Sparring

Sometime before Jerod and Vere's appointment for sparring Vere will send a note to Corwin, requesting permission to obtain weapons from the castle armoury, or else an audience with Corwin to discuss doing so.

Corwin sends back a note telling him to use what he needs, and if he needs to talk to Corwin, he'll probably be in his study.

Vere gets the feeling things are pretty casual around here, if only because a bureaucracy hasn't had time to grow yet.

Vere will be on the practice fields of Corwin's palace several hours before he and Jerod have agreed to meet for sparring, practicing with the weapons he has chosen from Corwin's armoury (If I remember correctly, this probably means that he's out there a little before dawn).

Vere is dressed in a simple tunic, breeches and his high leather boots, with his hair tightly braided. He wears leather gauntlets, and his face is at its most expressionless.

In his right hand he wields a basket-hilted backsword, and in his left he bears a long dagger with strong quillons and a ring guard. His style is smooth and quick, flowing easily from position to position, seldom remaining still for any length of time. It's a style that would leave most men winded quickly, but Vere seems to have no trouble maintaining it for a long period of time.

Jerod will appear promptly, bringing with him the sword that he has been wearing, along with a number of other items for use with sparring. A poignard that is common for Jerod to wear, plus something Vere has likely never seen before (**). It looks like a steel dagger, about 14-15" long but no blade. Instead, the center part is like a heavy metal rod with a sharpened point, and two hooks curving forward from either side of the hilt. Vere would recognize that it would make an excellent parrying weapon, and might even be useful in breaking swords.

[** - the described weapon is a Jitte. Commonly used by both samurai and ashigaru. Jerod would have picked up the skill of it from training with Venesch. It's effectiveness would be comparable to any European sword-breaking dagger.]

He comes dressed in light court garb and wears a cloak that has a pull away clasp. When fighting, Jerod uses any weapon or object within reach. A cloak serves to blind and bind, jitte to block and thrust and break, sword to bind or break or slash and punch. His style adjusts unconsciously as he fights, ranging from slow deliberate fencing to fast, single cuts indicative of oriental fighting arts.

Throughout all of it, there is a single-minded focus, a binding of mind and spirit and body to a single point, letting his awareness extend outwards. From there he would seem to note every opponent, the position of stones, the drag of soft sand, the firmness of packed earth. Sounds and smells and the breath of wind, all of it are elements of the battle. Even the opening movements of a sparring session are this way - moments of focus and readiness, letting an opponent grow worried and uneasy, giving nervousness or fear time to work - the one single advantage that gives victory to the one who is aware of it.

(for anyone who hasn't figured it out...:), Jerod has a very oriental combat philosophy - if anyone has seen The Seven Samurai, the character of Kyuzo, the master swordsman, is an ideal that is part of Jerod's makeup.)

There are some similarities in style between Vere and Jerod. Vere begins a fight with an opponent of unknown skill defensively, watching and evaluating. He is next to impossible to trick with a feint, and he never forgets a move once he's seen it. He is noticeably better at defense than offense (aha! there's my Air specialty at work [OOC addendum - Fire specialty. Not Air. Drat it.]), and he does not tire easily. Jerod could probably see that most opponents would tire long before Vere, and most would become impatient and make a mistake long before he would do so. In a combat where time is not crucial Vere has all the patience in the world.

Jerod is an amazing swordsman. Vere has seen his father, a god out of legend, in battle. Jerod isn't as strong, but he has something of that godlike skill at arms. There's no way Vere could hold Jerod off long enough to outlast him.

Vere is better than the best men-at-arms of Amber, but Jerod has seen a few extraordinary citizens of Amber who could best him, for instance, Venesch. He is light on his feet and fast to dodge. Vere isn't as tough or tireless as Martin, and Martin would kick Vere's butt in a fight, but Jerod would want to take Vere down quickly the way he would with Martin.

By way of testing (and as Folly has intimated, everything is warfare and testing with Jerod), he undertakes to finish the first round of sparring quickly, to determine how long it would take. Vere would figure out that Jerod doesn't do it to make a point with Vere (unlike his sparring practice with Conner previously), but rather for his own benefit, his own constant improvement.

Afterwards, the sparring takes a more training oriented approach. Jerod is always interested in learning someone else's manuevers, to see how they work differently, new counters and feints that might prove useful, as well as imparting some of his own knowledge. It will be an even give-n-take.

While Vere clearly takes no pleasure in swordplay, he is as focused and intent upon it as he ever is on any topic of interest. He pays close attention to everything Jerod says and does, and has no hesitation to ask questions if he at any point has any doubt about something Jerod has said, or does not quite understand the exact nature of a move Jerod made in the sparring.

Before beginning the final session, Jerod pauses to open up a carry bag that he brought with him from Amber and tosses Vere a set of small weight belts which he instructs him to put on at various points on his body (chest, arms, legs). Jerod has another set for himself.

"A bit of practice for fighting underwater." Jerod says. "The conditions are not as you might expect. It's not like fighting practice in the surf. The drag on your body is much less than you might anticipate, but it is still there. And some of the manuevers we use up here won't work. They take too much time for wind-ups, for example. It would be better if we had more time for you to learn about it, but I'm afraid a few pointers is the best we can do. However, you're good enough you'll be able to incorporate them without too much trouble."

Vere attaches the weights, saying, "I assume this is a mere approximation of the conditions. They do not correctly simulate the drag upon the blades themselves, for instance."

"You are correct. But the primary drag is on the human body." Jerod says. "There is a drag on weapons, but blades are easy to adjust. You'll find yourself becoming more intent on thrusting movements as opposed to wide arcs for slashing."

"You'll also need to be aware of the three dimensional aspects of combat in Rebma. You'll need to wear different clothing to reduce fatigue. I have a set of clothes that you can examine later if you wish. Opponents use nets more frequently and you'll find I don't wear a full cloak anymore. Camouflage is also something you'll find is more important. Your own sea time would have taught you of how sea life remains concealed. And finally, toxins are well used. Be careful with any wound you receive. And never let a woman scratch you."

Vere nods, remaining aware of Jerod's every move and not allowing the conversation to lure him into carelessness. "What of the tritons? Do they have any vulnerabilities, if I am forced into a situation where I cannot avoid combat with one?"

"They're sea creatures." Jerod says, smiling when Vere realizes that even conversation is a tool of war in its own right. "They are much better adapted to combat down there than we are. They are immensely strong. Do not let them close ranks with you if you can avoid it. They are very large but their size does not inhibit them except in very close surroundings and even then don't look for it as an advantage. They are intimately familiar with three dimensional combat and will use it against surfacers. If you're in an alley for example, watch out for attack from above. Keep a roof over you if at all possible. Because they are sea creatures they are unused to surface tactics however. If you can adapt something from up here to work down there, it might give a momentary advantage. They also will not be used to our strength, our speed or our endurance. It will give us that momentary edge. Use it.

"Finally, be very careful around the older ones. They tend to be smarter and more experienced than the younger ones. Think of the times your father has chosen to talk instead of fight, when fighting would be a perfectly suitable option. Older tritons will act similarly."

Vere frowns thoughtfully. "How difficult does it prove for the average warrior from Rebma to adapt to surface combat?" he asks. "Should I be concerned that troops I recruit from there will prove less effective than I might have anticipated?"

"Ask yourself that question after you've taken your first breath of water." Jerod says.

Vere acknowledges the point with a small chuckle, then falls silent to concentrate on the swordplay, and the differences the weights cause in his movements and balance.

The weights will not perfectly simulate the effect of water drag on the body, but what it will do, and why Jerod designed it with Venesch's help, was to allow an awareness of movements where wide arcs and slashing movements were involved and to force movements more towards thrusting actions. The weights will also tend to keep circular body movements closer to the natural centre of gravity because the amount of energy required to move away will be greater.

During their training, during which Jerod brings out other weapons for use (spears, flails, chain weapons and the like), he will keep the conversation going.

Vere is clearly very familiar with spears, and quite accomplished in their use. He is familiar with flails and chain weapons from a theoretical standpoint, but has not had much practice with them before.

"Find out anything further that you might need to know about Rebma?"

"Mmmm," Vere replies, experimenting with the flexibility of the weapons currently being used. "The logical question is: What is important to know about Rebma, that you doubt that I know?"

"Whatever you think you need to accomplish your goal." Jerod says. "You are the one who defines your goals. You are also the one who decides whether the information you have received fits your objectives. Your interpretation of that fit might be different from someone elses."

"Indeed," Vere replies. He is silent for a while after that, before saying, "I still remember well our long ago talk of our respective homelands, on the day you introduced me to scotch. I have longed to see Rebma ever since. These are not the circumstances I would have wished for my first journey there, but still I welcome the opportunity. And I am pleased to travel there in your company." There is another of Vere's short pauses before he continues, "You know me well enough to know that I will not be overly trusting, nor will I be too quick to believe either good or ill of those I meet. Yet I would ask you, Jerod, to answer this if you will. Are there any in particular in Rebma that I should either trust or mistrust? Any whose goodwill you are certain of, or whose villainy you would warn me of?"

"I would initially say to trust no one. Not even me." Jerod says. "I would say that because I am not just a son of Amber. Rebma is also my home and I will protect her against all threats. Even from Amber. There will be a change when I return beneath the waves." Vere will note a hint of something in Jerod's voice. Perhaps it is the exertion of sparring that lets it slip out. A longing to see his home again maybe.

"Having said that, I would say there are a few who you might wish to avoid. The Lady Drusilla is one. She is an opportunist if there ever was one. Do not discount that for weakness however. She did not get where she was by just being greedy. Celina informs she now aids the Queen in her inner circle. Bend and Montage are in Amber so they are not to be worried about for the moment.

"Also, I would be cautious in dealing with my mother. My father did not choose his women merely for their looks. Anyone who could catch, and keep, his attention had to be wily and intelligent. My mother qualifies on all accounts. Be truthful when dealing with her, but evaluate everything she says carefully.

"Finally, there is one other person." Jerod says, pausing himself. "I will introduce you to her when we get back. She is the Queen's historian. You may make your own determination of her. Her name is Carina."

Vere has listened without comment to Jerod up until now, but an eyebrow goes up fractionally at this statement, and perhaps even more at Jerod's uncharacteristic pause in speaking. "I shall look forward to it," he says. "I do not believe it is a name I have heard before now. Queen's historian. An intriguing title."

"For an intriguing woman." Jerod replies with a smile, remembering beautiful emerald green hair...but not letting it interfere with his sparring. "Her knowledge of Rebma and its history is unsurpassed. Remember that Rebma is an undersea kingdom. There is little in way of written text. Rebma's history is retained orally."

"Indeed? That is very...." Something subtle happens in Vere's eyes, and his face goes completely blank. "...very interesting," he finishes with no inflection.

"How so?" Jerod asks, and tries a move to see if there's an advantage here.

Vere silently concentrates on defense for a few moments before saying, "I have no desire to be a doomsayer. As you may recall from various meetings of the Regent's Council, I have a tendency to assemble known facts and intuitive leaps into a variety of possible patterns, and then look at the most dangerous of these possibilities as something to be guarded against, however unlikely. As I recall, from the discussions on the Paresh, your patience with this habit of mine was somewhat limited." Vere begins to go slightly on the offensive, still being careful to keep his guard up. Despite the hours of vigorous practice he has gone through today his breathing is still light and easy, and he still shows no signs of fatigue. Gerard would no doubt be proud.

"I remember." Jerod says. "It is a pattern of behaviour which is good for defense but has inherent weaknesses. It is easy to be misled by worse case scenarios because it touches upon what we fear. And it gives that fear power and gives power to anyone who can recognize it and use it against you."

"Speak of your doomsaying however. If you are to accompany me, I don't want any second-guessing when we're in Court. That is the last place I want to have to deal with unexpected information."

Vere is silent for a few moments, then says, "Speculation only, of course. But it occurs to me that if the situation with the Tritons has truly changed, there might be information from the past related to how they were bound. Some might wish that information to no longer be available, to prevent a repetition of the binding. As there are no books, all such information would be held only in the memories of those granted access to the most closely held secrets of Rebma. To destroy those secrets, one would destroy the historians who hold them...."

And Vere suddenly goes on the offensive, attacking swiftly, using all he has learned of Jerod's style of combat in the time they have been practicing and in all the times he has watched Jerod in the past, seeking to get past his guard and land a single touch.

Jerod counters the offensive, nodding a smile to Vere's strategy of a potential threat to cause Jerod concern and distraction.

It is a tribute to Vere's timing and strategy that he comes as close to marking Jerod as he does. However, Jerod's reflexes and his innate talent are such that he is able to fight Vere off without a scratch.

Vere returns the smile, and reverts to a more defensive combat posture.

[Jerod]
"I have already considered that the Queen's historian might be in danger from external elements. She has been a target before for other Court intrigues. It is also possible she might be part of an external conspiracy. It is ultimately more profitable to subvert something than to destroy it and alert others to your focus. The Libertists regarded the freedom of the Tritons as paramount. I'm sure they would have tried to acquire information about their binding from many sources.

"But I think it likely the information about the binding will be difficult to find. If anyone knows it, it would be only those who could perform it. Namely Moins and her direct descendants. An oral history within a family unit ensures secrecy. But if there is a break in the link it means information is lost. I think that is why Celina was sent away. I think she has the potential to bind the Tritons or maybe even free them. But no one knows how. Or even why."

Vere nods thoughtfully. "Logical," he agrees. He fights silently for a few moments, then adds, "I do not understand the situation, of course, being an outsider. Have you an opinion upon the matter of the tritons?"

"They're slaves." Jerod says flatly. "Or rather, that is what they appear to be. I know that they are supposedly bound to the throne as some form of punishment, but that is rumor. Investigation into the background of the tritons is not encouraged. And this all happened some time ago. We'd need to talk to Benedict, or Reid. Which means the circumstances of their relationship to the throne may have changed.

"I need to determine their relationship, and Celina's, in all this. That will tell me more of what's going on."

"Mmmmm," Vere replies. He appears to be considering the implications of Jerod's statement, and his tone of voice. He fights silently for a while.

Vere should not try reading too much into Jerod's tone. It belongs to his Court mode.

"What happens once you get your troops?"

"In general? I leave Rebma as quickly as possible and march them to Amber, giving them time to adjust to surface conditions. The specifics will depend upon the troops and the situation, and also upon a discussion I hope to have with King Corwin later today."

"Why Amber? I thought you were going to your home?" Jerod asks.

Vere smiles. "The Queenrider Kourin and our cousin Jovian have expressed a desire on the part of the dragonriders to return to the Isles as well, to settle scores with my mother's chancellor and her witch-queen allies. We rendezvous in Amber, and depart from there."

Jerod's expression indicates that he does not like this idea. He does not speak however and focusses more intently on the sparring.

Vere raises an interrogative eyebrow at Jerod's reaction, but he also chooses to remains silent. If Jerod has a point to make, Vere is confident he will eventually make it.

Vere is correct in that Jerod will eventually come to a point, but presently Jerod has none to make, focussing instead on the sparring. But Vere knows enough from when Jerod was Gerard's Prime Minister (and dirty-trickster) of what his expressions are like.

This does not bode well.

If Vere is concerned it does not show. He follows Jerod's lead, and silently concentrates on the sparring, watching and memorizing everything Jerod does, incorporating and modifying techniques as the sparring processes, and reawakening old reflexes he has allowed to lie dormant over the last several years.

As an aside to the GMs, have they begun to collect an audience yet?...:)

Yes. Palace security not being what it is in, say Amber or Rebma, there are both soldiers and other onlookers, of both sexes. The audience is attentive and respectful and well-turned blows or defensive moves are greeted by applause.

Jerod smiles. "Wanna have a show?" he asks Vere.

Vere tilts his head to one side and regards Jerod quizzically for a second, then gives an answering smile. "I think I should enjoy that," he says.

Assuming Vere agrees, he's thinking a good full speed event - five, maybe ten minutes depending on stamina. No contact with blades, just lots of clanging, banging, tossing and fun. It will be entertainment for the crowd. The crowd will know it and they will know that the duellers know it as well. Consider it as thanks for being an attentive audience (kind of like what we do at martial arts conventions for the spectators).

But even as entertainment, two Princes at full speed should be very impressive.

Vere picks up quickly on what Jerod intends, and goes along with it wholeheartedly. Within the first minute he is laughing with delight, moving at full speed and mixing his usual flowing style with a wide variety of moves he has picked up from Jerod today. He seems a completely different person, with none of the reserve that he usually shows. He's clearly happy to continue as long as Jerod wants, and even at full speed his endurance is impressive.

A pity that Robin is not here to see it. In any event, Jerod dives in as well. Here amongst the crowd as someone unknown, he can let the fire loose and enjoy himself, even if only for a little while.

After the fight ends, Vere and Jerod see Lord Rein speaking to Lance, who greeted Corwin on his arrival.

Once their crowd-pleaser show is over, Jerod collects his equipment, (including his father's sword) from one side and motions to Vere towards Lord Rein and Lance. "This might prove interesting. Lord Rein absolutely despised my father." he says quietly to Vere before they get into earshot of the other pair.

Vere nods silently, and composes his face into a politely attentive expression.

The two men bow as you approach. Lance wears a blade on his right hip, but Rein has none, unless it is in the instrument case slung across his back.

"Good morning Lord Rein." Jerod says, once they have gotten a bit closer. "Sir Lance." and nods to Lance, the honorific conventional under the circumstances as one befitting the friend of the king (and who has not been mentioned with any titles yet). He takes the opportunity while speaking to settle his swordbelt back into place

"The day finds you well I trust?"

Lord Rein speaks first. "Excellent well, your highnesses. Sir Lancelot was just telling me of his time in service to the late king your grandfather in a place called Lorraine. Sadly, I could hardly concentrate on songwriting while watching your display of martial skill."

"Yes, it was quite the display," adds Sir Lancelot. "Even the end was quite a show. Tell me, Prince Jerod, when you feinted in sixte and left yourself apparently open, was that risk based on your reading of your opponent, or were you relying on your personal skill to be able to counter if he did respond?"

[Sir Lancelot will continue asking perceptive questions (unlike your GM) as long as you let him.]

"A little of both." Jerod says with a smile. "I realized afterwards that the feint would have been better in octave, as Lord Vere seems to be more cautious during the attack in fleche. But that's the value of hindsight I suppose. Vere is much better at controlling his expressions in the fight than some others. He's a good challenge for keeping me on my toes. Otherwise I wouldn't have bothered sparring with him."

Vere smiles slightly, but remains silent.

Lance looks as if he might say something, but does not.

"Speaking of your songwriting, will you be performing in the next couple of days?" Jerod asks Rein. "Lord Vere has only had the opportunity to hear your works from your students back home. I think he would appreciate hearing from the one who originated those works."

Vere nods to Lord Rein and murmurs, "Indeed."

"I serve here at the pleasure of the King. If he has no duties that prevent it, I shall gladly play for your highness."

Once Rein (and Vere) has replied, Jerod looks back at Lancelot. "You were in service to King Oberon?" he asks curiously.

Lancelot nods once. "He was calling himself Ganelon then. I was his chief knight and he was the war leader. He led the fight against the Black Circle in Lorraine. He left with Sir Corey after they defeated it. The two of them are the best swordsmen I have ever seen, no offense to present company. This was before I knew that Sir Corey of Cabra was actually King Carl of Paris."

"Mmm...that sounds about right. Oberon was the best at everything he did. I regretted never having the opportunity to train with him." Jerod says. "Perhaps with luck the King will introduce you to his elder brother, Prince Benedict. He is as brilliant as they come, and even better than the King. And that's no mean feat.

"If your duties today permit, would you be so kind as to relate some of your tales concerning this Lorraine, and the Black Circle?" Jerod asks. "Later today perhaps? I have only limited knowledge concerning my uncle's adventures and would appreciate the chance to correct that deficiency."

Vere listens with silent interest.

"I would, your highness, if you would do me the honor of agreeing to spar with me at some point in your stay."

Rein smirks, as if he knew this was coming. It is unclear who he thinks will be surprised by the outcome.

"I would be honoured." Jerod replies. "If you were able to gain Oberon's attention, I can only expect that I shall be the one to benefit. Tomorrow in the morning?"

"Tomorrow will be our third full day in Paris," Vere points out mildly. "Did I misunderstand that we would be leaving for Rebma fairly soon?"

"Tomorrow's the last day here." Jerod replies. "I want to spend it preparing to depart. From what Corwin has said, the journey to Rebma will take a couple of days. I've also had...an unusual situation arise from my experiments. I have to talk to Corwin about it. Given that, you might wish to be around to hear about Oberon. I don't believe you ever had the opportunity to experience him first-hand."

"I will enjoy that," Vere replies.

And assuming there is nothing further, Jerod wishes Rein and Lance a good day before departing.

Even if Lance is Jerod's better (which is possible - there's always someone in shadow who's bigger, better, stronger or faster), Jerod's ego isn't big enough to make him ignore the training opportunities that sparring would permit. As such, he is quite interested in the opportunity and was hoping that Lance would provide it.

Lance is good, very good. It seems very possible to you that his story of being one of three commanders with Ganelon and Sir Corey of Cabra is true. Several times early on he stops the action and asks Jerod to demonstrate a maneuver or to explain a choice. The audience for this sparring match is larger than the audience from the previous day. Towards the end, Jerod notices that Corwin has come out to watch as well.

Jerod is also eager to learn any new manuever that might come up and is more than willing to stop and learn. He is quick to pick up on a maneuver more from an instinctive perspective, feeling the possibilities as opposed to carefully plotting possible scenarios. There is also a love of the action that is not always present in his other sparring matches. A good opponent is rare for Jerod and to be able to push himself is a treat. Whether he wins or loses is no longer relevant. It's rather that he can give it his all and doesn't need to hold back. He will be very satisfied when the session is over, and a bit disappointed too.

Vere watches silently from the sidelines with a great deal of interest.

Taking Corwin at his word, Vere will seek him out in his private study after he has fenced with Jerod, and has had a chance to bathe. He knocks on the door of the study, and waits for permission to enter before opening the door.

Corwin calls "Enter."

[presuming Vere does]

The study is paneled in dark woods, filled with leather-bound books, and there's a large secretary full of papers. Corwin is sitting at it, writing a note. He has a stick of silvery wax set out, and a candle to melt it with.

When the door opens, Corwin turns to greet the newcomer. "Vere," he says, smiling. "How are you?"

"Very well, Your Majesty," Vere replies with a small bow. He glances around the room curiously, checking almost unconsciously to see if any of the books have visible titles on their spines.

They do. [Does Vere read French?]

[OOC - while we've never established that definitely, Vere has spent a large amount of the last half decade in the library of Amber, along with a lot of books brought to the library by Flora. It's been established that he does read English, and considering his Air score I'd suggest that he could easily have picked up numerous other languages in that time.....]

[Then I'm sure he reads French. There are a lot of French books in the library.]

"I was hoping that I might have a chance to speak with Your Majesty on the topic of my father, before Jerod and I depart for Rebma. Is now convenient?"

"Yes, of course," says Corwin, his face suddenly grave. "Please, sit down." He gestures at one of the guest chairs behind the secretary, and turns his own chair to face Vere. "What's on your mind?"

Vere sits and regards Corwin with equal gravity. "You saw Father, and have heard what happened to him. I intend to see him completely recovered, and upon his own feet again. Such injuries as he has suffered are not common to the family, and opinions are mixed on his prognosis. I would hear your thoughts, if you care to share them."

Corwin shakes his head, not in denial of the request so much as displeasure. "I'll be frank with you. I talked to him about it while I was in Amber. I don't think he's going to heal completely on his own, even if it's only because he doesn't think he'll heal completely on his own. I always held on the million-to-one odds that my eyes would regrow after I was blinded. I hated Eric badly enough to want to come back and throw it in his teeth that I did. Your father's not like me; he can make his peace with things. But making peace with this may kill him."

Vere nods. "I feared that was the case. I have attempted to give him reasons other than his own welfare for wishing to walk again. The needs of Amber, the love of his wife." Vere pauses and lets his focus drift past Corwin. "Other things. Yet I fear they have not been enough to spur him to effort on his own behalf. Therefore, I and Solange shall continue in our efforts for him." His focus returns to Corwin. "There are numerous ways to heal him. Shadow techniques, both magical and technological. But the question is whether these will work through his travels in shadow, and more importantly whether they will remain effective when he walks the Pattern. Princess Fiona tells me there is no sure way of knowing beforehand. I would seek your opinions."

"She's right; there is no way to be sure other than trying." Corwin shakes his head, as if to clear it. "Anything that leaves magic or technology as a binding agent is worthless, of course. Something that accelerates the healing, leaving no trace, has the best chance. But I'm sure you know that already."

The older man hesitates. "Sometimes, now, I know things about my Pattern. I can't always say why or how. I knew you could walk it. Perhaps--if Gerard were to come here, I could tell whether he could walk it safely. But I don't know if that's a reliable feeling, if I'd get it every time. Or whether because someone can walk a Pattern means that he will, successfully." Corwin meets Vere's gaze, as if looking for something in it.

Vere meets Corwin's gaze calmly, and after a few seconds says, "Once I have settled the situation in my mother's land, father's healing becomes my main priority. If nothing else has occurred to any of us, at that point I will seek out healers, skilled in aiding the body at healing itself. It may be that my mother's magic will be strong enough. Perhaps I will even seek one of the goddesses of Arcadia." He shrugs, and a slight smile appears. "Whatever it takes," he says. "If father objects, due to the possibility that he will not be able to walk the Pattern, yours or any other that might be available, I will suggest that it is unlikely he would ever find himself wheeling or dragging himself along it if he remains unhealed."

"Don't seek your answers in Arcadia. The price they'll ask is more than you'd be willing to pay, and more than your father would be willing to have you pay. There are limits to what your father will accept, and Arcadia is beyond them," Corwin says very seriously.

"Indeed," Vere replies noncommittally. "All the more reason for father to turn his attention to his recovery, ere I am driven to such extremes." He waves the matter away with a short gesture of his hand. "Your Majesty, I wondered if you had yet spoken with my father, since my walk of the Pattern. I would not have him wondering if lack of information implies ill news."

"I spoke to him briefly, but both of us were a bit pressed for time. You'll want to speak to him directly, I'm sure." Corwin turns partway around and opens a drawer in the secretary. The box he removes from it is clearly a Trump deck.

The backs of the cards he pulls out are the traditional Unicorn rampant that Vere has seen on other trumps. Corwin thumbs through them and then hands one to Vere. It's Gerard, tall and strong as Vere remembers him from childhood. "I know you'll want privacy to talk with him, so feel free to keep it until you leave Paris."

Vere accepts the card, glancing at it only briefly before inverting it and slipping it into his pouch. "Thank you, your majesty," he says. "That is most thoughtful." He tilts his head to one side and regards Corwin thoughtfully. "I regret not having time to spend exploring your city, it seems a truly delightful place. I have great hopes that a time will eventually come when I do not feel the constant press of duty, and too little time to accomplish what must be done. With your permission, I will look forward to returning at such a time."

"Of course," says Corwin at once. "I intend for Paris to be open to my kinsmen and kinswomen whether or not they choose to reside here permanently." He slides the cards back into the box and returns it to the appropriate drawer in the secretary.

Vere nods, and smiles slightly. He rises smoothly to his feet and says, "Your majesty has been very kind to grant me this time...."

"Please let me know if there's anything else I can do for you or your father. He's well-loved, you know. While we were at Ygg, I had to talk Jerod out of getting himself into some pretty serious hot water with Random by running off to find your father a healer."

Corwin rises, too, as if to see him to the door.

"I am very grateful to hear that, Your Majesty," Vere replies before departing. "I assure you that if anything occurs to me I will not hesitate to mention it."