Talking Dead problem

I got the Talking Dead quest, and made a crossbow.  I didn't see any way to equip it, so I figured that there would be an option to use it during the encounter with the necromancer.  i never saw any way to use it, and got killed.  

After leaving the hospital, I went back to the Forgotten Ruins.  I was told to make a new weapon.  so I did.  Now the quest says go to Harbrost Ruins, so it recognizes that i made the crossbow.  There is no way to equip the crossbow, it's not in my possessions.  

I ran this quest once a year ago, and don't remember any problems.  

What am I missing.  I don't want to go all the way there again and be in the same situation.  

Thanks,
Saffron