As soon as the guards released Cullen and Mahannon, they made their way towards the Magisterium, while Mahannon called Dorian on the sending crystal.

"Dorian!" Mahannon spoke into the crystal. "Dorian, we're in Minrathous, where are you?"

"I'm heading towards the Magisterium, Amatus," Dorian replied. "We've all been summoned to an emergency session."

"I know why you're being summoned, Dorian," Mahannon said grimly. "It's Fenris. They took him into custody. They plan to execute him. Today."

"Oh my, I didn't think that warrant was even still valid," Dorian said. "I'll make haste and see what I can find out. Call me again when you arrive so we can find each other. I'll do what I can to delay the proceedings."

"Alright, we'll hurry as well," Mahannon replied. "See you soon."

Mahannon and Cullen moved through the crowds of pedestrians and carriages as quickly as they were able. The Magisterium was at the center of the city and they didn't want to waste time.

As they neared their destination, they began hearing whispered conversations about Fenris having been caught, and the promise of a very public execution. Cullen was grateful for the lessons in Tevene that Dorian had given him over the last few years. He couldn't make out everything that was being said, but it was enough.

Once they arrived at the Magisterium, Mahannon contacted Dorian again through the sending crystal and they were able to find each other. Dorian immediately grabbed and hugged the elf. "I am so pleased to see you, Amatus," Dorian said before looking apologetically at Cullen. "Despite current circumstances."

"What have you learned?" Cullen asked.

"You were right, they plan to execute Fenris immediately. They've set up the gallows for it and everything," Dorian sounded dismayed. "Usually there is a trial first, and I have been pushing for that already. Some of my compatriots agree with me, but some have been vehemently in favor of immediate execution. I suspect those were the Magisters that were complicit with Danarius' treatment of Fenris and don't want the truth to come out."

"What are our options?" Mahannon asked.

"I can, and will, put forth a motion to delay the execution until we can hold a trial," Dorian said. "Come let's hurry. I'll show you where you can sit. As former Inquisitor and Commander of the Inquisition, you both may also have some sway in the argument, but let me speak first."

Cullen and Mahannon followed Dorian into the main hall, which was a large circular room. Dorian's box had additional seats for guests. All around, in a nearly complete circle were other such boxes, each with a Magister and their guests. The circle broke in one spot where a large throne was situated. Cullen guessed that was where the Archon himself sat.

Looking down at the floor of the main hall, there was erected a gallows with a noose already prepared for the execution.

Cullen then gasped when saw Fenris, naked and trembling, his wrists and ankles cuffed and a heavy metal collar around his neck. He had been forced to his knees before the throne of the Archon, and was flanked by two guards who held lengths of chain attached to his collar. Cullen resisted the urge to just leap down there and whisk his love away from all this madness, but he knew it would be fruitless. Not when surrounded by some of the most talented and best trained mages in all of Thedas.

The Archon then stepped out and seated himself upon his throne. Despite his advanced years, he still stood tall and Cullen could see he must have been quite handsome in his youth. What surprised Cullen was the kindness he saw on the Archon's face. He had expected a man with the same cruel eyes he had glimpsed from more than one of Dorian's compatriots. However, the Archon actually looked like he might actually have some compassion. Unfortunately, Cullen reminded himself, looks could easily be deceiving.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Magisterium," the Archon began and the room fell to a hush. "Here before me kneels probably the most infamous slave in all of Thedas since Shartan himself. You all know the famous experiment that Danarius did, branding pure lyrium to his flesh. I am still amazed how well this simple elf can bear it, after all these years."

A murmur of approval rippled throughout the large room.

"We also know," the Archon continued. "That this slave escaped his Master and had been at large for nearly nine years before Danarius located him, in the city of Kirkwall on the Waking Sea. It was there, where Danarius met his demise at the very hands of this powerful slave that he, himself, had created."

This time a murmur of disapproval rose around the room.

"Slave," the Archon said, addressing Fenris. "You stand accused of escaping and running away from your Master, and of the murder of your Master, Danarius, and of his apprentice, Hadriana. How do you plead?"

Fenris shook his head, but kept it lowered, as he continued to tremble.

"Speak up, Slave," the Archon said.

Fenris lifted his head and looked at the Archon and said more loudly. "I don't know. I don't remember!"

"What is the meaning of this?!" the Archon bellowed. "How can you not remember killing your own Master?"

Fenris shrugged. "My memories were taken from me over a year ago. I am told it was a blood magic spell."

At that moment Dorian lit a wisp and the Archon took note. "I recognize Magister Dorian of House Pavus. Do you have anything to add to this matter?"

"Indeed, I do," Dorian acknowledged. "I was there when it happened. The Inquisitor, Mahannon Lavellen, Fenris, another warrior and myself were infiltrating a nest of Venatori. They unfortunately recognized Fenris and unleashed the blood magic spell upon him. When he awoke, he thought he was still in the service of Magister Danarius."

"I see," the Archon nodded. "So he cannot even recall escaping. That does complicate matters."

Dorian spoke again. "I wish to invoke the Right of Trial in this matter. I don't think it's fair for Fenris to face execution without a trial."

"What do you hope to gain from such a spectacle?" another Magister cried out. "We all know of the slave's guilt!"

"Do we? I wish to show that, despite his lack of memory, Fenris had just cause to kill Danarius," Dorian stated plainly. "I know there are those of you who wish to just execute him and sweep your own indiscretions under the rug, but this will also prove my point regarding all the reforms I have been trying to push since assuming my father's place here."

A roar of disapproval and several Magister's cried out against Dorian all at once. The Archon let loose a fireball to get everyone's attention.

"Based purely upon the vehement reaction here," the Archon said calmly. "I have to agree with Magister Pavus that a trial is indeed necessary. I order the slave to be brought to the cells. He is to be bathed, clothed and fed and well treated. We will commence with a trial in three days' time. I assume, Magister Pavus, you will act as defense for the accused?"

Dorian nodded. "Indeed I shall. May Fenris also be allowed visitation before the trial?"

The Archon nodded. "One supervised visit for one hour is granted on the morrow."

"Thank you, Your Eminence," Dorian bowed.

Fenris was then led away and Cullen breathed a sigh of relief. He would get to see Fenris for only an hour tomorrow, but at least he knew Fenris would be alright until the trial.

Once the Magisterium let out, Dorian asked for a guarded escort home, fearing assassination from any of the Magisters would now be none too happy that their misdeeds may soon be exposed.

...

Back at the Pavus estate, Dorian relaxed a little but instructed his servants to increase security throughout the estate. "They all cheered my return and they were damned surprised when I made them all Liberati and offered them a paid position in my household. Mother is still livid at the notion and she ran back to Qanarius."

They were all very quiet as they ate dinner, and the Dorian led Mahannon and Cullen into his study. "Tomorrow, we need to make the most of that hour," Dorian began. "We need to get Fenris to tell us about the abuses he suffered. All that he can remember at any rate. It will help solidify my claim that Danarius violated several laws and deserved to die."

"What if they find witnesses who saw Fenris kill Danarius?" Cullen asked.

"Do you know who was all in that tavern with Fenris that day?" Dorian asked.

"Hawke certainly was there," Cullen recalled. "I believe there was also Varric, Isabella and the Dalish elf, Merril. Oh and Fenris' sister Varania. Danarius had used her to lure Fenris out of hiding."

Dorian harrumphed. "Typical."

"I believe Varania is a mage," Cullen continued. "Fenris once told me that Hawke had stopped him from killing her too. She had willingly betrayed her brother for a chance to become a Magister's apprentice."

"I suppose blood isn't always thicker than water," Dorian sighed. "I would imagine they might call upon Varania if she can be found. I've also heard a rumor that Anders may be lurking about in Tevinter somewhere as well. He may not have been there, but based upon Varric's book he and Fenris never liked each other much. If they can find Anders, they may use him as a character witness against Fenris."

"Do you think I'll be allowed to speak on his behalf?" Cullen suggested.

Dorian nodded. "I could call upon you as well. You had known him since his arrival in Kirkwall. That could also be valuable."

...

That night Cullen slept fitfully, the first time in months without Fenris at his side. They had shared a tent the entire journey to Tevinter and Cullen missed having his warmth next to him.

The next morning, a bleary eyed Cullen was handed a cup of something steaming by a servant. Dorian smiled at him from under his always perfectly coifed hair. "That, my dear Commander, should have you right as rain. The servants reported to me that you'd been restless last night. This is Tevinter-style coffee. Much stronger and sweeter than what you southerners are used to, but I think it will do you a world of good today."

Cullen nodded and took a sip. It was strong and sweet, and Maker, it was good.

After a quick breakfast they made their way back to the Magisterium, anxious to check in on Fenris. They were led to his cell where the poor elf sat in a corner, wearing a simple roughspun tunic and breeches, hugging his knees and staring at nothing.

"Fenris, Love," Cullen said softly.

Fenris looked up at Cullen and a little bit of light returned to his yes. "Commander!"

"How have they treated you since yesterday?" Cullen asked.

"I was given the chance to bathe as the Archon instructed," Fenris replied. "Then they gave me these clothes and some food. I have not been harmed."

Cullen breathed a sigh of relief. "Dorian is going to prepare a defense for your trial. We only have an hour. Can you speak with him?"

Fenris nodded.

Dorian asked Fenris for as much detail as he could give about the abuses he suffered from Danarius. Cullen knew about most of them, although perhaps not to the level of detail as he was now being asked to describe them. It made Cullen want to hold the elf close and comfort him, but the bars of his cell separated them.

"Thank you Fenris," Dorian said when they were done. "I think you've given me enough to show just cause in killing Danarius."

Cullen moved back to the cell and Fenris crawled forward. Cullen reached through the bars and took Fenris' hands in his. "Love, please be strong. I know you're scared. We will fight to get you freed. We'll do everything we can, I promise."

Fenris nodded. "Thank you, Commander … Cullen. May I ask something of you before you leave?"

Cullen smiled. "Of course, you know you can ask anything of me."

"Will you kiss me? I have wanted to for some time now and, just in case, this may be my last opportunity," Fenris blushed.

"Alright. I'll give you a kiss for good luck," Cullen said, leaning closer to the bars separating them. It was difficult to do through the bars, but Cullen thrilled when he felt Fenris' warm lips brush his own. He pressed as far as he could, although he couldn't deepen the kiss the way he would have liked.

Then the guards came to lead them away and Cullen reached out and cupped Fenris' cheek once before being pulled away. "Stay strong, my Love."

Fenris nodded.

...

After their visit with Fenris, Dorian sent agents out to try and locate Varania and Anders, hoping they could be found somewhere in Tevinter. He also hoped against hope that perhaps Isabella may be close by as well. Varric was too far, still back in Kirkwall, and too busy as Viscount besides.

The next day they received good news, Varania had been found and was being brought to the Pavus estate. Cullen knew that things did not end well between Fenris and his sister, but he hoped that she might lend additional credence to their defense.

She arrived that afternoon and was escorted into Dorian's study, where Dorian, Mahannon and Cullen awaited her.

"So, what's this all about?" she asked. "Why has the great Magister Pavus summoned a lowly Liberati knife-eared mage?"

"I've asked you here, my dear," Dorian responded firmly. "Because your brother is about to be executed and we're trying to find a way to prevent that."

"What's Leto gotten himself into this time?" Varania asked. "Oh wait, he goes by Fenris now, isn't that right?"

"He's bloody gone and had eighteen years of his memory erased," Dorian growled. "Now he is about to stand trial for both Danarius and Hadriana's deaths. For which I am to understand you are at least partially responsible for."

"What? I had nothing to do with Fenris killing either for them!" Varania shouted.

"You helped to lure Fenris to the Hanged Man, to help Danarius recapture his prized possession, did you not?" Dorian asked pointedly. "If it hadn't been for you, Danarius may have never found him, and so Danarius could still be alive."

Varania hung her head and nodded. "Yes, I did help lure him there, that is true. Danarius had offered to make me an apprentice. My life had been terrible since Leto made that bargain to free mother and me."

"He had no idea how your life would turn out," Cullen said, speaking up. "He just wanted to help you both be freed from slavery. Then he endured having raw lyrium branded into his flesh, which wiped out his memories of his childhood and of you. Then he was physically and sexually abused for several years before he finally escaped. Now he stands accused of killing the man who tortured him. Will you help us or not?"

Varania looked horrified. "I…I had no idea that Fenris had suffered so. Danarius told me that Fenris had been his body guard, and his beloved and favored pet. I thought his life there had been good. If I had known…"

"So will you help us?" Dorian asked.

Varania nodded.

"Let's start by telling us what happened in the tavern after Fenris arrived," Dorian suggested.

Varania sat down and began to relate all she remembered, although the actual confrontation was a blur in her mind. Once the mercenaries Danarius had with him had been subdued, Hawke and his companions all attacked Danarius at once. The Magister was severely weakened and any of them could have struck the final, fatal blow. Fenris' act of tearing the Magister's heart from his chest could easily have happened after one of Varric's bolts had struck him after his shield collapsed.

"Good, very good," Dorian was pleased. "The trial is in a little over a day from now. Please meet us at the Magisterium and be prepared to tell the Archon what you just related to us."

Varania agreed and left.

...

On the morning of the trial, everyone in the Pavus household awoke early. They were all nervous for the day's proceedings. Dorian went over his defense several times, hoping that his case was strong enough.

If they couldn't convince the Archon that Fenris' motives in killing Danarius were just, the elf would hang immediately after the trial. Tevinter was nothing if not efficient in meting out what it considered justice.

When they arrived they saw, to Cullen's dismay, the gallows still standing in the middle of the main hall. Fenris was once again kneeling before the Archon's throne, clothed this time, with his hands manacled behind his back.

Varania had not yet arrived and Cullen worried that she either wouldn't join them, or that she had decided to speak against her brother in the trial.

Just when it was beginning to look like Varania wouldn't arrive, a messenger came and whispered into Dorian's ear. The Magister blanched and Cullen knew it was bad news.

"What? What's happened?" Dorian sat down, his face crestfallen. "They just found Varania's body this morning. She had been raped, repeatedly, before being ritualistically bled."

Cullen sat in stunned silence. Maker, now what were they going to do?