#elsewhere

"I worry she might see me as a traitor" but she looks at the puppy in her herr hands

"The Baron would not allow harm to the dog."

"You?" She shrugs. "You are in a difficult position."

"Well, yes. I suppose " She concedes

"I cannot take you home with us "

"I understand that" she assures "Do either of you have a number to a freehold you trust?"

"That's why I am considering Silver wolf."

"Mine Hunter?"

"I did some work for them, so yes. I can place a call for them" Earl says as they finally close in onn the Stop and Go.

Hey, a sale on insta tea!

Noce-wrinkle.

they see Clem's pick up

Earl opens the door

Then opens Zara's side, like a gent

Zara exits.

As does.. what IS her name anyway?

Clem comes out, "Well, this is a fine kettle of fish. " She moves strraight to Earl "You're so thread bare a strong cold wind could blink you out"

"You see why we couldn't come home."

"I.." the varich blinks "I seem to be a bit of a hot potato"

"You are."

Clem says "Well, first things first" She thunks her cousin on the skull , passing glamour along

"OW" he says rubbing but brighter

"Serves you right, that fellow you sent tried to fight his way out. Lucky no one got hurt worse than that"

"He is Oathed." Zara frowns. "Know you him?"

"Järnbryn" the Varich says "his name is Järnbryn"

Earl smartphone plays the tune to 'Fancy', and he gives it a look "It's .. our redheaded friend. " then he types back

"How did he come to serve the... manor?"

That tune plays again....

"Sworn to Sir Demyon ap Varich I believe, in exchange for what I know not," the Varich says

"Well, that is a story to learn."

"And you?"

"Are there Oaths that bind you?"

"none beyond being a Varich, ad I am free to decide what that means" She says proudly "I suppose since we ae about to part, I should ive you my name? Halina"

"Lovely name" Clem says then looks at Zara "We can'tt have her eiher. We ain't ready for that. Järnbryn is gonna be trouble enough"

"I know..."

"Clementine, could you get us to Dark Gate? Or Silver Wolf?"

"Well, Flickerflash isn't MY Nack, Zara ..." Clem says "Earl is who we pester... for that"

"I can do it" Earl says "thanks to the recharge..."

"I know, but... exactly."

"And I have my suspicions about Järnbryn."

Halina raises a brow "Zara and earl? I was right about the fake names" Pleased wiht herself

"It was not his intent to invade - it was his intent to honorably do the duty his oath bound him to."

Clem winces "Sorry, Zara"

A sigh. "Aye."

"Well, not like I can do harm now" Halina says "Look, Clem is it? If you could arrange transport we'd be most grateful, but if you can't, please see to this puppy... and I'll try to .. hittchhike"

Clem whispers "You didn't tell me she was a likable Varich. She's saving a puppy for Frey's sake"

"I know."

"well" Clem whispers "How do we help her withoutt risking Earl on the fade?"

"We need to find a place to take her, aye?"

"Blindfold her and escort her?" Clem ponders