Vendicor: Thank you very much, I went into the lore and I found a lot of interesting things. I enjoyed plotting what would happen with them.

Jarjaxle: Nope he hasn't. Never met Loghain, so yeah, fair enough. Oh, there is a good reason for it to.

Rainsfere: I originally had completed the full thing before deciding to split them up. I didn't like the length and wanted to space them out a bit better so we could a better focus on just Cassandra and Max. I appreciate everything you've said and I am grateful for your offer.

ENJOY!

Chapter

"What would you like to know?"

I clasped my arms behind my back, "Tie this together for me. Across Thedas, the Wardens have been disappearing, then an Archdemon attacks Haven on the behalf of the Elder One, or Corypheus, the being that Lady Merodine-" I turned and gestured to her. "-buried underneath a mountain. Where he was manipulating Grey Wardens to free him, correct?"

Hawke nodded.

I turned back towards Loghain, "So…where have the Grey Wardens been?" I asked.

Stroud cleared his throat, "After those events, Weisshaupt-"

Josephine leaned close to me and whispered, "The Grey Warden headquarters."

"-content to forget about the whole affair."

"If an Archdemon could survive seemingly mortal wounds, why not Corypheus?" Loghain continued. "So, we investigated further."

Stroud walked forward, "It wasn't long after we found evidence that the Wardens started to hear the Calling."

I frowned, "The Calling?"

Stroud nods, "It is a warning. When we start to hear it, it means that the Warden's time has come."

"Then they enter the Deep Roads to die with honor."

"You mean to say that all the Grey Wardens are hearing this…Calling?" Cullen asks.

Both Wardens nod.

"…if this is true, then there would be no one to fight against the next Blight," Leliana stated.

I swore for a second, I heard the smallest trace of fear in her voice.

I look over at Cullen, "Commander Cullen, ensure we keep an eye on Warden Blackwall, immediately."

Hawke cleared her throat, "Warden Blackwall was stated that he refuses to give into it, that the fear will only strengthen his resolve."

The Future that Never Was.

Blackwall rocking back and forth in his cell.

"He is one of our allies and I want to ensure he is safe regardless of this Calling," I reply. Turning to the other two, "The same goes for you if you would prefer."

Both Wardens shook their heads.

"However, it is very plausible that this Calling is caused by Corypheus," Hawke stated. "Thus, tricking the Grey Wardens into leaving-"

"-and making them easy pawns to control," I finished. "Fear does very good at that."

Loghain moved towards the map at the center table, "Warden-Commander Clarel has proposed a ritual using blood magic-"

Leliana and Cassandra scowled.

"-in an attempt to prevent future Blights. Meeting here."

As Loghain took an icon to place on the world map, Stroud spoke up, "When we protested this, they attempted to arrest us."

Looking at the map, I narrowed my eyes, "What is in the Western Approach?"

"Desert, sand, and poisonous gas," Leliana stated.

"Not to mention the bandits that roam the routes used by travelers," Cullen added.

"They are meeting at an ancient Tevinter ritual tower," Stroud finished.

Pinching my chin, I turned to Josephine, "How soon can we get a starting group there?"

Checking her clipboard, the ambassador looked back at me, "The soonest we could get there is three to four weeks."

I nod, "Alright. First focus on getting supplies. Lots of water, and a focus on loose breathable clothing; I don't want our troops dying from exposure to the sun. Once we have a foothold prepared, I will lead a force there."

I turn up to the trio, "You wouldn't mind joining us would you?"

Loghain crossed his arms, "No."

Stroud shook his head, "Not at all."

Hawke grinned, "I've been meaning to work on my tan for awhile now."

I nod, "Good."

Leliana stepped forward, "I will try and see what information I can gather on the region."

"Thank you, Lady Leliana."

With a graceful nod, she slowly walks from the room. Giving Loghain another glare before exiting.

"In the meantime," I look back at Stroud and Loghain. "Just as Lady Meriodine, you are our guests. You are welcome to take advantage of our hospitality before our leave."

"Thank you, Inquisitor," Loghain states with a bow.

I bow respectfully back as he and Stroud exit.

"This…team?" Hawke asked.

"Besides you three?" I ask. "Varric will accompany you, while I bring along Sera, the Iron Bull and Dorian."

Hawke blinks, giving me a look before she too walks out.

"Erm…Inquisitor?"

I look to Josephine, "Yes Lady Montilyet?"

"There is a matter in Val Royeaux that I would appreciate you accompanying me to, before you leave."

I nodded, "By all means."

"Is it possible for us to leave today?" she asked.

I frowned, "Of…course Lady Montilyet, just allow me to make two quick visits to our forces if that works."

"Wonderfully Inquisitor."

Josephine gives a curtsey, which I respond with a polite bow as she leaves. Leaving Leliana and Cullen.

The spymaster smiles, "Well done Max."

With a groan, I roll my shoulders, "Urgh…I hate that."

"You get used to it," Leliana stated.

"I'm…still not," Cullen replied. "Used to you swearing up and down at this."

"He tried that," Leliana stated. "Got the fine dining training."

I shuddered, "Don't bring that up."

Leliana smirked before walking out, "We have four months till the Winter Palace Ball, you will be prepared by then."

I waited until she left before letting out a few unsavory words.

"If she heard that, I am assuming it won't end well?" Cullen asked.

I shook my head, "Chess when I get back?"

Cullen nodded, "Trying to ensure the wins are equal?"

"We are 4-9, I'll make those numbers equal eventually."

"Good luck," Cullen said with a smile.

As we both left the War Room, I headed towards the tower library. Making my way up the stairs, I passed a missing chair before running my fingers across the tomes. A mixture of rough leather, smooth cloth, and misshapen pages tied together by string; the library was well maintained, but some people didn't want to lose the classics. Solas because the memories were somewhat able to be sensed in the Fade, Vivienne because of the tomes came from the Circles of Magi, and Dorian because it was another way to stick it to the Imperium.

Speaking of which.

The Imperium of Magi. It was a rich leather book with several metal symbols stamped across the spine. Settling down in one of the comfy chairs, I began to browse through the chapters.

The Archon and his followers.

The Three Rings of Nobility.

Circles of Magi. Bingo.

Getting to that chapter, I read through the discussions of how it worked. That the Circles were more prestigious academies rather than the homes of the Thedas Circles, but as I got to blood magic, I felt a frown on my face.

Blood magic was an attempt at a source of power. Rather than accessing the Fade, blood magic never tapped into it for a Mage's power. However, it would have a cost. Learning it was tricky, unless of course you asked a demon for help.

A Tevinter ritual tower, specifically for blood magic. Which has the potential of untold power? Never good.

Shutting the book and making a mental note of it, I went downstairs into Solas study. The elf was relaxing in his chair as I approached.

"Something the matter?" Solas asked.

I sit down opposite of him, "Do you have time to discuss the Fade?"

The elf grinned, "Always Max."

"So…during my battle with Corypheus, he mentioned going into the Fade…into the Black City…what is it?"

Solas leaned back, "The Black City is said to be the home of the first Darkspawn. It became…tainted as some would say."

I cocked my head, "In the Chant of Light, it mentions that the Black City was-"

"-once the Golden City?" Solas interjected. "Seat of the Maker? That may be true, however its creation tends to be muddled. While according to the Chant, the Maker had proceeded to make spirits before creating humans. When that occurred, it was said that the humans started to worship the Old Gods then the Maker exiled them from the city and locked it down. According to more recent history, Tevinter is said to be responsible for darkening the city. In their arrogance, they sent magister's into the Fade to reach the city and when they took a single step towards it, the Golden City darkened and cursed the Tevinter magisters to become Darkspawn. While the elvish people believe that the elvish pantheon is still…trapped in the Fade."

"Trapped?"

Solas nodded, shifting in his seat, "Originally it is said that of the elvish gods, were…tricked into Fade; cutting off elvish worship, by Fen'Harel who constantly watches the elven gods to ensure they never escape."

I blinked, "…who is Fen'Harel?"

"The elven god of betrayal, Lord of Tricksters, the Dread Wolf."

As Solas finished that, hair rose along my arms.

"…does this…Fen'Harel, look like a black wolf with multiple red eyes?"

Solas paused, his eyes narrowing at me, "In…some murals and depictions, yes."

I leaned forward , "When I went walking the Fade, I watched as the Spirit of Wisdom changed into a Pride Demon. When it finished, the creature chased after me; I was snapped out of it by a black wolf with red eyes."

Solas frowned, leaning back in his chair, "You are…certain of this?"

I nodded.

"…it is quite possible for you to have went through another section of the Fade," Solas explained.

I shook my head, "It felt…real. Like-"

"-Most memories do. I remember going through the battle of Denerim and experiencing when the Hero of Fereldan-"

"No."

Solas quieted. "No?"

I let out a sigh, "I'm…no. It was not…like the memories. The memories were too fluid, too…scrambled. When I was travelling originally the memories flicked from one section to the other, nearly got lost in them. With the wolf, it was constant. I knew where I was and what that thing was before me."

"…I see."

We sat in silence before I looked up at Solas, the elf had his eyebrows furrowed as he looked down at the table.

"…you have given me something to ponder," Solas said quietly. "No one has seen Fen'Harel in the Fade, at least not like what you've done."

I nodded.

Solas slowly looked back up, "I will…do my own investigations into the Fade. When I finish, I will get back with you on what I find."

"Thank you Solas."

He did not respond as he steepled his fingers, exiting the tower I went to my room and gathered supplies for Val Royeaux.

Tugging at the itchy noble uniform, I handed back the notes to Josephine, who looked at me with a worried look.

"So…" I began. "The Montilyet's were a group of traders however about over hundred years ago they were refused trade in Orlais…"

"That is correct."

"Over the years, the Montilyet's have been selling land and what goods they had to ensure creditors were satisfied and paying interest."

Josephine nodded before smiling, "It is a pleasure, Lord Inquisitior."

My boots shifted as I bowed back, "It is wonderful to make your acquaintance Lord...Gevail."

Josephine smiled, "Correct."

"As such, you have managed to try and reinstate your family as landed traders in Orlais to try and rebuild your fortune."

"Have you met my wife, Lady Gevail."

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance Lady Gevail of house Trevalyan, I met your brother before at-"

Josephine narrowed her eyes ever so slightly.

I ensured my face stayed relaxed, "-the Templar Stronghold. He was a hero, fighting off the Red Templars as they swarmed us."

She relaxed, "Good. Remember?"

I relaxed, "Doesn't matter if its truth or a lie, don't incur debts."

"Indeed Max."

Fidgeting slightly, I continued, "Then you learned your carriers were murdered and all official documents to return as a trader were destroyed."

"Correct."

I frowned, "How can we trust this comte anyway?"

Josephine sighed, "Honestly we can't, this will all be in his favor throughout it all. He gains intrigue, but I must know what happened to my carriers."

I nodded, "It's alright Josephine. I just hate politics."

"You will need to be prepared for the Great Game."

I frowned, "What the hell is the Great-"

Her tone was calm, "Inquisitor."

FUCK! FUCKING IDIOT!

My heels clicked together as I bowed as best I could in this carriage, "My apologies Lady Montilyet."

"Indeed," she replied. "Tell me. What is the history of Orlais and Fereldan?"

"Orlais once ruled a majority of Fereldan," I replied. "However, a large portion of the city had decided to rebel against Orlais and pushing back the noble houses. This group had decided to name themselves Fereldan and thus making their capital the city of Redcliffe in the Hinterlands."

"And the name of the current regent?"

"Queen Anora, current wife to King Alistair, bastard son of the former king Maric Theirin. Father of Cailan Theirin, the previous king before Alistair who perished fighting darkspawn."

"And the ruling of Orlais?"

"Empress Celene took the throne after…her parents died…and her relative being Gaspard?"

Josephine still had her eyes narrowed, "Grand Duke Gaspard de Chalons. That is rudimentary at least. We are not finished here…Maxwell."

I groaned, sinking into the carriage. As my eyes glanced outside, I saw we were approaching the bridge into the city.

"To answer your question, the Great Game is the ever-changing game of politics and social drama that often occurs at all occurrences. Many have committed social suicide by simply humiliating themselves at such a party, I am pulling in many favors to try and get invitations to the Winter Palace Ball; however, just as it will be easy for us to gain more fame and noble support, it is just as easy to destroy everything the Inquisition has been working for."

Josephine smoothed the nonexistent wrinkles on her dress, "While I have no doubt you will keep important figures to help in this endeavor, a large portion of politics now ride on you."

"I am assuming not just as the Inquisitor, right?"

Josephine lifted her clipboard and went through a piece of parchment, "As the Inquisitor, magical apostate, proclaimed Herald of Andraste, leader of the rebel Mages and Templars, defeater of the Hand of Korth, that list will go on and continue to grow with every new deed you perform."

I blinked, "That's…a lot of pressure."

Josephine nodded, "Especially for one with no noble experience. I am your ambassador for a reason, I will bear the weight you cannot."

"So, when I am ready-"

"-I will give what I deem necessary."

After a few minutes, I sat back up, "Thank you Josie."

"You're welcome Max…sorry, Josie is still weird to me."

As the horses crossed the bridge, I smirked slightly, "We could still use Ruffles."

Josephine blinked and looked at me, "Sure think…Inky."

"…well played."

As the carriage slowly came to a stop, we both exited. I helped Josephine out of the carriage as we stood before a large, gilded mansion, the polished doors opened with two elf servants bowing.

"The comte will see you now," one said.

I eyed them a bit uncomfortably before Josephine pulled me forward, climbing up a set of stairs, we went down a hall and into a private study.

White marble pillars stretched along the walls, hanging light yellow banners above, a small dining table was at the end of the hall, with a portrait of the comte behind the head chair. To the right was an empty bookshelf and to the left was a ornate wardrobe, as Josephine and I stepped in, a voice drew our attention to the left.

"Welcome my friends."

The comte wore the familiar mask and clothing of the Orlesians.

Josephine curtsied as I bowed at my waist, "Thank you for seeing us, Comte Bolsvert."

"The honor is mine. Please, sit."

Moving onto the balcony, we both sat opposite of the comte. As he took a sip, he then spoke, "I apologies but I must cut the pleasantries, I hope that isn't an issue."

I shook my head while Josephine replied, "Not at all."

"Have you heard of the House of Repose?" the man asked.

Josephine frowned, "The assassins league?"

Oh…great.

The comte pushed a small scroll forward, "My contacts obtained a copy of the document in their archives. A contract for a life."

With a frown, Josephine took the scroll and began to read softly. I looked back at the comte, "Who ordered the hit on the Moltilyets family?" I asked.

"The Du Paraquettes," he replied.

"But that noble family died out around sixty years ago!" Josephine exclaimed.

"Yes, and the contract was signed one hundred and nine years ago."

…

I didn't like that.

My eyes narrowed at the man.

His contacts managed to get inside of the area, get a copy of the contract and bring it here? Knowing the exact date it was signed?

"Unpleasant as it may be, the House of Repose is merely-"

"Upholding its honor code and duties," I finished.

The comte nodded at me.

"Tell me," I say. "How did you manage to get a copy of the contract?"

The man hardly shifted, "My contacts inside of the House of Repose acquired it."

"Indeed…how did they achieve that?"

"Quite easily."

Silence.

I stood up and moved in front of Josephine, who had set down the scroll with a look of apprehension.

"You seem to know quite a bit for…supposed information," Josephine replied.

The assassin took another drink, "The House of Repose deeply regrets this contract, it is an ugly business."

"But a contract is a contract," I reply.

"Indeed."

Setting the empty cup aside, the assassin leaned back in his chair, "We are once again, deeply sorry Lady Montiliyet."

Josephine nodded slowly.

"So…I take it this is a professional curtesy?" I asked.

"Yes," he replied. "This contract was…quite out of the norm, so we believed it prudent to inform you both."

I ignored the urge to blast this person with lightning.

"And…when does the hunt begin?"

The assassin slowly stood up, "You already have a head start Inquisitor…or shall I just call you Max?"

I didn't answer.

"Fascinating really…" the assassin peered keenly at me, the sunlight glinting off his mask.

Ensuring my body was still blocking Josephine, I allowed fire to curl around my hands. The man stopped, before bowing towards us and slowly walking. As he exited the double doors, I grab Josephine.

"We need to leave, now."

As I pulled her away, we both were stopped by a thudding.

"Comte?!"

"Wa-"

Josephine pulled away and went towards the wardrobe, which had more thudding inside.

"Oh! You are trapped. Here allow me-"

More thuds and muffled sounds.

"Are you serio-"

"-could break the doo-"

Louder muffled noises.

"-perhaps a locksmith?"

"Ah for fu- move!"

Marching up to the door, I placed my finger on the lock. The air cooling as a bit of ice moved into the lock and after a few moments I turned my finger to the left, with a click the wardrobe opened and the real comte was revealed. A baby-faced bald man tied up with rope and nothing else.

"Hello! Allow us to free you," I state.

After making short work of the bindings, I bowed again. "Good day. Thanks!"

This time, I grabbed Josephine by the arm. As the woman let out a rather undignified squawk, I kept my grip tight as we went down the stairs. The elves quickly opening the doors for us.

"Inquisitor! Unhand me-"

Gritting my teeth, I stop at the foyer.

"What?!"

Josephine glared before jerking her arm free. Still under my angry glare, she smoothed her dress out before taking in and letting out a deep breathe.

Afterwards, she turned and gave me a nod, "Ok. Quickly, promptly."

I nodded, "Thank you."

As we walked out, Josephine moved into my left arm as we walked back to the carriage. As we did, I didn't fail to notice our missing drivers, as I helped her inside, I then looked around.

"What is it?" she asked.

I didn't answer.

The street had a few nobles walking either way, the occasional guard. Alleyway's stretching down occasionally.

No Inquisition soldiers.

"Stay low in the cabin."

Closing the door, I allow ice to cover the door handle and the frame itself. Walking forward, I glanced down the first alleyway to the left to find it completely empty, I then went to the next on the right. Moving across the smooth stone road, I stopped when my foot hit something metal.

I looked down and moved my boot, allowing an Inquisition pin to glint brightly in the afternoon sun.

…shit.

Turning around, I raced back to the carriage and climbing into the main driver seat. The reins resting innocently there.

Ok. Left for left, right for right. Like riding the horse before…only more.

Taking the reins in my hands, I snapped them with a quiet "Yee-Haw" as the horses beginning to trot forward, making their way down the path back towards the summer Bazaar.

I kept glancing up towards the buildings.

Too tall. Too many windows.

When I trained with Bull, he talked about how he and his Chargers were protecting this noble in a city. It sucked, too many spots of ambush. Stiches had a time with Krem's scars.

With it just me and Josephine, with currently no Inquisitional forces nearby; this pretty much went to further into hell.

I snapped the reins again, "Come on…hurry up!"

The horses nickered as they moved faster down the streets of Val Royeaux. Which slowly began to open into the blue silks of the bazaar, people quickly got out of the way as I went down the street until I saw a guard with Inquisition soldiers.

As I slowed the carriage down, I allowed the carriage to move closer.

"-re not allowed here."

"We're just a posting of Inquisition. A skeleton crew."

"You will not interfere with our busine-"

I cleared my throat, "Sure thing. Sorry."

The guard turned, "I assume these are yours?"

I nodded, "I'll take them."

"But Lord Inqui-"

I cut the soldier off, "No buts. Get on now."

The pair glanced at me before both climb up. As they sandwiched next to me, I clicked the reins again to get out of the city.

"Do you have any horses?" I asked.

The pair glanced at each other before nodded.

"James had his out of the city," the first responded.

"Not too far away."

I nodded, "Where is the closest Inquisition posting?"

"…The Emerald Graves, two day journey."

"Good. James, you are going to get your horse and ride there as fast as you can. Get a force ready to escort myself and Lady Josephine back to Skyhold."

James nodded, as we crossed the bridge leaving, I slowed down enough for James to hop down and to deposit the reins into the other soldier's hands.

"Keep going, don't stop until you're tired. When you are, we let the horses rest before we switch. You get rest and I ride."

The soldier nodded slowly, "Is everything alright?"

"We are being hunted by enemies of the Inquisition," I replied. "Lady Montilyet is their target and we need to get her to Skyhold."

"And our enemy?" the solider took a more serious tone. I could see why he joined.

"You're not gonna like it," I state.

"I was at Haven."

"…the House of Repose, assassin's guild."

The guard never flinched, "Understood ser."

Nodding, I climbed down and into the carriage along with Josephine, who was wringing her hands with worry.

"…well?" she asked.

I shrugged, "We have a week's journey, hunted by an assassin's guild…should be fine."

With pounding hoofs, I watch as James rides past us, further along the path as the sun begins to set.

"…I hope."

Read, Have a Great Day and God Bless!

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