Author's Note: Hope you enjoy reading this!

A couple days later

Jader, Orlesian Border Region

Thedas

Jader, from what Harry could see of it from the railing of the ship's upper deck would have trouble being more different from Kirkwall. Kirkwall growled at the world. Harsh structures either shining marble or dirty stucco built atop sheer cliffs, great statues and chains. The lands about it brown with only the occasional patch of green to break it up.

Jader, shone brightly. White walls and red tile rooftops visible even from this distance, flecks of gold and bright banners and flags flying high and snapping in the warm sea breeze. Nestled into a bay surrounded by lush green hills. He could even hear bells echoing across the water towards them.

Harry turned to consider his two companions, looking to see their reactions. Hermione just looked happy, tucked in against his side holding to his arm. Merrill, looked awed. Her eyes wide and her mouth smiling, occasionally glancing excitedly at him and Hermione.

"We'll be arriving soon," Harry speculated. "I can't see it taking us that long to dock. If nothing else, it'll be interesting seeing a new city. How much do you think Orlais will remind us of France?" He asked Hermione.

She smiled, shaking her head. "Some I suspect, though that might be true of anywhere. After all just because they speak the language doesn't mean they'll be the same culturally, after all Kirkwallers speak English."

He conceded the point. Still the Orlesians seemed to have somethings in common with old French society. The masks, flamboyant dress and decoration…just to name a few. He turned to regard Merrill. "What do you know of Orlais?"

She shrugged, practically bouncing in anticipation. "Not much, they're ruled by an Empress, Celene. The nation is said to have a powerful aristocracy supported by the Chevaliers, who are in effect knights. The symbol of Orlais is the golden lion. It is said that most Orlesian cities are very fine by comparison to the Free Marches or Ferelden. Seeing that, I can believe it." She said in awe, nodding to Jader which was drawing closer.

"Is it all so lovely as this?" Hermione asked.

Merrill shook her head. "No, at least I assume not. Parts of Orlais reside in the Dales and the heartlands where it is this nice, but areas to the south and closer to the Frostbacks are colder. Areas to the west are dry and arid, and to the north parts are very mountainous, forested or swampland."

"Wonder if the swamp Orlesians sound Cajun…" Harry murmured to Hermione who chuckled.

The ship was turning to enter the bay properly now, and they could see a lighthouse high on the shoreline, as well as numerous ships in the harbour. Harry even spotted his first Orlesian Naval vessel. A battleship, which would have been massive by his people's standards for old cannon bearing warships.

He could actually smell flowers from the city, and wondered if it had a better sewage management system than Kirkwall. Probably, it would have been hard not to…

It took another ten minutes before they were in and snugged up to the docks, crewmen heading dockside to get them tied off.

Harry delivered the final ten gold to the Captain and they were allowed to disembark. Merrill staggering a bit as she hit dry land. He reached out and caught her before she could really go over. "Careful Merrill, you haven't got your land legs yet."

"I know…" She lamented. "but how is you aren't having the same difficulties?"

"I know it's disgusting isn't it?" Hermione complained a little wobbly herself. "Harry and excellent sense of balance and coordination."

Harry rolled his eyes good-naturedly, "It certainly comes in handy while flying it is true. It's not a big deal, just be careful for a bit you two. At least this place is properly paved for the most part."

It was true, where most of the lower city of Kirkwall was dirt paths with the occasional lost cobblestone, Jader in its entirety seemed to have been carefully paved with marble slabs. If it ever got icy in the winter months it'd be hell he reflected.

"So where to first?" He asked after a moment.

"We should probably find an inn for lunch," Merrill speculated. "We'd get a chance to see all the fancy clothes and people! Oh, and I suppose we could use the opportunity to plan our course from here…"

Harry and Hermione shared a fond smile at that before falling into step behind the elf, who soon had them headed for the main gates of the harbour into the city. Here they were stopped, by a small group of guards.

Well…maybe not so small, there were at least six archers Harry counted at various places atop the guardhouse over the gate. And seven more guards down on the ground. Four were pikemen, wearing blue uniforms with silver armour fixed to it similar to the one the ship's armsman had worn. Two more carried swords and shields and were checking the people who were looking to pass through, finally a captain, or at least that's who Harry assumed he was, wore shining golden armour over a more finely appointed blue uniform, the plate armour stylized into the form of a lion with a red plume erupting from its crown. He carried a shield, once again bearing the lion of Orlais, and carried a sword at his hip. It was he who stopped them to check question them.

"Please wait." He greeted in accented common, the local name for English. "I must ask you a few questions before you are allowed entrance to Jader." He informed them.

They nodded agreeably falling in beside Merrill. "Are you two and the elf mage together?" He asked bluntly. Though his tone seemed to lack the accusatory tone it could have borne.

"Yes," Harry agreed, with Hermione murmuring an agreement a moment later.

"Very well, One Dalish mage judging by the markings. Two humans…Are you mages as well?" He asked cautiously.

Harry considered that, then nodded. If he were to be caught casting magic at any point it would be better that he not have lied to the gate guard. He just hoped the man didn't ask what Circle they were from. "Where are you sailing from?" He asked instead.

"We're all coming from Kirkwall." Hermione supplied.

Here the Captain paused then sighed. "Heard about what happened there, bad business that. I don't know if you're a survivor from that Circle, and frankly I don't want to know. So I'll just give you the same warning we give all Mages who enter Jader, mind yourselves. No casting unless it is to heal someone or to protect yourself or this city. Don't go picking fights with the Templars. The local circle is still under Chantry control. We don't want an incident like in Rivain or Maker help us, Kirkwall. You understand?" He asked seriously.

They nodded. "Good, then I'll ask you your business here."

"We're just stopping here before heading elsewhere. Likely won't be in the city long. Might buy a few supplies." Harry offered.

The Guard nodded, seeming satisfied. "Very well, welcome to Jader, as I said mind yourselves, otherwise be careful. Jader is a safe city, but we do occasionally have riffraff running about."

With that he moved away to question someone else. Merrill shook her head, seeming dazed. "It's strange, he didn't bother me like some of the guards in Kirkwall. Aveline was always good to stop them if they got nasty, but…well it's been a long time since I met kind humans…well besides you and Hawke and her friends…" She admitted, before shrugging it off.

They passed through the gate, and into the city proper. Harry had never visited France himself, but he had to admit the city was lovely. If he had visited that country, he would have recognized some of the architecture from the older areas in mediterranean cities.

Jader, was much busier than Kirkwall, though it did not take up the same area. It's streets fairly bustled with soldiers and watchmen, flamboyant nobles, and flouncing women. Children played openly in the streets and merchants proudly sold their wares from every corner. It did not take long before they found an Inn in the main square.

The host of the small restaurant they maintained turned up his nose at Merrill, in as much as he could with that mask, but let them in after the proprietor barked something chastising in Orlesian. Hermione whispered to him later that the owner had said he didn't care if she was an elf, a dwarf or a bloody Qunari so long as she paid, and to let them in.

Once settled at a table, and after having eaten a small meal which they duly paid for, after some minor consternation over the odd currency, they settled in to make plans.

Harry and Hermione had seen to inscribing protective runes on their expensive map which they had purchased in Kirkwall while they were on the boat. They had not done much with the map as yet, but it was in fine shape now as they spread it out on the table.

"Okay Merrill, where are we?" Harry asked. They had yet to learn the local written language, so Merrill had to read the map for them. Another thing to see to fixing when they camped for the night.

She pointed to one point on the north shore of a large sea which dominated the centre of the map. "This is Kirkwall. We traveled a few days south across the Waking Sea, to here. Jader." She said stabbing her finger at a mark on the map.

"Okay, so where do you want to start? You're our elven expert. Where do you think we might find an Eluvian?" He asked.

Merrill paused considering. She pointed to a number of locations on the map silently before laying her finger on one point in particular a bit to the east of Jader and a bit south along the far side of some mountains. "My clan kept a record of all the elven ruins, new and old which we encountered over the years. I never saw them myself, but right around here is a large complex of old ruins which were, at least at the time, relatively undisturbed." She explained. "It varies from country to country, and even within each nation's people, but most Fereldens are a bit superstitious and believe elven ruins to be bad luck. Which is silly, it is more likely that those who were harmed while entering the ruins were killed by any lingering magical traps or defences. Some of them were said to be horrible!"

"So you think this place might be best? How far is it from here?" He asked, ignoring the problem of horrific traps for the moment.

She shrugged. "If we have horses, perhaps four to five days if the passes are relatively clear. If not, longer."

He nodded, then looked to Hermione. "Thoughts?"

"Ferelden is more familiar to Merrill, so I think it will be the better place to start as she says. Also if the locals avoid the ruins there's more chance we'll find an undamaged Eluvian. And if Merrill thinks this one is the best bet for us then I'll not argue." She said firmly.

He leaned back in his chair. "Fair enough. I really wish we had some extra brooms to cut down on travel time, but…well some horses will have to do. Shame none of us have been there before. Else we could apparate…well, except for Merrill…shame that."

"Apparate?" Merrill asked curiously.

"Think of it as teleportation, er—instantaneous transport between one point and another. Unfortunately to do it safely you should know where you're going or you risk ending up inside something solid…Back home we have areas set aside as safe landing spaces for those who travel magically."

Merrill sighed. "I wish I could do your magic. It sounds so exciting. I have no idea where to even begin with mine to do that…"

Hermione chewed her lip, which she was quite aware drove Harry crazy in all the right ways. "Well we could try teaching it to you the way we were taught, see if that works. But I've actually been wondering something. I would like to run a couple tests on you tonight when we set camp. I want to get a feel for your magic. Maybe then we can figure something out…" She trailed off thoughtfully.

Harry nodded, he could guess what kinds of tests she'd want to run. He'd help her out. If they worked out the way he suspected they might, Merrill would be ecstatic. He liked the little elf quite a bit, and enjoyed it when she got excited.

He rolled up the map. "How about we see to getting some horses then? I assume any stables would be near the gates?"

She nodded. Kirkwall's stables had certainly been located near the gates. They got up and Harry went to the bar to pay the bill. He was getting somewhat tired of people giving him odd looks over the money. Maybe he'd see about charming them so people saw sovereigns when he handed them galleons?

With that done, he rejoined the girls and stepped out into the sun.

Market Inn

Jader, Orlais

Thedas

Lirris, an elf maiden working as a waitress at a certain inn in Jader's main square watched the strange trio exit the building from heavily hooded eyes. Like Taarbas, in Kirkwall, Lirris was more than she appeared. However she was a great deal more skilled at her job than that Qunari was. Unlike him she had managed to go entirely unnoticed by Harry as she listened in on his conversation with his companions.

She was here to listen in on the dealings of Aristocrats and nobles, Chevaliers and Templars. Not every outsider who stepped through the door. So while they were strangely dressed she hadn't thought much of them at all until she'd overheard a word she'd only ever heard her superiors use. Eluvian. The casual way they'd used the word sent shivers up her spine.

Nobody, absolutely nobody was supposed to know about them as anything more than a myth. She should know. She'd used one to reach Jader in the first place.

Lirris was a spy, the real kind, paid by Briala in Halamshiral. At one time Briala had been the Empress' handmaiden, mistress and spymaster. Now, she had her own agenda. Lirris shared that agenda as it would hopefully see the plight of elves across Thedas improved. So she had been trained and deployed to watch the comings and goings of merchants and travellers in Jader.

She'd been moderately successful in her task, she'd warned her handlers of numerous plots and trade deals which were underway. Even outed a few who sought to abuse her kind to her masters. The bastards in question had shown up days later dead.

She'd need to make a report, someone out there was looking for functioning Eluvians. She'd make her excuses later, and try to pick up those travellers' trails as well. Maybe she'd even manage to tail them and learn some more?

The Fade

Realm Unknown

Well this was frustrating, Prongs reflected. This place, whatever it was, was all sorts of wrong. Distances made no sense for one thing, one moment his senses told him he was nearly on top of his destination, the next it told him that he was leagues away…

Still, he seemed to be making progress either way. He was definitely headed in the right direction that much was certain. He just wished things would stop moving around so much.

He paused considering how to traverse a chasm between two large floating islands, on his way to the gateway out of this place. Pointedly ignoring the rather persistent rage demon which kept trying to grab hold of him to gnaw on his essence or something. Thankfully, the minor malign entity was having no luck in that regard. In fact every time it tried to touch him it was nearly frozen solid. Its rage cooled by the positive emotions of the Patronus.

In fact Prongs was no longer sure just what the Rage Demon's intent was, the last couple times it had touched him it had been more tentative, as if questing to feel that sensation again. He huffed the equivalent of a sigh as once again the persistent entity made contact poking him tentatively in the flank before stiffening, as its fires cooled and its form solidified.

Some days it really didn't pay to be summoned.

Near the East Gate

Jader, Orlais

Thedas

There was a commotion up ahead of them, and not the good and happy kind. Instead it was the kind that prompted people to gather about in a large rough circle, whilst someone in the centre out of sight cried out.

Harry spared Hermione just long enough a glance to receive a nod of acceptance before he dashed on ahead toward the source of the noise. Merrill cocked her head as he ran off before looking to Hermione expectantly. "What is he doing?"

Hermione kept on walking at a brisk pace. "It's his saving people thing. We're about to be dragged into another adventure…." She muttered as her eyes narrowed on the crowd. "My Apologies."

It took longer than Harry would have liked to get through considering the density of the angry crowd gathered there. Muttering discontentedly, it was only as he managed to elbow his way, somewhat urgently through the press that he found the source of the cries. And was promptly filled with rage.

These people, unhappy though they might be were standing there, idle whilst a woman, no an elf, lay bleeding on the ground at the feet of a man. Harry barely had time to process this before the man delivered another kick to the quivering elf's side, shouting something Harry did not understand. It barely registered the language spoken was not Orlesian before he was stalking forward. "Hey! What the bloody hell do you think you're doing?" He shouted angrily.

The man barely paid him a glance before spitting at the girl and kicking at her again. "I said stop! Last warning!" Harry bellowed, pulling his wand from his wrist holster.

The man didn't even bother looking up this time, drawing his boot back to deliver another blow. Something in Harry snapped and he loosed a banishing hex. Someone in the crowd barely had time to cry out in surprise before the bolt of energy struck the man in the side and hurled him bodily through the air. The crowd was forced to scatter to avoid his flailing form.

Harry managed to place himself between the elf and the man getting a better look at the knave as he climbed to his feet. The man was dressed in some of the strangest robes he'd ever seen, part armour, part dress uniform, white with red highlights. He was also unstrapping a stave from his back as he straightened, eyes glaring hatefully at him. Shite, mage. Harry noted preparing a shield just in case.

The man spat on the ground between them before speaking. "Cretin!" He shrieked in oddly accented common. "How dare you interfere with the discipline of my slave! I'll have you thrown in jail for this."

Harry's countenance darkened, so this was a Tevinter was it? They were the only ones who openly kept slaves after all. "I dare, because I see a filthy miscreant like you beating person who can't defend themselves, coward!" He barked back sharply.

The man stamped his foot childishly, "How dare you! Filthy peasant, you besmirch my name, you interfere with my affairs. And you dare to strike me! On my honour we shall duel ser!"

Harry smirked at the man, unimpressed. "Dream on, you're not worth the effort—"

For the first time since they had begun arguing another voice rose to speak. Drawing their attention to where a man was pressing into the square through the crowd, familiar armoured knights at his shoulders. "I'm afraid, young man, that you have little choice in the matter. Now that he has invoked." The new arrival explained calmly, his voice lightly accented Orlesian.

Something clenched in Harry's guts and he fought the urge to tell whoever this was to shove off. Instead opting to ask for clarification. "Explain. Please." He bit off the second word grudgingly.

The man sighed, though Harry had returned his eyes to watch the irately pacing Tevinter. He could hear someone murmuring to the slave girl behind him. If he were to bet he would guess it was Hermione and Merrill. "Unless I am much mistaken young man, you are not a member of any recognized nobility or aristocratic house, yes?" The man queried patiently despite Harry's tone.

Harry had to agree with that, strictly speaking Potter, Black and Peverell were all noble houses, but not here. Here those names meant nothing. "Correct," He agreed shortly.

The man shook his head, "Then I'm afraid I must inform you that, you a commoner, attacked him, a recognized member of the Tevinter Aristocracy and diplomat from that Empire. Thus you are beholden to our laws and must face justice…either at the hands of our justice system, or at his own. As he has invoked first, he has precedence in this matter."

"And if I refuse?" Harry ground out.

"Then, as well intentioned as you might be, we'd be forced to see you cast into prison forthwith. Thus is the punishment for striking someone of such standing." The man explained patiently. "Your belongings would be forfeited to the aggrieved."

Harry sighed. He knew perfectly well he could apparate out right now, and nobody could stop him. However that would cause a number of difficulties. He'd be, officially speaking, persona non-grata in Jader, which would cause him more than a few difficulties in his mission he was sure. The other problem was that if he backed down or ran off he'd be leaving the girl to her fate, whatever that might be. He was certain it would not be good.

The Orlesian proceeded, "However, if you accept, due to his blatantly abhorrent behaviour and status as a foreigner under our laws, you might, should you prevail, find yourself cleared of wrongdoing…As the saying goes in this case. Might makes right."

Harry continued to glare at the sneering man across from him, taking this as acceptance the Orlesian once again pressed on. "Due to his behaviour, and the way he invoked an honour duel as recompense, should he lose…he would lose much." The man prodded, his tone conveying a message, one Harry actually caught, though he asked just to be clear.

"Would his slave be amongst such things?" He bit out.

"Yes…" was the simple reply.

Harry spared a glance to his side seeing it was indeed Hermione and Merrill who were trying to comfort the fallen girl. He met his girlfriend's eyes and sent her his query. Should I go through with this? His tone conveying his desire to wipe the floor with the Tevinter.

She nodded grimly. If there was one thing Hermione hated, it was slavery. Add the abuse they'd just witnessed on top of it and she was right there behind him.

He nodded, "Very well, I accept his challenge."

The Tevinter snarled at him, "Finally! This shall be no challenge. No rules of conduct. To incapacitation or death!"

The Orlesian nodded soberly, turning his eyes back to Harry. "So be it…"

Merrill shuddered at those last words, that was it. Harry was going to fight the Magister until either one or the other were unable to continue or dead. She had no delusions that the Magister would hold back. He wanted Harry dead for his supposed insult.

The Orlesian spoke as the crowd began murmuring, though this time it was not to the combatants. "Knight Sergeant Leclerc?" He asked in an aside to one of the guards flanking him. "Would you agree to oversee the duel?"

The sergeant stiffened. "With respect magistrate, perhaps we should determine first if the low born is an apostate…"

The Magistrate cut him off with a sharp gesture. "Irrelevant," he barked, his accent thickening angrily. "This matter is settled as a legal affair, attempts to interfere will be challenged by the courts. Your duty is simple Templar, you will oversee this battle, and prevent any spellfire from harming those who wish to watch. Otherwise you will do nothing, is this understood?"

The Sergeant nodded grudgingly. The Magistrate stepped back as the Templars streamed forward to form a protective circle around the combatants. Merrill, Hermione and the wounded girl being carefully shuffled off to the side.

She'd only heard of what came next. Apparently when disputes within the circles degenerated to spellfire duels the Templars would step in creating what they referred to as a null circle. In essence a reversed ward of sorts created by a ritual using lyrium to contain magic within it. It took a number of Templars working in concert, but for a time it could contain almost anything, within a small area.

The Templars took up their positions upon finishing handing out the needed lyrium and created the circle, the Knights glowing faintly despite the bright sunlight around them. She could feel the choking effects of the Templars abilities and shuddered.

The Magistrate prowled the edge of the circle. "The battle will begin on three. Attempts to deliberately breach the Templar circle will immediately disqualify you. Otherwise….Prepare yourselves." He intoned gravely then began to count. "One—Two—Three!"

The Tevinter lashed out almost before the last word had been said. And a burst of fire roared across the circle at her friend, who batted it aside casually. The Tevinter twirled his staff and accelerated his barrage. First one, then another fire bolt streaked out and was absorbed by a rippling shield which Harry erected between himself and his opponent. Then the battle began in earnest. The Tevinter had opened strong hoping to catch his opponent unprepared. Now that he knew his opponent was not undefended he would need to overpower his defences. The Tevinter lashed out rapidly, three strikes, followed by a pommel strike to the ground which caused a flare to rush along the paving stones at speed and erupt upwards near Harry's feet, only to be again stymied by Harry's shield. Though her friend had taken a carefully step backward at that last one.

"Come on Harry!" Hermione shouted. "Don't play around, just take him down!"

The Tevinter then shocked the crowd by launching a barrage spell, dozens of fire bolts erupting from his staff and hands and rocketing towards Harry. Her friend, nodded before stepping forward, muttering something she couldn't hear. A bright orb of light coalesced around him and the bolts of magic hammered against it with dull rolling thumping sound.

"Come dog, are you afraid to fight me like a man? Or is that little stick not powerful enough for a real fight?" The Tevinter sneered, before launching another spell at him, a lightning spell this time, clearly designed to sap her friend's mana.

Harry sidestepped the bolt casually then raised his own wand, finally going on the offensive. A pair of purple bolts leapt off his wand, and the Tevinter twirled his staff, an arcane shield erupting between them. The bolts thumped into the shield and it shattered, but the Magister was already moving lashing out with bolts of lightning.

Harry ignored them, taking another bolt on a shield as he brought his magic to bear. It was a strange thing to watch, Merrill would reflect later, Harry barely flinched as the bolt struck his shield his wand moving like the baton of a conductor. Except instead of music accompanying each flick, there was an eruption of light from the point. She didn't know what the spells were but it was almost beautiful at first. Red, purple, red, pink, green, red, purple, orange. The magister was silent now as he struggled to withstand or dodge the magic coming at him. She even saw a Templar stagger as the circle in front of him took a bolt.

Finally she heard Harry sigh, and saw him shake his head, and in moments it was over, a trio of spells erupted from his wand. Where the spells struck the ground erupted, explosions shook the square, tossing the Magister off his feet. Another pair of spells lashed out and the man screamed as a dull crack was heard when the second impacted on his arm.

Then, as the man stumbled back trying to bring his staff to bear, another brace of red bolts streaked across the space between them battering his wounded form and the man keeled over onto his face. And with that, it was over. And Merrill felt relief.

The crowd was surprisingly silent in the quiet that followed. Harry didn't know it but, battles between mages in Thedas tended to either be extremely short, or extremely long. With the opponents either clearly a poor match, one superior in every way to the other. Or long winded affairs as two mages battered against each other in epic, and very flashy battles.

Thus his battle against the Tevinter Magister, whose name he had not yet heard, would be noted as somewhat odd. The Magister was well known as being a powerful mage from a realm which allowed mages free rein in which to study their art. He, an apparently low born, possible apostate mage of the south, had withstood the man's attacks for a time, with little apparent effort, before lashing out in a flurry of quick, but destructive spells which had, despite lacking the sort of flare and flash people expected, overwhelmed the Magister's defences.

Some would later say it was rather disappointing to witness, others, usually the more well versed present said it sent a shiver down their spine. This boy, had apparently casually evaluated the threat his opponent posed before rapidly dispatching him at his own whim.

Finally the Templars turned to look expectantly at the Magistrate who had remained silent throughout the fighting. He nodded silently in answer and when the circle was released, Merrill sighed in relief.

The Orlesian stepped forward, as the Templars relaxed and raised his voice. "The duel is over!" He called, and the crowd seemed to take this as permission to begin murmuring amongst themselves. "Ser, may I ask as to the state of your opponent, I must determine how to proceed from here."

Harry took a moment to realize the man was speaking to him, and reported what he'd hit the Tevinter with. "He was thrown off his feet by the explosive spells, but I do not think he was seriously harmed by them. I broke his arm with that next hit, and then put him out with a couple stunners. He'll be awake in a few hours I expect."

The Magistrate considered that then nodded, "Very well, it may actually have been easier had he been killed, politically speaking, but that is neither here nor there for you." He turned back to the crowd.

"Tevinter Diplomat to the Orlesian city of Jader, Amulteev Alomandavus the third, has been defeated in honourable combat! Due to his actions, abhorrent heretofore, and his invocation as a foreign mage for an honour duel. All belongings and property upon Orlesian soil, are hereby confiscated!" he declared, someone in the back actually cheered at that Harry noted absently as he tried to ignore the feeling of unease in his gut. Trying to stifle it he kicked away the fallen Magister's staff just in case.

He noted the elf girl was sobbing, the tremors wracking her body as Hermione held her gently. The Magistrate turned his eyes upon Harry. "Mister…" He trailed off indicating he was asking for his name.

"Potter." Harry stated shortly.

The man nodded slightly then turned back to the crowd. "Mister Potter, again considering the Tevinter Magister's nature and behaviour, you are hereby forgiven the striking of an aristocrat." The crowd was nodding now and breaking up as people lost interest, matters were in hand after all. The magistrate lowered his voice to a more normal cadence approaching him. "You are also hereby awarded, as is our law, all lands, properties and titles formerly associated with Amulteev Alomandavus within Orlesian lands."

Harry fought the urge to cringe. "That isn't necessary, I simply wanted to stop the man abusing her…"

The man chuckled, sounding somewhat amused and relieved at the same time. "I'm afraid once again you have little choice. You see you must see to those who relied upon him and his estate for care. Else they be ceded to the Crown of Orlais."

Harry raked a hand back through his hair irritably. "Which is bad why exactly?"

"Mister Potter, if I may this indeed might not normally concern the victor of such a duel. And normally I would simply accept your desire to see matters turned over to others, however I can see you are a man who values justice and fair treatment so I will explain." He offered politely. "Should you refuse to see to these things yourself the lands, and all associated matters would fall to a new Aristocrat selected, by long and arduous process by the Empress and her court. In the meantime before matters were settled no Landlord would be available to care for and protect those on the lands Amulteev Alomandavus controlled. Many would suffer in the absence of such administration, though many might still consider it preferable to being under that boor's yoke."

He saw Harry was beginning to understand so he pressed on. "Upon successful transfer of control to a new member of the Aristocracy, assuming it was not simply turned over to the next Tevinter Diplomat who came along…Taxes would be levied in order to change affairs within the associated lands to suit the new owner's tastes. Such taxes would invariably make things harder on those who lived there. Paid staff, such as they are, would likely be hired and fired carelessly in order to satisfy the new owner. And while yes, the slaves you seem to care for would be freed…it is almost certain that no provisions would be made for them by the new land owner. They would be helpless."

Harry wanted to bark and snap at the man, and might have, even given the man's calm and polite assistance so far. Were it not that the slave girl had begun to weep harder at the mention of the new circumstances she'd likely find herself in. Being free was immensely preferable in general to being a slave, but not when it would see you cast out, without home, food, clothing or any other resources to allow you the chance to improve your life. Freedom in that fashion would be a death sentence for many.

Harry sighed in aggravation, looking to Hermione and Merrill. "What do you two think. It's sounding like I don't really have an option."

Hermione, to his surprise, as he now found himself apparently owning several slaves, snorted in amusement. "Honestly Harry, how is it we always find ourselves in such absurd positions?" She laughed, before shaking her head and sighing. "It's not like you could have responded any other way Harry. So this will need to be dealt with. Though I suppose this means we're going on a detour now?"

He nodded, relaxing somewhat at her tacit approval. "How about you Merrill?"

"We have to help these people, I can't imagine how many more there might be like her if this man was a land owner…I think you did the right thing." She assured him.

He nodded, considering the girl who was rapidly calming, as they seemed to turn away from simply abandoning her now. "How many others like her are in the city?" He asked. "Where are this…man's, lands and such?"

The Magistrate cocked his head. "Are you asking if he had more slaves with him, or if there are other slaves belonging to others in the city. The answer either way is no. Magister Alomandavus came to the city today in the company of her, and a small unit of mercenaries. Who are waiting outside the gate for his return. It is likely that word has already reached them of what has happened. As their contract was with him…well I would not expect them to remain long."

He shrugged then paced slightly as he thought. "His lands are not far really. There is a large bay just east of here, which meets the Frostback Mountains. His lands were a single large island within that bay which encompassed a couple small towns as I recall, a number of farms, a mine and his estate. In addition to a great deal of forest, tractable land and admittedly a bit of swamp. The people of the island will be informed of your coming should you accept. They are…known to be a somewhat odd people, being a mixture of Fereldens and Orlesians for the most part, but accepted as hard working folk when they venture here."

Harry sighed. "I guess we'll be headed there next, we will need to get matters sorted, if we're ever to see to our…other matters." Harry hedged, not really looking to announce what they were up to in the middle of a crowded market. "How do we get there?"

"Boats depart for the island from a small village known as Mur Blanc. It is likely the…former owner's personal vessel will be there waiting for his return. Messages will be sent by rider ahead of you so they do not trouble you." The magistrate offered.

Harry eyed him suspiciously. "Why are you so helpful…"

The man simply chuckled. "I told you did I not, you 'inherited' that chein's titles as well as his property. You may not be a diplomat of Tevinter, as that is a title only they may bestow, however you have gained the title of Earl of the Isle of Blackwell. As well as the associated title as a Chevalier of the realm. Congratulations…You outrank me." He noted dryly.

Harry groaned. "Great, just what I needed, titles! Am I wrong in assuming these titles come with expectations…Merlin! I just inherited a bunch of slaves, what in the—"

Hermione spoke up cutting off his tirade. "Harry, we'll see to that soon enough knowing you. Just keep it together and we'll all get it sorted."

The magistrate nodded. "She is right ser. As a man of standing you must now look to maintaining your poise, at the very least it will help you manage in troubles to come. Now, as…interesting as this was I believe I would like to get you out of my city for a while if at all possible, lest you cause even more havoc." The man joked lightly. "I will have a guard ensure you are seen safely to your newly inherited transportation, so you may be on your way. As you are mages, am I right to assume you have the girl's health in hand?"

Harry nodded, Hermione had become very talented at healing magic, that didn't even take into account Merrill's talents, which he was largely unaware of, or the potions stockpile they had in the tent.

"Very well, Guard Sergeant?" The man called to a loitering watchman. "See these four out the gate to the former emissary's wagons would you? Good day to you all." he murmured that last before walking away gesturing for the Templars to follow him. Which they did grudgingly. It didn't escape Harry's notice the Tevinter was still passed out face down on the ground. He wasn't feeling a pressing need to wake him. If the man got rolled for his clothes before he woke, he wouldn't shed a tear.

Finally Harry turned to regard the girls, and he softened seeing the slave girl had basically cried herself unconscious. Not that he blamed her, she was sporting a lot of bruises and had been through quite a shock just now he was sure.

"Mione, if you could get her on a stretcher and float her along with us that'd be appreciated, we'll set camp outside the wall tonight I think and see about fixing her up. Merrill if you could keep her company I want to discuss something with the guardsman."

Hermione nodded, then chuckled. "Try not to break him Harry."

Now Lirris was confused. She'd found the little band of Eluvian hunters alright. It wasn't that hard, considering she'd known they were headed for the stables near the east gate. Add to that the duel the male managed to get himself into with that Magister trash and there might as well have been a beam of light from the sky showing their position.

At first she'd assumed the duel was merely a spat between two mages, over some perceived insult, and, she learned in a way it was, but it had resulted from the male she'd been tailing objecting to the Tevinter's treatment of his slave. If she'd been there she likely would have tried to slip a knife in the bastard herself!

However that was not what confused her, not even the start. Many people objected to slavery, and it was comforting that this group searching for Eluvians were among them. However this largely unassuming human mage from the south had utterly dominated a high ranking Magister from Tevinter in personal combat.

Then, in the aftermath, during which time she'd hidden herself from view so as to continue listening in, he'd expressed apparent disbelief at the legal repercussions of the duel. How was it, that a relatively finely dressed, exceedingly well trained Mage, was so utterly ignorant of duelling custom? It was her impression Mages always knew such things in case they ended up fighting each other…though that may have been a mistaken assumption on her part.

She'd then watched in astonishment as the male grudgingly accepted his circumstances and requested the female human provide a stretcher. Just where he thought the woman would get one had been a mystery until the woman had conjured one from thin air.

Now, as she stood quietly in the shadows she watched as the male approached the guard summoned to see them from the city. "Excuse me officer?" He greeted quietly as he approached the watchman.

The watchman in question gave him a funny look upon determining he was in fact referring to him, "I am sorry ser, but I am not an Officer, I only have the rank of Sergeant." The man admitted in poor common.

The young man apologized. "Not your fault, where I hail from all law enforcement personnel are referred to as officer." Lirris made a note of that, perhaps it would tell Briala just where these people came from? "Regardless I just wanted to ask if we'll be safe should we make camp a short distance outside the wall. This…girl, needs healing and we wish to see to that sooner rather than later."

The watchman nodded. "Ah, yes, you will be safe. There is much space for travelling merchants within sight of the wall. And bandits do not dare attack so close to us."

The young man bobbed his head in acceptance, but his expression hardened. "If I may ask, why is it that all are safe from bandits so long as they are in sight of the walls, but the Watch did nothing as this girl was beaten in the streets?"

The Guard sighed. "Bad business that, no? Were the man simply a traveller, or even a citizen of Jader we would have stepped in, however we are well aware of that chein, and the immunity his position affords him. We could do nothing without risking Tevinter's ire, or our own lives for striking an Aristocrat. It is good, yes? That you stepped in, another mage capable of challenging him? A watch officer would have been killed easily by such a skilled mage."

The young man seemed to ease as the watchman explained. Lirris was less certain, what the watchman said was true, to an extent, many would have stepped in. But many more wouldn't, simply because she had been a Knife Ear. "Very well," The man accepted. "If you'll see us to the gates, we'll set camp a short distance from the gates."

Lirris watched them until they were out of sight. She'd need to update that message for Briala before she sent it off. And then she'd catch up to these ones outside the gate. Something told her it would be a long night. But first...As her quarry exited the city she looked around before stepping from the shadows, just long enough to plant her boot in the still unconscious Tevinter man's crotch before hurrying off.

Author's Note: And that's all I wrote. Sadly. Still not sure why I gave up on this idea. May need to revisit it. Finally, as remarked upon in previous chapter's notes. The PM notification email feature of FF is not working at present. As such should you desire to see any replies I might make to your reviews, please check the site itself.