Hey guys been a LONG time.
Finally had time in between studying for my midterms and working to write
This chapter is long but not as long as I've gone before
It originally was even longer but I once again cut things out and moved some scenes to later chapters
I had fun writing it and I hope you all enjoy it
Night, Kirkwall
Hightown
Estate
The Hightown mansion is beautiful, the family who owned it had worked hard to get and often used shady contacts to boost their business in the beginning. It had taken time but the merchant family had worked its way into the Coterie and climbed up the ranks until Aldos Gorman, the head of the family, achieved control of a single Coterie branch and with his new found wealth bought an estate in Hightown.
Aldos though now an old man kept his Coterie branch within his family and so it came to be known as the Gorman branch to the lower criminals while Aldos himself came to be known as a suspicious man to the City Guards but no more than that.
Aldos had kept himself mostly clean ever since gaining control of his Coterie branch and though he was suspicious there was no direct evidence against him and the Guards were forced to leave him and his mansion be.
Now the mansion was being ruined… the new Coterie branch had recently lost a lot of their money and after the initial rage had decided to raid one of the enemy branches.
It really was unfortunate for Aldos, having wasted years building his own small empire for himself and his family along the branches of the Coterie only for it to get wiped out by the Coterie civil war.
Tolan moved quickly with the others as he killed one of Aldos's guards with a back-stab to the man's heart. The Sharps men were doing their part as were Athenril and her men, but Leech and his new 'companion' did the most damage as they stormed through the mansion not allowing any to escape.
It all seemed to go by so fast. Soon all of Aldos's guards were killed or had surrendered as Ignacio walked through the mansion calmly inspecting the mess as one of his men led them towards the wine cellar where Aldos himself had been cornered.
Tolan followed behind Ignacio and Athenril as they entered the wine cellar seeing Aldos standing in the center of the cellar with nowhere to go. Leech stood eerily still in his cruel feral way of his watching Aldos making sure he stayed put. What really surprised Aldos and threw the man over the edge of panic was the lone Templar standing watch on the other side.
Ignacio chuckled cruelly seeing the once feared Aldos trapped by the odd pair of Apostate and Templar. Aldos turned to face Ignacio shouting "you've made the biggest mistake of your life boy! The other branches will finish you! Then we'll see just what your fearless leaders are made of! To cowardly to face me themselves! Sending thugs like you!"
"You forget there's power in numbers. A fact you and the other branches never truly learned. Always keeping themselves so locked inside and never bothering to bring others into the fold" Ignacio gesturing at all the men around him before finally Leech along with the lone Templar.
Aldos raised an old wrinkled hand as he unleashed a burst of red flame magic towards Ignacio... Aldos was a Mage. Not even making it halfway to Ignacio the flame magic faded away to nothing as the lone Templar blocked its path using his Templar Shield.
"How in Thedas is a Templar on your side!" Aldos cursed in anger as Ignacio just smirked. "Now this can either go two ways" Ignacio said as he paced calmly back and forth, his men, Athenril's men, and Tolan all watching the heavily outnumbered Aldos. "This is all up to you Aldos. Nice and fast or painful and slow" Ignacio said gesturing at Leech at one end of Aldos and the lone Templar on the other.
"That's the best offer you give me! A slow death or a quick one!" Aldos yelled in fury as he paced around his 'cage' while the others watched.
"A while ago someone stole quite a bit of money from us. I'd very much like to know who and which branch. Give me this information and I'll gave you the quick death you deserve" Ignacio said calmly as he gestured at the lone Templar brandishing his Longsword.
"If you refuse then you'll die like an animal in the dirt" Ignacio said coldly gesturing at Leech whom stared unblinkingly at Aldos. Aldos tensed at the sight of Leech before letting out a heavy breath.
"The Feral Demon of the Wilds" Aldos said speaking directly to Leech.
"Why do you work with these men and their pitiful ambition? What do they offer you than I cannot? What is it you want? Wealth? I have plenty I'd share it? Women? With me you'll more than you could imagine. Exotics from Antiva and Orlais" Aldos said smirking.
Raising a hand and gesturing around him Aldos called "kill these men and you shall have all I promised and more." There was a tense moment around the cellar for the men and lower criminals with only Athenril and her guards, Tolan, and Ignacio remaining calm.
The silence carried only for a moment before a low cold cackling that didn't sound human emerged from Leech as he let out a short laugh. Looking directly at Aldos unblinkingly Leech spoke in his feral icily cold low voice saying "old man you have nothing I want."
The Freak wants no wealth or women… all he cares for blood and power Tolan thought darkly seeing Aldos gape before letting out a heavy dry breath.
Moving quickly Aldos cast a hurried Spirit Bolt at Leech only for the Spirit Bolt to miss as Leech didn't even try to stop it instead simply sidestepping and dodging it. The Spirit Bolt hit the wall behind Leech as he held up his hand and suddenly Aldos was pushed to his knees and held there by some unseen force.
The lone Templar stepped forward his Templar Longsword drawn as he held the blade directly Aldos's throat. Aldos tried to move to use cast something but couldn't as he was held by Leech's unseen force.
"Now who stole from us Aldos? You choose a quick death or a slow one" Ignacio said as Aldos struggled unsuccessfully. Aldos looked up meeting the lone Templar's eyes through the visor in his helmet when suddenly the unseen force jerked Aldos's head back to face Ignacio instead.
Aldos laughed sheepishly saying "had to try."
Now facing Ignacio with no hope Aldos smirked saying "I've no idea who stole your precious coin and I honestly don't care. But whoever they are I hope they do it again! I pray they leave you nothing but ruin! You think your alliance will last ha! A bunch of lower criminals! The other branches will avenge me!" Ignacio gestured and Leech raised his hand and began forming a fist, instantly Aldos started writhing and coughing violently… as if Aldos was being crushed from the inside.
"Wait" Ignacio called and Leech stopped allowing Aldos to cough out dark red blood barely managing to breath. "Last chance Aldos" Ignacio called as Leech stood at the ready with the lone Templar on Aldos's other side his Templar Longsword ready for a beheading.
Aldos just coughed and smiled through his bloody teeth saying "your day will come too Ignacio. It comes for all of us." Ignacio nodded at Leech whom continued.
Aldos writhed violently as he was crushed from the inside for several agonizing moments until finally it was done and the old man slumped to the floor dead.
Athenril scoffed as she looked at the sight of the once feared Aldos muttering "always a mess." Ignacio turned to all of them saying "bring Petros and those who surrendered I want them to see."
Two Sharps men nodded and left only to return shortly dragging a young lad of around seventeen along with nearly a dozen of Aldos guards that had surrendered.
"There he is" Ignacio said coldly as he made all of them look at the corpse of Aldos. "Grandfather" Petros moaned as the former guards looked upon their former boss. Moving to stand directly in-front of Petros, Ignacio grabbed a hold of the lad saying "you are the last of your family now. Make this easier and give us your family's wealth."
Bringing the lad closer to speak in his ear Ignacio said "do this for us as payment and we will allow you to live and join us." As Ignacio stepped back, Petros nodded furiously saying "take it… I… I can withdraw it for you."
"Excellent my friends will take you to meet one of our private bankers. Welcome Petros, be sure to make yourself useful and you will be rewarded" Ignacio said as the same two Sharps men that dragged the lad in led him out.
Ignacio turned to Athenril saying "I leave the rest to you." Athenril nodded as Ignacio left and Tolan moved out of the man's way thinking getting cockier I see. Your day will come indeed Ignacio.
Speaking to the guards that had surrendered Athenril said "your boss is dead. Leaving all of you jobless I think it's time you considered your options." "We'll work for you honest we will" one of the surrendered guards said from where he was forced to sit.
"Oh I am sure you will and remember if you cross us my friends over there will be forced to pay you a visit" Athenril said gesturing at Leech and the lone Templar. Aldos's former guards gulped slightly at the odd sight of Apostate and Templar before another of them said "it won't be a problem."
Elsewhere that same night
Deep into Darktown
The Undercity
Garrett trekked down the dark passages glad Anders and Fenris had agreed to come with him just in case they ran into a trouble. Tolan and I debated but we need to act. To learn more Garrett thought as he and his two friends came upon a passage leading downward.
This isn't so bad not nearly as deep as I've been before… not anywhere as deep as the Black Emporium Garrett thought as he descended the path followed closely by Fenris and Anders.
Just as Garrett was heading forward a lightly armored man appeared around a corner his Longsword raised. He was a little older than Garrett but not much with short chestnut hair.
"Wait" Garrett called as Fenris reached for his fighting Greatsword and Anders gripped his staff. "Tolan's contact?" the man asked his Longsword still raised at Garrett as he glanced at Fenris and Anders in the background.
Garrett nodded as he reached to one of his side pouches and pulled out his Ostagar knife. Garrett held up his Ostagar knife letting the lightly armored man get a better look at the markings of the blade.
"Yeah it's you. You Fereldens and your honor" the lightly armored man said lowering his Longsword and sheathing it. "Hermes? One of Athenril's men right; I think we've met before" Garrett said putting his Ostagar knife away. Hermes thought about for a bit before saying "yeah I remember you. You walked away from Athenril." Garrett nodded as he remembered that day more than a year ago thinking but I didn't exactly get away no strings attached did I?
"I remember you had a pretty sister too. Nice pair of-" Hermes began with a smirk on his face only for Garrett to interrupt his eyes narrowed as he said "don't." Hermes laughed saying "I forgot you were a tad overprotective." "Where is it?" Garrett asked not wanting to waste any more time. Hermes beckoned them to follow as he led them further into the Undercity passages.
"One of the Sharps men, you know Ignacio's men, and I usually come and get him when he's needed but we never go to deep in… it's like he knows when we're coming" Hermes began until they reached a dark passage leading downward to some kind of lair… a lair hidden in the Undercity.
Turning to face them all Hermes said "well there it is. The freak's busy with the others but don't take too long with whatever you're doing… I've seen his work and it's not pretty."
"You're not going with us?" Garrett asked raising an eyebrow. Hermes shook his head saying "nope. I was willing to come down here and show you lot where to go but that's it I don't like going down there and I try not to as much as I can."
"Fine" Garrett said slightly annoyed after sharing a look with Anders and Fenris before continuing "you know how many more men are on our side?" Hermes thought about for a bit than said "I know of at least seven guys Tolan recruited but I think there's more… not all of us like working for the Coterie."
As Hermes was getting ready to leave he turned towards them saying "if you lot get caught do me a favor and kill yourselves so the freak doesn't learn who showed you into his lair."
Garrett scoffed as Anders called back "yeah we'll be sure to just give up without a fight." Hermes disappeared along the dark passages calling back "sounds like a plan."
Fenris shook his head disapprovingly as he said "are sure you can trust him?" "I don't know him that well but Tolan trusts him" Garrett said as he led them down into Leech's lair in the Undercity.
It's so cold down here… not even the Black Emporium was this cold Garrett thought as they walked through the strange lair that was basically a labyrinth of pathways built long ago by people long forgotten… and that it seemed to be darker than it should be.
As they walked as quietly as they could Garrett noticed something on a few of the walls of the labyrinth… carvings. "What goes on down here?" Anders asked darkly as he noticed deep carvings on one of the old brick wall, faded writing.
Garrett squinted at the writings and noticed they'd been crudely carved in with a knife of some kind and that they… appeared to have written by small hands as if by a child. "What does it say" Fenris asked in a low voice as he looked around the area.
Garrett looked closer reading it aloud in a low voice, "they can't find me here. Nothing can find me here. The others chase me but I hurt them and they run. Why won't they leave me alone?"
Garrett looked around seeing a part of the wall where the carvings were deeper more crude writing. "They hurt me. I killed them. It feels good. They must all pay."
How old are these writings? Garrett thought as he looked around seeing several crudely craved writings all along the walls of the lair. "Leech is a strange man" Andes commented as Garrett spoke up saying "come on we're wasting time."
After spending some time looking around the pathways Garrett decided on a path and led them through it. As they walked Garrett held up his hand stopping them as he heard something, a light rattling. Garrett listened for a moment before saying "that way."
Garrett, Anders, and Fenris followed from where they thought rattling noise had come from until they found a lone passage riddled with more crude writings… these made with large hands as if by a young adult.
"The little ones know him. They work for him. I can feel him. He's here deep down further than I've ever been. This is mine he can't have any of it" Garrett noticed before he exchanged a curious look with Fenris and Anders then moved on as quietly as they could.
There were only two more crude writings they found as they followed the path… the first one made deep as if in anger. "He's mocks me. He knows I can't get in his secret place. I will get in. I will take his power for my own."
The second and last one craved lightly as is if struggling in pain… wounded.
"He's strong. It didn't work. He pushed me out but I saw him. Hehas life I want it. Need it. Not strong enough. Need to be stronger. He knows where I hide but he can't leave his secrete place."
Just as Garrett was moving out with Fenris and Anders he noticed something on the floor right below where the last writing was… dried blood residue. The residue looked like it had been there a long time… years.
What happened down here? Garrett thought as they moved on noticing as they reached the end of the path that led to a strange large area that appeared to have once been a mining chamber of some kind, now it was in ruins. Hearing the rattling again Garrett quietly unsheathed his Longsword as Fenris did the same with his fighting Greatsword and Anders held his staff at the ready as they turned seeing a figure sitting in the dark.
Noticing Garrett the figure slowly stood up causing more rattling as a scared trembling voice whispered "you're not him."
"Who is he?" Garrett asked with his Longsword raised as the figure starting walking forward slowly into what little light peered through the room the rattling growing louder as the figure walked.
Now in the light Garrett and the other saw that the figure was a young red haired curvy woman… Idunna. "… You again" Idunna said looking awful; her beauty slowly disappearing from malnourishment and the filth that surrounded her. "Idunna's the Mage Leech broke out?" Anders said surprised to see Idunna again of all people.
"Tolan never found out who she was. Only that Leech had broken someone out" Garrett said as Fenris glared at Idunna remembering their last encounter with the former Blood Mage and whore. Looking Idunna over Garrett noticed something on her arms and legs… thick iron chains that kept her from leaving the room.
That's what the noise was, her chains rattling against each other Garrett thought as Fenris glared at Idunna saying "don't try anything." "Hawke beat your magic once and I'm a Mage too remember" Anders said gesturing at Garrett as he gripped his Staff so Idunna could see.
Idunna looked at Fenris and the others with scared trembling eyes as she slowly said "I can't." Idunna winced as she slowly raised her chained hands up for them to see.
Idunna's hands were scarred with burns leaving them darkened where the skin had begun to tighten and pull together. Fenris just tilted his head at her; she'd get no sympathy from him.
Anders frowned at Idunna's hands knowing that was an especially cruel thing to do to a Mage. Garrett looked Idunna in the eye as he lowered his Longsword knowing she couldn't harm them even if she wanted too asking "what happened to you?"
Idunna trembled saying "I was in my cell at Circle when he came." "Leech?" Garrett asked. "No the Templar Knight" Idunna said before continuing "he was walking funny and so the Templar Guards asked if he was okay as he stumbled. One of the Guards helped him so he wouldn't fall but the Knight pulled out a knife from somewhere and slit the Guards throat before he could do anything.
The other Guards panicked and drew their weapons as the Knight rushed another killing him. The other Guards tried to stop him but he wasn't the real threat… it was him."
Idunna started to shake slightly as she looked at her feet continuing "Leech slaughtered the last Guards… he ripped through their armor. I've never seen anything like it… not even Tarohne."
"They were Templar how could they have fallen so easily?" Fenris asked coldly looking like he really hoped Idunna would try something so he could make do the promise he made on their last encounter. Try to use magic on me again and I'll rip your heart out.
"They never had a chance. Leech murdered them before they could do anything. The Knight kept their focus and it was over… Leech's done it before. He dragged me out of my cell, there was a small boat with two armed men waiting for us and we escaped" Idunna said still shaking.
The Coterie helped Leech break her out but she's afraid… no terrified. I thought she'd be working with him but it looks more like Idunna traded one prison for another Garrett thought.
"Why did Leech break you out? What does he want from you? Why did he… treat you like this" Garrett asked wanting answers. Idunna looked up at Garrett before she shivered then gulped saying "free me and I'll help you. Tell you anything you want to know." Anders scoffed as Fenris shook his head 'no' giving Idunna an annoyed look.
Garrett crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing, as he said "you tried to kill me with my own knife now you want my help." "Please" Idunna said pleadingly as she knelt to the floor begging.
"I once offered my services before I could-" Idunna began only for Garrett to sternly interrupt "that didn't work the first time." Idunna stayed silent in despair as she knelt on the floor.
She looked utterly pathetic shivering on the floor chained up, malnourished, burned, probably without a bath in days and covered in filth. I can't believe I'm actually considering this… she tried to kill me Garrett thought as he sighed.
Anders looked at Garrett curiously and Fenris shifted not liking this as Garrett dryly but sternly said "I set you free you help us. You're not being set loose and when this is over you're going back to the Circle."
Idunna looked up and nodded saying "yes, yes of course." Fenris grabbed Garrett by the shoulder saying "Hawke you can't be serious." "I don't like it either Fenris but we need her and she can help us" Garrett said shaking free of Fenris's grip.
"No she can help you and your plans" Fenris replied. Yeah Fenris is really touchy about Apostates especially with Idunna. The look he gave her at the Blooming Rose… he's been controlled like that before Garrett thought darkly.
"I understand if you don't want to help Fenris I don't have any right to kept asking for your help but I need to do this. I need to end this" Garrett said but Fenris knew what he really meant. I need to finish this with Tolan… then I can get Bethany free from the Circle.
"I don't usually do this Hawke but I kind of agree with Fenris on this" Anders said giving Idunna another wary look as he ran his fingers across his Staff. "Whatever Leech needs Idunna for I'd rather not let him have it" Garrett said looking directly at Anders, whom rubbed his chin before nodding his agreement.
Fenris grunted not liking this as he said "she keeps the chains and-" "when this is over she goes back to the Circle" Garrett said interrupting Fenris. Garrett walked over to Idunna grabbing her as he pulled her up looking for what her chains connected to. Finding it, a thick iron box of some kind that must have been lifted by magic, Garrett gestured at Fenris.
Understanding what needed to be done Fenris walked over his markings glowing bright as he reached his left hand over to the single chain connecting Idunna to the box.
Grabbing a single link from the middle of the chain Fenris removed it effectively separating Idunna and setting the Apostate 'free' but still chained around her arms and legs.
Idunna stretched as much as possible glad to at least not be stuck to that thick iron box anymore. "Now what did Leech want from you?" Garrett said as he let her enjoy a moment of being 'free'. Idunna looked around them all before settling at Garrett once again.
"Leech is collecting tomes left behind by Tarohne. He found one some time ago and now uses the Knight he controls to collect them. The tomes contain secrets she learned from the Fade, power left behind by the demons she encountered before you killed her" Idunna said.
Garrett glanced at Anders whom spoke up saying "I've heard of that. Blood Mages who leave behind traces of power from Demons they'd bargained with." Looking directly at Idunna Anders asked "but why does he even need that? Any Mage can summon a Demon, hell most of the time Demons just show up offering their assistance."
Idunna thought for a moment before answering "I've watched him at times. I don't think Leech is good at working with the Fade… he's a Blood Mage but he doesn't summon demons. He only uses the Blood as fuel for his power… I've done something similar before."
"Is that even possible? I always thought that Blood Magic needed Demons to work" Garrett said raising an eyebrow. "It's rare but it's possible. Few bother with using blood by itself because it can kill the owner if used too much and there's always Lyrium" Anders answered.
Surprisingly Fenris spoke up muttering "the Immensely Untalented." Garrett raised his eyebrow at Fenris whom calmly answered "in Tevinter I heard talk of them. Mages born with a distance to the Fade making it hard for them to use Spirits or Demons for assistance… Danarius used to mock them."
"So why does he want the tomes Idunna?" Garrett asked still curious after nodding at Fenris. "I don't know… all I know is that he is an evil cruel man worse than Tarohne ever was" Idunna said trembling slightly and looking down at her burned hands.
What else did Leech do to Idunna… it's not just her hands that are bothering her Garrett thought darkly as he asked "how many does he have?" "Three. The one he found and the two he used the Knight to collect. He hasn't used them because together they have more power… there's only two left" Idunna said still trembling slightly.
Garrett stroked the stubble on his chin which was very nearly a beard these days, saying "we need to find them first." "Does he know where the last two are already?" Garrett asked.
"No… I've been trying to delay giving him the locations. That knowledge was the only thing keeping me alive" Idunna answered letting them see her burned hands again. Garrett wanted to ask more but he got the feeling they shouldn't linger here any longer than they had too as he looked around at his friends.
"Tolan and I debated this. The Coterie sends Leech slaves from Tevinter as payment for his work but we thought there was another reason the Coterie was able to recruit him. I don't know what it is but the tomes are part of it and we need to stop them, put friction between Leech and the Coterie" Garrett said thinking intently.
Anders and Fenris nodded as Garrett spoke up saying "we should head out already but we need to take those tomes." Taking point once again Garrett led them out of the old mining chamber with Idunna in hand as he asked "where did he keep them?"
"I don't know where he kept them but I can find out… I need to use Blood Magic" Idunna said as Fenris still glared at her warily despite being in chains. "Hmm Anders is there another way?" Garrett asked not wanting to use Blood Magic.
Anders looked at Garrett rubbing his chin getting an intent look about him as his eyes glowed slightly, causing Idunna to gasp away and for Garrett to grab her.
"It's alright" Garrett said simply as Idunna cowered away from the sight of Anders channeling help from Justice. "I can feel them… this way" Anders said his eyes returning to normal as Garrett had to drag Idunna along.
"You… you're just like them. An Abomination" Idunna stammered as Garrett dragged her along following Anders. Anders snapped back at Idunna coldly saying "no! I'm nothing like that."
Fenris watched amused as Garrett pushed Idunna along correcting her "a Spirit, not a Demon and nothing like an Abomination." Anders nodded gratefully at Garrett as he led them through Leech's lair.
It took longer than Garrett would have wanted but Anders found the tomes in a large open space near the center of Leech's Lair; what was most disturbing about the large space was the various pieces of what looked like Heavy Armor laying around the ground, not gathered in any particular way but clearly a collectionnone the less.
"Those legends are true… he collects pieces of Templar Armor" Garrett said slowly as he and the others took in the sheer amount of pieces there were, dozens upon dozens. "There" Anders said, after looking at the all the armor, pointing at a crude makeshift desk were three red tomes lay.
"What do we do with them? Burn them?" Fenris asked as Garrett collected the three tomes and placed them in his carrying pouch, odd the tomes felt just like any other books nothing special about them.
I thought the same thing about Flemeth's Amulet for a long time though Garrett thought before turning to Fenris saying "I'm not sure. But for now Leech won't have them."
Noticing a small jar filled with a red liquid Garrett asked "any idea with this is?" Anders looked over at it as Fenris and Idunna watched. "That's a Phylactery" Anders said in shock as he looked at Idunna.
"What?" Fenris asked tilting his head at Anders and Garrett as they exchanged a look then glanced at Idunna. "It's how the Templars track Mages who manage to escape the Circle" Anders said as Garrett looked down at the all the pieces of Templar Armor saying "one of them must have come here tracking Idunna. Leech killed them."
Idunna looked at them like she wanted to say something but Garrett simply grabbed Idunna's Phylactery and placed it inside his carrying pouch alongside Tarohne's tomes.
Suddenly a sound got all of their attention scaring Idunna as Garrett the others turned towards the sound ready for a fight. The sound had come from somewhere further past the large space where there was no light visible. Garrett exchanged a look with Anders whom nodded as he took point forming a ball of magical light in the palm of his hand.
Garrett, Fenris, and Idunna followed Anders as they reach the source of the sound, a makeshift cage of some kind that been left away from any light. The sight inside of the cage caused all of them to stop in their tracks… two malnourished bone thin men with one of them awake and crawling to the bars of the cage.
Lightly gripping one of the bars the malnourished man looked up at them with his one good eye managing to croak out "help please." Garrett looked at the state of the man as he gaped then he whirled around glaring as he grabbed Idunna saying "what in the Maker's name is this!"
Idunna trembled saying "I had no part in this. Leech… I sometimes heard screams coming from above my chamber but I had no idea." Fenris stepped forward inspecting the malnourished man before snarling "he's a slave! The brand on his right arm it's a Tevinter seal. He was sold to Leech. Tevinters breed stocks of slaves just for this, blood more useful than others."
Garrett let Idunna go as he looked back at the malnourished bone thin man saying "Anders can you help them?" The man still griping the bar managed to speak again croaking out "please help us. The bald man comes to feed on us. He… he savors us, doesn't let us die. I've lost so much blood."
Fenris knelt down to the man looking him over saying "he's survived at least eight feedings… I don't know how he's even still alive." Anders looked at the man before gesturing at Fenris saying "think you can open the door so I examine him."
"Gladly" Fenris said forgetting to silently glare at Anders like always did as he moved towards the lock, his markings glowing. Grabbing a hold of the lock Fenris pulled and the lock 'phased' off, the cage opened causing the other man to blink as he managed to look up.
"Rest easy we're here to help" Garrett called calmly to the other man as Anders stepped inside the cage kneeling down to examine the two barely alive men.
Garrett could tell from Anders's expression that it wasn't good, the ex-Warden frowning sadly as he looked the men over before stepping out of the cage and looking somberly at Garrett. "What?" Garrett asked knowing he wouldn't like the answer.
Anders glanced at Fenris before looking back at Garrett saying "Hawke there's no saving them they're already dead." Fenris shook his head saying "you're a Mage. Heal them."
Anders somberly shook his head saying "it wouldn't help… they should have died two days ago I doubt they'll even make it through the day." "There has to be something we can do" Garrett said looking at pathetic shape of the two slaves, and I thought Idunna looked bad.
"Please" the slave who had grabbed the bar said again. Garrett moved to kneel down next to the man saying "I'm sorry. We came too late to save you." "End it… I just want it to end" the man Garrett was kneeling next to pleaded managing to grab Garrett's boot.
Garrett let out a heavy breath as he pulled out his knife. Never thought I'd have to do this again Garrett thought as he got ready and the slave managed a weak smile.
It's Garrett and Fenris that finish things in the end and when it's over they leave with the tomes and Idunna no one speaking until after having left Leech's Lair and Darktown.
Much later when the Freak returns to his lair and finds all he values gone... an inhuman feral roar is heard from the Undercity along with the thundering sound of walls collapsing.
Outside Kirkwall
The Wounded Coast
Along the sandy terrain and rocky cliffs of the Wounded Coast stood five figures in an isolated and empty clearing. Garrett, Anders, Fenris, Merrill, and Idunna still in chains stood around a single tome.
"You sure about this Merrill?" Garrett asked looking at the small elven Apostate. "There's no other way unless we could bargain with the Demon to leave but we don't have anything they'd want" Merrill said looking over the Tome.
After having left Darktown Garrett had gone to get Merrill, not liking it but knowing she had some experience with Blood Magic, while Anders and Fenris stayed with Idunna out of sight. Merrill had been slightly bothered at first but didn't seem to mind as she saw Garrett and agreed to take a look but suggested they go someplace safe with a lot of room.
"We could just burn it" Fenris said still glaring at Idunna whom mostly kept to herself not wanting any trouble but doing better ever since Anders had healed some of her lessor injuries.
"No the Demon inside protects it" Anders said before Merrill could speak up. "So I guess there's no other way is there?" Garrett said dryly as he looked at Merrill as she crouched near Tarohne's tome.
"No we have to force the Demon out then kill it" Merrill said standing and stretching her bare feet. I shouldn't have bothered Merrill so late at night but we needed to get this over with as soon as possible Garrett thought still feeling a little bad.
"We over-power it and get it over with" Garrett said drawing his Longsword and Shield getting ready with the others beside Idunna whom cowered in fear behind them all whispering something… almost like prayer.
"Praying?" Garrett couldn't help but ask. Idunna looked at Garrett seeing everyone watch her before slowly saying "yes. In my time imprisoned I found the Maker's Light." Seeing Garrett's raised eyebrow, Fenris unconfined glare, Anders frown, and Merrill just blinking Idunna continued "though I was taken against my will the Maker brought you along to right my past mistakes and return me to my redemption."
I think she really believes that… a Blood Mage turning devote… well stranger things have happened according to Varric Garrett thought before nodding at Merrill to start.
Merrill grabbed her knife about to use Blood Magic only for Garrett to hold up his hand. "Eh maybe there's a way" Garrett said glancing at Anders. "I could take a few shots at it so it defended itself but we'd get the jump on it better Merrill's way" Anders said.
"Used blood magic before?" Fenris said tilting his head suspiciously at Anders. What is it with Fenris? Ever since the Deep Roads he's been very suspicious of Anders Garrett thought ready to calm things down.
Anders scoffed at Fenris saying "no but the Wardens have dealt with things like this before when we needed to." "Guys enough… Merrill just do it" Garrett said looking at Anders and Fenris before gesturing at Merrill. Using her knife Merrill lightly drew the blade across her hand leaving a small cut then raised her hand towards the tome she concentrated and all was silent.
The tension rose until after only a few moments the tome began shaking and slowly a red light emerged from the tome as it ripped open and a Desire Demon appeared out of nowhere.
The Desire Demon, shaped like a curvy woman with purple skin and two horns, looked at Merrill curiously just as Anders cast a quick Spirit Bolt. The Desire Demon fell back from Anders's spell just as Garrett and Fenris rushed it.
The Desire Demon blasted Fenris back but Garrett reached her and channeled the Spirit Force so famously used by the Templar into his Longsword and stabbed.
Garrett's Longsword blade pierced right through the Desire Demon's heart and with chilling shriek she burst into ashes fading away. Garrett turned around to check on Fenris surprised to see that Merrill had caught him after having been blasted back.
Garrett resisted the urge to laugh at the sight of Fenris rudely pushing himself free from Merrill, whom seemed slightly hurt by Fenris's reaction, while Anders went to check on him.
"I'm fine" Fenris muttered standing on his own two feet with Anders looking him over saying "yeah you're lucky the Demon didn't have time to cast something bigger."
Garrett glanced at Idunna just as she emerged from her earlier cowering position to a standing one saying "it's over?" "No thanks to you" Fenris said glaring at her. Garrett clapped Fenris on his arm saying "we'll know what to do now we'll be better prepared for the next one."
Fenris nodded as Idunna placed the next tome on the ground for them then hurried back behind them where she once again cowered the only sound coming from the rattling of her chains and her quiet prayer.
Merrill repeated the process and another Desire Demon appeared however this time the group overpowered the demon before it could do anything. Merrill and Anders hitting the Desire Demon with a Spirit Bolt, Garrett slamming his Shield into it, and Fenris finishing things with single swing of his Fighting Greatsword that beheaded the Desire Demon.
"Last one" Idunna called as she placed the last of Tarohne's tomes they had on the floor before scuttling off once again to cower behind them all whispering her prayers.
Merrill was about to start things again but Garrett stopped her as he looked at his friend's hand. "Hawke?" Merrill said curiously as he kept looking at her hands and the two cuts she'd received from pulling the Demons from the tomes.
"Anders can you help her before we start" Garrett said feeling bad for making his friend continuously do that to herself. Merrill glanced at her hand seeing the cuts on her hand saying "oh it's okay Hawke I've done this before I always clean up after I'm done."
But Anders had already walked the distance to her and grabbed her hand as he started healing the elven apostate's cut hand. "It's no trouble Merrill. There I numbed your hand so it won't hurt so much this time" Anders said smiling before he moved back ready for the Demon.
"I… thank you" Merrill said grinning slightly at Anders and Garrett, as Fenris just waited not really caring. With one last cut Merrill pulled the Desire Demon from Tarohne's tome as Garrett and the others raised their Weapons.
This time the Desire Demon seemed to know what had happened to her sisters as she appeared. Instantly the Desire Demon blasted Anders whom barely saved himself by casting Rock Armor in the neck of time.
Anders flew back landing on his back just as the Desire Demon tried to blast Garrett only to be burned by a hurried Fireball from Merrill. Garrett and Fenris rushed the Desire Demon simply overpowering the lone Demon. With another shrill shriek the Desire Demon faded away into ashes.
"That's the last of them here anyway" Garrett called as he went to check on Anders surprised to see that Idunna was helping the ex-Warden up despite her chains. Anders dispelled the Rock Armor as Idunna stepped back seeing he was okay. "What about the other two?" Garrett asked looking at Idunna.
"They're hidden but I know where Tarohne hid them, both of them are here in the Wounded Cost inside different caves" Idunna said looking around in the distance. Garrett stroked his stubble which was nearly a beard these days saying "we'll have to come back for them I need to take of some things… personal thing. And the sun's coming up soon."
"Hawke we need to destroy these tomes" Anders said as Fenris nodded saying "go. We'll finish this." Garrett looked at Fenris and Anders saying "I can't ask that of you. One less man… it'll be more dangerous."
Merrill spoke up saying "its okay Hawke it's kind of fun doing jobs like this again." "What about her?" Garrett asked looking at Idunna whom blinked not really sure what she should do.
"You said you'd return me to the Circle after this was done" Idunna said still with that trembling look about her as if she almost welcome the Templars again. "After this business with the tomes is done we'll turn you in at the right moment. Until then we'll have to hide you somewhere" Garrett said thinking it over as he remember his and Tolan's plan.
"I know a few places in Darktown she can stay until we're ready but first these tomes" Anders said surprising them all. "Thank you. Everyone. I'll get us all some coin for this" Garrett said as he bid farewell to his friends before leaving knowing he was needed elsewhere.
Day, Kirkwall
Hightown Estates
It would have seemed like an ordinary afternoon in the higher class part of the city carefully crafted to be beautiful for the Nobles and their numerous luxuries except for the crowd of Nobles and servants alike being held back by a line of City Guards and the sign of no entry they had posted outside.
Aveline stepped out of the formerly owned Aldos estate followed by Donnic as she took in the sight of crowd looking questioningly at all the fuss. "You'd think they'd get bored and leave by now" Donnic said offhandedly as he glanced around at the Nobles.
"Excuse me. What happened to Aldos? The poor man supported his entirely family in the estate and hosted marvelously parties. I do hope the nice man is okay" one Noble woman asked seeing Aveline.
The Noble woman was given a disapproving look by older Noble man, probably her father, as she was shoved aside by anther Noble trying to get a better look at the Guards moving about the estate.
Aldos a nice man? Poor and supporting his family? How clueless can the woman be? She's young and a Noble at least her father knows what kind of man Aldos really was Aveline thought as she gathered the crowd's attention.
"People please return to your homes. The City Guard is looking into matters and we need to work. Any significant news will be reported in the papers" Aveline called letting the Nobles see her and her Guard's Armor. The Nobles muttered among themselves before slowly scattering apart leaving for their homes. "Thanks ma'am we appreciate it" one of the Guards whom had been keeping the Nobles back said.
"No problem I'd rather be done with this already" Aveline said as the Guard whom thanked her relaxed now that the crowd was gone. Donnic spoke with the other Guards as Aveline looked back at the estate taking in how big it was.
Aldos and most of his family were killed. His family wealth was withdrawn by private bankers and the youngest of his line is missing… Coterie Aveline thought as she looked the estate up and down.
It's never worth it. Years building his fortune carefully managing to stay 'safe' from the City Guard only to be taken down Aveline thought. Turning towards another Guard exiting the estate and heading towards her Aveline asked "progress?"
"Ma'am we've done all we can. Their clean-up crew specifically left Aldos behind, his body was bashed in oddly, all the valuables were taken, and as far as we can tell there were no survivors. We're just about to pack up" the Guard said looking haggard.
"Good work take some time off you deserve it I'll let the others know" Aveline said as most of the Guards got ready to leave. "Thank you ma'am" the Guards called grateful as he took his leave of her.
Aveline turned to leave with the other Guards when she noticed something to the far right of her, Garrett. There he stood casual and calm not dressed in his usual armor but in simple clothes slightly of better make than a commoner.
Garrett shared a look with Aveline as one of the Guards spoke up saying "Aveline? Are you coming?" Aveline turned to face the other Guards and Donnic saying "go on ahead I'll meet you back at the Barracks."
The Guards exchanged a few glances then went on their way. Aveline watched them go then met up with Garrett.
"Getting closer to Guard Captain I see" Garrett said in greeting. "I'm a Senior Officer and they respect me ever since Jeven" Aveline said shrugging it off. "What's going on?" Aveline asked all business again.
Garrett gestured at Aldos's estate behind them saying "more Coterie business just thought you could use help." Aveline nodded glancing at Aldos's estate saying "we thought as much. What did you learn?"
"Not here meet up at the Hanged Man, Varric's Private Suite" Garrett said. "Right" Aveline said before looking Garrett up and down saying "nicer dressed then usual but still not like the other Nobles." "Eh I tried to blend in but I don't like all silk that Nobles wear. Best I could do" Garrett said shrugging at his shirt and trousers.
Aveline smiled lightly at that saying "I'll meet you after my shift." Garrett waved her off before leaving himself heading towards the Hightown Marketplace.
Hightown Marketplace
The carriage was beautiful, tall and bright with its well-groomed horses the 'standard' for Nobles or Merchants in the High Class. Leandra hugging her son saying "are you sure? It's still not too late to cancel all this?"
Garrett hugged his mother before releasing her as he said "I'm sure. Please mom things are moving fast and I want you to be safe." Leandra sniffed slightly as she rubbed a hand through Garrett's hair saying "okay." "Remember when this all over I'll write to you and we'll all meet up again" Garrett said as he took his mother's hand and helping her into the carriage.
"Stay safe" Leandra said as Garrett stepped back. "I will" Garrett replied. Turning to face his uncle Gamlen dressed in the fine clothes of a Noble and his hire combed Garrett blinked still not used to the sight of Gamlen cleaned up.
"Well…" Gamlen said rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly as the two of them, uncle and nephew, stood there not speaking. "Listen I know I haven't always been the greatest uncle" Gamlen said as Garrett raised an eyebrow.
"I just wanted to say I'm sorry for everything… I got the two of you involved with Athenril at the start of all this" Gamlen said not meeting Garrett's eyes.
Garrett let out a breath saying "I don't blame you Gamlen you did what was needed to get us into Kirkwall." "I hope you succeed, Bethany was nice to me and she gave more credit than I probably deserved" Gamlen said.
"You know the offer still stands. If this works and we leave to Orlais or wherever you're welcome to come" Garrett said surprising himself as he spoke the words to the man who forced him to sleep on the floor for countless nights.
Gamlen laughed lightly saying "no thank you. Kirkwall's my home crappy house and all." Looking up to meet Garrett's eyes Gamlen continued "I wouldn't mind a letter or two every now and then though."
"I'm sure we can manage more than two" Garrett said grinning slightly. Garrett and Gamlen just stood there in silence again, they weren't very close but they were family nonetheless.
Holding up a hand Garrett said "take care of her." "I think she'll more likely take care of me" Gamlen said grinning as he shook Garrett's hand. "Try to enjoy yourselves you're still traveling. Don't rush it Tantervale isn't going anywhere and there's plenty of stops on the way, those sell swords should keep you safe but don't take any chances" Garrett said as he stepped aside for Gamlen.
"I've traveled before. Both of us have when we were younger" Gamlen said as he stepped inside the carriage. "Remember you're-" Garrett began only for Gamlen to interrupt "we're just two Nobles on vacation I know, I know."
Garrett nodded smiling as he waved them off and the carriage departed. Leandra poked her head out to give him one last look until they were gone and out of Kirkwall.
I'll miss them but it's safer this way Garrett thought, now the last free Hawke in all of Kirkwall, as he turned heading towards Lowtown.
The Hanged Man
Varric's Private Suite
Aveline wearing her plain clothes instead of her usual Guards Armor walked through the Hanged Man finding Varric's private suite and knocking. Being let in Aveline scowled at the sight that met her.
Aveline didn't mind Garrett, she never did, nor did she mind Varric well at least not too much, but Garrett's 'friend' from earlier always bothered her with his stupid raider mask. "Aveline" Garrett said letting her in as she noticed he was back to wearing his usual armor.
"Garrett. Varric." Aveline said in greeting before turning to the masked man saying "are you seriously going to keep wearing that?" "Yes as I matter of fact I am" Tolan said coldly.
Closing the door behind him Garrett looked at his 'friend' saying "calm down we're working together remember." Tolan nodded shifting so his hood covered his masked face as Varric looked Aveline over and whistled.
"What?" Aveline asked glaring at Varric. "Maker! You're woman" Varric said smirking. Garrett raised an eyebrow as Tolan looked up amused as Aveline blinked crossing her arms saying "yes glad you finally noticed." "All this time I never knew" Varric said snickering as he gestured at Aveline's clothes tracing her figure. Varric's only seen Aveline in her armor Garrett realized as Aveline glared at Varric.
"Guys we have work to do" Garrett called looking at Varric whom chuckled having finished his little joke. "If you're so worried about no one knowing you're here why meet up in the Hanged Man" Aveline said still looking annoyed at Tolan and his hooded masked face.
"People go unnoticed here all the time" Garrett said as they all took seats and he remembered something he learned back in his smuggling days. Taverns, especially big ones are so crowded with people doing their own things no one gets noticed unless they want to be noticed.
"Fair enough" Aveline answered calming down as Garrett took the seat across from her. "What's the progress?" Aveline asked leaning on the table. Garrett exchanged a glance a look with Tolan before saying "we're still weakening them from the inside. Creating more tension among the Coterie branches."
"I'm sure you noticed what happened to Aldos. This branch is angry and getting bolder at this rate the other branches will fight back harder" Tolan said. Aveline nodded before looking at Garrett saying "so you say but Aldos and a lot of people died in the estate. Are you saying you two caused that?" "… Indirectly" Garrett said looking uneasy as Tolan spoke up saying "not everyone died some were recruited into the Coterie branch."
"Aldos's missing grandson?" Aveline asked looking wary. "Yeah his family wealth's all gone isn't it" Tolan said simply. "What'll happen to him?" Aveline asked.
"He'll work with the Coterie under a different identity and they'll mold him into one of their own… wouldn't be the first time" Tolan said finishing at the end with such bitterness that made Garrett raised an eyebrow curiously.
"But updating isn't the reason we wanted to talk" Garrett said looking Aveline in the eye. "Dixon? I've been looking into him but I can't do anything he's mostly stayed clean just like Aldos did" Aveline said waiting for some news.
"Well that's where I came in" Varric said smirking as Aveline and the others looked at him. "I've seen Dixon a few times at the Merchant's Guild, Orlesian man fancies himself a Noble and now more than ever with his 'new' found wealth, and as usual I know some things" Varric said getting comfortable in his chair.
"What do you know?" Aveline asked looking at Varric curiously. "Not anything that'll let you take Dixon and even then it'll still be hard with some Guards on his side but I think I might have found one of the corrupt Guards" Varric said smirking.
"Don't get excited we don't know for sure" Garrett said speaking up not wanting to get everyone's hopes up. "Either way very impressive even I didn't learn what Varric did" Tolan said grudgingly.
"If we compare what Varric learned to your investigations then maybe we found one of Dixon's men" Garrett said looking at Aveline intently. Aveline smiled for the first time all day saying "well then spite it out we need the Guards trustworthy again and without us your 'friend's' plan will never work."
"You see Dixon has a problem that none of the others seem to have. He has a problem keeping it in his pants" Varric said laughing lightly. "What?" Aveline asked not expecting that.
"Dixon fancies himself a Noble and just like any real Noble he's fathered some bastards. He's not married but all the same he has habit of knocking up whores. See some of these whores keep the kids and years later Dixon has helped a few of them get work even 'high up' work as long as they don't bother him too much" Varric revealed.
Aveline almost laughed saying "so you're saying at least one of his bastards… at least one is a corrupt Guard." "Pretty much" Varric said smirking. "It all kind of makes sense actually" Garrett said sharing a look with Tolan whom spoke up saying "Dixon was rumored to have family members work with him."
Aveline eagerly pulled out her carrying pouch and pulled out some documents she'd taken from the Barracks; though it went unsaid Aveline knew Garrett wanted her to bring anything she'd been investigating. "You know their names?" Aveline asked.
"The ones I could find anyway. Was a bit hard since they changed their names but whores remember faces pretty well and few people have the balls to change their face" Varric said as Aveline stood up laying the documents on the table for Varric to look at.
"That's all the Guards that were recruited in last few months, I'd narrowed it down to that but not much else" Aveline said waiting eagerly as Varric looked through the list.
Running his finger down the list Varric stopped towards the end saying "well there's one of Dixon's bastards recruited into the City Guard seven months ago."
Tolan looked at Garrett seeming to smile through his mask as he said "I must say Hawke you have some useful friends." "Perfect" Aveline said smiling as she started to pace back and forth continuing "I need to integrate him learn who the others are? Need to go off the record or the others might find a way to help him."
"Whoa slow down Aveline. Here see who the guy is first. Then you figure out how to get him" Varric said raising his hands. Aveline looked down at the name Varric was pointing at and frowned saying "Conyers? That little guy's corrupt? He was always trying to prove himself."
"We have a plan that can get you the time you need off the record but it needs you two to be on the same shift and patrol route" Tolan said. "It's not exactly safe though. They were told to lay off the both of us with everything that's been happening lately but if Conyers got a chance he might try and take you out" Garrett said seriously.
"It needs to be done. What was your plan" Aveline said knowing the risk. "We recently tooksome things from a high member of the Coterie branch… this person was very upset and the others know of it. We get you and Conyers on a patrol when one of my guys on our side pretends to make a deal. They lead the two of you somewhere private where he might try something but instead you get the jump on him" Tolan said standing up.
"I'll follow you, make sure Conyers doesn't get the jump on you first and together we get him" Garrett said as Varric said "one corrupt Guard versus the two of you. Hehe he doesn't stand a chance."
"Wait we need to make sure he's corrupt. Don't do anything until he attacks me" Aveline said looking at Garrett. "Aveline you sure about this?" Garrett asked frowning.
"Yes if he's really corrupt he'll try to take out the informant and me before we can get to the Barracks" Aveline said simply. Garrett didn't like it knowing it'd be harder but nodded knowing it needed to be done.
"I'm still working on the inside getting some of men on our side but it's a delicate process. And thanks to Hawke if things turn out well we'll get the Templars on our side after we make our deal" Tolan said looking at Aveline through his raider mask.
"How?" Aveline said tired of being kept in the dark. Tolan and Garrett shared a look before Tolan spoke up saying "as you know this new Coterie branch is made of other high ranking members who formed their own branch by recruiting a lot of the lower criminal bosses." "Yes the Guards noticed all the rise in criminal activity" Aveline said simply.
"Specifically four criminal bosses who give them the bulk of their power, all of them are protected but slowly we're undoing that" Tolan said. "Like we said before we'll get a lot of Coterie leaders at the end" Garrett said speaking up.
"One of those Four is an Apostate and a powerful one" Garrett continued. "Why didn't you tell me? We can get the Templars to actually help" Aveline said somewhat annoyed.
"I don't know if you've noticed but the Templars have been busy with something lately and like always they never like helping the City Guards" Tolan said coldly.
"They won't help until they have proof of an Apostate in the Coterie and they've done a good job covering him up. After we make our deal you'll have that proof and give it to the Templars" Tolan said speaking calmly after Garrett gave him an annoyed look.
"Fine I'll set up the patrol with Conyers tonight in Lowtown. Will that work?" Aveline asked looking at Garrett and not Tolan. "It'll work" Garrett said after Tolan nodded at him.
Night
Lowtown Marketplace
Garrett Hawke stood atop the Lowtown Marketplace watching the shacks upon shacks that made up this section of Lowtown. Specifically he was watching two City Guards as they walked a lone patrol through the Marketplace.
He'd been glad they'd decided to do this at night. It was easier this way and it'd given him time to check on his friends. Hours ago Garrett had met up with Merrill and she'd informed him that they'd successfully destroyed the tomes, Fenris had returned to his mansion, and Anders had hidden Idunna in Darktown keeping her deep but not into the Undercity.
Now Garrett started moving having to follow the two Guards walking through Lowtown but wanting to keep a vantage point while staying close enough to help when he needed to.
Down below among the Marketplace Aveline walked the patrol route with Conyers following beside her.
"You alright Conyers? You seem on edge" Aveline asked glancing at the young man behind her. "No. I mean yes ma'am I'm fine" Conyers said nervously. Seeing the look Aveline gave him Conyers continued "I'm still fairly new and you… you're a Senior Officer."
"You prove yourself in time that's how it starts. They pair the newbies with the more experienced" Aveline answered thinking if only you knew. "Hold on" Aveline said suddenly stopping Conyers in his tracks.
"What is it?" Conyers asked a little nervously. "There" Aveline said walking down an alley as Conyers followed seeing what had gotten Aveline's attention, a man wearing light armor quietly waving them over.
The man nodded at them before walking down a flight of stairs heading for a more quite place to chat as Aveline and Conyers followed. The two City Guards found the lightly armored man waiting for them underneath the Marketplace near an exit to the Docks.
Upon reaching the lightly armored man with Aveline, Conyers looked him up and down as if quietly trying to remember who he was. "I hear you Guards been having some trouble lately" the lightly armored man said keeping a safe distance away from Aveline and Conyers.
"Maybe" Aveline said stoically as Conyers nervously glanced around the area taken in his surroundings and noticing the Marketplace above him, and the Docks visible in the distance. The lightly armored man stopped playing games and got straight to the point saying "I got information if you got the coin."
"Uh Ma'am shouldn't we take him in or something" Conyers said suddenly getting very tense. "No we can handle this" Aveline said simply, not even turning to look at the tense Conyers.
"Aldos's estate" the lightly armored man said glancing at Conyers before turning back to Aveline. "What about it?" Aveline said playing her part and pulling some coin out. "There was an Apostate helping them. He's been helping the Coterie branch a lot actually and I might have proof" the lightly armored man said still keeping some distance between himself and the Guards as he eyed Aveline's coin.
Aveline didn't turn around as she reached for more coin and suddenly Conyers drew his knife and rushed Aveline. The lightly armored man reached for his Longsword as Aveline suddenly whipped around throwing her coin at the young Guard.
Conyers stumbled back from the coin hitting him but still managing to swipe at Aveline, whom leapt back, when suddenly he heard footsteps behind him.
Drawing his Longsword and turning around Conyers glimpsed a man rushing him wielding a Longsword and Shield. Conyers blocked a slash from the man's Longsword but was pushed back by the man's Shield. Can't let them get away Conyers thought as he turned in time to swipe at Aveline again whom dodged it and drew her Longsword.
Conyers was suddenly pushed forward having been hit by the other man's Shield. Stumbling forward Conyers tried to slash at Aveline but missed as she dodged, sidestepping him and slamming the hilt of her Longsword into the back of his head.
Conyers fell to floor dropping his weapons before losing conciseness the last thing he saw being Aveline crouching down next to him.
"You threw coin at him?" Garrett asked his eyebrow raised. "It worked didn't it" Aveline said picking up her coin after having made sure Conyers was knocked out.
"I'd actually still like some of that" Hermes said looking at Aveline with an amusement look using money as weapon. "For what? You didn't do anything" Garrett said looking over Hermes whom nodded giving him a look saying you survived good for you.
"I chose this spot. Far from the Marketplace and close to an exit to the Docks" Hermes said gesturing around him. Garrett raised an eyebrow. "And I would've helped but you two took care of things" Hermes said gesturing at his Longsword indignantly. "Its okay he helped a bit. Saw him moving and I knew Conyers was making his move" Aveline said standing up and tossing a few coins to Hermes who caught them saying "thank you miss."
"Alright there's a place set up for us" Hermes said waiting for them to follow as Garrett helped Aveline pick Conyers up and start dragging him. As Hermes led them through the exit towards the Docks, Garrett noticed Aveline glancing at him as they dragged Conyers by the arms.
"We live such privileged lives eh" Garrett said managing a smile that made Aveline laugh. "Aren't we lucky? Dragging this lad around wearing full Guard Armor. Very rich lives indeed" Aveline said wishing the Guard Armor wasn't so heavy.
"It's right here. Not in the Docks but under it" Hermes said leading them through a downward path and into the large areas underneath the Docks that served as the 'top' of the Kirkwall sewers.
People generally didn't hang around these areas as they were used mostly for storing excess garbage until it was shipped out of Kirkwall and to one of the Garbage Islands, and at times by Smugglers as long they remembered to bribe some Dockers and Garbage men.
The moment they reached the area they could hear the roar of Waking Sea and its brutal currents under them along with the flood water being redirected out of the City by the massive pipes above them.
"Never thought I'd come back here again" Garrett said as he and Aveline dragged Conyers while Hermes led them further in where Tolan was waiting still wearing his raider mask.
"Back with Athenril?" Aveline asked giving Garrett a stoic look. "Yeah it's a big area. I never let Bethany come with me unless I had to… Athenril wasn't the only one to use these areas at first" Garrett said looking uneasy.
"At first?" Aveline asked curiously. "The competition used to try and use it too until Athenril 'found out'" Garrett said as Aveline slowly nodded knowing what had happened.
"I thought he'd be older" Tolan said in greeting as he glanced at Conyers. "We thought so too" Garrett said as he and Aveline dropped Conyers on the ground.
"Alright you got this Guard or you want me to do it?" Tolan asked as Aveline scowled at him seeing the raider mask again. "I've got this?" Aveline said as Tolan pulled out a health potion from his carrying pouch.
"We'll stick around just in case no offense but we need him to give us that info" Tolan said as he opened the health potion and forced some of it down Conyers's throat.
"Don't trust the Guard's technique" Aveline asked annoyed.
"No" Tolan answered.
"Did he see your face?" Tolan asked looking at Garrett. "Yes but he didn't get a good look at me I rushed him" Garrett answered. "Here just in case" Tolan said pulling out a cheap Lowtown hood and tossing it to Garrett whom caught it noticing Hermes pull one out as well and cover his face with it.
Garrett sighed as he covered his face with the hood saying "how do you guys see in these things?" Aveline crouched down to Conyers slapping his face; as the young man groaned being forced awake.
"Ma'am" Conyers stuttered as he took in the strange place he was and the menacing men standing above him and next to Aveline. "Drop the act. I know you work for Dixon Carton" Aveline said glaring at Conyers with Hermes, Tolan, and Garrett watching.
"What? That's… that's crazy ma'am you're wrong" Conyers said in denial. "Dixon was also your father" Aveline said causing Conyers to whip his head up looking at Aveline in astonishment.
"How… how did you know?" Conyers said hanging his head low. "That's not important what's important is you" Aveline said calmly but giving a look plainly saying run away and we'll get you there's no escape.
"You want the others don't you?" Conyers said hanging his head low once again. "Yes. I can't promise you freedom. But I can lesson your sentence if you help us" Aveline said as she made Conyers look at her unblinkingly stare.
"They'll still get me" Conyers said shaking his head 'no' as he looked away. Before Aveline could do anything Tolan appeared and grabbed Conyers pulling the young man up so he could hear the roar of the Waking Sea below them.
"We found one corrupt Guard we can find another. You know how many people have fallen down here and even above the Docks" Tolan said as Conyers looked at the cold unblinking hazel eyes peering through the raider mask.
"No one ever finds the bodies. The current either pulls them into the Waking Sea or pushes them deep into the lowest parts of the Undercity. You're lucky if you haven't drowned by then with only a few broken bones on the way down, only to be trapped with no one to help. You starve until it's over or drown before you land" Tolan said coldly as Conyers trembled in fear.
Aveline grabbed Conyers away from Tolan and pulled him back to his earlier spot on the ground saying "that's not going to happen." "If you help" Tolan continued while Aveline glared at him mouthing the words shut up.
Garrett clamped Tolan on the arm whispering "let Aveline handle this. She's got it." Tolan nodded and stayed silent.
"My 'friend' is right about one thing. We found one corrupt Guard we can find another. Either way we'll find all of Dixon's men. If you help I can lessen your sentence and personally make sure you're sent to a different prison than the others. None of them will ever know who 'ratted' them out" Aveline said forcing Conyers to look at her.
Seeing doubt in Conyers eyes Aveline continued "this Coterie branch won't last Conyers and Dixon will fall just like the others. We're already working on it and it's only a matter of time."
Seeing no other way Conyers looked up at Aveline saying "okay… okay. As long as they never know it was me… and everything else you promised. Dixon was never a good father anyway just wanted me to stop bothering him."
Aveline nodded and helped Conyers up so they could have a nice long chat.
Garrett waited with others until it was over and Aveline explained what would happen on her end. First she'd take Conyers in discretely where he'd be placed under protection while they separated each of the corrupt Guards and rounded them up.
The whole thing would take less than a day if it went smoothly. Nodding at Garrett Aveline called "thanks we'll have to celebrate sometime when this all over."
Hermes took his leave of them but before he left he mentioned some things that had happened ever since he showed them Leech's Lair. "There's been a lot of noise in the Undercity and the Freak is furious. I heard he killed some of Ignacio's Sharps men in a fit of rage."
Garrett had mixed feelings about that knowing Tolan's plan was working and the Four was falling apart and perhaps even lashing out at each other at the cost of lives. Garrett would've left as Hermes had but he noticed Tolan sticking around as he looked around the area curiously.
"That was cold" Garrett said pulling off his hood and narrowing his eyes at Tolan remembering what he'd threatened Conyers with. "I wouldn't have actually done it" Tolan said pulling off his raider mask, now that Aveline was gone, his back to Garrett.
Garrett looked at Tolan before slowly saying "that threat has been used on you before hasn't it." Seeing the way Tolan tensed up Garrett could tell he was right as he darkly said "Athenril and her games."
Tolan turned around to face Garrett the ragged scar running across his lips and past his cheeks appearing to deepen as he snarled "yes back when she 'recruited' me and that was only the beginning."
"Your plan is working" Garrett said feeling bad for Tolan. Tolan nodded smiling slightly at that as he said "only time will tell but we're doing good; moving faster than I imagined. The Four are falling apart."
Then giving Garrett a look of respect Tolan said "all thanks to you."
Garrett nodded saying "it's the beginning of their end."
Kinda long but not as long as some of my other chapters
I had a lot of fun writing this
As for Leech and his odd way of his Magic there's a reason I wrote him like that(not just the Blood Magic)
I had fun writing what his lair is and what's inside it
About Kirkwall and the areas I've added it's just something I felt was really underused in-game
The game explains Kirkwall is an old city state that has been built and built upon for ages with several 'layers' most of which are abandoned and used by some shady people if at all(it's also mentioned a lot of it isn't used by anyone)
The areas underneath the Docks are just some cool ideas I had that are part of the sewage system of Kirkwall
But I digress...
Thanks for Reading and please Review!