You The Exalted Council had begun and Maxwell was sitting next to Josephine as they began to discuss the issues that the delegates wish to press upon. Standing behind them in silence was the guard and just gave silent looks from one another.
"Thank you, Your Holiness," said Josephine. "Now, Arl Teagan, as to your concerns…"
"The Inquisition established an armed presence in Ferelden territory. You outright seized Caer Bronach in Crestwood!"
"Yes, from bandits!" Maxwell pointed out. "Would you like us to give it back to them?"
Teagan glared. "Your help was appreciated two years ago, Inquisitor. Now order has been restored, yet you remain." Teagan gestured. "Invading under pretext of restoring order is exactly what the Grey Wardens did to us centuries ago, and we exiled them! Now the Inquisition is doing the same thing, with Grey Wardens in their ranks!"
He refrained from pointing out that Ferelden's throne was currently occupied by Grey Wardens and their spymaster was their hero. Cyril Montfort spoke before he could. "Your concern is ill-founded. The Grey Wardens have proven their worth time and again."
"Of course Orlais tolerates this interference. The Inquisition is the only reason Celene retains her throne."
"Rest assured, Eamon, the empire of Orlais will not stand idle if the Inquisition oversteps its bounds." Cyril's voice remained measured. "Unlike Ferelden, however, Orlais understands that these were the well-intentioned mistakes of a young organisation."
"An organisation in need of a guiding hand. Yours, no doubt."
Maxwell started to feel tired through these negotiations. Then an Inquisition runner touched his shoulder lightly. "Pardon me, Inquisitor. Master Theron wishes to speak with you in private."
Maxwell looked up and caught Leliana's eye. "My apologies. An urgent matter has come to my attention. Ambassador Montilyet, can you handle this for a short while?"
"I…" Josephine nodded. "Of course, Inquisitor."
"This is highly irregular."
Leliana stepped in before Teagan could finish working himself up. "Perhaps it would be best if we took a short recess."
Maxwell and the guard met up with Theron, who was cordoned off the area.
"I've already informed Leliana, she should be here soon. Anyway, the guard said we both should see this. I believe she was correct," he said and opened the door.
What was it Iron Bull had said so long ago? If you see a member of the Beresaad in full armour, you run. Because it means war.
Adaar looked to Theron. "A Quinari warrior in full armour. How did he get into the Winter Palace?" He looked at the man lying in a pool of red. "Would the Iron Bull know anything about this?"
"I asked, and he is as surprised as we are." Leliana's voice came from behind them. "Since becoming Tal-Vashoth, he has had no contact with his people. He seems frustrated at not knowing more."
Maxwell glanced from his current spymaster to his former one, and back. "So, what would the Left Hand of the Divine and the Grey Warden spymaster see when they looked at this?"
"This is a warrior, not a spy. Part of the Antaam, the Qunari military."
"Most of his wounds come from a fight against someone using magic, but at least a few are from a blade."
"He was badly hurt, separated from his allies, and made it here before he died. But how?"
Maxwell looked to Adaar, who nodded in agreement with their analysis.
He nodded. "We need to find out what's going on." He ran a hand through his hair. The day had started out so well. "Can Josephine manage the diplomats while I look around?"
"She will be fine. It's all speeches and posturing for the first few days, anyway." Leliana sighed. "I will extend the recess as long as possible."
"I'll let our friends know there may be trouble." Theron nodded to Maxwell before slipping from the room.
"You think that's likely?" Maxwell asked Leliana.
"I think the Exalted Council may be more exciting than we expected."
Once again, Erdic found himself climbing railings in an Orlesian palace. It occurred to him there was a time he would have found the notion scandalous rather than just a part of his life. The blood trail led back to a storage room. He opened the door and slipped inside, a barrier around her. There was a soft glow coming from… "An active eluvian? If I'm going through it, I'm not going alone."
Maxwell asked Sera to help Theron scout for any sign of more qunari. After a second thought, he asked Thom and Varicc to accompany Sera, just in case she did find some. The guard came back with Cole, Iron Bull, Dorian, and Cassandra.
"This is the Crossroads. Morrigan brought me here while showing me the eluvians," he pointed at the trail as they headed towards an inactive mirror. "Judging by the bloodstains, he tried to get through here." He touched the mirror, but it didn't open.
"What's wrong? That one doesn't like you?" Iron Bull was looking around warily.
"The mirror doesn't look broken, but it's inactive. Maybe there's a way to unlock it."
"I'll never get tired of this," said Ellana as she looked at what Maxwell assumed to be sky. "It has so many colours."
Dorian frowned. "Everything looks grey and murky to me."
Ellana turned and stared at them at the blank looks. "You mean you don't see the patterns of colour?"
Maxwell pondered. "I wonder it looks different elves."
"Why would it look different?"
That was a good question, but right now they had more pressing concerns. They began following the trails of blood that were on the ground.
"The blood trail leads to this mirror." Erdic gestured at an active eluvian.
"Right." Iron Bull put a hand on his axe. "Let's see where this guy came from."
"Elven ruins. I'm not sure we're even in Orlais anymore." Ellana breathed as they continued to follow the blood trail. She wished that Theron with them, but Josephine needed every pair of eyes they could get.
Adaar saw another body at the base of a staircase. "Another Qunari, dressed like the one in the Winter Palace." She glanced over her shoulder at Iron Bull.
He nodded. "He's a karashok. A foot soldier. Must've been in the same squad."
They continued through the ruins. Iron Bull was smiling. "Oh, this is gonna be fun. The old team together again to kick some ass."
"Kicking doesn't work as well as daggers, the Iron Bull." Cole followed, watching everything from under the brim of his hat.
"I missed you, too, Cole."
An active eluvian. And surrounding it, petrified qunari. "A spell killed these Qunari. Someone cast it not even an hour ago," said Ellana turning to face them.
"We need to find out why these Qunari were here and who did this to them," said Maxwell.
"Over there, Qunari," Erdic pointed. There was no way across except perhaps swimming, and they were all wearing full armour. A look around found some kind of bridge control, but the key was missing.
Another active eluvian. Maybe there was another way across.
"Atish'all vallem, Fen'Harel elathadra." The spectral thing held the ghost of a rather large hammer over its shoulder.
"I don't understand," said Maxwell.
"Nuvenas mana helanin, dirth bellasa ma."
Maxwell turned to Ellana. "I'll try elven," she said. "Andaran atish'an, setharan—"
"Virthar ma. Na din'an sahlin!"
All of a sudden the spectral guardians attacked them
She put a barrier around herself and her comrades as the spectral guardians attacked.
"I think that spirit considered us intruders," said Maxwell.
"To be fair, we are," said Erdic.
"It must have been set to guard something," said Adaar.
Maxwell was able to pass the blue flames by activating the mark. Something nagged at the back of his mind. Maxwell looked down at his hand, then back at the strange mosaic. He activated the mark again, and the way forward opened. An image crept into his head as he did so. Words he felt in his bones. 'Fen'Harel bids you welcome. Rest, knowing the Dread Wolf guards you and his people guard this valley. In this place, you are free. In trusting us, you will never be bound again.'
Maxwell turned to the others. "That was like veilfire. It claimed…" He looked to Ellana. "This was a refuge for elven slaves."
"Yes. I can feel their pain. They came here hurt, hungry. This was help, a new home," said Cole touching the stone wall with the tip of his fingers.
"This whole valley was a sanctuary 'created by the Dread Wolf, Fen'Harel.'"
Dorian looked up. "Fen'Harel? The Dalish elves' god of misfortune?"
Iron Bull gestured at a dead qunari soldier."Cuts all over the back. He was killed by surprise."
Adaar nodded. "This can't have happened too long ago. The blood's not even dry."
They found… He wasn't sure what they'd found. Bits and pieces, a puzzle whose parts were warped by time. And another mosaic. 'Fen'Harel has been falsely named a god, but is as mortal as any of you. He takes no divine mantle, and asks that none be bestowed upon him. He leads only those who would help willingly. Let none be beholden but by choice.'
"This is…" He shook his head. "Fen'Harel helping former slaves as a mortal. Not a god."
Cassandra nodded. "He took great pains to renounce his supposed divinity."
"Worship makes you more. He just wanted to help." Cole's voice was sad.
Another mosaic. 'The gods, our Evanuris, claim divinity, yet they are naught but mortals powerful in magic who can die as you can. In this place, we teach those who join us to unravel their lies.' He turned to Ellana, his face for sympathy. "This claims the elven 'gods' were just 'Evanuris'—powerful but completely mortal mages."
"What?" Ellana stared.
Cassandra frowned. "Was this the start of an uprising? Freed elven slaves against their former masters?"
"If that's true, Fen'Harel was teaching these freed slaves the truth about these 'false gods'," said Maxwell.
Another battle, and a small statuette of a wolf. One that looked to fit into the pedestal by the broken bridge.
They fought another band of qunari. Despite Ellana's attempts at diplomacy, the qunari had simply attacked. "Why did those Qunari attack 'the Inquisition' on sight?"
"No idea." Iron Bull examined one of the corpses. "They weren't Tal-Vashoth, though. This might be a rogue group, but they think they're following the Qun."
Maxwell continued up the stairs, and found frescoes decorating the walls and a statue of a wolf. Veilfire sconces lined the walls. A puzzle. "That's Fen'Harel. Removing the face markings from a Dalish elf?" He turned to Ellana and remember that she no longer had vallaslin.
"Solas said they were used to mark slaves," she said.
'The brand of the Evanuris can be lifted from you, that all may know you oppose their cruelties. None here are slaves. All are under our protection. All may choose to fight.' Maxwell thought back to when they'd walked through the temple of Mythal. Solas and Morrigan had argued over the legends. Morrigan. She needed to send for Morrigan, and the power of the Well. They continued their exploration.
They ventured down deep and found an ancient elven weapons that had carried dust over the many centuries.
"Hidden weapons," said Adaar. "These freed slaves actually fought back against the Evanuris posing as gods."
"Interesting word, 'Evanuris'," said Dorian. "If all it means is 'mage leader', well. They were basically magisters."
Cassandra's voice reached his ears. "It has been too long since we have travelled together. I have missed it."
"It's nice to help people with you," Cole told her. "You're quiet, except when you clank."
Adaar found notes, messages from the Qunari to each other. She showed one. "A note about an 'unknown intruder' coming through an eluvian. They 'turned spirits against us,' then fled." Adaar shook her head. "Two parties, then: the Qunari and a mystery agent determined to stop them." Maxwell turned to the others. "Let's head back, see what we can find."
"One dead Qunari was bad enough. Now we have more, and they're hostile."
"This makes no sense. The Qunari may not be friendly to the Inquisition, but they have no reason to attack us." Josephine stabbed the air with her pen.
"They also have no reason to be here—or using eluvians—at all," Leliana added.
"I've had the mirror placed under guard for now, Your Holiness," said Cullen.
Leliana rolled her eyes. "Cullen, please just call me Leliana."
"Yes, Your…" Cullen caught himself. "Leliana."
Maxwell looked down on the table and shook his head. "It appears the relative peace and quiet of the last two years is coming to an end."
Cullen nodded in agreement. "First the Blight, then mages and templars, then Corypheus and now this. Can't we go ten years without the world falling to pieces?"
"Clearly not," said Eridc.
"We must ensure that the Qunari do not disrupt the negotiations," said Josephine worriedly. "The Exalted Council is in a very delicate state."
"I'm certain you can soothe the nobles' ruffled feathers while we solve the real problem."
Josephine pointed her pen at Cullen. "Not when the Inquisitor and his guard insults everyone present by walking out in the middle of the talks!" She turned towards them. "Our only advantage is that Orlais and Ferelden are divided in goal and grievance. If they unite against us, Divine Victoria will have no choice but to support their claims. We could lose everything."
"Could we use the Qunari threat to remind everyone how viable the Inquisition still is?" Ellana asked.
"Not until we know more," said Josephine. She sighed. "It will be fine. I will attend to the Exalted Council."
Theron nodded. "And while Josephine does that, we will investigate."
"We'll head back to the Crossroads. We will need to find out what the Qunari are doing, and why they attacked," said Maxwell.
Cullen nodded. "And I'll have a quiet word with our honour guard."
"Everything going all right so far?" Erdic asked Varric. "Any word from Hawke?"
"I got a message from… well, best not to name an entire chain of smuggling syndicates in polite company. Anyway, Weisshaupt is apparently the special kind of mess that only appears when Hawke shows up. Not entirely sure how it'll play out, but my money's on Hawke walking away from the Wardens' fortress as it explodes."
Erdic had completely forgotten that the Grey Wardens in Ferelden and Orlais had cut ties from Weisshaupt. He also heard rumours of a civil war going on between them in the fortress, but other than that he knew nothing.
"I don't understand how you could just become a viscount."
"When the rule of a Marcher state dies and there's no heir, the nobles of the city pick a new ruler. Only none of Kirkwall's nobles actually want the throne. Most of them think it's cursed, actually. They can't leave it empty, though, or some other state like Starkhaven or Ansburg will probably invade. I complained about the empty office when it interfered with my reconstruction efforts. They took that as volunteering." He chuckled.
"So Bran used to be viscount, and now he just…" Erdic glanced at the man who was again doing a poor job of pretending he wasn't listening to their every word. "Follows you around?"
"Provisional viscount," Bran corrected.
"Pretty much." Varric shrugged.
"With a permanent appointee finally in the viscount's office, I am free to return to my post as seneschal," Bran explained.
"He means: 'My true calling is arrogantly telling people they can't talk to the viscount.' He's good at it, too."
"Need me for anything?" Thom asked, looking up from where he was sharpening his sword.
"What do you think's going to happen at the Exalted Council?" Maxwell looked up at the palace.
"Maker, I have no idea. Politics always makes my head spin." He stood. "The Inquisition shouldn't have to give in whenever some prissy noble gets their knickers wedged somewhere."
"You're more comfortable being called by your real name now?"
"Comfortable? Not quite yet. I didn't want to be Rainier for such a long time. To be quite frank, he was an ass. But he's—I've changed. And reclaiming my name has allowed me to reconnect with people I haven't seen in years. Family. It wouldn't have happened without you."
"It's nice having everyone back in the same place again," said Maxwell as he sat down next to him.
He chuckled. "I have to admit, I missed it." He shook his head. "What does it mean when we need a huge diplomatic talk or the world ending just to bring us together? I got the chance to have a few drinks with Sera. Missed that girl. It's still a little awkward talking to Cassandra. But the commander appears to have forgiven me, finally."
Cassandra had a flummoxed expression on her face. Maxwell expected it to be about the Qunari. He couldn't help but smile when Cassandra revealed her actual concern. "How did Varric, of all people, become the viscount of Kirkwall? A mystery for the ages."
"I hear you've been rebuilding the Seekers."
"Slowly, but yes. I managed to find a few of my former comrades who'd scattered to the winds. Some of them were unsuitable, and I did not ask them to return. Others felt as I did, once they read the Lord Seeker's tome. We've since recruited a few candidates who are going through training now—with full disclosure. What comes after this, I cannot be certain. I am making it up as I go along."
"I'm sure you'll be fine, Cassandra."
"I need to be better than 'fine.' I want to build something that is worthy of lasting."
"Are you all right?" Ellana asked
"It became clear years ago that much of what I'd grown up believing was wrong." Theron leaned on the railing, looking out over the countryside. "I always knew that the ancient elves sounded too good to be true to perfect, but I didn't expect this."
"I expect the humans feel the same way with their Chant," said Ellana placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I suppose becoming slaves has given us perspective," said Theron.
"How do you think the other elves will respond to this?" Ellana asked.
"Hard to say," said Theron. "Josephine managed to arrange a joint expedition between University of Orlais and the Dalish of Ostagar into researching the ancient temple and we have discovered a quite a bit of our history. That I imagine that once we spread the word of this new discovery it will change everything for the Dalish."
"The truth about Arlathan and what caused the downfall of the Dales will change our views on humans that much is certain."
"Maybe your father's dream will not be such a foolish notion anymore," said Ellana.
"I hope that is true, because I refuse to have everything he created to be demolished because the actions of a few," said Theron firmly.
Erdic met up with Sera to see if she found any more information on the Qunari.
"Hello and shhhhhush. I'm trying to figure out why everyone is acting so weird. I mean, besides because Qunari assassins and…" Sera narrowed her eyes. "Everything. You see it, right? There's something going with the elf servants. Makes sense after that ruin, right?"
"When you start going on about elves, it's hard to tell if it's about them or you."
"Yes, yes. You're so clever. Arse." Sera shook her head. "Point is, the servants have no complains. No asking for a Jenny. They serve this lot, but don't want them done for anything?"
"So…" Erdic raised an eyebrow. "The nobles are nice, and the servants are happy?"
"Two things that have never been true. Mark that I said it, we're fighting Qunari, but something else is on the up."
"Have you taken your suspicion to Theron?"
"Did. He checked it out for a bit, came back and confirmed nobles are as git as ever. His birds are watching." She cackled. "Said after this is done, might be a cache waiting for whoever gets Teagan. No love lost there."
"I suppose you've a lot to say about that elven ruin. About the Creators." Erdic sat on the table next to Sera.
"They're not even demons, just big magey nobs punching down. And yes, the shits who used them to make me feel broken can still eat it. But…" Sera shrugged. "Always waiting for that fight is way too much work. It's like, doing half the hurt for them. Maybe we're old now, but I'm tired of it. We've new fights to look forward to. We always do, seems like."
Adaar had hoped that Iron Bull knew more about these Qunari.
"Wish I hadn't burned all my contacts with the Ben-Hassrath. Be nice to have some idea what they're doing right now."
Krem slid a drink towards Iron Bull. "Yeah, but then you'd be on their side, chief."
He caught the drink. "Yes, but I'd know things. I like knowing things."
Adaar shook her head fondly. "The Chargers have been with the Inquisition for a while now. Is everyone still happy?"
"No complaints, Adaar. The Inquisition's been good to us." Krem nodded. "We'd disband and join the Inquisition officially, but the chief gets this sad-dog look when we suggest it."
"The loyalty is touching, Krem." Iron Bull gave his lieutenant a playful glare.
Evelyn found her husband still playing with his new mabari.
"Maker, you're a lovely sight." Cullen drew her away from prying eyes, and gave her a kiss that got her toes curling.
After she fixed her hair again, and corrected the buttons on his tunic, she bent to pet the mabari who'd helpfully stood guard. "Is there any news from Ferelden? How is your family?"
"My sister Mia keeps me informed. As I understand, she's training my nephew to best me at chess."
"I sense a threat to my commander's chess superiority. I'm sure the defeat will be distressing."
"I…" Cullen glared. "He's four. You could at least pretend I'd throw the game."
She laughed. "All good news, then?"
"Not all. But most of it is, and that's good enough. Mia is eager to see you again. When there's time, of course."
"Have you had a chance to speak with Leliana? Away from work, I mean."
"Some, yes. Leliana has kept in contact—unofficially, of course—but it's good to see her again." He smiled. "Arguing with her in person is far more satisfying."
Evelyn leaned into him. "Do you remember the first time we came to the Winter Palace?"
"All too well. I've already answered a half-dozen questions about my personal life." He sighed. "The reason we're here is because we made a difference. That's worth enduring the political small talk."
"But you're still glad I'm here to rescue you."
He laughed. "Very much so."
There were a thousand things Maxwell wanted to say to Leliana. Instead, they talked about nugs. It seemed being given a pet nug by the Divine was currently one of the highest honours that could be bestowed. Which made as much sense as anything else in the world. She and Theron had been spending time together, but they had to keep things quite distant or else talk would spread.
Vivienne was still at odds with the College of Enchanters. Dorian on the other hand was as usual pessimistic self. The Imperium had no love for the Inquisition, which was no surprise at all. But Maxwell trusted Dorian. He'd come through for them. He always did.
With his guard and companions at his side, he headed back into the mirror. More qunari attacked, but they were far more prepared this time. "Songs screaming far away. It wants to wake up but can't remember how. No one should be here." Cole looked around nervously.
"We need to find out what these Qunari were up to," said Erdic. Maxwell had him lead them through the Deep Roads since he had more experience. They soon came to a dead end. "Looks like there was a bad cave-in."
Maxwell hand ached. Thom touched his shoulder. "Your mark is glowing again."
He clenched his fist, but it continued. And it was aching. Maxwell kept walking.
"Stay back. I- wait…" The man stood. "Your hand…" His eyes suddenly became hopeful. "Are you the Inquisitor?" He then looked to the guard. "And you're his guard?"
"Odd to find a human down in the Deep Roads at all, let along surrounded by Qunari," said Adaar suspiciously.
"We don't have much time. Please, what the Viddasala is doing…" He wrung his hands. "You have to stop her."
"The Viddasala?" Iron Bull stared. "That a high-ranking Ben-Hassrath. Specialises in magic. Finding, studying, stopping."
"Not anymore," said the human. "I don't care whether you serve Fen'Harel or not. Someone has to stop her."
"Why do the Qunari think that the Inquisition serves Fen'Harel?" Ellana frowned.
"I don't know. The Viddasala said it, and the Qunari here accept it as fact." He looked over his shoulder. "We've had agents of Fen'Harel causing trouble all over the Crossroads. Sabotage, making spirits attack us…" He looked back at her. "I assumed that the Inquisition was their army, that you came here because Fen'Harel told you to."
"Who are you, exactly?" said Maxwell.
"My name is Jerran. Sir Jerran, once. I was a templar in Kirkwall. Until I joined the Qun."
"You're Qunari?" Maxwell's eyes widened.
"Kirkwall was…" He fidgeted. "Madness. Chaos. The Qunari were like the eye of a storm. I stand for order and discipline, protecting the innocent from magic, but this plan…" He sighed. "It's as mad as Meredith ever was."
"What is it you want us to stop?"
He pointed. "This place is a lyrium mining and processing center. The Qunari need it for…" He turned back to her. "Have you ever heard of saarebas?"
"'Dangerous thing'. It's what the Qun call mages," said Iron Bull.
"Even as a templar, I'd never seen anything like the power saarebas can unleash. And now Viddasala is giving them lyrium. A lot of lyrium. It's part of something she calls 'Dragon's Breath'.
Iron Bull narrowed his eyes. "That's a load of crap. There's no way the Viddasala would let any saarebas within a thousand feet of lyrium."
"There's more to it than that, but I couldn't find out what. The Qunari don't like it when you ask too many questions."
That much Maxwell gathered.
"Where are we?" Erdic asked. "Why are there elven mirrors in the Deep Roads?"
"This place is close to…" He shrugged. "Something like a lyrium spring. The more we mine, the more there seems to be. As for the mirrors…" He fidgeted again. "I don't know. Maybe the elves were mining here too."
A Titan. The ancient elves may well have known about such creatures. "What are you doing down here?"
"The Qunari wanted me to teach them…" He looked over his shoulder again. "Everything I knew about lyrium. Where it comes from, everything it can do, how we put it to use…" He spread his hands. "I knew enough from my time in the Order. They figured out more…" He shifted his weight from foot to foot. "I'm not sure how. Maybe they got to the Carta."
Maxwell's hand ached. "I'm not sure how to stop the Qunari from using lyrium."
"The lyrium is only part of the Viddasala's larger plan, Inquisitor. She said it would 'save the south.' That can only mean one thing: an invasion." He pointed again. "This mine is the only source of lyrium the Qunari have. They're using gaatlok - the explosive powder in the round casks—to mine, so they don't have to touch raw lyrium. If you get the primers from central supply, you can prime the gaatlok and detonate it. The mines will go up in flames."
"All right. We'll try to stop them here."
"I doubt my blessing counts for much now, but: Maker watch over you. Deepstalkers and cave-ins will cut off reinforements, but they'll still come here when they hear trouble. You've got to find the Viddasala to end this war before it begins."
"There's no telling how bad things will get when we destroy the mine. You'd better get moving," Erdic advised.
"I will. Good luck." He took off.
Maxwell looked at his garden companions. "Let's go. We have a lyrium mind to ruin."
"Last time, it took an Exalted March to stop the Qunari—and that barely worked. If they strike now, Thedas may fall."
Maxwell nodded to Cassandra. "Iron Bull, these primers. Something you know how to handle?"
"Yes, boss."
"You all right?"
He nodded. "I'm good."
They moved through the Deep Roads. It didn't take them long to find the primers. Dorian and Iron Bull collected them, and they headed back for the supplies of gaatlok.
After they blew up the first batch, Maxwell looked at his garden companions. "So, who gets to tell Cullen and Josephine we're probably at war with the Qun?" Absolutely none of his stalwart, brave, loyal companions would meet her eyes. "Anyone?" They all busied themselves with other things. He sighed. "They're going to kill me."
As soon as the last of the charges exploded, water started pouring in. "We should move."
"I've never liked swimming in heavy armour." Thom headed back towards the mirror.
Dorian slipped, landing in the water, but Iron Bull managed to fish out. They ran as fast they could and in waste any time jumping through the mirror.
"Dragon's Breath. The Qunari always enjoyed their metaphors," said Theron.
"But what does it mean?" Josephine puzzled.
"Who knows? Qunari agents moving through eluvians to attack the south is bad enough already," said Cullen.
Leliana shook her head. "I still do not understand why they accused the Inquisition of serving Fen'Harel."
"We know that Mythal actually exists," said Maxwell. "It's possible Fen'Harel is still here in some form, too."
Leliana nodded. "What you described in the ruins certainly implies that the Dread Wolf of elven legend is a real person."
Josephine stabbed the air with her pen. "But how does that implicate us? What made them decide that the Inquisition serves this Fen'Harel?"
"Hopefully, we will learn more after we have stopped them," said Theron.
"Let's see the Exalted Council try to disband the Inquisition after we've saved them from this Dragon's Breath." Cullen folded his arms.
Leliana frowned. "We must find out what Dragon's Breath is, first. For now, our only lead is the Qunari leader, the Viddasala…"
There was a commotion, and a moment later Duke Cyril and Arl Teagan were coming down the stairs. "Gentlemen!" Josephine said politely, moving to intercept them.
"My apologies, Lady Josephine. There has been an incident with one of your soldiers," said Duke Cyril's apologetically.
Arl Teagan was not. "How dare you? It was bad enough that the Inquisition chose not to inform the Exalted Council of the Qunari corpse…"
"Orlais would have been happy to help with the matter."
"But now your own guards are attacking servants? You have overstepped your bounds!" Arl Teagan jabbed a finger at them.
Maxwell looked the guard and clearly they were equally as troubled.
"Thank you for bringing this to my attention, gentlemen. I'll see to this personally," said Maxwell. He then looked to Adaar. "Adaar, would you please accompany me."
"Of course, my Lord," said Adaar.
"Thank you, Inquisitor." Duke Cyril gave a small bow. "Orlais stands ready to assist the Inquisition, as always."
"Secrets and lies." Arl Teagan narrowed his eyes. "Do you understand why we fear your Inquisition? You act as if you're the solution to every problem. How long before you drag us into another war?" He stormed out, followed a moment later by Duke Cyril.
Theron sighed. "It never rains but it pours."
Maxwell took a deep breath. "Theron, have your agents focus on the servants."
"Yes, Inquisitor."
"What's going on here?" Maxwell strode through the crowd to where his soldiers, and the Orlesian guards, were gathered.
One of the guards gestured at a scout, who happened to be the same scout that approached him during the meeting with the Exalted Council. "The Orlesians tried to take one of our people, Inquisitor. We've secured the area."
Immediately the leader of the Orlesian guards objected. "This is the Winter Palace! You cannot simply seize control when one of your guards attacks a servant!"
His soldier immediately stepped in the Orlesian's way. "The Inquisition is handling this. When some noble commits a crime of fashion, you can take over."
Maker, this he didn't need. Before he could deal with the situation, the scout spoke up. "I only asked what he was doing."
The servant all but spat in response. "And when I refused to bow to the Inquisition's dogs, you attacked me!"
"How would you like us to handle the situation, Inquisitor?"
Maxwell rubbed his forehead and was about to order the scout taken back to their base when Adaar noticed something. "That barrel there…" she asked. Maxwell turned and saw container that looked looked like one of the ones they'd recently primed to explode. "Where did it come from?"
"I was ordered to bring wine for the guests." The servant spoke quickly. Too quickly.
"You're lying." The scout immediately stepped forward.
"Your Inquisition soldiers are completely out of control!" The Orlesian guard gestured angrily.
"No, we're in control. Keep talking, and you'll find yourself in chains."
Maxwell stepped between them before the situation got out of hand. "Please take the servant into custody."
"Right away, Your Worship."
"Inquisitor?" The Orlesian guard glared.
"Ambassador Montilyet will explain later. For now, please hold the servant for questioning."
"As you say, Inquisitor. Lord Cyril will hear about this." He turned and strode away.
The scout seemed to realise how bad the situation was. She hesitated a bit before approaching Maxwell. "Inquisitor? I also found this by the barrel. I can't read the language."
"Did you resolve the problem with the guard?" Leliana asked quietly. Theron stood at her side, his expression calm and pleasant.
"The guard is the least of our problems. Someone smuggled gaatlok barrels into the Winter Palace."
"Smile, Inquisitor. There are many eyes upon us." Leliana obeyed her own command.
"At least now we know the true extent of the Dragon's Breath," said Theron keeping kept his own voice pleasant, though pitched not to carry.
"You think the 'Dragon's Breath' is these gaatlok barrels?"
"Or course. A surprise attack, even through the eluvians, would have met fierce resistance."
"This is what Corypheus should have done after the explosion at the Temple of Sacred Ashes."
"An attack as swift and unstoppable as the breath of a dragon."
Maxwell looked from Theron to Leliana. "How are you two still smiling?"
"We are bards, Inquisitor. We cannot show weakness now." Leliana touched Maxwell's arm. "Enemies could be watching. All we can let them see is idle conversation between friends."
"The guard who confronted the servant said she found this note near one of the barrels. It looks like Qunari writing."
Leliana took it from him. "Let me see. I picked up some up from the Iron Bull, though I'm told my accent is atrocious." She read it over. "These are orders for positioning the gaatlok in the palace…" He skimmed the document further. "'When duty has been performed, report to the Viddasala through the mirror marked by a bookcase.'"
"I've been hoping to meet the esteemed Viddasala. How nice of her to invite us over."
"Good. While you do that, we will have agents locate the gaatlok barrels and remove them safely," said Theron.
"I'll get word out to our foreign contacts. We must see where else this dragon could strike," Leliana added.
