Ruya had expected the trip back to contain a lot of awkward silence. She was rather quickly disabused of the notion. While the combination of Varric, Hawke, and Sera was often awkward, it was absolutely anything but silent.

"... and then Charade realized her knife was still in the big guy and she was completely out of arrows, so she grabs a salmon-"

"... because the building is on fire again and nobody can recall who had the key..."

"- assures Cullen we had a good reason for being on the roof of the templar hall. He was doing so well right up until Cullen actually asked him what the reason was..."

"... and then crash, lizards everywhere..."

"... and Varric's jaw is hanging somewhere around his knees and he says 'you want to touch Bianca's cocking ring?'..."

"... an hour to coax him down from the chandelier..."

"... then Hawke says 'summoned a horror. Of course. Why wouldn't I do that?'..."

"... entire box of spiders right on top of him..."

"... actually paid Orana to embroider it on a tunic..."

"... dozen cheesewheels rolling right down the middle of the street..."

Ruya slowed her pace to match Solas's. Loghain was towards the rear of the party, occasionally talking quietly with Cassandra but mostly keeping to himself. "With the Grey Wardens compromised and Corypheus having a creature that resembles an archdemon, why do you suppose we haven't seen any great influx of darkspawn?"

"I have been pondering the question myself. It is possible that Corypheus simply does not wish to think of himself as tied to the darkspawn."

"Even if he's not gathering them, with all this chaos we should be getting some reports, yes?"

"Perhaps we are, but the attacks are assumed to be demons or undead."

"Good point. Might be worth having Loghain and Blackwall talk to the scouts about darkspawn sign."

#

Ruya expected to see Leliana's eyes narrow at the sight of the Warden behind her. She was a little surprised to see Cullen's do the same. But then, he was Ferelden.

"Loghain."

"Leliana."

She glanced from Warden to spymaster, then handed Leliana the collection of notes and maps. "This is what we have to go on so far. Loghain says that the Wardens are gathering in the Western Approach. We'll need to get a forward camp set up there as soon as possible."

"I'll notify Harding." Leliana folded her arms and glared at Loghain. "How is it you came by this information?"

"After Constable Brehan told me the Warden-Commander was missing, I began looking through the library for anything having to do with Corypheus."

"Why?"

Loghain met Leliana's gaze levelly. "Because Jerath was my friend and someone needed to answer for what happened."

Leliana looked slightly taken aback, but nodded. "And how did you become acquainted with the Champion?"

"Through his brother. I trained Carver during his time at the Vigil."

"Then you know where to find him?" Leliana's eyes narrowed again. "And Nathaniel Howe?"

"They have contacted me from time to time over the years, but no. I do not know where either is at the moment. The best I can do is give you the location of a dead drop both have used in the past."

"What prompted Clarel to order your arrest?" Ruya asked.

"She was talking about a blood magic ritual. I protested the plan and was promptly branded a traitor and forced to go on the run." He shook his head at Leliana. "And no, the irony is not lost on me."

That actually got a small laugh from Leliana.

#

"Inquisitor. I've found where the red templars came from. Therinfal Redoubt." Cullen handed her the report the Chargers had brought back. "The knights were fed red lyrium until they turned into monsters. Samson took over after their corruption was complete."

She read over the report. Krem certainly didn't pull any punches in his description of the findings. Back at Haven, when Corypheus had appeared, Cullen had recognized this Samson. "How do you know Samson?"

"He was a templar in Kirkwall, until he was expelled from the Order. I knew he was an addict, but this..." Cullen leaned on his bookcase. "Red lyrium is nothing like the lyrium given by the Chantry. Its power comes with a terrible madness."

"The red templars swarming Haven were proof enough."

"We cannot allow them to gain strength." Cullen gestured sharply. "The red templars still require lyrium. If we can find their source, we can weaken them and their leader."

Ruya nodded. "I like finding the red templars' vulnerabilities before fighting them head-on."

"We'll need every advantage against what courses through their veins." Cullen went back to the map, using his finger to underscore several notations. "Caravans of red lyrium are being smuggled along trade routes. Investigating them could lead to where it's being mined." He looked up at her. "If you confront them, be wary. Anything connected to Samson will be well guarded."

#

There was a throne in the great hall. A throne. An actual throne. And Josephine was explaining that Ruya was expected to sit in it. "Impressive, is it not? Fit for a leader. Meant to show influence - and the burden of it. It is where the Inquisition will sit in judgment. Where you will sit in judgment."

"Who will I be judging, exactly?" Surely there were already enough lives in her hands. Maybe she could appoint someone to hold court, like a seneschal or something.

"Those who have done wrong." Josephine smiled. "You will know of them, at the very least. All this presumes they have survived their initial encounter with you, of course."

"Still more lives in my hands." It was a chance though, to see actual justice done. With so many eyes on her, she could at least point to a better path.

"You are a beacon of law, Inquisitor, as others retreat from responsibility. But this needn't be bloody." Josephine gestured. "The Inquisition's sovereignty is derived from the allies who validate it. You are both empowered and bound. Justice has many tools. If their application is clever, execution may even seem merciful by comparison."

#

They brought Alexius before her. Josephine stood at her right. "You recall Gereon Alexius of Tevinter. Ferelden has given him to us in acknowledgment of your aid. The formal charges are apostasy, attempted enslavement, and attempted assassination - on your own life, no less. Tevinter has disowned and stripped him of his rank. You may judge the former magister as you see fit."

She could see Dorian watching from the balcony. "I remember what would've happened to Thedas if his treachery had succeeded."

"I couldn't save my son. Do you think my fate matters to me?" Alexius barely raised his head as he spoke.

"Will you offer nothing more in your defense?" Felix had gone back to Tevinter, despite her offer for him to remain with the Inquisition. He'd promised to aid the Inquisition as he could.

"You've won nothing. The people you saved, the acclaim you've gathered - you'll lose it all in the storm to come." There was more bitterness than anger in the words. "Render your judgment, Inquisitor."

The charge of apostasy was meaningless. It was the attempted enslavement of the mages that deserved her attention, just as it had the day she'd gone to Redcliffe. And for the sake of Felix... and for that matter, Dorian... "Your magic was theoretically impossible, Alexius. I could use people like you. Your sentence is to serve, under guard, as a researcher on all things magical for the Inquisition. Fiona will oversee your efforts."

"No execution?" The man actually gave a disappointed sigh. "Very well."

She caught a glimpse of a pleased look on Dorian's face before the man disappeared back into the library.

#

She found Cole sitting on a ledge, looking over the infirmary. "Eyes rough, jangling armor hurts my ears, back aching, fingers too clumsy for knots." His eyes were on one of the healers. "Wind cool like Aunt Eloise's pond. Lips scalded as I sip, warmth blossoms, first kiss in the barn, what was his name?" The woman below looked tired, dragging. "Tin jangle as the blood spills. Pierre's wrapped body on the wagon to the chantry. Five more minutes. My fault."

"Can you listen to anyone's mind like you did hers?" Ruya moved to stand next to him.

"No. They have to need me." He glanced at her before going back to watching the healer. "Pain, fear, sadness, guilt, anger, hurt. Things I can fix."

The healer did look exhausted. Still so many wounded among the refugees. One of the fields back at the Crossroads had been planted with nothing but elfroot. "Can you do something for her?"

Cole seemed to vanish. A moment later, she saw him walking towards the woman. Quickly, she went down the stairs to watch. She got there in time to hear Cole speak. "It's okay. Nothing you did mattered."

"What?" The healer looked startled. "Who are you?"

"They lie there, and sometimes they die, just like Pierre. You can't save them."

"I don't..." She looked a bit scared now. "I don't know who you are..."

"Wait, that didn't work. Let me try again. You'll forget me in a minute."

She had to stop herself from asking questions. After a few moments, the healer turned away and started to go back to her work. Cole spoke again. "You can't save all of them."

"What?" The healer turned back to Cole.

"Like Pierre getting sick after you snuck out to Aunt Eloise's pond. You want it to be your fault, so there's a reason and it's not so frightening. But there's no reason. Pierre just got sick. The soldier was never going to live. It wasn't your fault."

The healer turned away again, but this time some of the weight was gone from her shoulders. Cole looked pleased with himself as he turned back to Ruya. "Better."

"She doesn't blame herself anymore?"

"Not as much. It was bouncing around inside her, closing up into a ball of wrong. Now it's open. She'll get it out." He smiled. "Thank you for letting me help her. It's not how a person would do it..." He shifted awkwardly. "But it helped. That's what matters."

"It does. Thank you, Cole." She smiled. "It helped me too."

#

This was the part she hated most. Waiting for word. Leliana had dispatched Harding and a group of scouts to set up the forward camp. It would be a couple days before the rest of them could head into the Western Approach. The desert was a vast and dangerous place. Without a camp to fall back to, any trouble they encountered would be a dozen times more lethal.

She found Cullen drilling some recruits in swordwork. A few of them were complaining about the work. She tilted her head to the side as she watched them, then picked up one of the practice blades and joined in. After a few minutes, she saw a few other young mages join drills as well. There was some laughter as robes were tripped over, and some good-natured banter was tossed back and forth between the mages and a couple men in templar armor. She couldn't quite hide a smile at the sight.

Cullen walked with her back through the gates of Skyhold. "Your recruits are coming along well," she said.

"The templars from Hasmal joined us when their mages did."

"I don't suppose..."

He shook his head. "I asked about Xaver. A few knew the name, but not his current location."

Ruya sighed. "Otwin has accounted for Dolph and Habrieta. They've joined us, and are escorting Josephine's people in the Free Marches. Eril is..." She looked down at her hands. "He joined the red ones."

"I am sorry." He held the door to his office open for her, and she followed him inside.

"Maybe we'll be lucky and some of them will come to their senses and we'll find a way to..." She glanced at the practice dummy, then punched it. "Have you been able to track down your friends?"

"Some. Others..." He leaned on his desk. "Leliana is looking."

"She'll find them."

He glanced up at her. "As leader of the Inquisition, you..." He sighed. "There's something I must tell you." He wouldn't quite meet her eyes.

"Whatever it is, I'm willing to listen."

"Right. Thank you." He straightened, and rested his hands on his sword hilt. "Lyrium grants templars our abilities, but it controls us as well. Those cut off suffer - some go mad, others die. We have secured a reliable source of lyrium for the templars here. But I..." He met her eyes. "No longer take it."

She blinked. "You stopped taking it?"

"When I joined the Inquisition. It's been months now."

"Cullen, if this can kill you..." Gavren had told her stories, back when she'd first told him she wanted to be a templar.

"It hasn't yet." He looked down. "After what happened in Kirkwall, I couldn't..." He looked up at her again. "I will not be bound to the Order - or that life - any longer. Whatever the suffering, I accept it." He straightened again. "But I would not put the Inquisition at risk. I have asked Cassandra to..." He looked at his hands. "Watch me. If my ability to lead is compromised, I will be relieved of duty."

"Are you in pain?" She went to his side.

"I can endure it."

"Thank you for telling me. I respect what you're doing."

"Thank you, Inquisitor." He squared his shoulders. "The Inquisition's army must always take priority. Should anything happen..." He took a breath. "I will defer to Cassandra's judgment."

#

Dorian was staring at a piece of parchment. "Anything interesting?" Ruya asked.

"A letter regarding Felix. Alexius's son." Dorian held up the parchment. "He went to the Magisterium. Stood on the senate floor and told them of you. A glowing testimonial, I'm informed. No news on the reaction, but everyone back home is talking. Felix always was as good as his word."

She started to nod, then her eyes widened. "Was?"

"He's dead. The Blight caught up with him."

Ruya laid a hand on his arm. "Are you all right?"

He tried to wave his hand dismissively. "He was ill, and thus on borrowed time anyhow."

"That doesn't mean you can't regret his death."

"I know." Dorian leaned on the bookshelf. "Felix used to sneak me treats from the kitchens when I was working late in his father's study. 'Don't get into trouble on my behalf', I'd tell him. 'I like trouble,' he'd say." Dorian smiled fondly at the memory. "Tevinter could use more mages like him, those who put the good of others above themselves."

"Were the two of you...?"

"Felix and I?" Dorian looked genuinely startled. "What an odd question. No, I had no intention of abusing Alexius's hospitality by seducing his son. Not that I've been proper my whole life, by any means. It wasn't like that. Even in illness, Felix was the best of us. With him around, you knew things could be better."

She wished she'd had the chance to know him better. They were building a memorial out at Haven. She'd make sure Felix's name was added. Without him... he'd played a role in the closing of the Breach, and should be honored for it. "He should be an example for others to follow, or his death is wasted."

"Should I spread the word?" Dorian's eyes shone slightly. "We could spawn the Cult of Felix within a matter of days."

"There are worse things."

"Probably true..." He turned back to the bookshelf and dabbed his eyes serendipitously. "And you're right. His actions should not be forgotten." He picked up some books and started to take them over to another shelf before turning back to her. "Thankfully, Felix wasn't the only decent sort kicking around Thedas."

#

"We've sighted Warden activity to the southwest, but no one's been close enough to figure out what they're doing." Harding gestured at the maps and notes. "Between sandstorms and the vicious wildlife, we haven't made it far out here." She waved at a tent. "One of my men got too close to a poison hot spring and gave me a slightly delirious report of a high dragon flying overhead. In short: this might just be the worst place in the entire world. Be careful out there."

Ruya couldn't help but laugh. "Anything else?"

"We intercepted a Venatori messenger and 'persuaded' him to give up the orders he was carrying. We have them here. This entire place..." Harding shook her head. "It just feels like something's not right. Be careful."

Hawke and Loghain went ahead to the ritual tower. She thought about arguing the point, but technically neither man answered to her.

They located the sites of some ambushes, and Cassandra spotted some Chantry sigils carved into markers. Iron Bull spotted the dragon, and the big man actually bounced with excitement. "We're fighting her, right? Tell me we're fighting her, boss."

"We have a bit more important concerns at the moment." She saw his crestfallen expression. "Besides, we've had a report of a dragon near the Crossroads. We need to take care of that one first."

#

They had to deal with varghasts and bandits before finally making their way to the tower. Hawke and Loghain were waiting outside. "Good. Whatever's happening has already started. We saw lights coming from the tower."

Hawke nodded. "Blood magic, I'd wager. You can smell it..." He gestured angrily. "Or see the corpses. You take point. I'll guard your backs."

She nodded, and followed Loghain into the tower.

#

"Wait..." A Warden was backing away from another Warden. "No." Several demons stood by still more Wardens, and there were corpses littering the ground.

A man in Tevinter style clothing stood on a dais. "Warden-Commander Clarel's orders were clear."

"This is wrong," the Warden said.

"Remember your oath: In war, victory. In peace, vigilance. In death..."

"I'm sorry." The other Warden drove his blade into the pleading man.

Up on the dais, the Tevinter man gave a satisfied smirk. "...sacrifice." The Warden tore the veil and brought forth a rage demon. "Good. Now bind it, just as I showed you."

Next to her, Loghain put his hand on his sword. She nodded, and continued moving forward. The man on the dais caught sight of her. "Inquisitor. What an unexpected pleasure. Lord Livius Erimond of Vyrantium, and your service."

"You're no Warden, mage." Loghain's voice was angry.

"But you are." Erimond sighed. "The one Clarel let slip. And you found the Inquisitor and came to stop me. Shall we see how that goes?"

Ruya turned to the few gathered Wardens. "Wardens. This man is lying to you. He serves an ancient Tevinter magister who wants to unleash a Blight."

"That's a very serious accusation." Erimond stroked his goatee. "Let's see what the Wardens think." He glanced at the men standing there among the demons. "Wardens, hands up." The Wardens raised their hands. "Hands down." They lowered their hands.

Loghain hissed. "Corypheus controls them."

"They did this to themselves. You see, the Calling had the Wardens terrified. They looked everywhere for help."

"In desperation, they turned to the Imperium." Loghain's hand wrapped around the hilt of his sword. Behind him, Blackwall mirrored the gesture.

"Yes." Erimond actually looked amused. "And since it was my master who put the Calling into their little heads, we in the Venatori were prepared." He tapped his chin. "I went to Clarel full of sympathy, and together, we came up with a plan..." He smirked again. "Raise a demon army, march into the Deep Roads, and kill the Old Gods before they wake."

"Ah." Ruya narrowed her eyes. "I was wondering when the demon army would show up."

Erimond started. "You know about it, did you? Well, then, here you are." He leaned on his staff. "Sadly for the Wardens, the binding ritual I taught their mages has a side effect. They're now my master's slaves. This was a test. Once the rest of the Wardens complete the ritual, the army will conquer Thedas."

Of all the insane... "Do you really want to see the world fall to the Blight? What do you get out of this?"

"The Elder One commands the Blight. He is not commanded by it, like the mindless darkspawn. The Blight is not unstoppable or uncontrollable. It is simply a tool."

"Somebody's certainly a tool," Varric muttered.

"As for me: while the Elder One rules from the Golden City, we, the Venator, will be his god-kings here in the world."

This had gone on quite long enough. She drew her staff. "Release the Wardens from the binding and surrender. I won't ask twice."

He sneered. "No. You won't." He gestured, and red light shot from his hand. The mark seared and burned, eliciting a cry of pain from her. "The Elder One showed me how to deal with you, in the event you were foolish enough to interfere again. The mark you bear? The Anchor that lets you pass safely through the Veil? You stole that from my master. He's been forced to seek other ways to access the Fade. When I bring him your head, his gratitude will be -"

She forced energy of her own back through the mark, the same way she sealed the rifts. Erimond screamed in surprise and pain. Loghain pulled her back to her feet, and she tightened her grip on her staff.

"Kill them," Erimond shouted as he scrambled away.

Demons and Wardens attacked. Blackwall and Loghain set their shields and moved in simultaneously, forming a wall between her and the demons. She put up a barrier. From behind her, she heard Hawke call out "I've got left." Lightning arced between the Wardens as she focused on the ones attacking from the right.

#

"So..." Hawke hit the last of the Wardens in the face with his staff, sending the man crashing to the ground. "That went well."

Loghain sheathed his sword. "As you feared, the mages who completed the ritual are under the thrall of Corypheus."

"And the Warden warriors?" Loghain gestured at the dead men, and Hawke's eyes narrowed. Anger filled his voice. "Oh, of course. It's not real blood magic until someone gets sacrificed."

"Human sacrifice, demon summoning..." Ruya kicked a helmet across the tower. "Who looks at this and thinks it's a good idea?" More wasted lives.

"The fearful and the foolish," Hawke replied.

Loghain sighed. "Despite their lack of wisdom, they acted out of necessity."

Hawke folded his arms and glared. "All blood mages do." He gestured sharply. "Everyone has a story they tell themselves to justify bad decisions..." He shook his head. "And it never matters. In the end, you are always alone with your actions."

Judging by the look on Loghain's face, he wasn't going to argue that point. He gestured to the west. "In the direction Erimond fled, the only structure of note is an abandoned Warden fortress. Adamant. I suspect we'll find the Wardens there. I suppose it's fortunate a friend once gave me some old maps."

"Good thinking." If they were going to stop the Wardens, they were going to need an army.

"Loghain and I will scout out Adamant and confirm the other Wardens are still there." Hawke nodded at her. "We'll meet you back at Skyhold."

#

Hawke and Loghain returned to Skyhold only a few days after the rest of them. Kels found her talking with Mineave, and let her know. She found Varric and Hawke in the hall, talking to each other. Hawke looked up when he saw her. "I tracked that Venatori mage back to Adamant Fortress. They're now looking at assault options in the war room."

"Thanks for coming," Varric said. He was slumped against the wall, looking down at his feet.

She saw Hawke's face soften as he looked at his friend. "You did well, Varric. The Inquisitor is..." He nodded to her. "Just who we need."

"Oh, it's been great. Murderous Wardens, Archdemon attacks, plenty of blood mages, and crazy templars. Just like home."

"I know how much you hated leaving Kirkwall."

"This is the ass end of Thedas. You know they eat snails here? Still, I think..." Varric sighed. "I need to finish this out. If it weren't for me and Bartrand, none of this would have happened. So much for changing our lives."

Hawke reached out and messed Varric's hair, prompting a very irritated expression from the dwarf. "That's what happens when you try to change things. Things change. You can't always control how."

#

"Adamant Fortress has stood against the darkspawn since the time of the Second Blight. Fortunately, for us, that means it was built before the age of modern siege equipment." Cullen was actually smiling. "A good trebuchet will do major damage to those ancient walls. And thanks to our lady ambassador..." He turned towards Josephine.

"Lady Seryl of Jader was pleased to lend the Inquisition her sappers. They've already delivered the trebuchets."

"That is the good news." Leliana was staring at the map.

"None of that accounts for the Wardens summoning a giant demon army."

"That is the bad news." Leliana looked up at her.

Cullen nodded. "The Inquisition forces can breach the gate, but if the Wardens already have their demons..."

Leliana gestured at the war table. "I found records of Adamant's construction. There are choke points we can use to limit the field of battle."

"That's good." Cullen examined the documents. "We may not be able to defeat them outright..." He looked up at Ruya. "But if we cut off reinforcements, we can carve you a path to Warden-Commander Clarel."

She took a deep breath. "Taking this fortress is going to get a lot of good soldiers killed." And not taking it would get even more killed.

"Our soldiers know the risks, Inquisitor." Josephine's voice was gentle. "And they know what they're fighting for."

"It'll be hard-fought, no way around it." Cullen rested his hands on his sword hilt. "But we'll get that gate open."

Josephine's face became hopeful. "It's also possible that some Wardens may be sympathetic to our cause."

Leliana's face, however, was more bleak. "The warriors may be willing to listen to reason, though I doubt that they will turn against Clarel directly. The mages, however, are slaves to Corypheus. They will fight to the death."

Ruya tilted her head. "And you have friends among them?"

Leliana sighed. "Lenore remains in Antiva. The others... Yes. There will be some there that I knew. It changes nothing about what must be done."

"We are building the siege engines and readying our forces, Inquisitor." Cullen straightened. "I'll let you know when we are ready to march on Adamant."

#

"You've made such intriguing design choices for the castle, my dear. They must be inspired."

Ruya smiled at Vivienne. "I strive to match your elegant sense of style."

"When things have settled down a bit, I will take you to Val Royeaux and introduce you to my seamstress." Vivienne gave her an appraising look. "And appearances are important. We can't have you mistaken for a commoner."

It amused her sometimes how much Vivienne reminded her of her mother. "I suppose it's important to show that we're an authority to be respected."

"Not just respected, my dear: awed, feared, aspired to." Vivienne gestured at the tents in the valley below. "You command an army of the faithful outfitted by the coin of the nobility. You must be a woman who commoners aspire to be and to whom nobles bow."

And for that, at least she had Vivienne. She'd no doubt whatsoever that the woman wouldn't hesitate a moment to tell her if she were doing things wrong. "That's quite a lot for one person to pull off, don't you think?"

"It is a challenge all great leaders must face, Inquisitor." Vivienne gave her a critical look, then reached up and adjusted Ruya's collar. "The stories of your accomplishments will spread and, with them, doubt. Are you truly the woman from the tales? They will question what they've heard, but they will believe what they see. They must see someone greater than legends."

"If that's your standard for me, what does the Divine have to live up to?" With the council still in deadlock, more and more eyes were turning towards the Inquisition. If they didn't get a new Divine soon, she feared the Chantry would never recover.

"Andraste and the Maker cast very large shadows. The Divine absolutely must set the example for all Thedas. She must seem to be the embodiment of the Maker to the faithful. She needs the authority of the Maker and the charisma of Andraste."

#

He was a bit ashamed it took him the better part of an hour to work up his nerve. The man in Warden armor was standing at the ramparts, watching the soldiers drill. Blackwall approached him quietly. "Warden Loghain."

The other man turned. "Blackwall" Loghain said as he approached.

"Thought maybe you could use a drink." He offered the bottle.

Loghain accepted it. "Thank you. But I doubt it is my perceived thirst that brings you up here."

Blackwall started to shake his head, then nodded. "You've faced an archdemon before."

"Yes." Loghain replied simply.

Blackwall glanced down at the men practicing below. "Any tactical suggestions you have would be appreciated."

"Try to avoid the breath," Loghain replied. "And the teeth."

In spite of himself, Blackwall smiled. "That part I'd already figured out."

"You believe it is an archdemon then?" Loghain asked.

Blackwall looked over at him in surprise. "You don't?"

"Over the years I have learned to rule nothing out," Loghain replied. He took a drink from the bottle Blackwell had brought him, then looked at it in a bit of surprise. "Amaranthine. Haven't had a good ale in years."

"I'm... surprised to find you in Orlais."

"Wardens go where we are needed," Loghain replied. "What brings you to the Inquisition?"

"Same answer, I suppose," Blackwall said, looking out over the wall. "Corypheus is a darkspawn."

Loghain gave him a considering look, then nodded. Blackwall took a drink from his own bottle. A few minutes passed, then Loghain gave a resigned sigh. "Ask."

"I..." Blackwell shook his head. "Sorry." He looked down at his feet, then up at the older man. "I... don't really know where to start. You were at the battle in Denerim."

"Yes. I fought alongside the Warden." He shrugged. "Leliana was there as well."

"I... I know she served with the wardens, but she was at the actual battle?"

Loghain nodded. "She took over a ballista. Warden Brehan held the darkspawn off her while she kept it firing. Were it not for them, the thing might have made it back into the air." He shrugged. "I suppose that's the other bit of tactical advice I can offer you. Keep it on the ground."

Blackwall nodded. "And the others?"

"The Qunari held the gates. The Hero of Ferelden and her team fought through the market, cleared out the darkspawn general that was there. I was on the team that retook the alienage. Warden Riordan died to land the thing on the tower, and we regrouped there. The thing kept calling darkspawn to defend it, which eased the pressure on those fighting through the streets." He went quiet a moment. "Other than Corypheus himself, I'm told the Inquisition hasn't had any darkspawn encounters."

Blackwall nodded. "We've encountered more demons than darkspawn."

"Your Inquisitor can seal the rifts, I am told?"

"She can," Blackwall acknowledged, then chuckled. "But that isn't why we put her in charge. These people would follow her anywhere." As would he, without hesitation. "They say that Andraste chose her."

Loghain gave him an appraising look, and for a moment there was a hint of a smile on his face. "Do you believe that?"

"Sometimes," Blackwall admitted.

"Her tactical choices have been sound thus far," Loghain acknowledged, looking down at the soldiers below. "The soldiers are well-trained and equipped."

"Cullen knows his trade."

Loghain nodded. "Warden-Commander Jerath wanted him for the wardens, when he took command of the Vigil, but the templars had already sent him to Kirkwall." He took another drink. "Jerath had an eye for people."

"I didn't realize they knew each other." Cullen hadn't said anything about having been invited to join the Wardens when he'd spoken to the man before.

Loghain's eyes trailed up to where a group of apprentices were practicing. "She won over the mages."

Blackwall nodded. "Traveled through time to do it. Weirdest thing I ever heard."

"Fair number of templars among the soldiers as well."

"Cullen brought some of them with him, and with the red templars out there... well, the ones that have remembered their duty are coming here."

Loghain nodded. "I may stay on, after we deal with the situation at Adamant."

Blackwall gave him a surprised look. "Really?" He gave the other man a considering look.

"She's dealing with rifts all over Orlais and Ferelden, as well as the Venatori and red templars. That's quite the challenge." Loghain leaned back and finished his drink. "It might just be enough to warrant having two Wardens along."

Blackwall laughed. He turned as he heard footsteps on the stairs, and recognized the former quartermaster as she approached. "Begging your pardon, my lords," the woman said.

Loghain gave her a respectful nod. "Threnn, it's been a long time."

Blackwall saw the woman's face go from uncomfortable to practically worshipful. "It has, Lord Loghain."

Loghain shook his head. "It's just Loghain, now. Or Warden, if you must use a title."

"I... yes, Loghain. I... heard you were here. I just wanted to come by and pay my respects."

Loghain nodded. "You serve the Inquisition?"

"Yes Ser," Threnn said. "Teyrna Anora offered my services to Lady Cassandra."

"I'm surprised she was willing to part with your skills as quartermaster," Loghain replied.

"I..." Threnn shook her head. "Some of my opinions did not make me popular." The words came out of her in a rush. "What the wardens did to you wasn't right, my lord. That elf, exiling you to Orlais of all places. You deserved better."

Blackwall was surprised to see Loghain bristle slightly before the man responded to Threnn. "Whatever my opinions on the rest of the wardens, and the events of the last blight, may be, Warden Commander Jerath was a fine young man and had others been content to let him do his job I would have been honored to remain at his side." Loghain folded his arms. He added after a moment, "and we most likely wouldn't be in this current mess."

Blackwall raised an eyebrow at the other man. "I'm somewhat surprised to hear you say that." The last thing he expected to hear from Loghain was praise for the man who'd exiled him.

Loghain shook his head. "Warden-Commander Jerath possessed the traits of being willing to listen to advice and being able to learn from the mistakes of others, both very rare qualities among the young. He had the potential to be a remarkable general." The pride in Loghain's voice was evident. "I admit to becoming fond of the lad. He... deserved better."

Threnn nodded. "I... didn't realize, ser."

Loghain inclined his head towards her. "I was rather surprised by it myself," he replied. "The Inquisition is lucky to have your skills, Threnn."

"Thank you, ser."

#

She walked among the soldiers again, nodding in greeting and exchanging pleasantries with the ones she knew. Her blood went a little cold every time she considered what she was about to ask them to do. Some of them were going to die. For their part, though, they seemed proud. One of the ones she'd rescued at Haven showed her the trebuchets they were putting together, pointing out the differences between these and the ones they'd had at Haven. Across the field, she saw Cullen talking to Loghain. Two of the best generals in the world were planning this battle.

Cullen found her shortly after he parted ways with Loghain. "We've nearly three dozen mages training regularly with the soldiers. Having their barriers alone may make a huge difference on the field."

"I'm pleased." Ruya smiled up at him, and he returned the smile. It took her a moment to remember why she'd been walking towards the field. "I was looking for some practice dummies. Something I wanted to try."

He walked with her, and started to hand her one of the practice swords. She shook her head, and then concentrated, holding her hand as if already gripping a sword. The magic blade formed, and she swung, using the motions she'd been drilling with before. The spirit blade sliced through the practice dummy as if it were smoke. Cullen gave a low whistle. "Impressive."

"I guess I am taking the sword back up." She took a breath, and repeated the motion. The blade was becoming steadier in her hand. "I had just started studying this when we had to flee the tower. I thought..." She laughed softly. "It's so silly now. I thought if I learned this, then I could fight alongside Xaver the way we'd always planned when we were young. And now..." She turned and looked at the soldiers. "I'm fighting alongside an army."

"Seeing you on the field is..." Cullen smiled at her. "Inspiring."

She picked up one of the practice swords, and bowed. He picked up another, and returned the bow. A moment later, she heard Hawke's voice announcing he was now taking bets, followed by a cackle from Sera.

#

Leliana entered the stables. Blackwall nearly dropped his woodcarving tools when he looked up and saw her. She nodded to him. "I noticed you talking to Loghain, earlier. I was wondering if he said anything you found interesting." She wasn't sure how freely Loghain would have spoken to Blackwall, but it was likely to be more freely than he'd speak to her.

"Not really sure what to make of the man, personally." Blackwall set the tools down. "He said he was considering sticking around after we've dealt with the situation at Adamant."

No surprise there. She doubted bringing an army down on them would endear him further to the Orlesian Wardens. "Understandable on his part."

Blackwall nodded, and then frowned in consideration. "He was last in command of troops in Ferelden ten years ago." He gestured. "He recognized Threnn. Knew her name. Knew her skills. Soldiers will go through hell for a commanding officer they know sees them of value."

"Even after everything that happened, a lot of Ferelden soldiers remained loyal to Loghain. Jerath cited it as one of his reasons for conscripting the man." And it had been a valid point. With Loghain on their side, there had been little rumbling when the opposing sides of the armies had been brought back together.

"That was interesting." Blackwall folded his arms. "Threnn made a derogatory remark about Jerath. Loghain came to the man's defense quickly. Said he was proud to have fought at his side and admitted to being fond of him. Sounded like a man talking about a prized student." He shrugged. "Or maybe a father talking about a son."

"He did act a bit paternal towards Jerath." Leliana laughed softly. "But then, Jerath was so young even Oghren got that way at times. And Wynne could be downright overprotective. I suppose I could be as well. Then he'd go jump on the back of a dragon and remind us all he was perfectly capable of taking care of himself." Until the day had apparently come that he wasn't.

"I never got the chance to meet the man," Blackwall said. "Wish I had." He frowned. "Loghain did say something else I found interesting. He said if others had been content to let Jerath do his job, Loghain would have been happy to remain at his side and we might not be in this mess."

Leliana nodded slowly. Weisshaupt had attempted to interfere at the Vigil several times, even bringing the king and queen in once. It occurred to her that Loghain had essentially functioned as Jerath's second in command at the Vigil itself. The man had probably seen Carver's original report. And Loghain had been looking into Corypheus. Jerath must have known something. "Thank you, Blackwall."

#

"Hey you. Got an Inquisitor favor to ask." Sera pulled her inside the tavern sitting room she'd claimed as her personal domicile. "Just a little thing, really. A little march-around for some of your people. It's nothing for you, right?"

"All right, let's hear what you've got." Ruya sat down across from Sera.

"Jump right in, huh? I like that." Sera sprawled on the bench. "It's a Red Jenny thing. I got a tip that some noble stiffs are arguing over Verchiel. Land squabble. They're getting little people beat up, so I need you to go to your big table and send some people to walk through town."

"Just walk through?"

"Just walk through. Easy, right?"

They'd be passing that way on the way to Adamant anyway. There couldn't be any harm about sending some of the newer recruits to do a training exercise or something. She'd let Cullen know. "All right, Sera. I'll have someone look into it."

Sera rocked forward to sit up. "It's fun, right? Being important without doing a thing? Well, not much of a thing." She folded her legs up under her. "Not everything has to be torn skies and ancient arseholes. Every little thing makes a difference somewhere."

They chatted for several minutes. Sera told her a story about letting a dozen raccoons loose into some lord or another's vault.