Chapter 105

Lowtown – 9:37

The earth shook beneath Hawke's feet, and a sound like thunder rumbled in the air. Faces of both mage and Templar alike wore looks of confusion, however, this state lasted only a second, because the cause soon became clear when a massive blinding red light shot into the air, accompanied by an ear-splitting noise. Then, chunks of the Chantry rained down on Kirkwall. Knight-Commander Meredith stood stock still as the ramifications of what had just happened sunk in, then she turned an outraged face to Orsino. "This is the work of mages!"
He sneered at her. "You've pissed off a lot of Templars. Perhaps this is their handiwork."
"The Grand-Cleric is dead, and countless others. I declare a Right of-"
"I'm fine, Knight-Commander." Elthina spoke calmly, as she finished descending the steps into Lowtown. "I don't believe there is a need for the Right of Annulment, do you?"
Meredith glared, hatred burning in her eyes. "Grand-Cleric, I'm glad to see you alive. However, the devastation caused by the destruction of the Chantry cannot simply be ignored."
Elthina inclined her head. "I agree. But until we know who is responsible for this atrocity, we will take no further ac-" Suddenly a bolt of lightning struck the Grand-Cleric in the chest, knocking her off her feet and into a stack of crates. Sebastian shouted in anger and ran to her side. The rest of the party turned in the direction of the shot, their weapons drawn. Standing only a few feet away, a mage smiled coldly, sparks of electricity still flickering along her fingers, and behind her were even more mages. The woman took a step forward, confident that her shield would protect her. "We are the Resolutionists, and we are responsible for blowing up your precious Chantry."

Anders staggered back, his expression horrified, and his skin the colour of ash as he pictured himself in the role of the Resolutionist. Her cruel gaze settled on him. "Why do you look so shocked? This was your plan after all."
Anders looked ready to vomit. "I know, but I told you we could find a different way, a better way to resolve the problems of the Circle."
Her lip curled up in contempt. "I thought you stood with us. You will die for betraying our plans."
"Actually, he didn't say a word. I was the one who ordered the evacuation of the Chantry." Emma approached the scene, joining Hawke. Aedan stood next to her, and the Kirkwall guards fanned out on either side of the Wardens. Hawke eyed their singed clothing. "What have I told you about playing with fire?"
She chuckled. "We might have cut it a bit close. If Aedan didn't have such good hearing, we would have been scattered all over Kirkwall along with the Chantry."

The thump of a staff banged angrily on the ground brought the rest of their conversation to a halt. Aedan looked the woman over with cold eyes. "Oh, I'm sorry. Did we interrupt you from starting a war?"
"We will have our freedom!" she screamed. Emma gave a small nod. "That may happen, but you won't be alive to see that day." The Resolutionists roared in anger and attacked, and for a time, Orsino and Meredith worked side by side, united by a common foe. The apostates were outnumbered, but as they were all well-versed in the school of Blood Magic, they proved to be dangerous opponents. When only three remained, two of them cut their own throats and the third started chanting a dark spell. As the bodies merged and melted into the last standing apostate, Emma realised with horror that she was watching the creation of a Harvester. Damn, she really hoped Orsino wouldn't change into one of these things; one was more than enough for her.

Numerous shouts of horror accompanied the transformation, and then the abomination lashed out easily killing those who were still too stunned to raise their weapons in time. From the corner of her eye, she saw Anders leaning over Elthina, and from the glow emanating from his hands, it seemed he was doing his best to heal her. She focused back on the fight at hand and grimaced when the head detached from the body and flew at a nearby mage. She shuddered and couldn't help but think of the scene from Alien. It seemed there were more than enough people dealing with the freaky head, so she kept her attention on the body, throwing every spell she could think of at the mass of flesh.

Eventually, both parts of the Harvester were dead, and there were a few groans as people assessed their wounds. However, before any of the mages could provide healing, Meredith spoke loudly. "I'm declaring a Right of Annulment."
Orsino looked ready to pass out. "You can't be serious?!"
Her blue eyes were like chips of ice. "I'm deadly serious. We have confirmation that mages were responsible for the destruction of the Chantry."
"Yes, Resolutionist mages, and we've already dealt with them. The Circle mages had nothing to do with this," Hawke argued. Meredith saw Anders bent over the Grand-Cleric. "Stand away from her, mage!" He didn't even look back but swallowed a lyrium potion before continuing his healing. She raised her blade, ready to strike him down, but to her utter astonishment, Hawke and his friends formed a line to protect him.

Emma felt a little choked up at the sight. It seemed Anders would get a happy ending for once, and she couldn't be more thrilled. Aedan took a step forward, but Emma placed her hand on his arm and shook her head. "This is Hawke's show, love."
"But she's threatening a Grey Warden. I won't stand for that," he replied angrily.
She squeezed his arm. "And that's one of the many reasons why I love you. But I think Hawke has this situation well in hand."

Orsino was begging the Knight-Commander to rethink her decision, and Hawke was doing his best to persuade her too, but Emma knew that there was nothing they could say to change her mind. The red lyrium had already seeped into her brain, causing a slow decline into madness. She stormed away with her Templars in tow, telling Orsino she would see him at the Gallows. "Is Elthina going to make it, Anders?" Hawke asked. The blonde-haired mage didn't immediately respond, but a moment later he sat back on his heels and rubbed a tired hand over his face. "Yeah, she'll be fine. I've healed the burns and damage done to her body." Hawke gestured to a couple of the city guards. "Carry her to the Viscount's keep. She'll be safe there."

Orsino had already left with his mages, intent on stopping the Knight-Commander from slaughtering the Circle. Hawke glanced at each of his friends. "Let's go." He turned to Aedan and Emma. "Are you two able to get involved in this? I don't want you getting in trouble with the Grey Wardens."
Aedan scratched at his stubble. "Well, there aren't many in Kirkwall who know who we are and those that do, will I'm sure, keep our names out of this. So we'll just stay in the background as support."
Hawke smiled. "That would be appreciated."

They fought their way through mages and templars and eventually made it to the docks. The ride over to the Gallows was quiet as each person contemplated the possible outcomes of the battle. When they arrived, the fighting was already in full force, and as they rushed over to join Orsino, Hawke spotted his brother. "Carver!"
The young man raced over to his sibling. "Garrett. This is madness. Some of the Templars aren't even sure they should be doing this. Knight-Captain Cullen tried to talk some sense into the Knight-Commander but to no avail."
"I have to protect the mages, Carver. They're getting slaughtered for no good reason," Hawke explained, his eyes pleading for his brother's understanding.
Carver nodded. "I know that, and I'm with you."

While Hawke gave his pep talk, Aedan and Emma stood in the shadows. "Be careful, Angel." She stroked the nape of his neck. "You too, love." He dipped his head as she stretched upwards, and their lips met in a kiss that was slow and gentle, a true testament to their love for each other.

Then the Templars came surging through the gates.

During the fight, one of the mages, in a fit of desperation, allowed a demon to possess his body. Orsino killed the mage, then slammed down his staff and shouted, "The next mage to use Blood Magic or open themselves up to demons will be struck down by myself or the closest mage to you. Do not give in to desperation, my friends. Show the Templars that we do not have to resort to such tactics." His speech worked wonders and the mages fought with renewed vigour until finally, it was over. Orsino and the remaining mages followed Hawke into the courtyard and were immediately circled by Templars with their swords drawn. In the centre of the Templars was the Knight-Commander herself, with Cullen standing a little behind her, looking extremely uncomfortable with the situation. Hawke met her gaze and knew what she was going to say even before the words left her mouth; the madness in her eyes wasn't hard to miss. She pointed her sword, and the moonlight glinted off the red lyrium. Emma heard Varric curse long and fluently when he saw it.

"Kill the Champion!"

"Enough!" Cullen stepped forward. "This is not what the order stands for. Knight-Commander step down! I relieve you of your command." She turned a shocked face towards him. "My own Knight-Captain falls prey to the influence of Blood Magic." She spun around, her sword pointing accusingly at each of the Templars. "You all have. You're all weak; allowing the mages to control your mind, but I don't need any of you. I will protect this city myself."
Cullen drew his sword and stood at the side of Hawke. "You'll have to go through me."
Her eyes gleamed with insanity, and there was a tint of red to them. "Idiot boy." She raised her sword high and slammed it into the ground, and as she knelt, with her head bowed, maniacally muttering to herself, a red mist rose around her. She stood up, pulled her sword free and lifted her head, and the Templars stumbled back at the sight of the glowing red which completely obliterated the usual cool blue of her eyes.

The fight was long and hard, especially with the addition of the statues that Meredith somehow managed to bring to life. Emma spent a lot of the time healing, but she managed to get in a few offensive spells too. At some point, Zevran joined the fight, and after giving her a cheerful wave, he jumped back into the thick of it. In the end, the red lyrium consumed the Knight-Commander, leaving nothing but a glowing hot statue in the middle of the courtyard. Aedan and Emma backed up to the gates, waiting to help Hawke and his friends escape Kirkwall. Emma's eyes widened with surprise as Knight-Captain Cullen got down on one knee; they were making Hawke the Viscount of Kirkwall.

Kirkwall – 9:40

Cassandra Pentaghast slammed the door shut behind her and headed over to Leliana, who turned at the sound. "Well?"
Cassandra let out a disgusted grunt. "Nothing. He says he has no idea where the Champion of Kirkwall is. Did you have any luck finding the Warden or his wife?" Leliana frowned, and her eyes were troubled. "No. I checked their home. Apparently, they haven't been seen for weeks, and if King Alistair knows anything, he's not talking."