#odyssey

"And many are suspect now" he admits

"Then offer them the same mercy; an examination to determine if they suffer from undue influence. And a chance to state their case. I would be happy to advise them."

"The one time the commoners around here are FOR a tyranic ruling on my part, and you show up" Dryly, but he also nods "Since we have evidence of one manipulation, we'll do so"

"I'm grateful, Your Grace. Antony and others Nathair may have corrupted might go some way to ensure your lands are cleaned of the influence."

"Yes, no need to throw out one grand machine just because a spot of rust was found" A Dougal comprison to baby and bathwater perhaps

"Very wise, Your Grace."

"An old Dougal saying" He waves off the compliment "We shall see if my wisdom is praised when all is said and done"

"I will do all I can to make sure it is recognized."

"Justice first, praise later" he scratches his chin "I best get those other experts with no biases here while i can. by popular demand I had ruled against the use of Gwydion's Boon in incriminations. I regret that now, but we carry on."

"It might be faster and easier but it could still lead to the appearance of a bias." August points out.

"Who demanded ruling against the use of Gwydion's Boon, Your Grace?"

"Oh many commoners disliked the idea... but it was Nathair's advice that won other non Gwydions over on the policy. Yes, I have been a fool before this" A sigh

A long pause "Does he have counsel?"

"The man lied to me about his house for years and stabbed at my ward with Cold Iron. He's lucky he doesn't have his head in a pillory. "

A bit of a flash there, even Dougals have sidhe temper

"It does seem to be an open-and-shut event." August agrees "Eyewitnesses, and all. Even my own testimony."

"Indeed yo uare a witness so the conflict of interest is... towering with him"

"Not only a witness; I actually gave the alert when I realized what the situation was." August thinks "Perhaps... outside counsel?"

"Must he have counsel at all?"

A gentle smile. "My apologies, Your Grace. I am new enough to my profession that I seek to employ it wherever I am. Your word is law, here."

"I shall let House Balor send a representive IF they wish, but warn themm the odds of success on his behalf are slim."

August nods slowly. "That seems appropriate, Your Grace. Thank you."

"Is there anything else?"

"Have you read the records Duke Tierone sent?"

"I have. And I confess, Rathbone seems like a monster even among Balor"

"The statements are certainly damning."

"Indeed. I do not know how NOW the Freeflame kept herself from beheading the wretch, but it is a testament to troll willpower and devotion to the Escheat she did not."

OOC Wrong room?

"When do you plan to move forward with the case, Your Grace?"

"Tomorrow, you've been detained her long enough, and that is unfair to your wife and allies"

A shy smile. "I'm happy to serve, Your Grace."

"How is Miss Zara doing? She seems to be avoiding me and mine"

"One only sees Miss Zara when she wishes you to. And her reasons are her own, Your Grace; I am not privy to them."

"It grates on me that we have wronged her so and while I can offer what she asked for, I am not sure amends will ever be made"

"I think she would appreciate wrapping up things here as well and as promptly as we can, to start with, Your Grace."

"Definitely tomorrow then" He nods

August bows. "I am at your disposal."

"Noon is when I'll start proceedings then, forgive me , I'll make a few calls"

"Of course." He bows again and departs.... lacking other notions, he retires to his room.

And his room is lush and nice

He may or may not have texts from his wife

He checks, of course.