Chapter 2: Alliance

"We need a plan, "Shepard muttered more to herself than the others. With one ear listening what was being said on the communicator, she added, "The person in charge of this group is not use to leading soldiers on the ground. She's more naval than marine or army, but she's studied tactics longer than I've been alive. She'll be more dependent on tech and I'm hoping knows nothing about magic but we can't depend on that since we have no idea how long she's been on Thedas. All three of us are at least better than decent at sneaking into places we shouldn't be and are familiar with the castle. Cole, when you shared my dreams were you able to pick up much about how the weapons and tech worked?"

Cole tilted his head as if he was searching his memories. "Some, "he finally said, "I know what to avoid when I see, hear, feel, smell certain things but I don't really know how to use anything from where you come from."

Just then the communicator crackled. A voice demanded that Ashling and Reve to report. "Ok get ready to move, "said Shepard as she picked up the communicator, "Anders figure someway to knock him out, Cole toss the extra guns out that window. Now, since they'll already going to know that someone is here…let's give them a chance to surrender."

Shepard then turned opened up the comm and said in English, "This is Inquisition Investigator Shepard, formerly Commander Shepard of the Earth Military Alliance, Spectre. You have one chance to stand down and explain your actions."

A few moments silence and then a different female voice replied, ""Stand down, Commander. That's an order."

"I'm sorry to say I must refuse that order, "Shepard closed her eyes, recognizing that voice. Cole looked at her in concern as she said, "What you are doing is illegal and wrong by any definition. It is my duty to put a stop to this…no matter who you are."

"Jane, please. Don't fight me on this,"the woman pleaded.

"Sorry but you brought this on when you attacked my home, "Jane replied coldly, "If you want to save your men…"

"We are all fully geared and trained, "the woman said forcefully, "You can't hope to beat us alone."

"That just shows you don't know me very well. Big surprise "said Shepard before cutting off the connection. She threw the communication against the wall with force and then sat down, covering her head with her arms. Anders stopped packing away the healing and lyrium potions looking at her with concern. Cole simply placed his arms around her shoulders as if trying to protect her from the emotional storm raging in her.

After a few seconds, Shepard got her emotions back under control. She sat up straight and took a deep breath. Returning Cole's hug, she said softly, "Thanks."

"Who is she?" Cole asked.

Shepard sighed and then answered, "Rear Admiral Hannah Shepard…my mother."

Cole nodded in understanding and said, "She's not a very good mother."

Jane covered her mouth and snorted as she tried not to laugh at the understatement. "I kinda figured that out some time ago, "she finally said, "But nice to know someone else agrees with me."

"Hold it, "said Anders trying to get a grip on what was going on, "That woman you were speaking to, the one that lead the attack on Skyhold...is your mother?!"

"Ah…yeeeeah, "said Shepard as she rubbed the back of her neck, "We'll talk about that later. Now about the prisoner…"

The three of them all looked at their captive still tied to the chair, his face pale but firm. Now he knew who she was and was fully aware of her reputation. She would kill him or less likely try to recruit him.

"This should knock him out for more than a few hours, "said Anders holding up a small vial filled with a dark blue liquid that Shepard was more than familiar with. She had a vial of her own that she used a few drops at night when she had difficulties falling asleep.

Minutes later, the prisoner was snoring thanks to the sleeping potion Anders shoved down his throat and the same mage asked, "Where to now?"

"Cole can you scout ahead and check the inn? If anyone had a chance on holding off an attack it's the Chargers, "said Jane, "If they're there, let them know we're coming. We'll follow."

"Yes, "was Cole's simple reply before vanishing.

Seeing Ander's questioning look, Shepard said, "By now they'll be falling back a little to regroup. They'll stop using the communicators and have to report person, slowing them down even more. That will give us time to see if we can group up with anyone else. Once we find out one way or another, we can think up something."

"What about the barracks?" Anders asked.

Shepard sadly shook her head and as she checked her 'borrowed' weapons, having decided earlier on keeping a pistol and a shotgun. She also pocketed the remaining communicator as she replied, "If they did any recon at all, the barracks would have been the first and hardest hit. With the weapons they have…I don't expect many survivors."

(Later at The Herald's Rest)

"Good to see ya' Shepard, "roared Iron Bull as he slapped her on the back, "Knew these losers wouldn't be able to take you or your team down."

Quickly recovering from the Qunari slap, at least it wasn't a Krogan head butt, she replied, "Nice to see you too Bull. How are your men holding up."

Bull walked around the bar and dug out two mugs. He filled them both up with whatever was in the cask on tap. "Here, "he said as he handed one of the mugs to her, "I have a feeling you might need this. I know I do. It's bad. If it wasn't for Dalish's magic we would have been dead. Bloody guns. You know I didn't believe it when you told us how bad those things were. Mind if I take a look at one of them?" Bull took a gulp of his drink, slammed the mug on the bar and then hold of the shotgun that Shepard handed over to him.

Cole suddenly appeared at Shepards side, pale and tired looking. "No one else escaped, "he reported, "They are either dead or prisoners. Most are in the throne room, but the Inquisitor is being held in his chambers. I tried to help him or at least talk to him, but he was never alone. There are also three people watching the inn."

"Thanks, "Jane said and then handed him her mug, "Here, you need this more than I do."

Cole took the mug and took a small swallow, coughing slighting at the burn of the alcohol. He recovered and then took another swallow as he sat down on one of the bar stools. Shepard smirked as she watched Cole drink for a few moments but then she froze as she suddenly realized something.

To be continuing…