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Zeva awoke before the sunrise and rolled over, feeling a warm body lying next to her.

She opened her eyes and saw that Leliana had slept next to her all night. And to think I believed her to be crazy, Zeva thought, reaching over and brushing a lock of hair out of the Sister's eyes. She had treated Zeva with such kindness the night before, holding her as she cried, softly singing her to sleep.

Leliana's eyes opened slowly and she smiled warmly at Zeva. "How are you feeling this morning, Zeva? Better?"

"I need to apologize to you." Zeva said softly. "I treated you unkindly back in Lothering and you did not deserve it."

"No need to explain, my dear." Leliana said kindly. "I have heard of what happened to your fellows at Ostagar and I cannot imagine how you are feeling right now."

"No, please let me tell you what has happened," Zeva began and for the next couple of hours, she gave Leliana the entire story of the attack on the castle, her journey to Ostagar, and her relationship with Duncan. The red-haired Sister sat and held her hand, never interrupting her.

"So this Howe, he was the one who sent the soldiers after you in Lothering?" Leliana asked, shaking her head in disgust.

"Yes, and I know that he is not done with me yet." Zeva added. "And now I will be dealing with him alone, as Duncan obviously feels my concerns are not his." She wiped fresh tears from her eyes.

Leliana grabbed Zeva's arms and pulled her close. "You will never be alone, my friend. I shall not allow this man to hurt you anymore. Neither will Alistair, Sten or Morrigan. And no matter what your Commander says now, he does care greatly for you and I cannot imagine he will ever leave your side. Just be patient and he will come around.

After all," She added with a laugh, "he is just a man. You have to lead them by the nose every once in awhile, no?"

o~~~~~~~~o

The women left the tent once the sun came up and headed into the forest to wash themselves. Morrigan was already at the creek and the three returned to camp together, to find Alistair cooking breakfast.

Duncan stood on the other side of the camp, speaking quietly with Sten. He looked up when the women arrived, hoping that Zeva would glance his way. She didn't. Instead she headed over to Alistair and ruffled his hair, bringing a sharp pang of pain to Duncan's heart.

"Good morning, Sunshine," Zeva said, laughing softly as she sat down on the tree stump next to Alistair.

"Hey!" he exclaimed, "Watch the hair! It takes me forever to get it right each morning!" His heart leapt at the touch of her hand.

"And, what a wonderful job you do, sir!" Zeva said, looking into the cooking pot hanging over the fire. She wrinkled her nose distastefully and asked, "What exactly are you making? It looks... grey."

"It's Fereldan lamb and pea porridge," Alistair explained, a broad smile on his face. "It's quite easy to make. You just mix all the ingredients together and cook it until it's a uniform color. Then you know it's ready."

"Well... great," Zeva said cautiously. "Why don't I head out and catch some meat? I was known as quite the hunter in Highever." She was surprised to realize that the memory of home wasn't quite as painful as it had once been.

"Well, if you really think we need it," Alistair said quietly as Zeva stood to leave.

She laughed, "Don't worry. I'll be right back and we can use the meat as an addition to your porridge."

Zeva turned and whistled to Nihlus, who came running immediately. She grabbed her bow and headed toward the forest when Duncan stepped into her path. "Morning, Duncan," she mumbled, not meeting his eyes. "If you'll excuse me, I am off to find some food that doesn't make me want to run from the campfire." She jerked her thumb in the direction of Alistair and his strange concoction.

Duncan looked nervously at her, "Would you like some company?"

"I have company, Commander," Zeva said flatly, looking down at the hound beside her. "Nihlus will be with me."

Zeva made to move past Duncan, but he grabbed her arm and turned her toward him. "Please don't shut me out, Zeva. I need you," he said softly.

Her eyes filling with tears, Zeva met his gaze. "And I needed you, Duncan. Where did that get me? You pushed me away."

Zeva drew in a shaky breath and spoke carefully, "I understand your reasons. I really do. We both have duties to Ferelden. I just happen to think that we can fulfill those duties together easier than we could apart.

Maybe you feel we rushed into this too fast. I do not doubt my own affections; however, I think you need to take some time to decide just what your feelings are. I want to believe you need me, but if you think it will be that easy to get me to trust you again, to really open myself to you, you are greatly mistaken."

Zeva smiled weakly, "If you want this relationship to be truly real, you are going to have to prove that to me. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to catch something to eat before Alistair poisons us all."

Zeva turned and headed into the forest, Nihlus close behind. Duncan turned and headed back into camp, relieved that he had been given another chance to win Zeva for his own. He just needed time.

o~~~~~~~~o

Zeva and her companions were in good spirits as they headed for Redcliffe. The tension between Duncan and Zeva had dissipated, and they walked along, sharing stories of their time apart. Nihlus had pulled Duncan into the Wilds following the battle at Ostagar and was discovered by a traveling band of Chasind headed to Lothering. There had been a healer amongst them, who had saved the Warden with his magic. The Chasind took Duncan to the village with them, and released him into the Revered Mother's care.

"I cannot believe that bastard is still tracking you," Duncan said, as he and Zeva discussed Howe's men. "Well, there is no way he will get anywhere near you. I promise you that, Zeva." Duncan said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

She looked at him warmly and replied, "I appreciate that, Duncan. However, you and I both know that we will eventually meet him again. And when we do, I WILL finish this!"

Duncan nodded and spoke softly, "And I will be there beside you. You will not fight this alone. I swear." Zeva felt her heart flip at his words and smiled gratefully.

Their conversation was interrupted by Alistair, who had silently moved to Zeva's side. He had been unusually quiet during their travels, and as the town of Redcliffe came into view, he approached Zeva and spoke gently. "Look. Can we talk for a moment?"

Zeva stopped and motioned for Duncan to move on. He looked between the two Wardens, and walked ahead, a frown creasing his brow.

Alistair looked down at his shuffling feet. "I need to tell you something I...uh... probably should have told you earlier."

"I'm not going to like this, am I?" Zeva said, crossing her arms over her chest.

"I don't know. I doubt it. I've never liked it, that's for sure." Alistair said, shrugging his shoulders. "Well, let's see.. how do I tell you this?"

He looked up and met Zeva's gaze "We are almost at Redcliffe. Did I tell you how I know Arl Eamon exactly?"

Zeva lifted her eyebrows and answered, a small smile on her face, "I hope this isn't something sordid."

Alistair looked at her, confusion evident on his face. "Uh, no, why would you think that? Wait! Don't answer that! Just let me finish."

He began speaking very quickly, as though he was afraid he would lose the nerve if he paused. "I'm a bastard. My mother was a serving girl at Redcliffe castle. And she died when I was born. Arl Eamon took me in and raised me before I was sent to the Chantry. The reason he did that was because.. well.. because my father was King Maric, which made Cailan my half brother, I suppose."

"Doesn't that make you the heir to the throne?" Zeva said quietly.

Alistair gasped, "Makers Breath, I hope not! I don't think so. You don't think so, do you? I'm a bastard and nobody even knows about me."

His voice grew quiet, and he looked at Zeva apologetically. "I would have told you, but.. it never really meant anything to me. I was inconvenient, a possible threat to Cailan's rule, and so they kept me secret. I never talked about it to anyone. Everyone who knew either resented me for it or they coddled me. Even Duncan kept me out of the fighting because of it. I didn't want you to know for as long as possible. I'm sorry."

Zeva reached out and took his hand in hers, smiling warmly at him. "I think I understand."

A blush crept up his neck and he grinned awkwardly. "Ah, good! I'm glad. It's not like I got special treatment for it anyhow. Arl Eamon eventually married a young woman from Orlais, in spite of all the problems it caused with the king so soon after the war. He loved her a great deal.

Anyway, the new Arlessa resented the rumors that pegged me as his bastard. They weren't true, but they still existed. The Arl didn't care, but she did. So off I was packed to the nearest monastery at age 10. Just as well, the Arlessa made sure the castle wasn't a home to me by that point. She despised me."

Zeva felt her blood begin to boil. "What an awful thing to do to a child!" she spat. She knew Isolde Guerrin and had always found the woman to be annoyingly prudish. However, she never would have imagined her to be so cruel.

Shrugging, Alistair continued, "Maybe. She felt threatened by my presence, I can see that now. I can't say I blame her. She wondered if the rumors were true herself, I bet.

I remember I had an amulet with Andraste's holy symbol on it. The only thing I had of my mother's. I was so furious as being sent away, I tore it off and threw it against the wall and it shattered. Stupid, stupid thing to do."

Zeva tightened her grip on his hand, and moved closer to him. He smiled sadly and continued. "The Arl came by the monastery a few times to see how I was, but I was stubborn. I hated it there and blamed him for everything. Eventually, he just stopped coming."

"Why keep it a secret now?" Zeva asked.

Alistair frowned slightly. "My blood has never been important to me. I've spent my whole life trying to forget about it and being told I would never sit on the throne. And that's fine by me. No, if there's an heir to be found, it's Arl Eamon himself. He's not of royal blood, but he is Cailan's uncle and more importantly, very popular with the people. Though, if he's really as sick as we've heard. Oh, no, I don't want to think about that."

Releasing a deep breath, Alistair pulled his hand away slowly, looking deeply into Zeva's eyes. "So, there you have it. Now can we just move on and I'll pretend you still think I'm some NOBODY who was lucky enough not to die with the rest of the Grey Wardens?"

"And what does that make me?" Zeva said, cocking her eyebrow.

His brown eyes softening, Alistair whispered before turning away and moving back to the party, "The reason why I said I was lucky."

Well, isn't that interesting... thought Morrigan, who was listening intently a few feet away. It seems our Warden Commander may have more to worry about than the Blight.

o~~~~~~~~o

As the travelers prepared to cross the bridge into Redcliffe, a young man ran up to greet them. "I thought I saw travelers coming down the road, though I scarcely believed it. Have you come to help us?" he asked breathlessly.

Duncan moved forward. "What do you mean? Is there a problem?"

The young man looked panicked. "So, you.. you don't know? Has nobody out there heard?"

"I've heard Arl Eamon is sick, if that's what you mean" Duncan replied.

"We are under attack!" he cried. "Monsters come out of the castle every night and attack us until dawn. Everyone has been fighting... and dying. We've no army to defend us, no Arl and no King to send us help. So many are dead and those who are left are terrified they are next."

Alistair spoke up. "Hold on! What is this evil that is attacking you?"

The man took a steadying breath and spoke slower, "I..I..I don't rightly know., I am sorry. Nobody does."

"I should take you to Bann Teagan," he said. "He's all that is holding us together. He'll want to see you."

"Bann Teagan, Arl Eamon's brother? He is here?" Alistair asked quickly.

The soldier turned toward the village, addressing Alistair. "Yes, it's not far. If you'll come with me."

Teagan, Zeva thought wistfully, I haven't seen him in quite awhile. At least they have someone capable in charge.

Bann Teagan Guerrin had been one of her mother's highest choices for Zeva's husband, once Nate had left for the Free Marches. She had always liked the man, and she was very pleased to know he was safe. She glanced sidelong at Duncan. This could work to her advantage.

Morrigan noted the look on her friend's face and smiled mischievously. My, my! Our little Grey Warden is more worldly than I realized, she thought to herself.

o~~~~~~~~o

Fear filled the air in Redcliffe Village. As they were led to the Chantry, Duncan and the party noticed the panicked expressions on so many faces. No one appeared to have slept in days. Zeva's heart broke at the looks of desperation that met her wherever she looked. Something had to be done for these people.

Zeva recognized Teagan as soon as she entered the Chantry. He was a striking man, with dark amber hair and bright green eyes. His smile was contagious, and Zeva had always loved spending time with him.

His usual mirth was absent today, however, and she was greatly saddened to see the look of fatigue covering his handsome features.

"It's Tomas, isn't it?" Bann Teagan said to their guide as the group approached him.

Teagan's eyes traveled over Duncan and Morrigan, who were at the front of the group, and spoke to Tomas, "And who are these people with you? They are obviously not simple travelers."

"No, Milord," the soldier said respectfully. "They have just arrived and I thought you would want to see them."

"Well, done, Tomas." he said, turning to the party, "Greetings friends. My name is Teagan, Bann of Rainesfere, brother to the Arl."

Alistair, spoke up from his place next to Zeva. "I remember you, Bann Teagan. Though the last time we met I was a lot younger and covered in mud."

"Covered in mud?" Teagan said questioningly. His eyes opened in surprised as realization struck him, "Alistair? It is you, isn't it? You're alive! This is wonderful news!"

Alistair smiled sadly, "Still alive, yes, though not for long if Teyrn Loghain has anything to say about it."

"Indeed," Teagan said in disgust. "Loghain would have us believe all Grey Wardens died along with my nephew, among other things."

"You don't believe Loghain's lies?" Duncan queried.

Teagan glanced at the Warden Commander. "What? That he pulled his men in order to save them.? That Cailan risked everything in the name of glory? Hmmph - hardly. Loghain calls the Grey Wardens traitors, murderers of the King. I don't believe it. It is an act of a desperate man."

He smiled at Duncan. "So you are a Grey Warden as well?"

Alistair answered him. "I'm sorry, Bann Teagan. I should introduce my companions. This is my Warden Commander, Duncan, and Morrigan is the mage next to him. Next to her is Leliana, a Chantry Sister from Lothering and Sten, A Qunari soldier. And this," he said turning to Zeva," is our newest Warden..."

"Zeva!" Teagan exclaimed and brushed past Duncan to stand before the young woman. "Is it really you?"

Zeva smiled sweetly, "Yes, Teagan, it is I. I am so glad to see you are unharmed."

"Maker!" Teagan cried and pulled Zeva into his arms, holding her tightly. She heard a sharp gasp and looked over Teagan's shoulder to see Alistair staring at her, eyes wide open. She closed her eyes and melted into Teagan's arms, slowly rubbing her hand up his back.

Morrigan moved closer to Duncan, who was growing angrier by the second, and whispered, "Now that is a proper greeting, wouldn't you say? Much better than some I have seen of late." Duncan glared at her, then returned his attention to the embracing couple.

After a long moment, Teagan pulled back, arms still encircling her, and smiled warmly into her eyes. "I heard what happened at Highever, my dear. I am so very sorry."

"Thank you, Teagan." Zeva said softly. "I still have no idea what has happened to Fergus."

"Your brother is a fine soldier, as are you." he said gently. "I have no doubt he still lives. And you will be reunited eventually. Is it true that Howe was behind this?"

"Oh, Teagan," Zeva said, her voice shaking, "if only you knew the things that had happened! No, I wouldn't wish that on you. You have so many problems of your own. Yes, Howe is behind this, and he will pay with his life when I find him."

A loud cough pulled them back to reality. Duncan moved forward, placing himself directly before the pair. "We need to see your brother immediately, Bann Teagan. If you would be so kind as to direct us to him."

Zeva could see the rage flashing in his eyes and it thrilled her.

With a final longing look at Zeva, Teagan pulled away, facing the Warden Commander. "You're here to see my brother. Unfortunately that might be a problem."

Teagan drew in a deep breath and looked at Alistair. "Eamon is gravely ill. No one has heard from the castle in days. No guards patrol the walls, and no one has responded to my shouts."

Duncan spoke, "Tomas said something about monsters?"

"Yes," Teagan said, "The attacks started a few nights ago. Evil... things surged from the castle. We drove them back but many perished during the assault."

"What evil things are you talking about?" Zeva asked.

Teagan looked at her, revulsion wrinkling his brow. "Some call them the walking dead; decomposing corpses returning to life with a hunger for human flesh."

He shuddered and continued, "they hit again the next night. Each night they come in greater numbers. With Cailan dead and Loghain starting a war over the throne, no one responds to my urgent calls for help."

He sighed deeply and turned back to Alistair. "I have a feeling tonight's assault will be the worst yet. Alistair, I hate to ask, but I desperately need the help of you and your friends."

Zeva glanced at Duncan, who nodded emphatically. "Teagan," she said. "Of course we will stand with you. How could we ever allow this slaughter to continue?"

"Thank you, thank you," Teagan said, taking her hands in his. "This means more to me than you can guess."

He turned to the soldier. "Tomas, please tell Murdock what transpired, then return to your post."

Releasing Zeva's hands, Teagan turned to Duncan. "Now then, there is much to do before night falls. I've put two men in charge of the defense outside. Murdock, the village mayor is outside the Chantry. Ser Perth, one of Eamon's knights, is just up the hill at the windmill, watching the castle. You may discuss with them the preparations for the upcoming battle."

"We will do what must be done," Duncan said, turning from Teagan.

As the party started to leave, Teagan grasped Zeva's arm, stopping her. "If I may, Milady, I would like a moment of your time."

"Of course," Zeva said. "Duncan, you can head into town without me. I will be but a moment."

"No, we will wait for you here," he said, glaring at the Bann. Teagan retuned the glare, unfazed.

Zeva turned back to Teagan. "What did you need, Teagan?"

"I fear for your safety, Zeva." Teagan said softly, so no one could overhear. "I hate that you have been pulled into my problems. Would you stay here at the Chantry with me tonight, protecting the villagers?"

Zeva smiled softly, "I cannot, Teagan. I have a duty as a Grey Warden and my companions need me. We will keep your village safe, I promise. Then we shall enter the castle and rescue Eamon, Isolde and Connor."

She turned away and returned to her comrades. Duncan moved aside to let her pass and gave Teagan one last angry look before leaving the Chantry.

Teagan looked after Zeva. She is truly a remarkable woman, he thought. But that Warden Commander - he seemed very possessive of her, didn't he?

o~~~~~~~~o

The party spoke with Murdock, the mayor, outside the Chantry. He said the local blacksmith, Owen, had locked himself in the smithy and refused to aid the soldiers. Apparently his daughter, Valenna, was one of the Arlessa's maids and her father had not heard from her since the undead began attacking. In his grief, Owen had taken to drinking heavily and could not be persuaded to open the door.

There was a second issue the mayor requested be addressed. A local Dwarven merchant, Dwyn, refused to come out and help the infantry defend the village. Murdock felt that Dwyn's presence would give moral support to the fighting men, and asked that the companions speak with him.

Zeva turned to Duncan and cocked an eyebrow. "So, would you like the uncooperative dwarf or the drunken blacksmith?"

Duncan couldn't help but smile. "I think I'll take the dwarf. I am sure you could can charm your way into the smithy."

"Oh, charm is my specialty, you know." Zeva said sweetly. "Morrigan, Leli, come with me please. We can let the men take care of Dwyn." With a toss of her hair, Zeva headed toward Owen's home.

Duncan stood a moment, watching her swaying hips as she walked away, feeling himself harden. Maker, she knows just what to do to me, he thought.

o~~~~~~~~o

Zeva had indeed convinced Owen to open the smithy door, and procured his aid in repairing the armor of the soldiers, promising she would look for his daughter in the castle while she was there.

Duncan and his group had been successful in recruiting Dwyn for the fight, as well; all it took was a little 'persuasion' on Sten's part. The Qunari was quite impressive, and Duncan was glad for his companionship.

Upon reuniting, the band had given their reports to Murdock and went looking for Ser Perth and the other Redcliffe knights. As they walked toward the windmill, they came across the local tavern.

Inside, they met a rather suspicious elf named Berwick. Zeva approached him and used her many charms to get him to admit that he had been hired by a representative of Rendon Howe's to watch over Redcliffe castle and report back any changes. He gave her a letter detailing his Howe's instructions.

"Damned lazy bastards!" Zeva exclaimed as they walked from the tavern. She had 'recruited' two more members for the militia, the tavern owner Lloyd and the spy, Berwick. Neither one had been happy about it, but Duncan was impressed with Zeva's ability to persuade others, both with smiles and threats. She made a wonderful Grey Warden.

After providing Ser Perth with symbols of Andraste from Sister Hannah and arranging for barrels of oil to be brought from the village shop to aid in defending the village, Duncan and the Wardens headed back to the Chantry to finalize their plans with Bann Teagan. The rest of the party stayed behind with the knights to prepare for the battle ahead.

As they headed back to the Chantry, Duncan said casually, "So, Zeva, have you known Bann Teagan long?"

Zeva hid her smile and answered, "Why, yes, actually. My father and Arl Eamon were friends for many years. I spent a lot of time in Redcliffe castle when I was a teenager."

"I see," Duncan added. "You two seem quite close."

Alistair agreed. "I had no idea you knew the Arl and his family so well."

"Truth be told," Zeva added. "Teagan was on the list my mother made of potential marital matches for me."

She heard Duncan' s low growl at this comment, but it was Alistair who spoke up. "Really? Was there an official arrangement?" His face, Zeva noticed, had gone quite red.

"No," she said quietly. "I am sure it would have come up eventually, but they died before any plans could be made."

Alistair put his hand on Zeva's arm. "I am so sorry, Zeva. I keep forgetting about what you have been through, and I open my mouth and swallow my boots all of the time."

Zeva laughed lightly. "Alistair, you have been so very kind to me through all of this. I don't think I could ever hold anything you said against you. I loved my parents, but they are gone. They would want me to keep living and seek vengeance for them. I shall do that."

They reached the Chantry door and Zeva stepped in first. Teagan greeted her warmly, taking her hands in his and kissing her knuckles.

"Thank you so much for all of your help, Milady." Teagan said gently. "Ser Perth and Murdock have both sent word of the wonderful things you have done to aid us. I knew I could count on you."

"Yes, well," Duncan spoke sternly, "we should be getting back to the others, Zeva." His eyes met Teagan's and a challenging look passed between them. "We just wanted to make sure you had everything you needed, Bann Teagan."

"I think," Teagan said, and glanced at Zeva, "I have everything I could possibly need." He returned his gaze to Duncan. "Maker watch over you and thank you again for all of your help, Commander."

The three Grey Wardens wished Teagan well and headed from the Chantry.

o~~~~~~~~o

The battle began shortly after sundown. Hordes of undead attacked the companions and the knights, attempting to reach the village. Morrigan and Leliana provided cover support with staff and bow, while the others took the fight to the creatures. Duncan and Zeva fought back to back, each wielding dual blades, their movements a perfect mirror of each other.

Wave after wave of the creatures came, slowed by the burning oil drums. Finally, as the last skeleton fell, a soldier came from the village proper.

"Help! The creatures are coming up from the lake! They are swarming the militia positioned at the Chantry! Come quickly!" the man yelled. Zeva, Duncan, Morrigan and Nihlus followed the soldier down the hill while the others stayed to protect the entrance to the village.

They were greeted by several more waves of respawned corpses, and Zeva could feel her strength waning. She fought on, though and it wasn't long before the last of the creatures fell to her blades. When they knew the battle was finally won, a collective shout of joy was heard around the village square.

Teagan came running from his place by the lake and grabbed Zeva, pulling her to him and holding her tightly. "Zeva, I can't believe you did it!" he cried happily. "You saved them all!"

"No," she said softly and gently pulled herself from his embrace. "This village defended itself. We merely aided. You have kept them alive until now, and you should be very proud."

Duncan came up behind her and said softly, "Zeva, we should get back to camp. We have a long day ahead and I think we could all use some rest, don't you?"

"I think it might be best if Zeva stayed here in the village tonight." Teagan spoke up, staring at Duncan angrily. " I won't have the rescuer of this village sleeping on the cold ground."

"Really?" Duncan asked, his voice rising slightly, "And just where would you have her sleep?"

Leliana stepped up and spoke quietly, "Now, gentlemen, there is no need to argue, is there? I think Zeva will be sleeping in my tent this evening. After all, she is wounded and Morrigan and I can look after her best, no? Now, come along, my dear. Morrigan needs to tend your wounds."

With that, the Sister pulled Zeva from between the two men and headed back to camp, Alistair looked confused as he walked alongside. "What did I miss?" he asked with a whine. "Oh, come on, Leli, no one ever tells me anything!"

Duncan turned to go and Teagan caught his arm. "I don't know what your game is, Warden, but know this. I have loved Zeva Cousland for many years and I have no intention of stepping aside for anyone."

"Really?" Duncan spat back. "Zeva is a Grey Warden now, and that means she stays with me. I think your odds of success are quite slim. And I intend to make sure it stays that way."

o~~~~~~~~o

Captain Ferris trembled as he knocked on the door to Arl Howe's office. After witnessing what had happened to the last man to upset the Arl, he was not looking forward to delivering the Wardens' message.

"Come in," he heard Howe say and he entered the room, bowing to his master.

"Ah, Captain Ferris," Howe drawled from behind his desk. "I assume you have news for me? I did tell you not to come back until you had completed your mission."

"Yes, Ser," Captain Ferris said. "We made contact with Lady Cousland in the town of Lothering."

Howe jumped up from his seat. "You did! Where is she? You made sure she was unharmed, correct?"

"Yes, Ser, she was unharmed." Ferris said, his voice beginning to fail him. "However, there has been a... complication in bringing her home, I am afraid."

Howe's countenance darkened dangerously. "Complication? And what would that be exactly, Captain?"

Ferris could feel his heart throbbing in his chest. "Well, Arl Howe, there were several companions with Lady Cousland and they overwhelmed our men. She... got away, Ser."

Howe advanced on the man and threw him against the door. "Got away? How could you manage to lose one woman, Ferris? Are all of my men idiots?"

"Also, Lady Cousland had a message for me to deliver to you, Ser," the captain said shakily.

"Really?" Howe asked, "and what was that message, Captain"

"S-she said she was c-coming for you, S-ser. And you would be s-sorry for what h-happened to her family." Ferris stuttered.

Howe came closer to the Captain. "The only thing I am sorry for," he said in a deadly voice, "is that I have such incompetent fools under my employ! Now GET OUT before I decide I no longer have need of your services! And send Reginald in at once."

"Yes, Ser!" Ferris said and hurried from the room.

Reginald appeared immediately. "What can I do for you, Milord?" he asked

"Reginald, the Lady Cousland is alive!" Howe said happily.

"Ser, that is wonderful!" Reginald replied. "Am I to assume she will be arriving shortly?"

"Well, there has been a slight hitch in the plans." Howe began. "Apparently our men are fools who could not manage to bring her back to me. So it seems we will need to seek help elsewhere."

Reginald nodded, for he knew what would come next.

"Summon the Antivan immediately. Our friends, the Crows, have yet another job to do."