Easing the arm from her waist, Lady Sophia cautiously eased out of the bed, glancing back to Rendon who was snoring softly. There was a time when she had enjoyed his attention as a lover, but now knowing he had killed Bryce Cousland personally her feelings had changed. There had always been a darker side to Rendon, there were many rumours about him, but that had in part attracted her to him, knowing that he was dangerous, but Eleanor had been if not a friend, then a generous ally and he had sworn himself to them and betrayed them. She did not for one moment believe that the Cousland's were traitors which meant this was a power play. It would not be the first time the Howe's had been on the wrong side. She steeled herself, she had a job to do and the sleeping potion she had given him should ensure she had enough time to do it. The only way she could help Eleanor now was to find the evidence needed to prove him false and clear the Cousland name for her children. There were a few embers still burning and a single candle shedding pale light in the room. It was all she needed as she silently moved to the chair, he had draped his clothing on. There was nothing in the pockets as she had suspected, but the Arl would not be so foolish as to leave important documents where they could be easily found. She glanced at Rendon, but his breathing was even and he was still snoring. She continued by touch, her finger tips searching for the secret pockets her eyes would not be able to detect. Her patience paid off and she negotiated the fabric, finally easing open the concealed pocket and removing the contents. There was a single letter, wax on, but no seal. Frowning she eased over to the fire glancing at the letter from Bryce. It appeared to be of a personal nature, with nothing of real interest other than to the families themselves. There were no big secrets, nothing that would spark retaliation or betrayal. Moving to her own belongings she took a piece of parchment and folded it exactly as the letter was folded, putting wax on the paper in the same place for weight, hoping that he wouldn't take it out and look at it for a while at least. Carefully she concealed the letter in a hidden compartment in her bodice, before making sure his clothing was as it had been. Finally, she crept back into the bed, freezing as he turned over to face her.

"Did you find what you were looking for?"

While startled that the sleeping potion had not been as potent as she had been promised, Sophia did not show it. She also knew there was no point in lying to him, he would check the pocket while she was still there and the switch would be discovered. "In truth I have no idea what I was looking for."

Frowning, Rendon sat up. "Explain, quickly."

"I was asked to locate a parchment that you would keep on your person."

"And who asked you to locate it?"

"Again, I have no idea. We did not meet; these things are often easier that way. You know my skills Rendon; you are not the only one who has asked me to procure things from time to time."

"Why would you betray me?" He was startled by her laugh.

"You are a fine one to talk of betrayal. Is there anyone in your life you have not deceived or betrayed? Your wife, your children, your Teyrn!"

"I have always done what is best for Ferelden."

"Dear Rendon, can you actually have fooled yourself so completely? You have always done what is best for you. I am sure at least once in a while that coincides with what is best for Ferelden, but that is never your main focus."

"And what would you know of it?"

"I like to know who I am sharing a bed with. Did you think I did not know this day would come, when you would be deciding in that labyrinth of a mind of yours if mine would be the next life you would take and since Warin is not here and you seem to be getting your own hands dirty these days, I will give you a word of caution. If you kill me, if you harm me in any way, secrets that you would prefer to remain hidden will reach the ears of those in power."

"You dare to threaten me."

"I am a realist Rendon, I know my life means little to you, but it means something to me."

"Give me what you took and you can leave."

"A fair exchange." Keeping her eyes on him Sophia slipped from the bed and dressed before retrieving the document from her bodice and tossing it over to him. "It has been interesting, Rendon."

"Watch your step, Sophia."

"Watch yours, Rendon." She hesitated meeting his furious gaze. "Whatever this is Rendon, whatever reason you had, you should never have killed Bryce and Eleanor."

"They were traitors!"

"I doubt that very much. You may gain power through this, but you will never keep it." Backing out of the door she calmly left the tavern. Once on the street she moved into the shadows, watching as moments later Rendon too left. She trailed him to Arl Vaughan's estate, he never deviated from his route and he spoke to no-one. Careful to keep herself concealed, Sophia made her way to the one man she knew could help her, for a price of course.

xXx

Taking a sip of wine, Ignatio subtly watched the woman sitting opposite him. It was not so unusual to have visitors late at night, but even so this visit intrigued him. "So, how may the Crows be of service?"

"I wish to take out a contract on a life?"

"I see." He took out a piece of parchment and dipped a quill in ink. "I will need the name of the person."

"Myself."

Ignatio glanced up, a drop of ink splashing onto the parchment. "Excuse me?"

"Myself. I am not to actually die of course, but others must believe my death and it must appear to be by accident. I will also need passage on a ship out of here under a new name of course."

Laying down the quill Ignatio interlocked his fingers. "That is an unusual contract."

"But not beyond your skill. I also need a message to be given to Lord Eddelbrek. It must be handed to him and no other."

"This will be … expensive."

Unfastening the emerald necklace Sophia handed it over. "This should more than cover the contract."

Satisfying himself that the necklace was real he nodded. "Very well. What is the timeline?"

"I need to leave the country tonight."

Ignatio never appeared ruffled by anything, but even he raised an eyebrow at that.

"A sleeping potion with less potency than I was promised has necessitated the speed."

"Whom are you fleeing?"

"Write out the contract and include a silence clause."

Smiling Ignatio wrote out the contract which they both signed. "Now that you have our silence, it might be prudent to tell me who you are fleeing."

"Arl Howe."

"I see. Would I be right in my assumption that the sleeping potion was to allow you to search for proof of his misdeeds?"

"Indeed, but the damn potion failed and he caught me."

"I am surprised he did not kill you."

"I bluffed; told him I had information on him that I do not. Now perhaps you understand why it must be tonight."

"Very well, an accident at the dock would seem to be the most expedient location and will enable your escape onto a ship. I know just the captain who will help."

xXx

Yawning loudly Rendon eased out of bed. He had spoken to Vaughan, who had sent Harris to find Sophia and bring her to the estate. A few hours with Eloen and she would once again be useful to him. It was later than he had expected and he dressed quickly. He found Vaughan eating breakfast, the noble leering at the young elven woman serving him.

"Has our guest arrived?"

"Afraid not, there was an accident at the docks last night. Little whore was trying to get passage on a ship, some kind of accident with crates."

"I want to see her body."

"Why? There were plenty of witnesses, she is dead Rendon."

Easing into a seat Rendon scowled.

"Cheer up." Vaughan stated with a grin. "One less loose end for you to deal with."

"And how are our plans progressing for the Alienage?"

Vaughan's grin broadened. "The rumours of blight sickness have taken hold. I have an audience with the Queen this afternoon where I will propose the Alienage be locked down."

"Well keep that grin off your face when you speak to her."

"I am not a fool." He scowled at Rendon's raised eyebrow. "I might be a little overly enthusiastic at times, but I am not a fool."

"We shall see."

Vaughan watched as Rendon left, still scowling. He knew some of Rendon's ambitions and he was happy to move with him, but he would show the Arl he was not someone to belittle or underestimate."

xXx

As the carriage halted at the pathway down to the small cove, Eloen took a breath of fresh air, enjoying the feeling of freedom. She was not truly free of course and the two guards with her were enough to remind her of that, though they were as much with her for her protection as to ensure she did not flee. The hood of her cloak pulled up to obscure her face, she made her way down to the small jetty, the guards with her grabbing an oar each and rowing them out to the ship.

Once helped on board, Eloen headed directly into the lower cabins where the young children who had been taken from Highever were being kept. They were comfortable and nourished, but they were all still pale and fearful and none of them spoke. They reminded her disturbingly of young mages in the Circle and she set about to conduct her business quickly so she could leave.

She started with a young girl of five, who stared at her wide eyed before locking her gaze on the athame on the table. Eloen spoke to her softly, reassuring her that all would be well before carefully pricking her finger and letting the drops of blood fall into the prepared wax. She carefully mixed the blood thoroughly into the wax before it solidified. She gave the child a cinnamon bun and one of the guards took her back to her cabin bringing the next child, a young boy of four. She repeated the procedure with him and three other children, carefully keeping the five small sticks of wax apart from each other.

Pulling her hood back up, she left the ship remaining silent as the guards rowed them back over to land. They were always the same two guards and they never spoke. They eyed her warily, but unafraid and she suspected they consumed whatever potion Rendon took to prevent him being enthralled. Not that she would try to enthral them, Rendon had plans that would give her access to people of real power and through them she would change the fate of mages. She slipped into the carriage feeling the weight of grief for Jowan and Anders. No matter what it cost her, she would free mages, she owed that to them both.

As they entered Vaughan's estate, she stepped down from the carriage glancing to the study window seeing Rendon looking down on the courtyard. She headed directly to the room knowing he would want the wax immediately. Knocking on the door she waited until she was told to enter. Sometimes it seemed to take forever, just a petty way of keeping her in line. She endured it, but one day she would have no need for the Arl and he would regret his mistreatment of her, just as the others would. She stepped back as the door opened, only just restraining herself as Vaughan strode out, a slight smirk on his face. Meeting his gaze, she saw his bravado falter and he quickened his steps away from her. It was small enough, but she counted it a victory. Slipping into the room she closed the door behind her.

"You were successful, I hope." Rendon stated laying out a fresh sheet of parchment.

"Of course. The children remain compliant."

"Good." Turning his attention to the parchment he wrote out the letter he had been crafting all morning, his previous drafts already ash in the fireplace. Once finished he took out a letter from Loghain, the one inviting him to Gwaren before Celia had returned to the Maker. He hesitated for a moment feeling the weight of guilt, before setting his feelings aside. He was charting a better course for Ferelden and he had to remain resolute. He held out his hand taking one of the sticks of wax Eloen handed to him. He carefully melted the wax, putting half onto each parchment and using the copy he had of Loghain's seal. He held his breath as the wax solidified and with it the ripple of gold across the parchment, watching in fascination as he did every time as the letters seemed to shift, taking on the appearance of Loghain's handwriting. Carefully folding the letter from Loghain he placed it in the hidden pocket of his tunic, folding the magically modified letter and putting it in a chest that Eloen had enchanted so only Rendon could open it. Leaning back into the chair he took a deep breath, all was prepared and his guests should arrive by the following evening, then they could finally put into action their plans for the Alienage. "And our plans for the Queen."

"I will begin my final preparations this evening."

"Excellent." As Eloen left the room, Rendon leaned back in his chair, all was proceeding as planned. Loghain, along with Cauthrien and half of Maric's shield had left several days earlier travelling south towards Dragon's Peak. He had ensured that word had reached the General that Darkspawn had been seen in the region several weeks ago, also ensuring that scouts had not returned. This close to Denerim it was not something that could be ignored and Loghain and finally gone himself as he knew he would. With Loghain out of the city he felt confident that his business with the Tevinters could be concluded discreetly and they would have left before he returned. The Queen seemed to have no interest in the Alienage and given the nature of his plan she would certainly not go near it. However, he was not a fool and he had a plan in place should Anora or Loghain discover the true nature of what would be happening within the Alienge. He took a sip of brandy, silently celebrating his own genius.

xXx

Eloen watched Zarina the queens newest hand maiden leave the privy and followed her to her own rooms having already cast the paralysis glyph. Getting into the palace had been surprisingly easy given she had been altering the minds of the guards for weeks. The necklace at the Crow's throat would protect from blood magic to alter the mind, but it would have no effect on other branches of magic. She chuckled to herself as she heard Zarina's sharp hiss knowing she was trapped, slipping into the room and closing the door behind her. "I thought we should talk, you and I." She smiled at the alarm and frustration in her eyes. "I know this must seem terrible to you, but I am working for the greater good."

Zarina hissed as the chain that held the amulet shattered beneath an ice spell, watching in panic as Eloen picked up the amulet, magical energy flickering over the woven metal before she attached it to an identical chain and placed it back around her neck.

"Now then, let us talk."

Zarina struggled against the magic holding her as Eloen took an atheme and drew it across her palm.

"No need to worry, I do not intend to harm you." She cast her spell before releasing the glyph knowing the young woman was completely under her control. She held out two identical necklaces. "You will swap these for the ones The Queen and Erlina wear and you will bring them to me. I doubt they wear them while bathing" She smiled at Zarina's nod. "Good, now you will say nothing of this or of me." She smirked. "Well, you could try, but you will find it impossible."

xXx

Sighing as the hot water began to soothe the tension in her neck and shoulders Anora nodded to Zarina who entered the room with her nightdress.

Placing the nightdress on the dresser Zarina swapped the Queen's necklace for the fake, having already managed to swap Erlina's by pretending to need to fix a link in the chain. She wanted to warn the Queen, but her will was not her own and she could only obey the mage who now held her on a leash. She nodded to Anora and left the room as Erlina joined them moving swiftly back to her own room finding Eloen sitting by the bed.

"You have done well." Eloen stated with a smile, taking the necklaces and placing them in the fireplace engulfing them in magical flame, the metal melting against the stone. "Now you really should get some sleep." She almost chuckled as Zarina slipped into bed, revelling in the power she commanded.

xXx

Staring into the bowl of porridge Jayden felt sick to his stomach, he had barely been able to eat since leaving Highever, food tasting like ashes to him, but his companions were starting to notice and he couldn't bear the concerned glances in his direction they were failing to hide. He forced down a spoonful and a second before putting the bowl down feeling as though it was choking him. He wasn't sleeping much either, Howe appeared frequently in his dreams telling him he would get him home. The anger was a burning pain in his chest, a hardening knot of hate that he had no way to expel. He tended to speak only to give orders, he made no small talk and avoided joining in conversations, too aware that his dark mood would spoil what moments of levity his friends and companions could snatch. He glanced down as Airyl nosed his hand, gently stroking her ears. "I hate him." Jayden growled softly so only she could hear.

Sitting up, Airyl met his gaze and huffed softly before pawing the ground next to his bowl.

"I'm not hungry." Jayden muttered, raising an eyebrow at her low growl. Sighing he reluctantly picked up the bowl and took another mouthful, swallowing was a struggle and he was sure he was close to vomiting, almost relieved as his Company approached him. Discarding the bowl, Jayden got to his feet. "You look like you have something on your mind."

Gabriel took a step forward. "We've been thinking, if you are wanting to be unnoticed in Denerim you may need some distractions. We are proposing that a few of us go into the city openly and head straight for the barracks. We say we were injured at Ostagar and we've just made our way back."

"It's too dangerous and you will likely be questioned about your whereabouts for this length of time."

"We had an idea about that." Lawrence stated. "We say some of the Chasind were looking after us due to us being injured and were heading west into the mountains. That would explain why we took so long to get back. On foot, that is a long journey."

Shaking his head Jayden worried at his lip. "If the Arl even suspects you have been travelling with me, or the wardens …"

"Captain, can I speak freely?" Terrace asked cautiously.

"Given the conversation you all can."

"We have been in danger for months now and none of us might survive it, but while we are here we can do our job and try and bring Ferelden back together." He hesitated at the flicker of a smile, something his Captain hadn't done in far too long.

"We go back to our positions." Tess stated. "We give you other eyes and ears in the city and if needed we can steer attention away from you. You are going to make contact with Brom anyway, once he knows what is happening, he can make sure we are posted in the right places."

Gabriel glanced at the others. "We say we thought we saw you die on the battlefield which is no lie and then we saw the posters about Holy Andraste's Champion and so we headed to Denerim assuming you would come here if you weren't here already."

Jayden was quiet for a few moments glancing in the direction of Denerim before turning to Dylan, Reece and Matthew. "What about you three in this plan, do you intend to go into the city openly?"

"We stay with you." Matthew stated. "We have no idea the feeling towards mages in the city at the moment and the Chantry might well try to send us back to the Circle."

Lawrence moved forward seeing the conflict in his Captain's eyes. "We can do this, and if we go in openly, it will be harder for us to be disposed of."

"If we do this, those of us keeping out of sight need to be in the city first, just in case the Arl's are put on alert."

Terrance glanced at the others, wringing his hands nervously. "Captain, why does Arl Howe want you? I mean why would he send mercenaries to get you at Orzammar?" He glanced over the camp to Zevran who was talking to Leliana. "And a Crow." He whispered.

Sighing Jayden met their worried gazes. "The Chantry may have created Andraste's Champion, but that title will have weight and meaning to many. Imagine what you could do if you could ensure the person who has been given that title was on your side. Imagine the actions you could explain away as the Makers work." He watched the horror slowly filter into their expressions. "I have no doubt the Chantry will try to use me for their own ends, but people who crave power will have their own agendas too. At the Landsmeet this very title might have enough sway to tip the balance in his favour if I was to stand at his side. Arl Howe wants power and I am just a potential tool to get that. So, you haven't seen me since the Battle of Ostagar, because if he for one moment disbelieves you, you will find yourself tortured for the truth. If he can do what he did to the Couslands, it won't even trouble his conscience to brutalise a soldier or two." His expression hardened slightly. "I was his squire for two years; I know what that man is capable of. Trust me, he could look you in the eye and swear to help you while you sip from a cup he has poisoned. You identify who his men are and if any of them come for you, you get out of there."

"We won't say anything Captain." Terrance stated. "Not even if they torture us."

Jayden shook his head. "Terrance, you don't know what you will say or do under torture until it is happening to you."

"We won't give you up." Terrance stated firmly, stepping back startled as Jayden's eyes darkened, anger flashing across his face.

"And what if it wasn't you being tortured. What if you held out, but they brought in someone you cared about and tortured them in front of you. Could you hold out then? The Arl is capable of anything Terrance. He will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. He could torture you in front of each other, or your family members or friends. So, if we are going to do this, you report to Brom and then you get your family and friends on a ship and you make sure they leave on it. If Isabela is still here, she might help." He shook his head. "It is dangerous, but there is sense to this plan."

"So, we are agreed then?" Tess asked cautiously. "The rest of you will go into the city as planned and we will give you two days before Gabe, Lawrence, Terrance and myself enter the city openly. That gives you plenty of time to contact Brom and let him know we are coming so he can ensure certain guards are on duty at the gates that day."

"Alright, but I will make Brom aware, the first hint the Arl's are taking an interest in you and you get out of the city, because Maker knows what he is plotting now."

xXx

Brom glanced at the ship that had docked late in the afternoon. He had never in all his years in Denerim known a Tevinter ship to arrive, let alone one supposedly here to trade. He was deeply suspicious and had ordered a second complete search of the ship. They had found silks and other materials as declared in the manifest given to them. He had demanded to know who their contact was, startled that it was Denerim's Arl. Vaughan had appeared shortly afterwards demanding they stand down and had taken the supposed merchants to his estate. The crew of the ship were no help, if they spoke the common tongue they were not letting on and none of his men spoke the language of Tevinter. He had left men to watch the ship and after a moment's thought he headed to Kara's base. The mercenary leader could get information he couldn't and he was sure she would be as suspicious as he was, especially since they were having dealings with the Arl. He felt a chill move down his spine wondering what their new Arl was really doing.

xXx

Reaching out to shake Rendon's hand, Caladrius smiled. "It is good to see you again, Arl Howe."

"And you Caladrius. I appreciate punctuality."

"You have the letter from the Regent confirming the go ahead for the Denerim transaction I hope." He smiled as Rendon handed over the parchment, glancing it over. "Excellent, a necessary precaution you understand, especially since I am not meeting with him personally."

"Of course, however, given the sensitive nature ..."

"This will not leave my person and once we have returned to Tevinter it shall be transferred to a vault with the highest security. So, how would you like me to proceed?"

"We have locked down the Alienage with rumours of blight sickness. That will make it easier for them to be removed. Vaughan's guards control the entrances to the Alienage."

"And are we to remove all of the elves?"

Rendon smiled. "Most of them, the Night Elves will likely cause you nothing but trouble if you were to take them, I have something else in mind to deal with their kind. As for the rest we can discuss the specifics, but best not to take too many immediately, better that they accept the sickness is present in the Alienage, it will make this a smoother process."

"Very well, Magister Danarius will be most pleased. Payment will be made once the elves are on the ship." He noted Vaughan's scowl. "That makes you uneasy. I believe I have proven myself good for my word, however since this will be our last transaction, I can understand a moment of caution." He took a small pouch from his robes and tossed it at the young noble. "A show of good faith."

Vaughan opened the pouch, his eyes widening at the ruby within. He glanced at Rendon who was holding out his hand, reluctantly handing over the gem.

"Once the elves have been assessed the payment will be calculated and once on board transferred to you Arl Howe. That will conclude our business together." He smiled accepting the wine and held it up. "To a smooth transition."

xXx

It was barely dawn when Caladrius and his men entered the Alienage, Vaughan's men having been informed to allow them inside. The Arl had already given them the location of the empty warehouse that would be their base of operations. The building was guarded by the Arl's men and he was pleased to see cages had been placed within the large room designated for holding the cargo before transit. Signalling to his men he watched as glyphs and seals were carefully placed on the cages. Even an experienced lockpick would not be able to find a way out. He checked the glyphs and seals, satisfying himself they would hold, before moving on through the Alienage checking the route to get the elves out once they had been taken, before moving on to the empty house on the north side of the square they would designate as the hospice. He smiled slightly, such a clever ruse. Straightening his robes, he and two of his guards moved out to the square, several elves already gathered wondering no doubt who they were. "Good people." He stated smiling and opening his arms in a gesture of inclusion. "My name is Caladrius. It has been brought to my attention that there are those within the Alienage who are suffering from the blight sickness. We come to offer our aid in these difficult times. There are those among you who will wonder at Tevinter healers in Ferelden, I assure you it is a happy coincidence, we were trading and heard of your plight. We have some success in dealing with this most terrible sickness and offer our services to you free of charge." He hesitated as an elderly elf who seemed to be in charge stepped forward.

"I am Haren Valendrian, the elder of this Alienage. We thank you for your kind offer, but there is no blight here."

"I see, we have been misinformed then?"

"It would seem so. I believe this to be nothing more than a malicious rumour."

"Ah, we live in truly terrible times if that is the case. Still, it would be remiss of me to leave without being able to give the Regent assurances that the Alienage is free of the blight. A simple test of each of your people is all that is required and we can clear this up." He moved a little closer. "I suspect if I can go to the Regent with news that there is no blight, the lockdown can be lifted." He handed over a parchment from the Arl confirming who they were. "Any questions about us can be directed to Arl Vaughan."

Valendrian glanced at him uneasily, but the sooner the lockdown was lifted the better. "What is this test?"

"A simple spell, it is not invasive and we will be able to tell immediately if the blight is present."

Nipping at his lip Valendrian eventually nodded. "If you can help us to prove there is no blight here, we would be grateful for your help."

"Excellent. We are setting up the hospice as we speak, we will start the testing at midday. Perhaps you would reassure your people we are only here to help." Caladrius smiled as the Haren nodded and returned to the small gathering, seeing several of them glance at him before hurrying away, no doubt to gather the elves and inform them of what would be happening.

xXx

Sighing, Valendrian held up his hands to silence Darrian, Shianni and Soris's protests, feeling exhausted from the unrest in those who had gathered at the Vhenadahl. He had hoped to have a moment to himself in his own home, but they had followed, stopping him before he went inside. "Enough, surely you see the sense in proving there is no blight sickness here!"

"Of course." Darrian glared at the building the Tevinters were apparently using. "But we have no idea who they are."

"It appears they were sent by the Regent to help. I suppose we should be grateful."

"Should we?" Shianni snapped. "You don't think it the least bit odd they suddenly turn up just as we are accused of spreading the blight. They are from Tevinter, we would be fools to trust them."

"Shianni …"

"No! Haren Valendrian please, this is some kind of trap orchestrated by the Arl I have no doubt."

"I have agreed that they may carry out their testing." Valendrian stated firmly. "Once they see there is no blight sickness the lockdown can be lifted."

"I know that is what you hope will happen." Darrian stated gently. "But this feels wrong."

"Give them a chance. Watch them if you must and if you see anything untoward let me know, otherwise let them be and hopefully they will be gone soon enough."

Darrian glanced at Shianni as Valendrian went inside firmly shutting the door, shaking his head. "I don't know why they are really here, but I think we better find out." He turned as Soris groaned softly. "What? You think we should just let them do whatever they want?"

"No, but I don't like the idea of getting caught spying on them."

"Then we better make sure we don't get caught." Shianni muttered.

xXx

Yawning loudly Caladrius made his way to Arl Vaughan's estate eager for a warm meal, wine and a decent bed. The day had passed swiftly, the Haren's encouragement sending many people to the hospice to be tested. Veras and Saritor, his designated healers, had carried out the testing. It had been simple enough to state a few of them appeared to have the sickness and would need to remain in quarantine, letting others leave freely. They would take them all, apart from the Night Elves, but he did not need suspicions raised immediately. There had of course been alarm that sickness had been identified and those who refused to believe it, but he had guards posted at the hospice and those they had designated with the sickness had already been moved to the holding area. So far, the operation was moving smoothly.

Heading to his room he ordered a bath and finally settled into the hot water feeling his muscles begin to relax. He would be glad to return to Tevinter, with the coin he would receive in payment for this job he would finally be able to afford the property his wife had been eyeing for months. He smiled imagining the joy it would bring her to be mistress of that house and of course three slaves from the current cargo were part of his payment and he had already identified three young elves he felt would be suitable to serve his wife. Yes, she would be most pleased upon his return and perhaps they could have a month or two together before business once more called him away. He sighed contentedly and allowed himself to drift, imagining the joyous welcome home he would receive.

xXx

It was a little past midnight when the messenger arrived. Bann Eddlebrek had not yet retired to bed having felt too agitated to sleep, but could identify no cause for it. He quickly read the parchment before burning it. The message from Sophia was deeply disturbing, as was the sacrifice she had clearly felt she had no choice but to make. Sitting down he carefully chose words to craft his message to Bann Alfstanna before calling his most trusted messenger. As Daris departed on the swiftest horse he had, Eddlebrek stood straight his hands behind his back as he gazed out of the window. His thoughts lingered on only one topic, how to bring Rendon to justice.

xXx

Author Note: Thank you for reading. It is alwasy appreciated.