Hey Guys. Man I had a major set back writing this Chapter!
My PC messed up and I had to reformat which meant rewritting the 3/4 of the Chapter again
But I rewrote it and finally finished it.
Hope you enjoy it.
Kirkwall, Mid-day
Lowtown Marketplace
Aveline Vallen walked beside Donnic as the two City Guards followed up on lead to this new Coterie Branch and the rise in Criminal Activity in Kirkwall. "You really think the Elf's going to pull through" Donnic asked as walked with Aveline.
Turning to her follow Guardsman Aveline said "I hope so... he's the only lead we have right now." "I just wonder what he wants in return for this? Coin maybe?" Donnic asked curiously. "I don't think so" Aveline said after a moment shaking her head slightly. "What makes you say that" Donnic asked looking curious. "He's afraid... I'd say he wants protection" Aveline said matter of factly.
"Well we'll find out soon enough" Donnic said stopping as they reached the their destination, a small hut that was common all over Lowtown. Aveline made to knock on the door but was stopped by the sound of whispering from around the corner.
"Hey, Guards. Over here" the Elf whispered to get their attention as Donnic and Aveline spotted him hiding behind the hut adjacent to his. "Scully?" Donnic asked stepping towards the Elf as Aveline stepped away from the door.
"That's me" Scully whispered still hiding behind the hut. Donnic and Aveline exchanged a glance then made for Scully only the Elf to stop the hissing "no. Not here alright. There's a Back Alley to the left of that crappy Tavern ahead of you. We can talk there."
"Is that really necessary-" Aveline began only for the Elf to leave them obviously heading for the Back Alley. "He's a charming one" Donnic said scoffing as he headed for the Back Alley as well with Aveline trailing behind slightly annoyed at Scully. Reaching the crappy Tavern and going around it to the left Donnic and Aveline entered the Back Alley finding Scully there looking frightened and nervous.
"Were you followed?" Scully asked timidly. "No we weren't followed" Aveline said sternly as Donnic crossed his arms saying "I think you been reading to many Serials in the Kirkwall Post. Calm down." Scully nodded after a moment shaking a bit in his Lowtown Ragged clothing.
"What do you know?" Aveline asked taking a step closer. Scully fidgeted nervously a bit before saying "wait. I want protection." Donnic spoke up saying "protection from what?" "you know what. I want protection... these guys are dangerous" Scully said awkwardly.
Just then Aveline heard movement behind her and turned as Donnic said "look the City Guard will protect you as long as you can help." "Donnic!" Aveline called as she unsheathed her Longsword and Shield seeing seven men entering the Black Alley... all armed.
"You said you weren't followed! I... I told them nothing! I swear on the-" Scully began screaming frantically before one of the armed men aimed and the threw his Axe. Aveline watched in horror as time seemed to slow... the Axe tearing through the air and hitting poor Scully embedding itself in his chest.
Scully's eyes widen in shock as he died coughing up blood and fell to floor lifeless. Donnic unsheathed his Longsword and Shield as one of the armed men turned to another, the leader, saying "what about them two?" "The girl. She's a target. Leave the other one alive as a warning... break his legs" the leader said in a menacing voice pulling out yet another Axe. The leader threw his second Axe just as Aveline raised her Shield in the nick of time causing the Axe to strike her Shield and bounce off causing a loud metallic clang.
The leader smirked at Aveline as the other six armed men charged forward without him towards Aveline and Donnic causing the two City Guards to step back their weapons raised.
One of the armed men rushed Aveline and slashed at her with his Longsword only to meet her Shield as Aveline blocked with her Longsword and banged her Shield into the man's face.
The man stumbled back allowing Aveline to rush forward and stab the man with her Longsword killing the man instantly. Donnic used his Longsword and Shield to block two armed men attacking him as the other three started for Aveline.
This is bad... can't take all of themAveline thought in panic as she rushed to Donnic's aid slamming her Shield into one of the armed men but unable to finish him off due to the others. Donnic covered Aveline as she backed away. Together they stood covering each other as the five armed men closed in with the leader smirking in the background.
Aveline and Donnic warily looked at each other seeing no way out of this before looking back and seeing the leader smirk and started towards them unsheathing a Longsword, having used his two Axes already. Aveline held her Longsword out in an effort to keep the armed men at bay with Donnic covering with his Shield when something happened...
Two men appeared from the entrance to the Black Alley. Aveline couldn't see either of them very well... except that one of them wearing a ragged hood covering his most of his face.
The leader turned around, his back facing Aveline and the others, surprised by the two men just as the one wearing the ragged hood rushed catching the leader completely by surprise as the leader was pushed back... the blade of a Dagger piercing all the way through his back.
The leader had been stabbed by the man with a ragged hood.
The man with a ragged hood leaned in closely whispering something to the leader as the man died. The leader's corpse fell to the ground as the man with a ragged hood pulled out his Dagger just as the other armed men turned to see what had happened.
Now that the leader had been killed and was pushed out of the way Aveline could see the man with the ragged hood better along with the other man... only to see the other man was Garrett.
Two of the armed men turned around and charged towards Garrett and the hooded man. Garrett took point his Longsword and Shield raised as he met the two armed men. Garrett blocked a slash with his Shield and pushed the armed man back then using his Longsword slit one of the armed men's throat killing him.
Can't focus on them right now Aveline thought as she and Donnic took advantage of the situation to attack the three on their end. Donnic batted away one with his Shield as Aveline took on two all by herself. The hooded man gestured at Garrett help your friend I've got this oneas he moved to fight the other armed man that had rushed them.
Garrett nodded and rushed to help Aveline as the hooded man unsheathed a Longsword and used it along with his Dagger. The hooded man dodged slash after slash from the armed man before sidestepping and slashing the back of his opponent on the back of the man's leg. The armed man stumbled almost falling just as the hooded man back-stabbed him with his Longsword, the blade piercing entirely through the man's heart killing him.
Aveline managed to kill one of her opponents by stabbing her Longsword into an armed man's throat but couldn't retrieve it as she was pushed back by a Shield slam. Donnic tired to help but was too busy fighting his own opponent unable to get away.
Aveline blocked a stab with her Shield but was pushed back once again by the armed man's Shield... unfortunately hitting a the wall of the Back Alley trapped. Aveline looked quickly seeing Garrett rushing to help her as the armed man slashed with his Longsword trying to slit Aveline's throat but the City Guard ducked narrowly dodging it as the Longsword blade scrapped against the wall.
Before the armed man could continue Aveline pushed him back slamming her Shield into the man's chest causing him to stumbled back snarling just as Garrett reached them and back-stabbed the armed man with his Longsword.
The armed man cried out as he died and Garrett pulled his Longsword out as Donnic disarmed his opponent. Donnic banged his Shield into his opponent causing the armed man to fall back as the hooded man reached him.
Garrett exchanged a look with Aveline. Aveline nodded her thanks and took Garrett's hand allowing herself to be helped her up as Donnic looked around saying "alright we got one left to question." "Good work" Aveline called back as she stood next to Garrett when suddenly the hooded man said "no."
"Wait stop!" Donnic shouted as the hooded man knelt down with his Dagger and slit the last remaining armed man's throat... killing him. Donnic stood watching his eyes wide and his mouth slightly agape as the hooded man cleaned the blade and stood up casually.
"That was cold" Garrett said sternly as he narrowed his eyes at the hooded man. Aveline glared at the hooded man and took a step forward and speaking an angry voice said "why! We could have question him!"
The hooded man looked up at Aveline allowing her to see his face... only to find the man was wearing a mask along with his hood not allowing anyone to see his features. The strange thing was Aveline had seen that kind of mask before... the mask that raiders pillaging the Wounded Coast were infamous for wearing.
"You're a Raider!" Aveline said as Donnic got a look at the hooded man's mask too and warily gripped his Longsword. Garrett placed a had on Aveline's shoulder awkwardly saying "uh... he's not a Raider."
The hooded man shifted as he glanced at Aveline... like he was amused at her which greatly annoyed the Aveline. "I'm not a Raider" the hooded man said before raised a hand up and gesturing at his mask continuing "I merely 'borrowed' this from a Raider that didn't need it anymore." "Why should we trust you" Donnic asked warily as he still gripped his Longsword.
The hooded man turned to look at Donnic his dark hazel eyes peering through the mask as he moved to stand in-front of Donnic coldly saying "because I just stopped them from breaking your legs and saved a Senior Officer's life." Aveline spoke up saying "you didn't save us. Garrett did." "Actually he knew this would happened and came to get me so we could help" Garrett said as Aveline turned to look at him.
"You knew about this but couldn't save Scully" Aveline said gesturing at the corpse of the poor Elf still with an Axe embedded in his chest. "I couldn't have save the Elf. The fool tired to going to the City Guards thinking no one would notice. That and you Guards don't exactly blend in here... hmph walking around in thatArmor attracts attention" the hooded man said gesturing at Donnic's armor.
Aveline glanced at her and Donnic's City Guard Armor then looked at Garrett and crossed her arms saying "this is your new 'friend' I take it... the one who gave you the heads up so you could warn me." Garrett nodded saying "that's him... he just can't help too much right now."
Aveline exchanged a glace with Donnic then looked back at hooded man saying "you shouldn't have killed him; we have no leads now." The hooded man looked at Donnic and Aveline saying "I wouldn't have mattered in the end." Before anyone could ask why the hooded man gestured to the man he'd killed then at the corpse of Scully calmly saying "neither of them would've lived to tell you anything useful."
"What? We could have taken them in" Donnic said gesturing at Scully and the corpse of the armed men. "Exactly. I haven't discovered who they are yet but some of the City Guards are traitors... any informants taken in would've been killed or sent back one way or another" the hooded man said crossing his arms and looking at Scully and the dead men.
"What? That's ridiculous" Aveline said almost scoffing as Donnic just shifted uncomfortably as he said "I... wouldn't like to believe that." "Then don't. Either way Guards are people too and people are greedy" the hooded man said shrugging.
"And just how do you know this?" Aveline asked trusting Garrett but not his new 'friend' as she warily looked at the dark hazel eyes peering through the hooded man's mask. "Different reasons, I'm good at gathering intelligence but mostly logic" the hooded man answered as Garrett shifted.
"Think about it Aveline. It's taken this much time for the City Guard to take action against the new Coterie Branch... someone on the inside's been stalling them" Garrett said warily as he shared a look with Aveline.
"Not to mention they had Jeven making things easy... he may have been an idiot but he was a useful idiot" the hooded man said as he gazed at Garrett and Aveline as if sizing the two ex Ferelden Soldiers up.
"Obviously you're not a traitor and your 'partner' isn't or he'd have helped them kill you" the hooded man told Aveline simply. Aveline looked at the hooded man saying "take that stupid mask off." The hooded man tilted his head at Aveline as if... amused, then said "no."
"Aveline it's better if you don't know who he is" Garrett said trying to calm Aveline down having noticed his friend didn't like 'amusing' the hooded man. "You say this man can help when the time's right but he won't let us know who he is or even HOW he can help? I'm not saying we have to take him in but hiding like that's suspicious" Aveline said her arms still crossed as she eyed the hooded man up.
"Aveline none of the City Guards should know who he is... if you knew it'd make things difficult later on" Garrett said frowning as looked Aveline straight in the eye understanding her plight. Aveline sighed saying "fine."
"Thank you" the hooded man said simply as Donnic looked at all of them saying "I don't know about all this Aveline. Corrupt City Guards?" "Not everyone has honor. Best you learn that before you trust the wrong person" the hooded man told Donnic looking at him as if he was another naive child in Hightown.
Garrett turned to his 'mysterious' friend saying "give her something, anything." The hooded man shook his head 'no' before Garrett step closer saying "look at this from her side we need to share something."
"I already warned both of you and together we saved her" the hooded man said simply gesturing at Aveline as he spoke. Garrett sighed dryly before looking at Aveline saying "look you should at least know what's coming."
Aveline nodded and looked Garrett straight in the eye listening intently as he said "we don't know when but we'll give you a lot of key members for the Coterie." The hooded man thought for a bit then before looking at Aveline and moving to stand directly in front of her his eyes peering through his mask as he spoke in low quiet voice continuing what Garrett had started.
"I'm putting myself on the line for this. You'll have to make a deal but the reward will be worth it... taking down the new Coterie branch." Aveline nodded slowly as she took all this in, Donnic standing slightly agape but thinking everything over.
"Like I said we don't know when but it's happening. This isn't exactly easy" Garrett said honestly. "Making deals with criminals I don' like this" Donnic said speaking as Aveline crossed her arms saying "me neither."
The hooded man scoffed coldly saying "you decide, small crime posing little threat or organized crime posing a large threat, corrupting City Guards, waging war with the other Coterie branches while the City bleeds."
Aveline frowned seeing the hooded man's point as Donnic shifted awkwardly no liking it but agreeing. "Alright I see your point... but why are you involved in all this Garrett? It's not just defense. What do you gain from this?" Aveline asked lightly as she moved to stand in front of her friend looking concerned.
Garrett rubbed the back of his neck saying "it's... personal. Very personal but I agree with this nonetheless." Getting a more determined look on his face Garrett looked Aveline straight in the eye saying "this Coterie business is bad and this could hurt a lot of people... we do this it stops." Aveline smirked saying "you sure you're not a Guard?" "I'm sure" Garrett said chuckling slightly as his friend's remark.
"Donnic and I'll sort this mess out you two should leave" Aveline told Garrett as she retrieved her Longsword before turning to the hooded man sternly continuing "I don't like this but if it'll stop this Coterie business that I'm in. Let us know when the time is right."
"Trust me you'll know" the hooded man said a bit colder than he probably should have then turned to leave. "I'll you see around Aveline" Garrett said as he took his friend's advice and made to leave along with the hooded man.
Upon leaving the Back Alley to let Aveline and Donnic to deal with the mess Garrett glanced noticing Tolan removing the Raider Mask going back to his 'normal' disguise. "Why were you so rude to my friend?" Garrett asked as he and Tolan turned a corner walking casually through Lowtown doing what Tolan called 'becoming just more forgettable faces in the crowd milling about.'
Tolan, still wearing his common Lowtown/Darktown ragged hood that hide his face, shrugged saying "it's ironic that I was standing right in front of her and... she's like us but had everything easy."
Garrett raised an eyebrow at that saying "easy? She didn't have it easier than us." Tolan scoffed lightly before saying "look at her... Aveline's Orlesian-" "she's Ferelden like us" Garrett interrupted.
Tolan nodded calmly as his lips did that odd twitching that Garrett noticed from time to time as he said "yes she was in the Army but she's Orlesian born. Didn't face the prejudiced we did. Look at where she is, a Senior Officer in the City Guard."
Did he research that about Aveline or did he just see the look of her Garrett thought as said "so you're bitter?" Tolan shrugged saying "I suppose. Most of us weren't that lucky." Tolan turned to face Garrett sternly saying "you and me know that better than most."
"It's not just luck, Aveline worked hard for that and she's earned everything she has" Garrett said honestly in counter to Tolan's assessment. "You loyal to your friends. That's honorable" Tolan said in respect but Garrett noticed that he didn't change his perceptive or apologize for it. Suppose I can't blame Tolan for being bitter at us... he's probably had a mach harder time here than me or Aveline Garrett thought as they reached the exit to Lowtown.
"We part ways from here. If anything happens again I'll warn you and your friend but from here on out you know everything I know" Tolan said as Garrett nodded replying "the four."
"The four" Tolan said nodding as he started towards the route leading to the Docks. "Tolan" Garrett said suddenly feeling like he had to get something off his chest. Tolan turned around to face Garrett waiting for whatever he was going to say.
"I am sorry. About..." Garrett began just as Tolan looked up meeting Garrett's eyes and revealing his ragged scar running across his lips and past his cheeks. "... that" Garrett finished not meeting Tolan's eyes having noticed the hardened and cold look in them at his words.
Neither of them spoke for a moment... then Tolan finally broke the silence stoically saying "you're a terrible lair Hawke. Leave that to your Dwarf friend." And with that Tolan turned around taking his leave of Garrett his hood once again covering his face and hiding the scar from public view with Garrett muttering "I wasn't lying."
Can't say I blame him Garrett thought as he left Lowtown heading for Hightown and his ancestral home. As Garrett walked he couldn't stop thinking back to the look in Tolan's eye... the look of man filled with bitterness.
Hightown
Hawke Estate
Garrett Hawke opened the door stepping into his reclaimed ancestral home and find his mother sitting at the writing desk holding something. Closing the door behind him and locking it Garrett called "we get something?"
"No, I just found this... that blue scarf Bethany got from Hightown" Leandra called turning to face her son whom was walking towards her. Now standing beside his mother near the writing desk Garrett saw the blue scarf and patted his mother on the shoulder saying "I remember."
Garrett chuckled slightly remembering that day in Hightown as he said "I think she left it for you mom. She took the one you gave her." Leandra looked up to her son saying "Bethany's had my old scarf ever since she was thirteen," smiling slightly Leandra continued "I'm glad she was allowed to take it with her." "We'll get her back don't worry" Garrett said reassuring to his mother as he glanced around his ancestral home feeling odd to own it without his entire family.
Leandra stood up saying "be careful Garrett. Things aren't the same as they were twenty six years ago." "I know mom, back then father was breaking out and leaving for Ferelden with you" Garrett said pulling up a chair and sitting next to his mother. Leandra smiled lightly as she said "you remind of him you know. When Malcolm broke out and took me with him it was freeing."
Leandra laughed saying "I was so young I didn't see how hard it would be. Always having to move around but I loved your father, he had such a free spirit." Garrett listened intently seeing fondness in his mother's eyes as she said "I miss him but I see part of him everyday in you." Garrett smiled lightly as his mother tapped a finger on his chest where his heart was, emphasizing her words.
"I miss him too. Just think of the tips he could give me on breaking out of the Circle" Garrett said lightly as his mother returned to stroking the blue scarf Bethany had left behind. Leandra chuckled saying "I suppose it runs in the family."
"You know of all the Tales father told he never once mentioned escaping the Circle or even how he avoided it all those years before being caught" Garrett said thinking aloud and remembering his father fondly. Leandra nodded slowly saying "your father had an unusual past Garrett. Even I don't know all of it though I never pressed him."
"He had help from that Templar though... even named Carver after him" Garrett said. Leandra nodded saying "yes he had help but I didn't see much of that. Your father found me again and we ran away together while I was pregnant with you." "I understand, father must have had his reasons" Garrett said not wanting to make his mother feel bad that she couldn't help.
"Come on mom you're spending to much time cooped up in here let's get something to eat in Hightown" Garrett said standing up and gesturing for her to follow. "It's just hard... without Bethany" Leandra said frowning somberly.
"I know how you feel mother but we'll get her back until then Bethany wouldn't want us moping around" Garrett said honestly as frowned. Garrett did feel bad for failing to protect Bethany but knew he couldn't dwell on it all the time or he wouldn't be able to free her.
Leandra nodded saying "you're right. I know a place not to far from right that my parents used to take Gamlen and me to." "Not one for fancy food but I'll give it a try" Garrett said then whistled for Kane to wake up and come with them. Leandra chuckled saying "food's food you'll like it." "I'll try it can't promise more than that" Garrett said lightly as he, his mother, and Kane left their ancestral home.
Later, Hightown
Viscount's Keep
Barracks
"You two held out against seven armed attackers... seriously?" Arys said looking over Aveline and Donnic as they filed their reports. Aveline crossed her arms saying "yes and it wasn't exactly easy."
Arys gave Aveline a look of annoyance before letting it drop realizing that surviving an attack would put anyone in a bad mood. "Look our lead's dead and we got nothing now" Donnic said a bit flustered at the whole thing. "That's unfortunate. You both look okay, any injuries?" Arys asked looking them over once again. "No we're both fine" Aveline said as Arys nodded and he frowned saying "alright I'll file these away."
"Yes and we should hold another meeting for the Senior Officers especially after what's happened today. If you'll excuse me I need to talk with the Seneschal" Aveline said grateful that Arys seemed to understand and just did his work without nagging them and moved on to file away the reports.
Donnic turned to Aveline saying "are you sure you don't want to take some leave... remember what their leader said." "I remembering, I'm not afraid" Aveline said as she left clearly remembering the leader's words 'the girl. She's a target. Leave the other one alive as a warning... break his legs.'
Once leaving the Barracks and walking down to the long hallway to the Viscount's Office Aveline knocked and entered upon hearing Viscount Dumar call "come in." Stepping inside the Office Aveline found Viscount Dumar and Seneschal Bran arguing about something involving politics like they usually did.
"Aveline?" Viscount Dumar asked just as Seneschal Bran stood up saying "Senior Officer or no you can't just barge in here like this, there's meetings every week." "Sirs this is important" Aveline said as she closed the door behind her.
"Miss did you not hear-" Seneschal Bran said before Viscount Dumar raised a hand interrupting "wait, Ewald trusted her. Give her a chance to speak." Aveline nodded saying "thank you sir."
Seneschal Bran nodded somewhat reluctantly as Aveline moved to take a seat across the desk from the Viscount. "It's a long story and I don't know everything but you need to know what I know" Aveline said as she began to inform the Viscount about the mysterious ally who claimed he could help when the time is right. Aveline left the part about Garrett out however, she didn't want to involve her friend if she didn't have but everything else she told... the ambush, the claim that their were corrupt City Guards and logic behind them.
Once she was finished Viscount Dumar placed a hand on his forehead taking a deep breathe saying "as if we needed more trouble. These are troublesome days." Seneschal Bran spoke up saying "you're taking a lot of this on his word. I don't buy it."
"I know how it sounds but he has a point. Look at how long it's taken for us take action and they knew about Scully and set up an ambush to get ride of him and attack Donnic and me" Aveline said calmly as Viscount Dumar nodded with Seneschal Bran looking as if he didn't buy it.
Seneschal Bran awkwardly as he said "I admit the City Guard has been delayed and... a bit behind on Intel but to suggest corrupt City Guards is-" only to be interrupted by the Viscount himself before Aveline could retort.
"Jeven is proof there can be corruption even in the City Guards" Viscount Dumar said in a low voice that nevertheless carried through the room and silenced both Seneschal Bran and Aveline.
Looking up at Aveline curiously Viscount Dumar said "I take it you want to investigate this matter." Aveline nodded saying "yes sir." "Seeing as there is still no Guard Captain it was good of you to see me about this matter. I grant you and Donnic whatever access you need to look into the City Guards no questions asked" Viscount Dumar said looking directly into Aveline's eyes, I'm trusting you don't let me down.
"Sir you believe even a Senior Officer can be a traitor?" Seneschal Bran asked looking bewildered at his superior. "Possibly" Viscount Dumar said giving Seneschal Bran a look that plainly said the Guard Captain was corrupt.
"We'll need to be discrete but we'll find the corrupt Guards" Aveline said firmly. "Be careful Aveline you're a target and the Coterie had proven their not afraid to attack Guards. From here on I don't want you going on too many patrols you need to focus on the threat within" Viscount Dumar said seriously and technically taking the role of Guard Captain for this crisis.
"Why not suspend her patrols all together, let her focus on the corrupt Guards alone" Seneschal Bran said glancing at Aveline before looking back the Viscount. "It'll be obvious if I suddenly get excused from all patrols. I agree it's better this way Sir" Aveline said catching the Viscount's eye.
Seneschal Bran nodded saying "very well, for what's a worth I wish you luck" "thank you Sir" Aveline said taking the hint and leaving the Viscount and Seneschal Bran. As Aveline left heading back to the Barracks she began to think were she should start.
Most of the older Guards and Senior Officers probably wouldn't be corrupt but it's still possible, I should start with the newer Guards first... my group Aveline realized as she got ready to start digging.
Lowtown
Sharps Base
Coterie Meeting
Tolan stood socially beside Athenril's goons, mask-less and without his ragged clothing or hood as Athenril took her seat at the table joining the other lower criminal bosses that had traded up into the new Coterie branch.
Looking around and seeing all the other goons every lower criminal boss had brought he couldn't help but wonder how they managed to work together so effectively with all the arguing then he shifted remembering why... the right leadership. Just then Ignacio Strand walked in and joined the table looking at the other more 'powerful' criminal bosses, Dixon Carton, 'Leech', and finally Athenril.
Those four... they're the real muscle behind the Coterie backbone holding everything up. Without them the majority of this branch is powerless Tolan thought seeing and eying the four of them up as unassumingly as he could.
Dixon Cartonwas an Orlesian man who'd started a gang in Hightown, took time but he managed to build a good team of thugs that raided Hightown, since joining the Coterie branch they'd gotten bolder to the point that the City Guard had to calm down the Nobles.
Ignacio Strandwas a short middle aged man native to Kirkwall, he'd risen to the top of the Sharps Lowtown gang and was the first to join the Coterie branch and the only one of them who had direct contact with the Coterie leaders regularly.
Athenril, arguably the 'smartest' of the four. Not much was known about Athenril, where she came from or even how she started up her 'Docking' business but she'd been very successful through the years. she'd kept good contacts and even though she worked with relatively little she'd done a lot more with she had than those before her, her motto quality over quantity.But unlike the others Athenril had approached the Coterie branch and offered to join seeing how things were moving and choosing the 'right' side of things.
Athenril's smart and resourceful but also prideful and cocky... that'll be her downfall Tolan thought resisting the urge to smirk.
Last of the four, 'Leech' was probably both the easiest and hardest he and Garrett would have to deal with. Leech was a bald, tall, skeletally thin man with a gaunt hallow face. No one knew Leech's real name but legends tell of a child whom escaped the Circle one foul night by murdering two Templars and hid in the worst parts of Darktown... the Undercity.
This child made his home there among the filth and the worst of Kirkwall... the dregs of society too unstable and brutal for even Darktown. The Undercity plagued this child with it's worst... only for the child to 'end' any who assaulted him. Then came a day when the child grew tired of 'neighbors' and changed the rules... the hunted became then hunter.
It'd didn't take long for the child to conquer the Undercity or so the legends tell. Using foul magic the child 'fed' on the blood of his fallen victims to strengthen him... trading their life for his power. It's only fitting people refer to him only as Leech for that is what he truly is. Leech owned the Undercity before growing tired of that too and leaving it behind in favor of the outskirts of Kirkwall... preying on Merchants and any would be Raiders until the Coterie made a deal with him.
In return for his services the Coterie would procure Slaves from Tevinter for him to feed on. Athenril's smuggling group and hideouts had come in handy for that and Leech had been extremely useful in turning the tide against the other Coterie branches. The Templars might be our best bet for Leech but he's taken them down before... he collects pieces of their armor from what I hear Tolan thought darkly.
"Scully is dead but we lost seven men" Ignacio Strand said coldly as he looked around at the other three with disdain. "My men handled it didn't they, the Elf's dead!" Dixon said with his heavy Orlesian accent, growing tired of the contempt everyone had been showing him.
"But the two City Guards lived and got away... one of them stopped Jeven" Ignacio said looking at the three of them. "You should have left the girl to my group" Athenril said speaking up as if bored at the entire thing.
Dixon scoffed at her coldly saying "and when is that going to be. Why haven't you gotten rid of them yet, show the City what happens when someone messes with our plans." "Their plan" Ignacio said smugly correcting Dixon and smirking at the annoyance on Dixon's face.
Athenril looked at Dixon lazily as she spoke up saying "it's about timing, taking advantage of Scully's defection to set up an ambush like that was stupid. Now the City Guards will be wary."
"Elf! My men are professionals! Don't speak of things you don't understand" Dixon said glaring at Athenril. Playing his part Tolan spoke up coolly saying "seven of your men defeated by two Guards. One of them a woman... doesn't sound very professional to me."
Two of Dixon's goons stepped forward menacingly as Dixon glanced at Tolan before looking at Athenril saying "my cousin lead that ambush tell your 'Ferelden Dog' to shut his mouth before my men shut it for him." "Ferelden Dogs are smarter than you give them credit for" Athenril said without even glancing at Tolan or Dixon. Then smirking slightly Athenril continued "call our goons off before you lose more men. You know what happens to Dogs when they're backed into a corner and my 'Ferelden Dog' is worth at least ten of your men."
Your cousin always hated Fereldens. Called us Dogs, glad I'm the one that took him down Tolan thought as Dixon glared at Athenril when suddenly a strange cold crackling sound emanated from the table drawing the attention of everyone... Leech was laughing.
There sitting calm and unimpressed by everything Leech sat laughing, not booming or loud just a low cold cackling that didn't sound human. "What in Thedas are you laughing at freak!" Dixon snarled as Tolan and Athenril noticed the effect Leech's laughter had on Dixon along with several others... fear.
Leech rarely spoke and seeing him laugh with his gaunt hollow face, his sharped teeth showing, unnerved everyone. "You." Leech said suddenly stopping his laughter as he looked at Dixon with a cold unblinking stare.
"You're a funny one. The scared child playing the big man." Leech said in his odd icily cold low voice, the voice of man who rarely spoke... almost feral just like the rest of him. Ignacio spoke up saying "enough! We cannot have infighting. That is a weakness of the other branches."
Leech didn't say a word or even look at anyone, just turned his head not looking at anything in particular as he nodded. Ignacio nodded glad that the four of them had settled down once again.
"We need to do something about the girl. 'He' says she won't let this go, she'll start digging where she doesn't belong... she'll go on the offensive" Ignacio said looking at the others.
"Let me take her. It'll be over before she knows it" Leech said speaking up astonishingly for the second time in the same hour. Ignacio seemed to consider it for a bit then shook his head saying "no that wouldn't be a good idea."
Athenril turned to Leech saying "you're very effective but you attract unwanted attention." Shifting slightly Athenril said "it hasn't been easy using my team to cover your tracks. The Templars aren't stupid they've noticed things and the last thing we need is Meredith working with the City Guard."
"The Templars are the largest force in Kirkwall. They mostly don't care about the City Guard but the Viscount could convince Meredith to help if they knew an Apostate was helping us" Ignacio said simply as he nodded at Athenril.
Leech is the raw power of the four. He's been evening the playing field against the other branches whenever they interfere... even taken down some of their Apostates from what I hear. But all that isn't stealthy, Athenril always needs to covers his tracks Tolan thought darkly.
"We need to do something" Dixon said looking at the others waiting for an answer but finding none. "We wait" Athenril said sharing a look with Ignacio. "That's your master plan Elf. Do nothing! Wait for the City Guard to find my men!" Dixon called slamming a fist on the table.
"Let the girl dig, it'll keep her busy. If your men are as good as you say they should be safe for awhile and when she gets too close we'll make our move" Ignacio said calming Dixon down. "What about the rest?" Athenril asked looking at Ignacio.
"The same as before. 'He' says as long we keep being careful we'll be fine" Ignacio said before looking at Dixon and sternly continuing "and that means working together. Stick to our plans. Don't bite off more than you can chew."
Dixon nodded somewhat annoyed as the meeting ended. "We're done here" Ignacio said standing up and making to leave as the others did the same along with their goons.
As Tolan was turning to leave with Athenril he noticed something that caused a chill to creak down his spine... Leech was looking at him. Leech stood still as a statue looking directly at Tolan with that cold unblinkingly stare... Tolan didn't like it at all. What is that freak doing Tolan thought as Leech shifted his gaze to Athenril then back to him. Leech grinned a knowing smirk before leaving in that strange quite yet forceful way of his.
Tolan moved on with the other goons trailing after Athenril slightly unnerved by that. As Tolan walked Athenril glanced at him saying "that was very funny. But don't provoke Dixon without my permission Dog... we still need his men in the Guards."
Tolan nodded knowing what Athenril was really saying you're useful and amuse me but I own you. "Good Dog" Athenril said as one of her goons chuckled. Your time is coming Athenril Tolan thought darkly as he ignored the chuckling as he always did and followed his orders... for now.
Night, Hightown
Hawke Estate
"I gotta say nice place Hawke" Varric said looking around Garrett's ancestral home clearly impressed having seen Gamlen's house.
"Yeah looks like we should call him Lord Hawke from now on" Isabela said from he sat taking a drink of Ale. "Thanks Varric. Don't call me that Isabela." Garrett said looking at the two of them.
"I worked hard to get it. Gotta enjoy it before we leave" Garrett said handing Varric a cup of Ale and gesturing around his new home. "If this works out in the end where will you go?" Isabela asked looking curiously at Garrett. "Honestly don't know yet. Maybe back to Ferelden or maybe Orlais, depends on my options" Garrett said. "Try Antiva it's nice there" Isabela said smirking.
"I don't think so... the stories from there are..." Garrett began only for Isabela to interrupt gleefully saying "exciting." "That's not how I would have worded it" Garrett said raising his eyebrow at Isabela. "Can't blame Isabela for that Hawke she had fun there. Anyway I'm surprised those Slavers never bothered to clean out the wine cellar" Varric said lightly as he drink the Ale Garrett had found in the wine cellar.
"Almost did, wasn't much left" Garrett answered taking a small drink then putting it away having finished. "Anyway, what'd you two find?" Garrett asked leaning against the polished wall of his ancestral home.
"Far as I can tell it just like Tolan said. Athenril's joined the new Coterie branch and they're causing trouble for Kirkwall. But couldn't find much about Tolan himself" Isabela said growing serious. "Tolan's an odd man" Varric said curiously as he exchanged a look with Isabela then looked back Garrett. "Couldn't find much about him... don't even know how he made it into Kirkwall."
"What do you mean?" Garrett asked looking at Varric as Isabela listened as well. "During the blight refugees got in different ways. Some were able to buy their way in and were documented. Others like you and Aveline had someone pay for them like Athenril. The rest were later taken in by Chantry Aid but that was documented... Tolan isn't documented on any of those and no one paid for him" Varric said simply.
"He found a different way then... odd. It's alright I just wanted to know more about him... he sure knows a lot about me" Garrett said. "That's all I needed thanks guys" Garrett said as Varric and Isabela stood up ready to leave.
"You need help let us know but are you two doing anyway?" Isabela asked frowning as he looked at Garrett. "Tolan and I are going to weaken the infrastructure of the Coterie branch while we can then we'll make our move" Garrett said trusting his friends and knowing that no one was listening in his ancestral home.
Though Tolan didn't mean Garrett any harm he still didn't like that he'd been watched all that time and so had taking to using his ancestral home as a private place to talk when ever he needed a favor from a friend.
Varric smirked saying "eh Hawke the mess you get into. You know where to find us when you need to." Isabela nodded as she followed Varric out, "thanks I'll keep that in mind" Garrett replied as he walked them out and closed the door. Garrett glanced at the upstairs room on the left knowing his mother was asleep and not wanting to disturb her quietly went to his room.
Once inside and getting ready for bed he stopped and looking at the closet where he stored his clothing along with some items that held meaning for him. Walking over he opened the closet and let out a heavy breathe as he pulled out something from a pouch he hadn't touched in over a year.
Taking a seat on his bed Garrett held the pouch in his left hand and pulled out his Ostagar Knife with his right. The Blight ends here the inscription on the back side of his Ostagar Knife read.
Turning the pouch over in his left hand he pulled the only item it contained out for the first time in over a year. A second Ostagar Knife. Holding the two Ostagar Knifes out and looking at them a memory flash through Garrett's mind.
More than a year ago
Lothering
Garrett Hawke finished setting the trap and stood up to get a better look at the area. "We don't have too many so try and spread them out" Garrett called to where Bethany and his mother were setting up traps.
"Alright" Bethany called back as she worked alongside their mother. Garrett turned around looking at Carver then said "what's wrong Carver?" "Nothing" Carver said getting back to setting a trap as Garrett walked over to him.
"I said I'm fine" Carver said noticing Garrett standing beside him. "You're not. You been quiet and you're never quiet what's wrong Carver" Garrett said as Carver stood up to look his older brother in the eye. Carver frowned and looked at his brother sadly in one of their rare moments of empathy as he somberly said "we deserted and left Cailan there for those monsters to defile his corpse." Garrett shared a look with his brother and nodded darkly.
"Then Captain Varel... we just... he just" Carver began not meeting his brother's eyes before Garrett interrupted and placed a hand reassuringly on his little brother's shoulder saying "he got overwhelmed. There was nothing we could do to save him or Cailan. You need to stop being so hard on yourself."
Carver let a deep breathe he seemed to have been holding in for awhile then looked up to met Garrett's eyes then said "I know it's just hard. I thought we'd be heroes and end the Blight just like Cailan said but now... we're just running."
"Hey listen to me. Life never ends up like we think it will. And we're not just running we're surviving. Look at Bethany and Mother they need us. You can't back out on me now" Garrett said doing his best to sound like his father, honest and light yet stern.
Carver nodded firmly saying "I won't, I'll make any Darkspawn we meet pay for Cailan and the others." "Good man" Garrett said smirking as he let Carver go and went back to setting up more traps. But Carver stopped him awkwardly saying "Garrett." "Yeah?" Garrett said turning around to face his younger brother once again. Carver reached to his belt and pulled free his Ostagar Knife, holding it out he said "take it... please."
Garrett blinked saying "it's yours Carver. You earned it same as me." "It doesn't feel right. I don't feel right... being a deserter. Take it for me brother I just don't feel worthy of it" Carver said honestly as he held out his Ostagar Knife.
Seeing the pleading look in his brothers face Garrett slowly and awkwardly took the knife just as an idea formed in his head. "I'll make you a deal Carver. I'll hold on it this until you feel you're worthy again then I'll give it back Soldier" Garrett said as Carver blinked and slowly nodded saying "it'll be awhile." "I can wait" Garrett answered simply.
Carver looked awkward for a bit then said "look I know I've been kind of jackass lately but I'm glad we made it. I just have trouble dealing with this, alright." "You and me both... besides you were always a jackass I learned to deal with it" Garrett said lightly as he chuckled at the end.
"Haha come on we got work to do" Carver said as he went back to setting up traps now. Garrett held Carver's Ostagar Knife and placed it in an empty pouch before turning around to set up traps.
Back to the present
Still holding the two Ostagar Knives out, his and Carver's, Garrett couldn't help but think maybe it was selfish of me to keep this and not leave it with you... but it's all I have left of you Carver.
Garrett closed his eyes remembering that fateful day when they'd fought the Ogre, the day Carver died in his arms as he thought Maker I wish I could've at least buried him... instead of just leaving him but we couldn't risk the time.
Opening his eyes Garrett looked at Carver's Ostagar Knife and spoke aloud "... I failed you. I won't fail her too."
Sorry for the delay. I had fun writing this.
Bit of a different tone the other Chapters but I hope you enjoyed it.
The four aren't the same as the gangs in Side-quest because I wanted them to have bigger role
So I've changed them
If you're growing tired of Carver I just wanted to show more of his relationship with Hawke.
I didn't do a good job showing that in the first couple of chapters so that was like a 'deleted scene' I guess.
But I digress...
Thanks for Reading and please Review.