Judy as always THANK You... your reviews motivate.

As I followed both men down the stairs to what the natives of Kirkwall called dark town, I found myself appreciating Darragh's and Alton's wisdom. The idea of allowing the hunter among us to actually do her job was paying off.

And I had a new favorite food, one that I would have to bring back to the Vigil when we returned. The small hand pies were perfect for consuming on the road. I had consumed four right after we got them causing Alton to laugh at men and purchase more.

Twice Teyrn broke away from us and traveled back to the north stars as if there was something I was supposed to see. I had to promise him that when we were done, we would go back and check it out before my hound would leave his spot at the top of the stairs.

To the east of us lay only waist high railing to stop you from falling into the sea. The wind coming in from the open face of the cliffs did little for warmth but at least it helped in a small way in to bring in fresh air to the putrid under city. I had to wonder how many Ferelden people were down here.

We had followed the railing and the dogs until we probably walked the entire span of the city. We were directly south of where Teryrn was trying to go earlier. Our hounds lead us past a surly woman who told us if we didn't like Darktown we could die and make room. But that was the most interaction we received as most of the people looked at us with dead eyes as we passed.

As we followed the dogs down another flight of stairs, we entered what could only be described as square alcove going nowhere. Again, this city with stairs that lead to dead ends severed only to confuse and frustrate. I noticed the change in the dogs immediately. We must have cornered our thief.

Darragh drew one of his blades and pulled back the curtain exposing the three occupants to the gusty sea wind and causing the fire to splutter.

"Well don't just stand there letting the warmth out," the elven year-old girl snapped irritated.

Alton and I exchanged glances and tried not to smile.

Darragh sheathed his blade and stepped into the makeshift home, commanding Enid to stay and guard. I motioned for Teyrn to stay with her and gave each dog one of my hand pies. With a snap and a gulp, they were gone and replaced by happy pants. Alton and I followed Darragh behind the cloth barrier.

I took only a moment to look around the makeshift hovel my gaze lingering on the woman against the wall. Her face was distorted by greenish purple bruises, split lip and an eye so swollen it was matted shut. I could also just make out the finger marks against the pale skin of her throat. There were probably more under the skimpy and torn garments she wore.

I could sympathize with the pain she must be in. I could remember a few times I looked like her. But I was in a war fighting with demons and Darkspwan, not trying to provide for my children. The defiant tilt of her chin when I looked too close told me her spirt hadn't been totally broken yet.

"I see your mother finally returned home, child." I said turning to the eleven-year-old girl.

She was definitely her mother's daughter, right down to the way she held her head and clinched her jaw.

Alton handed me the waxed parcel the street vendor had tied the extra pies in and murmured in my ear about sitting outside on the stairs with the hounds. I watched Darragh follow him out beyond the blanket barrier.

I could see the fear in the woman's eyes as I drew near her youngest daughter. She even tried to get up off the floor when I knelt down next to the unkempt blond. I noticed the battered stuffed animal and smiled. I pulled one of the meat pies out of the wrapping and said, "I'll trade you this for your mabari."

I saw the hope in her face as she looked at the food. And yet she tearfully hugged the dirty thing to her chest and as the tear rolled down her face, she shook her head no.

I handed her the pie and ruffled her hair, "Good for you little one. No matter what is offered you never betray a friend."

She took the food almost reverently and bit into it and in three quick bites, the food was gone. I handed her another. She hadn't finished chewing before she started stuffing the next one in her mouth. By the time, she was four bites into the second pie she had finally stopped long enough to chew.

"What is your friend's name?"

"Blackie." She replied looking at her mother.

I watched the woman now that she was finally on her feet and noticed other signs of abuse. Turning my attention back to the youngest daughter I said, "What an interesting name. I bet you named him all by yourself."

"No my papa helped me. He said when I got bigger, I could have a real one. But papa's dead. He died fighting the spwan."

"Have you ever seen a real one?" I asked and when she shook her head no I said, "Would you like too? My mabari is just on the other side of the blanket. Why don't you take another pie and go say hello to Teyrn and Enid? My men will make sure nothing will happen to you."

'No please, she is only six. Do not do this. Ill pleasure your men," the woman pleaded.

I put another pie in the little girl's hand and pushed her beyond the barrier grabbing the arm of her older sister. "And why do you think that would be my goal. Maybe I intend to kill you and your oldest for stealing from me and don't want her to see it."