#anywhere

"The most potent treasure we've had in our arsenal in decades, if the other Houses knew of it, they would stop at nothing to seize it to replinish their numbers" Duke Tierone says

The Duchess nods to the younger Duke, then looks at August, "It is by the Lantern's magic that your trueheart was returned to you. I read the omens, met the mortal... gave her a chance to avoid her fate, but Chloe DuBois was a cruel girl, dangerous to other mortals, and so...selected."

August swallows HARD... and a lot of information and feelings collide rather quickly.

With a nod, he accepts the Duchess's judgement of Chloe.

"It was ordained by fate that only when the lioness who went to war for Oaken love returned, would the lost banner house begin to gather again, in the shadow of the Giant's leap." SHe says

"And no, we did not figure out that that meant 'one giant leap for mankind' " Duke Tierone said.

"AHem.." Jude coughs

"Well, the count did." The youngster gives in

"The anniversary." August confirms.

Jude taps his nose "It's hardly just the trigger for this even.. things are happening fast now"

"Is there anything I should know?"

"So very much" Tierone says "FOr one thing...when will be best to present you before the Parliment of Dreams. What are you plans for the direction of the Banner House Truthbranch of the Greater House Liam? And... it would be best if you consulted with Baroness Derynwydd as well. She has every right to her part in this House if she wishes it, though I know she is skittish at times."

August's jaw drops.

"Oh, and there maybe a quest" Jude says "You're going to the great library. There's a book in your heritage you should bring back, or at least a copy of it. It will be a sign to many. No need to tell Zara I know. She'll just get grouchy."

Oh so she would!

"The.. The... Sacred Book of the Seven Barbed Joys?" weakly.

"That's the one," Jude says, "Consider it Truthbranch bonefides"