"The city still mourns." Cassandra gestured at the various hangings decorating the bridge.

They hadn't gone far when a woman saw them and backed away, gasping in shock and more than a little fear. Varric shrugged. "Just a guess, Seeker, but I think they all know who we are."

"Your skills of observation never fail to impress me, Varric."

A young woman dressed in the Inquisition's armor came rushing up. "My lady Herald."

Cassandra blinked. "You're one of Leliana's people. What have you found?"

"The Chantry mothers await you, but..." The young woman swallowed. "So do a great many templars."

"There are templars here?"

The young woman nodded. "People seem to think the templars will protect them... from the Inquisition. They're gathering on the other side of the market. I think that's where the templars intend to meet you."

"Only one thing to do, then." Cassandra gestured for them to keep moving. "They wish to protect the people? From us?"

Ruya sighed, and kept her voice calm. "We knew there would be some kind of reaction." Templars. She found herself hoping she wouldn't recognize any of them. She wasn't sure she could take one of her cousins looking at her like she was a monster.

"But I didn't expect the templars to make an appearance."

"The people may just be assuming what the templars will do." The young woman gestured. "I've heard of no concrete plans."

Varric shifted his crossbow. "You think the Order's returned to the fold, maybe? To deal with us upstarts?"

"I know Lord Seeker Lucius." Cassandra narrowed her eyes, then shook her head. "I can't imagine him coming to the Chantry's defense, not after all that's occurred."

"We're doing all this to get help with the Breach." Ruya tried to give her a reassuring smile. "Maybe this is our chance to get the templars on our side."

"Perhaps." Cassandra gestured at the young woman. "Return to Haven. Someone will need to inform them if we are..." She sighed. "Delayed."

"As you say, my lady."

#

"Good people of Val Royeaux, hear me. Together we mourn our Divine. Her naive and beautiful heart silenced by treachery." The revered mother giving the speech gestured as they approached. "You wonder what will become of her murderer. Well, wonder no more. You wonder what will become of her murderer. Well, wonder no more." Behind her, a half dozen templars shifted their positions slightly, as if unsure what to do. "Behold the so-called Herald of Andraste. Claiming to rise where our beloved fell. We say this is a false prophet. The Maker would send no mage in our hour of need."

All eyes turned towards her. She squared her shoulders, and let her voice ring out. "You say I am the enemy. The Breach in the sky is our true enemy."

"It's true." Cassandra moved to her side. "The Inquisition seeks only to end this madness before it is too late."

"It is already too late. The templars have returned to the Chantry." The mother gestured to where a small group of templars was approaching. "They will face this 'Inquisition,' and the people will be safe once more." One of the approaching templars cuffed her in the back of the head, and she cried out in pain as she fell.

The templar that had been guarding the mother started to step forward, and the man leading the other group put up a hand to restrain him. "Still yourself. She is beneath us."

Ruya wasn't particularly happy with the Chantry at the moment, but striking an unarmed Chantry mother? Gavren would be striding forward with a blade in his hand at the very sight. "What's the meaning of this?"

He sneered at her. "Her claim to 'authority' is an insult, much like your own."

Cassandra stepped forward. "Lord Seeker Lucius, it's imperative that we speak with -"

He cut her off with a sharp gestured. "You will not address me."

"Lord Seeker?" Cassandra's voice was startled.

"Creating a heretical movement, raising up a puppet as Andraste's prophet. You should be ashamed." He turned towards the crowd, gesturing grandly. "You should all be ashamed. The templars failed no one when they left the Chantry to purge the mages. You are the ones who have failed. You who'd leash our righteous swords with doubt and fear. If you came to appeal to the Chantry, you are too late. The only destiny here that demands respect is mine."

Ruya narrowed her eyes. Some of the men with him had faces just as shockd as Cassandra's. Maybe something could be salvaged. Cullen had been a templar, after all. "Templars, one of your own commands the Inquisition's forces. Join us, as he did."

"You're a mage." Lucius spat at her feet. "Your ties are worthless. They're all made traitors just by being in your company."

A young man with a Fereldan accent shook his head. "But Lord Seeker..." He glanced at her. "What if she really was sent by the Maker? What if -?"

The man who'd struck the mother stepped towards him. "You are called to a higher purpose. Do not question."

Lucius continued speaking, addressing them now, rather than the crowd. "I will make the Templar Order a power that stands alone against the Void. We deserve recognition. Independence. You have shown me nothing, and the Inquisition..." He smirked. "Less than nothing. Templars. Val Royeaux is unworthy of our protection. We march."

They stood for a moment, watching the templars leave. Varric folded his arms. "Charming fellow, isn't he?"

Cassandra looked aghast. "Has Lord Seeker Lucius gone mad?"

"Do you know him very well?" Ruya raised an eyebrow.

"He took over the Seekers of Truth two years ago, after Lord Seeker Lambert's death. He was always a decent man, never given to ambition and grandstanding." Cassandra shook her head. "This is very bizarre."

"Do you think he can be reasoned with?"

"I hope so. If not him, there are surely others in the Order who don't feel as he does. Either way, we should first return to Haven and inform the others."

#

Instead of leaving, Ruya went to check on the injured mother. The woman glared up at them. "This victory must please you greatly, Seeker Cassandra."

"We came here seeking only to speak with the mothers. This is not your doing, but yours."

"And you had no part in forcing our hand? Do not delude yourself. Now we have been shown up by our own templars, in front of everyone. And my fellow clerics have scattered to the wind, along with their convictions." She turned her gaze to Ruya. "Just tell me one thing: do you truly believe you are the Maker's chosen?"

How does one even answer a question like that? "To tell you the truth, I don't know."

"That is..." The mother relaxed slightly. "More comforting than you might imagine. I suppose it is out of our hands now. We shall see what the Maker plans in the days to come."

Ruya's fingers glowed white as she touched the wound. "There's got to be a way to calm everything down and clean up this mess."

"I hope against hope that may be the case." The mother let the other Chantry folk help her to her feet, and nodded at Ruya before leaving.

#

"Excuse me, but..." One of the merchants gestured to them as they left the dais. "Is that they're saying real? The Inquisition's going to fix the hole in the sky?"

Ruya nodded. "That's what we're attempting, yes."

"No one is doing anything. The Chantry's useless, and the templars..." The woman gave a frustrated shake of her head, and spread her hands. "Andraste, I never thought they'd abandon us." She took a deep breath. "Listen. Your camp will need food. I have contacts. We'll have deliveries there in days."

Cassandra blinked. "You want to help the Inquisition?"

"Never been part of something this big before, but..." The woman hesitated, and then nodded firmly. "If your Inquisition's going to seal the sky, I want to help."

"What do you think, Cassandra?" Ruya glanced at the other woman.

"I think the woman is asking you and not me."

"Well, she is..." The merchant glanced from one to the other.

"The Herald of Andraste. Yes, I understand. Haven is a mess, but we won't turn away anyone willing to help. Invite her, if it pleases you."

"Head to Haven, then." Ruya touched the woman's shoulder. "We need good people."

"I don't know if I'm that, but it'll be nice to see."

"Thank you."

#

They hadn't gone far when an arrow struck the ground near them. A piece of parchment was tied to it. Ruya sighed, and retrieved the parchment. She caught the highly amused look on Varric's face. "Red handkerchiefs." She rolled her eyes.

Cassandra touched her arm, then gestured. "I believe that messenger is trying to get our attention."

A few minutes later, they had an invitation to a back alley, and an invitation to a formal salon. They were walking out of the market when a voice called to them. "If I might have a moment of your time?"

Cassandra looked like she'd swallowed a fly. "Grand Enchanter Fiona?"

"Leader of the mage rebellion." Solas tilted his head. "Is it not dangerous for you to be here?"

"I heard of this gathering, and I wanted to see the fabled Herald of Andraste with my own eyes." Fiona walked towards her, eyes appraising. "If it's help with the Breach you seek, perhaps you should look among your fellow mages."

She wasn't entirely sure she considered Fiona one of her fellows. But they were going to need the mages, if they wanted to make sense of what was happening. "That would have been my first choice, if you'd been willing to speak with us."

"We're willing now. That's the important thing." Fiona nodded. "Consider this an invitation to Redcliffe: come meet with the mages. An alliance could help us both, after all. I hope to see you there. Au revoir, my lady Herald." She walked away. Ruya was slightly surprised Cassandra let her.

"Come." Cassandra gestured. "Let us return to Haven."

#

"Lady Trevelyan of Ostwick, representing the Inquisition." Her name, formally announced at an Orlesian salon as a representative of the Inquisition. It felt a little too much like a point of no return than Ruya was entirely comfortable with. A pair of nobles greeted her warmly. The conversation was going well enough until a third noble walked towards them.

"The Inquisition? What a load of pig shit." He strode down the stairs, speaking the too loud voice of someone who wants an audience. "Washed-up sisters and crazed Seekers? No one can take them seriously. Everyone knows it's just an excuse for a bunch of political outcasts to grab power."

She kept her voice calm and polite, contrasting his grandstanding. "The Inquisition is working to restore peace and order to Thedas."

He sneered, but the crowd failed to back him. "Here comes the outsider, restoring peace with an army. We know what your 'Inquisition' truly is. If you were a woman of honor, you'd step outside and answer the charges." He reached behind him to grasp the hilt of his sword.

She was considering taking him up on it when ice wrapped around his midsection. For just a moment she wondered if she'd inadvertently cast, then her eyes went to the woman standing at the top of the stairs. "My dear Marquis, how unkind of you to use such language in my house..." The woman walked down the stairs grandly. "To my guests. You know such rudeness is..." She tilted her head just slightly. "Intolerable."

"Madame Vivienne, I humbly beg your pardon."

"You should." She came to stand in front of him. "Whatever am I going to do with you, my dear?" She turned to Ruya. "My lady, you're the wounded party in this unfortunate affair. What would you have me do with this foolish, foolish man?"

Acknowledging him would only provide him with legitimacy. She waved a hand casually. "The Marquis doesn't interest me. Do whatever you like with him."

That turned out to be a verbal castigation that left the man staggering out of the door. Vivienne gestured for Ruya to follow her to a quieter corner of the manor. "I'm delighted you could attend this little gathering. I've so wanted to meet you. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Vivienne, First Enchanter of Montsimmard and Enchantress to the Imperial Court."

Ruya gave her a formal bow. "Charmed, Lady Vivienne."

"Ah, but I didn't invite you to the chateau for pleasantries." Vivienne glanced out the nearby window. "With Divine Justina dead, the Chantry is in shambles. Only the Inquisition might restore sanity and order to our frightened people. As the leader of the last loyal mages of Thedas, I feel it only right that I lend my assistance to your cause."

Her very presence would lend legitimacy to them. Ruya knew the woman likely had her own motives, but it was too good an offer to pass up. "The Inquisition will be happy to have you, Lady Vivienne."

"Great things are beginning, my dear. I can promise you that."

#

They fought their way through a small band of armed men, all of which seemed to know exactly who they were. Ruya started to walk through a door, then ducked back as a very small fireball struck the door.

"Herald of Andraste. How much did you expend to discover me?" The masked man gestured at her. "It must have weakened the Inquisition immeasurably."

Ruya glanced back at her companions, all of which shrugged. She turned to look at the man again. "I don't know who you are?"

"You don't fool me." He gestured as though putting on a performance. "I'm too important for this to be an accident. My efforts will survive in victories against you elsewhere."

There was a scrambling sound, and they both looked to see his bodyguard falling to the ground. An elven woman drew back a bow. "Just say 'what'."

"What is the -" She shot him in the face, right through the eye hole of his mask.

"Eww." The elven woman strode over and retrieved her arrow. "Squishy one, but you heard me, right? 'Just say 'what''. Rich tits always try for more than they deserve. 'Blah blah blah. Obey me. Arrow in my face.'" She stood. "So, you followed the notes well enough. Glad to see you're..." She tilted her head at Ruya. "You're kind of plain, really. All that talk, and then you're just..." She gestured with the arrow. "A person. I mean, it's all good, innit? The most important thing is: you glow? You're the Herald thingy?"

"They say I'm the Herald of Andraste." Ruya stared at the elven woman. "But who are you, and what's this about?"

"No idea, I don't know this idiot from manners. My people just said the Inquisition should look at him."

"Your people." Ruya raised an eyebrow. "Elves?"

"Ha. No. People people. Name's Sera. This is cover." She gestured. "Get round it." When they gave her blank looks, Sera shrugged. "For the reinforcements. Don't worry. Someone tipped me their equipment shed." She lowered her voice and giggled. "They've got no breeches."

#

"Friends really came through with that tip." Sera didn't as much laugh as cackle. "No breeches." She turned back to Ruya. "So, Herald of Andraste. You're a strange one. I'd like to join."

They'd just been attacked by a dozen half-naked men. "Could we take a few moments for sense to reassert itself?" Ruya shook her head. "Who are you people?"

"I'm not 'people,' but I get what you want. It's like this." Sera gestured. "I sent you a note to look for hidden stuff by my friends. The Friends of Red Jenny. That's me." She pointed at herself, then shrugged. "Well, I'm one. So is a fence in Montfort, some woman in Kirkwall. There were three in Starkhaven. Brothers or something. It's just a name, yeah? It lets little people, 'Friends', be part of something while they stick it to nobles they hate. So here, in your face, I'm Sera. 'The Friends of Red Jenny' are sort of out there. I used them to help you." She jerked a thumb at her quiver. "Plus arrows."

Ruya tried, somewhat in vain, to make sense of the torrent of words. Hidden information? "The Inquisition has spies already. Can you add to these professionals?"

"Here's how it is. You 'important' people are up here, shoving your cods around. 'Blah, blah, I'll crush you, I'll crush you.'" Sera wrapped her arms around an imaginary person and made kissing noises. "'Oh, crush you.' Ahem. Then you've got cloaks and spy-kings. Like this tit." She gestured at the dead man. "Or was he one of the little knives, all serious with his..." She scratched her head. "Little knife. All those secrets, and what gave him up? Some houseboy who don't know shite, but knows a bad person when he sees one. So no, I'm not Knifey Shivdark, all hidden. But if you don't listen down here too, you risk your breeches. Like those guards. I stole their..." Sera trailed off, then looked at Ruya. "Look, do you need people or not? I want to get everything back to normal. Like you?"

Maybe Leliana could figure this out. "All right, Sera. I can use you and your 'Friends.'"

"Yes. Get in good before you're too big to like. That'll keep your breeches where they should be. Plus extra breeches, because I have all these..." Sera blinked. "You have merchants who buy that pish, yeah? Got to be worth something. Anyway, Haven. See you there, Herald. This will be grand." She hopped over a fence, and was gone.

"What just happened?" Ruya asked.

"You recruited a crazy person," Varric replied.

Ruya blinked. "Why?"

"Good question."