This story follows BioWare's DA:O story line and game play, using the characters, locations and some backstories, but not strictly as I have added bits that of my own imagination and characters that are my own. I have rated this M for mature for blood, strong language and suggested sexual content. All comments are welcome. Thank you!

Sorry it's taken so long to post a new chapter. It's been a little busy around here but I haven't forgotten about this story!

54

Well before the sun rose, I awoke to the silence of the camp. I watched as the ship's crew starting to stir and looked around before shrugging Alistair's arm off my shoulder slowly so I could get to my feet. I wandered off, well away from camp for privacy, knowing this might be my last chance until we reach the mage tower. When I was headed back to camp, I came across the captain returning as well.

"You shouldn't be wandering alone unarmed, Warden," he said gruffly as he adjusted his trousers.

"I thank you for your concern, captain," I said as I note the twin daggers at his waist. "But I am always armed."

He gave me a small smile and we walk back to camp together. By now, most of the men were on their feet, gathering their few possessions and dousing the fire. The Templar Nicolas was looking out towards the lake, deep in thought as I made my way back towards Alistair, who was yawning and stretching. I smiled as he ran his fingers through his hair and rubbed at his eyes. I knelt down beside him and picked up what was left of the rum to take a swig. Alistair made a face at me as he watched me swirl the remaining liquid.

"How can you drink that this early in the morning?" he asked and I smiled as he scratched at the stubble on his chin.

"It helps," is all I say.

"With what?"

"The headache you'll have later." I tilt the bottle in his direction. He looks at the bottle in my hand and shakes his head. "Your loss," I say as I pour out the remaining rum into the ground.

I stand and turn to the sleeping form of Jowan, who has is still on the ground, clutching the blanket around him. As I move closer to him, I can see that his skin is shiny and his cheeks are pink with fever.

"Alistair, hand me my bag," I ask as I place my hand on Jowan's forehead. It's warm to the touch and I can feel that he's shaking.

"What's wrong with him?" Nicolas asks as he kneels down on the other side of the mage.

"He's sick but it's nothing too serious," I answer as I search through my bag. I found the vial unharmed and carefully wrapped at the bottom of my bag. "Jowan, you need to wake up," I say as I gently slap his cheek. He squeezes his eyes before slowly looking up at me.

"What is that?" Nicolas asked as I uncorked the vial and put my hand under Jowan's head, lifting it so he could drink the contents.

"It will help bring down his fever," I said as I pour the bitter liquid slowly into Jowan's mouth, careful that he doesn't choke. "He'll need a healer as soon as we reach the other end of the lake. But in his condition, I don't think he should return to the tower. You'll risk the spread of this to all the other mages he comes in contact with."

I could see the doubt in his eyes as he looks down at Jowan, who looks extremely miserable as he turns his head and coughs. Finally Nicolas drops his head and relents.

"This simple trip across the lake has been nothing but a nightmare," he said quietly and I smile at him. I reach out and place my hand gently on his shoulder.

"We'll be there sooner than you know and you can tell the rest of the Templars what a hardship you've had since you've met us Wardens," I laugh as I gently squeeze his shoulder.

From the light coloring of his cheeks, I can tell that he is thinking of our previous conversation. He turns and looks at Alistair briefly before turning back to me. He opened his mouth to say something when the captain interrupted, calling all hands to return to the ship. They had a rope ladder draped over the side and I watched as they used it to climb back on board. I looked down at Jowan and called Alistair over to help get him to his feet. Nicolas took Jowan's other arm from me and together they got him standing.

"Are you sure it's safe to move him?" Nicolas asked when they got him upright.

"We have no choice," I said. "He needs someone who can help him. I've done all I can for now. Try to keep him as dry as possible."

I went ahead of them and asked the captain to gather a plank for Jowan to be carried on as a litter and some rope to help raise Jowan back on board. He seemed hesitant at first but he complied and with the help of the crew men, they hoisted him on board safely. Nicolas and Alistair climbed the rope ladder next so I could hand up my pack and climb unhindered. It was much easier without the armor but the rope dug painfully into my hands.

Alistair and Nicolas moved Jowan to the front of the vessel, away from the busy crew but the captain stopped me as I tried to walk past him.

"What is wrong with the mage, Warden?" he asked. "Should I be concerned for my men?"

"There's nothing to worry on, my good captain. He is only slightly ill from being drenched and having to sleep on the cold, hard ground for the night," I assured him. "Nothing a night in good bed in front of a good fireplace won't cure."

He slowly released my arm. "If you're certain…"

"Jowan is no threat to your men, I assure you," I repeated. "The sooner we can get him off this ship and to a proper healer, the better."

"Of course, Warden," he said as he crossed his arm in front of his chest and bowed his head to me. I bowed my head slightly to him and moved away from him.

-)(-

I had spent most of the morning checking up on Jowan, making sure he ate something small when I gave him more of the bitter medicines that I carried. I knew that his fever would not break until he was off this boat but there was nothing I could really do until that happened. I poured a little of the fresh water we carried onto a clean rag and wiped his face, trying to help with his fever.

A few times I would look up and catch Nicolas and Alistair talking quietly not far from me. I couldn't hear them but whatever they were discussing had caused Alistair to blush and look away. I was sure to hear of it later once this was over but at the moment my only concern was getting Jowan better.

It was early evening by the time we reached the far end of the lake, as close to the small village that sat opposite of the tower. In his weakened condition, I knew Jowan would be unable to get very far on his own. I asked the captain for the use of the board he used to hoist the mage on board this morning so we could carry him to the nearest inn.

"Will you remain here, captain?" I asked as I watched Alistair and the Templar Nicolas carefully carry Jowan off the vessel and onto the docks.

"Aye, Warden," he replied. "The Bann himself has paid handsomely for us to ferry you safely here and back. After what happened at Redcliffe, I'll gladly wait if someone can finally help the Arl."

I bowed my head to him and placed my hand on his shoulder as I passed him with my mabari. As soon as Darius disembarked, he turned round in circles and barked happily. I laughed as I joined him, reaching down and petting him.

"I'll try not to keep you waiting too long, captain," I said before rushing to join Alistair and Jowan who were already far ahead of me.

The small village was quiet as we approach and I was surprised to see so few people out and about. I worried that something might have happened here as well until we made our way into the only inn called The Spoiled Princess. A hush fell on everyone as Alistair and Jowan came in carrying Jowan. I was thankful that his robes were well covered by a blanket as I approached the innkeeper to inquire on some rooms we might use during our stay here.

"You're in luck," the innkeeper said gruffly. "I only have two rooms left, but one of them only has the one bed. Looks like two of you will be sharing." I laughed as Alistair began to blush and reached into my coin purse to pay the innkeeper. "It'll be extra for the mabari."

I frowned slightly as I tossed another coin to the innkeeper and turned to Alistair and Nicolas.

"Take him upstairs," I told them. "Either room is fine."

I watched as they made their way carefully up the stairs, ordering a pint of ale while I waited.

"What's wrong with your friend there?" the innkeeper asked finally when he returned with the pint.

"We got caught in the downpour while crossing the lake," I lied before drinking the warm ale. "You see, he has a rather delicate disposition that no one has been able to properly cure. I was hoping to ask if the First Enchanter could see him."

"You'll have no luck there," a man said as he approached where we were standing. "The Knight-Commander has taken control of the only ferry boat to the tower."

"Did he give a reason?" I asked as I turned to him.

"He doesn't have to," the man said and sighed. "I just wish he didn't have to give control of my poor boat to some bloody Templar."

I motioned to the innkeeper to bring the man another drink as I turned to him. "Were you the ferryman?"

"Aye," he said and sighed. "Names Kester."

"Well, Kester," I said as I paid for both drinks. "I will see about getting your boat back."

"But the Knight-Commander said…"

"Don't worry," I smiled as the ferryman took the new ale. "I can be quiet persuasive." I winked at the older man. "Now, what was the name of that Templar…"

Kester laughed. "He called himself Carroll," he said before taking a drink. "We'll see about that. He hasn't taken one person across that wasn't wearing a Templar uniform."

I watched as Alistair and Nicolas came slowly down the stairs. "I think I can manage," I assured him. "Make sure my friend isn't disturbed," I said as I handed a few more coins to the innkeeper.

Nicolas and Alistair joined me as I was finished up the weak ale and ordered another.

"How is he?" I asked.

"Still very pale and his fever seems to have worsened," Alistair said. "I don't think he'll be able to cross the lake in his condition."

"He'll have to stay here while we go across and get the First Enchanter," I said. "And that might take a while since something seems to be going on at the tower as well."

"We can't just leave him here!" Nicolas insisted as the innkeeper brought me a fresh tankard.

"Jowan is very ill," I reminded him. "Unless we bring a healer to him, he may die. I've done what I can for him but if his fever persists then there is nothing more that can be done for him. He can barely move in his present condition. At this point our best option is to leave my mabari here with him."

"Then I'll stay with him…" Nicolas started to say but I interrupted him.

"I'm sorry but that's just not possible," I said as I placed the ale down. "Something is going on at the Circle Tower right now. It must be absolutely dire for the Knight-Commander to halt all passage to and from the tower."

I could see the worried look on Nicolas' face. On one hand, he could do his duty and drag Jowan to the tower in his weakened condition. But on the other, knowing something might be going on with his fellow Templars…

"We leave for the tower immediately," he decided. "The mage can stay but he should have a guard with him at all times."

"I've already arranged that with the innkeeper," I said softly. "Only I didn't mention that he was a mage. These people already look distrustful of us and I don't want to come back to find Jowan strung up because of what he is."

I knew that Nicolas was still struggling with his decision to leave Jowan when he needed to be returned to the tower. I was just glad that he could see the benefits of all I was saying.

I excused myself and went to check on Jowan one last time. I had set aside all the medicines he would need while we were gone and only hoped that Bella was near enough to get him out before we returned from the tower. I placed the vials within his reach and made sure he was covered before I closed his door.

I walked downstairs with a determined look upon my face.

"Let's go," I said when I reached my companions. "Jowan doesn't have very much time."