The Inquisition grooms are well equipped to see to the horses of those personnel leaving on the voyage, but that doesn't mean Loghain is willing to leave Kirkwall without first stopping by Sooty's stall to say his farewells to the mare in person. He is, however, unprepared to find Alistair waiting for him like some dread bulwark to be scaled--to say nothing of the words that he delivers.

A direct punch to Loghain's nose might have less impact. He stops short, blanching, a thousand-yard stare on his face, and says with an intake of breath, "--what?" The rest of Alistair's words don't register, at least not immediately.