"Even as a crow, the knight is bound by his oath," explained the Court Wizard.
The bird could be mistaken for a silver taloned raven. It ruffled it's magnificent plumage as it bowed to the Queen.
"He vowed to find my niece and bring her home, but he has returned empty... winged. Why should I not have him baked in a pie?"
The crow cawed indignantly, "Because she's run off to learn magic and ornithology - she'll return once she graduates."