They stayed in the wilds for some years, revelling in the freedom to be with each other and the right to use their powers without fear. They had given the Chasind no reason to regret their presence and news still somehow managed to filter through from Seneschal Varel. They asked how the letters got through but the leader had merely smiled enigmatically.
"Some things are better left not known" he had told them.
Seeing that that was all they were going to get out of him they dropped it and decided to just be happy that they were able to hear what was happening in the outside world. The news was always good, Amaranthine had recovered under the care of Varel and was now one of the wealthiest Arlings in the area. Soldier's Peak was serving the wardens well and Jameson had them trained perfectly.
They were in the healing hut tending to a young boy who had fallen down one of the many deep holes in the area. Jowan stood over him concentrating as blue wafted from his fingers, healing the boy's broken bones. She was called away by one of the young wilders gesticulating to her, a piece of the familiar parchment in his hand. She hurried over and took the letter dropping some of the berries that he loved in his hand.
Warden Commander,
I have some disturbing news, there was an attack on the Chantry in Kirkwall by mages and a bloody battle followed. This has resulted in mages and Templars rising up against each other, even in our fair city. We have been besieged by people seeking refuge from the fighting. Sadly many of the homes and businesses that we rebuilt are now laying in ruins.
The people are calling for your presence and I must admit your return would be most desirable. Please come back we need you.
Your faithful servant
Seneschal Varel
The tone of desperation in the letter was apparent and Marina exhaled slowly. There was no choice and she had to go back at once. Looking at Jowan's open and happy face she dreaded telling him the news that their idyllic existence was at an end. He watched her walking to him her pace deliberate and her face glum.
"What is it my love?" he peered at her.
She gave him the letter and waited while he read it quickly.
"We are going back then?" he asked mildly.
"You don't have to Jowan. You can stay here and wait for my return" she knew he wouldn't but felt that she had to offer.
He shook his head "don't be foolish. You know I am not letting you go back alone."
"I know" she said softly taking him in her arms.
They said sad farewells to their tribe and left the care of them in the hands of their apprentice. They were confident in her skills and expressed this to the Elder. He had accepted their decision and happily allowed the young woman to move into the healers hut. They gathered their meagre possessions only taking from the healing stores what was absolutely necessary and set out at first light.
They decided to follow the same route back that they had used to get to the wilds but were not prepared for the devastation they encountered. It was one thing hearing that there was war but it was another thing entirely to be confronted with it. Both had seen much death before though and quickly recovered.
They made good time and were going around Redcliffe when they encountered a group of the guard.
"Halt" the patrol leader ordered peering at them through the dim light. "Mages" he groaned his tone full of disgust.
"Yes we are mages…" Marina meant to tell him fully who she was but he cut her off with a flourish of his sword.
"I can see that you are mages." He turned to his men "bring them in."
Her protests went unheeded as they dragged them to the dungeons.
"I am the Arlessa of Amaranthine and the Commander of the Grey in Ferelden. I demand that you release us at once" her voice was cold and authoritative.
The guard she was speaking to looked at her suspiciously not sure whether to believe the outrageous claims.
"The Arlessa disappeared" he sneered.
"Bring me to Arl Eamon at once he will clear this up" she was sure that she would be given her freedom but was worried that Jowan would be recognised and knew that if he was then she would have a fight on her hands.
"What's innit fer me?" he poked a grime encrusted finger through the bars attempting to stroke her face.
"Do not touch her" Jowan growled from his cell opposite her.
"Be calm Jowan" she winced realising that she had used his name.
"Jowan… Jowan… I know that name from somewhere" the guard mused.
"He is irrelevant. I demand an audience with Arl Eamon" she was now speaking through gritted teeth.
"And I demand to know what's innit fer me?" he said again.
"Your life" she replied icily.
"Ooh me life you say" he snickered. "My life is fine, it's your life that's in danger" he snarled opening the barred door and entering threateningly.
She took a step back as she had seen the look before, far too much power given to someone who clearly lacked the intellectual capacity to wield it. She heard the angry growl come again and waved her hand indicating for Jowan to be quiet.
"I am telling you for the last time guard" her words dripped with contempt "bring me to Arl Eamon or suffer the consequences."
He ignored her as his hand was tugging at the front of her prison robe. "I think I can have more fun by givin' you an audience meself."
Just as she thought she was going to have set him on fire a familiar voice came from the cell doorway.
"Stand aside guard" it was cold and hard and very welcome.
"Arl Eamon" Marina breathed "you really need to choose your guards more wisely."
He smiled a grim smile. The years since the Blight had not been kind to him. Queen Anora still bitter and resentful at his trying to take the throne from her had made life for him and his Arling very hard. He had at one stage handed it over to his brother Teagan and had only recently come back at his behest.
"Bring the Arlessa her things and then escort her to my office" he ordered the guard that had come with him "oh and put this man in her place" he nodded at the guard who had been intent on tormenting her.
"But Arl Eamon…" he babbled in fear.
"Quiet" Eamon boomed "you are taking advantage of your position. How many have you done this to?" He held up his hand "no I don't want to know. Suffice to say you betrayed my trust, your comrade's trust and the trust of my people with your actions."
He turned and spied Jowan for the first time and narrowed his eyes. "You" he hissed causing Jowan to take a step back.
"Hello Arl Eamon" Jowan greeted him respectfully. Although never having met, as Jowan had fled the dungeons before Marina had brought Eamon back from his poisonous sleep, he obviously knew what he looked like.
"Where did this man come from?" he boomed again causing everyone to shuffle in agitation.
"He is with me Eamon" Marina said quietly.
He whirled to face her, anger creasing his brow, looking as if he was about to speak but then thought better of it. He turned on his heel and stalked away.
Marina was now dressed in her own clothes and smiled encouragingly at Jowan as she was escorted to see the Arl. He smiled back, but she saw the despair in his eyes and she vowed to herself that she would not let any harm come to him.
She stood in front of the furious Arl listening to him rant "you are involved with my would be murderer?" his eyes spat fire.
"Yes Eamon, we are married" she said simply.
"You sully Alistair's memory with this union" he snapped.
"You sully Alistair's memory by trying to use it against me" she said fiercely.
"He came to my home, he poisoned me and placed Connor into a demon's thrall" he yelled.
"He did not place Connor into a demon's thrall, the boy did that to himself. If he had not been used by your wife and Loghain these things would never have happened" she spat back.
"How dare you accuse me" Arlessa Isolde interjected.
"It is true Isolde. You brought him into your home as you didn't feel that you had to obey the law that the rest of us have to live by. Loghain was the same. You both promised him the freedom and safety he so desperately needed only to cast him aside when he became inconvenient" she was yelling now all semblance of control gone.
Taking a deep breath she attempted to regain control "imagine Eamon" her voice was now even "imagine being abandoned by your parents because you were something that was to be feared and taught to hate the very essence that is you. Imagine growing up in a prison, unloved, isolated, trapped and full of self-loathing. Now imagine there is someone… something tugging at your brain and heart whispering promises of all the things you crave. Now tell me, how long would you be able to resist?" she finished sadly.
He contemplated her thoughtfully all anger gone from his face "I always hated the circle" he said "but we don't get to choose which laws we obey."
"Your wife did" Marina pointed out.
"And we paid dearly for it" he observed.
"As did Jowan" she would not give up.
Eamon sighed rubbing his hands over his face. "So you propose we just let him go?"
"You owe me Eamon" she said "I saved Redcliffe twice, I saved your life and that of Connor's. I was once your Champion. You owe me."
He surveyed her before turning to the guard at the door "bring me Jowan" he commanded. The guard nodded and walked away.
"I don't understand Marina. You were always so against blood magic and now you have taken up with a maleficar" Teagan's voice was soft. He had been standing to the side all but forgotten during the heated exchange.
"He is no longer a blood mage Teagan. He faced his demon in the fade and he defeated it" she explained.
"It is dangerous to face a demon in the fade" Teagan observed.
"Yes if he had lost his spirit would have been trapped there, its play thing for eternity" she shuddered at the thought.
He nodded considering this "what you said before about why mages turn to demons. You were not susceptible?"
She shrugged her shoulders "I was lucky. Before First Enchanter Irving became so, he was my mentor. Even after he was given the title I remained his favourite and therefore was untouchable. He was like a father to me" she finished fondly. "But Jowan was not so lucky" she thought back to the times where she had hidden with him behind bookshelves and in closets from the Templar who stalked him. His body shaking in terror as she held him, soothing him and looking back she realised she had loved him even then.
Teagan nodded again deep in thought but remained silent.
"So what do you think Teagan?" Eamon asked feeling very old and tired.
"You are considering heeding her request?" Isolde was incredulous.
"Whatever punishment you wish to apportion to Jowan, you must be prepared to face yourself" Marina faced this woman that she had come to hate.
"What? We are nothing alike" Isolde snapped angrily.
"Yes you are a pillar of human decency" Marina threw her arms up in the air "you cast out a boy from the only home he knew into the arms of the Chantry. You torture and imprison the man whose only crime was being yours and Loghain's tool. We should all aspire to your heights of moral excellence" Marina's voice dripped sarcasm.
"Enough" Eamon muttered. He agreed with much of what Marina said but wouldn't allow his wife to be spoken to like that.
Teagan had not spoken and rubbed his hands over his face, a habit that he had picked up from his older brother "I am inclined to agree with her Eamon. We have much more pressing problems as does she I am sure. I say we release him."
Marina breathed a sigh of relief if Teagan was on her side their chances were better. Eamon propped his fingers together considering what his brother said. His reverie was interrupted by the guard announcing Jowan's arrival. Eamon looked at the man who had engendered such loyalty and protection from Marina.
"Tell me Jowan, what do you think I should do with you?" he was interested to see if his character was as strong as he was being led to believe.
"I am at your mercy Arl Eamon. I will accept whatever punishment you see fit to hand out" Jowan refused to hide from the consequences. "However I beg you to release Marina, she does not deserve to be held responsible for my misdeeds" he finished.
"Well we can agree on that" Eamon smiled at him. "What you did was grave but I have had it pointed out to me that a lot of it could have been avoided" he nodded at Marina. "Therefore I will accede to her request and allow you to leave."
Marina slumped the tension draining from her "Thank you Eamon you will not regret it" she threw her arms around the older man in an impulsive hug.
"You will both stay tonight as my guests" he said taking everyone in the room by surprise.
"Is that wise?" Isolde spoke "he tried to…"
"I am well aware of what he tried to do Isolde. Calm yourself he is no longer the stupid boy you brought here" his tone was quiet but harsh.
She stepped back clearly hurt by his inference. Marina resisted the urge to poke her tongue out at her and settled for smiling gleefully.
They were there for the evening meal and at first it was incredibly awkward. Isolde glared at Marina and Jowan so fiercely he became afraid that she would attempt to stab him with her fork. He tried not to giggle nervously at the thought. Covering it with a cough he shifted uncomfortably and wished that they had refused Eamon's offer. He had said as much to Marina but she had not wanted to throw the offer of hospitality back in his face. Teagan and Marina tried to make small talk but all it did was make Isolde look angrier and Eamon more tired.
The meals were served and Jowan observed Eamon looking doubtfully at it.
"Would you like me to taste it Arl Eamon?" he asked quietly.
Eamon looked at him searching his face for derision but seeing none smiled "no my boy. That won't be necessary" he looked relieved nonetheless and began eating.
The tension eased and soon they were discussing the civil war that had flared.
"What are your plans Marina?" Teagan asked.
"At this stage just to get back to Amaranthine, the letter I received had no real detail and I am unsure of what exactly I will find" she laid her cutlery down on her plate.
Eamon nodded "if it is anything like here then it will not be good I am afraid. I have heard some news from there but my attention has been taken up with matters here."
She nodded understandingly "that is to be expected Eamon. I will not know until I get there and pointless speculation will serve me no purpose."
The meal finished they prepared to retire to their rooms but Eamon caught Marina's elbow in his hand "please give me the pleasure of your company a moment longer my dear" he smiled and drew her away to his sitting room.
Teagan placed his hand gently on Jowan's shoulder stopping him from following "what do you say to a game of darts?" he asked.
Jowan followed him paranoia flaring.
Teagan seeing this laughed. "Do not worry, if Eamon was going to do something he would just do it. He is not one to mask his intentions."
Jowan nodded and relaxed as that had been his impression of the man. The two men played several games and Teagan being the far superior player won easily.
"So darts is obviously not one of your talents" Teagan chuckled.
"No but I can set things on fire at will so it all evens out" Jowan retorted easily.
Teagan threw his head back laughing loudly, he was surprised to find himself liking this man. He had hated him for so long but seeing that Jowan was not who he had believed him to be his opinion quickly changed. Teagan had a progressive character, he did not hold onto beliefs for the sake of them. If he was proven wrong he would rapidly adapt it was a quality that had made him a fair and beloved leader in Eamon's absence.
They had given up playing and were now sipping from tumblers of whiskey talking quietly.
"I am surprised that Arl Eamon forgave me so easily" Jowan commented.
"As was I" Teagan agreed "but I know my brother there is another reason. I am not sure what as of yet but we will find out in due time."
Jowan looked at him "another reason?" the paranoia was returning.
"Oh relax, it would be nothing untoward" Teagan exclaimed. "Tell me Jowan what exactly is your story? How did you come to be married to one such as Marina?"
"It's a long tale" Jowan mumbled not really wanting to go into it.
"We have time I feel that Eamon and Marina have much to discuss" he urged.
Jowan quickly ran through his tale, stopping every now and then trying to gauge the other man's reaction. He finished on a sigh and took a large gulp of the whiskey coughing as it burned his throat.
"Impressive" Teagan murmured.
Jowan looked at him searching for sarcasm not seeing any he sat silently unsure of what to say.
"It speaks for your strength of character that you are where you are" Teagan opined.
"Perhaps" Jowan murmured "you know you really should have considered a life in the Chantry" he said in awe of this man's lack of judgement.
"Andraste is not my type. I prefer my women more… alive" Teagan snorted.
Jowan chuckled but then the smile fell from his face. There was something he needed to ask "Tell me Bann Teagan…"
"Just Teagan will do" Teagan offered.
"Tell me Teagan are mages considered criminals here?" Jowan was referring to their being imprisoned merely because they had been identified as such.
"We have ordered the imprisonment of any, the law states that mages are to be kept separate" he sighed hating himself.
"The law is wrong" Jowan commented.
"Yes" Teagan agreed.
"With things the way they are wouldn't you or the Arl be within your rights to alter the laws of your Arling?" Jowan wondered
"Martial law you mean?"
"Yes, I mean the Chantry's and circles have been overrun if that is not a testament to how these laws don't work I don't know what is" Jowan shrugged.
"New laws for a new time" Teagan liked his reasoning.
"Just an idea" Jowan remarked.
"Hmmm you know I think you are right" Teagan mused. "Come on let us go and undo this injustice" he stood motioning for Jowan to follow.
"Do you not wish to discuss this with Arl Eamon first?" Jowan was unsure that rushing headlong into something this important was wise.
"Eamon left me in charge of the guard," Teagan replied. "He will not go against me. He is merely back to deal with the nobility and the Crown."
Jowan blocked his way "are you sure you want to cause so much upheaval so quickly?"
"You are merely confirming what I have believed for some time. Taking children away and locking people up for something that is out of their control is sinful. I am changing it, there is no point in waiting" Teagan was adamant.
They entered the dungeons and Teagan ordered the guard in charge to walk with them. They stopped at the first cell looking in at a clearly terrified mage. Blue and purple bruises swelled his face and Jowan shook his head clearing the memory of when he had been in much the same position.
"Guard did this mage commit any crime?" Teagan demanded.
The guard looked alarmed "Ser he was picked up for being an apostate."
"But he committed no crime?"
"No Ser" the guard replied.
"Why has he been beaten?" Jowan asked softly.
When no answer was forthcoming Teagan poked the guard in the chest "well?"
"He is a mage Ser" the response was weak as the guard's alarm grew.
Disgusted Jowan raised his hand and blue pulsed from his fingers healing the young mage's face.
"Is there any way to tell if he has turned to blood magic?" Teagan asked not really wanting to unleash more maleficar on the land.
"If there was a demon it would have come out by now, but there is a sure way to tell" Jowan answered.
His fingers emanated a yellow glow and he performed a diagnostic spell that he had learned during his time in the wilds. He nodded satisfied with his findings.
"He is no maleficar" he announced.
Teagan smiled happily "good… good."
They moved along the cells doing the same thing with each prisoner. When they were finished he ordered the cell doors to be open and gathered the mages and guards alike in front of him.
"From here on there will be no unjust imprisonment of mages" he declared waving his hands to quiet the swell of noise "a mage will only be imprisoned if they have committed a crime." He held up his finger in a warning gesture "be warned that blood magic is still a capital offence."
Jowan stood back proud to have been a part of this wonderful new arrangement. He crossed his arms across his stomach and smiled. His happiness was short lived however as Isolde charged into the dungeons a guard closely in tow.
"Seize this man" she cried waving her hand at Jowan. "He has captured Bann Teagan in a blood thrall."
Jowan groaned in frustration and backed away from the guards coming at him. Teagan stood in front of him his palms pushed out in a gesture for the guards to stop.
"I am in no thrall Isolde" he said evenly. "I am merely doing what is right and quite frankly I am shamed that you would think me so easily swayed."
The guards stood uncertainly not knowing what to believe. Bann Teagan had been behaving curiously but he seemed fully aware and in control. Surely if he was in the thrall of this man then they would have just opened the doors and not bothered with any testing or questions, some of them reasoned. The guards moved to the person they thought to be right. More footsteps echoed through the stone floors and Eamon and Marina ran in stopping abruptly by the sight that confronted them. Half the guards were behind Isolde and the other half behind Teagan and Jowan ready to fight each other. Their allegiances suddenly split. Eamon walked forward and stood in the middle of it all.
"What is the meaning of this Isolde, Teagan?" he asked quietly.
"This maleficar" she gestured at Jowan "has Teagan in his thrall."
"Ridiculous" Marina stood half in front of him. Jowan pushed her gently out of the way until she was standing beside him.
Eamon took this in before turning back to his wife "you are mistaken Isolde" his voice still quiet.
"You are against me?" her voice was shrill.
"No I merely do not believe your suspicions to be correct" he had taken on a placating tone.
She glared at him wringing her hands in angry frustration. Her husband who once had bent to her every whim had been less pliable of late and this made her feel insecure.
"Stand down" he ordered the guards. They did as he bid sheathing their weapons but stayed where they were.
"Do you not think, Isolde, that if Jowan was a blood mage that he wouldn't have used it to protect himself?" Eamon queried.
"He does not need to with Teagan at his disposal" she screeched.
"Enough" Teagan stepped forward facing her. "The freeing of the mages was my idea. We were merely discussing the finer points of Chantry law when it came to me how very wrong they are. How very wrong we are to propagate it. In fact he tried to convince me to wait and think about setting them free."
"How can you be sure that it is your will?" she tried a reasoning tone.
"I know you are afraid but the fact remains I am in total control of my faculties" he sighed.
Jowan now moved to stand beside Teagan and pushed up the sleeves of his shirt "if I had practised blood magic, then I would have the scars to prove it. There is none."
"There are other parts of your body" she said dismissively.
"Are you trying to tell me you want to see me naked?" he asked politely eliciting a snort of amusement from Marina.
Teagan held his face in his palm trying to control the laughter that the image of the pious woman inspecting Jowan's body brought forth.
"You… you mock me?" she was scandalised.
"No mockery intended My Lady I am just trying to set your mind at ease" Jowan shrugged.
Eamon shook his head and then turned to Marina. "Is there any way to prove that he is speaking the truth?"
Marina scratched her cheek, she had never bothered to learn the diagnostic spell that Jowan had but an idea of another way of telling was forming. Grinning slyly she raised her hand and flames danced on her fingertips.
"Marina, wait you can't…" Jowan was sweating.
"If there was a demon it would have come out to fight." she said dismissively.
Eamon was satisfied "you are setting the mages free?" he directed this to Teagan.
Teagan nodded "they have committed no crime other than being born. We have conducted tests to detect the taint of any demons and found none. I was just warning them of their responsibilities. Think Eamon, we can use them. We need fighters and healers and our ranks are growing thin."
"You wish to give them the right to work and fight amongst us" Eamon said thoughtfully warming to the idea.
"You think this is wise?" Isolde yelled.
"Yes Isolde now go upstairs and calm yourself" he waved his hand dismissively at her.
"But Eamon…" she was now whining.
"Quiet if it wasn't for these stupid laws then none of what happened would have happened and Connor would still be living with us" he yelled for the first time at his surprised wife. "Now go upstairs and calm yourself."
Her shoulders drooped in defeat and she did as he said.
"So then it is decided" he turned to the guards "if any of you have a problem with this leave now. We will not stand for dissent among our ranks." He watched as a few guards turned to walk out. He held up his hand "please remove your swords and armour before you go."
The Captain of the Guard moved forward to collect the items that were being dropped unceremoniously to the floor. Eamon nodded again and walked away the stoop in his posture giving away the stress he felt from the last few hours.
Teagan turned to the assembled mages "who wants to join up?" he beamed at all the hands that were raised in the air.
Marina and Jowan left the next day eager to get to Amaranthine. They were making good time when a group of the guards who had left appeared in front of them.
"There are the filthy mages" the one that had walked with Jowan and Teagan the night before snarled.
"Move aside" Jowan commanded taking his staff in his hands.
"Bah this dirt thinks he has the right to demand from us" he exclaimed.
He waved his hand and the ex-guards attacked. Jowan froze the first four coming at them in a cone of cold and both he and Marina shot rock fists shattering two in quick succession. Marina turned a fireball on the other two and they thawed screaming from the massive changes in temperature before dropping to the ground. Jowan got pummelled to the ground by the hilt of a sword and somehow managed to roll out of the way of the killing blow. Marina sent a mind blast stunning his attacker and gave Jowan time to put some distance between them before he regained his senses. Although heavily outnumbered they had both been faced with similar odds before and fought strategically while the ex-guards fought instinctively. Marina placed a glyph of paralysis in front of her and the men that sought to overwhelm her found themselves rooted to the spot and at the mercy of their attacks. They all fell one by one until the only ones left standing were Jowan and Marina.
Blood was dripping into Jowan's eyes blinding him so Marina gently healed him and they sat away from the corpses regaining their breath and taking long gulps of water easing the dryness of their throats. Once they were rested they rose and put as much distance between them and Redcliffe as possible.
