Easing down by the campfire Aedan winced at the ache of his shoulders, glancing behind him as Ayanna settled on the log, her fingers gently beginning to manipulate the muscles of his shoulders. "You look tired." He murmured. "You don't need to …"

"Hush."

Catching her hand he gently pressed a kiss to it before releasing her, biting his lip as he felt a soft kiss brush against his neck, closing his eyes as she worked, his muscles relaxing beneath her touch. "I hated him so much." He whispered. "I wanted him dead, prayed for him to face a worse death than my parents … but I never imagined …"

"Duncan's death was not your doing Aedan and you had every right to be angry."

Aedan shook his head. "My anger it … it just seems to drown everything else out, I do not like the person I become."

"We all get angry, we all have terrible thoughts. When my parents were killed I blamed my uncle; for a time I was glad he had died too, wished his death had been lingering, I lost myself to this terrible rage and it almost killed me, so I know what anger can do, but Aedan trust me you are a good person, I wouldn't be with you if you weren't."

"I just feel this rage all the time, I feel like I am choking on it. When I close my eyes I see my father, his throat … and mom." He swallowed back the sob, closing his eyes as Ayanna's arms wrapped around him. "It is killing me." He whispered.

"I won't let it." Ayanna murmured pressing herself tightly against him, desperate to give him comfort. She turned sharply as she heard Rathnal cry out before seeing her new Commander slam into Fergus.

"What in the Void!" Aedan snarled leaping to his feet, seeing Highever soldier's race out of the camp clearly chasing after someone, anger giving way to panic as he reached his brother.

Fergus hissed as pain throbbed through his right side and he stumbled against Aedan who was suddenly grabbing hold of him. He turned to Rathnal, who was shouting orders, the other Wardens taking a protective stance around the camp along with those soldiers who were still present. Fergus stared at his hand covered in blood. "Aedan what …" He shuddered painfully still uncomprehending, his vision dimming before he lost consciousness.

Aedan held his brother as he sank to the ground. "No! Fergus! No! I cannot lose anyone else! Maker please!" He stared wild eyed at Ayanna as she knelt beside him checking the wound and how deep the arrow was embedded, Dylan and Robert moving quickly to her side.

Alistair gently pulled Aedan away from his brother. "Let them work."

"Aren't Darkspawn enough to contend with?" Rathnal snarled; swallowing uneasily as blood gushed from the wound as the arrow was removed.

"How did you know?" Rinna asked her blades twitching in her hands as her gaze searched the trees surrounding them, fury burning in her that someone had gotten close enough to attack them.

"Sheer luck; I heard something out of place and knew it wasn't Darkspawn." He sighed deeply glancing to Fergus. "This is a damn mess, all of it."

Aedan turned as the soldiers returned dragging a man with them; it was only Alistair who grabbed hold of him that stopped him from running him through. "You sonofabitch!" He roared.

"I was following orders." Michael shrugged slightly, ensuring he didn't look at the long haired, bearded soldier who was standing a little back from the group, even he barely recognised Kaleb with facial hair and it seemed no-one else had recognised him either, his fellow soldier having infiltrated the group effortlessly as they had escaped Ostagar. He had trailed behind, waiting for his opportunity to end Fergus; cursing the Warden who had saved him from what would have been a killing shot. He felt no guilt, the Cousland's were traitors and they deserved death. "I'd be more worried about his whore of a wife and brat if I were you; they will probably be dead by the time you get to Redcliffe."

Aedan tore himself from Alistair and drove his fist into the soldier's face, blood bursting from his nose and lip; hitting him again before Alistair pulled him away.

Ayanna gripped Aedan's arm her hands covered in Fergus's blood. "Aedan your brother needs you!"

Shuddering Aedan glanced to Rinna who was sniffing the arrow tip that had been removed from his brother, before she searched the would be assassin finding a small vial. "Crude but effective." She muttered.

"Poison?" Aedan choked out.

"Indeed, but I know it well and its antidote, I believe I have the supplies we need." She gripped Aedan's arm. "We have all lost enough; I will do all I can to ensure you do not lose your brother."

Aedan nodded feeling Ayanna squeeze his hand as she hurried after her, turning to Alistair who he realised was still gripping his arm. "I cannot lose my brother." He whispered, choking on fear.

Pulling him gently to the fire Alistair urged Aedan to sit down. "Fergus is strong and Rinna will make an antidote, he'll be fine."

Aedan sat silently glad for Alistair's presence as he settled beside him, his eyes fixed on his brother, offering desperate silent prayers to the Maker for Fergus's survival. He turned only once to their prisoner when Fergus's body convulsed violently and a choked gurgle wrenched from his lips. "If Fergus dies so do you." He snarled at the soldier.

"Your whole family deserve traitor's deaths!" Michael snapped back.

"Your Lord is the damn traitor!" Aedan hissed in agony; turning back to his brother feeling as though the grip on his sanity was slipping away so fast he could barely hold on.

xXx

Vaughan stared at the Queen, not sure how he was supposed to respond. He had been irritated by the summons to the Palace, exhausted from the nightmares that continued to plague him and ill-tempered because of it, but with the General's return to the city and whispers of defeat at Ostagar he had known that the request of his presence could mean only one thing, his father had fallen. Despite preparing himself for the news the reality was still a shock. It wasn't grief he felt however, Vaughan was rarely touched by the lives of others even that of family, only concerned with his own needs and desires and he had greatly desired to be Arl, but he was aware he would be expected to show at least some level of distress.

"You have my sympathy for the loss of your father." Anora stated feeling her stomach sink, the man before her would be a terrible Arl, but there was nothing she could do until Vaughan did something she could petition the Landsmeet with. "I know taking your father's place as Arl may be difficult and should you need support in your new role you have but to ask."

"I would like to return home this is a lot to take in … your Majesty." Vaughan added as an afterthought.

Picking up on the almost slight Anora had to force herself to remain calm, her own grief barely kept in check. "Of course." She watched him leave glad to be rid of him glancing to Erlina. "Have him watched, Maker knows what the spiteful brat will get up to." She sighed as Erlina left the private room, taking a moment to steady herself before her next meeting.

Vaughan left swiftly, hurrying back to the estate, his personal guard barely able to keep up with him. The moment he arrived he had every servant and guard assembled in the courtyard. "The Queen has just informed me that my father was slain at Ostagar. I am now the Arl of Denerim and you will answer to me." He almost smirked at their looks of horror and dismay. "There will be changes, but for now get back to work." Heading to his father's study he sat down behind the desk leaning back and putting his feet up. "What to do first." He murmured.

xXx

Brom paced behind what had been Captain Varril's desk feeling sick to his stomach. Ser Cauthrien had brought them the news of the devastation at Ostagar the day before and he was still in shock. He had never imagined they would lose the battle, let alone at the cost of so many. He glanced to Thomas and Gavin as they cautiously entered the office, all of those who had stayed behind to guard the city now knew of what had befallen their fellows, though he and they refused to give up hope that somehow some had survived.

"This can't be happening." Thomas whispered.

"Well it is." Brom muttered. "Damn it."

"What do we do?"

"We do what we have been doing, we protect this city until the General tells us otherwise and I will have a message relayed to the Watchtowers that word of any survivors is to be sent here immediately."

Gavin leaned against the wall. "How are we supposed to just get on with things knowing …"

"Because we are the Denerim Guard." Brom interrupted swiftly. "And I'm damned if this city is going to fall to chaos under my watch." He visibly shuddered. "Especially with our new Arl."

xXx

Pacing the room he had been given in his wife's brother's home, Bann Laren stared out of the window feeling rage, grief and confusion burn through him. Howe had been in the city, but he had left for Amaranthine with Ser Cauthrien and several of Maric's Shield before he could confront him. Rumour had it they were going to fetch Lady Ellowyn Cousland who had sought the Arl's protection from the traitorous actions of her father. He couldn't reconcile the Bryce he had known with the traitor he was being made out to be. Howe was painting himself the hero, but even if he was his wife was still dead. He had managed to get an audience with the Queen who had been furious about the rumours and told him she had demanded Ellowyn's presence to get to the bottom of what had gone on at Highever. Upon hearing of his wife's murder and the loss of his eldest son at Ostagar she had been deeply compassionate; he had seen the weight of grief was also heavy on her own shoulders given the fall of the King and so it had not surprised him that she had named her father Regent only that morning. He leaned against the wall staring out of the window to the garden where his two younger sons were seated on a bench on either side of their aunt, her arms around them both. They had wept of course upon hearing the news of their mother and brother, then both had sworn to take up arms and stand at his side. At fifteen and sixteen they were both wilful young men and they had taken to combat with the ease Dairren had taken to books. He turned as Gregor his wife's brother entered the room.

"Melinda tells me you intend to return to Caer Oswin with the boys. Why not let them stay here with their cousins, they need their family. It is what Landra would want."

"Landra is gone! Besides they are both eager to fight." Loren snapped glancing back down to them.

"All the more reason to leave them here; grief clouds their minds and while each is fair with a sword they are not ready for war."

"We may have no choice given the state of the army."

Gregor sighed deeply. "You have the truth of it."

"If they stay here their aunt will coddle them, we live in a time of war and I have already lost one son because he gave more thought to books than the sword. I will not lose the other two through lack of preparation. We will leave tomorrow."

"As you wish; what of Howe?"

"Find out what you can Gregor, though whatever the truth my wife is dead because of his men, he will answer for it."

Gregor bit his lip. "There are rumours that Arl Eamon is on his deathbed, are they true?"

"I heard the same at Ostagar, I believe them to be true. I know the King received correspondence from Teagan."

"Makers mercy!"

"If Bryce or Howe are responsible for that too, the county will tear itself apart and the damn Orlesian's will be able to just walk in and take what they want."

"Surely a cure for whatever ails him will be found; don't they have mages who can use healing magic?"

"Indeed some were at Ostagar, but I have no idea if they survived or if there are others at the Circle. I would imagine Eamon's wife has sent word." Both men looked at each other; the unspoken query of if Isolde had anything to do with her husband's current state to leave Ferelden in a more vulnerable state should the Orlesians come in force, lingering in their thoughts.

xXx

Sitting at his father's bedside Connor glanced to his mother, her face was pale, her eyes bloodshot and she hardly ever spoke and if she did it was prayers to the Maker. He shifted uncomfortably feeling helpless and agitated, slipping from the seat and heading downstairs to the tutorial room. His face fell when he realised Jowan wasn't there, pacing the room before making his way to Jowan's bedroom, sitting down on the bed tears slipping down his cheeks deciding to wait for him. "There must be something I can do, some way to save dad. Magic has to be able to save him."

"And it can."

Connor looked up sharply at the woman standing in the doorway. He cautiously returned her smile, biting his lip as she softly closed the door and sat on the bed next to him. "I've never seen you before are you a friend of Jowan's? I was looking for him too."

"I heard you and I came to help."

"Can you stop my dad from dying?"

"I can."

Hope surged through Connor's heart and he slipped from the bed taking her hand. "I'll take you to him."

"Wait just a moment Connor, all help has a price." She met his confused gaze keeping hold of his hand. "What are you prepared to do to have your father live?"

"Anything."

"Anything; well now that gives so many options."

Connor shivered as her nails scraped gently across his cheek. "I think I would like to know what it is like to be you for a little while."

"How would you do that?"

"No need to worry about the details, just tell me if you would like my help."

"I …" Connor turned startled as the door burst open, Jowan standing in the doorway fury in his eyes and lightning dancing between his fingers.

"Leave him alone!" Jowan snarled; the lightning surging from his hands and slamming the woman against the wall.

"Jowan no; she can help dad!"

"No she can't Connor now get behind me."

"No! She said she would make sure dad lives." He gave a wretched cry as Jowan pinned the woman to the wall with magic. "Jowan stop! Please stop!"

Jowan gritted his teeth and sent a surge of magic sacrificing much of his mana to have the woman's true form revealed.

Connor sucked in a sharp breath as she changed, horns curling from her head, pink energy flowing between them, her skin lilac. He stumbled back and clung to Jowan.

Desire smirked. "I'll see you again Connor."

"No you won't." Jowan snarled, a prison of energy surrounding her. "Connor look away and cover your ears." Relieved that the boy did as he was told Jowan clenched his hand and twisted it sharply, shuddering at the scream as the prison crushed the demon leaving only a shimmer of energy that faded to nothing. Breathing heavily, trembling from mana exhaustion Jowan knelt and gently took Connor's hands from his ears. "It's over Connor, but you have to tell me what you did to bring her here."

"I didn't do anything, she was just there and she said she would make sure dad lived." He shivered painfully tears slipping down his cheeks. "I didn't know who she was, but I don't want my dad to die."

"Connor this is the test all mages will face at some point, it may not be life or death, but they will feel drawn to turning to a demon for help, even if it is a fleeting thought they will never admit. Whether it is to save a life, freedom or power the lure of a demon can be overpowering. What have I taught you?"

Tears slipping down his cheeks Connor met his gaze. "That demons lie and never give you what they promise, not truly."

"The demon might have kept your father alive, but he may never have woken. Or it may have possessed him or many other things that are not what you want. I know this is hard Connor, I know it hurts, but if you turn to a demon for help there is no going back, you will either be possessed, or susceptible to possession for the rest of your life. I know you want your father to live, you must trust that if it is the Makers will, the knights will find the Ashes of Andraste and they will save him."

Connor shivered and snuggled against Jowan. "I just wanted to help and she seemed so nice and I didn't do magic to bring her here, I didn't know she was a demon."

Jowan pulled back slightly. "Connor I need you to be honest with me, demons don't just appear."

Connor squirmed before dragging his sleeve across his nose. "Last night I was practicing my magic by myself, I wanted to see how long I could hold a flame and I just kept thinking about dad and I just said out loud that I wished for a way to make him better."

Sighing Jowan gently brushed Connor's hair from his face. "When we use magic we can be susceptible to demons, one might have heard you and managed to break through. Did you end the spell as I've taught you?"

"I don't know I was tired."

"That is why you shouldn't practice by yourself. How can I protect you if I don't know what you are doing?"

"I'm sorry Jowan I was just so tired of feeling scared and sad all the time and doing magic makes me happy."

"I know, but you have to be careful Connor. Promise me, promise me that no matter what, you will never do that again."

Connor lifted up tear filled eyes and nodded. "I promise. Please don't be angry with me Jowan."

Swallowing painfully Jowan gently hugged him feeling sick to his stomach knowing what could have happened had he been a moment later, realising the young noble had come to mean more to him than he had ever anticipated. "I'm not angry I was just scared. Now it will be a miracle if no-one heard that so if anyone asks we were acting out a story."

Connor nodded and hugged him tightly. "You're brilliant at magic." He whispered yawning loudly and laying his head on Jowan's shoulder.

Sighing and shaking his head Jowan smiled slightly. "Let's get you back to your own room and no more practicing magic on your own."

"I won't Jowan, promise." Moments later snuggled into bed feeling safe Connor clasped Jowan's hand. "I'm really glad you came here to be my tutor."

Smiling Jowan gently squeezed his hand. "Me too."

xXx

Wincing in pain Fergus waved away Dylan's apologies as the mage checked on the arrow wound. Once he had regained consciousness Fergus had directed the mages to just use healing potions and salves, but for him at least being the highest ranking with the King still unconscious, they continued to use healing spells when they were able. Rinna had successfully antidoted the poison and he thanked the Maker for her or he would have joined his parents. While he felt weak and a bone deep exhaustion seemed to grip him; he had demanded they move on immediately, terror for his family driving him despite pleas from the mages that he needed to rest. Now with only a few hours before they reached Redcliffe he was eager to keep moving. He glanced up at the sound of someone clearing their throat, Dylan taking his leave. "You look exhausted." He stated looking Aedan over.

"I feel it." Aedan admitted, his gaze constantly moving looking for signs of danger, wanting to scream in frustration at how slowly they were still travelling, but they were all exhausted and despite wanting to move on ahead he knew no-one had the energy to increase the pace.

"I know we should rest but …"

"No, Oriana and Oren need us; we aren't stopping until we get there."

"Thank you brother."

"You should get on the damn cart though." Aedan grumbled. "It's bad enough Rory looking like a damn corpse without you joining him."

"I am fine Aedan."

"That bastard nearly assassinated you." Aedan snarled.

"I know." He gripped his brother's arm feeling his tension. "Dan." He stated softly. "I am here and alive and we will get to Redcliffe in time. I have to believe that or I will go mad. We have to keep hope." Fergus tightened his grip. "Hope that there is too much light in this world for the dark to ever extinguish."

Glancing up Aedan realised Ayanna was watching him feeling his stomach flutter. "Maybe there is." He murmured.

xXx

The sun was setting when the group of survivors finally reached the gates of Castle Redcliffe. Fergus swallowed against the lump in his throat as they waited as one of the guards hurried away to inform Teagan of their arrival. Pacing impatiently Fergus hurried forward as the gate opened and the Bann moved to greet them, blocking his view of who lay on the cart so he wouldn't be distracted. "Teagan forgive me, but I must see Oriana and Oren; their lives are in danger!"

Teagan stared at him horrified. "I can assure you Fergus I have ensured their safety I …"

"Please Teagan, where are they?"

Hesitating only a moment seeing real terror in Fergus's eyes Teagan nodded slightly. "Follow me." He turned to Ser Perth who was at his side. "If you would bring everyone else to the Great Hall I will join you again shortly."

"Yes my Lord."

"Come then Fergus, but I assure you they are both safe."

Heart pounding wildly Fergus followed him through the corridors, Aedan and Hunter a few steps behind, the men stopping at the open doorway seeing Oren sitting next to the fire at his mother's feet, his arms wrapped around Rascal.

Oren glanced up his eyes widening. "Papa!" Leaping to his feet he raced across the room into his father's arms wrapping his arms around his neck as he was lifted up. "Papa I was so scared for you." He turned to Aedan who was leaning against the door tears in his eyes, smiling as Rascal and Hunter raced to greet each other. "You came back Uncle Dan."

Swallowing Aedan nodded, startled as Orina hugged him pressing a kiss to his cheek.

"Thank you for bringing my husband back to us." Turning to Fergus she wiped the tears from her eyes and grasped his outstretched hand. "It is good to see you again husband."

Grinning Fergus pulled her gently to him pressing a kiss to her lips. "I am so glad you are both safe." He glanced to Oren who gave a choked sob.

"I miss grandpa and grandma."

"I know you do." Fergus whispered. "I do to."

"Rascal was really brave papa; he killed lots of the bad men."

"I think you have all been so very brave." He knelt down and gestured for Rascal who wagged his tail and butted his head into his chest. "Brave boy." Fergus murmured stroking his ears.

Teagan smiled and nodded to Aedan taking his leave, allowing the family some privacy.

Slipping from his father's side Oren moved to Aedan hugging him tightly, letting himself be led to the fire as his parents talked quietly. "Are you staying now Uncle Dan?"

"I wish I could Oren, but I am a Warden now."

Oren gazed at the floor. "I hate the Warden Commander."

"Do not hate him Oren, he died at Ostagar, there is no sense in hating the dead. I have a new Commander now and he is a good man."

Sighing Oren nestled against him. "I hate him too."

"Why?"

"Because he will make you leave."

Aedan held his nephew tight to him. "Well we have time together now." He smiled as Oren tightened his hold.

"I wish Aunt Ell was here."

"I do to Oren, with all my heart."

Oriana tore her gaze from her son as Fergus gently wiped the tears from her cheeks.

"Thank the Maker you are safe my love." Fergus murmured.

"Are we?" She whispered. "We will never be safe until Howe is ended."

"He will be love I swear."

Oriana clutched his hand. "I am so sorry about your parents … I …" She nestled against his chest as tears fell. "Why would he do this?"

"I do not know, but I swear I will make him pay for all that he has taken from us." He glanced to Oren. "No-one will ever hurt either of you again."

xXx

Returning to the Great Hall, Teagan found Ser Perth talking with a red haired elven man.

"My Lord." Ser Perth stated. "This is Warden Commander Rathnal."

"Warden Commander, but where is …" He stopped himself.

"Duncan fell at Ostagar." Rathnal stated unable to help the tremble of his voice. "We few Wardens here are all that is left." He sighed softly. "We were overwhelmed; most of the army that engaged the Darkspawn were slaughtered. The King is alive but wounded; he has yet to regain consciousness. Ser Perth had him taken to a room hoping to avoid gossip."

Paling Teagan swallowed painfully, forcing back the wave of panic and fear. "But he yet lives, there is hope then. I must see him, but first I … I must ask, do you know what happened to a knight in my service, Ser Alistair."

"He survived and is here." Rathnal bit his lip at the sheer joy and relief in Teagan's expression. "He is with King Cailan. I will take you to the room the King was given."

Teagan followed him to a guest room at the end of the corridor. "Alistair!"

Turning Alistair moved to Teagan the men hugging. "Maker it is good to see you."

Rathnal gestured to Dylan who nodded and slipped out of the room with him.

Teagan moved to Cailan and gently took his hand. "What is wrong with him?"

"He was hit by some kind of spell from an Emissary that knocked him down and he suffered trauma to the back of his head. He has not regained consciousness since." He slowly ran his hands through his hair. "The mages with us have used every healing spell, potion and tonic they had at their disposal, but he does not wake." He wiped at his eyes in agitation refusing to let the tears of panic fall. "Teagan I … I can't lose him too."

Turning Teagan met his tortured gaze. "He survived Alistair, we cannot give up hope and you survived thank the Maker. Is Bethany with you?" He stared in alarm as tears swept down Alistair's face as he turned from him. "Alistair?" He moved to him gripping his shoulders and gently turning him back to face him. "Alistair talk to me."

"There was … an attack by the Darkspawn on patrol, before the battle. I … I had given my dose of the preventative to Bethany."

Teagan paled his grip tightening. "You are a Warden?"

"It was the only way to survive. I wanted to die, I can never be with Bethany and our child …" He gave a wretched sob. "Will convinced me that we would find a way to get me out of the Wardens, that I had to survive."

"Well glad I am that he was with you. Is he here?"

"He … he's gone. He … he died trying to save Cailan."

Teagan let out a shuddering sigh. "He was a good man."

"The best." Alistair whispered. "Maker everything was perfect and now …"

"We will get through this Alistair and I swear I will not rest until you are returned to your family."

Alistair sagged against Teagan in exhaustion. "I'm so glad you're here."

"Everything will be alright Alistair." He whispered holding him tightly; glancing to Cailan he swallowed the lump forming in his throat. Maker please bring him back to us.

xXx

Helping to move Dairren onto the bed Gabriel felt crushed by guilt. No matter that everyone had told him Dairren would be dead if he hadn't moved him that didn't change the fact that his injuries were worse because of his actions. It had quickly become horrifyingly apparent that Dairren could feel nothing below his neck and had been kept in a sleep state to help the healing process and prevent him panicking. He gently brushed the hair from Dairren's face; pulling up a chair as the potion wore off and Dairren blinked slowly as he woke.

"Gabe?"

"I'm here." He knew Dairren couldn't feel his hands, but he held it anyway. "We reached Castle Redcliffe, you're safe."

Sighing softly Dairren turned his head taking in Gabriel's exhausted and tormented expression. "If we are safe why do you look as though the world is ending?"

Swallowing painfully Gabriel gently brushed another errant strand of hair from Dairren's eyes. "The attack from the Shriek and then me moving you … it did more damage than we thought." Tears slipped down his face. "Dairren I am so sorry I should never have moved you."

"You have nothing to be sorry about." Dairren wished he could hold him, or at least squeeze his hand. "You did not stab me Gabe; a Darkspawn did and if you had kept me where I was we would both be dead."

Gabriel gently pressed his forehead to Dairren's words failing him.

Sighing softly Dairren forced a smile. "At least I am not in pain." He bit his lip at Gabriel's agonised expression. "This is not your fault Gabe please stop blaming yourself. You saved me." He sighed as Gabriel gently cupped his cheek and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Will you stay with me; for a little while at least?"

"I'm not going anywhere."

xXx

Dumping his armour Lawrence washed and changed into clean clothes glancing up at the knock, smiling as Tess slipped into the room. He pulled her to him kissing her gently, resting his cheek against the top of her head as she snuggled against his chest.

"I didn't want to be alone." She murmured.

"You don't need to be."

"We still need to be careful."

"I don't think our relationship is at the top of anyone's agenda at the moment."

"True, but the Blight won't last forever." She shuddered slightly. "I hope."

"I've been thinking about forever." He worried at his lower lip at her curious look. "I was thinking of leaving the guard, doing something else. That way no-one can keep us apart."

"But …"

"Look Tess you love being a soldier, I became a soldier because it was expected of me. It won't be a hardship for me to do something else." He kissed the tip of her nose. "Especially if I get to come home to you every night."

Tess sighed deeply. "I have no right to feel happy when so many will never return to their families."

"Tess we can't stop living our lives."

"I just … it isn't fair. Everything that has happened to Gabe, he already felt guilty about his family with his sister dying in childbirth, his father leaving them and his mother practically shunning him, she only cares how much coin he can give her and now with Dairren … Maker if he dies I'm not sure how Gabe will cope and he is taking the rest of the Company's deaths so badly."

"We all are. We just need to be there for him Tess, it's all we can do."

"I know I just ... it's too much. I'm trying to concentrate on the living but I can't stop seeing what happened to Will." She felt Lawrence's arms tighten around her, tears slipping down her cheeks. "I miss him so much and Terrance is devastated." She sniffed softly. "At least Kinnard is watching over him, gruff bastard hasn't said anything, but I think he misses Will too."

"I do too Tess." He bit his lip feeling it tremble. "He'll be watching over us though and at least he won't be getting into trouble at the Maker's side." He grinned at her choked laugh.

"Do you even know him?"

"Well maybe he can get the Maker to give us some help."

Sighing Tess snuggled against his chest. "If only."

xXx

Clean, fed and rested Rathnal gathered his Wardens having already checked on Perin and Peter, Robert having given them sleeping potions; Dylan was with Rory working on his wound determined he would survive. Rathnal clenched his trembling hands, his hold on that hope was fragile, but still there; given the circumstances hope was all any of them had. "So … we have a lot to get done. We need to get back to Soldiers Keep and get those treaties if we are going to have any hope of getting any support. We need to coordinate with Lord Cousland while the King is incapacitated. It would seem sensible then that after retrieving the treaties we go to the Circle, with luck I will have more success than Du …" He sighed closing his eyes feeling wracked with guilt. "Right, it is what it is and with the treaties they have to help."

Rinna shifted slightly. "Well at least we know where the dwarves are; the Dalish will be trickier to find."

"My people might be easy to find." Sereda stated. "But do not imagine that they will make getting their help easy treaty or not. With my brother Trian on the throne he will most likely think of several hoops to jump through."

"Really?" Rathanl muttered. "Even though we face a Blight?"

"To be blunt a Blight will give my people a reprieve from fighting the Darkspawn. My brother might just decide the surface can deal with its own Darkspawn problem."

Putting his head in his hands Rathnal moaned softly. "Fine, we will deal with that if and when it happens."

"What about the Dalish?" Aedan asked. "Aren't there clans in the Brecilian forest?"

"With luck yes but they move around." Rathnal stated. "Though we have to start somewhere; we might have to split up, but we are too few and I am loathe to part us, especially when we have no means of staying in contact. For the moment I suggest we concentrate on getting the treaties, without them we have nothing."

Rubbing her neck Ayanna cast Aedan a smile as he gently moved her hand and worked on the knot that was annoying her. "Well we will need supplies and unless we want to take weeks walking I suggest we get horses."

"I'm sure Teagan will help us." Alistair stated. "Redcliffe has the best horses in Ferelden."

"Great, horses." Faren muttered.

"I'm sure the stables will have some ponies." Alistair stated; earning him a swat on the arm from Sereda. "What? I was being serious."

Shaking his head Rathnal sighed softly. "Work your charm Ali, we need to get going as soon as possible, the Darkspawn won't be dawdling."