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"There are many who believe a war is inevitable, and that the Chantry has not done enough to support efforts the templars have made to prevent it. They say we must begin picking sides."
                "And you're saying I was chosen to guard the Divine to night because you believe I've picked a side?"
                "I cannot say. That might be worth a discussion."
                Evangeline paused, taken aback. The red- haired woman continued to drink her wine, her innocent air making it appear as if they discussed nothing of importance.
                Across the ballroom another templar entered into view. This was a young man, one of the junior members of the order, and the sheen of sweat on his face said he'd come here quickly. He spotted Evangeline with a look of immense relief and raced through the crowd toward her. "Ser Evangeline! Thank the Maker I found you!" He stopped short as he drew near, belatedly realizing he'd interrupted their conversation.
                Leliana laughed lightly, not seeming the least bit offended. "There is no need to worry, young ser, though I hope you have a good reason for bringing your sword. There is only supposed to be the one, after all." She tilted her head toward the blade that hung at Evangeline's belt.
                The young templar glanced down at his weapon, still in its sheath, and blushed with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, I didn't think . . ."
                "You have a purpose here?" Evangeline reminded him.
                "I, uh . . . I do!" Relieved, he took a folded parchment from his tunic and handed it to her. "I was sent by the Knight- Commander. There’s been another murder at the White Spire."
                "There has?" A chill ran down Evangeline's spine as she opened the parchment. It was a note summoning her back to the tower as soon as the Divine retired for the evening. It also mentioned the Lord Seeker had taken a personal interest in this latest murder. Reading between the lines, it was clear the Knight- Commander considered this an unwelcome development. "Tell him I will return as soon as I'm able."
                The templar nodded, but instead of leaving, he hesitated. He stared at Leliana, chewing his lip uncertainly, and she arched a curious eyebrow in response. "I'm sorry, madame, but I think I might have a message for you as well."
                "Oh? From the templars?"
                "No, there was a servant outside looking for you. A red- haired priest with the Divine, he said. I was told there is an old friend asking to see you."
                "An old friend?" She appeared intrigued. "Did this servant say which one?"
                "No, madame. He said this person came from Ferelden, if that helps."
                "It does." She turned to Evangeline and curtsied. "It seems our conversation will have to continue another time, good ser. Maker watch over you until then."
                "And you." Evangeline watched the woman leave with the young templar, and found her curiosity piqued even more than before. It was said that the Divine kept agents at her side, and that some of them were bards— master manipulators of the Game, sometimes spies and even assassins. If this woman was one, then their conversation had been a very dangerous one.
                Evangeline casually glanced around the ballroom, wondering how many people had witnessed their discussion and remarked on it. Would word get back to the Knight- Commander? This was a difficult time for the templars. The rebellion in Kirkwall had sparked unrest in every Circle across Thedas, and the resulting crackdown had made things very tense. Everyone was jumping at shadows, with conspiracies seen in every corner. The White Spire was no exception.
                Thankfully, no one appeared to be paying her any attention. The Divine was an