Regina Trevelyan searched her immediate surroundings. Unlike the sky in Orlais, the sky above was bright and clear with clouds floating lazily by. The wind whipped through the tall grass and Regina's hair.
"Commander, are you all right," she asked, turning to face Cullen.
Commander Cullen stood, his gaze scanning the sunny hillside. When his soft brown eyes shifted their focus to her, he nodded.
"Yes, I believe so," he answered. "But where in Andraste's Name are we?"
That is a good question, Regina thought.
"And when are we?" she asked.
Cullen raised a brow. "What do you mean?"
Regina opened her mouth to respond when she heard two voices speaking.
"Of course, Your Highness," a woman's voice teased.
"I'm never going to live that down, am I?" asked a familiar man's voice.
"Maker, that's King Alistair," she murmured. "But is this before or after he became king?"
Despite the calm atmosphere, Cullen's heart pounded in his chest and he could feel and hear his pulse in his ears.
"What do we do?" Cullen asked.
Regina shook her head. "I do not have the power to send us home, as I do not know that spell and I do not have the power to do so myself."
Maker's Breath, Cullen thought. What if we can't get home?
Just then, a familiar dark-skinned woman wearing Commander of the Grey armor, Alistair, a white-haired mage woman, and a light brown mabari crested the hill.
"Sweet Andraste, it's the Hero of Ferelden," Cullen murmured as his eyes widened.
Regina reached for Cullen's hand and he gratefully took it, squeezing it gently.
Warden Cousland and her companions abruptly stopped walking as the Warden looked Cullen up and down.
"Wait, didn't we just—"
"The last time we saw you, you were at Kinloch Hold," Alistair remarked.
"Quite malnourished, might I add," Wynne added.
Maker's Breath, it feels like a lifetime ago since I've last seen the Hero of Ferelden, thought Cullen.
"To be honest, it's a long story," he said, sheepishly scratching the back of his neck.
Warden Cousland raised a brow. "And that would be?"
"You would think we're mental," Regina replied.
"I've fought abominations, werewolves, and crazy Paragons," Warden Cousland replied, listing off each foe. She folded her arms over her chest and focused squarely on Regina and Cullen. "I very much doubt anything you say will surprise me."
Cullen shared a look with Regina, who simply nodded.
"We have no other choice," she murmured. She then shifted her focus back to Warden Cousland, Warden Alistair, Wynne, and the mabari. "The truth then. My name is Regina Trevelyan, and I presume you already know Cullen. We are from Orlais, from the year nine forty-one Dragon. We were investigating Tevinter mages when they cast a spell that sent us back in time."
Warden Alistair crossed his arms as he raised a brow. "And how do we know you're who you say you are? You could be anyone."
"You're Warden Alistair, correct?" Regina said.
"Yes," Alistair replied, stretching out the word much longer than necessary.
"We know you're the son of King Marric," Regina replied. "Which makes you the Prince of Ferelden."
Warden Cousland cast a sideways grin at Alistair, whose expression remained skeptical.
"And since they just got here, they can't have overheard our conversation," Warden Cousland said, and Cullen saw himself in Warden Alistair.
"All right, that's quite a revelation," Warden Cousland said. "And if we can help, we will do so."
Alistair turned to look at her. "What in the Maker's Name? Are you insane? How can we even help them?"
Sadly, I know exactly how he feels, thought Cullen.
"They need our help," Warden Cousland replied. "That, and they can help us while they're here." She then turned to Regina. "I am Warden Cousland, this is Warden Alistair, this is Wynne," she said, gesturing to each person in turn, "and this is Barkspawn."
Barkspawn barked happily and wagged his tail.
"Thank you for your aid, we greatly appreciate it," Regina said. "And we will do everything in our power to aid your mission."
"Now that we have all that sorted, where are we," Cullen inquired.
"We are in Fereldan, just outside Redcliffe," Alistair responded.
Cullen felt Regina's hand tense in his own, and he gave it a gentle squeeze.
The sight of where she visited that dark future all those months ago, Cullen thought. I can't blame her for being on guard.
Seeker Cassandra Pentaghast scanned her immediate surroundings, as birds flew through the sea of trees and squirrels hopped from tree branch to tree branch. The air was cool and the rain fell in a steady rhythm.
There are still so many rifts and Venatori agents, she thought. I pray Commander Cullen and Inquisitor Trevelyan are doing well.
"How much farther did you say their camp was?" Dorian asked from beside her.
"We should be getting close," Cassandra replied.
"This is pretty far into Orlais, even for the Venatori," The Iron Bull remarked from the other side of Cassandra.
"Yes, I agree," she said.
She kept her gaze straight ahead as they reached a group of tents. There weren't any fires, or remnants of any fires, that she could see.
"It looks as deserted as if they left in a hurry," Dorian remarked.
"Agreed. We should spread out and search for our people, just in case something happened," she said.
"Krem, take the Chargers and scout the area," The Iron Bull instructed. "Check for survivors."
"Yes, ser," Krem said, before turning to face the rest of the company. "You heard the Chief, spread out and check the camp."
Maker Willing, nothing unfortunate has befallen our comrades, thought Cassandra.
"While you two and the rest of the Chargers check the main camp, I will go to Commander Cullen and the Inquisitor's tents," she said.
"Good idea," Dorian agreed with a nod. "That may give us clues as to where they went."
"Once we are finished, we will reunite here," Cassandra said.
"Sounds good," Iron Bull replied with a nod. He then turned to Dorian. "Come on, Kadan, let's see if they had anything left to drink."
"I'm right behind you," Dorian agreed.
Cassandra resisted the urge to roll her eyes, before turning to the left. She kept her hand near her sword, just in case she needed to use it. She continually scanned the numerous tents, with the flaps blowing in the wind.
Cassandra stopped when she came upon two tents near the edge of camp.
These must belong to the Commander and Inquisitor, she thought.
She turned to the right and opened the flap. As usual, the blankets on the cot were folded just so. Inquisitor Trevelyan had always been fastidiously tidy and it was one of the many things Cassandra appreciated about her.
She noticed there was a single notebook on top of the cot with a pen sticking out.
Everything looks to be in order here, she thought.
Cassandra closed the tent flap, turned, and walked toward Commander Cullen's tent. The blankets on the cot were ruffled and there were two bowls and tankards. She bent down and tentatively picked up the mugs.
"These liquids are cold. Commander and Inquisitor must have left in a hurry," she murmured.
Just then, she heard a set of thundering footsteps. She put the mug down, hurried out or the tent, and through the camp. She released a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding as Inquisition soldiers approached the camp.
Thank the Maker, thought Cassandra in silent prayer. But where are Commander Cullen and the Inquisitor?
She rushed toward the soldiers in several, quick strides. All of them stopped and saluted Cassandra, who didn't bother to return the gesture.
"What happened here?" she asked, her tone much harsher than she'd intended.
A dark-haired soldier stepped forward and brought his fist to his chest in salute. "Lee Bowen, Ma'am. Early this morning, our scouts noticed Venatori mages marching toward our camp. The Inquisitor rushed to engage, with the Commander and our men hot on her heels."
That sounds like Inquisitor Trevelyan alright, Cassandra thought.
"Continue," she said.
"We managed to catch up with the Inquisitor, but she and the Commander were sucked into some green portal," Lee finished.
Cassandra raised a brow. "What kind of green portal?"
Lee shook his head. "We don't know, Ma'am."
"Fine. Do you have any further information?" she inquired.
"Last night, we had a skirmish with some Venatori. Commander Cullen wanted us to perform reconnaissance, and we discovered the Venatori had been stock-piling large amounts of lyrium."
"What for?" Cassandra pressed.
"We overheard it might be to complete a summoning ritual of some sort," Lee answered.
"What kind of summoning ritual?" Cassandra asked, feeling her patience slip away like grains of sand through her fingers.
"I do not know," Lee said, shaking his head. "We weren't able to learn much before we were forced to retreat."
"Most likely, the Venatori didn't like our beloved Commander and Inquisitor. They are much too valuable for that," Dorian said from behind Cassandra.
She growled softly as she turned to find Dorian and The Iron Bull standing behind her.
"No, they would have taken them as prisoner," Cassandra agreed. "But what were they planning to summon?" She then looked at Lee Bowen. "Do you recall exactly how much lyruim the Venatori had gathered?"
"Several tons," Lee answered.
Cassandra's eyes widened. "Several tons?"
Dorian whistled under his breath while The Iron Bull swore in Qunlat.
"What in Andraste's Name are they trying to summon," Cassandra asked.
"I don't know, but whatever it is, it has to be enormous for them to require that much lyrium," Dorian replied. His brows furrowed as he began rubbing his chin.
"What are you thinking?" The Iron Bull asked, focusing his gaze on his Tevinter lover.
"What if the Venatori didn't kill the Inquisitor and Commander, but sent them through time?" Dorian mused. "It would make sense why they simply disappeared."
Maker, not this again, thought Cassandra.
"But, I thought their ability to manipulate time ended with Corypheus' death?" she said.
"It could have," Dorian answered. "However, who says the Venatori didn't share this information amongst each other after Alexius' imprisonment?"
"Can you bring them home?" Cassandra inquired.
Dorian nodded. "It may take me some time, but yes."
"Good," she replied with a nod. She then turned to Lee and the other Inquisition soldiers. "All of you, go get something to eat. The three of us will plan our counter-attack against the Venatori. We will inform you as soon as we come up with a plan."
"Yes Ma'am," Lee and the other soldiers responded in unison. They brought their fists to their chests and saluted Cassandra, who returned the gesture. She watched them enter the camp before she shifted her gaze back to Dorian and The Iron Bull.
"I'll go talk with my boys about what's been happening, then come back to plan with you two," The Iron Bull said.
"Hurry, Bull. We do not know when or where Commander Cullen and the Inquisitor were taken," Cassandra said. "For all we know, they could be in vital danger."
"Understood," The Iron Bull said.
He turned away from the pair and walked away.
"I have not searched the Commander's tent yet, but knowing him, there should be a map of the terrain," said Cassandra. "That may be a good place to start."
She then shifted and walked back toward the tent.
"Good thinking," Dorian added as he followed her.
By the Maker, we will bring them back to us, she thought.
Regina walked beside Commander Cullen toward Redcliffe as her heart threatened to burst from her chest.
Just breathe, she thought. This place isn't similar to what happened in that dark future.
As they approached the front gate, Tomas fixed his gaze on the group. His eyes were wide and bloodshot as if he'd gone without sleep for too long.
Maker, this must be when Connor was possessed and the villagers were fighting the undead, thought Regina.
"Who are you? Did the king send you?" the man asked, looking between the group members.
"We are Grey Wardens, sent to seek aid from Arl Eamon," Warden Cousland replied. "What has been happening here?"
"You, you mean you don't know?" the man inquired. "Redcliffe has been besieged by the undead for several nights now. They keep coming from the castle to attack. With each night, more of our mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters lay dead or dying. We sent word to Denerim, but haven't heard back."
Regina shared a knowing look with Cullen, who simply nodded before both quickly looked away. Although they knew what was currently happening, they could not reveal this information to Warden Cousland or the others.
Sadly, they have to find out the hard way, Regina thought.
"Unfortunately, King Cailan died at Ostagar and Teryn Loghain has named himself regent," Warden Cousland replied. "However, we have come to give whatever aid we can Redcliffe."
"In that case, I should take you to Bann Teagan, he's in the Chantry," the man said. "My name is Tomas, by the way."
Warden Cousland nodded. "Well met, Tomas."
As Regina and Cullen followed Warden Cousland and Alistair into Redcliffe, Regina took note of their surroundings. She spotted a waterfall with a bridge up ahead as they descended the hill.
Redcliffe looks so much different here, she thought. Did the darkspawn attack really change the village so much?
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Cullen's look of concern. He gave her hand another gentle squeeze as they crossed the bridge.
Straight ahead was another steep hill, this time leading to a multi-story tavern labeled 'Redcliffe Roost.' Regina shifted her attention to the path as they descended the hill and entered the village proper. The Chantry was situated on the right with rows of large, wooden spikes emanating a short distance from the stairs. On the left side of the village were several waterfront homes and the blacksmith.
Andraste, this place looks like it's seen better days, thought Regina.
Her gaze immediately moved to the men in the center of the village firing their arrows into human-shaped targets or practicing with their swords.
"Maker, this place really is small," Cullen murmured.
"It's always been that way," Alistair remarked, glancing over his shoulder at the pair. "I believe the current population sits at, what, 200?"
Tomas nodded. "That is correct." When he reached the Chantry, he opened the doors. "Bann Teagan is just inside."
I really hope we don't change what happens in our time too much by being here, Regina thought as they followed Tomas into the Chantry. Commander Cullen and I will have to discuss this later.
She pushed such thoughts aside as their footsteps echoed through the Chantry halls. She spotted several refugees; some crying, some speaking in hushed tones, and others still kneeling in the pews and praying.
Maker, these people have been through such tragedy, she thought. I hope we're able to help them.
Bann Teagan stood just before the altar, speaking with several armored villagers at once. As the group approached, he dismissed the villagers.
"Yes, son, what is it?" Teagan said, focusing his gaze on Tomas.
"Bann Teagan, these Grey Wardens, and their companions said they were willing to help Redcliffe," Tomas replied.
"Hello again, Bann Teagan. You probably don't remember me, I was seven years old and covered in mud the last time you saw me," Alistair said sheepishly.
"Alistair? Maker, is it good to see you," said Bann Teagan. "Where are my manners? I am Teagan Guerrin, Bann of Rainesfere."
"Bann Teagan, these are my companions," Alistair replied, gesturing to each in turn. "Warden Hero Cousland, Wynne of the Circle of Magi, Knight-Templar Cullen, and Regina Trevelyan."
At that moment, Barkspawn gave an affronted woof and eagerly wagged his tail. Warden Cousland chuckled while Alistair sighed and rolled his eyes.
"And Barkspawn," he added.
Bann Teagan gave a polite nod. "Well met, all of you. I understand you all seek to aid Redcliffe, is that correct?"
Warden Cousland nodded. "It is. In return, we were hoping to request help from Arl Eamon."
Bann Teagan gave a tired sigh, before rubbing his eyes. "Yes, unfortunately, that is impossible at the moment. Arless Isolde sent out most of Redcliffe's knights, but most have not returned. One week ago, the undead began attacking Redcliffe and with each attack, we grow closer to dying out. Since these attacks began, we have not heard anything from Redcliffe Castle."
Warden Cousland's hands clenched into fists, a feeling Regina was all too familiar with.
I understand her frustration, she thought.
Alistair looked at Warden Cousland and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder." We'll help them."
Warden Cousland nodded and unclenched her fists. She then focused her attention on Bann Teagan.
"What specifically do you need us to do?" she asked.
"At the moment, I am preparing the townsfolk for tonight's battle," Bann Teagan replied. "However, you might wish to speak with Mayor Murdock outside. He's been here since the beginning of the siege, and may be able to give you more reliable information."
If Mayor Murdock has more reliable information for us, then why does it seem as if Bann Teagan is running things here, thought Regina.
"Excellent, although I do have one question," Warden Cousland said. "If Mayor Murdock has more information for us, when did you arrive in Redcliffe?"
"Just a few days ago," Bann Teagan answered. "Previously, I was in Denerim listening to Teryn Loghain's accounts of the Battle of Ostagar."
"The traitor," Warden Alistair seethed, as his hands now clenched into fists at his sides. "May he wander the Fade forever."
Warden Cousland now shifted to Alistair, her expression soft as she placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I know you're upset about what happened at Ostagar," she murmured. "And we will ensure he pays for this betrayal, however, I need to know that you're here with me right now."
Alistair closed his eyes and took several deep breaths. When he opened his eyes again, his expression was much calmer.
"I am now," he said.
"Good," said Warden Cousland. She then shifted her gaze back to Bann Teagan. "We will speak with Mayor Murdock and when the sun goes down, fight by your side."
Bann Teagan nodded. "Thank you, Grey Wardens and companions. And may the Maker watch over you."
"You as well," Warden Cousland replied.
As Warden Cousland turned and walked down the hall again, Regina and Cullen followed her. When they grew closer to the door, Regina noticed a crying young woman.
"Excuse me, Grey Wardens," she said.
Poor thing, Regina thought. She's so young.
"Of course," Warden Cousland said, as she stopped near the young woman. "How can I help?"
"My name is Kaitlyn," the young woman sniffled. "My, my brother, Bevin, he was so scared when the undead attacked. I told him to come to the Chantry, but he ran back into our home. Could you please find him, and bring him here?"
"Of course," Warden Cousland agreed.
"Thank you," Kaitlyn said, as fresh tears fell down her cheeks. "It's just, our parents died during the attacks and he's all the family I have left."
Regina felt her heart ache for Kaitlyn's plight. While she had heard about Connor's possession, to see its effects directly on the populace felt entirely different.
Cullen squeezed Regina's hand again as Warden Cousland led the group outside. Regina returned the gesture before dropping his hand. She shifted her attention forward as Warden Cousland approached a dark-haired man wearing leather armor.
"Are you Mayor Murdock?" Warden Cousland asked.
The dark-haired man in leather armor nodded. "Yes, I am. Although I didn't realize the Wardens took in women."
Maker, he really stepped in it, thought Regina.
Warden Cousland raised a dark brow. "The Wardens take all kinds."
"So, they do. However, I'm not complaining. Especially if you're here to help Redcliffe," Mayor Murdock replied as he raised his hands in surrender.
"Bann Teagan said you were the one to talk to about helping the village prepare for tonight's attack," Warden Cousland said.
"Yes, there are a few things. First, we need our blacksmith, Owen, to help us make repairs to our weapons and armor. Sadly, he's locked himself up in his shop," Mayor Murdock answered with a sigh.
"Do you know why?" Regina asked.
Mayor Murdock looked past Warden Cousland. "His daughter, Valena, works as a servant for Arless Isolde and hasn't been seen since the attacks started."
"Someone will need to convince him to help us. Honestly, I don't know if we'll make it without his help," Mayor Murdock continued. "Then there's a dwarf named Dwyn that lives on the docks. He's a skilled fighter but has locked himself in his home. If you could convince him and his lackeys to fight with us, that would also be a big help."
"Andraste's Tits, why is everyone locking themselves in their homes?" Regina asked no one in particular. She gave an exasperated sigh. "Because they're scared, I know."
"I was just about to say that," Alistair replied.
Warden Cousland shifted her focus back to Mayor Murdock and nodded. "Understood. Is there anything else that needs to be done before tonight's attack?"
"A few, actually," Mayor Murdock answered. "Ser Perth is one of the last remaining knights in Redcliffe. If you could talk to him and see what he and the other knights need, I would appreciate it. Also, if you wouldn't mind searching the village for ways to increase our defenses, we would forever be in your debt."
"Of course. We'll do everything in our power to help Redcliffe," Warden Cousland replied.
"Maker watch over us all," Mayor Murdock said.
"You as well," Warden Cousland said with a nod.
Mayor Murdock shifted his attention to the archers while Warden Cousland turned to face companions new and old.
"Right, so we'll split into groups of two. Warden Alistair and I will speak with Ser Perth, Wynne, and Barkspawn will talk with Owen, while Regina and Knight-Templar Cullen convince Dwyn. Does anyone have any questions?" Warden Cousland asked, glancing at the others in the group.
"Yes, who will go to Katilyn's house to look for Bevin?" Alistair inquired.
"We will, once we're done speaking with Ser Perth," Warden Cousland answered. "Any other questions?"
Regina, Cullen, and everyone else in the circle shook their heads.
"Good," said Warden Cousland. "Once we are done, we will all meet at the top of the hill."
"Understood," Regina said with a nod.
Once Warden Cousland gave the others their orders, Cullen and Regina walked to the docks to speak with Dwyn.
Why do I have a feeling this task seems harder than we have been led to believe, Cullen thought.
"This place," he said, as they approached the docks. Regina stopped and partially looked at him. "I can feel the magic here."
"You can?" Regina asked with a raised brow.
Cullen nodded. "It isn't as strong, but it's still present."
"Should we tell Warden Cousland when we reunite?" inquired Regina.
Cullen shrugged. "I do not know how much informing her would do but on the other hand, it cannot hurt."
He and Regina then resumed walking and stopped only when they reached a small hut. Regina reached out a fist and knocked on the door.
"Hello, Dwyn?" Regina said.
Both waited for a moment and received no reply. Just as Cullen reached a fist to knock again, the door opened a sliver to reveal a dwarf with brown hair and a long beard.
"Yes, who is it?" the dwarf asked.
"We're with the Redcliffe Militia," Regina replied. "And we've come to secure the aid of Dwyn."
Why do I have a feeling this Dwyn is going to be difficult, thought Cullen.
"Why? None of those nug-humpers out there can swing a sword very well," Dwyn responded. "Besides, I'm safer in my own locked home than I am out there."
"What would it take to persuade you to come out and fight with the others?" Regina asked.
Dwyn looked between Regina and Cullen and raised a brow in consideration.
"I won't come out for less than six sovereigns," the dwarf answered. "Has a nice sound, doesn't it?"
"Six sovereigns? Are you serious?" Cullen asked.
What a greedy dwarf, he thought.
"I am," Dwyn said with a firm nod. He then looked over at Regina. "What say you, lady?"
Cullen shifted his attention to Regina, who raised her own brow.
"Three, and that's my final offer," she replied.
Cullen looked between his lover's and Dwyn's faces as the silent negotiation passed between them. At one point, Dwyn grunted and nodded.
"Okay, you win. Let me tell my guys and unlock this door, first," Dwyn replied. "But you'd better have your money with you."
As Dwyn closed the door again, Cullen turned to Regina with wide eyes.
"Maker's Breath, how did you do that?" he asked.
"It's all about negotiating," Regina replied. "Varric said if you offer a price to a dwarf, look them in the eyes, hold their gaze, and they'll back down."
Something tells me this comes from personal experience on Varric's part, thought Cullen.
He scoffed. "Well, thank goodness for that."
Cullen listened to the various clicks that occurred behind the door while he watched Regina fish some coins out of her pocket. Once the door opened again, Dwyn left his home followed by two armed and armored humans. Regina extended the three sovereigns to the dwarf, who eagerly took them.
"But boss, I thought we were holding up inside?" one of the humans asked.
"Plans change," Dwyn said, as he slipped the coins in his pocket. He fixed Regina with a firm look. "But I'd better see you two out there tonight."
Regina nodded. "You will."
"Good," Dwyn replied with a grunt.
What in the Maker's Name was that for, Cullen thought.
As Dwyn and his human lackeys walked to the center of Redcliffe, Cullen turned to Regina with a raised brow as he folded his arms.
"Do you really think he will honor his commitment?" he asked.
Regina nodded. "I do."
"Maker's Breath, remind me never to get on your bad side," he said, shaking his head. "What's next?"
Regina glanced around and past Cullen. "I have an idea. Follow me."
"Am I going to like this idea?" he asked with a sigh.
"Relax, I want to see something," she responded.
She turned and walked past him, and Cullen reluctantly followed. She led him down a path to a building labeled 'Redcliffe Shoppe.' The door barely stayed on its hinges as footprints led into the establishment.
That's not ominous at all, thought Cullen.
"This place looks as if it has seen better days," he remarked.
"It does," Regina agreed. She fixed the door as best she could, before properly opening it. "Let's see if there's anything in here that could help us tonight."
"Good thinking," Cullen agreed.
He kept one hand on his sword hilt as he entered the business. He stepped over numerous undead bodies, which led to one trampled human body. In the center of the store were rows of products scattered across the floor, with shelves nearly empty.
"Maker's Breath," he murmured. "Whoever this person was, they didn't have much time to lock up before the undead struck."
"No, they didn't," Regina agreed. "But look, they left something that might be of use."
Cullen's gaze snapped up to the numerous barrels near the counter.
"What are those?" he inquired.
Regina took a tentative step forward and lifted one of the lids off the barrels. "They're oil barrels. If we set these on fire-"
"They could slow down the undead," Cullen finished. "Good thinking. We should inform Mayor Murdock."
"Agreed," Regina said, slowly sliding the lid back over the barrel.
Cassandra kept her gaze straight ahead as she marched toward the Venatori base with Dorian, The Iron Bull, his Chargers, and the Inquisition soldiers. The sky remained dark as the wind whipped through the trees. She'd spent the last half hour planning an attack against the Venatori and now that it was happening, she was anxious. Despite doing what needed to be done, she knew everything could go wrong in the blink of an eye.
Andraste, please let this work, Cassandra thought in silent prayer.
She kept her gaze on the horizon as the group emerged from the forest. As the archers pulled out their bows, she spotted a group of red and brown Venatori mages coming toward them.
They have fallen for our trap, thought Cassandra. Well, hopefully, the rest of our plan works as well.
Cassandra glanced over her shoulder at Dorian. "We will do what we can to give you enough time to work your spell but you will need to work quickly!"
"Understood," Dorian nodded.
Dorian rushed away from the Inquisition allies and once the Venatori soldiers and mages drew close enough for the archers, Cassandra turned to them.
"Now," she shouted.
Cassandra watched as a volley of arrows rained down upon the Venatori mages and soldiers.
As Regina and Cullen walked through Redcliffe village, she watched the archers shoot their arrows into their targets.
Everyone seriously seems to be on edge, Regina thought. And I don't blame them.
"It feels like the calm before the storm," she murmured. "Even though these people aren't very calm."
"You're right, it does," Cullen agreed. "Although given what they've survived, I cannot blame them."
"Agreed," Regina said. She stopped near the edge of the village, and Cullen paused beside her. "The village feels…much different than when I first came here. Not just physically, but energetically."
Cullen frowned in thought. "You think whatever magic was used here infected this place?"
Regina nodded. "Perhaps."
She shifted her gaze to the hilltop, where she saw Wynne and Barkspawn.
"Before we go, I have a request," Cullen said. She turned to look at him and noticed his expression was somber.
"What is it?"
"It is, perhaps a bit foolish, but should anything happen to you, I would be beside myself," he said. "I request that we remain together during this battle, regardless of whatever happens."
"That is not a foolish request," Regina said, fully turning toward him and placing a gentle hand on his cheek. "And I will be happy to comply."
She reached forward and pressed a chaste kiss to his cheek.
"Thank you," he said, slipping one hand over hers. "It does much to put my mind at ease."
"I'm glad," she murmured. Reluctantly, she pulled her hand away and turned back toward the hill. "We should go find the others."