Cyrdic was much more concerned with what the Graf could mean when he wanted them to present themselves. The powerful young man tilting his head, examined the note further and went lost in his thoughts on what it could mean. Until he felt his rump being slapped and he jumped. "Hey..." he joked, and as per usual, Camilla had dragged him into getting himself presentable again. 

He guessed he should have felt more naked from the start, but he strode out into the halls and into Jiselle's chambers without a shirt as if it was normal, though the open mouthed stares from some of the servants did make him a bit reserved about it after a minute. Soon, they were more or less up to standard. Cyrdic didn't think the Graf would care, considering the circumstances, but he wasn't about to argue with Camilla when it came to courtly etiquette. It was her expertise, not his. 

Cyrdic brushed a bit of her black hair out of Camilla's eyes, and nodded. He gave her a wink. "Let's go." 

He didn't know what to expect when he and Camilla entered the throne room. But what the reality turned out to be was far from what he ever hoped for. Because as they stepped into the throne room chamber, they were met with Boris Todbringer upon his throne, and the Ostlander Count, along with his retinue standing to the right of the chamber. Immediately, Cyrdic stiffed and pulled Camilla behind him. He felt a chill run down his spine at what these implications were. 

"Ah, herr Reiner and Misstress Vivvienne," The Ostland Baron said mockingly. "How rude of us to summon you in this early hour. Perhaps you'd like to enjoy some more of the good Graf's hospitality while we wait-" 

"That's quite enough," the Graf said, his eyes smoldering. With a gravity and weight only Boris Todbringer could pull off, he stepped down from his throne and approached the two companions. 

"These Ostlanders were welcomed here in the early hour of the Morn, and they gave me a tale that I did not quite believe..." He turned to Camilla and Cyrdic. "What are your names?" 

"Cyrdic and Camilla." Cyrdic answered, knowing that to lie now would be folly. 

"I thought as much. I did have a servant or two tell me you screamed one another's name during the ratmen attack, but I dismissed it. Perhaps it was a surname or a middle name. I see it was not." he said, and glared at them. "Now, tell me. Did you murder this Baron's son." 

"No-" Cyrdic began. "Liar!" the Baron cried. His puffed grey streaked beard bristled with outrage. "We've tracked you a hundred leagues. I'll not sit here and hear these lies again!" 

"Shut your mouth or we'll haul you out of Middenheim," Boris said, not even bothering to look at the Baron. He simply stared at Cyrdic and Camilla. "Go on." 

"I saw the Baron's son Otto die during an Orc attack. I was there with him. Otto...had desires for Camilla. His mother did not approve, I suspect. But the blame fell on her," Cyrdic glanced at her, and then looked back to Boris. "They were going to kill her, and I was under investigation for aid in the murder." Cyrdic shook his head. "If they want to demote me, or take me away in chains, so be it, as long as my trial was fair. But Camilla did nothing wrong. They were going to kill her outright. So... I knocked out the guards that watched her, and ushered her away. I couldn't stand by and watch it. I don't know what possessed me sir. I've followed orders, and given them all my life. I guess...how are we better than the marauders, if we do not act upon right and wrong?" 

The Graf stared at Cyrdic long and hard, boring into him with his steely eyes. Many moments later, his voice carried the weight of law. "I believe him." 

The Ostland Baron and his men brandished swords, roaring in outrage. The Swords of Ulric in the room unsheathed their weapons as well. Boris held up his hands and waved them down. "He and lady Vi- Camilla are my guests, and they have saved my family twice. I cannot in good faith, give them over to you." he said. However, their accused crimes were not performed here, and so I cannot claim them as my own citizens either. What is a Graf to do?" 

He held his hands out, though the look in his eyes showed he knew just what to say next. "An honor duel, if both parties consent."
[@Penny]