#fenixtj

An hour later, others try to slip in. An unsavory looking satyr portal passages in with a nocker by his side. They were clearly NOT expecting anyone to be here.

Jessica is far from asleep... she is on her feet and reaching for the intruders, seeking to incapacitate and capture as many as she can.

"Holy crap there's a troll here!" The satyr turns around trying to cast portal passage again while the nocker throws a net on Jessica

Jessica side steps the net as it grades her and throws a table fan at the saytr.

Well that did it. The satyr's cantrip is ruined and he looks dazed besides. The Nocker says "Wait furking wait..let us go and we'll pay you whatever he's paying you to guard this place!"

Jessica punches the nocker.

And he's out cold.

The satyr says "I really don't want to fight" His eyes wide

"Then lay down on your stomach like a starfish and don't move. "

And he does "We were just going to rob the place. I mean...we didn't actually get to take anything."

Jessica calls for back up to come take them away and to bring supplies to her. "Why Rob the place?" She asks.

"We heard this Duff guy might be something of a dealer in valued goods. Smuggling and the like? maybe a fence? Rumor varies. But with him on the run-hey, we thought we had a chance to get some quality merch" The satyr says

"How do you know he's on the run?"

"Words spreading like wildfire... Duff the troll's a lonewolf who tried to kidnap kids"

"And?"

"And Summerstrike is PISSED. "

"And?" As they wait.

"I... don't know what you want me to say??"

"Tell me everything you know about it, the rumors you've heard.... everything. "

"Well, the rumors are flying fast and furious for such a short time. How you tried to stop him from going rogue...and now you and Summerstrike both are likely hunting him. "

"I'm going to find him first." She threatens. "What else?"

"Well, I know Summerstrike has sent like twenty of his troops out to search for the guy at least ... apparently they're having trouble even with wisps and tattle tales. WHever this Duff is hiding, he's got counter magics or something"

"Huh." A grunt. "I can use that. Keep talking."

"Word is he's on the outs with his lady whoever that is.. so I wouldn't go after her. Uhm... he's a damn good shot and is willing to use explosives? No word from Baron Tidemarch. Some wonder if the Varich is looking for him too hoping to make the Gwydion or you owe him"

"Better not...." a growl.

"And some say he left the city and is in Cali by now..."

"-Where- in Cali?"

"It's a big state! I don't know"

"That isn't much use to me, is it?"

"Look, if you want to know where might be you need a better source than me. I .. I might know someone who knows the real deal"

"Still listening."

"Not many sluagh in this city, they got a bad rep twice over thanks the Buzzard/vulture guy.... ADD to that a Varich and ..yikes. But if you know where to look, it' ssaid you can track down a lady by the name of Madame Dolor. Some say she's between bell and candle, whatever that means. It's all I know."

"Then we wait nice and quiet, and you get a little rest."

"Wait..wait for what?"

Jessica's smile is not pleasant. "You're taking a little trip. Don't move; if I have to stand on you it will hurt."

And he holds very still

When back up arrives, she sees her prisoners escorted to safe.keeping. "Please tell Tito Woden to use the ritual room if he needs to, but I want protection by Arts around us too." To the remaining guard, "You good here? No one gets into this parlor. Take prisoners if you can, but defend it you must."

"Sure thing, Boss." Phobos says

Constance comes up, looking a bit out of breath

"News?" She asks eagerly

"Yes, yes. I've sorted through the ledger, the legal notes and contract. My Cappellah, if I'm reading this right, Fenix is first among equals"

"It.... what?"

"Previous bargains were made not between holders by rank or even the freeholders themselves, but assigned by senority of hold, number of subjects, and sub holds under them."

Jessica blinks, thinking. "So... Renaissance is older and bigger and so we out rank the others?

"Well, we do now, see the fomula mentioned in the book takes into account the age of the hold... the number of hold sworn to it... remember the PIt? And..lastly, a census. With the addition of the Unseelie that Summerstrike has banished but have been accepted here, Fenix has the majority"

"What does that mean, practically?"

"That's the tricky part but in short? It allows you to call a convening of a meeting of the entire city, and settle differences, or...bring accusations."

Jessica frowns. "I can see that as a double edged sword."

"Which is what you are doing with the countess, but this allows... legitimacy . If Tidemarch agrees, you can challenge his right to rule."

Jessica nods slowly. "Constance, take this to Dame Mitra, have her include it, if she feels it a good idea, in her report to the Countess. I need to get to the Pit, if you'll excuse me.?"