Gavren reached for his magic, feeling along the edges of the wards. The wards themselves were magic, and every barrier had a weakness. Even the veil could be breached. He watched the healer work, stayed back, cooperated. And searched for the weakness.

Melavan was taken to just outside the wards, and under the watchful eyes of the templars, the healer used just enough magic to stop the bleeding before bringing him back into the cell. He saw the frustrated look on Noamin's face, and knew its cause. With wounded, escape options would be limited. Fighting their way out had gone from an unpleasant option to a terrible option. At least the healer had left herbs and bandages.

Caleb had not been brought back to the cell. Perhaps the matter could still be solved diplomatically. He sat down next to Leandra, and her arm went around him. "Well?"

"I could shatter the ward." His voice was barely a whisper. "But I'd do a lot of structural damage, and likely tear the Veil. I'll have to put up the barrier fast, which means I won't be of much help the first minute of the fight."

"We'll have the advantage of surprise. I'll be able to get a sword before the templars recover. It will be just like Val Firmin."

"We lost at Val Firmin."

"Well, yeah, except that part."

#

"Is her hat on too tight?" Hawke threw up his hands. "Leliana thinks we can solve this diplomatically?"

"Do you really want to subject Kirkwall to another war?" Brehan stood his ground. "The Inquisition doesn't have the forces to back Aveline up anymore, and your brother's griffins are too few in number to make up the difference."

"Kirkwall won't need to rely on the Inquisition." Alistair's voice was cold. "If those children are harmed in any way, Aveline will have the entire Silver Order."

"And the entirety of House Brosca," Lenore added. "Not to mention the Order of Vigilance."

Brehan opened his mouth, and then growled. Keeping the peace would be a lot easier if he didn't feel like grabbing an axe and going in himself. Lord Hendry was still unconscious. He turned his gaze to the other prisoners. Sentinels. Actual ancient elves. Any other day, he'd be running the risk of frolicking at the notion of getting to talk to them. Today, however... "You said there were six of you?"

Delaon nodded. "Melavan was wounded in the fighting. I saw Alai fighting alongside young Loghain. If he was captured, she likely was as well."

"Rebel sentinels." Cullen frowned. "Forgive me if that is a hard notion."

"It is one we are still coming to terms with ourselves." Delaon sighed. "We were not sure what to do after. After Lord Hendry saved my life, he invited us back to his camp for tea." He shook his head, and gave a small smile. "That was five years ago."

Ionai looked up from where she was hovering protectively above the unconscious nobleman. "It was excellent tea."

The door opened again to admit Carver. "The Inquisitor filled me in. I've got a dozen riders a few miles outside the city, waiting for word, and I brought some scouts with me. The Chargers are also on their way."

"You made good time." Brehan nodded to him. "I'm heading out to search the hidey-holes the sentinels gave us, see if the kids holed up in any. Don't kill anyone while I'm gone." Brehan rose and left the room.

#

"Even with Salla and Kieran, that's going to be a monster to crack. And he's got a lot of templars." Agatha frowned. "Maybe if we had Gavren to take on the building, we'd have a better chance."

"I'm open to suggestions." Duncan held up a hand to Jerath. "Except that one."

"Well, I'm agreeing with him. If we want to get the others out, we are going to need help. Since we can't find Salla and Kieran..." Agatha sighed. "That leaves getting in touch with our folks. They might even be able to handle this peacefully. At the very least, we need to let them know so they can deal with Prince Jackass."

"No."

"Your majesty..." Jerath sighed. "All due respect..."

"Either we find Salla, and follow her plan, or you do what I tell you." Duncan narrowed his eyes.

"Should you change your mind, they are at the Quiet Mare Inn." Jerath met his eyes calmly. "Melavan found them three days ago."

#

Caleb looked across the table, and sighed. "We aren't agents, and we didn't come to Starkhaven to cause trouble."

"And yet I found you with a group of subversive elves." Sebastian leaned back in his chair. "I have heard the news, Caleb."

"Yeah, and you played right into his hands." Caleb gestured in frustration. "We are working against him."

"And you expect me to believe you happened upon..." Sebastian shook his head in disbelief. "Rebel sentinels?"

There was no way to explain without telling Sebastian about Gavren, and if he told Sebastian about Gavren there'd be no way to convince him they weren't agents. "Sebastian, you used to travel with Papa. You know how Hawke luck works."

A ghost of a smile came to Sebastian's face. "A fair point. How is your sister?"

"Well, assuming your guards didn't hurt her, she's fine."

"I had ordered my guards not to harm any of you."

"Yeah, that's why Loghain has a bunch of broken ribs."

The trace of warmth vanished from Sebastian. "Tell me of him."

His eyes narrowed. "Why?"

"He holds a particular interest for me."

"Sebastian, I don't know who told you about us, but they clearly filled your head with a lot of nonsense. Who is it you think we are with?"

"Gavren Rutherford." Sebastian gestured with one hand. "Son of the Inquisitor, who should be three years old and most certainly is not. Leandra Hawke, and I believe you know her parentage. Same. Kels Marland, right hand of General Cullen, currently with the Inquisition and formerly a Knight-Captain who failed at his most sacred duty. Three sentinel elves, servants of the abomination claiming to be an ancient elven goddess. And Loghain Mac Tir. In the house of Lord Hendry, a supposed scholar who supposedly works for the Inquisition. I hold no particular ire for the Inquisitor, but she has been fooled before."

"I still use the recipe for fish and egg pie you gave me." Caleb shook his head. "The one Deidre used to make for you."

"Caleb..."

"Sebastian, we are not your enemies. We never were. We never will be." He clenched his fists. "Bounty hunters, wanting your gold, came for Papa almost a dozen times. You know Papa. You know what happens to folks that try killing him. Almost a decade, and he's never once come burning down your door. He could. And you know it. But you were part of his family once, and that matters to him."

"I..." Sebastian sighed. "Caleb, you are not free to go. Not until..." He stood. "But you will be treated as my guest." He left the room.

Caleb rose, and went to the window. Was the dragon mark why Sebastian had a particular interest in Loghain? Surely he had to know just how stupid sticking his head into that beehive would be.

#

Salla let Tisallan take the lead. When it came to moving stealthily through a city, he had just a bit more experience than she did. They came to a halt in an old warehouse. Salla glanced at Kieran. "Any luck tracking the others?"

"Trian is with your parents. Duncan, Agatha, and Jerath are together, but they keep moving."

"As we should." Tisallan turned towards Salla, and then his eyes widened. Immediately magical blades sprang to life in each hand.

She called up a barrier as she turned, and then held up a hand. "Tisallan, no." She nodded to Brehan. "He's a friend."

"Salla, Kieran." Brehan walked towards them. "Thank the Maker you're alright."

The blades vanished, but Tisallan retained his wary stance, moving to stand protectively in front of Salla and Kieran. Brehan slowed his steps a few paces away. "Are you Noamin or Tisallan?"

"He is Tisallan. Tisallan, this is Brehan, spymaster of the Inquisition. Trian has told you what happened?" Kieran raised an eyebrow.

"He did. Lord Hendry, Delaon, and Ionai are also with..." Brehan frowned. "How did you know we had Trian?"

"From his icon."

"What?" Brehan blinked.

"Don't ask." Salla shook her head. "Duncan, Agatha, and Jerath are still out there and on the move."

"Let's get you back to the inn, and we'll start looking."

Kieran tilted his head to one side, and pointed. "That way."

"Alright. Let's hurry before they start moving again." Salla gestured towards Tisallan, and the three of them started heading that way.

Brehan immediately moved to intercept. "We need to get you to safety."

"We don't have time. We need to catch Duncan before he does something stupidly heroic." Salla shook her head. "He is such a Therin. Go back and let our folks know we are okay."

"Salla, I'm not really sure why you think I take orders from you." Brehan folded his arms and placed himself between her and the door. "You're going back to your fathers, preferably before they start setting things on fire."

Her eyes narrowed. "Which is why you should go back and reassure them we are alright."

"Salla..."

"Dirthari, believe me when I say arguing with that child is an exercise in futility." Tisallan shook his head.

"I wasn't intending to argue." Brehan shook his hand. "I was intending to shove her in a sack." His hand moved, and less than a heartbeat later Tisallan had him pinned with his arm locked behind him.

"Lady Salla?" Tisallan glanced up at her.

"Well..." Salla shook her head. "We can't leave him here. I guess we are kidnapping him."

"Good thing we got all that practice with Kels." Kieran smiled.

#

Lenore saw Lord Hendry start to stir, and immediately went to his side. He immediately began looking around, and his eyes went to where Delaon and Ionai were sitting. "Melavan?"

"Alive last we saw." Delaon nodded to him.

"What was he thinking?" Lord Hendry shook his head. "We agreed I was the expendable one." He looked around, slowly becoming aware of his surroundings. When he saw Cullen, he swallowed. "Commander."

"Lord Hendry." Cullen folded his arms. "Your agreement with the Inquisition was to inform us of any sentinel sightings."

"Circumstances changed." Lord Hendry sighed.

Cullen's face was furious as he took a step forward. Immediately, Delaon and Ionai were on their feet, placing themselves between him and Lord Hendry. Magic glowed around both. Hawke and Fenris immediately stepped to Cullen's side, and she saw Alistair reach for his own blade.

"Enough." Carver's voice rang out sharply as a pulse of energy came from him. The magic around Hawke and the two sentinels vanished. "Do you know who I am?" He stared at the two sentinels. They exchanged a glance before nodding to him. "Sit back down." Wordlessly, they both obeyed. He glanced at Cullen. "Their presence in Starkhaven was known, and they were being watched. They are not enemies."

"Watched?" Cullen gave him a confused look, and then his eyes widened.

Ionai's voice was quiet. "Mythal?"

"Has known where you were since you left the Arbor Wilds." Carver nodded.

Hawke glared at his brother. "You've been holding out on us."

Carver shook his head. "You knew about the kids being in Starkhaven before I did. If anyone had told me, I would have informed you of the presence of the sentinels."

Alistair punched the wall. "As soon as Brehan returns, it's time to discuss going to the palace."

Lenore stood. "I would have thought he'd be back by now."

#

Leandra looked up as footsteps came down the hall. Gavren was tending to Melavan, and was clearly worried about the man's condition even after the healing. The footsteps slowed, and a moment later the prince came back into view. Her eyes narrowed. "Where is Caleb?"

"Safely away from you." Sebastian folded his arms.

"Melavan is feverish." Gavren didn't look up from where he was changing the poultice. "I'm going to need embrium."

"That can be arranged." Sebastian nodded, and turned his gaze to Loghain. "If he answers a question for me."

"Loghain." Gavren nodded to the man.

"Ask away." Loghain nodded.

"Where is your father?"

"Well, that is kind of an issue. I kind of need an answer for the who before we can address the where." Loghain shrugged. "But if it helps, the last time anyone saw Nathaniel he was with The Warden."

Sebastian slowly nodded. "Gavren, in your estimate, how long does the elf have to live?"

Gavren looked down at the unconscious Melavan, and sighed. "He won't last until morning."

"Well." Sebastian looked back at Loghain. "You have until then to reconsider your answer."

To Leandra's surprise, Loghain just started laughing. "That's what this is about? That's how they got to you?" He actually snorted. "You are getting played so hard I'm surprised you can still figure out which end to shit out of. You should consider asking your new friends how they knew that particular piece of information." He waved a hand. "He's in Qarinus, Red Star District. Ask for Lord Balith. I'd wish you luck, but you're planning on using me as a hostage."

"I trust you will be smart enough to continue cooperating." Sebastian nodded.

"Then you really don't know anything about me at all." Loghain grinned.

"There are far less comfortable cells available." Sebastian narrowed his eyes.

"My father got into your palace, and killed dozens of qunari without your guard even noticing he was there until the servants complained about the smell of rotting corpses." Loghain's grin widened. "Ah..." He shook his head. "They didn't tell you that part, did they? All those barrels of gaatlok, strewn throughout the noble houses of Starkhaven? And a qunari vanguard waiting less than a hundred feet from where we stand now. You never wondered who saved your ass that night? You want a fight?" He chuckled. "You're going to get one."

"Remove this one to the lower cells." Sebastian gestured at a group of guards. "Then see to it the mage has whatever healing supplies he needs."

Kels and Alai both tried to protest Loghain's removal from the cell, but relented when the knight waved them back. Leandra tried not to curse. The plan she and Gavren had was a good one, but it wouldn't work if they had to go looking for Loghain. She saw the knight glance back at her and wink. She turned back towards Gavren so as not to betray anything with her own expressions.

"He's not Nathaniel's son." Kels shook his head. "I doubt anyone ever considered..."

"Which means Loghain had a good point. Whoever tipped Sebastian has a lot more information than we do." Gavren frowned. "This doesn't smell of wolf."

"The cult." Leandra sighed.

"Will they hurt him?" Noamin asked.

Alai chuckled. "I'm more concerned he's not going to leave any of them for us."

#

"The guards are starting to relax." Duncan nodded to the palace. "They seem to think if something was going to happen, it would have."

"The security hole by the servant's quarters is too obvious." Agatha frowned. "It's a trap."

"Even if we get to the others, we still need to get back out." Jerath used his finger to trace a pattern in the dust. "They won't have arms or armor, and we can't be sure of finding any for them. And for all we know, some of them are hurt."

"What about a distraction?"

"Under these circumstances, if something exploded in another part of the palace I would immediately send guards to reinforce the cells." Jerath looked up at Agatha.

She made a vexed noise. "So we need a bigger distraction."

"No." Jerath took another look at the palace. "We need -" He whirled, drawing his blade as he did so and positioning himself between whatever had caught his attention and his companions. Almost immediately, he started to relax.

Duncan started to laugh. "We were just thinking we needed a couple mages."

"Glad we could oblige." Salla nodded.

Agatha's eyes widened when she noted who was with them, and she snickered. "Twenty years of experience isn't so useful against five thousand, is it?"

Brehan glared at her. "So pleased I could amuse you."

"Do we have a plan?" Kieran looked around.

"Jerath was just getting to that." Duncan gestured at the bodyguard.

#

"We'll head up to -" Alistair cut off when Carver staggered slightly.

Hawke immediately rushed to his brother's side. Carver closed his eyes, and shook his head as if clearing a daze. His head came back up. "Kieran would like us to create a distraction at his signal, which should be coming in the next hour. Also Brehan is fine and he hopes we are all the same." He shook his head again. "I hate when they do that."

"They..." Alistair blinked.

"Kidnapped Brehan?"

"Oh he is never going to live that down." Lenore started laughing.