DA: Dark City Interlude

Title: Dark City
Author:  CelticWolfwalker 
Setting: Modern Day Dragon Age
Character(s): f!Hawke/Cullen and the cast

Interlude

1

He looked out over the courtyard, nervous and not wanting to be among so many Templars roaming about. Interspersed with the Templars were mages, who walked quickly and with their eyes kept down as they rushed to their next set of classes. It was still hard to believe he was actually here doing this madness but then thought on those force mages and the plans that Meredith had for them. Anders was all for mage freedom but even he knew that unleashing the full power of combined force mages would wreak havoc upon the world. It would literally disrupt the Fade, if not tear it asunder. This could not happen. For Meredith to even think about using these children in such a way was unfathomable, considering she was the main force to stop something like this from happening at all!

A man walked toward him as Anders lowered his head among the hoodie pulled down on his face. Anders slunk back around the corner and kept out of sight of the rest of the people among the grim courtyard and waited. Shortly after, Thrask arrived, grabbing at Anders elbow and lead him down the boardwalk to a gated alley. Taking out a set of keys, Thrask inserted a key into the lock and opened the gate, pushing Anders through and nodding for him to continue. They walked halfway down the alley and Thrask halted at a door. With a prearranged knock, the Templar knocked and waited for the door to open. It wasn't long before a young Templar opened the door with a crack and nodded to Thrask and Anders.

Once inside the room, Anders got a good look. It was an abandoned storage or maintenance space, Anders wasn't quite sure. He followed Thrask deeper into the sparsely lit space to where two more young Templars and one of Thrask's age stood waiting for them.

“So, how am I going to go into Templar central and escort these kids out under Karras' nose?” Anders said with a tone of sarcasm.

“You are going to become a Templar, Anders.” Thrask told the apostate.

“What?” His eyes bugged out at the idea.

“Despite that Meredith is in the city at the inauguration, there are still Templars patrolling the inner courtyard. We put you in our gear with a faceplate, you will not be recognized.”

“I don’t think Meredith would have just any Templar patrolling and keeping watch over her special charges.”

“No, she wouldn’t.” Thrask agreed and handed Anders an ID tag.

“Should I ask how you got this or where this man is?” Anders looked at Thrask with a pensive look as he took the ID.

“Less you know about internal affairs in the Order, Anders, the better. Now, we don’t have much time. Get dressed.”

Anders sighed and took the armored gear and donned it. The other Templar with Thrask helped the apostate with the straps, making adjustments to fit Ander’s lean form. Then the young man, Keran, handed Anders a hair band. Anders frowned but took it and pulled his shoulder length blond hair back. If Kristoff knew he was doing this, the man would get violently ill and lock up Anders for this foolish plan. The former Warden was starting to seriously frighten Anders lately, as the man became increasingly unstable and more fanatic with the Mage Underground. He was moving faster and taking more open risks than Anders was ready for, and didn’t care if lives may be lost. Even Kristoff knew that going in the heart of the Templar Order at the Gallows was suicide and yet, here Anders was, donning Templar armor so he could rescue Marian’s young force mages.

Afterwards was going to be the tricky part and that was going to be Anders part of the plan, as he had the knowledge of the city’s undercity so they can move the mages without notice. First, things had to go off without a hitch in the Gallows. Anders moved his shoulders to settle the armored vest on his shoulders and looked at Thrask and Keran.

“Well? Will I pass?”

“You are a little on the slim side for a Templar but it isn’t unknown.” Thrask’s mouth twitched. “Thankfully the man you are filling in for is around the same size and height as you. Okay, put on the helmet and then we are ready to leave here.”

“Maker help us! I hope this goes off well.” Anders said.

“Agreed.” Thrask responded and patted Anders shoulder.

* * * * *

If he was nervous before, he was doubly so but Anders tried to keep his wits about him as he walked around the perimeter of the inner court of the Templar Headquarters. Very few were allowed within the inner sanctum, be it Templar or mage. Any mage found among these walls were Tranquil and that made Anders blood heat with anger. There were far more Tranquil than should be. Tamping down his anger, Anders returned his focus on the goal at hand. It wasn’t long when the group of young girls and boys entered. There wasn’t many, maybe eight children ranging from eight years old to fifteen. The older children were the advanced students of Marian’s and they hovered around the younger ones protectively as they were led to the court for their daily outing.

Anders continued the casual patrol, watching the group and keeping an eye on the one exit. On cue, one of the young Templars that had become part of Meredith’s personal guard made his way over to Anders once he spotted him.

“Good, you are here! My feet are killing me but these brats need to be watched. You got things covered here?”

“Yes.”Anders said.

“Call if there are any problems. Not that they would dare give any. I think they have gotten the hint that if they try anything, we would smite their assess back to the Maker.”

“Nothing will happen with me here.” Anders kept his voice neutral. “Get going, I got this.”

“Thanks, man!” The Templar smiled and turned to leave.

Maybe Andraste was smiling on him today, Anders thought. When the Templar was no longer in sight and he was the only one left in the courtyard, he carefully made his way to the group. They looked at Anders with wariness as he approached them. Holding out his hands in a nonthreatening way, Anders carefully lifted the faceplate of his helmet.

“Who are you?” One of the older boys said. “You aren’t one of the regulars.”

“No, I’m not.” Anders replied. “I certainly hope to never be either. I’m a friend and I’m here to get you out of here.”

“Are you crazy?” One of the girls said in exclamation. “How are you going to sneak us out of the Gallows where there at least a hundred more Templars walking in and out? Not to mention someone will notice…”

“Look, sweetheart, there is a plan but it is time critical. Everything is in place to get you out here and hopefully seen safely back to Marian. Now, if you want to stay behind and remain Meredith’s pet, go right ahead.” Anders bit out hastily, not expecting to have to argue with one of the older force mages.

The mages looked to each other and then at Anders in the sword emblazoned armor. The boy who spoke first talked again. “What’s your name?”

“Anders.”

There were excited whispers then and careful smiles. Of course they would know of him through Marian. He had visited the Academy a few times during the best times of their relationship, even holding a couple of seminars on healing magic. The older girls and boys knew of him. “Well, if you can get us out of here, then we better go.” The boy said.

Without any other talk, Anders flipped the faceplate down and herded the mages together to the single exit of the inner courtyard. He looked around to see if the other guard was coming back and breathed easier when there was no sign of him. Beckoning to the children, Anders rushed them down the corridor and toward a service entrance. Thrask was supposed to take care of the security cameras so Anders hoped that their running through the halls wouldn’t be recorded. He took them through the service door and into a side lot. There were two other Templars waiting and the children balked.

“It’s all right, they are here to help.” Anders reassured the force mages.

“Why would Templars help us?” The oldest boy asked, wariness in his eyes.

“Because there is a small faction of Templars that believe they are to help protect mages, not persecute them.” Thrask replied. “You kids will be going home, where you belong. I am here to help make sure you make it off this island and back to the city.”

Kaylee, one of the youngest of the girls and Marian’s newest students, spoke. “He is telling the truth. He has kind eyes.” She gave Thrask a smile.

Thrask smiled at Kaylee. “Come, we don’t have much time before the next change of patrols.”

There was not another word said and the children followed Thrask and his partner, with Anders taking rear. They moved quickly but not so quickly that it would bring notice from other wandering Templars in the Gallows. When the way was clear at a couple of the more populated areas, they moved toward the alleyway that Anders had been led from by the old service shop. Once in the shop room, Anders quickly divested the armor and threw his hoodie back on.

“You got things now, Anders?” Thrask asked the apostate.

“Yeah, the ferry I took over is still docked at the end pier out of sight of the patrols and cameras. The hold in the ferry is hidden, so even if it was searched, Templar or police couldn’t find it.”

“Good. If and when you see Ms. Hawke, send her my regards.” Thrask gave Anders a nod.

“I will.” Anders started to lead the force mages back out the door but before reaching the door, stopped and turned to look back at Thrask. “For a Templar, Thrask, you are all right.”

2

He wanted to be in Kirkwall, standing with Meredith at the inauguration of Garrett into the office of Viscount but she told Cullen that she needed someone she trusted and had a firm hand to watch over their charges. So, here he was patrolling the school halls of the Gallows, a solemn and uninviting look on his face. He kept clenching his hands and then unclenching them. Cullen was in a foul mood and he couldn’t quite understand why. There was a pent up anger and frustration in him that he swallowed down and pushed away. There was no time to deal with the suppressed emotions he had bottled inside. Plus, he was craving for a drink but he was on duty.

Cullen reached the inner courtyard of the Templar HQ, adjacent to the school, looking in to see if he could by chance see Meredith’s charges, or more like, Marian’s force mages. Meredith wasn’t here, and her pet bulldog was with her in the city. His feet took him into the courtyard and looked around; a little surprised it was empty. There was no guarding Templar inside or at the door, and no children. This was the time they were given to be outside to get some fresh air but they were not here. Curious as to why no one was there, Cullen turned around and left, trying to find any Templar in the corridor. He caught the tail end of someone disappearing around a corner and picked up his pace to try and catch them. When Cullen rounded the corner, he didn’t just see one Templar, but children with the Templar, heading down the corridors toward a service exit.

Finding this suspicious, Cullen followed the group at a discreet distance out of the building, down the alleys and toward an alley that led to the docks. They were joined by Thrask and Keran, which made Cullen frown and his alarm rise in his head. When he looked closer at the children, he recognized Thrask’s daughter Olivia and the little girl he rescued, Kaylee. This confirmed Cullen’s nagging suspicion’s and he side stepped the group and headed to the dock, looking up and down for any boats that wasn’t a regular and noticed one at the far end of last pier. It was perfect for a rendezvous place. Inconspicuous, out of camera sight and regular Templar patrols, it was just the sort of spot he could place a getaway vehicle. Continuing on to the boat at the end of the pier, Cullen hoped he would get there before the group of escapees arrived.

He was in luck and approached the boat. The captain and small crew were on deck, winding rope, checking this or that as if prepping to make a departure. The captain looked at Cullen with narrowed eyes but Cullen gave him a nod, hoping to ease the man that he was one of Thrask’s men or the unknown Templar. The captain gave a nod back and went back to what he was doing. Now, Cullen stood on the pier, legs spread, arms crossed over his chest, and waited.

Cullen didn’t wait long when he saw a man in a hoodie leading the force mages down the dock and onto the pier. The man quickly led the group down and when he looked up to see Cullen, stop dead in his tracks. Kaylee recognized Cullen and smiled. She broke from the group and ran to him, wrapping her arms Cullen’s waist in a tight embrace.

“I knew you would come!” She exclaimed. “I kept telling the others that you would rescue us, you would not let us stay in that place because you promised me that nothing bad would happen!”

The Knight-Captain blinked in surprise, his simmering anger draining away as the girl held onto him. Cullen eased his arms and rested them on Kaylee’s shoulders. His eyes looked up and held Anders in the hoodie. Anders gave an ironic shake of his head and walked forward.

“Well, well, well, what a surprise to see you here.” Anders gave a small smirk.

“Somehow, I’m not surprised to see you here, especially with Thrask and Keran.” Cullen’s jaw jumped. “Where do you think you are going with these children?”

“Away from Meredith’s tender loving care.” Anders said in a hard tone. “I would stay and talk, Cullen, but I am on a time table. If I’m not mistaken, Meredith and her bulldog will be back in an hour.”

Kaylee looked up to Cullen with a perplexed look. “Are you coming with us?”

Cullen’s face softened a bit and he knelt before Kaylee. “I’m afraid not, Kaylee. I’m glad that you will be safe. This is no place for you.” He told her softly.

She looked into his hazel eyes solemnly, almost as if she was searching for something. Giving Cullen a small smile and laying a small hand on his cheek, she spoke. “This is no place for you, either.”

Cullen blinked, taken aback by the simple astute statement from one so young. Looking up at Anders again, Cullen sighed and then stood back up. He took a step to the apostate, towering over the slender man. In a low tone, only for Anders hearing, Cullen spoke. “Get them home safely, Anders. If I hear that even one of them is lost, mistreated, or recaptured, I will hunt you down.”

“I’m not hard to find, Cullen.” Anders responded in the same low voice, meeting Cullen’s stare.

They remained that way for a few seconds, holding a contest of wills. Anders eventually looked away first, making Cullen take a step back. Without another word, Anders gathered the group and led them to the boat. Kaylee was the only one who remained behind, standing with Cullen as the others boarded the boat. “Kaylee, you need to go.” Cullen told her.

“I know. Can I say something?”

“Sure.”

“You are in a terrible place, Cullen. You are better than this place.”

“I…” Cullen stammered.

“Be careful. I will look out for you as you do for me.” She gave an innocent smile and hugged Cullen before joining the rest of the young mages.

Cullen watched them get settled down in the hold and the boat push off the pier. The sun in the sky started its descent and soon the boat was lost in the sun glare off the water. He was unsettled and yet at ease to know the danger Meredith had brought to the Order with these mages was gone. However, Meredith would be righteously angered to know the young force mages were gone and will turn the Gallows upside down to find out who aided in their escape. He had to think quickly in how to cover up Thrask’s and Keran’s involvement. Walking at a brisk pace, Cullen headed for the alley where he noticed the group disappear. Pounding on the door of the abandoned room, Cullen waited until there was a response. Another young Templar answered and gawked to see Cullen at the door.

“Take me to Thrask.” Cullen demanded.

The young man gulped and led Cullen to where Thrask was stashing the used armor and cleaning any traces of the children and Anders in the room. Cullen’s skin tingled as he felt the cleansing but proceeded to where Thrask was. Thrask was surprised to see Cullen and then frowned as he took in Cullen’s furious face.

“Knight-Captain….” Thrask started.

“Stow it, Thrask.” Cullen growled. “You still have family in Cumberland?”

“Yes.”

“You are on emergency family leave as of now. Keran!”

“Yes, sir!” Keran exclaimed.

“You are on leave. Your sister is extremely ill.”

“I just talked to her and everything…”

“She is ill, sir!” Cullen snapped at the young man.

Keran swallowed and nodded, understanding what their Knight-Captain was doing. “Yes, sir, she has a nasty flu.”

“I’m glad you understand. Now, men, this…” Cullen pointed to the ground to indicate their little movement. “ends now! I’m risking my career here to save your asses for the stunt you just pulled. You realize what Meredith will do once the news of the children’s departure is given?”

“Y..yes.” Thrask blanched.

“Good.” Cullen pierced a hard glance at Thrask and Keran.

“Knight-Captain?” Keran dared to speak.

“Keran, not now! You want to talk, talk to me at my loft.” Cullen snapped. “Now, get out of my sight! All of you! I don’t want to hear about any meetings or see you together in the Gallows again!”

They didn’t waste any time in scurrying out of the room and disappearing. Cullen stood for a moment, unclenching his hands as pain registered in the palms. Reaching into his pocket, Cullen pulled out his phone and dialed a number. While waiting for a pick up on the other, he walked out of the room and into the main Gallows courtyard.

“Knight-Captain Cullen, passcode Alpha Zeta 7340….we have a security breach.”

A minute later, sirens sounded on the island that held the Templar Headquarters and School for the Gifted.

3

The cheers from the crowd were deafening but Garrett remained humble, giving his most charming smile. He raised his arms and waved to the people of Kirkwall. Marian came to his side, embracing him and whispering how proud she was. He smiled back at his twin and kissed her cheek. Fenris, her shadow, was ever in the background, hovering off to the side, along with his own shadow, Detective John Kennit. As he watched the pair of brooding shadows, he couldn’t help but catch John’s gaze flick over to Marian several times.

“I dare say, Mari, you have an admirer.” Garrett spoke.

“Oh, really?” She smiled and let herself be led off the platform and to the waiting staff and security.

“Yeah, my shadow seems to not help himself in keeping an eye on you.”

“John?” Marian looked at her brother.

“John, is it?” Garrett's eyes twinkled in mirth.

“We talked a couple of times.” Marian gave a little shrug but the tug at her lips told Garrett that there was something going between the two.

“Just don't distract him too much from his job. He is here to guard my ass, not watch yours.” Garrett chuckled.

“Yes, brother dear.”

They walked into the throng of waiting people, Fenris and John at their backs. They were rushed away, many voices talking and the privileged press people asking questions of Garrett about what he has planned. When they made it to Garrett's new suite of offices, people fell away and were shut behind closed doors. Sebastian got off his phone as they arrived and went up to clasp Garrett's shoulder. Aveline conferred with John a moment while the family took a breather.

“Things all settled?” Garrett asked Sebastian.

“Yup. Power of Attorney was just finalized and I am now the legal representative of the company. Marian is officiated as co-chair of the board, with a surprising amount of support from the rest of the execs.”

“Those old men always had a soft spot for her.” Garrett laughed. “They also know she is as savvy or more so than me, and be especially ruthless in her sweet, charming way.”

“I don't know what you are talking about, Garrett.” Marian smirked.

“Just agree, sister, it would make life so much easier. Another plus to this is another layer of protection for you against the Meredith and her rabid dogs.” Garrett sobered immediately. He looked up as Aveline approached them. “Have you come up with anything?”

“Not much, Garrett. The woman is hard to track beyond ten years. Prestigious schools, top marks, and quite clean with her business dealings, if not a bit ambitious and ruthless, like someone we know.”

“Nothing about family?”

“No.” Aveline shook her head.

“Do you have to do this, Garrett?” Sebastian asked, worry on his face. “She is Sorcha's friend and Sorcha trusts Nadia.”

“That may be.” Garrett sighed and rubbed at his face. “I don't know, call it a feeling. I just don't need unexpected trouble. Keep digging, Aveline. Now, John, as for you...”

“Yeah, Hawke?” John swaggered up to the group.

“You have been a hard nose bastard on this detail and it wouldn't be fair to keep you away from Aveline any longer. I have the Keep's security now, all who have been vested by myself and Sebastian. You are relieved from my detail.”

“Oh, thank the Maker!” John laughed. “Another long night of your smarmy charm, I would have gnawed my wrists.”

“Now, now, don't be so melodramatic.” Garrett chuckled. “This way you will be free to pursue your own interests without any conflict.” His eyes flicked over to his sister and he leaned closer to John to say quietly. “Though, if you break her heart, I will hunt your ass down and make your life miserable.” His blue eyes shone steel to the police detective.

“Yes, sir.” John gave him a shaky smile.

“Enough, Garrett!” Marian laughed and pulled her brother away. “I don't need you to be the overprotective brother all the time. Then I will die an old maid if you keep up the menacing act every time a man comes around.”

Garrett softened his smile to Marian. “I just want you to be happy. Especially after that....”

Marian's eyes hardened. “Stop while you are ahead. You worry about your own life, Viscount Hawke.”

He blew out a gust of air as the title was said out loud. “Wow, I am Viscount of Kirkwall!”

“Get used to it, Garrett.” Aveline smiled. “Now, you can't pull any of your shenanigans without all of Kirkwall knowing the next morning in the paper.”

“You won't be throwing me into a jail cell either because of my shenanigans.” Garrett grinned.

“Alright, brother dear, as much as I would love to continue this endless sparring match of wit and words, I do need to go. I have a meeting with the contractor about the plans for the Academy.”

“Oh, all right, if you must.” Garrett gave a melodramatic sigh.

Marian gave him a peck on the cheek and turned to leave, Fenris stepping at her side. She looked at John and gave him a smile before leaving. John had a smitten look cross his face before he realized that everyone was looking at him. “What?”

“Come on, Kennit.” Aveline sighed and made her departure with John.

“So, Viscount, what is the first order of business?” Sebastian asked.

“Food. I'm starving. I was so nervous this morning I didn't eat.”

 

4

“Fenris, I want an honest opinion.” Marian started.

“I will try.” The elf said.

“What do you think of Detective Kennit?”

Fenris was silent for a moment as he thought of what to tell Marian. “He's one of the few honest men I have met in the police force. A bit of a joker but a good man nonetheless.”

“If I was to see him on a regular basis and have some time alone, do you trust him?”

“Do I trust him that he would prevent any harm come to you? Yes. He didn't get where he is today without being good at his job.”

“What would you do with your time off then?” Marian looked over to the white haired elven man, who was dressed in a sharp dark suit with a crisp white shirt that the top three buttons were left undone, showing off his tanned skin and the silvery markings etched into his skin.

“I will manage, Marian. Your friend Isabela keeps dropping some rather....obvious hints about wanting to paint the town.”

Marian laughed. “Be careful when she says that. She sometimes literally wants to paint the town but I think she has other thoughts in mind for you.”

Fenris' dark green eyes looked at Marian, his mouth twitched. “I know what she wants but I will make that woman work to get it.”

“Oh ho, you are a sly man, Fenris.” Marian chuckled and then screamed in startlement as a hooded figure rushed at her and grasped at her arms. Fenris immediately reacted, grabbing a handful of the clothes, his markings lighting up and fist pulled back.

“Marian! Call off your watch dog!” Anders cried out.

“Fenris, hold! Anders?” Marian pushed the hood back and looked at the careworn features of the fellow apostate. He had dark circles under his eyes and his cheeks were starting to look gaunt.

“Yeah, sweetheart, the one and only.” He tried to give his old smirk but it fell short. “We need to talk...somewhere with less eyes and ears.”

“What is this about?” Her eyes narrowed in suspicion.

“I just got back from the Gallows, Mari. Come with me and I will show you.”

“Marian, don't.” Fenris growled.

“Trust me!” Anders pleaded to his former lover.

“We didn't part on good terms, Anders.” Marian said in a flat tone.

“Yeah, I know but for once, this is not about us or even myself. Look, just come with me and you will know what is going on. We need to move quickly because I'm sure there will be Templars swarming the city soon doing searches.”

“What?” Marian was alarmed.

“Just come with me!” Anders pleaded.

“All right.” Marian said with hesitation. Fenris glared at her but she gave him a nod to let Anders go.

Anders breathed a sigh of relief and tugged on Marian's hand. “Come on, this way.” He led her down an alley and then toward a hidden set of stairs that led to Darktown. Fenris' markings remained in a pulsing glow as they traveled into the depths of Kirkwall's forgotten city, where the needy, those running or hiding go. Marian had only been to Darktown a couple of times and still got turned around at the twists and turns of the different corridors and tunnels, more stairs leading down before it opened up to a desperate scene of the poor and desolate people that slipped through the cracks of Kirkwall's society.

Steam billowed from large pipes, lights flickered here and there, and the general mood of hopelessness hung in the air. Marian saw dirty and hungry faces as she was led further into Darktown. Some looked at her with hostility or suspicion, other people simply turned away, not daring to bring attention to themselves. There were many families with children, dressed in second hand clothing, down here milling about aimlessly. It brought tears to Marian's eyes to see this.

Anders stopped at a cul de sac that had double doors and many people camped outside on mats or ratty blankets. They cried out to see Anders, reaching to him and talking about their problems, some crying openly. Anders gave out comforting words and promises he would see them soon and went about to unlocking one of the double doors. He rushed Marian and her bodyguard inside and closed the door.

In the shadows, something moved and Marian tried to make out what was there. Whispering a quick cantrip, a ball of blue light was conjured up that bounced up and down. She directed the wisp to go forward and cast away the darkness. Her eyes went round as she saw tired children but more importantly, they were her students.

“Marian!” They cried out, crying and laughing in relief as they surged forward to embrace her. Marian cried and returned the embraces. Anders stood back and let a fond smile show on his face. Despite their differences, he and Marian shared the same principles of humanity.

“The nice Templars helped us escape! They got us out and Anders made sure we were seen to safety.” Seth, the oldest force mage told Marian.

Kaylee went up to Marian and tugged on her sleeve. Marian bent down and picked up the girl. “The Knight-Captain helped too. He let Anders and us go. I knew he wouldn't let us down.”

“Really?” Marian asked quizically. “Cullen let you all go?”

“Yes. He's not happy there, Marian.” Kaylee said with sadness. “His light is struggling against the darkness.”

“I know, sweetie.” Marian told Kaylee quietly. “But Cullen must come to the light on his own.”

“Why? Why can't we help?”

“He's a wounded man full of pride, Kaylee.” Marian told her, not expanding anymore on what she meant.

“Marian, what do we do now?” Anders asked her as the initial reunion cries died down.

“I'm positive that Cullen had to call in a security breach, if to just cover yours and Thrask's tracks. Still, there is going to be a hunt for the next twenty-four hours. Keep them here for now and get a hold of Isabela. She has a secret hold on her ship that she can keep the kids for a day. Right now it its too dangerous to move them until the Templar patrols have passed over the main city.” Marian reasoned.

Anders nodded. Fenris cleared his throat. “I will go let Isabela know what to expect. Your friend here would be too conspicuous.”

“You are right.” Marian nodded.

“Are you going to stay for a bit?” Anders asked Marian.

“Don't go!” “Please stay!” The clamor rose of the children demanding Marian stay.

Her eyes teared and she looked to her bodyguard. “Fenris, pass a message to Garrett....no, go to Aveline. Let her know what is going on. See if she can come down here and help move the kids.”

Fenris nodded and turned to leave but stopped, giving Anders a hard look. “Don't let anything happen to her.” He growled harshly.

“Marian is a big girl.”

“I know but I would be more frightened of Garrett's wrath if something happens.”

Anders blanched. “You got a point.”

Fenris turned and departed the ad hoc clinic.

5

The next few hours was hell in Kirkwall after Garrett's investiture. Templar patrols stormed through various residences and business, turning the city upside-down looking for escaped mages. Garrett's first duty as Viscount was to get the city's police to keep the damage to a minimum and protect Kirkwall's citizens. Garrett was on the phone, arguing and yelling at the runaround he was getting with various Templar officers. Sebastian disappeared when Aveline arrived with John, both grim faced. Aveline remained with Garrett as John and Sebastian went off to where ever. Garrett held off on calling Cullen's own phone, trying to get through to Meredith first to reason with the Knight-Commander about the rough shod patrols through the city. “NO! I don't want to be put on hold or handed off to some junior Templar that will give canned answers! I want to speak to the Knight-Commander herself!” Garrett's eyes flashed angrily.

He paced the office furiously as he listened to the person on the other end and grunted. Growling, Garrett threw the phone at a wall. Aveline raised an eyebrow at him but didn't say a word.

“What?” He snarled at the ginger-haired woman. “Don't worry, that wasn't my personal phone. I wouldn't give the bitch the satisfaction of having my personal number come up on her dialer.”

“I didn't say anything, Garrett.” Aveline said calmly.

“What the hell happened that brought the wrath of the Templars down on Kirkwall like locusts?”

“There were some mages that escaped from Meredith's personal custody.” Aveline told Garrett.

“Mages in her personal....oh, Maker!” Garrett's anger left in a sudden rush and he plopped down into a chair. “When did this happen?”

“During your inauguration.”

“Where's Marian?” Garrett's eyes narrowed.

“Safe for the time being. Fenris came to me at the station to let me know what happened and that she needed help. Sebastian and John went with him to where Marian is.”

“How did...what...no, better yet, I don't want to know. The less I know, the more I can claim I had no knowledge of this affair.”

“Good idea.” Aveline agreed with Garrett.

“I hope Marian knows what she is doing.”

“Let's hope so.” Aveline nodded.

6

John and Sebastian knocked at the door to the clinic and was admitted. Anders frowned at the new faces, especially of Sebastian but Sebastian ignored Anders. The children who knew the man, greeted him happily. Marian introduced John to her students, and detailed what happened as Anders had related to her. Then she told them her plan for moving the children to Isabela's ship.

“From there, how are you going to stop the Templars from searching her ship and finding the hold?”

“No port authority has found this hold yet.” Marian told John honestly. He looked at her in disbelief and shook his head.

“Then what is the plan after that?” He asked Marian.

“They won't ever be safe here in the Free Marches from Meredith's grasp.” Marian frowned.

“Is Isabela due to ship out soon?” Sebastian asked Marian.

“Not for a couple of weeks.” Marian replied.

“Maybe she will have to do an emergency humanitarian run. I heard there was an outbreak of cholera in Amaranthine and they are short on vaccines. This is a touchy season to ship out with the sudden squalls.” Sebastian continued to think out loud and then grinned. “But she is the best captain to weather these storms, especially on precious cargo.”

“And have Alistair and perhaps Greagoir meet the ship at their port.” Marian grinned.

“Only thing is, in order to not get suspicion up, Isabela shouldn't ship out for at least three days. It will give her time to get her crew together, the goods on board and make the necessary calls to log her manifest and route.” John pointed out.

“Good point!” Marian smiled.

“We are going to go to Fereldan?” Seth asked as he listened to the adults talk. His face took on a concerned and unhappy look.

“Seth, there isn't much choice or else Meredith will find someway to recapture you. You don't know what she had planned but it is very bad.”

“She wanted her own unit of the Fists of the Maker.” Seth told Marian. “She would go off in one her exalted and paranoid rambles whenever we wouldn't 'cooperate'. That lady is off her rocker.”

“Do you understand why this must not happen?”

“We can tear the Fade open.” Kaylee answered. Marian blinked that someone as young as Kaylee understood the complexities of their specific brand of magic.

“That's right, Kaylee.” Marian said somberly. “Then hell would be on Thedas if that happened.”

“Well, sh-,”

“Language, John!” Marian scolded the detective, in which he rose an eyebrow at her in surprise.

“Anders, do you know of a route to the docks down here?” Sebastian asked the apostate Warden.

“Of course I do. If we do this, we best do this in small groups of maybe three. Templars do know of this place and send patrols down to Darktown looking for malificarum or newly awakened mages.”

“Alright, that's good. We each take a couple of the children and head to the docks. Fenris is there making preparations.” John told the group. “Anders, do you have any change of clothing so we all can blend in better?”

“Yeah.” Anders went off to one cabinet and started to pull out some shirts, hoodies and jackets. He looked through them and eyed what would fit the children and then for the adults.

Everyone dressed, with John situating his gun holster to make it less obvious under the frayed flak jacket Anders handed him. Anders looked at the detective and at Marian, then at Kaylee and Seth. “Got an idea. John, you go with Marian, along with Seth and Kaylee. You can pass for a family and will have an easier time walking around here. I can take three and act as though they are scavengers helping me search out supplies. Sebastian....well, can you look less pretty?”

“Excuse me?” Sebastian looked askance at Anders.

“You make the rags look like it came off a runway.” Anders shrugged.

Sebastian rolled his eyes and then ran his hands through the short curls, mussing them up. Then looking around and just squatting, he rubbed his hands on the ground, picking up dirt, and went to smudging his face with it.

“One more thing...” Marian went up to Sebastian and lifted the collar up of his faded jacket, arranged the shirt to where it hung open, showing the tank top Sebastian wore. Marian dirtied up the pristine shirt and looked at Sebastian's manicured hands with a frown. “Remember your drunken nights?”

“How could I forget.” Sebastian said flatly.

“Scuff up your hands, dear, like you been in one of your fights. The next two oldest will go with you, helping you stumble around, claiming they are taking you somewhere to sleep off the drink.”

Sebastian slowly smiled as he got Marian's idea of his disguise for Darktown life. He looked to Anders and apologized before decking him. Anders rubbed his jaw and then hit Sebastian back. Marian winced but looked at Sebastian's cheek, seeing it bruise immediately.

“One more thing...” Anders reached under a counter and pulled out a flask.

“No, I don't drink anymore.”

“Who says you have to drink? Just spill some on the clothing.”

Sebastian took the flask and spilled the alcohol over his clothing. He brought the flask to his mouth and stopped looking at Marian. As he kept his gaze on Marian, Sebastian took a swing, swished it around his mouth and spat it out. He looked apologetically to Marian.

There came a discreet knock at the door. Anders went to the door and opened it a crack. A woman whispered something to him and disappeared. “Okay, folks, get to the corners and huddle. Thankfully my light is out but we don't need the patrol trying the doors. Marian, can you put a force wall up on the doors?”

“Yes.” Marian moved to Anders side. John was going to take a step forward but Sebastian put a hand out to stop him, shaking his head.

Closing her eyes, Marian opened her mage sense to see the natural energy around them. There was a little draft coming from somewhere. Grabbing onto that draft of air, Marian expanded it, formed the air and increased the density, forming the wall in her minds eye before her. Around her, everyone else felt a tingle and a change of air pressure. Anders watched Marian closely for any signs of tension that would lead to fatigue, his hand glowing blue as he laid it on her elbow, providing a bit of a magical energy boost.

The sound of booted feet outside could be heard, someone barking out orders, the disgruntled shouts and cries of the people outside waiting for the clinic to open. Marian increased the density of the air on the door as the first bit of movement to push the doors open happened. She felt each push and slam against the force wall, shuddering under the strain of holding the wall. Marian felt a small hand in hers and then more force was added quietly and smoothly to not grab the notice of the seeking Templars.

“Get the battering ram!” One of them called. There was a loud running and scuffle, then a loud bang as a thudding of battering ram reverberated through the metal doors. Marian grimaced, sweat beading on her forehead as she held onto the force wall, taking Kaylee's energy and weaving it with hers.

After a dozen more beatings on the door, the Templar shouting orders grunted with disgust. “These are locked tight. Damn rusted piece of shit! No one is here, not anymore.”

Marian listened intently as the booted feet left the area before she released Kaylee's force energy and then unraveled the air she held captive and not cause a backlash on herself. Anders gave Marian a larger shot of mana to help her recover faster but she still stumbled from the magic. “Thank you, both of you.” Exhaustion could be heard in Marian's voice.

John walked up to Marian's side as she took a step and wobbled. He caught her around the waist and looked down on the mage. “So, I guess I can say you fell right into my arms.”

Marian laughed softly. “Funny, John.”

“Are you going to be all right?” Anders asked with concern.

“Yeah.” Marian replied. “Do you have a protein bar?”

Anders smiled and walked over to an old desk and opened a drawer. Taking a couple of foil wrapped bars, he walked over and handed them to Marian. She nodded gratefully and tore one of the bars open and took a bite. When she got back her energy, Marian looked around at the group and sighed. “We better head out. Anders, you go first. We'll look for your markers. Sebastian, you go next and John and I will take the rear.”

The force mages gave Marian a hug and left with their assigned adult. Seth and Kaylee were the last and they looked to John and Marian. John picked up Kaylee, who wrapped her arms around his neck, Seth supported Marian while John laid a hand at the small of her back. They walked out of the clinic and melded into the crowd, looking like a family of refugees who fell on hard times.