A/N: Sorry I wasn't able to post a chapter last week, I was just really busy with a bad case of writer's block. This chapter isn't too long either, sorry about that too. I hope to make the next one longer, and more interesting. However, because I finally got my nursing job, and will be doing orientation all next week, I might not be able to get it done by next Sunday. (Yes, Starfang, that means if I don't get it done, you can still punish me) If not, I will have it done by the 10th. Thanks for reading, and Bioware owns everything Dragon Age.

By the way, if you haven't read Saigo Ni yet (located in Blood Chronicles) I suggest you do before reading this chapter. You don't have to, but I do recommend it.

Seeking Truth

"Why Jordan! It would appear as if you have some color in your cheeks!"

"I suppose if anyone could tell it would be you," Jordan smirked at the blind mage.

Sacha smiled at her. "More blood is rushing to your face than last time I saw you. I suppose that means you're happy. And it's good to see you were able to help Anders. How are you doing?"

"Better," Anders sighed. He then looked over at Jordan and a small smile began to form on his lips. "Much better." Jordan felt her cheeks grow hot from his smile, which made Sacha's own widen.

It had been a week since the incident, Jordan and Anders having stayed in her bedroom most of the time. Eventually, with their friends mostly wondering if Jordan was still alive, they left their haven to rejoin the outside world. When they told their companions about their recent activities, some, like Varric and Isabela were excited, wondering what took them so long. Aveline and Merrill were pleased, but Aveline was slightly concerned for Jordan due to Anders's known problem, but she only advised Jordan to be careful once, knowing the rogue was capable of taking care of herself. Fenris and Sebastian, however, were not pleased, or at least appeared that way. Hearing about it, Fenris had stayed quiet the whole time, but soon left at some point when no one noticed. Jordan didn't like seeing him upset, especially if it was from something like this, but what was she to do? He was the one that left her, after all. Sebastian, as well, didn't seem to approve of Jordan's choice in men, and also kept quiet, but stayed as Varric told the story of what occurred down in the tunnels.

As the days went by, Kirkwall was somewhat peaceful, leaving Jordan with little to do. Two letters she received piqued her interest, but only one she was willing to pursue. One had been from the viscount, asking for her audience at his keep, no doubt wanting information about why the Arishok had asked for her several weeks ago. Jordan knew she would have to go back to him at some point, but she dreaded it. It was the second letter, the one from Sacha, that had her at the Gallows today, along with Anders. Sacha had asked for him to come as well, if he was able. Now they stood in a secluded corner of the courtyard, away from curious eyes and ears.

Sacha looked to both Anders and Jordan. "You're probably wondering why I asked to see you two."

"That's what I was wondering," said Jordan.

"Well, first was for me to see that you, Anders, were still yourself. And I can see that you are."

"Yes, thanks to Jordan." Anders smiled over at the rogue. If he could, he would have taken her hand and pulled her into an embrace, but even in their secluded corner, he had to keep his distance. They didn't want to draw attention. Being in the Gallows was tough for him, especially after what happened in the tunnels, but when Anders was with Jordan, he felt like he was in more control. Justice even seemed calm, or confused, or... something. Anders could never tell with the spirit. "There is one thing I would like to know," he said to Sacha, lowering his voice.

The blind mage raised an eyebrow in question.

"How's Ella?"

"Free," Sacha grinned. "She was a little shaken after what you did, but I assured her you really meant no harm. But as for now, she should hopefully be in Ferelden by now with her mother."

"And she wasn't... hurt or anything?" Anders asked, swallowing hard.

"She's fine, Anders. Don't worry about her anymore. She's free and with her family."

"Or at least as free as an apostate mage can be."

"Yes, that is true. And as for the underground resistance, I'm afraid we're going to have to stay low for awhile. With the incident discovered under the Gallows, security and templar brutality have been doubled."

"What do they think happened?" Jordan asked.

"They believe Ser Alrik was killed by apostates—which in a way, he was. Because of that, they're not going to purge the Gallows, thank the Maker. Instead, the knight-commander has simply added more watch time to the templars' schedule. You can see that isn't being taken very well with them, and they're taking it out on us."

Anders snorted and his fists tightened.

"Don't blame yourself, Anders, it's not as bad as you think. And it could have been a lot worse."

"I know, but I still feel I'm to blame," he fumed, staring at the ground.

Jordan placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed. He stared over at her and seemed to relax a little. "I don't know if I understand it, though," Jordan said, turning back to Sacha. "Why would the knight-commander be so lenient with this?"

"It's because she knew what Ser Alrik was doing, and probably knew something like this would happen eventually. She knew about his 'tranquil solution' and rejected it."

"She what?" Anders nearly shouted as he stared at Sacha with disbelief.

"Here." Sacha handed him a piece of paper. "This is a letter I found on Ser Alrik after you and Jordan left. It states he tried to convince both the knight-commander and the Divine to initiate his 'tranquil solution.'"

"They both rejected it," Anders said amazed as he read the letter. "I can't believe it!"

"Neither did I, considering how much of a tyrant Meredith is, but I guess that proves she has some compassion. At the very least, that should mean we're safe from being made tranquil against our wills for now. Or at least until the next Ser Alrik rears their ugly head."

Jordan took the letter from Anders and read it herself. She sighed in relief, knowing Bethany would be safe now, or at least as safe as she could be in the Gallows. "Did you ever figure out why Ser Alrik was there in the first place?" she asked Sacha.

"I did," Sacha nodded. "And it was exactly who I thought, too."

"Who?"

Sacha gestured to a group of mages on the other side of the courtyard. Jordan recognized them as the mages from Starkhaven she had tried to save. After distracting the templars hunting them, they had snuck out the back of the cave, but had been caught a few weeks later. Now they were in the Gallows, and not looking happy. Jordan spotted Grace amongst them, the mage who had taken leadership after Decimus turned himself into an abomination and attacked Jordan and her friends.

"All of them?" Jordan whispered.

"No, just Grace." Sacha narrowed her red-tinted eyes.

"Grace? But why would she do something like that?"

"Because she was furious I wasn't taking her. I told her getting her out, or any of the other Starkhaven mages was risky. The templars watch them relentlessly because they fear some might be blood mages. After all, when they were captured, some of them were using blood magic. The ones here weren't, however, instead having surrendered, but that doesn't mean the templars are going to be merciful. Grace didn't care. She just wants out. So when I took Ella instead of her, she tipped Ser Alrik off. That's why he was there with so many templars with him."

Jordan snorted as she stared at Grace. How could she do that knowing full well why she couldn't go herself? It was the same reason why Bethany couldn't leave. "Maybe I should go over there and have a talk with her."

"No, don't," said Sacha. "I already had words. She seemed surprised I was still alive, and when I told her what had occurred—leaving out a few details—she backed off and apologized. Really, if you want to blame anyone for why the templars are like this, it would be her."

Jordan continued to stare at Grace, wondering exactly what had been going through the mage's mind. There was just something about her Jordan didn't trust. She could tell Sacha felt the same way.

"In any case," Sacha spoke softly. "We're gonna have to stop leading mages to freedom for a little while. Or at least the ones in the Gallows. I've already sent out word to the rest of the underground.

Anders grumbled, not liking what he was hearing.

"You know we have to," Sacha peered at him. "With the death of Ser Alrik, we'll have to stop until the templars finally start to relax. Once I feel it's safe, I'll contact you again."

"I understand why," Anders continued to grumble, looking away. "I just hate that we have to. We were doing so well, then I had to screw it all up."

"It could have been worse. At least you listened to me about bringing Jordan with you."

"That is true." Anders stared over at Jordan and smiled. It was a small smile, but already she could feel it working on her.

"I think we better get going," said Jordan. "If the templars are becoming more observant, they might actually spot you, Anders."

"You're right," Anders nodded. "Sacha."

"Anders," Sacha blinked. "I'll still keep you informed."

"Thank you."

"Jordan," Sacha smiled at her. "Take care of yourself."

"You too, Sacha." Jordan and Anders then made their way out of the hidden corner and peered around the courtyard.

"I don't see her," said Anders.

"No, but I think I know where they might be," Jordan sighed. "Come on, let's go rescue my little sister from Isabela."

"Alright, Bethany, spill the beans. I want details."

"Like... what, Isabela?" Bethany asked timid.

"Well, first is he out here? Can you point him out to me so I can see him?" Isabela looked around the courtyard. "Or you can just tell me what he looks like."

"No, he's not out here," Bethany said, going a little pale. "But he's blonde with blue eyes and..."

"That's really all that matters," Isabela waved. "Let's get to the good stuff. Tell me: How did it happen? Where and when? His technique? Did he make you come?"

"I... uh," Bethany stuttered, losing all the color in her face.

"He did make you come, right?" Isabela asked again, raising as eyebrow.

"Do not, for the love of the Maker, answer that question, Bethany," Jordan nearly fumed, walking into their conversation.

Bethany's cheeks grew hot when she turned to see her sister and Anders join her and Isabela.

"You can be such a stick in the mud sometimes, Jordan," Isabela pouted. "I'm just trying to get some information out of your sister. Took me long enough to find out our little Bethany is no longer a virgin. You could at least let me find out how it was for her and maybe let me give her some pointers."

Jordan glared at the pirate. "I don't care what you do with Merrill, but Bethany is my little sister and you will have no such talks with her while I'm around."

"Alright." Isabela rolled her eyes. "I guess I'll have to come back later when you're busy."

Jordan moaned, not liking the thought, but she knew there was nothing she could do about it. This was really the only reason why Isabela had come with her and Anders to the Gallows. She had heard about Bethany and was furious with Jordan she hadn't told her sooner. Jordan didn't want to bring her, but the pirate had followed them anyway.

"So," Jordan smiled, turning to Bethany and trying to forget their recent conversation topic. She then lost her smile when she saw Bethany's face. There was a small bruise underneath her right eye. It was black in the middle with a yellowish halo. At first Jordan thought this was what resulted from Ruxton hitting her at the gala, but then she remembered he had hit her on the left side. Where ever that bruise had come from, it was more recent.

"Don't," Bethany said, already seeing in her sister's eyes what was going through her head.

"Who did it?" Jordan asked calmly, trying to keep her cool.

"I said don't," Bethany whispered harsh. "Besides, he's gone now. They found him dead underneath the Gallows."

"Ser Alrik?"

"How... how did you know that?" Bethany stared at Jordan puzzled, then sighed in exasperation. "It was you, wasn't it?"

Jordan tried to keep from smirking but failed. Mostly from the fact this told her Sacha really did keep Bethany out of harm's way. "Yes, I was there. And that's all you really need to know."

"Then all you really need to know is Ser Alrik did hit me, but he obviously won't be doing it again." Both sisters glared at each other, each wanting to get more information, but knowing they wouldn't. They were both stubborn and knew each others ways.

"Hawke."

Jordan turned from her sister to see Cullen making his way over to where they stood. She instinctively placed herself in front of Anders, even though she knew the templar had probably already spotted him. She just wasn't sure what he was going to do about the apostate or even what he wanted. "Cullen," she nodded.

Cullen appeared a little annoyed at her stance change. He glanced at Anders for a second before focusing back on Jordan. "Hawke, I'm glad I could catch you here visiting your sister, otherwise I would've had to make a visit to your home. Do you think you could come with me so we can talk privately for a moment?"

"What for?" Jordan asked, raising an eyebrow to him.

"I'd rather not say out here."

Jordan sighed. She wasn't sure what Cullen wanted to speak with her for, but she would go ahead and amuse him. "Alright, but give me a moment."

"Of course."

Jordan turned to Isabela and Anders. "You two go ahead and wait for me at the ferry. This hopefully shouldn't take too long."

"What, I can't ask your sister a few more questions while you're with the templar?" said Isabela.

"No."

Isabela snorted. "One day I'll get the details. I'll also get the details about you and Anders as well. I'm not giving up."

Jordan chuckled. "Just go."

"Be careful, love, all right?" Anders whispered as he kissed Jordan on the cheek. "I don't know if I like this or not."

"I don't think you need to worry about me," said Jordan. "Besides, it's Cullen. I'm more worried about getting you out of here."

"I'll be fine, just don't be in there too long."

"I won't." Jordan kissed him on the lips, then turned to Bethany. "Sorry our visit has to be cut short, but I will return, and I do plan on finding out more."

"I know," Bethany sighed. "And just to let you know, I'm fine. The incident at the gala hasn't affected me, and it shouldn't you either."

Jordan wasn't so sure she believed that. In a way, coming to the Gallows had made Bethany stronger and happier, but it had also made her more vulnerable. Out in the world, if anyone had messed with Bethany, either Jordan or Carver would have taken care of that person, made them pay. But now Jordan couldn't do anything if she found out someone was hurting her little sister. It was a little maddening, and she hated it.

"Just please, Bethany, watch yourself. And try not to let anyone touch you again."

Bethany looked away from her sister, ashamed. "I do what I can, Jordan."

"And if I ever find out the truth, there will be hell to pay." Jordan hardened her eyes and looked away from her sister, knowing full well Ser Alrik wasn't the only one hitting her. She then went to follow Cullen as he lead her into the recruit barracks and all the way back to his office.

When they entered, Jordan sighed as she remembered the last time she was here, nearly three years ago. It was when Cullen had rewarded her with a few coins for saving Keran and killing a whole nest of blood mages. It was also when he had told her about his forbidden relationship with a mage in the Ferelden Circle. At that moment, Jordan had respected Cullen as a templar. He was a man missing the woman he loved, and doing his duty that templars were really meant for: protecting mages. From themselves, from the public that didn't understand. But as the years passed, Jordan's image of Cullen had changed. She still respected him, but he had turned back into a regular templar that only cared about separating families. He was the one who took Bethany away, after all, and because of that, what was to stop him from taking Anders or Merrill? Jordan wasn't sure if she could trust him anymore.

Cullen went around his desk and stared at her for a moment. "Are you curious as to why I asked you in here, Hawke?"

"You mean it's not because you wanted to get me alone, Knight-Captain?" Jordan smirked, teasing him.

Cullen frowned at her. "As I'm sure you know, the last few weeks have brought on several templar deaths. One, I know you're involved with. The other, I'm sure you are as well, but I really don't have any real proof."

"I'm not really sure what you're talking about," Jordan fibbed.

"The first one I'm talking about it Emeric," Cullen sighed. "Don't try and lie to me about that one, Hawke. You were seen leaving the docks with him, and Guard-Captain Aveline reported his death to me."

"Who said I was lying?" Jordan shrugged.

Cullen stared at her, trying to read her face. "How much do you know about what was found underneath the Gallows a week ago?"

"You mean the templar massacre? Only as much as the rumors around the city tell."

"You sure you don't know more?" Cullen asked, his eyes telling her he didn't believe what she was saying.

"What more should I know?" Jordan matched his gaze. She wasn't sure what the knight-captain was trying to do, but she wasn't going to let him intimidate her.

"Ser Alrik and his fellow templars were killed by apostates, but there was also evidence the apostates had some help that was non-magical. There were death blowing wounds that... bare your trademark."

"And my trademark is?"

"According to that dwarven storyteller, an angled blow on the left side between the neck and shoulder. I believe he calls it your 'lightning strike,' since you deal it as quick and as hard as lightning."

Jordan smiled. It was true, that was her signature move, one that Varric liked to boast about. "Yes, that is my move, but you do know there are copycats out there. Ones that want to be just like the infamous Hawke."

"Yes, but these were too clean to be a copycat."

"What are you trying to prove, Cullen?" Jordan asked. "That I was there? And if I was, what are you going to do? Arrest me?"

"No, that's not my job," Cullen said as he continued to stare at her. "That would be the guard-captain's job, but since she is one of your friends, I highly doubt she would throw you in a dungeon cell."

"Clearly you don't know her very well."

"No, I don't, but even if I could prove you were down there with certainty, I still wouldn't try and have you arrested."

Jordan had to raise an eyebrow at this. "Why?"

Cullen looked away from her. "Because..." he said in a small voice. "I'm glad Ser Alrik is dead."

Jordan was surprised. "You are?"

"He wasn't very popular, even amongst the templars. Ser Alrik had a sadist's version of the world. Not just toward the mages, but also to the templar recruits. He liked to torture them just as much, make them hate mages the same way he did."

"Did you happen to know he was trying to convince the knight-commander and the Divine to turn all mages tranquil?" Jordan said as she took out the letter Sacha had given her and handed it to Cullen.

Cullen took the letter and skimmed over it. "So you claim you weren't there when he died, yet you have this on your procession?" Cullen questioned once he was done.

"Just because I have that doesn't mean anything," Jordan said, keeping her stance.

Cullen still didn't believe her, but he didn't push further. "I knew about his 'tranquil solution,' but I didn't know he had gone all the way to the Divine about it. But as you can see, neither the Divine nor Meredith agreed with him."

"And you? Do you agree with him?"

Cullen's eyes went wide as if he was shocked she would even ask such a question. "Of course not," he spoke. "The Right of Tranquility is not a punishment like he wanted it to be. It is another option for a mage to choose if they believe they are not strong enough to pass the Harrowing. Or if we feel they will be a danger."

Jordan nodded, agreeing with him. She really didn't like the thought of the Right of Tranquility, she had heard too much from Anders the horrors and fears of being forced into the Right. But if a mage could choose it of their own freewill, or if they really were a danger, then the Right did have a purpose.

Jordan looked down at the knight-captain's desk as a moment of silence passed between them. She then saw something upon it that looked strange to her. It was a piece of paper, folded like a letter with strange markings written on it. She picked it up and looked at them, the markings appearing like little pictures.

"What's this?"

Cullen had been going over Ser Alrik's letter again before he noticed Jordan staring at the pictured one. "Hey!" he said, grabbing it from her hands. "That's not something you should really be reading."

"Like I could read it," Jordan snorted.

Cullen sighed as he stared at the letter.

"Is that... how you and Esumi communicate?" Jordan asked, suddenly realizing what it could mean.

"Yes," Cullen said softly. "Esumi isn't originally from Thedas. She's from a far off place that uses a different writing style. This one." He showed her the letter again. "She taught it to me, and it's how we communicate now, so no one can find out about us."

"So what's it say?" Jordan asked. "If you don't mind telling me, that is."

Cullen sighed again as he looked back at the letter. "She's telling me about my son, how he's doing. If he doesn't show any magical tendencies in the next few years, they're going to make him a templar. She's so proud of him." Cullen smiled down at the letter.

"Is that what she would want for him?"

"She doesn't really have a choice. Being a mage, the Chantry took him away from her as soon as he was born. If it wasn't for Queen Zelda, they might have taken him completely out of Ferelden, to Orlais maybe. Instead, the queen made sure he was placed in the Denerim chantry. If he's not a mage, he'll become a templar. But if he is, then he'll go to the Ferelden Circle."

"She's a lucky mage, then, to know the queen. Most, I hear, never get to see their children again."

"Yeah, they don't." Cullen refolded the letter and placed it in one of his desk drawers. "That's all I needed from you, Hawke. You're free to go."

"Right," Jordan nodded. She went to leave his office, but then stopped and turned to look at him. "Oh, Cullen, there is one thing I want to say to you before I go."

"Yes?" Cullen asked.

"You're not doing a very good job looking after my sister like you said you would."

Cullen frowned. "I can't watch her 24/7, you know."

"True, but if I ever find out who else is hitting her, then don't be surprised if you find more dead templars bearing my trademark."

"I'll just pretend I didn't hear that," said Cullen. "Now, please leave, before I change my mind."

Jordan smiled at him before finally leaving.

Jordan found Anders and Isabela waiting for her by the ferry that would take them across the channel to the Kirkwall docks.

"What did he want?" Anders asked when Jordan reached them.

"Just to ask me if I knew anything about Ser Alrik's death. I didn't tell him anything revealing, but I don't think he believes I wasn't there."

Anders frowned. "Why does he want to know?"

"To find out the truth, maybe. I don't know," Jordan sighed. "But are we ready to go?"

"Where to next, fearless leader?" Isabela winked.

"To the Viscount's Keep! I really should be going there to talk to Dumar, but I'm going to try and avoid him if I can. Besides, Aveline asked to see me, and at the moment, I'd rather speak with her."