Jude's recent marriage to now Viscountess Taelara of Fiona, a heroine in her own right, has given him even more legitimacy, though that is not why he wed the lioness. Indeed, she won him rightfully in Quest, and is now his equal in rulership. Without her aid, the Black Horned Lord might live and threaten all still. She is much beloved for this and other reasons.
There are 4 known holds in the County currently. One is Ardent Harbor itself. The next is located near Pebble Beach, to mortal eyes White Horse Hold is merely 'White Horse Ranch'. The Barony of the White Horse is named such for both the equestrians and the white surf on the nearby shores. Lord Gregory was a boggan graybeard, who served well, alas, during the Carnival killings, he fell victim to an assassin sent by the Black Horned Lord. His former heir and Ward, the boggan wilder Wrenthia has taken up the title Baroness. While some sidhe knights mutter, the grief stricken commoners of her lands fiercely unite behind her, and she fiercely demands justice.
The other hold still standing has only recently officially recognized itself as part of the County. The Descent is near the city of Carmel Valley, and more importantly, in the path of the invading Dark Kin. Unlike most of the rest of the County, the Descent is predominately Unseelie. Many do not even know that the Baron of Carmel and the Wilderlands has sworn featly to the Viscountess. How loyal this place will remain is unknown. Mistrust rings on both sides.
Once, Amkane ap Eiluned acted as the Baron for much of the Monterey area, but his disappearance, his disgrace, and his hold in ruins had left his successor with a daunting task. With the death of the Black Horned Lord, the Balefire has returned to the location the old hold was. A theatre was built in that place, and the flame has taken to it with a vengeance. Baron Rafial is it's keeper, though he feels a touch uncomfortable with such a .. public freehold. Still, he has sworn to protect the "Phoenix Theatre" with his life if need be, and rules the Barony well, deferring to the Viscount and the Viscountess loyal
