"So you hung this man?"

I was steadying Nathaniel as we walked the Keep. I had my right arm tight around his waist and his left hand in my left. He was slow, favoring his left leg, but determined to get it working again.

"Yes. I'm not happy that I had to do it, but it's done." His hand gave mine a squeeze. "He gave me a name. I think that I'll head to Denerim as soon as I can. I have a contact there who's familiar with the Crows."

"What about our most gracious king?" We had come to the formal dining room. It was a ridiculously large room, but there were niches around the corridor leading to it. These were furnished with couches and some were even curtained. Howe didn't strike me as the orgy type, so who knows why they were there. We sat and Nathaniel propped up his leg.

"What about him?"

"Isn't he going to be visiting the Keep? With betrothed in tow?" I lifted my head and looked at him, stung.

"Nathaniel. What is that supposed to mean?" He shook his head.

"Nothing. Forget I said anything."

"Fine. Let's get you back to your room. I think I'm done walking." He sighed and we headed back.

After I had deposited him in his room, I went to find Mistress Woolsey. The talk I had with Anders the night before had cleared my head. I felt like I was waking up out of a stupor. A coil of sadness I had gotten used to unwound.

She was in her office, as she usually was. She looked up from her eternal ledgers when I entered the open door. "Ah, Commander. I was about look for you."

"Yes? Is there a problem?"

"No, I wouldn't call it a problem. Are you aware that a small village has sprung up against the Keep's walls?"

"I didn't know that. Is this an issue of some sort? Seems like we have more people than places for them to live."

"Of course. The Keep also has plenty of room as well. No, what I wanted to mention is the children. There are a lot of them and only a few adults who aren't working at the Keep. I was approached to see if we can find something for them to do."

"Hm. Well, I noticed the ballroom today. I'm not exactly planning on throwing many balls. Perhaps there is a tutor or a teacher in Amaranthine who's in need of work."

"That would suit, Commander. Will that be all?"

"Actually, I wanted to talk to you about finances. I'm driving myself crazy managing everything down to the last detail. You know my wishes and what I would want. Except for big expenditures, I'm going to leave it to you."

Not much reaction from her, but then I didn't expect much. She merely nodded. "Of course, Commander. You'll sign the papers as usual?"

"Yes, that sounds fine. Thank you, Mistress Woolsey."

After I left her I found Varel and Garevel. More delegating. Turns out I could do this. Garevel would be in charge of all training and Varel would be in charge of minor administration. I felt a great burden lift off of my shoulders. I could concentrate on finding this Crow Master and what had happened to Zevran.

I wandered back to my study, mentally making lists of what I needed for my trip. Supplies, who to take, what condition my weapons and armor were in, my mind was occupied as I sat at my desk. So occupied that I did not hear Bevin enter.

He cleared his throat and I looked up, surprised. He seemed to have grown and looked very official in his livery. Wait, I had liveried staff? When had that happened?

"Um, yes, Commander. A letter for you." He held the letter out, an earnest smile on his face.

"Thank you Bevin. How are you getting on in your training?"

"Oh, I like it! I'm getting better, I am! I practice every day with the guards."

I smiled. Ah, the resilience of youth. I looked at the letter. It bore the official seal of the king. I smiled again, feeling slightly foolish. I sent Bevin on his way and cracked open the letter.

He was on his way to Amaranthine. In five, maybe six days, the entourage would arrive. An official state visit of king and betrothed. I sighed and reread his description of her. Amandine. She sounded sweet.

My heart ached a little at the thought of him marrying. Perhaps I should just concentrate on work. Spending time moping, well, I'd done enough of that. I tucked his letter into a drawer and went to make arrangements. I figured that if I left after midday, I could be back in time.

I poked my head into Edan's room. I wanted a dress made, a very specific dress. After I explained what I wanted and why, he smiled. Then I stopped by Wade's forge to order a very specific belt buckle. I would have to go to Antiva, and a plan was forming in my mind. These supplies would be necessary to rescue Zevran if my fears of his safety were true.

Anders, Oghren, and I left after the midday meal. Oghren wanted to visit Felsi in Denerim. Anders had decided that I needed a minder, that if he wasn't with me, someone would suffer a catastrophic injury.

"It's your own fault, Commander, really it is." Anders smirked in his self-satisfied way. "You rush in where even Andraste fears to tread. Someone has to keep you safe."

Oghren laughed and thumped me on the back. "Sparkle fingers has a point there, boss. Only you need old Oghren at your back instead of a magicker in a dress."

Maker, this was going to be a long few days. Anders just laughed and went on with his speech on how dresses, or mage robes more specifically, make trysts easier. We made good time, though, and were back within three days.

As I made my way to my rooms, I mulled over what Ignacio had told me. Pietro Zistri was a guildmaster within the Crows. He had a reputation for being unstable and blood-thirsty, even for a Crow. I was right, I would have to go to Antiva.

The Keep was quiet and I was occupied with my thoughts. I kindled a lamp in my room and prepared to go to bed. I closed my door, turned around and was startled. There, in my bed, was the snoring form of Alistair.