Hey guys, long time.
Life gets in the way. I'm taking two summer classes and I started an internship
Anyway this chapter is long. Maybe read in parts.
Where am I? Garrett thought. Wherever he was he was in pain. He was lying on his back too tired to move or open his eyes. His body ached all over and he felt much older than he truly was.
All he remembered was being carried by the current from the Waking Sea, he remembered thrashing helpless as he drowned. He remembered something pulling him against the current however and the last thing he had thought was that he had landed in the lower levels of Darktown and probably broken all the bones in his body.
Is that what happened? Am I in Darktown unable to move and dying…
Painfully opening his eyes Garret realized he was in a field just like the one back at Lothering, not Darktown at all. Breathing softly and barely able to keep his eyes open Garrett lay still enjoying the soft breeze feeling the wind hitting his face.
It was so nice to just lie down and do nothing. He hadn't had a single day off since fleeing Ostagar and it was of no choice but his own.
That's when he noticed someone was sitting cross legged next to him.
Panting softly, Garrett weakly turned his head and found his eyes widening…
Carver was sitting beside him. "Hey" Garrett's younger brother said looking exactly like Garrett remembered, tall, lean, and muscular, even more so than Garrett, wearing his faded field armor.
Garrett felt his eyes threatening to shut again but kept them open as he fixed his gaze upon Carver and let out a single haggard breath.
"Carver" Garrett rasped in a weak voice.
"Am I dead?" Garrett asked breathing softly.
"You're close" Carver answered as he watched the beautiful morning sky over Lothering.
Garrett turned away from Carver and joined him watching the sky. Garrett was so tired, tired of everything, tired of the struggle and hardships he'd faced. What he wouldn't give to just rest here forever with his brother, the brother he had failed.
"Carver" Garrett rasped finding the strength to look back at him.
Carver met his gaze sadly but remained silent waiting for his older brother to speak.
"I never got to tell you. I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I couldn't save you" Garrett said between weak haggard breathes as he felt tears began to trickle down his face.
"I failed. I should have never let you join the army. I should have kept you home with mother and Bethany" Garrett said his eyes red with tears.
"I never blamed you Garrett. Even if you blame yourself" Carver said placing a hand on Garrett's shoulder.
"I failed everyone. I failed father. I failed Bethany. I couldn't keep her safe the Templars took her and I couldn't stop them. I tried to build a better life for us" Garrett said not being able to stop the flow of tears. He'd held everything in for so long...
Carver gazed at his brother with sad eyes saying "it's not your fault. You've always done so much for us. You always wore the weight of the world but you didn't have to."
"I did" Garrett corrected weakly. Carver met his gaze and memories flashed through both of the Hawke brother's minds.
Of Garrett becoming the man of the family after Malcolm's passing. Of Garrett becoming a father figure and big brother to both Bethany and Carver in their own ways. Of Garrett shouldering the burdens of a man while he was still a boy. Of the time that slipped by Garrett until he found himself a man grown and following his younger brother into the army.
"No you didn't" Carver said at last.
"You gave up so much for us Garrett. You did the best you could and father would have been proud. You held us together. You can't keep blaming yourself. My death wasn't your fault" Carver said.
"It was. Every day I play it back in my head. What I could have done different" Garrett said.
"There's nothing you could have done that would have changed things" Carver said solemnly.
"I know" Garrett said somberly.
Carver looked away saying "we weren't as… close as we should have been. I was selfish I never saw how hard it was for you."
Garrett smiled weakly and laughed saying "all you ever cared about was being a Swordsman."
Carver returned the smile but it left his face as he spoke again saying "and all you ever cared about was us. You stopped caring about yourself a long time ago."
Coughing Garrett chuckled saying "yeah. I'm the eldest remember."
"I failed you Garrett" Carver said looking at his brother.
"No. Carver you could never fail me" Garrett said.
"It's true. I didn't help you when I could have. I could have helped shoulder your burden but all I ever did was try and be better than you" Carver said sadly.
"You were living your life" Garrett said with the smallest of smiles.
"And you never got to live yours" Carver answered back somberly.
Garrett stayed silent at that.
Ever since their father had died Garrett stopped caring about himself and cared only for his family. Even in Kirkwall everything he'd ever done had been for his family. He did not regret it, truly. He'd made friends and allies but he knew that Carver was right.
"I wish I could change things. So many things I would have done different" Carver said while Garrett laid resting wishing he could just stay here and rest for all time.
"It doesn't have to end here. You don't have to die, not yet." Carver said suddenly.
"You have to choose to live but it has to be your choice, not duty, or not because you want revenge. You need more than hate to live in this world. You need a reason to live" Carver said firmly.
"Bethany… Aveline… my family… my friends… my life" Garrett rasped he took in Carver's words and slowly began to get up.
"I know it hurts but it'll pass" Carver said seeing Garrett struggle. Struggling to find his strength Garrett made to get up but found that he couldn't do it… he was too tired… too weak.
"I can't anymore" Garrett rasped.
Just as Garrett found himself giving into despair however he felt Carver's hands pulling him up and helping him to his feet.
"I couldn't help you before but I can now" Carver said calmly as he held Garrett up.
Nodding Garrett forced himself to stand as Carver let him go. "You can't be reckless brother. That's what you got here and I don't want to see you here again until you're an old man who's lived a full life" Carver said.
"You sound like me. I'm supposed to be the older brother. Remember." Garrett said chuckling at this bizarre role reversal of theirs.
"Sometimes even the older brother needs advice" Carver said warmly.
"Is this all in my head?" Garrett asked finally as everything around them, Lothering, the field they were standing in, and Carver himself began to fade away.
Carver smirked his boyish grin as he faded away managing to say one last thing:
"Of course it is. Doesn't make it any less real."
Garrett awoke with a start coughing up water. Breathing heavily Garrett moved into a sitting position. His eyes were still red and as he rubbed them he felt a dry mark on his cheek that must have come from a tear.
Carver… I had almost forgotten what you looked like Garrett thought sadly.
Glancing around Garrett realized where he was… the Black Emporium.
"Ah so you have awoken finally. Young people are so strange these days. You know young man you have a tendency to talk in your sleep" Xenon boomed.
Garrett slowly got to his feet, his whole body ached and his eyes were still red.
"What… I don't understand… I was dead" Garrett stammered.
"Correction! You WERE dead! But onlyyyyyyy for a few minutes. I saw you falling with the current and I fished you out. Urchin found you from there" Xenon boomed as he always did by extending his favorite words.
"I… I was dead for a few minutes" Garrett said in disbelief as he struggled to stay on his feet.
"Yeszzzzzzz you had the unfortunate condition of having your lungs filled with water. But a little mouth to mouth resuscitation cured you" Xenon answered.
Mouth to mouth resuscitation…. Maker! Garrett thought getting a horrified look on his face wishing he had some mouth wash.
"Hahahahahaaha not me! Urchin did that. I only slowed your descent and made sure you'd land where he could find you" Xenon said looking amused or rather what was left of his rotten decaying face looked amused.
Garrett glanced around seeing Urchin standing nearby where he usually did beside Xenon and his specialized pool.
Urchin met his gaze and shrugged.
My whole body feels like it was crushed Garrett thought as he wobbled and slump to the ground before painfully moving himself to a sitting position against a wall.
"Rest. Your body will need time to heal" Xenon said suddenly.
"I can't just sit here. I… I have to find Tolan!" Garrett said his memory coming back to him as he remembered the betrayal.
"After all the work I put into saving you I'd rather not have you die. In your condition my Urchin could take you in a fight" Xenon said bluntly.
Carver's words echoed in his head, you can't be reckless brother. That's what you got you here. Feeling his aching muscles Garrett nodded thinking revenge would get me killed right now… I have to be smarter.
Suddenly Urchin was at Garrett's side holding up a Health Potion.
"Thanks" Garrett said slowly as he took the Health Potion and drank it. Already he was starting to feel better but he knew that he didn't have the strength to stand yet let alone get back to the surface.
"I don't understand. You saw me falling?" Garrett asked still piecing together everything that happened while every muscle in his body ached.
"Of course! The things you young people throw away... you wouldn't believe the things I've found! One man's trash is another man's treasureeeeee" Xenon answered.
"That poor girl that tried to defend you landed in the Undercity. I would have saved her too but she was already dead. Urchin has buried her" Xenon continued as if he usually fished people out of currents.
"Chella… Tolan killed her. The current was pulling me down how could you have fished me out?" Garrett asked.
"Young man my magic has kept me ALIVE for longer than nature intended. Do you really think it's THAT difficult for me to 'pluck' one little man out of the water" Xenon said looking annoyed.
Garrett had heard the legends of Xenon but he never been sure just how much of it had been true. Obviously Xenon was real his physical form was proof of that but some of legend just seemed to far-fetched to believe.
"I suppose I should thank you" Garrett said awkwardly as forced himself to lightly move his arms and legs, he needed to get the feeling back.
"Yeszzzzzz you should" Xenon said sounding rather cold.
"Thank you for saving me" Garrett said awkwardly.
"You know I did try to warn you but you wouldn't listen. Urchin delivered my letter but does anyone ever listen to old Xenon? No. Younggggg people are always sooooooo sure of themselves never bothering to take advice when it is given" Xenon scoffed.
"The letter" Garrett said slowly. The letter on my writing desk. I… forget about it. I was too caught up with the prospect of breaking Bethany out of the circle he thought.
"That was you?" Garrett said.
"Yeszzzz I was trying to repay you. But you refused to listen! Young man here's some more free advice. Don't let your emotions cloud your judgment" Xenon said.
Garrett nodded somberly, he knew Tolan had betrayed him and in retrospect he should have seen it coming but he was blinded by his need to break Bethany out.
"Wait… repay me? Repay me for what" Garrett asked confused.
"For Leech" Xenon answered. In the corner of the Black Emporium the stone golem Thaddeus Gigantus Crumbum the Third shifted with its arms raised at the very mention of Leech.
"Leech? Wait… you're what he was afraid of" Garrett said dumbfounded before he started to think things over.
Back in Leech's lair… the strange carvings in the walls… Garrett thought, he couldn't remember all of Leech's carvings but the ones he did…
"I can feel him. He's here deep down further than I've ever been."
"He's mocks me. He knows I can't getin his secret place. I will get in. I will take his power for my own."
"He's strong. It didn't work. He pushed me out but I saw him. He has life I want it. Need it. Not strong enough. Need to be stronger. He knows where I hide but he can't leave his secrete place."
"You're the thing Leech found in the Undercity all those years ago" Garrett realized.
"Yeszzz many years ago he noticed my Urchins moving around the tunnels. He followed them but no one may enter here without my permission" Xenon said.
"Urchins? As in more than one?" Garrett asked suddenly.
Xenon's face morphed as he appeared to scoff saying "I'm getting to that. Young man please wait I'm trying to tell a story."
"Oh… sorry" Garrett said awkwardly.
He wanted to do more to get back to the surface and find Tolan but Garrett knew he was in no condition to do so. All he could do was wait and trade stories with Xenon for now.
"That monster kept trying to find a way inside. But the Black Emporium is my domain and I knew what he was the moment my Urchins told me of him. Of how he hunted the Undercity for victims" Xenon said darkly.
"He became obsessed with me and my domain. Leech could feel my presence as I could feel his. So many instances of leeching his victim's life force away he could sense a nearly limitless supply… me" Xenon said.
"Leech wanted my immortality. One day he slaughtered a dozen men and used their blood to fuel his power. He broke through several walls and eventually forced his way to my home here" Xenon said as Urchin began to look scared.
"We fought. He lost." Xenon said as suddenly lightning appeared arcing around his specialized pool, Xenon could use magic.
Garrett watched mesmerized by the lightning arcing around Xenon in his display of power, Xenon's lightning was unlike anything Garrett has seen before. Bright purple it sparked and hissed like it was alive and very powerful.
However powerful Leech was… Xenon was stronger.
"By the time our fight was over Leech had killed all of my poor little Urchins… all except one" Xenon said. Just then Urchin moved to stand next to the specialized pool of his master. Urchin placed a hand on the pool.
"So many orphans left running around Darktown. Every now and again I help them. This one over here decided to stay" Xenon said gesturing to Urchin beside him.
"I should have killed Leech that day. But he was horribly wounded and as he was crawling away I was sure he would die. I was wrong." Xenon said.
Garrett blinked taking this all in.
"Ba! It took poor Thaddeus weeks to repair the damage" Xenon said remembering how Leech had broken in.
"Why didn't you help us before? All that time we spent trying to kill that monster and you had the power to stop him all this time" Garrett said a little annoyed as he tried to stand up but once again found that he couldn't.
"I can never leave the Undercity" Xenon said suddenly without any of them booming inflection of his voice, he sounded… sad.
"Do you know my legend? I made a deal. I wished to live forever in my beloved city… my wish was granted. I can never leave my city without dying" Xenon said somberly.
"You were one of the first natives of Kirkwall. So many people have come and rebuilt over the original city… over the Undercity" Garrett said thinking aloud.
"Yeszzzzzz. Empires have risen and fallen but I remain here in my city. The first ruler of Kirkwall no matter what you outsiders believe. My body has decayed but I found a way to stop even that… truly immortal." Xenon said.
Yet he can't reverse the decay already done Garrett thought.
"I sit here with my treasures and my shop but outside the world has changed. That is the reason I linger. I can only watch as the world changes but it is so fascinating and you Garrett Hawke are interesting to watch" Xenon said.
"You keep helping me. But why? Even before Leech you invited me to your store? It wasn't just the amulet you helped me escape the Deep Roads?" Garrett said having thought things over.
"Garrett Hawke you are interesting. You came here a refugee and though you became a criminal you never compromised who you are. You rose above your lot in life and built a better life at least for a time. I've seen countless selfish men in my time but you care only for your family. You stopped caring about yourself a long time ago. That is both your strength and your weakness… fascinating" Xenon answered.
"… How long you have been watching me?" Garrett asked.
"I watch the entire city. My magic grants me that gift. I watch for we stand upon the precipice of change, the world fears the inevitable plummet into the abyss. I watch for those who will make the jump when the time comes" Xenon answered.
Garrett frowned saying "… that sounds like something Flemeth once said."
Xenon remained curiously silent but Garrett thought he could see the smallest of smirks on the decaying face of the immortal. Sensing that Xenon wasn't going to talk more about Flemeth Garrett decided to change the subject.
"Is there anything else you can give me? Help I mean" Garrett said.
"You want revenge for Tolan's betrayal-" Xenon began only for Garrett to interrupt.
"Yeah I want revenge but it's more than that it. I want to protect my friends and family" Garrett said.
"The two of you are more alike than you know" Xenon said suddenly.
"Like you Tolan came here a refugee but while you had your family he was alone. You stayed who you were. Instead of rising above his lot in life as you did Tolan instead compromised again and again in the face of what he endured. You had a part to play in that Garrett but a vengeful mind is a twisted mind. Everything in his life he has brought upon himself" Xenon mussed.
I'm the one who nearly cut his face in half Garrett thought as he scoffed saying "I used to feel sorry for him."
"How long have I been down here?" Garrett asked wanting to heal already so he could get back to the surface.
"Nearly two days. Wait a few hours then you can leave though I advise caution. Killing Tolan alone wouldn't save everything" Xenon said.
Garrett nodded.
"I need to stop his plans and whatever else he's set in motion" Garrett said thinking things over as he flexed his fingers.
"I take it even you don't know what Tolan's planned?" Garrett asked glancing at the deformed face of Xenon.
"I can only watch. I can't read minds" Xenon answered.
"I would have died without your help. I shouldn't complain" Garrett said.
"No you shouldn't" Xenon said humorously.
Later
Garrett Hawke walked through Darktown.
He'd fully healed thanks to Xenon's help and after leaving the Black Emporium he'd immediately started back to the surface. Xenon had even managed to save Garrett's weapons and Urchin had returned them to him when he had left.
Garrett found the man pretending to be asleep at Ander's Clinic and strode past him even as the man's eyes followed him.
"Anders" Garrett called entering his friend's workplace and home.
"Hmm" Anders mumbled. The former Grey Warden had clearly been sleeping before Garrett had stridden in rudely waking him up.
"Who's there? How did you get in here?" Anders mumbled starting to get up as he pulled out his staff.
Anders suddenly found himself being hauled up by Garrett. "Anders it's me Hawke" Garrett said shaking Anders awake. This is… awkward Garrett thought as Anders realized who he was.
"Hawke? What are you doing here? I thought you left Kirkwall?" Anders said blinking his eyes rapidly as Garrett shook him awake.
"It's a long story. Tolan betrayed me and left me for dead… but Xenon saved me" Garrett said as Anders took a step back.
"Wait. What? The Smuggler Lord?" Anders said.
"Yeah. I don't know all the details but he wants to own the city… just like Coterie wanted too. The Red Iron are dead Tolan killed them too" Garrett said.
"Meeran's dead?" Anders said.
"The smugglers are the last organized criminals left. Look I know this is bad timing but I need your help and I don't even know what I'm going to do" Garrett said.
"I'll help just uh let me put some proper clothes on" Anders said awkwardly as he quickly started to grab his usual robes. At this late hour all Anders had was a simple undershirt and trousers on.
"Sorry about the timing" Garrett said rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
Lowtown
After leaving his clinic Garrett and Anders headed to Lowtown.
"I need to know what's been happening. I need to find out what the rest of Tolan's plan is… there's more to this I can feel it" Garrett said as they walked.
"You said that Tolan wanted to own the city. Just like the Coterie wanted to right? Well he has to have something planned for the City Guards" Anders said thinking things over.
"I need an ear to the ground. I take it Varric left for Cumberland already?" Garrett asked.
"Yeah he left two days ago. Following a lead on Bartrand" Anders answered.
"I'm worried about Varric. I think Tolan set up a false lead for him to follow." Garrett said.
"Varric proved he could gather information better than Tolan when he found out who the corrupt City Guards were. I think Tolan knew Varric would find out he betrayed me" Garrett said.
"So he made sure Varric would be outside the city when the time came. Makes sense. Varric just happened to get a lead on Bartrand the same day you were leaving" Anders said slowly.
"We need to find Isabela. She can get information almost as good as Varric can" Garrett said as they headed for the Hanged Man.
Entering the Hanged Man Anders and Garrett found Isabela by the bar in her usual spot and at this late hour she was probably a little drunk.
But Garrett needed help.
"Another round" Isabela called to the bartender whom ignored her in favor of his other more wealthy customers. Isabela threw a hand up in frustration. "Isabela" Garrett called as he and Anders stood beside her.
"Hmm? Hawke!" Isabela said flinging her arms around Garrett drunkenly as she continued "came back to have a drink?"
"No. Isabela I need your help this is important" Garrett said as he and Anders pulled Isabela off to the side telling her all that had happened.
"That bastard" Isabela said after Garrett had explained what had happened, she was still a little drunk but she pulled herself together quickly. Isabela may have been a heavy drinker but she could always clean up fast when she had too.
The three of them had grabbed a table to themselves to talk in private. "I'm worried about Varric but I don't know what Tolan had in mind for him. I don't know much of his plan" Garrett said.
"Why don't we just find Tolan and take him out?" Isabela said like it was the simplest thing in the world.
"Like I said it's more than that. Tolan was mocking me before he left me to die, he said he would deal with my family" Garrett said.
"We're hoping you might know what's been going on. Maybe we can figure out Tolan's plan and stop it" Anders said.
"Nothing much. The city's been calm these past few days. No more organized crime really but still I heard some of City Guards gossiping" Isabela said.
"That's not right. The Red Iron were killed but the City Guard are keeping it quiet. You said you heard some of them gossiping?" Garrett asked.
"They were arguing about how they could keep the peace. You know how it is sooner or later desperate people will come together trying to organize crime again" Isabela said shrugging.
"Did they say anything else?" Garrett asked.
"Nope. Sorry Hawke I'm not like Varric I only overhear things. I don't actively seek information out or tell crazy Tales though I probably could" Isabela said. Overlooking Isabela's attempt to lighten the mood Garrett rubbed the back of his neck. He didn't know what to do.
I don't know enough of Tolan's plan Garrett thought.
"Maybe I can turn the smugglers against Tolan" Garrett said suddenly.
"What?" Isabela and Anders said confused.
"Look I don't know what else to do. I can't stop what Tolan's already set in motion but if I can turn the smugglers against him it'll be a start. Undermine his power" Garrett said frustrated.
"Hawke he's been leading the smugglers for a while now. How are you going to get them to turn their backs on him?" Anders asked.
Garrett thought about it slowly saying "by doing what he did with the Coterie."
"Tolan undermined the Four by persuading some of their men to turn. In all of this Tolan used me to make a deal with the City Guards. They agreed not to bother the smugglers but Tolan killed Meeran and the Red Iron" Garrett said slowly.
"If the City Guard knew then they'd have to arrest him. Probably execute him too" Anders said.
"Exactly. Not all of the smugglers were involved. I've seen how Tolan works he uses small groups and doesn't involve people he doesn't have too" Garrett said.
"The deal with the City Guard was that he wouldn't bother them but he already broke his promise when he took out the Red Iron" Garrett said.
"Tolan broke the deal. He promised to lay low" Isabela said slowly.
I can use the threat of the City Guard to undermine some of the smugglers. Not of all them will turn some won't care but it's the only thing I can do Garrett thought.
"I need to find someone first. Timing is everything and I'm gonna need help from the inside… he might not even help me" Garrett said.
Leaving the Hanged Man Garrett, Isabela, and Anders found the tavern they were looking for and almost instantly found the man Garrett was looking for… Hermes.
Can't act rash or I'll lose. Need to figure out what Tolan's planning and undermine him Garrett thought as he strode towards Hermes.
Hermes was sitting at the bar too busy ordering another drink to notice Garrett, Isabela, and Anders walking up behind him.
Garrett hadn't known Hermes too well but he knew the man liked cheap taverns, cheaper than the Hanged Man even, for some reason. Hermes wasn't too loyal to either Tolan or Garrett but he had worked with both.
Garrett only hoped Hermes would side with him now instead of Tolan.
"Hermes" Garrett said taking a seat beside Hermes and clamping him by the shoulder. Hermes blinked and turned seeing Garrett before awkwardly saying "… Hawke? What in Thedas are you doing here?"
"Thought you left Kirkwall" Hermes said confused.
"Your boss hasn't been keeping his word" Anders said taking the seat beside Hermes while Isabela stood patiently behind them. Hermes couldn't leave now unless Garrett let him.
"Did you know about this?" Garrett asked sternly.
"Know about what? What is this?" Hermes said looking around at how Garrett and his friends had boxed him in.
"You really didn't know?" Garrett said.
"I'm getting tired of this game Hawke. I don't know why your still here but buy me a drink or leave" Hermes said not liking how things were looking.
That's the Hermes I know. Not too loyal to anyone and Tolan didn't use him for this Garrett thought realizing just how little Tolan actually trusted his smugglers.
Garrett ordered Hermes another drink saying "we need to talk."
…
"Why would Tolan go through all that trouble just for you" Hermes said after having listened in silence to Garrett's tale.
"I'm the one who cut his face open" Garrett said. "In a way I ruined his life the day I handed him over to Athenril… I used to feel sorry for him but after everything he's done to me and my family… I need to stop him."
Hermes silently took another drink of ale.
"Why are you telling me all this? I'm not Tolan's right hand man I don't know his plan. I didn't even know he betrayed you" Hermes said finally.
"Because I need your help" Garrett said.
Hermes stayed silent. "You should hear Hawke out. Whatever's going to happen will involve all of the smugglers whether you like it or not" Isabela said speaking up.
"Do you know where Tolan goes? Is he still at the base?" Garrett asked.
"No Tolan goes out a lot. He leaves orders for some of us but he doesn't tell us much. Doesn't trust too many people. Athenril was ruthless but she trusted her men and she was friends with some of us. Tolan isn't like that… he's always been a loner" Hermes said.
"You've seen how he is he likes to do things himself. The smugglers have been laying low unless he gives people things to do" Hermes finished.
"Tolan had me replace you Hawke" Hermes said suddenly.
"What?" Garrett asked raising an eyebrow.
"After we thought you were leaving Tolan had me take your place. Had me clean up and go visit the Viscount's Keep. Letting them know I was the one they'd be talking to instead of you Hawke" Hermes said.
It's all for show. Tolan needed Hermes to play my old part. To keep the City Guards thinking he would keep to the alliance Garrett thought.
"The City Guard will find out what Tolan's doing. It's only a matter of time but you don't have to go down with him. Not all of the smugglers do but we have to act now" Garrett said.
Seeing the look on Hermes's face Garrett continued "remember Chella? She was your friend and mine. She questioned Tolan once and he killed her. He didn't even hesitate."
Hermes suddenly grew very quiet.
"Tolan doesn't care about his men. He's willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done and if has to kill one of his own men he will. Do you really want to work for a man like that?" Garrett said finally.
"No" Hermes said finally.
From there Hermes was on Garrett's side. Garrett might not have planned it but the way things were shaping soon the smugglers would have to choose… Garrett or Tolan.
A day later
Garrett, Anders, Isabela, met with Hermes just outside the smuggler's base but far enough to stay hidden from the lookouts.
"You realize some smugglers will stay loyal to Tolan right? He did get us out of the Coterie and made a deal with the City Guard" Hermes said.
"A deal that he broke" Garrett countered.
"I know. I've been asking around without making too much of a fuss and from what I can tell Tolan has some men watching certain people and he's started setting up hits outside of Kirkwall" Hermes said.
"You make it sound like a game. A hit? Just call it what it is. Tolan's been ordering murderers" Anders said shrugging.
"It's just slang" Isabela said.
"Do you know how many? Where outside of Kirkwall? Who are the targets? Has Tolan paid the Hitmen already or can I buy them off?" Garrett asked growing anxious.
Hermes gave Garrett an annoyed look saying "no I've had to be discrete remember. Tolan doesn't exactly have right hand men but he did have some smugglers set things up. Whatever his reasons he didn't want his smugglers leaving Kirkwall."
"Tolan didn't send smugglers after my family he sent thugs?" Garrett asked confused.
Why would he do that? Tolan has all the smugglers at his disposal… he doesn't trust them enough… no some of them wouldn't care. He plans to double cross the thugs when they got back… he doesn't want anyone to know Garrett mussed.
"My guess is that Tolan plans to double cross them. He doesn't like leaving loose ends remember" Hermes said.
"What about the City Guards?" Garrett asked.
"We've laid low as promised. The smugglers don't bother the City Guard and they don't bother us but from I hear Tolan has some men watch the patrols" Hermes said.
"He has a plan for the City Guard…we just don't what" Isabela said.
Hermes spoke up saying "I overheard some smugglers talking though and something's going down today. Some guys were given a mission."
"And Tolan's leading it" Hermes continued.
Garrett looked back at Anders and Isabela saying "you thinking what I'm thinking?"
Isabela smirked saying "we wait for Tolan to leave and follow him." Anders crossed his arms saying "we could ask the others for help Hawke."
"Merrill and Fenris?" Anders said.
"No we can't have too many people or Tolan will spot us. We need to keep this small so we can move fast and unseen" Garrett said.
I feel bad about dragging the two of you into this… but I needed help Garrett thought.
"It's kinda ironic… Tolan spent so much time tracking but you now the tables have turned" Hermes said.
Tolan
"Aidth gather the men. It's time." Tolan said as the Smuggler Lord left his office with Aidth, perhaps the closest thing Tolan had to a right hand man, trailing behind him.
These men… some of the first I turned away from Athenril. They have no love for me and that's fine for they know I pay them more than Athenril ever did Tolan thought as Aidth gathered the seven men chosen for this mission.
"We're heading out. Aidth you have the base until I return" Tolan said as he and the other seven men headed out of the smuggler's base.
Aidth nodded as Tolan and his men left.
Many of the smugglers milling about the base watched Tolan leave and muttered to themselves. Most of the smugglers were out of work as of late due to the deal with the City Guards but Aidth kept the others in line when Tolan was out.
Tolan didn't trust Aidth, Tolan didn't trust anyone truly, but he had made sure that Aidth always had something to gain for his loyalty.
It was the same for most of Tolan's smugglers. Tolan had seen how quickly some smugglers had turned on Athenril… the key was to always have something they wanted.
Many smugglers still saw Tolan as an outsider and were loyal to him mostly out of fear for they knew he had killed Athenril in single combat and taken down the Coterie.
The rest were smugglers that had seen what Tolan could offer them, the men who were most 'loyal' to him and would do what he commanded without question. The seven men that followed Tolan's lead were men such as these.
Once outside the smuggler's base Tolan and his men headed for Lowtown. Each of them wore ragged clothes usual for Lowtown with concealed weapons. Tolan had his men divide into three groups as they head for their destination.
One smuggler walked with Tolan while two groups of three moved along on their own pace keeping their distance. They moved discretely despite being in plain sight and when they reached their destination Tolan's eighth man was already where he needed to be.
Tolan and his seven men moved out of plain sight while the eighth man leaned against a wall waiting for their target to arrive…
Aveline
"I don't trust this Qerth" Aveline said as she followed her fellow Senior Officer through Lowtown with Donnic tagging along.
Qerth had managed to find a lead on the Red Iron deaths and set up a meeting with a contact but the grizzled Senior Officer had asked for back up just in case. Aveline couldn't refuse him and Donnic volunteered to come with them.
"That's why I asked for your help. I don't like this either Aveline" Qerth said glancing back at her as he walked through the streets of Lowtown.
"It's no trouble Qerth" Aveline said honestly.
"We wouldn't let you go alone Qerth. Even if you hadn't asked us to come along" Donnic said.
"If nothing else it's a chance to get away from the office. Arys keeps going on about the vote but it's a month away at least" Aveline said.
Donnic chuckled saying "my money is on one of you two."
Qerth and Aveline both looked at Donnic curiously. Aveline had gained a lot of popularity for her bringing down Jeven and her work against the Coterie. Seneschal Bran had said the Viscount would support her for Guard Captain but it really went down to the Guardsmen themselves as it had been decided that they would vote for their Guard Captain from the pool of Senior Officers.
Both Aveline and Qerth were popular candidates but neither of them had put too much work into the election having been too busy with the Coterie until now.
"The Guardsmen will choose their Captain but right now have a job to do" Senior Officer Qerth said clearly uneasy from Donnic's comments.
"Qerth's right. The vote will come later but now we have a contact to question" Aveline said as the three of them headed for the back alleys of the Marketplace.
Why is it always the back alleys? Such a closed space and all the passages are a maze of crossroads. I suppose it's partly our faulty the Viscount's Keep and the Barracks are right out in the open. So easy to be seen snitching Aveline mussed as she warily entered the back alleys.
There are three of us this time and if this goes south the City Guard will retaliate Aveline thought as she and Donnic followed Qerth.
"My contact wanted to meet here between the alleys. But I scouted the area earlier and if we need to run there's several escape routes" Qerth said.
"Keep a hand on your Sword" Aveline told Donnic as she did the same and Qerth led them to his contact. The contact was a man in plain clothes leaning against a wall calmly waiting for the City Guards to arrive.
The contact looked the three of them up and down before turning directly to Qerth saying "you're late. You were expected ten minutes ago."
"I'm here that's all that matters" Qerth said in a low quite voice.
Oddly enough Qerth could bring himself to meet his contact's eyes, or Aveline's for that matter.
"Aye that's all the matters" Qerth's contact said eerily calm.
Aveline felt a cold shiver run down her spine and reached for her longsword just as Donnic spoke up in a hushed voice "behind us."
However before Aveline could unsheathe her longsword she was yanked back and the blade of a longsword was pressed against her throat.
"I'm sorry Aveline… they have my daughter" Qerth croaked in a weak voice as he held her back with his longsword at her throat.
Qerth… you Aveline thought in disbelief.
"Traitor!" Donnic called his longsword unsheathed and raised high as he made to charge Qerth only to fall to his knees with a grunt as an arrow took him in the back of the thigh. Another arrow took Donnic in the arm and he dropped his longsword.
The man behind them had another arrow notched in his bow as he called "stay down or the next one goes in your skull."
Donnic let out a heavy breathe but stayed down looking hopelessly at Aveline and Qerth.
Aveline looked around seeing groups of men emerge from the various alleys covering all the exits as Qerth's contact smirked. Eight men in total not counting the contact.
"Normally I wouldn't go through this much trouble" a voice called as Aveline's eyes widened as she realized that she recognized that voice.
"You" Aveline said through gritted teeth as the Smuggler Lord stood before her wearing his usual light armor and Raider Mask.
Tolan nodded at her only his dark hazel eyes visible through the mask as he said "but you're Ferelden. And from one soldier to another I felt this needed to be done personally."
"Just make it quick… don't let them suffer" Qerth said in a bitter voice as if he was disgusted with himself for being a part of this.
"You're in no position to make demands Qerth" Tolan said coldly.
Leaning in to look the grizzled Senior Officer in the eye Tolan continued "your daughter's safe for the moment but that can change."
Qerth glared at Tolan hissing "if you hurt her I'll-"
"You'll what?" Tolan interrupted coldly.
"You don't know who I am. But I know you Qerth and I'll always be ten steps ahead of you. You will become Guard Captain when this is over and you will do as commanded. And IF you try anything trust me when I say there will be consequences" Tolan said coldly.
"Another Jeven is that it! Someone will find out they always do! Qerth how could you do this! You've served almost as long as Ewald" Aveline called angrily.
"They caught my daughter early on. He's had people watching me… I couldn't tell anyone… I never meant…" Qerth stammered.
Tolan only ignored Aveline and pulled out a his knife.
That knife… he was at Ostagar Aveline thought as she saw the inscription 'the blight ends here' on the back of the blade.
"He wasn't supposed to be here. You were only ordered to bring Aveline to us" Tolan said gesturing at Donnic whom was still knelt on the floor. Two smugglers now stood over Donnic looking like they were just waiting for Tolan's order to kill him.
"Guardsmen are supposed to watch each other's back" Aveline said bitterly as she made to struggle out of Qerth's grasp but stopped as his blade lightly scarped against her throat.
Tolan glanced at her before turning back to Qerth saying "when these two are dead run into a few walls this needs to look real."
Framing it to the Coterie leftovers I bet. He's going to make it look like an ambush… an ambush that only Qerth survived while Donnic and I perished Aveline thought darkly.
"It's time" Tolan said as Qerth pushed Aveline forward and Tolan raised his Ostagar knife ready to kill her himself…
When something collided with Tolan sending him backward and onto the floor… a shield landed with a clang nearby.
"What the-" a smuggler began only to be back-stabbed by Isabela as she emerged from one of the exits wielding her two Daggers.
Aveline broke free of Qerth's grasp as an arrow flew through the air striking Qerth in his knee and bringing him to floor as elsewhere two smugglers covering an exit were hit by a powerful Chain Lightning. Acting quickly Aveline elbowed Qerth in the face sending back into the wall where his head collided into the concrete. Qerth stumbled to floor knocked out.
Donnic struggled up tackling a nearby smuggler as Aveline managed to unsheathe her longsword as Isabela went up against a smuggler wielding an ax.
Anders darted in and out from one of the exits casting spells quickly as two archers sent a few arrows his way but missed. Anders was reduced to using smaller spells as his friends were mixed in with the smugglers in the narrow passages of the alleys.
Garrett emerged unsheathing his Longsword as he charged forward into the alleys with Hermes trailing behind bow drawn as all around a brawl broke out.
Hermes took cover after firing an arrow at the archers that were trying to keep Anders at bay, getting their attention. The two archers took cover now divided, one against Hermes while the other against Anders.
Tolan stared at the sight of Garrett in disbelief…
A smuggler darted forward and stood between Tolan and Garrett but Garrett blocked the smuggler's slash and parried. The smuggler stumbled back as Garrett shoved him against the wall before slashing his throat open.
"I killed you" Tolan said slowly as he got to his feet and drew his Longsword. They stood before each other now, the entire world narrowing down to the two of them.
"I have good friends and I'm hard to kill" Garrett said as the two Ferelden deserters charged and their longswords met in a clash of steel.
Garrett and Tolan slashed and parried each of them having had very similar training at Ostagar but also having picked up different talents from their experiences.
Donnic and Aveline fought to stand their ground with Aveline having to cover Donnic as he was slow and clumsy losing blood from the arrows.
Isabela dodged a slash from the smuggler she was fighting's ax and darted forward slashing him across the chest before slitting his throat and moving on to help Aveline and Donnic.
Aveline was struggling to fight and protect Donnic at the same time, the arrows in Donnic's armor slowing him down considerably. All by herself Aveline was covering Donnic while taking on two smugglers using only her Longsword.
Seeing Aveline's struggle Isabela rushed forward and creeped up behind one of the smugglers before back-stabbing him.
Now facing only the one smuggler Aveline went on the offensive with Isabela going to Donnic's side and dragging him away from the fight.
"You need to stay out of this. You'll only slow us down" Isabela said pulling Donnic to safety.
The harsh clang of metallic blades colliding sung around Garrett and Tolan as they dueled in the close quarters of the alley, Garrett putting his weight into his slashes as Tolan danced around him slashing quickly and always on the move.
Tolan tried to parry and disarm Garrett but Garrett sidestepped and shoved him back only for the Smuggler Lord to pull free his Ostagar knife. Tolan narrowly missed cutting open Garrett's throat but Garrett lunged back the blade slicing through empty air.
Rushing forward Tolan met Garrett head on.
He's faster than me and he's using two weapons but he can't put all his weight behind his attacks like I can Garrett thought as he used both hands slashing downward forcing Tolan back once again.
Hermes managed to take down one of the archers by firing two arrows in rapid succession, the first arrow missing but the second striking the smuggler's heart. Anders took out the other archer by casting a hurried Spirit Bolt.
Aveline disarmed her attacker parrying his slash that might have taken her head off before moving in and stabbing in him through the heart.
Aveline glanced around the alleys seeing that Isabela had wisely pulled Donnic away from the danger and that Garrett and Tolan were dueling but that none could best the other.
This needs to end Aveline thought watching as Garrett and Tolan's blades met once again and the two of them tried to force each other back. But it was no use however Tolan was just as strong as Garrett was and in the end they both sidestepped trying to slash each other, both missed.
Rushing forward Aveline joined the fray between Garrett and Tolan as she forced him back with a slash from her Longsword. Tolan was forced back by both Garrett and Aveline as they came at him.
Now only on the defensive Tolan struggled just to keep up with both of them. Tolan's Longsword and Ostagar knife whirling in a blur as he dodged and blocked. Seeing no way he could win this fight Tolan swing both his Longsword and Ostagar knife out with all the force he could muster forcing Garrett and Aveline back.
Garrett raised his Longsword blocking Tolan's slash only for the Smuggler Lord to kick Garrett back putting all his weight behind it but it cost him.
As Tolan kicked Garrett back Aveline slashed him lightly across his back. The cut was a narrow one that only barely broke through his armor but Tolan grunted in pain as he whorled around… and stabbed Aveline.
Aveline had blocked Tolan's Longsword but hadn't noticed his Ostagar knife until it was too late, she tried to catch his wrist and stop him but she failed.
Aveline had been stabbed in the chest. With a clang Aveline's Longsword fell to the floor her other hand grasped around Tolan's wrist to no avail as the Smuggler Lord slowly pushed the blade in further.
"Aveline" Garrett said in a quiet broken voice having recovered from Tolan's kick just in time to see his friend get stabbed.
"Ah!" Aveline moaned in pain as Tolan leaned in twisting his Ostagar knife and ripping open the cut as he pressed ever closer to her heart, only the Guardsmen armor had saved her so far.
The last of Tolan's smugglers fell to the floor dead as Anders rushed blasting him with a burst of flame magic only to stop in his tracks. Isabela and Hermes had also stopped, all of Tolan's men were dead but all eyes were on the Smuggler Lord.
"Take another step and I'll kill her" Tolan said sternly.
Anders raised his staff but Tolan spoke up saying "Healer you think you can cast a spell faster than I kill her!"
"Just one push and it's over" Tolan said sheathing his Longsword and grabbing Aveline by the throat using her as a shield.
Hermes had an arrow aimed at Tolan's head.
"The same goes for you Hermes. You betrayed me for Hawke? What could he offer you that I couldn't have? I'm disappointed. You were his replacement" Tolan called to his former smuggler.
Isabela shifted unsure of what to do.
"Let. Her. Go." Garrett said through clenched teeth.
Aveline was barely standing and she was losing blood as it dripped down to the floor a dark red stain spreading from her armor.
"All of you drop your weapons and back away" Tolan said keeping Aveline close even as he started backing away.
Garrett started forward but Tolan stopped him calling "Hawke you want her death on your hands? I will kill her right now if I have to!"
"Drop your weapons" Garrett said slowly.
"Hawke?" Isabela said.
"Do it" Garrett answered.
Hermes, Isabela, Anders, and Garrett all dropped their weapons as Tolan backed away dragging the ever bleeding Aveline along.
"Tell the Healer to back away. I've seen enough Mages to know they don't need their staffs to cast spells" Tolan called sternly.
Anders scoffed and did as he was told moving far enough that Tolan was out of his range.
"It's just my luck that you had to come along and ruin my plans Hawke. It's like the Maker put you here to spite me" Tolan said bitterly.
Tolan was backing away into the exit and just as he reached it he smirked and pulled his Ostagar knife free thrusting Aveline forward.
Garrett ran forward catching Aveline before she could fall.
"I'm here Aveline. I'm here" Garrett stammered as he held Aveline in his arms. Her blood was seeping into his hands as she looked up at him with sad eyes saying "I'm scared."
Time grew meaningless and all the sound had gone from the world as Garrett held Aveline watching as she bled out before his eyes.
Garrett met Aveline's eyes and horrible memories flashed before his eyes… Carver coughing up blood and struggling to breathe as he died in Garrett's arms... then Sir Wesley's fearful eyes as he passed away
But it wasn't Carver or Wesley dying in his arms now. It was Aveline.
Someone was shaking him and Garrett turned his head to see Anders shouting at him.
"Hawke I've got this! Tolan's escaping!" Anders said bringing Garrett back to his senses as he slowly handed Aveline over to Anders.
"Aveline!" Donnic called have stumbled back to see what had happened.
"Isabela the City Guard needs to know what happened. Help Donnic and take Qerth into custody. Bring the Guardsmen to the smuggler's base." Garrett said forcing himself back into action.
"Hawke are you sure-" Isabela began only for Garrett to interrupt colder than he meant to as he said "there's no time. Go."
"Hermes with me" Garrett shouted.
Kneeling back down beside Aveline even as Anders was channeling his Healing Magic into her wound Garrett spoke in a soft reassuring voice.
"You're going to okay Aveline" Garrett said before taking off after Tolan with Hermes following behind.
"Here you dropped this Hawke" Hermes said tossing over Garrett's fallen Shield to him as they ran out of the alleys. As they ran Garrett glanced back seeing Anders kneeling over Aveline his hands glowing bright green as he fought to save her life.
The Smuggler Base
Garrett and Hermes reached the base just moments after Tolan had.
It was such a bizarre scene that the other smugglers could only stare at the sight of their leader Tolan rushing back with Garrett Hawke and Hermes following after.
"Kill them!" Tolan ordered just as the three of them reached the base.
The commotion was gathering a crowd with nearly all of the smugglers converging around them.
"Hawke? You left?" a few smugglers said confused even as some smugglers began to draw their weapons ready to follow Tolan's orders.
"We've been lied too!" Hermes shouted for the smugglers to hear, dozens of them stumbling to a halt watching the scene before them. The smugglers that had raised their weapons stopped not sure what to do as Tolan and Garrett glared at each other.
"Hawke? Hermes what's going on?" a smuggler asked poking his head out curiously as he and a few others tried to force their way through the crowd.
"They ratted us out to the City Guard! They've betrayed us! I order you to kill them before they doom us all" Tolan shouted suddenly.
"Wait you need to hear this!" Hermes shouted drawing his bow as Garrett raised his Shield at the sight of a few smugglers raising their weapons.
"I've been a smuggler almost as long as most of you! If I wanted to betray the smugglers I could have done it ages ago! Listen you need hear this!" Garrett called desperately.
To Tolan's astonishment the crowd of smugglers was having mixed results. Half of the smugglers made to attack Garrett and Hermes but the other half stopped wanting to hear what they had to say.
Old loyalties divided the smugglers and they stood at a junction where the next few moments would decide if a fight broke out… or something else.
"Most of you know me! Garrett Hawke. Months ago I rejoined the smugglers to help Tolan in return for him breaking my sister out of the circle!" Garrett began.
Yet you're still here a few smugglers in the crowd seemed to say with their curious looks at Garrett and Hermes.
"But Tolan betrayed me and left me to die! I survived but barely! Things have changed and Tolan has gone too far!" Garrett shouted to confusion of the smugglers.
"Tolan has broken the deal with the City Guards! He killed Meeran and the Red Iron" Garrett shouted to the crowd of smugglers which had mixed reactions.
"We worked with the Red Iron. They were killed by some idiots trying to bring back the Coterie that wasn't Tolan" a smuggler scoffed.
"Don't listen to Garrett's lies. I am your leader and you will do as I command" Tolan shouted ripping off his Raider Mask in frustration.
"I was there Tolan framed it to make look like that. Chella's dead too… Tolan killed her. You don't believe me then when was the last time anyone saw her?" Garrett asked.
A silence filled the crowd of smugglers at the mention of Chella, no one had seen or heard from her in quite a while.
"Chella was giving a mission. She hasn't reported back" a voice suddenly called from a man rushing through the crowd of smugglers gathered.
You Garrett thought seeing that the man was Aidith the smuggler who was with Tolan when he killed Meeran and Red Iron before killing Chella and leaving Garrett for dead.
"Don't listen to Hawke. He's trying to undo all of our work. Garrett wants to run the smugglers and he thinks he can turn us against Tolan" Aidith said sternly.
Tolan smirked saying "under my leadership we have survived while the Coterie fell. Under my leadership we have grown stronger. We are the most powerful group in the city!"
"And I was part of that! It was your plan but I saw it through! I convinced the Viscount to pardon us and make this deal!" Garrett shouted getting everyone's attention back on him.
"In return for that Tolan would have killed me. He never meant to help me or my sister and how do you know he won't leave all of you for dead one day? I was friends with Chella. She was given a mission, a mission led by Tolan but she never returned! Tolan threw her body into the Sea!" Garrett shouted.
"Can we really follow someone like that! A man who would kill anyone and do anything to get what he wants! We're nothing to him!" Hermes shouted.
Thank you Garrett mouthed to Hermes.
"The City Guard is on its way as we speak! Tolan ambushed two Senior Officers and planned to kill one while blackmailing the survivor. He failed and now the entire City Guard will retaliate! There's no way he can win!" Garrett shouted.
Murmurs filled the crowd as smugglers began to panic saying "the City Guard on its way!" or else "what can do!" and even "let them come! We'll take them on!"
A schism had developed between the smugglers, those willing to follow Tolan and take on the City Guard and those who wanted no part of it.
"So what! You think I can't take on the City Guard! I took down the Coterie! I brought down the Four! I killed Athenril!" Tolan said fighting to win his men back.
"But not alone! Never alone Tolan you always had help but not this time. You've bitten off more than you can chew" Garrett said.
As if to emphasize Garrett's words two of the smugglers serving as lookouts barged into the base frantically calling "the City Guard is on its way!"
"Groups of them we didn't bother to count!" a lookout said.
Garrett gestured to the lookout saying "see. Stay with Tolan and you'll fall with him. But stand down and I'll do everything I can to give you pardons. The Viscount respects me and he'll hear me out."
"This is too much. If Athenril was still leading this wouldn't have happened. Athenril knew when to stop she kept us safe!" a smuggler shouted as he left the crowd and joined Garrett.
"I'm out. Hawke will save us he'll tell the City Guard it was all Tolan. Not us!" another said as he and four others joined Garrett.
One by one smugglers began to leave Tolan as the Smuggler Lord glared at them all shouting "come back! Traitors!"
By the end of it half of the smugglers had abandoned Tolan and the other half had chosen to take their chances with him. That was enough Tolan knew he couldn't take on the City Guard head on with only half his men.
"This isn't over Hawke" Tolan said glaring at Garrett the scar running across his lips and past his cheeks making him look like a madman.
"We can settle this here and now Tolan" Garrett said even as they could hear the City Guard marching upon them, they were getting closer.
Aidith drew his bow and notched an arrow aiming for Garrett's head.
Garrett had already raised his Shield and Hermes had drawn his bow.
Tolan raised a hand and lowered Aidith's bow for him saying "it's not worth it. Hawke's time will come. We need to leave."
Maker I want to finish this now but that's not enough… I need to stop whatever he's sent after my family Garrett thought.
"Next time I'll be sure to cut your head off." Tolan said gesturing for his men to follow as he made to abandon the base.
Tolan and his half of the smugglers left the base moving quickly before the City Guard arrived.
Garrett turned around facing the smugglers that had sided with him saying "just let me doing the talking. You lot didn't know about the ambush on the City Guards. Tolan doesn't trust his own men. And thanks for siding with me."
"This had better be worth it Hawke. This was Tolan's doing but you promised to protect us" one of the smugglers said crossing his arms.
"Not all of them sided with you Hawke. Some just don't want to go down with Tolan" Hermes whispered to Garrett as the City Guard arrived.
"I know… that's what I was counting on" Garrett said just as the doors to the smuggler base were forced open by the City Guard.
"Hawke I brought them" Isabela shouted as the City Guard arrived.
"Tolan's gone. None of us here had any part in the ambush. Let me talk to the Viscount and I'll sort this out" Garrett told the confused City Guards.
"Aveline?" Garrett asked Isabela worriedly.
"I don't know Hawke. Anders brought her back to the Keep but that's all I know" Isabela answered.
I won't lose her too Garrett thought.
A battle was coming and the smugglers had been divided by its preamble.
Garrett vs Tolan.
Long I know.
As for Carver showing up again I just wanted to show how his memory/spirit helped both Bethany and Garrett each in their own way. This will be his last appearance whether in a dream or flashback.
Xenon's story was just a cool idea I had.
As for Varric he is outside of Kirkwall. Tolan's sent him a false lead to follow but I don't think a lot of readers caught that.
Well I'm getting close to end of the story and it's been fun.
Thanks for Reading and please Review.