DISCLAIMER: I base my stories on Intellectual Property (IP) owned by BioWare ™ and EA™. I pretend to live in their world.

SPOILERS: I refer to information from the games, the novels and the comics. If you have not played or read, please beware.

CHAPTER 5: WHISPERS IN THE NIGHT


With passion'd breath does the darkness creep.
It is the whisper in the night, the lie upon your sleep.
Transfigurations 1:5

Cloudreach === South Reach

Thomas Howe's patrol arrived in South Reach just as rumors of Ostagar began to trickle in. No official word had come from the King or Teyrn MacTir, but rumors slithered through the guard and the taverns whispering of a great defeat. These rumors joined the murmurs of rebellion in Highever. Hearing the tales, some fanciful and others all too accurate, Rogier persuaded Thomas to wait for more news before going to the Keep. Arl Bryland would ask questions, Rogier said, questions Thomas should not or could not answer about Highever, and about why he and his father had not been at Ostagar. He had, afterall, been called to Amaranthine to join his father's muster instead of remaining as a squire with Arl Bryland's troops. What kept them from the battle? Had it been a victory, Arl Howe's absence might have gone unremarked, but with a defeat, there would be questions.

Convincing the boy to stay at the inn had been surprisingly easy. Thomas had already begun having second thoughts about seeing Arl Bryland and explaining his presence. He had squired here, and knew the Arl well, but Arl Leonas and Teyrn Cousland had been close friends. The Arl might not believe Bryce Cousland a traitor. He most definitely would think he should have been judged by the Landsmeet. He would question the absence of the Amranthine troops at Ostagar. Better to wait and let his father explain, he had muttered when Rogier suggested they stay at an inn. Rogier could take care of the mage, while he enjoyed the diversions South Reach had to offer.

The brothels on Fondle Row recognized the young nobleman and welcomed him home, as it were. The best establishment, on the corner of Fondle Row and Hops Lane, had two buildings with connecting passages. One, facing Hops Lane, was an inn and brewery called the Wayfarer's Shield. Rogier took two rooms there. The horses, he stabled nearby.

In theory Thomas roomed with Rogier at the Shield, but in reality he spent his nights in The Damp Cavern, the brothel next door. Once he started drinking, he did not stop. Rogier found himself saddled with a drunken boy, an apostate, and six dependable troopers.

Just as well the boy is drunk. I'll get the mage off to Redcliffe and convince Thomas to return to Highever, now that he's given up on trying to see Arl Bryland. I just hope Tobias has everything under control in the North.

Jowan sat in the corner of Rogier's room, huddled against the wall on a bedroll. His ankles were loosely tied together, allowing him to hobble to the night soil bucket in the corner. When he brought food or allowed him to use the bucket, Rogier tied Jowan's hands loosely in front of him. Otherwise, his hands remained encased in a sack and tightly bound behind him. A steady dose of magebane kept his kept his mana depleted, but covering his hands added a second level of protection against casting and nimble fingers.

Rogier pulled up a chair and stared at the young mage. Jowan pushed himself farther into the corner. He did not look directly at Rogier, but at some spot across the room. Rogier sat facing the back of the chair, his arms crossed on top of the back rest.

"Could you teach a child to control and hide his magic?"

Jowan's brow furrowed as he tilted his head. "Me?" His eyes grew wide as he focused on Rogier.

"Do you see another mage here?" Rogier snapped. "Take care with your answer, boy. Lying will not benefit you. The truth might."

"You need to teach a child to hide their magic?"

"Just answer the question, mage."

Jowan sat quietly, chewing on his upper lip. Finally he shrugged. "I could, yes, up to a point. When a mage becomes very angry or afraid controlling magic is difficult for all but the most disciplined mages."

"And which are you?"

"Not particularly talented or disciplined, I'm afraid. Although, I'm better now than I was before I ran off." Better not to mention the blood magic. Lucky he doesn't understand what the scars on my hands mean. In the Tower, the scars from blood magic practice had been healed to cover up the evidence. He had not healed himself after escaping from the Tower; Reina had not offered. He wouldn't forget again, but the old scars remained.

"If the child is a noble and not likely to get unusually angry or afraid, would that make it easier?"

"A noble wants to hide their mage child?"

"Yes."

"You want me to teach it?" Jowan's voice almost squeaked.

"Possibly."

Jowan wrinkled his nose and stared at Rogier. "Why?"

"Why not? The Chantry either doesn't know about you or hasn't caught you. I suspect the latter, since your clothing appears to be the remnants of a Tower robe. That indicates, if not intelligence, a certain cleverness in avoiding the templars."

Jowan coughed to hide a smirk. He doesn't need to know about the phylactery either. Let him think I'm smart.

"You can go to…his home, hide your own magic, and act as a tutor to the child. Mages have a good education, yes?"

"Better than most, I guess. I could teach reading, numbers, easy things. Is the child very young?"

"Ten, I think."

"A little young to manifest."

"Manifest? You mean show his magic?" Rogier asked.

Jowan nodded.

"Yet, manifest he has."

Jowan stared at Rogier, eyes narrowing. "What do I get? This masquerade will fail at some point. I don't want to be there when it does. And I can only teach him so much…you did say him?"

"Him, yes." Rogier shook his head. "I don't know. The idea is for him to hide his magic forever."

Jowan snorted. "Not likely. I can help for a few years. He'll need a real tutor at some point, won't he? That person will be Chantry trained, right? Hiding from them will be more difficult." Jowan continued chewing his lip. "If he's noble, does he get trained to fight?"

"Probably."

"That could trigger magic. His training should be done carefully."

"That can be arranged." Rogier stood and paced. The mage makes some good points. The mother will need to be careful.

There's a second task we need from you."

"Besides tutoring the boy?"

"Yes. We need his father to fall ill."

"You want me to poison his father?" Jowan eyebrows raised and his voice came out unnaturally high.

"Yes, and then, later, administer the antidote."

"Just make him sick?"

"That's all. Keep him at home for a time."

"He'll recover?"

"After a couple of months, yes. We'll contact you when it's time to give him the antidote."

"Won't they suspect me when the father suddenly falls ill? What happens if he dies? I…I'm not a murderer. This man hasn't hurt me."

Rogier stared at the mage and then sighed. He would have scruples. "You won't kill him. He won't suddenly collapse. The poison acts slowly. He'll begin to feel ill within a day, but he won't fall into unconsciousness for several days."

"He'll be unconscious?"

"Yes, for a time. He will swallow gruel or porridge and water while in that condition. He shouldn't die if treated by a healer."

Jowan brow furrowed. His bottom teeth pulled on his upper lip. "I suppose…if he won't die. And I can help the boy."

We'll need to promise something to get his cooperation. Rogier turned back to the mage."What do you want? We will reward you for your service."

"Freedom. Not to return to the Circle. Send me to Tevinter or some big city where I can lose myself."

"That can be arranged. Say after six years."

Jowan frowned. The boy would be sixteen. "No, three years. When the boy is thirteen. That's long enough. You can find some other apostate to step in then. Maybe a battle mage, who can help with his training."

Rogier stared at the young mage for some time. "Look, I don't plan to tell young Lord Howe about this. I work for his father. We'll have to sneak you off to…well the boy's home."

Jowan stretched his legs out. "So we have a deal?" I can hide my magic well enough. Some nobles keep would be the perfect place to hide from templars.

"Not yet. I want to think more about what you said." He looked at the mage. "I need to go out." He tightened the rope around Jowan's ankles, and looped the end around the heavy leg of the bed. Rogier left the room, locking the door behind him.

Jowan settled back into his corner. With the shutters closed and the heavy curtains pulled over the single window, he could not tell if it was night or day. It hardly mattered. He had learned to enjoy sleep, whenever it came without dreams. When the whispers began and the Fade intruded, he tried to wake himself. Most times he still could. He had not studied with Uldred's group long. He had only used his blood magic once outside of practice. He had not yet made a deal with demon, only with Uldred and his collaborators. Once they rebel and free themselves, perhaps I can find them again. I don't like being alone. He had been glad to see the last of Reina's glares and barbed remarks, but now he missed her. She had been his friend. I'll find new friends once Uldred succeeds. In the meantime, a quiet life in a castle might be just the thing.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Most of South Reach's army had gone to Ostagar, but Arl Bryland had remained in South Reach with the rest, ready to defend his outlying farmholds from darkspawn raids. The Southron Hills and West Hills had suffered the most from raiding parties, but some darkspawn had raided along South Reach's western borders.

A favorite haunt of the Arl's guards, the Foaming Tankard, near the Keep's wall, filled each time the watch changed. As Rogier entered, several horsemen cantered through the keep's gate. They wore the livery of Gwaren, and appeared to have ridden hard. News from Ostagar? I think I'll stay until the guards change and see what they know. The mage is secure, and Thomas' watchers won't let him do anything foolish.

Two of Rogier's troopers shadowed Thomas at all times. Truth be told, Thomas made it easy, rarely leaving the Cavern. One of the troopers would come find me if I'm needed. Two other troopers remained at the Wayfarer's Shield, monitoring conversations in the common room and checking on the mage. Two more roamed through town, collecting what information they could. The five men and one woman had worked with him before. They would meet tonight at the Shield to discuss the intelligence they had collected. Well, all but the lucky one who had to stay with Thomas.

Rogier ordered ale and settled back for an afternoon of observing and listening. When two guards, newly relieved from duty, entered and sat near him, his vigil was rewarded.

"So those Gwaran messengers, they announced the Teyrn himself will arrive tomorrow or the next day. He's leading what's left of the army back to Denerim. He wants to speak privately with the Arl, so he's riding just ahead of his troops."

"Is the King with him?"

"No one said anything about the King."

The two South Reach guard looked around. The man in black at the table nearest them dozed, with an half empty cup in front of him. The guards whispered.

"One of the Gwaran troopers knows Samel. Kin of some sort. He said the King is dead. Teyrn MacTir retreated. Can you imagine? He's a hero of the Rebellion. It must have been bad if he left."

"Dead? Maker help us if that's true. The little princess is not even three."

"I guess we'll find out when the Teyrn arrives tomorrow. They're scurrying around in the keep getting rooms ready, Lara tells me."

Rogier waited until the two guards left before he sat up. The King dead? Loghain here? He took another deep draught from his cup. Howe told Loghain about the Guerrin boy. Maybe I should try and speak with the Teyrn. Rogier knewLoghain had promised to help. A letter from him will go far to convince the Arlessa to accept the mage. The Teyrn should recognize me. I'll speak with him. Get his blessing. Rogier smiled.Howe would like that. He could blame Loghain, when the inevitable happened.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Rogier sat on his horse in the middle of the West Road as Teyrn Loghain and his guard approached. An Amaranthine shield he had borrowed from one of his soldiers hung, clearly visible, from his saddle. He saluted as the Teyrn approached, flanked by his guards.

"Your Grace, I would speak with you if you would allow it. I represent my Lord, Arl Howe."

Loghain's guards surrounded him.

"I recognize you. Rogier, is it?" Loghain said.

"It is, Your Grace." Rogier rode towards Loghain. "My message should be delivered privately, Your Grace."

Loghain waved his guards aside. The scouts he had sent out had reported this stretch of road clear, except for an encampment a half mile ahead. The three men and one woman bore Amaranthine shields or tabards. The scouts had not deemed the group threatening. Having been warned of the Amaranthine encampment, Rogier's appearance did not surprise the Teyrn. Loghain rode ahead, motioning for Rogier to accompany him. "Alright, what's this about. Where is Howe?"

"Your Grace, Arl Howe was delayed at Highever. He will need to explain his actions there. I cannot speak for him in that matter. That is not why I approach you."

"Then what in the Void do you want?"

"I understand from Arl Howe that you know of Conner Guerrin's…affliction."

This was not a topic Loghain expected. "He's a mage."

"I have an apostate, Your Grace, captured in the forest north of here. The Chantry is not aware of him."

Loghain stared at the dark haired man. "I see. That is fortunate."

"I thought you might think so. I believe the sooner he gets to Redcliffe the better. He will need a recommendation, however, from someone the Arlessa trusts. That is not me. Rather than take the time to reach Arl Howe, I thought perhaps you could provide the letter. If not, I'll need to return to Amaranthine to get a letter from Arl Howe. That will delay our trip to Redcliffe by several weeks."

"It would. Your reasoning makes sense. And you think Arlessa Isolde will trust me?" Loghain almost smirked.

"In this, yes, if the letter is worded well. Say you understand, as a father and grandfather, her fears for Conner." Rogier mouth quirked in a lopsided smile that quickly disappeared. "She will most likely trust your word more than Arl Howe's."

Loghain pursed his lips and nodded. "Possibly so." Loghain considered Rogier's proposal. "She does love her son. She may even think I'd enjoy deceiving her husband."

"Would she be right, your Grace?"

Loghain did laugh softly this time. "Yes, she probably would. How will this mage get to Redcliffe?"

"I'll escort him myself. And provide the potion which I think you and the Arl discussed."

"To incapacitate the Arl for a time?"

Rogier sighed. Apparently there was no subtlety in the man. "Yes, your Grace. A potion and an antidote."

"How do I know you have a mage?"

"I can introduce you, Your Grace. I did not travel alone, but my companions are trustworthy. The mage is with them in a copse just off the road ahead, but there's something else we need to take care of."

"Why do I think this will not please me?" Loghain asked.

"A templar stopped us just after we left South Reach. We did not pass near the Chantry, but this one happened to see us as we rode through the town and followed us. The mage did nothing. He has been dosed with magebane since we captured him, but somehow this templar sensed him."

"Is he dead?"

"No. Nor is he a templar of the South Reach Chantry. So he will not be missed. I suggest you take him back to Denerim with you. Tell them you found him unconscious along the road…which will be true."

"Alright. Knock him unconscious and have him on the road ahead of us. We'll rescue him." Loghain turned to his guard. "Goronwy and Adaf come along with me. The rest of you follow at a distance. Just keep us in sight."

When they reached the copse, Rogier and Loghain dismounted. Loghain motioned for the guard to do the same, but stay with the horses. He followed Rogier into the trees. The soon emerged into a clearing where he could see a woman and two men standing, alerted by the noise from the road. The templar lay bound on the ground behind them.

"I wish you no harm, your Grace. It's only the three ahead, the unconscious templar and me."

"Do you read minds?"

"Only my own, your Grace."

Loghain snorted.

Rogier stopped. "Osen, you and Emry take the templar through to the road west of here, as we discussed. Make it quick."

The troopers lifted the templar and moved out.

"Jowan, come here," Rogier ordered.

The third man, wearing a torn, filthy robe, partially covered by a simple cloak, came forward, walking unevenly. Loghain saw that he was young, probably late teens. His ankles had been loosely bound, enabling him to hobble along. His held his arms behind him under his cloak. His hands were bound too, Loghain guessed.

"That's your apostate? You didn't think to put him in normal clothes? The robe alone gives him away."

Rogier gave Loghain a sidelong glance. If he didn't wear the robe, how would you know he's a mage. We'll have to fix that now, though. "Circle trained, as the robe indicates, torn and dirty though it may be. Smart enough to escape, my Lord," Rogier said, careful not to disclose Loghain's identity to the mage by using the honorific which was only a Teyrn's due.

"That sheds a different light." Loghain turned to Jowan. "You are willing to do this? Teach the boy to keep his magic hidden? Act as his tutor? Administer the…potion to his father?"

"I am, My Lord. I'm told I'll be allowed to leave Ferelden after, and disappear to a place of my choice."

"Don't the templars have a way to trace you? Is that how this templar noticed you?

"No, they can't track me." I should tell them about the phylactery now, in case this lord knows. "I destroyed my phylactery before I escaped. That's what lets the Chantry track a Circle mage."

"He won't be noticed at Redcliffe, My Lord, if the Chantry can't track him."

"Then, if you succeed, you will indeed be free to go where you will."

"It seems a fair bargain, as long as the father recovers. I don't want to kill anyone. I'll do my best, My Lord."

"Then go with these men. They'll give you what you need to appear qualified before the boy's mother."

"Thank you, My Lord."

"Jowan, go back to the fire." Rogier ordered.

The mage hobbled away.

"How do I know he's a mage?"

"You mean beyond the templar and the robe? You think I kidnapped a templar to convince you?"

"Anything is possible, Rogier."

"You want a demonstration? I'm sorry, but that is not possible due to the magebane."

"Binding his hands is not sufficient?"

"Not always. I prefer not to risk any incidents that might allow him to flee or attract templars."

Loghain stared at the rogue. He's Howe's trusted agent. This solves one problem. I won't have to worry about Eamon when I get to Denerim. "I'll get a letter to you after I arrive at the Arl's keep. How do I reach you?"

"There's an inn on Hops Lane called the Dancing Wyvern." Rogier grinned. "Appropriate, yes, My Lord?"

Loghain snorted. "Probably Gwaran run."

"I'll be there tomorrow morning. We'll leave as soon as we have the letter."

"What's to stop me from writing a letter condemning you and the boy?"

"Nothing," Rogier shrugged, "but I assure you, if you do, the mage will be left at a Chantry."

"Howe claimed you were talented. Alright, understood. You will open, read and somehow reseal it."

Rogier smiled. "I don't need your signet. There are ways to keep a plain wax seal intact. Now if you plan to attach ribbons and multiple seals…that's more difficult. I don't have those tools with me."

"It would be easier to write it while you watch, but I don't want to see you in South Reach. I'll keep it simple." Loghain's eyes narrowed. "Or perhaps you can just create it yourself?"

"I'm not a forger, your Grace," Rogier said as they approached the road. "I'll need you to write the letter."

Loghain's reply sounded more like a grunt. "Be careful if you pass by Lothering. Darkspawn will be in that area by now. You may want to take a more northerly route and bypass the town. If you need supplies get them in South Reach before you leave. "

"I see."

"I doubt you do." Loghain turned on his heel and returned to his mount. He waved the main force to join him, and they proceeded to South Reach.

Rogier took a deep breath as the Teyrn rode away. Success. He reviewed the events of the past had used the information from the Arl's guards and Loghain's imminent arrival to convince a semi-sober Thomas to return to Highever with four of the troopers. Meeting with the Teyrn to explain his father's actions did not appeal to Thomas at all, particularly if Arl Bryland would also be present. Good that he left. He will need to take charge in the North. He should be sober by the time they arrive. His father will surely go to Denerim to meet with the Teyrn.

After Thomas rode out with his men towards the North, Rogier, Jowan, and the other two troopers had left South Reach. The templar had caught up with them near where they planned to camp, insisting that the boy was a mage wanted by the Chantry. When he refused to leave them, they attacked and overpowered him. Jowan seemed to enjoy seeing the templar bound and drugged. And why wouldn't he? They set up camp and waited for Loghain and the army. Now Loghain's troops would find the templar, unconscious and with a head wound which should mask the drugging.

As the army passed, Jowan, Osen and Emry remained in their camp, while Rogier returned to South Reach to receive Loghain's letter and gather supplies. He already had new clothes for Jowan, ones more fitting a tutor than a mage. Once Rogier returned to the camp, the Redcliffe bound group headed west on the main road for a while, then turned northwest into the Bannorn on smaller roads which would take them north of Lothering. Traveling west, they would come to a swampy area where the outlet of Lake Lothering drained into Lake Calenhad. A road traversed the swamp and met the Imperial Highway near Redcliffe Village. Even with this more northerly route, the four should be in Redcliffe in two weeks or just before Summerday. If they were lucky, the Summerday crowds would mask their arrival.

Cloudreach === West of Lothering

Sleeping in barns and sheds on abandoned farmholds became a habit as Taina and Daveth emerged from Wilds into settled lands. Their route had taken them west of Lothering. Now they turned back east toward the town.

Their emerging warden senses gave them an edge over the farmholders. They could sense a darkspawn raiding party some time before an attack and, often, avoid them. They thought it likely that the darkspawn could not yet sense them. The empty farmholds they came upon provided supplies. Most of the inhabitants had left so quickly, after learning of the defeat at Ostagar, that stocks of food and other goods filled their homes and outbuildings. Others had not been so lucky. They had killed several ghouls, and burned any dead they found, human, elf or darkspawn. It slowed their passage, but Taina in particular insisted.

"The taint will spread more slowly if we see them burned. Others may come upon them if we don't, and the infection could spread. We're wardens. Duncan would tell us to do this." She stared at Daveth. "I'm dwarva. I say do this."

Daveth acceded to her demands, knowing she had more knowledge of darkspawn then he did. They had burned bodies at a farmhold they passed earlier in the day. As the sun set they saw a barn not too far ahead.

"Good, I feared we would have to spend the night in the open." Taina said.

Daveth knew Taina still felt uncomfortable sleeping under a starry sky. It was just too much space for the dwarf to comprehend. In the forest, she was fine under the enclosing canopy, but in a field the spaciousness felt threatening. Not that he minded too much. When she got anxious, he would hold her. He had begun to enjoy that more than a friend should.

The two hurried to the barn and let themselves in. They did not check the house for inhabitants. No smoke came from the chimney. They could check in the morning for bodies and take care of them then. Having eaten a hot meal earlier, while they waited for the pyre to burn down, tonight they only had cheese, bread and dried fruit. Water, from a spring they had found on their route, had filled their water skins. Tired from the day's work and travel, sleep seemed more important than food. Daveth guessed they were only a day's journey from Lothering. If they started out early, they would get there tomorrow.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"Is she a dwarf?" a voice whispered.

Daveth kept his eyes closed as he came awake, but his hand wrapped around the hilt of the dagger under his cloak.

"She might be. Can't tell, when she's lying there with a cloak over her." This second whisperer sounded male.

"Should we wake them? We could offer breakfast. They're probably more poor refugees."

"Bethy, we can't feed every person who comes through. As soon as Rori is back from selling the rest of the food and pigs to the army, we have to leave too."

"We can at least offer hot tea."

Daveth heard a sigh.

"Right. You planning on heating it? That should provide entertainment."

"No one has to see me," the girl hissed. "They don't have to come into the house and see we have no fire."

"Right, they won't notice there's no smoke from the chimney."

Daveth heard a thump and had to cover a chuckle. The soft grunt implied the girl had hit the man in frustration."

An apostate? That's interesting. Explains why there's no smoke. Guess that guy's lucky she didn't do worse than punch him. He kept breathing deeply and not moving.

"If we just let them alone, they'll wake up and leave, and never know we're here. Come on. Let's go back to the house."

Daveth heard two sets of feet walk away. The barn door squeaked as they opened and closed it. That's what woke me. Good thing we came in the other door. He risked opening his eyes. Taina stared back at him.

"I feel like an exhibit in the Shaperate," she whispered. "I thought I was dreaming."

Daveth stifled a laugh. "They were interested. Probably never saw a dwarf before. This area's pretty remote. We haven't seen many elves, even at the most prosperous farmholds."

Taina sniffed. "Let's get going. I don't want some nervous apostate frying me."

"You noticed that too?"

"Hot tea? No chimney smoke? Not hard to make the connection, cloudhead." She folded up her bedroll. "Smart. No smoke to attract the 'spawn or bandits."

They got up quietly and loaded their packs. Nibbling on jerky and dried fruit, they left by the other door, which faced away from the house and did not squeak. Circling through the woods to the east of the house they soon found themselves on a main road.

"This is it, the Imperial Highway from Redcliffe." Daveth grinned. "We'll be in Lothering fer dinner."

Sometime later, they saw a young woman coming towards them, twin blades on her back. She stared at Taina.

Taina sighed. "This will get annoying very quickly."

Daveth laughed as Taina addressed the other traveler.

"Yep, I'm a dwarf. You can touch me if you want to. See if I'm made of stone or not."

The woman had drawn even with them as Taina spoke. She broke out laughing.

"I'm so sorry. I was staring wasn't I? We don't see many dwarves hereabouts, but I shouldn't be so rude. Are you heading to Lothering?

"We are," Daveth replied.

"Stragglers from Ostagar?" The woman, girl really, saw the dwarf and human exchange a glance. "I am too. My brother and I fled at the end. No sense dying there."

Daveth and Taina nodded.

"Ya got that right," Daveth said.

"A warning. Teryn MacTir left a patrol in Lothering. They say they're looking for any wardens who survived, but they're also sending stragglers to Denerim. The army needs troops, and they're conscripting or pressing whenever they can." She pointed a thumb at her swords. "Once I sold the livestock and no longer looked like a farm lass, I had to hide those until I left town.

"Thank you." Taina held out her hand. "I'm Taina," she grinned and whispered, "the dwarf. And this is Daveth, a human."

The girl took her hand and shook. "I'm Rori. Rori Hawke. We have a farmhold just off the road ahead. We're leaving today, I hope. My mother has been slow about packing."

"You have a sister Bethy?" Daveth asked.

Rori took a step back, her eyes narrowing. "I do."

"They're fine," Taina quickly interjected. "We slept in your barn last night. We thought it was deserted when we saw no lights or smoke. All the farmholds south of here are empty or destroyed. Your sister and a man found us sleeping, this morning. They decided not to wake us, but your sister wanted to give us tea. The man said no."

Rori chuckled. "That sounds like Bethany and Carver. They're twins, and always at odds."

"Well, you should get out soon. Today if you can. We burned darkspawn at a farmhold not five miles from yours."

"We'll go." Rori wrinkled her nose. "As soon as Mum finishes packing. Thanks for the warning. Good luck to you too."

Rori moved past Daveth and Taina towards her farmhold.

"Think they'll get out in time?" Taina asked.

"I don't know. They're cuttin' it close. Nothin' we can do. Let's get ta Lothering and avoid Loghain's men while we're there. Meetin' her may have saved us from a run in with them."


A/N:Thank you for reading. If you have time, please review. I appreciate all followers, favorites, kudos and comments.

Thanks to my wonderful betas Kira Tamarion and ElyssaCousland. They make it a better story. Any remaining errors are mine alone.

Thanks for the reviews! SnowHelm, Pervinca T, dustywalker, SagaMus, ChaoticHarmony1991, clafount

For those who might be interested - my thoughts on Arl Eamon and the Redcliffe / poisoning timeline:The evidence for when Arl Eamon becomes ill is contradictory. Jowan, in Redcliffe during that quest, claims he met with Loghain in Denerim. That leaves two options: (1) The whole mage recruiting sequence happened weeks before Ostagar, allowing an escaped Jowan to run, get captured and get taken to Denerim to meet Loghain before Loghain left for Ostagar. That meeting would have to take place four or more weeks before Ostagar. If he went straight to Redcliffe, it's possible that he could poison the Arl before the battle, thus causing his own troops not to appear.

Problem is…what did Duncan and the mage do for those four or more weeks? It doesn't take that long to travel from the Tower, stop at Redcliffe (likely before the Arl falls ill given Duncan's comments to Cailan) and get to Ostagar. If the Arl falls ill immediately after a mage shows up, wouldn't Isolde get suspicious?

(2) He meets Loghain after Ostagar. If in Denerim, it would put that meeting at least 2 or more weeks after Ostagar. Getting Jowan to Redcliffe, from Denerim, would take another two weeks. One might assume poisoning the Arl wasn't his first act upon arrival, so at the earliest, Jowan could have poisoned the Arl about five or six weeks after Ostagar.

The wardens hear about Arl Eamon's illness in Lothering, where Ser Donal claims the Arl has been ill for weeks. With option 1, Ser Donal showing up in Lothering is possible. Option 2 would put the wardens in Lothering eight, ten or more weeks after Ostagar. That seems like a long time for the wardens to spend recuperating in the Wilds with Flemeth. And for the Darkspawn to spend at Ostagar before moving north.

Duncan, on his arrival at Ostagar, gives Cailan a message from Arl Eamon, who must have still been healthy when Duncan visited. Duncan does not say, but one could infer that he visited Redcliffe on his way to Ostagar. Otherwise how would he get a message from Eamon to give to Cailan. Option 1's visit would have to be a month before Ostagar, while Option 2's visit would be a week or ten days before Ostagar. Redcliffe is more or less on the way from Highever and the Circle Tower by boat and from Orzammar on the Highway. It's out of the way from Denerim or the Brecilian (if that's where Marethari & Mahariel's clan is camped), but perhaps Duncan made the detour.

Why Arl Eamon's troops have not arrived by the time of battle is another question the game leaves unanswered. Option 1 implies the Arlessa had sent them in search of the Urn; Option 2 (which I tend to adopt) says he feared the Darkspawn would attack his Arling. He probably also thought Cailan would not fight without him – his hubris again. Cailan seems to think he's out for glory, but that may just be a projection on Cailan's part. Rowan and Rendorn weren't a glory hounds, but maybe it passed from Eamon to Cailan somehow!