As the hands of Lucius and Miriam intertwined, an ethereal surge of veridical fire erupted from the mark upon her palm. The arcane flames roared to life, engulfing the formidable Lord Seeker and sending him hurtling like a rag doll across the vast expanse of the Grand Hall.
Cullen stood motionless, astonishment etched upon his countenance, as he witnessed the unfolding scene. The mage, her body swaying precariously, feebly attempted to articulate her thoughts, "A demon... was attempting to possess me, to break my mi..." Her words faded into the air, disjointed and incomplete, as her consciousness started to slip away, causing her body to slump toward the ground. In a swift motion, Lysette swooped in, catching her under the arms just in the nick of time. Meanwhile, Lucius engulfed in a brilliant blaze of emerald flames, writhed in agony upon the floor, his desperate screams filling the chamber.
"Abomination! You will pay for this," Ser Barris growled, positioning himself to unleash a Wrath of Heaven upon the enchanter. Cullen drew his sword and tried to strike the Templar down. Surprised, but quick to react, Barris parried the first blow, his blade striking the Commander with a resounding clang. They engaged in a frenzied dance of steel, their clashes sending sparks flying in dazzling cascades, a testament to the formidable skill of both combatants.
Meanwhile, the high-ranking Templars sprang into action. One of the Knights swiftly unhooked a horn from his belt, raising it to his lips and blowing a powerful blast that rang through the chaos. The reverberating sound filled the Hall, echoing off the stone walls, ensuring it reached the ears of every Knight within the fortress.
Two Templars were desperately trying to extinguish the flames engulfing their leader, but their endeavors proved futile against the overwhelming intensity of the magical blaze. The remaining Knights at the Grand Hall unleashed their fury upon Cassandra and the few Inquisition soldiers who had accompanied them to Therinfal. The clanging of armor, the grunts of exertion, and the shouts of battle filled the air as the combatants fought with abandon. Despite being engrossed in the battle with Ser Barris, Cullen's peripheral vision caught sight of more Templars storming through the doorway. In that moment it dawned on him that victory was beyond their reach. The bitter irony that he was about to die fighting against the Knights of the Order to protect a mage's life was not lost on him.
Suddenly, a wretched screech, haunting and primordial, pierced through the air halting everyone in their tracks. The source of the sound emerged from the figure of the burning Lord Seeker, whose body exploded in a swirling miasma of darkness, unveiling a grotesque and contorted form of the Envy demon.
All gazes abruptly shifted toward the monstrous entity, momentarily setting aside the ongoing conflict. The creature let out a thunderous roar, its gaping maw revealing a menacing array of razor-sharp teeth. It leaped with astonishing agility, effortlessly scaling the walls with its many long limbs armed with deadly claws. Nestled in a corner under the ceiling, it surrounded itself with a protective barrier, a potent defense far beyond the typical spells employed by lesser demons. The Templars caught in a state of bewilderment shared looks of uncertainty and confusion. Ser Barris, his hands dropping limply to his sides, wore an expression of anguish. His voice, laced with pain, betrayed his realization, "We were led by a demon... Maker protect us all."
A resounding tone, strikingly reminiscent of the Lord Seeker's, echoed through the fortress, forcefully capturing the attention of the Knights. "Heed my command, Knights of the Order!" it thundered. "The mage who falsely claims to be the Herald of Andraste is an abomination responsible for the demise of the Divine and the Breach in the sky. She should be apprehended, and all who dare to stand in your way must be executed".
"The demon seeks to manipulate you! Guard your minds, Templars!" Cullen bellowed with all his might, his shout reverberating through the tumultuous air. As his words resounded, he witnessed a significant number of Knights turning their attention to him, their eyes glowing with an unsettling crimson hue. The sight sent shivers down his spine, for he had witnessed this once before—the haunting recollection of Meredith's deranged gaze flooded his mind. Reasoning with these men would prove futile.
In the heart of the Grand Hall, chaos reigned supreme as the Red Templars unleashed their indiscriminate assault upon both Inquisition members and their fellow Knights. The air was thick with the sound of clashing weapons, anguished cries, and the ominous crackle of red lyrium. Panic and fear gripped the air, threatening to drown out any flicker of hope that remained. It was clear that swift action was needed to unite the surviving Knights and protect their only means to close the Breach—Miriam. "Cassandra, rally our men and form a protective circle around the Herald! We must shield her from this madness." Cullen's voice carried across the chaotic Hall. His attention then shifted to the Knights, who fought disheartened, still grappling with the shock of their leader's true identity. "Templars of the Order, listen to me!" he shouted, trying to break through the maelstrom of battle. "The Envy demon has stolen the identity of the Lord Seeker, and your comrades have fallen victim to the corruption of red lyrium. But you cannot falter! Now is the time to uphold the sacred oath you took and fight against this wickedness." With each impassioned word that left his lips, the Templars found themselves drawn to Cullen's commanding presence, the role of their new leader solidifying before them. Swiftly analyzing the chaotic battlefield, the Commander barked out orders, orchestrating the rearrangement of the Knights to strengthen their defenses. The men, propelled by the confidence instilled in them, adjusted their positions, reinforcing weak points and tightening their formation. With the groundwork laid, Cullen seized the opportunity to lead from the front. He lunged into the heart of the enemy, his sword carving through the sea of red-armored adversaries with a lethal grace. The Templars, invigorated by his boldness, followed suit, their weapons poised to strike. It was a synchronized dance of death, their movements harmonious and precise. The thunderous roars of combat resounded throughout the hall, as two opposing forces collided in a desperate struggle for dominance. However, the unity and determination of the Knights began to turn the tide of the battle, pushing back the relentless onslaught of the Red Templars. And as the last of the corrupted Knights fell, a victorious hush settled over the Grand Hall.
With the immediate danger extinguished, the Knights turned to their new Commander, their eyes filled with expectation. Cullen, his face streaked with sweat and blood, addressed the Knights, his voice steady despite the lingering tension in the air. "To breach the barrier of that monstrous creature, we'll need more lyrium. Where are your supplies?" he inquired, wiping his brow with the back of his hand.
Ser Barris stepped forward, his armor bearing the marks of the recent fight. "All the lyrium in the fortress is under the exclusive control of Knight-Commander Samson."
"Samson? Raleigh Samson?" the Commander asked incredulously, this couldn't possibly be, but he had to make sure.
Barris nodded, his expression mirroring the surprise he felt. "Yes, you know him?"
"We served together in Kirkwall for a time," Cullen recounted, his voice tinged with concern. "The last I saw him, he was a mere shadow of his former self, completely succumbing to the ravages of lyrium withdrawal. How could he have been reinstated in the Order, let alone granted such a high rank?"
Barris let out a heavy sigh, weariness evident in his voice and expression. " All I know is that he seemed to be an ordinary man, although his passion for the independence of the Order was a little overbearing. Lord Seeker Lucius convinced us that the red lyrium Samson presented would grant us liberation from the Chantry's control. While this promise was alluring, thankfully not everyone was quick to embrace it, myself included." He paused momentarily as if trying to collect his thoughts, then cast a furious glance towards the monstrous being trapped within the barrier. "But now I see it for what it truly was—a deceptive trap to corrupt the Templars."
Cullen's determination deepened. "Where is Samson now? Should we search for him among the fallen?" he asked, his eyes scanning the hall strewn with lifeless bodies.
"No," Barris responded, his tone somber. "He departed shortly after we received news of the Herald's arrival."
Cullen's suspicions only grew, but he knew the immediate priority was defeating the Envy demon. "As much as this situation raises questions, we must focus on the task at hand," he said, turning to the Seeker, "Lady Cassandra, I will accompany Ser Barris and a group of Knights to retrieve the lyrium supplies from Commander Samson's quarters."
The Right Hand nodded solemnly. "We will await your return here."
As Cullen turned on his heels, he caught the urgent call of Lysette, "Commander, the Herald has regained consciousness. She wishes to see you."
Striding purposefully towards the cluster of Inquisition soldiers encircling the awakening Miriam, Cullen's gaze fell upon her, cradled in Lysette's embrace. The Herald seemed disoriented, her eyes darting erratically, searching for something beyond the immediate reality. Her hands reached out, and the green mark on her palm pulsed with a radiant emerald light, its luminous tendrils spreading up her arm like a network of roots.
"Cullen, is it truly you?" Miriam pleaded, her voice quivering. "I need to be certain."
The Commander exchanged a concerned glance with Lysette, "She is unwell. The mark is acting up again. We must send for Solas as soon as possible. Meanwhile, do your best to soothe her," he instructed Lysette with a firm yet compassionate tone.
"Yes, Commander," the Templar affirmed, her determination clear in her response.
"No, please don't leave me!" the mage implored frantically, tears streaming down her face. She attempted to rise, but Lysette gently restrained her.
Aware of the impact the Herald's distress could have on the troops' morale, Cullen's brows knitted in concern. The Herald of Andraste, a symbol of hope for so many, should not be seen in such a weakened state. Gathering his resolve, he knelt by Miriam's side, carefully clasping her scarred hand in his own. Speaking in hushed tones to ensure their privacy, he softened his voice. "Take heart, Herald. We need your strength now more than ever, for the sake of our people." Despite his attempt to provide comfort, his words may have sounded graver than intended, causing a flicker of regret to pass through him. He knew firsthand the torment of having a demon infiltrate one's mind. Yet, his intent seemed to be received, as Miriam's gaze steadied, her grip on his hand tightening briefly.
"I will," she murmured, determination resurfacing. "I promised you that I would be brave." Her head sagged, wearied by the ordeal.
Cullen's gaze fixed on the woman, a sense of bewilderment gripping his thoughts. Such a promise had never escaped her lips before. However, it was obvious that she was in a delirious state, so there was no point in dwelling on her words. He smiled reassuringly and slowly rose to his feet. Turning to Lysette, he directed, "Keep watch over her, and inform me immediately of any changes."
The Templar nodded in acknowledgment, her concern for the Herald mirroring his own.
With the plan in place, Cullen led Barris and a few loyal Knights on their mission, determination and unease intertwined in his heart. The threat of the Envy demon loomed large, but the disturbing revelations regarding Samson and his plan to corrupt the Templars with the red lyrium hinted at a web of darkness and betrayal that the Inquisition would have to unravel once this immediate crisis was dealt with.
Through the devastated corridors of Therinfal Redoubt, the group marched in solemn silence. The aftermath of the brutal battle was evident all around them—twisted bodies of Red Templars and fallen Knights bore witness to the violent clash that had taken place within these walls. The dissonant hum of red lyrium filled the air, its insidious melody seeping into Cullen's mind, intertwining with his thoughts like a malevolent specter. His grip tightened around the hilt of his sword as a surge of revulsion washed over him. How far had the once noble Templar Order fallen? He had believed that the rebel Templars at the Crossroads was a harrowing sign of their decline, but today's horrors surpassed even that grim benchmark. Cullen couldn't help but feel a sense of relief that he had distanced himself from the organization, though he also felt a tinge of guilt. It was as though he had abandoned the Order when it needed aid the most. Yet, he quickly dismissed the notion. He had given his all in service, sacrificing everything he had to offer, and the Maker knew it.
Barris raised his hand, signaling the group to halt, and pointed toward a formidable door ahead. "That's Commander Samson's chambers."
Cullen's jaw clenched. "Let's uncover what this man was up to," he said grimly. He summoned Knights equipped with heavy axes and instructed them to concentrate their blows on the area around the hinges of the door. With each powerful strike, the hinges weakened under the onslaught. Finally, two resolute Templars threw their weight against the door, breaking through with a thunderous crash. As the dust settled, the group stepped into the commander's private domain, unsure of what they might uncover. The room bore the tainted signs of red lyrium corruption, its influence evident in every corner. Cullen's gaze swept across the chamber, searching for any clues that might shed light on Samson's agenda. The chamber lay in disarray, its furniture overturned, and countless papers scattered haphazardly across the floor. At the center of the chaos stood a brazier, and beside it, a figure draped in robes, methodically feeding piles of documents and scrolls into the voracious flames.
"Stop at once!" Cullen's command echoed through the room as he swiftly moved towards the man, using his shield to slam into him with force. The robed figure offered no resistance, crumpling to the ground like an empty sack, eyes devoid of emotion as they locked onto his. Recognition dawned upon the Commander like a chilling revelation. "Maddox..."
"Yes, Knight-Commander Cullen," came the response from the Tranquil, his voice void of any inflection. "It's good to see you are in good health. If you don't mind, I would like to continue with my assigned task."
"What task?" Cullen inquired, extending a hand to assist Maddox in getting up from the floor. The Tranquil accepted the offer with quiet compliance, his countenance still void of any emotion.
"I am afraid I am not allowed to share it. Commander Samson was very particular about this," the man replied, shrugging with an unsettling detachment.
Barris stepped forward, his anger boiling to the surface as he grabbed hold of Maddox's robes. "You bastards are responsible for all of this!"
Cullen intervened, firmly grasping Barris hand to halt his aggression. "Let him go, Knight. He is a Tranquil, a victim of circumstance who was merely following orders."
Reluctantly, Barris released his grip, though the frustration still etched on his face. "I know he is Tranquil, but he came to the Therinfal with Samson. He was the one preparing red lyrium for the Knights," the Templar growled, his eyes never leaving the robed man. "It's hard not to feel resentful, knowing the role he played."
Cullen sighed, understanding the complexity of the situation. "We will find the truth and bring justice to those responsible," he declared, his voice resolute. "But for now, let's focus on the task at hand. We must continue our search for lyrium and deal with the Envy demon before it wreaks more havoc."
After giving him a hard look, Barris took a step away from the man.
Meanwhile, Maddox straightened his robe and began collecting the scattered documents from the floor. Cullen approached him with a gentle demeanor, carefully removing the papers from his hands. "You are now relieved from your duties here. From this moment onward, you are a member of the Inquisition," he announced.
Maddox looked up, "On whose orders, Knight-Commander?" he inquired, seeking clarity.
Cullen took a moment to consider his response before answering confidently, "On the orders of The Right Hand of the Divine, the Seeker of Truth, Cassandra Pentaghast."
Unfazed, the man questioned further, "Do you have proof of such orders?"
The Commander's eyes brightened as he replied, "I don't have the proof on me, but she is here in the fortress. Come with us, and she will confirm this."
"As you wish, Commander," Maddox agreed calmly. "However, know that if Lady Seeker does not confirm your words, I will return to the duties assigned to me by Commander Samson."
"Understood," Cullen replied, acknowledging the stakes. With their priorities set, he turned to the Knights, issuing a directive. "Let's find any untainted lyrium and leave this place as swiftly as possible."
The group scoured the area in a hurried search until they discovered two crates brimming with blue lyrium potions. Cullen hoped that this newfound resource would prove sufficient to face the demon. Putting out the brazier, the Commander collected any remaining documents that could be of importance. After that, with Maddox in tow, they made their way back to the Grand Hall, where the rest of the Inquisition forces awaited their return.
As they crossed the threshold into the chamber, the Envy demon perched menacingly on the ceiling, taunting them with unabashed confidence. Its vile words were bolstered by the formidable protective barrier encompassing it. "The Elder One shall deliver me! Your false Herald will crumble before us!" it spat with malevolence.
Cullen's visage contorted with disdain as he confronted the monstrous being. "We shall see," he countered resolutely. Leading Maddox forward, he approached Cassandra, silently conveying the man's significance. "Lady Seeker," he addressed her, "as you requested, I present Tranquil Maddox for service to the Inquisition."
Cassandra raised an eyebrow but played along with the pretense. "Well done, Commander," she acknowledged before shifting her focus to the Tranquil. "As the Right Hand of the Divine and the Seeker of Truth, I conscript you into the ranks of the Inquisition."
Maddox paused for a moment, his eyes briefly appraising the Seeker's insignia adorning Cassandra's armor, as if to authenticate its authority. Then, he met her gaze with composure. "Lady Seeker, as you outrank Commander Samson, I shall heed your orders, whatever they may entail."
Cullen leaned in closer, whispering to the woman "Keep a watchful eye on him. He is a valuable witness, but some of the Knights may want him dead."
Cassandra nodded in understanding and led Maddox to stand within the protective circle of Inquisition men who diligently guarded the delirious Herald.
With preparations brought to completion, the time had arrived to confront the creature. Cullen turned towards the Templars, his voice resonating with authority. "Knights, make ready for the assault. Take lyrium and form yourselves into two steadfast ranks." The Templars hastily consumed the potions, and with disciplined precision, they arranged themselves in the prescribed formation. Clad in their armor, which now gleamed with an ethereal azure aura bestowed by the lyrium, they stood prepared for the impending ordeal. The familiar enchanting melody began to reverberate in Cullen's mind, the temptation to also partake in the lyrium power gnawing at his resolve. Beads of perspiration trickled down his forehead, and his hands trembled in a struggle for self-mastery. Summoning all his inner strength, he steadied his nerves and commanded the Templars to unleash a barrage of Spell Purges upon the Envy barrier. The protective veil quivered and trembled, straining under the relentless assault of the Knights, yet stubbornly held its ground. The Templars, with sheer determination, pooled their strength to maintain the focus, but it was evident that more power was needed to breach the demon's formidable defenses. They were the last knights left in the fortress, however, and there was no one else to rely on. Yet they pressed on, undeterred.
"You will never reach me, you pathetic fools," the demon's laughter resounded through the chamber, its malevolent voice taunting the Knights.
"Go to the Void creature!" Cassandra shouted with a resolute spirit. Calling upon her own powers to aid the cause, the Seeker stepped forward with confidence. Like the last straw that broke the camel's back, her formidable Spell Purge burst through the barrier and with a thunderous explosion, the protective layer shattered into countless iridescent shards that scattered like stardust in the air. The once-impenetrable barrier was no more, and the Envy demon was finally exposed before the gathered forces.
At Cullen's command, the second rank of Templars advanced with their blades glowing as they summoned the mighty Wrath of Heaven. Divine energies crackled around them, manifesting with electrifying potency. However, before their power could find its mark, the wily demon had already vanished, slipping effortlessly into the Fade.
The Commander's mind raced, his heart pounding as he desperately surveyed the surroundings, trying to anticipate Envy's next move. "Beware, it's beneath us!" Cassandra's urgent voice reached his ears, but the warning came a fraction of a second too late. With a deadly swiftness, the demon burst forth from the floor, its monstrous limb, a grotesque fusion of claw and sinew, striking out with terrifying speed. The formidable appendage tore through the air, rending the armor of a nearby Templar as if it were mere cloth. The unfortunate Knight's body was flung with brutal force toward Cassandra, who had no time to evade the unexpected projectile. The impact sent her hurtling several meters across the chamber, her form colliding forcefully with a marble pillar. The column trembled under the impact, threatening to give way, but it held, leaving Cassandra sprawled and dazed in the rubble. Cullen's concern for his fellow warrior surged, but there was no time to tend to her now. He rushed at the monster with lightning speed, his sword raised high as he delivered blow after blow, engaging in a fierce and unyielding duel with the malevolent creature. The demon struck back with a vengeance, its clawed limb reaching out with deadly precision. Cullen managed to raise his shield just in time to protect himself, but the force of the attack was overwhelming. The impact sent tremors through his arm, leaving a brief opening in his defense. Seizing the opportunity, the demon's claws tore through his armor like paper, inflicting a deep, searing gash along his forearm. Pain exploded through his body, but fueled by adrenaline and sheer determination, Cullen remained on his feet. Warm blood trickled down his arm, staining his gauntlet and the floor beneath him. He pushed aside the agony, refusing to let the injury hinder his resolve. Engaged with the Commander, Envy remained in one spot long enough for the Templars to strike back. Brilliant pillars of blinding light enveloped the demonic entity, but the creature was cunning, disappearing with a swift movement, only to reappear on the opposite side of the Hall. It seemed to relish toying with its foes, striking with ferocity and then vanishing before they could mount a counterattack. Cassandra, undeterred by her injuries, rose to her feet, blood dripping from a wound on her head. Her eyes blazed with anger and purpose as she glared at the elusive creature. "Enough of this cowardice!" she thundered, her voice echoing through the chamber. "Face us, demon!"
The monster responded with another eerie laugh, its eyes glowing with intelligence, seemingly amused by the mortals who dared challenge it. In a blur of motion, it reappeared behind a group of Inquisition soldiers guarding the Herald, slashing through their ranks with ruthless precision. Only a few valiant souls remained standing, among them Lysette, who fought fiercely to defend both Maddox and Miriam. Cullen's protective instincts kicked in, and he moved swiftly to intercept the demon's next strike. Sword clashed with claws, sending sparks flying as the Commander engaged in a deadly dance with the creature. His determination was unwavering, but the pain in his arm made each swing more arduous than the last. As the other Knights rallied to Cullen's side, forming a protective line around the Herald, Cassandra's eyes blazed with a radiant intensity. She drew upon her formidable Seeker abilities, channeling the power of Silence. Brilliant light swirled around her hands, suffusing the entire Grand Hall with divine energy. The potent aura disrupted the demon's ability to slip into the Fade, denying it the advantage of its elusive movements.
The adrenaline that had fueled Cullen's body began to wane. He took a deep, ragged breath, trying to steady himself, but it only served to remind him of the searing pain in his injured arm. A cold, detached realization washed over him - he couldn't maintain this relentless battle much longer. The Commander glanced at Cassandra, who remained deeply focused, maintaining the Silence that held the demon in check. He summoned every ounce of strength and skill he still possessed and pushed forward with a ferocious strike, catching the demon off guard. His blade sliced through the creature's side, causing it to roar in pain and frustration. The monster, enraged by his bold attack retaliated with a devastating blow. The force of the strike sent Cullen crashing to the ground, his vision swimming with pain. As he fought to remain conscious, he witnessed Barris rallying the Templars, positioning them for another collective Wrath of Heaven. This was the opportunity they had been waiting for—the moment to strike decisively. With a resounding battle cry, Ser Barris led the charge, and the Knights launched a coordinated assault on the now-vulnerable demon. Cullen could feel the intense heat of the searing light that engulfed the malevolent creature. Envy's form flickered and wavered, its ear-piercing shrieks transforming into desperate howls of agony as he slowly disintegrated into a swirling vortex of ash. With each passing moment, the whirlpool slowed down until it dissipated completely, leaving nothing but a faint smell of sulfur in the air.
The Grand Hall fell silent, the air heavy with both exhaustion and triumph. Cullen lay upon the harsh and frigid floor, his breath uneven and labored, crimson lifeblood flowing ceaselessly from his wound. Yet, amidst the throes of pain and struggle, a broad grin etched itself upon his pallid face. A profound sense of contentment enveloped his weary soul. Today, even without the lyrium and its powers, he had helped to achieve something of great significance. The taste of victory lingered on his tongue, like a heady wine savored after years of abstinence. And so, he closed his eyes and allowed himself to bask in the glow of his hard-won victory. As his consciousness started to fade, the cold floor beneath him seemed to transform into a cradle of comfort, lulling him into a peaceful state. The world around him blurred, and he felt himself being gently carried away into a realm of tranquility.