Dragon 9:30, 22th Bloomingtide

ROYAL PALACE, COURTYARD

'Daddy!' Gareth and Ailis jumped from the carriage and run to their father. He took both twins into his arms and sighed in relief.

'Princess, Soldier… Thank the Maker you are safe.'

'Daddy! Grandpa fought in a battle! You should fought too. Promise me that you will in next battle, please!' Gareth jumped in excitement. Loghain chuckled at this sight and nodded.

'I promise. But now, Soldier, please let me talk to your grandparents. Bryce, Eleonora, are you alright?' Teyrns Cousland came to them and nodded. Bryce approached Loghain with a smirk.

'That bastard thought he would outmatch us. With Maric's soldiers help we have won. They took Howe and his son to Fort Drakon.' Bryce gasped and growled. 'He was babbling about you and Mahria… and something about being a king… do you understand any of this? He wanted to become a king… sodding moron.'

'I'll deal with him later. Come inside, you should rest.'

'Loghain… where is my daughter?' Eleonora stopped Mac Tir and looked around. 'What's going on here?'

'She's training with archers. I send messenger to her, she's on her way to the palace. Come to my study now. Bryce, Eleonora… I have some news for you. Siria, please take twins to Anora.'

'Yay, big sis!' Twins dashed with maid inside the palace. Loghain took Teyrns Cousland to his study.

LOGHAIN'S STUDY

'Maker… no… it can't be happening.' Bryce pale face regarded Loghain in shock after Mac Tir revealed news about Blight to him and his wife. 'You must be mistaken… it's… no… I refuse to believe it.'

'It's truth, Bryce. Duncan and rest of the Wardens felt archdemon. Face it, my friend. It's happening and we need to prepare ourselves.' Loghain brushed hand through his hair and sighed. 'We need to- what's happening there?' He looked at the door. Behind a loud commotion broke. Mac Tir stood up and opened the door to see his wife pointing dagger at familiar man's throat.

'How dare you show your fucking face, Nathaniel Howe?' She growled in anger. Her eyes show murderous intent. 'How could you allow your father to attack Highever?! My children were there!' Loghain moved to Mahria and pulled her back.

'Stop it, woman. I want to question him before you kill him.' Then he turned to Howe. 'You really have some guts to come here after what your father did, Nathaniel.'

'I wasn't aware what my father's planned. I was in Lothering for two years now.' Nathaniel stated with cold voice. Then he narrowed his eyes at Mahria. 'And you… don't touch me again, I'm not man I used to be. I won't let you keep your manners with me as you used to have. That's in the past.' Mahria only growled and went to Loghain study in silence. Loghain regarded young man for a moment.

'So you didn't know what your father was planning?'

'No… to be honest I wanted to go to Free Marches when King wanted to sail there. But when he changed his plans I just run from my father and went to Kirkwall by myself… Then after a year I returned to Ferelden and travelled through the country aimlessly. When I reached Lothering I met… my wife… we have son… I stayed in the village until last week when rumors about my father attack reached there. I mounted a horse and nearly rode it to death to came here.'

'But… Nathaniel… it's your father. I think you must know why he did such a thing!' Howe sighed and leaned on the wall.

'I think he got mad. He's desire for power made him go crazy. I heard that he wanted marry Delilah to Bann Teagan but she eloped with her lover. She's in Highever, living peaceful life, we exchange letters. But I don't think that was the reason father attacked Couslands. All in all she's there for almost three years now. I really don't know what my father was thinking.' Nathaniel sighed one more time and turned his head to Loghain. 'Will you go interrogate him?'

'Yes. I'll go to Fort Drakon when I'll finish talking with Bryce and Eleonora. Come, Nathaniel I think you should hear it too… You will become Arl of Amaranthine now, because… your father will be executed. And I think you need to know few things.' Both men went to Loghain's study. Nathaniel apologized to Teyrns Cousland and explained he didn't know anything about the attack. Mahria was eyeing him to time to time with angry gaze. When Loghain revealed to Howe about the Blight he shivered.

'No… No it can't be! My family is in Lothering… My son and wife! I need to take them from there!'

'We will pass by Lothering when we will go to Redcliffe… You will send your family to Highever.' Mahria sighed and moved to Nate. Her eyes were warm now. 'If anything happens… My mother will take everyone out of Ferelden in the ships.'

'But...' Nathaniel looked at Mahria with doubts. She forgot about her previous anger and kneeled next to him, stroking his arm lightly.

'Listen… if anything will happen we need to take most importants heirs from the country. Anora is pregnant with heir to the crown. My twins… Gareth...' She stopped for a moment. Her features saddened. 'He will inherit Gwaren… he will be a teyrn… and your offspring will inherit Amaranthine. We need to ensure their safety. For them and for Ferelden future.' Nathaniel nodded. He couldn't say anything.

FORT DRAKON, PRISON

'And look who is here… bloody Hero of River Dane. I'm truly mesmerized.' Howe spitted those words with disgusted grimace. He was sitting in shackles and look pitiful. But Loghain didn't pity him at all. 'You bastard took Mahria for yourself… she could be so useful to me… that bitch wou-' Mighty hit on the face interrupted his hateful monologue.

'Do not say a word about my wife, you shit.' Loghain growled. 'Tell me, what you wanted to do exactly?'

'Oh… I wanted to kill your bloody mongrels. I heard that they were in Highever without your and your wife's protection...' Howe smirked nastily. Another punch landed on his face. After he regained himself he started to laugh. 'But that's not all… that bastard Eamon refused to marry Teagan to my Delilah… and that little cunt run from Amaranthine with some fop. But anyway… do you know that Connor is a mage? I send apostate to him when Isolde… that idiot Isolde was looking for arcane tutor silently. I bet my mage already killed that sodding bastard Eamon.'

'What?!' Loghain looked at Arl with disbelief. 'You wanted to kill Eamon as well?'

'Not only him… you should fear about yourself as well.' Laugh of a maniac broke from Howe's mouth. 'But do not worry… I'll get you and your slut... Argh.' Loghain kicked him in the stomach with such power that man started to bleed from his mouth, yet he still was laughing.

'Nathaniel… did you hear everything?' Loghain turned his head slightly to Nate, who slid into prison cell.

'Yes. I do not have father anymore.' Then young Howe approached older one and kneeled. 'I just want to know one thing. Why have you pushed Thomas into your idiocies? He's still so young.'

'He was the only child who wanted to cooperate with me… You… and that traitorous bitch Delilah… were just useless. When you started to fuck Mahria I was really ple-' Yet another punch hit Howe's face. This time Nathaniel's one.

'I think I heard enough, Teyrn Loghain.' Nathaniel stood up and left the cell without a word.

'I bet you will be executed tomorrow, Howe. After Maric pass his judgment… but don't expect any mercy.' Loghain regarded Arl with despise and turned to leave.

'Watch out, Teyrn… better watch out.' Mac Tir disregarded those words and left.

Dragon 9:30, 22th Bloomingtide

GREAT HALL

Maric was sitting in his throne when soldiers came with Howe and his son Thomas. King's face shown pure despise when he looked at ex-Arl. Loghain was standing next to the King. On the balcony Nathaniel, Mahria and Bryce Cousland and other nobles regarded whole scene in silence. Mac Tir turned to Maric and started to point prisoners crimes out. 'Arl Rendon Howe and his son Thomas, their crimes are: attempt to attack castle of Highever, attempt to murder Teyrns Cousland, attempt to murder children of Teyrns of Gwaren, murdering or attempt of murder Arl Eamon Guerrin, har-' Maric stood up and interrupted.

'That's enough, Loghain. I think we have heard enough.' Maric approached Arl closer. 'Do you want to add anything, Howe?'

'Only that I would be better king than you, imbecile.' He spat next to Theirn boots.

'Splendid. We can add insulting the King to your crimes as well.' Maric smirked. 'I judge you and your son guilty and condemn both of you to death.' Then he turned to Loghain. 'Who will pass the judgment?'

'It's all up to you, Maric.' Loghain's stone face didn't show it, but inside he felt urge to do it.

'Very well. Teyrn Loghain, if you would be so kind.' Maric gestured at two prisoners then returned to the dais to sit on the throne. Loghain approached two man with smirk of victory. With precise swung he beheaded Thomas then moved to Howe and slit his sword into man's stomach. Then he wiped blade in Arl clothes. When Mac Tir was returning to the dais he turned slightly his head to Mahria and smiled to her. Mahria narrowed her eyes and returned satisfied smile. Maric stood up and looked at the balcony.

'Nathaniel Howe. I hereby declare you new Arl of Amaranthine.' Nathaniel bowed to the king. 'Tomorrow we will depart to Redcliffe, my friends. Please prepare yourself.' After that Mahria turned to new Arl.

'Come. I want to speak to you.'

GARDEN

Mahria was sitting with Nate under a tree in silence for few moments. 'Mahria… you wanted to talk. So talk'

'I… I want to apologize, Nate. For attacking you. I should have guessed you didn't knew anything.' She looked into friends eyes. 'You have changed… a lot.'

'Yes. I'm not the same Nathaniel… You were right, you know? That I should find some nice lass and be happy.' He smiled at Mahria and patted her lap. 'I have son now. I have lovely wife.'

'What's her name? Who is she?' Nate turned to look around and leaned to Mahria ear.

'She comes from Amell family...'

'Amell? A mage Grey Warden have this name. Solona Amell. Curious...'

'Maybe they are related... Amells were once a noble family from Kirkwall. Her name is Bethany Hawke, her mother was daughter of Amell's but she eloped with an apostate, Malcolm Hawke... and my wife... She's a mage. But please don't tell anyone... ' Mahria widened her eyes and nodded eagerly. 'I do not care about that. I love her from the bottom of my heart. Just like Loghain loves you.' Nate noticed that her face stiffened and she turned her gaze. 'What's going on… Mahria?'

'He… doesn't love me… anymore.' Tears started to fill her eyes but she winked to chase them away. 'I did horrible thing in Orlais… I betrayed him… we aren't that wife and husband you saw last time. But I don't want to talk about that.'

'Mahria… I know I was away for a long time but… still… you are my best friend. Tell me what happened.' Mahria related the story about Orlais to man with trembling voice. He listened to her than shook his head. 'I hardly find that a betrayal, Mahria. You didn't do anything wrong. You fought for Ferelden, for Maker's breath.'

'You don't understand, Nate… I… he is different. He was there when Usurper rule our country. He was there when innocents were killed, women were raped, when everything was pure madness. He despise orleasians and now he despise me.' Woman took her face into her hands in helpless gesture. 'But I will remain by his side because I still love him. And I will till the day I'll die.'

'Mahria...' Howe wanted to say something, console her but it was hard to do. Only thing that Nate could do was embrace her and give her a bit of strenght to endure. 'I think that one day you will be happy again and he will love you again. Now better stop thinking about that. Let's get ready to go to Redcliffe.'

Dragon 9:30, 1st Justinian

King with his army went to Redcliffe. Mahria and Loghain came along leaving twins in Eleonora custody. Mahria's mother had to wait for boat with Rieska and her children then they would sail to Highever. Teyrn Bryce who accompanied them, left to Highever to gather his men. On their way to Arl Eamon lands Mahria befriended Warden Solona Amell, both women and Anders spend their travel on talk about Circle, life in Gwaren or about Grey Wardens. In the meanwhile Mahria proved that during her training troops gained huge respect toward her. Her squad of archers was really disciplined and executed every order without any delay or word. 'I need to say, Your Teyrnship, that you are really good in commanding soldiers.' Solona looked at formation with high respect.

'I used to lead soldiers in Highever, when I was still unmarried… then I lead soldiers of my husband in Gwaren. There was one time when I was shot, luckily we have the best healer mage in whole Ferelden.' Mahria smiled and patted Anders arm.

'I'm impressed. But no one would expect anything less from wife of Hero of River Dane. I've read so many books about Teyrn Loghain… I had major crush on him… to be honest.' Amell giggled and looked at Mahria's face. She gasped when she noticed that Teyrna's expression saddened. 'I beg for forgiveness, Your Teyrnship… that was… really stupid of me.'

'Don't apologize, Warden Amell. I'm fine. My husband is really impressive. He's a hero.' Mahria smiled, but her eyes still show heartache. 'Although he doesn't really want to be praised. And… please I beg you, stop calling me 'Your Teyrnship'. I'm Mahria. I want you to call me that.'

'As you wish, You-, I mean Mahria. And I'm Solona. That's far better than Warden Amell. Or better call me Sol, my friend call me that.' Mahria nodded and both women shook their hands.

'Sol.'

'Mahria.' Amell smiled then turned to Anders. 'Look, Andy, I have befriended noblewoman. That's quite an achievement for a mage!' Mahria laughed at that and patted Anders again.

'He's good with nobles too, Sol. Especially when he came to my wedding reception to flirt with noblewomen! But he was tossed away by my husband. That was quite a view!' She giggled then looked around only to spot Nathaniel. 'Nate! Come here.' Man turned his horse and approached mages and Teyrna. 'Meet Grey Warden Solona Amell. And I think you met Anders few times already.' Nathaniel nodded and looked upon Solona. Her features were similar to his wife's.

'Warden.' Howe still regarded her in curiosity, Sol rose her brow and looked puzzled at the man. 'Oh... I'm sorry for gawking like that. Do you... have any family here in Ferelden by any chance?'

'My grandfathers niece, Leandra, came here with her lover...' She lowered her voice. 'An apostate. Amell family was struck with mages after my birth... First me, then my siblings turned out to be all mages and the the final blow was aunt Leandra.'

'So we are family, my Lady.' Solona gasped at that statement. 'As I am husband of, now Arlessa, Bethany Howe nee Hawke, daughter of Leandra Hawke nee Amell. You can meet with them in Lothering.' When they came to small village, Nathaniel introduced his wife to Solona and Mahria. Then he took his family to Highever. After that he promised he will gather forces from Amaranthine and join Teyrn Cousland in Highever to wait for them there. Grey Warden Duncan also left them to go to Ostegar, he left Junior Wardens though.

Dragon 9:30, 8th Justinian

REDCLIFFE VILLAGE

Loghain ordered his army to station near the village. They took only few soldiers and proceeded to enter Redcliffe village when one of villagemen came to them. 'I… I thought I saw travellers coming down the road, though I scarcely believed it. Have you come to help us?' Loghain dismounted his horse and approached terrified man.

'Help you? What happened here? His Majesty, King Maric, wanted to meet with Arl Eamon. Do you know anything about the Arl?' Man looked at Maric and bowed deeply then straightened and turned to Loghain again.

'The Arl…? So you don't know? Has anybody out there heard?'

'Heard what, exactly?'

'We're under attack. Monsters come out of the castle every night and attacks us until dawn. Everyone's been fighting… and dying.' Morrigan hissed at villager talk.

'Apparently everyone seems to agree that a Blight is the perfect time to start killing each other. Marvelous, really.' Maric turned to her. He was really confused.

'What do you think, my Lady… is it that the apostate's work?'

'If he's happened to be a blood mage… then yes, I think it's his work.' Maric shook his head and waved hand to villager to continue.

'We've no army to defend us, nor Arl to send for help. So many are dead and those left are terrified they're next. Please, Your Majesty, help us.'

'Hold on.' Alistair rode to Maric on his horse. 'What it this evil that's attacking you?' Man looked at Prince and shivered. His voice started to tremble.

'I… I don't rightly know… I'm sorry. Nobody does.' Then he pointed at village beneath them. 'I should take you to Bann Teagan. He's all that's holding us together. You will want to see him, Your Majesty. He's in the Chantry.' Maric nodded and then turned to Loghain.

'Loghain, send someone to bring more troops.' Loghain left for a moment to send soldier for reinforcements. When he returned and mounted his horse, Maric ordered to ride to the village immediately. After a brief moment they reached village's center and dismounted their horses. Maric, Loghain, Mahria and Alistair went inside the Chantry.

'It's… ah! Your Majesty!' Bann Teagan recognized everyone. 'And Teyrn Loghain with the wife… and Alistair! Maker's smile on us all!' People overheard Teagan's shouts and gathered instantly around the King and his party. Some people were injured, a lot of them were women with children or elders.

'Teagan. Please tell me what's going on.' Maric stated with serious voice. Nothing was quite right here in Redcliffe and he started to feel nervous.

'Eamon is… or was… gravely ill. I don't know if he's still alive. No one has heard from the castle in days. No guards patrol the walls, and no one has responded to my shouts.' Teagan brushed his chin nervously. 'The attacks… they started few nights ago. Evil… things… surged from the castle. We drove them back, but many perished during the assault.'

'What evil things, exactly?' Maric started to pace around small space.

'Some call them the walking dead… decomposing corpses returning to life with a hunger for human flesh.'

'Ewww…' Mahria grimaced at that. 'Fighting rotting corpses… that wasn't what I expected… but still better than darkspawn for a moment.'

'Darkspawn?' Teagan turned to Mahria with a question in his eyes.

'Teagan… there is a Blight… in Ferelden.' Maric stated. Everyone gathered in the Chantry gasped in terror. 'Calm down, everyone! Teagan, please… go on. We need to know about the situation here now.'

'Errr… yes… They hit again the next night. With each night they come, with greater numbers.' Bann pale face grimaced. 'And I have feeling tonight's assault will be the worst yet.'

'We can't wait for the nightfall. I already send for our army. We will retake castle without delay.' Loghain replied and turned to Maric. 'Better stay here with Alistair and Teagan. I'll lead the army.' Maric nodded. 'Captain Mac Tir, come.' Mahria turned and left with Loghain. When they were outside Loghain looked at Mahria.

'I think you know what to do.'

'Yes, Commander. My troops will back up your soldiers, when they will storm on a gate. If there will be any resistance on the walls we will take them down... Luckily there is a hill near the bridge to the castle, as far as I remember.' He regarded serious face of his wife. His hand reached her, but she backed it and turned to leave. 'I'll gather my archers, Commander. We will wait for your signal.'

'Tell the mages to prepare themselves, Captain.' Mahria nodded as she mounted Da'asha. She waved her hand toward Morrigan, Solona and Anders. 'Come, we have some fight to attend to. Anders, Sol you will heal those who will get wounded. Morrigan, you will use everything you have to destroy the gate.'

'Destroy the gate?' Morrigan sighed and shook her head. 'My, my...'

REDCLIFFE CASTLE

Breaking through the the gate was surprisingly easy as no one was guarding it. Soon Loghain and Mahria alongside with mages and their soldiers dashed to the courtyard of Redcliffe Castle. 'That was… easy… way too easy.' Mahria stated as she looked around. It was empty and silent place. 'I don't like that...'

'Me neither.' Anders regarded castle with grim face.

'Better watch out. Men! Be on guard, Maker's only knows what's going on in here.' Loghain ordered one soldier to send a word to Maric, Alistair and Teagan, soon men arrived.

'Let's go inside.' Maric looked at big wooden doors with concern. 'Maker preserve us.' Doors were unlocked so they entered atrium and then great hall. What they saw was beyond imagination. Small boy was sitting on the dais surrounded by demons.

'And who we have here? His Majesty, King Maric… and uncle Teagan. What are you doing in my castle?' Boy stood up and made few steps toward them. 'A trespassers! Attack!' Demons started to fly to them in great speed. Battle broke but it was quick one. Mages alongside with warriors send demons back to the Fade. 'No… my servants… no!'

'Do something with him!' Loghain shouted to Solona and Anders. Solona took her staff in front of her and hit on the ground. Purple sparks appeared when end of the staff hit.

'Sleep!' She shouted and boy fell on the ground unconscious.

'Nooo! Connor!' Arlessa Isolda run through the door on the one side of the great hall. 'What have you done to him!'

'I put him into sleep.' Solona replied then moved to the back.

'Isolde. What have you done?!' Maric approached woman with angry growl. 'Is it really truth that you hired apostate from Howe to teach Connor how to hide his magic?'

'How do yo-?'

'Howe told us everything before we executed him.' Loghain moved closer to Arlessa. He was really mad. 'Where is Eamon? What happened here?'

'I… Connor started to show s-sing of being a mage… I wanted to protect him… The mage I h-hired… he's in the dungeon. H-he knows everthing. He p-posined my husband.' Arlesa started to tremble over Connor's sleeping body. 'Please, help me.'

'Ugh. Bring this mage here.' Maric sighed. Loghain sent soldiers and Anders to bring apostate from his cell. When they came back Solona gasped in shock.

'Sol… you won't beli-' Anders looked at Amell but she interrupted him.

'Jowan! Why are you here?!'

'You know him?' Maric turned to Warden Amell. 'Who is he?'

'He… he's a blood mage, Your Majesty… I… helped him to run from the Circle… to be honest I would be executed because of that but… Duncan used Right of Conscription right in time. Ummm… but I didn't really know that he wanted to escape… that he was a blood mage...' Amell blushed and moved to the back again.

'That doesn't matter anymore...' Maric looked at Jowan. 'What have you done, maleficar? Better tell us the truth. Have you summoned those demons? Have you made Connor into an abomination?'

'I… No! I… I poisoned Arl Eamon, but that's all I did. I know it looks suspicious, but I'm not responsible for the creatures and the killing in the castle. I was already imprisoned when all that began.' Mage shivered under all angry gaze upon him. 'At first Lady Isolde came here with her men demanding that I reverse what I'd done. I thought she meant my poisoning the arl… That's the first I heard about walking corpses. She thought I'd summoned a demon to torment her family and destroy Redcliffe. She had me tortured… There was nothing I could do or say that would appease her. So they left me in that cell… to rot.'

'And who send you here, mage?' Loghain growled. Jowan looked at him and started to shiver even more.

'I-I was i-instructed to by Arl H-howe. I was told that Arl Eamon was a threat to Ferelden...'

'And what would you get in return?' Loghain moved few feets closer to Jowan. His furious face scared mage to the point he just fall on his knees.

'I… I was told that if I dealt with him Arl Howe would settle matters with the Circle. I thought that… Arl was giving me a chance to... redeem myself...'

'Such an idiot a blood mage…?' Morrigan chuckled. 'Truly?'

'I know now, that I was an idiot, yes. He abandoned me… he wanted only to make things done and... no loose ends.' Jowan sighed and hung his head.

'At least you realized it now, maleficar.' Maric shook his head in incredulity of what happened in Redcliffe. 'How he recruited you?'

'After my escape templars caught me… I was brought to Denerim to await my execution. Eventually, someone came to see me, alone. It was Arl Howe. And he said I would make up for my crimes. He said I would be helping the country.'

'And so he offered you to Arlessa? To tutor Connor?'

'Yes. I had to tutor him how to hide his talent… Arl Eamon had no idea. And now… I think Connor had done something to tear open the Veil.'

'My son wouldn't do that!' Arlessa started to cry, still lying above her child's body to protect it.

'Arlessa… you are hardly in position to talk.' Maric turned to Mac Tir. 'Loghain. We don't have time. I'll go with Warden Aeducan to Orzammar. We will try to get their help with Warden's treaties. You will go to the Circle of Magi to get their help. And you will also bring some mages to clean this bloody mess in one way or another. But! I want them to try to save Connor somehow, he's still young. Maybe they will be able to help him. And you, mage!' Maric approached Jowan. 'You will keep little boy asleep. Teagan, Jowan needs to be under constant surveillance. My army will station here in Redcliffe for time being. If anything happens you have my men.'

'As you wish, Your Majesty.'

'Now everyone, go to rest.'

MAC TIR'S GUESTROOM

Mahria was looking by the windows with grave expression. She was buried in thought. With one hand she tried to untie laces of her gauntlets but due to heavy thoughts she didn't achieve anything in that matter. Teyrna hadn't even noticed that Loghain came to the room. He regarded woman for a moment then started to untie his armor. When he finished and changed fresh clothes, Mahria was still in same position, looking aimlessly by the window. Mac Tir approached his wife and put hand on her arm. 'What's going on?' She stiffened and then turned cautious gaze on him.

'What?'

'You have been standing here for quite a long time. Still in your armor. What have you been thinking about?' Her face became stern and she turned to the window again. It was awkward for Loghain to talk to her after those years, but he felt that something was amiss.

'What if one of our Pups will be a mage…?' Mahria swallowed heavily. Tears fell from her eyes. 'I… I think I would do the same… I would hire mage to tutor them… I wouldn't let them go to the Circle. Maker please, don't let them be mages.' She put her face in hands and started to cry even more. Mac Tir looked at his wife for a moment. She was so helpless, so miserable. He couldn't restrain himself and hugged her. Her back stiffened but that didn't discouraged him at all.

'Mahria... They will be warriors like you and me. Don't think about such foolishness. I swear that they are normal children. Now stay still, I'll help you with that armor.' Mahria took her hands from the face and hanged them loosely. Loghain took every piece of armor, turning his gaze on Mahria from time to time. But she didn't watch him, her gaze was locked on something distant behind the window. When he finished with the armor he took her chin and moved to face him. 'Look at me.' Still her eyes avoided his. 'Look at me, I said.' She hesitated for a moment then their gazes locked. 'Everything is fine. Gareth and Ailis are fine. Is that clear?'

'Yes.'

'Now go to sleep, it's an order from your Commander. Tomorrow we will go to Kinloch Hold.'

'As you wish, Commander.' Her blank expression and emotionless voice made sitrr in his heart. But he pushed that feeling away. Loghain regarded as Mahria laid on the bed. Then he laid on the other side and turned back to her. He didn't want to look at his wife, it was too painful.