The door glows green and opens with a groan on its own accord. Entering the room, we find Alexius staring into the fire, his back to us. He still wears his robes, even after a year. He doesn't turn around, though a small twitch in his shoulders tells me he knows we're here. A man is crouched beside the Magister, shaking and watching the room with deranged eyes.
Cassandra and Varric stay a few steps behind Dorian and I.
"Look at what you've done, Alexius," I say. "All this suffering, and for what?" I try not to let my voice shake too much.
"For my country, for my son…" he takes a shuddering breath. "But it means nothing now. I knew you would appear again." His head turns slightly. "Not that it would be now. But I knew I hadn't destroyed you. My final failure." His voice is quiet, sad even.
"Was it worth it?" asks Dorian, his voice matching the Magister's. "Everything you did to the world? To yourself?"
"It doesn't matter now. All we can do is wait for the end." He's admitted defeat. His slack shoulders, his bowed head… after everything he did, he's admitting defeat.
"What do you mean?" I yell. "What's ending?"
The Magister lets out a laugh, "The irony that you should appear now, of all possibilities. All that I fought for, all that I betrayed and what have I wrought? Ruin and death, there is nothing else. The Elder One comes for me, for you, for all of us."
I swallow, but a cry of alarm stops my response.
Leliana grabs Felix in a hold, a knife to his throat.
Alexius turns and gasps in shock, "Felix!"
"That's Felix?" asks Dorian. Even I'm shocked. I thought it was one of Alexius' experiments. "Maker's breath, Alexius, what have you done?"
"He would have died," hisses Alexius. "I saved him. Please, don't hurt my son. I'll do anything you ask."
An idea flashes in my mind, "Hand over the amulet and we let him go."
"Let him go and I swear you'll get what you want," Alexius' voice is pained.
Leliana glares at him, "I want the world back." And with a flick of her wrist, she slits Felix's throat, blood spurting from the wound. Felix's body falls to the ground, a pool of blood around him.
"No," gasps Alexius. He looks at Leliana, his face contorting in anger, "NO!" He lunges for Leliana, slamming his staff down and causing a small shock wave to knock her back.
Well there goes our chance of bargaining with him.
I rush at Alexius, swords in hands. Swiping low, I try cutting at his legs, but he hits me with his staff and I fly to the floor. Cassandra jumps in front of me, shield up and reflecting one of Alexius's fireballs.
In a flash Alexius disappears and pops back up a few metres away. Dorian sends a swirl of coldness towards Alexius, causing the Magister to slow down.
A bolt pierces through Alexius' staff—a move that stopped the bolt from going through his stomach.
So the Magister is a lot faster than he looks.
Leliana is back on her feet, sending arrows towards the Magister, but he keeps a barrier up.
He laughs manically, "You can't defeat me!"
I throw everything I have at him, trying to wound him, but he deflects my attacks. I spin just in time to see his staff smack into my face.
I reel back, stars dancing in my vision. I can feel blood dripping from my nose. Tears well up in my eyes, making my vision blurred. So I don't see the next attack. Red hot flames engulf my arm and I let out a scream.
"Lydia!" yells Dorian. He flicks his staff, sending a cloud of frost towards me. The frost extinguishes the flames, leaving my arm smoking. The armour took the brunt of the damage, its scaled plates now melted.
I manage a thank you, watching as Cassandra and Varric work together, one distracting Alexius, the other attacking.
I grit my teeth, swallowing back the pained screamed rising in the throat. Clutching my swords I rush towards Alexius again.
Varric and Leliana release a volley of arrows which is deflected by Alexius, but Cassandra and I get past his defenses. We swing low, my sword cutting his leg, while Cassandra slams her shield into his knee. The Magister falls to the ground, a grunt of pain escaping his lips.
Dorian sends a bolt of ice through the Magister's stomach.
His face is frozen in shock, a tear running down his cheek and his eyes are on Felix's body. Cassandra drives her sword into Alexius' back, the final blow.
We're silent for a few seconds before Dorian crouches down next to the Magister's body, "He wanted to die, didn't he? All those lies he told himself, the justifications…"
I place a hand on Dorian's shoulder as he grabs the amulet.
"He lost Felix long ago and didn't even notice. Oh, Alexius…" He stands.
"I'm sorry Dorian… this must be hard for you. Alexius was too far gone, but maybe the Alexius in our time might still be reasoned with."
"I supposed that's true. This is the same amulet he used before. I think it's the same one we made in Minrathous. That's a relief. Give me an hour to work out the spell he used and I should be able to reopen the Rift."
"An hour?" snaps Leliana. "That's impossible. You must go now!"
The ground begins the rumble and a screech fills the air, turning my blood cold. Dust and small pieces of stone fall from the ceiling.
"The Elder One," says Leliana.
"That's how they won…" mumbles Varric. He turns to Cassandra, giving her a nod and a flicker of fear crosses his face. Cassandra returns the nod, her red eyes teary.
"We'll hold them off for as long as possible, Stumbles," says Varric.
I blink in shock, "No! I won't let you commit suicide."
"Look at us. We're already dead. The only way we live is if this day never comes," says Leliana, voice firm.
"No…" I whisper.
"Be sure to write a heroic scene for us," says Varric as they turn towards the door.
"Cast your spell," says Leliana. "You have as much time as I have arrows."
Dorian moves towards the stairs and I watch the three of them leave, my heart breaking.
The doors shut behind Cassandra and Varric, leaving Leliana as our last line of defense.
Dorian sets about fiddling with the amulet and I keep my eyes on the door. Varric and Cassandra are going to die… I can't let them.
Blinking back tears, I watch as Dorian levitates the amulet, green light shining from it. He gives me a quick pat on the arm.
Then the shouts come. I can hear fighting behind those doors, the clang of steel, the bashing of shields. And I wish I was there with them, helping them.
The doors rumble, dust shifting.
Leliana nocks an arrow, "Though the darkness closes, I am shielded by flame."
The stone doors burst open, Cassandra hitting the floor, a sword through her chest. I scream and I see Varric turn, horror etched into his face as he sees Cassandra's body. Then an arrow flies into his throat.
"Andraste guide me. Maker, take me to your side." She fires an arrow as demons rush into the room, Venatori behind them. She fires arrow after arrow, hitting the Venatori.
I watch, tears threatening to spill over. After everything they've done to her, she still fights.
An arrow slams into Leliana's chest and she screams.
I take a step forward, but Dorian grabs my hand, "You move, and we all die." But my heart and brain have conflicting views. I'm torn.
Leliana continues to fight, even with the arrow wound.
Something flashes behind me and I turn to see the amulet open a Rift, Dorian continues the keep it open, powering it up.
A screech echoes through the room and I snap back to Leliana, just as she's grabbed by a Venatori. He holds her in place and our eyes meet. She keeps them on me as a Venatori plunges a dagger into her heart.
Then the whole world turns black.
I step from the Rift, light headed. But Alexius steps away from us, holding his hands out in front of him. I quickly wipe the tears from my eyes.
"You'll have to do better than that," says Dorian.
The Magister falls to his knees.
I stand over him, mustering my courage, "Put aside all claim to Redcliffe and we let you live."
"You won," he admits. "There is no point extending this charade. "Felix…"
His son bends down, a small smile on his face, "It's going to be alright, father."
"You'll die."
"Everyone dies."
Alexius doesn't respond. He's too heartbroken. And for a second I actually feel sorry for him, but it disappears quickly.
Inquisition agents hurl the Magister to his feet, escorting him and his son away.
"Well," says Dorian. "I'm glad that's over with."
Footsteps thunder through the hall, soldiers marching in two straight lines, armour glinting in the fire light. They stop and stand still.
"Or not."
"Grand Enchanter," comes a voice. A man steps forward, blonde hair swept back, a strong jawline and dark eyes. He wears formal clothes and with a start, I realise it's King Alistair. But where is his Queen? "Imagine how surprised I was when I heard you gave away Redcliffe castle to a Tevinter Magister."
Fiona scuttles forward, "King Alistair."
"Especially since I'm fairly sure Redcliffe belongs to Arl Teagon."
"Your Majesty, we never intended—"
"I know what you intended. I wanted to help you, but you've made it impossible." He shakes his head. "You and your followers are no longer welcome in Fereldan."
Fiona frowns, "But we have hundreds who need protection. Where would we go?"
I step forward, "The Inquisition might be willing to take in the mages."
"And what are the terms of this arrangement?"
"Hopefully better than what Alexius gave you. The Inquisition is better than that, yes?"
"I suggest conscripting them," comes Cassandra's voice. And it's normal… not the one she had in the future. I glance at her, glad to have her back to normal. Just not so gland of her blunt ways. "They've proven what they'll do, given too much freedom."
"I've known a lot of mages," says Varric. "They can be loyal friends if you let them. Friends who make bad decisions, but still loyal."
"It seems we have little choice but to accept whatever you offer."
I wet my lips, glancing at Varric than to Cassandra. Looking at Fiona, I nod, "We would be honoured to have you fight as allies at the Inquisition's side."
"We'll discuss this, later," says Cassandra.
"I pray that the rest of the Inquisition honours your promise, then."
I sigh, "The Breach threatens all of Thedas. We cannot afford to be divided now. We can't fight this without you. Any chance of success requires your full support."
"I'd take that offer if I were you," says the King. "One way or another, you are leaving my kingdom."
Fiona bows then looks at me, "We accept. It would be madness not to. I will gather my people and ready them for the journey to Haven. The Breach will be closed. You will not regret giving us this chance."
+++
"It's not a matter of debate. There will be abominations among the mages, and we must be prepared," says Cullen.
After securing the mage's help, we rode back to Haven, mostly in silence. I didn't want to talk about what happened in the future and neither did Dorian. But Cassandra kept looking at me like she wanted to say something, but kept her mouth shut.
"If we rescind the offer of an alliance, it makes the Inquisition appear incompetent at best, tyrannical at worst," argues Josephine.
I push myself up from the chair I sit in and move slowly over to the advisors. None of them seem too happy with me at the moment.
Cullen looks at me, "What were you thinking, turning mages loose with no oversight? The Veil is torn open."
I glare back, "We need them to close the Breach. Isn't that why we went to them in the first place? It's not going to work if we make enemies of them. Not all mages are bad. Not all of them will succumb to possession."
"I know we need them for the Breach, but they could do as much damage as the demons themselves."
"Well if you don't like my decisions, why don't you make them yourself?" I snap.
That shuts him up. He blinks and looks down at his boots.
I clench my fist, angry at myself for my outburst.
"Enough," says Cassandra. "None of you were there. We cannot afford to second-guess our people." She glances at Cullen then to me. "The sole point of the Herald's mission was to gain the mages' aid, and that was accomplished. And while I may not completely agree with the decision, I support it."
Dorian steps forward, "The voice of pragmatism speaks! And here I was just starting to enjoy the circular arguments." He leans against a wooden pillar.
Cassandra turns, "Closing the Breach is all that matters.
"The longer the Breach is open, the more damage it does. We should head there as soon as possible," I say.
"Agreed," nods Josephine.
"We should look into the things you saw in this 'dark future'. The assassination of Empress Celene? A demon army?"
I had told them briefly when we got back to Haven about the future, but nothing about the torture the three had to endure.
"Sounds like something a Tevinter cult might do. Orlais falls, the Imperium rises. Chaos for everyone!"
"One battle at a time," says Cullen. "It's going to take time to organize our troops and the mage recruits. Let's take this to the war room." He looks at me, "Join us. None of this means anything without your mark, after all."
I tear my eyes from his, "Thank you. I'd be honoured to help with the plan." It comes out as a mumble.
"I'll skip the war council, but I would like to see the breach up close, if you don't mind," says Dorian.
I look up, "Then you'll stay?"
"Oh, didn't I mention? The south is so charming and rustic. I adore it to little pieces
I grin spreads across my lips, "There's no one I'd rather be stranded in time with, future or present."
Dorian grins, "Excellent choice. And excellently said. But let's not get 'stranded' again anytime soon, yes?"
"Agreed."
"I'll begin preparations to march on the summit. Maker willing, the mages will be enough to grant us victory."
"They will," I mutter and I see Dorian give me a nod.
We are dismissed and I storm back towards my house. I want nothing more than the sleep in my bed, warm covers and in the comfort of an actual mattress.
Footsteps rush up behind me and I turn to see Dorian.
He nods, "I just wanted to see how you are feeling. Travelling through time can be quite taxing."
I smile, "I'm fine. Just need a few drinks."
He nods, "And when I was working on the amulet, were you crying?"
I look away, "My friends had just died in front of me."
"You don't wish to speak about this to them, do you?"
"Maybe in time. But for now, Varric and Cassandra certainly don't need to know they were tortured as well as subjected to red Lyrium."
He nods, "I respect that. I will leave you be."
The mage peels away and I'm walking by myself again. Sighing, I try not to think about the consequences of allying with the mages.