"Is there no end to these bloody things!" Ayanna snarled, driving her staff into the ground sending a surge of energy that threw back the Darkspawn surrounding her.

"Almost there." Aedan muttered gritting his teeth pushing them forward towards the small group ahead who were trying valiantly to hold back the Darkspawn; Hunter darting around them driving the spawn back, his muzzle wet with blood.

"Now Perin!" Ayanna yelled, squinting as the area around the surrounded men flashed with a brilliant light, blinking rapidly and rushing forward as the momentarily stunned Darkspawn screeched in pain and shock making many of them easy pickings. She glanced back to Perin who was on the ground coughing painfully blood dripping from his nose, but he got up moving after them. The spell was taking too much of a toll on him, but it wasn't something she had been able to replicate yet. Biting her lip she resolved the spell would only be used in dire circumstances, telling herself that this was one of them.

Staggering forward Perin glanced to Rory who gripped his arm stopping him from falling. Wiping the blood from his face he gave a weary smile. "For a man who used to be very uncomfortable with mages you aren't doing too bad these days."

"Well that happens when mages repeatedly save your life." Rory muttered, pulling him back from the arc of a Darkspawn blade, driving his sword into its chest.

"I'd say we are about even."

"You need to rest."

"Then let's get this fight finished." He glanced to his right as Peter raced passed hurtling into the Darkspawn heading for them sending them sprawling to the ground slitting their throats with practiced accuracy. Realising all of the spawn were dead, Perin gave a relieved sigh, barely aware of Rory grabbing him as his knees buckled and he briefly lost consciousness.

"He shouldn't have done that bloody spell it takes too much out of him." Peter growled hurrying to help, knowing in truth they hadn't had much of a choice and without Perin they and the group they had been trying to reach would have been overrun.

"He's tough." Rory murmured, nodding to Ayanna and Aedan to reassure them they would take care of Perin. "Let's hope they are not bandits after all of this."

"Aedan! Aedan Cousland!" Cormac, the second youngest son of Arl Wulff, gasped rushing forward and grasping Aedan's arm. "Damn it's good to see you. Those bloody things came out of no-where." He glanced back at the men with him. "Roldon is injured but not too badly, you remember my younger brother, he had taken something of a shine to your lovely sister."

Aedan nodded remembering all too well Ellowyn politely rebuffing his advances before thoroughly beating him in a contest of dual blades.

"Roldon hasn't been quite the same since, very polite to young ladies these days."

"Glad to hear it."

"Well you saved our necks and no mistake, come, father will want to speak to you, these attacks are more numerous than the damn Avar and Chasined combined!"

xXx

Shifting slightly on the saddle Aedan saw the Arl's estate come into view; with the backdrop of forest and mountains it looked stunning in the golden glow of the setting sun. Yet to the south he saw clear signs of fighting, trees burnt and toppled, the signs of decay in the Wilds beginning to reach the border of the Arling. He stared at the dark skies over the Wilds wondering how long it would be before they covered all of southern Ferelden. His fists gripped the reins tightly, they couldn't let that happen. Forcing himself to focus as they entered the courtyard, he watched Gallager Wulff himself approaching and greeting his youngest sons, speaking to them while they dismounted.

Moving to the Wardens, Arl Wulff grasped Ayanna's hand. "You have my thanks for rescuing my two youngest sons. They told me without your intervention they would not have survived." He nodded to Aedan in acknowledgement.

"We were tracking the Darkspawn who attacked them; I am just glad we reached them in time." Ayanna stated wishing she wasn't covered in Darkspawn blood.

"As am I. Come now, you are welcome in my home; you shall rest, baths will be provided then we shall eat and talk."

xXx

Little over an hour later when everyone was seated at the table, Arl Wulff stood and raised his tankard. "To the timely intervention of the Wardens and the safe return of my sons Roldon and Cormac." Everyone drank and Wulff settled back down. "Now Warden Constable Ayanna, you said you were tracking the Darkspawn. I've had some refugees here, but I sent them north to Redcliffe; this is not the first attack by those damn creatures."

"Perhaps it would be wise to evacuate your people." Ayanna suggested cautiously.

"We have been fighting the Chasined and Avar for years, we are no strangers to bloody conflict here and such circumstances breed great warriors." He glanced at his eldest two sons proudly. "The Darkspawn will not destroy my lands so easily."

"My Lord I urge you to reconsider." Aedan stated meeting the Arl's gaze. "The Darkspawn are too numerous in the Wilds; you cannot hope to hold them off."

Sighing Wulff ran his fingers through his hair. "I have heard of the death of your parents Aedan. I don't believe this hogwash about them being traitors though. Arl Howe has much to answer for."

"Yes, he does."

"And you are a Warden?"

"I am, the price the former Warden Commander extracted to help me get my brother's wife and son to safety."

Wulff rubbed his chin through his beard and nodded. "Terrible times indeed. There will be a Landsmeet eventually, your parents were good honest folk so you can be sure I will stand for your family when the time comes."

"I … thank you Arl Wulff."

"It is little enough, I had great respect for your parents and you saved two of my sons this day." He glanced at his daughter who whispered in his ear, hesitating and then nodding. "Very well tomorrow I will make preparations to send those unable to fight, the young and the elderly north, but tonight eat, drink." He gaze locked with Aedan. "And let us drink to Arl Howe being brought to justice."

Aedan raised his cup and drank, knowing if he had anything to do with it, Rendon Howe would be long dead before he could be brought before the Landsmeet.

xXx

Watching the last of the sun's rays vanish into darkness Eleon turned to Rendon who was still pacing in front of the fire and had yet to speak. "You seem tense my Lord."

Rendon glanced to her his frown deepening. "Loghain finally told me Jayden is alive."

"So he trusts you then?"

"I am not sure given he had no choice in telling me of his son." Placing the parchment he was holding on the desk between them; he tapped it to draw her attention.

Eloen stared at the face scanning the words beneath. "This is … unexpected."

"Indeed, however the opportunity it presents is priceless. Imagine what I can do with Andraste's Champion under my control and it will make it easier for the nobles to accept him as their King. We must be cautious, but this could work beautifully in my favour. However, I have heard disconcerting rumours that the boy is resistant to magic to alter the mind. If true, this ruins everything!"

"There are always ways around such things."

"Such as?"

"You have the collar from Magister Danarius do you not?"

Rendon raised an eyebrow. "I thought that depleted strength."

"It does, along with will and if used in conjunction with magic it should be enough, the boy is no mage, he will succumb."

"You are sure?"

"Perhaps you could discuss it with Magister Danarius to ease your concerns."

Rendon slowly rubbed his chin. "I will consult him."

Eloen shivered in anticipation; as Andraste's Champion he would have a direct link to the Chantry, she would be able to gain access to the Grand Cleric and perhaps even the Divine herself. She held in her excitement, it would never do to have the Arl suspicious of her motives, but hope blossomed within her of a future without fear of the Chantry and the Templar Order, where Anders was avenged and she was finally reunited with Jowan. For now however there were other matters that took precedence, Rendon had plans for Denerim and with the current Arl for the moment at least eager to take on board his guidance, all was progressing as he wished. She thought about his plans for the Alienage, she cared little for the elves there, they would care nothing for her and while the thought of slavery was distasteful to her, perhaps it was time others had a taste of what she and her fellow mages had, had to endure. She turned her mind to other matters, the inhabitants of the Alienage were of no concern to her, they would all be on Tevinter ships or dead by the end of the year and she didn't care which.

xXx

Yawning loudly Zef turned slightly in bed gazing at his wife unable to stop himself smiling. He hated Denerim, hated the level of prejudice elves faced here, but he loved Shianni and he had made many friends and as a Night Elf he was making a difference in this community of which he was now a part. He was still smiling when she opened her eyes.

Returning his smile Shianni slipped her legs out of bed laughing as Zef caught her waist, wrapping his arm around her and kissing her neck. "Zef we will be late."

"Don't care." He mumbled as he nibbled on her ear.

Grinning Shianni turned and pushed him back on the bed, not caring in the least herself.

Darrien raised an eyebrow as the tousled pair finally turned up at the Night Elf base, but they looked so happy he couldn't bring himself to say anything.

Pushing herself away from the wall Kara grinned. "Well we all know what you two have been up to." She smirked as they both flushed. "But now you're finally here, before we start our usual catchup, I have some information I think you will want to know." She placed the poster on the bench grinning at their startled looks.

Shaking his head Zef grinned to himself delighted his friend still lived.

"I can't believe he is still alive." Darrien stated with a grin. "Damn Andraste's Champion, nothing will stop him now."

Kara shifted slightly. "I would imagine Vaughan will have a good go, so I need you all to be cautious. I imagine he will try to destroy anything Will had a hand in; so I suggest we make some contingency plans just in case he gets it into his head to start causing trouble again."

Darrien nipped his lower lip in concern, Kara was right and the last thing they wanted was the renewed attention of Denerim's new Arl.

xXx

Tearing the parchment off the Chantry board Vaughan glared at the poster in fury. "That bastard lives and they've made him a damn Champion!" His eyes narrowed hatred burning through him, storming back to the estate kicking a cat who was cleaning itself in a patch of sunlight, knocking aside a group of elderly women, ignoring their disgruntled cries. Slamming the door of the study shut behind him he poured himself a brandy glaring at his hand shaking from rage. Downing the drink, he coughed violently kicking the chair away from him glaring at a map of the city on the wall. Turning sharply as the door opened, he forced himself to calm as he saw Rendon; he didn't want another lecture on not losing his temper. The long game was all well and good, but sometimes he just wanted to destroy things.

"You seem disturbed." Rendon stated helping himself to a drink and sitting in a comfortable chair. He raised an eyebrow at the crumpled poster Vaughan passed to him. "Ah yes, you two do have something of a history."

"I want him dead." Vaughan snarled.

"I need him alive." He smiled at the young man's shocked expression.

"What use could he possibly be?"

"All in good time. For now, all you need to know is William's fate will greatly affect your own."

"I don't understand." He hesitated at Rendon's look and took a calming breath. "But you haven't steered me wrong so far. Though I cannot promise I won't rough him up a considerable amount when he returns to Denerim."

Rendon smiled slightly. "I need him functional in all ways, as long as you do nothing permanent a little 'roughing up' as you call it could be useful. There must be no connection to you if this is to work. You need someone who wants your favour, who isn't too bright to bring him to you."

"Harris fits the bill. He is desperate to get in my good graces and he's an idiot. Useful at times, but an idiot and he hates William too."

"Excellent, I will leave you to work out the details. Remember I need him to function in all ways, do not get carried away."

"I can hurt him without permanent damage." Vaughan grumbled. "But I want him to know who did it, I suppose you will want me to wear a bloody mask."

Rendon gave a wide smile, any harm committed by Vaughan could be adjusted to appear to have been committed by someone else. Whoever stood in his way at the time would suffice. "That Vaughan is the beauty, once my … associate is finished with him he will believe someone else harmed him and into the bargain he will do whatever I tell him."

Vaughan shifted nervously, he knew about the mage, but it was the first time Rendon had hinted at blood magic. He hated the Captain and he couldn't imagine what use Rendon had for him, but blood magic chilled him. He hid his anxiety with a smile, he had no intention of falling foul to the mages magic himself.

"Make sure Harris is discreet Vaughan, no-one is to know he is brought here, that would complicate things and make the situation infinitely more difficult for my associate to remedy."

"Understood." He imagined altering one mind was difficult enough, but an entire city, now that was power no mage should have.

xXx

Easing up from the floor her knees protesting, Sister Theohild looked once more at the statue of Andraste before walking slowly to the main office. The door was slightly ajar, Mother Perpetua and Grand Cleric Elemena talking softly. She hesitated hearing William's name, her eyes narrowing as she eased closer.

Shaking her head Mother Perpetua glanced at the parchment again, even now the likeness filling her with agitation. "Is it wise to give him such a title? Andraste's Champion is a position of power and respect and forgive me, but that boy …"

"What exactly do you have against the young man?" Elemena stated leaning back in the chair watching the Mother closely.

"He is a silver-tongued snake. Oh, he charmed everyone here, but in my soul, I know he has committed terrible sins, especially lying." She hesitated as Elemena sighed, surprised by the hint of sadness. "Do you know something about him?"

"I do and what I know will be revealed when the time is right. You are right, he has lied, but not without just cause. The greater sin has been against him and because of that we must ensure he takes the correct path. We must guide him." She met Perpetua's astonished gaze. "I ask this of you now so you have time to prepare, whatever dislike you have for him must be put to one side. He must be tied to the Chantry and I will expect you to help in that respect."

"Forgive me Grand Cleric, but why?"

Elemena glanced to the coded message she had received from Brother Genitivi, worrying that she had been premature in sending the letters to the Divine, Empress Celene and Mother Dorothea, but she could not afford the information reaching them from another source. She imagined the letters would have reached their destination by now. She leaned back in her chair pressing the pads of her fingertips together as they steepled beneath her chin, gazing at the poster that was being distributed throughout Ferelden. "Because that young man is a catalyst for change and that power must be used for the Chantry."

Theohild paled and slipped away from the door worrying at her lip. She believed with all her heart that her young friend was indeed being called to serve the Maker, but something about the Grand Cleric's tone made her fear for him. She had seen much in her long years and she was not blind to the failings of the Chantry, but as long as she lived, she would protect him if she could, but she knew she couldn't do it alone. Heading to her room and grabbing a cloak she slipped out, it was time to speak to Kara and hopefully get William a little leverage should he need it.

xXx

The service came to an end and Mother Dorothea watched the faithful leave to return to their homes, hopefully their burdens lightened by the light of the Maker. Kneeling before a statue of Andraste she bowed her head in prayer, suddenly aware of footsteps. Rising she turned, smiling at the young man who approached, he was dusty and clearly tired as he tried to stifle a yawn. "How may I help you young man?"

"I have a message from Grand Cleric Elemena for Reverend Mother Dorothea."

"I am she." Taking the parchment Dorothea smiled again. "Perhaps you would like some refreshments."

"Thank you but no Reverend Mother I have supplies and it is still a way to go to Val Royeaux."

"Of course, then I shall not keep you." As the young man left, she moved to a private room breaking the seal. Reading the letter Dorothea drew a long breath, this was not something she had anticipated, but perhaps it was why the information regarding the Ashes had been left with her, for without it they would never have been found. She sighed softly having imagined a power struggle between Orlais and Ferelden once the Ashes had been discovered, but for those who had braved the Gauntlet to have had actual contact with Holy Andraste was almost beyond comprehension. She knew who the Champion was of course, Erlina having sent a triple coded message long ago that she had destroyed immediately. Perhaps this was always to be your destiny young Lord, I do hope we meet one day. She stood, for now she needed to ensure Orlais did not incite a war and for that she needed to speak to the Divine, praying her journey would be swift and without obstacle and she would reach her before she acted upon the contents of the letter.

xXx

It was rare that Celene did not enjoy the delights of Val Royeaux, but the Summerday celebrations had come to an end and today her mind was distracted by the letter she had received from the Grand Cleric in Ferelden, a letter she had no doubt had also been sent to the Divine and was likely the reason her presence had been requested in the Grand Cathedral. That Andraste's Ashes had been discovered was astonishing in itself and she wondered at the timing. Whether they would remain in Ferelden would depend on guidance from the Divine, but this Champion business was an issue that needed immediate attention. For the Champion to be a Captain in the Ferelden army was intriguing and she wondered if this was the Queen's response to the army at the border, perhaps her attempt at a not so subtle threat. She left Briala, her Champion and guards in the entrance chamber, taking a calming breath as she followed a Mother waiting for her. She had expected the Divine to be sitting upon the Sunburst Throne, but instead she was taken to a room richly furnished, but far more comfortable and more to the point, far more private than the audience chamber. Celene met the gaze of Beatrix III noting she was looking a little frailer than at their last meeting; Seeker Pentaghast was also present and to the side sat a woman she believed to be Reverend Mother Dorothea, wondering why she would be present and why she was absent from her Chantry.

"Sit Celene." Beatrix stated.

While she bristled at the Divine's lack of formality and respect especially in front of a Mother and the Seeker, Celene chose a comfortable chair and settled herself.

The Divine met Celene's gaze. "You have received the correspondence from Grand Cleric Elemena I trust. You may speak openly, all in this room are aware of this particular development."

Celene raised an eyebrow wondering why a Mother would be involved in this. "I have Most Holy."

"I see from your expression that this news troubles you."

"Does it not trouble you? This so-called Champion could create a power shift."

"Should he survive the Blight we can deal with him then, should he not then it is not an issue. Let those in Ferelden find hope where they can."

"And assuming he survives? This will be a dangerous power for Ferelden to have."

The Divine met her piercing gaze. "Then perhaps my dear you should marry him."

Celene paled slightly noting the brief look of alarm on Dorothea's face. If she was against such a course and had any sway with the Divine, she could prove a useful ally. "You are suggesting I marry a common soldier?"

"I am suggesting you might consider marrying Andraste's Champion. What better way to influence him and bring Ferelden a step closer to being under your radiant rule? You, unlike Gaspard, have always favoured a more peaceful approach to bringing Ferelden into the Empire after all and peace is always my preference."

"I will not dilute the Lion blood with that of a Ferelden Commoner!"

"All Royal blood can be traced back to common origins and think of the political gain. Consider this, having the child of Andraste's Champion will likely secure your throne from those who would try to take it from you. Not only that but having the Champion on Orlesian soil will tip the balance in your favour I would imagine. I am sure you can persuade Queen Anora of the benefits of such an alliance and of course such a decision would have my full support."

Hiding the urge to scream Celene merely nodded remaining composed. She could not imagine Orlesian society accepting a Ferelden commoner as her husband, it would have been difficult enough to negotiate with Cailan. Yet if he truly was Andraste's chosen Champion the Divine was right, that was not something she could ignore. Perhaps he would die in the Blight and save her the horror of a completely inappropriate alliance, but if not, there were ways and means to shorten the life of a marriage.

"Consider your options carefully Celene, it would be such a shame if your enlightened rule was to be cut short over a trifle such as marriage. Luckily you have time, something not often afforded us. We will discuss this again I am sure."

"Indeed, Most Holy." Their brief meeting clearly at an end Celene stood and swept from the room, returning to her carriage deep in thought, glancing to Briala as she sat opposite her. "What do you know of Reverend Mother Dorothea?"

"She is adept in the Game and not someone to be trifled with lightly. She has also proven to have been helpful in the past. We have had aligned goals on occasion."

"You trust her?"

"As much as I trust anyone. She is dedicated to your rule, or has been until now."

"Very well I may need you to make contact with her regarding the matter of the Ashes and the Champion."

"I assume the Divine wishes an alliance."

"Indeed, she suggested one of marriage." She felt her heart skip as Briala paled, she would not give up her nights with her lover for any man.

"Marriage?"

"I want to know everything about this Champion, who he is, what he has done, his weaknesses, vulnerabilities. Everything Briala. I do not care if he has been chosen by Holy Andraste, I will not allow a common soldier to ruin my rule."

Briala met Celene's gaze but remained silent. This Champion would tip the scales to be certain, but she was not sure in whose favour they would go.

xXx

Beatrix stood and moved to the fire to hide her increasing alarm from Dorothea and her Right Hand as she found herself unable to remember what had been discussed in the meeting. Taking a few calming breaths, she clasped her hands to hide their tremble. "What do you think of the situation Dorothea?"

"It was certainly an interesting approach to take Most Holy."

"Tell me your thoughts."

"While I understand marriage between Andraste's Champion and the Empress would have its advantages, it may also have many disadvantages."

Feeling relief as the fogginess lifted Beatrix sighed softly. The episodes were becoming more frequent and while she knew she should consult a healer, there were few she truly trusted and this was not the time to send the Chantry into a spin. She simply could not stomach the inevitable power plays news of any ill health would instigate and of course she knew who she would appoint as her successor when the time came, but that was never a guarantee. Turning she met Dorothea's gaze. "In truth I stated it now as it may be the only way to avoid a war. The Ashes are sacred, that they have been discovered in Ferelden will be a sore point to many. As you know wars have started for far less. Marriage with this Champion may be the only way to soothe those with violent intentions."

"And if he does not survive?"

"We must pray that he does Dorothea, most fervently. Now there is another matter we must discuss." Beatrix signalled to Cassandra, one of the few people she trusted without reservation to join them. "This is a delicate matter and requires your utmost discretion."

"Of course." Dorothea listened in concern as the Divine spoke of her lapses in memory, the confusion that could grip her from nowhere and her fears for the Chantry were she to succumb to illness.

Maintaining a neutral expression Cassandra cleared her throat. "Perhaps Enchanter Galyan can help and you can be assured of his discretion Most Holy."

Nodding Beatrix sighed softly. "I believe that might be for the best. You will arrange it Cassandra."

"Of course, Most Holy."

"Should I succumb to this confusion and memory loss I wish you both to know that I wish my successor to be you Dorothea." She smiled at the shock in the Reverend Mothers eyes. "I do not intend to go for some time of course, but the Maker may have other intentions. It would be sensible to have plans in place should the Enchanter be unable to assist me."

Cassandra kept her face neutral; a delicate balance was held by the Divine and if her health was compromised it would have to be carefully managed. She glanced at Dorothea who was artfully keeping her look of concern to a minimum. She knew the Reverend Mother to be a good woman and one skilled in the Game, she would certainly be an interesting choice for Divine, but not an entirely popular one she suspected. She hoped Galyan could help, but she also knew the Divine was right and contingency plans needed to be made should the worst happen, for she knew all too well that even the most well thought out plans could be derailed.

xXx

Heart pounding, ducking a branch and catching herself as she slipped on a patch of wet leaves, Lenya hissed in pain as an arrow gashed her arm embedding in a tree just ahead of her. Ignoring the pain and the hot blood slipping down her arm Lenya hurled the slaver into a tree with her force magic. The man screamed as he was impaled giving away where they were to the others following. Sliding down a bank Lenya ran on, the moonlight flickering between the trees dappling the ground with faint light and shifting shadows. Fenris should have been here by now and she cursed herself that she had mis-stepped somehow.

Spinning at the sound of a twig snapping she snarled as five more slavers appeared. Her eyes widened and she sucked in a sharp breath as she saw a slaver spasm in pain before collapsing to the ground, Fenris behind him, the tattoo's glowing and the man's heart in his hand. She watched in awe as the four remaining slavers turned on him, but they didn't stand a chance. Fenris was as graceful as he was deadly, each movement maximising the potential of death to his targets. Unconsciously Lenya gripped her staff tighter and moved back as Fenris moved towards her, breathing a little easier as the glow dimmed and a neutral expression replaced his snarl.

"You are hurt."

"Obviously." Lenya snapped, the unexpected wound deep and bleeding profusely.

"It will require stitches unless you have … magic."

Lenya scowled as he spat the last word. "My mana is exhausted, but I will manage." Hearing running water she followed the sound finding a small stream, feeling her heart thud as Fenris followed. She had engineered this true, needed him, but she knew how dangerous he was and with his tattoos he was a formidable foe, even for her. "Leave me be." She snapped.

Hesitating Fenris shifted slightly, he wanted nothing more than to walk away, but his dreams had been plagued with this woman and he could not leave without at least knowing her wound had been dealt with.

"Why are you still here? Why did you come to my aid? You despise mages, I see it in your eyes."

"Magic has taken everything from me." Fenris snarled, struggling to remain calm. "It continues to take from me, I have no peace because of magic, but that does not mean I am without a conscience!"

Lenya met his furious gaze startled as she felt herself soften a fraction towards him. She steeled herself, he was a tool, nothing more. "Magic has taken much from me too and because of it I have a burden that is almost too much to bear." Kneeling down she began cleaning the wound, grimacing at the pain. She flinched as Fenris knelt beside her, watching as he silently cleaned the wound, almost surprised by the neat stitches before he covered it in a bandage. "I … I am harsh out of necessity, but I thank you for your help. It occurs to me that we appear to have a common enemy. Perhaps for a short time at least it might behove us to pool our resources." She felt her heart thud painfully at his piercing gaze.

Fenris had never imagined considering allying himself with a mage, but she was powerful and opposed to slavers, she had killed enough of them. He didn't trust her of course, trusting a mage would be foolish, but there was something about her that drew him. "I have taken shelter in a cave to the north, there is a storm coming, I suggest we go there now." At her nod he led the way, letting her settle as he took the first watch, in truth he knew he would not sleep this night. He glanced over to her while getting himself a drink to help keep him awake, almost hypnotised by the firelight playing across her face, the harshness of her expression fading as she slept revealing a vulnerability he had not expected. It was then he acknowledged the urge to protect her he had been fighting against in his dreams. Turning away he clenched his fists, he could not allow himself such a weakness, yet when he settled himself again his gaze kept returning to her and he knew for his own sanity and safety, their new alliance would have to be concluded swiftly.

xXx

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