#odyssey

The crimes August reads up on are many. This woman was not defamed by Pooka, she sought to murder them to fuel her balefire, a fire that didn't need it. Testimony from rebels abounds, one Diego, now working with the new reformed government kept meticulous notes for purposes of speech giving.

As did a troll by name of Constance, who acts as a scribe.

August reads it all through, taking notes, and then focuses his hunting on hints or leads that this Balor Rathbone used any of the Arts to ensnare others to do her will. Something about nocker Darespark's fawning does not seem natural.

Indeed, she was good at Soveriegn, Chicanery, and ... what's this? Aphrodisia?

He has heard of the art, of course

He has heard of the Art, but it's rumored to be lost... or at least rare, depending on who you talk to. From the little he knows, that Art, or higher levels of Sovereign, would make sense. And of course, a high enough Sovereign might inform her of Geases and how to break them.

And the Balor has had a lot of time to research, though she had to keep moving

And so, he reads and rereads with a sharp eye.

(Int plus Law/Lore, Or Enigmas)

/roll 8

August is almost sure that the balor did mess with Darespark's emotions often enough that the poor girl has become obsessed

August makes a few final notes and packs up, seeking out the Duke.

The Duke is talking to his heir "No, I don't the teacher who gives the most homework in our land should face a Wildhunt. I understand the temptation... but... Oh, hello again, Baron."

August bows. "I will await your convenience, Your Grace." and he backs away.

"It's okay" Cauly says "I found out I' m not going to get to hunt who I wanted to hunt" A huff "SO you talk to him" She curtsies

August bows back to her.

And she departs.

"Childlings are innocent and terrifying in turn" The Duke watches his ward go with a kind of worried pride "A wild hunt for homework."

"Really?" August cocks his head "Curious."

"It is, but now, what brings you?"

"Ah, yes.... as I am not familiar with these lands, do you think you might recommend someone who is well-skilled in Kenning or, even, a Namer? For nocker Darespark's defense."

"A namer? Why does she need a namer? She's already sained is she not?"

"She is, as far as I know; one Unsained would not be able, I think, to accomplish what she has. I am concerned that she is under a mitigating influence, Your Grace. Her thoughts and feelings may not be her own, or under her control."

The Duke says "If she was dictumed, would she not say so?"

"If she knew it, or she could say so, perhaps. Or perhaps the Art used on her disinclines her to mention it. Sovereign can influence the subjects beyond a simple command. And, there are other Arts with similar effects; another possibility is Aphrodesia."

"If you are right, she may, actually be innocent by reason of not being in her right mind" He seems amazed "This will be a hard pill for some to swallow, but some will just have to. I won't condemn a victim"

"I will go a step further, if it please Your Grace?"

"Please. I would hear it" He nods

"-If- Goodfae Darespake is indeed found innocent of malice in this, due to her state of mind, I would ask that Baroness Rathbone be released from her coma and -her- state of mind found to be stable, or not."

"I have recieved word that the Duke Tierone will allow the gease to fade, but he drives a hard bargain for it"

A nod "Well, It shall be investigated then. My Seer can look ffor that, but I'll get another party too. That's traditional yes? More than one expert to show no bias?"

"Yes, and I thank you most sincerely, Your Grace."

"THen we'll do this. You know, had I dismissed this as I first thought to, I might have done great wrong and I've done enough of those. We'll see"

"May I ask, Your Grace, about others ensnared in his matter?"

"The Balor who sought to use cold iron?" A frown "You'lll have a harder time with ME there"

"As should anyone who seeks to excuse the possession, threat, or use of Cold Iron, Your Grace." August says firmly "I would ask only that he have the same courtesy of inspection as nocker Darespark. Just in case."

"That is a hard one to say yes to, but you're right. He'll get that much" A nod

August spreads his hands. "Are there others, Your Grace?"

"I believe those are the only three being tried" He says

August nods. "That is good; I understand that, in the course of his time here, Lord Nathair made some acquaintances other than young Anthony?"

"Yes, a few. "