Eloen made her way back to her own rooms having made no progress with her interrogations. She had spoken to every servant and guard, exerting her influence over them to ensure honest answers, exhausting work that had led to nothing. No-one knew how Delilah and Ellowyn had left the tower, but she had an idea how they had escaped the Keep without being seen remembering the bust on the crate. She lay on the bed rubbing her temples trying to soothe the headache that was blooming; the Arl would be furious and she needed answers for him. She sat up suddenly her heart pounding violently, of everyone she had interrogated only Thelda had seemed different somehow, watchful despite the spell. A frown creased her features; there was something her memory was tugging at, a drawing in an ancient tome on magical items that Jowan had been obsessed with for weeks. She felt a flare of alarm as she realised the necklace Thelda wore had been in that tome; crafted with the ability to absorb blood magic meant to interfere with memory. Panic tore through her body leaving her breathless; if Thelda knew what she had been doing she could inform the Templars. Terror brought her to her feet and she hurried through the corridors to the kitchen seeing Thelda sitting at the table drinking tea. "Such a pretty necklace." Eloen stated softly as she entered the room, forcing herself to appear calm despite her heart pounding brutally. "I meant to comment on it earlier."

"It's a common enough design." Thelda stated getting to her feet and placing her cup on the bench, wrapping her fingers around the handle of a knife.

"Where did you get it?" Eloen queried, closing the distance between them; if the necklace was what she suspected it to be, she could very well find herself swinging from a noose next to the Arl. Stretching out her magic she felt a soft pulse, barely enough to register, something she hadn't paid attention to so intent was she in her task. In truth she had believed herself unstoppable and this one woman could destroy her.

"A gift from my mother." Thelda stated turning keeping the knife behind her.

Eloen darted forward her hand reaching out to snatch the necklace, startled when she found herself slammed back against the table a knife to her throat, terror gripping her throwing her momentarily back into her time at the Circle.

"You think you have any right to use your damn blood magic on anyone witch?"

Eloen bit down on the whimper as she felt her blood well against the steel. "I do what I am told." She gasped painfully. "You think a mage has any freedom? You think I want to be here? Do you think I wanted to use this magic? I had no choice; he will kill Jowan if I don't!"

Thelda hesitated and eased back slightly, but kept the blade to her throat. "The man who came here with you?"

"Yes." Eloen whispered tears slipping down her cheeks. "My damn magic meant I was taken from my clan, my best friend was killed by the Templars." She shuddered painfully as her mind took her to all the dark moments in the Circle and when the knife was taken away and she collapsed to the floor it was no act. "You fear mages." She wept. "But you have no idea what we have to endure. Templars are brutal and they break you in ways you can't imagine." She curled in on herself her grief overwhelming her. "They hurt you and those you love until all you can do is obey and pray it's enough to keep you safe. The Arl said he would keep us safe from the Templars if we did what he said." She wrapped her arms around her waist sobbing painfully now. "I can't lose Jowan; he's all I have left!"

Worrying at her lip Thelda put the knife on the bench well away from Eloen and helped her into a chair, never taking her eyes off her as she poured them both some tea.

Wiping the tears from her cheeks Eloen wrapped her hands around the cup grateful for the warmth, her whole body feeling like ice.

"It seems as though you are in a situation similar to my own." Thelda smiled slightly at the disbelief in her expression. "I stay to protect my brother and he does what he does to protect me." She shook her head finally sitting at the far end of the table. "You can change what people believe … with this magic?"

Eloen shrank into herself, regaining some of her sense of self preservation. "I don't want to, but if I don't do the magic the Arl wants Jowan and I will be taken to Tevinter as slaves. Jowan might stand a chance, but an elf …" She laughed bitterly. "It's all I can do to protect myself here."

"You used that magic on the guards?"

"Wouldn't you? Who will protect an elf let alone a mage?"

Thelda sighed softly remembering Petra. "Aye well you have the truth of it there, I suppose I would use whatever resources I had at hand. What about Lady Cousland and Lady Delilah?"

Eloen watched her warily. "I did what I was told."

"I will take that as a yes then." Taking a sip from her tea she watched the mage thoughtfully. If you are very lucky Lady Cousland the witch won't remember you wore this necklace too, or she never noticed it at all.

"The Arl will kill me when he finds they are gone."

"Well maybe we can work something out."

"Why would you even think about helping me?"

Pursing her lips Thelda met her startled gaze. "A favour for a favour."

"What do you want from me?"

"I want you to persuade the Arl, through words not magic of course, that I would best serve him with Lady Julianna, as a spy of sorts if nothing else works."

"What would that accomplish?"

Thelda worried at her lower lip thinking of the letter she had received from Cora, a friend in Lady Julianna's service. "There is something there that needs my attention and if Lady Julianna hears anything about the whereabouts of our young runaways I will inform him or you immediately."

"And how does this help me?"

"You get to tell the Arl that I saw two hooded figures down by the grove on my way back from Amaranthine and that I heard one of them say she had to confront her father."

Eloen narrowed her eyes slightly. "Did you?"

"Does it matter?"

"Do you know how they got out?"

"I have my suspicions, this is an old building and there are secret passageways built into it. I reckon those girls stumbled upon a way out of that tower, they had weeks to find one and I suspect there are passageways leading out of the Keep which Lady Delilah would know of; there must be at least one escape route for the family."

Eloen bit her lip. "Given the circumstances I suppose Lady Cousland may have become desperate to confront her father. I should have spent more time ensuring she felt she must stay here."

"Everything I have heard about that young woman would suggest once she has made up her mind about something nothing would stop her."

"Very well, but I need to find this passage way to make this work, or his suspicions may turn to us and trust me if he suspects me I will make sure he suspects you."

Thelda smirked slightly. "Alright, but you try your magic on me or go for this necklace again and our truce is over."

Eloen simply nodded as she watched Thelda tuck a knife into her apron. "Allies for the moment then."

Nodding Thelda narrowed her eyes. "Have you used this mind magic on the Arl?"

"Of course to ensure he wouldn't hurt me, but I will deny it with every breath."

"I bet, well I would walk carefully lass because if you think he didn't prepare for that you are a fool."

Eloen frowned. "If he knew …"

"Oh and of course the Arl has never lured anyone into a false sense of security. Take my advice and be careful, people who betray the Arl usually end up dead." Drinking the rest of her tea she stood. "Right, well we better find this passageway, Maker knows when he will be back."

xXx

It was late afternoon as Gwaren came into view Flemeth swooped down changing from her eagle form a little apart from the druffalo and horses to avoid alarming them. "The way is clear and this is where I leave you, there is much still to do."

Malcolm moved to Flemeth and held out his hand. "Thank you."

Smiling slightly she clasped his wrist staring intently into his eyes; curiosity about the life that should have already ended burning within her. "So many ripples, so many lives altered. Be cautious, there are those destined for greatness and those destined to fall, but your path has changed." She glanced briefly to Anders before turning back to him. "It will be interesting to see what you do with the second chance given to you." Smirking slightly at his unease she released him and moved to Garrett and Anders. "Remember the amulet must be given to Keeper Marethari, where you go after that is your own business." Glancing them over once more she transformed into an eagle and was swiftly out of sight.

"Let's get moving I don't fancy getting caught by the Darkspawn when we are so close to relative safety." Malcolm urged.

Anders bit his lip nervously. "And remember, if anyone asks I am Filias Alumay."

Garrett nodded seriously moving closer protectively. "Yes we remember, Procurer of rare and enchanted items." He leaned over and gently squeezed Anders hand. "It will be alright." He knew by the look in Anders eyes he didn't quite believe him.

xXx

Tolman caught sight of the flare and then the small group just leaving the watchtower and yelled down to Captain Marcus. "Soldiers and refugees by the looks of it; just passing the watchtower."

Marcus hurried up to join him. "I would imagine there will be a lot more before this is over. Peter open the gates and someone get Serin." He commanded, signalling to Tolman to join him as he hurried down to the gates.

"Master Alumay." Tolman stated in surprise as the group approached.

"Tolman it's good to see you." Anders glanced uneasily at the guards watching them. "Can we enter?"

Captain Marcus stepped forward. "Once you have been checked that none of you carry the blight sickness then you will be allowed to enter."

Aveline stood pale faced and couldn't stop the flinch, Wesley's passing too raw, but she remained silent.

"We understand Captain." Malcolm stated.

While Serin was checking them over, Marcus cleared his throat. "Do you have any news of Ostagar. The little we have heard is not good."

Running his fingers through his hair Garrett quickly explained the basics of what had happened including their orders to urge the evacuation of Merinwood and Lothering and then to warn him of the Darkspawn.

"There have been small groups of Darkspawn at the treeline, but the watchtower archers dealt with them and we burnt the bodies immediately." Marcus rubbed his chin. "Several of our ships are provisioned and due to sail, you are welcome to stay of course, but many are choosing to head to the Free Marches until this mess is dealt with and while we have supplies …"

Malcolm nodded. "They won't last indefinitely. If you could point us in the direction of a ship we would be most obliged."

"Of course, but I can tell you now there won't be any room for your animals."

Bethany paled, biting her trembling lip turning away as tears spilled down her cheeks.

Marcus shifted uneasily. "They can be left on one of the farms."

"But what if the Darkspawn come?" Bethany whimpered, turning to her family. "We can't leave them!"

Leandra gently hugged her daughter. "We don't have a choice sweetheart."

Tolman cleared his throat at Anders pleading gaze. "Captain perhaps they can be taken to the Mac Tir estate. The stables are empty at the moment and I don't mind taking care of them and forgive me for saying so, but I believe it is what Lord Jayden would want."

Bethany looked to the Captain hopefully.

Marcus sighed and nodded. "Indeed. Very well, but if his Lordship comes back and has a fit because the estate is overrun with animals …" He smiled and shook his head. "I'll deal with it." He gasped as a delighted Bethany hugged him before hugging Tolman.

"Thank you. Thank you so much."

"Right … well … let's get the animals to the estate and then get you a ship."

"If I may." Anders stated. "I would speak to Tolman for a moment."

"Very well, Tolman if you would bring Master Alumay to the docks when you are finished."

"Of course." Tolman hesitated only a moment before he took Anders to his home in the Alienage, the pair silent until they were indoors. "I'm guessing you have news on our mutual friend."

Anders swallowed painfully slumping into a chair. "He … he's gone Tolman … he was killed at Ostagar."

Paling Tolman sank onto a seat.

"Garrett and Carver saw it happen." He shuddered painfully. "I didn't want to believe it … I'm not sure I do, I keep hoping somehow he made it."

They both looked up as the door opened.

"Master Alumay." Petra stated in delight smiling broadly.

Tolman stood quickly taking the large basket Petra was carrying. "You shouldn't be carrying heavy loads love."

Petra raised an eyebrow. "I love you dearly husband, but I am pregnant not ill and only five months at that, you will exhaust yourself coddling me so."

Anders smiled slightly. "Congratulations Mistress Petra."

Petra beamed gently stroking her stomach. "I never imagined being this happy. Is William with you?" She faltered as he glanced down; turning as Tolman gently clasped her hand.

"Love perhaps you should sit down."

The colour draining from her face Petra shook her head leaning against him. "Don't … don't say it."

"I'm so sorry sweetheart." Tolman stated softly tears in his eyes.

"How?" Tears slipped down her cheeks as she learned of him joining the army and then his fall at Ostagar. "Poor Will." She whispered. "He changed our lives and I never did enough to thank him."

Tolman held her gently as she wept against his chest. "He didn't need thanks love; he was just happy you were happy."

Anders stood swallowing painfully. "I should get to the docks." He gestured to Tolman to stay where he was. "I know the way." He gently laid his hand on Petra's shoulder meeting her tearful gaze as she glanced at him. "He talked of you very fondly and he was truly happy you found a home here and he hoped you would find a family with Tolman. He would be thrilled about your pregnancy."

Blinking Petra hugged Anders. "Be safe Master Alumay wherever you may go." She sank back into Tolman's arms as he closed the door behind him. "He was such a dear boy."

Tolman struggled against his own tears as Petra buried her face against his chest, her body shuddering. Closing his eyes he remembered the boy he had been, knowing he would always have been the man who would have risked his life for his King. Rest well Jayden and I hope one day people will know who you truly were.

xXx

Reaching the docks Anders found the Hawke family having a whispered argument; it would have been comical if not for the circumstances. Aveline was a little apart from the family acting as a buffer of sorts; with her arms crossed and steely glare, no-one came near. Heading over to Garrett he shivered as he heard Leandra saying Kirkwall was their best option.

"For Makers sake Leandra why do you insist on taking us to the one place more dangerous for us than Ferelden?" Malcolm snapped in frustration.

"Nonsense, besides it is the only place we have family. There is nowhere else to go."

"A ship sails tomorrow for Wycome, we stand the best chance there of staying free."

Leandra gave him a piercing look. "And where do you imagine we will get the coin to go to Wycome and then what will we do once we get there? I am tired of running Malcolm, do what you will but I am going home."

Falling silent Malcolm simply nodded, quickly concealing the crushed expression on his face, trying to wall himself off from the anxiety gripping him.

Anders shuddered at the thought of going to Kirkwall feeling Garrett's worried glance on him. "I risked everything to make sure I didn't go to that city."

"I won't let anyone take you to the Circle."

Biting his lip anxiously he tried not to think of all the things that could go wrong.

Little less than an hour later they joined the small crowd eager to buy a place on Dragon's Flame; the Captain appearing to be a gruff man who seemed to have little care for the circumstances of those boarding. It took all of Bethany's will power to get on the ship. She didn't care about where they were going, only that she was leaving and Alistair was still out there somewhere facing the darkness without her. She had left a letter for him with the Guard Captain in case he came looking for her, so he would know where they were going. Ali I am so sorry, but I have to protect our child. I'm not going to lose you both, I can't, but I will pray every day that you will come back to us, because I don't want to live this life without you Ali and our child needs you too.

Anders gazed at Gwaren before they were forced below deck; glancing to Bethany who was snuggled against Carver distraught about leaving the druffalo and horses, though he suspected her feelings for Alistair were bound up in her grief of leaving the animals behind. While Leandra and Malcolm were sat together, Malcolm was staring into the distance a sick look on his face and Leandra was doing everything to ensure she didn't look at him. Aveline was sitting by herself wrapped in her own grief. Leaning against Garrett, Anders sighed softly.

"All we have to do is stick together." Garrett whispered.

Anders gave a slight nod fear twisting his stomach at what going to Kirkwall would mean.

xXx

As the last shimmer of daylight slipped beneath the horizon Lyra hurried through the main gates heading to the watchtower, her heart pounding, her vision blurred by tears. Tolman had sought her out with news she had never imagined hearing. After all he had been through to hear Jayden was dead seemed unreal, yet people had witnessed his fall. She knew had the news been from anyone other than Anders she would not have believed it, but the fact he had left the country was enough for her to believe Jayden was gone. One thought filled her mind. Why did you have to go to their trees? If we had left you would never have been in that damn battle! Stopping she leaned against a tree a swell of grief tearing through her body having to stuff her fist in her mouth to muffle the scream as she sank to her knees; all the love she had ever felt for him feeling as though it was ripping apart her heart. She wept painfully, each breath a torment to lungs that felt constricted. She had no idea how much time passed when she finally stood wiping the tears from her eyes. Taking a shuddering breath she closed her eyes imagining him with his mother and grandfather. Please be at peace. Forcing herself to move she reached the tower, a concerned Gilon waiting for her.

"It's not like you to be late." He stated gently, frowning as he saw her bloodshot eyes. "Lyra?" He wrapped his arms around her as she collapsed against his chest. "Lyra what's wrong?"

"I'm sorry I just … I heard the most awful news."

"Zef?" He asked in alarm.

Lyra shook her head and met his worried gaze taking his hand and leading him inside the tower. She stood by the fire and let out a shuddering breath, wondering if Jayden would be angry with her for what she was about to do; tears welled knowing it would make little difference to him where he was now. "Gilon I … I have to tell you something." She watched his eyes widen in shock as she explained the guise Jayden had been living under because of the threat against him and all he had done after his glimpse of the future, grateful when he gently wrapped his arms around her.

"I think I understand a little more why you loved him so much."

"I didn't want to keep it from you, but …"

"I understand why you did love. It wasn't yours to tell."

Lyra met his compassionate gaze. "I love you Gilon, heart and soul, but Jay … he's also part of me."

"I know love and I'm glad you told me. You need time to grieve, whatever you need just let me know."

Pressing tightly to him Lyra closed her eyes and sighed softly. "I need you." She murmured.

Pressing a kiss to the top of her head Gilon bit back the sigh of relief. "You have me Lyra, now and always."

xXx

Gawain silently moved away from the watchtower shock making him stumble as he headed towards the gates. He wanted to howl in fury, it had been his job to protect the young Lord, he had hated not knowing what was happening or where he was and to find out he had been here all this time, the young soldier in Denerim who was causing such a stir. Maker I should have known when you got the Night Elves set up in Denerim who you were. He barely noticed the guards on duty as he moved through the gates heading to the barracks, thinking of the boy he had known and the man he had become. He shook his head, barely a man, cut down at seventeen years, was there no end to the darkness that seemed to dog his Lordships family. Fury overriding his grief he barely knocked before he shoved open to the door to his Captains office, glaring at Marcus's startled expression slamming the door behind him. "Did you know the truth of where Lord Jayden went?" He hissed in fury.

Marcus slowly rose, it was rare to see Gawain in this state, but when he was it paid to be cautious. "Lord Jayden is in the Free Marches where he has been since he left to my knowledge. Good thing too, he is well out of this Blight business." His eyes widened as Gawain's face crumpled and he slumped onto a seat rubbing at his eyes to prevent tears from falling. "Gawain what in the Void is going on?"

"He's dead." He uttered, shaking his head. "I was supposed to protect him!"

Marcus slowly sat down. "Talk sense man!"

Keeping his voice low Gawain explained what he had overheard, looking suitably ashamed by his outburst by the time he had finished. "I apologise Captain I … the shock … damn it that's no excuse."

"Enough Gawain." Marcus stated wearily, grief squeezing his heart. "Maker I never imagined he would never come home." He cleared his throat. "You will say nothing of this until his Lordship gives us the news, Maker knows what state he is in."

Gawain bowed his head. "He should never have been sent away."

Marcus bit his lip to prevent himself from agreeing. "That wasn't your call or mine Gawain, now not a word."

"Yes Captain." Gawain knew he should leave, but somehow he couldn't move and the Captain wasn't making him, so he sat where he was, lost in the memories of the boy he thought one day to serve.

xXx

Ashen and grief stricken Loghain moved through the corridors of the Palace, he had left Cauthrien to deal with those who had returned with them, his first priority now he was back was to see his daughter. Moving to the throne room he saw Anora speaking to Erlina; their eyes met and he almost buckled.

"Father!" Anora gasped running to his side and grabbing hold of him as his strength seemed to give out. "Father come with me."

Feet leaden Loghain allowed his daughter to lead him to a private chamber, easing into the seat she directed him to.

Swallowing uneasily Anora gently touched her father's cheek silently urging him to look at her remembering the expression all too well, he was withdrawing into himself. "Father where is Cailan?"

Slowly Loghain met her gaze the pieces of his shattered heart throbbing unbearably. "Forgive me." He whispered his head bowing.

Anora stared as tears splashed onto the floor, clasping her father's hands so tightly she knew it must be painful. "Father please …"

"Cailan led the charge despite my repeated advice not to. His orders were clear that should they be overrun some of the army must survive. I begged him to stand with me. To advance or retreat should have been his decision, but he wouldn't hear it."

"No!" Anora gasped, tears of shock slipping down her cheeks silently begging her father to tell her it wasn't true. "I've made so many mistakes. I wanted to make things right, find a way to …" She choked on her tears. "I love him and he died thinking Maker knows what of me. All the fighting, all the pain and all he wanted from me was a family and I couldn't give it to him." She shuddered as she felt her father's arms wrap around her and leaned against his chest sobbing painfully. "I thought … I thought when he came back we would be able to …" She forced herself to meet her father's gaze. "How much more loss must we endure?" She paled as he looked at her, his grief seeming to age him right in front of her. "No." She whispered. "No, please Maker no!"

"I had to choose, my country or my son and Maker damn me I chose duty as I always do. I should have sent the others away with Cauthrien and gone down there and dragged him out!" He broke down, covering his face as silent tears streamed down his cheeks. "Just as I couldn't save Cailan or Maric, or Celia or my parents, I left my own son to die! Maker damn me I failed them all." He forced himself to meet Anora's gaze. "I failed you as my daughter and as my Queen." His eyes closed as she clung to him.

"I stayed away; barely saw him to keep him safe. I turned my anger on him and I said the most hateful things to him the last time we spoke. We can't have lost him, not now, not after everything! I should have kept him safe, why couldn't I keep him safe?" She felt her father's arms tighten around her as they fell into silence, weeping until they suddenly became aware of movement realising Erlina was lighting a fire, her hands trembling her eyes bloodshot. Anora shivered needing to take control to hold back the wretched sobs that still wanted to tear from her throat. "We must eat something." Turning to Erlina knowing that she wouldn't be able to eat a mouthful, she ached at her compassionate gaze before her protector slipped from the room. "This cannot be happening." She murmured leaning against the fireplace desperate to absorb some of its warmth; unsure of how much time passed in silence before she heard a knock and the door opened. As she turned rage consumed her giving speed to her movements, but her father was faster.

Rendon gasped in shock and pain as Loghain's hand closed around his throat and he found himself pinned to the wall.

Rage tearing through the grief Loghain glared at Rendon with hate and loathing. "Why would you attack Bryce? Why would you leave us to fall at Ostagar? Cailan … my son!"

Rendon's eyes widened, he had heard of Cailan of course, but not of Jayden. "My friend …" He gasped, hissing as Loghain's grip tightened around his throat.

"How can you call yourself that?"

"Loghain … I beg of you ... listen to me. What I did … I did … because I had no choice!"

"Explain!" Loghain snarled easing his grip a fraction.

Rendon fumbled frantically for two sheets of folded parchment from a pocket within his tunic and passed them to Loghain. "Ellowyn Cousland herself gave me them. She was visiting my daughter and asked to speak to me in private. She was tearful, almost hysterical. He was plotting with Eamon to have Cailan's marriage to your daughter annulled and the Empress take her place. He was also assisting Gaspard in the search for your son!"

Loghain reluctantly released his grip staring at the parchment his hands trembling. "No, this cannot …"

"He was playing both sides Loghain! He was a threat to your son! Surely you understand now why I had no choice." Rendon rubbed his throat trying to calm his heart. "I did not believe it myself and Ellowyn begged me to tell her it was a mistake. Cailan called us to arms and I went to Highever intending to confront Bryce. I was so convinced it could be explained; that we would join you at Ostagar." He passed him a small pouch, the seal within. "He didn't bother to deny it. He believed I would see things his way, with a little incentive of course."

"And what incentive did he offer?" Anora asked rage and disbelief burning in her heart.

"Marriage between Thomas and Ellowyn."

"And you refused?" She stated disbelievingly.

Rendon met her furious gaze. "It is no secret I had desired such a match, but not at your family's expense."

Anora hesitated, her piercing gaze hardening. "Bryce should have been brought here to stand trial."

"That was my intent."

"Yet conveniently now he is dead, unable to refute these allegations!"

"Bryce attacked me first." Rendon stated moving aside his tunic and the dressing revealing a healing stab wound. "He gave the order to attack us, was I to stand there and die, tell my men to lay down their weapons and be slaughtered themselves? Bryce fell in the fighting; my men are searching for the rest of the family who fled. Ellowyn of course remains at Vigil's Keep for her own protection." His heart thundered, terrified by the rage in Loghain's eyes. "I wish no harm on the remaining Cousland's; I doubt they knew of Bryce's plans; however the possibility remains that they know something and we must find out either way. Especially given there is an Orlesian army at the border, or so I have heard. Of course they say they are here because of the blight and Wardens say they are neutral but you do not believe that any more than I do. Maker knows what contingency plans Bryce had in place. I believe it would be sensible that as well as finding the Cousland's, any surviving Wardens must be brought to Denerim and questioned, the truth must be discovered."

Loghain rubbed his throbbing forehead torn between wanting to rip Rendon apart and needing the truth. "Very well, I will arrange for any surviving Warden's to be brought to Denerim and I will question them myself. I will also ensure the soldiers at the border do not let anyone leave. I will not allow Orlais to gain control despite how vulnerable we now are." Or Maker forbid gain control of Alistair or Aedan if they survived.

"You have much to do; I will send some of my men …"

"You will do no such thing Arl Howe." Anora hissed in fury. "You are forgetting your place."

"I seek only to help."

"It remains to be seen who you are helping." Anora stated almost choking on the rage consuming her. "At the very least until you are cleared of any wrongdoing you can have no involvement in such matters."

"I did nothing wrong." Rendon snapped.

"That also remains to be seen. I have no intention of you having your men returning having conveniently found no survivors."

"What are you suggesting?"

"Let me be clear, until I hear from Ellowyn's own lips that her father was a traitor I will not trust you. By rights you should be confined for the duration, but on the chance that your story is true I would not wish to do such to someone trying to protect my family."

"Your Majesty …"

"Do not push me Arl Howe, my suspicions may be distasteful to you, but can you honestly say they are unfounded? We are betrayed again and again, I will not have it!" Taking a deep breath she forced herself to calm; they needed to know if Thomas had succeeded in his mission and if not then she would ensure Ellowyn was safe. "Father I suggest that Ser Cauthrien and a small group from Maric's shield be tasked with accompanying Arl Howe back to Amaranthine to retrieve Ellowyn. I would speak to her with all haste."

Loghain caught her look and understood. "I agree."

Rendon bowed. "As your Majesty commands."

"When you return I would have Ser Cauthrien and her men see if they can find the Cousland's and assuming they survived they will be brought here to me." Anora commanded, despite the Arl's 'proof' she could not allow herself to believe that the Cousland's had betrayed them in such a cruel and vile way.

xXx

As dawn light filtered through the curtains Anora forced herself from her bed, washed, dressed and locked away her grief. Yesterday she had mourned and raged; today she had to be strong for her people and her country. She made her way to the private chamber they had made a war room finding her father already there speaking to Ser Cauthrien who was preparing to leave with Arl Howe. Moving to the knight Anora rested a hand on her wrist, they had already spoken and Cauthrien knew well enough that if Thomas had not succeeded she was to do whatever it took to bring Ellowyn unharmed to Denerim. "Bring her back swiftly and safely."

"Of course your Majesty."

When they left Anora turned to her father, she disliked Howe leaving her sight, but Ser Cauthrien would stand for no nonsense. With luck Thomas and Warin would already have enabled Ellowyn's escape and she took a grim delight that whatever game he was playing, without Lady Cousland it would fail.

Loghain rubbed his forehead. "I worry about sending Rendon to Amaranthine, given what has happened I do not like him being out of my sight."

"Nor I father, but we need to know if the mission succeeded and we need to know how he will react and Maker willing discover his next move before he makes it."

Loghain nodded sitting heavily on a seat rubbing his hand down his face, staring at the two parchments Rendon had given him. "Do you think it could be true?" He muttered gruffly. "The handwriting is Bryce's I would swear to it."

"It looks genuine, but we know there are skilled forgers. Erlina has a contact who will authenticate the letters while Rendon is on his way to Amaranthine. I cannot believe that Bryce is … was working with Gaspard to find Jayden and have mine and Cailan's marriage annulled in favour of the Empress."

"Meaning Rendon has betrayed us." Loghain shuddered painfully. "I have done terrible things, hurt people I love all in the name of what was best for Ferelden, but how can any of this possibly be in Ferelden's interests?"

"Father this is about power not protecting our country."

"What did I do to him that he would do this to our family?" His look was one of grief and regret. "Rendon urged me not to tell Bryce about the threat to Jayden, he didn't even want me to tell Maric, said they were too close to Eamon. Maker he took my son from me and I let him. Why did I listen? Maker have I been so easy to manipulate?" He glanced to Anora as she gripped his hand. "He took Jayden's life from him."

"We must be cautious father, we cannot accuse him blindly. With luck Thomas is already on the way to Redcliffe with Ellowyn, leaving Rendon with no proof of his claims other than the letters and a seal which could be forgeries. Once he returns from Amaranthine we keep him close, give him enough rope to hang himself with. Our agent in Redcliffe should send us a coded message when Ellowyn arrives there and if she is still at Amaranthine, Cauthrien will ensure she comes here and then we will get the truth."

"Has your agent said anything of Eamon's illness; Teagan believes it may also be Rendon's doing."

Anora almost held her breath. "I have received nothing other than he is unconscious and no healer has been able to revive him; they fear if he does not wake soon he never will."

"Bryce gone, Eamon at death's door, it makes us vulnerable and now with Orlesian's at the border …"

"They will not get in, I have ensured that those guards who were due to return to Denerim will stay there along with those due to replace them. There is more than enough room in the barracks to accommodate the extra soldiers and I have sent additional supplies to make life a little more tolerable for them. Captain Parun assures me everyone already stationed there will remain until there is no longer a potential Orlesian threat. It is heartening that to the last soldier they all volunteered to stay."

"They are good men and women."

Anora turned her gaze to the maps and various papers spread across the table. "And what of the rest of the army?"

"We have those who withdrew with me …" He hesitated; the memory still almost too painful to bear. "There were also those who had been injured in earlier battles who were evacuated when the tide of battle turned against us. There are obviously Amaranthine's forces and the additional soldiers from each Bann and Arling who were held in reserve. There may be other survivors, but I have no numbers to give you at present." Rubbing his eyes Loghain didn't even attempt to try and cover his grief and exhaustion. He had not slept again, spending the night focusing on what he needed to do to protect their country.

"Maker!" Anora rubbed her forehead. "What do we do?"

"I will do what I must to build back our army, but we will need soldiers and coin."

Anora sighed. "This is a nightmare father; the coffers have not recovered from the search for Maric and as for more soldiers ..."

"We will draft every militia, every mercenary group and every person of age. We will do what we must." Sighing Loghan gently clasped her hand. "Anora, name me Regent."

"Why would I do that? I am perfectly capable of leading us in war!"

"I know you are, but in war there are things that must be done, often terrible things. As Regent any blame ... any consequences will fall to me." He sighed at the shock in her expression. "Anora …"

"No! I have made terrible mistakes because I played games and did not take responsibility. Cailan's last request of me was that he come home to his wife, not a replica of Celene. He may not be coming home …" Tears gleamed in her eyes, but she choked them back. "I will take responsibility for my actions, whatever comes." She gazed at her father surprised by his warm smile.

"You have always made me so very proud, but I beg you to let me do this Anora. Let me take this burden from your shoulders, trust me there will be more than enough before this is over. Let me try to make up for my failures in whatever time I have."

Moving to her father she embraced him gently. "Alright father." Her eyes drifted to the seal on the edge of the table, picking it up as though it burned. "Such a small, insignificant thing." Closing her fist around it her eyes darkened. "We will have the truth!"