Camilla didn't panic the way she sometimes did in battle. Perhaps it was the familiar setting, or perhaps she was simply too tired. She watched the byplay silently, her eyes measuring her chances of making a break for the door and informing her that unless the guards were suddenly paralyzed there was little chance of it. The mention of a duel went off like a howitzer shell. Men and women leaped to their feet, yelling in outrage or defense of the procedure. Todbringer turned and stared levelly at the court and silence fell rapidly save for the spluttering Baron.

[b]"This is an outrage! A duel of honor is reserved for the nobility! It isn't legal!"[/b] he roared, his voice moderating slightly as he realised he was now the lone voice in what had been a rancourous hall.

[b]"As it happens,"[/b] Todbringer said calmly, [b]"I had my Chamberlain draw up an honorary writ of nobillity for these two last night.[/b]" A murmer went around the court at that.

[b]"Admittedly, it turns out that I mispelled their names rather badly,"[/b] he went on, his voice carrying the slightest hint of amusement. A slight laugh could be heard from the more quick witted courtiers.

[b]"This is preposterous! This cannot be legal!" [/b]the Baron spluttered, his face literally reddening with anger. Camilla willed him to apoplexy, but regrettably it did not occur.

[b]"Enough Sir!"[/b] Todbringer snapped, roused to anger at last, [b]"Are you to instruct me as to what is legal in my domain?"[/b] The Baron was no fool and he calmed himself quickly, if not completely.

[b]"But he is a common soldier and she was Otto's foreign whore!"[/b]

The Count of Middenhiem stalked back to his throne, though he didn't sit.

[b]"You will find, Herr Baron, that we here in Middenland have more respect for 'common soldiers' than you seem to, and to slander a Lady in such a manner... for shame sir."[/b] Camilla opted not to correct the Count's apparent misapprehension for the moment. Women who looked like her were much more frequently the mistresses of nobles than nobility themselves, Todbringer probably knew the remark was more true than false and she appreciated the small attempt to defend her honor.

[b]"Herr Cydric, Lady Camilla, will you consent to the duel?"[/b] the Count asked, the look in his eye making it clear the question was a formality. Camilla wondered if they would be allowed to select champions but she nodded her agreement.

[b]"Yes your Excellency," [/b]she responded. Todbringer nodded approvingly as Cydric echoed the sentiment.

[b]"Well then Baron, either accept the challenge, or withdraw your accusation, because otherwise I will have no choice but to conduct a formal trial here in Middienheim, which I can assure you I will preside over and render verdict."[/b] That was a guarantee of acquittal which the Baron couldn't openly contest, although it might not stop him sending assassins after them in the future.

[@POOHEAD189]