#elsewhere

He offers the paper. "When you're ready, then, Father."

He takes it, and rises "Now is fine, Frank. I don't want to restrain you"

"Let's go then." and off they go to the Rig.

Frank knows from his call that Brekke has been called by the Count to a duty and maybe gone for quite a few days.

And they get into the rig and frank drives. Where to?

To the Cathedral and/or cabin.

As they drive, and start to approach, the glamour fades from the man, and he looks about startled "Where am I? what..."

"S'ok, Father." Frank says calmly. "You were mugged. They got away with everything but you're not hurt too bad. My name's Frank. I'm taking you home."

"Oh yes.. I.. there were some brutes. I remember that much. You... good lord, .. Frank? DId you risk your life for me?"

"Not exactly."

"there werre knives..." he says "praise God. it's a miracle I'm still alive. Thannk you , Frank. I'll repay you for the gas. "

"Wouldn't hear of it, Father."

"these rigs do not run on air" He says "And it is the least i can do"

"Father, can we compromise? Donate the money you would give me to charity?"

A smile at that "what Charity would you prefer it go to?"

"What would assist your parish most?"

He ponders "There is a soup kitchen, and homeless shelter... they do good work. "

"Then donate to them, please."

"I shall"

they pull up at the Cathedrel parking lot. It has a few pot holes he can avoid

Which he does. "You will be alright from here, Father?"

"I will" he says "Frank, are you Catholic?"

"No, Sir."

'well, if you ever change your mind" He smiles "and you're welcome at anytime . Please, stay in touch. Oh, I should give you my contact information?"

"I'd be honored." Frank accepts "And you have mine."

He takes it "I'll let you know when the charity gets your kind donation"

"I look forward to hearing from you."

And he steps out, then, a bit of humor in his eyes, but kind humor, he blesses the truck

Frank bows his head for it!

Then, with a wave, he heads home.

On the way, he punches up the communications screen and dials Vali.

Vali's phone rings and rings...

then someone picks up, Tiffany "Yes?" she sounds tense

It takes him a beat to put it together. "Tiffany? I was calling for Vali. Is all well?"

"Oh yes... he's got all his arms and legs, the wounds are really rather lovely. But Hey, we got the ###ing hammer"

A long pause on Frank's end. "Would you mind if I came by, Tiffany?"

"wouldn't do you much good. We're at Coffeebutt"

It takes him a minute. "At the headquarters? I will still come by, if so, if you will allow me."

"COFFFEEBUUTT... you know, where the Raven caws. The Unicorn prances... I can't even.." She hangs up

VERY angry

or perhaps frustrated

Or both; Frank would understand that. He turns for the Teaneck court.

He arrives , going further in, and sees EVERY thing is on high alert. Enchantments to divert the unenchanted.

THane Isla, Scathach Sidhe, sees him pull up and puts a hand out as he parks

"Sir Franklyn? this is a very bad time"

she goes on as he does not respond "Mountain Vali is alive. we've had to spread our healers out after the attack. His wife, Thane tiffany, is here with their Son . the Mountain IS stable. At the Mountain's request, the hammer has been moved to Rivervale"

"Is Rivervale in danger?"

"Not according to our reports. Sir."

"If Vali can travel, I can take him back to Rivervale where he can rest and be healed."

"Our healers are thin. Please, follow me. We'll see what the Baron says" she guides him