Meredith

I looked up from my paperwork at the knock on my door. I was expecting Hawke. She was supposed to be helping me with some mages. I was hoping that sending her after these troublesome mages would show her the error of her ways. As much as I disliked the Ferelden upstart, she was a necessary evil. For now.

"Come in." I called curtly. No doubt she was here to tell me all the mages had mysteriously disappeared. I should have known she was going to give me trouble when she had walked in with that apostate she ran around with.

"Forgive the intrusion, Knight-Commander, but I thought I should speak with you about the latest development." Cullen said entering.

I leaned back in my chair and motioned him in. He shut the door behind me and waited my permission to speak. I appraised the man as he stood there. He had been a dedicated templar. Having survived the Circle in Ferelden had hardened him into a full belief in his vows and the order. But lately I had seen that devotion slipping. His friendship with Hawke seemed to be softening him a bit.

"I'm going to assume Hawke didn't do as I asked her to." I sighed.

"Well, it is about Hawke, but…" He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. Had she been injured? Oh, that would be too wonderful. Her killed trying to help a mage. It would sway the nobles back to my side.

"Is she dead?" I asked barely able to contain my glee at the thought.

"No. But she is…well…changed." He sounded unsure.

"Explain yourself." I snapped tired of the stalling.

"The mage Rona got away. She cast a spell on Hawke and it…well, she's a child now. The others understandably didn't pursue the mage. They were worried about the child…or Hawke or…well…" He shrugged.

I held up my hand. "Let me get this straight. Rona turned Hawke into a child?" Could this possibly be done? I had never heard of such a thing. It had to be blood magic. And a way for me to dispose of Hawke without it looking as I had done it. She had been touched by blood magic. She had to be killed now.

"Yes. I don't know how it happened, but she…Knight-Commander, she doesn't remember anything. She thinks she's a child. She was confused and frightened when we saw her."

"Where is she now?" I asked. A new plan forming. Perhaps if we could bring her back here, we could save her from this. Wipe her memory for good. Mold her into the Champion she should have been. Make her my ally. My puppet as it were. Give the nobles what they had been demanding. A viscountess. But not just any viscountess, one I would be in control of. It was perfect. The right pressure on the right mages and she would be my new toy.

"Fenris, the elven slave, took her home. He wouldn't let us bring her back here. I didn't think it wise to cause a fight with them. She was frightened enough. I did tell him that you would decide what was to be done about her." Cullen bowed his head to me.

"Did they take her to his house or her home?" I asked. I then waved him off. "It doesn't matter. Send Karras to me then return to your post."

"If you don't mind me asking, Knight-Commander, what are you planning on doing with her?" He asked.

"Why help her of course. We cannot allow Kirkwall's Champion to stay a frightened child." I smiled at him. He still looked worried, but went to do as I bid him. Karras came a short time later.

"You sent for me, Knight-Commander?" He asked. I knew he was going to love this. Hawke had made a fool of him a few years ago.

"We have a Champion to go and fetch, Karras. Gather some of your men. You will escort me to find her."

"She's finally going to pay for her aid to the mages?" He asked a cruel gleam lighting his eyes.

"No. She's finally going to serve our purpose." I laughed and explained my plan to him. He was my most devoted and trusted templar. He nodded when I finished.

"I know just what mages to press. I will meet you at the gate in a few minutes, Knight-Commander."