We walked back to the chateau with the duke and some of the other groups. They were nearly all Orlesian and I wasn't the only one to feel a little out of place. Passing through the main gate of the chateau, we gained a real appreciation of how formidable the outer defences were, but the chateau itself was outstanding in its beauty.

Led by servants, we had been given private rooms to change, where we would also stay for the night. I still had some decent clothing so changed in front of a mirror, making sure I looked presentable. It was far too tight fitting for my liking, though I guess some people might have appreciated it. There was a knock at the door, opening the door to be greeted by a vision of beauty.

"How do I look?" she asked nervously.

"Wow," I whispered. That made her smile as she stepped forward and kissed my cheek. "And I like the scent too."

"Nice to know I can still scrub up nice and turn heads. You're not half bad yourself, Uhtred. Got yourself a date lined up?"

I chuckled to myself. "Won't be having one of those for a while yet. Yourself?"

"I just wanted to look nice for the party."

I offered my arm, which she accepted with a smile, and we headed downstairs and out into the party, joined by our friends, old and new. Tallis had certainly chosen something that wouldn't attract too much attention, but I don't think Hawke cared. Her attraction was obvious and something Tallis had definitely noticed. I still worried about Hawke setting herself up for heartache.

We found the duke in the courtyard and we were introduced as the group who had taken down the wyvern. I noticed there was another wyvern in a cage nearby, figuring I'd have to ask the duke about that one later, though I learned his name was Leopold. So he was a… pet?

Pleasantries over, it was now time to mingle. Tallis had already scoped out the place and found a possible entrance point. The only problem was a key needed to be found as it was impossible to pick. So it was suggested we split up. Hawke and Tallis would go to work, the rest of us would keep watch and draw attention away from them. Sounded like a good idea, so with a kiss on Hawke's cheek, I headed off, not before grabbing a glass of wine.

It was the stuffy, stuck up crowd I expected at one of these gatherings. But I did find one familiar face. When he saw me, his face lit up at the same time, with an embrace as well as a handshake. "Uhtred Dragonborn, as I live and breathe!"

"Bann Teagan, are you well?"

"I cannot complain. Are you?"

"Well, apart from the clothing which is too tight and some of the company, which is…"

"Yes, I believe this sort of soiree is not your type of thing. But what brings you here?"

"I'm here with Hawke."

"Ah, the Champion. I understand you also have a title as well?" I waved that away. "Well, I can understand why. I did not know you were friendly with the duke."

"I'm not. I wouldn't say Hawke was either. I think it's because of who she is to many people now. She is Kirkwall nobility at least. I'm not, but I'm pretty much by her side nowadays."

"Oh…"

"No, Teagan." I sipped my wine. "How are things in Redcliffe?"

"Rebuilt after the Blight. Eamon is still in Denerim, officially the Chancellor of the Royal Court. Aedan rules but Eamon looks after the finances. Anora is… too busy to deal with matters of state."

"Hang on, I know he had one. But I haven't heard anything in a long time now."

"They have three children, Uhtred. It's a miracle, really. Considering he is a Warden, and the difficulties Anora always seemed to have trying to conceive, the fact they have three happy, healthy children, ensuring the line of succession, it's simply amazing."

"Good for them. Do you see much of Aedan?"

"He is a rather visible king, often touring the country. He's got the common touch. Visits Orlais once a year with Anora to ensure that relationship remains friendly. He's trying to do things for the elves, but that's always a contentious issue. Has distanced himself from the Wardens. He had to as the crown and the Wardens simply cannot mix."

"Sounds like he's enjoying the role."

"Denerim couldn't have asked for a finer king and queen to lead them through the reconstruction. There's still much work to be done, but we'll get there." Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something familiar that distracted me. He noticed, simply smiling. "I'll leave you to it, Uhtred. I hope you do visit Ferelden again one day and visit. You'll be startled by the changes."

I offered my hand again. "Of course. I'll make sure I do it eventually."

Leaving him with his company, who I recognised as Isolde, giving her a polite nod of the head, I stopped a servant carrying around a tray of drinks before I rounded a small garden. I smiled to myself as I approached her from behind, resting my head on her shoulder as I offered her a glass. "If I'd known you were coming…"

She laughed lightly. "I had no idea you would be here, otherwise I'd have offered."

Leliana took the offered glass before she turned around, kissing my cheek. "The gods are being kind. After years without seeing you, this is the second time in a short while." I looked her up and down. The dress she was wearing was simply stunning. I definitely had a look on my face as she giggled again. It was tight in all the right places, and showed just enough skin to get the old blood pumping. She stepped closer so I could inhale that familiar scent. "Damn it," I whispered.

"What?" she asked quietly.

"I bet you're working."

"I am, but I can afford to be distracted for a while." She grabbed my arm and led me off towards the edge of the party, sitting by a fountain. "Why are you really here?"

I couldn't help smile. "Think you can make me talk that easily?" She positioned herself in a manner next to me that made me very agreeable, very quickly. "We made a new friend and the duke has something she wants." I paused before laughing. "Damn it, am I that easy?"

She leaned into me, kissing my cheek. "As you know, I have many talents, Uhtred. Who is your new friend?"

"Elven woman by the name of Tallis." Leliana sat bolt upright for a second before relaxing. But I wasn't completely stupid. "Familiar name?"

"It is. You said elven women?" I nodded. "What you'd consider attractive?" I nodded again. "Then it is likely the same woman. We… were associates once. One or two jobs together. She's here?"

"Hawke and her are around somewhere. So… can you tell me why you're here?"

"Just investigating rumours about the duke. It was one of the reasons why Justinia sent me here. It's not official Chantry business, but Justinia likes to be on top of any sensitive matter."

"Are you staying here the night?" She gave me a look to which I just shrugged. "Can't blame a man for trying, can you?"

She placed her glass beside her before leaning in and kissing me. My glass went into the fountain as I turned towards her. We kissed for long enough that we probably attracted attention before she pulled back, only a fraction. "I didn't want to go but I had to. You understand?"

I couldn't help smile. "Of course. Remember, I have faith."

"Come on, we should perhaps go mingle some more. If you're doing what I think, you draw attention as it is, Uhtred." We stood up, taking her by the hand. "And I love that combination on you. Shows off those arms of yours. I miss those at night. And your chest… and your butt…"

"What?"

"Could watch you walk all day with that butt, Uhtred. Sometimes I like to watch you walk off instead of you always getting to watch me!"

I laughed out loud, which made her giggle. I stopped a servant, taking two more drinks for us, and we walked hand in hand, chatting with others, none of whom I knew, but Leliana was an expert at these things, or so I learned over the next hour or so. Whenever she introduced herself, she told them who I was and she had no problem telling anyone we were together. I knew I had a big dumb grin on my face for most of the time.

We must have spent a couple of hours together, not just mingling with the other guests, but walking the courtyard and adjoining gardens. The duke's taste was… well, ostentatious would be putting it mildly. He had an inflated opinion of himself, though I could help marvel at the two giant golden lions to either side of the courtyard. They spoke only of power and prestige.

I was mingling again, this time with Seneschal Bran, when Hawke and Tallis passed by my eye line, and Hawke looked at me and nodded once. But it was enough to know that our plan, whatever it was, began now. Excusing myself with apologies I led Leliana off the opposite way to where Hawke headed.

"You are leaving?"

"You just saw Hawke and Tallis, right?"

"Of course."

"Then I'm off to do what I need to do."

I'm not sure what brought it on, but she kissed me. Hard. The sort of kiss that spoke of everything she felt for me. I didn't want to part. I didn't care about some bloody jewel. I could stay here with Leliana all night, eventually retire the bedroom, and then wake up feeling in an even better mood the next morning.

But I'd give Hawke my word, and Tallis too. So I pulled back, not before I gently caressed her face, looking her up and down one last time. "I love you," I whispered.

The smile lit up her face. "I'll never tire of hearing that," she whispered back.

"Good, because I plan on telling you every day soon enough."

She kissed me one last time, told me she loved me, then let me go. I strode casually around the fountain in the direction Hawke disappeared, looking back to see Leliana watch me go. She giggled to herself and I almost laughed, remembering what she'd said. As I rounded a hedgerow, Hawke and the others were waiting by the door. I flung the glass to the ground and closed the gap.

"Ready?" Hawke asked. We all nodded, and with a turn of the key, we headed inside. Walking down a barren hall, Hawke took the front, Tallis in her footsteps, I took the rear with everyone else in the middle. Coming to another door, we exited into a smaller room with only the lone guard. Just as he was about to start shouting, Tallis released a small knife that went straight into his throat. His shout died with him.

Tallis seemed rather upset by the kill, talking quietly with Hawke before we came together to make a decision. They agreed that we should try stealth, though everyone looked at me and figured it probably wouldn't last too long. "I should resent you all for that, but you're going to need me to hit things when the inevitable shitstorm arrives," I muttered.

It was only when we were walking along that I realised none of us were armed or armoured. I made my way to the lead. "I'd feel more comfortable with a sword," I hissed.

"No killing," Tallis said.

"We may have no choice."

Tallis sighed but eventually nodded. "I'd rather you just knock people out if you have to. Strangle them but only to leave them unconscious. Can you do that?"

"No worries. If I find someone big enough, I'll even disguise myself, lead the way if you want."

"By the Maker, Uhtred, you're using that brain of yours," Hawke joked.

We came across the first guard in a wine cellar. Tallis didn't want him hurt, but there were too many of us to distract him and get through. So I managed to get up behind him and, after a few seconds, left him sleeping in a corner. I took his sheathed weapons before gesturing for everyone to follow.

Even this small section of the chateau had elements of grandeur. The carpet underneath our feet was luxuriously soft. There were numerous paintings hung on the wall. Silk embroidered curtains. If the duke spent this sort of money here, what else was in the place?

Coming to a set of stairs, there was another guard in resplendent uniform, definitely an officer, probably the captain. He was distracted by something, allowing me to sneak up. I tapped him on the shoulder, letting him turn around before I hit him. I pulled the punch so I didn't break his jaw, but enough to knock him out. We found a couple of things so we could bind him to a chair and gag him.

The stairs led back outdoors, sticking to the shadows as we moved past another lone guard on duty. I'd seen enough guards to know those who are dutiful, and those who slacken due to boredom. This one was bored, dragging his feet around. I doubt he even heard us pass by. Entering another door, we were back in the chateau and I was worried about getting lost. Tallis admitted she only knew there was a vault but didn't know the lay out of the chateau. Not even Varric had been able to get his hands on building plans. We were doing this blind.

Arriving at another locked door, we had to go searching for it. No doubt another guard would probably have it. That mean Hawke, Fenris and I had to go guard hunting. The duke's men would be waking with sore heads in a few hours, but Fenris eventually got his hand on a set of keys, opening the door that allowed us to move. We agreed if the door was locked, it meant something important… or it was an elaborate trap to catch out someone stupid enough to break into the chateau.

I'll admit to getting annoyed with all the sneaking around, missing my armour and weapons, though with the racket I'd have made, we probably wouldn't have made it even halfway before all the duke's men were upon us. And we were making progress, just slowly. Very slowly. It didn't help that all of us were inside. If it was just Hawke and Tallis… We did end up going in and out of the chateau twice move, as locked doors led to a more circuitous route. It still left me thinking it was a trap, but Tallis was confident we were making progress.

Ending up on another balcony, Tallis whispered that we were definitely getting close. There were four guards to take care of. Fenris and I took care of the first two, Hawke distracting a third. Once they were handled, we converged on the fourth and last, again wearing thicker armour, again likely a captain. I put him on his arse with one swift punch, though this time we simply didn't have the time to tie him up and gag him.

A long corridor led to what Tallis stated was the vault. Walking towards the door, we should have all known it wasn't going to be easy, and when gates came crashing down around us, I'm sure I wasn't the only one who thought the duke and his men were about to come bursting in, weapons at the ready. But, no, it was a simple security mechanism that we managed to solve rather quickly.

"This will be the first of many," Tallis suggested.

"Just stand around looking all mean while we try and solve them," Hawke added.

"I swear to the gods, woman…"

Walking through the vault door, I felt that sixth sense kick in that something was wrong. So did Tallis. And, thankfully, so did Hawke. We turned around to see the duke with Cahir come through the door, a couple of his guards behind. I was the only one with any real sort of weapon. Tallis had a couple of knives. Varric always kept a blade handy. The mages could fight, but they'd be stabbed first. Guards flooded in from upstairs.

I met eyes with Hawke and she simply grinned. "Well, the party has moved indoors, it seems."

"It's not over yet," Tallis muttered.

"But it is over," the duke stated, "I knew who you were the moment you arrived, assassin."

Assassin? Before I could ask, Hawke turned on Tallis. "I knew it," she exclaimed.

Tallis looked at her in surprise. "You… did?"

Hawke almost snorted. "Have you met my friends?" she retorted, gesturing at me, "All of them are crazy and most of them are killers."

"Clever girl!" the duke mocked, "Have you also deduced that your elven friend is Qunari?"

We were all surprised by that one. Hawke was simply shocked. "You're… Qunari?" she asked, stumbling over those two words.

Tallis couldn't meet her eyes for a few seconds. "It's… complicated."

Hawke took a deep breath and stepped back. "This has nothing to do with me, then."

The duke chuckled. "Yes, you were only here to rob me. Much better."

To all our surprise, Tallis then rounded on the duke. "Look, I came to stop the Heart from doing something we will all regret. She didn't. Leave her out of this."

"And waste all the effort I spent luring you here before the Heart's arrival? Don't be foolish."

I was completely and utterly lost by now. What the hell was going on? Tallis was a Qunari thief or assassin. Or both. The duke was gods only know what. Hawke was as equally bemused as me, caught in the middle of something she didn't quite understand. I shared glances with the rest of our colleagues, receiving shrugs and further confused looks.

"Assay hassatra maas," Tallis said. Hawke looked at me. I didn't understand that bit.

"Maas avastrasa kulun," the duke retorted. The fact he knew Qunlat was simply astounding. He turned his back and shouted, "Take them away."

We ended up being escorted to the dungeons. They threw Hawke and Tallis in one cell, Varric and I in another, with Fenris and the two mages in a third. I was left chuckling, thinking he must be fuming at being locked up with them. Taking a seat against the wall, Varric did the same thing against the other.

"So, a Qunari… Who would have guessed?"

"If I know Hawke, she's probing her for information right now," I replied.

"You see that coming?"

"Gods no. I didn't take her as one of those 'elfy' elves but… no, did not see the Qunari thing at all. At least until she used their language."

"The duke knows it too."

"Aye. That was even weirder!"

"What do you think her story is?"

"Well, I would have thought a slave, but I doubt they'd have let her off the leash like this, so she must be a spy for them. Qunari aren't just the big guys with the horns. I'm just left wondering if there's even a jewel to be found or if she really is here to kill someone. But is it the duke or someone else?"

"Oh, if she was here to kill anyone, it would be Duke Prosper de Montfort."

"You're saying his name as if it's someone I should know."

"Ah, apologies, Uhtred. I forget you're probably not well versed in Orlesian history. Suffice to say, the duke is a cousin of Clarisse de Montfort, who was the mother of the current ruler, Empress Celene. You look through the family tree of many noble families in Orlais, and they've all been related at some point."

"So you kill him to make a statement or… somehow involve the empress herself?"

Varric shrugged. "Honestly, Uhtred, I have a no idea. You've heard of 'the Game'?" I nodded. Leliana had spoken of it sometimes while we were together. "Trust me, it's something I try not to think about. Orlesian nobles love to play it. Ruins the lives of everyone around them, and the poor bastards below them usually end up being punished with wars and conflicts, but it's all about power and influence, money too when you think about it."

I sighed. I was tired of being a pawn in other people's games, but it came with being who I was in the end. I rested my head against the wall and figured a few hours' sleep wouldn't hurt. I had no doubt the duke had something planned for us.

When I heard the lock of the door jiggle, Varric and I were up on our feet in seconds, though when Leliana appeared through the doorway, I simply couldn't resist stepping forward to hug her. "Quickly," she whispered, heading out to see Hawke and Tallis already out. Leliana ran to the other door and let them out too before returning. "All your things are in the room over there. Get changed and do whatever you need to do."

"How did…"

"I told you I was here for a reason, correct?"

"Aye."

"Well, I've learned information since we split up, and leaving you to finish this job will prevent a war that could prove catastrophic, not just to Orlais and the Qunari, but possibly Thedas as a whole. I work to protect the Chantry. This situation does not involve us. Therefore, I will leave."

"So you know about Tallis…"

"Of course, I just had to learn what she was actually here for. Now, I really must go as I had to knock out a couple of guards to get down here, and I'm hoping they won't be awake when I leave."

"Wait, before you go…"

She kissed me again, in front of everyone. It lasted… not long enough. I'd always think that. "I will be returning to Kirkwall before I sail back to Val Royeaux. I'll know when you return, Uhtred. I won't leave without saying goodbye. But I really must go now."

"Okay. Stay safe."

"You too. And good luck." With a last, quick kiss on the lips, she bade farewell to everyone else and snuck out a side gate. If the party was still going on upstairs, I doubt her presence had been missed for long.

"So, you and Leliana…" Tallis was about to ask as we started to get changed and prepare to move out.

"Aye," I replied simply.

"How long?"

"We fought together during the Fifth Blight, and stayed together around half a year after until I was pulled in to do another job, and she returned to the Chantry. Saw her again for the first time in years a couple of months back as she was working in Kirkwall. She had no idea I was in the city."

"Looks like she's head over heels."

"I feel the same way. Seeing her again… I had hoped but dare not dream in would happen. We have faith that, one day, we'll be together again. This time, permanently." I paused before adding, "As long we get out of here alive."

Once we were all armoured, and my sword was back in hand, I felt much better about things. Talils has an idea of how she had planned to escape, but no idea where we were in relation to her escape route. So Hawke and I thought about it then chose one way. If we were right, great. If not, then we'd no doubt have to fight.

We were doing that moments later. It was a dungeon, or a jail, so there was always going to be guards around. The duke had made his intentions clear, so we showed no hesitation in running them through with swords, or using magic, or bolts, or daggers. I was fairly sure the noise would draw attention. I still wasn't sure about going all out to kill the duke. Part of me thought he had every right to throw us in a cell. I had a feeling Hawke and Tallis had talked it out.

In the end, we ended up deeper in the dungeon. I was amazed at the sheer size of the chateau. Outside was enormous but I was now wondering how far we were underground. I was still thinking this while in battle with more guards. They were certainly well trained, better than the idiot bandits and mercenaries we usually dealt with. Their armour was in better conditions, their weapons sharp and they knew how to use them. Tallis moved quickly across the battlefield, slicing and dicing, certainly not the battering ram I was. The duke hired no mages as guards, so that was our advantage, which we made full use of. It meant I didn't have to use my gift… yet. I knew I probably would in the end.

Seeing a staircase ahead, we moved quickly though cautiously. Exiting into an enormous room, who should be standing in the distance on the balcony but the duke again. For a second time that day, we found ourselves surrounded, though only on the balcony. Cahir was on our level, flanked by a pair of lackeys. The enormous axe carried on his back would likely do some damage. I gave him the eyes that suggested I wanted to see battle.

The duke blustered, Tallis was frustrated, Hawke joked her way through it. I kept my eyes on Cahir, Varric watching the archers, Merrill and Anders simply waiting for the signal to unleash hell. The duke finally withdrew, locking us in, with orders for the Chasind, who I assumed was Cahir, to kill us.

Once the fighting started, there was no real sense of orders. Those who could focused on the archers first, and it was only blind luck that stopped me getting short. Hawke wasn't so lucky, taking an arrow in the upper arm, while Anders was shot in the chest. It must have missed his heart by millimetres. He pulled it out and healed himself while still fighting.

I was distracted by what I thought was another Chasind as Cahir had run off, mentioning something about 'pets'. The Chasind, war paint on the face and body, was armed with two short blades and was bloody fast. So I stood still and waited for the attacks. It was a case of predicting the strike then attacking before they did. I waited… and waited… blocking one, two, three attacks… then I struck. I met their eyes as I buried my sword in their chest, their eyes widening in surprise before I withdrew, watching them slump to the ground.

After that, we mopped up the few archers remaining, most dropping their bows to use a blade, clearly not as proficient with blade than bow, as most died easily. Heading the same way as the duke was out, the gate locked tight, with no mechanism to open it. Going back to the dungeons was suicide, so we looked and eventually found an open door. Heading down more steps, we came to a stop as Tallis simply stated, "Puzzle room."

I'm not sure how long we spent getting through all these puzzles. I could only assume completing them led to… the jewel Tallis mentioned? Anyway, I left the solving of puzzles to people much smarter than me, so I found a seat and let the others get to work. Varric was intelligent but he took a seat with me, I think to keep me company more than anything.

"This is all rather elaborate, isn't it?" he asked.

"Overkill, if you ask me. Makes me wonder what he has to hide."

"Considering how old the family is, and how close it is to the centre of power, probably secrets that could not only bring down the Empress, but perhaps the entire creaking mass."

"In all the fighting, Hawke tell you much about Tallis?"

"Not yet. I plan on asking once we're out of here. You?"

"To be honest, I don't really care if she is or not. Would have liked to have known originally, though I guess we may not have been as agreeable considering she's shown up only a few months after the Qunari tried to sack the city."

Hawke eventually returned with the others, stating we could now leave. Sort of heading back the way we'd come, Hawke led us towards a crack in the wall, which led us into a cave either underneath or beside the chateau. I was just relieved to be outside, and now wondered what we did next. Were we just going to escape? Or would we be hunting down the duke?"

"We're here to find someone," Tallis finally confessed, "He is a Qunari. He is selling secrets to the Orlesians. If he does, it could result in all-out war between them, and it will cause all of Thedas to descend into chaos."

"Okay, and what about the duke?" I asked.

"Collateral damage, if it comes to it. It wasn't my intention to kill him. I am only here for the informant."

"Does the Heart of the Many exist?" Varric wondered.

Tallis nodded. "I am one. It is what Ben-Hassrath means. We protect the interests of the Qun. Hawke somewhat… disagrees. Whatever the case, I cannot let this information fall into the wrong hands. That is why I am here."

"Whether we're here for a jewel or not, I'd just like to get out of here and eventually home," Hawke said, "However, I can agree that Orlais and the Qunari going to war won't be good for anyone. So I'm willing to help Tallis from here on out. That's my decision. If you wish, you can join us. If not, I won't begrudge you walking away. This isn't exactly you're fight."

None of us were going to do that, so our group kept walking, looking for the exit. We did stumble upon more of those ghast gobliny things. Magic scared some of them off, though they kept coming back for a fight. By the time we left that first part of the cave, it was a ghast graveyard. The gate that was shut thankfully opened without needing a key, and we carried on, passing by an underground lake, Tallis explaining the cave had once been used to house refugees during a Blight.

Of course, we were never going to escape that easily, and before any of us realised, a gate slammed down, separating Tallis from the rest of us. Stating for us to 'Trust her', she disappeared, or so Hawke said. My eyes were on Cahir and the mages he'd brought along for us to play with.

"The Circle are not the only ones who know how to break a mage," he growled.

Stepping forward, I knew I would be fighting him in a moment. "If my boss locked me in a dungeon with someone like me, I'd think about a career change."

"I do not fight for him. The duke is a fool. His enemies, a posturing, guileless lot. But you are worth testing. Prosper can fight his own battles. And I shall choose mine."

"Hawke?"

"Yes, Uhtred?"

"Take care of the mages. The big one is mine."

I sensed them all move. I didn't take my eyes from the Chasind, who took the enormous axe from his back. My sword was already in hand, shield attached to my left forearm. I undid the straps and flung that to the ground. I wasn't going to need that for a battle such as this. "You know, I have heard of you," he said as we circled slowly.

"Good things, I hope."

"This gift of yours. Will you use it?"

"Oh no. In battles like this, you will die because of my sword."

He smirked. "Let us see if your skills with hand match the words from your mouth."

He moved fast for a big man, and was circumspect in how he used his weapon. But with the cumbersome shield, I was able to move quickly, staying out of his range. I'd occasionally tickle the shaft of his axe with my sword, getting in close when I could, making him take a step back. He then charged straight at me, and with such a small gap between us, I couldn't move completely out of the way, his shoulder collecting mine. He was a big guy. It was like a pair of bulls colliding. And as I was off balance trying to move, I went down.

His axe moved quickly, coming down in an arc. I only just moved out of the way, swinging my sword, slicing into his shin, watching him stumble himself. I gave myself space as I quickly got back to my feet, immediately circling together once again.

"Hey, Uhtred, Tallis is back! And there are more guards!" Varric yelled.

"Just take care of them," I muttered.

Watching his footwork, how he weaved his axe, I waited for him to swing again. I had a plan, hoping it would pay off. He was patient though, so I feigned a mistake. He fell for it straight away, his swing wild, hoping to connect and end the fight in an instant. Once the sword had swept on its arc by me, I stepped into the gap created. He realised his error straight away and tried to correct. I put the hilt of my sword into his face, hearing cartilage snap in his nose before following that up with a quick elbow. He staggered backwards, cutting down with my sword across his elbow. It was a deep cut, bleeding immediately, and his strength was sapped, holding the axe only with his left arm.

It was simply too heavy for him to now fight, only able to defend himself. "Walk away," I offered.

"Never. Only one of us walks."

I nodded. "Very well."

He blocked what I could, but I was now on the front foot, feinting before striking. I drew blood more than once, simply wearing him down. When I struck him across his left thigh, a nasty wound that would bring down the biggest of men, he finally went down onto his knees. He still fought, and I gave him respect for that. He would fight until I landed the killing blow.

It came seconds later as I finally knocked the weapon from his hand and I made sure his death was quick. As he collapsed to the ground, I stepped forward and ensured his weapon was back in hand. He had been brave, fought me to the bitter end, refusing to walk away when given the chance to surrender. As he had said, only one of us would walk away from that fight. But I would see this man in Sovngarde when I too passed from this world.

"What was that about?" Tallis asked, glancing back to see the guards were dead.

"He was a warrior. Brave to the last. Men like him will be found in Sovngarde. When I arrive, we will drink together and remember this battle."

"I have never heard of this Sovngarde."

"It is not of this world, my beliefs that is. But I know Sovngarde exists. I have tasted the glory of the Great Hall. I have met Ysgramor himself, many years ago now. When I eventually die, I will be greeted by them all again. All those I fought alongside, and all those I fought against. There, we will drink, sing songs, eat food, and fight for eternity. A warrior paradise." I cleared my throat. "Anyway, what were we doing now?"

"There is an exit nearby that Tallis believes leads to a mountain path. From there, we finish this," Hawke replied.

"Sounds like the best plan I've heard all day. I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants a word with the duke."