#anywhere

Ardent Harbor is not Petalmourn's estate but it is a strong Liam holding... and it is here the message directed August.

It is suprising that during this summer time, the crowds here of mortals, enchanted and kinain alike, are light.

But of course, one guard does greet him, "Sir, follow me please"

August identifies himself when he arrives and follows a bit timidly.

"This is far as I go, sir," He gestures at the entrance of the Fairy's Wheel. A POTENT Ward is in place, and yet, August relizes that even the lowliest liam can enter. It is locked against those not of the House

August nods. "Thank you." And in he goes.

Voices can be heard, "...going to be so pissed at us all..."

"He's a Liam, he will understand House Loyalty and restoration of what we have lost" A female voice this time

August is careful, looking for someone to announce him, tapping at a door, whatever is there.

A younger voice, "This is our best chance for expansion and he'll see that even if he dislikes the politics of it. Let's not pretend we don't have ambition, he'll see through that and it's insulting to us all to deny.." Duke Tierone, the Duke with no inheritance turns to see August, "Sir August, good to see you anew"

The passage is opened and he sees Count Jude, and yes Duchess Petalmourn.

He also sees, to his surprise, redcap liam Sir Gnaw, knight in service to the Countess Ruxandra of House Beaumayn (Who is as you know, Coradel's co liege).

August clears his throat. "Your Grace....you asked me to attend?"

He bows deeply to each in turn; Peatlamourn, Tierone, and Jude.

Indeed, there are two other lIam knights here. One troll, another sidhe. Neither of which has he met.

"I did, Sir August, and thank you for your promptness," The Duchess moves gently, "And you sent word through the good father that you wanted to see me as well"

He swallows. "I... yes, your Grace. Ah. I, ah... have .... notes." He indicates the bundle of paper and books under in his arms with a shrug.

"Oh, may I?" Jude offers his hand out, "Really, folks, he's got SMASHING Penmanship, it's a joy just to look at the words. "

"Of course...." He hands them over.

He glances over the notes, "Sir August has discovered TWO Satyrs..wearing the symbol."

Petalmourn smiles a bit "I thought he might."

Duke Tierone nods

August frets, but silently.

"Sir Tolk, if you would bring out the tapestry?" She asks the troll "And unfold it?"

A slightly torn tapestry is slowly unfolded and put on display , against the blue fire walls of the room that do not burn, it might be shadowed for a moment, but then...he sees it.

The symbol of Banner House Truthbranch! And under it, names listed not alphabetically, but by rule of the house...

his own at the top!

It is torn... but seems to be ever so slowly stitching.

August looks conflicted... and maybe a little sick?

"Would you like a drink? "Jude asks him, not unkindly

"No, thank you, Excellency. I just.... I'm not..." He runs out of words.

"You're overwhelmed" Duke Tierone says, the boy duke says "So where we as this all unfolded."

It is clear by the tapestry they knew more than he though. At least Duchess Petalmourn did

"I'm ... overcome." He replies. "You... you all knew?"

"I knew first..." Petalmourn says "And set things in motion. "

"I expanded the the plan," Duke Tierone said, "Set other political opportunities into effect. Encouraged Banner Houses to..well be legaliazed. "

"Recognized really" he corrects

"While she worked behind the scenes in coaxing fate and making sure the right things happened in your life, and the Duke worked with members of the parliment of dreams," Jude said, "Well, they both outrank me, and so I tried to make myself available to you at all times. You and Sparrow, mind."

"Of the knights, only Sir Gnaw really knew much and even he only a little so do be forgiving to them," Jude adds with a nod

August takes this in, a bit, and takes a breath. "Do I serve my House..... Do I serve my King in this?"

"You serve the House, no doubt" Jude says, and glances to Petalmourn

The Duchess looks at him, "Oh, August, you have served the King all your life...it's how you became titleless, serving him. But yes, our Highlord who speaks as head of the house... I have his blessing."

Jude mutters "mostly in a better to beg forgiveness than ask permission kind of way"

Duke Tierone gives Jude a look

The boy nods, focusing on the Duchess. "Then..." He swallows. "Then... I will go. I will serve."

"You will not be sworn to me, Sir August. Indeed... I am.. in your debt. For I have reached far to trigger the return of Banner House Truthbranch"

She lowers her lashes

"As you say, Your Grace."

"I... " A deep breath, "Remember you the Lantern?"

"I do."