Glancing to Connor whose nose was buried in the pages of the book he had given him, Jowan gave a soft sigh. He had been moved to a wing and upper floor of the Castle that Lady Isolde had put off limits to everyone else including the servants apart from Sister Leliana. Leliana had told him that Teagan had been curious about why, but had let the matter rest after Isolde had thrown a fit about those he was allowing to stay within the Castle. He glanced towards the window, not even the glimmer of a star in the dark sky he could see. His life now consisted of this room and the room opposite and opening the windows was as close to fresh air as he could get and that only at night in case someone saw him. It was like being at Kinloch Hold only somehow worse, at least in the Circle they knew he was a mage, here he was terrified of discovery. He glanced up realising Connor was standing in front of him.

"You hate it here now don't you?" Connor whispered.

"It is just a little dangerous for both of us right now Connor."

Biting his lip Connor glanced to the door making sure they were alone. "We could run away, you, me and Sister Leliana." He flushed at Jowan's shocked expression. "Mom said if father ever finds out what I am he will send me to the Circle and terrible things will happen to me and …" He sniffed dismally. "Mom says she loves me, the only one who really loves me, but she hates that I'm a mage. I've heard her praying to the Maker to take this curse off me. I love my mom Jowan, but I think she is lying, I don't think she loves me anymore and I think she wants to keep this a secret because she is scared for herself."

Jowan bit his lip wishing that Connor's perception of how things were with his family was wrong, but he believed the same. "People get scared when magic is involved and the love people have for you can turn to fear."

"What did your mom do when she found out you had magic?"

Jowan worried at his lip but saw no reason to lie. "I was five, maybe six when my magic manifested and my father dumped me at the Chantry. My mother … my mother said I was an abomination."

"You are not an abomination!" Connor gasped wrapping his arms around Jowan's neck and hugging him.

Patting his back Jowan smiled as Connor let his arms fall to his sides.

"We could go and live in the Frostback Mountains; no-one would bother us there."

"Connor …"

"Please just think about it." He turned sharply hearing footfalls and darted over to the desk turning the page of the book. He glanced up seeing his mother returning her smile and accepting the tray of food she had brought.

Isolde glanced to Jowan. "I trust you are being careful; you of course know the consequences if you are caught."

Jowan nodded knowing fine well she would deny all knowledge of him as a mage. "Yes Lady Isolde."

Isolde pressed a kiss to her sons head before leaving the room casting a final warning glance to Jowan; she would see him dead before he could betray the secret of her son.

Though he remained silent Connor hated the way his mother looked at Jowan and he was scared that she might say something just to get him into trouble. Connor knew without a doubt that Jowan would never betray him; sometimes thinking his tutor was more family than his own parents. Slipping from the seat he moved back over to Jowan who was sitting with his head bowed looking exhausted. "Jowan?" As the mage looked up Connor worried at his lower lip. "What happens if the Templars find out about me?"

"You are young Connor, just come into your magic; you will be taken to the Circle for training. I've told you that."

"And you would come with me."

Jowan felt his stomach lurch and he grasped Connor's arms. "Listen to me, you don't ever want to go to the Circle do you hear me? Not ever."

"But I wouldn't have to hide, you wouldn't have to hide."

Closing his eyes Jowan shook his head. "Connor listen to me please, the Circle is a bad place. Many of the Templars hurt mages for fun. They lock you in a dungeon cell and beat you until they grow bored." He bit his lip at Connor's horrified expression.

"Did they hurt you?" Connor whispered, his hands trembling.

"Lots of times Connor; promise me, promise me you won't tell your secret. I won't be able to protect you in the Circle, Maker I couldn't protect myself." He suddenly realised Connor was hugging his neck again. "I'm sorry Connor I didn't mean to scare you; I just need you to know why you have to keep what you are a secret, at least for now."

"I'd really miss Uncle Teagan, but I still think we should run away." Connor murmured.

Jowan sighed softly. "Maybe one day we won't have to."

xXx

Feeling exhausted, the responsibilities that had fallen to him since his brothers illness feeling heavier than usual, Teagan decided that he would be better for trying to get at least some sleep. He was heading towards the staircase leading up to the family bedrooms, passing by the Great Hall when he saw a servant hurrying across the room with Hubert, one of the younger guardsmen in his own estate. He felt his stomach lurch fearing the worst hurrying over to him, relieved moments later to discover he was simply delivering a message from his wife.

Eagerly taking the sealed parchment, Teagan gave the servant instructions to ensure Hubert had a hot meal and a place to rest as he wished to send a reply. Returning to the study and settling at the desk Teagan caught the faint scent of Loretta's favourite perfume, breaking the seal.

My darling,

I hope all is well at Redcliffe and that you will be coming home soon. I write to you with the most joyous news. Rosslyn is mother to a beautiful baby boy. Both Rosslyn and her son are in good health. She has named him Gawain, a fine name. I admit he has stirred such a longing in me for our own child though I do not envy her the birth, she suffered greatly.

Please come home soon my love, I miss you terribly and if you cannot come home yet then please write. Do you have word of Gawain's father?

All my love

Loretta xx

Teagan glanced at the letter thoughtfully, perhaps if Redcliffe could not evoke any memories for Cailan, Rainesfere and perhaps Rosslyn could. He sat down taking out parchment and quill pouring his heart into too few sentences, longing to have his wife in his arms, informing her that Gawain's father was alive, though injured and he hoped to bring him to Rainesfere in due course. Sealing the parchment he smiled slightly at the thought of a child of their own, praying they would be so blessed and despite the difficulty of the situation, thinking Cailan a very lucky man.

xXx

The sleet that had hammered Redcliffe during the night had stopped by morning, much to Fergus's relief who had intended to leave for the border whatever the weather. Turning back looking at Redcliffe Castle in the distance Fergus bit his lip to stop the tremble. Oren had been almost hysterical when he had told him he had to leave, his son clinging to him, begging him not to go. He had tried to explain, but Oren was too panicked to listen and it took a tonic of herbs used to elicit calm to soothe his son. Oriana did not show her own distress at his leaving, but he knew she felt it, remembering the way she had clung to him as they had made love the night before. He lowered his head feeling a shudder move through his body wondering if he was doing the right thing or if this was truly madness. Ten days should all go well before he would be back with them; he glanced to Warin who was to his right, no-one was happy about this situation. Thomas had urged Warin to accompany them knowing his skills at disguise, evasion and general survival. While he appreciated the sense it did not sit well. Oriana feared this all some elaborate scheme and Warin would kill him as he slept. For Warin's part he refused to leave his charges and had said so repeatedly. In the end Fergus had been surprised when Thomas ordered Warin to accompany and protect him, suggesting he remained in his room or the dungeon if need be, stating his life would be forfeited if he did not return. That had led to a horrified and shocked silence and then protests from Warin and Delilah before an agreement had finally been reached. Thomas would be kept under guard, a provision demanded by Oriana, though he was not restricted in his movements. Warin understood that should harm come to him; his charges would be held accountable, which had led to their current situation. The former right hand of Arl Howe now his sworn protector until they returned to Redcliffe. Fergus urged his horse into a gallop, Warin and the three soldiers selected to accompany him thundering along beside him.

xXx

Frustrated that Fergus had decided he would not be accompanying them, Jayden resigned himself to hoping that his father had received the letter he had sent with Sister Theohild, hoping that she had reached Denerim, or soon would. He spent the morning training with Oren who was still deeply upset and distracted by his father's leaving. He did all he could to soothe and divert the boy from his fear and distress. Appearing a little calmer after their training Oren returned to his mother and aunt and then Delilah joined him. He was impressed with her dedication to training and the skill she was developing; though each smile she gave him, or each touch of her hand gently on his arm left him struggling to remain professional and he was quite sure she knew exactly the effect she was having on him. He was almost glad to bring an end to their training as the bell for midday meal sounded, thinking instead of food what he really needed was a dip in the cold waters of Lake Calenhad.

Gesturing to Airyl he headed to the main gate and after speaking to the guard he was allowed to leave, Teagan having ensured he could come and go to the village to help with any preparations for the refugees or to prepare for the Darkspawn. Jayden breathed in the cool air; everything seemed calm, a bright day with no hint of the darkness that had visited their land. He set off running, Airyl darting ahead glad to be out of the confines of the castle. Jayden gave himself to the feeling of freedom that only running, or flying on the back of a dragon seemed to bring. He thought of Flemeth and hoped wherever she was she was safe and that whatever she was doing was not terrible. He ran into the village heading towards the lake fully intending to take a dip in the cold waters, skidding to a halt as he heard his name.

"William and Airyl, well bless my soul there is no mistaking the pair of you!"

Jayden recognised the Blacksmith from Lothering, clasping his arm in greeting, having heard rumours he was in Redcliffe. "Harritt what are you doing here? I thought most people were heading to Gwaren or Denerim from Lothering."

"Well when Garrett and young Carver came into Lothering talking about evacuation I figured you can't get a more defended place than Redcliffe. Though the village isn't as defensible as I would like and they don't seem to be keen on letting people into the castle so I'm bunking in with Owen the blacksmith here. He seemed grateful for the help, think he's a bit lonely what with his daughter working at the castle, the Arlessa's maid apparently, but she's a demanding woman and for all the Castle isn't far he doesn't see his daughter as often as he would like." He took a deep breath. "Came out for some air while he deals with a scavenger, can't bear them myself."

"Scavenger?"

"Aye, bastards have no trade of their own, they loot from the dead. I couldn't listen to his rubbish, kept boasting of having sold a giant's sword, you know one of the Qunari blades, though what a Qunari would be doing anywhere near here is beyond me and I don't think much could kill those things. For my money he's talking rubbish."

Glancing towards the smiths Jayden chewed thoughtfully on his lower lip. The likelihood that the scavenger was talking about Sten's sword was minimal, but it would take only a moment to investigate.

Turning at the sound of shouting Harritt nodded approvingly. "Hah Owen's sending him on his way, damn fool listened to more than I would have."

"Harritt if you would excuse me I feel the need to speak to him about what he's been doing."

"You'll not scare him off; men like him don't have a conscience."

Jayden quickened his step catching up to the white haired man whose clothes had clearly seen better days. "Excuse me."

Turning the man gave a yelp of surprise at seeing a man in armour and a wolf watching him. "Hey now you stay away from me."

"I just want to ask you a question."

The scavenger hesitated, a cunning gleam in his eyes. "A question … so the answer might be worth something to you then?"

Jayden raised an eyebrow. "Maybe, depends on the answer."

Eyeing the pair cautiously the scavenger nodded. "What do you want to know?"

"I've heard you sold a Qunari sword."

The scavenger glanced around anxiously, if Faren ever found out he had seen the fight and taken the sword prior to buying the patch his life wouldn't be worth living, if he let him live. He shivered, tired of having to live off the scraps left to him, a glove or torn boot was an insult, he was due the sword he had taken for all the years of being mocked. He eyed the stranger; he didn't look too dangerous so perhaps he would get out of this with his body intact. "It was mine to sell."

"I think the Qunari you stole it from might have something to say about that."

"I'm no thief! I don't take nothing from the living, just them as don't need things anymore."

"Did you even check to see if the Qunari was alive?"

"Didn't need to, saw the whole thing. Darkspawn surrounded them, oh they fought well, but there was just too many see. The ones with horns fell first; the one without horns … well it took longer for them to get the better of him." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I thought all those Qunari had horns."

"Those of the Qunari born without horns are seen as special." Jayden stated softly.

"Yeh, well he still got killed by those darkspawn. Tried to get them away from the others; that's how I got the sword, wasn't even on Faren's patch. You've got no right to interrogate me about this, I ain't done nothing wrong!"

"Look I don't know who this Faren is and I don't care about whose patch it was. What I want is to know who you sold the sword to."

"I ain't telling." He flinched as Airyl growled. "Hey now, keep that thing under control." He whimpered as she growled again baring her teeth.

"I wouldn't annoy her."

The scavenger glanced around wondering how far he could run before the wolf caught him, his shoulders slumping as he decided it wouldn't be far. "I sold it to a dwarf named Dwyn, he lives here in Redcliffe."

"Alright, now I'm going to send a message up to the Castle and have someone meet us, then we are going to this Dwyn and you are going to give him the coin back and get that sword."

Hesitating only a moment, encouraged by another growl from Airyl the scavenger reluctantly nodded. "Alright, but Dwyn is a mean one I reckon he won't give it up easy, not even for coin."

"I know someone who can probably persuade him."

xXx

Rapping sharply on the door Jayden waited for an answer aware of the trembling man next to him not sure if he was more afraid of Sten or Airyl. He glanced to Sten, despite having pointed out the sword Dwyn had bought might not in fact be Asala, Sten seemed to ignore that small fact and had all but terrified the scavenger into leading them to the dwarf's home. He focused as the door opened and the dwarf in question glared at them.

"What do you want?"

Jayden cleared his throat. "This gentleman sold you a sword that was not his to sell. He is here to give you back the money and to return the sword it its rightful owner."

Dwyn glared at the scavenger. "You neglected to mention the giant you took it from was alive, but I paid a fair price for it, it's mine now." He glared up at Sten at the Qunari's growl. "Don't think you're going to intimidate me now get lost!"

"I told you." The scavenger whimpered, as the door slammed shut.

Jayden glanced to Sten seeing him tense letting out a huffed breath as the Qunari slammed himself against the door breaking it open.

"It's mine!" Sten snarled heading inside.

"You should probably go." Jayden stated eternally grateful he had spoken to Murdock who had told him as far as he was concerned they could hang the dwarf by his toenails for all he cared. As the scavenger ran off he walked into the house stepping over the two unconscious human guards to find Dwyn pinned against the wall by his throat, his face turning purple. "Sten hasn't enough unnecessary blood been shed? I'm sure Master Dwyn will be more than happy to give you the sword in exchange for the coin he paid for it."

"Give me what is mine!" Sten snarled, dropping the dwarf.

"Alright, alright." Dwyn gasped rubbing his throat. "More bloody trouble than it's worth." He stepped into the back room grumbling angrily as he retrieved the sword.

Sten took the blade holding it reverently. "Asala." He whispered.

Jayden felt a rush of relief that the blade was his, not sure how the Qunari would have reacted had it not been.

Snatching the coin from Jayden, Dwyn kicked his two guards giving a huff of frustration. "Now get out of my damn house and don't come back!"

Once outside Sten raised Asala searching for any damage finding the blade as perfect as it had been the last time the sword had been in his hand. Turning to the Captain, Sten met his gaze unable to adequately express his gratitude, stunned that he had somehow managed to find a single lost blade in a country at war. "You have my thanks."

"There is nothing to stop you returning home now and I know you lost men, but if we don't stop the Blight in Ferelden it will sweep across Thedas. You are a warrior of great strength and skill and so I ask you to stay with us, help us defeat the blight."

"I could not have left without Asala, you could have said nothing and let the dwarf keep it."

"No man should be without his soul, especially when going into battle."

"I dislike this waiting, it serves no purpose."

"Once the Wardens have the treaties we will be able to gather more support, without that after the losses at Ostagar we will be hard pressed to stand against the Horde. However there are things to do here, building defences and ensuring everyone has at least some practice with a blade. The Darkspawn care nothing for age, status or gender, they will slaughter whoever they come across; while we wait for the Wardens that at least we can do."

After a moment's consideration Sten nodded. "Very well I shall remain and see this Blight vanquished; then perhaps I will have an adequate answer for the Arishok."

Jayden felt a rush of relief, Sten was only one, but he was a start, hoping his father was successfully recruiting others for the battle the Archdemon would bring down upon them.

xXx

Kneeling before the statue of Andraste, Loghain lit a candle as he had done every day since his return to Denerim, imagining it brought him somehow closer to his son. He bowed his head, a bone deep exhaustion dragging at him. Please forgive me; I should never have left you. Maker I should have ordered you to remain at my side, or signalled the retreat and come for you myself. How could I have failed you again? He felt a flare of irritation as he heard footsteps behind him, glancing back raising an eyebrow as Sister Theohild stood watching him patiently. "You made it back then Sister."

"I did."

Loghain turned back to the statue. "I suppose you wish to re-criminate me regarding leaving Lothering."

"No, I understand why you had to leave."

He winced as Theohild knelt beside him, her knees clicking painfully. "Can you manage Sister?"

"You might have to help me up."

He was surprised by the gentle smile on her face and the warmth and generosity he felt flowing towards him, raising an eyebrow when she handed him a sealed parchment.

"You will want to read that."

Frowning Loghain broke the seal staring in shock at the flowing script that he recognised as his sons.

General Loghain,

As you will have surmised by this letter I survived Ostagar thanks to the help of a certain two witches of the Wilds. I feared King Cailan had died at Ostagar, but Morrigan had not seen his body and upon travelling to Lothering I heard rumours that while injured he is still alive, escaping with the surviving Wardens. It is for this reason that I do not return directly to Denerim. My intention is to seek out the Wardens and discover if our King still lives.

I will return to Denerim as soon as I am able, Maker willing with our King and the Wardens.

Be safe.

Captain William

Loghain realised his hands were shaking. "He lives." He whispered, a shuddering breath escaping his lips.

"Indeed and was still alive when he left Lothering after its defence. I of course urged him to come to Denerim especially being so badly hurt." She held her ground beneath his sharp look and explained the events that had occurred as she knew them. Getting to her feet with Loghain's help Theohild patted his hand. "The Maker is guiding William your Lordship. He saved him for His purpose; I believe that now more than ever. I should also perhaps tell you that he was most adamant that Arl Howe not intercept this message."

"I … the situation is … precarious."

"Indeed your Lordship and likely to become more so. Be careful."

Loghain looked to her and nodded. "Of course." As Theohild took her leave Loghain slumped onto a bench reading and re-reading each word. He had no doubt in his daughters ability to rule, but the simple truth was the people expected a Therin to lead them and one way or another that was likely what would be demanded, especially if the rumour reached Denerim that Cailan lived. He offered a small prayer to whoever was watching over his son to also watch over Cailan. The ever present guilt over Maric surfaced, but he forced it back, if Cailan lived he had no doubt Jayden would do all in his power to bring him home. He glanced to the statue of Andraste. "Please keep them safe." Tucking the letter into a pocket he stood meeting Cauthrien's gaze as she waited for him in an alcove. He knew she had been concerned about his state of mind with good cause, but with this one piece of paper hope had been rekindled in his heart, but so too was the fear that his son seemed to attract the worst of situations and he was in no position to help him.

xXx

Pulling tight the thread of a small bird she was embroidering, using the time to think through all of the options available to them with the Darkspawn mess, Anora glanced up as her father entered the room, he seemed stunned, yet lighter somehow. "Father?"

Loghain glanced to Zarina his daughter's new ladies maid knowing she was a Crow, but not yet trusting her fully.

Seeing his look Anora spoke quietly to Zarina who nodded and left the room. "What news father?" She asked once the door was closed.

"Your brother is alive Anora, searching for the Wardens and Cailan who he believes may be alive and with them."

Anora stared at the letter in shock turning to Erlina. "Send a bird to Redcliffe; I want to know if Cailan and my brother are there." She swallowed painfully her hands trembling. "Even with magic how could he have survived the wounds the soldiers reported?"

"Perhaps Sister Theohild is right and the Maker is protecting him." Loghain stated taking the letter back; gazing at the words as though they would summon his son to his side. "I would order him back to Denerim, but if he does find Cailan he will not leave his side and Maker knows what injuries Cailan may have suffered."

Rubbing her forehead Anora took a calming breath. "If Cailan lives and cannot be moved due to injury he will be safe within Redcliffe Castle. My brother is clearly capable of travelling and you gave him his communication runestones before he went to Ostagar. He can leave one with Cailan and bring the other here."

Erlina rose. "Is there anything else you wish communicated?"

Anora shook her head. "What I need to say to my brother will be said to him in person when he gets here." Maker whatever you have planned for my brother let him come home; give me the chance to tell him how sorry I am for what I said to him.

xXx

The sun had barely risen as Lenya dressed, anger and frustration making her movements sharp and hurried. Glancing at herself in the mirror she forced herself to calm, no matter how unsettled she felt, she could not afford it to be seen and used against her. Patience was what was required, but it was growing thin and being summoned as though she was a servant was almost the last straw. All had been going well, Magister Aurelian Titus had been thrilled to have King Maric in his grasp, but the Magrallen would take time to build the power required for his plan and he had yet to keep his end of their bargain. She grew more pleased by the day that she had ensured the device was nothing more than a complex cell to hold Maric; it would never give Aurelian the ability to re-shape anything. The man was a fool and Tevinter was not fit to rule themselves let alone the rest of the world. She could have killed him true, but if Flemeth was to be drawn here there could be no hint that she was involved and she needed the Magister as her cover, particularly since she needed the use of some of the relics he had somehow managed to procure. Flemeth was too powerful for her to approach unaided and even with the power she was building she was not sure it would be enough. Her attempt to have Alric's descendent brought to her through the Warden's had been a monumental failure; having other people carry out tasks could be truly disappointing, but in this case she needed a Dreamer, one of those rare mages who could enter the Fade at will needing neither lyrium or blood magic and shaping the Fade to influence the dreams of others. A Dreamer would enable her to influence Alric's descendent, to have him come to her. With the bait set she would draw Flemeth to her and destroy her and in so doing end the curse and free the spirit of her sister trapped within the ruins of the temple in the Brecilian Forest. Straightening her shoulders she smiled slightly, she could play the part a little longer for the sake of her sister, but not much longer. Striding from the room she felt the ripple of magic that prevented any intruders, having returned on more than one occasion to find an unconscious apprentice mage by her door.

Aurelian tapped his fingers against the chair, his gaze focused on Maric who remained suspended in the air attached to the Magrallen. The blood of dragon kind flowed from the former King and would help him to re-shape Tevinter and return his country's glory and power. His fists clenched in frustration, he had expected to be able to begin using it immediately, yet there was not enough power within it to influence his own household let alone re-shape a country. It was a bitter blow and however unwisely he knew he was taking it out on the very woman who had given him Maric. Everything in him told him it was foolish to deny her what had been promised, but he had expected immediate results, if he could not have them why should she. She was also being so damn secretive about why she wanted the Dreamer in the first place which riled him. He was a Magister, a man respected and feared and to be looked down on by an elf woman was intolerable, yet he knew without her he would not have Maric, nor would he have much of the power he had accumulated over the last few months. She had shown him magic he had thought lost to this age and felt like a beggar at her table reaching for scrapes. It galled him and he hated her deeply, but he was no fool, no matter how distasteful he wanted what she knew. He could force it from her, but deep down he suspected he would lose and that terrified him. He felt a presence approach and stiffened slightly, forcing himself to relax. "Lenya."

"You have yet to provide me with the Dreamer I requested. Must I force the issue?"

He kept his agitation well hidden, he had summoned her and he knew she could make him pay for it. "They have been otherwise engaged, however if you are able to help with a small matter, I will be able to free someone and have them assigned to you."

"And what exactly is this small matter?"

"Danarius is a Magister of no small influence and while he may be irritating I would be a fool to dismiss his usefulness. His experiments with lyrium and the flesh are fascinating, but he is tenaciously guarded about his work. His only test subject to survive the process still eludes him after his escape. The slave is too valuable to lose and were he to be in my possession, well that would certainly give me something to bring to the table." He handed over a single white hair in a vial. "Perhaps this will be of use. The slave's name should you need it is Fenris."

"What exactly do you expect me to do with this?" She stated icily.

"What I want from you is the future. I want you to tell me where this slave will go and more importantly who he will go to. He cannot remain alone, he will seek help."

"And I suppose you intend to get to this person first and assert your own influence."

"Perhaps."

"Very well, but I expect the Dreamer to be at least one of your most powerful." Without waiting for an answer Lenya swept out of the room, barely containing her annoyance as he followed her. She moved swiftly through the maze of corridors back to her own rooms; they were luxuriously furnished in various shades of green that she found soothing, though it did nothing to soothe her growing temper today. There were two doors leading from the solar, one to her bedroom and the other to a study of sorts. It was to this room that she went leaving Aurelian in the room alone, one look letting him know it would not be in his interests to follow her any further, shutting the door behind her, anything of worth was kept within the room she was in protected by magic, he would find nothing of interest in the other two rooms should he decide to look. Heading to the large wooden cabinet in the corner of the room she adjusted the glyph allowing her to open the doors and retrieve the large bowl of highly polished obsidian placing it on the table filling it with cold water. A wisp of blue energy rippled over the surface, the single hair dancing in the magical energy. It was only then that she turned to the young elven woman cowering in the corner, her once auburn hair now white but for one strip. Lenya raised an eyebrow as the young woman flinched at her approach, squeezing shut her eyes and pressing her face against the wall. "Hush now." Lenya soothed running her hand through her hair the final strand of auburn indicating one final glimpse was all this woman could give her. "You have served me well, one final time and you will be free." She smiled warmly as the young woman looked up at her searching her eyes for the truth, the fear transformed to hope. Taking the slaves hand Lenya helped her to stand and walked her over to the table indicating for her to sit.

Maria closed her eyes shuddering as the magic flowed around and through her. One more time and she would be free; she clung to that hope as the magic invaded her body and drew upon her life essence.

Turning to the obsidian bowl Lenya concentrated on the water's surface, sucking in a sharp breath as Fenris's image appeared. He was a warrior that was clear enough to see by the armour and sword on the river bank beside him as he stepped out of the water, but it was the lyrium brands in his flesh that she was drawn to, a terrible art of such intricacy and beauty she could barely tear her gaze away wondering if Danarius knew the true power he had bestowed upon his slave. Her hands trembled, perhaps there was another way to free her sister without going directly after Flemeth and into a fight she was still not sure she could win. Pushing back the surge of excitement she forced herself to focus. "Where will you go Fenris; from whom will you seek help?" The water shimmered and an image appeared. "The City of Chains, heading south is understandable but predictable. Who will you find in such a city to aid you?" Her eyes narrowed slightly as an image of a young human woman came into focus. "Interesting."

Lifting a clear quartz crystal Lenya wrapped her magic around it transferring the image to the quartz. She returned the hair to the vial and emptied the bowl placing both into the wardrobe, closing it and replacing the glyphs. She glanced to the young woman who was slumped on the chair having taken her last breath. Lenya placed her hand on her shoulder the woman turning to shimmering light, opening the window and watching it disperse. "A gift few of us will ever receive." Leaving the room she looked at Aurelian who had settled into a comfortable seat his very presence irritating her. She passed him the quartz almost rolling her eyes at his self-satisfied grin as though he had discovered the information.

"Very well." He stated passing back the quartz. "You will find out everything about this woman and how to influence her. Then you will go to her and you will bring Fenris back to me. I want Fenris under my control is that understood?"

"You wish me to chase after this slave?"

"Do this and you may have your pick of the Dreamers in my service. Whoever you pick will be yours … permanently."

Lenya's eyes narrowed. "That was not our deal."

"I am offering you a better one."

Moving to the window Lenya smiled to herself, he was playing right into her hands, practically handing Fenris over to her. If she could intercept Fenris before he reached Kirkwall she could become the help he desperately needed. "I will still need use of a dreamer now to discover more about this woman."

"Very well." As he rose he felt the fear of her swarm in his gut, but he would never show it. Instead he turned and left the room as though she was just another one of his servants, after all he was a Magister of the Tevinter Imperium and she was an elf.

Lenya wanted to slam the door behind him but instead contented herself with imagining how she would one day kill him. Moments later there was a knock at the door, a young man bowing respectfully.

"My name is Soran; I am at your disposal."

"You are a Dreamer?"

Soran heard the disbelief in her tone and smiled slightly. "Do not let my youth fool you." He took the crystal handed to him familiarising himself with the images.

"You will prove yourself by finding out who she is; fail me and no magic will protect you."

Used to threats Soran merely nodded knowing he had more talent and skill than any of the others under his master's command. Bowing he moved back to his own room placing protection glyphs around the room and on himself to prevent anyone either interfering in his search or seeking to cause him harm. He was no fool, despite them all having a common goal to bring Tevinter back to its former glory he knew several of the others would seek to end him if he was vulnerable. Satisfied he was protected Soran lay down and entered the Fade.

Shaping the Fade around him into the top of a mountain Soran settled down and focused on the image of the crystal, its likeness joining him in the Fade feeling a faint tug. Smiling he allowed the energy of the woman herself to draw him to her. The mountain remained the same, but around them the Fade shifted and swirled until he felt her presence as though she was next to him. Standing up he walked off the mountain edge and stepped onto a cobbled street. He waited for a few moments taking in his surroundings, finding the woman quickly as she knelt and gave a silver piece to a child who raced off to buy bread for his family. He saw sadness in her eyes and heard her sigh softly that there were too many mouths and too little coin. He followed her through the streets hesitating as a young man in Brothers robes left the Chantry and greeted her. He raised an eyebrow as the robes changed to armour and the man boldly kissed her. The image shifted to the reception room of a mansion, feeling the warmth of the fire in the hearth, glancing up and seeing a crest above the fireplace. Committing it to memory he turned his focus back to the young woman seeing her alone staring at the door, following her gaze seeing the man back in his Chantry robes, his piercing blue eyes fixing her with a righteous look his name on her lips before he felt the dreamworld fracture as she woke.

Soran lay still for a few moments as he woke allowing him time to adjust. Finally he slowly sat up drinking the full glass of water before he drew the family crest he had seen above the fireplace. Standing, the parchment in his hand he moved silently through the corridors heading for the library. In a little used aisle there were reams of parchment tracing the lineage of noble houses throughout Thedas. He moved to the section on the Free Marches. It was barely two hours later when he found the lineage he was looking for, raising an eyebrow at the strength of magic in the Amell line. His task complete he returned to his room, unsurprised to find Lenya waiting for him.

Taking the parchment Lenya allowed a smile to curve her lips. "Now we can begin."

xXx

Author Note: Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed.