The Runestaff, according to Sylvia's perceptions, is in the Prison of Souls. While everyone else waits for daybreak, Rosa sneaks in and finds only one prisoner who isn't screamingly insane ... Count Brass, a nobleman of Gaul. He says he's here voluntarily, hoping to learn how Calamus turns one metal into another.
He also knows where the Runestaff is. And when the Valerians break him out, he shows them --- he has it! Indeed, Count Brass had the Runestaff all the time, and the madmen of Granbretan -- the empire Calamus is building on the province of Britannia -- never suspected.
The eagles come at Elrond's call and everyone escapes. Count Brass is willing to discuss what to do with the Runestaff, but demurs Pouncequick and Junius' kind suggestion that they take it to Rome and discuss it. Instead, Count Brass prefers to explain the Runestaff at his home of Castle Brass, surrounded by his own philosophical devices and troops.
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