WARNINGS: Violence, gore and body horror; horror

MEIRA

I braced the wall as another round of shaking came.

We'd snuck through the dry gorge that sat in the blind spot of the fortress. I had used my powers to keep us concealed as an added precaution until we'd come to the griffon marker and worked our way up the craggy rocks to pass through the middle of two large metal barricades. Cullen had said they'd most likely been constructed to deter a grounded archdemon from bashing the fortress walls should one have ever attacked Adamant. Stroud had confirmed this to be the case.
Alain was using his earth magic to tunnel through the rock bed and bring us up inside the keep. I lit our way with fire in my palm, the others silent as we moved forward as the world stilled. We didn't dare speak, not after witnessing the scene that was taking place on the surface. It'd been days since our assault had begun. Adamant Fortress was aptly named, there was no doubting that much. Despite its age and history-some of which had been filled in by Cole, a tale that involved friends of Evelyn's, a certain Orlesian mage named Rhys, and a knight-captain named Evangeline-the fortress withstood our attack. Cullen had planned for as much, but had hoped time had claimed some of the keep's defensive capabilities. The only assurance we had that the ritual was not yet complete was that no demon army came pouring out to meet us.
Instead, our fellow soldiers had charged the looming fortress, demons and Wardens plain upon the walls. Ladders had risen and fallen. Arrows had found their marks. And bit by achingly slow bit, the battering ram creeped toward the front gates. I'd spotted Ellana, her mark glowing to draw attention, where she covered it's advance with Rion and the battalion mages. Magical barriers and templar abilities alike worked to defend it. The only assurance we had that the ritual was not yet complete was that no demon army came pouring out to meet them.
I prayed the others had success in their duties. Hawke and Evelyn led separate bands: templars and mages with them along with Inquisition soldiers. Ellana drew the eye of the enemy as she marched with the battering ram while we worked in secret.

Another shaking came as more projectiles from the catapults found their marks.

"Whatever happens, Lieutenant," Asaala stated, her purple eyes unyielding as she looked at me. "You do not leave my side."

"I lead you, Ser Asaala," I teasingly reminded her. "And I am no defenseless mage."

"That may be, but I will fulfill my duty and protect you." She glanced at Alain's back. "Both of you."

"As will I," Amelia added as she ran her fingers along her bow. Something I'd come to realize she did to soothe her nerves.

"And I," Laren agreed, her face serious.

I looked to them, able to see them well in the dim light. They all stood tall, with pride and determination on their faces. They were ready to prove themselves as templars. To show what they believed being a templar meant.

"Ready yourselves," Alain warned, "I can sense the surface."

I drew my weapons, the others following suit, just before Alain's magic breached the foundations. We came out to what appeared to be a storeroom. We could hear fighting all around. I watched the projectiles from the catapults burn across the sky. Flaming rocks crashed into the fortress, scattering stone and plaster alike. I erected a barrier around us to defend against shrapnel. We spotted fighting up on the battlements before I scanned for a way forward. There was a door to our right or stairs leading up. From the rough plans Hawke and Evelyn had provided, the battlements were the quickest way to make it around the fortress, but to do so would draw attention and slow us down. We needed another way through to locate the rift.

"Alain?"

The man nodded, his dark brow knitting as magic lit in his hands. He punched a hole through a nearby wall. Upon its opening, demons poured through like cockroaches. Asaala, Amelia and Laren let out battlecies as their abilities flared to life. I coated myself in flames. Alain covered himself in rock armor. Grey Wardens came in behind the demons, battlecries of their own sounding. I spotted the mages amongst them as they were in control of the demons. They were my target.

"Asaala!" I commanded, "With me!"

"Lieutenant!"

Side by side we rushed the mages. My spectral blade sang to life in my hand, my Fade-smithed blade roaring aflame in the other. Asaala cut through the demons as if they were nothing; I noticed at her side, her sword white with her abilities, the sting of the demons was not as potent. My mind remained clear, the pain duller than usual. She cut a shade in half, splattering the battlemage in black ichor. The first mage looked at me with nearly blank eyes, his staff sparking to life and free hand moving with magic as if there were someone pulling strings on his limbs, moving his body for him. A barrier surrounded him, but Asaala's blade sliced through it as if it were air, causing the barrier to fracture before it shattered like glass. Getting closer, I could feel it: blood magic. It clung to every Warden mage. Can I help them?

"There's no time," Asaala barked, breaking into my thoughts. "We cannot save them."

The mage made to attack me and for the briefest moment, I hesitated.

'Save those who can be saved, Meira. There are free souls here. They seek a way out, they but need the opportunity.'Assurance's voice came. 'These are too far gone. Ending them is the only way to save them.'

Letting out a breath, I deflected the spell with ease before thrusting my magical blade through his chest. He didn't even react. Blank eyes continued staring until the light within winked out. The rest of the enemy Wardens and demons were cut down. Lyrium and magic working together to stop the threat. Panting heavily, we took a moment to collect ourselves, observing our surroundings.

"We're near the southernmost wall," I stated, catching a few markers from the schematic Cullen had guided me through. "The main gate is in that direction." I pointed towards where it would be, most of the noise concentrated there. "Hawke and Evelyn believed the ritual was taking place towards the middle of the fortress."

"Then we make our way there," Asaala stated, "Alert the commander that we're inside."

I nodded as magic lit in my hands. I threw it towards the sky as another volley released from the catapults. He'd be looking for it. My heart twisted with the thought of him as he would soon be putting himself in danger.

Andraste, preserve us.

Asaala waved for us to follow. Her expertise took priority over rank. Infiltrating buildings was no stranger to Asaala from her time with her mercenary band. She took the lead, Laren and Amelia flanking Alain and I.
Together, we worked our way through the fortress. Instead of numerous Wardens, we found mostly demons filled the fortress. I tried to feel with my mind, to find other minds, but it was painful. It even felt as if something were preventing me from doing so.
We came to set of stairs. Working our way up and across a landing, we found more demons and bound Wardens. The shades growled as they swept toward us, their single eye glowing with malevolent light. The others cut them down with ease as we continued running forward. We had to keep moving. Time was not on our side. We had to find the center of all this evil and get back to the front gate in time to aid Ellana and then the main army.
At the back of my mind, something had begun to itch. It was getting more persistent and painful the further into the fortress we traveled. As we cut down more demons, we found some scaffolding we could climb. Working together, we crest the battlements.

The air snatched from my lungs at the sight.

Towards the northeast was the center of the battle. Bodies swarmed the ramparts surrounding the main gate. Demons were interspersed through the flashes of metal. The clang of swords, rhythmic thump of bows releasing their arrows, and the cries of men and women dying filled my ears. The flaming projectiles of the catapults flew through the night sky, the fortress walls exploding upon impact. There was blood on the air, burnt flesh, the fetid stench of demons. That itch in my mind pulled from a different direction. And I began to wonder if it were not where the Wardens were slaughtering their own.

"That way," I pointed.

"I feel it too," Alain stated, his dark eyes hard and face grim. "Blood magic."

"We'll cover you," Amelia promised, her normally jovial face grim behind her helmet as she took in the scene before us.

I cloaked us with the Fade, but with demons and blood magic present, I couldn't say if it would keep us hidden. We crept along the worn stone, inching closer and closer to the main fighting. In the distance we heard a great booming sound and the Inquisition's rallying cry. It seemed the battering ram had made it to the front gate.
My mind kept wondering to Cullen, praying he would stay safe. But we both had jobs to do. We had to see them done. Warden bodies were strewn everywhere, fixed eyes staring blankly up at the sky. Many had their throats slit, the remnants of demons and summoning circles nearby.

"This is sick," Amelia stated, her voice shaky but angry. "These are Wardens. They're supposed to be our heroes. Our defenders against evil. Not…this."

"We'll stop this," I assured.

"Won't change what they've done," Amelia shook her head. "Won't change killing their own to summon demons. No matter the reason."

"Thus is the nature of blood magic. It corrupts. Just like fear."

We continued our way towards that pull Alain and I sensed. The Veil became thinner, my skin tingling and head throbbing. Normally when the Veil was thin in a space, the air seemed almost alive.

Here, it was different: the air felt heavy and dead.

"I feel it," Laren murmured, her face hard and glowing eyes flashing. "It feels like there's something watching us."

A catapult's payload flew overhead, crashing into a nearby tower and cracking it open. Wardens fled out toward where we were hidden. Behind us we heard a great crashing sound followed by the Inquisition's rallying cry. Another crash. The Wardens ahead of us froze, looking toward a signal on the easternmost battlements. Another great crash.
From within the group of Wardens, a mage stepped forward. She waved her hand, dark magic lighting in her palm and along her staff. The sounds of wood splintering and metal groaning echoed across the fortress. Catapults launched again, payloads shattering bits of the walls. Panic rippled through the Warden forces. The battering ram was effective.

"Brothers. Sisters," the Warden battlemage called grimly. "The Inquisition threatens to stop us. We cannot let them. They do not understand the threat we face." She produced a dagger. "I must ask for your aid."

"This is not why I became a Warden!" One of the warrior's shouted. "I will not!"

The battlemage merely looked at him with blank eyes. "I will have it, willingly or no."

"No!"

"Asaala. Laren. Amelia," I murmured, "We have to stop this. Now."

The battlemage made to plunge the dagger into her flesh, but I Fade-stepped before bashing her in the chest with an ice shield. "This ends now."

"NO!" The Warden mage screamed as she hurled magic at me, but Laren's shield caught it and dispeled it.

"Who are you?" One of the Wardens shouted, the sound of swords leaving their scabbards ringing in my ears.

"Lieutenant-Commander Talitha of the Inquisition," I stated, "You have been betrayed by your own brethren. Either join us or flee if you wish to live."

"You attack us for merely doing our duty! We stand against the Blight!" The mage snarled. "Do not listen to her lies!"

"You seek the blood of your own to summon demons!"

"We all hear the Calling! We are all dying! We must seek out and destroy the remaining Archdemons before Thedas is left without her defenders! We must do it by any means necessary!"

I heard their desperation. Felt their fear. Saw it in their eyes. "The Calling is false! A ruse. Crafted by an ancient darkspawn."

The mage hissed: "You lie! Lies!"

"Please, listen!" Amelia pleaded.

"Enough! Wardens, kill them! You know your duty. We cannot-"

Blood splattered my face as Laren severed the woman's head from her shoulders. Her dark eyes met mine. "We don't have time for this. She was lost. Find the ritual site. Now. Asaala, go with her. Alain, with me. Amelia, cover them." She shifted her gaze to one of the other Wardens. "You have a choice. Make it." Weapons were gripped. "So be it."

As Asaala and I ran towards that pull, we heard the fighting behind us. The screams of the dying Wardens.

"Oh, Maker," I breathed.

"The only way to save them is to stop this. The only way to save more ofour people from dying is to stop this. Focus, Talitha."

I nodded, pulling the Fade back over us. We ran across the stones, finding the Wardens pressing towards the front gate before we climbed the rubble of the partially demolished tower. Slipping through a crack at the top, we found ourselves within some barracks. I felt a strong ripple in the Veil, heard the spirits cry out in warning before suddenly going silent. I reached out for them. I could hear them, but the sound was heavily muffled. I let out a shout of pain as I cradled my head when I felt a malevolent claw in my mind.

"Oh, little Fadewalker. You should never have come here. I can see you now."

The voice I heard was cold enough to stop my heart.

"What is it?" Asaala questioned as she caught me, holding me up.

"A demon," I panted, "There is a demon here. Something very powerful."

"Is it what they're trying to summon?"

"I don't know."

"Have they succeeded?"

I shook my head, my vision blurred. "It's still in the Fade, but...I think it rules the part of the Fade that's here. I can't hear Assurance and the others."

"Put on the armor, Talitha."

"I can't sustain it for long. Not all of it. Not yet."

"Then we need to find the rift and get you out of here."

"I need to-"

"You can barely stand. You can't be close to this."

"I will not sit by while everyone else I care about fights."

Asaala glared at me. "We cannot afford to lose you."

"I am not important, Ser Adaar. Ellana is. The commander is. Ending this threat is. I will do my duty."

Her great hands wrapped around my arms before she pulled me up to her face. "You areimportant. If we lose you, we lose them both. Do you understand me?" Her face was fierce. Her fanged teeth bared as she snarled the words at me. I nodded and she set me back down. "Where are they?"

Letting out a breath, focusing past the pain, I felt out with my mind.

"Careful, little one. Dark things lurk in the shadows here. If I find you, I find them."

"Do not listen, Meira." Assurance commanded, breaking through the muffling for a moment. "There."

I felt a painful jerk. Running to the opposite wall, I looked out the arrow slit. Below was a large courtyard. Within was one of the most gruesome sites I'd ever witnessed. "Maker of All. Blessed Andraste."

"What is it?"

"A mass grave."

Body after body lined the courtyard. Blood had stained the sand upon the stones red. Numerous Wardens stood at attention looking towards a raised platform. Upon it stood an elderly woman, a mage given the staff strapped to her back. Surrounding her were multiple Warden bodies, laid to rest with as much dignity as could be afforded with slit throats and blood-coated armor. I watched as a few Wardens climbed the steps toward her. As they moved, I spotted a figure next to the older woman. This man was not clad in Warden armor, but clothes that reminded me of Dorian's robes.

"Wardens! We are betrayed by the very world we have sworn to protect!" The elderly mage spoke, addressing the Wardens below her. Her voice echoed within the courtyard, reaching my elven ears even over the sounds of fighting.

"The Inquisition is inside, Clarel. We have no time to stand on ceremony!" The man urged.

"These men and women are giving their lives, Magister. That might mean little in Tevinter, but for the Wardens, it is a sacred duty." The man said nothing in response to this as an older Warden stepped towards Clarel. "It has been many long years, my friend."

"Too many, Clarel," he stated before he knelt before her. "If my sword arm can no longer serve the Wardens, then my blood will have to do."

In the middle of the courtyard, mages surrounding it with magic alight in their hands, was the rift. It rippled and contorted almost like water. Within it I saw the fortress reflected, but every so often the image changed. What the reflection held then made my blood run cold.

I looked back to the elder mage who now held the older man in her arms in a grotesque embrace as she brought a dagger to his throat. "It will," she murmured.

Everyone watched as she sliced through the Warden's jugular, blood spurting towards the rift. The Veil thinned and the rift opened wider. That thing within the reflection, its multiple eyes, seemed to focus on me.

"We need to get back to the others. Now."

We rushed out, I no longer bothering to shield us. Alain, Laren and Amelia were fighting Wardens and demons now. With a grunt, I summoned arrows of fire and shot them at their enemies through their hearts. All fell instantly. The others turned, but I didn't stop running.

"We found the rift. We have to clear a path for them to get through as swiftly as possible. Let's move!"

...

"Lieutenant-Commander!" Ellana called as we drew closer.

She and her inner circle were fighting Wardens and demons at the head of the Inquisition's forces. I didn't see Cullen amongst them, and I guessed he'd wait to join the fight until Ellana was further inside the fortress. Inquisition soldiers were crawling up ladders to reach the battlements where the bulk of the Warden's forces were concentrated. They were trying to keep us trapped in the initial courtyard. Wardens and Inquisition soldiers were falling from above. Nauseating thuds and creaking metal their last sounds. Our people were struggling to advance. Ellana and Vivienne fought side by side Bull, Cassandra and Blackwall. Sera and Varric were doing their best to aid the soldiers as they reached the top of the walls. Dorian was raising the dead which frightened some of the Wardens but did little to deter the demons. Solas used his Rift magic to pull and toss Wardens and demons alike around the enclosed space, bodies breaking against stone. I signaled for Asaala, Laren and Amelia to join the rest of the battalion.

"Inquisitor!"

"We can't push them back!"

"We cleared you a path ahead," I shouted over the noise, concentrating on my words in order to not get overwhelmed. "You need to hurry. Whatever they're trying to bring through the rift...it is very powerful."

Ellana's burning green eyes searched my face, no doubt seeing the fear there. She nodded. "The commander is advancing the rest of the army in, but we need to clear the battlements. Our men can't get a foothold, and the Warden archers are picking us off. Barriers keep failing. Their mages are enchanting their bows and arrows. Hawke and the Warden-Commander are up there somewhere assisting Rylen, but..."

I glanced up at the battlements. They were swarming with demons and the Warden mages. I watched as our people fell, heard their screams, felt their fear. Blood dripped down the stones. I thought of the families waiting back at Skyhold. Of the loved ones who'd never return. The families that would never be whole again. 'The only way to keep more from dying is to end this.' It was time for me to lead the battalion. My jaw clenching, I began to pull magic from across the Veil. "Leave this to us!" Donning Perseverance's piece of armor, I shifted into the varterrel form. My great legs swept the courtyard, sending our enemy flying and opening the way for Ellana and the others. I watched as they ran ahead as blades began hitting the stoney exterior of my legs. Shifting into an owl, I flew through the battle. Dodging and weaving through swinging blades, crashing shields, flying arrows and magic. Spotting Barris and Rion, I shifted as I landed in front of them before drawing my blades.

"Where you been, Lieu? Taking a nap?" Rion ribbed as lightning shot from his fingertips.

"Battalion!" I shouted, magically amplifying my voice. "Let's show Thedas what mages and templars can do when we work together!" Lyrium and magic lit up the stones of Adamant in answer. "For the Inquisition!" The rallying cry shook my bones.

I charged, the rest at my back. I could feel the oppressive weight of the demons, but with Barris and the other templars around me, the pain was less. I covered us all in a barrier and each successful swing of my spectral blade fed it, causing it to grow. Enemy archers aimed for those still vulnerable, their mages beside them. I took my Fade-smithed blade in hand; it transformed into a bow with a thought. Conjuring fire arrows, I shot arrow after arrow into the enemy and watched as bound mage after bound mage fell, but their leashed demons did not die with them.

"Lieu! The ladders!" Rion shouted.

Taking out the archers meant nothing if we couldn't press in. More archers would be waiting as well as demons. We had to clear the battlements to make a path for Cullen and the other soldiers to keep the Wardens from flanking us and cutting off reinforcements. Spotting a clear path to a ladder, I Fade-stepped. Enemies froze solid in my wake. Grabbing ahold of the ladder, I scrambled up. The copper stench of blood hit my nose first, followed by the reek of burnt flesh and demon. My eyes caught on the numerous dead Inquisition soldiers; eyes fixed upon me that begged for justice. Before me stood Wardens and their demon pets. They were Thedas's heroes.

But her heroes had fallen.

War cries and demonic bellows sounded as I was spotted. The weight of the demons fell over me and I felt just how many of them there were. How many Wardens had died for this? How many had been willing? How many had been unwilling?

Gripping my swords, I opened my mouth to speak, amplifying my voice once more. "I have no desire to kill Wardens! If you surrender, you will not be harmed!"

"We stand against the Blight, and you would stop us?"

"You are being used! You areserving the Blight!"

"Don't listen! We must protect Clarel!" Swords sang as they were pulled from their scabbards. "For the Wardens!"

Together, fallen hero and demon stormed.So be it. Willing my Fade-blade into a staff, huge bolts of lightning arced from it through the rushing enemy force. The bolts perforated metal armor or demonic flesh like great crooked fingers, smoke curling off the fissures as their corpses convulsed with the electricity still coursing through them. I sensed the others climbing the ladder behind me, so I pressed forward. As we ran across the battlements, I spotted Inquisition armor in my peripheral. Some had made it up on the northern and southern walls, but the battlements surrounding the main gate, where the main army would have to march through, was the most heavily guarded. The Battalion would have to fight through to secure it in order for Cullen's forces to advance. I looked ahead. At the back of the host before us I spotted a few Warden mages. Demons stood beside them, but before them...

"Amelia!" I shouted. "Those mages!"

"I can't get a clear shot, Lieutenant!"

"Andraste, preserve us!" I prayed as the mages' blades slit the throats of their Warden brethren. I felt the Veil thin, and demons press forward.

"You are in my domain, little one. And they are mine."

I cried out as dozens of demons crossed into the mortal plane. Through the ringing in my mind, I heard terrified screams begin. Gritting my teeth, I opened my eyes. Corpses rushed at us, bodies of friend and foe alike, dead eyes alight with ravenous hunger. Their teeth clicked together with a nauseating ferocity. But the devouring corpses were not the only horror people were screaming about. Others were swinging madly at things that were not there. Alain, among others, had fallen to the ground, cradling himself as his eyes were wide with fear.

Fear.

The demon is some variety of fear.

My blades cut through a few reanimated corpses as they launched themselves at me, teeth gnashing as foamy, brown saliva flew at my face. I fought down the fear that creeped up as I looked into their milky eyes and felt their supernatural strength. My knees started to buckle at the weight. A great sword punched through the skull of the one closest before slicing through matter and bone to decapitate a few more. Asaala's large hands caught me, her eyes aglow with lyrium.

"What devilry is this? What dark force shows me...these horrors?"

"Fear," I shuddered. "This one is more powerful than Imshael's form."

Amelia and Laren came to stand beside me. As I looked around, it seemed that the templars were the only ones able to resist whatever the demon was making them see. Delrin and Henry were defending Rion and Solana's siblings. Belinda and Briony were doing the same for Talwyn and a few others. The templars were doing their best to rally not only the mages, but the rest of the Inquisition. They had some success, but not enough.

"Fenedhis lasa," Laren swore under her breath.

"What do we do?" Amelia questioned.

I was silent a moment while I thought. 'Fear cannot abide hope.' I knew what I needed to do. "Keep them off me."

The women nodded and came to stand before me as I sat upon the ground and closed my eyes.

I had a feeling this demon would take all my concentration.

...

CULLEN

"Release!" I roared at the mage near me who was acting as a signalman. He sent up the magical signal that would alert the soldiers manning the other catapults that it was time for another volley. Within moments, the siege engines released their payloads, cracking against the fortress and wreaking more havoc as it rained debris down below. The battering ram had decimated the front gates and though it'd been hard fought, the Inquisitor and her team had gotten inside the fortress.
Now, I awaited a signal to say it was time to march the rest of the army inside to cover her advance. Rylen had yet to send up a signal saying the battlements were clear, but there would be time before we reached the fortress. As I watched, I caught sight of the Inquisitor's signal on the skyline indicating that the Inquisitor had gotten through. I breathed a sigh of relief. While I would mourn the loss of our people, what mattered most was the Inquisitor stopping whatever this ritual was before the demon army they claimed to be building was brought to fruition. She was inside and, on the move, to do just that. I had faith the Maker would see her through it. But for now, it was our job to make sure they all had a way back out.

At the signal, I drew my sword. "For the Inquisition!"

The answering cry bolstered my spirits. Our soldiers knew the stakes and knew what they were fighting for. They believed in our cause. Believed in me to lead them. I would not fail them. Nor would I allow their Inquisitor to fall.

As one, we marched toward the front gate, my eyes constantly sweeping the skyline for a signal indicating the battlements were secured. While we might not have yet won them, something had happened up there as our soldiers now had a foothold and were pressing forward up the ladders. I could only pray the others were safe. Could only pray Meira was safe.
As we marched, I allowed myself the quick indulgence of thinking of her. Her lovely eyes, beautiful face, exquisite lips and generous curves. How captivating she was. How desperately I loved her. I gripped my sword tighter, pulled the mabari helmet down further and brought my shield up. I knew she was more than capable, but I prayed to the Maker for the chance to be assured of her safety. But our priority was securing the fortress.
My breathing was uneven, I could hear it echoing in my helmet. I forced myself to calm, counting my inhales and exhales until I found my battle rhythm. I would face demons, possibly even abominations, without lyrium in my veins. I had done so already. I could do it again. But I couldn't fight the itching in the back of my skull, the warning, that said something was wrong the closer we drew to the fortress. Still, no signal came. We were almost to the front gates now. Then it hit. A malicious force that was all too familiar.

Demon.

Something powerful ruled here. Its power radiated from the very walls. As we crossed the threshold, I sensed a shift in the soldiers.

Fear.

Andraste, preserve us.

"Steady," I commanded, "What you feel is a demon. You must resist." That caused a few to square their shoulders while others gripped their weapons tighter. "Trust nothing but my orders."

"Aye, ser."

"Wedge behind me," I ordered the infantrymen, "Defensive stances."

"Aye, Commander."

I would not cower behind my soldiers asking them to face what I would not. I stood before them, leader and protector. Taking my defensive stance, I lowered down until my knees were slightly bent. I brought my shield up to just below my eyelevel and my sword to rest atop it. The others followed suit. Slowly, we made our way into the fortress.

...

We'd made it into the second courtyard when chaos befell us. Demons roared as they suddenly erupted all around us. But these were no ordinary demons. At first glimpse, I had seen something else, but when I blinked what I saw caused my skin to crawl.

Giant flies.

It was the sound first. Bile rose in the back of my throat as at the sound of their wings vibrating brought memories of Kinloch Hold to the forefront of my mind. Beyond the hum of the magical cage itself, the only sound that had been my companion during that unending nightmare had been the buzzing of flies. The carrion-what had remained of my friends and charges-a feast and ideal nest to lay their eggs.
I had watched the lifecycle of the disgusting insects unfold before my eyes within the bodies that had lain just beyond the cage wall. Another form of torture to see what remained of my friends further desecrated by vermin drawn to death. The buzz was the beginning. Then the writhing maggots that had eaten their way out of Beval's eye and poured upon the floor like a squirming heap of gelatinous vomit. They changed. Elongated and wriggled their way into the refuse only to emerge sometime later as hundreds of flies.
The buzzing intensified. Growing deafening. I had heard it for months after. It hadn't been until I was on the sea that it had finally silenced, the constant sound of the waves crashing against the ship drowning it out.
Now, I heard it again. The incessant buzzing, boring into my mind. Smelled it all again. The fetid stench of hundreds of decaying corpses filling the tower. But now, instead of hundreds if not thousands of tiny flies, I was staring down a fly the size of a small child as it charged at me.

I had to swallow the vomit that burned in my throat.

Along with the screams that were right behind it.

I was not the only victim of the horrendous trick of the mind as many of the soldiers began screaming in terror. I did not know if they saw the same image that I did, but I could not blame them even so. But I had to keep them in order. Keep them focused on the task at hand.

"Steady! It's just an illusion! It isn't real! Steady!" I boomed over the noise.

A few responded, shaking their heads before attacking the demon before them. I raised my shield as a fly charged at me. Giant red eyes made of an uncountable number of facets, large bristly hairs along its back and a hanging maw of some unholy make were sent forward by multiple hairy legs. All the while the great wings on its back kept buzzing without ceasing. The sound bored into my mind just as it had all those years again. Feeling as if the writhing larvae were boring into my skull to feast on my rotting insides. Cold sweat broke out under my leathers as the arms grasped my shield.

"Fear not, Commander."

At the voice, I felt my fear slip away. These were demons. No more and no less. Sent by some greater force. I had faced both in my life-armed and unarmed. I had triumphed. And we would triumph here. In my peripheral I saw the source: Assurance. I bashed the creature with my shield before plunging my blade into the center of its face. With a sickening sound for which I had not the words to describe, it fell. As it did, the illusion gave way to the Shade at my feet. "They are only Shades! Fear means to trick you! You must not let it!"

Courage swept through them and with yells of righteous wrath they began to fight back in earnest. The illusion began to subside for me as I fought back. The flies gave way to the Shades, and I cut through them. There were so many. I prayed for Meira's safety. Prayed she could endure this. Prayed Asaala, Laren and Amelia were protecting her and Alain. They were not in this courtyard. I could only guess they'd gone up to the battlements knowing they needed to be cleared and secured. We had not yet had enemies from above, but we could hear fighting overhead and drawing near.
Finally, to the north I saw a signal saying those battlements were clear. Shorly after another signal to the south. Yet the middle of the fortress still had not been secured. From the look of things, I could only assume the Inquisitor had needed to find an alternate route to the where the ritual was taking place. We would need to follow the same path, but we had to get the center battlements secured. With them, the enemy had the ability to move throughout the fortress or even to pin us down in the main courtyard. I knew Meira was likely above me, but...

"You must trust her. Your duty is to the Inquisitor. Trust that your Maker will protect her."

I looked to the spirit, my heart twisting at the sight of him. There was no doubt what form he'd taken was meant to represent. A child. Grown, yes, but a child between Meira and me. I did not know what she as a dreamer was fully capable of through her magic, but if she had influenced this spirit as she had the others, I could not help but wonder if she had not unintentionally willed it to take on a likeness that would represent the child we would never have. The picture of the one thing she hoped for more than anything. Or perhaps that was the very reason the spirit looked as it did. That in so doing, it fulfilled its nature by fulfilling the hope Meira had. It was a bittersweet thought. I looked up at the battlements and gripped my sword tighter. "Maker, hear my cry."

"She is all right, Commander," Assurance stated,"She fights the fearlings across the Veil. The templars watch over her. Do not doubt her."

"I don't."

"Then see to what you must."

With that, I gestured for a group of the soldiers to climb the ladders to assist her while the rest of us continued to press on.

...

"Commander!" Ellana shouted as we rounded a corner.

She and the others were fighting off the Shades, though they no doubt looked like something they feared or something that at the very least unnerved them given the looks upon their faces. I raced toward the Inquisitor, ramming my shield into a Shade that was charging her. "Inquisitor."

"Have you seen my-Lieutenant-Commander Talitha?" Ellana questioned as her magic rippled through the Shades.

"I have not," I stated, punching my sword into the gut of a demon.

"I was afraid you'd say that," Ellana growled. She raised her marked hand and with a grunt of pain awakened the Anchor. Strange magic filled the air as green light swallowed the surrounding area. All the demons within the light evaporated with shrieks. "What in the Creators' name is going on?"

"I suspect a demon at work, Inquisitor," Solas offered, slightly breathless. "Some variety of fear, I would guess. It is why the Shades appear as they do. To unnerve us."

"Well, that's just great," Varric deadpanned.

"You said it," Bull grunted in agreement.

"Fenedhis lasa,"Ellana swore, "By the Dread Wolf! What in the All-Father's name is wrong with you shems?!" Her burning green eyes flicked to me as she opened her mouth to speak, but then her eyes caught on something behind me. "Hawke? Warden-Commander?"

I turned to find Hawke and Warden-Commander Evelyn running towards us. Blood on their armor and weapons.

"Inquisitor," Hawke nodded, "We were able to clear and secure the northern battlements. Your Captain Rylen and Fenris lead your soldiers to maintain the line."

"And we were able to clear the southern battlements," Warden-Commander Evelyn informed, "Anders and Stroud do the same."

"And the central battlements?" I questioned.

They both looked to me. "They were still fighting."

"Andraste, preserve them," I breathed. "Has anyone seen Lieutenant-Commander Talitha?" They all shook their heads. "Was there a signal?" Again, they shook their heads.

"Commander-" Ellana began, but at that moment, the oppressive weight I'd felt upon entering the fortress lifted somewhat.

"Commander," Assurance spoke as he appeared, different colored eyes burning, "Inquisitor. The Lieutenant-Commander and the battalion have taken the central battlements." Just then, a signal lighted in the sky above us. "Warden-Commander Clarel and her manipulator are close to achieving their goal. You must make haste." He disappeared again.

"Neat trick," Hawke commented, her lips twisting in a smirk. "Your lover is rather impressive, Cullen."

I cleared my throat. "Let's put an end to this."

Together, we charged into the main courtyard only to be welcomed by a gruesome sight. Dozens upon dozens of dead Wardens filled the space. Blood was everywhere. And in the middle of it all, the rift. Our eyes landed on an older Warden as she slit the throat of one of her fellow warriors.

"Stop them!" A voice with a heavy Imperial accent yelled. It belonged to a man with greasy black hair and a scraggly beard that was dressed in fine white robes that were clearly not of Southern Thedas.

"Erimond," Dorian hissed.

We all drew our weapons, but Ellana put a hand up before approaching the Wardens. "Clarel, if you complete that ritual, you're doing exactly what Erimond wants!"

"What, fighting the Blight?" Erimond scoffed, his dark eyes glittering maliciously even as he kept his voice convincing. "Keeping the world safe from darkspawn? Who wouldn't want that?" He spread his hands innocently. "And yes, the ritual requires blood sacrifice. Hate me for that if you must, but do not hate the Wardens for doing their duty."

"We make the sacrifices no one else will," Clarel appealed, "Our warriors die proudly for a world that will never thank them."

"And then your Tevinter ally takes your mages' minds for his real master: Corypheus!" Evelyn shouted, rage in her voice.

"Corypheus?" Clarel questioned, shock on her face, "But he's dead."

"These people will say anything to shake your confidence, Clarel," Erimond urged as his hand gestured to us.

Clarel seemed to ponder it all for a moment, her hand coming to her forehead. But her fear won out as she said, "Bring it through."

Erimond flashed a sniveling grin at us as he stepped forward to direct the mages tied to the rift. The templars would be of help, but they were occupied with the battlements and ending the demon threat there. The mages stood within summoning circles, the rift drawing on their very lifeforces. We watched as the rift opened yet wider and caught a glimpse of what lurked on the other side. Maker, have mercy.It was the largest demon I had ever seen. Ellana charged forward, the Wardens doing the same at her move. The rest of us followed behind her, but not too close. Hawke and Evelyn came to stand on either side of Ellana and it was Evelyn who spoke next.

"I understand your fear, but, please, listen to me. The Calling you hear is not real. It is a ruse. A ruse by his master!" She thrust a finger at Erimond who merely sneered. "He is using you! Binding you to a darkspawn! You are not ending the Blight; you are servingit!"

"Be ready, Clarel," Erimond warned, acting as if Evelyn had not spoken. "This demon is truly worthy of your strength."

Rage bubbled up inside of me at his dismissal of her. The Hero of Ferelden. Warden-Commander. Queen. She was worthy of respect even from her enemies and yet he acted as if she were no more than an annoying insect.

"Oi, Cully," Sera whispered, eyes full of murderous rage. "Can I put an arrow in his face, yeah?"

"Not until the Inquisitor gives the order," I commanded.

"Pfft. You're no fun." Her fingers ran over the feathers of her nocked arrow.

"It's worse than the last time," Cole murmured, daggers in hand.

"Listen to me!" Ellana shouted, desperation in her voice as she offered a hand in pleading. "I have no quarrel with the Wardens! I have spared those I could! I don't want to kill you, but you're being used...and some of you know it, don't you?"

"The mages, Clarel," a Warden spoke, fear in his voice as he begged his commander, "They're not right. They were my friends, but now they're like puppets on a string!"

"You cannot let fear sway your mind, Warden Chernoff!" Clarel reprimanded.

"He's not afraid!" Evelyn roared. "You are. You're afraid that you ordered all these Wardens to die for nothing!" She looked to the Wardens before her as she removed her helmet. There were a few gasps in response. "I am Warden-Commander Evelyn Theirin. Ender of the Fifth Blight. Hero of Ferelden. I know our duty. Our sacrifice. The stakes. I honor your bravery, my brothers and sisters, but this is not the way. Look at what you have become! We are meant to be the best of Thedas. Her heroes! Yes, we are to give everything to end the Blight. In war, victory. But this is too far! You have gone too far! And you have done so as a result of trickery and deceit."

Her impassioned address caused the Wardens before her to turn to their leader for direction. It had even seemed to move Clarel as she studied Evelyn from the platform.

Erimond stepped closer to Clarel. "Clarel, we have come so far. You're the only one who can do this."

The Warden-Commander studied the man a few moments. "Perhaps we could test the truth of these charges, to avoid more bloodshed."

Silence fell. The magister grew tense before letting out an irritated sigh. "Or perhaps I should bring in a more reliable ally. He turned and walked to the end of the platform, stepping over the body of the Warden Clarel had killed not moments before. He started banging his staff upon the stone, magic sparking from the bottom. "My master thought you might come here, Inquisitor! He sent me this to welcome you!"

Maker, no.Moments later, the shriek that still haunted many of our nightmares from that terrible night in Haven split the air. A great shadow came to cover the light of the moons as Corypheus's dragon soared through the sky. We broke, racing for cover as it raced toward us before spewing its toxic fire down into the courtyard. It launched back into the air, vomiting more flames upon other parts of the fortress.Meira.The great wings flared as it turned and flew back, knocking over a griffon statue as it flew over us before landing on a tower with a great roar at the command of the magister. We pressed ourselves against the walls but caught sight of Clarel as she struck a vulnerable Erimond with a bolt of lightning. The Venatori fell with a cry into the slick blood of the dead Wardens, drenching his white robes in crimson. He flipped to his back as the dragon hissed at Clarel, gesturing for her to stop as magic lit in her hands.

"Clarel, wait..."

But she paid him no heed as she hurled her lightning at the dragon. Unfazed, the dragon spit a fireball at the Warden-Commander who jumped out of the way just in time. Several things happened at once: the dragon took flight, raining toxic fire down in its wake; Erimond fled; demons erupted all around; the mages under Corypheus's control began to attack and Clarel raced after Erimond with a charge to her remaining loyal Wardens: "Help the Inquisitor!"

As I watched evil manifest before our eyes and as death was carried on swift wings overhead, my mind could think only of one thing:

Meira.

Notes:

+ Changed some things up for more "novel" feel. I also added in having the Nightmare influencing the mortal plane. I honestly don't know why that wasn't part of it, actually. Also, tried to make there be a lot more demons and Wardens to make Cullen's "there was more of them than I was hoping" actually be legitimate.

+ Also, you have no idea how close I came to puking while typing the part about flies. Seriously. My skin crawled and I was actually nauseous.

As always, thanks for reading! Faves, follows and reviews are always welcome and appreciated!