Sitting at the desk in his small office in the barracks Horace worried at his lip. He missed the luxury of the study, the ornate desk, comfortable chair and shelves lined with books; the tapestries and pictures that told of wealth. It was an important room for an important man. Glancing around the bare walls of his current room, he sighed, all the furnishings he had here was the small simple desk and the hard chair that made his back ache. Yet at the moment none of that was truly foremost in his mind. His nephews had confirmed his worst suspicions that soldiers and the sons of Bryce were indeed on the Storm Coast, but not only that so too was the Arl's daughter and she was no prisoner.

For whatever reason the Arl's children were helping the Cousland's, their betrayal was a blow he had never seen coming. He had assumed Lord Thomas simply fooled by love, now he believed he was playing a part as much as the Cousland bitch was. He had been given rough numbers, but he knew the potential was there were soldiers hidden in the caves to avoid discovery, though he doubted there could be too many given the losses at Ostagar.

He shook his head at how blind he had been. Since her arrival Ellowyn had been in every nook and corner of the building and spoke daily to the servants. She had clearly been gathering information to pass on to those on the Storm Coast. He had thought he had seen a raven shortly after they had arrived, but dismissed it, now however he feared he had erred.

He had thought about sending a message to the Arl, but this needed to be taken care of swiftly. His life would be forfeit if he lost the Castle, so he had to force their hand to his advantage. He spoke to his nephews and gave them strict instructions that any raven flying near the castle, especially any heading for the rooms of the nobles, were to be shot on sight. He had superior man power and the Cousland's element of surprise was lost, but he would still have to be careful. Decision made he stood, Eric would meet with Philip, but this time the information passed on would be of his devising.

xXx

Reaching the caves for his meeting, Eric wanted to find some way to tell his friend he had been compromised, but he knew the Captain's nephews were nearby, both could blend into the shadows as though they weren't even there and were as ruthless and cunning as their uncle. They might not hear everything that was said, but he couldn't take the risk that they would believe him betraying them. His lip trembled, delivering the message he had been given and making sure Philip believed it was the only way to keep Mattie safe. She was all he had left in the world; both of their sons had been soldiers posted in the castle, killed the night of Howe's attack. He felt tears well at the loss of his boys, both young men who had made him proud, slaughtered in their prime. He forced himself to move on, all that mattered now was Mattie and keeping her safe.

"Maker, Eric I was worried you weren't coming." Philip stated, slipping into sight giving an apologetic smile as Eric jumped back in surprise.

"Just making sure I wasn't followed; you can't be too careful these days."

"True enough. Did you manage to get more supplies?"

Handing over the bag Eric shifted slightly. "That was the last I could get."

"It's been a big help, even magic isn't helping the poor sod."

"That Warden?"

Philip nodded. "He's holding on, an iron will that one, but he ain't getting better. Damn shame too, we need all the Wardens we can get right now. Any news?"

"Remember I said a lady arrived a while back with Lord Thomas." Eric felt sick as Philip nodded. "Rumour is she attacked Lord Thomas, who might not survive. She's to be hung the morning after next, give her time to squirm I reckon."

Feeling as though he had been punched in the gut Philip struggled to maintain his composure. He was one of a selected few who knew who Fergus's contacts were in the castle. "Where did you hear this?"

"Couple of guardsmen had a bit too much to drink last night, they passed my place on their way back to the castle. Heard them clear as a bell despite their slurs."

"Maker, what happened?"

"That they didn't say. Whoever she is, she was a fool to go against a Howe."

Philip rubbed his forehead in agitation clutching the bag of medical supplies.

"I got to make a move Philip, don't want to be caught breaking curfew."

"Of course, take care of yourself Eric and give my best to Mattie."

"Will do." Eric hurried back the way he had come, shuddering as a hand gripped his shoulder dragging him into an alleyway.

"You did well." Lucus stated, giving Eric an evil smile. "Best get you back to your Mattie."

"So, you will let us go then?"

Gavin grinned. "Sure."

Eric hurried along with them; his only thought was being with his wife.

xXx

Little over an hour later Horace was listening to his nephew's report, Eric had delivered the message and steps had been taken to ensure he could not warn those on the Storm Coast of his false report. Philip would take the information to the Cousland's he had no doubt; they would mount a rescue mission and he would have them. Ellowyn, Thomas and Warin would have to be separated and contained and it would have to be done discreetly, he would also have to ensure the Highever soldiers imprisoned in the warehouses would be of no use if they tried to liberate them. The Arl wanted them kept alive for Maker knew what reason, so while killing them would be more effective, a sleeping potion would have to suffice. He smiled at his nephews. "This is what I want you to do."

xXx

Taking a turn around the garden to help Fleta get some gentle exercise, Ellowyn glanced at the guards as they approached, feeling Emery tense. She knew they were the Captain's nephews and that they were trouble

Gavin nodded to Emery. "Lady Ellowyn is to be confined to her room."

"What in the Makers name for?" Ellowyn demanded, furious that the soldier had not even looked at her.

"Treason against the Arl." Gavin stated coldly.

Ellowyn felt ice move down her spine at his barely concealed expression of hatred. "What foolish nonsense is this? Who accuses me?"

"We aren't privy to the particulars my Lady." Lucus stated in as respectful a tone as he could muster to balance out his brother. "Only that, if you don't go quickly to your room, we are to take you to the dungeon."

"I demand to see Thomas."

"I'm sure you do my Lady, but I have my orders. Your room or the dungeon."

Seething, Ellowyn turned on her heel and gesturing to Fleta they returned to her room. She shut and locked the door hearing Emery refuse to leave her, realising that other soldiers had joined them. Pacing the room, she grasped the ring, she wasn't sure what was happening, but something had gone very wrong. Slipping the ring on her finger she paced the room as she waited.

xXx

Feeling the warmth of the ring Morrigan stood. "Finally, I was growing weary of this waiting."

Stifling a yawn Jayden stood and rolled back his shoulders. "I will inform Fergus and Aedan and then I will wait at the caves for you, just in case of trouble." He handed her the small pack he retrieved from beside his bedroll. "Just in case."

"T'is unnecessary. I would be quicker to fly back and t'is dark, I will be concealed."

"If all is fine just fly past me. I don't mind the walk."

"I …"

"Just indulge me Morrigan."

"Very well, if you wish to wait in a cold, damp cave t'is your own business."

"I fancy a walk myself." Theron stated as he stood.

"Might as well come with you." Dylan smiled slightly as Matthew also stood.

Seeing she was about to protest Jayden gave her his most charming smile. "You are indulging me, remember?"

"T'is ridiculous, I can fly away from any trouble."

"If our roles were reversed would you let me go without backup?"

"That is different and I did not have back up last time."

"You didn't know you had back up." Jayden murmured, grinning slightly.

Eyes narrowing Morrigan's hands moved to her hips. "I am not a child that requires coddling."

"Makers sake Morrigan you could have been there and back by now." Dylan muttered pretending not to see the glint of anger in her eyes.

"Do as you will." She snapped, leaving the camp and heading into the trees, moments later taking flight.

"Is she always that stubborn?" Matthew muttered.

Chuckling softly Jayden grabbed his coat. "That wasn't stubborn."

xXx

Sitting next to a brazier in the main camp, Rory took the time to clean and sharpen his sword, unable to stop himself from repeatedly glancing in the direction of Highever Castle. Hopefully Morrigan would bring back good news, because he couldn't bear the thought that somewhere inside Ellowyn was surrounded by enemy soldiers. It made him sick to his stomach every time he thought about it. The plan had merit, yet it was still complete madness as far as he was concerned. Sending Ellowyn in there with only Warin and Thomas for protection was insanity, especially given his doubts about the trustworthiness of both men. No matter how hard he tried to distract himself his thoughts always returned to Ellowyn and the potential danger she currently faced in her own home. He would give anything to be by her side, but even if he was not a Warden, he could not have joined her. If the plan was to have any chance of working, Ellowyn had to convince the Arl's soldiers that she was on his side. Each day that passed and she had sent no word seemed to make his heart heavier and his anxiety increase. Ellowyn could defend herself; he knew that, but she was outnumbered and if they turned against her, her chances of survival were minimal. He struggled to swallow at the thought, laying down the whetstone. "Maker protect her, I beg you." He turned as Aedan approached meeting his gaze as he took a seat opposite him. They initially remained silent, comfortable enough in each other's company to remain with their own thoughts.

"I cannot bear this not knowing what is happening to her." Aedan muttered a short time later, twirling a twig between his fingers. "It almost drove me mad when she was trapped in Vigil's Keep. Now I am so close and I think the not knowing is worse because of it. I just want to get my hands around the throats of Howe's bloody soldiers and make it so they cannot hurt anyone ever again and even when we do strike, I cannot even go in because I am a damn Warden."

"Your brother will get her out when the time comes. Perhaps Morrigan will bring back news that we can attack soon."

Sighing Aedan nodded, but Ellowyn was his twin and the bond they shared tugged at him in every moment. Ayanna was wonderful at distracting him and his Warden duties kept him busy, but in those moments, he had to himself it was all he could do to stop himself from attempting to sneak into the castle himself. He glanced to Hunter who lay at his feet, leaning down and stroking his ears, smiling as the mabari sighed appreciatively. "Ell and Fleta will be back with us soon." He glanced up hearing his name, seeing his brother gesturing for him to join him. "Duty calls. You might want to join us."

Sheathing his sword Rory hurried after him, the rest of the Wardens arriving a short time after.

xXx

Flying just above the tree line Morrigan swept upwards towards Ellowyn's window, still irritated that they thought she needed help. The moons were hidden behind clouds giving her a little more cover and whatever else her Mother had done; she had trained her well and she needed no-ones help. So engrossed in her thoughts she did not see the soldier on the barracks nor the weapon trained on her until the world exploded in pain. Panicking, Morrigan flapped frantically, spiralling down trying to get into the cover of the trees; slowing her descent enough that while she hit the ground hard, she survived the impact. Mana failing her, Morrigan returned to her human form, cursing as she stared at the crossbow bolt driven between her ribs. With each gasping breath she feared damage to a lung, clutching her side to try and stop too much blood hitting the ground.

Opening the pack Morrigan downed a tonic that would slow the blood flow and conserve her energy, binding the wound around the crossbow, knowing she could not remove it herself. Forcing herself to her feet she winced at the throbbing pain in her left leg and arm. Leaning against a tree to catch her breath she frowned noticing a raven not far from her, the bolt driven through its body. Glancing around she saw several more ravens, all having met the same fate. Forcing herself to calm, she staggered on, reminding herself that she just had to make it to the caves where Jayden would be waiting with the others and she would need Dylan's healing skills. She promised herself she would never again protest at her friend wanting to protect her, cursing ever getting involved in this fool plan.

xXx

Airyl smelt the blood first, giving a soft whine.

"Morrigan!" Jayden gasped in anguish as she staggered into the cave clutching her side, catching her as her knees buckled.

"They have been killing ravens." Morrigan gasped, pain and blood loss making her speech barely audible.

"Dylan!" Jayden yelled, easing her to the ground, turning as Morrigan gripped his wrist.

"I did not reach her."

"It's alright, don't think of that now, just try and relax."

Reaching them Dylan dropped to his knees glancing to the bolt and then to Morrigan's face realising she was barely conscious. "Shit. We need to get that bolt out, but not here it's too deep. She starts bleeding out, I need to be somewhere we can stabilize her. We need to get her back to camp, now!"

xXx

Philip hesitated as he reached the door to the building that had become their planning base. Fergus and Aedan were leaning over a map, most of the Wardens also present. "My Lord forgive the intrusion, but I have news from Highever."

Fergus smiled, put at ease by his sister's summons of Morrigan. "It seems to be the night for news. Come in Philip, your contact was well I hope."

"Yes, my Lord, but the news, well it concerns Lady Ellowyn." Philip felt the atmosphere in the room shift in an instant, almost feeling choked by the tension.

"What about my sister?" Fergus demanded, wondering if the summons was not one of news, but a call for help. He clutched the table as Philip relayed Eric's information. "And you trust this man?"

"I've known him my whole life, never known him to lie."

"This is blatantly a trap." Rathnal stated. "This information gives you limited time to execute a rescue plan. Tomorrow night is your only window."

"We cannot know for certain it is a trap." Aedan muttered wondering what could have led to such events if they were true.

Fergus rubbed his forehead feeling sick. "Let us hope Morrigan returns swiftly with news from Ellowyn herself, then at least we will know the truth of this."

xXx

Easing Morrigan onto a pallet in the healer's hut Dylan took the wrappings from around the bolt. "Alright, I need someone to get that out because it is deep and has punctured her lung and I need to start the spell as it's being removed to lessen any damage."

Jayden moved to her side surprised when Theron gripped his arm.

"Let me."

Jayden frowned and then followed Theron's gaze to his hands, realising they were shaking. Nodding he stepped back grabbing a cloth and rubbing off as much of the blood as he could.

Theron worked quickly, but there was no way to avoid causing more damage. As he finally managed to remove the bolt, he stepped back quickly to allow Dylan better access to the wound.

It was several minutes before the glow surrounding Dylan's hands faded, sweat beading his forehead. He looked over the wound before checking Morrigan's pulse and breathing. Drinking a lyrium potion he took a calming breath and started again. He imagined if the wound was not healed perfectly Morrigan would tear him apart, he almost smiled at the thought. She was wild, fierce and completely unbound by any Circle rules and regulations and he admired her for her refusal to submit. He wondered what it had been like to live her life, having a parent teach you not to be afraid of your magic seemed such an alien concept to him. She could do magic he had never known existed and being around her was exciting even if she was dangerous. Matthew said little about her, but he knew he was wary of her. He imagined the Chantry would not condone such a relaxed stance with an apostate, but Matthew made no threats and was civil to her, even respectful. He had known few of the Order like Matthew and was glad he had been the Templar assigned to watch over him. He felt her body resist his healing, a clear sign she needed to rest from the invasive magic. "Her body needs to rest; I will be able to finish healing her in a few hours. Once that is done, she is going to need bed rest for several days, possibly a week and no shape changing until I am sure the wound is healed."

"But she will be alright?" Jayden asked nervously.

"If she hadn't taken the potion to reduce her blood loss we would be in a far worse position, and she has some bruising and damage to her left wrist and leg, likely caused when she hit the ground, but as it is I believe she will make a full recovery, but it will take time. She should sleep for a few hours at least, why don't you go and get cleaned up."

"I will stay with her."

"Alright." Dylan moved away washing his hands and preparing a tonic to give her when she woke.

"You did well." Matthew stated softly, moving to his side. "Healing magic always amazes me."

"It's a handy skill to have, though I have always preferred elemental spells." He smiled slightly at Matthew's questioning look. "Less responsibility I suppose, being unable to help someone is never easy."

"I would imagine she will be very grateful."

"We both know if there is so much as a hint of a scar, I will never hear anything other than her scathing tone."

Matthew shivered slightly. "A terrible fate indeed."

xXx

Slipping into the healing hut, Alistair paled as he saw Morrigan who was unconscious, Jayden sitting next to her holding her hand. "Will, I'm sorry to do this to you, but you need to be in this meeting."

"I need to stay with Morrigan." Jayden stated never taking his eyes off her.

"Dylan will take care of her, there is nothing you can do for her, but we need you."

"I'm not leaving her." Jayden snapped, glaring as Alistair gripped his arm.

"Listen to me, Ellowyn is to be executed two mornings from now for an attack on Thomas that he is not expected to survive."

Jayden stared at him stunned, barely comprehending his words. "What? I … that can't be true."

"Given that we no longer have the ability to verify it …" He glanced in concern to Morrigan. "This changes everything, we have to get them out of there."

"But that leaves us only tomorrow night." Jayden shook his head, while they had a workable plan, if this was indeed a trap that plan would have to be adapted. He glanced at Morrigan; his face ashen. "We may have sent her right into a trap."

"Look I know you don't want to leave her right now, but the sooner we have this meeting the sooner you can get back here."

"Go, I will take care of her." Dylan urged.

Swallowing painfully Jayden gently squeezed her hand. "I will be back soon, don't be mean to Dylan when you wake." He searched her face for some sign she had heard him, but she remained still.

Hesitating a moment later Jayden tore himself away gesturing for Airyl to remain, following Alistair to the largest building in the compound.

Delilah glanced at Jayden as he finally joined them alarmed by the lack of colour in his face, the blood on his armour and the worry in his eyes. "How is Morrigan?"

"Badly hurt, but Dylan believes she will make a full recovery in time." He tried not to think of how much blood she had lost and the mess the crossbow made when Theron finally got it out, forcing himself to focus, looking at Fergus. "What do we know?" He listened carefully as Philip once more relayed the information Eric had given to him.

Delilah shook her head. "This information must be false, Ellowyn would have no reason to attack Thomas. It is obviously meant to elicit some kind of response from us, bait us into attacking."

"Unless she found out he is actively working for his father." Philip stated with a snarl.

"Of course he is not!"

"The fact is, how do we know we can trust you or your brother?" Philip spluttered in growing fury.

"We support the Cousland's." Delilah snapped. "We are risking our lives to do that."

"Your father murdered our Teyrn, had our Tyrna murdered, had his soldiers kill so many of us. Not content with that he took children and sold many of our people into slavery." He shook his head. "I for one will never trust a Howe and I won't be the only one."

"Enough!" Fergus snapped. "Turning on each other will not help."

Delilah glanced to Jayden who had gently squeezed her hand, before turning to Philip. "I do not blame you for your distrust, but my brother and I are not our father. What he has done in Highever is unforgivable and we are here to try and put some of that right."

Sighing Philip kept his silence and turned back to Fergus.

Jayden rubbed his neck trying to ease the tension. "Captain Horace was always an ambitious man, but he is cunning too and shouldn't be underestimated. I suspect this is a trap, that he somehow found out about us, more because I do not think he would execute Ellowyn without the Arl's permission and we know he would not give that."

"You know this Captain?" Ayanna asked.

"From my time as Squire, yes, though he was a Sergeant then."

Aedan sighed deeply. "Perhaps Ell was not as convincing as she thought she would be."

Clenching his fists Fergus resisted the urge to pace. "I believe William is right, surely he would not kill Ellowyn, and surely he would not dare to harm Thomas." He glanced at Jayden hoping for confirmation.

"That would depend on whether he just suspects Ellowyn, or if he suspects Thomas too. If he knows about those of us here, he likely knows Lady Delilah is here and that she is not a prisoner, which may have led him to suspect Thomas is not loyal to his father. If Horace suspects him of betrayal it is possible, he would kill him and blame any Cousland he could at the time. Ellowyn is convenient at the moment, but if he could blame you as the rightful heir of Highever, that would aid the Arl the most and if you attack the castle, he could tell the Arl, Thomas was killed in the battle. If that is the case then Ellowyn is unlikely to be in danger until he has yourself in his grasp, but it also means he intends to kill Thomas, because simply harming him would come back on him. If the Arl discovered he had harmed his son, whatever the provocation his life would be forfeit."

Delilah paled. "We have to get him out of there!"

"Perhaps I could make a suggestion." Zevran stated. "It may be that this Horace will expect a rescue attempt only, not the retaking of the castle, or perhaps he suspects both, either way all they know is they shot down a possible messenger raven. It is doubtful they know the raven is the delightful Morrigan. So, we keep to the plan, the messengers are taken care of as are the patrols. Then a small team could infiltrate the castle, remove some of the resistance and retrieve our people before you and your men storm it as you say."

"And just how is this team infiltrating?"

"Several years ago, I participated in a contract to dispose of a rather nasty noble man who enjoyed using his servants as the sport for his hunts. A most disagreeable fellow, but he had a healthy dose of paranoia and guards were with him at all times; every entrance was heavily guarded. However, there were some very talented mages in the Crows and they devised a spell, a barrier shield which turned the gaze of any who looked upon it away without registering the threat. Most useful I am sure you would agree. We were able to get right up to the fool nobleman with only his blood being shed. Of course, it was a little different on the way out, the spell is not infinite after all."

Rinna smiled slightly remembering the contract. "Perhaps a token of some kind could be infused with the spell for the group to move freely negating the need for a mage to be present and constantly using mana. The team could also wear Amaranthine armour should the spell fail them."

Twirling his blades Zevran gave a wicked smile. "It will be quicker to kill each guard, it is not good practice to leave an enemy behind you, but if you are squeamish, I am sure those who infiltrate the castle can use sleeping potions. A vial tossed into a room when the thrower cannot be seen will cause confusion perhaps, but unlikely to cause a violent response."

"That of course hinges on this spell." Fergus muttered.

Perin nervously cleared his throat. "I can help with that." He shifted slightly as all eyes turned to him. "It's more of an adapted misdirection hex." Clearing his throat again he worried at his lip. "It's how I escaped Kirkwall." He felt Rathnal's gaze on him nervously licking his lips. "I haven't used it again or mentioned it because, well it's complicated and exhausting and sustaining it for any length of time is difficult, but Rinna's idea about infusing it into some kind of token is a good one. The main problem would be there is no way of knowing how long it would last and that leaves whoever goes into the castle vulnerable."

Enchanter Robert, who had been sitting quietly in the corner stood looking just as nervous as Perin. "I could help stabilize and extend the time it will be active. I've worked on something like it before."

"Another escapee?" Zevran asked with an amused smile.

"Maker, no I never had the courage to try, but I … that didn't stop me from preparing in case I needed to." He squirmed expecting disapproval, glancing to the Captain surprised to see him smiling slightly feeling a little better.

Serris grinned. "Well it looks like we have work to do."

"These tokens will obviously be useful but I am assuming they will only cover one person. Is it possible for the spell to be sustained over several people at the same time?" Fergus demanded.

Perin swallowed nervously. "You mean to get soldiers up to the castle? It's a complicated spell and I'm not sure I could teach the others in time, but even if I could it will burn us out quickly."

"It would only be to get from the caves to the castle."

"That is still a distance when under magical strain." Daniel stated. "We have six mages, Dylan, Stephan and Serris are the best healers and their mana should not be compromised leaving Perin, Robert and Ayanna who could feasibly do what you are asking, but that depends on them being able to cast the spell in the first place and creating an extended version. An alternative is that Perin casts the spell over the soldiers assuming it can be extended, with another mage with him to supplement his mana with regeneration spells. I'm sure Will has supplies to make greater lyrium potions which might help, but this depends on them being willing and able."

Fergus turned to Rathnal first. "Four of the mages are under your command." He glanced at Jayden. "The remaining two mages are under your command. I ask for your help, but I defer to your decision."

Rathnal shifted slightly. "The tokens could be useful and if they work, we can put them to use ourselves. As for getting soldiers to the castle I will allow it, but my Wardens do not enter the Castle until it is retaken."

"Understood." He turned to Jayden.

"Well it seems as though Robert has already volunteered to help and I will speak to Dylan, but his ability to participate will depend on Morrigan's progress. It may also be wise to have a few mages remain in camp should it be attacked."

Serris cleared her throat. "If I might make a suggestion. Perin is right in that a spell like this will be complex and to learn it will take more time than we have. Ayanna and Stephan are by far the most talented with regeneration spells. So, my suggestion is that Perin will create the spell over a small group of soldiers, we can be more specific about the numbers hopefully within the next few hours. Ayanna and Stephan will take it in turns to go with Perin to the castle so they do not burn out either. I suggest Dylan and Robert remain here in case there are issues. I will go where you feel I am needed most."

"Alright, keep me apprised of the progress with the spell, I would like our options by dawn. Now assuming the spell can be sorted, I need a team to infiltrate initially."

Smiling broadly Zevran leaned forward. "Again, if I may, my skill set would serve well in this circumstance and I am happy to offer my services. As for the rest of the team I would suggest the obviously talented Theron and Sister Leliana and the delightful Captain of course. I see you believe you should be in that team, but consider that you will be needed to lead your men. We could retrieve our people and clear the path for you as much as possible, should you consider us."

Fergus shook his head. "I cannot risk Andraste's Champion for this, not even for my sister or Thomas. The Chantry …"

"I don't give a damn about the Chantry." Jayden interrupted, ignoring several shocked gasps. "I am not the Chantry's champion." He added, steel in his voice. "I have been named Holy Andraste's Champion; therefore, I answer to Her, not the Chantry. She fought against tyranny and slavery and She fought for freedom. I doubt She would take issue with me participating in this plan."

Fergus remained silent for a moment before smiling slightly. "I cannot really argue with that. Would you all be willing?" He raised an eyebrow at their slight smiles realising they had already considered if not discussed this eventuality.

Zevran grinned. "I never pass on a challenge."

"I go where Will goes." Theron stated firmly.

"I am happy to go as well." Leliana stated. "As Zevran said, we have the necessary skills, we are your best chance. Shielded or not by this spell I would imagine they will still hear us and given the haste to these tokens; I doubt their power will be infinite. We can take out the guards outside, a group of your men in place to replace them, the same when we move into the escape passage which I suspect will have a soldier or two. We continue that way as far into the castle as possible, your men replacing those we … disable."

"This all hinges on the spell." Aedan murmured.

Serris stood. "Then we had better get started."

"Wait." Fergus stated. "Those of you who will infiltrate the castle were also part of the group dealing with the messengers. You cannot do both, the risk is too great."

"Perhaps I can make a suggestion." Theron stated. "Zevran used a dart and sleeping potion to debilitate Will and Lady Delilah. Could we not employ a similar tactic? It would cut down on the risk as we could remain at a distance until they are unconscious. We have already discussed the need for stealth in dealing with the messengers and those previously selected remain your best chance."

"And you have these darts and a means to use them."

"They would be easy enough to make." Zevran stated pulling the thin pipe from his pocket and a small box that when opened revealed several darts."

Frowning Rathnal glanced at Rinna, they had thoroughly searched the assassin and not found those items.

Having the grace to look abashed, Zevran shifted slightly. "Forgive me Commander but my clothing has various pockets which are difficult to find, necessary in my line of work you understand."

Quickly hiding his smile Jayden glanced to his boots, having enough concealed pockets in his own coat and tunic to appreciate their value.

Turning to Jayden, Fergus worried at his lower lip. "I do not like it, but I am not sure if anyone else would have the skills we need."

"We will get it done." Jayden stated firmly.

"So, you will need a sleeping potion that can coat the darts." Stephan stated.

"Yes, and a paralysing agent." Jayden added. "I can't ask questions if everyone is asleep and I may need to find out where Ellowyn, Thomas and Warin are if they are not where we believe they will be."

"Very well." Fergus glanced around the room. "We have a lot to do and not much time."

xXx

With a groan Warin slowly pushed himself off the floor, keeping his back to the wall. Head pounding, he remained sitting, pulling his head to his knees willing his stomach to calm. He had been playing Wicked Grace with some of the men. He gave a low growl; he had known the ale had tasted a little unusual. Slowly raising his head, he realised he was in a cell, the torchlight in the corridor scattering faint light through the bars. Forcing himself to stand he staggered to the bars. "What is the meaning of this?" He snarled. A nervous guardsman came into his peripheral vision.

"Sorry but I have my orders. You are to be kept in here."

"Under whose authority?"

"Lord Thomas of course. He apparently suspects you are conspiring with Lady Ellowyn against him. "

"That is utter nonsense. Where is Lady Ellowyn?" Warin demanded, confusion and the blinding headache adding to his nausea.

"She had a choice of her room or the dungeon. I guess she chose her room because she isn't here."

"I need to speak to Lord Thomas."

"I'm sure you do, but he is busy at the moment. Listen maybe it's safer for you to be here, you saw what he did to Michael and the others."

Leaning against the bars he sighed as the guard retreated. His mind spinning, he sank to the ground. Surely Thomas would not have betrayed them. He felt a prickle down his spine as a shadow moved across the floor glancing up and seeing Captain Horace. "What do you want?"

"Just making sure you are comfortable; you will be here for a while."

"What are you playing at? Lord Thomas would never order this!"

Horace smiled cruelly. "Do you really know him that well?"

Warin groaned as he got to his feet. "I am Lord Thomas's protector as decreed by his father."

"You were." Horace stated calmly. "Now you are a suspected traitor involved in a plot to retake Highever castle. You see I am aware the lady's brothers are at the Storm Coast with soldiers. I have ensured that they have received information that two mornings from now she will be executed by hanging following her attacking Lord Thomas, an injury he is not expected to survive. They will come to try and rescue her and I suspect retake the castle and I will have all of them. I have superior numbers and they have lost the element of surprise. They will be easy pickings."

Warin gripped the bars. "If you harm Lord Thomas or Lady Ellowyn your life will be forfeit. You may think you know what is going on, but I promise you, if you harm or kill either of them, the Arl will take your life without a second thought!"

"Relax Warin, I promise I will not harm the lady, her punishment I will leave to the Arl, but alas the young lord's fate was sealed the moment he betrayed his father. I will have men retrieve Lady Delilah, she too will no longer have the protection of being the Arl's daughter, she is a traitor and will be treated as such. My men will also make short work of those citizens who escaped the slavers; we wouldn't want witnesses would we. I would imagine Arl Howe will reward me greatly when I present him with all three children of Bryce Cousland and reveal the treachery of his own children."

"You cannot do this Horace, harm his children and the Arl will destroy you!"

"I believe it is you who should be concerned about what he will do to you. Now I have other matters to attend to."

Warin stared after him in horror as he turned and walked away, clutching the bars in his fury. "Horace!" He roared. "Horace!"

Striding up the steps Horace took a calming breath, now to deal with the young Lord.

xXx

Sitting at the desk in the study, Thomas wondered how many times Bryce and his father had sat opposite each other, sharing a drink and stories of their families. It made him sick to think Bryce had never seen his death coming because he believed he was talking to a friend. Warin had told him of the brutal murder, the one death his father had done himself. He rubbed his neck to ease the tension wondering if Warin would join him for a late supper after his meeting with the Captain, there were things he wanted to discuss and then perhaps a walk in the garden with Ellowyn, he had not seen her since that morning and they needed to keep up appearances despite the personal discomfort it caused him. He glanced up at the knock nodding to the Captain. "What did you want to see me about Captain?"

"There is a matter I need to bring to your attention."

"Is there a problem?"

"Yes, my Lord, there is." Rolling out a map on the desk Horace pointed to the Storm Coast. "It seems we may have a small rebellion building."

Thomas felt his throat tighten, looking at the map to give himself a moment to compose himself.

Snatching the opportunity Horace lunged across the desk jabbing the dart into Thomas's neck.

Yelling in shock Thomas lurched backwards, the chair knocked to the floor as he leapt to his feet, pulling the dart from his neck. "What the …" He swayed, staring at Horace as his knees buckled.

"You will regret betraying your father." Horace stated coldly as he stood over him.

As Thomas hit the floor his eyes closing, his thoughts were of Ellowyn and that he could do nothing to help her.

xXx

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