Driving his sword against the dummy, Loghain snarled in frustration. It had been almost six months since Bryce and Eleanor had been killed and they were still no closer to the truth. It was driving him slowly mad he was sure. Rendon seemed no different to the man he had always known, if a little more cautious with him these days, hardly surprising given his temper was likely to fray at the least provocation. He glared in frustration as the straw head slammed into the ground. He wanted to trust Rendon, but how could he when Bryce and Eleanor were dead. He couldn't understand how it was taking so long to verify the authenticity of two letters. If they were forgeries, they were superb and he feared in fact that they were real. He couldn't bear the thought that Bryce had betrayed Ferelden and his own family so brutally, but the alternative was Rendon was the traitor and that was just as painful to contemplate. He began to attack the dummy with ferocious efficiency as he remembered all of the times Rendon had counselled him to stay away from Bryce and Teagan in particular, the two men he was most likely to confide in after Maric. Staring at the destroyed dummy, his gut churned; there could be no good outcome to this, but now he just wanted to know who the true traitor was. Glancing up as Cauthrien arrived he nodded, grateful for the distraction as she unsheathed her sword.

xXx

Worrying at her lip Anora turned from the window; sparring with Cauthrien would do her father good, he did not react well to inaction, especially when the country found itself in such dire circumstances. She had done her best to calm fears they were facing a Blight. The Archdemon after all had not been seen and it was possible this was just a large surfacing, but even her reassurances were starting to sound hollow as they heard more reports of Darkspawn spreading across southern Ferelden and the sky in the south darkened. It appeared almost as though they were taking their time, ensuring every village and settlement in their path was destroyed. She did not want to acknowledge that her brother may have been right after all, but with each passing day it looked more likely. She found herself caught between guilt that she had been so dismissive of him and disbelief that a Blight could actually be happening.

As if that had not been enough to consider, a messenger had arrived that morning. Correspondence from Celene had been expected of course, the discovery of the Ashes could have prompted no less. Anora imagined if the Darkspawn weren't causing them such a problem Celene would have sought to meet in person; as it was, letters would have to suffice. What was completely unexpected however was Celene's information that the Divine herself favoured a marriage of alliance between the Empress and the Champion. The words were clear enough, she just could not believe them. Was she truly supposed to believe the Divine herself had suggested such an alliance? She of all people would know the Orlesians would never accept a commoner as Emperor, or more likely Consort to the Empress. She wondered if the Grand Cleric had informed the Divine of who the Champion truly was but dismissed it; if she did know she would never have made such a suggestion. The son of infamous Loghain Mac Tir would never be accepted; more likely he would be assassinated before he reached Val Royauex. Thankfully reading between the lines, Celene was no happier about it than she was. She sighed deeply, yet more unexpected consequences to her brother's actions.

It riled her that Jayden had not yet returned to Denerim and with each passing day she felt more certain he was doing it just to prove she had no control over him; likely in response to his new role. He probably thought himself above her now and she wondered if Leliana could keep control of him. Sighing, she ached for the sweet child her brother had once been; grieving for the boy who had been hidden so deeply beneath a disguise she wondered if she would ever see him again. Erlina had none too gently suggested her antagonism towards her brother was in part due to his rising popularity, which the Chantry was stoking and using to their full advantage. She had of course denied it, but it was still niggling at her and she worried it might be true. Anora shook her head, jealous of her own brother was absurd and yet he had managed to accomplish things in his guise that rattled her. She glanced up as Erlina joined her showing her the letter.

"I could contact Mother Dorothea and see if she has any insight into the Divine's motivations."

"That would be helpful; if I am to make the right moves, I must know what Game we are playing."

"What will you tell your father?"

"We have a war meeting this afternoon, he has enough to think about rebuilding the army. Let him focus on the Darkspawn threat, I will deal with Celene."

xXx

The training session had been hard, but Cauthrien loved sparring with Loghain, he always pushed her and his style was perhaps not so surprisingly, unpredictable, which meant she had to work hard. Wiping the sweat from her brow she accompanied Loghain back to the estate where they could talk privately.

Standing by the window looking out over the garden, Loghain clasped his hands behind his back. "Once my son returns to Denerim I intend to assign you to his protection." He turned to Cauthrien. "The Chantry will do its best to sink their claws into him. One spiritual advisor will become several I suspect and they may even assign Templars to keep him in line with Chantry dictates. I want a line of defence between him and the Chantry. He may be Andraste's Champion, but he is also the heir of Gwaren and I will not allow the Chantry to make a puppet of him."

"And what of her Majesty?"

Sighing Loghain settled into a seat rubbing his forehead. "Anora sees him as a child most of the time and someone deliberately causing trouble for her the rest. She believes he has fundamentally changed, but I see the man I believe he would always have become, a man I am proud to call my son." He snorted bitterly. "When I am finally at liberty to do so." He met Cauthrien's concerned gaze. "I love my daughter very much, but she continues to make trouble for herself, she has too much of my stubborn nature." He sighed deeply. "I actually think she believes as a woman her opinion is not given as much weight. Even if that was the case in the beginning, she has proven her political shrewdness and her intelligence many times over, yet she remains blind to the barriers she is creating for herself. As Regent I can take the consequences of war from her shoulders, at least to some extent, but sometimes when she looks at me, I see resentment, as though she thinks I am trying to take her position from her. I just want to help my daughter, but she sees the world through a filter of prejudice. She believes the nobility see her as a commoner more often than a Queen and so she imagines resistance to her where there is none. Then she sees her brother, who everyone believes is a commoner bringing about changes in a way she had not given consideration to. If only they worked together, they could do so much for this country, but now she chafes at him being Champion, a title she is partly responsible for giving him and it doesn't seem to register with her the trials he has endured. She has immersed herself so deeply in the damn Game she suspects duplicity with every action. She cannot imagine her brother acts out of a simple desire to protect." He glanced at the portrait of his children when they were young, before Jayden had been kidnapped, before such darkness had clawed at their family. "I often wonder what they would both be like if Jayden had never been taken that day. Perhaps I would have grandchildren by now and Jayden would be well on his way to being a knight."

"You cannot change the past."

"True, but they are my children and I am supposed to protect them from harm."

"No-one can protect their children from all harm, no matter how they might wish it. All you can do is give them the tools to handle it, the strength and confidence to overcome."

"I have two head strong, driven children Cauthrien, strength and confidence they have in abundance, what they lack is trust and I am as much to blame in that regard as Orlais. I instilled into them my distrustful nature; seeing enemies where there could be allies. How do I help my children when one sees me at best as simply a weapon to be wielded, at worst someone trying to take over and the other is beyond my reach?" He glanced at Cauthrien as she sat next to him.

"Anora is in a difficult position; the country believes Cailan was killed at Ostagar and so she must act as though she is sole ruler, but she knows he will return and once again there will be a shift in power. That cannot be an easy thing to acknowledge for a woman who believes she must still prove herself. Jayden too is trying to prove himself; the boy who saw the Blight, who dragged us kicking and screaming to be ready for a war we refused to believe."

"Then what do I do?"

"The only thing you can do, be there for them, offer your guidance and support. Remind them they are not alone."

Loghain nodded thoughtfully before he stood. "I should change before I meet with Anora; if we are to guide our country through this, we need to be united."

xXx

Staring at the map that stretched across the large table two hours later, Loghain's frown darkened; it was bringing back memories of the occupation, the victories and losses. He had gone through the latest reports and set about updating the map, glancing up as Anora joined him. He continued his adjustments to give her time to go through the latest information.

Southern Ferelden was steadily giving way to the Darkspawn and there had been sightings of the Blight sickening the land where Darkspawn had yet to reach. It appeared likely it was being spread by mutated animals, in particular birds. The order had been given that any creature with the Blight sickness was to be hunted down and the body burned. There had also been reports of abandoned farmsteads and it might have been assumed the occupants had fled, but for the full wagons that had been discovered close by to some that had yet to be looted. The reason had become clear after receiving intelligence from the watchtower in the most southern area of the South Reach Bannorn, soldiers on duty had seen the Darkspawn surround a homestead in the middle of the night. There were too many to engage and they had watched in horror as the terrified family were dragged out and taken alive to Maker knew where.

The local Chantrys and militia of the smaller villages bordering the Wilds had been instrumental in evacuation of the citizens, many having made their way to Gwaren. He kept in weekly contact with the Schenashal so he had regular updates on how the citizens were faring, the defences and now the numbers of refugees taking shelter. While some had boarded ships seeking refuge in the Free Marches, others remained in Gwaren; those too old to make the journey, but many who were simply not prepared to leave their country. The provisions he had made over the years meant the refugees could be quite easily accommodated. Most were housed either with relatives, or in a large communal building that had been created for the healers and mages who had come to Gwaren in the attempt to save Celia's life. It had been unused for some time, but it had been well maintained and the stocks of bedding had remained in the building. He glanced at Anora who was engrossed in the reports. She had given the Scheneshal instructions to find out what the refugees had managed to bring with them and what they needed to make the stay in Gwaren as comfortable as possible, ensuring that the top priority was food and clothing. They had brought animals with them, the land attached to the property becoming their temporary home. Those who could were to be found work and those of an age were to be trained to fight. He thought of the wall protecting Gwaren and felt a little easier for the safety of those within. The years of increased trading served Gwaren well and it was prepared for a siege should it come to that. There had been a few attacks from the Darkspawn, but they had so far not made it to the wall; the watchtowers ensured they had advanced warning.

Reports from the other southern Arlings were not so positive. Arl Wulff was a man he had long respected and he was used to protecting his land from attacks from the Avar and the Chasined, so a large percentage of the population if not soldiers and militia could certainly wield a weapon effectively. The most recent information indicated that the elderly and children were being sent north to Redcliffe and Rainesfere with a company to protect them. Wulff, his family and many of his people however remained to fight. While he was providing resistance and stopping at least some of the spread north, Loghain feared that it would not be long before they were overrun and they would need his warriors for the fight ahead. He turned as Anora cleared her throat.

"The report from Arl Wulff, I can understand him wanting to protect his lands and people, but how much longer can he possibly hold out. He will likely end up surrounded. Would he listen if we asked him to retreat?"

"If we put it in terms of a strategic withdrawal perhaps. He is a proud man, but he is not stupid; he will get his people out if they cannot hold the land."

Sighing Anora nodded. Getting the nobility to do anything was a delicate balance of persuasion and often luck. They were as likely to fight with each other as fight together even with the Darkspawn menace. She could only pray that the Arl and his warriors would survive. She cast another glance at Eamon's report. It was brief and included the numbers of refugees arriving in Redcliffe. He still had a large complement of soldiers and his knights as well as the local militia. Redcliffe could hold out against the Darkspawn as it had held out many times in the past against enemies, but again they were soldiers that would be needed for the fight ahead. Eamon appeared to have put aside his agenda of removing her from the throne for the time being at least, so she set aside her burning desire to dispose of him. Ferelden needed his soldiers and he knew it, yet he had been forthcoming, giving assurances that Redcliffe would be ready when the call to arms came.

Bann Ceorlic had joined her father in coming to Denerim after Ostagar; he had not been at the battle, his men held in reserve should they be needed. They were now billeted at the barracks. While she was grateful for the extra forces in Denerim, it was concerning for the Southern Bannorn. Ceorlic however, had assured her father that many families were already heading north to family, or taking refuge in the Free Marches until the Darkspawn had been dealt with. That of course meant that many farms would be left unattended and they already had reports that the farmland of Merinwood and Lothering had been destroyed. Glancing to the map she saw her father had marked the land now lost to them, it increased with each passing week. "Let us hope the Darkspawn do not reach the Hinterlands, if we do not get a good harvest many will go hungry."

"Eamon has made the appropriate provisions to protect the farms and all supplies are now being escorted by soldiers; we can't afford to lose anything to Darkspawn, bandits, or simple opportunists."

Anora turned her gaze to Highever and Amaranthine. Howe had forces in the Terynir, the Arling and he had his personal guard with him in Denerim. Like her father over the years since Jayden's kidnapping he had intensively recruited and had doubled his force. Along with the soldiers at Vigil's Keep, Amaranthine also had the city guard and a growing militia. She hated the idea of his men in Highever. He had repeatedly stated they were only there to keep the peace and indeed had indicated that half of his men who had been there had been killed in the ensuing battle. She would have liked to remove Howe's men completely from Highever and replace them with soldiers she trusted, but for the moment those they could have sent were patrolling the roads, guarding supply chains and additional soldiers had been allocated to the watchtowers. As difficult as it was to swallow, Howe's men were a force they needed and at least based in Amaranthine and Highever they knew where they were. "We need to find some resolution regarding Highever and Amaranthine. Many are demanding to know the specifics and I can only say we are looking into it for so much longer; with Rendon free in Denerim it looks as though we are taking his side. Bann Loren, Alfstanna and Teagan are the most outspoken, especially Loren given his wife's death and he is gaining support among the other nobles. Now Arl Eamon is well again he is also demanding to know what happened and what is being done about it. Ceorlic will follow your lead as usual, but we are heading for a civil war if we are not careful."

"There is no way to calm anyone without proof and since you cannot prove the letters forgeries, they will have to be turned over soon enough."

"But we know Howe is lying!"

"Do we?" Loghain rubbed his hand across his face; it always came back to one way or another one of his oldest friends was a traitor.

"Of course he is, Bryce would never betray us; not to mention he is not alive to defend himself."

"I am well aware of that Anora." Loghain growled his fists clenching. "Why is it easier to suspect Rendon of foul play?"

"It would not be the first time he has used underhand means to get the outcome he desires."

"Meaning?"

Swallowing Anora forced herself to remain steady beneath her father's intense gaze. "Meaning blackmail. He discovered my … my night with Nate. He went to Jayden and told him the information came from Lady Julianna, which was a blatant lie. He used it to suggest to Jayden that a marriage between himself and Delilah would prevent the information getting out. Jayden came to me to warn me." She paled slightly as her father's expression darkened. "I had lost Nate; I could not lose Cailan too and the marriage would bring him home and politically it was an acceptable alliance. I thought it a fair trade."

"Anora are you truly so enamoured with the Game you must play it with your own family?"

"It wasn't like that!"

"No? I suspect your brother came to you hoping to find an alternative while keeping your secret safe. Yet you used it to come to me suggesting Jayden had affection for Delilah. Tell me I am wrong!"

"I … I wanted him home! Didn't you say you would do anything to get him back home? Besides I did nothing you have not done! You betrothed me to Cailan, how is this any different?"

"Your alliance was to make Ferelden stronger, not to hide an indiscretion!" He sighed softly forcing himself to calm; alienating his daughter was the last thing he wanted, but Maker, sometimes he barely recognised her. "Anora you should have been honest with me."

"I know." Anora stated softly regaining her composure. "But what is done is done; I only wished to point out that Rendon is not above using situations to his advantage. Perhaps he is not the friend you … we all believed him to be."

"Taking advantage of a situation to influence a marriage while distasteful is not the same as accusing someone of being a traitor and killing them!" Maker, no wonder Jayden reacted so badly when I told him of the betrothal, he knew he had been betrayed by his own sister. Is this the route of the antagonism between them? "If Rendon is the traitor then how do you explain those damn letters? If they were forgeries these agents of yours would have been able to tell." Slowly he ran his hand down his face, hesitating as he thought of Jowan wondering how long he had been at Vigil's Keep. He glanced up meeting Anora's gaze. "I wonder if it is possible to create an enchantment to prevent a forgery from being detected."

Anora stared at her father cursing herself that she had not thought of that possibility. It was a long shot, but one she would have investigated. "I will have my agents look into it and I will stall the nobility for as long as I can." Hope reigniting within her, she turned back to the reports.

Loghain watched her for a few moments realising that as far as she was concerned her dishonesty regarding her brother was in the past and the discussion was over. "Anora." He waited until she looked at him. "I will not be made a fool of and certainly not by my own daughter. I understand your motivation, but had you come to me with the truth I would have done everything in my power to help you, surely you know that. Instead you lied to me, manipulated me. Have I failed so entirely as a father that you do not trust me?"

Paling Anora shook her head. "Of course I trust you and I never meant …" She felt silent beneath his dark look.

"Going forward we must be united and to do that we must trust each other. I need you to promise me that while you may play the Game with others, you will never again involve me or your brother. Promise me Anora."

"I … I promise."

Nodding Loghain turned back to the map. "After all our focus needs to be on saving our country.

Flushing slightly Anora turned back to the reports feeling as though she was a child again and devastated that she had disappointed her father. She forced herself to focus, there would be time to sort things out between them later. Picking up the parchment from South Reach she glanced to her father seeing the tension in his stance, feeling guilt churn her stomach. Forcing herself to look away she concentrated on the update.

Arl Bryland had confirmed that for the moment South Reach had only experienced a few Darkspawn attacks on the southern edges of the land. He was aware it was only a matter of time before those attacks would increase and spread and was actively making preparations for evacuation if, or more likely when the time came. With the evacuation of those villages bordering the wilds and as such the abandoning of the watchtowers near them, he had sent soldiers to those nearest, to give them warning of any advancing horde. Anora remembered her brother's desire to have Calling Crystals in every watchtower, now she wished that could have been the case, but the search for Maric had stripped their country of its coffers and rebuilding the coin was slow going. No-one reacted well to an increase in tax, even if they had agreed with the search for Maric going on as long as it had. As it was, the possibility of increasing taxes despite the backlash that might cause was something that had to be considered. Coin was needed for weapons, armour and training, so as an interim measure Anora had sent word to each Arl and Bann to stretch their coin as far as it would go, but making them aware that raising taxes might become necessary.

Having met with Bann Alfstanna of Waking Sea during her visit to Denerim, Anora was aware she had departed sooner than expected to make preparations for the influx of refugees she expected to arrive in her Bannorn, given the south was losing its hold. Alfstanna had subtly conveyed to her during her visit, her concern regarding the situation in Highever. Like Anora, Alfstanna had considered Eleanor a friend and had been devastated to hear of her murder. Not unexpectedly, Alfstanna had made it clear she would support Fergus's claim to Highever and gently urged the Queen to be cautious regarding Arl Howe who was clearly attempting to put himself in position to be Teyrn of Highever. Anora had assured her that Arl Howe was well aware that while his men were in Highever that did not mean he was Teyrn and until the innocence or guilt of the Cousland's was confirmed Fergus would remain the rightful heir.

The thought of heirs brought her thoughts to Orzammar. Leliana's latest report had outlined the recent events in the dwarven city. Anora felt a chill that they now had a Warden for a Queen; her father had certainly been horrified by the news. He was only slightly pacified when she informed him that the Queen had committed a large portion of her army to the cause. Her concerns reflected her fathers, the Deep Roads spanned Thedas which meant that if Queen Sereda allowed it, it was possible that entry to Ferelden could be gained through the Deep Roads. It only soothed her that Orzammar had been cut off for years from the rest of the Thaigs and the roads were not travelled. It was an issue that would have to wait until after the Darkspawn were dealt with, but she needed to impress upon the new Queen now that it was in both of their interests to protect Ferelden. Dwarven politics were not completely unknown to her, but she did not want to endanger a treaty by a misstep that could be avoided with a little more knowledge. Therefore, she had sent a messenger immediately to congratulate Sereda on her rise to Queen of Orzammar, emphasising her hope that they could form a lasting alliance that would benefit both of their people. In the meantime, she sent scribes searching for any tome and person who had recent political knowledge of Orzammar. She was pulled from her thoughts by Loghain's frustrated growl. "Father?"

"The Darkspawn have split up and are moving in large war bands; while the relatively smaller numbers mean at least some defences can be mounted, it also means the bastards are covering more ground. Normal tactics will not work with the spawn; they have no supply wagons to steal or destroy, no camps or base to burn to the ground, no need for rest. They keep focused on their task until it is fulfilled or they are killed. We have the sun which slows their march, but with the sky darkening in the south and moving northwards, soon even that advantage will be lost to us. However, we do have other resources at our disposal." With the supplies of the Wilds Flower destroyed at the Circle it had felt like a miracle to discover that flowers had flourished elsewhere. They had not been given an exact location, it was too precious to be made public, but he suspected it was near Orzammar given the surface dwarves had been tasked by Queen Sereda to get supplies of the flowers to the Circle for batches of the preventative to be created. The more astonishing news of a cure had yet to sink in and while it had only been tested on an elf and a dwarf so far, there was no reason to think it would not work on humans. It gave them an extra edge they sorely needed. "Alchemists throughout Ferelden have been given the instructions to create the potion that disorientates and causes the Darkspawn pain. The Circle is concentrating on the preventative and cure, but we need to get supplies made and distributed throughout Ferelden, or it will be like fighting a forest fire with a blanket."

"Perhaps the cure can be tested on the land; imagine the implications if blighted land could be cured."

"That will come after this is over." Loghain turned his attention back to the map, first the enemy had to be defeated, then the land, or what was left of it could be salvaged. Each Arling and Bannorn that did not already have a militia was currently creating one to enable the soldiers who had not gone to Ostagar to join the army. This meant the people and land would not be protected in quite the same way, but Loghain knew from experience a farmer defending his land could prove as deadly as a trained soldier should the need come and a little training in martial combat always helped. He estimated an additional twenty-five thousand soldiers from the Arlings and Bannorn would join what forces he had in Denerim, which included Maric's Shield, Ceorlic's men and the soldiers from Gwaren. Added to that the city had additional protection from the City Guard, the Mercenary Company's and the Alienage was protected by the Night Elves. Additionally, there were Howe's men and would be whatever remained of Highever's forces, though given the situation they were as likely to kill each other as the Darkspawn. All the more reason to get to the truth of Rendon's allegations. He forced himself to focus on the army. While only a handful of the Ash Warriors and their mabari who had been at Ostagar had survived, among them had been their leader a man named Gregin. He had been quick to pledge the remaining numbers of his warriors to the fight ahead giving them nearly a thousand men and mabari.

That left whatever support could be gathered by the Wardens. Queen Sereda had already pledged seven thousand dwarven warriors, a company of the Legion of the dead as well as the golems. All were vastly experienced in fighting and killing Darkspawn, an advantage they desperately needed. Added to that the twenty mages that could be spared from the crippled Circle along with the ten Templars who would be sent to watch over them. It didn't sound much, but he was well aware their magic was an advantage he was glad to have. He wondered how many of the Dalish would join them, assuming the number to be in the hundreds, unlikely to be more, but their skills in evasion and particularly the archers would be vital. He had never trusted the Wardens and had made no secret of it, but knowing Rathnal was Commander and that Aedan and Alistair were in the ranks made it a little easier to accept them.

Yet even with additional support from the Warden treaties they did not have the numbers to defeat the horde. As ludicrous as it sounded, he had realised they needed there to be an Archdemon behind this. Cut down the Archdemon and its legion would retreat back to the Deep Roads; however, if the Darkspawn were somehow controlling themselves and simply on the rampage, even with the full might of Thedas they likely all faced destruction. The Archdemon needed to join the battle for the Wardens to do their job and slay it while what remained of Ferelden's military gave them the chance to do that. Yet there had still been no sight of the creature, but the darkness of the sky over the Wilds and heading north was enough to make him have hope at least that there was a way out of this, as slim as that hope was. Showing a united front of the entire country he believed would be enough incentive for the Archdemon to appear. Like any enemy intent on destroying a people or forcing them to submit it would give a show of terrifying force. He was not fighting the Orlesians now, but the strategy wasn't so different. If the enemy realised you were coming together to create a greater force, it would do everything in its power to crush any hope and seed only despair. All of this dissent and fighting amongst themselves was doing its work for it, giving more urgency for the situation of the Howe's and Cousland's to be resolved.

"There is no change at the border at least." Anora stated. "Celene continues to emphasise that her forces are there for support only."

"Of course she does." Loghain growled. "They hover waiting to pick our bones."

"I doubt Celene wants Darkspawn at her border any more than we want them."

"She is more subtle than many of her countrymen, but she wants what they all want, Ferelden."

"She wishes alliance not war, but it amounts to the same."

"Has she responded to the discovery of the Ashes?"

"She has, I believe she is as surprised as we all were at their discovery."

"Just another reason they will want to expand their Empire into Ferelden." He glanced at her. "You mentioned alliance; has she suggested anything specific?"

"The only alliance Celene is focused on at the moment is joining forces to defeat the Darkspawn."

"We will end this threat ourselves; Orlesian support will turn into occupation given the opportunity."

"I fear the same and yet perhaps it is well they remain at the border; should the worst happen and we fail they will be ready."

Loghain gently placed his hand over hers. "I have been in situations when the odds were against us many times; there is always a cost to victory, sometimes almost too terrible to bear, but we will make it through this."

Sighing softly Anora's gaze was drawn to Gwaren on the map. "I should never have dismissed his vision, but I thought it too fantastical and then I believed him just a pawn of the witch. Maker, all he wanted was to be believed and I could not even do that."

"None of us wanted to believe it, myself included." He turned as a servant knocked and hovered at the door announcing the arrival of Captain Brom. "Show him in."

"Your Majesty, General." Brom stated, clearing his throat and handing over his report to Loghain.

"Give me a brief summary Brom." Loghain stated.

"Yes General. The additional forces who returned with you from Ostagar remain at the barracks given our … capacity. It has enabled us to ensure double rotations on the wall as well as additional support with patrols within and outside of the city. The docks remain guarded, but the number of ships arriving has reduced, likely due to the spreading knowledge of the Darkspawn presence. The amount of trading vessels has reduced by at least two thirds in the last month alone. As commanded emergency food supplies have been gathered and are under guard. There have been some issues with the Alienage in terms of a rumour resurfacing that there are cases of the blight sickness. It was unfounded when it first came to light and it is unfounded now. The rumour has been quashed, but my men and the Flaming Swords are keeping an eye on this situation; people are afraid and we all know how stupid people can be when they are afraid and the last thing we need is rioting in the streets. The Night Elves are well provisioned and are continuing training, they are ready to assist in defending the city if necessary. Work on the additional defences within and without the city are progressing as per your instructions. The Chantry is stocking additional supplies including food, first aid and clothing. The herbalists in the city are well stocked and supplying both the barracks and the Chantry with healing potions. Those citizens who are suitable have been building a growing militia, they have no duties as yet, but training is going well. Your Majesty's suggestion of giving additional incentives of food and healing supplies has gone down well. We have also taken on additional recruits to the guards. The three main mercenary companies in the city, The Black Stone Irregulars, The Flaming Swords and The Vipers have all officially pledged their … operatives to protecting Denerim. The Black Stone Irregulars have agents throughout Ferelden. Their information is sketchy, but likely confirms information you already have, that the Darkspawn are destroying every settlement as they advance. People either die fighting, flee or … well are taken. There is the usual unrest and people who take advantage of that, but generally the city is for the most part going about their usual business. We have secured housing that was empty due to disrepair. The appropriate trades have been tasked with making them habitable so we will have accommodation should any refugees seek sanctuary here. It might not be the best, but it's a damn sight better than nothing."

"Thank you Brom." Loghain stated. "Keep up the good work and any hint of trouble, particularly regarding the Alienage I want to know about it."

"Yes General. Your Majesty." Bowing Brom took his leave.

Anora drummed her fingers on the table as she focused on the city. Her meetings with Arl Vaughan had been frustrating. He seemed to care little for the lives of those citizens in Denerim, let alone those who would likely soon start arriving. He had told her in no uncertain terms that the Chantry was there to provide for the people not him. It had been Arl Howe who had urged Vaughan to consider how such an influx of people could impact on an already crowded city. He had gone on to suggest refugees could be signposted to Amaranthine, a shorter journey for some at least and with access to a port they would have the opportunity to seek refuge out with Ferelden if the need arose. It made some sense and yet her suspicion of him would not rest. She had found it strange that he would seem so eager to potentially overburden his own Arling, but he had impressed upon her the port and that many would likely leave the country. She had noticed Vaughan's smug grin at that, but Howe's expression remained neutral and she was left with a feeling she was missing something, a feeling she did not like. "A potential positive to Rendon being in the city is he seems to be keeping Vaughan under control, but it still leaves me uneasy."

"His father always let him away with too much so Vaughan sees this city as his playground. I hope that the Darkspawn threat has curbed his spiteful and violent nature, but I doubt it. He is likely biding his time, but to do what I cannot imagine. We can only watch him outside of his estate."

"Perhaps he can be put on the front lines in the battle to come."

Loghain met her gaze. "The slippery bastard would probably still survive."

"Perhaps." Anora turned her attention to the map, perhaps it would be wise to ensure he did not survive.

"How was your meeting with the Grand Cleric?"

"Productive." Whatever political games they might both be playing; the Grand Cleric was committed to helping the people of Ferelden. "The Chantry doors are open across Ferelden to provide shelter and food to refugees."

"Good, everyone needs to work together if we are to get through this." He glanced up as Anora's hand rested on his arm.

"I really do appreciate everything you are doing and the reason you took on being Regent." She hesitated seeing relief in her father's eyes. "I suppose I have not been particularly obvious in showing it."

"You have a country to guide and protect and that is no easy task; but I am glad you remember you are not doing it alone."

xXx

Leaving the dungeons of the Denerim estate Rendon smiled to himself, pleased with Eloen's increasing skill in extracting information. Heading into the study he stretched out his aching limbs and poured himself a brandy, taking a sip savouring its warmth. His thoughts took him to his daughter and Jayden and the Crow contract. It seemed dwarven politics were even more long winded than human. He glanced at his glass thoughtfully; they had named his soon to be son in law Andraste's Champion with only a Sister to hold the leash. That was like trying to control a dragon with a piece of twine; his leash would be far more restrictive.

Taking his brandy to his own rooms he slowly opened the wooden box he kept concealed, the latch only opening with a twist of his ring. He eased open the lid and lifted out the metal collar. If it was true that Jayden was immune to blood magic the collar would break down those barriers and leave him vulnerable, Danarius had assured him of it. The Magister had been so happy with his latest shipment of slaves he had also given Eloen a spell to use should the collar work too slowly for their liking. Both means would be brutal, but once they worked Jayden would never remember the pain, Eloen would wipe it from his memories. Sitting on the chair his fingers traced slowly over the metal as he took another sip, imagining the future King of Ferelden obeying his every whim. He hesitated the glass to his lips, getting rid of Ferelden's Queen was a measure he was not looking forward to, suspecting what her loss would do to Loghain. Yet even that had its advantages; he doubted he would ever get the collar on Loghain so he could not be enthralled, but he could be broken and in time with support he would embrace his son as King and he would heal.

However, he still needed to banish their doubt of him, but to do that he needed Ellowyn Cousland who had still not been seen, nor had his son or Warin. He was beginning to fear the worst, for surely they would have contacted him. It was then he noticed the letters on the table with a note from Vaughan to say they had arrived a few hours earlier. Rendon realised his hands were trembling as he picked up the top letter recognising his daughters handwriting.

Father,

I am aware my actions in leaving Vigil's Keep with Ellowyn and my lack of contact will have displeased you, but I could not let her go alone and she was determined to confront her family. I will speak of my own feelings at being locked in the tower when we are face to face. The last few months have been difficult to say the least and I write to you now because I have been forced to act rather than observe.

I am currently in the company of Captain William (I am aware of his truth; I know you will understand) and the Wardens. William believes me to be in love with him and he returns those affections, therefore he will be relatively easy to manipulate to enable me to remain at his side, thus allowing me to have access to the whereabouts and actions of the Wardens, Fergus Cousland, Bann Teagan and possibly Arl Eamon. I request that you send no more Crows to retrieve me; his fate was unpleasant and I believe I can do more where I am.

Thomas and Ellowyn will shortly be travelling to Highever with Warin. Ellowyn is delicate and I believe she will begin to feel safe in her home, especially with Warin protecting her as is her due as Thomas's betrothed. You should know there was a terrible conflict with her brother who refuses to believe his father is a traitor. This is in part why I encouraged her to return home. We will all come to Denerim of course at your command, but I must stress Ellowyn's fragile state of mind. I beg that you give her time to settle before she must face her brother again at a Landsmeet.

Once again, I apologise that I was unable to write sooner, however I hope my actions meet with your approval and if not then I humbly ask for your forgiveness.

Delilah

Reading the letter several times Rendon rubbed his chin thoughtfully; he had not expected such decisive action from his daughter. He opened the letter from Warin.

My Lord Howe,

Forgive the delay in Thomas returning to you. We left Ostagar as you commanded only to hear rumours of Lady Cousland and your daughter heading south west. Unsure if they had adequate protection and if indeed you had sanctioned this journey, we followed the trail, but they had reached Redcliffe Castle before us, meeting with the surviving Cousland's. Once I realised the women had no protection, we stayed with them. I am sure you understand I wished to give them no reason to distrust us and therefore could not take the chance of sending any form of communication. I am following Lady Delilah's instructions as I believe they would mirror your own and I agree with her observation that Lady Ellowyn must have time to recover before coming to Denerim if your plans are to have true fruition. I will await your further instruction at Highever.

Yours in service

Warin

Grabbing several slips of parchment, Rendon quickly wrote a message to be sent by raven to Highever that Thomas would be taking charge upon his arrival. The man he had left in charge, he had done so as he had little choice, he felt far more confident with Warin overseeing his Highever interests and it would be excellent practice for Thomas who needed to assert his command before he became Arl. With Warin and his son in Highever and Ellowyn clearly opposed to her family, that left him to deal with matters in Denerim. He quickly penned a coded message for Warin unable to help his smile, the pieces were nearly all in place.

xXx

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