Hey guys I managed to get another chapter done before finals.
Might be a wait for the next one but i digress...
Enjoy.
Kirkwall
The Viscount's Keep
"What is the meaning of this!" Seneschal Bran called as the City Guards ran out of the Barracks and into the main hall where Marcus Tacitus and several Tevinter mercenaries stood.
Aveline appeared alongside Senior Officer Qerth followed by Donnic as the City Guards formed a wall of bodies blocking further entrance to the Keep. Seneschal Bran turned seeing Arys silently moving behind them heading to inform the Viscount of the incident in the Keep.
Marcus and his men stood watching the wary City Guards looking amused. The City Guard's pride had been wounded when the Coterie had lured the bulk of them away by starting the fire in the marketplace then attacking the Keep.
The only thing that had saved the Keep and the Viscount's life had been the timely assistance of the criminals the Viscount had made a deal with.
Marcus raised a hand commanding his Tevinter mercenaries, which may or may not include mages, to stand down for the moment. "I have no intention of attacking the Keep. At this stage of the game that would be a rather idiotic move on my part now wouldn't it" Marcus said slyly.
"You have brought armed men into our Keep!" Aveline said angrily as Donnic stepped forward not trusting Marcus. "No Donnic stay back" Senior Officer Qerth said suddenly speaking in a low bitter and reluctant voice as he gritted his teeth.
"Sir?" Donnic asked confused but standing down as Qerth said. Donnic was rather close with Qerth as the old grizzled Senior Officer had trained Donnic when he entered the City Guard as a recruit.
Marcus smirked in that sly way of his as the City Guards stood unsure of what to do as only Qerth stepped forward.
"You want to see the Viscount I take it?" Qerth said slowly. "Yes go fetch for him" Marcus answered coolly. Seneschal Bran slowly nodded understanding as he spoke up saying "Arys is bringing him."
"I can wait" Marcus said looking almost bored despite the fact that nearly thirty City Guards stood before him with more at the ready if need be.
What do they know? Who is this man? A Noble? Aveline thought as she moved to stand beside her follow Senior Officer. "Qerth what is this? What are we doing?" Aveline whispered not understanding what apparently Seneschal Bran and Qerth did.
"He isn't a Noble but he's the wealthiest man in Kirkwall. We can't do anything to Marcus he has diplomatic immunity while here in city... it's out of our hands only the Viscount can decide what to do" Qerth answered bitterly.
"None of you have the authority to arrest or harm me in any way. There is peace between Tevinter and the Free Marches no matter how fragile and the empire would not take kindly to Kirkwall threatening one of their business men" Marcus said smoothly.
"He brought armed Mercenaries into the Keep" Aveline said through clenched teeth as she faced her fellow Senior Officer. "As quiet as your whispering is, I do have a certain talent for reading lip that I developed through my travels. Listen to your superior miss?" Marcus said waiting for Aveline's name.
"Aveline" Aveline answered not liking Marcus. "Hmm you're Orlesian you have the look but raised in Ferelden. The way you walk and your mannerisms, only a Ferelden would be so… ineloquent" Marcus commented.
"You don't like Fereldens" Aveline said coldly. "Don't take it personally I've been to almost every country in Thedas and I can honestly say every culture has at least one thing to be ashamed and a few things to be proud of" Marcus said.
"Except when you're talking about Tevinter" Qerth said coldly. Marcus smiled saying "while it is true that Tevinter is the only true civilized part of the world that does not entirely excuse it from savagery."
"You bad mouth your homeland?" Donnic asked. Marcus smiled saying "I am one of the wealthiest merchants in all of Tevinter who rose from nothing. A practical man whom sees beyond petty pride can go quite far in this world."
He clings to him homeland for safety but holds no more love for it than he does of Kirkwall… Marcus cares only for his riches Aveline realized.
Shortly after, the Viscount himself appeared slowly taking in the sight of Marcus and his Tevinter mercenaries that had entered the Keep. "Marcus… you wanted to meet over something?" Viscount Dumar said not really sure what to make of all this.
Viscount Dumar had finally had cause for celebration as mere hours ago Aveline had reported in along with Sir Thrask and Garrett. Jarl and Kester were being held in the Barracks Prison waiting to be questioned after giving them time alone to take in their situation.
"I would prefer a more private meeting Viscount if you wouldn't mind… perhaps your study or the council chambers" Marcus said all business. "No the Guard Captain's office will serve well enough" Viscount Dumar said quickly as he gestured for Marcus to follow as he headed for the Barracks.
Well played Dumar Marcus thought as he turned to his men saying "if I do not return in ample time have my messengers send their reports to Tevinter."
Just before he headed after the Viscount, Marcus turned back to his men saying "oh and one more thing. Be sure my prisoner stays where he is I won't have a runaway. But if he tries anything see to it that he doesn't come to too much harm."
"No killing?" the Mercenaries asked.
"No I won't have him dead but you are free to restrain him as you see fit" Marcus said as he followed after the Viscount.
Viscount Dumar was more cunning than most realized; he had called for their meeting to take place where he was safest. In the Guard Captain's office deep within the Barracks Marcus knew his men could not follow yet Dumar would be surrounded by the City Guard.
Even as the two of them, Viscount Dumar and Marcus, entered the Guard Captain's office alone a large portion of City Guards and Aveline lingered outside.
"I've never set foot in the Guard Captain's office yet since currently there is no Guard Captain I have wondered just what became of this office. Rumors claim you have seized control of the City Guard as your own personal army" Marcus said as they walked in.
"I have done nothing of the sort" Viscount Dumar said coldly. "Oh from I what hear at the very least you unofficially assumed the role of Guard Captain without any hesitation. Is that even legal?" Marcus asked slyly.
That was a low blow Marcus… the same blow that Meredith pulled when she heard what I had done Viscount Dumar thought.
"What is this meeting about?" Viscount Dumar said getting straight to the point. Taking a seat across from Dumar at the Guard Captain's office Marcus calmly spoke saying "by now you will be getting ready to question Jarl and Kester."
"And just how did you know that information?" Viscount Dumar asked crossly.
"Let's not play this game" Marcus said politely.
Meeting the Viscount's eyes with no absolutely fear Marcus coolly said "let me save you some time Viscount. I set up the Coterie branch in Kirkwall." Viscount Dumar hid his surprise well not even bat an eyelash but he did lean forward facing Marcus coldly saying "is that a confession?"
"Possibly" Marcus answered.
"Jarl and Kester will be questioned shortly and they will confirm-" Viscount Dumar began sharply only for Marcus to interrupt "they will only confirm the identity of the Coterie Advisor whom knew how the City Guard would react."
"Is that so?" Viscount Dumar said sternly after a moment of silence.
Marcus nodded saying "a practical man gives his subordinates only the information they need as men with answers may give them away but men with no answers have only what they were told and nothing more."
Viscount Dumar icily narrowed his eyes. "I have no authority to arrest you all I can do is exile you from Kirkwall and advise the other states in the Free Marches to do the same" Viscount Dumar said bitterly.
"I know" Marcus said smoothly.
"If you exile me then you realize all of my investments go with me, all of the coin I brought into the city that boosted the economy, my accounts would be closed but no one could touch them not even you, two of the five Banks of Kirkwall would most likely go bankrupt with my investments gone leaving only debt that they would have no way of paying" Marcus said calmly.
"I placed myself very well in your city Viscount. My exile would damage your economy for years to come. Just think how the Nobles and higher Merchants will react to the sudden exile of one the major investors in all of Kirkwall" Marcus finished.
Viscount Dumar stonily looked over the man who openly admitted his crimes and most likely would go unpunished.
"I know. There's a reason I never accepted any of your coin even when you offered it to the city for free" Viscount Dumar said coldly. "A rather smart move on your part I must say" Marcus added respectfully, he may have been something of an international criminal but he respected wisdom nonetheless.
"What do you want?" Viscount Dumar asked sternly, he knew the only reason Marcus would come down here like this was to achieve a compromise.
"I want my money" Marcus said smirking. "I can't give it to you" Viscount Dumar said honestly, he had kept the government out of debt and stayed out of buying Bank shares that started when the Blight began.
"Oh but you can" Marcus correct. Leaning forward Marcus continued "I am willing to voluntarily exile myself but I want to withdraw my accounts and I will trade you my shares from two of the five Banks of Kirkwall."
"You would sell your investments here in the city to me? What makes you think I have the coin for that" Viscount Dumar asked sternly. "I will sell them to you at a lessor price. You can keep the two banks flowing and in so doing keep the city's economy stable and I leave with my money" Marcus said calmly.
"Some of your money" Viscount Dumar corrected.
"I suppose I can donate a good portion of my coin to the city for repairs oh and I will give you my Coterie Advisor, the man who betrayed your city to the likes of me, just to sweeten the deal. And of course I have something else you want" Marcus replied.
"What?" Viscount Dumar asked not liking this.
"Information. I have the identities of what is left of the other Coterie branches. They're not much anymore but you could clean them out, stop another Coterie branch from rising to replace the one that fell" Marcus said.
"Have you no loyalty to anything?" Viscount Dumar asked taking in the fact that Marcus was letting his advisor take the fall for all his crimes along with turning in several people that he had most likely done business with.
"I'm loyal to trade" Marcus answered with a smirk. "How much will you sell your shares of the banks for?" Viscount Dumar said knowing no matter how much Marcus lowered the price that it would be considerable.
"Hmm I'd say at 75 percent of their current price" Marcus said smoothly. "30 percent of their current price" Viscount Dumar countered. "63 percent" Marcus said only for Viscount Dumar to sternly call "half of their current price."
Marcus's face fell but he nodded saying "half of their current price."
"Done" Viscount Dumar said bitterly. He didn't like it but he knew it was better than the alternative.
Even if Marcus had an accident here in the city the Tevinter Imperium would step in and investigate. Questions would be asked and blood would follow. War with Tevinter would rise; a war in which Kirkwall would stand alone as no other state in the Free Marches would want to involve themselves.
"International politics, I love it" Marcus said grinning, he may not have been an official delegate but the empire would not allow one of their wealthiest merchants to be arrested or killed without starting a war.
"Congregations Viscount you've ridden the city of the Coterie and will soon wipe out what's left and gain a lot of control of the city's economy. A rather good day if I don't say so myself" Marcus said raising a hand.
Viscount Dumar refused to shake Marcus's hand.
Yes you have given me a lot of control of the city's economy and the Nobles will hate me for it Viscount Dumar thought.
"I want you gone" Viscount Dumar said coldly.
"Of course I will leave never to return but only after our business here is done. I take it you'd rather not see me again regardless and I can respect that. Very well I will leave and have my servants see to my money then I take ship back home" Marcus said.
There was nothing more to do. Viscount Dumar had Seneschal Bran bring up the paper work where both Dumar and Marcus signed their agreements. Marcus giving up everything he'd promised as the Viscount gave the Tevinter merchant his coin.
After Marcus had left Seneschal Bran starred at the Viscount as they stood alone in the office that was once the Guard Captain's. After a moment of taking in the shock Seneschal Bran said "Sir… you let him walk away."
"I did what needed to be done… the tough choices that every leader learns to make no matter what people think" Viscount Dumar answered somberly.
Outside in the main hall Aveline, Qerth, and Donnic waited along with nearly thirty City Guards as Marcus's mercenaries brought forth the Coterie advisor. The Coterie advisor had been tied up and hung his head low as he was forced into the Keep, when his face was revealed the City Guards gaped.
"… You?" Aveline said her faith shattered as Donnic looked away unable to believe it as Qerth only glared bitterly and spat on the floor.
Former Guard Captain Ewald stayed silent and didn't look up as Marcus's Tevinter mercenaries handed him over to the City Guards and he was dragged without a fight to the Barracks Prison.
Kirkwall
Gallows Courtyard
Sir Thrask stood awkwardly as Meredith took center stage and addressed all of the Templars gathered in the courtyard. By the Knight Commander's order a stage had been set up as Leech's corpse was put on display for the Templars to see as the Freak would be cremated.
A show of the Templar's power letting all of them see the feral demon of the wilds burned before them proving no one was above their reach. Oddly enough Meredith seemed to be eager to burn the corpse of Leech as countless Templars and recruits watched.
"At long last the Abomination has been slain!" Meredith called filled with an energy that Sir Thrask had never seen before… somehow this was personal. The Templars gathered shouting words of encouragement.
The news of Leech's death had spread faster than seemed possible, the Freak had been a point of gossip for several weeks now. Before his death Leech had killed more Templars than any other known Apostate in the entire history of the Kirkwall Circle.
"His death only proving the might of our Order!" Meredith called to the sheers of the crowd as a few Templars fist bumped their chest.
His life of murdering our brothers only proves our failures… that it took so long for him to die is not something to celebrate Sir Thrask thought. "Let every Mage know that no matter what dark powers they summon, no matter where they hide, the Templars will always prevail!" Meredith shouted.
"Sir Thrask Slayer of Leech step forward!" Meredith called gesturing to Sir Thrask as he moved to stand beside his Knight Commander with the thunderous applause of the crowd echoing all around him.
I didn't kill Leech alone… Meredith has forgotten Hawke's role in all of this Sir Thrask thought as his fellow Templars shouted his name proudly. "Sir Thrask! Sir Thrask! Sir Thrask!" the crowd of Templar called proudly as they unsheathed their longswords raising them in proud solute.
"It seems barely yesterday you were but a recruit Sir Thrask yet now you stand a hero to the Order and an inspiration to all Templars" Meredith said proudly as she signaled her assistant Elsa to bring forth Sir Thrask's reward.
"You honor me Commander though I did not work alone" Sir Thrask said thinking of Garrett and all others whom had gone up against Leech as he moved to bow before Meredith only for her to stop him.
"You are too modest Sir Thrask it was your hand that put an end to Leech. You've proven yourself a Templar of the highest caliber" Meredith said not allowing Sir Thrask to bow as was customary.
This is not right… it took all of us to kill Leech. I only finished it Sir Thrask thought still uncomfortable with this display.
Elsa handed Meredith a medal custom built for Sir Thrask. "Sir Thrask I award you the highest honor our Order can give. I award you the Iron Medal of Honor for outstanding service to the Order!" Meredith called as the crowd sheered.
Sir Thrask stood stiff as his Knight Commander placed the medal around his neck saying "truly you have impressed us all."
"I would also award any rank I could give. Sir Thrask you already stand one of the highest Knights of our Order second only to my lieutenant Sir Cullen. If there is any position you would have I would grant it to you" Meredith said.
"I… wish only to continue to serve the order Commander" Sir Thrask answered, he had already spent years moving up the ranks, to suddenly jump anywhere he wanted now didn't seem fair.
"Very well but you will have new armor forged of the highest quality and longsword and shield to match" Meredith said insisting on more of a reward. "Thank you Commander" Sir Thrask replied as the crowd of Templars gathered around clapping their approval.
Turning to the rather large altar that resembled a pit placed atop the stage where the body of Leech was waiting to be burned Meredith held out a hand and Elsa handed her a torch.
"Now we rid the world of the Freak for good! His legend proving nothing more foolish superstition! Let this day mark one of our greatest victories to be remembered for generations to come!" Meredith called proudly.
Sir Thrask stood aside as Meredith tossed her torch into the pit where Leech's body lay lighting the strange corpse afire. The Templars shouted and hollered at the sight of Leech's body being burned, the sight of the most feared Apostate in recent memory burning away.
Sir Thrask watched as Leech's body burned away with Meredith positively beaming and the crowd sheered proudly calling Thrask's name. Hawke was right all Leech was in the end was an old sickly frail man Sir Thrask thought watching the burning without taking a joy from it as the others did.
They stayed for some time until slowly the crowd began to disperse but Meredith and Sir Thrask stayed along with Elsa. Hearing footsteps behind him Sir Thrask turned seeing Sir Hynes strolling towards them stopping to watch the fire burn Leech's corpse away.
"Hynes you're looking much better" Sir Thrask said not knowing what else to say as he studied the face of the man whom had been possessed.
"Thank you" Sir Hynes said keeping his gaze on the fire.
"You killed him then? Was it painful? Maker I hope it hurt" Sir Hynes said suddenly getting a look of fear and anger in his eyes. "Several wounds to his body before I cut open his throat" Sir Thrask answered realizing that Sir Hynes needed to see Meredith's show more than anyone.
"Good… good" Sir Hynes said in a cold fashion as Sir Thrask noticed his fellow Templar's hands had turned into fists. Poor man… the things Leech made him do. But now it's over and Leech is dead I know it isn't easy Sir Hynes but you'll pull through Sir Thrask thought.
"You ever need to talk I'm always willing to have a drink. I hear the Tranquil have brewed some new wine" Sir Thrask said casually. Sir Hynes needs casual he needs to set this behind him Sir Thrask mussed.
"I'd like that" Sir Hynes said showing a shadow of his former self as he turned to Sir Thrask warmly. "Thanks Sir Thrask… for everything" Sir Hynes said turning to leave having seen what he needed to see and looking considerably brighter.
I was the only one who visited him in the wards. All the other Templars have been afraid there was still some of Leech in him. I was the only one who didn't glare at his decision to switch to a support role Sir Thrask remembered.
Deciding to ask something that had been bothering him for some time Sir Thrask spoke up saying "Sir Hynes."
"Yes?" Sir Hynes asked turning back to face Thrask. "When… you were possessed… do... do you remember everything" Sir Thrask asked awkwardly not knowing if it was too soon to bring that up.
Sir Hynes suddenly got a scared look about him but he thought about it speaking in a low voice saying "flashes of it… I remember being trapped in my body not able to act. Forced to do whatever… whatever the Freak wanted me to do."
I can't even imagine it… unable to move but still able to see as your body listened to someone else's command… forced to kill Sir Thrask thought.
Sir Hynes waited for Thrask to ask his questions for which Thrask was grateful. "Do you remember anything else? Was there anything that Leech seemed afraid of… anything that he might have feared?" Sir Thrask asked.
"What? I… no. No Leech... he wasn't afraid of anything not even the Templars. I don't know if he was human enough to know what fear was" Sir Hynes answered looking confused.
"Why do you ask?" Sir Hynes asked not understanding. What Garrett pieced together… that Leech was afraid of something Sir Thrask thought as he calmly answered "just something I was investigating."
"He was obsessed with Darktown and what was underneath it" Sir Hynes said forcing himself to remember his time being possessed.
"The Undercity" Sir Thrask asked. Sir Hynes nodded. That's a dead end too much ground to cover just like in the beginning… not even Leech could have possibly known of everything down there Sir Thrask thought.
"Thank you" Sir Thrask said as Sir Hynes left.
"Leave it be. Leech is dead" Meredith said having let Sir Thrask offer what comfort to Sir Hynes he could while she had stood unsure of what to say. Elsa nodded speaking in her empty flat voice saying "psychological wounds take the longest to heal. In time I believe Hynes will recover."
Now that only the three of them remained Sir Thrask turned to Meredith saying "Commander what did Leech do to you?"
Meredith didn't look at him keeping her gaze on the fire but she said "explain?" Sir Thrask shifted saying "you put on such a show for his death. What you told me in your office of the past… this is personal isn't it?"
I shouldn't have been so blunt Sir Thrask thought realizing that it might not be good to bother his boss over something personal. Meredith only stayed silent neither confirming nor denying Sir Thrask's suspicion before finally saying "it's been a long day Sir Thrask I dismiss you."
Sir Thrask nodded and slowly took his leave.
"Elsa await me in my office and I will meet you shortly" Meredith said wanting to be alone with the burned body of Leech. Once Elsa was gone Meredith glared at Leech's corpse which by now was little more than a chunk of charred bone.
"You're finally dead. Yet I feel no satisfaction" Meredith said coldly. Memories flashed through Meredith's head, memories of her youth in the Order and her encounter with Leech and how as a child he had killed Sir Allard, her mentor.
"You took him away from me" Meredith said angrily now that no one was around to see as tears began to swell in her eyes. Yet she did not allow her tears to fall she would remain strong.
For what no one knew was that Meredith wasn't always as hard and cold as she was now, that there was time when she had loved and been loved in return.
No other Templars knew as she had kept it secret that Meredith and Sir Allard had been lovers and had shared many a night together. No other Templars knew that Sir Allard had started a relationship with one of his most promising recruits, a recruit that would one day become Knight Commander.
No other Templars knew that they had continued their secret relationship even after Meredith had been accepted into the Order. Sir Allard, the only love Meredith had ever known, the man she had once loved that had been brutally murdered by the feral apostate of legend.
"I've hated you for years and years but now you're dead and all I feel is emptiness where once there might had been love" Meredith said glaring through teary eyes at Leech's corpse.
There was a loud snap as Leech's bones began to break apart from the fire… there was almost nothing left anymore. Reaching a hand inside her armor Meredith grasped the necklace Sir Allard had given her so many years ago, the only thing she still had of him.
"Sir Allard you have been avenged" Meredith whispered. Without speaking another word Meredith wiped her tears once again becoming the stony and strong Knight Commander as she headed for her office.
Outside the Circle
Gallows Prison
Lower level used for isolated prisoners
Bethany awoke with a groan, the pain had mostly faded away thanks to the Circle Healers but it was hard to sleep comfortably in a prison cell. She didn't remember being placed inside her cell all she remembered was waking up a few hours ago here, her hands still handcuffed.
She couldn't use her magic, the iron handcuffs robbed her of her connection to the Fade, and there wasn't much to do but think. What will they do with me Bethany thought she wasn't sure what would happen though she did find it odd that all the other cells were empty.
The Prison levels were mostly long hallway after hallway filled with prison cells where every floor looked just like the other. The only change was at the very bottom which held the very worst of Apostates, the so called Dungeon.
Bethany didn't know how many floors below the Dungeon was but she was glad that for whatever her reasons Meredith hadn't placed her there. Still it was odd that she had an entire floor to herself.
I don't even know what time it is… or what day Bethany thought as she moved into a sitting position, her bed here was basically a stick of wood welded into the wall and not very comfortable.
"At least there are candles" Bethany mumbled glad that someone bothered to keep the prison cells lit as there were no windows. Being stuck in a cell with no light… she couldn't imagine that.
Suddenly a door opened and Bethany could hear footsteps heading her way, she stood up not sure if she should be scared.
The sight that reached her cell surprised her.
"Hello again I have your dinner" Idunna said in the empty flat voice that only Tranquil spoke in, she stood holding a tray of food. "Idunna…" Bethany said slowly as she gazed at burn mark over the former prostitute's forehead. "I hope it does not displease you to see me again. I volunteered for this duty as a way to perhaps to apologize of my past actions" Idunna said without blinking.
"You mean when you tried to kill my brother" Bethany said coldly. Idunna nodded saying "yes I was different then but now I am at peace." Stepping forward Idunna opened the metal flap of Bethany's prison cell and slide the food tray across for Bethany to eat.
"Wait… don't go" Bethany said slowly.
Idunna stood still waiting for Bethany to continue.
"What's going on? I don't know how long it's been but no one's told me anything I've just been locked up here" Bethany said. "Kenneth passed his Harrowing and you were taken into custody. Since the incident you have been here for a day and seven hours" Idunna answered flatly.
Bethany took that in before asking "why am I the only one on this floor… all the other prison cells are empty." "The Knight Commander placed you here because she did want you speaking with the other prisoners as I once did" Idunna answered.
"You were separated from the other prisoners?" Bethany asked not knowing of Idunna's past in the prison cells before Leech had broken her out.
"Yes my appearance caused problems with the other inmates before I was moved into a cell further down from where you stand. However this floor has been given extra protection since the apostate known as Leech broke me out" Idunna answered simply.
"Wait… who's Leech? You broke out of the Gallows but you're here now. And you're Tranquil" Bethany said feeling very left out. "A very dangerous Apostate whom was killed by Sir Thrask. I did not break out he broke me out but I was returned and made Tranquil" Idunna replied.
Bethany just stood silent feeling like there was a whole story that she been entirely left out of.
"You'll excuse me but it is a long story that I would prefer not to tell as I have put it behind me" Idunna said seeing the look in Bethany's eyes while she herself remained stiff and stone like.
"I understand" Bethany said slowly. Idunna turned to leave but Bethany stopped her one last time."Do you know what's going to happen to me?" Bethany asked sadly as she gripped the iron handles of her cell.
"I do not know. However I speculate that you were placed here temporally. You entered the Fade without the use of Lyrium or Blood Magic a feat unheard of. That worries the Templars and Meredith is deciding what to do with you" Idunna answered.
Bethany nodded taking in that even the Templars didn't know what they were going to do with her yet as Idunna walked out. Hearing the door slam shut and knowing she'd be alone at least for a few hours Bethany sadly grabbed the food tray and began to eat in silence.
Darktown
Anders's Clinic
"You really cut off half his hand, punched him, and slashed his chest?" Anders asked as he channeled his healing magic into Garrett.
"Yeah like I said but he still managed to hit me a few times. I felt his magic trying to rip through my armor but he didn't have the strength to kill me he had lost too much blood and whatever Justice did had wounded him" Garrett answered as he sat waiting for Anders to finish his check-up.
"Hawke the things you get up to" Anders said finishing up. After having reported back to the Viscount with Sir Thrask, Garrett had headed back to Anders for healing and had come back due to Anders's insistence for check-ups.
"Hmm still no long term damage that I can see" Anders said thinking it over as he examined Garrett just to be sure. "So no more check-ups?" Garrett asked. "No I think you'll be fine. Has the soreness gone or do I need to numb it again?" Anders asked still gripping his staff.
"All gone" Garrett answered.
"Well I guess we're done here" Anders said just as Cooper, Anders's assistant, appeared saying "someone's here to see Hawke." Garrett blinked unsure of who it was as Anders exchanged a glance with him before turning to Cooper saying "let them in."
Aveline walked in just as Anders was gathering his medicines. "Garrett" Aveline said slowly as Garrett looked for his undershirt finding it on the stool he had left it on when Anders had started his examination.
"Aveline something wrong?" Garrett asked turning to his friend as he picked up his undershirt but strangely Aveline seemed to be distracted.
"Um Aveline?" Garrett asked as oddly Aveline seemed to not being paying attention as she didn't meet Garrett's eyes. "Hmm" Aveline asked getting her act together and forcing herself to meet her friend's eyes as he put on his undershirt.
Though for some reason Aveline seemed a little flushed as she forced herself to keep her eyes on Garrett's face.
"You needed to see me?" Garrett asked as he began to re-armor his top, he had kept his trousers on since Anders's didn't need to heal his legs, in his usual Reinforced Leather Armor with a slight blue green tint.
"I needed to inform you of things… why weren't you wearing a shirt right now?" Aveline said looking embarrassed for some reason.
"Just a check-up Leech almost ripped through his armor but Hawke's a survivor and all he got was some bad bruising" Anders said answering for Garrett. Aveline frowned saying "are you okay Garrett?"
"I'm fine Anders healed most of the damage and he's been checking up on me to make sure it stayed healed" Garrett replied.
"Above all of else I am a pretty damn good healer" Anders said taken pride in his work as he finished gathering his medicines. However even as Anders had gathered his supplies he couldn't help but notice Aveline's flushed face even as she recovered and he laughed lightly.
"I don't like this Garrett but someone wants to meet you before he leaves Kirkwall never to come back" Aveline said gesturing for Garrett to follow her. Anders waved goodbye as Garrett followed Aveline out of Darktown all the way to the Hightown Marketplace where Marcus was waiting.
Hightown Marketplace
"So you're telling me the Viscount is just letting this guy walk… this guy is more of a criminal than all the others" Garrett said bitterly as they headed for Marcus, whom sat outside a private tavern drinking his expensive wine.
"I know but it's the only way" Aveline replied just as bitter. "Ah there you are Ms. Aveline. I take it this is he?" Marcus said in greeting as he looked over Garrett curiously. "Who's asking" Garrett asked crossing his arms.
"My name is Marcus soon to self-exile myself from this fine city with quite a lot of money though not as much as I had intended" Marcus said coolly. "So I heard. The Viscount chose the lessor of two evils" Garrett said.
Marcus only laughed to their surprise saying "ah you despise me and here I thought we might get along." Aveline scuffed as Garrett said "why on Thedas would you think we would get along?"
"Hmm from what I hear you've built a rather good life for yourself. A business man and a Noble whom gets face time with the Viscount himself. I respect that for you started as nothing but a refugee, I too started from nothing" Marcus said.
All you were is a criminal Garrett thought as he said "what's your point and why did you want to meet me of all people?"
"I wanted to know who really defeated the Four. The real reason my investments here in Kirkwall fell apart" Marcus said simply. Aveline sighed saying "he insisted and I didn't want to bother the Viscount again. Sorry Garrett."
"Don't be. I said I wouldn't bother the Viscount again and I haven't" Marcus said suddenly standing up to meet Garrett's eye.
"So it was you had planned all this was it? Was it you who figured out all of our weaknesses and used them against us dividing the Four and taking the Coterie branch down in record time" Marcus said icily.
"No I did not mastermind your end" Garrett said truthfully.
Marcus raised his eyebrows as Garrett continued "I only speak for him and he won't meet with you." There's a reason Tolan kept his identity secret, only his smugglers and I know who he really is though Meeran might know as well Garrett thought.
"Is that so? Well then such a shame. Hmm I suppose I must take my leave then but before I go I solute you Mr. Hawke. Whatever your reasons for joining this cause and helping this mysterious third party that was my end I hope it was worth it" Marcus said.
Garrett and Aveline just glared silently at Marcus. Finishing his wine Marcus took his leave without saying a single word, heading for the Docks where he would take ship back home to Tevinter with all the coin he had salvaged.
"So I guess this is it. The Coterie's end is here" Garrett said turning to Aveline warmly now that Marcus was gone. "Yeah I guess so" Aveline said grinning, whatever else despite everything that had happened the Coterie truly was done in Kirkwall.
Barracks Prison
"Sir this is unwise at the very least let two City Guards protect you" Seneschal Bran said as he hurriedly followed Viscount Dumar. "No there's nothing he can do here and we're surrounded by the City Guard" Viscount Dumar said.
Two City Guards stood guard as Viscount Dumar reached the room where former Guard Captain Ewald was being held. Unlike Ignacio and the other Coterie members Ewald was given a large cell but had been moved so the Viscount could speak with him.
The two City Guards moved side looking grim faced as they said "Viscount if there is any trouble at all call us and we'll be there." Dumar nodded as the City Guards stepped outside and let him in.
The room was basically a small square with a table and chairs set up for their private meeting, Ewald was chained to the table and chair however. "Hello again my old friend" Ewald said sadly as he looked up seeing the Viscount himself moving to sit across the table from him.
The two City Guards closed the door giving them their privacy. They didn't speak for some time as they sat across from each other, they had a lot of history together and this was the blow that had hit Dumar the hardest.
"Why?" Viscount Dumar asked finally. Ewald took his time but answered "what does it matter I'm guilty I don't deny it." His tone... so somber the tone of a man accepting his fate Viscount Dumar mussed.
"You served this city faithfully for over thirty years. You trained at least half of the City Guards here today and saw several of them become Senior Officers even Qerth doesn't have your record" Dumar answered.
Ewald looked away before laughing sadly as he answered "yes I served the city for over thirty years and what did I get?"
Dumar said nothing.
"Forced to retire. My wife long gone after she divorced me and my son who never writes anymore always in Orlais. An empty Lowtown apartment and some coin giving to me for my years of service" Ewald said bitterly.
"I wanted more" Ewald added coldly. "More than what?" Viscount Dumar asked.
"More than this life. Don't you see Dumar we give so much in our service but we get nothing while Nobles walk around this city like they own it. Most of them have never worked a day in their life with mommy and daddy taking care of them" Ewald said bitterly.
"You did this for gold? Ewald you betrayed our city and our years of friendship all so you could get rich" Viscount Dumar said angrily. Ewald laughed sadly saying "not just gold I wanted more. Marcus found me after my forced retirement and convinced me of what I could have."
"And after everything I confided in you" Viscount Dumar said in disgust. "Not many people knew it was me. Not even Jeven knew." "You warned me to fight his election to Guard Captain" Viscount Dumar said angrily.
"Marcus's idea, no one would ever think it was me if I obviously hated the Coterie's pawn in the City Guard and even better Jeven hated me" Ewald said with a shrug that caused his chains to rattle.
"And what of Aveline? Were you trying to plant another pawn in the City Guard! Is that it!" Viscount Dumar said sternly having realized just how Dixon had gotten his men into the City Guard.
"… That was the plan but over time I saw that she would never betray the city no matter how much gold was promised. She's the perfect City Guard and like I predicted she moved up the ranks fast" Ewald said oddly proud.
"Of all the years I never expected you to give up so easily" Viscount Dumar said nearly shouting in anger at his old friend.
"Don't pretend like you don't understand! What have you gotten from being Viscount? A bald head, your wife long dead, a son who barely listens to you, the Templars throwing their weight around the city, and dealing with the Qunari of all people!" Ewald shouted back.
"I always knew what I was signing up for. I became Viscount to serve this city the city I love… I had thought you of all people would understand. All those years you were my only true friend but now you betray me" the Viscount said harshly.
"… Well then I guess we never really knew each other after all did we?" Ewald said bitterly as he hung his head low his chains rattling together.
"No I guess we didn't" Viscount Dumar said standing up having had his fill of betrayal. "Goodbye my old friend I hope the prison provides you with the life you wanted so badly you betrayed everything you once stood for" Viscount Dumar said leaving.
Ewald said nothing but hung his head atop the table.
"Sir is everything alright? We heard shouting" one of the City Guards asked looking concerned as Seneschal Bran waited warily for him. "As fine as it's going to get for now" Viscount Dumar answered.
"Bran come we have work to do" Viscount Dumar said leaving the Barracks Prison… and leaving the only true friend he had behind.
Later
Hightown
Hawke Estate.
"There you go Kane" Garrett said as set his faithful Mabari's food bowl down, almost instantly Kane began to eat. Garrett looked around his estate knowing that one day soon he would have leave all of this behind even though he had worked so hard to get it.
"Family is all the matters" Garrett said looking around the estate thinking of how they'd have to move around again once they broke Bethany out but that it would be worth it in the end.
That's when Garrett noticed it… a black envelope waiting for him on his writing table only no one had been inside his estate except him. Where did this come from? Garrett thought reaching over and picking the envelope up and opening it.
Inside was a letter that read:
You have recently done me a service. Allow me to repay you though I know that by now coin means little to you. So I award you the gift of warning.
Not everyone forgives
Garrett just starred at the words not sure what to make of this mysterious letter when suddenly he heard a knock on the door. Putting the letter back down Garrett went to his front door and opened it finding Tolan waiting for him outside.
Tolan was wearing his usual disguise of ragged clothing of either Lowtown or Darktown make and a hood that covered his face hiding the ragged scar that ran across his lips and past his cheeks but he wore no Raider mask this time.
"Can I come in?" Tolan asked as Garrett nodded letting him.
Tolan looked around Garrett's estate before turning back to Garrett saying "everything's ready." Garrett's heart jumped in his chest as his eyes widened and he stepped forward saying "are you sure it will work?"
"I'm sure" Tolan said nodding.
"Start your goodbyes. In the three days time under the cover of night we break your sister out of the Circle and the two of you leave Kirkwall for parts unknown as promised" Tolan said smirking.
Three days Garrett thought as he smiled saying "thank you."
"A deal's a deal" Tolan said as he and Garrett shook hands.
Well there you have it.
I know this chapter didn't have any action in it but honestly this one of my favorite chapters I've ever written.
Just like with the Last Four Days it was all drama based.
As for Meredith I wanted to write a reason for the way she is.
As for Dumar and Ewald I planned that since the beginning I hope the payoff was good (all the scenes they had together)
There might be a bit of a wait for an update as my finals are coming so just a heads up.
Thanks for Reading and please Review!