Very few people were in the main hall. Some stood by the entrance, curious about the criminal about to be tried. Josephine and Rubeus stood talking next to the door to her office. He nodded to the ambassador and sat down on the throne, watching as the guards brought Fritigern forward. The qunari's hands chained behind his back.
"Before you today is Fritigern, first mate of the Hateful Barnacle." Josephine started, "his crime is breaking and entering as well as intent to thieve from agents of the inquisition, and well... you were there. You were his accomplice." Some gasps were heard.
"Correct," Rubeus leaned back on the throne and stared down at Fritigern.
"What did you wish to achieve by breaking into the Captian's quarters?" Rubeus asked.
"We are serious about all this then?" Fritigern asked and looked around at the crowd. Among them were nobles, elves and mages.
"Very," Rubeus replied in a cold voice.
Iron Bull and the chargers gathered around the hearth glancing in direction of the trial but keeping their distance.
"Krem, go look around the dungeons for me, won't you. Look for anything suspicious." Iron bull order and walked over.
"On it, chief!" Krem replied and ran off to investigate.
"What are you accusing me of stealing? I didn't take anything. Is it so wrong to dismantle a deadly trap which almost killed your good friend," Fritigern asked?
"It's still trespassing into a forbidden area. Whether you took something or not!" Rubeus rebutted.
"I am innocent, all I have done is help you uncover a way to negotiate with hostile allies who keep secrets from you," Fritigern said. "We all know the Captain of the Hateful Barnacle is jealous I have moved on." Fritigern winked.
"If I recall, you wanted reading material. It had nothing to do with finding secrets. You were asking me for book recommendations," Rubeus corrected.
"Exactly! These women are hostile because I am a free agent. It's a shame, I felt different about this one." Fritigern sighed.
"If this was a secret gathering mission, you did not inform me," Rubeus announced.
"Honestly I am as confused as you, I just wanted to borrow a book to figure out what ladies like. I grew up in the Qun and we were not allowed books or stories of love." Fritigern said. The orlesians among the court all a stir with the conversation.
"But you are the first mate. Why break into the captain's quarters when someone in your position could have innocently asked to borrow a book? The captain is well-read and could have given you recommendations." Rubeus pressed.
"Last I checked, you never stopped me," Fritigern said. "You're as guilty as I. Besides, Michela cares not for anyone's privacy but her own. As we can see." Fritigern said innocently.
Michela looked horrified. She wanted to scream out, interfere in the judgement. The line of guards surrounding the throne, the many courtiers and in lookers. Michela wasn't invited to speak, and merely witnessed these proceedings
Iron bull got close enough to see the accused and was signalling Rubeus from the crowd curiously. Rubeus caught Iron Bull out of the corner of his eye.
"I need a quick recess," Rubeus said to Josephine and got up from the throne. Josephine looked confused by this already bizarre trial.
Rubeus approached Iron Bull and pulled him aside into the office.
"You never interrupt these things. What's going on?" Rubeus asked.
"That qunari, I know him," Ironbull said. Rubeus caught the glimpse in Ironbull's eye and nodded.
"It's complicated, but he is dangerous. I'll explain later in private. Meet me in the tavern after the trial." Iron bull said with concern.
"Thank you," he said and left the room.
As the door closed behind Rubeus, he came back into the throne room with many eyes watching him. Michela rounded the court opposite following his steps before intercepting him.
"What kind of embarrassment are you putting me through! You honestly think I would trust him in your hands over some romantic drama! Who do you take me for." Michela whispered her anger as she squealed trying to stay quiet among the crowd.
"You wanted him in trial!" Rubeus replied. He sounded annoyed.
"I'm leaving!" Michela huffed and attempted to leave where Cullen blocked her path.
"Let her leave," Rubeus said.
"Ser!" Cullen interjected.
"She wants to be away from this," Rubeus replied. He turned back to Michela. "There is a garden just out that door." Rubeus pointed towards the door next to the mosaic. "It's peaceful." Rubeus walked past Michela and Cullen and went back to the throne.
Michela let out the most adorable squeal of suppressed anger as she stormed out of the throne room following Rubeus' directions.
"Sorry for the interruption." Rubeus apologized.
"I'm sorry for the circus," Fritigern said
"Fritigern, your actions and reasoning do not make sense. Regardless of good or ill intent you did break and enter. I also wager it was not the first time because you removed the door so quickly…" Rubeus laced his fingers together and rested them in his lap.
"I have been working as a paid-for hire thug all my life. I've learned how to break into a few dangerous places. It's not outrageous to think I figured out how to open a wooden door.
"You will remain imprisoned," Rubeus declared his verdict. A gasp came over the crowd as people started to whisper.
"What!?" Fritigern yelled.
"And you are no longer the first mate," Rubeus finished.
"I've never seen the inquisitor throw someone in a cell. He usually assigns some sort of service work." One of the onlookers gossiped.
"I'm innocent! All I have done is what I was told!" Fritigern complained as he was taken away to the shock of the crowd.
"Take him back to the cells," Rubeus ordered. The guards dragged him out of the hall.
Rubeus got up quietly and left back to the war room.
Fritigern was taken below, thrown back into his cell alone with Krem who was down there pretending to be on guard.
"You look like a wreck," Krem stated.
"I've had a rough day," Fritigern commented and looked around his tiny cell.
Once the inquisition's guards filed out, Ironbull appeared in the doorway. Krem acknowledged him and stepped back from the cell.
"Hello, Tal-vashoth." Iron bull said and approached the cell.
"Ben-hassrath," Fritigern said and narrowed his eyes. "Or is it tal-vashoth now as well? I heard an agent of the Qun abandoned his duties and stayed with the inquisition. Who could have guessed it was you."
"Cut the crap Sten, what are you doing here? There is no way the Vidisala would have you back after what they caught you doing." Iron bull said and leaned against the bars. "So what are you doing here?"
"Keeping away from the fight, what else? Do you think I'm the type to go after magisters and darkspawn? Ha! I was just hoping to get laid." Fritigern said.
"Sure, and I'm here to become empress of Orlais." Iron bull joked. "Who are you working for? Venetori? That's not your style." Iron bull said as he casually kicked back with the prisoner.
"Myself, and Michela. You know she is a great woman." Fritigern said, it was so clear he was lying, but it was impossible to gain anything. Iron bull sighed deeply and turned to Krem.
"I need you to tell the guards to keep round the clock guard on this one. Get Dalish in here, I need to speak with the inquisitor." Iron bull instructed and headed out of the dungeons.
Krem left staring at the creepy grin Fritigern held which made a shiver crawl up their spine like he was happy to be locked in the dungeons.
Out in the garden, Rubeus came to check on Michela. Prepared for a hot-headed encounter with the mage, he found her at the chess table. Cullen focused hard on the board as Michela waited for him to move a piece.
"Anytime now," Michela said with a grin, she looked like she was having fun.
"It's over, you can enter the castle again," Rubeus announced.
"Oh, inquisitor," Michela said and her expression went blank. "Have you come to tell me I should get over my feeling for Fritigern or are you that clueless?" Michela asked blankly.
"I'm not stupid, Michela." Rubeus sighed.
"That's the cock and bull story he spun you? He's in love with me?" Michela asked.
"Or how he's in love with Cassandra?" Rubeus asked, "I'm sure tomorrow he'll have fallen for Josie and it will be a new tale of woe." Rubeus rolled his eyes.
"He's a whore. He's paid to fall in love with you." Michela said and sighed heavily. "He spreads lies, I had no choice but to trust him till now. He knows everything about me."
"He's stripped of his title and locked up," Rubeus explained.
"He's up to something, I've never seen Fritigern act so carelessly until now. Emi…" Michela stopped herself. Rubeus looked at Michela expecting more.
"I don't doubt it. Something is off with him," Rubeus commented. He examined the chessboard. Michela fell quiet again, listening patiently.
"What are your plans going forward?" Cullen asked. "It's not like you to keep someone locked up." Cullen touched his remaining pawn and moved it up. "Check."
"I can't send him out into the world for community service," Rubeus huffed. "having him here is a risk. But, he's not done anything worthy of execution."
The gentlemen looked at Michela, wondering if she had further input. Her attention was completely gone as she looked at Cullen's pawn with flushed cheeks. A long few minutes ticking by of awkward silence.
"DAMMIT! I can't win." Michela said frustrated and finally moved her piece. Taking one of Cullen's knights in an aggressive attack. Though within three moves, Cullen would have her King.
"I wish I could explain better, but I can't. I don't know what he's up to, but I would send him somewhere far away from where he won't be found." Michela said darkly as her foot bounced.
"I worry he'd find his way back and want revenge," Rubeus replied.
"Could…. I challenge you to a second round?" Michela asked Cullen.
"Sorry, I need to borrow Cullen for a moment. We have an issue to discuss," Rubeus replied before Cullen could answer. Cullen seemed to already know what this was about.
"We can have a rematch after. This shouldn't take too long," Cullen offered.
"Before you go, why did Iron bull stop to trial to talk to you?" Michela asked curiously.
"I can't discuss that here," Rubeus replied. He looked at Michela thoughtfully. "Captain, can you join us in the war room please?" Rubeus asked.
"Alright," Michela said and looked at the chessboard one more time before standing up.
Michela was escorted to the war room with Rubeus and Cullen. Josephine waved from her desk as they passed and smiled warmly at Michela. She waved back silently before disappearing into the war room with the men.
The heavy doors closed and Leilianna was already in the room waiting for them.
"We are continuing the discussion on the Fenris issue," Rubeus announced. "That captain was the last person to see him so she might be able to point us in the right direction.
"Oh, I let him leave," Michela admitted. "I purposely did not inform you he was going," Michela said honestly. Rubeus sighed.
"Did you tell him what was going on at least?" The inquisitor asked, "I would like to have been involved in that conversation."
"Magister Di'Pasqua was very firm about Fenris being at the proceeding," Cullen added.
"Because, if Magister Di Pasqua wanted him there. That means he wants him captured. Do you know how much that man is worth?" Michela asked.
"We do, but if we are to successfully outwit this magister you say is so dangerous. We must play his game. Fenris will not be in harm's way." Leliana explained.
"A plan would be laid to prevent capture," Cullen assured.
"Yes, he will." Michela disputed.
"You didn't answer my question, captain. Did you tell Fenris what is going on?" Rubeus asked again, "or did you decide for him?"
"I decided to protect him because I gave my word to Hawke I would keep him safe," Michela said sternly.
"I would have liked the chance to speak with him regardless. The only time we met we talked about…" Rubeus caught Michela looking at him and he cleared his throat. "... swords."
"Swords? You talked about swords." Leliana asked.
"What? How many elves do you know that can wield a claymore?" Rubeus replied. "This is besides the point. He should know the magister is looking for him and should have been given the option to help us or not."
"Hawke was given the option to help, and she's dead now," Michela said and walked up to the table. "Fenris is off the table."
"At least contact him and tell him there's a magister looking for him," Rubeus demanded.
"We are going to do this without him?" Cullen asked.
"If it's not in his best interests, then we can do without. I'm just cross that someone made his choice for him," Rubeus glared at Michela who did not seem to understand the irony she had created.
"Magister Di Pasqua wants to meet in Cumberland right? He's expecting you to sail over and crunch numbers about payment, so my guess is, he plans to meet us at sea before we reach the port." Michela said and grabbed a marker from the table and placed it in the middle of the waking sea.
"Nevarra's fleet is made of golden company ships. If Emilio wishes Rubeus dead. One of those ships will try and sink us here. If not he will have us boarded and attempt negotiations with a battalion of ships around us. We would be sitting ducks, but I hear. You have allies in the Qun." Michela asked.
"Not anymore, our contact with Ben-hassrath agents has been lost and we have no clue to their movements this side of the sea," Leliana explained.
"I wouldn't want to involve the Qunari in this anyway," Rubeus added.
"Emilio would not risk his ships against Qunari dreadnoughts. Not even one." Michela suggested.
"Wouldn't Nevaara's King be opposed to his fleet working for the magisterium," Lelianna suggested walking over the table next to the pirate?
"Not if he doesn't know about it," Michela said as they shared a knowing glare.
"Should we not just tell Neverra that we will be traveling the waters and warn them against the Magister's plot?" Cullen suggested.
"Would they listen?" Rubeus asked. "It's just a magister, not Venatori. Not all magisters are out to end the world."
"I see, whatever happened to those ships we recovered from The Storm Coast. There were some dreadnoughts among them, weren't there?" Leliana asked.
"Undercroft, for the most part. I know Sera took some things. With some work we could create a decoy or the illusion that the Barnacle is a dreadnought itself," Rubeus said.
"With your permission of course," Rubeus clarified.
"I can make some adjustments," Michela smirked at the idea. "Oh, yeah. You would hate that." Michela snickered and held her temple vein with a finger. Leliana looked concerned, as she looked closely to see Michela's veins dark blue and visible.
"Are you alright?" Leliana asked
"Michela?" Rubeus questioned.
"Am I alright?" Michela asked. "It's just a voice. One that hates to be ignored." Michela's eyes were unfocused, and Cullen recognized the effects of Lyrium withdrawal quickly. Cullen stirred, getting ready to snap her out of it.
"He is listening right now isn't he," Leliana asked and raised her hand to stop Cullen.
"I can't tell," Michela said as Lelianna placed her hand gently on hers.
"You can tell me whatever you can. I'm listening." Leliana said softly. "What is he saying?" Leliana asked and motioned Rubeus. Rubeus watched, listening and slowly approached the two.
"I can't let him in," Michela said sternly out of breath.
"This needs to stop," Cullen interjected. "Do you need to lay down, Captain?"
"I just want it to be quiet." Michela pinches the bridge of her nose and took a long, deep breath. Counting under her breath as Lelianna rubbed her back. "Then let's find someplace quiet. We can handle it from here." Leliana agreed.
"Cullen, Michela. You are both dismissed," Rubeus declared, noticing the concern in Cullen's tone.
"Yes Ser," Cullen replied and led Michela out.
"I'll be fine," Michela said, but quickly followed Cullen out of the war room for the sake of the mission.
"If you don't want to lay down, we could play another game of chess," Cullen suggested.
"I would like that, keep me focused on something not worth spying on," Michela said as they ventured back out into the garden