Alistair wasn't sure what was more surprising. The fact that Morrigan had hit him with an arcane bolt or the fact that he was surprisedthat Morrigan had hit him with an arcane bolt.

She had not reacted well to his decision. As soon as the words had left his mouth, she had struck out at him with the spell. She had caught him off guard but as Alistair tried to relax his body so that the magic would disperse more quickly, he was well aware that she had both the capability and the inclination to do much worse. Morrigan was angry at him but she wasn't shocked. She understood the significance of being sent back as much as he did.

Morrigan held up a hand and muttered something under her breath. Alistair felt the damaging force being drawn out of his body as she countered the spell with a basic healing one.

"I'll thank you not to do that again," he rolled his shoulders back and stretched as he tried to loosen the tension which now tightened his muscles. But the movement did nothing to dislodge the crushing realisation of what now lay ahead of him.

"We shall see." There was the faintest hint of a smirk on Morrigan's face despite the circumstances.

Embracing the expectations of his new role as King, Alistair took the diplomatic option and ignored her. There were more pressing matters. The manner in which he had sent Leliana to gather the rest of the group meant that he was certain that they were already waiting for him in the main hall.

"Morrigan, do not speak a word of this. No one must know that Elissa is gone. It would cause panic."

The Witch scowled but nodded. Despite her inexhaustible number of flaws, Morrigan was practical. There was nothing to be gained from revealing such information but so much to lose.

"Come on, the others will come looking for us otherwise."

Alistair hustled Morrigan out of the room in the hopes that his assertive action would hide the fact that inwardly he was at a loss. He felt the panic begin to rise up again and he gripped at Morrigan's elbow as he steered her through the various passages towards the main hall. He wished he had some idea of how to explain Elissa's absence to the rest. All he was certain of was that they must not know.

As they walked through the castle, he noticed that the sounds of life which had prevented him from falling asleep earlier had increased. There seemed to be far too much bustle even accounting for the final preparations. Something had happened in the last few hours that he was unaware of.

The guards at the hall doors stood to attention as Alistair rounded the final corner. He felt a blush creep up his neck. His sense of duty may have prevented him from racing after Elissa but it didn't make accepting shows of servitude any easier. Alistair gave what he hoped looked like a regal nod of recognition as they passed by the guards and into the hall.

As he had expected, all heads turned towards him as he entered. But he was surprised to see Riordan amongst them. Morrigan wrenched her elbow from his grasp and slinked away, settling herself on a bench behind the group. She was near enough to hear what was said but deliberately far enough away to be ignored by the others.

"It is true then." Riordan shook his head with a sigh.

"What is true?"

"Leliana said you were concerned about Elissa. I see that you have not found her and no one here has seen her either."

"Right..."

"She has already left, hasn't she?"

The matter-of-fact way in which Riordan asked the question took Alistair aback. He glanced round at the rest of the group but Riordan's statement had not caused the reaction he was expecting. There was a universal look of worry and concern but not the dread he had imagined Elissa's departure would have initiated. Through the gaps in the group, his gaze settled on Morrigan. Unspoken messages flitted between them which Leliana did not fail to miss.

"I don't understand," Alistair admitted finally, turning back to Riordan.

"She has left for Redcliffe."

"What?"

"Arl Eamon's scouts have returned with news that the darkspawn are massing near Redcliffe. The Archdemon must be near there. Elissa intercepted the information somehow."

"Wait. The Archdemon plans to attack Redcliffe and you think Elissa has gone charging after it alone?" Alistair's incredulous tone caused Riordan to frown at him.

"Where else would she be?"

Out of the corner of his eye, Alistair could see Morrigan mouthing something to herself under her breath. He had a premonition that if he did not get his act together then she was going to showcase a much more impressive demonstration of her capabilities than she had earlier.

"No ... yes... of course. What I mean is, uh, the Archdemon. Why... why Redcliffe?"

The frown cleared from Riordan's face as he shrugged. "With the Landsmeet, all available forces were summoned by their Arls to Denerim. The rest of the country has been left vulnerable."

"But Redcliffe is four days march and most of our soldiers are poorly equipped. How will we reach it in time?"

"That is why we must leave immediately. You should select some of your companions to accompany us. The rest can march with the army."

"Right..."

"I will request each Arl to send five of his best horsemen." Riordan leaned forward and Alistair realised with horror that the Senior Grey Warden intended it as a bow. "Pick your companions and let us go quickly, your Majesty. Elissa will need our assistance."

Riordan left the hall and Alistair was faced with addressing the rest of them. There was an expectant silence as each awaited his orders. The weight of responsibility was beginning to suffocate him.

How did she do this?

Alistair pushed the thought away with a flash of anger. It no longer mattered how Elissa had coped, only that he must learn to.

With a forcefulness he had not expected to hear in his voice, he issued his orders. "Those who can ride are with me. Sten, Oghren and Shale, you will march with the army. They will be grateful for your experience."

There were obedient nods throughout the group with one red-headed exception.

"Go and make the necessary preparations. Be ready to leave shortly."

Alistair turned and walked away. Leliana would have to wait.