Isolde examined the sword and stiffened. She could charm the blade but magic and charms could often have unforeseen consequences. Rather than being hasty  in casting a spell, she agreed to bless the blade. The blessing would not have consequences but would not be as powerful as a charm<br/>She felt Kell's disapproving look and cast a side long glance his direction. Typical man. He did not acknowledge her presence but he did not want another man to do so either. The chamber was filling with people. Odors and tension were so thick that she felt as if she was wading through mud.  Leaning into Arrus, she murmured against his ear,<br/><br/>"I have work to do. You may find me later, sir, if you so desire." Isolde brushed her hand over his arm in a way of farewell.<br/><br/>At the ripple of the crowd, Isolde turned to see a messenger make his way to Kell. As she eased into the shadows, she watched his handsome face thoughtfully listen and this watched as his eyes widened and his eyebrow shot up. Kell scanned the crowd, his eyes falling on Raven briefly before he schooled his face into military bearing. Isolde opened her senses to the energy that flowed through the room. The messenger was sickly green with a tight black band around his head.<br/><br/>The messenger turned in a flurry of cloak and it was as if the crowd swallowed him. He was gone. Kell relaxed back , steepling his fingers, waiting . At first the women chattered , followed by the shouts of men. As one, the mob pulsed toward the warded entrance, only to be repelled, knocked backward.<br/><br/>Isolde faded totally into the shadows and began to cast a calming spell over the crowd. They did not need mob mentality. She knew that Kell needed little help to lead, but leading people who were under the influence of negative, evil magic was quite difficult.