Peering into his parents' bedroom Connor bit his lip; his uncle had told him his father had woken and while relieved he was also fearful having no idea if he would be able to successfully conceal his magic from his father.

"Connor, come here my boy." Eamon smiled warmly and embraced his son. "I'm fine now." He soothed feeling his son tremble in his arms.

Shifting nervously Isolde fought against the urge to pull her son away. "Connor your father has only just woken; he needs a little time to …"

"Nonsense Isolde, I am certainly well enough to see my son, besides I feel in perfect health." He frowned, seeing Isolde's nervous look. "How about you let me bathe and then we can eat together." He noticed his son look to his mother before nodding and backing away, slipping from the room. "Isolde is all well with Connor?"

"Of course, he has just been worried about you." She trembled as he took her hands.

"You my dear look nervous and I would know why."

"Being without you has been difficult and with all that has occurred with the Cousland's and the Darkspawn I have a right to be nervous."

"Indeed, but do not fret my love, all will be well."

xXx

After bathing, changing and devouring a meal with his son who was unnervingly quiet, Eamon met with his nephew looking over him anxiously. "And you are well apart from your memories?"

"Indeed, all wounds healed. I have a few scars, nothing of note." Cailan sighed deeply. "Enchanter Wynne has recommended I be allowed to regain my memories through time rather than people telling me, but I grow weary of not knowing my own life and these concoctions and spells do not seem to be helping."

"I cannot imagine how frustrating it must be, but the Enchanter has more experience in such matters than we."

"I know, but even if you cannot tell me specifics perhaps you can give me something. Do we get on?"

Eamon shifted slightly. "For the most part I believe so, though we have certainly had our disagreements."

"By the look on your face some of those disagreements have been lately."

"It has been a difficult few years in many ways."

"It seems I have been at odds with several people." He shrugged at Eamon's curious look. "Fergus let it slip that I have been at odds with my wife of late though I know not why. Maker I have a wife, how can I not remember her? Perhaps this is a punishment from the Maker for our failure at Ostagar; or perhaps I am a terrible person and have wronged my wife greatly." He shook his head flopping into a seat. "Maker I have no idea what kind of man I really am. We are defined by our actions and I know none of mine."

Eamon gently gripped his shoulder. "You are a good man Cailan, stubborn at times true, but that is a temperament inherited from both of your parents. We may have our disagreements at times, but that is part of politics and indeed families, but I am always here for you." Eamon swallowed painfully as Cailan smiled at him; he looked so like Maric and it had been a long time since that warm smile had been directed at him that for a moment he couldn't speak.

"What if I never regain my memories; how am I supposed to rule? This is such a mess."

"I will always be here for you Cailan; you have my word."

xXx

Having spent time with his nephew, Eamon felt in a better position to meet with Teagan, settling into a comfortable seat across from him in the rooms that had always been reserved for his visits. "Brother I am well now and I would imagine your wife is eager to see you again."

"As I am eager to see her. Are you sure you are well enough for me to leave?"

"I am cured completely brother and it is time the people saw that."

"Of course."

"There is another delicate matter; the Cousland's. I of course sympathise with their predicament, but until this situation is resolved, as Arl I cannot be seen to be taking sides so blatantly, however I would not see them without support."

"They can come to Rainesfere with me. We are not so far apart which will allow messages to be sent quickly should that be required. As soon as Fergus returns we will depart, if that suits you brother."

"Good, good. Cailan of course will remain here."

"Actually Uncle I think I will go with Uncle Teagan."

Eamon glanced to the door startled to see his nephew casually leaning against the frame having not heard him entering the adjoining room. "Cailan your safety is paramount."

"What is paramount is retrieving my memory. Teagan mentioned I visited Rainesfere several times a year and I wonder if it will nudge my memory. It has to be worth a try." He moved into the room smiling broadly placing his hand on Eamon's shoulder giving it a squeeze. "And as Uncle Teagan said we will not be so far away. Come on Uncle Eamon do not look so glum."

"I still have concerns for your safety Cailan. Rainesfere is not as well defended as here."

"I will be sensible; I do not want to advertise my presence any more than you do until these elusive memories of mine return at least. Besides who better to guard me than those who risked their lives for me and got me out of Ostagar."

"As you will Cailan, however if there is even the least indication of danger to your life you will return to the safety of these walls immediately."

"Uncle forgive me, but it seems you were poisoned within these walls and young Oren too. Perhaps your own security needs to be tightened." He saw the momentary anger in his uncle's eyes, but held his gaze.

"Perhaps that would be wise." Eamon forced out, glancing to Teagan as Cailan turned to him the pair smiling warmly at each other, wishing he had the bond they clearly had and wondering yet again what had brought them to be so close.

xXx

Jayden smiled as Oren raced across the Great Hall, Rascal at his side, guards keeping a discreet distance, the boy stopping just short of him.

"You're back!"

"I am. You look like you are feeling better."

"I feel better than ever." Oren hopped excitedly from foot to foot. "Is it true Andraste healed you and she asked you to face a dragon and you didn't even have armour or a sword?"

"Well that didn't take long to get around. Who told you that?"

"I heard Aunt Ell and Lady Delilah talking. I wasn't supposed to be listening, but I did anyway."

Jayden hunkered down returning his mischievous grin. "I was healed and there was a dragon, but let's keep that part quiet."

Oren stared at him with delight. "Was the dragon big and scary?"

"Very big and very scary, but beautiful too."

"Wow, that's awesome!"

"Now off to bed or I will be in trouble with your mom and aunt."

Grinning Oren darted for the stairs turning back his eyes wide with delight. "A dragon, awesome."

Chuckling softly Jayden glanced to Airyl who gave a soft huff. "Well I don't know about you, but bed sounds good right about now. Yawning loudly Jayden made his way back to the barracks, finding Tess, Gabriel and Lawrence waiting for him, all three staring at him as though they had never seen him before. "Problem?"

Flushing Tess took a nervous step forward. "Can … can we see?"

"See what?"

"Terrance … well he said Holy Andraste healed you." Lawrence murmured.

Hesitating Jayden sighed before pulling up his tunic.

Eyes widening Tess stared at where there should have at the very least been a scar seeing only smooth skin. "It's true!"

"Yes, but …"

"You really saw Her." Gabriel whispered.

"Yes, but …"

"You were blessed by Holy Andraste herself!" Tess stated a touch of awe in her voice.

"Well somehow I don't think the Darkspawn will care about that." Jayden muttered, unnerved by her look. "Tess I'm still just me, you know that right?"

"Of course, it's just …"

"Just what?"

"Do you know what most people would give to see Andraste let alone speak to her?"

Sighing Jayden sat on the bed unlacing his boots. "I can imagine." Anora will have my head for sure over this. He glanced to Gabriel. "How's Lord Darrien?"

Rubbing his neck Gabriel shifted slightly. "Senior Enchanter Wynne is making progress. He has feeling at times in his hands and feet, but it doesn't last. She said it could take months I …" He slumped onto a bed with a sigh. "I just hoped he would be healed quickly; when he does feel anything he is in such pain."

Taking the pouch of Ashes from his pocket Jayden looked at it thoughtfully; many would likely expect him to use them for Cailan, but the King had his mobility and was not in pain and they knew for certain the Ashes could cure physical ailments; they had no idea if they could return memories. "The Ashes healed Oren from an incurable poison." Re-lacing his boots he stood stifling a yawn. "Let's go see if they can help Dairren."

Gabriel stared at him stunned. "You … you would give up your Ashes for him?"

"I would give them to anyone who needs them."

xXx

Dairren looked from Gabriel to Jayden in shock. "Are you being serious?"

"This pinch of the Ashes is mine to do with as I see fit." Jayden stated gently as he sat down next to Dairren's bed.

"You don't even know me." Dairren murmured.

"I know enough."

"You would really use the Ashes for me?"

"I'm not in the habit of making offers I don't mean to keep."

"You might need it yourself; Ferelden has become a very dangerous place."

"I have no idea what will happen in the future, but I know what is happening now."

Dairren sighed. "I want to, Makers knows I do, but I couldn't live with myself if you used them for me and then they were needed for someone in a worse situation than me." He worried at his lip. "Wynne has a few more spells she wants to try. They will hopefully work."

Jayden nodded. "I truly hope so."

"I … I really am grateful for the offer."

"No problem. If you will excuse me I could really do with some sleep."

"Of course and thank you, again."

Smiling Jayden nodded and slipped from the room.

Gabriel turned to Dairren gently clasping his hand. "I understand why you refused, but I'm begging you to reconsider. Wynne's spells might work, but they might not. Surely the Ashes will heal you."

"They might, but don't you think someone will demand the Ashes be given to the King to see if they can return his memories? I … I cannot stand in the way of that."

Sighing Gabriel nodded. "I suppose you're right." Leaning over he pressed a soft kiss to his lips. "We will get through this, I promise."

xXx

Biting back the sigh as he heard his name called, Jayden took his hand from the door handle of the barracks and turned surprised to see Bann Teagan.

"Captain if I may impose, would you come with me please?"

"Of course; is there a problem?"

"No I … please we will not take much of your time."

Stifling another yawn Jayden hesitated as he was taken to the Arl's study seeing Eamon, Cailan and Delilah already sitting. "Arl Eamon it is good to see you looking so well."

"The power of Holy Andraste's Ashes are indeed incredible; that is why I wished to speak to you in fact."

Jayden glanced to Delilah who smiled encouragingly.

Eamon cleared his throat. "Lady Delilah tells me you still have your pinch of the Ashes."

Glancing cautiously to the Arl, Jayden nodded. "I do my Lord."

"Excellent, you will hand them over."

Teagan winced. "Brother perhaps explaining why …"

"You are a soldier are you not William?"

"I am my Lord."

"And loyal to your King?"

Jayden glanced to Cailan who was looking incredibly uncomfortable. "You want to use them to try and return your lost memories?"

Cailan sighed softly. "I am not sure if they would work for that, but my Uncle believes it is worth the risk."

"Forgive me your Majesty, but I cannot give you the Ashes." He winced at the shock in the room and the blatant hostility radiating from the Arl.

"What exactly do you intend to do with them?" Eamon demanded. "What could be more important than your King?"

"I have already offered them to Lord Dairren, my Lord."

Eamon felt anger swell. "It was not your place to make such an offer."

Jayden met the Arl's gaze unwavering. "The Ashes are mine by trial of the Gauntlet and I will use them as I see fit, my Lord." He turned as Delilah put her hand over his.

"Perhaps you should consider the Arl's suggestion."

"You gave up your Ashes to save the Arl; that was your choice this is mine."

"Yes but we need Arl Eamon." Delilah flushed at the shock in his eyes. "That's not … I did not mean that the way it sounded."

"I hope not." He stated coldly. "If his current situation is not enough to have him considered for the Ashes, then the fact that Lord Dairren saved Lord Fergus's life in the battle at Ostagar and he helped the surviving Cousland's to escape Arl Howe's attack entitles him to a second chance."

Eamon shifted uncomfortably. "His actions do indeed merit praise, but the Ashes …"

"I have no intention of discussing this any further Arl Eamon; if Senior Enchanter Wynne's spells do not work then my pinch of the Ashes will be used to help Lord Dairren. If he is healed by her magic then I will willingly give the Ashes to the King."

"This is ridiculous!" Eamon thundered.

"Uncle enough." Cailan stood meeting Jayden's agitated gaze. "We will wait and see the result of the Enchanters spells."

"This is absurd Cailan." Eamon snapped.

"It seems to me that it is the right thing to do Uncle."

"May I take my leave?" Jayden asked.

"Of course." Cailan glanced to Delilah as she stood.

"I will also take my leave." Slipping from the room Delilah hurried after Jayden. "William! William wait!" She demanded, wincing as he turned seeing the agitation in his eyes. "I am sorry I just wanted to help Cailan; he is our King after all."

"I know that Delilah, but Dairren is confined to that bed unable to move and when he does regain a little feeling it is agony for him."

"It must be awful for him, but the fact remains that Cailan is our King and we need him."

"The fact remains that the offer to Dairren has been made."

"Perhaps after you get some sleep you will see the sense in the Arl's suggestion."

"I am not going to revoke my offer to Lord Dairren."

"Why must you be so stubborn?" Delilah muttered. "As you wish, I will see you in the morning."

Sighing as she headed up the stairs, Jayden turned startled to see Gabriel, Tess and Lawrence watching him. "Enjoy the show?" He muttered walking passed them.

"You refused the King?" Gabriel stated softly following him.

"Not exactly, I said if Enchanter Wynne's spells worked then he could have the Ashes." He smiled as Gabriel gave him a quick hug before clearing his throat and backing away looking a little sheepish. "Alright, now I really do need some sleep."

xXx

Eamon paced the study furiously glaring at Teagan, Cailan having retired to his own room. "I cannot believe the gall of that soldier! How dare he refuse the King!"

"In all honesty brother I am surprised you are so eager to have Cailan's memories returned given how angry he was with you."

"Things are somewhat different now, we are at war."

"True." Teagan glanced at him and sighed. "And you do not want Anora or Loghain in charge."

"Can you blame me?"

"Anora has always been a more than competent Queen and Loghain is a hero."

"Indeed, a hero who left the army and his King to be slaughtered."

"Neither of us were there brother and given the situation faced do not be so certain our decision would have been any different."

"I would never abandon our King!"

"And if Loghain had engaged the Darkspawn those men and women would likely be dead too. I have never understood why you are at such odds with him, but leaving Cailan would have been no easy decision."

"Oh I think it would be a very easy decision. His daughter is Queen and he could rule through her."

"Maker brother do not be so foolish, Loghain has never wanted to rule. Maric had to command him to be Regent in his absence and I suspect he withdrew at Ostagar because it was his King's command to do so should the situation demand it."

Sighing Eamon slumped onto a seat. "Perhaps, but angry with me or not I want Cailan back where he should be, in charge of this country."

"Then be careful how you go about it brother; alienating the Captain is not the way to do it."

"I shall handle the situation as I see fit Teagan."

"Of course you will brother, as you always do. I will say good night then."

Eamon nodded glaring at the door as Teagan shut it behind him. You and Loghain may have had Maric's ear brother, but I will have Cailan's.

xXx

Gazing at her husband as he slept, dawn light softly filtering over the pillow, Isolde watched him for any signs of discomfort, but mercifully he was completely healed and the agitation he had gone to sleep with seemed erased. She worried at her lip, he had said she was not to concern herself with his mood and she believed if he knew about Connor he would have told her, that left Teagan. How she wished he was gone, him and all the others who doubted her husband. She felt her stomach tighten; the gossip she had expected to end with her husband's return to health had simply altered, now concerning Oren's claims of seeing the Lady Andraste as he lay in his unconscious state and that she had brought him back, while her husband had no such experience. She was desperate for the Cousland's and Teagan to leave and silently prayed to the Maker for Fergus to return swiftly. It was barely a day later when her prayers were answered.

xXx

As the portcullis was raised Fergus grinned in delight as Oren raced across the courtyard and leapt into his arms, relieved to finally be back at Redcliffe and with his family once more.

"Papa you're back! I missed you so much."

Chuckling Fergus hugged him tightly. "I missed you too and you Rascal." He stated with a broad grin as the mabari pressed against his legs.

"Mom said as soon as you come back she needed to speak to you." He wrinkled his nose. "It's probably about me being ill."

"You were ill?"

"Yes but Aunty Ell …" Oren wrinkled his nose again. "Mom said she needs to tell you." Gripping his father's hand Oren pulled him into the Castle.

Bemused Fergus allowed his son to lead him, startled to see Eamon and Teagan talking in the Great Hall. "Wait a moment Oren." He moved over to the brothers. "Arl Eamon it is good to see you recovered."

"Thank you Fergus, you have my deepest condolences for the fate of your parents."

Swallowing painfully Fergus nodded. "Thank you. I must go to Oriana, but we should speak soon."

"Of course, perhaps we can meet after midday meal? I would imagine you are hungry."

"Excellent." Fergus smiled as Oren gripped his hand pulling urgently, allowing himself to be led to their rooms.

xXx

"Fergus!" Oriana gasped moving into his arms, biting back the tears of relief.

Oren grinned happily to see his parents together. "Since you are talking can I go back to the training yard?"

Oriana nodded. "Stay with William."

Grinning Oren raced off, Rascal at his side.

"Fergus ..." She sighed softly as he kissed her, sinking into his arms.

Finally pulling back Fergus gently brushed a lock of hair from her face. "Oren said he had been unwell." He frowned as he felt her shudder against him. "Love?"

"Come husband, sit down, I need you to swear you will listen to everything."

"Of course, Oriana you are worrying me." The colour drained from his face as he listened to the events that had surrounded his family, feeling the gentle squeeze of her hand.

"Oren is completely healed from the poison that has no cure." She trembled. "I only wish we had known of the possibility of the Ashes for poor Celia."

Slowly running his fingers through his hair, Fergus tried to remain calm. "I should never have gone. I left you again and people tried to kill you."

"Fergus this is not your doing. You could not have known."

"The bastard waited until I left Highever to attack and again they wait until I leave to attack. I failed you ... again!"

"Fergus you have never failed us."

"How can you say that? If I had stayed Oren would not have been poisoned and Ellowyn would never have been in such danger in the hope of finding a myth!"

"Or we could all be dead; would have been if not for Rascal."

"Maker I brought that man into these walls myself! How could I have been so damn trusting? I knew Howe had my parents murdered, I knew he had Ellowyn in his grasp. I knew he had you, Oren and Aedan chased across Ferelden to kill you. I should have known or at the very least considered it a possibility that we could be betrayed here and protected you accordingly."

"Fergus you cannot second guess yourself."

Kneeling on the floor Fergus pressed his lips to her hands. "My love I am so sorry."

"Oren is well and we have two of Howe's guards who will testify that they were under the influence of blood magic."

Fergus looked up sharply. "Blood magic on his own men. Sweet Maker how far will Howe go?" He glanced up hearing the door, moving to his sister as Ellowyn ran to him. "You saved my son." Fergus whispered hugging Ellowyn tightly.

"I was not going to let my nephew die; besides it was the Ashes and a healing spell not I that saved him."

"Ashes that would not have been available without you. Thank you Ell."

Sighing softly Ellowyn pulled back. "You have no idea how good it is to see you."

"Tell me everything. Maker I never imagined the Ashes were real let alone that they would actually heal; I thought them just a fanciful tale of the Chantry."

Smiling slightly Ellowyn settled in a seat opposite her brother and Oriana, noting their hands clasping. "They are very real. Fergus I … there is a lot to tell and some of it you might not believe, but you need to know I believe it, with all my heart."

Fergus nodded listening to the events of Haven and the Gauntlet; tears slipping down his cheeks as she spoke of their mother and her message, feeling Oriana press firmly against him.

When she finally finished Ellowyn met her brother's gaze. "It was real Fergus."

"I am glad you got to see mom again. You out of all of us needed that I think."

"So you believe me then?"

Startled by her tears Fergus moved to her hugging her gently. "I do and I thank the Maker that she was allowed to come to you." He gazed at the amulet. "Very glad."

"Did you speak to Anora?"

"I did and I must speak to Cailan, Eamon and Teagan." He gently clasped her hand at her worried frown. "All will be well sister, I promise."

xXx

After midday meal was finished Fergus joined Eamon, Cailan and Teagan in the study. "This will be hard to hear, harder to say since I have considered her one of my best friends since childhood, but I am not certain we can trust the Queen."

"Why?" Cailan asked in concern.

"Anora knows about the blood mage. She knew before my family were attacked, before Ellowyn was tortured by that bitch. She said she is handling it, but will not involve the Templars. What if she has been enthralled?"

Teagan worried at his lip. "Maker if Howe has Loghain on his side …"

Frowning Cailan shook his head. "This makes no sense. If Howe has access to blood magic why would he need to kill Fergus's parents? He could have had them enthralled and had them admit guilt at a Landsmeet."

Clenching his fists Fergus scowled fiercely. "Because the only heir of Highever that beast wanted left was Ellowyn so she could give Thomas heirs and then she would find herself as dead as the rest of us were supposed to be."

"We cannot know if they are enthralled." Teagan stated. "Yet we cannot take the chance that they are."

Eamon steepled his fingers seeming to look into the distance. "It is possible a much larger game is being played out."

"What do you mean uncle?"

"The Queen has yet to provide an heir, it was part of why there was animosity between you. She has an Orlesian Handmaiden which I have always found strange given that family's opposition to Orlais. Perhaps it is our Queen who is working with Orlais."

Fergus almost choked. "Why in the Void would Anora betray us with Orlais? Her brother was kidnapped as a child, her mother murdered, assassination attempts carried out on Cailan and Maric." He winced at Cailan's startled look. "Her father is Loghain for Makers sake!"

"Exactly, she is someone no-one would even consider, but if your family is threatened what will you do?"

Teagan frowned. "Brother what are you saying?"

"I am saying that perhaps the lack of an heir is calculated, that Cailan was to be disposed of as his father before him and another heir could not be tolerated."

"If anything the Empress would gain by marrying Cailan not killing him."

"I was not speaking of Celene, but of Gaspard. Perhaps our Queen and the would be Emperor have their own arrangement."

"Are you suggesting she intends to marry Gaspard?" Fergus muttered in disbelief. "He is in his fifties at least."

"And still more than capable of fathering a child. Kidnap, assassination attempts, murder, none have worked to destabilize our country, but Anora's brother was sent to the Free Marches swiftly after their mother's death or so we are told. No-one but family saw him leave. Perhaps he did not leave willingly, perhaps Orlais succeeded this time and Anora is bending to Orlais's will to save her brother and the mage was sent to ensure her compliance. It may also explain my own poisoning, I was involved in the trade agreements and peace talks with the Empress and it is no secret I wanted peace between us and supported her over Gaspard."

"Makers sake uncle that is nonsense."

"Cailan while it is no secret Loghain and myself do not get on I would not idly accuse the Queen of treason, but it makes sense."

"It is not true Eamon." Fergus stated firmly. "Trust me."

"Anora is your friend, but you were the one who suggested she cannot be trusted."

"Because I fear Howe turned this mage on her, not this this is some elaborate Orlesian plot. Maker Anora always knew you did not wish her marriage to Cailan to go ahead and I know you have been nothing but obstructive in their marriage and everyone knows how cosy you are with Empress Celene. If I was the mistrustful type I might think you took something to appear poisoned to blame Anora. It would certainly explain why the Ashes failed to work with the first dose, there was nothing to heal. Your wife forced the issue of a second dose for your miraculous recovery!"

Eamon's cheeks mottled with rage. "I almost died!"

"Did you? I have to wonder."

Eamon glared at Fergus. "Enchanter Wynne herself picked up on my having been poisoned. Are you suggesting I somehow influenced her?"

"No, but the effect of herbs could surely be taken for the effects of poison if the symptoms are similar. She could not identify the cause after all. Herbs were used upon my own son to slow down his body's systems to slow the poison. "

"Why would I pretend to be poisoned?" Eamon gasped in shock.

"You set up an argument in the Palace, demanding that Cailan set Anora aside and marry the Empress. I know because Cailan spoke to me of it. That would be enough for many people to believe that Anora would want rid of you, or Loghain perhaps, you have never exactly gotten on. Then you take herbs that put you in a deep state of sleep. You have your wife in on it because she needs to keep administering the herbs to ensure you wake up at the right moment, sending people for the Ashes of Andraste to make a massive drama out of it that people cannot ignore. No wonder the mages were unable to do anything to help you, there was nothing to heal, the same with the Ashes. When they did not work your wife had to make a big show of getting another dose so she could ensure they worked by administering whatever potion would wake you up!"

"Fergus enough." Cailan thundered. "How could he know the Ashes would be found let alone retrieved?"

"That's just it he would not need them, just something to pass for the Ashes!"

Cailan gripped his arm. "This is exactly what Howe wants, us questioning each other's motives and actions so we are so busy fighting each other to stop him."

Fergus slumped into a seat, his head in his hands. "Maker I do not know who to trust anymore."

Forcing himself to be calm, Eamon settled into a seat opposite him, realising with horror that it would look to many as though his brush with death had been orchestrated by himself and that many of his own actions had made it possible. "Perhaps I have not always been so transparent in my actions as I should have been, but I have only ever wanted peace and prosperity for our people. I grieve for Bryce and Eleanor's loss, they were good people and I considered them friends. Perhaps given the level of discomfort from various parties it would be sensible for you and your family Fergus to leave for Rainesfere as soon as possible; if you remain agreeable brother."

"Of course." Teagan stated.

Eamon looked to Fergus. "We must learn to trust each other if we are to survive the storm ahead."

Fergus nodded wondering if he would ever truly trust again. When he finally took his leave he knew there was one more thing he needed to do.

xXx

Licking his lips Fergus took a calming breath as Jayden entered the room, his family in the garden.

"You requested my presence Lord Fergus."

"I did I …" Fergus felt his stomach clench, he did not know who to trust and this was Eamon's castle and he could have ears everywhere. Suddenly he knew revealing he knew the truth here was not prudent. "I wanted to thank you for accompanying my sister, you helped to save my son, I am in your debt."

"There is no debt, I am just glad your son has recovered."

Fergus knew how close this must have hit Jayden given his own past; he imagined it had brought terrible memories to the surface, but he couldn't trust himself to speak. "Still, if you ever need anything …"

"I appreciate that my Lord. There is a matter I wished to speak to you about if I may?"

"Of course." Fergus listened in surprise as Jayden explained the treasure they had discovered. "And you are just handing this over to me?"

"Of course, though there is a small chest of scrolls I would like to keep."

Fergus smiled slightly, no matter what had occurred in Jayden's life at his core he hadn't changed. "Of course and you will be consulted on how the treasure is used, we owe you that much at least."

"Thank you my Lord."

xXx

Reading the message Leliana stood and let the paper turn to ash in the candle flame, contemplating how she was to convince Fergus to allow her to accompany them, re-reading her own message to inform the Queen the Arl lived. She was frustrated by the crossing messages longing for the convenience and privacy of Calling Crystals. Sighing she pulled on her cloak and headed up to the ravens to send the message before continuing on to the Castle, she would miss Jowan and Connor, but for the moment the Queen held her life and she could not afford to fail her. She was therefore startled when upon reaching the Castle, Isolde appeared to be waiting for her and all but dragged her to a private room. "My Lady?"

"With Fergus back they will be leaving for Rainesfere, I wish you to accompany them."

"I … for what purpose?"

"My husband has concerns which I share; you have been a loyal and trustworthy friend and I beg you to go to Rainesfere and report back any plans Teagan and Fergus make. Now my husband has recovered I will not have him or my son in further danger. I have spoken with your superior and she is arranging for your temporary transfer to Rainesfere. It will not seem strange; you are to replace a Sister who has fallen ill."

"But Connor and Jowan …"

"Will be safer once the mages and Templar have gone. Please Sister Leliana, I need your help, this is to keep Connor safe."

"I … very well, but it does not sit well with me to spy on others."

"Then trust it is for the greater good and know you have my eternal gratitude."

Leliana smiled as she left the room; nobles really did make things too easy sometimes.

xXx

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