Pacing in frustration Thomas turned to his sister. "If I said I forbid you from going would you even listen?"

Smiling Delilah moved to his side gently squeezing his arm and guiding him to the window seat. "I have to do this Thomas. Our father caused this."

"I cannot leave here and I cannot even send Warin with you. Damn it, he was right I should never have ordered him to go with Fergus."

"Thomas relax I am hardly defenceless, especially after all the training I have been doing."

"Training is not the same as real life."

"True, but I will be with my trainer." She couldn't help smiling.

"That is hardly reassuring; Will gets into more trouble than anyone I have ever known."

"True, but he also gets out of it."

Sighing Thomas leaned back against the wall. "I believe he is becoming a bad influence on you."

"Even if he is I would not change it."

"You really do love him."

Flushing slightly Delilah rested her head on his shoulder. "Would that be so bad to love my betrothed?"

Gently hugging her Thomas smiled slightly. "No, not a bad thing; I just hope he realises how lucky he is that you do."

After a few minutes of companionable silence Delilah sighed and stood. "I need to get ready."

Nodding Thomas slipped from the room and went in search of Jayden finding him packing, the guards keeping a discreet distance. "My sister is determined to accompany you since our father is to blame for this." He sighed. "You should also know Kaleb was enthralled by blood magic. He is free now thanks to the ring you commissioned, but I am not sure his mind will ever be the same."

"And the soldier who wounded Lord Fergus on the way here?"

"Enthralled, though now also free and in as bad a shape as Kaleb. Maker knows how many others there are. Maybe none, but be careful Will. You will have my sister and Ellowyn with you and my father's men will be looking for them, do not doubt it."

"Why would they do this?"

"They were made to believe the Cousland's were traitors to Ferelden; that they were in league with Orlais."

"That is ridiculous. How has your father gained access to blood magic?"

Thomas inwardly squirmed; Ellowyn had made both himself and Delilah swear that they would not speak of the mage yet, that she wished to explain what had happened, but in her own time. "All that matters right now is that he has and you need to be extra careful."

"Don't worry Thomas; we will be back as swiftly as possible."

"Just get back here in one piece. I will pray for your safe return."

Shaking his head Jayden grabbed his pack. "You would think I was a piece of glass and you are expecting me to shatter."

"It is good to have friends who care about you Will, do not be so quick to dismiss that and I do not have so many friends I can afford to lose one."

Hesitating Jayden clasped his arm. "Then pray for Oren and that we find Brother Genitivi and he can help us."

"What if he cannot help?" Thomas whispered.

The desperation he had felt when searching for a cure for his mother rose, but Jayden forced it away. "Then we will find someone who does. I'm not coming back without those Ashes."

Swallowing anxiously Thomas nodded. "Then Maker speed your way my friend."

xXx

Settling onto one of the stone benches Ellowyn huddled into her cloak taking a moment before they had to leave, grateful for Fleta's presence and her warmth as the mabari pressed against her. She gazed up at the room in which her nephew lay resting, knowing that it would not take long before the poison would take root and he would be fighting for his life. Teagan was arranging horses and supplies, but the Arlessa's vileness had left her off balance. "Please Maker, I will do anything you ask, but please let Oren live." She blinked back the tears as she heard footsteps seeing Rory limping towards her. Getting to her feet she moved to his side to steady him. "You should be in bed!"

"I'm well enough to offer you company if you desire it." He eased onto the bench with a grunt of pain. "I only wish I could accompany you."

Tears slipped down her cheeks and she relaxed against Rory as his arm tentatively encircled her waist.

"I'm so sorry Ell; about your parents, Oren, about me leaving."

"I know."

"I would change leaving if I could."

"I would not." She felt his hurt despite his attempts to hide it and glanced up. "I know you Rory. If you had been at Highver that night you would have stayed behind to give them time to flee and you would be dead."

"Maybe if I'd been there your father …"

"Do not torture yourself with such thoughts."

"I will stop when you do."

Ellowyn met his gaze trembling as he gently brushed away the tears from her cheeks. "I keep wishing this is just a nightmare; that I will wake and I am still at Highever, that we are all still there."

Gently cupping her cheek Rory met her gaze. "I wish that too."

Biting her lip Ellowyn pulled away, seeing his arm drop slowly to his side. She wanted to fall into his arms, accept the comfort his was offering, but how much harder would it be when he left her again. Steeling herself Ellowyn slowly rose. "We will be leaving shortly; I should check we have everything ready."

"Of course." Rory watched her cross the garden, his heart lifting as she glanced back seeing longing in her eyes, cursing himself for wanting her to want him.

Heading back to their rooms Ellowyn paused at the door pressing her forehead to the wood taking a moment to calm herself; she didn't want Oren to see her fear, the guards making sure they were looking elsewhere to give her the time she needed. Clenching her trembling hands she took a calming breath glancing to Fleta who gazed up at her lovingly, before pushing open the door. Moving into the bedroom she smiled at her nephew who was leaning against his mother, Rascal lying beside him, his head on his knees, Cailan on a seat beside the bed a book on his knees. "It is time I got going."

Swallowing painfully dread clawing at her heart, Oriana stood and clasped Ellowyn's hands. "Thank you my dear sister and be careful, I could not bear to lose you."

"I will be back before you know it." Ellowyn pressed a soft kiss to Oren's fevered brow. "I promise."

"I don't want you to go." Oren whispered clutching her arm.

Ellowyn gently pulled her nephew into her arms and hugged him. "I will be back soon." Her heart heavy, her vision blurred by tears Ellowyn pressed a kiss to the top of Oren's head before she pulled away despite her nephew's attempts to keep hold of her. Grabbing her pack she hurried from the room, tears falling as she heard Oren's panicked sobs, hearing Oriana and Cailan soothing him, the weight of responsibility resting heavily on her shoulders. Walking away from him took all her will power, almost falling down the stairs in her hurry, a startled Jayden catching her having been on his way to get her. She let herself cry in his arms for a moment, feeling herself calm at his soothing voice and his promise that they would find the Ashes. Pulling back Ellowyn wiped the tears from her face. "Let us not waste any more time."

As they reached the courtyard Jayden was surprised when the three remaining Wardens moved over to speak to them, seeing the longing look in Rory's eyes as he watched Ellowyn.

Peter gently gripped Jayden's arm. "You've proven you've got more damn lives than a cat Will, don't make this journey your last, or Rath will have our hides for letting you leave." He winced at his raised eyebrow. "Look Will, Rath won't tell you this himself because … well he just won't, but when he saw what was happening at Ostagar he tried to get to you, but Duncan stopped him. He knew he would probably die trying to get to you, but he was going to do it anyway, just like he did in the cave-in. When we thought you were dead it broke a part of him and then you walked through those gates and it really was a bloody miracle. He shouldn't be Commander, not because he isn't capable, but because none of us have been Wardens long enough to shoulder that burden, but he is because he had no choice. All I know is just having you around makes it easier for him. He was gutted you weren't going with him, though of course he understands why. Just … just be careful alright and maybe when they get back you should think about going with us."

"Rath knows I would if I could, but I'm not a Warden, I have other duties."

Perin gripped his shoulder. "This is a Blight Will, we are in the future you were shown and whatever else might happen the Commander needs you at his side. You're resourceful, find a way to make it happen."

"I … I'll see what I can do."

Taking the reins of her horse, Ellowyn glanced at the group undertaking the journey. Along with Matthew, Dylan and Terrance she was surprised to see Sten would be joining them along with Delilah who had simply stated that her father had brought this harm to Oren and she would see it undone and of course Sister Leliana at the Arlessa's demand. Teagan had assigned Gavin and Lance, two of Redcliffe's soldiers to accompany them. Ellowyn had refused more, the larger the group the more likely they would be noticed and speed was essential. She glanced to Jayden, his face set with determination knowing if the Ashes did exist they would find them; they had to be real she could tolerate no other option. At Jayden's word they headed out of the gates, Ellowyn glancing back whispering a prayer to the Maker to guide and protect them all.

xXx

Having committed the map to memory Jayden took the lead; though he had created a rough map should anything happen to him which was in Ellowyn's care. They kept up a furious pace, every second Oren's life was slipping away and the look of torture on Ellowyn's face was enough to remind anyone if their attention on their task slipped.

They camped late into the night despite Ellowyn wanting to continue on; Jayden gently reminding her that the horses needed to rest even if she didn't. Ellowyn paced the camp in frustration and fear feeling helpless and each moment that passed she felt hope slip away. She had spoken to Aedan using Jayden's runestone that he had kept with him, reluctant to tell her brother, but having no option when he wanted to speak to Oren. She finally accepted a sleeping potion from Jayden who pointed out that Oren needed her and being exhausted would help no-one. Ellowyn found herself obeying him knowing he understood at least in part what she was feeling and that no-matter what happened if there was a possibility of hope Jayden wouldn't stop and he would make sure she didn't either. "I am glad you are here." Ellowyn mumbled sleepily.

"Get some rest; we have an early start tomorrow." Leaving her with Delilah and Fleta watching over her Jayden moved across the campsite to the small fire, Airyl remaining at his side. Sten and Terrance were taking first watch; Dylan and Matthew were already asleep.

Leliana glanced up from the log she had pulled near the fire. "The Maker will guide us I am sure."

Jayden nodded absently, glancing into the flames and wondering at the awful things people did to each other.

"Do you know the Cousland's well?"

"Well enough."

She met his searching gaze feeling an ache for Tug and Sketch. "Lady Ellowyn is lucky to have you as a friend."

"I am the lucky one."

"I believe I will see if I can also get some sleep. Good night Captain."

"Goodnight Sister."

Slipping into the tent Leliana took out the dagger Lady Isolde had given her; she had known by the look in his eyes that he would defend Ellowyn to the death and a man with a wolf and a Qunari for companions was not one to be underestimated.

xXx

Ayanna hugged Aedan tight to her. He had spent the last hour roaring out his grief and fury, exhausting himself.

"She did not want to tell me, she was afraid of distracting me. She just kept promising that they would save him. Maker I should be with her! I should have been there to protect Oren."

"Aedan no-one imagined they would try to poison him." She held him tighter as he shuddered.

"I will kill Howe, if it is the last thing I do I will kill him!"

Rathnal stood in the shadows, Alistair a step behind anxiously watching his friend. "Keep an eye on him Alistair, I wish I could send him back to Redcliffe right now, free him from the Wardens, but I can't and we need him."

"He knows that." Alistair stated softly. "Just give him a chance to calm down."

Rubbing his forehead Rathnal nodded, though he had no doubt if the opportunity came, Aedan would drop his duties as a Warden to take his revenge on Howe.

xXx

Turning his head slightly, Dairren watched Gabriel, the firelight casting shadows across his face. "You are worried; more than usual anyway."

"It was bad enough knowing the Darkspawn are coming for us. Now nobles are having other nobles poisoned and people are being controlled by blood magic. Lady Ellowyn came to see you before she left didn't she?"

"She did. It takes a special kind of bastard to poison a child. Aedan will kill Arl Howe; I just hope it does not get him killed to do it." He sighed softly. "You are worried about your Captain?"

"He can take care of himself."

"Gabe."

Sighing Gabriel met is gaze. "Fine, yes I'm worried, but I have my orders."

"If I was not like this would he have taken you with him?"

Gabriel looked at him shocked. "No, Maker this has nothing to do with you. Lawrence, Tess and myself had special training to protect King Cailan, that's why he ordered me to stay here."

Dairren sucked in a sharp breath as pain burst in his fingertips.

"What is it?"

"Just those damn bursts of sensation in my hands; I suppose I should be grateful for them, they are proof I am healing, but Maker it is painful."

Gabriel gripped his hand and gently squeezed. "Can you feel that?"

"No, the pain is gone too."

Trying not to look disappointed Gabriel shifted slightly. "A few more sessions with Wynne and …"

"This could take months Gabe."

"Perhaps, but we just need to take it one day at a time."

Dairren smiled as Gabriel pressed a soft kiss to his lips. "At least I can feel that. You should go or you will be late for your shift."

"I hate leaving you."

"I will sleep."

"Back soon." Gabriel murmured pressing another kiss to his lips before he forced himself to leave.

Dairren sighed as he stared at the ceiling, praying to the Maker to spare Oren and keep Ellowyn, Aedan and their companions safe.

xXx

The following days travel for the Wardens was hampered by the weather and avoiding several groups of soldiers; Morrigan alerting them as she scouted ahead in raven form. They didn't know if the soldiers were anything to do with Howe, but Rathnal wasn't taking any chances. By the time they made camp that evening they were tired, soaked through and Aedan's rage seemed to be affecting them all as several tempers frayed.

Seeking to help his friend Alistair took Aedan a little way from the camp to talk privately. "If anyone will know where the Ashes of Andraste are it will be Brother Genitivi."

"They are a myth Ali, they might not even be real and there is no saying they will find Genitivi and even if they do, even if the Ashes are real and they do somehow manage to get them what if they do not get back in time!" He glanced to Alistair startled as he gripped his arm.

"I don't claim to know much about the Maker, but if ever there was a time to have faith, that time is now."

Aedan slumped onto a rotting log and sighed deeply. "I feel so damn helpless. One by one my family is dying and I cannot do a damn thing about it."

"You got Oriana and Oren to Redcliffe; that was not nothing!"

"They were supposed to be safe! Now Oren is poisoned, Ellowyn has gone chasing myths and Fergus has no idea because he has to play damn politics!" He buried his face in his hands. "Maker Ali, how can everything have gone so wrong? We have been torn from our families; we are facing a darkness that could end us all. I just want my family to be safe."

"Let Fergus deal with the politics, Ellowyn will concentrate on Oren and we will deal with this damn Blight so we might have a chance at something normal again."

"Nothing will ever be normal for us again Ali, you know that."

"What I know is that the Blights have been stopped four times already and we are damn well going to stop it a fifth time. Oren looks up to you, he adores you, you aren't fighting the Blight for your own future, you are fighting it to give him a future; fighting to make sure Ellowyn has a future. We might not get back to our families Aedan, but I am going to make sure there is a world for my child to grow up in safe from Darkspawn."

"We are so few and so much of the army was slaughtered. We need a miracle." He turned sharply as a raven landed on the ground near them transforming into Morrigan. "Damn I am never going to get used to that."

Morrigan eyed then sternly. "Our mutual friend speaks of you highly as men of strength and courage, as friends he can truly rely on, as … family. He speaks similarly of Ellowyn, in fact few are held higher than her in his esteem. I did not know friendship before him and still it is … difficult, but while I do not place my faith in any Maker or prophet, I do place my faith in him. If these Ashes exist he will not stop until they are found, no matter what may bar the way. He was after all the boy who braved the Wilds looking for Witches to help his Mother. He did not stop then until all options were exhausted, do not think he will do any less for your nephew." Turning Morrigan walked away leaving them watching after her stunned.

"She has never spoken to me before." Aedan whispered.

"I think that is the most she has spoken since we left Redcliffe. She has a point though, Will and Ellowyn together, nothing is going to stand in their way."

xXx

By midday on the third day of travelling Haven was in sight, the horses happy to take a more relaxed pace, unsettled by several haste spells that had quickened their journey. Ellowyn felt anxiety and relief churn her stomach, glancing to Jayden who slipped from his horse and approached the guard at what passed for the main gateway into the village though there were no gates.

"Excuse me I'm hoping you can help. Is this Haven?"

"Why do you want to know?" The guard growled.

"I'm looking for a friend of mine, my mentor, Brother Genitivi." Jayden saw the faint flicker of recognition at Genitivi's name and he felt his gut twist anxiously.

"No one comes to Haven." The guard snapped.

"Perhaps if not Brother Genitivi, then two knights who were also looking for him."

"I said no one comes here! We don't like or want visitors. Leave here now!"

"Can we at least get some supplies?" Leliana smiled hopefully. "Surely you allow trade."

The guard hesitated. "We have one trader, do your business and then leave."

"As you say." Leliana moved passed him, glancing back as the group followed. "If all else fails, the potential of coin usually greases wheels."

"Indeed." Jayden murmured, glancing around uneasily as they entered the village proper. "This place looks deserted." He glanced down as Airyl growled, her hackles raised. "Easy." He murmured.

Glancing down at Fleta at her low growl, Ellowyn glanced around uneasily. "Something is not right here."

They glanced up hearing a bell ringing. "Perhaps everyone is at a Chantry service." Delilah suggested.

"Very devout village if they are." Matthew muttered the hairs on the back of his neck still raised after the growls of the mabari.

Terrance glanced around looking for any potential threat. "Maybe the trader will be more helpful."

Nodding Jayden glanced over the traders building, seeing no immediate signs of danger. "Go see what you can find out and meet us up at the Chantry. Airyl go with him."

With a proud nod Terrance disappeared into the building, Airyl at his side.

Heading uphill the Chantry came into view hearing muffled voices within. "Well I guess we know where the people are." Dylan stated. "Maybe someone in there will be more helpful than that guard."

xXx

Father Eirik looked over his rapt congregation and smiled. "We are blessed beyond measure, we are chosen by the Holy and Beloved to be her guardians. This sacred duty is given to us alone; rejoice my brethren and prepare your hearts to receive her. Lift up your voices and despair not, for she will raise her faithful servants to glory when Her …" Father Eirik hesitated as he saw a group of several men and women, all armed enter the Chantry. He made a mental note to take Ulvin from guard duty, despite repeated warnings he had allowed the Chantry Brother and two knights into the village causing him to have to deal with them and now this. Such a large group might not go unnoticed when they vanished, but they could not tolerate their purpose being discovered before the most Holy was truly herself and ready to face the world. "I understand that you are new here, but common courtesy dictates that one shouldn't interrupt. No matter. We were just about done here anyway."

"But your reverence we have not completed the Sacraments of the Holy Mother or … or sung the invocation …"

"Be calm Nauda. We have guests. Surely the Sacraments can wait." He turned to his congregation. "That is all for today my children. I shall see you tomorrow. For now I should see to our visitors." Turning to the group he smiled. "I am Father Eirik." He ignored their startled glances.

"Forgive our intrusion." Ellowyn stated, as the congregation filed out, feeling the sting of several angry glares. "But our need is urgent. We are looking for Brother Genitivi, have you seen him?"

Sighing Father Eirik shook his head. "I feared this; this is why we take such pains to ensure no-one comes here and yet still they do. I am sorry, but we have a sacred duty to protect Her." He turned to the soldiers who had remained. "You know what to do."

Ellowyn's eyes widened in alarm; grabbing the daggers from her waist she hit the ground as a ball of light surged towards her, hearing a grunt of pain, twisting her head and seeing Jayden hurled against the wall. Fury burned through her as she turned back seeing Father Eirik stagger backwards as Matthew hit him with a Smite, Fleta reaching him and sending him slamming to the ground, the guards momentarily disoriented thanks to a spell from Dylan. By the time she got to her feet Sister Leliana had taken the sword from the closest soldier and driven it through his chest, already moving to the next before the body hit the ground.

Unsheathing his sword Matthew charged at the Father as Fleta was flung back as though she was a puppy, startled as an energy bolt hit him square in the chest sending him slamming into the floor.

Eirik gave him a smug look. "I have been blessed with the blood of Andraste, your Templar tricks will do little to me."

Staggering back to his feet Matthew glared at Eirik. "I don't do tricks." He snarled, forming Wrath of Heaven, the pillar of blinding light sending Eirik to his knees with a cry of shock.

Smirking Dylan manifested rock fist sending it into Eirik's chest. "Payback's a bitch." He muttered, smiling slightly at Matthew's surprised expression before he turned as a guard raced towards him freezing him, stepping back from the sword that stopped barely an inch from him. "Mind on the fight." He muttered to himself.

As Delilah reached Jayden he had staggered to his feet clutching his chest and snarling a fierce curse that made her blush. She cried out startled as he grabbed her pulling her behind him, the sharp protest dying on her lips as she stared at the dagger embedded in the wall where she had been standing. She sucked in a sharp breath as she realised Ellowyn and Sister Leliana were now fighting back to back, Ellowyn's face pale in stark contrast to the blood on her blades, Fleta fighting fiercely beside them though she was limping. Dylan had been driven back towards the door, Sten, Matthew, Gavin and Lance tackling the guards who seemed to keep getting up despite wounds that should have left them debilitated. Terrified she unsheathed her sword. "Normal men do not fight like these." She gasped. "And Chantry's do not have Fathers and even if they did it would not be a mage!"

"I don't think there is anything normal about this village." Jayden snarled, driving his sword into the gut of a guard, ending him quickly.

"We need to stop him!" Delilah gasped trembling in panic.

"Agreed." Jayden quickly passed her a smoke bomb as several more guards headed towards them. "Just like we practiced."

Swallowing nervously Delilah nodded, smashing the vial at the same time as Jayden. She ran for Eirik undercover of the smoke, glancing back only once at startled cries, her throat tightening as Jayden raced passed her blood on his armour, throwing a dagger hissing in frustration with herself at her poor aim as it glanced off Eirik's arm, but it was enough to distract him.

Eirik gasped in pain as a body slammed into him, the momentum sending him staggering back against the table, his lower back protesting with the sharp pain that would have floored a lesser man. He struck out; gasping as a fist smashed against his jaw, glaring in fury to see all of the guards had failed in their task.

"Enemies down Captain." Dylan stated, looking at the Father taking a moment to catch his breath.

Keeping Eirik pinned against the table Jayden glared. "Where is Brother Genitivi?"

Eirik sucked in a shuddering breath. "You have lost your way, only we serve the true Andraste and I will not fail her."

Jayden snarled fiercely bringing his dagger to his throat. "Where is Brother Genitivi?"

"Blessed Andraste will destroy you all. You will burn in her eternal fire, this I swear."

"You first." Jayden snarled, grunting as he was shoved backwards, the dagger leaving his hand before Eirik could cast a spell, the mage dead before he hit the floor. Glancing back Jayden stared at the bodies; frustrated at the senseless deaths; moving into a defensive stance as the door burst open, Airyl almost knocking him down in her urge to get to him.

Terrance stood staring at the chaos, his face ashen, blood on his sword and armour turning to his Captain. "Guess you found out they are crazier than a box of cats too."

"What happened?" Jayden demand.

"The Knights weren't ever going to come back to Redcliffe. He had their bodies in the back of his store. Airyl sniffed them out and he wasn't too happy. He's dead I had no choice and the guard at the gate and some weird guy who came running out of his house with a pitchfork." He rubbed his neck. "Damn Captain, have we just killed a whole village?"

Jayden shook his head. "No Terrance, but we might have by the time we are finished here." Glancing around the room he worried at his lip. "We need to search the place and quickly before any of the congregation come back. There might be something here that can tell us where Brother Genitivi or the Ashes are."

Dylan and Matthew began a search of the room they were in, moving the bodies of the guards into a corner, leaving Father Eirik for Jayden to deal with. Sten, Terrance, Lance and Gavin took up post outside to keep guard, while the others moved into the adjoining room.

Hunkering down Jayden stared at Eirik thoughtfully; the Smite should have left him debilitated and yet it seemed to barely affect him and he had recovered astonishingly quickly. Searching him for any magical items he discovered a medallion looking at it curiously; turning sharply hearing muffled sounds, glancing to Airyl who moved to the wall and was whining and scratching at it. Pocketing the medallion he joined her and listened again, hearing another muffled noise. Searching the wall he found a latch revealing a door and a room beyond. Slipping into the room Jayden stared in horror yelling for Dylan even as he moved to the side of the man lying on the floor. "Brother Genitivi!"

"William my boy, is that you? Oh and Airyl, well bless my soul." He chuckled as Airyl brushed her head gently against his.

"What did they do to you?" Gently helping him to sit up Jayden winced at his grunt of pain.

"They wanted to know everything, why I was here, how I had found this place, who I work with and they were very determined to get those answers." Genitivi shuddered, wincing as Dylan knelt beside him and began checking over his injuries. "Now what are you doing here dear boy? I take it the King was victorious at Ostagar."

Jayden shook his head. "The opposite in fact; I will explain all of that later, but for now I came here looking for you." He quickly explained what had happened with Oren and Eamon as the others piled into the room to see what the commotion was.

"Maker these are dire times indeed, but I believe the Ashes are real. There is a Temple further up the mountain and the priest that runs this place has the key to get inside."

"He's dead, along with the guards with him, they just went crazy." Jayden reached into his pocket. "This is all I found on him."

Taking the medallion Genitivi nodded. "This is it and I have seen how to use it. Do you remember the research I was doing on dragon cults?"

"Yes I …" Jayden paled. "It's real, that's what these people were doing?"

"Indeed, but more than that they believe Andraste herself is a dragon."

"They have a dragon!" Jayden shook his head. "Well whatever lies ahead of us we need those Ashes."

"I need to come with you my boy. I can help."

Worrying at his lip Jayden turned to Dylan. "Can you heal him enough to enable him to come with us?"

"Yes I think so." Dylan turned to Genitivi. "May I?"

"Well this old man would be most grateful for your help, my legs hurt the worst, of course my ribs are also sore and my head feels a little pulverised."

Dylan smiled. "Let's see what I can do about that."