#fenixtj

Well, select parts of the County; she can't leave it undefended or denude important projects. Still, she can select those best in the Dreaming to search for Holger.

The local rovers volunteer, of course

and give updates . One Knight of the Way, a slate blue trolless, says "I've seen him before, of course, but not recently. We'll see if we can ask the trods with a willow whisper"

"Did he mention any subjects of interest to him?"

Jess nods. "Yes. He's recently obsessed about getting a puppy."

"Mmm... " She ponders "The Dreaming has options for everything, but I admit I've never been to a dream land of puppies"

Despite her worry, her lips curve. "Maybe the Rainbow Bridge is a two-way street?"

"The Rainbow Bridge dream IS strong. " She nods taking it seriously "It has built in barriers against non animals to enter though. Is there another source of puppies he mentioned? A particular puppy he wanted?"

She nods again. "He saw some at Rivervale that he was enamored of; they're part of a deal with Silverwolf, though."

"I see. Has anyone contacted the person at Rivervale with these puppies?"

"No, but I'm going to do that next. You can manage getting patrols out?"

"Gladly" she says

Then she gives a troll salute "Happy to work with you"

And she goes to call Rivervale; they're already aware to be on the lookout for Holger in the area but it's a good idea to talk to someone about the puppies specifically.

"The person in charge of the puppies is Gladiola, knight of Silverwolf who has been stationed here at a house nearby for a time" Jonas tells her when she ccalls. Jessica doesn't know Siv's 'better third' well. But he appears to be on phone duty "I'll give you her number"

"Thank you." maybe NOW is not the time to get to know him better.

There seems to be a surprised pick up at the Knight's line... then again, the wilder is probably not used to PHONE calls over texts "Hello? Gwen here?" Cautious

(ironically)

"Gwen, hello. This is Jessica King, I'm Brekke and Frank's daughter."

"OH" realization "Yes, Are we are on speaker mode? Or is it private?"

"Private."

"How may I assist you, your excellency?" More formal still

"Um, well, we don't have to be formal or anything." Jess prefaces "You work with the dogs there?"

"Currently, normally I'm at Silverwolf, of course" She says "But as the Dam was here It was decided I'd help on a temporary stay, and sorry, Countess. My baron is something of a traditionalist and would be upset if I didn't give you all due respect. "

"Ok, I guess." Jess accepts "Have you seen a young man there? Name's Holger. He, um, looks something like my mom and dad and I." she hedges, aware the line might not be safe.

Confusion at the sudden caution then "My speaker isn't on either. If that reassures you?" And then she says "Of course I know Holger. He's been eager to make a purchase of one of our kennel's fine hounds . I originally tried to discourage him, but when your father offered to assist in the purchase it became harder to decline him at least making a bid. Holger wanted to pay for it himself...though I explained how the Baron might still decline."

"He's missing. It's been about a week. We think he might be lost on the Trods or the Dreaming on the way from here to there, or vice versa."

"A week? " A pause then "Your excellency... Last week he asked me what the baron valued... I told him. Anything that helps our horses, hounds or hawks would delight my baron. Do.. .do you think it's possible he's QUESTING ?"

"I think it's possible, yes." Grimly.

"Oh @###" slips out, then "Pardon me. I... I will assist in finding him"

"Thank you."

"Do you have some of his clothes? I can track him with my dog... Ivan's no bloodhound but he can try"

"We do. I spoke with Peacemaker Dirk there, and he said he'd let Olgar know."

"Rover Olgar is a good man. Trained with his dog." she remembers "I'll head towards your hold, give my dog a whiff and join the search"

"Thank you. If I'm not here, someone will know to expect you and give you access."

"Understood, your excellency. On my way" And she hangs up

Jess hangs up as well, and pauses to think.

She thinks. Thinky thoughts

And... "Dame Gladiola ap Daireann of Silverwolf!" A voice yells

Jess is startled out of her thoughts and then moves to join Phobos at the Trods.

"Your excellency " GLadiola says

And she bows low "This is Ivan. My dog. He'll be helping"

"Wuff" Ivan says

Jess holds back a sigh at the bow. "Dame, really... as long as you're here, please be as informal as you can." she invites "Come with me and we'll get Ivan set up.

"If you insist, Countess" SHe says "Perhaps I should... troll salute? I know this isn't a lodge but if it makes you more comfortable?"

"It's better, but still not necessary." kindly, and she leads Gladiola to Holger's room.

Holger's room is not too big , he shares it with another boy after all... empty right now

"I don't want to mess up the scent for Ivan; what's the best way to do this?"

"Let's check out his blanket on his bed" She moves to Holger's bed, ,"Perhaps the pillows if they don't clean those as often"

"Um. Our staff here is ... um, pretty sharp on that kind of thing."