Dawn brought with it a cease to the hail, but the sky was dark and the rain was heavy. Smiling at his reflection, Rendon saw a man of power looking back at him. All he had worked for; all he had sacrificed would be worth it. Once the Cousland's were dealt with, he would place his arguments for Jayden's ascension to the throne, Eloen could silence any conflict he had no doubt. A swift coronation and then immediate wedding for Jayden and his daughter, the sooner Delilah was pregnant the better. The Darkspawn would need to be dealt with of course, but he believed them safe within Denerim's walls. Smoothing down his tunic he smiled again, today he would finally receive what he deserved.

xXx

Jayden stared at his image in the mirror. He had been brought clothing for the Landsmeet, black trousers and tunic that while comfortable, enhanced his ashen complexion. His cheeks were sunken, bruising still colouring his face and he was almost afraid to look in his own eyes. They were darker than he had ever seen them, cold and hard. He tried to relax, but hate radiated from his gaze and there was no hiding the grief. Closing his eyes he took a slow deep breath, but it made no difference, the man looking back at him was someone he didn't know. He thought of his family, his friends, the people he loved, but they seemed at a distance. He had pushed everything down so far just to survive and now he wasn't sure what it would take to reach those feelings again. Trembling he wondered if he could pull it off, if he could fool everyone long enough to do what needed to be done, but looking at himself in the mirror, he realised he would probably fool them too well. The truth potion was in his pocket and if anyone noticed it and asked, he would inform them it was a healing potion. Staring at the man looking back at him he almost smiled, doubting anyone would want to check too closely and risk unleashing the wrath that pulsed just beneath the surface. He turned at the knock, Rendon entering the room.

"It is time."

xXx

Gently knocking on the door Dairren smiled as Fergus answered. "Everyone is ready."

Nodding Fergus grabbed his coat, even the fire burning in his room could not shift the chill that had been with him since waking.

"His treachery will be revealed." Dairren stated confidently.

"I hope so for all of our sakes."

"All is prepared for your exit should it be needed."

Stopping Fergus shook his head. "I will not run." He was startled when Dairren gripped his arm.

"You will do whatever is necessary to survive, because whether it is today or a day in the future, we will clear your family of these baseless charges."

Feeling suddenly weak, Fergus leaned against the wall. "I cannot fail my family Dairren, not again."

xXx

Choosing his clothing carefully, Master Ignatio glanced over himself in the full-length mirror, well dressed, but nothing that would stand out. He wanted to hear and see the events of the Landsmeet, but not necessarily be seen himself until it was time to reveal Rendon's part in the Queen's murder. With a last tweak of his tunic, he headed to the back of the house to check on Zarina. The revelation of her enthrallment and part in the Queen's death had broken her, that was clear enough, but he hoped her testimony at the Landsmeet would go some way to help her move on from the tragic events. The enthrallment had gone deeper than they had imagined, the mages were convinced they had removed all of the blood magic influence, but they admitted they could not be sure, the spells had been of such an intricate nature. He hesitated and glanced thoughtfully out of the window. Her future was difficult, there would be no place for her as a Crow, she would never be trusted, but she was capable and he hated wasting resources. He would offer her a place with himself; small jobs that needed doing but were mundane. It would not be what she was used to of course, but he did not want to sever her from the life entirely and her death would be a waste.

xXx

Laying on the bed Zarina shivered painfully. She had cried herself to exhaustion, but still sleep remained elusive. The truth had been laid bare and she wished death had come for her. Not only had she simply stood there and watched Eloen force Erlina to kill the Queen and then herself, but she had taken the protection amulets to Eloen and substituted them for fakes. It made no difference that she had been under the blood mages compulsion, she felt herself as responsible for the Queen's murder as Eloen was. She had tried to take her own life rather than reveal the truth and Ignatio had held her down himself to prevent her from hurting herself, the compulsion almost too strong for the mages to stop. She shuddered and wrapped the blankets around her. The cold had seeped into her bones when the truth was revealed and had not left and she wondered if it ever would. She had failed to protect the Queen, but perhaps worse she had been compromised, she would never be trusted again. She was no longer a Crow; she knew it in her very soul. She glanced at her coat laid across the chair. Ignatio had removed all of her weapons, but even he had missed the dagger concealed within the material. He expected her to testify at the Landsmeet, and she had assured him she would. The cold increased and she suddenly realised she was at the chair and the dagger was in her hand. Horror gripped her as the compulsion to end her own life flared within her realising the mages had not managed to remove all of the blood magic influence. She tried to cry out, to put the dagger down, but she felt Eloen as though she was there with her, her mind not her own. Tears slipped down her cheeks as she pressed the dagger to her chest, meeting Ignatio's horrified stare as he entered the room. "Help me!" She managed to gasp.

Ignatio raced forward, but he was too slow and the blade had reached her heart before he could stop her. "Zarina." He gasped, holding her to his body as they sank to the floor, her eyes were closed, her last breath spent. He roared in fury, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. "She will not escape the Crows, Zarina, I swear it." He hung his head in frustration and grief, he had taken the Queens murder as a personal failure and had hoped to play some small part in revealing the truth, but now he had nothing, the mages of the Collective would not reveal themselves and even if they did, he doubted they would be believed. "I am sorry Anora the Crows failed you, I failed you." He gently pressed his forehead to Zarina's. "Maker, forgive me, I failed you too."

xXx

Head lowering as the door closed behind Kara, Caladrius sighed deeply. He had been unable to escape and there was no chance of rescue as all of his people were in situations similar to his own, no-one had escaped to tell the Regent what had happened to them. Licking his lips nervously he tried again to loosen the restraints at his wrists and ankles that tied him to the chair, but they were too tight for movement. He saw no way out and that was a big problem. He had already been informed he would testify at the Landsmeet willing or not and he could not allow that to happen. Magister Danarius had hand picked him knowing discretion would be required when working in Ferelden. It was bad enough he had spilled his guts to the damn Crow, but testifying in public would have serious repercussions. He thought of his beautiful wife and the house he had wanted to buy her, knowing with certainty he would never see her again. If Danarius believed he had betrayed him and he survived, his own punishment would be bad enough, but the horrors his wife would be subjected to would be much worse. As long as he didn't testify at the Landsmeet she stood a chance of escaping the Magisters wrath. It was a small hope, but it was something. "I love you so much my darling." Closing his eyes he focused on the blood coursing through his veins, calling on his magic he gave a pained sob before casting the spell, his heart stopping.

xXx

Stepping over the bodies of the two men assigned to watch her, Eloen sat at the table carefully opening the locket. Her heart was still pounding from the force of the spell used to kill the two men and she needed to calm herself for the next. Carefully she took out the lock of Jowan's hair gazing at it lovingly before weaving the tracking spell.

xXx

Rubbing his neck nervously, Maddock Invay glanced around the Great Hall of the Palace as the nobility began to enter, the soldiers were already at their stations and Kara's people were threaded throughout them, but somehow it gave him little comfort. He had been called by the Regent to be present given the severity of the charges that would be brought given he was the only Blackhaller in Denerim. It meant he would not be able to directly testify, but Sister Theohild was ready. He felt his breath catch as Rendon entered the room, William at his side. He had been warned the young man had undergone torture, but he saw nothing of the youth that was his nephew's friend in the man at the regent's side. He swallowed uneasily, something told him that if William truly stood with Rendon, they would lose.

xXx

In position next to the Grand Cleric, Cauthrien felt her heart lurch as Rendon entered the Great Hall, Jayden at his side. The rumours of his torture were clearly true, but she could not bring herself to believe his pain had been inflicted by Fergus. Her distrust of Rendon grew by the minute and she was desperate for him to be revealed as the traitor she believed he was.

"I suggest you keep your face neutral, Ser Cauthrien." Elmena stated softly. "Alerting Rendon to your clear distrust is not a wise course of action." She smiled slightly as Cauthrien turned to her. "I suspect all is not as he would have us believe, but perhaps seeing how things play out would be of benefit."

"I would believe him more capable of inflicting torture on the Champion before I would believe it of Lord Fergus."

"As would I my dear, I have faith the truth will be revealed. Perhaps you should consider such faith yourself."

Giving a soft huff Cauthrien returned her attention to the proceedings, her gaze never far from Jayden.

xXx

Rendon remained calm as he took his place at the throne; as Regent nothing could be seen to ruffle him. With Jayden standing next to him, he hoped this would give the impression the Chantry and by extension the Maker was on his side. While Jayden was struggling with the pain, he hid it admirably. He felt pride that the emotional boy he had been was now the Champion their country needed and he congratulated himself on his part in moulding him. The rage and grief he was not bothering to hide would also serve him well, but even he was a little unnerved by the dark look in Jayden's eyes. He made a mental note that once this was over to have Eloen adjust his mind, he needed a leader not a mad man at his side. He glanced up at the balcony seeing Vaughan, Harris standing behind him, still surprised by how useful the young Arl had been. His skills in finding out things people did not want known, left him confident that despite Eamon's popularity he would have few beyond his own circle on his side and by extension Fergus would have little support. He stood a little straighter as Fergus, Eamon and Teagan entered, but if he was reading the room right, they would find little support here.

Feeling the air thicken with tension, Fergus felt his hatred boil as he glanced at Rendon. Forcing himself to look beyond him to Jayden who was standing just behind the throne, purposefully he suspected at his right side. He could feel the rage and grief even from the other side of the room and one look at his face told him how close Jayden was walking the edge of losing himself.

Looking over his fellow nobles, some not making eye contact, Eamon felt a trickle of alarm to go down his spine. "Having Andraste's Champion at his side does not bode well for us." He whispered.

"We have to trust him."

"The boy is broken Fergus, trusting him would be foolish."

Biting back a response Fergus glanced at Dairren.

"He is Holy Andraste's Champion." Dairren whispered. "I have faith in him."

Fergus nodded slightly. "I pray he is still on our side."

Jayden discreetly glanced around the room, he noted Kara's people and some of his Company, including Terrance who kept watching him nervously. He felt a rush of relief as most of the Wardens entered, standing at the back of the room, relieved to see Morrigan with them, though careful not to make eye contact. Whatever the evidence he felt sure they would ensure he was not taken by Rendon again.

xXx

Heading to the centre of the hall, Maddock banged his staff on the floor. "Lords and Ladies, we have some unusual circumstances today. Two sets of charges have been brought. The first is by direction of the Regent. He charges the Cousland family of conspiring with Orlais and being involved in a plot against the Mac Tir family as well as the torture of Holy Andraste's Champion." He waited until the mutterings had died down. "In turn, Lord Fergus Cousland charges the Regent with the murder of his parents, assassination attempts on himself and the remaining members of his family, as well as the Wardens. Association with a blood mage and involvement in slavery. He also asserts he was involved in Queen Anora's murder to gain the Regency and kidnapping children from Highever. Finally, he is accused of the torture of Holy Andraste's Champion, who he asserts has had his memories altered by the blood mage said to be in the Regents service." He felt the confusion ripple through those present, most glancing to behind the throne where the Champion stood. "Both sets of charges are grave. However, as it was the Regent who called the Landsmeet, we will listen to his evidence first."

Rendon stepped forward, everyone falling silent. "I deny all of the charges made against me. Let us deal first with the charge against my role as Regent. As you all know, with the tragic murder of Queen Anora and Teyrn Loghain's current debilitating grief I have taken up these duties." He held up a scroll. "It is all legal should any of you doubt it. There are also witnesses to our beloved Queen's murder, the blame lies with Orlais, not me. It is time to put the treachery tearing apart our country to rest. It was always my intention that Teyrn Bryce Cousland would be present at the Landsmeet to admit his treachery to you. His attack on me prevented that and led to the tragic events at Highever. Today I wish to offer proof that my actions were not dishonourable as his son and closest friends have asserted. I have in my possession two letters written by Bryce. The Queen herself had them authenticated before her untimely death and the man she charged with this task will present his testimony here today. No doubt Fergus Cousland will attempt to distract you from the heart of the matter, which is that his father betrayed us all. I ask you to consider the proof you see with your own eyes and not the false accusations that will be offered in a son's attempt to protect the honour of a father who had none. As for kidnapping children and being involved in slavery and with a blood mage, they are slanderous lies and I am indeed curious as to the proof they have for these accusations."

Teagan gripped Fergus's wrist. "Do not let him rile you, that is what he wants."

"I have something to say." Bann Laren stated loudly, all turning towards him at the fury in his tone. "Regent, do you deny on the night you arrived at Highever Castle that your men slaughtered the majority of people within those walls?"

"I deny they slaughtered anyone. There were however deaths and casualties on both sides, but it was not I who initiated it!"

"My wife was murdered because of you!" Bann Loren roared. "Your men butchered her and tried their damndest to murder my oldest son!"

"It is unfortunate that your wife and son were present in the castle that evening, however as I have repeatedly stated, it was not I who began the attack."

"But it was your men who killed my wife!" Fists clenched; Loren glared at him. "Landra was no fighter; she would have offered no resistance. Your men killed her without provocation and Bryce was no traitor. He was a good man who was loyal to Ferelden. I would stake my life on it."

"I deeply regret the death of your wife, amidst such fighting mistakes are made and I understand you cling to your beliefs, but these letters prove my side of events."

"Lies! You dare to call my wife's murder a mistake! You will pay for what you have done, I swear it! A man who can turn on someone he has sworn loyalty and friendship to can have documents forged and how do we know this man was really hired by the Queen to authenticate the letters? We have only your word for that and his, and money can make men say untruths as easily as truths."

"I understand your grief and I truly wish your wife had not fallen foul of Bryce's treachery, but perhaps you should wait for the evidence before condemning it." Rendon handed Maddock the letters. "This is proof of Bryce Cousland's treachery. You may be aware that shortly after the death of Teyrna Mac Tir, her son Jayden was sent to the Free Marches, this was because of a threat on his life." He almost smiled at the shocked gasps. "A threat participated in by your father!" He pointed at Fergus. "It was I who aided the Mac Tirs in this dark time. I who took the lad to the Free Marches, had my second in command become his protector and I who gave the lad a disguise. The intention was to hide him until the perpetrators of this terrible plot could be found. They were not, not until a few weeks before Ostagar when Ellowyn Cousland herself came to me with these letters, fearful for what her father had become involved in. I offered her shelter and agreed I would speak to her father. When I confronted him, he did not deny it, indeed offered marriage between Ellowyn and Thomas for my help. How was I to respond to such treachery? I told him I would tell Loghain, tell the Landsmeet and he attacked me. It is only through luck I survived the encounter. I do not expect you to take my word for this. Ellowyn Cousland herself is on her way here to provide testimony and you will hear the testimony of the person who authenticated the letters for her Majesty."

Fergus shivered at the shocked mutterings, but glanced at Teagan, hope blooming in his chest that whatever had happened to Jayden and whatever information he had given, he had remained silent about Ellowyn.

Maddock took his time reading out the letters, both damning. "Very well, perhaps first the authenticity of these letters should be verified. Jon, step forward and give your testimony."

Jon swallowed uneasily, glancing at the nobility and soldiers who filled the Great Hall before clearing his throat. "It is in my professional opinion that this is indeed the penmanship of Teyrn Bryce Cousland. I have compared it to several other letters he wrote to the General and they were all without doubt written by the same person. I can't prove I had an audience with the Queen as both her Majesty and her handmaiden are dead, but I am no traitor."

Fergus straightened. "I would have Jon tested to ensure he has not been enthralled by blood magic." He ignored the gasps. "I also have my own professional here to verify the authenticity of the letters."

Rendon sat and leaned back on the throne, feeling a rush of relief that he had not had Eloen influence the man, that the spell on the writing itself had been all he needed. "Please, be my guest."

Fergus felt his stomach churn at the Regent's confidence. He watched uneasily as one of the Templars with them moved to Jon.

Ser Henric met Jon's uncertain gaze. "This will feel a little strange, but will alert me if blood magic has been used upon you. If that is the case you will be taken from this place and a more in-depth assessment conducted. Do you understand?"

Mouth dry with nerves, Jon nodded.

"Very well. Try to relax."

Moments later Jon was relieved to have been cleared of any influence of blood magic and was allowed to leave. He glanced at Fergus apologetically. He would never have believed Bryce Cousland capable of treachery, but the proof was irrefutable.

A short time later Fergus's own man confirmed the letters were legitimate. "That is not possible."

Rendon sighed deeply. "Fergus, I understand you wished your father to be innocent of these charges but your own man has confirmed the truth of these letters. Let us end this facade now."

"I do not know how you have done this, but I swear I will find out. I will not let you get away with the murder of my parents and the attempted assassination of myself and the remaining members of my family."

"You have these so-called assassins to bring as witnesses I suppose."

"I do."

Rendon felt a shiver of discomfort as two men were brought forward, his frown deepening, both men were thin and pale, their eyes haunted.

Maddock stepped forward. "Do you know these men, Regent?"

"I do."

"In what capacity?"

"They are both men in my service. Though they appear to have been ill-treated."

Maddock moved to the two men. "You will both give your testimony to the events leading up to and after Ostagar."

Michael glanced up at Maddock. He wanted to speak, to reveal the treachery of the Regent, to admit he had fired the arrow that had almost killed Fergus, but no words would come out. He glanced at Kaleb who also seemed to be having the same problem.

Throat strained with the effort to speak; Kaleb took a shuddering breath. The only way to atone for the vile act of poisoning young Oren Cousland was to admit the crime and accept whatever punishment was deemed to be fit, but he could give no voice to the admission he was so desperate to make. He realised then the blood mage had been cleverer than they had anticipated and within her spells she had weaved their silence in case they had been caught. He bowed his head in defeat, Rendon as always had the upper hand.

Frowning Maddock moved closer. "You are required to give evidence; this is not optional. Do you understand? Refusal will end in your incarceration."

Michael gave a pleading look, tears slipping down his cheeks.

"You are safe here." Maddock stated gently. "You agreed to give testimony of your own free will, I am informed."

"Is it not clear that my men have been tortured in an attempt to turn them against me." He met Fergus's astonished gaze with one of cold contempt. "It seems you are more like your father than I had anticipated. Perhaps you are also in league with Orlais."

Jayden saw Fergus stagger back as though he had taken a blow, shouting raising to a deafening level; the nobility splitting concerning who the traitor was.

"Enough!" Maddock roared. "We will conduct these proceedings in a manner that befits them, you do yourselves no credit falling to this chaos. Lord Fergus, if your witnesses cannot testify, they must be removed."

"They attempted to kill my son and wife!" Fergus cried out. "I was poisoned by an arrow!" He shook his head forcing himself to calm. "They were both under the influence of blood magic!"

Grand Cleric Elemena frowned deeply and stepped forward. "Did I hear correctly? Did you say these men were under the influence of blood magic?"

Teagan straightened slightly. "Yes, Grand Cleric. I was at Redcliffe when my brother was gravely ill. Oren was poisoned there at that time and the men you see before you were apprehended."

"And how exactly did you discover they were under such influence?"

"A member of the party had in their possession a ring crafted in part to reveal any blood magic influence. They allowed the use of it given the circumstances. Both men had the same reaction when they wore the ring. A severe headache, profuse nose bleed and the false memories and statements of influence were revealed to them."

"I see and who exactly in this party at Redcliffe had such an item?"

Stepping forward, Serris lowered her hood.

"Ah, Warden Serris. Perhaps you can explain why both men refuse to speak."

"The revelation of the task they had been forced to undertake has taken a terrible toll on both of them, that along with the presence of the Regent may be the cause. However, I suspect that the ring did not release them from all of the compulsions. Perhaps they might be able to give their testimony if the Regent was not present."

"I object." Rendon snarled. "Am I not to be present to defend myself against whatever slander these men have been coerced to say? Not to mention how can we trust a Warden when it was those of the Order who led King Cailan to his death. I doubt this ring exists; can you even produce it?"

"I cannot. It is currently in the possession of another."

"Convenient." Rendon muttered.

"It is common knowledge that both my son and Arl Eamon were healed by Holy Andraste's ashes. My son required this healing because of being poisoned, anyone at Redcliffe can testify to that!" He looked at Jayden. "It was on this very mission that Holy Andraste's Champion was chosen."

Maddock felt unease as the room remained silent and William made no move to speak.

Fergus met Jayden's cold gaze. "Please, you know the Regent had his men poison my son. I beg you, tell them the truth."

It took all of Jayden's willpower to remain silent, his heart breaking at the disbelief in Fergus's eyes, but Rendon had yet to drink the wine at his side and until he did, he had to retain his silence.

Swallowing painfully Maddock gestured to the guards. "As these men will not or cannot testify and there is no other proof of these accusations, they will be removed and held in Fort Drakon until these proceedings conclude."

Elemena cleared her throat. "I demand they instead be put under Templar guard." She glanced at a scowling Rendon. "Influence of blood magic is a serious matter and, in this case, appears to be more than a simple accusation. I would have this investigated."

"As you wish, Grand Cleric." Maddock stated, stepping aside as several Templars took the men out of the Great Hall. He turned to Fergus. "Do you have any other witnesses to present regarding your accusations of assassination attempts?"

Fergus glared at Rendon. "I do. I would present Warden Commander Rathnal."

Rendon raised an eyebrow leaning forward. "Another Warden! They cannot be trusted."

"Nevertheless, we will listen to the testimony." Maddock stated firmly.

Feeling sick to his stomach Rathnal stepped forward, pushing back the hood of his cloak, bristling at the muttered comments that he was elven. "I am Warden Commander Rathnal. I testify that we were attacked upon leaving Orzammar by those employed by the Arl. Their goal was to retrieve Lady Delilah and Captain William who were in our company at the time. There were to be no witnesses, meaning everyone else in our party was to be killed."

"And you have proof of this?" Maddock queried.

Rendon scowled as an elf with tattoos on his face stepped forward, recognising him immediately.

Maddock turned to Zevran. "Identify yourself."

"I am Zevran Arainai."

"And your profession?"

"I am a Crow."

"And what is your testimony?"

"I was called in to fulfil a contract to retrieve Lady Delilah Howe and Captain William of the Denerim guard. As the Warden Commander has stated, I was to ensure there were no witnesses." He glanced at Rendon. "To clarify I was to assassinate all others in the group and the Regent was well aware they were in the company of Wardens, one of which was Aedan Cousland. He personally gave me the coin to carry out the contract."

"You clearly failed." Maddock stated, after a moment's pause.

"I did. The Wardens are most skilled and the men I hired to aid me were pitiful in comparison."

"I am curious how you still live, if no others with you survived."

"I was not paid for silence." Zevran stated. "I informed them of the contract and I agreed to testify."

"Even knowing it would mean death from your fellow Crow's." Maddock stated carefully.

"Indeed."

"Let him produce this contract." Vaughan shouted.

Rendon felt his stomach lurch as Zevran handed a sealed scroll to Maddock.

Zevran glanced at Rendon barely able to hold back the smirk, finally the Regent was rattled. Leliana and Sketch had been most helpful in retrieving the contract and he suspected this had not been the first time they had infiltrated Master Ignatio's private chambers, Leliana certainly seemed familiar with the layout.

Master Ignatio watched from the shadows initially furious, but given the circumstances he also felt grim satisfaction, mentally noting to increase his security measures. He also set his mind to working on how to keep Zevran alive, he had failed his contract, but he was a valuable asset he did not believe the Crows could afford to lose and Zarina's death was loss enough.

Maddock read out the contract, the wording carefully crafted, inferring retrieval at any means, but not stating specifically who was with his daughter and the captain.

Rendon forced himself to be calm. "I took out that contract to retrieve my daughter and Captain William from the clutches of those working against Ferelden. The Crows had resources I did not and yes perhaps I was hasty in instructing them to return my daughter and William at any cost, but I felt it necessary at the time, especially after Bryce's betrayal. I feared they were in mortal danger!"

"Perhaps such a contract is understandable regarding your daughter, but please explain to us why you also included Captain William in the contract."

Rendon glanced back at Jayden. "He was my squire for a time and is very dear to me."

"I see, then perhaps for the moment I suggest we move on. Regent you are accused of association with a blood mage, how do you respond?"

Glancing about the hall, Rendon sighed deeply. "My friends, there is something I must clarify in regards to this accusation. I freely admit to association with a mage." He held up his hands at the shocked mutterings. "My explanation is simple; I wanted to help Loghain get to the bottom of the threat on his son. The mage was suggested by a Senior Enchanter Uldred from the Ferelden Circle. As far as I was concerned the mage was still attached to the Circle. In the end however, I gave up his services on request of Teyrn Loghain." He fixed his gaze on Eamon. "The mage was sent to Redcliffe to tutor young Lord Connor who is a mage. Lady Isolde was trying to keep it quiet at the time. We likely should have informed the Templars, but with Eamon at death's door we saw little harm in putting in measures until he was well again. I believe this was at the request of the King and Queen themselves."

Eamon met the shocked looks of the nobility, feeling sick that it had been revealed in such a way. "It is true my son Connor has manifested magic. He is under the guidance and protection of a senior enchanter and Templar of the Circle and with the permission of the Grand Cleric once the blight is over, he will be able to transfer to the Circle in Ostwick, the Ferelden Circle has had its difficulties of late. My wife's attempts to conceal this were of a woman believing she was about to lose her husband and fearing for her son. She understands what she did was wrong and is taking guidance from the Chantry. This mage however is not the blood mage we speak of and in fact is now a Warden recruit, but he can testify about the blood mage as they were together at Vigil's Keep." He couldn't be sure, but he thought Rendon paled slightly, turning to Rathnal. "Warden Commander, could you have him brought to testify."

Nodding Rathnal signalled to Rory who slipped from the Hall. He glanced at Fergus as the hall filled with agitated whispers. Blocking them out he glanced up the hall to Jayden, he had not moved throughout the proceedings thus far and if he was faking his loyalty to Rendon he was doing a damn good job of it.

xXx

Heart pounding, Eloen crept up to the window of the house the spell had led her to, seeing at least two wardens had remained. She moved to the window on the opposite side of the building, her heart beating faster as she saw Jowan. Tapping lightly on the glass she saw his face light up.

Desperately trying to be quiet so he wouldn't alert Stephan and Daniel, Jowan eased open the window and helped Eloen inside. "My love." Jowan whispered. "How did you find me? How did you escape the Regent?"

"That's not important right now, I … you really are alive."

"You thought I was dead?"

"I was told you were tortured and murdered." She trembled as she sank against his chest, his arms encircling her.

"I was tortured, but I'm here and we can be together again."

"We have to get out of Ferelden, we need to leave now."

Jowan frowned. "We can't, I … I made a deal for us with the Wardens. If you testify at the Landsmeet we can join the Order. The Templars can't touch us then."

Eloen shook her head, tears spilling down her cheeks. "It will never happen, not after what I have done. They will take me to Aeonar no matter what promise they have made you."

"No, I explained to them that the Regent was making you do things because he threatened my life. All you have to do is confirm that."

"Jowan you don't understand, after what I have done, who I have done it to, they will never give me freedom."

"They know what you have done."

"Jowan you don't understand. I … Captain William, after Vaughan's failed attempts to extract information, he was brought to me. He … he told me you were alive, but I didn't believe him, I thought it was just a way to try and get his freedom."

"Eloen, how would he know about me, about us, if he hadn't seen or spoken to me?"

"I know!" She whimpered wretchedly. "But I believed you were dead, I … I was not myself. He told me he was the boy who had given food and clothing to myself and Anders when we were on the run. I felt a kind of madness and I blamed him for us being captured. I … I did such terrible things to him."

"I know what you did to him."

"No, you can't know because not even the Regent knows."

Paling Jowan closed his eyes, but forced the question from his lips. "What did you do to him?"

"I caused him pain with the elements and I was not gentle when I sought to adjust his mind. He has such resistance, but that just made me push harder. I wanted him to hurt, to feel all we had suffered. I … forced my memories of Anders torture into his mind." She swallowed painfully at the horror on his face. "I thought he had betrayed us! I thought he was responsible for what we suffered when we were captured and brought back."

"Eloen, how could you do that? Maker, he and Anders were just as much family as we were to him!"

"I know that now!"

"I … how many people have you influenced?"

"Many, whoever the Arl brought to me." She clutched his hand. "I thought with the Captain I would gain access to the nobility, even the Divine herself. I thought I could bring mages freedom." She trembled as she realised the horror of what she had done was too much for him, too much for their love to survive. Grabbing her atheme she drew it across her palm, casting a shield spell around the room. "I can't lose you, Jowan. I won't."

Backing away, Jowan shook his head. "Don't do this Eloen, from this moment on whatever we have will be a lie."

"No, I will just make you forget what I have said. You will believe it all lies and we will be happy."

Jowan turned and ran for the door, his heart pounding as he realised he couldn't move. "Please don't do this."

"I love you so much." Eloen stated gently, cupping his cheek. "We will be happy again, I promise."

Blinking back tears Jowan shuddered at the intrusion into his mind. He tried to fight it, but she was far more powerful and the truth was swept away.

"Jowan, we have to leave, we don't have much time before they realise I am missing."

"You are hurt." He gasped, gently taking hold of her hand.

"It will heal and was worth it to escape."

Nodding, Jowan grabbed his pack. "We need to be quick and quiet, if the Wardens realise I am gone they will be after us as well and we will never get out of the city." He hesitated. "Eloen, promise me, promise me you will never do that type of magic again."

Eloen gently took his hand. "All I need is you, love." They eased out of the window and Eloen wrapped the shield around them both to aid in their escape, hurrying through the streets to the docks. She pulled them into an alleyway to drop the shield pressing coin into Jowan's hand. "They are more likely to allow us to board if a human is paying. I will pretend to be your servant."

"No!"

"It is just until we get on the ship. Once out of Ferelden no-one will know us." She clutched his hands, the icy rain making her shiver. "We need to get passage to Kirkwall."

Jowan stared at her horrified. "Why in the Makers world would we go there." He blinked rain from his eyes as her grip tightened.

"Anders is alive."

Time seemed to stop, Jowan no longer noticed the rain that had drenched his clothing, the cold that felt as though it had seeped into his bones, all that he was aware of was Eloen's hands in his and that their friend was somehow alive. "But his phylactery."

"I know, but it was a trick to throw off the Templars. He is alive Jowan and he was heading to Kirkwall."

"That makes no sense, there is no way he would go there."

"He would for someone he loves."

Jowan shook his head. "Eloen are you sure about this? I mean we are talking about going to Kirkwall. That is one of the worst places I can think of for people like us to go."

"I am not suggesting we live there; I just want to find him. Don't you?"

"Of course, but …" Sighing, Jowan nodded. "Come on then, walk behind me, the sooner this is done the better."

Hurriedly boarding the only ship on the dock, the last call being yelled as they reached it, Jowan thrust coin into the captain's hand, twice the fare and ushered Eloen below deck finding themselves in the hold with several families fleeing Ferelden before the Darkspawn arrived. Eloen only allowed herself to relax when the ship was out to sea. She turned to Jowan who was glancing around them anxiously, feeling her heart ache with her love of him. Gently running her fingers down his cheek she returned his smile, now they were together she would not allow them to be parted again.