#jadai

To her surprise, several soldiers lined the path from the cabin into the heart of the village. They held their arms up and across their chest in salute. Around them, a crowd of villagers had gathered, each eager to see the woman that had saved their lives. Calliope hesitated uncomfortably. She wasn’t used to so many eyes being on her. She averted her gaze, keeping her eyes on the ground as she quickly moved away from the cabin and towards the Chantry. The soldiers remained in their salute, but around them, people had begun to whisper to one another. “That’s her! That’s the Herald of Andraste.” “They said when she came out of the Fade, Andraste herself was watching over her.” “Why did Lady Cassandra have her in chains? I thought Seekers knew everything.” “It’s complicated. We were all frightened after the explosion at the Conclave “Maker be with you.” “Blessings upon you, Herald of Andraste.” Calliope’s pace quickened, turning left and trotting up the steps. Her eyes moved over the crowd as their whispers continued, each one of them straining to catch a glimpse of their Herald. “She stopped the Breach from getting bigger.” “I thought she was supposed to close it entirely.” “Still, it’s no more than anyone else has done. Demons would have had us otherwise.” “Still a lot of rifts left all over. Little cracks in the sky.” “She can seal those. The Herald of Andraste.” “Walk safely, Herald of Andraste.” She finally reached the Chantry, but to her disdain, several Chantry brothers and sisters stood outside. “Chancellor Roderick says that the Chantry wants nothing to do with us.” “That’s not Chancellor Roderick’s decision, Sister.” “Most of the Grand Clerics died at the Conclave. Who will lead us now?” “Andraste didn’t have Grand Clerics telling her what to do, and she managed nonetheless.” “You expect us to be like Andraste?” “Someone must.” “Go in peace, Herald of Andraste.” “Maker watch over you.” Two soldiers opened the doors, and Calliope quickly stepped inside, eager to be away from the staring eyes and whispers. The doors closed behind her, the sound echoing through the empty hall. She stood alone in the dimly lit hall for a moment, waiting for her racing pulse to slow, then proceeded down the hall, following the sound of muffled voices. She stopped in front of a closed door at the far end of the grand hall and paused to listen. “Have you gone completely mad?” Roderick said. “She should be taken to Val Royeaux immediately, to be tried by whomever becomes Divine.” “I do not believe she is guilty,” Cassandra said. “The elf failed, Seeker. The Breach is still in the sky. For all you know, she intended it this way.” “I do not believe that.” “That is not for you to decide. Your duty is to serve the Chantry.” “My duty is to serve the principles on which the Chantry was founded, Chancellor. As is yours.” Calliope pushed open the door and stepped into the room. Two soldiers stood guard at the door while Roderick, Cassandra, and Leliana stood around a table. They turned their gazes to her when she entered, and Roderick immediately shouted to the guards. “Chain her. I want her prepared for travel to the capital for trial.” “Disregard that and leave us,” Cassandra hissed. The guards saluted Cassandra, then left, the door closing behind them. “You walk a dangerous line, Seeker,” Roderick sneered to her. “The Breach is stable,” Cassandra said. “But it is still a threat. I will not ignore it.” “Looks like I’m still a suspect,” Calliope said in annoyance. “You absolutely are,” Roderick spat. “No, she is not,” Cassandra said sternly. “Someone was behind the explosion at the Conclave,” Leliana started. “Someone Most Holy did not expect. Perhaps they died with the others - or have allies who yet live.” “I am a suspect?” Roderick fumed. “You, and many others.” “But not the prisoner!” “I heard the voices in the temple,” Cassandra said. “The Divine called to her for help.” “So her survival, that thing on her hand - all a coincidence?” “Providence,” Cassandra said. “The Maker sent her to us in our darkest hour. Calliope laughed, drawing their eyes to her. “You realize I’m an elf,” she said. “A Dalish elf.” “I have not forgotten,” Cassandra said. “No matter what you are, or what you believe, you are exactly what we needed when we needed it.” “The Breach remains and your mark is our only hope of closing it,” Leliana agreed. “This is not for you to decide,” Roderick hissed. Cassandra slammed a heavy book down on the table. “You know what this is, Chancellor? A writ from the Divine, granting us authority to act. As of this moment, I declare the Inquisition reborn.” Cassandra stepped around the table, closing in on Roderick, forcing him to step back until he was pressed against the wall. As she spoke, she poked at his chest with a finger. “We will close the Breach,” she continued. “We will find those responsible, and we will restore order with or without your approval.” Roderick’s lips pulled into a snarl, but he did not argue further. He stepped around Cassandra, promptly leaving them alone in the room. “This is the Divine’s directive,” Leliana said. “Rebuild the Inquisition of old. Find those who will stand against the chaos. We aren’t ready. We have no leader, no numbers, and now no Chantry support.” “But we have no choice,” Cassandra said. “We must act now.” She turned to Calliope. “With you at our side.” “What is 'the Inquisition of old,’ exactly?” Calliope asked. “It preceded the Chantry,” Leliana explained. “People who banded together to restore order in a world gone mad.” Cassandra continued. “After, they laid down their banner and formed the Templar Order. But the Templars have lost their way. We need those who can do what must be done united under a single banner once more.” “But aren’t you still part of the Chantry?” Calliope asked. Cassandra snorted. “Is that what you see?” “The Chantry will take time to find a new Divine,” Leliana said. “And then it will wait for her direction.” “But we cannot wait. So many grand clerics died at the conclave… No, we are on our own. Perhaps forever.” “You’re trying to start a holy war,” Calliope said. “We are already at war,” Cassandra reminded her. “You are already involved. Its mark is upon you. As to whether a war is holy… that depends on what we discover.” “And what if I refuse?” Calliope asked. “You can go, if you wish,” Leliana said. “You should know that while some believe you chosen, many still think you guilty,” Cassandra said. “The Inquisition can only protect you if you are with us.” Calliope pressed her lips together. Cassandra had a point, of course. And she still had little memory as to what exactly had happened in the Fade. It seemed if she wanted any answers, she would have to join them. Nevermind the fact that it seemed she was the only one who could close the Breach and save the world. “We can also help you,” Leliana added. “It will not be easy if you stay, but you cannot pretend this has not changed you.” Calliope sighed. “If you are truly trying to restore order…” “That is the plan,” Leliana said. “Help us fix this before it's too late.” Calliope nodded. “Alright,” she agreed. “I will help.” Cassandra nodded once. “Good. Then we will have a lot of work to do. As of today, the Inquisition is officially reinstated.”