#fenixtj

Soon, though, she's stuffed full. She sets the plate aside and wipes her mouth. "Delicious, ladies. Thank you."

"De Nada, Jessica" Maria beams happily "We are so glad to have you back."

"I was only next door...."

"True true, but you would have been upset if we ALL moved over there to watch you" She wags a finger

"Yes. Fenix needs you."

"Mmmh, Fenix needs you too, but young Ellie, she make you proud." A smile "She kept all well here"

"I am certain of it."

And she has to cover a large yawn.

"Ladies, Sir Jack, Phobos, and Demos brought prisoners in. Can you please be sure they eat as well as I have tonight?"

"of course, no one starves in Fenix" A nod

"We gotta problem, boss" Sir Phobos comes in

Jess stands. "What?" short and to the point.

"Well, they turned over the Redwater... but they're holding the first one. The one what shot the Baron"

She sighs. "Damn it...." real irritation "Can someone get the Baron on the phone please?"

Maria nods "I make call"

She does, then says "It's the Steward. He says Baron is busy, but he can take message"

Mitra arches a brow "Interesting"

"May I have the phone please?"

She hands it over

"Hello, Steward? This is the Countess."

"Your excellency, what an honor to hear your voice again."

"I gave my guard orders to bring both prisoners here to Fenix to me. Who countermanded those orders?"

"Countermanded? Forgive me, Countess, This is above my station. It was my understanding you were to take the ONE, and we were to hold the one who assaulted the Baron"

"He was aiming at -me-. The Baron valiantly took the shot for me.... but I was the one assaulted. I'm sending my Captain and his brother back, and I expect them to return shortly with that Nunnehi."

"That may not be possible, Countess. None of us can get past the weaverward"

"-What- weaverward?"

"THe one currently blocking the cell where the prisoner is kept"

"Who placed the weaverward, Steward?"

"The Baron I believe. Hence how we can't bypass it. He is within"

"Phobos! Demos! Get back to Sunkissed Waves now and get to that cell or as close as you can get!!"

"Okay boss, but we can't eat through a weaverward" Wistful "It's not fair but..." He sighs

Then he calls out "DEMOS, we're heading back"

That's hollered away from the phone. "Steward, you offered to deliver a message so here it is. I wanted it delivered immediately, without delay. Tell the baron I want that prisoner given to my Captain and his brother when they arrive, and that he is unharmed in any way. IF he has been harmed, the harm will cease immediately and he will be healed. He will have his duel. But the prisoner comes to me. NOW."

"Please do not let my easy-going tone suggest this is not an order from your, and his, Countess. Am I clear?"

"Don't make me come back there and tell you in person."

"No one will enjoy that."

"One understands, Countess. But I cannot guarentee he'll hear me . I shall however scream myself hoarse if need be to obey"

"If needed, see that you do. Bring help; friends who care about you and your future. My Captain and his brother will assist you, I'm sure. After the captive is released to their care, please ask the Baron to call me."

"Your... redcap captain?" Nervous "Oh yes."

"Yes. Thank you." She hangs up. The phone... is maybe a little creaky now. She surveys it with dark eyes before passing it carefully back. "Thank you."

"De Nada, Jessica"

She takes a deep breath, holds it, exhales.

"Ok." softly "Are Olgar and Mr. DeBuke made comfortable?"

"Si." She says "Did you want to talk to your Uncle or the Namer?"

She rubs the base of her horns. "I should... I guess I should check in with them, at least. Yes. The Balefire?"

"Yes, We brought them food earlier"