#odyssey

"That he is; I imagine Zara will make her intentions known when she is ready. Check my back?" August is aware the pooka might have planted a sign or something, and shifts so Tziporah can check.

"Good point" She does look, then says "All clear"

"Wasted opportunities abound" the boy says

"I appreciate your forbearance."

"FOUR Bears?" The boy blinks "That's more than two and that's terrible"

Tziporah arches a brow at this odd little boy.

"How do we call you?" he asks the boy.

"Antony" the boy assures

"Of course" The Eshu observes

August nods; figures. "Well, then, Antony. Who is your guardian here?"

"Darth Nathair," the boy winces

"The balor guy" Tziporah says "Who tried to kill the heir"

"I thought he was a DOgood, not a badlor" The boy answers miserable again

"Ah, I see. Well then... will you come with me to the Duke?"

"Uh.. he might arrest me all over, they're supposed to question me with whips and words and questions and stuff" he says but offer his hand out

"You're a brave boy." he takes the offered hand and nods to Tziporah "Will you come with us, or does your path lead elsewhere?"

"I'll come with you" She offers and follows them. the boy goes along willingly.

Off to the Duke, then.

To the Duke they go.

Duke Stephen Brunswick is a busy man, mostly due to clean up and fall out, but the Baron is ushered right in

WITH his companions, one trusts?

Yes.

The Duke turns, and is surprised to see the boy out and about "At least this was supposed to be light security"

August bows. "Light security, Your Grace?"

"Yes, Nathair's apprentice was supposed to be confined to his room until he was summoned for questioning. He's not supposed to be out"

The apprentice gulps.

"Ah, I see." August glances at the boy as well.

"Is now a convenient time, Your Grace? Or would you prefer to wait?"

"A moment, let me clear up one thing, " He directs, but that one thing is quick "No, don't hound Miss Zara, but do leave out signs we wish to speak to her to make amends. " Then he turns to August , Tziporah, and the boy after dismissing others

"Now, Baron, how did this lad come to you?" Curious

"I'm not sure, Your Grace. He, ah, may have been in his animal form prior to gaining my attention."

"I'm Jetfire!" The boy blurts, "Not a sith lord"

"He said his name was Antony?" August offers, possibly not helping.

"Pooka " Tzioporah says "Your grace, this boy may have been Nathair's apprentice, but he's a childling who cannot speak in his own defense. Unless there is clear evidence that he has helped with his former master's machinations, why trap him in his room?"

"Partly for his own safety, Antony..let's call him that for now, is a witness of sorts, and Rathbone hated pooka. Thus we've been worried about his security" The Duke explains to both.

"Do you understand this, Antony?"

Antony nods slowly "People hate me and want me to die"

"Overstated, perhaps. But it's a valid concern for your safety. You must do as the Duke bids." August says gently but firmly.

He hangs his head "but folks think I'm evil. Because I worked for Darth Nathair and i'm hated AND trapped and will never see daylight"

"And the witch with the spiders said I should tell the man in blue and silver about the Vashti and the Esthehr and the other things"

"And you have." August reminds him "And I will speak for you when the time comes." He looks to the Duke "Those that were connected to this Balor Nathair.... I hope you will not allow them to be tarred with the same brush. Without evidence."

"Unfortunately, Baron, I cannot control the views of the people, only their actions. There is a great deal of outrage directeed at Darespark and Natghair right now. Word of Rathbone's attempts in Mexico to sacrifice several pooka has also gotten out and the pooka here bear her no love. I have repairs, those are easy. But curbing anger is trickier." The Duke sighs

"A show of confidence by a respected leader might go a long way."

A brow lift, "Such as?"

"As a visitor I might not be in the best position to say, Your Grace; I am not familiar with your culture here. For my part, were it me in my own lands, I might take Antony as a page. I might give commissions to others who were connected to Nathair. I might host the family and friends of Darespark to a meal."

"Very well, Baron. Hence forth, while here or beyond if you wish, Antony is your page," The Duke says "I'll truse you to put practice to your ideals."

Antony's jaw drops.

August has a page at ER, but one can always have more. Pages are like corn chips.

"I should have seen that one coming" A low mutter from Tziporah

A small smile. "I'm honored, of course. Do you think this assignment will have the same impact on your court as if you, yourself, were to serve as his mentor, and patron to others?"