The sun had barely risen when Jayden made his way down to the beach, pacing anxiously as he waited for Delilah. He had sent a message via Ellowyn asking to meet her here away from any prying eyes and ears, he was not even sure if she would come. He turned as Airyl brushed against him seeing Delilah making her way down the pathway. She took her time and while it increased his agitation it also increased his anxiety and he realised he was in no hurry to speak to her fearing yet another argument. They were silent for some time when she finally joined him.

"You asked to see me." Delilah stated finally, her fingertips unconsciously tracing over the metal of the necklace he had given her.

"I didn't want to leave things the way they were. I barely made it out of Ostagar the last time and I didn't want our last words to each other to be ones of anger and suspicion." He exhaled slowly.

"Nor I." Delilah stated softly. "I … I thought a great deal last night and I believe I am beginning to understand why I have been acting the way I have." She gently reached up and cupped his cheek. "All that my father has done, I think … I think I am afraid of losing you and so I have been pushing you away. Madness, I know." Her breath caught as Jayden gently tilted her chin, pressing his lips lightly to hers.

"Stop pushing me away and you won't lose me." He murmured.

"But after all my father has done …"

"You are not your father. His actions are not yours."

Delilah lost herself in his compassionate gaze and the warmth of his arms encircling her. "I hope you always feel that way." She whispered.

Seeing the anxiety in her gaze Jayden gently pulled her closer. "I promise you I will never blame you for your fathers' actions."

Cupping his cheeks, she kissed him so he wouldn't see the fear in her eyes, trembling at the intensity that so easily ignited between them. His hands left scalding trails down her back as she drew him closer, her heart pounding as she gave into her passion, her hands moving beneath his tunic, nails dragging against skin. She was breathing hard as their lips parted, his eyes dark with desire that she wanted to explore with him. Clasping his hand she turned and headed along the beach to a more secluded spot, her heart beating so wildly she thought it might explode. She turned as he stopped, pulling her back to him.

"Delilah …"

"I do not care about being married, I do not care what anyone thinks, you are my betrothed, the man I love and I need you. What if you never come back!" Tears swept down her cheeks and she clung to him as he pulled her close. Their kisses this time were soft, slow and the way he was looking at her she began to hope once more that love was possible between them.

"I want this, Maker help me I do, but I will not dishonour you."

"I do not care!"

Jayden smiled slightly. "Yes, you do and no matter how much we both want this right now, you know you will regret it."

"Never." She whispered breathlessly, her lips caressing his throat, smiling as he pulled her tighter to him, shivering in delight at the soft growl rumbling in his throat. They turned startled hearing someone cough, seeing Ellowyn with an amused look on her face.

"As much as I am delighted to see you have clearly made up, my brother sent me to remind you both that you may be betrothed but you are not married and while in Highever you will behave yourselves." She grinned broadly at the flush on their cheeks. She moved forward and linked Delilah's arm pulling her away. "Let's take a walk, give him a chance to calm down."

Cheeks burning as they both giggled Jayden headed in the other direction, Airyl darting ahead. "Maker she is going to be the death of me." He muttered, glancing back and catching Delilah looking at him, a smile lighting her face. He smiled in return before turning away and jogging after Airyl.

"Could you not have waited a little longer?" Delilah murmured.

"How much longer did you want me to wait?" Ellowyn chuckled. "Until after you had conceived!"

Flushing Delilah concentrated her gaze on the sand. "Would that have been so bad?" She sighed, feeling Ellowyn's frown. "I have waited long enough!"

"Delilah, I know you, you would never forgive yourself."

"How much longer must I wait? Who knows how long this blight will last! What if it lasts decades!"

Worrying at her lip Ellowyn glanced back though Jayden was far in the distance. "Then if it is what you both want, marry now."

"I blurted that out in our argument as a way to keep him from straying." She shuddered. "How could I have said that to him? I doubt he will look kindly on it if I were to suggest it again."

Ellowyn smiled and tugged her towards the pathway. "Maybe, maybe not."

Delilah felt her heartbeat quicken and she allowed herself a hopeful smile.

xXx

Hugging Aedan, Ellowyn murmured to him to be careful. "I wish we could stay in touch."

"I do too, but given where we are going, Will's plan is a sound one and he needs both runestones." The pair glanced at Fergus who was sitting by the fire with a frustrated look on his face. Aedan shook his head. "Fergus was always more of a diplomat than me and yet with Will, I do not understand why he is so argumentative. If I was behaving the way he does, he would pull me up for it."

"Fergus is just adjusting; he remembers a boy and you know how protective he felt about Jay."

"We all felt protective over him, he was the youngest after all and even without the damn Orlesian's he got into more trouble than we ever did, but he hates when we are protective of him." He grinned suddenly. "I did think they were going to come to blows at one point."

"It did get a little intense, even I forget Will has had to be far older than his years for such a long time and he can be rather fierce."

Fergus scowled at their whispered conversation. His anxiety was agitated with no way to contact those going to Ostagar given Jayden was taking both runestones. Fergus understood his reasoning given where they were going, Jayden wanted one runestone to re-open the gate to escape quickly if they needed, while the other was needed to open the door of the room concealing it. Still, he wished they had some way of communicating; not knowing what was happening would be maddening. He winced slightly thinking of the argument that had flared between himself and Jayden, he had almost forgotten the runestones were his and his agitation in losing the means to communicate easily, along with his worry about the situation had made his anger flare. He sighed softly, his siblings were not wrong, he and Jayden seemed to rub each other up the wrong way too frequently for his liking. He shook his head at himself knowing it was his own attitude towards him that often caused the issues. Ellowyn was right, at times he simply could not reconcile the boy he had known, with the Arl's squire and now a Captain and Andraste's Champion. He wanted to protect him and Jayden just seemed to take that as an insult, or an indication that Fergus did not believe him to be capable. "I can hear you both, you know." He grumbled.

Smiling, Ellowyn moved to her brother and gave him a gentle hug. "Well, you do tend to rub each other up the wrong way."

"Is it such a terrible thing to want to protect him?" Fergus snapped. "Maker, despite the years that have passed I still consider him family and you protect family. Our parents would be furious if I did anything less."

"But he doesn't see it that way." Aedan stated, sitting opposite him. "He has spent seven years more or less alone, separated from family and friends, unable to acknowledge them. I cannot imagine how painful it must have been for him at Nathaniel's memorial to be unable to truly express his grief, you know how much he looked up to him. He has had to learn how to be on his own and on top of that he saw that future and hit block after block trying to prepare everyone for it. Is it any wonder he is so independent?"

Sighing, Fergus nodded. "I know, I just … I suppose I am trying to make up for all the time lost and I am failing."

"That is because you are trying to protect the boy he was and not stand side by side with the man he is." Ellowyn stated gently. "I think if you treat him as more of an equal, things would be better between you."

Aedan patted his brother's shoulder. "I will keep an eye on him as much as I can."

Allowing a slight smile Fergus nodded. "Take care of yourself too."

Seeing the fear in his brother's eyes Aedan gave him a tight hug. "It is a strike mission, remember. Get in, kill this damn Emissary and get out." He forced a smile. "Quick and simple."

Fergus tried to believe it, but all three knew the chances of that actually happening were slim to none.

xXx

It was a few hours after the meeting at the beach when the party set out from Highever Castle heading to the gateway on the Storm Coast. Fergus watched them leave, Ellowyn, Dairren and Delilah standing near him, all trying to conceal their worry. Part of him wanted to go with Cailan, but he knew his duty lay in Highever. He turned as Ellowyn linked his arm.

"Standing here worrying will not help anyone."

Nodding, Fergus let her lead him inside, glancing back as Delilah walked away from them heading to the battlements. He had always imagined Jayden and Ellowyn would end up together, he had never imagined Delilah would be the match made for him. He couldn't explain why, but it made him uneasy. Still, that was none of his business other than making sure things did not go too far between them until they were married. He forced a smile as Ellowyn squeezed his arm; whatever happened, right now he needed to focus on his people and prepare for a Landsmeet when it was called, wondering who he could rely on to support his claim as Teyrn.

Dairren followed Delilah onto the battlements wanting to keep Gabriel in his sight for as long as possible. He hated being parted from him, but he had vowed to remain at Fergus's side until things were back to normal, if they ever would be. They had spent the night together as though it had been their last, both well aware of the terrible risk involved in returning to Ostagar. He had been willing to go if only to remain with him, however Gabriel had expressed his relief that he was to remain with Fergus. It had been surprising when Gabriel freely admitted he had enough nightmares about the last time they had been at Ostagar, still being parted was difficult for them both, but they had their duty. He had to trust that Gabriel would make it back to him.

"He will return." Delilah stated softly keeping her eyes on the group as they followed the pathway towards the caves. "Maker willing, they all will."

"I truly hope so."

Turning Delilah met his worried gaze. "Perhaps you would join me in the Chapel, praying can certainly do no harm."

Smiling Dairren offered her his arm once the group was out of sight, the pair sitting on the front bench once they had reached the Chapel.

Though they remained silent, both prayed that whatever they had to face, they would do it at the side of the man they loved.

xXx

In a private room in the Gnawed Noble Tavern, Alfstanna Bann of Waking Sea, Leonas Arl of South Reach and the recently appointed Bann Eddelbreck of Amaranthine, were all settled at a table and though wine had been poured, it had yet to be drunk.

"How are you enjoying the elevation to Bann?" Alfstanna asked.

"It really isn't all that different to how things were before, people still come to me with their problems and I help where I can. Difference now of course I don't have Esmerelle blocking me at every turn, that woman was a thorn in my side and I don't mind telling you I for one don't mourn her passing. I was surprised that the Arl appointed me however."

"Why?" Leonas sniffed the wine before taking a sip. "Esmerelle had no family to pass the title to and given your popularity and that you are the most influential and powerful noble in Amaranthine apart from the Arl now Esmerelle is dead, you were the logical choice."

"Perhaps, but I am not the support to the Arl that Esmerelle was."

"Which brings us to why we are here." Alfstanna stated leaning forward. "We are headed for a civil war, which would be devastating enough at the best of times, but while facing a blight! This cannot be allowed to get any more out of hand than it already has. I appreciate all Anora has done to assure us that the Darkspawn will be dealt with and that they were looking into the situation with the Cousland's and Howe's, but it had been months. Action must be taken."

Leonas shifted slightly. "Now Alfstanna a blight has not been confirmed, no Archdemon has been seen."

"I have spoken to enough refugees fleeing the south who speak of the spreading darkness in the sky and the violence of the Darkspawn to convince me that this is not just some horde gone rogue, but as dire as that is, it is not the reason we agreed to meet."

"To business then." Eddlebreck stated clearing his throat. "I knew Bryce for many years, he was a fair and good man and a friend. I would stake my land and wealth that Rendon is the traitor. Bryce would never betray his country or his people. I do not say this lightly given Rendon is my Arl, but it is my sincere belief. Assuming Fergus lives and intends to be Teyrn I intend to support him."

"I agree." Alfstanna nodded. "But there are those who support Rendon, that is clear enough given the unrest in the populus."

"Loghain for one." Leonas muttered. "Which surprises me given his close relationship to Bryce, though I believe a distance did grow between them these past few years."

"Do not be so quick to judge Loghain." Alfstanna stated firmly. "They do say keep your friends close and your enemies closer. I would wager he is keeping Rendon close until they have the truth."

"As you say it has been months so they clearly need help." Eddlebrek leaned back into the chair. "Most of the nobles in Amaranthine are loyal to Rendon, but even so there is unrest at his actions towards the Cousland's."

Alfstanna rose, stretching her back. "I have an audience with Anora this afternoon where I will give voice to our concerns. This matter must be put to rest and soon."

"I agree but she is in a difficult position." Leonas stated. "It is true that Loghain will be bearing the brunt of physically rebuilding the army, but it is Anora who has extended her reach to give him the resources he needs. Negotiating trades for supplies for the armourers and blacksmiths who are working day and night to fulfill the orders. Incentives to encourage people to join the ranks of the army so conscription is a last resort. Extra soldiers manning the trade routes and escorting caravans to ensure their safety. Indeed, every field and animal are being protected as though it were gold, for the moment at least. Though the ten percent rise in taxes to be put towards the military was unpleasant, if not unsurprising."

"The surprise was it was not higher." Eddlebrek stated, turning his neck until he heard a satisfying click. "Though it is sure to increase before this is done so prepare yourself."

"The people of my Arling can ill afford to be taxed any more than they already are."

"Then remind them why it is necessary, or would they prefer to fall prey to the Darkspawn?"

"Indeed, that is the only reason they have not made more of a fuss, I am sure. That and they see where that coin is going as it remains in the Arling to be used directly for their protection."

"There would be far less opposition to any further taxation if the Queen would simply come out and declare we face a blight. The people of Amaranthine hear only rumours and the odd refugee, we have yet to have an influx and so it is not truly real for them." He shifted slightly. "Amaranthine's losses in terms of soldiers was at Highever not Ostagar, so it has not had quite the same impact."

"Not to mention the pressure of having Orlais breathing down our necks at the border on top of everything else." Alfstanna muttered. "I agree Anora has no easy task and she has accomplished much, especially given Cailan's death and the grief she must be experiencing, she needs support, even if she does not wish to admit it, which is why I intend to make it clear to her that she has allies, she is not alone." She glanced at Eddlebrek. "Is Lady Sophia in place?"

"Indeed, she rekindled her liaisons with Rendon when he first came to Denerim. She is awaiting instructions."

xXx

Anora gave a weak smile as the Schenashal showed Alfstanna into a private room and accepted the hug. "I did not think to see you so soon Alfstanna."

"Nor I you, but matters dictated I seek an audience with you. However, before I begin, I would ask after your health, you are pale and forgive me but you seem tired."

"To be honest I have not been sleeping well and obvious matters keep me busy at all hours of the day and night."

"Of course, then let me say this. You have friends and those who support you. I have no doubt that Cailan's loss has wounded you deeply as it has us all, but you and I both know it is you who have negotiated tirelessly with the nobility regarding taxation and trade and it is your diplomatic skills that have ensured relative peace with Orlais. Ferelden cannot afford to lose her Queen to ill health, you must take care of yourself Anora."

"Thank you, but there really is no need for concern, I am simply a little fatigued."

"And no wonder, how goes it at the border?"

"I have daily reports from Captain Parun, they have shown no hostilities and they would need siege equipment if they intended to force their way in and there is no sign of anything of that nature. Should we fail to hold back the Darkspawn they will have their chance to fight them, but on their own soil, not ours. I will not allow a single Chevalier onto Ferelden land; you have my word."

"I have no doubt, now onto the reason I am here. I would not have left my home were it not for the increasing numbers of refugees arriving and the reports I have received of skirmishes between those who see the Cousland's as traitors and those who see the Howe's as traitors."

"We are doing all we can to resolve the situation."

"Indeed, but I am not doing all I can to help. When last we spoke you mentioned letters given to you by Arl Howe proving Bryce's treachery. Since they have not been made public and no announcement has been made either way, I assume their authenticity has yet to be established."

"There have been complications."

"Of what kind?" She sighed as Anora remained silent. "Then let me speak first. I met with Leonas and Eddlebrek earlier today. We are all of the opinion that Bryce is … was no traitor. Maker, it is still hard to believe he and Eleanor are gone." She took a shuddering breath to steady herself. "We have someone in place who will have opportunities to gain access to Rendon that others would not have, given the intimate nature of the connection."

Anora raised an eyebrow. "I see and if there was something that I believed was kept on his person that could prove beyond doubt the false nature of the documents, this person could search for it."

"Most certainly."

"I cannot go into detail for your own safety, but I believe there is a letter or document, something with Bryce's handwriting on it. It will have wax on it, possibly as a seal, but perhaps not."

"That is very vague Anora. Perhaps if you could tell me some of the information on the document it might help in its retrieval."

"I have no notion of what it contains, its contents are unimportant, it is the sample of Bryce's penmanship and the wax that is of importance."

Alfstanna leaned back in the chair frowning before she leaned forward. "You suspect magic."

Anora hesitated only a moment before she nodded. "I do."

"I suppose that explains the rumors of the Templars raiding Vauhan's estate, but they found no mage."

"They did not." Anora muttered in frustration.

"Very well I will see if we can obtain this item for you. However, I will need a sample of Bryce's handwriting so our ... let us say agent, will know what to look for."

Anora left the room and returned swiftly with a letter sent by Bryce. "This was the most recent."

Tucking the document away Alfstanna gave a slight smile. "A step forward at least."

"Thank you Alfstanna and tell your agent to be careful, Howe is dangerous."

"I believe we are well aware of that Anora. I have one more issue I would like to discuss. I believe it is time to formally announce we are facing a blight and not just a rogue horde."

"There has been no sighting of an Archdemon and I have no wish to start a mass panic."

"Nor I, you must trust your vassals to keep our people calm in that respect, the people have a right to know what we face."

"I will consider it."

"Consider it well Anora, your people need your leadership now more than ever and if they see you refusing to accept the true threat of the Darkspawn, then they will not accept it either and more lives will be lost."

xXx

Night had fallen and Grand Cleric Elemena walked softly through the Chantry nodding to Sisters who were tending to the candles, the bright flames casting shadows dancing across the floor and walls. She glanced up as the main door opened and an armour-clad man entered. He had clearly been traveling some time and with haste for his armour was caked in dust, his cloak dirty and torn. He was limping badly and walked as one exhausted. As he took off his helmet, she moved towards him herself, recognising Ser Perth. His auburn hair was lank and in need of washing as he was, but she was more concerned with the dried blood on his face and the wound that curved across his jaw that looked alarmingly fresh and painful. "Ser Perth?"

Wincing in pain Ser Perth bowed. "Grand Cleric I have a letter for you from my Lord …"

"Indeed, I shall read it presently, once you have been tended to."

"Grand Cleric, it is of great importance, I …"

"As is your health Ser Perth. You will follow me."

Not having the strength to argue, Ser Perth followed her through the Chantry to a bathing chamber. Several Sisters also appeared filling the tub with hot water, bringing through towels and soap. He protested as they moved to help remove his armour before realising he needed the help. He flushed as his armour and then clothing were removed, but not one of the Sisters blushed or seemed uncomfortable, all were used to tending to the injured. Sinking into the water he couldn't help the sigh of relief, the salts the Sisters had added to the water filling the room with a scent he could not identify, but it smelled fresh and seemed to clear his nose and lungs and he found himself relaxing. The Sisters returned a short time later and to his embarrassment began washing him as they checked the wounds, some leaving the room and returning with salves and bandages. Ser Perth was not comfortable until he was in fresh clothes and seated at a table enjoying a bowl of stew. He glanced up as the Grand Cleric joined him, moving to stand, but sinking back into his seat as she waved away the gesture.

"So, Ser Perth, tell me how you come to be in Denerim alone and without a horse, with wounds that range from two weeks to a few days ago." She listened carefully as he explained the journey, including the surprise attack by Darkspawn that had taken his comrades.

He paled as he spoke of them, not sure they were dead when the Darkspawn dragged them into a cave. He was not sure why they had left him, but when all was still once more, he had dragged himself away, tended to his wounds as best he could and headed on. The horses had run, but two days later his own mare had astonishingly found him, but she had succumbed to the blight sickness and he had ended her suffering himself. The second attack had come from opportunists who had attacked a family fleeing the southern Bannorn. He could not in good conscience abandon them to the bandits and so had rushed to their defence. He killed two of the attackers and the remaining two fled. The family had taken the opportunity during the fighting to flee and he had not gone after them having his own mission.

"A room is being prepared for you and you will rest for a few days. I have read the Arl's letter and must consider carefully my response. I will also arrange for you to return to Rainesfere in the Company of soldiers heading to the watchtowers. You were lucky to survive the journey here Ser Perth, proof indeed of how dangerous the roads are becoming, something I will discuss with Queen Anora."

"Thank you, Grand Cleric."

"Good, once you have sated your appetite Sister Helen will show you to your room."

Standing as the Grand Cleric left, Ser Perth eased himself back into the chair and resumed his meal. Barely had he finished eating when his exhaustion gripped him and he was grateful for the bed and the feeling of safety of the walls of the Chantry.

Elmena had returned to her private room and once again read through the letter from the Arl. It was still a shock to read the words that revealed the heir of Redcliffe was a mage. Fury burned within her at the Arlessa's attempt to hide the fact. Her annoyance that Eamon had not contacted the Circle directly was tempered by knowing the issues that had befallen the Circle and she could not truly fault him for wanting his son to go elsewhere to train and at least he was being a responsible parent. Not only did he intend Connor to go to a Circle, but he was taking measures to ensure Connor was not a danger until that happened. She drummed her fingers on the desk, Ostwick was a quiet Circle and she imagined Connor would do quite well there. The Chantry also had properties nearby should the Arl wish to visit, Ostwick was not so stringent in terms of visiting as Ferelden and Kirkwall. Of course, nothing could be done until after the Blight, they would need the Arl's men and power and for the moment the Arl's measures sounded adequate. She wrote two letters, one to the Arl and one to the Knight Commander at Ostwick. This would put the Arl into her debt of course, something she would not forget and it could be very useful. This did cause an issue regarding a successor for Redcliffe, the chance of another mage child was of great concern. She knew of no mages on Eamon's side of the family, concluding the magic came from Isolde's family. She shook her head, that marriage had been a foolish move and should never have been allowed. Tomorrow she would seek an audience with the Queen, Anora had no more liking for the Arlessa than she did and given Isolde's willingness to hide her son, she wondered what else she was capable of. She felt a stab of fear when she thought of the army at the border and wished Maric had banished Isolde when he had, had the chance.

xXx

It was a little past midday when the Grand Cleric sat opposite the Queen in a small, but comfortable private room, adjusting her robe. "Thank you for agreeing to meet me so quickly Anora, I do appreciate it."

"Of course and as it happens I have things I wish to discuss with you, but please, you first."

Hesitating for only a moment, Elemena nodded. "I have received a letter from Arl Eaman with news concerning young Connor Guerrin and given your family connection and the shocking and serious nature of the matter I believe it should be brought to your attention."

"Is he unwell?" Anora asked in alarm.

"His health is not the issue. It is a sensitive matter and I hope I can rely on your discretion."

Nodding Anora waited impatiently for her to continue.

"It would seem that young Connor is a mage."

The shock on Anora's face was real, not for the revelation for she had already been aware, but that Eaman had informed the Grand Cleric. She imagined Isolde was in a fury.

"He quite understandably does not wish his son to go to Kinloch Hold with all of their recent troubles, I suppose him living so close some of it was bound to have leaked out. Therefore, I will negotiate on his behalf with the Circle in Ostwick. The Guerrin's have family connections in the Free Marches so I do not see it being an issue. The Arl has seen to mage and Templar guardians until arrangements can be made."

"This is … disturbing news."

"Indeed, quite apart from the boy's future, is the succession of Redcliffe. There is no history of magic in the Arl's bloodline so it must come from Isolde's. That marriage should never have been allowed to happen."

"Many would agree with you."

"When time and circumstances allow, I would request your support, Eamon must be prevailed upon to set aside Isolde, remarry and father an heir with a more suitable woman, one without magic in the line."

"Eamon has stood by Isolde's side and she his, through war and years of not being allowed to marry. I cannot see him setting her aside, not even in these circumstances."

"By the same token Isolde waited a long time for a child, a child whose magic she attempted to hide. I imagine if suitable compensation is offered, she may be more willing to have the marriage ended than he would."

"That is dangerous ground."

"Indeed, not something we need to deal with immediately, but we will have to address it at a more convenient time. Now, you wished to bring something to my attention."

"Have you received reports from Haven, in particular the Gauntlet?"

Elemena paled slightly, she had hoped to control that information, but she had been a fool to think the Queen would not have found out. "I have received some deeply regrettable news that the Gauntlet is no longer available to any including the faithful."

"Why would you seek to cheat the Guardian knowing who and what he represents?"

Elemena sighed deeply. "It was a mistake. I thought to have the means to protect … to save should it come to it. We face a horde of Darkspawn from the south. To the west we have Orlais seeking access through the border. I lived through the occupation; I pray every day I do not have to live through another. I say this knowing how terrible it sounds, but if your brother had not been kidnapped those many years ago, the border would never have been secured as it has been and we might have already had the Chevaliers in our country."

Swallowing painfully, Anora remained silent refusing to acknowledge the irony of the situation.

"Whatever our differences Anora I believe we are in accord with one thing at least, we do not want another occupation. I sent the Ashes to the Divine as proof."

"Unless they are used it could be anyone's ashes and the creation of a Champion of Andraste, given the circumstances I believe has been premature."

"I disagree, I believe had we not we would be in a worse situation. The temple is real, we have witnesses to the Gauntlet and the Guardian and we were provided with her Ashes as proof of her watching over us, indeed two people's lives were saved with them. We were provided with Her champion for Her ashes would not be infinite. This can still be worked in our favour."

"Indeed, as long as the Chantry's part in the Gauntlet being made unavailable does not reach certain ears."

"That would be unfortunate."

"Then I suggest we work together to ensure that it does not come to that, we must present a strong front for as you indicated, the Darkspawn are not our only concern."

"Have you heard from the Champion?"

"Not directly, but he lives and is doing all he can to end this madness."

"He is an admirable young man."

"He is."

Elemena smiled slightly. "It is nice to hear a little more warmth in your voice towards him."

"I admit I have been too hard on him. A mistake I intend to rectify when I see him."

"I am glad to hear it. There is one final matter, Ser Perth's journey here was fraught with danger both from Darkspawn and bandits. Perhaps stronger measures need to be employed to protect travellers."

Sighing Anora nodded. "I will see what can be done."

"Excellent. Now I will say only one more thing. We must keep each other informed Anora, that is the only way we will get through this."

xXx

Celene scanned the parchment before allowing herself the time to read it more thoroughly. Queen Anora was polite as always in their correspondence, but she had never forgotten that the Queen had fooled her before into thinking she was less dangerous than she was. She saw Anora in herself, both trying to do the best for their people, while fighting off the annoying demands of certain men in their country. Anora appeared no more enamoured with the idea of her marrying the Champion than she did, the doorway had been opened for them to find another way at least. Still Anora emphasised that this would be dealt with once the Blight was over, before that would be foolish given the issues facing them. She wondered if the Divine would give them such a gift of time. She turned to Briala who was watching her patiently. "I should have done more to build Anora's trust in me. Now Ferelden faces the Darkspawn alone for fear that I will snatch up her country in the name of helping."

"Is that not what you would do?" Briala murmured.

"Ferelden was taken with violence last time and look where that got us. I want to forge an alliance that will lead to a mutual bridging of our countries. Yet for all my skill I still could not accomplish the one thing I needed to, allay Ferelden's suspicion of me. I do not want war; needless killing is distasteful. It is infuriating they would rather have their country destroyed by those beasts than accept my help, as though I am a worse option!" Shaking her head, she put the matter aside for the moment. "Have we received any further reports from the border?"

Briala was well aware the Empress was alluding to her own network. "All remains as it was. The Wardens and Chevaliers remain ready to assist if … when Ferelden opens the border. The Chevaliers are spending a little time in Jader on a rota basis to … alleviate the boredom and prevent any incidents that might inadvertently start something that might quickly escalate into actions that could damage current relations between Ferelden and Orlais. On the positive side it seems that Warden Blackwall appears to have struck up a somewhat amicable accord with Captain Parun. They converse daily, nothing noteworthy of course the Captain remains careful about what he says, but it could reveal something in time."

"Indeed. What of Wardens Stephan and Daniel? They have yet to grace us with their presence."

"They and Senior Warden Riordan have not been seen at the border camp in some time. Warden Commander Alisse remains firm that they are conducting Warden business and she cannot reveal more."

"And what are your suspicions?"

"Three men with very similar descriptions to our missing Wardens took a small boat from Jader. I suspect they were attempting to get into Ferelden through another means. There is no way to be certain if they made it and if they did and were caught, I suspect they would be immediately imprisoned as spies. I do not think their chances of reaching their fellow Wardens in Ferelden was ever good, but in a report I received today I believe I know why they would have taken the chance. One of my agents overheard Blackwall and Alisse talking. It seems that Warden Commander Duncan was killed at Ostagar along with the majority of their Wardens, leaving only a handful of junior Wardens."

Celene paled. "We met him once, he was a good man. Anora must be aware of this situation! I am sure the Wardens are skilled; they would not be part of the Order if not, but to have junior members of the Order face the Blight without any senior members…" She shuddered. "I will write to Anora again, I must find a way to make her see sense." Rubbing her forehead, she rolled back her shoulders focusing on Briala again. "What news from your contact regarding our other matter?"

"The Champion squired for Arl Howe for two years before apparently fleeing one night. He turned up months later in Denerim as a ward of the Chantry. He was well liked apart from Mother Perpetua who has never trusted him. She believes he is corrupt, but my source has spoken with Sister Theohild who is a huge advocate for the young man. She insists he genuinely wants to help people. Apart from that he was instrumental in the killing of a giant on the storm coast, having the Night Elves reintroduced into Denerim and having mages trialled within the ranks of the army."

"He is an unusual commoner, if that is what he is." She frowned slightly. "He did not just appear one day. What information do we have on him from before he arrived in Amaranthine? Where did he come from?"

"I am still looking into it. I have a contact in Amaranthine who believes he arrived on a ship from Kirkwall."

"He's a Marcher?"

"Unlikely, he may have been squiring for someone in the Free Marches, it is not unusual for a Ferelden to do that."

"Then find out who he squired with before Arl Howe and find out where he comes from in Ferelden. I want to know every last detail about him." Turning from Briala, Celene moved to her balcony, her hand grasping the marble railing, her frustration boiling. "I will find out who you are, Champion. No-one's past can remain hidden forever."

xXx

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