<strong>Thane and Finch  </strong><br/><br/>Both men became aware of a quiet presence at the open doorflap of the tent - and neither of them had noticed it being opened.  Rowan stood quite still in her robe, the hood drawn up over her hair, holding one hand out behind her in a "stay" gesture.<br/><br/>"Master Finch, your Holiness, you really must keep your voices down."  She pulled down her hood with one hand, and nodded oback ver her shoulder as she entered.  "Your Holiness's guards heard the commotion, were preparing to charge in when Your Holiness summoned me.  They are rather unskilled, but very very energetic."<br/><br/>Her gaze swept the interior, her head dipped slightly in respect when Thane caught her eye.  The gaze she fixed on Finch was cool.  "I, my aunt and my niece know of you.  We have not met."  Her tone suggested such a meeting would have been memorable and dramatic.<br/><br/>She... changed, subtly.  The way she carried herself went more passive, as though she was rising slightly from bent knees, sinking back from being on the balls of her feet.  A quick come hither gesture directed out of the tent and a young woman darted in, handed her a stack of tablets and parchments, then ducked back out.  A messenger used by crusade officials, awe and fear on her face.  Rowan was clearly making an impression on what passed for Thane's staff.  "A suitable force is waiting your Command, your Holiness."  She glanced at Finch again and said with some reluctance "Master Finch is worthy of his reputation.  May I suggest you allow him to accompany us?  I do know the way, we will arrive at nightfall, in time to make camp and rest for the night.  We will need it."  She had clearly anticipated his needs.  Or her needs, it was dawning on Thane that neither she nor the older witch had been very clear on why aid was being offered.