This isn't an impulse decision. Or: some of it is impulse. Yesterday they still weren't certain whether or not to go through with it. There's rarely a good time to become a Grey Warden, by any objective standard, but surely this is among the worst, and even at the best times it isn't meant to be a kindness. It's not mercy or charity. But whatever is happening in the west is going to keep happening, it seems, while they stand by and wait—and in the meantime, here's someone they can save.

He comes alone. Five Wardens descending on a dying man will make people talk; better make sure it's not for nothing.

Directed to the right door by a servant, he opens it without knocking, but doesn't look surprised to find more than one person inside. Adelaide gets a glance, Dorian a tight and minimal smile, and Alistair inclines his head toward the sleeping figure in the bed without moving inside from the doorway.

"I need to talk to him alone."