Chapter 11. Axis & Allies
Cassandra stood up and slowly nodded; she looked tired and defeated. "Leliana and I will send a report to the Divine. I believe that she will agree to your suggestion, Champion. Varric, Starkhaven although I have my doubts."
Val stood as well and extended her hand. "I'm glad we're at least on the same side. Please call me Val, or Hawke if you find that more comfortable."
Cassandra looked at Val for a moment, then shook her hand. Afterwards, she felt a spark of hope flare in her heart. We may actually be able to end this war. "I am too, Hawke. Please call me Cassandra." The Seeker turned to Zevran and Varric. Her expression was stern, but not adversarial. "Varric and…?" She looked at the elf.
"Zevran Arainai." He bowed his head.
Cassandra nodded. "Varric and Zevran, come with me. I want you to wake up my men, release them, and return their clothes."
Zevran opened the door to the Garden, and grinned at Cassandra. "After you."
"No! I want you two in front of me."
When Cassandra strode past them, Zevran looked at Val, Maric, and Leliana. "Pity, I was looking forward to the view."
Leliana laughed as Zevran closed the door. "He is absolutely incorrigible, but I have missed him so." She turned her eyes to Val and Maric. "Thank you for putting her in her place. That's needed to happen for some time now. I hope she learns from it."
While sitting back down, Val said, "I assure you that wasn't our original intent. When we asked for this meeting, we'd hoped for an honest discourse, but when Zevran showed us that letter… Well, let's just say I didn't take it well."
Leliana shook her head sadly. "Cassandra should have questioned that order. Tactics and strategy are not spiritual matters, they are temporal ones. If Cassandra had actually thought about it, she would have realized the tactical mistake and informed the Divine. Divine Justinia is a very reasonable woman; she would have understood, as she will understand after she receives our report."
Maric leaned back and ran his hand through his hair. Leliana smiled brightly as she remembered seeing Alistair do the very same thing.
Maric looked a Leliana quizzically.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, it's just that I have seen Alistair do that many times. I think it's adorable to see that you do it as well."
Maric, with a self-deprecating laugh, said, "Leliana, I have been called many things, but never adorable."
Val took Maric's hand. "Love, if you could only see how you and Alistair look when you smell cheese. That is adorable."
"Ah, I see where Alistair inherited his love of cheese."
Maric looked thoughtful. "Is there a good cheese merchant in Kirkwall?"
Val and Leliana couldn't help but laugh.
~oOOo~
Val and her party left for Lowtown after a promise to return the following morning for breakfast and a strategy session. Leliana had gone to sleep, but Cassandra's mind was awhirl and sleep eluded her. Quietly, she got dressed then went to the sanctuary where she knelt on the floor at the foot of the statue of Andraste.
Cassandra knew that she had been outsmarted, and while it rankled, she was more embarrassed than angry. Valentina Hawke proved to be a worthy adversary and was every bit the Champion Varric said she was. After Varric's interrogation, I despaired of ever being able to end the conflict. Now, I have joined forces with the Champion, a rebel king, a well-connected member of the Merchant's Guild, two Blight companions, and the former Knight-Commander. I know it will take me a bit of time to embrace the Champion as a true ally, but I feel blessed by the Maker that I at least have the opportunity to try.
Looking up at the statue, she spoke wryly, "It was more than I deserved. I was an arrogant fool and it took six people to make me see it."
~oOOo~
Back in Varric's suite, the four of them practically fell into the chairs. Norah brought up three mugs of ale and one empty glass. Varric went to a cabinet and pulled out a dark bottle and gave it to Zevran. "You deserve this. Nice work with the guards."
Zevran took the bottle of Antivan brandy. "I thank you, my delightfully hirsute friend, but you were the one with the brilliant idea to strip them and hide their clothes."
Varric shrugged. "Even if they freed themselves, being naked is a big disadvantage."
Val looked over the rim of her mug. "It is for guards."
Zevran grinned wickedly. "Champion, do you speak from experience?"
Val's eyes twinkled. "Do you mean with ropes or with nakedness?"
Maric loved his wife's sense of humor. "Val, don't tease Zevran." He looked at the elf. "Yes, with both."
Val blushed and Varric laughed heartily. "Damn, I've missed you Hawke."
Zevran put down his glass. "Maric, I like you. Tell me, my beauteous Champion, do you share?"
Maric and Val smiled and answered in unison. "Absolutely not."
After a couple of rounds, Zevran became quite serious. "Hawke, I need to leave, I hope to be back in time for the meeting, but we may be a bit late."
Val nodded. "Stay safe my friend."
"Of course."
After Zevran left, Varric asked, "You're not going to tell me where the elf's going, are you?"
Val shook her head. "All I can tell you is that he is returning with Cullen."
The dwarf leaned back and steepled his hands. "The former Crow strode purposefully out the door and vanished into the inky darkness…"
"You're already writing about this?" Maric looked surprised.
Val laughed. "Varric's breathing, so yes."
~oOOo~
Cullen tipped up Renna's chin so he could look into her eyes. Once shadowed by worry, they were now alight with hope. It warmed Cullen's heart and he whispered, "I'll stoke up the fire, then we can sit and talk."
Renna's eye sparkled with unshed tears. "Thank you."
Cullen carefully tended the fire until it blazed back to life. Then he sat on the couch, his arm around his wife's shoulders pulling her close. She laid her head on his shoulder, he kissed the top of her head as they watched the red-gold flames dance and curl.
Renna broke the silence, her voice soft yet determined. "Emma lath, I cannot stay here while you are a world away putting yourself in danger. I am not pregnant; we have no children. Let me come to Thedas, where I can do something and not just sit here and wait."
"Ren, I will likely be at the Gallows, although, I'm not sure in what capacity. I would have to pretend that we're no longer married."
Renna took in a sharp breath; she had not anticipated that. It is only for show, playacting. He has to make sure he fits in. "I understand, Cullen, but I still want to help, in whatever capacity. I need to help."
"Love, you cannot stay in Kirkwall. If anyone saw me near you I wouldn't be able to hide how I feel about you. Besides, I…I don't know what I'll have to do to prove I'm on their side, and I don't want you to see that."
Renna sat pensively. Then she looked at Cullen. "I still don't want to be a world away from you."
Cullen pulled her closer to him. "I don't want to be that far away from you either, but I don't know the plans."
"Didn't you say that Zevran will be escorting you back to Kirkwall?"
Cullen nodded.
"He'll know what's going on and perhaps we can figure out how I can be helpful."
"And if there isn't anything?"
Renna had a determined look, her voice was firm. "Then I will go to Ferelden where no one knows about our relationship. Aveline would surely give me a recommendation so I could get work with the Denerim Guard. But I cannot stay here. I'll go mad worrying about you."
Cullen's tone conveyed the fear he felt. "Ren, if you're in Thedas, I can't protect you. If something were to happen to you… I…don't know what I'd do."
"Now you know how I feel. At least if I'm in Thedas, with you, we can find some way to communicate other then going through the Vimmark Eluvian."
Cullen looked into his wife's eyes and knew he couldn't say no to her. He didn't have the heart to tell her no and mean it. "You know I can't deny you anything. Okay. But, if you're coming along, you need to get off your fabulous behind and pack," he teased.
Renna pulled Cullen up with her. The sultry look in her eyes and expression had nothing to do with packing. "It will only take me an hour to pack. I can think of a much better way to spend the time. Then you can tell me all about my fabulous behind." She pulled him towards the bed. Cullen grinned, and eagerly followed.
~oOOo~
It was near midnight in Revas when Lyna announced Cullen and Renna. Adaia was in bed; Alistair was waiting in the great room along with Kali, who insisted that she be there to see Cullen off.
They stood when the couple entered. Cullen and Renna were both in armor, and both carried packs.
Alistair looked at them. "I take it you're both going?"
"Renna was quite persistent."
Alistair smirked. "I'll bet."
Kali looked at Renna, who winked. "I will miss both of you."
The two women hugged. "We will miss you as well."
Cullen pulled Alistair into a hug. Alistair's voice was rough. "Creators watch over you both. Come back to us safely."
Then Lyna announced Fenarel.
Alistair was trying to control his emotions, but his voice was still gruff. "Fenarel, my friend, your timing is impeccable."
Kali hugged the elf. "We'll wait up here so you can have a few minutes alone with Zevran."
They could see Fenarel relax. It was clear he had been nervous about asking for just that. "Thank you, Kali." He quickly went downstairs.
At the agreed upon time, Fenarel said the incantation to activate the Eluvian. Within a minute, Zevran came through. When he saw that Fenarel was alone, he pulled him into his arms and gently kissed him. "I missed you, amore mio."
"As did I, emma lath. Thank the Creators you're all right."
Zevran tightened his embrace. "I promise I will come back, and when I do I shall never leave again."
After a few minutes, they drew back from each other. Fenarel looked at Zevran with a mixture of love and longing. "I need to bring them down."
Zevran nodded. "I know."
When the party arrived downstairs, Zevran looked at Renna with an amused expression. "I see you have convinced Cullen to let you join in the fun."
"I have." She smiled wickedly.
Zevran's eyebrows went up. "I see. Well good. Your help is appreciated." He then took a few minutes summarize the evening's activities.
Cullen was impressed. "A very interesting and productive evening it seems. I have to admit to a certain amount of disappointment in missing the dressing down of the Seeker. As the plans are to meet at the Chantry in the morning, where will we sleep when we get to Kirkwall?"
"Unfortunately, my friend, the Hanged Man. We need to smuggle you into the city and, in the morning, to the Chantry so the Knight Commander isn't aware of your presence or association with us."
Alistair and Kali entered the cellar. Kali practically launched herself at Zevran, who returned the embrace with equal measure. "We have missed you so much. I'm thankful you're all right."
"A cara, already you are glowing. I have missed you all as well. How is my niece?"
Alistair smiled proudly. "Amazing. She misses you too."
Zevran took a deep breath and let it out. "My friends, it is time for us to go. We have to get from the Vimmark Eluvian to Kirkwall quickly if we are to get any sleep."
Alistair said, "Then we will take our leave. Creators keep you all safe."
Kali and Alistair went upstairs. Zevran would go through the Eluvian first, followed by Cullen and Renna. Before he went he took Fenarel's hands in his. "Ti amo."
Fenarel kissed Zev's hands. "Tu sei il mio cuore. You have my heart."
~oOOo~
Just after dawn, Cullen and Renna entered the Hanged Man. The tavern was surprisingly different. At dawn, the clientele were comprised of only two types: the people passed out on the tables from the previous night's binge, and the hard-core, drinkers who arrived for their morning 'medicine.' Neither set of customers paid a bit of attention to Cullen and Renna. They went upstairs and slipped into Varric's suite. Zevran was twenty minutes behind them to make sure they weren't followed.
Varric was awake, but bleary eyed. "Am I seeing things or have you brought Renna with you?"
Renna smiled. "You're seeing things."
"Ah, you are here. My eyes may be half open but my hearing is perfect. You have to be exhausted. We don't have to be at the Chantry for another hour or two, go crash on my bed. Val and Maric will be here within the hour."
"They have a room here?"
Varric chuckled. "Yeah, you should've seen the look on Blue-Eye's face when he opened the door. Hawke was true to form – she pulled him in and promised to make it worth his while." He cocked his head toward his bedroom. "Go. Nap."
~oOOo~
With great skill, and a little luck, Zevran, Cullen, and Renna arrived at the Chantry unnoticed. They went through the side garden and entered the same room the Seeker had used the previous day. Everyone else had just arrived and began filling their plates with the breakfast foods laid out on the side table.
Cassandra and Leliana stood. Leliana smiled. "I am so glad you are here, Cullen. This is your wife, yes?"
"Yes. Leliana, Seeker Pentaghast, may I introduce my wife, Renna. Seeker Pentaghast, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Cassandra's smile was genuine. She respected the former Templar very much. "As it is to meet you." Looking at Renna, she continued. "It is good to meet you, too. I understand you were one of Captain Hendyr's best guards. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that your skills will greatly benefit our efforts."
After yesterday, Val had to work to hide her shock. Cassandra had been cordial this morning, but her effusive welcome of Cullen and Renna was quite something else, and it annoyed her. She had hoped that the Seeker's pleasant greeting this morning indicated that they had broken through her wall of religious dogma and blind faith. That she was actually willing to see the need for them to be allies. Perhaps she's merely tolerating us. Whereas Cullen is, or was, a Templar, a colleague, one of the Chantry's own. When she greeted Cassandra this morning Val felt hope, she now felt wary.
Once everyone had finished eating, Leliana spread out a map of northern Thedas. It covered everywhere from the Free Marches, north.
Val drew a black circle around Andoral's Reach, Starkhaven, and Kirkwall. She drew squares around Hunter Fell, and Seleny in Antiva. Once she finished, she explained, "Andoral's Reach is where we expect the mages to gather. We hope to use Starkhaven as our base of operations, but that depends upon Sebastian." Val pointed towards the squared areas. "The Veil tears that we know of are in Hunter Fell and Seleny. Seleny is too far away to send help, but we can get mages and templars to Hunter Fell as soon as we can."
When Cullen heard that the Veil was torn, an involuntary shudder went through his body. Though fully recovered, the effects of Uldred's rebellion occasionally pricked his conscious mind.
Leliana suggested, "We can turn to the remaining Knights Divine and the mages of the Aequitarian fraternity. Senior Enchanter Torrin, originally from the Fereldan Circle, could help us there."
Cullen remembered the Senior Enchanter. Even though all his interactions with Torrin were positive, Cullen still had a momentary sense of disquiet.
Maric asked Cassandra, "Aside from some of the Knights Divine, who is still loyal to the Chantry?"
"My regiment of Seekers, and a small but trustworthy group of Templars who are hidden in Val Royeaux, Cumberland, Montsimmard, Navarra City, and Antiva." The short list of allies told everyone just how weakened a state the Chantry was in.
Maric took a deep breath the let it out. He knew the Seeker wasn't going to like his next question. "Are you sure of everyone's loyalty? Lambert doesn't seem like a fool; he would want a spy planted in our ranks."
Cassandra's eyes became flinty and she was about to snap at him, but she stopped herself. She really wasn't completely sure. She was embarrassed that she hadn't thought of that herself. Instead she quickly shook her head. "No, not completely."
Leliana placed her hand on Cassandra's arm. "I have been checking on that very thing. The only one I'm not sure about is Ser Etienne, one of our Val Royeaux Templars."
"Why didn't you tell me, Leliana?" Cassandra said impatiently.
"Because in order for me to do my job you had to be kept in the dark."
Cassandra didn't look happy, and Maric didn't want anymore arguing. He cleared his throat. "Leliana, what will it take for you to clear Ser Etienne?"
"I do not know. He is disarming, affable, and seems quite earnest; I couldn't find much information about his past aside from his being brought to the Chantry when he was three. He is also completely resistant to drinking and sex, like a good Templar."
Maric heard Leliana's unspoken words. He is almost too perfect. "Until we are sure, I suggest he be kept out of the loop, even given an assignment that will keep him busy and distracted."
"Well," Val said. "That brings us to matters here in Kirkwall. Cassandra, do you know about Knight Commander Masurian's background?"
"Regrettably, yes. He was considered a model Templar, and rose quickly through the ranks. When he was promoted to Knight-Captain, he was one of a special complement of Templars who hunted apostates throughout Orlais. He was promoted to Knight-Commander of Kirkwall by the Knight-Vigilant, in one of his last official acts before he left to join Lambert. Masurian seems more extreme than Meredith, but I don't have much more after his being appointed to Kirkwall. Given your contact, I gather you know more, yes?" Unlike yesterday, there was only a slight edge in the Seeker's voice.
Val bristled anyway. Maric squeezed her knee, then she answered, "Unfortunately, we do. Lambert personally oversaw Masurian's career and was the one who convinced the Knight-Vigilant to appoint him to Kirkwall. Masurian's been very busy since he arrived."
Varric said, "Yeah, he appointed Serah Smug, our former Seneschal, as Viscount, and he's been told that his only job is to make the nobles happy."
"Happy nobles means that no one is going to question anything that happens in the Gallows," Val explained. Then she went on to tell them about letting his Templars go to the Rose once a week, and bring women from the Rose to spend a weekend in the Gallows. "The most chilling change is that all of the Templars have been trained to administer the Rite of Tranquility, and each of them carry a lyrium brand as part of their regular equipment. Masurian has given his Templars leave to use it 'whenever they saw fit.'"
Everyone was stunned into silence. Varric was the first to speak up. "Regular access to women, ale, and the right to brand any mage they want. It seems that our new Knight-Commander knows how to keep his boys happy…Terrific." Varric looked at Val who was trying to control her fear.
Leliana caught it. "Val, what's wrong?"
"My friend Merrill… she's a … former First of a Dalish clan. She was recently captured and is now in the Gallows. She hasn't been made Tranquil…yet."
Cassandra looked at Val her tone curt. "An apostate."
Val's tone matched Cassandra's. "A good friend."
The two women glared at each other, then Val said, "It is precisely that attitude that has brought us to where we are." Her tone was calm but terse.
Cassandra backed down, saying nothing, but tensions between the two women escalated.
Cullen, to Maric's relief, changed the subject. "It seems that Lambert wants control of Kirkwall."
Val started and looked at Cullen. "I think…you're right. But the scary question is why?"
Maric sighed. "Who is in Lambert's immediate circle?"
"The Knight-Vigilant seems to be one of them." Leliana suggested.
"That and all of the Knight-Commanders, it would seem." Cassandra said. She had been standing and now her arms were crossed.
Varric sat back in his chair. "My contacts also think that Ser Karras has cozied up to Masurian. I don't know if he's in Lambert's inner circle, though."
Val remembered Karras, the paranoid Templar. Wonderful. "Cassandra, you said all of the Knight-Commanders. What about Ferelden, we were just there, we didn't notice any unrest."
Cassandra frowned; her voice was full of uncertainty and anger. "They have become an island. No information, no mages, and no Templars have left. There are simply not enough of us to investigate."
Maric clearly looked unhappy, "Cassandra, do either you or Leliana know anything about Ferelden's Grand Cleric, Clodovea? I know that she believes all mages to be malifcar, and she is trying to force the Wardens to accept Chantry authority or risk being exiled and sent to Orlais."
Leliana was stunned. "She wants to have the Wardens exiled? What do the King and Queen think?"
Val shook her head "All we do know is that with Alistair gone and Loghain as Second in Command, the Queen will not do much, for now. Clodovea is a bit of a wild card. But we cannot focus on that at the moment. If Ferelden wishes to remain an island we have to allow them to…for the time being."
Maric was worried but resolute. "Cullen, you know we need you to get close to Masurian. He is our best link to Lambert or at least Lambert's plans for Kirkwall. You can also see if there are any Kirkwall Templars that haven't joined the debauched mage-haters club."
Cullen nodded and was surprised at how calm he felt given the enormity of his task. "I know. I don't know what Masurian will ask me to do to prove my loyalty, but given what we know about Masurian, it's going to be something heinous." He held Renna's hand and addressed everyone in the room. "I apologize, in advance, for anything he makes me do or say, but you all know that I have to make sure he can trust me. However, I will refuse to harm any of you."
Maric put his hand on Cullen's shoulder. "Cullen, no apologies needed. Though I am deeply concerned about how you will fare."
Cullen smiled with no mirth. "I survived Uldred's rebellion."
After more discussion it was decided that Cullen would go to the Gallows the following day and get an audience with Masurian. Fortunately, for reasons none of them knew the Chantry had managed to find and keep his Templar armor and shield.
Leliana and Cassandra could only stay at the Chantry for another day, then they would leave for Ostwick, where they planned to stay until there was news about Starkhaven. Cassandra asked Renna to come with them.
Maric, Val, Zevran, and Varric would remain in Kirkwall and settle affairs there. Val was blunt with Cassandra when she told her that she was going to save Merrill. Cassandra didn't challenge her.
Renna looked at Cullen; her tremulous voice was a whisper. "This will be our last night together, emma lath."
Cullen put his arm around Renna. "For now. But not for all time, remember that."
~oOOo~
Sebastian sat with Revered Mother Annis. She was nearly the same age as Elthina. The Mother's soft grey hair and careworn face belied the intensity of her strength of character. Her green eyes took in much. She supported the Divine's softening stance on mages, and was firm in her beliefs that the Maker had given them minds and voices for a reason, and she was not afraid to use hers. Consequently, her first six months at Starkhaven were difficult because she'd voiced her opinion that Elthina was ineffectual. Having put Elthina on a pedestal, Sebastian took extreme offense and refused to speak with to Revered Mother for two months. For several months after that the relationship was one-sided at best.
As time passed the Prince began to notice how active Revered Mother Annis, and her Chantry, were in Starkhaven. Her Reverence insisted that she and the Chantry sisters and brothers work directly with the poor, to help lift them up spiritually, and assist them in improving the quality of their lives. The Revered Mother abhorred the idea of simply 'spouting the Chant,' as she put it. She also worked to make sure the nobility were suitably humbled, and paid more attention to the working people and poor living on their own lands.
Sebastian realized that Revered Mother Annis was active in a way that Elthina hadn't been, and the more Sebastian watched the more he looked back to the Kirkwall Chantry and his travels with Hawke through places like Darktown, which saw neither the light of day nor the light of the Maker. In fact, all the times he was in the Under City, he could never recall seeing a single Chantry brother or sister. He remembered his frustration with Elthina for not speaking out, for not reining in Meredith. He even began to view Anders' actions as more a symptom and not a cause.
It was then that he sought out the Revered Mother and begged forgiveness for being stiff-necked, and naïve. The Revered Mother hadn't chastised him. She told him that she understood his loyalty to Elthina and she bore him no ill will. Since then, the Prince and the Revered Mother worked closely together to improve the lives of all who lived within Starkhaven's boarders.
Consequently, when Sebastian received the letter, the first person he told was the Revered Mother. He came into her office; his face reflected his struggle.
The Revered Mother was surprised and concerned. "Tell me child, what burdens you so?"
Sebastian couldn't answer; he simply handed her the letter. He had told Her Reverence all about his time in Kirkwall – so she needed no translation.
Choir Boy ~
Time to put on your robes.
Our bird, and her new mate have appeared. Unfortunately, she found her nest overrun with large birds of pray. You remember – the ones with silver beaks and sword-like talons? They have taken over the whole territory.
A new nest must be found, well away from here. Our bird seeks a way to stop the encroachment of the predators and find a way for all to roost in harmony. Our bird has also found other seekers who have been looking left and right for help. One is the songbird you saw fly into the keep those many years ago.
They all need a safe haven to roost, and you're the only one who the flock can trust.
Unknown when they will take flight, but expect it to be soon.
More later,
The Story Teller
The Revered Mother looked puzzled. "I don't see why this would trouble you."
"Your Reverence, Varric is asking me to let Hawke use Starkhaven as their base of operation while they fight to end the Mage-Templar conflict, and they are bringing the Right and Left hands of the Divine. That will make Starkhaven a target both for those who have broken from the Chantry, and for the mages if they find out Hawke is here. Varric is asking me to risk my subjects and our lands. This could bring the war to our doorstep."
The Revered Mother leaned forward; the look she gave him bore straight into his soul. "Do you have so little faith in the strength of your subjects?"
She saw she now had Sebastian's full attention and continued, "Remember, I have seen and spoken with the people of Starkhaven. I believe they would be proud to provide shelter to those who want to end this war. You need to be more in touch with your subjects. Sebastian, I know that you never really wanted to rule Starkhaven, but there is no one else who can. Get out of your castle, walk among your people. Learn from them, as I have."
Sebastian hung his head in shame. She is so right. I have been bearing the title of Prince, but not acting like one. For too long have I been mired in the past. I wasn't just grieving for the loss of Elthina; I was grieving the loss of the Chantry's shelter. As long as I lived under its roof, I could ignore Starkhaven, hide behind the Maker and never have to make a decision.
"Sebastian?" She said softly.
"Your Reverence, I just realized how wrong I've been. I have never embraced what it truly means to be Prince of Starkhaven. You've made me see through the darkness and I am humbled."
With a smile on her face and in a self-satisfied tone she said, "Then you will let your birds know that they have a place to roost?"
Sebastian smiled. "Yes, right away."
~oOoOo~
AN: Thank you to everyone who is following this story. I hope you will continue to follow this journey. Thanks to EasterViolet, xseikax, Decca, and Shakespira for their reviews, and a very special thanks to Shakespira, my awesome beta.
BioWare owns all.
