Hey guys. Hope you all had a good New Years I know I did
Happy 2013 guys. I start my second semester soon so I wanted to get one chapter up before that
Good news this chapter is shorter than the last few
I know they were getting a little long sorry I write too much LOL
Anyway warning this chapter does gets a little dark at times
Enjoy
Day, Kirkwall
Hightown
Cemetery
It was a sad day for the City Guards as Senior Officer Cedric was buried with honors. The Viscount himself attended the funeral along with the other Senior Officers such as Qerth and Aveline and two dozen City Guards whom were friends of Cedric. Every City Guard, Senor Officer or no, dressed in their armor all newly polished as a Chantry Mother prayed over Cedric's grave.
"He was a good man. He deserved more than what he got" Aveline said standing beside Qerth as they watched over Cedric's tombstone.
"The moment the Templars decide to finally help and we lose one of our best Officers. Blighted idiots!" Qerth said bitterly. "Qerth the Templars lost three men" Aveline said not wanting to disrespect the men that had fallen.
"Humph Cedric was worth ten Templars" Qerth said bitterly as he stared at the grave of one of his oldest friends. Ever since joining the Senior Officers, Aveline had noticed that Qerth and Cedric seemed to run things as they were both the most experienced veterans.
Qerth and Cedric were the Senior Officers who took charge after Jeven was removed from office and together they led the City Guard until Viscount Dumar stepped in unofficially assuming the role of Guard Captain.
Aveline had done her part getting the Viscount's authority to do what was needed to bring in Dixon's men in the City Guard and working with Garrett to form the alliance with the criminals. Now Aveline would be expected to help Qerth shoulder the burden and possibly take Cedric's place as she had earned the respect of the Senior Officers and regular Guards alike.
Letting out a heavy breath Qerth raised a hand and saluted Cedric's grave as Aveline did the same with the Viscount joining them respectfully before moving on to his business in the city.
"Will you be alright Qerth?" Aveline asked as she started to leave with the other Senior Officers and City Guards that had attended the funeral. "I'll be fine. Just go on without me Aveline I'll catch up later" Qerth said as he knelt down in front of Cedric's grave. "See you back at the Barracks. I'll organize with the other Senior Officers until you get back" Aveline said walking off.
Losing a comrade is never easy. I remember losing a few friends back at Ostagar and we hadn't known each other for years like Qerth and Cedric had Aveline thought somberly as she walked.
So caught up in her thoughts was Aveline that she failed to notice Garrett appearing and calling her name. "Aveline" Garrett said holding out his hand and physically stopping his friend from literally walking into him.
"Oh Garrett. Sorry I'm not thinking straight right now" Aveline said realizing what she'd almost done as Garrett took his hand off her armor. "It's fine I understand" Garrett said honestly.
"Did you need something?" Aveline asked curiously.
"No I just wanted to check on my friend. I heard what happened" Garrett said shrugging.
Not wanting to get in anyone's way Aveline and Garrett left the cemetery heading for one of the upper levels of the Hightown Marketplace. Once finding a spot to themselves Garrett asked "are you okay?" "Well enough. Cedric was a good man and he helped train me" Aveline answered honestly.
"I was lucky. Tierney was brought in easily… my 'friend' thought of everything no surprises." Garrett said having heard how Cedric was killed. "I was lucky too all I had was Madam Lusine and even then Qerth let me escort her to the Barracks while he finished up" Aveline said.
"I heard about that. All the whores of the blooming rose were questioned by the City Guards and weren't allowed to leave without permission" Garrett said having heard his neighbors complain.
"Not just the whores, the costumers too" Aveline answered. "How is Qerth handling it? You told me that he and Cedric were some of the oldest and most experienced Senior Officers" Garrett asked having rarely spoken to Qerth but respected him all the same.
"Qerth's taking it hard but he'll pull through he's seen Guards die before… he blames the Templars since Cedric died while working with them" Aveline said sighing. "You know how it is Aveline. We've all lost people but we pull through" Garrett said as he met Aveline's eyes.
Both of them lost people they cared about. Garrett had lost his little brother. Aveline had lost her husband. Both of them had lost countless friends at Ostagar yet both of them had pulled through and made it to Kirkwall.
"Thanks for checking up on me Garrett. We have work to do but it's good to talk to someone" Aveline said honestly. "I would have gone to the funeral but I was running late and the staff wouldn't let me go in anyway" Garrett said rubbing the back of his neck.
"You were running late?" Aveline asked confused. "Had to meet with Hubert and Tomwise again. I usually let them work things out themselves but sometimes I'm needed and as you've seen I've been busy with 'other business' lately" Garrett answered.
"The world doesn't forget you're a Noble and businessman now even if you do Garrett" Aveline said amused as she tried to picture her friend running a business. "Usually my mother would run things. She's used to that sort of thing even after all these years away" Garrett said shrugging.
"I just thought things would be easier… you know" Aveline said softly.
"Easier?" Garrett asked raising his eyebrow. "Taking down the Coterie branch. I knew we'd have to fight them every step of the way but I thought it'd be easier… now Cedric's dead" Aveline said crossing her arms. "I always thought Cedric, Qerth, and the other Senior Officers would always be around. Seems strange but I could never picture any of them dying" Aveline said slowly.
"The City Guard has two of the Coterie branch founders. They're still fighting back but they can't win long run. Some dumb Coterie leaders won't stop but the smarts ones might try and gather as much riches as they can before trying to run" Aveline said looking up at Garrett.
"Running away will be hard now that they don't have the Smugglers on their side. Even then the other Coterie branches won't just sit back they'll want revenge for Aldos" Garrett said having had a very similar conversation with Tolan.
"A lot is going to change when this is over. When this Coterie branch falls the others will follow as the Viscount unofficially declared war against the Coterie… all of the Coterie not just one branch" Aveline said sternly.
"Kirkwall without the Coterie. Sounds peaceful" Garrett said. "Then I suppose you'll be gone… you have your reasons for joining the fight" Aveline said as she glanced around at the people milling about them making sure she was vague.
Garrett nodded.
Aveline's careful and I'm glad for that. You never know who could be watching you Garrett thought remembering a certain scarred man whom also survived Ostagar.
"Before you go we need to have drink. When we're not working of course" Aveline said smiling softly if a bit sad. "A drink with a friend before I go. Sounds good" Garrett said grinning softly.
Day, Gallows
Templar Hospital
It was a busy day in the four story building in the very back of the Gallows, behind the prison and the Circle with a nice view of Waking Sea, that was the private hospital used only by Templars.
In the second floor for burns and other severe injuries Sir Thrask sat in his bed watching the other injured Templars and a few Chantry Healers doing their business. Sir Thrask felt very exposed without his Templar armor and now sitting without a shirt and only a simply pair of trousers he felt very awkward.
Glancing down at the various bandages wrapped around his chest and lower torso Sir Thrask realized once again just how lucky he was. Sir Thrask's experience and Templar training had kept him alive as others died… others like Senior Officer Cedric.
To the left of Sir Thrask's bed was one of the two other survivors. His name was Rob and unlike Thrask he was not a Knight. Rob had been lucky as well; thanks to Sir Thrask's warning he had raised his Shield channeling the Templar's spirit force.
The other survivor, a man named Kevin, was not so lucky. Having heard Sir Thrask's warning like Rob had Kevin had raised his Shield but had raised it too late. Kevin had been severally burned by Leech's flame magic before he had managed to raise his Shield.
After Sir Thrask had used Silence and dispelled the fire Rob had crawled weakly to Kevin and removed his helmet so he could breathe. Now Kevin was in another ward in intensive care having been serviced by Chantry Healers for hours.
As far as Sir Thrask knew Kevin had sustained intense burns on the left side of his face and lower torso along with severe bruising.
Finally a Chantry Healer appeared in their ward. Instantly Rob and Sir Thrask sat up ready to hear news of their comrade. "It wasn't easy but Kevin will live" the Chantry Healer said as she raised her hands gesturing for Sir Thrask and Rob to lay down.
Sensing there was more to come Sir Thrask spoke saying "but?"
"What happened to Kevin!" Rob said ignoring the Chantry Healer's advice about laying down.
The Chantry Healer's face paled as she stiffly answered "Kevin suffered burns to the left of his face and lower torso. Thanks to Sir Thrask's warning he managed to protect himself from further damage but he will lose his left ear and is blind in his left eye."
Sir Thrask hung his head low as Rob slammed a hand to his bed saying "damn it!" "Furthermore due to his condition Kevin will remain under our care for at least a few days and he will not be allowed to return to Apostate Duty" the Chantry Healer continued grimly. "No ear and blind in one eye of course he can't return to duty!" Rob said bitterly as Sir Thrask closed his eyes remembering the incident.
"There are always support jobs that need filling. Kevin can still remain in the Order under a different field. Post Office or Inventory for example" Sir Thrask said reaching over to grip Rob's shoulder.
"Blighted Mages! We should have made them all Tranquil" Rob cursed as he shook off Sir Thrask's hand.
Sir Thrask said nothing understanding the anger Rob was feeling. However the Chantry Healer spoke up sternly saying "I'll have you know that some of our best Healers are in fact Circle Mages. Wynne herself lent a hand today. Without the aid of Magic your friend would have died."
"Of course. Thank you madam. Rob just needs time he is still in shock" Sir Thrask said before Rob could respond. The Chantry Healer nodded as she took her leave of them. "Oh and before I forget you have a visitor" the Chantry Healer said as she left gesturing to the entrance of the ward where three people entered looking for them.
Sir Thrask straightened up seeing Sir Cullen and another Knight escorting a man wearing simple patient clothing. Sir Hynes Sir Thrask realized as he saw them approaching. "Hello" Sir Hynes said in greeting with a soft flat voice as they stopped in front Sir Thrask and Rob.
"Oh hey. Come to see what your friend the Apostate did" Rob said bitterly as he glared at Sir Hynes whom looked away frowning. Sir Thrask shook his head 'no' saying "Rob is in shock. Ignore him Sir Hynes. How are you?"
"I'm doing better. The Healers allow me to walk around the Gallows every now and again as long as two Templars escort me" Sir Hynes said softly as he looked up at Sir Thrask. They're afraid that some of Leech is still in you… I know it's hard but you have to understand Sir Thrask thought as he softly said "that's good. I'm sure you'll be back to duty soon."
"I… I don't want to return to duty. When I'm cleared by the Healers I think I'd like to transfer to the Post Office" Sir Hynes said weakly. "That's good the mail has been slow these past few weeks. We could use someone reliable in there" Sir Thrask said lightly.
The shadow of a smile appeared on Sir Hynes's face as he weakly nodded saying "yeah I think the support jobs will do me some good when I'm cleared."
Everything went crashing down when Rob spoke up coldly saying "you should have fought him Sir Hynes. You should have killed that Apostate instead of doing nothing!" Sir Cullen sighed as Sir Hynes trembled like he did sometimes slowly saying "I… I… I tried I really did but I just couldn't." "Rob be quiet" Sir Thrask said harshly silencing the man.
"I'm glad you're okay Thrask. I think I'm gonna go for a walk outside, maybe enjoy the view" Sir Hynes said softly as he turned away. "I'll catch up I have a message for Sir Thrask" Sir Cullen said to the other Knight as Sir Hynes left escorted by one Templar for the moment.
"He used to be so proud. He walked like he owned the world" Sir Thrask said remembering Sir Hynes before he'd been possessed by Leech. "The Healers say he's been having nightmares. Flashes of what he was forced to do. When he wakes he looks at his hands for a long time but they say he's getting better slowly" Sir Cullen said as they watched Sir Hynes leave.
"What is needed of me? You said you had a message" Sir Thrask asked. "It's Commander Meredith she wants to see you. I'm sorry but I need to return to the escort" Sir Cullen said turning to follow after Sir Hynes.
As Sir Thrask was getting up Sir Cullen turned to him saying "you did good Thrask. You saved two lives."
"I know" Sir Thrask answered somberly as Sir Cullen left.
Minutes later Sir Thrask had dressed in presentable clothing and made the trip to the Circle and now was stepping into the Knight Commander's office. "Sit" Meredith said in greeting as she gestured to the chair across from her desk.
"Commander" Sir Thrask said as he took a seat. "Are you in pain?" Meredith asked seeing some of the stiffness in Thrask. "Not much Commander. I am fit for duty" Sir Thrask answered feeling awkward addressing his commander without his armor. He'd checked in at the armory only for the Tranquil to inform him that his armor was still being repaired.
"No. Take your time and recover. We have lost too many Templars in the past few months" Meredith said not leaving any room for argument. Sir Thrask nodded saying "as you command."
For the first time in all his years of service Sir Thrask noticed something off about his commander. Meredith eyed him looking like she wanted to say something but couldn't. "Commander… is there something you needed?" Sir Thrask said never having seen Meredith stumped.
Grabbing a file from her desk and flipping through the pages Meredith said "in your report you said you saw the Apostate known as Leech. You saw him take the visor off one of our fallen Templars?" "Yes. I was weak from the attack and dispelling the fire but I saw him as he escaped along with Magistrate Vanard" Sir Thrask said remembering the incident.
"… What did he look like" Meredith asked suddenly as she frowned deeply. "Bald with a gaunt hallow face. He was very thin as if he hardly ever ate… and his teeth were sharpened" Sir Thrask answered slowly.
"… So I thought" Meredith said slowly.
"Commander… is there something you know about this Coterie Apostate" Sir Thrask asked curiously. Meredith slowly stood up not looking at Sir Thrask as she leaned on the railing of the window in her office and began to speak.
"I suspected and I believe I know who he is" Meredith said darkly. "I… how commander?" Sir Thrask asked taken aback. "It was years and years ago. Before I had gained any real rank within the Templars" Meredith said slowly still not looking at Sir Thrask.
"I was on a mission with a squad of Templars whom had found a small conclave of escaped Circle Mages in the Wounded Coast" Meredith said beginning her tale.
More than thirty years ago…
Trekking through the Wounded Coast the squad of Templars stopped atop a ridge looking over a series of caves visible in the distance.
A young Meredith Stannard turned to the squad leader, Sir Allard, and asked "commander how did so many Mages escape the Starkhaven Circle?" Sir Allard turned to the promising new member of his squad and answered "the reports say their leader is a Blood Mage from Tevinter. She was caught gathering slaves for the Imperium and was brought to the Starkhaven Circle in hopes of being rehabilitated and if need be made Tranquil."
"The Starkhaven Templars thought they could rehabilitate a Blood Mage? How foolish can they be?" Meredith said bitterly. "They showed her mercy because she was six months pregnant when the Templars brought her in" Sir Allard answered.
"Whatever the case she escaped along with a few Circle Mages nearly seven years ago. Now we have finally cornered them Meredith" Sir Allard said standing up and turning to his squad.
"Alright men. You know what we need to do. Never give them the chance to use Magic and if we pull this off we'll be rewarded. Seven years and those Starkhaven Templars couldn't do what we did!" Sir Allard said as his squad of twelve Templars cheered.
Meredith nodded as she fell in with the squad as Sir Allard led them towards the caves where Apostates had been hiding for the last two years.
According to their reports the Apostates had tried to take ship away from the Free Cities only to be turned away every time by the Smugglers. No matter where the Apostates ran the Templars were close behind with Phylactery in hand. There simply was no way for such a large group of Apostates to take ship anywhere with the Templars chasing them.
As they walked towards the caves Meredith turned to Sir Allard saying "the Apostate leader. What was her name?" Sir Allard looked back at Meredith coldly saying "does it matter?"
"No" was Meredith's only response.
Reaching the entrances to the caves and hiding behind a few stray boulders Sir Allard stopped the squad as they quietly looked over the caves where at least fifteen Apostates were hiding.
"Meredith with me. Sir Tommen take Mathews and Samson with you and get the left entrance. Sir Otto take everyone else to right entrance" Sir Allard said as the squad moved stealthily to their positions.
"What about us Sir?" Meredith asked as she crouched down next to Sir Allard. "We wait for Sir Otto and Sir Tommen to surprise them then we charge in from the front. An assault on three sides"
Giving the signal Sir Allard ordered Sir Otto and his men forward. Sir Otto nodded as he and his men quietly entered the caves from the right entrance. Meredith waited with Sir Allard as slowly the Templars disappeared from sight.
Moments later there was a loud scream, the crackle and flash of lightning, the smell of fire, and the sound of Templars as they charged Apostates. "Go" Sir Allard said gesturing to Sir Tommen whom charged into the left entrance with Mathews and Samson close behind.
Meredith waited as she heard the frantic yells of Apostates as they struggled to defend their home from two attacking forces of Templars. "Easy" Sir Allard said seeing how tense Meredith was.
We're sitting here while our comrades could be getting slaughtered in there Meredith thought glaring.
"My men are professionals they'll be okay" Sir Allard said as he listened to the ongoing battle inside the caves. "Yes sir" Meredith replied. "Now" Sir Allard said as he moved forward Longsword in hand as Meredith followed. Moving quietly Sir Allard and Meredith entered the caves from the front.
The scene that met them was utter chaos.
Only nine Apostates were left standing and one Templar had been killed in the attack with another two wounded.
Rushing forward Sir Allard beheaded a frantic Apostates as the young lad stumbled back raising his hands yelling "mercy!" "No mercy!" Sir Allard yelled as he blocked a burst of flame magic with his Templar Shield.
Meredith rushed forward dodging a Spirit Bolt as an Apostate backed up slowly. Not letting the man escape Meredith grabbed her Shield and rolled barely dodging a burst of flame magic. Grunting with the effort Meredith flung her Shield. Meredith's Templar Shield tore through the air slamming into the Apostate sending the man into the ground hard.
Not giving the Apostate the chance Meredith rushed over Longsword in hand. "Please we don't-" the Apostate began only for Meredith to slit the man's throat before he could finish.
Sir Otto rushed forward Silencing an Apostate before she could cast any spells. The girl sobbed as Sir Otto reached her and slammed his axe into her head without blinking an eye. Pulling his axe free Sir Otto moved on as the Apostate slumped to the floor dead.
"Meredith look out!" Sir Otto shouted as an Apostate raised a Staff at her.
Meredith barely dodged the chain lightning as she rolled to the side as Sir Otto appeared beside the Apostate slashing his throat open. Looking up and meeting Sir Otto's eyes Meredith nodded his thanks.
Meredith was still looking at him when the burst of flame magic ripped through the air striking Sir Otto as the Templar flew three feet… burned alive.
"Otto!" Matthews yelled as he aimed his crossbow and fired an arrow killing the Apostate and avenging his fallen comrade. He's gone… Blighted Mages! Meredith thought bitterly as Samson tossed her back her Shield and together they charged with the other Templars.
Seeing a group of three Apostates batting away the Templars with bursts of flame magic Meredith raised her Shield. "Mathews get a shot in there!" Sir Allard called unable to move forward and too far to Silence the Apostates.
Raising his crossbow and aiming through the fire Mathews shot three arrows, one Apostate was hit in the arm while the other two stood unharmed. Though Matthews's arrows failed to kill any Apostates it did give the Templars an opening and so Meredith charged forward Shield raised.
Channeling the Templar's Spirit Force into her Shield Meredith blocked a burst of hurried flame magic. Getting close enough Meredith leap forward slamming her Shield into an Apostate.
In a flash Meredith slashed sideways killing one Apostate before slashing in the other direction her Longsword held high as she beheaded another Apostate. Looking back down at the Apostate she'd slammed her Shield into Meredith saw he was the man Mathews had managed to shoot.
Without so much as hesitating Meredith slit the throat of the frightened mage. "Well done" Sir Allard said nodding at Meredith as the Templars regrouped. Then Sir Tommen suddenly raised his Shield yelling "cover!"
Instantly Meredith raised her Shield along with Sir Allard just as a wave of some unseen force slammed into them… Blood Magic. Meredith was pushed back four feet but managed to stay on her feet.
Looking around quickly Meredith spotted Mathews sprawled on the floor with Samson covering the both of them with his Shield as he dragged them away. Sir Tommen and Sir Allard covering the other Templars as some of them didn't raise their Shields in time.
Suddenly a burst of flame magic tore through the air. Sir Tommen was almost hit but managed to duck, the fire hitting a cave wall instead. Moving forward Meredith spotted the leader of the Apostates, the Tevinter Mage whom had been caught as a Slaver before escaping the Starkhaven Circle.
The Apostate leader, and the last Apostate standing, glared at the Templars as she raised her staff high and casting Chain Lightning. Sir Allard raised his Shield channeling the Templar's Spirit Force as he blocked the Chain Lightning.
Mathews had picked up his crossbow as Samson had covered him and was currently loading arrows with Samson covering the both of them. Sir Allard slowly started forward his Shield raised as he quickly looked back at what was left of his squad and gestured.
Knowing what Sir Allard wanted Meredith moved forward staying close to Sir Tommen as he and Sir Allard moved forward.
The Apostate leader glared at them before raising her Staff high and unleashing another blast of Blood Magic… only for Sir Tommen to dispel it. Instantly Mathews fired another arrow that soared through the air only for the Apostate leader to block it with a single burst of blood magic.
However Meredith had unsheathed her Templar knife and threw it just as Mathews had fired, the Apostate leader had blocked Matthews's arrow but Meredith's knife stroke her chest.
The Apostate leader stumbled to the ground, Meredith's knife had been impelled in the woman's chest but didn't kill her. Sir Allard appeared, having rushed forward, and slashed the woman across her chest before stabbing his Longsword into her throat.
It's over Meredith thought as Sir Allard pulled free his Longsword. The Apostate leader slumped to the ground coughing up blood and staring at something far deep into the cave before letting out her last breathe.
Stepping back from the woman's corpse Sir Allard raised his Shield as Meredith and Sir Tommen backed him up. Suddenly something appeared from where the Apostate leader had been staring… something that stopped all the Templars in their tracks…a child.
Appearing from the darkness of the cave like some ghost out of a story the small boy ran to the corpse of the Apostate leader and fell to his knees beside her. "... it's just a boy" Meredith said slowly as they took in the sight of the young boy cradling the corpse of the Apostate leader.
"Looks like the Apostate leader gave birth after all" Sir Tommen said looking over the boy and his dead mother. "What do we do?" Samson asked as he and Matthews regrouped with Sir Allard.
"Kill him" Sir Tommen said slowly.
But something happened that changed things, Sir Allard stood frozen at the sight of the child sobbing over the corpse of his mother. "No we take him in. The Circle can contain him… look at him he's too young to understand any of this. Must be eight at the most" Sir Allard said lowering his weapons.
Meredith grabbed her commander by the shoulder saying "Sir Allard you saw what the boy's mother did. We cannot take him in." "I read your file Meredith. Not every child that is born with the curse of Magic is a monster… not every child is your sister" Sir Allard said silencing Meredith.
"Yes sir!" Meredith said bitterly.
Sir Allard stepped forward and knelt down to look at young boy only to stop as the child looked back up at him… his eyes filled with the hatred of a man without a soul. A hate no child should have.
The child raised his hand about to use magic… his mother must of him trained him only for Sir Tommen to Silence the boy in a flash. The child glared back confused as Sir Allard turned to Samson saying "the handcuffs, now."
Not understanding why his magic was gone the child roared in anger and charged Sir Allard as fast as his little legs could carry him only for Meredith to step forward and punch him.
The child fell to the ground unconscious.
Sir Allard nodded sadly at Meredith as Samson grabbed Iron handcuffs placing them on the child before picking the lad up. "The handcuffs will stop him using magic when he wakes up" Sir Allard said slowly as he gestured for them to do their duty and move on.
In short order the bodies of the Apostates were gathered up into one pile and burned along with everything they'd left behind in the caves. The bodies of fallen Templars would be retrieved later by a search party.
As Meredith stood outside the caves with the Templars watching the inferno from the caves she turned to Samson whom was holding the child bitterly. His mother was a monster... what will he become Meredith thought.
"Let's move out" Sir Allard said in a soft voice his eyes watching the unconscious child the entire way back to the Kirkwall Circle. Once Sir Allard had given his report the Knight Commander at the time had reward Sir Allard and his squad but placed the child in the Gallows prison. Though Sir Allard protested the Knight Commander had refused saying "the child is dangerous."
It was an odd sight, seeing Sir Allard whom was known for hunting Apostates taking such an interest in the child. "I killed his mother" Sir Allard told Meredith sadly when she'd asked him about it.
Then one day things went horribly wrong… Sir Allard had arranged to take the child out to get some fresh air with him escorting. Though Meredith protested the Knight Commander had ignored her saying "Sir Allard believes the Circle can rehabilitate the child and he is personally escorting the child around the Gallows courtyard."
But unbeknownst to any of them was that the child hadn't spoken a word since he was imprisoned and that his hatred had seeped into him taking root as the Templar Guards noticed the cold fury in the child's eyes with each passing day.
On the day the incident occurred Meredith hadn't been there at the beginning but had rushed over when the screaming started. Sometime during his escort around the courtyard the child had refused to move and sat down watching the city visible in the distance before suddenly beginning to violently bite his own arms.
Sir Allard had rushed over trying to stop the child as blood dripped down from his teeth… the child had bit himself to the point of bleeding. This one moment is when the incident happened, the moment when Sir Allard removed the Iron handcuffs hoping to stop the child from biting himself further.
The moment his hands were free the child could use magic again and though undisciplined he had summoned blood magic proceeding to violently rip through Sir Allard's armor… killing the man.
Meredith had heard the screams and run into the courtyard along with three Templars only to find the child feeding on the body of his victim before throwing Sir Allard's body at them with a burst of blood magic.
Completely frozen at the sight of things Meredith and the other Templars had been hit by Sir Allard's body. As Meredith slowly pushed Sir Allard's body off her she spotted the child leaping aboard one of the ship that went into Kirkwall.
The child murdered the Ship Captain and before anyone could stop him had blasted the ropes holding the ship to port. As the current pulled the ship free of the Gallows and towards the city Meredith could gape at the child.
The child that murdered Sir Allard, and the child that glared at Meredith from across the sea as the ship was carried by the current. The child's eyes filled with the hate of a man without a soul.
The Templars had reorganized themselves and tried to stop the child but they were too late even they took ship after him reaching the city minutes after he had.
The Templars never found the child after that day but as they searched for him more than a dozen Templars ended up dead and each that died had pieces of their armor missing.
Back to the present
"We heard reports of strange things happening in the Undercity but there is too much space to cover in Darktown let alone the Undercity and so we were forced to give up" Meredith said slowly.
Turning back Sir Thrask, Meredith continued harshly "stricter defenses were installed and the day I was promoted to Knight Commander the privileges of the Circle mages were severely restricted."
Sir Thrask sat silently having not spoken a word as Meredith told her tale until finally looking up at his commander he said "that explains code 42."
Meredith nodded; code 42 was an order that any ships leaving the Gallows be shot down using one of the four Ballista, giant crossbows that fired spears capable of taking down ships, that been brought to the Gallows nearly thirty years ago.
"Have there been any other incidents like that since? Any ships they were shot down because Apostates had stolen them" Sir Thrask asked.
"No" Meredith answered. "We never learned the child's name but it's him. I can feel it… and Leech as they call him now is a nothing but a monster that must be put down" Meredith said sternly.
"No Phylactery was taken?" Sir Thrask asked very surprised.
"No and that was our mistake. I've learned two hard lessons about mages in my life Sir Thrask; that is why I am strict on them." Meredith answered sternly. Sir Thrask nodded slowly, he'd heard about Meredith's past as an orphan and what had happened to her sister Amelia Stannard.
"The criminals of the city are the Viscount's problem. I have promised the Templar's aid Sir Thrask but we are an Order dedicated to the control of Apostates. Leech will be taken alive if possible where he will be publicly executed" Meredith said sternly.
"Yes commander" Sir Thrask said stiffly. "Take your time and recover Sir Thrask but I want you to coordinate with the Viscount and his 'allies'. You are experienced and the men respect you" Meredith said.
Sir Thrask was taken aback by that before he slowly asked "and what of you commander?" "The Viscount and I can not work together. Sad but true. You will stand in my place" Meredith answered.
"That is all Sir Thrask. I suggest you rest up you have quite the job ahead of you but I have faith you can do it" Meredith said standing up. "This is not a punishment Thrask" Meredith said calmly as Sir Thrask stood up getting ready to leave.
Meredith held out her hand. As Sir Thrask reached over and shook his commander's hand Meredith said "you are one of the finest Templars of our Order. Maker watch over you."
"Thank you" Sir Thrask said as he turned to leave. Before he left Sir Thrask turned back to his commander and slowly asked "Sir Tommen… isn't he?" "The Post Master. Yes Sir Tommen is not as young as he used to be but he serves the Order in any way he can" Meredith answered.
"Sir Tommen in the Post Office. And you said that Samson was in Sir Allard's squad" Sir Thrask said slowly as he remembered. "Yes Samson the failed Templar who spends his time in Lowtown getting drunk and begging for coin" Meredith answered coldly.
"It seems in the last three decades we've lost many good Templars" Sir Thrask said realizing that Sir Tommen of the Post Office and Samson the deserter had once been in a squad with Meredith.
Elsewhere
Outside Kirkwall
Prison Caravan
"How soon until we reach the prison?" Ignacio Strand asked as he sat inside the transport carriage of the prison caravan alongside two City Guards, his hands chained up. As Aveline had promised Ignacio was being transported to a prison outside of Kirkwall for his own safety.
"Two days" one of the Guards answered looking at Ignacio irritably. The Guards had no love for Ignacio and he had no love for them.
Ignacio kept his head low gazing at his chained hands as the transport carriage bumped along traveling discreetly through the rough, rocky, and sandy terrain of Sundermount. That's when something went wrong as the caravan suddenly stopped. "What is it? What's going on?" Ignacio asked trying to get up only for one of the Guards to stop him.
"Stay here" the Guard said as he got up and opened the door of the carriage and stepped outside his Shield raised only to be struck by an arrow to the neck. The Guard collapsed to the ground outside the carriage as Ignacio gaped and the other Guard grabbed him opening the back door.
Before the Guard could pull Ignacio out of the carriage a spear erupted through the man's chest killing him instantly. Ignacio fell back into the carriage gaping as the Guard's blood landed on him.
The spear was pulled back from the carriage dragging the dead Guard out of the carriage leaving Ignacio alone and in chains. Sitting up Ignacio struggled uselessly against his chains only for a man to reach in grabbing him by the scruff of his neck.
Before Ignacio could even gulp the man pulled Ignacio and hurled him out of the carriage where he landed on his face.
Struggling up to his knees Ignacio wiped the blood from his nose and looked around Sundermount seeing the four Guards that were stationed outside the carriage dead. Panting Ignacio turned seeing the corpses of the two Guards that had rode inside the carriage with him.
"Hello again Ignacio; Mr. boss man." Dixon Carton said smirking as he mocked the once great Ignacio leader of the Four. "Dixon!" Ignacio gaped as he took in the sight of Dixon and eight of his men surrounding Ignacio leaving no room for escape.
"Who would have thought that you of all people would turn traitor? You whom the Coterie trusted above all of the Four" Dixon said laughing coldly as Ignacio looked up seeing two of Dixon's archers atop a ridge. "You set this ambush perfectly" Ignacio said slowly.
"Oh yeah about that, our adviser with City Guard experience… I met him" Dixon said leaning down to Ignacio.
"If only you knew!" Dixon laughed. "Our adviser knew the route to your prison and how long it'd take for you get there. So we set up this little ambush" Dixon said pacing back and forth as his men laughed at Ignacio.
"Dixon I didn't betray the Coterie founders. I can be of use. I can gather my Sharpsmen and reform the gang. Together we can continue the fight against the City Guards" Ignacio said trying to stand up only for Dixon's Spearman to stop him.
"If you didn't betray the Coterie then why have two founders been captured Ignacio. Why were the City Guards transporting you to a prison outside of Kirkwall for your protection" Dixon mocked.
Ignacio gaped.
"I remember when you ran the Four all of you mocked me. You always thought I didn't hear your insults Ignacio. All those times you said that if you didn't need me you'd kill me" Dixon said crouching down to his former boss.
"Now the tables have turned" Dixon said coldly as he glared at Ignacio.
"It doesn't have to be this way I can be of use!" Ignacio shouted in panic. Dixon laughed harshly saying "do you even know what's happened? The Sharps gang is dead all your men have scattered to the wind or done the smart thing and joined me!"
"I have been inside the Barracks! I watched the City Guards and I have secrets the Coterie could use to their advantage to our advantage!" Ignacio shouted as he paled visibly.
"I think not. Ignacio you betrayed us and well my friends and I just don't trust you anymore plus I wanted to do this personally" Dixon said gesturing around to his men whom smirked coldly.
Before Ignacio could say another word Dixon kicked him in the face. Ignacio fell the ground on his face again, a fresh batch of blood pouring down his face. Getting up slowly and coughing from the dirt on his face Ignacio glared up Dixon.
"You were nothing without me. I made you who you are. I invited you to the Four" Ignacio hissed savagely at his former colleague.
"Yet here you kneel and here I stand" Dixon replied. "Prepare him" Dixon said gesturing at his men. Instantly Dixon's Spearman and another of his thugs grabbed Ignacio and hauled him up pulling his head back leaving his neck exposed.
Ignacio screamed in rage as he shook and flung his hands wildly the chains rattling loudly as they cut into his skin. Dixon unsheathed his Dagger and slowly moved to stand in front of Ignacio.
"Farewell Ignacio" Dixon said looking over Ignacio as he screamed in panic still trying to escape but to no avail. In one swift movement Dixon slashed his Dagger slitting Ignacio's throat. Ignacio coughed up blood as Dixon stepped keeping his boots clean.
Ignacio stared up into the sky as the life slipped away from him. When it was over Ignacio hung loosely by Dixon's men as they lifted him up.
"Place his body atop the carriage. We need to send a message to the City Guards" Dixon said gesturing at his men. Minutes later Dixon and his men were leaving Sundermount heading back to Kirkwall.
As they left Dixon turned back smirking coldly at the sight of Ignacio's body hanging atop the carriage for any travelers to see.
The Next Day
Viscount's Keep
Barracks
"How did this happen!" Viscount Dumar said rubbing a hand down his face in frustration as Aveline bowed her head. Garrett sat silently as he glanced at Sir Thrask whom would be joining these meeting from now on.
Aveline glanced back at them noticing how Garrett and Sir Thrask kept a certain distance between them and that they never looked at each other. I'm not sure but there's a history between them Aveline mused.
Turning back to the Viscount, Aveline said "we're not sure. The prison caravan never reached their destination and they sent scouts to investigate… what they found was disturbing."
"What exactly did the scouts find?" Sir Thrask asked speaking up for the first time since he arrived explaining that he would representing the Templars. "The scouts found the escort dead and Ignacio's body hung atop the carriage… a message the Coterie wanted to send us" Aveline answered.
"How much did Ignacio give us before he was killed?" Garrett asked crossing his arms. "Everything he knew but he was still very useful. We've lost one of our best sources but we still have Lusine and Tierney" Aveline answered.
"Then we have to keep those two here in the City. The Coterie ambushed a prison transport once they can do it again" Sir Thrask said simply.
"The Coterie won't attack the Barracks directly that would be suicide. Too much security here and there'd be no way to simply exit the Viscount's Keep and make it out of Hightown without getting caught" Garrett said thinking it over.
"Are you sure all corrupt Guards were captured?" Sir Thrask asked. Aveline glared back at Sir Thrask saying "they were all arrested." "Enough. The point of this alliance is for us to work together not attack each other. We have cleared out the corrupt Guards" Viscount Dumar said silencing the room.
"Look there's only one thing we can do. We have Lusine and Tierney, the City Guard needs to integrate them and continue our assault on the Coterie leaders. Not just this branch but all the branches" Garrett said looking around at everyone.
"I agree. The Coterie sent us a message with Ignacio but they can't get to Lusine and Tierney as long as we keep them here. For now we continue" Aveline said nodding firmly at Garrett.
"Fair enough. Sir Thrask I want Templars stationed in the Barracks Prison. We don't need anything else happening no matter how unlikely" Viscount Dumar said looking at Aveline and Sir Thrask.
"I'll gather twenty men and stationed them in the Barracks prison. I'll tell the men to follow the Senior Officers orders as if they were from me" Sir Thrask said nodding at Viscount Dumar.
"Mr. Hawke I trust your 'contacts' will do their part from their end" Viscount Dumar said turning to Garrett. "They're already on it Viscount" Garrett said having met with Tolan earlier.
"We all have work to do. Aveline I want the City Guard to start getting information from Lusine and Tierney immediately. Good day and keep me posted" Viscount Dumar said finishing the meeting.
As they left the office of the former Guard Captain, Aveline noticed the strange distance between Garrett and Sir Thrask. "Hey what's wrong?" Aveline asked walking beside Garrett as the three of them left the Barracks.
"It's nothing Aveline" Garrett said as he made to leave the Viscount's Keep. Aveline could only watch her friend go as she had work to do and headed for the Barracks Prison ready to help Qerth with the questioning.
As Garrett left the Viscount's Keep and was walking through the courtyard Sir Thrask stopped him calling "Hawke… a moment."
Turning around Garrett looked Sir Thrask straight the eye saying "what did you need?" Sir Thrask shifted uneasily as he slowly said "I did not think to see you again here of all places." Seeing the look in Garrett's eye Sir Thrask asked "how did you end up speaking for the criminals allied with the City Guard? Why are you a part of this fight?"
"I have my reasons" Garrett answered evenly. "For what it is worth I am sorry for what happened to your family but the Order took action and it was out of my hands" Sir Thrask said grimly.
Garrett raised an eyebrow.
"You didn't know about my sister until you were tipped off. You never even met her until the day she was taken" Garrett said slowly. "Can I ask you something?" Garrett said meeting Sir Thrask's eyes. Sir Thrask shrugged saying "I… yes you may."
"If you had known about my sister, if you knew who she was… would you still have done it? Would you have taken Bethany if you knew that she was my sister?" Garrett asked calmly.
"... Yes" Sir Thrask answered solemnly.
"I thought as much. Goodbye Sir Thrask" Garrett said as he turned around leaving the courtyard.
Lowtown
The Hanged Man
Garrett Hawke had taken a seat by himself at the bar and just ordered a drink when someone suddenly appeared taking the seat beside him. "You and that Templar have a history" Tolan said before Garrett could say anything." "Tolan I thought you stopped following me" Garrett said not surprised by how stealthy Tolan could be after having worked with him.
"I wanted to know how the Viscount's plans were going. Then I noticed you and that Templar. You two have a history and you're drinking; Hawke you almost never drink" Tolan answered shrugging.
"Just the one" Garrett said pointing a finger at his mug of ale.
Tolan looked at Garrett through the hood that covered his scarred face saying "Hawke… is there a problem I need to take of?" "What? No! Leave the Templar alone" Garrett said turning to look at Tolan. "Fine but keep your voice down it's easy to unnoticed in a tavern but start yelling and everyone watches you" Tolan replied glancing around warily.
Garrett nodded lowering his voice as he said "that Templar, Sir Thrask, he and Sir Cullen were the ones that took Bethany. I helped Thrask out before only for him to take my sister away" "I see" Tolan said darkly.
"Anyway Ignacio was ambushed while he was being transported to prison" Garrett said wanting to change the subject.
"Dead?" Tolan asked. Garrett nodded.
"That changes things but this isn't the end" Tolan said rubbing a hand along the ragged scar running across his lips and past his cheeks. "The Viscount is continuing the fight. Aveline and Qerth are questioning Lusine and Tierney while the Templars are getting more involved" Garrett continued.
"Hmm still the Coterie proved they won't just wait for us to come and take them out… they're gonna fight back. Even so we always knew something like this was coming" Tolan said darkly as Garrett nodded.
"How is that operation for me turning out?" Garrett asked in a low voice. "It won't be easy but as I said before it has been done. The Templars are a lot more protective lately because of the Coterie but they're also spread out" Tolan said.
"It is possible then?" Garrett asked hopeful.
"Yes I'm looking into Templars I can bribe. Ever since Idunna was abducted their security has been tighter but if I can get a few Templars to look the other way then I can start setting up a ship fast enough to get in and get out" Tolan answered. "That's good to know" Garrett said honestly as he took a drink of Ale.
"I could use a drink too" Tolan said gesturing for the bartender. "I promised to help you Hawke but don't forget we have a job to do. I know it must be hard but we'll get there" Tolan said paying for his drink without the bartender seeing his face. "I haven't lost sight of things Tolan. I'm here and I'm doing my part but you can't blame me… it's my family" Garrett said as Tolan took a drink of his Ale.
"I had family once too Garrett… then the Blight happened so yeah I understand" Tolan said looking at Garrett through his hood. Garrett stayed silent at that wanting to say he was sorry but remembering what happened the last time he'd told Tolan that.
"Cheers" Tolan said ending the silence as he raised his mug of Ale. "Cheers" Garrett replied clamping his mug of Ale together with Tolan's as the two deserters took a drink of Ale.
Long but not as long as the last few chapters
Yeah I know this chapter was a little dark but I enjoyed writing it
As for why Bethany was not in this chapter... there wasn't enough room
Sir Thrask and Garrett are not done though they will work together
Finally I have fun writing Garrett and Tolan. I know some people don't like OC's but it's not like Tolan is a mary sue or anything
But I digress...
Thanks for Reading and please Review!