The guards to the Deep Roads stared wide eyed as Paragon Branka, what was left of her House, the Wardens and Golems stood before them demanding entrance to Orzammar. Despite the orders of their King, they all moved back, no-one was prepared to go against a Paragon, least of all one with war machines long since thought destroyed.

Once they realised there would be no resistance, the procession made its way to the Assembly Halls, sending a guard on ahead to demand the Assembly convene.

Staying towards the back Faren saw the startled looks of the dwarves watching them. He kept his helmet firmly in place, hiding both his face and his simmering rage. There had been a time when he would have rejoiced to have Sereda take her place as Queen, wished for it in fact, now it filled him with dread. She had fooled him so skilfully, he had swallowed her lies and believed her to be a woman who truly wanted unity with all of her people, but when it came down to it she was not so different from her father and brothers, worse perhaps because they did not hide their true intentions behind pretty speeches and soft smiles. He clenched his fists as memories of her soft touch and loving kisses invaded his mind. He had been so easily taken in and it tormented him. He had navigated life as a Castless, never letting down his guard, always suspicious and it had served him well, kept him alive and then he had met her and he had let his guard down without realising it. The anger drained and he felt only emptiness, a hollow space where his heart had beat for her. Slowly unclenching his fists, he took a calming breath, there was nothing he could do for his people other than the actions he had already taken. He had to trust that Caridin would keep his promise and if Sereda strayed from her path of true unity, the Paragon would end her rule. She had tried to speak to him again on their journey back, but he had made it clear he wanted nothing to do with her, his trust in her was as fractured as his heart. He turned as he felt a hand on his shoulder, forcing a smile at William's concerned expression. "I'm alright." He stated softly. "I just didn't expect things to turn out this way. I never expected to find us on opposite sides."

"I know it must hurt, but I truly believe you did the right thing." Jayden stated softly.

Faren smiled at his conviction. "Of all the things in my life I wish I could go back and change, that will never be one of them." He rubbed his neck wincing at the ache and tension. "Listen Will, I know it's none of my business, but take my advice and end it with the noble. It will only end in heartbreak."

Jayden desperately wanted to explain why things were different for himself and Delilah, but it wasn't the time or place for that kind of confession. "How about when this is done, we go for a pint, you can keep me out of trouble."

Choking on his laugh at the memory of the first time they had met, Faren grinned and nodded, despite the ache in his chest, he knew life continued and he had survived life before Sereda, he would survive life after her.

xXx

Angrily waving away his servants Trian looked at his reflection seeing power and strength. His armour gleamed, his sword cleaned and sharpened. He was furious at having received a summons to the Assembly. Pulling on his helmet he strode through the corridors of the Palace his second moving to his side and the twenty men of his personal guard forming around him. They had been loyal to him even before the death of his father and he trusted them to protect him with their lives if the situation required it. He glanced at his second, the man he trusted above all others. He had entrusted him that very morning with the task of ensuring General Harrowmont met with an unfortunate accident. He was tired of the old man's interference and his reminiscing of the kind of King his father had been. He snorted, his father had been weak, he had never used the power he had to its full potential, but he would and he did not intend to allow the General the opportunity to stop him.

However, the Paragon's return after having been believed to be dead and with the Wardens was of great concern and had taken precedence. Branka had always been unpredictable and if she was not on his side, she too would have to be disposed of. His fists clenched, whatever she came to him with he would demand his sister and the filthy Castless be turned over for his judgement and this time he would kill them himself. Rage boiling within him, he calmed himself with thoughts of the example he would make of the pair. He would take his time with them both and no-one would threaten his rule, all would fear him.

Entering the Assembly, he glanced to the Desheyrs, realising Branka had summoned everyone of significance; staring in awe and increasing alarm at the number of golems in the room. He felt a rush of anxiety whispering softly to his second to remain vigilant; taking his place on the throne.

Branka turned slowly, catching the gaze of the King and every assembled Deshyr. "I thank you all for attending, this could not wait. My journey to the Deep Roads was to discover the Anvil of the Void. Our people are dying and I believed that if I could make an army of golems, we would stand a chance. The reality proved to be … concerning. My mission to find the Anvil was successful, in part thanks to the support from the Wardens, without them I and my House would still be in the Deep Roads."

"You found the Anvil?" Trian demanded leaning forward looking at each of the golems, thoughts of glory in his expression as he imagined himself presiding over an army of them and taking back the Thaigs long lost and restoring glory to the dwarven empire. "Where is it?"

"Destroyed."

Anger tore across the King's face as his fantasy of glory shattered. "Explain!"

"We discovered not only the Anvil, but it's guardians, the golems you see before you, who had sworn that it would never be used again."

"By the Stone why not?" Trian roared.

"The golems are not simply animated stone and metal. A life was needed to create life. With each golem one of our people was sacrificed." She heard the shocked gasps of the Deshyrs assembled and saw Trian's eyes narrow.

"What nonsense is this?" Trian snapped. "More likely you failed in your attempt and come here with this fool story."

"It is no story." Caridin stated, each step forward booming around the hall.

"You think to threaten me with a golem?" Trian snarled in fury.

"I am Paragon Caridin, no-one determines my actions but me." He ignored the King's astonished look. "I made the Anvil out of desperation to save our people. Many made the sacrifice willingly, but that was not enough and when our people were forced to sacrifice their lives then I knew the Anvil could not be used again. I could not allow my creation; the creation that was meant to save our people be our destruction! For my refusal I was laid upon the Anvil myself, but I could not be controlled and I took away the means that would have destroyed our people as surely as the Darkspawn."

Trian leaned back in the throne. "You will make another."

"Have you heard nothing I have said?"

"Indeed. I promise you no one of Orzammar's society will be forced to make the sacrifice. There is more than enough of the Castless, they can finally be of some use." He smiled cruelly. "My sister wanted them to be part of Orzammar, now they can be."

"No!" Sereda snarled moving ahead of Caridin. "I wanted the Anvil too, to save our people, to turn the tide against the Darkspawn, but this is not something that should ever be forced on anyone. The sins of the past cannot be repeated if we are to have any future!"

"So, you return." Trian gave a smug smile. "Foolish given returning is a death sentence. If you had brought back the Anvil, I might have considered allowing you to live, but you have nothing to bargain with for your pitiful life."

"This is not about us Trian! This is about our people."

"Perhaps you are right. With the creation of a new Anvil you will be the first to be laid upon it. You can still be of use to your people, I will keep your control rod myself."

Sereda paled at his vicious smile. "Stop thinking of glory and start thinking of your people Trian! You are King now; the time is over for indulging in your petty fantasies. You owe it to your people to be better than that!"

"You dare speak to me as though we are equals! Speak again and I will remove your tongue myself!" Turning his gaze to Branka, Trian leaned forward. "I am your King. I order you to find a way to make another Anvil." He scowled at her look of disgust.

"If I could have made the Anvil, I would not have spent years and the lives of many of my House in searching the original out. The secret remains with Paragon Caridin and will die with him."

"Very well. Guards take them all into custody, the Wardens and those with them included. When I receive the details of how the Anvil can be remade you will be released." He ignored the alarmed and horrified gasps.

"Forgive me your Majesty." Captain Volnak stated. "But how are we to imprison golems? And forgive me but Paragon Caridin and Paragon Branka ..."

"I am your King" Trian roared interrupting him. "Follow my commands or find yourself in a cell."

General Harrowmont stood, if ever there was a time to end Trian's rule it was now, gesturing to his men. "Even a King has no right to disrespect a Paragon in such a manner. Time and again you have proven your inability to rule. Stand down from this madness!"

Trian leapt to his feet as Harrowmont's men moved to stand with the Paragons. "Traitors!" He glanced at his second who had already unsheathed his weapon, his personal guard taking a defensive stance around him. "I will see you dead before this day is done Harrowmont." He snarled rising and unsheathing his sword. The chaos that erupted sent the Deshyrs scrambling. Trian's heart pounded as he parried a blow from Harrowmont as soldiers battled around them. There was no acknowledgement that his own actions had brought him to this point, only fury that anyone would disobey him. He stumbled forward caught off guard by a blow. The golems hadn't attacked anyone yet, but fear was ripe in the air and few would stand against war machines. Shoving Harrowmont to the ground, his blade slicing his arm before the General managed to roll away from him, he caught sight of his brother pinned in by Branka's warriors, though he didn't appear to be fighting. He caught sight of Sereda in combat with his second. Leaping down the steps he charged at her, his hate intensifying, catching her with a blow to the legs sending her to the ground.

Managing to get to her feet Sereda faced her brother seeing madness in his eyes. The few soldiers on his side still capable of fighting had managed to reach him and separated them from everyone else, for the moment at least she was on her own, though her fellow Wardens were trying to get to her. She almost regretted making Caridin promise the golems would not shed any blood. Trian was stronger, but she had greater skill, moving out of range of his blade before driving against him managing to keep him on the defensive. She hissed as pain flared in her arm feeling blood flow glaring at Trian's second who had managed to catch her unawares. She gasped as Trian charged her sending them both against the wall, the wind knocked out of her she realised her weapon was out of reach and her brother was standing over her his sword raised. Believing she was going to die, Sereda wondered if there could ever have been any other outcome with a brother who had hated her since her birth. "You are a fool Trian."

"And you are dead Sereda." The furious King snarled.

Her breath caught in her throat as she stared in awe as Trian was slammed into the wall, tackled by Faren; Alistair driving his shield up and catching the jaw of the King's second, sending him slamming to the ground with an ominous crack. Rathnal and the others were concentrating on debilitating those remaining of the King's personal guard.

Speed on his side Faren used every dirty trick he knew to cause Trian maximum pain, daggers finding the chinks in his armour, blood flowing as he span, leaping and driving down against the King's knee hearing the satisfying sound of snapping and his agonised scream. He kicked Trian's sword away and grabbed the dazed King smashing his fist into his unprotected face, the helmet long gone. He channelled the pain of a life of shame and humiliation his people were forced to live, while the nobility lived in comfort. He focused his rage that his sister had to offer herself to noblemen who despised her, in the hopes of creating a better life for herself and her family through a child. The rage that his mother had been so broken by that same life that she had lost herself in wine and bitterness. The rage that he and Leske had no choice but to become part of the brutal way of life in Dust Town simply to survive. He hesitated realising Trian was limp and unmoving in his grip, his face unrecognisable. He tossed him to the ground and stepped back, flicking the blood from his hand; turning from Rathnal's concerned look glancing to Sereda who was staring at him. He turned away as she looked as though she was going to speak; the pain of his heart intensifying at the hope and gratitude in her eyes.

Taking a shuddering breath and forcing away the ache of her heart, Sereda moved to Trian and checked his pulse, but Faren's last blow had been a mortal one. Standing she met Bhelen's gaze before turning to Harrowmont and the Deshyrs who were standing watching. "The King is dead."

Bhelen tried to move forward startled when Oghren stopped him. "I am the rightful King!"

"Not today." Oghren growled, keeping him pinned to the wall, following his gaze to Harrowmont who he suspected was going to make his own bid for the throne, relieved to see Branka moving to the centre of the floor, her presence commanding attention.

"I suppose this was inevitable." Branka stated. "A fool end for a fool. The King is dead, but he failed his people. We are dying and if we continue to cling to tradition so closely it will strangle us. We must combine our traditions with a new course. There is only one person here who has a chance of combining our traditions with the changes we need to make to survive. To such an end I stand behind Warden Sereda as Queen; she is and always has been the rightful ruler."

The Deshers remained in silent shock as Caridin moved to Branka's side.

"I have lived far longer than anyone has a right to, seen atrocities and the decline of our once great Empire. I have always honoured tradition while opening myself to other possibilities. Now we must do that as a people. Sereda Aeducan is the Queen we need to lead us through these dark times and it is my sincere belief that with her leading us our people have a chance at survival. Consider your choice wisely."

Harrowmont felt the changing of the tide, with two Paragon's supporting her few would go against this and he had no intention of losing his place as General if he could not be King, at least in that role he had some measure of influence. He raised his hands to gain the rooms attention. "We have never in our history been faced with a decision of this kind. The daughter of King Endrin Aeducan returns to us as a Warden and with two Paragons. I choose to see that as a sign that in these changing times we must perhaps embrace a new way." He turned to Sereda. "While still honouring our traditions."

Stepping forward Sereda met the gaze of every Deshyr. "When last I stood before you as Princess Aeducan I was exiled to the Deep Roads to die. I survived and faced other trials as a Warden. I warn you now the horde is on the move and if we do not stop them, they will take the last of our Empire. I ask only for the chance to prove that I can give us a future of hope and prosperity." Her heart thudded fiercely as one by one the Desheyrs moved forward, each with a staff in hand, the metal hitting the stone floor in a rhythm that told her she was accepted as their Queen.

xXx

A few hours later once the bodies were removed and the floor had been cleaned to gleaming, the crowning ceremony began. Bhelen maintained a neutral expression, but fury threatened to choke him. This should not be possible; an exile and Warden should not become ruler of Orzammar. He watched the Deshyrs form an aisle across the centre of the Assembly Hall to where the Shaper of Memories stood in ceremonial robes. He watched his sister begin the walk as the Deshyrs tapped their staffs on the floor, the sound of metal on stone that should have been his crowning song, played out for another. He could feel Oghren's eyes on him, but refused to acknowledge it, he knew he would be closely watched and it would take a miracle to get his sister off the throne, but he was nothing if not patient. He would bide his time, given enough rope she would hang herself and it wouldn't be long before she took a step too far and the Deshyrs would be begging him to be King.

Sereda trembled as she took the slow walk passed every Deshyr. It felt almost like a dream as she knelt before the Shaper wondering how much of the acceptance of the Deshyr's was due to the number of golems in the room.

"Let the Memories find you worthy, first amidst the Lords of the Houses, the Queen of Orzammar."

Rising Sereda moved up the stairs and took her place on the throne. "We must prepare for war. As such I make this promise Warden Commander, we will join you in facing the horde and together we will destroy the Darkspawn. We shall meet tomorrow to discuss the details."

Rathnal bowed. "You have my thanks Queen Sereda."

Smiling slightly Sereda nodded. "Paragon Branka has already designed armour that is far lighter and stronger than our army currently has as well as new weapons. Every armourer and blacksmith are to report to her, our army will have every advantage we can give them. We need every warrior to prepare, not all will be going to the surface, but the battle to retake our Empire is just beginning." She leaned back into the throne at the roars of agreement from the Deshyrs, tensing as Harrowmont leaned over and whispered in her ear, before swallowing painfully and nodding.

Harrowmont took a step down from the throne. "Warden Faren, while the death of King Trian at your hands was in defence of a, at the time fellow Warden, the manner of his death calls into question your true motivation. The Queen has graciously pardoned you, however I would suggest for your own sake you do not return to Orzammar."

Faren met Sereda's gaze wondering if they had still been together, if she would have sacrificed him as she was now doing. He understood all too well the nobility would never take the risk of the Queen being with a Castless and he had to be removed one way or another. He supposed he should be grateful he was being allowed to leave. He swallowed back the anger, after all he was a Warden and Orzammar had already been lost to him. "As the Queen commands."

Sereda felt the tone strike her as fiercely as any blow, hearing the hate and contempt in his words, feeling her heart break anew as he turned and left.

xXx

Knowing Sereda would have much to do and Branka, Oghren and Caridin would protect her, Rathnal signalled to his Wardens and their companions and they headed to the Compound finding Faren already there busy cleaning his armour. "Well we have the support we need, but at a cost none of us expected. We need to rest and resupply. Faren I'm not sure if it would be wise to move about Orzammar alone."

"No worries Boss I will get myself cleaned up, get packed and head up to the surface, make sure the horses are alright. Had enough of this place anyway."

Rathnal moved over to him gripping his shoulder. "I will send some of the others with you if you wish to say goodbye to your family."

Faren shook his head. "Seeing them now after what I just did would make life more difficult for them. The sooner I leave the better."

"If you think that is for the best. I will still send Alistair and Serris with you. Set up camp, we will join you the day after tomorrow."

Nodding Faren left the room not wanting to see the looks of concern and worse pity from the group.

xXx

As requested by Paragon Caridin, Jayden headed to the Shaperate of Golems. He found Shaper Anok snoozing by the fire, calling his name, barely avoiding the stick hitting his head as the dwarf woke, holding back a startled Airyl.

"It's you!" Anok snapped. "Make some bloody noise when you come in here will you."

"I did call your name."

"I was asleep, you blind?" Shaking his head Anok stifled a yawn and sighed. "Hips have been causing me trouble." He muttered by way of apology for his grumpiness.

"How are your knees?"

"Fine, that salve of yours works wonders, doesn't do anything for my hips though."

Jayden smiled as Anok rattled off a list of symptoms looking at him expectantly. "I can make you up something that will help, but first I came with news."

"Aye, heard you went off to the Deep Roads. Find what you were looking for?" He raised an eyebrow as Jayden explained everything including Paragon Caridin and the remaining golems returning with them.

Anok sat in silence for several long moments. "It doesn't seem possible."

"They will be here soon. Paragon Caridin thought it might be less of a shock if I told you first."

"They are coming here?"

"Yes, I …"

"Why didn't you say so. I need to get things ready. Come on lad make yourself useful. They will want somewhere to stay; we need to open up the old rooms."

Jayden found himself swept up in the Shapers rush, Airyl settling by the fire and pretending to be asleep.

Little over an hour later Shaper Anok stared up at Paragon Caridin and the golems with him and gripped his stick fiercely to disguise the tremble of his hand. He bowed and stepped back. "The Shaperate is yours."

"No Shaper Anok it is not; however, we must discuss its future."

"You wish it sealed?"

"No. We must understand the past to avoid making the same mistakes in the future. I will never allow the secret of the Anvil's making to be revealed, but there is much about the past that should be known. We have time before we will be called to battle, I believe it is time for our stories to be recorded. We will need scribes and I have been told there will be no Shaper after you, this must be remedied."

"Well I would imagine that will be easy to do with you standing there in the flesh so to speak. Well no point in you all just standing there, better come in. I've opened up the living quarters, but it's been a long time since these walls had golems staying. You will need to let me know what you need."

"Thank you."

Stepping back Anok almost held his breath as the procession of golems entered, nodding as the young human and wolf took their leave, offering him a gruff reminder of the invitation to come back after the Blight. Closing the door behind them Anok realised that things were going to shift in a world where tradition meant everything and his people did all they could to hold any change at bay.

xXx

Heading for the main doors, Alistair and Serris accompanying him, Faren was surprised when Morrigan also joined them, the witch desperate for fresh air and the sun on her skin. He turned sharply as he heard his name, his hand going to the hilt of his sword, relaxing when he saw Rica hurrying towards him. He swallowed painfully, startled and grateful when she hugged him; realising that his fellow Wardens and Morrigan had moved away slightly, watchful, but giving them a private moment.

"Are you alright brother?"

"No not really, but things are the way they are."

"You killed the King." She whispered.

"Bastard deserved it."

"He did. I … I wish …"

"If the Queen keeps her word things should get better for you and mum and everyone else in Dust Town."

"And what of you brother?"

"I'm a Warden, I was never going to come back."

"The Queen did."

"She didn't kill the King. I have my life; I'll be grateful for that."

"Did you really love her?"

"I did, but none of that matters now." He took his coin pouch from his pocket putting it into her hand and closing her fingers around it. "It's not much, but I want you to have it."

"Faren …"

"Please Rica, it's all I can do for you now."

Blinking back tears Rica nodded, hugging him tightly before pulling back and forcing a smile. "Take care of yourself little brother."

"You too Rica." Heading to the surface Faren took a gulp of fresh air, pretending the tears were simply his eyes streaming from the bright sunlight. He felt Alistair's hand on his shoulder and reminded himself that he was part of something important and he was a survivor.

They moved off to check on the horses and find a suitable place to camp until the others joined them. None of them noticed the blond haired, tattooed elf watching from the trees, a calculating smile on his face.

xXx

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