Walking back across the courtyard after stabling their animals Delilah realised the Cousland family must have gone inside. She felt a moment of relief, her father had caused them such pain and she wasn't sure how they would react towards her and she was in no hurry to find out. She cast Thomas an anxious glance and then steeled herself as Bann Teagan crossed the courtyard moving swiftly towards them, aware of Jayden's subtle move towards her feeling his unspoken support.

"Lady Delilah, Lord Thomas you are most welcome as is the rest of your party. There are some guest rooms available, but I am afraid not enough with so many staying here." He glanced uncomfortably. "Perhaps the ladies would be willing to share the larger available room and perhaps Thomas you would take the smaller. There is room in the barracks for the remainder of your party. Again I apologise."

"The barracks will be more than sufficient." Jayden reassured.

Teagan stared at him startled. "William? Makers breath I heard you had … well I am glad to see you are alive."

"Thank you my Lord."

Smiling broadly knowing Alistair would be thrilled to see his friend, Teagan gestured to the servants who had been waiting to take them to their rooms. "I am having a meal prepared; once you are bathed and changed perhaps you will all join us in the Great Hall."

"Thank you Bann Teagan." Delilah stated, trying to hide the horrifying thought of having to share a room with Morrigan, her only consolation was Morrigan did not appear happy about it either. Following the servant inside Delilah worried at her lip feeling as though the knights and servants were watching her suspiciously, she doubted they were, but her own guilt over her father's actions left her sensitive. She was grateful when she was shown into a room even if it meant the witch was with her. Thankfully there were two beds and the room was already beginning to warm from a hastily lit fire. Setting down her pack on the right side of the fire she stretched out her hands to warm them, aware of the witch moving to the other side of the room. When servants brought in two large wooden tubs and began the laborious process of filling them with water she unpacked.

xXx

Finally in the privacy of the rooms the Cousland's were sharing and after more hugs, Oriana took a protesting Oren into the adjoining room to allow the siblings to speak freely without fear of distressing him.

Ellowyn listened ashen faced as Aedan told her of the attack on Highever. She wouldn't let him spare her the details needing to know the full truth of what had happened. She squeezed her eyes shut as though to keep back the horror as her brother explained how he had found their father, clutching his hands as his voice broke, tears spilling down her cheeks. Her father had been stern at times, but unwaveringly kind and generous and she couldn't reconcile such a brutal death at the hands of a man who had professed years of friendship. Maker please let it have been swift; my father did not deserve to suffer. She slumped against her brother as he told of their escape and then killing the man who had murdered their mother. "You had to do it Aedan, he would have killed you all." She shuddered remembering the tales her mother had told her of her years as a battle maiden in the fight against the Orlesians; she had been no stranger to violent death, but her own death seemed so cruelly unfair.

"I do not know why he would do this Ell." Aedan whispered finally, his voice hoarse from speaking of such painful memories.

"I do." She sighed at her brothers shocked glances; forcing herself to explain everything from visiting Delilah, her friends request of her and then being taken to the mage day after day where her mind was to be altered. She shuddered painfully. "I knew blood magic was evil, but I never imagined ..." She bowed her head tears slipping down her cheeks.

"Damn it Ellowyn!" Fergus snapped standing and pacing by the fire, fear and anger almost tearing him apart. "Why would you do that?"

"We thought it was just about marriage to Thomas and Delilah was afraid the mage had enthralled her father. She wanted to get close enough to the mage to end the threat, but that is not how things worked out. Fergus I had no idea he intended to frame our family for the threat to Jayden, how could I?"

"If Delilah thought her father was potentially enthralled by a mage why did she not go to the Templars?"

Ellowyn sighed softly. "He is still her father Fergus and before she handed him over to the Templars she wanted to know if he was enthralled, or if his drive was of his own doing. I … I thought by going I was keeping us safe; that he would have what he wanted until we could reveal the truth." Ellowyn hugged her waist, pressing her head to Fleta's who was trying to lick her tears.

Settling next to her Fergus gently embraced her. "Ell I am sorry I did not mean this to sound like an interrogation and I am not angry with you."

"You should be. I should never have gone; if I had been at home, I might have been able to help."

"And you might have been killed; I could not bear to lose you too."

Ellowyn gave a choked sob and buried her face against his tunic. "How can they be gone Ferg? How can it be that I can never see them again?"

"It will never bring them back Ell, but I swear we will get them justice." He sighed softly. "Whatever is going on this is bound up with the Mac Tirs and I am assuming the reason Jay was sent to the Free Marches." He worried at his lip. "I think it is time Anora finally told me the truth about what is going on."

"Do you think she will tell you?" Ellowyn whispered.

"Our parents died to take the fall for whatever is going on; she damn well better tell me what is going on."

"Will you tell her about Cailan?"

"I will speak to Teagan see what he advises. How to get the message to her is the problem, I cannot risk Howe or his men intercepting it. Maker this would be so much easier if we had Highever's Calling Crystal."

"Does Redcliffe not have one?" Aedan asked anxiously.

"Not that I know of, father … he certainly never talked about communicating with Redcliffe. It is linked to Gwaren, Denerim and …" He hesitated. "The border, there is a Calling Crystal at the border."

Aedan met his brother's gaze. "We have to go to Orzammar anyway; I could speak to Rathnal and get him to go there first instead of the Circle."

Ellowyn frowned trying to remember a conversation with Jayden when they were younger regarding his fascination with magic. "I think you should go to the Circle first, the … damn what was the name … Formari I think … they deal with enchantments, surely they can make us a Calling Crystal. Maybe they made the ones we already have."

Fergus shook his head. "No I believe a dwarf made them, but there is no harm in seeing if the Circle can accommodate our needs. If not I will go to the border myself." He turned hearing Oriana speaking sternly to their son. "Maker please excuse me, Oren is still very agitated."

"He has a right to be with everything he saw and went through." Aedan muttered; glancing up as Fergus gripped his shoulder.

"You got him to safety Aedan, you could not shield him from what happened. Even if all of us had been there we could not have done that." He sighed at his brother's slight nod and squeezed his shoulder before slipping into the other room.

Aedan turned to Ellowyn keeping his voice low. "We need to tell him what the threat was."

"No." Ellowyn stated firmly. "Let him find out from Anora."

"Look Ell, Jay is … he is gone, I do not think he would mind us telling now."

Ellowyn paled. "Maker I should have told you sooner, but with everything …" She bit her lip. "He is with us. We met up with him in Lothering."

"He … but … they said he was dead!"

"He almost was and he is still injured. He will be glad to see you; he was as worried about you as I have been."

"He is alive! I just … I cannot believe it."

"So you see we cannot say anything."

Frowning Aedan's eyes suddenly widened. "You haven't told him what happened at Vigil's Keep have you?" At the shake of her head he gripped her hand. "Why not?"

"Because I thought he was dead and then getting him back seemed like a miracle. What do you think he would do if I told him our parents were killed and our family is being hunted because Howe has said our father, our family is the reason he was ripped from his?"

Aedan paled. "He would never believe father or any of us would do that!"

"Aedan we cannot know that, I pray you are right, but after everything that has happened how can we be sure? Maker I think of my own reaction to Delilah and Thomas; Aedan I threatened to kill them! Selfishly I cannot cope with seeing suspicion in his eyes towards us and even if you are right, he would likely draw the same conclusion I have, that either Howe is behind the threat itself, or for some reason that I cannot comprehend he is working with the Orlesians. What do you think he would do?"

Aedan let out a shuddering breath. "He would go after him."

"So, we cannot tell him, not until we are sure and if Fergus and Anora can communicate we might just get those answers."

"It does not feel right to keep it from him."

"I know, but if we can give him the truth not suspicions, he will understand. Aedan he kept the truth from us to keep us safe, we are just doing the same."

"I doubt he will see it like that Ell."

"We will make him!"

Giving a reluctant nod Aedan fell silent as Oriana slipped into the room.

"Ellowyn the meal will be soon and we should all eat. The servants managed to source some dresses when I arrived, I think one or two might fit you."

Ellowyn followed her into the adjoining room as Fergus led his son out, Rascal as always stuck to Oren's leg. She glanced down to Fleta and hunkered down. "You can stay with your brothers." She smiled as Fleta licked her face, watching the mabari head into the adjoining room clearly determined to stay with her. She followed gasping as Oriana was hugging her before the door clicked shut.

"Now tell me what happened in Amaranthine." Oriana demanded as she set to work unbraiding Ellowyn's hair. She listened quietly until Ellowyn fell silent. "I will see him lose everything and then face the sword or the noose for all the hurt and pain he has brought our family." Oriana's eyes gleamed. "There will be a Landsmeet; if we are to bring him down he must be convinced you are still on his side."

Ellowyn had not said anything to her brothers, but she had thought the same. "I will be the end to his plans he never sees coming."

Oriana nodded. "Indeed you will."

xXx

When they were finally left alone Delilah glanced to Morrigan who was staring out of the window before stripping off her clothing and stepping into the tub, sighing at the warmth of the water having used only icy stream water with which to clean herself on their journey; luxuriating in the use of soap to cleanse herself. She heard the slosh of water realising Morrigan was bathing also, the women remaining with their backs to each other. Delilah bit her lip, Morrigan was Jayden's friend and as such she knew it would be better if she at least attempted to form some kind of relationship with her, but even if the woman had not been a mage she was so abrasive in her manner Delilah had no idea how to approach her without being scorned. She bit her lip as a servant came to collect clothing to be washed, leaving a dress on each bed to wear during their evening meal.

Morrigan glanced at the pale green dress, stepping out of the water and quickly drying herself, only then touching the material, her fingertips drifting over the pearls sewn on the neckline. The material was unlike anything she had ever worn, soft and silken. She glanced into the mirror leaving her hair down, scowling as she realised Delilah was watching her.

"The colour suits you."

Morrigan turned, the rich blue dress given to Delilah hugged her hips and accentuated her breasts. "Tis a shame the same cannot be said for your dress." She turned smiling smugly to herself at the flush colouring Delilah's cheeks.

xXx

Sitting on the edge of the bed Thomas glanced to Warin who had returned to his side after bathing and changing. "None of this seems real. We are facing true monsters and yet my own father is the worst monster of them all." He bit his lip nervously. "I wonder when the Cousland's will turn on us."

"They have no reason to."

"Warin be realistic, you were my father's right hand since the occupation; Delilah and I … they will use us to try and get to him."

"And if they do?"

Standing Thomas moved to the window. "I would let them use me, but you have to promise me you will do whatever it takes keep Delilah out of it. She has been through enough."

"Losing Nathaniel almost broke her, she will not take it well if you risk yourself without her."

Glancing to the night sky Thomas wanted to say that his loss would not grieve her to the same extent, but he knew that wasn't true, hadn't been true in some time. "I fear that my life is forfeit whichever way this works out." He glanced to Warin sighing slightly at the concerned look on his face. "If my father is defeated the Landsmeet might decide our line needs to end, it is not the first time my family line has been found to be the traitors. If my father is victorious he might very well kill me himself for betraying him and if for some reason he decides to let me live, Will might very well kill me for what I am keeping from him."

"Will has a temper to be sure, but he is not a fool."

"Still I … I do not feel comfortable here. I feel as though everyone is looking at me and judging me for my father's actions."

"Or perhaps you are simply judging yourself."

Smiling sadly Thomas glanced back out of the window. "Always."

xXx

Barely managing to keep himself from breaking into a run Terrance hurried to the barracks, Kinnard beside him. The pair stared in awe and disbelief at their Captain who was talking to a huge Qunari. Both men visibly straightened as he turned to them still drying his hair.

Jayden felt a rush of gratitude and moved over to them clasping their arms in greeting. "Terrance, Kinnard it is a relief to see you both."

"And you Captain." Terrance stated eagerly.

"Are you both well?"

"Good as new Captain." Terrance grinned warmly, glancing to Kinnard who simply nodded seemingly lost for words.

"Good. Who else survived from the Company?"

"Tess, Lawrence, Gabriel, Enchanter Dylan and Ser Michael." Kinnaird supplied finding his voice, just beating Terrance. "Oh and Enchanter Robert made it out with us. I know he's not the Company, but well he helped save our asses."

"So few." Jayden murmured.

"They protect the King as you commanded; we have been watching over the Wardens despite the Warden Commander saying they didn't need it. Not that they are in danger here."

"The Wardens can look after themselves, our duty lies with the King."

"Yes Captain." Kinnard stated still looking at him as though doubting he was truly there.

Terrance glanced curiously at the Qunari, noting Airyl nosing around his pockets.

Jayden bit his lip. "Forgive me, Sten this is Sergeant Kinnard and Guardsman Terrance of the Denerim guard. Gentleman this is Sten of the Berrasad."

"Um … nice to meet you." Terrace stated cautiously, taking the slight nod as all the answer he was going to get.

Kinnard subtly watched the Qunari thinking he couldn't be that bad if Airyl tolerated him.

"So …" Jayden stated pulling on a fresh tunic that had been supplied by a servant. "Bring me up to speed." He listened patiently as Kinnard told him of the remainder of the battle at Ostagar after he had fallen and their journey to Redcliffe. He mentioned that many Wardens had died, but did not give any names advising him to speak to the Commander. It was Terrance who told him that the King remained unconscious.

"Can you take me to the rest of the Company?"

"Of course Captain." Kinnard stated.

Terrance shifted uncomfortably. "Forgive me Captain but … well don't you want to see the King first?"

"I would see those of my Company first." He was surprised by the effect of his words; common sense it seemed to him since Cailan was unconscious, but both men were standing a little straighter and looking a little prouder.

Terrance rolled back his shoulders. "Follow me Captain."

Jayden glanced to Sten. "Will you join us?"

Nodding Sten followed the soldiers to the Great Hall, watching Airyl stalk the corridor at the Captains side, her muscles tense as though she expected battle. He hesitated as they entered the hall at the sound of a shocked gasp.

"Will!"

Jayden bit his lip in pain as Tess threw herself at him, her arms wrapping around his neck. "Easy Tess." He grumbled, but hugged her all the same.

"I can't believe you're alive and here!" She gasped pulling back noting him holding his stomach, jerking back sharply. "Maker I'm sorry I … I thought with you being here magic must have healed you."

"I'm fine Tess I just need a little more time to heal fully." He glanced her over. "And you?"

Tess felt the warmth of his gaze and tone, feeling a jolt of sadness that his easy smile was absent. "Fully healed." She glanced towards the door to the Great Hall that lead to the guest rooms and flushed. "Maker is that Lady Howe? Why does she look like she wants to rip me apart?"

Jayden turned startled only to see Delilah enter the room and turn her attention to Bann Teagan. "She has to share a room with Morrigan, I doubt either of them is in a good mood. There seems to be a bit of tension between them."

"Will!" Lawrence grinned broadly as he appeared at the door Delilah had entered by. "Damn man! Not even the spawn can keep you down!"

Jayden clasped his arm. "It's good to see you Lawrence. I saw your uncle at Lothering on the way here. He said to tell you he's heading to Denerim."

Lawrence grinned in relief. "Good to know the old goat is alright."

"And you?"

"I'm good, few new scars, nothing to get excited about."

"Where's Gabe?"

"He's with Lord Dairren, barely leaves his side. I think Dylan and Michael are with them."

"Terrance informed me of the situation; can you take me to them?"

"Of course."

xXx

Gabriel glanced up as Lawrence entered the room. "There's no change." He murmured dismally.

Lawrence bit his lip glancing to Dylan who looked exhausted having tried yet another combination of spells, Matthew watching him a worried expression on his face, they all knew Dylan was pushing himself too hard and giving himself too little rest between his attempts to heal Dairren. He also knew Matthew should be resting, but he rarely left Dylan's side, strangely seeming more comfortable in the mages company. "Senior Enchanter Wynne will be strong enough to try her spells in a few days." He consoled.

"She is concentrating on the King and the Arl, she needs to rest too." Dylan muttered.

Gabriel glanced to Dylan who was moving away from the bed. "Thank you for continuing to try."

Dylan nodded turning to leave his mouth falling open.

Gabriel frowned seeing his expression, Matthew mirroring it. "What's wrong with you two?" He demanded, his eyes widened as he scrambled to his feet. "Will! I … I mean Captain!"

"You have no idea how glad I am each of you survived."

Dylan moved over to him reaching out a trembling hand placing it gently against his chest. "Damn you're real I thought … I thought I'd fallen asleep and was dreaming."

Matthew grinned shaking his head. "Damn Will how many lives do you have?"

Gabriel moved to him shame and guilt gleaming in his eyes. "We couldn't get to you! There was nothing we … nothing I could do. I didn't stop the trebuchets. Maker I didn't stop them!"

Horrified by his friend's distress Jayden gently gripped his shoulder. "Leaving me; firing the trebuchets was the right decision."

"But …"

"No. It was the right decision, the only workable option."

"How … how are you here?"

"Morrigan and Flemeth."

Glancing down seeing a patient Airyl for the first time, Gabriel sank to his knees and hugged her tears streaming down his face and sinking into her fur, smiling as she rubbed happily against him.

Gently squeezing Gabriel's shoulder Jayden glanced to Dairren who was sleeping despite the commotion suspecting it was a magically induced sleep. "Well he's alive and where there is life there's hope."

"The Warden Commander will want to see you." Gabriel stated clearing his throat to stop the tremble. "He was here a short time ago; said he was going to check on the King."

xXx

Sinking onto the seat next to the bed Jayden gazed at Cailan feeling sick to his stomach. His reunion with Alistair and Rathnal had consisted of both men hugging him so tightly he thought his stitches might tear though he said nothing, quickly reassuring Rathnal he couldn't have helped him and would only have died in the attempt. Now he stared at their King who lay still, his skin pale, his eyes closed though his breathing seemed strong. He remembered how angry the King had been with him. "You have to wake up Cailan, it wouldn't be right for me to have survived Ostagar if you don't."

"Enchanter Wynne thinks she can help." Rathnal stated softly. "She has dealt with head injuries many times before."

"Good; what about the rest of the Wardens?"

Rathnal swallowed painfully as he explained about Duncan's fall, those who had perished those who had survived and those who were still injured.

Head bowing Jayden bit back the tears of grief; he had considered himself friends with many of the Wardens and to know that yet again so many had died was a crushing blow.

Hearing the sound of a gong Alistair gently gripped Jayden's arm. "You need to eat; we all do."

The last thing Jayden wanted was food, struggling to hold back the tears as grief for the lost and fear for the injured almost overwhelmed him, but being with those who had survived was what he needed so he nodded and followed his friends.

xXx

Several large tables had been moved into the centre of the room, servants carrying in platters of meat, breads and root vegetables. Jayden noticed Morrigan the moment he entered the room, surprised to see her in a dress with her hair down realising she was receiving many admiring looks. He caught himself looking for Delilah, turning as a hand rested on his arm. "You look beautiful my Lady." He murmured, noting the pretty blush that bloomed on Delilah's cheeks.

"I must admit it is nice to be in a dress again." She worried at her lip. "The female soldier seemed … enthusiastic in her greeting of you." She was startled by the sadness in his eyes.

"She thought I was dead, they all did. I don't think I have ever been hugged so fiercely by so many in such a short time."

The jealousy that had been nipping at her fell to silence and she gently squeezed his arm. "You mean a great deal to them."

"They mean a great deal to me." He glanced to the door as the Cousland's entered; seeing Aedan staring at him as though he had seen a ghost.

Delilah saw the look and squeezed his arm. "One more hug coming your way I think." She smiled slightly and moved over to her brother.

Aedan moved swiftly across the hall never looking away from him. "You are alive. Really alive, I mean Ell told me, but …"

Jayden grunted in pain, as Aedan hugged him fiercely, wincing as he jerked back in alarm. "I'm alright, I just need to be careful for a while."

Struggling to swallow the lump in his throat Aedan clenched his trembling hands. "We just left you there."

"Don't, there is no blame here. There was nothing anyone could have done; I was surrounded by Darkspawn and the wound was mortal. Morrigan and Flemeth got me out of there and worked to heal me. They have a unique branch of magic, it's the only reason I'm alive." He glanced to the soldiers and Wardens watching them, seeing a mixture of awe and guilt, seeing the colour drain from Fergus's face as he recognised him.

Teagan cleared his throat feeling almost suffocated by the atmosphere of regret and grief. "Perhaps we should eat."

Terrance eagerly stood near to Jayden hoping to sit beside him, his eyes locked on Morrigan who seemed to glide over taking the chair on the other side of his Captain. He saw her smug look towards Delilah as she took a seat with her brother and Warin opposite them, glancing to his Captain in growing admiration not surprised he would have two beautiful women eager for his attention.

Teagan raised his tankard when everyone was seated. "Despite the dark times behind us and those ahead we are here now together. Let us take this moment to rejoice for those who survived, pray for those who have been injured and salute those who sacrificed their lives for us all." He nodded as everyone raised their drinks. "Now please eat."

xXx

The absence of Lady Isolde and her son at the meal was something that all noted, but no-one mentioned, each assuming they were with the Arl, only Teagan was aware of her refusal to eat with them. She was enraged that not only were they harbouring the Cousland's, but the children of Arl Howe as well; wanting them tossed out immediately, but in the weeks he had been there he had learnt to handle her and her protests were quickly silenced, though he was aware the fury in her eyes never dimmed. He silently prayed that Wynne could heal his brother and then he could get back to his own home and wife. He had already spoken to Fergus and the Warden Commander, all three acknowledging that Rainesfere while not as secure as Redcliffe Castle might prove a better base of operations for them, particularly given Eamon may require a period of convalescence. He glanced to Fergus who had sat beside him, while pale he certainly seemed less agitated now he had been reunited with Ellowyn, the whole family seemed somehow more stable with her presence. "Your sister looks well."

"Thank the Maker." Fergus stated with a nod.

Oren suddenly snuggled against his father. "Now can I learn to use a sword papa?"

Fergus wrapped his arm around him and hugged him tightly. "You do not need to learn of such things just yet Oren."

"Yes I do." Oren muttered stubbornly. "If I knew how to use a sword maybe I could have saved grandma." He felt his father tighten his hold, his lower lip trembling. "Please papa."

Fergus glanced to Oriana who simply nodded. "Alright Oren, we can talk about this later."

Oren nodded solemnly; there was no delight that his request had been accepted, only the need to prepare himself so he could keep the rest of his family safe. He glanced to Rascal who as always was next to him, the mabari resting his head on his knees. Oren gently stroked his head doubting he would ever have a better friend. His gaze drifted to the Captain at the far end of the table who should have been dead. The soldiers looked at him the way the soldiers at home had looked at his grandfather and he knew what that meant, they trusted him with their lives and were ready to give theirs in defence of him. The Warden's looked at him the way nobles had looked at his grandma with warmth and respect and if Uncle Aedan and Aunt Ell liked him then he had to be a good man. "I want Uncle Dan and Aunt Ell's friend the Captain to teach me." He stated firmly.

Fergus raised an eyebrow and glanced down the table before turning his gaze to the twins who were watching their nephew curiously. "Why Captain William?"

"Because the soldiers respect him like our soldiers respected grandpa and he's still alive when everyone thought he was dead." He lowered his voice nervously. "Do you think he would papa? If Uncle Dan and Aunt Ell asked he is bound to say yes isn't he?" He glanced to his aunt and uncle pleadingly.

"We will ask him." Ellowyn stated softly, seeing the same desperation in her nephew's eyes that she had seen in Jayden's after his kidnapping. "I am sure he will help."

Fergus subtly watched the Captain throughout the remainder of the meal noting the looks from noble, Warden and soldier alike, recognising what his son had seen, a leader. He had risked being accused of desertion to find the King so his loyalty to Cailan was not in question, but with the King incapacitated and Maker forbid if he did not wake he wondered if the Captain could be convinced to remain rather than returning to Denerim; fearing that Howe would somehow get Loghain on his side. He worried at his lip, since he had given the order to fire the trebuchets and so effectively ended any hope of rescue he wasn't at all sure the Captain would agree. He forced himself to concentrate; these were matters to be attended to later, for with luck and Wynne's healing skills Cailan would wake come the morrow.

xXx

As subtly as she could Delilah watched her betrothed throughout the meal, trying to ignore the smug looks the witch kept directing at her. She caught his gaze on her several times feeling that same thrill each time she realised he was looking at her, the memory of their kisses warming her cheeks. A smile had still to grace his lips, but there was as often amusement in his eyes as sadness and she noted how happy the Wardens appeared to be to see him. He had received more hugs from them all and again jealousy had reared its head as the beautiful young woman who was from Rivain if she had to bet embraced him, but her eyes were for Aedan as his were for her. She glanced up the table to the Cousland's feeling her throat ache. Fergus had spoken to both herself and Thomas expressing his gratitude that Ellowyn had been brought safely to him. What had surprised her was his admission of the oath he had made at Nathaniel's memorial to protect them and that he intended to honour that oath. Glancing to Thomas who was speaking softly to Warin she felt a desperate need to protect him from what would come, for whatever happened their father would want them with him and she had to know how much of this had been his own doing and how much had been influenced by the darkest of magic. She shivered as though an icy wind had torn passed her realising Jayden was watching her in concern. She offered him a smile and didn't mind in the least that his gaze returned to her more frequently throughout their meal.

As the meal ended and people began taking their leave for the evening Delilah found herself outside of Cailan's door, Kinnard standing guard. He allowed her to enter, but the door was kept open and she knew he was watching her. Sitting on the seat she gently took Cailan's hand. "You have to wake up my friend, we need you, Ferelden needs you. Do you remember when we were children and we went to the Mac Tir's and the garden was lit up and looked so magical. You were playing at being a knight with the boys of course and I was braiding Anora's hair with Ellowyn. Nate was there, we were all there and we were all so happy." She gently wiped the tear that fell onto his hand. "Things change and people part ways, but we have always been there for each other Cailan, no matter how much time flows between seeing each other. Now the world is falling to chaos and there is darkness everywhere, we need your light, so please wake up, please." Brushing away the tears that slipped down her cheeks she took a calming breath, stood and leaned over pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. "We need you Cailan, all of us." Turning to leave she realised Kinnard was no longer in the doorway, instead Fergus was standing watching her.

"I remember that night too." Fergus stated softly. "I never imagined it would come to this." He darted forward as Delilah staggered and caught her as her knees sagged holding her gently as she wept.

"He will come for us all." Delilah shuddered clutching onto Fergus.

"You are safe here Delilah."

Blinking back the tears Delilah forced herself to take a step back straightening her dress. "From my father I am not safe anywhere."

Fergus felt his throat ache as she gently squeezed his hand before slipping out of the room; he couldn't imagine a world in which he feared his own father would mean him harm. His mind drifted to Nathaniel; all of the whispered conversations they had shared and the dark side to Rendon Howe that he had never shown the Cousland's. He missed his friend deeply, all the more now desperate for his calm manner and words of advice. He glanced to Cailan wondering how different life might have been if Anora had married Nathaniel and Cailan had married Delilah. Slowly he ran his hand down his face feeling as weary as an old man; such thinking would drive him to madness. "Please wake Cailan, we cannot allow the people we love and our country to fall to darkness and I am not sure I can face this without you."