Lying next to Oren on the bed, Rascal rested his head on his legs with a soft huff; raising his head slightly as Oriana moved to the bed pressing a cool cloth to her son's forehead.

Oren muttered something Oriana couldn't make out, the fever having taken hold, her lip trembling at his moan of pain.

"Perhaps it is time." Cailan stated gently, glancing to the vial on the dresser.

Trembling Oriana nodded and carefully poured a third of the powder into the water in a mug, glancing gratefully to Cailan as he gently helped Oren to sit up, supporting him as she carefully brought the drink to his lips. "Drink it all darling, it will help." She glanced to Rascal who whined softly, gently nudging her hand as tears slipped down her cheeks. She remembered all Celila had suffered the pain she had experienced and she was terrified. Settling on the bed she gently ran her fingers through Oren's hair. "Your Aunt Ellowyn will return soon and she will have something to make you well again." She glanced up at the knock.

"I will see who it is." Cailan stated moving into the adjoining room returning with Teagan.

His gut churning at how pale Oren looked Teagan shook his head. "I truly am sorry Oriana. I should have kept you both better protected."

"This is not your doing Teagan. Why would we suspect anyone who came here with my husband? What of the man who did this?"

"He remains free from the blood magic that enslaved him, but his mind will be forever scarred, he begged for death to atone, but has agreed to testify."

"You look concerned."

"I fear he will fall to madness before he can testify. He is being watched and Senior Enchanter Wynne is doing what she can, but despite knowing what happened was not his choice or his will, he is tormented by it, as I would be in his place I imagine."

Oriana glanced at her son. "I know he was under a spell, but if my son dies so will he. This I swear."

xXx

Pacing back and forth Ellowyn felt too anxious to sleep, time was slipping away from them, but they all needed to rest, particularly Dylan who had expended his mana using haste spells to cover as much ground as possible before he had collapsed exhausted. He had murmured he just needed an hours sleep and they could move on, that had been three hours ago and still Dylan slept, but she made no move to wake him, the hours they were losing now would vanish with his spells. Yet she could not rest herself; she felt a tingle and clutched the runestone almost sobbing as she heard her brothers voice.

"Ellowyn what is happening? I am going mad here wondering if you are alright."

"I'm sorry Aedan it has been …" Tears slipped down her cheeks. "Awful and terrifying and then so beautiful."

"Ell?"

"There was a dragon cult and they turned on us. Oh Aedan I killed so many of them." She heard his sharp intake of breath, a sob leaving her own lips. "I didn't want to kill them, but they left us no choice."

"Maker Ell …"

"I am alright Aedan truly, I just … I have to learn to live with it. That isn't what is important. I have the Ashes, they are real Aedan; they are truly real! I am heading back to Redcliffe; Dylan has exhausted his mana to get us back faster, he is resting now, but we will be on our way again soon."

"They are real? Where did you find them?"

"There is a Temple in the mountains just beyond Haven. Most of the cult was there. Then we had to do something called the Gauntlet. Myself, Delilah, Will, Sister Leliana and Brother Genitivi … we all did it, but I … we saw mom, well the spirit of mom, at least I want to believe it was mom." She held her breath wishing she could see her brothers face.

"What … what did she say?"

"That she loves us, is proud of the people we are and not to give in to the darkness."

"But I failed her." Aedan whispered.

"No, we did the best we could in the situations we were in. Our family was betrayed by someone who we called friend, we could never have prepared for that." She bit her lip at the silence. "Aedan?"

"What else happened in this Gauntlet?"

"I … it's really something I should tell you in person. I will contact you again when we reach Redcliffe, Maker willing the Ashes will work quickly."

"Alright, I … I wish I was with you Ell. I am so sorry."

"This is not your fault, not any of it and I am not helpless you know."

"That I know sister."

"Where are you?"

"Another day should see us at the base. We have had to make a few detours to keep away from soldiers and other idiots looking for a fight."

"I know you can't tell me where it is, but promise me you are being careful."

"Don't worry Rathnal is making sure we get there in one piece. Speaking of the Commander he wants to speak to Will."

"He isn't with us; he stayed behind with Brother Genitivi and a few others stayed with him. Just as well I suppose or Dylan would never have been able to cope."

"Why did he stay behind?"

"He … he was given a task. I have no idea what, but he has promised to tell me when he returns."

"A task from whom?"

"I … from Holy Andraste." She winced at the silence. "I know it sounds unbelievable, but she was really there, the spirit of her I mean. I will explain it all when I see you, but please say you believe me."

"I do, it's just a bit … well …"

"I know and I was there!"

"Maker he better not be getting himself into more trouble. I have enough to worry about without worrying what he is getting up to, especially when he is supposed to be safe behind Redcliffe's walls."

"They haven't exactly proven to be safe Aedan, besides did you really think he would stand back and let me go without him?"

"No and I'm glad he went with you, but … we have lost enough Ell." Aedan sighed softly. "I need to remember he is a Captain in the army and not exactly helpless either. Ell contact me the moment you have news of Oren."

"Of course, be safe."

"You too."

As the runestone dimmed Ellowyn glanced over her shoulder as Sister Leliana approached.

"You should get some rest while you can my Lady."

"How can I sleep when I know Oren could be taking his last breaths?"

"I can only imagine how difficult this situation must be for you, but you will be of no use to your family if you are exhausted. Come sit with me at least."

With a sigh Ellowyn followed slumping onto the waterproof cloak that had been put on the ground, Fleta settling next to her, startled when Leliana settled on a log behind her and began to un-braid her hair, thinking to stop her, but craving the comfort of the contact. Moments later she felt the tension begin to drain from her neck and shoulders as Leliana used long gentle strokes of the brush, her eyelids beginning to feel heavy. She realised the Sister was humming, something she recognised from her own childhood, memories tugging at her as she drifted into sleep.

Leliana carefully dropped the brush back into her pack and put down a rolled up cloak for Ellowyn's head pulling a blanket over her, smiling as Fleta pressed her body against her, ever watchful. She felt the weight of the dagger at her side wondering at how easy it had been to fall back into killing. They were fanatics of course and left them no choice, but they had not been her first kills by any means. The Game was both subtle and brutal and she enjoyed the intrigue, but was not opposed to disposing of people if it was required. Rolling back her shoulders she glanced up at the stars, picking out constellations in the clear night sky, wondering where the intrigues of Ferelden and the Makers will would take her next.

xXx

As they camped that night near the waterfall, staring up at the stars Jayden felt peace fill him, the horror of Ostagar was still with him, but he couldn't wallow in that sorrow and regret, Ferelden could still be saved and he intended to make sure it was. He thought of the High Dragon and the baby wondering at the threat they could pose and yet knowing Andraste's words had been truth, dragon kind was needed, it resonated in the bond within him, in the remnants of a world lost long before his birth, a world of magic far beyond anything seen in this age. He glanced to Delilah as she settled beside him offering him a bowl of stew he took gratefully realising how hungry he was.

"Our Holy Lady spoke to us." Delilah whispered in awe snuggling against Jayden as the temperature dropped, the small campfire struggling to radiate enough heat for them, relieved when Sten returned with more wood. "I never imagined I would ever experience something so … breath-taking. I am glad Brother Genitivi and Sister Leliana were with us or many people may disbelieve us."

"They may still disbelieve us." Jayden cautioned gently.

"Holy Andraste healed you, that is proof certain."

"Many would need more proof."

Delilah glanced up at him. "You sound as though you expect trouble."

"After what I just did, yes I expect trouble. I imagine many people will be furious." He shook his head smiling ruefully. "And why I would rather it did not become common knowledge."

"Whatever you think, what you did there was a marvel, I know of no other who would have attempted it." She worried at her lip. "Though I do wonder at the wisdom of allowing a High Dragon to live and giving her the egg, but I must have faith in Andraste's will and perhaps it will not hatch."

Jayden made no attempt to correct her; that the dragon had hatched was definitely something he did not intend to make public. He met Sten's gaze wishing he could read the Qunari, but he had no idea what he was thinking. He had remained silent since the dragon and Jayden had been unsure about speaking to him. Sten had clearly wanted to fight and kill the dragon and yet he had not made too much of a fuss. Jayden glanced up at the stars; he couldn't blame Sten for whatever he was feeling, experiencing all he had, he still wasn't sure how he felt about it all.

Glancing across the camp Delilah smiled slightly as Terrance quickly looked away. "I believe someone under your command is experiencing a little hero worship."

"Terrance has always struggled seeing who I really am and not the person he has constructed in his mind. I will speak to him." He glanced down smiling as he felt her snuggle closer. "Later."

She returned his smile, her fingertips drifting across his jaw. "I love to see you smile." She murmured, reaching up to press a soft kiss to his lips.

Sighing softly as Delilah snuggled against his chest once more Jayden shifted slightly so he could see her face. "So … you kissed me."

"Several times in fact."

"I thought we were supposed to be keeping this discreet."

Sitting up Delilah met his gaze. "You were going to face a dragon; I think I can be forgiven on this occasion."

Smiling Jayden gently brushed a lock of hair from her cheek. "You know Terrance isn't known for his discretion either."

"I am sure as his Captain you can give him incentive to be quiet and I cannot imagine Brother Genitivi or Sten gossiping."

"Still, if this becomes public I will be the soldier taking advantage of an innocent noble woman."

Delilah chuckled softly and leaned closer their lips almost touching. "Should that be the case I will inform them otherwise." She sighed softly as his lips yielded to her touch. Pulling back slightly she glanced at him thoughtfully. "On an unrelated issue, I believe Bann Teagan and Fergus intend to go to Rainesfere. It would seem sensible then to take the treasure to Bann Teagan's estate, I do not like us being so few with so much."

Jayden nodded thoughtfully. "That would certainly seem sensible."

Nestling closer Delilah yawned sleepily, not eager to leave his side for her own tent, but her thoughts turned again and again to the cultists who had died by her hand and the Gauntlet; the image of herself as her father's right hand, pressing closer to Jayden as though his very presence could banish the terrible thoughts from her mind, fearing what she would have to do to ensure that future never came to pass.

"You seem worried." Jayden murmured, gently running his fingers through her hair. He listened quietly as she spilled out what the Gauntlet had shown her.

"You are nothing like your father." Jayden soothed gently. "And even if you were you can choose your own actions, just as Thomas did." He returned her hesitant smile kissing her gently. "Trust me Delilah, the Archdemon will sit down with us and have peace talks before you would ever become like your father."

Smile widening Delilah rested her head on his chest grasping at the peace he offered, but still she feared what treachery her father was planning.

xXx

Leaning back into his chair Rendon rubbed his forehead in frustration; he was in his rooms at the Arl of Denerim's estate, Vaughan having graciously offered his homes hospitality. He knew the fool boy thought he could gain power and influence from him and it had only taken a nudge from Eloen to have him open his estate to him. He had thought about tossing the fool into the dungeon, but it was much better to have him as the cover for any actions that required a scapegoat and the new Arl certainly had a reputation for bullying and cruelty which lent itself in his favour. The estate also had well equipped dungeons beneath it, including rooms where Eloen could continue her craft. He could take public control of Denerim in time, but for the moment it suited his purpose to influence from the shadows.

The matter of his missing children and Ellowyn were his priority. The Queen had been furious of course and suspicious and he needed to deal with that swiftly, but it would need to be subtle and he would not risk using Eloen until it was necessary. His fingers drummed against the desk, he was beginning to wonder if Thomas had been involved in their disappearance. He had already gathered information that Thomas had left Ostagar before the battle, but not before meeting with the King and apparently Fergus Cousland. Loghain had said he had left prior to the battle because of the letter he had sent, but he wondered if Thomas had been forced to free the young woman, or if his annoyingly recent change of personality was behind it. His fist clenched, he would not stand for betrayal and certainly not from his own son. Despite Anora's commands that he was not to interfere with finding them he had engaged the services of the Blackstone Irregulars, making his deal with Taoran Hawkwind rather than his father, the son being more amenable to less honourable actions, with the agreement that Howe would back him in his bid to take over as leader of the mercenary company. Men had already been dispatched with instructions that Warin, his children and Ellowyn Cousland were to be brought back to him alive, any others could be dealt with as Taoran saw fit.

His glance turned again to the slip of parchment that had arrived via raven only an hour earlier. Bann Esmerelle had died unexpectedly in her sleep, peacefully by all accounts. She had been a stout ally and an excellent spy, but there were others and her absence would not cause him too many problems, but her sudden death left him ill at ease and he suspected an unseen hand had begun to move against him.

xXx

It was midday when border garrison came into view gleaming in the cold sunlight. Fergus giving a sigh of relief; their journey had been relatively easy apart from a chance encounter with a group of bandits who thought they could make some quick coin. They had not survived and Fergus had taken their horses to be left at the border for messengers needing fresh mounts.

"Remember we are Bann Teagan's men." Warin reminded softly, his gaze drifting over the small village at the border and the tavern whose comfort beckoned.

"I remember." Fergus ran his hands through his darkened, shortened hair, still not used to being clean shaven, but it had changed his appearance quite surprisingly, he only prayed it was enough. Upon arrival they were told to wait for Captain Parun who joined them a short time later.

"I don't get Bann Teagan's men here often, I hope all is well."

"With Darkspawn massing in the south all is not well." Fergus stated. "Bann Teagan is tied up at Redcliffe with Arl Eamon still being ill, but he has information that must be passed to Queen Anora." He handed over the signed letter by Teagan. "It is important that I be allowed to use the Calling Crystal."

The Captain took a moment to read over the letter before nodding. "Of course; if you will follow me, the rest of your group can be taken to the barracks where they can clean up, get some food and rest a while."

"Thank you Captain, I appreciate it." Fergus nodded to the guards glancing to Warin who remained with him

Parun led the way to a small comfortable room sending the soldier on duty to guard the door outside of the room. He quickly showed Fergus how to use the Crystal. "Take all the time you need. You may also wish to know that the room has been soundproofed to ensure privacy."

Warin gave a slight nod as Fergus glanced to him, if he heard anything he would let him know.

Parun noted the gesture but said nothing. "When you are finished the guard will take you to freshen up. I can have a room in the barracks prepared for your party if you wish, or you may wish to stay at the Border Crossing for the evening, I can have a man head over there and book rooms for you."

Fergus hesitated, he had intended to head straight back, but a night in a comfortable bed appealed and it was only a short distance away. "Thank you Captain, I would appreciate it."

Nodding Parun glanced to Warin as he closed the door, standing opposite the guard. He simply nodded and left heading back to his office.

xXx

Fergus waited impatiently for Anora; not daring to identify himself in case Howe's men were listening somehow. Finally he heard something of a commotion and Anora telling the guard to stand outside.

Heart pounding Anora gripped the Calling Crystal. "Who is this?"

"Forgive me your Majesty, but are you alone?"

"Of course." Anora frowned, before sucking in a sharp breath. "Fergus? Fergus is that you?"

"Yes. Anora I …"

"Maker Fergus you're alive, we thought you dead. I am so sorry about your parents. I …" She bit her lip holding back the tears. "What can I say, nothing will help."

"Bringing that snake Howe to justice will help. Anora you must be on your guard, do not turn your back on him! Do not trust him!"

"You don't need to worry about me Fergus I am protected and I do not trust him, I will be careful. Ellowyn is with you I hope?"

"Not here, but she is safe."

"Thank the Maker." Anora worried at her lip. "Is Captain William with you? Father received a letter from him sent from Lothering explaining that he would not be returning immediately to Denerim, that he intended to seek out the Wardens and follow up on a rumour that Cailan … that he still lives."

"The Captain is with Ellowyn. They both are." He bit his lip at her shocked intake of breath. "Anora you have to understand something, Cailan was badly injured and unconscious when those of us who had survived left the battlefield. Through magical healing he has woken, but he suffered severe trauma to his head, he remembers nothing, not who he is, not his family, not his friends. We thought the best way to keep him safe was to let people think he was still dead, but you of all people have a right to know the truth."

Anora clutched her hand to her mouth struggling against the tears. "But he is alive, so there is hope surely."

"Senior Enchanter Wynne is tending to him, she said it may simply be time, but there is a chance he will never remember. We must have faith." He heard her shuddering breath knowing she was steeling herself.

"I am assuming you went to Redcliffe, the fortifications alone would make it the most sensible destination, especially with Cailan so debilitated. I will send Ser Cauthrien and some of Maric's Shield to join you to protect my husband and your family and bring you to Denerim."

"No Anora, we cannot take the risk of Howe's men following them. As far as he knows Cailan is dead, if he finds out he is alive and his current state Maker knows if he would try to harm him. One of the bastards already put an arrow in me."

"This only proves you need to come to Denerim where I can ensure your protection!"

"Anora I agree we must come to Denerim, but in a position of strength, as it stands many may believe me the son of a traitor and in his current state Cailan may be deemed unfit to rule."

"I am Queen." Anora stated sharply. "And my father is Regent given our country's state of war; Ferelden does not need Cailan to be fit at this moment to rule."

"Even so I do not believe it wise to come to Denerim just yet. We need an army to replace the one slaughtered at Ostagar and the Wardens can help us get that! They intend to use some treaties they have with the dwarves, elves and mages. I will do all I can to support them and then I will come to Denerim."

"So some Wardens did survive then. My father has had ravens sent throughout the country, any Wardens are to come immediately to Denerim."

"Why?"

"To be questioned about their part in Ostagar."

"I do not understand."

"There are rumours that the Wardens deliberately failed at Ostagar, giving their lives for the greater glory of the Orlesian Empire. That Orlesian Wardens and an army of Chevaliers are at the border only lends credence to this rumour."

"And where exactly did this rumour come from?"

"I have no proof, but I have my suspicions that this lies with Rendon."

"Damn him!"

"Fergus tell the Wardens to come to Denerim, I will ensure their protection and …"

"If Howe is creating such rumours about the Wardens what lies is he spouting to justify what he did to my family?"

Anora sighed softly. "That Ellowyn gave him proof of your father being a traitor; two letters that are now in my possession. That he confronted your father; wanted to bring him to Denerim to face a trail, but that your father and his soldiers attacked him and his men first"

"That is ridiculous and if you have spoken to your own father you will have had Aedan's account and that of the Wardens who were there that night."

"I have spoken with my father and I know their accounts, but we must have proof of Howe's wrongdoing."

"You have eyewitness testimony!"

"From the son of the man Rendon says attacked him and Wardens who may be involved in a greater plot with Orlais against Ferelden. We must have more than that!"

"Well what about these letters Ellowyn supposedly gave him, which she did not! What do they say?"

"One indicates that your father was working with Eamon to have me removed and have the Empress take my place. The second indicates that he was working with Gaspard regarding a threat to my family. I am having them authenticated, I do not for one moment believe they are genuine."

"Is this threat why Jayden suddenly went to the Free Marches?" His frown deepened at her hesitation. "Damn it Anora my parents were killed in part due to this, I deserve the truth!"

"Yes, I suppose you do, but I must swear you to secrecy Fergus."

"Anora tell me damn it!"

Sighing Anora gripped her trembling hands. "Not long after my mother died we received a threat on Jayden's life. That is why he left so suddenly, he of course wanted to stay and face those who threatened him. In hindsight that may well have been the course we should have taken. However Rendon persuaded my father to set a trap, make it known that my brother was going to the Free Marches and hopefully that would root out who sent the threat. He did go, Rendon's man Warin traveled with him changing his appearance and he returned to Ferelden as someone else. The plan failed and my brother has had to be someone else ever since."

Fergus felt the colour drain from his face remembering the shy squire who seemed so unhappy and afraid to look at them and the Captain he had become, understanding now Cailan's desperation to save him on the battlefield. "William. Makers breath he's William."

"Yes."

Fergus slumped heavily into one of the seats in the room. "Anora I …" His voice broke. "When he tackled the Alpha to save Cailan I saw the mortal blow and I ordered the trebuchets fired."

"Would you have made another decision had you known who he was?"

Fergus shuddered. "Maker help me I … I … we were overrun, if we hadn't fired we might never have made it off the field."

"Fergus I might not like it, but I have had to come to terms with the fact that my brother goes his own way, makes his own decisions. That those decisions usually put him into the path of danger is a source of great distress, but he is his father's son. I believe he would tell you the right decision was made."

"He did, not to me directly, but to those under his command who had survived."

"Then do not let it trouble you Fergus, this is war and the decisions we have yet to make will likely be worse. However I do ask that he be sent to Denerim."

"Anora he has killed more Darkspawn than myself and what is left of my men combined. I may have to rely on his skills."

Anora sighed irritably. "Then you cannot tell him you know who he is."

"Why in the Makers world not?"

"Because he might be fool enough to dispense with his guise as William."

"Would that be so bad?"

"Fergus how easy would it be for an Orlesian assassin to take out my brother in this chaos that the Darkspawn and Howe have created?"

"Anora how in the world could you imagine I could keep this from him."

"You must Fergus."

"I will make him understand why he must remain in disguise, but I will not pretend I do not know who he is, Anora I cannot."

"Maker, why must you block me at every turn? I am trying to protect you all!"

"I understand that and I am grateful, truly, but until Howe is stopped Denerim is not safe for any of us. I … Anora you know … you knew my father, he would never be involved in harming Jayden, he loved him. Damn it he was part of saving him when he was kidnapped!"

"I know Fergus, which is why I intend to prove these letters false. If we are to get your parents justice we must have proof that Rendon's version is a lie, not simply know it."

"I have all the proof you need." He quickly explained about the blood mage. "Anora you have to inform the Templars."

"It is in hand Fergus."

Hesitating Fergus licked his dry lips. "You knew of the mage?"

"It ... was brought to my attention."

"Then what are you doing about her?"

"I am handling it Fergus."

"Anora! Maker this is no game this is a blood mage!"

"I am well aware of that Fergus. I promise you I will deal with the mage."

"Did you listen to anything I said about what that bitch did to my sister?"

"I listened to every word Fergus; I am trying to gain proof that this mage and Howe are working together."

"Ellowyn will testify."

"As with your brother and the Wardens, Ellowyn's testimony could be seen as false, we must have something else."

"How long have you known about this mage Anora?"

"Fergus …"

"Before my home was attacked? Before my sister was subjected to that torture?"

"Fergus …"

"Damn you Anora if you had just told the Templars about her my sister would never have gone through that! Howe would never have been able to think he could get away with killing my parents!"

"Fergus I understand how upset you must be, but …"

"No you don't Anora! What would you be saying right now if our situations were reversed and it was Jayden she had been torturing; your parents that had been killed?"

"Fergus listen to me, consider just for a moment, Howe has been friends with our parents for years. He was never a particularly likable man, but he was never a man I thought of as capable of betraying his friends. Using opportunities to his advantage yes, but not betrayal. What then would explain this nightmare? Consider for one moment that the mage has enthralled him, that he is acting on her instructions."

"Why would a mage want my parents, my family dead?"

"That will depend on who her Master is. Fergus think about it, Orlais has been trying for years to retake this country by bringing it to its knees, assassination attempts, murder, kidnapping. Now a noble murders not only his lord, but his friend. Fergus what if this is Orlais; even now they have an army at the border. I am doing what I must for us all, whether you choose to accept that or not is your choice."

He fell silent wondering if the mage had already gotten to her, suddenly afraid that he should not have told her all he had.

Anora frowned at the silence. "Fergus?"

"I understand Anora, but as you seek to protect us I have to protect those with me. I cannot in good conscience allow anyone to come to Denerim until she is dealt with!

"Fergus I …." Anora sighed softly, knowing he could be as stubborn as she. "If you refuse to return to Denerim will you remain at Redcliffe?"

"I actually think it would be best for us to stay on the move, less likely for Howe to pin down our position and have his assassins try to finish what they started."

"Then we need a means of communication."

"Messengers and birds are too dangerous, Howe might intercept them."

"Well you cannot keep going to the border every time we need to speak. My brother has his communication runestones I would imagine, I wanted them kept here but of course father acquiesced to his wishes. Get him to give you one and have him bring the other to me in Denerim. I know you do not wish to send him, but surely you realise how important it is for us to be able to communicate and if you believe nothing else believe I will allow no harm to come to my brother."

Fergus frowned, whatever happened he was going to keep Jayden as far away from Denerim for as long as he could. "At the moment the Warden Commander has one of the runestones."

Anora sighed in frustration. "This would be the safest way to communicate. I am sure you can convince my brother of that." At his silence she huffed in frustration. "We have to trust each other Fergus, now more than ever."

Fergus bit his lip, alerting her to his suspicions could be catastrophic. "Alright, I will speak to him upon my return."

"Given where you are there is something I must ask of you. As I said there are Orlesian Wardens at the border. Should we need them they will be allowed entry to the country, minus their chevaliers of course, whatever plots may be afoot if the Darkspawn cannot be stopped with the Wardens we have then we may need to accept their help. However Captain Parun informed me that there are two Ferelden Wardens with them requesting entry. A messenger bird could have returned by now, I did not want them to know of the Calling Crystal, perhaps you can speak to them, find out the intentions of the Orlesian Wardens if you can and inform them for the moment at least, their request is denied."

"Why?"

"They could easily be spies and we do not need Orlais to know the true extent of the devastation we experienced at Ostagar."

"As you wish."

"Thank you. May the Maker watch over you all."

"Of course; be safe Anora." Watching the rune dim Fergus bit his lip, if Anora was enthralled there would be nowhere they could go that would be beyond Howe's reach. As he left the room the soldier saluted and returned to his position. Turning to Warin he wanted to question him about Jayden, but even now he wasn't sure how far he could trust him. Sighing he rubbed his chin. "I need to speak to a couple of Wardens on behalf of her Majesty and then we will have a nights rest before we return to Redcliffe, I do not wish to be parted from my family for longer than necessary."

xXx

Leaning back into the chair, Anora's gaze lingered on the Calling Crystal, drumming her fingers on the wooden arm of the seat. After a moment of thoughtful contemplation she rose and headed to her private rooms finding Erlina sitting by the fire waiting for her as requested. "Fergus is alive as is my husband." She quickly relayed all Fergus had told her.

"At least Cailan lives and there is always hope of recovery."

"Indeed, however there is another problem; I am not entirely sure Fergus trusts me."

"What reason could he have …"

"My knowledge of the blood mage; I believe I was too honest in my prior knowledge of her."

"I see."

"Contact Leliana, I do not care how she does it, but she is to go with them. I want to know exactly where Fergus and my husband are, who is with them and what they are doing. I will protect them whether they wish it or not."

xXx

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