Jen, I cannot thank you enough for your hard work in editing this chapter, and I sincerely hope your red and purple nightmare will be over soon! You're the best! xxx
As well as Jen, a big thank you to Carrie and Matt for your encouragement, it means a lot!
O~~~~~~~~O
A monstrous sight met the companions as they entered the Harrowing chamber. Several Tower mages were scattered around the periphery of the chamber, all of them bound and gagged; they struggled and made muffled exclamations as they saw the new arrivals.
In the centre of the room stood Uldred, flanked by three creatures that resembled the Sloth Demon they had battled in the Fade. A lone mage lay on the floor, looking up in terror. Uldred raised his arms, the mage rising into the air as he did so. Uldred approached him and grasped the terrified mage's chin.
"Do you accept the gift that I offer?" Uldred asked, in a tone indicating that the mage had no choice but to agree. The terrified mage nodded his head, although his eyes told another story.
Uldred stepped back and nodded to the three abominations. Simultaneously, they drew their arms back, then thrust them toward the mage, who screamed and writhed as he hung suspended in mid-air. A stream of brilliant light emanated from his body, momentarily blinding everyone. Several muffled shouts and cries sounded around the room as their vision returned; in place of the mage stood another abomination. Allis charged forward furiously, and Uldred turned to meet him.
"Ah! Look what we have here!" the blood mage sneered, "I remember you…Irving's star pupil. I didn't think much of you then, and I certainly don't see your appeal now!"
"I'm not here for a critique of my character, Uldred," Allis replied, brandishing his staff. "I'm here to stop you!"
"Fight, if you must!" Uldred laughed mockingly, "it will just make my victory all the sweeter!" The companions shielded their eyes as another blinding light shone from Uldred's body. As the light subsided, they looked up – and the horror before them stole their breath.
Standing in front of them, growing before their eyes, was a diabolical sight. Over 25 feet tall it stood, a black reptilian monstrosity with huge, lobster-like claws. It was covered from head to foot in a greasy, scaly hide.
"Sten! Zevran!" Allis commanded, "Take care of the abominations! Blythe, Jowan, let's draw Uldred away from them! Frost and Stonefist!"
As Sten and Zevran engaged the abominations, Allis ran ahead, casting Cone of Cold as Jowan cast Winter's Grasp. The demon stood frozen momentarily, and Jowan and Allis cast Stonefist. They knew they would not shatter the demon, but they could inflict some damage. As they were doing this, Blythe cast several defensive spells upon her companions; Heroic Offense on Sten and Zevran, Heroic Defence on herself and the other two mages, and a pre-emptive Lifeward on all five of them.
Allis and Jowan distracted the demon by running around it, feeling a warm glow wash over them as Blythe Regenerated them. The demon thawed and immediately raised its claws into the air. A pulsating field of energy surrounded the bound mages around the periphery, and they cried out in pain. "Blythe!" called Allis, "he's doing something to the mages! Recite the Litany!"
Blythe stood still for a moment and closed her eyes, concentrating on reciting the verse correctly. As she spoke, the mages were released from the energy field, and resumed struggling to free themselves from their bonds.
"Blythe!" Allis screamed as the demon swung its claw and connected with Blythe's head. She crumpled to the floor, her Lifeward the only thing keeping her from death.
Zevran, having finished off the abominations with Sten, ran to her side. He fell to his knees and gently touched her head, his hand slick with blood as he withdrew it. He cursed to himself as he scrabbled through his backpack, taking out several health poultices and desperately trying to stem the bleeding.
Allis and Jowan once again cast their frost spells, and the demon stood frozen in place. Sten ran over and began hacking at the creature's legs, and Jowan cast Stonefist. As Allis anxiously glanced over toward Blythe and Zevran, he ventured a Crushing Prison spell. It had no effect. As the demon began to thaw, he drank a lyrium potion and threw one to Jowan. "Move, Sten!" Allis cried in vain as the demon kicked out behind itself, winding the Qunari. While Sten gasped for breath, the demon span round and grabbed him in its claw, throwing him against the chamber wall. Sten fell to the floor, barely conscious and unable to rise.
With their healer and warrior down, genuine terror gripped Allis and Jowan as they attempted another frost/Stonefist combination. This time the demon did not freeze, and once again raised its arms into the air, surrounding the bound mages with a new energy field.
Allis recited the Litany as he dodged the demon's blows, gesturing with his arm for Jowan to fall back. The energy field disappeared from around the mages. "Zevran!" Allis yelled, "we need help!"
Zevran looked up; he was still tending to Blythe, who remained unconscious, bleeding heavily. He hesitated for a moment, not knowing whether to use his bow or daggers, both of which he felt would be useless.
"I shall distract it!" Zevran called, to which Allis nodded. Zevran ran around the demon, occasionally stabbing at its legs to draw its attention. Allis reached for a lyrium potion, but had run out. "Jowan, do you have any lyrium?" he called.
"No, Allis!" Jowan replied, running over to check Blythe. He found only empty bottles on her. "She's out of lyrium, as well!" he cried, panic in his voice.
Allis began firing basic bolts from his staff, breaking into a cold sweat as he felt death creeping up on him. The demon thrust its arms behind itself, sending Jowan and Zevran skidding across the floor, both momentarily dazed. Allis backed away slowly as the demon cornered him and raised its arms once more, enveloping both the bound mages and Allis in its energy field. Allis fell to his knees, clutching his head and screaming.
"No!" cried Jowan, desperately trying to shake off his nausea and dizziness. "I won't let you do it! Zevran! I need your help!"
The assassin struggled to rise to his feet. As he stood, clutching and shaking his head, he saw Allis and the other mages writhing in agony as a silver glow enveloped them. His head turned at a blood-curdling scream from Jowan as the apprentice sliced through his own belly with a dagger.
"Merda!" cried Zevran. "What are you doing?"
"Be ready!" Jowan cried, grimacing and panting, as a torrent of blood gushed from his wound. Zevran stepped back in horror as Jowan levitated from the floor, blood spilling from him, and raised his arms above his head. The demon turned around and bellowed at the sight in front of him, charging toward Jowan.
Jowan's body went limp in mid-air and his head fell back as his wound widened; a jet of his own blood spurted outward, engulfing the demon. The monster stopped mid-stride and roared in agony as it was consumed by a red glow.
The glow subsided, as did the energy field surrounding the mages; and there, on the floor, lay Uldred, in a severely weakened state. Zevran sprinted over to him, his face twisted in hatred as he sat atop Uldred's thighs, pushed the blood mage's head back, and slit his throat, twisting the blade several times.
"Vaffanculo, pezzo di merda!" he cried as Uldred gurgled his last. Zevran leapt to his feet and ran over to the bound mages, slicing through their bonds with his dagger. "Healers! Which ones of you are healers?" he called. Five of the mages raised their hands and struggled to rise. "Forget your own weakness!" he commanded, "help them!"
The healers went to the injured; two of them tended to Blythe. A green glow filled the room as Zevran walked over to Allis and helped him to his feet. They headed over toward Jowan. No healers tended to him; he was beyond their help.
Allis crouched down and stared vacantly at the blood mage. "What did he do?" he asked Zevran softly.
"He saved all of us," Zevran replied, shaking his head sadly. "That is what he did."
Allis, exhausted and empty, leaned down to Jowan's ear. "You did it, Jowan," he whispered, tears rolling down his cheeks, "you did something heroic. And I won't let anyone forget it, I swear."
~O~
After working tirelessly, the healing mages of the Tower restored the companions and the rest of the survivors to full health. First Enchanter Irving was among the rescued, and stood talking to some of the mages. He looked up to see Blythe approaching him. He opened his mouth to speak, and she shook her head determinedly, silencing him.
"You need to come downstairs with us," she said coldly, "Greagoir will not open the doors without your word that the Tower is safe."
"Child…" he began.
"Don't 'child' me, you bastard!" she yelled, ignoring the gasps of the Tower mages. "You owe me an explanation! You betrayed me! In Andraste's name, why?"
Irving hung his head and sighed. "It was for your own good," he replied, holding his hand up when Blythe opened her mouth, "please, let me finish." He walked closer to her so no one could hear. "Greagoir knew about you and Cullen, and wanted to make an example of you both, but at the same time we were investigating Jowan and Lily. He did not want two Chantry personnel sent to Aeonar so soon after Macintosh, the Templar. He believed it would bode ill with the Grand Cleric.
I persuaded him to spare Cullen, and I devised the plan to send you along with Jowan and Lily to the repository. I knew you would all be captured, and that Greagoir would try to punish you. However, I also knew that Duncan was in attendance, and as I had spoken so highly of you to him, I was certain he would conscript you."
"But what if he hadn't, Irving?" she retorted angrily.
"It was a risk, I will not lie," he answered, "but I could see no other way forward."
"So," she sneered, "you were willing to risk me being sent to Aeonar to make one of your deals with Greagoir? I thought you were better than that, Irving."
"I believe everything has turned out well, considering," Irving replied.
"Well?" Blythe yelled, stopping when Allis touched her arm. She took a deep breath. "You and your mages are needed to help a possessed child at Redcliffe Castle," she said, trying to steady her voice, "we must leave immediately."
"Of course we will help," Irving replied. "And I will help you, in any way I can."
"That's all I want from you, Irving," she said brusquely, as she walked away, "not your flimsy excuses. Meet us downstairs, and do not take too long."
O~~~~~~~~~O
Teagan ran up the stone steps two at a time. He had been summoned to the battlements by the Castle's guard. One of the guards hailed him as he reached the summit. Teagan ran over. "Yes, Jeffrie?" he asked breathlessly.
"My Lord, you asked to be informed immediately of any travellers approaching from the west," the guard replied, pointing to the road.
Teagan squinted his eyes. He could barely make out a group of approximately a dozen people in the distance, most of whom wore brightly coloured robes. "Mages!" Teagan exclaimed, "thank you Jeffrie! And well done!" he called as he headed back down the steps.
As the group approached the Castle, they were met by a very excited Bann Teagan, who jogged forward, and clasped Allis and Blythe's hands. "Well met, indeed!" he cried. Then, when the two mages did not return his smile, he ushered them inside. "Please, enter. You must be exhausted. I have already prepared rooms for all of you." He watched with concern as Blythe and Allis nodded silently and entered the Castle, and as Zevran walked by with his head hung low. Sten also passed by in silence, but that was not unusual for the taciturn Qunari.
"Bann Teagan," said Irving, "I am First Enchanter Irving of the Circle of Magi, and these are my associates." He introduced Teagan to several mages and two Templars. "We have come to assist with the possessed child."
"I cannot thank you enough, First Enchanter Irving," Teagan replied, shaking the old mage's hand, still distracted by the demeanours of the returning party.
"They faced many trials during their time in the Tower," Irving explained, noting Teagan's concern, "most of which were quite traumatic. Let them rest. It will take time for us to prepare, anyway."
"Of course," Teagan replied, "please follow me. The Castle is at your disposal, and everything you need will be provided."
O~~~~~~~~O
Blythe lay sleeping atop her bed, still in her robes. Cullen sat on a wooden chair next to the bed and watched her as she slept; an agonising experience, as he had waited for so long to speak to her, to hold her, to smell her and feel her warmth; and here she was, so close, yet completely closed off to him.
He reached over and softly brushed her cheek with his hand; his heart aching as he felt her warmth. She murmured and swatted his hand away as she came closer to the surface of awakening. Cullen grinned to himself and gently cleared his throat, his gut wrenching as her eyes flickered open.
Her eyes widened and she slowly sat up and rose from the bed, not once taking her eyes off him. She then slowly backed away toward the door, her mouth hanging open. It was then that Cullen realised it was not surprise he saw in her eyes, but terror.
He rose from the chair. "Blythe?" he said softly, "it's me, Cullen! What's wrong?" He took a tentative step toward her.
"Stay back!" she warned. Cullen noticed her hands were trembling.
"Alright," he replied, holding his palms up and sitting down once again.
Blythe broke into a sweat as her eyes darted around the room. "W-what are you doing here?" she asked so quietly he could barely hear. He looked at her in bewilderment and desperation.
"We followed you from Lothering, Blythe, Anders and I," he replied, rising from the chair, "Blythe, what is it?"
"I told you to stay back!" she cried, almost in tears.
Cullen sat down once more, deeply hurt at her reaction.
"I-I…I need to speak to T-teagan," she whispered as she opened the door.
"I'll be waiting," he replied as she exited and closed the door behind her. He stared at the door for a few moments then stood and paced the room. Bann Teagan had told him that the companions were very withdrawn upon their return from the Tower - Blythe and Allis in particular - but that no details had been forthcoming. Cullen rubbed his eyes and sat down on the bed, swallowing his hurt down and resolving to stay strong for her.
O~~~~~~~~~~O
Teagan, Allis and Alistair stood talking in the main hall. Alistair had rushed to see Allis upon his return, only to find him quiet and uncommunicative. Allis had promised to tell Alistair what had transpired at the Tower, but wanted to wait until Irving and the others had departed. The mage then insisted that they go and speak to Teagan. Allis did not want the two of them to be alone for the time being; he did not want Alistair to see him crumble.
Blythe entered the main hall, looking hesitant and unsure of herself. "Blythe!" Alistair called as he walked over to her, "it's good to see you again! I hear I have you to thank for saving my life!" He took her hands and kissed her softly on the cheek.
"You're welcome, Alistair," she replied quietly, turning to face Teagan. "Am I going insane, or is Cullen in my bedroom?" she asked.
"Forgive me, my lady," Teagan replied, "he was most insistent on seeing you. He promised not to disturb you."
"But h-how…?" she mumbled.
"They arrived here just after your departure for the Tower," Teagan explained. "They had been looking for you, and were asking questions around the village. After a…misunderstanding, they stayed here as my guests until your return."
"They?" Blythe asked, "do you mean…Anders?"
"Yes," Teagan replied happily. "They are both at the Castle. Anders is with Morrigan, keeping watch over Connor with the contingent from the Tower."
"The contingent?" she cried in alarm, "but…there are Templars with them!"
"We've already taken care of that," Alistair explained, "there was a bit of a to-do at first, but I told the Templars that Anders is a Grey Warden now, and that they can't touch him."
"Really?" Blythe gasped, a smile finally reaching her mouth.
Alistair shrugged. "Well they don't need to know that we don't know how to do the Joining, do they?" he whispered, with a wink.
"Can you imagine the look on Greagoir's face when he finds out?" Allis said with a hint of a smile.
Blythe's thoughts returned to Cullen. "So, it really is him up there?" she whispered, fighting back tears, "I thought he was a…a…"
"No," Allis replied, taking her hands, "this is the real Cullen."
Teagan and Alistair exchanged concerned glances. "Come on," said Allis, "I'll walk you back upstairs."
~O~
Blythe's hands shook as she touched the doorknob. Allis kissed her cheek and excused himself. She cautiously entered the room, to find Cullen pacing back and forth. He froze upon seeing her. As she gazed at him, her face crumpled and tears fell from her eyes. "I-I'm so sorry…" she wailed, unable to move from where she stood.
Cullen slowly walked over to her, taking her trembling hands in his own, and pulled her to his chest. He released her hands and tenderly stroked her hair and face as she sobbed against his shoulder. "You're safe, now," he whispered.
She nodded and wiped away her tears, daring to look up into his amber eyes. He smoothed away the rest of her tears with his thumbs and looked at her, his gaze filled with love. She could smell sandalwood on him; the soap he used. The demon Cullen had no scent. "It really is you, isn't it?" she said in wonder. He nodded and a shy grin tugged at the edges of his mouth.
"Are you alright?" he asked softly.
"I am now," she replied.
Cullen rested his hands against her face. "Blythe…" he whispered throatily. Without saying so, he was asking permission to kiss her. He so desperately wanted to be close to her, but didn't want to alarm her again.
Blythe brought her own hands up to his face and drew him close. "Cullen," she murmured, "I've dreamed about this moment ever since we were parted…"
He brushed his lips against hers and sighed as she ran her hands through his hair and took his bottom lip in between her own, sending an almost painful yearning blazing through his body. He grasped her face and covered her mouth with his, greedily and desperately exploring. She moaned into his mouth, her body limp, and wrapped her arms around him, clutching at his shirt as she pulled him toward the bed.
He went willingly and bent over with her, never breaking the kiss, as she sat and swung her legs onto the bed. He placed his legs between hers and leaned on her; Blythe broke the kiss and cried aloud as she felt his full weight. He claimed her mouth once more, his heart racing so fast he felt it would burst out of his chest. His hands wandered over her breasts and down to her hips, his need for her dire.
As she grasped at his shirt and pulled it over his head, he looked down at her and suddenly remembered the ordeal she had just survived. He desperately wanted to make her his, but would not take advantage of her.
As she pulled him nearer, he resisted slightly, and kissed her softly, stroking her face. She moaned loudly and pressed herself into him. He threw his head back and cried out as a battle raged within him. "Blythe…" he panted, "we have to stop."
"No!" she begged, "please…touch me…" she took his hand and placed it onto her breast; he immediately removed it and moved from between her legs, lying at her side. She tried to push him onto his back but he resisted."We have to stop," he repeated, as he stroked her face and kissed her forehead.
"Why?" she moaned, her body going limp.
Cullen took Blythe's hand and intertwined their fingers. "Because…you've been through something terrible," he replied gently, "I don't know exactly what happened, but I can tell it has affected you deeply. I don't want us to rush into anything while you're feeling like this. I'm sorry. This is my fault. I allowed myself to get carried away."
"But I'm alright, Cullen, really…" she protested.
"No," he replied softly, stroking her cheek, "you're not."
She closed her eyes and exhaled deeply, realising he was right. She wrapped her arms around his neck and embraced him. "I've missed you so much, Cullen," she whispered, as once more tears began to flow.
He drew himself up and wiped the tears from her face. "Everything will be alright, Blythe," he promised, "I'll never let anyone or anything hurt you again, I swear."
"Cullen?" Blythe asked, taking his hand, "do you realise you're looking directly into my eyes?"
"I know," he replied, softly kissing her lips. "I'm frightened to take my eyes off you in case you disappear again."
"Never," she whispered. "You're stuck with me now, my love."