Yawning loudly Faren rubbed his eyes seeing lights in the distance blurred by the torrential rain. "What village is that?"

Rolling back his aching shoulders Aedan frowned wiping his face, getting his bearings squinting through the gloom. "Crestwood I think." He shivered as icy water soaked through his cloak.

"Surely there will be a tavern there." Rathnal altered their course slightly. "We can't travel much further in this."

Glancing to Ayanna who had urged her horse closer, Aedan gave an encouraging smile, put his head down and kept going.

Reaching the village Rathnal asked for directions to the nearest tavern and they made their way to The Rusted Horn which was atop the damn. It was clean, dry and had rooms to spare, stables a short distance away within the village itself.

Alistair spoke at length to the barkeep ordering food and finding out the latest news, returning to their table his mind unsettled. "General Loghain has been named Regent apparently. He ordered ravens sent throughout Ferelden, any Wardens are to be brought to Denerim to speak to him."

Rathnal frowned. "Speak to him?"

"The barkeep seems to think some people blame Wardens for the losses at Ostagar."

"We lost as much as anyone." Faren hissed glaring at his tankard, glancing to Sereda who gently squeezed his arm.

"It was never going to take long before people started looking for someone to blame." Rathnal stated with a soft sigh.

"I bet these rumours are Howe's doing; he's trying to find out if I survived." Aedan snarled clenching his fists.

"Well I think we will do our best to avoid Denerim, at least for now." Rathnal fell quiet as their meals were brought to the table. Once the servers had left he slowly stirred the stew. "We will need to be more on guard than ever, I bet there are plenty out there who will think to make coin by bringing a Warden to Denerim."

"Maybe I should just go there." Aedan growled. "Get close enough to the bastard and slit his throat." He hesitated at Rathnal's piercing look.

"You might just get your chance, but we have work to do before that."

Feeling Ayanna's hand slip into his own Aedan sighed and nodded before turning his attention to his meal.

Glancing around the tavern Rinna took stock of the few villagers sitting at tables far enough away they would not be heard. "So the Circle then back to Redcliffe; where then?"

Tearing off a chunk of bread Rathnal stared at his stew thoughtfully. "Given its proximity to Redcliffe I think Orzammar would be the sensible option, then we can look for the Dalish and Maker willing with enough support we can go to Denerim without being imprisoned."

"I do not think General Loghain would actually imprison us." Alistair stated hopefully.

"He might if Howe has enough time to influence him." Aedan muttered bitterly. "While we are traipsing across the country he will have all the time he needs."

Shifting slightly Rinna glanced over the tavern again for listening ears. "Perhaps your brother will succeed in speaking to the Queen."

"I hope so. If anyone can get through to Anora it is Fergus."

"For now we concentrate on what we can do." Rathnal stated firmly. "Let's just hope people are still willing to honour these treaties."

"And if not?" Ayanna asked curiously.

A low huff of breath left Rathnal's lips. "Then I shall attempt diplomacy and if that fails I might just have to start cracking skulls."

"That Qunari might come in useful for that." Faren stated with a grin. "Shame he isn't with us."

Shaking his head Rathnal allowed a smile. "I don't know much about the Qunari, but I would imagine whatever reason brought him here will be prioritised over our needs."

"Twould be a fool who did not prioritise the Blight above all other considerations." Morrigan stated, glancing to Rathnal as she felt a faint pulse from the runestone. "I believe someone is attempting to contact us."

Excusing himself Rathnal headed up to the shared room, returning shortly seeing the curious looks of his companions. "Slight change of plans, after the Circle we head to Rainesfere." He glanced to Alistair. "I'm assuming you can get us to Bann Teagan's estate."

Alistair nodded feeling a rush of relief. "It might not have Redcliffe's fortifications, but it's a damn sight more pleasant."

Aedan shifted slightly. "Has my brother returned to Redcliffe?"

"Yes and he was successful in speaking to the Queen. I assume we will find out what happened when we reach Rainesfere. They are aware of the summons for Warden's to Denerim and Will said and I quote, 'It is Lord Fergus's request you stay as far from the Capital as possible for the moment until he can speak to you all'."

"Well that doesn't sound ominous at all." Sereda murmured.

"Alright, well let's finish up here and then try and get some sleep, I want to move out again at dawn. With luck another day's ride should see us at the Circle."

xXx

Pacing his room Uldred felt himself giving in to the fury and frustration burning within him. He had spoken to Irving repeatedly about this being their opportunity to break free of the Circle, that with the Blight, Ferelden would need them. Irving had repeatedly dismissed his urging to build their leverage stating it was their duty to provide mages for the army if and when required. They had received a single correspondence from the general asking for details of those mages with healing and battle abilities and their suitability to join the army. To Uldred's fury Irving had dismissed his own suggestions and those he had worked so hard to prepare to fulfil his plans were not even added to the list. He realised with a horrifying level of finality that his plans had failed. All his preparation and it meant nothing; time and again he had been thwarted. Clenching his fists he glared at his reflection before grabbing his atheme and tucking it into the sleeve of his robe. If things were going to change he needed a more direct approach.

xXx

Ser Cullen turned sharply as he felt what he could only describe as ice flood his veins; he heard panicked cries moments later and raced through the corridor drawing his sword, the blade shimmering with white energy that would disrupt mana. He didn't hesitate as a young mage who had just passed her Harrowing began to transform before his eyes, her body twisting even as he plunged his sword deep into her chest. His eyes narrowed as he swung his blade in a sweeping arc to the left taking the head from a second abomination. Kicking open a door to his left hearing a scream he saw Knight Captain Dominic and Ser Simon fighting off two rage demons. Rushing to their aid Cullen span as he caught sight of the mage who had summoned the demons in the mirror's reflection, bearing down on him a fierce snarl leaving his lips. The mage shrank from him; struggling to retreat, his blood hitting the wall as he drove the blade through his heart. Turning to his fellows as they vanquished the demons; Cullen turned from his own reflection in the mirror, blood covering his armour.

"What in the Void is happening?" Simon gasped; shivering and glancing around anxiously.

"That is what we need to discover." Dominic stated firmly leading them back into the corridor, breaking into a run at the sound of terrified screaming. Throwing himself at the door Dominic stared in horror as he saw Ser Larin torn apart by hideous forms of creatures that had once been mages. He felt the bile fill his mouth, but was already rushing into the room, cleansing it of magic and taking the opportunity to behead the two abominations.

Simon vomited noisily in the corner. Ser Larin was not the only one to have fallen in the room, at least four other Templars lay in mangled heaps, their faces twisted in terror.

Cullen sank to his knees next to a young Templar who had joined them only recently, barely eighteen and full of excitement in his new role. He gently closed the young man's eyes and glanced to Dominic.

"Come, we have to stop this." Dominic tightened the grip on his sword to stop his shaking. He led them cautiously upstairs, easing open the door only to hear screams, the clash of blades and the smell of magical discharge. His eyes widened as he saw Ser Guiln and Ser Qenton drive their swords into each other's chests; their horrified looks replaced with desperation as they hit the ground choking on their own blood. His eyes widened as he saw Reece, lightning surging from his staff into two other mages, realising several terrified children were cowering behind the furious mage. He motioned for Simon and Cullen to join him, the three cornering the two blood mages, their robes saturated with blood, gashes clear on their arms.

Simon screamed in pain as the blood of the dying Templars surged around him and he felt his armour begin to crush in on him.

"No!" Cullen screamed dispelling the magic, driving his sword into the gut of a mage who tried to move passed him, twisting the blade and driving it upwards with force, kicking the body to the ground. He glanced back long enough to see Dominic deal the killing blow to the other mage before he moved to Simon.

Coughing violently Simon was grateful for Cullen's arm around him supporting him to sit up. He clutched his chest still struggling to breathe, tears of panic and pain glistening on his cheeks.

"You're alright." Cullen soothed.

Attempting to stand Simon collapsed to his knees shivering violently. He shrank back as he felt magic wash over him, relaxing as Reece gripped his shoulder.

"Take deep breaths." Reece demanded.

Simon obeyed, leaning back against the wall still fighting for breath as healing magic moved through him.

Dominic waited in agitation until Reece was finished. "Enchanter Reece, do you have any idea what is going on?"

"Uldred has gone mad, that is what is going on!"

"Where is he?"

"He was heading up towards the Harrowing Chamber; Maker knows what he intends to do."

Kneeling beside Simon, Dominic looked him over. "Can you stand?"

"Yes."

Smiling warmly Dominic nodded. "Good man." He helped him to his feet realising how shaky he was. He glanced to the children who were standing to the side, shivering and trying not to be seen. "I need you to go with Enchanter Reece, get the children out of here."

Simon paled. "What about you?"

"We will be fine. Go, we have a responsibility to our mage charges. We have to protect those not involved in this."

Nodding Simon glanced to the terrified children. "Enchanter Reece after you."

Hesitating Reece glanced to Dominic and Cullen, before he nodded and turned to the children. "Come on, let's get out of here."

xXx

Gregior felt his heart turn to lead as he ordered the doors closed, having recovered as many Templars as he could which were precious few, leaning heavily against the door. "Maker forgive me." Pushing himself away from the doors he glanced around him needing to restore what order he could. He assigned two Templars to guard the door; assigning another with responsibility for the wounded. He shuddered as he moved to the bodies of three Templars who had given their last breaths moments after getting through the doors, the demons they had encountered having overwhelmed them. He turned to Ser Laren and Ser Julian; they had managed to get out unscathed, though they were badly shaken. "I need you to go to the Watchtower to the north, have them send a messenger to Denerim to inform the Grand Cleric of what has occurred. I am requesting the Rite of Annulment and as many Templars as they will send. There are not enough of us left to do this any other way. If there are no messengers available you must go yourselves. Be as swift as you can." He turned to Ser Carroll. "Go with them and ensure no-one other than those with the Rite of Annulment cross the lake." He watched the three leave and glanced back to the doors leading into the main body of the Circle; so many Templars were still behind those doors, likely fighting for their lives and he had abandoned them, not to mention any innocent mages whose lives would now one way or the other be forfeit. He sank onto a bench running his gauntleted fingers through his hair; it was the first time in his many years of service that he did not feel up to the task facing him.

xXx

Simon drove his fists against the doors time and time again but they remained locked. He had identified himself over and over again, but there was no response. Slumping against the door he wanted to scream in frustration, only the children watching him fearfully preventing him from giving into despair. He glanced to the doorway leading back into the Circle desperately wanting to re-join Dominic and Cullen. He sighed as the children began quietly crying, seeing Reece move over to Keili who was the source of their distress.

"You might want the Rite of Annulment to be performed." Reece hissed pulling her away from the children. "But the rest of us don't want to hear it. If you aren't going to help us sit down and shut up."

Keili shrank from him hugging her knees to her chest, but remained silent. Her eyes widened as they heard a terrible roar, a rage demon bursting through the doorway.

Simon didn't hesitate, leaping forward intending to shield the mages glancing startled as Petra froze the demon, Kinnon and Reece's rock fists sending cracks throughout the creature. Simon drove his foot into it, the demon shattering. He turned to Reece. "Can you create a barrier in this doorway?"

"Sure, step back and I …" He paled as Simon moved through the doorway racing after him. "What in the Void are you doing?"

"Dominic and Cullen need me. The barrier will protect you. How long can you hold it?"

"As long as I need to."

"Then do it."

Biting his lip in agitation Reece began whispering softly, a blue light shimmering at his fingertips, expanding out and creating a shield that covered the doorway. "That should keep anything else out." He met Simon's gaze and swallowed painfully. "Be careful."

Nodding grimly Simon turned, slipping through the library and heading up the stairs.

Reece stared after him guilt spearing him, despite his anger he wished he had gone with him, but as he heard the sound of crying and turned to the children huddled in the corner he knew he had other responsibilities than a Templar. The barrier would hold.

xXx

Dominic hissed in pain as a glyph flared to life beneath him feeling the vibration beneath his feet, pain flaring through his body. He heard Cullen's cry but he was immobilized. Forced to stare ahead he saw Uldred come into view.

"Knight Captain." Uldred stated with a smile, glancing behind him to Cullen who was pinned on the floor, force magic preventing him from getting up. "We seem to have ourselves something of a situation."

Realising he could speak Dominic glared. "Uldred what are you doing?"

"Doing what I should have done years ago, taking control of mage destiny."

"Uldred this is madness, abominations cannot be what you want."

"Power is what I want and now I have it; I and those who join me will never be subjected to Templar rule again."

"Maker Uldred you spent years rooting out blood magic, why turn to it now?"

"You really are a fool. The few had to be sacrificed so many could prepare."

Dominic stared at him wide eyed. "You were planning this all along?"

A cruel smile curved Uldred's lips. "I had hoped for a more civilised way, but truth be told this is much more fun."

Struggling against the magic holding him, Cullen froze as he heard Dominic scream, crying out in pain as he was forced to his feet helpless to stop the demons tearing into his Captain. He renewed his struggling against the magic holding him as he was forced to bear witness to the Knight Captain's torture, giving an agonised cry as Dominic's body hit the floor, blood spilling out across the flagstones. Tears of rage and pain burned his eyes, glaring after Uldred who left the room, his laughter tearing into him. With a roar he managed to cleanse the area, stumbling forward as the magic lost its grip. Trembling he collapsed to his knees at Dominic's side, gently pulling him into his arms, startled when his eyes opened. "Dominic! I will get you help, I …"

"No time." Dominic gasped blood spilling across his lips. "End Uldred … before he … destroys us all."

"Dominic!" Cullen felt the bile rise as his head fell to one side. Gently laying him on the ground he forced himself to his feet gripping his sword. Ignoring the tremble of his hands he left the room not daring to look back fearing he would crumble. His grip tightened on his sword as he heard Uldred's laughter, racing through the corridors, pounding up the steps and through a door gasping in pain as he hit the floor feeling as though he had been slammed into a brick wall. He glanced up seeing Uldred standing over him, an energy barrier between them.

"To be honest I thought you would have crumbled by now. I was going to kill you, but not just yet I think."

Frowning Cullen eased to his feet watching helplessly as Uldred climbed the steps and disappeared into the Harrowing Chamber. He drove his fists against the barrier when it failed to dispel, before slumping against the wall exhausted.

"It's futile you know."

Turning sharply Cullen stared in shock seeing Eloen leaning against the wall watching him. "You … you cannot be here."

"Oh Cullen, how little you know of magic and of me."

He swallowed uneasily as she moved towards him, resting her hands on the plate over his chest. "You are dead." He whispered.

"That's what I wanted you all to think."

Backing away Cullen shook his head. "You are a demon." He trembled at the slow smile that curved her lips and sank to his knees.

xXx

Easing up the stairs Simon heard the sound of steel against steel, pushing open the door seeing Ser Tamara take down a rage demon.

Panting and wiping the sweat from her brow she turned to him, relief washing over her. "I hate those damn things."

Glancing over the bodies of both mages and Templars, Simon wondered if there would be anyone alive when the Circle was retaken.

"Come on." Tamara stated sharply. "The Knight Captain and Cullen will need our help, they ran through here a while ago after Uldred."

Nodding Simon followed her quickly through the corridors, checking each room for signs of the living. They had so far found none. Reaching the last door on that floor Simon eased it open giving a startled gasp to see Dominic's broken body on the floor. "No!" He rushed over sinking to his knees staring helplessly at the tortured expression on his face, the blood and awkward angles of his limbs. "Maker no, he was a good man, a good Templar!"

Ser Tamara stared at Dominic, turned and vomited, tears slipping down her cheeks. They had kept their affair secret, but there had been no denying the love blossoming between them and now he was dead. Gripping her sword she wiped the back of her hand over her lips, her eyes blazing with hate intending to kill Uldred when she stopped and stared, her sword hitting the ground as Dominic gently cupped her cheek.

"It's alright love." He murmured.

"Dom?" She gasped, trembling as she sank into his arms.

"Tamara no!" Simon yelled jerking to his feet pointing his sword at the demon in whose arms she was enfolded. "That's a damn demon!"

Tears slipping down her cheeks Tamara sniffed and nestled closer. "It's Dom, he isn't broken, he isn't dead."

"Tamara it's a lie and you'll die!"

"I'm already dead without him. Please Simon, don't interfere. Let me have this."

"Tamara please!"

"It's alright Simon, I won't feel any pain."

Slowly lowering his sword he watched as a look of pure joy lit up Tamara's face before she and the demon vanished. Turning back to Dominic's body his grip tightened on his sword. "I'll kill Uldred for you both."

"I'm sorry."

Turning sharply Simon stared at the woman he didn't recognise. "Who are you?" He sucked in a sharp breath as soft fingers caressed his jaw.

"You know me love."

Simon became aware of the room changing around him; of Dominic's body vanishing along with the blood, of his focus being drawn to the woman who became more beautiful by the second. He focused on his training, his mind becoming a fortress against the whispers urging him to accept what was being offered. He tried to move, managing only a few steps, relief washing over him as Ser Gedrin and Ser Keinan entered the room, his hope dying as he looked in their eyes knowing they were enthralled. He swallowed painfully as they closed the door before moving over to him and forcing him to his knees. Heart pounding he glanced at the demon as she leaned towards him, her beauty dazzling.

"It would be better simply to comply."

Forcing down his fear he looked away from her.

Sighing softly the Desire Demon stepped back and nodded to the waiting Templars, smiling as Simon struggled against them, relishing his screams as his arms were forced up his back almost to breaking point. "It really would be better to comply; you saw what happened to poor Dominic. Fool resisted to the end."

Breaths panicked, Simon choked back the tears of fear and met the demons gaze. "I will do no less!"

xXx

Casting a glare at Ser Carroll who had managed to fray his last nerve with his ridiculous attempts to stop them coming to the Circle, Rathnal stepped out of the ferry staring up at the forbidding building. He hoped the inside would be more welcoming, but with luck they wouldn't be there for long. He headed towards the doors as everyone else disembarked, a slight smile tugging his lips as he heard Carroll yelp and Faren give a half-hearted apology; for what he couldn't quite hear. "Right, let's see just how influential these treaties are." Panic and fear assaulted their senses the moment they were admitted entrance to Kinloch Hold. The cries of pain echoed in the entrance hall and the visible Templars were clearly shaken.

Knight Commander Gregior approached the group a scowl plastered his face. "I have no time for visitors." He snapped, glaring at Ser Carroll who paled and shrank against the main doors trying to become invisible.

Rathnal held up the treaty. "Warden business."

Gregior glared. "Look around you, we have problems of our own and I have no-one to spare that you can conscript."

"You cannot ignore this treaty." Aedan snapped in frustration.

"The Circle has fallen to blood magic and treachery. Even if I wanted to help you I couldn't. The men you see here are all that are left. We had no choice; we had to seal the doors. So many good men and women lost." He shuddered painfully.

"You locked your own Templars in there with blood mages?" Alistair gasped.

"We had no choice, they overwhelmed us. I have sent for the Rite of Annulment."

"Damn it to the Void!" Rathnal snarled as Gregior finished explaining the Rite. "We need the Circle's support!" He turned to Ayanna who had moved to his side.

"We must do something Rath; we cannot let innocents be slaughtered. There will be children in there."

"We wait for the Rite of Annulment." Gregior stated with finality, turning as a Templar approached talking to him in a low voice. He moved away from the Wardens leaving the group watching him in frustration.

Morrigan sighed impatiently. "Must I always travel with those determined to clean up the mess of others?" She met Rathnal's gaze. "I have no interest in helping these tamed mages, however if you are adamant you need them our course seems clear."

Rathnal sighed deeply. "I hate demons." He gave a weak smile as Rinna gripped his shoulder. "Right then." Shaking his head he strode over to the Knight Commander.

Gregior glanced at him in frustration. "I'm busy."

Rathnal held his gaze, his voice quiet, but edged with steel. "Let us help you Knight Commander."

"I open those doors only when we receive the Rite of Annulment."

"Open those doors now and we will deal with this mess and then you can honour the treaty. Surely you don't want to use the Rite of Annulment if there is another way. Let us try. If we fail you still have that option and if we succeed this is over."

"Once those doors close behind you they will not be opened unless I have proof it is over. The First Enchanter must be with you."

"Understood." Rathnal strode to the door turning to the rest of his group. "Alright then; Alistair, Rinna you're with me and Morrigan if you will. The rest of you if we aren't out of there by sunrise you get yourselves back to Rainesfere and inform them what has happened." He passed Ayanna the treaties for the Dwarves and the Dalish. "Do what you can to fulfil the other treaties."

"You need us in there!" Ayanna protested.

"Probably, but we can't risk all of us, that would be madness. If we all go in there and none of us come out that leaves Rory, Perin and Peter who are all injured and it would leave them without the treaties. You are Warden Constable Ayanna; if I perish you will assume command. You know this is the way it must be."

Nodding reluctantly Ayanna took the treaties. "Good luck and be careful."

"Wait for us at the Spoiled Princess, some of us should rest at least." With a forced smile Rathnal turned back to the doors.

Aedan gripped Alistair's arm. "Be careful in there."

Alistair nodded, not in the least bit happy to be going into a demon infested building.

Ayanna felt her stomach sink as the four of them walked inside, the ominous clanging shut of the doors making her shiver. Turning back to Aedan, Sereda and Faren she stood a little taller. "We have our orders.

Reluctantly the four and Hunter left the Circle taking the ferry back across the lake glaring Carroll into silence. Once back on dry land they headed towards the tavern, checking their horses before going in to get rooms for the night.

xXx

Glancing into another apprentice dormitory Rinna shuddered, more dead lay within. She picked her way carefully through the corpses looking for any survivors. "This is horrific." She murmured.

"At least the dead are no longer imprisoned here." Morrigan stated coldly, stepping over a corpse and glancing at the open tome on a desk, rolling her eyes and moving away moments later.

"Are Circles really that bad?" Rinna asked, hunkering down next to the body of a young woman, her chest ripped open. "That these deaths are preferable."

"I cannot speak for her." Morrigan stated glancing at the corpse. "I would imagine there are many conditioned to believe this prison is better than freedom, but for some 'tis a place of torture."

Rathnal glanced through the doorway. "If there are no survivors we need to move on."

With a sigh Rinna nodded and rose, heading out after Morrigan.

Each room they passed was occupied by the dead and their hearts sank the further they went. Reaching a door that would lead onto the next corridor Rathnal hesitated and narrowed his eyes. "I hear something." The group readied itself for a fight as he carefully pushed open the door.

Reece turned sharply to the approaching group, his eyes widening as he recognised the Wardens. "Maker be praised they've opened the doors." Paling as Rathnal shook his head.

"Only to let us through, they locked them again behind us. The Knight Commander has called for the Right of Annulment." He gripped Reece's arm as he staggered back, his gaze moving to the children huddled in a corner.

"That bastard." Reece snarled.

"He believes he had no choice; but we are going to end this. As long as we bring the First Enchanter to him he will open the doors."

"Maker I don't even know if he's alive!" He rubbed his forehead as a headache bloomed. "I … I created the barrier to protect us, but my mana is almost exhausted do you have any lyrium potions?"

Rathnal glanced to Morrigan who surprisingly handed over a vial with no fuss.

Reece took the vial gratefully, a flush blooming on his pale cheeks. "I didn't want to leave the battle at Ostagar. Ser Simon forced me back here. Damn fool thought he was saving me, though he's probably dead himself now. Did many survive? I didn't see Dylan, Matthew or the rest of my Company."

"The majority of the Company present at Ostagar were slain including Captain Varril. Dylan and Ser Matthew are among the survivors, though Matthew was badly injured by an Emissary, he is recovering."

"And Sergeant William, Tess, Gabe and Lawrence?"

"Alive."

Reece visibly relaxed. "So Will must be Captain now."

"He is." Rathnal stated shaking his head slightly. "More damn lives than a cat thankfully. So what happened here?"

"Uldred happened. Something about the General being the way to more freedom from the Chantry. Makes no sense to me; I don't see the General having that much leverage with the Grand Clerics or the Divine. Uldred and Irving started arguing and that's when the blood magic started. He just lost it; Uldred has been tracking down blood mages for longer than I've been in the Circle and yet he turned to it without a second thought. Mages I've known for years became abominations." He shuddered. "With the main doors closed, well there's nowhere to go and we couldn't exactly stay in the dormitories, you must have seen ..." He swallowed painfully.

Rathnal gripped his shoulder. "Then let's stop this Uldred if he is causing all of this and find the First Enchanter."

Reece glanced to those he had been protecting. "We have to kill every demon we come across. I can't hold the barrier and I won't leave the others more vulnerable than necessary." He gave Petra a weak smile as she joined them.

"We can protect the children. If anyone is alive send them here and be careful."

Rathnal turned to his group. "Whatever is in there is going to be deadly, be cautious and protect each other." Turning to Reece he nodded watching as the barrier vanished. "Let's find the damn madman that started this and pray the First Enchanter lives." Easing through the doorway Rathnal peered cautiously into the library and shrank back. "Another of those damn fire things! A big one!" He smiled as their blades gleamed with frost courtesy of Morrigan. "Try not to get incinerated." Leading the way they darted into the library, Reece and Morrigan targeting the Greater Rage Demon with Winter's Grasp.

Alistair leapt over a table sending books flying to get away from a burst of fire that engulfed the bookcase behind him, the magical protection placed on the books in case of accidental magic extinguished beneath the onslaught of the Greater Rage Demons power, corners singeing on some lucky tomes, others bursting into flames, Alistair ducking under the table as some exploded.

Rathnal thrust his sword into a lesser rage demon that appeared to materialise up through the floor behind Morrigan.

Glancing behind her, Morrigan hit it with Winter's Grasp, smirking as it froze and Rathnal shattered it.

"Shit, is the bigger one getting bigger?" Rinna gasped as they dodged several fireballs, staring in alarm as the demon created a huge column of fire, the heat suffocating. "How in the Void do we get near the damn thing?"

Hissing as a fireball glanced off her arm Morrigan manifested a blizzard around the raging inferno, while Reece sustained Cone of Cold. As the temperature in the room steadily dropped the rage demon howled in fury.

"Now!" Rathnal roared as the inferno was extinguished, leaping towards the demon Alistair and Rinna at his side, their enchanted blades ending the last hint of resistance it had been clinging to. Glancing around the library, half of which was a smouldering mess, countless books lost to the fire he was relieved to see they had been relatively unscathed by the fight, Reece already having healed the burn on Morrigan's arm. Regrouping they headed up the stairs to the next level, all of them doubting every fight would be ended so easily.

xXx

Author Note: Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed.