Halting the group in the small woodland just north of Denerim, Jayden chose Gawain, Zevran and Theron to join him and scout the way ahead. Thankfully the moon was covered in clouds, which would enable them to remain hidden from sight. He glanced back to Airyl who was sitting with Sketch, rubbing her head against him affectionately. He shook his head; she had adopted Sketch quickly as the newest pack member. It made him feel a little better about having him with them, his own capacity to trust being severely limited. The elven mage had been working on several spells to adapt Airyl's appearance to others. He had been trying to make Airyl appear as a mabari with limited success, the other option was to darken her fur, that spell lasting for several hours.

A short time later at the edge of the trees Jayden glanced at the hidden entrance into the city, knowing its location so well from his previous nightly excursions. Signalling to his companions they moved silently, remaining in the shadows until they reached the entrance. Jayden signalled them to stop as he saw movement, the four of them shifting backward into the foliage. They watched the entrance as a large man approached, he was not bothering to hide, but despite his size, his steps were silent. Gesturing to the others to wait Jayden moved to where he could be seen, his heart pounding as the large man moved forward.

"William." His soft voice was completely at odds with the huge stern-faced warrior he was. As head of Kara's personal guard, he was trusted with many of her more sensitive missions, this being more sensitive than most.

"Krul."

Eyes sweeping their surroundings Krul nodded. "Well hidden your associates. Come, Kara is waiting."

At Jayden's signal Gawain, Zevran and Theron joined him. "Be on your guard." Jayden muttered.

Frowning Krul fixed Jayden with a piercing look. "If you do not trust Kara, why ask for her help?"

Jayden met his gaze undaunted. "If I did not trust her, I would not be here, but there are many enemies in the city and I would be a fool to forget that."

Nodding thoughtfully Krul turned and led them through the tunnel, keeping them under the city until they reached a hidden doorway which led directly to Kara's base. He swiftly unlocked it. "See, no need to worry about being seen, we have it handled."

Nodding in appreciation Jayden stepped through the doorway.

Krul was not blind to his hand slipping to the dagger at his waist. "He has changed." He murmured to himself.

"We all have." Theron stated softly. "You can't have seen what we have and done the things we have and stay the same. Will is just trying to keep us safe, as always."

Nodding Krul followed them through locking the door behind him.

xXx

Smiling broadly, Kara stood, quickly crossing the room, relieved they had made it despite the secrecy of the route. The city was full of spies of the Arl, many through fear, others through coin. The city she loved was becoming difficult to bear. Grasping Jayden's arm, she pulled him into a hug to hide her surprise at the yellow eyes of one of his elven companions. "It is good to see you again Will."

"And you."

Frowning, she stepped back slightly. "You are troubled. Not unexpected given the circumstances, yet there is something different about you."

"A great deal has happened."

"I see. Well now you know the way in and you are safe, you may send your companions back with Krul to bring the others of your party as I am fairly certain you would not just be here with the four of you." At his nod she smiled. "Krul please ensure the remaining members of Will's company are brought safely into the city and taken to their accommodation, I will bring him myself once we have spoken." She noticed the hesitation of the other human in his group and the discrete gestures that passed between them. Once they had left, she closed the door leaving orders they were not to be disturbed and poured them both some wine. "Business first, I think. You should know that things are changing in Denerim and not for the better, due of course to our new Arl."

Groaning softly Jayden rubbed his forehead. "What has that sorry excuse for nobility done? I'm assuming he started with the Alienage."

"Of course he did. Brom and I speak regularly, those soldiers who are on duty at the Alienage are exclusively the Arl's now."

"Damn him." Jayden growled. "Have there been attacks?"

"Threats only so far. It was as though they were waiting for something so I ensured we had contingency plans in place."

"As you always do."

"Beneath the Night Elf base we have created a doorway from the basement leading into the old sewer system. An escape if required. It also means we can get food in and exchange information. Shortly before your arrival there was a disturbing turn of events. The doors to the alienage have been locked and are guarded at all times, no-one is allowed in or out. The rumour is that the Alienage is contaminated with the Blight sickness."

"Have you spoken to anyone in the Alienage about it?"

"I spoke briefly to Darrian myself who at the time was not sure what was going on. He suggested we keep our distance just in case."

"Can you get me to the Alienage through this passageway?"

"Yes, but if this is the blight sickness …"

"We have a cure."

Kara grinned. "You are a wonder. You should also know that The Pearl is the current location of a trap set specifically for those sympathetic to Wardens."

"A trap meant to do what?"

"I suspect to find out the location of the Wardens, despite the Regents' demands, none have come to Denerim."

"With good bloody reason they are getting support to fight the damn Darkspawn. I'm surprised Sanga would allow it on her premises."

"We came to an arrangement; she allows it so we can remain informed about what the bastards are doing."

"Well, I suppose we will need to spring the trap, but the Alienage comes first. If the blight sickness is truly here, we need to stop it. Any news on Arl Howe?"

Kara paused in taking a sip of her wine, seeing the simmering rage that he was struggling to hide. "May I know how the Arl has acquired your wrath?" She slowly lowered her drink as his eyes darkened. "Will, if I am to help you …"

"He is dangerous and a traitor and that is all you need to know." He sighed as she remained silent, getting up and pacing by the fire. "The Cousland's are not traitors! He betrayed them and has tried to destroy them and we need to stop him."

"Indeed, but I am no fool Will, this is personal to you." She met his gaze seeing the struggle in him. "You may be friends with the nobles involved, but …"

"You know I was his squire for a time."

"One of the few things you have allowed any of us to know about your past." She held her breath seeing such grief in his eyes she wanted to reach out to him, but the anger that accompanied it held her in her seat.

"I recently discovered he betrayed my family too." Jayden turned away from her, his voice choked. "Kara I … I will explain everything one day, but please let me do it in my own time. For now all you need to know is he needs to be stopped." He jumped as her hand rested on his shoulder.

"Whatever this is, you are not yourself Will." She stared at him startled at the bitter laugh.

"You have no idea." Sighing he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath and focusing as Warin had taught him, locking everything away inside. It would only work for a short time, the journey to Denerim had made him realise that, but it would be enough to get on with the business at hand.

Letting her hand fall as she saw his barriers go back up, Kara returned to her seat. "Very well, Arl Howe and Arl Vaughan seem to have formed an alliance as horrifying as that is. They spend most of their time together at Vaughan's estate. When Howe is not there, he is with the General, though I have heard Loghain is somewhat more cautious around him. Getting near Howe is almost impossible, he has guards with him at all times when moving around Denerim and getting anyone else onto the staff in Vaughan's estate has proven impossible for the moment, he is being surprisingly cautious, no doubt on Howe's orders."

Jayden met her gaze. "Has anything been seen of the elven mage in Arl Howe's service?"

Kara leaned back watching him curiously. "So, you know about her." At his nod she shifted slightly. "Her time is mainly spent in Vaughan's dungeon doing Maker knows what to people. I have an agent who managed to infiltrate the guards and gain a place in the dungeon some time ago, but she must carry out her work in a hidden section, as though he has heard of her from some of the other guards, he has yet to lay eyes on her himself."

"Unless he has seen her and she has already altered his mind."

"Unlikely, he is a former Templar."

Jayden raised an eyebrow. "Would this former Templar have association with the Mages Collective?"

"For his safety and yours I am going to decline to answer that."

Jayden nodded, already having a fair idea of who she was talking about. If he was right, he was a good man, but more importantly strong in his Templar abilities.

Taking a sip of wine Kara leaned forward. "On another matter, you sent me a message asking for some rather unusual information regarding a Tevinter artefact."

"Do you have any information for me?"

"None of it is good. The Magrallen is powered by blood magic apparently and is ancient. I can't imagine how such a device still survives." She shuddered. "Its purpose is perverse, if it has enough power, it is said that it can remake the world. However, the blood of not just anyone can power the device, it requires someone with the blood of the Great Dragons within them." She leaned back realising he was surprised by none of the information she had given. "There are legends that suggest King Calenhad had dragons' blood within his own, which would suggest that all in the Therin line do." She leaned forward again. "Will, I want you to be honest with me. Is Maric still alive, is he … is he attached to this thing?"

Jayden was silent for some time before he met her gaze, she had never given him cause to distrust her and he couldn't let Howe ruin the relationships he had with the allies he had made. "I tell you this now in confidence, do not make me regret trusting you." At her nod he told her about the dreams, the dreamer and his belief that Maric truly was alive. "What does your contact say on shutting it down and keeping the person attached alive?"

"It is going to depend on how long he has been attached. If he has been there since he went missing …"

"Kara, tell me whatever you know."

"The device uses the blood of the person attached, yet somehow the magic sustains the body so it can go on indefinitely, but my source said the person attached will not be aware, that would put too much stress on their body, instead they live out a life in a section of the fade created by the Magrallen. Once the device is turned off there will be nothing sustaining the person who was attached."

"So, we would need mage healers."

"Preferably a spirit healer, but even then, the chances of survival are slim at best."

"If it was me, I would want someone to take the chance rather than being left to that fate."

"As would I, but you said it is in a fortress on Seheron of all places. How would you even get there without being detected?"

"I honestly don't know yet. I still need details on how to get him free of the Magrallen without causing him more harm."

Unlocking a drawer, Kara pulled out several documents and laid them out on the table, the top parchment was a detailed drawing of the device. "These cuffs secure the tubes to the body, two on each arm and leg. The person is then suspended and blood flows into the Magrallen and presumably back into the person or it would simply drain him. I'm not sure how you would stop the flow of blood without magic. It may be that you have to get him down, undo the cuffs as quickly as possible with mage healers while a spirit healer keeps him alive, if that is possible." She showed him the remaining parchments which were covered in symbols. "My contact has never seen anything of their like and knows no-one who has. If the Magrallen is active I do not know how it has been accomplished. I will keep trying, but I have found no-one yet who can decipher this."

"Please keep trying Kara, the more information we have the better."

"You will need a map of this fortress and Seheron."

"Can you get that?"

Kara grinned. "Will, you should know better, with enough time I can get anything."

"I need your help with a few other things."

"Do tell."

"It involves finding people and the starting point is Kirkwall."

"Varric Tethris would be your best source of information on anything happening in Kirkwall."

"I met him once, literally bumped into him. He plays a mean game of Wicked Grace."

"I have lost plenty of coin to him to know the truth of that. Give me the names of the people you want to find and I will get word to him. I am helping some of the more vulnerable of the Mages Collective leave Ferelden and a few of my people will be accompanying them. It will be no difficulty to get a message to him."

"Thank you. I am looking for the Hawke family, while they took a ship to Kirkwall it does not necessarily follow, they remained there. I need confirmation on if the Sabrae Dalish Clan is at Sundermount and the whereabouts of Sophia Amell, her family was nobility in Kirkwall years ago."

"That is quite a diverse set of people you want found."

"A member of the clan travels with me and I hope after this is done to get him back to them. I know Sophia's brother, he doesn't even know if she is alive or dead, but whatever the outcome I promised to help him find out."

"And the Hawkes?"

"As near to family as you can get without blood ties." He placed a coin purse on the desk and pushed it towards her, frowning slightly when she pushed it back.

"Help me get Denerim sorted instead, I have enough coin and Varric owes me a favour."

Jayden nodded. "If you are sure. Can you get hold of Brom, I should let him know I'm here, discreetly of course."

"Of course. There is one more thing before you see Brom. I am curious about the messenger who passed on your request for a discreet base of operations. The Queen's handmaiden is an usual choice."

"I would imagine it was convenient for the General."

"Perhaps, still an odd choice." She met his gaze realising he would make no further comment. "I will send for Brom, perhaps it would be wise to speak to him before you do anything in the city."

"Thank you. I would see that my people are settled, which should give Brom time to get here."

xXx

Glancing over their base, Zevran dropped his pack and sat on a comfortable chair, closing his eyes hoping to have a nap, the others checking out the sleeping quarters, each one having the same idea. He glanced over as the door opened.

Heading inside Jayden was relieved to see that their base was both comfortable and practical, giving them everything they would need and whatever it didn't have, Kara had promised to provide for them.

Gracefully getting to his feet Zevran followed Jayden into one of the bedrooms. "Perhaps it is not my place, but should you wish to talk about whatever is troubling you, I am here."

"I appreciate it Zev, but I'm fine." He could feel Zevran's frown and with a sigh he turned. "Alright I am not fine, I feel trapped in a nightmare, but I spoke truly I can't talk about it, at least not yet."

"As you wish."

"No Zev, it is not as I wish." He muttered, turning away.

Hesitating a moment Zevran moved closer and placed a hand gently on his shoulder feeling him shudder. "If I may, only a fool would not realise your anger is towards Arl Howe and I suspect it has something to do with the past you so diligently keep secret." He smiled at the cautious glance. "One day my friend we shall drink fine Antivan wine and you shall tell me of your past and I shall tell you mine. Until then I shall remind you only, I am a Crow and should you require the Arl removed, permanently, I and my blades stand ready to assist."

"That would be too quick Zev, I want him to suffer."

Frowning Zevran leaned against the dresser. "That is unlike you, my friend. You always prefer the quick, clean kill where possible."

"He took everything from me!" Jayden snarled; his fists clenched trying desperately to sooth the rage. "I will take everything from him." He flushed at Zevran's shocked look and turned away. "Please forget I said that." He whispered, his voice trembling.

"Being in this city, in such close proximity to him will be difficult for you I think."

"We need to know what he is doing and I couldn't stay in Highever anymore with … I just couldn't stay there."

Frown deepening, Zevran was sure he had been about to say Delilah, as far as he knew they had not spoken before he had left. "Perhaps try to get some rest."

"There is no time, I only came to make sure everyone was settled. I have to head back and meet with Brom." He forced himself to turn and meet Zevran's gaze. "I trust Kara, but perhaps just do a once over of the security of this place and ensure everyone has an escape route."

"Of course. You will take someone with you of course."

"Gawain will accompany me." He shook his head slightly. "He worries too much when I am out of his sight." He caught Zevran's raised eyebrow. "He is very committed to his duty, Zev. Captain Marcus told him to protect me on behalf of the General and he will do that even if it costs him his life."

xXx

Yawning loudly, Brom met Kara's amused gaze. "This better be important enough to get out of bed for. I get little enough sleep these days."

"Decide for yourself, he shouldn't be much longer." She smiled at the knock on the door. "And here he is."

Brom stared stunned.

"It's good to see you Brom." Jayden stated moving over and clasping his arm, Gawain taking up position by the door.

"Damn Will, I … I mean Captain. It's good to see you. Sounds like Ostagar was a bloody mess I …" He swallowed painfully. "Never imagined so few would make it out of there. You were with Captain Varril when he died?"

"I was, he was too badly injured and we couldn't get him magical assistance in time."

"He knew he wouldn't be coming back." Brom stated softly. "Made me promise to keep Denerim safe." He sighed softly. "Not been doing too well with that to be honest."

"Hardly surprising with the new Arl."

"Indeed. It's going to stir up a hornet's nest with you back. I'm up for it of course."

"Well, I'm not actually here." At Brom's confused gaze, Jayden gestured to the seats and sat down explaining why he was there and the others who would arrive in two days' time.

"Well damn, glad I am to hear they live and we can certainly back up their ruse of why they have been gone for so long. I can have watchtower reports made up." He grinned slightly at Kara's soft chuckle. "Been around the lady here too much, her deviousness is rubbing off on me. Will listen, schemes, spies and traps are plentiful in Denerim, always have been, but these days, well even the Crows are wary."

"I need all the information you have, but our priority needs to be the suspicion of blight sickness in the Alienage. If it is true, we need to stop it before it spreads."

"How are you planning on doing that?"

"We have a cure."

Kara grinned as Brom stared at them in shock. "Perhaps we should take a trip to the Alienage and see what is really happening."

"Maker, you two love trouble, but it's about damn time we did something." He glanced at Kara. "Did you tell him about the Tevinter ship?"

"I thought you should do that."

"Fair enough." Brom explained what had happened, shifting uncomfortably at the growing anger in Jayden's expression.

"You checked the ship thoroughly?"

"I did it personally, nothing but silks and other cloth as per the manifest."

"They may be traders, but the coincidence is too much. Slavers were operating on the Storm Coast. Their operation was shut down, but ships had already left. Kara, do you have a map of the coast?"

Nodding Kara moved to a chest and pulled out a map laying it on the table.

Jayden pointed to two areas on the map. "These are quiet places where a ship could be anchored in relative safety and close to each other. If these Tevinters are slavers they would not be so foolish as to come to Denerim with a ship outfitted for the purpose, they would have their 'cargo' ships at a distance, but still accessible. These two points are the closest, but still far enough to be unlikely to draw attention. We need to see if there are ships there."

Brom shifted slightly. "I could get a few men on it, but the guards are spread too thinly in the city as it is."

Jayden nipped his lip. "I will get word to Gabe and the others, get them to check it out before they come into the city, they have horses and I will have a few of those who joined me in the city go with them." He glanced at them both. "If I was Vaughan, I would have the guards and your mercenaries closely watched, this way none of your people leave the city and hopefully they will be none the wiser of our search. As for the Alienage we need to split into two teams, we use the passageway Kara and her people made to make sure they don't know we are coming. I take my team in first; we want to do this fast and quietly. We will use darts dipped in sleeping potion to incapacitate those from Tevinter. The second Team will remove them from the Alienage. Kara, given we don't know how many there are, do you have a building we can use as a temporary holding cell?"

"I do."

"We have no idea what they are capable of, Brom, so select experienced guards to join Kara's men in keeping them detained." He glanced at Kara. "We need to make sure any mages are separated from the others and each other and that they have no means to cut themselves in case they decide to use blood magic. In fact, it might be useful in the short term to keep them sleeping so they can't cause any trouble.

Kara cleared her throat. "I am coming with you to the Alienage. Krul will handle getting the Tevinters to their new accommodation."

Nodding Jayden looked at both Brom and Kara. "By doing this and removing the Tevinters we will likely put Arl Vaughan on the offensive. We will all become a target for him, because he will at the very least suspect the both of you were involved in this."

"Let him try and come after us." Brom growled.

"It isn't just him." Jayden stated sharply. "It is Arl Howe and he is by far the more devious and vicious of the two. You will need to watch your back and your people's backs the moment we do this because they will come after us. Arl Howe has resources you never want to come up against, so we do this as quietly as we can. Once we have the Tevinters detained perhaps their ship can leave the dock. If we are lucky the Arls will think the Tevinters simply cut and ran with their 'cargo', or just decided to leave if they are not in fact slavers, though I would bet my last coin they are. It might buy us a little time at least."

Kara grinned. "I know just who can help with that. Give me an hour to get everything in place."

xXx

Hurrying back to their base eager to get the search underway, Jayden ignored the anxiety churning his stomach; they would find out soon enough what the Arl's had been up to. Once everyone was gathered, most struggling to muffle yawns, Jayden explained about their concerns that slavers might be operating. "I intend for Gabe and the others to check it out. Matthew, Reece and Dylan, I want you to go with them, Maker knows if they have mages with them. If they are operating, we need to shut it down quietly so preferably no explosive magical means of stopping them, but do what you need to. Gabe will be in charge. Sten and Airyl I would like you to go with them." He knelt down at Airyl's huff. "No-one tracks like you Airyl and if any get away, we need them prevented from alerting anyone here. Besides I need you to keep Sten out of trouble." He smiled slightly at the choked noise from Sten. "The rest of you I want with me, your stealth will be important for what we may face in the Alienage. Sorry I can't give you more time to rest, but we need to move on this now. Those coming with me outside the city grab your things, when I come back the rest of us are going to the Alienage."

xXx

Frowning at the approach of the small group Gabriel glanced at the others. "Maker, it can't have gone wrong already." They watched those approaching from their concealed places until Jayden gave the signal for them to show themselves. "Problems?"

"Potentially." Jayden quickly outlined the situation and what he needed them to do.

"What do we do about the other horses?" Terrance asked cautiously. "We can't just leave them here."

"Brom is having a few men sent out on patrol within the hour, they will take the horses to the nearest watchtower, they have had a spate of bandit attacks on the road so it won't look out of place. I hope I am wrong about this, but if slavers are still operating in Ferelden, we need them stopped."

"What of the Tevinter ship in the dock?" Lawrence asked.

"Kara has sent a captain friend of hers to detain the crew and take the ship out of the dock. Hopefully they will get answers and we will get answers of our own.

xXx

A short time later Captain Halwin found himself in his own cabin, his crew locked in theirs as their ship moved out of the dock. He was currently tied to his bunk, his hands behind his back, with knots a seasoned Crow couldn't get out of. He glared at the man sitting behind the desk on his chair.

Captain Larad gave his most charming smile, startling his fellow Captain as he spoke in his native tongue. "You have come to the attention of a very good friend of mine and there are questions that must be answered."

There was no pretending he didn't know his own language. "Questions that mean you steal my ship?"

"I have not stolen it; you are all still on board are you not? We are merely leaving the dock to ensure you and your men do not have a chance to leave before my questions are answered."

"What questions?"

"The men who came with you, what business do they have in Ferelden?"

"Merchants."

"Yes, of fine materials, yet odd do you not think that they also pose as healers."

"I do not know anything about that."

"Of course not."

"Look, if they are causing you trouble that has nothing to do with me or my crew."

"And what if I told you my good friend suspects slavery."

"Now look here, me and my crew have nothing to do with that. This is a merchant ship. I transport goods and passengers. I have nothing to do with the slave trade. You have seen my ship; I don't have the facilities to carry slaves. Those ships are specifically outfitted to ensure they can't escape. There are no cages or restraints on this ship."

"I would hardly expect this to be a slave transport ship, given you came into dock. No, I suspect there are other ships."

"If those gentlemen commissioned other ships, I wasn't told about it."

"I see, very well."

Halwin watched him leave the cabin his heart pounding. "The profit he stood to make from this trip was vanishing before his very eyes." He glanced up as the door opened and his interrogator returned, a large man with him.

"Now, let's start this again. For every answer you withhold or lie you tell, my friend here will cause you pain. Consider this your first lesson in Ferelden's lack of tolerance for slavery."

xXx

Author Note: Thank you for reading.