Happy1K1nob1: Thank you! I know I don't usually do that but the reason behind it is Maxwell. It will be explained later, but all you need to know now is that Max has a good eye for detail.

Guest: Thank you. I try to be original while staying within the story.

Oyshik: Luci. I will admit, I was inspired a bit by Supernatural.

kingtiger2010:Yes. I have it all set out.

Chapter

"Again!"

With a heavy sigh, I adjusted my grip on my sword. As I did, Cassandra smacked my back with her wooden sword. Gritting my teeth I shifted my feet back into the proper position with my back straight.

"Better," she said.

I rushed forward at my opponent. The person was wearing steel armor, with brown clothing underneath it.

"Go Krem!"

"Come on boy, teach him your skills!"

Gritting my teeth, I smashed my wooden sword into Krems, the latter grinned before saying, "Something the matter?"

"Shut the hell up," I replied to the man.

I wasn't going to tell him to-

A loud cheer sounded, disrupting my thoughts.

DAMN IT!

Krem used that moment to push my sword aside and give a harsh swipe, jumping back I felt the tip barely graze against my bare chest.

Yes. I was shirtless in the cold snow. It was all the idea of that Qunari. Some dumb-

Krem snapped me out of my thoughts as he used his shield and bashed me in the chest. As I went flying across the snow, Krem had his sword under my throat in an instant.

"Focus next time. D-"

"Distractions on the battlefield will get you killed," I say almost mockingly, cutting the man off, "I get it!"

"Apparently not with how many times I've been kicking your arse."

Laughter rang from the Chargers as he helped me up. My back quickly going numb from the snow as Krem went to grab a blanket to wrap around my shoulders.

I still remember bringing the bastards in.


The Storm Coast wasn't named for nothing. Rain poured from the sky as Cassandra, Sera, Solas and I walked along the beach, following the man known as Krem lead us onward.

"Shouldn't be much farther," he said in that bizarrely feminine voice.

"Good. Don't want to constantly dump water out of my shoes," Sera complained.

As we went further on, conflict sounded. Krem sprinted ahead, leaving us behind as he drew his sword and joined the battle. Not wasting time, I sprinted after the man, sand flying in the air from our feet. As we approached the ruins of an old boat, I rounded the corner and stopped in my tracks, my eyes trailing up the…being in front of me.

This being was roughly seven feet tall, maybe even eight. I noticed he had an eyepatch covering his left eye, a leather pauldron, hammer pants and boots are all that clothed him, leaving his muscled torso bare.

He also has massive horns that aimed upwards to the stormy sky.

Wielding a massive axe, he gave a grunt as he swung the weapon, the blade slicing through one of the strangely armored enemies. I heard footsteps behind me as Sera appeared in my field of vision.

"Freaking piss bugs!" she exclaimed.

A sword was drawn as Cassandra strode forward, "Alright, lets-"

"Wait," I say. "Let's watch this."

"What?" she exclaimed.

"Well Krem came on their behalf remember? Wanted us to see their worth, so…" I gesture at the fight before looking back at the broad being.

Yelling out, the being continued to swing his axe left and right, cutting through many of the bizarre looking enemies. Krem quickly joined the fray with his own blade, quickly making short work of the remaining foes.

After determining the area was safe, the being set down his axe, "Krem! How are we looking?"

"Nothing serious sir! Everybody's got a few scrapes and bruises," the man replied.

"That's what I like to hear. Let the Throatcutters finish up, then break out the casks."

A cheer went out through the group as Krem saluted and walked off. I looked at the being again, not sure what to do.

"Go on then! Don't be a bloody pussy!"

Sera took it upon herself to shove me forward and would have sent me sprawling onto the floor if a massive hand hadn't grabbed my shoulders.

"Whoa there friend."

Looking up, I saw that it was the massive being, smiling downwards.

"H-Hi," I say.

"Greetings. So you're with the Inquisition?"

As I opened my mouth to say "Yes" all that came out was "Gah."

He didn't hear me thankfully and said, "Come on, have a seat. Drinks are coming."

I forced my legs to follow and to speak but the word "So-" cracked.

I quickly cleared my throat, "So I take it you're Iron Bull?"

"Yes. And you?"

"Maxwell," I reply, "I hear that you're looking to work for the Inquisition?"

"I am. But not before my drink," Iron Bull replied.

As two men came pass rolling barrels, Iron Bull went to a small boulder to sit down on. I looked around and found nothing, so I was left standing awkwardly in front of the being.

"I assume you know Cremisuis Aclassi, my lieutenant."

Krem nodded in my direction before turning back to Iron Bull, "Throatcutters are done chief."

The being raised an eyebrow, "Have them check again. I don't want those Tevinter bastards getting away. No offense Krem."

"None taken. Least a bastard knows who his mother was. Puts him one up on you Qunari, right?"

Iron Bull…is a Qunari?! THAT'S WHAT HE IS!

Damn I really don't want to go up against this guy.

"So…you've seen us fight. We're expensive, but we're worth it and I'm sure the Inquisition can afford us."

I frowned, "How much is this going to cost us exactly?"

Iron Bull shrugged, "Nothing. Unless you wanted to get some drinks later."

I held up my hands, "I don't swing that way."

"I swing both ways!" the Qunari said with a laugh.

I smile, "Figures, you'd seem like the person who enjoys people on their knees. You included."

I chuckled with the man, who roared with laughter, it took him a few seconds to calm down, "You're ambassador, uh, Josephine. She should be able to manage that. Besides, the gold will take care of itself, don't worry about that. All that matters is that we're worth it."

I shrug, "So are we getting just the Chargers?"

Iron Bull shook his head, "You're getting me too. Need a frontline bodyguard? I'm your man. With all the shits that's been happening here, I take it the Inquisition could use the help. Besides, the bigger thing we're fighting, the better."

I nodded my head, "Seems like a good deal."

"There's something else. Might be useful to you, might piss you off."

I gestured for Iron Bull to go on.

"Even hear of the Ben-Hassrath?" he asked.

I shook my head, "Why?"

"It's a Qunari Order. Handles information, loyalty, security-"

"So basically, you work for a bunch of spies?" I ask.

"Yes. We're a bunch of spies," Bull said.

I frowned, "So…the Ben-Hassrath are worried about all the shits that's been happening and have sent you to join up, see the officers and report back, am I right?"

Iron Bull nodded. As he opened his mouth again, I held up my hand.

"I'm not done."

He closes his mouth.

"You're going to spy on us, and I can tell that you're going to share something else to try and ease the…revelation. I just want to know why you chose to tell me this."

"Like I said earlier, a bunch of shit is going down. This threatens everyone in Thedas, not just my employers. If I want to be on your side, it's better for me to be upfront with you instead of keeping it to myself."

I kept a calm front while chewing on what the Qunari said.

He will send reports to the Benny boys, but he mainly joined to help.

I extend my hand, "Welcome to the Inquisition Iron Bull."

The Qunari smiled, taking his beefier hand in mine, we shook hands and the being nearly dislocated my shoulder, "Pleasure to join boss."

"I will be keeping an eye on you," I say calmly.

"No worries."

Releasing my hand, the moment he walked past me. I quickly grabbed my wrist in pain and made a face. Qunari had firm grips, almost painful.


"Alright! Let's go again," Cassandra said.

Coming out of my thoughts, I sighed as I drop the blanket and stand back up, feeling my side ache in disagreement as I bend down to grab my wooden sword.

"Ready to go?" Krem asked.

I raised my weapon, "Whenever you're rea-"

Krem lunged, bashing away my sword and lifting his blade for a thrust. Skipping back, I twisted my wrist to give an upwards slash at Krem's exposed face. The mercenary tilted his head to the side and barely avoided the attack.

"Come on Krem!"

Strands of Elvish.

"KICK HIS FAT ARSE MAX!"

When the hell did Sera-

NO!

Raising my sword, I narrowly avoided another attack before batting away two more swings, gritting my teeth I charged forward. As Krem lifted up a shield, I quickly used the upward angle to jump up, planting my hands on the object, I roll across it, once I was standing behind Krem I quickly dropped to the snowy ground, dodging a sword swipe and brought my heel against his ankles.

As he hit the ground, I quickly stepped on his sword wrist and shoved the sword forward, placing the tip on the man's throat.

Panting heavily, I raised an eyebrow, "Don't think about using the shield."

He could slam it against my ankle, while it would hurt I would be able to push the sword through his head first…if this was a real battle.

Krem swallowed, "Wasn't planning on it. I'd be dead before I tried."

"Match?" I asked.

Krem nodded.

"YES!"

Tossing the sword to the side, I leaped up in victory.

"DAMN IT'S ABOUT TIME! I AM VICTORIOUS! WHOOOOOOOHOOOO! SUCK IT! HAHA!"

"Oi!"

I stop my celebration to see a man wearing padded black armor, with black hair going to his shoulders and a matching goatee. The man had crossed his arms and had a slightly amused look, unlike Cassandra who also had her arms crossed and her trademark scowl.

"Yes?" I asked.

"While I am sure that you are quite happy, remember that your opponent is a mercenary and that if there is one, there will be others."

I instantly sobered up and nodded, "I'm just glad that I one this match. I'll be careful, don't worry Blackwall."


"You sure this is the place?" I asked.

Cassandra nodded, "Of course. Leliana's spies were positive that there was a Grey Warden in the Hinterlands. It would be invaluable to find this Warden and ask for aid."

I sighed, "Alright…what's a Grey Warden again?"

Varric cleared his throat, "Grey Wardens are an order of warriors dedicated to fighting darkspawn throughout Thedas and stopping the Blights as they occur. They are known for ignoring a recruit's racial, social, national, and even criminal background if they deem the person valuable in terms of character, ability or skill."

Varric saw me frown and open my mouth again, "The Blight is a sort of disease that can spread from darkspawn to any living thing."

I blinked, "Is…it infectious?"

"Yes," Solas said.

"…is there a Blight now?" I asked.

"No," Varric said.

"Oh thank God," I say.

Cassandra let out a noise of disgust before stomping forward, Solas frowned while Varric cocked his head, "God?"

I sighed, "Long story. Let's just find this Grey Warden."

Catching up to Cassandra, we came to a small cottage next to a pond. It actually wasn't that far from one of the base camps we had set up, outside was three men, one armed with a sword while the other two held axes.

In front of them was a man wearing steel armor, with the symbol of a griffin (I think) on the chest plate. He had a sword on his hip and square shield on his back with the same griffin.

"Remember how to carry your shields. You're not hiding, you're holding. Otherwise its useless."

"Think that's him?" I ask.

Cassandra nodded, "Blackwall? Warden Blackwall?"

The man quickly turned around, "You're not- how do you know my name? Who sent-"

Pain filled my shoulder, yelling out I sunk to my knees as I reached up to feel an arrow in my shoulder.

"MAX!" Varric shouted.

Solas instantly conjured a barrier before grabbing my arm and guiding me behind the cottage, Varric lifting his crossbow and providing cover while Cassandra drew her sword and Blackwall shouted something.

Swearing, I looked back at the arrow shaft sticking out from my shoulder, "Holy mother that hurts!"

Solas quickly took the hem of his tunic and ripped it off, taking the cloth he pressed it against my shoulder, "Stay calm, try not to bleed everywhere."

I chuckle humorlessly, "How helpful."

"I learned from the best. Now this will hurt," Solas said.

Gritting my teeth, pain echoed in my shoulder as Solas slightly turned the arrow shaft, making it seem like there was an electric drill moving through my body.

"Well, the good news is that it did not pierce the bone," Solas said.

"Good, now can you get this damn thing out?" I demand, "Its kind of, oh I don't know, pointy?"

Solas shrugged, "I believe it would be better if we had someone with practice in this sort of thing. I know that it isn't sticking to your bone however I believe that I cannot properly remove it."

An arrow head went through the corner of the cottage, Solas quickly blasted lightning before looking at me, "I must lend aid, I will be back shortly."

With that Solas ran off.

There wasn't really much of a fight, pretty soon Solas and Cassandra were walking back around the cottage, however Solas had to avoid a fireball while Cassandra made a noise of frustration.

"We're trying to help you, not kill you," she stated.

"If I knew that it was you then I wouldn't have attacked," I reply.

Cassandra roughly moved my shoulder to look at the arrow, "Seems alright. However you may not enjoy this next part."

I raise an eyebrow, "What pa-AAAAAGH!"

Cassandra gripped the arrow where it was located in my shoulder before pulling the whole thing out. Leaving me to swear loudly at the woman as Solas restrained me.


I soon discovered that Blackwall had agreed to join us and we made our way back to Haven. However that did leave one person unknown to me.

Vivienne.

Leliana and Cassandra went to go retrieve her after they received a letter from the woman. Originally it was meant for me but as I needed a week of healing, they went themselves.

Of course, after the entire week Cassandra put me back through the meat grinder, with more warriors for me to spar against.

I never really talked much with the woman, as she spent most of her time around Leliana. I wondered if it had something to do with me, however it was difficult to ponder as I was getting my ass kicked almost daily.

However when I saw Cassandra walk up to me, I knew that something had come up.

"Maxwell," Cassandra said.

I raised an eyebrow, "Seeker Pentaghast?"

"We require your presence," she said stiffly.

Could she be any more paranoid?

With a shrug, I grabbed my T-Shirt and pulled it on before snagging my hoodie and following Cassandra. Waving goodbye to Bull and Krem, I entered Haven as I pulled the hoodie over my head. As I poked my head through the top hole, I heard Cassandra say, "Why do you continue to wear that?"

"This?" I ask, tugging the hoodie.

"Yes."

"Why do wear the purple leather under your amour with the red butt cape?" I retort.

"Wh-What?!" Cassandra exclaimed, her face going bright red.

"That," I say, gesturing to the red cloth trailing her rear. "Why do you wear the butt cape?"

"I-It is a waist cloak!" Cassandra stated angrily, "and I wear it because I enjoy it!"

I fight off a grin, "You enjoy flaunting your ass?"

All of a sudden, I hear Varric laughing loudly. As I turn to see the dwarf collapse onto the icy ground, Cassandra's fist smashes into my chest and made me take a few steps back.

"BE SILENT!" she shouted.

"Hey you set yourself up for that," I reply.

Cassandra made a noise of anger before stomping away, with a sigh I caught up with the woman, "In all seriousness, what did you need me for?"

Cassandra huffed but said, "We need to plan our next move to shut the Breach. As you have the only thing to stop it, you are required Maxell."

I nodded my head, "Of course. Glad to be of help Seeker Pentaghast."

Cassandra rolled her eyes as we entered the room where arguments were already breaking out.

"It is a shame that the Templars have abandoned their senses as well as the capital," Cullen said.

"At least the Chantry is not as big as a problem," Leliana pointed out.

Josephine nodded, "And we have the opening we need to approach the Templars and the Mages."

Cassandra frowned, "Do we? As I stated earlier, Lord Seeker Lucius is not the man I remember."

I blinked, "Earlier?"

Cassandra flinched, "We…did discuss some things earlier. However this was when you were recuperating."

"Ah," I say. "Alright. Didn't he take the Templars somewhere?"

"Indeed, my reports have been odd but I believe he is at an old Seeker training fortress," Leliana said.

"Or the Herald could go to meet the Mages in Redcliffe instead," Josephine pointed out.

I frowned, as I opened my mouth to speak, Cullen interjected, "You think that Mage Rebellion is more united? It could be ten times worse."

Josephine pointed her quill at Cullen, "We should not discount Redcliffe. The Mages may be worth the risk."

I open my mouth again.

"They are powerful Ambassador," Cassandra said, "But more desperate than you realize."

Leliana raised an eyebrow, "How so."

I take a breath.

"If some-"

I let it out in a huff.

"-among the rebel Mages were responsible for what happened at the Conclave."

Cassandra let that hang there.

I counted to three before opening my mouth.

"The same could be said about the Templars."

Really?

"True enough," Cullen said, "But right now, I think we have enough influence to approach the order safely."

I raised my hand expressionlessly.

"And can we not do the same for the Mages?" Josephine asked.

I tapped my foot. Straining my hand further into the air.

Leliana was the one to notice and raised an eyebrow, "Yes Maxwell?"

"Can I just get something straight here? Recapping our options?"

Leliana blinked, she exchanged similar glances with the other three before slowly nodding.

Dropping my hand, I tick my fingers, "So. We can either, A: Ask the Mages for help, as they do have experience with weird magic and such, right?"

As I finish, I look at Josephine, who nodded slowly.

"B: We ask the Templars, who are trained solider who deal with this kind of magic stuff all the time," I look at Cullen, "Correct?"

"Yes," the man said.

"Where are you going with this?" Leliana asked.

I chuckled, then noticed the blank expressions, "Seriously?"

No answer.

"Nobody is thinking this, at all."

Cassandra sighed, "Get to the point."

I sighed, "Why don't we ask both sides for help?"

Silence.

Cullen laughed, "I-I'm sorry. Ask both?"

I blinked, "Is that a hard concept to understand?"

"Actually it's an impossible one," Leliana stated.

"Says who?" I ask.

No answer.

"Who says we can't ask for help from both sides Leliana?"

Let me think of how to put this…

"Right now, both groups are pointing fingers. Saying stuff like "It's your fault for reasons!" or "YOU BASTARD!" and random crap like that. However during all of this finger pointing and fighting each other, one question is at the back of their minds. "What are we going to do about the big green hole in the sky?" and nobody is doing anything about it. When we were in Val Royeaux, there was at least one Templar who believed in our cause. One! If that's the case, then there is a good chance that there are others who are asking this question at this fortress. Wondering if what they're doing is the right thing, and Lord Luci is merely fueling this question by taking all of the Templars and moving into the fortress."

I saw Josephine begin to take notes on her clipboard while Cullen crossed his arms with a frown. I didn't glance at Cassandra or Leliana though, I was on a roll.

"And I am willing to bet my hoodie that there are similar people in the Mages. Wondering about the Breach and what they should do about it, we don't need all of the Mages or all of the Templars. We just need enough to tip the scales in our favor."

I push off the table and clasp my hands together, "Does that sound like a plan?"

Leliana frowned, "That was…interestingly put."

"The Templars may not agree with working with Mages," he said, "But I know a small few who monitored Mages, they shouldn't have a problem as long as they don't cause any mischief."

"My spies reported that there was something going on with the Rebel Mages in Redcliffe," Leliana stated, "Perhaps we could use that to our advantage?"

I nodded, "Brilliant. Lets try and iron out the kinks before we make our move, but I honestly say let's get the Mages before the Templars. If there is a problem, we need to fix it quick."

Josephine nodded, "I will be sending out letters to try and get access to the Templar Order. In the meantime, I suggest that we move out to Redcliffe as soon as possible."


Cassandra frowned as she watched Maxwell depart from the Chantry building, "What do you think?" she asked.

Leliana bit her lip, "I am not sure if he is a madman, a genius, or a master manipulator."

Cassandra nodded, "I agree that we discover what happened with the Mages. I will accompany him and move onwards."

Leliana nodded, "Shall we check in with Madam Vivienne?"

Cassandra nodded and the women walked to where a small area of books had been set up, with a woman working on a small stand.

"Hello darlings," she said as they approached.

Cassandra took in the woman. Vivienne had dark ebony skin with matching eyes, without the horned headdress she wore she hardly had any hair on her head. An elegant white dress went down past her knees and exposed a portion of her back and cleavage.

"Any luck with him," Leliana asked.

The woman shook her head, "As far as I know, there is nobody named Maxwell in any of the Circles. I have sent letters asking if any have heard of him, out of the thirty-seven I sent only twenty have replied with the knowledge that Maxwell Castell does not exist."

Leliana nodded, "Keep looking, we must be certain if we have to make a move."

Vivienne nodded, "I will need to interact with him. Are we going anywhere?"

Cassandra nodded, "We have a mission to perform."

A/N: Fun Fact, Krem is voiced by Jennifer Hale, who also voices Female Commander Shepard from the Mass Effect series, as well as Bastilla from Star Wars, Knights of the Old Republic.

Read, Have a Great Day and God Bless

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