I apologize for the long wait I would have liked to have updated sooner.
Bit long but not as long as I've gone before.
Tantervale
Tantervale was an old city, though not as old as Kirkwall and not as massive.
Tantervale had no underground as it had been one continuous city unlike Kirkwall, which had been destroyed and then rebuilt by settlers again and again.
The city had tall buildings and marketplaces known from all of the Free Marches.
People could get lost in the crowd if not careful and it was for that reason that Gamlen and Leandra had been sent here.
No one would have known them here and no one would been have suspicious of a couple of Nobles traveling to see Tantervale no matter which city state they came from.
However recent events had proven that theory wrong...
"Gamlen! What are you doing!" Leandra muttered under her breath.
"Taking a look" Gamlen answered in a whisper.
The brother and sister were hiding in one of the many alleys of the marketplace.
The two of them had ditched the Sellswords Garrett had hired but now men were after them.
Gamlen had gotten a letter from Garrett, written quickly and clearly rushed it had said the Sellswords couldn't be trusted and to ditch them as soon as possible.
And so at the dead of night Gamlen had packed a bag and taken most of their coin and on the next day when they were out in the marketplace he had pulled Leandra aside and explained about Garrett's letter.
As the two of them tried to slip away one of the Sellswords stopped them and that's when it happened.
A group of hit-men had attacked the Sellswords overwhelming them except for one that had turned traitor and attacked his former comrades.
It was only Gamlen's street smarts, not one of his most refined skills he was no true criminal but he'd had enough smarts to get by in Kirkwall, had saved him and Leandra.
Gamlen had grabbed Leandra by the wrist and ran off with her.
He'd had to elbow a hit-man in the face as they were escaping and they'd gotten away.
For days now Gamlen and Leandra had been on the move but unable to leave the city as they had very little money on them, only what Gamlen had managed to grab and they'd lost of it while escaping from the hit-men.
A hit-man had torn Gamlen's carrying pouch in two when the man had tried to grab him only for Gamlen to elbow him back. But Gamlen hadn't cared at the time.
He just keep on running with Leandra while trying to hold onto what coin they had left.
So they'd made due with what they had and kept on the move as the hit-men, whoever they were, were looking for them.
Gamlen had tried to get the Tantervale City Guard to help but they didn't believe his story and here in Tantervale the Amell name carried no weight.
"Do you see any of them?" Leandra said nervously.
"No. Just a bunch of tourist like us" Gamlen replied.
Stepping back into the alley with his sister Gamlen asked "how much coin do we have left."
"Not much" was Leandra answer.
"We need to contact Garrett" Gamlen said.
"But how? Last time we headed for the post office two hit-men were waiting for us" Leandra said running a hand through her hair.
"His last letter said not to trust the Sellswords. If only I'd acted sooner. We should have left right away" Gamlen fumed.
"We didn't know. Stop blaming yourself" Leandra said.
For her part Leandra had been so worried about the goings on in Kirkwall that she'd forced herself to pace herself with Garrett's letters, about two a month, to stop herself from going mad with worry.
Garrett's letters hadn't gone into too much detail only briefly covering the overall state of the city and he also made sure to stress that he was okay in every letter.
"Well some family vacation this turned out to be." Gamlen muttered.
"It wasn't all bad. Reminds me of when we were children" Leandra said warmly.
It was something Leandra had been working on, keeping on the bright side of things.
"Seems like so long ago. Back when we were young" Gamlen said in agreement.
"It wasn't that long ago" Leandra said.
Neither of them were young and strapping anymore but they weren't husk of old bones just yet.
"Only about twenty six years ago" Gamlen chuckled.
The two Amell siblings looked at each other enjoying the moment while at lasted and letting it fade knowing that they were in a very dangerous situation.
"We have to leave. We've put it off too long" Leandra said slowly.
Gamlen somberly looked at his sister saying "we don't have the coin to hire more-"
"No more Sellswords. Just the two of us on foot. It's the only way" Leandra said calmly.
"That's dangerous. I'm not Garrett I can't fight and the road has it's bandits" Gamlen said.
They didn't even know what was going on Kirkwall or what had happened to Garrett if anything had happened to him at all. But at least back in Kirkwall the City Guard would protect them and then they could learn more.
"It's a chance we have to take. The hit-men, whoever they are, would expect us to catch a ride with a caravan but we won't do that" Leandra said.
"Bloody insane" Gamlen muttered.
"It's the only way. The open road is our best bet. We can get lost in the crowd and we don't need much coin as long as we can reach Kirkwall in time" Leandra said.
Gamlen only nodded his arms crossed.
Using what coin they still had on them Gamlen gathered supplies for the trip.
In little over an hour Gamlen and Leandra strolled through the Tantervale streets heading for the exit among the crowd of traders coming and going.
They walked beside each other trying to hide their faces.
But before they could reach the gate and before the Tantervale City Guards could let them through Gamlen raised his hand gently pushing Leandra back.
Off to the side of the gate was a hooded man wearing leather armor just standing around.
The man was neither attempting to leave or enter the city but was simply standing off to the side watching.
The Tantervale City Guards ignored the man letting him be.
"We're leaving" Gamlen muttered under his breath.
Together the two of them started back only for the hooded man to start forward.
He sees us Gamlen thought his eyes going wide as the hooded man started towards them beckoning for them to meet with him.
"I don't trust it" Leandra muttered as she and Gamlen strode away fighting through the crowd.
Suddenly the hooded man began to push his way past through the crowd.
"Run" Gamlen said grasping Leandra's hand in his own as he broke into a run with her.
"Wait you don't understand!" the hooded man called after them.
Running through the streets and taking a turn through the marketplace Gamlen and Leandra found themselves getting lost in the city.
They passed alleyways and Inns as they turned and turned in no particular order until they were somewhere behind a tavern.
"We lost them" Gamlen said looking around seeing that they were alone.
They were in a narrow street behind a tavern with many exits but neither of them knew where they were.
"They you are. Been looking for you two" a voice called as a figure emerged into the street followed by five men.
It's him. The Sellsword who betrayed his comrades Gamlen thought glaring at the hit-men as he moved himself in front of Leandra.
The hit-men started towards them when suddenly an arrow flew through the air striking the ground between the Amell siblings and the hit-men.
"You lot were told the hit was called off" the hooded man said as he stepped into the fray bow drawn and arrow notched having come from behind Gamlen and Leandra.
What is this? Gamlen thought looking between the hooded man and the hit-men on either side of him and his sister.
"Yeah we got the order. Thing is the boss never calls off a hit. He's been taken hasn't he. Well that don't matter we can work for ourselves" one of the hit-men said.
"We got a reputation to uphold. It's just business" another hit-man added.
"You're outnumbered. Walk away and we'll let you scum live" the hooded man said calmly as suddenly other hooded men emerged into street behind the first. Seven in all.
The hit-men glanced warily at the seven strange men whom had emerged into the street.
"Get behind us" the hooded man beside Gamlen muttered.
Gamlen, still clutching Leandra, froze before slowly moving and as he moved the other hooded men closed ranks around them.
It happened in an instant.
The hit-men charged and the hooded man and his strange companions met them head on.
Gamlen and Leandra watched as the hooded man loosed arrow after arrow taking down two men while his companions fought toe to toe with the hit-men.
In minutes it was over with the hooded man and his men proving victorious of the Sellswords.
"Everyone alright. We lose anyone?" the hooded man asked dryly. The man was looking around at his companions seeing two of them had been injured but nothing serious.
Sheathing his bow the hooded man turned to Gamlen and Leandra whom were cowering behind them nervously.
"We're here to help" the hooded man said.
"And why should I trust you?" Gamlen remarked.
"Because we just saved you!" one of the strange men that had been wounded countered.
Taking a step forward the hooded man dropped his hood revealing his face and trying to calm everyone down.
"Leandra Hawke I have a letter for you" the man said pulling a sheet of paper from his carrying pouch and slowly handing it over.
Gamlen narrowed his eyes but Leandra looked the letter over.
Mother,
A lot has happened since I sent you away.
I'll explain things when I see you. You can trust these men, I sent them and they're loyal to me.
Leandra turned the letter over looking for more but finding the back blank.
"He would've written more but he wanted us to move out as fast as we could" the man said seeing the look on Leandra's face.
"I don't trust this" Gamlen said still keeping his grip on his sister.
The man shrugged saying "Hawke said that might happen. He said to say that for over a year 'you took the entire bedroom for yourself and I slept on the floor' or something like that."
"... I guess Garrett really did send you" Gamlen muttered rubbing the back of his neck.
"What happens now?" Leandra said accepting that her son had sent these men.
"Now we escort you back to Kirkwall" the man said.
"Who are you anyway?" Gamlen asked crossing his arms.
"Name's Hermes. I'm just a smuggler" said Hermes
Three Days Ago
Kirkwall, Viscount's Keep
Barracks
"Age unknown. Estimated early thirties" Arys said methodically filling out the paperwork on his clipboard with an emotionless face.
"Crimes: the murder of numerous City Guards, murder of unknown number of civilians, conspiracy, blackmail, and smuggling. Noted as being the Kingpin of an attempted criminal empire following the defeat of the Coterie" Arys continued.
Garrett sat his arms crossed.
His injuries were still healing, though Anders had already healed most of them, and he didn't particular want to be here.
Nonetheless he politely waited.
"First name: Tolan. Last name: Unknown." Arys continued.
They all sat inside the Guard Captain's office with Viscount Dumar taking the place of the Guard Captain while Seneschal Bran, Garrett, and Arys sat across from him.
"Identifiable marks: A scar running across his lips and past his cheeks. Matches earlier file of suspect connected to the rise of criminal activity." Arys said finishing up the paperwork.
"Now the city has been purged. The City Guard has it's work ahead of them as I'm sure in time new issues will emerge. But for the first time we'll have a head start on them and the reputation of our war on crime" the Viscount said.
The Viscount sounded almost pleased for the first time in a very long time.
"Sir are you sure about releasing the truth to the public?" Seneschal Bran asked.
Telling the city of what's happened this past few months? It's not like the city hasn't noticed that things have been happening. Especially the lower classes Garrett thought.
That was the real reason the Viscount had called this meeting.
He was planning on releasing the story officially to the Kirkwall papers. It was time for the public to understand finally what had happened.
"Oh not the whole truth" the Viscount said.
"The common people need not know how close we were to losing at times. Nor the allies we made deals with" Viscount Dumar said glancing at Garrett.
"But it'll be good for morale. The city will hear of how we dealt with the corruption inside Kirkwall and the news will serve as a warning to new threats that will eventually rise" Viscount Dumar said firmly.
"Yes sir. Then we must begin working on what details to include" Seneschal Bran said.
Garrett remained silent.
He didn't want to take part in these affairs, especially now. He had played his part and gone above his original role the rest was the Viscount's business.
Arys spoke up turning to face the Viscount saying "sir how do we explain all of this. The Coterie was mostly the Four and the founders whom are either dead or in prison. This Tolan was an entirely different threat."
The Viscount glanced at Garrett whom said "leave him out then."
"No. We will explain that after the Coterie's defeat came a second threat that was dealt with. We need not going to full detail only that he was killed" Viscount Dumar said.
Arys nodded taking notes on his clipboard.
"As for you Hawke" Viscount Dumar began.
"I believe your actions in all of this merit an award. You have gone above the duty of any citizen let alone the duties of even a Senior Officer of the City Guard. I plan on having a ceremony in which you will be presented with a medal for services to the city and-" the Viscount began looking pleased but Garrett stopped him.
"No" Garrett said slowly.
"I'd rather remain anonymous. I don't need a medal or anything, I had my own reasons for doing this" Garrett said honestly.
Viscount Dumar arched his eyebrows saying "ah yes you never did explain what those reasons were."
"Nor shall I" Garrett said to the astonishment of Arys and Seneschal Bran.
Seneschal Bran began to protest but Dumar stopped him raising his hand.
"Whatever your reasons for getting involved in this mess, I thank you. Mr. Hawke you've proven invaluable in all this and I wish you well in your later life" Viscount Dumar said letting the matter slide.
Garrett nodded thankful.
"As you wish to remain anonymous I'll not keep you. However I only ask that you not speak of the agreement between the City Guard and the Smugglers." Viscount Dumar said.
The smugglers won't interfere with the City Guard. I won't let them Garrett thought knowing that they didn't know, though they probably suspected, he was now their leader.
"Ah yes we can agree that that part of this can be left out of the papers. The public would not understand and it would bring more harm than good. Working with criminals" Seneschal Bran said scoffing.
Bran had never liked the idea but had yielded to Viscount Dumar.
"Good day, Viscount" Garrett said standing up and taking his leave of them.
Upon exiting the Guard Captain's office Garrett found the Barracks mostly empty.
A few City Guards milling about but not much else.
A slow day for them Garrett thought heading out of the Barracks and heading for the exit to the Viscount's Keep.
As he passed however many of the City Guards nodded respectfully at him and a few clamped him on the shoulder.
Well done they seemed to say as he left the Barracks.
"Hawke" a voice suddenly called.
Turning around Garrett saw Donnic heading his way.
"Donnic" Garrett said in greeting as the man caught up to him.
"How are the wounds healing?" Donnic asked having noticed that Garrett was a bit stiffer than normal.
"Fine. How are yours?" Garrett asked.
"About done" Donnic said.
Those arrows must have been painful Garrett thought remembering how Donnic had been injured and how he had continued to work despite the pain.
"Is there something you needed?" Garrett asked an eyebrow raised.
"There have been rumors going on about you is all" Donnic said calmly.
"People love to gossip" Garrett said with a shrug.
Donnic gave him a searching look before saying "I never got a chance to properly thank you for saving Aveline and me."
"You don't have to thank me" Garrett said smiling lightly.
Donnic returned the smile saying "I thought you'd say that."
"The smugglers that got away. Tolan's I mean. We're still on the hunt for them but it seems like most of them hit the road or are laying low" Donnic said.
"And of those that didn't side with Tolan?" Garrett asked.
"The old agreement still stands. They don't cause trouble and we won't bother them. Though I suspect they won't being going back to their old ways" Donnic said with a knowing look.
"They won't" was all Garrett said.
"Also the Healers say Aveline should be free to leave any day now" Donnic said.
"That's great news!" Garrett said feeling a knot inside his chest he didn't know he had untangle.
"The Healers say your visits helped her. The vote for the Guard Captain was delayed but I'm thinking Aveline's gonna win" Donnic said proudly.
"She deserves it" Garrett said honestly.
Getting a serious look on his face Donnic spoke up.
"I don't know why you got involved in all this but if some of the rumors I hear are true I don't want to know. Just... thanks for everything" Donnic said raising a hand.
"Take care of yourself Donnic" Garrett said taking Donnic's hand and shaking it firmly.
"I will" Donnic said before turning around and taking off.
And without another word Garrett left the Viscount's Keep.
Lowtown
New Smuggler Base
"All of this for coin" Garrett muttered.
The Smuggler Lord and a few of his smugglers stood in the storage room of the new base, which Varric had helped pick out.
The room was massive and it was guarded as crates and crates of coin lay inside.
"All the coin that we took from Tolan's base. What was stolen from Marcus and whatever else he manged to grab from the dead drops" a smuggler said.
Tolan killed Marcus. One monster destroying another. Garrett thought.
"What are you gonna do with it all boss?" another smuggler asked nervously.
"First I'll make sure everyone gets their cut" Garrett said reassuring the smuggler as he clamped the man on the shoulder.
Though none of smugglers said it they were all relieved.
"Now that it's counted start spreading it throughout the city. You remember how Athenril did it, the secret hovels and dead drops" Garrett said as he left the storage room.
The smugglers nodded and moved to the task Garrett had assigned them.
Outside the storage room Garrett found Hermes waiting for him in the middle of the base.
"Is that all of them?" Garrett asked Hermes in greeting
"Yup. All the spies Tolan, and Athenril before him, used" Hermes answered.
Before them stood twenty or so children from in and about Lowtown. Most of them were Ferelden refugees that came along with their families.
"Mr. Hawke Sir? What is all this about?" one of the children asked nervously.
He's scared. With good reason neither of the previous smuggler lords gathered them like this Garrett thought.
"I had Hermes gather you up for a reason" Garrett began.
"For over a year now you've kept your eyes open and watched the city. First for Athenril and then for Tolan. I understand that sometimes you got hurt because of that. I understand that you did this because they paid you too" Garrett said as the children hung onto his every word.
"But no more." Garrett said.
The children looked at each other confused.
Hermes blinked not sure what to say.
"I'll not have you spy for us anymore. I've arranged to give you each a sovereign before you're let go. If you and you're families get desperate visit Lirene's Ferelden Imports and they'll help you out. If that's not enough tell your families to find Hubert in the Hightown Marketplace. He'll give your family a job and I'll make sure he plays them fairly though he will only hire adults." Garrett finished.
The former spies, the children, gasped as three smugglers emerged at Garrett's orders and began handing out the sovereigns.
"They were useful" Hermes said moving to stand beside Garret.
"If we need spies we have smugglers who can get information. Smuggler who aren't kids" Garrett said firmly.
"You're the boss now" Hermes said smirking.
It's better this way. Their too young for this life Garrett thought as he watched the children taking the coin gleefully.
"If anything Varric's proven he can learn anything" Garrett said smirking lightly.
"That he has" Hermes said.
Once the children Tolan and Athenril had used as spies had received their coin and left free of this life Garrett turned to another business.
"I have a job for you" Garrett said turning to Hermes as they walked through the base passing smugglers whom nodded respectfully at them as they passed.
"For me? You have what's left of the smugglers at your disposal" Hermes said.
"I know but this is something personal" Garrett answered just as they entered the Smuggler Lord's office.
"It's your office now" Hermes commented.
"Funny. I never really wanted it" Garrett said slowly.
"So what's the job" Hermes asked as they took their seats in Garrett's office.
"I want you to go and get my family. Bring them back to Kirkwall" Garrett said firmly.
"Still no word from them?" Hermes asked.
"No. The hit-men were called of by their boss but I still don't trust it. Take a group of smugglers with you and if you have to take out the hit-men" Garrett said sternly.
"I'll bring them back Hawke" Hermes said getting up and mentally putting together a list of whom he would be taking.
"Be fast. Uses the smuggling routes" Garrett said.
Hermes nodded taking his leaving.
Gallows
Circle of Magi
Sir Thrask walked the caverns of the Circle Basement beside Sir Hynes with a Tranquil leading the way.
"So what did you do to piss Meredith off" Sir Hynes asked as walked.
He has his sense of humor back. That's a good sign he's been through much Sir Thrask thought.
"I had an error with my file is all. Something personal but it's been cleared up" Sir Thrask answered not meeting Hynes's eyes.
"Whatever error you made just don't do it again. Managing inventory with me is a real letdown from being hailed a hero to the Order" Sir Hynes said managing a laugh.
Ever since Thrask had confessed to Meredith she had personally assigned assignments that were far beneath his skill and some even outside his talents.
But Thrask didn't care he would do his duty as a Templar to the Order.
"Everyone does their part even those us in non-combat roles" Sir Thrask replied.
"I suppose" Sir Hynes mumbled.
There were those in the Order who not taken kindly to Sir Hynes sudden change to a support role.
"The Circle of Magi has need of more than combatants" the Tranquil added in his flat voice ahead of them.
These Tranquil... we've always been told they were empty shells. No Emotion. But every now and again I see... kindness in them... empathy to an extent Sir Thrask mused.
Sir Hynes however merely stared at the Tranquil confounded at the attempt to reassure him.
"Thrask what's all this about" Sir Hynes asked as they turned the corner finding the door to the phylactery storage chamber.
Sir Thrask knew Hynes would ask sooner or later.
When Thrask had asked to visit the phylactery storage chamber Hynes had nodded not asking why but the man's curiosity had been eating away at him.
Thrask had noticed it.
"There's something that needs to be done..." Sir Thrask said slowly as the Tranquil pulled the iron door open.
Together the three of them entered the phylactery storage chamber.
"Are you hunting an Apostate?" Sir Hynes asked.
"Not exactly" was Sir Thrask's answer.
"I must remind you sir that not all of the Circle's phylacteries are storage here, only those that have yet to be shipped to the archives overseas.
"The one I seek is fairly recent and will not have been shipped off yet" Thrask answered.
"Which one will you be selecting?" the Tranquil asked.
The phylactery storage chamber was filled with shelf after shelf of the glass vials that the Tranquil managed and kept inventory.
"The phylactery of Bethany Hawke" Sir Thrask answered.
Without a word the Tranquil stepped aside disappearing into the maze of shelves.
"The girl in the prison? The one who entered the Fade without Lyrium?" Sir Hynes asked eyebrows arched.
Sir Thrask nodded.
"She isn't going anywhere Thrask" Hynes laughed.
"Perhaps" Thrask answered.
"I have retrieved the phylactery you requested" the Tranquil said reemerging from a shelf carrying a single glass vial filled with blood.
This must be done... in case he truly means to do it Sir Thrask thought.
"I hereby command you to make copies of this phylactery" Sir Thrask told the Tranquil.
"I will concentrate it and make more. It will take no more than two day." the Tranquil answered.
"What are you doing?" Sir Hynes asked in a low confused voice.
"How many copies do you require?" the Tranquil asked even as he spoke marking the glass vital that was Bethany's for duplication.
"At least four. I also request that one of the copies be sent to myself" Sir Thrask said.
Hynes looked at Sir Thrask crossing his arms.
"As you command. However you must sign for your copy. All phylacteries that are checked out or marked for duplication must be reported" the Tranquil answered.
"Fine whatever needs to be done" Thrask answered gruffly.
Once Sir Thrask had completed the necessary paperwork the Tranquil nodded politely before leaving to start the duplication process.
"Thrask why are you-" Sir Hynes began once the Tranquil was gone only for Thrask to interrupt him.
"I need you to take the copy that I check out" Thrask said quickly.
"What?" Sir Hynes said.
"Promise me that you will take my copy of the phylactery" Sir Thrask pleaded.
"Thrask what do you think is going to happen? The girl's locked up isn't she?" Sir Hynes said.
"In case something happens to me or to the phylacteries I need to make sure that one is saved. One that no one will know that you have" Sir Thrask said planting a hand on Hynes's shoulder.
"The phylactery will be checked out under my name but you will be it's keeper" Sir Thrask said.
"I... I'm not the man I once was" Sir Hynes said.
"I can't hunt Apostates anymore... I'm not okay... I haven't been since... Leech" Sir Hynes said not meeting Thrask's eyes.
"You don't have to hunt her if something happens. Only keep the phylactery safe and a secret. If the time comes bring it to Meredith and others can take over" Sir Thrask said.
"Okay" Sir Hynes said slowly.
Sir Thrask nodded thankfully and together the two Templars departed heading back to the Gallows.
On the way back up Sir Hynes asked "do you truly believe the Hawke girl could escape somehow?"
To which Sir Thrask remained silent.
The present
Gallows
Meredith's Office
"I have already said that I would consider raising the age limit of the Harrowing again" Meredith said calmly as Orsino drew her patience.
"Considered? You have allowed a child as young as Kennith to undertake the Harrowing" Orsino said barely controlling his impatience.
"The boy survived. Furthermore he has emerged stronger for it. He has faced the dangers of the Fade and the demons and lived" Meredith countered.
"He was too young. If I took a Templar recruit as young as Kennith and thrust them against an Apostate would you protest then?" Orsino exclaimed.
"It's not the same and you know it. A mage is always a danger no matter the age. Better they learn control as soon as they are able" Meredith said.
"And what of those that are too weak. Of those that fail the Harrowing? The mages your Templars cut down? A child can not be expected to resist possession. Adult mages have trouble doing the same" Orsino said.
Meredith didn't meet Orsino's eyes.
"Better to have them gone before they became the monster they would have been" Meredith said.
"Leech is evidence of that. If Sir Allard hadn't have been weak... if he hadn't have shown mercy when it was not deserved... things would have ended before they began. If he would have taken the Harrowing the Templars would have cut him down" Meredith said turning back to Orsino.
"That was different. I have watched the Circle mages for years. If I suspected any of them, regardless of age, I would agree with you. But we cannot punish the whole for the actions of a few" Orsino said.
"You are too attached to them. You give them too much leeway" Meredith said.
"And you are too harsh" Orsino said.
The Knight Commander and First Enchanter sighed.
"I do respect you Orsino. You have done your duty well and you have kept the mages in check when I could not" Meredith began.
"But?" Orsino interrupted crossing his arms.
"But I will do what needs to be done even when you can not" Meredith finished.
"And so the argument circles itself again and again" Orsino scoffed.
The two of them had been at it for weeks now.
Either way the Harrowings had been temporarily suspended and their arguing concerned the future.
"We have failed to make a decision after Bethany Hawke's incident. All we have done is imprison her and suspend the Harrowings." Orsino said sternly.
Meredith narrowed her eyes.
"And so myself and others have asked Grand Cleric Elthina to intervene on the Circle's behalf" Orsino said.
"You did what?" Meredith said through gritted teeth.
"I called the Grand Cleric." Orsino said.
As if to enforce Orsino's words there was a knock on the door.
"Yes?" Meredith called clearly irritated.
"Knight Commander. Grand Cleric Elthina has sent word. She calls upon you and First Enchanter Orsino for a meeting at the Chantry" a Templar called through the door.
"Best not keep her waiting" Orsino said standing up.
Meredith glared but she too stood up and together she and Orsino departed.
The Chantry
The entire way to the Chantry neither Meredith nor Orsino spoke.
Even when the two of them reached the steps of the sacred temple they climbed it wordlessly.
They found Grand Cleric Elthina waiting for them along without someone that Meredith had only grown to dislike more and more as time went on.
Wynne.
"First Enchanter, Knight Commander" Elthina said gesturing for the Chantry Sisters and Mothers to leave them.
With a flutter of robes the various Mothers and Sisters of the Chantry dropped what they were doing and left giving the temple to the four of them.
And so it was that the scared temple that was the Chantry grew silent regardless of it's holy reverence.
They four, Elthina, Wynne, Meredith, and Orsino stood before each other.
"Grand Cleric" Meredith said stepping forward and bowing low.
It had been Elthina that promoted Meredith to Knight Commander when her predecessor had passed away.
"Grand Cleric" Orsino said bowing low.
"Please. You need not bow" Elthina said gracefully gesturing for both of them to raise.
"I must apologize for this inconvenience. It was not my choice to involve you in this matter" Meredith said getting to her feet as Orsino did the same.
"No it was our choice." Wynne said speaking for the first time.
"You are only a visitor here Wynne. These matters do not concern you" Meredith said not bothering to hide her annoyance.
"Wynne is our guest but she is of the Circle and that includes Kirkwall as well as Ferelden" Elthina said.
"Your holiness, Orsino is too soft with the mages. All that I do, I do for the betterment of Thedas. How many Blood Mages must we deal with? Better to weed out those who are too weak to control their curse" Meredith said.
"And Meredith overreaches. She seems to punish the Mages for the crime of existing. I agree that the Harrowing is needed but only once the mage has been properly trained. The children must understand their gift before they can see it's dangers" Orsino countered.
Elthina heard them both out and looked between the two of them in turn.
"Opposing views. A gift or a curse? Fear or understanding? For those that have magic it is not a matter of choosing either, but accepting both" Elthina said calmly.
"Magic is both a gift and a curse." Elthina said turning to Wynne.
"Magic is a gift in that it gives it's owner power, power to serve the Maker's children for Magic exists to serve man, and never to rule over him." Elthina said turning to Meredith
"Magic is a curse in that it requires constant vigilance over the dangers of the Fade and the temptations of man, and a mage shall find no rest in this world. A mage must first understand their power in order to fear it." Elthina said turning to Orsino.
"The Circle of Magi was formed to stop another Imperium from rising, to guide the mages for power corrupts and twists those who wield it" Elthina said turning to face each of them in turn.
Orsino and Wynne nodded respectfully while Meredith listened but didn't entirely agree.
"The Templars must be hard on the mages for they have great power" Elthina continued.
"Yes, we have seen ample evidence of what can occur when that power is abused" Meredith said.
"But a child is too young. They have yet to fully understand their power and though they must be watched they must not be forced to face the Harrowing. In time, once they have grown they will test their willpower but only when they are ready" Elthina said.
"Agreed" Wynne said smiling as Orsino breathed a sigh of relief.
"Perhaps the Templars press too harshly on the Circle Mages. Perhaps some liberties can be taken on those that proven themselves worthy" Elthina said.
"Very well" Meredith said. The Knight Commander trusted the Grand Cleric's judgment though she might not always agree with it.
"However recent months have also shown that the Templars lack the proper strength to protect the city from Apostates. The Templars need more power in the city to properly defend us from the Apostates that get away. I will be bring this matter to the Viscount when I am able." Elthina continued.
More power for the Templars... good. We must keep a better watch for the Coterie had several Apostates, Blood Mages at that, under their employ. But giving the Circle Mages more liberties? I don't like this. Meredith thought.
"Her Holiness is wise as always" Wynne said.
The Harrowings will be set to their original age limit and she agreed to consider more freedoms for the Circle mages but the Templars expanding their role in the city? I don't like this Orsino thought.
"Before we take our leave there is another matter. A matter that Wynne has brought to my attention" Elthina said.
"Oh and what would that be?" Meredith said crossing her arms.
Orsino and Wynne exchanged a glance and before nodding firmly.
"The matter of Bethany Hawke" Wynne said at last.
The present
Kirkwall, Lowtown
New Smuggler's Base
Garrett Hawke stood in the middle of the new smuggler base waiting anxiously.
The entrance to the base opened and emerged Hermes along with several smuggler followed by Leandra and Gamlen.
"Garrett!" Leandra exclaimed rushing forward.
Garrett chuckled as Hermes was pushed aside as Leandra ran forward to embrace her son.
"Mom" Garret said warmly as he embraced her.
"You've grown a beard" Leandra said raising a hand to the stubble on Garrett's face that had grown into a full fledged beard.
Garrett only laughed and brushed his mother's hand away.
"What's going on? Gamlen read your letter and we tried to sneak away but these hit-men came after us" Leandra said.
"I know. I sent Hermes and some men to collect you. I wanted to go myself but I had things to do here in Kirkwall and I needed to do them personally" Garrett said lightly grabbing his mother by the shoulders.
"Hawke where's Athenril? She wouldn't just do favors for us like this. Knowing her she'll want something in return" Gamlen said.
Hermes and the other smugglers chuckled.
Even now Gamlen was looking awkwardly for Athenril waiting to see what she wanted in return.
"Uncle Gamlen. Athenril's dead" Garrett said.
"... what?" Gamlen said slowly.
"Was... was it your friend?" Leandra asked.
He was never my friend Garrett thought.
Garrett nodded saying "Tolan killed her but there's more to the story."
"I am Smuggler Lord now" Garrett announced.
Gamlen gaped at him.
Leandra only looked at her son unblinkingly before reaching up to touch his face.
"You've been through a lot since we've been gone. I can tell it's a long story" Leandra said stroking her son's face.
"Maker you're not joking... you really do lead the smugglers now" Gamlen said seeing that the smugglers around them were watching but keeping a respectful distance.
"Come on we can talk more privately in my office" Garrett said taking his mother's hand and gesturing for Gamlen to follow him.
Hermes watched Smuggler Lord Hawke and his family leave them before turning to the other smugglers calling for them to move along.
Back in his office Garrett told his family about everything that had happened.
Once he was done telling his tale Gamlen sat in silence and Leandra only looked at her son.
"It seems our family will never have an easy life" Leandra said sadly.
Garrett didn't speak.
"First Carver, then Bethany, and now nearly you" Leandra said.
"I always survive" Garrett said smiling weakly.
"Yes you do" Leandra said unable to hide her sadness at everything her children had been through and the life that they had lived.
"Well it's not all bad. Garrett has helped a lot of people during his little adventures" Gamlen said.
Garrett nodded.
"I had to bring you back here. I needed to make sure you would be safe before I continued. My plans haven't changed" Garrett said standing up.
"Nothing stops you does it?" Gamlen said smirking.
"I'm sorry but I have someone waiting for me" Garrett said with one final hug to his mother and a firm handshake to his uncle.
"I'll meet you back at home" Garrett said smiling lightly.
"Is that safe?" Gamlen asked.
"It will be. There are no more hit-men and I have my people watching over the estate just in case" Garrett said.
"We'll be waiting" Leandra called as she and Gamlen left the smuggler base.
Once his family had left Garrett summoned Hermes calling "I'm ready to speak with him. Bring him here"
"You got it boss" Hermes answered rushing to do as ordered.
When Hermes returned moments later it was with two other smugglers, Varric, and an old acquaintance of Garrett's.
"Let me go! I can walk on my own! Blighted smugglers!" Samson called as he was shoved forward by Varric.
"You see Hawke. I told you I could track down our old 'friend' for you" Varric said in greeting.
"That you did Varric" Garrett said clamping his friend on the shoulder.
Samson however was looking around nervously at the smugglers present.
"Take a seat Samson" Garrett said gesturing for Samson to sit across from himself
"Hey I got no problem with you Sir Hawke" Samson said nervously looking around Garrett's office.
"Sir Hawke now?" Garrett said raising an eyebrow.
"Well you're the boss now aren't you? Even got the base and everything" Samson said nervously as a smuggler grabbed him by the shoulders and forced him into a seat.
Varric did a mock bow as Garrett just sighed.
"You're not in trouble Samson but I do have a job for you" Garrett said not bothering to sit down but instead choosing to lean on his desk in front of Samson.
"A job for me? Why in the Maker's name would you need my help?" Samson said trying to stand up but being stopped by Hermes whom shoved him back into the chair.
Garrett exchanged a look with Varric before signaling to one his smugglers.
A bag was handed to Garrett and he stepped forward and opened it for Samson to see.
"Wow" was all Samson said.
"This is enough Lyrium to last two months" Garrett said letting Samson get a good long look at it before he handed it back to one of his smugglers.
Suddenly adopting a charming voice Samson spoke up saying "alright what can I do for you?"
"Well you see Samson you were once a Templar" Varric said smirking as Garrett walked over to Samson, looming over him and grabbing him by the shoulder.
"And I'm gonna break someone out of the Circle. I need someone who knows the layout" Garrett answered.
The Gallows
"It is unwise to go without a meal" Idunna said.
The Tranquil had come to remove the lunch tray only to find the tray still completely full, untouched, and left where it had been set.
"So anything new today?" Bethany asked.
Bethany poked her head out from the bars ignoring the lunch tray.
"The food would not have changed. This is all that is available. You should eat" Idunna answered in the empty flat voice that all Tranquil spoke in.
"I didn't mean the food and I'm not hungry" Bethany muttered.
Idunna looked at her unblinkingly.
"I meant news" Bethany said after several uncomfortable moments.
"I have heard nothing concerning you. However I may simply not have been told" Idunna said blinking slowly.
So they do blink Bethany mused.
"You should eat" Idunna said.
"I'll eat later. I'm tired of the same food" Bethany said.
"Very well. I shall return later to collect the lunch tray" Idunna said.
Bethany sighed watching as Idunna turned to leave.
"Can't you tell me anything?" Bethany asked as Idunna stepped out of sight.
"There is nothing I know of to tell" Idunna answered before leaving.
Bethany sank down to a sitting position grabbing the book she'd been allowed to have after she'd asked Idunna for something to read.
A copy of the Chant of Light.
Bethany knew most of the story from all the prayers the Chantry Sister spoke but as it was the only thing the Templars had allowed her to have she read it.
Do they think this books is supposed to change prisoners or something? Bethany thought.
When Bethany had asked for another book to read Idunna had replied that only the Chant of Light was allowed to prisoners. Something to do with making Apostates see the light.
It's just a book Bethany thought deciding to put it away for now.
She'd read parts of it already before getting bored.
Sometime past as Bethany sat humming to herself to past the time. She'd grown tired of the food that was given to her everyday and still hadn't touched it.
In time she knew she'd have to eat it but not at this moment.
It came as a surprise to her when she heard the door to the hall open and footsteps heading her way.
"Back already?" Bethany called not bothering to look at Idunna as she stood before the bars of the cell.
"I'm afraid I've never come to visit you before" a voice that was not Idunna's called.
Bethany's heart stopped for a beat as she turned around getting to her feet at the sight of Wynne.
Wynne the living legend of the fifth Blight. The wise and caring mage that carried herself with such grace.
"Hello again my young friend" Wynne said kindly.
"You? The last time we spoke... I wasn't very nice" Bethany said remembering that incident that seemed so long ago.
"It doesn't matter it was only wine" Wynne said softly.
"Has something happened?" Bethany asked.
"Yes and it concerns you. You're gonna have to make a choice but first..." Wynne said signaling to something off to her side.
As Wynne spoke a second set of footsteps could be heard and then a Templar emerged standing beside her keys in hand.
"I've come to free you from this prison" Wynne said as the Templar slid the key into Bethany's cell and opened the door.
The Hawke Estate
"There is someone waiting outside. He's trying to stay hidden." the smuggler told Garrett.
Garrett had been on his way back home, to his real home, when one of the smugglers he told to watch his estate had signaled him.
Garrett had been worried it had been left overs from Tolan's men but no, from the sound of things it was just some man.
"You're sure he's no smuggler? Not one of Tolan's old men coming for payback?" Garrett asked.
"No he don't move like a smuggler. Whatever he is he isn't used to working in the shadows" the smuggler answered.
"He's used to working right out in the opened" Garrett muttered more to himself than to the smuggler.
"Describe him to me" Garrett said.
"Tall, about middle aged with red hair and a beard, wearing plain clothing but my guess is he's either a City Guard or a" the smuggler began.
"Or a Templar" Garrett finished.
"Yeah. You know him boss?" the Smuggler asked.
Garrett nodded.
"You want me and the others to have a little chant with him?" the smuggler asked coldly.
"No. I'll talk to him. Tell the others to keep a look out and if he tries anything step in" Garrett said.
The smuggler nodded and Garrett proceeded forward.
"You can come out now Thrask. I know you're here" Garrett called as he stood before the former Amell estate, now the Hawke estate.
Garrett's mother and uncle were waiting inside for him but right now he needed to sort this business out.
Sir Thrask emerged wearing plain clothing and with no weapons sheathed.
Garrett eyed the man as he stood across from Garrett keeping his distance.
They were just outside the estate and even now Garrett could imagine his mother making dinner for him.
"So what is it? Come for another brawl?" Garrett asked sounding tired more than anything else.
"No I've had enough of fighting" Sir Thrask said.
Garrett laughed "for once we're in agreement."
"There's been rumors about you. And from what I see those rumors are true. I know you've got backup in case I try anything which I won't" Sir Thrask said.
"It's always good to have a few friends. You know people you can count on and know won't betray you" Garrett said narrowing his eyes.
"We've had this conversation before. I didn't betray you and I couldn't have stopped it even if I wanted to" Sir Thrask said.
"... I know. I stopped blaming you. I know who was responsible" Garrett said slowly.
"Even after all this you still haven't changed have you? Still planning to try but even if you did it you know what would happen" Sir Thrask said calmly.
"I thought we agreed that we were tired of fighting" Garrett said.
Sir Thrask smirked at that shaking his head.
"I've been going over things and I hear that some people have been asking about the apartment in Lowtown I used to rent. The apartment where my daughter stayed" Sir Thrask said crossing his arms.
I planned for this you know. I had some friends of mine get proof about your daughter… Sir Thrask thought remembering what Garrett had said during their brawl.
Garrett only nodded.
"Don't try and stop me Thrask. You're a good man and I'd hate to do something I regret" Garrett said honestly and with a hint of sadness.
Their eyes met and each knew that the other would not budge.
"I can't stop you Garrett. I've warned you but you wouldn't listen. As Templar I must do my duty, that's a lesson I should have learned a long time ago. So you're right I was a hypocrite but no longer" Sir Thrask said.
"Whatever happens now is all on you. You built yourself a good life here in Kirkwall. Be a shame if you threw that all away" Sir Thrask finished.
Then without another word Sir Thrask turned around and took his leave.
Garrett shook his head signaling for the smugglers to leave as he went inside his home joining his mother and uncle.
Long I know.
I had fun writing Gamlen and Leandra's little adventure.
As for Elthina I wanted to make her wise but also idealistic. I believe she would use verses from the Chant of Light to argue her points as the Chantry views it as the model to live one's life.
There's only one more chapter after this then another story will continue Hawke's Tale.
I'm sad to see this part end as I've been writing it for almost two years.
I will update as soon as I can, college keeps me busy, and thank you for Read and please Review.