The Inquisition has its alliance, but at
what cost? The Empress lives and for our part in her survival we are now among
her favored, but those who share her blood will die for their crimes. This is
what vanity and jealousy reap. When blood ties are nothing more than an obstacle
to conquer on your path and alliances are signed in innocent blood, what hope
is there for those who seek to set things right?
Valerie is right in her concerns. It is
as if Thedas herself has gone mad, taking with her our heroes and protectors.
The Order is corrupt, and a small number still clutch to the principals and
protections foresworn. We march to face the Wardens in the west; once Thedas’
legendary warriors, they too have succumbed to evil.
Where does that leave us? What future
will we secure?
As for Valerie, though tired and
rightfully so, she managed to slip from her room to find me. We talked of many
things in the garden until the dawn, not caring who might see. I need a few hours’
rest before we depart. After the campaign in the west is done, I should speak
with her more often-not as Commander, but as myself. Â