Staring up at the dark clouds massed above them Jowan took a shuddering sigh. He had been kept out of the fighting, kept out of the Wardens meetings and generally kept out of the way of everyone. He had spent most of his time in a bunk room in the Tower of Ishal and it felt too much like being back at the Circle. He was not confined to the Tower, but if he went outside, he was always within sight of one of the Wardens and during their secret meetings he had actually been put in a room and wards had been placed to prevent him from leaving. He didn't make a fuss; he would endure much to ensure he could get to Eloen. If he was being honest, being in the Tower was almost preferable, the journey to Ostagar had been uncomfortable to say the least, with the Templars and mages becoming aware of his presence. It hadn't taken long for Dylan and Reece to recognise him. They had kept their distance from him, no mage wanted to be associated with a blood mage and he was grateful, it saved any unnecessary conversations. He wasn't kept idle however, the mage Wardens were taking it in turns to find out the extent of his magical ability. They would be disappointed if they had hoped him to be skilled, magic had never come easy to him and only Anders and Eloen's help had got him as far as he had and compared to the Wardens, his magic was lacking. He couldn't even help with the injured, though he doubted his presence would have been wanted. Sighing he felt Daniel's sharp gaze on him and reluctantly he returned to the Tower.

Yet this all paled into comparison with his other more troubling thoughts. Since coming to Ostagar Jowan had begun to have serious reservations about joining the Order. He had seen the bodies of the Wardens hung up on display and seeing the injured who had returned from hunting down the Emissary was enough to know this was no game. He had also come to an alarming conclusion regarding the initiation into the Order. He had overheard the Wardens talking in whispers, some of them wanted him initiated immediately, but the Commander had refused, saying they couldn't risk it until they were sure Eloen would turn on Arl Howe. It had not occurred to him that there was a risk in joining the Order, he assumed the risk would come after and they would face it together. It had left an aching pit in his stomach, his attempt at freedom for them both could lead to them being dead. He had tried questioning Serris about the initiation and indeed the Order itself, but she was close lipped saying only that the initiation was secret for good reason and he would find out soon enough. Yet he needed the Wardens if he was to get to Eloen, but more and more his mind turned to escape. Denerim was a port city and once Eloen was with them perhaps they could find a way. They would need coin, supplies and disguises, none of which he had, or could come by easily.

The one silver lining was Leliana's visits, no matter how this turned out, she had kept her word and done all she could to help him. He thought often of asking for her help once they reached Denerim, but even he doubted she would go that far after everything Eloen had done. The captain was another option, he had helped when there was no reason to and he had clearly had a strong bond with Anders, he knew only too well that was why he had taken his request to the Wardens and nobility. Yet the Captain remained injured and unconscious and even were he awake, he had no idea what he could say to gain his help. Eloen's actions had ensured that freedom would not be handed to them and the more time he spent with the Wardens, the more he understood there was no freedom in this route. This path was death and before that, likely painful injuries and if anything happened to her in the battle that lay ahead of them, he knew he could not survive it. Sighing he climbed the steps to his room; until he was reunited with Eloen he had to be the perfect Warden recruit, he couldn't give them the slightest indication that he had no intention of joining their ranks.

A short time later, peering into the room Leliana's smile faded; stepping inside she glanced back into the corridor making sure no-one was near enough to overhear them. "You look worried."

Jowan found himself speaking before he could stop himself. "Leliana I'm scared, I think I have made a big mistake. I thought the Wardens would be a type of freedom, but I overheard them. They won't initiate me until they have Eloen."

"We suspected as much."

"No Leliana you don't understand. I heard the Commander say he didn't want to risk it. I think the initiation can be fatal. I know being a Warden is dangerous, but I didn't think joining the Order itself would be dangerous."

Paling Leliana sat on the edge of the bunk. "Wardens keep their secrets close; I doubt they would reveal anything to me even were I to ask." She winced as Jowan lowered his head seeing his shoulders slump. Leliana saw herself in Jowan, so desperate to believe the woman he loved still had good in her despite all evidence to the contrary. She had believed Marjolaine loved her, would change for her and she had been wrong; Tug had paid for that mistake with his life and Sketch was imprisoned in the Circle and hated her. She gazed at Jowan and knew she couldn't let him make the same mistake she had. Gently she took his hands. "I will do everything I can to help you." Returning his grateful smile, she swore to herself that she would make sure Jowan had a real chance of freedom and for that, Eloen had to die.

xXx

Groaning in pain as he tried to sit up Jayden glanced at Airyl who carefully shifted closer pressing her nose against his throat. "Hey beautiful." Gritting his teeth, he forced himself to sit up, closing his eyes and breathing through the pain that seemed to radiate throughout his chest and back.

"You need to lie back down." Reece demanded hurrying over to him.

"How am I even alive?" Jayden murmured, glancing down at the bandages covering his chest and stomach.

"Dylan shot a lightning bolt through the ogre's chest killing it. You have had intensive healing magic from most of us, but Morrigan did the initial healing. If not for her you wouldn't have made it. She was almost mana exhausted when Serris made her stop and took over."

"She never gives up on me. Thank you, all of you. How is everyone else?"

"Well, some of the Wardens have gone back into the Wilds for Maker knows what reason."

Frowning Jayden wrapped his arm around his stomach, breathing through the pain the tension had spiked. "And everyone else?"

Reece gave a brief rundown of the injuries knowing he wouldn't rest until he had received the information. "As I said, apart from you; Sten, Theron and Zevran had the worst injuries, but they are healing."

"You haven't mentioned Enchanter Robert or Kinnard. I don't believe they got out of that unscathed." Jayden felt his stomach churn as Reece lowered his head. "Reece, where are Robert and Kinnard?"

"They … they didn't make it. Their bodies are in the Chapel."

Jayden sat silently for a moment feeling grief and guilt tear into his heart. "And the Darkspawn, have they moved against us?"

Shaking his head Reece tried to ignore the knot of worry in his stomach. "There has been no sign of them. It has everyone on edge. It's almost like they are waiting for something."

Frowning Jayden felt a prickle of uncertainty ripple down his spine. "Was the Emissary definitely killed in time?"

"The King is free from the spell assuming the amulet is correct. He has regained a few fragments of memory, but his full memories have yet to return. He is understandably agitated."

"It doesn't make sense; we are a sitting target and the Archdemon will be furious at having his plan for the King prevented." Sighing he rubbed his forehead before shifting slightly. "Help me up."

"You shouldn't be moving!"

"Damn it Reece, help me up!"

Biting at his lip Reece reluctantly helped Jayden to his feet.

"Thanks." Moving slowly over to Theron who was closest, Jayden heard Serris tell him he was on his way before she headed over to Zevran, gritting his teeth as he eased himself down next to him. "Theron, how are you feeling?"

"I'm alive and Serris thinks my sight will return in time. Right now, it's just dark shapes."

"She is an experienced healer, if she says your sight will return it will."

"And you?"

"Amazed to be alive frankly, I thought that was it."

"I think Morrigan would have braved death herself to bring you back if the worst had happened. I might not be able to see, but I could hear enough. That woman has curses I never knew existed." He sighed softly. "I am sorry about Kinnard and Enchanter Robert, they were good men."

"They were." They sat silently for a short time before Jayden forced himself to move, gently squeezing Theron's shoulder. "I should see the others."

"You should be resting, an ogre did almost crush you, you know."

"I remember." Grunting in pain as he got to his feet Jayden glanced at Sten who was sleeping as was Matthew and Terrance and made his way over to Zevran.

"It seems your reputation for surviving death is well deserved." Zevran stated with a broad smile, before grimacing and holding his stomach.

"I believe the same could be said for you." Jayden murmured, easing down next to him. "Reece said they had their concerns you wouldn't make it, but here you are."

"Indeed, and glad I am of it."

"Me too. I'm sorry I didn't get to the Shriek sooner."

"If not for your swiftness the arrow would have taken me down before the Shriek ever did. I am grateful. Perhaps one day you will let me show you how grateful I am." He attempted a lascivious grin that turned to a grimace, coughing painfully.

"While I appreciate the sentiment, I prefer to remain in Rinna's good graces."

"That is also my preference." He muffled a yawn. "Forgive me I seem to tire easily; I believe it is the potions they keep giving me."

"Then I shall leave you to rest." Struggling to his feet Jayden made his way over to his things and grabbed a tunic grunting in frustration as he tried to get it on.

"What do you think you are doing?" Reece demanded appearing at his side.

"I'm getting dressed and I'm going to the Chapel." He muttered leaning against a table to catch his breath, glancing down as Airyl whined at his side.

"Will please, you need to lie down, your injuries …"

"They were my men." Jayden growled. "I am damn well going to pay my respects."

"Then at least let me help you!"

Leaning against Reece, Jayden headed out of the tavern, each step jarring his body making him grit his teeth in pain. He noted most of Teagan's soldiers and some of the Wardens were on guard duty, before his focus narrowed to getting to the Chapel. At the doorway Jayden stopped, catching his breath and squeezing his eyes shut against the pain. "I will be fine from here Reece."

"I can't leave you alone. You don't seem to understand, your injuries are serious!"

"Reece, I will be fine, besides Airyl is with me."

Reluctantly Reece moved away going in search of someone more likely to be able to talk some sense into him.

As he entered the Chapel, Jayden gazed at Robert, the torch light in the room dim, but enough to see by. He was so young and yet with a jolt Jayden realised he had been a year older than himself. His gaze turned to Kinnard, a man who despite all initial signs to the contrary, had become a trusted ally. "I'm sorry I brought you back here." He stood beside them for some time before he headed further into the room to the statue of Andraste that had surprisingly been left untouched. Kneeling he felt the guilt and grief a heavy burden on his heart, his hand resting on Airyl's back as she whined softly. "If there had to be a cost to saving Cailan I would have paid it. You could have taken my life." He turned startled as he felt a hand on his shoulder, glancing to Gabriel who knelt beside him.

"This is war Will, people die, you know that as well as anyone. They were both committed to stopping the Blight and to doing what they could to save the King. They knew the risks of coming back here."

"I didn't give them a choice." Jayden whispered brokenly. "I didn't give any of you a choice."

"We are at war and you are our Captain. This needed to be done and so you gave the orders and we obeyed. I know you never wanted command, never felt ready or entitled to it, but we didn't come into this thinking you would keep us all safe. We follow you because you never give up and you never expect anything from anyone you aren't prepared to do yourself. That is why we would follow you to the Void. Blaming yourself for their deaths isn't going to help anyone and we need you to be in command, now more than ever. So, take a little time, but when you leave this Chapel, you have to be the captain we need you to be, you understand?"

Nodding Jayden swallowed painfully.

"Good and that also means following mage advice about your injuries; we need you able to fight … to lead us." He gently rested a hand on his shoulder. "They did their duty, to honour them we need to keep doing ours." Gently squeezing his shoulder, Gabriel stood and after a moment's hesitation headed out.

xXx

Cailan gasped painfully, his cheeks wet with tears, staring down at his blood covered hands, though he realised enough to know this was not his true body, nor was it a dream. He stared at Alistair's body on the marble floor beside him, blood saturating his tunic.

Urthemiel lowered his head. "You know what you must do if you are to prevent this fate for your brother. The choice is yours."

"Why? Why this?"

"Because it will cause you great pain."

Shivering, Cailan knew he had to buy time. He had no doubt the Archdemon intended to kill Alistair, but the more time that passed the greater the chance that someone would realise something was wrong. He inwardly wept, to save one brother he had to sacrifice the other. He knew exactly what to say and do to hurt Jayden the most; the Archdemon had given him enough fragments of his past to ensure that and to save Alistair he would do it. Cailan pulled to him the anger the Archdemon had unearthed within him, a boiling pit of fury he hadn't known seethed within him and he focused it all until it was as sharp and cutting as a sword. Feeling sick to his stomach and hating himself for what had to be done he made his way to the Chapel. Seeing Jayden kneeling before the statue of Andraste he hesitated, even from this distance he could feel his grief. He felt the Archdemon shifting in his mind and shuddered, forcing himself to step into the room. "Your men told me I would find you here."

Turning Jayden met the King's gaze, startled by how angry he looked.

"You should have tried harder!" Cailan accused angrily.

"With what?" Jayden felt weariness seep into his bones.

"To alert us to the coming Blight. You could have prevented all of this!"

Staring at him in disbelief as the King gestured to the fallen, Jayden tried to ignore the pain thundering through his body. "I did everything I could."

"You did not do enough!" Cailan snarled, horrified by the words he had to speak if he had any hope of keeping Alistair safe.

"No!" Jayden snapped, moving away from him and heading out of the Chapel, Airyl moving at his side. "You didn't do enough! You dismissed me as a child. Left me to deal with what I had seen alone!"

"Do not walk away from me!" Cailan hissed.

Turning Jayden glared at him. "Have some respect for the dead for Maker's sake!"

Anger radiating from him, Cailan followed Jayden outside, walking away from the Tower and the patrolling soldiers. "I got the Wardens involved! You did not do enough to convince them, any of us, of the threat. Because of your cowardice we never saw the whole of the vision you were given, perhaps there would have been something …"

"Cowardice! You try having someone digging in your mind, showing you the deaths of the people you love and care for!"

"Two more people died that did not need to and more injured!"

"You think I don't know that! You think I'm not tearing myself up about it. I should never have brought them here, but they all knew the risks and their duty."

"You were supposed to have trained these soldiers to deal with this! If you had done everything you could, I would not have been in the situation I was, waiting for that damn thing to take my mind. I would still have my memories! Every Wardens and soldier's death at Ostagar and before; the refugees fleeing their homes, all those families torn apart because of you." Cailan moved closer, almost choking on the words he was forcing out. "You were given that vision to save us and you led us to be slaughtered!"

Jayden staggered back as though he had taken a blow. "What more would you have had me do? What more could I have done?" Something inside Jayden snapped at the sneer on Cailan's face. "At least I'm trying to do something, not hiding behind loss of memories as an excuse to avoid my duty."

Hurt, shame and guilt tore through Cailan's chest, but he thought of Alistair's blood covered body and ploughed on. "You disapprove of me, but not for that, I think. It is obvious you disapprove of my relationship with Rosslyn and yet you have been tolerant of her, even friendly. I wonder how Anora would react to that and to the fact that you have accepted my child so easily."

"This has nothing to do with your affair!"

"No? I think it is time to get everything out in the open between us. You stand there thinking you have the moral high ground when you spend every day lying to everyone around you. It seems you and your sister have that in common!"

"You know exactly why I have to live this lie and you also know I hate every damn moment of it. As for Anora, what she did was wrong, there is no denying that, but you are hardly any better."

"She betrayed me!"

"She was afraid to have a child and instead of speaking to you she made sure she could not have one. How does that justify you sharing your bed with another woman? Instead of being honest with each other about your fears and your hurts, you let them fester and you both did stupid things, but don't you see, none of that even matters anymore. Whether you and Anora work things out or just have a political marriage, it won't mean anything if there is no country left! Anora is strong and fierce like my father, but she is also hurting and probably scared though she would never show it, but how could she not be when she is trying to protect our people from monsters and each other. Yes, she has my father, but you should be with her, supporting her, leading our people together, they need you both! Rosslyn and Gawain are safe in the Free Marches, you know first-hand what we face, now it's time to start being King again, memories or not!" He watched Cailan move towards him, his senses alarmed by the predatory walk.

"Your sister has always been a liar and a deceiver, I loved her, but I was never more than a duty to her." He spat out the lie hating himself for it. "She denied me a child!"

"So, Rosslyn was what, your way of getting back at her? You dishonoured two women to soothe your damn pride? I never let myself see how selfish you are, I blinded myself to it, but you were quite happy to stand back and let Anora deal with the difficult nobles, with Empress Celene, even trade negotiations. Then you just expected a child! Did you try to take any of the burden off her, the stress and uncertainty? What did you do to make her feel safe? You know what it did to her when I was taken, how afraid she was!"

Cailan stared at him stunned, shame, guilt and anger threatening to choke him. He wanted to fall on his knees and beg for his forgiveness, but he felt the Archdemon shifting in his mind. "How dare you speak to me like that. It was her duty to provide a child!"

"And that's the damn point!" Jayden snarled. "Anora knows exactly what it is like to be a child of duty. Dad left mom with all the responsibility. Maybe she wanted it to be different, but you don't know because you just expected and demanded and now you have yourself an heir and Anora means nothing to you! Be honest with yourself, you never had any interest in doing the hard work of ruling. You just wanted the glory and adoration of facing and defeating a great foe like our fathers did. Well, you have your wish, how is it turning out for you?"

"It's your damn fault we are in this mess! Tampering with magic that you had no business going near!"

"I was a child, I wanted to know who had given the order to have my mother murdered!"

"And then what, you would go and kill whoever it was?"

Jayden stared at him, his heart pounding brutally.

"You call me selfish, but look at what your selfishness has wrought. The Wardens stirred up a hornet's nest with your meddling!"

"The Architect caused the Blight, not me or the Wardens. We had warning because of that magic!"

"And what good did it do us? None!"

"First you say I did not provide you enough information and now you are condemning me for having any! What should I have done?"

"You should have stayed at Vigil's Keep and kept your head down like you were supposed to."

Jayden groaned in pain as Cailan put his hand to his chest, pinning him against a blackened and twisted tree.

Ignoring Airyl's warning growl, Cailan glared at Jayden. "You should have died that day at Ostagar. Why are you any more important than any of the others who lost their lives that day? Why were you saved?"

Jayden bit hard on his lower lip to stop it from quivering, shuddering in pain as the pressure increased on his chest.

Cailan swallowed uneasily at Airyl's vicious snarl; her lips pulled back over her teeth as she moved towards him. He pulled back watching as she stood in front of Jayden, her muscles tense ready to leap at him. "She won't always be around to protect you." He muttered, meeting Jayden's shocked gaze. "You are nothing and no-one. Even your sister wanted rid of you and your father did nothing to stop her sending you to Ostagar. You know what I think, I think they cannot stand the sight of you. You after all are why Celia is dead."

"Don't you dare bring my mother into this!" Jayden hissed, fury burning in his eyes, his fists clenching, only the pain he was experiencing holding him back from striking the King.

"I mean do you actually believe there was a threat? After so many years surely, we would have found the culprit? Shall I tell you what I think, your father and Rendon worked out a nice little plan to get you out of his sight for a few years. I think part of you thinks that too, you are just too afraid to admit it." Slowly Cailan took another step back as Airyl growled again feeling sick to his stomach. "You are the reason all of those bodies lie in that Chapel, you disgust me. We are not family; we are not brothers!"

"Damn right we aren't." Jayden snarled, glaring as Cailan turned and strode away. Leaning back against the tree Jayden clutched his chest trying to steady himself. His other hand resting lightly on Airyl's back murmuring soothingly as much for her as himself. He inwardly groaned as he heard footsteps, forcing himself to turn, seeing Leliana.

"It is fortunate that no-one else heard that."

"What are you doing here Leliana?"

"Watching over you, in case you had forgotten that is my assignment."

Sighing, Jayden turned away. "I am hardly likely to forget."

"Well, it appears you forgot the art of discretion. Neither of you were being discreet about your identity, nor the personal details of the King and Queens relationship."

"I know, I …"

"You know why the subterfuge must remain in place."

"I hardly think an Orlesian is going to leap out to assassinate me here of all places."

"Not the point."

"No, the point is two of my men gave their lives on a mission for a King who is selfish and unworthy of them. He is not the man I was willing to give my life for and I won't make that mistake a second time."

"Be careful what you say." Leliana cautioned gently. "When his memories return, I suspect he will regret what he said here. Do not be so eager to cast aside your bond with him."

"There is no bond." Jayden growled. "If that is the measure of the man he now is, I pity Ferelden."

"Whatever you are feeling now he is your King and you are Andraste's Champion. For the sake of your people, you must be united. Now come, you must rest."

Sighing in resignation given how exhausted he felt, Jayden joined Leliana still trying to calm himself as they reached the tavern. Turning as he heard footsteps, he was alarmed to see the King and several of Teagan's soldiers standing with crossbows aimed at Airyl; hissing in pain as he moved as quickly as he was able to stand in front of her. "What are you doing?"

"That beast needs to be put down." Cailan snarled. "It is a danger."

"Airyl is only a danger to anyone intent on harming me." Jayden snapped, feeling Airyl's tension as keenly as his own.

"Stand aside, that is the order of your King."

"I won't stand by and let you kill her!"

Taking a crossbow from the soldier nearest to him Cailan pointed it at Jayden. "Step aside now, that is an order!"

"Your Majesty …" Leliana froze at the dark look in the King's eyes.

"Cailan what is happening here?" Teagan demanded in alarm, hurrying from the tavern hearing the commotion.

"This is about loyalty and obedience." Cailan snarled.

"Run Airyl!" Jayden hissed, turning when she didn't move. "Run!"

Whimpering, she backed off not wanting to leave.

"Run!" Jayden yelled, gritting his teeth against the pain and throwing himself at Cailan as he prepared to fire, the bolt hitting the ground barely an inch from her paw. "Run damn it!"

Snarling in frustration and confusion, Airyl turned and ran.

"Fire!" Cailan roared.

Jayden watched in horror as the soldiers fired their crossbows, the bolts hitting the ground just shy of Airyl. He felt a swell of gratitude knowing, just as the King would that each soldier had deliberately missed.

"Take him!" Cailan snarled.

Wincing as two soldiers moved to his side taking hold of his arms, Jayden didn't struggle; he knew he would only hurt himself, instead meeting Cailan's gaze with all the rage he felt.

"Take the Captain to the Chapel and lock him in, let him spend time with those whose lives were lost because of him. No-one is to be allowed in to see him."

"Your Majesty …" Leliana moved towards Jayden.

"Sister, unless you want the same fate, I suggest you find somewhere else to be."

Seeing Jayden's look, Leliana backed away, she would be no use to him if she too was incarcerated. She watched as he was led away, glancing at the soldiers of his company who had approached wondering what was going on.

Cailan looked them over. "I hope you are all better at following orders than your Captain, on patrol all of you. I suggest you remember your loyalty is to your King."

Gabriel moved aside as the King moved past them into the tavern. "What in the Void is going on?" He hissed as the door slammed shut, turning to Leliana.

"I am not sure, but I do not think the King is quite himself."

Teagan shook his head. "Would someone like to explain what led up to this?"

"They had an argument I believe." Leliana stated. "The King became … physical in his anger and Airyl warned him to back off."

"I see." Turning back to the tavern Teagan worried at his lip. "He has been distracted since the Emissary was killed, short tempered and agitated. Perhaps the spell has caused damage we did not foresee."

"Whatever is going on with him, he is taking it out on Will and I fear what he may do."

"I will speak to him."

"Be cautious Bann Teagan." Leliana urged. "I suggest waiting until the Warden's return before you confront him. You may need their support."

"He is my nephew; he will not harm me."

"He may look like your nephew, but the man I just saw bore no resemblance in his actions to the one he was before we came here."

xXx

Reaching his room Cailan collapsed to his knees, shuddering as his reality shifted and he was once more in the vast marble chamber. "Are you satisfied!" Cailan snarled; heart pounding, but he heard nothing. "Damn you!" He roared, wretched sobs echoing as he was once more trapped in his own mind.

xXx

Hesitating at the doorway of the Chapel, Jayden glanced at both soldiers.

"I'm sorry." Paul muttered. "But we have orders."

Nodding Jayden forced himself to step into the Chapel, the torches that had lit the room before were now gone, swallowing hard as the door shut behind him hearing bolts slide into place. Plunged into darkness Jayden kept his back to the door and eased himself to the ground. Terror burned in his chest that Airyl would return and the soldiers would have no choice but to kill her, but perhaps worse was the rush of grief that he might never see her again. "Please Andraste, watch over Airyl and keep her safe." Wishing he had at least a coat he rubbed his arms to try and warm himself. Leaning his head back against the door he closed his eyes, wishing the emperor had had his way so long ago, or that he really had stayed in the Free Marches, either way Airyl would not be harmed for protecting him. "Stop feeling sorry for yourself." He snapped angrily. He longed for his belt, the attached pouches contained his light rune, flint and tinder, rations as well as health potions and salves. Easing himself to his feet with a groan of pain, Jayden pressed against the wall and slowly moved away from the door in the opposite direction to the bodies, aiming for the alcove at the far end of the room. Candles along with flint and tinder had been stored there. He made his way slowly around the room, never leaving the wall, his chest flaring with pain at each step, and with each step his anger towards Cailan increased. He didn't try to fight it, it kept his mind from how cold it was becoming and it would only get colder.

After what seemed an eternity, his hand felt space rather than stone and he stopped, carefully turning and feeling around, navigating the shelves but his search was futile, they were empty. Shivering and wincing as his stomach growled, he eased himself onto a bench, while lacking in comfort it was not quite as cold as the stone floor. He dozed for a short time sitting up sharply at a scraping noise, grabbing his side as his ribs protested. Heart pounding, he realised that there was light in the room, faint, but enough to make out the bodies on the floor, though he could not find its source. His imagination stirred as shadows shifted making it look for a moment that the body closest to him was moving. Unable to turn away Jayden swallowed against the lump growing in his throat. "I'm sorry." He whispered. "I swear I did everything I could." Angrily he took a shuddering breath. "Relax." He whispered. "The dead can't hurt you." He looked up sharply hearing the scraping noise again, his heart pounding wildly, his chest and back flaring with pain. He heard another sound as though the benches were being moved. Heart racing, he took a step forward feeling a rush of air before the ogre's face loomed in front of him, its fingers closing around him. He gave a strangled scream, before jolting awake.

Shivering painfully, Jayden found himself once more in darkness. He gripped the bench trying to ignore his shaking hands, grateful for its solidity beneath his fingers. Not daring to try and return to sleep Jayden began to speak the Chant of Light to keep himself awake. He kept going until his mouth was parched and his throat and jaw ached, forcing out the words to ward off the darkness and the old fear twisting in his heart that Cailan was right and he hadn't done enough to prevent the Blight.

xXx

Author note: Thank you for reading, it is always appreciated.