Sebastian laid down the parchment and rubbed his tired eyes. He had spent the entire night reading the scrolls Elthina had given him. He felt lost, learning all he had even known was a lie. His stomach turned at the thought of what Andraste's daughters endured. The scrolls did not say what had happened to Drea, but he had a feeling she died too young. With a sigh he stretched and went to his window. The sky was just turning pink as the morning sun began to rise. The soft sound of footsteps echoed in his quiet room and he turned to meet their maker.

"Have you not slept child?" Elthina gave him a motherly look and it made him smile. He never thought he would see that smile again. He spent the last few years hating Anders for what he thought was outright murder only to find out the man had only destroyed a building. The Wardens had saved all the faithful and kept them safe.

"I read all the scrolls."

"What are your thoughts on what you read?"

"It is hard to believe."

"I know my dear boy. I, like you was taught that this was real and what was written there was never true. If I had not spoken to the eldest daughter of Andraste myself I would not have believed either." Sebastian balked at the older woman's words.

"How...how could you have talked to her? She has been dead for...over a thousand years."

"She has become a spirit of Compassion. The Maker granted those who stayed true to what Andraste taught a special place in the Fade. She and seven others like her became the virtues most people strive for." Sebastian rubbed the bridge of his nose and sat back down. Elthina took a seat next to him and waited for his next question."

"The spirit...she...she follows Leigh in the Fade, doesn't she?"

"She is Leigh Hawke's protector. How much has Hawke told you?"

"Very little. She said she was born a mage and hid that fact from the world."

"That is partly true, she was bound because her magic was too strong at a young age."

"Like Meghan?"

"Very much like your daughter, but Leigh did not have anyone strong enough to teach her to control her magic. A mage like that, the Templars are charged to outright kill." Grief twisted Sebastian's face thinking about his sweet little girl being butchered just for having magic. He understood now he had been such a fool for all those years harping on Anders and Merrill. "Meghan is loved and protected Sebastian. No harm will come to her."

"I fear I will never get to see her in the flesh, that the only time I can hold my daughter is when I dream."

"I know this is hard on you, but she is safer in Ferelden. Queen Ashlyn is making sure she stays that way."

"Ashlyn?"

"She has been one of the voices that has been most outspoken against the imprisonment of mages. She and King Alistair were the ones to change the laws at least in Ferelden stating mages could not have any visits from family. Now mages there are free to live as they choose."

"The Divine wants to invade Ferelden." Elthina nodded somberly and stood up to look out the window. "She wants my support and my men."

"What did you tell her?"

"I said no. My people have been through enough."

"Yes they have. I fear they will go through more, as will we all. If the Chantry gets it's hands on Hawke all of this, all of us will be under the rule of a demon."

"Maker's mercy."

"It will take his mercy for this to work. All our hopes rest on the shoulders of one woman and her abilities to stay alive." Sebastian took one last look at the rising sun and hoped that wherever Leigh was she was safe.

OoO

Anders woke with a jolt and hissed. The pain in his arm throbbed like a mocking heartbeat. It had been over a week since he and Leigh had to run from the Seekers and now he was alone. They had been blindsided by a small group of Templars and in the fray he had taken an arrow in his bicep. Warm hands caressed his face and he eased himself back down to the cave floor. Leigh had busied herself making a poultice to place on the wound. She dared not use magic just in case the Seekers were close by.

"Where are we?" Leigh turned back and gave her husband a sad smile.

"The border of Starkhaven and Kirkwall. They are guarding most of the roads and through ways. I'm not sure if we will be able to return home the way we came here." Anders grimaced as she placed the herbal concoction on his wound. "Your running a fever."

"How bad?"

"Bad enough for me to worry." He could see fear in her eyes for the first time in a very long time.

"We will have to chance using magic then. I am no good to you like this and if we have to fight..."

"I know love." The soothing feeling of healing magic coursed through him and Anders let out a weary sigh. "Better?"

"Much, how long was I asleep?"

"Half a day, It is mid morning now. Hopefully we can make a run for it at nightfall. If we can get back to Sebastian we might have a chance of eluding the Seekers."

"Oh I bet he will be so pleased to see us again." Leigh rolled her eyes at her husband, but knew he was right. It had been tense when they all had met again. Sebastian was civil, but Pash warned her of some underlying anger on the prince's part. In a perfect world Meghan would be able to see her father in person, but they did not live in a perfect world. Leigh knew how much it killed Sebastian that Anders was raising his child, that Meghan calls the mage Da and not him. "Love, you look like your far away again."

"Just thinking."

"We will make it love, we will stop all this." Leigh leaned back against his chest and nodded. She waved her hand toward the cave entrance and made an illusion to hide them. She needed sleep, her body ached and her head was spinning. "Sleep Dove, I will keep watch."

"Wake me before nightfall."

"I will."

OoO

Miranda Amell sat in a dark damp cell. She had been caught by the Seekers while trying to pass messages to one of their many safe houses. The Templars took her back to the Orlais, to the Grand Cathedral. She had been waiting for days for someone to come and at least feed her. She shivered and tried to pull her torn robes up around her better. The clank of armor made her jump and she curled up into a ball.

"Get up mage! Someone wants to meet you." Miranda rose to her feet and shuffled to the cell door. Her feet were blistered from walking without shoes for days and she hissed with every step. "Come on I haven't got all day." Miranda kept her mouth shut and tried to move faster. Once she was out of the cell the Templar grabbed her arm and led her to room with a chair in the center of it. "Sit down." She complied and waited. She heard the Templar leave and the door shut behind him. The room was bare and cold. Hunger ate at her gut and her lips were cracked and dry. The door opened a short time later and a woman in white walked in.

"My, my you look dreadful my dear." Miranda could only stare at the woman. "Did the Templars cut out your tongue? Do you know who I am?"

"You are the Divine."

"Ah so you do have a voice."

"Only when the person is worth speaking to."

"Cheeky little mage, are we?" Miranda knew her life would be ending soon, so why hold back.

"We both know you are going to kill me or make me Tranquil. Just give it over with. I have nothing to say to you or anyone else for that matter."

"Oh but I think you do Miranda. I think you know many things and are just bursting to tell someone."

"No I pretty sure I have nothing to say." The Divine smiled and leaned closer to the beaten mage. She placed her hand on the woman's shoulder and squeezed. A blaze of pain shot right through Miranda and she stifled a scream.

"I can make this stop. I can give you your freedom. All you have to do is let me in. I can read your mind and you will not guilty of spilling your friends' secrets." Miranda shook her head and gritted her teeth. "It does not have to be this way. I will not let your resistance take what is mine. If you just give in you will be rewarded. I can give you whatever you want."

"I'd rather be turned into an abomination than give you anything." A low cruel laugh echoed off the walls. Miranda gasped seeing the Divine's eyes change to that of a demon's.

"I think I can arrange that. At least that way I can get what I want and you will serve me."

"They will stop you! They know what you are. Your rule is done."

"I have ruled over Thedas for over a thousand years. No upstart from Ferelden will stop me. Your Hawke will be found and her head will adorn the front gate of this cathedral. I am the Divine! I am the Maker's chosen, his voice, his first child. You and your kind will bend to my will. I will make Thedas like it was again, but this time the mages will be collared like the Qunari do to their mages."

"There are more of us now then there are of you, we have tasted freedom and will not give it up."

"I admire your courage mage." The Divine walked to the door and called for the Templars. "Take her to the chamber." Miranda growled at the Templar who came to move her from the room. She fought against his grip and tried to cast a spell, but her magic was drained. Fear crept into her. Since the start of Leigh leading the mages Miranda and she had set aside whatever animosity the two had. They had talked for hours seeing that they were not so different for each other. Miranda had even helped with teaching Meghan some forms of magic. She prayer whatever the Divine had in store for her that she did not end up betraying her cousin.

OoO

Anders woke Leigh as the sun began to set. He wanted to give her more time, but knew the longer they stayed put the better the chance the Seekers had to find them. Leigh went out to scout while Anders made sure they had all their supplies. They had used most of the herbs for healing in the last few days and their waterskins needed filling. He hoped it did not take them long to get back to Starkhaven's castle. Leigh's hand on his shoulder made Anders tense, but he had come to expect her sneakiness.

"The coast is clear, we need to move carefully."

"Lead the way love." They moved under the cover of darkness only stopping to rest when the sun was up. Anders thanked the Maker he still had his dark sight as they raced over the darkened country side. It was fall time and the air was crisp, but not enough to make it uncomfortable. His worry was for Leigh who was looking tired. She barely slept when they stopped and their food was gone. When she tried to hunt she barely missed being seen be a group of Templars. "How much further do you think?"

"A day, maybe a little more." Sitting next to her he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close.

"You need rest Leigh." She sighed and shook her head.

"Not till I know we are safe and heading home."

"Leigh, you can't keep this pace up much longer."

"I distinctly remember telling you the same thing years ago." Anders could not help but smile.

"I was a fool then, I should have listened to you."

"You're only saying that to get me to sleep."

"Maybe, but it's true. Please try at least." Leigh closed her eyes and nestled herself deeper into his arms.

"I'll try."

"Good, I will wake you before dark." She did not hear his last words as sleep took her over. She had tried so hard to be strong and keep going. All the years they had spent together she was almost always the strong one, but since the death of Vengeance, Anders had come into his own. He had handled so much while she had been pregnant with the twins and later Drea. He led the Resistance in her stead when she had to stay hidden for fear of someone using her children against her. Over the passed few years Anders had become the man she knew he could be. It gave her hope that they would win this war. She drifted into the Fade and found her safe haven. A bell like giggle made her heart soar. She could feel Meghan's bright presence through the air of the Fade.

"Mummy!" Leigh spun around and knelt down to catch her daughter. "Where's Da?"

"He is awake right now sweetheart. Mummy needed to sleep."

"We miss you." Leigh had to cover her mouth to stop the sobbing that threatened to break from her lips. Tears welled in her eyes and she hugged her little girl close to her.

"Oh my little angel I miss you all so much. We are trying to get home to you." Meghan wiggled in her mother's grasp and pulled away.

"Auntie Beth taught me new magic."

"Show me." The little auburn haired girl stood a few feet from her mother and began weaving a spell. Suddenly a bright light rose over the girl's head and illuminated the ground around them.

"Now I won't be scared of the dark." Leigh smiled and picked her daughter up.

"No my little girl you won't. I am so very proud of you." Leigh sat there with Meghan for the rest of her time in the Fade. It amazed her how fast the girl learned new spells. She wondered if this how her father felt when he had watched her all those years ago. Pash watched from a distance her mind else where. She felt the ripples in the Fade of Strife using her magic. The demon was getting desperate and the time was coming for Leigh to make her move, but all the pieces had to fall into place or they would fail. Maker knew when they would have this strong a leader again. "Pash?"

"The time is drawing nearer. I think the Divine is getting ready to show us her hand." Leigh sank down next to her spirit friend and watched Meghan playing with Hope.

"I can feel it too. The pang of dark magic."

"You are far stronger than I had ever hoped you'd be when I first met you."

"So you were waiting for me?"

"In a way. Since losing my sister I have waited for someone who had all the virtues that our father holds dear. You have shown all of them in your life time. You have never given in to despair or hatred. You are what the Maker wanted in his mortal children."

"I had good teachers along the way. My father, mother, you, I have been lucky." Pash patted Leigh's hands.

"Luck is always good."

"When this is over and the Divine is gone...what will you do?"

"I don't know. I am a part of you till you return to the Fade for your eternal rest. I guess I will return to the Golden City...or maybe Justice and I will continue to roam the Fade helping those who still need us. What of you, what will you do when this is over?"

"If I survive it? I think Anders and I will find a nice piece of land and build a house. Live out our lives simply. I think we will have earned it."

"In more ways than one." Pash looked up at the sky and sighed. "Anders will be waking you soon. Go say your goodbyes to Meghan." Leigh jumped to her feet and went to her daughter.

"I have to go sweetheart. Be good for your Aunt and Uncle. Tell Karl and Drea I love all of you. Da and I will be home soon."

"Bye Mummy." Leigh kissed her child's forehead as she faded away. She woke feeling Anders shake her softly.

"Sorry love, but it is almost dark." Leigh stretched her arms over her head and arched her back.

"Our daughter wanted me to tell you she misses you and wants us home." Anders grinned and helped Leigh off of their bedroll.

"I miss them all very much."

"So do I." Leigh rolled up their bedroll and secured it to their pack. "We need to hurry and get back to Ferelden. The Divine is working dark magic and I think it is coming to the time to face her."

"Maker."

"We can do this Anders. She won't win this time." Leigh held out her hand and Anders laced his fingers in hers.

OoO

"Sebastian?"

"In here Kali." Kali found her soon to be husband standing in the castle's Chantry. He was staring at the statue of Andraste and looked deep in thought. She stepped up to his side and took his hand. "I received word that the Divine has declared all out war on Ferelden."

"Maker's mercy...she is insane."

"Aye, and she has threatened anyone who tries to help the enemy will know the wrath of the Chantry." Kali let out a long breath and turned to her love.

"What are we going to do?"

"I have called a meeting of the people. I want their voices heard. Ferelden aided us when we needed it the most. I am a man of honor, I will not let Ferelden stand alone." Kali gazed up into Sebastian's blue eyes and smiled warmly.

"Then we'd better send the word out. I have a feeling Kirkwall will stand with Ferelden also and with both of us in the Marches at the ready the Divine will not be able to use the Amaranthine Sea."

"My thoughts exactly. I also have sent word to Antiva and Rivain asking for assistance. I have a few favors to cash in with nobles there."

"Maybe if we all stand up to her she will see reason. She will stop this needless fight."

"From your lips to the Maker's ears. I will go and have the guard gather our people. Please make sure Elthina is comfortable."

"I will join you in the main hall in an hour." Before Kali could leave the Chantry Sebastian's steward rushed through the door.

"I am sorry to interrupt my lord, but..." The man looked scared and was shaking.

"What is wrong?"

"There are two Templars here to see you my prince. They are waiting for you in the throne room. They...they are covered in blood." Kali looked up at Sebastian and saw the worry in his eyes.

"I will go meet with them. Take this to the guards and have them gather our people at the inn. I will be along shortly."

"Yes, my prince." Kali slipped her hand in Sebastian's.

"I am going with you. Just give me a moment to get my sword."

"Kali..."

"I will not let you meet with them alone. Who knows what they have done or will do. Just wait a moment." He nodded and waited for her in the hall. She returned quickly with her sword strapped to her side. Sebastian made the short walk to the throne room. When he opened the doors he saw the Templars standing close together talking quietly. The sight of a golden mage staff made Sebastian stop dead. He had seen that same staff over a week earlier strapped to the back of Anders. Dread filled the prince. Could it be they had caught Anders? If so where was Hawke? Did they get her too?

"My steward said you wanted to speak with me." The smaller Templar stepped forward followed closely by the taller one. Their helms hide their faces, unnerving the normally stout hearted prince. Kali slid herself between the Templars and Sebastian. She had her sword at the ready and glared at the armored warriors.

"Not another step more till you speak your purpose." The smaller Templar laughed a bit and held up their hands.

"My, she reminds me of Aveline. We mean no harm and apologize for the deception, but we had no other way to avoid the Templars." Leigh took her helm off and Anders followed suit. "The Seekers have been on her tails since we left here. We had no other choice." Sebastian rushed forward and gave Leigh a crushing hug.

"I thought when I saw the staff they had killed you both."

"We are fine more or less."

"Speak for yourself love, I am exhausted and starving." Leigh let out a laugh at her husband and shook her head.

"I will have food brought for you, as well as a bath drawn and new clothes."

"Thank you. We don't want to burden you too long though. We need to get home, but the Templars have closed off most of the roads and throughways. Varric is probably a wreck by now."

"I think I have an idea, but it will have to wait til after I meet with the people of Starkhaven. The Divine is ordering all of Thedas to move against Ferelden. She wants to quell the rebellion."

"She bloody mad. Does she not know most of Thedas is now against her?"

"She still thinks she has the power to rule over everything Anders. She had threatened to bring the full might of the Chantry to anyone that helps Ferelden." Leigh bit her lip and paced the floor. "Hawke I will not let Ferelden stand alone and you know Aveline will have Kirkwall throw it's lot in with yours. I have missives sent to allies in Antiva and Rivain. Tevinter had already stated they will fight against her, she is out numbered."

"Sebastian, your people have already had enough of war...I can't ask you to do this."

"You don't have to. I am asking my people for their help, but will understand if they chose to stay out of it. I...might have to put someone in charge in my stead, but I will not stand by as that demon threatens the life of my daughter or my friends."

"What Sebastian is trying to say is both he and I want to join your cause and stop the Divine. I am the daughter of mages. I owe it to my father to fight to see he is free." Leigh beamed at both of them.

"You both are most welcome to join us." Anders held out his hand to Sebastian and the prince took his in kind.

"Never thought you would get passed your righteousness."

"Or you getting passed your vengeance." Both men laughed and shook hands. "We both have people to protect Anders. Two of them happen to be loved by both of us."

"You mean we actually agree for once? Will wonders never cease."

"You're such an ass Anders."

"Choir Boy you have no idea. You never met the me before Justice. I would have given your rakish ways a run for their money."

"Maker help us all." Leigh and Kali could only shake their heads and led their men out of the throne room. There was much to talk about, much to plan. The winds were shifting and they all knew Thedas was on the brink of change. They all hoped it was the change that brought freedom from the Divine's tyranny.