Note: Hm, I think I should warn of violence and possible... triggering (?) in this chapter so, kindly read with caution.

"Where is the Lord Seeker?!"

Pain exploded in Cullen's abdomen as his tormenter buried a gauntleted fist into his gut. Nausea built in the back of his throat, Cullen coughing out a half-gag, his vision blurry and bloody from the on-going abuse since the envoy's capture. Isabeau had lead a small party including himself, Rhys and Evangeline to entreat a cessation of the Mage-Templar conflict; the Templar's had overrun and imprisoned them in turn. The Inquisitor's guards having been cut down and eradicated bloodily, the remaining four of the party were taken hostage and had been promptly separated.

After the coughs finished wracking his battered body, he slowly raised his head and seethed, "The Inquisition... has no knowledge of him."

His assailant was no stranger; an old toady of Meredith's, Ser Karras was now a Knight-Captain in the renegade Order. At the nullification of the Nevarran Accord, he had been the first to incite anarchy amongst Cullen's command in Kirkwall; Cullen had regretted not killing the man himself before leaving the cursed city. That regret now poignantly bruising Cullen's eyes and jaw, Karras appeared to be revelling in the sight of Cullen's chains with each blow he assaulted the Marshall with.

The other Templar Cullen did not recognize, watching as the knight made his way over to where Rhys was chained next to him, a knee brutally connecting with the mage's own stomach. "Where is the Lord Seeker?!"

Rhys answered in the form of vomit upon the templar's boots, neither of he nor Cullen admitting fault for the missing and assumed dead leader. For what felt like hours now it had been the same procession of questions and abuse, Cullen trying to bury his fear for Isabeau as he stoically accepted each hit. Rhys had fared no better, repeatedly having his magic drained and ripped from him in addition to the physical onslaught.

Ser Karras slashed an arm before him, the other templar pausing in his assault, "Enough! Bring in the other two!"

Isabeau and Evangeline were unceremoniously shoved through the flap of the large tent, the pair landing awkwardly in a heap. Cullen struggled to subdue his howl of fury at the sight of Isabeau's battered person, Evangeline equally bruised and bloodied next to her. Rhys had a more difficult time voicing his displeasure, the Silencing that fused his lips allowing little more than a groan deep in the back of his throat. Karras strode to the two women, he and his partner yanking their chains until the two stood, Isabeau led by Karras to secure her arms and legs to the sturdy stake buried deeply in the center of the tent.

"Inquisitor," he sardonically greeted in a mocking bow before swiftly backhanding her with his gauntlet, "Perhaps your chief shall be more willing to... corroborate while in your presence?"

"Karras!" Cullen roared, his wrists exploding with pain as he pulled uselessly on the shackles.

Isabeau laughed bitterly, "Oh, but you are stupid."

He backhanded her again, eliciting a groan that was then followed by a round of broken, harsh chuckling. Isabeau shook her head as she stared intently at the ground, each word venom upon her lips, "My armies are at your very throats and you have captured and tortured the Mage's envoy; how do you foresee this ending?"

"It was always going to end with the destruction of the Mages, Inquisitor. Your arrival was unexpected but it is manageable," Karras growled, viciously grabbing Isabeau's hair and jerking her head back. Cullen again pulled and yanked on the chains attached to his own stake, his feet sliding uselessly in the dirt as he watched Karras lecherously appreciating the nape of Isabeau's neck, his hand slowly raising a blade to just behind her ear. "Only a pathetic portion of your forces are available to uselessly piss in our path. Even if the damned mages came to your army's aide, we have legions of true Templars and Seekers here and at the ready; you will be overrun."

Isabeau spat bloodily at his face, "We shall see."

With a flick of his wrist, Karras sliced off the top of Isabeau's ear, Cullen screaming in unison of Isabeau's own cries of pain. Rage turned his vision red as he watched Karras manhandle her, disgusted and humiliated by his helplessness.

"You will tell me what you know of the Lord Seeker, Inquisitor!"

"We know nothing!" Isabeau bellowed in her agony, "The Inquisition had no part in his disappearance!"

Evangeline's arm was brutally twisted behind her by their other captor, Karras rounding on her now, "The Mages then? Confess to your treachery Knight-Captain and the Order may find mercy for you."

When Evangeline replied with little more than an obstinate stare, Karras whipped around and made for the small table of decanters, pouring himself a goblet of wine as he stared at his captives. "We will have our answer once the Mage's are destroyed," he moseyed over to Isabeau, idly pouring wine into the open cuts of her legs as she hissed in pain, "You and Ser Cullen are too valuable however, Inquisitor. We are to keep you for... bargaining purposes. Amongst others..."

Karras began to slide a hand up Isabeau's ribs as he leaned in close and slid a tongue along her jaw line. Just as Isabeau twisted her head away in disgust, a blade suddenly exploded out of Karras' open mouth, sprinkling the side of her face with blood. As Karras sputtered and coughed from the impact, his face was viciously shoved into the stake beside her neck, crumpling from the force in a sickening crunch of gore. Cullen's eyes went wide as suddenly Cole appeared behind Karras, wordlessly yanking the blade out the back of the vile and now dead templar's head.

"Captain-"

A pair of hands appeared behind the other templar's alarmed face, wickedly ripping and snapping his neck before he could cry out in further protest. Leliana fully appeared and silently stepped through the flap of the tent, pulling the carcass of the knight with her before laying him next to where Cole had moved Karras. The pair silently worked at unlocking their beleaguered companion's shackles, Cullen immediately moving to Isabeau to cradle her in his arms. She was shaking as she clung to him and the one side of her neck was stained red with a torrent of blood, Cullen cringing at the sight of her mangled ear.

"Cole... Leliana. Maker bless you both," he breathed as Leliana helped the pair stand, Cole in turn steadying Rhys with an arm over the mage's shoulder. Evangeline moved to assist Cole as Isabeau raised her head and pulled herself from her advisor's grasp, staring at their rescuers in awe.

"How?"

Leliana gave a small smile, "Our friend Cole has... a curious but useful ability. When you and your cohorts failed to return from the treating, we chose to act. It was not difficult for us to slip through their perimeter. We found you easily enough."

Rhys coughed and spat out a glob of bloody spit, "That is all well and good but we are deep behind enemy lines and not all of us can disappear so conveniently."

"We must make haste," Leliana began as she made her way to the dead Templars and began stripping their armor, "We cannot risk alerting them to our presence, otherwise I would have you heal our compatriot's wounds, mage." She beckoned over Cullen and Isabeau, speedily helping them pull on the various pieces of plate, "Cole and I can lead the way undetected, the rest of you must perform a mummers farce, I am afraid."

Cullen shrugged his shoulders as he adjusted to Karras' poor fitting armor, begrudgingly accepting its weight as he considered Leliana's plan, "You would have us walk through the camp?"

"Yes," the spy hastily confirmed, passing vials of potions to Cullen and Isabeau, the red liquid allowing a modicum of relief to Cullen's, and surely Isabeau's, wounds. "As Cole and I work our way ahead and clear the path as quietly as possible, the four of you must follow. With luck from the Maker, you will appear to be simply transporting prisoners."

Isabeau sighed in relief as she swallowed back the last of her potion, nodding determinedly at Leliana, "Very well, Leliana... and thank you. Both of you." She gave both Cole and Leliana warm embraces, the affection and gratitude for her friends clear through her bruises. "You will need to signal us as we approach the break in their lines, we may escape the bulk of the camp but once in the open, it will be a mad dash."

"You are correct; Cassandra has arranged for a portion of our forces to meet us, a platoon of Mage's have also agreed to join her," Leliana whispered as she quickly poked her head out a flap in the tent. "The way is clear, we must go."

Cullen tested the balance to Karras' sword, finding it adequate as Cole gently tied a set of ropes around Evangeline and Rhys' hands. Isabeau stretched at Cullen's side, the two of them pulling helms over their heads as they watched Leliana dart from the tent, Cole simply fading from sight. Isabeau lead their way out, Cullen following behind Evangeline as they made their tentative escape through the camp. As they walked briskly through the various pockets of tenting and rabbles of Seekers and Templars, Cullen absently noted the various bodies that appeared along their path in the dark, left in positions that made them appear as at rest or sleeping upon the ground. He felt a great, new appreciation for Leliana's abilities in that moment.

Under the light of the moons and with braziers illuminating their way, eventually the horde of their enemies forces appeared to thin, the troupe suddenly stopped by a pair of perimeter guards. Cullen watched Isabeau tense before him as he surreptitiously cut the ropes binding Evangeline and Rhys. He prayed to the Maker that Cassandra's forces were close by when Isabeau's gauntlet was torn from her, the green of her mark setting them all alight when suddenly she tore the sword from her back and spun, deftly cleaving the surprised Seeker before her. As Cullen leapt and helped her cut down the other guard, shouts of alarm exploded around them, the four sprinting out into the open earth between the camp and Andoral's Reach.

Arrows fell down around them; Rhys executing a protective barrier as their feet collectively pounded the earth, Cullen's wounds and tender lungs screaming in protest. Cole appeared between Rhys' and Evangeline's sides, Leliana now bringing up their rear as they made for their escape. A horde of cavalry and foot soldiers soon appeared to be riding to meet them, Cassandra appearing at its head. Once they were closer, the night sky erupted with light as the mage's in the rear unleashed their might, fire, lightning and all manner of abilities raining down mayhem upon the pursuing Seekers and Templars behind the escapees.

The small party melded with their forces as Rhys' barrier extended and began to join his fellow mage's in their efforts. Soon, their entire collection of soldiers and mages were encased within a great shield of energy. Cullen turned to look behind them, watching as their enemies began to pull back, knowing that they would mount a massive attack in retaliation once reorganized. Isabeau ripped off her helm and immediately strode to meet Cassandra. The comrades clasped forearms, Cassandra shaking her head in dismay at the state of her Inquisitor.

"They tortured you?!"

"All of us," Isabeau spat in disgust, angrily burying her borrowed blade deep into the ground as she looked around at her soldiers and the mages, "I am done with hesitation and diplomacy. Whatever differences we have with the Mage's, we shall not share with them!" Her hand thrust outwards, bursting with glowing green vapors as she pointed back at the Templar and Seeker army. "Cullen, they will spend tonight regrouping, yes?"

He nodded, "Yes, though I do not question we can expect an attack come sunrise."

"They will have no such quarter," she growled as she turned to Rhys and Evangeline, "You have us. If your people's assistance here stands for anything, join us and let us finish this travesty."

Rhys nodded solemnly as horses were brought for the four ex-prisoners, Isabeau bidding farewell to Cole, Cass and Leliana before climbing onto her horse and immediately spurring it, galloping ahead for the Mage's fortress. Cullen, Rhys and Evangeline followed in turn and soon they exploded through the front gates of the Reach's stronghold. Isabeau unceremoniously peeled off what she could of the Templar armor, a group of mages that included First Enchanter Irving rapidly approaching from the main stairs of the courtyard. Cullen tugged at the various pieces of his own armor as the assortment of panicked mages came to a stop before them.

"Rhys!" Irving called concernedly as he came and assisted his fellow mage from his horse, immediately placing a vial of Lyrium in the exhausted mage's hands. The younger mage gave his thanks but declined, explaining he felt fine before meeting his colleague's gaze.

"We cannot wait any longer Irving; we must join the Inquisition and finish this," Rhys gasped imploringly, "Grand Enchanter or not, we are out of time."

"Irving," Cullen said in greeting, the old acquaintances warily shaking hands when the elderly Enchanter turned and stared at him in surprise.

"Ser Cullen. This is… unexpected. It has been a great deal of time."

Isabeau coughed distractedly, "If I may interrupt your reunion, we have much to discuss First Enchanter… and little time to do so."

Irving straightened and gave a somber nod in assent, "Yes, Inquisitor. It is… most unfortunate the Templars resorted to such extremes. Might I ask why they… kept you?" he asked as he extended an arm and gestured the group towards the interior of the fortress.

"They appear convinced either the Inquisition or the Mage consortium are at fault for Lord Seeker Lambert's disappearance," Isabeau paused as they entered a great hall, numerous other mages crowding tightly into the room, "I cannot speak for you or your constituents, but the Inquisition was not involved."

"Nor the Mages, to my knowledge," Irving began slowly, "though, admittedly, we have… separatists that may have acted independently. It is unfortunate, but I cannot say for sure." He turned then to the assembly of mages surrounding them, a sad and tense expression on his face as several higher ranking Enchanters came to stand in a circle around them.

Various spirit healers began tending to the wounded party, Isabeau letting out an audible hiss of pain as a young girl gently held a poultice to the Inquisitor's ear, working at wiping the blood from Isabeau's neck as she did so. Evangeline was encased in motes of light as Rhys worked at her wounds, another mage hesitantly asking Cullen if he would accept his assistance. He nodded in acquiesce before magic began to work at his open sores and tired muscles.

"They will mount an attack by sunrise, First Enchanter," Cullen cautioned as he came to stand tall at Isabeau's side, his pain beginning to subside as spells worked at his wounds. "Whatever differences we may share, we must be united against their forces. Otherwise, I fear the Inquisition will be forced to retreat… I shudder to think what that might mean for your own people."

A heavy, exhausted sigh blew from the First Enchanter's lips as he nodded in solemn agreement, "We… would fare better with your assistance. I cannot make any promises should we survive." Irving rubbed at his forehead as he regarded Cullen, "You are still… loyal to the Chantry?"

"I am loyal to what the Templar Order originally stood for. It is too early to make promises however, Irving."

Isabeau crossed her arms, "One of my advisors was a servant to Justinia… and, as I recall, there to assist the mages the day the Whitespire fell. Perhaps the Chantry sympathizes with your cause more than you think?"

Another mage broke from the circle around them, stepping towards Isabeau with furious eyes, "The Chantry has repressed and abused us for hundreds of years, girl. We cannot come to heel only to return to such torment"

"I did not say you would," Isabeau replied with a calculated slowness before she took a visible breath and turned to face the populated hall. "I have felt but a brief sting of your torment first hand, I can commiserate only so much… but we will waste too much time debating. You stand upon the precipice of your destinies; the world burns around you and something far greater than the foe hammering at your door endangers your very existence. Join me and I will help you. Victory and safety will be yours… or remain… and fall into the ensuing chaos." She swallowed as she looked down upon her hand as she closed it into a glowing fist, "Until you have decided, what happens after is irrelevant."

Cullen could not fight the pride that spread his lips into a small smile.

"It's true!"

A dwarf suddenly burst from the conclave of mages, Cullen startling in surprise as Isabeau did the same, the Inquisitor noticeably shrinking in her posture as she regarded the curious woman.

"You are…?"

"Dagna, Smith caste; Orzammar and previously, Kinloch Hold," she replied curtly as she came to stand before Isabeau, comically tilting her head back as she met Trevelyan's gaze. "I had heard the rumours but to see it is something else," she muttered as she unabashedly grasped Isabeau's hand, rigorously inspecting it before Cullen could reach and intervene.

"Well… met, Dagna of Orzammar," Isabeau ventured uncertainly, "You're familiar with my… abilities then?"

"Oh yes, I began work on my thesis once I felt the reports were conclusive," she prattled, raising her gaze to First Enchanter Irving, "You'd all be daft not to, you know. You've got a living Lyrium battery at your back," she paused as she looked Isabeau up and down, evaluating her. "Er… Front? Whatever. I say do it."

"I beg your pardon?"

Both Cullen and Isabeau replied in unison, Irving crossing his arms in curious contemplation as he seemed to regard Isabeau anew. Rhys snapped his fingers as he strode to Dagna's side.

"I knew I felt something," he began as he paced before them, "At first I thought it was just adrenaline but… there was a palpable endurance to my mana during our escape." Rhys crossed his arms as he rested his chin between his thumb and finger, "We had been tortured for hours yet our dash barely drained my mana at all."

Cullen felt ill at the implications, suddenly doubting his sobriety.

All this time… could I still be dependent?

'Speak quick Dagna of Orzammar for my time is short," Isabeau grimly commanded, the excited dwarf instantly sedated at her tone.

"Duster terms? Consider Lyrium the primordial goop of the Fade in our world. It's the last physical remnants of our creation. The debate's always gonna be out on what that creation entailed, but Lyrium remains and it's like any other living thing; it can get sick."

"Dagna," Irving hurried at her.

"Okay, so, these breeches, your hand? You're acting as a conduit except you've got an activation switch. Surely by now you`ve realized you can use it for more than a moving lightshow during speeches?"

Isabeau slowly nodded, Cullen left agape at the dwarfs gall.

"I'm not finished my work so take this with a grain of salt, but I believe you can, in a sense, control mana without the use of Lyrium; sort of act like a dam between too much and too little. Means more power, less… chance of demons and the nasty bits that come with them," the dwarf finished, her cheeks flushed as she shrugged, "Like I said, it's a theory."

"You… shall have to meet a friend of mine," Isabeau said with a soft chuckle as she squeezed Dagna's shoulder encouragingly. "It is a compelling theory. If it can help sway your compatriots in joining our struggle, I welcome it."

"Oh I do. Just do that boosting thing of yours and I think everyone here will feel the difference."

Cullen turned to Irving and his collection of advisor's and colleagues, "First Enchanter?"

"There is… little choice in the matter. You are welcome to move and prepare your forces behind our walls, Ser. I pray to the Maker we not only survive the onslaught, but can agree to a peaceful compromise between our causes in its wake."

"Excellent," Isabeau began as she clutched Irving's forearm tightly, "I am ordering an immediate attack. My forces may not be great in number, but I intend on harassing them to your gates. You will need to be prepared for when we are in range of your walls."

"Of course, our best tacticians will be put to work immediately."

"Very well, I will prepare my men."

"Inquisitor!"

Cullen and Isabeau turned at Evangeline's cry, the stalwart Knight stepping forward from Rhys' embrace, "I would join you. On the battlefield."

"You are most welcome, Ser Knight," Isabeau replied graciously before turning back to Irving, "The bulk of my men will remain, your sally-port's must be well defended so my party and I have a viable retreat. I would also ask of healers to join us in our initial advance."

Rhys stepped forward then, several others in the hall joining him as Cullen looked on approvingly. Isabeau nodded at his side.

"Whoever your gods are, my new friends… may they be with us this night."