Dragon Age Inquisition: Herald of Andraste and Champion of Kirkwall

by Phoranti

At Varric's urging, Hawke travels to the Skyhold with the intention of aiding the Inquisition in their fight against Corypheus. But is it just that? While the world burns, its savior will need all the help he can get, and she won't hesitate to give it. After all, it's the only thing she has left.

3. Chapter 3

Chapter 3 – A long day before Crestwood

White fluff covered the ground. He waded through it, moving forward laboriously. The snow limited his visibility and did not help his sense of direction. The cold penetrated his tired body to the bone. Slowly but steadily he was losing strength and becoming more and more sleepy. Maker, he will freeze here and the hungry wolves would finish the job. He felt his jaws trembling mercilessly. He had to be careful not to bite his tongue off. A searing pain shot through his left hand. He felt as if someone was trying to chop it off with a blunt axe. A greenish glow lit up the area. He fell to his knees clutching his left wrist. His jaws stopped trembling jamming into a tight grip.

-KNEEL. - spoke a heavy bass voice. He raised his head looking for its owner. Icy snowflakes pressed into his eyes like intrusive insects. He blinked his eyelids, trying to focus. Suddenly, as if on cue, the whirlwind stopped. A dark, slender figure stood before him with glowing eyes. A clawed finger rose toward him. - KNEEL BEFORE YOUR NEW GOD.

-Never! - he growled in anger. The power trapped in his left hand sought an outlet. - You are not a God. You will never be God! - he shouted and raised his hand. A bright green ray shot out from between his fingers. The figure shielded himself with his arm. The beam disappeared after a moment as if someone had extinguished a candle. The newcomer remained unmoved. Throaty laughter spread through the valley. A huge clawed hand gripped his left wrist and he felt the ground drop away from under his feet. The joint connecting his hand to the rest of his body crackled painfully.

The torturer's deformed nasty face moved closer.

-I HAVE COME TO RECLAIM MY PROPERTY.

In the long fingers of his free hand, he held a round flickering object, which he pressed against the victim's cupped palm. Ayden felt as if thousands of needles were jabbing into every sensitive nerve. The world disappeared. Only he and the agony remained.

He jerked, opening his eyes violently. He struggled against the blankets for a moment, trying to control his panicked body. When he finally managed to free himself, he looked around. The white surroundings had turned into stone walls, and there was no sign of his dark tormentor. He wrinkled his forehead, trying to focus his chaotic thoughts. His heart was pounding like crazy as if it wanted to jump out of his chest, and his rapid breathing was hard to control. It felt like a day of intense exercise. He swallowed hard trying to calm down. The wooden bed was on his left and he occupied the floorboards covered with a colorful carpet. Instinctively, he glanced at his left hand. The pain was only a distant memory and the mark remained dormant. He sighed in relief and leaned his head against the ornate furniture frame. He closed his eyes for a moment. Another nightmare. This time it was really intense. He glanced towards the window. The sun was already showering the tops of the mountains with its first rays, bringing in a new day. Thank the Maker. A cold shiver ran through him. His aunt Lucille said that such shivers meant death was passing by. Apparently, the dark reaper had chosen another victim today. He clenched his teeth as if gathering strength and got on his feet. He went to the bowl with lukewarm water and splashed his face. Small drops rinse away the remnants of the nightmare, pouring new energy. He dressed in his everyday clothes. Nothing lavish. A gray linen shirt, a leather jacket, warm wool pants, and tall felt-filled boots made up the entire outfit. A maroon scarf completed the looks. He stopped for a moment to look at himself in the scratched mirror. The times when he had worn the sumptuous clothes of the nobility seemed so distant to him now. He did not necessarily miss the uncomfortable laces and tight jackets, but he felt a certain nostalgia. He carefully fixed his tousled hair and headed down the stairs to the main hall. He barely made it past the door and encountered a messenger. The boy bowed slightly.

-Inquisitor, ambassador Montilyet has informed that Baron Philip De'danmahr has arrived and requests an audience.

-Did she say exactly what this is about? - Ayden asked.

-He wants to discuss a trade treaty with the merchant guild of the Free Marches.

Ayden thought for a moment. The negotiations will not be easy. The merchants are certainly hoping for special treatment from the Inquisitor, who comes from there. However, the arrival of the dignitary at such an early hour could mean that the merchant guild cared a lot about the treaty with the Inquisition, and Ayden could take advantage of that.

-Okay. You can tell him I'll be right over. - he replied, already forming a plan of negotiation in the back of his mind.

He wanted to move on, but he saw that the messenger was not moving away.

- Anything else? - he asked patiently.

- Commander Cullen wanted to discuss an urgent matter about the troops.

- I will go to him next. - he announced. - Anything else?

The messenger was already shifting nervously from foot to foot as if he felt guilty for taking up the Inquisitor's valuable time.

- Sister Leliana has requested a visit.

- About what?

- She didn't tell sir but I've got the impression that it was something urgent.

- All right... - the Inquisitor was silent for a moment trying hard to remember the boy's name. He had always tried to remember names, but the number of people joining the Inquisition was growing at such a rapid pace that it was becoming more difficult by the day. -... William. - he remembered at the last moment before the silence became too awkward. - It's all right, William. Thank you. - he repeated in a more confident voice.

- Always at your service, Your Worship. - the boy bowed low, unsuccessfully trying to hide his excitement. The Inquisitor remembered his name. The name of an ordinary messenger. Ayden led him away with green eyes as the boy left the main hall.

- You will not remember them all. - he heard the hoarse voice of the dwarf and furrowed his brow, shifting his gaze to him. - Such as him, messengers, grey people. I know you try to remember them, but you can't.

- Perhaps you are right honorable... - Ayden paused as if considering what the dwarf's name was.

- Alright, alright, I understood the allusion. - said the dwarf.

The Inquisitor smiled sarcastically.

-You didn't come here just to point out my limitations Varric.

-You understand me better than my own brother. - joked the dwarf. - Tomorrow you leave with Hawke to Crestwood. I wish to accompany you.

The Inquisitor was silent for a moment. You could see in his green eyes that he was considering the dwarf's request. He had no plans to take him and Varric knew it well. Ayden carefully planned each expedition. He calculated the strengths and weaknesses of everyone who accompanied him and tailored them to the situation. The Inquisitor was a brilliant strategist and Varric had to admit that his calculations almost always worked, at least when he was part of the squad. The expedition to Crestwood did not include the dwarf, but Varric did not want to let it go.

-Why? - Ayden asked. Varric was sensible enough not to pull the wool over his eyes with some colorful story. He knew he would not get anywhere with that.

-She doesn't trust you. - he spoke plainly.

Ayden furrowed his brow waiting for further explanation.

-Don't take it personally. Her history with the templars isn't the most pleasant.

-As far as I know, the mages weren't very kind either. - the Inquisitor said seriously.

Varric sighed quietly. There were times when he regretted writing this damned book.

-That is why I must go with you. You both need me.

Ayden stared at the dwarf with penetrating green eyes but said nothing. His mind assessed the situation.

-We leave early in the morning. Be ready. - he said finally.

-Good decision your Inquisitorness. - Varric replied with satisfaction and, bowing slightly, headed for the exit. Maker's breath even he began to bow already? Ayden didn't know if that was a good or bad sign. He only shook his head and as he walked towards the ambassador Montilyet's residence he arranged possible scenarios for his conversation with the baron in his head.

xxx

This morning was one of the more pleasant ones. She no longer remembered when she could wake up in her own bed. Since leaving Kirkwall she and Anders had stayed away from the main towns, not wanting to draw unnecessary attention to themselves. It worked for a while, but it could not protect them. It could not protect him. Maker's breath, she missed him so much but she stifled the despair that was rising. Anders was already with the Maker, and she had to complete the crusade alone. Those who had taken his life would more than pay for it. She turned to her right side, admiring the snow-capped peaks of the mountains outside the small window. White clouds moved lazily across the blue sky. No wonder people flocked to this place like sheep to a pen. Within the walls of the Skyhold, it was easy to forget about what was going on in the world. It was easy to forget that an insane spawn was wreaking havoc wherever it appeared. She sighed loudly as she rose from her bed and slowly walked over to a large chest of drawers nearby. She opened the wooden lid. On the left was a neatly arranged outfit of the Champion, and on the right was the usual everyday clothing consisting of dark cotton pants, a white linen shirt, and a thin leather vest. Varrik had brought this to her as soon as he brought her into this room. He had even managed to get her shoes in the right size. He found that parading around the fortress in the traditional attire of the Champion might attract too many unnecessary stares. By that cursed book of his, he might have been right so Marian didn't protest too much. They wouldn't be leaving for Crestwoodd until tomorrow so she had the whole day at her disposal. After all, she could not spend it in her chamber. Besides, she was honestly curious how the headquarters of Inquisition looked like. She put on her donated clothes, refreshed herself in a small bowl of water, and went outside. The place she was accommodated was the renovated interior of one of the towers, so she decided to start her walk by going around the walls. Along the way, she met several soldiers on patrol who were beginning their morning rounds. As they passed her, they bowed slightly in greeting. She responded with the same and sighed in relief at the lack of recognition in their eyes. In a relatively short time, she reached another tower. Judging by the sounds coming from behind the door, this tower was not empty either. She knocked quietly.

-Enter. - she heard a muffled male voice. She pressed the handle and stepped inside. A man dressed in huge armor with thick brown fur covering his shoulders was sitting behind a desk, studying some notes. His light blond hair was adorned with some waves. - If you are bringing a report, put it on the desk by the wall. - he said without raising his eyes. Marian opened her mouth but was not able to say anything. In the face of the prolonged silence, the man raised his head. Dark hazel eyes were staring at her questioningly. Recognition quickly dawned on his face. - Hawke.

Marian wrinkled her forehead. It took her a little longer.

-Cullen? - she asked as if she was not sure. The man nodded. She barely recognized him. It had been a long time since they had met in Kirkwall.

-So you are the mysterious ally Varric spoke of? - he asked.

-It would seem so. I see that you also remain at the center of events.

Cullen smiled slightly amused by her comment.

-I think we both can't escape it.

He became suddenly serious.

-After what happened in Kirkwall, I thought about walking away from it all. But fate likes to mess with us.

-That's right. - Hawke said. - I thought my fighting days were behind me too.

-I'm glad you've joined us, Champion. We need good people.

-My involvement is temporary Cullen.

There was a flash of surprise in the commandant's eyes, but it was quickly banished.

-I understand. - he replied. - I'm glad non the less.

-So? - her sudden question surprised him again. - You don't blame me for what Kirkwall started?

Cullen sighed aloud as if collecting his thoughts.

-I don't deny that for a time I did. However, what happened in Kirkwall was not due to the actions of one person. It was the result of many years of feeding trauma and accumulating paranoia. It had to end this way with or without your involvement.

Marian remained silent as she analyzed what he had said.

-But I can't forgive him for the number of deaths he directly caused. - the commander spoke again.

Hawke pulled her lips together. Her cheeks trembled from clenched teeth. Somehow she felt the conversation would go in that direction.

- Tell him to seek forgiveness in prayer to the Maker. - he finished softly.

- I can't. - she said throatily. - Anders is already with the Maker so you should be relieved.

- I... I didn't know. I'm sorry.

The conversation was interrupted by a messenger who appeared at the door.

-Emergency report from Hinterlands commander. Oh, pardon. I didn't know you had a visitor.

-Don't worry soldier, I was just leaving. - Hawke announced and without waiting for any reaction she left the room. She stood by the walls for a moment, taking in the cold mountain air. It calmed her somewhat.

She felt her empty stomach suddenly demand its own. She accosted two passing soldiers who directed her to a local tavern. Despite the early hour, the tavern was bursting at the seams. Next to the soldiers eating breakfast were the workers who had just started their day. There were also templars and a few mages stationed here and there. Templars and mages having breakfast together as if nothing had happened. "Your revolution has borne fruit Anders." She never thought she would live to see such a sight. It pained her that Anders didn't live to see it. She walked over to the bar and ordered something to eat. The dwarf innkeeper was not the most cheerful one, but when he brought her some aromatic soup and a few pieces of fresh bread, she stopped paying attention. Not far from her at the table sat a small group of people. Three men and two women. They were sitting close enough that despite the noise, their conversation could be heard quite clearly.

-The fortress finally stops looking like a perforated screen Velo. - laughed one of the women. Her short brown hair made her look like a young boy.

-Ha. Gatsi is giving us a hard time and he doesn't like sloppy work. Every stone has to be laid to the exact line. - the man spoke up. There were traces of dust and mortar on his dark complexion.

-He could loosen up sometimes. - said the second man sitting next to Velo. His eyes, gray in this light, focused on another spoonful of soup.

-These walls are meant to withstand the onslaught of this filth Taro. - added the third man. His shaved head was adorned with a tattoo but Marian didn't quite know what it symbolized. - As far as I'm concerned, I could work twice as hard just to keep the fortress safe.

-True. - Velo said thoughtfully. - And how are you, girls? - he asked the women sitting opposite him in a more cheerful tone.

-The young boy I told you about. - said the short-haired girl.

- The one who looks like you? - Taro laughed.

- Do you realize that this joke is only funny to you? - hissed the girl. - In any case. - she continued quickly. - He woke up yesterday and is making amazing progress. He'll be leaving the clinic any day now.

- Are you talking about the one from Redcliff? - asked the other girl. Her curly light hair was tied in a messy ponytail. She was extremely beautiful and probably had many admirers, but the men sitting with them seemed to pay no attention to that.

The short-haired woman nodded.

- He was lucky that the Inquisition came in time. I don't even want to think what would have happened to him. - continued the blonde.

- True. Everyone is still breathing thanks to the Inquisitor and his soldiers. - said the shaved man and raised his mug. The others followed his example. - To those who lost their lives.

- To those who lost their lives. - his companions spoke up at the same time.

- To those who survived.

- To those who survived. - they repeated after him.

- And to those whom the Inquisition will still save.

- To the survivors.

The five tankards clashed together and a deafening sound rang through the air.

Hawke lowered her gaze, taking another spoonful of soup and eating it with fresh bread. A moment later, a stocky man took the seat beside her. His dark eyes matched his short, raven-black hair. His handsome face was disfigured by a large scar on his left cheek, a remnant of severe burns. He was dressed in a standard guard's uniform. Pieces of metal glittered slightly in the not very well-lit room.

-Same as always Cabot. - instructed the dwarf, who headed for the back room with a slight murmur. The man looked at Marian with curiosity. - You're new here aren't you? - he asked directly.

Hawke only nodded while swallowing a piece of bread.

The man held out his hand in greeting.

- Captain Elcrys.

Hawke returned the handshake.

-Marian.

-Where are you come from, Marian?

- Free Marches. - she replied shortly.

-Oh, so you come from the region of our Inquisitor. - she could hear a note of jealousy in his voice. - I am a native of Fereldeen. Born and raised in Denerim. I was in the capital during the Archdemon's attack. The chaos that reigned then... it's a miracle the city wasn't razed to the ground.

Hawke clenched her hand slightly on her filled tankard. The memory of the darkspawns was like one of many nightmares she would never forget.

- I've heard about what happened in Denerim. It must have been hell. - she concluded.

- And it was. But nothing can compare to what is happening right now. If the Maker had not sent us an Inquisitor, we would all be doomed.

Hawke turned her head slightly. She had heard about the reputation the Inquisitor had and what people called him.

- Do you really believe he is chosen by Andraste herself? - she asked.

- It is not a matter of faith Marian. - he answered firmly. - I know that.

Hawke furrowed her brow.

- I am one of the soldiers who found him in the ruins of the temple. I saw him pushed out of the Fade. His hand sparkled with energy and behind him... and behind him appeared the luminous figure of a woman. Later, I found out that his hand was able to close the rifts. It is thanks to him that the Breach is but a scar in the sky. Andraste sent him to save us.

Hawke took a sip of the cold drink. The soldier sincerely believed in what he was saying, and from what she could see, he wasn't alone. The Inquisitor was treated here almost as an incarnation of Andraste herself. The dwarf had just returned with an order. The man seized the tray.

-Welcome to the Inquisition Marian. - he added with a sincere smile and went to one of the tables where several people were already seated. Hawke guessed they were some of his friends.

She hurriedly finished her meal and continued her tour to the fortress. She stopped a little longer at a small stable that housed several different mounts. Her attention was drawn to a white stallion nibbling majestically on a large piece of fresh hay. His snowy coat was almost glaring, but Hawke could not take her eyes off him.

- Magnificent, isn't he? - she heard a male voice. To her right was an older, dark-skinned man leaning carelessly on a pitchfork. Small tufts of hair that still remained on the sides of his head were streaked with gray. - The finest imperial blood. This is our Inquisitor's favorite stallion.

- I am able to understand why. - admitted the Champion. The animal raised its head, and its eyes, filled with intelligence, stared at her with curiosity. Marian wasn't sure how to react. Suddenly she felt someone press something into her hand. She shifted her gaze to her hand. The older man was giving her an apple with his head pointing in the direction of the stable.

- Go ahead. - he said encouragingly.

She hesitantly held out her hand with the fruit to the mount. The animal moved its muzzle away as if wondering what to do. After a long moment of staring, the stallion lowered his head and returned to chewing hay. Hawke shifted her questioning gaze to the man.

- Stubborn creature. - he muttered with amusement.

- Did I do something wrong?

The man laughed a little louder nodding his head.

- No. This stubborn steed trusts only the Inquisitor. Many people who have come here have tried what you just did. So far without success. I have thirty years' experience with horses, and I curse the Maker that I have not yet seen such a characterful creature. But where are my manners? - the man quickly extended his hand in a gesture of greeting. - I am Dennet. The Inquisitor brought me here from Hinterlands before all this mess in Haven.

-Marian. - Hawke introduced herself and returned the gesture.

- What brings you to the Skyhold, Marian?

- You could say I came here with advice. - saying that the Champion approached the second stall where a chestnut mare was standing. When she stretched out her hand with an apple in front of her, the animal immediately began to eat it.

- If only your counseling can help us deal with this chaos you have my support. Maker knows we need every advantage over this filth.

- I think I can bring some aid to the Inquisition's operations.

- That is good to hear.

Hawke wiped her hands on her pants and, bidding the horse master farewell, headed back towards the training ground. In front of the main doors of the fortress, a small crowd of people had already begun to gather. Loud conversations were in the air. Marian climbed several stone stairs and joined the group.

- What is going on? - she accosted a woman standing nearby. The woman turned her head vigorously and her bouncy curls fluttered in the air.

- The Inquisitor is going to receive some important ambassadors from the Free Marches. - she said excitedly and moved towards the main hall dragging the Champion with her. Marian did not protest following the woman and the rest of the gathered people.

The interior of the room resembled the interior of a cathedral. Beautiful glass windows at the end filled it with various colors. In the center of the ceiling were suspended chandeliers filled with burning candles. To the right and left were rows of tables probably used for occasional feasts. At the end of the polished tiled floor, on a small elevation, stood a spacious armchair where the Inquisitor sat. Hawke could barely see the front of the room so using the agility she had acquired over the years, she swept past several eagerly waiting observers and positioned herself as close to the event as possible. Ayden placed his left ankle on his right knee and, propping himself up with the elbows of the chair's backrest, folded his fingers together. In his green eyes was visible extreme concentration. A few meters in front of him stood two men. Probably the ambassadors the woman spoke about. Marian noticed out of the corner of her eye that someone was standing next to her. She turned her head to the right and looked down.

- I see you have managed to make yourself comfortable. - said the dwarf.

- I am not a child Varrik. - she whispered. A friend snorted quietly. - Are these audiences always this popular? - she asked. The dwarf merely nodded as silence fell over the room. They both shifted their gaze to the arriving dignitaries. The men bowed respectfully to the Inquisitor. One thing stood out strongly. The men were twins. They both looked like two drops of water. Their clothing consisted of simple traveling clothes, and their light brown hair was tied up in a short, noble ponytail. Two pairs of grey eyes now looked gravely at the Inquisitor.

-Great Herald... - began the one on the right. - ...we were sent here by the Prince of Starkhaven.

-Say then what you come with, ambassadors of Starkhaven. - Ayden replied. His green gaze never left the men's faces.

The second messenger pulled a small piece of folded paper from his pocket. In the middle of it was a wax seal.

-The Prince has entrusted us to deliver this letter directly into your hands, your Excellency.

Ayden pulled his lips together and with a quick gesture of his hand indicated that the paper should be handed to him. The ambassador moved slightly closer and handed him the letter. He bowed again and returned to his brother. The Inquisitor opened the seal and the folded paper rustled quietly.

"Your Eminence,

The worst of the mage rebellion is now past. However, the mage who started it all, who destroyed the Chantry in Kirkwall and murdered Grand Cleric Elthina and dozens of the innocent faithful, is still at large. The fanatic Anders must be brought to justice. Though he may no longer be in the city, it is still home to many of his known associates. I thus resolved to invade Kirkwall to locate Anders. But Starkhaven's annexation of this notoriously troubled city has not proceeded as planned. The city's resistance opposes me. They forget that I do this for the good of the city and all the Free Marches. As a staunch ally of the Inquisition, I entreat support for this endeavor, that Kirkwall may be brought under control before more innocents are harmed.

Signed

Prince Sebastian Vael."

He read the request aloud and then folded the paper. The hall was eerily silent. No one even whispered and everyone almost held their breath.

Varric looked momentarily at Hawke. She clenched her teeth while her cheeks twitched.

The Inquisitor stared at the floor for a moment. After a while, he raised his green gaze. He remained silent, however, measuring both men. At the edge of his vision, he noticed that Josephine, who was standing next to him, wanted to speak up. Ayden raised his right hand stopping her from doing so.

-Tell Prince Sebastian that an armed incursion into the sovereign city of Kirkwall to track down a few of the apostate's allies is a violation of the treaties of the Free Marches. - he declared. - The Inquisition cannot support what is a clear act of aggression. Advise him to reconsider his actions. If he persists, he may lose the other cities' support, which is not good for Starkhaven.

-The Free Marches will not tolerate apostates collaborating with a terrorist. - one of the brothers spoke up in defense.

-I am from Free Marches ambassador. The only thing the cities will not tolerate is an unlawful violation of their borders. - answered the Inquisitor calmly. - If you have Starkhaven's best interests at heart, I advise you to convince Prince Sebastian to reverse his decision.

The twins' grey eyes showed indecision. They had clearly not expected this turn of events.

Ayden leaned back in his chair.

-You heard my answer. Ambassador Montilyet will now take you to the guest quarters. Stay in the Skyhold as long as you need. When you leave, report to our quartermaster to be equipped with supplies for your return journey. - he announced and then rose from his seat. Josephine led the twins out of the room. Ayden had not even walked a few steps when he was accosted by a dark-skinned woman dressed in monastic robes. They exchanged a few words, which Hawke was unable to hear from this distance. Ayden nodded slightly and, following her, disappeared into one of the many side doors. The onlookers gathered in the room slowly began to disperse. The Champion lowered her gaze and headed for the exit. She felt someone grab her right forearm.

-Hawke. - the dwarf began softly.

-Not now Varric. - she said firmly, breaking free from his grasp. - Not now. - she added quietly and went outside with the others. She did not even know when she was back at her place. She was making nervous circles around the room and her inner scream wanted to get out. She walked over to the window and slammed her clenched fist into the cold wall. She closed her eyes panting heavily. After a moment she drew in air, trying to calm herself down.

-Pain, suffering, loss. - she suddenly heard behind her. She turned abruptly. A young boy was sitting on her bed. His long blond hair stuck out from under a big hat, obscuring his blue eyes. - I can help. - he continued as if more consciously.

- I think you have the wrong room, boy. - Hawke said. - And if the Inquisitor or one of his advisors sends you, you can tell them I don't need anything. - she looked away slightly, hoping that the young man would understand the message. Suddenly she felt a presence right next to her. Big blue eyes reached almost into her soul. Hawke furrowed her brow, glancing first at the spot where the boy had been standing a second ago and then at him. She didn't even notice when he shifted.

-Your despair is like a black abyss. - he spoke in a thin soft voice. - I can help you forget. I can close this gap.

The door of the room opened suddenly.

- That's enough Cole. - the dwarf standing there spoke up.

- Your friend Varric, she's in pain. I want to help. - the boy explained.

- I know, kid. You can help without interfering. Believe me.

The head clad in a massive hat only nodded and when the dwarf looked away for a moment the boy was gone.

- Who was that? - Hawke asked. - No one moves that fast.

Varric sighed quietly.

- It's Cole. We suspect he's a spirit of compassion however I don't think even he knows exactly what he is.

- You have a ghost in the fortress? - Hawke couldn't believe what she was hearing. - Well, that's news, considering there are templars around every corner. - she snorted in ironic amusement. - Not to mention that the Inquisitor is one of them.

- Yeah, it's a bit complicated. - the dwarf muttered.

- If you came here to talk about what happened in the main hall, you are wasting your time. - she said firmly.

- Hawke, I haven't known you since yesterday. I know when to let go.

- Then why did you come? - she asked dryly. She turned a sour face when she heard how that question sounded. That's no way to treat a friend. - Sorry Varric...

The dwarf waved his hand carelessly, suggesting he didn't mind.

- I wanted to offer myself as a guide to this magnificent fortress. - he said with a slight smile. - Exploring alone may have its advantages, but you will be able to look into more nooks and crannies with me.

Hawke stared at him for a moment and then a small smile appeared on her cherry lips.

- Are you able to show me every room?

- Maybe not directly, but after the tour with me, you will know the fortress, like the back of your hand.

The smile on her light face grew wider. The dwarf replied with the same smile. He was glad that he could at least for a while chase away the black thoughts from her head.

- Lead the way, then. - she announced after which they both walked out onto the walls.

xxx

The evening was quite pleasant. Cool mountain air made the stars twinkling in the dark blue sky very clear. The fortress was strongly bustling with life neither thinking of resting. In the window of one of the guest rooms situated over a small garden, the pale light of candles was smoldering. One of the twin ambassadors approached the shutters for a moment and sighed aloud.

- So we came here for nothing, brother? - he asked, turning abruptly to the other man who was seated in a modest armchair against the wall.

- We were sent here to deliver a message, not to negotiate. - he answered and took a small sip of wine from the goblet he held in his hands.

A man standing by the window approached his brother.

- Does the Inquisitor not see the rightness of our Prince's cause?

- And do we see that rightness Faren? Herold may be right. Sending an entire army to flush out a few rats could have dire consequences for Starkhaven.

- How can I convince Prince Sebastian to let it go if I can't? You shouldn't either Daren.

- Do not suggest that I forgot what happened to our parents in Kirkwall that day. - Daren said sternly. Gray eyes stared hard at his brother. - But we will not solve anything by force. We will have to find other allies.

- You may not have to look too long. - a third voice suddenly spoke up. Both men raised their gray eyes. A figure dressed in black was standing at the open doors. Her outfit almost blended with the dark blue sky outside. She wore a cap of the same color on her head and her mouth and nose were hidden behind a thick scarf. In the pale candlelight, she looked like a lurking predator. Her gaze focused on twin brothers. From this distance, they could not even tell if it was a man or a woman. The muffled voice gave no clear answer.

- If you have come to kill us, know that our deaths will not go unnoticed. There will be consequences for the Inquisition. - Daren spoke and rose slowly from his chair.

- Kill? - asked the figure in surprise. - No. I am here to make you an offer.

Both brothers looked at each other.

- Speak then, and we will listen to you. - said Daren.

- Your Prince wants to use force to get rid of the collaborators who worked with Anders.

There was curiosity in the eyes of the twins. They remained silent as they listened to further explanations.

- It so happens that I am able to identify them. I also know their whereabouts.

- On what basis can we trust a cloaked figure? - Faren spoke up this time.

- What have you got to lose? - asked the figure and crouched down further. - The Inquisition will not help and if the occupation continues, Starkhaven will face consequences. With my information, instead of troops, the Prince will be able to send his own assassins, who will settle the matter quietly. Kirkwall will not even notice the disappearance of a few people.

The brothers looked at each other considering the masked figure's words.

- What do you want in return? - Daren asked.

- Only justice. - replied the figure.

- Surely you have a condition. - said Faren.

- Just one. The Prince has sent you here to deliver a message to the Inquisitor personally. I want to do the same.

- You want to meet with Prince Sebastian. - Daren murmured in understanding. - What are the terms of this meeting to be?

- Tell the Prince that I wish to meet on neutral ground. Denerim seems most suitable for that. It will be a safeguard for both me and him.

- When? - Faren asked.

- In fourteen days. I will find him in the city.

The figure disappeared like a ghost. The twins approached the doorframe. The only trace was a silent shadow between the walls. But they quickly lost sight of it.

- Do you think we can trust him? - Faren asked his brother.

- I think we have no choice in the matter. - Daren said, and they both went to rest.