Waking with a start Jayden felt his chest ache, the pounding of his heart still fierce; his fingernails dug deep enough into his palms to draw blood. His wounds felt on fire; nausea clawed at his stomach and bile filled his mouth. He heard Airyl's soft whine and gave her a gentle hug soothing her and telling her to stay and rest, before he pushed himself up and staggered from the tent trying to put distance between himself and Morrigan not wanting her to hear what would come next. Crashing to his knees just beyond the tree line he vomited, his stomach gripped with cramps, his throat and mouth burning. Sensing someone approaching he tensed and then sagged against the tree as a cool palm pressed to his fevered brow. "I'm fine Morrigan."

"T'would be more helpful if you spoke truly." Helping Jayden to his feet, Morrigan guided him to the stream, wetting a cloth and moving to cleanse his face, hesitating as he stopped her.

"I am capable of that myself Morrigan." For a moment he thought she would toss the cloth at him, instead she gently brushed aside his hand and pressed the cool cloth to his forehead, slowly brushing the material across his flushed cheeks, droplets of water caressing his lips with a cool touch. He winced slightly as she carefully wiped the blood from his palms.

"Tell me of your dream." While a demand, Morrigan's tone was surprisingly soothing.

"Ostagar; it's always Ostagar."

"You did all you could."

"Did I? I was given that glimpse and still Ostagar is littered with the bodies of my countrymen."

"What else could you have done?"

Jayden met her gaze realising he was trembling. "I don't know." He whispered, feeling as broken as he sounded.

"You did all you could." Morrigan stated firmly.

"Then why does it feel as though my heart is being ripped apart?" He whispered, his eyes closing so she wouldn't see the tears threatening to spill.

"Tis simple, you ignored my advice and you let yourself love your friends, your country and the people of it so deeply and utterly you convinced yourself you could save them all from the horde."

Jayden sighed and forced his eyes to open. "I'm not a fool Morrigan and neither is my arrogance so great I believed that, I just hoped …" He sighed deeply. "Nothing I did mattered."

"Even if that is true, which it is not, you at least tried, despite the obstacles." Morrigan gently tapped his chest. "Tis simple, you must wall your heart in stone if you are to survive this. Lothering will likely hold many refugees. Our mission is to find the Wardens and perhaps your King, not concern ourselves with their welfare."

Jayden sighed and pulled away. "Heart of stone … right."

Frowning Morrigan stood. "Tis sound advice."

"Then tell me how!"

Morrigan hesitated, feeling a strange combination of delight and sorrow to realise he was being serious. "Self-preservation is the key. Power, not love is how you survive this world. You must accept the losses, death is inevitable and move on."

"As you accepted mine?"

Morrigan felt heat flush her cheeks. "You are my friend this is true, but you will be useful in the days and months ahead."

Jayden gave a choked laugh and moved away from her towards the water. "Well as long as I'm useful."

"You should rest."

"I will." He glanced back to her. "Thank you."

Morrigan nodded and returned to their camp.

"Well this is a right mess." Shaking his head against the melancholy he settled by the stream for a moment, turning as Airyl settled on the grass next to him, pressing her body against his leg. He wasn't sure how to make his heart stone, but he had a mission; find his King and protect him no matter the cost.

xXx

Lothering had seemed quiet from a distance, just another small village carrying on its daily life, but as Jayden guided Luna towards it he caught the air of tension. He glanced down to Airyl who whined softly sensing fear; noticing her tail twitch as a raven landed between trees on their left, Morrigan appearing a moment later.

"Tis clear ahead apart from those still foolish enough to be in the village. They speak of evacuating and yet there is no movement."

"Maybe there is a problem, we will find out soon enough." Jayden slipped from Luna, grunting in pain, his arm wrapping protectively around his stomach.

"It was too soon for you to travel." Morrigan muttered.

"Yes, but you couldn't wait any longer." Straightening he closed his eyes against the pain slicing through his back, taking a shuddering breath before he gripped the reins gently patting Luna's neck as she huffed in his ear. "And the scouting party of Darkspawn behind us?"

"Less than a day away, we must conclude our business here swiftly." Morrigan glanced down as Airyl brushed against her leg and glanced to Jayden broaching a subject she had thus far avoided. "You have not spoken of your father since you woke." She kept her gaze steady despite his frown. "Tis fair enough, he left you to die after all. I would imagine you bear him some resentment."

"Why the sudden interest?"

"We are about to reach Lothering, tis likely people will speak of your father's decision, twould be wise to ensure you can remain neutral if we are to pass through without drawing attention to ourselves."

"He made the decision he had to, if he had joined us he and all the soldiers with him would be dead too. As a soldier I understand and accept his decision."

"And as his son?"

He left me to die. "I don't want to go there Morrigan. I will remain neutral, trust me."

"As you wish." She glanced ahead. "They know what is coming yet they do not flee."

"Fear can paralyse." Jayden stated softly, ignoring Morrigan's scathing look.

"They are fools!"

Rolling his eyes Jayden hesitated as he saw the body of a man in knight's armour. Hunkering down despite the protest of his wounds he retrieved a crumpled and blood stained note clutched in his hand, frowning as he read the contents, passing it to Morrigan. "It is said that Andraste's Ashes have great healing properties, though the Arlessa must be truly desperate if she feels this is her only course of action." His frown deepened thinking of the poison that had killed his own mother. "He believed Brother Genitivi has information that can help them."

"Tis none of our business." Morrigan muttered impatiently handing back the crumpled paper.

Biting his lip Jayden carefully removed the Knights amulet. "He mentions a Ser Donall in the note, with luck he is here; he will want to deal with the body."

"We have more important matters than dead knights."

"We are going into Lothering anyway; it will take me a moment to check if Ser Donall is here and if not I will inform the Mother, I'm sure she will see to the body." As they walked towards Lothering Jayden noticed several Templars ahead and glanced to Morrigan who was glaring in their direction. "Morrigan can we avoid offending Templars just for today?"

"I will not cow down to those fools."

"Have no doubt I will fight every last one of them to keep them from you; though I am well aware you would not need my help, but please, let us just find out what information we can without drawing attention to ourselves."

"As you wish."

Jayden pulled a cloak from the pack and wrapped it around her shoulders, raising an eyebrow at her piercing look. "Morrigan in that armour you are going to draw attention no matter what we do."

Morrigan muttered something under her breath, but fastened the cloak as they headed into the village, bypassing the Templars and heading for the merchant. They looked over the wares on sale, all the while Jayden talking amicably getting as much information from the merchant as he could; discovering that his father had passed through Lothering taking the guard with him.

The merchant cleared his throat loudly eager to pass on more gossip. "I reckon those bastard Wardens led the King to be slaughtered along with the rest of the army."

Jayden frowned. "Is that what the General said?"

"The General didn't say anything as far as I am aware, but it's obvious isn't it."

"What makes it so obvious?" Jayden asked his frown darkening.

The merchant shifted uneasily. "My pa said never trust a Warden; they do dark and terrible things in the name of saving us."

"And that's true, Thedas would have been destroyed four times over if they hadn't, but you think killing our King was in their best interests do you? Do you have any idea how many Wardens have been killed in defence of this country in the last few months?" He forced his hands to unclench as Morrigan gripped his arm, realising the merchant had paled. "Who is coordinating the evacuation?"

"That … um … that will be Ser Bryant. You'll find him in the Chantry."

Morrigan tightened her grip on his arm and pulled him to one side her scowl fierce. "Do not even think of it!" She hissed.

"Think of what?"

"This village is lost. If these fools wish to waste their lives and wait for the Darkspawn to reach them that is their problem."

"Lothering has been stripped of its defences. The least I can do is see if I can help with the evacuation."

"You cannot save these people." Morrigan hissed angrily.

"Morrigan I am a soldier, I will not forsake my duty. Now I am going to speak to Ser Bryant and see if Ser Donall is here. I hope you are here when I come back, but if not be safe."

Morrigan stared open mouthed as Jayden strode off in the direction of the Chantry, guiding Luna over to a patch of grass to graze speaking to the Templar at the door of the Chantry who nodded, Airyl whining before she darted after him. Scowling she stormed over the small bridge fully intending to leave the village and Jayden behind. She hesitated when she saw the cage ahead and the Qunari within and glanced back towards the Chantry, knowing with increasing frustration with herself that she would not leave him.

xXx

The Chantry was filled with people milling about, seeking sanctuary or guidance. Jayden noticed the knight immediately, seeing him flicking through a large tome. "Ser Donall?"

Glancing up from the tome Donall turned to face him staring at Airyl startled for a moment before turning his attention to Jayden. "I … I beg your pardon, I did not hear you approach, my research has me distracted." He shook his head slightly. "Perhaps frustrated is a more appropriate word. Forgive me, how may I help you?"

"I'm sorry to bring you bad news." Jayden handed over the amulet and note. "Ser Henric is dead, his body is just beyond the stairs leading away from Lothering passed the refugees. I'm not sure what happened."

"Makers mercy." Donall rubbed his forehead staring at the amulet and note burying the grief; he would face that when he was alone. "Thank you for giving me these. I would never have known otherwise. I …" He shook his head his voice dropping to a dazed murmur. "I wonder how many of us have found similar fates on this mad quest." He turned and slowly closed the tome.

"I … I read the note. Do you know what ails the Arl?"

"No, no-one knows. He responds to no treatments, the healers are baffled; hence our search. Now you must forgive me. I must see to Henric's body."

"Of course, again I'm sorry for your loss." Jayden worried at his lip as the knight moved away looking slightly dazed. He turned as a hand clasped his shoulder turning to see Ser Bryant startled by Airyl's soft warning growl.

Retreating slightly Bryant remembered his last contact with the soldier when he had ensured the spirits link was truly gone, clearly the wolf had not forgotten either.

"Airyl, Ser Bryant means me no harm."

Airyl huffed softly sitting down, but keeping her eyes on the Templar.

"By the Grace of the Maker William, how many lives do you have?" Ser Bryant muttered realising for the moment he was in no danger.

"Hopefully enough to get through this Blight; what word is there on survivors? The King; the Wardens?"

Bryant sighed deeply. "The only word we have had about the King is of his passing. Though if you survived then perhaps …" He gave a shuddering breath. "It would be foolish to hope. As for the Wardens I have seen nothing of them. If any survived they have not come here."

Perhaps they decided to seek help at Redcliffe; they would have travelled through the Hinterlands. "What is the status here?"

"We Templars are all the military force that remains. I am doing my best to get the people out of here, but it is slow going and many are reluctant to move on."

"Ser Bryant a large scouting party of Darkspawn are less than a day away from us. If you cannot move the people before nightfall we have to make the village defensible. They will attack when they arrive; their sole purpose is to destroy. There will be no mercy, we saw that at Ostagar."

Rubbing his forehead Bryant let out a shuddering sigh. "There is no way we can evacuate the remainder of the village by nightfall and I do not have enough men to defend it."

"How many men do you have?"

"Five Templars under my command."

"And what about the villagers?"

"Most of the able bodied went to Ostagar and those still here when the General came through left with him along with the guards and what spare decent weaponry we had. We have been left with the elderly, women and children as well as those too injured from Ostagar to continue travelling with what remains of the army."

"Why didn't the General ensure the evacuation?"

"He has a whole country to consider and he expected us to ensure the people got out I suppose."

"Well we will have to make the best of it. Do you know if the Hawke family have left?"

"I believe so, several days ago in fact. It was the Hawke brothers that urged the evacuation, on your orders so I believe."

"Indeed." He sighed acknowledging his selfish wish that they had not been so swift in leaving. "What about …" He turned startled as Airyl barked happily standing up torn between needing to stay with him and wanting to dart away. Hearing his name he saw Sister Theohild limping down the aisle towards him.

"You're alive!" Theohild gasped hugging him. "Both of you!" She murmured bending and hugging Airyl much to the wolf's delight. "How is that possible?"

"Help from a friend. What are you doing here? You should be heading to Denerim."

"I stayed behind when the General left, there were many who were unable to travel because of their injuries and I could not in good conscience leave them. What of your own injuries?"

"They are still healing, but as I said I had help."

Bryant cleared his throat. "Given what I heard of your … well assumed death I would imagine only magical assistance has kept you alive. Given what we are about to face if this mage is with you it might give us an advantage and this once I will look the other way should we survive and let the mage leave with you."

"I appreciate that Ser Bryant."

"Desperate times; I will have my men find out if any of the injured are capable of fighting and bring them here."

"We need to move the refugees to the other side of Lothering if possible, if the Darkspawn get passed us they will be slaughtered if they remain where they are."

"Yes well it seems a group of bandits has camped itself beyond the mill. I don't have the manpower to do anything about it, which also means the land where the refugees can go is too dangerous."

Jayden scowled in frustration. "How many bandits?"

"Maybe ten."

Jayden turned to Theohild. "If we must face the Darkspawn this is going to get bloody, how are we for healing supplies?"

"Struggling, the village Elder has healing skills, but it is supplies we are low on."

"Could you coordinate with her then, find out what she needs, there are lots of healing herbs on the outskirts of the village and near the stream and once we deal with the bandits we will have access to them."

"Alright but be careful. Promise me."

"Of course. I ..." His eyes widened as he saw Warin standing staring at him looking as though he had seen a ghost. "Sorry I've seen someone I must speak to. We will meet back here in an hour." Moving to Warin, Jayden glanced around. "Was your mission successful?"

"We have the women." Warin stated staring at him in shock.

Jayden felt a little of the tension drain glancing further into the Chantry. "Are they here?"

"In Lothering yes, but in the tavern; I was trying to find out information that might be from a more reliable source, none of it good however so we will head on to Redcliffe."

"I'd like to see them."

"Of course, but you should know we … well we heard you were dead! There seemed no doubt; this will be a shock, especially to Ellowyn."

"A good shock I hope."

"Indeed. Maker, Will how did you survive?"

"Healing magic courtesy of some Witches of the Wilds."

"You run in strange company, though glad I am of it." Shaking his head he led the way out of the Chantry.

Heart sinking when he couldn't see Morrigan, Jayden glanced down to Airyl who whined softly. "Morrigan will always go her own way." Leaving Luna under the continuing watchful care of Ser Derin, he accompanied Warin over the small bridge to the tavern, the pair winding their way through the main room packed with patrons to a room at the back.

Warin knocked before opening the door and gesturing for Jayden to enter.

Airyl darted ahead of him, freezing as Fleta move to Ellowyn standing protectively ahead of her before they relaxed and sniffed each other in greeting.

Feeling as though his heart would burst with the relief of seeing Ellowyn, he only just recognised her shocked look before she was in his arms. "You're alive." He murmured, burying his face in her hair, feeling her body shaking against his own realising she was crying. "Ell." He whispered, gently brushing the hair from her face as she looked up. "Were you hurt?"

"I am alright." She wanted to tell him what had happened, but she didn't dare with the others present and she was afraid if she told him he would head straight for Denerim.

Jayden frowned slightly realising she wasn't answering his question, but she looked visibly shaken and there would hopefully be time later to ask her again.

"They said you were dead! People saw you die!" Tears burned her eyes. "I … so many saw what that Darkspawn did and they said Fergus ordered the trebuchets to fire."

"Morrigan shielded Airyl and myself; protected us from the explosion and fire." He winced as her hand moved to his abdomen. "Easy Ell I still have some painful wounds."

Jerking back sharply Ellowyn bit her trembling lip. "But you are healing?"

Jayden nodded and pulled her gently back into his arms. "Yes, just be gentle with me."

"How could you have survived what that creature did to you?"

"Healing magic, I would be dead if not for that, almost was despite their efforts, but I'm alive Ell so don't think about it anymore." Jayden gently cupped her cheek his thumb catching her tears.

"Do you know about my parents?"

Swallowing painfully Jayden nodded. "I'm so sorry Ell." He held her gently as she wept quietly in his arms.

"I should have been there. Maybe I could have helped mom or taken Aedan's place with the Wardens."

"Ell you can't take this on it will drive you mad."

"I just wish … I just wish I could have seen them one last time." She pressed against him closing her eyes, shuddering against the pain of it. Moments passed before she took a shaky breath. "You almost died for Cailan and he … he …"

"I have hope he is alive Ell, Morrigan said his body wasn't on the battlefield."

"But people saw him die!"

"They saw me die too. Things aren't always as they seem."

"You are right. I am so glad you are alive."

Delilah watched Ellowyn feeling a stab of jealousy; her heart sinking as he turned to her and bowed respectfully addressing her as 'my Lady'. It was protocol of course, but how it chaffed when she knew all too well who he was. She turned as her brother moved passed her grasping his arm and hugging him.

"Well now, you are a sight for sore eyes." Thomas stated grinning broadly.

"It's good to see you too Thomas."

Ellowyn leaned against the wall near the window. "We are on our way to Redcliffe, you must come with us Will."

"I will certainly do my best to catch up to you, but there is a Darkspawn scout group heading this way and they will likely reach us by nightfall. The refugees won't get out in time."

Thomas rubbed his neck in agitation. "Right from one fight into another."

"Until the Blight is over I suspect that will be all I do."

"What do you intend to do?" Delilah asked feeling horror grip her.

"Defend Lothering as best we can. The darkness across the sky hasn't reach here yet which means they will hopefully not attack until nightfall when they are more … comfortable I suppose."

"I am not leaving you!" Ellowyn stated firmly.

"I would be grateful for your help you know I would, but your family need you, you need to get going, all of you."

"No!" Delilah stated surprising them all. "I may not have the skills to fight the Darkspawn myself, but there will be plenty to do before nightfall. I am not leaving these people to be slaughtered." She met Jayden's appreciative gaze. "I am staying."

Thomas nodded. "Count me in."

Warin shook his head, but smiled slightly. "Well who am I to argue. So, what needs done first?"

"The Templars are getting the refugees into Lothering and they can get set up beyond the mill, unfortunately there is a group of bandits causing problems."

"Then we should deal with them first." Ellowyn stated needing to do something to stop herself from spilling out to Jayden everything that had happened at Vigil's Keep.

Leading the way outside Jayden felt his heart leap in relief to see Morrigan leaning casually against the bridge. "I thought you had left."

"I did not save you simply to see you throw your life away now." She glanced to those with him. "It seems you have picked up others."

"We are going to deal with some bandits, want to join us?" He winced as Morrigan gripped his arm.

"I say again you are not responsible for these people."

"And I say again I am a soldier and it is my duty to defend these people. I will not abandon them! Now will you help me or not?"

Morrigan glanced to Airyl who butted her leg with her head demanding her compliance, releasing her grip. "Very well then, but if you intend to deal with bandits there is something you should see first."

Warin raised an eyebrow as she led them to the Qunari in the cage they had seen upon their arrival. "He slaughtered everyone on a farm, he will be held in that cage until he dies."

Scowling Morrigan tutted sharply. "Tis truly Chantry justice to allow this magnificent creature to be left defenceless, to be slaughtered. This is Sten of the Beresaad, imprisoned for murder true, but he is a great warrior and useful if you intend to remain here and face the Darkspawn."

Jayden moved over and met the Qunari's cold gaze. "Can you fight?"

"I am Qunari."

"Will you fight with us?"

"Who are you that I should fight with you?"

"It is not who I am that should concern you, more what we fight. There is a Blight and you will be slaughtered if left in that cage."

"They will not allow my freedom, for what I did I do not deserve it."

"If you could be freed to fight, it would be an opportunity to begin to atone for the crime you committed."

"Are you a Warden then?"

"No. Does that matter?"

"No." Sten looked at him coldly.

Glancing back the way they had come Jayden spied Theohild talking to Miriam the village Elder. "I'll be back."

Warin watched as he spoke to the Sister seeing her shake her head, watching as Jayden became more animated before she flung her hands in the air and the pair headed off to the Chantry. He shook his head as they were back a short time later, with the addition of Ser Bryant who was carrying a large set of armour.

Theohild gazed at the group and then to the key in her hand shaking her head. "This is foolish, but perhaps necessary." She turned to Ellowyn and Delilah; she had known who they were the moment she had seen them. She knew what had happened at Highever and had no intention of betraying their identities, but she wasn't going to stand by and let either woman be involved in the fighting. She knew well Lady Cousland's reputation with dual blades, but if she had her way Ellowyn wouldn't see a Darkspawn let along fight one and she certainly wasn't going to let them near those bandits. No, they would help her with the healing salves and potions or she hadn't been a Sister for most of her life. She knew Thomas and Warin of course, while not having had any direct contact with them even at Ostagar, she knew they could hold their own. She kept herself in the background for the most part for good reason, it allowed her to see and hear things other Mothers and Sisters missed and if they thought her simply a foolish old woman, well people tended to have more loose tongues around her. It had proven to be useful many times. "You ladies will come with me and help me with the injured. There will be no argument." She stated firmly. "I need the help, or do I walk away with the key?"

"We will help." Delilah stated firmly linking Ellowyn's arm.

Theohild smiled and passed the key to Jayden.

Ser Bryant put down the armour. "Let me know when the bandits are dealt with."

Nodding Jayden moved to the cage as Theohild ushered Delilah and a scowling Ellowyn towards Miriam, Ser Bryant shaking his head and returning to the Chantry. "So, will you fight with us?"

"I will." Sten felt his chest ease at the click of the lock and stepped outside of the cage stretching. "You have retrieved my armour and though I have no weapon I will fight regardless."

Jayden handed over a sword embarrassed at how poorly crafted it was, despite being the best of a small selection. "This is temporary; I just need you to look armed while we speak to the bandits."

"Speak?" Sten muttered.

"Yes speak. We need all the fighters we can if we are to protect Lothering and those ten men might just make the difference."

"You can't be serious!" Warin muttered.

Jayden glanced to Morrigan who was shaking her head but smiling slightly. "I'm very serious."

xXx

Ellowyn settled down next to Sister Theohild and began separating the limited supply of herbs they had, working quickly to prepare them for the salves and tonics Miriam had declared were the most important.

"You've done this before." Theohild stated gently, glancing to Delilah who had been relegated to stirring the contents of a large pot a short distance away from them.

"You never know when you will need something to help you heal." Ellowyn stated glancing in the direction the others had gone praying they would have no trouble with the bandits.

"Indeed." Theohild followed her gaze putting a tight rein on her own anxiety. Keeping her voice a whisper as those around them moved away to other duties Theohild leaned closer to Ellowyn. "You have my deepest sympathy my Lady." She sharpened her look at Ellowyn's shock. "I do not intend to reveal you; I suggest you do not reveal yourself."

Swallowing Ellowyn turned her gaze back to the herbs her heart pounding. "You know what happened?"

"I heard, your parents were good people."

"I will avenge them." She glanced up as Theohild laid her hand on her wrist. "Please do not tell me the Maker has a plan."

"I believe he does, as cruel and painful as that sometimes seems."

"Then how do you know the Maker does not want me to avenge them?"

Theohild sighed softly. "Child …"

"I am not a child!" Ellowyn snapped; sighing regretfully at her tone. "I apologise, I just … I am not even sure I can believe it is real."

"Tragedy is always difficult to accept." Theohild handed her another bundle of herbs to be sorted. "Do not be so eager to seek vengeance, you may not like the person you will become."

Ellowyn bit her lip, the Sister had sounded just like her mother; bowing her head she concentrated on the herbs thinking Howe had to pay and if she had to change to ensure that, it would be a little enough sacrifice.

xXx

Rogan stared at the odd group who had demanded to speak to him initially amused by their boldness, now watching the soldier who appeared to be in charge with curiosity. "Why in the Void should we risk our lives?"

"You have three choices, you help us defend Lothering, you leave, or you die right here." Jayden stated calmly.

The laugher died in Rogan's throat as he met the soldiers gaze. "You think you can kill all of us?"

Taking a step forward Jayden held his look. "I faced the horde, trust me compared to that whatever fear you think you can instill is wasted. Now either you stop harassing this village and help defend it, you get moving, or we end you. Choose because I don't have the time to mess about."

"What do we get if we do help you defend this rotten place?"

"Apart from the satisfaction of doing what is right, I will make sure you leave unhindered when the evacuation starts and I will forget your faces."

Rogan shifted slightly glancing in irritation to the man behind him who was whispering urgently, he raised an eyebrow and then rubbed his neck. "I'm a damn fool but alright, we'll fight with you, but one way or another come morning we leave and you don't follow."

Jayden glanced to the ten warriors. "You harm anything other than Darkspawn and I will kill you myself."

"Relax Captain, for the moment we will follow your orders."

Warin stared at them in disbelief. "Why the change of heart?"

"If you're going to bet on anyone, bet on the guy who can survive a mortal wound and being surrounded by the horde. Along with the fact he's the only reason my brother got out of Ostagar." He met Jayden's gaze. "He … well he didn't survive his wounds, but he was with us when he died rather than alone, that counts for something."

"I'm sorry for your loss." Jayden stated compassionately.

"He was a good man; there isn't one of us who wouldn't have traded our life for his if it was possible." He shook his head pushing away the memories. "I hope you have a plan."

"I do. First however I notice a large stash of weapons behind you and my companion here is in need of a suitable blade."

Rogan glanced at the Quinari uneasily. Shaking his head he took them over to the pile, pointing to a huge great sword. "None of us can bloody lift the damn thing, if he can, he can have it."

Stepping forward Sten gripped the sword lifting it with ease; it was well balanced with a lethal edge.

"Will it suffice?" Jayden asked.

Sten took a practice swipe and nodded.

"Good, then let's go we have much to do."

Rogan cleared his throat. "Look Captain no offence, but you're likely to get yourself killed going into battle with that armour, it will be like having a bloody target painted on you." He turned and moved to a chest pulling out tough leather armour. "It's about your size and it's got to be better than what you're wearing at least and just so you know it isn't stolen, it was my brothers, he always liked to have extra armour and I guess he figured what he was wearing would need fixing after Ostagar. Anyway the way he talked about you, well I reckon he'd be proud if you would use it."

Biting his lip in surprise Jayden accepted the offered armour. "I'd be honoured."