Chapter 13: Divine Intervention
It took nearly six months for Frandlin and Loghain to return from their trip to the Divine. It had been just over a year since we'd come to Ostagar. The repairs for the fort had been completed and we were well on our way to finishing up the additions to make the battle go more smoothly and give us a better tactical advantage. Machicolations and balistraria were added to each wall. The gates were fixed to a weight system so that they could be opened and shut within moments.
There were two main projects going on right now. The first was a pair of massive ramps that went from the top of the fort and down deep into the forest by way of a large, curved path. The ramps would be fully enclosed in the next few months, and gates would be added with a similar weight system to open and close them.
The second project was completing all of the permanent buildings that we'd offered to help build for the humans. There were a few buildings like the meeting hall, and a few store houses that were done already. Now we were primarily focused on housing, better stables, and creating better stations for the artisans. My smiths insisted that the humans get some decent forges as well (which meant the human forges were horribly inadequate and the dwarves couldn't stand watching them use such substandard equipment).
As far as the Andrastian prisoners were concerned, they were comfortable. The three hundred prisoners were kept in three large cells that we had dug out. Over time, we had smoothed out the cells, added furnishings like beds, benches, and tables, and offered them things to do like small games and books to read. They were well behaved and never tried to attack the dwarves who came in to do work on the cells. Not that it would do any good. Dwarves made terrible hostages, and if they had taken any dwarves hostage, the dwarves would prefer to fight and die… and a few thousand other dwarves would have a problem with the death of their fellow dwarves.
The Grand Cleric was given her own cell. It was comfortable enough for someone who had been so brazenly rude to me, and willing to put me in a cage after snatching me from my people. Her men were following her commands, so they were housed and fed well. The Grand Cleric was housed and fed well enough to keep her healthy and comfortable. She did not get anything else to pass her time with beyond her own thoughts, and her cell was well away from anything else in the tunnels. She was left to silence, and the only company she was given was the dwarf who fed her three times a day.
Frandlin and Loghain returned with an Orlasian rider to announce that Divine Beatrix would be arriving in three days along with several dozen high ranking Chantry members, and one hundred Orlasian chevaliers.
We had a long meeting to discuss how things had been going, and what had occurred in Orlais. Once that was finished, King Maric and I escorted Frandlin and Loghain through the fort to show them our progress. Loghain insisted on seeing the prisoners so that he could ensure they weren't being mistreated. I suppose he thought we would treat them the way humans treated their prisoners, because he had thought they'd all be withered and thin by now. Loghain expressed his surprise when he found the prisoners to be healthy and thriving.
I held a special feast in the tunnels for Frandlin's return.
The next few days were business as usual for us. The humans were scurrying around like ants preparing for the Divine's arrival. It wasn't like there was much they could do. We did help by expanding the stables, but I didn't think it was worth wasting all that lumber for a single visit. The horses could double up. The one thing we did do was construct a large bench in the meeting hall from which the Divine, Loghain, and I could sit at for the Grand Cleric's hearing.
The Divine's arrival was met with formality and fanfare on the part of the humans. All six Fated joined King Maric and Tyrn Loghain at the gate to welcome her to Ostagar. Beatrix was old, easily in her late sixties or early seventies, and was tired when she arrived. She kept to her duties, however, and met with us in the meeting hall.
We sat at the table surrounded by dwarven warriors, King's guards, and Orlasian chivaliers.
King Maric got things started, "Divine Beatrix, we thank you for making the journey to Ferelden to see to this matter personally."
"Tyrn Loghain and Lord Ivo made it seem like I didn't have much choice in the matter," Beatrix said quietly. "Not if I wanted the prisoners to be freed at all. I take it this is Paragon Orodum, who Lord Ivo has boasted about so much?"
I bowed my head to the Divine, "I am, my Lady. Princess Merida Orodum of Orzammar. At your service."
The old woman stared at me, appraising me carefully, "You do not seem to hold much malice for the Chantry, child. I understand the reason for the steps you have taken, but you must understand that many in the Chantry demanded I call for an Exalted March when they heard the news. Your actions have created quite the stir."
"It's a shame that the Grand Cleric's actions didn't create just as much of a stir for their audacity and shamefulness," I quickly retorted. "You understand that she was willing to start a war over capturing me, yes?"
"Don't misunderstand," Beatrix replied in a patient manner, "the Chantry is rather split in their opinions. Some have called for an Exalted March, while others are surprised we aren't mourning the death of Grand Cleric and her men."
"Where do you stand on the matter?" I asked directly.
"I believe the Grand Cleric was only doing what she believed to be right," she dodged the question diplomatically. "However, yours is a unique case and she should have recognized that the Chantry has no sway over the dwarves. She should have also used much better judgment when attempting to abscond with a princess of any kingdom. Being as old as you are, she should have understood that you were no danger as a mage unless provoked."
"How should she think that when mages die of old age in your Circles without ever being a threat to anyone?" I couldn't help but snipe.
"Princess, this might not be the time to discuss Chantry practices," King Maric inserted carefully.
"No," Beatrix patted the air. "She has a point, but this is something we should discuss over time. For now, we should focus on diplomacy. What is it you desire for the release of the Grand Cleric and her men, Princess?"
I sat up a bit straighter now that we were getting down to business, "What Grand Cleric Elemena did was not only wrong, but nearly set off a war. She attempted to kidnap me, was willing to kill my men, and was willing to start a war between the dwarves and the Chantry while putting Ferelden in the middle of the fighting. Her actions would have cost the lives of thousands, if not tens of thousands, of people."
"You ask what I desire for their release? First, I ask that she be stripped of her position and be demoted to the level of Lay Sister without the possibility of being raised above a Lay Sister. Someone with such poor judgment should not be given the level of responsibility and influence of anything more than that. If she truly wishes to serve the Maker, she can do so in that capacity."
Beatrix simply hummed in response, "And next?"
"Second, the Templars who simply obeyed her command without protesting or seeking a way to avoid the situation should be demoted to a position commensurate to the poor judgment they showed," I continued. "Soldiers are not mindless creatures, and they should have the mindset to question an order if they can foresee that it would be detrimental to the overall good. They did not show the wisdom that should come with their rank."
"In this, I agree," Beatrix nodded. "But who will take their place? I understand you have many Templars in your tunnels."
"If I may make a suggestion?" Loghain queried.
"Please," Beatrix replied simply.
"The failure of the Templars is clearly with their command structure," Loghain explained. "I would ask the Knight-Commander who his officers are that he meets with. Replace the Knight-Commander and the men he names. Have them demoted and transferred. Promote the Templars still in place, and bring in Templars from outside Ferelden to shore up the numbers."
"Would this be satisfactory, Princess?" the DIvine looked at me.
I gave a polite bow, "As always, Tyrn Loghain provides an elegant and practical solution to the issue. I would agree to this solution so long as the Tyrn is willing to oversee the change in command. I trust him to make sure everything goes smoothly for the sake of good relations between Ferelden and Orzammar."
"I would be happy to be of service," Loghain offered.
"Very well," Beatrix conceded. "Is there anything else?"
"Yes," I replied, then looked to King Maric, who gave me a firm nod. Then I looked to the other end of the table to Allen, who smiled at me.
"There are two other things," I said with as serious a tone as I could muster. "Orzammar has demanded that Elemena be put on trial for attempting to kidnap me."
"A trial?" Beatrix gasped. "You are already having her stripped of her position, what more could you want of her?"
"Your Grace," Maric interjected, "Elemena tried to kidnap the princess of one of our allies. That is tantamount to the declaration of war. By all rights, they should demand her execution, but Princess Orodum has worked tirelessly to convince them not to press for a death sentence. King Endrin would be well within his rights to execute her. You must admit that this was a possibility you considered would happen."
The Divine sighed and nodded hesitantly, "I admit, it was something I was surprised had not happened yet. I assumed you hadn't done so because you feared the threat of an Exalted March, but now I see you waited to hold the trial so that I could be among those who would sit in judgment."
"The judgment's would not be considered true and valid without your consent," I stated. "Any punishment we decided on without your consent could have been rescinded if you disagreed with it."
"And any judgment we come to while I'm here will go unquestioned," Beatrix finished the thought. "You are indeed wise for your age, Princess. I can see why Tyrn Loghain and Lord Frandlin spoke so highly of you. Very well. I will agree to assist in the trial. What is the other thing you desire?"
"I would like to disband the Circle in Ferelden," I announced, then pressed on before she could outright refuse. "In its place, I would like to help establish a mage's college. Anyone showing magical ability in Ferelden would be required to attend up to a certain age in order to train them to control their magic, and defend their minds against demonic influence. They will be able to leave the college to visit their families during small breaks throughout the year, and will be allowed to live freely once they've reached a certain point in their training."
"You would have apostates roaming the country without Chantry supervision?" Beatrix asked.
"I would have people live freely without the yoke of dogma around their necks," I retorted with a snap. "These free mages would be allowed to use their magic however they see fit so long as it wasn't against others, or by practicing forbidden magic such as blood magic or by summoning demons or undead."
"Ferelden is also willing to allow the mages to join the army where they will help see to the defense of the country," Maric offered. "We are also considering a position for mages to become the local protectors for any village or town that they reside in and gain a stipend from the crown for their service."
"And to ensure that no illegal research or spellcasting is being performed," Marric quickly added, "we would have Templars perform inspections on a regular basis. This would allow Ferelden Templars to continue watching over the mages, just in a different method which would allow the mages their freedom."
"You believe freedom will stop mages from becoming maleficarum? What happens if a mage decides to give into a demon's temptations while there are no Templars around?" Beatrix asked pointedly.
"The same thing that happens already when a mage runs away, or dabbles in blood magic within the CIrcle walls out of desperation to be free," I countered. "I am a mage, and have been so all my life. I have never needed anyone to tell me not to give in to the promises of a demon. But I've also never been locked inside a tower and unable to leave. I've never been desperate to be free from being watched day in and day out by people willing to kill me if I step out of line. Neither have you. I would think that level of desperation would drive anyone to do what it takes to be free."
Divine Beatrix remained silent for several moments, "I'll concede that you have some points, Princess. If King Maric is willing to oversee the process, then I am willing to give this a try. I assume that you would like for the senior mages to become the instructors at this college?"
"I would like it," I confirmed with a nod. "However, if the senior mages do not wish to stay, I would like for them to become town protectors."
"The details can be worked out with the mages when the time comes," Maric said.
"If that is all,"Beatrix began, but I had to cut her off.
"Unfortunately, it won't be," I sighed.
"I believe those were the last two things you said you wanted," Beatrix observed.
I nodded and sighed again, "Those were the last two things that I wanted."
"But Elemena did not simply transgress against the Princess and Orzammar," King Maric put forward. "She mounted what constitutes an attack against Ferelden's allies. Allies who are actively helping us prepare for a Blight. She marched through our camp and declared their intent to attack those allies. This was an act of aggression against Ferelden and myself, because I would have had no choice but to join in the fight in order to aid my allies."
Beatrix gave a moan of concession, "You are right, King Theirin. You could not have known her intentions and the attack would have required a response. How can I compensate you for her lack of judgment?"
"Ferelden will soon be facing a Blight," Maric explained calmly. "We could use more men, and we will certainly need Grey Wardens. If you can promise us reinforcements, and send for a force of Wardens to aid us, I would consider the debt paid."
"That will be simple enough," Beatrix agreed. When I leave, I will command one hundred of the chevaliers I brought with me to remain here until after the Blight has been defeated. As for the Wardens, I will dispatch a messenger this very day to Montsimmard and have every available Grey Warden head here immediately."
"I thank you, Divine" Maric bowed his head.
"Is there anything else anyone wants as a concession?" the Divine asked, clearly losing her patience.
Silence met her question.
"Then may I see those you have captured and ensure their good health?" she asked.
I bowed my head and smiled, "Of course. Please, follow me."
I led the Divine to the Tower of Ishal then down into the tunnels where we had made our home and kept the Andrastians. As we walked, Beatrix questioned me on the work we'd been doing so far and how the tunnels seemed like excellent examples of dwarven craftsmanship. I had to admit, she had a way at trying to worm her way onto one's good side. However, I was experienced enough to know when someone was trying to placate me.
Divine Beatrix noted that the Andristian prisoners were in far better health and spirits than she had imagined. She had to admit that they were treated better than she expected. Elemena was a different story, though. Her desperation for socialization had worn her ego and she began to weep in the presence of the Divine. Her tears only flowed more freely when Beatrix explained that she would now only ever be a Lay Sister, and that she would be put on trial in the next few days.
We held a dinner that evening for the Divine and the conversation was more cordial. Divine Beatrix was interested in getting to know me and how I was able to become a proficient mage without training or succumbing to demons. I left out anything about Purpose and simply marked it down to hard work. I also told her that I wasn't sure how I was born with magic, only that I learned I could use it and trained diligently to master it. I also explained how we had retaken the three thaigs and were slowly securing the Deep Roads between them.
The next few days were spent in meetings and with the Divine touring the fort. The meetings were mostly to discuss steps on changing tse Circle into a Mage College, and how mages would be established as village protectors. We also discussed the details of the trial and how things would go. The Divine insisted that Elemena not be chained during the trial, to at least allow her to save some face. I agreed so long as she wore the robes of a Lay Sister and not the golden robes of Grand Cleric, and that she be referred to as Lay Sister as well.
The day of the trial arrived and the paths from Ishal Tower to the meeting hall were packed with dwarves and humans alike. Elemena was escorted to the meeting hall surrounded by dwarven warriors. The crowd had mixed words for her as she passed by. When she arrived at the meeting hall, Elemena was placed on a podium where she would stand for the duration.
Around the meeting hall sat dwarven and human nobles, some of the Chantry representatives that Beatrix had brought with her, and the other Fated. They were all there to witness the trial. We didn't want anyone to say things didn't go properly. The demotion and trial of a Grand Cleric was an extremely rare thing, after all. Sitting in judgment was Divine Beatrix, King Marric, Trianna, and myself. Trianna was allowed a seat because Elemena's actions would have brought the elves into the war as well, since the elves were invested in keeping the efforts of Ostagar in full swing, and thus were allied with the dwarves who they saw as the reason for getting to inherit the fort once things were done.
"Lay Sister Elemena," Divine Beatrix began, "you are charged with starting an insurrection, marching an armed force through the camp of King Theirn, declaring martial intent against the Princess of Orzammar, and the attempted kidnapping and imprisonment of the Princess of Orzammar. How do you plead?"
"Divine Beatrix," Elemena pleaded, "I only sought to adhere to the Chantry's tenants. Magic is made to serve man, never to rule over him."
"If ever there was a misinterpreted and abused tenant of any faith," I barked, "it is that one! Why is it whenever the Chantry needs to justify enslavement, the kidnapping of children, or any kind of power grab, they drag that phrase out and shove it in everyone's face?"
I pointed an accusatory finger down at Elemena, "For a thousand years, you and people like you have justified your actions under the guise of faith. Ironic, as it was Andraste who was referring to those who were abusing their power to enslave others."
"Princess Orodum, please," King Maric said diplomatically, "It isn't the Chantry who's on trial here."
I bowed my head, "Apologies. But this has hurt me personally, and has hurt untold people over a thousand years."
"I believe we can understand and forgive the Princess' distress," Divine Beatrix reassured everyone. "After all, who would not bear a grudge against a policy which they are not subject to? A policy, Lay Sister, that I am sure you are aware of, does not extend to the dwarves who do not share our beliefs in the Maker or Andraste."
"There has never been such a precedent, my Divine," Elemena cried. "Dwarves have never been able to cast magic so we have never had to enforce the tenant with them."
"And why is it you believe humans have the right to subject their beliefs onto any other race?" Trianna asked. "We Dalish do not believe in the Maker either, yet your Templars have hunted us over the years to take our mage children."
"And you have allowed human mages to live freely in some circumstances," King Maric added. "Why is it that elves and Princess Merida must be brought to the Circle, yet some humans can live freely?"
Elemena hesitated to answer. Everyone, Divine Beatrix included, knew what the answer was, but it had to be spoken out loud or it couldn't be dealt with.
"Those humans…" Elemena floundered.
"Those mages who have been allowed to live outside the Circle without oversight have all been nobles whose families have paid the Chantry for their family member to be free," Beatrix admitted.
"Have we come to the heart of it?" I asked with a thoughtful tone. "Were you planning on taking me to the Circle until my father, King Endrin, paid the Chantry to allow me my freedom?"
"What?" Elemena gasped as the crowd began to mutter and discuss the spoken truth behind the practice. "No! I was only adhering to the tenants of my faith!"
"If that's true, then why did you wait until I was away from Orzammar?" I accused her. "At any time you could have marched your forces up to Orzammar to demand I be handed over. If your faith is so important, then why wait until I was more vulnerable?"
Elemena lowered her head in silence.
"I think we have our answer," Divine Beatrix looked to the rest of us. "The Lay Sister lacked the faith of her convictions. You knew what would happen if you marched on Orzammar, didn't you Sister?"
"...I did," Elemena admitted.
"You made the decision to come for the Princess here because you believed you could avoid the consequences of marching on Orzammar, correct?" Maric pressed.
"Yes, Your Grace," she whispered.
"Did you stop to consider the ramifications of marching an armed force into the King's camp and threatening an ally of Ferelden and the Dalish?" Trianna slapped the bench.
"I did not know she was an ally of the Dalish," Elemena shook her head.
"Which is to say you did know that she was an ally of Ferelden," Divine Beatrix said with disappointment. "And Ferelden is the country which you are supposed to care for and offer advice to. Ferelden, whose king has trusted you to see to the affairs of his country while he prepares to put his life on the line against a Blight!"
Elemena bowed her head, "I have failed you and my King."
The questioning continued for nearly three hours. We had Elemena explain everything from the time she'd first heard about me, all the way to the time she arrived in Ostagar. She gave us the names of the Templars who helped to convince her that it was finally time to try and bring me to the Circle. Not once did she mention considering that I was clearly in control of my power, and thus was no threat to Ferelden.
"Have you anything to say in your defense before we pass judgment?" King Maric asked.
"No, Your Grace," Elemena said defeated. "Except to say that I did what I did for what I thought was in the best interest of the Chantry."
"Then we shall deliberate," Divine Beatrix said. "Take the accused to a room where she will be alone, and clear this hall until we are ready to give our verdict."
It took us three hours to go over all of the information Elemena had given us. There were no small amount of disagreements on what the Chantry could and couldn't do, how far the Chantry's power extended and to whom, and other ancillary topics. This trial would have massive ramifications for the entire Andrastian world no matter what the decision became. In the end, we decided that life in prison would be the appropriate punishment. We all agreed to allow Divine Beatrix to pass down the sentence.
Everyone was recalled to the meeting hall and Elemena awaited her fate.
"Lay Sister Elemena," Divine Beatrix called, "it has come to me to pass on the judgment of this council. Before I pass down the judgment, you should know that your actions have caused great strife between not only nations, but also members of the Andrastian faith. There is now a rift and cracks in the foundations of the beliefs shared by millions. What you have done, and the questions that are already beginning to rise in response to it, will shake the world."
"I understand, and I apologize," Beatrix bowed.
"You should also know that even though Princess Orodum is the offended party here, she has worked in your interest with her people so that they did not call for your death," Beatrix stood and stared down at Elemena.
"I thank you for your generosity," Elemena managed to smile fearfully up at me.
"Because you are my subordinate, I have been given the responsibility of handing down the judgment," Beatrix intoned. "Lay Sister Elemena, for the crimes of treason against your king, treason against your faith, the attempted kidnapping of a member of the royal family of Orzammar, inciting war between the Chantry and the kingdoms of Ferelden and Orzammar, as well as the Dalish elves; I, Divine Beatrix the Third, sentence you to death by hanging."
That drew a roar of surprise from all the witnesses as well as surprised expressions from King Maric and Trianna. I couldn't help but see the reason behind the decision, and it wasn't because of what she said next.
Beatrix waited for the shock to subdue before continuing, "As magnanimous of a gesture as Princess Orodum offered by working with her people to calm their rage, she cannot calm the rage that you have raised in the Chantry. And treason, especially treason against your king, cannot call for any less of a sentence. Therefore, as your Divine, I have sentenced you to die."
Elemena lowered her head in sorrow, "Yes, Your Grace. I have heard your judgment, and am prepared to meet the Maker."
"Guards!" Beatrix called. "Have her taken back to her cell. She will be executed tomorrow morning."
Elemena was brought back to her cell in tunnels. Beatrix's judgment caught us all off guard and it was the only thing discussed at dinner. King Maric set some of his men to construct a gallows.
The execution was a morbid affair. All executions are. Divine Beatrix gave a simple prayer for Elemena before she was hung. She was allowed to hang there for two hours before she was brought down and the gallows were turned into a funeral pyre for her. It took a few weeks for things to completely go back to normal.
Divine Beatrix left Ostagar a few days after the execution. True to her word, she left the chevaliers she promised. The humans and dwarves began to get back to work on the fort, and the Dalish began to arrive in the forest below the fort, setting up a camp there until we could build some housing for them in the fort proper. King Maric, Allen, and I had decided to take a trip to the Circle Tower to announce the dissolution of the Circle and start the establishment of the Amellian Mage College.