Icy rain pelted the ground and the two riders heading for Lothering huddled in their cloaks. Garrett glanced up at the sky seeing no end of the rain and urged his mount on. They had stopped at Merinwood to start the evacuation, urging them to get to Gwaren, infuriated when several of the villagers refused to leave their homes. Despite explaining that the battle had been lost and the overwhelming force of Darkspawn that would be heading their way, they still seemed reluctant to leave. He glanced to his brother, Carver had lost his temper, yelling at them about those who had sacrificed themselves and shortly afterwards they had left leaving them to whatever fate they chose for themselves. Carver hadn't spoken since and Garrett hadn't known what to say to break the silence. They had stopped only to rest the horses catching a little sleep themselves and finally as midday approached Lothering was in sight. Gripping the reins tightly to stop the tremble of his hands, Garrett wondered how everything could have gone so wrong. Despite wanting to get to Anders he stopped at the Chantry and spoke to Ser Bryant explaining what had happened and urging them to evacuate to Gwaren. Leaving the fate of Lothering to the Templars they hurried to the farm, finding their family sitting down to a meal.

Anders gave a startled gasp as Garrett hurried in, rushing to greet him and hugging him tightly. "You're here!" He gasped clinging to him, his heart pounding, frowning as he realised his love was shaking. "Garrett?" His frown deepened as Garrett pulled away though clasped his hand.

"We have to get out of here; we lost, we have to flee!" Garrett felt a rush of frustration as they all just stared at him. "We need to pack and get to Gwaren!"

"Lost?" Malcolm asked paling.

"It was a massacre. We barely survived."

Lower lip trembling Bethany felt a rush of fear. "Ali?" She whispered, trembling as she felt Kolby press against her, a soft whine leaving him.

Carver moved to her and gripped her hands. "He's alive Bethany, at least he was when we last saw him, but there are things you need to know." He explained how Alistair had become a Warden, his message of love for her and that he would find a way to come home to her. He held her until her sobs lessened and her trembling eased.

"No-one leaves the Wardens." Bethany whimpered, glancing up as her father gently gripped her shoulder in support, glancing down as Kolby rested his head on her knees.

"We will find a way." Garrett stated firmly. "And we won't stop until we do."

Anders finally forced himself to ask the question he was afraid to. "And Will?" He paled as Garrett swallowed painfully, glancing to Carver who fixed his gaze on the ground. "Garrett?"

"He … Will gave his life to defend the King."

Anders heard Leandra's sharp gasp and Bethany's choked sob, backing away until he bumped into the wall his heart pounding painfully. "No … he … he can't be … not after everything … he …" He looked up as Garrett gripped his arms.

"I'm sorry Anders, so sorry and I know it's no consolation that he died a hero, but you have to know he ordered us off the field. He wanted us to begin evacuations, but mainly I think to get you all to safety, it's probably the only reason we are still alive."

"He ordered you?"

"He was promoted to Captain."

Closing his eyes Anders drew in a shuddering breath before he forced himself to look once more at Garrett. "Did you see how he … how he died?"

"Anders …"

"Garrett did you see?"

Sighing Garrett nodded and explained those awful moments. He grabbed Anders as a savage cry of pain left his throat, holding him tightly.

Bethany met Carver's grief stricken gaze. "Isn't there any chance?" She swallowed as he shook his head.

Carver turned to his parents. "I hate this as much as anyone, but we have to go; Maker knows when the Darkspawn will get here, but they are coming. Will told us to get to Gwaren, that we would be safer there and if the worst happened there would be ships. I can't bring him back and I can't do anything for Ali right now, but if we don't survive then their sacrifice was for nothing!"

Garrett gently pulled back from Anders. "We have to go."

Nodding Anders forced himself to go to their room and begin packing.

Malcolm cleared his throat and turned to Carver. "Help me with the animals, I'm not leaving them here to be slaughtered and Maker willing Gwaren will have enough room for them too."

Leandra glanced around the kitchen, their home, fleeing again made her soul ache, but she said nothing, the loss of people they loved hurt her more deeply than the loss of the home they had made.

Slumping onto the bed Anders stared at the staff Jayden had gifted to him holding it in trembling hands. "Did you know you weren't going to survive this?" He closed his eyes tears slipping down his cheeks. "I will never forget you brother."

It was only a few hours later when Malcolm locked the door, the belongings they were taking piled into the cart the druffalo were pulling. He glanced to Leandra who had taken up the reins, Bethany sitting next to her, her arms wrapped around Kolby. Garrett, Carver and Anders were already on their horses, Garrett having saddled the mount meant for him. With a sigh he tucked the key in his pocket; the stick that was his disguised staff slotted into his boot, eternally grateful that Anders had instructed both himself and Bethany on the spell to conceal them, praying they wouldn't need to use them.

xXx

Anxious and fearful of being seen, Delilah and Thomas slipped through the gate of their grandmothers estate and darted into the house. Delilah took the lead, slipping upstairs to her grandmother's bedroom, seeing her sitting in the chair by the fire, startled to see how frail she looked.

Glancing up Julianna smiled warmly. "Catherine, come sit with me. I spoke to your father again, he refuses to see reason. You have no choice my darling, you must marry Rendon."

Delilah sank onto the chair next to her aware that Thomas was watching them anxiously. "Grandmother I am Catherine's daughter, Delilah."

Julianna blinked in confusion, frowned and shook her head patting Delilah's hand. "Forgive me I seem to be getting more and more confused these days. You look so much like her."

Relaxing slightly Delilah gently took her hand. "I have to go away for a little while."

Julianna simply nodded glancing back to the fireplace before she turned back sharply and gripped Delilah's hand. "If you get the chance run my darling, run and do not look back."

Staring at her wide eyed, Delilah was not sure if the words were meant for her, or if they had once been said to her own mother. Her heart felt heavy as her grandmother loosened her grip on her hand and closed her eyes dozing.

"We should go De." Thomas whispered, not sure how to react to what had just happened.

Delilah stared at the large ruby ring her grandmother always wore that she had pushed into her hand. Concealing it in a pocket in her clothing she tucked a blanket around her grandmother before the pair slipped back out, both heart sore that the proud fierce woman she had been was gone, leaving a frail and confused woman behind in her stead. "I should be looking after her." Delilah stated guilt wrapping around her.

"She will be safer with us away from her."

Glancing to her brother Delilah nodded, her only consolation was in knowing her grandmother's servants were devoted to her and they would care for her. Hoods pulled up to conceal their faces they slipped out of the estate and out of the city's main gates. Delilah took a shuddering breath once they were free of the city and glanced to her brother. "Do you think Ellowyn will ever trust us again?"

"I am not sure De, if she does, I do not think it will be any time soon."

"I thought I was keeping her safe; father threatened her not her family." She leaned her head on his shoulder as Thomas wrapped an arm around her.

"You could not have known; we believed his thoughts were of marriage, intending to kill all of the Cousland's apart from Ellowyn … I never imagined he would go that far. That damn mage is influencing him I know it."

Glancing back towards the city Delilah blinked back tears and forced herself to turn away from her duty to her grandmother, swearing she would find a way to stop her father, one way or another. She glanced to Thomas and knew by the expression on his face he was thinking the same.

xXx

Ellowyn shifted slightly on the fallen log she had chosen to sit on, Fleta pressed firmly to her leg, the mabari's head on her knee. Guilt and grief were swarming her and waiting for Delilah and Thomas was testing her patience. Her parents were dead, slaughtered by a man they called friend and she still couldn't believe it had actually happened. She glanced to Warin forcing back the tears, she wouldn't break down again; she was a Cousland, what she would do was avenge her parents. She had been so caught up in what was happening to her she had never expected anything other than the Landsmeet to affect her family. "Did you know he would do this; that he would … that he would try to kill my family?"

"No, I knew the Arl desired power, but marriage was to be his way, Thomas to your family and Delilah to the Mac Tir's. Linked to two of the most powerful families by marriage would satisfy his desire, or so I thought."

"What do you think changed?"

"That witch. She has an agenda of her own I'll wager, but I have no idea what."

"How can I trust any of you? Because of Delilah I was here, she persuaded me to go with her to the Keep. She told me if we faced the mage it was just about marriage to Thomas!"

"She protected you with that amulet and if she hadn't asked you to come to Amaranthine you too may have died in the attack on Highever."

Tears slipped down Ellowyn's cheeks despite her attempts to stop them. "My parents were good people!" A painful sob erupted from her throat. "I should have been there. I should have been with Aedan!"

"You can't change what was my Lady, but you can be with those of your family who survived."

Wiping the tears from her eyes Ellowyn nodded, she had no doubt her brothers would take care of Rendon, as far as she was concerned the mage was hers and she would make her pay for every false word uttered.

xXx

Cauthrien stood shivering outside of the Generals tent as she stood guard. The torrential rain had eased to a drizzle, but she felt soaked to the bone and ice cold. The battle had been a monumental catastrophe. The Darkspawn had far superior numbers and even if they had of joined the fight she knew as the General had that in the moment the second wave began that they would have been slaughtered. A rush of hate towards Arl Howe almost choked her; his madness had doomed Ostagar for she truly believed with the addition of the Amaranthine forces they might have stood a chance. The General had fallen into a grief fuelled silence and it was all she could do to ensure they had broken camp at daybreak and kept moving until evening. After nearly three days of a forced march they had reached the outskirts of Lothering. Having set up camp, messengers were sent into the village to gather any able bodies to join them and inform the Chantry that evacuation was required, discovering they were already aware of the need to evacuate, some families having already left. The mages and Templars who had travelled with them were on their way back to the Circle and some survivors had caught up to them as they set up camp, all so certain that Cailan had fallen. They spoke of William too and that was how Loghain had discovered the fate of his son. It was Celia's death all over again, only this time she doubted the haunted look in his eyes would ever leave. She could barely contain her own grief and longed to be able to return to her tent where she could grieve in privacy. She watched the soldiers sit huddled by fires, talking in whispers or sitting silently. Her gaze was drawn to Bann Loren a look of pained resignation in his eyes. She had known he had not reacted to his son well, when Dairren gave him the news of the death of his wife and now he was believed to be dead. She sighed softly imagining many would feel the cutting edge of regret in the days to come as news spread of their defeat.

Ban Loren stared up at the night sky wondering how it had come to this. His wife was murdered, his eldest son he assumed was dead on the battlefield and the battle had been lost. Huddling into his cloak he glanced to his men who were silent, sharpening their blades or trying to get some much needed sleep. He had joined the General heading to Denerim; there was little else to do other than be slaughtered. He thought of Dairren and shuddered, he would never have the chance to apologise for those harsh words spoken in anger and grief. He hoped Howe would be in Denerim, his fingers lingering on the hilt of his sword. He would avenge his wife and reunite with his surviving sons. After that he wasn't sure what would happen, only that the life he had taken for granted had been irreparably shattered.

xXx

Loghain sat in his tent, his head in his hands. His son was dead, along with Cailan and likely Fergus and Maker knew what had happened to Alistair and Aedan. He had failed them all and it ripped at his already shredded heart. He stared at the dagger Jayden had given him for his name day when he had been just a child. You deserved better than me for a father. I just left you there, Maker damn me I abandoned you to die. I should never have sent you away, all that time we lost and now … Celia forgive me, I sent our boy away to save him and it killed him. I killed our baby boy! Head bowed he wept into his hands, heart pounding, throat constricting in the effort to be silent. You tried so hard to make sure Ferelden was ready for this; I swear to you no matter what it takes, no matter what I have to do, I will not let Ferelden fall. Wiping the tears from his cheeks he took a shuddering breath, his gaze returning to the dagger. He had no idea how he was going to tell Anora, knowing whatever anger had been between his children she would be devastated. Maker what did we do to warrant our family torn apart again and again? Shuddering he was faced with only silence and the pained beat of his broken heart.

xXx

Rolling back his shoulders Lawrence tried to relieve the ache. They had been travelling for three days now, the Wardens and the soldiers who had survived, barely fifty in number, moving as swiftly as they were able towards Redcliffe, but on foot with a heavy cart carrying the injured their progress was painfully slow. Despite healing spells Dylan, Ayanna and Robert were alternating, the King remained unconscious and unresponsive to attempts to wake him. Senior Enchanter Wynne the mage who had shielded him was also still unconscious. He glanced over the other injured, Wardens Peter and Perin were conscious at least, but Warden Rory was still critical. Ser Matthew kept drifting in and out of consciousness; the Emissary's spell having done more damage than initially thought. Dairren was being kept in a state of magical sleep to enable him to be kept as still as possible to prevent further damage to his back. His gaze moved to those left of their Company. Kinnard and Terrance were keeping watch over the Wardens despite Rathnal having told them it was unnecessary; it seemed somehow wrong to ignore their Captain's last orders. Gabriel was near the cart watching over the injured. He glanced to Tess who was walking alongside him, the pair taking up the rear, what was left of the surviving soldiers flanking their group, the Warden's taking the lead. "This is a nightmare." He murmured.

"I can't believe they are all gone." Tess whispered. "How are we going to defeat a force like that?"

"I don't know Tess, but we have to find a way." He glanced to Gabriel worry for him gnawing at his gut.

Gabriel could barely tear his gaze away from Dairren; he had lost so much blood and the wounds to his back were extensive. Dylan, Robert and Ayanna were doing everything they could, but mana exhausted as they were that was only so much. It was agony to know the mage who had the most likely skills to be able to save him was lying unconscious beside him. Clenching his fists he let out a shuddering breath; he had to be strong. Glancing up he saw Kinnard watching him startled by the look of understanding and compassion. He turned away unable to bear it, Dairren would live, he would heal, he couldn't allow himself to consider any other outcome.

xXx

Glancing into the cart Fergus watched Cailan, his pallor too pale, his breathing still a struggle. He had instructed everyone to keep the King's condition a secret should they encounter anyone and he kept the hood of his cloak up; they had no idea if Howe's spies might be following them and trust was in short supply. He had been relieved that as yet the Darkspawn had chosen not to pursue them; everyone was still in shock at their defeat, at the sheer numbers of their enemy and at the loss of so many. He sighed feeling a deep longing for home and almost choked on the surge of grief. He wasn't sure there was a home to return to given the flames Aedan had seen and could he really live in the place where his father had been slaughtered, walk the woods where his mother had been brutally murdered. Tears burned his eyes but he choked them back. He needed to be strong and despite the pain of loss he was deeply grateful that his wife and son had survived the attack. He glanced to Aedan who was striding ahead with Ayanna, Hunter as always by his side, he at least for the moment was safe. His thoughts drifted to Ellowyn, wondering if Thomas had succeeded in getting her out of Vigil's Keep, or if he too had betrayed them, or perhaps worse, his father had discovered what he was doing. He wasn't sure if the Arl would stoop to killing his own children, but the fear in Thomas's eyes haunted him and whether true or not, he knew Thomas believed it was possible. Forcing himself to concentrate, he scanned the horizon for threat of men or Darkspawn, knowing that each step was taking him closer to Oriana and Oren.

xXx

Hand gripping the hilt of his sword Rathnal's mind was chaos; how had he suddenly become not only the senior Warden, but Commander? He was in no way ready for it and like the others he wondered how those seasoned and experienced Wardens had perished while they had lived. The answer of course was simple, they had been protected. As bloody and fierce as the battle had been the senior Wardens had sought to protect the junior members. The awful truth was there had been too many inexperienced Wardens and they had been crushed and now they were looking to him and he could barely breathe. Grief tore at him, not only for his brother and sister Wardens, but for his childhood friend who he would never see again. Fists clenching he let out a huff of breath. They needed to get the King and Lord Fergus to safety, they would need their support in the days ahead and then he and the Wardens would head north to their base and retrieve the treaties and he would do whatever he needed to do to have the numbers to fight the spawn and end their threat. He worried at his lip, Rinna, Sereda and Faren were scouting ahead, but he disliked them being from his sight for so long. He glanced to Alistair who was thankfully never far from him, lending him support in whatever way he needed, he too bearing the grief of all this war had so far cost him.

"We have to win this." Alistair murmured, locking his love for Bethany and their unborn child into his heart to keep him going when despair threatened to overwhelm him.

"We will." Rathnal stated forcing out a confidence he didn't feel.

Alistair simply nodded, glancing back to the cart that was carrying his brother. You have to survive this Cailan, I can't lose you too and neither can our country.

xXx

Adding more wood to the fire, Morrigan realised it would do little to lift the cold that seemed bone deep, shock and fear still consuming her. She had arrived as Jayden made his stand against the Alpha; saw his own blade used against him, too late to help him other than to surround him and Airyl in shields to prevent the worst of the fire reaching them. Then her mother in the form of a giant bird had plucked him and Airyl from the battlefield and without a care of whoever might be left she had taken to the air racing after her.

She glanced over to Jayden who remained unconscious on the pallet, skin ashen, only the slightest twitch revealing that he still lived, that somehow despite the trauma of his wounds he had for the moment at least survived them. Morrigan lowered her head fearing each breath would be his last. He had lain on her bed, blood soaking the sheets and the armour that they had removed as carefully as possible revealing the wounds beneath. While they had managed to stop the bleeding, the wounds the Alpha had inflicted would not heal. Binding them in herb soaked cloth she had begged her mother to do something, anything to save him. Flemeth had instead turned to Airyl knowing she had done all she could do, beginning the slow process of healing the wolf's wounds, before she had suddenly left, leaving Airyl in a magical sleep so she could continue to heal.

Sinking to her knees beside Jayden, Morrigan unconsciously grasped his hand as each breath he took became more tortured; she had worked to prevent death from claiming him, but there was nothing left she could do. Gripping his jaw she let her anger take over, hating how debilitated she felt by her fear for him. "You cannot die! I saw a glimpse of the future years from now when the Fade bleeds into this world and we are beset by demons. We faced it together you and I, but I saw something else, something that until this moment terrified me more than any demon could. I wanted to run from it, feared what it would mean, I saw our …" She swallowed painfully, her fingertips releasing their fierce grip, drifting across his jaw in the slightest caress, a tenderness and awe in her eyes that she would never have shown had he been conscious. "All you need to know is you and I have a shared destiny brought about by this blight, you will survive this, you must, I will accept no less." She glanced up sharply as the door opened, her heart pounding as her mother strode inside. "You have to help him!"

"His wounds are apparently beyond my power to heal."

"You must! He cannot die, I saw …"

"You know as well as I girl that the future can change with certain actions. His strive to prepare for the Blight changed more than his own future." She glanced at him sadly, keeping her face turned from Morrigan so she would not see. "There are others who will step into the breach his passing will create."

"I do not want others! How can you just cast him aside?"

"Despite my power girl I cannot perform miracles, no matter how much I may desire it. His wounds are too great." She hesitated and then passed Morrigan a small vial. "I must leave again; there is another ... situation I must deal with. If his breathing becomes worse give him this, it will ease his passing, his suffering will be over and you can return to your task."

"You would have him die! After all ..."

"You would rather have him suffer for hours, perhaps days more than he already has? His wounds are mortal Morrigan, he is already dead, it is only his will that keeps him clinging and that will not hold out forever."

"How can you be so cold?"

"Think what you will, it is a kindness not a cruelty to end suffering." Flemeth turned back to Jayden feeling the ache of grief build in her chest knowing his time was almost spent, experiencing a rush of guilt that she could not bear to witness his passing. "There are those alive who would have perished if not for your persistence, it is enough; your other tasks will pass on to another. You may rest now and I pray you find the peace that was denied you in life."

Morrigan watched startled as her mother gently kissed his forehead, for a moment believing she saw tears in her eyes, but dismissing it as she found herself pinned by her mother's fierce gaze.

"You will find and join the Wardens. You will ensure their survival and you will perform the ritual. I have ensured Maric's bastard is a Warden since the course of his life path was altered by his friend. Ensure you perform the ritual with him."

"Why?"

"His bloodline holds power that is all you need to know. When I return you better be gone girl or I will end him myself! He does not deserve to linger in such pain." She turned sharply as Jayden made a choking noise as he fought for breath.

Throat constricting Morrigan pushed aside her mother and pressed her hands to his chest summoning her healing magic willing him to live. Her eyes widened as the image of runes appeared in a circle on his chest, like tiny flames beneath the surface of his skin. Her heart flared with hope, could it be that this spell activated not when healing was needed, but when his very life was threatened, was that how he had survived the sword blow that should have killed him? She watched in fascination as veins of the flickering energy spread out across his body; feeling the power of healing energy, though it was unlike anything she had ever encountered; worrying at her lip as his distress intensified as the magic flowed through him. Her fingers hovered once more over his chest feeling the deep pulse of the magic within him. Sweat broke out on his skin as his body temperature soared. Desperate to cool him Morrigan sent a whisper of icy air across him, his moan of pain spearing her heart as her magic faded and the heat engulfed him once more. "Stop fighting it." She chided softly. "Tis only so painful because you resist." She felt a rush of relief as something of her words must have filtered into him as he seemed to relax, the runes finally dimming until they were no longer visible.

Flemeth remained silent watching her daughter and the magic that Moria had woven within him. She realised with some surprise that without the intervention of all three of them he would never have survived; now a flicker of potential had ignited on the very brink of what should have been his death. She settled down on a seat, there was a little time before she had to leave and something held her there, a pull towards him that always unnerved her.

Hours passed as Morrigan kept watch, until her eyes grew too heavy to keep open and slumping in the seat she succumbed to sleep.

Slowly rising Flemeth approached the bed and knelt, gently placing her hand on Jayden's chest. Closing her eyes she let her magic flow through him, feeling the tug of the bond he had inherited. She allowed her magic to gently probe it, startled to realise it had changed; somehow it felt as though it had more substance. Frowning Flemeth directed her magic allowing a fragment of herself to flow into the bond, her eyes widening as she felt a rush of magic wash over her and a world long gone flowed around her.

The grass was rich and lush beneath her feet, she saw the spires and gardens of a temple at the bottom of the grassy bank on which she stood and all around gleamed crystal and ancient trees woven around each other in magical harmony. Glancing down Flemeth realised she was in robes of vibrant blues and greens; heading down the slope to the stream she glanced into the water, stunned by the reflection, a face that had been lost for centuries. Cautiously she touched her ears, startled by the soft laugh of delight that left her lips; while she and Mythal were one now, here, in this place somehow Mythal's true form had manifested. Breathing in the air as sweet as nectar she glanced around before following the stream heading for a tree as tall as the temple, a bark of shimmering silver, the leaves a vibrant red. Lying on the grass gazing up at the scarlet canopy was Jayden. "You look comfortable."

Sitting up startled Jayden stood and brushed off his clothes and offered her a smile. "Hello, I'm Will, you're the first person I've seen. I didn't realise being dead would be so beautiful, or so quiet for that matter. You haven't seen a white wolf around here have you?"

"No, not here; as for my introduction, I am Mythal." She chuckled softly at his astonished gaze before raising an eyebrow as he bowed.

"My Lady Mythal. Or do you prefer Creator Mythal?"

"Simply Mythal will suffice I think. You are truly the image of your ancestor Alric."

"What was he like?"

"He was a good man, kind, generous and he saw elves and humans as equals, something of a rarity in your race. He was … in truth unlike anyone I had ever met. Had he lived he would have done great things."

Jayden shifted slightly turning his gaze to a crystal structure that seemed to weave through and around a huge oak. "Is he why I am here, in this place rather than with my mom and grandpa?"

"You are not with them because you are not dead." She smiled slightly at his shocked expression. "Did you think a witch of the wilds magic was so easily thwarted? Moria's magic along with Morrigan and Flemeth's has kept you alive, for the moment at least."

"If I'm not dead what is this place then?"

"Somewhere I did not expect when I first laid the bond in Alric's son. It was a spell to protect against mind control, but for such a spell to flow through each generation it needed more than just magic, it needed a part of me." She glanced around. "A part of me that has become something different in you."

"Am I possessed?" Jayden asked unnerved, her laughter not helping reduce his anxiety in the least.

"Hardly; no the bond simply acted as a shield around the mind if you will, that shield however has taken on form, I suspect triggered by the life protection spell Moria laid within you. Together the magic has created … something else, something beyond either spell. It has created a window to the past, to the way things were, the way they will one day be again." She pursed her lips. "I suspect once you return to your body fully, while there will be pain you will heal faster. Stay here too long and as a mage who spends too long in the fade, the body will wither."

Jayden sighed softly. "I really like it here."

"I did not say you could not return, but for now at least if you wish to survive you must return to your body."

"Any ideas on how I do that?" He couldn't help but return her smile.

"One or two."

Gasping in pain Jayden's eyes flared open realising he was being held down by Flemeth.

"Be still." She urged.

Forcing himself to obey Jayden closed his eyes a groan of pain rushing passed his lips. "I saw it." He gasped through gritted teeth, his body relaxing slowly as he felt Flemeth's magic flow through him. "The way the world was. It was … beautiful. I saw … Mythal." He sighed softly as his eyes closed. "I never knew such beauty and power existed."

"Rest and heal, you have much work ahead of you." Gently she pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Vhenan."

Morrigan stared at them, dismissing Jayden's words as part of some near death hallucination, stunned by her mother's tenderness, remaining silent as Flemeth stood.

Turning to her daughter Flemeth met her gaze. "His body should respond to healing spells more efficiently now, but you cannot linger long. Your task lies with the Wardens."

"I will not leave without him." Morrigan stated stubbornly, wincing in pain as Flemeth gripped her jaw holding her in a vice like grip.

"Friendship is as dangerous as love and glimpses of the future can be so easily misunderstood have I not taught you that girl? If you trust me in nothing else trust me in this, friendship can betray just as deeply and cruelly as love."

"He will not betray me." Morrigan snarled jerking her head away.

"And what makes you think I was referring to him?"

Frowning Morrigan shook her head and glanced to Jayden. "I would not betray him either."

"Very well, remember I warned you. Do not be here when I return." With that Flemeth departed, turning into an eagle and disappearing above the trees.

Morrigan closed the door and returned to Jayden settling herself on the chair next to him; smiling slightly as Airyl woke and settled on the bed, curling against Jayden's uninjured leg. Prove to me that friendship is a strength and not a weakness.

xXx

Wiping the sweat and blood from his face Ser Wesley glanced to his wife who drove her sword through the throat of a Darkspawn decapitating it. By the Makers grace she had made her way from Ostagar to Lothering where they had agreed to meet and were now on their way to Gwaren believing Ferelden would be crushed beneath such a force. The journey would take at least ten days on foot, but there were no horses available and having purchased what supplies they could they had set out, finding themselves prey for small bands of Darkspawn who seemed to prefer attacking lone travellers or small groups. They had been caught between two small bands of Darkspawn having to fight their way to freedom, but the pain of the wound he had sustained warned him that there was a price; he had to get Aveline to safety.

The clash of steel alerted Ser Wesley to a fight back the way they had come, hope flaring that they could join forces with others fleeing. He signalled to Aveline who moved to his side, her sword and shield dripping with Darkspawn blood. They moved as one heading back towards the rise they had already travelled, seeing a cart, the druffalo attached to it panicked and only remaining where they were by the skills of the older women on the cart, the younger doing her best to soothe the four horses. His eyes narrowed, there were two fighters and two mages that he could see, not the ideal group but given their situation he knew they had little choice. Racing down the slope Ser Wesley hit the Emissary with a Smite giving Aveline the opening to approach it while it was disorientated, driving her blade through its chest before decapitating it. He moved towards the two men with swords driving back the Darkspawn trying to flank them. The fight was over relatively quickly after the Emissary was despatched.

Panting with exertion Wesley glanced over the group as the last Darkspawn was slain, all were eyeing him warily. He wasn't surprised; Apostates in the presence of a Templar had reason to be concerned. Normally he would demanded they submit to his authority, but he could feel the taint within him and he had no idea how long he had, wishing he had paid more attention to the physical reality of such evil. "Given the circumstance we face, perhaps we should be less concerned with my being a Templar and more concerned with getting to safety."

Garrett moved towards the Templar, noting the red haired woman who moved protectively to his side. "Try to harm them in any way and I don't care who you are, I will end you."

Wesley almost chuckled at the irony that he would be dead soon anyway. "Understood, now we should really get moving."

xXx

Heart pounding Bethany felt a rush of helplessness as they once again found themselves surrounded by Darkspawn. The hideous creatures seemed to only increase in number the further they went. She glanced to Aveline who hit a Hurlock so hard with her shield she snapped its neck, her husband fighting by her side, though his movements were sluggish and he was clearly unwell. She gripped her staff no longer willing to stand by as others fought around her; sighing as her mother gripped her wrist knowing she feared for the baby. She watched her father and Anders coordinate an elemental storm that ripped apart a huge group of Darkspawn, Garrett and Carver quickly ending any who had survived. Their triumph was short lived however as the ground shook and to their horror an Ogre came into view and roared a challenge.

The Ogre roared in fury as ice and rock formed around its feet, shrieking in pain as a fireball exploded in its face. Enraged the creature broke free of the magical bonds and beat its chest before it ran towards the group heading straight for Malcolm.

Taking a deep breath Malcolm knew there was no getting out of its way; summoning his magic he invoked Fade Step, a spell he had only ever known in theory. He felt the rush of speed, panic flaring as the magic flowed around him taking him through the Ogre and behind it. Panting furiously astonished to still be alive, Malcolm span and cast a bolt of lightning sending the beast staggering and giving him a little more distance. Garrett, Carver, Aveline and Ser Wesley slammed into the creature in a forward assault, while Anders pinned it in place with more rock and cast a petrify spell, the combined assault shattering their terrifying foe.

Gasping for breath Garrett moved over to Anders wanting to check he hadn't been injured.

Anders stared upwards as a fearful roar assaulted their ears, seeing the dragon soar over them. "Andraste's ass please let that be Flemeth because if that is the Archdemon …" He couldn't bring himself to say the rest, letting Garrett haul him behind some rocks, watching in awe as the dragon tore apart the Darkspawn that had been closing in on them, before the ground trembled as she landed, a shimmer of magical energy forming around her as she transformed into her human form.

Flemeth looked over the group before resting her gaze on Anders. "Trouble seems to court you lad."

"Trouble is courting us all at the moment." He retorted, moving away from the rocks. "Thanks for the assistance."

"Your fight with the Ogre caught my attention, impressive."

"Well I'm glad you were around to get your attention caught."

"Indeed. The Darkspawn are swarming in the direction you are traveling in, where are you intending to go?"

Garrett met her gaze. "Gwaren, as William suggested before he …"

Flemeth raised an eyebrow at the choke in his voice. "Before the Alpha defeated him in battle?"

Anders glared. "You saw? Why didn't you help him?"

"And what exactly was I to do? Swoop in, in my dragon form and be mistaken for the Archdemon." She tutted sharply. "I have always helped him when I could; some things are simply beyond even my power." She met Anders gaze. "So I do what I can, he would wish you to survive, you and the Hawkes and so here I am."

"You … you were looking for us?" Carver muttered not really wanting the attention of the witch on him, but startled into speaking.

"As I said I do what I can." She turned to Bethany feeling no remorse or guilt for the lie she was about to tell. "I bring a warning for you girl; if you remain in Ferelden the child within you will not be born."

Bethany paled, her hands moving protectively to her small bump. "Why?"

"This land is fraught with danger which you have just witnessed first-hand. I advise you to leave Ferelden, until the blight is defeated at least."

"I have family in Kirkwall." Leandra stated thoughtfully.

"That is not somewhere I would willingly return." Malcolm stated in alarm.

"We can disguise you." Leandra stated firmly clearly having made up her mind and entertaining no argument. "Our grandchild's life is at stake, we go where we will be safe."

"Kirkwall will not be safe for all of us." Malcolm muttered in frustration. "Including Bethany!"

"Let's discuss it once we reach Gwaren." Garrett interrupted quickly. "Because if we can't get there your arguments are pointless."

Flemeth pursed her lips. "I will aid you in return for a small favour."

"Which is?" Anders asked curiously.

Flemeth took an amulet from around her neck. "Take this to Sundermount, find the clan of Dalish there and give it to Keeper Marethari. She will know what to do."

Garrett glanced to Anders who took the amulet. "Not leaving us much of a choice are you."

"There is a price to everything." Flemeth stated her cold gaze fixing on him. "But in leaving Ferelden for a short time at least, there is much to be gained. However there is something that must be attended to before we leave."

Frowning Garrett turned following her gaze to Ser Wesley who had collapsed, Aveline hunkered protectively at his side. With a sinking feeling he glanced back to the Witch of the Wilds, seeing only the hard truth of what would need to be done in her golden gaze.

xXx

Author note:

Vhenan - my heart