#earthrunes

"Let's just say I am but one of three mentors to Adam an I think we are out numbered. He's got a right to be angry, but I'm deathly afraid either he's going Dauntain or his parents will"

"Have you told your mother?" He asks immediately.

"Not yet. I am doing more readings. Looking over notes for the Seer. But that's not why you came here. Have a seat, father. What's up?"

"This is more important, Magnus. How much time does he spend away from the Freehold?"

"More lately. The area of the farm school isn't IN the hold grounds technically"

"But Glamour to and from, and in the vicinity of a Freehold? Enchanted grounds?

"Are there signs there of Dauntain presence or effects?"

"Let's just say his mind is so narrow on some subjects I could shave with it. Dad? The reason you're here?"

"Magnus, the subject of Dauntain is more important and more urgent. What about his parents?"

"Father. It's not a Dauntain, it's a risk of Dauntainhood. I'm researching the dangers and am not prepared to give a full report. It would be sloppy"

An inhale. "Ah. Yes. On that note....."

"May I lean on your skills of investigation? I have two women I'd like to know more about."

"Oh?" He says "Good guys or bad guys? Or is that what you need to learn?"

"I don't know which, which is why I need to learn about them. I can't say very much about this but....." he passes a page over, which has the authoress's names on it ".... as much as you can tell me about them would be helpful."

he reads "Two romance novelists? Interesting."

A blink.

"Gold? She's quite successful. "

"I am not surprised."

"Now the other one, Talia is a quite the mystery" he says "A writer makes her Debut.. " he pulls out his lap top "And the reviews are not too harsh, but nor are they claiming she's the next Gold. In short, she's got an Above Average Virgin Novel. Now I enjoyed it a lot but she's no Nora Roberts."

"Above Average, ah, Virgin Novel? I wasn't aware of that as a category.....?

"I mean it as in Debut" A chuckle

"Ah. I see."

"What can you find out about her, and keep in confidence with me?"

"Which is intriguing.. because Shalimar has been handing out copies" The Fiona considers "yes, yes, I'll look into it"

"Thank you. Would, ah, would a retainer help to create... an understanding? Not that you would act otherwise but if a fig leaf is needed......"

"Pardon, now i'm not sure I'm digging YOUR lingo."

"A fig leaf is a.... a beard? A way of hiding in plain sight, somewhat."

"A retainer is a small fee that legally binds one operative to another, or to a client."

"Ah. Yes. I should have ..well.. you make it sound like these writers are very dangerous people. "

"But no no.. I have my own contacts and agents"

"I just meant... if a retainer would make it easier for you to avoid questions or put off accountability...."

"Naaaah" he says "Fiona man know no fear"

A sigh. "Of course not, but if it would help.... "

"It's okay, father. I enjoy these little challenges." he does look intrigued

"Magnus... it is vital what you learn remain in the strictest confidence between you and I."

"Father, you are absolutely no fun. " he says

"So I have been told." he agrees. "You can do this? In the strictest confidence?"

"I can, but understand, father. There are boggans by the score who loves to listen at doors. There are sluagh who are as skilled as any at prying. And Eiluned who are curious as fire is eager to consume. And each has magic cantrips, treasures, and chimera to aid them. I can be purely professional, do everything right, and there's still a chance someone will overhear it"

"I understand; just do the best you can."

"I always do" A smile

"Thank you, Magnus. And if I can help at all with your student.....?"

"IN truth... I think maybe the better person to send you after might be his mother. She's..hurting."

"Of course. Anything I can do to help." He means it.

"Talk to her, let her know you're willing to listen. She may try to wave it off, but she had some bad misteps in her first months as a satyress. I think she's starting to feel like a failure in all she does. She's separated from her husband temproarily, one reason her son is angry, and I don't be grudge him anger. It's way he punishes her for existing in any way but the way she approves that alarms me. It's very unfiona. Brenda thinks her son hates her, that she's destined to betray her husband's bed. And that she's crap at being a changeling."

"The Thomases. Adam." August puts his finger on it.

"Yes. Adam. And I fear I may have violated a trust"A frown "Though I didn't name him you did..."

"But Brenda needs help. I need to focus on her son."

August nods. "You will do better for me." He says with sureness. "I will go bump into Mrs. Thomas now."

"Thank you, Father. I appreciate the help"

"As I appreciate yours." August smiles and puts a hand on Magnus's shoulder.