Mel gently pulled the needle through the thick skin, wincing as the thread pulled the wound closed. She knew that the needle didn't bother Fen, certainly nowhere near as much as the sword that caused the wound had, but she hated the damn thing. She snipped the thread and gave Fen a gentle pat. "All done." The great cat rolled onto his belly and gave her arm a small lick, thanking her. She smiled at him and put away her medical supplies. It was a miracle that everyone had not only survived last night but did so with minor wounds. She shuddered at the memory of the undead horde.

She heard footsteps and looked up to see Sten approaching her. She stood up and leaned against the fence lining the cliff, curious as to what the Qunari warrior wanted. He spoke when he reached her. "Why are you here?"

Um, okay… Mel arched a brow. "You'll need to clarify that."

Sten sighed, clearly irritated. "Women are priests, artisans, farmers, or shopkeepers. None of them have any place in fighting."

Mel's jaw dropped and for a few moments she just stared at him. Fen lifted his head, now interested in the conversation. "I seem to be having trouble forming an answer for that," she finally said.

"It is not done. There is no more to it."

Was he serious? And why bring this up now? Mel gestured pointed at Rox, Leliana, and Morrigan. "You do realize that you fought beside a total of four women last night right?"

Sten shook his head. "That is not possible."

Why am I the one you're talking about this with? Rox is the leader. "Do you mean to tell me that your people have no female mages or warriors?"

"Of course not." Mel had to fight the urge to roll her eyes. "Why would our women wish to be men?"

She let out an irritated sigh. "What are you talking about?" Sten's expression clearly stated his disapproval at her question but she didn't give a damn. She disapproved this whole conversation. "Women don't wish to be men."

Sten nodded. "They shouldn't. That can only lead to frustration."

This conversation is going to lead to frustration. Oh, wait. Already there. A shout sounded and Mel turned to see Teagan staring up the path that lead to the castle. She looked and saw a well-dressed woman and a soldier running down the path toward them. Curious and a little wary, Mel picked up her bow and moved closer. Leliana came to stand next to her. Fen remained back, but Mel knew that Fen could close the distance in seconds if needed. When the strangers reached them, the woman ran up to Teagan while the soldier remained back. Mel didn't like the glazed look in his eyes.

"Teagan! Thank the Maker you yet live!" the woman cried out as she practically threw herself into the Bann's arms, clinging to him.

Mel leaned over and whispered to Leliana, "I don't like her." Leliana shushed her.

Teagan gripped the woman's arms and pulled her back off him. "Isolde! You're alive!" he said in surprise. You're alive and you're alive and you're alive. We're all alive! Mel thought. Teagan glanced at the soldier before refocusing on the woman. "How did you…? What has happened?"

Isolde took a step back and continued to ignore everyone else but the Bann. "I do not have much time to explain! And I… need you to return with me Teagan. Alone."

Mel faked coughed, "Bad idea."

Rox glanced at her, fighting a smile, but nodded. "I agree."

Isolde finally turned to the rest, clearly unhappy with their presence. She focused on Rox. "Who is this woman, Teagan?" Does she have difficulty remembering names? Mel wondered, curious as to why the woman kept saying the Bann's name. Isolde noticed Alistair and for a moment appeared surprised to see him. "Alistair? What are you doing here?" Disgust was clear in her voice during the last question.

Teagan narrowed his eyes at her, annoyed by her rudeness. "They are Grey Wardens, Isolde. They helped defend the village last night."

She must've realized she had made an error, as Isolde's expression changed to one of remorse. Mel didn't trust it for an instant. "Pardon me, I… I would exchange pleasantries but… considering the circumstances…"

She can't be nice but she sure can spew bullshit. Mel felt her suspicions of the woman grow as she "explained" what had happened in the castle, though she was so vague it was almost painful. They were able to learn that the Arl was alive although he had been poisoned by a mage working for Loghain. She kept claiming she didn't know what great evil was causing all the undead to rise and that Teagan had to return with her. Eventually, Teagan said he would go with her but first he had to speak with the Wardens. Mel kept her gaze on the woman as they went off to talk. Isolde returned her stare, trying to remain aloof but as their staring contest continued, she began to fidget and finally looked away. Mel smirked and Leliana jabbed her with her elbow.

Teagan and the Wardens returned and the Bann went with Isolde and the soldier back up the path. Rox waited until they were out of sight before turning to everyone. "He showed us a secret tunnel that leads to the dungeons. Who wants to storm the castle?"

Leaving Sten, Fen, and Fang to protect the village, the rest made their way through the tunnel and entered the dungeon. As they worked their way through, they came across some undead trying to break into one of the cells. They quickly dispatched them and discovered that the prisoner was none other than the mage who had poisoned the Arl. They learned how Isolde had hired him to train her son, Connor, in secret and how he was ordered by Loghain to poison the Arl but he wasn't responsible for the undead. Not wanting to leave the man as easy prey for the undead, Rox released him and they moved on.

When they reached the main floor, Rox spoke, "There's no telling how many more undead there are in this place, so let's be careful." As soon as she spoke, Alistair bumped into a table and sent a vase crashing to the floor. They all froze, waiting and listening. When it was clear nothing was coming Rox glared at Alistair. "And quiet."

"You just had to make it more challenging." He smiled when Rox did and they moved out into the hall. As they silently made their way down the hall, Mel though she heard something from another room. Remembering the blacksmith's daughter, she slowly opened the door. Suddenly, there was a loud shriek and the door was pulled from her grip. She felt herself pulled into the room and flung against a wall. She hit the ground and instinct had her jumping up and moving. Turning, she saw the room was full of demons and she drew an arrow as the others ran into the room to help. Between the five of them, they quickly dealt with the demons. Mel shot Rox an apologetic smile when they returned to the hall.

"So, uh, any chance no one heard that?" She cringed as another door banged open and a group of undead surged into the hall.

"It appears Alistair's cursed luck is rubbing off. Joy," said Morrigan before she froze all of the corpses, leaving it up to the rest to remove their heads. They continued to make their way through the castle, fighting many undead and demons as they went. At one point, they did find the blacksmith's daughter and pointed her in the direction of the dungeon. Eventually, they reached the main hall and what they saw there was… strange.

Soldiers lined the walls but didn't react to them as they entered, as if they hadn't seen them. Standing before the large fireplace was Isolde and a young boy. Isolde appeared terrified and when she saw them enter, even more so. The boy, Connor no doubt, was focused on the man before him. It was Teagan and he was dancing and jumping about as if he were the child. Slowly, weapons at the ready, they approached. As they did Teagan finished up… whatever he was doing and Connor finally seemed to notice them.

"These are our visitors?" he asked. Mel didn't like his voice. It didn't sound like that of a child's. It was too old, too sinister. "The ones who defeated the soldiers I sent to reclaim my village?"

Isolde shivered. "Y-yes Conner."

The boy focused on Rox as she drew closer, Alistair muttering protests behind her. "And now this one is staring at me! What is it Mother." Mel shot a look at Leliana. Weird.

Isolde seemed close to tears. "This… is a woman Connor. Just as I am."

"You lie!" Everyone tensed as he turned to her in anger, his voice sounding more sinister. Mel felt her skin crawl. "This woman is nothing like you! Why just look at her! Half your age and pretty too." Damn, Mel thought, He certainly doesn't hold back punches. Isolde started to beg with him to not hurt anyone and the boy stumbled back, shaking his head. "M-Mother? What…what's happening? Where am I?" Mel took a step forward at hearing the genuine voice of a terrified child but Alistair held up a hand to stop her. Sure enough, Connor's demeanor changed back and he was once again giving off evil vibes. Mel kept a wary eye on him as he and Rox began to converse.

"Looks like the child made a deal with a demon. Foolish indeed," Morrigan scoffed.

Rage flared in possessed eyes. "It was a fair deal!"

Mel glared at the mage. "Well done. You've made him even angrier." The possessed child ordered the soldiers to attack and they along with Teagan charged them. Mel tried to fight without killing, as these men were not in their right minds, throwing aside her bow and pulling out her daggers. She was able to knock a few unconscious but she did have to kill those that left her no other choice. Eventually, there was only Teagan left and Alistair sent him to the ground with his shield. The man hit the ground hard and he laid there for a moment, gasping. Then he began to stand back up and everyone stood ready. But he didn't attack, instead shaking his head and stumbling as if waking from a long deep sleep.

Alistair sheathed his sword. "I think he's normal again."

Isolde came out of the corner she had gone to hide. "Teagan?" Mel noted that the boy was no longer in the room.

Teagan glanced at Isolde but focused on the Wardens. "I am… better now. My mind is my own again."

"Blessed Andraste!" Isolde cried out and tried to approach the Bann, but he stepped back from her and she halted. "I would never have forgiven myself had you died, not after I brought you here." Teagan crossed his arms and glared at her, unforgiving. The Arl's wife turned to Rox. "You can't hurt Connor!" Rox arched a brow. "Please," the woman begged. "There must be way to save him!"

Rox mirrored the Bann's stance. "You knew about him being possessed all along."

"I… yes. I didn't tell you because I wanted to save him. I still do." Mel noticed movement out of the corner of her eye and turned to see Jowan, the mage from the dungeon, approaching. She quickly grabbed her bow and aimed it, halting his movements.

"Rox," she warned, drawing everyone's attention to him.

He held up his arms in surrender. Speaking to Isolde, "I am sorry, my lady, but Connor has become an abomination. He's no longer your son. But I may have a way to help him."

Isolde's expression grew outraged. "Help? You betrayed me! I brought you here to help my son and in return you poisoned my husband! How did you escape the dungeons?"

"We might have left a door open," Rox said.

Isolde turned on her. "How dare you!"

The Warden bristled. "How dare I? You're the one who started all of this!"

Teagan nodded. "Your secrecy did make this mage's actions possible."

Isolde collapsed into a chair, her rage replaced by sorrow. "But if it was discovered that Connor had magic, then they'd take him away! I didn't want to lose my son…" Mel felt herself begin to feel sorry for the woman. This is how a mother should feel when her child turns out to be a mage.

Teagan wasn't softening. "And now you have."

Mel shook her head. "Wait, is there no way to save him?"

Alistair stared at her sadly. "I wouldn't normally suggest slaying a child, but… he is an abomination. I'm not sure we have any choice."

Leliana looked around at everyone in shock. "No! We can't kill a young boy, demon or no demon. Please don't say we're considering that!"

Jowan spoke hesitantly, "There is a ritual…" He explained that he could send another mage into the Fade to confront the demon that possessed the boy but it involved blood magic and would require taking another's life. Isolde stepped forward, declaring she be the sacrifice and the room erupted into shouts of protests.

"Hold on!" shouted Mel. She turned to Jowan. "Can this ritual be done without blood magic and the taking of a life?"

He nodded. "But it would require a lot of lyrium and other mages."

Mel turned to Rox. "Ferelden's Circle of Magi isn't far from here. A couple days journey around the lake."

Alistair smiled. "That's an excellent point! And we have those treaties too."

Rox spoke to Teagan. "Is there a way to keep Connor from attacking again?"

Teagan thought for a moment and then nodded. "There are still a few Templars in the village. They can keep the demon contained until you return."

"Then it's decided," said Rox. "We'll got to the Circle."

"Go quickly," warned Teagan. "The longer you are away, the greater the chance of disaster."