Dolphin I would like you to act outside the normal palace channels to see how much you can learn of Loreena's movements after my coronation. I'd like to know if she ever left Rebma. How did she leave? If you find indications she is still here, I'd like you to puzzle out where she is and with who she is working.Conner has ultimate coordination of these efforts.
If you agree to these responsibilities, come to the palace and discuss with Conner and I. This is not a capture mission. This is a puzzle to be solved for the health of the city.
yours
C
Silhouette arrives at the palace in short order, dressed in the attire of a Rebman noblewoman. She is accompanied by an unpleasant-looking triton - its face a piggish mass of scars and malice. With a nod, she silently dismisses the creature.
"My Queen, you desired me?" she says, curtseying.
Celina restrains a laugh and manages a smile. She wags a finger at Silhouette to acknowledge her wordplay. Celina walks around Silhouette once checking her couture. "Is this your own work ....I hope. I like it. Very conservative and at the same time, harkens back to an older regime." She nods once. "Walk with me. I'm going to see Conner and Brita. A Trump to family is in order. It certainly shall be educational."
And as they walk, Celina will put back on the mask of court formality.
Silhouette falls in beside her, "Thank you, my Queen. And yes. My current work draws upon classic styles; a touch of glamorous remembrance. Thus far, this vintage styling appears suitably popular amongst the nobility."
Celina speaks to Silhouette, but she does not turn her head, there would be no seeing her lips from long views in any gallery above or behind. "You should understand clearly that the treasure I'm asking you to find and tally is precious and not to be damaged. I would treat harshly with you if this went badly despite your best efforts. I would have to."
Silhouette offers a thin smile, "You wound me, my Queen. I am no mere assassin."
Celina arrives at the airy chamber in response to the message that Brita is done with the Trump. At her shoulder is Silhouette dressed like a head of house in Moin's court.
Before meeting Silhouette, Celina did send a message to Llewella, saying such Trump contact would be possible if he Aunt wanted news from Avalon and Brennan. Celina more than half expects Brita, Conner, and Llewella to be here ahead of her.
Brita is lying on the floor with her legs propped up on a wall. She glances back at the duo as they enter and, sighing, gets up off the floor. "I Finished the Sketch, but it is Not what I Wanted. It Will Work, just not As Long. I Need to Find a Fast Shadow to get the Trumps Completed."
Silhouette curtsies to Brita, "Cousin."
A page girl scratches at the door, then enters with a message for Celina. “My gracious Queen, the Princess Llewella has taken a brief visit out of the city to see an old friend. I must send her regrets for your invitation. She will be informed of your invitation upon her return. Regards, Cloisonné, personal secretary to Princess Llewella."
Celina nods and sends the page off with no return message. She crosses to Brita and mirrors her stand. "But Brennan is an elusive subject, isn't he? We'll do just fine. We'll just tell him right off that our conversation may be shorter than expected. He'll be glad to hear from us at all." Celina smiles at Brita and then turns back to Silhouette.
Celina gestures to include Silhouette, "Brennan went out to Avalon to scout for trouble. Ossian told us by Trump that Brennan needs to speak to Rebma, which implies that he found trouble. We'll wait for Conner before making the attempt."
Silhouette raises a brow, "Are you certain that he desires my presence during this discussion, brief or no? We are not... close."
Conner enters at this point in the conversation. "My apologies for being fashionably late, cousins. I was trying to find Edan to invite him in on this conversation but I could not locate him. Perhaps he is still adjusting to the new environment." Conner grins. "It is a big change after all."
Silhouette smiled warmly as Conner approaches. "Edan briefly mentioned traveling to Xanadu when last we met."
Celina directs a huge smile at Conner just for lighting up the room. "Edan may have already left, he told me he needed to continue his tasks and could not linger. And Llewella cannot join us today." Celina looks to Silhouette and addresses her question. "I cannot answer for Brennan and whether he wants you in a Trump connection. However, look at it this way: Brennan requested Rebma make contact. Rebma invited you to the conversation. There is no conflict unless you craft one." She quirks an eyebrow humorously, as if to say, 'want to start something?'
This draws a soft chuckle from Silhouette. "As always, I defer to Rebma's wisdom."
Celina looks around at her cabinet, "Shall we allow Brita to start?"
Brita relaxes slightly when Conner enters and moves to his side. "We Need to Not Build Dams Like Our Uncles that Impede Each Other," she notes to Sillouette before she lifts the slate in her hand and begins to concentrate on it. Her free hand moves to hover near Conner's sleeve - allowing him to make contact as he will.
"Cousin Brennan, it is Brita in Airy Rebma with Others," she says as the image begins to shift. "Are you Free?"
Conner takes Brita's hand and lends his mental strength to the task of reaching Brennan.
Brennan's image forms to show him walking through the interior hallway of some cramped, fortress-like structure carrying.... something... over his shoulder. Too crooked to make a good spear, too jagged to be a tusk. He does not appear to be in a brilliant mood, but when the contact firms up he mouths, "Bide," and continues walking-- probably past his original destination, turning once or twice and finally entering a room and closing the door behind him, locking it if it has a lock.
The room is private quarters in somewhere comparable to Amber's level of technology and style-- rough stone walls, flicker light from a fire, a narrow uncomfortable looking bed and a positively cramped writing desk. As he enters, Brennan glances around quickly-- and, Conner and Brita may be able to discern-- with the third eye, to make sure nothing is amiss.
(Like someone on the other side of the wall listening in, but hopefully Brennan and Jellicoe don't share a wall.)
"Cousins," he says, in a very low voice, almost a whisper. "You're two of the three people I need to speak with, but while I have some time, I have little latitude. I trust my son reached you?" He gauges Brita's reaction, in particular.
Brennan, for his part, is about as non-descript as he can make himself-- a three day scruff of growth that one would be hard pressed to categorize as a beard or not, hair cut short enough that the shock of red isn't quite so apparent, serviceable but non-descript armor which he starts to remove. And all of that layered with trail dust and the grime of recent battle. It's clear, though, that as a scion of Oberon, if he looks this way, it's because it suits his purpose to look this way.
Celina remains poised until it is obvious Brita invites her.
As Brennan walked the halls, Brita had glanced up at Celina and Sillouette, a nod and crooked brow inviting them in. When Brennan finally focuses on Brita, he will likely note her standard braid is a mess and she looks tired, her brief smile of greeting a pale shadow of Conner's. "Yes, Your Son Reached Us," Brita is whispering in response. "Two Other Cousins are Here and would Hear Your News."
Celina moves and touches Brita on her other side from Conner, thereby opening to the Trump.
Silhouette lightly touches Conner's wrist, opening herself to the contact.
"And now we have all three," Brennan says, still in that voice barely above a whisper. "Brita, you have my condolences. Let's make sure everyone starts on the same page: What news did Ossian convey?"
Celina summarizes, "Ossian told us Reid was dead, his body held by Klybesian monks, led by a monk called Chew. Reid's cause of death was unknown, but the monks performed analysis and subtractive tests. Family returned the body to Xanadu. Edan said several Family tasked the monks in retribution and Ossian confirmed this. They did not give specifics. However, Ossian asked for a sorcerous Cousin, if available to aid tracking down the monks." She pauses then, "Edan has left here. Ambrose prepares to leave on timely business. I think Brita will be going with Ambrose. Llewella is not in Rebma at the moment." She stops, leaving space for others to comment or correct.
"Glad I asked, then," Brennan says. "There's more. He must have been in a hurry. This Chew is definitely a person of interest, as he ran afoul of Martin and Folly some time back. At least some of the Klybesian facilities are connected by shadow paths. At least one of those is a facility called Greenwood, which had a part in holding the King of Paris. By Ossian's account, they have at least one Sorceror. And by 'subtractive tests,' I take your meaning to be the tissue samples that were removed from Reid's body."
Those come one after another, followed by a pause for digestion. Into that silence, Brennan adds, "Just so we understand the gravity of the situation. If anyone knows anything more, no matter how trivial it seems, now would be a good time to share."
"Cousin Signy Knows one of them," Brita notes. "Others Spoke with him. I... I have Hope that it is Cousin Jerod that Goes to Deal with Them. Our Best Sorcerors Should Go." She is not pleading for assistance, but the question is in her eyes.
"And what of the rebel from their Order?" Silhouette inquires. "Unless this 'Chew,' is the rebel in question. Uncle Corwin and I discussed utilizing this rebel as bait. After extracting as much information as possible from him."
Conner frowns slightly. "It occurs to me that while we left the questioning of Signy's pet monk to Signy and Edan I have heard nothing of the results of that meeting. Has anyone here?"
"I have not," Celina answers looking peripherally at the other's faces. "The lapse may be mine. There was a lack of time for Ambrose and Signy to prepare for their trip, certain elements are time critical. I did not follow up with Signy---expecting to speak to Ambrose and she before they left." Celina pauses, "Tomat is the man's name. I believe he has sworn as Signy's man. We can follow up on this later. Tomat's situation is for Signy to determine."
"Ah, yes. Tomat. I had almost forgotten about him," Brennan says. It doesn't sound as though Tomat will be forgotten again. "I might have liked to speak to him, perhaps to evaluate him as a Sorceror. It would be interesting to know, for instance, how the Order even knew of her existence, that they attached a retainer to her. Whether or not tissue samples were taken from her as well."
Brennan's hushed voice grows steadily tighter and more controlled as he speaks.
"And I would know how my son came to be found in a Klybesian orphanage. So perhaps," Brennan says, "it is for the best that someone else handled that interrogation."
"Perhaps, though I suspect we would all actually know the results of the questioning had you performed it." Conner grumbles. His slight frown remains unmoving as he send his thoughts into the contact. "I shall make a point to track one or both down to ask a few questions."
"Do not forget Meg," Silhouette adds. "She and Ossian were in the same orphanage. Even considering our gravitational 'attraction' to one another, it is highly suspect. It would not be outside the realm of possibility that their blood is now in Klybesian possession." She pauses, weight the political correctness of her next statement. "May I ask, considering the potential threat posed by these agents, should we not define the limits of our questioning now, rather than later?"
"Yes," Brennan says. "Yes, we should." His tone is still calm and controlled, but the words are clipped.
"Ossian raised the point more generally, that they appear too often for simple chance. It seems very likely to me that there is a connection to Family for at least some of them. Where and how that connection began..." he shrugs. "Two thousand years ago, a hundred years ago, unknown. But it explains much. It does not explain how my son ended up in one of their orphanages." Anyone who cares to observe it can see Brennan's jaw muscles twitching as he pauses.
"We-- all of us-- don't yet know exactly what we're dealing with. Most of us are ill-equipped to do so. This needs to be coordinated with Xanadu and Paris," Brennan says.
"Rebma makes effort to keep Paris and Xanadu involved. I do not object to coordinating a response." Celina offers quietly. "We move through shadow in groups as possible." Celina does not speak ironically to Brennan who left Rebma alone. She's just letting him know she stays wary of ambush of resources. "Let us assume that the matter of limits is a joint answer from the Family thrones. Something we will resolve as soon as possible. What else is on the table for us right now? Do you need more from Rebma where you are?"
Brennan breathes deeply, and makes a visible effort to make his paper-thin veneer of calm sink to at least the full depth of his skin. He achieves at least some level of success. Tense, but some measure of something that might be called calm. Celina's question he answers directly: "Materially? I would request a Trump of you, or permission to have one made if possible. I understand the gravity of this request."
While Celina formulates a response, he turns to another cousin and says, "Brita... do you understand why I will not take up arms at this time?" Very tense, with some measure of something that might be called very calm.
"Perhaps the Same Reason I Must Not?" Brita asks and her eyes are a blazing green fire. "Now, I Would Rage Across their World and Lose the Trail to their Heart and Hearth. And I Want That - their Heart - More than I Want the Immediate Revenge. I Will Be a Tsunami - Pull Back from the Immediate Fight to Completely Overwhelm them When they Least Expect."
Conner smiles briefly at his sister's watery imagery and he gives her hand a squeeze. "I presume your current situation also precludes a swift change in course." Conner thinks to Brennan. It is not quite a question but is definitely an invitation.
Silhouette raises a brow, speaking in an indifferent tone. "Might I ask why butchery is not in our best interest? Diplomacy and exile have done nothing to dissuade the Adversary. After fifteen hundred years, perhaps it is time to send them a definitive message. Crush them utterly and prevent them going to ground by removing any ground with which to retreat to. Blood for Blood. Continued acquiescence will only embolden them further."
Celina watches Brennan to see if he will react further. However, Brita can feel from the physical contact with Celina that emotions within stir and curl like a complex current working at a set of foundations. Sadness, anger, and somehow the feeling that Rebma's queen is trapped.
"Whose blood will you shed, Silhouette Florasdottir?" Brennan asks, coldly.
"Any and all Klybesians involved in these blood rituals - if they can be called that," Silhouette states. "How deeply ingrained this 'interest' they have in our Family goes, I cannot say. That would need to be determined before any decisive action. Locate their leadership, determine their communication and logistic structure, and uncover their true Purpose. However, the longer we hesitate, the greater risk those of our generation and the next will become lab rats."
She shrugs, "That said, discussion of military action may be moot, at this point. Cousin Jerod has already destroyed one of their monasteries. If history serves, the Klybesians will flee and obfuscate their current activities. For decades, if need be."
"But you've said it yourself, Silhouette," Brennan says. "It's not outside the realm of possibility that our blood is in their possession. Think this through to its logical conclusion. They have and use Shadow paths. They have and use Sorcerers. They show up 'too often.' They prey on isolated and unknown Family members. This facility that Ossian found was in your mother's Shadow, the one where your brother was raised."
Brennan lets that hang in the air like a horse thief, before putting it out of its misery.
This catches Silhouette's attention, but she allowed him to continue.
"Should we go rampaging through Shadow, can you be assured that no unknown niece or nephew of yours will be killed?"
Silhouette says. "You do not strike me as the rampaging type, Brennan. And I, for all my capacity for violence, do not kill indiscriminately. If we - and our cousins - combine our efforts, I believe we would reduce the chance of unfortunate casualties." She glances at the others for confirmation.
Conner nods. "Brita has a gift for sniffing out family after all." Conner smiles at his sister. "Given the chance we can separate the wheat from the chaff."
Celina shakes her head once in negation, her expression is neutral. However, again Brita can easily read (through the trump connection) that she holds no hope that Conner and Silhouette are right about casualties being controlled once they start.
"It is a Risk to Rely on My Senses - a Threat may Not be Discernible by Blood Alone," Brita notes.
"It's a risk to rely on any gift that is not understood," Brennan agrees. "But should you choose to lend your gift, it may prove decisive."
His attention snaps back to Silhouette and, peripherally, Conner. "Make no mistake-- I want this group to be unmade, perhaps to be made into something else entirely, or perhaps into nothing at all. But, 'butchery,'" he repeats her word back to her. "Perhaps this word carries a different connotation for you. And 'reduce' is not 'eliminate.' What is your plan? And what is your plan for failure?"
Silhouette glances over at Celina, a glint of something in her forest-shadow eyes. Regret, perhaps. Hesitation for stripping away the veneer to reveal the true creature lurking beneath? Whatever it may be, it is snuffed out as quickly as it appears. "At the moment, Ossian and I intend to investigate one of their former bastions. Hopefully, we can learn where they've retreated to, as well as their capabilities and what their intentions truly are. They remain a mystery to us. This fact is far more dangerous than their more overt activities. I wish to identify any and all allies to their organization. As you've mentioned, they have the ability to move through Shadow. That speaks of someone of Power. We do not wish to wake a sleeping giant. At least, not until we are ready for it.
"Once Enlightenment is acquired, their infrastructure can dismantled accordingly. Leaders must be killed or reformed, as well as those who spring up to replace them. Any safe harbor or partnership will be deprived of them, as the fox cannot hide in a burning forest. Finally, if they cannot be reformed, the Fifteen Law must be employed. Crush them utterly, in body and spirit. Not only to prevent their return, but any future versions of them as well." She smiles at Brita, "Rage across their world, as it were."
Silhouette straightens, "Enlightenment before Action will reduce the chances of failure. That said, if we do fail, any possibility of their return must be dissuaded. Propaganda and prejudice are excellent tools for accomplishing this. And such dark seeds are easily sown and tended.
"Even so, any plan I formulate at this point is hollow. We do not know what we're dealing with."
"Not knowing what we are dealing with seems to be the crux of so many matters." Conner points out. "I find myself wondering if one group of information brokers might be a gateway to another or even if they are one and the same. In the Land of Peace, there was a Marid I bargained with for information about the Tritons. He too was interested in information about the Family either for its own sake or knowing the trade value of it. That might be another avenue of approach."
"You're right," Brennan says. "For perhaps the first time in this conversation, we are agreed: We Do Not Know Enough." He chews each word off carefully. "That is the first and most important reason that butchery does not serve us, convolved around the possibility of Family involvement. And that convolution is what makes coordination with Xanadu imperative. When considering your plans for failure, consider the result of accidentally killing someone's son or daughter or brother or sister. You can not say you were unaware of the possibility." Brennan holds her eyes long enough to make clear that he is perfectly, humorlessly serious about that. "And second, as we all know, because they will simply go to ground. If your mission is investigation, not butchery, so be it."
Silhouette meets his gaze, but says nothing further.
Brennan looks over at Conner, "These Marids may be useful. Or they may be a resource on which the Klybesians are already drawing. Maybe both. In the same spirit, I'll offer that-- historically, these monks were introduced by Reid's mother Pastoral, who had family ties to some other Shadow. Knowing that Shadow, and its current state may prove useful."
Silhouette cocks her head, "Clervaux, perhaps? According to my sources, it was in flames the last time Reid 'fled' there. I'd intended to travel there, but other matters took precedence."
[Brennan]
"Beyond that, let me do my best to turn this from a list of
aspirational goals into a plan with this thought: No war was ever won
without understanding its geography. Finding or creating a map of
their shadow path network would be very helpful. I would consult with
Xanadu on this matter. Gerard, in particular, after the King."
"A good start to a worsening situation shall be to advise Xanadu we are taking action. I have spoken to my father in Paris. It is well we do not talk to the Marid until all the realms are in accord." Celina nods at Brennan. "Edan came from Xanadu recently and has returned there with Rebma news, so Random has a recent view of things. Are you able to Brief, Benedict there from our comments or would that ruin your working disguise? You may tell Benedict that Rebma's posture on the Klybesians is defensive. And yes, you may have a Trump of me made. There is one in progress here, but it is not ready yet."
"We Need to Move Faster in All of This - Discerning Their Agenda and Locations, Making Trumps, Solving the Issues of Dara and cleph," Brita is frustrated by it all. "I Could Go to a Faster Timed Shadow to Create the Necessary Trumps, but How do We Learn All that we Must for these Monks to be Unmade?"
Silhouette shares her cousin's desire for expediency. "Thanks to Jerod's attack, we cannot wait for permissions or counsel. The Adversary likely retreats, as we speak. I will travel with Ossian and any cousins he has employed on his fact-finding mission. Hopefully, we can uncover the beginnings of their network and proceed from there."
She nods to Brita, "If Trumps could be provided, they'd ease our communication difficulties. We can coordinate with you, while cousin Brennan consults with Xanadu and other Elders.
"And a means of expedient return would be most advantageous. I have an assassination to plan, dresses for two weddings and three graduations, and an entire fall line to get out. Time is money, yes?"
"No," Brennan says. "I have no means of contacting Xanadu or Paris, and I am needed where I am. This conversation, vital as it is, already runs too long." And despite his considerable anger at the Klybesians and the entire situation, Brennan has never raised his voice higher than a slightly vocalized whisper. A very intense vocalized whisper, perhaps.
"I may," he answers Celina's question, "be able to get word to our Eldest uncle, but not instantly, and not freely." He turns to look back at Silhouette, "Nor am I interested in playing a game of Whispers Over Trump-- that is a recipe for failure. I would consult with Gerard about Shadow paths _if I were going_. You will get the same information, and you will get it faster and more directly, including perhaps some understanding of Jerod's situation by speaking directly to Xanadu. You will have the liberty of asking questions pertinent to your idea of the mission, instead of being stuck with mine. And of course, you still need to join my son."
"I'll speak with Ossian on how he wishes to proceed," Silhouette says. "But I shall make certain to inform him that Uncle Gerard may be able to contribute. We both have Trumps of one another, so I shall contact him promptly."
He turns to Brita and Celina, "I may have another source for a Trump of the Queen, but we needed permission to do more than consider the possibility. So that removes a small burden, at least. As to speed... we should move as quickly as we can, but not rashly. The time spent in coordinating pays dividends in the long run."
Celina's expression tightens a bit. She looks much less sad and not young at all. "You have not mentioned my mother. Expect complications. She has vanished so well and so easily that it may be these Monks had a hand in helping her. Do not incur onerous debts in chasing other Trump solutions. Please give us news when you can." She seems to expect nothing more.
"Stay safe, Brennan," Silhouette says... possibly even meaning it.
"Silhouette," Brennan says, "Take this for what it's worth. I have been in a situation similar to yours where the solution to a problem seemed obvious-- swift, merciless, final. More than once." He glances once at Brita and Conner-- they can probably guess one of the times. "And I said as much. More than once. I was wrong. For better or worse, this is a Family. Our concerns overlap whether we want them to or not. This matter you investigate with my son may end up a concern for very many of us. As a consequence-- and at the risk of putting words in the Queen's mouth-- it is a position of considerable trust."
He sighs. "You should speak with Gerard for advice on the matter of Shadow paths, if that is how you pursue this. I think understanding their pathways is a good idea or I wouldn't have brought it up. But you go to Xanadu to understand the rest of those overlapping concerns. I would absolutely do no less in your position, out of simple respect to the rest of the Family. This is a situation where it very easy to find yourself crosswise with much of the Family, and that gesture has meaning, both formal and informal, some of which are of benefit to you. I don't know if Ossian was in Paris or Xanadu when we spoke, but he mentioned wanting to go 'back' to Greenwood, so he was probably in one of them. Paris is no more than day a from you, and can help you get to Xanadu as well."
Silhouette bows her head, "Thank you, Brennan. I do appreciate your advice, as I respect your insight. You are my Elder in all things. I'm also aware of the trust being placed upon me, particularly with regard to your son. I feel the rock we turn over shall reveal something far more dangerous than we suspect. I will make certain we do not act rashly." She meets his gaze, as if offering a silent - and deeper - pledge.
"I'm not sure where Ossian was when he contacted me, but Xanadu or Paris seem likely. Hopefully, it was the latter. I should speak with Corwin again, if only to inform him of our intentions. He alluded to utilizing my skills for the Klybesian situation, so I should inquire further."
She quirks a brow, "If you can assist with transport to Xanadu, I shall accept it. The trip is several days, is it not?" She glances around for confirmation.
"If you travel through Shadow, probably." Conner agrees. "The shorter path is to walk to Paris and ask the King very politely to send you to Xanadu via Trumping family already there." Conner turns his attention to Brennan. "When next we have the opportunity to talk, remind me to tell you what we found in the Kelp Forest of Nedra."
Silhouette's flattery is brazen, but mild and overlookable, so Brennan recognizes it with a thin smile and then overlooks it.
He nods in agreement with Conner, though. "That was my meaning, yes." Then addressing Conner directly, he adds, "I would that we could stay in closer contact. I don't suppose you have a Trump of yourself?"
"Alas no." Conner replies. "But as you know I have the ability to keep an eye on you," Conner gestures towards the inner pocket of jacket, "and the ability to make myself heard. The only thing I lack is a way to know if it is safe to contact you. Perhaps you could take to wearing something that would be a sign to me that conversation is welcome."
Sensing the approaching close of the discussion, Silhouette remains silent during the exchange. Occasionally, she glances over at Brita and Celina, curious of their reactions.
Celina watches Brennan fully to keep the contact strong and easy for all parties. Her attention does not deflect to Conner or Silhouette as various items are discussed. She waits for all agenda items to be disclosed.
"Ah yes. That." Brennan says, with mild distaste. "At the moment, it is emphatically unsafe. And I am not fond of the device for various reasons, but exceptions might be made for the moment. There is no need to delay the others with minutiae, though."
Celina nods and clearly she agrees with Brennan putting the matter off for later.
Conner lets his curiosity about why using the Eye would be considered unsafe be felt in the connection but says nothing.
Brita says to Brennan, "I will Work on Trumps of You and The Queen with Haste." She turns to Conner, "To Speed Up my Work, I will Go to Mother's Tower."
Conner nods in agreement with that plan.
Brennan nods in appreciation. "You have my gratitude," he says. "Tell my favorite aunt I hope to speak with her soon... relative to current constraints. It may be some days before there is enough respite to make the call I owe her. I hope you and I will have more time to talk as well."
Celina adds for Brennan's benefit in closing, "We see that Huon takes serious effort with his pledges here. For the moment, Rebma is calm and tending its wounds. I look forward to speaking to you again when my Trump is prepared to pass you a copy. If no one has other agenda, we will let you go." Brita feels through the connection that Celina worries more than she appears to, but not about Brennan.
"Farewell, Brennan." Conner thinks. "I hope our time to converse comes sooner rather than later."
"Conner, I had hoped you would stay a moment, so we could coordinate the use of your device. And perhaps the queen, as she has some expertise, here, that I, at least, lack. But I see no need to delay everyone with minutiae," Brennan says.
"Very well." Conner nods. Conner reaches out and takes hold of the Trump sketch to maintain the contact.
Celina nods to Brita and Silhouette and smiles. "Thank you both for you efforts and counsel." And when Conner's body language tells her he has settled the business of keeping the connection live, she'll step away from Brita and lightly place her hand on Conner's.
Silhouette bows her head, "My Queen. You may find me in my home, if you wish to discuss your previous request further." Her eyes drift to Brennan. "Safe hunting."
With quick nods to the other cousins, she exits the Trump contact. She departs the chamber.
Brita waits until the sense of her brother has shifted from an internal knowledge to an external one within the contact. "Cousin Brennan, Until I Contact You - Safe Travels." She notes to Conner and Celina, "By Your Leave, I will Head to Princess Fiona's Tower to Discharge My Task."
Brita releases the trump sketch and departs.
"Safe hunting," Brennan says, to both Silhouette and Brita.
Once Silhouette and Brita depart, Brennan takes a dagger from his belt, and holds it up. It's a perfectly serviceable blade, although certainly worn and and well-used. It may be something he took as a trophy from a field of battle. Its one adornment is a fairly large tiger-eye set into one side of the hilt-- it was perhaps once polished, but it has been sufficiently worn and used that any remaining sheen has long departed.
With the gem facing outward he says, "Unsafe," then he reverses it and says, "Safe." He puts it back in his belt with the gem out, and stands so Conner and Celina can see it. "Will this be visible?" he asks.
Celina nods once. "That's excellent." She eyes Conner.
"Agreed." Conner nods. "That should do well. Why do you feel it to be a particularly unsafe communication option here though? Is it the mirror angle?
"Yes," Brennan says simply. "That, and your device is as much an affine in itself as it is a device... I would be leery of taking it to the other side of the Tree, and I would wonder how much memory and agency it has even here. Even aside from that particular device, our uncle," he gestures to make it clear he means a local uncle, "considers them unsafe and insecure-- vulnerable to both manipulation and interception."
He looks to Celina-- she is the expert.
Celina keeps her focus on Brennan but lets her feelings also flow to Conner. "True. I judge that Moire is many times more practiced than I in the craft. If she trained someone else here in Rebma, which I would assume, then it is certainly insecure used near that unknown practitioner. All mirrors lead to Rebma." Celina offers, "Unless the device itself can be set to detail the number of connections active while it is being used. Something that requires a judgement most mirrors do not have." Celina has not studied Conner's artifact, but from what Brennan is saying, the Device may be self-diagnostic.
"Point taken." Conner nods. "Yet there must be ways to guard against or detect such eavesdropping. Are there countermeasures I can take?
"I have absolutely no idea," Brennan says. "I'm already connected to events that concern her-- part of her scheme has just suffered a major setback." He smiles, but without the wolfish confidence of a sure success. "Hopefully, it looks like just a run of bad luck, but I'm taking all the countermeasures I can: Travelling under an assumed name, avoiding mirrors, avoiding showy displays of power, letting the Shadows lie for me... Hell, I don't even know if she'd recognize me if she looked right at me."
He shrugs. "Yeah, I'm being paranoid. But not without reason."
Celina nods to Brennan's last as if it is just the price of doing business. "Countermeasures include anything that over or under saturates the media. So darkness kills the signal, extreme or confusing lighting corrupts the geometry, and it is possible to add a sorcerous spell to a mirror that would make detection easier. I assume that in such powerful Device (she does not even look at Conner as she says this) there may be hidden features such as that. I'm willing to look at it for you today." She squeezes Conner's wrist gently in apology that she has not offered before this.
"Thank you, cousin." Conner nods. "I have been wanting to ask but there never seemed to be a good time."
Celina adds then, "Despite the evidence that my mother murdered Lucas, when there were alternatives for her, I do not sanction her death."
Conner nods in understanding. "Brennan, would there be any advantage to one being obvious while you are being subtle?" Conner smiles. "Or do you fear that our quarry would simply retreat if the hunters appear?"
Brennan responds to Celina without missing a beat, almost stepping over Conner's words in the process: "Good, because otherwise you could get yourself another redhead. I am not an assassin." Then, to Conner, "Well, let me fill you both in, so we're all working off the same knowledge base. Settle in-- I'll be as brief as possible, but a lot has happened.
"You should both know that I arrived safely at our Uncle's home, with Fletcher. As is the nature of this place, he is at war. We spoke and he agreed that it made sense for Moire to be here, and that her presence might," he emphasizes the word, "explain some past events. I agreed to act as a scout for his purposes and for this purpose. I assumed a name and signed up with a very small company of mercenaries guarding a weapons merchant who was making his way to pay a bride price and get married.
"There are several islands in this story," he editorializes. "One is where the Road comes out. One is our Uncle's home. A third is this one, with the bride. So we skip forward several months of travel, some over sea, mostly over land, selling weapons and moving toward Montparnasse for a wedding. We got there, and several things happened in rapid order. First, I got made by the local prince's daughter. She doesn't know who I am, but she knows I'm someone. It's hard to hide your power here. She assumed I work for our Uncle, and I played... very dumb." He frowns. "Second, the mercenary captain betrayed us, allowing a team of assassins in who succeeded in killing that local prince. His son and that daughter are in charge; the second daughter was the one to be married, she and the groom are in custody. Third, an army showed up to besiege during the chaos of the assassination. I find myself promoted to captain of the mercenaries, helping to defend the place.
"Let's skip the boring parts and say that some time into the siege, I captured and questioned a wizard of the opposing forces. Here's where the going gets weird, and like any good storyteller, I'm going to build suspense by asking a few questions. I promise they're relevant, and may even make this story shorter," Brennan says.
To Celina: "What exactly do we know about Lir?"
To Conner: "What did you find out about the Kelp?"
Celina gestures as she speaks, her posture having become more relaxed in this three way conversation. "Lir is a historical person that is illuminated by his charisma and some myth-making. In Rebman lore, he ranks as a peer of Moins and a legendary champion who appeared and fought the Sons of the Dragon. He is credited as a nephew of Moins, and in a few incendiary stories, was her lover. He was well-liked by many. News of his death unhinged the minds of a few noblewomen and many oaths were made to avenge his passing. It has become a tradition because the stories are that success follows swearing a pledge in his name." Celina pauses a moment and then adds, "In my own dreams, he is dark with gleaming skin. He is beautiful with a slight beard and a strange earring that moves. And none of this is 'exact' at all."
Conner listens with interest and then answers the question asked of him. "First off, I found that navigation through kelp is disorienting to say the least. Travel there without a guide would be difficult in the extreme. There are former Rebman and Shadow people living in the fringes of Nedra under the grudging acceptance of the local Tritons. Further in, we were escorted to a Temple. A very large, very old, very Real temple covered in more sorcerous and Chaotic language than I could understand but much of it seemed to be spells phrased as invocations of the Dragon's power. I met their Heirophant, a Triton old enough that I suspect he knew Lir or at least Cneve personally. He spoke of areas of Nedra where the environment was more Chaotic than Ordered and that the Triton realm is a thick buffer zone between the two. I also discovered that among the Tritons is a cult that believes the whole peace between Rebma and the Dragon is a horrible mistake and that it is likely elements of that cult are active in Rebma. Oh and apparently Haolsydne came with the title of PaxWarden which the Heirophant often referred to me as. I really must engage Signy or Silhouette to make that suit of white armor that works underwater." Conner smirks.
Brennan doesn't interrupt, although his listening becomes more intent at certain points-- mention of Lir as Moins' nephew, mention of the Temple, especially.
"Interesting," he understates. "We questioned this hedge-wizard. His name was Cameleopardis Findanus, of a tribe called the Maghee, who claim descent from Lir's Castellan. Lir himself, it is written, originally raised the Silver Towers. When he departed to fight with his kin against an army of fish demons, he was slain, and the Maghee people succeeded him. Later, they claim to have been instrumental in the defeat of the Witch-King, sinking their own island and destroying the Silver Towers. Despite this, they are not well loved."
He pauses just long enough to make an it's-going-to-get-better gesture with his hands.
"The Hedge-wizard claimed to have been with a small band looking into that now sunken city, providing magical support. They were captured by another group from the other side of a kelp forest who were able to breathe underwater without magical support-- he was kept as a guide by virtue of his heritage. They made their way to a throne room containing a sapphire throne, whereupon he saw visions.
"The floor of the throne room lit up with a tracery of sparks, and a man struggling to walk the tracery. The Witch-King fighting the man, who was the Protector, apparently in the midst of the tracery. The hedge-wizard lost consciousness at that point, and when he woke, a woman was on the throne, matching this description." He holds up the non-Trump image of Dara with one hand, and no-it-gets-even-better with the other. "The Protector was still there, but of the Witch-King, only his blade remained. It cut off the Protector's arm, and all but the woman sank beneath the floor. She styled herself Dara of the house and lineage of Lir, and stated that they would make common cause against the Witch-King in his new kingdom... that he should sleep, and when he woke he would be met by a priestess of Lir who would give him instructions. He slept. He woke. He saw a woman, asked if she was the priestess of Lir." Brennan almost rolls his eyes. "She said yes, and bade him lead a fleet to attack this very keep."
No-not-yet-even-better.
"Now, of course I asked for a description of the priestess, but curiously, he could not give one. Literally. By his own training and the force of my questions, he recognized that he was under a geas, and was willing to risk his life to see it broken. We asked the Prince's daughter if she could break it. She could. She did. The Maghee began to age rapidly-- centuries over the next watch-- but he was able to identify this priestess. Would you care to guess, before I show you?"
Celina or Conner can guess or not, as they wish, but Brennan shows them the Moire non-Trump.
"I've had some time to think about this, and I have my interpretation, which I'll share soon, but those are the facts. I invite your observations," Brennan says. He folds his arms across his chest and he might-- possibly-- be sustaining a smile. Just a small one.
"Go ahead, please Conner,' Celina says.
Conner shakes his head. "I don't know what to make of most of that story to be honest, Cousin. Too many puzzle pieces fitting together that shouldn't. However, the part of your story that triggered something in my memory was the fight between the Protector and Witch King over the tracery of sparks. Merlin told a very similar story of Corwin and Benedict fighting over the Pattern during his Walk."
"Fair enough," Brennan says. "I've had a few days to ponder this, so my guess is this: In the distant past, Lir ruled here, or a place very near to here, raising the famed Silver Towers. He departed to join his kin, fighting in Rebma, and died in that war. Some time later, the Witch-King arrives and takes possession. He is ousted, and the Silver Towers cast down. Shortly after that, but hundreds of years ago, Cameleopardis departs for the sunken Silver Towers. I believe he had several disjointed visions: The duel during a Pattern Walk, which I do not understand at all. The duel of ghosts with Dara present, apparently seen in several other locations as well. That is a thing that happened, historically, just a few years ago, but it involved Pattern throne rooms... I believe somehow, for some reason, images of it were reflected into the past, similar to what happened to Brita. And then possibly a third where he conversed with Dara as she was in that sunken area poking into the Witch-King's history. Any reference she made to Paris without naming it, he would interpret as a reference to a new kingdom here. Then she put him to sleep intending to use him in our present and for some reason it was Moire who woke him up and launched him against this keep.
"Why this keep? It's not obvious unless you have maps available and leisure to study them and you understand the Faiella-Bionin and you understand your mother's goals. This keep is an ally of our uncle, and supports the lower coastal regions of this island. Those coastal regions, in turn, project allied sea power to help protect both out uncle's personal holdings and the coast where the Road emerges onto land. If this keep falls, a chain reaction alters the naval balance of power, leaving our uncle with a choice: defend his holdings, or defend one route from here to yours. The complicating factors are Dara, and this apparent route from the sunken towers, through the Kelp, and into Rebma. My gut says... Dara is involved incidentally, even accidentally." It's clear from his tone that Brennan believes what he says, but still worries that he could be wrong. "My gut is ambivalent about any potential danger through the Kelp, though.
"Finishing the story, we broke the siege, complicated mostly by the requirement to dispose of the Maghee's pet Bobbit Worm," he gestures to the spear-length mandible propped up against the wall, behind him, "without flashy displays of power. I ended up making it look like bad luck and am blaming it on a last act of vengeance by Cameleopardis-- he was genuinely wroth when he regained his full memories and faculties, and I mourn his passing. He was badly used. This keep stands, but with significant damage. The opposing force is effectively broken but will be allowed to retreat back to the coast. If I'm lucky, my presence may still not be known... although a loose end is the mercenary assassin, still at large with several days lead. And my professional opinion is that the assassination and later assault were so tightly coordinated, they may have had magic, even mirror, support. Our uncle is aware of the situation, but I have not broken cover and may not have a chance to speak to him again." Brennan sighs and winds down.
"That brings us up to now, in broad strokes. Now all we need to do is figure out what to do," he says. How hard can that be?
Celina responds, "So please correct me if I am seeing shadows of shadows, but you are saying this Cameleopardis Findanus was a distant kin of ours, perhaps through Lir or Finndo. He was powerful, and may have gotten stuck in a vision of the actual Pattern nearby, but that vision, or Dara, sent him unconscious. On waking, or being ensnared by a powerful sorceress who woke him, he was sent against Uncle to threaten local balances. And now you have derailed most of this by being drawn to it as we so often are when Pattern is involved. But you have seen no real sign of Moire, or a shadow of her.
"It sounds as if your time has been fruitful for Avalon and Rebma. Thank you. I could contact Benedict from here and let him know these things if you were unable to brief him in full. Since Moire cannot walk through shadow, I should ask if there are paths out of Avalon, or is she still there somewhere?" Celina pauses.
"It would be most interesting to track back Cameaeopardis's journey and see where meetings with Dara and Moire occured." Conner muses. "The notion that there is a link through Nedra intrigues and disturbs me."
To Celina, Brennan does clarify: "That priestess sorceress was Moire. Once the geas was lifted, he was able to confirm that. And while I think it's remotely possible he may have been a direct descendant, I think it's more a mythic association-- descendant of servants, which became its own claim to glory." Brennan shrugs-- at this remove of thousands of years, he's not going to concern himself too much with the Family connection angle, unless more evidence comes to light. "But those local balances would have shifted in a way that exposes the entrance to the Faiella-Bionin. There are no guards on it, here, it's simply hidden in obscurity. Is she still here? I'd bank on it. Where, precisely, I don't know; this realm is... porous, in a way the others seem not to be. I would have to study it in greater detail, but I would expect some mobility close to Avalon, but eventually reaching a point where Shadow is simply Shadow and only Family can master it. But she must be somewhere close."
He turns back to Conner: "So, we have at least two invasion routes-- the Kelp and the Road. Intentionally or not, she presents ambiguity. We can't ignore either possibility, because it could be both. But I've tried to give her ambiguity in return. It's not obvious to her, I hope, whether this situation--" he gestures around him-- "is bad luck or enemy action. It's not obvious whether this keep can support the coast or not. This is by design. In an ideal world, we'll learn her plans without her learning ours, and trap her invading force between your defense and my relief.
"But there is a lot to do, here. Nedra, capture this mercenary assassin, raise an army here, shore up Rebma, figure out how the Tritons will take this..." Brennan lists just for a start. "How do we divide these labors? What am I missing? If we need help, who do we trust to bring in? I would that Brita were here. I trust her personally and professionally... but I understand her need to take on other tasks."
Brennan conjures a charcoal pencil and a slate, and begins making a crude sketch of something or someone while he waits to hear Celina's and Conner's opinions.
Celina goes down the list, speculating out loud, "Brita needs to do Trumps and hopefully will find time to do multiple copies of each of us so we can hand them around. I'd trust her with my life, since that is what Trump creation leads to. Maybe she can join you later.
"However.... Signy and Ambrose are off to duplicate and/or repair the code wheels, which cannot be done near the center. I have good feelings about both of them. Certainly either would be helpful in bolstering you position if they accomplish their own tasks quickly, but I doubt that will be a fast turnaround as they did not talk about access to fast time places.
"Huon might assist you, as I included in his parole that he might go to serve Rebma's needs elsewhere. I think he would enjoy being heroic on Rebma's behalf. I'm not sure the timing is good for that. I could be convinced otherwise.
"Ossian is in Paris. Jerod and Raven should be in Gateway for King Random. Any of them would be helpful, but again, they are busy.
"Merlin, Martin, and Folly are off in the shadows on other business."
"Hannah, Paige, and Edan are in Xanadu with missions for Random," She says that with traces of doubt, as if Hannah and Paige are too long absent to be sure.
"I do not know where Garrett, Robin, or Vere are, though I think they would be good allies to have. I'm not sure where Marius, Fletcher, and Lily are. Again, good choices, but Fletcher and Lily might be near to Avalon. I could ask Benedict.
"Meg left here angry, I think you'd get little from her.
"If my assessment is largely correct, we have few options right now for getting you help. However, I need to talk to Random again soon. I could ask for a favor throne to throne, such as an assist from Bleys. I cannot ask Llewella to assist if you are likely to cross swords with Moire." She considers what other debts she might be willing to incur and her face is thoughtful.
"Let's leave aunts, uncles and other thrones off the table. And Lilly and Fletcher have other tasks for their father," Brennan says. "You left Silhouette off your list," he observes.
Celina's face does not change. Conner can clearly feel the mental burst of surprise from Celina through his arm.
Celina scrunches up her face for a moment, nose wrinkled, cheeks compressing eyes. She sticks her tongue out at Brennan. "Meh."
Then she laughs. "Well, yes, Silhouette. That's difficult." She takes a breath and moves closer to Conner, leaning a bit towards Brennan as if he were present. "She's not ready. She's learning fast but ..." Celina thinks, "Let me be more honest. Silhouette is a project all by herself. She is a threat to Order. She needs to be treated differently. She has no mother. Perhaps she even likes it that way. She is at heart a mercenary because that's what she needed to be to survive on her own. She fancies herself a Dragon. I have given her other choices and she has walked the Pattern, not because she is worthy but because I do not want her to die so quickly, so broken. I would entertain your comments on this matter." Obviously she includes them both.
"A threat to Order?" Conner thinks incredulously. "I would not credit her with power enough to deserve such a title. To use her metaphors, Silhouette is white hot metal newly forged and it remains to be seen if she is a useful tool or something that will shatter under stress. Her main problem is that she is not taking the time to learn the Family rules before breaking them with style. Having said that, I could see bringing her in in a pinch."
Celina listens to Conner closely.
"This stays between us," Brennan says. "She's a threat to herself. In a just universe, I would mentor her as partial penance for my sins. It was not so very long ago I counselled retaliation or even pre-emptive violence against Dara. And Cleph. And Huon. I went centuries without even speaking my own name, to stay hidden. I have more empathy than she might believe, but it's the wrong kind of empathy... she reminds me too much of who I was, too recently. It's not productive. It doesn't help that I don't trust her, yet... and she's cross-wise with a lot of Family.
"I respect your instinct," he says to Celina, "this is not a rehabilitation mission. Dealing with the Klybesians might be. That doesn't thrill me either," he grumbles, "but... tell me I'm not the only one who thinks a quasi-religious cross-shadow conspiracy cult that preys on young, unknown, or lone wolf Family members might possibly have something to do with her own history."
"I shall tell you one better," Celina responds, "What if Silhouette was the first design prototype of a quasi-religious cross-shadow conspiracy?" She quickly holds up her palm, more as an indication that this is just a throwaway idea. "I like her and agree with your idea that she needs our guidance. I accept responsibility for her Patternwalk. I'm just saying she's a threat because however badly or cruelly most of us were raised, that raising always seemed to be on the Family terms. I do not see that with Silhouette. She's gained nothing from Family until Rebma. She doesn't think like Family at all. We don't know what she can become."
"And that is precisely why leaving her isolated on her own projects is probably more risky than bringing her in on one of these Family projects." Conner comments. "Still, I can hardly see bringing her along if I choose to venture into Nedra again. My title of PaxWarden only provides be so much cover and protection."
Celina nods in more than agreement. It seems that Conner's idea is one she has already thought about.
Brennan nods, in philosophical agreement, at least. "That's one of the reasons I pointed her at the Klybesians. I could be wrong about any connection to her past, and I didn't want to plant a false seed, even unintentionally, so I didn't say anything. But given Reid, and now the revelations about Abford... Well. I'm not thrilled. They had my son. But I can't say they had my only son, because I. Just. Don't. Know." It's obvious that his physical instinct is to clamp his jaw, raise his chin and refuse to say another word, but he overrides it and continues. "Ossian is probably p!ssed at me-- I should be there with him, I should be the muscle, there. But I will not take up arms until I know I'm not killing my own sons or daughters. I Will Not. They could have anyone's child, though, and I'm sure Paris and Xanadu are thinking those thoughts. And she'll be with Ossian, so she's not a lone wolf agent, there."
Celina looks long at Brennan, then says, "Silhouette is a well-trained killer. Setting her on the Klybesians could be bloody. If you have concerns about consequences, you'll want to talk to Ossian and give him a bit of what you know or suspect. Otherwise, I think it a fair plan. The cult seems to be always ready to move elsewhere. Oberon did not eradicate them." She looks aside at Conner. "I gave her some missions for me, scouting about Rebma for Loreena and making use of her analytic interests. Nothing so far."
Conner nods. "Silhouette also speaks of turning enemies to allies as a part of her philosophy. I suspect like most of us, she will do what seems best at the time. As for her pairing up with Ossian, he would not have been my first choice to try and teach her the value of conforming to Family norms," Conner smirks, "but he's been around long enough to know the big lines that should not be crossed. It will serve."
Brennan gives Conner a rather flat look: That's my son you're talking about. "It was a judgement call. I made it," he says.
"Returning to an earlier topic," Conner goes on, "we can add finding Rebma's Jewel to our list of priorities. In some ways, that is higher than Moire though I doubt we'd manage to get one without the other. As to division of labor, Nedra would logically fall to me though that leads me to the twin problems of navigation through the Kelp and not starting a war between Rebma and Dragon should I venture in. I am torn between attempting stealth or once again asking for an audience with the Hierophant and asking for aid."
"Find Moire, find the Jewel," Brennan says. "If she doesn't have it with her, she has to have it somewhere nearby for a lot of obvious reasons. But two that bear mentioning are: I'm sure she has some control over the Tritons without it, but I'm also she'll have much more with it... and may need something concrete to counter your authorities. And of course, if it mirrors what we know of the other Jewel, and she has any control over it, it will be a campaign asset. I am not looking forward to trying to move men and material around Avalon if she can conjure up a storm any time she likes, any more than you're looking forward to fin-to-fin combat in the streets."
Brennan looks to Celina, especially, for confirmation or denial of any of that.
Celina mentions, "The talk about her control of storms may be talk bolstered by creative sorcery. I doubt that she is on intimate terms with the Jewel. I have removed Moire from the oaths to the Tritons, however, any Tritons not present here to get such commands are subject to Moire still, especially if she holds the Jewel."
"If the recent battles in Rebma have taught us anything, it is that the sword is a superior token to the Jewel." Conner reminds them. "So we likely have our counterbalance to any influence over the Triton population.
"We're just full of optimism today, aren't we?" Brennan says. Brennan, himself, is not.
"I guess that leaves the Avalon side to me. Of the list we went down before: Brita, Robin, Vere, would be my choices. They're all undoubtedly busy, and I'm not sure we're at the point where we need to ask for more bodies, but should any of them turn up at loose ends, I think all three of us can work with any of them. Although inasmuch as this operation intersects with my... personal project... I'd prefer to be the one to break that idea, at least." He gives a faint smile, "Until which time you can both still plausibly deny you had any idea what I'm about.
"Pending new information, I expect my first task here is tracking down the assassin, as he might have more actionable intelligence, and then with our Uncle's approval, the raising of an army. On that note, tell Dignity to be packed and ready. Hopefully the next time we speak, I'll be in a position to bring him through. Unless someone has a clever idea to get him here sooner." He thinks for a moment, then adds, "I may contact Bleys, if he's in Xanadu, and see if he can send me more of the Knights. They all have experience with Family-run armies."
Celina nods, connecting the lines of Family support to Avalon. "You'll be busy. I shall not expect to speak again until some milestone is accomplished. Brita shall deliver a Trump to you as best she can. Best currents to you, Brennan. If there is anything at all I can provide, send word through Bionin by Dignity if no Trump has arrived. Pending new information, we shall prepare to defend from the Kelp Beds." She squeezes Conner's wrist in concern.
"Good luck in your quests Brennan. Here's hoping neither of us starts a war until we mean to, eh?" Conner smiles.
"Here's hoping," he says. "Two more things: This--" he passes the sketch he's been making though the Trump "-- is Cledwin. I suspect I'll be hunting him down to beat some information out of him, but juuuuuust in case he crosses your path first. He would know me under the name of 'Walker. Try not to hurt him. That's my job.'"
Celina memorizes the face and build.
"And, unrelated, Rebma plays a role in the tribal mythology of the Maghee, who are at least part of the force I plan to raise. I can counter that somewhat, and I can conjure more to help. But Moire is Moire herself, and she's already gone to that well herself. And he has the advantage of green hair. It might be well if I had some symbol of obvious Rebman make and royal significance to carry with me. Not something I need immediately, if nothing comes to mind, but a thought for our next council."
Celina says, "I have piece of jewelry in mind, but it may be something the Klybesians would recognize also, from Abford. Is that a plus or minus?"
Brennan's eyes narrow-- that strikes a chord, but he has trouble figuring out what it reminds him of. When he does, his brow furrows. "This is the black pearl number that has ties to Abford and Huon? That's... an interesting idea. Inasmuch as I consider Abford to be a Klybesian stronghold, it's probably a minus. Not that I'm going to wear it, but it would make it harder for the Shadows to lie about me, and if any of them see it, it just removes any ambiguity.
"Did Huon ever come clean about his relationship with them?"
"I've not put that question to him, because there never seemed a connection. Huon came to Abford for its manufacturing and populace. There he found both, and also found traces of other things that he might not have expected. Family. Merlin and I walked through there in somewhat the same style. Huon bought the pearls from the local orphanage and gave them to me to curry favor. Later, we learned that the pearls were there from Meg's arrival in Abford." Celina nods, "I think you are right. If you run across more Klybesians, the pearls would make things harder. I'll devise something else."
Conner looks over to Celina. "Do you remember that mirror containing amulet that Khela gave Amala? You said it would protect the wearer against mirror scrying. Are your skills up to fashioning such a token? It would serve a double purpose of keeping Brennan hidden yet be a mark of Rebman skill when he chooses to show it."
Brennan looks highly interested in a device that will free him of incidental mirror scrying.
"Huon is full of it," he scoffs. "I believe in coincidence, but I also believe in malice-- I'm walking that same plausible deniability line with Moire right now." He doesn't bother to elaborate.
Nodding once, Celina indulges in some calculations, "Yes, it is something I can do. But the materials are not in hand. In terms of timing, it would take some days to start things in that direction. Basically, there is conservation of effort. In order to deflect the geometries around the bearer, I must create to the quality I expect to resist."
Celina includes Brennan on something Conner already knows, "For instance, Moire went to Paris to have some mirror work done, because they have facilities that are not available in Rebma for working clean geometries of stable glass. In short, the more time I have to make such an amulet, the more I am sure it is potent. If I give you a minor token, you may not ever realize it has been penetrated. Brita's solution with the Trumps is not available to me. I must be here in Rebma."
"We have time," Brennan says. "I thank you for the offer. If there's nothing else, I leave you this: Whatever force you think is necessary to defend against an invasion... remember where this force is coming from, and then double it. For what it's worth, our Uncle says he envies you your challenge."
And here, Brennan always thought of Benedict as the sane uncle.
"You know, despite of all the news of dire events about us, I wasn't scared until I heard Benedict's assessment." Conner's smile is weak. "Farewell, Brennan. We'll be in touch as soon as we have the means and the need."
Celina whispers 'best of luck' to Brennan.
Conner waits for any last minute farewells from Celina or Brennan and if none is forthcoming, he passes his hand over the card and ends the Trump call.
Last modified: 12 March 2015