He burst into the shop shouting for Mama. He was lucky - both Mama and Father were there, which wasn't usual.

"What is it Anders?" Father said. There were no customers - again lucky. Why couldn't he have been lucky in the alley?

"I had to use magic, Father," he said. The words started pouring out if him in a rush. Mama and Father looked at each other, their expressions grim.

"It's all right, Anders," Mama said. "I want you to go to your room, now, and pack up your pack with some things. We're going up to the castle."

"Mathus will be awake any minute, Mama," Anders said, wringing his hands.

"Anders. Go. We'll take care of this."

He ran into his room and did as Mama asked. He could hear Mama and Father talking rapidly to each other in the shop, but they weren't speaking loudly enough for him to hear. His heart was racing faster than it had ever done before and his hands were shaking so much that it was difficult to get his pack closed. He checked to make sure all his magic books were secure in the secret compartment next to his bed (they had arranged that as soon as they moved in) then ran back out into the shop.

"We still have her token," his mother was saying. "She'll protect us. I know it. It's why we moved here, remember?"

"I hope so," Father said. "Thank the maker you haven't been out today. How are you going to get to the castle without being seen?"

"We have our ways," she said, smiling a little now. "Look after Maeve and Jairo. We may be a few days."

Anders stood with his pack on his back and his cloak in his hand. Mama looked down at him, smiling, but he could see the worry in her eyes.

"We're going to have to move quickly, darling," she said. "And I'm going to have to use some magic. Not much, but I want you to keep an eye out for Templars. Keep your hood up. Did any of the other children see you this morning?"

He shook his head. He had left very early to deliver his message, which was another reason running into Mathus had been such a surprise.

Mama gave Father a quick kiss. Father embraced her, then Anders fiercely. "Be careful," he said. Mama nodded and ushered Anders out through the door.

Mama cast a spell that Anders didn't recognise. He was a little shocked - until this morning he'd not even properly realised that magic could be used for things other than healing. Mama had hinted at it - and he knew that whenever they were attacked on the road, Mama had done something to stop them from getting hurt, but she had never taught him anything like that and he had put away as something only Mama could do.

He remembered the feeling of letting go he'd had when Mathus was hurt, and shuddered. It had felt so good...

They hurried through the streets. It was still early, but they were busy with people carrying goods and setting up shops and moving livestock - everyday people preparing for their day. There were no idle wanderers - not yet, but he knew Mama and he were cutting it fine. An hour more, maybe less, and the rest of Highever's population would be out on the streets.

"Mama!" he said, spotting a familiar purple skirt. She nodded and he felt the spell dissipate. She pulled her hood over her head, as did Anders, and they increased their pace.

They were making for the castle. Anders was surprised, he would have thought they would be leaving the town, but Mama seemed to know what she was doing and he felt too lost to object or ask why.

When they reached the castle, they were stopped at the gates by a guard. Mama reached into her dress and brought out an amulet she always wore around her neck and showed it to him. The guard's eyes widened, then he clicked his heels together and waved her in, shouting some instructions as they went.

Very soon after, Anders found himself in the biggest room he'd ever seen. It was draped in expensive tapestries, with thick, rich carpets strewn on the stone floors. Portraits of stern people were hung along the walls and a large chair sat at the top of the room, raised up on steps.

It seemed a bit criminal that there was so much empty space. Anders, used to living in a wagon or a single room, imagined how many of the elves from the alienage would be able to sleep there. He guessed probably all of them.

There were two men in the room, as well as several guards. One of the men was lounging in the chair, one leg hooked over the arm as he talked to the other, who was tall and imposing and very obviously armed. Anders felt some of the tension leak out of Mama when she saw the second man. He wondered why.

The man on the chair looked up as they entered and waved them over.

Mama dropped a curtsey and approached. "My lord Cousland," she said. "Ser Malcolm."

"Maker's breath!" the tall man said. "I recognise you..."

"My Lord, I'm here on urgent business. Could you possibly dismiss your guards for a moment, or could we go somewhere to talk privately?"

The man in the chair frowned and looked like he was about to object, but Ser Malcolm leant down and whispered in his ear urgently. The lord's eyes widened and he got to his feet. "Certainly madam," he said. "Come with me."

He led them into a small room off from the bigger one - with a desk and some chairs. Rich carpet lined the floor and there were more portraits on the walls, but the expressions on these faces were more friendly and the room felt a lot less... imposing.

Malcolm didn't follow and they were left alone with Teryn Cousland.

"Joscelyn," he said. "My wife told me of your encounter with her, and what she promised you. Nan has always praised you."

"Nan is a good friend," Mama said. "I'm afraid I must ask you a desperate favour, my lord."

"Yes?"

"My son... is like me. He has the talent - stronger than I've ever felt it. And this morning he was forced to use it in the town."

"Forced?"

Mama told the Teryn the story. He looked grim, but when she told him what he had done to cure Mathus, his eyes shone and he looked down at Anders, a smile on his lips.

"Well, my boy, you showed a lot more nobility and compassion with that one act than I would expect Mathus or his father to display in their entire lives."

"You know Mathus?" Anders blurted. "... my lord...?" he stammered out the last when his mother gave him a stern look.

The Teryn looked like he'd bitten into a lemon. "Yes. Unfortunately. We have our eyes on his father. Let's just say we think he's not entirely the merchant he appears to be. But we have a problem, here, do we not, young Anders? If the templars felt your magic - and from what your mother says there is no way they would not have - then they will be looking for you."

Anders nodded.

"I thought if perhaps he could stay here for a few days? With me? My husband will tell the Templars we left town yesterday evening - perhaps your men could confirm it? Even if Mathus tells them what happened - all he has for evidence is some singed clothing. The whole town knows how much the boy hates Anders. If he's hidden for a few days maybe it will die down...?"

The Teryn looked thoughtful. "You're probably right," he said. "But I know the Templars in this town. Once this has blown over, they will watch you and your family more closely than ever. You'll be in constant danger from them."

Mama's shoulders slumped.

Teryn Cousland gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry too much, madam. My wife and I will work on them to dismiss that suspicion. And as far as Mathus and his father are concerned... well it's possible he won't be in the city for much longer, at least, not legitimately in any case."

"Smugglers?" Mama said, raising her eyebrow.

"We believe so," the Teryn said. She nodded as though she was not surprised. "I am sorry my wife and children are away at the moment," the Teryn continued, "otherwise you would have someone to play with, Anders. Fergus is a few years older than you, and Miranda a few younger, but they would love to have a new face around the castle."

Anders had seen the Teryn's children sometimes, from a distance, and thought they looked like decent enough sorts, but he was too nervous at the moment to regret not having playmates during their stay. Mama gave the Teryn another deep curtsey.

"I can't tell you how grateful I am," she said. "I know it is presumptuous of me to ask for help.. especially considering the Chantry..."

Teryn Cousland waved an arm, dismissing whatever Mama was about to say. "Some members of the Chantry find it easier to assume people are evil rather than good, my dear woman," he said. "We are faithful, in this household, but I believe people should be allowed to live in freedom. Nan and my wife both give me their word that you are a trustworthy woman - a good person. I prefer to believe them over some zealots who would like you to be locked up. And your boy... " the Teryn smiled down at Anders. "It seems he's inherited your desire to heal. He can do more good outside the circle than in."

Mama put her arm around Anders' shoulders and let out a deep sigh. The Teryn showed them out of the room and to a guard, who was asked to give them quarters in the castle. Anders wasn't sure how, but it seemed for now he was safe.