ENSNARED

'We don't have the manpower to take the castle! Either we find another way in, or give up this nonsense. We already have a reasonable large group of ex-Templar soldiers! They have trained enough, we could be closing the Breach as we speak.' Cullen's voice roared through the heavy wooden door that locked me out of the War Room. I shifted on my feet, and looked around nervously. Apart from some scouts and a couple of Chantry sisters, the Chantry hall was empty. I leaned against the wall, my body turned towards the flickering shadows cast by the many candles burning near Andraste's statue. Planting my pointed ear against the door, I could hear them speak loud and clear. These big ears were at least good for something.

'Redcliffe is in the hands of a magister. This cannot be allowed to stand. Besides, the Templars we have aren't nearly enough, we cannot take the chance of not being able to close the Breach and losing the mages at the same time.' Cassandra's stern voice overthrew Cullen's with ease.

They had been meeting for a while now. Maxwell had told them about what had happened at Redcliffe, about the time Rifts, Fiona not remembering inviting us, Alexius claiming power, meeting Dorian and the rumours of the Venatori cult. I'd been standing here for most of it, wanting to learn what they were planning to do. To be honest, I couldn't care less. I was just here to make sure I'd be able to protect Maxwell and close the Breach. That's, what I think, I promised to do.

'The letter from Alexius asked for the Herald of Andraste by name. It's an obvious trap.' The sharp and sultry voice of Ambassador Josephine filled my ears, a nice change from the brute yelling.

'We can't waste time fighting among ourselves.' Maxwell interrupted. I grinned while hearing his voice, and the empty Chantry hall didn't feel as eerie anymore. 'And although I won't say no to a luncheon with an evil magister, we have to come to an agreement.'

'A Tevinter magister controls Redcliffe, invites us to the castle to talk, and some of us want to do nothing.' Leliana's presence made the whole building cold again, remembering me of her interrogation about Simon in the cells underneath my very feet. Although her Orlesian accent sounded warm to others, for me, it left a bitter taste in my mouth. I knew Leliana wasn't a bad person, on the contrary. She just scared me a little bit. You don't come across such deadly women often.

'Not this again,' I heard Josephine mumble.

'Redcliffe Castle is one of the most defensible fortresses in Ferelden. It has repelled thousands of assaults.' Cullen's voice made me flinch because it was so loud. I never heard Daniel yell, but I imagined he would've sounded like our Commander. 'If you go in there, you'll die. And we'll lose the only means we have of closing these Rifts. I won't allow it.' He suddenly turned to whisper, concern masked in his voice. Cullen meant well. He didn't trust the mages, didn't find them worth the risk. I couldn't say the man was wrong, mages were fickle. I am fickle. But we could use them. The more power, the higher our chance to close the Breach. To help Maxwell.

'And if we don't even try to meet Alexius, we lose the mages and leave a hostile foreign power on our doorstep!' I heard the Spymaster walk up and down the War Table and imagined the deadly confidence in her eyes.

'Even if we could assault the keep, it would be for naught.' Josephine countered again, 'An "Orlesian" Inquisition's army marching into Ferelden would provoke a war.' Yes, and we don't want that again. 'Our hands are tied.'

Cassandra sighed. 'The magister…'

'… has outplayed us.' Cullen completed the Seeker's sentence, his voice low again.

Maxwell was tapping his foot on the stone floor. He did that when he was thinking too hard. 'We can't just give up. There has to be something we can do.'

'We cannot accept defeat now.' Cassandra joined him, of course, 'There must be a solution.'

The tapping of Maxwell's foot stopped. 'Other than the main gate, there's got to be another way into the castle. A sewer? A water course? Something?'

'There's nothing I know of that could work.' Cullen heaved another sigh.

'Wait.' Leliana hushed, and I liked the tone of her voice now. She had an idea. 'There is a secret passage into the castle, an escape route for the family. It's too narrow for our groups, but we could send agents through.'

'Too risky.' Cullen again. 'Those agents will be discovered well before they reach the magister.'

'That's why we need a distraction. Perhaps the envoy Alexius wants so badly?' Leliana was a genius. A scary, deadly, genius. I wasn't too keen on using Maxwell as a distraction, but I could go with the envoy, make sure he's safe… It could work.

I was ripped from my thoughts as I heard the Chantry doors haul open. A man strutted towards the War Room with a quickened pace. It was too dark to see his face.

'You cannot go in there! It is for advisors and the Herald of Andraste only! You need clearance… an invitation… but you can't just barge in! Ser!' A scout with a sweaty and troubled face ran after the man, yelling and trying to stop him from going inside.

'Maker! You southerners can be so jumpy! I can stand wherever I please. It's just a bloody room. Besides, I have information about the magister that is invaluable to the Inquisition.' That voice… isn't that the other Tevinter mage we met at Redcliffe… Dorian? The man walked by me and stopped, a look of recognition in his eyes. He then smiled dazzlingly, his dark moustache in perfect, twisty shape. 'Eavesdropping, are we?'

Another voice boomed from the War Room again. 'Keep attention on our Herald, while we disable the magister's defences. It's a gamble, but it might work.' Seemed like the Commander was finally, somewhat, on board.

On this cue, Dorian barged into the War Room. The wooden door creaked as it bumped against the stone wall on the inside of the room, where a group of shocked faces stared our way.

'Fortunately, you'll have help!' Dorian opened his arms, almost expecting an applause and he casually walked inside.

I was standing openly, and clearly caught in the act of eavesdropping, in the doorway. I smiled faintly while scratching the back of my neck. Oops, I got found out. Maxwell leaned to the side to stare at me with a surprised smile. But I caught Cassandra's disapproving look.

The scout that had been running after Dorian, straightened his back. But when the man started to speak, you could hear him squeaking from exhaustion, terribly out of breath. 'This man says he has information about the magister and his methods, Commander.' The poor scout trembled.

Stares were thrown Dorian's way, and I was lucky to not be in the attention of the deadly group of humans. But since I was discovered anyway, I leaned against the doorway, next to the trembling scout, who was doing his very best not to look my way. I could smell his sweat. The shadows partly claimed my face as I resumed staring at the powerful group.

Cullen glared at Dorian with great suspicion, but remained silent.

Dorian continued. 'Your spies will never get past Alexius's magic without my help. So if you're going after him, I'm coming along.'

I saw Maxwell smile at that. 'Ah, Dorian, was it? I was wondering where you were at.'

'It takes time to travel in style, Herald.' Dorian winked playfully.

Cullen coughed, 'The plan puts you in the most danger. We can't, in good conscience, order you to do this.' The Commander sighed and rested his hands on his hips, looking up at Maxwell one last time, concern still troubling his golden eyes. 'We can still focus on the Templars we have if you'd rather not play the bait. It's up to you.'

Maxwell looked to Cassandra, who smiled tenderly at him, her eyes calm but neutral. He then looked over his shoulder, peering through his wavy chestnut hair, towards me. I lifted my chin so my face would appear from out of the shadows, and I looked at him in the most confident way I could.

'We need the mages to close the Breach, and we will do everything that is in our power to do so. If everyone agrees, then let's go visit Alexius at that little castle he's renting.' Maxwell flashed a smile as the group nodded. Dorian clasped his hands in unbridled excitement. Only Cullen looked down, the concern wouldn't leave his face.

'We will start to plan this right away, we need to leave as soon as possible.' Leliana dipped her head, but I still saw that approving grin on her rosy lips. She walked past me without looking, and went to work.

I stepped aside as the rest of the advisors passed me too. Josephine winked playfully and I smiled back, then she disappeared back into her office. She had an invitation to reply to. Next, Cassandra left, her eyes scolding me in a motherly way. Maxwell and Dorian left together, deep in conversation. The two men seemed to be friends already.

Cullen remained standing in the War Room, bending over the table while staring down the map before him. Something was off. Maybe he was concerned about this new mission, or maybe the idea of having rebel mages walk around Haven made him nervous.

'Cullen? Will you let me know if there's anything I can do to help with this mission?'

Cullen sighed and looked up, but he smiled as he saw me standing quietly before the table. 'Of course, my Lady. I will let you know if something comes up.'

I shifted on my feet as he stared at me, his golden eyes boring into mine. My heart stopped beating for a moment. I looked around to see no one was near, and then took a step towards him. 'Have you… have you been sleeping well? Does the… you know… I gave you help?'

Cullen straightened his back and brushed his hand through his blonde hair. 'I… yes. It helps.'

I bit my lip, and noticed him looking at it. 'If you're ever in need of anything, you can call on me.' That sounds wrong. 'For suggestions, of course.' That's sounds ever worse. 'And… don't worry about Maxwell, I will go with him and I will make sure he's safe.'

'He is not the only one I'm worried about.' The corner of his lips turned to a quick and faint smile. He looked less sad now, and that made me feel a little bit more at ease too.

'Everything will be alright. I promise.' I smiled again awkwardly and then turned around to go after Maxwell. The Commander stared after me for a while, but then focussed on the reports spread out before him.

XXX

Hurrying outside, I felt the cold wind barge against me like a whip. My breath got stuck in my chest because of the cold, so I stopped in my tracks, looking at my bare toes buried in the snow. If I wasn't wearing enchanted foot wraps, I wouldn't have any toes left.

It was getting colder.

Strange how at Haven, it wouldn't get warmer. There were but two temperatures, cold and freezing.

I waited until my lungs found my warm breath once more, and then continued down the slope towards the tavern. I had promised Varric some details from the meeting I had spied on. I was taking the shortcut around Adan's Apothecary when I heard two familiar voices chattering away.

'Saeris, my friend!' Maxwell waved his hand as he saw me peeking from behind the wooden cabin. I really suck at spying, obviously.

'Ah… Maxwell!' I grinned and walked his way. Standing next to the Herald was Dorian, the Tevinter mage, or magister, or whatever he was. I wasn't accustomed to anything Tevinter, since I had avoided that country during my terribly long life. I had met some, fought some, but never befriended someone from Tevinter. 'I'm sorry I spied on your meeting…' I said to Maxwell and nodded politely at Dorian.

'I think no one was surprised at that.' He chuckled warmly, 'Besides, they're calling you my bodyguard already so you should know what I'm up to.'

'Who's calling me that?' I pouted.

'Everyone.' He lifted a brow at me and smiled again. 'So, Saeris, you've met Dorian Pavus, right?'

I glanced at the Tevinter man, who was leaning against Adan's cabin, and looked him up and down. 'Of course, though we haven't had the chance to talk personally.'

'We met in the hall earlier, no?' Dorian flashed his teeth, I wondered how he got them so white, most humans here had bad teeth. Probably magic. 'I have heard a lot about you already. Let us say I did not expect you to be…'

Elven? I thought as I furrowed my brows.

'As beautiful as you are.' Dorian continued, a sassy grin curling on his lips.

'Oh… yes… thank you.' I hummed.

Maxwell laughed loudly, 'She's a good friend. Saved my life more times than I can count.' He said and smacked my shoulder in a brotherly fashion. 'We were talking about Dorian's charming homeland, weren't we?'

'I sincerely hope she understands your sarcasm.' Dorian chuckled warmly. 'But yes, Tevinter is lavishly charming in its lies, scheming and oh, those wonderful illusions about supremacy. Those are the top tourist attractions.'

I smiled a little at that. 'Sounds like fun.'

Maxwell crossed his arms, 'Will you go back after we dealt with Alexius?' Good question.

Dorian looked at his feet, chuckled, and then looked back up again, 'I'm not exactly welcome back home. Not that it matters, I'm accustomed to being a pariah, it adds to my charm.' Maybe Dorian and I weren't so different. I'm a pariah in some way as well. Well, maybe in every way.

'Have you been to Tevinter, Saeris? During your travels?' I felt the eyes of both men on me.

I scraped my throat as I spoke, 'No, I avoided it for… obvious reasons.' Be it my crazy eye, my immortality, or my race. Probably all.

'Ah yes, I was wondering what… that is.' Dorian stared at me the way Solas did sometimes. But it was gone as just as quick.

I swallowed. My eye? Nothing special, just an ancient curse.

Maxwell saw me sweat and intervened. 'Saeris is a mage like you, but her gifts are… rare. Her eye makes her see things others don't. You know, like demons.' Thank you, Maxwell.

I smiled awkwardly.

'The Imperium would have a blast with you. So yes, don't you ever go there.' Dorian winked at me, a kindness in his eyes. 'So, you are a mage as well. You don't occur to me as an apostate, unlike that other… Elven mage I've seen walking around.' Does he mean Solas? 'Were you part of a Circle of Magi?'

My smile faltered, my heart sunk. 'I used to be, for some time.' I liked this conversation when it wasn't about me.

'Meaning you were locked away like a criminal, at least until you rebelled. It's such a bizarre notion, to me.' Dorian continued either way.

I hummed and stared at the ground. Dorian was wearing boots made out of good and sturdy material, and they looked nice as well. When I looked up, I saw Maxwell shaking his head towards Dorian, and Dorian looked back to me in an apologetic way, like he knew what had happened there. It made me more uncomfortable.

'I have to go.' I smiled politely at Dorian and Maxwell. 'Promised Varric some gossip.'

'Alright', Maxwell sighed. 'I will let you know of our mission as soon as possible.'

I smiled and dipped my head as goodbye. 'Herald, Dorian.'

'Until another time.' Dorian dipped his head politely back at me.

I smiled and then turned away, leaving the two men to resume their conversation. I liked meeting new people, but I hated those first conversations where they asked questions. I didn't like questions. I already had too many of those myself.

As I resumed walking down to the tavern, I heard familiar footsteps walking my way. Silent, light on his feet, but confident. If I hadn't heard him, the nasty twisting in my stomach would betray Solas anyway. I turned around towards him, and saw that little chuckle on his lips before it disappeared.

'Searis.' Solas said.

'Good day, Solas.' I hummed back. 'Something's up?'

'No, not at all.' He smiled faintly. 'Well, perhaps… I saw you talking with that… Tevinter mage.' He almost spat out the word Tevinter. I wondered if there was something more to that.

'Ah yes, Dorian.' I lifted an eyebrow to the tall Elf. 'He's actually quite nice. Heard he's a good mage too, he might be able to teach me a thing or two.' I joked.

'If there is something you wish to learn, I can be of service to you any time, Saeris.' I saw Solas furrow his eyebrows.

'Don't get jealous, Solas.' I winked and rested my hand on his shoulder, giving it a small squeeze.

Solas chuckled, and the strange look in his eyes was gone. The twisting in my stomach intensified though.

'Well, I'm meeting up with Varric. You coming?'

'Perchance another time. I have some research still left undone.' He said.

We stared at each other for just a second, but then I broke our contact again. 'Okay, I'm at the tavern if you need me.' I waved my hand and turned my back to Solas, walking down towards the tavern without stopping.

Immediately when I opened the tavern's door, I heard Varric's loud laughter. 'You didn't!' He cried.

'Uh, yeah I did.' Sera snickered.

Varric, Sera and The Iron Bull were sitting at their favourite table near the centre of the tavern, close to Flissa's bar. A new face had joined them, I saw. It was that Grey Warden we had conscripted along the way back home. What was his name again? Greybeard… Blackhouse…

'Twinkle! There you are! Took your time!' Varric waved his short arm, barely sticking out of the crowd, towards me.

I waved back and strolled to my seat.

'Well, I heard you should have some gossip for us.' The Iron Bull winked.

'How did the spying go?' Varric leaned forward, and I noticed a red glow on his face. Almost as red as Sera's.

'Well…' I bit my lip and took a jug from the cup Flissa has just placed before me, a polite smile on her lips.

'You got found out, huh?' Sera giggled again.

'Yes… But that Dorian barged in and…'

'Dorian?' Varric lifted a brow. 'That Tevinter guy?'

'Yes, him.' I nodded. 'But he's actually quite nice.'

'You should watch yourself.' The Iron Bull jugged his drink. 'The pretty ones are always the worst.'

'Nahh, I saw him standin' with Heraldy.' Sera lisped. 'He seems fun.' She laughed. 'Could lose a bit Tevinter though.'

'Maybe it's the Tevinter in him that makes him look arrogant. He doesn't even hide it.' The Grey Warden, whose name I still had somewhat forgotten, slurped from his ale. I noticed the brown liquid dripping into his black pointed beard, soaking it up. I always thought that you could smell the Blight's taint. Feel its presence. But I couldn't smell or feel or see anything special about this man. So guess I was wrong.

'You remember Warden Blackwall, don't you?' Varric laughed.

Blackwall. That's it. I was so close. 'Of course. How's Haven for you?'

'It's accommodating. Better than my tent in the Hinterlands.' Blackwall laughed. He had a thick Ferelden accent, and didn't pronounce some syllables. But he seemed like a decent man. Sturdy. One who doesn't ask questions. 'But that Breach, Maker.' He sighed and put down his cup on the table. 'So much easier to ignore when it's far away.'

'It's strange, innit? Once shot an arrow up there. Didn't come back…' Sera mumbled while drinking. I'm proud I could understand what she was saying at all.

'You'll get used to it…' I answered the man, who stared at me with a distrusting look. Most humans did that. 'Of course, when we go after the mages, we'll be able to close that thing soon.'

'Oh? We're going back to Redcliffe then?' Varric leaned forward while I heard Sera moan with discontentment.

'It seems so.' I started and leaned forward towards the centre of the table so no one around could hear. 'Listen up, this is what they concluded…'

XXX

'Did you bring your supply of Health potions?'

'Yes.'

'Do you have your third dagger with you?'

'Got it.'

'You surely did not forget your invitation?'

'Cassandra, I have everything. Don't worry.' Maxwell sighed as the Seeker checked his horse. The woman was getting more and more obvious.

I smiled at them while strapping my saddle to my mount. The tall brown horse whinnied as I stroked its back.

Three days. That's all they had needed to plan this mission. Leliana really doesn't waste any time. Her agents had left a day before us, so no Venatori spies would notice us riding together. Maxwell was dressed in his "political" armour, meaning he was wearing robes that made him look like a Herald too. But Cassandra still made sure he was able to move swiftly in them. If the mission should fail and our spies get caught, we'd have to fight our way out.

Most of the Inquisition's Inner Circle was present. Not all, because that would catch too much attention. Sera didn't come, she would get too nervous around the mages. Blackwall would also stay at Haven. He had just joined the Inquisition, and he was to train with Cullen and arrange some things with Leliana before he would be able to join us on any missions. Dorian was an exception, of course. We needed him to get past Alexius' spies. He already left a day earlier with the other scouts. We don't want to be seen with him, or our cover might get blown. Varric, The Iron Bull and Solas were present as well. And even Vivienne wanted to join us this time, saying "I want to make sure the Herald makes the right decisions when it comes to enlisting those rebels." I wished she would've stayed home. I'd rather have Sera.

'Be careful.' I yelped as the Commander appeared next to my horse. His large hands followed the mount's back gently, and he stroked some stray hairs flat.

'Don't worry, Commander. I will make sure Maxwell's safe.' I said when seeing his worrisome eyes.

'I know.' He whispered almost. 'But be sure to protect yourself too, my Lady.'

'I'm a tough cookie to crack.' I laughed.

'So it seems.' He squinted his eyes as he smiled.

'Is everyone ready?' Cassandra yelled.

I looked away from Cullen to hoist myself over my horse. Cullen stretched his arms in response, but retracted them as I lifted myself into the saddle easily. 'Ready!' I called.

Others did the same, and Maxwell looked over his group in a protective way. 'Okay, guys. We'll make this trip short, go to Redcliffe, kick out Alexius, and return. Let's try to keep ourselves low, don't attract too much attention. We can't afford any diversions.'

I looked down to where the Commander had stood, but he had already gone back to his place next to Leliana and Josephine.

'Alexius does not expect us to come without a fight. So be careful of any irregularities.' Josephine called out to us.

'My agents should be arriving before you, they know their way in. When it's time, they'll take out Alexius' guards. Make sure to go inside with the pretence of a diplomatic meeting. Don't ruin that cover.' Leliana ordered, and I bet no one would forget her words. I think everyone but Cassandra was scared of her.

Cullen didn't say anything, but just nodded in silent response. But his eyes screamed towards Maxwell. Be careful. Be careful. Be careful.

And then off we were.

XXX

Redcliffe Castle was a large, medieval-like stronghold. It was huge, with courtyards and towers and more rooms than necessary. The gate to the castle was a huge, steel door with heavy ornaments and before it stretched a long stone bridge. A little bit like the one in Val Royeuax, but this bridge was shorter and more robust. The stones of the castle were grey and old and sombre. It screamed "get away". Not really a welcoming home.

My heart started to roar. We hadn't seen Dorian or any Inquisition spies. And that's good. You're not supposed to see them. I wondered if they were already inside the palace, waiting to strike at the right moment.

We dismounted at the beginning of the bridge leading towards the gate to the castle. A young squire took our horses, his eyes always respectfully towards the ground. We then walked over to the gate, and the guards let us in.

Strange, we didn't had to show the Inquisition's vigil, or Maxwell's invitation.

They all knew exactly who we were.

My stomach turned, and I felt my fingertips trembling. Something's off. As we walked through the front courtyard towards the main door, I glanced at Maxwell. Sweat was clearly forming near his temples. His shoulders were heaved up tight. Even Cassandra seemed uncomfortable. She kept looking around suspiciously, sticking to Maxwell like she was glued to him. We walked further along the stone path in a tight formation. Even Vivienne, who had been giving snarky remarks about the rebels all day, had gotten eerily quiet.

I peered at Solas and he answered my look with careful eyes. We all felt there was something off. Not like in Val Royeaux… but… in another, even more threatening way. I couldn't guess what feeling I was having. Last time, I clearly felt there was a demon around. But this time… it was something else. The strange smell of foreign magic clung to my nose, making me have a metallic taste in my mouth.

As we walked inside, a long stone corridor was greeted before us, Tevinter tapestry hanging from the walls. Before us, two guards appeared, dressed in strange robes.

Venatori.

The Venatori guards wore white and grey armour, with that familiar strange hood with spiked pieces of fabric, like the one Alexius had been wearing, and a steel mask with heavy, rectangular horns protruding straight from their forehead.

Maxwell walked first. There was a confident look on his face. Gone was the sweat and the uncomfortable posture. This was the Herald of Andraste.

The two guards looked at us strangely, remaining silent.

Maxwell straightened his shoulders as he snarled, 'Announce us.'

I remained behind Maxwell, close, like the rest of us. Ready to attack if they did.

Another young man appeared from behind the Venatori guards. He looked Fereldan, and was wearing a simple linen shirt and pants. The young man smiled politely, 'The Magister's invitation was for Master Trevelyan only.' He had a high voice. 'These others will have to remain here.'

I grunted and Cassandra took a defensive step forward, her eyes furious. But Maxwell remained calm, resting his hand in front of Cassandra to cool her down. 'Where I go, they go.' He ordered.

The servant stared at Maxwell and then at The Iron Bull, who doomed up menacingly behind me. I noticed the guy get nervous. Eventually, he nodded and escorted us to the throne room. The Venatori guards behind us lingered, but then followed us in. I almost felt their breaths against the back of my neck.

The throne room was a large ballroom, lit with flickering torches that casted dancing shadows on the grim stone walls. But the room was fairly sober, very Ferelden-like. Tevinter tapestries alternated with Fereldan tapestries, and some statues of Andraste were cut into the walls.

'My lord Magister', the servant began to speak as we walked towards the throne. 'The agents of the Inquisition have arrived.'

Before us stood the throne of the Earl of Redcliffe, now occupied by someone else. The throne was a large, wooden and steel carved chair, bordered by two giant dragonesque statues hanging from the walls. And on it sat Gereon Alexius, a grin on his thin lips and his legs crossed like he owned the place. Next to him stood his son, Felix, paler and thinner than before. Alexius stood up as we came closer, strolling a step or two towards us, his arms open.

I had to fight the urge to kill the man where he stood.

'My friend! It's so good to see you again.' He smiled. The sound of his voice made me want to gag. Alexius' dark brown eyes glanced over the rest of the party, and I saw a hint of surprise there. 'And your associates, of course.' I locked eyes with the evil magister for a second, but the man turned back to Maxwell, the big grin curling over his face again. 'I'm sure we can work out some arrangement that is equitable to all parties.'

From behind the marble pillars near the back of the room, another familiar figure appeared. Fiona walked towards us, stopping right next to Cassandra, her eyes filled with a fiery anger. I heard Vivienne hiss at the sight of the Elven enchanter. 'Are we mages to have no choice in deciding our fate?'

Alexius scoffed, 'Fiona, you would not have turned your followers over to my care if you did not trust me with their lives.'

Maxwell took a step forward, still confident. He looked down to Fiona and nodded politely. 'If the Grand Enchanter wants to be part of these talks, then I welcome her as a guest of the Inquisition.' Vivienne rolled her eyes, I could almost hear her.

But Fiona gave Maxwell a relieved smile. 'Thank you.' She dipped her head respectfully.

Alexius sighed, scraping his throat in deep thought. He turned back to his seat. His footsteps resounded throughout the throne room, mixing together with the smouldering sound of the fireplace behind the throne. Felix stared at his father as he sat down. I saw an emotion there I couldn't place immediately. Maybe a mix of… anger… concern… and fear?

I shifted on my feet, stepping closer to Maxwell.

'The Inquisition needs mages to close the Breach, and I have them. So, what shall you offer in exchange?' Alexius cooed.

Maxwell smiled and rolled back his shoulders, cocking his brows arrogantly, 'Nothing at all.' He laughed, and then turned dead serious, 'I don't owe you anything, and neither will I give you the chance to gain more than you've already stolen. I'm just going to take the mages and leave.'

Alexius furrowed his brows, leaning closer from his seat, 'And how do you imagine you'll accomplish such a feat?'

'He knows everything, father.' Felix finally spoke up, his voice stronger and louder than I would've thought. He looked so sick.

Alexius stared at his son, his pupils enlarging, and his nervousness now clearly visible on his face. 'Felix, what have you done?'

Maxwell stood his ground, his own voice louder than before, but there was still kindness there. Not rage, but a calm confidence. 'Your son is concerned that you're involved in something terrible.'

Alexius hissed, anger dripping from his words like venom. 'So speaks the thief. So you think you can turn my own son against me? You walk into my stronghold with your stolen mark – a gift you don't even understand – and think you're in control?' The evil magister pushed himself from his chair and walked towards Maxwell slowly. Cassandra and I stepped next to the Herald defensively. But Maxwell didn't bat an eye. 'You're nothing but a mistake!'

'If you know so much, enlighten me.' Maxwell crossed his arms in front of his chest, unmoving. 'Tell me what this mark on my hand is for.'

'It belongs to your betters. You wouldn't even begin to understand its purpose.' Alexius spat.

'Father, listen to yourself! Do you know what you sound like?' Felix stared at his father, and now I understood the emotions on his face. It was loss.

'He sounds exactly like the sort of villainous cliché everyone expects us to be.' Dorian casually stepped from behind another pillar, into the crackling light of the torches' flames.

I heard Alexius' surprised, choked breath from where I stood. 'Dorian.' He said his name like it was a curse. 'I gave you a chance to be a part of this. You turned me down. The Elder One has power you would not believe. He will raise the Imperium from its own ashes!'

My heart stopped for a moment as Alexius' words sunk into my mind.

The Elder One.

A name that made me shiver from within my very core.

Maxwell raised his chin, the many questions prickling his tongue. 'The Elder One, again.' He hummed as he remembered the name Envy had gurgled in its twisted nightmare. 'The one who killed the Divine? Is he a mage?'

'Soon, he will become a god.' Alexius sung proudly. 'He will make the world bow to mages once more. We will rule from the Boeric Ocean to the Frozen Seas.'

'You can't involve my people in this!' Fiona cried out. Vivienne stared at them with a pale face and I heard Varric mumble a 'shit' under his breath.

'Alexius, this is exactly what you and I talked about never wanting to happen! Why would you support this?' Dorian sounded desperate as he saw his own mentor falling deeper and deeper into his madness.

I felt the swishing wind of an arrow behind me, my ears twitching with the sound. A guard behind me moaned and quietly fell to his knees. No one had noticed yet, and I didn't dare to move or make a sound to betray it.

'Father,' Felix continued, 'Stop it. Give up the Venatori. Let the southern mages fight the Breach. And let's go home.'

'No! It's the only way, Felix. He can save you!' The pleading sadness in Alexius' disgusting voice, almost made me pity him.

He was doing this… for his son?

'Save me?' Felix cocked his head.

'There is a way. The Elder One promised. If I undo the mistake at the temple…' Alexius spat again, and looked at Maxwell in a menacing way. He was the mistake.

My blood started to boil in my veins, and I felt my eye twisting and turning. No, keep quiet, don't make a sound or our spies might be found out. I bit the inside of my lip until I could taste my own blood.

'I'm going to die. You need to accept that.' Felix sighed.

But Alexius refused to listen, it only angered him more and more, until he couldn't see anything but red. 'Seize them, Venatori! The Elder One demands this man's life!' Alexius ordered and pointed his nasty finger to our Herald.

But when the other Venatori guards who had been hiding in the dark, appeared from out of the shadows, so did our spies, cutting the guards' throats in a swift and silent movement.

'Your men are dead, Alexius.' Maxwell raised his chin in victory.

Yes! Good! All is according to plan! My heart calmed down a little, but I still stuck to Maxwell, my hand reaching for his sleeve.

'You… you are a mistake! You should never have existed!' Alexius opened his hand.

I screamed and fell to the ground, unable to grab Maxwell's hand as I reached for my eye in agony as it twisted and turned at the sight of the foreign but powerful magic.

'No!' Dorian screamed and lashed out a blast of his magic at Alexius, who almost dropped the strange, emerald fading amulet from his hand.

But it was already too late.

The presence of the Rift was the first thing I felt, and I saw something I had never seen before as I stared into the abyss of green and red. There was another side. Not the Fade, but another place entirely.

'MAXWELL!' I don't think I've ever cried as loudly, but my voice failed to reach him. The Rift swallowed him and Dorian, and I saw Maxwell's fearful expression as he locked eyes with me once more.

And then he was gone.