We are now at the storm coast to meet up with the Chargers. It seems they are in the weeds with Venatori when we arrive. I let Cassandra and Varric have a break and brought Sera and Blackwall with Solas and me. We jump in and join in the fray and soon all the venatori are dead.
The Iron Bull gives his men instructions, then turns to speak to me."So you're with the Inquisition huh? Glad you could make it. Come on, have a seat, drinks are coming."
I walk with the large Qunari to a log and we both sit. "Iron bull I presume?" It's a statement rather than a question.
"Yea the horns usually give me away," he banters grinning. "I assume you remember Cremisus Alcassi, my lieutenant," I nod at Cremisus respectfully.
"Good to see you again," Krem says nodding back. "The throat cutters are done, chief."
"Already, have them check again. I don't want any of those tevinter bastards getting away. No offense, Krem," orders the large Qunari.
"None taken, least a bastard knows who his mother was, puts him one up on Qunari, right," Krem retorts cheekily.
The Iron Bull offers celebratory drinks. I sit and join him in the pouring rain
"So…You've see us fight, we're expensive but we're worth it…and I'm sure the inquisition can afford us." The Iron Bull says confidently.
"How much is this going to cost me exactly?" I ask curiously looking up that is huge Kossith. I don't even reach this huge person's shoulder in height.
"It wouldn't cost you anything personally, unless you wanna buy drinks later," He says teasingly.
His demeanor changes back to all business. "Your ambassador …what's her name…Josephine? We'd go through her and get payments set up." He says taking a drink. "The gold will take care of itself. Don't worry about that. All that matters is that we're worth it." He laughs heartily.
"The Chargers seem like an excellent company," I say honestly.
"They are. But you're not just getting the boys. You're getting me," The Iron Bull explains. "You need a front line body guard, I'm you man. Whatever it is …demons, dragons the bigger the better."
He stands up and gestures for me follow him away from the main group. "And there's one other thing, might be useful, might piss you off. Ever hear of the Ben-Hassrath?" he asks with an intense look studying me for reaction.
"They're a Qunari organization right? The equivalent of their guards and city watch," I say slowly remembering what Leliana had told me.
"I'd go closer to spies but yea that's them," The Iron Bull replies, "Or well us. The Ben-Hassrath are concerned about the breach. Magic out of control like that could cause trouble everywhere." He says looking at my staff with some interest. "I've been ordered to join the Inquisition, get close to the people in charge, and sent reports on what's happening. But I also get reports from Ben-Hassrath agents all over Orlais. You sign me on I'll share them with your people."
"You're a Qunari spy and you just… told me?" I say in disbelief. I'm sure the look on my face is amazed about now.
"Whatever happened at the at that conclave thing, it's bad, someone needs to get that breach closed. So, whatever I am, I'm on your side," He says decisively. "Besides from what I've seen you have impeccable control over your magic." He says eyeing me up intensely.
"You still could have hidden what you were?" I say warily looking at him suspiciously.
"From something called the Inquisition?" He says incredulously smirking. "I'd be tipped of sooner or later, better you hear it up front from me."
I decide that I like this man, spy or not, I'm going with my gut.
"What kind of reports would you send home?" I ask warily as I know what the Qunari do to mages.
"Enough to keep my superiors happy, nothing that'll compromise you operations," He says simply, "The Qunari want to know if they need to launch an invasion to stop the damn world from falling apart. If you let me send word of what you're doing, it'll put some minds at ease. That's good for everyone."
"What's in these Ben-Hassrath reports you're offering to share?" I ask smiling.
"Enemy movements, suspicious activity, intriguing gossip, it's a little bit of everything, alone they're not much. But if your spymaster is worth a damn, she'll put them to good use," He says grinning.
"She?" I ask smirking.
He laughs. "I did a little research, plus I've always had a weakness for redheads." He says as he grabs a bit of my unruly curly hair and twirls it.
"Oh you like redheads do you?" I tease as I feel the warmth from the alcohol hit me. "Even if they are mages?"
"Too be honest I don't care if you're a dwarf mage as long as someone is trying to fix the hole in sky," He teases thoughtfully. "And yes redheaded women are…fiery."
"Ok Bull you're in," I smile as I take another draught of the mug.
"Excellent," Bull drawls.
We sit for some time in the rain talking of small things and finishing our drinks.
"Krem, tell the men to finish drinking on the road. The chargers just got hired," Bull announces.
"What about the casks, chief? We just opened them up, with axes," Krem annunciates.
"Find some way to seal them. You're tevinter, right. Try blood magic," banters Bull, walking away he looks over his shoulder at me and says, "We'll meet you in Haven."