After breakfast the next day, Elisa planned to leave for Amaranthine on her own. However, her Second would have none of that. "Loghain, it's just in the city, not the bloody Deep Roads," she protested as she placed the saddle on her horse.

"The Deep Roads are far safer. At least darkspawns are predictable enough. The city is home to your enemies Commander," Loghain added as he fixed his horse's saddle. "It's too dangerous for you to strut around Amaranthine unguarded."

She snorted. "Oh, lovely! So now, I need to have soldiers escorting me everywhere just to make sure no one will get a clear shot. Tell me, will they follow me even when I answer the call of nature? Should I have them taste every food I eat just to make sure it's not poisoned?"

"Commander…" He sighed heavily as his thumb and forefinger massaged his brows. "The very least you could do is be wary of possible threats to your life."

Her lips thinned before she blew out an air. "I know, I know. Conspirators after my head…"

Offering no other protest, Elisa and her Second mounted their horses and exited the stables. However, before they could move further, both heard Anders' voice calling them out. She turned her head towards the mage and raised a brow. "What is it?"

Standing beside his Commander's horse, Anders bent down and panted heavily while he held a hand up signaling her to give him a minute. When he finally caught his breath, he stood up and said, "I'm coming along."

Elisa's brows furrowed. "Why?"

Anders shifted his gaze elsewhere as his fingers fidgeted. "I have to meet… a friend." He watched his Commander as she remained silent with an unreadable expression.

Then, a corner of her lips twitched up as she raised a brow. "Is she a friend or a friend?"

He chuckled. "I suppose it was both?" He raised a hand up. "I'm not going to cause too much trouble, promise."

She sighed before scooted forward her saddle so as to give the mage a space to sit on. "All right, hop on." However, another voice called her out. Taking a deep breath, she turned her attention to dark-haired soldier who stopped few feet away from them. "What is it Sergeant Maverlies?"

"Beg your pardon Commander," the sergeant replied as she stood straight, clearly noticing the Warden-Commander's annoyed tone. "The men have cleared the rubble. They found a tunnel leading to the Deep Roads."

This made Elisa pause for a bit. This should be dealt with as soon as possible but if they leave for the city now, she wouldn't have time for it when they return since she would need to prepare for their departure to Denerim. There was that nagging reluctance in her head to delegate the situation but brushed it off, telling herself that she can't do everything on her own. "Send Nathaniel, Oghren and Sigrun to seal it. Tell them I want it down before we leave tomorrow."

The soldier nodded. "Yes, Commander."

When no one else seemed to be in need of her assistance or decision, Elisa rode her horse, together with her Second, and hurried to Amaranthine, hoping she would catch her brother before he gets on the ship.

The moment the Wardens arrived at the city, Anders left the two to look for whoever he needed to see. "Don't get into too much trouble!" Elisa shouted at the fleeting figure of the mage then turned her attention to her Second. "Are you going to follow me around everywhere?"

"Unless I can turn my back for a few seconds without you getting into all sorts of trouble, then the answer is yes," Loghain answered flatly.

"I just feel that it's unwise for Esmerelle to see you," she replied.

His brow arched up as he crossed his arms on his chest. "What exactly are you planning?"The response he received was a quick lopsided grin before she turned and paced quickly towards the docks.

"You'll find out soon."

They arrived at the docks not long after. There were a number of ships with most travelling to the Free Marches. Workers moved around, transferring cargos from the ships to the nearby warehouses. Elisa looked around and soon found the ship heading to Denerim. She glanced over to her Second and ordered, "stay out of sight." He looked like he wanted to protest so she quickly added, "if I'm in trouble, I shout loud enough for you to hear, I promise."

He scoffed. "In trouble, meaning when you're bleeding to death."

"Don't argue Loghain." She whipped her head to the side when she heard Bann Esmerelle's shrilly voice. "I have to go." Waving him off before he had the opportunity to reply, she walked briskly towards the Bann accompanied by her brother only to slow her pace into a casual stroll when she got closer and both had noticed her presence.

"Oh, Fergus," she greeted with a small smile which became a bit strained and forced when her gaze shifted to the lady clinging to his arm, "and Bann Esmerelle. What a pleasant surprise." Maker, she wanted to take her brother's sword and chop off the harpy's arms. At least he's not enjoying this either, she thought as her gaze focused back on her brother who sported that neutral expression she knew meant that he wasn't enjoying the old hag's clinginess at all. Still, he said nothing to her other than a polite nod.

"Warden-Commander…" Esmerelle gave that practiced smile of hers. "I did not expect to see you here."

Elisa knotted her hands behind her back as the urge to strangle the other woman nearly overwhelmed her. Truly, she wished that it was a darkspawn clinging to her brother so she could behead it without technically committing murder. Stick to the plan, she reminded herself before forcing a wider smile. "Yes, well, I came by to check the docks. There had been some trouble with the smugglers last time."

"Smugglers?" Fergus raised a brow as he looked over to the Bann beside him.

"Yes, there had been such troubles lately," the Bann immediately replied, "but no worries Teryn Cousland. It has all been taken care of."

"You're welcome." Elisa stated casually then quickly changed the subject before Esmerelle could respond. "But enough about that. I should let you board the ship lest it leaves you behind." She glanced towards the gangplank as more passengers made their way up. "Wish I could take the ship as well but I must deal with the troubles in Wending Woods before heading to Denerim." She shrugged. "Shame, really… Ah well, do send Lord Eddelbrek my regards when you see him there." She held back a grin when her brother's brows shot up.

"Eddelbrek? He's here?" Fergus asked with unmasked enthusiasm in his tone.

And for a moment, Esmerelle looked surprised as well before she masked it with a neutral expression. "I highly doubt he'll leave his farms while the darkspawns ravage them." Her lips twitched up. "Was he not asking for more soldiers from you Commander? I hear casualties are increasing in the countryside." Her smile only grew as the brows of the younger noblewoman furrowed.

As if on cue however, the voice of the said man they're talking about had called out, "Warden-Commander!" Eddelbrek, with some of his men behind him, approached Elisa and shook her hand when she turned to him and smiled brightly. "Thank you for the soldiers. My mind's a bit more at ease." His gaze shifted towards the younger noble. "Fergus!" he exclaimed as he quickly went over to the other man.

"Lord Eddelbrek!" Fergus pulled himself away from the surprised Bann Esmerelle as he gave the older noble a brief but tight friendly hug. "So glad to see you."

"Not as glad as I, young Cousland." Eddelbrek smiled which turned into a sheepish grin. "Oh, where are my manners. I mean Your Lordship."

Fergus chuckled. "No need for such formalities. You were father's friend and so as mine." His hand gestured towards the gangplanks. "Come, let us continue our conversation on the ship lest we lose track of time. I'd like to hear about your family – especially your wife and that special stew she makes."

Elisa watched the two men board the ship with her brother completely forgetting about Bann Esmerelle. Speaking of the demon, she glanced over to the other woman whose brows furrowed and lips thinned while glaring at Fergus, Eddelbrek's or even both of their backs – a sight that made Elisa's lips curl up into a smug grin. "Well," she began which caused the older woman to turn her glare at her, "I should let you board the ship. Have a pleasant trip Bann Esmerelle." Even after she turned her back to the opportunistic harpy and began walking back to her Second, she could still feel the sharp glare piercing through her back which made her smug grin even wider.

Loghain had listened to the conversation behind the large crates which was not far from where his Commander went earlier, and for a moment he thought it was his daughter who was speaking. He even peeked from behind the crates just to make sure. The way she carried herself however reminded him of someone else. It had the air of one of noble birth but not like those Orlesian bitches or noblewomen who tried vying for his affection after his wife's death. They were too incompetent and would surely always require saving if trouble arises.

She's nothing like those fools, he thought as he let his mind wondered on who she could be compared to. His daughter perhaps but she is far more experience in the political battlefield than the Commander who in turn is more experienced in the actual battlefield than Anora. Eleanor most likely – he had seen her in action during the war against the Orlesians; though her daughter apparently lacks her softer side. He continued pondering until the last person he would ever compare his Commander to crossed his mind.

Rowan.

He shook his head, dismissing such strange notion. The Commander isn't like her, he chastised himself mentally. However, the more he thought about the difference between Elisa and Rowan, the more he could find their similarities – from both being of noble birth with diplomatic skills to sway any noble to a certain cause down to their skills as a warrior.

"We're done here." A voice immediately snapped him out of his thoughts as he realized that his Commander was already standing beside him. He must have given a dumbfounded look as her brow suddenly arched up as she gave him a curious look. "Something wrong?"

"Nothing," he responded, quickly pushing back any thoughts of the late Queen of Ferelden. He looked over to the ship heading to Denerim while trying to remember what he had been staring at and overhearing before he allowed his mind to wander off. He remembered Eddelbrek and Fergus greeting each other before getting caught in their conversation while completely forgetting Bann Esmerelle's presence. "Was that your plan all along?" he muttered unconsciously.

"If you mean Lord Eddelbrek's sudden arrival then no, it wasn't. I had only planned to inform Fergus that Eddelbrek will also take the ship to Denerim. That would have been enough to pique his interest and leave that old hag's side to search for him on the ship," Elisa answered before giving a lopsided grin, "however, things went surprisingly better than I had hoped for." She mused and added jokingly, "perhaps the Maker favors me for my recent good deeds."

Loghain snorted derisively. Forget about her being like Rowan. This woman is almost like Maric. "Or perhaps the Maker pities you for possibly ending up having her as you're sister-in-law."

Elisa gave him a look as though she had just tasted something utterly disgusting. "Ugh, must you bring that up? I haven't digested my lunch yet." She blew an air out before she started to walk the path leading back to the Market District. "Come on, let's look for Anders. He's probably done with meeting whoever he needs to meet."

The two Wardens first searched the tavern since both assumed that the blonde mage was probably referring to a barmaid he had met during their last trip here. Yet, when the asked the inn keeper, he told them that he had not seen any mage. Thus, they began asking the city guards. Some saw him though they didn't exactly see where he was headed since they paid him no mind. Elisa was ready to send out a search party but decided that the guards have far more important things to than to find one missing mage.

After more than hours of searching, both finally decided to take a break. They were close to the Chantry so decided to sit on the benches there for a bit. Elisa muttered an inaudible curse for not asking Anders where exactly he was running off to. As she reached the last step, a familiar elderly voice called her name.

She stared past the statue of Andraste and for a moment, she blinked a couple of times to ascertain that the smiling gray-haired woman in scarlet robes was no illusion. "Wynne?" Her lips curled up into a wide grin as she walked over to the elderly mage and hugged her tightly.

Wynne laughed lightly as she hugged her former companion back. "It's so good to see you my friend." However, her smile was replaced by a stern look when she released the Warden-Commander and turned her attention to the other Warden. "Loghain," she greeted coldly.

"Madam…" Loghain nodded curtly as those icy blue eyes of his stared back at the elderly mage., his arms crossing on his chest.

Elisa thought that these two planned to start a war but surprisingly, Wynne remained civil to her Second – cold and distant but civil at least. "You're looking well."

"And you as well." Loghain replied in a similar tone which eased his Commander's worries; although it did not entirely diffuse the tension around them.

Clearing her throat, Elisa asked the elderly mage so as to shift the latter's focus to her. "So what brings you to Amaranthine? I thought you were accompanying Shale to Tevinter – which reminds me, how is Shale?" She grinned slightly at the memory of her light conversations with the golem. "I hope she hasn't killed all the pigeons in Thedas."

Wynne laughed lightly. "Fortunately, not yet my dear. She's staying in Kinloch Hold until I return from Cumberland. Irving has offered to help in researching a way to return her to her original form."

"I hear Cumberland's boring," Elisa commented. "Why go there of all places?"

"The College of the Magi is convening in Cumberland and Irving's sending me there to attend," Wynne replied, "with rebuilding the tower and all, he can't leave." She paused for a moment as though in deep thought before shaking her head to dismiss whatever crossed her mind.

Elisa's brows furrowed at the older woman's unease that she tries hard to mask. "It seems serious if it's making you worry."

"Oh, it's not too much trouble." Wynne waved a hand dismissively as she gave a reassuring smile. "Besides, you have enough problems of your own. I shouldn't add more." She felt her former companion gently place a hand on her shoulder.

"Wynne, I may not be able to help you resolve it but perhaps sharing it to me could ease your worry."

The elderly mage sighed deeply then nodded. "Very well. Then you must know that something's stirring within the Fraternities – political parties of mages. One of them is the Libertarians, a group who desire autonomy. They've been pushing to pull away entirely from the Chantry, and if they get enough support…" Her lips curled into a deep frown.

"That's… good, isn't it?" Elisa muttered which earned her a terrified look from the other woman.

"You don't understand child," Wynne chided, "The Chantry will never allow it. Our only hope for survival is to show them that we can be trusted."

"Yes, but how can the mages prove that they can be trusted if the Chantry doesn't give them the opportunity to prove that they are trustworthy? I'm not saying that they ought to give the mages immediate independence, just… loosening the tight grip of their collars." Elisa sighed, reminding herself that she offered a listening ear and not to push her own beliefs on that matter. "Well, that's just my opinion. You know the mages far better than I do." She smiled slightly. "I do hope it would be resolved peacefully. And if there's any way I can offer assistance, just tell me."

Wynne's features relaxed as she smiled back. "Well, perhaps there's something you can do for me. One of my… colleagues, Ines, has spent the last few months in the Wending Woods. Given the trouble in that area, the Circle could not contact her. If you happen to find her there, perhaps you can inform her about the meeting of the College."

"We're heading there tomorrow actually," Elisa replied, "investigate the area before heading to Denerim." Her brow then arched up slightly. "Though, just out of curiosity, what's a mage doing in the middle of the woods?"

Wynne merely shrugged. "Who knows… Looking for some obscure plant most likely. She has a keen interest in gardening- oh I'm sorry, I meant botany."

"I take it you two don't get along?" Elisa's body leaned back as she crossed her arms on her chest.

"We had some… disagreements, to put it mildly, from time to time." Wynne scowled slightly but shook her head. "Eccentricity aside, she is a voice of reason which we could use on our side." She paused as the sound of clunking armored feet hurried up the stairs leading to where the three stood.

As the guard reached the last step, he stood in front of Loghain. "We saw the mage.'

Wynne gave the younger woman a curious look. Elisa merely replied, "a fellow Warden. Long story…" She went over to her Second who asked the guard in front of him about Anders' whereabouts.

"Just through an alley," the guard replied, "I'll take you there."

"I should be off as well. I still have a great deal of preparations to make," Wynne said as she approached the Commander and smiled softly. "It is good to see you again." Elisa responded with a small nod to the elderly mage before she and Loghain followed the guard to the secluded alley.

When the two Wardens arrived there, they searched the area while calling out for Anders. However, there was no response. Where in Andraste's flaming arse did you run off too!? Elisa cursed incoherently before she suddenly felt a light tingling in her blood other than Loghain's. Her head turned frantically until she saw a lone door leading to an abandoned building. "This way," she told her Second as she led him inside.

For Anders, everything went so fast. One moment he was searching an abandoned, unguarded building where his contact had told him that the Templars were storing the phylacteries – one of which was his. Then the next thing he knew, someone behind him had just smited him while he was searching the crates in the far end of the building. Knocked back on the floor with his head throbbing painful enough that he would rather have a hangover than this, he tried to move but his body was limp and aching. Somewhere not far from where he lay, he could hear a female voice – one the he could recognize belonged to Rylock even if he did not look up.

"And here I almost believed that the infamous Anders wouldn't take the bait." He could imagine her sneering as she spoke those words.

"Ha..." He gasped as it proved even difficult to breathe let alone turn his head to the side just so he could glare at her. "I should have known… Missed me already?" He suddenly stilled as he felt the cold steel of her blade's tip ghosting over his neck.

"Silence mage!" Rylock growled. "I'm taking you back to the tower and I'll make sure you'll never be a bother to anyone again."

"You can't arrest me!" He tried yell his protest as loud as his weakened stated would allow. "The Queen herself allowed my conscription!"

"The Chantry's authority supersedes the Crown in this matter."

Anders heard her armored feet stepping closer to his body but before she could pick him up, there was a sound of clashing metal not far from where they were. And suddenly, the tingling sensation in his blood was a welcoming feeling despite the ache in his entire body. The fight didn't last long, and as soon as he regained a bit of energy to steady himself up with the help of his staff, his Commander had pierced an arrow through the skull of the woman who had been a constant nightmare to him for ages just as she was knocked back by the other Senior Warden's shield.

"Crazy self-righteous zealots…" Elisa muttered as she slung her bow over her shoulders. She shifted her gaze to the stunned mage with a gaping mouth. "You all right?"

"I... I…" Anders stuttered as he tried to find the proper words to show his gratitude. "Thank you for standing by me even if you didn't have to." His hand rubbed the back of his neck. "I don't really know what else to say…"

"You can start by explaining what in the Maker's name were you doing here," Elisa replied as she crossed her arms on her chest and gave the mage a stern look which made the latter to fidget a bit.

"Er… right." He grinned sheepishly, hoping it would lessen his Commander's anger. "I'm mentioned about a friend right?" When Elisa nodded, he continued. "She's also a contact of mine. When we returned from our trip, I received a letter from her telling me that she found what I was looking for. When we met up earlier, she informed me about the cache of phylacteries – the ones templars use to track mages down – are being kept here during the Blight."

Loghain scoffed. "And you didn't suspect it as a trap… at all?"

All Anders could answer was another sheepish grin. Looking at it in hindsight, he should have suspected something but perhaps desperation to achieve total freedom might've blinded him from that possibility. His Commander merely shook her head. "Good thing we came just in time." Her small smile made him relax though the punch in his arm made him wince a bit.

"What was that for?" He pouted.

"That's for disobeying orders. I told you not to cause trouble didn't I?" Her statement was scolding though its tone did not sound accusatory. She allowed the mage to lean on her as they exited the room.

"What about the templars?" Loghain asked as he glanced back to the corpses they passed by. The Chantry no doubt knew where and what Rylock and those two other templars were doing. Maker, they might have sent those three themselves.

Elisa merely shrugged. "We'll just deal with the Chantry if they start knocking on our front door; otherwise, leave the matter be. It's not like Amaranthine has no criminals." She quickened her pace when she noticed the mage seemed to regain a bit more of his energy, and headed out of the warehouse before as what Anders stated when they stepped out, "someone starts waggling a finger at us."

End of Chapter 15