And once again, Maxwell walked into the Chantry to find the Inquisition's leadership arguing.

"It's not a matter for debate." Cullen stood facing Leliana and Josephine. "There will be abominations among the mages, and we must be prepared."

Josephine made a placating gesture. "If we rescind the offer of an alliance, it makes the Inquisition appear incompetent at best, tyrannical at worst."

Cullen caught sight of him, and took a step forward. "What were you thinking, turning the mages loose with no oversight?" He gestured upwards. "The Veil is torn open!"

He stood his ground. "Give them their freedom for now. If they prove later they can't handle it, impose restrictions."

"And how many lives will be lost if they fail?" He shook his head. "With the Veil broken, the threat of possession…" He then turned to Cassandra. "You were there, Seeker! Why didn't you intervene!"

Cassandra cast her eyes onto Maxwell. "While I may not completely agree with the decision, I support it. "The sole point of the Herald's mission was to gain the mages' aid, and that was accomplished."

"The voice of pragmatism speaks!" said Dorian leaned on a wooden column. "And here I was just starting to enjoy the circular arguments."

Cassandra folded her arms. "Closing the Breach is all that matters."

"Also Fiona has made Evelyn liaison between the rebel mages and the Inquisition," said Ellana.

"I'm actually more concerned on how the Templars will react to this news," said Adaar. "The Lord Seeker wasn't happy with us before and I doubt you'll be even happier when you hear that we've allied with the rebel mages."

"On a positive note, I can use my old Carta contacts to get us lyrium," said Erdic.

"Send them word," said Leliana. "We need every advantage."

"We have legitimate lyrium supplies already," Cullen pointed out.

"And they don't need to hear of this."

"Keep it on the table, and I'll do what I can to quiet rumours," said Josephine.

"We should look into the things you saw in this 'dark future'." Leliana looked down at the parchment in her hand. "The assassination of Empress Celene? A demon army?"

"Sounds like something a Tevinter cult might do." Dorian gestured. "Orlais falls, the Imperium rises. Chaos for everyone!"

"One battle at a time." Cullen drummed his fingers against his sword hilt. "It's going to take time to organise our troops and the mage recruits. Let's take this to the war room." He then turned to Maxwell. "Join us. None of this means anything without your mark, after all."

"And I'd hoped to sit out on the assault of the Breach," Maxwell joked. "Take a nap. Maybe go for a walk…"

Cullen smiled. "What is it they say? 'No rest for the wicked'?"

Josephine started walking. "Meet us there when you're ready."

"I'll skip the war council, but I would like to see this Breach up close, if you don't mind," said Dorian.

"Then you're…" Maxwell's eyes widened as he looked back at Dorian. "Staying?"

He winked at him. "Oh, didn't I mention? The South is so charming and rustic. I adore it to little pieces."

Maxwell shook his head and laughed softly. "There's no one I'd rather be stranded in time with, future or present."

"Excellent choice!" He bowed with a flourish. "But let's not get 'stranded' again anytime soon, yes?"

"I'll begin preparations to march upon the summit," said Cullen. "Make a willing, the mages will be enough to grant us victory."


They had a plan. Now all they had to do was wait for the mages to arrive and select who would be the most suited to the job.

Cullen walked up to Evelyn out of the Chantry. She glanced at him. "You weren't happy with how the mages were brought in." She hesitated, and then asked. "Do you have a problem with us as well?"

He looked startled by the question. "Of course not." He sighed, and rubbed the back of his neck. "I have no intention of endangering the alliance your brother established, but I must ensure the safety of those here. That concern extends to the mages. They are putting themselves at risk for the Inquisition." He glanced at her. "As are you. Any precautions taken are meant to aid you, nothing more. I hope you will accept them as such."

She smiled, and nodded. "Is there anything I should know?"

"I'd gotten used to mages disliking me on principle. Vivienne's views on templars are…" He glanced back at the Chantry. "Surprisingly traditional."

"Then I suppose I'll see you around commander," said Evelyn.

Cullen just stood there watching as she walked away and found his eyes going towards her ass. He quickly shook his head to snap himself out it and turned back to the recruits.


"Do we have to worry about King Alistair and Queen Elissa?" Maxwell asked.

Leliana smiled. "We will have to tread a bit more lightly on Ferelden soil, but we should be fine."

Maxwell hesitated, and then sighed. "In Redcliffe, you sacrificed yourself so that I could return here."

"Of course I did." Leliana shrugged. "One small life in exchange for a second chance at history? I always loved a bargain."

He'd never get the sight of that terror demon out of his head. "It was still a sacrifice and still noble."

Leliana put a hand on Maxwell's shoulder, making Maxwell meet her eyes. "And I would do it again." She glanced back in the general direction of Redcliffe. "Arl Teagan is returning to Redcliffe Castle and resuming his duties as lord. The people are returning, slowly but surely." She sighed. "Unfortunately, our show of support for the mages has angered many."

"I'm not sure there was an option that wouldn't have angered many."


Solas smiled as he and Ellana fell into step with each other on their walk around Haven. "So we have gained the mages, excellent. They should be able to seal the Breach." He turned his gaze to her. "You are certain you experienced time travel? Could it have been an illusion, a trick of the Fade?"

"You think Alexius made an illusion of his own life going down in flames?" Ellana asked raising an eyebrow.

"Point taken." He gestured. "What an amazing gift. It is vital the Inquisition succeed, to avoid the future you witnessed."

They walked in silence for a few minutes. As they crested the hill above the lake, she raised an eyebrow at him. "I'm surprised you're not more interested in your own future."

"I know enough. If that future happened then I—" He turned to look down at the camp. "And Cassandra, Cullen, and the rest—failed to stop this Elder One." He turned back to her. "Speaking of which… you should ready yourself."

"For?"

"This Elder One. You have now interfered with his plans twice. Once at the Temple of Sacred Ashes…" He used his staff to point out the locations. "…And now again at Redcliffe. A being who aspires to godhood is unlikely to ignore such an affront."

They continued their walk, circling the lake. "I'd be interested in hearing your opinion on elven culture."

"I thought you would be more interested in sharing your opinions of elven culture," said Solas raise an eyebrow. "You are Dalish, are you not?"

"Yes, I am," said Ellana narrowing her eyes. "The Dalish on the best hope for preserving the culture of our people."

"Our people," Solas mumbled. "You used that phase so casually. It should mean more… but the Dalish have forgotten that. Among other things."

Ellana folded her arms. "Oh, but you know the truth, right?"

"While they pass on stories, mangling details, I walk the Fade. I have seen things they have not."

Ellana sighed. "Ir abelas, hahren. If the Dalish have done you a disservice, I would make that right. What course would you set for them that is better than what they are now?"

Solas sighed. "You are right, of course. The fault is mine, for expecting what the Dalish could never truly accomplish. Ir abelasda'len. If I can offer any understanding, you have but to ask.

Ellana decided it was best not to contradict him. "I'd like to know more about the elves from before our time."

"The Dalish strive to remember Halamshiral, but Halamshiral was merely a fumbling attempt to recreate a forgotten land."

Ellana nodded. "Arlathan."

Solas nodded. "Elvhenan was the Empire, and Arlathan its greatest city. A place of magic and beauty, lost to time."

"You've studied ancient elves. What else do you know of Arlathan?" Ellana asked curiously.

"We hear stories of them living in trees and imagine wooden ramps or Dalish aravles. Imagine instead spires of crystal twisting through the branches, palaces floating among the clouds. Imagine beings who live forever, for whom magic was as natural as breathing." He then looked down at his feet as if reliving a bad memory. "That is what was lost."

"Are all Dalish clans like mine?"

Solas shook his head. "No. Your clan was unique in having enough interest in human affairs to send you to spy upon the Divine's meeting. As your clans have been separate for so long, they have all changed, adapted to the lands in which they live. Some were no more than bandits, others trade freely with humans, and some have disappeared entirely into the forests."

"What can you tell me about elves living in human cities?" Ellana asked curiously.

"The coaching Alienages all among the slaves of Tervinter is like any of the impoverished and powerless. They clung to memories of a better past and practice a few rituals to distinguish themselves from humans."

"Is the magic they teach in the Circles different from the magic I learned from my people?"

"No and yes. Magic is magic, just as water is water, but it can be used in different ways." He shrugged. "Dalish magic is more practical, not needing Chantry approval, although they still frown on blood magic. Superstition." He sketched the air with his hands. "Much of it is more subtle, a legacy from when the elves were immortal."

"The legends of elven immortality…" She raised an eyebrow. "Did they use magic to increase their lifespan?"

"No, it was simply part of being elven." His voice once again became that of the storyteller, or perhaps that of the patient teacher. "The subtle beauty of their magic was the effect, not the cause, of their nature. Some spells took years to cast. Echoes would linger for centuries, harmonizing with new magic in an unending symphony." He looked wistful. "It must have been beautiful."

She tried to picture it. The best she could come up with was reflections in fractured ice, layering upon each other. His other words came to mind. "You said the censure against blood magic was superstition…"

He glanced at her. "I did." He shrugged. "It's fortunate Cassandra is not within earshot. Most modern cultures forbid blood magic. Publicly, even Tevinter disapproves of it. But as I said, magic is magic. It matters only in how it is used."

"I'd be interesting in learning more about blood magic." She tapped her staff. "It seems the only stories we ever get are about how it is misused, even among my people."

"I would teach you, if I knew it." Solas's eyes studied her. "Unfortunately, using blood magic seems to make it more difficult to enter the Fade. You understand why I have never bothered to learn it. A shame, as it is extremely powerful." He shrugged. "Provide it remains a tool, not a crutch… nor a passion."


Varric watched Ellana and Solas walk through the gate. That both seemed to actually enjoy wandering around through the hills and trees around the camp just proved something he'd always suspected. Erdic then sat next to him and gave him a tankard of mead.

"You look like you need a drink," he said.

"You have no idea. The mage rebellion joins the Inquisition. I've got to admit, that's a twist I didn't see coming," he said taking a sip of mead. "One thing about the future worries me. I mean, it was all bad. But red lyrium in Ferelden? Infecting people and growing out of them? That's bad." He kicked a rock into the fire, sending up a small shower of sparks. "Finding more of it really punches a hole in my 'red lyrium at the temple was a coincidence' theory."

"How long does it take for red lyrium to grow? How fast can it spread?" Erdic asked.

"It took years to infect people in Kirkwall, but no one there was actually ingesting the stuff." He'd have to write to Hawke, see if his contacts had found anything. That wasn't going to be easy with the Seeker looking over his shoulder. "This 'Elder One' managed to take the worst thing I can think of and make it worse. That's an accomplishment."

"The Inquisition has the numbers to track down all this lyrium and destroy it," said Erdic. "I've also warned the Carta about not touching the stuff, whether they listen is another thing. Still, with any luck we can destroy it before it endangers people."

Varric nodded. "I hope so. I don't want to think about what happens if it starts a plague. I've got people trying to figure out where the red stuff came from. I think maybe we should make that a priority. But that's enough doom and gloom. You just one a big victory for the Inquisition. What're you going to do to celebrate?"

"Yeah, things do seem bit dull despite major victory," Erdic nodded.


"So… that Tevinter guy sent Maxwell and Ellana into the future?" Iron Bull gave Adaar a dubious look and grunted.

Adaar just smiled at him. "If you're worried about magic, I can protect you."

Iron Bull just smirked. "My blade pretty much protect me."

Adaar shrugged. "Perhaps I can do think your blade can't."

"I don't know. It has blood grooves. Well, technically it's fuller, but 'blood grooves' sounds so much more violent." Iron Bull then turned to the mages were starting to trickle in. "Anyway, I hope our new friends have what it takes to close the Breach. Damn thing gives me a headache just looking at it."

Krem nodded. "Nice work at Redcliffe. I could help the mages learn to work with Inquisition soldiers, if you like." He coughed. "Not that the chief has any apostates in the group."

Adaar crossed her arms. "How should we deploy the Chargers?"

"The templars have holed up in Therinfal Redoubt. No idea what's happening inside." He tapped the fingers of his left hand against his right vambrace. "I could have some of the boys poke around. If nothing else, we'd get a better look at the land."

"Good idea. Let Leliana know."


Blackwall was leaning on a stone wall near the smithy, working a whetstone over the edge of his blade. He nodded as she approached. "There was never going to be an easy answer to the mage dilemma." He nodded to Maxwell. "What you did for the mages took courage. You gave them a chance. Everyone deserves one."

"I couldn't agree with you more," said Maxwell.

"Anyway, I've heard rumours of abandoned Warden camps all over these parts. If we have time, I'd like to take a look. See if there's anything we can't salvage."

Maxwell nodded. "Since we're one the topic of the Wardens, I was hoping that you could tell me a bit more about them."

"Ah, the Wardens?" said Blackwall, looking slightly uneasy. "I'm afraid we're less exciting than we seem."

"The Blights been over for ten years. What do Wardens do when the world is not ending?" Maxwell asked.

"There are still darkspawn. Just because we killed so many in Ferelden doesn't mean they're gone. In the world is not so peaceful that there's no use for good men with swords." He then crosses arms and look to the Blech. "Sometimes you have to figure out for yourself what the pledge to protect others really means. So always just Archdemons and Blights."

"Where were you doing the Blight?" Maxwell asked curiously.

"I was in Ferelden, on my own like always. Quietly killed my fair share of darkspawn, too."

Maxwell couldn't understand how come Blackwall hadn't heard about the sudden disappearance of the Wardens. "You haven't had contact with the other Wardens for while. Why were you on your own?"

"It's what I've always done. Recruitment only requires one man." He shrugged. "Besides, I've always been a loner. Works best for everyone that way."

Maxwell sighed. "So you have no idea where the rest of the Wardens are?"

Blackwall raised an eyebrow. "You find that odd? The Blight is over. We don't need an organised force. And orders don't change much from day-to-day." He chuckled. "For the past thousand years or so, it's been just 'Find darkspawn. Kill them. Repeat as necessary'.

He nodded. "You said you hadn't met Warden Constable Mahariel, but what about the other Wardens from the Fifth Blight?"

He shook his head. "They mostly scattered after things calmed down. Lots of work to be done."

"Still is, I suppose."


Maxwell could feel Vivienne's look of disapproval the moment he entered the Chantry. It was like leaping into a half-frozen lake. "If Fiona and her malcontents are joining us as allies, we need to be prepared. Abominations are inevitable." Vivienne folded her hands. "Cullen doesn't have enough templars to handle incidents. Some of the rank and file need to be trained."

Maxwell nodded. "Last thing we need are abominations running amok.

Vivienne's face lightened up. "I knew you would have a proper grasp of the situation. I'll have a word with Cullen. We are reliant on his people absolutely." She made a small adjustment to her sleeve. "There has never been a greater threat to mages than the Breach. Until it is closed, no one is safe."

"You have a low opinion of your fellow mages," Maxwell noted.

"It's not a matter of opinion, my dear. I have a close relationship with reality. Many of our colleagues to do not." Vivienne gestured. "Magic is dangerous, just as fire is dangerous. Anyone who forgets this truth gets burned."

"You're right, but templar are a poor solution."

"They are men, and all men are flawed. That some fail does not mean that none should try. The fact remains that there is no cure for an abomination except death. Someone must strike the killing blow. Who shall lower the blade if not a templar?"

She then looked Maxwell curiously. "Tell me something. You told me that you'd see the Chantry restored. What about the Circle?"

"The Circle has to be restored if we want to keep the peace," said Maxwell.

"That's comforting to hear, but you'll find opposition to the idea even among friends. It's something to consider, my dear."


Josephine was having a discussion with a dwarven woman about lyrium as Maxwell approached. The dwarf nodded to Maxwell, then glanced at Josephine. "I'll take my leave. Good day."

"Who was she, Ambassador?" Maxwell asked.

"A merchant. I thought we should reach out to the dwarves to secure lyrium for the Inquisition's mages. According to Lady Korpin, it's raised the ire of the Chantry."

"How?"

"Access to lyrium makes us rather more formidable than they anticipated. We are becoming a challenge." Josephine made a quick note on a piece of parchment. "Sadly, the remaining grand clerics appear to be consolidating the Chantry's power instead of comforting the masses."

Maxwell sighed. "Mage Circles started falling years ago. The Chantry was troubled even before the Divine's murder."

"Yet many people continue to bear a great love. We will not benefit from its decline." Josephine opened the door to her office, gesturing for Maxwell to follow her in. "The Chant did much to bridge nations. Little but the Chantry ties Orlais, Nevarra, Ferelden, Antiva, and even Rivain to a common cause."

"Has the Chantry truly promoted such peace?" said Maxwell as he sat down on a trunk.

"Andraste's chant is familiar across kingdoms, a source of many shared customs." Josephine punctuated her words with her pen. "That is the crucial point. Common ground is the start of all negotiations."

"I suppose a shared faith can be useful when talking with strangers"

"Precisely. And these similar interests are merely where we begin. We must learn to think beyond our own wants to secure peace in Thedas."

The woman's enthusiasm was a little infectious. "Planning to steer the history of the world, Ambassador Montilyet?"

"I believe the Inquisition is already charting that course. Which brings me to a question, if you have a moment." She glanced at a piece of parchment, bringing it to the top of the others on her writing board. "The remaining grand clerics sent a missive inquiring about events at the Temple of Sacred Ashes. They demand to know whether the Inquisition officially claims that Andraste saved you and the others from the Breach. If it were up to you, how would you reply?"

"Will my answer change your reply to the Chantry?"

Josephine glanced towards the war room. "If Leliana, Cassandra, Cullen, and I could agree on our official stance, I could answer that." She sighed. "We should decide soon. The revered mothers don't seem to know what to make of you."

He sighed. "I'd tell the Chantry I was saved by circumstance, not divine intervention."

"Yet, as rumors you're Andraste's Herald grow, the grand clerics may not believe such a humble reply. A difficult situation, and I thank you for your answer."


Sera was a bit less happy about the mages being part of the Inquisition, but settled down a little after Erdic bought her a round of drinks. He tried to ask Sera about her background, but came away more confused than enlightened.

Maxwell shared a bottle of wine with Dorian. He told him about Tevinter, correcting a few bits of misinformation and reluctantly admitting to what parts of Tevinter's reputation were true. They sat on the edge of the wall, watching the soldiers at practice.

"The Inquisition supports free mages. What's next? Elves running Halamshiral? Cows milking farmers?"

He had a feeling that Ellana would have scold him for mocking her people. "Give me time. I'm sure I'll surprise you?"

"I suspect that untrue…" He then smiled as if reliving a daydream, "unless you strip yourself naked and allow the Chantry to flog you into repentance. Now that would surprise me." He took a drink. "I do wonder if you've considered what this support of yours will do. For mages in general, I mean. The Inquisition is seen as an authority. You've given southern mages license to…" He swirled the liquid in his glass. "Well, be like mages back home."

"If it means they're anything like you, I approve."

"Ha! There aren't many mages back home like me."

"I'd believe that."

"I never fit in." He winked. "Bloodstains are so difficult to clean, you see."

He sipped from his own glass and watched where the tents were being set up for the incoming mages. "So we're doomed to a future of blood magic, then?"

"Not at first." His face became a little more serious. "But you'd be a fool not to see where this could lead. Thing is, the Imperium was once just like the South. Templars, proper Circles, all that rot. Then it changed. By inches." He refilled his glass. "Not that this is reason to oppress us. Still, my homeland should be a cautionary tale, not a source of inspiration."

Maxwell looked at him curiously. "It occurs to me that I barely know anything about you."

He waggled his fingers and dropped his voice an octave. "Beyond my being a mage from Tevinter, you mean?"

"Beyond that, yes."

"And beyond my being so charming and well-dressed? Which is obvious to anyone."

He laughed. "You certainly think highly of yourself."

"It's true." He spread his hands. "I could be more modest, but I'd be lying. Now…" He took another drink. "What was I talking about? Ah, yes. Me. I am the scion of House Pavus, a product of generations of careful breeding, and the repository of its hopes and dreams. Naturally, I despised it all: the lies, the scheming, the illusions of supremacy. That's Tevinter in a nutshell, isn't it? Needless to say, my family was not happy with my choices."


They continued talking as it started to grow dark, then made their farewells. Maxwell was heading back to his javelin past Leliana, who was in the midst of talking to one of her agents and had a varied annoyed look on her face.

"There were so many questions surrounding Farrier's death," she said bitterly. "Did he think we wouldn't notice?" She then turned to the agent. "He's killed Farrier. One of my best agents. And know where the others are." She shook her head. "You know what must be done. Make it clean. Painless, if you can. We were friends once."

"Wait," said Maxwell his eyes widening. "What are you doing?"

Leliana turned to face him. "He betrayed us. He murdered my agent."

"And you'd kill him? Just like that?"

Leliana narrowed her eyes. "You find fault with my decisions?"

Maxwell looked at her calmly. "We can't solve our problems with murder."

"And what would you suggest? Leave him be?" Leliana march up to pressed a finger on his chest. "Butler's betrayal put our agents in danger. I condemn turn one man to save dozens. I may not like what I do, but it must be done. I can do for the luxury of ideals of the time like this."

"Now is precisely the time for ideals," said Maxwell firmly.

Leliana looked taken aback and looked down at her table. "You feel very strongly about this." She sighed. "Very well, I will think of another way to deal with this man." She then looked at her agent. "Apprehend Butler, but see that he lives."

The agent bowed and left the tent and Leliana looked at Maxwell, still looking slightly annoyed. "Now, if you're happy. I have more work to do."


The first wave of mages had mostly settled in the following afternoon. Maxwell was walking through the camp when he found Cassandra having a heated discussion with a senior enchanter. "And what are we supposed to do, exactly?"

Cassandra glared. "What you always do: complain."

"We've already spoken with Commander Cullen. No one listens." He shook his head angrily. "We want better quarters. We want the templars kept at a distance, and some respect for—"

"This is not the Circle. You mages are our allies, not our wards. Act like it."

"How are we supposed to—"

"Deal. With. It." He stormed off at Cassandra's reply. The Seeker shook her head, and then glanced at Maxwell. "It never ends, evidently."

"You don't need to tell me that," Maxwell groaned.

"I just don't know who told them I'm the one to yell at," said Cassandra shaking her head as they walking towards the back of the camp.

"Is it that bad?"

"The mages are here as equals," said Cassandra. "They need to get used to what that means. It is your doing, after all. You created this alliance."

"I had to think on my feet, and I do what I could."

Cassandra blinks. "Oh. I do sound like I'm blaming you, don't I?" Cassandra shook her head. "I don't disapprove. In fact, you did well. You made a decision when it needed to be made. And here we are. I wish I could say this was my doing."

Maxwell smirked. "You're flattering me!"

"I'm not!" said Cassandra, blushing slightly. "This always happens. Nobody ever takes my meaning…"

Maxwell laughed. "You should see your face."

Cassandra narrowed her eyes. "I'm thinking less flattering things now." This only cause Maxwell to laugh even harder. Cassandra sighed. "Let's hope the Breach as your sense of humour."

She then walked away looking slightly annoyed and Maxwell simply shook his head.


It was almost time to venture up into the temple and Maxwell was at the tavern having a big drink. There with him were Adaar, Erdic and Ellana, sharing a drink with him.

"You think you're up to it?" Erdic asked.

"I don't have any choice in the matter," said Maxwell.

"Yeah, I suppose you don't," said Eridc. "Personally I hope you succeed, I've got a wife and a child along the way."

Ellana pretty much spat her mead. "You're married?"

"You don't have to sound so surprised," said Eridc hotly. "What about the rest of you, don't you guys have family?"

"Both my parents are in the Free Marches right now," said Adaar. "I'm not too concerned about them, my father knows how to keep them safe."

"What was your parent's role in the Qun?" Maxwell asked curiously.

"My father was a Ben-Hassrath like Bull and my mother was a Tamassran, they're the one who look after the young," said Adaar noticing the blank faces. "Eventually my parents got tired of the Qun and left, it wasn't easy, but if my father had not been a Ben-Hassrath they probably would have made it."

"What about you Ellana?" Erdic asked.

Ellana shook head. "My parents are from another clan, when my magic manifested I was sent to Clan Lavellan for they needed a second."


Moments later, Maxwell was at the temple, he gazed down at his hand which was growing green. He then looked to the majors and among them was Evelyn and she simply smiled at him. Ellana, Vivienne and Dorian were also present, though both stood some distance from the other mages and each other.

Solas gestured for his to come with him, and he followed him up to where the green light of the Breach trailed down to where the original rift had been. Adaar, Erdic and Cassandra flanked him in case more demons managed to come through. Cassandra turned back to where the mages were gathered, and shouted to get their attention.

"Mages!" Cassandra announced.

"Focus past the Herald!" Solas yelled raising his staff, and took over giving the commands. "Let his will draw from you!" He met his eyes, and signalled him to begin.

Slowly, he walked into the light, holding up his marked hand and letting the energy surge through him. At that moment the mages slammed their staff into the ground channelling their power into the mark. The pain in his hand increased, but it was not unbearable like last time, and he felt his body start to tremble. The green light began to shift and shimmer, convulsing. Then he took a deep breath, and released it all at once through the mark.

The burst of energy slammed right into the Breach and suddenly there was a huge shock wave than not everyone off their feet. Cassandra slowly pulled herself up and looked up to see that the Breach was no more.

She then quickly ran up to Maxwell, who was on his knees, exhausted, but alive. Cassandra then helped him up as they looked up into the sky, which now appear to have a green scar across it.

"You did it," Cassandra said.

At once cheers erupted within the ruined temple.


Maxwell stood near the quartermaster's station, watching the celebration taking part below him. Minaeve was dancing with Seggrit of all people. Even Adan appeared to be enjoying himself. The rest of the guard were enjoying themselves with drink.

"Solas confirms the heavens are scarred by calm." Cassandra walked to stand beside him. "The Breach is sealed. We've reports of lingering rifts, and many questions remain, but this was a victory." She gave Maxwell an approving nod. "Word of your heroism has spread."

"You know how many were involved." Maxwell gestured at the camp below them. "Luck put me at the centre."

Cassandra's lips tugged upwards into a half-smile. "A strange kind of luck. I'm not sure if we need more or less." She turned her own gaze to the camp. "But you're right. This was a victory of alliance. One of the few in recent memory." She turned back to Maxwell. "With the Breach closed, that alliance will need new focus."

He started to reply, and then heard the sound of the alarm bells. A moment later, Cullen was directing the soldiers. "Force approaching! To arms!"

"What the…?" Cassandra shook her head, then touched Maxwell's shoulder."We must get to the gates!" Both of them jumped down from their position and rushed forward and was soon joined by the rest of the guard.


"Cullen?" Cassandra called as they approached him.

"One watchguard reporting." He gestured. "It's a massive force, the bulk over the mountain."

"Under what banner?" Josephine asked.

"None."

Maxwell was about to approach the gate, but then something hard hit the door.

"I can't come in unless you open!" a voice said from the other side.

He and Adaar exchanged a look with Cullen, and he gestured for one of the men to open the gates. A massive man in Venatori armor started to move towards them. He pitched forward, and fell on his face, revealing a young man in a broad-brimmed hat standing behind him, a dagger in each hand. The young man sheathed the knives.

"I'm Cole. I came to warn you. To help." He took a step forward, and Cullen swiftly moved to block his path. "People are coming to hurt you. You probably already know."

"What is this? What's going on?" Maxwell asked.

"The templars come to kill you," Cole said. He pointed back at the oncoming forces.

"Templars?" Cullen looked towards him, then back at Cole. "Is this the Order's response to our talks with the mages? Attacking blindly?"

"The red templars went to the Elder One." He sidled past Cullen to approach Maxwell and his guard. "You know him? He knows you. You took his mages." Cole pointed up at the hill above the frozen lake. "There."

The creature on top of the hill looked something like the drawings he'd seen of darkspawn emissaries. But considering the human man standing next to him, the creature had to be nearly nine feet tall.

"I know that man…" said Cullen looking up at the Hill. "But this Elder One…"

"He's very angry that you took his mages," said Cole.

"Cullen!" said Maxwell turning towards him. "Give me a plan! Anything!"

He nodded. "Haven is no fortress. If we are to withstand this monster, we must control the battle. Get out there and hit that force. Use everything you can!" He pointed to the trebuchets, and he nodded. He turned back to the people at the gate, and started shouting orders. "Mages! You—" He pointed his blade at them. "You have sanction to engage them! That is Samson. He will not make it easy!" He saw the soldiers begin to rally as he continued. "Inquisition! With the Herald! For your lives! For all of us!"


Maxwell along with his guard followed a small band of soldiers to the trebuchets, Varric, Cassandra, and Solas only a few steps behind them. The templars started to attack. Some of them had red crystals on their armour or even… Oh Maker help them, some had the red lyrium growing out of them. Ellana reinforced the barrier Solas put up around the soldiers, and started calling down lightning. Erdic and Cassandra moved in front of them with their shield, keeping any of the templars from getting close to her with their blades.

Maxwell quickly hurried towards the trebuchet and Adaar watched his back as he began to arm it. He then released the treble chez and it fired. Then they heard shouting that the templars had taken the north trebuchet. Maxwell glanced at the soldiers and indicated he'd go take care of it. A few of the soldiers followed him, but most stayed to guard the trebuchet as it continued to fire.

He, Adaar and Cassandra drew their blades and began slicing through the templars lines as the soldiers charged in. Not enough. Two of the Inquisition soldiers went down under templar swords. The battle was brutal. Half of the remaining soldiers were wounded and limping by the time the trebuchet was clear.

Adaar kept on defending Maxwell with her greatsword as he aimed the trebuchet, making sure nothing came in to disrupt his work. The stone hit the side of the mountain, and for a moment Maxwell thought he'd miscalculated. Then the slide began. Varric clapped him on the shoulder and cheered as the slide began to bury the forces marching on Haven.

However, it did not last, for next thing they knew a burst of red energy blew the trebuchet to pieces. Maxwell up dizzily, and felt his blood go cold as he saw the tattered dragon in the air.

"Shit!" Varric hollered as he scrambled to his feet. "Who ordered the end of the damned world?"

Quickly everyone got back onto their feet and began to scramble towards the main gate. The dragon started to circle again, and its breath killed another group of soldiers. He heard them scream as they died in the strange red fire.

The blacksmith was trying to get the door of the smithy open. Adaar managed to break down the door and he saluted her as he rushed inside.


Cullen was at the gate, shoving people inside. "Move it, move it!" He took one more look out before he closed the gates behind them. "We need everyone back to the Chantry! It's the only building that might hold against…" He met Maxwell's eyes, and he could tell he didn't want to say it. "That beast!" He sighed. "At this point…" He started up the stairs. "Just make them work for it."

They fought their way through Haven. Lysette was facing a group of the red templars, and they moved to help her. They collected a few more soldiers as they went, clearing the houses and tavern of wounded. Ellana got up a barrier just in time to protect both her and Minaeve from shards of exploding pots as the fire continued to spread. They rescued Threnn, and the quarter master got an arm under the wounded Seggrit, helping him into the Chantry.

Roderick was at the door of the Chantry. One look told Maxwell he was in bad shape, but he held the door for them. "Move! Keep going! The Chantry is your shelter!" He stumbled as he let the door close behind him.

Cole caught him, and got Roderick's arm over his shoulders. The young man looked up at Maxwell. "He tried to stop a templar. The blade went deep. He's going to die."

"What a charming boy." Roderick let Cole carry him to a chair.

Ellana followed, and called up her healing magic. However the corruption from the templars was already wedged deep inside Roderick, there was nothing she could do. She met his eyes, and he nodded in resignation.

"Herald!" Cullen came towards him and the others. "Our position is not good. That dragon stole back any time you might have earned us."

"I've seen an Archdemon," said Cole from where he was kneeling next to Roderick. "I was in the Fade, but it looked like that."

"I don't care what it looks like." Cullen gestured. "It has cut a path for that army. They'll kill everyone in Haven!"

"The Elder One doesn't care about the village. He only wants the Herald and his guard." Cole looked up from under the brim of his hat.

If there was any way to protect the innocent, Maxwell had to take it even if it meant his death. "If it will save these people, he can have me." He then looked to his guard. "I ask you to do the same."

"I'm with you," said Ellana.

"As I," said Adaar.

They then look to Eridc, who sighed. "If you can't beat them, join them."

Cole shook his head. "He wants to kill you. No one else matters, but he'll crush them, kill them anyway. I don't like him."

"You don't like…?" Cullen pulled his gaze from Cole and back to Maxwell. "Herald, there are no tactics to make this survivable. The only thing that slowed them was the avalanche. We could turn the remaining trebuchets, cause one last slide."

"We're overrun. To hit the enemy, we'd bury Haven," said Adaar.

"We're dying, but we can decide how." He put a hand on her shoulder. "Many don't get that chance."

Roderick then turned his gaze down deeper towards the Chantry and Cole followed his gaze. He then looked back at Roderick. "Yes, that. Chancellor Roderick can help. He wants to say it before he dies."

Maxwell turned and stared, and he came to Roderick's side, kneeling to hear him better. "There is a path. You wouldn't know it unless you'd made the summer pilgrimage. As I have. The people can escape. She must have shown me. Andraste must have shown me so I could…" He caught his wrist, his grip weak. "Tell you."

"What are you on about, Roderick?" He put his hand over his.

"It was whim that I walked the path. I did not mean to start—it was overgrown. Now, with so many in the Conclave dead, to be the only one who remembers… I don't know, Herald." He raised his eyes to meet his. "If this simple memory can save us, this could be more than mere accident. You and your guard could be more."

Maxwell turned to Cullen. "What about it, Cullen? Will it work?"

He nodded. "Possibly. If he shows us the path." He then looked at Maxwell and the guard. "But what of your escape?" Their eyes met, and he nodded. "Perhaps you will surprise it, find a way…" It was clear he didn't have much more hope for that then he did. He turned to the soldiers and the people. "Inquisition! Follow Chancellor Roderick through the Chantry! Move!"

Cole got his shoulder under Roderick again. Roderick turned his eyes to Maxwell one more time. "Herald… If you are meant for this, if the your guard is meant for this, if the Inquisition is meant for this, I pray for you."

Cullen looked back from where he was directing the forces. "Keep the Elder One's attention until we're above the tree line. If we are to have a chance—" He caught his arm. "If you are to have a chance—let that thing hear you."