Manx160: thanks for the idea, I was already planning on briar but the duke opens up something entirely better!

Also this will mostly be in briars POV cause no one no's were jack is (an I'm to lazy to type it today)

Briar POV

I sat in the backroom of the dukes counseling room, fuming. We were waiting for Jack's

father to arrive. I had decided to let the Duke and Sadry do the talking, as they had more

diplomatic experience and a longer patience with such matters. Finally a servant came in.

"Verny Buford is here to see you, sir" he said.

"Take us there.' the Duke Commanded. The servant made a 'follow me' gesture and

walked off. They followed him hastily. He led the way to a small sitting room. " he

opened the door and bowed them in. " you grace how good to see you again! The fat man

Sadry had seen in the market got up, with some difficulty and greeted the duke with a

handshake. " so what you need me for?" he asked.

"Alas," the Duke answered "I wish I called you here on happier news but it's not."

"Then why am I here?" he sounded genially puzzled.

"Your Son." the Duke stated simply.

"Oh." his voice went flat and all emotion left his face. I was disgusted. How could this

man be the father of any children. If Briar had children and they went missing he would

be excited and hopeful if he got any news at all.

"You see, " the duke continued as if he hadn't noticed the man's reaction. "Briar here,

and he waved in Briars direction, "recently found a young mage hiding in the forest, a run

away. He brought him in and cared for him but the boy refused to reveal his name. But

through sources he found out his name was Jack and Triss, a scholar and mage,

remembered reading about your lost son. But before we called this meeting Briar went to

make sure this was his name. when he touched his shoulder in the dark the boy flinched

instinctively. It might have been surprise but that night he ran away and he left a note

saying by knowing who he was Briar was in danger. Do you no why the might be" The

Duke's voice was pleasant but there was no escaping the accusation behind hi words.

Verny had remain motionless throughout this monologue and now he stirred. He raised

his head to look at the Duke and the four grimed face mages behind him. He opened his

mouth to speak…

--AN--

i've actually had this written for a couple day but the site was down sorry