Chapter Text
It’d been three weeks since anyone in Skyhold had seen Rowan Trevelyan. He'd been taken in the middle of the night while the rest of the fortress slept. How they could’ve gotten hold of such an important man in such an impressive stronghold was anyone’s guess. The inner circle, especially the three advisors, had been on their toes trying to keep this fact a secret from the larger part of the Inquisition’s forces, along with the rest of Thedas. The last thing any of them needed was the world discovering that one of the most powerful men alive had just up and vanished. As for the forces, learning that their Herald of Andraste had seemingly abandoned them wouldn't do well for morale.
During the first week, Liliana had dispatched swarms of spies across both Ferelden and Orlais in a desperate search for their leader. But with every failed report that returned, it was clear that she and the others were losing faith.
The advisors insisted that the inner circle do their best to go about life as usual. ‘Every effort must be made to assure the general populace that nothing is wrong.’ Josephine had urged. The others kept themselves as busy as possible in their new-found free time, but anxieties were high. Sera had taken to shooting arrows up at the tower that held the Inquisitor’s quarters. ‘To show him how pissed I am’ was the answer she gave to anyone who asked.
No one had even seen Cole after the first week, no doubt having exhausted himself trying to lighten people’s moods. The only one who seemed un-bothered by it all was Solas, who kept to his study and fastidiously ignored everyone. The prick.
Dorian sat in the chair within his reading nook, tapping his foot anxiously as he tried and failed to read even a page of The Poised and Poisoned: The Many Assassinations of Orlesian Nobility Through the Ages. A while had passed before soft footsteps approached and stopped just outside the alcove. He looked up from the hefty tome.
Solas stood before him, frowning back at him with his hands neatly clasped behind his back. “Dorian, I would like to bring to your attention that some in this library are hard at work, and could do without your insistent tapping.”
The other man glared and sat back in his chair. “Ah, but you see, I too am hard at work. It just so happens that lightly tapping my foot allows me a deep focus.”
The elf was silent for a moment, a light scowl appearing on his face. Leaning forward, he lowered his voice to a callus whisper. “We both are well aware of the dire situation we find ourselves in. It would do you well to better shield your unease. You might as well be shouting it to the world.”
With that final note, he turned on his heel and retreated down the stairs, leaving Dorian speechless, and much more agitated than before. He stood from his seat and made sure to stomp heavily as he made his way down the stairs and across the room to the door that led to Cullen's office. Just before opening it he turned to Solas, who was openly glaring at him now, and gave a deep bow.
“Apologies, Solas. One so effortlessly distracting as I cannot help it sometimes.” He left before the elf had a chance to reply.
ooo
The door to Cullen's office was closed as per usual, and hushed voices could be heard from inside. Straining his ears for a moment, he tried to decipher the conversation, but could only hear whispers. He gave a curt knock against the aging wood and opened it when he heard Cullen call ‘enter’ a moment later.
Dorian gave a cursory glance around the room. Liliana, Josephine, Cullen, and Cassandra stood around the large oak desk. All four stared at him now, their previous conversation cut short. Tensions were obviously high at the moment, and it seemed his arrival had only driven them higher.
“Pardon me, have I interrupted?”
“No, Dorian, we were just finished.” Cassandra said, breaking their silence as she straightened and moved to step in front of the desk, as if to block his view of it. From what he could see, papers were strewn across it haphazardly, each covered in varying lengths of script. It was quite obvious what they had been discussing, and it chafed a bit to see them so hesitant to share any information with him. He, too, was a part of the inner circle, after all. Could they not trust him with this?
“Of course.” He said, folding his arms delicately across his chest. He looked pointedly at the four of them, frowning slightly. “Though one can only guess as to who you were discussing. Those do look suspiciously like spy reports, after all.”
They stood silent for a moment, but finally Liliana sighed and gestured him further into the room. “We were discussing Inquisitor Trevelyan, yes. I see no reason as to why you should not also be informed of this.”
“Please, do enlighten me then, Sister Nightingale.” He said, a pleased smile on his face as he stepped up to the desk with the rest of them. After weeks of restless waiting, Dorian was just about to the end of his proverbial rope, hopefully what they would share with him could bring him some peace of mind.
The spymaster nodded and turned her gaze to the reports. “We… have not found anything more as of now. His whereabouts are still a mystery to all of us, and the only reports I have coming in are those of small rumors.”
That was the exact opposite of what Dorian had needed to hear.
“Rumors are better than nothing at all though, yes? Surely you have the manpower to check their credibility.” He scowled down at the papers, skimming the contents of a few as he searched for anything that stood out. Alas, it seemed to be an unhelpful jumble of information. No doubt encoded, anyway.
When she remained silent, Dorian looked up, shock coloring his features. He looked to Cullan. “The soldiers then.” He insisted. “Maker knows they will drop everything and jump at the chance to assist.”
The man sighed heavily and shook his head. “We cannot risk sending out such an order. It would be much too easy for this secret to spread, especially if Inquisition soldiers are actively searching for him.”
Dorian bristled, his anger rising. “So what, that’s just it then? You’ve all thrown in the towel?”
Josephine stepped in, looking as diplomatic as ever; something that seemed almost offensive to Dorian at a time like this. “We haven’t given up yet, Dorian. We simply cannot risk such a scandalous secret getting out. Especially to those loyal to Corypheus.”
“Is there anything at all being done?”
“Liliana sent a handful of spies out to follow up some of the rumors, but within the past few days, we’ve received reports of failure from almost all of them.” She explained. “I’m afraid there is little else we can do at the moment.”
He forced himself to close his eyes and take a breath. This was preposterous. How could they believe that there was nothing else to be done. He found himself shaking his head.
“Dorian-”
“No.” He finally met her eyes. “We cannot accept that. How dare you all stand here and agree that ‘there is little else we can do’. This is the Inquisitor we are talking about; quite possibly the most important man in Thedas. If we do not find him, we are doomed. The Inquisition’s army may be formidable but they will not stand a chance against the breach when it really comes down to it. We would do better to simply hand ourselves over to Corypheus on a silver platter.”
None of them met his eyes then, and he scoffed.
“Dorian,” Liliana stepped forward and placed a delicate hand on his shoulder. Her eyes were intense as they stared into his, and her mouth was pressed into a tight line. “We all understand the importance of the matter. If we do not locate him, Thedas and the rest of the world are done for. I assure you we have not given up on him yet.” She paused for only a moment and lowered her voice. “I am aware that you are distinctly invested in this.”
Dorian’s face heated. He should’ve expected this. Of course the spy master knew of he and Rowan’s relationship. Though it could hardly be called that. A few fevered nights after some distinctly difficult days in the field did not constitute a relationship. He pulled away from her grasp with a huff. “Nevertheless, there is more that could be done. You are the de-facto leaders of the most powerful organization in the southern hemisphere, for Andraste’s sake!”
Cullen was scowling at him now, a common occurrence as of late. “As much as you would wish it to be so, Dorian, the Inquisition simply does not have the resources. Liliana is spread thin as it is, and Josephine can only do so much without her contacts starting to ask questions.”
“I’ll go then.” Dorian said. “I’m almost bored to death sitting in this blasted stronghold anyhow. Surely the Inquisition can spare me.”
Cassandra frowned. “With respect, Dorian, what do you expect to accomplish alone which Liliana’s spies could not?”
The mage rolled his eyes. “I thank you for the confidence, Seeker. Though to answer your question, I expect to find our fearless leader. And if it’s me being alone that gives you pause, then by all means send someone along with me. I have little care as to who.”
Liliana looked deep in thought, mulling it over. A moment passed before she spoke again. “We will think on it, I can promise no more. For now, return to your day to day.”
He turned and left the tower, feeling none-too confident of his chances. A keen despair settled over him. This would truly be the end of the Inquisition. The end of the world. Rowan was their final hope. Their light in the darkness. At that moment, Dorian knew why the southerners grasped so fervently to the idea that he was a gift from the Maker.
ooo
It was a week later when Dorian found the report on his desk. The outside of the letter read
“Correspond by raven only. Your travel companion will arrive at sundown. Be swift, be silent. -L”
A cautious thrill filled Dorian’s chest as he opened the paper. Finally he’d be leaving to do something useful. Inside detailed a report from one of Liliana’s agents. It spoke of an overheard conversation about a small village near Denerim where folk had mentioned a new resident. A man they had deemed to be ‘off’ in some way. It was more than a long shot; no more than a rumor. There wasn't even a distinct location given. It would be difficult, tiring, and no doubt a waste of time. Dorian couldn't be happier.
He wasted no time in preparing for his journey, keeping himself as inconspicuous as possible as he gathered some meager provisions from Skyhold’s kitchen staff. Night had fallen as he finished packing. He was giving his belongings a final look-over when a soft knock came at his door.
When Dorian answered, Solas stood in his doorway. The elf looked as peremptory as ever.
“Ah, so I see Liliana took it to heart when I mentioned not caring who came with me.” Dorian mused, turning and allowing him in.
Solas huffed. “I volunteered, if you must know.”
Dorian turned back to him and frowned at that.
“Cole came to me two nights ago and told me of your conversation with Cassandra and the Advisors. He then mentioned a report that the spy master had just received.”
Dorian’s eyebrows shot up.
“While the report seemed like nothing, it feels significant that Cole decided now to reappear. So I went to Liliana and offered my aid on the matter.”
“I see.” Was all Dorian could say. Solas left it at that.
“I have two horses ready for us in the stables. Are you fully prepared?”
“Of course.” Dorian confirmed, slinging his pack over his shoulder and grabbing his staff from where it leaned against his bed. He made sure to extinguish the candles within his room and followed Solas out the the stables. He kept his steps light, so as to not wake the residents of the rooms he passed.
Arriving at the stables, Dorian found two horses saddled and ready for their journey. Their packs looked heavy at their sides, full of food and other necessities. Dorian then felt quite underprepared with his own small pack. He’d figured he could stop in small towns whenever he ran out, but now it seemed obvious that that would have been a poor choice considering the sensitivity of the mission.
He said nothing as he strapped his bag to the horse and climbed on. Solas glanced at him as he settled in his own saddle. “We will ride for a few hours before we reach our first camping area. We’ll rest and leave again at daybreak.”
Dorian nodded at that, urging his mount forward. He looked up to find the walls surrounding the courtyard suspiciously devoid of scouts. No doubt Liliana’s doing as well. Silently, the pair slipped out of Skyhold and into the night.