Hey Guys been a LONG time.
I would have updated sooner but FREAKING Chemistry
Been busy with school and what not
Anyway I actually finished this a few days ago just needed to format it.
Hope you enjoy
The Gallows
Circle Of Magi
Apprentice Chambers
Bethany Hawke tossed and turned in her sleep. She was not having a nightmare but was simply aware of what was happening in the plain of existence known as the Fade; she didn't mean to do it but sometimes it happened.
Malcolm Hawke her father had taught her to block the Fade out so she could sleep peacefully but it didn't always work and now inside the Circle of Magi filled with so much magic regardless of the presence of Templars… she mingled with the Fade without wanting to.
I used to be so good at controlling this. By the time I was sixteen I could block the Fade out almost every night Bethany thought annoyed as she couldn't help but notice something strange happening.
Like a section of the Fade was being closed off and shaped against its will. The Fade resisted and Spirits and Demons alike appeared growing curious as to what happening.
Father never got to see me block out the Fade… but Garrett did. The day I stopped having nightmares was such a relief for mother. She couldn't help me and Garrett was the only one could quiet me when father was gone Bethany thought remembering her childhood.
That's when Bethany snapped out of her thoughts and realized something… whatever was making the effort to change a section of the Fade was calling outward.
Whatever it was it was inviting Spirit and Demons towards it and waiting for them patiently.
What is this? Bethany thought. Unable to help herself Bethany carefully took a closer look making sure to keep her distance from the lower Spirits and Demons that heard the strange call.
This is a Harrowing Bethany realized.
The Templars and Orsino are setting up a Harrowing Bethany thought as she witness a few lower Rage Demons and a Sloth Demon enter while others realized what it was as Bethany had then suddenly took their leave knowing better than get inside the Templars' Harrowing.
Most of the more powerful Demons stayed away knowing that there was little prey for them inside the Templars' little playground. The Harrowing had been set up ready for the Templars to throw a Circle Mage at and see if they could handle a Demon or two all on their own.
Bethany gazed at the section of the Fade that been left wide open for any Demon or Spirit to stumble upon and realized anything from this side of the Fade could sneak in.
A Pride Demon sneaked into my Harrowing… why do the Templars let them do that? Bethany thought bitterly.
How can the other Circle Mages sleep through this… it's like hearing an explosion when you're dreaming. So much magic used to make a Harrowing Bethany thought as she groaned waking up.
Rubbing her eyes Bethany groaned "not gonna have a goodnights rest now. Why do they have to set it up at night?"
Kirkwall
Deep Into Lowtown
Near the border of Darktown
"Where are we going?" Garrett Hawke asked as he followed Tolan through the slums of Kirkwall so close to Darktown that many people didn't consider it Lowtown at all.
"It's not far. There's something I want you to see" Tolan said glancing back at Garrett. Both Ferelden Deserters wore hoods that covered their faces but that was common among the Lowtown citizens.
"Sorry about Kane he's very protective but next time just knock don't pick my front door" Garrett said remembering how his trusty hound had woken him with his barks and growls.
"Damn Mabari nearly took my head off" Tolan muttered remembering drawing his Dagger to keep Kane from leaping atop him. "Like I said Kane is protective of me anyway you said this was important" Garrett said as they walked through one of the poorest districts of the city.
The slums where Garrett and his family would have ended up had Gamlen not taken them into his home instead.
"It is. You don't come around here much do you Hawke?" Tolan asked bemused as he glanced back at Garrett while two ugly looking street thugs saw them but strangely backed off looking scared.
"No I didn't want my sister steeping foot inside this part of the city. All the refugees from Ferelden flooded these slums and Darktown. A lot of crime formed up here… and from what I hear Athenril's competition stemmed from here" Garrett said simply.
"I made my home here for the first few months in Kirkwall. Even after Athenril 'recruited' me I was stuck here for a long time" Tolan said darkly. "… I didn't know" Garrett said slowly.
"How would you? You were busy working for Athenril then getting those jobs of yours with Varric. You and your sister never had to truly face the plight of the poor" Tolan said sternly.
"We struggled but we planned ahead and yeah Varric's jobs kept us going but most of that went to the expedition" Garrett said rubbing the back of his neck. "I remember" Tolan said.
"Tolan what's this about?" Garrett said stopping his tracks.
Turning back to face him Tolan answered "some of my men found something we could use." Garrett raised an eyebrow but nodded gesturing for Tolan to lead on.
Garrett narrowed his eyes as Tolan led him through one the numerous alleys between the clumsy shacks that barely served as houses.
Suddenly stopping in their tracks Garrett and Tolan noticed a young boy wearing rugged torn clothing that clearly had not originally belonged to him. "Nice man" the boy said stopping in front of them.
"What's wrong? Anyone come around here lately?" Tolan asked as Garrett raised an eyebrow noticing that the boy and Tolan knew each other.
"No not here anyway. Those strange men that were looking at that ship in port 14 disappeared… haven't seen nothing new" the boy said looking bored. "Good. Anything else?" Tolan asked nodding.
"I was wondering…" the boy said shifting uneasily. "I was wondering if you had any extra coin" the boy said sounding hopeful. "Yeah I can part with a coin or two" Tolan pulling his carrying pouch out and handing the boy a single bronze piece.
"Thank you nice man. I'm sure this will feed my starving little brother" the boy said grinning as he took the coin. "Here" Garrett said feeling bad as he reached for his coin pouch only for Tolan to stop him grabbing him by the wrist.
"Hawke no. He doesn't have a little brother" Tolan said meeting Garrett's eyes.
The boy shrugged saying "sometimes it works." Garrett nodded slowly as Tolan let him go. As the boy left, Tolan looked up towards the roof and second stories of the shacks that made up the alley and called "how about you Sammy? You hungry?"
Garrett crossed his arms as another boy wearing ragged clothing appeared from an open window saying "yes nice man. I ain't seen no one come by but you two, but I'm hungry." "Get something to eat" Tolan said flicking his thumb and sending a single bronze piece up towards the Sammy whom caught it with a grin.
"Sorry about that Hawke. I'm a bit behind on paying all of my employees" Tolan said as he led Garrett further into the Alley. "Tolan. You're bringing children into the Smugglers now?" Garrett asked grabbing Tolan by the shoulder and pulling him back to have a talk.
"Athenril did it before me Hawke. I just took over. Yeah you were one of Athenril's best men but you didn't see how she ran things" Tolan answered reaching a hand up and freeing himself from Garrett.
"… I don't like this Tolan" Garrett said uneasily. "Athenril did a lot of things you didn't like Hawke. It didn't bother you before; that or you never cared to know" Tolan said simply.
"You had it easy Hawke. You got decent work with Athenril and yeah for a while you were probably her best man. You saw how I was 'recruited'. I had to work my up Athenril's gang from the ground up. I had to gain her trust. I saw how Athenril really ran her gang. She treated her top men good but the others… not so much" Tolan said.
Garrett stayed silent as Tolan spoke. He didn't shout. He didn't even raise his voice. He really seems to have let most of that go… his past is behind him Garrett thought surprised.
Garrett arched his brows remembering his time under Athenril's service as a smuggler and slowly said "a lot of refugees ended up criminals like we did." Tolan nodded.
"Those kids… they're Ferelden aren't they?" Garrett asked. "Yeah they are. The influx of people willing to do anything to get by... remember" Tolan answered.
"I get it Tolan, I do. You pay them… just keep them away for the danger" Garrett said uneasily as Tolan smirked saying "I always do." "Lead on" Garrett said gesturing to Tolan.
Past the alley Tolan led him towards an old factory of some sort that clearly had been abandoned years ago when this part of the city had been a productive district of the Imperium.
"This is why I love Kirkwall. So much real estate left behind as empires fought for control of it and never stopped building" Tolan said casually as the headed for the factory. "I noticed the same thing. They're so many left over buildings in the city" Garrett said following Tolan.
Entering the abandoned factory Garrett and Tolan found one of the Smugglers waiting for them near the door to the basement. The Smuggler wore light leather armor with a shortbow sheathed on his back ready to fight from a distance if someone broke in.
Upon seeing his boss enter the abandoned factory the Smuggler straightened up saying "Boss man. And uh Mr. Hawke. Prisoner's still in there blindfolded. He doesn't know where he is just like you ordered" the Smuggler said opening the door for them and moving out of their way.
"He?" Garrett asked as he followed Tolan down the stairs to the basement. "My men managed to capture one of Dixon's Lieutenants" Tolan answered as they made their descent.
"Seriously?" Garrett asked raising an eyebrow.
Tolan nodded saying "those kids I employ are the perfect spies they're seen but unseen. Anyway the Lieutenant and his men were captured trying to spy on my Smugglers at the Docks. The Coterie is aware someone has replaced Athenril."
"Do they know it's you?" Garrett asked bothered by Tolan's use of children. "No the Coterie can't bribe my men; nothing in it for them since our alliance" Tolan answered.
"No lieutenant would work alone. What about the other spies?" Garrett asked. "My Smugglers took them down all that's left is him" Tolan answered as they reached the basement.
The basement was a rather large room with a low ceiling, a man sit blindfolded and tied to a chair while two more of Tolan's Smuggles stood guard. "Leave us" Tolan said gesturing at the two guards as the blindfolded lieutenant twitched hearing the noise.
With a quick nod the two Smugglers left Hawke and Tolan with their prisoner.
"I don't want to torture him if we can avoid it. Better for him to work with us willingly and as I pointed out at the start all of this, not many people would make a deal with me" Tolan said in a low voice so Dixon's lieutenant couldn't hear him.
"Very civilized of you" Garrett said in low voice.
"Athenril tortured me remember. It gets results no matter how long it takes" Tolan said nearly hissing. "Right I didn't mean to bring that back up" Garrett answered uneasily. "Maybe you can bring him to our side" Tolan whispered.
I'll try" Garrett said.
Tolan leaned on the wall as Garrett walked up to Dixon's lieutenant and placed a hand on the man's shoulder letting him know that Garrett was in front of him. The man grunted in panic as he felt Garrett's hand on his shoulder without being able to see him.
"Hey it's okay we're not going to hurt you" Garrett began but stopped seeing the look Tolan was giving him. "We're not going to hurt you unless you makes us" Garrett correct bitterly.
"Then take off the blindfold" the man said coldly. Glancing back at Tolan Garrett said "no I'm sorry but I can't do that." "Why should I help you then?" the man answered glaring at the voice of Garrett through his blindfold.
"Because the Coterie's losing. You know it, I know it. Several of their founders have been taken in and sooner or later the other branches will fall. Help us and you'll get a lessor sentence and who knows maybe even a pardon" Garrett said calmly.
"… maybe that's right but your people killed my men" the man said. "You were planning on killing our men too weren't you. Spying on the Smugglers to find the right shipments to take out, planning on weakening them" Garrett said making his point.
"Yeah Dixon ordered us to start attacking the Smugglers" the man answered after a moment of utter silence. "That didn't go so well as you realized. The Coterie is losing. Too many people have allied against them" Garrett said calmly.
The man stayed silent.
"What's your story? How'd you end up here working for Dixon?" Garrett asked.
"I fled the Blight. Like every Ferelden I couldn't find work so I started running with a gang. The Sharps in Hightown. Then Ignacio was taken and I joined with Dixon. He gave me a high position for bringing a lot of the other former Sharpsmen with me" the man answered in a sigh.
One of Ignacio's men now one of Dixon's… they really are falling apart Garrett though as he shared an amused look with Tolan.
"How long before Dixon falls? The Four are down to Two and the Coterie founders are desperate and stuck in hiding with no way to leave the city with their riches" Garrett said calmly.
"I know" the man answered softly hanging his head low.
"Let us take you to the City Guard. Make a deal for yourself" Garrett said. "Like Ignacio did? Look how well that turned out for him" the man answered in a bitter laugh.
"You won't be sent to the prison outside Kirkwall. You'll be safe in the Viscount's Keep as long as you work with the City Guard, make a deal for yourself" Garrett said sternly.
"… Look I would but I don't believe you. The Viscount's Keep and the Barracks aren't as safe as you think they are" the man said coldly.
Tolan straightened up his eyes widening as Garrett did the same and the two Ferelden Soldiers shared a wary look. Tolan looked like he wanted to ask but changed his mind gesturing to Garrett apparently not wanting Dixon's lieutenant to even hear his voice.
"What do you know? What is the Coterie planning?" Garrett asked starting to pace back and forth as Tolan began rubbing the ragged scar across his lips and past his cheeks. "I don't know all the details but I overheard Dixon talking with some of the others about the Viscount's Keep. About taking care of loose ends" the man answered.
"When was this plan taking place?" Garrett asked not liking the sound of this.
"If even I told you… you really think you could stop it?" the man asked. "Yes. We stop this, whatever it is, and we take you to the City Guard. You'll be protected once you make a deal" Garrett said.
"Alright then. What time is it?" the man asked. "About an hour past midnight" Garrett answered remembering complaining at Tolan for bothering him this late.
"Then you're running late. Best check out the Viscount's Keep" the man answered.
"Fine. We'll be back for you. Wait here" Garrett said turning to Tolan as the two of them headed for the stairs. "Yeah… I'll do that" the blindfolded man said in goodbye.
Turning back to the man Garrett asked "what's your name?" "Janos" the man answer as Garrett and Tolan left the basement.
"One of you stay here with the prisoner. The other comes with us" Tolan said as he and Garrett pasted the two Smugglers from before. Passing the Archer from before Garrett turned to Tolan saying "any idea what it is?" "No" Tolan answered.
Together Tolan, Garrett, and the Smuggler from before left the abandoned factory stepping back into the slums of Kirkwall in the edge between Lowtown and Darktown.
That's when Garrett noticed it… smoke rising from the distance.
Near Hightown Garrett thought as Tolan and the other Smuggler noticed it as well.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Garrett said warily as he turned to Tolan whom nodded saying "yeah I remember." "Distraction" Garrett and Tolan said simultaneously.
One of Athenril's tactics… fire Garrett and Tolan thought as they examined the smoke from Hightown.
Tolan turned to the Smuggler beside him saying "you. Go back to base and get twenty men and tell them to meet up at the Viscount's Keep." "And find Meeran we need the Red Iron" Garrett said also turning to the Smuggler.
The Smuggler shifted uneasily at get orders from both Tolan and Garrett but Tolan cleared thing up saying "just do it we need all the help we can get."
"On it" the Smuggler said running off.
"We need to leave. The City Guards will be busy putting out the fire and calming the civilians down… leaving the Viscount's Keep weakened" Garrett said hoping that some City Guards and Templars were still at the Keep or Barracks.
Pulling free his Raider Mask and slipping it over his head then raising his hood Tolan nodded saying "alright Hawke let's go."
Racing past the edges of Lowtown and reaching Hightown, Garrett and Tolan could see that the source of the fire was somewhere inside the Hightown Marketplace.
The Coterie had set the fire there knowing the flames would spread and draw a lot of City Guards away from the Viscount's Keep.
The City Guard is handling the fire. Putting the flames down and handling crowd control they don't need our help but we need to reach the Viscount's Keep Garrett thought as he and Tolan raced through the crowds of people.
Upon reaching the Viscount's Keep, Garrett and Tolan saw how empty the courtyard leading to the entrance was. "No workers" Garrett said as he Tolan pushed passed the front doors.
The scene that met them was pure panic.
Coterie men wearing dark green superior leather armor were attacking the Viscount's Keep. The usual workers in the Keep had either been killed or had fled the scene not wanting to get caught in the crossfire. The Coterie men were overwhelming the few City Guards they were still stationed in the Keep. The Coterie men would have already succeeded if it hadn't been for the Templars that Sir Thrask had assigned to aid the City Guard but even with the Templar's help the Coterie had the upper hand.
We're out numbered Garrett thought hastily as he unsheathed his weapons beside Tolan; together the two of them charged.
Slamming his Shield into a Coterie man Garrett pushed his way passed the man and slashed the throat of a Coterie Archer. Tolan slipped behind two Coterie men both his daggers at the ready before he back-stabbed both of them.
Sir Thrask appeared stabbing a Coterie man as he and two Templars fought their way to keep the Coterie men from going further into the Viscount's Keep. Behind Sir Thrask and his Templars the entrance to the main hall was opened and a ring of City Guards were slowly backing away in a closed formation.
The Viscount! They're escorting him away Garret realized as he caught a glimpse of Dumar stumbling onward with his City Guards... a light cut on his forehead. The Viscount had been wounded.
The Viscount had apparently been attacked but the City Guards had done their duty and protected their ruler whom had also unofficial assumed the role of Guard Captain. Now Sir Thrask was helping the City Guards as they evacuated Dumar.
"The Viscount's safe. They're going for the Barracks" Tolan said bringing Garrett back to the task at hand as the smuggler lord switched to a Longsword and Dagger. Moving forward his Shield raised Garrett reached a City Guard being overwhelmed by a Coterie man.
The City Guardsmen had been brought to the floor using his Shield to block slash after slash of a Coterie man's Battleaxe. Garrett slammed his Shield into the Coterie man's side pushing back then stabbed the man before he could retaliate.
"Donnic!" Garrett said realizing whom he had saved as he helped the City Guard to his feet as Tolan slit the throat of a Coterie man behind them. "Hawke! We're outnumbered!" Donnic stammered getting to his feet.
"Reinforcements are coming we just have hold on till they arrive" Garrett answered as Donnic picked up his fallen Longsword."
"You again!" Donnic said seeing Tolan wearing his Raider Mask as the smuggler lord glanced back at Donnic. "Saved you twice now" Tolan muttered under his breath.
Garrett, Tolan, and Donnic stayed close as they fought the Coterie men attacking the Viscount's Keep knowing they were outnumbered.
Some of them will slip pass us and go further in but we need to stop as many as we can Garrett thought as he blocked a slash with his Shield. Slamming the Coterie man back with his shield Garrett charged his opponent stabbing him.
Tolan back-stabbed another Coterie man with his Dagger as Donnic slashed a Coterie man three times across the chest killing him.
A Coterie man charged Garrett two Daggers raised. Garrett slashed with his Longsword batting away his attacker only for the Coterie man to backflip. What the… I've seen this before Garrett thought as in a flash he raised his Shield knowing the Coterie man would try and kick him back.
Thuck the Coterie man kicked Garrett's Shield only for Garrett to hold his ground and bat his attacker back with a Shield slam. Rushing Tolan slit the man's throat as Garrett covered his fellow Ferelden.
Donnic moved beside the two of them as more Coterie men took notice.
The three of them Garrett, Tolan, and Donnic stayed close following the lead of the few City Guards defending the Keep beside them. Staying in small groups the City Guards fought the Coterie men looking out for each other as best they could despite being outnumbered.
Suddenly something got their attention from inside the Barracks. Fire… Flame Magic ripping through the air burning two City Guards alive as they tried to defend the Barracks. An Apostate had slipped past them into the Barracks.
Leech… they thought in despair.
"We can't all go. Tolan can you stay and help the others?" Garrett said as he blocked a spear stab allowing Tolan to sidestep slitting the Coterie man's throat with a single slash.
"Clear the Barracks. I can take care of myself Hawke" Tolan said as Garrett parried a crazed slash with his Longsword before stabbing his attacker. "Hey I'm coming too. Let's go Hawke" Donnic said moving to stand beside Garrett as Tolan looked over the two of them and nodded.
"Don't get killed" Garrett said dryly as he and Donnic ran towards the Barracks.
"Nor you Hawke" Tolan called back as he stayed behind with the other City Guards.
Inside the Barracks Garrett and Donnic found an Apostate wearing green Coterie robes destroying the Barracks from within as two armed men protected him from what City Guards had rushed in trying to save their offices.
Sir Thrask and the Templars are helping the Viscount… just us here for now Garrett thought.
Garrett shared a wary glance with Donnic before both of them charged only for the Apostate send a burst of flame magic their way. Splitting up Garrett and Donnic dodged the flame magic as they both took cover behind some of the desk lying about the Barracks.
A City Guardsmen that had tried to defend the Barracks charged forward only to be burned alive by the Coterie Apostate.
Poking his head out Garrett looked over the Apostate and his two comrades. Can't get to the Apostate in time with those two guarding him… need to separate them or distract the Apostate Garrett thought.
Donnic made to charge but was forced back by the Apostate firing a hurried firebolt his way only to miss but keeping Donnic back.
That's when Garrett saw him… Arys. There behind his desk in his sharp blue uniform that was now tattered and dirtied stood Arys having left his hiding spot behind his desk. A clipboard flew through the air slamming into the Apostate's head… the whole scene stopped as they took in what had happened.
It had happen so fast and so unexpectedly that it actually stopped everyone in their tracks for a moment. Serious, annoying, precise and by the book dutiful Arys in his sharp blue uniform had thrown his clipboard at an Apostate.
The Coterie Apostate stumbled back as Garrett charged forward taking the opportunity without question as Donnic did the same.
Slamming his Shield into one of the Coterie Guards, Garrett rushed forward as Donnic finished the Coterie Guard off. The other Coterie Guard made to back-stab Garrett only for a book to slam into the man's face sending him back.
Arys had saved Garrett again.
Reaching the Apostate and raising his Longsword high Garrett slashed the man's throat open before he could cast a spell. Looking over the dead Apostate with a wary glance Garrett noticed it was an older man with a tattoo on his cheek.
Not Leech. Well we always did suspect the Coterie had a few Apostates on their side… Garrett thought turning to see Donnic finishing up with the last Coterie Guard.
Donnic stabbed the last Coterie Guard. The Barracks was cleared.
A loud thunderous roar was heard from back outside the Barracks. "Go. Someone needs to save what's left of these files" Arys said speaking in a low shocked voice as he gestured around at what was left of the Barracks.
"You ever think about a transfer Arys? Clipboard and books are your weapons of choice… even saved us twice" Garrett said lightly. Arys smiled sheepishly. Arys isn't a fighter like us… he gonna need some help after this Garrett thought hoping his little joke had helped the clearly in shock man.
Stepping back outside the Barracks and into the Viscount's Keep Garrett and Donnic found that reinforcements had arrived. The Coterie men were being slaughtered as the Red Iron and Smugglers swarmed over them helping the City Guard.
Garrett and Donnic watched as a Coterie man made a run for it managing to sneak around the Red Iron mercenaries only for Hermes to appear with his bow and arrow.
"No you don't" Hermes said firing in arrow. The Coterie man making a run for it stumbled as Hermes's arrow impaled his back going through his heart. The Coterie man slumped to the floor dead.
Finding Tolan leaning on a wall Garrett said "reinforcements finally made it." Tolan nodded saying "even Meeran came." Just then they heard him, Meeran laughing as he yelled "another time I came and saved the City Guard's ass!"
"He came in roaring like a madman" Tolan said as he and Garrett watched Meeran pulling a flask from his belt and taking a drink. "So we heard" Garrett said as Donnic nodded.
"Regroup! We need a count of who's left and who we lost" Donnic called moving to help his fellow Guardsmen.
"That Apostate in the Barracks?" Tolan asked turning to Garrett.
"Not Leech just some Apostate the Coterie had working for them" Garrett answered. Meeran got their attention again as he finished off a Coterie man whom had been trying to crawl away with a single stab with his Longsword.
Garrett watched bemused as Meeran took another drink of vodka as he and his men counted their kills… they're skilled but they're still Sellswords.
"Can't believe I almost worked for him" Garrett said slowly. Tolan turned back to Garrett genuinely surprised by that. "Hawke you almost joined the Red Iron?" Tolan asked.
"Back when I was first getting into Kirkwall my uncle need to get a loan for us. Gamlen had two takers who were willing to pay our way in if I worked off the debt. Athenril or Meeran, Smuggler or Mercenary" Garrett answered slowly.
"You chose Athenril over Meeran... why? With your training as a Soldier it would have been easier to work as a Sellsword" Tolan asked curiously. "… I guess I didn't want Bethany working for him. Meeran's a good warrior but he's ruthless and wild" Garrett said watching Meeran bragging of his kills.
"Of course. Hawke always being the family man" Tolan said.
Just then Meeran spotted them and made his way over to them.
"Hawke smart of you to get me and my boys to help" Meeran said in greeting. "The Smugglers and City Guards did their part too… even the Templars" Garrett said as Meeran shrugged offering him a drink of his vodka.
Garrett shook his head refusing the vodka.
Meeran took another drink of vodka before glancing at Tolan and his Raider Mask. Narrowing his eyes and leaning in closer with a bemused look on his face Meeran stared Tolan down.
Those two don't get along so well… Garrett thought wary as he saw Tolan practically glare at Meeran through his Raider Mask. Meeran leaned back smirking and little out a small harsh laugh.
"Let me guess… that's you again mister handsome face isn't it." Meeran said in his deep grizzled voice dropping his drunken persona and getting serious. "Hey calm down" Garrett said stepping between the two of them.
"Relax Hawke we're all allies here aren't we" Meeran said smirking.
Tolan looked away not bothering to pay attention to Meeran but there was no fooling Meeran, he knew that was Tolan under the Raider Mask.
"Meeran tell some of your men to stick around if the City Guard needs more help. We still have rooms we need to clear" Garrett said calmly. "You got it Hawke" Meeran said walking away.
Before he left Meeran turned looking past Garrett and at Tolan. "Don't so somber mister handsome face." Raising his hand and gesturing at his face Meeran mocked Tolan saying "women find scars sexy and I'm sure that smile of yours lures them right in ha!"
Garrett watched Meeran walking away and even though Garrett couldn't see Tolan's face he could tell the man was glaring.
Turning to look at the corpse of one of the Coterie men Garrett said "I'm not sure but I think I've seen these guys before." "Back when you and Aveline uncovered Jeven's corruption?" Tolan asked having done his research.
Garrett nodded saying "Donnic had been set up for an ambush. Sellswords attacked him and Aveline and I saved him but something happened… reinforcements came and they were better equipped than the Sellswords."
"The Coterie branch didn't trust the Sellswords Jeven hired. Those men were the Coterie enforcers just like the ones who attacked the Keep today, there aren't many of them but they're a cut above the thugs we usually fight" Tolan mussed.
"The Four were used because the Coterie branch needed more manpower… for them to use their own enforcers they must be brave or desperate" Garrett said thinking aloud.
"Hawke I take my leave of you. I'll leave a Smuggler or two in case you need them but you know where to find me" Tolan said. Garrett watched Tolan leave still keep his face hidden by that Raider Mask of his as he pulled his hood over that too becoming one with the crowd.
Helping Donnic and the other City Guards clean up Garrett could only wonder how many City Guards still didn't know what happened here while they put out the fire.
Suddenly the entrance to the main hall opened and Aveline appeared followed by a few City Guards and surprisingly a few Templars.
Garrett frowned as he noticed Aveline's armor stained with blood. "Aveline are you okay?" Garrett asked in greeting. "I'm fine. It is Coterie blood" Aveline said in a dry voice as she looked around the Viscount's Keep.
"Where were you? What happened?" Garrett asked as he stood beside his friend. "I was in the Barracks prison out back" Aveline began as she noticed the body of a dead City Guard being taken away.
"While the attack was happening here a second attack was made at the Barracks prison. Luckily a few Guards and Templars were stationed nearby while I questioned Madam Lusine" Aveline said looking bothered by something.
"Aveline… what happened" Garrett asked not liking the look on his friend's face.
"Leech happened… he led the attack on the Barracks prison. Hawke he ripped through our armor… Tierney is dead Leech killed him before we could do anything" Aveline answered.
"Madam Lusine?" Garrett asked sighing in despair.
"She's hurt but alive. We managed to drive Leech and some of Dixon's men off but it wasn't easy. We lost elven City Guards and five Templars in the fight" Aveline said not looking well.
"Hey this isn't over Aveline. You're okay" Garrett said patting his friend on the shoulder. Aveline brightened slightly saying "I know I just hate not being able to stand against that freak without the Templars."
"Who are these men? Whoever attacked the Viscount's Keep aren't Dixon's men" Aveline said as she noticed Donnic heading for her.
"They're Coterie enforcers. We've fought them before they're tougher than Dixon's men but there's not that many of them" Garrett answered just as Donnic reached them.
"Aveline how is the Viscount?" Donnic asked turning to his partner.
"Sir Thrask and a few City Guards saved Dumar. He's outside getting healed but as far as I know he's not too hurt" Aveline answered. "I need to see him there's something the Viscount needs to know. It concerns all of us" Garrett said.
Aveline nodded and dismissed Donnic.
"Follow me" Aveline said escorting Garrett out back to where the Viscount was recovering.
Outside, Garrett and Aveline found Viscount Dumar surrounded by a ring of City Guards and Sir Thrask as Seneschal Bran reported what they knew so far.
As they reached the Viscount however Garrett noticed that Bran's hair was roughed up and that the man himself wasn't as calm as he usually was, his fingers trembled every now and agin.
"Hawke. Aveline" Viscount Dumar said in greeting as the ring of City Guards moved to let them speak revealing Saemus kneeling beside his father with concern in his eyes.
"Leave us Saemus" Viscount Dumar said clamping his son on the shoulder. "But… okay" Saemus said slowly as he slowly left his father mumbling a quick hello to Garrett and Aveline on his way out.
"Bran tells me you brought some much needed reinforcements Hawke. It seems you and your contacts are proving a greater ally than we realized" Viscount Dumar said standing up revealing his battered form along with the bandaged placed across his forehead.
"We did our part Viscount. How are you?" Garrett said looking over the ruler of Kirkwall seeing that man looked very haggard.
"Alive. It'll take more than the Coterie to put these old bones to rest" Viscount Dumar said in soft laugh as he rubbed the bandaged cut on his forehead looking like the old man he really was.
Garrett, Aveline, and Sir Thrask smiled good naturedly at the Viscount's joke.
"There's something you need to know sir… something the Smugglers uncovered" Garrett said slowly as he crossed his arms. "Sir Thrask stay, the rest of you secure the area and gives us some space" Viscount Dumar ordered.
Once Bran and the City Guards had given them their space; Viscount Dumar, Aveline, Garrett, and Sir Thrask stood close as their usual room was being cleaned up.
"What's this about Hawke?" Sir Thrask asked. "The Smugglers captured one of Dixon's lieutenants, Janos. He and his men were planning an attack on the Smugglers but they failed" Garrett said.
"Is he willing to make a deal? Will he even be worth the effort" Aveline said shifting back into her serious self. "He's worth it. He alerted my 'friend' and I about the attack on the Viscount's Keep, once we bring him in he'll make a deal" Garrett answered.
"We'll be ready for him. A pardon perhaps if he can prove his worth" Viscount Dumar said rubbing his head slightly as if in pain. "I'll station more Templars around the Keep. Meredith might abject but this incident only proves we need to be ready" Sir Thrask said sternly.
"I don't think the Coterie will try another attack. They're getting desperate and they want us to afraid. Want to show us that no one is untouchable not even the Viscount but they failed" Aveline said speaking up.
"That's true but it's more than that. According to Dixon's lieutenant they were trying to close some loose ends. Tierney and Madam Lusine... and they got half of that done" Garrett said darkly.
"They didn't want the two of them leaking information" Viscount Dumar said sternly.
"All the same the Keep and the Barracks prison needs better protection" Sir Thrask said. "The Keep and Barracks prison have protection, the City Guard!" Aveline called.
"The City Guard protects the Keep but it also protects the City. Until this ordeal is over we need help from our allies Aveline. What Templars Meredith can spare, will do us good" Viscount Dumar said looking at Aveline and calming her down.
Have to hand it the Viscount he's good at calming tensions. Must get a lot of practice with the Nobles Garrett thought.
"The Nobles have been scared these past weeks I expect they'll be in panic when they hear of this" Viscount Dumar sighed. "Sir let Seneschal Bran handle the Nobles you need your rest" Aveline said concerned.
Viscount Dumar nodded.
"My friend and I will bring Dixon's lieutenant in he doesn't trust us too much but he doesn't want to end up on the losing side. Aveline have your questions ready" Garrett said.
"I'll be ready for him. Qerth should back soon with the City Guards that dealt with the fire… they're in for a surprise when they see what happened back here" Aveline said.
"Viscount rest while you can. Maybe see Saemus I'm sure he's worried about his father" Garrett said turning to the Viscount. "I think I will. Aveline keep me posted" Viscount Dumar said putting an end to their meeting.
Garrett watched Dumar leave seeing that his age was showing today as he limped slightly towards his son holding his forehead.
The Gallows
Circle of Magi
Cafeteria
"What's wrong Beth? Have trouble sleeping yesterday?" Maire asked as they were moving down the line to get breakfast. "Yeah that Harrowing the Templars set up wouldn't let me sleep" Bethany said rubbing her eyes.
"… Beth how did you know a Harrow had been set up?" Maire hissed almost in a whisper as she glanced around making sure no one was listening.
"I sensed it in my sleep. The call was to strong and I ended up being pulled in nearby" Bethany said in a shrug.
"You… you sensed the Harrowing's Call from outside the Fade?" Maire said slowly her mouth hanging open. "Not really… I was asleep at the time and I just couldn't block it out. How do all you Circle Mages deal with it? It's like a cannon firing" Bethany said lightly.
"Bethany we almost never sense a Harrowing being set up let alone get pulled in by its' call… I don't know of anyone else who could do that Beth just how strong is your magic" Maire said in awe.
"What? I… I've had problems with wandering in the Fade since I was a little girl. My father had to teach me to block it out but the Harrowing's big there's no ignoring it" Bethany said slowly.
"Wow… I've never heard of children being that aware of the Fade. Beth… how old were you when your magic awakened?" Maire asked looking very surprised.
"Well I was three-" Bethany began only to stop as she reached the serving lady and froze at the sight in front of her.
"You" Bethany said in shock.
Standing across the table serving breakfast for the Circle Mages was one of the many Tranquil the Templars employed. This Tranquil was new and was very beautiful having been from somewhere very far and exotic.
There standing before Bethany was Idunna. Her beauty was still there but nothing left of her original self she was blank and empty, the Tranquil mark having been burned into her forehead.
"Hello again. I apologize for what harm I may have caused you and your brother in the past but that is behind me. I have found peace here. I am Tranquil" Idunna said speaking in an empty flat voice.
"You and your brother?" Maire asked frowning as she waited for Bethany to grab her breakfast so they could find a table. "… when did-" Bethany began only to be interrupted by the Mages waiting in line behind her.
"Uh excuse me what's the hold up? We're trying to get some breakfast" a Circle Mage in line behind Bethany said.
"Sorry" Bethany said taking her breakfast from the now Tranquil Idunna and moving on with Maire to find a table. "Have a pleasant day" Idunna called out to Bethany in her flat voice.
Taking a seat with Maire and putting her food down Bethany glanced back at Idunna seeing the now Tranquil woman serving breakfast. "Beth do you know her?" Maire asked as she ate her breakfast.
"She tried to kill my brother once" Bethany said slowly keeping her eye on Idunna. Maire just stayed silent for a moment.
"Beth you have the strangest life" Maire said lightly.
"I did. It wasn't always safe but it was never boring" Bethany said finally turning away from Idunna knowing that the woman was gone.
"Do you know what happened to her?" Bethany asked turning to Maire. "Idunna? She was in the Gallows prison for a while before they made her Tranquil" Maire answered. "Her hands are burned… why?" Bethany said glanced back at Idunna seeing that both of the woman's hands were wrapped up.
"I… I don't know" Maire said slowly. Looking past Bethany and what she was looking at Maire noticed it too. Idunna's hands were burned but since she was Tranquil it didn't bother her much.
"There have been rumors going around that Meredith's changing the rules again… well at least as much as she can. They say she's turning stricter" Maire said slowly.
"How do you know all this stuff?" Bethany asked. "My mentor Enchanter Vernon has a lot of friends here and they know me is all" Marie said shrugging as she ate her breakfast.
"Circle Mages and Templars friends?" Bethany asked raising an eyebrow as she ate. "What? It does happen Beth and not all Templars are bad just most of them" Maire answered.
They ate mostly in silence after that occasionally chatting about Bethany's search to find a mentor so she could eventually get permission to visit. However Bethany kept glancing back at Idunna seeing the empty plain look in the former Apostate's eye.
After breakfast Bethany and Maire headed for the library to meet with Tobrius again.
"Hello again Bethany, Maire. You know you don't need to keep helping me I'm sure two youngsters such as yourself have better things to do" Tobrius said in greeting. "It's no trouble and we don't mind helping" Bethany said as Marie smiled saying "Vernon's still in Orlais so I don't mind."
"I appreciate the help the library always has books to sort" Tobrius said handing them a few books as he went about his business.
"How goes the search for a mentor?" Tobrius said glancing back at Bethany. "No luck. Most of the Enchanters are taken and the others don't know me well enough to take me on as an apprentice" Bethany said sighing.
"Give it some time you're still pretty new here and I'm sure you'll impress an Enchanter sooner or later" Tobrius said reassuringly.
"You know Tobrius you could just mentor me yourself" Bethany said looking at her father's friend, now her friend, hopefully. "If it comes down to it, maybe. However I insist that you search for mentor under a subject you actually enjoy and not just whatever will have you" Tobrius answered.
"Hmm… maybe I like books" Bethany said lightly.
Tobrius gave Bethany an amused look as Maire chuckled from the shelf behind them.
"What?" Bethany asked.
"Bethany you are the daughter of Malcolm Hawke… you don't want a life of books and studying" Tobrius said smirking. "I… no I don't want that. No offence Tobrius" Bethany said lightly. "It's fine like I said my nick name used to be Bookworm" Tobrius said remembering his youth with the rebellious younger Malcolm Hawke.
Moving along the bookshelves sorting books Bethany noticed something odd… a young boy sitting with his head down on one of the tables.
Stepping away from the bookshelf Bethany walked over to boy and awkwardly patted him on the shoulder saying "hey what's wrong?" Looking at her was Kenneth, the young mage that Tobrius had helped earlier; he was startled and didn't look well as if he was scared.
"Hey uh Bethany right?" Kenneth said nervously as he twitched slightly.
"Kenneth… what's wrong you don't look well" Bethany said slowly seeing the fear in the boy's eyes. "I… um… I heard something I wasn't supposed to hear" Kenneth said slowly. Leaning down to reassure the young boy Bethany said "what's wrong did you get trouble?"
Kenneth trembled as he whispered "I overheard that Meredith was enforcing stricter rules… and that the Templars lowered the age limit for Harrowings… I overheard … I overheard that I was selected for a Harrowing. Not everyone comes back from a Harrowning."
"That's impossible you're too young" Bethany said reassuringly as she pat Kenneth on the shoulder only for Marie to call her saying "Bethany what's going on?" Before Bethany could respond Maire appeared beside her saying "hey Kenneth sorry for bothering you we were just helping Tobrius."
What's happening with Maire? She's trying to pull me away Bethany thought confused.
"Kenneth thinks that he's been chosen for his Harrowing. I was just telling him that that's impossible. I mean he's too young right?" Bethany said turning to Maire.
Maire remind silent and looked away.
"Right?" Bethany asked slowly as Maire just looked away and Kenneth trembled. "Bethany, Maire can you give me a hand?" Tobrius called suddenly waving them over.
Maire grabbed Bethany by the shoulders and gently pulled her back to Tobrius and his books whispering "Beth calm down."
"You need to leave Kenneth alone Bethany" Tobrius said sternly as Bethany glanced back at Kenneth sitting alone at the table. "That can't be right… Kenneth's no older than thirteen" Bethany said still not understanding what was wrong with her friends.
"It's Meredith. She's been pushing the Templars harder than usual and enforcing stricter rules. The age limit for Harrowings has been lowered and Kenneth has been chosen" Tobrius said darkly.
Bethany gaped before getting herself together saying "but he's too young."
"You're right Bethany he is too young. I don't know how Kenneth learned about it but we can't do anything" Tobrius sighed.
"You helped me with my Harrowing" Bethany said through narrowed eyes. "It's not the same" Maire said uncomfortably. "This is different the Templars are paying a lot more attention than they did before" Tobrius added.
"Why?" Bethany asked.
"Look… events in the city have changed things. Meredith is stricter for a reason. I don't agree with lowering the age limit for Harrowings but Meredith wants more secure Circle Mages and the Templars are watching more than ever" Tobrius answered looking uneasy.
"What events? What's happening in Kirkwall?" Bethany asked. "Nothing… nothing that concerns you Bethany I'm sorry but I can't say" Tobrius answered stiffly.
"We can't help Kenneth… all the enchanters have been told to leave him alone" Tobrius added as he glanced at young Kenneth darkly.
"It's not fair but there's nothing we can do Beth. I'm not even supposed to know but like I said I'm friends with a few enchanters and I overheard them talking about it" Maire said sadly.
Bethany scoffed saying "maybe you won't help Kenneth but I will. Sending a child against a Harrowing is suicide."
Before Tobrius or Maire could stop her Bethany walked out heading for Kenneth but stopped when she noticed a lone Templar watching her. The lone Templar was in full armor and he had apparently gone out of his way to check up on Kenneth and keep an eye on him… Tobrius was right the Templars are paying more attention.
Getting an idea in her head Bethany went to a nearby bookshelf and picked out the book Tobrius had given her during her Harrowing, History of the Fade: A study of Magi.
Walking back to Kenneth Bethany handed him the book speaking loud enough for the lone Templar to hear her as she said "here's that book you wanted Kenneth I think you'll learn a lot from it."
Kenneth looked up at her and took the book.
"Don't worry Kenneth I'll help you" Bethany whispered before returning to Tobrius and Maire.
Glancing back Bethany saw Kenneth frozen for a moment before he realized what had happened and opened the book looking grateful. "Beth what are you thinking? That's dangerous" Maire hissed as Tobrius looked at her with concern.
"Helping a friend" Bethany answered as she returned to sorting books.
Kirkwall,
Lowtown
Back Alley
"Are you sure about this Hawke? What if this doesn't work? What if they don't believe him" Aveline asked. "It'll work out trust me, my friend has done this kinda thing before" Garrett answered.
Janos, Dixon's lieutenant that Tolan's Smugglers had captured, stood before them wearing his normal leather armor and looking nervous as shifted uneasily waiting to be released.
"We wait on the intel we have now and let Janos work from within Dixon's men. Having a man on the inside is a chance we can't pass up and the timing's just right" Tolan said.
Tolan had once again donned his Raider Mask and hood not wanting anyone besides Garrett to know his identity.
"If he tries to betray us" Aveline said glaring at the nervous Janos.
"Then he'll have to explain why he let us know about the attack on the Keep and of course we'll hunt him down" Garrett said shrugging.
"Look I already answered your questions miss. I can work from within; I'll be your spy but I want a pardon for this… maybe a reward" Janos said awkwardly. "You'll get your pardon if this works. For the reward… I'll see what I can do" Aveline said not liking this at all.
"Alright he needs to look hurt" Tolan said seriously.
"What?" Janos said taking a step back.
"Janos here's your story you and your men were ambushed by the Smugglers and only you made it out. You tell Dixon and the others you need to be more discrete" Garrett said.
"We'll be in contact. Keep us informed" Tolan said walking over to Janos and punching him in the face with enough force to knock him over. "There that black eye will fool anyone" Garrett said helping Janos to his feet.
"Hmm he needs more wounds… maybe a cut or two" Tolan said thoughtful.
Janos looked up at Tolan shaking his head 'no'.
"The black eye will be enough. You're a good fighter right Janos?" Aveline said. "Yeah" Janos answered wiping blood from his face. "Then he could have got away with just a black eye" Garrett said.
"Fine" Tolan said as Aveline smiled slightly at them for discussing how much to wound their spy.
"I'll tell Dixon I had to lay low for a while that's why it took me took time to get back" Janos said as he straightened up. "Alright you have a job to do. Go" Aveline said. Janos left them heading back to Dixon and the rest of the Coterie.
"Well looks like we have our man on the inside" Garrett said sternly. "Even though they failed to cut all their loose ends they did succeeded in creating fear. People will hear about the attack" Tolan said.
"I feel bad for the Viscount. He keeps having to calm down Nobles" Aveline said.
"That his job Aveline. We all have our part to play even those in politics" Garrett said clamping Aveline on the arm. We all do our part. This alliance is unconventional but we're winning Garrett thought as they parted ways.
Long I know but not as long as I've gone before
As for the way I describe Kirkwall well it's suppose to be a city state.
I always felt Kirkwall should be a lot bigger than it was ingame so in my fic Kirkwall is a lot bigger.
Hence the Barracks having offices and being big enough for more than just a handful of people.
But I digress...
I wrote a side-story awhile ago about Saemus and his trip to Ferelden. It was mentioned in an earlier chapter and I wanted to show that so I did it's called Voyage to Ferelden. Check it out if you have the time.
Thanks for Reading and please Review