"You may come in now," said the First. Alistair opened the door to his office. As he entered, Anshelm gestured for him to sit down in a chair, on the opposite side of a large, plain oak desk. Through an open window behind the First, he could see a courtyard, with young Wardens practicing their combat skills.

Alistair was surprised to find that Aristomachus was also in the office, standing by the bookcase beside the First's desk. He nodded in greeting.

"I must thank you again for coming and for your candor, Alistair," began the First. "I know that this has been—difficult—for you, but it was essential that we learn as much as possible about what transpired during the Fifth Blight. While your story corroborated Commander Cousland's letter, you provided us with many important details that he left out, whether by design or by accident."

"I…felt it was my duty to the Order to fully inform you." He frowned. ""We should have done this…a long time ago."

The first held up his hand and sighed. "I agree but there is no point in recriminations now. What matters is how we move forward. When you first arrived, you agreed that if there was still something that could be done to prevent Urthemiel from blighting Thedas again, you would assist us."

"Yes…" he replied, wondering what the First had in mind. He glanced over at the Aristomachus.

"You may recall that Aristomachus had an idea that there might be a way to reach the girl. Alas, he was unable to find what he needed in our library and must go to Minrathous to complete his research and test its application. We ask that you remain in Weisshaupt until he returns."

"I see. Does that mean it will be my task to…kill Aife?" He closed his eyes, thinking of the child, her dark eyes and Aedan's smile. To kill Aedan's daughter…he could understand why it might be necessary, but could he do it?

"No. To bring a non-mage into the fade in a conscious state is far too difficult." He looked to the Tevinter mage, who nodded in confirmation.

"So…you hope to reach Aife through the Fade? What can you do in the fade?"

Aristomachus spoke up. "Killing an ordinary mage in his own fade dream can sever their connection to the fade, depriving them of power and rendering them tranquil. Though we don't know the nature of an old god, we hope that it might neutralize her power. Even if that fails, it may be possible to use the fade to ascertain into what realm she has been taken…though we would still need to find a way to enter it."

Anshelm turned his head toward the mage. "Could we not find another Eluvian?"

"Perhaps, but even the great Magisters of old never fully unlocked their secrets. Unless…Alistair, that girl that was living with Morrigan—might Morrigan have taught her the Eluvian's use?"

"I doubt it. Knowing Morrigan, she wouldn't have taught Ellaire anything unless it was useful to her. Unless she'd need to be able to enter it to know how to destroy it."

"Unlikely."

"Still," observed the First, "it might be worth having Ricard find the girl and question her. She might no something more that would help. You said you left her with a mage in Val Royeaux?"

"Yes, a man named Odouart." He hoped that he was not bringing Ellaire trouble. "I hope you won't be…hard on her, she's just a girl. And I think she told us everything she could about Aife. But if I'm not to go into the Fade, why do you need me to stay here?" It was not that he was anxious to return to Ferelden, but he saw nothing for him to do in Weisshaupt. He had hoped to be inspired by the Grey Warden's chief fortress, but he felt as lost and alone here as he had when he left Val Royeaux.

"We will need Cousland's cooperation for this plan, and so…we will need you to persuade him. He does not trust us."

"I see." He wondered if he were a hostage. He glanced to Aristomachus, "In the council you said 'blood calls to blood'. Is this like the phylactery magic that is used to find escaped Circle Mages?"

"Somewhat."

"How long will you be away?"

"Weeks. Possibly several months."

"Months? What will I do here for months?" He turned back to Anshelm.

"Oh, I'm sure we can find something for a Warden of your skills. I'll not risk you on patrols, but I'm sure Marschalc can find a use for you in training the men. Most of our instructors have never fought an Ogre or an Emissary, let alone the more powerful and exotic types that you faced in Ferelden. The Maker willing, they never will, but it's best to know what to expect."

"Very well." He enjoyed teaching combat skills, though he was not looking forward to working under Marschalc.

"Good. You may go now. Oh, and you received another letter from Ferelden." He opened a drawer, pulled out a sealed letter, and passed it across the deak."

Alistair thanked him for the letter and left his office. He pondered going back to his room to open the letter, and decided it could wait. Instead, he went to look for the Weisshaupt Library and Adelheid.