we already killed most of those freaks with Blood Magic and burned the bodies but your superiors don't need to hear about us, just a couple hired swords, you know little details like that. So how about this 'you killed those freak in the Cavern and burned the bodies and followed the survivors that ran towards the Coast'."

Sir Karras smiled saying "I led the Templars here and killed the Apostates then managed to start the trail towards the survivors, I like the sound of that... but what do you get out of this?" Varric smiled back saying "just a little tip of something extra to Thrask's payment is all... what's a few Coins here and there in exchange for a nice new Medal?" Sir Karras pulled out a Coin Pouch, counted some Coins then handed them to Varric saying "four Sovereigns, I think that's more than enough for your work and I like you, one hunter to another."

Varric took the Coin eagerly, playing the part of the happy Sell-Sword getting a bonus as Sir Karras turned to Sir Thrask saying "do you agree Thrask?" "I see no flaws in the story and I'll be sure to report your astonishing skills today Sir Karras" Sir Thrask said calmly. Sir Karras glanced lazily at Alain saying "and you, Mage! Try and counter our reports and it's your word against ours, I'll be sure to pay you a visit back in the Kirkwall Circle if you try."

Alain nervous nodded saying "I... that's exactly how it went down and I'm alive because I surrendered." Sir Karras nodded saying "good, now come on men we have to search the Coast! Thrask deliver the Mage in the Gallows then regroup with us." Sir Thrask nodded as Sir Karras and the other Templars left them all and headed towards the other end of the Cavern to search the Coast.

Now that Garrett, Varric, Isabela, Fenris, Sir Thrask, and Alain were alone in-front of the Cavern they moved to talk. "I'm glad we managed to save you Alain" Sir Thrask said before turning to Varric whom nodded at him smirking slightly. "Varric my ever changing friend... the survivors fled to the Coast and you burned the bodies in the Cavern you say," Sir Thrask asked with odd look in his eye. Varric looked back at Thrask, his face an impenetrable mask of calm, saying "yes, that's right my ever rigid friend."

Sir Thrask paused slightly then nodded and walked to Garrett saying "thank you again my friend and as I promised here is the coin." Garrett took the Coin from Thrask saying "I would say a job's a job but that was no normal job."

"Hawke, may I have a private word with you?" Sir Thrask asked to Garrett's surprise. Garrett raised an eyebrow saying "why in private?" "It's better this way" Sir Thrask answered firmly gesturing for Garrett follow him around the Cavern to a rocky Corner of sorts. Garrett followed a bit slowly, Varric and the others watching curiously, as Sir Thrask called "Alain, don't run away again I'm right here you'll be treated fairly if you cooperate." Alain nodded saying "I surrender, I not going anywhere without you."

Now standing in the corner Garrett watched as Sir Thrask turned to face him saying "I'm afraid I need your help again... I'd go myself but I have to help Sir Karras... I would've gone already but I was ordered to track these Starkhaven Apostates here." What nowGarrett thought as he crossed his arms saying "it's time sensitive then?" "Possibly" Sir Thrask said as he pulled some paper and a quil from a pouch on his belt then used his armor to write something down.

"What are you doing" Garrett asked curiously, Sir Thrask finished writing then said "a message for a friend of mine in the order, Sir Cullen, along with my signature telling him that you're working on my behalf so he'll allow you to help." "Help for what task" Garrett asked narrowing his eyes slightly at Sir Thrask. Sir Thrask sighed then sternly looked Garrett straight in eye saying "I need you to look into the Templar recruits, specially what's been happening to them... I've heard some disturbing things that I can't explain, look into it as soon as you can."

Garrett froze then narrowed his eyes saying "... something's been happening to the Templar recruits?" Sir Thrask nodded saying "yes, though I don't know what... I fear for them but the order dictates I help Sir Karras and it needs to be looked into as soon as possible... if you can't handle whatever it is then just learn what's happening and wait for my return, Sir Cullen and I were going to look together but I'll be busy for awhile, so I'm sending you."

"I haven't agreed to this yet" Garrett said his eyes still narrowed as he crossed his arms. Sir Thrask somberly looked down at his boots saying "I understand how you might not want to help the Templars... you've seen some our worst with Samson and Sir Karras." Samson wasn't entirely bad... but Sir Karras was, he's brutal and enjoys the huntGarrett thought as Sir Thrask raised his head to face Garrett. "I like to think you've seen some of our best through me... not all Templars are that brutal, some are good and will work with the Mages peacefully but not if something's harming our recruits" Sir Thrask said firmly.

"Why is no one else looking into this besides you and this Sir Cullen then?" Garrett asked still a little uneasy about his 'friend in the Templars' asking for favors, even if he payed good coin for them. "I believe it's being covered up but I can't be sure... that's why I need your help, it could be days before Sir Karras is satisfied with his search and Sir Cullen will investigate without my back up, please well you do this for me?" Sir Thrask asked somewhat pleadingly.

Thrask has a point... not all Templars are bad and if something's happening to their recruits... I'm not at war with them just prepared... even Father was friends with a Templar Garrett thought before saying "I'll take the job."

"I cannot thank you enough for this Hawke, there is a woman outside the Chantry everyday four hours past noon, Macha, her brother is recruit who's gone missing, talk to her and go from there" Sir Thrask as he stepped towards Garrett. Sir Thrask handed Garrett the paper he'd written and also handed Garrett his entire Coin pouch saying "take all the Coin I have right now as a down payment, you'll get the rest after I come back or if you finish the job before that take the paper to the lad who found Varric for me give you the job, he'll pay you."

Garrett nodded and together he and Sir Thrask returned to the Cavern entrance. Now back with the others Garrett and noticed that Isabela was standing closer to the Cavern than before as Sir Thrask walked to Alain saying "come Alain, I need to drop you off at the Circle." Alain nodded and followed Sir Thrask, as Thrask and Alain left Thrask turned to glance at Garrett and nodded at him, thank you.

A few minutes after Sir Thrask and Alain left Isabela waved her arm and suddenly Grace and the other four Starkhaven Apostates stepped out of the Cavern. Looking at Varric in disbelief Grace smiled saying "I didn't think you could do it, you could charm a miser out of his last coin good sir." Varric chuckled as Garrett looked at Grace and the others saying "it'll be a hard path with the Templars chasing you, we bought you some time with Varric's Tale but it won't last too long." Grace nodded firmly saying "but it will be our path to walk, now we must flee as far as we can before nightfall thank you my friend."

Garrett watched as Grace and the other surviving Starkhaven Apostates left them trying to go as far as they could before nightfall, Fenris scowling as they went. "We shouldn't have done that Hawke" Fenris said when the Starkhaven Apostates were gone, "there was no unneeded bloodshed from the Mages or the Templars, what more could be done" Garrett replied.

Isabela just leaned on Fenris's Shoulder to his annoyance saying "well I'm glad you're not all gloomy anymore Hawke, almost the whole job you were so somber I thought you and Mr. Broody were competing or something." Garrett rubbed the back of his neck saying "I just felt bad doing this... I didn't know Thrask wanted help with Apostates... and this could be Bethany." Varric spoke up saying "it's not like he wanted us to kill them Hawke, he hired us to help get them to surrender so Sir Karras wouldn't get them first."

"But we didn't do that did we? We killed two Apostates that attacked us and lied so the others could escape" Fenris said darkly. "Only those two were bad, the others mostly followed along just like Alain, odd lad Alain he just surrendered and didn't even try to escape with the others" Isabela still leaning on Fenris's Shoulder. "Thrask is a good man for a Templar, he actually cares about Mages and besides Thrask doesn't even know about Sunshine or Daisy or Blondie... there's a reason we didn't bring them this time," Varric said nonchalantly.

"Hawke what did Thrask want? He was rigid when he was leaving with Alain" Isabela asked. "We have another job for today but it's not for a few hours, let's just get back to Kirkwall for now" Garrett said as he led them away from the Cavern and started back towards the City.

---

Later, Kirkwall
The Hanged Man
Varric's Private Suite

Garrett and Varric had just finished explaining what happened at the Cavern when Anders grinned as he spoke saying "I'd glad you manage to save those Mages." Merrill was smiling too as Bethany frowned saying "won't the Templars come after them again?" "Yes, but at least we gave them a head-start" Garrett said as Bethany nodded, no longer frowning as she said "I wish I could have helped too." Isabela smirked saying "you should seen it guys, Varric's a real charmer," "it's my good looks" Varric said smirking with Isabela.

"Oh yeah we have another job, it's from Thrask again" Varric said taking a drink of Ale. "So can we help this time then... it's unfair if you all do the work without us" Merrill asked looking at Garrett as she messed with her ball of twine. "It depends first we need to find out more but until then let's just relax" Garrett said as Isabela put a hand on Merrill saying "you hear that Kitten, Hawke commands us to relax, I think we can do that."

Merrill laughed at that as Bethany chuckled. Just then a knock was heard on the door to Varric's private suite, "yes who is it?" Varric called as they looked at the door.

"It's Norah, sorry to interrupting whatever you people do in there but Hawke's mother is looking for him, his dog's here too and if that mut poops Hawke's gonna clean it up" Norah the waitress called from the other side of the door. Garrett and Bethany glanced at each other then back at the door as Garrett called "mom, come in."

The door opened revealing Leandra Hawke, Kane and Norah standing outside as Garrett and Bethany stood up from the table. Norah waved at them before leaving as Leandra said "thank you for the help," then she turned towards her children saying "hello again Varric, Garrett so this is where you have your little meetings." "Ms. Hawke" Fenris said politely as Isabela, Merrill, Anders, introduced themselves.

"Nice to meet all of you, but I need to borrow my children for a bit" Leandra said politely as Kane stuck close to Leandra. "I'll meet you guys again four hours past noon" Garrett called as he and Bethany followed their Mother out of Varric's Private Suite. As Garrett left he distinctly heard Merrill say "that's Hawke's Mother... she's beautiful! I see where Bethany gets her looks from now." Re-entering the main area of the Hanged Man Garrett noticed that every now and again people would glance at Leandra.

Mother's too 'Noble' for this place... she still has that look even if she lives in Lowtown with us Garrett thought as he turned to her saying "is something wrong Mother?"

Leandra turned back to Garrett and Bethany saying "it's trouble back at the Bone Pit, Hubert doesn't know what to do so he wanted to talk you at his Shop." "Oh yeah I'm still getting used to Garrett being a business man" Bethany said as the Hawke family headed towards the exit. "... I'm still getting used to it myself" Garrett said awkwardly as they left noticing Norah and some people glancing at his mother, she's too Noble... what's she doing here in Lowtown the tavern people thought.

Now that Garrett was outside the Hanged Man and was walking through Lowtown and towards Hightown with his Sister, his Mother, and his Dog, Leandra turned to him smiling as she said "Garrett there's something I been meaning to do." "What is it?" Garrett asked as Bethany watched curiously. Leandra, still smiling, walked to stand in-front of her son causing both him and Bethany to stop in their tracks.

Leandra reached her hand out then pinched Garrett's left ear. "Ack! What... was that for mom?" Garrett said as his Mother let go of him and he rubbed his ear. "I told you to be careful then today I go talk to your new business partner and he tells me about the Dragon Corpses there... Dragons" Leandra said no longer smiling and almost hissing the last part as Bethany giggled at the sight of her mighty brother bested by his Mother. "I knew what I was doing mom, we were careful and it was the whole group not just me... tell her Bethany" Garrett said turning to his sister for help Kane just sat there unsure of what to do.

Careful, right... like using Fenris's Greatsword to slit the throat of that Mature Dragon then stab it through it's skull Bethany thought as she held up for a hand gesturing for a moment to stop laughing. Managing to stop laughing by taking a deep breath Bethany said "he was careful mom, Garrett's smart he wouldn't do something to get himself killed."

Leandra slowly nodded as she said "good to know, now come on Hubert needs your help." Garrett mouthed thank you to Bethany as he rubbed his left ear. Bethany smiled as she patted her brother on his Shoulder and walked on following her Mother and Kane with Garrett moving to take the lead again.

---

Hightown Marketplace
Hubert's Shop

As Garrett and his family walked towards Hubert he noticed that Mallin, the Miner Garrett had rescued from the Dragons, was there with him but oddly enough Gamlen was there as well.

"Ah there's my 'real' business partner, what do we do with all the mess? and tell me this 'idiot' isn't filling in for you" Hubert said as he pointed at Gamlen to the man's annoyance. Now standing in-front of Hubert and the others Garrett said "you mean the Dragon Corpses? And what about my Uncle?" "He wants to run the business for you" Leandra said before Gamlen could speak. "I said fill in, I could cover for you when you're busy, no need to thank me" Gamlen said to Hubert's annoyance.

"What do you mean cover for me?" Garrett asked crossing his arms as Kane sniffed the air. Gamlen shrugged smugly saying "well you're going to be busy with the whole Expedition and everything so I thought I'd 'cover' for you, I don't mind at all." "Gamlen I never asked you to cover for me and, no offense but you do know how to run a business?" Garrett said as Mallin looked uncomfortable.

"How hard could it be? and I've done business work before" Gamlen said shrugging again. "Okay, no offense Uncle Gamlen but you mean before you lost the family Estate and any respect for the Amell name because of debt" Garrett said a bit more coldly then he meant to. Gamlen stiffened then looked at the ground saying "that was a low blow... but true." Okay I didn't mean to be that rude... wow I actually feel a bit bad for the man that made me a Smuggler for a year and even to this day causes me to sleep on the floor Garrett thought as he sighed saying "eh yeah... thanks for trying but I'm pretty sure I got this."

Garrett turned to Hubert saying "alright, so what about the Dragon Corpses?" Hubert straightened saying "I brought in some Carts to move the Dragon Corpses but some Miners won't touch them and we can't move that bigone that's further in... then what we do them... sell them? I don't want people finding out what happened here it's bad for business... and that big one, have you seen that thing! You're my Business partner, I need help with this."

Bethany scoffed at Hubert behind Garrett thinking the same thing as he was, of course we've seen it... we're the ones who killed it. "Just bury the damn Dragons, they're just Corpses" Gamlen said as Mallin looked at him with annoyance. "Gamlen, Dragon Scale is valuable to the right people" Garrett said dryly causing Gamlen to paused saying "oh." "I already said I don't want a lot of people finding out about this it's bad for business... plus I don't know who we'd sell Dragon Scale to in Kirkwall" Hubert said frustrated.

Garrett looked back at Mallin as he got an idea in his head and rubbed the stubble on his chin that was starting to grow into a beard. "What brilliant idea do you have now brother?" Bethany asked seeing that he was thinking. Garrett turned to Bethany saying "remember our really really 'elderly' friend that talks weird... he sells odd things so maybe he'll buy odd things as well."

Bethany gazed at her brother thinking I really don't like going all the way down there... it takes forever and Xenon's weird. Hubert looked between the Hawke siblings confused saying "Are they in Hightown because I already said I don't want people to hear about this." Garrett turned back to Hubert saying "he's not in Hightown, if we sell them to him no one will hear about it though it might take two or more trips." Bethany sighed and crossed her arms at the prospect of a few trips back and further between the Bone Pit and the Black Emporium.

Hubert got an odd look in his face saying "I trust it's nothing illegal then, not that I'd do business with a criminal." "No of course it's not illegal" Garrett said annoyed at the accusation then continued calmly "it's just a Specialty Merchant." "But what do we do with them then, Skin them and bury the remains?" Mallin asked as he looked between his two bosses. "No we'll sell the Bones along with the Scales, as for the bigger one, use the Mining Tools to break into smaller pieces then Skin the pieces and separate the Bones" Garrett said calmly.

Mallin nodded saying "that's pretty smart alright, me and some others will start as soon as we can." Hubert smiled saying "excellent, when can you sell them?" "Tomorrow, I got a job for today. Well is that everything Hubert?" Garrett said rubbed the back of his neck. "That's everything, I handle the rest and if I need something I'll contact you" Hubert said waving them off.

---

Later,
In front of the Chantry

Garrett and the others had just arrived to the Chantry as he said "Thrask said to find a woman named Macha and go from there." "There's a woman there talking to a Templar, maybe that's her?" Varric said gesturing to the Chantry Board where a lone Templar was arguing with a woman wearing common Lowtown clothing. "It's worth a look" Bethany said as she looked at the Templar warily but tired to hide it. "If you don't mind I'm going to keep my distance... I stand out more than you" Anders said lowly as he glanced at Merrill and Bethany. Garrett turned to Anders then glanced at his sister saying "alright, I can talk to them with Varric and Fenris."

Isabela smiled turning towards the three Mages of the group saying "come on folks, I'm gonna teach to you be seen but not seen." "Thanks Isabela" Garrett said as Isabela did a mock solute and lead them off to just walk around the Chantry area until Garrett was done here.

Garrett walked towards the woman arguing with the lone Templar beside Fenris and Varric. "But where is my brother... you must have heard something! I not going to go away Sir I've been asking for days and I'll keep asking!" the woman said pleadingly as Garrett, Varric, Fenris walked towards them. The lone Templar shook his head in annoyance saying "I've already said I don't know blighted woman! He's just gone. Probably a wash out, happens more than people think it does and he just doesn't want people to know."

"Excuse me, I think I can help miss" Garrett called as he, Varric, Fenris stood next to the woman as the lone Templar glanced at him. "Macha is it? Garrett asked as the lone Templar nodded irritably saying "yes that's Macha she's been bugging me for the last two days because I have Chantry duty at this time, but as I said her brother's just gone I don't know where he is or how to find him... she's your problem now."

Macha scoffed at the lone Templar as he moved, content to let Garrett talk to her instead. Turning to face him Macha said "you said you could help?" Garrett nodded saying "I'm Garrett, Sir Thrask sent me, he's going to be busy working with some other Templars so he thought I could help while he's away." "Oh... I talked to Sir Thrask he said that he would look into it and thought my brother wasn't the first recruit to go missing... but he's busy?" Macha said slightly confused.

"Yes, Thrask is too busy searching the Coast for Apostates with his fellow Templars... what happened to your brother?" Garrett said calmly feeling a bit bitter at how the lone Templar had walked off from this woman. Macha paced back and forth a bit before stopping and saying "my brother Keran was always so devout, so idealistic... he was so proud when the Templars accepted him. I pleaded with him not to join the Order but he wouldn't listen." Suddenly Macha looked very uncomfortable and looked at floor... like she was guilty or something. She looks so sad Garrett thought as he and Varric shared a look waiting for Macha to continue.

"My brother and I grew up in Lowtown, nearly Darktown, he joined so he could feed the both of us" Macha said still looking at the floor. Fenris tilted his head as Garrett realized she feels guilty... she thinks if it wasn't for her Keran wouldn't have joined the order and disappeared. "Don't blame yourself Macha, Keran was being a good brother... he did what he had to, can't judge him for that" Garrett said sympathetically trying to reassure her as Varric shifted a bit awkwardly.

Macha nodded after a moment then lifted her head saying "you hear dark rumors about the Templars and Knight Commander Meredith... and now my brother is gone." Garrett raised his eyebrow saying "what, what rumors?" Before Macha could say anything Varric spoke up saying "just that Meredith is a bit of a hard ass, you know people harboring escaped Mages disappear. Templars interrogating and threaten passers by." Suddenly frowning Macha said "Meredith has many admires, they laud the services she does in keeping Mages in check, but others say she is without pity and that she sees demons everywhere... Keran once told me he thought she looked for demons everyday."

Macha was about to continue but Fenris stopped her saying "stop, it's dangerous to talk about this things in public... especially here." Macha blinked as she took in the full sight of Fenris doing the usual pause at his appearance, the markings and the two Greatswords before she nodded with Garrett and Varric. "Alright, just tell me what you know and I'll go from there" Garrett said.

"Oh okay, Keran would write me everyday then suddenly... no more letters. I wrote so many times but no answers. I tired to see him personally but they threw me out... they won't tell me anything!" Macha said seriously. "Okay, do you know any of your brother's friends in the Templars, they won't throw me out" Garrett said remembering Sir Thrask's note he'd been given. "Wilmod and Hugh, you say they won't throw you out so good luck," Macha said lighting up a bit that someone was helping her. "I'll go right now," Garrett said as he moved to leave and Macha smiled calling "Maker bless you sir."

---

Waterway between Kirkwall and the Gallows

Garrett and Fenris sat in the ship as it sailed through the channel leading to the Gallows, the wind brushing past their faces, the only two of the group that had taken ship to the Gallows. Bethany, Merrill, and Anders not going for obvious reasons with Isabela deciding to stay and keep her 'kitten' company. Oddly enough Varric hadn't gone because according to him, "I have a few Templar drinking buddies and I out-drank some of them very badly, hehe they were falling all over the place... some of the higher ups don't like me right now." So Varric had stayed behind with the others leaving just Garrett and Fenris to take the Ship with Isabela getting them a discount from the Ship Captain.

Now they simply sat at the far end of the Ship facing each other waiting to reach the Gallows Port, the Ship Captain glancing every now and again at Fenris. "That is getting annoying" Fenris muttered as Garrett turned to the Ship Captain saying "hey, can you just keep your eyes on your driving it'd make us feel better."

The Ship Captain shrugged saying "no problem." "Good man" Garrett called as the Ship Captain ignored them and moved to the front to steer the Ship while loudly humming a song. Fenris glanced at Garrett saying "thanks Hawke." Garrett nodded as he turned his head towards the Gallows seeing the various parts of it, the port where he and his family had first arrived at Kirkwall, the Courtyard, the Templar Hall, and the massive former prison that now served as the Circle in Kirkwall.

All those Statues from when Kirkwall was a Slaver Port still makes me uneasy Garrett thought still watching the Gallows growing closer and closer. Suddenly Fenris spoke up breaking Garrett's train of thought saying "I've... heard about the Circle of Magi outside of the Imperium, but I've never seen one." Garrett turned to Fenris seeing that his dark green eyes had far away look in them as if he was thinking intently.

"This must be very different than Tevinter" Garrett said as Fenris turned his Greatsword back and forth with his left hand, his wrapped up one sitting on the Ship floor next to him.

Fenris took awhile to speak then he said "this seems more like a Prison... I wonder if it's more effective than the Circle I know." Fenris looked back at Garrett saying "long ago the Tevinter Chantry watched the Magisters closely for any signs of corruption or weakness. Then the Magisters were permitted to watch over their own and Templars kept only to enforce the laws."

Suddenly getting a hardened look in his eyes Fenris darkly said "the inevitable happened and the Magisters ruled again... as powerful as they ever were." "Not sure I agree with them but why did the Chantry stop watching over the Mages?" Garrett asked genuinely curious. Fenris shrugged saying "the attitude towards Magic is 'vastly' different in Tevinter. The Magisters came from wealthy and Noble families, bloodlines that nurtured magical talent for countless generations." "So the higher ups had special privileges because of their family that the Chantry couldn't afford to anger" Garrett said rubbing his stubble that was growing into a beard.

Fenris nodded saying "the Chantry wasn't trying to control peasants but rather the Scions of the greatest and mightiest houses of the Imperium. Remember that Andraste's great Army conquered only the South not the North... the Imperium was never truly defeated only greatly weakened allowing the growth of every other Nation today." "My father taught me that Magisters did surrender to the Chantry in the end though" Garrett said thinking aloud.

"Yes the Magisters surrendered but on their terms... they kept their influence. Took time, Centuries even, but they reclaimed all they had lost, some battles are lost by inches." Garrett glanced at Fenris's Lyrium Markings and then to his right hand where his Slave Brand was, somberly saying "is it really that bad in Tevinter?" Fenris paused for a moment then said "Blood Magic is everywhere in Tevinter, from the lowest Apprentice up to the Archon himself." Garrett frowned slightly saying "no offense Fenris... but you were a Slave... how could you possibly have seen this personally?"

Fenris got another far away look in his eyes darkly saying "hmph Danarius spoke of it often enough. Some the earliest things I can remember are of Danarius boosting about it... he wanted me to know how 'inferior' Non-Mages like myself were to Mages."

That... that's the first thing Fenris remembers... that's his earliest memories... being told how worthless he was compared to his 'Master' Garrett thought darkly unsure of what to say and wondering why Fenris only talked to him about these things. Garrett didn't mind because he considered Fenris his friend but surely there must be some professionals that could help him more. Fenris chuckled slightly then continued "they say Blood Magic is forbidden but behind the smiles closed doors however... it's a different matter."

"It really is pretty bad over there for Non-Mages then" Garrett said understanding Fenris a bit more. "To be a Magister in Tevinter is to be glorious... to be a powerful Magister in Tevinter... that is worth any price there. Blood Magic is too easy for Mages to resort to especially in the face of temptation. Power, Revenge, Protection, 'Justice' any cause can tempt them then they are lost" Fenris said darkly.

Garrett crossed his arms saying "not every Mage is corrupt." Fenris shrugged slightly saying "true... not every Mage is Bethany... you should know that better than anyone after today Hawke." Garrett held up a hand saying "I agree that some Mages are bad, like Decimus or Danarius but we can't treat all Mages like criminals." "Not every Mages deserves the befit of the doubt, Freedom is a noble ideal... trust me when I say I understand that better than most... but I see no real oppression here I see fear and danger" Fenris said stoically. "You have a point Fenris but fear and danger led to oppression... anyway we're here" Garrett said noticing the Ship Docking.

Stepping off the Ship a few minutes later and heading towards the Gallows Courtyard, Garrett and Fenris thinking that the Templar recruits Wilmod and Hugh would be there. The Templar recruits were easy to find, they were just hanging around. " Wilmod and Hugh" Garrett called causing two Templars recruits, one man and a woman to turn towards them.

Standing in-front of the three recruits Garrett said "Have you seen Keran? His sister's looking for him." "We cannot speak to about it Sir" the woman said crossing her arms. "Look Sir Thrask asked me to look for him, here look at this" Garrett said as he showed them the note Sir Thrask had written for him. After the two recruits finished reading it the woman said "it looks real but how do we know-." Then male recruit interrupted saying "to the Void with that! Keran and the others are missing. I'm Hugh" Hugh interrupted the woman and turned to Garrett saying "no one's doing anything to find them, if Sir Thrask sent you to look he wanted outside help." "Sir Thrask told me he thought Keran wasn't the first recruit to go missing?" Garrett asked as Fenris shifted behind him.

"The first ones disappeared weeks ago, but there's at least half a dozen... Wilmod and Keran were the latest" the recruit answered quickly. "Why did you keep this quit?" Fenris asked tilting his head, "a Knight Lieutenant gives you an order and you obey without question" the woman recruit answered still with her arms crossed.

"We were ordered not to talk about it... until Sir Thrask sent you to look into it" Hugh said nervously. "You can trust me, Sir Thrask did and I'm trying to help Keran" Garrett said firmly. Hugh looked around nervously saying "I heard Knight Commander Meredith has a new initiation you have to go though... if you're not strong enough you don't survive."

Fenris tilted his head saying "seems to me a weak Templar would die just as easily." The woman turned to Hugh saying "you believe that crap?" "Recruits keep going missing" Hugh said firmly if a bit fearful. "Wilmod came back" the woman snapped at him, Hugh gaped at her saying "what, when?" "He did, I saw him this morning" the woman answered back. "Alright tell me what you've heard" Garrett asked crossing his arms. "That Meredith only wants Templars who can do what must be done... what if she's killing recruits who question her orders" Hugh said shuddering.

"That's rubbish" the woman snapped. "Let me talk to Wilmod, he should know more about this where is he?" Garrett uncrossing his arms. "Wilmod told me he was going to get some fresh air near Sundermount, 'clear his head' Knight Captain Cullen went after him," the woman answered.

"Anything else we should know?" Fenris asked gripping his Fighting Greatsword. "No" the woman and Hugh answered. Garrett nodded saying "thanks," then he started back towards the Ship with Fenris walking beside him. Getting back to the Ship Captain, whom was still humming, Garrett called "we're back."

The Ship Captain looked at them saying "that was fast, you finish your business already?" "Yeah, we work fast" Garrett answered as he and Fenris got back on the Ship and the Ship Captain undocked and began steering the Ship back to the rest of Kirkwall.

---

Later,
Near Sundermount

Garrett, having regrouped with everyone and searching around Sundermount with Merrill taking point since she'd spent more time around Sundermount than the others, wondered if they were too late when Bethany spoke up. "Even when we find Wilmod we still can't help... it's not fair" Bethany said frowning as she walked beside her brother.

"For now at least and we're just going to talk" Garrett said patting his sister's Shoulder as Isabela smiled saying "it's the thought that counts." Merrill turned back to Garrett saying "I think I see them Hawke, there's two Templars arguing... it looks pretty bad." Anders chuckling saying "Templars fighting Templars, I thought they only hated Mages." "Templars are people too Blondie... just a bit overzealous skirt wearing ones" Varric said lightly as Garrett and Fenris moved towards where Merrill was pointing.

"Of course their people... what else would they be?" Merrill asked looking amused at the 'skirt wearing' part. "It's just Varric joking around while proving a point to Anders over there Kitten" Isabela said grinning slightly. "Oh... I see" Merrill said as Garrett and Fenris looked where she had pointed seeing two men in Templar armor arguing.

Varric and Isabela followed Fenris and Garrett down the path where the Templars were as Garrett called "watch out for us." Bethany watched her brother and the other Non-Mages start towards the two Templars as Merrill stood next to her saying "Hawke's got this I'm sure we'll help out later." Bethany nodded as Anders spoke up saying "come on, I'm pretty sure Hawke doesn't want the Templars to even see us."

Garrett led Varric, Fenris, and Isabela towards the Templars getting a better look at them. One Templar was a somewhat older man with blond hair while the recruit he was arguing with was younger lad with black hair, that must be Wilmod. The older Templar with blond hair shook Wilmod furiously saying "Andraste be my witness Wilmod I will have the truth from you. Now!" "Mercy Sir, Mercy!" Wilmod pleaded as the older Templar with blond hair continued "were it that easy." Wilmod shook his head saying "don't hit me."

The older Templar with blond hair kneed Wilmod in the chest dropping the lad to ground. "I will know where you you're going. And I will know now!" the older Templar with blond hair shouted as unsheathed his Templar Longsword and pointed it at Wilmod's throat.

What is this? Garrett thought as he called "Hey! Stop hurting that lad!" The older Templar with blond hair turned towards Garrett and looked at the group calmly saying "this is Templar business, leave." Suddenly Wilmod crawled away then slowly and oddly pulled himself speaking an vastly different voice, deeper and colder, saying "hahaha you have struck me the last time pathetic Templar! To me!"

Back from where Bethany and the other Mages were perched on a path above the Templars, Bethany and Merrill pulled out their Staffs and started moving only to be stopped by Anders. "What, they need help down there" Bethany said coldly as Merrill said "we have to help them." Anders shook his head 'no' saying "Hawke wouldn't want us to step in until we absolutely need too, there's a Templar down there with them remember." Bethany and Merrill nodded slowly and stayed where they were with Anders as they watched ready to help but only if they absolutely needed too.

Garrett unsheathed his Longsword and Shield as Wilmod changed... he transformed becoming a twisted and mangled version of himself. Wilmod... was corrupted... without being a Mage.

The now corrupted Wilmod waved his hands and summoned three Demons that took a shape almost exactly the same as him. "Maker preserve us" the older Templar with blond hair said as he readied his weapons along with Garrett and the others. Two of the Demons charged the older Templar with blond hair and Garrett moved to help him as the other Demon charged Fenris, Varric, and Isabela.

Garrett slammed his Shield into one of the Demons as the older blond haired Templar blocked a claw with his Templar Shield then slashed one across it's chest. Fenris slashed a Demon with a two handed heavy swing as Isabela moved quickly and back-stabbed it. Varric quickly fired an arrow at the corrupted Wilmod, the arrow embedding itself in his throat... only for the corrupted Wilmod to grunt and slowly start towards Varric. Garrett stabbed the Demon he was fighting in the chest causing it snarl but keep going.

What the hell! It doesn't much damage... even those Walking Corpses didn't shrug off wounds like this Garrett thought as he pulled his Longsword out and stabbed it again. The older blond haired Templar got a determined look on his face and slashed the Demon he was fighting on it's chest with his Templar Longsword.

Suddenly that Demon shrieked in agony fleeing back... the wound in it's chest far deeper than anything Garrett had been able to do against his Demon.

Templar Talents... it's almost Spirit Magic... Xenon said that it doesn't only work on Mages but on everythingGarrett thought as he noticed Fenris's Markings Glow and Fenris stick his hand in a Demon's head finally killing one with Isabela's help. Garrett focused using a Templar Talent he learned from Xenon's Tome channeling Willpower converted to Spirit Force into to his Longsword and stabbed his Demon again.

The Demon shrieked from Garrett's Longsword in it's chest as Isabela rushed over and stabbed both her Dagger into it's back. Looking around Garrett noticed Varric stepping back after firing another arrow into the corrupted Wilmod only for Wilmod to grunt from nearly the sixth arrow only slowing him down but not killing him.

"Stand and fight Coward!" the older blond haired Templar shouted as he chased the Demon he was fighting. Turning to the older blond haired Templar, Garrett called "take Wilmod, we'll get that one!" Garrett rushed towards the Demon and slammed his Shield into it pushing it back as he nodded at the older blond haired Templar whom nodded back and started towards Wilmod. Varric switched to the Demon Garrett was fighting as Isabela and Fenris went to help him. Not as powerful as that Templar's attacks but they still do damage Garrett thought as he channeled Willpower converted to Spirit Force into his Longsword and stabbed it near where the Templar had slashed it.

Isabela back-stabbed it as Fenris slashed it using both hands. Garrett's Spirit Forced Longsword stabbed in it, Fenris's slash cutting deep, Isabela back-stabbing it and finally Varric shooting an arrow in it's eye stopped it in it's tracks... finally killing it. While Garrett and the others were killing the last summoned Demon, the older blond haired Templar slammed his Templar Shield into Wilmod then slashed him and quickly stabbed him through the cut.

Wilmod shrieked in agony as the older blond haired Templar pulled his Templar Longsword out and spun slashing high... beheading the corrupted Wilmod.

Panting slightly the older blond haired Templar re-sheathed his weapons and turned towards Garrett saying "I knew... I knew he was involved in something sinister... but this, is this possible?" Varric glanced at the Demon Corpses saying "I don't get it... was Wilmod possessed or something?" The older Templar with blond hair nodded slowly as he said "normally we only worry that Mages will fall victim to possession." Kneeling down next to the Corpse of the corrupted Wilmod the older blond haired Templar said "I've heard of Blood Mages or Demons in solid form that could summon others into willing hosts... but I had not thought one of our own would be susceptible."

"Shouldn't Templar training... protect against that sort of thing though?" Garrett said rubbing his stubble. "Wilmod was still mostly a recruit and he'd barely began learning our Talents" the older blond haired Templar began as Isabela juggled one of her Daggers. Getting a somewhat prideful look on his face the older blond haired Templar said "it takes years to fully become a Templar."

Garrett nodded forcing himself not to raise an eyebrow as he remembered Xenon's words 'that is merely arrogance on their part... those 'years' of training are just to make them Warriors, the Talents come after.' The older blond haired Templar straightened saying "I'm Knight Captain Cullen, I thank you for the assistance, I've been investigating some of our recruits who've gone missing, Wilmod was the first to return that I could find... I had hoped to confront him quietly and out of sight."

Pacing back and forth Sir Cullen said "I was going to going to have backup from a fellow Knight but he's busy and this could not wait." Garrett pulled out Sir Thrask's note saying "look at this, Sir Thrask sent me to help." Sir Cullen took the note and paused before saying "... this is Sir Thrask's signature... I don't always agree with him but he is a good man and if he trusted you Hawke, I can too."

Garrett nodded as he took Sir Thrask's note back saying "you didn't know Wilmod was possessed but still drew your Longsword at him?" "Wilmod reappeared for a few days when he left again secretly, it set off warning bells... I planned to scare him into confessing and he needed to believe my threats," Sir Cullen answered honestly.

Fenris spoke up saying "you realize some of the recruits think Meredith has a deadly new initiation that she makes recruits take at random." Sir Cullen gaped at them baffled saying "What? That's preposterous... those lad are worse than children with their gossip, there's a vigil before they became full Templars but the only danger is falling asleep from boredom." "What do think happen to Wilmod then?" Garrett asked. Sir Cullen frowned saying "more than I expected, Wilmod was always to naive, Mages cannot be our friends. They must be watched... I believed Wilmod was meeting with old friends who'd escaped the Circle."

Not all Mages are bad Garrett thought irritably as he said "I was looking for another recruit, Keran, he was a friend of Wilmod any idea where he'd be." Sir Cullen's frown deepened as he said "he disappeared, they were last seen together at the Blooming Rose... I uh was unable to interrogate the young ladies there though I doubt they know anything of Magic or Demons."

Isabela smirked saying "we'll be glad to search there!" Sir Cullen glanced at her as Garrett spoke up saying "let me try, they might be willing to talk to me." Turning back to Garrett, Sir Cullen said "the Order will truly be in your debt, thank you Hawke." Sir Cullen took a step towards Garrett saying "if you find out more let me know, I'll search for some other missing recruits in Lowtown until nightfall." Garrett nodded as Sir Cullen nodded in turn and took his leave of them, heading down the path he came from and towards Kirkwall.

Waiting for a few minutes Bethany, Merrill, and Anders walked down to the rest of them as Garrett re-pocketed Sir Thrask's note. "That was surprising, I'm glad you're all okay" Bethany said as walked towards her brother. "I'm sorry we couldn't help more but with that Templar there it could have gotten complicated," Merrill said as Isabela patted her saying "it's okay Kitten, you can help this time."

Fenris kicked a Demon Corpse as Varric wiped dirt off his boots as Garrett noticed Anders walking towards him with an odd look in his eyes. "... Hawke" Anders said in a oddly low voice as he moved to stand in-front of Garrett while the others noticing what was happening.

What's wrong with Anders Bethany thought as he made eye contact with her brother and held it for a moment before speaking in a slightly guarded tone. "When did you start becoming a Templar?" Anders asked Garrett to the entire group's surprise. "I'm not becoming a Templar I'm-" Garrett began calmly before Anders interpreted gripping Garrett's Shoulder sternly saying "I've noticed somethings and there's no denying it... I saw you using that Templar Skill right now."

Fenris spoke up saying "... you're right Hawke's learned some things, impressive things in a short time." "You find Hawke becoming a Templar impressive? His sister's a Mage" Anders said coldly to Fenris still not letting go Garrett's Shoulder. "Hmph yes, it's a good deterrent" Fenris scowled at Anders.

"Is this about me or Merrill, Hawke... you think we're a danger?" Anders asked gripping Garrett's Shoulder harder.

"I... I... I'd never attack any of you, Hawke I swear" Merrill said looking hurt. "It's not like that Merrill" Garrett said honestly as Isabela patted her saying "Hawke's just adding another Ace up his sleeve Kitten don't worry." "Anders I learning these Skills to help me fight and more importantly so I can understand Templars better-" Garrett began before Anders interpreted again coldly saying "you don't find it wrong learning a Skill that could kill your sister."

Garrett narrowed his eyes slightly speaking in a low voice saying "Anders don't bring up Bethany like that." "It's the truth Hawke, seriously... learning to be a Templar with your family" Anders said calmly letting go of Garrett's Shoulder and crossing his arms. "I learning those skills to fight fire with fire Anders, use their own Spirit Force against them... learning how Templars operate so I can counter them" Garrett said calmly as Varric shifted unsure of what to do.

"Didn't look like you were fighting Templars to me Hawke... who are you really learning to fight?" Anders said coldly as he gestured at himself then at Bethany and Merrill.

Just then Bethany moved to her brother's side glaring at Anders as she said "it's not like that Anders." "Bethany how can you say that? you live with someone who's dangerous to our kind" Anders said genuinely baffled as he turned to Bethany. "So. Garrett's lived almost his whole life with me... when I was little I... I... was dangerous at times until I learned control, you don't mind when Mages learn to use Magic" Bethany countered sternly.

Garrett nodded saying "I'm not becoming a Templar just learning their skills." Anders calmed down a bit saying "that's not the same Bethany you learned control, your brother's learning to fight against Magic." Bethany frowned then formed an orb of blue Fire in the palm of her hand as she held it out. Bethany concentrated and the fire grew bigger as she said "... I didn't just learn control, I learned how to fight back if I needed too... to fight against Templars." Bethany looked at Anders angrily saying "you know my brother, he's a good person and you're one to talk, remember."

It always comes back to that... it's still a low blow from a fellow Mage Garrett thought as he noticed Anders wince slightly at his sister's words as she was about continue but Garrett stopped her with a hand on her Shoulder, shaking his head, it's okay I've got this.

Bethany nodded somewhat reluctantly as Garrett turned to Anders saying "Bethany learned to defend against Templars and to fight back if needed but she doesn't go around attacking Templars... I learned Templar Skills but I don't attack Mages and I can defend against them, true... but everything is for defense, even against Templars." Anders crossed his arms not looking exactly happy with this but seeing Garrett had a point.

Anders uncrossed his arms saying "I don't like it... but you have a point Hawke..." Getting a small grin Anders continued saying "and any Templar worth his Sword would've tired to take me in long ago, then I'd escape of course." Garrett and Anders shared a look of somewhat strained understanding between friends as Isabela spoke up saying "wow lot of tension here... maybe we should clear it up before you two fight because I don't want to carry either of you back to Kirkwall."

"Neither do I... both of you look pretty heavy" Varric said as he helped Isabela lighten the mood after Garrett and Anders's argument. Chuckling slightly Garrett extended his hand and Anders shook, I understand Anders's wariness... even Bethany had something like that at first.

---

Later, Hightown
The Blooming Rose

Stepping into the Blooming Rose with the others, Garrett felt a bit bad for bringing his sister and Merrill but didn't seem to mind. "Isn't this where Uncle Gamlen used to come... before you 'talked' with him?" Bethany asked awkwardly. "Yes, then he got sick from using 'other' places... Isabela what is it?" Garrett said as he noticed Isabela looking around the place. Isabela glanced at Garrett saying "I 'know' some of the workers here is all." Andres spoke up saying "this place is surprisingly 'classy' for a brothel... at least the ones upstairs, some of the others in the corner I've seen at my Clinic."

"I thought Isabela said the Blooming Rose took care of their workers" Garrett said glancing at Anders. Anders shook his head saying "I wasn't talking about the workers... at least the Pearl was clean for the sake of the Nobles, if a bit small." "The Pearl wasn't that bad it was cozy, I'd go there again if I was ever back in Ferelden" Isabela said smirking at Anders as Varric chuckled slightly. "There's a lot of people here and it's two stories, split up and cover more ground," Garrett said as he took a step forward seeing all the people here.

"Oh okay then can I go with Bethany then?" Merrill said looking at Anders and Isabela seeing they were already a group ready to go. Garrett turned towards Merrill seeing her looking eager to work with his sister and that Bethany didn't mind saying "I'll go with you Merrill."

Garrett and Varric exchanged a look then glanced at Merrill, Bethany's okay but Merrill still doesn't realize what the workers 'here' do. "Come on Daisy, Sunshine, I'm tagging along" Varric said stepped towards them knowing what to do as Fenris simply nodded at Garrett and everyone split up to ask around about Keran.

Together Garrett and Fenris began asking around the 'upper class' and 'clean' brothel of Hightown for signs of Keran. After nearly twenty minutes of asking Garrett found out two things about the 'workers' of the Blooming Rose. First was that most of them didn't know anything about Keran and second was they were only nice until they realized you weren't a customer... then they just got rude saying 'we don't get paid to stand and talk.'

Now, standing near the center of the Blooming Rose, Garrett and Fenris looked around searching for someone they hadn't talked to. When suddenly a Blooming Rose 'worker' walked up to the pair of them and looked the over saying "okay Honeys I'm Viveka and all the woman keep waving you off... what could you possibly want to do?" I really hope she's isn't implying what I think she's implying Garrett thought as Fenris tilted his head saying "we're not customers." Viveka frown saying "no coin huh tough luck."

Just before Viveka started walking away Garrett held up his hand stopping her saying "wait a couple of Templar Recruits went missing, they were last seen here." Viveka stayed turning to Garrett saying "you'll have to be specific... we do a lot of business with the Templars." Fenris reached for his Coin Pouch saying "perhaps a few coins will help you remember." Viveka scoffed at Fenris saying "you're trying to bribe me haha I going to pretend that'd didn't happen."

"The Templars are the ones looking into this, they're trying to find their missing recruits" Garrett said before Viveka left again despite being offended by Fenris. Viveka sighed saying "we make a lot of money off of nervous Templars that expect some privacy." "We'll be discreet" Garrett replied as Viveka frowned saying "I'll check the log book, what were their names?" "Keran and Wilmod" Garrett answered as Viveka walked back to a counter, pulled a book out and checked through it. "Alright I found them, Wilmod came here a lot... are you sure he had time to be a Templar? He and Keran last saw Idunna the Exotic Wonder from the East."

"That's uh... quite the stage name" Garrett said wondering who makes these names in the first place. "It sounds better the The Tramp From Darktown... you should hear what some of the others are called" Viveka said dryly. Turning back to face the two of them Viveka said "she's upstairs, last room on the right." "Thank you, is there anything else you can tell us?" Fenris asked. "Honey, I could write volumes on the things I know, unless you want Wilmod's favorite position I think you have what you need" Viveka said dryly.

Fenris scowled at her causing Viveka to say "don't scowl at me mister overcompensating, I see you there with your two Greatswords, only one reason someone should off that much 'little' man." Fenris stared at her unblinkingly until he patted his wrapped up Greatsword darkly saying "I you don't know me."

Viveka hmphed at Fenris before moving on and tell Garrett "I don't like Idunna but you promised to be discreet so you didn't hear this from me." Garrett nodded as Viveka left, after a moment of watching her leave Fenris muttered "I don't like that woman." Garrett chuckled saying "I noticed," then clapped his friend's arm saying "come on we need to see what Idunna knows... I promised we'd be discreet though." Fenris shrugged saying "we don't need back up to ask an expensive whore some questions."

Huh Fenris is the only one unashamed to call the workers here whoresGarrett thought as he nodded and started towards Idunna's room with Fenris trailing behind him. Going up the stairs and passing some of the other customers Garrett and Fenris made it to the Idunna's room. Garrett knocked on the door and heard "come on" from the other side so Garrett opened the door and entered Idunna's room with Fenris. "Idunna?" Garrett called seeing the medium sized room with a single bed as well as the well-dressed red haired curvy woman waiting for them noticing how spectacularly better dressed Idunna was compared to Viveka.

Idunna nodded saying "yes, how I can help you 'fine' sirs?" Garrett shook his head saying "we're not customers, do you remember 'entertaining' a Templar named Wilmod a few weeks ago? Or another, Keran?" Idunna put her charms on using her exotic look and curves as she spoke saying "Wilmod, Wilmod, that doesn't sound familiar." "I know you saw Wilmod regularly" Garrett said as Fenris shifted adding "don't lie." Idunna chuckled and put on a dazzling smile as she coyly said "with a body like mine men rarely have time to give me their names... they're to busy doing other things."

Suddenly Idunna seductively strutted towards the bed and sat down saying "questions are boring. Why don't we have some real fun?"

She's really beautiful and it's been awhile since I... since I... wait... what? No... I... I have work to doGarrett thought suddenly feeling hazy and shaking it off as Fenris shifted slightly saying "... she might not know anything Hawke." "What's wrong with you? We need to learn more about Keran" Garrett asked turning to face Fenris and oddly finding it hard to turn his gaze from Idunna as she said "you should listen to your friend."

Fenris shifted again lightly gripping his Fighting Greatsword saying "I don't know... be careful Hawke." What's wrong with us? Garrett thought as he gazed at Idunna saying "I'm here on business, Keran. Wilmod." Idunna smiled again coyly saying "only if you answer one of my questions first. Who told you about little old me?" "That's not important right now-" Garrett began before suddenly being unable to speak properly as Idunna give him a hardened look.

"It was... Viveka. She showed me... her books" Garrett said stumbling over himself as if someone else was speaking the words through him and of their accord not his. I didn't say that... did I? My voice but not my words Garrett thought alarmingly as Idunna smiled saying "that wasn't too hard was it?" Fenris... do something Garrett thought hastily only to be dismayed as Idunna turned to Fenris saying "be a good elf and close the door."

Fenris let go of his Fighting Greatsword causing it to bang off the floor at his feet as he walked towards the door and closed it. Then Fenris just stood at the door unmoving as if waiting for another order... his eyes stiffly turning towards Garrett... unable to act. What is this? Garrett thought as he managed to glance back at Fenris wondering where Anders and the others were. Standing up from the bed and losing all pretense of charm Idunna faced Garrett saying "so Viveka sold me out did she? That drab, pathetic little swear rat. She will be dealt with."

Need to break free... remember Xenon's Tome Garrett thought as Idunna stood in-front of him face full of mirth as she coldly said "just one more thing dear. Draw your blade and bring it gently across your throat... slowly." No must remember... the key to resisting Magic is Willpower, the Will to act, to push through... the key to resisting Magic is Willpower the Will to act, to push through Garrett thought as he slowly pulled his Knife from his belt. Garrett hardly ever used that Knife, only as backup in case he ever lost his Longsword and now was regretting that he did so as he placed it at his throat... but simply held it there.

Idunna frowned angrily saying "gone on! What are you waiting for... do it." Garrett felt a sting of pain on his throat near his Adam's Apple as he fiercely thought the key to resisting Magic is Willpower, the Will to act, to push through... the key to resisting Magic is Willpower the Will to act, to push through.

Fenris let out a heavy breath of despair as he saw Garrett bring his Knife out and put it at his throat and press the knife against his throat... Fenris watched as the blade slowly move... then stopped... Garrett had stopped himself... only receiving a small cut on his neck near his Adam's Apple that wasn't too deep to Idunna's alarm. Garrett's hand shook slightly but didn't slit his throat... Garrett focused more than he'd ever focused before and began moving his Knife away from his throat.

"NO! I control you! Slit your throat!" Idunna called panicking as Garrett instead moved his Knife away stiffly as he sternly called "you! … will not! Control me! I... will not... obey you!" Then like water bursting through a dam Garrett broke free of Idunna's spell and roughly pushed her back to wall with a swipe of his hand.

Fenris stumbled almost falling over himself suddenly discovering he could move again as he scooped his Fighting Greatsword up and glared at Idunna. "What! How did you...? Oh shit. Spare me sir" Idunna said fearfully as she stumbled from being pushed to the wall by Garrett and noticing that Fenris was free as well. "What Magic was that" Garrett asked coldly as he pulled out his Longsword and put up his Knife as Fenris pointed his Fighting Greatsword at Idunna, whom was cowering from the blades so close to her.

"Blood and desire, in equal measure. An art I learned from... elsewhere" Idunna said stuttering fearfully. Before Garrett could continue the door burst open and Anders suddenly burst in, his right hand raised, as a voice behind him called "hey! They said discreet!" Taking in the scene before him Anders glanced at Idunna saying "she the one?"

Anders can sense things a lot better than even 'normal' Mages... glad he can Garrett thought as he nodded and saw Isabela along with his sister, Varric, and Merrill rushing down the hallway to Idunna's room. "I said discreet! Hmph no one keeps their word" Viveka called as Isabela and the others walked into the room. "I brought everyone... what's up?" Isabela asked as they all stepped into Idunna's room taking in the scene, Garrett and Fenris with their Swords drawn and Anders aiming his hand at Idunna.

Bethany looked around and saw her brother bleeding lightly on his neck near his Adam's Apple then looked coldly at Idunna saying "what happened?" "Blood Magic" Garrett said simply as he exchanged a look with Anders, whom nodded saying "sorry it took a while to get here." "We almost didn't last that long, be faster next time" Fenris said sternly as kept his gaze on Idunna, whom was still cowering in fear at all the people around her. "Please don't kill me... I'll tell you anything you want to know" Idunna pleaded as Fenris glared at her snarling "try to use Magic on me again and I'll ripyour heart out."

Idunna nodded fearfully at Fenris before turning to Garrett saying "Tarohne put me here. To send biddable Templar recruits to the Sanctuary. Three Spear Alley in the Undercity... I enchanted Wilmod and Keran weeks ago but after they left those walls, I know not what became of them... please let me live it's not my fault it was all Tarohne idea." "Who's Tarohne?" Varric asked as Merrill glanced at Garrett's neck and Isabela gave a look to someone outside the room. "Tarohne put this up, said we could recreate the ancient Imperium... that Mages could rule again not serve... said the Templars cannot hold up against us if we stand and fought" Idunna said still a bit fearful.

"This base of yours, how many Mages are there? Any other Defenses?" Garrett asked as Anders followed up with "you said it's in Darktown... part of the Undercity." "People go in and out all the time. Sometimes a handful, sometimes more. There's traps... Magical traps but there's a hidden switch at the front... it turns them off and th-that's all I know" Idunna said stuttering slightly.

"Alright, so what do we do with her now" Isabela said moving from the door to face Idunna with the rest of the group. She's used Blood Magic on Templar recruits for weeks... Garrett thought as he re-sheathed his Longsword and crossed his arms saying "let the Templars take her." "What's all this about!" a voice called from the door as Viveka, two armed men, and a older woman wearing fine silk stepped in.

Isabela suddenly stepped forward saying "Madam Lusine we weren't starting a fuss, Idunna here's a Blood Mage who's been enchanting Templar recruits, I think you should let the Templars take her." "What!" Madam Lusine said gasping and glancing at the fearful Idunna. "It's true... remember back when a Templar, Sir Cullen, came asking around here. He couldn't get answers so we did, Idunna tired to kill us right now but failed" Garrett said calmly.

Madam Lusine glanced at Idunna then at Garrett looking unsure until Varric spoke up saying "either way the Templars will investigate this, better to turn her in and get some Coin rather than have the Templars forcefully take her... it'd be bad for your business." Madam Lusine sighed saying "fine, I'll send one of my boys to this Sir Cullen and hold Idunna here but you all get out and don't come back for awhile alright." "How do we know you'll turn her into the Templars?" Fenris asked still gripping his Fighting Greatsword. "You'll think I could not turn her in when you lot know, just go, it will be dealt with" Madam Lusine said gesturing for them to leave.

Garrett nodded saying "fine, come let's go." Fenris lowered his Fighting Greatsword as he followed Garrett and the others out of Idunna's room and left the Blooming Rose having got the information they needed.

"Should we get Sir Cullen to help with Hawke, we don't know what we'll face in the Sanctuary" Varric said as the group moved towards Darktown. "I'd rather have the whole group then just you, me, Isabela, Fenris, and a single Templar against a whole sanctuary of Blood Mages" Garrett answered as they walked.

"What happened back in the Blooming Rose? Your Neck's bleeding and Fenris is shaken up" Bethany asked concernedly and quietly as they walked towards Darktown. Garrett turned to her saying "Idunna used Blood Magic on us... she was controlling us... almost made me kill myself". After a short pause Garrett continued "I used the things I learned from Xenon's tome to break free... I didn't know I could do that. About Fenris... I can't be sure... but I don't think that's the first time he's been 'controlled' like that." Bethany nodded as she looked at Garrett's cut saying "how is that by the way, it doesn't look deep but it's still a cut." "Just a scratch I'll live, we have to save Keran if we can" Garrett answered hoping it wasn't too late to save the lad.

---

Later, Darktown
Sanctuary

Having made it to Darktown and then the Undercity with Anders leading the way the group had found the entrance to Sanctuary and hit the hidden switch disabling the traps then entered ready for anything. Sanctuary was basically a lower abandoned level of the Undercity that the Blood Mages had taken refugee in, walking through the first clearing Garrett noticed something waiting for them at the edge of a hallway to the left.

I remember those things, Shades like when we first met Fenris Garrett thought as he unsheathed his Longsword and Shield the others pulling their Weapons out as well. Moving towards the hallway the Shade started towards them and made an odd cry... causing four more Shades to appear seemingly out of nowhere.

Not a trap... a Defense System Garrett thought as he got ready and Anders began funneling energy towards Bethany and Merrill. Done giving Merrill and Bethany a power boost, Anders used Chain Lightning on two of them as Merrill used a hurried Fireball to finish those two off.

Fenris rushed forward and cut a Shade in half with a single two handed slash as Isabela back-stabbed a Shade trying to get the jump on him. Isabela pulled her Daggers out and slashed and stabbed the Shade til it died, Fenris looked at her and nodded thankfully. Garrett slammed his Shield into a charging Shade, pushing it back then slashed it heavy across it's chest with his Longsword then moving quickly stabbed it through it's head. Bethany froze the last shade in place casting Winter's Grasp as Varric fired three arrows in quick succession in the face of the last Shade killing it.

The battle already over Varric smirked as he turned to Garrett saying "see Hawke, three Mages, we can take on practically anything." "Yeah I know" Garrett as lead the group down the hallway the Shade had been guarding. The hallway led to a small plight of stairs and another clearing, moving on Garrett and the others were grateful that the traps had been disabled as they passed it going through a corridor and entering a large room.

The first thing Garrett and the others noticed was that in the far right corner was a strange 'cage' of some sorts made of glowing waves of energy that held a young man wearing only a pair of trousers. "Is that Keran then?" Merrill asked as they walked towards it, "I think so, we didn't hear of any other recruits going missing" Garrett answered.

Suddenly the group heard footsteps coming from a hallway on the other side of the large room and the warily turned towards it as Four Blood Mages stepped out, one Woman and three Men... all of them wielding Staffs. "How wonderful, more Vessels for our experiments" the woman, Tarohne, said looking at them smiling. "Is that Keran?" Garrett asked gripping his Longsword as the others got ready, Tarohne nodded saying "perhaps the Demons will find one of you suitable."

Isabela scoffed saying "the whole Demon worshiping is real turn off." "I am not some hopeless waif that ran crying to a Demon! I sought them out! And embraced them!" Garrett looked at Keran trapped in that strange Magical Cage sternly saying "why did you take the recruits?"

"Demons can inhabit much more than Mages and Corpses, with a little help they control anything I ask. Any Templar, any Noble! Even you!" "Stop this nonsense the Demons are corrupting you, I don't like the Templars but you can't do this to them" Anders shouted gripping his Staff.

"The Templars! We'll destroy their entire pathetic order. How many Abominations can they discover amongst their ranks before it drives the Meredith crazy!" "What have you done to Keran... he's just stuck there" Fenris asked warily as he gripped his Fighting Greatsword. Tarohne chuckled saying "the experiments need so much fuel you see, so many living vessels are found wanting. Useless vessels can still feed the compost heap so it's not a complete waste." Taking a step forward Tarohne said "the ancient Tevinter Imperium spanned the known world, Demons were their allies, controlled by power and knowledge!"

"You can't control Demons! Fight their call!" Anders shouted as the four Blood Mages walked towards them Tarohne yelling "kill the vessels only if you must!" Tarohne waved her hand and summoned more Shades and three Rage Demons of some kind that started to surround the group.

Anders cast Chain Lightning on three of the Shades wounded them as Varric fired one of his special bolts killing two Shades. One of the Blood Mages began casting something but Isabela threw one of her Dagger at him, killing him as the Dagger sunk into the man's heart. Bethany and Merrill worked together both using Winter's Grasp on one the Rage Demons killing it as Garrett and Fenris took on the two remaining Rage Demons. Anders started going head to head with Tarohne, Mage vs Mage, Spells hitting Spells as the two other Blood Mages started to slowly summon more Shades.

Bethany moved quickly to her brother's side and cast Cone of Cold using a lot of her Magic to freeze the two Rage Demons. "Thanks Bethany" Garrett said, he and Fenris smashing the frozen Rage Demons, as Isabela slashed and stabbed a Shade to left of them.

Turning to see Anders slowly but surely beating Tarohne Garrett also saw the other Blood Mages trying to summon more Shades. "We need to stop those two" Garrett called as he and Fenris rushed towards the two Blood Mages with Isabela and Merrill. The two Blood Mages shared a look then pulled knives and slit their hands causing a trail of blood to fall from their wounds.

Oh no are they going to-Garrett didn't have time to finish the thought as the two Blood Mages raised their hands using Blood Magic.

A blast of raw force pulsed from the Blood Mages powered by their blood and hit Garrett, Fenris, Merrill, and Isabela pushing them back nine feet to the floor. Garrett and Fenris taking most of the blow with Bethany having luckily been out of range. Varric aimed and managed to snipe one of the Blood Mages as Garrett started to get up a little dazed with Bethany's help. Using her Creation Magic Bethany healed her brother allowing him to stand up.

"Good enough, help the others" Garrett said as he waved Bethany towards the others, "are you sure?" Bethany asked frowning. Garrett nodded as he turned to Anders shouting "you need help! Use it!" Anders focus and his eyes began to glow blue, his Magic suddenly getting stronger with Justice lending a hand as he pushed Tarohne away and cast Crushing Prison on the other Blood Mage.

Tarohne slit cut her hand with a knife and tired to use Blood Magic on Anders but Bethany cast Arcane Shield on Anders to protect him. Garrett got to his feet and rushed towards Tarohne as Anders got her attention, his Crushing Prison killing the other Blood Mage. Tarohne, too busy, protecting herself and even withBlood magic still not being able to match Anders didn't see Garrett until it was too late. Garrett got close and stabbed Tarohne in her chest with his Longsword killing her as Bethany healed Fenris, Merrill, and Isabela each in turn.

The moment Tarohne died any remaining Shades faded away into nothing. Pulling his Longsword free Garrett turned back to his friends seeing they were all more or less okay and that Anders blinked a bit as his eyes slowly returned to normal. Bethany walked up to him haggardly saying "are you okay?"

"I think so" Garrett said as he and his sister regroup with the others as the Magical Cage holding Keran faded and the lad fell to the floor. Looking at Keran, Fenris asked "is he the real Keran or is there a Demon in there with him?" Garrett turned to Anders and Merrill saying "any idea?"

Merrill stepped towards Keran's unconscious body and knelt down looking for something then found it, a small cut on his side not very deep. Merrill pressed her finger gently at it then moved away and smelled the small amount of Keran's blood on her finger. "It's clean, there's no scent of Demons in his blood" Merrill said standing up. Isabela glanced at Anders saying "hey can your 'friend' double check just to be safe... I've had enough of Demons for today." Anders shrugged as he raised his right hand and aimed at Keran.

"Whoa, Anders what are you doing?" Garrett asked saying the way Anders was aiming at Keran. "Double checking, don't worry I won't hurt him unless he's possessed" Anders said before shooting a small burst of energy at Keran that simply passed through him not doing anything.

"Well?" Garrett and Isabela asked. "He's clear, if there was Demon in him it would have defended itself from that" Anders said causing Isabela to clap Anders's shoulder saying "great! Tell the other guy I said thanks and that he should smile more often." "We both... I mean... I can hear you but no problem" Anders said as Garrett nodded feeling assured that Keran wasn't possessed and knelt down to the lad shaking him awake.

Keran slowly got to his feet saying "wha- is it over? Oh thank the Maker! I thought he had abandoned me. It's all ablurr... a Demon clawing at me... wanting me." "You're okay now Keran... you've been through enough already, you need to report back to the Templars" Garrett said keeping Keran's attention on him.

Keran nodded saying "please don't tell the Templars. I... I don't know what they'd do to me, I need to find my Sister." Garrett nodded saying "go then, she's worried sick about you," Keran smiled saying "thank sir" then he left as fast as he could obviously a little shaken but mostly unharmed. "We need to be careful how we tell Sir Cullen and Sir Thrask about this... I don't want innocent Mages to suffer for what Tarohne did" Garrett said as lead the group away.

---

Outside of Darktown
Back in the Gallows

Garrett, Fenris, and Varric had gotten off the Ship, Varric thinking that for this job the Templars wouldn't be mad with him for out drinking some Templars anymore, and were walking in the Courtyard looking for and finding Keran. He was back in his Templar recruit Armor and was hugging his sister Macha with Sir Cullen watching over them looking uncertain.

Sir Cullen saw Garrett alongside Varric and Fenris and turned towards them saying "there you are, some of us were called to the Blooming Rose to take in an Apostate but what happened." "Blood Mages infiltrated your ranks, they've been implanting your recruits with Demons by using Idunna at the Blooming Rose to 'enchant them'" Garrett said calmly and firmly so they would know he was being serious. Sir Cullen gaped than let a heavy breath saying "sweet blood of Andraste!" Macha suddenly took a step back from her brother saying "D-Demons? You said something about the recruits and Demons?"

"I didn't want to tell you Macha, they... they were horrible, those Mages see the rest of us as ants to be crushed, they want to destroy the order" Keran said a little shakily. "That was just Tarohne don't blame all of them based on one madwoman" Garrett said sternly. "Mages cannot be treated as people they're not like you or me Hawke. They are Weapons, power to light a City on fire." Fenris just nodded slightly as Varric shifted saying "that's a bit harsh." Garrett crossed his arms saying "not every Mage can be bad, if you treat them like they're not people can you blame them for being upset."

Sir Cullen thought for a bit before saying "perhaps you're right. Perhaps Mages need better education as to why the Chantry functions as it does... I'll look into it." Garrett nodded as Sir Cullen turned to Keran saying "until it's proven you're free of Demons I must strip you of your commission." "No! You can't really think that! Keran's fine. He's a good man" Macha said pleadingly at Sir Cullen, Fenris spoke up saying "what happened wasn't his fault." Varric shrugged saying "look at the lad... he's not trying to conquer the world or anything."

Keran stepped towards Sir Cullen saying "please, ser I tired to resist I never took anything they offered. I need this position or my sister can't eat, I've been training for five years." Garrett spoke up for Keran saying "the lad did nothing wrong, you can't strip his livelihood on the off-chance Tarohne succeeded." Keran nodded saying "please Sir Cullen I'll prove I'm loyal ask me anything?" Macha spoke up too saying "my brother's a good man Sir Cullen, he'd never succumb to a Demon."

"Perhaps it's best to keep an eye on him, better here in the city than somewhere else, so be it. Keran, you will be eligible for full Knighthood in ten years if you've shown no signs Demonic Possession but you'll still get coin for you and your sister." "Thank you Sir" Keran said letting out a sigh of relief as Macha turned to Garrett saying "thank you Hawke, I don't have much but-."

Sir Cullen interrupted her saying "I will handle that miss, go on home Keran needs rest." Macha smiled and left with Keran as Sir Cullen turned back to Garrett saying "you have done the Order a great service. We will not forget that. But why didn't you come get me for help once you've found out where Keran was?" "We didn't how much time Keran had so I thought it best go on without you" Garrett said not telling the whole truth. "Brave of you Hawke, I'll tell Sir Thrask of your bravery when he returns from the Coast, here's your payment as promised" Sir Cullen said handing Garrett a Coin Pouch.

Holding the Coin Pouch in his hand Garrett looked at Sir Cullen saying "what'll happen to Idunna?" Sir Cullen his arms saying "we'll question her and find out all the recruits that visited her, if she cooperates she'll be treated fairly." Garrett nodded saying "fair enough," and with Garrett and the others left.

---

Back at the Hanged
Varric's Private Suite

Garrett and Varric were counting Coin from a box Garrett had brought from home while the others watched.

The Hawke siblings had already counted the Coin back at home and we're now counting for Bartand's sake. "Forty Nine... and there Fifty! And that's taking away everyone's cut, hehe we're done!" Varric said to the group at large as Garrett smiled. "Well it's about time! Ancestors be damned it's good to have all the funds we needed" Bartand called from where he was leaning against the wall.

"You're complaining that we got fifty Sovereigns in less than year? Seriously?" Garrett said glancing at Bartand. "Yeah bro, come on, the point is we got everything we need, the Maps and the Coin," Varric said closing the box with all the Coin in it. "We made good Coin for all of us too, I'm good for at least a couple months" Merrill said grinning as Isabela patted her saying "same here Kitten."

"Took awhile but at least we're done" Anders said lightly as he took a drink of Ale from where he sat. Fenris rolled his Fighting Greatsword back and forth saying "now all that's left is the actually Expedition."

"We have everything we need right?" Bethany asked hopefully. Varric nodded saying "that's everything Sunshine, bro how long you think before we launch?" Bartand pulled out Anders's Map and glanced at Garrett's saving box saying "with blond guy's Map and Hawke's funding we have everything we need, now we just need to get everything set up. Finish wrapping up all the supplies we need so for a launch date... I'd say if I'm good, which of course I am, in four days."

"Four days until launch, that's good" Garrett said moving away from the table grinning and feeling truly content for the first time in a very long time. "Alright then guys, my brother and I are gonna be busy but we should celebrate before the launch, the day before we leave we'll meet here, agreed?" Varric called smirking. "Agreed" the entire group said in unison. As Garrett and Bethany started leaving the Hanged Man, Anders suddenly caught up to them saying "Hawke wait."

Garrett turned to face Anders saying "yeah?" Awkwardly combing his blond hair with his hand Anders said "I just want to say... I'm sorry for doubting you." Bethany crossed her arms as Garrett nodded and stepped towards Anders saying "it's okay... I think I understand why you'd be upset about it, even Bethany was for a short time." Anders raised an eyebrow at Bethany to her annoyance as she said "a 'short time'" and used her index finger and thumb for added effect.

Anders looked thoughtful saying "I guess it's good you had those skills Hawke, if not... Idunna would killed you, how's your throat by the way?" Garrett raised his hand to his cut and felt the small wound saying "it's not deep, Bethany'll make sure it doesn't get infected." "You know this could be good for the expedition" Anders said looking thoughtful as Garrett raised an eyebrow saying "how so?" Anders stepped closer saying "we'll most likely run into Darkspawn there, hopefully not but I'm pretty sure we will. The point is that Darkspawn Mages exist and now you stand a better chance."

Huh? Never thought about that Garrett said rubbing his stubble as Anders nodded knowing Garrett didn't realized there were Darkspawn Mages since usually only Grey Wardens survived battles with Darkspawn than had emissaries. "Well I'm heading back to my Clinic Hawke, see you when I see you or at the Celebration" Anders said clapping his friend on his arm, walking past him.

Bethany watched Anders go saying "so you're friends again just like that," Garrett turned towards Bethany lightly saying "yup. Just like that, don't hate Anders because of what I'm learning... you didn't like it at first either." Bethany rubbed her fingers together saying "... I know, it's just that's the second time-" before Garrett interrupted her grinning as he said "Anders had a reason each time, I like to think if you couldn't stop me doing something stupid he would."

Not sure what to say to that Bethany just shifted as Garrett led them back towards Gamlen's house saying "Bethany anyone can stand up their enemies but few can stand up to their friends when needed." Bethany nodded thinking that over as Garrett led them, grinning eager to tell their Mother the good news thinking four days... four days until we find our fortune and I finally build a better life for my family.

It took awhile for me to write this but I'm glad I did
It'll be uploading the second Chapter to Legend as soon as I can as well
But I Digress...
Thanks for Reading and please Review