#earthrunes

"So.....?" asking her to finish the sentence.

"Pushy."

"He thinks he shall be in charge, nu?"

August looks crestfallen. "But we, you, will know he is not. And, I will speak with him before we offer to include him."

"...He has done a fair amount of work, granted."

".... And these are just the notes he shared with me." August offers them trustingly. "I'm sure he knows more."

She takes the notes to look them over.

It's a tantalizing mix of confirmation of what she knew, or suspected, and a few hints of more.......

"Gardens... surely not Bergen... oh, he would, Caesar has housing there...."

"Caesar? Is he in danger??"

"I do not know."

"We should contact him, do you have his number?"

"Or.... oh. That would... perhaps .... tip off those we do not wish to make aware?"

"I think we keep an eye on him, but, aye... perhaps best not to stir the pot."

August exhales, clearly worried for a worthy man but in agreement with Zara.

She reaches out to pat his hand.

He smiles, a warm reward.

"You see here.... how extensive the network is?" He points to the maps with his free hand. "Surely it's better to take as many of those involved as we can?"

"Aye. But we must needs address Tantalus, or it will re-grow."

August nods, serious. "What do you want to do?"

"I want to stop Tantalus."

"I wish to end this abomination."

"So.. my comfort level matters less than the work."

"I am sure Count Jude will not release him again. Not with the crimes committed right in Duke Tieron's lands."

"I intend to bind him with Fate."

"Jude had his chance, why turn him over? Nay - old rules. Release that Karma which he has earned."

August looks uncomfortable.

"The last time, we had no means to hold him, no means to keep him from harming others."

"My skills have increased."

A very fond smile. "I know."

"So - this would not be prison, but consequences."

"If he harms, harm returns upon him"

"If... he does NOT harm..."

Footsteps. It's Earl. Zara can hear the slump in his stance.

"Well, if he does no harm, no further harm will befall him. Is that not just?"

Earl peeks in "Hey, Zara I.. oh. Pardon. I've interrupted"

"An eye for...." A sigh, then he looks up. "Oh, hello Earl."

A soft smile.

"He obviously learned nothing, did not rehabilitate in Jude's mirrors.."

The smile fades to troubled again.

"Hello, August. How are .." Then he hears the whisper of the subject "Tantalus eh?" A scowl

"Aye."

"He cannot be allowed to harm again. And I cannot think of another solution that does not involve geas - which is enslavement - or death, which is anathema."

August nods slowly. "Are you sure you wish to take this burden on yourself? I could find someone else...."

"I know few who are more able to cast this than I."

Earl leans against the door frame arching a brow

"Know you one better at Soothsay?"

"Not damn many" Earl says proudly "You could give my Uncle a run for his money at Soothsay"

"Not, ah, personally." He admits. "I could find someone....."

"But I have a connection to Tantalus, for I have known him and used magic upon him previous."