A/N: Yes, another long chapter and wait but I promise you, it is worth the wait! I condensed the Circle fights and changed some events around. Enjoy!
Chapter Sixteen: The Circle of Magi
Kinloch Hold came into view as they pulled up in the boat from Redcliffe, its large tower casting an ominous shadow over the lake, looking all the more menacing set against the dark night and full moon. Yvaine repressed a shudder that had nothing to do with the cold of the night. No matter how many times she came here to visit her cousins, she could never get over how imposing and terrifying the tower looked form the outside. She remembered the first time she saw it when she was barely four years old, she imagined that an evil mage had built it during the time of King Calenhad so he could perform his evil deeds in peace. It was not until she was much older that she understood how true her fantasy might be.
"I've only heard stories about this tower," said Leliana beside her, "nothing could have prepared me for the dark beauty of this place."
"Dark beauty," repeated Yvaine quietly, "sounds like the most appropriate way to describe this place. In all the years I've been coming here, it hasn't changed at all."
Alistair glanced up at her. "You've been here before?"
Yvaine nodded. "My mother and I would come here a couple of times a month to visit my cousins, Adelais and Ian. They are my mother's cousin's children and after she died of the wasting, it fell to my mother to visit them since she was the closest family to them. Fergus and my father never went with us though, I never knew why nor did I ask. You know, I haven't seen my cousins since they underwent their Harrowing a few weeks ago."
"Did they pass?" asked Alistair, knowing full well what went on during one of those events.
"Of course they did, they're Amells," said Yvaine brightly. "Addy sent me a letter about it just before . . . well, they're now senior mages along with their friends Garuth and Celestine Surana."
"I didn't think siblings were allowed to be in the same Circle together," mused Alistair, rubbing his tired eyes.
Yvaine gave him a small smile. "They usually aren't but my cousins raised such hell at being separated, the First Enchanter and Knight-Commander took pity on them. They're twins, you see, never been apart and the prospect of never seeing each other again scared them to death. Then when Garuth and Celestine showed up as having magic, they put them with my cousins so they could acclimatize better."
"I think the idea of siblings being separated is terrible," said Leliana thoughtfully. "I can't imagine what could be worse."
"Having your child ripped from your arms comes to mind," said Yvaine sternly. "My mother said they had to hold her cousin back when the Templars came for her children. I now understand why my aunt and uncle hid Beth away, no one wants to endure that pain."
"So why did your mother feel responsible for visiting her cousin's children?" asked Alistair lightly. "And why would she take you with her?"
Yvaine shrugged. "She never really told me, I guess it was just her way, she always took pride in her family even if there was magic in our bloodline. I went to socialize with children my own age, or so she said, I did enjoy visiting them. The Tower was such a fun place to play in, even with all of those Templars watching us."
"I've been meaning to ask," piped in Leliana, "you keep referring to your magical bloodline, but you don't seem to have any magic. Do you have any magical powers?"
"To a certain extent I guess," replied Yvaine. "The women in my family all seem to have some ability, Ian's the exception of course, but traditionally it's just been females that have magic. The women in my family can all sense each other's presence, magical or not, we can tell if we're alive or injured or dead. That's how my aunt knew my mother was dead before I told her, same goes for Mal and Beth."
"It must be nice to be connected to family like that," said Alistair kindly. "Did your father know about the magic in your mother's family?"
"I guess he did but he never said anything about it," said Yvaine thoughtfully. "I grew up hearing how families with magic in their blood, especially noble ones, see magic as a stain on their lineage. I guess my father didn't care when he married my mother, considering his family doesn't have any magic. Guess he thought he'd luck out and not get a magical child."
Alistair reached over and took her hand, squeezing it gently. "You're pretty magical to me."
Yvaine felt blush creeping its way into her cheeks, even though the line was cheesy it still made her feel wonderful. "Thank you, Alistair," she said, giving him a smile.
"So Yvaine," said Leliana briskly, trying not to feel too uncomfortable, "since you've been to the Tower before, why don't you tell those of us who haven't what to expect when we arrive, yes?"
"Hmm? Oh, of course," said Yvaine a little too quickly, pulling her hand away from Alistair's though reluctantly. "Well, this gentleman will row us underneath the Tower to the entrance, then we'll go up some stairs that will open up to the Main Hall. That's where we should find Knight-Commander Greagoir, then he'll take us First Enchanter Irving, wherein we'll discuss them sending over some mages and lyrium to Redcliffe. After Connor is seen to, I'll mention the treaties and we should be able to get their support for the war."
Alistair nodded approvingly. "Sounds like a relatively easy plan. It also sounds like you are very familiar with both the Knight-Commander and First Enchanter, did you meet them before?"
"Yes, actually," said Yvaine, "when my mother and I would visit, we were usually escorted to my cousins by Greagoir, I think it had something to do with us being nobility but he and my mother struck up a friendship. She also became friends with Irving, though that was achieved by her generous donations to the Circle and care for the other apprentices. My mother was always good at being the proper noblewoman, and a wonderful person to boot . . ." Her voice trembled and she felt tears sting her eyes though she fought against them.
Leliana reacted faster than Alistair did and put her arm around Yvaine's shoulders. "It's alright, Yvaine."
"Thank you, Leli," said Yvaine with a watery smile. "It's just so hard to remember her without crying or feeling like I want to."
"If she was as wonderful as you are, I can understand why you miss her so much," replied Leliana sweetly. "The best people in the world are the hardest ones to lose."
"Spoken like a true poet," said Yvaine with a small smile as she pulled away from Leliana. "You truly have a gift for words and for comforting sad souls."
Leliana smiled kindly. "You are kind to say so, thank you."
Yvaine, Leliana, and Alistair remained silent as the oarsman rowed the boat underneath the Tower, the stone cave they sailed into blocked out all of the light the moon had provided. The only light they had now was provided by the enchanted lanterns that had been placed on the walls Maker knows how long ago, the green light from the power source which did nothing but add to the eeriness of their surroundings. Yvaine could make out the block of stone that was the dock, the familiar piles of useful junk were still where they always were, a Templar lieutenant standing guard, nothing was out of the ordinary so far. That is until they tried to dock the boat.
"Halt!" said the Templar sharply. "No visitors to the Tower today."
"What? Why?" asked Yvaine, her brow furrowed in confusion and frustration. Not once in the many years she had been visiting the Tower had she been turned away, even when one of the apprentices had managed to escape had they been denied entry. There must be something more going on here.
The lieutenant shook his head. "I'm under strict orders not to let a single person through to the Tower. By order of Knight-Commander Greagoir."
"Are you serious, man?!" asked Alistair angrily. "We are Grey Wardens on a desperate mission to save a little boy and gain the assistance of the mages against the Blight!"
"I don't care if you're escorting Empress Celene and need refuge from assassins, I'm still not letting you in," sneered the Templar, looking down at the three of them with a haughty glare.
Alistair made a move like he was going to jump from the boat but Yvaine held out her arm to prevent him. He gave her a quizzical look, silently asking her what she was doing but she said nothing, just motioning with her head that he needed to sit back down, which he did so with great reluctance.
"That's perfectly acceptable, ser," said Yvaine politely. "You have your orders and are expected to follow them as your commander instructs."
"Yvaine," hissed Alistair as he fidgeted in his seat.
She gave him a glare that immediately stilled him before turning her attention back to the Templar whom was now looking very pleased with himself.
"Thank you, messere," said the lieutenant, "at least someone understands the importance of this job."
"Of course," replied Yvaine with a false smile, "you will show your commander what an excellent knight you are, though there is only one snag I can think of that might hinder your glowing reputation."
The Templar gave her a confused look. "What might that be, messere?"
"Oh, it's just the smallest thing, really," explained Yvaine, sounding as casual as she possibly could, "you see, my companion and I are in fact Grey Wardens and we have these treaties that obligate aid from the mages during a Blight. While I appreciate you doing your job, and quite well I might add, I don't think Greagoir will appreciate knowing that you hindered my duty. To know that you were responsible for the spread of the Blight might not look so good when you're up for . . . oh, wait, there won't be a need for Templars if the Blight does spread. Anyway, we should get going."
"Wait!" said the lieutenant he sounded panicked. "Don't leave! If things really are as bad as you say, I think it would be all right if I let you through to speak to Greagoir. I can't make any promises, mind you, but I won't stand in your way."
The Templar then motioned to the oarsman to dock the boat and when that was completed, Yvaine and the others disembarked from the boat with some assistance from the lieutenant. Yvaine was certain that Alistair was going to say or do something to the Templar whom had impeded their mission but instead he just nodded to him curtly as they walked by. The lieutenant had offered to lead them to the Main Hall and to Greagoir but Yvaine declined, she knew the way by heart and could easily overcome whatever obstacles lay before them.
"Please don't tell the Knight-Commander I almost turned you away," pleaded the Templar.
Yvaine gave him a genuine smile. "I won't, I'll simply tell him that you acted in a way that you felt best served the Maker during this difficult time. What is your name, friend?"
"I'm Knight-Lieutenant Carroll," replied Carroll proudly. "Maker bless your journey, friend."
She inclined her head and they started up the stone steps that would lead them into the Tower properly, though as she started to climb, she could not help but curse whomever had decided to put the mages in a tower.
When the finally arrived at the Main Hall, Yvaine immediately knew something was wrong, there were too many Templars present in this room for it to be a normal day.
"I need two guards posted at that door immediately!" shouted a man in silverite Templar armor to an obviously lower ranking knight. "No one is to go in or out of that door, am I clear?"
"Yes, ser," said the knight, crossing his arms and bowing. "Greyson! Harker! You're on point at the door!"
Two knights jumped to attention and ran to the door, scrambling to get to their positions before their superiors reprimanded them. Yvaine watched them with some amusement, she remembered being here once during Templar recruit training and how eager they had been to please their superiors, this situation seemed similar in a way. She did not stay to watch long, instead moving quickly on to the man that had been barking orders at the other knights, even though it had been a while since she had seen him, she still knew the Knight-Commander by sight. She did noticed that his hair was much grayer than the last time she had visited the Tower, and his normally stern face was now lined with wrinkles, but he still had his signature neatly-trimmed beard and his hazel eyes still simmered with their usual ire.
"Knight-Commander Greagoir," said Yvaine as they approached and he turned around, a harsh look on his face.
"What's this? I thought I told Carroll no one was to enter the Tower," he said gruffly, crossing his arms as he glared at the three of them.
"You did, but I'm a Grey Warden and I needed to speak with you," explained Yvaine calmly. "There is a child in Redcliffe who needs the mages to help him fight a demon and I have these treaties that obligate the aid of the mages during a Blight." She reached into her pack and pulled out the treaties, searching through the papers until she found the one with the seal of the Circle, then she handed it to Greagoir.
Greagoir read the treaty. "This appears legitimate," he said as he handed back the treaty to Yvaine, "but unfortunately the Circle is in no shape to offer you aid of any kind."
"Why? What's happened?" asked Leliana, a hint of worry in her voice.
"The Circle has been taken over," sighed Greagoir, gazing over at the large oak doors. "Something or more likely, someone has unleashed abominations and demons of all kinds into the Tower. The Circle is lost."
Yvaine paled, she had only heard about abominations from the books she had read with her cousins and from stories the elder apprentices would tell. "This cannot be true," she said stubbornly. "Greagoir, is there anything we can do to help?"
Greagoir snorted, apparently amused by her offer. "There's no point in doing anything, child, I've already sent for the Right of Annulment from the Chantry in Denerim. When it arrives, we'll cleanse the Tower and rid it of the maleficarum, then whomever's left will be made Tranquil."
"No!" shouted Yvaine, her eyes crackling with an angry fire. "You cannot punish the innocent for something a few individuals are responsible for!"
"What business is it of yours, girl!" argued Greagoir.
"I have family here!" she cried, that seemed to grab Greagoir's attention.
"You're the Amells' cousin, aren't you?" he asked his tone even.
Yvaine nodded. "Yes, Adelais and Ian Amell are my cousins. And since we're on the subject, where are they?"
"They're over there," he said, pointing at a group of Templars. "With their fellow conspirators."
"Conspirators?" repeated Yvaine with a raised eyebrow as realization suddenly dawned on her. "Does this have anything to do with a mage named Jowan?"
Greagoir's eyes went wide. "How did you know about Jowan?"
"He's currently being held prisoner in Redcliffe for poisoning Arl Eamon," replied Yvaine coolly. "I met him there while I was trying to save the arl's family."
"Then you'll also be aware that he is a blood mage and leaving him alive was a very stupid thing to do!" snapped Greagoir.
"If he had wanted out of the castle then he would have done so long ago," said Yvaine darkly, trying to keep her rage under control. "You should be lucky Lady Isolde saved your knights the trouble of tracking him down for you. Now, if the Tower is lost, why are my cousins down here with you?"
"They were being held in solitary confinement after Jowan escaped," said Greagoir a little more calmly than before. "Also being held in the high tower were their friends, Garuth and Celestine Surana. They were also part of the group that assisted Jowan escape. When it became apparent the Tower was being taken over, we moved them out and have kept them here since."
Yvaine looked over again at the group of Templars and was able to distinguish her cousins' bright red hair from amongst the silver armor, and she was also able to see Celestine's dark brown locks as well. One of the guards shifted his position and she was able to see Ian's face, it was drawn and gaunt, the circles under his eyes were so black they looked like bruises. Maybe they were, after all, the Templars were not known for their gentility when it came to mages. The very sight made her angry beyond words.
"I hereby invoke the Right of Conscription for Adelais Amell, Ian Amell, Garuth Surana and Celestine Surana," announced Yvaine, much to the surprise of herself and everyone around her.
"You cannot!" protested Greagoir though she could hear the slight defeat in his voice.
"I believe as Grey Wardens, we can," said Alistair sharply. "And you, Knight-Commander, have no right to deny us these people."
Greagoir's face twisted with rage but he did not make a sound.
Yvaine smirked and walked over to her cousins, trying to keep her racing heart under control, she had not ever defied the Knight-Commander before or anyone else with high standing. She could feel the change in the room, everyone now was looking at her with the same respect they had shown Greagoir but now they saw him as if he were no higher ranking than they were. When she approached the Templars guarding her cousins and friends they merely moved out of her way, not even protesting. She glared at them as they moved and when she finally saw her cousins, her heart broke at the sight and she ran to their sides.
"Addy! Ian!" she cried as she knelt before them, her eyes flitting over their sickly forms. The last time she had seen them, both had looked the image of perfect health with sparkling grey eyes and a rosy bloom in their cheeks. Now their skin was an ashen color, both were so thin the bones in their faces and fingers were very noticeable, their eyes were sunken in with heavy black circles and had lost their usual spark. She could see evidence of lyrium withdrawal and when she glanced at Celestine and Garuth, she could see the same on them.
"Yvaine," said Ian weakly with a bare smile. "Addy said you'd come, she knew Cullen wouldn't let us down."
"What does Cullen have to do with this?" asked Yvaine with a raised eyebrow.
Adelais groaned in pain beside her. "He smuggled a letter out for us, he was supposed to have sent it to Highever so you and Aunt Eleanor could come get us."
Yvaine had to hold back tears; she was devastated to learn that her cousins had been holding out hope for a rescue that would never have come, had it not been for what happened at Ostagar. "I'm here now," she said with a weak smile as she took their hands in hers. "And you're going to undergo the Grey Warden Joining."
"All of us?" asked Adelais, her eyes darting to her friends and Yvaine nodded.
"All four of you," she replied. "Now tell me what you need."
"Lyrium," croaked out Garuth. "We need lyrium to make the pain stop."
"Then it is lyrium you shall have," said Yvaine with a bright smile.
"No!" roared Greagoir. "They are prisoners of the Tower and—"
"No!" shouted Yvaine as she stood up from the floor. "They are Grey Warden recruits and are no longer your responsibility or your concern, Greagoir! Now I need a very large bottle of lyrium, who's going to provide it?"
Silence fell over the Templars, even her companions seemed too afraid to come forth with any aid. She was about to say something more, mostly about what cowards all of these men were, when a small, bald man approached with a small chest in his arms. Yvaine released the breath she had been holding, she recognized this man as the quartermaster of the Tower and had spoken with him frequently during her visits. Without so much as a word he placed the chest at her feet and was about to depart when she put a hand on his shoulder.
"Is that not enough, my lady?" asked the quartermaster he sounded nervous.
Yvaine tried not to roll her eyes at the title and instead pulled out her coin purse. "I wish to pay you, ser," she said as she pulled out a few silver coins. "A Grey Warden I might be but I always pay for my goods. Is this enough?"
The quartermaster looked at the silver coins in his hand and nodded emphatically. "This is more than enough, actually."
"Then consider it payment for some health poultices," replied Yvaine as she selected one of the larger bottles of lyrium. "You can give the poultices over to my friend, the young woman with red hair."
"Of course," said the quartermaster before turning his attention to Leliana.
Yvaine pulled the stopper out of the top of the bottle and then turned to her cousins, wishing there was more she could do for them beyond giving them lyrium. She knelt before them and put the bottle in Adelais's hands, then pressed her own against her cousin's so she could keep the bottle stable as she drank. Adelais took a few large sips before pulling the bottle away from her lips, indicating to Yvaine to pass it down the line, which she did willingly. Yvaine was absolutely amazed at how quickly the lyrium was treating her cousin's condition, it was an almost instant change in her appearance and she seemed to have gained some of her strength back.
"Thank you, Yvaine," she whispered, sounding very relieved. "You have no idea how badly I needed that."
"I'm glad you're feeling better, cousin," replied Yvaine as she sat beside her cousin on the bench. "Do you know anything about what's happened in the Tower?"
Adelais shook her head weakly. "It is as Greagoir said, we were being held in solitary confinement when the Circle fell. We don't know anything about this tragedy."
"I bet it was Uldred," muttered Garuth as he sipped on the lyrium. "He was always looking for an excuse to stir things up so we mages could rise above our handlers."
"But Uldred's a Senior Enchanter," protested Celestine. "He knows better than to dabble in magic better left alone. Besides, why would he risk the safety of us all? He would want us alive and on his side if he were to have his army."
"I don't want to think about the alternative," said Yvaine sternly. "Let's assume for the moment that it is this Uldred whom is responsible for this mess, where does that leave the mages?"
"In a state of utter disaster," said Greagoir as he approached. "I could not help but overhear your talk and I have to agree with Garuth, Uldred has the most ambition and was of late, trying to gain favor with Loghain."
Yvaine balked and looked to Alistair whom shared a similar look of disbelief.
"Why would he . . . How could he think Loghain would help him?!" demanded Alistair, clearly outraged. "There were Circle mages at Ostagar, surely someone came back and reported what happened!"
Greagoir turned to Alistair and nodded grimly. "Someone did report what happened," he said sternly. "Another Senior Enchanter, Wynne, told us in graphic detail about Loghain's treachery. Needless to say, no one wanted to work with Uldred to gain Loghain's favor after that."
"That could have been his trigger," piped in Leliana. "He might have been so upset at losing support, he resorted to dark magic to gain the necessary assets."
A cold chill trickled down Yvaine's spine, the more they talked about it, the truer it seemed. "What of Irving?" she asked, her voice perfectly calm though fear was rising within her. "And the other mages, surely there are survivors? Greagoir, you cannot believe that every single mage is dead or otherwise, surely?"
Greagoir sighed heavily. "There may be a few whom are alive, but without Irving, then there is no hope for redemption for the Circle and all must be purged within."
Yvaine saw a way of getting the support the army needed while still saving the Circle. "Greagoir," she said, rising to her feet. "What if we go and locate Irving? If we find him alive, you can recall the Right of Annulment and the problem is solved, if he is dead then you know for sure you have made the right decision."
"What do you get out of this arrangement?" asked Greagoir suspiciously. "You already have four recruits for your order."
"If I am able to succeed and save the mages, I gain their allegiance for our army against the Blight," replied Yvaine, "and if the Circle is indeed lost, then I shall ask for your men, Greagoir. Either way, this problem is resolved for us both."
Alistair cleared his throat nervously. "Yvaine, what about Connor?" he asked as calmly as he could manage.
Yvaine turned to him and smiled sweetly. "My cousins and their friends are more than capable of handling Connor's condition, and I'm sure we could procure the necessary lyrium."
He seemed to relax a bit more at her reassurances and fell back in line with Leliana.
"Very well," said Greagoir, surrendering to Yvaine's reasoning. "I agree to your terms, Warden, seems we have little choice in this matter."
"I wish these were better circumstances, Greagoir," said Yvaine placidly. "Can I trust you to look after my recruits? I would take them with me but they are vulnerable now and if what we fear has transpired, I'd rather they be well away from the danger."
"But Yvaine," said Ian, trying to stand but he was shaking too hard, "we are more than capable of handling ourselves. Let us go with you!"
Adelais rolled her eyes and pulled her brother back down into his seat. "You're about as stable as a newborn foal, Ian. Yvaine's right not to bring us, we'd only slow their progress and every minute they waste trying to help us is another lost for Irving. Finding him and stopping this madness is their priority."
Yvaine was very glad to see that her cousin was still the voice of reason she had always been for her impulsive brother. "Thank you, Addy," she said inclining her head in a small bow before turning back to the Knight-Commander. "Please, keep them safe, Greagoir. If not for me then as a favor to my mother, whom has gone to the Maker's side."
The Knight-Commander's face fell, he and her mother had been very good friends for many years. "I will look after them, Yvaine, as a favor to you and Eleanor."
"Thank you," she whispered and then she looked at her cousins, both of whom looked on the verge of tears. "I'm sorry for not telling you sooner."
"We didn't even know she was sick," choked out Ian.
"She wasn't sick, Ian," replied Yvaine in a soft voice. "She and my father were murdered in our castle by Arl Howe, along with Fergus' wife and son."
The two fell silent and held each other as they wept bitter tears of grief for the death of their beloved aunt, the woman whom had been like a mother to them for so many years and the only adult who took an interest in them beyond magic. Now she was gone and they felt as if they had been orphaned like Yvaine, and she did not begrudge them their grief, knowing how much her mother had meant to them. It was reassuring to know that more than just herself and her brother would mourn her mother's death, to see how many lives her mother impacted.
"Yvaine," said Greagoir harshly from behind her, "if you are to have any hope of saving the Circle then you must leave now."
"He's right, Yvaine," said Alistair, stepping beside her. "I know you want to be with your family, but we have a mission to complete. The sooner we finish it, the faster we get back here."
Yvaine nodded and they headed for the closed doors where two Templar guards were standing. She chanced a glance over her shoulder and saw her cousins still clinging to each other as if they were going to be dragged apart, she could not help the stab of guilt that pierced her heart. Here she was, abandoning them after dropping the bombshell that their aunt was dead and while she knew it was for a good cause she was leaving, it still pained her greatly to do so. Silently she vowed that no matter what, she would come back to them victorious.
"Harker, open the doors," said Greagoir in a firm voice. "They are to be opened this once, and not again until we have proof that either the First Enchanter is alive or the Circle has fallen."
The Templar nodded and opened the door for Yvaine and her group, though he was careful not to open the door too wide for fear of what might come through.
"Maker watch over you," whispered Harker as they passed him, inclining his head in a small bow.
"May He watch over us all," replied Yvaine as she stepped through the door, ready to face whatever was to come.
The moment they stepped through the door, Yvaine instantly felt uneasy. They were walking down the hall of the apprentice quarters and everything felt wrong to her, like whatever feeling had been there before had been tainted and corrupted. What made this whole situation feel worse had to be stepping over the bodies of both mages and Templars alike, some of whom she recognized from her years of visiting. For a moment she thought Greagoir might have been right, maybe all of the mages were dead.
"Does anyone feel like we're being watched?" asked Leliana, her voice trembling slightly.
"I think it's best if we don't answer that question," said Alistair as he looked around the room almost as if he was seeing something.
"I agree," said Yvaine then she involuntarily shivered, she could feel the presence of whatever was watching them and it was not friendly.
They closed ranks so they were practically walking on top of each other, but anything was better than the feeling of vulnerability from before. Several doors along the hall were opened but when they peered inside, there was an instant feeling of danger so they decided it would be best not to venture beyond the hall, despite what might be inside. Eventually they reached a large door on the other side of the hall; one Yvaine knew would lead them to more of the Tower. As quickly as she could she pushed open the door and when she looked into the room she nearly slammed the door back shut. Coming right at them was a rage demon, a tall menacing creature that appeared to be made of molten lava.
Before she could react the demon was blasted with ice and snow, freezing it instantly, shortly afterwards a bolt of lightning shattered the frozen creature into several large chunks. The three of them barely had enough time to protect themselves against the pieces of ice that went everywhere, Alistair having reacted the fastest and put up his shield to block most of the ice coming right at them. When he put it down, there was a mage standing a few feet from where the demon had sprung from, a fierce look on her face.
"Thank you," said Alistair as he put his shield on his back. "We'd have been scorched if you hadn't intervened."
The mage relaxed and put her staff away. "You're very welcome, young man," she said in a serene voice. "Now, who are you and what are you doing here?"
"I'm Alistair, a Grey Warden," said Alistair and then he turned to his companions, "and this is the bard Leliana and my fellow Warden, Yvaine. We're here to save the Circle mages and free a little boy in Redcliffe from demonic possession."
The mage looked impressed. "My, that is quite the challenge. I am Wynne, by the way, a Senior Enchanter. Tell me, what is the situation beyond the door?"
The three of them shared a troubled look; along with Wynne there were three children and five young adults, all obviously mages and the last thing they wanted to do was cause panic.
"Not good, I'm afraid," said Yvaine apprehensively. "Knight-Commander Greagoir has sent for the Right of Annulment from Denerim."
Wynne hung her head. "So he fears the Circle has fallen, and that we are all dead."
"No," said Alistair quickly. "He's given us the chance to find and save the First Enchanter, and whomever else we can find in the Tower that's still alive. I'm sure if we can convince them to let you through."
"I don't think you will succeed in that endeavor, young man," said Wynne with a sad smile. "If Greagoir has sealed the main door, then he will not likely open it again unless your primary objective has been completed."
"She's right," sighed Yvaine, "Greagoir already said he would only let us back through if we had proof that Irving's alive or that the Circle's fallen. Personally, I'd rather come back triumphant with Irving than let Greagoir destroy the Circle."
Wynne smiled at her. "It is refreshing to meet someone who doesn't see mages as a disease to be purged, thank you, my dear."
Yvaine smiled, this woman seemed familiar to her but she could not place her. "If you don't mind me asking, how is it you've survived this long?"
"The barrier," said one of the little children, a small girl no older than seven. "Wynne made the barrier to keep the demons out. She's a good mage."
"Thank you, Mira," said Wynne with a small smile. "She's right, the barrier at the door leading to the rest of the Tower has kept a majority of the demons at bay. A few have slipped by as you saw but we were been able to handle them. My priority has been protecting the children and so far it seems to be working."
"I hate to ask this of you, Wynne," said Yvaine hesitantly, "but could you remove the barrier so that we may pass? If we are going to find Irving, I have a feeling we're going to have to proceed higher in the Tower."
"I will remove the barrier," said Wynne, much to Yvaine's surprise. "But on the condition that you let me accompany you on your mission to save the Circle. As you can see I am well prepared for dealing with demons and abominations, and know this Tower as well as Irving."
Yvaine looked back at Alistair and Leliana, neither one made any motion to object to the proposal so she knew it was the right decision. "Alright, Wynne," said Yvaine brightly, "we accept your offer."
"Are you sure this is wise, Wynne?" asked one of the adult mages, her voice full of concern for the older mage. "What about before? You were badly injured, are you positive you're feeling up to this task? Perhaps myself or one of the others should go in your stead."
Wynne smiled politely at the young mage but her grey eyes told the girl to hold her tongue. "Petra, I appreciate your concern but it is unnecessary. I am feeling quite recovered, and besides, they need me. I am relying on you to watch over the children, Petra, please do not fail me in this."
"I will not fail you, Wynne," said Petra, her jaw set in determination. "And you, Warden, keep her safe or I swear to the Maker I will end you."
"Have faith, Petra, we won't fail," said Yvaine confidently. "Wynne, I have a question, if you'll indulge me."
"Of course," replied Wynne.
"Do you have any idea why the Circle has fallen into such a disaster?" asked Yvaine, her mind drifting back to what Garuth had said about Uldred possibly being responsible.
Wynne sighed heavily and lowered her head. "Yes, I do. After the battle at Ostagar, myself and the other Circle mages returned here. Shortly afterwards we received a message from Loghain saying he would give us our freedom if we helped him, we held a meeting to decide what should be done. One of the mages, Uldred, tried to take control of the Circle, saying we should take Loghain's deal. The others objected, and he resorted to . . . blood magic. Several were killed by the demons he summoned, the rest of us fled as the Circle fell into chaos."
Yvaine felt as if the wind had been knocked out of her, she had no idea that some of the mages were so desperate to be their own person they would resort to blood magic and siding with traitors like Loghain. Not only that, but Garuth had been right, Uldred was behind this madness.
"That settles it then," said Yvaine assertively, "we have to stop Uldred and find Irving before this gets any further. The Templars might be taught to deal with blood mages, but I don't think they could stand a chance against Uldred, if what you're saying is true. If you're ready, Wynne, it's time to go through the barrier and end this nightmare."
"I'm glad to hear that," said Wynne with a small smile. "Follow me, if we are kill every abomination between here and Uldred, then the children and others will be perfectly safe."
"Good, I would hate for them to get hurt," said Yvaine as she followed Wynne to the door that was being blocked by a shimmering blue barrier.
"Here it is," said Wynne, then she chuckled. "I must admit I'm rather impressed that I was able to keep it up this long, it's amazing the things you're able to do when pressed."
"I'm starting to learn that myself," said Yvaine with a slight smile. "Are you sure about this, Wynne?"
Wynne gave a firm nod. "I am certain. Now it will just be a moment." The mage lifted her hands towards the door and bright blue energy swirled around her outstretched palms as she drained the magic that had erected the barrier in the first place. Within seconds the barrier was soon gone, leaving the door completely exposed.
"Now that was impressive," said Alistair with admiration in his voice.
"Thank you, Alistair," said Wynne, giving him a kind smile before turning back to Yvaine. "Be on your guard, whatever we encounter beyond this door is unlike anything you have faced."
Yvaine nodded and stepped up to the door, taking the heavy metal hand and turning it before pushing it open. Instantly she felt a rush of cold air and her blood chilled as she stepped through, the presence of demons was strong here, and she could feel that the Veil was far weaker than it ever had been before. Whatever Uldred had done had invited a number of demons into the Tower and she could feel more pressing against the Veil, desperate to get out. While she was not a mage, she had always been keenly aware of the presence of demons and spirits and had learned not to fear them, for they wanted nothing from her. Though as she walked through the Tower, she could not help but feel a little afraid.
They arrived at the second floor and as they crossed the floor, Wynne held her hand out to stop her.
"There's another mage here," she said when Yvaine gave her a quizzical look. "You can come out now, it's perfectly safe."
Silence greeted her words for a few moments and Yvaine thought she might have been wrong about there being another mage when out from the shadows stepped a man. When he came into the light, she noticed there was a Chantry brand on his forehead, from what she had been told by the apprentices when she was younger this was the sign that he had been made Tranquil. This meant he was no longer able to access the Fade nor perform any magic but most Tranquil were better magical craftsmen than any typical mage.
"Hello Wynne," said the mage in a very monotone voice. "It is good to see you again."
"Owain, what are you doing here?" asked Wynne, clearly upset that he was here.
"I was tending the store room when the fighting broke out and could not get past the barrier," replied Owain. "I hid among the crates until you came and then I decided it would be best to emerge."
"Why didn't you come find me, I would have let you through the barrier," said Wynne, a slight frown crossing her thin lips.
"It is alright, I was helpful," said Owain. "Niall needed me to find the Litany of Andralla when he and a small group of enchanters came running through here."
Yvaine raised an eyebrow. "Wynne, what's the Litany of Andralla?"
The mage looked at her with a forlorn look; obviously whatever it was meant something bad was happening. "It is a countermeasure against blood magic, if Niall is thinking of using it, it means there are others besides Uldred using forbidden magic. We are looking at a possible blood mage army."
"Maker, as if things aren't already bad enough," groaned Alistair. "First Connor's possessed by a demon, Eamon's near death, Redcliffe's almost destroyed, the Templars want to purge the Circle and now blood mages are going to try and break free. To top it all off, we have a Blight to contend with. Can things possibly get any worse?"
"I'm sure they can," sighed Leliana. "It's been my experience that if a situation is bad, it can always get worse."
"Thanks for the cheery thought," said Alistair rolling his eyes.
"Owain, do you know where Niall went or where Irving is?" asked Wynne hopefully.
The Tranquil shook his head. "The last I saw Niall, he went up to the third floor, and I have not seen Irving since before the meeting of the enchanters was called."
"That doesn't sound good," said Yvaine, grimacing. "Wynne, where was this meeting held?"
"The Harrowing chamber," replied Wynne. "We hold all of our important gatherings there, and it is likely where Uldred still is. If we can get there, it is likely we can end this nightmare before it gets worse."
"The Harrowing chamber, isn't that at the top of the Tower?" asked Yvaine, trying to remember.
Wynne nodded. "Yes, it's on the fifth floor."
Inwardly Yvaine sighed, that meant two floors of potentially dangerous enemies were between them and their goal, not to mention what might happen should they encounter Uldred, which was more than likely at this point.
"Wynne," said Owain suddenly. "You should know I saw mages going into First Enchanter Irving's office just a short while ago, I think they were after his tomes. If you need me, I will be clearing the store room."
"Oh no," said Wynne in a concerned voice as Owain left. "Irving keeps the tomes of old magic in his office, if they get their hands on any of them, they could magnify their power to impossible levels. Yvaine, I know we have to find Uldred, but I think we should make stopping these other mages a priority."
"I agree with Wynne," said Alistair quickly.
"As do I," piped in Leliana. "We cannot let these people gain anymore power than they already have."
"I wasn't about to abandon the First Enchanter's office," said Yvaine, slightly irritated. "You didn't even give me a chance to respond. I was going to say that we should go and make sure the tomes are safe and the blood mages dead."
Wynne smiled kindly at her. "Thank you, Yvaine. Follow me, I'll lead you to the office."
The group followed Wynne quickly to the First Enchanter's office, all noticing the trails of blood that lead into the various other rooms in the hallways. The sight was disturbing to say the least but they had to press on, they had to get to the magical tomes before the blood mages made off with them, even giving them the slightest edge could be the downfall of the Circle and the Templars. When they arrived at the room, Yvaine noticed it was wide open, immediately telling her that something was wrong with this sight. Silently motioning to the others to follow her lead, she crept towards the door as slowly and as silently as she could, hoping to catch the blood mages by surprise. When she was close enough, she could hear the mages inside.
" . . . has to be here somewhere," said a deep male voice.
"Where could it be?" asked a female voice. "That grimoire has to be here someplace."
"What makes you think the grimoire's even here?" asked a higher pitched male voice. "It could be down in the basement with the other magical items."
Yvaine's ears perked up at the word 'grimoire,' since both Wynne and Owain had called most of the books tomes, it was a pretty safe bet that the mages were referring to Flemeth's grimoire which was apparently not as big of a secret as Morrigan had implied. She turned back to the others and nodded to them, indicating that they were going to attack in just a few seconds, she pulled her sword from its sheath on her hip and the shield from her back as quietly as she could. With one more nod to the others, she jumped into the room.
"Maker save us!" shouted the female mage as she pulled her staff from behind her back when she saw Yvaine jump through the door.
Yvaine charged forward, her shield rose against one of the male mages as he readied a spell, hoping to soften whatever blow was about to come and to possibly hit him hard enough to disrupt the spell. She knocked him flat on his back just as Alistair charged to the other male mage whom had been aiming his staff at Yvaine's exposed flank. Wynne and Leliana split up, Wynne keeping the female blood mage occupied with lightning bolt after lightning bolt while Leliana helped Alistair take down the rather large male blood mage that had nearly attacked Yvaine just moments ago. Yvaine was having little difficulty taking down the rather scrawny mage that she had targeted earlier, with him on his back and his staff knocked away from him, it seemed like an easy kill. Until she noticed the strange red tendrils of magic coming from his fingers.
Alistair glanced over at Yvaine just as the mage on the ground created an energy blast that sent her straight into the wall on the other side of the room. There was a sickening sound of crashing metal against stone as Yvaine collided with the wall before sliding down to the floor, her head spinning from her skull meeting the wall.
"Yvaine!" roared Alistair right before slitting the throat of the mage he had been tangling with. When he was sure the one mage was dead, he instantly ran over to the mage that was bearing down Yvaine and using the blood dripping from his mouth to fuel his power. The blood mage created an energy ball in his hands, the mana now red from being mixed with fresh blood and was ready to fire it at Yvaine when Alistair rammed into him with his shield, mentally reciting a chant from his Templar training. He watched as the chant had its desired effect, the red tendrils of magic slowly receded back into the mage's hands. Alistair took advantage of the mage's slightly addled state to strike, he brought his sword down cleanly through the mage's neck, instantly severing the head and killing him. He paused for a moment to make sure the mage was dead before running to Yvaine's side.
When he was close enough to her, Alistair dropped his sword and shield, his mind void of all thought except Yvaine and whether or not she was all right. His heart hammered in his chest as he cupped her cheek and brought her eyes up to meet him, when he saw that she was still conscious the knot in his stomach lessened, at least she was not critically injured. She smiled weakly at him and he returned it a little.
"Is anything broken?" asked Alistair in a concerned voice as he dropped his hand away from her cheek. "Can you still move your limbs?"
"Nothing's broken but I might have a cracked skull," she said in a slightly muffled voice, sounding as if her mouth was filled with cotton. "I can move my limbs too." She demonstrated by putting her arms around his neck and holding him close against her, he returned the gesture by wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"Are you two all right?" asked Leliana as she approached, her face splattered a little with blood. "I saw Yvaine go down and you took down that mage like a madman."
Alistair turned to her. "I'm perfectly fine, though Yvaine's skull might be cracked."
"I can take care of that," said Wynne calmly as she walked up. "You'll just have to untangle yourself from her in order for me to administer my spell."
He blushed a little and reluctantly unwrapped Yvaine's arms from around his neck, not missing the look of disappointment that crossed her face. The sight caused warmth to bloom in his chest, while he might not be holding her right now; he knew she was already missing the feeling of his arms around her. He watched as Wynne knelt beside her, her hands glowing a bright white color as they hovered over Yvaine's head, the mana raining down on her like rain. The more mana that fell on Yvaine, the better she looked until she was back to looking like her normal self, perhaps even a little bit better.
"Thank you, Wynne," said Yvaine, a bright smile on her face. "I'm feeling much better, you're an amazing healer."
Wynne smiled as she helped Yvaine to her feet. "You're quite welcome, my dear. I'm glad you were not more seriously injured, blood magic can produce some rather nasty injuries that most magic cannot heal."
"Thank the Maker then for Alistair's timely intervention," said Leliana, punching him gently in the shoulder. "I've never seen a man move so quickly to cut someone's head off."
Alistair blushed and grinned simultaneously. "Well, when you have the right motivation, you can move mountains." He glanced at Yvaine; glad to see her cheeks had turned a very becoming shade of pink.
"Now that Yvaine is all patched up," said Wynne quickly checking Yvaine's injury over once again. "Should we continue up to the third floor?"
"In a moment," said Yvaine with a small smile. "I'd like to have a look around first, if you don't mind. The First Enchanter might have some supplies."
"Alright then," said Wynne though Yvaine could tell she did not like the idea of her poking around in the office. "I'll go out and see if there are any more magical surprises waiting for us at the door."
Wynne turned on her heel and left the room.
"I think I should go with her," said Leliana quickly. "She could use someone who can hide in the shadows."
"Good idea," said Yvaine as Leliana retreated out the door. She then turned to the chests and bookcases in one corner of the room, thinking that that might be where Irving hid Flemeth's grimoire. The blood mages had nearly torn the bookcases apart looking for it, so she knew it was not in there, but it might be in the chest Irving had behind his desk.
"So what exactly are you looking for?" asked Alistair as he came up behind her.
"Something for Morrigan," replied Yvaine as she pulled the lock on the chest, the metal bolt giving away easily. She looked over her shoulder and saw Alistair's face. "Don't look that way, Alistair, she said it could aid our quest. Help me lift this lid."
Alistair knelt beside her and together they lifted the surprisingly heavy lid for the chest and they peered inside. While it was not stocked full of anything impressive, instead looking like a chest full of confiscated goods or better yet a lost and found. Inside was a silver chain necklace, a small painted box, a water-stained portrait, a Chantry amulet, a white rune stone, a book entitled The Rose of Orlais and a black grimoire. While none of this stuff was particularly useful beyond the grimoire, it was all rather lovely and she was sure someone in the group would like something out of this pile. She looked over at Alistair and he seemed to be thinking the same thing.
"Do you think Irving would mind if we pilfered his chest?" asked Yvaine with a cheeky grin.
"Well, we did kill three blood mages and are going to rescue the rest of the Circle including him," said Alistair, feigning a serious look. "I think it wouldn't be too much to ask him to part with a few bobbles."
Yvaine and Alistair grinned at each other as if they were naughty children getting ready to steal a tin full of cookies before they started putting the trinkets in their packs; Yvaine making sure she put the grimoire in hers so Alistair would not have to do a favor for Morrigan and protect it. When she touched the book, she could feel the magic contained in its pages, the magic that pulsated through the book felt old and ancient but there was something off about it. She could not put her finger on it, but there was something definitely off about the feel of this book, perhaps that had more to do with who owned it previously and not the content. Either way, Yvaine put it in her pack and then stood up with Alistair. She made to go to the door but he reached out and took her hand, preventing her from moving farther. With one swift motion, he pulled her against his chest and wrapped his arms tightly around her in a loving embrace.
"I'm so relieved that you're all right," he whispered, kissing the top of her head before pulling away so he could see her face. "I was so scared that I might have lost you."
"But you didn't," said Yvaine, hoping that would ease the fear she could see on his face.
Alistair nodded though he did not seem convinced. "I know, but it's just . . . I haven't felt that afraid before. And I know i-it's stupid to worry about you, I mean you can handle yourself obviously, but I . . . well . . ."
Yvaine smiled and kissed the corner of his mouth. "Thank you, Alistair."
He grinned at her and held her against him for just another few moments before he released her and together they left Irving's office and joined Leliana and Wynne, ready to take on whatever challenge came to them.
"Maker's breath," huffed Leliana as she restocked her quiver. "I thought we would never reach this door."
"Who knew there would be so many demons and abominations," wheezed Alistair, nursing a stich in his side from running through a room full of reanimated corpses. "Maker, even my Templar training didn't prepare me for this kind of a mess, not even that failed Harrowing I attended."
Wynne nodded in agreement as she accepted a lyrium potion from Yvaine. "I've had to stop demons before, but this is something entirely different."
"Did anyone else feel that the Veil was getting weaker the closer we got to this door?" asked Yvaine and everyone around her nodded, evidently the feeling was so strong even her other non-magical companions could feel the change.
"There's definitely a chill in the air," said Alistair, wiping black tar-like blood from his blade. "Just one more floor to go and we're at the Harrowing chamber, right Wynne?"
"That is correct, Alistair," said Wynne, taking another sip of lyrium. "Though I shudder to think what is waiting for us in that room. Especially after fighting all of those possessed Templars and desire demons."
Yvaine gave a breathy chuckle. "Personally, I was more terrified of those abominations, I can't believe that's what happens to a mage who accepts a demon's offer."
"Believe it, child," said Wynne sternly. "If a mage is desperate enough to accept the offer of a demon, the corruption of both mage and demon will create an unholy creature that if left alive will wreak havoc on the world."
"Makes me grateful I sleep with a sword beside me," muttered Alistair and Yvaine grinned at him.
"I'm just glad we were able to bring that one man peace," said Leliana quietly, referring to the scene they had come across where the desire demon was keeping a Templar entranced with some illusion. It had been disturbing to see the hold the demon had over him, how real she made his world, and knowing he either could not or would not break free of its grip.
Yvaine broke the somber silence. "I think it's time we proceeded to the fourth floor, Irving and the Circle are depending on us."
The others nodded and they proceeded up the stairs and to the fourth floor, their weapons still at the ready just in case there was an ambush ready for them. Thankfully there was nothing waiting for them immediately beyond the door, but that feeling of relief was short lived as they crept through the hallway that lead to the main chamber. Whereas on the previous floor they had encountered enemy after enemy, this was surprisingly quiet, and considering how close they were to the Harrowing chamber they had all assumed this would be the most difficult to get past level. The quiet was nearly deafening until they heard the unmistakable sound of movement coming from the central chamber, so they moved towards it. Yvaine pulled open the door and was greeted with an icy blast of air, shuddering she walked into the room with the others behind her.
Standing in the center of the room was the largest demon they had encountered thus far, around him were bodies of mages in varying states of injury. Some had just minor cuts on their exposed bodies others had gashes ripping through cloth and skin, while some appeared to be perfectly fine, but they were all lying still as if in some kind of trance.
The demon turned around as they entered. "Ah it appears I have visitors," it said in a very slow, sleepy voice. "I would offer to entertain you, but that would require too much effort."
"What did you do to these mages?" demanded Yvaine, ignoring the demon's words.
"Nothing," replied the demon. "They are merely resting. They were all so weary, tired of fighting. You want to join them, don't you?"
"Don't listen to him," whispered Wynne. "He's a very powerful sloth demon and will likely try to trick you."
"Wouldn't you like to forget all of this?" asked the sloth demon. "To lie down and let the world go on without you, so you can finally rest?"
"I'll rest when I'm dead," replied Yvaine defiantly.
The demon said nothing but they watched as yellow wisps of magic emanated from its body and started towards them. When one of them touched Yvaine's skin, she suddenly felt very tired, more so than she had ever been in her life, she looked to her companions and saw that they too were feeling the effects of the magic.
"I can barely . . . keep my eyes . . . open," said Alistair with a yawn. "Someone . . . pinch me . . ." Then with that he fell slowly to the floor.
"Maker . . . watch over me . . . as I . . ." started Leliana, her voice heavy with sleep, before she could finish her prayer, she too joined Alistair on the floor.
"Resist," insisted Wynne though she sounded incredibly tired. "You must . . . resist . . . or all is lost . . . " She then fell to her knees and then twisted onto her back, sound asleep.
Yvaine blinked a couple of times to try and chase away the bleariness that clouded them but to no avail, she tried walking to where Alistair had fallen and each step felt like she was trudging through thick mud. Her entire body felt as if it were being weighed down and she could feel the demon's power strengthening its hold on her, before she reached Alistair she tripped and landed on her hands and knees. She had to get to him, wake him up if she could before the demon snared him completely, so she crawled the rest of the way until finally she reached his still form. Yvaine reached out her hand and grabbed onto his, shaking it as strong as she could but it did nothing, not even stir him a little. She could feel her eyelids becoming impossibly heavy and before she could stop herself she closed them and she collapsed beside Alistair, her hand still in his. Slowly she felt herself being taken away to the Fade.