Chapter Thirteen

Friendly Fire

Valina and Cullen rose shortly after sunrise. The storm had cleared overnight, leaving the grass dewy, the moisture throwing sparkling sunlight around the forest. While Cullen prepared the horses, Valina hid their rations high up on a ledge to protect them from the prying snouts of curious animals.

They set out into the warm sun, travelling the few remaining miles to Marquis D'or's estate. During the short journey, Valina briefed Cullen on Benet D'or's appearance and what information she knew about the Marquis' history. If an imposter lay in wait, as at Cormont's estate, they would not be deceived.

Although the house was not as large as the Voclain estate's, the D'or estate was surrounded by significantly more land, with vineyards and hop fields sprawling out in every direction, seeming to spread to the horizon. The road from the gate to the house seemed to stretch for miles, winding between the fields that teemed with grapes and hops.

Valina and Cullen rode up to the stables at the side of the house, leaving their horses in the care of the stable hand before they made their way to the main door. Valina grasped the heavy bear claw knocker, striking the door twice, the dull knock reverberating through the iron filigree that wove over the door. After a few moments, a latch clicked loudly and the door swung open.

The young servant woman smiled at them. 'Lady Voclain and Commander Cullen?' she asked, offering a polite curtesy.

'Yes,' Valina said, 'we're here at Marquis D'or's request.'

'Please, come in,' she said, stepping aside, 'follow me.'

She moved quickly, leading Valina and Cullen to a well-appointed sitting room, then excused herself politely to retrieve the Marquis from his study.

Valina settled onto a plush lounge, patting the cushion beside her. A soft smile tugged at her lips. 'I suppose we need to be professional.'

'For now,' Cullen said, though he desperately wanted to wrap his arm around her. As he settled onto the lounge he pressed closer, his knee resting beside hers. He couldn't help but smile when Valina placed a hand on his thigh, squeezing gently for a moment before she settled back into the plush cushions as comfortably as her daggers allowed.

Cullen settled back as well, watching as she analysed the room. She appeared relaxed, her legs crossed, one foot bouncing as she tapped a rhythm, but he knew those piercing serpentstone eyes were analysing every wall, every crevice, every ornately carved piece of decoration, hunting for anything that seemed out of the ordinary. After a few minutes, they heard footsteps approaching and her eyes snapped to the door. They stood, preparing to greet their host.

When D'or entered the sitting room Cullen felt his stomach drop like a stone. Even with forewarning about D'or's impeccable appearance, he had not considered just how well presented the man would be; he understood now why Valina had found him attractive in her youth, and would not be surprised if his appearance still lit a flame of desire within her.

Benet D'or stood an inch or two taller than Cullen, his broad shoulders highlighted by a snugly tailored shirt in a striking blue. He seemed to glide into the room, his steps firm and sure, and his movements as graceful as the sweeping steps of a waltz. His chestnut hair was waxed to perfection, the strands tamed and coiffed immaculately. His face was cleanly shaven, accentuating a strong jaw and an aristocratic nose. Although time was beginning to mark his face with soft lines around his eyes and forehead – Cullen guessed that Benet could not be far from forty – he had a smile that spoke of confidence and success.

Benet's soft grey eyes instantly sought out Valina, a smile curving his lips.

Cullen had thought he understood what Valina meant when she had discussed the gazes she received from men, but only as he watched Benet's stormy eyes travel leisurely over Valina did Cullen truly comprehend how frustrating she must find it. She barely knew this man and he was already staring at her with what Cullen could only describe as blatant hunger.

The urge to wrap his arm around Valina surged within Cullen again, combining with the clamour of instinct that he could not distinguish in the din of his thoughts. Anger, disgust, protectiveness all fought for his attention and he had to clench his fist to keep his arm at his side. Cullen bit his tongue, struggling against the urge to snap at the noble.

'Valina,' Benet said, gliding the last few steps to her.

As a daughter of a Marquise, Valina's name commanded a certain level of respect, even among social equals. Cullen felt Valina bristle beside him at the familiarity in Benet's voice, but she hid her displeasure behind an impenetrable smile. The fact that Benet's informal greeting bothered Valina said much about her feelings toward the man: she detested being greeted formally by people she liked.

Mistake, D'or, Cullen thought, his mind quieting somewhat, pleased by the reassurance that Valina did not see Benet as even a friendly acquaintance.

Benet took her hand, bending to place a kiss upon it, purposely finding the bare skin of her fingers. Valina visibly grimaced while Benet's eyes were closed, and Cullen clenched his fists behind his back, knowing that assaulting the Marquis would not mark the beginning of fruitful negotiations, no matter how satisfying he might find the action.

Valina withdrew her hand as soon as a polite amount of time had passed, dropping her arm to her side. Cullen glanced at her, seeing her arm twitch, her hand instinctively curling inwards to rub against her coat.

'What a surprise,' Benet said, 'I was expecting the Inquisitor.'

'He is tied up elsewhere at the moment dealing with other Inquisition matters,' Valina said, 'but I can assure you that whatever problems have arisen in Sahrnia will be dealt with swiftly.'

'I am sure of that. I cannot say I'm disappointed that the Inquisitor was busy. It is so good to see you again,' he said, not noticing that Valina had taken half a step back, 'how is it that you are more beautiful every time I see you?

'Unfortunately, I must insist that we attend to your bandit problem,' Valina said, acting convincingly disappointed while swiftly passing over his advance, 'in your letter, you requested the finest men in the Inquisition. This is the Inquisition's Commander, Cullen Rutherford.'

Cullen was selfishly pleased with the way she dismissed Benet's compliment. He held out his hand, knowing Benet would have to accept. When the Marquis reluctantly slid his hand into Cullen's, he tried to tighten his grip threateningly, but Cullen had expected the challenge and met him head on.

'A pleasure,' Benet said, unable to mask entirely a pained gasp at Cullen's vice-like grip. He quickly withdrew from the handshake. 'I suppose we'll get to business then?'

'Please,' Valina said, glancing sideways at Cullen. She threw him a wink, and the weight in his stomach lifted, replaced with a satisfaction so deep that it curled warmly through his whole body.

'Come to my study, then.'

Benet rubbed at his hand as he led Valina and Cullen through a few more well-appointed rooms. They climbed to the second level and, after passing a few doors, Benet directed them into the study. He moved to sit behind the large, ornate desk. Valina and Cullen sat opposite, waiting expectantly as the Marquis unfurled a large scroll over the desk, turning it to face them.

'From what I have been able to learn, the bandits, if they are indeed bandits, have made their camp in an abandoned estate. Their force appears small, but they are highly trained and well organised. I've had reports that they can strike a large trade caravan and clear it out in minutes of their first attack,' Benet said, pointing at a mark on the map only a few miles from the boundary of the D'or estate, 'I sent out my fittest men but none have been able to get close enough to learn more without being captured. Those who have been captured have not returned.'

'And you met with some Inquisition scouts?' Valina asked, standing to get a better look at the map.

'Yes, days ago,' Benet said, 'I have heard nothing from them since.'

'Neither have we,' Cullen said, rising as well.

'It's why we were sent,' Valina added. She moved closer to Cullen as they examined the spot Benet had directed them to.

Benet leant back in his chair, sighing dramatically. 'But it is so dangerous, why would you not just send soldiers?'

Valina bristled at the suggestion, as did Cullen. The suggestion – that Inquisition soldiers were expendable – seemed obvious enough, but Cullen caught a deeper meaning just as readily as he caught Benet gazing longingly at Valina again.

…I cannot even tell you how many told me that if I was their wife, I would never pick up a blade again, or dirty the beautiful dresses they promised me. As if I were a kept pet…

'Your letter appeared urgent,' Cullen said, trying to keep his voice level as anger churned in his gut, 'we thought it best to resolve the matter as quickly as possible. I'm sure the people of Sahrnia will also appreciate a resolution.'

'I suppose,' Benet said, though he threw a glare at Cullen.

Valina straightened, stepping back from the desk as tension filled the room. 'We should deal with this quickly. We'll go scout the estate now and, if possible, negotiate with the bandits or move them on. It should take no more than a day, so if we don't report to you by midday tomorrow, please send word to Lady Montiliyet,' she said, bowing her head politely, 'we'll leave our horses stabled here for now if that would be acceptable?'

'Of course. I will ensure that they are well tended.'

Valina smiled as she thanked the Marquis, a hollowness in her eyes that only Cullen seemed to notice. She turned toward the door and Cullen followed.

Benet all but leapt up from his desk in his rush to join them. 'When you return, I must insist you stay with me,' he said hurriedly.

Valina paused at the door so suddenly that Cullen nearly ran into her. She looked up at Cullen, catching his gaze. 'What do you think, Amatus? Should we trouble the Marquis?'

Cullen had to stifle a grin at the wicked glint in her gaze, even as he felt Benet's glare burning holes into the side of his head. With that single word, she had effectively crushed any hope that Benet held about possessing her.

Cullen nodded stoically, meeting Benet's glare as he said, 'we wouldn't want to be a burden.'

'Or a nuisance,' Valina said, voice dropping into the purr that sent shivers rolling down his spine, 'what with all the noise. I'm terrible at keeping my voice down, aren't I, Amatus?'

Cullen looked back at Valina, masking his surprise but revelling in the anger that radiated from Benet. Cullen knew logically that many processes inherent in missions were noisy – debating plans, organising resources and weapons, fighting – but he caught her suggestion, caught the seductive note in her voice. By the twitch of Benet's eye, the Marquis had caught it too.

'Thank you, Your Grace,' Valina said, 'we will go assess the situation and keep you informed about our progress. Farewell.'

Valina left the room with a grinning Cullen on her heels.

Valina and Cullen left the horses in Benet's care. Strategically, being on foot was an advantage: they could travel quietly and quickly, without worrying about the animals getting spooked. The abandoned estate that the bandits had chosen to occupy was only three miles from the border of the D'or estate. The walk allowed them time to discuss any variables that might complicate their plans.

The road wound into the forest that surrounded the estate, the trees slowly thinning, some clearly felled recently. Although they were discussing the impending confrontation, Cullen felt warm satisfaction curling low in his stomach every time Valina's arm brushed against his as they walked. He could not wipe the smirk from his face, not when flashes of Benet's twitching eye kept creeping into his mind.

'Even if we deal with these bandits, I don't think we'll be able to convince D'or to support the Inquisition.'

Valina glanced sideways at him. 'Why are you smiling, then? Won't Josie be annoyed that we failed to secure his resources?'

Cullen cleared his throat, struggling to straighten his features. 'I don't know what you're talking about.'

She smiled knowingly. 'You enjoyed that.'

He glanced at her, feeling warmth spread to his cheeks at the wicked glint in her serpentstone eyes.

Cullen sighed. 'The moment he walked in the room, he looked at you like he owned you. I've never wanted to wipe a smug smile off someone's face with my fist more than I wanted to do so to D'or but with only a few words you crushed his desires and staked your claim on me. It was… satisfying.'

Valina caught his arm. A smile lit her lips as she stepped closer, her gaze holding him in place. Her hands trailed over his chest, his shoulders, the cool leather of her gloves sliding across his neck. His breath hitched as she drew him closer, her lips brushing his.

'D'or tried to play the game, and he failed. I've seen people die for less than the impolite glare he gave you,' she whispered, her warm breaths falling softly against his lips, sending shivers down his spine, 'more than that, D'or knows now that any further attempts to court me will be met with swift rebuttal.'

'He won't try and–'

Valina claimed his lips, her potent kiss possessing his every thought. He revelled at the wicked flick of her tongue, a moan so deep escaping him that he hardly recognised the sound. When she drew back, she caught his bottom lips between her teeth for the barest moment, her hands cupping his cheeks.

'You're mine, Amatus, as I am yours,' she said, voice rough with the emotions that swirled in her serpentstone gaze, 'I won't let anything come between us.'

Subconsciously, Cullen knew that they had a mission to attend to, but thought fled his mind as the words caressed him, embodied through the firm touch of her hands, in the way she molded her body to his. Cullen gripped her hips tighter, suppressing the urge to pin her – or be pinned – to the very road beneath their boots.

Raucous laughter broke out nearby. Valina and Cullen froze as a feminine voice sang above the crowd, her accent lilting.

The bandits? Cullen thought through the fog of desire. He knew they were close to the estate, but they had not seen even the faintest sign of bandit activity on the road. The only person to pass them was a traveller on a lightly laden horse, a local.

Cullen glanced down at Valina, but her eyes were locked on the forest at their side. Cullen swore her ears twitched as she listened as if she were honing in on the words that he could not quite hear.

Valina grasped Cullen's surcoat roughly, pulling him in closer until their noses touched. A weight settled in his stomach when she met his gaze. Her serpentstone eyes were steady, no hint of desire remaining within them, and beneath the calm, he sensed the shadows of panic.

'Valina, what–'

She placed a firm finger on his lips, just long enough to silence his questions, and then whispered, 'you know I love you?'

'Yes.'

'Do you trust me?' she asked, glancing at the forest beside them.

Cullen tried to follow her gaze, but she turned his back to the trees.

'Cullen, do you trust me?' she repeated urgently as she pulled her mask and hood on.

'Always.'

'Take out your sword and give me your shield.'

He was surprised by the request but heeded it. Clearly, she believed they were under threat, but when she threw his shield into the cover of the trees, shrugged her dagger sheaths from her back, and thrust the harness into his hand, he simply became confused.

'Valina?'

'I'm sorry, this is going to hurt.'

'What–'

With one precise motion Valina struck the side of Cullen's forehead. His grip faltered, his sword and Valina's dagger sheaths slipping from his fingers as he swayed on his feet. His legs collapsed beneath him. She lunged forward, catching him before his head hit the dirt.

Valina glanced at the forest. The voices were louder now, the group nearing with every second. They would see her and Cullen at any moment.

She kicked dirt over Cullen and scuffed it over her clothes. She took a few deep sharp breaths until her chest heaved with effort. Just as the bandits broke through the trees, she aimed her kick at Cullen's breastplate, knowing it would protect him from the blow. Her boot hit front and centre, the force sending him rolling dramatically.

'Inquisition bastard!' she spat, dropping down to pick up her weapons. She muttered in Tevene as she pulled her daggers onto her back, making a show of dusting off her clothes.

'Hey, you!'

Valina spun toward the voice, drawing her daggers. She turned them in her hands, the motions quick and fluid. Despite outnumbering her significantly – there had to be more than twenty if not thirty of them spreading out to block of her escape – the bandits cast nervous glances between their comrades, Valina, and the shining dual-edged blades.

'You want me to drop you as well?' she asked.

'Not likely, even for you.'

Ice filled Valina's veins as a lithe woman pushed two hulking men aside. Valina had known the moment she heard that lilting laugh, but to see her in the flesh after so many years sent memories crashing over her. Valina leashed her emotions before they could overwhelm her, feeling a cold calm settle over her.

'Now now, take off your mask, my sweet,' the woman said, her onyx eyes sparkling with delight, 'there's no point hiding from me. I only know one woman who can wear leather pants so well.'

Valina used the tip of her blade to hook her mask, dragging it down. Her grasp tightened on her blades as the woman sauntered closer.

'Lina,' the woman said, her tongue savouring the nickname that Valina thought she would never hear again, 'I knew it was you. My, your eyes are so much brighter than the day we met. You are even more beautiful than I remember.'

I'm also a lot stronger, Valina thought bitterly, tired of hearing such a vapid compliment, but hey, focus on my face, not my blades. We'll see how that works out for you.

'I can't say I'm pleased to see you, Mireille' Valina said, more bite in her words than a mabari.

Mireille pouted softly. 'No kind words for an old friend?'

'That implies that consider you a friend.'

'How about for an old lover, then?'

Valina's features hardened as her eyes trailed up and down, making sure Mireille felt the cold assessment. Valina shrugged, seeing a flash of anger in Mireille's striking onyx eyes as the moment lingered.

'I have business to attend to,' Valina said as she sheathed her blades, turning away. She dropped down beside Cullen, rolling him to his back.

'Business?' Mireille asked, her voice wavering slightly in her anger.

'None of yours,' Valina said as she tied Cullen's wrist. She gripped the cord, dragging him away from the group. She only made it a few steps before she felt the cold bite of a blade at her neck.

'Oh, Valina,' Mireille said, 'you know I can't just let you leave. This is my territory. I'm sure you can understand that I can't allow another mercenary to conduct business here.'

'Relax. It's personal business,' Valina said, sounding suitably irritated as she dropped Cullen's torso back onto the ground.

Mireille tsked loudly. 'You know I don't like liars, Valina.'

'You can't like yourself very much then,' Valina quipped, throwing a hollow smile at Mireille, 'but the fact that you're a bandit now is proof enough of that.'

Mireille arched an ash-coloured brow. Valina felt the blade press closer to her neck, the cold metal drawing a hot line of blood, and she hid a satisfied smirk.

After all these years, I can still make you tick.

'I heard the Voclains threw their lot in with the Inquisition,' Mireille said, 'seems a shame to waste so much talent.'

Valina stifled any reaction. She knew word of her alliance with the Inquisition had spread among many of her mercenary contacts, but attempting a bluff was worth the risk. No matter what Mireille believed, Valina would lay bets that hers and Cullen's fates would be the same.

'You heard wrong.'

Mireille glanced down at Cullen. 'Then why are you with their Commander?'

Valina reached up, grasping Mireille's wrist to twist the blade away from her neck, satisfied to hear the woman's breath hitch with pain.

'Oh, this idiot?'

Mireille quirked a curious brow. 'So harsh. What has the Commander done to invoke such ire?'

'He keeps posting scouts on me, wanting to recruit me,' Valina said tersely, 'I wouldn't join based on the sole fact that their forces are so incompetent it's insulting. Killing the scouts doesn't seem to be getting the message through their thick skulls that I'm not interested in their war, so I did some scouting of my own and found out that Curly,' she waved a hand dismissively at Cullen, adopting the nickname that Varric had coined, 'would be in Sahrnia trying to win favours from the nobles. The guy was so cocky he was walking along the road alone, so I saw an opportunity and jumped him. Unfortunately, he's a Templar. I didn't find that out until he threw me half a bloody mile. He put up enough of a fight to knock me out and disarm me, but he made a mistake when he didn't kick me while I was down.'

Mireille smiled, and Valina felt a flicker of hope.

'I didn't think it possible for you to get more ruthless, my sweet. I am pleasantly surprised.'

Valina shrugged. 'Anything is possible for the right amount of money or revenge. I'm not picky.'

'I guess that will work in our favour.' Mireille's onyx gaze trailed over Valina once more, as if seeing her anew. 'I have a proposition for you. We could work together again, just like old times.'

Valina stared blankly. 'Not interested.'

Mireille raised her hand to her chest, clutching at her breast as if wounded by the dismissal. 'You haven't even heard what I have to offer,' she said with a pout, 'I'm sure you'll find it much more enticing than some petty revenge on a Templar, and much more exciting.'

'And why is that?'

Mireille could not hide the note of pride in her voice as she said, 'I've made some powerful friends recently, and they come with some powerful promises. You think you're wealthy now…'

Valina almost rolled her eyes. 'Indeed I am,' she said, bending down again to grasp Cullen's wrists and nodding as if the matter was settled, 'now, if you're done, I have a Templar to drag somewhere quiet so I can exact my petty revenge. He is a big boy, as you can see, so it's going to take me a while. I best get moving.'

Valina made it only a few feet before Mireille called out, 'oh my sweet, you don't have a choice.' She snapped her fingers and her followers moved to action. 'I don't want a scratch on the rogue,' she sang, her voice carrying over the mob.'

Kaffas.

The bandits surged forth and Mireille disappeared into the crowd, her laughter carrying over the din of movement. Valina dropped Cullen again, standing over him as she drew her daggers. She glanced to her sides as the bandits began to surround her, blades singing as they were drawn from sheaths. She assessed each attacker, noting the weapons they used and the most likely fighting style, but even her critical mind knew that she was severely outnumbered. There was no way for her to fight effectively, not when moving more than a few feet from Cullen would leave him vulnerable.

She glanced down, nauseous with guilt. It's better this way.

The first bandit lunged at her left flank. Valina dropped low, slamming her shoulder into the man's groin and throwing him into the air. He crashed into a comrade with a yelp. Valina stabbed her next attacker in the thigh, dodged another lunge, but all too quickly the bandits swarmed around her. She planted her feet, determined to protect Cullen from any opportunistic strikes. She dispatched an eager rogue without thought, her blades sinking so deep into their chest that Valina had to kick them off her daggers. As the body dropped to the dirt, she heard feet scuff behind her.

Valina turned too late to avoid the blow. Pain exploded in her vision, a bright flare of light burning through her mind before the world went black.