When Destiny Calls

A Dragon Age Story

Author's Notes: Many thanks to the writers and developers of the original Dragon Age storyline, without which, this story wouldn't be possible.

This story is rated M for future chapters.

Chapter 4 – Repercussions

As Jowan lead me into past the benches, I leaned forward, a question burning in my mind. "You need to tell me something here? You do realize that we are in the Chantry, don't you?" I asked, voicing my confusion. He nodded. "Yeah, that's right." I scoffed a bit. "You couldn't tell me in the hallway, because you didn't want to be overheard, so you take me to the Templar's favorite hang out? To talk?" It made very little sense to me.

He led me to a corner, where a young Chantry priestess was praying. Seeing her long brown hair made me remember that I still needed a new hair tie. I didn't like my hair being in my face all the time, but my talk with Duncan, and the studying that followed allowed me to forget that peeve of mine for a time. The sudden reminder made my hands twitch with the need to pull back my own black hair. Jowan didn't seem to mind his long hair staying down, but I did.

"Alright, we can talk now." Jowan said, and my eyes watch the priestess stand and walk up behind Jowan. Her name I suddenly remembered being Lily. I looked back to Jowan. "You do realize that there is a member of the Chantry standing behind you, don't you?" I whispered to him, the suspicion evident to even my ears. "Yeah, I... well, you remember me telling you that there was a girl, and... well, this is Lily." He said, putting his arm around her. She smiled at me, "A pleasure to meet you, Toryn. Jowan has told me all about you." Lily's voice was even more pleasant than her appearance.

Suddenly I realized what was going on. Despite my own personal hopes, Jowan had indeed found someone. That someone was Lily. It was forbidden for a mage and a member of the Chantry to be involved, Templar or otherwise. Beyond that, all Chantry Priestess and Templars took vows of celibacy, as a show of faith to the Maker and his prophet, Andraste. Finally, I found my voice. "Oh, I see." I tried to suppress the surge of jealousy that I felt towards Lily. It wasn't her fault, after all. Besides, there was never a hint or sign that Jowan shared my own interests. I knew it was foolish to feel this way, but I virtually grew up here. Jowan was always by my side, and we were always close.

"We know it's forbidden, but we're in love." Jowan tried to rationalize, probably mistaking my disappointment for the laws regarding their relationship. "No, I understand, Jowan. I'm happy for the two of you. I'm just surprised that you didn't tell me sooner, is all." I explained, my half-truth sounding more a lie to my ears than it really was.

"Jowan wanted to tell you. It was I who asked him not to. I don't know you as well as he does, and if word of this were to get out..." I interrupted Lily's explanation, knowing myself the consequences of such a union. "You'd both be stripped of your titles, and banished to Maker knows were. I promise you, your secret is safe with me." I said, looking back to Jowan, my eyes letting him know that I spoke the truth.

I felt a bit sick, the lack of sleep, and the odd feeling that something was wrong in my chest, catching me a bit by surprise. "I need to sit down, I think." I said as I lowered down to the floor, crossing my legs underneath me. Jowan looked over at Lily, and something unspoken passed between the two. "That's not all, is it?" I inquired of the pair, already knowing the answer. It was Lily that spoke this time. "No, it isn't. I was looking through some documents in Greagoir's study, and found out that Jowan is to be made Tranquil." Of all the things I expected from her, that was probably the one thing I'd never have thought to hear.

Riffling through her superior's paperwork? Not only that, but also revealing those secrets to a pair of mages. Her relationship with Jowan wasn't the only line she was crossing. If their secret was let out, they'd both be in a heap of trouble. I couldn't even think of what would become of them. Jowan picked up where Lily left off. "They are going to make me Tranquil. I'll have no magic, I won't dream. I won't feel anything! Not even my love for Lily!"

I shook my head. I truly couldn't believe this. "Why? It doesn't make any sense. The Rite of Tranquility is voluntary for those that don't want to undergo the Harrowing. I haven't heard of it being forced on someone, except in extreme cases. Usually only for punishment at that." I said, the shock and disbelief seeping into my voice as I spoke. Jowan replied this time, his voice panicked, and I felt his emotional state pulsing strongly, almost enough to cause me to panic at well. "There is a rumor going around that I'm a Blood Mage, which is why." His voiced lowered.

My eyes widened. "That's no small rumor! The Templar's don't play games with maleficars ." I couldn't help but look around to make sure that no one was in range to listen in. I used my empathy to get a feel for anyone that was on this floor. I felt nothing out of the ordinary. I returned my attention to Lily and Jowan. "Is it true?" I asked, almost afraid to hear the answer. If it was true...

"Of course not! But, it doesn't matter if it's true. They aren't going to ask me, there are no trials for maleficarum. They simply make you Tranquil, or kill you." He stated. He was almost right. "Don't forget Aeonar..." Lily's voice was small, and I saw her cringe. Even I felt a shudder make it's way up my spine at that name. Aeonar, the Mage's Prison. The Veil between our world and the Fade was incredibly weak there. Demons and Abominations ran rampant in that Prison. The worst part about Aeonar, is that no one ever came back. No one even knew where it was, save for the higher ranks of the Templar's Order.

"So... why are you telling me now then?" I asked, not sure if I was liking where this was going. Lily and Jowan made eye contact, and Jowan nodded to Lily, who walked up to me. "We are telling you, because we need your help. We are going to escape. If you promise to help us, I'll tell you our plan." She whispered into my ear. I sighed. I had guessed as much at this point. What could I do? I was Jowan's best friend, and though I never told him, I loved him dearly. I had to do this for the two of them. They deserved a chance at happiness, after all. Oh, how I would miss Jowan though.

I looked up at Jowan, a tear threatening to spill. "I swear it. I hate the thought of you leaving, but we have so few choices here." Both of them sighed in relief. I wiped my eyes, drying my hands on my apprentice robes. I remembered that I needed to get my new robe, and find out which room I was getting. I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts so I could focus on what we'd have to do. "So, what's the plan?" They hesitated for a moment. "There is a plan, right?" I asked, hoping they weren't going to try to improvise this.

"Yes, there is. We need to get into the Phylactery Chamber down in the Repository. We'll need to destroy Jowan's phylactery. That way he can't be tracked." I nodded. Getting out of the Tower wouldn't be too difficult, but avoiding the Templar's after that would be. "So, how do we get in? They don't exactly explain these things to apprentice's, and I not privy on that kind of information yet." I looked to Lily as I spoke, knowing that if any of us knew, she would.

"I overheard that to open the door, a member of the Chantry has to provide the password, and a Circle Mage touches the door with magic. They each have a key that opens the Phylactery Chamber door once they pass into the Repository." She explained. I thought about that for a moment. "How do we get through that door? I doubt that Irving and Greagoir will just hand over the keys to us."

Jowan spoke up then. "I've seen a Rod of Fire melt through steel once. Owain has some in the stockroom." I was impressed. I found myself curious as to how long they had been planning this. They certainly seemed to have their bases covered. "Well, I need to get a new hair tie anyway. I'll go to Owain and get a Rod while I'm there." I volunteered. It was very likely that it would have to be me anyway, seeing as I had never heard of an apprentice having access to that kind of thing. Not that I knew from experience, but it seemed like the kind of thing that the Templars and Circle Mages wouldn't want just anyone to have.

"You must hurry. Jowan is up for the Rite tomorrow morning. If we are going to do this, it has to be now." Lily informed me. 'Lovely. At least we aren't going to be rushed...' I thought sarcastically to myself. "Very well. I need to see Irving about my new robes anyway. I'll meet you both here when I have the Rod." I said, and turned to leave. "Toryn!" I heard Jowan's voice, and felt a surge of gratitude erupt from him. "I know Jowan, and think nothing of it." I said, glancing back to give the two of them a smile before I left the Circle Chantry.

I sprinted all the way to Irving's study. The door opened before I got a chance to reach out to knock. Duncan walked out. "Hello, Toryn. I didn't expect to see you so early." He said to me. Feeling rushed, I stated simply, "I needed to ask Irving about my new room, actually. I kinda forgot last night."

Duncan chuckled, his hand stroking his beard. "So, you slept with the apprentices then?"

"Well, no. Truth be told, I was so excited about our talk that I rushed to study and copy some spells to my grimoire. I lost track of time, and before I knew it, the sun was rising again." I explained, laughing a little myself.

"I admire your dedication. Give me a little more time, and I'll let you know how it pans out."

"Thank you, Duncan." I couldn't help but smile. Even in the midst of losing someone I care about, I found the future promising.

"I must be off. I have a few things to discuss with the Knight-Commander, if you will excuse me." The Grey Warden said as he began to walk off.

I took in a deep breath, and knocked on Irving's door. I heard his muffled voice, and I opened the door. "I hope I'm not interrupting you, First Enchanter."

"You are not, Toryn. What can I do for you?" He asked, placing a marker in his book, and closed it. I glanced down at the book for a moment, it's title intrigued me. The Forbidden Art of Blood. I was taken aback slightly, but realized that it must be due to Jowan.

"Yes, I forgot to ask about my new room, and my new robes last night." I told him. "I was caught up in the Arcane Library, and lost track of time."

"Glad to see that you are making good use of your time, Toryn. If you go to Cullen, he'll show you your new room. I'd do it myself, but I am a bit busy at the moment. As for your robes, just let Owain know that you need them, and he'll get them for you. Which reminds me!" He reached into his desk and pulled out my hair tie. "This fell off of you when you began screaming and thrashing about during your Harrowing. I had meant to get this back to you last night, but I was caught up myself."

I took my hair tie from him. "I thought that might have been what happened to it. My hair's been driving me a bit nuts without it." I said, laughing a bit. "Thank you. I suppose I'll have Cullen show me to my room then. Once I know where it is, I'll have a place to change into my robes." Irving nodded in understanding. "Very well. I must return to work anyhow. We'll talk later." The dismissal was evident in his voice. I shut the door behind me as I left.

I rushed to find Cullen, one of the Lieutenants under Greagoir. He was standing at the entrance to the Arcane Library. I cleared my throat. "Master Cullen, Irving sent me to have you show me my new room." I heard Cullen sigh. "I'm a bit busy here. You know where Leorah's room is?" I nodded. "Well, your room is right next door to hers." Clearly he was in no mood to chat today. I turned and left to make my way to the stockroom.

I made it to the stockroom, panting. All this running was wearing me out. I was still so tired from the lack of sleep, never mind the toll the Harrowing took on me. I composed myself and walked up to Owain. Owain spoke before I had a chance to do so. "Welcome to the Circle Stockroom. What can I do for you?" He asked in a monotone voice that all Tranquils seemed to share.

"I need my new mages robes, and a Rod of Fire, if you don't mind." My request seemed reasonable enough, though Owain didn't exactly rush to get those items. "Why do you require a Rod of Fire?" Was the question I had hoped that he wouldn't ask. Suddenly remembering that most of the rooms the Circle Mages use have fireplaces, I replied, "For my fireplace, of course."

Owain nodded. "A reasonable request, and very common among the Circle Mages. I'll just need you to have a Senior Enchanter sign this release form for it. I'll get you your robes." He replied, and walked into the stockroom. I sighed in frustration. This was going to be a hassle, and I didn't have time for hassles. The part of me that hoped for time to talk to Duncan after helping Jowan was beginning to fade.

Owain returned and handed me a bundle of robes. It looked like about 6 or 7 of them. 'Makes sense. It would allow Mages to go a few days before having their robes sent in for cleaning.' I grabbed the robes and the form. I quickly made my way back to my new room, the clothing impeding my sight considerably. I didn't even see Leorah until I ran into her, my robes falling all over the place, along with my form.

"Oh, Leorah! I'm so sorry." I said as I scrambled to gather my robes. "I couldn't see you over this mess." Leorah knelt down and began picking up a couple of my robes. "It's quite alright dear. It happens to all of us at some point. I, what's this?" She asked, picking up the request form before I could grab it. "I asked Owain for a Rod of Fire, actually. He gave me that to have a Senior Enchant sign it." I explained truthfully. Much to my surprise, she laughed. "I see that someone has been talking about how drafty our rooms can be. I have one for my fireplace as well. Let me help you get this stuff to your room, and I'll be happy to sign it for you." She offered, and I had to hold back my exclamation of joy. "I'd appreciate that, Leorah, thank you!"

We made it back to my room rather quickly, now that we could both see where we were going. Throwing the robes unto my new bed, I sat down, feeling like I needed a bit of a rest. "Tired already? Not a good sign for one so young." She poked mischievously. "But, let me sign this for you... and here you go." She said as I was handed the form. "Thank you Leorah. You're a life-saver." Leorah smiled and walked out of my room.

I shut the door, and changed into my new robes. They were definitely nicer than my old ones. These were a deep blue, where my old ones were more of a teal color. I looked around and found a backpack in the floor of my wardrobe. I grabbed it, and threw my grimoire and my robes into it, and set it next to my bed. If Duncan was able to talk Irving and Greagoir into letting me help, I wanted to be able to go as quickly as possible. I grabbed the form, and rushed back out of the room, heading back to Owain.

He was very prompt to give me the Rod after handing him the form. Finally something was going smoothly. I strapped the Rod to the rope that served as a belt for my robe. Deciding that I was done rushing for the moment, and that I should draw too much attention to myself, I walked at a casual pace to the Chantry. Jowan was sitting on a bench, reading a book. Lily was praying at the same spot she was at earlier. I nodded to Jowan as I passed, and he got up and followed me to Lily. I knelt beside her. "I have it." She looked up. "Wonderful. We should go now then. Jowan, are you ready for this?" She asked him. "As ready as I'll ever be. Let's go." He said. I turned and we began walking towards the staircase that led to the basement.

There was nothing in the basement but the Repository itself. Before us stood the door. Lily knelt on one knee and muttered a phrase that I did not catch. There was a sound that I did not recognize. "What was that?" I asked her. As she stood, she explained. "The password only primes the door. Now it must feel the touch of magic. Any spell will do, just do it quickly." I nodded, and a small bolt of energy left my hand to hit the door, which swung open.

"Creepy." I heard Jowan say, obviously referencing the fact that the door opened on it's own. "It's enchanted by magic, Jowan. Hardly creepy." I said, poking a finger into his ribs. The three of us walked inside, shutting the door behind us. We stood in front of the Phylactery Chamber door, and I noticed a door at the opposite end of the hall. 'Must lead to the rest of the Repository.' I thought. I pulled the Rod from my belt and pointed it at the lock. From the tip, flames erupted, however they stopped short of hitting the lock, repelled by something unseen.

"Why isn't it working?" Jowan asked, his voice becoming frantic. Lily looked at the door. "These markings... they must repel magic. This must be the Templar's doing!" She all but shouted in frustration. "That's it, we are done for!" Jowan's voice broke. I shook my head. "There must be some other way. What about that door down there?" I pointed to the door I noticed earlier.

"That probably leads to another part of the Repository. You don't think there's another way in do you?" Jowan asked, brushing the hair out of his face. "I don't know, Jowan, but we can't just give up. We won't get another chance to do this." I said as I began walking to the other door. It was locked as well, but I saw no markings on it's frame. I pointed the Rod at it's locks, and the flames melted the lock without wasting much time.

We walked through the Repository, finally ending up in a room full of Tevinter artifacts. "That wall over there! I think it leads to the Phylactery Chamber!" Jowan exclaimed. "Well, go on then. I didn't realize you could walk through walls." I joked. "Seriously, I don't think that the Rod will do anything but leave a burn mark on that wall." I said, my voice returning to a more serious tone.

"There are a lot of Tevinter artifacts laying around. I read about one that amplified magic. If we can find it in here, maybe we can use the Rod with it." Jowan said as he started looking about. Lily and I nodded at each other, and split up to look.

I saw a worn statue in a corner of the room. I found a curious feeling coming from it. I walked over to see what it was. It looked like the statue of a woman, a Chantry priest from the looks of the robe she was wearing. I was about to call Jowan and Lily over when a voice began talking. I looked back at the statue. It was murmurs at first, and it seemed to be speaking to my mind. The voice got clearer, and I was surprised to hear the voice of a young woman.

:'You shall be imprisoned in stone for all eternity for the lies you spread. On my doorstep you will stand, where you can tell your lies to all who pass.' Those were the words of my Lord, who punished me for foretelling the end of his House. Despite his inability to see the truth in my words, his House fell as I said it would.: My eyes widened. A prophet? She was... is a prophet? How sad to spend eternity in that shell. :Do not weep for me, young Toryn. I stand as a testament to the cruelty of the Tevinter Imperium. Let this lesson teach you to show mercy in the days to come.:

I looked back, seeing Jowan and Lily concentrating on finding something to break down the wall. I looked back at the statue. I opened my mind, and tried to speak back in the same manner she spoke to me. I pushed my thoughts through the same channel that my empathy used in my mind. I hoped that would work, though I had never believed that mind-speech was possible. :What do you know of my future? Did you see me coming tonight?: It was strenuous, to say the least, but I was sure that I succeed, as she spoke again. :I see many things. I see a Warrior, who's path is littered with pain, he is unsure if he will be enough to finish his task, unsure if he is worthy of the love of his partner. I did indeed see you come tonight, young Toryn. Your destiny is unfolding around you. Rest assured in my words. You will not falter, so long as your heart is true.: Her voice faded away, and the sense that brought my attention to her faded as well. As far as I knew, the magic that had held her had been spent.

I didn't see Jowan walk up to me, and when his voice reached my ears, I jumped. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I said your name a few times, but you seemed distracted." He said, looking a bit worried. "Yeah, I was just thinking, sorry. What did you find?" I asked, not wanting to discuss what I had heard. It was rare to speak to those from another time, and mostly that was to spirits. I didn't want to worry Jowan any furthur.

"I found what I was looking for. I moved it in front of the wall. If you are ready, that is." He said, looking a bit worried. I nodded. "I'm ready. Just a bit tired is all." I explained, and I walked over to the artifact. It was shaped like a dog, and made of the same stone that the statue I spoke to was. I pointed the Rod to the dog, and as the flames touched it, a powerful blast erupted from it's mouth, blasting a large hole in the wall before us.

We wasted no time, rushing into the Phylactery Chamber as quick as we could. The three of us looked for Jowan's phylactery. I found it on a desk. It was a small vial, filled with Jowan's blood and essence. 'So this is all it takes to track a mage...' I turned and showed it to Jowan. "Found it." He rushed over and took the vial. "Finally. It's so small, and fragile. So easy to be rid of it forever." As soon as he finished saying those words, he dropped the vial, where it smashed on the floor.

Lily walked up to us. "Should we look for yours as well, Toryn? We could all leave together." She sounded hopeful, though it was a waste. "No, they move the phylacteries elsewhere when a mage finishes their Harrowing." I said, almost upset over it. "We need to leave though. I need to get back upstairs, and you both need to find a way out. I'm sorry that I can't go with you." The remorse was more than I expected. I would miss Jowan very much.

Lily and Jowan ran ahead of me, opening the door that we couldn't open from the other side. I stood, looking at the broken vial at my feet, wondering if I'd ever see either of them again. I sighed, and dried my eyes as I walked out of the Repository.

Up ahead of me, I heard Jowan and Lily talking. As I walked up, I saw Jowan kiss her. I looked away, not bearing to see this right before he left for good. "So, you were right after all Irving." Greagoir's voice stopped my heart. I looked up in fear as I saw Greagoir, Irving, and five other Templars. Apparently this didn't go as smoothly as I had hoped. "A Chantry conspiring with a Blood Mage. You have brought disgrace to the Order, Lily. I expected more of you." He said, and I saw Jowan put him arms around her, protectively.

I walked forward. "Jowan isn't a Blood Mage!" I said boldly. Irving looked at me, his eyes harsh and unforgiving. "And you, Toryn. Newly a Circle Mage, and you have already disgraced yourself." I opened my mouth to speak, but Greagoir cut me off. "Lily and Jowan are sentenced as maleficarum as of this moment." He turned to Cullen, who I didn't recognize right away. "Send them to Aeonar." I felt my blood grow cold. I put my hand over my mouth in shock, and I heard Lily gasp in fear. "Not the Mage's Prison!" Her voice shook fearfully.

Greagoir waved for the Templars to take them, when Jowan pushed Lily behind him. I lurched forward to keep her from falling. "No! I won't let you touch her!" He bellowed as he drew a knife from his belt. I watched in horror as he sliced his hand, blood rising into the air, glowing a dark red. He waved his hands and all of them were knocked to the ground.

Lily pulled away from me. "Maker's breath! Blood magic! You! You swore you didn't!" She stuttered in anger and shock. Jowan reached for her, and she pulled back. "I admit, I dabbled. I thought it would make me a better mage. I was going to give it up though! Once we left..." Lily cut him off. "Blood magic is evil, Jowan. It changes you. I... I do not know who you are." She said, her voice heartbroken. Jowan opened his mouth to protest. "Leave, Jowan. I never want to see you again." She said, turning away from him. Jowan looked at me, making me feel uneasy. I mouthed the words 'I'm sorry' to him, and as much as I wanted to, I couldn't join him. Jowan nodded his thanks to me, and ran off.

I rushed to Irving side. No one was killed, fortunately, just knocked out. I lift Irving to a sitting position, and held him. I slapped his face slightly, trying to wake him. I heard a grunt. "What, what happened?" He asked. I lowered my head, finding myself at a loss for words. Behind me, I heard Greagoir stand. "He escaped! That is what happened. If you had let me do something about this sooner, Irving, this wouldn't have happened!" He said, angrily, as I help Irving to his feet.

"Too late to change that now Greagoir. I honestly didn't believe he would've gone to these lengths. Apparently I was wrong. Even so, he didn't kill anyone, it could have been so much worse." I listened in silence as the two walked away to wake up the rest of the Templars. I looked towards the corner of the room, where I saw Lily was huddled up and crying. I felt a hand grab me, and spin me around. "Where did they go?!" Greagoir demanded of me. "I don't know where Jowan went. He never told me what his plans were after this." I said, lowering my head. I was so tired, despite all the excitement of the day. "And what of Lily? Where is she?" He asked me. I didn't have a chance to answer, as I heard Lily's voice.

"I am here, sir." She said, her voice scratchy, no doubt from her tears. "You have helped a Blood Mage to escape! You have shamed yourself like no one of our Order before you!" He all but bellowed into her face. I turned to him. "She didn't know Jowan was a Blood Mage. Neither of us did. She only did this because she loves him!" I stood confidently, standing up for the last person I could call a friend. She shook her head at me. "Toryn, I am proud to call you my friend, and I appreciate your words, but I deserve this. No matter what I knew, I helped a Blood Mage." She turned back to Greagoir. "I beg for your forgiveness, sir. I am willing to accept the consequences of my actions. Even..." Her voice broke, "Even Aeonar." She finished, biting her lip.

Greagoir scowled. "Get her out of my sight!" He ordered. All of his men escorted her out of the room. "As for you! You have disgraced this Circle. You have knowingly broken into the Repository and destroyed the only means we have of tracking this maleficar, didn't you?!" I looked over at Irving, who was frowning. I took a deep breath. "Yes, Jowan's phylactery is gone. I won't deny that, and I stand by the decision I made with the knowledge I had at the time." I said, standing my ground. If I was to be sentenced to Aeonar, I would at least go with the satisfaction of knowing that I didn't appear to be soft in the mind.

"Toryn, I can't believe the words I'm hearing from you. I am very disappointed in you." Irving said, refusing to make eye contact with me. Greagoir looked me over, before lashing out on me again. "I hereby sentence you to Aeonar, may the Make..." Greagoir didn't get a chance to finish his statement.

"Hold on just a moment." Duncan's familiar voice hit me with surprise. How long had he been standing there? "I have been informed of what was happening, by a Master Cullen. I'd like to have a word before anything rash is done." He said confidently. It didn't sound like a request to my ears, and from what I sensed of him, he seemed almost... proud?

"What is it Warden? We are in the middle of something here." Greagoir said, his words had a sharp bite to them. "I can see that. And I would like to recruit Toryn to the ranks of the Grey Wardens." He countered. I almost collapsed from shock. Recruit me? And as a Grey Warden! This night was just one surprise after another. I wondered how much more my mind would be able to handle.

"Out of the question! This... elf is a criminal!" Greagoir snarled. Irving apparently had something to say as well. "He has disgraced the Circle and assisted in the escape of a Blood Mage, Duncan. Surely that isn't the sort of thing that the Grey Wardens reward?" No help from my former mentor either, apparently.

"I heard his bold words. He stood beside his friends, even with his own life at stake. Even now, he stands by his decisions without hesitation, knowing that he can't undo that. That kind of loyalty and dedication is something that we Wardens look for. Besides, there are worse things in this world than Blood Mages. Even you should know that, Irving." He said, leaving me with a feeling of being in the middle of a discussion that I wasn't present for.

"Besides, I'm not asking. I'm invoking the Right of Conscription, seeing as you are both unwilling to turn him over to me willingly. And, before you protest, he expressed his desire to join to me last night, before any of this had occurred." Duncan smiled, knowing that he had won.

Greagoir didn't respond, except for storming out of the room, muttering under his breath. Irving shook his head and looked at me. "Well, it seems you got lucky, Toryn. Remember this lesson in the future. Second chances are rare. Make the most of it." He turned and left as well, leaving me with Duncan.

"I am ready to go when you are, Toryn Surana. Get your things and meet me at the Tower door." I nodded, and ran to grab my backpack, grateful for the foresight I had earlier today in packing early.

As Duncan and I floated from the Circle Tower in the boat that was the only means of travel to and from the shore ahead, I wondered where this path was going to lead me. I began to drift into a much needed sleep. As I faded into my dreams, words heard by only me played through my mind: "Your destiny is unfolding around you. Rest assured in my words. You will not falter, so long as your heart is true."