The funeral was lovely, but Dak found himself unable to speak when he watched his mother's body burning. He felt Merrill rubbing her arm around him for comfort, and he appreciated it. All his friends and those who had known his mother when she lived in Huttsgalor gave him, Leyla and Duggard their sympathies.

They were returned to his estate for food and drink, but Dak didn't feel like he was in the mood and sat in his study. He then saw Aveline entering with a bottle of wine in her hand.

"Dak," she said, giving him a sympathetic look. "I don't care what else is going on. We haven't spoken about Leandra. How are you?"

"I have a smile on my face," said Dak, putting a brave face on it. "That should be enough for most people."

"That doesn't work on me. I knew her, too. I want to think my mother was like," said Aveline as she sat beside him. "I just have flashes of… impossibly long hair. But my father…" She paused and looked at him, "would you like to hear one thing?"

Dak looked up. "You've never talked about him."

"My father trained me in all the skills he had been forced to give up. He spent everything to get me into Cailan's services." She closed her eyes and looked at him. "Do you know what I remember? When he read to me—stupid things, dragons and heroes—he wouldn't turn a page until I reached over and took his hand. That big man made every step of the story my choice. I love that.

"He died of the wasting in an Aresgan ward… those last weeks, I read to him. I had to take his hand to turn the pages. And I couldn't tell if he was too weak or if it was the same old game. He smiled at that, at his big girl." She laughed. "I don't know why I'm telling you this." She then looked at the wine bottle she bought. "Drink?"

"A glass for those we've lost," said Dak.

Aveline smiled. "All right then. Benoit du Lac. And Leandra Hawke." She then poured them into glasses. "Don't let anyone tell you when to move on. Take their hand and say 'my choice'. That's all I have. I'll miss you too."

The next day, Dak gave Varric his father's signet ring, which Bartand pawned to pay for the expedition, giving Isabela a bottled ship. He then heard from his miners that massive problems within his mine involved giant spiders, undead, arcane horrors, and rusty pickaxes.

Afterwards, he went to the Chantry and saw Sebastian and Elthina arguing.

"I'm given it all up! I made a vow to the Chantry, and it was wrong to turn my back," said Sebastian.

Elthina shook her head. "Sebastian, listen to yourself. You're as impulsive now as the day you turned away from us. Do you think the Maker wants another rashly spoken vow that you'll abandon when the next passion takes you?"

"I will not—"

"This is your life, child. Don't spend it being blown about like a weathervane." She then noticed Dak approaching them. "And here's Dak. Come to goad you into further heroics, no doubt."

Dak watched as Elthina walked off and wondered what he did to get such a cold reception. "The grand cleric upset with you?"

"She thinks I'm fickle," Sebastian explained. "But I mean it! I know you don't agree, but I can't continue to break my oath. And for what? Why would I rule Starkhaven and deal with jackals like Lady Harimann for the rest of my life?"

"Do you see yourself as a prince or a priest?"

Sebastian shrugged. "That's exactly the question I've been praying for guidance about. When I think of going to Starkhaven… calling on allies like Flora Harimann and all the corrupt, scheming nobles…" He sighed. "My throat swells shut in horror. When I think about saying, I'm at peace."

"You should ask yourself what's best for your people, not just for you," Dak advised.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. "I do not have hubris enough to imagine it matters to the common people who rules them. Someone will take the reins. The fields will be planted, the crops gathered. No one will notice that a Vael lives and isn't there. And I can devote my life to the Maker's will on Thedas."

Dak shook his head. "I can't believe you'd turn your back on Starkhaven now. After all, we've done."

"I've been praying for guidance and had nothing. I cannot return to Starkhaven—and subject my people to war—without a clear sign that it's the Maker's will."

Dak didn't know why, but he had a feeling that Sebastian would soon regret saying those words.

Leyla went to assist Anders at his clinic, and after all the work was done, she reached into her pocket.

"I brought you something," she said. "It's shiny and subversive. I thought you'd like it." Leyla tossed the parcel at Anders.

Anders caught it and smiled. "You got me a gift? I hardly think I've done anything to deserve that. Is it a…" He looked down at the contents. "That's an Esnal Chantry amulet. Do you want me to get executed? It's sacrilege to wear those in any land under the Divine."

"The Divine condemned their Chantry because they freed mages from the Circle," said Leyla. "I thought you might sympathise."

"I like it. Maybe not on the outside of my clothes—I'm not that eager to face the hangman's noose—but I appreciate the thought." He turned it around in his hands contemplatively. "I never really thought about what life would be like in the Esnal Chantry. In the Circle, they make it sound like the Void itself. The Black Divine, stalking Reros, making it unsafe for kittens and virgins."

"I haven't noticed too many of either in Huttsgalor."

Anders laughed. "And fewer every day, I suspect. I appreciate the gift. Perhaps one day I can return one as meaningful."

Dak went to visit Merrill, who was currently sitting with her head in her hands. It was a few moments before she realised he was in the room. "Oh. Dak. Come in. I…" She sighed. "Was just…" She turned to face him. "Am I crazy?"

Dak wasn't quite sure how to answer that question but gave it a shot nonetheless. "Yes, but in a good way."

"I thought the arulin'holm would fix everything. The mirror would work, and everything would be right again…" She sighed. "But I keep dreaming of Pol's face. Everyone that I care for thinks I'm a monster."

He sat next to her and draped an arm over her shoulders. "It's hard to imagine someone more lovable than you."

She snuggled into him for a moment. "That's so untrue. I can think of someone…" She then looked up at him. "I… you've been so good to me. Someday, I'll make this up to you, lethallin."

Isabel somehow managed to invite everyone for a drink at the Hanged Man and convince Aveline to come, but Dak had no idea. However, as the drinking went on, it was clear that she regretted his decision.

Merrill sat next to Aveline, chatting away amiably. "You must have really liked the Hawke family."

"Why do you say that?"

"You came all the way from Lothering with them, didn't you? And they're not even your clan."

"Humans don't have clans, Merrill."

"Exactly! You came so far together, and you didn't even have a Keeper to make you get along."

"So your Keeper tells you to stop kicking each other, or she'll turn the aravel around?"

"Sometimes, she also warns us to stop pulling hair," said Merrill.

Everyone was starting to cheer up now, and it was beginning to seem that Isabela's plan to cheer up had worked successfully.

"Does the city guard never ask where you wander off to with Dak and Leyla?" Fenris asked Aveline.

"I am on a 'special investigation'."

"And what does that make us?" Leyla asked.

"Someone who is helping me with my investigation."

Fenris chuckled. "How benevolent of you, Hawkes."

"Well, we do investigate," Dak pointed out.

A letter from the Viscount had Dak and Leyla heading into the Keep. However, before they met with the Viscount, Dak paid Aveline for a visit and discovered she was having a meeting with Seneschal Bran.

"It's a fine suit," she said, not even looking at it.

"The finest," said Bran, gesturing to the guardsman, who was wearing a shiny new plate of armour.

"Break it down. Distribute it."

Bran narrowed his eyes. "The viscount requires parade armour for his inspections."

"Then stuff it and mount it where he can see it. I wear the uniform of the guard," Aveline spat.

"His Excellency will not be pleased."

"His Excellency can mount it."

With that, both Bran and the guardsman left her office, and she turned to him. "Trouble, Dak?"

"Seems like you have enough."

"You don't know the half of it." She shook her head in frustration before glaring at him. "And why don't you, by the way? Why aren't you tail deep in the problems of this city? Sure you do good, but petition a title, take a job. The guard is always looking."

"Don't blame me for not being you," Dak smirked. "I'd make a poor guard."

"Well, we agree on that." Her smile softened the glare. "I don't really see you taking my orders. Besides, you won't catch me saying you don't have an effect. You've certainly had one on Hightown."

"But?" Dak pushed.

"Maybe it's time to get serious. Before the option isn't your own." She leaned on her desk.

"You don't want me as sour and dour as you. You need a counterpoint."

"I don't think I've asked to be made the butt of your jokes."

He raised an eyebrow at her. "Donnic."

She folded her arms and then conceded the point. "Okay, sometimes I have asked for it. I do wish there was more time for… levity. It comes so easily to you. Maybe a little too easy. That's all I'm saying."

Dak then made his way up towards the Viscount's office, where Leyla was waiting.

"Any idea what he wants?" Dak asked.

"No, he would only speak to the two of us together," she said. "However, whatever it is has got on edge."

When they made their way into the office itself, Dak could see what Leyla meant. Viscount Dumar was currently pacing up and down, fidgeting. He only stopped when he saw the two of them. "It is apparently not enough that the Qunari define my political life. They must also infect what I hold personal." He turned to face Hawke. "It is my son, Saemus. The life you saved, he would now squander by converting to the Qun. He has left for the Qunari Compound." Dumar gave him a beseeching look. "Please, Serah Hawke. Convince Saemus to come home."

"Did anyone else see him leaving for the compound?" Leyla asked.

Viscount Dumar's shoulders slumped. "He made no secret of it. I'm sure he intended it as another of his 'statements' about closer relations." He folded his arms. "Your example inspired him. I might agree but now is not the time. These matters are…" He sighed. "Delicate."

"He is of age. The decision seems rightly his," said Dak.

"I want to let him find his way, but in my position…" Dumar leaned on his desk. "He's taken a great deal of inspiration from you two. I want to allow his idealism, but not blindly. At best, my opponents will claim that my office is now in Qunari hands. At worst…" Dumar's voice broke slightly. "I lose my son."

"You know this will only end in trouble," Dak pointed out.

"Fitting. That's where it started." He then gave the two of them a hopeful look. "My son is not foolish. He will listen to reason. And you are in the best position to offer that opportunity. Please, do what you can."

"We will do what we can, your grace," said Leyla.

They bowed and left the office; Aveline, Sebastian, and Merrill were outside waiting for them.

They quickly fill them in on the situation before heading to the compound. The one thing they noticed was the high number of mercenaries attacking, more than usual. Fortunately, they were exceptionally skilled, and they were quickly dispatched.

"So was that anti-Qunari, anti-viscount, or Saemus himself not wanting to be rescued?" Leyla asked.

"Saemus isn't the type," said Dak. "As for against the Viscount, I think they would use other means. However, we've had some experience with the anti-Qunari militia, and they just loved for themselves against us."

"It sounds like we had better hurry," said Aveline.

They quickly made their way to the compound and approached the Arishok.

"Serah Dak," he said, not sounding totally surprised.

"We're here about the viscount's son," said Dak.

"Are you?" The Arishok settled back on his bench. "In four years, I have made no threat, and fanatics have lined up to hate us simply because we exist. But despite lies and fear, bas still beg me to let them come to the Qun. They hunger for purpose. The son has made a choice. You will not deny him that."

Ordinarily, Dak wouldn't, but the last thing he and his sister needed was a political mess. "No doubt you can see the advantage of having the Viscount's son at arm's reach."

"He is no longer the Viscount's son. Viddathari give up their lives for certainty only Qunari know."

"You would not take advantage of his connections?" Leyla asked sceptically.

"The Qun may demand that advantage, but I do not. It was his choice to be educated. He is not my prisoner." The Arishok gestured. "He is not even here. He went to his father. Ask the Viscount why he would send you and a letter both."

Dak blinked. "That seems… strange." Ordinarily

"They are meeting at the Chantry. A last, pointless appeal, I assume."

Sebastian shook his head. "The viscount has not tried to involve the Chantry before."

"No," Leyla agreed. "But we know who would. Mother Petrice."

Dak had the same conclusion; it looked like Mother Petrice was once again trying to start a conflict with the Qunari, and now the Viscount's son was called into it.

The Arishok frowned. "A suspect in many things. If she has threatened someone under my command again, there is only one response."

"We've had about enough of Petrice," said Dak.

"A threat against viddathari can have only one answer. I will suffer only one outcome." The Arishok gave him a nod. "I will be watching, you and your sister Dak. The demand of the Qun is clear."

They wasted no time to get to the Chantry, only to discover they were too late. Saemus was already dead, his body kneeling behind the statue of Andraste body. Dak placed a hand on him, and he toppled over.

He then heard Petrice's voice. "Serah Hawke, look at what you and your sister have done," said a smug voice. They looked down and saw Petrice being flanked by members of the extremist group. "To pounce upon the Viscount's son, a repentant convert, in the Chantry itself? A crime with no excuse." She gestured at the armed men with her. "Your Qunari masters will finally answer."

Dak rose to his feet. "You've been a headache, but outright kill someone? That's new for you."

She narrowed her eyes. "He deliberately denied the Maker! How many would have followed him if he went unpunished?" She gestured. "And yet, even this sympathiser will inspire vengeance when his brutal murderer is exposed."

"You won't get the Qunari ousted; you'll get a slaughter," said Leyla. "On both sides."

Dak nodded; he just couldn't believe that Petrice was so shortsighted. She constantly accused them of being servants of the Qunari, not even considering they just didn't want innocent people to be wrapped up in a pointless war.

"To die untested would be the real crime," she said. "People need the opportunity to defend faith. Starting with you." She turned to the people with her. "Earn your reward in this life and the next. These heretics must die."

Among her fanatics were a couple of templars, but everyone else was completely unarmed. Dak looked at the others, and they nodded in agreement regretfully. Sebastian pulled out his bowl and began shooting down while Leyla and Merrill guarded the stairs. Dak and Aveline led the charge, and cutting them down did not take long.

Sebastian gave voice to a similar sentiment. "Maker preserve their stupid, stupid souls."

Petrice then arrived, leading Grand Cleric Elthina into the hall. "Do you see, Your Grace? Traitors attacking the very core of the Chantry. They defile with every step."

Elthina's eyes traced over the state of the room. Her gaze went first to Sebastian, then Aveline, and then to Dak and Leyla. "There is death in every corner, young mother. It is as you predicted." Her eyes narrowed. "All too well."

"Forgive us, Your Grace," said Leyla, bowing. "But you must know the truth about what happened here."

"Don't you spout your Qunari filth. This is a hand of the Divine," Petrice spat.

"I have ears, Mother Petrice." Elthina's voice was firm, a mother tired of misbehaving children. "The Maker would have me use them."

Dak gave her an apologetic look. "Viscount Dumar's son is dead, killed here in your name."

She closed her eyes for a moment, sorrow filling her features. "I'm sure my name won't like that." She turned to look at Petrice, her pale eyes cold. "Petrice?"

"Saemus Dumar was a Qunari convert. He came here to repent and was murdered." Petrice stumbled over the lie.

"It's a ruse, Your Grace," said Leyla. She then gestured to Saemus and to the dead bodies that littered the temple. "Saemus was killed set people against the Qunari."

Petrice was starting to lose her cool. "This is no longer a matter of heathens squatting in the docks. People are leaving us to join them!"

"And we must play them like any other," said Elthina.

"They deny the Maker," Petrice said, her eyes hot with hatred.

"And you diminish Him, even as you claim His side," said Elthina, her voice ringing with disapproval. "Andraste did not volunteer for the flame." She turned back towards them. "Lord and Lady Hawke, you both stand with the captain of the guard?" Dak noticed the shocked look on Petrice's face as he nodded. Clearly, she had no idea who Aveline was. Elthina returned his nod. "The young mother has erred in her judgment. A court will decide her fate. The Chantry respects the law, and so must she."

"Grand Cleric?" said Petrice, looking confused as the Grand Cleric left. It was like the entire world had just crashed around her, and she was just trying to make sense of it. "Grand Cleric!"

She stared beseechingly as Elthina started back up the stairs. Then she turned to face them. Her eyes suddenly widened as she caught sight of something over his shoulder, and an arrow suddenly appeared in her chest. She fell to her knees.

Dak spun around and saw a Qunari archer standing there. He then fired a second arrow, which went straight through her head. He then turned to them. "We protect those of the Qun. We do not abandon our own."

"Please," Elthina's voice came back through the room. He looked up at her. Her facial expression hadn't changed at the sight of the Qunari or the dead Petrice. "Send for Viscount Dumar."

They made their way to the Keep and gave him the ungrateful news. At first, he refused to believe it, but the moment his eyes fell upon the corpse of his son, he fell to his knees. He was unable to compose himself and cradled his son in his arms as if he were sound asleep.

"My son," he said softly, tears falling from his eyes. "Murdered in the heart of the Chantry by those who held a sacred trust. What hope for this city when we fail our own so completely?"

Dak and Leyla didn't know what to say. However, they both knew that the Arishok's threats were genuine; now, more than ever, they needed strong leadership.

Dak calmly approached him. "The Arishok is still here, Excellency. You must be ready to stand up to him."

"I cannot. I have already failed where it mattered most. Please, leave me."

He hesitated a moment, then glanced over at where Elthina stood. She nodded to him. He returned the gesture, then followed his companions out of the Chantry.

"He's in no condition to lead the city now?" said Leyla.

"Then it falls to us," said Dak. "Like it or not, Petrice got her wish; she successfully antagonised the Qunari. It would just take one more push for the Arishok to lose it."

"Let's hope he finds what he's looking for then," said Leyla.

"Very much double to be that lucky."

"Schisms and conspiracies within the Chantry itself," said Cassandra furiously. "This Petrice actually committed murder within the Chantry itself."

"Cold-blooded murder within the Chantry is not unheard of," said Varric. "There are rumours suggesting that King Maric killed the nobleman who betrayed his mother in the Chantry itself."

"I am aware, but none of them declared that they were doing the Maker's work while doing it," said Cassandra. "So the rumours the Shampions subverting the Chantry were just the ravings of a mad woman."

"Starting to have second opinions on our dear champions?" Varric asked.

"We are still ways to go to that incident, but it is becoming abundantly clear that the Champions were not who we thought they were. However, I still need to hear more to be absolutely certain."

"As you wish, Seeker," said Varric.