#elsewhere

and Frank sees a tired looking Baron Kealan... there are dozens of wounded here. For kithain, that's a big number, he looks over "Mou.. pardon me, Sir Frank. we're quite swamped I'm afraid. we've actually run out of healers so priority is stablizing and letting everyone rest"

"I don't mean to intrude or be a burden, Baron. May I take Vali and Tiffany to Rivervale for healing? I will convey to the Hearth and Chieftess that we might be of assistance here if you will allow me to."

"Vali's very fragile, but if we can get him an easy ride, then that would help us yes. Some of those cookies maybe on the resturn. Gerd appeared here when Vali texted her... but she was ordered to take the hammer and go back right away. I don't know the whole story, and i really hate that, but apparently your hold has some protection we do not and they won't dare try a raid there"

"THey being thallins" he clarifies

The story unfolds. Apparently whatever is keyed to the War Hammer, a whole number of Thallians gathered to make an attempt to take it back... the forces of Teaneck won, none of their own dying, but in large part to Vali appearing just in time and alerting them to what was supposed to be a surprise raid

Frank nods. "My most sincere apologies to you and your holding, Baron, for what I have allowed to happen. I am indebted to you."

"Frank... you didn't ALLOW this. I rule here. I took the hammer when it was offered and might have if it hadn't, as would be my right of demense. You foiled them the first time, we foiled them the second. This is not your fault. In fact, you are forbidden to blame yourself while in my barony" A bit of humor, but he clearly means it

"Vali's blaming himself too... both of you, doing my barony a good turn, then blaming yourself for the actions of thallian. As sspy master it's MY Job to see this shit coming. so leave me my share of the blame, if there is blame to be had among the innocent"

"My Rig has a berth in it. Vali will fit. Tiffany is welcome to take her own transportation back if she wishes or I would be honored to transport her. I have a donation of dross for your Barony. And the name of a Dreamer, should you wish to have it."

"We'l repay you on the dross.. it'll help for the healing, but we'll repay you" He says "As for the dreamer, happy to have one if he's in our land. " He motions "Come on, I'll lead you to Vali"

"The dross is a gift, Baron. The Dreamer resides on the border between the two baronies."

And he follows Kealan.

"Then I'll haggle over him or her with your wife later" They come to an area. Vali looks a very pale shade of blue. Tiffany is holding his hand.

Frank pauses in the doorway.

"Pardon us.." The Baron says "But Sir Franklyn is here"

"Frank?" Vali says softly "everything okay?"

"Of course." He steps in "You're going to be fine. Would you like me to bring you home?" he asks both of the Gardeners.

TIffany gives Frank a huff

"Tiffany , honey" Vali croaks, "Be nice. I explained things to you" then he looks to Frank "Yes, please. I'm taxing the resources here too much"

Frank nods. "Happy and honored to. Baron, do you have a pallet or gurney?"

"Yes we do" The baron motions and two burly boggan guys bring one up. Soon Vali is slipped on it, and they cart Vali out. Tiffany motions to margilita, who helps carry theon, and they all depart . Vali says "Before you slide me in the back, Frank. I want to apologize. I gave you half assed intell. Didn't see the mortal at all. "

"Nothing to apologize for, Vali. You did what you could. Let's get you in the berth."

"I think the mortal you saved is going to ... do good things. Hadvisions while recovering... can't say much, but I see.. goodness? would have been worse if he died for more than just him"

They slide him in the Berth

Tiffany looks at Frank "I'm going in with my damsel" And does so

"Of course." he agrees quietly with Tiffany, and if welcome he will help Margilita with the baby into the front seat.

"Strictly speaking, we can't have the baby without a seat but I can put a Veil over you both, if you will allow me?"

Margilita says "Furking thanks"

And agrees to it. She looks more worried than anything

Frank breaks a little dross to cast the cantrip, and hands the envelope with the rest to Kealan along with the name and address of the Dreamer. "I will be happy to make introductions when you wish and with who you wish." quietly "He expects that I will contact him as we left things."

"Godspeed, and thank you all. Rivervale remains the heart of honor in the County"

"I will pass your words to the Chieftess, Baron." and he gets in the cab himself.

And soon they are on the way back to Rivervale.

***to RV