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Heanric said. “I am just glad you were so fast to act. He will be leaving here tomorrow, the Chosen ordered it. However I am to ask you just what he meant by last time, and just what Stive has been doing?”

Charity frowned, not wanting to go into it, not with the others there she closed her eyes. “Feather was just expressing how upset he was that he didn’t do as is expected with a mismatched twin and send me to the temple when I was a baby. As to comment about letting them finish me. Well the spy that was here offered to see I was properly seen to as it was clear I was out of control. Feather took it as an insult at the time, but now. Well I truly went wild after that and he is ashamed he couldn’t stop me. He still thinks I am the problem, not the empire. As to Stive he tests my shield wanting to know just whose they are. It is nothing to worry about, just irritating. I do not know if he has been doing other things or not. Gar might be able to see signs of old spells around if you need to know. Physically, well talk to Beth, she treats the Servants and I doubt he has changed much.”

Heanric said. “Thank you, that will help. The Chosen wanted to know why you wanted Stive to leave as well. I knew of the attack on your shields tonight and he was already going as that was an illegal use, but I thought there was more.”

Luke said, softly, knowing she didn’t want him to, but feeling it should be said. “He tests her shields when ever he is sober enough to. Other than that he gets of on hurting others and if he had the chance would not hesitate to beat her to a bloody pulp again. Feather and him have both come close to killing Charity a few times, for all she refuses to ever say so. That is why we didn’t want her to come back here, and why we have been watching her so close. I didn’t raise the claim before, but he opened the door I am not going to leave it unsaid.”

Charity said. “Nothing that went on then broke any laws. I was his family, more so his daughter. Therefore he had the right, under the law, to do as he wished. The only way it has any relevance is that he brought it up as part of the threat he made. That said, there were many times those last months that it was only a healing spell that let me move after he was done. I think likely he started out wanting to order me to the shed then realized he couldn’t and so was regretting not having just killed and saved himself the shame. I could see he was getting upset, and so was trying to get there and change the focus, but I wasn’t fast enough.”

Cri was pressed tightly against her leg, wanting to take the pain he felt in her. Jab hugged her. “War, please take her to bed, I will be there in a bit. Char you didn’t cause this. None of it is your fault. Now you go with them, it will help them both.”

Charity looked at him. De said. “I think it is best if all of you finish those drinks and find your beds. Cri you go up to the field with them when the light is here, that way you can see to the tent. You all see where she is and then we can go over Warren’s mission and let them see to moving us, as they want to.”

Luke said. “We should.”

Kaneb said. “A watch is posted, and I will see you are up, now go get some rest. That is the best thing you can do tonight. Go own, you know full well Charity is not going to move until you two do. Yes sis, nothing will happen, but you know what would come if we didn’t set a watch after that. We don’t need them thinking you are not safe. After all we want to make use of our advantage right?” He relaxed a bit when she smiled, knowing this had to be stirring up a lot of the pain.

She looked at him. “Now then I think you are being a bit silly. It is not like there is any real danger. But fine just don’t blame me when you are warn out tomorrow.”

He smiled. “Alright, I will blame Jab. Now you heard De the guys will see to the moving, you know they will be upset if they find to much packed. Therefore you need to keep that Boy busy. It will be good for all of you. Now go on, and yes I give you my word the other two will be sent back to their room when they try to leave it. You will see Warren stays put, and my brother will see you do. Now go on, all of you.” He watched them go frowning a bit. “Damn, but I hate it when she gets that look. Gar, your guys going to be all right with who is here or are a few more coming?”

Gar said. “They are fine. He doesn’t have the skills or people to be a real threat. There really is no risk to her, but if we are watching we might be able to see others are safe as well.”

De looked at the Inspector. “Now then you know what we are up to. Nothing will be done but a watch. However I think you should know that had she not agreed to stay we would have acted and broken the contract. And if the evil was any less I would have insisted on it. She might be willing to write off his words but I am not so forgiving. This is the first I heard just what had gone on, or I would have insisted a different base from the start. Which is likely why I wasn’t told why they were so upset.”

The inspector nodded. “That is what the Chosen is going to make clear to him, and he will not be allowed to return until after you are gone. If we had of know we would have had him in the city, at court. I never thought. I will see if Peace can get her convinced that she is not to blame. A lot of her guilt has to do with the lies they were told of her mom. We should have asked more when it first came up.” He left and De shook her head, as it was clear to her that he didn’t understand why they upset.

Chapter 5: The next Day.

Charity woke slowly and thanks to the others was even slower about get out of bed and dressed. Once they were dressed she turned to Cri. “Go on and get the tent set up, that way you can be sure it is set up right. Don’t worry I will not leave the hall until there is a full escort, Luke will see to as he knows I am not going to leave him here.” She kissed him then gave him a gentle push. He started to the door but was frowning a bit. Charity shook her head. “Asaim is will be back here to check, and he expects you to get the tents. Now go on. We won’t be to far behind you.  None of us is going to pack a thing. Jane is standing there to see we don’t.”

He bowed, relived a bit, though still not liking the idea of leaving her. “Thank you Mistress I will go see that the tent is ready before the things get there.”

Jab smiled. “She won’t be leaving my side, now go on We won’t be to far behind, just enough that you can see things are right.” Cri bowed again and backed from the room.

Charity shook her head. “Warren you want to see if the others are up yet? Luke tends to still get embarrassed when I am the one checking.”

Warren smiled, knowing they were getting up, and would be in here soon. “I will go see if they are not up and you get him blushing who knows how long it would be. I still wonder how it came about that he was the one to get things started between the two of them.”

Charity ignored the fact that the door had opened and said. “Likely as he was used to having to, after all before Mike he would have just had a few meetings in the bushes, or maids sent to his rooms.”

Luke coughed, a bit glad no one was near. “Now then was that necessary sis? Now he is going to wonder what I did when one was sent to my room. Are you three ready yet? Come on, before the coffee is cold. Beth has brought some food up and is waiting, so clearly wants to talk to you.”

Charity looked at him and smiled, he had clearly just rolled out of bed, and grabbed the first the first thing he found. “Good Morning, I see you did remember pants at least, for all they are Mike’s. I am sure he is going to have words for you about that. And surly he knows by know what you did, brother.” She noticed that his wrist were a bit red and tossed him some ointment that would cover it. “You must have been in a hurry, look at your wrists. I suggest you put that on before more notice.”

He looked at them and then blushed knowing she would know it was from the ropes. Warren kissed him then took the jar from him and slowly covered the wrists, causing him to go even redder. “Sorry Char, we were in a hurry and just used what first came to hand. They were a bit too stiff.”

Charity shook her head. “Well at least you found them and didn’t tray and make do with belts again. I will see there are some cuffs in the tent.”

Luke said. “Thanks, that might be better then the ropes. Um that is.”

Warren laughed. “Love she is not going to be upset by it, you should know that. After all she just laughed at us and then gave me some rope when she walked in on us.”

Luke nodded, “I know but it still feels. Well it is strange.”

Mike said. “It is the church’s teachings. ‘A woman is to submit always to the male she has been placed with. However a Man never submits, save for to the laws of God for he is made to lead not be lead.’ You can’t help but fear what she thinks, even though you know she doesn’t care. Now come on, and let’s see what Beth needs then you need to go find your own clothes. And yes you will be doing so alone for all his hands have you thinking of other things, my heart.” He kissed him. “Making you wait will just make it better for me tonight.”

They started to the table and Luke said. “That makes to much sense, and something I need to work on fixing. I shouldn’t be so hung up on that. It shouldn’t bother me so.”

Charity said. “It is also that it is only in the bed play, and it is normal to be troubled that I, your little sister, know anything about it. Though I would think knowing what goes on in mine would also trouble you a bit more then it seems to., given how easily you just walk in. Yet that could be the church to, for after all it was your right to enter my room. Morning Beth, is there a problem? Other than our conversation, that is. Sorry we tend to forget how troubling it can be that we are so at ease with each other.”

Beth said. “I just wanted to be sure you would eat, by me bring the food you know it is safe. Now then go on and get it. I need to be going before they get to wild. And it would be far more troubling if you were not able to talk freely, as tied as you are it is only right.”

De said. “They are a good team, for all it is odd and the joking can get a much at times. Thank you for take the time to bring us this, I am sorry for the trouble we have caused you.”

Beth said. “None of that, you are not blame for it. Now eat, Feather will be waking up soon, and likely to be more than a bit upset. You will want to be out of reach when he thinks to look for you.” She waited until the each had one of the plates to leave.

Charity said, as Luke left to find his clothes. “I let Cri know Beth showed up with breakfast so maybe he will be a bit less upset when we get there. I sent him up to the camp to see to the tent.”

De nodded. “Good, as I can bet he will be just as bad as Asaim, and don’t need him taking the tent down just to move it half an inch to the left.” They laughed and finished off the food then stood. De looked at Charity and shook her head. “Charity you didn’t force this to happen. You can’t control what he says. Just think how much worse it would have been had you not been there. Truth is not a one of us is going to mind a bit being in the field, and you know it.”

Charity said. “I just. I knew he would be upset, but I never thought he would air it so publicly. He was more careful about such things. Something just doesn’t feel right.”

Luke said. “They will look into outside causes when he goes before the Chosen, they will be looking at everything. Don’t worry if there was something outside of him that could be responsible it will be told. The results of investigations are made public, and loudly so.”

When they got to where the tents were Charity laughed. “I said they would put me in the middle of them, but I didn’t think they would be quit so ltleral.” The tents were set up in a spiral pattern, with hers at the inter most point, then there was Luke and Mikes tent, followed by Gar’s, then Kaneb’s She turned and looked at them smiling a bit. “Well I guess it is a military so I can’t argue with it as I did admit to ranking you all there. Though I am going to have to insist it is because of the threat.”

Luke blinked at the set up for his tent was connected to Charity’s with a covered walk way. “Just why would Jab? Wait that is a rearing stallion and a hawk on that tent. But.”

Jabari laughed. “Come now they would see it was easy for Warren to slip beds when ever he likes. Don’t worry even so tied there is little sound that will pass between them. De these are a bit like the cook tent, so truly they are a mini apartment not a tent”

Kaneb smiled slyly “All of you have one, and a few extras for any new members. We will see you all know how to set them up before we leave. Mother could pass up the chance. Might just open up another line of trade.”

De shook her head. “The cook tent has been a life savor and I was going to see if I could talk you into sale us some of your tents. The contract has a generous supply allowance in it, and a few us do truly need new tents.”

Charity said. “Maybe this will get Jill to use something with out the arrow holes in it. I was wondering just what those supplies we gad to have were. De why don’t you come on in and take a look around mine? It is going to be a lot like the one they have for you., seeing as how I somehow have a command.” Charity led her into the tent that was far bigger inside then out side and smiled as De stopped in the door and just started.

De said. “Even seeing the cook then didn’t prepare me. Just how do they? This will be a help indeed, and yes you need the room as well. You and Warren are dealing with maps every bit as much as I am. Having the space and a table is going to make that a lot easier” She did frown a bit at the post, but knew it would help the servants.

Charity said. “They are nice, and this type looks enough like a regular tent from the outside that it shouldn’t set off to many alarms.”

Warren said. “Sis, open that door.” He pointed at the bathroom. “That was the one most temping thing about the tents for all the ones they were trying to talk us into taking were glided.” Puzzled De went over and opened it then turned to look at them, shocked.” Warren said. “It needs no local water source, but helps a bit if there is one. Char you had best go see what your brother and Mike are up to. they might need reminded that we have a meeting in the main hall to get to.”

Charity said. “A water mage sets that part up, so all waste is treated and it will automatically connect to any near water sources, if there is enough to do so. So it is that temping that you dare not? All right I will go see.” Smiling a bit she head to the door to the covered walk way and started down it, but sent a but of power ahead of her so they would know she was there before she opened the door. “Warren wanted to talk to Jab and De so sent me to remind you of the scout meeting.” Luke was doing up his pants so it was likely they had been up to something. “He was worried you might be having to much fun. So how is the tent?”

Luke said. “We didn’t forget, but there are a few tempting items in here. I am. Err I can see why he was worried, but we did remember.”

Charity smiled and just had to torment him a bit more. “Good so you found the toy chest. I am sure Mike will see you have a long day. Do you think the cuffs there will be soft enough?”

Mike smiled and placed a hand on Luke’s butt, cause Luke to moan and the gasped a bit. “They seem to be just fine, I did have to try just a bit.”

Charity smiled and shook her head at her brothers blush. “Luke you had best get used to the fact that you are going to be touched. There are going to be those that won’t be able to stop there selves, and more so if you keep reacting so strongly. Mike if you think he earned it that jar there helps with bruises.” Luke choked, Charity laughed. “So I was right. You make it to easy. Just remember when you are being touched that you have hands as well. A bit of play isn’t going to cause harm.”

Luke shook his head. “You do have a mean streak sis, and here I was worried you would slip back into the quite mode. Just how? No perhaps it is best.”

Charity smiled. “The teasing is another way to make it clear I do not think or wish to belong here. No lady is ever so bold. It helps to brake the rules, it makes it easier to be here. If I tell you then you might just work out a bit better how to hide it, and that would be no fun for Mike. Truly though look at the ones that come up to you, watch how they walk, and you will be able to work out which ones are enjoying a long day. Though I do wonder that none of the servants never showed you how to tell, that is how I know. The ones that came by saw I had a bit more then the normal lessons the girls get.”

Luke shrugged. “There weren’t many toys in the trees, and well, in my room it was more just card games that were shared as it was seldom safe for one of the lads to visit. They did what they could, but my complete lack of interest in bedding a lass made some lessons imposable. That is what makes it so hard for me to understand that father that I would ever want a wife. I mean some of the maids had to have reported back to him.”

Charity nodded. “That was why he sent them around, I am sure, but equally sure that after a certain point they need to let him believe that any such issues are fixed. They did what they could to hide that side of their lives from me, but I know it wasn’t just Stive that caused the broken bones I saw. Then to he saw I knew just how a servant was dealt with, so they shielded me, but he didn’t. A bit odd, but then he and Mother felt I was far too easy on the servants. Bet that is what shocks them the most about Cri.”

Luke said. “Well in part, but father was also puzzled that Jab would let you have a male servant. I think though at the end he did understand that Jab didn’t let you do anything, I think it was realizing that, which is what drove him to it. We truly wee trying to leave, but well he just kept insisting my wife wouldn’t want you in my house. So I told him that my houses had families in them that I had no intention of making move, as your houses where more then large enough. I shouldn’t have said it like that. I just wanted him to know you had your own.”

Charity shook her head. “So that he would hear, but not the other. Come on they should be ready for us now.”

It was later that afternoon when Inspector Heanric showed up at the camp. They knew from the servants that Asaim sent that things were rough at the house, but Heanric face told charity just how much of an understatement that was. “Cri, go get a couple glasses of wine and some cookies. I know you want to get me a snack, and the inspector needs a drink. We will be at that table there.” She turned to the regs scout captain. “If you will join us, they should have that report for you shortly, sir. That is close enough they can use the slate to reach me.”

He nodded. “I must ask if you will show those slates to the Inspector, if they are acceptable they would be a big help.”

Charity waited tell they were sitting, by which time Heanric was close enough to hear her. “I am surprised at how useful they are.” She put hers on the table. “The spell has improved a good deal since I first came up with it, but it is only fare I share it with you,. I was a bit embarrassed when I first brought them out, but it was all I could think of to give us away to talk safely. They can now reliably reach ten miles, more if there is a mage who can boost the spell using it, and the spell last a year. Which was surprising, I didn’t expect it to last much more then a few weeks if that long.” She looked up at Heanric. “Cri will be back in a bit with a snack and some drinks, do join us Sir. I would like you to take a look at this slate and see if you think the Church would like the spell. Our scouts using them now to get fast reports back, as well as small group missions take some with them so they can stay in touch.”

He looked at them then the slate oddly. The scout captain said. “It is far quieter then the spell we use, and doesn’t need a mage to send. We could use them, if the spell is at all acceptable, sir. We are waiting on a report from her scouts now. Some of mine sent word of a possible camp then went silent.”

Heanric shook his head but sat down. “And to think I was worried you might not be willing to work with her. Well this is one relief any way. The spells there are mostly approved ones, but I will have to look a bit more. Where is it from?”

Charity blushed a bit. “When I took that pass I wanted us to be able to stay in touch, so we would know if one of us was in trouble. This is an improved version of what I came up with that night. I will show them to you, but first perhaps you best tell me what has you coming to see us, least I make you forget.” He blinked a bit as Cri set a glass of wine in front of him. “I fear that a lot of spells are things other were taught was imposable, well like the way I hid my gift.”

Heanric smiled, and took a sip of the wine, it was nice not to be putting up with they yelling for a bit. “That was indeed scary, and I would love to know how you did it. This though, I have seen something like in the class room. Just never thought of how it could be used outside it. It will work for non mages? I will have to see it gets passed up the chain. But that will be easier soon so I will wait. I was looking for De actually, but no reason I can’t just tell you as your guards don’t seem to mind. It will be tomorrow before I will have Feather and Stive on the road. I was sure you said something about Stive lead a trade caravan, but I have no idea how. He is now locked in his room, so the carriage is finally getting packed. I do hope they will look into how he was allowed to return home, he clearly can not be trusted.”

Charity smiled. “Having seen Feather preparing to make a trip to Folksjert once I am impressed that you think you can have him packed and moving tomorrow. That was just an overnight and then two days, and it was a week of packing before he left. Don’t worry we knew it would be rough.”

He nodded. “I do hope this next bit will not be to upsetting. Your intelligence is better then what we have been getting and so the Chosen One wants to make sure he gets any news you are willing to share in a timely manner. To that end he is sending one of his triply sworn Knights here, for they have a way to reach Him directly, no matter the time of day. It is a relief to me, given what you showed us this is going to be a focus and as such it will be good to have someone with more power on hand. Chosen Knight Hence will be here in about three days, a few with him will brake off to accompany Feather and Stive, but he will have a unit of Shield Knights with him, so that will help the numbers.”

Charity said, hoping to ease his worry. “”How is his leg these days? I do hope it is bothering him less. I don’t know if the herbs I sent reached him or not. I know any that come with him will be good sorts, they will be shocked, but won’t be the type to reject what is said just because of who is saying it. There is no issues with anything we share being passed on, we expect it to be.”

Heanric looked at her then shook his head. “I forgot he said he had here, and might a nice young lady and was able to see the ruins. He doesn’t move like it bothers him, but I am not in a place to know. So if you don’t mind me asking?”

Charity said. “He and Hick came to see about some copies. Knight Hence was stiff, and his leg was hurting. I took a chance, went over to him and far to boldly gave him a packet of herbs for the leg tell him just how to take it, which meant I told him to eat. He wasn’t the least upset, but Feather let me know just how out of line I had been later. I was just glad I had the mix right and have done my best to see he didn’t run out.” Charity nodded at the slate. “Here you go, Frank.” She moved it out so they could all see. There was a twisting mark then ‘Positive enemy scouts. Neutralized. Friendly 6 recover. 2 hurt.’ Then another mark, as they were out of room. Charity said. “They have the injured stabilized and are able to being them in, but have having to move slower. Rang estimates thirty minutes yet. I will go let Chad know, as I don’t think you have healers yet. The first mark is the test. Each scout has one such mark so we can be sure it is them and not someone who found the slate. The second was a bit in Hill, as the slate they have is too small to let them write much.” She took up a piece of chalk and made some twisting marks, followed by a wing. “Just tell them we will be waiting.”

Heanric blinked and said. “I would never think that was writing, it would make a good code.”

Charity smiled. “Which is why a lot of us have learned to read at lest a bit of it. No Cri, we don’t need a refill.”

Frank said. “Thank you, and good to know there was something there this time. Last time it was hunters and whisky, and it took me three teams to find out. I can go by the hospital, and I do hope Chad wont mind. We do have two that say they are healers, but I fear they are likely to be um escorted out.”

Charity looked at him. “Like I said if he would have just stayed to his side of tent there wouldn’t have been a problem.”

Frank smiled. “Guarding that clowns tent wasn’t that big of a deal, and likely save a bunch. He was brought up on charges a few weeks later when he tried to give a general a sleeping tonic for a hang over cure. Far harder was not laughing as he kept yelling about the jumped up boy who had no right to treat him so.”

Charity laughed. “A lot thought I was a lad, which is fine as you see I was under orders not to be in the camp. I will be going right by there on my way to late De know, so it is no trouble. You go let them in camp know, and see if you can get a few more out to meet them. They will likely be glad for the help.”

He nodded. “Tell them none of us is going to mind if they are using a spell on the stretchers, that way they won’t try and hide it. You all worry too much about offending us at times.”

Charity said. “I already told them that the lift and holding spells wouldn’t be a problem. So I am hoping they will be using them. Jab and Mike is holding a meeting with our mages tonight after that they should be a bit more relaxed around you. I fear that telling them to wait on setting the wards was translated into a general hold.”

Heanric said. “So that is why there are so few spells up here. I was wondering. Truly it is a help to have you all show off a bit. Seeing here makes it easier in the field where one of us might not be there.”

Charity nodded. “That is what they will be told tonight, Jab is going to tell them they need to check on any spell that is meant to last more then four hours, but to stop hiding. However I do hope your men will say if we go to far, in the magic or the other teasing.”

Frank said. “We have all told our guys to ask any of you to stop if it gets to much, and I will let you know if I hear complaints. Most so far are just wondering why there is not more flirting going on, not complaining that it is. Now I will go let the others know that there was something out there. Hopefully that will let the others be a bit more careful.”

He left and Charity said. “I know you want that spell, but I need to let Chad and De know camp first, if you don’t mind waiting.”

Heanric shook his head. “Not at all, in fact would you mind if I walk with you? I would like to know where to find De, and make sure that Chad knows he can send any of the healers away should they not be up to his standers. I will see any that come in know he is in charge.” He looked at her a bit, as they started walking then said. “So it was you that fixed my leg? I had no idea you were ever back in the camp until that last.”

Charity shrugged. “If it makes you feel better Luke had no idea either, couldn’t figure out why the person that fixed his should would be going back to the house. Of course once I had changed he was upset I would do such a foolish thing. I just couldn’t sit around and do nothing. I was a bit shocked when Chad just left me with the second man we were seeing to. I had fixed up a few servants when Beth was busy, but nothing on that scale.”

Chad said. “Most had no idea just how little training you had then, and you were quick to yell for help if you needed it. You learned fast. I just hate that I so seldom have you in to help me. So what’s up?”

Charity said. “A scout camp has been found and taken care of but there were injuries, two are hut bad enough for stretchers and a few others have minor injuries. They are around thirty minutes out. The one on the stretchers were reported as stable enough to move. So it is likely bad.”

Chad frowned. “Best to be safe, I know you need to see De. But first.” He raised his voice. “Asaim, Charity is here and this might be a good time to try one of your posts.”

Charity nodded. “I was going to see if he was here. Having him tied some now will let them get used to seeing it. He will have to be when things get hot out there.”

Asaim bowed. “Thank you, and that one there is one of them I though might work, if you think so Ma’am. Mr. Chad said he thought it would be good, as it is centrally located.”

Charity smiled and Heanric blinked as there was suddenly a long heavy rope in her hand. She shook it out and tossed the end that had a cuff attached to it to Asaim, then tied the other to the post. “Asaim, you need to put the cuff on you ankle each time so any here know you are willing to be secured.” Asaim was smiling and looked a lot more comfortable once the cuff was locked. “Chad this is your key, incase you need to undo it before I get back. But as long as you do not need him to move more then the rope will let him, kindly leave him tied. It will be good for him, and a good test of the spot.”

Chad smiled. “I take it they have been irritating you a bit today. Will do, the longer he is attached the more he will know what the problem could be.”

Heanric shook his head. “I don’t think many will even notice he is tied, but starting it now will see any issues about it get answered. Yet it is a bit strange. Chad I hope you don’t mind but I am telling my folks you are in charge hear. If they don’t listen to you send them away, if needed call the guard to remove them.”

Charity fought not to laugh at Chad face. “The bond has had him start out the door before when one of us took a blow, even something we easily healed on our own. Then Asaim is one that reacts stronger to blood magic. It is hard for him to fight calls of, and we know they use it. So those two make it likely he will try to get out on the field, which is the last thing he needs to do. There is a good chance where there is blood magic in mix that others will need to be restrained as well, so there will be other ropes left here. Once Asaim and Chad are satisfied on a post he will have a chain, as he can be out of that rope at anytime, and so it would do little good. Chad is De in her office?”

Chad looked at them. “Well that will make it easier should someone need to be removed, thank you sir. Yes she is, I think though she was going to go out to the range as well.”

Charity nodded. “Then we will try her office first. I do hope the rope doesn’t cause you to many problems, but let me know it he does.”

Chad smiled. “Now you know I would be in more of mess with out him. See you latter kid.”

Charity smiled and led Heanric out the door. Heanric shook his head a bit out how easy they were. “Inspector I just called the rope with the tag spell, like is on the weapons. The spell can be used for anything you know, it is just going to be louder if the item is not tagged, but in that case I had tagged the rope this morning, knowing he was wanting it. He just spent the morning at the house, helping Beth and this was the first chance I had to see to him. Sorry our people are used to me and I forget how it can look.” The tent area came into view and she shook her head. “I think that has to be one of the oddest lay outs I have seen. I do wonder how they distracted Hunt. Now then this building here was designated Headquarters Sir, and De’s office is at this end, with a door leading right into it. Not sure what they thought to use it for originally, but the space is just right for offices.”

Heanric said. “It just still amazes me. There was nothing about you that hinted you could be a mage. I knew you were comfortable in the woods, but that is not so odd to find. Yet, well I keep seeing the girl not the lady you are.”

Charity nodded. “I can see that, and that is a part of what is going on with Feather.” She knock on De’s door then opened it. “Still I do not see what would have caused him to yell like that. he never used to show his temper around the guests. Such things were always dealt with in private which is why I wasn’t monitoring the conversation.”

De said. “And as we have told you it is not your fault. So what is the report?” She nodded at the inspector, who was a startled at who was in the office, as some were regs.

Charity said. “This time it was an enemy scout camp and the first set had been captured, they are rescued and the camp dealt with, two of the rescued are hurt, I stopped by and let Chad know. Nothing was said about how they were caught, but no doubt our guys are leavening that for their captain to learn. It might be they called in to close and so it was felt.”

One of the generals said. “Likely so you all are more worried about that then we are. You worry too much about not offending us.” He winked a bit and then lightly ran his had down Luke’s back making him jump. “Never mind I have seen my guys have no issues teasing yours. Truly we are not going to be easily offended.”

De laughed. “You are going to regret tell them that, just ask the good inspector there.”

Charity smiled, and walked over closer. “Our folks should relax a bit more soon. Jab is tell the mages they need to be showing off more, that it was just lasting spells we meant to have them ask about not the little ones.” She leaned over closer to Luke. “Brother dear, that was indeed a request from him,” Luke coughed a bit, but this time he didn’t his hand did find its way to the other mans back. Louder she said. “Asaim is trying out the first of his choices now, and I think is likely going to be tied in the med tent for at least part of the day from now on. That should let folks get used to it so by the time things are busy they don’t notice. As well as he will be far happier. He relaxed more the second he closed the cuff on his ankle. I told him he was to cuff himself so those there could see he wanted. Over the next few days Jab and I will see there are ropes or chains on all fitting posts. Chad will have the keys of course. But where we know they use blood magic it is best to have a way to confine those that can be called easily.”

De nodded. “That way we can see everyone knows just why he is tied, and why others might be, if they know it can happen they might be more willing to seek help. If we can just get them convinced that it is not a weakness they have.”

Inspector Heanric said. “I will get with the other priest and see that they are getting the warnings from the writings out. It is known to us that blood magic is insidious stuff and you never know how you will react until you have to deal with it. If you have been a victim it will of course call you harder, but even if you have it can. I will see that the troops are getting reminders of that.” He looked at them and decided it didn’t matter. “I fear I no idea just what a production it would be to get them on the road. I am finally have luck getting the carriages loaded, but it will be tomorrow sometime before they are on the road. I still can’t believe that happened. Everyone says it is completely out of character, and can not see why the conversation generated that reaction. They will be doing a complete investigation, not that it in anyway excuses his behavior and regardless of the cause Feather will stay in the city. Also the Chosen was most alarmed by the camp, he had people looking before I even told him all of it. However it takes me far to long to reach someone who can get me in direct contact and to be honest your intelligence gathering is have more luck then ours, so to that end he is sending one of his hands here with all possible speed. As it is not safe to gate this close to the border they are gating to a location around three days travel. Some with them will be breaking off to escort Feather’ party, however there is a full unit of the Shield Knights with Knight Hence, come to lend there aid. The Chosen fears shifting to many troops around just yet, as we know there are spies and don’t want them knowing what we know. Also he will be accepting Red’s offer, and said to tell you that the boarders will open to any offering aid once the enemy is in sight.”

Most looked stunned or confused. Charity said. “He might regret that offer when he learns in full who comes. To that end where he is willing accepting the aid I can offer this. Those coming at my call will see that all visiting armies leave once there aid is not needed and then leave when your borders are safe, as we know some my seek to use this to grab land.” That had their eyes turn to her, she shrugged. “They were always going to, just now they will be open in their support, and yes that includes the troops from Jakesome. For those here that don’t know the one coming is like a under chief in other lands, but held by God blessed and witnessed oaths, and rights that formed a bond between Him and the chosen.”

Luke looked at her. “So just what book? De Knight Hence is going to be fine with us, and will help the rest relax, though this bunch doesn’t seem to need it.” That last was said as he jumped a bit as another hand found his butt, and the plug jiggled.

Charity said. “I did try and warn you that Mike was setting you up for a rough day.”

Luke said. “So you did and so I expected, but just not. Well, I didn’t realize just who would.”

Charity made the other guy jump. “You also seem to have forgot what I said about being able to tease back. Or are you just to shy to? And as to the book, it is in the started government text book, which you would know if you had of read it. Or even just heard the drills.”

Luke said. “I have been trying to be good, but fine, if you feel that way. We will see just who is shy.”

Charity laughed. “Now clothes are to stay on, but as they asked you needed hold back so much. If we all stop then the others will. Craft there is the fifth to tell me that the lack of flirting is more troubling then seeing it would be.’

De shook her head. “Do try not to take it too far, but yes it is only fair you tease back. Though I do fear just what I am going to hear about you five now, having said that.”

Heanric looked at them. “I do fear you all will make him wish he hadn’t said that, but he did ask for it.”

Charity smiled at the inspector. “If you will just come with me there is a room just down the hall that is set up to make the slates in. I do hope you will find the spell useable.”

Luke said. “There should be some cake there as well, sis. Why don’t I come give you a hand? He is a bit more used to seeing me cast so might be able to follow me if he gets lost.”

Charity smiled. “You worry too much, but come on. He is not going to be so freighted he can’t see the spell this time for he knows what I am doing.”