Mouth parched Thomas urged his horse forward, Warin and Ellowyn moving closer behind him as they reached the main road into Highever. If the gateway had worked then Fergus and the others would have been at the Storm Coast at least a week, long enough for them to have found out what was happening there. He hoped they had found reinforcements and not more trouble. Swallowing nervously, he saw several soldiers come into view who were clearly waiting for them.

Ellowyn glanced up as a raven flew past feeling her throat catch as the bird landed on a tree near them watching. If it was Morrigan it was too late for her to transform with the Arl's soldiers so close. She had described where her room was praying that would be where she would be sleeping. Turning her attention to the approaching soldiers she felt a flare of rage, but for now at least she would remain meek and silent, just the way she had no doubt Arl Howe wanted her.

"My Lord Thomas." Guardsman Braman stated. "Captain Horace received word from your father to expect your arrival and sent us to meet you. He awaits you at the castle."

"Good. I assume rooms are ready for us."

"Yes, my Lord."

Thomas narrowed his eyes as the guardsman kept looking past him to Ellowyn who was sitting silently, her face hidden in the hood of her cloak. He cleared his throat, putting on a steel expression.

"If you will follow me my Lord."

Ellowyn felt sick as they entered the courtyard of the Castle, Howe's soldiers lounging about, sharply coming to attention when they realised Thomas and Warin had arrived. She wondered who they were more afraid of out of the two. Allowing Thomas to help her down from the horse, she was distracted by the repairs being carried out to the fire damaged barracks, wondering if they were for her benefit. She glanced at Fleta who seemed relaxed, but who she knew was ready to respond to any hint of danger.

Thomas nodded to the Captain who introduced himself. "Lady Ellowyn and I will go directly to our rooms. You and I shall meet later Captain, for now once Warin has taken his belongings to his room you will update him on the situation in Highever."

"Of course, my Lord."

Leaning against Thomas as they entered the Castle proper, Ellowyn felt her legs weaken as she realised the portrait of her family that should have been above the fireplace in the Great Hall was gone.

"Steady Ellowyn." Thomas murmured.

They went straight to the family rooms, Thomas taking Aedan's room for the duration at Ellowyn's request, Warin taking the guest room just before their rooms.

Hesitating just inside her bedroom Ellowyn felt a tremble move through her body. Nothing was quite as it should be. The bed was closer to the fireplace, the desk beneath the window appearing to tilt. Slipping further into the room she realised on closer inspection two of the legs had been hastily repaired. The rug that had been by her bed was gone, it had been a gift from Oriana's parents, a wonderful swirling pattern of yellow and orange she had loved from the moment she had seen it. Bending down she carefully picked up a few yellow strands that had caught on the bed leg wondering what had become of it. Moving across the room she cautiously opened the wardrobe. Most of the contents were gone, only a few plain winter dresses were there. She glanced again at Fleta who was watching her before she moved back to the door and out into the corridor. Throat constricting, she moved to her parent's bedroom hesitating, struggling to summon the will to go inside, finally pushing open the door. It too had clearly been ransacked and hurriedly tidied. The paintings her mother had loved were gone, the jewelry box she had kept on the dresser absent. Ellowyn felt panic take her, of all the things that had been taken or damaged, she had hoped what she was looking for would have survived. It was a carving of the family on a plaque her mother had hung above the fireplace. The artist had created such likenesses of their faces her father had paid him double the price he had agreed for the commission. A terrible thought struck her and she knelt at the fireplace removing the logs and kindling tears slipping down her face as she retrieved the broken pieces, the faces gouged out with such viciousness only hate could explain such wanton destruction. Hugging the pieces to her chest she sobbed painfully. The home of her childhood and youth was no more. Now in its place was a hollow ruin of death and destruction and were it not for her people who needed to be freed from the tyranny of Arl Howe, she would have fled the place and never returned. Leaning against Fleta as the mabari sought to comfort her she glanced up at the knock, quickly wiping her face as Thomas entered the room.

"Ellowyn?" He stated in alarm.

"I thought I could do this, but I am not sure I can." She trembled slightly as Thomas knelt beside her.

"You can do this Ellowyn, we can do this … together."

xXx

Settled in the study Warin glanced up as Captain Horace entered without knocking, throwing a sealed parchment on the desk. He met the soldiers furious gaze with calm neutrality. "Knock the next time you come in here."

Furious that he was no longer in the highest position of command Horace glared, though common sense told him he was a fool for showing his anger to the Arl's right hand.

"I get it Horace, you were king of the castle here in the Arl's stead, but things have changed. Now report." He listened carefully, things certainly appeared to be under control, any resistance had been stamped out through various means and now the citizens of Highever were compliant. There were more Amaranthine soldiers than he would have liked, but in truth less than he had expected. He raised an eyebrow at the Captain's growing agitation. "You have something you wish to add?"

"How could you bring that Cousland bitch here?" Horace gasped in pain as he found himself pinned to the wall by his throat, Warin's hand squeezing until he could barely breathe, his hands clawing ineffectually.

"Lady Ellowyn is Lord Thomas's betrothed, I suggest you be more respectful." Finally letting go Warin watched him collapse to the floor gasping and retching. "Now get out."

Scrambling to his feet Horace stumbled out, pushing away another soldier who had heard the commotion. He hurried to his own room and slammed the door shut slumping onto the bed; clenching his fists to stop his hands trembling. Shaking his head, he trembled at his own stupidity; he wouldn't be the first soldier to have disappeared at Warin's hand and he had a family to think about.

Settling back in the chair Warin smiled slightly, with luck he would have no further trouble from the Captain at least. Breaking the seal, he read the contents relaxing further; Rendon had accepted their explanations and was even proud of the initiative his children had taken. He wanted Thomas in command at Highever with Warin guiding him and he would send for them once a Landsmeet had been arranged, which he hoped would not be until some of his other plans had come to fruition. He had emphasised that Ellowyn must be protected, that she would play a pivotal role in what was to come. Leaning back in the chair Warin sighed in relief, this might just work.

xXx

Hearing tapping Ellowyn glanced at Fleta warning her to be still before she opened the wooden shutters at the window; watching the raven as it hopped along the cill before flying onto the floor and transforming. It had been sensible to have Morrigan change her form in front of the mabari several times before they had left; the first time Fleta had almost deafened them with her excited barking. Thankfully Fleta remained at the door to alert them if anyone approached; though she continued to watch curiously. "Did you have any problems getting here?"

Morrigan met Ellowyn's curious gaze with cold impatience, disliking her current role as messenger. "No." Taking the parchment from within her armour she handed it over.

Scanning the letter Ellowyn felt sick with horror, not only had her people been sold into slavery, but some of the children had been taken as hostages, there appeared to be no limit to Howe's depravity. "I will kill him." She growled, the parchment crumpling in her clenching fist.

Raising an eyebrow Morrigan leaned against the desk. "There is much to do before you will gain that satisfaction." She remained unmoved beneath Ellowyn's piercing glare. "T'is up to you to find out the location of the children; your brother refuses to take back the castle until he is sure they will be safe."

"Of course." Ellowyn muttered, forcing her fury into a focus. "We will find out as soon as we can. At least some of our people escaped slavery."

"T'is the Wardens you have to thank for that."

"Fergus made that clear in his letter." Ellowyn murmured. Straightening out the paper she read it once more committing the relevant points to memory, before putting it in the fire. "We will find out where the children are and the numbers in the Castle and confirm the information that has been gathered in case there are any changes."

"Tis wise to be sure before we proceed, but do not wait too long."

"Believe me I do not wish this to take any longer than necessary." She glanced around the room worrying at her lip. "How will I signal you that we have the information?"

"T'would have been far easier had you taken the runestone when it was offered to you."

"There was another need for that."

Scowling Morrigan took two rings from a pouch at her waist. Simple silver bands with runes engraved on the inside. She slipped one on her finger and handed the other over. "Put this on and I will know you need to speak to me."

Frowning Ellowyn took the ring. "How?" She slipped it on startled to feel an instant warmth. "Oh, do you feel that too?"

"Of course. Do not use it idly, I dislike being at anyone's beck and call."

"I am grateful Morrigan, truly."

Morrigan met her grateful gaze and nodded, trying not to feel pleased at the appreciation. "Twould be foolish to linger here longer." She stated, abruptly moving to the window.

Ellowyn only just stopped herself from begging Morrigan to stay, watching the raven depart the way she had arrived. Leaning against the wall she shuddered; while she wanted to free her people and Highever from Howe's clutches she was more afraid than she imagined she would be. Slipping off the ring she added it to the chain that held the crystal Jayden had given her. Concealing it beneath the bodice of her dress she signaled to Fleta and went to find Thomas and Warin. Walking the corridors of her home left her agitated, angry and more frustrating to her, fearful. Howe's soldiers, if not openly hostile, certainly gave her the impression they hated her as much as she hated them and hiding her revulsion of them was growing more difficult with each step. By the time she reached the private room they had taken for themselves given her reluctance to enter the study, she was in an increasingly unpleasant mood and was relieved they were both there. She angrily told them of the letter only just managing to keep her voice a whisper. "We have to find the children!"

"I will look into this." Warin stated, deeply troubled given Horace had not said a word to him about any children, nor the imprisoned soldiers.

Returning to her room Ellowyn glanced out of the window as she snuggled against Fleta gazing at the stars; wondering if the people of Highever would ever heal from all the Arl had inflicted upon them.

xXx

Waking with the dawn, Ellowyn glanced at Fleta who was stretched out on the bed beside her facing the door, on guard even when at rest. Lying still for a few more moments she let her memory drift. She had never known any other home than Highever, her room her sanctuary when the world and her emotions baffled her. Closing her eyes, she could almost feel her mother with her, radiating out the support and sense she had always cherished. Finally slipping out of bed she freshened up and dressed in a simple green gown. The kitchen was her first destination, wanting to know who served Howe's soldiers, hoping she could hear perhaps a whisper of the captured children. Opening the door, she was greeted with warmth, the smell of freshly baked bread and the bustle of a kitchen that fell silent as she entered, the women looking at her warily. Ellowyn met the gaze of an older woman who appeared to be in charge, thin to the point of being bony, a sternness in her expression that suggested little if anything ever brought a smile to her face.

"Breakfast will be served in the Great Hall for yourself and Lord Thomas, my Lady."

Realising the woman was effectively trying to drive her out of her own kitchen Ellowyn forced down her fury and smiled. "Thank you. What is your name?"

"Brena, my Lady."

"The kitchen clearly runs well under your direction."

"I keep a firm hand and we really do need to get on, there is a castle full of soldiers to feed after all."

Instead of leaving Ellowyn did a full turn of the kitchen, looking at each woman, committing their faces to memory. None of the women were familiar to her and while of course she did not know everyone in Highever, she did wonder if some of the women might be the wives of some of the soldiers stationed there. If they were loyal to Howe they too would have to be captured when Fergus arrived to reclaim their home.

"I do not allow dogs in my kitchen." Brena stated sharply, clearly frustrated at Ellowyn's continued presence.

Ellowyn turned slowly, fixing her with a piercing stare. "This is my kitchen Mistress Brena, my castle, my home and I will thank you not to forget that!" She took a measure of satisfaction as the woman paled slightly.

"Of course, my Lady." Brena stated smoothly, swiftly hiding her anger at being embarrassed in front of the other staff.

Ellowyn stood a moment longer before walking out with all the grace and confidence she could muster, Fleta trotting at her side.

Brena watched her leave thinking the Cousland girl still had fire and she would need it in the weeks and months to come. She turned back to her staff who were watching her. "Get on with your work." She snapped. "The soldiers won't feed themselves and you don't want them to come looking for food!" She sighed as the women hurried back to their jobs, none of them wanted to be here, some of them even fancied they could still smell the blood they had, had to clean up. Brena doubted anything would cleanse Highever of the tragedy that had occurred within the castle's walls and to its people.

xXx

Forcing herself to walk the corridor ignoring the looks from the soldiers she passed, Ellowyn hesitated at the study. No matter how much she raged at herself she couldn't make herself take a step further towards it. Turning sharply as she felt a hand on her arm she relaxed as she realised it was Thomas.

"Did you sleep well?"

"I woke at every slight noise and you?"

"Not a wink. I spent most of the night looking over rotas and my father's correspondence to Captain Horace, minimal though it is and not particularly informative." He fell silent as several servants moved passed with trays of food, their eyes cast down. "Shall we eat?"

Taking Thomas's offered arm, they entered the Great Hall taking seats at the High Table. Thankfully it was empty apart from the servants who had brought the food. Neither had much of an appetite, or heart for conversation so when Warin arrived the distraction was welcome.

Filling his plate Warin sat opposite the pair. "I suggest we start with inspections today, that way you can both meet all of the soldiers here and make it clear that no matter what Teyrn Cousland is accused of, Lady Cousland is innocent and your betrothed, earning her their protection."

Thomas nodded fiddling with a chunk of bread. The pretence was painful only because he knew Ellowyn felt nothing other than friendship for him. Still he had known what to expect when he had agreed. Yet being so close to her, being expected to be affectionate to a certain degree was torture. "How many men are stationed here?"

"Close to four hundred."

Ellowyn paled. "So many?"

"There were many more, but at least half of the force was killed during the fighting, in no small part due to magical assistance. Those who were badly injured returned to Amaranthine with the dead."

"There are still too many." Ellowyn whispered in despair.

"There are always ways to even the odds." Warin stated determination in his gaze.

xXx

By mid-afternoon the inspections had been completed and they had retired to their private room. Thomas was satisfied that everyone was aware that Ellowyn was his betrothed. He had emphasised that as such she was under his protection and was to be respected at all times. Neither of them had been blind to the looks of open hostility from many of the men, but as Warin had moved closer to his charges their expressions became neutral.

Ellowyn glanced to Thomas who was rubbing his neck, his expression one of frustration. "It will be alright."

"Will it? You saw the way many of the men were looking at you. I have no authority with them, if Warin was not here …"

"But I am." Warin stated firmly.

Sighing Thomas slumped onto a chair. "I did not expect this to be easy, but …" He glanced at Ellowyn as she took the chair next to him.

"You told me we can do this together and we can. Perhaps it is better they clearly fear Warin, you may not have to act like your father as much as you feared."

Thomas nodded, but the looks aimed at Ellowyn had deepened his fear for her and he wished he had never agreed to the plan.

"Come, walk with me in the garden." Ellowyn stated standing and holding out her hand.

Forcing a smile Thomas stood and clasped her hand letting her lead him out, casting a glance back to Warin who nodded. Thomas knew Warin would deal with the men, but he also knew he couldn't let him carry that burden alone and at some point, he would have to gain the obedience of his father's men, if not their loyalty.

xXx

With his charges headed to the garden Warin left the castle on the premise of checking the guard rotations, taking the opportunity to drop in on the jail. The men were respectful and answered his questions about the soldiers imprisoned within. It was Lionel, a veteran in Rendon's service almost as long as his own who volunteered information about those in the warehouses. He took the time to visit each one; there were at least three hundred soldiers, all weak from hunger, in cramped conditions and visibly injured from beatings. He had the gut churning thought that the Arl had ordered them kept alive to enthral them to back up his story, he saw no other reason to have kept them alive. Returning to the castle Warin headed to the study and informed Thomas of all he had learned before he sent a servant to find the Captain. He was standing by the window, his hands clasped behind him when Horace entered the room.

Thomas sat behind the desk, his look one of ice. "Captain Horace, you were a man I thought was loyal to my father."

"I am my Lord."

"But not to me it seems."

"I … of course I am my Lord."

"Why then did you neglect to mention the imprisoned soldiers to Warin?"

Remaining silent Horace shifted uncomfortably.

"I expect an answer."

"I … forgive me my Lord." He glanced to Warin immediately looking away. "I did not intend to cause you offence."

"Perhaps you thought to come to me suggesting Warin is lacking in some way? That perhaps you told him this information and he was the one who did not pass it on. A ploy perhaps to try to regain your prior position here?"

"Forgive me my Lord, there is no excuse."

"No there is not." Thomas stared at Horace in disgust. "Did you think my father would fail to inform me of prisoners that could be of use to him?"

"No, my Lord, I …"

"Did you think he would fail to inform me of what he requires of me?"

"No, my Lord, I …"

"Is there anything else you have neglected to mention. Before you speak, I would remind you that I will not tolerate lying."

"There is nothing my Lord, I swear."

"I see and the children my father ordered taken?"

The colour draining from his face Horace shifted nervously. "My Lord forgive me but I had orders not to tell anyone of the children. I had no idea …"

"Enough!" Thomas snapped. "I am not just anyone I am the son of Arl Howe, his heir and I speak for him in all matters here!"

"Of course, my Lord."

"Now, just to be clear I rarely give second chances, if you wish to be such an exception, I suggest you talk."

"Yes, my Lord. As you will be aware your father ordered the children taken from the families making the most problems." He swallowed at Thomas's neutral expression. "They were initially kept in the dungeons in the castle, however some of the servants at the time tried to free them. There were some fatalities, others are in the dungeon as a warning against disobedience. Magister Caladrius took the children with him when he left Highever. He took them in the middle of the night to attract less attention and make it easier. He used a sleep spell to have them removed without issue." He hesitated as Thomas remained quiet. "I do not know where he took them."

"What you do not know is of little concern to me." Thomas stated coldly. "I do hope your memory lapses are over."

Horace stared at him miserably before nodding.

"Ten lashes then; Warin take him out to the courtyard, I shall join you momentarily." He watched them leave before standing and grabbing the lash taking a shuddering breath. His father had never dirtied his hands, he had Warin to carry out his punishments and executions, but Thomas would not be his father, whatever needed to be done he would do himself, hoping that it would always remind him not to go too far.

xXx

After witnessing the Captain being lashed at Thomas's hand, Ellowyn needed to keep busy. The Captain was clearly in shock that such a thing could be happening to him, Thomas appeared cold and the soldiers watching indifferent. Feeling unsettled by the entire spectacle she spent the evening going through the castle, mentally making a note of all that was missing. The fine paintings and tapestries were all gone, any hint of the Cousland's whether in portraits or crests had been removed. While the losses added to her unsettled state, it also focused her, this was her family home and she needed to start taking it back. She fell into a simple routine spending her mornings checking on the servants ensuring all was well with them as her mother used to do, before spending the afternoon with Thomas, often spending time in the garden. Sometimes they spent hours talking of their childhood, learning a little more about each other. Thomas was reluctant at first to talk of his childhood, but with Ellowyn's coaxing he spoke of his grief at the loss of his mother, the pressure from his father and a different type of pressure from his grandmother. She came to realise how lonely he had been and how lost he had felt trying to please a father whose expectations could never be met. Ellowyn realised how lucky she had been growing up with supportive parents and while they had instilled in her a sense of duty, they had also ensured she was confident in her own abilities and encouraged her in her interests. She felt their absence so intensely at times that snuggling into Thomas was a need for comfort and contact with someone who understood that grief. Often after these conversations they both needed the reassurance they were not alone. She knew it was important the soldiers believed they were in love, but their time together helped them to remember why they were here and what was at stake. It also gave her time each day when she could pretend that her family home was not filled with hostile soldiers who had been part of murdering her parents, soldiers and servants. It helped to keep her anger under control, though that was becoming more difficult by the day.

Getting to sleep at night rarely came easily, in the silence and with nothing to do her imagination taunted her with the violence that had torn through her home. Fleta always snuggled against her doing everything she could to ease the troubles of her human. When she finally slept nightmares haunted her and each morning, she felt a deeper realisation that even when they had retaken Highever, she could no longer call it home.

xXx

It was late evening four days into her return to Highever and Ellowyn had still been unable to go into the study. Frustrated with herself, she instead went to the small chapel as she did every evening; this room at least had been returned to its original state. She hesitated seeing a young woman in Chantry robes kneeling at the head of the pews. Keeping quiet Ellowyn moved up the aisle and knelt down next to her, glancing at the young woman recognising her. "Sister Ella?"

"Lady Cousland."

Ellowyn felt unnerved at the ice in her tone and that the Sister would not look at her. "Sister Ella?" She shrank back as the Sister turned; her gaze as cold as her tone.

"Can I do something for you my Lady?"

"You can tell me why you are being so cold."

Standing Sister Ella swallowed and brushed down imaginary creases in her robes. "Your father was no traitor; I will never believe it. A man that kind, a man who looked after his people the way he and your mother did; I will never believe them capable of treason and that their only daughter would take up with the usurper's son, Maker."

"I have my reasons." Ellowyn stated coldly, desperately wanting to explain herself, but having enough sense to know she might not be able to trust her. "Why are you here?"

Ella gave a bitter laugh. "The soldiers require my services, as if that will cleanse the blood from their hands from that terrible night. Did you know they killed Mother Mallol? She tried to flee and they cut her down. If there is any justice the Maker will condemn them all." She turned away her heart pounding, refusing to let her tears be seen.

Trembling, Ellowyn left the Chapel, glancing back to see the Sister sitting on a pew, realising she was quietly weeping. Anger burning within her, Ellowyn strode quickly to the study before fear could stop her, glancing to Fleta as she pushed open the door and stepped inside. The study was immaculate, there was no blood, no damage, nothing to tell of her father's violent death in this very room, nothing to indicate that his friend had enacted the greatest betrayal and he had bled out on the floor. Knees buckling Ellowyn collapsed to the floor, clasping her hands to her mouth to stifle the wretched sobs.

She was still there an hour later when Thomas found her, cold from kneeling on the stone floor, throat and eyes raw, clutching her waist and rocking slightly. She felt the warmth of his body against hers as he wrapped his cloak around her. He was saying something, his words did not register, but the tone was soothing. She didn't resist as he helped her to stand and guided her out, Fleta remaining at her side, taking her to her room where he sat her on the edge of the bed while he lit the fire, before returning to her side, cupping her hands and gently rubbing them to give them some measure of warmth. Ellowyn gazed at him dully. "This is no longer my home; it is a tomb."

"Ellowyn …"

She slumped against Thomas too tired to cry and closed her eyes.

Gently laying her on the bed Thomas covered her with a blanket, relieved as Fleta settled next to her; sitting on the chair near the bed until she fell asleep. Sighing, he stood and headed out to the garden needing air and space to think. Each day Ellowyn seemed to become paler, quieter, more withdrawn. He wanted more than anything to take her away from Highever, but he knew no matter how much she was suffering she would not leave until his father's hold was over. Wincing in pain he realised his fists were clenched, nail marks leaving deep imprints in his palms. His father had to be stopped, he believed that now more than ever. Slowly he took a dagger from his boot staring at the blade feeling his guts twist. He was the person apart from Warin most likely to get close enough to his father to end him and he realised during his days in Highever, that he now saw this as his duty. He gazed at the Volcanic Aurum ring, its weight a comforting presence. He had no doubt he was no match to his father's mage, but at least the ring gave him a better chance than most.

xXx

Coming out of the Great Hall after a late supper after being on guard duty at the docks, Guardsman Emery saw Michael and three other guardsmen head up the corridor towards the family rooms. He had seen Thomas heading for the gardens, unusually alone, Lady Ellowyn was rarely far from his side even despite the late hour. He was unsettled in his new assignment having recently returned from the Free Marches where he had been visiting family, he had not been part of the attack of Highever for which he was deeply grateful. He had often been assigned to Nathaniel when he visited Highever and had found the Cousland's a generous and pleasant family; to hear them branded traitors did not ring true with him. He often wished he had not let his father push him into Arl Howe's service, but perhaps it was well he had, he suspected the soldiers heading to the family rooms meant the Lady Ellowyn harm. He glanced across at Rodger who was at his post near the library deliberately ignoring them, hurrying over to his friend. "They have no reason to go up there. Why didn't you stop them?"

"Why would I?"

"Because Lady Ellowyn is likely in her room!"

"All the more reason not to get involved."

"Are you crazy! She is Lord Thomas's betrothed."

Shrugging Rodger appeared in deep concentration over the state of his boots.

"I'm going up there to see what's going on."

"Don't be an idiot, you know what's going on. You would be mad to get in the middle of it."

"No matter what her father did Lady Ellowyn is innocent."

"No Cousland is innocent." Rodger muttered.

"I'm going up there and you are going to get Lord Thomas and Warin and tell them there is a situation."

"I'm not getting involved."

"Listen you damn fool, if they hurt Lady Ellowyn …"

"That's on them." Rodger stared at his friend in alarm as he closed the distance between them, fury in his expression. In all their years of friendship he had barely heard a cross word from Emery.

"Go and get Lord Thomas now! Or you can answer to Warin, Captain Horace is no longer in charge here."

Paling Rodger hurried toward the study.

Emery ran towards the family rooms cursing the delay.

xXx

Moonlight filtered through the shutters waking Ellowyn and for a moment she thought all that had happened had been a bad dream, but the painful reality intruded all too soon. Another few days and Warin would have confirmed the patrols and messengers and this waiting could finally end. Realising she was still dressed she slipped from the bed wondering if Thomas was still awake and if he would join her for a walk in the garden. Fleta at her side she slipped over to the room Thomas was using finding it empty. Deciding to try the study and then go to the garden herself if he was not there Ellowyn hesitated as she left the room seeing four men at the end of the corridor, feeling her skin prickle at their dark looks.

Michael pushed himself off the wall grinning. "Told you she would leave her room at some point." He fixed her with a cold look. "Do you know what we do to traitors?" He smirked as Fleta gave a warning growl. "Well I suppose you are pretty, maybe you could find a way to persuade us not to string you up."

Ellowyn paled, realising in that moment there would be no talking them down from their intentions. She could run back to her room, but with four of them there was no certainty she would outrun them all and even if she did, she would be further away from wherever Thomas or Warin were and she would have backed herself into a corner. The only real option left open to her was to fight. She signalled to Fleta, a slight movement of her hand she doubted the men noticed, before she dropped to a knee pulling the dagger from her boot. None of the men were in armour being off duty, but they did have their weapons.

Fleta charged at the men letting out a howl that made them clutch their ears.

Michael staggered back groaning in pain, his hearing had always been an asset to him, saving his life on more than one occasion, now however he found himself on his knees, his eyes watering and nauseous, far more debilitated than his fellows. His eyes widened as he saw the mabari leap at Philip, seconds later her muzzle was wet with blood. He was aware of Garath going for Ellowyn while Jonas had out his dagger and was going for the mabari.

Snarling in fury Ellowyn drove her dagger into the arm of the soldier who lunged at her, spinning to move out of his grasp. She thought of the men she had killed at Haven, they had been unknown to her, but these men had destroyed her family, her home, her people. She roared in fury driving her boot down against his knee, driving her blade into his throat. As he collapsed to the ground, she glanced at Fleta who gave a yelp of pain, before the mabari staggered away and hit the ground. She ran at the soldier whose blade was wet with Fleta's blood, gasping in pain as Michael recovered himself and slammed her against the wall, her dagger hitting the floor as he twisted her wrist until she couldn't keep a grip on it.

Jonas gave a startled gasp as Emery suddenly appeared and drove him against the wall winding him, his dagger torn from his grip. He gave a gasp as the hilt drove against his head, slumping to the ground as everything went black.

Feeling himself dragged backwards, Michael lost his hold on Ellowyn and found himself face to face with Emery. "What in the Void are you doing?" He snarled. "You can't possibly be defending this bitch!" He gasped as a fist slammed into his face, his knees buckling as a second hit caught him square in the gut. Wheezing painfully, he collapsed to his knees. "She is poisonous." He hissed.

"You're the poison." Emery hissed, driving down another blow that left Michael unconscious. He turned to Ellowyn who was kneeling beside the wounded mabari trying to stop the bleeding of a wound between her ribs. He hurriedly handed her his cloak to help stem the blood. "Are you hurt, my Lady?" He asked anxiously, seeing her awkwardly moving her wrist.

"No, I … probably just a little bruised. I …" She glanced at him anxiously as he knelt beside her.

"Here let me."

Reluctantly Ellowyn moved so he could look at the wound.

"It looks worse than it is, but we need to get the wound closed." He felt relief as he heard footsteps, Thomas and Warin racing around the corner followed by Rodger and Randolph their resident healer.

"Ellowyn." Thomas gasped hurrying over to her, avoiding the dead and injured guards. "Are you injured?"

"Just a little bruised, Fleta has the injury."

Almost choking on his shock and fury Thomas turned to Randolph pointing to the mabari. "If Fleta dies so do you." He watched as the terrified man knelt checking the wound before he turned to Emery. "Thank you."

"I was doing my duty my Lord."

"Indeed. I think I need to make a public show of those who forget their duty. Warin take these bastards out to the courtyard, the dead ones as well. I will join you shortly and have all of the soldiers in the castle in attendance and any you can bring in from patrol, I want as many to see this as possible!"

Warin met his gaze realising Thomas intended to do what they had talked about at length before coming here, though he had hoped they would never have to go ahead with it. "Yes, my Lord." He signalled to Rodger and Emery who grabbed Michael and Jonas while he saw to the removal of the bodies of Philip and Garath.

Thomas moved to Ellowyn gently taking her hand. "Your dress is ripped. I need you to change and then come with me. I need them to see we will not tolerate any harm to you."

"What are you going to do?" Ellowyn whispered fearing the dark look in his eyes.

"I am going to do what is necessary to keep you safe."

Ellowyn pressed a soft kiss to Fleta murmuring soothingly, before she moved into her room, glaring at her trembling hands as she changed. She took the time to bind her wrist, every movement causing a throbbing pain that left her nauseous. Leaving the room, she was startled to see there was no sign of the healer or Fleta apart from the blood on the stone. "Where …?"

"What was your parent's room, we moved her there."

She hurried to the door seeing Fleta on the bed, her wound now bandaged and sleeping. Moving into the room she knelt by the bed gently stroking Fleta's head. "I am so sorry." She whispered.

"The mabari will be fine my Lady." Randolph stated with certainty. "The wound was not as deep as it appeared despite the blood."

"Thank you."

"My pleasure my lady." He glanced at Thomas; his blood chilled by the icy look in his eyes. "Were you injured, my Lady?"

"Just my wrist, but I have tended to it."

"Very good my Lady."

"You will remain here and watch over Fleta until we return." Thomas stated firmly. "My prior statement stands; she dies so do you."

Nodding Randolph remained by the bed, a little calmer now he was sure the mabari would survive.

Pressing a soft kiss to Fleta's head Ellowyn forced herself to stand and join Thomas in the corridor seeing him holding her dagger now cleaned.

"It is good you had this on you."

Taking it back Ellowyn tucked it into her boot. "Despite all, I did not expect to have to use it in that circumstance." She gently took his hand seeing the pain and guilt in his expression. "This was not your doing Thomas." She swallowed realising the healer was watching them curiously, a couple in love would most certainly want to be closer to each other after such a situation. Moving into Thomas's arms she felt his heart pound wildly, matching the frantic beat of her own. "How did you know?" She murmured.

"Emery sent Rodger to fetch us. He apparently saw the guards heading towards the family rooms and feared their intentions."

"How did they get passed?"

"Rodger did not want to interfere." His scowl deepened. "He will be punished too."

"Emery proved himself tonight, yet I cannot forget what he was part of."

"He was not part of the attack on your home Ellowyn, Emery arrived a few months after that. He had been visiting family in the Free Marches and returned to find himself assigned here. I am not sure how far we can trust him, but at least he was not part of that night."

"At least there is that." Closing her eyes, she shuddered, steeling herself for whatever he would now do.

xXx

Moving out into the courtyard, Thomas glared at the assembled soldiers who were looking uncertain as they kept glancing at the two standing bloody men, their arms bound behind them, Michael in particular who was respected among the men. Philip and Garath were laid out on either side of them. Emery and Rodger stood next to Warin, both looking uncertain. Fueled by anger and the need to ensure Ellowyn was safe Thomas only just managed to keep a steady pace until he was standing in front of the soldiers, Ellowyn remaining at his side. "It appears my word is not enough for some of you. It was made very clear that no harm was to come to my betrothed, but these four took it upon themselves to disregard that. They of course did not realise Lady Ellowyn is more than capable of taking care of herself."

Ellowyn felt a moment of satisfaction as the gathered soldiers glanced at her in surprise before focusing once more on Thomas.

"I will not stand for harm to my Lady, nor will I tolerate disobedience. I speak for my father; my will is his." He unsheathed his sword and nodded to Warin who forced Michael to his knees. He felt a moment's sick feeling in his gut at the soldier's terrified gaze, but his fury at their intentions towards Ellowyn overrode it, driving his sword down hard, Michael's head landing at Captain Horace's feet.

Jonas began to struggle wildly begging for his life, staring wildly at his comrades who he realised would do nothing to help him. Forced to his knees he lost control of his bladder.

"Be grateful I am showing you mercy." Thomas hissed.

Horror stricken Jonas closed his eyes thinking of the life he had imagined having, all he had sacrificed to ensure his family would be cared for was now for nothing, all for one foolish moment. His head landed near to Michael's, eyes staring up at the horrified Captain.

"If anyone so much as looks at Lady Ellowyn in a way which displeases her you will answer to me. I do not give second chances." Turning to Warin, Thomas nodded again.

Rodger gave a startled yelp as Warin grabbed him forcing him forward.

"I will not stand for any dereliction of duty." Thomas snarled. "Especially when ignoring said duty ends up with my betrothed being harmed." He waited impatiently as Warin stripped the soldier of his armour and tunic and picked up the lash. Again, he could have handed the lash to Warin, but his fury demanded release. He moved behind Rodger as he was forced to his knees, ignoring the ache of his arm and the guards sobbing cries of pain as he drove the lash down again and again. "You will spend the next month in the dungeon." Thomas stated his tone revealing his fury. "At the end of each week you will receive another lashing." Looking up at the soldiers Thomas glared at them. "Any repeat will not be received so mercifully." For the first time he saw that all of the soldiers were afraid and while it was what he felt they needed it sickened him to his soul. He turned to Ellowyn, her face as unreadable as stone startled as she moved to him taking his hand, casting a cold look at the soldiers. He hated this plan and feared what being here would do to them both.

xXx

Once alone in the room that had belonged to the Teyrn and Teyrna where Fleta had been taken, the mabari sleeping peacefully, Thomas leaned against the dresser shivering despite the fire. "It clearly is not safe here for you."

"I do not think we need to worry about my safety after what you just did." She moved to him quickly as he paled gently clasping his hands. "It is over and Fleta will be up and about in a few days." She swallowed painfully seeing his love for her in his eyes gently pulling back her hands.

"It is alright Ellowyn, I came to terms with my feelings for you being unreturned a long time ago. I am just grateful to have your friendship, but being here …" He sighed softly. "I will do what I must, but I wish you would return to Rainesfere."

"I cannot do that Thomas and I know this is difficult for you, but I am not leaving here until Highever is free from your fathers hold."

Nodding Thomas stood straight. "I will leave you to get some rest; I will speak to Warin about what other measures I should take to ensure my father's men do not get any other ideas."

Watching him leave Ellowyn carefully lay on the bed next to Fleta, buried her face against her neck and allowed herself to weep.

Leaning against the closed door Thomas clenched his fists, wondering if he was any better than his father, gaining loyalty by fear. Guilt and rage tore through him, he tried to soothe it realising it was useless. Instead he strode through the corridors seeing the soldiers on duty straighten trying to become invisible to his dark gaze. If it was the only way to keep Ellowyn safe and regain Highever for the Cousland's, then every one of them would fear him more than they feared his father by the time he was done.

xXx

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