A/N - Fuck it, the story is written so have everything at once. Everything is explained at the end (of the story, not this chapter.)

The first time I knew something was going wrong was when Hawke burst into our house in floods of tears. This was a woman who had rarely done it so publicly, and she was doing what I would call 'ugly crying'. She passed by the door of the sitting room, heading straight towards her bedroom. Gawen walked in second later, a look on his face of 'What was all that about?'

"I'd better find out," I said to the unasked question.

"Would you like a bottle, lord?"

"Aye, she might like a drink too."

"Of course, lord. Give me a moment." He headed over to the drinks cabinet, returning with something that would definitely hit the spot. "That cry was definitely one of heartbreak, lord. I believe this will help the good lady feel better."

"Wonder what's happened now. Probably something to do with Isabela."

"Well, sounds like she needs a friend right now, lord." He paused before asking, "Lord, may I ask a question?"

"Of course."

"Do you have feelings for the lady?"

I smiled, putting a soft hand on his shoulder. "I care for her a great deal, Gawen, but not in that way. She is a good friend, probably my best one of the rest I have now. She is… or was in a relationship with Isabela. I'm not sure about that anymore."

"Apologies, lord. I just thought…"

"I can see why. We are closer than ever, but there are reasons. She has lost her mother. We both lost her sister. We now rely on each other a great deal. But there are no feelings of love. I'm the wrong sex and I'm simply not interested."

"Ah, I understood Isabela…"

"Aye, may have been suggestive. But Hawke shut that down quickly. And I spoke to her afterwards and admitted I would have said no too. Far too awkward and I don't want to ruin what we have. And Isabela definitely doesn't interest me."

I headed upstairs, slowly walking into Hawke's bedroom. She was chest down on her bed, head buried in a pillow. I didn't hear any more crying though there were plenty of sniffles. I placed the bottle and glasses on the bedside table, sitting on the side of the bed, gently rubbing her back. She didn't say anything until I popped the cork of the bottle and started to pour. "Make mine a triple," she mumbled into the pillow.

"Fair enough. Are we getting drunk?"

She turned onto her side, wiping her right cheek. Without answering, she dug a piece of paper out of her pocket and handed it over as I handed her a glass. She shuffled back so she could sit against the headboard. The contents of the letter were infuriating. No wonder Hawke felt betrayed.

Dear Hawke,

I have the relic, and I am gone. I've lost too much over this blighted thing to let it go again. I know it would be noble to return the relic to the Qunari, but that would require a better soul than I possess.

For what it's worth, I'm sorry I lied to you again.

Isabela

"She's responsible," I said softly. She was infuriated. I was enraged. She was the reason why the Qunari were still present. She was the reason why Kirkwall stood on the precipice of war. I sculled the contents of my glass before I shouted and hurled it against the wall. "I'm going to kill her!" I roared. Then I slumped as I realised I shouldn't really be getting angry.

"Guess I'm single now too," Hawke muttered, "Aren't we a great pair… I can't forgive this, Uhtred. Even If she returns. She's not just betrayed me and you, our little group of friends we've built over the years. She's betrayed every citizen of this city. She's even betrayed the Qunari. They would have left four years ago if not for her."

"No information on the letter. Any idea where she could have gone?"

"No. I have no doubt she's had this planned for months. Played me like a sucker."

"Well, guess we all fell for it." I sighed. "If she's gone with the relic, we're screwed. The Qunari will attack now in revenge. They will burn the city down to find her and it, even if we tell them Isabela has fled with the relic, I don't see them stopping. This city has caused them far too much distress."

"What will the Dragonborn do?"

"He's been trying to keep the peace. I have respect for the Qunari. They live their lives how they see fit. Sure, you hear the rumours about what happens in their lands, but quite frankly, the Chantry do the same here. I've read about these Exalted Marches of theirs. I've seen how the elves are treated. And the Arishok was right. The city has gone out of their way to make them feel unwelcome, through nothing more than fear and intolerance."

We ended up sitting next to each other, sitting against the headboard, Hawke sniffing occasionally before she leaned against me, taking my arm to wrap around her. "Thanks for being around lately, Uhtred."

"No worries. Moving here was better than moping around my old house by myself."

"What should we do tomorrow?"

"Prepare for war. I just don't know which side I'm willing to fight for right now."

Wandering downstairs from my room for breakfast, I walked into the dining room to find Hawke sat down eating at one end, Aveline standing at the other. I stopped as it was obvious the two were in discussion. Aveline did turn around and say 'hello' before turning back to Hawke. "He's sheltering two elven fugitives, Hawke. It cannot stand. He must release them."

"They're converted. He won't do it. And after what happened with Seamus, I'm not going to push him any further. Take a contingent of guards, you go speak with him."

"I need your help so this doesn't get out of hand, Hawke. After what he did to Petrice…"

"Which he had every right to do," I stated, making sure I butted in.

Aveline turned back to me. "You cannot possibly mean that?"

"I bloody well do. Petrice is half the reason why the city is preparing for war, Isabela being the other half. Why the hell are Hawke and I always being dragged into this bullshit?"

"Because you two have stuck your nose into every single problem there is!" she retorted, "Half the matters you involve yourselves in are those of the guards, not a pair of busy bodies that keep themselves busy doing a job that isn't theirs."

I almost said something I would have regretted. Perhaps not immediately, but at a later time. Hawke was fed up with the Qunari situation as a whole. We wanted them gone. If we had the relic, they would have already left and we wouldn't be dealing with situations like this.

"Arrest me, then," I stated.

"What?"

"Arrest me. If you think I've committed crimes against the city of Kirkwall, arrest me."

"I never said that, Uhtred, and you know that." I walked to stand behind Hawke. "Look, I know you two have dealt with the Arishok the most. He doesn't respect the viscount and see me as an extension of his authority, therefore he wants nothing to do with me either." Aveline leaned against the desk, looking as fed up as I have. "My guards have already had to start disrupting gatherings. There is word of rebellion against the viscount and his council, and of riots against the Qunari presence. The city is a tinderbox, and it's just waiting for the spark to light the entire things in flames."

"The templars?" Hawke asked.

"They will defend the Chantry. But I've no promise of any help from them should the worse happen."

"Typical. Bullying mages is one thing. Fighting against hardened warriors is different when they can fight back, generally better, and they'll hit harder," I stated harshly enough that even Hawke was taken aback.

"That's exactly why I want your help in this." I didn't say anything. Hawke ran her hands down her face, before leaning forward, resting her palms against her face. She made a light groaning sound that suggested nothing but frustration. "I know I'm asking a lot," Aveline added softly.

"This is our home, Uhtred," Hawke said quietly.

"I know it is."

"And we have defended it since we arrived."

"True."

"What would we do if the Arishok and his Qunari were to attack?"

"Defend our home, no matter what we think of them. If they attack without any real sort of provocation, they have broken the covenant of peace. However, I think they've been prodded more than once into reacting."

"Do you think he will attack, Uhtred?"

"If he's pushed any further, yes. However, we have made agreements with him before. I believe we have his respect. What did these elves do, Aveline?"

"Murder."

I sighed. "He can't harbour murderers from justice by using the Qun as a shield. He talks about honour, but there is no honour in that. He says that he believes in justice. If he were to live by his word, he would turn them over to face it."

"Then I believe we may have found cause to assist Aveline in regards to her issue. Would you agree with that?"

I couldn't help chuckle. "Hawke, I believe you've just played me like an absolute fiddle, but yes, I would agree."

"Aveline, Uhtred and I will head to see the Arishok this morning and see if this issue is resolved."

"Thank…"

"However," Hawke stated in interruption, "I would suggest that you prepare your guards for any eventuality, which would include our negotiations failing and the Arishok attacking. It might be wise to get in the ear of Knight-Commander Meredith. She claims to treat the mages awfully in protection of the city. Time for her to live by those words."

"If the viscount won't do it, I'll do it myself. Thank you, both of you. I know I ask a lot."

"I would say don't mention it, but… Go on, we'll finish breakfast then prepare for Maker only knows what."

As Aveline departed, I took the seat nearest Hawke, Gawen having waited for her to leave before he brought in a tray for me to eat. While she ate, Hawke looked… tense. She knew what her agreement possibly meant. She looked at me then gestured with her eyes at Gawen. I nodded and turned around. "Gawen, did you hear everything?"

"Yes, lord."

"Good. So, what you will do when we leave is shutter the windows, barricade the doors, and get yourselves to safety. Do not by any means open the door to anyone. I don't care if you think it's Hawke or I shouting from the others side. Remember the system we used at the old house, to knock if it's safe, and to knock if it means trouble?"

"I remember, lord."

"Good. That's the system we'll use. If it's trouble, grab a weapon and prepare to defend yourselves. If it's safe, then you can open up because the trouble is over."

"Of course, lord. Lady Hawke, do you need anything?"

"I was going to suggest a stiff drink, but I'm not sure that's a good idea."

We finished breakfast quickly and headed upstairs to change. I made sure my necklace was firmly in place, kissing it before sliding it under my armour. My sword and shield was downstairs, so I grabbed the dagger from the bedside table, sheathing that, before taking one last look around the room. I hadn't lived there all that long but it had been comfortable. Closing the door, I headed downstairs, Hawke following only seconds later. Grabbing our shields, placing those on our left forearm, we sheathed our swords and readied ourselves to go out.

"Ready?" she asked.

"Born ready." She took another deep breath. I was surprised to see her nervous. She's always seemed unflappable, but then again, there was a chance this could set off a chain of events that could lead to the Qunari attacking, the destruction of the city, and our deaths. Then she looked at me and smiled before stepping forward, giving me a brief hug. Stepping back, she set her face before gesturing with her head. "Lead the way, my lady."

There was an air of tension as we walked through Hightown. The crowds were definitely less than usual, and even those who were out looked around nervously, stopping at any sudden noise. I saw the usual guard patrols, no surprise they carried their weapons already in hand. I doubt stopping crime was really on their mind. They were waiting, prepared for the Qunari to attack. Aveline would have already sent word out.

Lowtown was practically deserted, as if they already knew what was going to happen. Those who were on the street scampered away when seeing us striding towards the docks. It was as if word had spread like wildfire from the moment we'd stepped out of the house. The closer to the compound we walked, the tenser the air felt around us. I usually tried to remain relaxed in any situation. Even when fighting dragons, I'd feel free. Not this time, because Hawke and I had so many lives in our hands.

When we found Aveline at the gates, with a line of guards, Hawke and I shared a glance. Walking towards us, she quickly explained. "Viscount wanted a city representative here. Small contingent of guards. Nothing to kick this all off. We still don't know how many Qunari are in the compound."

"Let's just get this over with," Hawke muttered.

Approaching the guards at the gate, they remained barred for the first time I could remember. Whenever Hawke and I walked towards them, they'd be opened without a word. So Aveline stepped forward. "I request an audience with the Arishok."

"You three may enter. The rest must wait out here."

"Six of us. Myself, Ser Hawke, Ser Dragonborn, and three guard. Will that do?"

"It will. You may enter."

They were preparing for war. That was easy to see. And the Arishok… was not in his throne. He stood at the foot of the stairs waiting for us. The giant axe he held in his hand… It was then that I realised how big he was. I like to think I'm a big, broad man. The Arishok was something else entirely. A literal man mountain. Huge arms. Thick legs. Far broader than I was. He was strength and power personified.

"Shanedan."

Aveline looked at me. "The Arishok will hear us." He looked at me and nodded, aware I knew a little of his language and custom.

"Greetings, Arishok. We come regarding the elven fugitives that took refuge here."

He waved a hand, immediately dismissing her words. "Irrelevant. Ser Hawke, I would speak to you about the relic stolen from my grasp."

I knew why he asked her directly. Tell him Isabela has it. Tell him the truth. "I have no idea where it is."

I managed to hold in the sigh. I guess she still had some loyalty to her. If he'd asked me, I'd have said she had it, let's form a search party together. "A truth, but you minimise your role."

"An issue for another time," Aveline insisted, "We're here for the fugitives."

"The elves are viddathari. They have chosen to submit to the Qun. They will be protected."

"Arishok, you must realise that by harbouring these fugitives, it will only lead to the bloodshed," I stated.

"It will lead where it must. You have not hidden the abuses of your zealots, or the corruption of this city. You will understand why I must do this." He looked away as he added, "Let us look at your 'dangerous' criminals." A pair of elves were escorted close, flanked by four Qunari. "Speak, viddathari. Who did you murder and why?"

As I listened to the elves speak for at least five to ten minutes about what they had done, Hawke and I shared the occasional glance. Hawke mouthed at me 'What do we do now?' I shrugged. Little wonder they had fled to the Qunari. They received no justice, dispensed their own, then went looking for protection. But I could see Aveline's argument as she insisted it was no excuse for murder.

"Do they speak the truth, Aveline?" Hawke wondered.

"There have been rumours," she admitted, "I will investigate personally. But these elves still took the law into their own hands."

"Sometimes that is necessary," the Arishok retorted.

"Like you avenged the viscount's son?" I near enough winced when she brought that up. Hawke and I had seen it happen and agreed with what was done. Petrice was a menace to both sides. Taking her out was the best option. "It was not right then, and it's not right now."

"Arishok…"

He held up a hand, halting my words. "Their actions are mere symptoms. Your society is the disease. They have chosen. The viddathari will submit to the Qun and find a path your way has denied them." Then he stepped forward to Aveline. She had to crane her neck so she could still meet his eyes. Hawke shuffled, I guess ready for… something to happen.

"You can't just decide that. You must hand them over."

And she couldn't just demand. Her tone was all wrong. There was no… respect. And there was definitely no respect returned to her. He turned around for a moment, looking at his throne before he turned back to face us. "Tell me, Dragonborn, we have spoken often now. You seem to have a grasp of some of our basic fundamentals. What would you do, in my place?"

"Compromise. Hand over the elves, as although I understand their motive, they still committed a crime against a citizen of Kirkwall, and therefore should face justice here, but I will help you find the relic. Hawke, would you agree in a search for the relic to assist the Qunari?"

"If it keeps the peace, yes, that's what I would do. We'll search far and wide if necessary, across the Free Marches, all of Thedas."

The Arishok remained silent, as if considering my words. When he spoke, I knew that was it. The time for talking was over. "I cannot leave without the relic, and I cannot stay and remain blind to this dysfunction. There is only one solution." He turned around, heading back towards the steps and his throne when he shouted, "Vinek kathas!"

Distracted as we were by the negotiation, Hawke and I were seized by a pair of enormous Qunari, and I found a gag immediately bound to my mouth. Smart, very smart. I tried to fight them off, but a third one appeared and hit me right in the solar plexus, knocking the wind out of me. I tried to use my Thu'um, but just like Ulfric, the simple gag bloody worked. Hawke was doing her best to fight them off, but they were too strong. As for Aveline, she and her three guards were under attack from the Qunari that lined the walls. Two of her guards went down, but she and the last one managed to make it back to the gate. She looked our way but there was nothing she could do. Hawke screamed at her to run and get help.

We were bound to poles, hands behind our backs, and they tightened the gag around my mouth. I could have tried using my Thu'um, but I'm not sure it would have worked. I remembered Jarl Ulfric had the same done to him when captured by the Empire many years ago.

We watched helplessly as lines of Qunari got into formation as the Arishok donned headgear, grabbed his two weapons, and headed back down the stairs. He walked down the steps and turned towards us. "The only reason you two are not dead now out of respect. I would not have you killed like some lowly criminal. However, it was also obvious to me that you would be a threat should this come to pass. Therefore, I will hold you here until the city is cleansed. Once I have reclaimed the relic, I will return to Par Vollen with both of you. There, you will submit to the Qun."

"Like hell I will," Hawke growled. I tried to agree but, well, gag in my mouth.

"You will submit, Ser Hawke. All of Kirkwall will submit."

With those words, he strode towards the head of men, and practically the entire compound emptied. Within a couple of minutes, there was a great roar, following by screaming and the sound of battle. I was trying to get out of my binds but they were so tight, I could feel my hands going number. "Shit, shit, shit, shit," Hawke muttered. I mumbled something in agreement, not that she could understand what I was trying to say. "I hear you, Uhtred, I hear you. At least the compound is empty. The Arishok is confident. Perhaps over-confident?"

I eventually gave up with my binds, thinking I needed to conserve at least some energy. But there was no missing the fact the battle was heading further away, left thinking the Qunari were going to make it to the Keep within a couple of hours, if not even quicker. Even a prepared city guard wouldn't hold them off forever.

I honestly thought that was it. I don't give in easily, but unless there was some sort of miracle, we were going to find ourselves on a ship to Par Vollen sooner or later. What I didn't think about was the fact we had some friends. And after what felt like hours, Hawke noticed a heat pop around the corner, whispering my name as I looked the same way. Varric, Merrill, Anders, Fenris and Sebastian came running in, left wondering what Sebastian was doing outside the chantry. Binds loosened and the gage taken from my mouth, Hawke and I headed to the other side of the compound to grab our weapons before we hugged each other. "Let's not do that again," she joked.

"Good thing I was gagged. You would have blushed at the language I was using."

"What's the plan?" Varric asked.

"We fight Qunari. I guess it's obvious what they're trying to do."

"I ran into Aveline on the way here," Sebastian stated, "She told us what happened and was going to rally the troops and see what could be done. Though she insisted I return to the chantry, you have helped me more than once. I believe I owe a favour or two in return."

"Thanks. The plan is, we go Qunari hunting."

"How are the guard holding up?" Hawke wondered.

"Falling back quicker than anyone would hope. But they're guards, not warriors," Fenris replied.

"Templars?" I asked.

"No sign of them in play yet, but it's a large city. We could have missed them," Varric explained.

"Right. Nothing fancy then. Let's move out."

Fires were already burning across Lowtown, hot flame and acrid smoke filling the air. There were already plenty of dead, the Qunari being indiscriminate in their killing. Doors kicked in, people dragged out, put to death without mercy. Entire rows of houses were aflame, and these were already people who had next to nothing.

It didn't take long to run into roving bands of Qunari. The people of Kirkwall were fighting back, but they didn't have the weapons or training to fight back against them. That's not to say they didn't fight bravely. At times like this, people can find a courage they didn't know they had. When I collided with my first Qunari, it felt like I hit a brick wall at first, their thick skin harder than imagined, which perhaps explained why they wore little armour. Most hefted enormous two handed weapons, so while strong, they couldn't swing fast. Speed and agility was going to help most of us.

They also feared magic, so we set Merrill and Anders upon them, using some of those mind spells they could concoct. Seeing a Qunari almost break down in fear would have amusing if they weren't trying to kill us. The rules of war and battle went out the window. This was kill or be killed. The Arishok had made his choice, and had shown what he thought of the people by burning Lowtown and butchering its inhabitants.

The last street fight I'd been involved in was taking back Denerim from the darkspawn. In some places this was eerily familiar. There were roadblocks, left thinking we were being funnelled in a particular way. But striding out into a square about two-thirds of the way through Lowtown, we ran into a group of people I hadn't expected to see again for years. I raised my sword and shouted, "Wardens!" as a pack of Qunari raced towards the Warden line.

We fell upon the Qunari from behind, the Wardens proving they could fight Qunari just as effectively as darkspawn. It was a short, sharp battle, barely lasting a few minutes, the Qunari finding themselves surrounded by fighting to the death. It was only after battle finished that I recognised someone within their ranks. When he looked my way, the broad grin was a relief, striding my way immediately.

"Uhtred Dragonborn, if my eyes don't deceive me."

"Alistair," I replied, the embrace we shared warm.

"I had no idea you were even in Kirkwall. What are you doing here?"

"It's a bloody long story and we don't have the time." I looked around. "Where's Brosca?"

"She's at our camp outside the city. No doubt she's hearing all the commotion and worrying about me."

"Let me make some quick introductions. This is Hawke, I live with her, not in that way."

"Hawke? Ah, yes, I remember Stroud mentioning something about her. Spoke highly of you."

"Um, thanks…"

"Then there's Varric, Merrill, Anders, Fenris and Sebastian," I added.

"Made some friends?"

"Aye, something like that. Look, shit is serious here. Is there a chance you could stay and help?"

"I'd like to, Uhtred, I really would. But we can't. Two reasons. One, we were simply fighting our way out of the city. We have our own mission to complete and, before you ask, I simply cannot say. Two, I've been told not to get involved in politics or… anything like this. When I reported what happened in Ferelden to Weisshaupt, they were not happy. The only reason they're not doing anything about Aedan is that their hands are tied." He looked around. "Besides, we fought with this sort of number and saved Ferelden from the darkspawn. That was an entire country. I think you can save a city with those by your side. You're the Dragonborn, remember?"

"So people like to remind me. See you again?"

"Of course. People like us are fated to meet every so often. Wish it was under better circumstances this time. We'll do you a favour. While we're heading out of the city, we'll kill a few more Qunari for you, make it easier."

"Thanks. Farewell, Alistair," I said, grabbing his forearm, he doing the same to me. And, with that, the Wardens turned around and left.

"Well, that was disappointing," Hawke muttered.

"I'm not sad to see them go," Anders stated.

We moved on, running into more Qunari virtually around the next corner. The way out of Lowtown was crawling with Qunari, looking for anyone to kill. We stepped over countless bodies of city guard, blood, limbs and weapons lying next to bodies. The Qunari had been swift and brutal. There were only a few Qunari bodies alongside the human and elven.

Anything that seemed familiar had been burned to the ground or was still in flames. Even the marketplace, where those who barely had two coins to rub together could get something, has been ransacked, the traders killed where they stood, some of the bodies thrown on the flames. Hawke and I both muttered under our breath at the carnage on display.

What I didn't expect out of all this were the elves to apparently rise up, as we found ourselves under attack from quite a sizable group. They were armed with nothing more than knives, daggers and blunt weapons. I know none of us really wanted to kill them, particularly Merrill, so we tried to disarm and only injure those we could. Merrill was terribly upset by it afterwards, and I wasn't the only one who had noticed she had refrained from casting many spells.

It felt like it had taken hours, but we finally made it to the tall steps that led towards Hightown. The sound of fighting had decreased as no doubt the rich and noble had shut their doors and done what they could do to keep the Qunari out. When I heard the screams of a woman, my walk turned into a jog, rising to see a pair of Qunari hauling a woman along the ground by her ankles. What they were going to do to her, I didn't want to think about, so I whistled at them.

Seeing me, and then Hawke at my side, they were clearly not happy to see we had escaped, and attacked immediately. I hadn't wanted to use it, but now I was realising what these Qunari were capable of. So, still with some reluctance, I used my Thu'um. The flames burned them, yet still they charged, though they weakened with every step, so that by the time they reached us, Hawke and I only had to swing our blades once to finish the job.

"We might need that again before this is done," Hawke stated.

"I know."

Ready to head off, all of us were then knocked off our feet by the arrival of a Saarebas, a Qunari mage. It felt like I'd been hit with Unrelenting Force, its magic was so powerful. Striding towards us, it summoned another spell, gods only knowing what it was, but before it could be cast, a sword appeared through its chest. As it collapsed to the ground, Knight-Commander Meredith Stannard appeared, and with a swing of the sword, lopped off its head. I never in a million years thought I would have been happy to see that crazy bitch, but in that moment, I honestly could have kissed her. I could only hope that meant the templars were on their way in force.

Once we had all stood up, she introduced herself, which wasn't really necessary, until she took a look at Hawke and I. Then her eyes narrowed. "I know you two. 'Hawke and the Dragonborn'. I've read a number of reports about your double act. Too many, if I'm being honest."

"What's the damage, Knight-Commander?" Hawke asked.

"The Qunari are taking people to the Keep and may already be in control. We will need to deal with them."

"Hostages?" I wondered.

"They're going to take everyone of import and put them in the same place. Those that agree to convert, live. Those that don't…" Fenris explained.

"Okay, since you are already involved, I'll use what I can get. Head to the Keep, and I will see if I can find more of my men." I was going to ask why she was alone, but figured it didn't matter. "These creatures will pay for this outrage." I didn't like agreeing with her, but my opinion of the Qunari had dropped dramatically in the past couple of hours.

Climbing further into Hightown, the Qunari were there in number, just like Lowtown, though the fires were fewer. We were greeted with the bizarre sight of dwarves fighting the Qunari, Varric mentioning they were likely part of the Carta and feared the Qunari eliminating their businesses. They were fighting for self-preservation, not to protect the city. Still, we fought alongside them for a time before they disappeared into the smoke now spreading across the city.

There were fewer civilian bodies on the ground but far more of those wearing guard uniform. There were one of two grumbles about Lowtown being left to fend for itself, but I was of the opinion the guards would have performed a fighting retreat, and the closer they were the Keep, the harder they would have fought, subsequently the more losses they would have sustained. There were more Qunari bodies around too, testament to the fight the guard was putting up.

Meeting Meredith was one thing. But meeting First Enchanter Orsino after fighting our way through another horde of Qunari was another, left wondering what he was doing out of the Circle tower. He was bleeding from a nasty wound but waved off our concerns, more worried about the bodies of mages around us. The Qunari had been particularly brutal when killing them. Even saying they were butchered doesn't really convey what we all saw.

He walked around, checking for signs of life, but it was a fruitless endeavour. We'd already learned that the Qunari did not leave survivors. That's when Meredith reappeared with a small contingent of templars. Far smaller than I'd hoped for, but it was better than nothing. What we did learn in the next couple of minutes was that there was no love lost between Orsino and Meredith. No surprise, considering all the rumours we heard, but for their spat to be played out in public was interesting.

That's when Hawke surprised both of them, even me, by stepping forward. "I'll lead the damned battle."

Meredith was taken aback. "You? You're not even of this city!"

"Yes, she is," I retorted, "Her mother was an Amell. They are of Kirkwall. Hawke is the blood of the Amell family. I stand by her side in this, and I'm not even of this world!"

Orsino supported Hawke to take charge, and thankfully Meredith reluctantly agreed. Hawke suggested that caution was the better part of valour. Enough lives had been lost, no point throwing more onto the fire if victory wasn't assured. Nearly everyone agreed with that assessment, so we moved out as a group.

Approaching the Keep, we kept the shadows, and ahead we saw more Qunari than I'd ever seen. I was trying to think if it was a regiment, a battalion, or something… I went with horde in the end. They knew we were coming too, no doubt about that. Hawke, Orsino and Meredith discussed how to approach. I suggested straight up the middle, I'll use my Thu'um, we'll kill the rest. Orsino didn't agree, surprisingly nor did Meredith. They agreed on subterfuge. Orsino would distract, drawing the Qunari away, Meredith would assist, and hopefully leave the entrance clear.

I didn't get my fight but Hawke suggested that was the best way to approach. After Orsino had sucked in the Qunari to desert their posts, which was quite the surprise, we headed up the stairs towards the entrance of the Keep, managing to kill the pair of Qunari still on guard easily, before heading inside. The atrocity outside had continued inside, numerous bodies lying, butchered for not submitting to the Arishok's demands.

We didn't even get to the stairs before Qunari flooded forward. "You're up, Uhtred!" Hawke yelled.

My colleagues stepped back as I remained in place, waiting for the Qunari to close in towards us. When they were in the perfect place, I unleashed the full force of my Thu'um. They went crashing back into each other, then crashing back against the wall. Bolts and arrows followed quickly afterwards as spells were also cast. Hawke and I leapt into action, fighting off the few Qunari that had not been caught in the blast of my Thu'um.

I was definitely carrying more than one wound by now. Hawke had blood flowing down her sword arm, and had a cut across her forehead. Varric has been run ragged, and was starting to feel the pace. Fenris was barely lifting his sword by now. The two mages were out on their feet. Sebastian hadn't fought this long and hard in years, barely able to pull the string back on his bow. I could only hope that the Arishok lay ahead and… I don't know, we could sit around a table and talk…

Entering the throne room, we were greeted by a small crowd, relatively quiet, with the Arishok standing above them. The body of the viscount was clearly visible nearby, entering just in time to see him throw his head into the crowd. There were comments from the crowd about starting a war. We're already at war. It just depends on how long it lasts. Our entrance was not noticed, and he let the nobility what he really thought of them. To be honest, he made one or two good points, but I was now beyond agreeing with him. He may have talked the talk, but his actions spoke louder. The people of Kirkwall, whether rich, poor, male, female, civilian, soldier, did not deserve to be massacred or forced to convert.

When he noticed us, he seemed… pleased, striding down the stairs towards us. "Shanedan, to you two. I expected you."

Hawke and I shared a glance. "You did?"

"Of course. I knew your colleagues would help, and I knew you would fight your way here. But, for all your might, you are no different from these bas. You do not see."

"I see a man who's ready to start a war on principle," Hawke retorted.

"And what would the Qunari be without principle? You, I suspect." He took a step towards her. I unconsciously took a step towards her. His eyes met mine before leaving. "Prove yourself, basra, or kneel with your brethren."

The Arishok stepped away as Qunari stepped forward. "So much for being honourable," I growled in his direction.

"She lied, Dragonborn. She knows who has the relic."

"Shit," Hawke muttered under her breath.

I wasn't going to waste time. "Move!" I yelled at my colleagues, giving them just enough time before I Shouted. I went with flames again, burning most of them where they stood. I then thought I would finally show the Arishok my true power, using a Shout I had only ever used once before. But it seemed like the right situation for it.

"MUL… QAH… DIIV!"

What my friends would have seen was the aspect of a dragon. For a couple of minutes at least, I was more powerful than nearly anything in Thedas. Nothing could harm me. If I Shouted again, I'd probably tear the Qunari apart. I did that but as the dragon, ripping them to shreds, leaving their bodies in the same state they had left the civilians of Kirkwall in. Once they were dead, I turned towards the Arishok and stalked towards him. To his credit, he did not move an inch. I stopped a few feet away and simply stared at him, but he did not attack.

"You are dangerous, Dragonborn."

"As are you, Arishok. What has been done…"

"Parshaara." He walked towards me as the others gathered around. "Hawke and yourself have proven to be basalit-an after all. Few in this city command such respect. So tell me: You know I am denied Par Vollen until the Tome of Koslun is found. How would you see this conflict resolved with it?"

I was ready to offer him the same terms as before, no doubt to be denied again, when there was a commotion behind us. Isabela appeared through three Qunari, carrying an enormous book in her arms. She didn't meet Hawke's eyes, nor anyone else's, standing before the Arishok to hand it over. "I believe you'll find it's mostly undamaged."

I think the Arishok almost smiled as he gently grabbed the book. "The Tome of Koslun," he stated quietly, reverentially even.

"It took me a while to get back, what with all the fighting everywhere. You know how it is," Isabela stated.

"This is your fault," I growled.

She looked at me, rather startled by my comment and definitely my tone, though I'm not sure why. Hawke glared at her with such disdain, I wondered if she was going to hit her. The Arishok had his book back and he stated that, now the relic was returned, he would return to Par Vollen, with only one further demand.

Isabela would accompany him.

"She stole the Tome of Koslun. She must return with us." It was not a threat. It was not even a demand. It was an order he expected followed.

"And what will happen to her there?" Hawke wondered.

"She will submit to the Qun and the Ben-Hassrath. More than that I will not say."

"What do you think, Uhtred?"

"Take her and go. She's responsible for this entire mess. She betrayed you. She betrayed all of us. She betrayed everyone in this city. It's her actions that led to the Qunari remaining. It's her actions that led to this conflict. If she'd been honest since the start, none of this would have happened. Hand her over, it all ends here. The Qunari take their book, take her, and they go home."

"You can't seriously mean that," Isabela stated.

I glared at her. "You didn't see her when you left that cowardly note. Quite frankly, you should have just kept on running. I have honour. Hawke has honour. The Arishok has honour. You? No honour. No loyalty. No sense of responsibility. I'm through protecting you. I wash my hands of you."

"Hawke?" the Arishok asked.

"I agree with him. Take her and go. I'm done with her."

"What?" Isabela cried, "I came back because of you!"

Hawke turned and looked at her with such hatred, Isabela actually stepped back. "This is all your fault," she stated through gritted teeth, "All those bodies out there. All those families that are going to bury mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, husbands, wives. All those guards who stood, fought and died. All those people who were butchered because of something you did. If you think I'm going to fight for you, Isabela, you are sadly mistaken. I can't even stand to look at your any longer. You've only ever looked out for yourself. No maturity. No loyalty. No responsibility. Well, it's about time you took care of the latter."

Isabela looked between us, such fury on her face, I knew what her next move was going to be. My sword was at her throat in a second. "Trust me, I wouldn't mind you trying. But death isn't something you deserve just yet. You deserve to be marched through the streets of Kirkwall so you can see the result of your selfish actions."

"But I came back!"

"Too little, too late, Isabela," Hawke stated, "Arishok, you may take her. I believe we are done here."

"But I love you!"

That was just the wrong thing to say. Hawke slapped her so hard, Isabela landed on her arse. "How dare you say that to me after everything," Hawke said. I heard the catch in her throat as she leaned in over her, adding, "Only when your life is on the line do you even think of stating that to me. After everything I've done for you, this is how I am repaid. A false declaration of love because you still can't take responsibility. Uhtred was right. No honour whatsoever. We're done, Isabela. Completely and utterly done."

Hawke stood up straight and took a few steps back, the rest of us following her example. A trio of Qunari stepped forward, hauling Isabela to her feet. She tried feebly to break away from their clutches, but it was a pointless task. "A wise decision, Hawke," the Arishok stated. He walked towards her. "The Qunari have what we came for. We will go. But know this: one day we shall return."

"And on that day, Arishok, Hawke and the Dragonborn will be there to greet you before battle," Hawke stated.

The Arishok nodded. "Indeed. I believe it will a great battle."

Making a gesture to his men, they formed into two columns and, after a final order, marched out of the Keep. Once they were gone, Hawke walked backwards and sagged against a wall, sliding down it. I took a seat next to her. "Did we make the right choice?" she asked quietly.

"Yes. I was not going to fight for her. Neither were you."

"I wonder if we'll live to regret our decision."

"That's for another time. At least it's over. Hopefully the peace can now be maintained."

I look back at my words now and think even the Dragonborn could be incredibly naïve at times.

A/N – I'm thinking the ending might provoke a reaction, I'm hoping not too negative, but I've been writing fully intent on having it go this way. I'm sure there has been a hint or two you might have seen. The Solona issue, which did provoke a little negativity, will eventually be resolved in the third story. Isabela? No plans so far, though I'll follow the lore (I mention briefly later what happens).

I've not read any Dragon Age fan fiction, so have no idea how many writers would make the choice above, but I have a feeling I've taken a road far less travelled.