Settling opposite the two exhausted Templars, Grand Cleric Elemena looked over both men. They had been in such a state Mother Perpetua had requested her presence immediately. Thankfully the Templars had managed to regain at least some composure. "Now, please tell me what news you bring from the Circle. I understand you have come most of the way on foot after several incidents with bandits."

"Knight Commander Gregior requests the aid of as many Templars as can be spared and permission to initiate the Rite of Annulment." Ser Julian stated barely able to contain the panic that had been building throughout their journey.

The Grand Cleric felt her stomach plummet, but gave no outward sign in her calm demeanour. "I see. Tell me everything." She listened in silence until the Templars had finished, understanding now why they were so troubled. A blight seeps through the country, an Orlesian army on the border and now the Circle overrun with demons and abominations. The mages had been restless for some time of course, but then people always were when denied freedom, but she had not thought they would turn to blood magic. Senior Enchanter Uldred had always had such a gift for rooting out such trouble makers, but now in the light of recent events was it possible he had held up sacrificial lambs perhaps to hide his true work. She didn't want to believe it, but hard truths were the most difficult to swallow. She sent for both the Knight Captain, and Seeker Greyfor who was mercifully in the city, the three sitting in silence until they both arrived. The Grand Cleric made the Templars go through the events again, for her own benefit as well to ensure she had heard everything correctly; her hearing was not what it used to be and this was not a situation she could afford to mishear. "As I am sure you will all agree with this must be dealt with swiftly, we cannot have our country overrun with abominations. Seeker Greyfor I know you have your own duties, however I would be grateful if you and the Knight Commander would personally travel to the Circle and carry out the Rite of Annulment."

Knight Commander Silas almost flinched at the news that the Seeker would be accompanying him, but in the circumstances he could hardly blame the Grand Cleric and he would be one more blade to face any abominations and demons. "I will make preparations Grand Cleric. The patrols, particularly those at the docks in Denerim must of course continue, there may need to be double shifts to allow me to take the numbers I will need, but given the situation I do not think there will be too many complaints. I was to take the initiated recruits to Kinloch Hold within the week as it happens. It will be a harsh beginning, but better they see the truth of their duty."

"You must of course do as you believe appropriate Knight Commander. Have your Knight Captain report to me weekly until your return; I will inform the Queen and the General." She hesitated and sighed deeply. "In the last report twenty children were recorded at Kinloch Hold. Make it swift and painless if you can."

Knight Commander Silas nodded. "Yes Grand Cleric." With a heavy heart he and Ser Laren and Ser Julian left to arrange their departure.

Greyfor remained taking a seat opposite Elemena. "I will have to report this to the Order."

"I understand. I request a copy of your report for the archives so that if called upon I will know how to approach the Divine."

"Of course."

"I will have the Rite of Annulment prepared within the hour."

Nodding Greyfor stood and swiftly left the room to make his own arrangements.

Elemena carefully took a piece of parchment, dipping a quill into the ink hesitating a moment before writing out the grounds for the Rite of Annulment, adding her permission and her seal. She made a second scroll identical to the first, one would be taken by the Knight Commander and the other would remain in Denerim. She sighed softly; she had always taken her role very seriously, never doubted her path, but some days the responsibility seemed far too much for one person to bear.

xXx

Scanning the contents of the latest reports from Redcliffe Erlina frowned, wondering what had delayed them, but convinced they had not been tampered with. Such delays happened and given the trouble the country faced such delays might indeed become more frequent. Turning her focus to the contents, her fingers drummed on the desk. The mage Loghain had found to tutor Connor and spy for them had been one of two Howe had obtained; escapees from the Circle. That changed things slightly unless Orlais controlled elements in the Circle which was a worrying thought. There had been no mention of the tutor using forbidden magic, but that didn't mean he was innocent and if a blood mage was teaching Connor to control his magic that could have terrible consequences. Still it was clear by the inference that the mages meant something to each other and that was an edge that could be used to control Howe's mage, certainly enough to have her turn on him if appropriately convinced. Erlina's eyes narrowed, she owed the bitch a reckoning and the threat of harm to someone she held dear, well that was little enough compared to what had been done to her. She ran her fingers against the amulet she now always wore, a second adorning the Queen's neck, procured for them courtesy of the Crows. "I am going to make you pay for what you did to me. For all your power I will destroy you." She quickly read through the second report the colour draining from her face, Anora would be furious. Glancing up at the knock she forced a smile as Anora entered; only in these rooms did the Queen relax and offer a hint of the vulnerability she felt.

Flopping into a comfortable chair Anora undid the braids, shook out her hair and kicked off her shoes accepting the glass of wine. "Just for an hour or two I do not want to think of dead friends, Howe's treachey and a husband who is alive but does not remember me." Taking a sip of the wine she sighed softly closing her eyes and relaxing into the chair, imagining the Antivan Red transporting her to the sun blessed vineyard of its creation. "Did you receive a report from Redcliffe?"

"I thought you wanted to relax."

"In truth I will not truly relax until my family and friends are safe, tell me."

"I received several in fact; it seems there was a delay; though of what nature I cannot say, there has been no tampering."

"I suppose that is to be expected which is why we need that runestone. So tell me."

"It seems the mage your father found to instruct young Connor and the blood mage working for Howe are in love."

Anora jerked up, her gaze locked on Erlina. "So the mage has a vulnerability."

"So it would seem."

Taking another sip of wine Anora relaxed back into the chair. "We need him; we need the leverage."

"Getting him here will be difficult."

"When Eamon dies we can extend our protection to Isolde and Connor, his tutor will come with them. Though of course I expected Eamon to be dead already; he is as tenacious in dying as he is in living."

"I also have news in that respect. Oren Cousland was poisoned with the same poison that took your mother." It was only her sharp reflexes that saved the glass as it fell from Anora's hand, wine spilling on her skirt and the rug.

"Poisoned?"

"All is well he lives."

"How? How can that be?"

"The Ashes of Andraste."

Anora stared in astonishment as Erlina relayed Leliana's message, wiping the tears from her cheeks and taking a calming breath. "It would have killed Fergus if he had lost his son." She took another forced breath. "Leliana has proven her ability to adapt to a situation."

"Indeed, however it was not enough." She handed over the message seeing Anora's eyes narrow, her cheeks turn a startling shade of red before she was on her feet angrily pacing the room. "Alive and healed! It is intolerable!"

"On the bright side the prolonged illness works in your favour given Arl Howe has become a possible suspect and indeed it seems in some quarters Eamon himself is suspected of duplicity regarding his poisoning."

Anora smiled slightly. "It is certainly an interesting turn of events and one we must take advantage of. Eamon must be dealt with and as for Rendon he will pay for the murder of Eleanor and Bryce. They would never betray my family or our country. He made a great mistake targeting the Cousland's and it will cost him everything." Shaking her head she took another deep breath. "What of the letters Rendon submitted as evidence of Bryce's betrayal?"

Erlina frowned. "That is possibly even more troubling, my agent so far cannot say either way if they are real or forgeries."

Anora shook her head. "Bryce would never do this, they must be forgeries!"

"They are of astounding quality if they are. I have one more contact I can use, but it means more people knowing of them."

"Buy their silence, these are forgeries and I must have proof!"

xXx

Vaughan glared at the Regent; as Arl he had made the lives of his servants a misery, but that had become boring and he had set his sights on major changes for the city. "I want the Night Elves disbanded. As Arl of Denerim I demand it!"

"Don't be a fool." Loghain growled. "We need all the fighters we can get; we lost enough soldiers at Ostagar. If the Darkspawn get this far north you will be begging for every extra blade between them and our people."

"These elven scum will turn on us the first chance they get!" Vaughan hissed.

You perhaps. Loghain slowly steepled his fingers. "They stay."

"I demand a Landsmeet!"

"We are at war; no-one in their right mind will disband fighters at a time like this. Thank on that before you speak again." He watched as Vaughan stormed out glancing to Rendon. Knowing that Ellowyn was safe had calmed him a little, but his mind was still chaos about who to trust. The letters so far had not been shown to be forgeries and because of that he was doing his best not to throttle Rendon. He took a calming breath deciding that the Arl needed to be kept busy. "Do your best to rein him in Rendon, we cannot afford him demanding a Landsmeet every time he feels like it."

"Of course." With a brief nod Rendon strode across the hall and left the Palace heading for Vaughan's estate, nodding to the soldiers on duty who bowed respectfully. He went straight to the study finding Vaughan sulking with a bottle of brandy.

"I am the Arl of Denerim!" He snapped as Rendon closed the door behind him. "I should be treated with respect, this is my city!"

"Are you really this much of a fool?" Rendon demanded. "Are you really this short sighted?"

Vaughan stood his cheeks crimson with rage.

"Sit down and listen." Rendon growled.

Hesitating Vaughan slowly settled back into the chair.

"You want to be respected, feared, have the city in the palm of your hand? Then learn to play the Game Vaughan. We can get rid of the elves and make coin all with the Regents blessing if you would calm yourself and listen to me. First we must seed fear and distrust and then we can remove them easily."

Vaughan listened to Howe's plan, a cruel smile forming on his face. He poured them both some brandy. "To the Game."

xXx

Rolling back his aching shoulders Genitivi couldn't help the smile as the walls of Denerim came into sight. He and the soldiers from Rainesfere were looking forward to a bed and food other than rations. They had ridden hard each day and thankfully had met with no delays; in fact the road seemed remarkably quiet. He had been relieved by the message regarding the use of the Ashes of Andraste from Sister Leliana waiting for him at the watchtower only a few miles from the city, knowing the Grand Cleric would demand that very information. As they entered the city he directed his escorts to the nearest tavern thanking them, knowing they would be returning to Rainesfere the following day. He headed first to the barracks stabling his horse with the generous permission of Sergeant Brom before heading into his office.

Brom stared in astonishment at the contents of the letter, pain filling his heart at the confirmation of those lost, but grateful for those few who had survived, though there was no information regarding the King's death which he found odd. "Will's got more damn lives than a cat." He muttered. "Though I'm not sure why he doesn't want it made known he is alive; though I suppose I understand if he is still mixed up with the Wardens."

"I believe it is linked with Arl Howe and the business with the noble House of Cousland."

"How in the Makers world he is mixed up in that mess? No, it's alright he always ends up mixed up in whatever madness is going on. Well I won't say anything." He brought the letter to a candle letting the parchment burn. "I just hope they make it here alive."

"I will certainly be praying for them. If you will excuse me I have further business to attend to."

"Of course Brother Genitivi, a pleasure as always."

Heading back across the square Genitivi smiled as he caught sight of Sister Theohild by the wall of the Chantry.

"Well now Genitivi aren't you a sight for sore eyes." She gave him a delighted hug. "Tired of adventuring?"

"Never and I hear you have had your fair share of adventure lately."

"Oh who have you been talking to?"

Smiling Genitivi handed her the sealed parchment.

"Maker be praised the lad still lives."

"Indeed, though he does not wish this to be common knowledge. I must speak with the Grand Cleric and then catch up with Weylon, but perhaps we can talk later?"

"I would love to."

xXx

Receiving an audience immediately, Genitivi followed Grand Cleric Elemena through several corridors until they reached a room she unlocked with a key only she had access too. The room was warded against prying eyes and ears and he took the seat she gestured too as she locked the door from the inside, there would be no interruptions. He watched as she crossed the room and sat opposite him, the room was cosy, soft runes having lit up as they entered, the chairs comfortable, a small table between them, a cabinet, desk and chair at the far side of the room.

"Your mission?"

"A success Grand Cleric."

Worry and relief crossed her face in equal measure. "Tell me everything; miss nothing out."

Genitivi told her of obtaining a copy of the map locating Haven from William at Ostagar, now believing that the cult had sent someone to destroy any map indicating their village. He explained his journey to Haven, the unwelcoming nature of the villagers and his subsequent harm at their hands. He explained his fear of what they intended for him and his rescue; spending an hour detailing the temple and its treasures, showing her the inventory which only indicated a brief overview of the wealth of information the cultists had in their possession. He explained the confrontation with Father Kolgrim and his unsettling request and assertion that whoever carried out the task to corrupt the Ashes and in effect destroy them would be Andraste's Champion. Then he spoke of the Gauntlet; his eyes taking on the look of a man remembering something that even now filled him with a deep sense of peace and awe, explaining the trials, his own experiences and those he had seen, most especially the occurrence within the final chamber and the test of flame.

"And Holy Andraste spoke to you?"

"In voice only, but we all saw the woman in the flames speaking to William, though what they spoke of was apparently not for our ears and we all saw him healed."

"Why do you think she spoke to him in a physical manifestation?"

Genitivi cast his eyes thoughtfully to his hands and then back to Elemena. "William is a fine young man; devout in his own way, but there is much he keeps to himself, his past for one. Perhaps in that lies the answer."

"Perhaps; tell me what happened to each pinch of the Ashes."

"Lady Ellowyn Cousland used her pinch to save her nephew. Sister Leliana's were used on Arl Eamon, unsuccessfully. Lady Delilah Howe gave her pinch of the Ashes to be used for the Arl at the demand of Arlessa Isolde and they worked."

"Is there any explanation as to why the first pinch did not work?"

"I cannot say Grand Cleric."

"But you have a thought on the matter."

"Two in truth. One that he was found unworthy for some reason, but that would not explain why the second pinch worked."

"And two?"

"That he was not ill at all. His wife was apparently not present for the first healing, but she was for the second."

"You suspect him of orchestrating himself of being poisoned? For what purpose?"

"It is just whispers, but Sister Leliana has heard that the Arl and Queen Anora were at odds."

"Ah yes, the fool wished Cailan to set her aside in favour of the Empress." She smiled slightly. "I too have my sources. If he intended to blame the Queen for his poisoning that might very well get her out of the way, but he would have to have compelling proof." She shook her head. "Either way that is three of five pinches used. What of yours?" She glanced to the pouch he took from an inner pocket of his tunic holding it reverently as he passed it to her, swallowing nervously as she opened it. Closing it carefully she chuckled softly. "I am getting old; I believe I expected them to be glowing." Standing she moved to a cabinet at the far side of the room unlocking it and taking out a small chest that she also unlocked placing the pouch within. Locking everything again she returned to her seat. "So William still has his pinch of the Ashes?"

"He does, or rather did when I left him. Journeying with the Wardens is no safe task and it may be that the Ashes have been used."

"And the Gauntlet, do you believe it will take the same form for others?"

"I do not believe so. Each experience was to reveal parts of ourselves and to test us. Were it to stay the same a pilgrim could obtain the information from those gone before and pass through the Hall of Spirits easily, know how to cross the bridge, know that the flame lay beyond. I cannot imagine it would be the same each time, where would the test be?"

"You speak wisely and I concur. It would make no sense to be the same for how would a lone pilgrim create the bridge; that surely was a test of your ability to work together. Whatever happens we must ensure that the Temple and everything within it is preserved. This will be a pilgrimage for the faithful and we must make it worthy of our Lady once more. There is much work to be done and a dire time to be doing it, however from your telling it would seem the cultists were wiped out, yet it would still be prudent to send a team to secure the site and begin to detail the work that will be required. I will have arrangements made. Now I would know more of William's contact with our Holy Lady. You said she gave him a task to complete." Her eyes widened as he explained the events he had witnessed. "A dragon." She whispered shaking her head at the thought of going anywhere near a dragon, let alone unarmed and without armour. "A further test of his courage and faith perhaps?"

"That is my belief." Genitivi stated softly.

"And William, what is his belief?"

"That those of us present are far more devout than him in the classical sense and that this was a test to prove himself worthy of her gift of healing."

"I see." Elemena sat in thought for a moment. "This Kolgrim mentioned Andraste's Champion; in many respects that could fit William could it not?"

"I … from a certain perspective I suppose." Genitivi frowned slightly. "If I may, why would you wish to pursue such a course?"

"Because Genitivi we stand on the brink of darkness, both of the spawn and with Orlais. A Ferelden born Champion chosen by Andraste herself will give our people hope to rise up against the Blight and with luck give Orlais pause."

"Many would not believe it."

"The people will believe what they are told to believe." Elemena leaned back in her chair. "Consider what we know of the young man. There is nothing of his past before squiring for Arl Howe in Amaranthine, it is as though he simply appeared one day; no-one can find anything on his family supposedly fallen to illness. He fled Amaranthine for unknown reasons, ending up in the Wilds at the hands of a witch and was given a vision of the Blight. Very dramatic, but are we to believe mages can see the future now, I think not. He is no mage, Seeker Greyfor testified to that and he has had no Templar training, yet he has an apparently natural ability to resist blood magic to control the mind. Not to forget the many brushes with death that young man has had and yet still he lives. Dispensing with the Witch nonsense, I believe his vision came from the Maker himself, he likely feared thought to be insane and so concocted this story to explain it. He is the Makers instrument Genitivi, make no mistake about it. He must be brought into the Chantry, with his abilities and experiences he cannot remain outside, with us he will strengthen the faithful, if he remains outside of the Chantry, he could be … disruptive."

"Grand Cleric …"

"You are protective over him Genitivi I understand that, but the young man has a Maker given purpose and we would be remiss if we did not help him accomplish it."

Genitivi swallowed uneasily. "But you cannot think he would declare against the Chantry."

"I intend to make sure he does not. He has a particular sympathy for mages that alone needs to be tempered, focused in the correct way." She sighed at Genitivi's concerned expression. "Consider the alternative my friend. We say nothing and the people hear about the Gauntlet and his healing, his blessing from Holy Andraste. Most of the army knew of his glimpse of the future, his vision and accepted it. He is proving himself a leader, someone people will follow. In Denerim alone his reputation is of a man who protects the people, commoner, noble, elf alike. Indeed he has changed the city in unprecedented ways. There are those who disapprove and indeed hate him for it, yet they are kept at bay by those who already have offered him unwavering support. Genitivi he holds this city in his hand and I am not sure he even knows it. A man like that, a man who truly cares about those he serves is not one to discard, nor one to dismiss. So you will go to him, you will explain what is needed of him for his people, his country."

"And if he does not accept being Champion?"

"Why would he refuse such an honour?"

"William can be a complicated young man at times, but this is simple. He will not accept it because in his eyes Andraste did not bestow it."

"Nonsense, she bestowed it in action."

"Perhaps, but as I said, I doubt he will see it that way."

Elemena pursed her lips. "I will speak with the Queen; surely he will not refuse her and the Chantry."

"And if he does?"

"Perhaps emphasis to him the unwise nature of that course, but I am sure it will not come to that. Take Weylon, the two young men got on well together, he can help you persuade him if necessary. I will make arrangements for your return journey. I assume a couple of days will be enough to get your affairs in order. Now you must be exhausted from your long journey I will not keep you further."

Genitivi inwardly sighed but rose as the Grand Cleric did and moved through the Chantry, heading back outside and crossing the market towards his home, more troubled than he had been in some time. An hour later sitting in front of the fire with an herbal tea, he had explained everything to Weylon who sat wide eyed throughout the telling. Genitivi was shocked to hear Weylon too had a tale to tell.

Weylon explained that men he now suspected were the cultists who had destroyed the map had barged their way into the house intent he was sure on killing him, however Kara's mercenaries had been watching over him and had intervened before he had been harmed, Kara herself coming to see him and ensuring that he was well. "On Will's behalf apparently; he asked her to watch over us when we were in the city. I would be dead now if not for that request and of course the fast actions of Kara's men. From everything you have told me I think Will is Andraste's Champion and I think the people will believe and accept it too, but the one person who won't is Will. He will be furious if the Chantry forces this on him."

"I agree, but I see no other way. The Grand Cleric all but said either he is with the Chantry or against it."

"Then we have to persuade him that this is the right thing to do." Weylon gazed at Genitivi miserably. "We need to appeal to his sense of duty."

xXx

Sitting by the fire in his private room Loghain tried to calm his heart, staring at the sealed parchment in his hands, delivered to him personally by Sister Theohild barely an hour ago. Finally he had a chance to read it. He stared at his shaking hands, easing his thumb through the seal and opening the parchment seeing the familiar elegant flowing script of his son.

General Loghain,

First let me extend my apologies that I have yet to return to Denerim, events here have been troubling. The youngest of a House that will remain unnamed for the moment was poisoned by an agent of a House at odds with them. I will assume you know of whom I speak, I dare not be more explicit, I have probably already made it far too obvious. The poison is such that it has no known cure which led to my participation in the search for the Ashes of Holy Andraste.

I will explain all when I see you, but for now I will tell you only the most pertinent points in case the Chantry makes the find public knowledge. A dragon cult had its home in Haven and they were worshiping a High Dragon, bleeding her young and drinking the blood to give them increased speed and stamina. They were fearsome fighters and I only wish there was a way to gain their abilities without their means.

To obtain the Ashes of Andraste we had to pass through the trials of the Gauntlet. I cannot adequately express my experience of it other than to say that despite all the horror of Ostagar and the pain of events before it, I feel a sense of peace I do not believe I have ever experienced. I should also say that Holy Andraste healed me. I know how that sounds, but I do have witnesses. Holy Andraste also gave me a task which I completed. Due to this task half of the group went on ahead with the Ashes to hopefully heal those who needed them. (Arl Eamon is also grievously ill). I pray the Ashes have healed those they were retrieved for. There is much I would like to tell you, but it must be done in person, I pray I get that chance.

Stay safe.

Captain William

(Denerim Guard)

Loghain reread the letter several times before he moved to a panel in the wall which revealed a hidden nook beyond, taking out the small chest within and putting in the letter, locking it and once more concealing it. He took out the tiny portrait in a circular frame no bigger than his palm from his pocket and sighed softly, the image of Jayden aged six; a mischievous grin lit his face in a time before any horror had befallen him. "Holy Andraste indeed, well I shall pray she keeps you safe and brings you back to me." He glanced up as Anora entered seeing her gaze drawn to the portrait.

"I think that is the one I like best of him." She murmured softly. "It reminds me of what a sweet, mischievous child he was." She sighed softly. "The Grand Cleric wishes to speak to us immediately, though I do not know of what."

"Of course she does." Loghain sighed. "Come then; let us not keep her waiting."

xXx

"Events at the Circle have become deeply troubling." Elemena stated, getting down to business the moment the Regent and Queen were seated.

Anora paled as the Grand Cleric explained the current issue in Kinloch Hold. "Abominations!" She glanced to her father who sat stone faced no doubt wondering what else their country had to endure.

"Indeed your Majesty, however I have dispatched the Knight Commander and enough Templars to deal with it. Seeker Greyfor is also accompanying them. I see no reason to cause a panic by making this public."

"I agree, but what in the Makers world have we done to deserve all of this? Darkspawn, abominations; an Orlesian army at the border."

"Given the trials our country is currently facing, it would seem an opportune time to discuss another matter."

Listening attentively as the Grand Cleric explained about the discovery of the Ashes of Andraste, Anora noted that her father was not surprised and therefore must have already known. "The Ashes of our most Holy Lady must remain in Ferelden." Anora stated. "This is her resting place."

"I had hoped you would believe such." Elemena stated her relief evident. "I believe I have enough key support within the Divine's staff to persuade her that our Holy Lady's Ashes should remain here. However, there is the matter of the Empress, of whom informs her and when. I would prefer us to remain in control of that if possible. We must maintain the upper hand; we are in no state to deal with an agitated and potentially aggressive Orlesian force at our border given how crippled we are from the terrible events at Ostagar."

Anora stood and moved to the window gazing across the gardens thoughtfully. "Very well, if you believe you can convince the Divine, I shall write to Empress Celene myself and remind her of the imperative of peace. I will find a way to convince her of the sense of keeping the Ashes within Ferelden."

"Excellent, but there is more." She explained about the Gauntlet and the task of faith given to the Captain.

Loghain closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead, realising why Jayden had not gone into detail in his letter; wondering if there was there ever a time when his son was not deep in some form of trouble. His eyes flared open as he realised the Grand Cleric was suggesting he be named Andraste's Champion.

Anora stared at the Grand Cleric in shock. "You cannot be serious!"

"Indeed I am. What Ferelden is in desperate need of right now is hope. The young man is what this country needs to fend off the darkness, a symbol of hope and that Andraste watches over us. Andraste herself healed him and that will renew the people's faith. They will see he fights to protect them and they will rally."

"You will make him a target!"

"Of whom would he be a target?" Elemena stated raising an eyebrow.

Anora struggled not to stumble over her words as she frantically sought an explanation for the panic gripping her. "There will be those who think it blasphemy, or who fear the power of such a title."

Elemena leaned back in her chair observing the Queen. "Do you fear the power of such a title your Majesty?"

Anora met her gaze with one of ice. "I seek only to protect him."

"Why I wonder? What is this humble soldier to you?"

"He is my son." Loghain stated almost smiling at the Grand Cleric's astonished look.

"Father!"

"What will convince her other than the truth to stop this nonsense?" He turned back to Elemena. "You talk of trials and tests of faith, that he appeared one day as if from no-where. Let me set the record straight." He explained all that had happened and why it had to be kept secret. "I believe my son when he says this glimpse of the future came from Flemeth."

Elemena sat silently for several moments contemplating this new information. "If this Flemeth was involved in any way it was as a conduit only, this vision of the future could only have been given by the Maker. If you seek to dissuade me from this course by giving me this information you have failed. Consider the trials he has faced; kidnapped by Orlais at such a tender age and the threat on his life causing him to be forced into living a life not his own. Then this vision of the future, the revelation of his natural ability to withstand magic meant to alter the mind and the fact that he survived Ostagar despite many seeing him take a mortal wound. Finally his participation of the Gauntlet and healing by blessed Andraste. Consider all he has done and he has not yet seen eighteen winters. Can you say he is not being guided?"

"This is nonsense." Anora snapped. "He has not been chosen by the Maker and to suggest such is …"

"Is infuriating to you. You are Queen and yet if given the title of Champion many may turn to him before you?"

Anora felt her cheeks burn. "He is a child he …"

"He has had the responsibilities of a man far earlier than he should have true, but he is a man nonetheless; perhaps you should consider supporting him. Think also on this, I believe you truly fear Orlais coming for him and so I suggest to you what more protection could he need than as Andraste's Champion? Who would dare to harm someone our blessed Lady healed herself?"

"It is too dangerous; besides what will the people think if you hold him up as Champion and after this Darkspawn mess reveal the truth of who he is? Will they not then believe it all a lie?"

"The people will understand and once the threat of Orlais is revealed that will give us a further barrier of protection from the Orlesian Empire. I would imagine they will want to distance themselves from such a threat and that army at the border will disappear as if smoke."

"So you would use my son as a shield?" Loghain muttered bitterly.

"From all I have heard he took on that role himself."

Anora shook her head. "He is a strong advocate for mages you are aware of this. Having him as Champion could be more damaging than helpful."

"This is precisely why he must be brought into the Chantry to be guided."

Loghain raised an eyebrow. "Speak plainly Grand Cleric, you mean controlled."

"I mean guided Regent."

Anora let out a slow breath, realising to refuse would bring problems she was not sure she had the power to fight. "If you are insistent on this Champion course then I agree he must be guided, or Maker knows what other changes he will attempt to make." She felt her father's gaze on her, but refused to look at him.

"The correct change is perfectly acceptable."

"Oh and who determines the 'correct' change?" Loghain growled.

Elemena smiled calmly. "The Makers will of course."

"Of course." Loghain sighed deeply, to agree was to bind him to the Chantry for the rest of his life, something Jayden would not thank anyone for, not to mention the claim the rest of Thedas may feel they would have on him if what happened spread, which he believed the Chantry would make sure of. If he survived the war with the Darkspawn his life would never be his own. "You say that he will have the Chantry's protection, that no-one would dare touch him given Andraste's blessing, but was Andraste herself not betrayed by men?"

"You fear for him and that is understandable, but surely he will be safer with the Chantry than without. I remember meeting him as a child. I believe you were rather mortified when he questioned me about the Chantry and the Maker. I saw something in him then, a determination and pureness of intent. He could have succumbed to the darkness many times and yet he has not. Yes he may gain enemies, but from what I know of him he does that all by himself too. He has never been one to stand by and do nothing in the face of what he considers to be unjust. Consider the possibility that his whole life has been bringing him to this moment. Besides, I am sure the young man will know where his duty lies."

Loghain felt a cold shiver move through his body; knowing if they put this in terms of duty his son would be hard pressed to ignore the lessons he had himself drilled into him and refuse.

"As I said I have allies in Orlais with the ear of the Divine, they will aid us in ensuring the right people know of this in the right way, his true identity will of course remain a secret, for the moment at least."

Realising her father was about to protest Anora rose. "Very well, please keep me … us informed Grand Cleric and I will draw up a letter to accompany yours."

"Excellent your Majesty." With a smile Elemena left them having much to do.

"Anora this is unacceptable!" Loghain growled as the door clicked shut.

"She gave us no choice and you know it!"

"There is always a choice!"

"We do not have the power to go against the Chantry! If you want to blame anyone for this blame your son. Always he must involve himself in matters that have nothing to do with him!"

"Oren would have died without the Ashes! Would you have stood by and done nothing in his place?"

Closing her eyes Anora sighed and shook her head. "No, of course not, it is just … Maker everything becomes complicated with him."

Loghain slumped onto a seat. "I do not wish this for him."

"Neither do I father, but the Grand Cleric has us backed into a corner and she knows it." Sitting next to him she met his troubled gaze. "You did not seem surprised to discover the Ashes of Andraste had been discovered."

"Nor did you I presume you heard from your spies. In my case Sister Theohild gave me a letter from Jayden a short while before you arrived to tell me of this meeting."

"I see. May I see this letter?" Anora followed her father back to his private rooms deep in thought, knowing she would need to schedule another meeting with the Grand Cleric to discuss how to keep her brother in line, a task she was not even sure the Chantry could accomplish.

xXx

Two days later wrapping her cloak tightly around her to ward off the cold, Elemena joined Genitivi and Weylon as they were putting the last of the supplies into the saddle bags. "I have some letters for you Genitivi, these two to be given directly to William, this one to be given to Sister Leliana. He will need guidance once you have made him understand the situation. Sister Leliana joined him in the search for Holy Andraste's Ashes; she will do for the moment. The letter contains her instructions; she will act as his spiritual aid during this time of crisis."

Genitivi inwardly groaned. "Is that really necessary?"

"We must ensure he does nothing to put the Chantry in a bad light."

Genitivi remained silent knowing he was facing a losing battle and all he could do was to aid him in whatever way he could.

"Do whatever it takes to persuade the young man this is the right course Genitivi, for his own sake."

xXx

Author Note: Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed.