Hey guys pretty fast update huh
I just had the urge to write and I wanted to finish it before finals started
This is the action chapter
It's LONG so just a heads up.
The Gallows
Circle of Magi
Harrowing Chamber
"You did good Kenneth there you go take a deep breathe" First Enchanter Orsino said calming the young mage down as he helped the lad to his feet. "It's over" Kenneth asked nervously. "It's over" Orsino said reassuringly as he pat the young mage on the back.
"Something is not right" Meredith said.
The Knight Commander had watched with Orsino as a Pride Demon disguised as a Spirit of Justice had entered Kenneth's Harrowing only to leave without doing anything.
"He's alive isn't he? Not even fifteen and he survived a Harrowing. What more would you have of him" Orsino said through narrowed eyes.
"He did as expected" Meredith corrected coldly.
"It was terrifying" Kenneth said hiding behind Orsino, he'd never been in the same room as Meredith until tonight. "Come now Kenneth I need to take a blood sample" Sir Milford said as Meredith gestured for him to finish the ceremony.
"Wait! What?" Kenneth said trembling behind Orsino at the sight of Sir Milford strolling toward him, his knife raised. "Blast it let me do it Meredith!" Orsino said holding out his hand for the knife.
Sir Milford glanced at Meredith for conformation which he got in the form of a stiff nod as Orsino took the knife. "I'm sorry Kenneth but they need a blood sample. Not a lot just one little cut and it's over and I'll bandage you up" Orsino said kneeling down to Kenneth.
Kenneth just stared at the knife in horror.
"Do you trust me Kenneth?" Orsino said keeping the knife down. "I… yes" Kenneth said knowing he'd find no sympathy from the Templars, only Orsino.
Grimly Kenneth held out his hand and Orsino lightly cut him drawing blood which Sir Milford collected in vial. "There not so bad was it" Orsino said as he bandaged the cut and numbed the pain with his magic.
"Take him back to his chambers for now. I feel… this isn't right" Meredith said sharply to the two Templars standing beside the exit.
"None of this is right! He's a child forced into a Harrowing!" Orsino said sternly to which Meredith ignored without a second thought. "Open the iron door" Meredith said just as Sir Milford and Orsino made to escort Kenneth back to bed while his new room would be made ready for him in the morning.
The iron door was built by Templars to repel magic and in effect also blocked out Templar senses and Meredith's years of experience told her something was wrong.
"What's wrong now" Orsino complained loudly as Meredith followed them outside with a grim look on her face. "Something outside the Harrowing got the Pride Demon's attention. It called it away… that should not have happened" Meredith said thinking it over.
"A friendly Spirit. I'm grateful" Orsino said bitterly.
"No" Meredith said slowly. Now that she was outside the Harrowing chamber she could open her senses and right now she felt something that should have been impossible. Glaring Meredith knew she was right.
"A mage is in the Fade!" Meredith yelled coldly as she gestured for Templars to follow her.
"That's impossible all the Lyrium is locked up" Orsino said as Sir Milford escorted Kenneth alone as Meredith instructed. "Apparently not. I can sense it. We need to check the Apprentice Chambers. All of them!" Meredith said nearly spitting.
The Fade
Bethany was running through the vast emptiness that surrounded her as the Pride Demon laughed at her struggles to escape.
The Pride Demon was playing a game.
When it had first dragged her into the Fade it had thrown her like a rag doll saying that she had interrupted his fun in the Harrowing. In some cruel game the Pride Demon had given her a head start saying that there was no escape but that he was bored.
"Daddy's not here to help you anymore" the voice of Malcolm Hawke called in a cruel twisted form of the man that had been her father. You're not him! Stay out of me head! Bethany thought as she turned seeing the Pride Demon had even taken the form of her dead father as he chased her.
It was strange even though she'd been pulled into the Fade and left her body back in the real world she still had her staff. She sent a hurried Spirit Bolt at the Pride Demon who laughed it off mocking "come now Bethany daddy trained you better than that."
Bethany ran through the vast emptiness dodging burst of flame magic that Pride Demon sent out haphazardly enjoying this game.
Bethany quickly cast an Arcane Shield over herself as the Pride Demon sent a burst of lightning her way which slammed into her shield. Bethany slid back a few feet her arcane shield breaking apart like glass as she scrambled up dodging more flame magic.
"Come now I expect more from you. Your memories show me the things you can do. What's wrong? Do you fear me? Poor little Bethany all alone" the Pride Demon mocked in its cruel deep intelligent voice.
Bethany glared and raised her staff casting Cone of Cold, the ice magic colliding into the Pride Demon that had taken the form of her father. The Pride Demon stumbled back as it was frozen literally in a block of ice… only for the ice to shatter as the Pride Demon broke free with easy.
Stepping back and shaking Bethany held her staff out panting.
"That's what I'm talking about!" the Pride Demon mocked.
Bethany sent a burst of blue flame magic the Pride Demon's way as she ran trying to keep her distance. "Nowhere to run" the Pride Demon said as it began to shape the Fade around them. Suddenly trees began to appear around the Fade.
Bethany nearly tripped as the Fade around her began to change before her eyes, the Pride Demon could do anything in its playground. Instead of the vast emptiness that had once been the Fade it now stood a dark forest of some kind filled with tall trees while the Black City loomed over them.
Moving quickly Bethany hid behind one of the tall trees holding her breathe hoping this was all a nightmare and that she'd wake up back home with her family.
He… wants me to hide. He wants me to play his game Bethany thought as she realized that was exactly what she was doing. Trying to break past her fear Bethany tightly gripped her staff panting and trying to keep her voice low.
I need to fight him… there's no other way Bethany thought remembering what her father, her real father, had taught her.
I'm… I'm scared. More scared than I've ever been. How can I fight him? No single mage has ever defeated a Pride Demon Bethany thought trembling as she stood frozen behind the tree where she was hiding.
She wanted to weep but something inside her wouldn't let her… a primal urge to survive that said to move already. Mustering her courage Bethany took a deep breath and slowly crept around the tree her staff raised.
Seeing nothing but the dark forest the Fade had become she slowly began to move not daring to blink as she scanned for the Pride Demon. Hearing movement Bethany quickly recast an arcane shield around herself only barley managing to save herself as the lightning struck.
Bethany's arcane shield once again shattered like glass as she flew back slamming into a tree behind her in pain. Slumping to her knees Bethany dropped her staff tasting blood in her mouth as she groaned, tears of pain sliding down her face.
I can't do this… no one can do this Bethany thought in despair as she barely managed to breathe and hold herself up.
She could hear the footsteps of the Pride Demon approaching.
Bethany cringed in pain closing her eyes as she knelt on the floor unable to move.
"Dear Bethany is that all you've got" the Pride Demon mocked once again changing its form this time into Garrett Hawke. Bethany opened her eyes hearing the sound of her bother but she knew it wasn't really him she knew the Pride Demon was seeing into her memories.
Managing to look up Bethany saw the Pride Demon had Garrett down to the very last detail except for the fact that he was dressed as Knight. The Pride Demon slowly strode towards her covered in heavy chainmail armor but it wore the face of her older brother.
"He always hated you. Did you know that? I bet you did… somewhere inside you always knew how much your family despised you" the demented form of Garrett said icily as he glared at her with such hateful eyes.
"No… you're wrong" Bethany said weakly.
"After everything your big brother has given up for you. The life he's had to live only to protect your worthless life. The opportunities you took away from him merely by existing. Why would he not despise you?" the Pride Demon mocked as it circled around Bethany having its fun.
Bethany weakly grabbed her staff sending a burst of Force Magic at the Pride Demon which did little more than make it stumble. "Two can play at that game" the Pride Demon said also using Force Magic as it lifted Bethany up and threw her across the forest.
Landing in a painful thud Bethany once again dropped her staff.
"How happy do you think he is now that you're gone? How happy do you think he is now that he is free to do as he pleases? No longer worrying about his annoying little sister who was always a bit of a freak" the Pride Demon mocked.
"To think how Sir Garrett Hawke must be living the good life oh I bet barely even remembers you anymore" the Pride Demon mocked.
"My brother wasn't a Knight he was a Soldier!" Bethany yelled raising her hand, she was in too much pain to grab her staff, and called forth blue fire.
The blue flame magic struck the Pride Demon but it merely laughed it off as the heavy chainmail armor glowed bright red from the heat. "Don't you get it? He could have been. Oh wait he always had to look after you" the Pride Demon sneered.
Bethany numbly cast burst after burst of blue flame magic using only her hands as the Pride Demon laughed it off wearing her older brother's face. "Don't you see how much of a failure you are?" the Pride Demon said this time using the voice and face of someone that stopped Bethany in her tracks.
"Carver" Bethany said in a low voice too stunned to move.
The face of her twin brother stood before her glaring in his chainmail armor that only Ferelden Knights wore. "You killed me Bethany!" the Pride Demon said wearing Carver Hawke's face. "No… no I…" Bethany stammered.
"You made us stay behind! You didn't save me you let me die! You watched I was crushed to death and did nothing!" the cruel form of Carver yelled. "No… that's not true… I tried to help" Bethany said weakly.
"Liar! Everything has always been about you! I could have been a master swordsman! I could have been a Knight!" the twisted form of Carver yelled.
"You're not my brother" Bethany rasped.
For once the Pride Demon stood silent as Bethany spoke.
"You have his face… you can have any face you want but I'll always know what you are" Bethany said sternly as she glared. The Pride Demon looked her over curiously and chucked using its real cold, cruel, but intelligent voice.
"Now that's the mage I remember" the Pride Demon said coldly using its original voice but keeping Carver's face.
"Well this has been fun but it's time to end things. I could kill you it would easier than you think but no I'm bored. I wonder what fun I could have in the real world… just think how long it would take the Templar to realize what happened" the Pride Demon softly.
He's going to possess me Bethany thought in despair.
Only something changed things.
The Pride Demon suddenly stopped in its tracks as Bethany noticed it too… a flash of light as a figure suddenly stood before them. A shrouded figure forming the silhouette of a man had literally crush landed from somewhere outside the Pride Demon's playground.
The shrouded figure stood tall, almost like a Spirit of Justice or Valor… only it wasn't a Spirit. Bethany wasn't sure how she knew but she did. Whatever it was it wasn't another spirit.
"Leave us whatever you are this is my game" the Pride Demon said only for the shrouded figure to summon a Greatsword from somewhere.
What is this? Bethany thought. The Pride Demon hissed as the shrouded figure charged Greatsword held high. The Pride Demon laughed as it lazily dodged a slash only to get punched back.
The shrouded figure appeared to smirk, Greatsword raised outward as if daring the Pride Demon to charge him, whatever it was it wasn't afraid. The Pride Demon changed form becoming the huge horned purple beast roughly the same size as an Ogre Alpha.
Bethany watched as the dark forest changed around them returning to the empty vastness from before. "You've interrupted my game… run along now before I have to deal with you too" the Pride Demon said coldly as it loomed over them.
The shrouded figure backed up slowly moving to stand in front of Bethany… almost like it shielding her. He glanced back at Bethany.
Pick up your staff the shrouded figure seemed to say with a head jerk, for some reason he was unable to speak. The Pride Demon got tired of waiting and started forward its monstrous feet causing the ground to shake.
Just as Bethany managed to pick up her staff the shrouded figure charged forward dodging the Pride Demon's claw as it tried to bat him away. The shrouded figure sidestepped and slashed the Pride Demon's side with his Greatsword leaving a deep wound… the Pride Demon was actually hurt.
The Pride Demon swung its massive claws trying to keep the shrouded figure away but it was no use as the shrouded figure dodged every one of them. It was almost like the shrouded figure had fought something as big as the Pride Demon before.
Bethany slowly got to her feet using her staff as a crutch watching in astonishment as the shrouded figure slashed the Pride Demon again and again.
The Pride Demon roared in pain as the shrouded figure slashed it across its chest leaving a deep gash forcing the beast back. The shrouded figure looked back at Bethany and smirked.
The shrouded figure made to stab the Pride Demon only for the beast to slam its fist down on him before he could dodge it. The Pride Demon laughed as it slammed its fists down on the shrouded figure three times before grabbing him and crushing him.
Bethany gasped as the shrouded figure lay unmoving in the Pride Demon's fist as it tossed him like a ragdoll. Bethany watched in horror as the shrouded figure became a spec in the distance before disappearing completely… her only ally was gone.
The Pride Demon started towards Bethany as she tried to raise her staff only for something to pull her from behind urging her to follow. Turning Bethany saw the shrouded figure had reappeared right beside her and was pulling her to safety as the Pride Demon charged.
How did he get beside me so fast Bethany wondered as the shrouded figure pulled her to safety, the Pride Demon whisking pass them. Snapping around the Pride Demon sent another lightning strike their way and Bethany thought they were doomed only for the shrouded figure to do something unexpected.
The shrouded figure grabbed Bethany and pulled her behind him as he shielded her, the lightning hitting his back. Bethany held the both of them up as her savior clung to her. He saved me she thought. Suddenly the shrouded figure grabbed Bethany by the shoulders.
Fight him it's the only way the shrouded figure seemed to plead silently as he used his body to protect her from another strike of lightning.
"I can't" Bethany said. Yes you can the shrouded figure seemed to say as he suddenly moved to help Bethany stand with her staff raised high. Without waiting to think about it Bethany summoned her magic and sent a large burst of blue flame magic towards the Pride Demon.
Instead of laughing it off however the Pride Demon actually stumbled back this time.
His wounds… my friend gave me what I needed Bethany realized with wide eyes. Not wasting any time Bethany straightened up casting a Fire Storm of blue flame magic over the Pride Demon.
Roaring in pain the Pride Demon fell back as it was burned by Bethany's flame magic. The shrouded figure had to hold her as she stumbled on wobbly legs.
The Fire Storm had drained her.
It's not enough the shrouded figure seemed to say silently as he looked at Bethany with concern. The Pride Demon was getting back up though heavily wounded from numerous cuts and heavy burns all over his body.
"I don't think I have any left" Bethany said feeling weak.
That's when the second unexpected thing happened… someone else entered the Fade.
Wynne appeared.
The elder mage of legend didn't come crashing down like the shrouded figure had; instead she had gracefully appeared in front of them. It was obvious that Wynne had been into the Fade many times and had experience.
"Hello again Bethany" Wynne said in greeting not bothering to turn around as she raised her staff and aimed for the Pride Demon. "It makes no matter I will kill all of you!" the Pride Demon roared seeing the three of them standing against him.
"Be gone demon! Go back to the abyss and fall into the nothingness that awaits you!" Wynne called sternly her staff raised.
Wynne's staff Bethany thought once again noticing that the staff emanated a light coolness about it. The Pride Demon sent a strike of lightning towards Wynne only for the elder mage to easily dispel it before it even got close.
Seething in anger the Pride Demon sent another lightning strike, but not at Wynne, it went past the elder mage before she could stop it. The shrouded figure made to shield Bethany again only he wasn't quick enough… but Bethany raised her staff. Bethany cast arcane shield just in time as the lightning struck only it didn't stop, the lightning shattered the shield along with Bethany's staff too.
Bethany's staff broke apart in an explosion of wood and metal.
The shrouded figure grabbed Bethany as she stumbled back the pieces of what once was her staff falling to the ground. Wynne glanced back at her seeing that she was okay before turning to the Pride Demon and sending a massive burst of magic out.
Bethany could hear the Pride Demon's roar of pain from Wynne's attack as she managed to stay on her feet with the shrouded figure's help.
You can end this the shrouded figure seemed to say silently as he grabbed her hand. "I can't" Bethany said weakly. Together the shrouded figure seemed to say as he stood beside her raising her hand for her.
"Together" Bethany said gathering her strength and feeling the blue flame magic come alive in her hand as Wynne battled the Pride Demon. Wynne moved back as the burst of blue flame magic struck the Pride Demon burning him but Bethany didn't let up and kept the burst going.
Wynne stood back impressed as Bethany was unrelenting with her blue flame magic that kept burning the Pride Demon in a constant stream.
"You cannot kill me" the Pride Demon groaned in pain as it slowly pushed forward through the blue fire. Feeling something that she'd never felt before Bethany let loose with everything that she had yelling in the effort as her flame magic changed.
Even Wynne stood stunned… as Bethany's flame magic turned white.
The Pride Demon cried in agony as the white flame magic burned him alive… when it was over the Pride Demon crashed to the ground dead. Wynne watched as the ashes faded away and fell into the abyss of the raw Fade itself.
Bethany had killed the Pride Demon.
Wynne went to Bethany as she felt the lids of her eyes start to close and she had to fight to stay conscious when she felt Wynne's magic healing her. "There you go don't dying on me now" Wynne said softly as she healed Bethany, within minutes she was standing on her own again though very weak.
"It seems you have a friend" Wynne said noticing that the shrouded figure lingered to gaze at Bethany curiously. Wynne had a knowing smile on her face but Bethany was just confused.
The shrouded figure gazed at Bethany looking like he wanted to say something but couldn't and slowly, sadly, turned to leave but Wynne stopped him.
"You have a moment. Use it" Wynne said convincing the shrouded figure to linger just a bit further as he turned to Bethany. "What? Who are you?" Bethany asked not sure what to say to her mysterious savior that wasn't a normal inhabitant of the Fade.
The shrouded figure shifted awkwardly then moved to stand in front of her and smiled placing a hand on where his heart should have been before placing his hand on her heart as well. That's when she saw it… just for a moment Bethany saw who the shrouded figure really was.
Just for a moment she saw underneath the shroud. Carver. The real Carver smiling in such a sad way, looking just how she remembered, his sad blue eyes filled with so many words unsaid.
"I'm sorry but we have to go now" Wynne said solemnly as she gripped Bethany by the shoulder and held her staff tightly. Tears filled Bethany's eyes at sight of her dead twin but she knew that it was really him.
"We'll be together again one day. All of us" Bethany said reaching a hand out to her twin brother sadly; somehow she knew that what had happened this day would never happen again. She would never again find Carver in the Fade.
Carver smiled at her sadly so many things he wanted to say but was unable to.
Wynne began to pull both her and Bethany from the Fade. As they left, Carver nodded at Bethany as he shared her gaze and in that gaze were all the unspoken words that need be said between them.
Bethany awoke in the real world lying inside her chambers as six people stood over her with mixed reactions.
Meredith, Sir Cullen, Orsino, Wynne, Tobrius, and finally Maire. The two Templars stood coldly waiting for something to happen while Tobrius and Maire stood filled with concern. Wynne and Orsino stood over Bethany filled with joy, the both of them knew she was free of the Pride Demon's control.
"She is safe you can put those swords away" Wynne said turning to Meredith and Sir Cullen as they stood over Bethany. Bethany panted letting out haggard breathes still feeling pain all over body, though Wynne had already healed some of it.
"Sir Cullen tell one of the Templars outside to collect the Lyrium we won't need it anymore the Demon's dead" Orsino said. Nodding Sir Cullen did as he was told and a Templar entered the room collecting what was left of the Lyrium that Wynne had used to enter the Fade.
"That was truly remarkable what you did" Wynne said slowly helping Bethany into a sitting position as she spoke.
"My staff" Bethany said weakly as she looked beside her seeing that even in the real world her staff, the one her father Malcolm had given her so long ago, had fallen apart; destroyed by the Pride Demon.
"Don't worry I'll get you another one" Orsino said relieved that yet another one of his circle mages had survived. "You must certainly will not" Meredith said coldly. "Excuse me" Maire said looking confused as Tobrius hung his head grimly.
"This mage illegally entered the Fade without any Lyrium or regard for the safety of the Circle. I would be in my rights to make her Tranquil but I've had enough for today. Sir Cullen hand cuff her and take her to the prison level" Meredith said.
Instantly Sir Cullen appeared with a pair of iron hand cuffs as he placed them around Bethany's wrists, whom was too weak from her ordeal to resist. "You won't be using magic anytime soon" Meredith said as already Bethany felt the hand cuffs take effect dispelling all her magic.
"Meredith she just survived a Pride Demon" Wynne protested.
"It matters not she broke the rules and must be punished!" Meredith replied. "Beth I'm sorry… I found you and didn't know what to do" Maire said watching as Bethany was hauled up by Sir Cullen.
Bethany didn't even have the strength to reply as Sir Cullen gently started moving her forward making sure she didn't fall. Orsino glared at Meredith but Bethany could only weakly limp along as suddenly Meredith called out "fine take her to the healers first. I won't have her dying."
Sir Cullen nodded and Bethany lost track of time as it all became a blur to her, the only thing she noticed while she was at the healers was that sun had risen.
She didn't know how long she'd been in the Fade, a few hours or a day, she wasn't sure. As the healers give her something for the pain and she drifted off to sleep the only thing she knew for certain was that when next she woke she would be in a prison cell.
Kirkwall
Lowtown
The Hanged Man
Garrett and Aveline sat beside each other at the bar stools of the Hanged Man both of them holding a single cup of the cheap but tasty ale of their favorite tavern.
"So this is it" Aveline said after a moment. They had both ordered their drinks in silence before taking a seat. "Yeah everything's ready" Garrett answered taking a small drink of his ale.
"You can still change your mind. You don't have to face that Freak" Aveline said suddenly.
"No I need to be there" Garrett answered.
Aveline slowly took another drink of her ale. "You're upset, why?" Garrett said turning to his old friend who had made it to Krikwall with him, they knew each other well enough to speak bluntly.
Aveline didn't even deny it as she turned to him saying "you're the only one left now Garrett." "The only what?" Garrett asked. The sat in silence as Aveline looked away taking another drink of ale. "I don't have many friends Garrett" Aveline said at last.
"You have me" Garrett said simply. "I know" Aveline said.
"My husband died, Senior Officer Cedric died, Bethany's in the Circle, Donnic's almost been killed in all of this. Seems like I'm starting to lose my friends" Aveline said grimly.
"I'm not going to die Aveline" Garrett said gripping his fellow Ferelden by the shoulder as he spoke.
"You better not" Aveline said smirking. "If you kick the bucket who am I gonna spar with" Aveline said as Garrett raised an eyebrow and laughed saying "and here I thought you cared."
"All the other City Guards are too scared to spar with me" Aveline said laughing though she did speak honestly. Garrett was the only one who sparred with her.
They didn't speak much after that, just enjoying their drink before they both left the Hanged Man ready to part ways.
"Be careful out there Hawke" Aveline said as they stood outside the Hanged Man. "I will be. Same to you Dixon has a lot of men" Garrett said.
"Good luck" they both said parting ways.
An hour later
Hightown
Private Apartments
"Janos something wrong?" Dixon asked curiously. They were on one of the upper stories of the languorous private apartments where anyone with wealth could stay no questions asked as long as they paid rent.
"Nothing just not used to being around such fancy places" Janos answered shifting uncomfortably; it was true he wasn't used to these apartments at all the doors were nicer than anything he'd seen before. The room where one of the last two Coterie founders, Jarl, stayed was larger than Janos's entire hut he had managed to get in Lowtown near the Alienage.
The entire floor had been rented out by some anonymous person who could afford it. Dixon and his men had taken up residence here as Jarl used it to remain out of sight. No one could get past Dixon and his men; Jarl was surrounded by guards everywhere.
Only thing is no one said anything about going through Dixon and his men.
Dixon smirked saying "what Ignacio never let you stay anywhere nice. Stick with me Janos and you'll see the good life." Distract him, just keeping talking about how bad of leader Ignacio was. That always makes this idiot grin stupidly and forget everything Janos thought.
"That over groomed joke of a man never shared anything with us. He would strut around the place droning on and on about how he was in charge" Janos said. I'm actually talking about you Dixon Janos thought.
"Ha! Janos you always make me laugh. Do me a favor and bring some more wine and send for one of those Antivan girls I like" Dixon said.
"Just the one?" Janos asked. "Make it two I could do with some relaxing" Dixon said that stupid smile on his face. Janos bowed and turned passing several bitter men on his way out.
All of Dixon's men were forbidden from relaxing with some of the whores Dixon had brought over from the Blooming Rose who needed a job after the City Guard had shut the business down and taken Madam Lusine prisoner.
Janos walked out the door and started down the plight of stairs going down three floors before stopping on a lower floor.
Letting out a heavy sigh Janos waited several minutes before two figures appeared walking up the stairs. Janos waited for them as the two figures reached him.
Aveline Vallen and Senior Officer Qerth stood before Janos three floors below where Dixon and Jarl were hiding out.
"Three stories up. They have the entire floor. Two archers are guarding the other side of the entrance" Janos said in greeting as he looked past them seeing a squad of City Guards silently waiting for Aveline and Qerth's orders.
Qerth stopped Janos just as he made to walk past them. "You're going to help" Qerth said sternly. "What? I already I left the trail and you followed me here" Janos said looking at the two Senior Officers.
"You can distract them, take out the two archers" Aveline said.
"No I didn't sign up for this. I did my part" Janos said lowering his voice through clenched teeth. "You'll give us the jump on them" Aveline said as the squad of City Guards formed a wall blocking Janos's attempt to slip past them.
Janos just looked at the two of them astonished. Cursing the Maker, Janos turned around and led Aveline, Qerth, and the City Guards up the stairs stopping where they needed to be.
"How many rooms in there? Any other exits?" Aveline asked. "Twelve rooms all lined up around the hallway. No other exits" Janos answered. It was Dixon's pride that here surrounded by his men, the Coterie men, there was no need for another exit.
"Just stay to the sides for now" Janos said gesturing for all of the City Guards to stay out of sight as he opened the door leading to Jarl's hideout.
"There a problem?" one of the archers asked seeing Janos return without any of the whores Dixon sent for. Janos only nodded closing the door behind him as he moved to stand in between them calling "Dixon there's a problem you need to look into."
"What is it now!" Dixon called appearing before them. "It's the whores. They've run off and they stole some of your wine" Janos said thinking quickly as he silently moved a hand to the longsword on his back.
"Those traitors! I'll have all their heads!" Dixon said fuming as he spoke.
That's when Janos struck… he unsheathed his longsword. Moving too fast for the archers Janos slashed one way then the other as he slit both their throats yelling "now!"
Qerth kicked open the door rushing in as Aveline and the squad of City Guards followed suit pouring into the Coterie hideout. "You betrayed me!" Dixon cursed drawing his longsword moving back as his men stormed into the hallway hearing the commotion.
Janos watched as the hallway became a bloody messy of brutal close combat with the City Guards holding their own.
Still standing off to the side Janos watched the ongoing battle around him and instead of taking the chance to flee he cursed himself and raised his longsword joining in.
Dixon ushered his men in front of him as he backed away heading to the backrooms where Jarl was staying. "Dixon!" Qerth called cutting his way past three Coterie men despite being at least ten years older than most of them.
Senior Officer Qerth slashed his longsword nearly taking Dixon's head off only for him to raise his longsword in time to block. "You've been dodging the law for years but no more!" Qerth yelled as he pushed Dixon back and back with superior skill and footwork.
More City Guards began pouring in as the second squad ran up the plight of stairs and joined the fray to take Jarl.
Dixon's men weren't going down without a fight however. Two of Dixon's men overpowered a City Guard, one of them stabbing the man's thigh, and the other slashing his chest.
The City Guard fell to his knees as both of Dixon's men stabbed him through the neck killing him almost instantly.
One of Dixon's men, an archer, was sniping City Guards from an open door way when suddenly one of the City Guards beheaded him from behind having gone around and entered the room from the back.
Elsewhere a City Guard fell to floor his throat cut open as one of Dixon's Spearmen stabbed a City Guard through the neck. The Spearmen took down two more City Guards all by himself until Donnic appeared having come from the second squad of City Guards.
Donnic batted away the man's spear with his longsword before dashing forward using his shield to push the man back.
The Spearman ducked dodging a slash from Donnic as he wacked the City Guard's foot with his spear causing him to stumble.
Donnic raised his shield blocking the spear as it made to stab him but only getting stuck in his shield instead. Moving quickly Donnic raised his longsword and cut the spear in half as he got to his feet.
With only half of his spear Dixon's men didn't last long as Donnic pushed him back and back until the man met a wall and Donnic's blade found his throat. After finishing off the spearman Donnic moved to stand back to back with Aveline as the entire floor became a bloodbath.
Swords clashed and arrows flew as room by room the battle erupted, the City Guard against Dixon and his men.
Aveline dodged a stab slamming her shield into a man before sidestepping and parrying the man's frenzied slash. Dixon's man was forced to drop his longsword as Aveline finished him with a single slash to the throat.
Donnic covered his partner using his shield as a weapon batting away one of Dixon's men whom tried to rush them. Aveline appeared beside her partner stabbing his attacker before pulling her longsword free as the Coterie man slumped to the floor dead.
Turning Aveline saw an archer his bow raised and nocked aiming for her head but before he could lose the arrow and kill her Janos appeared backstabbing the man.
"You" Donnic said in confusion having thought Janos would have taken his leave the moment the battle started.
"Stayed behind to help?" Aveline asked bemused. "Seemed like the right thing to do" Janos answered with a shrug as they continued their way clearing the entire floor of Dixon's men.
Aveline, Donnic, and Janos fought their way forward as Aveline noticed Dixon on the run barely managing to hold his own against Qerth. Suddenly three of Dixon's men appeared to help their boss as they ganged up on Senior Officer Qerth, the most experience guard but also the oldest.
Aveline made to help but Janos stopped her saying "I know where Jarl is. That's what you lot came here for isn't it?"
Donnic took off saying "go Aveline I'll help him."
Without taking the time to look back Aveline and Janos took off as Donnic went to help Qerth. Janos led Aveline to the very back rooms of the floor the Coterie had rented out passing several fights along the way but not being able to help.
Kicking up the door open Janos rushed in with Aveline behind him only to take an arrow to his upper right arm. Yelping in pain Janos was thrown off balance as the archer fired another arrow only for Aveline to save Janos with her shield.
That's when Jarl appeared rushing past them as he shoved Aveline back before she could lower her shield, she and Janos both crashed into the door nearly falling as Jarl escaped.
Another arrow flew towards them but Aveline managed to raise her shield blocking it even as she and Janos got up. Janos pulled free his throwing knife and sent it off heading for the archer's chest where it struck his heart and killed him.
Aveline turned and ran after Jarl not giving one of the last two Coterie founders the chance to escape. Janos hung back a moment as he took a deep breath and pulled the arrow from his arm.
This is ridiculous I didn't have the training they did Janos thought comparing himself to Qerth, Aveline, and Donnic. Nonetheless Janos charged forward rejoining the fight.
Throughout the fight it had mostly been pretty balanced with Dixon's men holding their own against the City Guard and vice versa. But now a team of Red Iron men had arrived, just as Meeran had promised, storming into the fray and tipping the balance in the City Guard's favor.
Aveline found Jarl running through the hallway trying to find a way to the exit only for Aveline to leap forward bring them both to the ground. Jarl elbowed Aveline in the chest as he scrambled free getting to his feet as Aveline did the same, he drew his longsword.
Jarl wasn't like the other founders, he was once a former Coterie leader of another branch but he had wanted more and so betrayed his former brothers.
Jarl was a warrior.
The two of them, Aveline and Jarl faced off alone from the others though they could hear the battle raging around them and the sound of wealthy citizens below running as they evacuated the building in a panic.
Aveline and Jarl's longswords clashed with the clang of harsh metallic steel as they fought. Jarl in rough criminal swings and Aveline in controlled swings that the Ferelden army had taught her.
Aveline blocked a slash meant for her throat and pushed forward head-butting Jarl hard, he stumbled back and Aveline disarmed him.
"It's over Jarl you should have never started this war" Aveline said slamming the hilt of her longsword into his head knocking him out.
Handcuffing him and dragging him along Aveline found that the battle was pretty much over as City Guards and Red Iron men were taking what was left of Dixon's men as prisoner.
Dixon himself was caught between Donnic and Qerth but he never stood a chance they were just cornering him. "You can't do this to me!" Dixon shouted just as he took in the sight of Aveline dragging Jarl along with everyone else.
Dixon gaped unsure of what to do as Qerth and Donnic just nodded at Aveline with respect.
Suddenly Janos appeared saying "of course we can" as he raised his longsword using his good arm and stabbed Dixon. "It's over" Aveline said as Janos pulled his longsword free and Dixon fell to the floor dead.
"We're done here" Qerth said their mission complete as he and Aveline made to escort Jarl to the Viscount's Keep while Donnic and the others stayed behind to cleaned up.
Lowtown
Wine Distillery
"You sure you're reading that thing right" Meeran said taking a drink of his vodka as Garrett, Tolan, Chella, Hermes, and two Red Iron men watched Sir Thrask with the phylactery.
"Seems to me like he's about to fart. Stand clear" Hermes said as Chella snickered only to stop as both Garrett and Tolan gave them a stern look.
Tolan was wearing his Raider Mask as usual but even still his eyes spoke volumes, this is serious stop kidding around.
"Stop talking" Sir Thrask said.
The Templar was not wearing his usual armor because as Tolan pointed with the City Guards certain armor stands out. Instead Thrask wore a set of deep red leather armor, Red Iron armor that Meeran had lent him.
"I don't answer to you old man" Chella said in a low voice.
"Quiet Chella he needs to focus" Garrett said putting a hand on her shoulder. "This is taking too long we could just rush them" Meeran said simply. "No we need to save our spy" Garrett said as Tolan spoke up saying "quiet Thrask's found something."
Sir Thrask had been kneeling phylactery in hand as he opened his mind and tracked their spy while the others waited in the back alley they were all standing in.
"This way" Sir Thrask standing up and taking the lead as Garrett, Tolan, Chella, Hermes, Meeran, and two Red Iron men followed.
Moving through the back alleys and staying out of sight Tolan gestured where best to travel stealthily as Sir Thrask tracked their spy. Stopping near the back of the old Wine Distillery that had been opened some twenty or so years ago, now it wasn't much to look at but it was big.
There were still a dozen elves or so working the place but only the front and they stayed there not knowing what exactly happened in the back but also knowing what happened to any elf that started looking where they shouldn't.
The elves worked outside of the main building quietly loading bottles of wine into crates to be taken to the Docks for shipping. It didn't matter that this place was so open as City Guards never came this far into Lowtown without everyone knowing about it.
"There" Sir Thrask said pointing with his index finger as two men appeared dragging a tied up figure with a hood on their face. The two men were pulling their victim along without much trouble towards one of back entrances to the main building.
"Hermes you're up" Tolan said patting his Smuggler on the back. Sir Thrask and Garrett moved aside as Hermes stepped forward bow drawn.
"Enjoy the show" Hermes said as Meeran scoffed saying "two silvers says he misses it." Garrett raised an eyebrow saying "you place bets on missions." "Why not?" one of the Red Iron men said as Meeran smirked.
Is he drunk… when is he not drunk Garrett mussed.
"I'll take that bet" Hermes said aiming with his bow just as the two men dragged the figure to one of the backrooms.
"Done" Meeran said. The moment Meeran spoke Hermes let loose firing at an angle, the arrow flying high above into the sky. They waited and as Meeran held out his hand to collect his coin the arrow reappeared in the neck of one of the Coterie men.
Meeran's face fell as Hermes let lose another arrow that struck the remaining confused Coterie man in his chest going through the man's heart, he slumped over dead while their spy waited.
Hermes held out his hand and Meeran scowled paying up.
Chella laughed as Garrett spoke up saying "this is serious guys." "Alright, alright Hawke just having some fun you're always so serious now" Chella complained.
"We need to move" Sir Thrask said sternly. Leading them forward Sir Thrask was silent so focused in finally taking down Leech. Reaching their spy Sir Thrask cut him loose and took off the man's hood.
The Tranquil could pass for a normal person as he had long brown hair covering the burn mark on his forehead. "This one is pleased to have served. What else is needed of me? It is very filthy here" the Tranquil said in an empty flat voice.
"You've down enough go back to the Circle I've told the ship captains to let you pass" Sir Thrask answered showing genuine care for the man he'd put in danger. They waited for the Tranquil to leave then continued.
"Hermes" Tolan said giving his Smuggler a boost as the marksman reached up and climbed to the roof of the main building, it was only one story.
"Alright now Chella go convince those elven workers in the front to leave and take a day off for once" Tolan said. "Alright boys with me, time to do some hunting" Meeran said to his two men.
As they started to split up Sir Thrask spoke saying "what of me?"
Tolan and Garrett shared a glance before the Smuggler Lord said "wait here." "I'll not do nothing" Sir Thrask said sternly. "Thrask you're no good at this leave it to us we know what we're doing." Garrett said.
Sir Thrask stiffly nodded not liking it.
Within minutes Chella had convinced the elven workers to leave and hid as six Coterie men went to investigate what happened only for Hermes snipe them all from the roof.
Meeran and Red Iron men had started making some noise causing three Coterie men to come see what was happening only for Meeran and his men to take them out quietly.
Garrett and Tolan had caused some commotion with the barrels of wine leading another four Coterie men to check it out. Together the two Ferelden deserters took them out.
Now that the Coterie men guarding the outside area were gone with Leech and Kester, one of the last Coterie founders, unaware Garrett and the others regrouped with Thrask.
"All done?" Thrask asked feeling pretty useless having to wait as they cleared out the men Kester had hired to guard the outside area. Garrett nodded as Hermes hopped back down and together they entered the Wine Distillery, it was only one story but basically just one big room.
Inside the basement of the Wine Distillery Leech suddenly opened his eyes, the Freak had been kneeling trying to heal himself.
"What is it now?" Kester said, he'd been hiding down there a long time as it had another exit that led to Darktown. It wasn't a bad hideout however; it was filled with his wine as this was his business and had, or thought, he had guards outside.
"Something is wrong" Leech said in his icily cold voice. "Nothing's wrong we got some of our best guarding the outside" one of Kester's two private bodyguards said. Leech ignored them as he stood up.
"Don't go crazy on us Freak. They sent to get you your food I'm sure it'll be here soon" Kester said bored. Slowly opening the basement door Leech stepped outside into the large space above where even now some wine was being allowed to brew.
There was silence as Leech looking around the Wine Distillery where countless hiding spots lay but the Coterie guards were all gone.
Snapping around Leech raised a hand using his unseen force to slam a Red Iron man who'd tried to rush his flank into a wall. With a flick of his wrist Leech had the man floating off the floor and held against the wall as an unseen force began ripping through the man's armor.
Suddenly an arrow soared through the air striking Leech's back only it didn't little damage only loosely sticking out of his upper back. Leech had cast Rock Armor the moment he left the basement.
Not even needing to turn back Leech sent a burst of flame magic at Hermes as he was loading another arrow only to be forced back. Reaching a hand behind him and plucking out the arrow without so much as grunt Leech flashed his teeth at Red Iron man he was holding.
"No you don't!" the other Red Iron man said rushing in from out of nowhere and throwing an axe only for Leech to deflect it with easy before his unseen force slammed the man into a wall.
The man began to scream as Leech ripped through his armor.
Down below Kester and his two private bodyguards started heading out the other exit that led to Darktown.
Leech finished off both the Red Iron men that had tried to rush him, the men screamed in agony as their armor was ripped through. Hermes fired two more arrows to no avail as Leech merely plucked them out, his Rock Armor was strong enough to withstand arrows with easy.
Leech sent another burst of fire at Hermes forcing the archer back just as Meeran made his move, silently he flanked the Freak. Just as Meeran was about to behead the Freak and end it once and for all Leech raised both hands sending a pulse of unseen force around him.
Meeran flew back several feet. Garrett appeared throwing his shield at Leech which actually hit him and sent him stumbling back as Garrett rushed forward Longsword raised.
So far the plan wasn't working but they needed to do something, no one target was ever enough to distract Leech for long.
Just as Garrett reached Leech he channeled the Templar's spirit force into his longsword and made to behead Leech only for the Freak to stop him in his tracks.
With a wave of his hand Leech's unseen force had grabbed Garrett holding him in place as Tolan and Chella stuck to the plan and sneaked into the basement following after Kester.
At least those two are on Kester's trail Garrett thought as Leech slowly began to squeeze through Garrett's armor crushing him. Coughing Garrett tried to break free with the Templar powers he'd taught himself but Leech wasn't like normal Apostates he was stronger.
That's when Sir Thrask appeared using the power Templars were so famous for as he slashed the Freak's back leaving a deep gash. Leech grunted in pain dropping Garrett as Sir Thrask was about to end things when Leech sent the Templar flying back with his unseen force.
Fuming in pain Leech started burning everything around him as all of them were forced to retreat, the flame magic keeping them at bay.
Hermes sent another arrow Leech's way managing to score another hit but it cost him, as Hermes had taken the time to shoot Leech's flame magic had reached him burning his arm.
Howling in pain Hermes stumbled rushing outside trying to put out the fire but the damage was done, he wouldn't be shooting arrows anytime soon.
Leech plucked Hermes's arrow out of his chest one-handed as he continued to send burst of flame magic everywhere. The building was catching fire and Sir Thrask used Silence dispelling the fire around the building giving Meeran and Garrett safe passage outside.
Meeran and Garrett had to retreat as well with Sir Thrask limping outside drained from using Silence. Leech kept them at bay while he healed himself but without any blood to feed on but his own it drained him.
This is bad we can't just give up but split up like this he'll take us down Garrett thought now that all of them were outside the main building and competently exposed for Leech to slaughter.
Just then an explosion of magic tore through one of the walls of the Wine Distillery sending wine everywhere as Leech found Meeran stumbling backward.
"Little help here bastards!" Meeran called as Leech started towards him slowly, oh how the Freak enjoyed the hunt. Seeing Meeran all alone Garrett made to help but was forced back as Leech sent a burst of flame magic his way.
Growing tired of this game Leech raised a hand and his unseen force grabbed Meeran by the throat and dragged him forward. Meeran stood unable to move as Leech choked the life out of him. Meeran's eyes were red from the lack of oxygen and he began to lose consciousness.
Then, taking a leaf out of Garrett's book Sir Thrask threw his shield at Leech.
Sir Thrask had managed to flank Leech before Meeran was in danger and now his shield collided with the Freak setting Meeran free and Garrett pulled him to safety. Setting Meeran down as the old tough mercenary coughed having nearly died Garrett moved on knowing that Meeran was out of the fight for now.
"Maker give me strength" Sir Thrask said as he rushed forward only for Leech send more flame magic his way.
Sir Thrask was prepared this time and dispelled the flame magic as he charged forward.
Leech, having had experience fighting Templars, simply did something that Sir Thrask didn't expect. Leech used his unseen force and sent a crate of wine bottles into Sir Thrask that sent him toppling to the ground. There was nothing for Sir Thrask to dispel as Leech had only picked up the crate and sent it the Templar's way, physics did the rest.
"Templar I will add your armor to my collection" Leech said coldly as he loomed over Sir Thrask and raised a hand slowly ripping through his armor. That's when Garrett saw it… Leech wasn't the same.
Whatever Justice had done to him had left him wounded and weak. The reason Leech keep stalling like he did instead of just simply killing them was that he was in pain and not as strong as before.
Picking up one of the wine bottles that had flown out of the building when Leech broke through one of the walls Garrett threw it. The wine bottle crashed into Leech's head shattering as the wine spilled over.
Leech only barely noticed but it took his attention off Sir Thrask. Garrett leaped forward making sure to make noise his longsword raised as Leech snapped around to blast Garrett back… only Garrett's plan worked.
The unseen force had sent Garrett flying back landing hard in the ground dropping his longsword only the blade was stained in blood… only it was not his blood.
Leech roared in pain as half of his hand fell to the ground in a bloody mess.
Garrett had used everything Xenon's tome had taught him and channeled the Templar's spirit force into his slash and managed to cut through Leech's Rock Armor.
Leech strode forward holding what was left of his right hand, the one Justice had burned and Garrett had cut in half, and glared at Garrett with uncontrollable furry.
The unseen force hauled Garrett up and began to crush him from the inside as Garrett began to thrash in pain.
Leech was killing him slowly.
"You! I will feast on your corpse!" Leech yelled in anger as Garrett's eyes began to water and he tasted blood. How can he still do this… I cut his hand in half for Maker's sake! Garrett thought.
That's when Garrett felt it. Just for a moment Leech's unseen force wavered and in that moment Garrett was free. In that moment Garrett's fist found Leech's mouth… it hurt Garrett more than it hurt the Freak, the Rock Armor was hard as steel.
Not wasting the chance Garrett pulled free his knife and slashed as Leech stumbled back, Garrett's knife leaving a gash across the Freak's chest. But before Garrett could do any further Leech's unseen force had grabbed him again.
But this time he wasn't being crushed. Leech flashed his sharped teeth as Garrett saw something moving behind the Freak. He doesn't have the strength to kill me he's only holding me Garrett realized
"What's wrong Leech? Still licking your wounds from my friend Justice?" Garrett mocked keeping the attention on himself.
Leech only glared but anyone could see that even the feral apostate of legend had his limits and his wounds were great… any normal man should have died already.
"Why do you let the Coterie boss you around? You're more powerful than them aren't you yet you're still nothing but their lapdog! You even let Ignacio boss you around!" Garrett mocked.
"You're afraid of them aren't you!" Garrett yelled unable to move but Leech was still too weak to kill him though if looks could kill than Garrett would have been killed seconds ago.
"I fear no man" Leech rasped as he made to rip through Garrett's armor but the Freak was having trouble, he had lost a lot of blood. His lair… those carvings on the wall. His carvings Garrett thought remembering the strange things they'd found down there.
"I think you are afraid. I think something happened all those years ago down in the Undercity! I'm right aren't I! That's why you're obsessed with Darktown! Something down in the Undercity kicked your ass and you're afraid even after all these years" Garrett mocked.
Leech stood stunned at Garrett's words and made to finally crush the life out of him when something stopped him.
Sir Thrask had back-stabbed Leech.
Only the tip of the Templar blade went through Leech as even now the feral Apostate's Rock Armor protected him. Leech stumbled forward pulling himself free of the Templar's blade as Garrett slumped to ground free of the unseen force.
Leech turned around raising his one good hand trying to burn the Templar only for Sir Thrask to stab him again, this time the Templar blade going through his chest completely.
Leech looked down at the blade in disbelief stumbling to his knees Sir Thrask's longsword impaled through his chest. Even that didn't kill him as Leech grabbed the hilt trying to pull it out.
They, Thrask and Hawke, watched Leech's hand fall from the hilt having only managed to do more damage from his frantic attempts to pull the Templar longsword out of his chest.
Sir Thrask loomed over Leech like the Freak had loomed over so many others.
Garrett picked up his fallen longsword and tossed it to Sir Thrask. "This is for my fallen brothers" Sir Thrask said as he caught Garrett's longsword and slashed Leech's throat open ending his reign of terror at long last.
Garrett and Sir Thrask stood in silence watching as Leech slumped to the floor, the Feral Demon of legend finally dead from wounds that should have killed any other man.
"Damn" Meeran said catching his breath as his slowly got up.
"Hawke! Where are you!" Chella's voice called from back in the Wine Distillery as she and Tolan stepped outside dragging Kester with them. "Over here!" Garrett called as Tolan and Chella regrouped with them.
"Whoa" Chella said seeing Sir Thrask standing over Leech's corpse.
Tolan shoved Kester forward in handcuffs saying "we took out his bodyguards and got him looks all of you finally killed that Freak." Chella looked around finding Hermes limping towards them holding his burned arm, he'd put the fire out.
"Tolan he needs a healer" Chella said running to Hermes.
"Go with him Chella. We got it from here" Tolan said keeping a strong grip on Kester. Chella nodded and put Hermes's good arm over her as they started towards the healers.
Kester looked on in disbelief at everything that had happened.
Moving to stand over Leech's corpse Garrett, Tolan, Sir Thrask, and Meeran took in the sight of feral Apostate.
"The legend's finally dead" Tolan said looking over the body. "No, he was no legend. He was just a man" Garrett said as he loomed over the body of a frail and sickened older man that had finally died.
They didn't speak after that as Sir Thrask handed Garrett back his longsword and they dragged Kester back to the Viscount's Keep.
Hightown
Sometime later
Marcus's estate
"This is bad they're going to come for me. For us" the Coterie Advisor said as he stood before Marcus the both of them having heard what happened and knowing what was next.
Marcus sighed taking a sip of his expensive wine.
"This is bad but you're wrong my old friend" Marcus said suddenly. "What do you mean" the Coterie Advisor said confused.
"The City Guard isn't coming to you. You're coming to them" Marcus said as he gestured and two of his Tevinter mercenaries grabbed the Coterie Advisor by the arms.
The Coterie Advisor gaped at Marcus before finally bitterly saying "so that's how it is."
"That's how it is" Marcus said gesturing for his men to take the former Coterie Advisor. "Sheer up my old friend you're going to your old work place" Marcus said as he gestured for his men to gather his things.
The Coterie Advisor hung his head low Marcus's men dragging him forward as Marcus himself led the way.
They were headed for the Viscount's Keep.
As for the two different styles of missions I wanted to portray how different they are.
The City Guard were more by the book and not as stealthy in Hightown.
While down in Lowtown the Smugglers and Red Iron (including Thrask and Hawke) did things their way and were much more stealthier than the others.
Thanks for Reading and please Review!
Coterie's End Part 3 coming soon I promise.