Been a long time but I'm back.
This chapter is long but it's worth it I promise.
The Gallows
Circle of Magi
Prison Cell
Bethany Hawke sat as comfortable as she could in her prison cell.
There wasn't much to do and there were no windows however everyday Idunna or some other Tranquil would come and pass a tray of food to her three times a day.
All Bethany had to do was think.
Think of how she had ended up here.
Of how she had been taking by the Templars, of her Harrowing, of her quest to find a mentor, of her deciding to help Kenneth, and of her trial with the Pride Demon and Wynne's rescue.
Garrett… my letter will never reach you Bethany thought.
"As if I'll ever get out of here" Bethany mumbled to herself.
Suddenly there was a loud creek as the door at the end of the hall opened followed by the thumps of someone entering the hallway.
Lunch? No it's too early. I wonder who… Bethany thought getting to her feet.
Reaching forward and grasping the iron bars of her cell she poked her head out seeing a Templar in full armor approaching.
"You" Bethany said slowly as the Templar stopped outside her cell.
"Ms. Hawke" Sir Thrask said in greeting.
Him again. He and Sir Cullen were the ones who brought me here in the first place Bethany thought.
Not knowing what to say Bethany stepped away from the bars and took a seat on what passed for a bed inside her prison cell.
"Are you well?" Sir Thrask asked not meeting her eyes.
"I'm in a prison cell" Bethany said in a snide manner
With a sudden dark thought creeping into her head Bethany rubbed her hands together nervously.
"Are you… are you my… executioner?" Bethany said trying to sound calm.
"No" Sir Thrask answered.
Still Sir Thrask said nothing but stood there before her.
Thrask might not have been as bad as some of the other Templars but Bethany didn't trust or particularly like him.
He did bring her in after all.
"Why are you here" Bethany asked finally.
Sir Thrask shifted uncomfortably rubbing the back of his neck.
"Your brother… he's been protecting you for a long time" Sir Thrask said.
"My brother protected me for years. At least… until you showed up" Bethany said unable to stop the bitterness in her voice.
"To do anything for one's family. Believe it or not I understand that" Sir Thrask said.
Scoffing at that Bethany mumbled "I doubt it."
"I had daughter once" Sir Thrask said suddenly.
"She was an Apostate. I tried to protect her as best I could, but she ran away and was killed. I would have done anything to save her but I failed" Sir Thrask said.
"I know. My brother and I saw her" Bethany said crossing her arms.
That took Thrask by surprise and he gaped at her.
"Funny isn't it? You kept her a secret but when it came to me I was just another Apostate caught in the end" Bethany said angry.
"It was out of my hands. You would have been taken no matter what. The Templars and the Circle exist for a reason" Sir Thrask said.
"Is that what you told your daughter? If you believed in the system so much you seemed to be fine with breaking it" Bethany said mockingly.
Sir Thrask looked away hurt.
"You didn't see her at the end. She was so scared and she turned to a demon for help… she was terrified and alone. No one can blame her for turning to that… what she'd been forced into" Bethany said.
"That's just it though. I was wrong to keep her a secret. If I had brought her in she would have been trained" Sir Thrask said snapping back at her.
"You people don't train mages. I was terrified of my magic for years but my father taught me to control it, you Templars don't do that. You teach mages to be afraid of their magic" Bethany said angrily.
"Only a mage can train a mage." Bethany added with such a calm certainty that no one could deny she had a point.
Sir Thrask said nothing.
"Look at what Meredith did she put a child into the Fade against a demon" Bethany said.
For days Bethany had had nothing to do and now as she stood before one of the men who'd brought her here she suddenly felt the urge to let everything out.
"That was wrong. Meredith shouldn't have done that. Kenneth… he was too young. Easy pickings for the Pride Demon no wonder it went after him" Sir Thrask said grudgingly.
"Whatever problems have occurred they have been because of the people in charge, not the system. Not every Apostate is like you… the things I've seen... you wouldn't understand" Sir Thrask said.
"Leech" Bethany said.
"How did-" Sir Thrask stammered.
"I heard the Templars shouting your name and I asked a Tranquil, they told me how you killed him. Another Apostate slain by the great Thrask" Bethany scoffed.
"You did not know him. He was a monster do not pity him. There are bad mages out there and they are the reason the Circle exists" Sir Thrask said.
"Whatever our differences I want you to know that I respect your actions and that Kenneth has been doing well" Sir Thrask at last having gotten to why he'd come for a visit.
Bethany stood up again saying "he's fine?"
"He is. He is looking for a mentor but he is young and it will take time. He's been asking after you" Sir Thrask said.
"Kenneth knows what I did?" Bethany asked.
"The entire Circle knows. The news made quite the commotion. As of now the Harrowings have been temporarily suspended" Sir Thrask said.
Bethany gaped at him.
"I don't agree with you on everything but that was the right thing to do. Not every mage is a danger and no child should face a demon" Sir Thrask said.
"I don't suppose that means you've come to let me out?" Bethany asked surprising herself with the boldness of the question.
"No. I cannot say what your fate will be, only that you have set things in motion you did not realize." Sir Thrask said.
Having said what he needed to say Sir Thrask turned to leave but Bethany reached out through the bars and clung to his shoulder.
Sir Thrask nearly jumped but he remembered that Bethany's iron handcuffs negated her magic leaving her just a normal human while wearing them.
"You go out into the city. Don't you?" Bethany asked suddenly.
Sir Thrask glanced back at her and nodded.
"Have… have you seen my brother?" Bethany asked.
Sir Thrask turned around and gave her a long searching look.
"Yes" Sir Thrask began.
Before Bethany could speak Sir Thrask continued.
"He is... not the man he usually is. Your brother blames himself for your capture and he refuses to move on. Much has happened these past months and in that time your brother has worked tirelessly in your name" Sir Thrask said.
"No... I wanted... I wanted him to live his life" Bethany said in a low voice.
"From what I've seen of your brother he will never live his own life" Sir Thrask said somberly.
"I know what it's like. To live for another. In the end neither your brother nor I got what we wanted. For better or worse, I have moved on with my life" Sir Thrask said sadly as he sighed leaving Bethany alone once again.
Bethany sunk back against the wall hearing the door at the end of the hall slam shut.
Days Later
Night, Kirkwall
The Docks
Garrett Hawke fought beside Hermes and Isabela.
Blocking a slash with his Shield then slamming Tolan's smuggler back Garrett slit the man throat.
Seeing another of Tolan's smugglers coming his way Garrett raised his Longsword parrying a hurried slash.
Tolan's smuggler sidestepped dodging Garrett's Shield slam only for Garrett to move forward pushing the man topping him over.
With a quick slash Garrett slit the man's throat.
Isabela back-stabbed one of Tolan's smugglers while Hermes shot arrow after arrow into the crowd of Tolan's smugglers.
Meanwhile smugglers that sided with Garrett instead of Tolan fought around them in what turned into a clash of smugglers.
It had been like this for days. Tolan's smugglers against Garrett's all over Kirkwall in what had turned into another war like than the one with the Coterie.
Originally Tolan had tried to build an empire. With the more powerful criminals organization of the city gone Tolan's smugglers had tried to seize control of everything.
But Garrett and Viscount Dumar had put a stop to that.
Garrett had set up a plan using the smugglers that had sided with him and the City Guard to block several of the old hide outs and routes that Athenril had used. Tolan's smugglers now had no income.
Only what Tolan had stolen or collected beforehand.
For all his planning and clever moves Tolan and his smugglers were falling apart.
"We need one of them Hawke!" Isabela called as she darted back and forth between two of Tolan's smugglers her daggers moving wildly.
Moving to Isabela's aid Garrett slammed his Shield into one of Tolan's smugglers that was facing off with Isabela.
The man stumbled back and Garrett charged forward.
Trading blows with the smuggler Garrett eventually parried and disarmed the man before slamming the hilt of his Longsword into the man's face.
Glancing back at Isabela Garrett saw her take down the smuggler from before by outmaneuvering him and back-stabbing him.
"Hawke it's over we won" Hermes called suddenly.
Garrett looked up from the smuggler he'd knocked out seeing that all of Tolan's men had been taken down.
"It's over" Isabela said panting.
No... not yet Garrett thought sheathing his weapons.
"He's running out of men" Garrett said dryly.
"So are we" Hermes said gesturing to Garrett's smugglers, seven of them in total that had agreed to come and help.
"In-fighting. Who'd have thought it would have come to this?" one of the smugglers that had sided with Garrett spat.
"I didn't start this" Garrett countered.
"You lot were attacked remember. Hermes had to warn you" Isabela said as she cleaned the blades of her daggers.
"Easy folks. None of this easy. Friends fighting friends" Hermes said gesturing at Tolan's dead smugglers and those that had sided with Garrett.
Moving away from the others as Hermes argued with the other smugglers trying to calm them down Garrett pulled a crate from the ship Tolan's smugglers had been loading.
A few feet away Garrett could hear his smugglers arguing with Hermes but he let the conversation faded away into the background.
Using his Longsword Garrett pried the crate open finding a collection of small crudely craved statuettes.
Hermes and the other smugglers grew quiet as Garrett grasped a random statuette and examined it seeing that it was just another random craving the Chantry gave out on holidays.
"Why-" Isabela began only for Garrett to crush the statuette in the palm of his hand.
Brushing away the scraps of the craving Garrett showed Isabela, Hermes, and the other smugglers what was in his hands.
"Lyrium" Garrett said opening the pouch that had been hidden inside the statuette for them to see.
"Clever but looks like someone isn't going to get their shipment" Isabela said looking at the crates of disguised Lyrium.
"We could still run the shipment" Hermes said suddenly.
Garrett gave him a cross look saying "we're taking it to the City Guard."
The other smugglers didn't like that either but Hermes sighed and nodded saying "fine."
"Would you rather get taken down by the City Guard? We agreed to help them not make things worse" Garrett asked sternly.
"I see your point Hawke" Hermes groaned.
"Hawke. Making a Kirkwall a better place" Isabela said in a tone worthy of Varric and his wild tales.
"Isabela not now" Garrett said in a soft voice not responding to Isabela joke but beginning to round up the crates Tolan's smugglers had been trying to ship.
Once that was done Hermes and Garrett's side of the smugglers took Tolan's smuggler that they had taken alive. This war was between the smugglers and as such the City Guard wouldn't be taking their prisoner.
They'd get their prisoner to talk but even still it wouldn't be easy to root Tolan out from Darktown.
Later when the City Guard led by Donnic had been called in and gathered the Lyrium, Garrett stood alone at the edge of the Docks.
"Hawke you okay" Isabela called after Hermes and the other smugglers had left leaving only the City Guards.
"Yeah just tired is all" Garrett said breaking his gaze from the Gallows visible in the distance.
Before Isabela could speak up again Garrett started forward saying "I need to speak with the Viscount. Thanks again Isabela."
Only Aveline can make him smile these days Isabela thought knowing that Garrett had visited her repeatedly.
Darktown
Deep inside the Undercity
Tolan sat in his makeshift office glaring at his smugglers standing before him.
"The Lyrium never made it. The City Guard we can dodge, but Hawke and his side of the smugglers is a problem. They know a lot of our moves" Aidith reported.
Aidith stood as the closest thing to Tolan's right hand man and now as the smugglers reported their failure he did most of the talking.
"I told you to deal with them" Tolan said.
"We took out a few but they've regrouped and now with the City Guard's help it's harder for us to move against them" Aidith said.
"Here in Darktown the City Guard can't take us. But it's harder for us work from here. The Coterie couldn't hide here but we can" Tolan began.
"I don't know boss maybe this wasn't a good idea" one of the smugglers said speaking up despite Aidith's decision to do most of the talking.
The smuggler suddenly lost his voice as Tolan looked the man in the eye the scar running across his lips and past his cheeks looking particularly menacing.
"The Coterie is dead. Kirkwall is ripe for the taking" Tolan said getting to his feet.
Aidith kept his cool but the other smugglers in the room shifted uncomfortably.
All of them had heard of how Tolan had killed a smuggler whom had tried to walk away, the news had spread quickly and even now there was talk of more desertions.
Traitors. After all I did for them. They think I don't hear them... I know some want out! Tolan thought angrily.
"You got it boss" the smuggler said sheepishly.
"Leave. I'll send for all of you when you're needed" Tolan said sternly.
Once Aidith and the others had left Tolan sank back into his chair.
So much has happened. I tried to move up in the world by joining the Ferelden Army, but then the Blight. I tried to make by in Kirkwall and my face ended up scarred. So now here I am trying to build my empire Tolan thought.
What would Ganly have thought of me now? I've killed people and blackmailed people, and betrayed people, and I've sabotaged people. Humph Ganly would have hated me now. He would have called me a monster but here I am alive and he's dead Tolan thought bitterly.
Tolan stood and left his office taking a stroll around the various halls and tunnels of the Undercity.
Tolan passed several of his smugglers but they stayed out of his way from fear where for Athenril or perhaps even Hawke they might have out of respect.
These halls. Where I used the Slavers tactics against them. Where I lived as rat for months. Tolan thought.
"There is no turning back" Tolan said to himself.
He now stood alone deep in the Undercity.
After everything I have endured here I will claim this city. I will rise above other men and be greater than Athenril ever was Tolan thought remembering the words he'd thought to himself over and over again these months.
The City Guard I can handle. If I have to I will leave Kirkwall and run my empire from afar but Hawke and his side of the smugglers must be dealt with Tolan thought.
How Tolan hated Hawke. Hated Hawke even more than he had hated Athenril.
How Hawke had been allowed into Kirkwall, Hawke who had had his family, how Hawke had carved his face in two, and Hawke who had gained friends and allies earning respect and loyalty from those who knew him.
Tolan unclenched his fist.
Hawke has the loyalty of his smugglers as do I. But this civil war can't go on... we'll have deserters on both sides. This must end between the two of us and the winner will control the smugglers Tolan thought.
A plan forming in his head Tolan turned back heading back to his smugglers.
The Gallows
Circle of Magi
Sir Thrask followed after Knight Commander Meredith.
He'd wanted to speak with his commander for some time now but she'd been avoiding him ever since their last meeting.
"I require only a moment of your time Commander" Sir Thrask said politely.
"I'm very busy Sir Thrask. I have work to do as do you" Meredith said dismissively as she walked past a crowd of Circle mages that quickly moved out of her way.
Yet Thrask followed until they entered an empty corridor.
"... I withheld evidence of an Apostate" Sir Thrask called suddenly as he followed Meredith through the empty corridor.
The effect of his words was almost instantaneous.
Knight Commander Meredith stopped her forceful stride completely.
Sir Thrask waited as Meredith slowly, ever so slowly, turned around to face him.
"If you believe I am fond of japes I assure you that is quite the opposite" Meredith said eerily calm but nonetheless waiting for Thrask's response.
"No japes commander" Sir Thrask said keeping his composure.
"Explain" was all Meredith said.
"I... I had a daughter" Sir Thrask began.
"There are no records of any children in your file" Meredith said icky calm as if this was all some mistake.
"I hid her existence from the Chantry" Sir Thrask answered with a shrug.
Meredith didn't like his response.
Her face betrayed no emotion and the Knight Commander of the Templars stared at him unblinkingly.
"My daughter was an Apostate. Her mother was a common merchant but magic ran on her side of the family and after my daughter was born I feared for her safety" Sir Thrask said slowly.
"When she was ten she used magic for the first time. She nearly set the apartment on fire... an apartment I rent for years for her sake" Sir Thrask said remembering the years he'd spent with his daughter hidden away in their apartment.
The Chantry provided rooms in the Circle for the Templars but some of their order chose to keep separate accommodations inside the city. This was so Templars could have a place to stay if they were working a mission inside the city but for Sir Thrask it was a sanctuary away from the Gallows and home to his daughter.
"The mother?" Meredith asked blankly without any trace of emotion.
"Died in childbirth" Sir Thrask answered blankly.
"Continue" was all Meredith said, no sorrow or sympathy just another detail in an unfortunate incident.
"I covered for her. I made excuses to leave the Gallows and spend my nights in the city. I... I aided in her escape from our Order" Sir Thrask said forcing himself to say the words.
Before Sir Thrask would have trembled and shook at these words but now, now things had changed and he stood tall meeting his commander's eyes with no fear, he would accepted whatever fate awaited him.
"Then several months ago... she ran away. She always spoke of having to live in constant fear and of how much trouble I went through for her and she ran away. She only wanted to help me... to take away the burden of protecting her" Sir Thrask said with the sorrow of a much older man.
Meredith stayed silent but looked into Thrask's eyes unblinkingly.
He unnerved her. He wouldn't look away and he wouldn't back down from any of her stares, Thrask was unafraid.
"She had arranged for travel outside of Kirkwall but she was betrayed and sent to slavers. In her fear she fought the slavers and turned to a demon for help. She became an abomination and eventually she was slain" Sir Thrask said in an empty voice.
At this moment Sir Thrask did not allowing himself to feel the emotions that were dwelling inside of him, it was as if he was merely giving a report.
"Why tell me now?" Meredith asked coldly as suddenly she stood before him having crossed the distance between them in the empty corridor.
"Evidence has been found which links me to my daughter's existence. In the event that I was blackmailed and or discredited I wanted to inform you" Sir Thrask answered.
"Arrangements will be made. Any and all of this 'evidence' will be purged and you will 'correct' your file regardless" Meredith said her face eerily calm but her eyes filled with what could only be described as disappointment and anger.
The door opened and a Tranquil carrying several books passed through the corridor, Meredith and Sir Thrask stood silent until the man was gone.
"I'm very disappointed in you Sir Thrask. I am within my rights to banish you from the Order for this. But you are the slayer of Leech and a popular and respected figure in our Order. That is why I allow you to remain and keep your rank. I will be watching you more closely and this will not be the end of this" Meredith said through clenched teeth.
The Knight Commander of the Templar Order spoke with a finality bordering on indifference.
Sir Thrask nodded understanding.
Meredith turned to leave but stopped and glanced back at him saying "I will call on you in the evening to further discuss this incident."
"I will do as ordered" Sir Thrask said.
Seeing that Sir Thrask seemed to have little fear of his Knight Commander, Meredith spoke up saying "tread lightly."
Then without another word Meredith moved on with her business leaving Sir Thrask standing alone in the corridor.
She hadn't even asked what the name of his daughter was.
Hawke... neither of us got what we wanted in the end
Sir Thrask thought.
Kirkwall,
Hightown Marketplace
Sometime later.
"You sure it was him?" Garrett asked as he and Isabela walked.
"It was him. Trust me he'll be here" Isabela said as they rounded a corner where Bartand had once set up shop for the expedition.
Sure enough a figure was waiting for them when they arrived wearing a hood to cover his face and leaning against a wall.
"About time" Anders said dropping his hood.
"Anders" Garrett grinned reaching over and clamping his friend on the shoulder before reaching over for a quick embrace.
"Hey I never get a hug. Guess it's a guy thing" Isabela said chuckling.
"You know how long I've been on the move? First some Templars show up at my clinic and then smugglers come after me in Lowtown" Anders said looking more annoyed then anything.
"Templars at your clinic" Garrett asked worryingly.
"Slipped out the back while Copper staled them. Made quite the scene but seeing as none of Tolan's smugglers tried to stop them I can guess who sent them my way" Anders scoffed.
"And smugglers after you in Lowtown?" Isabela asked dropping her usual joking matter.
"Fought them off" Anders said gesturing to the staff sheathed on his back.
"Hawke was attacked too. Hermes and some of Hawke's smugglers as well" Isabela said.
"You can never just have quiet day can you Hawke?" Anders said.
"These days? No" Garrett answered.
"You could have asked for help you know" Isabela told Anders.
"Hawke's been working with the Viscount and the City Guards. During that time when would have been best for an Apostate to ask him for help" Anders said shaking his head.
"The point is you're here now and you're okay" Garrett said lightly.
"Its hard being your friend sometimes Hawke" Anders said chuckling in spite of everything.
"Come on. We have work to do" Garrett said noticeably happier with both Isabela and Anders in toll.
Later
Meeting of Garrett's side of the Smugglers.
"Why did we get pulled into this in the first place? It's always been between the two of you Fereldens" a smuggler called.
"You'd have been pulled into this regardless. The City Guard would've taken you down in the end, they took down the Coterie remember" Garrett countered.
They were inside of one of the warehouses in the factory district. Not all of the Garrett's smugglers were gathered here just enough to spread the word to the others when needed.
Hermes had managed to get a lot of information from their prisoner and so decided to meet and discuss their plan of action.
However many smugglers still didn't like the prospect of fighting some of their old friends even though many of them had been attacked.
"The City Guard needed our help to do that" the same smuggler from before countered.
"Athenril would have never let this happen" another smuggler said with a murmur of agreement from many others in the crowd.
"Ah but Athenril's dead. Tolan killed her" Hermes interjected.
"The old ways are done" Garrett said suddenly.
Instantly the crowd silenced.
"I know many of you don't want to be here, don't want to get involved, and I won't force you to stay. But no matter how this ends it won't be like it was before. If Tolan has his way you either work for him or you die for his empire. With me you can walk away when this over no questions asked" Garrett said before the crowd.
"Hawke the smuggler lord" Hermes said.
Suddenly another smuggler spoke saying "Hawke saved us. We were in the Viscount's Keep and we walked away because of him. He's one of us."
There were several nodding heads in the crowd now and murmurs of agreement.
"We stand with you Hawke" another smuggler said stepping forward.
"Hawke protected us before and he will again. When this is over there might not be any smugglers. Like Hawke said the old ways are done but we can still survive. But only if we work with the City Guard and take down Tolan." Hermes said.
Garrett nodded his thanks to Hermes before glancing towards the back where Isabela and Anders were standing.
Isabela was giving him a bemused look and Anders just shrugged.
Hawke the Smuggler Lord they both seemed to be mussing over.
I didn't exactly plan this Garrett thought matching his friend's gaze.
"We know where Tolan is. He and his smugglers move around but I know where they'll be" Garrett said.
"Our prisoner talked" Hermes said
Garrett knew the tunnels and dark corridors of Darktown. He'd explored with Bethany all those times they'd gone down to the Black Emporium. Not to mention all the adventures he had gotten into while earning the money needed for the expedition.
"We're going to assault Tolan's base and end this tonight" Garrett said boldly.
"Hawke we might be outnumbered here. We'll spread the word but some of the others won't go" another smuggler amongst the crowd said.
"We'll have help. The City Guard will station men in Lowtown and the Docks so Tolan and his men will have trouble retreating. And I have other allies who've agreed to come" Garrett said looking back at Anders and Isabela.
Before any of them could speak the door to the warehouse slammed opened and a short figured emerged making quite the dramatic entrance as everyone made for their weapons.
"Well now is that any way to greet a friend?" Varric said strolling into the warehouse coolly.
Garrett's face broke into a smile and he pushed his way through the crowd calling "calm down people he's on our side."
"Hawke I'm a little late but you've been betrayed" Varric said smirking.
"Yeah I noticed" Garrett said reaching forward and shaking Varric's hand.
"It's a long story but-" Garrett began only for Varric to interrupt him.
"Tolan betrayed you and sent me on a false lead toward Bartrand. He also sent thugs after your family and now the two of you are fighting for control of the smugglers" Varric said coolly.
Garrett stood silent and blinked.
"Hawke I'm very good at gathering information" was all the answer Varric gave.
Isabela and Anders had gathered around Varric as well calling out in joy.
"So then back to it. Sounds like you had a plan Hawke?" Varric said gesturing to Hermes and the smugglers gathered.
"We move on the offensive tonight. And I'm going to need everyone" Garrett said turning to look his at smugglers, Hermes, Isabela, Anders, and now Varric.
Only Fenris and Merrill were needed now.
Later
Night, Darktown
Tolan stood in his makeshift office, an open bottle of Athenril's wine propped up on the table.
He'd been drinking.
My smugglers, they're afraid of me. Good. They all loved Athenril but how many of them betrayed her for me? Tolan thought.
There was a knock on the door and Aidith entered the room calling "you sent for me."
Tolan nodded.
"They're coming for us. It won't be long now" Tolan said coolly.
"Hawke? How did you-" Aidith began.
"My smugglers who never returned. One or more of them talked" Tolan answered.
"We need to move again" Aidith said about to leave and gather the men before Tolan shook his head 'no'.
"This ends tonight. Hawke and I, it's always been between the two of us. When the time comes all of the smugglers, his and mine, need to see him fall by my hand" Tolan said.
Aidith nodded slowly.
"... and if you lose?" Aidith asked almost fearful.
"I won't. You're going to make sure of that" Tolan said giving Aidith a knowing look.
The Final confrontation
Darktown
Throughout the dark tunnels of the worst parts of Kirkwall the scum and villains that lived down there all fled.
First Tolan and his smugglers had taken up residence here and they had known to stay out of his way.
When a few City Guards had entered they had watched bemused as the Guardsmen had been trapped by Tolan's smugglers. No more Guardsmen had tried entering after that.
But now Garrett, his allies, and his side of the smugglers were on the move.
There were a few of Garrett's smugglers whom had stayed behind choosing to not get involved and true to his word Garrett didn't force them, but even still those that chosen to go made a formidable force.
They had entered in smaller group through various entrances into Darktown before regrouping and heading deeper where their target lay.
The City Guard had agreed to stay out of this. The Viscount didn't like it but he knew that they'd only get in the way. The smuggler civil war needed to end itself, all the City Guard could do was deal with the aftermath.
As Garrett led the charge through the dark tunnels he glanced back at his assembled allies.
His friends, Varric, Isabela, Anders, Merrill, and Fenris. Followed by Hermes and several smugglers.
Fenris glanced back at him.
It had been some time since they'd spoken but nonetheless he and Merrill had agreed to come and help.
"All this. All this for her?" Fenris said suddenly as the others glanced his way.
"Yeah" Garrett replied.
"Hawke. Everything he touches is worthy of a tale" Varric said speaking up.
They didn't speak the rest of the way.
Strangely there were no lookouts or guards awaiting them.
Not even any traps...
Varric and Isabela were constantly on the look but nothing... as if Tolan knew they were coming and didn't care.
When they reached the base Garrett and his allies slowly entered finding it empty.
The base was big with several side tunnels leading in and out. The place had long ago been forgotten before being re-purposed into a base. The place was very dark with only the center of the base properly lit.
Of the many side tunnels only a few could be seen in this light.
"Be on your guard" Garrett said.
Hermes and Garrett's smugglers spread out expecting a fight but still none came.
"Where is he?" Merrill asked warily.
"Tolan! Let's finish this! Once and for all!" Garrett shouted.
Suddenly there was movement and an arrow tore the air striking one of Garrett's smugglers in the throat.
The man fell to the floor dead.
Hermes and Garrett's smugglers moved, Anders and Merrill raised their staffs, Varric stayed low moving from cover to cover, and Garrett raised his shield.
"Over there the left tunnel! There using the tunnels for cover" Varric called as he loaded a bolt and fired just as one of Tolan's snipers poked his head out bow drawn.
Varric's bolt struck through the man's bow breaking it apart as it impaled through his chest, the man fell back dead.
Anders sent a Chain Lightning up towards two archers just as they reached out of their side tunnels.
Merrill was sending blast of her flame magic at the tunnels forcing Tolan's snipers back.
Using the dark to stay hidden. Smart Garrett thought.
Garrett raised his shield just as an arrow flew his way; it thumped as it collided with his shield but Garrett keep moving.
"Merrill we need light" Garrett called.
Nodding Merrill raised her staff and sent a burst of her flame magic upward where it danced above them lighting the entire base.
Varric fired two bolts in quick succession taking down just as many.
"Thanks Daisy" Varric called doing a mock bow.
Merrill giggled in spite of the ongoing battle.
No longer protected from the dark most of the archers tried to stay in the side tunnels but Hermes and Garrett's smugglers rushed them.
Fenris and Isabela charged into one side tunnel where one of Tolan's smugglers had dropped their bow and pulled free a Longsword.
Fenris didn't even bother with his fighting Greatsword but reach his hand forward, the tattoos covering his body glowing bright blue white as they did so.
The man screamed in agony as Fenris reached his hand into the man's chest and squeezed.
Another archer tried to come to his comrade's defense but Isabela threw her Dagger and it sliced into the man's heart killing him.
Garrett had rushed into a side tunnel where three archers had been.
With a quick slash to the throat of the first one Garrett pushed his way forward slamming his Shield into the second. The third archer dropped his bow making for a Longsword but Garrett reached grabbing him by the scruff of his neck and hurled him out of the tunnel.
The third archer stumbled now outside of the safety of the tunnel just as no less than four of Garrett's smugglers fell upon the man. It was over in seconds.
Garrett finished off the archer that he'd shield bashed earlier.
"Hawke!" Merrill called.
Rushing back out of the side tunnel Garrett found that armed men had appeared from some tunnel far off to the side.
Hermes fired an arrow killing one of the charging men as Garrett's smugglers met the armed men head on.
Garrett raised his Longsword and charged as Isabela and Fenris fell in beside him.
Fenris pushed his way past two of the armed men literally using his Greatsword to shove them aside before he swung with one mighty slash that sliced through the armor of a charging man.
Isabela back-stabbed one of the armed men that Fenris had pushed past while Garrett stabbed the other.
The flame magic Merrill had cast began to fade and before it went out again Merrill called out "Hawke!"
Instantly Garrett was at her side covering her as she raised her staff and called fourth more flame magic that burst upwards and danced above them illuminating the base.
"You're brilliant Daisy you know that" Varric called smirking.
"Took you long enough to notice. My girl's good" Isabela called smugly.
And so the fight continued.
With two mages on their side Garrett and his smugglers fought their way through the armed men and before long they were trying to retreat.
Garrett slammed his Shield into one of the armed men trying to run before backstabbing him.
Hermes and Varric fired arrows and bolts there way and Anders and Merrill used their magic to force the armed men to stop running.
Fenris fell in beside Garrett and together they dispatched five of the armed men.
Just as the last of the armed men fell and Garrett and his allies were regrouping a loud whistle emerged from somewhere further inside the base.
Footsteps were heard and Garrett raised his shield calling "spread out!"
If there are more archers we don't them to box us in Garrett thought.
One figure emerged from deep within the base his hands held out.
"Wait!" the figure called stepping inside the light.
"Aidith" Garrett said narrowing his eyes.
Too afraid to face me himself Garrett thought.
Aidith stood before them slowly walking forward as Varric aimed his crossbow, and Anders and Merrill raised their staffs.
"This war is bad for both sides. He wishes to end this just as much as you do" Aidith said coldly all the while keeping his hands raised.
"I say we kill him and move on" Hermes said with a shrug.
"Do that and we have another little war going on. This way maybe it doesn't have to be. This way maybe this can end with a lot less bloodshed" Aidith said sounding as if these words had been written by another.
Seeing as no one had struck him down yet Aidith continued.
"The two of you can end this Hawke" Aidith said just as more footsteps were heard from deep within the base.
Emerging from where Aidith had appeared were a group of smugglers each with weapons but all of them sheathed.
Nearly forty of them in total, a little over Garrett's smugglers.
Then Tolan parted from the group strolling his way forward.
Garrett glared but kept his calm.
Tolan's smugglers trailed after him letting their leader take point as he moved to stand before them.
A momentary pause in a civil war amongst the last criminal power left in Kirkwall.
Tolan met Garrett's eyes and mockingly clapped.
"You've gathered the quite the allies Hawke" Tolan said coldly.
Garrett stayed silent.
"Thing is by my count you're still outnumbered" Tolan said.
"Quality over quantity" Garrett said quoting Athenril. He didn't need to gesture at Anders and Merrill the presence of the two mages spoke volumes.
"How long can this go on? Smuggler vs Smuggler. Old friends fighting old friends. I'm aware of all you've done Hawke. We can end this here and now" Tolan said.
"One on one" Tolan and Garrett said simultaneously.
Though they were vastly different they both had had the same idea it appeared.
The smugglers, Garrett's and Tolan's, watched nervously as the two leaders stood before each other.
"Coward. We could have done this ages ago but you wait until now. When your plans have failed" Garrett said coldly.
"I have further plans" Tolan said coldly.
"We've both lost people on our side. At this rate there won't be any of us left by the end" Tolan said.
"Now you care about your men?" Garrett said gesturing to the dead smugglers around them.
Those were not my men! They were the ones whispering of desertion! I chose every single one of them because I knew how this would turn out. They were all pawns Tolan thought glancing at his men that Garrett had killed.
"Don't you care about yours? Even if you won how many would die?" Tolan said calmly.
"You don't care about us! You killed Chella!" Hermes shouted angrily.
"You overthrew Athenril!" another one of Garrett's smugglers shouted as others began to join in but Garrett held up a hand to stop them.
"You lot seem to despise me for taking power when I had the chance" Tolan began looking at Hermes and Garrett's side of the smugglers.
"As if Hawke hasn't done the same thing. Proclaimed himself a Smuggler Lord" Tolan said with contempt.
"We hate you because of what you've done. You who betrayed me and took power killing any who stood against you. You who tried to blackmail and plant the next Guard Captain. You who brought on a civil war amongst the smugglers. All I did was unite us" Garrett said sternly.
"Me? If things had gone my way the smugglers would have ruled Kirkwall in ways the Coterie never dreamed of. Instead you reported us to the City Guard" Tolan said coldly.
Tolan traced the ragged scar running across his lips and past his checks.
"Then let's settle this once and for all. It's always been between the two of us" Tolan said not needing to gesture at his face as Garrett glared not needing to mention his sister.
"You brought all of this on yourself" Garrett said.
"There was a time when I felt sorry for you. A time where I would've helped you if you had but asked. But you've gone too far. Your ambition led you here and for what? A base in Darktown? You didn't have to join Athenril's gang but you did. You didn't have to betray me you already were the Smuggler Lord. You didn't have to attack the City Guard you had made a deal. You already controlled the smugglers you didn't have to build an empire like Coterie had. But you did all of this anyway" Garrett said.
Tolan didn't speak. He had not expected that.
"You don't understand. You've never suffered" Tolan said darkly his lips twitching as he remembered the pain he'd felt when Garrett had given him his scar.
"Oh I've suffered. More than you know" Garrett said coldly.
"I'm tired of talking. Let's end this" Garrett finished indifferent.
Tolan smirked making the scar on his face distort into menacing grin.
Garrett made to move but suddenly Fenris of all people was beside him clutching him by the arm.
"Hawke don't do it. We can take them" the elf said.
"No I have to do this" Garrett said meeting his friend's eyes and slowly Fenris released him and stepped back.
You expect him to fight fairly? Fenris seemed to say his eyebrows arched in... concern.
"Stand back" Garrett said glancing back giving a knowing stare to both Anders and Merrill not needing to say a word to get his meaning across.
And both sides of the smugglers stepped aside giving the two Smugglers Lords space as they moved to the center of the base.
There was more light in the center than anywhere else in the base and as Garrett and Tolan took their places the smugglers formed an anxious crowd around them.
Anders, Merrill, Isabela, Fenris, Varric, and Hermes stood in front of the crowed as close as possible to Garrett.
Garrett and Tolan eyed each other and began, at the same moment, to circle each other around the center of the base.
"If I win?" Garrett asked for all of them, his side of the smugglers and Tolan's, to hear.
"My smugglers disband..." Tolan said as if the mere thought of him losing was ludicrous.
Or join me Garrett thought.
"And if you win?" Garrett asked.
"Well then I win" Tolan said almost smugly.
The talking was over and as they raised their weapons there was a collective breathe held as the crowd around them watched unblinkingly.
He's fast... maybe faster than me Garrett thought.
Garrett took a defensive stance his Shield held up in front of him.
Tolan rushed forward stabbing with Longsword.
There was a loud screeching sound as Tolan's Longsword collided with Garrett's Shield before scraping off. Garrett sidestepped narrowly dodging Tolan's dagger as the scarred man slashed for his side.
Now it was Garrett whom pressed forward using his Shield to force Tolan back before slashing with his Longsword.
Tolan backed away parrying Garrett's Longsword with his own.
The crowd was silent barely daring to breathe as the duel continued...
Garrett vs Tolan, the two of them testing each other and neither of them being able to land a hit.
Tolan leaped forward slashing downward in midair with his Longsword.
A harsh metallic clang echoed through the base as Garrett raised his Shield blocking Tolan's slash but being pushed back as Tolan landed and pushed forward into Garrett's Shield.
Garrett stumbled back nearly losing his balance and falling over but he regained his footing and balanced his weight evenly just as his father had taught him.
Tolan lunged forward his Dagger reaching around Garrett's Shield but Garrett stepped back batting the Dagger away with his Longsword.
With a grunt Garrett put his weight forward and pushed forcing Tolan back nearly two feet.
That wasn't from the Ferelden Army's doctrine Tolan seemed to say as he kept his distance.
I didn't get all my training from Cailan's Army Garrett thought raising his Shield again.
Back in the crowd all of Garrett's allies watched anxiously.
Fenris stood brooding; Isabela and Varric were studying the duel looking for weaknesses.
However Anders and Merrill only vaguely watched the struggle instead keeping an eye on Tolan's smugglers gathered on the other side of the crowd.
This time Garrett charged Shield first. He batted Tolan back with his Shield before slashing with all his weight behind him nearly disarming Tolan but the scarred bastard sidestepped and parried.
Both of them had had training at Ostagar but each had diverged in skills from there, Tolan having picked up things from his time on the streets and Garrett having learned from his father as well as Xenon's Tome.
Tolan kept his distance lazily twirling his Longsword smiling smugly.
He's trying to bait me Garrett realized feeling a streak of annoyance.
Some of Tolan's smugglers in the crowd began to chuckle.
"What's the matter Hawke? Afraid?" one of Tolan's smugglers called.
Don't let your emotions cloud your judgment Xenon's words echoed in Garrett's mind.
"The bastard's the one keeping his distance" Hermes called pointing at Tolan.
It was true Tolan circled Garrett expecting him to charge forward but he never did. Instead Garrett took a step back... and lowered both his weapons.
"Hawke what you are you doing!" Varric called a hint of panic in his voice.
Tolan froze narrowing his eyes.
Tolan lunged forward making a show of extending his Longsword before sidestepping back trying to spook his opponent but still Garrett stood motionless.
Ambition and pride. Those are his weaknesses Garrett thought.
Garrett raised his Longsword and beckoned for Tolan to come as if he was a child playing at war, taunting him.
Tolan eyes flashed with anger and when he charged this time he went in full force both his Longsword and Dagger spinning wildly as Garrett raised his weapons.
Garrett blocked Tolan's Longsword with his Shield and batted away Tolan's Dagger with his Longsword before shoving forward and headbutting Tolan.
Tolan stumbled back his Longsword outstretched to stab in case Garrett rushed but Garrett stayed where he was.
This is what you wanted. To make a show of our duel well I'm giving the smugglers a show Garrett thought as the crowd around them gasped.
Tolan wiped blood from his lips and spat, the scar running across his lips and past his cheeks making him look like some monster come from the Fade.
Garret charged forward pushing Tolan back and back as the scarred man struggle to defend himself from Garrett's Shield.
"Hawke! Hawke!" a smuggler called out and soon all of Garrett's smugglers were chanting his name as Tolan was forced back.
Garrett slammed with his Shield and stabbed with his Longsword whilst Tolan sidestepped and parried barely managing to keep up.
"Hawke! Hawke!" Garrett's smugglers chanted.
Tolan leaped into the air once again bringing both Longsword and Dagger down on Garrett's Shield.
Garrett struggled to keep his balance.
Not wasting time Tolan shoved Garrett back and kicked Garrett's Shield with enough force that Garrett did stumble this time.
"Hawke!" Isabela shouted.
As Garrett stumbled back Tolan rushed forward.
Garrett slashed awkwardly with his Longsword but Tolan parried putting all his weight behind it and forcing the Longsword from Garrett's hand.
With a clank Garrett's Longsword landed a few feet away...
Having regained his balance Garrett raised his Shield blocking Tolan's Longsword.
Garrett knew what was coming and when Tolan's Dagger came reaching around his Shield Garrett caught Tolan's wrist mid-stab.
With an enormous grunt Garrett shoved Tolan back slamming him in the chest with his Shield... only Tolan was ready for him.
The moment Tolan's Dagger hand was free he moved slicing at the straps holding Garrett's Shield to his arm.
Tolan's Dagger narrowly missed Garrett's forearm as the blade sliced through the Shield straps...
Though Tolan had taken a direct hit to his chest Garrett's Shield came off and fell to the floor with an audible thud that echoed through the base.
"Kill him! Kill him!" Tolan's smugglers chanted as Aidith joined in gleefully.
Garrett barely stayed alive. Leaping back narrowly dodging Tolan's slashes Garrett danced his way around, how he survived only the Maker knows.
Need to get a weapon Garrett thought desperately as he took a gamble.
Ducking as Tolan slashed with his Longsword, Garrett rushed forward getting in close catching Tolan's Dagger hand by the wrist.
He grappled with Tolan elbowing the man's arm away to keep the Longsword from getting at him as Garrett headbutted Tolan again.
Tolan stumbled and Garrett shoved him back before turning around spotting his Longsword laying on the floor where it had fallen.
Knowing what was coming Garrett rolled forward snatching up his Longsword even as Tolan managed to slash his side.
Getting to his feet and parrying away Tolan's stab Garrett winced in pain, he could feel blood but he knew the wound wasn't deep.
Tolan's slash had only grazed him barely managing to cut through his armor.
Garrett's side of the smugglers stood silent as Tolan's side began their chant once again.
"Kill him! Kill him!"
Tolan smirked.
Garrett stood Longsword in hand with a cut on his side.
Tolan charged him again and Garrett parried but was forced to sidestep as Tolan's Dagger came an inch away from his throat.
Now it was Garrett whom was on the run while Tolan pushed him back.
Once Garrett had tried to go for his Shield but Tolan beat him to it kicking it aside.
"Kill him! Kill him!" Tolan's smugglers chanted.
"It's over Hawke. You can't win" Tolan said coldly.
He's faster than me Garrett thought barely being able to keep up with Tolan's barrage of slashes and stabs.
But I'm stronger Garrett thought channel the power of the Templars into his blade as he charged forward and slashed with such ferocity that Tolan nearly dropped his Longsword.
Pushing forward Garrett slashed knowing that Tolan would dodge.
Knowing it was mad Garrett lunged forward punching Tolan in the throat.
"Ack!" Garrett grunted as Tolan's Dagger slashed his arm. Tolan had stumbled back from the punch but managed to slash with his Dagger.
Knowing if he stopped he'd die Garrett kept going once again channeling the Templar's Spirit Force into his blade as he slashed and slashed.
Tolan blocked and blocked unable to use his Dagger as he struggled from the force of Garrett's blows.
Then it happened...
With a yell Garrett slashed with both hands putting his weight and all the Spirit Force he could muster into his swing.
Tolan brought his Longsword up to block and as his blade clashed with Garrett's a thunderous metallic crack was heard and Tolan's blade broke in two.
The crowd of on looking smugglers gasped, gaped, roared, yelled, and shouted but all of that seemed a million leagues away to Garrett as Tolan fell back in shock.
The moment Tolan's blade broke in two the hilt slipped from his hand and he fell to the floor as Garrett loomed over him.
Just as Garrett was about to finish it... two things happened.
Aidith raised his hand throwing a Dagger and as it flew through the air towards Garrett, Anders raised his staff casting Rock Armor.
The protecting magic of the Rock Armor encased Garrett a second before Aidith's Dagger hit its target, Garrett's neck. It would have killed him if Anders had not intervened and the Dagger bounced off.
Tolan had cheated.
Before Aidith could move Merrill had raised her hand and Tolan's right hand man was engulfed in flames.
Aidith screamed in agony as he fell back burning.
There was uproar from Garrett's side of the smugglers as they rushed into the fray while Tolan's smugglers did the same.
The plan to end this without further bloodshed had fallen apart and once again an all-out war had broken out.
Hermes fired arrows, Varric used his crossbow, Fenris and Isabela moved to intercept the charging group of Tolan's smugglers.
The sides of the smugglers collided in mesh of chaos.
Garrett raised a hand to his neck feeling for blood but finding none, the Rock Armor had saved his life. All around him his allies and Tolan's smugglers were brawling.
Merrill had once again shot flame magic upward illuminating the entire base.
Where is he! Garrett thought searching for Tolan.
In the chaos of the last few seconds Tolan had scrambled away.
Fighting his way past two of Tolan's smugglers with only his Longsword Garrett found him.
"Tolan!" Garrett yelled pushing toward him Longsword raised.
Tolan got to his feet and moved so quickly he appeared a blur as he lashed out with his Dagger, the only weapon he had left.
Garrett easily blocked with his Longsword and elbowed Tolan back.
All around them the fight was going on but right now the entire world consisted of only Garrett and Tolan.
Tolan whirled trying to flank Garrett and back-stab him but Garrett grabbed Tolan's wrist and slammed the hilt of his Longsword into Tolan's face.
Garrett stood icily calm as Tolan dropped his Dagger falling to the floor... no not a Dagger it was only now that Garrett realized Tolan had been using his Ostagar knife.
Garrett thought of everything that had happened in these past months, Bethany being taken, the fight with Coterie, being betrayed, his family threatened, and Aveline being stabbed.
The rage almost consumed him but Garrett remained calm controlling his emotion as Xenon's words echoed in his mind again.
Tolan had grabbed something in his hand and whirled at Garrett throwing something at him but Garrett easily dodged it.
Dirt. He tried to blind me Garrett thought knowing that if he'd rushed out in anger like he wanted to a moment ago Tolan would have succeeded.
Instead Garrett kicked Tolan back.
Tolan rolled controlling his fall and kneeling as Garrett raised his Longsword and stabbed.
But Tolan raised his hands... and caught the blade.
There was a sickening sound of flesh being torn apart as Tolan's hands grasped Garrett's Longsword even as the blade cut through his gloves and into his fingers.
Tolan fought through the pain forcing himself up wrenching the Longsword free from Garrett's hands and headbutting him back.
Garrett stumbled back but he knew the fight was over.
Regaining his footing Garrett looked at Tolan and saw that the man was holding Garrett's Longsword in the mangled mess that was now his hands.
"Gah!" Tolan shouted as he slumped to the floor and dropped Garrett's Longsword.
Damn Garrett thought seeing Tolan's bloody hands.
Tolan was laughing like a mad man now.
"Of course you'd have to win" Tolan stuttered holding up his hands for Garrett to see. They had been sliced badly and from the look of things he'd lost a finger or two.
"It's always been you! You think yourself my equal, my superior? Hawke you think yourself better than me! I survived Ostagar! I robbed Athenril of life and empire! I brought down the Four! I defeated the Coterie! But you always win! It's not fair!" Tolan shouted frantically.
The scar running across Tolan's face made him look like a complete mad man. Tolan didn't know why he was shouting these things. Perhaps he wanted the world to know of all he had accomplished all he knew was that he that needed to have these things heard.
"You're pathetic" Garrett said eerily calm.
"Stop blaming others for what happened to you. It wasn't me it wasn't even Athenril. You chose the path you walked. You chose to live with that hate and look where it's led you" Garrett said.
Tolan hung his head laughing coldly as his plans fell apart and his empire died.
"Go then. Send me on my way" Tolan said in barely a whisper.
Garrett nodded solemnly and reached for his Longsword where Tolan had dropped it but the moment he did so Tolan leaped forward in one last desperate attempt.
Cheating even at the very end.
Somehow Tolan had pulled forth another knife despite his mangled hands and slashed at Garrett's throat.
Garrett stepped back dodging the slash as Tolan roared and stabbed.
Only for Garrett to grab Tolan's wrist and he finally saw what Tolan's second knife was.
"This doesn't belong to you" Garrett said forcing Tolan's hand back and stabbing him in the chest, the blade piercing through Tolan's back.
Garrett looked into Tolan's eyes as he died, looked into hate filled eyes and saw the light behind those eyes fade away into nothing.
With one last cough Tolan died his eyes still open in shock.
Garrett pulled his Ostagar knife free and Tolan's body fell to the floor.
After all this time it has returned to its rightful owner Garrett thought gripping his Ostagar knife in his hand feeling the familiar weight.
The smuggler civil war was still raging and as Garrett looked around he knew there was no longer any point.
"Enough!" Garrett shouted and like thunder from the Maker himself he silenced the base and the war stopped.
"Tolan is dead! His madness dies with him!" Garrett shouted as everyone took in the sight of him standing victorious over Tolan's corpse.
The smugglers that sided with Tolan, those that now stood leaderless and at mercy of Garrett and his allies, stood silent.
"All of you. Those who chose Tolan" Garrett began as those smugglers lost all color in their faces.
"Leave and walk away from this life. Those who continue fighting for whatever reason will be hunted down. The City Guard has posted Guards in Lowtown and the Docks and they'll be looking for you lot. Just the once I'm letting you go. There's been enough killing here" Garrett said sternly.
He was tired and hurt yet he stood tall as the Maker himself.
"Those that wish to stay are free to do so. But those that killed innocents will be turned over to the City Guard" Garrett finished.
There were a few moments of silence as slowly more than half of what was left of Tolan's smugglers dropped their weapons and left.
Some had no love for Garrett and he has fine with that. Others had actively been some of the worst of Tolan's group and would have the City Guards after them.
Those that remained surrendered over their weapons saying "we serve you now."
Hermes was grinning from ear to ear, Varric smirked at Garrett, Isabela, Merrill, and Anders grinned at him, and Fenris nodded at him.
Then all the smugglers that had remained gathered around Garrett, those that originally sided with him and those that had moved to his side.
"Garrett Hawke Smuggler Lord" Varric said as the united smugglers bowed before him, not a formal eloquent bow like the Templars did, but a small rough one.
A sign of respect from the lower classes.
Garrett Hawke Smuggler Lord.
Garrett runs the smugglers now
Long I know but I wanted the final fight to have that dramatic feel to it.