Nathaniel regarded the blonde mage with furrowed brows. "We're going to Amaranthine?" Hadn't Elisa left for the city yesterday?

Grinning broadly, Anders answered while examining the archer's torso, "'As long as Nathaniel can travel,' she said." He poked and prodded his ribs. "Feel anything?"

"Just a dull ache," Nathaniel replied. Was this because of his request? Delivering the letter would've sufficed. Given his condition yesterday, he was willing to wait a little longer to see Delilah again. To make a sudden accommodation for his benefit...

I should thank her for this, he thought.

Anders stepped back few minutes later. "All clear. You should be fine as long as you don't do anything too strenuous. Still..." He tapped his chin with his forefinger then pulled out a vial from his robes.

Nathaniel glowered at the sight of the potion. "Is that really necessary?"

"Well, if you don't want to..." Anders turned around. "I'll just tell the Commander to—"

"Give me that!"Nathaniel snatched the small glass and chugged down its contents, grimacing as the bitter taste passed his tongue.

"And to answer your question..." Anders grinned slowly. "No, it's not. I just wanted to see you make that face."

Andraste's tits. Nathaniel grabbed a pillow and tossed it to the healer, smacking him right in the face as he cackled.

"If you can hit that hard, you're definitely good to go." Anders wiped the tears from his eyes as his laughter died down. "Well, I'm off to give Commander my report. See you in the courtyard."

Nathaniel huffed indignantly as the mage left his room. One of these days, I'm going to lose all patience and strangle that bastard. He got out of bed and proceeded putting on his armor — a light set made of drakeskin. One of the servants brought it here last night, said it came from the Commander. Where in Thedas she got this or how much it cost was beyond him. Regardless, this was anther reason to thank her.

Stepping out to the courtyard, Nathaniel spotted the Commander beside the mage and a mabari, all of them staring at a statue of the prophet.

"Was Andraste really that much of a looker? Don't you think she would've been, oh I dunno…" Anders gesticulated. "A barbarian?"

Elisa's fingers rubbed her chin as she studied the statue. "The Chantry probably found it easier to recruit men if she has..."

"A lovely backside?" He grinned.

She shook her head but grinned slightly. "They weren't going for accuracy, I think. This is only meant to represent her."

He shrugged. "Sure, but she was a real person once… you know, up until she married the Maker." The mage gazed at the statue, momentarily in silence, before adding, "I wonder... What would she have thought of the Circle of Magi? Forcing mages to fight demons or be made tranquil…"

She tilted her head to the side. "Probably be confused by it. I certainly don't understand the point of it all."

"No doubt you're right." Anders frowned as he mused. "The way I see it, Andraste counseled men to seek their own path to the Maker. But the Chantry uses her words to collar us for just being who we are."

Elisa hummed. "Magic exists to serve man, not rule over him... examining that verse, nothing there indicates that mages should be locked up. Curious how the Chantry arrived at that conclusion."

"Only the Maker knows..." He shrugged and returned his attention to the statue, a small grin forming on his lips. "She's still quite the looker— I'm just saying."

Caena turned around and barked, catching both the mage and the Commader's attention. Both then finally noticed Nathaniel's presence. Honestly, he would've kept his presence hidden had there been a place to take cover. It was... pleasant listening to Elisa's commentaries, reminding him of the days where she shared her views and curiosities to him.

Glad that hasn't changed. The thought nearly had Nathaniel crack a smile.

"Good morning." Elisa smiled. "I see the armor fits you well."

Nathaniel glanced down at the cuirass. "I... Thank you. This must've cost a small fortune. Was this imported from Nevarra?"

She chuckled softly. "No, it was made locally. By that smith over there." She pointed to a bald man working by the furnace.

His brows furrowed. "And the materials?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I tell you," she replied.

"No, tell us," Anders chimed in. "If nothing else, it'd make for an entertaining story on the road."

"I'll think about it." Elisa gave the mage a small smile — one Nathaniel noted didn't quite reach her eyes. "In any case, now that you're here, shall we? Loghain and Oghren are already waiting for us by the stable."

~oOo~

Good weather allowed the party to arrive in Amaranthine City far earlier than expected. This was despite the fact that Anders kept falling off the horse while trying to mount it. The Commander ended up sharing her ride with him, much to the mage's delight. Loghain suspected that he had done it on purpose, but voicing out such thought would cause further delay to their departure. Hence, he kept it to himself.

"Those hands better not wander Anders, or I'd be forced to break those fngers. One. At. A. Time." Elisa had issued her warning and the mage gulped at her sharp sidelong glare.

Meanwhile, the dwarf shared a horse with the Howe boy, in which the latter grimaced at the stench of whatever the drunk had in his flask, but made no complaints about the arrangement.

In the corner of his eye, Loghain watched the archer as he dismounted the horse, shaking the drowsy dwarf who dozed off during the trip. He was clearly the reason for the sudden change in their schedule.

Why though?

It was a question he had several speculations but no conclusive answer. One of which would be that the Commander intended to use him to uncover the conspiracy against her. As to how, he couldn't come up with anything.

Regardless,should it be proven to be the case, it would be a risky course of action, especially if this boy would be swayed by the enemy's venomous lies.

Anders took a deep breath as the Commander aided him in dismounting their horse. "Can you smell that? That, is the smell of freedom."

Elisa inhaled and her nose crinkled. "I didn't think freedom could smell so terrible."

"Well, there's the smell of dog and dirt," Anders said, "but the freedom is in there too."

Caena barked and growled at the mage. Elisa scratched behind the ears to placate her mabari, then she sniffed again. "Or that could be pie."

Anders let out a long groan. "The fact that there are pies around is a step-up for me. I've had a pie-less existence, more or less."

She raised an eyebrow. "You've never had a pie before?"

"Not even a moldy one, sadly." He sighed then gave her a lopsided grin. "Why? Would you bake me one?"

Loghain snorted instinctively. He meant to kept his reaction to himself, but the thought of asking Elisa Cousland — of all people — to cook anything was tantamount to suicide.

Elisa placed her hands on her hips as she glared at the older Warden. "Anything you'd like to share?"

Loghain met her gaze without faltering. "Only that your cooking would send anyone straight to the Void."

"After all these years, it's still that horrid?" Nathaniel said as he guided the horses to the nearby stables. "Perhaps time abroad would've improved your skills. Maybe then, you would've learned not to throw everything into the pot."

Elisa huffed. "I'll have you know, I learned some dishes in the Anderfels."

"I hope it's not the ham," Anders said, and the Commander shot him a dirty look.

"It ain't that bad," Oghren mumbled, raising his flask. "Goes well with the booze."

Elisa inclined her head toward the dwarf. "Thank you."

Considering what he consumes, it doesn't say much, Loghain thought, but kept silent as he and the rest of their companions followed the Commander to the city gates.

"A moment, my lady." A guard blocked her path before she could pass through. "I need to search your packs for smuggled goods."

Loghain shot the guard an incredulous look. "This is the Warden-Commander and Arlessa you're speaking to—"

"It's all right Loghain," Elisa said and smiled to the nervous guard. "He's only doing his job." Her hand gestured toward their packs.

"What are you doing?" Another guard approached them. Judging from his armor, Loghain presumed this to be the other's superior.

"Constable." The first guard straightened himself. "You said to check—"

"You are dismissed," the constable ordered, and once the guard left, he faced their group. "I apologize for the search. We've been having trouble with smugglers as of late."

"No trouble." Elisa waved her hand dismissively. "You're... Constable Aidan, yes? What's this about smugglers?"

"These criminals..." Aidan sighed as he rubbed his forehead. "They've all but taken the city. With trade slowed to a crawl, they've moved in, selling stolen goods at exorbitant prices."

Elisa arched a brow. "And what is Bann Esmerelle doing about this?"

"With all due respect to Her Ladyship," Aidan said carefully. "But she has left the city guard to deal with the matter. We're strained enough as it is." Her groaned. "If we could shut them down, we can distribute their goods to the needy."

Loghain could practically hear the exasperation through the Commander's long deep sigh. 'Maker grant me patience', indeed.

"Any leads?" Elisa said.

Aidan glanced around then leaned closer, whispering, "rumor has it there's a smuggler doing business in the market. However, he knows our people so he's able to hide before any of us could get close."

Elisa nodded. "We'll look on the matter."

The constable smiled. "Thank you Commander, and luck be with you." He bowed lightly and stepped aside, allowing their party to enter the city.

"So what's the plan?" Loghain said as he fell into her steady pace.

"Too many things to cover and so little time. We'll need to split up." Elisa stopped by the crossroads and faced the rest of the Wardens. "Nathaniel, take Oghren with you and find a hunter named Colbert. Ask him about the odd chasm he discovered."

"Where do we start looking?" Nathaniel said.

"Try the refugee camps. If he's not there, ask anyone if they've seen him." Elisa then pointed at the steps leading to the Chantry. "Once you're done, meet me there by the statue."

As the dwarf and archer left, Loghain gestured at himself and the mage. "And what of us?"

"We need to find that smuggler in the market district," Elisa said. "Let's spread out so we wouldn't attract unwanted attention. Give a signal if something looks suspicious."

"Same as before?" Loghain said.

Elisa nodded.

"The new recruit is at a loss here." Anders waved his hands, catching both of the other Wardens' attention. "What signal?"

"Ah, right. Hmmm, if I do this," Elisa said, her hands resting one hand on hip. "It means, be ready for trouble. You..." She paused and stared at the mage. "You can use your staff. Make is glow, if you need us to come over."

"Hand on hip. Glowing staff. Got it." Anders nodded.

The group split up. Anders surveyed a stall that sold magical trinkets while Elisa, with her mabari in tow, chatted with a textile merchant.

Loghain settled with browsing the swords displayed in one stall. He picked one up and examined the blade — Silverite, judging by the white-blue metallic shine. Excellent craftsmanship.

"A fine dwarven-made sword, straight from Orzammar." A merchant said upon his approach.

"Is that so?" Loghain narrowed his eyes and noticed the runes etched into it. High quality blades like these were normally sold in the capital. "Any more of these?"

"Of course." The merchant smiled. "New stocks just arrived the other day."

"How many?"

The merchant rubbed his chin. "That depends."

"Enough to supply say, a mercenary company?"

"Ah." The merchant's brows shot up, his fingers paused their movements. "We can supply, yes... but that may come at a price."

Loghain's features remained passive yet his thoughts started piecing the facts together. Silverite weapons were rarely mass-produced. Oftentimes, they had been commissioned by generals and nobles to outfit their elite knights, not mere foot doldiers. To have enough to supply an entire band..

"I'll take them."

~oOo~

Elisa side-glanced to Loghain when he began chatting up a merchant. On her end, there wasn't much luck. Most of the merchants she bargained with complained that supplies were scarce so they couldn't lower the price even if they wanted to. "My lady," a merchant selling assorted potion ingredients pleaded, "even if we can lower the price, we don't have enough stock for such volume purchase."

"When will they arrive?" she said.

The merchant stroked his beard. "Hopefully next week, but there's no guarantee. Travel's been difficult, I heard. Darkspawn and all."

She inclined her head. "I understand. Thank you." In the corner of her eye, she spotted Loghain resting his hand on his sword's hilt.

Found him.

Keeping her eyes on the displayed goods, Elisa sauntered over to Anders' line of sight, and rested a hand on her hip upon meeting the mage's gaze. She then casted a sidelong glance toward Loghain who noticed her, and as the merchant turned around, he craned his head sideways, rubbing one hand on a supposed sore muscle there.

Follow me.

Elisa waited for Loghain and their target to gain some distance before she and Caena followed suit with Anders catching up to them.

"I think someone's watching him," Anders whispered.

She snapped her head to him, scowling. "Why didn't you warn me?"

"I didn't know the signal for that!"

Elisa sighed and quickened her pace. As their target turned around a corner, three thugs blocked the end of the alley. She turned around and three more of the smugglers blocked their entrance.

Elisa unslung her bow. Anders' staff glowed as he backed between the Commander and Loghain who unsheathed his sword. Caena bared her teeth and poised to lunge.

"The lads said they saw you with the guards," the merchant spoke, sneering. "You'll learn not to stick your nose is people's business" He jerked his head, prompting the thugs to charge.

Loghain and Caena dealt with three of the smugglers on one end. On the other, Elisa threw a flask at the incoming enemies. The vial shattered on the ground, greenish fumes obscuring the enemies vision. The thugs coughed and anyone who fled the smoke met arrows piercing their throats and skulls.

Reinforcements arrived as the gas dissipated. Before they could close the distance, Anders slicken the ground with magic, slowing their advance and a couple even slipped.

I know that spell. Elisa's eyes narrowed. Wynne used that once against a group of darkspawn. Then Morrigan tossed a fireball...

"How fast can you put out a fire?" Elisa said as her hand rummaged inside her belt pockets.

Anders' brows furrowed. "Quick enough, why—"

Elisa tossed another flask, this time, it exploded upon shattering. Flames engulfed the screaming thugs still stuck on the grease.

"Andraste's flaming knickers!" Anders shouted as the fire spread around the alley. Blue aura enveloped his staff as icicles doused the fire before it could damage the nearby buildings.

At the distance, frantic voices echoed as the city guards rushed toward the sight of smoke and fire. The remaining smugglers cursed and ran away. "Anders, put out the fire. Loghain, tell them 'Warden-Commander's orders.'," Elusa said, and before either of the two Wardens could respond, she and Caena chased down their targets into the main streets.

The smugglers tossed nearby crates and carts in the middle of the path and whatever they could get their hands on. Both Elisa and her mabari evaded the projectiles and leapt over the obstacles. They sped up but the criminals kept gaining more distance. Then, from nowhere, an arrow pierced through the merchant's leg, the latter tripping as he cried out.

The rest of his comrades briefly halted, but as their pursuer closed the gap, accompanied by the distant shouts from the city guards, they left the injured man behind and disappeared into an alley.

Emerging from a dark narrow street, Nathaniel nocked another arrow as he, with Oghren not far behind, blocked the smuggler's path. The latter turned around but cursed as the Commander cut off the other exit.

"Four to one." Elisa smiled as she pulled out her dagger while Caena growled. "I'd start talking were I you."

"Blight take you!" The smuggler spat only to backpedal and stumble when the mabari inched forward with her teeth bared.

"She hasn't had her lunch yet," Elisa said casually. "If you can't be a useful informant, maybe you can be a useful meal instead."

The smuggler's eyes widened. "No, wait! I'll tell you everything!"

"Quickly then." She reached down to smooth her hand on Caena's back as the latter let out another growl. "I can't hold her back for long."

He gulped. "Our base- it's under an abandoned house, outside the city."

"How do we get in?"

"I don't—" The smuggler gulped as the mabari jerked forward. "A key! I have it!" He rummaged in his pockets and handed it over to the Commander.

The rest of the Warden finally caught up with a couple of city guards led by the Aidan. Elisa faced them and gestured toward the smuggler. "All yours Constable."

Aidan took a deep breath. "Thank you for the assistance Commander, and we'd appreciate it if you could avoid such... disturbance."

Noting the deep scowl plastered on Loghain's face, Elisa figured he took the brunt of the complaint. She inclined her head. "Apologies for the explosion. My seneschal will send compensation for any damages incurred. And allow us to deal with the the smuggler's den."

The Constable nodded, and as he left with the city guards dragging the criminal, Elisa turned to Loghain who crossed his arms over his chest. "How bad was it?"

"I'm not sure who'd have a heart attack first, Varel or Woolsey," Loghain said then sighed. "Fortunately, no one had been injured."

"You're welcome by the way," Anders chimed in. "Warn me next time. I can at least try to contain the explosion."

"Noted." Elisa side-glanced to Nathaniel. Should he even be fighting? She shook those thoughts away when Loghain admonishment echoed in her head. She turned around. "Let's go before the rest of them escape."

~oOo~

Dealing with the remaining criminals took some effort as they were prepared for the Wardens' arrival. Regardless, the party managed to dispatch them and stop those fleeing via boat by the archers well-aimed arrows to their heads. Once the area had been secured, the Commander ordered them to investigate the crates and report to her its contents.

Nathaniel discovered various fruits and vegetables, and he had to shake his head. They were hoarding such essential goods to drive the price higher. Heartless opportunists...

"Nathaniel."

He snapped out from his musings as Elisa's hand gestured for him to come over while Loghain paced back and forth nearby as he studied a parchment with a deep scowl.

"Do you speak Orlesian?" she said.

His brows furrowed. "Fairly fluent. Why?"

She handed him a ledger. "Can you translate this?"

Nathaniel translated the contents. "It's an inventory of basic goods, weapons, armor and..." His brows shot up. Maker's breath. "Le Miel Amer…"

Loghain halted midway as he let out series of curses.

Elisa arched an eyebrow at him. "And that is...?"

"Poison," Loghain nearly spat the words as though he tasted it himself. "Used in their Grand Game."

Nathaniel closed the ledger. He breathed deeply as his fingers rubbed his brows. "Bitter Honey. I've seen its effects. In Kirkwall, during a party by the De Lancets. It's..." A memory flashed before his eyes, the image of the writhing noble on the marble floor in a dark hallway as he clawed at his throat... "Unsettling."

Loghain snorted. "That's putting it mildly." His gaze met the Commander and the two seemed to share a silent conversation Nathaniel was not privy to.

Before the archer could inquire, Elisa ordered, "search the crates for any poisons. And if you find one, dispose of it. Make sure not a single vial leaves this place."

End of Chapter 7