A/N - Have a double upload since I hadn't uploaded anything in a couple of weeks.

The knocking was incessant. I felt Bethany stir in my arms as I grumbled for whoever was knocking to promptly piss off. But it didn't stop so I finally lifted my head enough to ask rather rudely, "What?"

"Apologies, lord, but Ser Hawke is downstairs. She says it's urgent."

I made a disgusted sound but said, "Okay, Gawen. Tell her I'll be down in ten minutes."

"Of course, lord. And apologies again."

"Don't worry about it."

Bethany hadn't moved so I gently kissed her cheek before careful extracting myself. "Hate my sister sometimes," she mumbled, curling herself into the covers even tighter.

I found some trousers I could wear, throwing on a shirt before rounding the bed, leaning down to kiss her again. "I'll see what she wants then head back up here."

"Don't take too long. I'll get cold otherwise. You're my human blanket."

That made me chuckle as I headed out and downstairs, finding Hawke pacing in the study. She was already dressed for action, so the first question I asked was, "Okay, what's gone wrong now?"

She looked me up and down. "I was hoping you'd come down prepared. I received an urgent message from the viscount. Something big has happened. To do with the Qunari. He wants our help immediately."

"For crying out loud, what is it with the Qunari recently?"

"No idea if it's them or not, but they were mentioned in the letter." She made a gesture. "So, go on, get changed, we need to go."

I headed upstairs, and Bethany seemed to know I wouldn't be coming back to bed, sitting up as she watched me assemble my armour, my weapons downstairs as always. She didn't ask what was going on, sensing from my urgency that it must be something important. I did tell her it had something to do with the Qunari before I hurried out, though I did stop and return the 'I love you' she sent my way. Picking up my weapons from downstairs, Hawke was already at the door, gesturing for me to hurry up.

We practically jogged to the Keep, the building towering over the rest of Kirkwall, except for the Chantry, which took pride of place. Heading inside the Keep, there were the usual crowds, nobles trying to look important, various delegations from other areas of the Free Marches. I saw little of the ambassador nowadays, as he had hired his own people, so my role as 'military attaché' was pretty much in name only. I don't think he minded as it meant he could just get on with his job.

Though we tried to see Viscount Dumar, we were instead pointed in the direction of Seneschal Bran. He was at least informed, so could give us the information required. And it was bad news. Nothing but bad news. Little wonder the Viscount was worried. The Seneschal was equally as concerned, though it seemed his nose was put out of joint by the fact the Viscount had asked for our help.

So, the problem? A Qunari entourage on its way to the Keep for a meeting with the viscount had gone missing. I almost laughed at the notion of a bunch of Qunari being abducted, until told the reason why. Though the Qunari wouldn't travel without weapons, their swords were tied in their sheaths. Thankfully, the Arishok was not aware for the time being, but if he found out… Well, the peace would be shattered. Seneschal Bran agreed with my thoughts, and knew it would get ugly, fast, and no amount of diplomacy would solve it. The Qunari would seek vengeance.

What the seneschal admitted last, though, was a surprise. He disagreed with the viscount about launching any sort of search. He suggested that we just don't both looking into it. Simply do nothing and hope that the Qunari either show up alive, which seemed unlikely, or they show up dead, and someone else can be blamed. I called him an idiot to his face if he believed the Qunari would buy that sort of story.

"Okay, it sounds like not a lot is known. What do you know?" Hawke asked, sounding as frustrated as I did. Bran obviously didn't understand the Qunari well at all. This needed solving and quickly, preferably with the Qunari found alive.

"Well, I would begin with the most obvious failure. It's clear the city guard has no excuse for allowing this." I figured a quick chat with Aveline would clear that up. "Unless they were involved."

"I doubt that," I stated.

Bran shrugged. "Believe what you wish, but speak with the Guard Captain. See what she has to say about the matter."

He had nothing else to offer, so Hawke and I headed out. We had a word with Aveline first, and once we'd told her everything, she had plenty of information to offer, and a possible avenue of investigation. "I have an idea of who you are looking for. Someone who would dishonour this uniform. Someone who would sell their services to the lowest bidder. I've done my best to end the corruption within the ranks, but it's like butting my head against a brick wall at times."

"Where are we meeting?" Hawke asked.

"The Hanged Man."

"We'll meet you nearby. Hawke and I are off to meet the Arishok."

"What?" Hawke exclaimed.

"You really want to get involved in this without letting him know. Trust me, we let him know and be honest, it'll help cool tempers."

"Okay, why don't we got with Aveline first, visit the Hanged Man, then visit the Arishok. No point doing it backwards."

"Fair enough, but the sooner we talk to the Arishok, the better. If he hears from others, he'll think we're in on it. And we don't need the Arishok as an enemy… yet."

The three of us headed to the Hanged Man, not even bothering to stop to collect anyone else, at least for the time being. Walking inside the tavern with the guard captain would always earn stares, conversation halting for a moment, before the patrons simply went back to ignoring us. Aveline's target was sat a table with five others. She took a seat opposite him, Hawke taking a seat at a nearby table, while I walked around the table to stand behind the target. His companions stared at me and immediately looked away.

"Rich spending, Bit over your head, isn't it?" I queried. The bottles on the table were expensive, and this was a guard. They didn't make a lot of money. Certainly not enough to afford what they were drinking at the volume they were.

He glanced back, probably too drunk to take in the situation. "That's right, pal. Tonight I'm paid and blessed. And all I had to do was turn my head." I glanced at Aveline, and the pure rage was obvious to someone who was stone cold sober. I stepped forward and rested a hand on his shoulder. He shrugged my hand off. "Back off. I know important people. We're going to show this city what to do with heathen oxmen."

He was so drunk, he still hadn't recognised Aveline sitting at the table opposite him. I grabbed him by the shoulder again, this time digging my fingers in so he felt it. Before he could cry out and attack, I said, "Guard Captain Aveline, would you like a word with your man?"

His head swung around, finally taking in the figure of his boss at the opposite end of the table. "Guard Captain?" he cried.

Aveline stood up and walked slowly towards him, his eyes never leaving hers. I kept him in place long enough for her to be in place, where she leaned down, grabbed his collar, and dragged him to his feet. "Who?" she growled.

"Who what? I don't…"

"Uhtred, if he doesn't answer my next question, you can hit him."

"My pleasure."

"Who bought you?! Who the honour of a proud guard of Kirkwall and made him a drunken marbari bitch?"

I heard Hawke giggle from nearby. I simply kept an eye on his colleagues, noticing one or two were tooling up for a fight. I leaned forward, pressing my palms into the table. "I would be very careful about your next moves, gentlemen. Know who I am?" A couple gulped, a couple of others nodded. "Very good. So, don't do anything stupid lest you piss me off. And you don't want to do that."

"I don't know," the guard stated. Aveline looked at me, so I stood up, and smacked the back of his head. Not hard, but enough to send a message. Not wanting to be hit again, a lot harder, he folded quickly. "He was a templar! I swear! He… he had the seal of the grand cleric and everything!" Aveline just glared at him in silence. "It's true!" he exclaimed, I'm sure close enough to wetting himself by now.

Aveline nodded, and let him go, though I moved his chair so he couldn't exactly sit down right away. "The penalty for abandoning your post is ten days on the wall. I expect you to report in the morning."

I grabbed his shoulder. "Thank you for your cooperation, guard."

"Uh… ye-ye-yes, sir. Of course." I shoved him back into his seat and he immediately lowered his eyes.

Job done, the three of us headed outside, putting together what we had learned. To be honest, we agreed none of it was good. We thanked Aveline for her help as she was ready to head back to the barracks, no doubt ready to light a fire under numerous other guards for dereliction of duty. She'd done her best to stamp out corruption but it seemed to be a never-ending fight. But she seemed committed to the cause.

Hawke and I headed towards the Qunari compound again. This time we were not expected, so the guards questioned our appearance. We simply requested a meeting with the Arishok as we had information. They were not stupid, so let us in without too much hesitation, and yet again, we found ourselves in front of the Arishok.

He knew about it all. Of course he did. I'm not sure whether he had spies, which wouldn't have been surprising, or he simply put two and two together and figured it all out for himself. Still, he was pleased that we'd at least come to tell him about it, and we were honest about most of it. He was angry about it, of course, but he wasn't full of bluster and threats. No, this was someone who would threaten to do something, he'd just do it.

With the information we now had at our disposal, I suggested it was high time we visited the chantry and ask some questions. Hawke was apprehensive, to say the least. "We can't just walk in and start accusing the grand cleric of being involved in all this."

"I don't believe she is either. But someone at the chantry was involved. This stinks of a set up."

Hawke couldn't disagree with that assessment, so we headed towards Hightown and the chantry. Along the way, we collected Varric, Fenris and Merrill. Isabela had proven over time that she didn't like dealing with the Qunari so we never involved her in anything to do with them. I'd been blunt enough to ask why, and after she'd explained her history with her mother, I understood.

Our small group wandered into the chantry. It was a grand building, not on part with the cathedral in Val Royeaux. Now that was spectacular. Only been there once when I left Leliana a few years back, but even then, I'd considered it a real marvel. I'd seen nothing like it within Skyrim.

The presence of five-armed people would always arouse attention and suspicion. Approaching one of the chantry sisters, we politely though somewhat sarcastically asked for the grand cleric to speak with us. The sister took one look at the five of us and departed without a word. I would like to think we were not there to kill her, but you never know what one would assume about you.

As we waited, someone else made their presence known. Someone I hadn't trusted the day I'd met her, and now that she was showing herself again, I had a gut feeling she was involved again. "Serah Hawke. Dragonborn."

"Sister Petrice?" Hawke asked. She had never been suspicious as I was, approaching her as if she was an old friend.

"Mother Petrice now. Time has changed for us both." She paused, looking us over, her eyes falling on me last. I was fairly sure she wanted to sneer. I had no doubt she considered me a heathen, or a heretic, for not believing in the Maker or Andraste. "Grand Cleric Elthina cannot grant an audience to just anyone. What do you want?"

The blunt question clearly riled Hawke. The friendly tone was distinctly lacking when she said, "Funny how you and issues with the Qunari seem to go together."

"And you always assume their side," she retorted, though her eyes fell on me again. I simply smirked, patting the hilt of my sword. "I was naïve when we last met. I did not want you dead, but I felt a death was necessary. That may be too fine a point for you to understand, but you must admit, you came out the better for it."

I didn't like her tone. I just didn't like her. I stepped forward, Hawke doing nothing to stop me, no doubt watching with interest. "I know you, Petrice," I growled, "And I know someone is abusing the grand cleric's seal. Two plus two…" Her eyes glared into mine, the sneer now appearing. "There it is, what you really think of me," I stated softly, "Let it out, Petrice. Tell me what you really think of the heathens."

She stepped back, making space for herself. "Who are you to question who serves Her Grace? I am sorry, but I see no reason to let you pass."

I glanced back at Hawke. "I could just put her on the ground and we walk on by."

"A suggestion for perhaps next time, Uhtred. Mother Petrice, how do you explain the fact her authority was used to abduct Qunari?" I looked back at her. No response, just a scowl that told us what we wanted to know. I'm sure Hawke wanted to grin at her. "A pause that says you knew, Mother Petrice," Hawke added, sarcasm oozing from her tone. I smirked as Petrice glowered, no doubt wanting to really share what she thought about all of us. "Does Her Grace know about this?"

We received a politicians' response. "The grand cleric trusts her stewards to enact the wishes of the Maker."

"Bullshit. I don't think the Maker wants a Qunari delegation kidnapped," I stated. I stepped forward again, closing the distance between us. I'll give her credit, she was defiant, refusing to be intimated. I guess she had one over me in that I wouldn't exactly hit someone of the cloth, even if I wasn't a believer. I had rules about such things. "I think you've been a very naughty girl, Mother Petrice," I stated, ever so sweetly, "What you've been up to will no doubt shock Her Grace."

She remained silent, so I took a few steps back, standing alongside Hawke once again. "Your choice," Hawke stated.

A few more seconds of silence… then a sigh. "All right, Hawke, if you won't abandon this. Let me offer you something. The templar you seek is a radical who has grown… unreliable. Confronting him may do us all a favour."

"And I bet he's just somehow involved with you, right?" I asked, not even bothering to hide my disdain for her any longer.

She ignored that, simply answering the question. "He is my former bodyguard, Ser Varnell. Assume what you wish, but I offer him to you as… reconciliation." I doubt that was aimed at myself, but I had no doubt she wanted to keep Hawke on her good side. She then took a slip from her pocket, handing over a piece of paper, almost as if she'd known we would be coming. "Meet me at this location, Hawke. Bring your… barbarian if you wish." I growled, hearing Merrill giggle behind me. "I invite you to come see the unrest the Qunari have inspired."

Confident that she'd handled us, she simply bid us farewell and wandered off. I waited until she was through a side door before turning to Hawke. "She's involved. I remember her from last time. Three years ago, wasn't it? Unscrupulous bitch," I muttered.

"If she thinks we're not going to talk with the grand cleric. Uhtred, anyone else stops us, you may… move them out of the way. Gently, if possible."

"Let's go."

We found the grand cleric in her office nearby. No doubt surprised to see us, she was polite enough to at least speak to us. I guess she knew Hawke, whether by sight or description, I'm not sure. Where Hawke went, I was generally there too, though I doubt she cared enough to know about me. I did not believe so therefore I wasn't worth worrying about.

"Grand Cleric, I must share something we have been told during a recent investigation. Someone has used your authority to instigate a crime against the Qunari. Are you aware of that?"

We received a bullshit answer. "The path to righteousness is ever a straight and narrow as we wish. I truly hoped this would not go so far…" Hang on, she's involved in this mess? Holy shit! "Do not trouble yourself, Ser Hawke. I will step in when it's time."

I think Hawke was shocked by the response. With quiet thanks, she simply turned and walked through us, shaking her head. I was the last to leave, the grand cleric simply returning to her paperwork. I stated, "You know, it's shit like this that'll start the conflict. I believe, not in your Maker, but I have faith of my own. And it seems that, most of the time, wars are started because of all this spiritual shit. It sometimes makes you wonder what the bloody point of it all is…" I took a couple of steps forward. "I'll be honest. I believe your heart is in the right place, unlike Petrice. She's scum. But you let someone like that in your ranks, she poisons and festers until she has her claws in the right places. Everyone is now whistling her tune. The question is, grand cleric, where will you be, where will you stand, when the music stops? Something to think about."

I turned and walked out without another word, nor with looking back.

Hawke was sat on the stairs leading up the chantry, heading in her hands, colleagues sat around her. I took a seat next to her, gazing out over the city. "I don't believe it," she finally muttered.

"Come on, it's not like the first time the Chantry has done something like this," I stated.

"Chantry has plenty of blood on its hands," Fenris added.

"There has to be a reason why. Is she giving Petrice enough rope to hang herself?" Varric wondered.

"I'm no Qunari lover. I just don't want a bloody war," Hawke exclaimed, "Yet the Chantry appear to be doing all they can to bloody well start one without getting their hands dirty. Maker, I sometimes wonder why I even bother!"

She stood up and stormed down the steps, the rest of us rising quickly to catch up. "Where are we going?" Varric asked.

"We're getting everyone for this. Aveline, Isabela, Anders. All hands on deck. No messing about this time. We're going to get the Qunari, make sure they're okay, then I'm going to deal with her."

"Kill her?"

That brought her to a stop, no doubt contemplating the response to such a move. "I'm not sure I could kill someone of the cloth. And I wouldn't ask my supposed heathen friend to do it unless he felt compelled."

"I'm sure I could find a reason, considering what she's like. But let's grab everyone and solve this first. We can worry about Petrice later."

After we'd collected everyone, we gathered in Hawke's study for a final conversation about what was going on. Anders had already made his views on the Chantry perfectly clear so he wasn't surprised whatsoever. Aveline had an inkling and had her suspicions confirmed. Isabela didn't seem to really care though maintained her opinion regarding the Qunari as well. She would help out where she was willing. Hawke still looked disappointed by it all. I wouldn't have called her devout, but she believed, and appreciated the comfort the Chantry gave people. To see them involved in such dealings left a bad taste…

Darktown. Seemed to be spending a lot of time down there lately, though I guess when we're dealing with criminals most of the time, I guess it isn't a particularly big surprise. We were becoming such a common sight down there, people even knew us by name. As usual, we threw some people a few silver, particular the street urchins, kids, who would run around our legs. At least they weren't foolish enough to try and pickpocket us, so they were pleased when given a few silver to at least buy some bread.

There was no sign of Mother Petrice walking in the direction she had instructed, but the closer we got to Ser Varnell's hideout, the fact we didn't meet anyone wishing to fight us was a surprise. Usually guards and lookouts were at least somewhat prepared to fight. This time, we approached cautiously, but remained unarmed, I guess still hoping there was a diplomatic solution to all of this.

Rounding a corner, entering an enormous room, the first thing I saw were half a dozen Qunari, shackled to the walls, and I could see the blood dripping down their bodies from wounds. Torture. Great. Arishok hears about that, he's going to see red. I could hear the voice of Ser Varnell ranting as he was surrounded by at least twenty or so followers. Bet these were the 'faithful' the elf may have been talking about.

We stood back and listened to Ser Varnell rant about his precious Maker and the weakness of the Qun. When he struck one of the Qunari, that's when I just about started to run, Hawke grabbing my forearm, whispering we approach together.

"Ser Varnell!"

All our heads whipped around as Mother Petrice appeared. I felt like making a sarcastic comment, but her eyes didn't look our way, simply focusing on Varnell, who appeared surprised by her arrival. That surprised turned to pleasure when he recognised her, face turning into a broad grin. "Take a knee, faithful. The Chantry blesses us!"

"Bloody idiot templars," I muttered. I was already tired of the them.

"You claim a blessing when you have used the authority of the grand cleric so openly?" Petrice asked. Hmmm, same question we asked of her. We know your fingerprints are all over this. "You have brought wrath down upon you. You remember Serah Hawke and… the Dragonborn?" I could hear the distaste in her mouth when she said my name. I enjoyed it immensely. "The Qunari have friends, templar. How will you answer their allegations?"

I unsheathed my sword and stepped forward. "You want a fight, templar?" I bashed the hilt against my chest. "Try fighting someone who isn't shackled to a wall, or are you a coward."

Varnell smirked and turned around, walking back to the same Qunari he'd hit. Withdrawing a dagger, he held it to their throat. "Do that, Varnell, and you will not walk out of her alive," I warned.

He met my eyes, smirked, then slit their throat. The other five were butchered in similar ways as Varnell unsheathed his sword, raised it high, and told his followers to destroy us.

No way I was going to use my Thu'um on this bunch of idiots. I made straight for Varnell and attacked. The templar had talent, more talent than most of the fools I usually fought. As we attacked and defended, others tried to involve themselves. Thankfully, Aveline and Hawke kept them off my back as I used my size and strength to gain the upper hand against the templar.

"I'm not just going to destroy you," I growled, "I'm going to destroy your entire order once I'm done."

"You're no better than the Qunari, Dragonborn. A heathen barbarian arriving on our shores. If I fall, a million others will replace me."

"I've dealt with arrogant fools like yourself before. People like you and Petrice. Everyone ends up paying for their hubris eventually. Only difference is, you will pay for yours today."

I kept backing him up until he could retreat no further. Though he still had his sword, I could see I was wearing him down. There was a look in his eyes, one of near insanity. He was willing to die for all this. Very well, I'd make sure he did.

I'd learned that templar armour could be thick, but with a good enough strike, it could be pierced rather easily. It was simply about timing and aiming. I eventually got in close enough that I could stun him, slamming the hilt of my sword into his face. His nose started to bleed, and dazed as he was, I headbutted him as well. That nearly put him on the ground, sagging against a wall to keep himself upright. But his shield had dropped, and he couldn't move his sword fast enough before I slammed mine into chest, using both hands to drive it all the way through.

"Maker," he cried quietly.

I drove it until only the hilt of my sword was visible, and I was face to face with him. "He can't save you now. And for what you've done, you won't be by his side when you're dead."

I took my sword out and watched him drop to the ground. He lasted barely a few more seconds before he passed. Turning around, my friends had kept the rest occupied. One or two noticed Varnell was now dead and cried out, charging towards me with weapons raised. A couple of strikes here and there put them on the ground quite easily. Once again, there was no chance any of these nutjobs were going to surrender. These people were fanatics, believing they were carrying out the Makers will.

Idiots.

Gathering in a group, we had to decide what was next. "Hawke, Aveline. You should get the viscount and bring him down here. He has to see this," I suggested.

"Not sure he'll want to come to Darktown, but this is important. I'll make him see sense," Aveline stated.

"Take care of the bodies. And lay the Qunari out ready," Hawke added.

That's what we did. We piled Varnell and all his followers in a pile, ready for disposal. I was about to suggest we just burn them and be done with it, but I figured they'd either be thrown in a mass grave, or simply thrown into the sea. As for the Qunari, we unshackled them from the wall and laid them out side by side on the ground. I heard grumbles from the others as we took in the wounds across their bodies. All of them had been tortured. Checking their weapons, they remained sheathed and bound. They had had no way of fighting back.

"Cowards," I muttered, "Couldn't even take them in a fair fight. Had to wait until they had no real way of fighting back before making their move."

"They believe they are right, Uhtred," Fenris muttered, "The same religious fervour that grips these people, I have experienced in my previous life. Once you start to believe fanatically, you will do things you would have never considered before."

"Makes you wonder who all fools were?" Varric wondered, "Most of them wore no armour, and their weapons were ordinary. Yet they fought like trained warriors. And despite some of their wounds, they simply wouldn't give up until they were dead."

"And people wonder why I'm not religious," Isabela muttered, "Senseless waste."

Hawke and Aveline returned with the viscount an hour later, flanked by a small troop of city guard. As they fanned out, the viscount approached the Qunari dead. His face went white as he realised the implications immediately. "Madness," he muttered, "Chantry involvement… even if they are fringe elements. It could not be worse."

He fell silent as he walked among the bodies, crouching down to inspect them. I heard the mutters to himself. Then he wandered over towards the other pile of dead bodies. The dead templar would have been recognisable. That's when he did turn towards us. "You killed all of them?"

"They wouldn't surrender," I replied with a shrug.

"Viscount, there's a simple explanation. A mother serving the grand cleric allowed this to happen."

The viscount wasn't convinced. "Are you quite sure? She held a blade with them? Told them to fight you?"

Hawke looked my way. She could either lie or not. "Does it really matter. We know who it is," I retorted.

"Yes, it does matter. This is a serious accusation and you need evidence. So, the question remains, did she fight you?"

"No. She ran off as soon as fighting started."

The viscount sighed, shaking his head. With every question, he deflated a little more, no doubt the back of his mind fill with worry about Qunari reprisals. "Of course not," he muttered, "A blasted mother, of all people…" He took a deep breath before looking up. "You have no idea the storm these allegations would cause. It would destroy what support I do have."

"We've had trouble with her before. She's a slippery one," Hawke stated.

"There is an easy solution," I added, before waiting long enough to say, "We could just kill her."

"A mother of the cloth? No, a step too far, even for you. Unless you want the Chantry to come hunting for you, Dragonborn."

I laughed. "What are they going to do? Sing the Chant of Light at me forever?"

"No, you'll find the entire Templar Order on your trail." Hawke gave me a look that suggested I just shut up for a minute. "As for you, Hawke, I will make some enquires. Gently, though. And you should be careful in your associations." He turned around and stood before the Qunari bodies. "For now, we have other problems." Crouching down, running a finger down one of the bodies, he added, "I cannot return the bodies to the Qunari in this state. You two know the Arishok best. What should I do?"

"The Arishok knows any things, Viscount," I replied, "And he will know if this entire debacle is covered up."

"What the Arishok appreciates is honesty," Hawke added, "That is how we will earn his respect. That is how we will prevent this entire things turning into war."

The viscount rose and walked away, running a hand along his forehead. No doubt he probably has an incoming migraine, or at least already had a headache. I would too in his position. "I am losing my sense of how to balance his nightmare. But… Do what you think is our best option, Hawke. If you believe telling the Arishok all the sordid details, so be it. We will return the bodies to his compound immediately. As for the Chantry," he looked my way, "Leave that with me for now. Do you understand, Dragonborn?"

I bowed my head. "Yes, Viscount. Warning heard loud and clear."

"Good. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd better speak to the city council about this."

Aveline left with him as the city guard approached the bodies and started to prepare them for repatriation. The rest of us followed the viscount a little later, exiting out into Lowtown to find the sun had disappeared. Agreeing to visit the Arishok the next day, we headed to the Hanged Man, though some of us were in a bad mood, so the usual atmosphere was missing. Aveline returned and told us the bodies would be delivered to the compound in the morning. Hawke and I agreed that we'd visit the Arishok only after the bodies had been delivered.

Returning home later that evening, Bethany sensed my bad mood straight away, so she tried her best to help lift it. Aside from another delicious meal that she prepared, I found myself showered with plenty of affection. It was certainly enough to put a smile on her face, and I was definitely smiling later that evening when she'd left me practically comatose after some lovemaking. She just joked that I'd warned her about an increased libido, though she'd always had a healthy appetite anyway.

Enjoying breakfast the next morning, Bethany sitting on my lap this time as we ate together, Hawke arrived with news. Aveline would stop by once the bodies had been delivered, and she would make an official report on behalf of the viscount. We would then be free to see him and deliver our own version of events. Joining us for breakfast, as she hadn't eaten, we chatted away about anything that wasn't to do with the Qunari, templars or any other possible crisis on the horizon.

Aveline knocked on our door around lunchtime, delivering the news. When asking about the Arishoks reaction, she simply shook her head, though suggested while unhappy, he appreciated the fact the bodies had been returned. Then she'd simply been dismissed. The viscount would probably be relieved that war hadn't been threatened, but I'd be surprised if there wasn't some sort of reaction from the Qunari. Or perhaps, just perhaps, they were better people than others imagined.

Hawke and I waited until after lunch before we headed to the compound. We were both armed and armoured as always, Bethany seeing me off at the door as always, warning me to be safe and come home. Kirkwall seemed tense as we walked through Hightown into Lowtown. News travelled fast, and I have no doubt many had heard about the missing delegation and the fact they'd been murdered. People were used to the Qunari now being on their doorstep, but this was the first major provocation anyone could remember. Little wonder I saw the blacksmiths making a roaring trade as even ordinary citizens appeared to be arming themselves.

Allowed entry into the compound as always, this time the reception was distinctly frosty. Every set of eyes watched us walk towards the stairs upon which the Arishok sat on his throne. If they'd wanted, they could have killed us easily, or at least taken us hostage. But they didn't, Hawke and I coming to a stop in what was now our usual place.

"So, you could not rescue my delegate, but you killed those responsible. How do you explain the condition of their bodies?"

Hawke and I had discussed this. Complete honesty, no matter the consequence. "They were tortured. Your men were kidnapped by zealots. A fanatic used them to incite others of his kind," Hawke replied.

The Arishok dipped his head. "I accept that." Hawke and I shared another quick glance, this one of surprise. "I have seen every vice and weakness of your kind, and how few of your take responsibility. Your viscount remains a fool, but you two are not. Panahedan, Hawke and Dragonborn. I will keep one good thought about your kind."

With a wave of his hand, we were dismissed. Walking back out of the compound, the Qunari who had been so icy towards us now treated us like normal. Like we were nothing. Better than thinking they wanted to murder us. Outside the gates and walking through Lowtown, Hawke started to giggle. "The hell are you laughing about?" I wondered.

"Sorry, just relieving tension. I thought he was going to shout bloody murder. Instead, we tell him that his men were tortured by zealots and he just goes 'Okay'."

"Qunari value honesty and respect. You can see how they value honour about all. We were honest, and we were honourable. Therefore, we now have his respect in return."

Walking through Hightown, she came to a stop. "Uhtred, there is one last thing we should do before we consider this matter complete."

Meeting my eyes, they were easy to read. "Petrice."

"Screw the warning from the viscount. I'm having words with her. Want to look all intimidating and stuff?"

"Should I leave my weapon at home?"

"No. I want her to know we would be willing to strike when the times comes."

Heading to the chantry, I do wonder how intimidating we looked, a pair of warriors striding quickly, determined looks on their faces, probably looking capable of inciting violence. Bounding up the stairs, we forced open the doors and strode in, noticing looked of concern from many of the faithful. We found Petrice quite easily, in conversation with one of her brethren. We made our arrival quite obvious, as quite a few surrounding her disappeared quickly.

"Miss us?" I asked sarcastically.

She turned towards Hawke and smiled. "Serah Hawke, it is good to see you." She glanced my way, keeping her face blank. Smart woman. "The shame that Varnell brought his order is most unfortunate."

"You're full of shit, Petrice. You orchestrated the whole thing," I growled, though I remained still. For now…

Now she glared at me. I returned the sort of grin I sometimes felt before battle. She returned her attention to Hawke. "Look, we're both adults here. Can we drop the pretence?" she asked.

Petrice shrugged, the sort of look butter wouldn't melt. I wasn't buying, neither was Hawke. "I think you'll find that I have said nothing threatening or untruthful."

Hawke snorted. "You and your careful language."

I put a hand to the hilt of my sword. "I could just end this now. At least we won't have fools trying to incite a holy war."

She glanced my way. "Careful, Dragonborn, lest you want the full power of the Chantry exposed in your direction. Not even you and your gift could withstand it." She looked back at Hawke. "I gave you what you wanted at considerable cost. Varnell is more manageable as a martyr, but his loss will be felt."

"Killed by the barbarian, I bet," I stated.

She shrugged. "You have avenged heretical Qunari with human blood. Sure that is good enough for you?"

"It might be, if you were going to give this up. But the three of us here know you're not. You are set on your path, that much is obvious."

"Varnell was a fool, but the fact remains: an offense to the Maker remains unchallenged." She looked my way. "Two, if I had my way." With that, she walked off, feeling confident about her position. "I will give you no further cause to shame the Chantry today, but I have no doubt we will have this argument again. The viscount's incompetence all but guarantees it."

"Mother Petrice!" I called out. She turned around as I ran a finger across my throat. "One day, you will pay for your arrogance. And I will be there that day to see it paid."

She simply smirked, turned around, and walked up the stairs. "Come on, Uhtred, I've had enough of this place for one day. We should get you home to my sister. Can't have you inciting a holy war yourself with a baby on the way."

Walking out of the chantry, I knew that wasn't the last time we would be dealing with Mother Petrice.