#earthrunes

"I'm not overly familiar with the Kingdom or Duchy. I read a bit before we left, of course."

"Of course" she takes another sample of her iced tea "Wouldn't be an August and Zara adventure without reading in there"

August smiles shyly and sips his own tea. "Will you tell me more of these problems you threw money at?"

"Oh that?" She waves like it is nothing "Local library was in danger of getting its funding cut because it was too 'woke'.... August, folks wanted to trim Huck Finn and 'are you there god, it's me, margret' off the list...so I funded it for a year with a large billboard nearby saying 'your government wants to ban these books' nearby. I suspect that much attention in huge words has some town council men cranky"

"I also had a company buy some medicine that was being over charged for at a discount read as REASONABLE rate, and had then sold it to individuals. My lawyer says I can do that. The company offered me money to NOT compete. ADORABLE. "

She looks a bit pleased despite her initial downplay

"Obviously I declined the 'non compete' deal"

His face lights up "Ah, speaking of heroes, you are a -true- heroine, Leonora. On behalf of librarians everywhere, I thank you."

"What can I say, you and Zara have gotten to me" a chuckle "But you're welcome. We'll see how it works out in a year." She knocks on wood nearby, then says "Honestly, it boggles my mind how ...scared folks get of stories and knowledge. "

"Stories have a strong grip, and knowledge is power."

"Well, I guess I can't argue with that, but book banners still strike me as cowards" An indelicate snort

"I agree."

She looks around "Zara, if you're listening, I hope you approve too"

She smiles, then admits to August "Honest to god, she could probably be right behind me at anytime of the day and I'd never notice unless she let me. Good thing I don't spook easily."

August nods. "One will not see Zara until she wishes you to."

"I've accepted that as a fact"

"Now, " She smiles "now that your back, what's on your docket?"

"Well, I should get Antony settled in. I have some reports to make, and receive. I need to check in with the bannerhouse, I'm sure there's work to be done that. And, I need to check in at the law clinic in Jefferson City."

"Anything you'd like help with?" She offers

"I don't suppose you need a page?"

She ponders this, then says "You know, it wouldn't kill me to have one. Do you mean Antony?"

"I do. He's a willing lad, pleasant.... a pooka, it should be said. His previous master is disgraced as a traitor, the worst kind, and the Duke thought it best he leave such connections behind him. I have to say, I don't think that's a bad idea."

"Well, if you vouch for him, I'd be happy to take him in. I'm not sure I'm always the steadiest mentor/knight, but if he needs me, I can try."

"Coradel wishes to meet him. May I advise a similar tact? Meet him, spend some time with him, see if you think it would be a good fit?"

"Sure, be delighted to" She nods

August nods. "Well, on that note... I should post these letters, and find Antony and Benny."

"I"ll leave you to it" She says "I'll be on patrol but be back in an hour"

"Good fortune attend you." he wishes.

"And you!" She heads off happily

And August goes to get his letters delivered, and to find his pages.

Benny is showing Antony around, "And that's why Emma has the best candy..." Then he sees August "My liege! Hi"

"Hello, sir" Antony bows

"Hello, Benny, Antony. How are you?"

Antony nods "Only three people hate me here"

"Nobody hates him," Benny says "And Miss Emma gave us some candied nuts"

"She is a healer, indeed." August approves "Would either of you like to go get an ice cream?"

"Oh wow" Benny clearly is pro ice cream, then he looks to Antony "You want to?"

Antony bobs his head YES YES YES, even as he says "I'd hate that!"

"Let's go then, my treat." August leads the boys out and to his Prius.

And out they go... both boys just sure August is the greatest hero EVAR

(pause)