"Inquisitor, a word?"

Ruya altered her trajectory to arrive at Josephine's desk. "Yes?"

"We've received a missive from King Alistair. He is willing to discuss formalizing relations between Ferelden and the Inquisition."

"Is that good or bad?" Ruya raised an eyebrow. According to Leliana, the king was still feeling somewhat hostile over how things had turned out at Adamant.

"I believe it is good. Warden-Commander Saitada sent a missive to him on our behalf, and he has chosen to respond. Officially, he and the queen are visiting Redcliffe to assist with the refugee situation. It was suggested that if I happen to be in the area, courtesy would demand an invitation be offered."

"That seems..."

Leliana's voice came from behind her as she and Brehan entered. "Cathiel and Saitada have arranged things on our behalf."

"With your assistance?" Ruya raised an eyebrow at Leliana, and smiled. "Who should I send with Josephine?"

"I suggest Cullen." Brehan shrugged. "It's his soldiers helping with the reconstruction efforts, and they've got enough in common I think they'll get along well."

"Good idea." Ruya considered a moment. "What about you, Brehan? You and Alistair are old friends, and it would be a show of good faith."

"I am at your disposal, Inquisitor." He gave her a small bow.

#

King Alistair inclined his head politely to Josephine in greeting. He clasped Brehan's arm, then pulled the smaller man into a brief hug. "Good to see you alive, old friend. So you are working with the Inquisition now?"

"Leliana is one of its founding members." Brehan bowed politely, his tone becoming formal. "Your Majesty, may I introduce Lady Josephine Montilyet, Ambassador of the Inquisition, and Commander Cullen, leader of its military."

Cullen and Josephine both bowed. Alistair nodded. "Saitada spoke highly of you in her missives. And Arl Teagan says that your soldiers have been working with him to secure the Hinterlands and repair damages. Given this, it is possible we can come to an accord." He glanced back at the doorway. "Though we must wait for the old ball and chain before proceeding."

Brehan laughed. "How is it possible she hasn't shot you yet?"

"I'm charming."

#

Cullen looked over the battlements. He could just make out the Inquisition's camp in the distance. Alistair leaned out and looked down at the armory below. "I'm told your people handled a dragon out east of here."

Cullen nodded. "Yes your majesty." He hesitated a moment before offering, "I'm told there is another in Crestwood that may have to be dealt with soon."

Alistair laughed. "I'm not an Orlesian trophy hunter, Cullen. I've encountered enough dragons to last a lifetime." He leaned back against the tower. "I'm told you were a templar in Kirkwall, but you sound Ferelden."

"I am Ferelden, your majesty. I'm originally from Honnleath, and trained in the Lake Calenhad circle."

"Really? Did you know..." Alistair squinted. "Ah, you were that templar."

"Yes."

"Ah... well..." Alistair glanced out at the view. "Well then, changing the subject..." he thought for a moment. "So, er..."

Cullen shook his head and chuckled. "I hear you also used to be a templar."

"I never took vows," Alistair said. "But I've kept up some of the training." He frowned. "I don't like what I've been hearing about these 'red templars'."

"There is little to like." Cullen responded. "Are the negotiations concluded for the evening?"

Alistair laughed. "No, it just became clear I was unnecessary. Cathiel and Saitada aren't quite as subtle as they think they are." He smiled. "You are misusing Saitada, you should be giving her a command."

Cullen nodded. "I wish I could. Unfortunately, we know Corypheus and some of his Venatori are capable of clouding the minds of Gray Wardens. Given that, we dare not put her on the front lines."

"That's a disturbing thought," Alistair said quietly. "Especially given that both the queen and myself are Gray Wardens." He caught Cullen's expression. "A thought you have apparently had yourself."

"It is one of the reasons the Inquisition would like to renew ties with Ferelden, yes. If the two of you are compromised, the consequences could be..."

"Disastrous." Alistair sighed. "Still, it is unlikely that such a thing could go unnoticed."

"Provided we have people in place to notice."

"If you are trying to convince me that Leliana and Brehan do not have spies all over Denerim, you are going to have to do better than that. I traveled with them for some time, as you may recall." Alistair smiled. "I know better than to fall for the 'ooh, pretty colors let's all tell stories' act."

Cullen nodded. "It is... likely a safe assumption someone is observing, yes."

"I'm sure Saitada and Josephine will negotiate an official presence, and Cathiel will make sure it isn't someone too annoy..." Alistair squinted down the battlement, and Cullen followed his gaze.

"Your majesty?"

"Those are not my guards," Alistair said quietly.

Cullen nodded, and jerked his head towards the tower door. Alistair nodded, and the two men entered the castle.

#

Josephine tried to hide a yawn as she followed the guard to her quarters. Cathiel was a shrewd negotiator, and though she wasn't overly hostile to the Inquisition, it was clear the woman was not going to allow even the perception of an Orlesian foothold on Ferelden soil. Still, things were progressing well enough.

"Here you are ma..." the guard's voice choked off as a blood sprayed from his throat. The second guard twisted at the last moment, taking the sword blow as a graze to the shoulder rather than a devastating blow to the neck, and drew his own weapon. A half-dozen men materialized from the shadows, and Josephine saw a hooded elf come out of a room ahead.

"Maker, the prince..." the guard muttered as he parried a blow.

The attacker laughed. "For Corypheus!" he said, lunging at the guard. The guard stepped back, taking up a defensive position in front of Josephine.

The elf flung a dagger, taking one of the attackers in the back of the leg, causing the man to fall to the ground. Her guard took the opening to slash out his own blade, slicing into the torso of his closest attacker. He raised his shield to knock away a man lunging at Josephine as the elf closed in, his blades making short work of the remaining men.

The elf gave the guard an appraising look. "How bad?"

"I can hold a sword," the guard responded.

"The Venatori have eliminated most of the guards on duty, and the rest are locked in their barracks." The elf moved back to the room he had just exited, and Josephine could make out several more bodies inside. He came out a moment later carrying a small bundle. He thrust the bundle at Josephine, who found herself holding the infant prince. He turned back to the guard. "Take no chances. Get them out of the castle and to the Inquisition camp. Raise the alarm there."

"Ser, the king..."

"I will take care of the king. I'm trusting you with the prince, Ser Bevin."

"Yes ser," the guard answered. He nodded to Josephine. "This way, my lady."

Josephine swallowed and clutched the prince to her tightly before following.

#

Alistair drew his blade the moment he was past the door. "There should be a man on... Maker..." he swore softly as he caught sight of the guard's body.

Cullen knelt and checked the still form. "No wounds..." his gaze fell on a fallen cup. "Poison."

"We need to get to the men and raise the alarm. This way."

Cullen drew his sword as the door opened, revealing three men with swords, and a fourth with a staff. The mage's lips twisted cruelly. "Your majesty, he said, as he began to gesture out a spell.

Beside him, Cullen felt a surge from Alistair as the former templar focused his will against the spell, canceling it. He permitted himself a small smile at the mage's surprised look before he charged forward, using his shield to barrel through the armed men before he ran the mage through. Alistair was only a step behind him, taking advantage of Cullen's charge to make short work of the staggered men. The king bent and picked up a shield of his own, then gave Cullen a nod. "Venatori?" he asked in a tone that made it clear he already knew the answer.

"We need to raise the alarm, quickly." Cullen responded.

"To the hall, then."

They had to battle another group of Venatori before they reached the hall. Cullen followed the king in cautiously. The bodies of four guards littered the floor, but Cullen did not see any of the Wardens. Alistair frowned. "This way, the barracks."

They'd were halfway across the room when the door opened. Saitada stepped through, followed by Brehan, who was holding a dagger to Arl Teagan's throat, and then... a dozen Venatori entered behind the wardens. A man with a staff smiled coldly. "Gentlemen, we've been looking for you."

Alistair set his shield and gritted his teeth. "Teagan?"

"Don't worry about me, your majesty", the Arl responded.

Alistair nodded, and swung his shield into the Venatori closest to him, sending the man flying. Cullen followed, using his own shield to keep the other Venatori away from the king's unprotected back. The king was only a few feet from the mage when another figure stepped between them. Cullen saw Alistair's face grow horrified as his Queen drew back her bow, the tip of the arrow pointed directly at the king. The mage laughed as Alistair froze.

"Drop your blades, gentlemen," the mage said. "Or use them, if that is your preference." Saitada moved to stand next to the queen, setting her own shield between the mage and Alistair.

Alistair shook his head. "Cathiel..." he said, his voice pleading.

The queen raised her arrow slightly, taking aim at the king's unprotected face. Alistair closed his eyes, and then sighed. "Drop your sword, Commander."

"Your majesty."

"Now." Alistair said, relinquishing his grip on his own blade. Cullen looked at the elven man he'd recently considered a comrade, but there wasn't even a hint of recognition in Brehan's eyes. With a sigh, he let his sword clatter to the ground. Immediately the remaining Venatori had him and Alistair by the arms.

"You two, dispose of those bodies. The rest of you, bring the prisoners. Quietly, if you please."

#

Cullen glanced at the king bound next to him. Alistair had not taken his eyes off Cathiel. The three Wardens stood almost unresponsive save when the mage gave them direct orders. The mage finished giving instructions to his men, then gestured for most of them to go. The Wardens remained, standing quietly in the corner

"Ferelden conquered in a single night," the mage sneered. "One for the history books, don't you think?"

"Ferelden is not conquered," Alistair said firmly.

The mage laughed. "Your queen is a slave to Corypheus." He shrugged. "But we need you more... presentable, your majesty." He turned his gaze to Cullen. "And the commander of the Inquisition's military, a lovely bonus prize."

"Your little spell isn't going to work on us." Alistair said.

"True, but there are so many other options. So many demons loyal to Corypheus. I think you both will make lovely hosts." He turned to men. "You two, go find out what is keeping the ambassador."

Alistair glanced over where the wardens stood. "Cathiel... Saitada... I know you are stronger than this. Cathiel, love..."

#

The babe was beginning to stir in her arms as they entered the camp. Josephine breathed a sigh of relief as inquisition soldiers began to notice their presence. "Ambassador..." Corporal Vale said in greeting, his face obviously shocked at her arrival.

"Gather your people, Corporal. The Venatori are inside Redcliffe castle." In her arms, the babe began to wiggle, and then cry. Josephine felt like crying herself.

"Ambassador, we've heard nothing."

"Of course you haven't," she snapped. "Taking control of the King of Ferelden would do them little good if everyone knew about it. Leliana had a way into the castle," she said, snapping at one of the scouts. "You were there, do you know it?"

"Yes, my lady."

"Commander Cullen is still inside the castle?" Corporal Vale inquired. At her nod, he saluted. "Well then, we had best go give him a hand." He glanced at the crying infant. "Er..."

"The prince," Josephine said quietly. "We got the prince safe, at least."

The Corporal nodded. "You men, stay with her. Keep that child safe, no matter what. If..." he swallowed. "Protect the prince," he repeated. "My lady, you had best get to the crossroads. We have more men there, and the Inquisitor needs to know."

Josephine nodded as three ravens took wing from the camp, flying in the direction of Skyhold.

#

"Inquisitor."

Ruya looked up from where she'd been chatting with Dorian at the shout. She stood, and met the runner halfway. "What's wrong?"

"Redcliffe castle. The Venatori have taken it." He gasped for breath before continuing. "One of the guards got Lady Josephine and the prince out, but the king and queen are still inside. As is Commander Cullen."

She turned towards her team, and noted they were already on their feet and grabbing their weapons. She turned back to the runner. "Make sure Josephine and the prince are safe. We are on our way."

#

Alistair felt blood trickle down his wrists as he continued to work at his bonds. Sadly, in spite of the slickness, he was no closer to free than he had been when he started. Blood was smeared across the face of the Inquisition's commander, courtesy of a several backhanded blows from one of the guards after Cullen had declined to answer questions about the Inquisition's forces in the valley. He felt a bit of admiration for the man when Cullen's response to being asked again was to spit some blood into the face of the mage.

The mage seemed to find the situation amusing. "No matter. You'll break. They always do." Then he smiled, and turned towards Teagan. "And what of you, Arl Guerrin? Are you feeling a bit more cooperative?"

Teagan answered, "I don't know, spitting in your face seems like it could be fun."

Alistair nodded. "We will not serve your magister."

The mage smiled. He turned towards where the wardens stood. "Your majesty," he said to Cathiel, his voice mocking. "Would you and your friends be so kind as to have your son brought to me? And tell the cooks to warm something up. I'm starting to feel a bit peckish."

Alistair felt ice grip his heart, and next to him Teagan began to curse the mage. "Cathiel..."

The queen inclined her head, and left the room, followed by the other wardens. The mage watched her go, then turned back to Alistair. "I rather think you will serve the new god most faithfully, your majesty."

#

The door opened, and an elf slipped into the room, clutching a bundle to his chest. Alistair sagged against his bonds. "No."

The mage stood, and smiled. "Well, your majesty, it appears you have a choice to make. Bring the child..."

The elf flung the bundle at the guards, and it exploded into a shower of silvery powder. The guards began to cough and choke, as daggers appeared in the elf's hands. The mage was still mid word when one of the daggers pierced his eye, dropping him where he stood. The elf flung the second dagger into the guard that had been missed by the powder, then produced another set of daggers and was on the guards before they could clear their eyes.

"Oh thank the Maker," Teagan breathed. The elf opened the throat of a gasping guard, and then freed the prisoners.

The hooded elf cocked his head and looked at Alistair's wrists. "Are you able to hold a sword?" he asked.

"Gleefully," Alistair growled. "My son?"

"Safely out of the castle, with the Inquisition's ambassador," the elf replied, offering a sword hilt first to Teagan.

Cullen picked up a sword of his own. Alistair gave him a concerned look. "Commander..." The former templar gave him a level look, and Alistair smiled and amended his statement, "let's go kill some venatori."

The elf was already walking out of the room, Teagan close on his heels. The arl glanced over his shoulder at Alistair. "Your majesty, the queen..."

"Is going to be furious if we don't get her rescued before breakfast." Alistair responded. "And I'm going to tell her it was your fault."

"Right, your majesty."

The elf glanced back at them, and then gestured at the room ahead. "There are a dozen venatori in there. Once we get through, we will be able to free the soldiers and raise the alarm without the Venatori being able to take hostages."

"Let's go." At the elf's nod, Alistair kicked in the door and charged.

#

A few of the soldiers took weapons off the dead Venatori as others went to the armory. "How many more in the castle?" Teagan asked the elf.

"A dozen men on the walls, pretending to be your soldiers. And some guarding the passage, making sure no one gets in."

"Short enough work," Alistair responded. "Any more mages?"

The elf shook his head. "I eliminated the other two mages before I freed you."

Teagan began ordering his men to the walls. Cullen did the same with the few soldiers that had come with him into the castle.

Teagan smiled, "I must commend your Inquisition, Commander. Your man is quite talented."

Cullen blinked, and then faced Teagan. "I thought..." He gave Teagan a confused look. "He's not one of yours?"

Teagan gave him a startled look, and then turned to scan the room. "Where..."

Cullen realized both the king and the elf were gone. "Maker, if he's not one of yours... we need to find them."

#

Teagan led Cullen towards the royal quarters. Cullen saw the elf kneeling before the king before the king pulled the man to his feet and embraced him. He released the elf as the other two approached. "Go," the king said quietly, and the elf began to walk away.

"Your majesty," Teagan said. "This man is not one of the Inquisition's soldiers."

"Of course he isn't," Alistair said. "What, you don't think I have agents?" He stepped to block Cullen's path. "Commander, I believe your Inquisition forces are at the gate." He looked through the door to the room behind him. Inside, Cullen saw the three wardens, laid out on the bed. "They are unconscious. They will awake free of Corypheus's control."

"With all due respect, your majesty..." Cullen said.

"Redcliff currently does not have a mage," Alistair spoke over Cullen. "If it is not too much trouble, I would like to request the services of one of your mages." His gaze softened as he looked at Cathiel. "They are currently trapped in the fade. A mage could greatly increase the likelihood of their survival." He glanced down at a satchel in his hands. "And it seems I have information your Inquisition may find useful."

#

Ruya looked through the door at where Solas was examining the unconscious wardens. The king had instructed Cullen to sit down before he fell down and was filling them in on the events of the evening. Dorian and Iron Bull were examining the papers. The prince slumbered quietly on the king's shoulder as Alistair finished the tale.

"Your agent was a mage?"

"Not precisely," Alistair responded.

"Then how did he..."

Dorian held up a piece of parchment. "He used an enchanted lyrium device to weaken the veil slightly. It seems the spirit then drew the wardens into the fade." He turned the paper sideways and then righted it again. "It's actually fairly clever, similar in some ways to a focus crystal used by sominari."

"It's Tevinter?" Ruya asked suspiciously.

"No, it just shares some similar underlying principles. I imagine Solas would compare it to something elven."

"It is elven," Solas said, entering the room. He nodded to Ruya. "I believe that Alistair's claim is correct. They will awaken free of Venatori control."

"Well, that's a relief," Alistair said.

"What do you know of it, Solas?" Ruya asked.

Solas held up the remains of a crystal. "Whoever used this was apparently on friendly terms with a rather strong spirit of purpose. I should point out that as useful as this ritual is, it has its limitation. Mages that have bound demons, as well as any bound directly by Corypheus will not be aided by this ritual. Nor would it work on any that serve Corypheus willingly. At best, an attempt to use it on such would simply result in the death of the one we attempted to aid. There is also the strong possibility that the attempt would result in the aiding spirit being corrupted, and the possible possession of the Warden it was attempting to aid."

"A spirit of purpose," Ruya mused. "I thought you said such spirits rarely survive contact with our world."

"Indeed, most who interact with our world are almost immediately corrupted into desire demons. It would likely be best if we simply prevented the Wardens from being controlled in the first place."

Ruya nodded, and then turned to Alistair. "It would be... helpful... if we could speak to your agent about how he acquired this information."

"What, so you can steal him away from me?" Alistair accused teasingly. "How am I supposed to have him spy on you if you know who he is? I suggest you turn your focus on how the Venatori knew about this opportunity. Clearly, they were already here and prepared for our arrival."

Ruya nodded. "Believe me, I intend to do just that."

Alistair nodded. "In the meantime, please convey my gratitude to your ambassador and let her know that we will happily finish negotiations as soon as the queen is recovered. Teagan, would you arrange accommodations for our guests?" He smiled. "I owe you hospitality, at the very least."

"Yes, your majesty."

#

Cullen turned and smiled when Ruya entered the room. She crossed into the man's embrace and held him for a long moment. "Now that we are alone, tell me honestly. Are you alright?" She traced the bruise under his eye.

"I am fine." He smiled reassuringly. "It's mostly bruises."

"Thank the Maker." She kissed him again, and smiled. "There were a few moments during Alistair's recital when it looked like you wanted to say something."

Cullen nodded. "I did... but I decided it was best to have the conversation in private."

"Tell me."

"The elf. Alistair claims the man was his agent... but he was just as surprised as Teagan and myself when the man attacked the Venatori." Cullen shook his head.

"Perhaps he was not expecting the man's arrival. Would you recognize him if you saw him again?"

"Possible, though he wore a hood that hid most of his face." Cullen smiled. "He fought well. He used daggers as well as Cole. Most of the elves I know that are soldiers prefer a bow."

"He took long enough rescuing you," she said softly, looking at the marks on his wrists.

Cullen shook his head. "As unpleasant as I found the circumstances, he was right in his actions. Had he rescued us first, Josephine and the prince would have been Venatori hostages along with the wardens, with mages still on the loose. He got the prince out first, ensuring Ferelden had a line of succession if the worst happened, removed the mages from consideration, got the wardens out of the way, and then rescued us so we could retake the castle. All without alerting the Venatori to call in reinforcements until it was too late. If I had been in his position, I hope I would have done as well." He smiled. "Alistair had a fair point. I imagine if Leliana were speaking to the man, she'd be telling him he could name his price."

She smiled fondly as she finished soothing the elfroot salve over his wrists and hands. Then she rose up on tiptoe to kiss him.

#

"I'm fine, Leliana."

Leliana sighed. "I know. You keep saying that." She sighed, and looked at Brehan. "What do you remember?"

"Cathiel said we were all getting tired, and negotiations could conclude in the morning. I started to follow her and Saitada towards her office, and then..." Brehan shook his head. "I woke up in Alistair's bed between my queen and my commander."

She laughed before she caught herself. "Are you sure..."

"I'm fine, Leliana." He folded his arms. "Cullen and Alistair were injured?"

"They are fine. Alistair is fussing over Cathiel and the Inquisitor is doing the same for Cullen." She glanced at the door. "And Kaitlyn hasn't been more than three steps from Teagan. I..." She crossed the room and put her arms around him, pulling him close. "Don't do that. Don't you dare. I can't lose you. Not again. I can't."

She felt his arms go around her. "Ma'arlath, I'm fine."

#

Josephine blew the ink dry on the signatures of herself and Queen Cathiel. "Your majesty, the parts that were not utterly terrifying were a pleasure."

Cathiel smiled. "Likewise, Ambassador." She smiled. "Perhaps in the future we could visit under less... strenuous conditions."

"I think I would enjoy that immensely." Josephine looked up as Ruya joined them.

"I take it negotiations were concluded successfully?"

Saitada laughed. "Once they discovered they were kin of a sort, things went much more smoothly. No one likes fighting with family across a dinner table."

"Related?" Ruya asked.

"My brother's first wife, Oriana, was a cousin of Josephine's. It was good to hear stories from when they were children." Cathiel pressed her seal into the parchment, and then turned to the Inquisitor. "I am sending my court-mage to Skyhold. Once she's there, your mage, Solas, can teach her how this ritual works."

"I was not aware you had a court-mage, your majesty."

"Warden Lenore Amell agreed to take the position. She will be arriving in Denerim shortly and will head to Skyhold immediately after." Cathiel's tone was brisk. "Given that the Venatori appear to have mages a plenty, I thought it in the best interests of Ferelden to recall her from Antiva. In the meantime, Josephine has negotiated passage for Inquisition soldiers through our lands, and trade with the crown can begin officially."

#

Leliana was flipping through the papers on her desk when Ruya approached. "Anything of use?" Ruya asked.

"Some of it we already knew." Leliana said. "But... I would give a great deal to know how King Alistair came by this information."

"According to Cullen, he was given the information by the agent that rescued them in Redcliffe."

"According to my information, King Alistair doesn't have 'agents'." Leliana set the papers down. "I used to travel with the man. Subtlety is not exactly one of his skills."

Ruya smiled. "He's been king of Ferelden for ten years now. It's likely he's picked up a few tricks."

"I suppose you are right. He's certainly been a far better king than I would have given him credit for back then. He used to follow Saitada around like a lost puppy. I doubt he'd have taken the throne if she hadn't pushed him towards it." Leliana smiled. "I don't think he'd even have worked up the nerve to propose to Cathiel if Saitada hadn't threatened to marry him off to Anora." She looked down at her desk. "I suppose I give him too little credit, speaking of him in such a way."

"You sound like you are complaining about a little brother," Ruya grinned.

Leliana laughed. "It feels that way sometimes, I suppose." She smiled. "I received word. Ferelden's Court Mage, Lenore, is on her way to Denerim with her entourage."

"Entourage?"

"Brosca and Zevran weren't about to let their girl travel alone."

"Their girl?" Ruya raised an eyebrow.

Leliana chuckled. "Oh, yes. I know, it's scandalous." She smiled. "I always liked Lenore."