Chapter 73

"We don't have the manpower or resources to lay siege to the castle. It's a time-consuming, messy business we are simply unequipped for," Cullen said with decision. "I say we give up this nonsense and go to the Templars for help."

"Redcliffe is in the hands of a magister," Cassandra retorted and paused, letting the fact sink in. "This cannot be allowed to stand!"

"The letter from Alexius asked for the Herald by name," commented Josephine. "It's an obvious trap."

Ellana chuckled. "And what does he have to say about me?"

"He is so complimentary that we are convinced he wants to kill you," Leliana answered with a smile.

"Whatever the case may be, the fact remains that Redcliffe castle is one of the most defensible structures in all of Ferelden." Cullen looked at each of them in turn. "It has repelled thousands of assaults. If you go in there, you'll die. And we'll lose our only means of closing Rifts. " He shook his head. "I can't allow it."

In the silence that followed, Alistair couldn't help but agree with him. It was the wisest course of action. Less loss accrued overall. But inaction had its own consequences, as had been proven time and time again.

He sat a little ways away from the conference table, watching them deliberate. They were all well-meaning and passionate, all trying to find the best way of getting things done. He undid the top button of his tunic and pulled out his mother's amulet, flipping it between his fingers idly.

"But if we don't even try to meet Alexius, we lose the mages." Leliana met Cullen's gaze. "And leave a hostile power at our doorstep."

"Even if we could assault the Keep, it would be for nought," Josephine challenged. "How do you think they'll spin it? An Orlesian Inquisition's army marching into Ferelden would provoke a war. Our hands are tied."

Cassandra sighed. "The magister-"

"-has outplayed us," Cullen completed for her.

Silence again. This time, everyone stood with downcast eyes. All except Ellana. She just seemed frustrated with the whole situation.

"We can't just... give up?" She had her hands on her hips. "There has to be another way! Where is the Arl? Can't we just... send him a letter or something?"

Alistair smiled to himself.

"After he was displaced, Arl Teagan rode straight to Denerim to petition the Crown to help him," Josephine informed her. "I doubt he'll want our assistance once the Fereldan army lays siege to his castle."

Alistair looked pointedly at Leliana, who returned his stare, both brows raised. He nodded.

"There is... another way," she began, not looking away from him. "A secret passage into the castle. An escape route for the arl's family. It's too narrow for our troops but we could send our agents through."

There we go.

"Too risky," Cullen replied after considering it. "Those agents will be discovered well before they reach the magister."

"That's why we need a distraction." Leliana smiled and looked at Ellana. "Perhaps the envoy Alexius wants so badly?"

"Focus their attention on Lavellan while we take out the Tevinters?" Cullen furrowed his brows, thinking it over. "It's risky... but it could work."

It was at this moment that the door to their conference room was thrown wide open and a man entered, grinning widely.

"Fortunately," he said, "you'll have help."

It was the Tevinter mage who had met up with them in Redcliffe. Alexius's former apprentice, Dorian of house Pavus. Alistair liked him, but Cullen grimaced at this intrusion.

An Inquisition agent ran in after him, sweating.

"This man says he has information about the magister and his methods, Commander," he reported to Cullen, whose grimace deepened. "I tried to stop him, I really did, but he was just-"

"-entirely too fabulous to be stopped, my dear boy," Dorian replied. Alistair snorted. "Now, as I was saying, your spies will never get past Alexius's magic without my help. So if you're going after him, I'm coming along."

"So am I," Alistair spoke for the first time since the meeting began. "I know you all have your hearts in the right places, but you have to consider this." He stood up, tucking the amulet back in. "Redcliffe is my village. Teagan is my uncle. Emotional ties aside, I've used that secret passage before. I know that village and castle like I know the lines on my hand."

He walked up to them. "And most importantly, these are people who are indentured to a magister to be turned into soldiers, people who would have been under our protection had Alexius not screwed around with time magic. The Grand-Enchanter..." He shook his head. "I can't forget the way she looked at me. She was helpless and scared... and I want to change that."

Cullen and Cassandra nodded. Josephine grinned broadly and Leliana smiled. Ellana just looked relieved.

Dorian, however, applauded.

"You're all so earnestly dramatic," he commented with a winsome smirk. "I think I'll fit right in."