Hi and thank you to all of my regular reviewers, you are all the best and keep me going! xx And hi to my latest reviewer, Lord Archeron!
And thank you to my wonderful friend, Jen, for another first-class edit! xx
O~~~~~~~~~O
Sten, Zevran and the two Wardens reached the north-western shore of Lake Calenhad mid-morning. They stood outside the Spoiled Princess inn, looking across the Lake toward the Circle Tower. Blythe and Allis had observed it from a distance during the night; it had remained shrouded in darkness. They knew now that something was seriously amiss.
"Good day to you all," a voice from behind them spoke. The group turned around to face a lean, dark-haired man wearing leather armour. Although he didn't look like a mage, Allis and Blythe could sense his magic.
"If you're looking to get to the Tower," he continued, "you'll have to get past that clown Carroll, first," he said, pointing toward the lone Templar by the jetty.
"Who are you, Ser?" asked Allis.
"The name's Davlamin, or Dav for short," he replied, shaking hands with each of the group. "I'm a merchant. I trade from outside the inn, and as such, I get to hear of all kinds of goings-on from the Tower."
"Dav?" said Blythe, grinning slyly. "You're Anders' friend, aren't you?"
"Anders?" Dav replied, looking around, before winking at Blythe. "Never heard of him, I'm afraid. May I have the pleasure of knowing your name?"
"Blythe Amell," she replied, introducing each of her companions in turn.
"Blythe?" Dav repeated with wide eyes. "Aren't you a Grey Warden?"
"Yes!" she replied. "How did you…?"
Dav grasped Blythe's arm and led her away. "Excuse us for a moment, gentlemen," he said to Sten and the two elves. They watched as Blythe and Dav had a very intense discussion. Allis' brow furrowed as he saw Blythe's mouth fall open and her eyes widen; her arms dangling limply at her sides.
She beckoned Allis over. "What's wrong?" he asked sharply.
Blythe took several deep breaths before answering. "Anders and Cullen left the Tower over two weeks ago," she said quietly, looking at Allis without really seeing him.
"Cullen?" Allis asked incredulously.
"He helped Anders to escape," Dav said helpfully. "They left here just over nine days ago. They haven't been brought back, so I assume they haven't been caught."
"They think we're dead, Allis," Blythe said, her voice breaking. "They think we died at Ostagar. We have to let them know we're alive somehow!"
"But how, my darling?" Allis said gently, stroking her arm. "We have no idea where they are."
"I know they were heading for Lothering when they left here," said Dav, "but whether they're still there, or they moved on, I can't say."
Blythe began to weep. "The darkspawn will have reached Lothering by now!" she sobbed. "What if…?" Allis wrapped his arms around her and sighed heavily. So much for her moving on, he thought, feeling bitter sadness for Blythe, as well as his own sense of regret as he fondly remembered Anders.
"Look, Blythe," he said as cheerfully as he could manage, "they would have reached Lothering over a week ago. They wouldn't have been able to hang around because of the Templar presence there. They probably moved on."
Blythe thought about this for a moment. "That means they were only just behind us," she said, her eyes darting from side to side as her mind raced. "You don't think…you don't think Cullen came looking for me, do you? Why else would he help Anders to escape and leave the Tower?"
"Oh, I don't know, Blythe…" Allis sighed. Although it sounded a plausible explanation to him, he didn't want to get her hopes up. Dav, although he had heard from Anders that Cullen was in love with her, remained silent for the same reason.
"Listen," Allis continued, "when we return to Redcliffe, we'll make enquiries. Bann Teagan is sure to have contacts all over the Bannorn. We'll see what we can find out, alright? I promise we'll do everything we can, Blythe. Let's just get this trip to the Tower out of the way. We shouldn't be in there for long. Greagoir will tell us to piss off, we'll wave the treaties in front of him and order him around, then leave. How does that sound?"
Blythe took a deep breath and managed a smile. "We get to order Greagoir around?" she asked, wiping her tears away.
"Absolutely," Allis replied with a grin.
"Actually, you may encounter problems," Dav sighed, "if you can even get into the Tower."
"We knew something was wrong," replied Allis. "What's happened?"
"I can't say for sure," Dav replied, "but it's something serious. Only three people have been allowed into the Tower over the past nine days; all of them Templars. Not one person has left, except for Carroll's relief at night. Cullen believed that Greagoir has invoked the Rite of Annulment. A message was sent to Denerim a week ago. It won't be long before reinforcements arrive."
Allis and Blythe looked at one another, the colour draining from their faces. "We have to get over there!" cried Allis, grabbing Blythe's hand and calling Sten and Zevran over as they headed for the jetty. "Thank you for your help!" he called to Dav.
Ser Carroll saw them approach, and immediately held his hand up for them to halt.
"We don't have time for this, Carroll," Allis hissed. "Either take us across or get out of our way."
"Who do you think you are, talking to me like that?" Carroll replied indignantly, folding his arms and blocking their way. "Nobody is allowed into the Tower, by order of Knight-Commander Greagoir."
"We're Grey Wardens," Allis said impatiently. "Greagoir is obliged to give us an audience."
"Grey Wardens?" Carroll scoffed. "Prove it!"
"We don't have to prove anything to you!" Blythe exclaimed angrily. Both she and Allis were distressed at Dav's news, and were in no mood for games.
"Oh!" Carroll replied pretentiously. "Not good enough for you, am I? Well, until you prove you are who you say you are, you're not going anywhere!"
"You always were a idiot, Carroll," Allis seethed. "Don't become a dead one."
Carroll laughed. "And what chance do you think you two mages have against a Templar, eh?" he said cockily, reaching for his sword.
"I am no mage," Sten boomed, stepping forward. "You may test your mettle against me, if you wish, but as you appear to be armed with naught but foolishness, I would not recommend it."
"Now take us across, you witless imbecile," Zevran added haughtily.
"Erm…alright, I suppose I could make an exception," Carroll gulped. "Come along, then," he said, glancing nervously at Sten, as he led them to the boat.
Dav watched from outside the inn with a huge grin on his face. Well done, my friends! he thought. Give that bastard Greagoir what for!
O~~~~~~~~~O
Allis, Blythe and their two companions disembarked as the boat reached the Circle Tower. They walked away without a word to Carroll. "Hey!" the Templar called, "don't I get so much as a 'thank you?'"
"No," laughed Zevran. "You get this, instead," he replied, raising his middle finger.
"Well, I never!" Carroll exclaimed, outraged, as the group reached the main entrance to the Tower.
They looked up at the imposing metal door. "What, no pull cord?" asked Zevran. "How shall we gain entry?"
Sten leaned over and banged the door five times with his fist. After a moment, the sound of latches being clicked and metal scraping against metal could be heard. The doors were eventually opened, with great effort, by four Templars.
"Time to put our 'arrogant hats' on, Blythe," Allis whispered.
"I can do that," she smiled grimly.
"That wasn't a standard Templar knock," said one of the Templars. "Wait…who are you?"
"Out of our way," said Allis, barging past them. "We're here to see Greagoir."
"Hey!" cried the Templar. "You can't just walk in here unannounced…!"
"What is the meaning of this?" barked Greagoir, as he walked over to them. "How did you…you!" he spat, spotting Blythe. "How in the Maker's name did you get past Carroll?"
"Oh, it wasn't difficult, Greagoir," she replied insolently, putting her hands on her hips. "The man's a simpleton. Trained by you, no doubt."
"How dare you stroll in here and insult my men!" Greagoir snapped. "What do you want?"
"We are here to invoke the Grey Warden treaties, Greagoir," Allis said calmly. "You are obliged to provide us with aid during a Blight."
"And I demand to know why you have invoked the Rite of Annulment," said Blythe.
Greagoir's eyes darted between the two mages, not knowing who to be more outraged with. He turned to Blythe. "And just how do you know about that? Did your lover tell you?" he spat venomously.
Zevran raised an eyebrow. Lover? he thought.
"My what?" replied Blythe, feigning confusion.
"Do not play innocent with me, Amell!" Greagoir retorted. "You know of whom I speak!"
"That's Warden Amell to you, Greagoir!" she snapped.
"And it is Knight-Commander Greagoir to you!" he bit back.
"Enough of this banter," Allis said dryly. "Just tell us what's going on at the Tower, Greagoir, and give us your pledge to aid us. Then we'll be on our way. You'll never have to see us again; something I think we would all be happy with."
Greagoir massaged his temples and paced back and forth. "I cannot give you the aid you seek as things stand," he said, sounding troubled. Allis and Blythe exchanged glances.
"I shall speak plainly," he continued. "We are no longer in control of the Tower. Demons and abominations stalk the corridors. The inner door has been barred to prevent their escape."
"And just how did that happen?" Allis asked incredulously. "Isn't that what the Templars are supposed to prevent from happening?"
"We were unprepared for the sheer number of abominations which emerged," Greagoir replied without malice. "I had no choice but to bar the doors."
Blythe walked over to the inner door. "You mean you locked everyone in there?" she exclaimed, "including innocent mages?"
"Not only mages, but my own men as well," Greagoir replied sadly. "We are awaiting reinforcements from Denerim."
"But they'll kill every mage in there!" Allis cried.
"I have no choice in the matter," said Greagoir. "It is my duty to prevent abominations from escaping the Tower."
Allis and Blythe looked at one another, silently agreeing on a course of action. "Let us try, Greagoir," said Blythe.
"I cannot allow the two of you to enter alone," Greagoir replied, shaking his head. "It is too dangerous."
"There are four of us," Allis replied. "And this was once our home. You have to let us try."
"This is a fool's errand," muttered Sten. "There are no darkspawn here. I refuse to be a part of this."
"I've already told you," Allis replied irritably. "Go and find the Archdemon on your own, if you like!" He turned toward Greagoir. "Let us in, Greagoir. If there is a chance of saving anyone - including the Templars – before the reinforcements arrive, you must let us try!"
"You are not fit to lead us!" Sten bellowed, advancing toward Allis and drawing his sword. "I am taking command! If you resist, I will slay you!"
"You would attack an elven mage, Sten?" yelled Blythe, panicking. "You're nothing but a coward!"
"The elf is prepared to risk sending two Grey Wardens into a Tower full of demons!" Sten replied. "There are only three of you in the whole of this land! He is not fit to be our leader!" He turned toward Allis. "Defend yourself, elf!"
"Stand back!" Allis called. "And none of your dispelling crap!" he said to the Templars.
Sten advanced toward Allis, swinging his sword wildly, but Allis, having the advantage of speed, ducked and rolled behind Sten, hitting him on the back with a bolt of electrical energy, sending the Qunari off-balance for a second. Quickly recovering, Sten raised his sword and brought it crashing down; Allis barely dodging the blow.
"Sten!" Allis yelled, getting to his feet. "Don't make me kill you! You know I can do it!"
"Do your worst, saarebas!" the Qunari bellowed, once again swinging his sword wildly, this time catching Allis on the shoulder, knocking him to the ground. Blythe lurched forward, but Zevran grabbed her arms and shook his head.
"You bastard!" Allis yelled, and as Sten raised his sword, preparing to end the fight, Allis thrust his arms toward him, unleashing several forks of violent lightning. Sten staggered back, dropping his sword, before crashing to the floor, his massive body quivering.
Blythe ran over to Allis. "Are you alright?" she asked, placing her hands on his shoulder and healing it.
Allis nodded, trying to catch his breath. "Is he alive?" he asked Zevran, who was prodding the Qunari's chest with his finger.
"Hard to say," quipped Zevran. "He is not the most animated of people at the best of times…" then, noticing the look of irritation on Allis' face, shrugged his shoulders. "Yes, he lives."
After a few moments, Sten opened his eyes and tried to focus. Two very angry mages and an amused elf looked down at him. "You needn't think I'm healing you!" Blythe exclaimed petulantly.
Sten struggled to his feet and wavered a little as he stood up. Allis walked up to him, hoping he appeared braver than he felt. "Now, fall into line!" he snarled, "and never question my authority again, or next time I will kill you!"
"As you wish, Warden," Sten said simply with a curt nod of his head, and retrieved his sword from the floor.
"Now let us in, Greagoir," Allis demanded. "Enough time has been wasted."
"Very well," replied Greagoir, nodding to the Templar manning the inner door. "But be warned – once you are through that door, it will be locked behind you. I will not open it again until First Enchanter Irving himself tells me it is safe to do so."
"And if Irving is dead?" asked Allis.
"Then I shall have to take your word for it," he replied. "May Andraste guide you."
O~~~~~~~~~O
Teagan and his Knights reached Connor's bedroom to find Morrigan sitting on his bed, clutching her head.
"Morrigan?" Teagan asked. "Are you alright? What happened?"
"That wretched woman blindsided me!" she replied, outraged. "She came behind me and struck me with something, then took the demon child with her."
Teagan turned to his Knights. "Go to the Chantry and take Alistair and Cullen to the dungeon," he instructed. "Then, send Anders up here to tend to Morrigan."
"Do not waste time on me!" Morrigan snapped. "You must find the child! His mother will not get far. Before I lost consciousness I placed a hex on her which will drain her strength. The boy, alas, was too quick for me."
Leliana entered with Reaper. "I've found him, Morrigan," she said breathlessly. "My Lord," she said, turning to Teagan, "if you could provide us with an article of the Arlessa's clothing, or similar, Reaper will be able to track her down."
"At once!" cried one of the Knights, and ran to Isolde's room without needing to be told. He returned moments later bearing a shawl.
"She wears that shawl often," said Teagan to Leliana. "Will it suffice?"
"Let us see," she replied, holding it out for Reaper to sniff. The Mabari took a great interest in the shawl, before dropping his head to the ground, and he exited the room, sniffing as he went.
"Oh, what a clever boy you are!" trilled Leliana as they followed him. "He has picked up the trail!"
"Carry out my instructions," said Teagan to his Knights. "Have the two Templars brought to the dungeon and Anders up here to tend to Morrigan. Ensure that Cullen and Anders remain anonymous."
"Yes, my Lord!" the Knights replied and set off towards the Chantry, as Teagan and Leliana followed Reaper.
O~~~~~~~~~O
The inner doors thundered closed, a noise which reverberated through the floor and the walls, immediately setting the group on edge; an inauspicious start to their journey through the Tower. Zevran and Sten hesitated for a moment, looking to the two mages to lead them.
The corridors and dormitories were poorly illuminated; only a handful of torches remained lit, all of which guttered and threatened to expire at any moment. As Allis and Blythe looked along the length of the first corridor, taking in the corpses of Templars and mages alike, they felt as though they had been sealed in their own tomb.
The two mages walked slowly and silently, looking dead ahead, doing their best not to look at the carpet of bodies lining the floor. They reasoned that if they didn't look at the bodies, they wouldn't know who was dead; but they did know. This was the apprentices' floor, where their friends resided; Blythe's in particular, as she had only passed her Harrowing recently.
The question that had been on the tip of Zevran's tongue only moments ago was hushed, as he and Sten kept a respectful silence. Although to Sten the death of mages was of no great consequence, he recognised that an ill-advised comment at this time would invite reprisals at best; death at the worst.
"Give us a few minutes, will you?" Allis said quietly to Sten and Zevran. They nodded, Zevran spying Allis' arms wrapping around Blythe's trembling body as they exited and waited around the corner.
Zevran leaned heavily against a wall, experiencing the same sensation he'd felt at the Chantry in Redcliffe when he'd seen Blythe cry. An ugly churning in his belly. He'd felt it, as well, outside the Spoiled Princess inn, for the same reason. Do I care for her? he asked himself, and, when no satisfactory answer came, his mind turned to another disquieting thought. Her lover. The cantankerous Templar at the entrance had mentioned this, and at Redcliffe, Blythe had admitted to Teagan that her heart belonged to another man – someone she could not be with. One of the two men who escaped? The mage and the Templar?
Zevran closed his eyes and inhaled deeply as he realised. The Templar. Of course. They are not allowed to be together. I do not know whether to feel pity or hatred for this man. And why would I feel hatred for him? Why?
Sten watched in astonishment as the Assassin took off down the corridor, cursing and muttering to himself. He shook his head and immediately felt homesick; he did not understand the people and ways of Ferelden, and he did not want to, either, but he had to somehow accept that this was now his home. He had been parted from his soul and could never return to the Antaam.
"Don't look at the floor," Allis whispered, propping Blythe's head up with his hand, manoeuvring her to a part of the dormitory less cluttered with bodies. "It's alright," he soothed.
"I-I'm so confused," Blythe sobbed, her pretty features swollen and blotchy.
"Confused?" Allis asked, not understanding.
"I…did listen to what you said," she replied hesitantly, "about moving on…"
Allis shook his head. "No, don't think about that, now, Blythe," he whispered.
"I thought about it, and Zevran was so kind to me…" she began.
"Zevran?" Allis asked sharply.
"I-I…think he cares about me, Allis…but then I heard about Cullen being out there somewhere, maybe looking for me…" she started to sob again. "I don't know what to do!"
Allis held her hand. "Look, Blythe," he said gently, "all of this…"
He swept his arm around the room.
"…is making you feel fragile and unsure of yourself. Let's try and look for survivors and get out of here as quickly as we can, yes? Then you and I will have a proper talk, I promise." That bastard! he thought. I knew he'd try to get round her!
"I'm sorry, Allis," she mumbled. "I know we have more important things to do."
"Nothing is more important than you, Blythe," he grinned and stood on his tiptoes to kiss her. "I've come to care for you in such a short time, and I know we're going to be the best of friends."
"Oh, Allis…!" she started crying again, but was laughing this time, too.
"Erm, pardon me…"
Allis' head whipped round and he looked darkly at Zevran, who stood in the doorway. "What!" he snapped.
Zevran hesitated a moment at Allis' tone and then spoke quietly. "I…scouted ahead, and have found some mages up ahead," Zevran said. "Living ones."
"See?" Allis said, turning to Blythe. "Survivors. Let's go and see who's there, hmm?"
Blythe nodded and wiped her eyes. Allis took her hand and they exited the room, Allis beckoning Sten to follow them as they followed Zevran.
They walked into a large chamber which led to the basement and library. Approximately half a dozen mages and adult apprentices stood about, with several child apprentices standing further back. Allis and Blythe froze when they entered the room, staring ahead.
Allis walked toward one of the adults, with a look of unadulterated hatred in his eyes. He stood toe to toe with the apprentice. "What the fuck are you doing here!" he yelled.