Ser Bryant stared at the odd group his hand moving to the hilt of his sword. "I thought you were going to move the bandits on."

"It seemed more sensible to have them help us." Jayden stated firmly. "Besides they owe the village, the least they can do is defend its people. The refugees can be moved beyond the mill now. What about others who can fight?"

"We are with you Captain." Jarad stated limping towards him with Michael and several others who had survived Ostagar. "Damn I can't believe you survived that!"

Jayden felt a surge of relief at seeing them alive. "Neither could I. It's good to see you all. We will have another fight on our hands soon; we need to make this place as defensible as possible."

"Just tell us what you need Captain."

"Well, Captain is it now William?"

Jayden turned startled. "Master Invay!" He clasped hands with the Blackhaller. "It is, but never in a way I would want it."

"Aye well that's the problem with war it takes too many damn good men, Captain Varril being one of the best, but I confess myself delighted to see you alive, selfishly it gives me hope my nephew Lawrence also survived. Oh and call me Maddock since we will likely be spilling blood together soon. Well since you seem to be in charge I'm fair with a blade, but better with a bow, where do you need me?"

"I'm just helping, Ser Bryant is …"

"Deferring to your good judgement." Ser Bryant interrupted quickly. "You've faced these monsters; I will follow your lead."

Jayden nodded and looked at everyone gathered. "Here's what we need to do."

xXx

Several hours later the refugees had moved beyond the mill, leaving the area between the steps and the village gate free. They had reinforced where they could and Jayden had anyone he could making traps and those with the skills making arrows and particular potions.

Morrigan watched Jayden move through the soldiers, bandits, Templars, priests and refugees giving direction, comfort and hope, Airyl never moving from his side. The air of tension and fear was still thick, but it now rippled with purpose.

"I don't know why, but he always manages to surprise me with what he can accomplish." Warin stated softly, rolling back his shoulders, hands sore from digging pits. "I think we might actually get through this."

Morrigan raised an eyebrow. "Tis foolish, he is still injured and not yet ready for battle; 'tis infuriating how stubborn he is!"

"It is one of his more difficult traits, but it has its uses."

With a huff of frustration Morrigan folded her arms. "He is as stubborn as Mother, but at least she can become a dragon." Ignoring Warin's startled look she strode towards Sten, curious about their newest ally.

xXx

With preparations in motion Jayden retrieved Luna from the Chantry setting a quick pace to the Hawke farm, Airyl leading the way. Warin and Thomas joined him bringing the other horses and their belongings from the tavern; giving their room to other arriving refugees. Jayden noted the raven fly behind the barn, Morrigan moving out to meet them.

"There is no-one here or on the surrounding land unless they are inside." Morrigan reported quickly.

Easing off Luna, Jayden moved to the farmhouse trying the door finding it locked. "Ser Bryant said the Hawke's left several days ago, but I doubt they will mind us using their house." Easing onto his knees biting his lip to muffle the grunt of pain he quickly picked the lock, flushing slightly at Thomas's startled look. "Pays to be prepared." He muttered getting back to his feet and pushing open the door, Airyl moving ahead of him. All of the furniture was in place; they had only taken the most essential items. He felt an ache build in him that they had, had to leave yet another home, but he hoped that one day they might be able to return.

"Plenty of places to bed down." Warin noted approvingly, joining them after taking the horses to the stable. "And a bit of privacy from all the gossips in that damn tavern."

"Have you heard much?" Jayden asked.

"None of it good."

"I suppose that's to be expected given the circumstances. Morrigan could you place a few wards to protect the farm from unwanted attention?"

"As you wish."

"Interesting young Lady." Warin stated watching her move a short distance away making strange gestures with her hands seeing a soft glow. "I've never seen a Circle Mage look like her."

"Morrigan is a Witch of the Wilds." Jayden slumped onto a seat his hand to his stomach waving away Thomas's concern. "I'll be fine."

"Why don't you go and get Ellowyn and your sister, Thomas." Warin stated softly.

Thomas left reluctantly casting Jayden another concerned glance.

"You look like you are gearing up for a lecture." Jayden muttered as Warin pulled out a chair at the table and sat down.

"Would there be any point?"

"I suppose that depends on the lecture."

Warin glanced to Airyl who after searching the house thoroughly was leaning against Jayden's leg with her head on his knee. "You don't need to be on the front line in this."

"Warin …"

"You are injured, Maker what you went through at Ostagar, the fact that you are alive is a bloody miracle."

"Magic actually."

"Whatever, but running straight back into a fight with these things …"

"What would you have me do, sit with the refugees and send others to die? I'm a Captain now and I have a duty …" He glanced to Warin in shock as the older man slammed his fist on the table provoking a warning growl from Airyl.

"You are a future Teyrn, you have no right to risk your life!"

"Well what about Cailan and Fergus, they were …"

"They are dead! Sweet Maker are you so eager for death?"

"Of course not, but I'm a soldier, it's an occupational hazard and we don't know they are dead! Besides I'm not prepared to send others to the front line and stay back myself."

"You are a Captain and one day you will be a General as your father before you; you better start getting used to it."

"Not today."

"Your father …"

"I am not my father." Jayden snapped, sighing at Warin's piercing look. "I don't have his strength, I'm not sure I ever will."

"Your father has had many battles to hone that strength, so tell me then, if you will not stay back, why do you expect myself and Thomas to stay at the gates."

"I need someone I know will do whatever it takes to stop them. I know what you are capable of."

"Do you now?" Warin leaned back in the chair.

Jayden rifled in his pack and pulled out a pouch pushing the vials over to Warin. "If we are overrun and they get passed us use these."

Warin knew the vials held an explosive content. "Makers balls this amount would kill you all." He met Jayden's steady gaze.

"If we are overrun between the stairs and the gates we are dead already and you know it."

Warin shook his head but took the vials. "And Thomas?"

"Lady Delilah has already lost one brother; I would not be the cause of her losing another." He shook his head sighing slightly. "In truth I would rather die than see another friend fall."

"You need to harden your heart."

"So Morrigan keeps telling me." They fell silent as the others arrived.

Pulling her to one side, Jayden handed his bow to Ellowyn. "My wounds will make it very painful and difficult if not impossible to use this."

"Is this your way of keeping me at a distance from the fighting?"

"You're a good shot and we have too few archers, if the damn things get past us you will get your chance to get up close to them, but take it from me, you don't want to."

Anxiety flared in her chest. "Are you up to fighting?"

"Probably not, but when did that matter in war? Besides, Morrigan can patch me up afterwards."

"Just make sure you are alive to patch up. I thought you dead once, I do not want to go through that again." She smiled at his gentle hug. "Just stay alive alright?"

"It's certainly my priority Ell." Heading into the room Anders and Garrett had shared Jayden sat on the edge of the bed taking out the communication runestone, running his fingers across the smooth surface.

"Anders will be well." Morrigan stated joining him.

"I just wish I could speak to him. Garrett said they left the runestone at home when they went to Lothering." He worried at his lip. "I didn't even look for it."

"You had much on your mind and were focused on everything else."

"Still I …" He stared in wonder as Morrigan placed the runestones twin in his hand.

"I found it while you were sleeping and thought it sensible to bring it with us. I kept it in case we were somehow parted. 'Twas an oversight not to inform you, however I was preoccupied myself and it was only seeing you now that reminded me."

"Thank you Morrigan."

"Perhaps you should keep them hidden, many refugees have left much behind and they look valuable."

Nodding Jayden put the runestones in a pouch and tucked them into his pack. "Morrigan if I don't survive this, would you give them to the surviving Wardens for the duration of the Blight? I would imagine they would come in useful and when the Blight is over if you get the chance would you go to Gwaren and give them to Anders?"

"Twill not be necessary, but I will ensure it is done should you fall in battle."

"Thank you."

Moving to the door Morrigan hesitated before turning back. "If you die I will never forgive you."

"You too." Jayden stated softly.

Morrigan's lips twitched into a smile. "Come, we best check on the preparations; 'twould be unfortunate if the spawn arrive before we are ready."

xXx

As night fell the village was as prepared as it could be. The Templars and Rogan and his men manned the barricades they had erected in front of the main gates and surrounding wall, scouts on the bridge leading into Lothering watching for the Darkspawn. Every man and woman who could wield a weapon were behind the Templars and the rest of the refugees were at the mill, Elder Miriam, the Sisters and the Reverend Mother maintaining calm.

Sten stood with Jayden and Airyl glaring out across the open space filled with traps that were carefully hidden. His presence was being tolerated only because he was another blade between the refugees and the Darkspawn. Delilah had remained with Theohild to help calm the villagers and refugees, but Ellowyn had refused to stay and was with Maddock and Morrigan on the watchtower, having compromised with the Sister that she would remain there and keep away from the main body of the fight, while the position gave her the advantage of height. Fleta paced furiously beneath ill at ease that she was unable to reach Ellowyn particularly when there would be danger. Thomas stood with Warin at the gate with two Templars, they would be the last defence if all else failed. Silence had fallen over the village, the air filled with anticipation and fear.

Sten watched as Jayden brought a sense of calm determination to those who might give their lives in defending the village, speaking words to bolster their resolve and quell their fear. Reminding them to take the heads of their enemy if they could; the wolf never left his side and he found himself curious about a man who could evoke such devotion from a wild creature. He stared at the blade he carried aching for his own sword, his Asala and glared. While he might die without his soul, his debt to those he had slaughtered through panic and shame might be paid. His head snapped up at the cry of alarm from the scouts, the two men running the safe path through the traps, almost falling over the barricade before the main gate in their panic, the Darkspawn appearing moments later.

Jayden signalled to Ser Bryant and Sten, of all the defenders of Lothering they had the furthest throw. Uninjured he could have matched them, but as it was with his injuries he couldn't hope to throw as far as was needed. He watched several flasks sail through the air hitting stones and smashing, a thick fog rising up from them. Everyone watched as the Darkspawn momentarily halted, confused and disorientated, hissing in pain and panic. At Jayden's signal four flaming arrows soared overhead and found their targets in the oil drenched trenches, barriers of flame roaring to life. Terrible screams sounded out as the Darkspawn were caught in the flames, legs immobile by traps as they twisted and roared as the fire took them.

The four archers at the barricades began firing, each was skilled and the arrows reached their targets, none of them getting back up. Ellowyn and Maddock began firing at Jayden's signal.

Morrigan prepared herself as the Darkspawn clambered over the bodies of the fallen, each step bringing them closer to the defenders; realising in alarm that there were far too many for this to be a scout group.

"Stay with me Airyl." Jayden murmured feeling a swell of gratitude as she nudged his leg. "For Ferelden!" He yelled moving to meet their enemy, his blades flaring to life with frost runes, cutting deep into the Darkspawn that lunged at him, Airyl slamming into a Genlock her claws tearing into its throat. Sten moved to Jayden's left taking the head from a Hurlock with a slight grin of satisfaction, Jarad, Michael and Ser Bryant fighting at Jayden's right. The others followed a step behind, every second counting.

Ser Bryant glanced up as a storm manifested just ahead of them feeling the magic, yelling for the defenders to pull back as the forked lightning showed no mercy, tearing through the Darkspawn leaving them dead or severely wounded.

Thomas felt his heart beat wildly as he saw a Hurlock moving stealthy towards Jayden and Airyl who had become separated from the others and were engaged in fierce combat. He moved before he had time to think about it ignoring Warin's yells. Leaping the barricade and tearing across the muddy ground sliding and slamming into the Hurlock, he barely had time to acknowledge its terrifying face. His momentum ensured he drove his sword deep into its gut, before pulling back his blade and taking its head as it sank to its knees. He glanced to Jayden who nodded in thanks, ignoring the horror building in his chest and the churning of his gut moving to his friend's side.

Hissing in frustration Morrigan watched the survivors of Ostagar struggle against the Darkspawn; forming a paralysis glyph she smirked slightly as the tainted creatures were cut down. Catching sight of movement she saw with horror more Darkspawn were arriving; yelling out a warning, gesturing wildly as Jayden turned to her.

Weapons slick with tainted blood, his feet slipping on the gore covered ground Jayden felt his heart plummet as he saw the Darkspawn reinforcements. "Sten!" He roared. "We need to stop them!"

Seeing the new threat Sten cut his way through the Darkspawn pressing in on them; letting out a challenging roar, raising the great sword, tainted blood dripping down the blade. "If I am to die today I will not die alone." He snarled, driving his blade through the nearest spawn as they sought to overrun him.

Jayden moved to his side Thomas following, the Templars and the soldiers joining them with Rogan and his men forming a barrier. Smoke making his eyes water Jayden stared in disbelief and horror at the Ogre that appeared, the creature beating its fists against its chest in challenge. He took grim comfort that it was no Alpha and there did not appear to be any accompanying shrieks; he was not sure they could withstand the assault of the Darkspawn assassins. He sucked in a sharp breath as Rogan and his men swarmed around the Ogre driving it to the ground in the frenzy of their attack with a little help from a hex spell, but it wasn't down for long, grabbing at those attacking it, slamming them against stone and tossing them aside.

Jayden gritted his teeth in pain feeling the wounds at his abdomen and back pull as he span and drove his blades into the chest of a Hurlock as he tried to get to the ogre, glancing sharply to Airyl as she yelped, praying the blood splattering her fur and armour was not her own. He span blocking the blade of a Hurlock, its head spinning towards the stair's courtesy of Sten who nodded grimly before kicking a Genlock in the face and sending it sprawling on the ground, driving his sword though its back and driving his blade through its neck before moving on.

As the Ogre staggered back to its feet once more, men falling beneath its mighty fists, Ellowyn bit her lip furiously before glancing down to Warin. "We have to help them!"

Warin glanced at the vials Jayden had given him glancing up to Morrigan. "Mistress Morrigan, Will said you shielded Airyl and himself from an explosion. How many could you shield?"

Morrigan stared at the vials he was holding and those fighting whose numbers had halved; hurrying down the ladder, Ellowyn and Maddock following her. "I can shield the defenders for a brief time, however 'tis a complex spell and I will have no defence while I cast."

"We will protect you." Ellowyn stated fiercely.

Maddock nodded unsheathing his sword.

Morrigan downed a vial of lyrium turning to Ellowyn. "Kill that Emissary and I will begin." She rolled her eyes at Ellowyn's hesitation. "The creature on the top of the stairs, 'tis the reason the Ogre is withstanding the attack!"

An arrow shimmering with ice plunged into the chest of the Emissary sending it staggering backwards, the one tearing into its throat ended it. Turning Ellowyn saw Morrigan's hands shimmering with blue energy. "Now Warin!"

"Get down!" Warin roared, racing beyond the barricade and throwing the vials as shields of shimmering blue energy surrounded the defenders and himself, sucking in a sharp breath as the flames of the explosion rushed around him, terrified that the shield would fail. He heard terrifying screams and then silence; glancing around as the flames receded, their enemy had been incinerated and mercifully the shield had held. He glanced to Morrigan realising Ellowyn was keeping her on her feet. "Well done mage." He murmured.

The stunned defenders once they had realised they were still alive set about ensuring every Darkspawn body that remained would not be getting up again tossing them to the flames, before retreating to the barricades.

xXx

By morning the road into Lothering ran with blood, there had been another smaller attack of what they presumed had been the scout group Morrigan had seen, where their first attackers had come from they had no idea, but no Darkspawn had made it into the Village. Only Rogan had survived of his group and he didn't hang around; nodding to Jayden before he retrieved his belongings and left.

Jayden limped from the battlefield grimacing at the pain of his wounds, sighing as Ellowyn wrapped her arms around his neck.

"We survived." She whispered as though saying it any louder would make it untrue.

"We did."

"Thomas!" Delilah cried out, running to her brother and hugging him fiercely.

"I am alright De." He soothed.

"You said you would not fight unless you had to!"

"He saved my life." Jayden stated.

Delilah glanced to him startled before tightening her hold on her brother. "We should go back to the house; we all need rest and your wounds need seen too."

"If I could have a moment." Ser Bryant stated approaching his armour blood drenched; his face haggard from the loss of two of his Templars. "We owe you all a debt of gratitude." He glanced to Sten uneasily who was standing not far from Jayden his arms crossed. "Without you we would never have survived this attack." He gave a shuddering breath. "And those who were lost in the fight, no matter who they are, or what they did in life surely have found a place at the Makers side for their sacrifice. Everyone should be ready to move by midday. Thankfully we have that time. You should all get some rest and have your wounds seen too and Captain if you would come and see me before you leave I would be grateful."

"Of course Ser Bryant." Jayden glanced to Sten who cleared his throat.

"And what of me?"

Seeing Ser Bryant's look of unease Jayden turned to Sten. "You could always come with us. I hope to find any surviving Wardens; one way or another this Blight must be stopped and we will need fighters with your skills."

Sten nodded thoughtfully. "That would be acceptable."

The group walked in silence back to the Hawke farm, all too weary to attempt more conversation. Jayden headed straight to Anders room and removed Airyl's armour, carefully washing the blood from her fur checking for any injuries. Satisfied the wolf was as healthy as could be expected after such a battle, he gave her a health potion and some food before she settled down on the rug near the bed, giving a soft huff before she fell into a much deserved sleep.

Morrigan moved silently into the room moments later with a fresh bowl of water and bandages, smiling at Jayden's protest as she painstakingly cleansed his wounds. "I tended you after Ostagar; you make a much more compliant patient when you are unconscious."

"Thank you for staying." He murmured.

"You are welcome, though I still think it was foolish."

Jayden didn't respond instead easing himself onto the bed. "You should get some rest too."

"I will, now sleep."

xXx

Jayden turned startled as he found himself on the battlefield at Ostagar. He heard the deep growls of their enemy and watched the blaze of burning arrows light the sky before they sank downwards pinning squealing Darkspawn to the ground. He glanced to Cailan; alive, vibrant, glorious in his armour that gleamed like gold, his sword raised as he sent the mabari. "No that's the wrong armour!" He tried to move through the men and women to get to Cailan but they kept pushing him back. "Cailan!" He span as he was shoved forward to meet the Darkspawn; fighting through his fellow soldiers his King already fighting for his life by the time he reached him. He sank his sword into a Hurlock and grabbed Cailan's wrist his eyes widening; his face was ravaged by the blight as was Duncan who fought next to him. He turned; all of the soldiers surrounding him were ghouls and on the ridge he saw his father turn and walk away. Jayden screamed; rage and grief pouring out of him as the ghouls held him as he thrashed. He was dragged backwards; kicking out wildly, fighting against the hands that held him. He gulped for air frantically; pain bursting along every nerve, his strength almost gone as they all vanished; all but one. Heart pounding Jayden backed away, the ghoul that had been Cailan kept coming. Slipping on the blood soaked ground Jayden collapsed to his knees beside the bodies of his friends. "I'm sorry Cailan; I'm so sorry." He cried out in pain as steel sank into flesh; saw his own blood spray out as Cailan withdrew his sword, collapsing backwards into the mud. "I'm sorry." He whispered his eyes closing.

Clutching his stomach Jayden sat up sharply, his breathing harsh, sweat covering him, his body trembling. He took gulping breaths to calm himself reaching for his dagger as he saw movement, his fingers leaving the hilt as Morrigan stood over him.

Kneeling beside the bed Morrigan frowned as she checked the wound the Alpha had given him, the bandage soaked with blood, the stitches torn. "Be still." She commanded calling up the strongest healing spell Anders had taught her, relieved the bleeding at least stopped. "Tis maddening that it refuses to heal completely!" She snapped glaring at the offending wound as she set about repairing the stitches.

"It will just take time." Jayden groaned, wincing at the pulling sensation. "I thought you were going to rest."

"Tis difficult to sleep when the person next door is screaming in his sleep. Ostagar?"

"Ostagar." He whispered glancing to the door at the knock, surprised when Delilah peered into the room.

Delilah stared startled feeling a rush of jealousy to find Jayden on the bed with the witch, feeling guilt as she realised Morrigan was tending to a wound. "I was hoping to speak to you William." She tried to ignore Morrigan, in truth she feared her, not just because she was a mage, but she had a wild beauty she felt she could not compete with.

"Of course." Jayden stated easing himself until he was sitting, forcing the dream from his mind. He glanced to Morrigan who reluctantly left snapping the door shut behind her.

Delilah rubbed at her fingers. "You could have died last night. We could have so little time so I need you to know I know."

"You know what my Lady?" Jayden eased off the bed with a grunt of pain.

"About you, about who you are." She was startled by his ability to maintain a neutral expression and frustrated when he remained silent. "It really was not that hard to figure out for someone who has known Anora as long as I have, not after seeing the looks she gave you at the memorial. Those looks had an intensity I have only ever seen reserved for family, I am sure I gave Thomas that look many times in his youth. Anora would never give such a look of anger and …"

"Hate." Jayden supplied softly.

"Yes, I suppose it was … to a common soldier; besides she is usually too good at keeping her true moods hidden unless in private."

"Perhaps I offended her Majesty in some way."

"I imagine you must have, but as a brother, not a subject. Oh you look older and your features have lost the softness of childhood, but the eyes never lie." She swallowed against the ache in her throat. "They are the eyes of a boy I attempted to comfort once who was lost in the grief of losing his mother, eyes I have never forgotten and I still cannot believe I did not see it sooner. I am truly a fool."

"Delilah …"

"I have no intention of telling anyone, nor will I address you as anything other than William, but our situation is a little more complicated, we are betrothed after all."

Giving up the pretence he sighed. "Do you think the betrothal will still stand after what your father has done?"

"I would imagine it has become necessary precisely because of that. My father's actions could rip our country apart. Since we are already betrothed I would imagine Anora will need our marriage to go ahead to ensure the country is united. I would imagine she may even force Thomas and Ellowyn to marry, which will not sit well with either of them." She sighed softly. "But this is not why I came to you; I simply wanted you to know my affection is for you and not your disguise. You saved Thomas. You protected me. I have never felt as safe as when I was in your arms." She sighed softly at the shock in his eyes. "Did you truly have no inkling of my affection for you?"

"I … I thought you were simply being kind after the incident with Thomas and at the memorial you were so lost …"

"And you behaved admirably on all occasions, never taking advantage of me." She closed the distance between them, her heart pounding brutally. "But now you know I know …"

"Delilah I …" Jayden met her gaze, her affection towards him completely unexpected. "What about Albert?"

Delilah flushed having forgotten she had used him to see her lost love. "Albert is gone; my father ensured we would never see each other again." Seeing the alarm in his eyes she shook her head. "He is alive, in Antiva I believe. Or at least he was alive when he got on the ship." Her eyes burned with tears at the memory. "It was some time ago now."

"I'm sorry; I know you loved him very much."

"Distance and time is helping." She bit her lip. "I did not expect to feel affection for you, but it too has helped. Are you … are you hesitant with me because of Morrigan? You … well you seem close."

Frowning slightly Jayden shook his head. "We have been friends from childhood, there is nothing more than that for us."

"Lyra then?" She saw the momentary pain in his eyes and ached to reach out to him.

"Lyra is married, happily I believe."

"She broke your heart and you are afraid of loving again." She smiled at his flushed cheeks. "I feel it too I assure you." Sighing she settled on a seat near the door gazing at him. "It is not the future I imagined; honestly I hoped I would find a way to be with Albert as I suppose you hoped with Lyra, but it seems duty has caught us in its web, but I do not wish an empty marriage. Do you at least find me attractive?"

"You have always been beautiful to me Delilah." Jayden stated softly.

"That is something at least. The world is shifting too fast, all of this death and darkness and some caused by my own father. I just … I wanted some hope that somehow we might find a way to be happy."

Kneeling at her feet Jayden ignored the pain and clasped her hand. "I believed I would find a way to free us from the betrothal, as much for you as for me." He bit his lip hard as he forced himself to meet her gaze. "I still love Lyra; I don't know how to stop. I'm not saying this to be cruel I just …" He gasped as lips pressed to his, his heart thudding almost painfully, his lips burning at her touch, responding despite himself, wanting something warm and beautiful that wasn't about pain and death. He gazed at Delilah as she pulled back slightly, her eyes sparking, her cheeks flushed, a smile curving her lips.

"I do not expect you to just give me your heart, but perhaps in time it might not be an impossibility. For now however I suppose I should go before my brother or Warin burst in here." Eyes twinkling as she stood; Delilah curtsied and flashing him a smile she turned and left.

Jayden stared after her bemused, glancing to Airyl who gave a soft huff.

Morrigan watched from her perch on the windowsill, seeing a flash of confusion and guilt in his eyes, wanting to peck Delilah's eyes out. Flying from the sill before he saw her Morrigan flew high enough to see Delilah move over to the fields, her attention on the hills beyond, determined that she would discover her true agenda.

Sinking onto the edge of the bed Jayden shook his head, it was foolish to feel guilty, Lyra had made her choice and he imagined she barely gave him a thought these days and Delilah was to be his wife, why not enjoy time with her, yet it did not sit well with him. Easing back onto the bed he sighed. "Why can't I just enjoy something without thinking it to death?" He muttered glancing to Airyl who had simply watched the little drama play out. He sighed as she jumped up onto the bed nestling against him. "Any ideas?" He murmured stroking between her ears.

Airyl huffed softly and laid her head on his chest.

"Good idea, sleep first, think about all of this later."

xXx

Waking a few hours later and after eating as though he hadn't tasted food in weeks Jayden hurried to complete several tasks before he went to find Ser Bryant finding him with Maddock, both greeting him warmly and clasping his hand. "Is everyone ready to move on?"

"Indeed." Ser Bryant stated in relief. "We will leave within the hour and head to Denerim. I also have some news you might find of interest. A group of refugees arrived a few hours ago; they said they believe there may have been survivors including Wardens heading through the Hinterlands in the direction of Redcliffe. I believe it has prompted some of the survivors here to head to Redcliffe as well to join them."

"You have my thanks."

"You have all of our thanks." Bryant clasped his arm. "May the Maker guide and watch over you."

"And you Ser Bryant." He turned as Maddock clasped his arm.

"Good luck to you William and if you see that nephew of mine tell him I'm heading to Denerim."

"I will."

xXx

Having checked everyone was ready to leave Sister Theohild took Ellowyn's hands. "Be careful child and I will pray for you and your family."

"Thank you Sister and please keep our being here to yourself."

"Were you here dear? In all the fuss I simply don't remember, age can be such a burden at times."

Ellowyn smiled warmly. "I understand why Will likes you so much."

"The Makers work is not always clear, but the need for your safety is; oh and if I may ask a small favour."

"Of course."

"Keep an eye on William; that lad and trouble go hand in hand."

"I will do. Stay safe Sister."

Theohild turned to Jayden who was waiting patiently giving him a gentle hug. "Now can you try and stay out of trouble?"

"I always try!"

"Yes well perhaps try a little harder. I wish you would come to Denerim with me."

"I have to find out if King Cailan survived."

"William the likelihood of that is …"

"I know, but there is still a chance. If he yet lives my place is with him."

"Perhaps your place should be with the General. You suffered terrible wounds, come with me to Denerim …"

"You know once I've set my mind to something I need to see it through."

With a sigh Theohild nodded. "Indeed."

"But I would be grateful if you would ensure the General gets this letter, it explains what I am doing. If for some reason you cannot give it directly to the General then give it to Erlina, Queen Anora's handmaiden. Whatever you do, it cannot fall into the hands of Arl Howe."

Theohild nodded and tucked the sealed parchment into an inner pocket in her robes. "I will see it done."

"Jarad and Michael will see you safely to Denerim."

Theohild nodded before hugging him. "Be safe my dear William and come home soon."

xXx

Standing next to the bridge Delilah glanced around waiting impatiently for Jayden to join them; spying him with the witch near the Chantry and feeling jealousy churn her stomach.

Jayden stared at the rose Morrigan placed into his hand, a deep crimson in perfect bloom. "It's beautiful. No-one has ever given me a rose before."

"Twas alone on a bush so gnarled and twisted, 'twould be unlikely to bring forth another bloom and with the horde advancing I doubt flowers will grow here again." Her tone softened a fraction. "Tis the flowers your mother favoured is it not?"

"Roses were always her favourite." Jayden murmured running his fingers over the velvety petals.

"I have placed an enchantment on it, 'twill not wither or die." She smiled slightly at his startled expression. "I thought perhaps in moments when you feel the darkness more keenly, it will remind you of her and bring some measure of hope should you need it."

"Thank you Morrigan; this means a great deal."

"Then shall we leave this place, I would prefer to find the Wardens swiftly."

Jayden nodded, tucking the rose carefully into his pack.

Morrigan glanced to Delilah having made sure she would see her gift; she was rewarded by her scowl and smiled slightly. You may marry him eventually if fate is truly cruel to him, but he and I have a shared destiny that I will not allow you to interfere with.