Ghost Story

[Marian Hawke]

"They won't," says Emma, quietly, staring through the back of Varric's head. "They won't accuse him of anything until it's proven. But they won't let him go."

[Varric]

Varric stiffens, though he manages to keep it off his face for the most part. Likely well enough to hide it from a simple villiger at least. "Questioning about what? The Rat Avatar?"

[GamesMaster]

"I don't know. He asked me so many questions, they didn't make sense," begins Rhea. 

[Marian Hawke]

"Anything he can use," says Emma softly. "We have to hurry. They'll be done with him by sundown."

[Varric]

"Done with him? He's ten! The one thing he's ever summoned in his life is a mess!"

[Marian Hawke]

"He'll say anything if they push him far enough," replies Emma, too calmly, though Rhea moans. 

[Varric]

Varric slowly turns to face Emma, expression closing off. "Your village's paladin is going to torture a ten year old boy until he falsely confesses, then burn him alive. Is that what I'm hearing?"

[Marian Hawke]

"I don't know," says Emma, sounding frustrated. "I don't know what she said or didn't say. I just know what happened to my sister."

[Varric]

Sister. Sister. "Which was?" Varric asks carefully.

[Marian Hawke]

"They took her early in the morning, and held her all day, and burned her at sunset. So that's how long we have."

[Varric]

Varric nod slowly and starts to turn back to Rhea. Then pauses. "Here?" he asks, voice cautious. "That happened here, in Golden Shores?"

[Marian Hawke]

"I... I don't know." Emma hesitates, chewing her lower lip. "I can't remember."

[GamesMaster]

"What do you mean you don't remember? Who are you?" asks Rhea.

[Varric]

"My apprentice," Varric says without missing a beat. "She's got some memory problems, trauma. Emma, do you remember anything more about what happened with your sister?"

[Marian Hawke]

"They sent me to get her back," she replies, slowly. "I thought there might be a way. What the hell was it," she growls to herself. "Why can't I-- nevermind."