Yara kept her head between her knees, trying not to focus on the lurching deck. She closed her eyes, taking controlled breaths, and ignoring the rising bile in her throat. Her back was pressed against the cabin wall, and her toes still touched the other side. Her stomach also churned, although she had yet to join Mercer and Bree. They'd spend most of the voyage at the stern, turning various shades of green.

They'd been at sea for two days, and were due to reach Kirkwall today. It wasn't so much the movement that made Yara unwell, but she couldn't stand being on such a tiny vessel. She made sure the cabin door was propped open, not caring for the wind and spray that chilled her face. It reminded her too much of when she'd been bed-bound; memories that still left her chest tight and body trembling. She just couldn't bear the thought of being trapped, and she didn't need to have a break down in front of her new allies.

She sighed, daring to raise her head and peer outside. Captain Eva was at the starboard rail, watching the waves slice past the ship. Despite the ebbing and falling deck, she kept a straight back, as if she were sailing on the calmest ocean. Yara found herself smiling, impressed with the woman's resolve.

In fact, all of the Blades had made an impression on her, and she was glad for Adam's recommendation. Each had their own tale to tell, and she'd spent a lot of the journey getting to know them. Mercer and Petra both hailed from Highever, former soldiers bored with the routine, while Bree was a Dalish elf whom the Captain had saved during a hunt gone awry. Jasper kept the most mystery, not willing to reveal much about himself. Yara had fished out he was originally from Denerim, and had drifted through several other mercenary companies before joining the Blades.

Yet it was the Captain herself who had the most fascinating story. She'd been raised a Templar after fleeing an abusive home, and had served Amaranthine for several years. However, when she'd been tasked to hunt down an apostate healer, it had made her reconsider her purpose. That healer had in fact been Viren himself, and they had struck up a strong friendship. Thanks to her intervening, Viren could continue his good work, although it had come at the cost of her rank. Still, that had not deterred her from founding the Bronze Blades, and five years on they were moving from strength to strength.

For all she'd learnt about her companions, however, Yara was still left with little about her own past. True, it was early days yet, but there was something that had started to bother her since leaving Amaranthine. Every now and then, she'd been overwhelmed by flashes of darkness, along with a deep foreboding that sent her heart racing. The sensation disappeared within seconds, leaving no other ill effect, but its unpredictable nature troubled Yara a lot.

There was still so much she needed to figure out…

Captain Eva turned around, and caught Yara's eye. Yara nodded, and the Captain came towards her cabin.

"I see you're holding well," she said. A wave hit the bow, sending spray everywhere. "The lookout's just spotted Kirkwall on the horizon. We should be there within the next hour or so."

"Thank the Maker," Yara breathed. She made herself stand up, almost staggering into the wall as the deck tilted. It seemed her sense of balance still needed work. Grasping the walls, she slowly made her way out. The salty air and strong breeze laced through her hair, and she gazed towards the bow. Sure enough, a dark shadow sat beneath the overcast sky, and seagulls shrieked above, signalling the proximity of land.

It wasn't a moment too soon when giant chains appeared through the mist, joining the enormous statues that flanked the entrance to the Kirkwall docks. They were bent forward, their hands covering their eyes, as if ashamed to acknowledge the dominating building towering behind them.

"The Gallows," Captain Eva stated. "Once the capital for Tevinter's slave trade, and now a prison to Kirkwall's own Mages."

"You've been here before?" Yara asked.

"A few times," the Captain said. "Kirkwall certainly is unique, even amongst the Free Marches." She let out a sigh. "I don't expect them to welcome us, especially as they were hit worst by the refugees fleeing the Blight."

"I don't even think they will let us inside the city," Jasper added. He was standing by the main hatch beside them. "The ship captain said they've not eased on their security restrictions, even though the Blight's been over for more than a year."

"Well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it," Captain Eva answered. She clasped Yara's shoulder. "Tell the others to prepare. We've got rogue Templars to hunt."


"Eh, what d'ya want?" The elven woman glanced up from her crates, her expression sour. "Damned mercenaries."

Yara swallowed, exchanging a brief glance with Jasper. As the Captain had predicted, the border guards had denied them entry, and so they'd split up to search for other avenues. She'd been paired with Jasper, and they were exploring the area around the main gates. The ship captain had suggested they approach the smuggler's guild, who were stationed within the dock. However, judging by their reception so far, it wasn't looking hopeful.

"We're looking to enter Kirkwall on important business," Jasper said. "We're willing to let you have a piece of the cut, too, if you can get us in."

"Ha, heard that one before," the elf snorted, cleaning her hands on a soiled rag. "Trust me, whatever you're offering, it's not worth getting past those gates."

"It's not just for our sake," Yara spoke up. "We're trailing an apprentice trafficking ring, and they're based in the city."

"Not my problem," the elf shrugged.

"All we're asking is entry to the city, and we will sort the rest ourselves," Jasper growled. "Have you no compassion at all?"

"Compassion?" The elf's eyes narrowed. "I gave plenty compassion when your refugees flooded our docks, begging for a roof over their heads and food in their bellies. And I've seen what the city's become since; a rotted husk stripped of whatever life it once held. I won't give anymore."

"You're being too harsh!" Yara protested. "You'd just turn your back on those apprentices who don't even want to be here, facing Maker-knows what?"

"Your sob stories aren't going to work on me," the elf said. "Try asking someone who's not been…"

"Hey, why the long face, Athenril?"

A new voice broke through, and Yara and Jasper turned around. Two women had joined them, carrying a large box between them. The first lady was tall, with medium-length brown hair, dark brown eyes, and a pair of short blades strapped to her back. The other was slightly shorter, her hair longer and more curled, and she wore a red neckerchief. She also carried an elegant oak staff, and Yara raised a brow. How was a Mage able to walk around so freely?

"Oh, it's nothing that need concern you, sera Hawke, Bethany." Athenril dismissed them with a wave of her hand. "Did you find it, then?"

"That, and more," the woman named Hawke replied, smirking as she dumped the box beside the crates. Bethany, however, was paying more attention to Yara. She strode over, her eyes concerned.

"I thought I overheard you say something about trafficked apprentices?" she asked.

"That's right," Yara said. "Templars were bribed to ship them here from Ferelden's Circle, to a man named Ser Levran."

Bethany's jaw clenched. "That's horrible!" She cast a dark glance to Athenril. "And you're not going to help them stop this?"

"I told you, it's not my problem," Athenril shrugged. She stood straighter, and looked the young Mage in the eye. "Look, I supply our Templars with plenty of items, and I don't want to get on their bad side if I can help it. What they do with my shipments once it's out of my hands has nothing to do with me."

Bethany's eyes widened. "Wait, have you been…"

"Oh, don't even go there," Athenril said. "I smuggle things, not people. I haven't changed my policy since you completed your uncle's debt to me, you know."

Her words still made Bethany bristle, but she kept quiet. Her distress wasn't unnoticed, however, and Hawke's gaze softened. She abandoned the box and walked over, folding her arms.

"Apprentice trafficking does sound pretty awful," she said. "Does make me wonder, though, why Ferelden's Circle didn't send their own Templars to investigate?"

"We were already involved," Yara said, "so the First Enchanter was happy to let us deal with it."

"And it's not like the Templars here would be willing to help," Bethany added, her tone dark. "They'd turn a blind eye, like they always do when a Mage is in trouble."

"Mind not speaking that thought so loudly?" Athenril sighed, casting a furtive look at the shadows. "You're lucky they still haven't come after you yet."

"Let them try…"

"Either way," Jasper broke in, "if you don't want to help us, then we'll be moving on."

"Hey, I never said that," Hawke said, holding up her hand. "I can't say I'm a big fan of the Templars anyway." She nodded at Bethany. "We'd be happy to give you a hand."

"And what do you want in return?" Jasper asked, frowning.

"Ah, well." Hawke smiled, rubbing the back of her neck. "That cut you were offering Athenril wouldn't hurt."

"Hmph." Jasper glanced to Yara. "I think we're wasting our time."

"And I think we need to take whatever chances we're offered," Yara argued. "Otherwise the traffickers will move on and we'll have nothing to show for our efforts."

Jasper rolled his eyes. Yara clenched her fist. How could he be so obstinate? Perhaps it was a risk to trust them, but when they had no viable alternatives, they needed to seize the opportunity.

Eventually Jasper sighed, and he gave a nod.

"Very well," he said. "We'll accept your offer, sera Hawke."

"Call me Amber," Hawke said. She clasped her hands on Bethany's shoulders. "And this is my sister, Beth. You won't mind if she tags along, too?"

"So long as you're not going to be charging extra," Jasper grumbled.

"Ah, such a sense of humour!" Hawke grinned. She nodded to Athenril. "So, is it too cheeky to ask for a bonus for taking these two off your hands?"

Athenril threw her soiled rag at her.


Yara grimaced, forcing herself to breathe through her mouth. The dim passages were absolutely rank, and she swatted the flies that swarmed around. Hawke had easily gotten them inside, although she unfortunately couldn't do the same for the rest of their companions, since it looked too suspicious. Once beyond the gates, Hawke had then spoken to one of her contacts, who had mentioned some Templar movements in Darktown; the underbelly of Kirkwall. It didn't surprise Yara that the corrupted Templars would base their operation in such a place, but it didn't make it any less unpleasant. She hoped the whole ordeal would be over soon.

"So gross," Bethany muttered, adjusting her neckerchief so it covered her lower face. "Those poor apprentices. I can't imagine what they must be going through."

"Seems a bit much, even for the Templars," Hawke added, leading the way through the corridors. "It's not like Kirkwall is short of apprentices, either. Why ship them from Ferelden?"

"Amber!" Bethany scolded. "You'd wish the same thing on Kirkwall's apprentices? They could be being tortured for all we know!"

"Hey, it was just a thought," Hawke shrugged. "I wonder if Knight-Commander Meredith knows about this."

"Wouldn't surprise me if she did," Bethany scoffed. "She hates our kind."

"Either way, let's find this Ser Levran and see what he has to say for himself," Yara said. It seemed Mage-Templar relations were strained enough here, even without the traffickers. As an apostate, Bethany had indeed been lucky to keep her freedom so far.

"I like that plan." Hawke drew one of her blades, and quickened her pace.

They descended some narrow stairs, the wooden planks creaking under their weight. The light almost disappeared, so Bethany conjured a small orb to help them see. Yara kept close to the Mage, studying the surroundings. This part of the town looked different. Abandoned mine carts and broken rails littered the ground, and several passages were blocked by cave-ins. Relics from when the city had been under the Imperium's control.

Abruptly Yara's vision wavered. She paused, for a moment losing her sight. Her heart started to pound, the hairs on the back of her neck prickling. Then a piercing shriek echoed, and she shuddered, suddenly cold.

"Yara?"

Yara blinked, and the coldness vanished. Bethany stood by her side, looking worried.

"Oh, it's nothing," Yara said, shaking her head. "Sorry."

Bethany didn't seem convinced, but she didn't press the issue. They walked faster, catching up to Hawke and Jasper. Yara let out a breath, wiping her brow. The flashes were getting more frequent; she would need to keep an eye on things.

Hawke and Jasper had stopped at a fork in the passage. Light came from the left-hand side, while the other went further into darkness.

"Three guesses which way those Templars are lurking," Hawke commented, gazing towards the darker tunnel. However, as she made towards it, a scream came from the other side. Yara gasped.

"We must be close," she said. "Come on!"

She drew her blades, taking the lead. Bethany drew her staff, and extinguished her light. Yara strode briskly, taking care not to make too much noise. Thankfully the tunnel was short, and they emerged onto a platform that overlooked another cavern. This was also lined with mine carts and piles of rubble; a deeper part of the ancient mine. The scream came again, much louder, and Yara felt the bile rise in her throat.

"So the bird sings!" cackled a Templar. He was standing over a woman, her clothes all but ripped off, her hands bound with chains. Her exposed skin was covered in bruises, her hair was dusty and matted, and there was blood on her thighs. He grabbed her by the hair. She cried out, struggling, but she was no match. "You Fereldens last much longer than the Kirkwall lot." He ran his finger under her chin. "Perhaps it was a good thing the Knight-Commander banished us…"

"Stop this!" Yara leapt down from the platform, charging at the Templar. She kicked him in the chest, and he went flying. She didn't wait, thrusting her sword through his neck. His howl died on his lips, and he fell limp.

"Intruders!" another Templar cried. He made to attack, but Bethany caught him with a lance of flame. Jasper and Hawke split up, dealing with the remaining men. Yara glanced around, spotting one Templar trying to flee into the caves. She sheathed her swords, breaking into a sprint.

The Templar was fast, and more familiar with the layout of the caves. Yara pushed herself harder, desperate to make up the distance. Torchlight flickered past her vision, outlining barred rooms and puddled passages. The entire place was a maze; she could not lose track of her target. It seemed hopeless, but then the Templar abruptly halted. A rock fall blocked his way—perhaps it had only happened recently. Swearing, he turned, his sword drawn.

"How the hell did you find us?" he hissed. "This is none of your business, mercenary!"

"It's not your business to be abusing apprentices, either," Yara shot back, bringing her swords back to hand. "Just what do you hope to gain?"

"I don't have to answer you," the Templar snarled. "You'll pay for this!"

He lunged, and Yara caught his blade with her own. He was very strong, and her boots skidded in the dirt. Knowing she couldn't hold, Yara yielded slightly, before twisting and throwing him aside. The Templar kept his footing, aiming another strike that scratched her gauntlet. Yara withdrew, quickly countering. She scored a cut across his face, and the Templar yelped. Pressing her advantage, Yara sliced at his thigh, and he cried out. She raised her dagger, ready to deliver a final blow, but a voice cried out.

"Wait, don't kill him!"

Yara hesitated, but the Templar seized the distraction. He tackled her, and she fell to the ground. She kept hold of her blades, but the Templar pinned her arms down. He dug his fingers deep, enough to bruise. Yara growled, curling her knees upward, before kicking out. The Templar lost his grip, and she threw all her weight against his chest. He went backwards, smacking his head against the rock. He fell still, and Yara pressed her dagger at his throat, her brow drenched in sweat.

Footsteps rushed behind her, and Bethany and another apprentice appeared. The latter was coated in cuts and scrapes, his face sticky with dried blood.

"Thank the Maker, he's still breathing!" he exclaimed. Bethany raised a brow.

"Why would you want the man abusing you to be spared?" she asked.

"Only for now," the apprentice said. "That's Ser Levran, the mastermind behind this. He's got more of us imprisoned around here. We have to get that information first."

"I see." Yara moved off the unconscious Templar, and sheathed her blades. "Do you know why he's been doing this?"

"He's a deranged fool," the apprentice spat. "He used to take Kirkwall apprentices and do the same, until the Knight-Commander found out and banished him from the Order." He shook his head. "Some people just have a penchant for abusing their power."

"Disgusting piece of filth!" Bethany growled, her hand twitching. "I'd burn the flesh off his bones right this instant if you didn't need him."

"You'll get your chance soon enough, Beth," Hawke called, sauntering in. Her armour was bloody, but she kept her cheerful demeanour. Jasper remained behind, removing the chains from the remaining victims. "We've freed the apprentices here, so let's find the others and help them get home."


"Yara, a word, if you please?"

Yara glanced up from her drink, thankfully not ale this time. Jasper's eyes were narrowed, and he nodded to the tavern exit. Hawke had insisted on treating them, but it was clear Jasper was keen to get going as soon as possible. He'd been shifting on his seat, and had barely touched his rum.

"Of course." She bowed her head politely to Bethany. "We'll be back soon."

Bethany nodded, and Yara stood from the bench. She followed Jasper outside, returning to the cool sea breeze. Once there, Jasper perched on a barrel and folded his arms.

"It was a mistake to get them involved," he said abruptly. Yara blinked. That had come out of no-where.

"But they helped us out a lot," she said. "Even if we'd found a way into Kirkwall without them, we'd have been lost in Darktown."

"We'd have been just fine with the rest of the team," Jasper argued. "Now we owe them, and it wasn't like the First Enchanter was offering much. We've been cheated for no good reason." He lowered his voice. "Which is why we need to eliminate them."

"What?" Yara's eyes widened. "After everything they did for us?!"

"You'll have to learn this lesson soon enough, girl," Jasper said. "If we go around accepting outside help all the time, we'll be left penniless. What we get is barely enough to share between the six of us, let alone every other opportunist that wants to line their pockets." He glanced back to the tavern. "They don't have to pay for the return trip to Ferelden, or worry about their next job."

"But to kill them?" Yara asked. "It seems too extreme."

"If we try to slip away, they'll either come after us, or tarnish our reputation," Jasper said. "Neither of which will do us any favours. It's the only way, girl. Nobody will ever know the truth. We can say the traffickers got them." His gaze darkened. "Do this, Yara, and I'll never question your loyalty to us again."

Yara froze. She clenched her teeth, her blood boiling. An ultimatum, and an extremely unfair one at that. She knew the Captain wouldn't stand for this behaviour, but what could she do? The others were still on the other side of the city gates, and there was no way she could escape Jasper on her own. Also, if she alienated herself from the Blades, she would have no-where else to go. Not when friends and familiar faces were so far away. And she would have no other way of regaining her lost memories.

She let out a defeated sigh.

"What do you propose we do?"


As the sun began to set, Yara set off briskly towards the slums of Lowtown. Jasper was following a ways behind, ready to assist when needed. He had given her a detailed plan, stating he would take care of any residing evidence, but even now she remained hesitant. Despite their short time together, she had grown to like Hawke and Bethany. They had both proven capable fighters, and did not deserve such punishment for helping them out.

She wrinkled her nose. If this had been Jasper's plan from the start, why had he bothered to accept their offer? And judging from his grasp of the situation, this was not the first time he'd done something like this. She didn't want to believe Captain Eva was aware of his behaviour and was letting it slide, but it was too convenient. There was no way he could've hidden this for so long.

How had she been so naïve?

The stench of the slums wasn't quite so overpowering, as the sea breeze carried most of it away. People skulked in alleys, watching Yara as she strode towards the foundry district. She ignored their stares, but kept a careful eye for suspicious movement. Faint clangs of machinery echoed ahead, signalling she was in the right area. She'd arranged to meet with Hawke and Bethany here, stating she had to discuss terms of payment with their Captain first. Of course no such discussion had taken place; she was merely a distraction, while Jasper would attack from the shadows.

At last she descended a set of stairs. The heat was instantly noticeable, and sweat pooled at her neck. The fumes of the foundry gases were also strong, and she coughed.

"Ah, here she is!" Hawke beamed. She and Bethany were sitting on the steps to one of the buildings. They rose as Yara approached, and Hawke extended her hand. "So, how'd the talk go?"

"Well enough," Yara said. Her stomach was in an uncomfortable knot, and she swallowed.

"So where's your buddy?" Hawke glanced around. "Too shy to come out and say hello?"

Yara took a breath. She looked to Hawke, her voice hardening.

"Listen to me, you're both in danger." She couldn't go through with this. "You need to get out of here, right now, before he…"

She was cut off as Bethany cried out. Jasper had made his move all right. His arm was around her neck, and he held a knife against her side.

"Hmph, I knew you'd chicken out," he said. Bethany struggled, but he tightened his grip, and she gasped.

"What in the Maker's name are you doing?!" Hawke drew her blades, her eyes livid. "Let her go right now!"

Jasper snarled. He raised his knife, meaning to plunge it into Bethany's side, but Yara was quicker. She slashed her sword, forcing Jasper to block. Hawke immediately charged, driving her dagger deep into the man's forearm. Jasper hissed, losing his grip, and Bethany broke free. Moments later her staff was in hand, and she threw a bolt of fire. It burned Jasper's arm, and Hawke made to strike again.

Jasper caught her dagger, wrenching it off her. Hawke stumbled, and he lunged, the blade ready to sink into her belly. Without thinking Yara threw herself in the way. The dagger tore through armour and skin, but pain was nothing as Yara swung her sword once more. Jasper was knocked back, and Bethany set her staff aflame. She slammed the staff's blade into Jasper's face, and he shrieked. Blinded, he scrambled for his sword, but Hawke smacked it out of his hand. He collapsed to the ground, where Yara plunged her blade through his stomach. He groaned.

"Insufferable…traitor!" he croaked, blood soaking through his armour and onto the ground. He raised a shaking hand. "She'll…never forgive you…and never…believe you…"

His arm fell, and his breathing ceased. Yara's eyes widened, and she withdrew her sword. Her shoulder still bled, but she barely cared, her gaze locked onto Jasper's body. The realisation of her actions was starting to sink in, and her hands trembled.

What had she done?

"Yara!" Bethany hurried forward. "Your shoulder…"

"It's nothing." Yara's voice was quiet. "Maker, I'm so sorry."

"You're saying sorry for saving our hides? Not buying that," Hawke said, replacing her daggers. "Still, is this how your band operates? No wonder you don't get much work in Ferelden."

"I…no," Yara said. Her knees suddenly felt weak, and she had to sit. Bethany remained at her side, supporting her. The Mage unfastened her neckerchief and tied it around Yara's injured shoulder. Yara didn't move. She could only stare at the ground, filled with regret. It needn't have come to this. She could've sent Hawke a warning message, found the Captain and explained the situation, found any excuse to get away…

He didn't have to die!

"Amber, can't you see she's in shock?" Bethany said. "This wasn't her idea at all!"

"Could still be a good act," Hawke answered. "We hardly know them, Beth. How do we know the rest of your friends aren't waiting for us back at Lowtown?"

"Yara tried to warn us!" Bethany countered. "Why would she have done so if there was another ambush waiting?" She shook Yara's shoulder. "Yara, please, say something! Tell me I'm right?"

Yara let out a sigh.

"It…It was Jasper's idea to kill you, so he wouldn't have to share the payment," she said. "I…I was too cowardly to talk him out of it." Her fists clenched. "But if this is how the Bronze Blades works, then I want no more part of it."

"Well, it's not like they're going to trust you much now," Hawke said. Bethany glared at her, and she dropped her flippant tone. "Look, I'm really sorry. I can see Jasper forced you into this, and I'm grateful you decided against it. Not many would bother to look out for those they barely know, especially when their own livelihood was at risk."

Yara gave a slow nod. It had been the right thing to do, she knew. But what good was this nobility when it left her stranded? As Jasper had gloated, Captain Eva would not believe she had acted in the best interests of others. To her it would be no better than cold-blooded murder, and of her second-in-command as well. She would take revenge—a life for a life—and that would be the matter finished. In a single sword-strike, Yara had ruined all of her future plans, and any hope of uncovering her shrouded past.

Bethany touched her arm, her gaze sympathetic.

"So, what will you do now?" she asked.

Yara winced. The mage's words made it all so final.

"I don't know," she said. "I expect the Blades will come after me. But even if I escape them, I'm…all alone now."

Bethany frowned.

"No, I won't let that be," she declared. "Not after what you've done for us." She turned to Hawke. "Amber, can't we bring her along for the expedition?"

Hawke chewed her lip.

"We could," she began, "but it's not just down to me, remember? Bartrand might kick up a fuss. Scratch that—he will kick up a fuss."

"But the extra job we did for Athenril's given us enough for the pay-in," Bethany said. "And we were planning on asking Aveline, but she can't leave the city now she's been promoted to Captain of the Guard." She glanced to Yara. "We need someone who's good with a sword. We can talk Bartrand into it!"

"Bethany, it's alright," Yara said, moved by her persistence. "I got myself into this mess. You don't need to help me get out of it."

"I won't let you face a punishment that's undeserved!" Bethany snapped. "All my life others have given their all to protect me, and I don't find such gestures meaningless. You sacrificed too much to save us, and I'll not see that favour unreturned."

"Whoa, alright, no need to get all sentimental," Hawke said, raising her hands. She knelt beside Yara, her gaze softening. "Well Yara, it's up to you. I also don't want to send you back to those mercenaries if all they're going to do is crucify you for doing the right thing." She cleared her throat. "We've been in Kirkwall for almost two years, and we need money badly. Our best bet to fame and fortune is via a Deep Roads expedition set up by two dwarven brothers. They're pretty assured we'll find a lot of stuff, but you know how dangerous it is down there, so he's looking for a strong party. We've made enough for the buy-in, and you're more than welcome to come with us. Your mercenaries will never find you, and you might make some good cash too." She offered her hand. "What do you think?"

Yara paused, considering her options. To head into the stronghold of Darkspawn was not a decision to take lightly, especially when there wasn't any guarantee they would find anything of worth. But what was her alternative? If she remained in Kirkwall, the Blades would hunt her down and exact their punishment. And even if she found a way to escape to Ferelden, did she really want to live as a fugitive, forever watching her back, alone?

She closed her eyes. No, the Maker had set her on this path for a reason. She had to have faith things would work out.

She looked to Hawke, her jaw set.

"Count me in."