Staring at the stewed mint leaves in the bottom of the cup, Thelda pursed her lips. Lady Julianna barely ate anything these days, so the usual heat and bustle of the kitchen was at a minimum. Cora was sitting at the opposite end of the table watching her anxiously; the other servants of the household busy with their various duties leaving the two women alone. Meeting her friend's gaze Thelda sighed softly. "The confusion, weakness of memory, exhaustion and physical weakness could all be symptoms of advancing age, but in this case they are not. There is a particular poison that will create all of these symptoms while also weakening the heart. Interestingly enough and little known is the effect of drinking mint shortly after taking it. It causes a particular smell on the breath, quite rancid in fact. There is no doubt in my mind that Bann Esmerelle is administering the poison in her twice weekly visits. Administering the poison in small doses at frequent intervals allays too much suspicion and rapidly causes permanent damage to the heart." Turning her attention to the pale rose colored tonic she had just made she took hold of the bottle glancing to Cora. "This will strengthen her heart and mind and counteract the poison; when Lady Julianna becomes lucid enough to understand we will explain the situation. However we must do something about Esmerelle, I see no reason for her to stop her visits unless she is forcibly stopped and Lady Julianna cannot take much more."

"How do we stop her?"

"Have a messenger sent to Esmerelle telling her that you fear Lady Julianna has taken a turn for the worse and that she has been so kind in her visits you thought she would want to know. I would bet my last coin she will be here before the day is out. I will be with Lady Julianna as is befitting of a woman so ill."

"What then?"

"It is best you know nothing."

Cora gazed at her thoughtfully. "Whatever you plan to do Thelda; if possible make the bitch hurt."

Thelda nodded in understanding. "It would be my pleasure."

xXx

Barely an hour after receiving the message of Lady Julianna's deterioration of health, just enough time to put on her best clothes and ensure her makeup was perfect; Bann Esmerelle ignored the servants and swept into Lady Julianna's bedroom quickly assessing the situation. Her target was asleep, her breathing shallow and strained, her skin pale despite the heat in the room, it was nearly time. At Lady Julianna's side she saw Thelda sitting next to her sewing, seeming to pay little attention to the woman on the bed.

"How long has she been like this?"

Thelda glanced up. "Since yesterday my Lady; I fear it won't be long now."

Containing the smug expression Esmerelle adjusted her skirts as she settled on a chair on the other side of the bed. "It is so sad to see such a strong woman decline so horribly."

"Indeed my Lady."

Taking off her gloves Esmerelle took Julianna's hand. "Let the Maker embrace you and take you from this life of loss and pain." She murmured, discreetly feeling her pulse, it too was weak. Taking her hand away she frowned at the faint sticky residue, taking out a handkerchief and rubbing at her fingers.

Thelda glanced up once more from her sewing, silently counted to ten and then stood, moving to Esmerelle who was blinking rapidly. "Are you alright my Lady?"

"I feel a little faint, it is far too hot in here, I …" Trying to stand Esmerelle felt her legs unable to hold her.

Thelda moved to her side and gently helped her to her feet. "Come my Lady, perhaps some air will help."

"Yes I … I feel a little nauseous." Esmerelle allowed Thelda to help her outside. "I believe I will take my leave." She murmured, barely aware of Thelda helping her into her carriage and sitting beside her during the journey and then helping her into her home and to her bed. She felt the room spin and clutched Thelda's wrist. "Fetch a healer."

"I'm afraid there isn't much they could do." Thelda stated softly settling the blankets around her.

Esmerelle stared at her in alarm feeling her throat constrict losing the ability to speak.

"Now if you had just left Lady Julianna alone you would be healthy, but you had to go and poison her one last time. I suspected you were transferring it from your hand having already taken the antidote. The substance that left the residue you were trying to wipe off your hands causes paralysis and would never have activated without your poison being present. For poisoning Lady Julianna and I suspect poisoning her daughter, this is justice."

Esmerelle couldn't move as Thelda poured a small vial of green liquid passed her lips.

"Sadly your pain will be relatively short, but it will be excruciating. You will no longer be able to talk, or even cry out your pain. You will not be able to move. You will lie there and suffer this agony in silence and your servants will merely think you are sleeping." Thelda lowered her lips to her ear. "I hope you live passed the dawn that is when the pain will get really interesting." She smiled at the wide eyed look in the Bann's eyes before closing her eyelids, knowing she would not be able to open them. She glanced up as Esmerelle's maid entered; the young girl was timid and terrified of her mistress. "Fiona isn't it?"

"Y … yes."

"Your mistress felt faint and nauseous when she visited Lady Julianna. My Lady's room was very warm, she has been unwell lately. Your mistress said she wished to sleep."

"Of course, I will ensure she is not disturbed."

Thelda smiled as Fiona backed out of the room, seeing a slight twitch in Esmerelle's finger, lowering her lips back to her ear. "If you had friends or people who cared for you as Lady Julianna does I might be concerned at discovery, but I don't think anyone in the world cares for you Esmerelle. Oh and if you think just because at times you share the Arls bed that he will avenge you know this, you are one of several women he takes to his bed and none of you mean anything to him other than a means to an end. Coin, power … someone to poison people for him; you brought this on yourself." Moving to the door she schooled her face to neutrality making her way to the kitchen seeing Brina. The cook was a hard woman, but fair and she had been cook to Esmerelle's mother.

Looking up from the pie she was making Brina brushed her hands of flour. "So she took a funny turn did she?"

"It happens to the best of us."

"Indeed. How's Lady Julianna?"

"I think she will start and feel much better."

"That is good news, she's a fine lady."

"She is. Well I better be getting back."

Nodding Brina returned to making the pie, wondering what state her mistress would wake up in and who she would blame for it. She sighed softly. One day I might just get rid of the bitch myself, a little something in a pie. Smiling at the thought she shook her head she would never do it, not because of her mistress, but because several of the servants sneaked any leftovers and she would never want harm to come to any of them.

xXx

Returning to Lady Julianna's estate, Thelda headed straight for the kitchen, gratefully accepting the tea Cora handed her surprised to realise there was a drop of brandy in it.

"I reckon whatever you have been doing you might need that."

Sighing at the warmth Thelda nodded appreciatively.

"So will she be back?"

Shaking her head Thelda took another sip, meeting Cora's gaze as her friend sat opposite her.

"Whatever you did will it come back to you?"

"Not likely."

"Good, now what about Lady Julianna? How soon can we expect to see a difference in her?"

"The next few days will tell, she will likely always have a weak heart now, but her mind should clear."

Leaning back in her chair Cora nodded. "Thank you Thelda, I just … I didn't know who else to turn to and whatever happens I'm glad you're here."

Thelda nodded and accepted a refill of tea. "I think we need to consider getting Lady Julianna out of the country when she is strong enough."

"I thought it might come to that; I know she has family in the Free Marches, but they are not close."

"Well she will not be fit for travelling any time soon, I'm sure we can figure something out by the time she is well enough." Draining the cup Thelda stood. "I will head up and give Lady Julianna another dose of the tonic." Heading up the stairs Thelda knocked gently before slipping into Julianna's bedroom, seeing her laying on the bed looking fragile and weak. Taking the seat by the bed Thelda managed to get a few drops passed her lips, smiling as Julianna looked at her. "When your mind clears I imagine you're going to be very angry, but we need to focus on your safety and your grandchildren." She saw something flicker in Julianna's eyes and smiled in satisfaction. "I knew you were still in there, you're too fierce to keep down."

xXx

After his morning training session Oren raced through the Castle to find his mother, eager for the meal he knew would have been brought to their room. As he arrived he saw the servant putting a tray on the table, his stomach growling as he spied the food, grinning at Rascal who was hungry too.

Oriana offered a smile to the servant having never seen him before, though he had a familiar look about him. He was bald, cleanly shaven, but she noted his calloused hands, thinking him having more the bearing of a soldier. Discomfort prickled at her spine at the look he gave her, barely disguised anger. She had heard the Arlessa could be a harsh woman and she did not like to be tarred with the same brush. Relieved when he left, she smiled at her son and Rascal wondering what mischief the pair had been up to.

Darting to the table Oren snatched up a chicken leg taking a large bite before grabbing a slice of the bread, grinning at his mother reminding him of his manners, startled when Rascal growled and jumped up at the table sending the food flying.

Turning sharply at the noise Oriana stared startled as Rascal growled at the food on the floor before trying to knock the food from Oren's hand. Panic filled her and she grabbed what was left of the chicken leg from her son's hand. "Oren if you have any in your mouth spit it out now."

Wide eyed Oren did as he was told, staring at Rascal as the mabari's hackles rose as he growled at the half chewed bread. "Rascal what's wrong?"

"How much have you eaten Oren?"

"Not much mom. Just a little of the chicken and some of the bread."

Rushing into the corridor she saw two of the Cousland guards at the far end. "I need Bann Teagan immediately and you need to detain the servant who just brought us some food."

She was so frantic the pair raced off to obey her orders, yelling to soldiers at the foot of the stairs to guard their Lord's wife and son.

"Mom I'm fine you don't need to fuss." Oren protested looking in concern to Rascal who kept sniffing him and whining. "The food tasted fine." He said trying to sooth the agitated mabari.

Hearing the commotion as she was returning to their shared rooms Ellowyn quickened her pace; surprised to see the food on the floor, Rascal growling and whining and Oriana clearly distressed. "What happened?"

"I ate some of the food Aunt Ell, but it tasted fine. I don't know why Rascal is making such a fuss."

Ellowyn gently brushed her nephew's hair back from his face. "Well I think Rascal is a very clever mabari and if he thinks there is something wrong with the food maybe we should trust him." She glanced to Fleta who had sniffed the food, hearing her low growl.

Oriana took out a vial from her pack. "Drink this sweetheart; it will make you sick, but better than you getting a tummy ache later."

Grimacing Oren took the drink, scrunching up his face as Ellowyn fetched a pail, his mother soothing him as he wretched.

Ellowyn moved to Teagan when he arrived speaking hurriedly, explaining what had happened.

Frowning Teagan sent for the Castle Herbalist who arrived a short time later and examined the food stating there was nothing to suggest the food had been tampered with. His tone hinting they should better train their mabari and they were being overprotective. Teagan winced as Oriana growled that her son's life had already been threatened. It was enough to have the herbalist apologising, but unable to detect anything in the food he left. Guardsman Connor arrived moments later and informed him that the man who had brought the food had been found, but that he was apparently no servant of the Castle. Teagan met Oriana's gaze. "I will get to the bottom of this."

xXx

Looking over the prisoner, the soldier turned servant, the would be assassin Fergus had brought into the walls of Castle Redcliffe himself, Teagan felt his gut churn. "What did you put in the food?" He demanded.

The soldier refused to speak and even after an hour of interrogation when Guardsman Podrick, a loyal soldier of the Cousland's lost control and the others had to pull him off, the man remained quiet.

"I'll stuff that damn food down your throat if you don't start talking." Podrick snarled, noting the soldier paled slightly before lowering his head still refusing to speak.

"Make sure he stays where he is." Teagan commanded leaving the room.

"Anything?" Ellowyn asked anxiously.

Teagan took a breath to calm himself. "I am sorry, but he will not talk."

"Well if he is one of Arl Howe's men perhaps Thomas knows him." She worried at her lip. "Perhaps he can make him believe his father sent him and get the truth."

"Ellowyn …"

"We have to know what he put in that food! If what you are doing is not working we must try something else."

"As you wish." He watched her run off feeling sick to his stomach; pacing outside the room, time passing infuriatingly slowly, turning sharply at the sound of footsteps seeing both Thomas and Delilah with Ellowyn along with the two soldiers keeping watch over the youngest Howe.

Peering into the room Thomas frowned deeply.

"Do you recognise him?" Teagan demanded.

"His name is Kaleb. I have trained with him." He glanced to Ellowyn. "He is not the kind of man to poison anyone let alone a child!"

Delilah worried at her lip. "Perhaps he is not in complete control of himself."

Ellowyn paled. "We need to know the truth; if he is enthralled we must know."

Clenching his fists Thomas swallowed painfully. "Ellowyn I am going to have to persuade that man in there I am my father's man. I will need to say things to convince him, but you have to believe I am not." He trembled slightly as Ellowyn took his hand.

"I trust you Thomas; you have proven yourself to me. Now please, help me save my nephew."

Kaleb froze as he heard a commotion outside of the room, Teagan calling for the two guards to assist him. He struggled uselessly against his restraints, staring in shock as moments later Thomas slipped into the room.

"So easily caught, my father clearly chose the wrong man for the job."

"My Lord I …"

"I do not want to hear your excuses. You got caught and now I have to clean up your mess! You have jeopardized everything!"

"My life is forfeit I know my Lord."

Pacing in agitation Thomas shook his head. "I am not as harsh as my father and you are too good a man to lose Kaleb." He felt sick at the look of hope in the soldier's eyes. "Do you still have more of the poison?"

"No my Lord; I used it all, but even a drop will ensure success."

"You sound certain."

"Of course my Lord, the poison is the most deadly."

Thomas looked him over. "I admit I was surprised when you were chosen for this task; you have never exactly seemed the ruthless type."

Kaleb swallowed hard wondering if he was being tested; realising that the apparent positive change in the Arl's youngest had been a cleverly crafted lie. "The Cousland's are traitors to Ferelden, to the General. Teyrn Cousland was in league with Orlais; he gave the General the information that allowed that Orlesian bitch into their home. He was just as responsible for the Teyrna's death as the Orlesians. They threatened to kill the General's son because he is his one true weakness. Surly you know all this my Lord."

"My father told you this?"

Kelob looked momentarily confused. ."I … I don't remember who told me, but I know it's true. The Cousland's deserve to die." He shrugged. "Poison seemed a damn sight more merciful than steel for the woman and boy at least. I lived through the occupation, I saw what the Orlesians did, I saw them slaughter my parents. I have my own family and I'll be damned if they get another foothold in our country and I'll kill any traitors without guilt. "

Thomas leaned forward his voice soft. "I have never heard you talk this way before."

Kaleb fell silent glaring at the floor.

Kneeling down Thomas removed the Volcanic Aurum ring, ignoring Kaleb's surprise as he pushed it onto his finger. "Forgive me, but I must know the truth of this."

Kelob gave a gasp as the ring began to glow; squeezing his eyes shut as his head began to throb, wondering what cruel torture this would be. He began to gasp in alarm, the memories Eloen had woven around him unravelling, suddenly remembering being restrained as the elf enthralled him. His eyes flared opened staring at Thomas in horror. "None of it was true! It was all just magic."

"Kaleb forgive my deception, but I am no more my father's man than Teyrn Cousland was a traitor. I need to know what you put in the food."

Kaleb began to shudder; knowing in his heart Thomas spoke the truth. "They made me believe it was retribution; Garak gave me the same poison that took Teyrna Mac Tir."

Thomas heard Ellowyn's strangled cry of agony and forced himself to ignore it.

"They made me believe the Cousland's helped kill her, that they should suffer from it too. Maker what have I done!"

Thomas took back the ring at the agonised cry of the soldier, tears streaming from his eyes, blood dripping from his nose watching as he began to weep softly, rocking slightly on the chair. Turning as Teagan entered the room. "He needs help."

Teagan gestured to the two guards with him. "Take him to a cell; make sure there is nothing left that he can hurt himself with. I will have the mages and Templar attend to him. He must be kept alive to provide testimony." He watched the weeping broken soldier taken from the room before turning to Thomas. "Your sister has taken Ellowyn to Oriana." He clenched his fists. "You and I will look over everyone in this Castle and I will have it searched in its entirety and if you even suspect a man of being one of your fathers you will point him out and he will be taken to the dungeon for questioning." He shook his head. "Maker, how can we fight against blood magic?"

Thomas slipped the ring back onto his finger. "By killing the ones using it and ordering its use."

Teagan met his gaze. "You will not stand against your father alone Thomas; we will stop his madness."

Thomas simply nodded, praying that on the day he faced his father, he would have the strength to do what would need to be done.

"Will that ring work again?"

"I hope so."

"Then perhaps we should see if the man who wounded Fergus was also enthralled."

Thomas paled slightly, but nodded, wondering how many of the men and women who served his father were bound by blood magic.

xXx

Oriana sobbed painfully as Ellowyn told her the terrible truth, Oren sleeping in the adjoining room. "There is still no cure! What are we to do?"

"We will find a way to save him Oriana; we are not going to lose him!"

Turning to Delilah who was watching them tears in her eyes, Oriana felt her heart harden. "Ellowyn may trust you, but I cannot. Leave!"

Tears slipping down her cheeks Delilah slipped from the room hurrying down to the training yard startling Jayden as she demanded to speak to him privately, ignoring the shocked looks from Kinnard and Terrance. She glanced to the soldiers who at a nod from their Captain took their leave. "It is Oren, he has been poisoned as your mother was and there is still no cure!"

Jayden heard Airyl's startled whine as the sword dropped from his hand, aware Delilah was saying something, but everything seemed somehow out of focus. He thought of the spell that had given his mother more time, but it was blood magic and even if Ellowyn or Oriana were prepared to give their blood Flemeth was gone and Morrigan would likely not get back in time. "How?" He gasped. "Who did this?"

Delilah met his gaze watching him anxiously. "The soldier is one of my fathers controlled with blood magic. He was one of the soldiers that arrived with Fergus when they fled Ostagar."

Closing his eyes Jayden shuddered; it would kill Fergus to know he had brought the man into the Castle himself. "Oren is just a child!"

"He is the heir of Highever after his father. I … all we can do now is pray for him."

"Prayers will not …" Jayden froze. "The Ashes; the Ashes could save him!"

Delilah's eyes widened, grabbing her skirt and running after him as he raced through the Castle to the Cousland's rooms; guards stopping them at the end of the corridor, Jayden speaking to them urgently.

One of the guards entered the Cousland's rooms before returning and gesturing for him to enter, Delilah forced to remain where she was.

Seeing him hesitate Delilah waved Jayden on, taking a seat in the corridor.

Knocking on the open door Jayden saw Ellowyn and Oriana, ashen faced on the sofa, Fleta with her head on Ellowyn's knee. "Forgive me for intruding." Jayden stated softly, his heart pounding brutally. "Lady Delilah told me about …" He gasped as Ellowyn flung herself into his arms.

"There is no cure! How can he do this to a child?"

"Ell listen to me, the only thing that has a chance of saving him is the Ashes of Andraste. I'm going to find Brother Genitivi and do everything in my power to bring them back."

Oriana stared at him startled. "They are legend; the Arlessa's foolish nonsense."

"Forgive me my Lady, but surely any chance is better than none. I know of this poison and to my knowledge there is no known cure. This is the best chance he has."

"It could take you weeks to find this Brother and even if you find him swiftly, who is to say if the Ashes are real you would find them in time?"

"What other choice do we have Oriana?" Ellowyn stated moving to her and clasping her hands.

"I …" Oriana shuddered tears slipping down her cheeks. "We have so little time."

Moving to her side Jayden opened a pouch on his belt and handed her a vial of powder with a pale green tinge. "When Oren begins to start showing symptoms of breathlessness and pain, mix a third of this into water and give it to him. He will fall asleep and everything in his body will slow down, including the effects of the poison. He should sleep for several days. His body will be able to tolerate the three doses, but no more. It will give us more time."

Staring at vial Oriana unstoppered the cork and sniffed, identifying the substance and knowing it would do as he said. "This is a very rare herb and you just happened to have this on you?"

"Along with ingredients to make antidotes for most known poisons; I prefer to be prepared."

Meeting his gaze Oriana saw pain in his eyes, quickly concealed, but she did not doubt its presence. "Thank you."

"I will leave within the hour and return as swiftly as I can."

"I am coming with you." Ellowyn stated fiercely, glancing to Oriana who grasped her arm in protest. "I was not there to protect mom or dad, but I am here now and I am not going to let my nephew die." She hugged Oriana tightly at her soft sob. "We will find the Ashes and we will save Oren, I promise."

xXx

Having heard the commotion of the Cousland boys poisoning, Isolde felt a rush of panic and raced along the corridor catching Leliana who was on her way to join Connor and Jowan in their daily lesson on the Chant of Light. "Ellowyn Cousland intends to search for the Sacred Ashes; this William believes he can get them to Brother Genitivi who he hopes will know their location. You must go with them; Ellowyn is thinking only of her nephew, you must get the Ashes for Eamon!"

"And if only enough for one person is allowed my Lady?"

"Do whatever you must Leliana, Eamon must be the one to receive this healing." Her grip tightened. "It is what the Maker would want. Who after all is more important in time of war, a man of power and influence or a boy?"

I wonder who you would choose if your own son had been poisoned. "I understand my Lady."

Isolde passed a dagger to Leliana her eyes cold. "Whatever it takes." Leaving Leliana reassured the Sister would bring the Ashes for her husband, she swept into the Cousland's rooms finding Ellowyn packing. Fixing her with a piercing look, Isolde straightened hoping she looked more imposing. "Sister Leliana will accompany you."

"That is unnecessary we ..."

"I disagree. You may need someone intimately versed in the Chant of Light."

"Several of our group are already …"

"I insist!" Isolde snapped. "She will ensure some of the Ashes are returned for my husband."

"As you wish." Ellowyn glanced to Oriana as she came into the room from the adjoining bedroom as Isolde left. "That woman in unbelievable; she did not even ask about Oren!"

"I heard what she said. What if you find the Ashes and only enough for one is allowed? Maker Ellowyn I cannot lose my son."

"I will do whatever it takes Oriana, I swear." She bit her lip at the dagger Oriana placed in her hand.

"Are you sure you are ready to do whatever it takes?" Oriana asked softly.

Staring at the dagger Ellowyn thought of all she had been told of that terrible night at Highever, of all she had experienced in Amaranthine and met Oriana's searching gaze. "Oren is not going to die!" She glanced up startled hiding the dagger at a knock, surprised as Cailan entered the room.

"Forgive me I … Captain William explained why he has to leave for a time and I … I know there is nothing I can say, but if there is anything …" Cailan watched them helplessly. "Perhaps I could keep Oren entertained, read with him or … something to keep his mind from what is happening."

"Thank you your Majesty." Oriana bit her lip as her voice trembled. "Oren would love that."

Relieved Cailan turned to Ellowyn. "I wish I could remember my life, our families, but whatever we were in the past, I hope we will be friends now and in the future."

Ellowyn gave him an impulsive hug. "I hope that too."

xXx

Worrying at her lip Tess glanced at her fellow soldiers, they would follow their orders of course, but that didn't mean they had to be happy about them. "Are you sure you need to go?"

Jayden met her concerned gaze and inwardly sighed. "Yes I'm sure Tess. With Dylan, Matthew and Terrance along with myself, Lady Ellowyn and the two soldiers Bann Teagan has assigned we will be a big enough group as it is, any larger and we risk drawing attention to ourselves."

"But …"

"I need you to stay and protect the King, is that understood?"

"Of course I just …" Tess sighed and shook her head.

"Speak freely Tess, what's on your mind?"

Meeting his gaze Tess flushed slightly. "You're a bloody beacon for trouble, you chance fate at every turn and one of these days you won't come back!" Her flush deepened as Lawrence moved closer whispering softly and urging her to calm down.

Jayden looked at those under his command seeing the same concern in all of their eyes. "I don't know what my future is, what any of our futures hold, but I do know that I am not just going to stand by and do nothing while a boy dies!"

"Just get your arse back here sharpish Captain." Kinnard stated running his fingers through his hair, a slight grin tugging his lips. "Tess and Lawrence are a bloody nightmare to keep in line." He yelped as Tess punched his arm.

Shaking his head Jayden relaxed slightly. "I'm sure you'll manage Sergeant."

xXx

Moving through the corridor Leliana quickened her pace, her mind spinning with all the Arlessa had demanded. Hesitating at the door she forced herself to calm, listening for a moment to Connor's eager voice and Jowan answering in the gentle manner he had. Easing open the door she smiled as Connor raced over to her.

"Sister Leliana come and sit." Gripping her hand he pulled her over to the seats. "Jowan is telling me all about King Calenhad."

Leliana returned Jowan's smile as Connor excitedly explained all he had learned, turning as they heard Isolde calling for him.

Sighing Connor reluctantly got to his feet. "I still think we should all run away together." He muttered, his shoulders hunched as he left the room.

Jowan met Leliana's curious look and shrugged. "Connor has mentioned wanting the three of us to run away together. He sees us as more his family than his actual family these days."

"That would not be difficult given the Arlessa's attitude regarding mages. I wanted to let you know I will be leaving within the hour."

"Why?" Jowan flushed at the anxiety in his voice; listening in horror as Leliana quickly explained that Oren had been poisoned.

"Sweet Maker why would anyone want to poison a child?"

"He is the heir of Highever after his father, reason enough it seems for Arl Howe. It is being kept quiet, but I overheard that the man who poisoned him was under the influence of blood magic."

The colour drained from Jowan's face. "And he is one of Arl Howe's men?"

"Indeed. Jowan do not concern yourself; the man is in the dungeon and can harm no-one else."

"It isn't that. I … I know the mage Arl Howe is using to do this. It's Eloen. Maker what is he doing to her to make her do this?" He looked to Leliana. "She must believe me to be in danger, the bastard probably threatened my life, she would not do this willingly." He shuddered, she had altered people's thoughts in defence, but this was something altogether more horrifying. "Leliana we have to get her away from him."

"You truly believe this woman is using blood magic under duress?"

"Yes! Leliana I know Eloen, she would never be part of altering someone mind so they would poison a child! Maker that is monstrous!" He clutched her hands. "We have to save her!"

Nipping her lip thoughtfully Leliana nodded. "Oren must be saved first, if he dies there will be no saving her, forced to use such magic or not."

Staring at his hands Jowan felt the weight of their escape from the Circle as though it was a chain around his neck. He knew the magic he was capable of; the forbidden magic he himself had used, but he had never used it since their escape and never wanted to use it again. He felt tears blur his vision; he had known without him to caution her Eloen would become more tempted by the power of blood magic, but this was something he had never imagined. "Maybe the Templars have the right of it; maybe we should all be made tranquil."

Kneeling before him Leliana gently took his hands. "I do not believe that Jowan. Perhaps it is necessary for some mages, but it should be a last resort."

Meeting her gaze Jowan gently squeezed her hands. "Stay safe Leliana."

"And you Jowan, all will be well I promise." Reluctantly taking her leave Leliana headed to Connors room finding him reading a book; returning his smile as she entered the room.

"Mom said I should spend some time in my room so Uncle Teagan doesn't get suspicious." He sighed and put down the book. "You like Jowan don't you?"

"Very much."

"And I know he likes you. Maybe you can persuade him it's a good idea to leave here?"

Sitting on the edge of the bed Leliana took his hand. "You want to leave here?" She smiled as he shrugged. "Connor?"

"Yes." He whispered. "Mom is …" He sighed. "She loves me, but she doesn't. I don't know how to explain it!"

"I know things are difficult at the moment, but they will get better."

"Promise?"

"I promise. I came to tell you I have to go with some others; we think we know where to find someone who might be able to tell us where the Ashes are to help your father."

"I don't want you to go." Connor stated miserably.

"Not even if it helps your father?"

Biting his lip Connor looked at the floor. "When he wakes up he will find out what I am and send me away."

Leliana gently pulled him closer. "Your mom will make sure he doesn't find out."

Nodding miserably Connor snuggled against her. "I still don't want you to go, I'll miss you."

"I will miss you too." Leaving Connor after another hug Leliana hurried to the Chantry, packing and writing a swift coded note to Erlina regarding the information on Eloen that Jowan had given her. Whether the mage was being forced to use blood magic, or was doing it willingly, she needed to be stopped. She bit her lip knowing it would likely mean death for Eloen, fearing what that would do to Jowan, swearing to herself she would do all she could to keep him from harm.