#odyssey

As far as Zara is concerned, the Duke can ask his Seer. Feh.

The Duke listens to it all, then says "So we are dealing with an infestation of Balor that was..activated by Rathbone's arrival, and Darespark a manipulated pawn?"

"The first.... it seems so. The latter... yes."

The Prosecuting Attorneies are brought forward and hear the same.

"Can we get her for jaywalking?" The Pooka prosecutor inquires of the sidhe partner.

He shakes his head "Your Grace, having heard this, I believe..." he checks notes "I think this is where we would drop our charges against her, and instead suggest supervised recovery for the Defendent Darespark" he looks at August "Would you agree ?"

"I will speak to my client about it." August says "That said, it might be best if I were to do so once she is free of outside influences."

"We cannot delay this court case till it fails naturally," The Duke frowns "I do not mean to be insensitive, but the rulership must go on"

"I agree, Your Grace; justice delayed is justice denied. Miss Softplum, are you aware of any ways to break the hold on Darespark?"

"Winter magics might do it, but I tried twice and failed. Others who can affect glamour itself might be able to do something similar though" she does NOT look at the direction she suspects Zara is at.

OOC Is Zara there?

(Well, she's watching : ) )

The Duke ponders this, "I fear it is beyond my Seer"

"I do not have the Arts either." August reveals "Is there one in the Duchy that could respond quickly and resolve the issue?"

"We shall have to check" The Duke sighs "This could yet take awhile. Is anyone you know capable of same? "

"Aahhh... not... that that I could produce immediately."

"A pity. We'll make quick inquiry" The Duke says

Zara, of course, hears this

A faint sigh.

And a tappity-tap message to Earl from Quatre.

Earl nods, and steps closer "May I approach?"

"Please do. Your Grace, Sir Earl DeBuke, knight errant." August introduces quickly.

"Sir, welcome" The Duke says

"Your grace, I know of one wno can assist. He is a netural party, in that he is no friend to any noble. If he's willing, you'll not find a better sorceror"

"I see." The Duke nods "Please tell him he will be rewarded for his efforts"

Earl nods, fighting a smile at that, and says "I'll ttry to get him within the hour"

"My thanks" the Duke says, and extends the hiatus