It had been a long trek from Ostagar all the way up to Highever, and Duncan so far had only one recruit to show for it. Ser Jory is a good man and a good fighter, but Duncan has his misgivings concerning how suited he is to being a Grey Warden--misgivings he cannot allow to influence his judgement. They are far too desperate.

But they are at Highever, now, and there will be Denerim after that. Duncan is speaking with the Teyrn when he catches a glimpse of movement out of the corner of his eye and turns to see who it is that just entered the room.