#kc_necropolis

Sparrow's squire enters. So far, he's been keeping the mohawk. "I'm home" he says

"Hello, Colton. " August says quietly.

"Oh, Sir August. How are you sir? i was looking for my liege, but... " A look at the sidhe knight

"Are you okay?"

"Yes." A pause. "Troubled but....it will pass."

"Can I help, sir?"

"No, thank you, Colton." A faint smile. "Welcome back."

"Thanks, sir.. the mohawk seems to be a hit with my girl so.." A shrug "how's the Baroness?"

A long pause. "She is well."

"I see. Am I ...butting into private matters sir?"

"A bit" Another faint, kind smile.

"Apologes. Can I get you a drink or something while I'm up?"

"No thank you. " he is surrounded by school work. "Have you.... been to EarthRunes recently?"

"Only a little, sir. I've heard rumors but I try not to take them at face value. I know I'm younger than you, but if you wish to talk about it, I have ears and would listen."

August nods. "Well. Chances are good the rumors are true. Will you tell me what you've heard?"

"That your'e going to duel with the Steward's champion. She feels offended because of something on the mission where you broke chain of command. I've heardi t's because you're a knight and you don't respect commoners without title. I've heard it's because you think boggans are only good for being servants. I've heard it's because you're actually a control freak and it leaks out. " He frowns "Rumors are nasty, even when they're true, they seldom bring justice... just pain. That's why the Leanhaun use them as weapons. "

August bows his head, then nods. "Thank you." After a pause, "I am going to duel Dame Nansaidh, unless it can be avoided. I am waiting to hear."

"You might be able to beat her, but it will take some luck as well as skill" Colton says "Nansaidh has an incredible parry game and is not easily baited into clumsy moves. You do have a slight edge in reach on her, but not enough to be a great factor. She might understimate you the first pass. But after that?" A shrug "Odds are against you. "