Breathing in the sweet scent of magical discharge Uldred felt power flow through his body. Many had accepted the gift he offered, but they had been weak and while many Templars had perished, so too had the soldiers of his would be army. Those with him however were the strongest; fearless and glorious in their fury they obeyed him completely. He turned to the trembling mages who had yet to make their decision, all of them cowering and snivelling like children. He almost would have preferred to kill them, but he knew the power would take their fear and they would be bound to him, so whether by loyalty or force they would obey him. He hunkered down next to the First Enchanter. "Irving you of all people must see the righteousness of my course. So many of our people have been tortured by the Templars, punished unjustly and stripped of all that makes them who they are. Now we will show the world the true potential of mages and we will never be controlled again."
Heart sore and body weary Irving met Uldred's gaze and saw only madness in his eyes. "You have destroyed us all Uldred."
"Accept the power I offer and you need never fear the Templars again. The strength that has ebbed from you all these years can be restored. Join me Irving, together we can chart a new course for mages."
"You have sold your soul Uldred. You are nothing more than a play thing for a demon now; the Templars will destroy you." He sighed softly bowing his head. "They will destroy us all."
Enchanter Lara shuddered painfully before clenching her fists; if she was to die it would not be cowering to a madman, or at the blade of a Templar. She barely heard Irving's panicked cry as she pushed herself to her feet, casting Draining Aura even as she hit Uldred with Elemental Chaos. She saw a cold smile tug his lips even as her own spell rebounded and swept her off her feet slamming her against the floor. She cried out in pain, struggling against the invisible weight, feeling her life drain from her.
Standing over her Uldred tutted softly. "Such a waste."
Irving felt tears well as Lara turned to him, her expression pleading for help before Uldred dragged her up and snapped her neck, tossing her back to the ground with a sneer.
Turning to Irving, Uldred shook his head. "Weak! Like so many others chained by the Templars in their minds so that in the end they truly are nothing." Turning as the door burst open Uldred felt a flush of excitement as Enchanter Reece entered; now here was one with power that could be moulded into greatness. "I bid you welcome. Come to join in our … revels."
Glancing behind Uldred, Reece could see Irving who was on his knees, Enchanters Saril and Thomal kneeling beside him. He had no idea who the three abominations behind Uldred were, but he saw Enchanter Lara's body cast aside horrified at the odd angle of her head. He felt the lump swell in his throat, relief that she had not succumbed to Uldred's magic, but devastated that they had been too late to save her. "Maker what have you done Uldred?"
"Uldred is gone. I am Uldred and yet not Uldred. I am something more than he was."
"You're an abomination!" Ser Simon snarled, glancing to the twisted forms with him.
It was all Uldred could do not to strike him down where he stood, the memory of him Smiting Reece at Ostagar rising in his mind. He forced himself to ignore him for the moment and concentrated on Reece. "Join me; I can give you this power. Once you have tasted it you will understand. It is beyond anything we have ever conceived."
"Go to the Void!" Reece snarled.
"Release the First Enchanter!" Rathnal demanded.
Uldred smirked. "I think not."
Narrowing her eyes Morrigan's expression was one of disgust. "Tis a fool indeed who makes deals with demons."
"You think you know of power? I know of true power."
"He is a fool; we would be well advised to be done with him quickly."
"You think to defeat me when I can control the minds of men?" Uldred snarled fiercely.
Reece tossed the Litany to Rinna. "Read it!"
"I'm not a mage!"
"You don't need to be, that's the point. The Litany can be read by anyone. It will stun demons and prevent mind control." He shuddered at Uldred's laugh, turning to the former Senior Enchanter.
"You think that childish thing can stop me?" He gasped as lightning courtesy of Morrigan and a Rockfist from Reece slammed into him at the same time, Simon hitting him with Wrath of Heaven. Fury burned through him and he lost control, taking the form of an enormous pride demon.
"Had to go and make a bad thing worse." Alistair muttered, dodging a whip of lightning wincing as it hit Morrigan sending her flying. Before he could get to her one of the abominations was bearing down on him, hissing in pain as a claw caught his cheek, bringing his sword up and removing the limb, nodding to Simon as he drove his sword through its chest. He saw Rathnal engage a second abomination, too late to stop its summoning of several rage demons, Morrigan encasing the third abomination in ice, the pair protecting Rinna as she invoked the Litany. He signalled to Simon to follow him, racing across the room to support Reece who had taken the fight straight to Uldred.
Feeling as though he was choking on fury Reece tried to freeze Uldred, but it was as though every spell he manifested barely touched him. A cry of pain left his lips as he was hurled through the air slamming against the floor, struggling to stand as Uldred towered over him.
Roaring in pain Uldred span, seeing Ser Simon pulling his sword free from his leg. Channelling his fury and power against the Templar who was proving himself to be surprisingly resistant; he drove him back with a vicious blow, snarling fiercely as he tried to stamp on him, the Templar rolling out of his reach with each step. He gave a roar of fury and grabbed hold of Simon dashing him against the floor before tossing him aside, snarling as he found himself propelled backwards by Alistair who had slammed into him, his spiked shield tearing a gash deep into his thigh. With a furious roar Uldred tossed Alistair aside, sending lightning at Rinna; satisfied by her hiss of pain as she dodged, but not quickly enough. The chant stopped long enough to allow him to draw on the life force of Enchanter Thamal, feeling the power course through his body, smirking as Enchanter Saril began to lose the fight against him.
"No!" Reece screamed, limping painfully over to Irving and the others with him, manifesting a barrier to try and protect them. He gasped in pain feeling as though ice was invading his mind, collapsing to the floor clutching his head.
"Join me Reece." Uldred whispered in the young mages mind.
Looking up Reece stared at the demon bearing down on him forcing himself back to his feet. "I will never join you!" He roared, manifesting Rockfist, the spell abruptly ending as his arms were grabbed and pinned behind him, the abomination that had been Enchanter Saril holding him fast. He screamed in pain as Uldred's magic seemed to burrow deep inside him. Panic became terror as he struggled against the abomination, the magic searching for a weak spot within him to latch onto. He was aware of the fighting, of Rinna chanting the Litany once more, before the world seemed to fall to silence and he was alone with the demon. He shuddered as its insidious whispers tore at his mind, fingers of magic causing pain through every nerve. He thought of Dylan, Matthew and Simon before Ostagar had torn them apart drawing on the strength of the bond they had formed. He thought of William, Tess, Lawrence and Gabriel, their fierce friendships and protectiveness of each other and how they had accepted him as one of their own. He thought of his Harrowing and the defeat of that demon, but this was so much worse and Uldred was so much more powerful. "I will not break!" He roared, a wave of magic bursting out from him, breaking the grip of the abomination and sending it slamming into the wall. A choked gasp of pain left his lips as Uldred grabbed him, feeling himself lifted as easily as a child lifts a cloth doll. He felt the magic push against him with renewed ferocity, the barrier of his mind barely holding against the onslaught, his body convulsing as pain tore through his nerves.
Simon felt pain explode in his head as he regained consciousness, blinking rapidly and struggling to his knees. He looked up seeing Uldred with Reece in his grip, the mage clearly in trouble. Fear and rage burned through him and he forced himself to his feet with a roar of fury.
Reece heard a shouted apology from Simon, feeling a moment of relief that he still lived before a blinding light slammed down against him as Wrath of Heaven struck true. He felt a wave of dizziness and nausea, the floor hard against his hands and face as he struck it with force as Uldred lost his grip, but he barely noticed it in the blessed relief as the blood magic trying to invade him stopped. As the light faded and he could see again he saw Uldred was down, Reece felt tears of relief burn. Forcing himself to his knees he crawled over to Irving, the First Enchanter looking far older and weaker than he had ever seen him, but he was alive.
Slammed against the floor Uldred snarled fiercely. All of his plans, all of his power and it meant nothing. He had lost his hold on Arl Howe and despite Eloen being with him he had never regained it. He had been unable to gain control of the youngest MacTir and was still none the wiser as to how he was protected and because of Irving's weakness the General had not been pushed to have more mages outside of the Circle. Their one last chance at freedom and it was over, in the end he had been defeated by a handful of youths. The gleam of a sword caught his eyes, the blade shimmering as it swept down towards him. Uldred gave a bitter laugh, the sound cut off as the steel tore through his throat, the blade singing as it struck the floor.
Simon stepped back still holding the blade, concentrating on slowing his breathing, trying to ignore the shaking of his hands.
Staring at the carnage in the room Irving glanced to Reece and sighed softly. "How could he have thought this would bring mages freedom?"
"I don't know, but the Knight Commander has sent for the Rite of Annulment. You need to stop him."
Feeling weary even beyond his many years Irving nodded. "This is a sad day indeed in our history and it remains to be seen if we are actually saved." He glanced up as the door opened seeing Cullen; swallowing nervously at the wild look in his eyes and drawn sword.
Racing over to him Simon gripped his wrist forcing the sword down. "It's over Cullen."
"It won't be over until every mage is dead."
"There are innocents Cullen!"
"No mage is an innocent!"
Simon met Cullen's furious gaze and shook his head. "I thought that way once, but it isn't true. What happened here is horrific, but it was the actions of some not all. There has been enough killing."
"They killed …"
"I know. They were my friends too, but there are innocents and they should not be punished for the sins of others. I won't dishonour everything Knight Captain Dominic tried to teach me."
"They tortured and slaughtered him!" Cullen snarled.
"He wouldn't want us to dishonour ourselves. We have a duty to protect people from magic, but we also have a duty to protect mages. Are you going to be the one to slaughter the children we helped rescue?"
Cullen hesitated, stopping his straining against Simon's hold. "They are all weapons." He whispered.
"We will all go to the Knight Commander. What happens next is his decision." He shook his head as Cullen opened his mouth to protest. "I know you are hurt and grieving, I am too, but I am not going to blacken my soul for revenge by killing innocents." He swallowed painfully as Cullen snatched his arm away, turned abruptly and left the chamber. He glanced to his left as Reece approached, wincing at the blood from a gash on the young mages forehead and the bruising already beginning to show across his jaw.
"Thank you."
"Reece I … if the Rite is invoked …"
"You will do your duty." Reece stated softly sorrow in his eyes.
Simon nodded. "I will." He turned to face him. "I will protect the innocent." He smiled slightly at Reece's shocked expression.
"They will kill you if you go against them." Reece whispered.
"If you are going to die fighting, better make sure you're on the right side. I won't make the mistake of being on the wrong side again."
Reece met his gaze and smiled. "I guess I should stop being angry with you then."
"That would be appreciated." Simon glanced to the rest of the group rubbing his neck. "I will go and catch up to Cullen, make sure he doesn't do something he regrets with the survivors."
"I'll come with you." Reece stated quickly thinking of the children, the pair hurrying from the room.
"So many were killed before I was forced here." Irving stated as he leaned heavily on Rathnal. "Maker knows how many survived this. I suppose we should get to the Knight Commander and see what the fate of those of us who did survive is to be."
"Perhaps we should look for survivors on the way down." Rinna suggested rolling back her aching shoulders. "We couldn't have seen all of the mages."
Rathnal nodded requesting Morrigan and Alistair help her in the task. "Be swift but cautious and meet us at the doors."
As Rathnal and the First Enchanter left, Morrigan caught Alistair's arm. "Sit you require healing."
Feeling the warm trickle of blood still slipping down his neck Alistair complied, Rinna taking a moment to check all the bodies. He sighed as he felt the cool sensation of magic against him, before biting his lip at the unpleasant sensation of skin knitting together. Morrigan's magic felt different to Bethany's, a wildness that he supposed he should have anticipated given who she was. As she finished he reached up to his cheek feeling only smooth skin. "Not even a scar?"
"T'would be a shame to mar that handsome face of yours." Morrigan murmured with a smirk, striding out of the room leaving Alistair staring after her. Her Mother had demanded the ritual be carried out with Alistair and while she had no intention of that happening, it would not harm things to appear to be paving the way should her mother happen to look in on them. She smiled to herself as Alistair caught up to her, Rinna a step behind, remembering his fear of witches as a child. He had been nothing but pleasant to her throughout their journey, no doubt due to her friendship with Jayden, but he was pleasant to look at and surprisingly at times interesting to talk to. She was starting to see why Jayden valued him so much as a friend.
While Rinna and Alistair were checking Wardrobes and hidden nooks, Morrigan headed straight for the First Enchanters room feeling a pull she could not quite explain. She riffled through the papers on the desk finding nothing of interest. Opening the drawers she discovered several documents on various mages, some selected for their Harrowing, some to be made Tranquil. She hesitated as she discovered a document with Reece and Dylan's names on it, frowning as she read through it. Apparently both mages once they were returned to the Circle were to be closely watched for any deviant behaviour that 'excessive freedom' may provoke. She tutted sharply and tucked the document into her pack. Leaning back in the chair a chest caught her eye, not unlike the one her mother had, though this one she doubted would require the blood of the owner to open it. She snorted in disgust when she discovered the chest was not even locked, picking up a bundle of papers which seemed to be an inventory of sorts of items in the repository. Morrigan raised an eyebrow, some of the items were very powerful and she longed to take them with her. The thought of them locked away only to gather dust infuriated her. Turning her attention back to the chest her gaze was drawn to a tome, its cover black and embossed with intricate designs, her fingers delicately tracing them realising this was what had been pulling her, her mother's magic filling the pages. "Can it be? Mother has truly lamented your loss. How did you end up here I wonder?" Putting the papers on the floor Morrigan carefully lifted the grimoire from the chest taking it over to the desk, her heart pounding as she turned to the first page, frowning as she realised this was an account of events as well as spells she had not been expecting. She leafed through the pages before coming to a spell that chilled her to the bone. Anxiety burrowing into her stomach, the colour slowly draining from her face she slammed the tome shut gazing at it her heart pounding. There was much to read, but not here; not when she could not afford to be distracted. Putting it into her pack she left the First Enchanters office heading for the stairs to join Rathnal having no interest in searching for any mages.
xXx
Knight Commander Gregior felt a rush of relief as he heard Irving's voice, signalling for the doors to be opened. Before he could say a word to Irving, Cullen was at his side.
"You must carry out the Rite of Annulment Knight Commander. We cannot know how many of them are abominations!"
"Cullen stop." Simon pleaded gripping Cullen's arm, wincing in pain as Cullen wrenched his arm away.
"You didn't see what they did to Dominic!" Cullen gasped, his throat constricting with rage.
"You weren't the only one they tortured!" Clenching his fists Simon tried to regain his composure, his body shaking with pain and the memories of all he had seen and experienced.
Cullen fell silent seeing the haunted look in Simon's eyes, knowing it likely mirrored his own.
Gregior cleared his throat to cut through the tension. "You should both get some rest. I will speak to you both after I have spoken to the First Enchanter."
Turning to him sharply Cullen felt fear grip him. "But …"
"Now Ser Cullen."
Almost choking on frustration and rage Cullen clenched his fists, his words spoken through gritted teeth. "Yes Knight Commander." He moved beyond the doors his heart sinking as he saw more dead and wounded. He glanced to Simon who had slumped onto a bench, Ser Jacqueline already moving to him and checking him over despite his gentle protests. He glanced back to the First Enchanter, hate burning within him.
Irving shivered at the dark look Cullen gave him turning to Gregior. "It is over, Uldred is dead."
"So many lost; from both sides."
"Indeed, but we can rebuild and move on." He met Gregior's gaze. "If allowed the opportunity."
Gregior glanced to Rathnal. "It seems you did as you promised. With Uldred dead we can take back the Tower."
"So no Rite of Annulment then?" Rathnal asked cautiously.
"I do not think that will be necessary." He glanced at the survivors. "Those who survived will be watched and tested of course and there will have to be … restrictions."
Rathnal folded his arms. "Weren't restrictions the very thing that caused this in the first place?"
Gregior narrowed his eyes before forcing himself to relax. "I promised you aid, but the tower must be restored. The mages will be free to help you however."
Rubbing his forehead Rathnal sighed; there were few mages left that might be able to help.
"There may be more survivors." Reece stated softly realising what he was thinking.
"I hope so." They turned at the sound of footsteps, a handful of anxious looking mages joining them.
Enchanter Barlin worried at his lip. "The Wardens told us to come here. They … they said it's over." He looked to Irving who nodded, a sigh of relief leaving his lips. "Thank the Maker." He hesitated seeing the distrustful stares of the Templars and took an involuntary step back almost huddling with the other mages. Whatever their life had been before he realised it was about to get a lot worse.
Gregior turned to Rathnal. "When the time comes send word and you will have as many mages as we can spare."
"Thank you Knight Commander. My people are still searching for survivors they should be with us shortly."
Gregior signalled to two Templars. "Take all of the Templars who are able and search the tower from top to bottom. Bring the bodies here; I want everyone accounted for, Templar and mage. Find the Wardens and tell them their Commander is waiting."
Irving gently gripped Rathnal's arm. "Warden Commander you were at Ostagar I take it. Do you know the fate of Senior Enchanter Wynne and Enchanters Dylan and Robert, they did not return with the others, nor do I believe did Ser Matthew."
"They are with Captain William."
"Thank the Maker, are they well?"
"There were injuries, but I believe they are healing." He turned to Gregior. "In fact I have a letter for you from the Captain."
Gregior raised an eyebrow, breaking the seal and scanning the contents. It was polite enough, but there was most certainly a command within the sentences and one he was not sure he wanted to fulfil. "Perhaps you will be good enough to explain to him the situation. I cannot send Enchanter Reece nor Ser Simon at this time."
Rathnal sighed as the Knight Commander turned away continuing to talk to the First Enchanter. Moving into a corner he activated the runestone relieved to hear Jayden's voice. "It's been a bloody nightmare and I will explain it all when I see you, but for now you need to know we found ourselves in the middle of a rebellion of sorts and a lot of Templars and mages are dead. We are all alright and you will be relieved to know everyone you asked about is alive and the Rite of Annulment will not be carried out. I should tell you Sam was a little worried that you would be angry with him. An abomination attacked him and a fire spell ... well it destroyed the Wild's Flowers. I told him you wouldn't be, but he's a kid and he looks up to you."
"But he's alright?"
"Yes, Reece healed him."
"If you can, tell him I am very proud of him."
Rathnal smiled. "Will do; now onto the bigger problems. There aren't many mages or Templars left, but the Knight Commander has said we can have the mages who are suitable when the time comes."
"A little vague."
"Indeed. I'm not expecting much help."
"Well support from even a few mages could be invaluable."
"I know; I know I just hoped for more. I also gave the Knight Commander your letter."
"I presume with what has happened he said no."
"I'm afraid so."
"Let me speak to him Rath."
"Are you sure, I'm not sure he is in a negotiating mood."
"It will be fine, just let me speak to him."
"Alright." Heading back over to the Knight Commander, Rathnal held out the runestone. "Captain William requests to speak to you."
Gregior stared startled at the runestone before moving into a small side room for privacy. "Captain William?"
"Knight Commander Gregior, you have my sincerest condolences for recent events, The Warden Commander did not go into detail, merely suggesting the scale of the tragedy that has befallen the Circle."
"Then you understand why I cannot free anyone, mage or Templar to return to you."
"Knight Commander while I sympathise with your position I would remind you that Enchanter Reece was removed from the battlefield without consultation at a time when magic was most certainly needed."
"You expected them to stay when the General himself retreated?"
"I expected those under my command to remain, which Enchanter Reece was and still is by agreement of the Chantry."
Gregior frowned. "To my knowledge you still have Enchanter Dylan and Ser Matthew as well as Senior Enchanter Wynne and Enchanter Robert who did not return with the others. It is you who should be sending them back here."
"And given your troubles and the Darkspawn trying to take our country do you really think that is the best option? We need them here at least until this Blight is ended."
"I cannot allow …"
"Knight Commander whatever you are facing within the Circle will mean nothing if our country is destroyed by the Darkspawn. I doubt the Chantry would disagree with me. Therefore I expect Enchanter Reece to leave with the Warden Commander who will bring him to me. He is still under my command Knight Commander and I expect him to leave immediately to report for duty. I would not force the issue if it was not necessary." He bit his lip knowing he was about to chance his luck. "Must I go to the Grand Cleric?"
Gregior sighed deeply realising it would be less trouble to simply agree, knowing a little of the young man he had no doubt he would indeed go to the Grand Cleric. "You are playing with fire Captain."
"If that is what it takes to end this Blight."
"Very well, I will send Enchanter Reece to you, should he prove to be corrupted on your head be it. Ser Simon will accompany him as before and the others may remain until the Blight is over."
"Thank you Knight Commander."
Taking back the runestone trying to ignore Gregior's glare, Rathnal rolled back his aching shoulders. He had a promise of some help at least, though he feared it would not be enough, but given the circumstances what else was he supposed to do, wondering what Duncan would do in his place. He turned to Reece and Simon. "Get whatever you need; I want to leave here as soon as possible."
xXx
Desperate to be gone, but guilt spearing him for those who had to remain, Reece said his goodbyes and smiled as Sam hugged him.
"I wish I could come with you." Sam whispered, glancing fearfully at the Templars watching over them, the mages having been moved to the refectory which was blessedly free of corpses.
"I wish you could too." Reece murmured.
"I'm going to stay close to Karl, I heard them muttering about what he did with the demon. I think it has made them suspicious of him."
"Damn Uldred." Reece muttered. "If you have any worries go to Petra."
"I will." He handed over a bag. "I managed to salvage some of the other plants. Will you give them to William for me?"
"Of course."
Blowing a lock of hair that was hanging over his face Sam shifted slightly. "It's going to get bad here Reece, if you get the chance don't ever come back."
Paling slightly Reece impulsively hugged him, Sam seeming far older in that moment than his ten years. If he did nothing else he was going to find a way to get the young mage out of the Circle before it destroyed him. "You are going to be a great healer and one day that will get you out of here."
"I hope so." Sam whispered, but in his heart he doubted he would ever leave the Circle. He watched Reece leave a lump in his throat glancing up to Petra who wrapped her arm gently around his shoulders.
"All will be well." She soothed softly, forcing herself to believe it for the sake of the children.
xXx
Simon sat silently in the boat ignoring Ser Carroll's attempts to engage him in conversation, the man finally taking the hint and falling silent. He glanced back to the Circle, the remaining Templars accusing glares that he was leaving haunting him, realising he hoped he would never have to set foot inside those walls again. He shifted his arm wincing in pain.
"I can help once we reach the shore." Reece stated gently.
Nodding Simon turned his gaze to the shore ahead feeling exhausted and numb. If the Maker had meant to punish him for leaving Ostagar then He had certainly succeeded. Of all those in the Circle he had considered friends only Matthew was left, Cullen was a different man, perhaps he was too and when the numbness lifted perhaps he would see how much, but whatever differences there were in him, he would never go back to fearing and hating mages, that was why all this had started. How could it have come to anything else putting men and women in a tower few could leave, distrust breeding faster than any trust could and with the balance of power in favour of the Templars could there have ever been another outcome. He glanced to Reece who was looking back at the Tower wondering if there could truly be equality between them. He believed there had been within the army, but was it real? He closed his eyes wondering just what the consequences of Uldred's rebellion would be and fearing for those mages within the Tower.
Morrigan subtly watched the mage and Templar, both shaken and guilt stricken about leaving, but she saw the relief in them too. Such a brief encounter with the Circle was more than enough; she would rather die than be imprisoned. Her Mother perhaps would not agree, but after seeing the Circle for herself she determined to offer both to Reece and Dylan the opportunity to learn how to change their form. How to keep it from their Templar guardians was a tricky matter, but one she was sure they could solve.
xXx
Ayanna felt a rush of relief as the ferry pulled up at the dock; she had been waiting there since they had seen the flare from the Inn's window where they had been watching. The others were still in the common room playing Wicked Grace. Her relief quickly changed to anxiety when she saw how battered and exhausted they looked, nodding to Reece and Simon as they stepped off the ferry.
Rathnal gave a weak smile. "Well we are back."
"Indeed and looking worse for wear. We are the only ones in the Inn so we have the common room to ourselves, we can talk there."
"I need a bath." Alistair muttered. "And a drink or several."
"Already arranged when we saw the flare. Food should be ready soon as well."
xXx
An hour later they were all settled at a large table drinking and eating. Only when they had finished did Rathnal go over the events that had occurred leaving out the more gruesome details.
Aedan rubbed his forehead. "Is everyone going mad?"
"It's surprising the places the mages found to hide." Alistair murmured, wondering how many of those places had been used to hide from Templars.
Reece shivered and stood moving over to the fire, wondering if he would ever feel warm again. He glanced up as Ayanna moved over to him. "Still in shock I guess, just can't get warm."
"Perhaps I can help."
He sighed softly as he felt a ripple of regeneration and healing magic. "If no-one minds I think I'll go to bed." He glanced to Simon who had stood looking exhausted and a little embarrassed. "Do you have to follow me to the privy too?" He muttered turning and heading for the stairs.
Sighing Simon said goodnight and followed, finding Reece sitting on the bed his head in his hands. "Reece I …"
"Don't. I'm sorry I snapped I just … after everything that happened I am just so tired, but I'm scared to close my eyes. Uldred's magic was so strong. What if I hadn't been strong enough?"
"But you were." Simon stated gently sitting next to him.
"I've never felt anything like it; worse than a hundred Harrowings."
"And you resisted." Simon stated proudly. "You never gave in, not for one moment."
Reece shuddered painfully. "I never thought he would turn on us. I mean I was uncomfortable around him, but I thought that was because he always seemed so dismissive. I … I never understood how Eloen and Jowan could turn to blood magic, but he was tutoring them and he got to them Simon. He probably used Anders murder to twist them."
"We don't know Anders was murdered." Simon stated though not forcefully.
"Of course he was murdered. That's what Templars do to mages who escape as many times as he did." He flushed remembering who he was talking to. "Everything is turning on its head; how do I know who to trust?"
"You can trust me." Simon stared at him alarmed by the almost hysterical laugh.
"Sweet Maker I can't trust mages but I can trust a Templar, how did that happen?" He glanced to Simon. "I don't suppose it will be easy for you either after what those Templars did to you."
Glancing out of the window Simon's gaze locked on the Circle. "I never want to go back and I'm going to try and get Captain William to help make sure none of us go back."
"Um that sounds great, but there's at least one problem."
"Just one?"
"Well it's a major one and it concerns how pissed he must be that we left the battle."
"I will explain to him it wasn't your fault and I will just have to persuade him he can trust me."
Reece sighed. "I'm not sure he will trust either of us."
"He asked for us, that has to mean something. We should get some sleep."
"Let me check your arm first."
"You're too tired."
"I have mana enough for this."
Simon sat silently as Reece cast his healing spell, feeling the magic soothe the torn and bruised muscle. He felt the spell end and turned as Reece yawned loudly before curling up on the bed not caring he was still dressed. Moving over to the other bed Simon stared at the Circle, trying not to think of the Fade dream and the rush of homesickness that accompanied it. He missed his friend more than he had let himself acknowledge startled as tears slipped down his cheeks, brushing them roughly away. Maker Jay I wish I could talk to you about all of this; still the Free Marches is a damn sight better place to be than Ferelden right now. Taking off his armour he slipped into bed, wondering if he would ever see his friend again as sleep swept away for a few hours the pain and fear.
xXx
Author Note: Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed.