Hood pulled up to conceal her face, Brina made her way through the streets of Denerim to the Pearl where she was meeting Kara. A private room would ensure their conversation went unheard and if the Maker was with them, unnoticed. The mercenary leader was already there waiting for her, an impatient expression on her face.

"Tell me you have news."

"Indeed, and you will hear it soon enough yourself from the rumours that have been put in motion."

"Tell me."

"William is in Vaughan's estate."

"We assumed that."

"Not as a prisoner, as a guest." She gave Kara a moment to register her words before continuing. "The rumour is that Vaughan is protecting Holy Andraste's Champion after he was rescued from being tortured by Lord Fergus Cousland."

The colour draining from her face, Kara shook her head. "They can't possibly think they can get away with that."

Nipping at her lip Brina met her gaze. "Apparently William will testify to it in the Landsmeet."

Hanging her head Kara closed her eyes. "Then he is lost to us, for the moment at least. Very well, we must make preparations and … adjustments. It would be a safe bet to assume he is in one of the guest rooms."

"They have doubled the guard presence at the estate, there is no getting in there and even if you could, there is no way of knowing if you could convince him to leave with you. However, I am friendly with one of the servants and am meeting with her later on tonight, perhaps if luck and Holy Andraste favours us, she might know his exact location. I don't know how it will help you, but the more information we have the better."

"Be careful, we can't risk him being moved."

"I'm always careful."

Smiling slightly, Kara nodded, pulling on her coat as Brina left, her frown returning. "Damn it Will, why isn't anything easy with you?" A short time later she was in Brom's office sitting across from the Acting Captain sipping hot tea.

"A guest of Vaughan, they must have done a number on him to get him to believe that." Shaking his head, Brom shuddered. "Even if we get him back and the mages can reverse whatever that blood mage has done to him, he will never be the same. Not after something like this."

"One thing at a time Brom, let's get him back first."

Huffing slightly, he nodded. "And how are we going to do that?"

"If my agent can get me his location, Maker willing Morrigan can get to him."

"How …" He hesitated at her raised eyebrow. "I can't believe I'm saying this, is she an actual Witch of the Wilds?"

"I can neither confirm nor deny."

Brom poured them both a whisky. "I need something stronger than damn tea."

"Just try not to think about how she will get him, just that she will, I hope."

"The Chantry is going to string him up by his toes one of these days for the company he keeps."

"Not if we don't tell them."

Snorting Brom shook his head. "They won't hear a damn thing from my lips that's for sure."

xXx

Leaning against a tree Fergus took a shuddering breath, his clenched hands had finally stopped trembling. He turned as Ellowyn approached him. "He believes I tortured him, that I personally tortured him! Maker, Ellowyn, is there nothing that monster will not do!"

"Once Thomas's ring takes effect the truth will be revealed."

"What if Thomas's ring does not work? What if he truly believes it? What if he always believes it?" He fell silent as Ellowyn clasped his hands.

"Jay is strong, we have to believe in him just as he believes in us." She smiled at his confused expression. "Do you really think he would have fought so hard, put himself in such danger to help take Highever back if he did not believe in us, in you!"

"I …"

"And there is no reason to believe the ring will fail us. No matter what they have done to him, what they have made him believe, we will find a way to bring him back to us. Do not give up on him Fergus I beg you. He needs us now more than ever. Now, Kara is arranging for Banns Loren, Alfstanna and Sighard to be in the Gnawed Noble tavern when you arrive in the city. They are against the Regent and will be able to give you a measure of how the land lies."

"How can we be certain they are against him?" He turned at the sound of someone approaching, seeing Cailan and Teagan.

"Alfstanna has always been a friend to your family." Teagan stated. "With the discovery that her brother was being held in Vaughan's dungeon and refused lyrium, I cannot imagine she will suddenly see Rendon in anything but a poor light. Her brother's mind … well he is not as he was and perhaps never will be. The death of Loren's wife that night in Highever has left him baying for Rendon's blood by all accounts and once Sighard discovered they had been torturing his son, well let's just say the young man will be a long time in recovering and his father will be happy to see those responsible fall. I suppose we will see how supportive they will be to our cause once we reach Denerim."

"I should never have sent him." Fergus muttered.

"That was my idea not yours." Cailan stated softly. "The blame for this lies with me." He glanced in the direction of Denerim. "I will make it right brother, I swear."

xXx

Waking at dawn Zevran dressed and headed downstairs finding Theron and Leliana playing cards, they were taking it in shifts to ensure someone was awake at all times, especially after the attempt on Gawain's life. All three turned sharply as the door burst open, a very agitated Morrigan storming inside. "Finally."

"T'was time consuming to fly such a distance, I required rest."

"Of course, but that you are here is a relief."

"I would see Airyl."

"I will take you." Theron stated, getting to his feet he glanced at Zevran. "Maybe check with Kara and see if she has that location yet." He passed Morrigan and led her to a room at the back of the house, knocking gently and heading inside.

Glancing up Sketch got to his feet yawning loudly, he looked as exhausted as he felt, though he was grateful that Reece and Dylan had been aiding him with keeping Airyl sedated, though they had stopped that since the news the torture had apparently ended. It had been a relief to them all that when the spell had worn off, Airyl, while agitated, no longer seemed to be experiencing pain.

Kneeling down beside the wolf Morrigan gently spoke her name, smiling as her eyes opened. "Seems the bond between you is stronger that I imagine either of you appreciate."

Huffing softly, Airyl pushed her nose against Morrigan's hand, crunching on the mabari treat offered to her.

"It seems her injuries have been treated adequately."

"High praise indeed." Theron murmured, noticing Sketch's indignant look.

"Very well, has he been located?"

"Hopefully Zevran can tell us that when he returns. If you need rest, I suggest you do it now."

"It is not rest I require."

"Food maybe?" Sketch murmured with another yawn, his stomach rumbling loudly.

Hesitating, Morrigan nodded. "Food would be appreciated." She glanced up at the sound of footsteps meeting Dylan's gaze.

"Can I have a word Morrigan?"

"If you wish." Following him to an empty bedroom she frowned. "This is hardly the time to …"

"Maker's breath Morrigan that is not … please just listen." He quickly explained his flight to Vaughan's estate and finding Eloen.

"You suspect she is under demonic influence?"

"Well, we both know Anders is alive!"

"Indeed. T'is troubling."

"Morrigan it's obviously the priority to find Will, but we could stop Eloen as well. I know Will made a deal with the Warden's on behalf of Jowan for her, but given the situation …"

"You suggest killing her?"

"She can't testify to all the atrocities she has committed if she is dead, but if we can somehow stop her influencing Will ..."

"She may have completed her adjustments to his mind."

"Maker's sake Morrigan we are talking about Will; how can you sound so damn clinical."

"You would have me wail and weep, what use is that to him?"

Sighing Dylan nodded. "I just want to get him back before there is nothing left of him to bring back."

"Indeed." She turned from him and left the room, noting that he fell into step just behind her a moment later. Heading back to the main room she joined then in breaking their fast, talk was minimal and she felt suffocated by the air of agitation. She glanced up as Zevran returned, feeling a sense of dread; time was up and she had no choice but to face the consequences of the future she had manipulated.

xXx

Jayden woke up with a start on a comfortable bed. Eleon had given him a sleeping potion to enable him to be moved, he presumed, to keep up the pretence of his apparent rescue. It was early morning, the weak sunlight pushing through the slats of the shutters over the windows. Easing himself up with a grunt of pain he took stock of his surroundings. The bedroom was sizable and richly furnished, likely one of the better guest rooms in the estate he would wager. Appearances would apparently be everything. The fire had burned low, but still gave enough heat to take the chill from the room. It was cold, but he acknowledged his sensitivity would likely have changed given he had been locked in a dungeon for Maker knew how long. He suspected weeks, but there was no real way of knowing, though he suspected they were now in Firstfall. His hand drifted to his throat, the collar was gone, but the skin was raw and painful to touch. Easing himself unsteadily to his feet he moved to the dressing table and removed the cloth that had been draped over the mirror. Sinking down into the seat he stared at himself. His skin was ghastly pale, his forehead bruised and the skin broken where the restraint had been, his skin in a similar state at his wrists and ankles. He looked haggard, his cheeks sunken, the skin beneath his eyes bruised in appearance. Glancing down he saw the bruising across his chest, fresh scars beneath them, the same on his back as he turned. The lash marks had bitten deep and many were still raw. What he couldn't see was the damage Eloen had created within his body with her elemental magic, he still felt the pain, but hoped in time that would ease. Finally, he forced himself to look at his eyes, dark and haunted. Forcing himself to his feet Jayden moved to the window easing open a shutter, each movement triggering pain that made him grimace. Looking out he wasn't surprised to see his room faced out onto the back of the estate. No buildings nearby tall enough to see over the trees that had been planted years ago to break up the monotony of the surrounding wall and therefore no direct line of sight to him. He returned to the bed feeling almost too weak to stand. While the torture perhaps was over, he knew he couldn't let down his guard if he was to convince them he was truly enthralled. He had gone over and over in his mind what he needed to do while Eloen was forcing the memories into his mind, but he felt sick to his stomach. He reminded himself that if he failed there would never be justice for his family, or the Cousland's. Jayden felt his gut clench when the handle of the door turned. He couldn't hope to hide his distress, but he could deflect from it. Not bothering to hide his panic, he watched Rendon enter the room.

Rendon hesitated as Jayden got to his feet, clearly with a struggle and backed away, wondering if Eloen had failed. "Jayden?" He took a step closer, seeing the tension in the younger man. "You are safe."

"You say that." Jayden snarled. "But everyone I trust betrays me! Why should I trust you?"

"Perhaps because your father does."

"My father trusted Elouise, he trusted Bryce, he trusted Fergus!"

"We can all be fooled Jayden, that is the sad reality of being human, but you are safe here." He watched cautiously as Jayden sighed.

"I …" He stared at his hands. "When I was on that ship when I was seven, that woman drilled into me exactly what the emperor would do, starting with cutting off my fingers and hands." He met Rendon's uncertain gaze. "It is as though it's in a loop in my dreams, I can feel it, even when I'm awake."

"What Fergus did to you was terrible and it is not surprising that this has triggered previous trauma, but you will recover."

"I have loved the Cousland's as family my whole life. Why would they do this to me, to my family? Why would they carry out such a heinous betrayal? Why would they take my life from me?" The last was snarled out as he glared at the Regent.

"I cannot say for certain what motivated them." He frowned as Jayden turned away from him. "I can promise you justice."

"No, you can't, because there will never be justice for what was taken from me, from my family! Can you give me time with my grandfather? Can you erase the years I lost with my father and sister? No, there can be no justice for that." Sighing he slumped against the wall.

"Perhaps I should come back later, when you are more rested."

"Where are we?"

Hesitating at the door, Rendon cleared his throat. "We are in the estate of the Arl of Denerim."

"I'm in Vaughan's home!" Jayden made a choked noise.

"I understand you two have a history, but with my encouragement he has extended his protection."

"Fergus tortures me and Vaughan is protecting me, I feel as though I am still in one of my damn nightmares." He glanced over as Rendon cleared his throat again.

"I ask that you put any past unpleasantness behind you. Can you do that? You will have to find a way to work with him in the future, perhaps now is the time to find that way."

"Why would he help protect me?"

"It was in his best interests." He smiled slightly. "He prefers to remain on my good side."

"He is vile." Jayden muttered.

"Perhaps consider giving him another chance. Trust me, he is your ally in this."

Jayden lowered his head. "I … I will try."

"I will have some food sent up and perhaps we can talk this evening."

"How did you find me? How did you know what was happening to me? I need to know."

"As you wish." Rendon gestured for Jayden to sit down, waiting until he was seated on the edge of the bed before easing himself into a chair.

Jayden listened as Rendon span his web of lies, from confronting Bryce, to his injury and the death of Eleanor, to his confession that he had had the family under surveillance not trusting them. Jayden listened quietly and attentively. "I should be grateful, but I just feel numb."

"That is to be expected. Do you need anything for the physical pain?"

Jayden shook his head; he had no intention of being drugged so easily.

"You do yourself no favours by refusing pain relief."

"If you would get me the ingredients and some vials, I can make something to ease the pain myself." Noting Rendon's frown he held his gaze. "Can you blame me for being cautious? Vaughan hates me and whatever restraint you think you may have placed on him; I doubt it will hold."

"As you wish, if it will ease your mind." He listened carefully as Jayden listed everything he would need. "Very well." Rendon eased himself to his feet. "I will see you later and we can talk further."

"Wait, did you happen to retrieve any of my belongings?"

"We have your armour and weapons. They will be returned to you when you are healed."

"Was there … did your people retrieve a coat?"

"I have no idea, but a coat is an easy item to replace." He hesitated at Jayden's conflicted expression. "Why is the coat important?"

"It was a gift from Lady Delilah."

Smiling slightly, Rendon nodded. "I understand. Let me make some enquiries."

"Thank you."

"Good, now get some rest."

Jayden sat where he was for some time after Rendon had taken his leave, his heart pounding, swallowing back his rage and wondering if he had truly convinced him.

xXx

Heading to the study Rendon found Vaughan with his feet up on the desk. "Do you still have his coat?"

"Probably with the rest of his things."

"Get it."

"Why? He is not going anywhere."

"Just get it and take it to him."

"I am not a servant!" He paled at Rendon's look and hurriedly left the room.

xXx

With his location Morrigan had flown to Vaughan's estate, and was now settled on the window ledge. Dylan had wanted to come with her, but she had argued it was unwise to let the others know he already knew the spell to change his form and she wanted to see him by herself first. Her eyes locked on Jayden who was sitting on the bed, he appeared to be looking at his hands. He looked exhausted and in pain. Tapping her beak on the window, she watched him impatiently when he did not respond, shuffling quickly to the side at the knock on the door.

Jayden tensed as the door opened, Vaughan stepping into the room.

"Do you have everything you need?"

It took all of his training and will power not to reach for his throat. "Yes. I … why are you doing this? Protecting me, I mean."

Vaughan hesitated, he had expected to see hate, some glimmer of memory of what had passed between them in the dungeon, but there was nothing in his gaze except exhaustion. He almost wished he would attack him, because the alternative was Eloen really had changed his memories and if Andraste's Champion could have his memories changed, there was no hope for the rest of them. "I do not like you William, I have made no secret of that, but I like traitors even less, so for the moment we are allies. After this business is done, who can say." He handed over the coat he was holding. "Rendon said you were eager to have this back." He raised an eyebrow as he immediately put on the coat as though to prevent it from being taken from him again. "If you need anything just speak to the guards outside the door, they know to send for whatever you need."

Jayden nodded, but remained silent.

Moving to the door Vaughan hesitated and glanced back at him, but the words died on his lips and he left.

Shuddering Jayden turned away, glancing to the window startled to see a raven. He moved as quickly as he was able, but as he reached the window the raven was gone before he could open it. "Not Morrigan then." He murmured dismally leaning against the wall, wishing not for the first time he had magic to enable him to change his form.

Heart pounding Morrigan flew back to the safe house, her companions waiting for her.

"Well, did you find him?" Leliana demanded.

"The information given of his location was correct."

"Did you speak to him? How is he?" Tess frowned deeply when Morrigan did not answer immediately.

"Vaughan entered the room before I could gain his attention, he stated they are allies."

Slumping into a seat Tess stared despairing at Lawrence and Gabriel, both clenched their fists and looked ready to commit murder. "So, they really did it, they really altered his mind. I thought … after all the blood magic he managed to fight off …"

"This was a brutal and sustained attack." Zevran stated. "It shows his strength that he held out as long as he did."

"So, what do we do now?" Theron asked, glancing around uneasily.

"I shall return tonight." Morrigan stated. "Perhaps if I can gain entry to the room, I can determine the extent of the influence and the damage, he appeared to be in pain. Once we know more, we can pass the information on to those still to come."

xXx

Sitting down on a comfortable seat in the guest bedroom, Rendon gestured for Jayden to join him. The small table between them was laden with food. Jayden had lost too much weight and had been weakened by it; if he was to join him at the Landsmeet he needed to regain some of his strength. "I see you have your coat back. Luckily one of my men just picked up everything in the pile. Does it really mean that much to you?"

"Your daughter means that much to me."

"Indeed, I see that. I called a Landsmeet when I discovered what had been happening to you. We must quell this civil unrest, after all we have the Darkspawn to deal with and there will be questions asked about your father and the Regency falling to me. I have received news that Eamon and Tegan are travelling to Denerim with Fergus. You must not be surprised by their support of him, who knows what lies he has been spinning."

"Arl Eamon is a powerful man."

"I am Regent and you are Holy Andraste's Champion. My children are also travelling here as we speak and they are bringing Ellowyn Cousland who stands with us. We will prove their treachery and end this." He smiled at Jayden's shocked look. "She will go against Fergus at the Landsmeet."

"Are you sure?"

Rendon frowned slightly. "Is there reason to doubt her?"

Jayden stared at him stunned. "Her brother just tortured me!" He rasped out. "Her father was part of taking me from my life! I …" He turned away, shuddering painfully.

"Ellowyn has always been your friend." Rendon stated softly. "She came to me to help you."

Letting out a shuddering breath Jayden turned to him, his eyes haunted. "I …"

"You have no need to explain, I understand."

"I'm sorry I ran away. I've feared Orlesian's for so long and I didn't know who to trust, but time and again it is my own countrymen who betray me."

Rendon swallowed hard speared by guilt. "I will protect you."

"Can I … can I see my dad?"

"He is … still indisposed. Your sister's murder … he is not himself."

"I could help him."

"Of course, when you are well enough to do so. I am so sorry about your sister. Your family has endured too many cruelties." Rendon put on his most concerned expression. "You must eat and regain your strength, I know you have been through much, but I need you at my side at the Landsmeet. No doubt Fergus and Eamon will have concocted many falsehoods about me and as I said, with you at my side as Andraste's Champion, it will help immeasurably."

"I will do whatever it takes to ensure justice."

Rendon smiled broadly. "I have always admired your bravery. When it is time, my men will be placed throughout the Great Hall, you will have nothing to fear. Most of the nobility are already in Denerim, which works in our favour, less time for Fergus to spread his lies. The sooner this is done the sooner our people will be united. Come, eat, there must be something here you like."

"Forgive me it all looks a little rich."

"Of course, perhaps this may be easier on your stomach." Lifting the lid of the soup dish he smiled as Jayden's interest perked. "A simple broth." He handed him a full bowl and filled his own plate with the multitude of delicacies he had known Jayden wouldn't have had the stomach to face. He attempted to entice Jayden into conversation, but he was clearly exhausted and, in the end, he simply patted his shoulder and told him to rest, having the servants quickly remove the dishes, none of them looking at Jayden as they had been instructed. "Get some rest. You are as dear to me as my own son, we will deal with the Cousland's and rebuild."

Jayden felt exhaustion take over him and staggered to the bed, slipping under the blanket the moment Rendon had closed the door. He had no idea if there was a spy hole into the room and so had been unable to check before now, but now alone and covered he discreetly checked his pockets. Relief filled him as he found the vial, still whole in its protective pouch, hearing the movement of the liquid. "Thank you." He whispered to no-one in particular, the sleeping potion in the soup taking full effect and leading him into a dreamless sleep. He was unaware when the door re-opened a short time later and Eloen slipped into the room taking a seat next to the bed, her hands trembling as she drew her athame across her palms and pressed them to his temples.

xXx

"It is time for you to know the truth about William." Rendon stated, pouring himself and Vaughan a drink.

"Finally, well this better be good."

"He is in fact Jayden Mac Tir."

Vaughan turned ashen and leapt from the seat, spilling his drink and glaring at Rendon. "You had me torture the General's son!" He shrieked. "Are you mad?"

"Calm yourself Vaughan. Really, I did not believe you capable of such histrionics."

"How could you be so stupid!" Vaughan gave a choked gasp as Rendon's hand gripped his throat and he was pinned against the wall.

"Careful how you speak to me boy." Rendon snarled. "You have been useful, but if I think that has changed …" He let the unspoken threat of Eloen hang between them. As he let go he watched Vaughan stumble across the room rubbing his throat and coughing violently. "Sit down and have a drink."

Trembling slightly, Vaughan took a seat taking a sip of the brandy Rendon poured for him.

"I intend to make him King."

"And you will of course hold influence over him." He shuddered at Rendon's smile. "I do not understand, I thought Jayden was squiring in the Free Marches."

"I will not bore you with the details, you need only concern yourself with the present and future. It would be in your best interests to bury any past ill feeling towards him. Friendship will gain you more than animosity."

"It would take your mages magic to get him to accept any offers of friendship from me."

"That can be arranged, if you can keep control of yourself."

Vaughan frowned and then leaned back into the chair. "You intend for him to marry Delilah; your grandchildren will be born royalty."

Taking a slow sip of whisky Rendon met his gaze, but remained silent, a slight smile his only response.

xXx

Reaching the room for the second time that day Morrigan was intrigued to find the window open slightly. It could be a trap of course if he had told them everything. Turning into a spider she moved closer seeing Eloen by the bed, her face fixed in concentration as she wove her magic within him.

Finally pulling back Eloen carefully wrapped cloth around her hands to cover the cuts. The spell should be enough to ensure he would never come for her. He could hire others of course, but she hoped the spell would create a sufficient enough deterrent. Yawning loudly, she stood, and gazed down at him. "You seem almost innocent in your sleep, hard to believe there is a possible future where you destroy all mages." She didn't notice the spider's descent down the wall suddenly stop, nor did she feel the flicker of magic as Morrigan struggled to maintain her alternate form. "Sleep well William, I believe this will be our last night together." Closing the door quietly behind her and ignoring the guards, Eloen hurried back to her own room feeling utterly exhausted.

Heart pounding Morrigan shifted back into her human form staring at Jayden wide eyed. Easing over to the bed she nipped at her lower lip knowing that what he had experienced these last few weeks could certainly be a catalyst to the terrible future Eloen had mentioned. Trembling slightly, she scanned him to ascertain the presence of any spells. She had known he would have experienced pain; her future glimpse had told her that, yet it had not prepared her for the true extent of trauma he had experienced. She felt layers of spells created to adjust his mind and without a great deal of time she didn't dare attempt to unravel them. On top of that were the traces of spells that had caused physical injury throughout his body, shuddering as she realised, he was trying to move away from her magic. Ignoring the nausea his response provoked she sat next to the bed. She had almost expected him to awake from her presence; he was such a light sleeper, but it was clear from Eloen's presence that he was under the influence of a sleeping potion. Keeping her voice a whisper not wishing to alert anyone to her presence, she leaned to his ear. "You will understand why this had to happen soon enough, you are a practical man, one of the many things I appreciate about you. You will understand." Hesitating she reached out her hand to caress his face, but froze and snatched her hand back before she touched him. "T'will be over soon, I promise." Hearing the guards moving outside Morrigan quickly moved to the window pushing it wider and escaping the room in raven form.

As the door opened light shone onto the bed, but Jayden did not stir. "Sleeping like a baby." Urian murmured, frowning and seeing the open window, quietly crossing the room and closing it, heading back outside to his post.