#odyssey

The Duke does seek out August a few hours after, and looks troubled

"Your Grace." he bows.

"Baron Truthbranch, I bring news that may frustrate. The Baroness Rathbone remains comatose. There is question on how we can try her when she cannot respond. In Abesentia would be the closest precedent for it I think?"

"Forgive the question, Your Grace, but she has received healing attentions?"

"She has, physically she is fine, but Darespark's attempts to remove her geas have rendered her inert on a spiritual level or so my seer tells me"

"Is it known who placed the geas on her?"

"Oh yes, a Duchess of House Gwydion, and for good reason. The Baroness was a tyrant and a monster, who was planning on sacrificing pooka in a ceremony. Down in what's now Renaissance"

August nods somberly. "Is it possible to contact this Duchess, ask her to lift the geas? Temporarily, perhaps?"

"I believe it is, but she is very busy as she's on the mainland in Mexico. Now, Duke Tierone of your own House might be able to do the same if the authority he gained in her place allows it"

"Would it be worth contacting him? My thought was that if the geas was lifted, the impact of Darespark's work might wane and she could awake. And then, allow her trial."

"I will contact him if you wish, unless you wish to?"

"It is your court, your Duchy, and your justice, Your Grace." he demures.

A Brow lift "There are some who think I should ignore your attempts to save villains"

"What do -you- think, Your Grace?"

"I thinkk I told you you'd get a boon, and you asked for the right to defend those who are reviled. I keep my promsies, Baron. That's what I think" A nod

"I am grateful, Your Grace."

"I'm the one who is supposed to be showing gratitude. I do worry about you though. These people wronged a lot of people across concordia. You could make enemies defending them"

"Everyone deserves competent defense."

"An interesting code, isn't a it a bit... mortal?"

A self-effacing shrug. "Perhaps it is a hazard of my House. But, as I recall, a knight is sworn to defend the weak, yes?"

"Yes, yes they are" The Duke chuckles and pats August on the shoulder "You're a confusing man to me, but none can deny your courage"