Heading towards his bedroom feeling fatigued and eager for sleep, Eamon heard his son cry out as though afraid. He moved swiftly to his room peering inside, frowning to see Connor tossing and turning in his sleep, energy suddenly gleaming at his hands. "No!" He gasped in alarm, hurrying over to the bed. "Connor, Connor wake up!"

Eyes flaring open Connor stared at his father feeling the tingling at his hands and sitting up sharply seeing the glow. Tears burned his eyes and slipped down his cheeks. "I'm sorry." He sobbed, the energy flickering wildly.

Eamon sat on the bed gently holding his son's wrists. "Deep breaths Connor."

Connor stared at his father wide eyed, but did as he asked, the energy finally dispersing.

Ignoring the frantic pounding of his heart, Eamon gently brushed damp hair from his son's forehead. "How long has this been happening Connor?"

"A while now." He whispered, his hands trembling.

"Does anyone else know?"

"Mom. She told me not to tell anyone."

Eamon felt a knot of anger, but kept it hidden from his son. "Do you know what it means?"

"It means I'm a mage." Connor whispered. "Are you … are you frightened of me now?"

Shaking his head Eamon smiled warmly. "I am not afraid of you Connor, but you must be trained to use your magic to protect yourself and others. That means going to a Circle."

Connor paled. "But bad things happen there."

Eamon sighed softly; he certainly couldn't disagree given the events at Kinloch Hold. "Do not worry Connor, I will always do what is best for you. Now try to get some sleep." He stayed until he believed his son to be sleeping before slipping quietly from the room.

Trembling Connor blinked back the tears, moving from the bed he hurried through the corridors and sneaked to Jowan's room waking him.

"Connor what are you doing here?" Jowan mumbled sleepily, muffling a yawn.

"My father knows." Connor whispered tearfully. "I was having a bad dream and my hands were glowing and he saw. He said he wasn't afraid of me, but that I need to go to the Circle to be trained to use my magic."

"Connor …"

"You have to go now. Once mom realises that he knows, she will try to blame you." He moved to the dresser and began pulling out Jowan's meagre clothing and putting it on the bed. "You have to go Jowan."

"I can't leave Connor."

Connor met his gaze, tears slipping down his cheeks. "They will put you in the Circle too, you have to go."

xXx

Isolde woke with the dawn instinctively knowing something was wrong. Sitting up she saw Eamon by the window, his hands clasped behind his back, tension in his stance. "Eamon?" Slowly he turned and she saw anger in his eyes, but he also looked exhausted as though he had not slept all night. "What is it?" She demanded leaving the bed and moving to his side.

"How long have you known our son is a mage?"

Isolde felt as though the room was tilting, her hand blindly reaching out and grasping the dresser to stop herself from falling. "How?" She gasped lowering herself onto the edge of the bed.

"I heard Connor cry out in his sleep as I was coming to bed. I went to check on him and his hands were glowing. Maker Isolde, what possessed you to keep this from me?"

"Because I thought I was going to lose you. I could not lose my son too!"

"It has been months since my recovery!" Eamon snapped. "Damn it Isolde this is not about you, this is about Connor. Does my brother know?"

Isolde stared at him stunned. "Of course not, I would never trust Teagan with this!"

Eamon felt a little of the tightness in his chest ease, but not by much. "Connor needs to be where he can be protected; where he can learn to control his magic."

"He was supposed to be learning to control it. Clearly Jowan has not been doing his job properly!"

Eamon's face darkened. "His tutor is a mage? An apostate or he would have revealed himself. Damn it Isolde, what madness is this?"

Isolde paled. "Eamon I …"

"I will not stand for this. You have endangered everyone including Connor. Where did the apostate come from?"

Staring at him wide eyed Isolde shook her head. "I … I …"

Marching to the door, Eamon hesitated as Isolde flung herself forward to keep the door shut.

"I will not let you take my son!" She shrieked.

Grabbing her wrists Eamon pushed her back to the bed forcing her to sit down, struggling to calm his voice. "Our son is a mage we have no choice, for his safety he must go where he can be taught to control himself."

"Has the Circle not proven itself to be dangerous? You cannot send our son there!"

"I am aware. I intend to contact the Grand Cleric, perhaps she can mediate for Connor to go to another Circle."

"I will not let you destroy our son Eamon!"

"You nearly did that Isolde! Maker, you think I want to send my only son, my heir away? Of course not, but he is dangerous and will only become more so as time passes and I will not suffer an apostate in our home. We must do what is right for Connor."

"Keeping him with his family is what is right for Connor!"

"Isolde we will not discuss this further, Connor must go to the Circle, I suggest you make your peace with that. Now I must deal with this apostate tutor!"

Tears flowed down Isolde's cheeks as she watched him leave the room, for the first time wishing the poison had taken him.

xXx

Jowan was sitting on the edge of the bed when the guards came for him. He offered no resistance as they put a sack over his head and bound his wrists behind his back. He recited passages of history books in his head to keep himself calm as he was dragged through corridors to what he assumed would be the dungeon. Connor was right he should have run, but he would never have forgiven himself leaving the boy to his fate and if he did leave that would have consequences for Eloen if Arl Howe found out, which of course he would. He endured being stripped to his smalls and shoved into a cell, his wrists remaining bound behind him, though they did remove the sack. Heart pounding, he found himself staring at the Arl who dismissed the guards.

"If you tell me the truth there will be no need for violence."

Jowan watched him not believing for an instant this would end without pain. "What do you want to know?"

"I want to know who you are and how you came to be here."

Jowan met his gaze, to tell the full truth would be to put Eloen in danger, something he would never do. "I was employed by your wife as a tutor for your son."

"I know Connor is a mage." Eamon snapped. "I know you are a mage." He clenched his fists at Jowan's silence. "Very well. If we must do this the hard way we will."

xXx

Pacing the room Connor yawned loudly; he had tried to get back to sleep when he had returned from warning Jowan, but it had been impossible. If Jowan stayed they would hurt him, he had never been more certain of anything in his life, but he also knew Jowan had spoken the truth and he would not leave. He turned sharply as the door opened and his mother entered. "Is Jowan alright?" He asked, hurrying over to her.

"I have no idea; he is of no concern. Connor, you know your father is determined to send you to the Circle."

Nodding miserably Connor watched his mother uneasily. "Mom it happened in my sleep; I didn't know what was happening."

"Jowan should have taught you better, this is his fault."

"No, it's not!" Connor shouted, glaring at her. "Jowan has been the best tutor I have ever had!"

"Do not raise your voice to me Connor. Have I not done everything for you? If not for me you would have been sent to the Circle months ago!" She turned away moving to the door. "You will stay here; I must find a way to persuade your father to see sense."

As the door shut Connor slumped onto the bed his heart pounding, curling up under the blanket he tried to muffle his tears, they were not for him, but for Jowan and he decided that whatever happened to him, he was going to make sure Jowan was long gone before any Templars arrived. He knew where the dungeon keys were kept, he knew a secret passage to get in and out of the castle and he could get his hands on supplies. Connor took a calming breath as he worked out his rescue plan.

xXx

It was midday when Eamon left the dungeon and went to his study. He had not participated in the torture himself, but he had remained present, wanting to hear himself what the mage said, but he had remained silent. He had noticed scars on the mages body and quickly concluded that the mage had been tortured prior to this, likely in the Circle, a trouble maker then. He had instructed his man not to spare the mage and while he had finally started to scream, he still would not talk. They had thrown him back in the cell and Eamon had retreated to his study to think. He poured a brandy and took a sip, inwardly sighing as his wife barged into the room.

"We must talk Eamon."

"Now you wish to talk, when you hid from me the fact my son is a mage."

"I feared you would send him away and that is exactly what you intend to do. How could you? He is our only child. We waited for so long and you cast him aside so easily."

"I am doing nothing of the kind." Eamon growled. "Connor is a mage and as such he is a danger to both himself and those around him. He must be taught to use his magic safely."

"Give Jowan more time, or we will find another mage to tutor him!"

"Do you hear yourself Isolde? We cannot hide this. This is for Connor's own good."

Eyes glinting dangerously Isolde leaned over the desk. "I wish the poison had taken you."

Staring at her stunned Eamon felt his heart break. "How can you say that to me?"

"You are taking my son from me." Isolde snarled.

"Isolde." Getting to his feet he moved to her gently taking her hands feeling the tension of her body. "My love, our son is a mage. The longer he remains away from a Circle the greater the danger he will become and the greater the risk he will be announced an apostate and killed."

The rage died out as a wave of grief tore through her and she sank into Eamon's arms sobbing painfully. "We could leave, take him somewhere isolated."

Sighing, Eamon held Isolde gently. "I wish that was possible love, but Connor needs us to be strong and do what is right for him, not what we want."

"I cannot lose my baby." Isolde wept, sinking to the floor, Eamon kneeling with her keeping her in his arms.

"Isolde this must be done, please love, understand that." He held her as she wept herself into exhaustion and then carried her to their room, gently putting her on the bed and covering her with a blanket. "Trust me love, this is the right thing."

xXx

As darkness fell Connor slipped out of the castle through a secret door; he was not even sure his father knew about it. His heart was pounding so fiercely he feared it might burst as he hurried to the windmill, using his mother's ring to gain entry, she never wore it disliking its design. Following the passage Conner held his breath as he reached the cells relieved there was no guard on duty. He wasn't sure why, but he didn't care, he didn't have a plan for getting Jowan passed a guard and he happily convinced himself that the Maker was on his side. He swallowed painfully as he came to the last cell; Jowan lay on the floor, beaten and bloody. "I told you to leave." Connor whimpered, sinking to his knees.

Easing himself into a sitting position Jowan sighed softly. "What are you doing here Connor?"

"I have to help you."

"Connor …"

"No! I have clothes and a pack with food. Sister Leliana went to Rainesfere, she will help you I know she will. If you stay here you will be taken back to the Circle, I couldn't bear it. Please Jowan, you have to leave, for me."

"Unless you can pick a lock …"

"I don't need to." Connor stated, pulling out a bunch of keys. "These are the spare keys; I will get them back before they are even missed." He carefully unlocked the cell, handing the clothes to Jowan.

Trying not to show just how much pain he was in, Jowan got dressed and took the pack, limping behind Connor as he followed him along the passage and out to the windmill. "Connor, come with me."

"You're my best friend in all the world." Connor stated tears in his eyes. "I wish I could go with you, but I think that would make things worse for you. If they catch us, they would hang you for kidnapping. It's best this way." He handed him a map showing him Raniesfere. "Sister Leliana will help, promise me you will go to her."

"I promise."

Connor hugged him fiercely before giving a choked sob and running off.

Jowan stared after him, tears in his eyes. He needed to get Eloen and together they would find a way to free Connor and make sure no child would ever be locked in a Circle again. With a deep sigh he turned and limped away, unaware he was being watched and followed.

xXx

Eamon clenched his fists in fury. "How can he have escaped?"

The guards shifted uneasily, no-one prepared to say if they had been guarding the cells as per normal protocol he would have been observed at all times.

Eamon sighed realising this was his own doing, leaving the mage without a guard had been foolish, but he hadn't wanted to risk one of his guards falling under the influence of magic. He could send his guards after him, but that might just cause him more problems. A terrible thought occurring, Eamon dismissed the guards and hurried through the Castle to his son's room seeing him reading a book looking bored.

Connor turned to his father. "Are the Templars here for me?"

Eamon moved to his son and hunkered down beside him. "No Connor, not yet. I … I have to ask you something. Did you help Jowan escape?"

Connor stared at his father in what he hoped was shock. "I might be a mage." He snapped slamming down the book and getting to his feet. "But I can't become invisible or walk through walls! I can't unlock doors and I can't make guards do what I want." He trembled as flame flickered at his palms forcing himself to calm, the flames extinguishing.

"I am sorry Connor." Eamon stated, gently clasping his hands to show his son he was not afraid of him. "I just needed to be sure."

Lip trembling, Connor nodded. "I only did what mom told me to do."

"I know Connor, none of this is your fault. Now go back to your book; I will sort all of this out."

Connor watched his father leave the room, flopping on the bed as the door clicked shut letting out a relieved breath, silently praying Jowan would reach Sister Leliana who he knew would protect him.

Eamon retreated to his study deep in thought. The mage had clearly escaped the Circle where he would have been guarded by Templars who were trained to prevent such things, there would be no blame for his escape on himself or his soldiers he was sure, but he had to act swiftly. He would write to the Grand Cleric informing her of the situation and request Connor be placed in a Circle outside of Ferelden, for the moment however he needed protection for his son. He could request the help of the Templars in the Chantry, but he did not wish his son to become idle gossip for the villagers. He knew there were Circle mages and Templars in Rainesfere, his brother could certainly send them to his aid. He worried at his lip and shook his head, no matter what difficulties there were between them, Teagan loved his nephew and he would do whatever it took to protect him. Sighing he sent for Ser Perth once he had written the letters. When the knight arrived, Eamon sealed the parchments. "I must entrust you with a matter of great importance. First, I need you to go to my brother's estate and give Teagan this letter. Then you must travel to Denerim and hand this to the Grand Cleric and no other. Take four of your best knights, this must be done swiftly."

"As you command my Lord."

xXx

Terrified of being caught Jowan had run for as long as he was able, which wasn't far in his current state and walked as fast as he could for as long as he could before stopping by a small brook hidden in the trees to catch his breath. Every muscle hurt and his injuries were irritated by his clothing. He had managed to bind some of the wounds, but the lashes on his back had been bleeding again and he was sure sweat and blood had stuck the material of the tunic to his back. Hearing what he thought were horses he hid behind a large fallen tree, his heart pounding wildly, putting his hand over his mouth to muffle his breathing. The riders passed on and he forced himself to his feet and hurried deeper into the trees. Every sound had him on edge, every noise was a pursuer and only the thought of Leliana being in Rainesfere kept him going. She knew what he was and had promised to protect him, but now he was gone from Redcliffe he needed her help to also protect Eloen.

After a fitful brief sleep in a hollowed-out tree Jowan moved on. He had studied the map and had a good idea of where he was going, but his wounds were slowing him down and he was physically and mentally exhausted. Every nerve was sensitised to pain and noise and he was sure he was being followed. He had no choice but to rest frequently; his back was becoming more painful and a deep throbbing had set in along with the beginnings of fever alerting him to infection. As dawn broke, he knew he needed to do something about it, finding himself in a small gully, water running down the stone, delighted to find Elfroot growing in abundance. He picked as much as he could before he stood with his back to the water softening the material of the tunic before easing it off. The pain was excruciating and it still stuck to some parts of his back, but finally he managed to ease it off. He stood again under the water trying to cleanse the wounds before rubbing the juice of the Elfroot into the last of the bandages Connor had supplied, wrapping them around his torso. It was the best he could do under the circumstances and he hoped it would be enough to get him through the next few days.

Drinking some water and eating a little of the bread having no appetite, but knowing he needed to eat something if he was to continue travelling, he thought of Connor who would be taken to the Circle and the sweet, clever boy he was would be crushed under Templar rule. He thought of Eloen, terrified by what the Arl might do to her once it was discovered that he was no longer at Redcliffe. Trembling he held back the tears berating himself; if he fell apart, he would be of no use to either of them. All he had to do was get to Leliana, he knew she would help him, she had to, she was his only hope.

Still exhausted, but knowing he couldn't stay in one place too long, let alone a gully where there were few options to hide, he made his way along the trickle of water to a steep back, grunting and groaning as he stumbled his way to the top. He took several deep breaths before looking around to get his bearings, heading towards a large tree, moving away from the sheer drop next to it. Turning sharply as he thought he heard something Jowan felt his throat constrict as he saw an elven man walking towards him.

"Stay where you are." Berwick demanded. He was supposed to watch Redcliffe and make sure the man in front of him didn't leave, he had no intention of failing his employer.

"I have nothing?" Jowan gasped, stepping back.

"I told you to stay where you are." Berwick hissed. "You're not supposed to leave Redcliffe."

Hesitating Jowan stared at him in confusion. "I had no choice, they … they tortured me."

Berwick hesitated realising the man did appear to be in pain. "Why?"

Jowan hesitated realising that while the elf had likely been sent to report on him, he was not aware he was a mage. "Do nobles need a reason." He muttered.

Berwick shifted slightly. "No, I suppose not, where are you trying to go?"

"I …" Jowan looked down startled as the ground gave way beneath him, his arms flailing wildly as he tried to regain balance and grab onto something as he plummeted down.

Racing to the ledge Berwick stared at the sheer drop at least four times his size into the small gully below. The man was unmoving. Worrying at his lip Berwick looked for a way down, spotting a slope a short way to his right. He took a step towards it freezing at a noise that made the hair on the back of his neck rise up seeing the large bear heading towards them. He glanced once more to Jowan and backed away convincing himself the young man hadn't survived the fall.

The bear saw the fallen man but moved on keeping his distance, he was old and had enough scars to have learned to stay away from humans, even if they looked harmless.

Berwick didn't stop until he reached Redcliffe Village, by that time he had straight in his head the message he would send. The man he was sent to watch had left the castle at night and was clearly injured, adding that he had heard whispers he had been tortured. He had followed, but his injuries had proved too great and he had fallen foul to a bear. The Arl would not be happy, but Berwick believed he would keep his life.

xXx

Stepping out of the gateway at Valammar, Jayden nodded to the men from Teagan's personal guard who had remained to protect it. "Any problems?"

"None Champion." They stated with a bow.

Jayden refrained from rolling his eyes, catching the slight smiles of Theron and Leliana. Sten as usual gave nothing away about what he was thinking. "I am heading to Rainesfere …"

"There are soldiers on the surface who will escort you back to the estate. We will remain to ensure the gateway remains secure."

Nodding Jayden led the way through the Thaig towards the door leading to the surface, Airyl padding along at his side despite her eagerness for fresh air. He glanced up to where the stone had shifted, opening the Thaig to the sky. Nature had not been idle, plants growing down into the stone city. One day the dwarves would reclaim the abandoned city and it would thrive once more and he wondered if they would leave it like that, hoping they would as he found it beautiful. Hurrying up the steps he discovered the door open, two more guards on duty behind the waterfall, both saluting him. He returned the gesture and hurried down the steps to the camp finding horses ready for them and four soldiers ordered to escort them.

Airyl sniffed the air glad to be out of the strange place they had been walking, now she could run and as soon as Jayden had mounted a horse she darted forward, eager to rid herself of the strange feel of the gateways.

Jayden rode in silence, his mind distracted with thoughts of Delilah. She had unsurprisingly not been there when he had left and perhaps that had been for the best, he was still angry and they did not need more cruel words between them. He glanced to Theron as he rode alongside.

"Whenever Merril was prickly or upset with me I would bring her some rare ingredient for her potions." He grinned. "Always did the trick."

"Were you and Merril together?"

"No, but there were moments when I thought perhaps something might happen between us in time. I suppose I wanted to keep her sweet just in case."

Smiling slightly Jayden rode on in silence for a few moments aware Theron was watching him. "And what did you do if you were upset with each other?"

"Ah, much more complicated. I suppose you have to ask yourself is whatever you are arguing about worth it? If not swallow your pride, apologize and give her a gift, if it is, you just need to ride out the storm."

Jayden smiled slightly. "Ride out the storm it is then; come on let's pick up the pace."

Theron fell back slightly, nodding to Leliana as she moved alongside him. "A little more talkative than he has been, but not by much."

"I assume Lady Delilah is at the root of that."

"Indeed. The sooner one of them admits they are not the right match the better they will both be."

Leliana sighed softly. "I suspect things are a little more complicated than that." She shrugged at Theron's curious look. "Not all is what it seems. Come on, we better catch up to him, Sten has already overtaken us."

"Indeed." He glanced at her pack. "I keep expecting to see that nug's face."

"His name is Schmooples!" She glared at Theron's burst of laughter.

"You can't actually expect me to call him that can you?"

"Why not?"

Chuckling Theron shook his head. "Fine, fine, but if you leave him any longer with Myla I doubt you will get him back, she likes the creature as much as you do."

"She, unlike you, has good taste!"

Smirking slightly Theron urged his horse after her, revelling in the warmth of the sun on his skin. He grinned to himself, his hair was starting to grow back and he realised he was humming happily. It was only when evening fell and the temperature dropped suddenly, the image of Tamlen in his mind stopped him short and he fell silent. As they set up camp, he tried to block out their last moments together, taking himself off into the trees seeking a moment to calm himself. He turned sharply sensing someone behind him relaxing and offering a forced smile.

"Want to talk about it?" Jayden asked, sitting on a tree stump.

Sighing Theron leaned against a tree. "I will never forgive myself for what happened with Tamlen, but the worst part is knowing if he had just held on he might have been cured too." Sinking onto the grass Theron sighed deeply. "I killed my best friend."

"You know that's not true." Jayden stated softly. "The blight killed Tamlen. You killed the ghoul he became and not because you wanted to, but because you had no choice. He would have killed you if you had not acted to defend yourself."

"Since we reached the surface, I sometimes allow myself to think of returning to my clan, but after what I have done, I doubt they would accept me back."

"You are being too hard on yourself and I know from experience that Keeper Marethari is one of the most understanding people I have had the privilege to meet. I think your clan will be grateful to have you back."

"Perhaps. Still there is much to do before I can even think of going to find them." Theron watched him for a moment. "You know you are always there for us no matter what is going on for you, maybe you should think about letting us be there when you need support." He shrugged at his surprised expression. "I know it's none of my business, but I'm a good listener too."

Rubbing his nose in an anxious gesture Jayden sighed deeply. "I'm terrible with women. They make no sense! One minute they like you and the next they are screaming at you and it's always my fault, only most of the time I don't know what I did wrong and that's just friendships, it's much worse if it's romantic and …" He flushed at Theron's grin. "What?"

"You have just explained life for every man who ever lived!"

Jayden stared at him startled before he grinned and shook his head. "So, what do I do?"

Grinning mischievously Theron leaned back against the tree. "Hey I said I would listen; I didn't say anything about advice."

"Come on you two." Leliana yelled from the camp. "I want to eat tonight."

Shaking his head Jayden stood, holding out his hand and pulling Theron to his feet. "Well one thing I do know for sure, never leave a lady waiting if you value your life."

"Especially if that lady is Leliana." Theron chuckled. "I think she has more weapons than you do."

"I heard that!" Leliana yelled.

"Of course you did." Theron murmured his mischievous grin widening.

xXx

Regaining consciousness Jowan slowly opened his eyes and groaned in pain as he tried to figure out where he was, startled that it was evening. His back throbbed mercilessly, his left ankle felt as though it was on fire and his head pounded as though being assaulted by a hammer. He was icy cold and lying in water; shuddering he realised had he fallen with his face down he might well have drowned. Cautiously touching his head, he frowned at the tacky sensation on his fingers assuming it was blood. Slowly managing to sit up the pain from his prior wounds and those caused by the fall caused his gut to clench and he vomited. When it finally stopped, he crawled towards the rock face on the opposite side and drank some of the water trickling down the stone. He tried to get to his feet, but his ankle wouldn't hold his weight. Sighing miserably, he huddled into what little cover he could find behind some rocks and tried to sleep. His dreams were filled with Anders' dead phylactery and Eloen screaming for him from a prison cell that kept moving when he managed to get close to it. When fire surrounded him that he couldn't escape he woke. Fever had taken hold; he couldn't think properly but he had the constant thought he had to get moving or he would be found. Dragging himself out of his hiding place he crawled given he was unable to stand, following the flow of the water in its downward slope. He felt the heat of flames all around him, voices whispering without bodies, he was delirious by the time he collapsed, startling the elderly man and woman into whose camp he had blundered.

"What in the Makers world." Molly muttered hurrying over. "Pour lad is soaked and fevered. Malik, get out some of those spare clothes and get him to the fire, quick now."

Despite his advanced years Malik was strong and he lifted Jowan with ease, gently cradling him as he carried him to the fire. He frowned deeply as he started removing the sodden clothing and bandages glancing at his wife as she looked over, her eyes widening before turning back to stirring in herbs to the cup of water. "Lads had a time of it." He muttered, gently laying Jowan on his stomach before cleaning the wounds and covering them in a salve. Getting him into dry clothes by the time the healing tonic was ready. He supported Jowan into a seating position careful to avoid the wounds on his back as Molly got the tonic into his mouth drop by drop.

Coughing painfully Jowan woke momentarily staring into the faces of the elderly couple. He tried to move away, but he was too weak.

"Now you just rest lad." Malik stated gently. As Jowan's head lolled to the side and he lost consciousness once more Malik gently settled him on his side and placed a blanket over him.

"Well, if anyone needed help it seems to be this young man." Molly murmured gently brushing his hair from his face frowning as she found the cut, cleaning it and adding salve, luckily it appeared superficial. Glancing to her husband she settled next to him taking his hand.

"Aye, I reckon so." Staring at the flames Malik sighed. Their own son Jeb who was likely of an age with the young man now in their care, had made it back to them from Ostagar wounded and with terrifying accounts of the battle. His own company had been all but slaughtered and those few who had survived, along with others had joined those remaining from the Denerim Company. He had spoken in awe of the Captain who had inspired them and then had given his life to save the King who died anyway. A few months later the Chantry had announced the Captain had somehow survived and he was now Andraste's Champion. Jeb had left the following day for Denerim determined to rejoin the army and fight by his side. Malik had to admit he would like to meet this Champion himself, but he was too old for war, though he could wield his sword well enough if bandits were fool enough to bother them. "I'll clear him a place in the cart, there's room with all we sold, can't see the lad being up for walking for a while. He can stay on the farm till he recovers."

"What do you think happened to him?" Molly murmured. "Not a deserter surely."

"Nah, that lads never held a sword in his life, but he has new wounds on old scars. More likely a mistreated servant. Now you get yourself some sleep, I'll take the first watch."

Settling down, Molly snuggled under the blanket praying softly for her son and the young man who the Maker had seen fit to guide to them in his time of need.

xXx

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