Leaning against the fireplace Fergus closed his eyes wishing the world was not such a cruel place. He had finished relaying the events of the meeting to Cailan, Teagan and Eamon, who were all sitting in stunned silence.

Moving to the window Teagan bowed his head, wishing he had tried harder to gain Loghain's confidence. "This is madness."

Cailan shifted anxiously. "Loghain will kill Rendon for this treachery."

"I have asked Jayden not to tell them until we arrive in Denerim for the Landsmeet for that purpose."

"Will he hold his tongue?" Eamon asked cautiously.

"I believe so, it was pointed out to him that it could be dangerous for Loghain and Anora."

Nodding Eamon rubbed his chin. "We must clear Bryce of all wrongdoing before Rendon is executed."

"He will think I knew." Cailan whispered miserably.

Fergus frowned. "Why would Loghain think you knew?"

"I mean Jayden. When the Archdemon, when it … I told Jayden it was all a lie made up by Rendon and his father to get him out of Loghain's sight after Celia died." He shuddered at their horrified looks. "I had to say the cruellest things, the things that would hurt him the most. It was the price of the Archdemon letting him live. Of course, that was before they came to rescue me and the Archdemon decided it wanted him dead."

"I understand now why you said there is tension between you." Fergus murmured.

"He hates me and with reason and I will do everything I can to repair our relationship, but right now what I want does not matter. Fergus I know you want to protect him as much as I do, but keeping him here won't do that. Right now, what he needs is to be doing something meaningful, something with purpose. He has contacts and allies in Denerim that we need if we are to ensure we do not walk into a trap, we had already agreed that he would go ahead of us and report the situation in Denerim. I suggest we send him now."

Eamon almost choked. "You intend to send the boy right into the viper's nest? Not to mention he is wilful and given the information he has just received, more than likely to attempt to assassinate Rendon himself. The temptation may prove too great to hold back."

"Not to mention that Howe has already sent mercenaries to retrieve him." Teagan rubbed his neck in agitation. "One slip, one sighting of him and Rendon will have what he wants."

"He has spent seven years hiding in plain sight. I suspect he has enough skill and allies in Denerim to ensure he is not seen."

"It is too great a risk." Eamon spluttered.

Cailan slowly stood. "If you think for one moment Jayden will stay here you are fooling yourself. Short of locking him up we cannot keep him here, but if we give him direction and purpose, we can maintain some level of control. Here his anger will fester and turn to hate and Maker knows what he would do then." He met Eamon's gaze. "Look at all he has accomplished and faced in the last seven years. I think we need to trust that he will do the right thing. He will do his duty before his own desire for vengeance, but we must handle this in the right way. Besides, I am not suggesting sending him there alone. Those of his Company will join him, they work well together and they will keep each other as safe as these times allow. Fergus, I suggest you present this to him. I think it best I keep my distance from him, just for the time being."

"I do not like this." Fergus muttered.

"I do not like any of this either." Cailan stated. "But we need him in Denerim, this split in our country needs to end. We need a Landsmeet to clear your father and end Rendon's madness because what is coming is far worse and if we are not united soon the Darkspawn will bury us all."

xXx

Shivering with the cold, Ellowyn made her way down to the beach hesitating as she saw Jayden on his knees, head bowed either unaware or uncaring of the torrential rain. She carefully approached as Airyl glanced at her, the wolf clearly agitated. Gently placing a cloak over his shoulders, she wished she had been swifter, but she hadn't wanted her own anger to inflame his. However, he was drenched and the cloak would make little difference to him now. Sitting next to him she cautiously placed a hand over his.

"How could he do this to our families, Ell? He was supposed to be a friend, we have known him our whole lives! I … I knew he would use information to his advantage, but I … all the time I was his squire he swore to me he would make sure I could return home and all the time he was the one keeping me from it." He looked at her his eyes dark with pain. "Was he ever a friend to our families, or was this always his plan?" He wiped his face hoping the rain was enough to disguise the tears.

"Only he can answer that, if he ever does. I think you need to go and scout Denerim as planned, but leave within a matter of days not weeks."

"They aren't going to let me go after this Ell."

"If you go to Denerim and kill Rendon, my family will forever be known as traitors and there will be no justice for any of us. Would you really do that to us?" She saw the horror in his expression and gently squeezed his hand. "No, of course you would never do that. I know that and Fergus and Cailan know that. We need to find out what he is doing and you have the contacts to make that happen. You stay here you will twist yourself in knots. Besides, if they are averse to the idea, I will just persuade them."

"Why would you push this?"

"Because that bastard has been so many steps ahead of us it makes my head spin and I want him brought to his knees for everyone to see and the sooner that happens the sooner this noose around my family's neck is removed. You are my dearest friend and I need you to help me. Come and talk to Fergus with me, you need this as much as we do."

Blinking Jayden watched lightning flicker across the sky, wiping his rain sodden hair from his eyes. His limbs felt heavy with exhaustion, but he forced himself to stand and walk with Ellowyn back to the castle, Airyl following them.

xXx

For a long moment Fergus just looked at Jayden feeling his heart ache, but the young man before him did not need his pity, he needed direction. Ellowyn had come to him first while Jayden was changing into dry clothing, relieved that they were thinking along the same lines. "I agree with Ellowyn, we need eyes and ears in Denerim now more than ever. I know you have been dealt a terrible blow and I wish we could give you more time, but it is precisely because of this information that we cannot. Rendon it seems has been playing a long game and we are too many steps behind him. I will not send you there alone. My guards will protect Cailan, those left of your Company will join you. You all know the city and it was clear at Ostagar you are a tight team. You have the Calling Crystal from Gwaren so I expect reports each day."

"To be honest I thought you would keep me as far away from Denerim as possible after what we were just told."

"I know you want justice as we all do, for Rendon to be publicly branded the traitor he is by the Landsmeet, so I trust you to watch from the shadows and report back to me without approaching him. Ellowyn was right, I have been trying to protect the boy you were. I think it is time I stood with the man you are. You have always done your duty; I see no reason to expect this time to be any different. You know the consequences if Howe is not brought to justice, for your family and for mine."

"I do."

"I would like you to leave as soon as possible, we cannot afford to waste time."

Desperate to be somewhere he would not have to face Thomas's guilt, Warin's duplicity and Delilah's demands for his understanding, he nodded. "We can leave at first light, but we will need horses and supplies."

"I will arrange it. I will leave you to inform your Company."

"Of course."

He gripped Jayden's arm tightly. "All of that said, be safe, be discreet and remember he wants you. If he finds out you are in Denerim you will not be safe."

"Perhaps you could contact Anora, tell her I am on my way to Denerim. I don't trust myself to speak to her or my dad yet and not reveal what Rendon has done. Tell her to get Erlina to take word to Kara that I am coming, she will know who I mean. She can arrange somewhere for us to stay that will be out of sight."

"You trust this Kara?"

"With my life."

"That is exactly what you will be doing." He rubbed his chin at Jayden's confident expression.

"Fergus I would ask something else of you. Don't tell Delilah, Thomas or Warin I am leaving until I am gone. I can't …"

"I understand."

xXx

Jayden moved swiftly to the warehouses that had been adapted into additional barracks to house the Gwaren soldiers until alternative arrangements could be made. He found Captain Marcus and Gawain in the office.

Marcus and Gawain both stood when Jayden entered, startled by how pale he was. "Captain, has something happened?" Marcus asked anxiously.

"Indeed." Jayden muttered, closing the door and slumping into a chair. "It was all a lie." He glanced up seeing their confused expressions. "The threat on my life was a lie."

Marcus sank slowly into his seat. "I … I don't understand." Both men listened in horror as Jayden explained what he had been told.

"I'll kill the son of a bitch." Gawain growled.

"No you won't." Jayden stated sharply. "I don't want him dead; I want him brought to his knees and everything taken from him. To that end I am going to Denerim with a small group to scout the city and hopefully find out what the bastard is doing. This information is not to be shared with anyone. I was hoping Captain Marcus, that you would allow Gawain to accompany me." He glanced at Gawain. "Assuming you agree of course, the city will be dangerous for us all."

"Of course I will go with you!" Gawain stated firmly, wincing and glancing to his Captain as he cleared his throat.

"Are you sure it is wise for you to go?" Marcus stated.

"All I am sure of is I have contacts in the city that will help us, I need to go."

"Very well, Gawain will accompany you. I would send the golems too but that might be too obvious and I am sure you need discretion."

"I would rather they continue to protect our people. I have spoken to them and they understand."

"Of course. I … Please be careful."

xXx

Stifling a yawn, Terrance tried to subtly watch his captain. Something had happened, that much was obvious, there was fury in his eyes that he was struggling to hide, but there was grief too and that scared him. They were going to Denerim ahead of the main party and they were warned to expect trouble. This mission was one of secrecy, but he couldn't help wondering how they were supposed to keep Andraste's Champion's presence in the city a secret.

"Word is being sent ahead to Kara to have a base prepared for us." Jayden stated.

"Any particular reason we are leaving at the crack of dawn?" Lawrence asked curiously. "You literally just arrived and it is really short notice."

"You have something more important to do than protecting your country?" Jayden growled, hating himself for the surprise on their faces at his reaction. He glanced at Gawain who was studying his boots and then Zevran who was openly watching him. "We have wasted enough time. You have your orders."

"Are we to find out what has managed to ignite your temper?" Zevran asked, posing the question he realised no-one else would, feeling the increasing tension in the room.

Swallowing Jayden reluctantly met his gaze feeling he would somehow see the truth. "I was given news I am not yet at liberty to repeat."

"I see. Then as you have allowed me into this meeting despite not being in your Company, I assume I can accompany you."

"You are welcome to join us, there will certainly be enough in Denerim to take up our time and your talents would be very helpful, but before you commit yourself to this, bear in mind, Denerim will not be safe for any of us."

Shrugging, Zevran smiled. "What is life without danger, besides, it might even endear me to the Warden Commander if I have your back."

"This isn't a game Zev. If we are discovered in Denerim the consequences will be unpleasant and possibly fatal."

"Then we shall be as shadows."

"If you decide to accompany us then be in the courtyard at dawn. Talk to no-one about where we are going or what we are doing, is that understood?" At their nods he dismissed them, Zevran also taking his leave. Jayden glanced at Gawain who remained, he wasn't sure if it was duty or concern, but suspected it was both. "I can't take my anger out on them, that's not who I want to be, but I can't keep it inside of me either!"

"Then focus your anger on the mission, on bringing Arl Howe to his knees. He will pay for all he has done to you I swear, but don't give him the satisfaction of isolating you from those you care about. I would follow you into the Void itself, not because I must, but because from being a child you have always fought for justice and equality. You have stood against the darkness and never given into it or allowed it to destroy you. You shaped your fear and pain into what you needed to face it. You do not stand alone and while those with you might not yet know the truth of what was taken from you, they follow you because you have proven yourself a man worthy of following. That was your doing, not something given by birth right, but earned in blood and sacrifice. Arl Howe has taken much from you, but he cannot take that."

Gabriel eased away from the door, his heart pounding, all thoughts of getting to the root of whatever had upset his friend gone from his mind. He kept his thoughts to himself as he packed before going against his better judgement and hurrying to his lover's room.

xXx

"You're leaving at dawn!" Dairren gasped, staring at Gabriel in horror. "Why? Where are you going?"

"I want to tell you truly I do. Maker, if Will finds out I told you I'm leaving at all he will probably have my hide."

Nipping at his lip Dairren settled onto the edge of the bed. "I saw him earlier this evening and he looked furious. Lady Delilah was upset and so I assumed they had yet another argument, but …"

"Something has shaken him, I … I've never seen him like this. I mean I've seen him in a rage sure, but this … it feels so much bigger. I don't know what he was told, he won't tell us, at least not yet, but I …"

"I understand, you have your orders. It was foolish of me to think we would be able to stay together for the rest of this. Promise me you will be careful at least."

"As careful as I can be." They hugged tightly. "I love you and Maker willing; I will see you soon."

"I love you too." Their kiss was almost desperate, trying to relay everything they felt not having the time for words. When Gabriel finally left Dairren slumped against the door, his heart pounding, praying that his love would be safe and they would be with each other again soon.

xXx

Alarmed by the knock on the door, Tolman quickly dressed, startled to see Jayden. "Come in, Maker, you are soaked, has something happened?"

"Yes, I'm sorry to disturb you I … Tolman I don't have long, but I will be leaving in the morning. I can't say where or why, but I … I just wanted to make sure you would be alright here."

"We will be fine. We have a roof over our heads, food and we are all together. It is a bit of a squeeze with seven of us, but we will be fine and the twins love helping out with Alena and my sister and family are next door."

"If anything happens, or you need anything you know to go to Captain Marcus."

"Yes, of course." Tolman gently gripped his arm. "We will be fine, there is no need to worry about us. Are you alright?"

Jayden met his concerned gaze and wanted to spill out all he had been told, but Tolman had enough to deal with of his own. "I …" He turned as he heard crying.

"Wait one moment, Petra is exhausted, we all are I suppose and Alena has been a bit irritable these past few days."

"I think she just wanted her dad." Jayden stated, as Tolman returned a moment later, his daughter gurgling and clutching at his hair.

"And I admit I don't mind one bit." Grinning, Tolman nuzzled his daughter's nose as she leaned towards him.

"I have a little something for Alena." Jayden carefully took a small wooden box from his pack; it was intricately carved with vines and leaves.

"It's beautiful."

Swallowing painfully Jayden smiled as Alena leaned towards him, her little fingers grasping at the box. "Just a little something you can keep your treasures in." He pressed a soft kiss to the top of her forehead feeling his heart ache. "I should go, I have a lot to do before I leave."

"Be safe."

"You too Tolman." Nipping his lip Jayden turned and hurried out into the rain, Airyl bounding after him.

Frowning, Tolman locked the door and headed back into the bedroom sitting on the edge of the bed as Petra stirred.

"Our little girl not sleeping?"

Smiling Tolman leaned over and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "I think she just wanted to know we are here."

Easing up Petra glanced at the box on the bed. "That's beautiful, where did it come from?"

"William just dropped it off for Alena."

"Why didn't he come over tomorrow, I could have made a meal."

"He won't be here tomorrow."

"Maker, he has just got here and they are sending him off again! Poor lad doesn't get a moment and he's only just healing!"

"He's a soldier, my darling."

"Yes, well I am still allowed to worry." She smiled slightly. "It is a beautiful box." Flipping back the lid she pulled out a small cloth mabari. The stitching while neat had not been done by a professional, and the eyes didn't quite line up, but the material was durable and soft and she smiled as Alena reached for it cooing.

Tolman smiled, while smaller, it looked a lot like the one Jayden had loved as a child. "I wonder if he made this himself."

"And what's this?" Petra smiled at Alena spying the velvet pouch, her eyes widening as she lifted it up and spilled the contents on the bed, the gold coins gleaming in the candlelight. "That lad, as if he has not given enough coin to my family. The next time I see him I will give him a telling off he won't soon forget."

Feeling his heart ache realising what it meant, he forced a smile. "Or perhaps you could simply thank him."

Petra made a huffing noise before she leaned against him. "This is in case he doesn't come back from wherever he is going; you know that don't you. In case he doesn't see us again."

Tolman gently wrapped his arm around her and kissed the top of her head, Alena gurling softly. "I know, but I would wager all that gold that he will come back."

xXx

Once back in his room, Jayden took a deep breath and activated his runestone, waiting impatiently until Ayanna finally answered.

"It is very late Will; I assume something has happened."

"In a manner of speaking. I am heading out on a mission with a small group. I need Theron, Leliana, Sten and Morrigan to accompany me." He frowned at the silence. "Ayanna?"

"Of course, however Morrigan is … is working on something with us, we need her to remain."

Jayden felt a surge of frustration biting his lip to prevent him snapping a response. "At the very least I need to speak to her in person. Please have her join me with the others."

"Alright, when and where do you wish to meet?"

Once they had confirmed the details Jayden broke contact, still feeling frustrated that Morrigan would not be accompanying them. If she agreed to teach the shapeshifting spell, he had hoped she could have begun immediately. Sighing he forced himself to be calm, getting upset about something that could not be changed was a waste of his energy.

He hadn't had a chance to unpack so there was nothing to do but wait for the dawn. He lay on the bed glaring at the ceiling, his hate for Arl Howe almost choking him. With a growl of frustration, he got up and left the room, Airyl keeping pace with him as he strode along the corridors heading for the garden. The wind was icy and tugged at his coat and hair making him shiver, but it gave him something else to think about. He hesitated realising he was not alone, startled to see Ellowyn. Thinking perhaps she was waiting for Edward he backed away, freezing when she called out to him and hurried over.

"I thought you might come here eventually."

"How long have you been out here, you must be freezing?" He caught her hands gently rubbing her icy fingers.

"It is colder than I anticipated." Smiling she snuggled against him as he directed them to a more sheltered spot, the wind not quite so biting. "Asking you how you are is foolish given what you were told, but I … I am here for you."

"I know. I just can't believe he did this to us, to our families. For a time, I … I trusted him, it makes me sick to think of it. I keep thinking about that time he shielded me from that giant spider's venom. I bet even that was just to get closer to my family so he could arrange this damn betrothal."

"Did you mean what you said about not going through with it?"

"I meant every word. I can't … I don't want my children to be part of the Howe bloodline." He shuddered as Ellowyn wrapped her arms around him, closing his eyes and resting his forehead against her shoulder. "I would willingly marry the Empress before I would marry Delilah Howe."

xXx

At dawn the Company gathered in the courtyard, Gabriel glancing at his Captain wondering at what he had kept hidden all these years. He urged his mount into a trot, their party leaving behind Castle Cousland, glancing back and seeing Warin standing on the battlements, feeling a deepening of his unease. Whatever Arl Howe had done in Denerim in their absence they would undo and whatever the truth about what he had done to his friend, he swore silently they would do whatever they could to undo that too.

xXx

Ellowyn felt her agitation increasing as Delilah paced the room, finding she had little patience for her drama.

"I cannot believe he just left! How could he do that? I understand he was upset, but just to leave!"

"He did not just leave!" Ellowyn snapped. "Fergus sent him to Denerim to gain information as I told you."

"He would have been in no state for such an assignment. What if he confronts my father when he gets there?"

"He has promised us he will keep his distance."

"Lying is second nature to him! What makes either of you think you can trust him?"

"Because I do." Fergus stated with just a hint of the irritation he was feeling stepping into the room glancing at Ellowyn who looked ready to explode. "He knows what is at stake. He knows we need your father to admit his treachery at the Landsmeet. If you believe nothing else, believe he will do his duty above any personal need for revenge."

"You should have given him time!"

"To do what? Stew about what he was told? Let the anger choke him? Be honest Delilah, you are just aggrieved because he left without speaking to you before he did."

"Of course I am!"

"You are unbelievable." Ellowyn hissed. "I bet all you really care about is losing marriage to Andraste's Champion!"

"Think what you like of me, but I love him."

"And that has been so obvious these past few months!"

"Enough." Fergus stated sharply. "What is done is done, our priority must be to stop the civil war and prepare this country for the Darkspawn. Personal relationships can be sorted out later."

Ellowyn gave Delilah a scathing look before she strode from the room.

xXx

Seeing Ellowyn was clearly in a distressed state Edward hurried after her, catching up to her in the garden. "Ellowyn?"

Turning sharply, Ellowyn tried to compose herself. "Edward, I … I just wanted some fresh air." She flushed slightly as Edward moved closer and gently took her hands in his.

"Something has clearly upset you. If there is anything I can do to help, you have but to tell me."

"I wish there was."

"Does it have something to do with why William has left?" He frowned slightly as her expression of distress intensified. "Ellowyn?"

"I wish I could tell you Edward truly I do, but …" She turned horrified as tears slipped down her cheeks. "It's all so awful." She trembled as Edward gently turned her back to face him.

"We live in dark times, Ellowyn." He gently cupped her cheek. "Tell me how to ease your distress."

Swallowing painfully, Ellowyn took a shuddering breath and surprised them both when she leaned into his chest. "Never lie to me." She whispered.

Heart pounding Edward gently wrapped his arms around her. "Never." Moments passed, Edward loath to say anything in case she moved away, but knowing he needed to understand her distress. "Did William lie to you?" He paled as she looked up, tears spilling down her cheeks.

"It was Will who was lied to, in such a terrible way." She shuddered. "I want to protect him, but I am part of sending him into more danger, because he can help me get justice for my family."

"William can take care of himself and he did not leave alone." Gently wiping the tears from her cheeks, he gently cupped her chin. "Besides, who else can boast of having Holy Andraste's blessing."

Ellowyn sighed softly. "He will need it." She looked into his eyes startled by how safe she realised she felt with him. It would be so easy to fall for him, but Rory's betrayal was still too raw, she barely knew Edward though she felt as though she had known him her whole life. Glancing up she saw Delilah in the archway and scowled.

Edward followed her gaze seeing the noble woman retreating. "Lady Delilah seems to be in the crosshairs of your anger."

"As well she should be." Ellowyn could barely restrain her anger and forced back the desire to hurry after Delilah and show her how angry she was.

"Does Lady Delilah have something to do with your distress about William?"

Ellowyn sighed deeply. "Yes, but she is not at the heart of it and I must remind myself of that."

"William is a strong man, whatever this is, he will survive it."

"He will." She whispered. "But who will he be?" She met Edward's concerned gaze realising she was still in his arms having no inclination to move.

"You love him." Edward stated softly, a lump growing in his throat.

"Yes, he is as dear to me as a brother." She almost smiled at the relief in his eyes.

"I have already sworn an oath to William that as Holy Andraste's Champion he has the support of my family. I swear to you now, I will do all I can to aid him in the times ahead, whatever they may be."

Gently taking his hand she squeezed lightly. "We both will."

xXx

Author Note: Thank you for reading, it is always appreciated.