Chapter 9
So we have a few revelations in this chapter. Um, not saying anything else! LOL
Once again, thanks to my wonderful beta, LadyDarksbane, who does such a fantastic job! Thank you to all those who have bookmarked and/or reviewed this fic. Your feedback really means a lot to me! Would love to hear what you think of this one! :D
…
Organizing the hundreds of people and everything else took time, but not as much as Cullen thought. Everyone had either one of Beatrix's companions or one of Cullen's best soldiers to help, and things were done so quickly, he thought for sure the Maker or Andraste was with them.
The packed brontos fit into the tunnel, but could only be taken through one at a time, the horses had been taken long before the brontos, a soldier leading each one, with Master Dennet ahead of them all leading Beatrix's favorite horse. Both the refugees and villagers walked into the tunnel with their families, some of the children crying in the dark, clinging to their mothers' skirts.
They walked for what seemed to Cullen like ages until finally a light was spotted at the very end. Behind and in front of him, Cullen could hear the whispers thanking the Maker. The light was a beacon of hope and promise, but for Cullen it only meant another obstacle had been tackled and would soon be put behind them.
How could he feel hope or promise when he knew Beatrix had been left behind? How could he put one foot in front of the other, feeling his entire soul fracturing with each step?
And yet, he carried on. He carried on for the people, but mostly for her. Because it was what she had asked him to do.
Once they were out of the tunnel, Cullen looked around. Spotting higher ground, he ordered his soldiers to lead the people to it, knowing they had to put as much distance as possible between them and Haven. Then, they were climbing up the mountain, the cold air howling at them, pulling them down. But he rallied everyone and shouted until they were all safely on higher ground.
The valley below them was white and quiet. From this vantage point, Cullen could see Haven very clearly, the fire burning some of the houses still. Far to the left, he spotted the Elder One and his dragon, circling a tiny human figure which he knew in his heart was Beatrix.
Cullen called out to Sera, who came to stand beside him, her hands already holding her bow tightly. Solas quietly slipped next to her, waiting for the signal. Cullen nodded at them, swallowing back the tears.
Sera nocked an arrow, Solas lit the tip, and she released it. The arrow flew into the night sky – a burning light that heralded death.
Andras, who had regained consciousness, stood silently beside Cullen. He stared at the valley below, not speaking a single word, his hands clenched at his sides.
And then, the trebuchet fired and hit the mountain. They all watched the avalanche starting and the dragon picking the Elder One up and flying, the snow and rocks burying Haven…
And Beatrix running. Beatrix jumping as the rocks and snow caught up with her.
And then she disappeared.
Cullen held back a sob, barely keeping his emotion in check. But he was trembling all over.
"I'm going to kill you, Cullen," Andras said quietly, turning around and disappearing into the crowds of refugees and villagers.
Cullen said nothing to this. He continued staring down at the snow, at the place that used to be their home. Staring at the place where Beatrix had disappeared, breaking his heart into a thousand little pieces.
He didn't need anyone to kill him.
He was already dead.
…
She groans as she comes to, holding her head a few moments later, the steady drip of water making her sit up. Pain lances through her side and she realizes she has fractured her ribs. It's difficult to get in a breath of air properly, but she does her best, panting as the color slowly returns to her cheeks.
After what seems like an eternity, she stands, bending over with her arm clutching where it hurts the most. She can see a tunnel leading forward and she starts to walk slowly along it, looking at its frozen walls from time to time, gathering her wits about her and planning ahead.
I'm alive and I have to keep going.
She sees a light in the distance and tries her best to put one foot in front of the other. She can't fall. She cannot fail.
I have to find the others.
She reaches an opening, but a rift cackles over her head, and four despair demons materialize in front of her. Without thinking, she holds up her left hand, the mark suddenly sizzling to life, a beam of bright light connecting to the rift and then to the demons. The rift pops and cackles and then both the rift and the demons are gone.
She stares at her hand, a look of sheer surprise on her face. The mark feels different, as if it has suddenly grown in some way. She can't understand what has happened back there with the Elder One, but she knows deep down that her mark is more powerful.
Pausing only to check her satchel, she nearly screams when she discovers there are no healing potions. What she thought was light, is actually a blizzard – the swirling snow almost a sheet of ice reflecting what little light it can, turning it into a brighter source of light. She is weak and injured and feels herself falter for one brief moment.
I can't give up. I can't give up – I won't!
Stepping outside directly into the blizzard, she gasps as the cold air hits her all at once. But she resolutely continues to walk in the deep snow, one foot in front of the other. She firmly shuts her mind against all negative thoughts and continues; her will strong, fueling each step she takes.
I have to return to them – to him. I promised him I would!
Cullen's face appears before her. His smile, his golden eyes. She focuses on that, as she continues to walk, knee-deep in snow, but slowly advancing.
It's better when the blizzard stops, and the blinding snow and ice turn into soft, gentle snowflakes. She can see better. Her heart suddenly soars when she sees the remnants of a fire pit, a cauldron to the side. She spurs herself forward to reach it, only to find that it is cold and not even embers remain.
She falls to her knees to catch her breath, but sleep starts to overtake her. Why was she fighting? She is tired and injured. Sleep would be so wonderful right now. She could gain back her strength and –
Wake up! Wake up!
She jolts to a woman's voice practically screaming in her ear and looks around wildly, her eyes wide open as she struggles to her feet once again.
"Who's there?" she asks sharply. But the only thing that she hears besides her thumping heart, are wolves howling in the distance, reminding her not to tarry. Her strong will makes her continue. She feels like it's been days since she's done the same thing: one foot after another.
One foot after another.
She notices the land is slanting upwards and swallows, pushing herself to the limit.
I will not fail.
Her eyes open wide when she sees the remains of another fire pit, but upon reaching it, she sees the embers and the relief that floods through her is invigorating. This means she is getting near. She suppresses the tears of happiness and struggles to move on, finally reaching a pass between the mountains. Light from several fire pits illuminate the entire area.
I'm alive. I'm alive and –
"There she is!" she hears a familiar voice say, and she drops onto her knees, suddenly feeling exhausted, unable to continue.
But she doesn't have to. She is gently picked up into someone's arms and carried forward. She can barely open her eyes now.
"Stay with me, Beatrix," the voice whispers gently.
She smiles. She knows that voice. She doesn't have to open her eyes to see Cullen's face.
She feels safe in his arms.
As if she belongs.
…
Skyhold. Tarasyl'an Te'las,Solas had told her.
The very name of the place made Beatrix think of the elvhen fighting battles and protecting their loved ones – their heritage. The place had been hard to reach from where they came, but when Beatrix had first seen it, she knew that it was home.
She had thanked Solas so much for leading them to this wonderful place – this amazing castle nestled in the mountains. The elf had disappeared quietly once they arrived, a small smile on his face and obviously pleased that she had responded so positively.
They had already begun working to restore it, as it had been in a terrible state of disrepair, most likely from battles that had been fought here. She didn't mind that some of it was dilapidated though. The place just felt right. She could practically feelthe way it had welcomed them, very much like a lover welcoming a long-lost love.
She felt shy about speaking to Cullen, so she stayed with her companions and her brother for a bit. Andras seemed to like being around his sister, and that made the rest start respecting him, which made everyone happy – companions and advisors alike.
After a few days of having arrived, she noticed Cassandra, Leliana and Cullen altogether in one of the courtyards talking amongst themselves. They smiled in her direction – Cullen's eyes were practically devouring her, truth be told – and then Cassandra waved her over.
Cullen, Leliana and Josephine stepped away, and Cassandra smiled at her.
"Look at the people, they arrive here daily," Cassandra said, her eyes on the people who were just arriving, some of them embracing their loved ones, others hand in hand with looks of happiness and wonder as their eyes swept over the old fortress. "They have turned this into a pilgrimage of sorts."
"I know there is a lot of work to do, and all of us are mostly sleeping in tents, but I already love this place," Beatrix murmured as she took in the imposing battlements that ran along the whole keep, protecting them from assaults.
"Andras has settled in quite well, has he not?" Cassandra asked, a ghost of a smile on her lips.
"Yes," Beatrix dimpled. "I think he's comfortable here. What happened to the Order had him nervous, but he seems much calmer now."
"Beatrix, we know how you stared down that monster," Cassandra said quietly. "The whole scene was very visible from where we stood. I think the time has come to let you know how you stand among us."
"Excuse me?" Beatrix asked dumbly, not really following Cassandra's words.
"You stood against an ancient darkspawn and you live," Cassandra replied.
"I was lucky, I'll give you that," Beatrix's smile now a grin. "But Corypheus wanted my mark. He couldn't get it, so he wants me dead. That's it in a nutshell. I haven't done anything special, besides probably being extremely lucky."
"Well, my friend, I disagree," Cassandra smiled. "You took risks and made decisions that Cullen, Leliana, and I could not make."
She followed Cassandra up the massive stone stairs that led inside to the main hall of the fortress. Cassandra did not stop talking, but went on.
"Your decisions let us heal the sky and it was your determination that brought us out of Haven. You are the creature's rival because of what you did. And all of us know this."
Climbing the stone stairs, they came to the landing, where Leliana awaited with a sword – a gold dragon its hilt, beautifully crafted. It gleamed in the sunlight and Beatrix stood still, turning to Cassandra with a perplexed expression on her face.
"The Inquisition requires a leader: the one who has already been leading it."
Beatrix felt her jaw drop and her eyes widened. "Me? Are you quite sure about what you are asking me to do?"
"I have never been more certain, my friend," Cassandra replied with a smile, gesturing to the sword. "How you lead us, however, that will be your decision to make."
Beatrix slowly took the sword from Leliana's hands. It was heavy, but at the moment she did not care. Her heart was pounding wildly in her chest.
"Corypheus will never let me live in peace. He made that clear," Beatrix said in a loud voice, still looking at the sword in her right hand. "He intends to be a god, to rule over us all." She took the sword and swung it to the front, looking down at all the people gathered in the main courtyard.
"Corypheus must be stopped!" she practically yelled. From where she was standing she could see Dorian's grin, Bulls lopsided smile and Sera's fist in the air. In front of all the people stood Cullen and Josephine – her brother Andras next to the Ambassador grinning up at her. Cullen looked like he wanted to kiss her and she felt herself blush. His admiration for her shone so brightly, he almost made her forget where she was.
"Wherever you lead us, my friend," Cassandra said beside her. Turning to the people she yelled.
"Have our people been told?"
"Yes, and soon the world!" Josephine replied with a smile.
"Commander!" Cassandra called out to Cullen. "Will they follow?"
Cullen spun on his heels to face his soldiers and the rest of the people in the keep.
"Inquisition, will you follow?"
Everyone erupted in cheers.
"Will you fight?" He shouted again, and the people's cheering grew in intensity. "Will we triumph?" Cullen asked them, shouting even louder. He quickly unsheathed his sword, and turned around to face the stairs, his sword raised to Beatrix as a token of total devotion.
"Your Herald, your leader, your Inquisitor!" His shouts reached the entire keep, and the keep answered with cheers that were deafening.
And then, Beatrix lifted the sword she held up high in response and the crowd went ballistic. Never in her entire life had she heard so much shouting and screams of joy. She felt a thrill starting in her stomach and shoot up directly up to her heart, which was thumping madly. She hoped to be worthy of this title.
She could not fail.
Corypheus had to die.
…
Beatrix went down to the main courtyard and headed towards the stables, passing Cullen who was ordering his soldiers around. Her heart thumped loudly in her chest, and since he looked so busy at the time, she continued to walk until she reached Master Dennet and the stables. The horses looked well-fed and their coats sleek. One of them – the one she always rode – whinnied to her and she approached, rubbing its nose affectionately.
"Good afternoon, Master Dennet," she smiled at the horse master. "Everything alright?"
"I didn't think there would be so much food for the horses," he grinned. "Everything is fine, Inquisitor, is it?"
"Yeah," Beatrix nodded. "I'm still not sure how to feel."
"Well, it suits you, Inquisition," Dennet smiled.
Beatrix smiled back. From where she was standing, she could see Blackwall working on something inside the barn. She decided to pay the warden a quick visit.
"How are your wife and daughter? Have you heard from them?" she politely asked Dennet.
"Aye," Dennet smiled up at her as he wrestled with a bale of hay. "I miss 'em, but someone's got to save the world." He chuckled outright at this, and Beatrix grinned at him, nodding her head. Turning to her horse, she patted his head a final time and walked into the barn.
"Hello, Warden," she called out to Blackwall, who turned to her with a smile. When she approached him, she discovered he was actually carving a toy: a wooden griffon.
He smiled at her. "This is just to keep the hands busy, mind you."
"I didn't know you could carve," she commented, admiring his work.
"Helped carve that gigantic war table of yours," Blackwall replied, leaving his tools on the table. "I was thinking of taking a break anyway, Inquisitor."
She chuckled, shaking her head once. "I still don't know how I should feel about it, like I just told Master Dennet."
"You'll do fine, I have no doubt about that," he replied.
"Well, I'll leave you be, for the moment. I have to see how the work is doing. I believe they're cleaning out the main hall completely today."
"Good to know," Blackwall smiled, then gave her a nod. "If you need anything, you know where I am."
Beatrix walked back, passing one vendor stall, where a lady, obviously Orlesian because of the mask, looked up and smiled. She smiled back and continued to walk, directly to Cullen, who was now reading a report of some kind.
"Am I interrupting?" Beatrix asked softly, and Cullen lowered the report immediately, his face suddenly changing from a scowl to a grin.
"No, not at all," Cullen replied quickly. "Anything you need?"
"Not really, just…passing by," Beatrix blushed. "I – um – heard they'll be finishing clearing out the main hall today."
"Yes, among other things," Cullen nodded with a smile. "Your quarters will be ready soon as well."
"Oh, I don't mind sleeping in a tent," she replied in a hurry. "I'm just glad to be alive."
Cullen nodded, his eyes suddenly sad for a few moments.
"How many died? Do we have the numbers now?"
"I believe we do, although the report hasn't reached me yet. Sister Nightingale should have it ready at the next meeting this afternoon."
"I see," Beatrix replied, her eyes suddenly darting to the ground. The blush on her face was now a deep red. "Um, well, I'll – be leaving you to your work then."
Before she could leave, Cullen grabbed her arm.
"Beatrix," he rasped, his eyes full of worry. "I won't let what happened at Haven happen again, I swear. You almost – "
He took a deep breath as he looked deeply into her eyes, the need to hold her in his arms stronger by the minute.
"I'm glad you made it out of there alive too, Cullen," Beatrix said in a soft voice, her blush now reaching her ears, her eyes suddenly focusing on the ground again. "I'll…see you at the meeting?"
"Yes, of course," Cullen replied, letting go of her arm hastily.
She smiled and nodded once then turned to climb the stairs, her heart beating even harder if that was possible. Inhaling and exhaling deeply, she turned the corner and decided to go find Andras.
She'd look at the main hall later.
…
She stood outside one of the tents that had its flaps closed.
"Andras?" she called out, waiting for his reply. He had told her earlier that he had a lousy headache and was going to rest in his tent, so she wanted to see how he was doing.
There was no reply, so she pulled on one of the flaps and went inside, worried that her brother might be ill.
She stopped short at the entrance, as Andras turned to face her. He was drinking down a bottle of something, and his eyes suddenly looked red. Very red.
"What?" Beatrix started and he held out a hand for her to stop talking.
"Just drinking my fill, sister," he said with a wolfish grin. "You should try it sometime. You wouldn't believe the power. It makes you feel like you can overcome any obstacle."
"What are you drinking?" she asked in, her voice rising an octave, confused but disillusioned at the same time.
"Don't you know?" he scowled. "You're the fucking Inquisitor. You should know."
"Andras!" she managed to say, while her brother pursed his lips angrily.
"Yeah, Andras this, Andras that. Why don't you just SHUT THE FUCK UP?"
Beatrix took a step back as if she had been slapped. She tried to keep the tears from falling and shook her head.
"Wondered how I made it alive after the explosion? It's thanks to this glorious red liquid here," Andras murmured. "the elixir of the Maker – IFthe Maker even exists."
"Andras, I – "
"Shut up, Beatrix. You bore me. I'll let you act all 'Inquisitor' on your own. I'm leaving," he picked up a pack and flung it over his shoulder. "I'm taking one of the horses, too. You have too fucking many of them now."
He passed her and pulled both flaps up, turning slightly to the right before he left.
"Have a good life, Inquisitor. While it lasts, that is…"
And then he was gone.
…
He rode like the wind, not caring about the snow or how the mountains seemed to try to bring him down. In a few hours, he reached a village where they spoke Orlesian and got some food. He fed his horse and gave the animal some water, then he was on it again, riding with one thought only in his mind: to reach his rendezvous point.
After a few more hours of riding, he came to a clearing, where he saw one of his brothers keeping watch. Nodding once to him he entered the campsite, giving two other templars his horse after he dismounted, which they led away. He walked through the camp, stopping at a huge tent at the end. Clearing his throat, he entered, smiling to himself.
A tall thing out of a nightmare stood before him, his upper lip in an eternal snarl.
"Well?" the thing said as Andras knelt before it.
"It is done, Master. I know where they are," Andras spoke softly, not daring to look up yet.
"Very good," the creature replied.
"The place is called Skyhold," Andras continued.
"Tarasyl'an Te'las.Your sister is clever," the creature commented.
Andras did not say another word, but looked up, waiting for the creature to speak.
"Return to Samson," it said, waving him off. "Write a full report for him. Then, we must proceed with our plan."
Andras Trevelyan nodded once then turned and left the room.
He didn't look back.
…
Beatrix had finally calmed herself enough to go to the meeting, although she knew she was late. She shuddered to herself as she reached Josephine's office, which was empty.
Too stunned to even think properly she pushed the doors to the war table room open, her advisors immediately looking up from a report they were reading.
"Inquisitor!" Leliana hurried to say, a frown on her face as she watched Beatrix come to a stop in front of the table, grasping it tightly.
"Are you alright?" Cullen asked, concern in his voice.
Beatrix took a deep breath, willing the tears back, willing herself to calm down – if only for a few minutes.
"Andras is gone," she informed them, taking in a deep breath.
"Gone?" the Ambassador asked. "Gone where?"
Beatrix shook her head, nausea rising to her throat and she faltered. Before Cullen could reach her, Leliana did, handing her a tankard with water she had poured from a jug next to her. Beatrix took the water and gulped it down, feeling better immediately. She nodded her thanks at Leliana and then sighed deeply.
Turning to look at their concerned faces, she knew that the next words she spoke would create a problem.
"I'm afraid I've some terrible fucking news for you all," she said as she straightened, her eyes flashing angrily for a few moments.
"My brother is a fucking Red Templar."
…