Carefully folding the parchment, Anora stood, smoothing down the material of her dress before making her way to the room that held the Calling Crystal, contacting the border and moments later speaking to Captain Parun.

"Your Majesty how may I be of service?"

"I have received a letter from Empress Celene to notify me that the Wardens stationed in Orlais will come to the border offering aid with our Darkspawn problem; along with supporting Chevaliers."

"There is no sign of them as yet your Majesty; your orders when they arrive?"

"They are not to be allowed into Ferelden unless you have my express permission."

"Understood your Majesty."

"Also inform them that should they be needed only the Wardens will be given permission to enter; their accompanying Chevaliers are not to be allowed into our country, not even if it is burning down around us."

"Yes your Majesty."

Hearing the note of relief in his tone Anora felt herself relax slightly; the Captain had always excelled in the post and she was glad he was on duty. "Captain I expect to be informed immediately upon their arrival and daily reports of their movements after that. Be vigilant Captain."

"Always your Majesty."

As the crystal dimmed Anora worried at her lower lip; there had been no word from Ostagar in weeks and it had her on edge. She wished they could have afforded the making of another Calling Crystal for Cailan to take with him, but the country was still recovering from the coin spent during the search for Maric and such things were as yet unaffordable. At least they had one in Gwaren, Highever and at the border, but she couldn't help the flare of irritation imagining Empress Celene probably had one in every city of her own country. Taking a breath she felt the need to contact Highever, Eleanor was always a calming influence and her nerves felt raw, her concern for her family a constant distraction. She activated the Crystal, frowning when there was no response; it was unlike the Cousland's to be lax in having the Crystal monitored and it left a bitter taste of additional worry in her mouth. After several moments she tried again with the same result, no response. Leaving the room with a nod to Guardsman Graysen who took his position once more within the room, Anora headed outside needing fresh air, only slightly irritated when she was intercepted by a messenger. Taking the parchment she saw her father's seal feeling a rush of relief hurrying to her private rooms. Settling on a seat by the window she broke the seal, reading the contents with growing disbelief and horror, the parchment shaking with the tremble of her hands. It was only when a hand rested on her shoulder that she realised Erlina was with her, startled to find her cheeks wet with tears. "Oh Erlina!" She wept as her handmaiden and protector held her gently. "Bryce and Eleanor have been murdered!" She felt Erlina's shock and forced herself to pull back handing over the letter her father had written outlining everything Aedan Cousland had told him. "How could we not have heard of this?"

"I suspect given this information the Arl will be keeping a tight rein on who has left Highever. I imagined Arl Howe capable of much, but this …" Erlina frowned. "What strategy I wonder is he employing that he believes this would be accepted?"

"I will kill him myself." Anora hissed getting to her feet and glaring up at the sky taking gulping breaths to calm herself, accepting the wine Erlina poured and handed to her. She closed her eyes at the sweet tasting liquid, taking a moment to calm the frantic beat of her heart.

"He will come here." Erlina stated. "He will want the backing of the Crown for his actions."

"How could he think I could accept this?"

"If nothing else the Arl is always prepared, he will have a reason for his actions and as Queen no matter your personal beliefs you will have to listen to him. I suggest a discreet increase in your personal guard however."

"Agreed; I will listen to him, but if I am not satisfied with what I hear and I cannot imagine how I would be, then he will rot in Fort Drakon."

xXx

Pacing the Great Hall Serris turned and acknowledged the Warden Constable.

"Relax Serris you will wear a hole in the floor." Zorial stated taking a seat.

"How can I relax? How can you relax? Why haven't we left yet?"

"Serris really you must calm yourself."

"Commander Yantra's orders are clear; we are to leave immediately for Ferelden!"

"I can read Serris."

"Then why are you dragging your feet?"

"I have orders that superseded these."

"What! From whom?"

"The First Warden himself. Should Ferelden require aid they will receive it from those based in Orlais who I have been informed have been mobilized. Should further aid be required then we shall mobilize, but not before." She sighed at Serris's horrified expression. "I suggest you take this time to rest Serris, all of these trips to and from Ferelden must have been exhausting."

Serris turned slightly hearing footsteps frowning as Damien and Terrance entered the room; feeling a prickle of alarm realising they were there to escort her, neither Warden meeting her gaze. She turned back to Zorial feeling her jaw clench at the sickly sweet smile. "I assume I am to remain in my room?"

"It really is for your own good Serris; the First Warden has questions about the activities you and Yantra have been up to."

"That's Commander Yantra!" Serris snapped.

"I am afraid not Serris, Warden Yantra has been relieved of her command, I am now Commander." She couldn't help the smirk at Serris's astonishment. "Now, you will go to your room and tomorrow you will meet with the First Warden's Interrogator. Answer all of his questions honestly and to his satisfaction and you will be free to continue your duties. I do hope you remember your allegiance is to the First Warden; alas Serisa and Malia forgot that, believing their allegiance first and foremost to Yantra."

"Where are they?" Serris demanded feeling a surge of terror for her friends.

"I would worry more about your own fate Serris dear."

"Damn it Zorial tell me where they are?"

"That is Commander Zorial and you would do well to remember that! They have been taken to Weisshaupt; I believe their rather more rebellious natures will be dealt with." She smirked slightly. "Blood mages come in handy for so many things."

Serris wrenched her arm free of Damien's sudden grip. "You are a fool Zorial! Ferelden needs us! How can you so easily dismiss the Darkspawn force they face?"

"Serris either you return to your room willingly or by force, frankly I do not care which."

Staring at her stunned Serris turned and stormed from the hall, striding through the corridors all too aware of her escort hurrying to catch up to her and the cautious looks from her fellow Wardens. Reaching her room she slammed the door shut behind her; acknowledging with regret and pain that there was nothing she could do for Serisa and Malia, but she had no intention of facing their fate. Moving to the wardrobe she dislodged a panel and pulled out a rucksack that contained some camping and first aid supplies. She chose a waterproof coat with a thick woollen lining, armoured clothes and boots and moving to the draws of the dresser she opened several hidden compartments retrieving coin, jewellery and a lightning rune dagger. She glanced to the door fury in her eyes. Never underestimate a former Crow. Pulling the dresser to block the door Serris opened the window glad it was a moonless night and pulled herself onto the ledge. Her room was one of the highest, five floors up, but she had made this assent enough times to ensure she could do it blindfolded if necessary. Taking a deep breath Serris grabbed the next ledge and swung herself up making her way to the roof, racing across the tiles to the far side, hunkering down and holding her breath as she made certain of her escape route. Flexing her fingers she made her way silently down, her heart thumping by the time her feet touched the ground. Waiting just a moment to make sure she was alone she moved through the grounds keeping to the shadows. It was madness to go to the stables, but she needed speed, she needed her horse. Easing into the building she heard only the sounds of the horses and the snoring of the stable master. Slipping silently passed him she grabbed the saddle and readied her horse; easing open the doors and guiding the mare out in a gentle trot appearing for all the world untroubled. Hissing in frustration as she heard someone yell for the gate to be closed, Serris urged the mare into a gallop; ignoring the yells and only turning back as she made it out, briefly seeing the new Commanders furious face before the gates swung shut. You may have forsaken Ferelden, but I never will.

xXx

Reining in his horse Warden Constable Blackwall glanced up at the imposing wall that formed the border between Orlais and Ferelden. There were more soldiers on the wall than he had noticed the last time he had crossed and they looked none to friendly. Despite the Wardens coming forward first and leaving the Chevaliers at some distance they would no doubt have been seen. Maker let the Empress's message have reached the Queen in time for the border to have been informed of our coming or this will get nasty very quickly. He glanced to his Commander who was assessing the situation before she signalled her Wardens to remain where they were and urged her mount forward taking Warden's Daniel and Stephan with her.

Captain Parun had been informed of the Wardens arrival as soon as they had been spotted on the horizon, every man and woman stationed there was now on duty whether they had just finished a shift or had been in bed. He noted the Warden raise her hand to halt those with her and then move forward with two Wardens he knew to be based in Ferelden. Straightening his helmet he moved to the wall and looked down at them.

Warden Commander Alisse glanced up at the soldiers feeling their thinly veiled hostility. "I would speak with your Captain."

"I am Captain Parun, state your business."

"Captain Parun I am Warden Commander Alisse. Empress Celene has sent word to Queen Anora to expect our arrival. We are here to aid with the fight against the Darkspawn."

"Her Majesty Queen Anora did indeed receive the Empresses message and her orders are clear, Wardens will be allowed into the country only if they are needed and only with her Majesty's express permission. Under no circumstances will the Chevaliers accompanying you be allowed into Ferelden."

Alisse sighed inwardly, but she had known this would be the response. "We come to provide support only."

"I'm sure you do Warden Commander, but I have my orders."

"Then at least let Daniel and myself through." Stephan stated moving forward. "We have to get back to …"

"I'm sorry Warden, but these gates will open for no-one without Queen Anora's permission."

Stephan turned as Daniel gripped his arm preventing a frustrated outburst.

Daniel glanced up. "Captain Parun, would you be able to send a message to Queen Anora giving our request to enter?"

Parun hesitated but nodded. "I can do that Warden."

"Thank you Captain."

Alisse licked her lips keeping a tight hold on her agitation. "Captain we will be ready at a moment's notice should our aid be required."

"Understood Warden Commander; I suggest you tell those Chevaliers of yours to keep their distance, they approach and we are going to have a real problem."

"They will keep their distance Captain, you have my word." Turning her horse Alisse galloped back to Blackwall. "Set up camp, we might be here for a while."

xXx

Jayden slowly became aware of the pain of his body, forcing his eyes to open realising Morrigan was checking his wounds.

Supporting him to sit up Morrigan gave him a healing tonic, watching while he took slow sips under her direction. Smiling slightly as Airyl carefully climbed onto the bed and curled against Jayden as though she was still a pup, she watched as his fingers sank into her fur as he whispered how glad he was she was alive.

"Thank you." Jayden stated after draining the cup, his fingers gently running over Airyl's back as she gave a soft huff sinking into sleep. He was aware he had been slipping in and out of consciousness, but how often and over what time period he had no clue. He had asked Morrigan for information on any survivors the second time he had woken, but all she could tell him was the King and those with him had retreated, whether they survived or not was unknown. He held tightly to the hope they had, it was the only thing motivating him to move. "How did I get here? I'm not sure I asked before."

"Mother lifted you from the battlefield in the form of a huge bird."

"Good job she didn't use her dragon form." Jayden mused, gently stretching feeling the ache of his body and the pull of his wounds and still healing skin and muscle. "Was it you who created the shield around Airyl and myself?"

"Indeed."

"Thank you."

Moving to the fire she made them both herbal tea before sitting on the pallet next to him. "You are healing but slowly and I must leave, my place is with the Wardens."

"I need to go with you Morrigan, if the King survived he will likely be with the Wardens and I need to know who else survived this."

"You would only slow me down." Morrigan stated gently.

"Do you know if any horses survived, maybe got free?"

"Tis unlikely they would have survived the horde." She gave an impatient hiss as he swung his legs off the bed, each movement clearly causing him pain. "What are you doing?" Morrigan snapped.

"I have to get to Cailan if he survived! I will go alone if I have to."

Despite her frown she had known he would be this stubborn, had counted on it in fact. "Tis likely you will only get yourself killed without me. Rest tonight, but we must leave tomorrow."

Jayden hesitated then nodded, wincing as pain flared from the wound at his abdomen and back. "Damn it!"

"Easy." Morrigan soothed helping him to lie back down.

"I need to pick up some supplies from Anders, I left some things there just in case."

"Very well, now rest."

xXx

Waking with a start the following morning Jayden groaned softly as pain flared from his wounds. This is going to hurt. Gritting his teeth he swung his legs from the bed and forced himself to stand, leaning against the wall his hand moved to his abdomen trying to breathe through the pain.

"The final wound the Alpha inflicted has been most resistant to healing, but much improved since you first woke." Morrigan stated as she entered the hut. "Tis likely the only reason you yet live is thanks to the healing magic within you. I realised it appears to activate when your life is at risk, rather than to generally heal, thus it's magic ignited when you were on the brink of death. Tis a spell of true wonder."

Jayden shuddered at the memory of the blade tearing through his body; he knew he shouldn't have survived and gave a silent prayer of thanks to Moria. "It is."

Handing him a healing potion and waiting until he had drank all of it, Morrigan moved to her personal chest. She discarded the more revealing attire she tended to wear in the Wilds in favour of dragonhide trousers enhanced with stamina and deflection runes; the bodice that accompanied it was also of dragon hide with enhancements to support her regeneration of mana. Glancing at her boots, she selected a pair made of the same material with thick soles, much more suited to travelling by foot. She tied a pouch belt at her waist adding her atheme, several potions and herbs before selecting the amulet of power set with a crystal of deep moss green with flecks of gold; it's reassuring pulse of power against her chest was welcome, also adding two gold wrist bands inscribed with runes of elemental protection. She changed her usual staff in favour of one made from the branch of an ancient oak in the centre of the Wilds. The mist had never touched the area around the tree and when she came into her magic the branch had dropped at her feet. She remembered her Mother telling her it had been a great gift. She had yet to use it, but could feel the power within it. Performing her concealing spell on the staff she tucked it into her boot; the dagger Jayden had given her slotted into the other. Taking a final moment Morrigan moved to a tall bookshelf and took down the tome within which was inscribed the ritual she was expected to perform. It was already committed to memory, yet she glanced over it one more time. The weight of what was expected of her filling her with fear and excitement. She felt in no way ready to do what was necessary, yet this was a chance to save rather than destroy such an important part of magic. Her fingers drifted down the tome and then she glanced to Jayden who had finished buckling on Airyl's armour and was attempting to pull on his boots and trying not to let her see the pain he was experiencing. When the time comes I will be ready.

Jayden glanced up wincing apologetically. "I might need some help with my boots."

Morrigan raised an eyebrow. "I would imagine you will." She carefully helped him with his armour despite his protests; cleaned of his blood it was still too damaged to be truly serviceable, but it would provide some protection until they got him something more appropriate.

Jayden frowned slightly. "Do you know what happened to my weapons?"

"The Alpha took possession of them."

"That thing took them?"

"Indeed. They were better than its own after all."

"Then I hope I get the chance to retrieve them."

"I hope you never see that creature again." Morrigan shuddered at the thought. "Come, tis time to leave." Grabbing the pack before Jayden could, she stepped outside hesitating and scanning the area before heading in the direction of Anders home. They had travelled for over an hour when Morrigan stopped them under the pretence of checking something in the pack.

Taking the brief moment of respite while it was offered Jayden eased himself onto a stone pedestal half buried in the ground. "I haven't seen or heard any wildlife since we left your home. No birds, no insects, no hint of even a rabbit."

"Most fled when the Darkspawn overwhelmed the Wilds, others were killed or tainted. Mother and I ended as many of those as we could find. Better death than a life as a tainted creature and they would have spread the blight wherever they went."

Shuddering Jayden glanced around, everything still seemed normal, but he knew it would not last. "They will destroy the Wilds; the taint will spread and destroy it all."

Morrigan felt his sorrow, it matched her own. "Tis likely, but perhaps one day if a cure is found it can be adapted to heal the land."

Nodding Jayden forced himself back to his feet, wincing in pain.

Morrigan remained silent knowing he would not appreciate her pointing out how much he was struggling, wishing she could have given him more time.

xXx

It took the majority of the day for them to reach Anders home as they avoided Darkspawn patrols, hampered by Jayden's reduced speed and stealth. Airyl scouted ahead, but never went far enough that she would lose sight of them.

Jayden's eyes widened as he heard a thrashing noise and horrific screams before it became suddenly quiet, startled to find several Darkspawn corpses near the dwelling. "Well at least we know the wards you set are still working." He almost smiled at the smug look on Morrigan's face, turning at a noise in the stable, startled to see Airyl approach excitedly, stunned to see Luna, feeling a rush of relief as she whinnied happily and nosed his hair. "Hey girl what are you doing here?" He gently patted her neck as she snorted. "Knew you'd be safe here didn't you? Did you lead those Darkspawn here?" He patted her gently at her soft whinny, turning to Morrigan who was looking at Luna approvingly. "Well Luna should help to speed things up."

"Indeed. Go inside I shall ensure she is well and fed." And untainted.

Nodding Jayden headed inside, Airyl darting ahead of him disappointed that Anders and Garrett were definitely not within. He took an inventory relieved Anders was always prepared, while they had a pack of supplies with them, they had no idea how long they would be travelling and with Luna they could certainly carry more. Grabbing a pack he looked through the store taking a length of rope, flint and tinder, candles, a flask of water, bread, cheese, dried fish, some root vegetables and a small bag of oats as well as herbs for cooking and potions. He checked through the vials selecting healing potions and salves, prying up a board in the storeroom and taking the supply of lyrium dust. He picked the toughest empty vials and slotted them into the padded pouches he and Anders had made as they talked by the fire at night. He ensured the potions and salves were also suitably protected, to his surprise finding some vials that were labelled explosive, startled that Anders would have kept them inside. "Whatever your reasoning, you are a Maker send Anders." He grabbed some spare tunics and a coat with a thick woollen lining concealing an armoured layer, with waterproof outer layer, recognising it as the coat Anders had Mistress Marsden make. There was also some camping gear left and the tent they had kept, just in case. He sighed glancing around the dwelling he had once thought of briefly as home, the place he had never stopped missing. "I hope I see you again brother." He whispered pulling up another board in the storeroom wincing as he pulled his wounds, retrieving the weapons and coin he had stored there. His fingers drifted across the runes engraved into the sword and dagger, deeply grateful for Master Wade's abilities.

"Do we have everything we will need?" Morrigan asked shutting the door behind her, glancing at everything he had gathered. "Twould seem Anders has outfitted our journey admirably. We should leave at first light, twill be dark soon and I dislike the idea of meeting Darkspawn in such undesirable circumstances."

"I agree. I take it Luna is free of the taint." He met Morrigan's surprised gaze. "That is what you were doing wasn't it? I could feel magic."

"She is well."

"Good." Wrapping a blanket around himself Jayden settled in front of the fire, his hand drifting to his mouth to stifle a yawn.

"Use the bed you need rest and twill be more comfortable than the floor."

"I'm fine Morrigan, you take it, or take the bed in the other room."

"You are still healing, I will remain with you." Morrigan shrugged out of her armour smiling to herself as Jayden kept his gaze averted. Walking passed him she settled into the comfortable bed. "Come, we shall share, besides, twill be a cold night." She raised an eyebrow at his hesitation. "Tis not the first time we have shared a bed."

Jayden eased himself up with a grunt of pain before joining her, Airyl flopping down on the end of the bed. "Thank you for helping me Morrigan." He murmured sleepily.

"You would have done the same for me." Morrigan whispered, watching as he relaxed into sleep. Only when she was convinced he would not wake if she moved, she nestled against him soaking up the warmth of his body and finally allowing herself to sleep unencumbered by her fears that he would pass beyond her help as she slept.

xXx

Tired from another day of hard riding and needing to let the horses take it easy for a while, Warin slowed his horse to a trot the others following his example. He glanced to Ellowyn who was still keeping distance between herself and them, only Fleta allowed near to her. He was growing weary of her suspicious looks despite knowing she was more than entitled to feel that way. She had refused to speak to Delilah and Thomas and saw to her own meals as though she expected them to drug or poison her. While she shared a tent with Delilah because she had no choice, she did not enter it until she was sure Delilah was asleep. Delilah had stopped trying to reach her friend and spent most of the time travelling in silence apart from the odd conversation with her brother. Thomas was equally quiet though he did not seemed as troubled by Ellowyn's reaction as Delilah was; he had expected it and spent his time instead alert to danger, his hand usually resting on the hilt of his sword. They had stayed parallel to the main road, but away from it to avoid being seen. They had hidden from several large groups of soldiers, but he needed news and hearing voices up ahead Warin led them to a spot where he was certain they wouldn't easily be seen and walked on foot to the road noticing that while some of the group were soldiers others looked like refugees. He hailed the lead soldier. "Can you give me any news of Ostagar?"

The soldier shuddered a glazed look in his eyes, his head was bandaged and his arm was in a sling. "It was a bloody slaughter; saw the King go down myself."

Paling Warin stared at him in shock. "And Lord Fergus Cousland?"

"No idea though I doubt he fared any better than the King."

Feeling sick to his stomach Warin forced himself to remain calm. "What about the Wardens?"

"Most if not all were slaughtered. If any survived it's a bloody miracle."

Warin simply nodded moving out of the way frowning as he heard several other soldiers muttering about the battle hearing William's name. "Excuse me." He stated stopping them. "Do you know what happened to Sergeant William?"

"I reckon you mean Captain William." The soldier nearest to him stated. "Battlefield promotion when Captain Varril fell; except he then gave his life to save King Cailan and his Majesty died anyway. All of them damn good men that we couldn't afford to lose. It was a bloody slaughter; General had no choice but to get his men out of there."

Warin gave his thanks for the news taking a moment to compose himself before he made his way back to his charges.

Thomas knew the moment he saw him it was bad. "What news?"

"The battle was lost, the Darkspawn overwhelmed them. The soldiers believe the King fell in battle."

"No!" Delilah gasped tears in her eyes.

Ellowyn paled. "What about my brothers?"

"The soldiers could not confirm their fate, there's still a chance they survived."

"What about Will?" Thomas asked feeling sick.

"He fought bravely was even made Captain. He gave his life to save the King."

Ellowyn felt the nausea rise and she turned away from them moving into the trees as her stomach heaved, Fleta whining softly at her side.

Delilah stood rooted to the spot hardly aware of the tears sliding down her cheeks. "They might be wrong." She whispered feeling Thomas's arm against her own, he was ghastly pale and looked shaky.

"Several in that group saw him fall my Lady." Warin stated gently, not wanting to believe it any more than they did; glancing up as Ellowyn rejoined them, her eyes bloodshot. "We should move on."

Silently the group mounted and followed him, taking the risk of travelling closer to the road, hearing the same news from other groups until there was nothing else to do but believe that what they heard was true. "We will still make for Lothering." Warin stated as they camped that night. "We should make it there the day after tomorrow; we might be able to get more news there before heading on to Redcliffe."

xXx

Ellowyn lay tightly wrapped in her blanket shivering painfully unable to get warm. Delilah lay next to her, but she wasn't sure if she was awake or sleeping and she remained silent not wanting to talk. She tried to focus on Fergus, Aedan and Rory, there was at least a chance they still lived and she clung to that hope, swallowing down the shock and pain of the loss of their King, but tears fell as she thought of Jayden. Too many people had seen his fight with the Alpha; too many had seen the mortal blow and then her brother ordering the trebuchets to be fired. She turned as she heard Delilah give a muffled sob and putting aside her distrust she moved closer needing comfort as much as Delilah did.

"They cannot be gone." Delilah whispered. "Cailan … William … they just cannot."

"I know it hurts." Ellowyn stated gently, she didn't know what else to say, the grief was raw for her too.

Turning Delilah blinked away the tears. "If my father had just gone to Ostagar they might have survived, might even have won!"

Ellowyn remained silent, but she imagined many would be thinking the same. "I am going to kill your father if my brothers are dead." She whispered, swallowing painfully as Delilah's eyes widened realising she had spoken aloud.

"He needs to be brought to justice Ellowyn, for everyone he has wronged."

"He killed my parents, the soldiers and servants at the castle." She snarled. "Tried to kill everyone else, had blood magic used on me. I will see him dead or die trying."

"Ellowyn I beg you, do not go up against him alone, promise me."

Ellowyn hesitated realising Delilah was truly afraid. "If an opportunity presents itself I cannot promise I will not take it."

xXx

Thomas stared at the flames of the small campfire slowly turning the ring on his finger. Life had changed so dramatically he wasn't sure what he felt apart from shock and grief. "I should have told him." He whispered. "That I knew who he was; what my father had done."

Warin glanced up from sharpening his dagger.

"I should have told him so I could have apologised for every wrong I did him."

"He knew who you were Thomas, suggesting he forgave you."

"He probably did, but I still should have said the words and he deserved to know why he was torn from his family."

Warin gave a soft hiss glancing to the tent where the young women were sleeping.

Sighing Thomas huddled further into his cloak. "I bet if Teyrn Loghain was to find out what had happened he would bring my father to justice."

Warin shook his head. "He would kill him more likely."

Thomas shrugged. "No more than the bastard deserves."

xXx

Activating the Calling Crystal Rendon waited a heartbeat before he heard the familiar voice of Magister Danarius.

"I hope all is well Rendon. Have you implemented the precautions I outlined to you?"

"I have." Rendon stated, shuddering at the memory of the disgusting concoction he had forced himself to drink each day after Caladrius, on Danarius's orders had performed a ritual to ensure he had not been enthralled. He had been enraged to discover that there were threads of magic within him, though Caladrius had ensured him they had been easy enough to remove. Danarius had assured him the potion he had taken was to build up resistance to any further attempts to influence him until he could send him something of a more permanent nature. Rendon had sworn he would kill Eloen the moment he saw her, but Danarius as always was a soothing influence and he had suggested a much more appropriate solution, advantageous to them both. She would be the perfect scapegoat should one become necessary and when he had finished with her should all go to plan, Danarius wanted the mage, intrigued by her thirst and adaptability with magic. "And I am to drink this every day?"

"Indeed Rendon, unless you would like our ambitious friend to enthral you." He wondered once again if she would be a candidate for the branding. A mage under his control with such additional powers would be a true boost to his arsenal. Danarius slowly rubbed his jaw, Rendon was too valuable an ally to lose to the whims of a mage, but her ambition did impress him.

Rendon's fists clenched, but he forced himself to remain calm, Danarius had proven himself a valuable ally yet again and he would not have that marred by his own temper. "And you are sure I will feel her attempts, but not be ensnared by them?"

"The potion will ensure it Rendon trust me. I take it daily myself; one can never be too cautious in the Imperium. However, it is a closely guarded secret, were the Magisterium to find out I had such a potion and gave it freely to you and not them, well perhaps none of my considerable magic would save me. So, I hope I can count on your discretion"

"Of course, I appreciate your position Danarius and I am truly grateful for the risk you are taking."

"Think nothing of it Rendon, together we will do great things."

"I truly hope so."

"You are nearing Denerim I hope?"

"A few more days travel."

"Tread carefully, from what you have told me the Queen has a particular fondness for the Cousland's."

"I will be vigilant Danarius and once I have a foot hold in Denerim I will send word to Caladrius."

"Excellent Rendon, as always it is a pleasure to do business with you."

Watching the Calling Crystal dim Rendon sighed feeling a flare of regret that he had, had Erlina poison Anora's mind against her brother, realising now he should have drawn them closer together. However he still believed once faced with Ellowyn's testimony Anora would accept the traitorous actions of Bryce and his own actions would be vindicated. He thought idly it was fortunate Danarius had reminded him of Eloen's uses, for if Anora did prove stubborn he would need the mage to influence the Queen in the days to come.