Dak met Isabela, who was busy drowning herself at the Hanged Man. Sometimes, Dak wondered how she remained sober from drinking much drink.

"How have you been?" he asked.

"You don't have to keep checking on me. I'm fine," Isabela assured.

Dak sighed; ever since the Qunari incident, Isabela had spent most of the time in the Hanged Man. She was still kicking herself about handing the Tome back to the Qunari.

"Why do you keep coming here? You're better than this."

"I'm comfortable here, all right?" she snapped. She sighed. "Remember what you said after the mess with the Qunari?"

"I'm proud of you for doing the right thing," said Dak.

"It may have been the right thing, but it was also the dumb thing. The relic was mine. I should've kept running."

"I couldn't have saved Huttsgalor without you."

"Bullshit. You could've stormed the Keep and slaughtered all those Qunari if you had to," said Isabela, smiling. "You and Aveline. I mean, look at her—she's a woman-shaped battering ram."

Dak wasn't sure how Aveline would react to that reference and decided against telling Aveline what Isabela had just said.

Isabela then went up from a chair and walked over to him. "The fact is… you and I have nothing in common anymore. You're a Champion, and I'm just lying, thieving snake."

Dak placed a hand on her shoulder. "Whatever you think you are, I still care about you. It must have been very hard to give up the relic, and I appreciate it. Whatever comes, you have my support."

"Well, perhaps it's time to stop hiding, and I did miss the trouble we used to get into," Isabela admitted. "Tell you what. I'll be here if you need me."

Then Dak watched as she continued to finish her drink, shook his head, and walked out.

It was late at night, and Dak and Merrill slept peacefully in his bed. They had just had another blissful night and warming their naked bodies under the sheet.

Then, all of a sudden, the two of them woke up when something bounced on the bed. They looked up, and Merrill quickly covered herself with the sheets, for Isabela was smiling at them while sitting at the foot of the bed.

"Don't you two look adorable together," she said.

"I really need to change these locks," Dak muttered.

"I knocked this time. Bodahn, let me in." She smiled at them as they regained their composure.

"He didn't let you into my bedroom."

"But that door wasn't locked." Isabela grinned.

"And why didn't you knock?" Merrill asked, completely pink in the face.

"And ruin the fun?" Isabela smirked.

"Can we get dressed?" Dak asked.

"What's stopping you?"

"Isabela!" Merrill moaned.

Isabela was waiting outside for Dak and Merrill to change. They were soon joined by Leyla, who emerged from her bedroom to see what the commotion was about.

"Guess what?" Isabela said when they emerged from the bedroom. "Castillon's in town, and I'm not waiting for him to stick a knife in my vitals. We're going to get him before he gets me."

"We're going to surprise Castillon? I love surprises," Leyla beamed. She then considered a moment. "As long as they aren't lust-addled pirates."

Isabela laughed and then continued. "Unfortunately, Castillon's holed up somewhere in Kirkwall. I haven't been able to find him. I do know where Velasco is, however. That's his right hand. We just have to make him tell us where Castillon is. Somehow."

"What a plan," said Dak, putting a hand over his heart. "Your scheming ability puts me to shame."

"Well, I haven't worked out all the kinks." She ticked off on her fingers. "Step one: we go to Velasco. Step two: something exciting happens. Step three: profit. Well, do you have a better idea?"

"If we kill him and search his body, we might find something."

"Or we could find nothing and get nowhere."

"We could hit him till he talks?"

She narrowed her eyes. "You'll just end up killing him."

"Couldn't we just ask Velasco where Castillon is? Nicely?"

"He's not going to reveal anything willingly. I can't risk him getting suspicious and alerting Castillon." Her glare promised more early morning rude awakenings if he didn't stop messing with her.

"Castillon wants you," Leyla shrugged. "Why not let Velasco bring you to him?"

"And…" She started to nod. "You follow me. Oooh, that's clever. I was going to suggest challenging Velasco to a riddle game and making 'Where's your boss?' one of the riddles. This is so much better."

Dak had no idea whether she was joking or not. "I'm ready whenever you are."

"Velasco's been spending his nights at the brothel, enjoying its many splendours. That's where we'll find him."

Moments later, Dak, Leyla, Aveline, Merrill, and Varric joined Isabela at the Blooming Rose. They soon started at a door leading to one of the rooms on the first floor.

"That's his room," said Isabela.

"Are you ready?" Leyla asked.

"Yes, I think so," said Isabela nervously. "Now, this needs to be convincing. And you'll need to get creative—call me names, even hit me. Stick with it, no matter what I do. Velaso's a clever son of a bitch. If you waver, he'll notice."

"I don't know if I can pull this off," Dak admitted.

"Yeah, it's not exactly something we do daily," Leyla nodded.

"Come on, how you ever wanted to slap me? Just a little?" Isabela asked.

"Absolutely," said Aveline.

"Yes," said Varric.

"Yes…" said Merrill. She then blinked blankly. "Wait, what are we voting on?"

"I wasn't asking you people," Isabela glared.

"Face it. You set yourself up for that one," said Varric.

Isabela shook her head. "Whatever you do, just make sure he takes me to Castillon. I'll leave a trail for you to follow. Let's go"

Dak kicked the door wide open. They saw the man, who we guessed was Velaso and an elven woman, who was enjoying his company. However, the moment they laid eyes on them, the woman fled the room. Velasco glared. "I hope you have a good reason for interrupting my private time."

Dak jerked a thumb at Isabela. "I have a present for Castillon."

"Present for—what?" Isabela asked him, confused.

"You should see the look on your face," said Leyla with a smirk.

"This wasn't the plan. We were going to kill him." She reached for her knives, and Leyla touched his staff threateningly.

"Remember that time you ran off with the Tome of Koslun?" said Dak, narrowing his eyes. "This is like that, only funnier."

Isabela looked away from them and spat. "You backstabbing little shit. You'd better start sleeping with one eye open." Velasco's men began dragging Isabela away.

Velasco came over to him. "Castillon will be pleased. He's been looking for Isabela for some time." He handed over a coin purse. "A token of our appreciation. It's more than she's worth."

Aveline came in after Velasco left. "Let's find Isabela's trail and get her back before something nasty happens."

"You're worried," Varric noted.

"I am not."

The trail led them out of Hightown, through Lowtown, and to the Docks. Where had she gotten all those marbles, anyway? Aveline punched the sentry in the face almost casually as they entered the warehouse, dropping the man.

Inside, Velasco was… well, a generous man might call it flirting. "Why don't we work something out? If you're good, I'll tell Castillon to go easy on you."

Isabela snorted. "Contrary to popular belief, I do have standards."

"You're going to do whatever I want. I own you." Velasco took a step towards Isabela.

Isabela saw them and smiled. "You sure about that?"

Velasco glared. "You! I knew the bitch was up to something. Kill them."

Isabela rolled out of harm's way, and Leyla called up a tempest, forcing Velasco and his mercenaries to choose between being struck by lightning or facing the blades of Dak and Aveline. Varric then fired several bolts from Bianca, and Merrill shot lightning.

"Velasco sent word to Castillon." Isabela was grinning broadly as she took her daggers back. "He's on his way." She glanced around the warehouse. "Let's look around first. I want to know why he's in Huttsalor."

The answer appeared to be nasty. Isabela glanced over the documents Dak had found. "So Castillon's looking to expand his slaving business. Why am I not surprised?"

"These documents should go to the Guard," Aveline said. "We'll at least arrest his accomplices."

Castillon showed up only a few moments later. "And Velasco told me you were all tied up, a lovely present just waiting to be opened." He looked around at the corpses. "I see he's paid for that little mistake. What a pretty smear he makes. Well played, Isabela. Crossed and double-crossed."

Isabela smiled broadly. "You want to talk? Maybe we should talk about these documents. Slavery in the Free Marches? They're not going to like that."

Castillon's eyes narrowed. "Get to the point."

"Give me your ship and your word to leave me alone, and you can take these papers and go." Isabela gestured.

Dak just stared at her. "If you want the ship, can't we just kill him and take it?"

"You don't just kill a man and take his ship." Isabela looked scandalised. "That's crude and amateurish." She gestured. "How will he tell everyone how I bested him if he's dead."

"Can you trust him? He trades people for money."

"Castillon's a businessman, and this is a business deal. He'll keep his end of the bargain."

"What happened to getting rid of Castillon?" Dak asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I am getting rid of him. Through peaceful means."

"Coming from her, that's priceless," said Castillon.

"I saw the ship docked in the harbour, Castillon," said Isabela. "She is splendid. I want her."

Castillon turned to Isabela. "Give me the documents, and you can have the ship. And you will never hear from me again."

"Swear it."

"I swear it on my mother's grave. Give me the documents."

Dak knew that without the documents, Aveline wouldn't be able to arrest Castillon and his accomplices. This meant there was only one thing to do, really. "Castillon dies here today if I have anything to say about it."

Castillon actually chuckled. "Enough with the blackmail then. Let's settle this like civilised people."

"Wait…" Isabela started to say.

Castillon almost got his daggers, but Lelya was much quicker and unleashed a powerful tempest upon the back ranks. Merrill focused on the archers while Varric and Aveline went for the rest. This left Dak to handle Castilon, who was still shaken from Leyla's attack and gutted him with his sword before he could react.

After the battle, Isabela was furious.

She paced back and forth. "Ugh. Now, what am I supposed to do with these useless documents?"

"I hate to state the obvious, but…" Aveline held out a hand. "I could use them."

"Fine. Take the blasted things. Go…" Isabela practically threw the documents at Aveline. "Dispense justice or whatever." She turned to glare at Dak. "After all we've been through together, how could you do that to me?"

Dak crossed his arms. "Think about it. You know he didn't deserve to walk."

Isabela sighed. "No, he didn't." She glared. "I really hate it when you're right."

"You know you could just simply lie and tell everyone that you made a deal with Castillon, and he tried to stab you in the back," Leyla offered. "No one disputed after we just killed his men, and you're still standing. Plus, you're an extremely good liar."

Leyla couldn't believe she was heading to the brothel again, but a Rocrosan lord wanted to meet her and Dak outside the Blooming Rose. They had no idea why, but apparently, it was for the greater good of Rocros.

"Ah, the Champions of Huttsgalor. Your reputation precedes you. Forgive me. I should introduce myself properly. My name is Nuncio Caldera Lanos; I am a noble from the beautiful country of Rocros."

Lelya returned the bow. "Is there something we can help you with?"

"I've come to you in search of aid. An elven assassin I have been chasing is loose in the area. Unfortunately, he's hidden himself among the local Freefolk, undoubtedly playing on their shared heritage. He's a master manipulator who will endanger even his own kind to ensure his survival."

"You don't seem the type to hunt assassins," said Dak curiously. "Why are you after him?"

"At first, it was merely a duty to Rocros, but after losing so many good men to him, it became personal." Nuncio folded his arms. "He's nothing but a murderer, a thief, and a liar."

"Your assassin is no fool," Leyla nodded. "I doubt the Freefolk would hand a fellow elf over to you, murderer or no."

"Ah, so you see my problem. Where that elf goes, death follows. He must be captured quickly. I was hoping you could go where my men could not. Find out where the assassin is hiding and apprehend him."

"We'll see what we can do," said Lelya, but she felt something was off.

"One of the Freefolk, a woman named Variel, is a friend of his. I suggest speaking with her first. We won't be here when you get back. We got a campsite outside the city. Look for us there."

Anders and Fenris accompanied them and made their way to the Freefolk camp. Leyla found it unusual that the clan had stayed for seven years. It was common knowledge that the Freefolk didn't stay in one place for a long time, especially considering that Huttsgalor was controlled by a power-mad woman.

They were able to locate Variel, and she was surprisingly forthcoming with information. "This criminal of yours is set up in a cave away from our camp. He said there would be people looking for him and to tell anyone who asked where he was."

Dak frowned. "Why would he give away his position?"

"He said he didn't want to endanger our people by asking us to lie for him." She gave him a pointed look. "Not something you'd expect from a cruel and evil murderer, is it?" She gestured. "He'll be waiting for you at the cave. Good luck trying to reach him, however."

Leyla looked at Dak. "I'm starting to think we didn't get the full story."

Dak nodded. "Yeah, but maybe this so-called murderer will be able to shed some light on things."

"Assuming the spiders have got to him."

There were certainly quite a large number of spiders, and clearly, the assassin had laid traps out, but Isabela was making herself useful by disarming them. Then, they came face-to-face with their dangerous assassin.

"Now you, I wasn't expecting it," he said, smiling.

Isabela laughed. "I thought I smelled Rocrosan leather."

"Isabela. If it isn't my favourite pirate wench."

"Shouldn't you be dead by now?" She folded her arms.

"I could say the same, my dear. It seems we were both fortunate to find powerful friends, no?" He bowed. "How do you do? My name is Eret Arainai, adventurer and occasional assassin."

"I've heard of you," said Anders. "You helped the King Hiccup to stop the Blight."

"At your service, my friend!"

Leyla also remembered hearing the name; he was the assassin that Teyra Drago sent after King Hiccup and the other surviving Wardens, but then joined forces with him to put a stop to the Blight.

Eret shrugged. "I must admit, I was waiting for an assault by the Wolves, not the mighty Champions of Huttsgalor."

"How do you know I'm the Champion?" Dak asked.

"Slayer of Qunari, Deep Roads explorer, and may I say one fine specimen of manhood?" he said with a flirtatious smile and turned to his sister. "Not to mention his beautiful twin sister. You underestimate your fame."

Dak glanced at Isabela. "How do you two know each other?"

Eret laughed. "How does anyone know Isabela?"

She glared. "Yes, well, you'll never know Isabela again if you keep that up. I thought the King would use you as his personal assassin."

"Aye, alas, the King is so popular that no one stands against him. Well, all except the Queen in exile, but she is no true threat to His Majesty."

Leyla glanced at Zevran. "When you say Wolves, I'll assume you're not talking about actual wolves."

"Oh, please do not tell me you know nothing of the Rocroscan Wolves." Zevran gestured in disbelief. "We are the finest guild of assassins, an object of fear throughout the lands for any man with wealthy enemies. Or, I should say, they are. I am no longer a Crow, a fact they find unacceptable."

"There must be more to it than you leaving the guild."

"That is offence enough to the Wolves, believe me." Eret chuckled. "I may have also killed the last four assassins they sent after me. And all their men. Oh. And the Guildmaster. In fact, if you were a Wovles, you might make a fortune by bringing me in. You should consider a career change." Zevran laughed. "No. Really."

"We've been hired to find and capture you," said Dak, crossing his arms.

"Ah, let me guess: a man named Nuncio has asked you to capture a dangerous killer, yes?" Eret paced, gesturing. "What did he say this time? That I killed his wife? Butchered his parents? Sold his children into slavery? Or did he tell you he was a lawman from Rorcros, charged with apprehending a ridiculously handsome fugitive?"

"He also said you were a wanted murderer."

Eret nodded. "Oh, indeed I am. But technically, I imagine everyone here can rightfully claim that title. Bring me to Nuncio if you wish, but I warn you: he surely intends to kill you. The Wolves do not like loose ends, unlike myself." Eret gave him an appreciative look. "But you are a man who can clearly handle himself, yes? Why worry?" He gestured enthusiastically. "So you can either tie me up, gag me, and then manhandle me… or you can take me to Nuncio. Which will it be, I wonder?"

Dak and glanced at Isabela. "You know him best. What do you think?"

"I've had better." Eret actually looked affronted at Isabela's words.

Dak ran a hand down his face. "I meant about letting him go or not."

"Oh. Right." She shrugged. "I'd let him go."

Leyla looked at Dak. "What do you think, Dak? Personally, I'm with Isabella."

Dak nodded and turned to Eret. "We're not going to hand you over to someone who lied to us."

"As a suggestion, you might wish to deal with Nuncio." Eret shrugged casually. "If you don't, he will only come after you." He bowed. "It's been more than a pleasure, my dear Champions. Fare you well."

After that, they went to Nuncio's camp, where they found him and his men waiting for them. Leyla could not help but notice they were fairly heavily armed.

"You didn't tell us the assassin you want it captured was one of your own," said Dak bluntly.

Nuncio looked disappointed. "Ah, so Eret told you, did he? It really doesn't matter. This time, his precious King isn't here to protect him." The man reached for his knives. "I am thoroughly disappointed. No one fails the Wolves and lives."

"Ah, poor, stupid Nuncio." Eret emerged from some trees. "The Wolves do like that saying, but I am living proof it's a lie." He shrugged at them. "Why they insist on thinking they can kill people like you and His Majesty, I will never guess."

"Why didn't you go when you had the chance?" Dak asked.

"To see the Twin Champions of Huttsgalor in action? You couldn't keep me away!"

Leyla felt strangely flattered by the compliment.

Nuncio glared at him. "You are nothing but a traitor and a coward, Eret. You'll die here!"

Eret drew a knife and threw it behind him, pegging the man, trying to sneak up on him in the eye. "Yes, well. Let's see how that works out for you."

They then began to engage with the assassins, and Leyla was somewhat surprised by Eret's combatant skills. That said, he did fight in the Fifth Blight, so he had to be very skilled. He and Isabella began moving in and out between the assassins, taking them out before they had a chance to react. Dak and Fenris charged at the assassin head-on, focusing their attention on them, while Leyla and Anders caused some havoc in the ranks with some magic.

In no time at all, the fighting was over, and Eret grinned as the last of them were dispatched. "Excellent. Killing my former brothers-in-arms is oddly satisfying." He bowed. "I've little reward to offer you, Champions, but perhaps this will serve as a token of my thanks." He offered an amulet to Leyla, who accepted it. "My dear Isabela, it has been a delight to see you again. You travel in fine company."

"That's it?" Isabela shook her head. "You're leaving? What about sex?"

"Ah, Isabela," said Eret as he laid a hand over his heart. "I did so miss you."

"That's because you have piss-poor aim. Thankfully, you've other uses." The two of them began walking off back into the trees.

Anders shook his head, laughing.

"Are we sure he was part of a guild of assassins?" Fenris asked.

"Well, that was interesting," said Leyla.

"Somehow, I'm not surprised that Isabela's lover is just as well…"

"Sex craved?"

"I was going to say flirtatious, but, yeah, that works too."

"And something tells me he's not just into women," Leyla smirked. "Did you see the way he looked at you?"

Dak groaned. "You're never going to let me live this one down, are you?"

"Nope."

"So, did Isabella get her ship?" Cassandra asked.

"Dak was able to negotiate the confiscation of the ship; after all, he has friends in very high places. He then bet the ship on a game of Wicked Grace, and our dear Pirate Queen managed to win."

"Thereby giving the Champions an escape route," Cassandra noted. "Tell me, did they anticipate what transpired and made preparations to flee?"

"Neither Dak nor Leyla would leave their city in chaos," said Varric, narrowing his eyes. "Besides, can you honestly say that you could have predicted what happened? And I dare you to find someone who did."

"Fair enough, but I'm still not certain whether or not they had anything to do with what happened."

"Still not convinced, Seeker? Trust me, when the story is over, you will have a different opinion on the Champions."

"Then convince me."