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At the edge of the docks, a number of Templars were massing, ready to cross the harbor. The mages with Orsino must already have gone to the Gallows and be dealing with the Templars there. Hawke put a hand to her sword as she approached the Templars.
One armored figure detached itself from the rest. Varric saw Meredith's eyes meet Hawke's, the two women stockstill as they looked at each other across the din. Then a very faint smile touched Meredith's mouth, she gave the briefest of nods, and the Templars moved aside for Hawke and her people.
Varric didn't like that at all. Not a single bit. If Meredith was letting Hawke through, sending her on to the Gallows before the Templars stormed it en masse, that meant she wanted to take Hawke out with the mages, striking through all her opposition in Kirkwall in a single clean stroke. He had the Maker's own faith in Hawke, but … he didn't like this.
It was a relief to get to the other side of the harbor and see Aveline waiting there, along with several of her guardsmen, including Donnic. Daisy was there, too. Varric felt better knowing they would have backup.
Scattered bodies and a makeshift aid station bore evidence of the fight that had already occurred.
"The mages are inside, Hawke," Aveline told her. "Bethany's with them."
"Meredith let me cross," Hawke said. "Seeing you here—well, much as I appreciate the support, I would almost rather have you over there, protecting the rest of Kirkwall."
"I left my guardsmen strict orders—they are the authority in Kirkwall, not the Templars."
"Are they a match for the Templars?"
"Most of them," Aveline said with pardonable pride. "I've trained them to be."
"Then we'll have to hope that will be enough. I think this is it, Aveline—this is where Meredith tries to take over the city."
"Over my dead body."
"If she has to."
"You two and the doom and gloom." The Rivaini shook her head. "You'd think we didn't handle six fights like this every morning before breakfast."
"We don't," Fenris said flatly. "This will be like nothing you have ever experienced before."
The pirate winked at him. "Well, I do love new experiences."
Behind them, another boat scraped at the edge of the dock. Meredith was the first one off, her Templars behind her, marching in step. They halted in perfect formation, waiting to see what she would do.
Orsino appeared on the steps of the Gallows. "Let us speak, Meredith. Before this battle destroys the city you claim to protect."
"I will entertain your surrender. Nothing else," she responded.
The two of them were on either side of Hawke, now, a formation that was all too familiar.
"Speak, then, if you have something to say," Meredith snapped impatiently.
"Revoke the Right of Annulment. Before this goes too far. Imprison us, if you must. Search the tower. I will even help you! But do not kill us all for an act you know we did not commit."
Meredith shook her head. "The Grand Cleric is dead, killed by a mage. The people will demand retribution—and I will give it to them." She looked almost regretful as she added, "Your offer is commendable, Orsino, but it comes too late."
Hawke put her arms out, looking between the two of them. "Please. We can still prevent this, before you both tear Kirkwall apart. Before innocent people are hurt and killed in a fight that has nothing to do with them."
"Innocent people have already been lost," Meredith reminded her. "To the actions of your pet mage. It is too late."
"Don't waste your breath, Hawke," Orsino spat. "You heard her. She's wanted this all along. She's just been waiting for an excuse." He turned to Meredith. "So what is it to be? Do we fight here?"
She considered that for a moment before shaking her head. "Go. Prepare your people. The rest of the Order is already crossing the harbor. I will have none say I defeated you without giving you a fair fight."
"Generous of you." Orsino turned and disappeared up the steps.
"Champion, you have made your choice. You share the Circle's fate. Go with him, or we will deal with you here and now."
Hawke looked at the Templars, then at her small group. "Let's go."
"Hawke." Aveline stopped her. "I can't—I can't share this fight. I thought … but—"
"No. You're right. Your guardsmen belong on the other side of the harbor. Don't they, Meredith?" Hawke's voice was sharp-edged.
Meredith appeared to consider that, but if she wanted the deniability of claiming she was provoked, the city guards couldn't be involved. "They do."
"Go," Hawke said.
"I—"
"Captain. I never wanted to mess up your life. Go do your duty. And if this goes bad … I'm very proud of you."
Aveline smiled. "Good luck, my friend. And Hawke?"
"Yes?"
"It's been worth it. Every minute."
The two women embraced, and then with a quick word Aveline led her men back to the boats, the Templars stepping aside for them and then closing ranks again.
"Come on," Hawke said to the rest of them. "Let's go get ready."
The Templars stood silently, as if they were nothing but statues, as Hawke led her people up the steps and inside the Gallows.