Chapter 11

Circle of Magi

They saw it long before they set foot on the island, the great tower of stone which was Kinloch Hold. It was a beautiful structure, built on an island just off the coast of Lake Calenhad. At one time long ago there had been an interconnecting bridge between it and the shore, made of the same white stone, but that connection had been severed many years ago and never rebuilt, whether by the withering strength of time or by more manmade means August didn't know.

"Ugh, and here I was thinking I'd never have to see a Circle Tower, lucky me." Alistair quipped.

Gwyneth looked up at him, offering a glare which was ruined by how green her face looked. She may not have taken to seasickness as quickly as Varis had but when it struck it left her as immobilised and miserable as he was. "It wasn't that bad."

Now that was saying something, considering how much she had come to hate the guardians of the Mages since she had left. August supposed he couldn't really cast judgement, what with it being her home for a decade of her life. Almost everyone she knew and cared about were within that spire. "We should be there in the next half hour or so, both of you please try and hang in there until then."

Leaning haphazardly against the wooden wall between deck and water Varis looked up with a pained grimace, "Sure boss, sure. It's not like I have anything left to puke up anyway."

"Oh Maker," Gwyneth grimaced, slender hand covering her mouth as she retched. The Mage bolted for the wooden wall, leaning over it and vomiting.

Varis looked at her with a mixture of disgust and pity before smirking evilly. "Wow, nothing but bile and spit."

"Varis."

"Yes, Lady Mage?"

"One more word and I'll throw you overboard!"

"And how will you do that, sunshine?"

"I am a Mage. I can make it happen."

"And whose bright idea was it to put them together?" Alistair asked, smirking.

"Mine," August replied without an ounce of regret. "You got to admit it's quite entertaining."

"Oh sure, all fun and games until someone gets drowned."

"Should I have brought Morrigan instead?" August asked, knowing exactly what the Wilds Witch's name alone did to his fellow Warden.

He wasn't disappointed, "Maker, no."

"Then deal with those two bickering," August admonished lightly, watching as the two continued to throw barbs at each other. "Besides this is nothing compared to what you two get up too, oh sure they're arguing and fighting but there's nothing malicious in it."

"If you say so."

August shook his head, turning back to see that the bickering had evolved back into them hanging over the edge. "Gwyneth!"

"Yes."

"What can you tell me about the Knight-Commander and First Enchanter?"

With a little effort the Mage straightened, grimacing as the boat rocked even as she tried to think. "The Knight-Commander's name is Gregoir, a tough old fellow who's been the head of the Templar's there for as long as anyone can remember. He's strict and professional, takes his duties very seriously but overall he's very fair when it comes to the treatment of Mages. The First Enchanter's name is Irving, again been in that position for as long as most can remember. He's something like a grandfather figure to almost everyone in the tower, always there to hear our complaints and offer advice."

"So neither of them are zealots?"

She shook her head, "Not even close. Gregoir can't stand anyone who tries to use the words of the Maker for extreme uses, and keeps a close eye on those who get assigned to the circle. If there's any evidence of mistreatment of Mages he sends them back. Irving always looks out for those under his charge, and tries to do what he can to protect us with the powers he has. It's not perfect but compared to the horror stories we hear about other Circles we consider ourselves lucky."

It wasn't long until they reached the small stretch of land, found a rickety looking timber pier and docked the small ship alongside it, helping the Captain throw and secure the ropes to keep the Cog in place before disembarking. Another few pieces of silver made the man more than willing to stay despite his nervousness at being so close to the place where the denizens of magic were gathered. That being done August, Alistair, Gwyneth and Varis left the man and followed the old cobblestone path up the hill towards the entrance to the tower, a large set of stone doors which looked too heavy for a single man to open, no matter how strong.

He and Alistair took the lead, with Gwyneth behind them and Varis behind her. The Mage of the group dragged her feet for a moment until she realised she was falling behind and quickened her step to keep up. She was really unnerved at being so close to the Circle Tower, even with everyone's assurances that she would be fine.

They reached the doors without incident, and August stepped forward as a Templar guard lingering about noticed them and stepped forward. He looked at them sceptically, or that was what August thought. Wearing a helmet made it impossible to see emotion. "Identify yourself."

"I am August Cousland, and this is Alistair, Gwyneth and Varis. We are of the Grey Wardens, here to meet with the Knight-Commander and the First Enchanter." August introduced.

The Templar snorted, "Yeah, and I'm the Queen of Antiva."

August's eyes narrowed, a mocking smile making its way to his face, "Really? You've certainly changed since the last time we met, your majesty."

The man straightened, "Huh?"

"Oh my apologies, you must not remember me." He bowed in the Antivan fashion, sweeping and majestic if a little rusty. Then again the Templar would be none the wiser. "After all it was ten years ago. My name is August Cousland, you may remember my father the Teyrn Bryce Cousland, who was the diplomatic envoy during those trade agreements between our two great nations."

"Eh," body language could tell plenty, and in this man's case confusion and more than a little dread was visible to the trained eye. "Um... well."

August looked up, fake facade of diplomatic smiles giving way to a stormy glare which made the man flinch. "I will repeat myself boy. I am August Cousland and this is Alistair. We are Grey Wardens sent by the Teyrn Loghain of Gwaren, Commander of the Armies of Ferelden, to meet with the Knight-Commander and First Enchanter of the Circle Tower of Kinloch Hold. Now, will you let your betters know of our arrival or continue to pretend to be a Queen!?"

"Yes, I can even find you a dress." Alistair added, smirking. "I'm sure you'd look quite gorgeous dancing the Antivan Waltz. You should know it off by heart, being the Queen and all."

"Ah... well," the man backed up a step. "Please, Wardens. I will let my superior's know of your arrival immediately."

"Good boy," August allowed, rising to his full height. "Well? Step to it!"

"Yes sir!"

As the Templar shuffled off through the heavy doors and into the fortress proper Alistair turned to inspect his fellow Warden, grinning. "You were in Antiva?"

August shrugged, "More or less. My father was the head of the diplomatic mission to open up trade and he took me and Fergus along to show us how foreign diplomacy was done."

"I see."

"And by the way, the Queen of Antiva is a gorgeous woman, all perfectly tanned skin and luscious auburn hair." He remembered a young woman sitting on a throne too large for her. She had only been crowned a scant two years before and was still trying to grasp the politics of her home country let alone those of foreign emissaries. "That Templar is no comparison."

A snort from the ex-Templar, followed by a laugh from Varis and a muffled giggle from Gwyneth made him relax all the more. The tension eased from their shoulders and in return eased his thoughts. August idly wandered when he had become so comfortable in their presence. When he had allowed his noble mask to drop, or even if he had it on in the first place when he first met each of them.

His thoughts were ended when the Templar returned, with another two in toe, obviously his superiors. The one leading them stopped in front of him, watching him closely even as their two parties sized each other up. His focus went to Gwyneth for a moment before back to him. "What brings you to Kinloch Hold?"

That brought a sardonic smile to his face, "For what other reason? This is concerning the Blight."

"Templar's and Mages have already been sent south to aid the army at Ostagar," the leader of the trio said.

"Well, we are here again," August replied patiently. "And I will repeat again. We are Grey Wardens seeking an audience with the Knight-Commander and First Enchanter of Kinloch Hold. Should I repeat once more?"

The Templar eyed August for a moment, "That will not be necessary, please enter."

"Thank you."

The group entered, walking down the hallway towards the main building itself. Another Templar approached, offering a inclination of his head in greeting even as the one who had led them into the tower spoke. "The Grey Wardens have arrived, and are seeking an audience with Knight-Commander Gregoir and First Enchanter Irvine."

"Very well," the other Templar replied, motioning them onward with a wave of his hand. "Please follow me."

And they did. They followed the armoured man down the main corridor and out into the central chamber. It was here that August began to understand just how large and impressive this tower really was. The ceiling was dozens of feet high, held up by stone pillars and supporting walls. On these walls were huge bookcases filled with tomes and books. Young men and women, dressed in flowing robes, could be seen here and there as well as the odd Templar standing guard at random places. Most stopped what they were doing as they passed, barely heard whispers and excited mumblings followed them.

From what Gwyneth had explained there were a total of five floors. The first floor, the one they were currently on, was where the apprentices lived and also where the vast majority of the library was. The second floor was where those Mages who passed their harrowing presided, and was also where the majority of stock rooms, laboratories, the Chantry and additional libraries were. The third floor housed senior Mages and also consisted of meeting rooms and assembly spaces. The fourth floor was where the Templar's lived and trained and finally the much smaller fifth floor was where the harrowing chamber was located. He guessed that they were either going to be taken to the First Enchanter's quarters on the third floor or the Knight-Commanders on the fourth.

They were, thankfully, taken to the First Enchanter's quarters and it appeared that word of their arrival had gotten ahead of them. First Enchanter Irving was seated behind his desk, rising when they entered and rounding it with quick, smooth steps. Gwyneth was completely surprised when he enveloped her in a hug, one which she returned after the shock passed.

After a long moment the First Enchanter released his former charge, a soft smile of relief spreading across wrinkled aging features. "It is good to see you, my dear."

"It... it is good to see you, Irving." She managed, forcing down the lump in her throat before lowering her head, embarrassed. "I mean, First Enchanter."

He smiled softly at her before turning to August, straightening. Once again he was the First Enchanter of the Circle and not a relieved grandfather. "I apologise for my behaviour, Grey Warden."

August and Alistair waved him off. "Think nothing of it, First Enchanter."

"So you being here means that the rumours were true, Duncan is dead then." Irving said gravely, clasping his hands behind his back.

"I'm afraid so." August replied. "I am August Cousland and this is Alistair."

"I am aware of your names," Irving offered him a small smile. "Your reputation precedes you."

"It is good I hope."

"Lighting the beacon through insurmountable odds, taking victory from the jaws of defeat." The First Enchanter eyed both men, a slight twinkle in his dark eyes. "It is good news of great deeds in an uncertain time."

"Well when you put it like that." Alistair laughed sheepishly.

"Come, please sit." Irving gestured, and the Wardens and companions took his invitation. They sat on chairs as the old man meandered around the large wooden desk and sat on his own chair. "I am afraid we will have to wait for the Knight-Commander to join us before we can begin. He shouldn't be very long."

"I understand."

Sure enough the Knight-Commander entered the room, fully armed and armoured and looking more than a little surly. August, Alistair, Gwyneth and Varis all rose as the leader of the Circle's Templar's entered. "Please, forgive me for being late."

"It is quite alright Gregoir," Irving reassured. "I believe you have heard of these young people here. Grey Wardens August Cousland and Alistair, you remember Gwyneth off course and Varis... I'm sorry my boy I never asked for your last name."

"Varis Tabris, First Enchanter." the Elf replied with a nod.

"Yes, thank you."

"Good evening to you all. Ah, I see you have returned young Amell, good to see you unharmed." He greeted as he walked around them. He ruffled the young girl's hair as he did so, earning him a pout but no real animosity. "And more Grey Wardens, I remember telling the King's envoy that we will not be sending anymore Mages to Ostagar. They are simply too inexperienced in matters of the outside world and ill-equipped to be placed on a battlefield."

"I am afraid matters have changed since then, Knight-Commander." August began. "Tell me, what have you heard from Ostagar?"

"A great victory for the army against the Blight," Gregoir replied, frowning. "The Enchanters and Templar's we sent performed well and beyond the call of duty."

"I see," August nodded, eyes closed for a moment before opening them and meeting both men's questioning gaze. "Then I will be the bearer of ill news I'm afraid. We did indeed win the battle, and the Mages and Templar's did indeed perform admirably, but the King and all Grey Wardens not including myself and my companion were killed."

"Goodness." Irving replied, eyes wide. Gregoir remained silent, but the news was plain on his face to any politician. "This is indeed grave news, that the King would fall in battle."

"Indeed, and the armies own courage hangs by a thread. I regret to say my own thoughts that they will not be able to withstand another assault of that magnitude. It is not a weakness of numbers of strength you understand, but a weakness of the mind and morale, with the death of their leader the army is only kept together by duty and the strength of their lords and commanders." August explained. "That is why we are here?"

Their attention was on the Cousland boy, questioning, but by no means won over. The Knight-Commander spoke, eyes grave. "Speak young man, what is your purpose bringing this news to us in person. I doubt Grey Wardens can be used as messengers."

"You are right in that assumption," August continued, hand outstretched in a gesture Alistair should off and did understand, for he placed his hand into his backpack and brought out the scroll he needed. "It is now confirmed beyond all reasonable doubt that this is a Blight we face and not some oversized war-band from the Deep Roads, and thus with a heavy heart I must ask more of the Circle of Ferelden. This scroll I possess is one of three treaties, signed after the end of the Fourth Blight in 5:24 Exalted and calls upon the Mages of the Circles to aide our order should a Fifth Blight ever befall us. That time is now."

He handed the scroll to Irving, who opened it and read through its contents, after a few tense moments he nodded and handed it to Gregoir to read who studied it with a serious expression. "I see, it certainly bears the necessary signatures from that time period. There are records of such a treaty being signed, though it was thought lost when the Wardens were first exiled from Ferelden."

August nodded, "We managed to find and reclaim them before the battle."

"Forgive me, but you said three treaties." Gregoir asked absently, continuing to read. "I doubt the other two are for the Mages."

He eyed the two of them, assessing. There was a level of respect and understanding between these two men. "You would be correct. The other two treaties were signed by the Dwarves of Orzammar, and the myriad clans of the Dalish Elves. They are also on our list of allies to visit and gain support from once we confirm yours."

Irving leaned back in his chair, eyes looking at the ceiling for a long moment before turning to Gregoir's, "Well old friend, I can confirm that the treaty is indeed genuine. It was signed by First Enchanter Harwin who marched with Garahel's army during the Fourth Blight. I have read enough of his manuscripts and tomes to know the signature."

The old Templar hummed in thought, "I see. I do hope you are not asking every single Mage to march south to help the army. Quite a few of them are underage and I would not like the death of a five year old on my conscience."

Irving nodded in agreement, "I would have to agree with my friend here, Grey Warden. There are a large number of Mages in the tower well below the acceptable age to fight in the army."

"And we are not asking them too, off course." August assured. Alistair, Gwyneth and Varis nodding their agreement with him. "It is the last thing I want to see children marched to war with an enemy like the Darkspawn, and I also understand that some must remain behind to look after them, both Mages and Templar's. I am simply here to confirm the aide of the Mages at least and with a little optimism the Templar's as well. Every spell-wielder and sword-arm will be needed in combating this threat."

The Knight-Commander frowned in thought, handing the treaty back to Irving who skimmed through it one last time. "With your permission Gregoir?"

The Templar sighed, "Who am I to decline a treaty of the Grey Wardens."

Irving offered a smile to them which August accepted, "There you have it, my friends."

"It is more than I could have hoped for," August replied, rising to his feet. "If you can call all Mages who have passed their Harrowing to one of the larger assembly areas so I can speak to them in person I would be grateful. I would rather have volunteers than conscripts."

Gregoir nodded, "I will assemble my most seasoned Templar's, and send word out to all the monasteries across Ferelden. Such a threat cannot be ignored by our order."

Irving smirked, "Why Gregoir, when did you become so agreeable?"

The Knight-Commander sighed, sending a half-hearted glare at the First-Enchanter. "Irving, really?"

August had to suppress a smile.

"You know I was expecting worse."

August spared a look at Varis as the young man spoke, eyebrow raised. The Mages were trickling into the assembly hall, looking at them with a mixture of curiosity and excitement. It was almost like most of them had never seen anyone in armour outside of the Templar's who guarded them. More than a few saw Gwyneth and offered waves and smiles which she was returning.

"How so?" He asked.

"Well with our luck so far I was expecting a demon infestation or something," he replied, shrugging off Gwyneth when her head snapped to him. "Don't give me that look Lady Mage. I meant that your first job was lighting that beacon at Ostagar which you just managed to do. Then there was that whole near disaster at Lothering and then Redcliffe. I was expecting something bad to happen here as well."

"We can't have bad luck all the time." Alistair quipped.

"You got to admit it seemed that way until now." Varis replied.

Gwyneth didn't reply to that, mainly because he had been right. With what had happened at Ostagar, Lothering and Redcliffe she had feared that the madness had spread to her home as well. That didn't seem to happen mind and she was greatly relieved to have been wrong. August sighed, rubbing the back of his head, knowing that at some point he had also thought that they had done something offensive to a higher power.

But it seemed that the multitude of ill omens had not reached the Circle tower. They had made it without incident, successfully delivered the treaty and were about to speak to the Mages. He had a feeling many would volunteer, more out of a sense of leaving their home on a grand adventure than out of duty. They probably had no idea of the horrors they would be up against and August felt a little guilt in choosing not to tell them.

The trickle of Mages soon became a flood as more robed men and women, humans and elves alike entered the chamber and took their seats. The silence of the hall was soon superseded with whispering chatter, nervous and excited in equal measure. More than a few were looking in his people's direction. Templar's were also entering the chamber, those not on guard duty assembling in little groups.

Irving and Gregoir ascended the steps then, the Templar looking at the unorganised clamour with irritation while the First Enchanter took it all with a grandfatherly smile and more than a little patience. The two spoke quietly for a few moments before Irving nodded and raised his hands. It looked like the pantomime was about to begin.

"Brothers and sisters of the Circle, please lend me your ear!" He called and the mob of Mages soon quietened to allow the old man to speak. "I apologise for assembling you all on such short notice, please be aware it is not some whim of a senile old man." A few chuckles. "It is to introduce you to a man who is very interested in speaking with you all. I present to you August Cousland of the legendary Grey Wardens."

August blinked, but rose to his feet without any further preamble. He had expected that he would be the one to speak, to try and convince them to march south and offer more help. August offered a respectful nod to the First Enchanter as he came to the fore, hearing excited and awed whispers from the assembled group of Mages.

He took a deep breath, "Mages of the Circle of Ferelden it is a privilege to speak to you all." the quiet mutterings ceased and he had their undivided attention. "I come to you with news of the happenings of the outside world and for a request. By now you must all be aware of the rumours coming from the south of the country, of a dark shadow falling upon the land. Indeed several of your own senior Mages answered the call of our King and travelled to Ostagar to aide him against the Darkspawn of the Deep Roads and their Blight upon us." He had been right about their hunger for news, many watched with wide eyes and bated breath. Why wouldn't they? Friends and teachers had left them for this. "I can tell you that the enemy came and we thrashed them royally!" Relieved cheers and applause echoed through the hall. "Never again shall a Darkspawn horde come to Ferelden looking for an easy victory!"

The applause increased in volume and continued until the senior Mages and Templar's hushed their compatriots. August did not try and hurry them, simply waiting patiently for the relieved clamour to die down so he can continue. "I can tell you all that your peers handled themselves with honour and distinction throughout the battle. Their abilities and skills in battle and healing both were essential to victory. But the victory did not come without a price, that price was the death of the King and off most of the Grey Wardens in Ferelden." He paused, seeing the horror written on their faces, worried mutterings could just be heard, snuffed out when he continued. "Because of these losses the situation has changed. I have been speaking to your leaders, First Enchanter Irving and Knight-Commander Gregoir, presenting to them an ancient treaty of the Grey Wardens calling upon the aide of the Mages of the Circle against this threat." A hushed silence, a combined intake of breath. These Mages were an open book just like Gwyneth had been. He could see the excitement on their faces and knew that his worries about volunteers were for nought. "I am not looking to force you or conscript you into this fight. I am calling for volunteers willing to march south and aide the people of Ferelden, your people, against the Blight. What say you!?"

A roar of agreement rose from the assembled Mages. Their excitement was palpable in the air. Dreams of adventure and seeing the world beyond these stone walls was held tantalising close to them and many wanted to take it with open arms. Irving rose from his seat and stepped up beside August, raising his hands to try and gain their attention. It took more time than before for the excited shouting and clamouring to calm enough for him to speak.

"There will off course be restrictions on who can go," he called. "Any Mage with the rank of Enchanter or above is eligible to volunteer. Apprentices will be granted permission depending on their skill and ability. Those under the legal age of adulthood will not be suitable and will remain behind with carers. All interested in volunteering please form an orderly line, no pushing or shoving!"

"We're going to need a ledger, for the names." August said, gripping onto the elderly Mages arm to gain his attention. "Also a Table."

Irving nodded, "Very well."

The table and an empty ledger book were soon presented and the process of signing up volunteers began. None of the assembled Mages left the hall and the line stretched the length of the assembly room before curving around to follow the stone walls. August took a seat, Alistair flanking him as he took a quill and inkwell full of black ink and began scrolling down names. Soon the ledger was full of signatures, going through page after page.

August was surprised midway through when someone appeared in front of him that he had to lean over the table to see. He hid a smile at the duo of small children, a human boy with messy brown hair and a little Elven girl hiding behind him. "I think you two are a little young to volunteer."

The boy placed his hands on his hips and stuck out his upper lip, trying to look as intimidating as possible and not succeeding at all. This time August couldn't help the smile which spread across his face. "We can too. We can fight!"

Alistair chuckled from beside him, "He certainly has the look down. How old are you, five?"

"I'm six," the boy replied, proudly.

"And your friend?" August asked, offering her a little wave which made her smile nervously from behind her protector. She was a beautiful little girl, all blonde curls and big blue eyes. "What age is she?"

"Five," he admitted.

"Do you really want to put her in danger?" He asked, forcing his smile down and replacing it with a piercing look. "I think she's only here because she doesn't want you to leave her behind. Is that right little one?" She hid further behind the boy, yep that settled it as far as August was concerned. She was going nowhere near a battlefield.

"Little ones," Gwyneth was beside them, coming down to a knee so she was her level. "You heard what the First Enchanter said didn't you?"

The boy pouted, "Yeah, but I'm an adult!"

"Not quite yet little one," she allowed, eternally patient and smiling. "You both are still a few years away yet."

The little girl was tugging at his sleeve, giving him a pleading look which would melt the heart of most adults and didn't seem to be ineffective against kids her age either. He pouted, folding his arms and trying to look resolute. Finally the little girl spoke, lilting and pleading, "Kevin, please."

His act lasted another few seconds before he stomped his foot and whined. "Hanna!"

Gwyneth smiled at them both before rising to her feet and offering her hands to them, "Come on, I'll take you both back."

She left then, each hand held tightly by small children. Kevin sulked the whole way out of the hall, mainly because most of the surviving Mages and a few of the Templar's were trying their best not to laugh. August managed to hold his smile until they were out of sight while both Alistair and Varis burst out laughing the moment they left. August shook his head before levelling a halfway decent glare at the next Mage in line. "And why didn't you stop them?"

The woman shrugged, helpless. "I didn't have the heart to tell them."

"So you all left it to us?" August sighed, handing her the quill. She signed her name and left with a flourish, Petra was her name.

"That little girl is going to be trouble in a few years." He turned to see Varis grinning. "She already has someone wrapped around her little finger."

"She will be trouble. Several years from now." August replied, handing the next Mage in line the quill.

It was another half an hour before the last Mage in the line signed on, and with an empty hall the Grey Wardens and their allies counted the names. It was more than August could have ever hoped for. Altogether sixty seven Mages had signed up to fight for the army, as far as numbers went it didn't seem like much but when you took into account what Mages were capable off August considered it the equivalent of a battalion.

Now they could move onto other issues, like getting enough Mages to help exorcise Connor's demon and hopefully find out what happened to Gwyneth's friend as well. What was her name? Mera Surana? He looked around as he rose to his feet, finding Irving walking towards him and Gregoir speaking quietly with a couple of his Templar's.

"First Enchanter," he called, gaining the old man's attention.

"Yes, young Warden?"

"I have a few other issues which need to be addressed," Gregoir had finished speaking with his men and was walking towards them. He wasn't sure if the Knight-Commander would be very agreeable with his plan. "There is a problem in Redcliffe which requires the assistance of the Mages."

Irving saw how serious August was and nodded, "Speak."

"First of all we found a self-admitted blood mage called Jowan in Redcliffe's dungeons. I understand he is wanted in connection with injuring several of your men." Irving nodded, eyes pained while Gregoir's own eyes became stormy. It was his men under his watch. "He was granted sanctuary in Redcliffe by the Arlessa in exchange for tutoring her Mage son Connor but he had been sent there by an as yet unconfirmed person to poison the Arl. He succeeded and as a result Connor made a deal with a demon to keep his father alive. The results was complete chaos in Redcliffe."

"Terrible." Irving agreed, frowning.

August nodded in agreement, "From what Jowan has told me there are two ways to save Connor instead of killing him. Either he uses the blood magic to allow a handful of fighters to enter the Fade or several Mages and a huge amount of Lyrium. "

"It would be safer to end the boy," Gregoir said, grave. "Even if the boy could be saved he would be a magnet for demons in the Fade the rest of his life."

"He is the only child of the ruling family of Redcliffe, a family whose support will be essential in defending the country." August replied, casting a look at the Knight-Commander. He knew the Templar would advise that. It was exactly what he had thought was necessary until Jowan told him otherwise. "I would rather the boy lived and placed under the care of those who can help him than kill him for a silly mistake."

"We can aide you in this, Ser Warden." Irving nodded, ignoring Gregoir's glare. "I can assemble a handful of skilled Mages, and will lead them to Redcliffe personally."

"That is more than I could have hoped for," August bowed his head. "Thank you for your understanding on the matter gentlemen, and your discretion."

"Once the issue is settled we will have a demand of our own," The Knight-Commander didn't look like he could be convinced to agree with them otherwise. "The usual stance for us when it comes to demonic possession is to kill the host and end their suffering. In return I ask for the blood mage to be turned over to us."

August frowned, hesitating for a moment. It wasn't a difficult choice if he was honest. Jowan had turned to a forbidden magic, left a friend and lover to take his fall, poisoned an Arl and had been a general pain in his ass. It was between him and Connor, whom he had known since he was a toddler. The decision was obvious. "Very well. We will turn the blood mage over to you once the Arl's son is safe."

"Good. Now if you will excuse me I need to assemble men for Ostagar and an entourage for Redcliffe." Gregoir nodded, turning on his heel and marching from the hall.

August waited until the Knight-Commander was gone before turning back to the First Enchanter. Alistair and Varis were still with him and he had just noticed Gwyneth enter the room, free of the children she had escorted from the room near half an hour ago. She smiled sheepishly at their look. "I'm sorry. The children wouldn't let me leave."

"I had a feeling you were good with children," Varis smirked.

August shook his head, turning back to the First Enchanter. "Now that we are all here I have another request for you, if I may First Enchanter?"

"By all means."

"There is a Mage that I am interested in recruiting for the Grey Wardens. I understand she was a personal student of yours, a Mera Surana?"

The First Enchanter blinked at August for a moment before turning his gaze to Gwyneth, a soft but pained smile finding its way to his withered features. "I had a feeling you'd be back for more than a reunion with old friends, young Gwyn."

"Is she alright, please tell me she's alright." Gwyneth asked, her smile morphing into one of frightened uncertainty. "Jowan told me what happened."

Irving nodded, turning to the group as a whole. "Please, follow me."

Sorry it took me so long to get an update going guys, life has been getting in the way. I haven't got the chance to completely spell check it so let me know if there's anything glaring.

For anyone whose wondering why the Circle Tower isn't a demon infested, body strewn wasteland the reason is because the one driving force behind this was Senior Enchanter Uldred. With the Battle of Ostagar won Uldred remains on the frontlines and nowhere near the tower to cause trouble. So without him recruiting the tower just got a whole lot easier.

So what happened during this chapter? They make it to the tower, use the treaty to recruit the Mages, sign on many volunteers, convince Irving to come to Redcliffe to help save Connor and a promise to turn over Jowan to the Templar's. In the next chapter we'll find out what has happened to the Elf Mage Origin.

Don't forget to leave a review if you like, or even if you have a question.