Heading out to the courtyard Ellowyn glanced up as a raindrop splashed on her nose. The sky was blue with only a few clouds and she hoped it would be a drizzle only. Time had been given for the messenger to reach Arl Howe in Denerim along with additional days in case of any delays. Now she was impatient to leave and find out what had happened in Highever in her absence. She glanced to her side as Delilah joined her.

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

Forcing a smile Ellowyn nodded. "I cannot let you have all of the adventures." She smiled genuinely as Delilah squeezed her hand, noting her gaze lingering on Jayden as he passed heading to the stables. "Things seem to have taken a more serious turn with the both of you."

"After the intensity of Orzammar and since I do not suppose it is that surprising. Maker, he is an infuriating man at times, but that does not diminish the love I feel for him and I believe he is finally falling in love with me. At least I hope he is. He is so used to hiding … well everything, I cannot be certain."

"Just be careful and try not to throttle Senior Enchanter Wynne before you leave for the Storm Coast."

"Never fear, we have come to an understanding."

"Oh?"

Delilah smiled smugly. "She was so quick to point out William's place, I felt it only right to point out hers and I did prove myself to have been speaking the truth. It should keep her quiet for a while at least."

"Let us hope. I suppose I should get going." She hugged her friend before moving over to Jayden who was standing with her horse, smiling as he double checked everything. "I am perfectly capable of checking my horse." She stated softly, raising an eyebrow at the dagger he passed to her.

"Take this please, for me if not for yourself."

"You will have no daggers left if you keep giving them away."

Grinning Jayden shrugged. "I have plenty."

Slipping it into her boot Ellowyn hugged him. "Take care of Fergus for me."

"I will do my best." Jayden hesitated feeling the runestone in his pocket. Taking it out he met Ellowyn's gaze. "Are you sure you won't take this?"

"Maker knows I want to, but Fergus needs to stay in contact with Teagan, besides we cannot risk it being found and taken or destroyed. You have already arranged for Morrigan to pass on any messages to me, that will be enough. In a few weeks Highever will be liberated and we will be one step closer to bringing Howe down."

"Just be safe." He hesitated a moment longer before moving away as Fergus and Aedan approached.

"Be careful Ell." Aedan muttered, hugging her tightly, still not liking the plan and having said so several more times after the meeting, but ultimately, he supported her as he knew she would be supportive, if the situation were reversed.

Hugging her brothers Ellowyn tried to appear more confident than she felt, worried that she was failing. "I have Fleta." She stated, smiling as Fleta leapt up from the shade of the tree where she had been lying with Airyl and darted over. "See, she will not let anything happen to me."

"If anything feels wrong get out of there and we will get Highever back another way." Fergus demanded, sick in his stomach at the risk she was taking,

"All will be well brother, I promise." She glanced up at her nephew's window waving back at both Oren and Oriana forcing a smile. Oren had no idea where she was actually going, but he was surprisingly calm about her leaving, she suspected Gawain was a good distraction. Forcing herself to pull away and mount her horse she saw Thomas and Delilah hug, Warin waiting by the gates. She noted him speak briefly to Jayden before he and Thomas mounted up. "See you soon."

"Stay safe." Fergus demanded swallowing painfully. "I cannot lose you too."

Hesitating Ellowyn swallowed back the tears. "We are going to take back what was stolen from us and avenge our parents and we are not losing any more of our family, that I swear to you." Turning she pulled up her hood and urged her mount to move before anyone saw her tears, only looking back when they were at a distance seeing her brothers, Jayden and Delilah watching them. She felt herself waver, so much could go wrong with the plan and the danger was very real. Sucking in a sharp breath as she felt the amulet her mother's spirit had given her warm against her skin, Ellowyn relaxed a fraction as she felt a sense of peace and calm soothe her. We are going to bring you to your knees Arl Howe and you will regret ever bringing harm to my family.

xXx

The following day Fergus looked over what was left of Highever's forces that he had commanded at Ostagar. The one hundred men and women were made up of those who had escaped with them when there had been no option left but to flee the battlefield and those who had been injured in earlier fighting and had been evacuated first and had made their own way to Redcliffe and Rainesfere after Lothering was evacuated. Over the months in Rainesfere there had also been those who had been presumed dead, some hiding beneath the bodies of their fellows, escaping when the Darkspawn were elsewhere on the field. Many had been deeply traumatised by all they had experienced and what they had done to escape death or capture by the Darkspawn and all had been badly injured. Now he was asking them to go back into battle, but this time it was for Highever. Having time to rest, heal and then train had boosted their morale and all were desperate to get back to find out what had happened to their families in their absence. He hoped that perhaps those seen on the Storm Coast were soldiers who had escaped the attack on the castle, but he reasoned more likely they were displaced and terrified citizens. He took comfort in knowing that many of Howe's men had been killed that night and while tracking down his family, hoping he had not had the men to replace them. He glanced at Ayanna who was talking to the Warden Commander; with her magic she had dealt a fierce blow to Howe's forces and he hoped to gain the Wardens aid in the fight ahead. With mages on their side they would have an advantage Howe's men would never see coming. He glanced at Rathnal who signalled they were ready to leave. Even though the number of soldiers were relatively few, they would still be far too easy to spot approaching the north and he only prayed the gateway they were to travel through would actually work. He had split his force into five groups of twenty to travel to Valammar; his hope was that their numbers would not be so easily spotted by anyone that could carry tales to Denerim, but enough that they could still handle any trouble. He was not expecting Darkspawn attacks yet, they were still containing themselves further south, but it didn't pay to be complacent. He hated leaving Oriana and Oren yet again, but they both seemed to understand he had to go. He supposed it helped that with Jayden keeping one of his runestones and its twin remaining with Teagan, they could communicate. They had said their goodbyes privately, but it hurt more than he cared to admit to be parted from them. He forced a smile as Teagan joined him.

"Fergus are you sure you will not take any of my men other than those who will guard the gateway?" He sighed as Fergus shook his head. "The majority of those from the Denerim Company will remain with the King, perhaps you should reconsider taking some of the survivors from other Companies with you."

"They follow Wiliam's orders now I know, but it would be unfair to expect them to fight for me. I think it is better for everyone if they remain to protect Cailan and Rainesfere, at least until I can prove my father innocent of the charges Howe has laid against him."

"As you wish; just be careful Fergus and good luck to you."

Nodding Fergus glanced to the study window seeing Cailan. They had already spoken that morning and he had urged Cailan to remain inside, keeping his identity secret had been a hard task, especially as more soldiers had joined them. Many suspected but no-one said anything, rumours had been harshly discouraged from the start. "Take care of him Teagan and Maker willing his memories will return soon."

"I pray for it every day."

Fergus sighed deeply, he desperately hoped Cailan would regain his memories soon, but he knew their return would bring some hard choices. He had the sudden recollection of them all as children that night in the Mac Tir's garden; never had he imagined there would be such grief, pain and anger creating barriers between them. Nate and Anora had been his best friends and with Nate gone he needed Anora's friendship more than ever. He told himself she had reasons for acting as she had, that she was not in part to blame for the murder of his parents, but her inaction was a thorn digging into his heart. He pushed the pain down and focused on Highever; he could confront Anora once the treaties were honoured.

xXx

The journey to Valammar was a relatively pleasant one, the days were sunny and warm with a gentle breeze they all appreciated and the nights cool, but not cold. However, in the south the darkness in the sky continued to slowly spread giving a chill to the soul of any who looked upon it; leaving no doubt that the monsters were massing. Teagan's men set up camp to ensure the entrance to Valammar would be protected, several men joining the others as they entered to see what would be needed to protect the gateway itself. The temperature dropped as the group headed inside, Jayden leading them across the bridge deeper into the abandoned Thaig, following Flemeth's instructions to a room on the same level as the bridge. They carried out a quick scout of the area, but all was silent.

Moving into the room Fergus frowned, while the gateways had been described to him, he still could not quite imagine it. The stone archway was certainly big enough to allow a large cart and someone on either side, but he simply couldn't imagine the empty space becoming a road. He glanced at Jayden. "You are sure about this?"

"I could always go through first, travel to the Storm Coast and come back if it would set your mind at rest."

With a deep sigh Fergus shook his head. "We go together."

Nodding Jayden moved to the arch identifying the slot for the Storm Coast. Please work. He carefully pressed the runestone into place, grinning when the shimmering silver energy filled the arch, many gasping in surprise despite having been warned what would happen. He glanced at Rathnal who had agreed to go first since like Jayden, he had travelled a gateway before. The Wardens headed through first, along with Zevran, followed by Fergus and his soldiers.

Ser Matthew stared at the shimmering energy shaking his head. "I've never seen anything like this."

Dylan grinned at Robert who was staring in awe. "Reece will be so jealous when we tell him about this."

Jayden felt a moment of regret at leaving Reece and Simon at Rainesfere, but he had wanted them to have a little more time kept out of fighting after all they had endured in the Circle. He had also wanted to bring those of his Company and the others who had joined them, but Cailan, Oriana and Oren still needed to be protected. He glanced at Matthew. "Are you going to be alright with this?"

"Sure, let's just step into a magical energy that I have no understanding of."

Smothering down a laugh Dylan took a step closer. "Where's your sense of adventure?" Griping his staff, he stepped forward Robert at his heels.

Muttering under his breath Matthew hurried after them.

Jayden turned to Sten who was staring at the energy before he gestured to Airyl who nudged the Qunari's leg.

Grunting in acknowledgement Sten strode towards the arch having no intention of letting anyone see how desturbed he was by it. He looked down at Airyl who was keeping pace with him as though she sensed his discomfort, which he assumed she did. He glanced at the Captain acknowledging his reassuring look, unsurprisingly he did feel better, the young man seemed to have that effect. He turned away as Morrigan joined him, he found her questions irritating, but for once he was quite glad to have her beside him. Squaring his shoulders, he strode into the energy, there would be a great deal to tell the Arishok.

Jayden nodded to Teagan's soldiers before retrieving the runestone, smiling at Delilah as she took his hand. They entered the gateway together, the energy vanishing.

The soldiers cautiously put their hands where the energy had been, shaking their heads and mumbling about the strangeness of magic.

Glancing around Jayden realised the pathway was not unlike the Deep Roads, it had the appearance of stone around them and there were even statues along the way that he realised were a way of marking the distance they had travelled. Like the previous gateway the surroundings had a surreal feel and look, as though they were walking through a dream.

"My people made this?" Faren stated in awe. "I never imagined something like this was possible."

"It definitely cuts down on travel time." Perin stated gazing around. "Even if it does seem a little like travelling the Fade, all blurred at the edges."

Morrigan remained silent keeping her thoughts to herself. There was so much her mother had not shared with her and while she did not feel jealous of Jayden, she did wonder why her mother had shared this with him; knowing she did nothing that did not benefit her.

The soldiers murmured to themselves, glancing at Jayden as subtly as they could all assuming this was further proof of him being Andraste's chosen. Fergus was quick to hush the whispers when he heard them, suspecting Jayden would be none too happy should he overhear. They took several relatively short breaks during the journey, none feeling easy about staying still for too long and everyone was relieved when the road finally seemed to shimmer slightly as a doorway appeared ahead.

Exiting the arch Rathnal stared around the cave, glancing at Jayden when he appeared last, the gateway closing behind him. "Well that wasn't as odd as the one from the Wilds to Gwaren."

Jayden nodded thoughtfully. "Seems they made several changes."

"I assume you know how to get out of here."

"Well I have directions."

"Fine, let's find out who these people are and what they are doing."

Fergus gripped the hilt of his sword. "And if they are Orlesian's they will regret stepping foot into Ferelden!"

Getting his bearings Jayden led the way out into the main corridor turning right into a huge hall with columns on either side.

"This looks like the trading post at Gwaren." Rathnal murmured, seeing the exit as light filtered through.

"Shame we don't have the time or man power to look at the lower levels." Faren stated thoughtfully. "I wouldn't mind seeing down there."

"Perhaps another time." Rathnal stated, happy to leave the abandoned thaig behind, his memories of the Deep Roads still too raw.

Fergus directed his soldiers to remain in the ruins of the outpost and set up camp, not wanting to alarm anyone and cause a fight, or alert anyone of their numbers just yet, in case Howe did have scouts. It also gave them a chance to rest after such an unsettling journey, but he was too anxious to get on to take the time to rest himself. Instead he moved outside with the Wardens and companions, blinking in the sunlight realising it was nearing midday; Jayden had been right, even with the breaks the journey had taken little over a day, or at least he hoped that was all the time that had passed. Squinting as his eyes adjusted to the light, he saw several people fishing and others collecting plants, all of them stopped and looked at them startled before one of them sounded a horn, moments later men and women in armour with weapons appeared.

Rathnal stared in shock as he saw two familiar faces. "Stephan! Daniel!" He smiled as they signalled to those with them to stand down, the Wardens greeting each other. "What in the Makers world are you doing here?"

"We could ask the same of you."

"We heard about Wardens and people gathering here, we came to find out what was going on."

Stephan shook his head. "Tevinter slavers is what is going on. It's a long story, but basically the Tevinters are dead and these good people are those from Highever escaping the fate of slavery. It isn't safe for them to return to Highever, but …" He hesitated seeing Fergus. "My Lord Cousland."

"I am fairly certain I passed on Queen Anora's specific orders that you were not to enter the country."

Stephan sighed softly. "My Lord I know how this might look, but what were we to do? Our duty is to fight the Blight."

"Are there other Wardens or Orlesian's with you?" Fergus demanded.

"No Orlesian's. Senior Warden Riordan came with us; he was to relieve Rathnal and take over as Commander." He shifted slightly at their astonished looks.

"Where is he?" Rathnal finally asked.

"He was gravely injured, which is why we are still here."

"Can you take me to him?"

"Yes, of course."

"I would like to meet with those from Highever." Fergus stated. "As quickly as possible."

"I can arrange that now for you my Lord." Daniel stated quickly, hoping to soothe the ruffled noble. He glanced to the ruins hearing some noise within.

"I have soldiers with me; they will set up camp in the Thaig until I assess the situation."

"As you wish my Lord."

xXx

Kneeling beside the pallet Rathnal looked over Riordan; his pallor was grey and sweat beaded his forehead. "Warden Riordan?"

Slowly the Senior Warden opened his eyes. "Who …?"

"I'm Rathnal, Ferelden's Warden Commander."

A low sigh left his lips. "It is a pleasure to meet you Commander. You have carried a great weight on your shoulders since the defeat at Ostagar. I was to come here to relieve you of that burden, but I fear fate has other plans. I am truly sorry."

"I'm getting used to it."

Riordan met his gaze forcing himself to focus. "I see it in your eyes. You look harder than I expected you to."

"It's been a difficult six months."

"While I cannot take command in my present state, I can offer you support in another way. I will tell you everything a Commander needs to know." He shuddered, groaning in pain.

"You should rest."

"It is better for us both if I tell you this now, I grow weaker every day and I believe my time grows short. There are things you need to know; they must be told now." He sighed softly. "Make yourself comfortable Commander and listen carefully. First and perhaps most important of all, you know that it must be a Grey Warden that kills the Archdemon I assume, but do you know why?"

"It is our duty and given the taint we bear we have the best chance of killing it."

"Both true, but there is a more fundamental reason. If the Archdemon is killed by anyone other than a Warden the soul will escape and enter the nearest Darkspawn. They are soulless creatures and the Archdemon will take their body. Kill that Darkspawn and it will move on to the next and so on. Unless all of the Darkspawn in the world are killed it is all but immortal. However, if the Archdemon is killed by a Warden the soul is drawn into that Warden. We unlike the Darkspawn while tainted are not an empty vessel. As a consequence, not only is the physical body of the Warden killed, both the soul of the Archdemon and the Warden are destroyed." Riordan sighed softly. "It is the Commander's responsibility to take the killing blow."

Rathnal felt the colour drain from his face as the reality began to sink in. "Which means whatever happens I won't survive this Blight."

"I truly am sorry."

"That is why you came to take over as Commander?"

"I am near my Calling and I have a lifetime of experience, I was a logical choice. This burden should never have fallen to you. I only hope you can forgive me for failing."

Swallowing against the lump in his throat Rathnal slumped against the hut wall. He had known his survival was never guaranteed of course, but to know whatever happened he would not survive the Blight was a blow he had not been prepared for. The added horror that the soul of the Warden to take the killing blow would be destroyed chilled him to his core. He glanced back to Riordan. "What else do I need to know?"

xXx

Fergus looked over the faces of his people, all gazing at him in hopeful expectation.

"Are you here to take back Highever my Lord?" Philip asked, his hand gripping Arley's shoulder.

Recognising the blacksmith and his son Fergus nodded. "Yes, but I need to know exactly what has been happening." He paled as they told of that fateful night Howe's men attacked and the screams from Highever Castle. Those killed trying to protect his family, those lost to slavery and those still in Highever, trapped and trying to stay out of the attention of the guards. His horror intensified as they informed him that anyone suggesting the soldiers had no right to be in Highever had been publicly beaten, some had even been killed during the assault. It had the desired effect of course and most people had stopped questioning, especially after the slavers arrived. Those left in Highever went to work and came home trying to stay out of sight of the soldiers. It had worked to some extent, but there were a few of the soldiers who liked nothing better than to assert their authority, dragging people out of their work or homes and interrogating them, violently at times.

Philip cleared his throat. "My Lord, not all of Highever's remaining soldiers were killed that night, many were imprisoned. Howe's men took over the jail and converted several warehouses into makeshift prisons with cages. Many who were taken to the slave ships spent weeks there; lack of food and water making them weak and easier to transport, but no soldiers were taken. There is hope they may still be alive."

"Don't forget about the children." Tanya stated stepping forward, worrying at her lip as Fergus focused on her. "Forgive me my Lord, but those bastards took the children of those families who tried to fight against Arl Howe's men taking over. If they step out of line it is their children who will pay, so you understand why we haven't been able to do anything ourselves. We don't know how many they have and where they are because we know at least some were taken to the slave ships. However, we do have details of how many men Howe has here, their movements and skills and their … habits. We haven't been idle, my Lord."

Fergus winced as he realised his nails had drawn blood from the palms of his hands they were clenched so tightly. Highever was a shadow of its former self and its people had been terrified into obedience. "I swear we will find out where the children are and what happened to the soldiers." He glanced at Jayden. "We will need to contact Ellowyn when she arrives, the children have now become our priority, we can do nothing until we know they are safe."

"Morrigan will be scouting the area to confirm when she arrives; she will get a message to her."

Fergus turned back to his people. "I swear to you here and now your sacrifices and trials will not go unpunished. We will take back Highever and free our people and I promise you Arl Howe will be brought to justice for my family and for yours. For now, we need to work out a strategy, taking Highever back will not be easy and I will not lie, blood will be spilled. I have some soldiers with me so no-one will be forced to fight, but …" He hesitated as Arley took a step forward.

"Begging you pardon my Lord, but Highever is our home too and we are all ready to fight for it." He glanced back at his parents before returning his gaze to Fergus. "All of us."

Nodding Fergus felt a rush of pride. "We will all have our part to play if we are to liberate Highever, but not all of us will be wielding a weapon."

"But I can fight!"

"How old are you Arley? Fourteen if I am not mistaken." He smiled at the lad's shocked look; he clearly had not expected to be known by the heir of Highever. "I have no doubt you can fight and you may yet be called to arms, but what I need to know above all is will you follow orders?"

Standing straighter Arley nodded. "Of course, my Lord."

"Even if those orders are not to fight?"

Seeing something in Fergus's eyes Arley was smart enough to know he was being tested. He gave a low bow. "You are the rightful Teyrn of Highever and I pledge my service to you, however you determine it."

Glancing to Philip and Elizabeth seeing pride in their eyes, Fergus smiled slightly and stepped forward gently gripping Arley's shoulder. "Your service is gratefully accepted. Now I need to know how many fighters we have to work with."

xXx

A short time later, looking over the rough map Stephan and Daniel had put together with the help of those from Highever, Fergus noted the routes through the caves, Highever itself and all of the information they had managed to gather on their scouting trips. That included the number of Howe's men, their patrol routes and frequency and even some of their habits when off duty. Fergus did not like any of it; there were double the number of men they had even with those volunteering to help and there was no way to tell if the soldiers were enthralled. He glanced up when Rathnal joined them realising there was something very wrong; there was a look in his eyes he couldn't quite decipher and it chilled him. "Thank you for joining us Warden Commander." He stated, suddenly feeling the need for formality, giving a quick summary of all they had discovered.

"This is going to be a tough fight." Rathnal stated, hating the idea of having to take a Castle with so few and still feeling overwhelmed from all Riordan had told him. He forced himself to focus, the issues with Highever would serve to give him a little time at least to concentrate on something other than the feeling of despair taking hold within him.

"We can make it easier." Jayden stated, wondering what Riordan had said that had left Rathnal looking so conflicted. "The lockdown was obvious; Howe wouldn't want anyone leaving Highever that might suggest he is the traitor. We came here expecting heavy patrols, but due to the situation here with those imprisoned, killed and sold into slavery, they are not as numerous or as large as we expected. We take the three-pronged strategy, it was always going to be our best bet."

Nodding Fergus thought about the discussions that had taken place of potential scenarios, Warin giving an idea of the tactics Rendon would have been most likely to employ. "Alright, group one will concentrate on the messengers that are in place to head to Denerim in case of trouble. If they are alerted, we will lose any advantage we might gain with Howe, they have to be the priority. We already know there are usually three of them, but Warin will hopefully confirm that as well as their locations. Ellowyn will make sure those in the Castle do not have access to the Calling Crystal, though I doubt Howe has access to the one in Denerim, but we cannot take that chance. The second group will neutralise the patrols and take over the jail and the warehouses. Once the patrols are removed, our men can take their armour and their places so if anyone is looking nothing looks amiss. Howe's men can be put in the jail and warehouses until we decide what to do with them. They are not expecting trouble hopefully, but any good soldier will be prepared for it. The third group will infiltrate the castle, but only once the other two groups have been successful, that way we can ensure there will be no reinforcements. Sleep spells would be advantageous to each group if that can be arranged and hopefully will help to get this done quietly and effectively with the least number of casualties." He turned to Tanya. "Do you think the tavern owners would help us with those soldiers off duty who might be in their establishments?"

"Yes, I've managed to speak to them all when we went scouting, they are ready to do whatever is needed to take Highever back. The brothels too, most of them will be there."

"Good. The taverns and brothels could be instrumental, perhaps a little sleeping potion in drinks to keep those off duty quiet, tie them up and put them in a back room until we arrive to take them to the cells. Information about numbers and location in the Castle we need from Warin and a major concern is the children, but if we can find out where they are, we can work out how to protect them. There is a lot to work out of course, but I think that will be the easiest way to do this." He sighed. "Not that any of this will be easy." Fergus turned to Rathnal. "Can we count on your support Warden Commander?"

Rathnal hesitated knowing they were supposed to be neutral.

"As I said before I can guarantee you my support once I am officially acknowledged as Teryn. I am not sure if Howe has emptied the coffers, but …"

Rathnal held up his hand. "Your support will be enough, besides after all we have heard you will need any coin there is, to get Highever back on its feet."

"If I can make a suggestion, your Lordship." Philip stated shifting nervously.

"Yes of course."

"I've been working on suits of armour the same as Arl Howe's men wear in the hopes we would get a chance to strike. I only have five so far, but that should be enough to get close enough to the first patrol, take them out and then use their armour for your men, or to get into the jail perhaps. If whoever goes don't take their helmets off until they are inside, they can take the guards by surprise. I can adjust the armour to fit whoever is going."

Fergus nodded. "That could certainly work."

Rathnal glanced at the map of Highever. "Those with rogue abilities would probably be best to go after these messengers."

Tanya worried at her lip. "We don't really have anyone great at stealth, it's amazing we haven't been caught as it is."

Jayden smiled. "You've done amazing, but don't worry, we have enough with the talents we need to get this done."

Fergus frowned slightly. "And I suppose you intend to take the lead for that group."

"I wouldn't presume, but I am happy to."

Fergus sighed. "Who would you take with you?"

"I want enough people to split into three groups given there are three messengers, possibly four if there is an additional messenger on the night we strike. I would suggest Theron, Leliana, Morrigan, Enchanter Dylan, Enchanter Robert and Airyl of course." He turned to Rathnal. "I would like to take Faren and Rinna if possible. We can't expect all of the Wardens to help, there are too few of you and you are too precious, but going after the messengers should be relatively safe and your people won't be in the thick of the fighting and we need their skills if this is going to work."

Rathnal met Jayden's gaze, he couldn't fault his choices and he was grateful that his friend remained aware of the bigger picture despite knowing how much helping to take back Highever meant to him. "This isn't Warden business so what I will agree to do is give them the choice."

Jayden grinned. "Good enough. I'd like to take Zevran too."

"You want to take the assassin!" Fergus hissed.

"Who better to take?"

"Sweet Maker I … how can you trust him?"

"Why do you think I'm asking for Rinna too, she can keep him in line, but seriously I don't think he will cause any problems."

Sighing, Fergus nodded. "We better hope Warin can get us the information we need."

"He will." Jayden stated. "One way or another." As the meeting ended, he hurried to catch up to Rathnal who had strode swiftly away. "Hey wait up!"

Sighing Rathnal hesitated turning to his friend.

"I know whatever you discussed with Riordan is Warden Business and you probably can't tell me, but you look like he dropped something on you that you are struggling with. If I can help …"

"You can't." Rathnal sighed softly. "Maker I wish you could, but …" He glanced up as Jayden gripped his arm.

"Things haven't been easy between us at times and I'm no Warden, but whatever this is don't carry it alone. Talk to Ayanna at least given she's your Constable."

Nodding Rathnal squeezed Jayden's arm slightly before pulling away. "I'm glad you wanted to be my friend all those years ago."

Smiling Jayden shrugged. "You were interesting."

"Ah that was the reason you kept coming back." He shook his head at Jayden's grin. "Well whatever your reason, I'm glad." He swallowed painfully wanting to spill out all Riordan had told him. "I should get on." He met Jayden's intense gaze as once more his friend gripped his arm.

"I mean it Rath, whatever this is don't carry it alone, it will only tear you up inside."

"I'll speak to Ayanna, I promise."

Jayden stood back and watched Rathnal hurry away glancing at Morrigan who was watching them from further up the beach; hesitating only a moment before heading over to join her.

"The Commander looks desturbed."

"He won't say what Riordan told him, but whatever it was has shaken him. I wish I knew more about the Wardens; of course, I know more than I am supposed to as it is."

Starring after Rathnal, Morrigan suspected he had just learned the true price of killing the Archdemon. "There is much the Warden's keep secret."

"They keep everything secret!" Jayden muttered. "Still I suppose they have their reasons."

"Indeed, however such secrecy can be trying."

Trying not to smile Jayden nodded.

Folding her arms Morrigan glared. "You suspect me of hypocrisy?"

Staring out across the sea Jayden sighed softly. "We all keep secrets Morrigan, it's just how it is."

xXx

Watching Rathnal closely Rinna worried at her lip, he had been distracted since speaking to Riordan and whatever the Senior Warden had said to him had left Ayanna in a similar state after Rathnal had spoken to her alone. She doubted it was because he had come to take over as Commander, while Rathnal was a better leader than he realised, she knew after the Deep Roads he felt unworthy. Now however there was a steel look in his eyes and a distance radiating out from him she had never experienced before. She swallowed painfully remembering having a similar feeling from Duncan at times. The burdens of command had somehow increased and she had no idea how. Now he had called them all together after his meeting with Lord Fergus.

Looking over his Wardens Rathnal considered what he was going to say. He had spoken to Ayanna privately about the truth of the Archdemon given it would be her responsibility should he die before they got to it. He had decided to wait before telling the others, if only to give them a chance to get used to the idea themselves. He in particular as Commander had to appear resolute, determined and at the moment he wanted to run screaming. He knew Ayanna understood, but he also knew he couldn't wait forever before telling them, after all if he and Ayanna were both killed, every Warden had the right to know he or she would destroy their soul if they took the killing blow. No wonder the Order is so secretive. No one would ever join if they knew the truth of everything. "There is no point in beating about the bush with this. We have been asked to help take back Highever. I know we are supposed to be neutral, but we need the support of the nobility."

Leaning against a large rock Alistair raised an eyebrow. "Neutrality isn't really our thing." He shifted slightly as Rathnal focused on him. "Well we went and sorted out the Circle preventing the Rite of Annulment and then we were part of removing a King by force from the throne and putting a Queen in his place, a Warden Queen! I don't think any Warden has ever been a ruler or if they were, they didn't stay a ruler. What's a little civil war compared to that?"

Rathnal stared at him in surprise before conceding he had a point.

"I agree we need the support of the nobility." Serris stated. "Putting Fergus back in Highever gives us an ally we will need in the fight ahead. Wardens do what they must to defeat the Blight."

"We do." Rathnal stated, ignoring the ache of his heart. "William has asked for Rinna and Faren to join his group in neutralising the messengers; Zevran as well. If any of you have any objections, say so now."

Rinna grinned in delight. "Will actually asked for Zev?"

"He did."

Daniel frowned slightly. "This is the assassin who was working for Howe; the same assassin who kidnapped him?"

"It was business." Rinna stated with a weary sigh. "Zev is helping us now."

Rathnal held up his hand to stall any protests. "Zevran is not a Warden. If Will trusts him enough to want him on his team and Zevran is amenable we must accept that."

"I'm in." Faren stated with a grin.

"What about the rest of us?" Perin asked cautiously. "Surely we can do something to help."

"Lord Fergus has asked for mage support with sleep spells to make this go a little quieter and easier hopefully. I am not opposed as long as you stay out of any fighting, you are support only. I want Ayanna and Stephan in reserve for healing. Serris if you would join the second group who are dealing with the patrols and the jail and Perin you can support the initial part of the infiltration into the castle if you would, though I won't order it."

"I have no objection to supporting with sleep spells." Serris stated.

"What about misdirection and other hex's?" Perin asked cautiously. "They might be useful."

Rathnal sighed. "You will not go into the castle is that understood? However, if soldiers come out you do whatever it takes to stay alive."

"What about the rest of us?" Aedan demanded. "I have to help."

"You can help with the patrols and jail if you must get involved, that will be dangerous enough. No Warden is to get involved in taking the Castle itself and before anyone argues there are not enough of us to risk losing. We have lost enough Wardens, yes we will help take back Highever, but I will not risk any of you." He took a shuddering breath. "We are the only ones who can kill the Archdemon, that is our priority. Am I understood?" He felt sick with relief when Aedan nodded along with the others. "Good, dismissed." As they moved off Rathnal headed down to the water's edge, his mind in chaos trying to pluck up the courage to tell them all they might lose their very soul in ending the Blight. They tainted their bodies, sacrificed their lives, was that not enough. He felt a rush of shame that if he had known the price of becoming a Warden, he would never have put himself forward. Thinking of the cure for the Blight sickness Rathnal silently prayed that somehow a cure for Wardens would be found and then perhaps the Order could start being honest, because this secrecy was worse than the taint itself.

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