#scarsdale

"Weeks, at least."

"Sir. no.. Baron August I know.. but who are you?" The Count says as he comes out

"Baroness Coradel Truthbranch, Excellency." She casts a look back up the ramp. "I don't like the notion of that closing on us. Earl, can she be moved?"

"I think so, her bleeding is tied up and she's conscious"

the Count nods "Ah.. Yes. Of course"

Only Coradel thought the Count said "I guess you get a horse"

August goes to the ramp; his weight won't keep it in place, necessarily, but at least he'd have some warning if it wants to close.

"I...pardon?"

"Come on then, let's get up there and out of here." August encourages.

"A horse, Excellency?"

The Count blinks "If that is your wish for reward"

And they are getting the Count out. Earl is carrying Zara

"You said something about a horse?" She reaches for the Count's arm to escort him to the ramp.

She's still very puzzled.

Zara is blinking owlishly at the sidhe. "How long was I sleeping?"

"I said Of course.. at least I think I did" The Count says "Wait, where is Gruzella?"

"Almost too long" Earl fusses at her "I lost track in the panic"

"I knew you'd save me."

Earl kisses Zara tenderly, and a raven sings where only ttwo can hear

August will see the group past him, up the ramp, and then follows behind.

She still doesn't follow the confusion, but she says, "I do not know, but I do not believe that woman is your friend, Excellency." Then she looks to Earl, "She needs a healer, but can we trust any here?"

"Promised Mama..." She fusses.

Up the ramp they go

"She'd understand, Zara. I'll take word to her." August promises gently.

"Not my friend, she kidnapped me, held me, usurped me"

"Good, glad you're aware."

"...golem..."

"And she's loose? how? " the Count is still confused

"Is there a healer you trust here, Excellency?" with perhaps more directiness that Von Dornklippe would remember the Scribe using.

Von Dornklippe looks surprised, then says "Yes, one I trust with my life" It's a good thing the Count IS with them, for they are swarmed by confused thanes and knights

"I do not know how she got loose, but your staff seems baffled. Perhaps she deceived them into freeing her."

The Dougal looks at them all "Search for Gruzela.. the crime is treason" He coughs

"We need that healer brought to treat Miss Zara, immediately." The Baron explains before turning to face the thanes and knights. "Excellency, please ask them to give us some room."

"Yes, space.. and one capable of Heather balm.. Bring Master Hirim and some dross!"

The count no sooner orders it, then it happens

"Thank you."

And Zara realizes her UNCLE is about to be here to heal her

"Oh, oh no... he'll fuss..." A quiet protest.

But no one hears her

or ..perhaps they do but use her whisper as an excuse to NOT prevent a heatherbalming

And then..... oh no.... she can hear him coming. For that matter, everyone can. It's dim and far away, but growing and coming closer......

"I'm feeling better..."

"You're still bleeding, and I still need my librarian. Lie still."

Von Dornklippe says "Your uncle is quie skilled at stitching even people together and we know we can trust him"

Earl says "the Count has a point, as does the baroness"

"Stupid snowglobe."

"...... away from my work just because someone has a hangnail, you should try putting a silk lining in ....."

Someone hands Hirim dross and backs away

"...... Don't care if it's the Count or not why would......"

Earl sighs "here we go"