A longer chapter :) Happy reading!

WARNINGS: Some slight NSFW.

CULLEN

"So they've reached the Approach, then?" I questioned, looking to Leliana and Josephine as I finished reading over the Inquisitor's latest report. It had been three weeks since the last update, stating that things had been stabilized in the Plains.

"They probably would have finished sooner if Rylen had not followed his Commander's instructions to build that rickety bridge connecting the citadel to the rest of the Plains," Leliana chided. "Progress was slow for fear of it breaking under too much weight."

I clenched my jaw. I'd received a written lashing for that one from the Inquisitor herself, claiming the Inquisition could afford more than "shoddy" wooden planks as a replacement for a well made stone bridge. There was no stone to be had or she would have rebuilt it herself, or so she claimed.
"Her fear was misplaced and misguided. Rylen would hardly let anything 'shoddy' be built. Anyway, she got across it, didn't she? What was she expecting?
"For us to hire some blasted Orlesian stonemason? Carry them in on our backs? Maybe some halla could have delivered stone crafted in the Fade that magically assembled itself into a perfect replica of the bridge that had been destroyed?"

Josephine snorted in laughter, quickly covering it up behind her board. "I sent word to the Inquisitor that a mason would be sent to the Plains to restore the bridge now that the area is more secure. The Commander and his Captain believed efficiency and time were of the essence, not beauty." Her dark eyes peered at me. "She was appeased."

"Thank you, Ambassador," I nodded. In truth, I'd signed off on the bridge's construction—and Rylen's desire to put efficiency ahead of quality—in the middle of a headache so intense it was difficult to see. I kept working, though, as work was the only thing getting me through. The only distraction I had beyond the occasional letter.

"Word was sent upon the Inquisitor's arrival for her to meet Stroud at the far end of the desert. No further information was provided nor any further news from the Inquisitor." Leliana looked to me. "Is everything in place to assault Valammar?"

"It is," I stated, looking at the map. I was itching to be free of Skyhold, itching for action. Anything but the infernal stillness, always waiting for the next headache, the next symptom, the next bout of withdrawal. "Any word from Emprise du Lion?"

Leliana shook her head, a worried look crossing her features. "No, and I fear what that means. Let us pray they have not been captured." Her blue eyes became ice. "They know to die before betraying the Inquisition."

Shifting, I cleared my throat. "I will pray it does not come to that."

Her gaze was unyielding. "Tell me, Commander, what do you know of Samson? I fear I have underestimated him."

"Do not blame yourself, I fear I have as well," I admitted, truthfully. "He was no strategist in the Order, but now...I thought it would be easy to catch him, to stop him." I sighed, my eyes flicking to Kirkwall on the map.
"He was a templar in Kirkwall, the first I shared quarters with upon my arrival there. I thought him a decent man at first...in truth, he was a decent man." I rubbed at the back of my neck.
"I have no doubt you are aware, being the Divine's Left Hand, that templars can suffer from lyrium addiction." Meeting her gaze, she gave a slight nod. Josephine's eyes were now fixed on me as well. I did my best to ignore the creeping heat on my face.
"He was expelled from the Order under the guise of 'erratic behavior', but that was a cover for what had truly happened. He passed notes from a mage to his sweetheart. Upon his expulsion, another secret was revealed: the depth of his addiction to lyrium. I had an inkling that he was an addict, but the depths of it were beyond my imagining. He became a beggar on the streets of Kirkwall, smuggling apostates out in exchange for coin—all of which he spent on lyrium purchased from local smugglers. He committed further crimes, but managed to evade the Order's justice. Now he serves Corypheus as his loyal general."

"Why do you think Samson joined Corypheus?" Leliana asked.

"The Order was everything to Samson-as well as the lyrium. He was devoted, less for religious reasons than for the camaraderie between the templars. He cared for those he served beside, that much I cannot deny. He'd been a great templar at one time, so much so he'd been awarded a shield in recognition for his service.
"Without the Order? His life was meaningless. Perhaps Corypheus flattered his vanity, gave him purpose as well as lyrium. Perhaps that's all it took." Purpose was all it had taken for me to join the Inquisition.

"You can't deny being a general is an improvement to living on the streets," Leliana stated, her words seeming to be pointed at both me and Samson.

I hesitated a moment. If I had been in Samson's place, would I have chosen Corypheus? Chosen red lyrium? Voicing my answering thoughts aloud, I growled, "I'd rather die than kneel to Corypheus. Clearly Samson felt otherwise." I met her gaze.
"I don't understand how he became so powerful. I saw him on the field at Haven, though he never got close enough for me to engage him. He was fast and strong, far beyond his natural capabilities as he was old for a templar in Kirkwall. Even with red lyrium, Samson's glory days are long behind him."

"Of what you have seen, what can you tell me of red lyrium? My personal experience has been limited," Leliana probed.

"Red lyrium is nothing like the lyrium given by the Chantry," I explained. "It's power comes with a terrible madness."

"The Red Templars swarming Haven were proof enough," Josephine murmured.

"We cannot allow them to gain any more strength," I urged.

"Yet, Samson seems clear-headed enough to lead the Red Templars and this elusive Carroll seems as equally clear-headed," Leliana mused. "If it's as powerful as you say, is there no way we can use it to our own advantage?"

Josephine and I snapped our gazes at her. The Ambassador seemed as horrified by the notion as I was enraged by it. "Maker! Not without abandoning sense and sanity! You would not honestly suggest—"

She raised a hand. "—Calm yourself. I was merely weighing all our options as well as testing how serious you perceive this threat. Both questions answered."

"Clear-headed or not, a deluded commander is no less worrisome," I growled. Words to take to heart, Rutherford. "We must find their source. It is the only way to weaken the Red Templars and their leader. All signs point to Emprise du Lion, but I fear what lurks there if our agents cannot sneak through. Dagna has made considerable discoveries in red lyrium's potential weaknesses, but I urge her to continue investigating as we'll need every advantage against what courses through their veins."

"Are you angrier at Samson or Corypheus, Commander?" Leliana questioned, her eyes flashed to mine. "Or yourself?"

I glared at her. "Angry at myself for leaving Kirkwall vulnerable as I fear that is where he began recruiting for this crusade. But between him and the monster? I don't know. Samson, at least, should know better."

"I almost pity him," Josephine stated softly, her voice sad.

"Don't," I gently urged, "He chose this path."

Her dark eyes met mine. "Did he? Or was he left with no other option?"

"There is always a choice. Always."

Her gaze flicked between my own before it lowered, a tiny nod her only response.

"That was helpful, Commander," Leliana offered and I looked to her. "If I have not already stated as much, know that I and my agents are at your disposal in this hunt. Calpernia and Samson must both be stopped. It may take our working together to see an end to them."

Surprised by such an offer, I gave her a nod. "Thank you, Spymaster."

Some warmth entered her gaze. "Of course."

...

My eyes reading over the Inquisitor's report, hoping in vain that there would be an update about Meira that I had missed, but there was nothing. I was beginning to worry for her as I had not received any more letters nor had any updates been received since the last. It'd been nearly a month.
It was beginning to drive me a bit mad to be deprived of her in every way. She'd been gone physically, but her words had kept her close. Now? There was nothing but her portrait and even that was losing its ability to suffice. Pushing the door to my office open, the scent of rosemary causing me to miss her even more at the recollection of her being responsible for the potted plants, I was surprised to see Sela waiting for me.

"Commander," she saluted in greeting.

"Sela," I gave a nod as I approached my desk. Placing the stack of papers atop the surface, my eyes couldn't help but wander over the contents. Everything was in its place, easing my tension a fraction. "What is it?"

"Felix, Alexius and Arcanist Dagna wanted to speak with you, ser," she explained, "They're awaiting you in the undercroft."

I arched a brow at her. "An interesting group. Did they say what it was about?"

"I believe it pertains to your task in the Hinterlands, ser."

"Thank you, Sela. I will see what they have to say."

"Ser."

Striding from my office once more, I felt the weight of my armor in my shoulders. Taking to wearing it at all times again, I drew a sense of comfort from it. I felt defended, ready for when next the demon taunted me; when next withdrawal became too much. My eyes flicked to where Wilhelm was facing his own battle. Bethany had assured me he was faring well physically, but struggling mentally.
In that was the truth of it: the physical pain was tolerable in comparison to the mental torture. There was no hiding from anything; all that had been suppressed by lyrium was brought into the light without it. Making a note to say a prayer for him, I walked through Solas's empty rotunda into the main hall. A pair of visiting Orlesian nobles began whispering as I entered the hall.

"Would you have guessed such a pairing?" the woman spoke, her masked eyes boring into my face.

"Oh yes," the man chortled. "The allure of command. Forbidden love. Classically arousing in every sense." I knew they were speaking of Meira and I, feeling my ears burning red at the sensuous suggestion.

"Careful," the woman mock-whispered, "ears."

"Of course," the man whispered back.

I looked to them only to find their eyes on me. When I looked away and hastily made for the undercroft, I could hear their delighted laughter. Blasted Orlesians. Wrenching the door open, I descended the stairs. The air grew colder as I opened the heavy door to Dagna and Harrit's workspace. My gaze flicking over the large room, catching Harrit covering something up before giving me a nod, I spotted the group in question near Dagna's strange tools.
A templar stood at the far wall acting as Alexius's guard, though the man was still chained. Felix, looking even more sickly, was sat upon a stool with a broad grin on his face as he listened to Dagna's animated speech. Dagna was flicking between her benches and tools; working on what, I did not know.

Felix noticed my arrival first, giving a salute. "Commander."

"Felix," I nodded. "Sela passed on your message."

"Oh good!" Dagna exclaimed. "We heard you're heading into a dwarven thaig where red lyrium is being mined...or stored. We want you to bring back a sample."

Confused, I furrowed my brow. "Of red lyrium? Do you not have enough?"

"Dagna is getting ahead of herself," Felix laughed. "A common thing for her when she's excited."

"Sod it," Dagna swore. "Alexius can explain better."

I looked to the former magister. Anger still rose in my chest when I thought of what he'd nearly wrought upon the world, but when I looked at Felix, when I saw the love and heartbreak in Alexius's face, I could not help but understand on a level.
Would I sacrifice the world for the person I loved most? A weighty question I no longer knew the answer to. I had once, putting duty ahead of love—ahead of my wants—but now? Now I did not know if I could give her up for anything and that terrified me.

Alexius's eyes met mine. "A warning first, Commander. Corypheus possesses the ability to command darkspawn and with that ability, I would not doubt that he has them guarding any operations within the Deep Roads. To act as both a deterrent and distraction to any who would happen upon the Red Templars." His eyes flicked to Felix. "If there are darkspawn within, we would have you bring back a corpse."

"My men are not equipped to fight darkspawn. That is beyond what we have called them to do. We are not Wardens," I crossed my arms.

"We know, Commander," Felix interjected. "We do not ask this lightly."

"Equipped or no, if Corypheus has them guarding the red lyrium, they will defend it and the templars to the death," Alexius warned, "You will have to face them."

"What is the purpose of bringing one of them here? You risk the Taint."

"I fear it is my fault, Commander," Felix sighed. "My father and Dorian did not learn from the incident in Redcliffe. They refuse to let the Blight claim me."

Feeling somewhat embarrassed, I crossed my arms over my chest once more. "And what will having a darkspawn here accomplish in your experiments?"

Felix gave me a half-smile, "What better way to test our theories than on the thing that carries the infection flowing through my veins?"

"Felix," Alexius murmured, his voice strained.

Felix looked to his father. "It's the truth, Father. Every day I feel it spreading."

Rubbing the back of my neck, I opened my mouth to speak, but Dagna spoke first. "Commander, just as I took every precaution with red lyrium, I will take every precaution in this. Not only would having a blighted creature here potentially help Felix, but I may find ways to benefit and protect the soldiers."

I looked between them all. "Very well." My eyes falling to Dagna, "Instructions as to how to safely transport the creature on my desk by the evening."

"Aye, Ser," Dagna saluted.

"Commander," Alexius's voice called as I made to leave. Turning back to the elder man, I found his eyes intense. "If I am not mistaken, the former Grand-Enchanter was a Grey Warden. Perhaps she could offer some enlightenment on your foe."

Giving a nod, I intended to do just that. I needed to speak with her as it was, to see how Ella was faring and to update her about Wilhelm. Emerging into the main hall before making my way up to the library where Fiona would most likely be at the current time, I spotted her speaking with Helisma.
A twinge of grief at the memory of Minaeve, I missed her gentle and warm nature. Helisma was detailed, focused and intelligent, but empty. A shudder passed through me as I thought of Meira in her tranquil state. Thanking the Maker and Andraste for setting her free from it, I approached Fiona as Helisma departed.

"Greetings, Commander," she gave a slight bow. "I should thank you. You could have dismissed young Ella's fears, ignored us both entirely in favor of the templar. Yet, you chose to listen and see that he was reprimanded. I was not expecting that."

"There is no need to thank me," I assured. "You came to me for good reason and you were looking after a young woman who has seen enough pain. We are not mages and templars here, but the Inquisition."

Fiona chuckled. "Your words are somewhat true, Commander, but the old lines still remain. Perhaps with time trust can be earned—we will see what the wilds make of the battalion." She let out a sigh. "How things are changing. I have been a Grey Warden, Grand Enchanter, leader of a rebellion…now, I am none of those things." Her eyes met mine. "Odd where fate takes you, as you are no doubt well aware."

"That is what I wish to speak with you about," I stated. "You were once a Grey Warden—Alexius advised I speak with you. He believes we may face darkspawn."

"Mine is…an unusual circumstance, Commander," she hesitated, her dark brows furrowing. She gestured for me to join her at a nearby table, taking a seat across from me.
"But I will offer what help I can. Normally, one is part of the Order until death, but long ago I found myself stripped of what made me a Warden. They tried to reinitiate me, but nothing worked. Nor could they figure out how it happened. So, I was sent to the Circle of Magi, the first Warden ever to be kicked out. Quite the achievement."

"It seems you do not regret losing your status as a Warden."

"Becoming a Warden seemed like a dream when I was first conscripted. Towards the end, however, my brothers and sisters…they felt I had somehow cheated death. I was glad to leave. It also made me unique in the Circle. I had an opportunity to do more than I ever could as a Warden."

"Why do you tell me all this?"

"For context," she gave me a half-smile. "I was glad to leave the Wardens, but as such, I still owe them much…and there is much I cannot share because of that. But also, that I am of no value to you in facing darkspawn beyond my magic.
"A Warden—a true Warden—is the most effective weapon against a darkspawn. They are able to sense darkspawn and those who have faced them before do so without fear and with much skill. I can tell you how to face one, but beyond that, there is little I can offer."

"I do not seek the secrets of the Order," I assured. "Only how to better protect our soldiers from darkspawn. I have faced the creatures before, but at the back of the Hero of Ferelden. There was not much we did beyond helping her get to where she needed to go—her and her party—but…the creatures are loathsome. I fear some may not be able to face them unless prepared."

"You may not seek the secrets of the Order, but Alexius does. No doubt in part why he asked you to speak with me. Through my knowledge, he hopes to gain the knowledge of what distinguishes a Warden from your average warrior."

I gave her a perplexed look. "Why?"

"For his son," she murmured. "He hopes that in the secrets of the Order lies a way to cure his son from the taint."

Surprised, I asked, "Is he misguided?"

Her eyes met mine, full of emotion. "No."

"Then why do you not tell him?"

"Vows, Commander. As a templar, you no doubt understand such a commitment. I vowed to keep the secrets of the Order upon my expulsion. But also…as a mercy to Felix."

"'Mercy'? How can withholding a cure be a mercy?"

She shifted in her seat. "It is a temporary cure…and not guaranteed."

Realizing her words held far more weight than they implied, I gave her a nod. "You have your reasons."

"I do, but…I cannot help but feel some guilt in them. It could save the boy…and putting it in the hands of Alexius and Ser Dorian…perhaps it could save many, many more."

"That is up for you to decide. All I am asking for is advice on how to quickly and safely defeat darkspawn. And how one could transport one of their corpses here without risking the Taint."

We talked for some time, Fiona discussing her past encounters with the blighted monsters. Discussing signs of their presence, how they moved and worked together, places to aim and places to avoid such as their teeth and claws. Fiona warned to keep our skin, wounds and faces covered to avoid getting their blood anywhere that would ensure infection. She advised killing them at a distance whenever possible.

"As for bringing one here…whomever handles the corpse should completely protect any part of them that could come in contact with the creature and cover their nose and mouth to avoid breathing in too much of their stench. Wrap it thoroughly, put it in a box and drag it upon a sled or wagon. Though, I would not bring the creature here at all."

"Neither would I, but Alexius and Dagna insist upon it for research purposes."

"Ah, so Alexius will find his answers one way or another. Perhaps I can find comfort in that for Felix and yet keep my vows."

"Felix is a good man. I pray something can be done for him before it is too late." Standing from my seat, I made to leave.

"Commander, before you go…a question." I turned back to find the elven woman's demeanor changed. In what way or why, I could not discern, but I raised my brow in answer. "When we were in Haven…before Corypheus attacked…I noticed that you seemed familiar with King Alistair?"

Confused by the question, but realizing she would not elaborate further, I gave a nod. "We trained together as templars for a time. I suppose you could say we were friends. Why do you ask?"

"It's just that…I knew his father, Maric, back when I was a Warden."

My brows raised. "You knew King Maric?"

"I did," she nodded. "I only ask because I wanted to know if he is happy. His…father had such hopes for him."

"Perhaps the Inquisitor could do something to smooth things over so the two of you could speak?"

"No," she shook her head. "It's too late for that." She waved a hand in dismissal. "Don't mind me, Commander. The concerns of an old woman, nothing more." At that, she rose from her chair and made her way across the library.

Feeling confused and as if I were missing something obvious, I left the library. I needed to find our newest templar initiates. It had been weeks since their initiation, the hunger for lyrium settling in, but they were all strong. Ready and willing to see action. Striding through the main hall, ignoring the giggles of the inane Orlesians, I descended the stairs spilling out from the main doors.
In the training ring as they were so often now, I spotted Asaala, Laren and Amelia sparring. Amelia was an archer and preferred distance from her enemies, but I and Asaala had ordered that she train in close quarters combat. She had improved, but was still clumsy with anything beyond a dagger in length or weight. Laren and Asaala were forces of nature, their fearlessness and strength only bolstered by lyrium. Weapons blazing with the white light of lyrium-granted power, they took turns performing the abilities Ser had taught them. Impressed by their skill, I observed quietly as I leaned upon the fence of the training ring.

"Commander!" Amelia gave a broad smile as they noticed me. "What do you think? Would we have been your star templars?"

Knowing she was poking fun, I flashed her a half-smirk. "Let's see how you do in the field and then we'll talk."

"Do you need us in the field, Commander?" Asaala inquired.

"I do," I nodded. "Up for a little Red Templar hunting? Adding in a dash of red lyrium, Carta and darkspawn?"

"Sounds like good hunting to me," Laren stated as she sheathed her blade. "When do we leave?"

"We must wait for the cover of night. We will leave as soon as I release our guide," I grumbled, "Elizabeth Trevelyan will be party to this. I will accompany you to lead the troops aiding us."

"Do you need a mage, Ser Cullen?" I turned to find Alain and Ella. Alain had asked, to Ella's apparent shock. "Do you need a mage to assist you all? I…want to join the battalion when it returns. Perhaps this would be a trial run of sorts?"

"Alain, you cannot be serious?!" Ella hissed.

"I want to help, Ella," he argued back. "I am not asking you to join."

"So you're willing to put your life in his hands? When he so thoroughly failed the last time?"

Alain gave me an apologetic look. "It was not him alone who failed."

"No, but he pretends as if he was not there—that he did not have a hand in it."

I could feel the others' eyes upon me. Ella's animosity came off her in waves, her mana even roiling enough I could sense it. The air grew tense and Alain was unsure what to do. I stepped towards them, Ella recoiling as I did so. "I know the mistakes I made, Ella. There is not a day that passes that I do not regret them. But the Inquisition—Corypheus and the Red Templars—is now. We need all the help we can get, but only from those who are willing. It is my duty to lead and protect all that fight for our cause as best as I am able."

Alain turned to Ella. "This is our chance—this is the mages' chance—to fight for our freedom. For a free place in the world."

"We deserve that freedom just like everyone else," Ella hissed. "We should not have to fight for it."

"You're beginning to sound like Grace, Ella," Alain warned. "Do not make her mistakes."

"I'm going to find Bethany," Ella turned abruptly. "Do what you will, Alain."

Alain shook his head before looking at us all. "Forgive her. She…we have been through much." His dark eyes flicked to me, but quickly shifted away. "Some of us are able to forgive—to move on. Some of us…"

"There is no need to apologize," I assured.

…

Night fell and soon after we met at the bottom of the stairs ending at the lower bailey.

"Shall we go then?" I gestured for them to follow. "We will need a mage to destroy the red lyrium. Ice magic sends it into a sort of stasis, while fire seems to weaken if not destroy it entirely. There is no need to pack provisions beyond food for the journey, which has already been seen to. Vale will have everything we need at the farmlands." Opening the reinforced door leading to the cells below, I could not help but think that it was an impressive dungeon. The only escape the stairwell we were currently descending, the other option an assured death by waterfall. Part of the dungeon had given way to the mountain, but the head mason believed the structure sound and trying to restore it could lead to more damage. Opening to the main cell room, the guards on duty saluted.

"Commander," one greeted. "We were alerted to the situation. The traitor is ready to depart."

"'Traitor' is a little harsh, wouldn't you say?" Elizabeth cooed.

The guard flashed Elizabeth a murderous look. I understood, he had lost a friend in the battle of Haven and no doubt blamed Elizabeth for it. I made a mental note to keep him off prison duty from now on.

"Going to take our kitten away, Commander?" Denam's voice moaned. "What will we have to look at now?"

I looked to his cell across the way, finding his grubby face pressed against the bars. All the Red Templars were locked up, awaiting the Inquisitor's return for their sentencing. I had pressed for her to dispose of them before her departure, but she wanted them to stew in anticipation of their demise.
Fearing another escape attempt, I had bolstered the guards on duty and our patrols. Looking at Denam now, my mind going to his attempt to squeeze the life out of the female I loved, it was all I could do not to execute him myself.

"Quiet you," the other guard snapped.

"Worry not, Knight-Captain," Elizabeth purred. "Soon you won't be able to look at anything when the worms have devoured your eyes."

Denam scowled. "Samson would let us have a field day with you missy, knowing how you've sold us out." His eyes darkened with rage. "Then there'd be nothing left of you when the Elder One had his way."

Elizabeth clicked her tongue. "Your threats mean little when you're a dead man walking. Samson will rue the day he threatened my family. All of them will."

"I doubt you'll find your new keepers very forgiving," Denam barbed. "They're going to keep you on a tight leash."

Elizabeth looked to me as I waved for a guard to let her out. She gave a shrug. "So long as the leash holder is pretty to look at, I won't complain." I gave her an icy glare, but said nothing. "When will you forgive me, Cullen?"

"Commander," I barked. "Only when the dead in Haven are given recompense."

She looked away at that and grew quiet. The bars of her cell squealed open, the guard binding her hands before leading her out.

"Is that the little Starkhaven brat, Dog Lord?" Karras's deep voice questioned and we all looked towards his cell, except Alain. My hair stood on end as Karras used Samson's nickname for me. Alain had gone pale, fear and rage in his eyes as he looked towards me. Karras cackled when Alain refused to look to him. "Guess you haven't forgotten your time in Kirkwall then have you, robe?"

Alain's eyes stayed fixed on me as he began visibly shaking. Ice slithered down my spine and warning bells sounded in my mind. We need to get out of here, now.

"Guard, silence him," I ordered. Looking to the others, I nodded towards the stairs. "Let us be rid of them."

"Kirkwall's a stain, Dog Lord, ain't none of the robes gonna forget," Karras sneered. "None of the rest of us will either. You've just as much blood on your hands as we do. Didn't seem to mind us keeping the robes in their place while you were Meredith's lap dog. Only 'cause you got a pretty little, knife-eared magiker for a whore that you've changed your tune."

My blood was boiling, but it was Laren who beat me to him. Karras had been pressing his face to the bars just as Denam had been. Laren had moved so fast it was hard to follow, but she'd thrust her sword pommel through the bars. Karras reeled backward, blood spewing down his front from his severely broken nose. Laren spit at him in Elven, no doubt cursing him every way she knew how.

Her voice was dark and deadly when she spoke in Common, "I will thoroughly enjoy watching your head leave your neck, shem. May your soul be doomed to forever wander the Beyond."

Leaving the Red Templars behind, we emerged into the moonlight once more. Taking a deep breath of the fresh air, I led the others to our horses. Ella was standing there, worrying at her lip. Alain strode towards her, a look of concern on her face as he approached. As I helped Elizabeth onto her horse and checked over the straps on my own, I observed the mages as they spoke in hushed tones.
Quickly Ella's face turned from concerned to outright murderous. Alain was trying to calm her, but it was to no avail. Instead, her eyes landed upon me, something dark within them. Dread snaked its way into my chest and coiled up within. Alain tried once more, but Ella turned her back to him and stomped off. He let out a heavy breath before joining us. Our group quiet, we set off into the night.

…

"It's good to see you, Cullen," Dennet's wife, Elaina, greeted as I stepped through her doorway and pulled off the hood I was wearing.

"Thank you again for letting us stay here," I stated as she helped me out of it. "It should only be for a night or two."

"However long you need," she waved her hand. "You know you are more than welcome here." She looked past me at the others as they entered. I watched as her face lit up when Laren removed her cloak, but grew confused when she realized it was not Meira. Her grey eyes met mine in question. "Where is—"

"—On a mission of her own, I'm afraid," I clarified. "She will be sorry to have missed you."

"And I her," she murmured. "She…has been heavy on my mind. As have you." Gathering our traveling wear over her arm, she turned to the others. "I will show you to where you'll be sleeping." Turning back to me she gave me a smile. "You, however, I need to speak with."

I looked to Asaala, Laren and Amelia. "Make sure Trevelyan is watched throughout the night." They gave a salute. "I will take a shift once I speak with Elaina."

"Looking forward to it, Chantry Boy." Elizabeth blew a kiss with her bound hands.

I took a seat in the worn armchair I had occupied so many months ago. My eyes drifting to where Meira had sat next to me, I longed for her. I knew coming here would make my heart ache for her even more, but Elizabeth had said there was another entrance to the thaig nearby that would get us in unnoticed by the Carta and Red Templars. Any advantage we could have I would take.
Vale and the others were to meet us at the nearest watchtower on the morrow evening. We were to lay low here until then, having only traveled at night to avoid spies along the way. I still had not received word from Meira, nor had there been any updates as to their whereabouts and I was growing anxious that something had happened. At Elaina's footsteps, I straightened and schooled my face into an indifferent mask.

Her sharp eyes missed nothing, though, as she poured me a small glass of brandy before sitting across from me. "What's eating you?"

I gave a mirthless chuckle. "Is it that obvious?"

"Cullen," she chuckled, "I'm old, met my fair share of honest folk and liars. You couldn't lie your way out of a burlap sack."

"So I've been told," I sighed.

"Is it Meira?" Elaina questioned, "Have you two still not…?"

I quirked a brow at her. "Not what?"

She flashed a glare. "Have you not made your feelings known?"

I swirled the contents of my glass. "She knows I intend to marry her."

A broad smile lit up Elaina's face, making her young again. "I am so happy for you both." She looked me over. "But…why are you separated?"

"There is much…she has been through," I replied, vaguely, "She needs…special training for new powers she has discovered. It is safer for her to be away as she does this."

"Ah," Elaina nodded. "Then, you're simply lovesick?" I gave her a hard look, but she merely laughed before her face hardened. "So, the Trevelyan woman was a traitor then?"

I clenched my jaw. "I won't deny it nor defend her, but...her family was threatened."

Elaina looked off in the distance. "I cannot say what I would do if my family was in danger, but to facilitate the death of innocents. To lie and scheme against those I claimed to want to defend...how can one willingly do that?"

"I do not know," I murmured. "But she may hold the very keys to defeating our enemy because she acted as a traitor."

Elaina's grey eyes met my gaze. "May? You don't know?"

"I cannot bring myself to speak with her," I admitted. "Because of her actions—and inactions—people under my command, under my protection, died."

"All the more reason to use whatever knowledge she has, Cullen," Elaina argued. "I understand your principle, but refusing to utilize what she knows, to speak to her, will not bring the dead back; nor is doing so dishonoring the dead. Defeating your enemy—Thedas's enemy—is the only way to avenge those who died; to avenge all who have died."

"So, you would speak with her?"

"I would hardly be kind or gentle, but yes, I would demand to know what she knows."

I had a nagging suspicion that if it were Meira speaking with me instead of Elaina, she would give the same advice. Anger burning in my gut, but determination as well, I gave a nod before standing. "Then, I suppose it is time for my shift."

"My husband told me of Haven," Elaina murmured and I looked back to her. Her face was aged and weary as her gaze became unfocused. "The Inquisition must see these monsters ended. I am selfish to thank the Maker for his protection upon my husband when so many others perished." Her gaze met mine once more. "But I have no doubt that your Inquisition has the Maker's blessing. For your Inquisitor to survive what she did—for Meira—for all who lived to have made it...how can the Maker not be with you?"

"I pray you are right," I breathed before leaving the main house. Squaring my shoulders, I headed for the cabin where Elizabeth was being held. Taking a deep breath and beseeching Andraste for patience, I opened the door. Asaala had taken first watch to my relief as I did not trust Laren's temper nor Amelia's vigilance in the face of Elizabeth's cleverness. "I'll take over for the time being, Asaala."

"Aye, Commander," the Qunari saluted before exiting.

Elizabeth's sapphire eyes flicked up to me, a smirk curving her full mouth. "I must say I'm rather flattered, if not surprised, that you've decided to grace me with your presence, Cullen." Her gaze roved over me. "I have missed the view so I'll hardly complain, but why the change of mind? I thought I was disgusting to you? Unworthy of your time?"

"Be quiet," I ordered. "I am tired of the cat and mouse game you and Sister Nightingale have been playing. Frankly, you are in no position to demand anything and I would happily feed you to the Carta or Red Templars tomorrow in order to get more useful aid from your family when we tell them you died in service to the Inquisition. I'm sure they'd gratefully give gold or service in your honor." It was time to be ruthless. She had been, even if it was painted under the guise of charm.

Her red brows raised slightly. "My, my what happened to all your honor and principle?"

"I am asking the questions," I barked.

She made a sensual noise in her throat. "Mmm, I like you bossy."

I grit my teeth. "I want to know what you know."

A brow arched. "About what?" Her gaze roved over me once more. "If you're asking for sex advice, I'll gleefully share. Maker knows you could use some and Meira would be all the more grateful for it."

Fighting the blush forming in my face, I glared at her. "Shut up."

"Oh? That piqued your interest, didn't it? What would you know, Chantry Boy? How to please her? Make her scream in ecstasy? How to touch her to make her melt beneath your fingertips?"

"You sound like a desire demon," I hissed.

"Have you had many encounters with Desire, Cullen?" Elizabeth purred. "Believe me, reality is far superior. Nothing compares to flesh and blood lovemaking."

I exhaled through my nostrils. She's doing this on purpose, to keep me off track and disoriented. It's like a game of chess. Moves and countermoves. I have to play her game.
 Closing my eyes and rolling my neck, I relaxed. Leaning back in my chair, propping my chin on a fist, I forced myself to flash her a smirk.
"I'd hardly know. I must admit my experiences have thus far only been with Meira and fairly innocent," I divulged. "But I'll confess, I do wish to please her when the time comes."

A confused look flashed on Elizabeth's face before she collected herself. "'When the time comes'? You mean you haven't bedded her yet?"

I shrugged. "There's no need for haste."

She snorted. "You're only saying that because you're a virgin. If you knew...Maker, you'd be at it like rabbits in rutting season."

"That may be, but for now I can glean knowledge so when the time does come, I can...how did you say it? Make her 'scream in ecstasy'." I pushed away thoughts that came unbidden.

Elizabeth's lips pulled into a feline grin. "Are you prepared for this, Chantry Boy? Our conversation may very well offend the Maker himself."

I snorted. "Seeing as how the Maker created us with the ability to procreate, I hardly think sex is offensive to him."

Again, she was confused before shrugging. "Suit yourself." She cleared her throat as she opened her mouth to speak, "To please a female—"

I put a hand up. "—However, if you are going to defile my ears, I want something in exchange."

"Oh? And what is that?"

"Samson."

All humor fell from her face. "That's hardly fair. You'd be getting everything while I get nothing."

I chuckled. "You'd get nothing? You get to watch me squirm as you give every gory detail of your...evening activities in the hopes of aiding your 'little Meira'."

She seemed to mull this over, but I did not miss the humor that lit in her eyes. She chuckled, the sound breathy. "Oh Cullen, it is no wonder she is so enraptured by you. Her and so many others. Handsome, smart and principled. You played the game well, Leliana would be proud though she'd critique your rudimentary form and being too quick to reveal your cards. Be that as it may, I agree to your terms...on one condition."

"And what is that?"

"I will tell you about Samson and only about Samson—not where the Red Templar camps are or even where he is," she stated.

"Then you've nothing of use to give me," I shrugged before making to stand.

Her chains rattled. "Wait!" I turned to her just as I reached the door. "Wait," she breathed.
"It's not that I don't want to tell you...it's that I fear Samson has moved them. If I give you wrong information and you act too soon...not only could your men die, but it would reveal me as a rat. I need to infiltrate their ranks again to be certain of where they are and what they're doing." I simply looked at her, unconvinced. Her usual collected mask fell away, showing her true feelings.
"Please, Cullen. If Lucius figures out that I've turned...he'll kill my family. It wouldn't take much for him to suspect and carry out his threat. He's not the man I knew...and he'll stop at nothing to see his goals met." Her blue eyes pleaded with me. "You saw what he allowed at Therinfal? You think he'd have any reservations about wiping out my entire family in retribution for suspected betrayal?"

"Your family is not my problem."

She growled in frustration. "When will you forgive me?! Am I not doing all I can to help?!"

"No," I shook my head. "You give piecemeal information at your leisure to suit your whims and demand what you wish of us. It's revolting." She lowered her head.
"You cannot earn my forgiveness," I hissed. "You betrayed us all. Did nothing when you could have warned us. And Meira nearly paid with her life. It does not matter what you do, I am not interested in forgiving you, in trusting you, in having anything to do with you beyond using you for information."

She lifted her head to look at me, her eyes glossed with unshed tears. "Then you're no better than any man I've ever known."

"Demanding information only you can give on an enemy that seeks the destruction of the world as we know it is not the same as using you for physical pleasure," I retorted, "You allow those men to use you to warm their bed instead of demanding more for yourself."

"So ruthless, Commander," she chuckled without humor. "I truly am worthless in your eyes, aren't I?"

"Beyond the information you hold?" I met her eyes. "Yes."

She looked away and let out a shaky breath. "I'll tell you what you want to know."

"Start at the beginning," I ordered.

...

I was silent as Elizabeth told me what she knew. Samson had been approached by Corypheus in Kirkwall. Why Corypheus had singled him out no one knew, apparently not even Samson, but it was enough to have earned his loyalty to Corypheus forever. For through Corypheus, Samson saw the means to his end goals; as well as having an endless supply of red lyrium.
Elizabeth did not know how red lyrium was mined, only that Corypheus did and passed the knowledge on to the Red Templars. Samson had recruited first in Kirkwall, seeking like-minded templars who sought the end of the Chantry for the crimes committed against the templars. He neither encouraged nor discouraged the end of the mages, did not seem to hold the Red Templars to any known moral code, but he commanded loyalty. Elizabeth could not deny that the Red Templars were loyal to Samson.
But why? Once he'd found his recruits, they made their way to the Gallows to find more. The templars there—the templars I'd left behind—were broken, defeated and at a loss as to what to do without orders. Some were loyal to the Chantry and the Maker, wanting to protect the few mages that had not given themselves over to the rebellion; but many were angry, resentful and bloodthirsty. It was in those whom Samson found more recruits.
Easily persuaded to take red lyrium, they turned their swords upon the mages and loyal templars. Avaline and the City Guard were left with the festering corpse of Kirkwall, unaided by the Order. Avaline believed because the templars had abandoned the city they'd helped destroy, but it had been because they were all dead.
Recruiting all he could for the new Red Templar Order, Corypheus directed Samson to move the operation to Southern Thedas. Already, Lucius had been ensnared by the darkspawn magister, allowing the Envy demon to masquerade as him when needed. What Lucius was truly up to remained a mystery to Elizabeth, but she knew he was also responsible for convincing the remaining loyal templars to abandon the Chantry; the culmination occurring in Val Royeaux when Ellana had gone to beseech the Chantry. Lucius had gathered what templars remained, convinced them of the Chantry's failings, made a show of the templars abandoning the Chantry before leading them to Therinfal. Elizabeth was convinced this had not been Lucius at all, but the Envy demon while Lucius remained hidden.
In the meantime, Samson and his recruits had been seeking out the floundering templars longing for a new cause. Their numbers quickly grew and red lyrium mining operations were established all over Southern Thedas and red lyrium smuggled along various trade routes. This had been occurring for months before the events at the Temple of Sacred Ashes.
Corypheus had been working his schemes for months before the Breach. But the Breach, the Anchor, had ruined his plans so thoroughly that he had retreated to his hiding place, bolstering the Red Templars and Venatori, maneuvering Alexius to arrive at Redcliffe before the Inquisition, all while reforming his plans.
Elizabeth admitted Corypheus was cunning to so quickly adapt to the birth of his unforeseen rival. He had bided his time, focusing on his agents, before making his move in Haven. He'd hoped to remove the Anchor and restore it to himself, but was thwarted by Ellana's use of it to seal the Breach. It had become a permanent part of her in that moment. Corypheus had contingency plans in place, not wanting to be left floundering again, but his rage was unparalleled.
Elizabeth had been rewarded with a letter from her youngest sister for her hand in the fall of Haven, but had been given the task of remaining within the Inquisition. She was to gain the trust of the inner circle and even the Inquisitor herself, and stay abreast of our plans to keep Corypheus and his generals ahead of us. Leliana had begun to suspect when the letters Elizabeth received from her "family" had odd notes to them. The language was just odd enough that eventually one of Leliana's cryptographers deduced that it was all code.
Leliana complimented Elizabeth on the masterful structure of the code, admitting that it had taken far too long for her to realize. Leliana had arranged Elizabeth's capture to take place when she'd separated to go to Kirkwall. Charter had been instructed to go along, but to surveil the Trevelyan home when separated from Elizabeth. Charter had discovered the Red Templar presence and the family's predicament just as Elizabeth had arrived at the estate. Charter drugged Elizabeth with a laced dart before dragging her back to Skyhold. Leliana had sent agents to spy on the Trevelyan estate and to despatch the Red Templars only on her order—once Elizabeth had given her the information she was after. Now playing a complicated game, Leliana and Elizabeth had an understanding. The safety of the Trevelyans in exchange for Elizabeth's aid.

"So, where is Samson?" I questioned.

"Sahrnia," she murmured. "In Emprise du Lion. At least, last I knew. That is where the majority of the red lyrium comes from—they've had the most success in growing and mining it there."

"If we put an end to the operation there, if we find Samson—"

"—If he's there," she warned, "He's no fool, Cullen. The operation is too big, too established to uproot, but for him to remain there is unlikely."

I pursed my lips. "But if we destroy the mine?"

"Red lyrium will not suddenly disappear," Elizabeth shook her head. "It would be a crippling blow, but not a fatal one."

"Any advantage is better than none," I growled.

"True, but you're going to need an excellent team to take it down."

"I'll leave that up to the Inquisitor," I stated as I stood to leave.

"Cullen," Elizabeth murmured and I nearly walked out the door. "Cullen, please."

I turned. "What?"

Her blue eyes pleaded with me. "I never meant for Haven to happen."

"But because of you, it did."

She lowered her head. "And I must live with that every day for the rest of my life." Her voice was a near whisper when she spoke again. "I see them all. Hear them all."

For a moment, my anger ebbed. The words slipping out before I could stop myself, "I understand."

Her gaze met mine once more. She was silent for a time, both of us looking at each other, a sense of understanding settling between us. I would not easily forgive her, but for a moment I saw her through my own reflection. Had what she done really been so different than my own actions in Kirkwall? If I were honest, I knew the answer was no.
How many had I condemned to death by my actions and inactions? Did I not carry the weight of it upon my shoulders? Did I not feel their blood dripping from my hands? Hear their screams and pleas every night? Yet, also no different than myself, she had to atone. But...what right had I to decide how she atoned? Was I the Maker Himself?

Her eyes hardened, fire blazing in their sapphire light. "I swear to you, once my family is safe, I will stop at nothing to destroy Corypheus and his generals." I gave her the smallest of nods before pushing the door open. "And Cullen," I stopped, but did not turn, "worship her."

...

"Commander," Corporal Vale saluted as we approached. Darkness had descended, the sunset giving off it's final rays as the light from the torches upon the watchtower's outer wall grew in their illumination.

"Corporal," I nodded, wanting to drop my hood. "Did you run into any trouble along the way?"

"There were a few eyes upon us, but our spies say they have not moved out from the mine."

"Have they bolstered their guards?"

"It does not appear so, ser," Vale shook his head.

"Nevertheless, we would do well to be cautious," I advised. "Let us wait another hour and then we will proceed. In the interim, we've time for a debriefing."

Vale went over everything that had occurred within the Hinterlands since his last report. The Crossroads had exploded into a small village, Redcliffe seemed to be returning to its normal state and overall the local people were well pleased with the Inquisition's efforts. New recruits signed on almost daily, others gave donations and the rest took word of the Inquisition with them as they traveled.
As Elaina had informed me, the farms were doing well enough to support both the local population and the Inquisition. I had mentioned to Elaina that the Inquisition's share could now be diverted to the soldiers housed nearby as Skyhold had its own farming community to supply the people within the castle. I informed Vale of this intended change which was met with gratefulness as it meant more rations for the ever growing ranks. At the mention of the numbers, Vale suggested that more room was needed.
Asking for his opinion on another place to house soldiers, he suggested Fort Connor. It was still empty and half-destroyed. He proposed contacting King Alistair about the Inquisition seeing to its restoration and as thanks the ability to use it as a half-way point for our soldiers to rest and establish a guard between the Villa and the post outside the Crossroads. Commending the man for opportunistic thinking, I assured him that I would put forth the proposal to the other advisors and the Inquisitor. When our time of waiting came to an end, we checked over our soldiers, reviewed the plan once more before turning to Elizabeth for her lead.
We moved silently along the trail Elizabeth laid out for us. We followed the road, crouched and huddled close, crossing over the bridge we'd reconstructed before curving up the hill that would lead us to where the rogue templars had been camped. I thought back to that night, remembering Meira in her rage as she slaughtered them all.
It had been heart-wrenching to see her like that, to hear the sorrow-filled howls she'd bellowed as she cut through them. A blur of ice, lightning and fire, her mana so free-flowing it had been paralyzing as it'd washed over me. It had echoed the power of the mages in Kinloch Hold, but beneath her rage, I had felt her. Her sorrow, her pain, her suffering—everything she kept so well hidden—but it had been tainted by something dark.
Now I knew it was whatever haunted her, whatever entity now sought her. I sent a prayer up to Andraste that wherever Meira was, whatever she was going to face, she would be given the strength to destroy it. For when she did, I believed the light that would shine forth from her would be dazzling.
Elizabeth led us through what had been the camp to the back. Hugging the wall, we went along a narrow path behind a small waterfall. Elizabeth felt along the rocky wall until her hand found a hidden mechanism. Pressing it, a door slowly opened in the rock-face revealing a narrow passage lined every few feet with torches.
The smell of stale air and earth met my nose, but beneath it—causing saliva to pool at the back of my throat—was the smell of lyrium. Swallowing it down, I followed Elizabeth's form through the darkness. Having memorized the map she'd laid out, we'd follow this passage for a time before spilling out into a hidden storage room. Elizabeth had discovered it upon her snooping, it too was hidden behind a door designed to look like rock. As far as Elizabeth knew, the Carta and Red Templars were unaware of its existence as it had been untouched. Soon enough, we were there, another door opening to a pile of crates. I waved Alain forward.

"Use your magic to move them, silently," I ordered.

He gave a nod, his dark eyes focusing as his hands lit with magic. With a grunt, he lifted the entire pile and moved it forward before setting it upon the ground once more; all without a sound. Cautiously, we entered the small room. Elizabeth lit a single torch, illuminating the whole room. It seemed it had remained untouched. We readied ourselves as beyond this door was the leader of the Carta's meeting room.
Elizabeth doubted they would be there at this hour, but warned us to be ready. The Carta generally slept all together in what they called the "Vat Room", but they were nothing if unpredictable. Once through the meeting room, we'd come out on the upper terrace overlooking the whole cavern. Descending into the bowels, we'd soon find the Carta and then the Red Templars. Vale giving a nod of readiness, I nodded to Elizabeth who activated the door's mechanism. Sliding aside, we found the room before us occupied.

"Hello, Trevelyan. I've been expecting you," a calm voice stated.

Looking towards the voice, I was caught off guard by who sat upon the dwarven throne. She was...delicate looking. There was no other way to describe her. And she had to be young—too young to lead a vein of Carta.
Light-brown hair, large brown eyes, pouty lips, and a round face. Her hair had several braids in an attempt to constrain the thick locks that billowed around her short frame. Her face was decorated with a thick tattoo that spread over her cheeks rising in a peak on the bridge of her nose with dots along the underside. Thick tattoos also spread over both eyes, giving them a fierce quality.

"Hello, Malika. I'd hoped we'd slip in without a fuss," Elizabeth sighed. "Alas, I should have known."

"Yes, you should have," Malika chuckled. "For all your charm, Lizzy, you're hardly trustworthy. Then you went and disappeared on me after the raid on the farms. I thought you'd died until whispers came of your involvement with the Inquisition. Then to my surprise, one of the sodded templars working below my feet informed me you'd been posted within the Inquisition as a spy. And you didn't think to spare me a morsel? Get me an in with the Inquisition as a lyrium supplier when word quickly spread of their need?" Malika clicked her tongue. "Is that how you treat your friends, Lizzy?"

"Unfortunately, I've been a bit tied up," Elizabeth huffed.

Malika's eyes drifted along our company. Despite her delicate appearance, I sensed she was an adept warrior. There were no other guards, but beside her sat a large war axe. Her brown eyes fell on me and I swore her cheeks pinked. "So it seems you have," she snorted and I felt she was insinuating something.

"Would it interest you to know that I come with a proposition?"

Malika raised a brow. "I'm listening."

"The Inquisition is indeed in need of more lyrium and I've no doubt you'd like to wash your hands of the templars and bandits you've been forced to work with. What say you to a...more honest line of work?"

"Tempting, but I'm being paid handsomely to allow the templars to work. I hired the bandits to work the area and keep nosy people such as yourselves out of the templars' business. The Carta and I defend the thaig for the templars and we all scratch each other's backs. My men are happy with the gold lining their pockets. Can you offer more?"

"Name your price."

Malika's lips spread in a frightening smile. "Be careful what you promise, Lizzy. The Carta gets its cut."

"Be careful what you threaten, Malika," Elizabeth challenged. "Lest word slip of your little secret."

The blood drained from her face. "The Carta always gets its cut."

"And the Inquisition keeps its word," I stated, lowering my hood. "My name is Commander Cullen Rutherford, Leader of the Inquisition's Forces. I can assure whatever price you name will be honored."

Malika's doe eyes shifted to me and again I swore a pink tinge rosed her cheeks. "And your honorable Inquisition is willing to work with the Carta?"

I flashed her a smirk. "We already employ pirates. While the Carta may be more cutthroat, I hardly believe pirates would tolerate less gold in their pockets than promised."

The dwarven woman laughed. "Fair enough, Commander. We suspected the self-proclaimed 'Pirate Queen' had become an agent of yours; I suppose you've just proven the rumors true. For Isabela to work with you—to be employed by you—is a testament in itself." Malika let out a sigh, propping her chin on a fist. "And what if I ask for more than just gold? But to be the Inquisition's sole provider of lyrium? No competition."

"Can you assure a clean source of lyrium? Enough to supply the whole of the Inquisition, both its mages and templars?" I questioned.

"If it means my men and I get paid? Absolutely. You'll only have the best. We may be Carta, but I am a businesswoman. Bad deals and bad product don't lead to good business." Her gaze shifted between Elizabeth and I. "And if word on the street is correct, your current contacts aren't meeting your needs. I can assure you'll have all you need and more. Long have we wanted to break away from only dealing with the Chantry. To have a legitimate means to do so? How can I pass up this opportunity? Not to say the Carta will be legitimate, but to have some legitimacy..."

"Who knows? Maybe such an opportunity would allow you to break away from the Carta?" Elizabeth offered.

Malika chuckled. "Sadly, no. I may lead these men, but I do not lead the Carta. If I step too far out of line, I'll have a knife in my back. That said, to have a reliable line of gold, an in with the Inquisition and an end to dealings with these templars? No doubt Karshol will look upon it favorably." She stood from the throne she'd occupied, rolling her neck and stretching before shouldering her axe. "Come. It's time to tell my men there's been a change in plans."

"How do we know you wouldn't as easily turn on us?" I questioned.

She looked over her shoulder at me. "Someone else out there who can offer a better deal?"

"Not that I am aware of."

"Then don't worry your pretty little head, Commander." She flashed a wink. "Such an opportunity has not come before us in the history of the Carta. We will not easily squander it."

She made her exit. Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief before looking to me. "Well done, Cullen," she whispered. "That went exactly as I'd hoped." Though she could not guarantee that the message had been delivered, Elizabeth had informed me that one of Leliana's agents had infiltrated the Carta to get a message to their leader. Elizabeth wanted to propose a deal, but privately. She'd asked Malika to speak with us within the meeting room alone; with a light threat of spilling her secret if she didn't. Then Elizabeth had laid out how exactly she planned to win Malika to the Inquisition to me—and Malika had taken the bait.

"I just hope we haven't handed the Carta the whole of the lyrium trade."

"You handed Malika the lyrium trade. She may have dismissed breaking free of the Carta, but the idea's in her head. She wants freedom. She wants legitimacy. You've just handed her the means to do it. Now you just have to help her achieve it."

"And how much will that cost us?"

"Between your Ambassador, Spymaster and Malika? I doubt much, but a few contracted hits."

"So what was this 'dirt' you had on her?"

Elizabeth flashed a smirk. "She sleeps with a stuffed nug. She'd be seen as weak and mutinied if anyone found out."

I rolled my eyes to the heavens. Honestly. "Maker, have mercy."

Elizabeth laughed heartily before following behind Malika. As we exited the meeting room, the ground beneath my feet shook as a great, inhuman sound echoed about the chamber. The roar or cry or whatever it was resonated to my bones.

"That happens from time to time," Malika stated, a frown on her face. "We don't know what it is."

The Carta leader led us lower into the thaig, following stone steps further into the darkness. I had to admire the skill of the dwarves. Nothing was without purpose, yet everything was intricately decorated. The carved stone, the stained glass, the statues all told a story, both old and new. The mechanisms used for mining were genius, yet simple.
The upper levels of the thaig might have hovered over the open cavern below, but I trusted the stone beneath my feet. Malika opened a door set within a wall next to the set of stairs we'd just descended. Entering, she gestured for her men to lower their weapons.

"Dwarva," she addressed them. "There's been a change of plans." As briefly as she could, Malika explained to her men the deal that had been set between us, quickly turning her men to her side. They all nodded in agreement. "Let's be rid of these sodded templars."

Moving as silently as we could, we crept along the stone bridge leading to the other side of the chasm. A foul stench filled the air, one of death and poison. I flashed back to a burning Denerim, seeing the Grey Warden armor upon Evelyn Cousland and Alistair glint from the flames as they ran ahead of us. Snarls and growls echoed in my ears.
Darkspawn. Malika gave silent commands to her men, moving archers into position and I followed suit. Amelia crouched behind the Carta dwarves as we came around a column. There they stood. Monstrous beings to behold. Dead, dark eyes, festering skin, fangs for teeth and the Taint oozing from their orifices.
I spotted an Emissary among those guarding what seemed to be the entrance to where the Red Templars were mining. I waved for Laren and Asaala to move up, signaling that they needed to be ready to wield their abilities. Silently, they drew their weapons. The metal glowing white, their eyes shifting in color as they reached for the lyrium in their blood.
Swallowing down the thirst, I motioned for them to move ahead of the others. I turned to Vale, our eyes meeting, before we nodded. I met Malika's gaze and gave her a nod. In response, she let out a sharp whistle. Quick as lightning, the archers released their arrows, downing a few of the darkspawn with precise aim. The Emissary let out a shriek, readying its staff and summoning a barrier around itself.

"Templars! Now!" I ordered. Asaala and Laren charged forth, slamming the Emissary with a spell shatter. The creature let out a wail of pain before summoning more of its dark magic to itself. The other darkspawn, turned to Asaala and Laren.
"Inquisition! Charge!" I shouted, palming my own sword. Shield before me, sword at the ready, assured the cloth tied around my nose and mouth was secured, I went to aid the others. Acting as distractions, those of us who weren't archers drew the creatures' attention. Banging on our shields, shouting, doing our best to cause confusion, it gave the archers time to take them down.
Asaala and Laren tag-teamed the Emissary, weakening it and keeping its focus upon its own defense instead of healing its fellow Tainted. A blinding pillar of light—Wrath of Heaven—shone in the dark cavern, causing the creatures of the dark to shriek. Arrows flew, Asaala shouted for Amelia to take the Emissary down and I heard the door to where the Red Templars would be open. The darkspawn defeated, we charged the confused templars.
Maker, give me strength. The dark song of the red lyrium filled my ears and clawed at my throat as we burst into the room. The inhuman roars of the templars sounded in rage. Horrors and shadows flew at us with unnatural speed, a hulking knight let out a cry as their skin burst apart with crystals and their skeleton broke apart to grow into a behemoth. Archers and soldiers readied themselves. All around was the crimson glow of red lyrium, the song screaming in my ears, the thirst clouding my mind. Through the haze, I shouted: "Alain! Now!"

The mage gave a shout as he first froze everything in the room. Grunts of pain and agitation issued from the monsters, their speed reducing considerably. Laren and Asaala targeted the weaker ones who'd frozen solid, their bodies shattering with their powerful blows. Arrows found their marks, downing the horrors and shadows. Elizabeth, Malika and I rushed the behemoth. Alain rained fire upon the corrupted templars, agonizing screams sounding in my ears as their flesh and crystals melted.
Dodging swings from the behemoth, I used my shield to block a few shards of red lyrium that had come loose before thrusting my sword to the hilt into the side of the creature. A roar of anger, it swung, but I rolled away.
Malika and Elizabeth used the distraction to swing their two-handed weapons at the creature's legs, slicing them off at the knee. With a great crash, the behemoth fell. Raising my sword, I cleaved its head from its neck. Panting in a few breaths, we had no time to relax as more darkspawn burst forth. The Carta, more adept at dealing with the creatures, helped us make quick work of them. They had entrances all along the lower terrace where they'd crawled out of the depths of the earth.

"Alain," I ordered, "Use your magic to cause cave-ins where the creatures are emerging." He nodded, his magic causing the rocks to shake before cracking and filling the holes. "Very good." I turned to Vale. "How are the men?"

"No casualties, ser," Vale assured. "A few injuries, but nothing serious."

"Maker be praised." I turned to Malika. "And you?"

She shouldered her axe, wiping sweat from her brow. "That was fun. My men and I are fine, Commander." She looked about the cavern. "A shame really, this thaig is beautiful."

"We will dispose of the red lyrium. Perhaps it can still be used?"

Malika shook her head. "You can destroy what's on the surface, but it seems once red lyrium has taken root, there's no getting rid of it."

"Do you know how they mine it?"

A frown pulled at her mouth. "All I know is that they captured mages or other people, brought them to this area and they were never seen again."

"Did they use them to mine it?"

Her brown eyes met mine. "I've no idea."

I made to step further into the room, but nearly crashed to the ground. The intensity of the red lyrium washed over me, threatening to rob me of consciousness. I clenched my jaw, clenching my sword hilt harder. I needed to investigate, but in this state...I swallowed the pooled saliva down, it feeling like shards of glass raking against my insides. "Can you and your men stay here safely for a time?"

"We were planning to. Still need to collect our things, contact Karshol, tie up loose ends. Why?"

I turned to the dwarven female. "I'm going to send our Arcanist to you."

She looked at me as if I were mad. "Your what?"

"Her name is Dagna. She's a dwarf that specializes in...the unusual. She'll want to study this mining operation."

"Fair enough, Commander. We'll see her protected."

"Good," I nodded before exiting the tunnel as quickly as I could without drawing attention. Malika had followed me out upon the terrace. "Once that's done, we'd have you travel to Skyhold to finalize our agreement."

"I must say, I'm looking forward to seeing your mighty castle."

I gave a small smirk. "You aren't afraid to fall into the sky?"

She snorted. "I've been on the surface most of my life. It's only the deep lords that fear the topside."

"Well, I hope you find the castle...and the Inquisition a better fit than the Red Templars."

"I've no doubt, Commander," she gave a smile, before it faltered as she looked me over. "Are you...alright?"

I straightened. I could feel the sweat on my brow, my heart thundering in my chest and the nausea roiling in my gut. I needed fresh air, away from the dank decay of this place. Away from the haunting call of the red lyrium that was still screaming in my ears. "I'm fine. We've a few things to see to and then we'll be on our way."

Her eyes darted between mine. "Atrast tunsha, Commander."

I quirked a brow. "What does that mean?"

"May you find your way in the dark."

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