Halting the group just before the track to the mine, Ayanna took five strips of material from her pack. "All none wardens must be blindfolded from this point and you must all swear that you will never reveal to anyone what you see."

Sten folded his arms, planting his feet as though he expected the wardens to tackle him.

Leliana took the material, smiling slightly at Sketch who also took his looking faintly amused. "All very mysterious."

Sighing, Theron took the material glancing around. "Is this really necessary?"

"Yes." Stephen stated firmly. "Will also wore the blindfold and swore never to reveal where we are taking you, if that helps." To his surprise Sten seemed to relax slightly and took the material Ayanna was holding out to him.

"T'is foolish to blindfold me." Morrigan stated, giving Ayanna a piercing look. "I can simply change my form and fly out of, or into wherever you are taking us."

"Just put on the damn blindfold Morrigan." Ayanna snapped.

Smirking slightly, Morrigan took the strip of material. "As you wish, it is of no concern to me."

Once blindfolded and having sworn an oath of silence, they were led up the track and into the mines.

Theron kept his fingers pressed against the walls of whatever cave system they had entered. Despite Daniel's hand resting on his shoulder to guide him, he still felt nervous.

"Relax Theron." Daniel stated gently. "We are almost there."

"I was just thinking, I might have lived the rest of my life in darkness." He felt Daniel squeeze his shoulder. A short time later he hesitated as he felt a cold wind brush against his skin, giving a sigh of relief as the blindfold was removed, blinking at the bright light, finding himself in the large courtyard of a fortress. "By the creators! No wonder you made us swear not to speak of this place."

"Come on, let's get you all settled."

xXx

Ensuring their guests were allocated beds and chests for their belongings for the duration of their stay, Ayanna dumped her pack by her own bed and headed up to the library. She smiled seeing Avernus by the fire, pulling up a chair and sitting next to him. "How are you?"

"You mean for a man as old as me?"

"You said it."

Chuckling softly Avernus gently patted her hand. "I'm still alive and taking that tonic you left for me each day as you instructed before you ask."

"Good."

Frowning at her deep sigh Avernus leaned a little closer. "What troubles you?"

"You mean apart from the blight?"

"Ayanna."

"I was just thinking about what killing the Archdemon means for a warden, I mean really means."

"Ah, so you all know now then."

"We do. You could have told me you know."

"I believe I was in more than enough trouble without overstepping my boundaries in that respect. If it is any consolation, I hope it is not you."

"Well, we may have a way to kill the Archdemon and not have our soul destroyed."

"That is impossible. How?"

"We procured Morrigan's mothers' tome." She glanced at him. "Flemeth's tome." Seeing his eyes widen she smiled. "I thought that might get your attention. It has within it a ritual, though I don't know the details."

"Do you have this tome with you?"

"Morrigan never lets it out of her sight, but she is here with us."

"Have her come here immediately; I would see what ritual these witches of the wilds are proposing."

xXx

Glancing at Avernus, Morrigan wondered how old he was. While she had chafed at the summons, she had gone out of curiosity, her eyes lingering hungrily on the tomes filling the bookshelves lining the walls. "T'is curious, how have you extended your life? Wardens tend not to live a normal lifespan."

"There is more to the taint than most know."

"Indeed."

"What ritual have you offered to the Commander?"

"T'is hardly of importance to you, you will not take the killing blow."

"I may be old, but I have always had a curious mind. I know a great deal, but never in all my years or in any of the tomes I have studied, have I come across a ritual to enable the Archdemon to be killed without the destruction of a warden's soul. That you have one has me curious indeed. I also do not like the idea of the Commander being tricked by someone playing on desperation."

"T'would hardly benefit me to have the blight continued." Raising an eyebrow at Avernus's intense gaze, Morrigan laid the tome on the table between them and opened it to the ritual.

Avernus's eyes widened. "I never imagined …" Standing a little straighter he met Morrigan's gaze. "Thank you for your indulgence."

Nodding Morrigan retrieved the tome and left, determined to find a suitable excuse to come back and study the wealth of information Avernus clearly had at his fingertips.

Sinking into a seat Avernus stared at his trembling hands. Whatever happened he had to make the Commander see sense, the ritual could never be allowed to happen.

xXx

Standing on the dock Fergus watched as the ship lowered its anchor, Ellowyn standing beside him, their personal guards standing slightly behind. He glanced at his sister, it was rare to see her smile these days, but today she seemed lit with that inner glow that had always seemed to shine from her before her time in Vigil's Keep and the atrocities that had followed. They had received a messenger a week ago to say that Lord Edward would be returning with the addition of one hundred soldiers. He had arranged accommodation for them, having to be careful to ensure Cailan's identity was for the moment secret from the new arrivals, though the King himself had yet to arrive in Highever. At the smile that lit her face he turned, seeing Lord Edward disembarking, seeing a mirroring smile as he saw her. He remained silent not wanting to take from her what joy she could bring to herself these days, but he would make sure the Free Marches noble was respectful of her. Moving to greet him he clasped his arm firmly. "It is good to have you back Edward."

"Thank you, Fergus, my parents send their greetings."

"If your men will follow guardsman Philip, he will take them to their accommodation. A room has been prepared at the castle if you would do me the honour of being my guest."

"It would be my honour." He turned to Ellowyn. "It is good to see you again, Lady Ellowyn."

"And you Edward, I thought we had decided to dispense with the formal titles."

Grinning, Edward nodded. "I did not wish to presume."

"Perhaps we could have a moment in private in the study before you get settled." Fergus stated to break up the intensifying eye contact between the pair. "Ellowyn I believe Delilah was looking for you earlier."

Frowning slightly Ellowyn saw her brother's meaningful look and inwardly sighed. "Of course, Edward, we shall speak later."

"I look forward to it." He watched her for a moment as she left them before focusing on Fergus.

"You had a good trip I hope."

"Indeed, the weather was not as stormy as anticipated, mercifully."

xXx

Leading the way into the study, Fergus took the chair behind the desk, gesturing for Edward to take the seat opposite. He still wasn't comfortable using this room, he didn't think he ever would be, but it gave a formal air. "I wanted to thank you for returning and bringing soldiers with you."

"It took little for my father to elicit the support, though I admit we had both hoped for more soldiers."

"The numbers you have are greatly appreciated."

Sitting slightly straighter Edward met Fergus's searching gaze. "I do not think it is the soldiers you really wish to talk about."

Sighing Fergus shifted slightly. "My family has been through a great deal these past months and I am aware my sister thinks of you fondly." He inwardly groaned at Edward's increasing smile. "I must be blunt Edward, I will not tolerate any harm to my sister, she has suffered enough. You seem an honourable man and while I am grateful for your support, make no mistake, it will not be paid for with my sister's virtue."

Edward paled. "Fergus you mistake my intentions. I assure you they are completely honourable. I feel deep affection for your sister. I cannot imagine I have been able to hide that and should I be lucky enough that she would return my affection, my intention would be marriage, not to dishonour her. If you have concerns, I will be happy to bunk with my men with no ill feeling."

"No that will not be necessary I … I just could not bear her to feel more pain and you are one of the few things that brings a smile to her face. That I am sure is something many would take advantage of."

"I wish only to see her happy."

"On that we are agreed."

xXx

Taking a turn around the garden Ellowyn's fingers drifted against a large bush, it's red leaves shimmering with the rain that had stopped falling only a short time ago. She glanced at Edward who was watching her. "My mother loved this garden, she would come here when she was troubled, she said it helped her to think, being surrounded by nature."

"Does it help you too?"

"A little, though I do not know if that is because I feel a lingering presence of her here." She flushed slightly. "That must sound silly."

"Not at all."

Shivering Ellowyn smiled as Edward took off his cloak, wrapping it around her shoulders. "Chivalry is all well and good, but not if you end up freezing yourself."

"I am warm enough at present."

Sighing, Ellowyn glanced around the garden. "For all there is beauty here I find I can take no enjoyment from it, I feel surrounded by the death that has filled these halls and rooms in Howe's takeover and our reclaiming of it. I once could never imagine living away from this place, the home I loved so much, now I long to be gone from it."

"That may change in time." Edward soothed gently.

"Perhaps. Forgive me, I do not mean to be so melancholy."

"There is nothing to forgive and I am here should you wish to talk about anything that troubles you."

"You are a good man, Edward." She smiled slightly, noticing him rubbing his hands against the cold. "Perhaps you would join me for some spiced wine, preferably near a fire."

Grinning, Edward nodded. "Gladly."

xXx

Glancing up at the darkening sky Serris urged her horse forward, the journey to Orzammar had been speeded by Arl Eamon generously providing them with horses and supplies and they had made good time. Orzammar itself, though it looked the same, had been fundamentally changed by its new Queen. They had felt the tension in the streets, fights breaking out regularly between those who were against breaking with tradition and those embracing the change, accepting it was the only way they would survive. However, with two living Paragons, one a golem, Sereda was carving a way through the dissent. Serris had been surprised to find her brother genuinely supporting her, realising Sereda had been cunning in offering to name Bhelen's children her heirs, once he had children of course. He had clearly been astute enough to realise that Sereda would take all the risks and trouble associated in making change, while he would reap the benefits if he stayed his hand against her. Sereda had been delighted to receive the communication crystal and revealed she had already begun the recruitment process for the Order.

She glanced back at the recruits, each one sharing a horse with Perin, Peter and Rory. While unnerved by the sky they had adapted relatively well, but none of the three liked riding the horses. A few more hours would see them at Soldiers Peak and with luck it would be before the rain started, the dwarves hated that most of all. Icy water falling from the sky had been an unpleasant shock that none of them had really been prepared for. She hoped the others had reached the base, silently praying that the Dalish had been found and Gwaren had been saved, but the sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach when she thought of them told her that things had not gone smoothly. Forcing back the dark thoughts she concentrated on their route, sighing softly as a drop of rain landed on her nose, hearing the beginnings of grumblings behind her. "Not long now." She encouraged, pulling up her hood as a steady downpour began.

xXx

It had taken longer to reach their destination due to the storm that had forced them to reduce their pace, finally arriving as the rain began to ease. Giving the reins of her horse to Peter, Serris led the way into the fortress, the three recruits following her. They had relaxed considerably when they had reached the mines and were now curious about the building before them. Leading them to the Great Hall while the others took the horses to the stables, Serris was delighted by the warmth of the fire, taking off her cloak and shaking it before draping it over a chair to dry. She glanced up hearing footsteps, smiling as Ayanna, Aedan and Hunter entered the room.

"Serris!" Ayanna grinned, hugging her. "How was the journey?"

"Wet, but without incident. We have three new recruits. May I present Runuk, Gavis and Arden."

"Pleasure to meet you."

Aedan grinned realising the women watched to catch up. "Come on, I will show you your room and give you the tour."

Once they were gone Serris settled by the fire, Ayanna pulling up a chair beside her. "So, what are the recruits like?"

"Gavis and Arden are impressive warriors. We watched them in the Proving Grounds, they will be formidable members of the Order. They both signed on immediately when Sereda proclaimed warden recruits were needed."

"And Runuk?"

"Runuk is a noble, youngest son who wants to make a name for himself. I suspect it will take him a little time to adjust to the life of a warden, he is still under the misconception that his noble status will remain."

Wincing Ayanna shifted slightly. "Well perhaps Aedan can have a word with him and put him straight, former noble to former noble."

"Perhaps that would be for the best. I take it we have support from the Dalish?"

"We do, although it was not without its price."

Serris listened in amazement to the story of bound spirits, werewolves and blood magic. "How is Theron after this … transformation?"

"He seems fine, no ill effects. The colour of his eyes takes a little getting used to."

"Astonishing."

"He says he sees better than ever. His sense of smell and hearing also appear to be enhanced. We had to give him a room by himself, he said Sten's snoring is like a thunderstorm."

"And Gwaren?"

"Destroyed. The refugees are on their way to Highever via sea, our people with them."

"They survived then, that is a relief."

"Yes, but we have a problem. Will was connected to the Alpha via the taint. He saw an army of ogres, at least two hundred of them."

Paling Serris glanced at the flames, willing her heart to calm as Ayanna explained what Rathnal had told her. "So many, how can that be?"

"They must have concentrated on taking Qunari women." Ayanna shuddered. "I don't know how we are going to defeat them, even with the support we have gained."

"That is why we need all of the Order!" Rubbing her forehead Serris stood and moved closer to the fire. "We have no choice; we must persuade the King to allow in the Orlesian troops."

"Aedan said he will never do that; no Ferelden will allow that to happen."

"There is perhaps one, Arl Eamon, he is very supportive of the Empress. He must persuade the King this course of action is the only way his people and country stand a chance of surviving this."

xXx

Standing at the main gates of the castle, Fergus watched the group approach. Teagan and Eamon had been identified by the scouts long before they were seen from the castle, the King of course remaining disguised and discreet. Rooms were being quickly prepared. He had mixed feelings about Eamon's presence, but they would need him for the Landsmeet so he would be courteous, but wary, his trust would never again be easy to gain.

He greeted the party as they arrived, grooms and servants moving to aid the group, while he directed Cailan, Teagan and Eamon to the study where they would not be disturbed, he already had refreshments laid out. "I know you will want a chance to bathe and rest, but I would hear what happened first, William gave only the basics." He turned to Cailan. "Though I was much relieved that you were successful in your mission."

Slumping into a chair Cailan sighed feeling the warmth of the spiced wine begin to relax him. "It was horrific." He explained what had happened, including events with Jayden, though some things he still could not bring himself to speak of.

Fergus struggled to hide his shock, Jayden had left a great deal out of his report, understandable of course given the personal nature, but his greater concern was that Eamon now knew Jayden's true identity, something he himself had been careful to ensure had not happened. He remained silent, but he knew by the way Cailan had glanced away from him that the King was aware he was not happy about that particular information being given to Eamon.

"I need to speak to Anora." Cailan stated, eager to shift the growing tension he felt from Fergus. "This cannot wait any longer."

"You are of course free to use the Calling Crystal, but perhaps you will want to bathe first."

"My appearance hardly matters and my stomach is in knots. The sooner I make contact the easier my mind will be."

"Of course, we will speak later." Fergus placed the crystal in front of him giving him a meaningful look before turning to Teagan and Eamon. "If you will follow me gentlemen, I will take you to your rooms."

xXx

Barely able to suppress his smile, Darrien had raced to the courtyard to greet Gabriel, relieved that not only had he survived, he looked healthy if a little tired. He had waited impatiently as Gabriel put most of his things in the barracks before joining him. Darrien had his own room and he already had a bath prepared, smiling at Gabriel's grateful sigh as he eased into the warm water. Gently massaging the knots in his shoulders, Darrien listened as Gabriel told him briefly what had happened. He realised he was leaving a lot out, but it was enough to know that they had lost people and that he was grieving. "I'm sorry." He murmured, pressing soft kisses to his shoulders.

"I hope I never have to go back there!"

"Maker willing you never will. Something else is troubling you, tell me?"

"I'm just worried about Will and the others. We have had no means of communicating with them."

"Then perhaps I can ease your mind. The captain is alive along with those who were with him. He is sailing here as we speak with the refugees from Gwaren."

Gabriel paled. "Gwaren was truly attacked then."

Sighing, Darrien nodded. "It has been completely destroyed."

Getting out of the tub, quickly drying and dressing, Gabriel listened in growing horror about the Alpha's challenge. "Maker, how did he survive that?"

"Trees apparently." He shrugged at Gabriel's astonished look. "The forest attacked the Darkspawn. I find it bizarre, but I see no reason for them to lie. It is of course adding to his growing reputation for surviving what seems impossible. The wardens have also gained the support of the Dalish."

"That is a relief. I suppose we will find out exactly what happened when they get here." He sighed softly. "Maker, sometimes I wonder how much of Ferelden will be left when this is done."

"I know, but we just need to focus on what we can do."

Nodding Gabriel fingered his coin pouch, enough within to get his mother and aunt passage on a ship to the Free Marches, which he intended to do the moment they reached Denerim. He glanced up as Darrien gently took hold of his other hand.

"We will make sure your family gets out of Denerim before the fighting starts."

Swallowing painfully Gabriel nodded, wondering if his mother would have even a kind word for him before she took the money.

Realising what he was thinking Darrien gently hugged him. "Your mother will be grateful you want to keep her safe, even if she is unable to show it."

"That is kind of you to think that." Gabriel murmured, wondering if his mother even thought of him at all.

"Gabe, sometimes our parents aren't the people we need or want them to be, but you do have people who love you. Please, whatever happens remember that."

"I love you too." Gabriel murmured, sinking into a longed-for kiss.

xXx

Feeling sick to his stomach Cailan began pacing with the communication crystal in his hand wondering where Anora was that was taking her so long. He had pretended to be a guardsman to allay any suspicions, praying that Howe still did not have any access to the crystal.

"Guardsman, you requested me specifically. I assume this is important."

"Are you alone your Majesty?"

Anora swallowed her shock, feeling her hands tremble. "I am. Cailan I … it is good to hear your voice again."

"And you, we … we have a lot to discuss."

"We do, but first I would know how you are feeling after your experience with the Archdemon."

Cailan hesitated. "It was my worst nightmare come true. I … I was trapped in my own mind. Forced to see Alistair ripped apart and killed in so many ways, often by my own hand. I … I did such awful things."

"Because of the Archdemon." Anora soothed.

"I wish William would believe that so easily."

"What he experienced was also traumatic. Give him time, he will come around. If he can forgive me for all of the terrible things I have said and done to him, he will forgive you."

"It is good to hear your love for him, it has been absent for so long."

"As have many things including my integrity and compassion. I have made terrible mistakes, but I hope to have the opportunity to make up for them. None more so than to you."

Cailan swallowed painfully. "Maker, I wish we could do this face to face. My own actions have left much to be desired."

"I should have spoken to you about my fears of having a child in the beginning, explained why I couldn't …" She hesitated. "But you have an heir now."

Cailan paled. "He told you then."

"No, I have a network of agents, I have known about Gawain for some time."

"I …"

"You love him deeply as is only right. I am also informed you are in love with his mother."

Bowing his head Cailan took a shuddering breath. "It is no excuse, but I had no memories of you other than knowing there was conflict between us. I felt the anger and hurt though initially not the reason for it and Rosslyn … she is the mother of my son and it just seemed natural. I do not think I expected to fall in love, but I did."

Taking a steadying breath Anora sat a little straighter. "We have got ourselves into quite a mess and I can accept now that the blame lies with me. If I had not kept the herbs a secret you would not have suspected me of betraying you."

"That still does not excuse what I did, no matter how hurt and angry I was. I … I dishonoured both you and Rosslyn as your brother told me in no uncertain terms."

"We have a blight to deal with, but we must also find a way forward for us. I assume of course that you will formally acknowledge Gawain."

"He is my son. I would not have him face the early years Alistair experienced."

"Nor would I. Therefore, I have a suggestion which may allow us all to save face."

"And that would be?"

"I am prepared to let it be known that I am unable to conceive. That we agreed you needed an heir and so you came to an arrangement with Lady Rosslyn. The match was to ensure your child was of nobility and attached to an appropriate family. My wish is to remain Queen and while in a perfect world I would like my husband to return to me, I suspect I no longer have any part of your heart, so I am willing to have a political marriage. A suitable enough punishment for my error in judgement I hope you will agree. I simply ask that if you continue your relationship with Rosslyn, you be discrete. Despite my mistakes I am a good Queen and I believe when we are working together, we rule well." She felt panic grip her, it would be bad enough losing her husband, being Queen was all she had left.

"You are wrong Anora, you do still have part of my heart. You were my first love and I am so sorry things have become so troubled between us."

"I love you Cailan, I may not always have shown it, but I do, but I need you to know I will not share your bed if you are sharing it with another and such an arrangement would be unfair on both myself and Rosslyn."

"I know and I would not expect that from either of you."

"This is not something that needs to be decided upon today, we both need to think, but if you do choose to accept my solution in terms of how Gawain is here, if I am to remain Queen, then you will need to speak with Eamon, he had a spy in the palace who discovered the herbs. He came to me demanding I step down."

"Maker! Why must he always interfere! Whatever we decide, it will be our decision and my uncle will be reminded of his place."

"I would very much like to see that." Anora stated softly, smiling slightly.

xXx

Pouring two glasses of wine Fergus handed one to Cailan as they both settled on comfortable seats by the fire in his private room. "How did it go with Anora?"

"Better than I expected. She was more like she used to be, the woman I remember falling in love with."

"I would imagine in some ways that will make things more difficult."

Swallowing painfully, Cailan stared at his wine. "She knew about Gawain and Rosslyn, not from William, but one of her agents apparently."

"How is she taking it?"

"Remarkably well. She actually acknowledged that her use of the herbs to prevent conception led to all of this." He glanced at Fergus seeing his surprise. "I told her that did not excuse my behaviour of course. To save face for us all she is willing to say she cannot conceive and we agreed that having an heir was a priority and we arranged things with Rosslyn who was from an appropriate family."

"Maker, do you think Rosslyn will agree to that?"

"I have no idea. I am still coming to terms with it being Anora's idea."

"I am assuming she wishes to remain Queen."

"Indeed, she is prepared to have a political marriage."

"Is that what you want?"

"Maker, Fergus I don't know! I love Rosslyn and we have a son, but a part of me still loves Anora too. Except …"

"Except what?"

"Anora has become skilled at the Game and I am not sure which of her words are truth or manipulation. I just … the more I think of it the more I wonder if I can trust her."

"Trust goes both ways Cailan and your actions were not exactly trustworthy."

"I know." Cailan muttered. "We could manage a political marriage I am sure, but I do not know if Rosslyn would stay with me in such a situation."

"Have you promised Rosslyn the throne?"

"No! In truth we have not discussed much of the future other than Gawain. I do not think she expects anything after the Blight beyond my care of our son."

"I do not envy your situation." They sat in silence for some time until Fergus poured them a second glass. "Cailan I must ask, I gave you and Teagan the information regarding Jayden's situation in confidence, specifically not involving Eamon. Why did you tell him?"

"Initially I was not going to, but we need Eamon for the Landsmeet and he cannot be expected to go into this without all of the information."

"He cannot be trusted Cailan."

"We have no choice but to trust him if we are to get his help with the Landsmeet." He sighed softly, rubbing his forehead. "Nothing is how any of us would want it, but we have to start working together if we want anything of our country and people to survive."

xXx

Author Note: Thank you for reading, it is always appreciated.