Reviews (From the survey):

BlackWatcher1234: That is true. A bi relationship would be… challenging for me to write without it being clunky. I'll keep that in mind of inferni.

Lusandet: You're probably right. We'll see how it goes.

Lovegood Loves Good: Finding someone to mellow out Grindelwald is not a terrible idea. But who? Liliana will encourage his "tendencies", Cullen is like a bull in a china shop, Josephine is clueless, Krem is a mercenary who doesn't give a shit, Dorian has few problems with reasonable dark magic, and Solas is a disaster waiting to happen. A fight between those two would be…messy. Iron Bull, maybe?

Masterchief1229: That's okay. It more than likely won't happen. Let me know if you're interested in the rough draft.

TheGrimDragon: Bi!Grindelwald seems to be the trend, but I don't want to cram it in like written sardines. And I'll use the inferni as specified.

Jade9536: Ok.

Review(s) (From chapter 2):

TheGrimDragon: Thank you.

HP Notes:

DA: I Notes:

Notes: The quest Measuring the Veil glitched on me, so it's missing some things. Chapter four is finished and chapter five is almost finished. I'm posting this because I don't think I'll be getting any more reviews and/or favorites/follows.

Completed quests in this chapter: East Road Bandits, Measuring the Veil, Templars to the West, Rifts at the Foothold, Rifts on the Farm (one of two), Horses for the Inquisition, Apostates in Witchwood, Master of Horses, The Mercenary Fortress,

Quests Started: Address the Chantry in Val Royuax,

Skipped quests in this chapter: Praise the Herald of Andraste, the rest of Rifts on the Outskirts, Stone Dreams, Blood Brothers, Return Policy, Failure to Deliver, Begritt's Claws, Conscientious Objector, Know Thy Enemy, Rifts on the Farm (rift at Forannan's Ravine), Rifts in the Woods, Hinterland's Who's Who,

Operations skipped in this chapter: The "Bog Unicorn," The Hard in Hightown series, Address A Nobleman's Concerns, Teyrn of Highever, Flames of the Inquisition Charger,

Letters/books/notes

Signatures

Three days later, The Hinterlands: East Road Entrance

The past three days were uneventful, only traveling and stopping to pick up food and water. They stopped when they saw two scouts looking apprehensive. Grindelwald shrugged and continued walking until someone called his name. "Lord Grindelwald! Watch yourself on the East Road. There are bandits or something like it."

This information intrigued the Herald of Andraste. "Bandits? I've fought much worse than bandits. What is so bad about these?"

"Their behavior and weapons. They take no prisoners and are heavily armed. I would call them stupid, but they're too well-armed for stupid."

"That is abnormal. Report back to Corporal Vale. Tell him the Herald is dealing with the bandits."

"Yes, sir!" The scouts left to do as instructed.

Cassandra narrowed her eyes. "Bandits that take no prisoners and don't venture outside their camp?"

Varric nodded. "Something's no right. Maybe we can persuade the leader to give us some answers."

Grindelwald smirked. "So, the killing curse or the bone-melting curse?"

The dwarf smirked again. "Both." They climbed over the hills to get a better view of the bandits. "Avada Kadavra!" The killing curse struck a bandit square in the chest. The woman died instantly. He felt an arrow wiz by his head. "Avada Kadavra!" He also died instantly. The other two were killed quickly by his companions. "That can't be all of them. Search the area and look for clues."

Cassandra, Solas, and Varric didn't find anything, but Grindelwald did. "There's a note here."

"We don't need heroes in this operation. Warn the people about the danger, and kill those who ignore it. Regardless of colors flown."

Unsigned"

"Now I'm very suspicious. When this is over, we'll have the Inquisition search this area from top to bottom." The dimension traveler followed the sounds of metal clunking together and found the bandit leader. And instead of killing them when they attacked, he knocked them flat on their assess. "Enough! I saw the note about danger in the area. Please inform us of the danger so the Inquisition may stop it."

The leader stood up and decided to humor his negotiation attempt. "Stand down, everyone." He took a deep breath. "We cannot discuss the danger with strangers."

"I am the Herald of Andraste. I mean no harm. Please tell us the danger so the Inquisition can stop it."

"The Herald? What have we done to gain the attention of someone like you?"

"You only kill those who don't listen to your vague warning, and you don't leave the area. Why?"

"Our superiors forbid us from telling you."

"And who are your superiors?"

"We can't tell you that either."

"Then we are at an impasse. Leave, or I will finish what I started."

"We will not leave."

Grindelwald sighed. "Very well. Avada Kadavra!" He aimed the killing curse at an archer instead of the leader. Grindelwald promised himself to pull the information from his head, then kill him after he finished. He killed everyone else the same way. He menacingly approached the bandit leader. "Let's see what you know." The man screamed as Grindelwald tore through his mind using legilimency. Grindelwald put the man out of his misery when he finished.

Solas raised an eyebrow. "Efficient. Brutal but efficient."

"We don't have time to convince him to talk. And I wasn't exactly gentle when I dug through his mind. Regardless, the bandits were guarding a nearby lyrium mine. A Carta clan paid the bandits to keep intruders out. That Carta clan is in a place called Valamar."

Cassandra frowned. "Access to a lyrium mine will benefit the Inquisition greatly. However, it may attract attention we are not ready for."

Varric grunted. "I agree. Did you see anything about red lyrium?"

Grindelwald shook his head. "No, I didn't."

Cassandra nodded. "Good. In the meantime, let's set up camp here. We're in a good spot for it."

Grindelwald sent a messenger bird with their coordinates to set up a permanent camp.

Ten minutes later

Grindelwald hastily deflected fireballs from an angry dragon while running back to safety. "We'll need to warn the Inquisition about the dragon near the east road!" Everyone survived but got a powerful reminder of why dragons are so feared.

Two hours later, Cave Entrance

After blasting through the rubble and killing the two demons that stood in their way, Solas informed them of the blue fire in the blazer. "I have heard of this but never seen it. It's Veilfire. A sympathetic flame that burns where the veil is thin."

Grindelwald focused his magic on it. "It feels…much calmer than protego diabolica."

"As it should be. These flames help draw spirits into this world. They can also read Veilfire rune writings. "

"I see. You said there was an elven artifact that could help prevent rifts?"

"I did. It is not far." Solas led them to the bottom of a cave where more demons lurked. Solas and Cassandra quickly remedied the problem. As he walked to the artifact, the mages could feel it trying to strengthen the veil even when deactivated. Solas activated it. "By activating it, the artifact will prevent the Veil from tearing and forming a rift."

"Thank you, Solas. Are there others?"

"There are. But where is a different story. I found this place when I felt the artifact call out to me."

"Interesting. It seems there is much magic to learn in this new land."

One hour later, House on Redcliffe Road

Grindelwald searched the body of a dead templar and found a cool sword. "I'll be keeping this." He heard a few Templars and killed them instantly while Grumbling about weak Templars who don't know how to dodge unfamiliar spells.

Cassandra searched the body and found a letter about the location of the main Templar camp and a letter from a lyrium smuggler. "The Templar camp is not far from here. And this lyrium smuggler is probably in Redcliffe."

Grindelwald considered his options. "Redcliffe is out of the question until we have enough influence to enter without the Ferelden Crown launching an invasion. And removing the Templars will make the Hinterlands much safer. Shall we?"

Varric smirked. "We shall."

The Herald of Andraste and his companions along the West Road until they came to a massive clearing. There used to be a village here. All that remains is ash, fire, and leftover spells. Grindelwald was appalled at this. Even his followers weren't this zealous. "The apostates have gone mad with power, and the Templars think they attack anyone without reason."

"Cassandra drew her weapons. "We have the power to change that."

"Indeed we do. FEINDFIRE!" Instead of casting feindfire from his wand, he turned the fire around him into feindfire. Grindelwald instructed it to burn the whole clearing to ash. His companions watched with mixed feelings as it burnt everyone alive.

Solas frowned. "What type of fire is that?"

"It's called feindfire. It's like a watered-down version of protego diabolica."

"Was it necessary to burn the whole clearing?"

"It was. This area was the main battleground after the Inquisition kicked them out of the crossroads. We have dealt a significant blow against the mages and Templars."

"Will you do the same to the Templar Encampment?"

"No. We can use it as a forward camp for that region, and it would be too messy. We're here to help these people, not burn down their habitat."

"True."

Cassandra tried to lighten the mood with "good" news. "Reconstruction is progressing well In Kirkwall."

Varric sighed sadly. "I know things are bad there."

"Yes, but-"

"You wanted to remind me of Kirkwall, so you decided to talk about it?"

"About its recovery!"

"What you're talking about are the buildings, and even that will take years. People don't recover so easily."

Grindelwald stepped in before things got worse. "Varric, if you want the Inquisition to send aid to Kirkwall, just say the word."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. I'd do it for you and the Inquisition."

"Thank you, Gellert."

Moving on to the Templar Encampment, only two people guarded the front entrance. Because of this, Grindelwald was able to blindside them will killing curses, allowing them to surprise the remaining Templars and use teamwork to kill them efficiently.

Cassandra took a calming breath. "With the Templars gone, the Hinterlands should be safer."

Grindelwald nodded. "Indeed. But the Apostates are still causing trouble." He pulled out the map and saw a marked fade rift. "There is a fade rift on the way there. We'll seal it before we deal with the apostates."

"The Apostates are in Witchwood. That's six miles from here. Stopping here for the night would be best."

They all agreed.

The next day, Witchwood, Apostate Stronghold Cave

"BOMBARDIA MAXIMA! Grindelwald launched three of these to cause chaos and confusion in the ranks of the mages. Allowing his companions to kill the remaining Apostates and loot their weapons and supplies. "Give half to the refugees and the other half to Kirkwall."

Varric nodded gratefully. "Thank you. Kirkwall will appreciate the aid."

"I'm sure they will. We'll send soldiers here when we get to another camp." Grindelwald pulled out the map. "Where do we want to go next?"

Solas pointed towards Dennet's approximate location. "The longer we wait, the more likely Horsemaster Dennet is dead. We can take the easy route, which is ten miles, or the hard way across the nearby mountain. Which is five miles, and there is a possible rift in the area."

Cassandra pointed to the easy way. "The easy way is longer, but we don't have the supplies to climb a mountain. And we can stop at Upper Lake Camp to resupply."

Grindelwald took another look at the map. "That region is known as Redcliffe Farms. And the mages and Templars moved south and east instead of west." He pointed to their location and the Upper Lake Camp. "It's a straight shot from her to the Upper Lake Camp. And that fade rift isn't going anywhere. We shouldn't dillydally, but Dennet is not in danger yet."

Cassandra, Varric, and Solas agreed.

Six hours later, Redcliffe Farms Camp

Grindelwald's party carried out their plan. Travel to Upper Lake Camp, grab supplies, and travel to Redcliffe Farms Camp. Now that they are at Redcliffe Farms Camp, they can make plans for the rifts nearby. "Scouts report a fade rift near Dennet. We'll seal it, then find out if Dennet is still alive. Agreed?" Everyone nodded. "Good. We'll leave tomorrow morning."

The next day, a rift near Dennet

The group walked towards the fade rift with anticipation and eagerness. Everyone knows that demons are endless. But killing nine or ten would help make the area safer. Most fade rifts don't produce more than that. The rift spawned two wraiths and one lesser terror. He killed the lesser terror while the rest of his party killed two wraiths. The next wave consisted of seven lesser shades. Grindelwald and Co. worked as a team to kill all the demons so the rift could be closed.

Grindelwald didn't think convincing Horsemaster Dennet to help the Inquisition would be easy, but the man wanted him to set up watchtowers and deal with wolves. Only two things, but both involved at least ten steps. At least the watchtowers could be of use to the Inquisition as well. It put a strain on logistics, but they made it happen. At this point, everyone agreed to return to Haven; something about not wanting to be in a place where every living thing is trying to kill you. Yes, there was a mercenary fortress in the southwest, but the soldiers are more than capable of driving them out. In body bags or with their tails between their legs.

Haven, eight days later

Grindelwald spent some time at the smith to get his gear repaired and cleaned, then went to talk with his companions. Cassandra was first. She was hitting training dummies harder than they could handle. "Do I need to order stronger dummies? Maybe iron?"

Cassandra grunted. "That would be nice." The words came out harsher than she meant it, but it is what it is. "Did I do the right thing?"

"I'm sorry?"

"What I set in motion could destroy everything I know and love. One day, they may write about me as a traitor, madwoman, and fool. And they may be right."

"What do you believe?"

"I believe that there is more going on than we see. And that you are innocent. We are trying to restore order when no one else will. People are content to stand in the fire and complain that it is hot. But is this the Maker's will? I can only guess."

"Do you believe I'm the Herald of Andraste?"

"I believe the Maker sent you to help us. Whether it was Andraste herself behind you in the Fade is irrelevant."

Grindelwald paused. "I see. What happens next?"

Cassandra sliced another dummy in two. "Next, we deal with the Chantry's panic over you before they do even more harm. Then we close the Breach; we are the only ones who can. After that, we find those responsible and end them. And if there are consequences for my actions, I pay them. I only pray the price is not too high."

"You didn't have any choice. The Conclave turned to rubble, and a man stumbles out of the Fade. The people are confused and need someone to blame. So you tell them it was me. In doing so, it gets the people off your back and an outlet for your anger."

"When you put it that way…" She sighed. "Regardless, I can't afford to be so careless again."

"Excellent."

She was about to hit another dummy when a question entered her head. "You've said you don't believe the Maker chose you. Does that also mean you don't believe in the Maker?"

Grindelwald sighed. "Cassandra…where I come from, we've never heard of the Maker. So to answer your question, no, I don't.

"It must be comforting to be so certain. I have to believe the Maker chose us to walk this path. All that remains is to see where it leads." Cassandra went back to ruining training dummies.

Meanwhile, the Herald of Andraste walked back through the gates of Haven to see Varric. "Hello, Varric."

"Hello, Gellert." He sighed, "You know, most people don't go from the most wanted criminal in Thedas to leading the armies of the faithful in one day. Are you holding up alright?"

"I'll live. At least I'm doing good things this time around."

"What?"

Grindelwald cursed his slip of the tongue. "Never mind. Have a nice day, Varric."

Grindelwald entered Liliana's shelter to talk to her. But she was holding a symbol of Andraste and praying. "Blessed are the peacekeepers, the champions of the just. Blessed are the righteous, the lights in the shadow. In their blood, the Maker's will is written." She must have heard him enter. "Blood? Is that what he wants?" She stood up and glared at him. "You speak for Andraste, no? What does the Maker's prophet have to say about all of this? Is this a game to him?"

This confused Grindelwald. "How is this a game?"

"Do you see the sky? What about the temple ruins? Or corpses that continue to pile up? Even if you didn't support the Divine's peace, you wouldn't call this right."

"No, I wouldn't."

"The faithful flocked to Conclave and were murdered where the holiest of holies once stood. If the Maker wants this, what is it if not a game or cruel joke?"

"Unfortunately, this is neither a game nor a joke. And I don't speak for Andraste, only myself. And I have no answers for you."

"Then we can only guess what He wants."

"The Chantry teaches that the Maker abandoned us. He demands repentance for our sins: our lives and our deaths. Justinia gave him everything. And she still died. It was all for nothing."

Grindelwald felt completely out of his league. Liliana cannot be finessed the same way others can. "Your anger is understandable. But should you be angry at the people who did this?"

"Maybe." She sighed. "If the Maker doesn't save the best of his servants, what good is he? I used to believe I was chosen, just as you are. Working with the Divine, helping people…Now she's dead. It was all for nothing."

Grindelwald rubbed his forehead. 'This is why I don't buy into religion.' "Rarely do people only have one purpose in life. And they usually don't live very long. And if you're looking for a new purpose, the Inquisition still needs a spymaster."

Liliana took a few deep breaths. "Thank you, but I can handle it. I regret that I even let you see me like this. It was a moment of weakness. It won't happen again. We will speak later."

Grindelwald quickly left the area. He almost sighed in relief, but a crowd gathered outside the Chantry. He whispered under his breath. "Out of one shitshow, and into another. This day keeps getting better and better." He raised his voice when witnessed the mage and Templar draw their weapons. "That's enough, both of you! We are the Inquisition! Not apostates, and not Templars." He took a deep breath. "This is a…trying time for all of us. Don't make it harder by killing each other. Lord knows the demons do a good enough job already."

The mage quickly backed off. "My apologies, Lord Grindelwald."

"Apology accepted."

A familiar voice, the voice of Chancellor Rodrick, raised Grindelwald's annoyance levels even higher. "And what does that mean, exactly?"

Grindelwald rubbed his forehead. "Why in the name of all things holy, are you here?"

"I am curious as to how this new Inquisition will restore order."

"The Hinterlands so no longer a warzone, correct? And what has the Chantry done to ease the fears of the people?"

"The people will feel better when a new Divine is elected."

"And how long will that take? So far, all you've done is consolidate your power. You, Rodrick, have the power to help people. But instead, you hide behind the golden gates of Ral Royeaux and Haven."

"Mock if you will. I'm certain the Maker is less amused."

Grindelwald walked away. "Might as well report to the war room."

Ten minutes later, War Room

Cassandra, Liliana, Josephine, and Cullen stood on the opposite side of the war table.

Grindelwald pointed to the "build watchtowers" marker. "Cullen?"

He nodded. "On your order."

"Get it done please."

Josephine looked at her clipboard. "Another matter that requires your attention. Your relatives are boasting about being related to you. It has become disrespectful and vain."

Grindelwald sighed. 'Tread carefully, Grindelwald. They don't know you're not from this dimension.' He also hoped that he hadn't already tipped them off with some of the things he said. If he did, that could lead to a conversation he doesn't want to have. "Express interest in them, but don't tell them why. It will set off alarm bells in their heads."

Liliana raised an eyebrow. "A wise choice. Keep them in line without tipping our hands. A few of my agents will deal with it."

"Thank you. Next?"

"A Ferelden nobleman named Kildarn claims the elves and apostates have disguised themselves as refugees and are causing problems for him. He is a pariah, even among his peers. However, his claims are not that farfetched."

Grindelwald considered his options. "Cullen."

The Commander of the Inquisition's forces nodded. "Yes?"

"Send soldiers to bring the refugees to Haven, but kill anyone who gets stupid. They will make great soldiers."

Cullen approved. "This is a good way to increase our numbers without issues. We can be seen as giving the refugees a home and paying job."

"Correct. Get it done, Commander."

"Yes, Lord Grindelwald."

"Any other news?"

Cullen pointed to the Storm Coast. "A mercenary leader named The Iron Bull has asked to speak with you on the Storm Coast. He's offered a live demonstration if you can make it within thirty days." He pulled out a key, "And this key was found in the mercenary fortress. It opens the gate to a place called Valamar in the Hinterlands near Lake Luthius. The note under it indicates that they were hired by the Carta clan that's currently squatting in that area."

Grindelwald narrowed his eyes. "In my earlier report, I talked about a potential lyrium mine. Did you find anything?"

Liliana nodded. "We did. And we will hire dwarfs to mine it at your order."

"Do it after we address the Chantry. We don't need the Chantry complaining about lyrium mines."

"Val Royeaux or The Storm Coast?"

Grindelwald pointed to Val Royeaux. "The longer we let the Chantry problem fester, the harder it will be to deal with them. I'll leave tomorrow."

Liliana shook her head. "Wait. Are you prepared to be mobbed if things go south?"

The Herald of Andraste scowled. "The first person to get stupid will find out what protego diabolica feels like."

Josephine quickly shook her head. "Please, please don't burn down Val Royeaux. Orlais is bad enough as is. Please don't add to it."

"I wasn't planning on burning the entire city to ash. Only my attackers." Grindelwald sighed and planned the last few details of the upcoming trip.

Eight days later, Val Royeaux

As Grindelwald walked through the golden gates of the Capitol of Orlais, he watch people avoid him like the plague. "Well, you know what they say. No one truly knows their reputation until it slaps them in the face."

One of Liliana's agents ran towards Grindelwald and his party, then knelt. "My Lord Herald."

The Herald of Andraste chose to ignore the over-respectfulness for now. "You're one of Liliana's agents. What have you found?"

"The Chantry Mothers are waiting, but so are a great many Templars. They think the Templars will protect them from…" The agent hesitated. "From the Inquisition. The Templars want to meet you on the other side of the market."

Cassandra growled. "The wish to protect the people…from us?"

"They can most certainly try. If the Templars wish to fight in the middle of a crowded city, I am happy to oblige."

"As am I. And the Templars returning to the Chantry was completely unexpected."

The agent added her two coppers. "The good news is: there are no concrete plans. This is all rumors and assumptions."

Varric shrugged. "Do you think the Templars have returned to the fold to deal with us upstarts?"

Cassandra shook her head. "No. I can't imagine why Lord Seeker Lucius would come to Chantry's aid after everything that's happened. "

Grindelwald sighed. "This is going to end terribly."

"Perhaps." She turned to the agent. "Return to Haven. Someone will need to inform them if we are…delayed."

Ten Minutes later

Grindelwald casually joined the crowd in the back, hoping he wouldn't be noticed. But we don't always get what we want. The Chantry mother continued her speech, but the look in her eyes made it clear. "Good people of Val Royeaux, hear me. Together, we mourn our Devine. Her naive and beautiful heart…silenced by treachery. You wonder what will become of her murderer. Well, wonder no more. The so-called Herald of Andraste, claiming to rise, where our beloved fell. We say this is a false prophet. No servant of anything beyond his selfish greed."

Grindelwald gave credit where credit is due. 'She sure knows how to get, keep, and motivate a crowd, I'll give her that. But turnabout is fair play.' He raised one eyebrow. "You say I am no one's servant but my own…yet the Chantry continues to consolidate its power instead of comforting the masses. And may I point out that every Chantry member still alive is like that because they weren't important enough to be at the Conclave." The look on her face was priceless. "Regardless, there is no need for more violence. We've come here to secure help with the Breach before it's too late."

Cassandra voiced her support. "It's true! We've come here to stop this before it's too late."

The Chantry mother smirked. "It is already too late." Templars began marching their way. "The Templars have returned to the Chantry. They will face this Inquisition, and the people will be safe once more."

A Templar almost knocked the Chantry mother out, but Grindelwald used the knockback charm. "I may not see eye-to-eye with the Chantry, but I would rather not see them abused."

The man in charge of the Templars glared at him. "How dare you attack an honorable Templar. Seize him!"

In response, Grindelwald used stunners. "Relax. Your men will awake in approximately two hours."

The seeker chose not to attack, knowing that he was outnumbered and outsworded. "It seems you are just like the rumors say you are."

"And yet your men are still alive."

The Seeker checked. 'They are.' He gathered the still-conscious Templars. "You have shown me nothing. And the Inquisition, less than nothing. Templars! Val Royeaux is unworthy of our protection. We march."

Varric looked at where Lucius was standing incredulously. "Charming fellow isn't he."

Cassandra did the same. "Has Lord Seeker Lucius gone mad?"

Grindelwald sighed. "Clearly. How well do you know him?"

"He took over the Seekers of Truth after Lord Seeker Lambert died two years ago. He used to be a good man, never giving in to ambition or grandstanding. This is very odd."

"That worries me. Only a traumatic life-changing experience can cause someone's personality to do a one-eighty." He narrowed his eyes. "Unless he was possessed…."

"He didn't look possessed. But I agree. He could be."

"We'll need to…remove him if we want to get the Templars. Come, we've been here long enough."

Just as they left the gates, someone stepped out of the shadows. "If I might have a moment of your time?"

Grindelwald used passive legilimency on her. 'Grand Enchanter Fiona. Leader of Mage Rebellion. Former Gray Warden.' "Grand Enchanter Fiona? While I am happy to speak with you, the people here would have you flogged alive."

She chuckled. "I am aware of that. But I wanted to see the fabled Herald of Andraste with my own eyes."

"And your impression is?"

"I am impressed. You handled the Templars well without causing a massacre in the streets of Val Royeaux. Regardless, the mages might be the wiser option. I would like to think we're more stable than the Templars right now."

"'Happy to have made a good impression. May I consider this an invitation to Redcliffe?"

"You may. If it helps with the Breach you seek, perhaps my people are the wiser option. An alliance could help us both, after all. I hope to see you there. Au revoir, my Lord Herald."

Fiona used a special trick to go back into hiding. Thankfully, a detection spell told Grindelwald where she was. "That was interesting."

Cassandra nodded. "Come, let us return to Haven. We'll discuss this more later."

And that's a wrap for this chapter. Thank you to those who answered my questions. Remember to leave a review.