Settling at the table Varric shuffled the cards, glancing at those who had joined him for their weekly game of Wicked Grace. Sophia was sitting next to him as usual, her favourite wine in hand gently teasing Carver who was giving as good as he got. He had the feeling something was on her mind, but he would hold his tongue, at least until they were in private. Anders and Garrett couldn't be closer if one was sitting on the other's knee, Bethany discreetly watching them, sadness in her eyes. She was taking a rare and to his mind overdue break from the twins to hopefully take her mind from her worries, even if it was only briefly. Leandra's recent marriage had affected all of the Hawke's badly and Bethany and Carver had refused to attend the ceremony. Garrett had gone out of a sense of duty to his mother, but the result had been a wedge between the siblings that he hoped tonight's game might ease. The Hawke's and Anders had become some of his favourite people and not just because of Sophia. "So, I received an interesting letter today from my contact in Denerim." The table became silent as he knew it would.

"Come on Varric, don't keep us in suspense." Garrett chuckled uneasily, assuming if it was truly bad news Varric wouldn't have that damn mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

"Well as you may know I have something of a reputation for finding things."

"Get on with it!" Carver muttered, feeling as uneasy as his brother, casting a discrete glance to his sister shifting slightly closer to her.

"Fine, it seems my flare for the dramatic is unappreciated. My services have been engaged to confirm the whereabouts of a certain Dalish Clan at Sundermount, the Hawke family and Sophia Amell. Damn, this is the easiest job I've ever had."

Frowning, Sophia put down her wine. "On whose behalf have your services been engaged?"

"Captain William of the Denerim guard, otherwise known as Andraste's Champion."

Anders' eyes lit with delight. "Well at least we know he is still alive and looking for us."

"Do you think he is still with Ali?" Bethany nipped nervously at her lip.

Leaning over, Sophia gently squeezed her hand. "We can hope."

"I'm going to write back to my contact. Couldn't hurt to put a letter for Ali with it." He grinned as Bethany hugged him.

"Thanks Varric."

"No problem, Sunshine." He glanced at Anders. "You too, Blondie."

"Why would he ask about me?" Sophia whispered, turning to Anders. "You said Dylan was under his command, maybe he wants to tell me something about him." Her hands shook. "I …"

"Maybe he's alive, we can hope that too, can't we?"

Sophia nodded, giving a weak smile before turning back to the game, fiddling with her cards in agitation.

"Something else has been eating at you since you sat down." Bethany stated. "What's going on?"

"I … well the Viscount received some disturbing news today regarding Ferelden. Actually Varric, I'm surprised you didn't hear about it from your contact. On top of facing a Blight and the rumours of a civil war developing, Queen Anora has been assassinated."

The Hawkes stared at her stunned, Varric rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Kara wouldn't have left out that kind of news which meant the correspondence he had received was either very late, or had been purposefully waylaid. He made a mental note to find out who had handled the letter.

Anders felt as though he was going to be sick and quickly excused himself moving swiftly outside of the tavern. He couldn't explain his reaction without telling the truth about Jayden, but he couldn't sit there and pretend it wasn't affecting him. He took large gulps of the fresh air willing the nausea to subside. He knew they had been at odds with each other, but despite that he also knew how much Jayden loved his sister, even if it had been buried with anger.

"Anders?"

He trembled slightly as Garrett's arms wrapped around him. "I'm alright."

"You're clearly not. What's going on? I mean it's awful, but …" He frowned as Anders turned away. "Did you … did you know her?"

"No." He swallowed hard as Garrett gently turned him.

"Anders, we don't keep secrets."

"It's not mine to tell."

"This is something to do with Will isn't it, you wouldn't look so sick otherwise."

Leaning against Garrett's chest, Anders sighed deeply. "Just know he will be devastated."

"This sounds like more than just loyalty and duty."

Sighing, Anders met his worried gaze. "I can't tell you; it could mean his death if I did." He closed his eyes at Garrett's shocked look, desperately wanting to tell him; he hated keeping anything from him.

"Maker." Garrett muttered, gently holding him closer. "Come on, the card game will take your mind off it."

"I really can't, I think I will just head back to the house."

"Alright, give me a moment."

"It's fine I can walk back by myself." He smiled slightly as Garrett pulled him close.

"You're upset, so I am coming with you, wait here." Only when Anders nodded, did he slip back into the tavern.

"What's going on?" Bethany demanded of Garrett as he grabbed his and Anders coats.

"I'm not sure; he wouldn't say anything other than Will, will be devastated and it could mean his death if anyone found out why. Damn him, Will just can't stay away from trouble."

Eyes widening Bethany nipped nervously at her lower lip. "You don't think … well he was in Denerim for quite a while."

Sophia raised an eyebrow. "Bethany what are you suggesting?"

"He had caught the eye of several noble ladies, Ali said so. Will got all shy and denied it of course, but there was truth in it. Maybe … maybe he was having an affair with the Queen." She winced at the shocked silence. "Don't you see, it has to be an affair, why else would he be devastated and he would be executed for sure if he was discovered! When we see him again, I am going to have to talk to him about his taste in women!"

Garrett shook his head at her fierce expression. "Come on sis, you were the one encouraging him to make a move with Lady Howe or Lady Cousland."

"Neither of them are married, or Queen!" Bethany squeaked indignantly.

"I don't know." Carver frowned. "Will never seemed the type to have an affair, always came across as a bit naive and innocent in that area to be honest."

"All of this is speculation." Sophia stated quickly. "There could be another explanation. Perhaps wait until Will can explain it himself."

"Either way I am heading back with Anders." Garrett fixed his sister with a piercing look. "No speculation in front of Anders, understood?"

"Of course, I don't want to upset him!" Bethany sighed as her brother left. "One more hand, then I will head back too."

"Missing the twins?" Carver chuckled.

"I am; it's lovely to have a break and dad loves getting time with them, but the moment I am away from them they are all I think about. Well, them and Ali." Bethany looked at her cards thoughtfully, wondering if Alistair would know the truth about William and Anora.

xXx

Empress Celene stared at the parchment, the colour draining from her face. Death was a reality of life and rulers were no exception. Assassination could come from anywhere, yet the death of Queen Anora was a shock and that she had apparently been murdered by her most trusted lady in waiting, an Orlesian elf was hitting almost too close to home. She swallowed painfully, it was a terrible reminder that trusting someone made you vulnerable. She glanced at Briala who had brought her the message feeling her stomach churn. What they shared was precious to her, but perhaps her lover was a vulnerability she could not afford. She let the parchment drift onto the desk. "The game has changed, with Rendon Howe as Regent things will be unstable enough and once Loghain has come out of his grief we will be their target."

"Assuming they survive the blight."

Celene nodded thoughtfully. "I believe it is time to have the Wardens and Chevaliers pull back from the border. Close enough to engage the Darkspawn should they break through of course, but let us give Ferelden some distance. If they wish to face the Blight alone, then I will grant them that wish."

xXx

Slipping out of the city using the passageway they had entered, Zevran moved swiftly through the trees to the camp where he would find Fergus and the King. He frowned, getting much closer than he believed he should, making noise to indicate his presence, guards surrounding him almost instantly. He raised an eyebrow as Fergus approached.

"Let him through."

Zevran followed him to a tent he and the King were clearly sharing.

Cailan glanced up as he entered, his face pale, dark circles beneath his eyes, a man who looked weighed down by grief and worry.

"We should move quickly and get you into the city while we have darkness on our side."

"We are ready to move." Cailan stated, exhaustion clear in his voice.

Moments later they began heading to the passageway, having separated the wardens and those soldiers remaining with the King, including Lord Edward and his men, into small groups to avoid gaining attention. A small group of soldiers remained with the horses in the sheltered grove, their dress that of mercenaries. Fergus, Teagan, Eamon and his soldiers were also remaining as they intended to enter the city in full view, Kara having ensured rumours were circulating of them travelling together. Thomas, Ellowyn, Delilah and Warin were in a camp further west to cut down any possibility they would be seen together. They would enter the city once the Landsmeet was in progress. Edward was anxious about being parted from Ellowyn, but he would see her again soon enough at the Landsmeet.

Cailan hesitated at the entrance, he was returning home, but not in any way he had ever imagined. His mind moved to Anora, those last moments together and their final conversation, a thin sliver of hope held between them for a future they would never now have. He forced his attention back to the present. I wonder how many other ways there are to get unseen into the city.

xXx

Pulling his cloak tighter around him to protect himself from the icy wind, Fergus felt deep unease as they approached Denerim's gates. The soldiers on duty allowed them entry, but their looks told him they had heard and believed the rumours. He glanced at Dairren who had moved his horse closer in silent support. Eamon took the lead heading to his estate, where they stabled the horses and unloaded their belongings before they headed back out across the city. Dairren reluctantly remained behind, not wishing his presence to cause an issue with his father at the meeting. Fergus shivered as drops of rain turned to hail, the three men and their guards in the end rushing to seek shelter at the Gnawed Noble Tavern. While they took a booth at the back, the guards positioned themselves discreetly around the room. Chilled hands gripping a tankard of mead, Fergus glanced around listening to the conversations surrounding them. Some were about the new Regent, most were about Anora's murder and the general's incapacitation, a few were about him and Andraste's Champion, but they fell silent once he had been recognised. His gaze shifted to the door as it opened seeing Alfstanna enter, Sighard at her side. They chose a booth close by, but neither looked in their direction. Moments later Bann Loren arrived, he recognised the grief and anger that resided in himself and wondered if his own eyes looked as haunted. Loren moved straight to the bar speaking to the barkeep before taking the handed key and moving over to Alfstanna and Sighard. The three spoke briefly and quietly before moving into a room at the far end of the corridor. Fergus shifted in increasing agitation, an hour passing, the tavern all but clearing before the door opened and Alfstanna beckoned them inside. They moved unhurried to avoid drawing attention to themselves, but he was well aware that the barkeep and the few remaining patrons were noting their movements. He was startled upon entering the room as Alfstanna hugged him.

"I am so sorry about your parents, Fergus. Maker, all of this seems like a bad dream. Come sit, we have much to discuss." She clasped arms with Teagan and nodded to Eamon gesturing to empty seats, before resuming her own near the fire, the hail still battering against the window, only slightly muffled by the closed shutters. "So, Rendon has come far in a short time, from Arl to Regent and leaving a trail of murder and harm in his wake."

Taking a sip of wine Loren glared at the fire. "The bastard needs to be stopped."

"Of course he does." Sighard muttered, wanting desperately to return to his son's bedside, but knowing if they had any chance of bringing Rendon to justice, they had to do it together. He glanced over to Fergus. "You have heard the rumours I hope."

"That I personally tortured Holy Andraste's Champion?"

"Indeed. Listen Fergus, I do not believe that, just as I do not believe your parents are traitors, but there is a lot of support for William, not only as a soldier, but for all that he did for this city and its people prior to the battle of Ostagar. He has enemies of course, you cannot influence things the way he has and not, but many would follow him into the Void if he asked it of them and they are angry Fergus. The only thing stopping you from being arrested the moment you entered the city is the Landsmeet tomorrow. If William is truly standing at Rendon's side …" He sighed, rubbing his face.

"What support do we have?" Eamon asked, feeling his gut churn.

"Ourselves of course." Alfstanna stated. "Bann Eddlebreck too."

Eamon frowned. "He would turn against Rendon?"

"He has had his concerns for some time and of course …" She glanced at Fergus. "He was a loyal friend to your father. He should have been here by now." She stood at the knock and moved to the door, waiting for the second set of knocking before opening.

Taking off his saturated cloak Eddlebreck shook it out and hung it up before moving across the room, nodding to the others, but moving directly to Fergus. "Forgive me for my lateness, Rendon has spies everywhere, or at least I am assuming he has and took the appropriate precautions. Your father was a good and honourable man and I will never believe he was a traitor."

"Thank you." Fergus stated, swallowing against the tremble of his voice.

Easing into a seat Eddlebreck glanced at those assembled. "Just as I don't believe this rubbish about you torturing the Champion. Yet those I have spoken to say he will be at Rendon's side at the Landsmeet."

"He is being influenced by blood magic." Eamon stated.

Frowning Eddlebreck focused on the Arl. "Forgive me, but I have it on good authority that the young man cannot be influenced by blood magic."

"He was tortured until he broke."

"We do not know that for sure." Fergus hissed.

Eddlebreck raised an eyebrow as Eamon shook his head muttering under his breath. "Well, whatever the truth I suppose we shall find out tomorrow. Do you have an escape plan?" He sighed at Fergus's startled expression. "Forgive me Fergus, but if this goes badly Rendon will seek your execution you must know that. We need to have a way to get you out of the country."

"I have commissioned a ship, discreetly of course." Alfstanna stated. "Getting him to it will be the problem."

"I am not leaving Ferelden!" Fergus interrupted, shivering as Loren fixed him with a piercing gaze.

"You are the rightful Teyrn of Highever. You must be protected."

Fergus stood and began pacing the room. "I will not run, that bastard has to pay." He sighed as Alfstanna joined him, her hand gently resting on his arm.

"You will do what you must to stay alive, but Maker willing, the Landsmeet, will reveal him for the traitor he is." She turned as Eamon cleared his throat.

"It would be useful to know who intends to stand with Rendon."

Sighard pursed his lips. "There is no way to know for certain. He seems to have support from some I would never have imagined. Influencing them I have no doubt as he intended with us, but that could change. The sad truth is outside of this room we do not know who will stand with us and who will side with Rendon. The others are right Fergus you must be careful, you are not safe in this city until the allegations are proven false in terms of your torture of William. Rendon knew what he was doing, the majority was in favour of your family until he made that play and if William testifies in his favour the people will want your blood. If it comes to that you will allow us to get you out of the city until we can prove the truth."

Fergus shook his head. "If we fail at the Landsmeet, if William stands at his side, there will be no-where I can go. The Chantry itself will be after my head."

Alfstanna gently gripped his arm. "We could not help your parents Fergus, but we will not let you fall foul of one man's madness. I know trust is in short supply, but you can trust us, we stand with you."

"We will destroy that bastard." Loren snarled. "One way or another. Having said that." His frown deepened as he turned to Fergus. "How exactly are we planning on destroying him?"

xXx

"T'would serve no purpose to visit him again." Morrigan muttered, tiring of the circular argument.

"You don't know for sure he is enthralled!" Rathnal snapped. "He could have been faking it to get out of the dungeon."

"T'is not worth the risk. The Landsmeet is tomorrow, then we will know."

"You could let him know we are here for him!" Gabriel growled.

"For what purpose? If he is not enthralled, he is aware of that and if he is, he will likely not believe it. If we assume he is himself, he must be focused on what comes next, not this ridiculous sentimentality. If he is not, he would alert others to my presence. T'would be folly."

Cailan shook his head as Morrigan rose and strode from the room, refusing to make eye contact with any of them. "Why is she being like this? I thought she would be eager to go to him. She has always seemed … difficult and arrogant yes, but with William she is …" He sighed, what did it matter, she was right, tomorrow they would know.

Moving to her room Morrigan closed the door. She couldn't explain that the guilt was tearing her apart, that she could have prevented this and had chosen not to. That she scared herself in what she was prepared to allow him to suffer, just to get the future she had seen. Her Mother would consider her weak for her guilt, but it was there whether she wished it or not. She may as well have inflicted the pain he was experiencing; she knew she was just as culpable. Shivering she sank onto the edge of the bed, glaring at the knock on the door, raising an eyebrow as Dylan peeked through.

"Can I come in?"

"If you wish."

"I know you feel guilty." Dylan held up his hands as she scowled. "We all feel it to some extent. You're the only one of us who really knows how badly this has hurt him, we can guess, but you know. You scanned him, I knew when I saw your face when you returned, but we will help him, Morrigan, we will get our friend back, no matter what it takes." Meeting her gaze, he was startled by something else he saw there. Swallowing hard he shifted uncomfortably. "Does Will know you are in love with him?" He winced as her expression became furious.

"Love is a weakness I want no part of."

"Morrigan …"

"Leave! Now!"

Sighing Dylan moved back to the door, but hesitated and turned. "Morrigan, if recent events teach us anything, it is that we have no idea how much time we have with the people we care about. Maybe you should think about being honest with yourself about your feelings for him and then be honest with him."

"I have no interest in romance, it is worthless. You should know that well enough from the time we have spent together!"

"If you really believed that you wouldn't be hurting so badly right now. We could all be dead soon, even if we defeat the blight not all of us are going to survive it. Take my advice Morrigan, don't go into the coming battle never having told him."

"You are a fool. Love is worthless, power is all that matters."

Dylan hesitated and frowned. "What do you mean, power?"

"You would not understand, none of you would."

"Morrigan, did you know this was going to happen to him?" He paled at her cold look. "Maker, you did." Glaring angrily, he moved back towards her. "I saw what the Archdemon did to him." He hissed furiously. "I saw him cut apart a piece at a time and could do nothing to help him, but you knew about this. Maker, that's why you feel guilty, because you could have stopped this, you could have stopped him even coming here. Damn you Morrigan, how can you call yourself his friend?" At her silence a hiss of frustration left his lips. "How could I have been this wrong about you?"

"I have never pretended to be anything other than I am."

Shaking his head Dylan backed away from her. "He will never forgive you and neither will I."

Morrigan watched him leave her heart pounding. Love played no part in the events she was conspiring to ensure happened, power was all that ever mattered, but there was a cost to all power and this time the cost was almost more than she could bear.

xXx

Shifting restlessly on the bed, Lady Julianna sat up with a sigh, it seemed sleep would elude her this night. The room was one of the finest in the Gnawed Noble Tavern, the bed deeply comfortable, but she was too agitated to benefit from it. Slipping her legs off the bed she eased her feet into slippers, grabbed a robe and headed into the adjoining room. "Still awake I see."

Smiling Thelda glanced up from her embroidery. "Thinking is all. Would you like some tea?"

"That would be lovely, nice and sweet I think." Easing into a chair next to the fire she watched Thelda put water on to boil and set out cups. "I do believe my daughter married a madman."

Hesitating Thelda sat back down waiting for the water to boil.

"Speak your mind Thelda, it is what I like most about you."

"He has power now that was never intended for him." Her hands clenched; her jaw tight with anger. "And what he has put that boy through." She sighed softly. "Not that Will is a boy anymore."

"You do not believe the rumours about Fergus Cousland torturing him then?"

Raising an eyebrow, Thelda met her look. "I don't believe you do either, my Lady."

Julianna smiled slightly, shaking her head. "No, but I do believe Rendon would, though I do not see what he would gain by it and how he has convinced the young man Fergus did it …" She hesitated seeing the shift in Thelda's expression. "You have an idea though."

"Blood magic."

Julianna sat quietly for some time sipping her tea and thinking over those two words. "If that is true then Maker help that poor boy. Thelda whatever happens at the Landsmeet I think it would be wise if I took my grandchildren out of Ferelden. They are not safe here, either from their father, or the mob that might come for them if his guilt is revealed."

"I think that might be a sensible course."

"Will you join us?"

"Well, someone has to keep you out of trouble."

Smiling, Julianna reached over and gently patted her hand. "Indeed, tomorrow will bring enough trouble."

xXx

Having ensured his guests were settled and guards were posted around the estate, Eamon retired to the study and poured himself a large brandy. They stood on the brink of war, both within and without. Monsters roamed the lands, yet the biggest monster currently held one of the most powerful positions in the country. The Landsmeet was their chance to bring order back to their country, but deep down he feared what losing would truly mean and he prayed they would never find out. His mind drifted to Redcliffe and his wife and son. He put down the glass clasping his trembling hands. His son was a mage, one more reason that people would have to hate Isolde as there had never been magic in his bloodline. Connor would live his life in a Circle and never be allowed to fulfil his responsibilities as heir. He supposed they would need to try for another child, but fear was a tight knot in his chest that any child would be born with magic. Not to mention he wasn't sure if Isolde would ever let him near her again. In her mind he had betrayed them and she was not a woman who forgave easily. His thoughts took him to Teagan and their lately volatile relationship. Sighing he shook his head, perhaps he had been foolish, pushed too hard, been too demanding, but he had only wanted what was best for Ferelden and their future. Sighing he drank the last of the brandy and headed to bed, the wind howling as hail continued to lash against the windows. Climbing the stairs he hesitated and glanced out of the window seeing a flash of lightning. "Maker, please be with us tomorrow."

xXx

Turning Ellowyn let out a huff of frustration at how elusive sleep was. She was cold despite the thick blanket and she imagined she could feel a multitude of stones beneath the tent.

"I am having trouble sleeping too." Delilah murmured, sitting up and sighing softly. "Facing father tomorrow is … daunting."

"Just remember he has to be stopped, whatever it takes." She glanced at Delilah, but it was too dark in the tent to make out her expression. "Delilah?"

"I know." She murmured, but her mind was on Jayden silently praying that even after everything, he would return to her. She would nurse him back to health, give him the love she wanted to express to him and that he deserved. They would have many children and these past months would be a brief nightmare in the dream their life together would be. She closed her eyes feeling tears burn, knowing in her heart it would take a miracle for him to ever want that future with her again.

Shivering Thomas wrapped the blanket tighter around him glancing out of the tent struggling to see Warin through the hail. His protector was sheltered by a large tree and astonishingly looked almost comfortable. He glanced at the second tent in the camp, his sister and Ellowyn inside, hoping they were having less trouble than him in getting to sleep. His thumb returned again and again to the ring on his finger praying that it would work at the Landsmeet to free Jayden from whatever blood magic was binding him. "Maker please let this work, please." His attention turned to his sword. He had spent time sharpening the blade, focusing on his unspoken purpose at the Landsmeet. He couldn't trust that his father would be found guilty, or that if he was, that he would not manage to escape execution. He knew many would want to kill his father and would take the opportunity if it was presented, but the punishment for murder was execution and he could not allow that to be the fate for any of the Cousland's. He wasn't eager to die, but he considered his inaction, had in part led them here and ending his father's madness was a burden he had taken as his own. He stared at his trembling hands, clenching his fists and taking a calming breath. He had to be stopped and whatever it cost him; he would make sure his father did not leave the Landsmeet alive.