Frowning Tyris glanced up as the door opened, straightening before bowing. "Your Majesty."

"What news Tyris?" Anora demanded as she moved to the table glancing down at the letters that were supposed to be proof of Bryce's betrayal of Ferelden.

"There is no enchantment of the parchment or the ink as far as I can tell, however there is something with the wax in the seal." He met the Queen's questioning gaze. "Watch this."

Anora frowned as Tyris ran his fingers above the seal as he whispered words that made no sense to her. "What am I supposed to be …" She sucked in a sharp intake of breath as for an instant the writing on the document appeared to be in a very different hand before Tyris slumped back against a chair clearly exhausted.

"Whatever was used to disguise the true hand that wrote these letters is very powerful."

"But we can prove that the letters were tampered with."

"A brief glimpse will not prove anything; people will say whoever is revealing the writing is using magic to create the change rather than reveal it. We must find a way to dispel the magic entirely and it must be dispelled in front of witnesses that will not be second guessed."

"What could make this seal so powerful?"

"My suspicion is blood magic given what happened to Erlina. If you give me some more time, I know someone who may be able to help identify the spell and how to remove it."

"Who is this contact? Can they be counted on to be discreet?"

Worrying at his lip Tyris shifted slightly. "I assume you are aware of the Mages Collective, your Majesty."

Anora straightened. "Apostates."

"How much do you want to be able to reveal the truth of this letter, your Majesty?"

It took everything she had to create a neutral expression. "We have not spoken of this. When you request my presence again you will have the spell you require. Any questions as to how you discovered this spell will be on you. Is that understood?"

"Yes, your Majesty."

"Very well. Get this spell swiftly Tyris."

As she left Tyris leaned against the desk realising he would have to be very careful, she would sacrifice him in a heartbeat.

xXx

Agitation causing her to shift restlessly as Erlina brushed her hair, Anora glared at her own reflection. "This is maddening! I want that mage stopped and I want Howe brought to his knees."

"Perhaps it is time to give this to the Templars." She shrugged at Anora's surprised expression, slowly continuing to brush out the Queen's hair. "You of course remember what that blood mage wanted of me, to isolate you from your husband, your brother, the other nobility. We know his plans and I want her to suffer, but blood magic, used in wax to change the appearance of writing." She shuddered. "The potential of what could be done with access to such magic is terrifying."

"And how would we explain what we know without explaining your own experience, because if we do, the Templars will take you and Enchanter Tyris. I should have alerted the Templars the moment I suspected you had been enthralled, but I did not. I will not have you and Tyris suffer for the course of action I chose."

Erlina stepped back as Anora stood watching as she moved to the bed, laying the brush gently down on the dressing table. "I will gladly submit myself to the Templars if it means getting this mage and Arl Howe separated."

Slipping under the blankets Anora sighed softly knowing that her miscalculations could well lead to that very outcome.

xXx

Under cover of darkness Tyris made his way to the rendezvous point. He hated sneaking around the city in the middle of the night having to avoid guards, drunkards and people out to make trouble. He knew he had led something of a protected life since gaining the position with the royal family, but right now he knew that could all be stripped away, even if he managed to get Anora what she wanted. He swallowed nervously seeing a shadow move across the alleyway, forcing himself to go towards it.

"Tyris, no need to look so nervous."

Smiling slightly Tyris immediately felt safer. "Jetta, thank you for meeting me."

"Of course, but let's get off the street, so many prying eyes and ears."

Tyris followed his heart beating wildly as they slipped through the door of one of the Mages Collective safe houses. He felt her lips on his, the moment he shut the door and pulled her tight to him. Their time together was so limited he often wondered why she still had anything to do with him. Their love making was longer than he anticipated, but swifter than he wanted.

Grabbing her cloak to cover herself Jetta smiled. "I've missed you."

"And I you." Tyris murmured, kissing her gently.

"You look worried."

"I need help that's true, but I wanted to see you."

"I know that. Now tell me what the royals have you embroiled in that you cannot resolve by yourself; you are too knowledgeable and resourceful for this to be something simple."

"I think it is blood magic." He held his breath as she looked at him waiting. Knowing he needed to be careful about how much he told her he explained he believed there was a spell embedded in wax used in a seal to change the writing on the parchment it was on.

"And I assume you need to discover if this is the case, you cannot simply leave it alone."

"That is unfortunately not an option."

"We will need to speak to Alamadah." She smirked slightly at Tyris's groan. "You know as well as I if you need information on blood magic, he is the person to go to."

"He is insufferable."

"His arrogance is an art form I grant you, but his knowledge on blood magic is unmatched."

Sighing Tyris nodded. "Very well."

"Good, get dressed."

"Now!"

Grinning Jetta let her cloak drop to the floor. "Well maybe not quite yet."

xXx

Looking Tyris up and down Alamadah wondered what Jetta saw in him. "The Great Tyris needs my help, well, well."

"Don't be difficult." Tyris muttered. "Can you help or not?"

"Of course, I can help, but why should I risk myself?"

"I am not going to reveal your involvement for Makers sake."

"Oh, foolish Tyris, secrets spill from men's lips under torture, you know that." He hesitated as Jetta placed her hand on his arm.

"Alamadah this is your area of expertise. You know I would not intrude on your precious time if it was not important."

"Oh, very well, what is straining your mind Tyris?"

Gritting his teeth Tyris explained as much as he had to Jetta, seeing interest light Alamadah's eyes.

Moving over to a large bookcase Alamadah's long fingers drifted over several books as he murmured to himself, before pulling a large tome from the shelf and reaching behind it taking out a smaller book barely a quarter of the size of the one concealing it. Moving to the table he carefully turned the pages lost in his own thoughts.

Jetta smiled and leaned against Tyris as they waited, enjoying spending time with him even if it was in silence.

"Here!" Alamadah announced triumphantly, turning the book and pushing it towards them across the desk.

Tyris paled as he read the paragraph before glancing over the intricate spell. "Makers breath, the blood of babies or young children is used in this!"

"The blood of an innocent to be specific, but adults are rarely innocent so yes, children would be used." He rolled his eyes at Tyris's horrified expression. "Calm yourself they are not killed, the spell requires only a few drops of blood, it is not as though they are bled to death, not for this spell at least."

"How can I end the spell?"

Alamadah turned over the page tapping his finger above the spell, for once not smirking at Tyris's horror.

"How important is it to reveal the truth hidden behind the magic of this seal?"

"Thank you for your help." Tyris muttered pulling his cloak tight around him and heading towards the door.

"Tyris."

Turning back to Alamadah he waited.

"If you are too squeamish to use the blood of an innocent and a little blood magic on the wax there may be another way. For this spell to hold for any length of time some of the wax would have had to be placed on parchment with a sample of the handwriting it was to appear as. Find that and destroy it and the spell will be broken. Much easier to find a baby or young child." He chuckled softly as Tyris strode out of the room, swallowing slightly at Jetta's unimpressed expression.

xXx

"Tyris you need to calm down."

"Calm down, calm down you heard him!"

"I know, but you know he is used to that kind of thing."

"He left Tevinter a long time ago!"

"I know, Tyris please." She grabbed his arm forcing him to stop.

"Jetta, I have to go."

"Not like this." Keeping a grip on his arm she pulled him along a deserted alley and into a large building, slipping through several corridors before leaving through a back door and ending up at the Pearl. "We need a drink."

Sighing, he followed her, she knew the landlady, healed her employees on many occasions and there was a room kept just for her. It was comfortably furnished and he sighed as he sat on a chair and took the brandy she offered. "Sorry." He whispered, smiling and shifting slightly as she draped herself across his knees.

Gently running her fingers through his hair, she smiled lovingly. "I wish we had more moments like these, just the two of us." Taking his glass, she leaned back putting it on the side table turning back to him and running her fingers across his jaw drawing him closer. "For one night I want to pretend we are just normal people, living normal lives."

"I thought you didn't like normal." He murmured as her lips caressed his.

"I did say for just one night." She whispered.

xXx

Taking a slow walk through the gardens Anora thought through everything Tyris had told her that morning. There were two ways to break the spell. She would have nothing to do with blood magic of course, but she had no idea how they were going to get their hands on the parchment with the rest of the wax on it. She stopped to look at the flowers, her mind spinning wondering how many other documents he had used the wax on and what else he might be planning. It was likely that Howe would keep the parchment close to him, even on his person. She turned to Zarina and Erlina who were walking a short distance behind her. "Zarina, please arrange a meeting with Master Ignatio for as soon as possible."

"Yes, your Majesty." Zarina stated with a curtsey, turning and heading back into the palace. She moved swiftly through the corridors taking a moment to go to her room and grab her cloak. She much preferred the intrigue and danger of her usual contracts to babysitting the Queen, but Ignatio controlled her contracts and besides this particular one was an indication of his trust in her. Moving at a leisurely pace through the market so as not to draw attention to herself she slipped into the building Ignatio had always favoured. It was in a good location and the door through which she had entered was hidden from prying eyes.

"Zarina, why are you here?"

"I come at her Majesty's request. She seeks an urgent meeting with you."

"Then it is good I have some information for her." Grabbing a cloak, he smiled. "It does not do to keep royalty waiting."

xXx

Anora turned as the door opened, Zarina entering first followed by Master Ignatio whose hood as usual obscured his face until he pushed it back when the door was shut. "Thank you for coming so swiftly."

"Of course, your Majesty. I bring news, though I fear you will find it as disappointing as I did. The elven mage remains in the Arl of Denerim's estate. She spends the majority of her time in the dungeons and the rest in her room. My agent has carried out a complete search of the room on several occasions and there is no hint of magic, no tomes, no instruments, no ingredients. Whatever she is up to is done in the dungeon and my agent has no access." Ignatio steepled his fingers. "There are also no indications that Arl Howe is enthralled. When she meets with the Arl it is only for a few moments and usually he has one of his personal guards with him. There has been no sign of magic used on him, indeed no signs of blood magic at all. No-one seems aware she is a mage, in fact most believe her to be … stress relief for Arl Howe."

Anora snorted. "The Arl's dislike of elves is well known, I doubt he would share his bed with …"

"Forgive me Majesty, but I understand Arl Vaughan also hates elves and he takes them to his bed frequently. None join him willingly of course. However, for the moment that is not our focus. My agent took food to the guards in the dungeon, he happened to see her going to the lower level. He was moved on quickly and has been unable to gain access to the cells below. Perhaps Majesty it would be wise to inform the Templars of our suspicions."

Slowly rubbing her forehead Anora met his gaze. "If we back Howe into such an obvious corner, we will lose any advantage we have."

"Forgive me your Majesty, but what advantage is that exactly? We might know she is a blood mage, but we have no proof. It is likely that she is actually torturing people, but again we have no proof. All we have is speculation and in the months we have been seeking evidence we are no closer. I urge you to seek support from the Grand Cleric. She need not know that we have been aware of this mage for some time now. You need not even tell her how you became truly aware of her power, none of us need face the interrogation of the Templars, or most likely the Seekers given your status."

"There is another development." Anora explained about the letters and the wax seal.

"That is most disturbing."

"Can you get word to your agent to look for this parchment?"

"Certainly, though such a search will not be easy."

"Then how do you suggest we do this?"

Ignacio hesitated only for a moment. "Perhaps we can kill two birds with one stone. I can have my agent bring concerns to the Templars without your involvement. At the very least it might bring an end to whatever they are doing in the dungeon. The Templars searching the estate might provide just the distraction to search Arl Howe's quarters." At the Queen's silence Ignatio folded his arms. "Forgive me your Majesty, but I must be blunt. You are Queen of Ferelden; you must raise yourself above your personal agenda. It is not hard to see that you do not trust the Arl and there is a level of hate there I think, that is guiding you. You are a woman I greatly respect, but it is time now to lay down your personal vendetta. We are not equipped to take on a blood mage. It is time to involve those who are."

Swallowing her pride Anora nodded, he was right of course and Fergus's words that his parents might still be alive if she had gotten the Templars involved when Erlina's enthrallment had been discovered haunted her. She should have taken Erlina to the Templars, but she was afraid for herself and the secrets she held. Howe had her trapped by her indiscretion. Her frustration rose, Cailan had been indiscrete while they were married, but no-one seemed to think less of him. Her moment of grief fuelled need before her marriage however had the potential to lose her the throne and despite her initial reluctance and the terrible pressure, she loved being Queen. She loved her people, her country and she was dedicated to them, but Eleanor and Bryce were dead, two of her most trusted allies, Eamon might not be actively working against her at the moment, but once the blight was over, she imagined he would return to trying to get rid of her and her plans to get rid of him permanently had thus far failed. Howe was accumulating more power by the day and her dearest friend Fergus she suspected no longer trusted her. She had played the Game unwisely it seemed and her family and dearest friends had paid for it and continued to pay the price for her miscalculations. "Very well Master Ignacio, you will have your agent alert the Templars to his suspicions. Make sure your agent is also ready to search Howe's room and belongings. Are you sure they will take notice of him?"

Ignatio smiled wolfishly. "I guarantee it, your Majesty."

As he left, Zarina showing him out, Anora turned to Erlina. "Maker, did I do the right thing?"

"It will have no tie to you and while I would like to kill her myself, we need her dealt with. Maker knows what she is doing in that estate. Vaughan and Howe together spell trouble for the elves that live here and for the city as a whole and if we get the parchment that links to the letters Teyrn Cousland was supposed to have written, then we are one step closer to clearing his name."

xXx

It was early afternoon the following day when Vaughan found himself having to deal with the Knight Captain and ten Templars demanding entrance to the estate. "What is the meaning of this?"

"There is a suspected mage on the premises."

"What nonsense is this?"

"If it is nonsense it can be swiftly confirmed. I suggest you step aside Arl, your nobility does not shield you from such searches, magic is a danger to us all."

Vaughan caught Howe's expression from the corner of his eye and let his arms drop. "Of course, Knight Captain, you are only doing your duty after all, but might I know where this accusation comes from?"

The Knight Captain passed over the parchment with the seal of the Grand Cleric giving them authorisation to conduct the search. "It would make this more efficient if you have everyone summoned together and gave us private rooms to conduct our business."

Vaughan nodded. "Whatever you need Knight Captain." He gave several orders sending servants scrambling before he moved over to Rendon, noting two additional Templars were at the gates to prevent anyone from leaving.

"We planned for this eventuality Vaughan." Rendon stated in a low voice. "Remember to stay calm and helpful."

The Knight Captain approached them. "Arl Howe I would like to begin with those who came to Denerim with you to eliminate them from this investigation."

"Of course, Knight Captain, please follow me."

xXx

The Knight Captain stared at the young elven woman who looked terrified. She fit the description and he had been very thorough, but this woman was no mage. Undeterred he tested everyone, noble, servant and guard, but there was no-one with magical ability. He had demanded access to the dungeons, finding two elven prisoners, neither were mages, nor were the guards or those men hired for more brutal tasks.

"Is all in order?" Vaughan asked.

"Is there anywhere else on the estate my men have not been given access too?"

"You have had access everywhere, even my personal chambers. Listen Knight Captain I do not approve of magic. It is on record I petitioned against mages in the army. They are dangerous and I want no part of it. Believe what you will of me, but harbour a mage, never."

"Is there any on your staff who are not here today?"

"There are those guards who are not on shift until this evening." He handed over their details.

"Thank you for being so accommodating my Lord and I apologise for the intrusion."

"It is no trouble Knight Captain, I am more than happy to help, magic is one of the few things that scares me." He leaned against the wall watching as the Templars left before turning to Howe. "Child's play." He led the way back to the dungeon to a hidden set of chambers where Eloen did most of her work. They found her researching. "You said your blood magic was contained." Vaughan hissed.

"It is my Lord. I have checked the wards and as you probably saw the Templars were unaware of them."

"True enough." He glanced at Howe. "Handy fellow this Magister of yours."

"Indeed, but this still leaves us with why they carried out the search in the first place. We need to find out who opened their mouth and why."

xXx

That evening trying not to give into his frustration, Ignatio once more attended the palace.

Anora started at the Crow in disbelief. "They found no trace of the mage or magic? How could that be? And your agent also failed to find the parchment!"

"Indeed, I suspect he may keep it on his person. I have removed my agent from the estate and sent him out of the country, they were beginning to question people and while he does not know your involvement, I also prefer my own to remain unknown."

"I thought Crows could withstand torture."

"Of course we can, but why put a good agent in that position if it is unnecessary."

"We need someone in there to continue the search!" Anora demanded in frustration.

"I believe there is someone who can help. Her name is Kara. She is head of the Flaming Swords Mercenary company here in Denerim."

Anora looked at him in surprise. "A mercenary leader, what help could she be?"

"She has many contacts; one is a former Templar and we have … worked together in the past on certain contracts. I believe he might give us the edge we have been missing. They have managed to conceal her from an unexpected visit, but with someone there a great deal of the time who is experienced in hunting magic ..."

Anora gazed at him thoughtfully. Howe had been prepared because she had waited too long, hoping to gather evidence to bring him down, but they could not waste any more time. "And she can be trusted?"

"I would not be suggesting we go to her if she could not."

"Very well have her put this man in place."

Ignatio shook his head. "Forgive me your Majesty, I will arrange a meeting, but you must do the asking."

Anora met his gaze seeing a hardness she had not seen before, knowing instinctively he would not be swayed. "Very well, I will await your word on time and place."

"I will see to it immediately." Ignatio stated standing and giving a flourishing bow.

Sighing deeply as he left Anora glanced at Erlina who was watching her. "Thoughts?"

"I believe you should tell your father what is happening."

Anora shook her head. "He has enough to deal with."

"Anora …" She fell silent as the Queen held up her hand to stall her protest.

"He can do nothing and he does not need the distraction. Let us see what this Kara can do."

Erlina nodded and glanced to the flames, the churning in the pit of her stomach becoming a storm.

xXx

Kara stared at the Queen in utter astonishment wondering if she was actually still in bed and dreaming. She felt a surge of anger at her stupidity and since the Queen needed her help, she decided she would throw diplomacy out of the window. "This is madness. You should have gone to the Templars when you first suspected then they would not have had time to plan for a raid!"

"I am aware of that." Anora stated through gritted teeth, no more interested in diplomacy than Kara was. "I believe the Cousland's are innocent of the charges of treason Arl Howe has laid against them. I am trying desperately to get proof to clear them. This is bigger than one mage!"

"If Arl Howe is the real traitor then he needs to be dealt with!" Kara hesitated. "You could have gone to the Templars from the start, they would have carried out a ritual on your handmaiden and that would have been proof at least that blood magic had been performed but you didn't." Her eyes narrowed. "This might be partly about the Couslands, but this is about you isn't it your Majesty? Arl Howe has something on you that you don't want known and you need something on him to keep him quiet and damn the consequences to other people." She took the Queen's silence as confirmation. "Makers breath you knew about this mage before the Couslands fell, didn't you? If you had acted, they might still be here!" Heart pounding, Kara knew she had gone too far, but she held her ground remaining silent.

Anora leaned back in the seat and slowly rubbed her forehead. "You might very well be right. They might still be here if I had gone to the Templars, or they might not, we will never know and I need to live with that." She leaned forward. "I need the truth from the mage and the Templars might very well kill her on the spot, or make her Tranquil. I believed having agents try to uncover the truth was the safer option."

"The Templars would interrogate the mage before they took any action!"

"And what if she attacked first, if she was killed in the ensuing conflict? Howe could create any story he wished. Maker that might be why he is staying with Vaughan to blame her presence on him if caught."

Kara's frown deepened. "Whatever Arl Howe has on you must be something spectacular for you to be willing to risk a blood mage staying free."

Anora shuddered, to hear it put in such cold terms it did sound madness and yet at the time it had seemed the right course of action. "A choice made at a time of grief that could have far reaching consequences."

"You fear the loss of the throne, only that could possibly begin to explain your inaction." Again, the Queen remained silent. Kara glanced to Ignatio surprised by his expression, one that told her he would owe her a favour if she helped. A favour of a Crow was not one to be passed up, but this situation was well out of her comfort zone. "Alright your Majesty if you want my help this is how it is going to play out. I have a contact, one I presume Ignatio has informed you of or you would not be here. A former Templar who is highly experienced and skilled in tracking down blood magic and neutralising it. I will get him hired as a guard for Vaughan, it won't be difficult he is always needing men."

"Is he … reliable?"

"He has a source of lyrium if that is what you are asking and yes, he is very reliable and as I said highly skilled."

"Then why is he no longer part of the Order?"

"That is not mine to tell, but his skill was never in question."

"I see."

"If there is proof to be had he will obtain it."

"How quickly can this be done."

Kara leaned back in her chair. "It can be done by the end of the week assuming you meet my terms."

Anora tensed. "What terms would they be?"

"For too long Denerim has been at the mercy of the corrupt and the poor of our city are the first to suffer. It is time you looked after all of your people, your Majesty."

"You think I am blind to what goes on in this city?"

"No, your Majesty, I believe you know exactly what goes on and you choose to concern yourself with personal matters over those of your people." She remained silent seeing the fury in the Queen's eyes that was quickly masked.

"What exactly are you proposing?"

"A simple act of generosity. The Palace's kitchens are bursting with food, you have more blankets and candles than you can use in ten years I wager and I doubt there is ever a shortage of firewood for your many fireplaces. Perhaps some of that could be redirected. The country is on the verge of civil war and the monsters have risen, but the poorest care only for feeding their hungry children and planning on how to keep their families warm come winter. The Chantry does what it can, you could do more."

Standing Anora pulled on her cloak. "I shall see what can be done. I expect results and swiftly." She left the room, a smiling Ignatio following her.

Leaning back in her chair, Kara gave a shuddering sigh, before reaching for parchment and ink. The thought of Vaughan having access to a blood mage terrified her and even if the Queen had not accepted her terms, she would have set things in motion. The city had suffered enough without blood magic being added to the mix. Sealing the coded letter, she realised her hands were trembling and took a calming breath, once she had sent the letter with a messenger, she allowed herself a moment to relax, if anyone would know how to protect them from an active blood mage in their midst, it would be the Mages Collective.

xXx

Little over an hour later Kara met with Ilias. She had met the former Templar through the Mages Collective which had astonished her until she realised he was protecting them. It had seemed strange to her at first, but over the few years of their alliance she had come to know a little of his story and had understood why he would protect them.

"You have work for me?"

"I do. It has come to my attention that there is a blood mage in Vaughan's estate. I have no proof and it is proof I need and before you say anything, I am aware there was a raid and the Templars found nothing. I have no doubt Vaughan has places in his dungeons that are not so easily seen and accessed, an ideal place to hide those who need to be hidden."

"And you want me to find her and neutralise her?"

"Find her yes and if you can, get her out of there. There are people who need to speak to her."

"About what?"

"Those who came to me with this believe this mage is involved in the troubles concerning the Couslands."

Ilias leaned back in his chair. "How do you intend to get me in there?"

"I have a contact in the guards; they are looking for soldiers." She nipped at her lip. "Men who are strong and not squeamish."

"They want torturers then?"

"That would be my guess and that is where we need you. I would not ask this of you, but Vaughan is dangerous enough, as is Arl Howe and now a blood mage, that cannot be allowed."

"I agree. Give me all the information you have on this mage."

"It is not much." She explained everything Ignatio had told her.

"It is well you sent for me; an agent not versed in protection from magic would have no chance against her. The Collective is looking into means of protection, you will be contacted as soon as they have something." Taking his leave, a short time later Ilias took a walk along the dock staring out across the water, his mind drifting to the past and the complicated relationships between mages and Templars. He swallowed painfully as he remembered Marissa, his mage love, how his own best friend, a fellow Templar had betrayed them and how Knight Commander Meredith had cast him out, saying he was corrupted. Merissa paid a greater price than even he with the brand. He was almost glad he had been cast out, seeing her once the rite had been done had broken him, her beautiful, compassionate nature destroyed simply because they had dared to love each other. He had left Kirkwall as swiftly as he could get passage returning to his homeland of Ferelden. He had returned to his parent's farm in southern Ferelden only to find out they had both been taken by fever a few years before his return. The farm had been taken over and he found himself alone. He had no purpose and the longer he went without lyrium the worse his nightmares, the crippling physical pain and the more difficult it became to concentrate. He was contemplating ending it when Solomon had found him. An ex-templar like himself, cast out from the Order for a similar offence. The sweet relief of lyrium had been unexpected and desperately needed and it bound him to the man in need and gratitude. It wasn't long before he found himself working with the Mages Collective as Solomon did and it was they who supplied the lyrium. His duties were not much different, protect the mages and track down and neutralise blood magic, or pass on the information to the Templars if it required a greater number. It had surprised him he could adapt to the change so quickly, but Knight Commander Meredith had been too harsh, too eager to brand and he had hated her long before she had destroyed him and Merissa. Here he clung to Merissa's memory and continued to do what he had trained to do, what he had always known was his life's calling. He came back to himself, going up against blood mages was always a risk, he certainly had enough scars to confirm that truth, but this was his duty, even if he no longer wore the uniform. Getting into the Arl of Denerim's guards would likely be the easy part, what he would have to do once there to prove himself trustworthy and valuable to the Arl would be far harder, but whatever he had to do to end the threat of the blood mage he would do and he would bear the scars to his soul in silence as he always had.

xXx

Author Note: Thank you for reading.