Quickening his pace as the Tower of Ishal came into sight, Rathnal yawned loudly, eager for at least a few hours sleep. His arm still stung where a burst of fire had grazed him and his back ached from being hit with the tail of the dragon Flemeth had become, but they were mere irritations from what they had been thanks to Stephan's magic. Flemeth had not taken it easy on them, but neither had she killed any of them, which he knew she could have done. It made his head spin; he and Alistair had slit her throat and yet if Morrigan was correct she was somehow still alive. Part of him was very afraid that Flemeth would come looking for him once she had a form again, once his usefulness as a Warden was over of course, assuming he survived. Sighing he pushed those thoughts away; he was too tired and that always led to darker images of his future. He glanced at Alistair who had been silent the entire way back. It had been bad enough to think him blighted by pure bad luck, but the truth that Flemeth had ensured it had happened had left him in chaos. Stephan and Daniel were keeping close to him though not intruding. Alistair had not held back with his fury in that fight and Rathnal was sure if Flemeth ever showed her face to him again he would show her no mercy. At a gentle nudge he turned to Rinna who was keeping step with him. She had suffered a dislocated shoulder and several bad gashes, but again nothing Stephan couldn't fix. He returned her smile as infectious as it was, before seeing her expression become concerned and glanced to where she was looking seeing Ayanna and Aedan hurrying towards them.

"Oh, they do not look happy." Rinna murmured, the group quickening their pace to meet them.

"I thought you were never coming back!" Ayanna muttered, barely able to withhold her impatience.

"Fighting a dragon takes time." Rathnal stated stifling another yawn. "What's wrong?"

"A dragon!" Aedan spluttered in alarm.

"Just Flemeth, not the Archdemon."

Ayanna shook her head. "Maker. Well, we can discuss that later, we have other matters that take priority."

"Can't it wait until we get some sleep?" Alistair mumbled, muffling a yawn of his own.

"Sure, if you want Will to stay locked up in a freezing Chapel with the dead!" She snapped, rubbing her neck at their astonished expressions. "The King … he is not himself. Will regained consciousness and he and the King had some kind of argument, which somehow led to his Majesty trying to kill Airyl with a crossbow. Will physically stopped him forcing Airyl to flee and so he was locked in the Chapel. No-one has been allowed to see him; Morrigan almost got herself executed when she confronted the King. Dylan managed to calm her down, though how the Maker only knows. She has spent most of the time since threatening the guards at the door to the Chapel. We tried to persuade them to at least let us give him food and water, some means of light and warmth, but they refused, their orders preventing them from allowing it. Those under Will's command have pleaded with the King and poor Terrance was lashed for trying to get supplies to him regardless of the King's orders. He is also in the Tower recovering."

"Maker!" Rathnal muttered. "I'm surprised that Morrigan didn't just transform into a spider and squeeze her way under the door."

"The King made sure she wouldn't attempt it." Aedan muttered darkly. "He warned everyone if any magic was used, Will would pay the price."

"Surely Teagan could do something about this." Alistair protested.

"He has tried." Aedan stated. "He only fell silent when the King suggested he execute Will and that would stop all the drama."

Alistair stared at him stunned, before his jaw clenched and he headed towards the tavern, startled when Rathnal gripped his arm.

"Ali what are you doing?"

"I'm going to see the King; this madness has to stop!"

"What makes you think he would listen to you?"

Squirming slightly Alistair worried at his lower lip. "Will is like a brother to me, I have to try!"

"We will all go; the King is clearly unstable and I'm not having you executed because he feels like it."

xXx

Heart pounding, Cailan heard the scrape of talons on marble, the whisper of wings gliding against the walls, hearing snarls and growls that terrified him. Twisting to see behind him, he saw only the dragon statues looking down on him. Glaring at the chains around his wrists, Cailan clenched his fists. The images of Alistair's death at his own hands made him feel sick, but he had realised the stronger the hold the Archdemon had on him, the more likely that future would happen. He had to take back his own mind, or be destroyed trying. Tugging fiercely on the chains, muscles bulging, his face reddening with the strain he roared in frustration. "I am Cailan Theron, King of Ferelden, Son of Maric the Saviour, of the line of King Calenhad! I will not be a puppet to you or anyone!" Roaring out his rage he wrenched at the chains startled as they shattered. He had to warn the others, becoming aware Teagan was asking him if he was unwell. 'Forgive me uncle'. Regaining a moment of control over his body, he threw himself at Teagan, wrapping his hands around his throat.

xXx

Looking up sharply towards Cailan's room at the loud thump, Alistair leapt up the stairs followed by Rathnal. Hearing a strangled cry, he shoved open the door his eyes widened to see Cailan holding Teagan against the wall by the throat. He took an involuntary step back as Cailan looked at him, seeing a moment of panic and then deep hate, before his brother lunged at him. Alistair tried to dodge, but he was exhausted and Cailan was fast and powerful. They crashed down the stairs, Alistair taking the brunt of the fall trying to protect himself from Cailan's flying fists. As they hit the bottom, he twisted their position so Cailan was in front of him, wrapping his legs around his waist, pinning his arms to his side, putting pressure on his throat with his arm. "Bann Teagan needs medical help." He grunted, rendering the King unconscious and easing him away. "Rinna, get me some rope, quickly!" Tying Cailan's hands behind his back and securing them to his ankles, Alistair ignored the terror clawing at his heart and the sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. Finally, he stood, groaning in pain and clutching his back, flushing slightly seeing the astonished gazes of the injured and those caring for them. "He was trying to kill Bann Teagan. He stays like that until we can ensure he is no threat." Moving back to the stairs he was relieved to see Rathnal and Stephan supporting Teagan as they made their way down.

Ayanna moved ahead of them to Alistair quickly scanning him, smiling as he sighed softly in relief as she eased his bruised body.

"I believe I owe you my life." Teagan croaked. "Had you not come through the door when you did …"

"What happened?"

"Maker I truly do not know. He looked unwell as though he was experiencing some inner turmoil. I wondered if he was regaining some of his memories, but then he lunged at me, wrapped his hands around my throat." Slumping onto a seat Teagan shook his head, forcing a weak smile as Alistair hunkered down next to him seeing how worried he was. "I am a little sore, but Wardens Stephan and Ayanna have repaired the majority of the damage. I will recover." He glanced at Cailan who was still unconscious. "Is this some side effect of the spell? Have we lost him after all?"

Matthew eased up from his bedroll, holding his waist and biting back the groan of pain. "If this spell has caused the King's actions I can find out."

"Are you mad!" Reece snapped. "You can barely stand, let alone do the ritual that would require."

"I can do it." Warden Daniel stated. "But not here. We need somewhere secure and away from the injured."

"The building the King and Loghain used before the battle is intact, I believe." Teagan stated. "Moving some guards there will not reduce our patrols too much."

"Let's get him moved then." Alistair stated. "The longer we wait to find out what ails him the more difficult it may be to resolve."

Aedan shifted slightly. "Bann Teagan, I presume given the circumstances Will can leave the Chapel."

"Of course."

"Then perhaps if you feel able, you can come with me first, the soldiers posted there are unlikely to open the door to any but you or the King."

xXx

Urthemiel stalked around the King, newly chained to the ground with the addition of a collar and chain. "It is true about your line, you do have the strength of dragons within you, but not enough."

Frowning Cailan did not understand the creature's comment, but he pushed away the confusion, he doubted the Archdemon would explain itself. "They know what you have done now! They will make sure I am kept away from Denerim, from anyone of influence, even if they have to kill me."

"Perhaps, but first they will try to save you. They will come here." He smirked at Cailan's look of confusion, tapping his forehead with the tip of a claw. "And I will be waiting."

Paling Cailan struggled against his chains.

"Still fighting me, you need another lesson."

Cailan sucked in a sharp breath as the room vanished and they were in the ruins of Denerim, fires burning and rubble surrounding them.

"This is your future, the future of your country, but know this, no-one will be safe from me. Your son will be my blighted slave and his mother will birth my soldiers."

"No!" Cailan screamed.

"And this time." Urthemiel hissed. "Your brother will truly die."

Cailan gasped in pain clutching his head. The Archdemon was everywhere, in every thought, in every moment, bleeding into him, a sickness he could not prevent. He roared in pain, thrashing against the chains before slumping forward.

Urthemiel felt satisfaction as the King slowly raised his head, his eyes completely black. "Now my puppet King, now there will be no choices."

xXx

Heading into the Tower, Teagan inwardly groaned to see Morrigan once again yelling at his men, barely being held back by Dylan and ignoring Leliana who was urging her to be calm. "Please enough!" He almost hesitated at her glare but managed to keep moving. "William is to be freed on my orders." He raised an eyebrow as both guards shifted uncomfortably, before sighing softly. "You have my word you will face no consequences for this." He was not blind to their looks of relief as they unbolted the door, both moving quickly out of the way as Morrigan all but barged past them. "Aedan, I must see what is happening with Cailan, please tell William I will speak with him shortly."

Nodding, Aedan hurried after Morrigan, Dylan and Leliana, hesitating to see Morrigan on her knees beside Jayden who was sitting on a bench looking exhausted. His lips were moving though there was no sound. Dark circles were beneath his eyes and it wasn't difficult to see he was in pain. "Maker, have mercy." He whispered, hurrying towards them.

Flinching at the touch to his skin Jayden glanced up. "Morrigan?" He croaked.

"Come, we need to get you warm, your skin is like ice."

"You shouldn't be here, the King …"

Aedan moved quickly to his side. "The King is now confined and Teagan has ordered your freedom. Can you stand?"

"Why is he confined?"

"Dylan, help me." Aedan requested, the pair helping Jayden to his feet.

"Aedan?"

"The King is unbalanced, he tried to choke Teagan."

"He what?"

"Alistair reached him in time, Teagan is well. The King however is clearly not in his right mind, but right now you need to concentrate on you, you need ..."

"But the amulet changed! He was supposed to be free!"

"We don't know what went wrong. Daniel is performing a ritual to discover the nature of the malady."

Leaning heavily against Aedan, Jayden shook his head, others would need to deal with whatever was happening to Cailan. "I need to find Airyl." He glanced at Morrigan as she tutted and gave him one of her most piercing stares.

"T'is unlikely you can find her, especially when you cannot stand without the aid of others?"

"I am not leaving her alone in the Wilds with the damn Darkspawn a moment longer!" Jayden growled.

"I was not suggesting you do." Morrigan stated evenly. "I will retrieve her."

"How do you know where she is?" Leliana demanded.

Smirking, Morrigan met her gaze. "I have my ways." Turning to Jayden she sighed softly seeing the tension that would only be causing him more pain. "I cast a tracking spell; I can retrieve her."

Relaxing slightly Jayden nodded knowing deep down he was in no condition to carry out the search himself.

Morrigan transformed the moment they were outside, flying swiftly into the Wilds.

"Come on." Dylan urged gently. "Let's get you back to the tavern."

Every step was laboured, he was so cold and tired, trying not to lean on Aedan and Dylan, but having to accept he had no choice.

The moment they entered the tavern Tess was at Jayden's side wrapping a blanket around him and leading them to a table near the central fire pit, bringing him a bowl of steaming porridge and a hot herbal tea. "Do you need another blanket?"

"I'm fine Tess."

"I'll get you one anyway."

"Tess, stop fussing."

Flushing Tess slumped onto the bench opposite him. "I'm so sorry we couldn't help you. We begged the King to let you out, but he wouldn't hear it and poor Terrance was lashed for trying to get supplies to you." She swallowed at Jayden's darkening look. "Warden Ayanna healed him, even though the King ordered that he wasn't to be healed." She gently put her hand over his. "He's alright Will I promise he is just resting. I … I can't imagine how awful it was, being locked in that room with all of those bodies."

"Not something he likely wants reminded of Tess." Lawrence stated softly as he joined them. "You are alright though, aren't you?"

Nodding Jayden met their worried glances. "I'm fine, it's the living that hurt us, not the dead."

xXx

Airyl snarled as she heard movement, relaxing slightly as Morrigan transformed a short distance from her.

"T'is me and I am not responsible for this situation."

Huffing, Airyl padded over to her accepting the dried meat and a mabari treat. She would prefer something fresh that she had hunted herself, but the Wilds were dead and she would not eat anything from here even if she was starving.

"The King is confined and Will is free should that be of interest to you. If you were to return no-one would harm you." Morrigan smiled slightly as Airyl bounded off in the direction of the Tower. "Well, that did not require much convincing." Transforming back into a raven she flew swiftly after her.

xXx

Turning at the blast of cold air Jayden felt a rush of relief and gratitude as Airyl bounded past Morrigan into the room and almost knocked Dylan over getting to him. Hugging her, he swallowed hard against the lump in his throat as she rubbed her head against his. "I'm sorry." He whispered. "I sent you away because I didn't know what else to do." He met her gaze and knew she understood, before looking her over for injury.

"Now who's fussing." Tess murmured, grinning, glancing up as the door opened and Teagan, Alistair, Rathnal and Serris entered. "Well by the looks on their faces this is not going to be good news."

Easing himself around, Jayden met Teagan's worried gaze.

"William I am truly sorry I could not order your release any sooner."

"It's alright Bann Teagan, I appreciate your efforts on my behalf."

"Have you discovered what ails the King?" Leliana queried as she moved towards Teagan.

Slumping onto a seat Teagan rubbed his forehead feeling far older than his years. "Warden Daniel performed a ritual, I do not understand the mechanics of it, but suffice it to say, he was able to confirm that Cailan, though free from the original spell, is not free from the reach of the Archdemon. He explained it in terms of how mages can be susceptible to demons because of the draw of their magic. The spell, while it did not succeed, left Cailan susceptible to the Archdemon's influence."

"So, all of this was for nothing." Lawrence growled. "We lost Kinnard and Enchanter Robert for nothing." He fell silent as Tess gripped his arm.

"We can't give up on him!" Alistair snapped. "He is our King!"

"What do you expect us to do?" Tess demanded, feeling Lawrence's tension as deeply as her own.

"We need to get the Archdemon out of his mind." Matthew stated. "But this is no demon that could be cast out with Templar abilities. That said, Morrigan you shielded the Wardens in the Deep Roads from the Archdemon's influence. Can you do something similar here?"

"T's unlikely such a spell would work in this case. In the Deep Roads he infiltrated their minds, but he had not taken hold of them. By now it is likely a part of him resides within your King."

"So, it is a possession of sorts." Dylan stated thoughtfully. "Just like with demons we need to figure out the Archdemon's weakness and then find a way to get into the King's mind to get it out. Though I have no idea how we do either."

Morrigan gave a sharp huff of breath. "If you are intent on attempting to save your King, Mother told me of a spell once to enter a person's mind." She glanced at Ser Matthew. "Without the use of blood magic should that be of importance to you. T'is used to heal trauma when all else fails, but it is complex and inherently dangerous as all such things are." She glanced to Rathnal. "I assume you were successful?" She smiled smugly as he nodded. "Then I have the spell, though as to what would motivate it to leave, I cannot say."

"Holy Andraste and the Maker." Leliana stated in excitement. "Will was able to cast the Archdemon from his mind in the Deep Roads with a memory Holy Andraste had given him and he had no help from your spell."

"Yes, but Cailan does not have any such memories." Teagan stated.

"But Will does." Alistair stated cautiously.

Eyebrow raising Jayden shook his head. "Tell me you are not suggesting I go into Cailan's mind and deliberately seek out the Archdemon?"

"We have a duty to try." Alistair stated his voice trembling slightly.

Anger flared within Jayden so quickly he almost choked, duty had been used to manipulate him before, but he had not expected it from his friend. "No! Absolutely not! I admit I have done some stupid and risky things in the name of duty in my time, but that, not even I am foolish enough to do that. It would never work!"

"William perhaps …" Teagan hesitated as Jayden held up his hand.

"I am sorry Bann Teagan, but even if the spell worked, I wouldn't have the first idea of how to navigate someone else's mind. And I hate to point out the obvious, but how would that memory even be accessed to make the Archdemon see or experience it? Even if by some miracle that could be overcome, what makes you think he would react in the same way to that memory. Not only has he already seen it, I had no significance for him, there was no reason for him to keep a grip on me. He will not give up his hold on the King so easily."

"William, I understand this is no easy task." Teagan stated sitting opposite him. "But I beg you to at least consider it if the mages can find a way to make it work. Cailan needs you." He swallowed uneasily at the anger in Jayden's eyes. "I know what he did to you and Airyl is unforgivable, but consider it was not him, but the Archdemon."

"You don't know that." Jayden snapped.

"Have you ever known him to act that way? I assure you in all of Cailan's life I have not. I am certain that all he has said and done since the Emissary was killed has been a direct influence of the Archdemon."

Sighing Jayden tried to soothe his anger, but he could not so easily dismiss or forgive all Cailan had said and done.

"Just consider it is all I ask."

"The point is mute if we cannot overcome all the difficulties inherent in such an endeavor." Serris turned to Morrigan. "We better get to work."

Barely able to conceal his irritation Jayden forced himself to stand, gripping the table to steady himself. Pulling the blanket tightly around his shoulders he walked to the door, waving away his worried friends, Airyl staying tight to his leg. "I need air." He muttered heading outside.

"Will, wait!" Alistair hurried after him, keeping his voice a whisper. "I am begging you if the mages find a way, please help him. I've already lost my father; I don't see how I can ever return to Bethany and our child. I can't lose my brother too!"

"Ali don't!"

"What was said and done to you and Airyl was not Cailan, it was the Archdemon. Don't you understand, that thing did it to put a wedge between you. You think when it went in your mind it didn't find out who you are? One day you will be one of the most powerful people in the country and that was before you became Andraste's Champion. By dividing the two of you it could cause more division in a country already suffering from being divided."

"Ali …"

"I'm begging you I will do anything you ask, but please, please help him."

"You are asking me to face the Archdemon by myself, in territory that is completely unknown to me, with only a memory as a weapon. I almost gave my life for Cailan once before; I have done my duty to him." Turning away, Jayden sighed as Alistair gripped his arm and slowly turned back to face him.

"If I had those memories I would go, I will come with you if I can, but please, you have known him all of your life, he is your brother too."

"He is not my brother!" Jayden hissed.

"Damn it, why are you being like this?"

"He tried to kill Airyl!" Jayden growled, his eyes darkening with fury. "He had Terrance lashed for trying to help me!"

"That wasn't Cailan, it was the Archdemon! You have never walked away from someone who needed your help and Cailan needs your help, more now than ever before." Alistair released his grip and let his arm drop. "Please brother, he needs you and so do I." He stared after Jayden in shock as he turned away without a word and headed towards the Tower. "Please don't abandon him to the darkness!" He shouted, swallowing uneasily as Jayden stopped, before he continued on without looking back.

xXx

"I will require the Grimoire." Morrigan stated holding out her hand to Rathnal.

"About that. A great many things may happen between now and us killing the Archdemon. As a measure of security, we want the ritual to save a Warden's soul."

"It would be of no use to you."

"We have mages, you could ensure they know how to perform the ritual."

"T'is impossible."

"Why?"

"The ritual must be performed by a woman."

"We have Ayanna and Serris. They are more than competent."

"They both lack an element required by the ritual."

"Which is?"

Realising she would have to give him something if she was ever to get the Grimoire, she forced her expression to neutrality. "The caster must be fertile."

Rathnal stared at her stunned. "What in the Void is this ritual?"

"Many rituals require such conditions."

Sinking onto a seat Rathnal felt chills ripple down his spine. "This is blood magic, isn't it?"

"There are no demons summoned and no sacrifice." Morrigan settled on the seat opposite him. "Mother trained me to perform such rituals, she sent me to you for this purpose."

"Why?"

"Mother rarely explains herself and this situation is no exception. I am the only one who can perform the ritual."

"And what is to stop you once you have the damn Grimoire from demanding we do all sorts of errands that satisfy your whim in exchange for performing this ritual?"

"You think me petty, a foolish child. I am neither of those things. I came to you to offer aid. With the Grimoire in my possession, I will be much more able to fulfil that offer."

Feeling a headache begin to bloom at his temples, Rathnal forced himself to meet Morrigan's gaze. "Very well. The Grimoire will stay in your possession, but you will remain with the Wardens until this is done." He didn't say that they had already expected she would refuse to give them the ritual and they had planned for it. Nor did he mention that she would remain with Ayanna, Stephan and Daniel, the three together having more of a chance of ensuring she kept her word.

Scowling Morrigan's fists clenched. "You think to keep me leashed?"

"I expect you to keep your damn word and help end this without a Warden's soul paying the price!"

Morrigan sat silently for a few moments before she nodded. "Very well Commander, I shall accept your terms. T'is well that you are hardening yourself, you are finally growing into the command role."

Slamming the Grimoire on the table between them Rathnal glared at her. "None of this is through choice, I do what I must and you better do what you have promised, or I swear you will have made an enemy of the Wardens."

Fingertips gently caressing the tome Morrigan nodded slightly. "I understand. Now leave me, if we are to have any chance to save this fool King of yours, I must get to work."

Striding out, Rathnal leaned against the tavern wall, almost gasping for breath hating that he was being forced into trusting her. His soul and the souls of the men and women he commanded hung in the balance and he meant what he had said, if Morrigan betrayed them, there would be nowhere she could run where they would not find her.

xXx

Waking with a start, Terrance eased himself into a sitting position giving Jayden a weak smile. "How long have you been here?"

"A while. I didn't want to wake you, but I did want to speak to you."

"I'm glad you are out of the Chapel."

"I am too and I'm sorry you were hurt because you were trying to help me."

Grinning as Airyl rubbed her head against his hand, Terrance gently stroked her ears. "I knew the risk, but I had to try. Why is the King being like this?"

Sighing Jayden pulled a chair up to the bed. "While the spell was ended, the King was left susceptible to the influence of the Archdemon." He raised an eyebrow as the young man gave a relieved smile.

"I knew it, I knew the King would never be like that and certainly not to you with you being Andraste's Champion it just didn't make sense. How do we help him?"

"You seem sure we can."

"There is always a way and we can't give up, you taught me that. So … what do we do?" He listened wide eyed as Jayden explained the plan the mages were working on. "Wow … that." Terrance sighed softly. "That makes my head hurt."

"Mine too."

"I know you can do it." Terrance stated softly.

Sighing Jayden shook his head. "Terrance I am not a mage, I …"

"Captain, can I speak freely?"

Letting out a little sigh Jayden nodded. "Please do Terrance."

"I know you don't believe it, but I believe Holy Andraste chose you as her Champion the moment She healed you. I mean you faced a dragon for Her, that is enough proof for everyone but you; which I don't understand because you went through it, how can you not believe it?"

"Do you have a point to this Terrance?"

"Yes. I believe Holy Andraste gave you that memory to give you some defence against the Archdemon. The Guardian gave you and the King the guidance to come to Ostagar. I don't think they would have left you without a way to remedy things if it went wrong."

"This isn't a fight I can win with a blade. They are suggesting sending my mind into his! I know what it feels like to have someone try to push their way into your mind, it's a violation!"

"His mind has already been violated by the Archdemon; you are going in there to free him!"

"Terrance, I appreciate your confidence in me, but I am in no way trained to do anything like this."

"Which is why you would not be going in alone." Serris stated entering the room. "Morrigan's grimoire has given us a workable plan if you would care to listen to it. We are meeting in the tavern."

Jayden watched her leave, turning back to Terrance startled to see how solemn he looked.

"You have to at least try right, or Kinnard and Enchanter Robert, they died for nothing."

Jayden felt as though his heart was being squeezed, sighing, he stood and put the chair back in its place.

"I know you can do it Captain."

Nodding Jayden gently squeezed his shoulder before he headed out finding Serris waiting for him.

"He has faith in you."

"He has me on a damn pedestal I have no right to be on." Jayden growled quietly.

"I believe he is right about one thing at least, Holy Andraste did not have to give you the memories she did, there was a purpose behind that, perhaps this is indeed it."

"We will never know the true reason, that is Hers and Hers alone. Now who have you badgered into doing this?"

"No-one, Dylan and Alistair volunteered to accompany you."

"Great, so I'm the only one who thinks this is madness."

"I understand your reluctance, especially as you are not a mage, but that is why a mage will be accompanying you."

"And why Alistair?"

"He has a blood connection to Cailan." She smiled slightly as Jayden stopped and stared at her. "I know you know. He confessed it to Rathnal and myself to explain his reasons for wanting to accompany you. It came as quite the surprise, but it works well for us. He is likely to be able to make a stronger connection with Cailan."

"You are talking as though I am going to do this!"

"Are you not?"

Growling in frustration Jayden clenched his fists, letting out a rush of breath as Airyl nudged him.

"We both know the moment Terrance mentioned Kinnard and Robert the decision was made. You can scowl and grumble all you like, but we both know you are going to at least try."

"I could refuse you know!"

"You could, but that isn't the man I have come to know and grown fond of."

"Well maybe I'm not that man anymore!"

Smiling slightly, Serris linked his arm. "Of course you are, now stop stalling and come and at least listen to our plan."

xXx

Entering the tavern Jayden only just managed to keep his expression neutral as everyone turned their way. "I hear you have a plan."

Reece shifted slightly. "We are working on the principle that it is like demonic possession. Sometimes the demon takes over the whole person destroying him or her utterly becoming an abomination, but other times the demon settles into a corner of the mind and works more subtly to influence the person. That is what we think happened at first. Now we think it is the King in a corner of his mind with the Archdemon having the most influence. Given what we know, it is likely he will want his Majesty to watch the destruction he creates through him so we still have a chance to save him."

"Once in his mind." Dylan stated anxiously. "I can cast a spell to find that imprisoned part of the King. A bit like a wisp that can be summoned to lead the way."

"And you can do that?"

"Theoretically."

"Very confidence inspiring." Jayden murmured, forcing a slight smile to ease the sting of his words.

"I know." Dylan muttered. "I can do this; it will be just like going into the Fade."

"Except we are not going into the Fade."

"But the principals are the same." Reece insisted. "When we do our Harrowing, we enter the Fade so we are obviously not there in our bodies, but we have the form of our body and we have access to our magic. Dylan will still be linked to his body and therefore his magic." He winced slightly. "You could think of it in terms of blood magic, people enter the mind and puppet people. They still have access to their magic while doing whatever they are doing."

Jayden shivered but nodded. "I am no mage so I don't suppose I will ever truly understand it, but …" He turned to Dylan. "I trust you." He was surprised to realise how much Dylan had clearly needed to hear that, some of the tension visibly leaving him. "That said, you already stated yourselves that the Archdemon is likely to have the greater control, the moment we enter his mind, Urthemiel will know we are there."

"The connection spell will conceal you until you find the part of him that is still himself."

Rubbing his forehead Jayden felt slightly sick. "And what if the King is no longer himself?" He waited until the silence of the room felt as though it was choking him.

"Then we end his misery." Dylan stated softly.

"But he will be himself and I will be watching your backs." Alistair insisted quickly, his hand on the hilt of his sword.

"You realise you won't actually have a sword in there." Jayden muttered, still angry with him.

"I … look I'm trying not to think about it too much, it makes my head spin."

Running his fingers through his hair Jayden turned to Dylan. "So, assuming we do this, I take it you will be projecting out my memory as well."

"You will be doing that." Morrigan stated. "T'is a spell of Mothers we will be using."

"That's bound to be unpleasant then." Alistair winced, realizing he had spoken aloud, flushing slightly at Jayden's raised eyebrow and Morrigan's scowl. "Well, she wasn't exactly a nice person!"

Frowning Jayden met his gaze. "What do you mean she wasn't?"

"Pay no attention to the fool." Morrigan snapped. "This can be discussed later, if necessary, but it is not our priority."

Folding his arms Jayden glared at them both. "I'm not moving until you tell me what is going on?"

"T'is not the time to be stubborn." Morrigan muttered, glaring at Alistair who was clearly wanting to be anywhere else.

"You go and prepare with the others Morrigan." Rathnal stated though his tone of voice made it a command. "Come with me Will and I will explain what happened." Leading the way to the warded study, Rathnal closed the door as Jayden entered. "You are going to want to sit down for this."

xXx

Author Note: Thank you for reading, it is always appreciated.