A short time after greeting Fergus by demanding to see her brother, Delilah was sitting at Thomas's bedside. He was ghastly pale and his breathing was laboured. Magic had saved him so far and she had demanded the mages continue their spells. She didn't want to hear about their mana exhaustion, or reaching the limit on lyrium potions they could consume. She trembled slightly, Jayden had shielded the mages from her grief and fury telling her they could not help her brother if they were burnt out, but that only angered her further. He cared for so many and yet Thomas, his friend, had clearly not been his priority and she had screamed at him that they wanted Thomas to die. He had accepted her angry tirade with calmness and compassion that had infuriated her and in the end, she had shut the door in his face. She ignored her inner voice, too afraid of losing her brother to listen to more rational thought.

Sitting on the floor outside the room, Jayden leaned his head against the wall and closed his eyes for a moment feeling Airyl press against him, grateful for her presence and warmth. Warden Stephan had retreated to see others who had been injured and Fergus had eagerly returned to his other many duties. Hearing footsteps, he forced his eyes to open smiling slightly as Ellowyn sat beside him.

"I heard Delilah is in a fury."

"She is scared for Thomas."

"We all are and it is no excuse."

"She feels helpless and afraid Ell, let's cut her some slack."

"You might, but if I hear her blaming you for Thomas I will intervene."

Smiling Jayden took her hand and squeezed gently. "Then she will be angry with us both. Go and see her and stay calm."

Sighing Ellowyn nodded and stood taking a deep breath before slipping into the room closing the door behind her. "How is he?" She asked as Delilah glanced at her.

"He was stabbed in the gut; how do you think he is?"

"The mages …"

"Are not doing enough. He should be healed by now."

"You know as well as anyone how difficult gut wounds are to heal. Without magic he would have died. They are doing all they can."

Delilah glared at the door. "So they say and of course Thomas does not have Holy Andraste to heal him."

"Why are you taking this out on Will? If not for him Thomas would have had no chance. Did he tell you of the back injury he received shielding him from a soldier's attack? You do know he carried him out on his back despite the wound?"

"It cannot have been that bad then and I would imagine the mages healed him before they went near Thomas." Delilah muttered spitefully.

"Stephan worked on Thomas immediately and as for Will the wound is deep and is causing him pain it was sewn not healed magically."

"If he had gone in the study immediately …"

"And how exactly was he to do that when enemy soldiers filled the corridor? How was he to know Thomas was even in there, to my knowledge he cannot see through walls."

Delilah clenched her fists. "Thomas was never supposed to be in danger!"

"We all knew the risks." Ellowyn snapped. "The person you are really angry with is yourself for supporting the idea."

"You are right and I never should have."

Ellowyn forced herself to take a deep breath to calm herself. "Thomas and I spoke a great deal these last few weeks. He …"

"He had no idea he might give his life just so you could get your home back!"

"You know it was far more than that. Highever's people were brutalised, killed, sold into slavery! That is why we did this!"

Delilah swallowed painfully, her lip trembling, she turned away as tears spilled down her cheeks. "I cannot lose Thomas as well. When Nate died a part of me died too. I … I hate being so helpless."

Despite her own anger Ellowyn gently embraced her, knowing how devastated and afraid she would be if one of her own brothers were in Thomas's place. "The mages will do everything they can for him, I promise. Do you want me to ask Will to come in? He is just outside."

Delilah shook her head. "I just want to stay with Thomas, alone."

"Alright." As she left, Ellowyn glanced back seeing Delilah softly weeping.

Jayden stood as she left the room. "How are they?"

"Thomas is still unconscious. Delilah has cried at least, perhaps her anger will have drained a little." She caught his arm as he moved towards the door. "I know you want to comfort her, but give her a little more time, her anger has not drained so much that you would be free from her sharp tongue."

Sighing Jayden nodded in resignation glancing to the door, he was reluctant to leave, but Delilah clearly did not want him around for now at least and he hated being idle. "There must be something useful I can do." Despite feeling exhausted he knew he wouldn't sleep and he needed something to distract his mind from his anxiety about Thomas.

"Fergus is going to do a sweep of Highever and assess any security threats. I am sure he would appreciate your input."

"That I can do."

"Those of Howe's soldiers who survived are imprisoned." Ellowyn stated, needing to fill the silence as they walked through the building, she could no longer imagine calling home. "Our own soldiers who were imprisoned are free and have been transferred to the barracks."

"How are they?"

"Their injuries are surprisingly superficial and with food and water some have actually recovered enough to want to return to duty immediately." She smiled slightly. "Warden Ayanna has forbidden it until they rest and are reassessed. I can see why my brother likes her so much."

"She is a force to be reckoned with." Jayden stated fondly. "And someone I am lucky to call a friend."

Sighing softly Ellowyn turned to him. "Fergus said he has spoken to Cailan briefly, he was not up for a full debrief, but he said you will be going back to Rainesfere soon to bring Oriana, Oren, Cailan, Rosslyn, little Gawain and any refugees through the gateway."

"That was the plan assuming we retook Highever. It seems the speediest and safest way to get them here."

"I know I just … I think Oriana, Oren, Rosslyn and Gawain would be better where they are, not this place of death." She glanced at Jayden as he gently squeezed her hand. "I know, we are in a Blight and they are safer with access to ships should the situation in Ferelden require them to seek refuge with Rosslyn's family in the Free Marches, I just … I hate it here. Perhaps I can travel with the Wardens, Delilah has."

"I can understand why you want to leave Ell, really I can, but your family needs you and your people just have you and Fergus back and they are going to need you too. You can help make this a home again filled with light and laughter as it was when we were children. Oren deserves that." He paled as tears slipped down Ellowyn's cheeks gently holding her. "I'm sorry Ell, I didn't mean to upset you."

"It was not you. I feel so selfish, all I want to do is escape this place, but you are right, I have to make it ready for Oriana and Oren. They have to feel safe here." She smiled slightly. "Oren will be desperate to see you for more lessons."

"He's a quick study and a brave boy."

Sighing Ellowyn closed her eyes leaning against his chest, glad of the warmth of his embrace. She would make this place a home for Oren again, even if she couldn't call it that for herself.

xXx

Gurgling happily, Gawain grabbed a fist full of his father's hair trying to put it in his mouth. He had woken with the dawn and was full of his usual energy.

Grinning Cailan leaned forward, laughing as his son let go reaching instead for his nose. A rush of guilt tugged at him and he sighed softly. Not only was his country facing annihilation by Blight, but Fergus had been forced to fight to regain his home suffering injury and the death of some of his men and here he was playing with his son. He gently stroked Gawain's cheek. "I have to get my memories back if I am to retake my place as King." What he did remember of Anora he realised he did not trust her, suspecting she would attempt to declare him unfit to rule if he went to Denerim now. "Perhaps I am doing her a disservice." He whispered, smiling as Gawain grasped at his chin. "Either way I need to remember my past if I am to help my people." He smiled as Rosslyn's arms wrapped around his waist feeling her lips against his neck.

"You must give it time."

"We are running out of time. I need to return to being King, there is too much at stake for me to remain hidden here doing nothing!"

Loosening her hold Rosslyn pulled up a chair, smiling as Gawain reached out for her, pressing a kiss to his nose. "Perhaps it is time to consider the Gauntlet. Just as the Ashes can heal physical ailments, there is the possibility that they can also restore your memories."

"Perhaps." He sighed deeply. "I am running out of options, but with so few memories I fear I would not be able to complete the Gauntlet."

"That is why I suggest you take William with you."

Cailan frowned slightly. "I would not have him go through that again, not for my sake."

"Then perhaps consider it for his sake as well as your own. He needs to make peace with being named Andraste's Champion. Where better to do that than in the presence of our Holy Lady's final resting place."

Smiling, he carefully put Gawain in his cradle before pulling her gently into his arms. "You are as wise as you are beautiful."

Sighing softly into his kiss Rosslyn smiled wistfully. "I fear my wisdom is in short supply, for if it was not, I would not be in the arms of a King."

"You cannot control the heart."

"Perhaps." Rosslyn turned as Gawain made a screeching noise as he grabbed at his own foot bringing it to his mouth. "He is getting so big; in a few months he will likely be walking and then we will never have a quiet moment."

Cailan gazed at his son lovingly, cherishing each moment spent with him, knowing such precious time as he had known these last few months would be coming to an end and he would need to leave both his son and Rosslyn to fight the Darkspawn once more. Moving to the cradle he gazed at his son. "You are a Prince of Ferelden." He stated softly. "The heir to the throne and I promise you, no matter what I have to do, no Darkspawn will take that from you."

xXx

Having had a private breakfast and while Cailan was watching over their son, Rosslyn sought out her brother, finding him in the training yard with his men. "Brother I would speak to you if you can tear yourself away from sparring."

Grinning Edward grabbed his tunic, handed the staff to his second in command Brannan and leapt the fence. "Anything for you dear sister."

Leading him to the garden which was empty for the moment Rosslyn worried at her lip. "I have suggested to Cailan that he should go to Haven. To follow the pilgrim's path through the Gauntlet to retrieve a pinch of Holy Andraste's Ashes, in the hopes of regaining his memories."

"Do you think that will work? We know they cure physical injury of course, but …"

"It was a blow to the head that left him unconscious and when he woke he had no memories. Perhaps there is a chance. Or perhaps they can heal whatever is blocking them from returning. He feels he cannot reveal himself without his memories and it is tearing him up that he is not leading his people through this."

"It is right that he should be leading of course and the chance is worth taking given the circumstances."

"Wonderful, I hoped you would agree. I wish you to accompany him with your men and protect him."

"Absolutely not. I am here to protect you and Gawain."

"Edward, listen to me."

"I am not leaving you."

"Then leave most of your men if you must, but Cailan is Gawain's father and … and the man I love! I need him to be safe too!"

Staring at his sister Edward sighed deeply, he never had been able to deny her anything. It wasn't that she bullied or manipulated, she was simply honest and it got him every time. "Fine, alright, but I am not happy about leaving you."

"I know, but those you leave here will protect us with their lives if they had to, we both know that and I am not inexperienced with weapons, I can protect myself and Gawain should the need arise."

xXx

Sitting in Teagan's study just before midday, Cailan glanced at his uncle as Fergus finally gave them the full debrief on Highever. That Arl Howe was clearly involved in slavery was bad enough, though of course they could not prove it, but the abuses that had gone on in Highever were just as unacceptable. His mind turned to Fergus's description of the retake of the castle. They had not expected it to go without bloodshed of course, but it had clearly been brutal and both he and Teagan were alarmed to find out about Thomas and Warin's injuries courtesy of Captain Horace. "And you have this Captain as a prisoner?"

"Yes, but he is completely loyal to Howe and he believes my father was a traitor. There is no dissuading him otherwise, nor those of his men who survived."

"Then they will need to remain locked up until we can deal with Arl Howe." Cailan stated regretfully, to have lost so many soldiers when they desperately needed them to fight the Darkspawn was a blow.

"And how are Highever's citizens faring?" Teagan asked.

"Relieved to no longer be under threat from Howe's soldiers and those who have been reunited with their families, or some family members are happy of course, but there has been so much loss and brutality. I believe many are still in shock." He sighed softly. "I count myself one of them. Sitting here in this study in fathers chair I expect him to walk in at any moment. Maker I feel a fraud."

"Your father would be proud of you Fergus." Teagan stated. "Just as he always was."

"Forgive me Teagan, but I doubt that very much. I was too eager to join the battle at Ostagar, I should never have left him and in retaking Highever I led a slaughter. I believe he would be very disappointed in me."

"I knew you father, considered him a treasured friend and I can tell you now if he did not suspect treachery from Rendon, how could you? Your father was proud of the man you had become and tearing yourself apart for something you could never have foreseen will do no-one any good. Rendon fooled us all, I did not particularly like the man, but I never doubted his loyalty to your father. That is what makes his actions so truly shocking, because none of us saw it coming. As for Highever your actions have freed your people from a brutal regime. Howe's soldiers could have ensured order and obedience without violence and threats, they chose that way sealing their own fates. I say again Fergus, your father would be proud of you, just as I am proud of you."

Clearing his throat Fergus took a moment to steady himself. "Thank you Teagan. I appreciate your support." Apologising as he yawned, he took a drink of the strong herbal tea. "I … when I spoke to Oriana and Oren last night, they were obviously hesitant to return. I want them with me, but their reluctance is understandable."

"Then Oren at least has had a change of heart." Cailan smiled. "Before our meeting he declared an eagerness to return to Highever to stand at your side and protect the people of Highever."

"Maker, Oriana will have my head."

"She appeared rather proud of him."

Fergus shook his head, times had changed indeed, though he supposed he could hardly be surprised. "Can we expect many refugees to arrive?"

"Refugees from Wulff's lands have reached us. They are a tough independent people and I believe they might very well set up on the Storm Coast."

"I might have guessed as much. My people can show them the caves and we can help to rebuild the small settlement if they will accept the help. What about those with you already?"

"Many are eager to make the journey to Highever and I suspect they will be just as eager to get on a ship and seek refuge in the Free Marches."

"Perhaps that is the wisest course until this is over."

"I will have numbers for you by the morning."

"Very well. There are some ships in the dock and we have at least two Captains with reduced crews, but enough hands to sail, it seems the others tried to stop Howe's men commandeering their ships. Those that survived only did so because they let them have the ships. Both Captains have promised to be ready to sail refugees to the Free Marches should it be needed."

Cailan rubbed his neck. He was grateful to have an escape route for Rosslyn and his son, but he dreaded the circumstance that would befall them should they need to take that option. "There is something I need to do before we come to Highever and I need William to come with me."

"Where are you intending to go?"

"Haven, I need my memories and I intend to do the Gauntlet. Brother Genitivi said the Grand Cleric was sending people to begin repairs on the Temple as well as Brothers to do a full inventory and likely Templars. They might stop people from going to the Gauntlet until the repairs are complete and I have no intention of revealing myself, but surely they would not stop Andraste's Champion."

Fergus sighed. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"What choice do I have Fergus? Without my memories I cannot lead."

Fergus hesitated and then sighed. "Perhaps it is necessary. It will give me extra time to secure things here, but Cailan, be careful. I will inform William of the … slight change of plans."

xXx

Settling into the seat opposite Fergus in the study, Jayden waited for him to speak, feeling uncomfortable being in the room where Thomas had almost bled to death.

"I have spoken to Cailan, he wishes to go to Haven, to do the Gauntlet. He hopes the Ashes will help him to retrieve his memories. Our King is desperate. I heard it in his voice. He wants to lead his people and it distresses him greatly that most still believe him to be dead. If he succeeds in the Gauntlet, he will no longer need to hide his identity. He needs you to go with him. Brother Genitivi said there will likely be Brothers and Templars there now cataloguing whatever is there and looking at what needs to be repaired. He fears they may prevent people from going to the Gauntlet, but surely they will not refuse Andraste's Champion."

"Well, I suppose this damn title has to be useful for something. Though I do not know if I would be permitted to do the Gauntlet again and even if I am, it will likely be a different experience."

"Are you truly prepared to go through it a second time?"

"For Cailan, of course."

Fergus smiled warmly. "You are a good man."

"I am a practical man."

"That too. I know you expected a little longer to rest, but he asked that you go as soon as possible. I would imagine Theron and Leliana will go with you, let me know if there will be anyone else, I will have supplies made ready for you."

"I want to be here to debrief properly with Dylan, Robert, Matthew and Sten. They should arrive tonight so I will aim to leave tomorrow, at the latest the following day."

"Excellent. I will go and see how Thomas's recovery is progressing: would you like to join me?"

"My presence is likely to cause an issue with Delilah, besides I have preparations to make. I will see Thomas before I leave."

"Very well." Heading to the guest rooms Fergus eased open the door to Thomas's room. Delilah was standing by the window watching Stephan who was casting yet another healing spell on Thomas. He moved over to Delilah keeping his voice low to avoid distracting the Warden. "How is he?"

"Weak, exhausted and in pain." She sighed trying to take the edge from her voice. "Nothing we did not expect."

"And the wound, is it healing?"

"Yes, thank the Maker, though slowly." She bit her lip not wanting to bad mouth the mages any more than she had, especially when Thomas still needed their help.

"And you, have you slept?"

"A little and Ellowyn brought me some food earlier."

"You need proper rest; I have had a room made up for you."

"I prefer to remain with Thomas, for now at least."

"Then let me at least have something for you to sleep on brought in to make you more comfortable."

"Thank you Fergus I would appreciate that." They both turned as Stephan stood.

"Thomas will likely sleep for a few hours, the spell takes a large toll on the body, but he is healing and doing better than I expected. He clearly has a strong will. Now if you will excuse me there are others who require healing."

"Thank you." Fergus stated, frowning slightly as Delilah all but ignored Stephan instead moving to her brother's side. He glanced at the Warden whose look suggested he did not expect anything else from her before he slipped from the room. "Delilah a little courtesy to those helping your brother costs nothing."

Sighing Delilah leaned back in the chair and looked up at him. "I will thank them when he is fully healed."

Kneeling beside her Fergus took her hand. "I can understand your anger and fear for your brother, but if you must blame anyone, blame me."

Shoulders sagging Delilah shook her head. "I do not blame you Fergus, I blame myself for letting him do this. I … I never imagined he would be in danger. I thought Warin would keep him safe if it became necessary, but I assumed Warin as fathers' right hand would ensure obedience. We miscalculated and my brother is paying the price. I am glad you have Highever back, that your people are free, but if it costs my brother his life …" She fell silent tears slipping down her cheeks. "I never imagined loving Thomas. As a child he was so awful and I feared him, but he changed Fergus. He became a man I am proud to call brother. Losing Nate … it crushed us both, we supported each other through those first dark months and even now when grief hits me, I know Thomas will be there for me. I am helpless; I cannot heal him; I cannot protect him."

Bowing his head Fergus nodded. "Thomas did not have to do this, but he did it to right his father's wrong. He is a brave man, a good man."

Leaning her head into the cushioned back of the chair Delilah sighed softly. "Promise me my father will die Fergus. After what happened here his death is the only way to keep my brother safe."

"That is one promise I make gladly."

xXx

It was early evening by the time Fergus returned to the study to meet with his siblings, having met with various citizens of Highever and checking on the health of his own soldiers. Slowly he sank on to the chair behind the desk, staring at the floor where his father had been brutally slain and Thomas had almost lost his life. Both Ellowyn and Aedan looked as uncomfortable as he felt in the room, but reclaiming the castle was not just about removing enemy soldiers.

"People are starting to arrive from the Storm Coast." Aedan stated. "Unfortunately, Senior Warden Riordan has taken a turn for the worse, but hopefully once he is settled here, we can find a way to help him recover."

"We will do what we can for him." Fergus assured.

Ellowyn forced herself to stop looking at the floor. "We have enough soldiers to have patrols in the city and we have secured the docks, but everyone is exhausted so I suggest shorter shifts for the moment at least."

Fergus nodded. "I think in time a permanent outpost at the Storm Coast should be established given how many the Tevinters were able to take before they were stopped. It is a shame we could not have captured the slavers themselves; they would have provided much needed proof of Howe's involvement."

"I just wish we had arrived in time to prevent those children from being taken." Ellowyn sighed deeply. "That any of our people were taken is abhorrent! How are we ever going to get them back?"

Fergus stared at his hands. "I am not sure we will."

"We have to try." Ellowyn demanded. "We cannot just leave them to the fate of slavery."

"I would not know where to start Ell. I have no contacts in Tevinter and even if we could identify where our people were taken, how do we get them back without starting a war?"

"Regardless of how we do it, I have asked Tanya to compile a list of all who were taken, names, ages and descriptions, that will give us a starting point."

"Very well." Fergus stated, not having the heart to tell his sister it was likely hopeless. "Thomas is healing, slowly but there is steady improvement. What of Warin?"

"Ayanna is seeing Warin again as we speak." Aedan stated. "That damn Captain made a right mess of him. He isn't saying much, but I think that is more about him blaming himself for what happened to Thomas. Has Delilah calmed down yet?"

"Not by much, I doubt she will be more herself until Thomas is out of danger."

Ellowyn sighed. "At least she has stopped screaming at the mages, though I suspect that was because Will kept getting in the middle of them, now she just treats them with silence apparently. I suppose it is something of an improvement."

Aedan shifted slightly. "This was the first step, but we need to consider the possibility that Howe might persuade enough of the nobility that father was a traitor. I want to have your back Fergus, but I will be leaving at some point with the Wardens." He sighed miserably as his brother gently gripped his arms.

"Let me take care of Highever and the Landsmeet, you have your hands full with Darkspawn."

Nodding Aedan gave a slight smile. "At least you will have Andraste's Champion on your side and the King of course."

Fergus returned his smile. "Howe better watch out."

xXx

Warin gave a hissed groan as he felt his skin and muscle knit back together. It wasn't so bad being healed by a beautiful woman of course and Warden Ayanna was very beautiful, but magic was still very disturbing and the feel of his muscles moving left him nauseous.

"Easy Warin." Ayanna soothed. "We can stop if it gets too much, there is a lot of damage and magical healing can be unpleasant despite its uses in swift healing."

"Let's try and get it over with." Warin whispered, willing himself not to pass out.

Smiling Ayanna turned her attention back to the lash marks. Horace had taken pleasure in this brutal attack, this had not been about getting information, this had been about causing pain for the sake of it. There had of course been serious risks to the plan, but the mistake they had all made was believing Thomas and Warin would be safe from any harm, all their concern had been for Lady Ellowyn's safety.

Warin gritted his teeth, he had been through worse, but it didn't feel like it at this moment. His thoughts focused on Thomas, guilt and grief weighing heavily on him. He had failed as his protector and if Thomas could not be saved, he was not sure how he would live with the loss. He had been at Vigil's Keep when all of the Arl's children were born, each birth difficult, taking more from Catherine each time, the woman becoming more bitter with each child. It had been as though all the hate and spite Rendon and Catherine had felt for each other had been poured into making Thomas. He had been a fussy and demanding baby, crying at the least thing. He had seen the baby become a demanding and wilful toddler and there were times when he overheard Catherine when nursing her youngest whisper all the vile things she had thought about her husband. Rendon had been no better, by the time Thomas had been born he made no attempt when at Vigil's Keep to hide that he detested his wife. By the time of Catherine's death, Thomas was filled with the bitterness and hate of both of his parents. Warin truly believed if they had managed to disguise their hate of each other in front of him as they had with Nathaniel and Delilah to a lesser extent, Thomas would have stood a chance of being more like his brother, recent years had certainly proved he was capable of being a better man, but for a child who had been surrounded by their hate and spite, he doubted there could have been another outcome. Yet the friends his father approved of because of their ruthless nature, were the very instrument of Thomas's change of character. He had worked so hard to prove himself, to distance himself from the actions that had given him a fearsome reputation and in the end, he had reminded him so much of Nathaniel it astonished him. Thomas longed for his brother's guidance and approval, something he believed he could never have. Warin knew he couldn't tell him the truth while the Arl lived, but perhaps in time it might be possible to tell Thomas that Nathaniel still lived.

xXx

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