The Road to Paris

Not long after middday, the train of riders sets out for Paris. They move down the north slope of Kolvir, away from the city, Corwin at the lead and Merlin beside him. Jerod and Vere are also welcome to join them; if they do, they hear Corwin instructing Merlin in the subtle changes he is making to guide them to Paris.

Jerod definitely comes up forward. He's got no use for being in the back, and never has. He's polite enough to listen without interrupting, knowing that Corwin won't say anything of great importance while he's there so no one will have to be uncomfortable by being deceptive.

Vere's also joining the front of the group. He's keeping pretty silent during the journey, watching everything and listening intently, but not initiating any conversations. He's in total Watcher mode.

Corwin's lessons remind Jerod of his own lessons in such matters with Eric. If Corwin is holding back anything, it's not immediately apparent to Jerod. Corwin also encourages Vere to listen and comment, and to participate in some of the exercises, particularly those that involve noticing subtle changes in the landscape as the party passes through veils of shadow.

This is an opportunity for Vere to learn - Jerod will be sure that his own desires do not cause any shifts in the landscape that would interfere with the learning process. He will instead be watchful of Merlin and Vere, to see how they react to the lessons given and their ability to incorporate the information.

Vere pays a lot of attention to everything Corwin says about Pattern and Shadow, and observes Merlin's efforts intently. Whenever called upon by Corwin to comment he ponders for a time before answering, considering the question in relation to everything Gerard told him about the Pattern, everything he heard from Fiona during their short conversation, and everything he has managed to piece together from listening to and watching other Pattern initiates. He is not at all shy about saying that he doesn't know the answer to something when he doesn't, and accepts corrections with a grateful nod of his head.

The difference between Merlin, who has walked the Pattern, and Vere, who has not, is clear to both Vere and Jerod. Merlin's comments indicate that he can feel some of the subtle shifts that Vere simply cannot sense.

Merlin is an eager student, and soaks up all the knowledge offered him like a sponge.

Vere pays close attention to everything Merlin and Corwin say, tucking it safely away in his memory to be taken out and re-examined once he has walked the Pattern.

They ride all afternoon down the slope of a mountain that stops being Kolvir, and camp that evening. There's a fire and good whiskey, and Rein brings out his lute to amuse the company with song. Most of those present join in, and a few produce small instruments of their own. Merlin doesn't sing unless encouraged. He spends the time making sketches in a notebook by firelight.

Vere listens to the music with obvious pleasure, but doesn't join in.

Corwin tends to Vere's wound himself. He has a saddlebag with a complete medical kit, sent along by Gerard for the purpose, he explains.

The journey will take several days, Corwin explains. After the first day, Jerod has the sense Corwin is taking it easy, or perhaps he's delaying to give Vere's wound time to heal. Or perhaps the purpose was really to get as many people as possible out of Amber.

If Vere intends the walk the Pattern, Jerod knows that he'll have to be at full strength. Even the slightest weakness could be fatal - Jerod remembers his own walk very well. It is not for the faint of heart. Perhaps other reasons might be involved for the slow travel, but either way, Jerod is in no rush and approves of the delay.

Corwin's route takes the group inwards, away from the coast. Eventually, they find a river that doesn't exist north of Amber, and follow it to the city. Into the city they ride, then into the walls of an older city, and finally on to an island, past what Vere is certain is a great temple, and up to the steps of a magnificent palace.

Vere notes the temple, and looks for any indications of what sort of deity might be worshipped there.

It's not immediately apparent to Vere. [OOC: I don't think anyone could tell from looking at the exterior of Notre Dame what the deity/ies worshipped there is/are.]

Other than that it likes towers, arches, and gargoyles....

A pleasant blonde woman and a man that neither Jerod nor Vere recognizes are standing on the steps to greet the party. Corwin dismounts and hands off his horse to a servant. "Alice," he says, and stops, surprised, as he looks at the other man. "Lance!" he says, delighted, and gives the man a hearty embrace. Lance returns it with great gusto.

"I knew you'd be pleased that Lance found his way here," Alice says.

Jerod dismounts from his horse, having taken in the scenery, getting a feel for the land around him. And just as his father taught him, he does indeed get a feel for things.

How real does this place feel?

Completely real. Jerod hadn't realized how far Amber had already fallen until he came here.

Another thing apparent to both Jerod and particularly to Vere is the hopeful, happy, busy-ness of the citizens of Paris. Things are being built and created in Paris. There is no sense of shabbiness here. Perhaps things are rough from a lack of time to finish them, but nothing is left unrepaired or damaged or abandoned.

Vere observes all this, and a slight frown appears on his face, quickly wiped away and replaced by his normal calm expression.

When they have stopped at their destination, Jerod would be seen sitting on his horse for a few moments looking around, taking in the scenery. His expression is neutral to casual observers and only those with good perceptions (meaning Corwin and few others) would realize that Jerod is sad. He had secretly hoped it would not be so. Now he has no choice but to accept that his second home is faded and may soon be gone. His thoughts briefly turn to his first home and his expression hardens. He will not lose two of them. Not if he has any say in the matter.

Corwin makes the introductions. "Alice, you remember my son Merlin, of course, and these are my nephews Jerod and Vere, and this is Lord Rein. And the Lady Kaia, who is the ambassador from Rebma. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Alice Roth, Chatelaine of Castle Paris, and this--is Lance, whom I hope will accept some position here, even if I don't know what it is yet."

Alice smiles at all of you. "Come in. Dinner is ready."

Jerod nods a greeting to both Alice and Lance, with a suitable "My lady" and "Lord" as is deemed appropriate. Dinner would appear to be good idea and Jerod is never one to turn down a good meal.

Vere nods his greetings to each of them with a pleasant smile, but doesn't speak.

And thus the trip to Paris ends.

After the group arrives, everyone is assigned a room. It's a little reminiscent of those first few days after the Sundering, when nobody knew where anybody else was staying, and furniture was being dragged out of storage, except that in Amber that time seemed frightening and desperate, and the people here all seem hopeful and happy.

Dinner is a quiet family-only affair. Alice, whom Corwin explains is the wife of one of his senior ministers, arranges for service, and once the dinner is served, shoos the servants out and closes the door behind her. Based on the amount of food, she knows Corwin's eating habits and assumes his nephews and son share his prodigious appetite.

Nobody explains why she calls Corwin Carl.

After dinner, there's a fire and brandy and cigars for those who like them. Corwin does; Merlin doesn't. These are tobacco, not the weed Martin brings back from Heerat.

Vere doesn't smoke, and sips very slowly from his snifter of brandy.

Corwin says, "Tonight before you go to bed, Vere, we'll look at your shoulder. I think the stitches are ready to come out. If they are, I think you'll be ready to walk the Pattern in the morning." He turns to Jerod. "I assume you'll want to watch Vere's Patternwalk before travelling on to Rebma."

"Most assuredly Uncle." Jerod says, lounging with a generous scotch in the most comfortable chair in the room (assuming Corwin didn't beat him to it). He does not smoke. "A Walk is an endeavour one should always attend. The positive encouragement of others should never be discounted.

"I'm also curious as to what it looks like, and how it got there in the first place."

Vere's raised eyebrow indicates his interest in the answer to those questions, as well.

Corwin describes the creation of the Pattern of Paris [OOC: as recounted in the GBOA, pp 540-546] to Vere and Jerod. Merlin nods along in various places; it's obvious he has heard the story before.

Vere sits perfectly still throughout the telling, his gaze focused somewhere over Corwin's left shoulder.

Afterwards, Corwin indulges himself with another brandy. "I sent myself thence to the battle, but fell a little short, and encountered--Borel." Corwin's eyes flick to Merlin, and he pauses before adding, "And from there I came to meet Benedict's forces."

Jerod glances at Corwin's sword. No doubt Borel encountered it. Data fits into a new pattern in Jerod's mind, fitting Dara and Merlin and Corwin into new categories. Things are more interesting than previously suspected. Interesting is not always fun.

[Corwin] continues, "When I came back here, afterwards, the place had changed. The sea had retreated, and the river and the island and many of the buildings were already here. It was as if the place had been waiting for me to realize it." Corwin takes a swallow from the snifter to punctuate the last bit.

"As for what it looks like, Jerod, I think you'll need to see it to make sense of it. It's beneath Notre Dame. That's the large building with the buttresses we went by, with the stained glass windows."

"It's a bit bigger than the one I saw when I visited Aunt Flora. Though that was another life time ago it seems." Jerod says, rising from his chair to walk a bit, Vere recognizing it in his behaviour in how Jerod processes a lot of information. As he walks, he feels with his senses, the strength of everything around him, sensitive to the feel of reality at his fingertips and beyond. He has missed the reality.

Corwin nods in response to Jerod's words. He seems unsurprised that Jerod might have visited Flora in Paris.

"Reality according to Corwin, poet and bard." Jerod says, loud enough for people to hear though mostly for himself. "To each man's dreams, there is the faint hope of fulfillment that comes but once and is gone. Seize upon the moment when it comes for it shall never come again. Thus we see the dream fulfilled in Paris."

After a moment he makes his decision, turning to look at Corwin. "Dad couldn't have ruled Amber, even if Brand and the redheads hadn't worked against grandfather. It wasn't his vision. It was someone else's. Even you could not rule Amber. As much as you and dad fought and killed and schemed, it would not have happened even if one of you had been a clear victor." Jerod says, quietly, dispassionately. Even without saying it, his message is clear. His father died for nothing.

"What's going to happen to Amber, Uncle?" Jerod asks. "It's faded, faded a long way. I didn't realize how much until we came here. Can it even be restored? Or should it?"

Vere tilts his head to one side, intensely interested in both the question and the answer.

Corwin takes a few moments to answer. He looks at Jerod, and finally says, "I don't know. I can make some guesses, but they're speculations. Dworkin might be able to tell you, or he might not."

He pauses, searching for words. "Eric held the line in Amber. If he'd failed, none of us might be here now. And if I'd--beaten him before--" he pauses again. Finally he shakes his head. "It could have been your father here, and it could have been me Julian memorialized alongside Dad and Deirdre. Perhaps you're thinking 'Corwin can afford to be generous because he won', and maybe I can. But I feel the fragility of our victory, of my victory--don't think your father died in vain. He didn't. He bought this with his blood.

"You and Cambina will always have a place in Paris if you want it."

Jerod is stoic during Corwin's talk, though he has not ignored any of it. It takes considerable self-control when he hears Corwin speak of his father in order to retain that stoicism. He nods after a moment. "I will remember that place, and be sure that my sister does as well." he says.

Corwin nods at Jerod and glances over at Vere. Vere has the sense that Corwin had forgotten Vere and Merlin were in the room for a moment. "And you and your father and sister as well."

Vere nods. "I thank Your Majesty," he replies. Then, with a slight smile, he adds, "Correct me if I am wrong, but I shall be the first being not of your direct blood to walk your Pattern, yes? It will be an interesting experiment. Can a nephew of one who creates such a thing walk it safely? I do not believe there is a precedent, all those who walked Oberon's Pattern were his direct descendents. How fortunate that the nephew who is to make the initial experiment is the one of least rank within the immediate family."

Jerod goes to collect a drink at this moment, hearing Vere's questions but not saying anything, having his own questions to pose on other matters. Vere's questions are important, since he faces the fire soon. Jerod's questions can wait.

Jerod remains away for a few extra moments, pouring an extra large portion, letting the emotions settle, burying them deep beneath the waves like Lamell taught him. Another moment, another face...and are any of them really him? After three decades he wonders if it matters...he knows who he is.

He reaches out to touch a tapestry, feeling the strength of the place, the sense of uniqueness, of life and vitality that permeated everything around him, as it had once done at home. He lets it go after a moment, lets it settle back into place. If his father's blood bought this place, then heaven help anyone who screwed with it.

"Thanks dad." Jerod whispers, taking another drink, then settling his shoulders a bit before returning to the conversation.

"My instincts say you shouldn't be at any more risk than you would be on any other Pattern," Corwin says. "I'd be more comfortable with Fiona here to confirm what my gut is telling me, but I'm not sure anyone can tell more than I know, if that makes sense. I don't know how the theory holds for Rebma and Tir any more, either.

"Tir's out there, you know. Alice said she saw it during the full moon that recently passed," he adds, probably for Jerod's benefit.

To Vere he says, "Nobody's expendable, though. We need every man and woman in case we have to go back to war."

Vere nods thoughtfully as Corwin speaks.

Jerod looks over at Corwin when he makes the comment about Tir and he remains quiet for a moment, thoughts converging on a new element.

Based on the timing, what would the current phase of the moon be?

[Just after full, I think. Best guess for Jerod is Amber-equivalent of 17 or 18 Archer. It took a week of riding but if Amber and Paris run equivalent as Amber and Rebma used to, 10 or 11 days have passed. Corwin was definitely futzing with timing somehow.]

"And is that likely?" Jerod asks. "The probability of another war. You had mentioned my father held the line. The question begs what did he hold it against, other than Chaos. And who is still out there to threaten if we are supposed to have been victorious?"

Vere takes another small sip of his brandy, and fades once more into the background.

It is Merlin who speaks up, as Corwin hesitates. "My mother has proven that she is still a threat, though my grandfather's ambitions of destroying Amber were thwarted." He looks at Corwin, who seems to be gearing up to protest. "No, father, we must speak of this honestly. You did not spare my feelings at the side of the Abyss. Do not think to spare them in this company."

Merlin turns his attention back to Jerod. "You may say Amber fades, and perhaps this is true. But there is a here here. If you had lost, many of you would be dead now, or insane. I have been on both sides of Ygg often enough to know the difference, even if you do not."

Corwin nods reluctantly. "Merlin's right. We won, but we didn't win so absolutely that no one from Chaos can ever attack us again. These victories never hold; when Dad married Clarissa, we thought it was the end of things. Instead she bred us a nest of vipers. Even if Bleys and Fiona are now reformed vipers.

"And with Dad gone, all sorts of threats are coming out of the woodwork. The goddesses of Arcadia, for one. There were Moonriders at Dad's funeral, for another. You've spent most of your life dealing with Chaos, Jerod, but you're not that old. There were a lot of threats out there that Dad had put in abeyance before you were born."

"Threats that rear their ugly heads now that Oberon is gone. They hope to seize a piece of the corpse as a prize." Jerod says. "We appear to be in a target rich environment. I will have several of them to select from while in Rebma I suspect.

"I spoke with Merlin early in our trip and he mentioned something that got me thinking. If Grandfather was buried in Chaos, a son of that realm, then where did Order come from? And why? Merlin spoke of the taint of Order. If it did not exist before Oberon, then how did it come into being?"

Vere listens silently.

Corwin says, "You'd need to ask Dworkin that. He told me recently that he inscribed the original Pattern in a fit of madness, or illness, by blood, lightning, and lyre, but he wasn't very coherent at the time. And he seemed to think I was Dad."

He adds, "Apparently he was Dad's father."

"Which makes him my great-grandfather." Jerod says. "And as founder of the Pattern, that would make him perfectly suited in the role of teacher, for those interested in seeking him out." He does not continue this line of thought, at least out loud. But it is clear that this is something he is interested in.

"He was quite mad, and very dangerous, when I last spoke to him," says Corwin. "But I didn't get a chance to speak to him at Dad's funeral. If I understand correctly, whatever happened may have--helped--him in that respect. Or it may not. But you should approach him with caution, even if he's friendly. He may not be able to stay that way."

An unhappy expression flits across Corwin's face, as if he were reminded of something unpleasant.

Jerod makes note of the expression but he does not pry. He has enough unhappy memories himself to know better.

Vere frowns slightly at Corwin's comments about Dworkin, but does not speak.

[Jerod]
"I'm going to have to make some decisions very soon Uncle, once I cross over to find Rebma. So I'm going to ask in hopes that you have some idea of what Uncle Random is up to. I'd prefer to have an idea as to whether or not Amber is going to be around, or even if someone's going to try to make sure it's around. Because your comments make me wonder whether or not you're going to be King here, or if like Amber, someone junior is selected for that role."

Vere takes another small sip of his brandy.

"I plan to be King here for a long time," says Corwin. "If, as you say, it is reality as imagined by me, I can do nothing else." He stops and pauses. "I don't know for sure what Random is doing. I could speculate, but he didn't confide the nature of the mandate the Unicorn gave him in me. He's the head of the family now, so he doesn't have to."

He continues, "I don't know what will happen to Amber. I have my suspicions on that, but they all depend on what Random is up to. Don't count him out, Jerod. He's the youngest of us, but he's wily, and he always has an ace up his sleeve."

"Probably why the Unicorn picked him." Jerod says, then stops for a moment.

"What was the Unicorn like?"

Vere tilts his head to one side and lets his gaze settle somewhere just over Corwin's left shoulder as he waits for the answer to this question.

"I'm not sure I can really describe her," says Corwin. "The best thing I can say is that I was glad she was there, and not just because we needed the Jewel to survive."

Merlin, who has remained silent through most of this, observing Jerod and his father and the other watcher, adds, "Had I not already been certain of where my allegiance must lie, I think she would have convinced me to choose Amber."

Corwin smiles at his son. Vere alone notices that this discomfits Merlin slightly for some reason, but the younger man suppresses it at once and returns his father's fond expression.

Jerod notes this...the tear of dual allegiance is too close to ignore sometimes.

Corwin turns to Vere. "For a man who will be walking the Pattern on the morrow, Vere, you've asked remarkably few questions. What would you ask of me?"

Vere smiles slightly. "Really, your majesty, is there much to ask? If I am not yet prepared to walk the Pattern on the eve of doing so, then the questions I can ask and have answered in one night will do nothing to make me more prepared. The obvious question is 'Is your Pattern any different from the Pattern of Amber?' But would the answer to that really serve me? I have never walked the Pattern of Amber, so knowing the differences would be a matter of purely intellectual interest, and concentrating on these differences might even serve me ill in walking yours. And, indeed, I am told by those wiser than I in such matters than everyone experiences the Pattern in an idiosyncratic fashion, and even for the same person the difference between one walk and another can be significant. Thus, again, asking of the differences seems unimportant." He takes a small sip of brandy before continuing, "I assume the major points are all the same, do not pause once I have begun, there are Veils that are the most difficult parts, it becomes more difficult the further one goes, once in the center I can command it to send me to any place. That last, obviously, is a matter I have given much thought to, and have still not answered to my own satisfaction. I will continue to think upon it."

He regards the three men with interest. "So, no, your majesty, no questions. Save only one, for all three of you. What advice would you give me, that you wish had been said to you before your first walk?"

Jerod, having finally asked most of his questions (so his player can tell him to shut up and let other people talk) waits to hear what Corwin has to say, curious as to what he might have said to Merlin.

Corwin says, "I was given rather thorough advice by Dworkin when I first walked the Pattern. I'd like to think I was as thorough as Merlin, but I might not have emphasized enough that you can't let whatever phantoms you see, or think you see, distract you. Distraction is fatal."

Merlin looks back at his father. "I cannot reproach my father for any failure to instruct me," he says to Vere. "But I wish I had been less afraid."

With a nod, Vere acknowledges Corwin's comment. "My father has emphasized that point, your majesty. He knows my tendency to overanalyze and my enjoyment of intellectual puzzles. The temptation to seek to comprehend the meaning of what is happening, while it is happening, is something I am well warned against. I will save analysis for after I have completed the Pattern."

He turns his gaze to Merlin. "I regret your fear, Prince Merlin," he says. "And I am glad it proved unnecessary. For myself, it is not a concern. I believe I understand the risks as well as anyone who has not yet walked the Pattern might, and there is no choice for me as to whether I will walk it or not. I cannot be who I am meant to be without walking. And where there is no choice, there is no room for fear."

Vere then looks at Jerod and lifts one inquisitive eyebrow.

"There is always room for fear." Jerod says. "Even when we seem to have no choice but to face it. We can face a grave danger with courage and yet die facing our fear because we truly don't accept it. You can always hide from yourself.

"Whatever you face, accept it and keep going. Don't stop...don't quit...don't surrender. Whatever you see, make it a part of you. As you said, you can analyze it later." he says, re-filling his drink and seeing if others are in need as well.

Vere nods without comment.

Corwin offers Jerod his glass.

"For the record, that's what my father told me to do. And I had lots of fear. But I'm still here." Jerod says, before grinning a little. "Though some might have wished otherwise."

Merlin says, "I do not think it is common in our family to wish one another dead." He has listened to Jerod's words with some interest.

Vere smiles slightly, and chooses to allow Jerod to answer that one.

"Wishing is easy." Jerod replies. "You can fantasize about something about actually having to take action...or dealing with the consequences. The reality is that most won't go forward with the wishing for precisely the latter reason. There are always consequences."

Merlin looks at his father, then at Jerod, but says nothing.

Corwin takes a swallow of his drink. "This is depressing talk for the night before a young man walks the Pattern for the first time. Let us speak instead of lighter things, unless Vere has other questions to ask."

Jerod has no problem with that, having re-acquired the comfy chair once more.

Vere nods. "Indeed," he says. "Let us move to lighter topics." He pauses a moment, then continues, "I shall be returning to my mother's land to assist her in putting down a civil war. As part of this, I shall need to raise troops. I was thinking a relatively small, but dedicated and trustworthy, force. This is the only sort of force I have led in the past, but the Brotherhood of the Stag are a traditional band, and I have no experience in raising a force. Your Majesty does. I would appreciate advice." He nods towards Jerod, "I have briefly mentioned this matter to His Highness already, and would also welcome further suggestions from him at this time. Since the decisions I make on this matter may well influence where I decide to go upon the completion of tomorrow's walk."

"You'd have done better to ask Bleys; that's his area of expertise," says Corwin. "I've always preferred to raise troops the old-fashioned way: take a shadow under my wing and grow them. But I can offer some advice."

Corwin goes off into some reasonably technical discussions of how to find things in Shadow that Jerod follows and mostly agrees with and that Vere, while he'll certainly remember, doesn't quite comprehend. Merlin is listening with interest, but Vere suspects it's all over his head too.

"Or," Corwin finishes, "you could hire them."

Jerod does not respond during the conversation, content to listen instead. Anything that he does not fully understand or has disagreement with he will file away for future reference, though I suspect that it would be mostly in regards to the personal preferences of how Jerod and Corwin relate to shadow, as opposed to something that is outright "different" as far as how shadow actually works. Under that circumstance, it's a case of "tomato, tomato"...:)

He is curious however as to Vere's reply to Corwin's suggestion.

"I had considered that option, of course," Vere replies, "But I would greatly prefer men whom have loyalty to me. And to whom I would therefore owe a certain loyalty in turn. Again, this is what I am accustomed to, dealing with the Brotherhood of the Stag. And while I have respect for those who follow the difficult path of mercenary, I prefer men whom I fight alongside to have a more personal stake in the matter at hand." He takes a small sip of brandy before continuing, "One thing that occurred to me is that it might be good to seek out men who would like the opportunity to fight for a place of honour in a new land, men who are willing to risk themselves for the name of hero, and an honoured roll as a Companion of the Prince of their new land. I had considered seeking such men in Amber, but the difficulties that might arise as such men settled in a land where women rule seemed to me to be a problem." Vere's gaze slides to Jerod. "A possible solution occurred to me, that I might seek out men whom would find nothing strange in the idea of being ruled by women."

Corwin says, "You could find many shadows where that is true," but his gaze, and Merlin's slide to Jerod also.

"Rebma's forces are like Amber, such being the way of reflection. Small but usually well trained and skilled. Most of the commanders of the units are women so the men are accustomed to the chain of command including women, unlike Amber." Jerod says. "You might find some, but it's questionnable as to how many. And the Queen might not appreciate you trying to hire away part of her defense force for your own personal use. If you take that route, you might want to have a native guide along, just in case."

Vere nods, "I would of course wish the advice of one well-versed in the ways of Rebma before undertaking such a venture," he says. "And I would hope to travel there with him, so that I might continue to profit from his advice, as well as his introduction." He tilts his head to the side, "Or, of course, I could have the Pattern of Paris transport me there after my walk, and act as herald for your coming." He shrugs, "In any case, I would wish to do nothing to antagonize the Queen of Rebma, whom from all accounts is a powerful and cunning monarch." Vere's tone leaves no doubt that he considers those to be admirable traits in a Queen.

"Something had occurred to me, however," he continues. "Might Her Majesty be willing to consider allowing the son of a sister Queen, a nephew of the Kings of Amber and Paris, to raise a small force of well-trained and eager men, volunteers all, to fight against a vile usurper, as the basis of future friendly relations with another matriarchy, a land that is the homeland of two Princes of Amber? Might there be some way to approach Her Majesty with this request that would appeal to her?"

Vere smiles slightly, "In sooth," he says, "This idea appeals to me for several reasons, not least of which is that it is my opinion that The Isles would benefit from the influx of new ideas and new people. But in moderation, and with a limit to how much change is introduced at one time. Hence, it seems to me, Rebma would make an excellent first trading partner."

"Phrased the right way, anything is possible." Jerod says. "Remembering of course that in providing the opportunity to save your people from the vile usurper, the Queen might decide that what she considers fair compensation is more than you might be prepared to pay."

The corner of Corwin's mouth quirks up at that comment.

[Jerod]
"You would also wish to be careful in trying to travel to Rebma if you have never been there before. My understanding is that the Pattern will not work if you have no visualization of where you are going. And if your visualization is faulty, that could be bad. Rebma can be very unforgiving."

"And with the stairway to Rebma so near, it would be just as easy to walk. I recommend projecting yourself to your bedchamber so you can rest instead," says Corwin. "I have a man in Rebma, Bill Roth, who might be able to help you. But that would require you to take the straight path rather than the one at the heart of the Pattern."

Corwin rises and moves to refresh his drink. If Jerod or Vere indicates a need, he refreshes theirs also.

Vere still has half of his original glass of brandy, and seems in no hurry to finish it. He listened carefully as Jerod and Corwin spoke, and now says, "I will heed you advice, and seek out my chambers here after walking the pattern. It seems a great shame to waste such an opportunity for rapid transport over great distance, but I fear you are correct. As to whether I then proceed to Rebma, or return to Amber..." he pauses for a moment, looking from one to the other of them. "That depends upon the advice I am given now. I understand there will be a price to pay for Her Majesty's aid, but would that truly be greater than the price I might find King Random setting were I to recruit in Amber? Or that I might be set should I seek this aid from an even closer monarch?" And he smiles at Corwin as he says this. "What of my thoughts upon the matter of Rebma being a better first trading partner for The Isles than either of the other two realms, considering the similarities of culture? Does this seem faulty reasoning, or do you think there is validity to my logic?"

"I would hope you would consider Paris," says Corwin, with a smile. "But you are unlikely to find recruits for your army here. It is not that I would deny you the right to recruit; more that you'll find the ground less fertile than you like."

Merlin speaks up from his quiet side chair. "It is real here, and the people do not want to leave. This is what you mean, is it not, Father?"

Jerod gets up at this point and slowly wanders the room, waiting it would seem for Corwin's reply.

Corwin looks somewhat pained to Vere's eyes. "That's part of it, yes. But Vere is also more likely to be able to recruit in places where good men have no place to go, no opportunity to better themselves. In Paris, things are wide open. A man who comes here now can make something of himself without regard to his birth or his previous position. That's less so in--other places."

Corwin offers a slight smile to Jerod and Vere.

Jerod stops after a moment, nodding to himself it would seem. "Where will you go?" he asks Vere.

Vere returns Corwin's smile. "I think Paris is... how to say this? Too 'young' to have men who are looking for a chance to go to another place to better themselves. The people here are recently come, and they are all come for a reason. Or so it seems to me." He turns his attention more fully on Jerod, "And I do not think that I can spend the unknown amount of time it would take to go into shadow to find the men. So my main options seem to be to recruit in Rebma, in Amber, or in both. I have already explained why I think Rebma superior for this purpose - I am looking for men who will want to settle in the Isles, who will fight for it as for a homeland. And I think Rebman men will better fit into the Isles than the men of Amber. May I ask your aid in this, both in speaking with Her Majesty and in understanding how best to seek the men I need in the realm of your birth?"

"You will have my aid." Jerod says. "I would ask that you lend me that impressive skill of yours in listening while we're in Rebma. Valeria's comments, along with Hargar'el's and Conner's, tell me that more is afoot than anyone will be willing to admit. You will need time to recruit. I will need time to investigate. We can help each other and come out ahead for our homes."

Then he smiles. "And it will help to keep the Queen off-balance as she tries to figure you out. It will give me a little room to manuever while the ladies of Court try to pigeon-hole you, only to find they are wrong later."

Vere nods agreement and murmurs, "It will be a pleasure to assist. You have my gratitude."