The trio dismounted, scanning their surroundings. Skyhold's towers blocked the sun, and cast shadows across its courtyards, providing shade for the people.

Voltur stood next to Tempest, keeping his voice low. "There are a lot of viddathari here."

Tempest took a moment to look at the people. "How can you tell?"

"You can see it in their eyes. There's a severity in them. It's the kind of severity that marks you as an outsider. An outsider they're willing to kill in order to protect their brethren, and so called 'freedom'."

"You speak from experience then."

"Indeed. A Tevinter should know how to spot them in times like these."

"Makes sense."

A man in Inquisition armor approached, his expression blank. "The Inquisitor will want to see you. Our horse master will attend to your mounts."

Tempest nodded. "Lead away then."

The great hall was adorned in Qunari heraldry and statues from Par Vollen. At the far end, flanked by stain glass windows, was the throne. It looked more like a bench, and at each end were incense burners with small columns of smoke rising from them. At the center sat Inquisitor Xennok Adaar, and only a few feet from him stood a dark haired woman with blue eyes. She wore simple qunari clothes, and her exposed skin was covered in tattoos.

Tempest approached the bottom of the steps leading to the throne without hesitation. Everyone in the room was silent. Voltur and Ziah remained at his flanks, monitoring the surroundings.

The Inquisitor was smiling. "The now retired Warden-Commander Amell, Hero of Ferelden graces us with his presence. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Tempest gave a slight bow. "Inquisitor. Hawke."

The woman let out a huff.

"I'm here to apologize for not being able to aid you in your fight against Corypheus. I was disposed on a personal, pressing matter. Morrigan said it was unnecessary, but I decided to come anyways."

"I see. She was right; you needn't come all this way to apologize. I understood your situation. However, I appreciate the gesture. Who are your companions?"

Tempest pointed his thumb over his shoulder. "This is Ziah and–"

Voltur stepped forward. "I am Zachariah Volturus of the Tevinter Imperium."

"Oh, interesting. That makes me wonder what a tevinter is doing this far south."

"Rumors, Lord Inquisitor. They say you will be paving the way for the Qun. You are aware of Tevinter's stance on the matter. Surely you understand that making such an alliance would also break the already shaky support from Orlais and Ferelden."

The smile vanished from the Inquisitor's face as Voltur spoke. "How long have you spent outside of Tevinter, Zachariah Volturus?"

"Long enough."

"Good. Then you should see the state of the world. Everyone is constantly at each other's throats. Everyone is struggling to survive. These things weigh heavy on my mind, so I wonder; when and how does it end? There must be a solution. There must be a better way."

"So you force them into the Qun? That fixes nothing."

"But it does. In the Qun they are free to live. They no longer have to struggle to survive."

"I see. So you won't listen to reason then."

"Asit tal-eb, Zachariah Volturus."

Tempest looked to Hawke. "And what of you? Did Kirkwall break you?"

"No. Kirkwall opened my eyes. The Arishok was right. The wallowing in suffering must end. The events then and now have only reinforced my beliefs. Peace and prosperity can be achieved, but it will have to become worse before it gets better."

The Inquistor focused back on Tempest. "I must insist that you join us. We could accomplish so much. Having you at our side would make the transition smoother."

"I can't do that. I won't do that."

The Inquisitor's eyes narrowed. "You intend to fight then?"

Tempest nodded. "If that is what's required."

"Have you not realized yet? This room is filled by three of what is likely the world's most powerful mages. You are looking at two of them. Even if you wanted to, how could you possibly stop us?"

"You would be wise not underestimate me. If it wasn't for me, neither of you would be here today. Hawke may have saved Kirkwall, and you may have stopped Corypheus, but I assure you that neither of you have faced anything like me."

Hawke let out a brief laugh. "It seems pride has blinded you in your retirement. Your time has passed. Either join up, or step aside for the new world."

Ziah burst into a series of giggles. "Pride? You know nothing of pride!"

She whipped out her staff, and a green lightning bolt burst into the air from it. What appeared to be a fade rift opened for a split second before disappearing. In that brief moment, a pride demon emerged, striking at Hawke. She dove out of the demon's reach, firing her own magic at the creature.

The Inquisitor jumped to his feet, containing a shocked shout. "Rift magic?"

The people that had once filled the great hall fled in terror. The trio forced their way through. Outside, guards rushed towards them as they bolted down the steps. There was no way they could get to the main entrance. Arcs of lightning flew from Tempest's fingertips as he electrified two guards.

Voltur pointed to an open door on their right. "This way!"

They followed, shutting the door behind themselves. Inside there was a long stairwell going down. They rushed to the bottom, and through another door. They closed that door too, and found themselves surrounded by prison cells, and a gaping hole that lead to a sheer cliff.

A woman stood at one of the cell's bars. "You aren't one of those maniacs! Please, let me out. I can help you!"

The trio exchanged looks as the sounds of voices and clattering weapons echoed down to them. Tempest nodded and approached the cell. In an instant he was a bear, pulling at the cell door. After a few seconds the lock gave way, and the door flung open.

"Thank you! I'm in your debt!" She rushed over to a chest by the door and pulled a belt filled with flasks, a backpack, and a strange weapon from it. She pulled a flask from the belt and aimed at the door, signaling everyone to backup. When they cleared the way, she threw the flask, and it burst into a black tar that hardened over the door.

"That should buy us some time."

Voltur exhaled. "Great. Now how do we get away?"