The journey to Haven had been uneventful and as they approached the small village Jayden caught sight of several Templars moving towards them, glancing to Cailan whose hood was concealing some of his face, though given his hair had been darkened and he had allowed a growth of facial hair, he doubted anyone would recognise him, especially in such nondescript armour.

"Hold!" The tallest Templar stated moving forward. "State your business."

Taking the lead as planned, Jayden dismounted and moved forward recognising both Templars from Denerim. "Ser Tavith, Ser Jorath; we are …" He hesitated as the Templars brought an arm to their chest and bowed.

"Forgive me Champion we were not expecting you." Ser Jorath stated, using his formal title as they had all been instructed to by the Grand Cleric herself. "I am currently in command of protection here while the repairs are being carried out to the Temple and the Brothers are cataloguing everything within. Brother Bevin is in charge of the Temple and all work to do with it. Shall I escort you to him?"

Maintaining a neutral expression Jayden nodded. "Thank you, that would be helpful."

"We will take a quick detour to the stables; your mounts will be watched over."

"Thank you." Gently patting Luna's neck once she was settled, he and those with him followed after Ser Jorath. He stared as they entered the Temple. The snow and ice that had filled the initial hall in abundance had been cleared and the roof had already been repaired. Several Brothers were moving between rooms, scrolls almost trailing the floor, writing as furiously as they were murmuring, an air of awe evident on the expressions of each Brother; the parchments and texts, as precious as any jewel.

Darrien stared in astonishment at the amount of scrolls he could see, watching the Brothers move in and out of side rooms taking back scrolls and bringing more with them. "Maker, how many are there!"

"The rooms are full of them." Jayden stated moving to his side. "I am sure Brother Bevin would show you."

"William!" Brother Bevin gasped before Ser Jorath could speak, putting the scroll he was looking at on one of many tables placed in the Great Hall and hurrying forward. "Forgive me, but I suppose that should be Champion now."

"William's fine." Jayden assured clasping his outstretched hand.

"I always knew you were meant for great things." He leaned forward a conspiratorial smile on his face. "Mother Perpetua was surprised I must say, she took to her bed for three days."

Jayden smiled more at the Brothers grin than at the thought of how he still distressed Perpetua after all this time. "It seems you are making good progress here."

"Well I admit it has been a lot better since the roof was fixed. Those first few weeks tested us that is for sure. Despite the sun outside it remains constantly chilled in here." He gestured towards several braziers and they moved towards the heat. "It will be months before we catalogue every tome and scroll in here let alone have a chance to go through everything completely, that will take years." He grinned. "There are the most wonderful maps if you get a chance to look at them. Of course, I suspect there may be more items of interest in the tunnels beyond the Temple proper, but we will not get to go there until every passageway is mapped and safe." He shuddered. "There were so many bodies when we arrived and the Templars say they have come across far more in the tunnels. Terrible business." He flushed, realising so many deaths would have occurred at his last visit; quickly clearing his throat. "Anyway, I don't suppose any of this is why you are here."

"We are hoping to speak to the Guardian."

"Ah I see. Well, there may be a problem with that."

"Problem?"

"I of course went to speak to the Guardian when I first arrived. I explained to him, a rather odd fellow, exactly what we are doing. I did not want any misunderstandings. He seemed happy enough for us to be in the Temple, rather pleased we would be repairing it."

"To have the Temple repaired and open to pilgrims is Holy Andraste's wish."

"Of course. I …" He shifted slightly. "However, I went back several days later hoping to get some insight into an ancient scroll I had found and the doors were locked. None of us have been able to gain entry and of course we do not wish to cause damage to the doors."

Frowning Jayden worried at his lip. "Well, we need to try."

"Of course. I … I was wondering, being in Her presence …"

Jayden smiled slightly. "Terrifying and wonderful, in truth words fail to do the experience justice."

"Of course. Come and see me before you go and I will show you the maps."

xXx

Jayden remained silent as Ser Jorath and Ser Tavith led the way up the mountain path. They did not need an escort, but he had realised that they were going to get one whether they wanted one or not. He offered a smile as Ser Tavith dropped slightly back clearly wanting to speak to him.

"If you do not mind my asking Champion, the Gauntlet, what was it like?"

"It was a test of faith, our knowledge of Holy Andraste's life and our trust of Her and each other. When together we had to trust each other and work together to progress, but there were parts of the Gauntlet where we were alone." He remembered his older and younger self. "That was more a test of ourselves, the truth of our character, our soul perhaps."

"And most Holy Andraste healed you."

"She did."

"Forgive me I do not mean to question your experience, but why would Holy Andraste wish a dragon to survive?"

"Tavith enough!" Jorath hissed. "The Champion is not here to answer your questions!"

Flushing slightly Tavith gave a mumbled apology and re-joined his fellow Templar.

Jayden glanced to his left as Lawrence joined him.

"How does it feel to be held in awe by Templars?" He whispered.

"Uncomfortable." Jayden muttered.

"When we get back to Denerim I reckon we pay a visit to Mother Perpetua, just to see her reaction to you."

Shaking his head Jayden smiled slightly. "I have no desire to upset her."

"If she had treated me the way she treated you I might want a little payback and you won't be able to avoid the Chantry forever."

"Maybe not, but I don't have to voluntarily go there." He hesitated as the Templars signalled them to halt, realising they were checking for any sign of a dragon. The group waited silently as the Templars conducted their visual inspection.

"At least we know why they came with us." Theron murmured.

Re-joining the group Ser Jorath gestured towards the building. "The way is clear Champion."

"Thank you, Ser Jorath."

Gazing at the Temple, Cailan wondering at how such strange and fantastic experiences had been had within, glancing to the ledge where Jayden had taken the egg to the dragon. He turned to Teagan who was also looking at the ledge. "I am not sure my courage would have held."

"Nor mine, but perhaps having been in the presence of Holy Andraste and experiencing her healing touch, our courage might have experienced something of a boost."

"Perhaps you are right."

Despite the dragon being gone the group moved swiftly to the temple finding the doors would not open, just as the Brother had warned.

Jayden glanced around looking for some mechanism to open them or a bell of some kind, but there was nothing. He glanced back realising the group and their escort were watching him. Turning back to the door he let out a low breath pressing his hand to the door speaking quietly hoping the Guardian would somehow know they were there and would answer. "Guardian we are here to request to do the Gauntlet. Our King is in need of his memories and no spell or tonic has thus far returned them. We would not have made the journey were it not necessary." He took a step back as the doors began to open the Guardian standing beyond.

"You and I must speak … Champion."

Jayden turned ashen, there was no menace in the Guardian's tone, but he feared that would change.

The Guardian glanced at the group. "The rest of you will remain here."

Swallowing back his nerves, Jayden glanced down at Airyl who he realised was not going to be convinced to remain behind and was deeply relieved for her presence, stepping inside he glanced back seeing his companions concerned expressions before the doors swung shut behind him.

Terrance paled. "Maker, he was worried about this."

"About what?" Cailan demanded.

"That Holy Andraste would not be happy about his title and that the Guardian would be her means of expressing it. Maybe we should try to get in there."

Teagan turned to the agitated group. "Or perhaps we should trust that most Holy Andraste would not have healed him just to harm him now. I suggest we wait, attempting to break down the doors would not give a good impression."

"Of course, Bann Teagan." Terrance stated flushing slightly, but he continued to watch the doors, his agitation growing with each passing moment.

xXx

Following the Guardian, Jayden headed through the door that led to the columned room that had held the spirits of those associated with Holy Andraste's life and through a small door on the left that he had not noticed the first time he had been here. The chamber was half the size, the walls decorated with a different image of Andraste, each beautiful and serene. He smiled as Airyl immediately lay down apparently the calmness reassuring her that no harm would come to him.

The Guardian smiled as Jayden gazed around the room in awe. "This is where I come for guidance, for peace and to know I travel the right path."

"It's so peaceful here."

"It is a good place to pray and to contemplate. Long have been the years of my life and long have I been coming here. I brought you here because you are burdened where there should be no burden. Trust that all is as it should be, young Champion."

"I am no Champion." Jayden stated miserably. "If you are permitted to know so much about us surely you know all that transpired in the Deep Roads, all that I am responsible for."

"Indeed, I do. I am allowed to make something very clear to you. The glimpse you saw of the future was not a punishment, not for any magic you participated in. As I said, you are burdened where there should be no burden."

Swallowing painfully Jayden thought of the blood magic to give his mother more time, realising the weight he had carried about it. "I thought …"

"You thought your soul had been tainted. Perhaps you should consider the premise that magic is neither good nor evil, it is a force of creation and the wielder of the magic, that person's intention determines the outcome. Your intention to save your mother was pure and made from love, why would the Maker ever punish you for that? The only one punishing you is yourself and that is why you resist this, because you feel unworthy."

"I …" He faltered as the Guardian's gaze seemed to pierce his heart.

"It is time to embrace your destiny, the shadows can be a useful tool, but you were never meant to dwell there. In dark times people need a Champion, a beacon if you will, the Chantry is not wrong."

"But …" He fell silent as the Guardian held up his hand.

"You were born the son of a Teyrn and yet among those you call friends are those of different races, nobles and commoners, mages and Templars. It is rare outside of an Order that there is such tolerance and acceptance. You were born to be a leader and yet fate intervened to have you earn it, not have it bestowed upon you as a right. You need not fear Holy Andraste's displeasure at the title given to you by the Chantry." He smiled slightly at Jayden's obvious relief. "You are still troubled."

"How am I supposed to live up to such a title?"

"One moment at a time and by being a good and honourable man."

"How can I truly be an honourable man when I spend so much time lying to people about who I am?"

"Trust that despite the difficulties inherent in such a role, you are who you are meant to be and trust that those who consider themselves your friends and family will not be offended by the deception."

Sighing softly Jayden gazed around the room. "Do you know why the magic showed me the Blight?"

"You are human, but you have the bond of powerful elven magic within you. I suspect the magic sensed an opportunity to alter a terrible future."

"But I made it worse!"

"Are you responsible for the Archdemon? Did you create and rally the Darkspawn? Did you instigate the treachery of the nobility? You will bear many responsibilities in your life, do not take on those that are unnecessary. Have faith in yourself as those who know you best do."

Jayden gave a slight nod. "Guardian, will you allow us to do the Gauntlet? The King's need is real as are others who were badly injured."

"The Pilgram's path is no longer available."

"I don't understand. Did we do something wrong?"

"Your worthiness is not in question. Long I waited for pilgrims to arrive and arrive you did. You did as was requested and the Temple is being reclaimed by the faithful."

"Then I don't understand. Why would the Gauntlet no longer be open to the faithful?"

"Do you think Holy Andraste's Ashes infinite? Her Ashes were given to provide healing, to inspire hope and faith in a time of crisis, but the Chantry have locked a pinch away and already plans are in motion to send pilgrims whose sole intention is to retrieve more for the Chantry. I suspect by any means they can and perhaps even the path of the Gauntlet will not be enough to keep those of such impure intentions from achieving their goal. I will not allow Her resting place to be defiled. I will continue to perform my sworn duty and protect the Ashes from those who wish to use them for their own selfish gains."

"Damn them." Jayden hissed, glancing to the Guardian as his hand gripped his shoulder.

"You should know that what ails your King could not be cured by Holy Andraste's Ashes."

Jayden sighed softly. "So, his memory loss is not due to physical injury then."

The Guardian tilted his head slightly as though listening to something. "I will speak with your King, have him come to me and return with him."

Jayden hurried back to the entrance, Airyl at his side, finding the doors opening before he reached them. The group was where he had left them, their Templar escorts standing at the mountain path. He moved to Cailan startled by the obvious relief of the group to see him.

"What happened?" Cailan asked.

"The Pilgrim's path is closed." Jayden muttered angrily. "It seems the Chantry want to have a stockpile of the Ashes. They are fools to imagine their intent would not be discovered; in their greed they have prevented healing for those who have no other option."

"Then all is lost." Cailan stated softly.

"Perhaps not, the Guardian wishes to speak to you. He said the Ashes would not have helped you and perhaps he has another way, you should at least listen to him. Come, we should not leave him waiting."

Edward watched uneasily as the King, Champion and wolf entered the building, the doors closing once more behind them, Rosslyn would not be happy that he had not remained at Cailan's side.

xXx

Glancing anxiously at the Guardian, Cailan cleared his throat. "Guardian, do you know how I may retrieve my memories?"

"We will discuss that soon enough, but first I must show you something."

Jayden nudged Cailan to follow him, through the columned room and into a smaller room beyond. There was a pedestal in the centre of the room with what appeared to be a bowl of water and several goblets. Jayden felt himself drawn to a mosaic of Andraste on the far wall, her face lifted, her mouth open in song though he had no idea how he knew that.

"What do you think she is singing?" Cailan murmured. "I feel that I can almost hear it."

"Something beautiful."

The Guardian moved to the pedestal and filled two goblets. "Please drink."

Taking the offered water Cailan drank deeply wondering how anything had slackened his thirst before this.

Drinking the cool water Jayden felt his anger ebb leaving him clear headed. He met the Guardian's gaze and nodded. "Thank you."

"I will leave you for a short time." The Guardian stated shutting the door behind him.

Cailan glanced around. "What are we supposed to do? Is this a test?" He sucked in a sharp breath as the tiles of the mosaic seemed to shift, the colours swirling together as the image of Andraste began to change. "Tell me you are seeing that."

"I see it." Jayden whispered glancing back to the pedestal and the bowl of water wondering what had been in it. He paled as he realised the scene had become Ostagar seeing soldiers preparing for battle, the sky turning dark bringing with it a great storm as the Darkspawn appeared. He turned to Cailan who was watching transfixed.

Cailan stared in horror as the images swirled and moved in a constant dance as the armies clashed, soldiers and monsters falling. He saw himself, saw the hope of victory fade as the second wave of Darkspawn advanced. He watched as the images shifted, seeing Duncan's last moments and then the Emissary firing that dark magic that ended in his head trauma before seeing himself spirited away on a cart. He watched as the images changed again, moving rapidly through battles fought across Ferelden countrymen fighting countrymen. The image shifted to Denerim in flames, he watched in disbelief as humans, elves and dwarfs tore each other apart; the Archdemon perched on the top of Fort Drakon presiding over the destruction of the country's capital and its people. "We fail." Cailan whispered, sinking to his knees. "The Archdemon is too powerful, how can we fight something that can invade the minds of so many?" The image returned to Andraste, her gaze seeming to pierce his soul.

Feeling Airyl's nose pressing against his hand Jayden took a shuddering breath. "We know a civil war is imminent because of Howe's attack on the Cousland's and his insistence they are traitors. Despite the Darkspawn the whole country is divided about it. The Archdemon clearly uses that to his advantage, letting us kill each other before moving on Demerim. We prevent the civil war; we bring this country back together and we stand a chance. We know the Archdemon can enter minds though I never imagined he could access so many, but we will find a way to shield our people. We must go to Denerim, you must show everyone you are alive memories or not."

"You see what is at stake." The Guardian stated, startling both men.

"I do." Clearing his throat Cailan sighed. "But if this was meant to return my memories it has failed."

"It was not. There is only one way that you might regain your memories and that lies in the place they were lost."

"But … but that means returning to Ostagar!" Cailan gasped in alarm.

"Indeed."

Jayden felt sick to the pit of his stomach, he had never imagined returning during the Blight. "Cailan I know how much you want your memories, but returning to Ostagar right now is suicide. When the Blight is over and the Darkspawn are driven back then it will be safe to go there, but right now we need to get you back to Denerim."

Closing his eyes Cailan shuddered. "How can I lead my people without my memories? They will consider me unfit to rule and therefore unfit to lead."

"Anora is already leading and she will support and guide you to get through this."

"You really believe that?"

"Yes, but if you doubt Anora would support you surely you can't doubt my father. You don't need your memories to go into battle, you wield a sword as well as you ever did. Your people will see that even without your memories you will fight for them and they will follow you Cailan I know it! Going back to Ostagar is too great a risk, we barely left there alive the first time."

"Regardless of the issue of your memories, you must return to Ostagar if you are to have any hope of victory."

Frowning Cailan turned to the Guardian. "Explain yourself!"

"The final image you saw was of those meant to fight the Darkspawn turning on each other. The cause is the Archdemon true, but not in the way you suspect. Not even that vile creature has the power to control so many minds unless they are altered. What you saw is the result of blight magic and the seed of that magic lies within you."

Cailan paled. "I … I do not understand."

"You believe your memory loss was caused by the head trauma; it was not. The blight magic that corrupted your armour was a distraction, you had taken the preventative, it would not have harmed your flesh, but there was no way those with you could know that."

"A distraction from what?" Cailan demanded impatiently.

"From the second and more dangerous spell that was placed within you, the blight magic that burrowed deep within your mind robbing you of who you are. When the spell reaches its conclusion, your mind will no longer be your own and you will be a puppet for the Archdemon. Once that happens, the moment your mind belongs fully to the Blight it gains the ability to pass to those around you. It is only because you took the blight preventative that it's progress to claim you completely is so slow and you yet retain a few memories, an unexpected and precious side effect. The Archdemon never wanted you dead, it wanted you alive, its tool and with access to as many people as possible. As King you are perfect in that respect."

"But the Alpha was coming for me, the Ogre!"

"They were not coming for you, they were coming for those who would protect you, to make examples of them."

Cailan stared at the Guardian before slowly turning to Jayden feeling sick to his stomach.

"Did you not think your escape from Ostagar was surprising? The Darkspawn are creatures of darkness, driven to kill. Once they have decided upon their prey only death will stop them. They vastly outnumbered you despite those who had been killed and yet you were not followed from the battlefield. If they had been acting on their own instinct, they would have chased you down and torn you apart, but the Archdemon controls them and so you survived. He desires power and before being tainted he could only influence minds, but in the taint, he discovered the ability to control minds utterly. The blight is powerful and it's magic is invasive and he is not the first to attempt to use Blight magic to control the minds of men."

Jayden paled. "First Enchanter Rimelle was working with the Architect to learn blight magic, this spell would have enabled him to control people without anyone being aware, he would have changed people into ghouls, slaves to the blight without any changes to their appearance. Maybe even the Templars wouldn't be able to stand against Blight magic."

"Unlike those who drove the blights before him, Urthemiel does not truly desire the destruction of men, he wants dominion over them and intends to use the blight to accomplish that. Urthemiel is clever and cunning, you do not face a mindless beast in him, but he is arrogant and that could be his undoing. If you were to exploit it."

Cailan worried at his lower lip. "You said I have to go to Ostagar; that suggests there is something there that can dispel the magic."

"The Emissary who cast the spell must be killed."

"Eye witnesses say the Emissary to attack me was taken by flame." Cailan stated his voice shaking slightly.

"As I said that was the distraction. The Emissary to cast the spell lives and as long as it does, so does its magic. When the spell reaches its conclusion, it will have enough power to perpetuate itself."

"How long do I have?" Cailan whispered.

"There is no way of knowing for sure, had the spell worked as it was meant to you would have been the Archdemon's puppet within days, weeks at the most."

"What about if we give him the Blight cure?" Jayden asked, desperately searching for a solution that did not send them back to Ostagar.

"That will not sever the magical tie, only the death of the creature that created it will do that."

"And if I were to … to die before the magic finished its work, what then?"

The Guardian eyed him with sadness. "Then the magic would attach itself to the nearest vessel and begin again. Your death would accomplish nothing other than to free it to do its work elsewhere."

"Then I have no choice, I will not allow the Archdemon to use me to infect people with this magic, but how are we to survive that place a second time."

"The horde is distracted with other targets out with the Wilds, only a small group including the Emissary remains near the battlefield."

"How will I know if the magic has ended within me?"

The Guardian handed him an amulet. It was oval in shape crafted from silver with a clear crystal in its centre hung from a silver chain. "Place it around your neck."

Cailan paled as the crystal became smoky grey as it rested against his chest. "Sweet Maker!" He whispered.

"When the magic is completed, it will be as dark as obsidian. The crystal shall become clear once the magic is dispelled."

"It hardly seems to matter given the greater issue, but when the magic is gone will my memories return?"

"It is possible."

Sighing Cailan nodded. "Thank you, Guardian. I … I appreciate you speaking to us and for your guidance and help."

"I wish you success for I do not think we shall meet again."

xXx

Jayden turned back as the doors closed, feeling a deep ache in his chest as they transformed to solid stone as though they had never been there.

"What happened to the doors?" Ser Jorath gasped hurrying over to the group.

Jayden turned, seeing the alarm and confusion on everyone's face. He glanced at Cailan telling by his expression he had no idea what to say. "The Temple is Holy Andraste's gift to us to inspire and give hope. Her Ashes are not infinite and it is the Guardian's duty to protect them. Holy Andraste expects us to care for and help each other. Perhaps when we do that, the Gauntlet will become available once more."

Teagan moved to Cailan's side. "What happened? You look troubled."

Swallowing painfully Cailan rubbed his forehead shivering in the sudden cold breeze. "Perhaps we should discuss this away from here."

Jayden moved over to the Templars who had retreated a short distance away. "Is there anywhere we could seek shelter for the evening?"

"Of course, Champion; either in the Temple itself or if you and your group require privacy there is a large building in the village. We have been using one of the rooms for storage, but the other will be big enough to shelter your group for the evening."

"Thank you, we appreciate it."

xXx

Once shown to the building they took time to have some food before Cailan was ready to speak of what had transpired with the Guardian. He addressed the whole group though demanded their secrecy not wanting to start a panic explaining about the potential future they had been shown. "We will not let Ferelden fall and to that end I must return to Ostagar." He held up his hands at the shocked gasps and mutterings of protests. "If I had another choice, I would take it, but I do not." He sighed deeply and glanced at Jayden who was watching him with a determined expression. "My loss of memories it seems was not caused by head trauma, but is part of a spell cast upon me by an Emissary." He hesitated before explaining all the Guardian had told him; he could simply order the soldiers to join him, but he wanted them to know what they were facing and why it had to be done. He felt the horror of each person grow and there was silence when he finished.

Teagan slowly stood. "I will accompany you; we will see this done and free you from this vile magic. Might I suggest we ask the Wardens to join us, or at least some of them. They can sense Darkspawn and afterwards they can go on to look for the Dalish. It will not be too far out of their way."

Cailan nodded. "Their aid would certainly be a bonus. I know this is a great deal to absorb, but I swear I will do everything in my power to ensure that future never happens and that I am not the means by which that creature will secure its victory. It has been a long day; I suggest we all get some rest." A few moments later he moved over to Edward. "Could I have a private word?"

"Of course." Following him into the storeroom Edward rubbed his neck trying to ease the tension. "Maker Cailan I …"

"I know." Cailan whispered. "I never imagined anything like this, I never imagined being a danger to my own people."

"You will destroy this creature and thwart the Archdemon's plans, Holy Andraste is surely watching over you to have allowed the Guardian to give you this information and the amulet."

"I pray that is true. That aside, Rosslyn and my son must be protected and if I fail, if that is the future we face they cannot remain here. They cannot remain with me."

Edward nodded, relieved that the King had finally come to his senses about that at least. "They will be safe with my parents; you can be sure of that." He gently gripped Cailan's shoulder feeling his distress. "Once this is over, they can return."

"I never imagined sending my child away." He shook his head realising how hard it must have been for his father with Alistair.

"It is not without cause. This is the right thing to do Cailan, trust in that."

As the two men left the room Leliana slowly eased out of the cupboard where she had been searching in the trunks for extra blankets. Frowning she worried at her lip startled that her focus had been so narrowed she had not been aware that the bastard child of Lady Rosslyn was in fact the King's son. She swallowed uneasily, this would not be good news to send to the Queen, but if she failed to inform her, she imagined the Queen might accuse her of treachery. Rubbing her throat as though she could already feel the noose Leliana steeled herself, the Queen would have to be informed.

xXx

"So, we are really going back to Ostagar." Kinnard stated softly as the Company moved to a corner of the room to talk. "I never imagined going back to that nightmare."

"The sky is always dark over the Wilds now." Terrance whispered. "There could be thousands of them. How are we supposed to do this and survive?"

Jayden realised his Company and companions were watching him hoping for answers. "The Guardian assured us there will only be a small number of Darkspawn there. There are ways to deflect their attention from us, potions and spells to mask us and we have all had the preventative. We take a large supply of the formula that creates a mist that harms them and we stick together. We are not there for war, we are there as a strike team, kill the Emissary and get out."

Terrance met his gaze trembling slightly. "Do you really think we can make it out alive?"

Ignoring his own fear Jayden nodded. "None of us want to go back there, it was a shit storm and we all lost people, but a small group shielded and careful with a specific goal will make it in and out."

Nodding Terrance took a trembling breath, his cheeks flushing. "I'm sorry Captain, but this terrifies me, even if most of the horde is elsewhere."

Jayden smiled and gripped his shoulder. "That just proves you're sane and sensible." He raised an eyebrow at Terrance's startled look. "Anyone here tells me he or she isn't afraid to go back there then they are a damn liar, but fear is useful, it keeps us careful."

"Careful is not a word I associate with you." Sten stated calmly, ignoring the angry looks of the soldiers. "A man who faces a dragon unarmed and without armour is not a careful man."

"You have a point." Jayden admitted.

"But you are a man I trust and a man I will follow, so I will accompany you." Sten rose and left the building apparently having said all he wanted to.

"Get some rest." Jayden stated to the others, squeezing Terrance's shoulder gently as he stood.

"You never said." Tess suddenly spoke up, unable to hide the worry in her tone. "If Holy Andraste is alright with you being named her Champion."

Jayden gave her a reassuring smile. "All is well in that regard at least."

"That must be a relief." Lawrence stated, forcing a smile. "And I reckon it's news deserving of a drink."

Jayden nodded; they all needed a little something to ease the shock of a return to Ostagar.

xXx

A short time later unable to settle, Jayden slipped out of the building and headed towards the fields, reaching the fence, his hands gripping the wood. To have been shown the future once was troubling enough, now to see a second future left his head aching. He turned hearing footsteps relaxing to see Edward.

"Forgive me I could not sleep; I thought a little fresh air might help. I did not mean to intrude on your thoughts."

"You didn't, I just needed some air too. Today has been … unexpected."

"Indeed. It is my intention to take my sister and Gawain home to the Free Marches when we return to Highever."

"I can understand that."

"I will see them safely returned to my parents, but it is then my intention to return. Please do not think I seek glory, but should Ferelden fall to the Darkspawn my homeland may well be next."

"We will need all the help we can get."

"May I ask something about your prior experience here?"

"Of course."

"Perhaps we can walk as we talk; my feet hate to be idle."

Smiling slightly Jayden nodded. "Mine too." He found the next hour passed swiftly as he answered Edward's questions finding himself enjoying his company; he had a quick wit and an enquiring mind, but he also had the sense Edward was testing him.

"It is as Brother Genitivi described, truly it must have been a wondrous experience. From all you have said and other witness accounts I can see why Holy Andraste chose you as her Champion."

"That my Lord is where we disagree, the Grand Cleric decided on this. Holy Andraste may not have a problem with it, but that is not the same."

Edward looked at him in genuine surprise. "Most Holy Andraste healed you and had you face a dragon unarmed and without armour. Is that not proof enough?"

Jayden sighed softly. "Forgive me my Lord, but no. This was not Holy Andraste's command, but a whim of the Chantry and just as easily if I do not do as they wish, they will tear me down." He swallowed uneasily at Edward's face unable to read his expression. "I do not wish to offend you …"

"You have not. I may be a pious man, but I do not follow blindly, that is why I enjoy Brother Genitivi's company so much. He is a man of great faith and learning, but his eyes, mind and heart are open. A man would be a fool to not at least consider the additional reasons for a given title and I have no doubt that there will be expectations of you far beyond this Blight, should it be ended swiftly and you of course survive. Having spoken to you even so briefly I believe I understand why my sister, Brother Genitivi and Weylon have such fondness for you and it is easy to see those under your command would follow you to the Void, with good reason with all I have heard. Therefore, with my father's authority I formally extend the hospitality of the home of the Trevelyan's. My family has many connections and you will have need of powerful allies, now and once this Blight is defeated. You have my oath that should you require aid you can count on the Trevelyan's."

"I … thank you my Lord." Jayden stated awkwardly.

"I have embarrassed you and for that I apologise, but I would have my oath made formally, against politics, demons or the Void itself, should you need it, the Trevelyan's will provide whatever aid we can, be it by the sword, word or even coin."

Jayden met his gaze. "And what if you disapprove of whatever action, I am taking my Lord?"

"I suspect there will be few actions I disagree with; however, you speak wisely. I am sure should our opinions diverge; we can come to a compromise." He held out his hand. "To our alliance."

Grasping his hand Jayden shook firmly. Whatever the Trevelyan's would get out of this alliance, he suspected he would benefit equally. "I appreciate your support my Lord."

"Call me Edward." He chuckled. "I hate formalities and besides I hope we will become friends."

Meeting his gaze Jayden returned his smile. "Then thank you Edward."

xXx

Once Edward had returned to their temporary shelter declaring he believed himself now tired enough to sleep, Jayden headed up to the Temple unsurprised to see the Brothers still floating about with armfuls of scrolls. He smiled as he saw Gabriel sitting on a chair next to a brazier, his head back snoring loudly, Dairren and Brother Bevin hunched over a large tome talking excitedly to each other.

"You couldn't sleep either?" Jayden stated joining them.

Dairren shook his head. "With everything …" He hesitated knowing what he had been told was not to be spoken of. "I simply couldn't waste this opportunity while I was here. The sheer amount of information here is unbelievable."

Smiling Bevin straightened and stretched. "I believe I promised you a look at some maps Will. Back in a moment Dairren."

Following the Brother into one of the smaller side rooms Jayden stared, from floor to ceiling there were shelves filled with maps. "So many!" Jayden gasped.

"Indeed. We have not begun to catalogue them, but I have taken a little look and they appear to cover Thedas. I even found some of the Deep Roads and some I cannot make head nor tail of. Speaking of which ..." Moving to a table he carefully unrolled the only map on it and spread it out on the table. "This map wanted to be seen and I believe, by you in particular. You see I was cataloguing the items in the adjoining room this morning and I heard a thump. Curiosity getting the better of me I came in here and found this map on the floor. I picked it up and put it back on a shelf and went back to my work and I heard another thump and there it was on the floor again. Well, I don't mind saying I was a little unnerved by it. This time I picked it up and had a good look, but I couldn't make head nor tail of the language or the strange markings on it, but you came into my mind as clear as you are standing there now and well here you are. Perhaps Holy Andraste has another task for you."

Jayden glanced over the map, it covered Thedas and a land mass in the north that he had never seen on a map before and there were indications of the Deep Roads.

"I will leave you to it. There is parchment and ink on the far table, should you need any." Bevin returned Jayden's smile and left the room.

The moment the Brother left Jayden grabbed parchment and ink and set about copying the map. He had deciphered enough to know the map indicated the dwarven gateways throughout Thedas, including one in Tevinter and several on the landmass that was unnamed on the map and Flemeth had not told him of those. It also appeared that several Eluvians were also indicated on the map.

Several hours later Jayden flexed out his cramped hand. He had copied the map including the tiny notes dotted across the parchment. There were several languages and many of the notes he had not yet been able to translate, but he would make the time. However, assuming he survived the blight, the map had inspired the beginnings of a plan to rescue those citizens who had been sold into slavery and to bring them home.

xXx

Author Note: Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed.