Cracks in the Tower

The next three months passed for Cullen in a blur. After the vigil, he took his vows and together with Thomas and two other Templars was promptly sent to Kinloch Hold, best known as the Circle Tower. Located on Lake Calenhad, and accessed only by its docks, it served as Ferelden's regional Headquarters for the Circle of Magi. It was rare for a newly inducted Templar to be assigned to such a prestigious location, leading Cullen to suspect that his brother-in-law may have played a role in his placement. Despite this, Cullen didn't voice any complaints, as he was eager to serve under the renowned Knight-Commander Greagoir. He was known for his strict but fair leadership and was widely regarded as a model Templar by many in the Order. The opportunity to serve under such a highly respected Knight was something that Cullen was looking forward to.

Thomas's infectious personality made the uneventful journey enjoyable for all. He easily formed a bond with the two other Templars over their shared love of raunchy songs and beer. Initially, Cullen tried to maintain the demeanor befitting of a Knight, but as time went by, he found it increasingly difficult to resist the group's good cheer and lightheartedness. As a result, by the time the party reached the docks at Lake Calenhad, they were calling each other friends.

The arrival of the new Templars had been met with varying reactions from the inhabitants of the Circle Tower. Knight-Commander Greagoir was a commanding figure, standing at an imposing height with broad shoulders and a sturdy build. His hair had begun to grey at the temples, giving away his age which was just shy of his early fifties. Despite his intimidating appearance, he had a warm and inviting demeanor, greeting each new arrival with a firm handshake that conveyed both his strength and his kindness. His smile was genuine, and his eyes lit up as he welcomed them to their new home. Greagoir personally introduced them to their fellow Templars and even took the time to briefly chat with each of them. The warm reception from the Knight-Commander made Cullen feel like he was part of a larger family.

As soon as the meeting with Knight-Commander Greagoir was over, an elderly man distinguished by a long, greying beard and opulent robes approached the group with a practiced smile on his face. Despite the warm expression, his eyes remained cold. Exuding an air of authority, he introduced himself as First Enchanter Irving. The young man noticed that while the First Enchanter stood tall and proud, there was also an aura of caution about him. This gave the Knight reason to suspect that Irving's confident behavior was just a front.

A number of mages stood behind the First Enchanter, some of them regarding the group with interest, others with bored indifference. To Cullen's surprise, he also noticed several looks of fear and bitterness. Two young female apprentices, about his age, were giggling and staring directly at him. The attention made Cullen uncomfortable and he quickly looked away.

Once all the introductions had been made, the group was briefed on their respective duties and then escorted to the Templar quarters on the fourth floor.

Time flew by, and Cullen found himself accustomed to his new life in a Circle Tower. The young man's body adapted to the effects of Lyrium and he no longer experienced dizziness from its intake. Instead, he felt empowered and joyful, the blue substance making his sword lighter, his armor more comfortable, and his purpose clearer. Lyrium had become a source of strength and clarity for him, and he was grateful for its benefits.

Cullen became well-liked by both, his fellow Templars and the mages under his charge. The Templars respected his unwavering dedication and reliability, knowing that he was a trustworthy ally in their duty. Meanwhile, mages appreciated his friendly demeanor and his lenient attitude towards magic. He understood their plight and was willing to listen to their concerns, something that was not always common among the Templars.

Cullen's brother-in-law didn't spend his time in vain either, and before long he was appointed Knight-Lieutenant, the promotion filling him with excitement and pride.

One day, Thomas walked up to Cullen with a wide grin on his face. "Cullen, my boy," he said. "I have some exciting news to share. During my next leave, Mia and I will be trying for a baby!"

Cullen's face turned a deep shade of red, embarrassment creeping over him. He stumbled over his words as he tried to respond. "Uh, T-Thomas, could you not share such personal things with me?"

Thomas let out a hearty laugh, clapping Cullen on the back. "Alright, alright. I understand. But just know, my little Knight, that you'll make a great uncle one day."

Cullen couldn't help but smile at the thought. Despite his initial discomfort, he was overjoyed for Thomas and Mia's future family.

The young Templar was sailing through life in Circle with ease until he started to develop forbidden feelings for one of the mages under his watch, Lea Amell, a woman whose very presence set his heart ablaze. Cullen became consumed by unspoken desires, tormented by infatuation that he deemed unsuitable and unwise, and plagued by a longing he yearned to banish even from the privacy of his own thoughts.

He first met her in the apprentice's quarters, not long after his arrival at Kinloch Hold. Raven-haired, with striking dark eyes and olive skin, she immediately caught his interest. Her robes only emphasized her curves, making it difficult for Cullen to keep his thoughts in check. He tried to distance himself from the mage but somehow ended up seeing her almost every day. The situation turned even more complicated when the young Templar was assigned to assist Lea with her Harrowing. He was the one to strike her down in case she failed, which was a responsibility that weighed heavy on his mind. However, to his relief, Amell passed the test with flying colors.

Lea's Harrowing came and went, but it lingered in Cullen's mind long after it had passed. The proud expression on her face, the defiant gaze she gave him, the tingling of her magic in the air - all of it stayed with Cullen and haunted his dreams. The young Templar arduously prayed to the Maker to rid him of his sinful passion, but despite his best efforts, his yearnings remained. Cullen's only comfort was, that he would never act on his feelings, nor reveal his sin to anyone but the Maker.

Soon after, rumors of the Fifth Blight started to spread through the Tower, causing widespread panic among its residents. The situation became even more dire when Knight-Commander Greagoir received a missive from King Cailan; orders for mages and Templars from Kinloch Hold to participate in a massive assault on the recently spotted horde of darkspawn at Ostagar. After much debate between the Knight-Commander and the First Enchanter, Senior Enchanter Uldred - an outspoken libertarian - was chosen to lead the mages. Officially, he was given the task because of his knowledge of the darkspawn, but many in the Circle Tower suspected that there was more to the decision than just his qualifications. With the blessings from the Sisters of the Circle Chantry, Uldred's team, accompanied by a group of Templars, was promptly dispatched to Ostagar.

Both Cullen and Thomas were deeply disturbed by the news of ever-growing appearances of darkspawn. To ease their fears, they decided to send a raven to their family at Honnleath. Cullen gazed at the bird as it took flight, his thoughts heavy with worry.

"Do you think they are safe?" he asked, his voice trembling with unease.

"I certainly hope so," Thomas answered with a furrowed brow, his usual nonchalant demeanor completely absent.

Days passed and the reply from Mia finally arrived. Cullen tore open the scroll with haste, eager to see what news it held. His eyes scanned the words. A wave of relief washed over him as he read Mia's assurance that all was well.

However, the young Templar still felt uneasy. Rumors of the onset of the Blight continued to spread, and he couldn't help but feel that something terrible was about to happen.

"Thomas," Cullen said, turning to his friend. "I can't help but wonder... what if the Blight is truly coming?"

"I share your fears, my boy," The older man replied in a somber voice. "But whatever comes, know that we will face it together."

Cullen nodded, drawing comfort from his brother-in-law's words. He found himself holding on to his lucky coin, praying to the Maker for guidance and protection, hoping that the rumors about the Blight were just that, rumors.

News of the disastrous defeat at Ostagar reached the Tower a few months later. Despite all odds, Uldred and a handful of Templars had survived the massacre and were on their way back to Kinloch Hold.

The Senior Enchanter returned from Ostagar with the confidence of a seasoned war veteran and even more extreme views than when he had left. His experiences on the battlefield solidified his beliefs, making him even more fervent in his revolutionary ideas. Previously, his ideologies were mostly disregarded by the mages in the Circle, but now, they were starting to listen. His charisma and battle-hardened demeanor made him a natural leader, and his message of change and rebellion began to spread like wildfire. Tired of the rules and regulations imposed upon them by the Templar Order, they were drawn to Uldred's promises of freedom. No longer able to ignore the Senior Enchanter's actions, Irving was forced to publicly challenge his subordinate. Strictly curated by the Knight–Commander and his Templars, an assembly for all the senior enchanters of the Kinloch Hold had been announced.

Cullen was praying in the Circle's Chantry when he received an urgent command from Thomas to reinforce the meeting on the second floor of the tower. The talks weren't going well and the Knight-Commander wanted more Templars on standby. As soon as Cullen stepped onto the floor, he saw First Enchanter Irving. He stood tall and resolute, his gaze fixed on Senior Enchanter Uldred. The tension in the room was palpable, as two powerful mages faced off. Irving's voice was calm and measured, but there was an undercurrent of urgency as he desperately tried to reason with the mage, "The Circle has protected us for centuries, given us purpose, and kept us safe."

Uldred was not swayed. "Safe? Ha!" he sneered. "We are nothing more than prisoners, our every move monitored, our powers controlled." He took a step forward, his eyes blazing with defiance. "I will not stand for it any longer. I demand freedom for all mages, to live as we please and use our magic as we see fit!"

"Don't be ridiculous," Irving insisted, "think of the consequences. The Chantry will never allow it. For Maker's sake, Uldred, your delusions could lead to the Rite of Annulment being invoked upon us!"

But Uldred was undeterred. "Then let them come," he spat. "I am not afraid. Nor should you be." Despite First Enchanter Irving's best efforts, his words of reason fell on deaf ears.

Other mages watched the confrontation with unease, torn between their loyalty to the First Enchanter and their desire for change. With each passing moment, Irving's grip on the situation loosened, his attempts to reason with Uldred becoming more and more desperate.

As the stand-off continued, the atmosphere in the room became even more charged, the magic energy in the room starting to swirl and flicker. Uldred's supporters grew bolder, sensing the increasingly desperate tone in Irving's voice. Cullen gripped the hilt of his sword with determination, ready to draw it at the first order from the Knight-Commander.

Greagoir rose to his feet, his fingers curling around the hilt of his sword as he faced the mage. The room immediately fell silent, the sound of shuffling feet and hushed whispers filling the air. Uldred's stepped away from Irving and turned his gaze to Knight-Commander, his eyes wild with zeal.

"Uldred," Greagoir began, his voice stern, "magic exists to serve man, and never to rule over him."

Uldred's eyes narrowed and he raised his hands, perhaps in preparation to unleash his magic, or perhaps simply in protest. But before the Enchanter could act, Greagoir made the first move. With a swift motion, he unsheathed his sword and summoned the Wrath of Heaven. A bright pillar of light descended from above and slammed into Uldred with a blast of holy energy. Overwhelmed by the powerful blow, the Senior Enchanter fell to the ground with a thud and slipped into unconsciousness.

The mages stared in shock at their fallen comrade, afraid to even give a breath.

Greagoir stood tall, his hand still on the hilt of his sword, his gaze cold and determined.

"Let this be a lesson to all who dare to challenge the authority of the Templar Order," he declared, his voice echoing through the room. "We will not tolerate any form of rebellion or disobedience. The teachings of Andraste will be upheld, at any cost."

He spun on his heel, his stern gaze settling upon the man before him. His voice boomed through the silent chamber, echoing off the stone walls. "Knight-Lieutenant," he declared, "I entrust you to take this rebel, this traitor, to the deepest and darkest cell of our dungeon. Let him rot there, in solitude and despair, until he comes to see the error of his ways."

The Knight-Commander paused, surveying the room filled with mages, their faces contorted with fear. "And to the rest of you," he continued, his voice lowered, but no less menacing," return to your quarters, where you shall remain until summoned. No exceptions."

With a final nod, the Knight-Commander turned and strode from the chamber, his footsteps heavy and purposeful. At his side, Irving fell in step, following him to his private quarters with a concerned face. As the door slammed shut, the remaining mages and Templars were left to ponder the weight of the Knight-Commander's words, wondering what the future would hold for them.