Chapter 4
Athena wiped away the stray blood splatter that had found its way onto her forehead with the back of her hand, preparing herself for the next wave of Red Templars that tried to break their way through the palisade walls. She knew she was fighting a losing battle, with most of the Inquisition's forces falling back to the Chantry. She had to keep going, the screams of helpless people trapped in burning buildings fueling her determination. She quickly broke through the charred door of the Tavern, racing over to Flissa and helping her to her feet.
"Thank you! Thank you!" she desperately repeated in between gasping for air in the smoke-filled tavern.
"Run to the Chantry. You will be safe there!" Athena commanded and with one last thanks Flissa ran towards safety.
"I think that's them all, Athena!" Varric yelled whilst piercing an enemy with an expertly shot arrow. Bianca was on form tonight.
"Let's go! The Chantry is our only chance now" she shouted over her shoulder before letting loose a blast of ice, trapping an oncoming Red Templar in an icy prison, trying to buy the others time as they sprinted up the hill. She quickly followed and the colossal wooden door slammed behind her as she came to a stop in the safety of the building. Cullen came striding towards her, a grim look set on his face.
"We have been informed of a secret tunnel that we could retreat through" he informed her.
"That's great, lets go!" she replied, still trying to catch her breath from the constant fighting.
"We will never make it. Unless…" pausing he looked to the ground, clearly displeased with the solution that had been reached.
"Unless what, Cullen?" Athena demanded, anxious to hear what the plan was.
"Unless someone was left behind. They could fire a trebuchet towards the mountain, causing the oncoming army to be swept up in an avalanche, slowing them if not stopping them all together" he responded, looking worse for wear as he lifted his head and looked at Athena. He knew what she would do. It was in her nature to sacrifice herself.
"Go. Save as many as you can" the determined look on her face warning Cullen not to argue with her. He gave her a nod, sadness filling his eyes as he prepared to move out.
"Athena" he said, making her look back up towards him.
"Come back to us" was all he said as he turned and walked towards the location of the tunnel, helping a struggling civilian on the way.
With that Athena turned, ready to face the enemy.
Her legs burned as she ran. Her eyes desperately scanning the area looking for an escape. She willed her legs to move faster, the roar of the avalanche getting louder and louder as it chased after her. All of a sudden she was enveloped in a cloud of snow, unable to see the world in front of her anymore. Panic coursed through her body, numbing the pain of the injuries she received at Corypheus hand. Suddenly the earth fell away from her feet and she fell. Blackness overcoming her as she hit the cold, hard floor below.
Cullen emerged from the tunnel, looking back toward Haven. Maker, please keep her alive, he thought to himself as he released the flare. He turned and continued to follow the survivors, making sure to leave no person behind. After a trek through the valley, they reached an area that was concealed enough to offer them enough protection to stop for the night. Solders began erecting tents and helping the mages set up an area to heal the wounded. Cullen busied himself with directing men and making sure everything was in order. It was a mess but at least they had their lives. After he had given out orders his mind returned to Athena. Anxiety filled his whole body as he began pacing, waiting to see if she returned to him. After what felt like hours, he was unable to take it anymore. Grabbing a torch that was resting by a makeshift table, he set off in the direction they had travelled from. He made his way through the valley, shielding his eyes from the freezing winds, desperately searching for any sign of life. As the minutes wore on, Cullen grew increasingly frustrated as his search turned up empty.
"Maker, how could I let this happen!" he yelled towards the heavens, the feeling of failure seeping into his soul. You fool Cullen, you utter fool.
He kept moving forward, making sure to note his position so he could find his way back to the camp. Suddenly in the distance he saw movement. It was so slight, he was sure his mind had imagined it at first. But slowly the mass moved closer to him. He reached towards his sword, preparing himself for the possibility that a Red Templar had survived the avalanche and had discovered their location. However, as he gained on the movement in front of him, he caught a glimpse of a luminous green glow. The anchor. She survived. He dropped the torch he was carrying and raced forward, worry of an oncoming attack forgotten as relief flooded his body. As soon as he saw her, he could not contain his smile, happiness mixed with relief overwhelming him. He grabbed her as she fell to her knees, exhaustion and the bitter cold making it impossible for her to take another step. Instinctively, he gathered her body in his arms, lifting her up and turning to carry her back to their makeshift camp. He wrapped her small frame in his cape as best as he could, holding her close to his body in an attempt to provide her with some warmth.
"I've got you. You're safe now" he whispered to her. As he was walking, he scanned her body for injuries. He caught sight of a trickle of blood making its way down her neck. Placing a hand on her head he pulled it away to see blood covering his hand. Shit, and with that he quickened his pace, realising the urgency of her situation. As the light of the camp grew closer, he called out into the night, praying that he would be heard over the unforgiving wind.
"I've found her! She's alive!". He could see Cassandra running towards him. As she got closer, she looked towards the lifeless form in his arms, concern quickly changing to determination as she started giving orders to onlookers and guiding Cullen towards the healers. Placing Athena down on a bed, he almost didn't want to let her go. At least whilst she was in his arms he could protect her. Now he was useless again, staring helplessly towards the injured woman as healers began fussing over her wounds. He stayed near by as they worked, switching between biting his thumb and pacing, unable to contain his nerves. Mother Giselle walked towards him after they had finished tending to the last of Athena's wounds.
"She will live. You can relax now. If you had not brought her back when you did, this could have been a very different story" she spoke to him in her gentle voice. With that, he let out a relieved sigh, moving closer towards Athena's bed and sitting on the chair that had been placed next to her.
"Never again. I promise I will be prepared next time" he whispered to her sleeping form before resting his head in his hands.
I'm ill and so thought I would cheer myself up with some writing, hence why I'm updating again so soon. Enjoy! As always feel free to leave a comment/follow and all that jazz.
