And the chapter 11 is finally here. Sorry for long wait, but life is a bitch, as certain assassin likes to say. ^^ Thanks for all the reviews and faves. It really helped to keep me going.

Big thanks to Brelaina for betareading this, Eva Galana for consultation and Darkwinter for brainstorming.

Also, Air's fans: one of my favourite authors, Enaid Aderyn, wrote ridiculously awesome oneshot for a CMDA challenge 'meeting of the Wardens from different universes" - where Air meets her Sabhya. You really shouldn't miss it: http:/ www. fanfiction. net/s/7239278/1/Encounters_in_Lspace

Scarecrow

Travelling during the night and resting during the day and avoiding the main road proved to be an excellent idea. The terrain was bit more difficult, but on the other hand, there were no idiotic bandits and raiders. That itself would be worth it, even if their two Wardens could bear the heat.

Because they soon found out that the sun and Airam's milky skin didn't bode well together. While everyone else was slowly getting tanned, the poor boy got fried alive. Two hours without shirt and his back became dark red and covered with blisters. Fever and nausea followed. Wynne spent the rest of the day healing him. He wanted to protect himself by casting a permanent ice aura around himself, but Wynne was against such unnecessary use of energy. Instead, she gave him some balm for his face and hands and decided he had to wear a hat. And of course he didn't have his own so Wynne forced him to wear one of her horrid cowls.

Naturally, it was a permanent source of jokes and teasing. Airam was bearing it bravely, even coming with his own similes of what he looked like. It seemed that his biggest worry was that he would not be able to go to Antiva, as the northern country was even hotter than Ferelden.

"Better think about what we'll do when we reach Denerim," said Wynne one evening for what felt like a thousandth time.

"Why, I told you already, weren't you listening?"

Wynne raised her eyebrows at that cheekiness. "I was, I just don't think your answer was sufficient."

Airam sighed. "But I can't make any plans before I find out what's the situation is. We must find Jon first, he'll take us to Erwin and then we will think of what next."

"That is in fact quite sensible," he said and Airam smiled at him gratefully. "Denerim is Loghain's territory. We should be very careful and avoid being seen. I would be surprised if all the guards didn't already know what our brave Wardens look like and are instructed to kill them on the spot." And not just guards. The Crows as well.

"Who's this Erwin? You've never mentioned him before," joined Alistair.

"I haven't? He's one of the best mages I know. Used to be a head of Elites, but left the Tower five years ago. He was a friend, sort of. I really missed him, life was much more dull without him around. Irving recommended I go to him, seems he became rather a name in Denerim, but I'd go see him anyway."

"I still think we should go to the Magister Cimexe instead…"

"Bedbug?" Snarled Airam. "I hoped he was in the Tower during Uldred's rebellion."

"Warden!" Wynne was absolutely mortified.

"Yeah, yeah, sorry. But that guy is the worst elf-hater I've ever seen."

Wynne scowled. "Don't be so childish. I know he can be strict, but that's no reason to say something like that."

"Can be strict?" Airam stopped and turned to her, surprised and angry. "With all due respect, Gran, you don't know what you're talking about. He…" Closing his eyes, he took deep breath. "Whatever. It's all history now. I'm not going to discuss it. We're going to Erwin."

Wynne frowned, but didn't press the matter, and they didn't discuss it any more. But their stay in Denerim was not going to be boring – that much was clear already.

And if his formers comrades in arms decided to make problems too... The Crows must have found out about his betrayal long ago – and Denerim was the perfect place for trying to remove both him and the Wardens. Not only were there a lot of nice dark alleys and dirty inns, but also a lot of hungry beggars who wold gladly sell them out for a few coins. They should choose where they stay very carefully – big inns would be monitored by guards, small ones by Crows. He should plan this with Leliana. No need to worry his little Warden just yet, but they should have a plan...

oOo

Two nights marches later, they reached Gavrenham, the outskirts of Denerim. It was still two hours before sunrise, but it was already bustling with life, with travellers grouping in front of the gates, waiting to be let into the town. Many of them were refugees from bannorns occupied by darkspawn, hoping to start new life there. Others were merchants, swindlers and different charlatans that saw it as a perfect opportunity to get some coin. There were drunkards, beggars, whores – everything you could expect from such busy place during small hours.

He stopped and drew deep breath. "Ah, this smells almost like home."

Wynne and Leliana were disgusted, but Airam's eyes shone with interest. "Amazing! Is it going to be like this also in Denerim?"

"In certain parts and at certain time, yes, of course," he chuckled, but under Wynne's stare he quickly added "I would not suggest to go exploring it, however. It would just mean trouble."

"Oh." The crazy kid sounded disappointed.

"Ah, don't worry, there will be still enough fun," he offered helpfully.

"We are not here for fun," grumbled Sten in an annoyed voice.

"I suggest we have some rest in one of those inns and enter the town in the late afternoon," suggested Leliana, yawning. "Me and Zevran can…" She stopped as a child, a boy ten years old or so, approached them.

"Yes, child?"

"We don't have any money for you," snarled Morrigan. "So just get lost before I turn you into a toad."

"Message for you, serah Warden," said the child, giving Airam a note and bolting away immediately.

"Wait!" He turned to follow him, but Airam stopped him.

"It's all right, Zev. Better find an inn called the Silent Lady." He grinned at the note, fondly. "I don't know how or why, but Erwin is waiting for us there."

oOo

The Silent Lady was small, dirty, and the kind of place where nobody looks at you twice, and where guards never went, if they could help it. This could be a trap. But the crazy kid, as usual, didn't stop for a moment to consider it. Better be ready. On the other hand, if this wasn't a trap, then that Erwin guy was more clever than he'd expect from a mage.

"And he couldn't find a dirtier place? I'm sure he'd find one, if he looked really hard," snorted Alistair, and Wynne agreed.

"Don't touch anything. I doubt they've heard of cleaning here and the last thing we need is to get icterus."

Leliana was already talking to the proprietor, who nodded and waved to them to follow him. Hands on his daggers, he walked right behind Airam, just in case. The proprietor took them to the back of the inn, shot few careful glances around, then moved part of the wall.

"Get in, Wardens, and keep quiet," he whispered.

It seemed everyone here knew what they were; he didn't like it at all. But their crazy little leader had already walked in. Cursing below his breath, he followed him.

The proprietor took them into what looked like a small, dimly lit storeroom, with lots of shelves lining the walls. There didn't seem to be any other exit, besides the door. He looked around anxiously – should an enemy appear here, it would be very difficult to fight.

"I don't like this, Airam. How can you be so sure this note is from that friend of yours?" Leliana's words echoed his own worries.

"Because of the… wording he used," said the crazy kid evasively. He sneaked behind him and pulled the note from the boy's pocket. The poor kid didn't even notice until he tried to read it.

"Haedus - what language is that?"

"It's Arcanum, and it give it back, you thief," Airam sounded both angry and amused.

He was just going to say something witty, when he heard some movement in the corridor. He pulled out his daggers, melting into the shadows. The others, alarmed by his behaviour, quickly readied their weapons again. A moment later, the door quietly opened.

The man that entered was a mage, judging by the staff on his back, but dressed like a noble; approximately his age, a bit taller than Alistair; what the colour of his hair and eyes were couldn't be told in the dim light.

"Erwin!" Airam made few steps forward, but then stopped, a bit embarrassed and reached his hand. The man didn't have any such restrictions, and quickly closed the distance between them gave Airam a bear hug.

"You used to be bigger," said Airam with wide grin, when the man finally let him go.

"And you used to be much cuter," laughed Erwin.

He couldn't resist it. "What, even more than he is now?"

Erwin grinned. "You must be the elf assassin, right? Erm – Zevran Arainai, was it?" He asked. "Jowan told me about you, each of you," he explained when he saw their surprise.

"But there will be time to talk later. We've got to get you out of here first. Our beloved regent will hear about your arrival soon – if he hasn't already."

He closed the door behind him, and walked to the shelves. He put his hand on some spot and quietly muttered some spell. The shelf vanished; a small door appeared in its place.

Airam whistled. "An illusion spell? Awesome. You have to tell me how –"

"Yes, yes, later." Erwin took out a key from his pocket, unlocked the door and nodded to it. "Now get in there, quickly, before someone pops in. Carefully, there are steep steps."

It was good they were warned; it was more a steep ladder than flight of stairs. Erwin summoned a ball of light and then quickly lead them through a long tunnel. They were walking for at least one hour, when he finally stopped in front of what looked like a dead end. He cast the same spell as before, and a moment later they were in a cellar, where a group of people were already waiting for them. One of them was a familiar dark bloodmage, with broad smile on his face.

"Jon!"

"Glad to see you're still in one piece, my Warden."

For some reason it irritated him to no end, when he heard Jowan say that. Ridiculous. Why should he care? It's not as if he had any claim on the crazy kid. They were… friends, yes. Yes, he could accept that now. But nothing else. So why did he have this desire to throw the blood mage into that corridor, lock the door behind him and throw away the key?

They were quickly relieved of their backpacks and lead out and upstairs, into a very pleasant looking hall, and then further into a big saloon full of sofas and armchairs and soft cushions. They were seated there and served light food, sandwiches, salads, fruit – and very nice white wine, the best he had since he left Antiva. He made a mental note to ask what brand it was; he wouldn't have believed he would find something that good in Ferelden.

For a while, they were too busy eating and drinking for a talk, and Erwin and Jowan just sat there, quietly discussing something between themselves.

"Satisfied? Would you like anything else?" Asked Erwin, when they finally finished.

"Weeell… there were no cookies," said Airam accusingly.

Erwin raised an eyebrow at him. "For breakfast?"

"It's dinner for me. But I'll let it pass, today," said the crazy kid haughtily.

"Well then, in that case I guess we should –"

"Take a bath and go to sleep?" Suggested Airam.

"I fully support that one," Leliana yawned like a cat.

"A sensible decision at last," agreed Morrigan.

Jowan chuckled, but Erwin stared at them in disbelief, though his lips were twitching. "Amazing. I have to wonder how you came this far…"

"By foot," snapped Airam. "During the night. Which explains why we're tired. So unless you want to say that the Archdemon is in Denerim, it can wait."

"If it was already here, it would be too late anyway," joined Alistair.

"All right, all right, I give up. Everything's ready, don't worry." He pulled a rope near the fireplace and almost immediately a group of servants appeared. They took them to their rooms; and he was very pleased to find that Airam's room was right next door to his.

As promised, a bath was ready for him, but he was too tired and just scrubbed himself as quickly as possible, and threw himself onto the bed. He was awake just long enough to appreciate how comfortable it was and the soft fragrance of the sheets, before falling asleep.

oOo

Someone stopped in front of the door, someone wanted to get in. The Crows, he thought, they found me already. He quickly rolled out of the bed, grabbing his dagger from below the cushion, ready to throw it the moment the door opened.

He watched the door slowly open. How could the Crows possibly find him here so soon? He hesitated and lowered the dagger – which was good, because the next second the door finally opened, and in walked not a Crow, but Airam, holding a lot of packages.

"Ah, you're awake, pity, I hoped..." he began, but then stopped, looking at the dagger in his hand. "Is something wrong?"

"What? Of course not... oh, you mean the dagger... I was just practicing some moves, that's all." He put it away, unwilling to think about what had almost happened.

"Right." Airam didn't sound convinced. He dropped the packages on the bed, then sat down next to them. "You're afraid of the Crows, aren't you? You're afraid they'll use our stay in Denerim to hunt you down."

He grinned. Was he really so readable? "A bit, yes," he admitted, as there was no sense in denying it. "As should you. The contract on you is still valid, if I may remind you."

"I know. I'm not completely crazy, you know. But you really don't need to worry so much. We're safe here. I can't imagine a fool that would try to break in into Erwin's mansion... and I'm not going to let any evil birds hurt one of my friends. Not pigeons and definitely not Crows."

This time he laughed out loud. "Pigeons?"

"You're not the only one with bird problem here. Shale is worried that a big city like this will be all but swarmed by them."

His eyes are so beautiful like this, sparkling with joy and – he pushed that thought away. It was true, but he couldn't allow himself to -

"Zev? Are you all right?" Airam's voice was a bit worried now and he realised that he was staring at the boy's face.

He laughed again, trying to sound normal. "Yes, I am sorry. I was just thinking – about the Crows... But now I am more interested in why you were trying to sneak into my room while I was sleeping. If there is anything you wish to see, you only have to ask, you know that," he purred.

"Hm? What's so interesting in seeing you snoring?"

"I do not snore."

"And how would you know?" Airam laughed. "No, I just brought some things. This big one... and these three, it's the new armor. Made of the skin of that dragon that almost ate me. Arl Eamon had it done. Isn't it good that dragons are so big? They made four sets of it..."

He quickly unpacked it and ran his fingers greedily over the magnificent leather armor; it was truly a masterpiece, one like he never saw before, embedded with lyrium and runes and beautifully decorated; whoever did this was not only a master smith, but had the soul of a poet, too.

Airam watched him with amusement for a while, then he got up. "All right, then. I'll leave you so you can try it on. We're expected for a dinner within an hour, and then we'll have the war council. Erwin wants to discuss our plans and future steps..."

"Wait. There's one more package."

"Ah, that's... just a little gift from me."

Curious to see what it was and why his little Warden suddenly seemed so nervous, he unwrapped the package. He gasped. There was a big lump in his throat as he looked up at Airam again.

"For me?"

"Who else would be interested in Antivan boots?"

"But – how? Where did you find these? When?"

Airam chuckled, obviously very satisfied with the effect his present had. "I didn't find them. I found only a pack of leather, back in Haven – you remember that charming village, right? And when Jowan left, I gave it to him, together with those old boots you gave me, and ordered him to find the best bootmaker in Denerim. So you like them?"

"Do I like them? My dear friend, they are marvelous!"

He pressed them to his face, breathing in the familiar smell. They were truly exquisite; not like those in Antiva, those were more ornamented, lighter, just for show, while these were made by a practical Fereldan, boots that would last for years no matter where he was wearing them. And, he had to admit, though it surprised him – he started to appreciate that practicality more than Antivan décor.

"May I try them on?" He asked, almost piously.

"Yes, please."

They fitted perfectly. He grinned, remembering that evening in Redcliffe when the crazy kid asked him if he could keep his old boots. It seemed suspicious then, but not in his wildest dreams would he expect something like this.

"This, this is the best thing – nobody has ever done something like this for me. I... thank you."

The crazy kid shook his head. "No, I thank you, Zev. This is just a small thing..."

"Thank me? For what?" For almost killing you few minutes ago? The idea made his heart skip a beat.

"For making life more bearable," said Airam and for a second there was something in his eyes... but before he could recognize it, it was gone. "I really have to go now. Don't be late for lunch – remember there will be two hungry Grey Wardens. There won't be anything left, if you're late."

oOo

This Erwin guy was really quite clever – he really knew how the world turned. He explained what needed to be done with great patience. Neither Alistair nor Airam liked what they heard; their usually fearless leader looked like an embarrassed child.

"You can't be serious! Me, going to negotiate with nobles about sponsoring my army? What army, anyway? Lanaya is gathering elves, but I have no idea where they might be now; Arl Eamon has half the regiment; and now you tell me it's going to be more complicated with the mages, because some of them support Loghain!"

"And that is exactly why it's time to take it seriously," snapped Erwin. "If I understood it correctly, the Archdemon can appear at any moment. I will help you, but you're the Commander of the Grey. You're at the center of it, you and His Highness - "

"Please don't call me that," muttered Alistair, red as beet, but the mage ignored him.

"- whether you like it or not. People must realize the real danger, and you're the ones who has to do that."

"But I'm an elf! The nobles won't listen to me!"

"They will. You already have support of the Arl Eamon, that's a big help."

"Yes, but only because we saved his life."

"Only?" Erwin was rather irritated and frustrated by now. "Is he always dumb like this?" He asked Leliana.

"In some things, yes," she grinned.

"Look. You saved his life – that alone was enough to win you the support of his partners and relatives – and you know nobility, they are all related to each other. But you also ensured the testimony of the man hired to kill him, that was very clever move."

"It was?" Airam sounded genuinely surprised and Erwin laughed.

"Yes, even if you did it only to save your friend. I forgot to mention that part to the nobles, you know. So as long as you don't brag that you're best friends forever, they will remain impressed."

"See, Alistair! It was clever and impressive! Aren't you glad I didn't turn him over to Greagoir now?"

Jowan squirmed uncomfortably on his chair, casting a quick glance at Alistair. "Yes, yes, of course," muttered Alistair, who looked equally uncomfortable.

"Don't worry, I know you don't have any experience with finance. Took me a while to learn about it... and then I hired an accountant. All you have to do is meet with nobles and describe in most gruesome details what the darkspawn will do to them – and more importantly, to their property – if the Blight is not stopped. Some Banns, especially from the south, will support you."

Airam didn't seem any less worried. "But I don't have proper manners... "

"Perhaps Leliana can give a few lessons also to you?" Suggested Alistar innocently.

"No need," said Erwin, grinning. "His task will be to look like a soldier, rugged and stern..."

They all burst into laughing. Airam, rugged?

"There. See how well that would work?" The boy laughed, but sounded a bit embarrassed. It made him feel somehow... guilty. Their little leader didn't deserve this, even if Erwin was his friend.

"Ah, but you do not need that, my dear friend," he said. "Just act like your usual haughty self, yes? If they bother you, just give them one of those royal glares of yours... I'm pretty sure you could scare them off even better then a Crow Master with that."

Erwin chuckled. "Royal glares? So you've been practicing?"

"Practicing? You've been actually practicing it?"

"Yes, well, what else can a little elf do against bullies? All right, all right, I give up. Not that I have any chance, anyway. So when does this torture start?"

"Tomorrow, you're invited for a lunch."

"Who wants to go out?" Airam got up and stretched his arms. "Never thought I'd say this, but I need a walk. All this sitting is making me stiff."

They agreed and got up, but Erwin stopped them again. "Wait. I don't know if you realized it, but it's rather late already. Better leave it for tomorrow. All the shops and interesting places are already closed, anyway."

Airam was disappointed, but complied.

"But even tomorrow, you can't go all together. I don't know if anyone told you, but you're rather... eye-catching company. Especially when you're all together. Split into groups of two or three, don't go anywhere near the noble quarters, stick to the market and docks – merchants are your friends, remember that. The Blight is a loss-making business, so they want to see it over, and Loghain is doing nothing... And if I may suggest, leave your golem here. I doubt you will need it."

Shale glared at the mage with pure hate, then turned to Airam. "It isn't going to leave me with another mage, is it?"

"It – it spoke! Did you give it a command to speak? I didn't see it! You don't even hold the rod!"

"No, Shale, wait, don't squish him yet! That's right, Shale joined us only after we left Redcliffe, so Jowan wouldn't know. Let me introduce you properly, then. Shale, this is my friend Erwin McLam, and even though he's a mage, he's perfectly safe and he didn't mean to insult you at all. Isn't that right, Erwin?"

"What – of course, of course!" Erwin looked bewildered. "But how -?"

"Erwin, this is Shale of Honnleath. Her previous master was a mage and a total jerk. He was doing experiments on demons, trying to fuse them with living creatures... a jerk, as I said, who fully deserved to be squished – yes, Wynne, he did, don't give me that look. But the, ah, aftershock? I guess we can call it that, of the deed made Shale paralyzed. Conscious, but unable to move. When we came and used the rod, she regained her free will and agreed to help me with the Blight. Oh, and she doesn't like mages much. And pigeons."

"Yes, pigeons are such annoying dirty creatures, aren't they? I can't stand them more than rats, myself."

He couldn't say if Erwin was serious or if he only said that to win Shale's good graces, but it apparently worked, and Shale agreed to stay in the mansion.

Leliana said she wanted to visit the Chantry, and Wynne decided to join her. Alistair also had some private business, he said he wanted to check on someone he knew. Sten was appointed as his bodyguard. Morrigan said she wasn't interested in sightseeing, that all there was to be seen was a lot of dirty people.

And that left him, Airam and Rask. Well, he definitely wasn't going to protest. He also decided he should try to find a nice gift for Airam.

So it was easy to decide where to go first – the market place. Though it would also be dangerous. In the big crowds like this, it might seem that nobody looked at you twice, but he knew too well how treacherous that was. If any Crows noticed him or Airam, it would give them a perfect opportunity. He would have to be very careful, but he thought he could manage it.

Erwin gave Airam some lotion that would protect his skin – a gift for the Warden from someone equally pale, he explained. It was hard to believe that there was anyone with such milky-white skin as the boy, but he didn't ask.

oOo

The next day they got up at dawn, and after a very brief breakfast they left for the market.

It was fun watching Airam, how excited and amazed with everything he was. It was so obvious this was the first time he was in the town. And the Denerim market was perhaps not as glorious as in his beautiful Antiva, but it was big, and full of all possible goods: food and living stock, especially pigs, all kinds of household items, tools and weapons, clothes, miraculous tinctures, and Maker knew what else. Good thing they were together. He was pretty sure that if the boy was left alone, he would spend his money on things like cotton candy - which fascinated him to no ends, and they spent more than ten minutes just watching the guy spinning it. And then he would get lost and before the evening Denerim would be full of ice statues of foolish bandits that would try to rob him. He softly chuckled at the image.

And then he saw him.

And the man saw him.

For a second they glared at each other. Even at that distance he could see the confident smirk on the man's face. Then the man turned and vanished in the crowd.

"That was one of them, wasn't it?" Asked Airam softly. He looked at the boy, whose expression was serious now, like when they were in the battle.

"Yes. That was Ignacio, a Crow Master. Senior Master, even. I had no idea he was in Denerim."

"Is that bad?"

"Very bad. He's one of the worst Masters I know. If he's here, it means he's leading the Denerim cell."

"Do you think he'll try anything, I mean today? Now?"

He thought about it for a while. "No, I do not think so. We only saw him because he wanted us to see him. Why that might be, I do not know. But if he wanted to attack us, we would not notice him before we had dagger stuck in our chest, of that I'm sure."

Airam nodded. "Then let's walk around for a while, and then we'll slowly go back. Running away would only attract more attention to us. And I don't want them to think we're scared of them."

That wasn't a bad idea. They continued to walk around the market, checking different goods, but it wasn't half the fun any more. Brasca. His former comrades really had to destroy everything. Then, after a quarter of an hour or so, just when they wanted to return back, a little boy ran into them.

"Message for you, Ser."

This time he was ready and grabbed the kid's arm before he could bolt away. "Stay quiet, kid, or I'll feed to you to that mabari."

Rask growled at him in pure disgust, Eat him yourself, if you wish, I don't eat humans, but it looked sufficiently threatening to the kid.

Airam read the note and looked at the kid. "You're going to take back a reply. You will say, 'in half an hour'. Is that clear?"

The kid nodded. "Yes, Ser. In half an hour. Will be done. Can I go now?"

He let him go, and the boy ran away immediately, but he didn't care any more. "In half an hour?" He asked. Airam gave him the notice and he read it.

'Warden, if you are interested in Antivan business, meet me in the Gnawed Noble Tavern today at eleven p.m.' - he cursed under his breath and dragged the boy into the nearest side alley and slammed him into a wall.

"And you sent back the message you want to meet in half an hour? Are you crazy?"

"Why? I'm curious what this is about. Aren't you?" Airam didn't look scared at all.

"You're aware that you are this 'Antivan business', yes? This is probably a trap."

"No, I don't think so. If he wanted me dead, why send a messenger? There is something he wants from me and I want to know what it is."

"Forget it. We're going back, now."

Airam glared at him and pushed him aside. "If you're too much of a coward, Zev, I'll go by myself. Go and run back home, and tremble in fear for the rest of your life, if you wish. But I'm going."

He hit the wall, barely suppressing the urge to shake the boy. "This is not about courage! He is a Senior Master! You have no idea..." He stopped, frustrated. "Don't go there, Airam, please," he begged quietly after a while. I do not want to lose you, as well.

"And I am a saarebas, remember? A dangerous thing?"

Their eyes met. "I remember you disagreed with that, you said you were not dangerous."

"Generally speaking, no, I'm not. But I've never said I'm not dangerous for someone who threatens my friends."

"Airam, please. Let's go back to the Erwin's house. You need to get ready for that lunch with the nobles, no?"

"I made my decision, Zev, and I'm not taking it back. Are you with me or not?"

Stubborn fool. It would be easier to poison the crazy kid somehow and drag him home unconscious. It would hurt and the boy would hate him for it, but at least they would be both alive.

"And don't even think about it."

He looked at the boy, surprised. "About what?"

"About whatever it is you want to do to me that makes your eyes gleam like that. You think I haven't seen that look before? Especially on Greagoir."

He laughed and threw up his hands in defense. "All right. As you wish. Let's go to find that tavern, yes?" There was a slight chance that Ignacio wouldn't want to play according to someones rules. It was very slight chance, but he could still hope, no?

oOo

Apparently, Ignacio was not as proud as he hoped. When they reached the Gnawed Noble Tavern, they were already expected. Oh well. Hopefully they would survive this somehow. They were directed to one of the back rooms. He was almost as nervous as when he was assigned to his first solo job. That was the Rivaini prince... Unfortunately, this one would not be so pleasant.

There were only four lower rank Crows with Ignacio. His mood improved immediately. Of course, Ignacio himself was worth more than ten such rookies, but still, it increased their chance to survive.

"Warden. I see you received my message. Perhaps we have some things of common interest," drawled Ignacio in that annoying drowsy voice.

"As long as you do not try anything. I hope this is not a trap," he cut in, before Airam could say anything.

"Zevran, is it? You are Taliesen's responsibility, whoreson. Other Crows might want to kill you. For me, you are already dead."

Taliesen's responsibility? So it was Taliesen who was sent after him. He should have expected that. But still... Taliesen... But there would be time to think about Taliesen later. Now he must focus on keeping his little Warden alive, yes?

"Please, let's keep this civil," said Airam pleasantly. "So what it is you wanted to discuss?"

"Well, seeing as you proved to be quite resourceful, I thought you might be interested in business with the Crows."

Airam laughed. "You want to hire me to do your dirty jobs? Am I to believe I'm not your mark any more, then?"

"I have to point out that you were never my mark, Warden. Another was hired for that task, and failed. Badly." Ignacio didn't look at him or change the tone of his voice, and yet his contempt for a 'whoreson' that failed the mission and didn't even have enough dignity to die was clear to all of them. But before he could react on it, Airam cut in.

"And if I do this job for you, will the Crows leave me and my men alone?"

"I cannot promise that. The contract on you is still valid. But should the Master that concluded it ask for more help, maybe he will meet only silence. Provided you help us, of course."

"So what it is you want me to do and what can I expect for it?"

"Well... I will give you a scroll and should you read it, you will find a name there. If you then hear of an accident that suddenly happened to that person, come and inform me about it, and I will give you good coin."

"That's it?" Airam stared at Ignacio as if he just fell off the moon. "Wait, wait. Let me see if I got it right. I'm still one of your marks, but maybe you will not personally help to kill me. Maybe. If I turn into your obedient lapdog and do your killings for you. Right?"

His insides turned into ice as surely as if Airam cast a spell on him. Why did this crazy kid always chose the worst people for his cheekiness?

"Does that mean you're not interested?" Asked Ignacio rather stiffly.

Airam laughed. "If that's all you've got to offer."

"Then our business is finished. I wish you good luck, Warden. You will need it." Ignacio moved towards the door, clearly wanting to leave. It seemed they would get out of here alive, after all. Good. Good. When they are alone, he would have to explain a few things to the crazy kid, about not provoking the enemy when you're in a clear disadvantage...

But the crazy kid had other plans. "You know, Zev, I'm so disappointed. The Crows are nothing special really, are they?"

Ignacio's shoulders stiffened a bit, but he continued to the door, and was about to open it - only he couldn't. The handle was covered in the block of ice. Ignacio's four rookies immediately pulled out their weapons.

Brasca. He quickly assessed the situation. Best to get rid of those four first, then focus on Ignacio. If Airam can freeze him -

Ignacio raised his hand. "Aspettare." The four sheathed their weapons again, but remained ready. So did he.

"I do not wish to fight, Warden."

"Neither do I. But as you were so rude to leave in the middle of conversation, I had no other choice."

"Our conversation is over. There is nothing to discuss any more."

"No, your part of conversation is over. You aren't really so stupid to think I came only to listen to your pathetic offer?"

He must give it to the crazy kid – he was impressive. He didn't even as much as blink under Ignacio's stare, holding his head up, like some elven prince of old tales.

"... vecchio pazzo," he heard Ignacio mutter softly, but it didn't make any sense. His little Warden was perhaps quite crazy, but he definitely wasn't old.

The Crow Master waved his hand and the four guys obediently retreated to the other end of the room.

"All right, Warden. I am listening."

aspettare: wait

vecchio pazzo: old lunatic