Chapter 62: The Scholar

I need to speak with my sister.

That was the thought that went through Andreas Trevelyan's head as he made his way down the corridors of Skyhold. He had only been here a few short weeks, but in that time he had learned much about the Inquisition. He had gathered many tales and conducted many interviews, some he suspected might actually be true, no matter how amazing they seemed.

Andreas almost laughed. He had spent the bulk of his twenty one years studying in the libraries of Ostwick, what had not been available to him there, was easily retrieved thanks to the wealth and prestige of the Trevelyan family. As Bann, and matriarch of their family, his mother had had access to anything that he desired, no tome was out of reach, no treatise, or report went unread. He might have been seen as the envy of his peers, except for one small problem.

No one in the scholarly community took him seriously.

It is not enough to read the works of others Young Trevelyan, one professor from Orlais had said, the world cannot simply be shipped to Ostwick so that you can study it in safety.

The man had smirked at him then, at least Andreas thought he was smirking at him, it was hard to tell while the man was wearing his fancy Orlesian mask.

True wisdom is found outside the double walls of your city. Until you are willing to see that for yourself, you have no chance of becoming truly one of us.

At the time he had been insulted by the man's words, but after he had calmed down, he realized the unpleasant truth.

The man was absolutely right. He knew nothing of the world outside his mother's shadow. He recognized the fact that that needed to change, that he needed to find his own path in the world, but he had no idea where to begin. He was still the spare heir to House Trevelyan. Mother would not even entertain the idea of him leaving home on some expedition.

If anything happened to Lizzy, he would be expected to take up the mantle as Bann. Though he was not entirely sure what kind of Bann that he would be, he had his mind, and his mother's lessons, but he was smart enough to recognize that that was not enough, at least that is what he had always believed.

A person needed to use the skills that the Maker had gifted them with. Elizabeth had her beauty and charm. He had his brains and books. Anastasia had her wit and her sword arm, though a few years ago, her martial training seemed more of a hobby than and actual skill.

Andreas shook his head.

Then mages and Templars had gone to war, and everything had changed.

Now he found himself in Ana's fortress, his sister, now the Inquisitor, had in a very short period of time, become one of the most influential women in Thedas. He had heard the tales of course, how she had stepped out of the fade at Andraste's side, how her courage in Haven had not only saved the cause, but that the Maker had gifted her with this place, this fortress from which they would change the world.

It seemed that that scholar had been wrong, at least partially, the world could not be brought to Ostwick, but it seemed more than willing to come here.

Now…the world came to Skyhold. Orlesian nobles, Antivan merchants, Fereldan freeholders, even an Ambassador from Orzammar had arrived yesterday. They had all made the journey to Skyhold because they saw the power that his sister was drawing to herself, even if she did not recognize what she was doing. He had spent many hours trying to speak with these new arrivals, most tried to dismiss him, at least until they found out who his younger sister was. They all expected him to speak with her on their behalf, to bend Anastasia's ear this way or that. He always took note of them, and promised to bring what they had said to her at the earliest convenience.

It was not a lie, he was a man of his word, but since he had not gotten two minutes alone to speak with his sibling, there was not much he could do about their requests.

There were professors back in Orlais that would drool over the opportunity that he now found himself in, a chance to see the Inquisition working first hand. He did not even mind that he was technically a hostage here. If his presence here kept Mother and Elizabeth safe from Anastasia's enemies then so be it. It was a sacrifice he was more than willing to make. Of course, not everything was perfect, a strange realization settled over him a few days after Mother had left to return home. It was a bit of shock, and struck him to his very core.

He…was lonely.

All his life, there had always been other Trevelyans around. It had been sheltered existence true, but he had never been without at least someone sharing his name or blood. They had all known him as the Bann's son, and treated him accordingly. Here he was surrounded by strangers, just one more face in a sea of many. Sister Nightingale assured him that he was safe here, but that did little to ease his uncomfortably around so many strangers.

He felt like a coward and a bit stupid. What had he expected? Of course he would be alone once he had finally gotten away from home. It was not like he could just drop in on Anastasia whenever he liked, she was a busy woman now, with so many people fighting for her attention.

It was childish for him to miss his younger sister.

Cousin Maxwell was no help either. He was supposed to be watching out for Andreas, but instead spent the bulk of his time with the Inquisition mages, or in the company of the Inquisition's ambassador, Josephine Montilyet.

Maxie could be very charming when he wanted to be, more than a few young ladies had discovered that back in Ostwick. The fact that he was a mage only seemed to add to his mystique when it came to the opposite sex.

He had thought about going to Sister Nightingale, but realized that it was none of his business. Surely, a woman as refined as Ambassador Montilyet would not fall sway to his cousin's charms, besides, Maxwell was family.

One did not betray family.

A pair of elven servant girls made their way down the hall. He offered them good afternoon, which set them all a twitter as he made his way around the corner. Self-consciously, he checked his hair and his face, making sure that he had not made some faux pas without realizing it. He did that often, especially when it came to women.

Andreas sighed.

His studies had left little time for courting, plus between Elizabeth's training and Ana's occasion troubles, Mother had little opportunity to help him find a fair match. When he was younger that had not really bothered him, there was so much to explore in the outside world. He had not wanted to saddle himself with a wife just yet.

Now Lizzy was to be a mother, and even Anastasia had chosen a suitor, whether anything serious sprang from that, they would have to see, but it was clear that his younger sister had chosen well, at least as far as mother was concerned. That was a bit surprising to be sure.

There were times when it seemed that any choice that Anastasia made would be rejected by mother. The fact that mother seemed willing to accept this Commander Cullen was a change to be sure. The man seemed brave enough and it was clear that his sister was more than a little taken with him, but…but…

The scholar smiled.

Why had he not thought of it before!

The Commander's…interest with his sister would be the perfect way to get some more in-depth information on the Inquisition hierarchy. Plus he would be able to ask about sister.

Was she well? Was she happy here? He hated the fact that he had not been able to speak with her privately since his arrival, but there had been little time. She had been summoned away from Skyhold almost immediately, some business in northern Ferelden.

Cullen ran her military forces, and sat on the war council, surely he would know something.

He made his way thought the throne room, past several dignitaries who looked up curiously. He made for the stone walkway that led to the Commander's office.

The door was locked, of course, he tried knocking, but no one responded.

Andreas scowled with frustration.

Well, what now?

He nearly jumped when the door clicked and opened, a shy looking Inquisition scout poked her head out.

"I'm sorry, Milord," she said, "The Commander is not here."

"So I see," he said, trying to will his heart back into his chest. He felt like he was somewhere he was not supposed to be, even though Ana had offered that he may come and go where he pleased within the castle walls.

"I was dropping off reports," the girl said she pushed her hood back a bit, revealing dark hair and an elven ear, "The commander doesn't like it when I use the door on the wall, please don't tell him Milord. Sister Leliana said these reports were important."

"I won't say anything," Andreas replied.

The girl smiled.

"Thank you."

The scholar tried to keep the blush from his cheeks, something that always happened when a pretty girl smiled at him. It was a bit telling, and embarrassing.

"Do…um…do you know where the Commander is?"

"He went to speak with Seeker Pentaghast in the armory at least that is where Sister Leliana said he was going."

'Thank you," he said, "Scout…?"

"Ritts, Milord," she answered, "My name is Ritts."

"Thank you, Ritts," he said offering a gentlemanly bow.

The scout rushed off, likely on whatever assignment had brought her to Skyhold. He let her past, and made his way towards the armory. Ambassador Montilyet had shown it to him during their tour when they had first arrived. He hoped to catch up with the Commander before he left the Seeker. Maybe then he would be able to have words with them both.

It would be quite a coup to speak with both the Commander of the Inquisition and the former right hand of the Divine.

It would be quite a coup indeed.

IOI

"I expect you to remain true to your promise!"

Andreas froze; heated voices inside the armory stopped him from knocking. He took several steps back, waiting for the right time to enter.

Perhaps he should have just left, what he was hearing did not sound good.

"I am remaining true to my promise," an angry woman's voice said, "I see no problem that requires me to act."

"How can you say that?!" a man answered, he sounded on the verge of losing control, close to a rage or tears.

"Because you have given me no reason to think otherwise, you are still fit for command. I will not act unless…"

"I'm no longer certain! Everything that has happened…"

"You are stronger than you give yourself credit for, you can…"

"You must be ready to act!"

"I am…I…"

A pained sigh escaped from behind the door.

"I've trusted you, do…do not disappoint me."

The door flew open. Andreas had just enough time to get out of sight. Commander Cullen strode through the courtyard, he looked scared, angry, or both.

Seeker Pentaghast emerged a few moments later, she shook her head at the retreating Commander.

"Ugh," she spat under her breath.

It was then that she noticed Andreas, he felt for a moment like a mouse spotted by a cat.

He tried to keep from shaking.

The Seeker's eyes narrowed.

"Lord Trevelyan, do you require something?"

It took him a moment to gather his courage; Cassandra Pentaghast could be a very intimidating woman.

"I…I was looking for the Commander," he finally answered, "Is everything all right?"

The woman snorted.

"That remains to be seen," she said. She made her way towards the training yard.

He found himself following after her.

"Is something wrong with Commander Cullen?"

The Seeker shook her head.

"He believes there is, which might be as bad as there actually being a problem."

Andreas tensed, he did not mean to pry, and he was not a member of the Inquisition after all, but still, if Cullen was in trouble…

The man might very well be his brother by marriage one day if Ana continued her courtship to the fullest. Cullen might be family one day.

Family should help family.

"Is there anything that I can do?"

She pinned him with that hard look, but there was no anger in it. She looked surprised if anything.

"I do not believe so," she answered, "This is something the Inquisitor will have to deal with when she returns."

The Seeker sighed.

"Maybe he will listen to her. Maker knows he refuses to hear me."

Andreas nodded, accepting her advice, he did not know Cullen, and she and Ana worked with him.

Perhaps they could do something to solve this…this…whatever it was.

Cassandra paused. She stopped before the training dummies, drawing her sword.

"Is there something else you need, Milord," she said, "Is there a problem?"

"Not really," he answered, "As far as hostages go, I'm doing better than most would be."

The Seeker winced at his words.

"We should not have taken this road," she said, "I understand why the Inquisitor chose this, but…taking hostages, even in name only…"

The older woman shook her head.

"It is not something I agree with, we should be better than this. The people should see us as better."

Andreas chuckled.

Cassandra's eyes narrowed again.

"Did I say something amusing?"

"No, milady," he answered, "Ironic, I respect your principles, but many in power would not."

He gave her a wan smile.

"Where some see compassion and mercy, others see weakness and opportunity. I would never let my sister be seen as weak. What I have chosen, it does not bother me, not if it keeps the wolves from her door."

The scholar shrugged.

"It is a sacrifice I make willingly. Besides, once this is over, there will be a time to put things right. History is written by the victors, but it is the scholars who write that history."

He chuckled again.

"Hopefully what I say will show you all in a good light, provided that anyone is left to read it."

Seeker Pentaghast seemed to consider his words. She might have smiled, he could not say, but it looked like her lip quirked up a little.

"Wise words," she said, "Perhaps House Trevelyan's loss is our gain."

"My mother taught me to lead if my sister could not, personally I don't think I have a talent for it."

Now Cassandra did smile, not much of one, but it was there.

"You sound like the Inquisitor, she did not believe she could lead either, yet she does so, better than anyone would have expected."

Andreas gave her a worried look.

"Is my sister all right?"

Cassandra lowered her gaze.

"She…endures, but much has been asked of her. She has been forced to make decision that others would shirk from. I think she is doing well, but even she questions some times."

"Isn't that a good thing?" he asked, "Should not a leader question themselves sometimes, if for no other reason to remain grounded?"

"I suppose so, but it is not that simple."

Cassandra shook her head.

"This war is beyond what anyone expected the enemy we face far greater. We are doing well, but…"

We have placed much faith in your sister. I believe in he, but even she sees what we face is beyond any mere army."

Andreas gave her a worried look.

"How do we defeat it then?"

"With a heart full of faith and good cold steel," the Seeker responded.

"The Venatori would see the evil of ancient Tevinter repeated; that is what we fight Lord Trevelyan, the same evil that first brought the Blight down upon us. We cannot afford to falter, if we are to succeed we will need more than just bravery we will need the strength of the Maker as well."

Andreas smirked.

"It is a good thing we have my sister then isn't it?"

His words seemed to surprise her. Why, he wondered? He did not know if Anastasia was truly the Maker's chosen or not, but he knew Anastasia.

She was not the type of person to give up, if she had, she would have been a simple chantry sister right now, likely wringing her hands in fear in the Chantry in Ostwick, instead she was here.

"Good day, Seeker," he said with a slight bow.

"Milord," she said returning it.

He turned starting back towards his quarters, he would likely stop in the throne room for a bit; see who else was there, but after that…

He smiled.

He might have been wrong, but he could have sworn that he heard the Seeker say one last thing as they parted.

It is good, milord, a very good thing.

He said nothing more, he did not need to.

It was good to know that his sister had such stalwart allies at her side.

He left her then, hoping that Anastasia would return quickly.

It seemed that she was needed here in Skyhold.

Both for the war, and for her love, if Cullen was to hers one day, she needed to help him. Hopefully that would be enough.

Whatever happened, his best wishes were with her, how could they not be?

After all they were family.

Family always looks after family.