Incorruptible

by super ginger

Alduin is dead. Purpose and duty fulfilled.Uthreida, Dragon Born, Yesimir of the North, is ready to return, But Tsun's shout is redirected, and finds herself in a land that is similar yet so very different from her home. Commander Cullen is hopeful for the future of the Inquisition. Until an unknown Dragon Slayer falls under his Command that makes him question everything he knows.

17. Chapter 17

A/N: I do not own any names or likeness. I do not receive any compensation for this work.

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The nail hit the candle holder. Cullen woke to the wooden slat ceiling in his quarters. The early summer morning breeze filled his loft and he wanted to roll over for a few more minutes.

Unfortunately, his penis had a different idea. He groaned to the ceiling and blinked annoyed. On the plus side, the lyrium withdrawals were no longer affecting his ability to get an erection. The downside, now he just had to wait it out.

He held a hand over his face and recanted the Canticles of Erudition in his head. But for some reason, the smell of semen brought him back to a memory.

Templars we're discovered visiting the Blooming Rose. It took a few months for Cullen to gather the courage. Information. And execute. He paid extra for discretion. He was shown to a back room. A cheap cloak covering his face as he moved. He was left alone with a single bed, the sheets stained and scented of sex. He removed his cloak and sat on the bed, his head telling him to look for weapons, lies, secrets, and peepholes. Something that would confirm this was a setup.

The door opened and he moved to hide so the open door wouldn't reveal him to passersby. A dark-haired elven woman, with red silk over her eyes entered. Her hair in coiled waves down her back. She held her hands out to feel the room with a smile. "Serrah" she called playfully. And Cullen closed the door.

She turned and smiled at him, her teeth gapped but had thick lips. "I found you."

Cullen looked over her sheer nightgown, her dark nipples on pert breast and thick dark curls at her apex. Her waist was impossibly thin. He felt nothing in him as he smote the room. She didn't react. Not a mage.

"Lay down." He ordered quietly. His voice was curt.

The elf spun slowly, her arms outstretched to look for the bed. He grabbed her arm and guided her. She made a sound like she enjoyed it but he knew it was a lie. This whole thing was a lie. She put her hands on the mattress and bent over. "Like this, Serrah?"

"Lay down." He lowly ordered again. She doesn't listen.

She giggled, crawling her way up the bed as he stood at the door, arms crossed, waiting for her to comply. She crawled to the head, and put her head on a pillow, but kept her rear in the air. "Does this please you, Serrah?"

"I will not repeat myself again."

His harsh tone made her stop smiling. Something in her tripped her fight or flight. The elf lowered her rear slowly, listening to his every move. Cullen noticed she leaned left. Weapon. He moved to the left side of the bed and lifted it. A dagger was laid under the mattress. He slammed it into the wall above where she could reach.

She sat up on the bed, ready to pull the red silk from her eyes." Serrah, what are you-"

"Remove that, and we're done."

Her hand halted at the silk. Her lips pulled back from indecision. "Serrah?" Her voice quivered.

"On your side, now."

Her hand clenched, fear flowing through her body. She moved again, slower, jerkier than before. She laid down on her side, her back to him. Her breathing was forcibly deep.

He cut his eyes to the door then back to the woman on the borrowed bed. The smell of sex filled the room. He snarled at it. Hating what this place was. The debauchery of it. He hated that it destroyed a simple pleasure. A pleasure he could no longer partake.

He climbed on the bed and she flinched. Cullen moved without care of her fear. He molded his front to her back. Grabbing a fist of hair and lifting her head so he could lay on his side in comfort with his arm under her neck. She was shaking in silent fear as he curled up next to her. Pressing her warm body into his. He didn't want to touch her more than he had to.

He bent his neck, his nose going into the pocket of her neck, and breathed in oils and pungent perfume. Each breath was a pain. Feeling the lungs expand over his heart, telling him its broken edges were piercing his lungs. Telling him it would never be healed. The daggers that slid in like only half his heart worked. Or rather, the conscious notice that he no longer had one. Maker, this is the pain he could endure.

The over perfumed woman, her body clenched in fear, in his arms was the closest he would ever get to intimacy again. Feeling every breath and the pain that came with it.

He spent his hour like that. In silence. Letting his mind numb to Kirkwalls troubles. Limply laying his arms over her body as she eventually relaxed. Taking and enjoying every ounce of emotional trauma that the motionless woman gave. Wondering if this is how it's supposed to be. If this was as close to love and intimacy he would ever get. Still seeing the demons on top of him. Seeing her take what she wanted. Is this something that would always hurt him?

Three quick raps on the door startled the two. She sat up and looked over him with the red silk. But he knew. She knew. She saw him. Any moment of relaxation was steeled against her. His armor replaced in a moment as he held a loose hand around her throat. "Who am I?"

She looked away, unable to see him. "I don't know, Serrah?" She said as meekly as possible.

"It better stay that way." He growled. "Facedown." He ordered, removing his hand from her throat.

She moved slowly, fear taking her again as Cullen stood. He placed his cloak back over his shoulders and threw up the hood. He looked at the elven woman who was following directions quicker now. The wind in the candle caused the blade to glint in the light. He removed it from the plaster walls and placed it back under the bed for the woman. He turned and left.

Cullen groaned to himself. Looking back, even having her blindfolded wasn't the best option. There were still rumors amongst the Templars that he was a 'gentle lover at the rose.' That he 'protected the precious petals.' Each making him snarl and swore off the building for the rest of his life.

He never asked her name. He was so consumed with hatred and fear, he never treated her like a person. Or anyone, for that matter. He passively wondered if being near Meredith for as long as he was with that damned blade had anything to do with it.

He looked down at his slowly shrinking member and sighed. He covered his face, thinking of the elven woman, of Sam, of Uthreida. His wife, who he didn't protect. Who wanted to try to navigate this desolate place of him. Who he didn't protect. Whose body was never found. He put his hands to his chest. He can't protect anyone. His heart shrank, thinking of the way she smiled on the road. Willing to try. With him. Her lips parted as she leaned into him in her tent. The way her eyes slid closed. Her hands tightening around the journal and flowers he purchased from some passing child.

He placed his hands on his chest, looking at the ceiling. His wife is dead. He felt a tear prick his eyes as the tree groaned slightly in the wind. He took a breath. No more tears. He cried for her, moved with a numbness back to Skyhold. He needed to focus. And while his mind knew it, his heart was left pained at the missing of her. "Maker, guide her soul."

He sat up and looked at the sacks across his room. They had cleared out her quarters. Giving him all of her belongings as he was the next of kin. The reality of losing his wife hitting harder as he entered Skyhold for the first time in three months. Feeling her loss again. No more morning check-ins to prove she didn't run. No more snide comments or vulgar winks at jokes. No more ethical arguments or culture clashes. No more random mid-day reprieve from his work. No more inappropriate letters in the form of a formal field report that he knew she did just to make his soldiers or himself blush. He found himself walking towards the sacks. He held a hand over them. Lacking the courage to go through them. He had the inventory, but this just seemed…too real. His heart ached again and he swallowed it back. He sat on the floor, touching the rough cloth. He took a deep breath of courage and pulled the chord of the knot. In the first sack on top was a black dress with white fur. He pulled it out and noticed it was the blue dress she bled over. She found time to dye it black. His mind went back to that day. The first time he noticed how small and beautiful she was. A Queen in her own right. The first time he actually flirted with her and how demure she became. He let his hands feel the fabric again. Never actually knowing how it felt against her warm skin.

He clenched his jaw and reached into the sack again. The bag folded as he removed the red dress from Halamshiral. The bulk of the fabric taking up the rest of the sack. His eyes were drawn to the satin lacing on the back. The bell of the folded gown came up to his chest in the ruffles and fabric. His bare hands touching the brocade. The texture was stiff in his hands from the stitching. His eyes were drawn to the collar of the dress. Her descending the stairs in that salon. Her eyes. Dancing with her. Holding her back from Gaspard and the King. Protecting her as best he could. Her whispers in the garden.

In the bottom of the sack was a corset for the gowns. He bit his lips. Remembering her one last time. The red dress smelled of roses. The black smelled of books. His hand touched the bell of the red dress and he was taken back to their dance at Halamshiral. He should've kissed her then. Like he wanted to. Her expression of guilt as she left him for the King, but proved herself loyal even when he didn't deserve it. He took a deep breath. She's gone.

He lowered his brows at the thought. He folded the dresses and placed them back in the sack with some sense of ceremony.

He opened the second sack to find more clothes of her daily attire. Clothes borrowed from around the hold. The shirt she wore when he kissed her. His hand going back to where he clutched it at her waist. He held it to his face, smelling her one last time. Of thistle and holly and sage. Soft tears filled his eyes. As he looked at the red and black brocade. He reached into the sack to find a plate that had a hawk with expanded wings engraved on the front, a wooden bowl, her horn tankard, and an hourglass. A scrap of paper that held a charcoal image of a warrior standing against a dragon with sword raised. Other little images off next to it. And to the right were three spirals from a central location. 'We forge our fate' written into the spiral. He looked at the image and knew she didn't draw this. He pulled again and found a steel dagger that he'd never seen before. The shape was not one of Theodosan designs. The crossguard held knots and designs like she had tattooed on her collar bones.

A black metal mask with a hood that looked like her armor. Narrow slits for eyes and the mouth like it was sleeping. An odd arrow pointing down to the face. On the inside was an inscription he couldn't read. Line and dots that looked like the writing on her knuckles. He flipped the mask and saw the red haze of an enchantment like her own armor.

A bag of odd pink and opalescent crystals. He held one to the light and could've sworn he saw a fox moving in it. He shook his head and placed the crystal back. A bag of vials and potions that he couldn't read the label on. One was in blue glass. He looked at the vials and noticed that each had a specific color associated with the glass. He didn't know if that was her culture, or if she chose specific colored glass for easy reference. He popped the cork and smelled it. It smelled like mushrooms, grass, and sage. He arched a brow and put it back.

He pulled another smaller sack and heard the click of gold. Opening it, he saw gold pieces that had a head of a man on one side, and a dragon on the other. He arched a brow. Royals had Andraste and a lion on the back. Was this her gold? From Skyrim?

A few books that he couldn't read, a signed copy of Hard in Hightown, and books she probably stole from the library. He blinked slowly at a copy of the Chant of Light. He flipped it open and saw notes in the margins in her hand. His heart throbbed. She was studying. Learning. His religion. His chin quivered at the idea. She was learning. He closed the book and rubbed his eyes to fight the tears.

He found the dark oak box the King had sent. Most of the scrolls still in place that spoke of trade laws for Ferelden. Her look of disgust as she read them. A small smile returning to his face.

He reached into the sack and found the knotted rope. He pulled it out and saw that it was becoming more untangled. Coles rope. A few strips of leather and fabric were still entwined on the hemp. He still had so much to learn of her. Of himself.

Cullen clenched the rope and put it all back. He pulled the wooden trunk that seemed so familiar to him from all those months ago closer. He opened the lid and saw the white pelt of the great sunless bear. He moved it, feeling the thick coarse fur in his hands. How adorable she looked swathed in its massive furs when she put it around her shoulders. Something about werebears. Cullen clutched the furs in a tight fist. A bride gift. From the Avvar. He stood, holding the furs in both hands as he walked to his bed. Placing the furs at the foot. He looked at the bed. Seeing her clutching his mantle after her Harrowing.

He looked away. She's gone. Maker, she's gone.

Xxxx

Eramond stood before the throne, and Cullen felt a snarl curl on his lip. That bastard manipulated an order of warriors to feed Corypheus. He stood to the side, letting Josephine oversee the judgment but wanted to see it for himself.

The mage rattled the chains as the two Templars only looked annoyed. Royoc leaned back on his throne with templed hands. "I struggle to understand how judging you will make up for anything you've done." Royoc's tone was aloof as if to allow the mage a chance to retort.

Eramond sneered and stepped forward. "I recognize none of these proceedings. You have no authority to judge me."

"On the contrary," Josephine spoke up, "many officials have communicated that they will defer to the Inquisitor on this matter."

"Because they fear." Cullen groaned at the man's growl of resentment. "At Corypheus, at Tevinter. The rightful ruler. The true ruler of every scrap of earth you trod in your pathetic life." The mage stood taller with a smirk. "I serve a living god. Bring down your blades and free me from the physical. Glory awaits me."

Cullen rolled his eyes at the man's hubristic insistence.

Royoc was silent as he looked the mage over. A smirk pulled on his lips as he regarded him. "You are the worst Tevinter has to offer. What you have done is beyond revolting. And while the Inquisition could do without your arrogance, I believe your tongue has more value. Livivius Eramond, I deny you death. You will receive a mage's punishment for a mage's crime." Royoc leaned forward and rested his weight on his knees. "Tranquility."

The room took a soft gasp and Cullen looked at him with wide eyes. What is he doing? And why is he smirking like that?

Eramond took a disgusted step back and was held by the Templars on either side. "What-you can't." The Templars dragged him back. "I am a lord, you pissants. I will not lose myself."

Chatter emerged in the hall and Cullen took steps forward towards the throne. "Inquisitor, I don't believe this is a wise course of action given the other mages that the Inquisi-"

"Hey, you." A voice boomed from the back of the room. Cullen turned to see a dwarf being escorted into the halls by two guards. The dwarf looking only at Eramond.

Eramond pulled on his chains to get away from the dwarf. The dwarf jerked his chains hard. Throwing the soldiers holding him to the ground. The dwarf ran and the mage tried to touch the fade as his Templar guards severed his magic. The dwarf head-butted him in the stomach and the mage leaned forward. Before Cullen could move, the dwarf grabbed the mage by the collar and pulled. "Guards" he bellowed. The dwarf wrapped the chains at his wrists around the throat of the mage and pulled the mage's head into his barrel chest. "Release him at once," Cullen stated, unsheathing his blade to the dwarf as the guards tried to pull them apart.

A sinister smirk curled on the dwarf's lips behind his light brown beard. The dwarf gave a violent movement, and the sounds of bones breaking filled the hall in horror. He released the mage who fell to the floor. His head turned in such an unnatural way that it was evident the dwarf broke his neck. Cullen reared his sword back. "Ah ah, pretty boy." The dwarf offered his wrists again to the guards. "Orlesian law of war, you can't kill a surrendered prisoner." Cullen snarled his nose at the dwarf. A woman screamed in hysterics at the body. Cullen sheathed his weapon and glared at the guards. "Get it out of here. You," he looked at the dwarf, seeing the tattoos over his brown eyes, and snarled. "Walk." He pointed to the throne where Royoc was seated. The dwarf smirked, walking proudly as he approached the front of the throne room.

He motioned for the guards to move the body and took his place on the side of the room.

Royoc arched a brow at the Dwarf while Josephine cleared her throat to press on. "Grey Warden Erin Kadar."

"Warden Commander of Ferelden and Arl of Amaranthine, Erin Kadar." The dwarf said with a finger. "You mind correcting that?"

"Commander," Royoc stated over him. "That man was sentenced for tranquility."

The dwarf looked over his shoulder at the mage that was being carried out. "Seems pretty tranquil now."

"You just killed an informant on Corypheus. One of my men."

"Nah, pretty sure I just killed an enemy of the state. Is there like a, ah, reward for that? I'm quite partial to gold. But I'll accept a piece of metal with a ribbon."

"I don't think you understand the severity of your crimes, Warden." Royoc scathed his rank as if it was below his own.

"Do you?" The dwarf asked with a tilted head like he was calibrating a Soldier and a tone that showed the experience of it. "I'm curious, which of your men are you going to send to King Alistair to tell him he has to vacate the throne and throw Ferelden into another civil war because of your command to exile all Wardens in the south?" He looked at Royoc with a thick arched brow. Royoc lifted his chin with his eyes on the dwarf, realizing what he just did. "He's a Gray Warden, dumb ass. And if you think that the King, his Tyerns, his Arls" he said, using both hands to point to his own chest, "are going to let that happen" he laughed deep in his chest. "You don't even know the game you're playing anymore do you?" He shook his head and smiled. "You have no authority to hold me, boy."

"The kingdoms of Orlais and Ferelden -" Josephine started but the dwarf only threw his head back and laughed at the Antivan.

"It's cute you think that."

Royoc took a deep measured breath. "You aided-"

"Hold that thought," The Warden-Commander interrupted and turned his back to the Inquisitor. "You all know my name." He yelled to address the hall. "You know my title. An archdemon has been spotted in the field. Under ancient treaties, for all those who can hear my voice, I hereby evoke the Rite of-" he stopped. Turning slowly to look at the Inquisitor over his shoulder. "Your move." Cullen looked to the room to see the nobles each covering their hearts, a sense of dread come over their face at the dwarf. The Wardens stood a step down from the Chantry, with the Inquisition still not formally recognized by the Chantry, and Royoc was no Divine, they couldn't revoke the Order their Rite of Conscripture. Now that the dwarf has threatened this was a true blight. The dwarf smirked. "You were saying?"

Royoc stood from his throne and Cullen barely saw the movement as an arrow launched into the banner behind Royoc, striking the center of the eye. Cullen followed the shaft to a man in a thick brown cloak, blue armor under it. Cullen opened his mouth to call for the guards who were already encircling the man with long dark hair. The dwarves next to the archer removed their cloaks to reveal blue armor with a Griffon on their plate. On the archer's right was a female, wielding two daggers and tattoos on her face while the other on the archer's left had a mop of red hair and a war hammer poised to attack. The guards circled them and blocked them in.

"Stop," Liliana shouted over the ruckus. Cullen looked over to see her shielding Josephine behind her. Her eyes were on the dwarf in chains before them. "This ends."

The dwarven Commander slowly drew his light brown eyes to Royoc. "Get these shackles off before that chair turns red, and those banners turn blue. Boy."

Royoc clenched his jaw, his hands fisted as he looked down at the dwarf. Liliana crossed the dais to speak with him.

"Hey, Red." the red-headed dwarf called from the shield wall. And waived at her. Cullen lowered a brow at the dwarven man who squinted like he was missing his left eye.

"Oghren." The Commander bellowed. "That one first." He pointed to Cullen as the red-headed dwarf chuckled.

"Templar, eh? Too easy." The dwarf popped his neck with a smile and took a stance. Cullen eyed his Templar vambraced with a grunt. Cullen looked at the three Wardens and noticed the archer had a second arrow knocked for the Inquisitor. Cullen held a hand to the pommel, trying to find a way out for the civilians and contain this fight, and protect the Inquisitor as he moved to protect Royoc.

"Stand down" Liliana shouted over the hall. "Oghren." She approached the circle of shields. Shoving soldiers out of her way. "Let me through. He is a Hero of the Fifth Blight. Stand aside."

Cullen looked back at the dwarven Commander who smiled at the Inquisitor. Royoc's nose snarled at the dwarf who just outplayed him. With Royoc's demand of no Wardens, if the Inquisition kills a Hero of the Blight, from an Arling of Wardens, in the kingdom of a Warden King, he invites war with Ferelden. "Release the Commander at once," Cullen called out. If the Inquisition wasn't ready for the full force of Corypheus's machinations, they certainly weren't ready for the unified force of Ferelden. Royoc's anger shifted to him as Cullen moved closer to protect him from the archer. "Stand down."

Cullen watched as the shields lowered and the guards took a step back. Liliana was finally able to break through and stood before the Archer. Cullen nodded to the guards to unshackle the Commander. The guards moved slower, looking between Cullen and Royoc.

The dwarven Commander smirked as he watched the guards fumble for the keys. "You got a message for the King, Inquisitor?"

Royoc licked his lips and took a deep breath. "The ex-communication was always intended to be temporary."

The dwarf arched a brow as the shackles clattered off. Rubbing his wrists. "Temporary until Corypheus's death, or yours?"

Royoc took another breath, his chest huffing at the dwarf. "We've received reports of darkspawn rising on the Storms Coast. Be a dear and see to it, will you?" He scathed lowly.

The dwarf smirked at the human and nodded. "So glad this ended amicably." He turned. "I'll have to return the favor the next time you enter Amaranthine. Without invitation." The female dwarf approached and passed the Commander a bag. "Where's the other one?"

"Hiding."

"Good. Weapons?"

"Nate." She tilted her head towards the human archer who stowed his weapon. The Commander slung the pack over his shoulder and started walking. "You two moving or what?"

The archer turned to follow but the red-headed dwarf was taken on the arm of the Spy Master and was exited, but not before clicking his tongue at Cullen. Cullen lowered a brow at the behavior. He watched unamused as the Grey Warden Commander sauntered out of the hall with no reprimand to his name for his involvement with Corypheus's plot.

"War room." Royoc seethed behind him. "Now."

Cullen watched as he rolled to Josephine to shut it down. Cullen followed after motioning for his men to clear the hall and get rid of the evidence of today's events. Cullen walked in silence, wondering what in the Void just happened. He shut the massive door behind him. Josephine kept her eyes down but jumped at the sound of the door. Her wide brown eyes looked at him in fear but looked away again before he could speak.

"If you ever undermine my authority again," Royoc seethed from the corner of the room, quickly getting closer to Cullen with a finger pointed at his chest.

Cullen scoffed. "The Commander was right. Our men are Fereldan. Some of our more experienced leaders fought in the Blight. I will not order them to butcher their own people. To commit treason against their King."

"That is not your call." He bellowed above him. Cullen noticed Josephine jerk at the sound. "The Wardens are suspectable to the whispering of Corypheus -"

"Even if that is the case-"

"They are to be removed until-"

"The ones who hold dearly to the idea-"

"Corypheus has been put down."

"Will still be at his side."

"Furthermore-"

"At ease." Cullen barked at him. Royoc flinched and Cullen closed the distance swiftly. "Do not speak over me." He Commanded as Royoc took a step back. He lowered his voice but held the authority of his position. "And you will mind you're tone in front of the lady." He flicked a hand to Josephine but pressed his point. "I don't give a damn what you think that was. He is an Arl of Ferelden and the Commander of the Grey. In his party was a Hero of the Blight. The same blight that crowned the King. You overextended your authority and he called you out. As far as I'm concerned, that order is belayed due to unlawful enforcement. And as he called you out, again, the Rite on Conscripture is above our station as well. You have no grounds, no authority, no rights over the Wardens saved that of a King who is also a Warden." Cullen took a deep panting breath as his full anger was unleashed. "Will you outlaw Chevalier in Orlais as well knowing Gaspard is of the Order?" He shook his head and stepped back. "You made a bad call. Even if the archdemon is a decade dead, I can well inform you, the Ferelden people still feel its effects. They will not let this slide. Rescind the order, or we face the full Ferelden army at our door. Rescind it, or I will."

Royoc snarled his nose at Cullen. "I am the Inquisit-"

"Get out of my sight." He barked back.

Royoc took a heated breath. "You are nothing more than an over-glorified prison guard. Fucking your way to the top while raping those below you. And you dare judge or correct me in MY hold?"

"OUR hold, on Ferelden soil." Cullen roared back, his teeth inches from the shorter man's nose. "Leave my war room."

Royoc tilted his head and scoffed. "I will not stand for this mutiny."

Cullen leaned in, his blood pumping in his ears as he barred his teeth. "It's only mutiny if I fail."

The Inquisitor's eyes heated as his nose twitched in hatred. "You forget your place, Captain," he spat quieter, "just like how you misplaced your wife." Cullen snorted at the man to watch his tone. "Leave my hold."

Cullen smirked at him. "Who's my replacement?" Royoc snorted at the comment. "If you weren't so afraid of dragons, your threat may have some bite." Cullen smiled at the man who scowled deeper. He pushed Cullen out of his way and slammed the door behind him.

Cullen took a deep breath to remove as much anger and frustration as possible. Josephine moved and he remembered she was there. Cullen sighed and realized his behavior was untoward for her. "Lady Josephine" he turned to her with a hand. "I'm terribly sorry you had to see that."

She was silent as she sighed. Her dark eyes were on the door. She chewed her lip quickly but smiled at him. "It's quite alright, Commander." She said softly, gently tapping the war table with her fingers. "It's-" she sighed again. "I'm sorry." Cullen lowered a brow at her apology. "When I discovered what his Holiness did, I tried to make it in the best light. And then I found out that the Commander was in the cells and-" she sighed again.

Cullen's jaw slackened as he looked at the woman. Her body language screamed something, but the way she averted her gaze- "You arranged this? You arranged all of this?"

She bit her lips in silence. She sniffed but held her chin level to him. "I didn't know the Commander would be that" she cleared her throat quickly, "or that Liliana would sneak in loyal Wardens. I just knew that if a Warden came in after Eramond, things…would happen. That justice would be met." She finished softly, still keeping her eyes on him. "But, mission accomplished. He is…contained." She let out a deep breath quickly.

"You played the whole court." He said dumbfounded. Not knowing she had it in her.

She blinked to her tablet, "King Alistair will retain his throne. The Wardens will do what they do best, and the people will be safe." She moved slowly as she picked up her tablet on her right arm. "A favor, if you will, Commander." She said softly as she approached. "Do not use me to control his behavior again." She gave a quick, sad smile as she moved past him.

"Jose." He said quickly before she left. "What am I not seeing?"

She licked her lips but looked down. "You see it, Commander." She whispered. "And now, it sees you. And without the Slayer, we can no longer hide." Cullen lowered his brows at her. "Speak to Liliana. She has something for you." Her heels clicked against the stone as she walked away.

Cullen stood over the table and breathed. Deeply. He looked at the map before him, seeing the little dots of Honnleath and Dragons Peak. He ended a war before it began. He did the right thing.

He stood taller, his hand on the tang of his sword, and left. Maker, what was he thinking?

He shook his head as he made his way to the gardens to pray. His eyes going back to the gazebo. Not wanting to look, but needed some hope that Uthreida was alive. Would she be proud? Of course, she would, but she also enjoys watching Royoc get thrown down a peg or two.

He noticed that the Spy Master was in the gazebo this time, with Lady Morrigan and the red-headed dwarf. Heroes of the Blight. The three of them. Morrigan made a disgusted look as the bawdy dwarf laughed.

Cullen stopped. If he's here, is the Warden-Commander still here? Right? He could fix this. Go behind Royoc's back and fix this before it went too far out of control.

He about-faced and headed for the open courtyard. By the gatehouse were two Wardens. The ones who drew on the hold, guarded by six soldiers. The Wardens seemed to take it in stride as they spoke and one laughed. Cullen tapped a soldier to stand aside. The archer, with black hair and silver eyes, and a nose that reminded Cullen of Loghain looked at him with an unamused expression. The female dwarf cocked a brow, a smirk on her lips. "Is your Commander still here?"

The archer stood slowly from his stump. "Commander Kadar is speaking to the other Warden. Blackwall, I believe was his name." He pointed to the stables to get a view of the dark Warden speaking to the dwarf. Cullen nodded and stepped off. "I wouldn't" the archer held him by the pauldron and the soldiers snapped to move to protect Cullen. The sound of armor moving made the man remove his hand from Cullen. Cullen waved off the guard. "Why?"

The man looked at the soldiers and smirked. "He doesn't like to be interrupted. And specifically asked this conversation not be interrupted. Apparently, Kadar was in the deep roads with Blackwall when they both got their Wings of Valor."

Cullen looked back at the stables, two old soldiers sharing war stories. Could take a while. But from his distance, couldn't make out the conversation or mannerisms of the Wardens. Cullen looked the dark man over. There was something in his stance that looked familiar. "Have we met?"

The man looked him over but arched a brow. "I don't believe so."

There was something oddly calming and nihilistic in the way he carried himself. "Have you ever been to Kirkwall in the last ten years?"

A smirk pulled on his lips as he crossed his arms. "Few times." He looked over and smiled.

Cullen smirked. "Commander Cullen Rutherford." He extended his hand to introduce himself.

He arched a brow at the name but took the handshake. "Senior Warden Nathaniel Howe."

Cullen recognized the name. "Howe. As in the Howes of Ferelden?"

Nathaniel sighed but the dwarf snorted. "When are you going to change your coat of arms to the 'Who's, What's, and Why's'?"

Nathaniel gave an annoyed grunt. "My perky friend is Sigrun." The dwarf waived with a smile full of teeth. Her tattoos giving the appearance of a skull.

Cullen looked him over slowly, finally drawing the connections. "You were in the Gallows? The night Meredith went mad."

He looked away casually. "That would be impossible."

"Why is that?"

"Wardens are nonpolitical. And our actions are usually frowned upon by the Chantry. Why would I be there? Were there dark spawn?"

Cullen licked his scar as he looked at the man. "You were with Hawke."

He gave a flippant shrug. "He did assist me while we were in the Deep Roads looking for something." He grew silent as he looked in the distance. "He was a good man." Cullen nodded. Tempering the relief from his annoyance but also deep sorrow at his passing. Only to later learn he was the hero he always had been to the people. "Terrible jokes though."

Cullen smiled at the truth of the comment. "What were you looking for?" Nathaniel lowered his brows. "In the Deep Roads in Kirkwall?" The man smiled politely but didn't speak. Cullen arched an annoyed brow. "We've been having difficulties getting ahold of the Ferelden Grey Wardens for about a year now. Where did you go?"

Howe arched a dark brow, his arms still crossed as he looked Cullen over. "You're the one who stood up to Meredith, aren't you?"

Cullen smirked, this Howe just confirmed his presence in the Gallows. "I did."

He hummed to himself and looked on to see his Commander in the stables. "There is a hold that used to belong to the Wardens during the third blight. The Hero of Ferelden found it. When Erin received the letter from Orlais, something was off. He went to investigate, knowing Commander Clarel personally. He sent word back telling us to hide. But didn't say from what. Oghren," he said over his shoulder, "drunkenly remembered the way. And we remained there until we received word that our Commander was in your custody."

Cullen arched a brow. "So the whole bit of him being on a mission from the First Warden was" he let the question hang.

"A red herring, I'm afraid." He smiled at the idea. "In truth, he was getting ready to start it when he got roped up in all of this."

Cullen jut his jaw, knowing the Wardens were a secretive bunch, and they used it to their benefit. He rolled his eyes, seeing a connection he could make, but he needed to move casually. "Has anyone ever told you you look just like Loghain Mac Tir?"

The man looked away as if in memory and smiled guiltily. "I may have used it to my advantage a few times." He said with a scratch on his ear.

Cullen chuckled at the implications of the Wardens statement and mannerisms. "Speaking of Fereldan Wardens," he said, turning to face Nathaniel fully. "Anders was yours."

Howes's silver eyes didn't even blink at the casual accusation. "It would appear that the Commander is on his way." Cullen looked over to see the dwarf cross the bailey in armor and weapons strapped to him. "Quick, Sigrun, stand, here he comes." He stated with a bored tone as he turned to the female dwarf.

She blew her tongue. She put her hands around her mouth and yelled. "The Commander is a Bronto fucker."

"Damn straight." He yelled back halfway across, lifting a fist to victory. The woman laughed while the archer rolled his eyes. Cullen could only wonder about the level of discipline of these Wardens.

The dwarf approached and looked at his men. "Where's Oghren?" The two shrugged and he sighed. "Great. Drunken Master at Arms just lollygagging about." He looked Cullen over with a skeptical gaze. "Fuck you want?" He asked with a nod.

Cullen sighed at the rude introduction. "Commander Cullen of the Inquisition forc-"

"I know who you are." He said, his low voice carrying a volume that Cullen was sure he wasn't very good at controlling. "Your men starved my men on the convoy here. Locked in cages like animals. Paraded through every village like some fucking hero. I know you. I know your men. Fuck you want? Why you talking to mine?"

Cullen furrowed his brows at the Warden-Commander. He went out of his way to procure extra rations for the prisoners. What does he mean by starve- his mind went back to Royoc's tent as they crossed Orlais for meetings. Finer and more expensive foods and wine were in his tent. And Cullen never thought to ask where he got the resources for those kinds of provisions. Mentally and emotionally numb at the loss of his wife. He sighed and looked over to see Howe smirking as he leaned against the stone wall. Royoc redirected the rations. Cullen took a breath, he wanted this conversation. "I was hoping to have a moment of your time."

The Commander gave a disgusted look at him. "Why?"

"Because you're absolutely right." He said quickly. "We have no authority to dictate Wardens."

The Commander silently crossed his arms as he looked Cullen down. He was reminded of a Templar drill instructor that stood slightly taller than the dwarf that would drag recruits to their knees to yell in their face. Or would bring a chair with him everywhere they went. And Commander Erin Kadar was just as imposing. "And? Fuck off." he waved a dismissive hand. He looked to his men. "Go get Oghren."

"Up the stairs, in the main hall, first door in the left will lead you to the gardens. He was last seen with the Spy Master." Cullen pointed to the bridge for the Wardens to go. He pointed at two of the Solders to lead the way. Cullen looked down at the dwarf. "A moment of your time."

The dwarven commander browed him quickly. He looked at his two Wardens and tilted his head for them to follow. "What."

Cullen raised a hand to the stairs that lead to his office. The dwarf didn't move to recognize the motion. Cullen sighed. "I've spoken to the Inquisitor. We are not excommunicating the Wardens from southern Thedas. That said, I was wondering if we may conscript some into the Inquaisit-"

The dwarf threw his head back and laughed. He had to catch his breath twice, doubling over, holding a hand to stop the joke. He stood up and sighed. "You got balls, I'll give you that."

"Thank you." He said lowly. "If we can work together, the insight your men have on Corypheus and his plans could help us to bring him down. But we need to work together for that to work. It may not necessarily be a conscripture, but at the very least battle tactics against darkspawn, access to information regarding Corypheus and his ilk, something that we can use in the field that may give us an edge against him."

The Wardens expression darkened as he looked at Cullen. "I don't know, Commander, you gonna feed em this time?"

Cullen sighed and took a step back to level with the dwarf. "I apologize for the oversight. I wasn't counting on taking prisoners."

"And here we are. Hungry. Destitute. And now, forced out of our homes. In case you haven't noticed, Commander, the darkspawn don't attack castles. They attack the farmers and villages that your Inquisition seem to have forgotten. Villages that we move to protect. And you just stripped us from them and their lives."

"I have every intention of revoking the order-"

"Then do it. Quit talking to me, and do it. You can fly our sins as much as you like. Say we use blood magic, just make sure you emphasize Ferelden doesn't per the law of our King. You can say we tried to use an army of demons to kill darkspawn and archdemons. Shit, ain't the first time. Guarantee it ain't going to be the last. But don't you stand there for a fucking second and tell me that you're going to or you will when the fact remains, we've been out of the desert for three weeks and you ain't done shit. And the only time you thought, hey, this might be a bad idea, is when I had to shit the bed, in your house. Do you even have the authority to revoke that order? Last I checked, your hands don't glow." He said, looking overtly at Cullen's hands.

"I will see to it. One way or another-"

"One way or another, you just halted our recruiting numbers. One way or another, you just halted our tax levy. One way or another, your Inquisitor shamed an entire Order because of the actions of one, okay, two…and a half nations. Your Inquisitor is so quick to receive the accolades of 'saving the world' that he didn't even recognize the threat for what it was. Ten years, Commander. Ten years and Ferelden is still suffering from the after-effects of a blight because there were practically no Wardens to curb it. Ten years and Orlais is still the laughing stock of the entire order. Ten years, Commander. That's how much you've halted our progress by kicking us out of the nations in the last month. So tell me again how you're 'going to' fix it." The dwarf took deep breaths at his ranted rage, his hands on his hips as he looked Cullen over.

Cullen clenched his jaw and took a deep breath. "By working together." He said calmly. He took a breath and looked at the bailey of passing soldiers, feeling the eyes on him as he tried to make his point. "I won't deny the sins of the Wardens. But we all know it's for a necessary and just cause. But the Wardens were manipulated. Lied to. Those Wardens at Adamant were doing what they thought was right. To stop all future blights. And it is a noble cause. But let's be honest, you're not the only one who, as you say, shit the bed here. There is room to atone. To right the wrongs. And the Inquisition could use more good men who are willing to do just that."

The Warden arched a brow at him. He looked at the four soldiers behind Cullen, then looked at the lower bailey. He took a deep breath. "I tried to warn them." He said softer. "But a dwarf, with a thought, got me thrown in a cage. By my own people." He shook his head slowly. "Most didn't even see what they were doing until it was too late." He looked at Cullen with tired eyes. "Talk to your Spy Master. I went into those cages willingly in the hopes to persuade the Wardens to change sides. Hoping this time it would be more effective. I made progress. I know some want to atone. Some want to make it up to the people. To remember what it means to be Wardens again." He paused, looking at the stables with a smirk and a head shake. "From the mouths of babes." The commander took a deep breath and crossed his arms over his chest and looked to the gatehouse. "I can't promise much. You'll be lucky to get twenty. But I got to warn you, you can't bring them in too close to that thing. It'll corrupt them. Your Spy Master has the names who are still loyal. The others-" he took a deep breath and released it. "You revoke that order. I'll see what I can do." The Warden-Commander looked him over quickly. "No replacements." He said with a pointed finger. "You get what you get."

Cullen nodded in understanding. "Thank you." He lowered a brow quickly. "I thought Loghain was the most senior Warden at Adamant."

The dwarf shook his head, this time in anger. "Fuck-stick demanded that the most loyal be sacrificed first. Meaning the older ones were the first to the blade. Me, being a dwarf, was spared. Also," he arched a brow. "Clarel hid my position and told my men not to say a word. Didn't want conflicting orders. The Orlesian's didn't even know who I was because they killed my fucking friends. But the feared General of Ferelden" he smirked. The dwarf's eyes softened as he looked over the bailey. "Tell me, Commander, I assume you're a religious man." His eyes dropping to Cullen's vambraces, "Seven Magisters entered the Golden City. How many more true blights await us? Is it two, or nine?" Cullen dropped his eyes at the idea. "Two hundred years." He said softer. "Entire generations of darkness before the Wardens were created and learned how to stop them. And the last lasted only one year. Makes a man wonder." Cullen lowered a brow at the idea. Something he hadn't considered before their very survival. The Commander took a deep breath as he looked over the hold. "I imagine that after Corypheus is killed, you'll, what, go home? Retire? Have a few kids with some poor farm girl? Put all of this behind you?" The dwarf looked on in his low tone. "This war you fight now is our life. It is our purpose. In war, Victory. In peace, Vigilance. In death, Sacrifice. This war doesn't end for us, Commander. It, apparently, just takes on new forms." The dwarf's shoulders curled back as if ready to receive the weight of his orders. "You make keep the Wardens that are willing to assist. However, we do need others and our numbers in place to keep up with recruitment and command. Those that join you will be there voluntarily. I will not order men to your cause when you were so quick to dismiss us the first time." The dwarf's dark eyes met Cullens with a warning.

Cullen nodded at the implication. Understanding the implications of his previous oversight.

The Warden-Commander held his arms wide as he looked behind Cullen. "Oghren, by the stone, where did you wander off to?"

Cullen looked to see the ginger dwarf approach with a smile. "I was just catching up with Red and The Swamp Witch" he added more seductively. He waggled a brow at his Commander who stood like an angered parent. "Hmm. Them ladies age like wine."

"You hate wine." The female said with a confused expression.

The redhead shrugged. "Just knock the legs outta the way and it's all the same. All the same." He slowly thrust his hips and one of the soldiers behind Cullen snorted. He snapped at them with a look that promised laps around the battlements.

"That is our Spymaster, dwarf. Show respect."

"That's my Master at Arms," Kadar said with crossed arms. "Show some…thing akin to respect." Erin looked at the red-bearded dwarf. "Did you bathe? How did you guys do that?"

"We roped him like a nug and threw him in the river." The female dwarf said with a smile.

Nathaniel arched a brow. "And a long stick." He added deadpanned.

Erin smiled at his men as the ginger growled. "You and your cloud-gazing methods of hygiene. By my Ancestors, do you know, ahh" he threw up a hand in frustration. He looked at Cullen with one good blue eye. "Hey, pretty boy, your name Cullen?"

Cullen looked at the Warden-Commander who was just as confused at the change in topic. "Yes?"

"From Sam." And punched Cullen in the thigh. Cullen lost his balance and kneeled down. His soldiers moved to kill but he held them back with a hand.

"What in the Makers name was that for?" Cullen growled, now eye level with the dwarf.

"He likes you," Erin said through laughter.

"For Sam." The ginger dwarf said with a confused look. "I could've sworn I said that. What was in that swill they gave me?"

"Tea," Nathaniel said as he walked to Cullen, offering a hand up. Cullen took it and lifted. Now his leg ached with pain and felt dead.

"You drank tea?" Erin said, not noticing Cullen's plight. "You've been here twenty minutes and the Chantry's got you drinking tea?"

"I may have slipped in some spirits from my ancestors." The warrior giggled as he spoke.

Erin and the woman gave skeptical looks. "I sincerely doubt it was slipped."

"Why did you hit me?" Cullen growled at the dwarf.

The three dwarves looked at him then one another. "He don't listen too good, does he?" The ginger smirked. "Had a wife like that once."

"Pleasure." Erin Kader said quickly, grabbing Oghren by the shoulder and shuffling him out the gatehouse.

Nathaniel patted his shoulder twice and took a deep breath. "Good luck." And walked off.

"Where's Anders?" He called after them. They waved a hand in departure as they left.

Cullen grunted checking to see if his leg would hold his weight and almost fell again. Dwarves. Cullen shook his head and turned to climb the stairs to his office. Limping. He turned to look at his soldiers. "That didn't happen."

"Yes, Commander." They said in unison, though two were fighting a smile. Cullen grunted as he had to pull his leg from his knee bracers just to walk. Fighting his own embarrassed smile. He waived the soldiers off to attend to their own duties. Each saluted and walked off. One, losing his composure as he snorted and another slapped him. He sighed when he remembered he was supposed to speak to Liliana. He walked in a circle to get the blood flowing and lessen the pain. Diplomacy, he told himself as he limped his way up the stairs, and remembered she was on the top floor of the rookery. Maybe. He popped into the gardens, his eyes instantly taken to the gazebo again and the stab of regret of wanting to see a different redhead. Only Lady Morrigan was in the gazebo. He grunted and turned around.

Fine. He'll climb the damn stairs.

He climbed the rotunda, grumbling. Hating the Warden, what was his name, with each step up. As he approached, he shook his leg and took a breath.

He entered the landing and tried not to limp as he saw Liliana and Josephine speaking in hushed whispers. Cullen cleared his throat to the women who didn't notice him over the sound of the ravens cawing. He took a step closer when Josephine noticed his approach. Liliana turned slowly to see him with an amused brow. "I was told you had something for me."

Liliana smiled kindly and walked past him to her desk. "I can't confirm or validate the authenticity, but I received this a few days ago." She said digging through stacks of parchment on her desk. She found what she was looking for and passed it to him. The tanned paper moved into his hands as he read over the top line addressed to him. He lowered his brows to the paper. One side was ripped like from a book. The outline like that of pressed thistle. He looked at Liliana quickly to see if she saw it or knew it was from the journal he gave Uthreida. "You look like you have a question, Sister Liliana." He said passively.

She made a single laugh. "Why are you limping?"

"Because your friend dead-leged me." He said with a smile and a tilted head. Hardly masking his accusations that she was behind it.

She chortled but cleared her throat quickly. "Apologies. Oghren is, shall we say, abrasive. And physical."

"I can tell." He flicked the parchment to read.

Commander Cullen,

Yesterday, a woman walked into the camp claiming to be the dragon slayer of the Inquisition but lacked the contract to prove her word. She even went so far as to claim that she was your wife.

His heart stopped.

But claims her name is Storm-Blade and not Rutherford. She sends the below message:

To whom it may annoy:

I, Uthreida Storm-Blade, lived.

That's her.

As did the dragon.

"Makers breath. One job. She has one job." The women tittered as he read.

You will be happy to know that the Hissing Wastes have been cleared of Venitori and Red Templars. As to why they were there, one was ever so kind to inform me that they are there to collect shards for the vessel and dig in the ruins of the dwarven thaig. Is that how you pronounce it? Anyways, all killed, but there are still fade rifts and whatnot in the area. Without Inquisition assets, I could only do so much. But the bulk is cleared. I did meet a very smart Mabari. I highly suggest he be enlisted in the Inquisition. On the grounds that he is not only a good boy but the best boy.

Cullen pinched the bridge of his nose and breathed as 'the best boy' was underlined twice. He tried not to smile at this ridiculous note from his ridiculous wife. She lives. She's alive.

I am told that I am in Rosiers on the outskirts of Kordillbury. I shall arrive back at Skyhold…when I get there. I'm told it's east and thirty-ish days to Sky Hold. So, I'll be there when I get there. With a new pair of boots.

Please send a horse.

You may be wondering what took so long. The story is attached.

See you soon

He lowered his brows at some lines and dots after the salutations. It looked like words but to what he couldn't guess. It looked like the lines and dots that were tattooed on her knuckles and inscribed on the mask in her quarters. He didn't know if that validated her, or if someone simply mimicked what was tattooed on her knuckles. Hoping it was words or a cipher of the Inquisition.

Uthreida Storm Blade

Thane of places

Dragon Slayer for the Inquisition

She lived. She's alive. And probably drunk. A smile crossed his face as a breath of relief filled his body. She is alive.

She's alive. Thank the Maker.

How in the Makers name is she alive?

"As you can see" Liliana stated warmly as he looked at the paper with wide eyes. "She's made contact with the Venitori. As well as Red Templars. She may have been manipulated by them. This side of her personality is one I've never seen before. They could've used blood magic on her."

Cullen arched a brow at the woman. "Or she's drunk." He laid the parchment down. "To whom it may annoy is definitely her. Further, the paper she's using is from her journal."

Liliana arched a brow. "Her black leather travel jormal?"

Cullen cleared his throat softly. "She got another one. Also, this writing here," he pointed to the lines and dots, "they match some form of writing on her knuckles and some of her personal effects. I think she's trying to convey that it is authentic without altered memories."

Liliana arched a brow and took a deep sigh of regret. "Commander, I know you may be eager to know she is alive, but I do feel the need to warn you, that she may not be of her own facilities."

Cullen shook his head. "Send a letter back to this" he looked at the scribes' name, "scout to see into her behavior and have her stay put. No sense in sending her across the country just for her to be sent back out into the wilderness in a few days."

Liliana pulled another report for his reading. "I received this earlier today." The slayer has departed for the boat across the lake two days before the letter arrived. She was moving. But no mention of her behavior or mental state. She could be delirious from the desert heat.

"We've yet to receive an update from any other Inquisition scouts in the area to show where she might be. But she's crossing Orlais alone. Without an escort, knowing she will be welcomed back into Skyhold with little opposition. Commander," she gave a heavy sigh and Josephine looked to her feet. "This could be a trap. She could potentially penetrate Skyhold. Weaken her from the inside."

He took a breath and looked at the letter from someone else's hand for his wife. "We can send a few Templars and some of your rangers to find her to-"

"We don't know where she is."

"We know she's coming." He stated finally. "A group could meet her halfway and bring her back while doing checks and investigations to make sure she's not possessed or being controlled by the Venitori."

"She'll have to pass Montsimaer on her way back." Josephine added. "We can tap into Lady Viviane's contacts there. If she's spotted at Mantillon, we will know her course of action then. See if they spot her. We have supply contacts at Cheatu Lancre where they can meet as a rendezvous point. It's a week and a half from the Inquisition. Enough time to conduct an investigation and make sure she makes it back safe. And alone."

Liliana nodded. "I have a few agents in Vercheif. I can have them move south to Mantillon to keep an eye for her movements. They can transport her to Lancre." Liliana's blue eyes went back to him and he took a deep breath of relief that she was willing to help.

"Thank you." He said softly over the birds. She looked away, rubbing her knuckles over the palm of her hands in thought. Cullen knew what she was thinking. "What do I owe you for this?"

She looked to Josephine with a cold look as she thought. Her chin tilted up as she reviewed her friend. Her eyes cut to Cullen and she took a deep breath. "Give her a reason to stay. Beyond her contract." Cullen lowered his brows at her. "By any method necessary. Provided she's not possessed, of course."

"Why?"

She tilted her head and gave a look of playful confusion. "Does it matter?"

"Given the source," he arched a brow at her with a serious expression. She took a breath to say something, but when she looked across the rookery, she looked at him and smiled. Cullen gave an annoyed grunt. She was done talking. "I'll see what I can do."

"Commander." She vaguely nodded.

"Thank you." He said again. Unsure of why it needed to be spoken.

Her soulless eyes softened slightly as she looked at him. Josephine smiled softly as he left the rookery. Still limping. Makers breath.

Xxxx

Royoc entered his office in a storm. "Pack, we're leaving."

Cullen looked down at the stack of missives to retract the Inquisitions exile of the Warden Order that needed his signature and seal. "Beg your pardon?"

"We're heading to Val Royox. Let's go."

Cullen scoffed. He looked at Overbridge and tilted his head for her to leave. When the door shut he stood from his desk. "Or. Instead of a shopping trip. You can go and close the rifts in Empris du Lion." He pulled the reports on his desk. "I was able to reroute our men from the Western Approach to Du Lion as reports have shown that the Templars are doing everything they can to hold it. My men were able to break through the Templar defenses and are pushing for Suldin Keep. Reports in the area are dire, to say the least in terms of the manufacturing of the red lyrium and kidnapping of the-"

"Cullen, this is important." He looked up to see the frightened look on the Inquisitor's face. "Blackwalls missing."

Any empathy he had left him in a second. He took a breath. "How long."

"He hasn't been seen since last night."

"Horses accounted for?"

"I didn't check."

Cullen pinched the bridge if his nose. Is he serious, right now? "It's been a day. Presuming he's on foot. We have soldiers down the mountain. I'm sure someone has seen him."

"He left a note. He's going to some man's execution in Val Royox. We have to find him."

Cullen looked at him with growing fury. His breath deepening with rage. All of this. For one man. "You're aware that it takes two weeks to get to Val Royox. On a boat. To find one man that has been missing for one day. Meanwhile, Empris du Lion, which is right there, needs their leader for inspirational support as they take the keep and end the red Templars for good. Victory hangs in the balance because one fade rift is in the way and we can't break it without you. That we are so close to seizing the throat of Corypheus and you're going to throw it all aside? For Blackwall? A deserter. Are you serious?" He was roaring at this point as he vent his frustrations at his Inquisitor. "Do you not understand the logistical complications of this endeavor or just willing to blind yourself to it?" He threw up a hand, the blinding rage of the man who was obviously using the Inquisition to meet his own ends. "You're aware that our men line the mountains and roads required to take a ship to Val Royox? Yes? You get that, right? And you're going to throw it all away?"

"Commander Culle -"

"Sacrifices must be made." He scathed back the words that are slowly becoming the Inquisition's motto. "You're going to risk everything on a man who ran?" He snorted at him. "I can't believe this. Do you have any idea what my men, your men, have been dealing with there? Do you? Red lyrium being grown in bodies, Royoc. People. It is the literal breeding grounds for Red Templars. They are killing and kidnapping local citizens to create and mine the lyrium. As slaves. With apparent supply lines to transport to Storms Coast with capabilities to travel it further to Maker knows where. And you're going to let it happen for another month and a half so you can traipse to Val Royox for a deserter? What did you think was going to happen when you outlawed Blackwall's order but required him to stay with the Inquisition? Painting him as an outsider to his own brothers. I rather enjoy the man myself, but your priorities and actions are askew. Utilize our assets to pick him up on the way. Your place is du Lion, not Val Royox."

"This is important to me. Blackwall-"

"Oh, spare me. The only thing of any importance in Val Royox is your face being seen there. How about you put your hand to work and get to Du Lion." He took several heated breaths as Royoc looked like he was about to cry. Cullen scoffed. "Buck up. Do you know how many of my friends I've had to place on their pyre? Your missing friend is of little to no concern to me. Especially as the men can't finish their assault on Suldin keep without you to close a rift." Royoc looked away dejected. "What did you think I was going to do about this? March a legion to Val Royox. For one man?" He shook his head. "Get with Liliana, I have a war to win."

"How can you be so callous?" Royoc said meekly.

"Easily."

"With your own wife missing." Cullen looked at him with a tucked chin. He. Better. Not. "Didn't you throw everything we have to find her?"

Cullen took several breaths to keep his anger in check. The last thing he needed was for Royoc to see a deeper wound. "No. I used the assets we had to locate her. I didn't stop what I was doing to find her. Because my priority is the Inquisition. And even then, she found her own way."

Royoc looked up at him. All emotions drained from his face. Royoc looked down in thought. "You found her?"

"Yes, we did. We're expecting her arrival in the month."

An emotionless look overcame Royoc and he stood taller. "I'm heading to Val Royox."

"Did you not hear a single word I just said?" He roared as he circled the desk. "The men need you in the field. Not there. For a month." Royoc turned on his heel. "Royoc." He called only for the door to slam behind him. Cullen leaned over his desk. That is the stupidest decision he's ever made. Cullen shook his head. Fool.

He stood from his desk. He took the east door and marched to Josephine. She was entranced with her own paperwork when he arrived. "Commander, what a lovely surprise."

Cullen stood by the door. She looked him over in his silence and locked the door. He pointed to the war room and arched a brow. She shook her head slowly as she stood. Either telling him no one was there, or it wasn't safe. Cullen rolled to her desk. Her chocolate eyes looked him over with concern. He took a breath to check his tone. "Why did Royoc come to me to accompany him to Val Royox for Blackwall?"

She looked genuinely confused. "Blackwall?"

"He's apparently missing. And he seemed, at first, distraught." She held a hand to her chin in thought. "What is going on with him?" She looked at Cullen quickly but moved to circle her desk. Her hands moving as if setting up something in her mind. She was silent as she circled the office. "Jose. Please, talk to me." She looked at him but only took a breath. "What is so valuable about a deserter and Val Royox?"

"I don't know. Unless-" she trailed off, her hands rubbing in passive thought.

"Unless?" Cullen stepped towards her. She looked out the window, her eyes cutting but not seeing. Thinking. Cullen groaned. "Liliana isn't here. Whatever secret she has on you needs to be lifted. I can't move in the dark. Josephine, please." She looked at him with a curled brow. "What are you two doing?"

"I know what he's doing."

Cullen shook his hands for her to fill him in. Quickly. She lowered a brow and looked at Cullen. She held her chin again. "Jose." He warned.

She circled her office again, her hands moving. She stopped when she reached the same point. "Why Val Royox? If Blackwall has deserted, Val Royox is a very specific location. Why go there?"

Cullen ran a hand through his hair to try and remember the conversation. But in his anger, he didn't remember. "I don't know. He's abandoning Du Lion for Blackwall. And he seemed insistent when he discovered Uthreida was alive."

"You told him." she slapped his arm in anger.

Cullen took a step back at her anger. "Didn't know it was a secret."

She sighed, running a hand over her hair. Her eyes cut to her fireplace. She stopped. "He's the last."

Cullen looked at her with a confused look. "Last what?"

She shook her head, her brows pulled in thought. She ran her thumb over her lip in silent contemplation. Her hand fisted. And took a breath. "You need to go with him."

"What? Are you serious? I need to aide my men in Du Lion. Not go to Val Royox for a month. What is going on?" He took a desperate step towards her.

She shook her head. "You need to go. Get Blackwall back here. I'll finish up the bridgework in Du Lion, but you need to go."

"Why?"

"Because-" she clenched her jaw. Her eyes widened as she looked away from him.

He had an opening. "Why me?" She closed her eyes and took a step back. "Please." Her silent bite of a lip telling him all he needed. He gave a heavy sigh. "How corrupt is the Inquisition?" She looked at him. Something in her eyes, body language, posture. It wasn't the Inquisition, it was the Inquisitor. And Josephine knew it. Which means Liliana knew it. "Why did you hide this? From me?" His whisper still seemed to echo off the stones. She set her jaw. Her pride. All three of them nominated Royoc for the position. And to learn he was corrupt, corrupted them. Their ability to see within. "When you and Liliana said contained, you meant-" he let the sentence hang for her to confess, but she didn't. "You navigate ways to undermind his authority. Without his consent or knowledge." Just like he did. She clenched her jaw. The truth made known. "What does Uthreida have to do with this?"

She swallowed back her truth and took a step away from him. "You need to go to Val Royox."

"Tell me why."

"Please." Her plead was heavy, but her stiff jaw made it an order.

He shook his head. "For you." He breathed. "Thank you. For not speaking."

She smiled at the comment. "I'm sure Lilly will not be too happy about this." She held her arms with a sigh, looking over her office in silence. "It is good you know. You know what will happen if it gets out, yes?"

The Gallows, the Hinterlands, Adamant. What greed and power can wrought? "I know all too well."

She nodded. "I was working on this before you arrived." She passed him a parchment from her desk.

"Lady Josephine,

We have seen a woman that matched your description in Montimmard. We did not engage as you requested.

She purchased three days of supplies and a night at a tavern. She seemed amicable to the shop keeps. But kept to herself most of the visit. Between the mercenaries' and soldiers, no one commented on her appearance.

We will keep you informed,

Ser Gustis De Laches

He looked at her with wide eyes. Josephine gave a single nod. She looked at the report and saw it was dated three days ago. That would put her on the outskirts of Montillion. "She could be returning in three weeks."

"Or," she said softer. "She can be here when you get back. Du Lion stands between her and here. According to Professor Frederic, there is a dragon there. We can waylay until you return."

He gave a slow nod. "Set it up. I'll dispatch a few trusted Templars to meet in Lancer."

"Liliana has her people in motion. But-" she sighed. "I think a letter from you to be carried by the men might make her more comfortable with the escort. Sealed, of course."

Cullen nodded. "To work."

Xx

Uthreida passively eyed her bread, cheese, and sausages as she reviewed her map. She had made it to Montillion. Head of the schedule by three days. Heading east, southeast, she should arrive in Skyhold in two weeks. Her jaw-clenching as she looked over the terrain. Her injuries weren't fully healed, but she needed to move. She couldn't stay here long. Maybe two nights?

Micha placed a second loaded plate of sausages in front of her and started to eat. Uthreida watched the older dwarven woman eat the meal. Her brown eyes flicked to Uthreida. "What?" The mouthful of sausages, confirming it's a usual occurrence.

"I'm curious how such a wee thing can eat that much."

She arched a dark brown brow at her. "Well, I'm not exactly worried about my girlish figure."

Uthreida smiled at the dwarf and let her eat. Uthreida nursed her wine and looked about the tavern. The bard in the corner played a clunky song. His composition was too complex for him. He needed work. The other patrons seemed to ignore him as they laughed, ate, and drank.

"Thanks for dinner."

Uthreida looked at the dwarf who had already eaten half her second plate. "No worries."

"You know," Micha swallowed back her wine and smirked. "You don't have to pay me."

Uthreida smiled softer to her. "I am grateful for your team's rescue."

The older dwarf smirked. "So this is guilt dinner, then?"

Uthreida lowered her eyes. "Aye."

Micha nodded slowly, stealing Uthreida's uneaten half loaf of bread. Her cloak moving slightly to reveal the griffin plate and blue tabris. "They died doing their duty. Protecting innocence and killing darkspawn. Do not morn their loss." She bit into the bread. "They were good men, true, but they sacrificed themselves to get you out."

They shouldn't have though. Uthreida looked away. She was the Yesimer. Dovahkiin. She should've won. But instead, she ran.

"Hey," Uthreida looked at the dark-haired dwarf who smiled calmly. The wrinkles around her eyes and nose making her look older. "Don't blame yourself. It's a part of life. Just lucky we found you when we did."

A party of men guffawed in laughter and the group of old men at the table across from them all groaned and shook their heads.

"I'm headed to Blainders. In Lynes." Micha said with adverted eyes on her plate. "You should come with me."

Uthreida smiled comically at the woman. "To Antiva?"

She shrugged as she ate another sausage. "Someone has to tell the Commander what happened. Why not someone who saw what happened in Adamant."

It was a lovely dream. "I'm needed in Ferelden."

She chuckled. "You got a spouse or something?"

"Something." Uthreida smiled. "My people need me. I need to see this through."

"Well, if you ever change your mind, come find me in Lorenzo." She finished her sausage.

Uthreida nodded to the woman.

"Excuse me." She turned to the voice. Two males approached her, hoods over their heads. "Forgive my rude interlude, but you look familiar."

As did this scene. She arched a brow, slowly drawing her hand to her axe.

"You are Uthda of the Inquisition, correct?"

She looked between them. "Of the Inquisition, aye." Micha leaned back in her seat, her hand going to the pommel of her hammer on her hip. He waved a hand to the free seat to ask if he could sit. His friend stayed standing. She drew her axe and laid it across her lap. Letting them see the action. She smiled and let him sit.

The man smirked. "Forgive me." He removed the hood and revealed a normal human male with a mop of dark hair and dark eyes. "I am Sutherland of the Sutherland Company. We're a mercenary group for the Inquisition as well." She looked over their leather armor and weapons quickly. It was Inquisition armor. But it also could've been stripped from a corpse. Her eyes flicked to Micha who had the same cold and calculating eyes she did. "We received orders from the Lady of the Rook to meet with you."

She blinked slowly. They appeared to be telling the truth, but she was still hesitant. "Haven't seen too many Inquisition camps in this area."

He smirked. "We were called in from Vercheif. Our orders are to escort you back to Sky Hold."

She looked them over again. "I can make it." Micha had eyes for the one standing. She looked at the one sitting at the table with them. His throat was exposed. And with his shield hefted over his back, he wouldn't be able to draw it in time.

He reached into a pocket for something. Uthreida tightened her hand on her axe. Micha coiled and was ready. "I was informed to give these to you." He passed her two folded parchments. Uthreida looked at them, then him. He looked confused when she didn't move. Taking the hint, he placed them on the table with a sheepish expression. "Nightingale has asked that we transport you to Lacer where you'll be taken by the Commander's Templars back to Skyhold."

Micha moved and picked up the parchments. Sutherland leaned over to see her armor. Micha eyed him, holding her cloak tighter around her chest. She looked at the letters with a lowered brow. "They're ciphered."

Sutherland smiled calmly at Uthreida. "Letter says you know the cipher."

Uthreida reached her hand across the table for the letters. She opened one and started. It had the same ticks that she saw in Liliana's ciphers all those months ago.

Sutherland,

It has come to my attention that the Dragon Slayer Uthreida (ew-three-da) Storm-Blade is alive. She is making her way across Orlais back to Skyhold. Move to Mantellion to intercept by any means necessary. The Commanders Templars will pick her up at Cesar Lancer. Let her read this if you must. She knows the Cipher.

You will know her by long red hair (possibly cut shorter to hide), blue eyes, a scar below her left eye, black and gold armor, three weapons, an unusual accent, and possibly wearing an Inquisition banner.

Sutherland, she must be kept alive. The future of the Inquisition is riding on this. Do not fail me.

Sister Liliana

Left Hand of the Divine

Spymaster for the Inquisition

Below was a seal in red wax with the Inquisition eye and two crossing feathers. Uthreida shot a skeptical look at Sutherland who was smirking at Micha. The dwarf has her own missive she was reading of with wide eyes. She looked at the mercenary. "Is this true?" He nodded slowly. Micha looked at Uthreida with a growing smile. "Who is this, Commander Cullen?"

Uthreida tried not to notice the mercenary's knowing smirk. "He's the Commander of the Inquisition forces."

Micha arched a brow at the letter. "He's revoked the Inquisitors orders. He's allowing Grey Wardens in the south without reprimand from the army. We're," she took a breath like she had been punched. "We're allowed to stay. Away from Corypheus, of course, but" she smiled wider. "'Any with information regarding the current threat, or wish to atone for the actions of the Order of the Grey Wardens of Orlais, are welcomed into the lines of the Inquisition.' What does that mean?"

Sutherland smirked. "That while he won't stop you, he wants an alliance. The Wardens must go willingly, but we can't control what or where you go."

Uthreida smirked at the idea. She opened the second letter and saw the red seal with two crossing swords.

To the endeavors of my most confusing enemy,

Uthreida Rutherford,

Forgive the dialect, but I'm sure the seal will be broken by the time this reaches you.

You will be approached by Inquisition agents who are to transport you to Cheatu Lancre where you will be picked up by my men to finish your journey to Sky Hold. Ser Alderic will guide you. I will warn you, you have been out of Inquisition hands for going on two weeks now as if the date of this letter and will more than likely have to undergo an additional investigation to your whereabouts, contacts, as well as possibly machinations. I would also like to communicate that since you did pass your harrowing, Tranquility is not an option.

I am relieved you survived and look forward to your stories of success upon your arrival. Perhaps use the journal to remember them by. We need every able body we can as bigger pieces are slowly starting to come into play. Please consider it as closely as I have.

Come home safe,

Cullen Rutherford

Commander of the Inquisition forces

Yovon Valok

Uthreida tried to hide the smile as she read. Yovon Valok. Her lip twitched as she looked at the words. It was authentic. It was him. Right?

She looked at Southerland then at Micha. "Still want to go to Antiva?"

The dwarven woman smiled with determination. "Depends, there a reward for saving you?"

Xx

"Message, sir" Cullen looked away from the dark cell of Blackwall, or Rainier, with a disgusted snarl. The Soldier held a thick scroll out to him. He nodded the Soldier off and broke the seal.

Commander Cullen,

Attached is the transcript of the investigation into the whereabouts of the dragon slayer.

Tuesday:

Intrcepted the Sutherland Company in Cheatu Lancre with the Dragon Slayer and Grey Warden Micha in tow. We conducted the following while in the camp

A: Alderic

U: Uthreida

M: Micha

A: Slayer, according to our reports, you were at Adamant.

U: Aye.

A: While at Adamant, your mission was to slay Corypheus's dragon if it was sighted on the field.

U: Aye

A: Reports indicate that no dragon corpse was found in the vicinity after Adamant was seized.

U: I imagine not.

A: So, to confirm, your mission was to slay the dragon, but didn't.

U: Let's get to the point, shall we. While at Adamant, the dragon was spotted, I persused. I followed it to the ramparts where it tried to eat the Commander. The Grey Warden Commander.

M: Clarel.

U: Aye. Clarel used magic to break the rampart bridge to kill the dragon. As the bridge fell, I saw the dragon fall. I persused again. I jumped into the-

A: You jumped? After it, as it fell?

U: Aye. I landed in the beast with my axe and sword. I, now attached to the damn thing, flew off with it.

A: You rode a dragon?

U: Aye.

M: Bad Ass

U: Thank you.

A: And then what?

U: It flew for a bit, and landed. I jumped off to finish it.

A: Why not kill it in midair?

U: And die from the impact? I jumped off. Another dragon came and spooked it. The black dragon flew off.

A: What happened to the other dragon?

U: I don't know.

A: You don't know?

U: Look, it looked at me, snorted, and let me live.

A: And you let it live?

U: I wasn't in a position to kill it. It's been a long night.

Yep, that's her.

U: I rested in a nearby cave and tended to my wounds. I started to explore the region. I came across a hunter who informed me I was in the Hissing Wastes. I asked her what was around or how to get back to Skyhold. She didn't know the way. I asked for the Frost Back mountains and she said east. Asked if she had seen Red Templars, Venatori, Grey Wardens, or add looking sorts about and she confirmed. There are rifts in the area as well. She showed me where some of the odd ones were and went to investigate.

A: What did you discover?

U: Nothing really. They were after ancient relics from some old dwarven family. And shards for the Vassel. Whatever that means.

A: what kind of relics?

U: don't know. Enough to draw them out, I suppose. I freed some slaves that they were using as miners. According to them, they were digging for runes. Ways to bind spirits or demons that were created by the dwarves.

A: Dwarves?

M: Yea. Right?

U: Right.

A: Were you there?

M: No, I come later. I think. Right?

U: Aye.

A: So, you killed Venatori and Red Templars in the Hissing Wastes then headed east.

U: Aye.

A: What happened then?

U: I traveled by night, and kissed the first tree I found. As I was walking I heard a shriek in the distance. I moved towards it and saw two men in armor, holding crying children, as a third in armor was laying in the dirt. Upon closer inspection, he was raping an elven woman with the dead body of her husband next to her. I put an arrow in the guards and lured the third into the forest line where I cut off his legs and his tongue and let the poison do its work.

M: Damn. That's my girl.

U: I know.

A: What happened then?

U: The elven woman was furious. And I wanted to revive the Chevalier and kill them again.

A: Wait, chevalier?

U: Aye. Anyways, she informed me that the elves can't stand against the chevalier by law and that I should've killed the family. I gave her gold and told her to run. The girls though, I wish I could've done more.

A: where was this?

U: Jenateme, I think. Or close to?

A: We received a report that you made contact with an Inquisition party in Estcele. Then left. Where did you go?

U: I found a boat and crossed the lake to mon, uh, mon

M: Montimmard?

U: Aye. Gathered a few days of supplies and kept walking east.

A: And then?

M: Levay?

U: Aye. Um, as I was leaving Levay, I noticed some odd movement and went to investigate. Ah, apparently, darkspawn were in the area. They spotted me and ran. I stood my ground, but there were too many of them. So, I ran. I must have been running and evading for about three days.

M: You were pretty bad when we found you.

U: Aye. I ran around the local village.

A: You were there, Miss Micha?

M: Si. When we found her, she was being persused by two hurlock alphas and about fifteen genlocks.

U: There were more.

M: Sure. Anyways, we noticed that their attacks weren't intending to kill. They wanted to capture.

A: Why?

M: Where do you think darkspawn come from? They need females to reproduce. The exact methods of how are unknown. But Castile, my senior, told me what they wanted and what they were planning to do. On his order, we moved in to help Utha. Castile and Arrigio didn't make it. I pulled Uthreida with me as we finished off the last of them. And we walked to Mantellion.

A: You saved her?

M: We did.

A: Is she infected?

M: Not from what I can tell.

A: Were you at Adamant, Miss Micha?

M: First, it's Misses. I'm older than you. Second, yes. I was. I'm from Antiva but was assigned to the Orlesian Wardens due to my, shall we say, colorful history in Antiva.

A: Meaning?

M: You don't know Micha the Merciful of Antiva? Huh. Weird.

A: Why do I get the feeling that's an oxymoron?

M: Anyway, we received orders to report to Adamant. Yes, I was there. For the record, as a dwarf, great idea. As a Warden, stupid idea. But as a dwarf, they couldn't use my blood to call forth demons. So, the dwarves that didn't agree with the plan were imprisoned. After we heard the decree the Wardens were kicked out of southern Thedas-

U: Whose bright idea was that anyway?

A: The Inquisitors.

U: Ponce

M: Me, Castile and Arrigio were native to Antiva and started to make our way there when we crossed paths.

A: You made it to Mantellion?

U: Aye.

A: Where you were escorted by Sutherland and his company?

U: Correct.

A: A report indicated you have made contact with the Venitori. Did you speak to one?

U: Aye.

A: What happened?

U: While in the Hissing Wastes, there was a large camp of them and I seized the camp. Kept one alive. Asked what they were doing there and why. And he was kind enough to inform me before I killed him.

A: And you never had any other verbal confrontation with the Venatori or Red Templars?

U: Uh, no.

A: Then why did you laugh?

U: It's this whole thing.

M: Psst, you sound suspicious as fuck.

U: So, my magic requires words. So verbal confrontation is funny to me even though I know what you meant. But no, I did not.

A: Right. You were never approached or propositioned by the enemy or their forces?

U: No

A: Which also includes-

M: Rude.

A: I have to be through. Miss Uthreida, has your Warden companion requested, suggested, or tried to convince you to join her to either a known or unknown location to assist the capabilities of Corypheus?

U: I was invited to Antiva, if that's what you are asking.

M: I have a question.

A: I'm asking the questions.

M: I did not know you were a dragon hunter.

U: Slayer

M: Semantics. Is there a reward for saving her?

A: I-

M: I mean, if the entire Inquisition is about to fall apart without her, what's my cut?

A: Not going to ask how you know that, but I'm sure we can ask. But you might need to take that up with her husband.

M: Who's the husband?

A: The Commander. Of the Inquisition.

M: YOUR HUSBAND IS THE FUCKING COMMANDER OF THE DAMN INQUISITION?

U: That is, technically, accurate.

M: WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME?

U: I didn't think it was important.

M: WHAT?

U: Hey, Grey Warden who may or may not be under the influence of Corypheus, my husband commands the army you're fighting. Can you help me get back so I can keep killing your people?

M: Fair, but you could've said something.

U: I'm saying it now. Look, he's like my large intestine. It's a part of me, but not the whole thing. I still have to protect him and his assets. Stop laughing, that's not what I meant.

M: So we're just not going to talk about how your intestines are a vital part of the whole body?

U: It's, damnit. Listen, it's complicated and, look, WHERE'S YOUR SPOUSE?

M: SHE DIED IN THE MISSION THAT GOT ME CONSCRIPTED YOU BRAVE FUCK.

U: WELL, I'M SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, YOU BEAUTIFUL BITCH.

M: YOU'RE LUCKY I THINK OF YOU AS A FRIEND, YOU DUMB ASSHOLE.

U: YOU'RE LUCKY THAT YOU'RE THE ONLY FRIEND I HAVE OUT HERE, YOU SALTY RAZORFISH.

M: I DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS, BUT YOU BETTER GIVE ME A HUG.

U: WELL, YOU BETTER COME GET IT.

A: Makers breath.

Cullen threw his head back and laughed. He was ninety percent certain his wife wasn't possessed or being controlled. This has defentatnly been the highlight of the last two weeks. He looked up to see two soldiers looking at him like he grew a second head. Right. This probably wasn't the place. He scrolled the rest of the transcript. Doesn't appear to be possessed, not controlled by blood magic, and seemed to be of her own facilities. Will be monitored. Heading to Empris du Lion.

She's alive. His eyes drifting to her words again. She's alive. And free from corruption. She's…free.

"Commander," Royoc said as he approached. Oh, this guy again. "Report."

Cullen arched a brow at him but passed a missive. "From Liliana."

He looked at it but didn't take it. "Summarize."

Or just read it. "Blackwall, or Tom Rainier, was once a respected Captain of the Royal Orlesian army. Before the Civil War, he was turned. Persuaded to assassinate one of Celine's biggest supporters. He led a group of fiercely loyal men on this mission and told them nothing of it. The men took the fall for it. A few lucky ones like Morney managed to escape."

He took a breath, looking at the report with an annoyed brow. "She had this lying about, didn't she?" His tone was cutting even if the words were casual.

"It would've been difficult for anyone to connect Blackwall to Rainier. Liliana has something of a blind spot when it comes to Wardens. Blackwall," he paused, the name slid over his tongue of friendship and he had to hold it back, "Rainier has accepted his fate. He has served diligently for the Inquisition but also used it as a means to hide his identity."

Royoc looked over him towards the stairwell down to the cells. "What would you do?"

"Me?" He crossed his arms over his chest, questioned why he would even ask when he was so rage-filled over the trip as Cullen only brought ten men and Royocs self-entitlement of Inquisitor required half a legion for his movements alone. "Leave him. What he did to the men under his command was unacceptable. He betrayed their trust, and ours. I despise him." His breath deeper, remembering the loyalty he once had for Meredith only to watch his own men butchered by her blade and statues. He looked away, remembering Hawke at that moment. "And yet, he fought as a Warden, joined our cause, shed blood for us, calmed the Wardens at Adamant, walked with you in the Fade. And the moment he shakes off his past, he owns up to it. Why?"

Royoc arched a brow. "Yes, I'd understand the concept of being truly remorseful of your egregious atrocities that fall under technicalities of war crimes, must baffle you." Cullen scowled at him. Royoc nodded quickly. "Have him released into our custody."

Cullen tilted his head at the Inquisitor. "Beg your pardon. The man is wanted for murder and treason."

"Release him."

"Why?"

"I will not watch one of my most loyal men die in a cell." Cullen noticed his eyes cut to the soldiers behind him.

Cullen jut his jaw at the man. If he refuses, the men will know he won't stand for them. "You abdicate justice by doing this."

"Commander Cullen-"

"I will not beat down a jailer or a justice of the law just to have the Inquisition be seen as thugs and smugglers. He chose his fate, leave him to it."

"They will judge him as Rainier, and not as-"

"He's wanted as Rainier." His hand cutting to sever the conversation. "I will not order my men to do this."

Royoc arched a brow, unamused at his insubordination. He leaned slightly to look at the guards behind him. "See that it's done."

The soldiers saluted. "While you're at it, surrender your armor and weapons," Cullen ordered from over his shoulder. He met Royoc's gaze as the armor no longer moved. "I will not have this corruption in my ranks."

Royoc walked around him. "See that it's done, and I'll see you through." He waved a hand for the soldiers to exit. Both adverted their eyes from Cullen as they passed. Following orders. Cullen's nose twitched at the man. "It must be so hard to carry honor like a chain around your throat." He whispered behind him. "It's a wonder you haven't bent over from the strain."

Cullen turned slowly, and never in his life, has he ever wanted to kill anyone more.

Xxxx

Breathe. She told herself. Just breathe through it. It's going to be fine, just breathe.

"You alright?" Uthreida looked down to see Micha look at her with some concern. She nodded, holding the queasiness, dizziness, and migraine back. "Did you eat the ham?" Uthreida shook her head slowly. Her jaw clenched to force the bile back down. "Yea, I'm getting an uneasy feeling too."

They crested the hill in Empris du Lion. Ser Alderic pointed them towards the camp that was flanked on all sides by odd towering red crystals. Micha stopped with her to look at the scene. "What is this place?" The sound of horror and disgust wasn't even hidden in the Warden's tone.

Uthreida shook her head. Her teeth grinding and the heat from her core no longer feeling the late cold winds. She followed after Ser Alderic and walked into a camp. She swallowed back the saliva that told her she was going to be sick.

"Uthreida?" Uthreida looked up at the familiar voice. Cassandra crossed the camp with her hand on her weapon.

"Slayer." Uthreida was picked up in a vice and held to something, holding her stomach. She saw the grey skin and horns, and the smile on the Qunari. "You lived!"

The sickness was coming back. She shook out of Bull's grasp and fell to the ground in a heap. She dropped to her knees and vomited. Her stomach clenching and purging everything she's eaten for the last day in three sickening heaves.

She wiped a hand across her face and took deep breaths to make sure it was over.

Micha was at her side, holding a hand to her shoulder. "Better?"

Uthreida shook her head.

"Healer," Cassandra called across the camp while Bull took a few steps back. "Are any of you sick?" She looked at Ser Alderic who held a hand over his face. A sympathy gag engaging. The other Templar recruit shook his head.

A mage ran to them with a satchel of herbs ready. His hands glowed blue as he approached. Uthreida felt the healing magic but did little to stop the shakes that overcame her. "There's nothing wrong." The healer said over his shoulder.

Cassandra crossed her arms and grunted. "She just made sick. Obviously-"

"She was fine two hours ago," Micha stated quickly. She knelt down to look Uthreida in the eye. "When did it start?"

Uthreida looked at the dwarf and hid her eyes. "When we started the path."

The dwarf looked at the group then at her. She leaned in and whispered, "Do you hear it?"

Uthreida looked at her with a question. She didn't hear anything. Micha nodded. "I think I know." Micha took her arms and forced her to stand.

Cassandra looked at the Warden dwarf then at her. "Are you alright, Lady Uthreida?" She shook her head, a shaking breath escaping. "You've had a long journey. Let's rest."

"Hang on." Micha pulled Uthreida by the belts towards a large spire of red crystals. The sickness came back to her. She dropped to her knees and heaved again. "That's what I thought." Micha pushed her back to Cassandra. "What are those things? " Micha jutted a thumb over her shoulder to indicate the rock.

"Red Lyrium." Cassandra picked up Uthreida and held an arm over her shoulder.

Micha looked at the rock, then at Uthreida. "You sure?"

"I'm sorry, who are you?"

Micha looked down at her chest with a griffon on it then at her with an unamused expression. "I'm one of the acrobatic acts from the passing circus," Cassandra grunted, Uthreida forcing her feet to move as she was dragged to a tent. "Hey, that's mine."

"Desist, Warden."

"Hey"

"Templars."

"I know you're not standing between me and my meal ticket."

"Micha," Uthreida grunted between the arguing women. She stepped away from Cassandra and found her own footing. "Calm down. Cassandra and Bull are friends. Please, come with me." She turned and found the first tent.

"No." Micha pulled her by the belts again. Uthreida wanted to argue and fight, but her body was exhausted. "Over there."

"Warden." Cassandra drew her weapon. "Stand down."

"Back off, Inquisition. Those rocks are making her sick. And there's no rocks across that bridge. That's where I'm going."

"Hell yea." Heavy footfalls approached and scooped Uthreida up. "Let's go see some dragons." Bull sang. Uthreida felt so weak, she didn't even fight him. But fell deeper into his chest and closed her eyes.

A stomach pain woke Uthreida. She looked around at the unfamiliar stone walls, broken flooring, and window of an early morning sky. She took a deeper breath and realize she was hungry, but no longer sick. She turned and saw Micha sleeping against the wall. Uthreida yawned, realizing she slept in her armor. She opened her pack, checking for the Elder Scroll, and pulled out her water skin.

Micha took a breath and awoke. They shared an early morning yawn. Uthreida offered her water, but Micha looked her over with a disgusted look and waved it off. Uthreida smiled at the implication.

"How you feeling?" Micha nodded at the question in a whisper.

Uthreida took a quick inventory of her facilities. "Cold sweats, aches, headache."

"Are you infected?" Micha lifted a hand to help her.

Uthreida shook her head slowly and regretted it. "That's impossible. Ring protects against diseases."

Micha arched a brow at the comment but let it slide. "Okay."

"You alright?" Uthreida kept her voice down because that's what she was doing.

"Yes." She nodded. "Your Seeker and Ox man filled me in last night. Lot of things they can't talk about. Lot of things I can't talk about. But I think I got a good idea."

Uthreida yawned into her hand again. "What are you talking about?"

Micha scooted closer and kept her voice down. "I started to feel sick the same time you did. It's like a, Warden sense, if you will. It lets us know when darkspawn are present. But not as strong. There's no darkspawn, but whatever corrupts darkspawn is here. And weirdly, I think you're attuned to it as well. Maybe even sensitive to it."

Uthreida looked at her in her exhaustion. "Ha?"

"Are you a Warden?"

"No."

"Hear me out," she looked to check for eavesdroppers. "You had two Hurlock alphas after you. After three days of running-"

"Don't remind me."

"They don't persuse like that unless you got something they want. And their wants are simple. And, you're made physically sick by the corrupted lyrium. So, level with me. I've seen your magic. It's not normal. Be honest, what are you?"

Uthreida looked down at her friend and took a deep breath. Still unsure if she was susceptible to Corypheus. "A dragon hunter."

She arched a brow. "You're a shit liar."

She smiled at the truth of it. "No, that's what it means. Dragon Hunter."

"What 'what' means?"

Uthreida looked away from her. "As a Warden, you know I can't fully trust you, right?"

"Yea." She said with more anger than dejection.

"You think it's connected though?" She nodded. Uthreida looked out the darkened window with a sigh. "Red Templars drink this stuff and I'm not sick around them." She shrugged. Uthreida tried not to think of the bile in her throat and the smell of decay in her nose as she ran from the darkspawn. The sickness that turned into fear as she ran. Maybe Micha was onto something. The dragon in the Hissing Wastes said she was attuned to the krazz. Maybe Uthreida was as well. And that krazz is now in the lyrium. And it's making her sick. But Wardens are attuned to the krazz as well? How? Why?

Two silent and quick tongue clicks from the floor below made the women sit up. Looking over the edge of the broken floor. Bull and the two Templars were watching the door. Bull tilted his horns to see them, but tilted his head for them to come down.

They reached the floor with Bull and he pointed out the door. "They've been patrolling for five minutes." Uthreida side-stepped and saw five red Templars walking the path ahead of their building. "We stay, they find us. We leave," he looked down at Uthreida with a concerned expression.

She watched their movements. They weren't looking for anything. Just patrolling. "Why are they here?"

"They're all over the valley," Bull whispered, leaning low to her to keep his voice down.

Ser Alderic looked between them. "We saw dragons as we crossed the bridge. How did they sneak past our outpost to get over here?"

"We were sleeping." Micha hissed at the group as she watched the Red Templars.

"Doesn't answer how they crossed the bridge undetected."

"They're here now." Uthreida took a deep breath. Still feeling weakened by the lyrium she left. She tried to formulate a plan. Wait, "did you say dragons?" She emphasized the plural while looking at Ser Alderic.

"Three," Bull said quietly, his eye on the Templars. "We're in dragon territory."

Uthreida watched the one who seemed to be lower to the ground with sharp red lyrium at the ends of its arms like spikes to attack. Uthreida closed her eyes. "Bas." Ahead were two more teams that were walking along paths she couldn't see. Three teams. Three dragons. Uthreida shook her head. "Captain Rylen had a theory about Corypheus's plan. He might be onto something."

Bull tilted a horn towards her. "We need a plan."

"Agreed."

Micha stepped forward. "I'll sneak behind them-"

"No."

Micha looked at her with her hand on her hammer. "No?"

Uthreida looked at Bull and the Templars. "Micha and I will draw them out. I'll knock them down. You put them down." Bull lowered a brow at her. "I'm still sick. I can't fight. But, I can make it easier for you. She looked down at Micha. "Stay behind me."

The Warden scoffed. "No." She moved to walk out of the tower.

Uthreida held her back by the gorget and unhooked the bow she found in the Hissing Wastes. "Behind me." She whispered to the dwarf. She looked at Bull. "Be ready on my signal."

"Which is?"

"You'll know."

Bull face-palmed himself. "Not helpful."

Uthreida crouched down low and drew an arrow. Micha crept behind her and threw down a glass vial that shattered in the evening rocks. Surrounding both in a fog. They moved off the main road and into the forested area to hide their approach. Uthreida was within range and watched the Templars. The ones with less armor were going to be the most dangerous. Hunters, if she had to guess. Two hunters, two soldiers, one Captain. She felt Micha move behind her. "Don't move until Bull does."

Micha's armor tinkled slightly as if to nod with the command. Uthreida lined up her shot for the hunter.

The arrow loosed and watched as the hunter spun away before falling to the ground. The other four looked over to see their comrade fallen.

Micha tightened and Uthreida held her hand to stop her. She drew another arrow as the Templars shouted to one another to search the area. Drawing weapons and readying a formation. One of the hunters vanished behind the Captain. "Bas." The red outline of the hunter was sneaking closer to them. Uthreida drew her bow and fired again on the hunter.

It gave a roar like a soldier refusing to die. She fired another arrow as the others started to run to approach the hunter. The hunter fell from her arrow.

"Utha." Micha whispered. "We're spotted."

"Move." Both emerged from the wood line and the Templars ran at them as movement caught her eye to Bull and the Inquisition Templars. Uthreida looked at the three Templars that ran at them, weapons raised to attack.

"Fos, ro dah."

The three Templars were pushed back and her knees gave from the force of the shout. She could see Micha lean over her and she waved her off. "Move. Now."

She heard the sound of metal as the Red Templars were pushing themselves up, the Inquisition Templars running, and Bulls war cry. His heavy footfalls drowned by Micha's lighter ones on the stone path.

She clutched her heart at the pain of the sickness around her and heard the clashing of metal of the fight. She forced herself to her feet to see one running at her. She drew an arrow and backed up. The arrow landing in the throat of the red Templars and dropping to their knees as Micha stood behind them and delivered the final blow to the back of their skull.

Uthreida heard Bull give a deep bellied laugh at his victory as another body fell to the ground. She looked at Micha who was looking at the Inquisition Templars gather themselves. Bull wasted no time searching the pockets of the Templars before throwing them over the side of the cliff. Uthreida and Micha took the cue as the Inquisition Templars offered final rights to their former brothers.

The team confirmed back inside the tower and compared notes from the red Templars. Uthreida read over the orders with a lowered brow. Protect the area. From what? And why?

Xxxx

Cullen shook his head as he entered his office. Overbridge was dropping off supplies and requisitions. "Welcome back, Commander." She said over her shoulder. "You have serval letters that require your attention. As well as developments in Du Lion."

He looked at the younger Lieutenant and wanted to ask what she thought of the Inquisition becoming nothing more than thugs to meet Royoc's demands. He gave a heavy breath and stepped forward.

"How was your trip?" He sniffed at the cold air and tried to control his frustrations. "Is there anything else, sir?"

"No."

"I'll…leave you to it." She made an awkward nod and turned.

"Do you want a command?"

She turned slowly to face him. "Sir?"

Cullen picked up a random report. "Do you want a command? Captain?"

She lowered her brows slowly. Shocked at the implied statement of his comment. "I wouldn't be against-" she swallowed something in her throat. "What would I-"

Cullen tapped the report in his hands. He's running out of loyal men. He needed people who were ethical and honorable to back him. To make sure the Inquisition stayed on the righteous path. "I'd like for you to oversight the Arbors."

"Me?"

"Yes. Corypheus's forces are starting to gather there from scant reports I've seen. I'd like for you to secure the area."

"Me?"

"Are you not up to it?"

"No, I, Uh, it's just that, ah-"

"If you're not comfortable-"

"No, no, I, Uh, don't think I'm ready for-"

"You're ready. You have a head for logistics, personnel, and a people person. Your reports are concise. I've seen you train in the yard. You're efficient. You're ready."

"Ah,"

"Don't worry. Rylen has been training a few Lieutenants and they will meet you in the Arbors. They can help you. The decisions are yours. Keep in mind our capabilities and morals, and you should be fine."

"How many men?"

"Forty-five, to start. Request if you need more." She paused as she thought about it. "Reports from the scouts show an increase in Red Templars in the area. You know their weaknesses working in this office. Keep them back, keep them down. Recover any information they may have."

She gave a slow nod. "Right. If that's the case, with the increase in Red Templars, I'll need ice grenades or, with your permission, the battlemages. If that's alright, sir." She bowed her head awkwardly.

Cullen arched a brow at her posture. "Approved. Field experience may do them some good. You leave in a few weeks."

"I guess I should find a replacement, then."

"Please." He flicked the report and began reading over the missives he had missed over the last two weeks.

He circled his desk and took a seat as he opened another from Cassandra.

Commander,

Uthreida has arrived in Du Lion.

His heart stopped.

She was made sick by the red lyrium. Apparently, too much of it affects her. She slew the three dragons. Bull reports the area was guarded by the Red Templars.

Cullen lowered his brows. Damn. Looks like he owes Rylen a few royals.

The men are still encamped outside of Sulidn Keep. Awaiting on the inquisitor. Tell him to hurry.

Commander, I worry for the Slayer. When we traveled, she was upbeat. Had the occasional nightmare, but now.

Bull stated that she was shocked into waking every night. That she is more distant than usual. More guarded. She stares into the fire in silence. Like a pang of guilt passes her eyes. I do not think she is possessed, but I don't know how to help her either. I have seen battle grief but this is something, a side, I've never seen. I worry. When you see her, remind her we love and need her. She has requested the attached be sent to you as well. I'm sure Liliana will look at it, but I'm sure the messages are safe with you. Perhaps you can make something of it.

She'll be leaving Du Lion in a few days as she begins the harvesting of the dragons. And she will be on her way back to you.

Cullen arched an annoyed brow at the mocking heart for a period in her writing.

Maker watch over us.

Cassandra Pentaghaust.

Right Hand of the Divine

Inquisition

Cullen took a deep breath as he set the letter aside. He opened the attachments that showed to be pages of her journal that had been ripped out of the book. Each was written in a language that he had only seen in her travel journal. He smiled as he looked over the pages of indecipherable writing. No doodles. No indication of what she was saying. But the fact she was writing him letters that he couldn't read was both heartwarming in the privacy of it, and the annoyance that he couldn't read it. He looked at the odd glyphs and noticed the collection she had shown him all those months ago that reflected his name was written throughout them.

He flipped through the six pages with a smile. That's his wife. Knowing exactly how to annoy him, and how to make him smile.

She'll be home in a week. He knew that much. He held the papers closer, but no scent seemed to be hers. He looked at the odd writing again with a smile, placing them in a pouch for himself. He took a deep breath and got back to work.

The concerns were that the Inquisition was becoming an institute for thugs, his wife was mentally suffering, and he was running out of loyal men. Maker, what else could possibly-

Nope.

That is inviting. No. Cullen bowed his head. "Maker, forgive me for straying from the path you have laid before me. I have exhausted my strength and resources on distractions and circumstances. I place my thoughts back to you and your faithfulness. Thank you for persusing me and constantly drawing me back to you. I thank you for your kindness and patience in me. I know I can trust in you. Help me to rest in your peace. Amen." He puffed his cheeks and rubbed his eyes with the heel of his hands. "Moving on."

He opened the other missives in the stacks and started to pull older ones that related to logistical movements from Du Lion across Orlais. Shipments to five different locations from Du Lion. Four he could trace, three were already taken out. But he couldn't locate the last one. He lowered his brows as he looked at the missives. Where is the last transport of red lyrium going? There has to be a way to trace backward.

Xxx

Uthreida looked at the red lyrium vein as she sat a safe distance from it. Looking at it and feeling the anger and fear well in her throat. It felt like the darkspawn. Making her sick at its corruption. She clenched her jaw as she looked at it.

She slew the dragons. Whispering apologies, knowing Odiviing had fertilized the eggs, and hating Bull for watching her work. Keeping the secrets of the dragons from the mortals. Knowing she would be on trial for trying to strengthen the blood. Feeling the blood as it coursed through the rock before her.

"What are you doing?"

Uthreida turned to see the shady rouge dwarf walk up behind her. Uthreida turned back to face the rock. "Can't sleep."

"I've noticed," Micha said as she sat down beside her. Looking at the rock with her. Silence fell over the two as they studied the rock. "It's weird, isn't it?"

"Hmm?"

"It feels like darkspawn, but isn't. And Corypheus knows how to grow it."

"I guess."

"Is that why there wasn't any at Adamant? So we wouldn't see, know, feel it."

"Makes sense."

Micha lowered her brows and looked away. "And Commander Clarel wanted this?"

"I don't think so." Uthreida sat up looking at the rock. "You heard the…the Calling, right? You were afraid. All of you."

"Amplified by a demon."

Uthreida lowered her brows as she looked at the lyrium. "Can I ask something?"

"Sure."

"The calling, what did it sound like?"

Micha took a deep breath, busing herself with her gloves. "You ever heard a work song in the Deep Roads?" Uthreida shook her head slowly. Micha sniffed at the air to search for her words. "Back when, it's how we used to find our lost workers in the roads. Follow the sounds of singing. The callings kinda like that. A song. Just out of range. You can't hear the words but, you can hear the melody. Faintly. A doomed song. Sometimes, you find yourself humming it."

Uthreidalooked at the lyrium. "I'm told Templars go through the same thing, though, it's a different source." Doom drum. The heart of Lorkan. This was it. But infected by the kruzz. This isn't supposed to be here. It's not supposed to exist. As a dragon, she knew this was inevitable. As a mortal, she wanted to fix this.

It is your place to die.

She refused the words of the sandy howler. Uthreida sat cross-legged and closed her eyes. Taking the chants from the greybeards to calm her soul. She looked and saw more dragons stand before her. She knew that they knew what she wanted. A word to understand the sickness that they fear. The corruption they flee from. Hakkon growled and turned away. The frost back looked at her, with a bowed head. "The sickness is not of this land. Help my sisters. She said the word and Uthreida saw the dovazhul appear on the ground before her. The tick marks that showed the word. Heat enveloped her body as she consumed the dragon's soul to understand the word as the dragons know it. The corruption it brings. The warning it offers. And how to use it against others to create her own army of mindless slaves. The warning, ringing louder than any Thu'um she had heard.

She looked to the dragons again. Three words are needed for the spell. To cleanse the area of this corruption. But she didn't know the word for cleansing. Or purity. Begging for their help.

The highland revenger stepped towards her. But was pulled back by the Kristintaal. "You seek to cleanse the corruption?" Uthreida nodded slowly to the dragon. "In others?" She nodded again. "Why?" Uthreida paused as if the reasoning was self-evident. "The world must fall into darkness for Alduin to rise. Why save it?" Uthreida looked away. She lives here. She wanted to help. The dragon cocked its head. "You delay the inevitable." She knew. Uthreida cocked a brow at the dragon and smirked. She was inevitable as well. The dragon smiled with its teeth. "The corruption is much a part of this world as the air you breathe, as the winds you walk in. It cannot simply be removed. It must be transferred." Her ice chilled the ground around her and in the magnification of it, Uthreida saw the word she was hiding. "The spell you desire is not taken lightly. The kruzz is intended to exist. And must be passed to another to be cleansed. Choose your victims wisely." the ice melted and Uthreida saw the word for vobein. Cleanse. A cold enveloped her bones as she learned the word.

She shivered against the cold as Micha snapped at her. Uthreida looked over to see her waving a hand in front of her face. "You home?"

"Apologies." Uthreida's teeth chattered at the cold.

"You alright?" Micha asked with a brow. "What happened? You just stopped talking. Or moving. And breathing. You okay?"

"Aye." She looked back at the red lyrium. She had a Thu'um, but came at a cost. "What happens when someone is infected with the blight?"

Micha looked at her slowly. "Why?"

"What happens?"

The Warden gave a sigh. "They become a ghoul." Uthreida looked at the Warden to ask her to elaborate. "They are, we're, aren't technically darkspawn, but still move with the horde. They hear the compulsion, the song. the calling."

"Like you?"

She nodded slowly. "They are compelled to dig. To find the old gods and corrupt them."

"Why?"

The warden shrugged. "No idea. But to infect people with the blight is" she took a heavy breath of wisdom. "They become it. Some, with a minor affliction, retain some semblance of sanity, but the rest are lost. Becoming one of the horde."

Uthreida looked at the crystal again. She could clear it, she could purify it, but the infection would be transferred to someone else. Something else to spread the disease.

She was reminded of Alduin's wall and Atamoran stories of the end of time. When brother turns on brother; when the last tower falls. When corruption becomes the norm.

She looked at the rocks again. Gorranyol refused to show her how to create. But a dragon is dominant. They are destruction. What if healing isn't the answer. Alduin will consume the world in fire. What if she set it on fire instead?

Micha moved closer to her. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm just, trying to understand."

She scoffed. "Aren't we all?" Uthreida felt the dwarf's eyes on her. "Does this make sense to you?" Micha jutted a jaw at the red rock.

"Sadly."

"Can you help me then?"

"Probably not."

"Right." She said with a gruff. "Warden. Right."

"The lyrium a been infected by the corruption from Lyg."

Micha was silent for a time. "Right then."

"The Et'ata are dying. Becoming infected and it's spreading. The world is dying."

"Bit dramatic, but alright."

"The usual methods used to protect it is being stolen by the vail to prevent the powers of Atherius from entering. It's canceling out the sickness."

She looked at Micha who arched a brow at her. "You should probably get some sleep. You've got some sleep deprivation to work through."

"The vail has weakened the people. The land. And now, the corruption will grow and spread. There is no removal, only transfer. The only way to kill it is to kill everything else."

"Okay." Micha stood behind her. "Look, as grim and opportunistic as I am, that's dark. You can't look at it as fatalistic like that."

"When the corruption consumes all, Alduin will rise again to eat the world so it may be made anew. A new kalpa will come. And we will forget the teachings of our past. And again, will reach for the kruzz until we are once again,"

"Uthreida." Micha said quickly.

Uthreida looked at the dwarf. Helplessness filling her. "I can't save it. I can't do anything."

Micha took a hard breath and looked down at her. She sat at her side again. "No one's asking you to do anything. Right? No one's asking you to do anything?" Uthreida looked back at the lyrium again. "I think we both can agree that the world is fucked up. And that there's nothing we can do about it. The only thing we can do is try. Try to save who we love. Try not to become" she waved a hand at the lyrium.

Uthreida lowered her brows. Try. But what's the point if she can't do anything about it?

"There are things we can't change. Things we wish we could but can't. No magic in the world can fix this. But that's part of life, right? Trying to change and changing ourselves to become the life we want. I'll be the first to admit that I never wanted to be a Warden, but, I changed with it. Appreciated it. You'll see, you'll grow around the obstacles in your way. You'll see that in time, things have a way of working out for the best. Somehow. Someway."

Uthreida swallowed back what Micha thought of the world. Her heart sinking deeper. "This isn't how it's supposed to be. The veil blinds everyone. And prevents the healing magic of the land to keep the corruption in check. The kruzz is too deep. It infects the earth's bones."

Micha cleared her throat awkwardly. "Right."

Uthreida stood. Her hands were in fists as she looked at the rock before her. She had an idea and wondered. She looked at the warden and drew a blade. Micha watched her, her own hand going to her hammer. Uthreida watched as Micha's dark eyes started to slowly fog with survivalist and self-preservation. Knowing she would try to kill Uthreida if she tried.

Uthreida turned to the rock. Healing wasn't an option, but destruction might be.

Uthreida fisted her hands. "Yol vobein kruzz." She watched the white flames encircle the spire of red lyrium from her throat. When the spell ended, the fire kept going. Circling the rock.

Uthreida took an instinctive step back from the flames as the white fire started to simmer into blue. The heat departing slightly as the flames died to show a slightly glowing rock. A blue rock.

Uthreida looked at the rock as it stood from the ground next to the other red spire. She lifted a hand to touch it.

"Shave my beard and call me an elf." Micha said dreamily. Uthreida turned to see the dwarf look at the spire with a sense of disbelief at what stood before her. "You" the Wardens eyes turned to her in worry. "You removed it. Whatever it was." Micha took two steps towards Uthreida with wide eyes. "How-"

Uthreida shook her head. "I guessed."

Micha took a deep breath to calm herself as she looked at the rock. Then smiled. "Do you have any idea how much money we could make off of this?" She chuckled. "The Carta would pay its weight in gold." Micha looked at Uthreida with a devilish smile. "And for you too. Shit, you might become queen of Orzommar if you can do that again."

A clearing throat made both of them turn to look.

"Bas" the red silhouette showcased a large man with familiar horns. Uthreida blinked it off, looking at the blue rock before her, then back at the qunari that walked towards them. Bull stood before her, his one eye on the cleansed lyrium for a long time. Looking to the other red one next to it, then looked at Uthreida. She felt Micha coil, ready for a battle. Uthreida slowly held a hand open to stop her, trying to hide her actions from Bull.

Iron Bull looked at her, then across the valley to where the rest of the red lyrium was. "Your friend's right." He said lowly. "If the Inquisitor finds out you did this," he looked back at her. But the way he looked at her, was like piety. His shoulders held low, relaxed, or weighted in his armor. "If anyone finds out-"

"What's he saying?" Micha hissed to Uthreida.

Uthreida lowered a brow quickly at the question, but kept her eyes on Bull. He was speaking qunlat. For her alone. But his tone was full of dread. He was worried. Concerned. Why? "What does it matter to you?"

"It's not just you." He said lowly. His brow twitched and she saw his hand fist. "If the qunari find out, the Carta, Venitori, Templars, Inquisition," he shook his head slowly to show a warning. He looked at the rock. "No one can know." He took a deep breath. "The economics of this finding alone would destroy Thedosian trade." He looked at the ground the spikes spurned from. "How far down does it go?" Uthreida followed his eyes. Unsure of the answer or how to respond to his wink at, she shrugged. "Can't be too far." He looked at the red spire next to it. "You'll have to do it individually. And only for the surface."

"Psst." Micha hissed again. "What, the fuck, is he saying?"

Iron Bull's silver eye went to the dwarf. His expression was hard to read in the night. "You trust her?"

Uthreida looked away from the dwarf in hopes she wouldn't know what he was talking about. "I'll handle it." She looked up to see him give a look of not believing her. "Cole."

Bull's deep breath made him look more imposing than before as he considered her position. "She doesn't move, write, or speak of this to anyone. Understood."

"Will you?"

His silver eye looked at her. His jaw jutted less as he looked down at her. "The qun will destroy you. Like Royoc intends to. The power he has isn't in his hand. It's in his manipulations." He looked at the rock slowly. Uthreida lowered a brow. Bull was falling out of favor with the Inquisitor. "The qun will know nothing of this." He looked at her again. "We need to hide it."

"How?"

Bull looked around them and nodded. "Get your axe." He turned to Micha. "Don't move. Don't speak."

Micha arched a defiant brow to the qunari with a scoff. "Stay," Uthreida said softly to the warden. "We need to hide this."

She gave a low laugh. "And how do you intend to do that?"

Bull pointed to the cliff above them. "Chop a tree. Hide it."

Micha shook her head. "You know I was Carta, right? You think a tree is going to hide it? It won't."

"And you suggest?" Bull asked with a low brow and tone.

"You have mages and Templars across the bridge. If you give every one of them even a sliver, it would reduce the size of the pure lyrium by half. And they, in turn, would smuggle it for you unknowingly."

Uthreida looked at the dwarf with a smirk. "Think you can pickpocket every Templar and mage across the bridge in a single night?"

She gave a shrug. "Don't have to." Uthreida lowered a brow. "They're bringing more supplies for the harvest tomorrow. Just got to sneak it in, the workers will smuggle it out for us."

It was Bulls turn to scoff. "And I suppose you know how to break this thing safely so it can be transported undetected."

"For a price," Micha smirked at the qunari.

"Half?" He asked unamused.

"It's a bit much for me alone. A quarter."

Bull arched a brow. "Where'd you get that much lyrium?"

"Nicked it off some Templar who stole it from some mage," Micha said with a practiced smile.

Bull looked the dwarf over slowly then Uthreida. "What do you need?"

"Spikes. And keep the Solders off me for a few hours."

"Done."

Xxxxx

Uthreida looked over at Micha who was watching the transport cart of meats, leather, and dragon skulls. Wincing each time the cart hit a bump in the road. "Stop." Uthreida said softly to her compatriot.

"What?"

"Watching your gold."

Micha took a deep breath and looked ahead. "All that lyrium is going to destroy the meat that I'm assuming you're giving back to the Inquisition to eat."

"It's hidden. That's all we need to know for now." Uthreida watched her Templar escort ahead of them. Ser Alderic was speaking to one of the other Inquisition lieutenants with a smile. "We just need to figure out what to do or say when a box of raw lyrium is discovered when they unpack it."

"I told you to leave it in the camp."

"And I told you, there wasn't an opening to make the drop."

Micha gave a low sigh. "Amateur."

Uthreida growled at the slight. "I'm sorry I put you in this position." She seethed.

"What? About how a normal, not a threatening Warden came across so much lyrium in a place that only has red lyrium in it?"

"Basically."

"Good to know you're going to throw me to the wolves when it comes to light."

"Like you won't."

"Like I care."

"Obviously you do." She growled again. Uthreida looked ahead to the convoy that was now traveling with them on their way to Skyhold.

"We need a distraction."

"To do what? Change the books?"

Micha tilted her head as if it was an option. Uthreida was willing to admit, smuggling the lyrium out of du Lion was a great idea, but wasn't counting on Ser Alderic attaching himself to the transport team when she made a huge fuss over not going through the encampment again. Uthreidaw anted a longer journey around the village so they couldn't be tied to the transport. But no, Ser Alderic was apparently on a timetable. No doubt from her wonderful husband. She took a deep breath of annoyance. She looked at their surroundings of the valley of forests. "There's got to be a bandit hideout somewhere nearby." She whispered to Micha.

The Warden looked at her with a cocked brow. "We're on the Inquisition path. No bandit would be stupid enough to-" Uthreida arched a brow of opposition at the warden. "I stand by my reasoning's." Micha scoffed. "What are bandits going to do with…it… anyway?" She looked over her shoulder again to the cart.

Uthreida gave an annoyed sigh as she didn't know the answer to the question. "I just-I don't know. Just sort of seems like the way of things. And it'd be convenient."

"How do you see that working anyways?"

Uthreida gave half a shrug. "I don't know. 'We' go fight them only for you to double back while I take care of the bandits. We come back victorious with a crate full of…loot." She finished looking over her shoulder to make sure no one was listening. "Tada."

Micha considered the idea. "That is the stupidest, most probable thing I've heard in a while. Shame we don't live in a world of convenience."

"Right." Uthreida sighed. "Thoughts?"

"I'm working on one."

Uthreida looked down at the Warden who was chewing her lip in thought. They walked in silence as she let the Warden mull over the idea and shooting down plans as she came up with smuggling tactics. Ironically, her thief history with Micha's Carta tactics seemed to always end in the death of everyone around them. And both were trying to put that life behind them and not get the Inquisition on their trail.

Uthreida looked to the front of the convoy to Ser Alderic who stopped walking. Uthreida tapped Michas shoulder to get her see what was happening as Ser Alderic had a hand to his weapon.

"Identify yourself." The Templar shouted.

Uthreida widened her eyes and grabbed Micha by the shoulders in enthusiasm. A smile growing on her face. Is this a world of convenience? "We are soldiers of the Inquisition, you rapscallions. Come any closer and you will taste our righteous fury." Ser Alderic drew his weapon and shield and Uthreida shook the dwarf in excitement. "We travel with a Grey Warden and a Dragon Slayer. Test our metal if you must."

Ser Alderic and his men stood aside to let Uthreida and Micha see a flank of six bandits on the road before them.

Uthreida laughed as she looked at the bandit's armor and weapons while Micha growled. "Oh, come on. What are the fucking odds?" She shouted.

"High, apparently," Uthreida said between fits of laughter. She looked down at the dwarf while grabbing her helmet. "Plan A?"

The dwarf grumbled something as she put her helmet on. "Yea."

Uthreida pulled a potion of invisibility from her pack and tossed it to the warden. "Get the loot."

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