Disclaimer - I only own my own characters. I do not own DA Origins / Awakenings / DA2 or anything else of the DA world.

xXx

Faint moonlight entered the tower room through the shutters casting shadows dancing across the walls. Ellowyn shuddered as she heard the footsteps echo down the stairs, the door shut and the bolt slide into place. Heart pounding she waited until her eyes adjusted to the dim light glancing over to Delilah who was sleeping on the bed. She whispered her friend's name even knowing she wouldn't answer, the sleeping spell would likely not lift until morning. Her hand moved to her throat feeling the amulet solid beneath her fingers. For weeks now she had endured life in the tower, day after day taken to the elven mage who whispered lie upon lie about her family, weaving a story that she trusted the Arl implicitly, that he was her protector. Each time she was brought back to the tower she wept, trapped and terrified for her family; she didn't dare try to escape because the mage would know she wasn't under her influence and Maker knew what would happen to her or her family. She could only wait for the Landsmeet she assumed would arrive swiftly. Curling under the covers Ellowyn sobbed painfully, aching for Fleta and praying that her family were safe. Exhausted she finally succumbed to sleep.

Little over an hour later Eloen stood at the door of the bedroom casting a sleep spell on Ellowyn to ensure she wouldn't wake, smiling slightly she turned to the guard accompanying her. "Bring Lady Howe."

xXx

Delilah blinked as she woke and glanced around the room trembling when she realised she was restrained on a chair and a young elven woman was sitting opposite her. She didn't need the crimson and gold robes to know this was her father's mage.

"You and I have much to discuss." Eloen stated gently.

"My father would never allow me to be restrained like this!"

"Your father is … careful where you and your brother are concerned that is true; Nathaniel's loss weighs heavily on him, but certain steps must be taken."

Delilah felt a shiver move down her back. "What is it that you want from me?"

Eloen leaned forward smiling sweetly; Delilah had been surprisingly informative in their many such talks. She was a wealth of information on Amaranthine, both her mother and father's family and many of the pieces of the puzzle that made up her father, his children remaining the most important means of influencing him. She had learned of Nathaniel and Thomas and much of Delilah herself; the young woman having no idea that she had spoken of her fears and desires. It was through these conversations that Eloen had realised just how valuable Delilah was to her plans and how important it was for her to become Queen. A ruling couple under her command would not only change Ferelden, but could potentially influence Thedas. Now, after weeks of skirting the issue of the crown it was time to get to the heart of the matter. "Do you remember your dreams of being Queen?"

Flushing slightly Delilah worried at her lower lip unable to stop herself from speaking, wondering how the mage knew of such things, terror gripping her that perhaps this was not her first time in the presence of the mage. "Foolish childhood dreams only; King Cailan has always been handsome."

"And you wished to be his Queen?"

"Yes for a time, but Queen Anora was betrothed to him and it was fantasy only."

"What if you could still be Queen?"

Delilah felt fear course through her, trying to avoid thinking about the secret Cailan had entrusted. She tried to understand what agenda the mage was following; her father wanted her to marry Jayden unless something had happened to him thus changing his plans. She felt her throat constrict in fear wondering what fate her father intended then for Anora. "King Cailan is a friend and even were his marriage to be annulled, I would imagine were he to marry again it would be to create an alliance out with Ferelden."

Eloen moved behind the noble woman; leaning towards her until her lips were at Delilah's ear, her voice soft and coaxing. "What does King Cailan truly do for his people?"

"He does a great deal!"

"Your father calls him a glory hunting fool."

"My father is jealous." Delilah snapped. "Cailan is no fool."

"I see. Then let me say this, a Theirin he may be, but a name does not make a King."

Delilah watched her cautiously, realising her father might well intend to be rid of both current rulers.

"I would like you to tell me everything you know about your betrothed."

Sweet Maker she means him for King, is there no end to my father's desperation for power? Frowning Delilah forced herself to remain still. "Why would you want to know about him?"

"He is important to my plans Delilah."

"Your plans? Not my fathers?"

Smiling slightly Eloen leaned back into the chair. "Our plans are one and the same. Tell me about him Delilah, everything you know."

"I will not let you hurt him." Delilah hissed in frustrated fury.

"I have no desire to hurt him, he is too valuable to me." She stood and moved behind Delilah letting her magic flow around them before resting her hands on the young woman's shoulders. "You trust me Delilah."

Delilah frowned as false memories began to take form in her mind, trying to hold onto the truth that was as elusive as water slipping through her fingers. She thought of Albert, pulling her anger to her realising that this must have been what she had done to him. I will not bend to your will.

"Tell me of your betrothed." Eloen continued leaning closer letting the strands of magic flow around Delilah, binding her gently to her will.

Shuddering Delilah bit her lip as the memory of Jayden holding her at the memorial overwhelmed her, his strength, his kindness, his touch. She felt the ache for him, barely aware as her cherished memories of Albert were pushed into the shadowed corners of her mind. Delilah sighed softly, her voice holding a dream like quality. "He saved Thomas. He protected me."

Eloen was silent as Delilah recounted several memories of their childhood, watching as tears gleamed in her eyes as she spoke of the final days of his mother's life and her funeral. A way in if it is needed. "Does he return your affection?"

Delilah lowered her head. "I do not think so. He loved … perhaps still loves Lyra; an elf he grew up with."

"He grew up with her? The son of a Teyrn and an elf seem an unlikely match."

"He has always been … inclusive."

"Inclusive?"

Delilah shifted uncomfortably. "Elves, dwarves, nobility, commoner, he saw them all with a level of equality; foolish of course yet quite endearing too."

"Do you know what his views are on mages?"

Delilah frowned slightly. "He is the driving force behind mages now being in the army apparently." She worried at her lip. "I am not sure that is wise I mean mages are dangerous. They are kept in the Circle for good reason."

"Mages can be dangerous." Eloen agreed softly. "Does he seek to simply use them?"

"He is not like that!" Delilah snapped angrily.

"Of course I did not mean to upset you." She waited until the flush in Delilah's cheeks and her frown faded. "You are to be married this year. Do you not think he would make a good King?"

Nipping at her lip Delilah shifted slightly. "He is perhaps a little too eager to risk himself … a little too eager to change things."

"But with you to guide him … well it is just a thought and as you say we have a King." Eloen smiled slightly as she saw the thoughts race through the young woman. Shifting the focus of her magic Eloen watched as Delilah sank into an enchanted sleep once more; she would have no memory of their interaction as she had no memory of their previous discussions, but when the time came she would be compelled to have her as her handmaiden and once in the palace there would be no limit to what she could accomplish. "This is so easy it's laughable. When you are Queen you will keep me by your side and you will do exactly what I tell you, you and your husband both." Moving to the door she signalled to the guards who eyed her with a caution and fear she had come to find almost amusing. "Lady Delilah is ready to return to her room." She smiled slightly to herself, they would remember nothing once Delilah was safely back in the tower, she did not want the Arl knowing of her meetings with his daughter. Only a shadow fear of her remained with the guards that kept them at a respectful distance, a precaution she had taken not long after the Arl had left the Keep. Leaving the cell she headed to her own rooms needing to rest, despite the ease with which Delilah succumbed to her influence it was still draining to ensure her influence over multiple people. Sighing she sank onto the bed, imagining Jowan's arms around her as she gave herself to her exhaustion.

xXx

Slipping through the streets of Amaranthine, Warin made his way towards the market seeing Thelda by a fruit stall. Leaning against the wall he waited for her to finish with her order for Vigil's Keep. He smiled slightly, she could send others to do this, but she liked things to be right and he knew she liked time away from the confining walls of the Howe residence.

With promises that fresh produce would be delivered to the Keep by morning Thelda headed towards the main gates of the city to wait for Malcolm the Vigil's current smith, who had brought her on his cart and would take her back after his business was concluded. She frowned slightly at the cloaked man leaning against the wall and pursed her lips as she headed out, crossing a dirt track and heading towards the furthest farm buildings that were currently empty, sitting herself on a tree trunk her hands clasped and resting in her lap. She felt his presence before she saw him. "It's good to see you; I feared you would become embroiled in this Darkspawn business."

"Very nearly, but it seems that there are worse things."

"Worse than Darkspawn?" She saw the look in her brother's eyes and hesitated. "What trouble are you in that you can't walk the city without your hood on; that you can't greet me in normal fashion?"

Warin grinned and leaned against the side of the empty barn. "None at the moment, it's the trouble I'm going to get into."

Thelda shook her head and smiled. "What do you need?"

"I need you to open the escape exit to the grove."

Thelda stared out across the fields; Warin had shown her the exit years ago, despite it being only for the Howe family. "Might I ask why?"

"Rescue mission." He winced at her sharp look.

"You will be needing access to the Tower then."

"Tom has that covered." He chuckled softly at her scandalised face.

"You can't bring that lad into this his father will …"

"This is his choice Thelda."

Glancing to her hands she nodded. "Atoning for his sins?"

"Trying to."

"And you?"

"I bound my life to his with my oath."

"As I recall you gave his father that oath first."

"Yes and he betrayed it with his actions. I'm tired of being responsible for death and pain to suit his whims. Don't get me wrong I would imagine there is more death to come, but I will be on the right side of it this time."

"All parties think they are on the right side."

Warin shook his head. "I knew I was on the wrong side long ago. I tried to change his course and failed. I will not fail his son."

"Well then I wish you luck. Now listen, whatever you are doing watch out for that damn elven madam that wanders the halls all fancy like in her robes. You better watch out she doesn't see you."

"We will be careful, as should you be, the damn bitch is a blood mage."

Thelda's eyes widened. "Sweet Maker do you think she is using such magic on those poor girls?"

"I pray not, but I suspect so."

Thelda worried at her lip before lowering her voice to a whisper. "Fleta, that's Lady Cousland's mabari is kept in the kennels, you will have to get her out too. I can get you supplies if you need them."

"You have to leave here Thelda, they will eventually know I was part of this. They might use you to get to me."

"Like the Arl has been hinting at for years now." She raised an eyebrow as he paled slightly. "You think I didn't know? Oh I doubt he ever came right out with it with all those overtures of friendship, but I bet he left enough hints for you to come to the same conclusion. I debated leaving a thousand times, but I promised mother I'd always be here for you. We created a vicious little circle for ourselves didn't we brother, you staying to protect me, me staying to protect you." She sighed softly. "If I leave they will know I helped, know you were involved in this. I will stay this last time until the fuss dies down. Perhaps I will start mentioning I want to visit family, start preparing to leave in my own way. I have a little coin saved."

"I think it would be wise."

"Right then, when do you intend to do this?"

"As soon as possible; tomorrow night if you can."

"I hope you have horses."

"We do and I will have more by tomorrow."

Thelda stood and shook out her skirt dusting it off. "Right then, best be off before I miss my ride."

"Thank you Thelda."

Nodding she headed into the trees and then back onto the main path looking as though she had just gone for a walk; when she glanced to the barn Warin was gone.

xXx

Shifting anxiously Thomas swallowed down his nerves staring up at the Keep, a dark mass visible by the light of the torches tended by those on duty. The previous night they had spent in the woods halfway between the City and Vigil's Keep. It had been a cold, wet night and both had been chilled to the bone. They had spent the time going over the plan repeatedly until it made Thomas's head spin, but everything hinged on Thelda opening the secret passage and then holding her tongue about having seen them. He had feared trusting anyone else, but Warin trusted his sister without question as he trusted Delilah. Checking over the horses once again, though all four were happily grazing beneath the trees near the passageway entrance, Thomas shuddered at a rumble of thunder. "Maker how can I be scared to go home?"

Warin gripped his shoulder. "Because this is dangerous; can you do this?"

Nodding Thomas glanced to the ring feeling comforted by its weight, his hand straying to the dagger at his hip. "I will be as quick as I can. Do you really think you can get Fleta without being seen?"

"You do your part I'll do mine. Remember say nothing of the fate of the Cousland's. If Lady Ellowyn becomes hysterical in the Keep you will never get her out. I will explain what happened once we meet again here. Not a word is that understood?"

Thomas nodded. "I understand."

Warin span, unsheathing his sword as the passageway door swung open.

Thelda stood with her hands on her hips, two packs at her feet. "Well isn't this a fine way to greet me."

Warin grinned and gave her the hug he had wanted to give her outside the city.

"You two be careful, I can't be gone from the kitchen too long, if the pies burn I will be in trouble, so good luck and I will pray the Maker watches over you."

Thomas nodded his thanks and slipped into the passageway his heart pounding.

Giving his sister another hug Warin gave her a cocky smile. "Better go get the mabari then."

xXx

Easing himself through the passageway pushing away the cobwebs and choking on dust, Thomas forced himself to keep moving until he reached the stairs spiralling upwards. The flickering flame light of the torch cast shadows that made his heart race. Every few steps he hesitated; his mind creating noises that left him panicked and looking over his shoulder, expecting to see the mage looming out of the darkness at him. His thumb strayed to the ring as it did every time the panic gripped him, his throat constricting with fear. He hissed as his shoulder scraped against the wall, the stairway so narrow he was beginning to feel that it was closing in on him. Glancing up seeing solid wall ahead he quickened his steps as he saw the end in sight. Panting wildly as he reached the top more from fear than exertion, he span at what he thought were footsteps, peering into the darkness that had closed in behind him, thrusting out the torch and only succeeding in hampering his own sight, snarling at himself in frustration. Thomas felt the stones looking for the catch to release the door, feeling the tension ease as he found it. The door swung open and he stumbled into the room, giving a groan as something hard slammed against him, hitting the floor as the world went black.

Delilah stood with the chair leg raised to attack again when she dropped her weapon to the floor and fell to her knees. "Thomas!"

xXx

Slipping through the corridors of the Keep, Warin kept to the shadows. He knew the building better than most, knew each corridor and alcove, each room and its contents, but he had been gone a while and with the mage in residence he could not afford to be complacent. His stealth holding true and the moon covered briefly by clouds he made it unseen to the Kennels, finding Fleta who had clearly been given something to make her docile. He sighed as she gave a half-hearted attempt to look up with glazed eyes. "Come on girl, I'll take you to Ellowyn." He smiled as her ears pricked up at the name. Struggling under the mabari's weight, he staggered back the way he had come, believing the Maker's own luck was with him as he managed to get back to the cellars and through the secret passage unseen.

xXx

Waking to the pounding of his head Thomas let out a low moan, slowly opening his eyes realising he was on a bed, a cool damp cloth on his forehead.

"Thomas what were you doing?" Delilah hissed gently changing the cloth.

"Rescuing you." He muttered easing himself up until he was sitting, despite the protests of both young women. "I am fine." He grumbled pushing their hands away from him. "Sweet Maker, stop fussing!" Easing himself off the bed he grabbed hold of a chair as his knees buckled. "How hard did you hit me?" He snapped.

Delilah winced. "I thought you might have been the mage."

Thomas met his sister's gaze and let out a low breath. "I suppose I should be grateful I am alive then."

"How did you know about that passage? I never knew there was one there!" Delilah demanded.

"Where do you think I used to disappear to as a child to get away from our parents arguing and later just to be alone? I have explored every inch of this place. Grab whatever you need, we have to leave now."

"They will know you freed us!" Delilah muttered pacing in frustration. "Maker I did not even know you were here."

"No-one knows I am here, Thelda opened the entrance to the grove and we will leave the same way. She will leave to visit family once the fuss dies down so she won't be linked to this."

Delilah worried at her lip. "What if the mage interrogates people when we are discovered to be gone, she will find out Thelda helped us and Maker knows what father will do to her."

Ellowyn took off the amulet. "We could give her this, we will not need it. When she leaves she could give it to your grandmother for you."

Thomas frowned. "What is it?"

"Delilah gave it to me to prevent the mage from enthralling me."

"Like my ring." He murmured realising both young women were staring at him. "Will had it made for me."

Delilah worried at her lip, but nodded. "I am loath to be parted from it, but I cannot leave here knowing she may be harmed because of us."

Frowning Thomas glanced out of the window seeing the position of the moon. "How long was I out?"

"An hour at least."

Thomas shook his head, groaning at the sharp pain that made his eyes water. "Hurry, if we need to make a detour to the kitchen we need to be swift, Warin will storm the damn Keep if we are much longer."

xXx

Heart racing Ellowyn followed Thomas back down the stairs and through the passageway, Delilah behind her. She forced herself to be calm, but the thought of finally being free of this place and reunited with Fleta made her want to hurry Thomas. I swear Arl Howe I will make sure you pay for what you intended to do to my family. She bumped into their rescuer as he suddenly stopped, realising they were at a doorway.

"Stay here." Thomas whispered, easing open the door a fraction and listening before slipping into the dark alcove beyond. With no-one in sight he signalled and led the way quickly to the kitchen.

"What by the Maker are you doing here?" Thelda hissed staring at them in horror.

Delilah moved to Thelda pressing the amulet into her hand. "Wear it at all times, should the mage interrogate you about our disappearance she will not be able to force you to tell her anything, you will remain in control. When you leave here I ask that you take it to my grandmothers for me."

"My Lady I can't I …"

"What do you think my father will do if he discovers you were involved in this?"

Thelda paled her fingers tightening around the amulet. "Thank you my Lady."

"We need to go." Thomas urged glancing anxiously towards the door.

"Maker keep you all safe." Thelda stated biting her lip. "You have my sympathy Lady Cousland."

Ellowyn frowned. "Why?"

"Come on." Thomas muttered grabbing her wrist. "Or do you want to end up back in that damn tower?"

Shuddering Ellowyn shook her head and moved after him, Delilah hurrying behind them.

Thomas led them swiftly through the Keep towards the cellars, stumbling back and knocking into Ellowyn, pushing Delilah behind him. "Hush!" He whispered urgently, holding his breath and shrinking into the shadows as the woman passed.

Ellowyn's eyes darkened with fury. "That is her!" She hissed. "That is the damn mage."

"How do you know?" Thomas asked fear gripping his throat.

"I have spent enough time in her company. We can talk about this later we need to get out of here."

Nodding Thomas led the way, stopping both young women as they reached the cellars seeing the door was slightly ajar and there was a flickering light beyond. "Sweet Maker if she is down there we will not be able to get to our escape route."

Ellowyn glanced around and grabbed the small bust of a Howe ancestor, gripping it tightly in her hand.

"What are you expecting to do with that?" Delilah gasped.

"Whatever I have to, to get out of here." Ellowyn snapped.

Thomas gave a hiss of frustration as Ellowyn slipped ahead, the three easing down the steps. He soon realised the mage had gone to the crypt and likely the secret room beneath it. "Come on this is our chance to escape." He gripped Ellowyn's arm as she made to go after the mage. "I do not blame you for wanting to kill her, but I doubt influencing the mind is all she can do and you do not have the amulet anymore even if it is, so we are leaving now, even if I have to carry you kicking and screaming."

Ellowyn hesitated and angrily dumped the bust on a crate. "Fine, but I still think she needs to be stopped."

"Yes." Thomas agreed. "By an entire regiment of Templars."

Ellowyn hesitated but reluctantly accepted his argument, watching as he opened a passageway she would never have found on her own, slipping in at his urging, feeling a rush of relief that she was finally leaving, desperate to reach her family.

xXx

Eloen made her way silently down the stairs to the room beneath the crypt. She always felt a thrill coming here, it held such unusual treasures. Carefully opening a small wooden chest she ran her fingers over the smooth metal of the collar within. It intrigued her the most; the magical runes etched into the metal were powerful enough to sap the strength of even the strongest of men. Rendon had allowed her to use it once as he had been curious about its full capabilities. It had an interesting effect; over time it not only drained physical strength, but mental fortitude, which enabled her to employ her magic with less cost to herself. She imagined what it would be like to put the collar around the neck of a Templar and couldn't help smiling.

Closing the chest her thoughts drifted to Jowan as they so often did in his absence. She missed him, but a part of her was glad he was not with her, he would not approve of what she was doing. He had always been a gentle soul, but she however understood that difficult actions had to be taken at times to secure the future and she intended to secure a future of freedom for them. She bit her lip in agitation, if he ever found out what she had done he would never look at her with love in his eyes again; he would be disgusted, repulsed even. She drew in a long shaky breath, in her weakest moments when she felt she couldn't go on, that being alone was crushing her, she had the fleeting thought that she was no better than the Templars who had played their sick games with them, but she reminded herself they did what they did just because they could; she was doing what she was doing to bring about a new future for mages. Closing her eyes she imagined Jowan in a comfortable room in the nobleman's home, happy in his role as tutor. She had heard nothing to the contrary; the information Jowan sent was sparse and had not interested the Arl thus far, but he was well enough as far as they could tell.

Moving across the room her fingertips drifted across the pedestal that usually held the Calling Crystal. Rendon had taken it with him to her disappointment; she had hoped to speak to Magister Danarius again. The man was arrogant and racist, but he understood power and even the few spells he had discussed with her had led to a substantial increase in her own abilities. Taking her time Eloen explored the room as she could never do when with Rendon; she couldn't afford to influence his mind for trifles it took too much to influence him on what was required. Curiosity sated she made her way back up to the cellars, frowning as she saw a bust on one of the crates that had not been there when she had passed earlier. Cautiously she searched the cellars for whoever had placed it there; but her search was fruitless. Nibbling at her lip Eloen made her way back to her rooms; she realised that she had become too complacent and would need to be more vigilant in the future.

xXx

Warin could barely contain his agitation when he heard footsteps and Thomas, Delilah and Ellowyn came into sight, all were covered in dust and cobwebs.

Ellowyn's eyes widened as she saw Fleta lying at his feet, wrapping her arms around her tears streaming down her face as Fleta licked her face. "Oh what did they do to you?" She soothed.

"The drugs will be out of her system soon with the tonic I gave her." He glanced over both young women who looked pale, but healthy enough. "We need to get moving the longer we tarry the more chance of getting caught, but I need to ask, were you ever taken to a mage during your time in the Keep?"

Ellowyn nodded, spilling out a quick version of what had happened, explaining they had given the amulet to Thelda when he asked to see it.

"That was generous of you Lady Delilah." He stated surprised by her actions. "Forgive me, but I must ask … were you ever taken to the mage?"

"No thank the Maker, her attention was for Ellowyn."

"I need to get to my family." Ellowyn stated in agitation glancing to the horses. "They have to know I would never accuse them of something so vile!"

Warin glanced to Thomas who had paled his eyes downcast in shame and guilt. "Lady Ellowyn it is my sad duty to inform you that your parents have returned to the Makers side. It is my understanding that Arl Howe's men attacked Highever Castle under pretence that the majority of the men were delayed and they arrived under cover of darkness. There was no reason for your fathers men not to open the gates. Your father was killed in the castle in his study. Your mother was killed while escaping the Castle."

Ellowyn stared at them in horror, her knees giving way; wrenching her arm away and stumbling back as Thomas tried to steady her. Her parents were gone, she couldn't process the words, her throat constricting, her chest feeling as though it was being crushed. She felt the wail of anguish surging up and clamped her mouth shut, her hands covering her lips. She stared at Thomas and then to Delilah who looked as shocked and horrified as she felt. Had her friend been part of it; luring her to Amaranthine so she would become the last surviving Cousland and heir of Highever?

"Ellowyn …" Thomas moved towards her freezing as she backed away. "Ellowyn please."

"No! Stay away from me! How can you expect me to trust you?"

"Thomas just rescuing you seems a start." Warin stated calmly.

"How do I know this isn't all just part of a twisted plot?" She turned to Delilah barely registering how pale she had become. "You brought me here; did you know he was going to kill my parents?"

"No of course not! I feared for you not them! If I had thought … Oh Ellowyn I am so sorry."

Ellowyn turned as Fleta gave a low whine at her distress. She placed her hand on her neck stilling her. Tears burning Ellowyn swallowed back the sobs that threatened to constrict her throat. "What of my brothers, Oren and Oriana?"

Warin slowly rubbed his neck aching at the tension in his body. "Lord Fergus left before the Arl arrived and took the majority of your fathers men to Ostagar. The others escaped in part thanks to the Wardens. Your brother Aedan is now a Warden, the price he paid to get Oren and Oriana to safety. Both he and Lord Fergus are at Ostagar."

Ellowyn stared at him tears slipping down her cheeks. "And where are Oren and Oriana?"

"I don't know their exact location only that we are to take you to Redcliffe. I would imagine from there Lord Fergus will take you on to where they are staying."

"If my brothers are at Ostagar surely they have told the King!"

"King Cailan has promised to lead the army against the Arl once the Darkspawn are dealt with. However you won't get back to your family just standing here, it's time to go." Warin handed her a dagger. "Until we can get you a better weapon."

Ellowyn took the blade feeling a little better with the hilt against her hand. She met Warin's calm gaze. "Betray me, any of you and I will kill you." She ignored the hurt in Delilah's eyes still not sure if she could trust her.

"I would expect nothing less. Now we must go."

"If we are to go to Redcliffe I must see grandmother first." Delilah stated clenching her trembling hands.

Warin shook his head. "We do not have time to …"

"I will see my grandmother." Delilah stated coldly. "She has been unwell and we have been at the Keep for weeks."

"My Lady if you are seen …" Warin protested.

"I will be careful."

"I cannot allow it my Lady."

Delilah met Warin's look standing straighter. "Warin you may be in my father's service, but you have no say in my actions. I will see my grandmother, now I suggest you accept that and let us be gone from here before someone finds us."

Warin ground his teeth in frustration.

"I will go with her." Thomas stated. "You stay with Ellowyn. We will arrange to meet somewhere and if we are not there by a specific time you leave without us. Ellowyn is the priority; you must get her to her family."

"I won't leave you." Warin stated.

"I am not giving you a choice. Ellowyn is the priority."

Ellowyn watched the siblings and Warin understanding Delilah's desire to check on her grandmother, but wanting to scream at the delay in leaving.

As though reading her mind Warin suddenly agreed; the four mounting their horses and heading into the night keeping close to the trees, setting a gentle pace for a still groggy Fleta who kept close to Ellowyn's horse.

Huddling deeper into her thick woollen cloak, Ellowyn watched her companions suspiciously, aching for her parents, her own freedom seeming such a foolish thing to have prayed for. She shuddered painfully, left with the bleak reality that only by returning to the Makers side would she ever see them again.

xXx

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