Chapter Four

"Another round, please, my dear lady."

The flush on Vehiron's cheek was becoming more prominent, yet he kept himself composed. Solas watched him carefully as he leisurely sipped his own drink.

The elves had reached Kassel close to sundown, and by the time they had tethered their horses, most of the merchants had closed for the evening. Vehiron insisted on sleeping in a real bed and Solas wasn't about to argue. Even he could use a comfortable, sand free sleep for the night.

So they had purchased two rooms at a small tavern and now sat amongst other patrons. It made Solas slightly uncomfortable, given how eventful his last meal had been at a place exactly like this one; but Mythal had been quiet for most of their journey. He wondered if such visits they had in the Fade sapped her of her energy? He hadn't thought to ask her the last time they spoke, so he made a note to ask her next time.

Vehiron took another gulp of his glass, finishing the ale that was inside. "So, how long do you think it will take to travel to Tallo's Eye? It must be at least 300 miles north of here."

Solas swallowed his bite of food. "If we don't run into anything to slow us down, maybe two weeks of travel. We will need to go easy on our horses, and let them rest midday, when the sun is at its highest. It will be too hot for them to travel at that time. We will also need to watch out for sandstorms. The Anderfels' winters are plagued by them."

Vehiron nodded behind Solas. "And how long before we get rid of them?"

Solas was aware of who Vehiron was referring to without turning around. Since they had arrived in the city, Solas felt the sensation of being watched. Both elves had kept a keen eye out in the crowds as they moved, Vehiron keeping a hand on his small daggers at all times, ready to throw at a moment's notice. Other than a few shifting shadows, however, their stalkers had remained undetected.

Until now, that is.

"Perhaps they will think to take advantage of you in your drunken state. Sleep with one eye open tonight, Vehiron." Solas said, keeping their cloaked figures in his peripherals as best he could.

The blond elf grinned as he continued to drink his ale. "Oh, Solas, I have no intention of sleeping at all tonight. Or, have you not noticed the lovelies in the corner trying to get my attention?"

This time, Solas did turn to follow Vehiron's gaze. In the opposite corner of their mysterious friends sat two elven women. Both young, both drinking, and both eyeing his friend seductively, smiling and giggling as he returned their flirtatious glances.

Vehiron smirked back at Solas, resting his head in his armored hand. "One for each of us, if you'd like?"

Solas shook his head. "That's not really my type of-"

"Oh come on!" Vehiron slapped the table loudly, making the crowd around them jump in their seats. Cleary, he had drunk enough to have his motor skills slightly affected. He kept his heavy lidded gaze on Solas, his eyes focusing as best as they could. "Have you been celibate ever since you woke up, Dread Wolf?"

Solas said nothing.

Vehiron's jaw dropped. "Gods, are you serious? Solas, friend, please, let me fix what is clearly ailing and frustrating you! I can share! I'm very good at sharing my toys."

Solas grimaced. "That, Vehiron, is exactly why I won't let you 'help me' in that sense. I've no desire to be robbed in the night, or given any number of diseases your companions may carry."

"That's why magic exists!" Vehiron challenged, laughing.

"I don't think you quite grasp the true uses for magic."

"Ah, suit yourself." Vehiron quickly downed his new glass of ale and belched under his breath. He then stood his balance slightly off, making his grab the back of his chair for support. He walked by Solas and clapped him on the shoulder, grinning. "You'd probably forget what to do with a woman, anyhow. No offense."

"None taken."

"See you in the morning."

Solas grinned. "Hopefully they don't extend the same offer. We need to leave as early as possible tomorrow. I'll meet you in the market at sun up."

Vehiron nodded, and Solas watched him sway his now clumsy body over to the elves. Solas shook his head and sat in silence, drowning out the noise of the tavern around him.

'That boy is going to get you into trouble.' Mythal warned.

"Ah, finally speaking with me again, I see," Solas whispered.

'I must when I feel that our safety is compromised. That boy is going to cost you.'

"He is stupid and foolhardy," Solas agreed. "But only with women. His training with the Antivan Crows has made him wise in the art of killing and the Game. I trust him, Mythal. I might not always like him, but he has earned my trust." He glanced over his shoulder to see Vehiron sitting with the two elven women; one had his mouth occupied while the other was running her hands over his leather chest piece. Solas rolled his eyes. He glanced again into the opposite corner of the room and noticed that the two cloaked figures had left. Solas wanted to believe it was just his imagination; that they weren't really being followed. But Vehiron felt it too. Solas thought again of the note left on Adrianna's body.

'The south wind blows north…'

He was surprised by Spymaster Leliana's ability to place her network this far north. He assumed he would be out of the Inquisition's reach as soon as he left Orlais. Hell, as soon as the Breach was closed, he had left immediately, not bothering to stay for any questions or celebrations. He should have known Evelyn, of all people, would start an immediate search for him. She was never one to simply wait for answers.

'Getting north of the Eye as quickly as possible is our highest priority,' Mythal whispered. 'If the Inquisition is following this closely, we will need to leave at dawn.'

"We'll need supplies, first," Solas replied. "We will restock quickly and be on our way."

He finished his drink and stood. Glancing over at Vehiron and his… company, Solas could only shake his head, laughing to himself. His friend had gotten the two women to show great interest in each other, while Vehiron left coin for their table. He smiled broadly at Solas, pointing at the girls and winking.

Solas tucked in his chair, left coin on the table for their bill, and nodded his good night to Vehiron as he passed. He made his way up the staircase to his rented room, his body suddenly yearning for a decent nights' sleep. He opened the door to his room, the wooden door creaking on its hinges. Solas flicked his wrist to set the small lantern on his side table alight, giving a warm glow to the small room. He walked across the floor to his bed, as the door slowly closed behind him…

His ears twitched at the slightest movement near the door. Instantly, Solas dove for his staff, grabbing it off of the wall by his bed. He turned toward the intruder, immediately throwing up a barrier for protection, charging his stun spell and keeping his mind focused.

"Now, now, Solas, there's no need for that. Put the staff down. Let's be civilized."

The barrier dropped and Solas relaxed slightly.

"Blackwall?"

A large man stood in the shadows by the door to Solas' room. He had hard eyes, eyes that have seen their fair share of battle, and dark black hair with a full beard to match. He stood a good foot over Solas in size, and what amount of armor you could see under the black cloak glimmered in the low candlelight.

"I go permanently by Rainier, now," he answered, stepping forward. "The Wardens deemed it… inappropriate to call me by their old comrade's name."

Solas held onto his staff, keeping a small amount of energy stored, just in case. "I see the Wardens allowed you to live; and continue on in their ranks, no less."

Rainier shrugged. "Their numbers and reputation are not what they once were. It helped that Evelyn gave me a glowing referral; and now I'm a representative to the Wardens from the Inquisition, and vice versa. Not a bad way to live. I assume most Wardens did not expect me – or want me – to live through the initiation. Win-win, either way you look at it, though."

Solas nodded towards his black cloak covering his armor and gambeson in the traditional Grey Warden blue. "So is it you, the Wardens, or the Inquisition hunting me?"

Rainier sighed and sat down on the chair next to him. "I had received word from the Inquisitor, yes. However, my companion and I have been scouting to the north of the Anderfels for the last week. Reports have come in of darkspawn attacking small villages. My duty to the Wardens trumps trying to find a needle in a haystack."

"So, this meeting is because…?"

Rainier smiled, though his thick beard nearly concealed it. "When you find said needle, it's only polite to ask it why it's hiding."

Solas grunted. "I'm not hiding."

"Let's call it running, then."

The elf narrowed his eyes and Rainier.

"My plans do not involve the Grey Wardens or the Inquisition. Therefore there is no need to share them with you. This is my path to travel, and I won't be persuaded by intimidation of any sort."

Rainier raised his hands up in defense. "I'm not here to hunt or intimidate, Solas." He turned serious, leaning in, his face stern. "Tell me this, though, if you please: Will people die along the way?"

Solas' silence was all Rainier needed. He shook his head and rose to his feet.

"Okay, Solas," he said, pacing the small space. "I'll make you a deal. One hundred miles north of Kassel is a reported tunnel leading to the dwarven Deep Roads. The tunnel was sealed by an old magic, one that our mages would need weeks to decipher. Now, my companion and I were simply going to the blow the thing up, however, we'd like to hold onto what little gatlock we have acquired-"

Solas raised his eyebrows in disbelief. "How did you acquire the Qunari gatlock?"

Rainier grinned. "The Wardens have ways. Now, I assume you are travelling north – why else would you be all the way out here? Come with me, fix the magic barrier, and maybe I'll find other things to bide my time with before I go back to Weisshaupt and send my report to the Inquisition."

Scoffing, Solas crossed his arms. "Just like that? You'll let me continue on?"

"I know you, Solas," he said. "I know you won't spread needless bloodshed. The darkspawn are my immediate concern; and I'm willing to risk it to complete my objective. I have respect for you, and I assume you are on this journey for a noble cause, whatever that might be."

"It's not that simple."

"Nothing ever is."

'We don't know what to expect further north. A few days of travel with this man could prove useful, if he sticks to his word. And if darkspawn are truly a problem…'

Solas sighed, running a hand over his head. "We go with you; you give me two weeks to travel before you make your report."

"Done."

"Plus an equal share in your supplies while we travel together. Our supplies will remain untouched until we part ways."

"Agreed." Rainier rose, pulling his hood over his head, he reached for the door. "We will meet on the city outskirts just after daybreak. I advise getting a decent night's rest tonight, as the terrain and conditions will only worsen the further north we travel."

"I understand," Solas replied, ushering his intruder out the door. "We shall see you in a few hours, then."

"Until then."

Solas closed the door and drew in a deep breath, finally releasing his reserve of magic. He leaned back and closed his eyes, exhaling and feeling the slight pressure of a headache coming on. He reached to the table in the corner that had only a moment ago been occupied by his past, and filled a glass with water from the pitcher provided. He took a long drink and stripped his coat and heavy pants off. He crawled into the small but comfy bed and closed his eyes.

'A wise move, keeping your enemies close.'

"He is not my enemy," Solas mumbled, draping an arm over his eyes. The last thing he wanted to do was have a debate over loyalties this late at night. He rolled to his side. "As you said, he will be useful for our time together. So long as he keeps his end of the bargain, as I believe he will, we should be at our destination long before he makes his report."

'Rest, Fen'Harel,' Mythal shushed. 'Calm your mind. Tomorrow will prove to be… interesting, if nothing else.'

Solas did not need to be told twice as his eyelids closed, and he slipped into the Fade with a small smile on his face.

"So… am I missing something here?"

Solas stood at the edge of the Kassel city walls, Vehiron on his left, packing his horse and looking slightly disheveled from his activities the previous night, and Rainier stood to his right, sitting straight on his mount, his armor glistening in the morning sunlight. The breast plate bore the well-known griffon design of the Wardens, and the gambeson of blue stood out brightly against the metal. There was no mistaking who this man was, and Rainier did nothing to try and conceal it.

"Vehiron," Solas began. "This is Warden Bl-Rainier. I travelled with him during my time with the Inquisition. He will accompany us roughly one hundred miles north of Kassel, where we will aid him with his task, and then we will part ways. He's been gracious enough to offer sharing his and his companion's supplies with us while we are together."

"Wait," Vehiron walked over to Rainier's horse, placing a hand over his face to keep the bright sun out of his bloodshot eyes. He glared up and studied the man on his horse. "Rainier? As in Tom Rainier? The Tom Rainier?"

"I see my reputation has gotten around," Rainier said, cringing inwardly.

The elf raised his hands in defense. "Hey, I have no qualms with what happened, because it didn't happen to me. The Crows, however, were hovering over a very big contract for your head a while back. You, good sir, should count your blessings that the Inquisition got to you first, and that the Warden's took you in, instead of flaying you alive. Tough crowd, those griffon riding bastards."

"Joining the Wardens is a sentence in its own way. With their numbers so low now – wait… I recognize you."

"No you don't." Vehiron quickly drew his own hood up, trying to conceal his face.

Rainier growled. "You were the one breaking into Weisshaupt and stealing from our pantries at night! Donovan wrote in his report of a tattooed, blond elf."

Solas turned abruptly and glared at Vehiron. "Really?!"

"I got desperate!" Vehiron protested. "Food is so scarce out here! And the Warden's had cookies, Solas, cookies! And besides," he retreated quickly to his horse, aware of the seething Warden staring daggers at him. "I never broke anything. I merely… slipped in through the window. It's not my fault the cooks kept the locks off the doors!"

"Enough!" Solas shouted. He turned to Rainier. "I apologize on my companion's behalf. If you'd like," he smirked. "You can rough him up to your liking."

Vehiron gulped as he sat on his horse.

Rainier grinned. "Thank you for the offer, Solas, but it's not necessary. However, Vehiron, I will reserve one very well planned out and executed punch for you. You won't know when it's coming, but when it does, rest assured that it will hurt."

"What-? But- Oh come on! It was hardly any food compared to what your order had stockpiled!"

Rainier sat so stoic and silent on his mount for a moment, then smiled. "We take our cookies very, very seriously."

Solas laughed as he climbed on his horse and the men headed out.

"Well…" Vehiron said. "Dammit."

"Kilina left last night to scout ahead. She will meet us at our rendezvous point roughly forty miles north."

Solas turned to Rainier. "She went alone?"

"That's right," the Warden nodded. "She was born and raised in the Anderfels, so she insisted on securing the way for me. Though she may have been trying to see if she could lose me along the way. She and Warden Blackwall were close. He was the one who recruited her and trained her."

"Does she blame you for what happened, then?"

"What happened?" Vehiron asked.

"No," Rainier ignored the elf. "I don't think she cares for the man who took her friend's identity. Can't say I care for him, either." He slowed his horse for a moment, eyeing the position of the sun and the horizon ahead.

As Solas waited patiently for the Warden to decide their direction, Vehiron brought his horse beside him and nudged Solas.

"So, two of them against the two of us."

"It's not going to be like that, Vehiron."

"How can you be so sure?" he challenged. "I mean, this guy butchered children for crying out loud. Solas, can you assure me that he won't try to drag us back to Weisshaupt – or the Inquisition, for that matter?"

"He won't. No, silence until we reach our camp for the evening," Solas snapped.

Rainier looked back at the two elves. "Two hours of riding north-northwest , and we should be at camp." He nodded towards the distance behind them, the men turning to follow his gaze. "We'd better hurry. There's a sandstorm on the rise. If we aren't quick to get to shelter, we can easily be lost or killed in a storm such as that."

Behind them, miles away yet still visible, Solas could see the gathering of clouds that touched the rolling hills. Light flickered in the beige clouds, and he could faintly hear the rumblings of thunder. Winter in the Anderfels did not come with fluffy white snow and cold temperatures; it came with harsh sandstorms that could bury you out in the desert in minutes. It came with a sun that remained scorching hot all year round, and just as bright. Solas had no desire to be left in the coming storm, so he and his group picked up the pace, staying close to the Grey Warden while the wind began to pick up.

For the next two hours, they rode hard, taking only short breaks to water their horses. By the time Rainier told them they were close, the storm had begun to roll in, the wind pushing hard all around them, kicking up sand and making their mobility severely limited. The horses could hardly keep their footing as they trudged along. Twice, Vehiron's mount stumbled in the sand, sending the elf sprawling across the dunes. Eventually, all three men had to travel side by side to keep the winds from repeatedly knocking them down.

"Up ahead!" Rainier tried to shout, but his voice was of no use over the loud whistles of Mother Nature. He waved his arm in front of the elves, drawing their attention. He motioned towards an opening a few miles ahead, a light illuminating the entrance.

Wasting no time, the three men nudged their horses and made their way to the light. As they got closer, a dark figure emerged and stood a few feet from the entrance. Solas hoped this was Rainier's companion he had mentioned, for they were in no position to start a fight.

'Just a little further,' he told himself.