#rivervale_lodge

"Mr. Jude, we're all well here but I have some questions about the fellow you picked up here at our place a few years ago. Older man, but strong willed. Do you have time?"

Brekke looks over and listens to Frank as he speaks.

"I do, and I have privacy to talk plain if you do. Go on"

"Is the willworker still in your keeping?"

"No. I turned him over to other Willworkers. A kind of mutual exchange program as it were"

"When did he leave?" The question gives Brekke the answer to the first.

Brekke closes her eyes and shakes her head.

"I transfered him about a year after I got him"

"About a year after you got him."

"Yes Frank I... oh you're repeating for the CHief. Tell her I said hi"

"He was able to leave through a ... mutual exchange program with other willworkers. How did that occur?"

"He says hi." Frank repeats dutifully.

"They'd captured a kithain criminal. Right of rescue still applied. A trade was arranged. "

"Hello in return," she says stolidly.

Frank repeats for both ends of the conversation. "Where was the exchange held? If you can tell me, what willworker sects were involved?"

"Hold on Frank, what's going on? Why this disection of my work?"

"Tell him, Frank. He may be able to help further."

Frank gives Jude a short nutshell of the situation with a promise of more details to come when he can.

"Oh geez Frank. I wish I could help you more but names were sworn to secrecy on boht sides. Only way I could protect the right of igorance with the will workers. But I can tell you I am quite confident that same wizard is imprisoned still"

"I understand. I wish I could say the same."

Frank looks at Brekke to see if she has any other questions.

"Ask what makes him certain," Brekke says when she hears that side.

"What makes you think that particular will worker is your problem?"

Apparently he heard Brekke's comment "Because it was enforced by Oaths, Magically binding both sides. Even for a Liam, even for a will worker"

"Mutually enforced by effective oaths." he repeats.

"We're not sure that one in particular is the issue; we're just ... thinking. Checking our information."

Brekke thinks on this for a moment, then nods slowly. "Understood. Please thank him for me."

"Can you tell me if the willworkers oathed to keep him imprisoned?"

"Yes. That much I can tell you. "

"Yes." he says for Brekke's sake and nods; does she have anything else for Jude?

"Look, I'm sorry but I need to go. Visit sometime, no need to have us only talk when something grim has arisen. "

She shakes her head no.

"You're absolutely right, I have been neglectful. Thank you, Excellency."

"You're most welcome. I'd say give Piper my regards but I fear she'd take it as a threat. So instead i'll just say I hope she's doing well. Bye"

A click as he hangs up

Frank puts the receiver back. He looks tired.

Brekke notes this. "It was worth asking, but it is also possible that we are wrong and that willworkers are not involved at all."

Or at least not that willworker

(End Scene)