He keeps the stranger in his peripheral vision when he can, as much to keep track of how he fares as to be certain he's not turning on his people entirely. He's no more willing to allow a full slaughter of templars as he is mages. Already, some of the men and women who trust him have formed around him, closer than the rest who follow Meredith's harsher vision or their own mad schemes.

Where is Hawke? Likely making her way to her sister if he knows her at all. He has no idea where Bethany is, either, or the First Enchanter. Perhaps they've sought the most defensible place they could manage. It's not long at all before demons and abominations are complicating things. Terrifying rage demons with gouts of devastating flame, insidious desire demons bending the weaker willed templars and mages both to their wills.

He's numb to it, falling back into training and discipline. The battlefield has its own rhythms that never pull him away from his ultimate goal, to see an end to this that isn't all blood, fire, and death. His first near breach with Meredith comes over three cowering mages hiding in a linen closet, begging mercy.

He reaches her with her sword raised. He knows them, little more than children. "They aren't lost to demons. Look at them. For the Maker's sake, Knight-Commander. Look!"

There's fury in her gaze. He could swear she hates him personally now. It's a long moment before she tears away from him and snaps orders to those more loyal to her to come. He waits for the Tevinter to come into sight and beckons him over quickly. "The way back is dangerous. Help them, please. I have to follow her. We'll be further in when you get back."