Heading to the training yard Fergus was unsurprised to find his son sparring with Jayden. If things had been different this would be happening in Highever and Oren would have known Jayden all of his life; he felt his heart ache that fate had dealt a different hand. "Captain a private word please."

Jayden nodded but with the serious tone his heart sank. He was aware of the disapproving looks Wynne had given him if he so much as looked in Delilah's direction and given his experiences with her as a child he doubted the Senior Enchanter would have any qualms in going to Fergus or even Cailan if she felt she was getting nowhere with Delilah. He remembered how she had gone to his father wanting to interrogate him with the truth potion Flemeth had given him and wondered at her hypocrisy; that she had been so desperate to get her hands on the truth potion for her own ends and yet had denounced the potion he had been given for his mother. He wondered if it had crossed her mind that the truth potion could also be blood magic, or perhaps that it was for her own ends meant that possibility was ignored. He tried to put aside the childhood anger that still lurked within him towards her, reminding himself that she was only looking out for Delilah and he should be glad of that, but he couldn't help being annoyed that once more she was intruding on things that were none of her business. He inwardly sighed; this was not going to end well.

"Can't we just have a little longer?" Oren pleaded running up to his father; Rascal sitting next to Airyl his huge eyes as pleading as Oren's.

"Later, I promise."

Jayden hunkered down catching Oren's attention. "Lady Delilah could really use some help with her sword work, do you think you could help her until I come back?"

Puffing up his chest slightly Oren nodded, darting over to where Delilah was practicing with a dummy, grinning in delight as she agreed to spar with him.

Fergus chuckled softly. "You have quite the way with him."

Jayden simply smiled. "You wanted to speak to me about something my Lord?"

"Yes, come with me."

As he followed Fergus's swift stride, Airyl at his side; Jayden noticed the tension in the way held himself and wondered if he should simply tell him the truth of himself. However if this was about Delilah the situation would be no different, they were not yet married and he imagined they would be just as concerned for her virtue whether he was William or Jayden. Yet the thought of telling the truth was deeply appealing, but Anora was already furious with him and he had no wish to destroy what little relationship might be salvaged by being at odds with her again. He wondered if perhaps he should go to Denerim, Cailan was well and safe and Rathnal had Alistair, Aedan and the others. He finally acknowledged the deep ache within him for his father and his need to find a way to make things right with Anora and while he would miss Delilah, their separation would not be forever. The thought of reuniting with his father made him smile, his momentary joy turning to anxiety as they entered the study and he realised they would not be alone for this meeting or whatever it was, watching Fergus move over to Cailan and Teagan who were giving him a searching look. If they were going to punish him for kissing Delilah he wished they would just say so instead of this tormenting silence, but he was damned if he was going to be the first to speak. He glanced down to Airyl who looked up, brushing her nose against his fingers, as always glad of her presence.

"Please sit down Captain." Teagan stated.

Anxiety building at the formality Jayden took the seat nearest to him and a little away from the three men. "My Lord is something wrong?"

"A great many things it would seem." Teagan stated with a sigh. "Far beyond any I ever imagined."

Jayden frowned slightly, if this was about Delilah he was sounding a little over dramatic and he had never pegged Teagan as one for dramatics.

"My Lord I …"

"Stop, just stop!" Fergus snapped. "We know the truth, Anora told me. I cannot bear this subservience from you. You are Jayden Mac Tir, you are of noble birth, a future Teyrn for Makers sake!" He bit his lip realising how loud his voice had been, thankful they were having this meeting in a room where no-one should be able to hear them.

Jayden stared at him hard pressed to keep a neutral expression, only managing it through Warin's exhaustive training. He couldn't imagine Anora telling anyone, wondering if perhaps Cailan had remembered something and they were testing the waters. He wanted to admit the truth, but he hadn't hidden for this long just to come out with it because of a suspicion. "I'm afraid you're mistaken my Lord."

Staring at him stunned Fergus felt as though he had been punched in the gut, Jayden clearly didn't trust them. "I assure you Anora did give me this information. You father received a threat on your life not long after your mother …" He hesitated seeing no hint of anything in his gaze, feeling sickened that he had been forced to hide all of who he was even from those who cared for him. "After she returned to the Maker you travelled with Arl Howe and Warin to the Free Marches where your identity was changed and you returned a short time later to Amaranthine as William." When Jayden still said nothing Fergus felt his frustration rise. "Damn it what reason have I given that you do not trust me?"

Glancing to all three men Jayden sighed softly. "Were I actually Jayden Mac Tir as you believe, could you honestly expect me to just acknowledge who I am if I have been hiding all these years as you suggest?" He swallowed uneasily as Cailan approached him.

"I am your King; you will tell me the truth!" Cailan felt a surge of shock at his hesitation. "The truth!" He demanded.

Letting out a huff of breath Jayden held Cailan's piercing gaze. "I have not been Jayden Mac Tir in six years."

Cailan slumped back against the desk. "So it is true. You are my wife's brother."

Meeting his gaze Jayden nodded slightly. "There was a time, before your injury when you called me brother too."

"Is that why you saved me?"

"You are my King; as a soldier I am sworn to protect you, but more than that you are family."

"I am so sorry I do not remember you." Cailan whispered his gut churning.

"It's not so bad, you were furious with me before your injury." He shrugged at Cailan's curious expression. "A difference in opinion; when you remember I am sure we will discuss it at length."

"Indeed."

Fergus slowly rubbed his chin. "I … I owe you an apology." He sighed at Jayden's confused look. "For Ostagar; for firing the trebuchets when you tackled that Alpha."

"You did what you had to do. Besides I didn't expect to survive, I was surrounded and wounded and I had an explosive flask and intended to take as many with me as I could. I didn't get the chance, you did what I intended." He smiled slightly as Fergus slumped into a seat. "I'm a soldier not the boy you knew."

"I need to keep reminding myself of that." Fergus shook his head. "I wish we could tell Aedan and Ellowyn; they will kill me when they find out I knew about you."

Shifting uncomfortably Jayden decided it would be better to reveal the truth. "They already know; as does Ali, Rath, Warin obviously and … and Delilah." He winced as all three men stared at him.

"But not Thomas?" Fergus asked, determined he was going to have several words with his siblings.

"If he does he has never said anything. So many people know now maybe I should just come clean about who I am."

"Have you forgotten there are Orlesian assassins looking for you?" Fergus snapped.

"I'm hardly likely to forget." Jayden stated icily, softening his gaze slightly at Fergus's embarrassed look.

Teagan cleared his throat to break the tension. "May I ask how they know?"

"Ali realised when he saw the scar on my chest during that incident with Ser Hector."

"Ah of course." Teagan nodded remembering the lash Jayden had taken in Alistair's stead.

"And Ali of course had to tell Aedan and Ell. I um … well I wrote to Lyra, Zef and Rath letting them know about my glimpse of the Blight so they could prepare. I wrote in code so Anora wouldn't be able to tell the true message, they just looked like normal letters."

"So Zef and Lyra know too." Fergus stated. "And Anora never knew?"

"I think she suspected Ali, Aedan and Ell knew after Ali got married. He sent William an invitation but not Jayden. A bit of an oversight on his part though I can hardly blame him, he had other things on his mind. That's why she had me reassigned to Ostagar; I think I was becoming a bit of a thorn in her side in Denerim."

"And what about Delilah?" Cailan demanded.

"She came to me at Lothering, said she knew who I was. She said Anora gave it away by the way she looked at me at Nate … at his memorial." He idly thought that Anora would be furious she had let her mask slip in public.

Cailan frowned and glanced to Fergus who suddenly looked unwell. "Who is this Nate?"

"Delilah and Thomas's older brother." Jayden stated softly. "He … he and his wife were killed by bandits in the Free Marches."

"Did I know him?"

Fergus nodded wondering how much he had known before his injury of Nathaniel and Anora's feelings for each other.

Shaking his head Cailan huffed in frustration. "I need my memories back."

Jayden glanced at all three men. "So what now?"

"Now there is something I need to tell you." Fergus stated forcing down his discomfort. "I am afraid Anora is compromised by blood magic."

"What would make you suspect that?" Jayden gasped, his mind racing.

"She knows about Howe's mage. Knew Howe had a blood mage before he attacked Highever! Before he had his men enthralled to kill me and my family."

The colour drained from Jayden's face and he unconsciously gripped the arms of the chair.

Fergus wanted to tell him about what had happened to Ellowyn, but she had made him promise not to tell anyone, she would do it when she was ready. "I do need to tell you something else. Howe is blaming my father for the threat on your life." He didn't think Jayden could look any paler, but he was suddenly afraid he was going to faint.

Jayden forced himself to meet Fergus's gaze realising with horror that whatever was going on, Howe had attacked the Cousland family to find favour with his.

"You have to believe my father would never do this." Fergus pleaded.

"Your father risked his life to save mine on that ship. The world could turn inside out and I would still never believe he would threaten my life."

Relief coursed through him and Fergus was glad he was sitting, his legs feeling like jelly. "I do not pretend to know Arl Howe's motivations, but one suspicion is that he is also enthralled by this mage and is a slave to Orlais."

Jayden glanced at him his stomach churning painfully, forcing himself to be clinical to discern the threads bringing together this plot. "I suppose that might explain why he would attack your family; that is more than enough to destabilize our country, especially now. As for Anora and my father you need have no fears about them becoming enthralled. Like me they are immune to the effects of blood magic meant to affect the mind. I suppose they could be tortured physically, but the effects of that would be more obvious and would have to be hidden. Which begs the question why has she not informed the Templars? Perhaps she hopes to get something on the Arl to bring him down. Does my father know?"

"I am not sure; I was too angry to ask more appropriate questions."

"I am sorry and I know Anora will be too."

Fergus nodded, the death of his parents robbing him of speech for a moment.

"How are you all immune?" Cailan asked gently, hoping to give Fergus time he clearly needed.

"A gift given to an ancestor of my father that flows through the blood line. Both my father and I proved it with the Warden blood mage at Ostagar; I see no reason to believe that Anora would be any different."

Clearing his throat Fergus focused once more on Jayden. "She wants you to return to Denerim where she can keep you safe."

Jayden frowned slightly doubting his sister's animosity had changed so much, seeing something else in Fergus's gaze. "What you really mean is that she wants one of the runestones so you can have a convenient way to communicate."

"That as well." Fergus admitted. "But she does want you to be safe."

Jayden kept a tight hold on the disbelieving retort that sprang to mind. "It does make sense to take her a runestone." He mused. "Though I think it is just as important for you to be able to communicate with the Wardens."

Fergus sighed. "The only other Crystals used for communication I know of are in Highever and Gwaren, neither of which we have access to and despite the Warden Commander's best efforts the Circle is of no help."

"Perhaps the dwarves can help." Teagan stated. "I believe the Warden Commander intends to travel there to invoke the treaty."

"It is worth a try." Fergus stated looking less than hopeful.

"I know someone in Orzammar who might be able to help." Jayden stated thoughtfully. "Shaperate Selac is a friend of Brother Genitivi. I met him while in Orzammar researching; I'm sure he would meet with me."

"Which means you would need to go to Orzammar."

"Yes." Jayden noted Fergus's frown, but held his tongue.

"Two of the Wardens are from Orzammar are they not? Could they not find out if the communication devices can be obtained?"

"Possibly." Jayden conceded. "However they left Orzammar under difficult circumstances, we have no idea how they will be received should they return. I could go to Denerim straight from Orzammar. If successful I could send the means of communication to you and take the other to Denerim, if not I take my runestone."

"No." Cailan stated firmly.

Glancing to him startled Jayden pushed aside the flare of anxiety in the pit of his stomach. "You wish me to leave for Denerim immediately then?"

"You are not going anywhere near Denerim; at least not until we are all going." Cailan stated firmly.

"Might I ask why?"

"Because whether Anora is enthralled or not, Howe very well might be and he knows who you are. You going to Denerim could have you walking right into Orlesian hands."

"Then why haven't they come for …" Jayden hesitated thinking of the First Warden's demands and how allied he supposedly was to the Empress. "If they already know who I am it seems foolish to remain in this guise."

"We cannot know for certain who knows." Fergus cautioned. "None of us might like it, but for the moment you must remain William."

"Then I hope you are all good with secrets, because if any of you slip up I will no longer have the option to remain hidden." He watched all three men pale at the burden they had taken on. "Speak to Warin he can help with making sure you think of me as William. In the meantime, if I'm not here there is less chance of one of you slipping up. Besides, Anora may hate me, but I don't think she would leave me to the mercy of assassins."

"Anora does not hate you." Fergus stated gently.

"She made her feelings towards me very clear some time ago; you have no need to coddle me."

"She and your father thought you were killed at Ostagar until they received your letter. Believing someone dead has a way of changing your perspective." He sighed. "Listen I am not prepared to risk your safety."

"Why? Because I am nobility, the son of a Teyrn, the Queen's brother? You think any of this is less risky than Ostagar?" He gave Fergus the hard look he saved for soldiers who had angered him. "I was shown this Blight and I will not stay behind these walls or any other walls. I will fight until this Blight is ended or death finally claims me. Do I make myself clear?"

Sighing Fergus shook his head. "You do, but you cannot blame me for wanting to keep you safe."

"Then we have a problem because I am a soldier, not the son of a Teyrn you knew as a child. We have no connection and you really need to remember that." He bit his lip at Fergus's hurt look.

Cailan cleared his throat to intervene in the tension that was yet again building between the two men. "I think it is a good idea for you to go with the Wardens; I am sure the Warden Commander would have no objections. You after all were working closely with them before the Blight from all I have heard and I agreed with it then. I see no reason to change my stance now and there is less chance of us slipping up, at least initially, as you say Warin can help us to prepare for your return. Just be careful."

"Of course and there is also another option for means of communication; we take back Highever." He met Fergus's gaze seeing the desire to do just that.

Forcing himself to remain as objective as he could Fergus let out a huff of breath. "We have heard nothing regarding Highever which means no-one is getting out, so I highly doubt anyone can get in."

Jayden chewed his lip thoughtfully. "There is always a way and if we cannot obtain what we need from Orzammar we should consider Highever. If you take the Teyrner back, it is rightfully yours after all, that is less power in Arl Howe's hands and if he is allied with Orlais, we need to make sure Highever's port is not being used to allow Orlesian troops into the country."

Fergus paled. "Maker I had not considered that possibility. Teagan, can we send a raven to Bann Alfstanna? She should be in Waking Sea, mother … she would normally visit her at this time of year before Alfstanna makes a trip to Denerim next month. They were close, she will help us if she can, at the very least she may have information we can use."

"Very well." Teagan stated. "I think it would be better if I write to her in case it is intercepted by Howe's men."

All four silently prayed that the army at the border was not a distraction for one massing by sea.

"There is another problem, how are we going to pay for the means to communicate if the dwarves can help us?" Fergus muttered.

"I did bring back quite a bit of coin from the dragon cult." Jayden reminded them.

"Then I think it's about time we saw this treasure of yours." Fergus stated curiously as he stood.

"I gave it to you remember; apart from the chest of scrolls."

"Come on we can discuss who it belongs to later." Teagan stated with a shake of his head, leading them down into the basement and to the vault. "Sweet Maker." He whispered as he opened the vault door, seeing chests of coin as well as armour and weapons unlike any he had seen before. "They had all of this?"

"This was just what was outside of the Temple."

Frowning slightly Cailan gazed at the sheer amount. "Why would they have it outside? Were they not concerned it would be stolen?"

Jayden kept his expression neutral. "I don't think they were worried about it, they did worship a dragon after all." He felt Fergus's gaze fix on him inwardly sighing; he was going to have to do something about Fergus's guilt that he was sure was behind the tension between them.

"Ellowyn told me how you all sneaked passed the dragon, then they left and you and a few others stayed on. Tell me you did not fight a dragon to get this." Fergus demanded.

"Of course not; I've never fought a dragon in my life. The dragon left and Delilah discovered the treasure after that."

Fergus sighed in relief. "Well I suppose that is something."

xXx

Little over an hour later Teagan, Cailan and Fergus were once more sitting in the study, Jayden having returned to the training yard.

Cailan felt Fergus's hard stare and sighed. "I did not wish to go against you Fergus, but it makes sense for him to go to Orzammar."

"Does it? You were vocal enough about him not going to Denerim."

"Orzammar is hardly going to be the danger Denerim is."

"Cailan!"

"Fine, I want to spend time with my son and I want to do that without feeling guilty, which I am unlikely to be able to do with my wife's brother near me!"

Teagan sighed softly. "Cailan I understand you want to spend time with your son, perhaps if you explained, he is a smart young man and will not remain in the dark about it forever."

"I just want a little time with my son first. Maker knows how he will react when he finds out I betrayed his sister and have a child with another woman."

"I imagine he will be as protective of Gawain as we all are." Teagan stated. "But I understand your hesitancy."

Fergus leaned forward on the chair. "I suspect you want to spend time with Rosslyn as well."

"She is the mother of my child Fergus."

"Indeed."

"I … Maker I did not even know I had a wife; I feel nothing when I think of the name Anora and yet I knew Rosslyn's name." He rubbed his forehead. "What does that mean?"

Teagan gently patted his shoulder. "It means that you have recalled an intense and happy memory. Your memories of late with Anora have been difficult if not painful, perhaps it is no wonder you would remember Rosslyn over Anora, but Cailan despite your problems she is your wife and Ferelden's Queen."

"I know, Maker I know I just … I will tell him, but after he returns from Orzammar."

xXx

Hearing riders approach the gates Jayden saw the party led by Rathnal, even from this distance he could see the stress of events at the Circle had taken their toll, but felt relieved to see Reece and Simon. He turned hearing a delighted gasp from Oren.

"Uncle Dan!" Turning to Jayden he hopped from foot to foot in excitement. "May I please go and see him?"

Smiling Jayden nodded taking the practice sword from him. "You're dismissed."

Saluting Oren signalled to Rascal the pair racing across the courtyard.

Aedan grinned as Oren flung himself against him, Rascal and Hunter greeting each other like boisterous pups.

"You have him well trained." Delilah mused approaching Jayden as he put the practice swords back on the rack.

"The salute was all Oren." Jayden stated with a chuckle. "Coming to see the Wardens?"

Seeing Morrigan she thought better of joining him. "I think I will continue to practice. I will see you later." She felt her stomach flutter at his smile, watching as he sprinted over to the gates smiling as he and Rathnal clasped arms before hugging, feeling her gut churn as he greeted Morrigan, as surprised as she imagined Jayden was as the witch hugged him. Delilah would have assumed it was to annoy her, but for the genuine distress in her expression. She continued to watch them trying to make out what Morrigan was saying, but she appeared to be denying her agitation. Delilah glanced to the sword in her hand wondering what game Morrigan was playing.

Hurrying across the courtyard, Matthew at his side, Dylan slipped through the group gripping Reece's arm and pulling him to one side. "Are you alright?"

"Not really." Reece murmured. "We need to talk, but not here." He noticed Dylan's glare in Simon's direction and gripped his arm. "Don't Dylan."

"After what he did …"

"He had orders and he thought he was saving me." He winced at Dylan's astonished stare. "Look Dylan a lot has happened."

"It must have."

Sighing Reece looked at him miserably. "Please Dylan just let me speak to Will and then I will explain."

"Alright." He glanced to Matthew and Simon who had moved away from the group a frustrated look on Matthew's face as Simon refused to say anything until they were in private, noting Reece straightening as the Warden's headed inside.

"It's good to have you back Reece." Jayden stated clasping his arm, turning and greeting Simon who had approached, worrying about the haunted look neither of them could hide. "Get settled then I would like to debrief with you both."

"Yes Captain." They both stated, neither looking forward to speaking about what had happened.

Nodding to Matthew and Dylan the pair took control of their fellows leading them inside to a private room, moments later Wynne and Robert joining them.

Wynne paled as Reece explained the chaos Uldred had brought to the Circle. "That madman! I should have gone with the Wardens to the Circle; I should have …"

"There is no point in second guessing yourself and honestly you didn't want to see that." Reece muttered, glancing to Robert who had slid down the wall and was sitting on the floor staring blankly at his hands. "Robert?"

"I'm fine." He croaked, relief that he hadn't returned to the Circle mixed with grief and horror making him feel sick.

Matthew turned to Simon. "Who survived?"

Rubbing his forehead Simon sighed. "I'm not sure, we left before the … the bodies were identified."

"Knight Captain Dominic?" Matthew almost whispered; as Simon shook his head he slumped into a seat.

"I know you looked up to him."

"He was my cousin." Matthew whispered. "We didn't say anything because I didn't want anyone to think he would show me favouritism." He sighed painfully. "Do you … do you know what happened to him?"

"Matthew …"

"Please Simon."

"He … he …"

"He withstood the demons to the end." Reece stated feeling his stomach clench.

"So he was tortured then?"

"I'm sorry." Simon murmured feeling choked with guilt.

"And you?" Matthew asked gently meeting Simon's reluctant gaze.

"I'm fine."

Matthew was about to press him but saw the look in Simon's gaze and knew they would speak in private.

Dylan worried at his lip. "Reece what about Harin, Karl and Sam?"

"Karl and Sam survived. I'm sorry but Harin was killed by an abomination."

Paling Dylan nodded the elderly mage whose only real joys had been his plants and sleeping had not deserved such a fate.

"Karl beat a demon to death to save Sam." Reece whispered.

"That's impossible!" Wynne gasped. "Tranquil are incapable of violence."

"Well clearly not."

"A Tranquil cannot be possessed and yet …" Wynne worried at her lip; was it possible that a spirit of Justice or Command perhaps had helped him.

"Maker knows what they will do to him." Dylan uttered in horror.

Swallowing down her self-revulsion Wynne steadied herself. "They will need to be sure he is not a danger."

"You mean they will torture him!" Dylan snarled.

"As a Tranquil …"

"Don't!" Dylan snapped at Wynne. "Don't you dare say he won't feel it the way we would."

"Well of course he will; he just won't carry it the way we might."

"Oh and that makes it alright then!"

Matthew glanced to Simon who was looking slightly sick. They both knew given the circumstances those left in the Circle would likely face harsh times, particularly with Dominic gone who had always been a calming and balancing influence.

"Perhaps it would be sensible for you to rest." Wynne stated directing her gaze to Reece and Simon. "I will keep myself available should you wish to talk. Robert perhaps you would like to come with me."

"No thanks, I think I will just stay here for a while." He could feel Wynne's disapproval, but simply didn't care.

"As you wish."

Reece sighed in relief when she left. "There are times when I can't stand that woman." He glanced to Simon. "If you need any more healing …"

"I'm fine." Simon stated bluntly.

Dylan took Reece's arm. "Come on, let's get you settled you are sharing a room with Robert and myself just across the hall. Come on Robert." He couldn't help smiling as Robert immediately got to his feet following them out.

Turning to Simon when the mages had left Matthew frowned. "What happened to you?"

Shuddering painfully Simon felt his tightly held composure crack, a tearful whimper breaking free from his lips. "I have never felt so afraid."

Sinking onto the seat next to him Matthew remained silent as Simon spilled out everything that had happened, gently holding him when he broke down unable to speak anymore. Words were insufficient but he spoke regardless, promising Simon he would always have his back.

Shuddering Simon nodded choking back tears. "I have to speak to the Captain soon. I … what I did at Ostagar …"

"Explain your orders; your intention to save Reece not hurt him. Be honest and he will understand."

"Will he? Matthew I can't go back there, to the Circle I mean. Everything I saw, everything that happened … I wish I had died at Ostagar."

"You don't mean that you are just hurting right now."

"I do mean it Matthew. That demon haunts my sleep, I feel tainted, as though I will never be clean again."

"You held out Simon, you didn't succumb to the demon. You fought it every step of the way."

"If I'd stayed with Dominic and Cullen, if I …"

"Stop you can't do this to yourself. Those children needed to be protected, they are innocent. You followed your orders, did your duty." He winced at Simon's empty gaze. "Dominic and Cullen were experienced Templars and those children needed protection. I would have done exactly what you did."

"You don't need to try and make me feel better."

"I'm not. I'm trying to make you understand what happened is Uldred's doing and every damn mage that stood with him, not yours."

"They enthralled so many of our Order, how is that possible? I saw Templars kill each other, saw them obey the commands of demons. Maker we are supposed to be so devout, so strong and yet we fell so easily."

"Not all." Matthew stated firmly. "I know it's hard to put aside the horror and pain, but you were never sure about yourself as a Templar, not truly I think, but now you know. Now you know that you can stand up to demons and blood mages and not falter in duty or in resolve." He smiled at Simon's astonished expression. "I am proud to call you a brother Templar." He felt Simon's need to protest and hushed him. "I mean what I say you know that; now bathe and have some food before you meet with Will."

Simon nodded wearily, grateful for Matthew's support, suspecting he would get a very different response from the Captain.

xXx

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