"Inquisitor," said Josephine she made her way over to Maxwell. "I have been in contact with Professor Bram Kenric of the University of Orlais, he says that he has found something in the Frostback Basin that holds secrets beneficial to both academic research and the Inquisition itself."

"Then I'll leave at once and investigate," said Maxwell as he rose to his feet.

"Theron has already gone ahead to sort things out with Scout Harding, he says the terrain there is unknown and they could benefit from his skills," said Leliana as she approached them.

"Then I will welcome his expertise."


It took them half a day to reach the Basin and Scout Harding had already organised a forward base in the area.

She smiled when she saw them approach. "Good to see you, and your guard, Inquisitor. Allow me to introduce Professor Bram Kenric. He's the reason we're out here." Scout Harding gestured at the man beside her.

"A pleasure to meet you, Your Worship." The man's accent placed him as from Starkhaven.

"Professor Kenric teaches at the University of Orlais."

"I came on an exchange program from Starkhaven," Kenric explained. "While in Val Royeaux, I found something incredible! After 800 years, we may be able to determine the final resting place of the last Inquisitor."

Maxwell's eyes widened. "The texts say that Inquisitor Ameridan was a dragon hunter who vanished on his last expedition."

"Yes, precisely. I see you've read Letrec's Precursors to the Chantry." The professor spread his hands. "Inquisitor Ameridan stepped down shortly before the Nevarran Accord brought the Seekers of Truth into the Chantry. He hunted demons, dragons, and dangerous apostates in a time before templars even existed."

Scout Harding grinned. "I'm all for history if it means tracking down the equipment of a famous demon hunter."

Erdic smiled. "Scout Harding, you had me at 'equipment'."

"Thought you might like that."

"Your scouts have gathered artifacts from the area. They may help us discover what Inquisitor Ameridan was doing."

"I have news as well." Scout Harding gestured at a map. "We've encountered hostile Avvar to the north. They call themselves the Jaws of Hakkon. There's also an Avvar hold to the east. Unlike the Jaws of Hakkon, they've been friendly so far."

"The Jaws of Hakkon?"

"They're hostile Avvar who attack any Inquisition agents or researchers who get close. We've sent soldiers for defence, but the Hakkonites are cunning, merciless, and know the Basin better than we do."

"Where's Theron, Leliana told me that he accompanied you," said Maxwell noticing the absence of the Dalish Warden.

"He's out in the field helping our troops deal with these hostile Avvar," Harding explained. "He says he can try and make contact with the friendly Avvar in the east."


Professor Kenric clearly had a lot of respect for Scout Harding. Professor Kenric seemed to know what he was doing, but Maxwell was a little leery of letting the man go traipsing about the woods. He told him that there were Tevinter ruins in the area and asked if they could keep an eye out for his assistant.

Adding to these problems was the fact that Scout Harding was afraid of heights and she was quite dismissive of Theron's plans of arranging treehouses as camps. He insisted that it would protect them from the local wildlife and prevent any hostile Avvar surprising them.

Since Theron had a lot more experience when it came from wildlife survival, he had to agree with his plans and Ellana backed it up. It was hard to argue with two Dalish elves, who spend most of their life wondering through forests and harsh terrain is like the one they were in.


They arrived at the fisherman's hold just in time to witness an argument. Maxwell was going to stand back and let the Avvar conclude their business, but the group in warpaint saw them and started yelling about death to the lowlanders and glory to Hakkon.

Against only two, the fight was over quickly. They both fell to the blades of Adaar and Iron Bull. Unfortunately, the fisherman was unwilling to lend them a boat without the approval of his thane.

They then soon entered into a deep dark forest and there they found Kenric's assistant, a young elven girl, been attacked by a group of lurkers. Fortunately, for her, they jumped in in time to save and slaughtered the lurkers.

"Still standing… that's…" She sighed with relief. She then turned to Maxwell and the others. "Inquisitor. Still finding it difficult to breathe. But I'm not strewn across the landscape, so thank you. I'm Colette. Professor Kenric's research assistant. I was hoping to conduct a survey of a Tevinter ruin in the hills. I may not have chosen the best route…"

Ellana just blinked at Colette. "You're Kenric's research assistant, so that makes you a student at the University in Orlais?"

"It does. Why?"

Ellana crossed her arms. "Orlesian institutions aren't always… acceptable of elves."

Colette narrowed her eyes. "We all can't run Inquisitions, but I imagine you've caught whispers behind your back, too. The University accepts those worthy of admission. Though elven students are few."

"How do you find it there?" Maxwell asked curiously.

"It's not easy, but this is what I want," said Colette with a small smile on her face. "And I like working for Professor Kenric. Elven research students… where publication's concern, their work is often deemed 'not substantial another formal credit'. But Kenric cares about people who want to learn. If our research finds an audience, I know my name will be included."

"What are you hoping to find at these ruins?" Adaar asked as she began to skin the lurkers.

"The Tevinters' time here was brief, but the architecture endured, offering shelter, forming landmarks. Ancient Avaar would have encountered these structures, which certainly predated Inquisitor Ameridan. Evaluating the ruins could offer insight into the region's history—" She then looked up at the cliff where the ruin stood. "Once I can get set up."

"You're still going there?" said Maxwell slightly surprised.

"I've read everything on Ameridan, and studied up on new excavation techniques. I won't waste this opportunity. If you're a map, I can show you my destination. If you're interested in the findings."

Maxwell nodded and she began to mark on their map and then he looked at her one last time. "Stay safe."

"I will."


They arrived at Stone-Bear hold to find some sort of climbing contest. He also encountered the leader of the Hakkonites, who wasn't too pleased to see them, but he said he would not shed blood since they were not in his hold.

Thane Sun-Hair, at least, was courteous enough. It appeared that Theron had been successful of negotiating peace with them as she was leading them into her hold, where Theron stood there waiting.

"Inquisitor! I am Svarah Sun-Hair, Thane of Stone-Bear Hold. You have guest-welcome here. Your Inquisition has done much to heal the holes in the sky. We are grateful. You and your people have come far from the safety of the lowlands."

"We mean you no harm," said Theron. "In fact we came here for peaceful purposes."

"I don't doubt," said Thane Sun-Hair. "However, I cannot say that I am curious for your arrival. We do not see many lowlands here."

"As Theron said, we have not come to cause trouble in your home, Thane." He gave a small bow. "We have learned that the last Inquisitor may have died here hundreds of years ago. We seek his body."

Thane Sun-Hair nodded. "Giving peace to the dead is a worthy quest. Any help we can offer is yours." She shrugged. "Sadly, the Jaws of Hakkon will not offer so warm a welcome. If you would search this place for your Inquisitor's body, they will want you to pay in blood."

"It would seem as if negotiating would be fruitless," said Theron as he looked at them.

"Considering the welcome we had with them, that much is clear," said Adaar.

Maxwell nodded and turned to Adaar. "Adaar, you, Erdic and Theron take a team and deal with these Jaws of Hakkon while we continue our search. If you find anything let us know."

"Very well, just be safe," said Adaar.


Adaar and Erdic soon returned to the camp with Theron and Iron Bull soon returned to the camp.

They found Lieutenant Farrow reinforcing a camp by the river. "Report."

He bowed. "Yes, my lady. We have reports of demons down the river and adding to this complication are the Jaws of Hakkon. We also believe there are a few rifts in the vicinity."

"Better send word to Maxwell, he's the only one who can close these rifts," said Adaar.

"At once my lady," Lieutenant bowed and he left.

"They'd probably already setting off for the island now," said Erdic.

"That still doesn't stop us from clearing out the demons and the Hakkonite," said Adaar.

"Works for me," said Iron Bull as he pulled out his axe.


Maxwell and his group had reached the small island and were disembarking off the road the fisherman had lent them.

"Interesting. What drew so many spirits to this place, I wonder?" said Solas noticing the spirits that wondering around.

A voice came floating across the air. "Vhenan… I'm… dreaming…"

Ellana frowned. "That's elvish."

"What's an elf doing all the way out here?" said Maxwell.

"I have no idea, but it means heart."

The entire island looks as if it would had witnessed the fields of battle and they found a room and hard on top of the hill and inside it was a rift.

"This rift is ancient," said Solas as he examined it. "It may have been formed from the battle that took place here, not the Breach."

"We might find out more of what happened here we opened it," said Ellana.

Normally would have been reluctant to open a Fade rift, but there was no denying that they needed the information. He raised his hand and used the mark to open the rift.

Suddenly a spirit appeared and began to speak to them. "Telana slept… I slept. To find him in dreaming… but I… the blood… I'm… she's… gone." Slowly the voice became more coherent. "Telana wanted to reach Ameridan again, one more time, but she couldn't. I couldn't. I died. I tried to stay but only pieces came through. You opened the sky for the rest of me."

Maxwell turned to Solas. "Solas, this seems like something you might be able to help with."

"Pain drew the wraiths, but this spirit touched the mind of someone who cared for Inquisitor Ameridan," Solas explained.

"Ameridan. Yes. Inquisitor. Beloved. I… she… came with Ameridan to hunt the dragon."

Maxwell looked up. "The dragon?"

"Huge… power like none had seen. It came from the mountains with the Avvar. Towns fell, all dead. One last favour for Emperor Drakon. Slay the Avvar-Dragon. Save Orlais."

"This wasn't just a hunt?" said Maxwell. "Inquisitor Ameridan was here on orders from Emperor Drakon?"

"Yes. A secret. Dawn by the dragon, Telana… I didn't want to, but Ameridan goes, I go. They fought at the shore. Spirits and magic, cold, so cold. How I found her, how she found us. They rested here, then up the river. Metal spires. A way to stop the dragon. Then Telana returned here alone to wait for him. Forever waiting. Dreaming… then dead."

Ellana made her voice gentle. "We'll find Ameridan. You don't have to wait here anymore."

Solas stepped forward. "You have done all that she asked of you. Be free."

"Thank you. It was hard. I… she… went a long time ago. I stayed because she asked. Her things are there. She wanted them found."

As the spirit faded away, Maxwell stepped into the cabin and gathered the belongings. It was clear that Ameridan's reasons for coming here a lot more complicated than they had imagined.


They made their way back to the shore and found Erdic waiting for them, he explained that there have been a number Fade rift in the area. Knowing that he was the only one capable of closing the riffs Maxwell left with him and placed Ellana in charge.

Ellana decided it was time to meet up with Colette at the ruins and Dorian took great interest in the ruins.

"The ancient imperium did like to leave a mark," he said. "I wonder how long they stayed?"

"This must be the place Kenric's assistant was trying to reach," said Cassandra.

They mentioned in deeper and there stood Colette and what looks like some sort of memorial.

Colette then noticed their arrival. "Lady Ellana! I was going to send word. I've found something." She then gestured to a description on the memorial. "This inscription—almost completely faded, but: 'Two stood. Felled sixty true before our triumph. A breath in the hunt and let rest the lowlanders, worthy of the Lady's care.' The markings and surrounding artefacts date to Ameridan's time. This reference and script suggest Avvar."

"What your theory?" Ellana asked.

She then turned and looked at her excitedly. "I need to complete a full survey and have Professor Kenric evaluate the site himself… But this may be attributed to Haron and Orinna, Inquisitor Ameridan's companions."

"What you know about Haron?"

"When the Templar Order was first formed, Sir Haron was among its members. He is arguably the most famous of the original templars, though he was never one of its leaders. He is better known as one of Inquisitor Ameridan's confidants. They'd known each other since youth."

"So they were close. Friends."

"When Ameridan was made Inquisitor, Haron's position in his inner circle was assumed. A few ballads about them survive. The type with adventures and happy endings." She shrugged. "I don't know if they're true. They sound like my brothers, though."

"What can you tell me about Orinna?"

"Orinna was an alchemist in Orzammar. It's said she met Ameridan while dealing with a demon—but it's not sure why Ameridan was there. Demons aren't common in the Deep Roads, but they were a problem for the Inquisition at the time. Orinna knew she could help, so she joined Ameridan."

Ellana frowned. "If she left Orzammar, that would make her a surfacer."

Colette nodded. "She turned her back on the stone, though it said she had few regrets." Orinna's story was sounding a lot like Dagna's. "Some claim she was actually one of Orzammar's noble families, but who can say? She never used her last name on the surface, and once exiled, the family likely struck her name from personal documents. Professor Kenric petitioned Orzammar's Shaperate to grant him access to their records, but the request was turned down."

Ellana was positive that she could get Josephine to persuade Orzammar to allow them to access their records. She would have to return to the camp in order send a message.

She then looked at Colette. "What will you do with this information?"

"Professor Kenric were expected to notes on the location, stone and clay samples, and any trace artefacts I can find. If Ameridan's history is compiled, this would be worth an entire chapter." She then looked giddy at the excitement. "I'm I get credit on the inside cover!"


Maxwell had just returned from sealing all the fade rift in the area and he was fine for that Adaar was able to slay the pride demons that were guarding it. Upon returning to the camp he discovered that Ellana had also turned and was sending a note to Josephine.

He then made his way over to Kenric to inform them of their discoveries. He wasn't alone as Theron was there going through his papers.

"May I help you Inquisitor?" Kenric asked as he entered the hut.

"How were you assigned to the Inquisition?" Maxwell asked curiously.

"I study primarily the early Chantry, particularly around the signing of the Nevarran Accord. That is why I transferred to the University of Orlais. Closer to the source than Starkhaven." He then made his way to his notes and began looking through them. "Sadly, most scholars took Inquisitor Ameridan's history as settled, even with so many questions remaining. No one took my ideas seriously until your Inquisition formed. I wrote Ambassador Montilyet and well, here we are."

"I'd like to discuss Inquisitor Ameridan."

Kenric looked up and nodded. "Of course. Your predecessor. Existing historical records are contentious. Some say he was a devout Andrastain. Others suggest he cared little for religion, gaining leadership of the Seekers through Emperor Drakon's friendship. He disappeared round the time of the Seekers of Truth, the original Inquisition, incorporated into the newfound Chantry. It's not clear why. Some say he was tired of his responsibilities and wanted one last great dragon hunt."

Maxwell decided this was the best time to inform him of his findings. "As spirit on the island held the memories and possessions of Ameridan's lover, a woman named Telana. It told us that Ameridan was here on orders from Emperor Drakon himself… and where he went next."

Kenric looked at him completely speechless. "Andraste's dimples, I may have received tenure from that sentence alone."

"It has put new light on history," said Theron.

Kenric nodded then looked at Maxwell with great interest. "Ameridan had a lover, Telana, you said? The Inquisitor's lady mage! There were such a debate over whether she existed! And there were orders? This was a request from Drakon? This changes everything!"

Erdic took this moment are actually wondering. "What does it change, knowing that Ameridan was an omission for Emperor Drakon?" he asked.

"Everything," said Kenric. "One current theory holds that Ameridan was selfishly flowing of his responsibilities to go hunting. Another suggests Drakon had removed or even killed, because Ameridan opposed the Nevarran Accord. But if this is true, then Ameridan was a loyal servant of Orlais! He was not an embarrassment. He was a patriot protecting Orlais while Drakon fought in the Second Blight."

"It's only prove the two of them were very close friends," said Theron. "Though I must say are more interested in this Telana."

"Indeed," said Kenric. He then looked back at Maxwell and Erdic. "Telana's existence has been hotly debated. Some scholars took Inquisitor Ameridan's respect for the Chantry to imply he remained celibate. In ages past, there were stories about him and his lover, a mage. They meted out as a star-crossed romance. The Chantry silenced the stories strenuously."

"Clearly they wanted something to hide," said Theron crossing his arms.

"At the very least, we're found something to work with," said Maxwell. "The spirits are to follow the river to the north, and something about spires or spikes."

Kenric rubbed his chin. "Hmm. Up the river. The Scouts have had trouble with the Hakkonites up there… I'll continue my research, but for now, your guess is as good as mine."

"We better move out and follow that river," said Theron.

"Agreed," Maxwell nodded.

"I'll inform the others," said Erdic.


Following the advice the spirit had given them they began making their way up the river and it in take them long to engage several Hakkonites, who seemed hell focused on preventing them from entering the ruin they were guarding.

"These Hakkonites seem little more than thugs," said Cassandra as she sheathed her blade.

"They're determined, I'll give them that," said Iron Bull.

"Even in the middle of nowhere, we find fanatics," Dorian grumbled. "Lucky us."

"They seem determined protecting this ruin," said Adaar as she wiped her blade.

"Then let us see what they want us not to find," said Maxwell.


Once they dealt with the remaining Hakkonites inside the ruin they sent word to Kenric and upon seeing the ruin he got all excited. According to him it was nothing more than scouting post for much larger structure.

Scout Harding assured that she would keep an eye out for Hakkonites and Theron insisted that he stayed with her as they investigated the ruin.

When the ended inside they discovered some sort of puzzle that they had to operate in order to get the doors open. Fortunately, Erdic seem to be quite good with the sort of puzzled and got the doors open and they found a stash of ancient Tevinter treasure behind them.


Once they completed the puzzles they went in deeper into the ruins and found another chamber which frilled Kenric to no end.

"Oh, well done. Well done, indeed." He walked inside, stopping now and then to stare at various things.

"That's something you don't see every day," said Harding gestured into the sculpture.

Maxwell eyes then fell onto statue of Andraste, holding what looked like halla in each hand. The Professor continued talking. "A pair of shrines. This one is clearly Andrastian, albeit from a very early period, likely pre-Divine. But this is elven. One of their gods. Um, what was it…?" He rubbed his forehead. "'Every mother finds druffalo among sleeping juniper groves…' G-something, the one with the deer."

Erdic blinked. "What was that, every mother finds druffalo?"

"Oh, it's, um, a memory aid to help me with the names of the elven gods. 'Every' is Elgar'nan, 'mother' is Mythal, 'finds is Fallow-something…" He coughed. "I was more focused on early Chantry history. I didn't really do elves."

Ellana frowned. "Are you sure your memory aid caught all the elven gods?"

"Well, there's only one 'F', for Falon'Din." He tilted his head. "I suppose I forgot Fen'Harel."

"Most people do," said Solas.

"This isn't him, though. It's one of the ladies, ah, obviously. G-something…"

"Theron?"

"That would be Ghilan'nain, Mother of the Halla," said Theron.

"Yes, brilliant, thank you. That would have bothered me all day."

"Two shrines for two lovers: Inquisitor Ameridan and Telana. Maybe Telana was an elf," Harding ventured.

"Oh, yes, that's good! The Chantry expunged references to elves before the Exalted March on the Dales." The Professor gesticulated as he spoke. "They erased the Canticle of Shartan. They must have done the same to Telana."

"That would explain why that spirit spoke elvish," said Erdic.

Maxwell simply shook his head in disappointment. "The Chantry should not rewrite history to cover up inconvenient truths."

"Agreed," Cassandra nodded. "The Chant of Light should spreads the truth, not suppress it."

"Regardless, the important thing that tells us. It's not a burial site, that much is obvious," said Kenric.

Scout Harding bent to examine the flowers growing near the shrine. "Look at those flowers. They're not native to the area. What if they were left at the shrine as an offering?"

"Yes, a night of prayer before battle against the dragon. But then where, where…" Professor Kenric began looking around the chamber. "We're missing something. What are we missing? Where did you go?"


It took them only a few minutes to puzzle out the clues Ameridan had left. "'The Light shall lead her safely through the paths of this world'." Maxwell pulled the lever to activate the marker.

Professor Kenric actually clapped. "Brilliant! When the Imperium abandoned this fortress, they left the wall of ice to—to…" He glanced in that direction. "Lock the door behind them?"

Scout Harding nodded. "And every lock has a key."

"Like these trail markers. Ameridan must have known how to use them." Kenric shaded his eyes with a hand as he looked out over the distance. "If they can melt through the ice, that must be where Ameridan sealed away the dragon."

Maxwell nodded. "I'll follow the markers and see what we can find."


They continued activating the devices are light began to guide them towards the ice wall and the being certainly melted it. However, the fortress was well guarded by several Hakkonites, too many even for them. If Ellana hadn't created a barrier Maxwell would have got pierced by several arrows.

"Your gods are weak, Inquisitor! You will see the power of Hakkon when we destroy the lowlands!"

"I don't see us breaching these walls," said Dorian as they retreated. "Could we try something else?"

"We could make up the numbers by getting Stone-Bear hold to join us. The Avvar love a good battle," said Theron.

Maxwell nodded to Theron. "All right. In the morning, come with me to talk to the Thane. Adaar, look over our forces and see what options we have."

"Of course," said Adaar.


Thane Sun-Hair wish to help, but she couldn't until they located their hold beast, a possessed bear apparently. Maxwell say he couldn't quite understood it, but it was clear that it was important to them. To that end he had Ellana to track down the bear with Theron.

Thanks Theron's tracking skills they were able to locate the bear, but the cave that she was in was guarded by Hakkonites. Cole was oddly delighted by the massive creature. Ellana on the other hand, was very reluctant to release the beast from its cage, but once released, it fought ably at their side. Massive claws raked the attacking Hakkonites, but the bear seemed to know who had rescued it.

Ellana also found several skulls that the Hakkonites had been using for their ritual before returning to the hold. To that end both she and Maxwell went to see the holds Augur.

Upon entering his domicile, the massive man gestured. "So he and his guard arrives. Don't throng." She kept her face steady as spirits began to appear. "Behold, worthy ones. The man who blazes like fire, and mends the air and the woman that calms the spirits."

Cole waved cheerfully at the other spirits. "Hello."

"I am the augur of Stone-Bear Hold. I greet you, as do our gods and the gods of our ancestors." He raised his hands. "There. It is done. Now come, be welcome. I'd hear news of the north."

"Did you just…" Maxwell glanced at his companions, and then back at the augur. "Introduce us to spirits?"

"The gods of the hold clamoured to see you. I obeyed, for I am their voice and their augur." He shrugged. "And if I didn't show you off, they'd hound me for months."

He nodded slowly. "What did you mean when you said I blaze like fire?"

"How do you think you appear to the gods of the Fade?" He pointed at his marked hand. "To those beyond the Veil, your hand burns like the watchman's bonfire."

That was disconcerting. "Are you saying every spirit in the Fade knows where I am?"

"Only those nearby, but thoughts spread quickly among the gods." He tilted his head at him. "They tell me strange things. That you and your guard muddied time's waters where the cliffs are red, and returned again…"

Ellana then held up one of the bones she'd found, and asked him of them. He sent them to gather veilfire runes before he'd answer. It was fascinating learning how differently the Avvar viewed the spirits.


They found the missing climber locked happily in battle with a gurgut, and came to her aid. Maxwell wasn't entirely certain what was about to happen, but Ellana joined the girl in the prayers. Once again, Cole was delighted at the manifestation of another spirit. The girl was thrilled as well, and headed back to the hold to spread the story.


Thane Sun-Hair wasn't happy about what had happened to their hold beast.

"Goat-kissing blood-drinking Hakkonite chicken-craps!" she cursed. Maxwell had a strange feeling that there would be no problem in persuading her to help them retake the fort. She then gave Maxwell the face of gratitude. "Thank you, Inquisitor. Storvacker has returned. My hunters saw you and she did to the Hakkonites who held her. In trapping Storvacker, the Jaws of Hakkon broke their peace-oath with Stone-Bear Hold. Our blades are yours."

"I assume your bear is all right after… whatever they were going to do to her?"

Thane Sun-Hair gave them a reassuring look. "She is fine. As for what they were going to do… My hunters brought items back from where they held Storvacker. I know what the intended. It is not something you would like—something few Avvar would tell lowlanders… but you must hear it."

She took a deep breath and looked at them all. "The Jaws of Hakkon sought to bind their god in mortal form and bring war to the lowlands."

She was right, Maxwell didn't like what he heard and judging by the looks of the other members of the guards neither today.

"By saving your bear, have we put an end to their plans?" Maxwell asked hopefully.

"Though you have given them pause, they will try again."

"Figures," Erdic muttered.

"Ages ago, the old Jaws of Hakkon did the same. They brought their god to life to destroy the lowlands. Their foolishness lost Hakkon to all Avvar. Now they would free him and begin again."

"What would happen if the Jaws of Hakkon succeed in their plan?" Erdic asked curiously.

"Hakkon would come to the lowlands in the form of a great beast. The Hakkonites would join him, their number swelled by foolish young warriors dreaming of honour-names. Even if war were needed, it should not be like that, with gods wrecking havoc in blood-soaked fields. The gods should stay where they belong."

Something then occur to Maxwell. "You said the Jaws of Hakkon first tried binding their god in mortal form hundreds of years ago?"

Thane Sun-Hair frowned at him. "What of it?"

"In our search for Inquisitor Ameridan, we learned that he came here to fight a great dragon 800 years ago…" He then looked at her attentively. "A dragon that came from the mountains with Avvar warriors to attack the lowlands."

Instead of looking furious Thane Sun-Hair actually laughed. "Your last Inquisitor must have fought well to stop Hakkon himself!"

Erdic frowned. "You're not bothered by the idea that I'm Inquisitor killed your god?"

"He didn't kill him," Thane Sun-Hair reminded. "That would have been easier. Whatever fight you Inquisitor finished, the Jaws of Hakkon started. I find no fault with a warrior defending his people."

"Based on what we know, what must we do to stop the Jaws of Hakkon?" Maxwell asked.

"You have melted the wall of ice that protects the fortress. We must make a plan of attack. Bring your warriors when you're ready to begin the assault."


It took a few hours, but they were soon joined by Theron, Scout Harding and Kenric.

"Your warden, skald and your scout are here. We can plan the assault."

"Oh, I like the sound of 'skald.' It's more dramatic than 'professor.'" Professor Kenric straighten up a little when Scout Harding coughed, and focused his attention back on the proceedings. "Yes, well. Everything we've found about Inquisitor Ameridan suggests that he never emerged from that Tevinter fortress."

"If that is where you're Inquisitor defeated Hakkon, that is where the Jaws of Hakkon must perform the rite to free him."

"Ideally, we stop them before that," said Maxwell. "I'd rather not fight an Avvar god if we don't have to."

"Easier said than done," said Theron. "I imagine they've already starting the ritual as we speak."

Scout Harding gave the Thane a dubious look. "You really have no problem with us kill your god?"

"Gods cannot be reborn until they die." Thane Sun-Hair laughed. "Hakkon needs a good rebirthing."

"If you say so."

"With its ice-wall melted, the fortress is open to attack. We must strike soon, before our foes recover."

"They're already trying. I've got most of our forces defending the shrine from Hakkonites who want to restore the wall." Scout Harding sighed. "Adaar set us up a good defence, but we won't hold forever."

"We don't have time to drag siege equipment through the forest to take down those walls," said Maxwell.

"A siege? Bah!" Thane Sun-Hair snorted. "We have no need of your rock-throws and rams."

Professor Kenric shifted his weight from one foot to the other. "I am no warrior, but with Lady Harding's forces defending the shrine and no way to breach the walls…?"

Laughter greeted his words. "Lowlanders. Why not climb the walls?"

"Your warriors can get over those walls before the Hakkonites stop them?" Harding asked.

"This is not a war, Stone-Daughter. This is a raid." Thane Sun-Hair gestured. "We strike at night, clad lightly. We climb the wall and open the gate from inside."

"It looks like our only choice, Inquisitor," said Theron.

Maxwell nodded. "Well, then. Unless anyone has something that sounds easier than climbing the walls…?"

"I would not offer what I could not give. It will be done. Perhaps my climbers will earn themselves a legend-mark!"

"Inquisition forces will feign weakness near the shrine. That will draw some of them away from the fortress."

"Not too many, I hope." Professor Kenric looked nervous.

"Yes. Save some for us!" Thane Sun-Hair looked eager.

"Then it looks like we have a plan," said Theron. "We best go prepared."


Adaar led the forces against the Hakkonite with Iron Bull by her side on the front line. Maxwell, Theron and Cole were using their still skills in order to get behind their ranks and strike them from behind. Cassandra was busy protecting Ellana, Dorian and Solas as the three of them cast their spells to give them support. As soon as the climbers got the gate open, they started moving.

There was a roar, and Maxwell turned to see Storvacker mauling an unlucky Hakkonite. The bear looked over at them. "I'm happy to see you to," Cole said to her.


They entered the freezing temple. Ellana used her staff to light a fire. "This cold is magic. We won't last long in it."

"Yes. False cold. But the real fire keeps it away." Cole kept his knives in his hand.

"We have to stay close to the fire," said Theron.

Cassandra was able to drive the cold away some feet in each direction and keep the strange ice wards from affecting them, but Maxwell didn't want to think about how much energy she was having to expend to do so. And even where the magic didn't touch, it was still damn cold.

"Can you keep this up?" Maxwell asked.

"I'll be fine," said Cassandra, though she did look worn out.


They came around a corner and saw… A dragon, suspended in mid-air. Someone kneeling before it, a staff in hand. And an Avvar standing nearby, sword raised above his head, chanting.

Maxwell took a deep breath, ignoring the cold burning his lungs. "Let's go."

Maxwell knew that the mages were going to have difficulty summoning fire against the cold. Despite this Maxwell led the attack towards the Avvar with Ellana and the mages providing support from the rear. Theron and Cassandra moved in, meeting the Hakkonite blades with their own. Maxwell and Cole moved in and out of the Hakkonites as Adaar and Erdic led the frontline.

The chant ended, and the Hakkonite chieftain… changed. The dead began to rise. "He's dousing the fire!" Theron yelled.

Dorian then tried to summon as much fire as he could possibly manage. His spell drove the cold away for a few precious seconds, and Ellana used her magic to reignite the flames. Cassandra used her shield to block an attack by a demon seeking to take advantage of the Dorian's vulnerable position.

"Inquisitor!" Cassandra called.

Maxwell moved in, and flanked a Hakkonite abomination and plunged his daggers into its hip. The thing swept its weapon and sent him flying and was about to raise its blade. Adaar then appeared out of nowhere and punched right across the face, causing it to lose its balance. Theron then took advantage and managed to disarm it with some superb sword skills and Cassandra took advantage of this opening. Maxwell then got back onto his feet, jumped and plunged his daggers right into its chest. Its eyes rolled on the back of its head and then toppled over.


Once the battle was done stones began to lift up towards the kneeling man and as they made their way up them they discovered something amazing. The man on his knees was in fact an elf. Not just an elf, Dalish. He wore the same marks as Theron. And a mage.

"Inquisitor," he said.

He looked up at him. "Inquisitor." Ameridan smiled. "How fares Drakon? Has he brought the Chant to the whole world yet?"

This was not going to be easy. "Inquisitor Ameridan, you disappeared in 1:20 Divine, around the time of the signing of the Nevarran Accord," said Maxwell.

"You say it as though it was…" He stared at her, and sorrow came to his eyes. "How long?"

It was Cassandra who replied. "You were the last Inquisitor. There has not been another since you disappeared 800 years ago."

"Drakon was my oldest friend. He would have sent someone to find me."

"He would have, but darkspawn began to fall down from Anderfels," said Theron.

"It gets worse," said Ellana. "After the Blight, Darkon's son, Kordillus the second, destroyed the Dales."

"I see," he sighed. "Telana escaped the battle. Did she…" He met Maxwell's eyes. "Do the records say what became of her?"

"She returned to the island," said Maxwell grimly. "From what we can tell, she died trying to reach you through dreams."

He looked completely crestfallen. "I asked her not to. She was a good hunter and the love of my life, but she never…" He sighed. "I never wanted this job. Hunting demons was so much simpler than politics."

"Inquisitor Ameridan, how could the leader of the Seekers be a mage?" Cassandra was staring.

"Has history forgotten so much?" Ameridan shook his head. "I was not a Seeker myself, as most Inquisitors were. I used my magical gifts in the hunting of demons and maleficarum. Do the Seekers no longer welcome the aid of mages?"

Cassandra shook her head. "No. That was forgotten…" She looked down at her hands. "Among many other things."

"Cassandra is a Seeker…" Maxwell gestured. "And after the Seekers went rogue, she discovered the truth about them."

"We learned they developed the Rite of Tranquility." Cassandra straightened her spine.

"You mean sundering one from the Fade? The Seekers do it briefly when granting an initiate their abilities." Ameridan nodded to Cassandra.

"It has become a way to control mages deemed dangerous. They are left Tranquil. Permanently."

Ameridan sighed. "Killing a man is ugly work. You learn not to look to it as your first recourse. But sundering them from the Fade is easy. Bloodless." Anger crept into his voice. "I told them spreading such a 'solution' would lead to abuse. They swore it would never happen. They promised. I am so sorry."

"Cassandra will rebuild the Seekers into an organisation to be proud of again…" Maxwell assured. "With the Inquisition's help."

"Then you both have my thanks.".

"And this is Theron Mahariel, Constable of the Grey and hero of the Fifth Blight," said Maxwell.

"It's an honour to meet you," said Theron bowing.

"The honour is mine," said Ameridan. "Your order warned us of the return of the darkspawn, but many did not heed them until it was too late."

"After the destruction of the Dales, Theron's people became nomads wandering from place to place without a place to call their home," said Maxwell. "Thanks to his actions in the Fifth Blight the elves now have a place to call home."

"Then you have my thanks," He looked at his hands. "I was a good hunter. I did not want to lead an organisation. But Drakon told me I was needed…" He bowed his head. "As I suspect you were needed."

"I wasn't Inquisitor by choice," Maxwell admitted. "Whatever my life was before…"

"Take moments of happiness where you find them. The world will take the rest." He turned his head towards the dragon suspended in the air. "The dragon carries the spirit of an Avvar god. I lacked the strength to kill it. My own magic was able to bind us all, locked in time. But when the cultists drew that spirit into another vessel, it disrupted my bindings. It is breaking free."

Maxwell simply shrugged. "We're already fighting one would-be-god. I can make time for one more."

He simply smiled. "Then I leave the world in good hands. The passage of years can be delayed, but not ignored. I will soon join Telana at Andraste's side. Take this. It holds the last few memories of an old hunter who was neither as wise nor as strong as he thought. Fight well, Inquisitor. I am honoured to have met you."

They then watched as he turned to dust in vanished and seconds later there was a huge blast that knocked them off the ledge. They looked up to see the dragon that had once been encased in ice now free and bearing down on them. It looked at them for a brief second and then took off into the sky.

"We need to stop the dragon," said Cassandra. "It still carries the spirit of Hakkon."


The fisherman's hold was frozen in ice. Maxwell hope that all the residents had escaped long before the dragon came. They made their way onto the glacier that the dragon had created and it did not look happy to see them.

A voice boomed from the dragon. "Lowlanders, I am the breath of winter, the cold wind of war! Join me in battle and die!"

Maxwell had to admit that this was the first time he had to deal with a dragon abomination as he ready his blades. Ellana made the first move by calling her spirit blade into her hand, and surged forward, calling another blast of lightning into the beast's wings.

With a might beat of wings, the dragon took to the air. Maxwell signalled Ellana, Solas and Doran to produce all kinds of offensive spells at the dragon. The spells did strike the dragon causing it to land on the icy ground.

Adaar with Erdic, Cassandra and Iron Bull charged at the dragon began striking its legs. Maxwell and Cole try to strike the beast from the rear while its focus was on Adaar and the others. However, the one person that managed to penetrate the dragon scales had to be Theron as he plunged Starfang into its underbelly.

Maxwell wasn't surprised as it was made of star metal, possibly the most rare and rare substances on the entire continent. Ellana, Solas and Dorian assisted by shooting a combined lightning attack that struck the dragon on its side.

Maxwell took this as his opportunity and dived underneath the dragon's claw as it tried to strike him and then plunged his daggers into its neck. That had done it as it fell backwards with its eyes wallowing in the back of its head. Hakkon was dead.

Then to his surprise he had laughter and saw Scout Harding making her way over to them. "I've never gotten to see you take down a dragon in person." She then made her way closer towards the dragon that now laid motionless on the ground. "I must say… it's fun to see it up close."

Maxwell simply smiled. "Perhaps this calls for a new title. Dragonslayer Harding, perhaps?"

"A fancy title goes against the point of being a scout. Nobody should see me coming." She turned back towards Max won the guard. "Inquisitor Ameridan would have been proud that you finished what he started." She sighed. "It's strange. History forgot so much of what he was. They never knew he died saving everyone. Do you ever feel that way?"

"Right now, half of Thedas would recognise us on sight," said Maxwell.

"Right. But they see the Inquisitor and his guard, these larger-than-life figures. Every time you're 'more than just a person' to someone, you're also less than a person to them." She smiled. "They don't see that real, normal people fought the Avvar and killed that dragon." Her eyes then fell on Maxwell. "And they certainly don't know about your strange fixation with elfroot."

"My feelings for elfroot are classified, Scout Harding," said Maxwell with a joyous grin.

Harding laughed. "I'll carry your secret to my pyre." She then looked up at all them. "For what it's worth… nice work. Anyway, I'll be a candid there's anything here you want to finish up. Otherwise, see you at Skyhold!"

As they walked away the dragon on the ground disintegrated and the spirit of Hakkon took off into the air and vanished in a bright light.


Maxwell returned to Stone-Bear Hold and Thane Sun-Hair was pleased, she informed them that the remainders of the Jaws of Hakkon were now broken and holdless. She informed Maxwell that he was now part of the hold and was given a legend mark, much to his dismay and amusement to the others, First-Thaw.

She then gave him the honour of judging Storvacker for getting herself captured and he thought that judging a wooden box with weird. He simply just decided to deprive her of treats for small time period.

After which Maxwell and the guard returned back to the camp to inform Professor Kenric of what had transpired after going around the island to locate more of Ameridan. Upon hearing these memories it was clear that his influence would have forced the elves to take part in the Second Blight and might have prevented Orlais from turning on them.

Upon seeing him Kenric looked both relieved and excited. "Inquisitor, I understand you located the final resting place of Inquisitor Ameridan!"

"We were able to speak to the Inquisitor briefly before he died," Maxwell informed.

Kenric stared at him. "I'm sorry?"

"A ritual kept Inquisitor Ameridan alive all the centuries, binding him to the dragon," Ellana explained.

"Oh, did his… Telana cast some sort of spell before retreating?" Kenric asked. He then saw the look on their faces and his eyes widened. "Or… you… you're not implying that Ameridan was a mage?" He looked slightly uneasy. "I'm committed to the truth, but if such an important figure in Chantry history were revealed to be a mage…"

Erdic simply smiled. "Not just a mage, Kenric. An elven mage."

Kenric mouth fell wide open. "An… oh. Oh, Andraste's dimples. This will be… I'll either be famous or beheaded. This upends century of history, not to mention families claiming descent from him. There will be… consternations." He took a deep breath and looked at them. "Nevertheless, what matters is the truth. If he was elven, then the Dalish… well, it will be… just brilliant. I will spread the word appropriately. Thank you again for this marvellous opportunity."

"We better make sure no one assassinates him," said Erdic.

"Yes, probably best to inform Leliana and Josephine," Maxwell nodded.