Runuk, Gavis and Arden were glad to be heading into the mines, even if they were going to look for Darkspawn to get vials of their blood as some kind of test. The sky was just too big for them and the enclosed space was comforting.

Rory smiled. "You will get used to the sky. Faren actually likes it now."

Runuk muttered a derogatory term under his breath. That was something else they were supposed to get used to, equal status with a castless! As a noble Runuk was finding that harder to come to terms with than the others who were warriors.

Peter frowned angrily. "Faren will be your brother warden, whatever you were before means nothing now."

"The nobility will always be worth more than a castless no matter what Order we join. I will certainly not fight side by side with that thing."

"You will unless you want to be fighting alone." Perin stated coldly.

Runuk hesitated as Serris stopped and stood in front of him. "I warned you when you volunteered that you would have to leave that kind of thinking behind. No matter our race, gender, social status, or abilities, once a warden there is only one hierarchy and social status has nothing to do with it! I suggest you come to terms with that quickly, the Commander certainly will not stand for such nonsense."

Runuk felt his cheeks flush, he was wary of the mage and did not wish a confrontation with her. He simply nodded, relieved when she resumed walking.

xXx

Settling down in the study having dumped his pack in his room, Rathnal took a moment to soak in the heat of the fire. He glanced up as Ayanna entered, sitting straighter at the concerned look on her face. "Trouble?"

"I'm not sure. Will is on his way to an arranged meeting point not far from here to pick up Theron, Leliana and Sten. He should arrive tomorrow. He wanted Morrigan too, but I told him she was working on something for us. He was not happy about it."

"Damn it. Where is he going?"

"He didn't say and the tone of his voice warned me not to ask."

"He only just arrived; they could have given him a moment to catch his breath."

"Are you taking a moment?"

Rathnal rolled his eyes, but took her point. "So, what happens in terms of communication?"

"I believe he is taking the communication crystal retrieved from Gwaren. The twin communication runestone to the one he loaned me, he is leaving with Fergus to allow us to co-ordinate as we will be joining those from Highever again shortly, to be given back to Will, when we meet up with him again of course."

"At least we will still be able to have some form of communication with him, which is a relief. Have Serris and the others arrived yet?"

"They arrived just before we did with three recruits, all male."

Rathnal took a shuddering breath. "Right, well we better get the Joining started then, see how they fair getting their vials of blood."

"Serris has already seen to that, they left a few hours again, hopefully they will be back soon."

Nodding Rathnal gazed at the flames. "Then let's hope that by the end of today we have three new brothers and not corpses to deal with."

"What about Jowan?"

Rathnal met Ayanna's concerned look. "He and Leliana get on well, I will tell her to keep an eye on him while we conduct warden business. I don't need him seeing the Joining before it is his time."

"It would be so much easier if we could just put him through the Joining too."

"I agree, but if we are going to get Eloen to testify against Howe, we need Jowan and putting him through the Joining before that happens is just too great a risk." He frowned as the runestone Ayanna handed over to him began to glow. "Maker what now." He carefully activated it. "This is Warden Commander Rathnal."

"Good you are there, this is Ellowyn. I need to speak privately with yourself, my brother, Alistair and Morrigan."

Ayanna nodded at Rathnal's glance hearing the distress in her tone. "I will get them."

As she closed the door Rathnal took a steadying breath. "What is this about Lady Ellowyn?"

"I would prefer to say it to all of you at the same time. It is … difficult."

"As you wish." He waited impatiently, relieved when the others arrived, handing the runestone to Aedan.

"Ell, what's going on?"

"Is it just the four of you there?"

"Yes, come on Ell, what's going on?" They listened stunned as Ellowyn explained the true origins of the threat on Jayden's life. "I am going to kill that son of a bitch!" Aedan snarled. "Maker, he has been planning this for years, he was supposed to be a friend to both of our families!" He turned as Alistair gently squeezed his shoulder; his friend clearly as horrified as he was.

Morrigan remained silent, attaining power she understood, but that it had affected Jayden so dramatically left her with an anger she could barely contain.

Shaking his head, Rathnal leaned back in his chair. "All this just to have him marry Lady Delilah, it just seems so …" He stared at them helplessly.

"It's madness." Alistair muttered. "How could anyone do that to another person, especially after his mom had just died." He shuddered. "Ell what state was he in when he left?"

"He can barely keep his anger in check. I am afraid for him, which is why it is more important than ever that we bring Howe down as quickly as we can."

"T'is likely he will simply kill this man himself."

"He promised he will keep his distance. He knows we need to clear our family and we need Howe alive to do that. Aedan he is on his way to you to pick up the non-wardens, perhaps you could speak to him. Just … he will not be alright of course, but …"

"I will talk to him." As they said their goodbyes, Aedan slumped into a seat. "That bastard needs to pay."

"You need to stay calm if you are going to speak to him." Alistair urged. "Igniting his temper further isn't going to help him."

"I know I just …" He sighed.

"Come on." Alistair pulled him to his feet. "An hour in the training yard will clear your head.

Rathnal stood as they left, turning to Morrigan who seemed lost in her own thoughts. "Morrigan?" He only just stopped himself from stepping back at the rage in her eyes before it was masked. "Maybe you need to do whatever calms you down as well. I can't let you go with him, but of course you can see him." He sighed as without a word she swept out of the room. Sinking back onto the seat he slowly rubbed his temples, unsure how much more cruelty his friend could survive. All those years of childhood together they had lost because of one man's insanity. Everything was just too overwhelming and he felt exhaustion swamp him.

xXx

Leading the way to the Commander's study, Serris knocked and waited, raising an eyebrow as she heard a muffled snore. Signalling to the recruits to wait where they were, she slipped into the room seeing Rathnal leaning back on the chair sleeping. Clearing her throat loudly she smiled slightly as Rathnal jerked awake. "Commander."

Groaning and rubbing his eyes, Rathnal stifled a yawn rubbing his aching neck. "Serris, it's good to see you again. All went well at Orzammar I hope."

"Indeed, Sereda sends her thanks for the Calling Crystal, it is in the palace under guard until wardens occupy the base and then it will be transferred."

"It is Sereda we need to coordinate with so I don't care where it is at the moment as long as we can do that. How are things for her as Queen?"

"There is the usual political maelstrom one associates with dwarven politics and ascension to the throne, but she was brought up to navigate this particular arena and she is doing so admirably."

"I don't envy her, being Commander is responsibility enough. So, I hear we have three new recruits, any problems?"

"Runuk is having a little difficulty letting go of his prior social status."

"Let me guess, nobility and he doesn't want to associate with a former Castless." He shook his head at her slight nod. "Did they get their vials?"

"They did; all are impressive fighters."

Standing Rathnal rolled back his shoulders. "I better meet them and make sure they understand we all fight together, or there will be no saving us."

"I shall leave you to it." As Serris left she gestured for the recruits to enter the study, smiling slightly as she heard Rathnal greet them with his Commander's voice, heading off to find Faren.

xXx

Staring at the sealed parchment from Queen Sereda, Faren struggled with the impulse to toss it into the fire, startled when Serris gently placed her hand on his wrist.

"Perhaps one day you will wish to open it. If today is not that day then lock it away. This one you will wish to open I wager; it is from your sister."

Grinning in delight, Faren took the parchment, breaking the seal and reading the contents swiftly. "She's pregnant!" He glanced up seeing Serris smile. "The father is Bhelen!" He shook his head. "Sereda allowed them to be together again and whatever they have, boy or girl will be part of the royal family and … and Sereda's heir!" He slumped onto a seat. "My niece or nephew will one day be the ruler of Orzammar! I … I don't believe it."

"This is good news, yes."

"I … I can't quite get my head around it. Serris my sister is living at the palace and apparently Beraht has vanished." He shook his head smiling slightly. "I would imagine Bhelen dealt with him permanently. Even my mother is at the palace, though my sister says she is the same as ever. Even a damn palace can't put a smile on that woman's face. I … I can't believe Sereda did this."

"She wants change for your people and she is making it happen. I know you are angry with her and you have a right to be, but as I say perhaps hold onto her letter, one day you might wish to read it."

Nodding Faren realised he had already tucked it into an inner pocket of his coat.

"Come, the Joining will begin soon."

xXx

Settling herself in her room having ensured no-one would disturb her, the Wardens having their own business to deal with, Morrigan took out the magical tomb. Reverently she turned the pages reaching the spell she was searching for that would allow her a glimpse of the future and hopefully answers about the child. She needed that information more than ever after all that Ellowyn had told them, but such a spell was inherently dangerous for many reasons, yet here she was safe and would have time to recover.

She had barely uttered the final word of the incantation before she saw herself sitting on a chair of a richly furnished room, a young boy playing at her feet. He glanced in her direction, black hair, grey eyes and Jayden's smile. "This is too late." She muttered, the strain of bending the magic to her will making her shudder. The image shifted to yet another room, not as richly furnished, but still comfortable, again seeing herself, belly swollen with her pregnancy. Groaning with the effort Morrigan forced the magic to shift. "Show me what I need to know!" She snarled, sweat beading her forehead with the strain. Her eyes widened, heart pounding as images of the future began to flow almost faster than she could comprehend them. Hands trembling, she felt her mana draining too fast, before the magic wrenched at her lifeforce as demanding as she had been. With a cry of pain Morrigan ended the spell and keeled over. Her breathing was harsh and her limbs were so heavy she couldn't move. She had no idea how long she lay there until she regained enough physical energy to crawl to the bed and haul herself into it. Shock at what she had seen left her numb, her body still trembling from the exertion. Frowning she brought her fingertips to her cheeks feeling them wet with tears. She silently cursed herself, her mother's voice echoing in her mind. 'We do what we must, even if that means doing nothing.' It was little consolation.

xXx

Rathnal sat at the desk in the study feeling the weight of command. He stared at the Joining potion and felt sick. All three recruits had died. It was a cruel blow and he felt as responsible as if he had put a sword through their chests himself. He glanced up as Ayanna entered, silently getting them both drinks before she settled on the seat opposite and took a sip of the brandy.

"It isn't your fault."

"It feels like it."

Sighing Ayanna took another sip, she was going to have nightmares about them choking and spasming as they died. "We just have to get through this like we get through everything else."

"Do you think we will get through this?"

"We have the Dalish support and while Gwaren is lost you helped save all of those people, that has to gain some backing with the nobility."

"I watched my home burn, Ayanna. I don't think my heart can take any more of this loss."

"You saved your grandfather and your people." She met his gaze. "You need to remember what we still have."

"And what is that?"

"We all have each other and we are going to end this blight." Swallowing the remaining contents of the glass Ayanna stood. "And on that note, I'm going to find Aedan."

He chose to ignore her meaningful look and simply nodded. He turned startled as Avernus barged into the study. "What now?"

"I waited until you did the Joining, this cannot wait any longer, I need to speak to you all immediately. Bring the wardens to the library and ensure your guests stay elsewhere."

"Avernus?"

"I would not call a meeting lightly." Avernus growled.

Sighing, Rathnal stood and followed him out, sending Ayanna to gather the others while he went after the elderly mage. Reaching the library, he was surprised to find Avernus had re-arranged the chairs into a circle. "What is this?"

"This is where we find out just what kind of Commander you are."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Rathnal glared as Avernus eased himself into a seat remaining silent. "For Makers sake." He grumbled, taking the seat nearest him, glancing to the others as they filed in until Ayanna closed the doors and locked them. "What is this about Avernus?"

"This is about the sacred duty of the wardens and the price that must be paid to kill the Archdemon."

Rathnal sighed softly. "It's alright Avernus, we know."

"Indeed, and you are trying to cheat your way out of it!"

"No-one is …"

"I have seen the ritual! Which one of you fools intends to father this god child?" He hesitated at their astonished looks. "Maker, did any of you look at the ritual?"

Rathnal shifted slightly. "No, we couldn't open the tome ourselves and Morrigan told me she had a ritual, that it … she didn't mention anything about a child!"

"What did you think the purpose of a ritual involving a fertile woman would mean?"

"I … I didn't really think about it."

"You mean she told you it was a blood magic ritual and you didn't want to know more." He growled as Rathnal flushed. "It is easy to hate blood magic until you realise how useful it can be." Avernus shook his head. "Commander, you cannot allow this ritual to take place. In saving the soul of the warden to kill the Archdemon, you also save the soul of the Old God and risk unleashing Maker knows what on the world when the child comes of age."

Rathnal felt his heart sink knowing he was right.

xXx

Barely able to contain his anger, Rathnal stormed through the Peak and hammered on the door to Morrigan's room with his fist. When there was no response, he opened the door and looked cautiously inside. The fire was down to embers, her precious tome lay open on the floor with a burnt-out candle next to it. Frowning he moved into the room and added more wood to the fire to ward off the chill and lit several candles. Moving closer to the bed his frown deepened, Morrigan was paler than he had ever seen her and she looked exhausted, he leaned closer realising that a thick strand of her hair was white. "Maker, what have you been doing?" He moved over to the tome hunkering down and looking over the page, careful not to touch it. Most he did not understand, but he understood enough to realise that it was a spell to see into the future. He rose as he heard her moan slightly and moved back to the bed, even exhausted she managed to give him that look of haughty superiority. "Did you see what you wanted to?" He was startled by the momentary pain in her eyes.

"I saw what I needed, but t'was not what I wanted."

"And what was it?"

"A necessary evil."

He frowned as she shuddered, seeing guilt and grief in her eyes. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"No. Leave me to sleep."

"Once we talk."

Sighing in frustration Morrigan struggled to sit up. She noticed the Commander simply watched her, his gaze colder than she had ever seen it. "T'would seem something troubles you. Perhaps your recruits did not survive."

"That is not what I am here to discuss, you should have told me what the ritual would really mean."

"T'is not my fault you chose not to ask further questions once you realised it was blood magic of a sort." She sighed at the fury on his face. "I imagine Avernus enlightened you."

"Why in the Makers world would you want any part of this ritual?"

"T'is why Mother sent me."

"To have a baby with a random warden so you can raise an old god who will be bent to your will?"

"I do not expect you to understand Commander."

"Try me." He growled.

Sighing, Morrigan met his angry gaze. "Men blunder through this world destroying what they do not understand. This fragment of an older world can be saved. T'is a fair price in exchange for what the wardens will gain."

"What did your mother intend for this child?"

"To train him, there will be no danger to you."

"You can't possibly know that!"

"I know that this child is the only way the warden to take the final blow can save his or her soul. T'would be foolish to pass up this opportunity because of a future you imagine rather than know."

"Is that why you were trying to see the future?" He glared at her silence. "Damn it Morrigan, what will this child become?"

"A powerful man, more than that you need not know."

"Of course we need to know! This child will have the soul of an old god!"

"He will be trained, Commander."

"But trained to do what?"

"To survive. Now leave me, I must rest."

Rathnal opened his mouth, but fell silent as she slumped back onto the bed, drifting into an exhausted slumber. He returned to his office, sinking onto the seat he buried his head in his hands knowing he could allow no warden to participate in the ritual and he was back to where he had been, facing the destruction of his soul. It seemed only moments later when Rinna knocked and slipped into the room. It was all too much and he accepted her arms around him, standing and pulling her tight to him, their lips crashing together in need. He didn't care about her being with Zevran, he didn't care about anything other than this moment, Rinna was life and he desperately needed her to help ward back the darkness.

xXx

Rathnal lay awake for a long time that night, Rinna sleeping peacefully in his arms. His lover needed to hold back the darkness just as he did and if Zevran helped her to do that he was not going to deny her, but he needed her too, now more than ever and he would just have to find a way to accept sharing her time and attention with another. It was not going to be easy, he knew that, but if he was going to get through this without losing himself completely before the end, he needed her to remind him of who he was and what they were fighting for. He smiled as she shifted in his arms, pushing herself onto her elbow to gaze at him.

"You can't sleep?"

"Just thinking."

"About?"

"Zevran." He sighed at her lascivious grin. "Not like that." He chuckled at her mock pout. "I'll figure out a way to share Rinna, I need you, but just let me find my own way."

Smiling Rinna nodded and kissed him gently, she had him back and for however long they had, she would ensure he knew how much he was loved.

xXx

Halting the group, Jayden waited impatiently at the pre-arranged area. The Calling Crystal was a heavy burden and with time on his hands he felt the call to contact his father and sister acutely. The need was almost painful and he realised he did not trust himself, he wanted them to know too badly, but he didn't dare risk their safety. Growling angrily at himself he crossed the small grove they were waiting in and gave Gawain the Calling Crystal. "I don't trust myself." He muttered. "Keep it safe, it is only to be used to contact Fergus." He met Gawain's gaze, the soldier nodding and taking the crystal without a word. He moved away, but the need to contact his family felt like it was stirring madness within him. He was pacing restlessly by the time he saw Morrigan and the others accompanied by Alistair, Ayanna, Aedan and Hunter. He hesitated and frowned seeing how exhausted Morrigan looked, wondering what the wardens had her doing.

Morrigan swept past the group, ignoring Aedan's growl of frustration knowing he had wanted to speak to Jayden first, moving immediately to his side. "We must speak."

"Why do you look so tired, what have you been doing?" He frowned, moving forward slightly, and raising his hand to her hair seeing the white that she had clearly tried to conceal. "Morrigan?"

"T'is nothing to concern yourself with, I overexerted my mana, foolish perhaps, but t'is something I will recover from." As she guided them out of earshot, she met his concerned gaze. "T'is you I am worried about."

"Ell contacted you then?"

"Indeed."

"Morrigan I … I can't talk about it. If I start letting it out I …" He was startled when Morrigan wound her arms around his neck, pulling him close.

Bringing her lips to his ear Morrigan did not bother to restrain her fury. "For all you have suffered, for all he has taken from you we will take from him tenfold. For every night you have spent apart from your family he shall spend the same screaming in pain. I will make him pay for all the hurt he has caused you." 'And all that he will cause you.'

"We need him to admit his treachery at the Landsmeet for the sake of the Couslands." Leaning against her shoulder Jayden sighed, feeling her fingers moving soothingly at the nape of his neck, his hands loosely at her waist. "I want him to suffer Morrigan. I want him to lose every coin, every ally, his home, his lands, his title. I want his schemes laid bare and I want him to know he lost before we throw him in the deepest pit we can find."

"T'is well you found out before tying yourself to his daughter." She met his gaze as he pulled back slightly. "T'is over between you is it not?"

"Of course it is!" Jayden snapped. "You think I want to share my life with her after this, you think I want my children to be of that bloodline." He turned away fists clenching, trembling slightly as he felt Morrigan's hand brush lightly against his.

"T'was not my intention to make this worse for you."

"I know, I'm snapping at everyone. I'm sorry."

Nodding she let her hand linger for a moment before withdrawing.

"So, werewolves."

"Indeed, t'is never dull."

"More's the pity. Morrigan, I have something I need to discuss with you."

Morrigan listened in silence to the plan to destroy the ogres, raising an eyebrow. "T'is dangerous."

"I know and I know I am asking a lot."

"I will help you, but my instruction must wait until I join you in Denerim for the Landsmeet."

"I still wish you were coming with me."

"T'would also be my preference."

Terrance subtly watched his captain, especially when Morrigan hugged him. Whatever had happened was bad and he could not help wondering why he could speak to her about it and not them. He glanced at Gabriel as he approached.

"You are not being as subtle as you think you are." Gabriel stated softly. "And you don't want him to think you are spying on him."

"I'm watching out for him, there is a difference."

"I get that, but he will tell us in his own good time. I get the impression he is just not sure how to."

"But he can tell her?"

"They have been friends since they were children, Terrance. I'm just grateful he can go to someone."

Flushing Terrance nodded. "I am too, I just wish …"

"Just be ready to support him when he does feel able to tell us."

xXx

Reluctantly leaving Morrigan's side, Jayden moved over to Theron grasping his arm in greeting, grateful he was alive.

"You don't seem uncomfortable around me." Theron stated cautiously.

"Should I be?"

"Well, I turned into a werewolf and my eyes are yellow."

"Morrigan turns into all sorts of creatures and her eyes are only a few shades more on the gold side and I don't feel uncomfortable with her."

Theron stared at him then shook his head and smiled. "On the positive side my eyesight is better than ever."

"And the wounds?"

"Healed, a few scars left, but that's alright."

"You've been through so much Theron and you always come back to being you."

"That is hardly my doing. You saved me when I was a ghoul and Morrigan had a spell to end the curse. I … I'm glad she was with us."

"I am too and the wardens got the support of the Dalish, another bonus."

"I know, it was a bit dicey for a while, Zathrian was crazier than I ever imagined, but his madness is over now." He sighed softly. "I mean I understand why he did what he did, maybe if I had magic in his situation, I would have done the same, but to keep it going all this time." He shuddered. "Maybe it's a good thing my people have lost their immortality."

Jayden gently clasped his shoulder. "Either way I'm glad you survived it."

"So, an army of ogres. It just keeps getting worse doesn't it."

"We will get through this."

"Not wanting to bring up bad memories, but you were almost crushed by an ogre. There were only two of them in that cave and look at the damage they did. How are we supposed to fight two hundred of them?"

"We don't. We have some ideas; we can talk more about this once we are on the road."

Theron glanced at the wardens and nodded in understanding.

"Come." Leliana stated softly to Sketch. "I should introduce you to the captain. He is also Andraste's Champion, but I would not advise calling him that, especially given he already looks angry."

"I could always meet him later."

"Now would be better." Leliana moved them over to Jayden feeling increasingly uncomfortable at the dark look he was giving her. "Captain William, may I present my companion Sketch." She felt momentary relief that his anger gave way to surprise.

"The Sketch?"

"Indeed."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Sketch. I am aware you are a mage so please be aware we have a Templar in the group and two mages."

"From the Circle?"

"Yes, Ser Matthew and Enchanters Dylan and Reece."

Sketch frowned. "I don't remember the name of the Templar and I made sure I knew all of the Templars on duty, but I think I met Dylan."

"It may be Matthew was on assignment elsewhere."

"He will want to take me to the Circle." He glanced at Leliana. "This was not a good idea."

"You are an emissary from the Dalish clan and as such, for the moment at least untouchable given we need their support." Jayden stated firmly.

"But I'm not actually Dalish or an emissary."

"I suggest you don't tell Ser Matthew that and perhaps speak to Dylan discreetly."

Sketch stared at him. "You won't tell him?"

"No and if it comes to it, I will place you under my protection."

Sketch raised an eyebrow. "You can do that?"

"We are still working it out. Worst case I'm sure Leliana can help you to disappear."

"I … um … alright."

"Our mission is one of great importance. You are Leliana's responsibility, but Maker help you if you betray us."

"I won't." Sketch stated quickly.

"I need to speak to Leliana in private."

"Of course."

As Sketch moved away to speak to Dylan, Leliana glanced at Jayden anxiously. "We have been worried about you."

"I'm fine."

"You are a better liar than that."

"We can discuss me later, right now I want to talk about you."

"Alright."

"From now on I want to see any messages you are going to send to the Queen. I was an idiot not to realise you would be reporting to her."

Leliana paled slightly. "I have no choice, my life will be forfeit if I do not give comprehensive reports."

"What does she have over you?"

Leliana flushed. "A mistake that cost me everything."

Sighing, Jayden nodded. "Alright, just let me see what you send from now on. Things are going to get even more dangerous Leliana and we can't afford sensitive information getting into the wrong hands."

"And by that you mean Arl Howe?" She stepped back in alarm at the rage that flashed across his face, seeing the tremendous effort it took for him to return to a neutral expression. "You know of course about the mercenaries that became werewolves." At his nod she nipped at her lower lip. "We must be cautious in case he has sent others."

"We will, now we need to get moving. We have additional horses for you, there should be enough for Sketch too, make sure he gets one. Oh, and Leliana, I was being serious, I have had enough of betrayal's and if Sketch proves himself false …"

"I will deal with it." Leliana stated hurriedly. "But he won't, I promise." She was glad to move away as the wardens approached him.

Ayanna looked cautiously at Jayden. "May I speak with you?"

"Of course."

"Rathnal is having to deal with some things, he apologises that we need to keep Morrigan."

"We will cope."

"Are you … how are you after being linked to the Alpha?"

"I'm fine Ayanna."

"Are you sure? Because even Avernus has never heard of that happening before."

"Well, it happened, but the cure severed the connection so I'm fine."

Aedan frowned and glanced at Ayanna. "Can we have a moment with Will alone."

Nodding, Ayanna stepped away, glancing back at them in concern.

Shifting uncomfortably not knowing where to start, Aedan took a steadying breath. "I assume Morrigan told you Ell made contact and told us what happened with Thomas and Delilah."

Sighing softly Jayden nodded. "She said she would. Aedan I …"

"I am sorry. All this time …"

"We can't change it; we just have to go forward from here." He trembled as Alistair gently gripped his shoulder.

"Maybe you don't want to talk about it right now, or here, but when you are ready too, we are here for you." He smiled at Jayden's grateful look.

"We will make him pay; I swear it. For everything he has done to both of our families." Aedan muttered.

Jayden met his worried gaze, realising he feared he would take matters into his own hands. "I will stay my hand Aedan, we will have justice together, I swear it."

xXx

Gathering the group together once Morrigan and the wardens had departed, Jayden cleared his throat. "Some of you know each other, but for those who don't, Tess, Gabriel, Lawrence and Terrance are soldiers of Denerim and part of my Company, along with Enchanters Dylan, Reece and Ser Matthew. We also have Sten of the Beresaad, Sister Leliana, Theron of the Sabrae clan and Zevran who is happy for me to tell you he is a Crow. The newest additions are Guardsman Gawain from Gwaren and Sketch who joins us as an ambassador of sorts from the Dalish. You all have valuable skills that will likely be put to the test in Denerim. Our mission is to infiltrate the city and find out what has been going on there, particularly anything that involves Arl Howe. For those of you who know the city, Vaughan Kendells is now the Arl which will be trouble, particularly for the elves. We are to be unseen, the whole point of us being there is to obtain information not to start a fight, but I won't stand by and watch people hurt either. Once in the city we will meet up with Kara my contact and hopefully she will be able to bring us up to speed on what has been happening. When in Denerim no-one is to go off on their own. Once we get Kara's information, assignments will be given. For those of you with family in the city I know it will be tempting to go and see them, however given the sensitive nature of our assignment the risk will need to be assessed first. Make no mistake, Denerim will be dangerous, the new Arl is a vicious man who enjoys torturing people and Arl Howe is a traitorous bastard, so our priority is to remain safe and unseen."

"And what if the Arl's discover our presence?" Leliana asked curiously.

"That will depend on what they do, but Arl Howe must be made to reveal his treachery at the Landsmeet, so our solutions cannot be lethal in nature."

"How do you expect to do that?" Sketch queried. "Men like the Arl can talk their way out of most things."

Jayden thought of the vial in a hidden pocket of his coat. "It will be his own words that condemn him, trust me. Now, if anyone has any other questions to ask, do it now, we need to get moving."

Lawrence cleared his throat. "Not wanting to state the obvious Captain, but if the mission is about not getting noticed we are a large group and how do we hide a Qunari, a Dalish elf with yellow eyes and several mages? Not forgetting yourself as Holy Andraste's Champion, I mean your face is on posters throughout the country and Airyl is a dead giveaway."

"We get creative Lawrance and we be damn careful, we have until we reach Denerim to figure it out. Now gather your gear and let's go."

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