How? I didn't realize I'd spoken out loud until the old woman shrugged, the crow complaining at her motion, wings flapping to regain his balance.

"Extreme circumstances require extreme measures." She pointed at the locket. "Made it simple enough to find you, though I already knew where they'd take you."

I should have been coherent, should have been able to whip myself back into shape and pull myself together. But I just couldn't manage the feat, still shaken by the ...