Chapter 36: Horns Up

Thunder rumbled overhead as Nicholai watched the carnage going on below them. This first visit to the Stormcoast had not been planned, but considering Kurtz's unexpected message, he felt it a good idea that he put in an appearance.

They had just left Redcliffe and been preparing to return to Haven, the war council needed to be consulted on what they had learned about Magister Alexius and his people, not to mention the fact that his former apprentice had offered to aid them in dealing with the Magister. If it had simply been his call, Trevelyan might have accepted Dorian of House Pavus at his word, but that was not his call to make. The others needed to be consulted first.

They had arrived back at their camp at the Rebel Queen's Ravine to discover that Kurtz was waiting for them. The sell-sword had thought what he had learned in Haven was important enough that he should discuss the matter with both Cassandra and Nicholai personally.

Three days ago, a young soldier from the Bull's Chargers mercenary company had turned up in Haven offering him their services. Normally, Kurtz would have just passed this matter onto Cullen and let it go at that, but given what he had heard during his own mercenary work about the Bull's Chargers he had thought it wiser to go right to the top, which the soldier from the company had suggested anyway.

"They're a good band lad," Kurtz had said after he had finished giving his report, "Never worked with them myself, but I've heard plenty of stories. Professional, tough, these Charger boys don't break contracts, which puts them over on a lot of the companies running around out there."

"Interesting," Cassandra agreed, "But that does not explain why you thought it important enough to ride all the way here to tell us in person."

"It wasn't the offer, so much as the fact that it was offered," the sell-sword replied.

He looked Nicholai in the eye.

"These guys don't usually reach out to clients, they don't get involved in politics, the fact that they have now is a good enough reason that we should at least take a good long look at them. They're currently stationed on the Stormcoast, awaiting a group of Tevinter mercenaries, or so the soldier they sent claimed."

Nicholai glanced over at Cassandra. Her brow furrowed slightly.

Tevinter mercenaries, eh, Nicholai thought.

Wasn't that interesting?

He could not say for certain that those mercenaries would be heading to Redcliffe if left unchecked, but it was a reasonably good bet. If the Inquisition did end up opposing Alexius it might be a good idea to deny him a few blades.

He glanced again at Cassandra, no words passed between them, but they were not needed. Cassandra was a skilled warrior.

She had likely come to the same conclusion that he had. That and their time together had started to give them a sense of what the other was thinking; it was not mind reading, simply a familiarity with each other.

It was an intimacy that neither would admit to, even under torture.

"You should return to Haven, inform the council what is going on in Redcliffe."

"If you are going to do this, you should wait a day or two, have Harding's people go in first…secure the area."

Nicholai nodded. It was a wise suggestion.

"Make sure to pass on Alexius' apprentice's information, the others need to know."

"I shall," she said, "Though it may be wiser to forget Redcliffe and go in search of the Templars."

"I will leave that to the council," he said, "For now, just pass the information along."

Again she gave him a curt nod.

"You should take some of our allies with you, just to be safe."

"I will ask for volunteers," he said.

Cassandra placed her hand over her heart and bowed her head to him.

"Until we meet again Herald," she said, "Maker watch over you."

"And over you," he replied.

After she had left, he turned to see Kurtz giving him an arched look.

"What?" Nicholai asked.

The sell-sword chuckled.

"Not a thing lad," he said jovially.

"Not a single damn thing."

IOI

So Trevelyan began his journey to the Stormcoast. Blackwall, Sera, Varric, Byron and Evelyn accompanied him and Kurtz. During the course of their journey the sell-sword had shared all he knew about the Bull's Chargers with his old employer. They were a well-respected group that primarily worked in Orlais and Nevarra. Their leader was a Qunari, one of the big horned ones, not simply one of the dark skinned giants that usually ended up working as mercenaries outside their territory. His name, according to Kurtz, was the Iron Bull.

Trevelyan frowned slightly.

As a boy in Ostwick he had heard many horror stories about the Qunari. They were typically the monsters in the bed time stories that parents used to scare children. The taking of Kirkwall during the last Qunari war had left a mark on the Free Marches. Tales of families ripped apart, of people left almost mindless, reduced to carrying out only the simplest of chores after harsh Qunari punishments. People, who even after the liberation had been left so broken that they seemed to no longer have any free will at all.

It was those stories that had motivated the citizens of Ostwick to strengthen their double walls.

Then there had been the Qunari attack of seven years ago. The Arishok's raid on Kirkwall had left a Viscount dead and a city in chaos. The Champion of Kirkwall had risen and defeated the ox-men, but the attack had reminded everyone in the Marches why the Qunari were to be feared. Viscount Dumar had let them in as guests and they had betrayed that hospitality, butchering him in his own keep, rewarding his kindness with brutality and murder.

Nicholai grimaced. He figured that the concept of "guest right" was not held very sacred by the followers of the Qun. Fortunately, Varric's friend Hawke had taught them what betraying ones host got you in Thedas.

Now they would have to parlay with one of the ox-men, at his request no less.

Nicholai pursed his lips.

Hopefully, the man would be agreeable.

They made good time on their journey north; they avoided crossing paths with any Ferelden patrols, but did come to the aid of several citizens when confronted by fade rifts. Nicholai sealed them quickly, and did what he could for any of the demon's victims. They gave the tower of Kinloch Hold a wide berth, just in case any Templars remained inside.

Evelyn thought that wise, she was not sure exactly what side that Knight-Commander Greagoir, the Templar who ran Kinloch Hold, had come down on during the rebellion. The Ferelden tower had been left more open than some circles due to the privileges won during the Blight. That openness had made it easier for the mages to escape when the rebellion began, but that did not mean that it would be safe for, what the Templars believed to be rogue apostates, to travel unhindered.

Nicholai tried to question his cousin further about her former circle, but she stopped him with that icy look of hers.

"Details do not matter," she said, "They ripped my babe from my arms only minutes after he first drew breath, my only real memory of him is his cries as they carried him off, carried him off and I never saw him again. That she let you know what kind of a place that Kinloch Hold was, cousin."

He fell silent.

Evelyn did know how to make a point.

They caught up with Harding's people on the Stormcoast. As it turns out, the Inquisition had already had at least a minor presence on the coastland. Sister Leliana's agents had learned of grey wardens being seen in the area, and had sent her agents in to Investigate, agents that had not returned.

Scout Harding had mentioned that there were mercenaries living in the forest, not the mercenaries they were looking for, but a different company, the Bull's Chargers had not moved from the coast. They were still waiting for their prey to arrive.

Blackwall was eager to search for the wardens, and anything that they might have left behind. Byron was equally eager. The young warrior wanted to test his blade against the mercenaries that were living in the forest, he was convinced that the Inquisition's people had come to harm from them.

"One thing at a time cousin," Nicholai said trying to calm him, "One fight at a time."

His words worked in the short term, though Evelyn rolled her eyes at her younger sibling's eagerness to get blood on his blade.

When word of the Bull's Chargers moving against the newly arrived Tevinters came, Nicholai and his followers found a good high point to observe the battle from.

The chargers had invited him to watch after all, so that is what he intended to do.

"We're not going to join in the attack?" Byron asked.

"We may still have to negotiate with Magister Alexius, cousin," Nicholai reminded him, "Having his men's blood on our hands might make that a bit…awkward."

"Yet we are not going to aid the Tevinters," Evelyn asked.

""We're not allied with Tevinter," he reminded her, "Whatever these men have done to earn the chargers' wrath is not our concern."

The Herald shrugged.

"We can't get involved, but that does not mean that we cannot watch."

At his side Varric chuckled.

"Spoken like a true politician," he said.

Again the mage shrugged.

"I can play that game if I need to," he admitted.

"Look at that," Sera cackled, "That archer got 'em right in the plums."

The elven archer laughed manically.

Evelyn gave her a cool look.

"You have issues," she said.

The elf grinned madly at her.

Nicholai tried to ignore the exchange, his focus was on the battle below.

He had to admit, he was impressed.

He spotted a huge gray skinned Qunari warrior in the middle of the fight. His horns jutted out of his head like a Bull's, horns as long as man's arm. He wielded his battle ax like he had been born with it in his hand, cutting down any who were foolish enough to move into his reach. Yet he was no mad berserker, even from here Nicholai could hear him barking orders to his people, orders that were slowly dividing and cutting the Tevinter soldiers to pieces.

Kurtz was right, Nicholai thought.

These Chargers are professionals.

It did not take long to leave only a single Tevinter soldier standing against the full might of the Chargers. Nicholai glanced around the battlefield; the only bodies he saw wore Tevinter colors. It did not look like the chargers had lost a single man. It was an impressive display of teamwork to be sure.

He felt a little sorry for the last Tevinter; he could see the desperation in the man's movement, the hopelessness as he jerked his head around looking for aid that was no longer there.

Finally, in his desperation, the soldier howled and charged; a charge ended by a single swipe of the Qunari warrior's battle ax. The man fell, cut nearly in two by a single overhand chop.

After that, the battlefield fell silent.

The Qunari looked around and bellowed in commanding voice.

"CHARGERS STAND DOWN!"

Nicholai smiled slightly.

"Let's go introduce ourselves," he said, "Weapons sheathed everyone, the Chargers probably know we are here, but let's not risk any misunderstanding.

He led his people down the rocky slope. Sera and Varric close behind him, the elf only had eyes for the large Qunari.

"You think their women get that big?" she asked.

"I suppose so," Nicholai said.

His words made her giggle manically.

"Wow," she murmured, "Just…WOW!"

Trevelyan did his best to straighten his coat as he finally reached the bottom of the hill; the charger's rear guard had noticed their approach and ran to their leader, informing him of their arrival.

The Qunari did not hesitate; he walked right up them accompanied by a tanned skinned man in free soldier's armor. Now that they were closer, Nicholai could make out more of ox-men's features, his gray skin was marred with scars, suggesting that he had spent a long time in combat, an eye patch covered part of his face, which was the only real weakness that Trevelyan could legitimately claim that he could see.

Nicholai put on his most winning smile. He expected the Qunari leader to be as dour as he had heard the man's people were. Varric had told him about Hawke's encounters with the Arishok back in Kirkwall, he expected much of the same from this Qunari commander. He figured that the man would say only what was needed to be said, and with only enough words as necessary.

He was a bit surprised when the large warrior gave him a boisterous grin.

"You must be the Inquisition," he said in a jovial voice, "Glad you could make it, have a seat, the boys are breaking out the casks, and drinks are coming."

The man's welcome caught him off guard, but Nicholai was quick to adapt.

"Thank," he said with a slight bow, "Iron Bull, I presume?"

The Qunari chuckled.

"Actually it is the Iron Bull," he said, "Most people put the 'the' in there. Makes people think I'm some out of control engine of destruction."

Nicholai snickered.

"I know something about titles myself," he said, "Nicholai Trevelyan, also known as 'the' Herald of Andraste."

Iron Bull's smile widened.

"So you are the mage that has gotten the chantry mother's knickers all in a twist," he said, "I suppose they don't know what to make of a mage chosen by their high and mighty."

Nicholai shrugged.

"I'm just trying to do what is right," he said.

The soldier that had followed Bull finally approached. The Qunari grinned at the young man.

"This is Cremisius Aclassi," he said, "my lieutenant."

"Pleased to meet you at last," the young soldier said to Trevelyan, "The throat cutters are finished, chief."

Bull's smile faltered slightly.

"Tell them to make double sure, we don't want any of those Tevinter bastards getting up again, no offense Krem," he said with a slight laugh.

"None taken," the soldier replied with a smirk, "At least a bastard knows who his mother was, puts us one up on you Qunari right?"

From the way the Charger's commander laughed, Nicholai assumed such insolence was common. So far Bull was not turning out to be what he expected.

"Your chargers seem to be a good group," Trevelyan said.

"They are," Bull agreed.

"I understand you are looking for work?"

"I am, just not until after drinks are done," the Qunari chuckled, "But you won't just be getting the boys, you will be getting me."

Nicholai gave him an arched look.

"Not looking to remain in command of your people?"

"I will be in command of them," Bull clarified, "But the way I see it you could use a front line bodyguard. Demons, dragons, I can handle them all, the bigger the better."

Trevelyan nodded, he could see the value of having the man at his side, and the intimidation factor alone would be enough to avoid at least some fights.

"There is something else too," Bull added, his expression becoming more serious, "Could be useful, probably gonna piss you off. Have you ever heard of the Ben Hassrath?"

Nicholai frowned slightly; he had heard the name before, in passing.

"They are the internal security for the Qunari, at least that what I heard during my time in the circle, and in Ostwick. They are the Qunari's enforcers or city watch."

Iron Bull sighed.

"Spies are a better name, that is them, or well…us."

He frowned slightly as he explained what was going on.

"I've been ordered to infiltrate the Inquisition, get close to the people in charge, and send back regular reports on their movements, but I also get reports from fellow agents, you sign me on, I will share them with you."

Nicholai's jaw almost hit the floor.

"You are a Qunari spy, and you just…just…told me?!"

Iron Bull shrugged.

"You would have found out sooner or later, I would rather be open with you up front, so you know I'm not lying. The Qunari are seriously concerned about the Breach, magic flowing unchecked. They are no doubt considering launching a full invasion, to stop the whole world from falling apart, no one here wants that, not even me."

The Qunari shook his head.

"Whatever happened at that Conclave, it is bad, someone has got to get that Breach closed. I'm sure you will second me on that."

Nicholai's head spun.

He should have figured that the Qunari were watching what was happening down here. They had just as much to lose as the rest of Thedas if the breach remained opened. The openness of their agent surprised him, but perhaps that was not a bad thing. If Tevinter was involved in this, extending the hand of peace to the Qunari might not be a bad idea, they had been at war with the Imperium for years, if anyone knew how to fight the Tevinters it was them.

Still, he had a few questions, no doubt Leliana and the rest of the council would ask.

"What would be in these reports you would send back to your people?"

"Enough to keep my superiors satisfied," Bull replied, "Enough to put them at ease."

"And these reports that you would share with us?"

"Troop movements, suspicious activity, intriguing gossip, it is a little bit of everything," Bull shrugged, "But if your spymaster is worth a damn I'm sure she will make good use out of it."

Nicholai gave him an arched look.

"She?"

Bull laughed.

"I did a bit a research, and besides," he grinned widely, "I've always had a thing for red heads."

Trevelyan considered what was on offer.

The Qunari were not the type to extend an open hand to outsiders, after the events in Kirkwall, perhaps this was just what they needed to smooth over any lingering bad feelings about what had happened there, both the Arishok, and the Viscount had lost their lives.

Perhaps this arrangement might be the first step towards a more stable peace.

Nicholai smiled.

"I have to clear the final details with our leaders, but for now, you are in."

"Great," Bull said taking Trevelyan's offered hand.

He turned to his fellows.

"Krem," he shouted, "Tell the boys to get ready to move, the Chargers just got hired."

"What about the casks, chief," the man responded, "We just opened them up, with axes."

"Find a way to seal them," Bull said, "You're Tevinter right, try blood magic."

Bull went to join his fellows.

"We will see you back at Haven, Herald."

Varric had stayed silent during Nicholai's conversation with Iron Bull; he did not approach until he was sure that the Qunari was out of ear shot.

He gave Nicholai a grim look.

"I saw what those ox-men can do," he said, "You sure this is a good idea?"

"It sounds good in theory," he replied, "Hopefully it works in practice."

Still the dwarf did not look convinced.

"I hope you know what you're doing Nick," he said.

The mage frowned.

"So do I."