Morning, Day Three

When Vere returns to the castle after his work with Conner, he finds a message from Vialle requesting that he attend on her in the morning.

Vere will send a page to the Queen with an acknowledgement that he received the message and will be there. He'll spend most of the night working, and will take paperwork with him to dinner with Jerod and the other cousins. After dinner he'll seek out Gerard, just to check in and be certain his father is actually thinking about his medical situation instead of getting involved in anything else.

Then a short sleep before rising the next morning, working diligently while having an early breakfast, and back to his room to garb himself in his court dress from the Isles. A deep blue tunic edged in cloth of gold, over a grey undertunic and grey leggings, with black leather halfboots and a thick black leather belt with gold inlay. His long dark hair is braided, upon his head is a brown leather band of Celtic knotwork, and he wears a gold torc with his personal symbol inscribed upon it.

Vialle may not be able to see, but Vere has no doubt that her ladies in waiting give her descriptions of what her visitors wear, and clothes are a definite statement in a royal audience.

In the morning, before answering the Queen's summons, Vere stops by his sister's room early enough to be certain she is still there. He taps politely on the door, and calls out, "Solange? May I come in?"

"Vere?" Solange's voice comes through the door, sounding somewhat groggy. "Just a minute." After some rustles, thumps, and the odd splash or two, Solange opens the door. She's wearing a full-length bathrobe, and her hair is still back in its sleeping braid, judging by the escaped wisps, but her eyes are clear, and her face even a little pink from its washing in cold water.

"Come in," she says.

"I regret disturbing you so early," Vere says. "The Queen has requested my presence this morning, and I wished to speak with you before being called into her presence. Father and I had our meeting with Dame Aisling yesterday, which proved most interesting. Not as encouraging as I had been hoping, unfortunately, but not without some hope for the future."

"Somehow I managed to sleep through yesterday," Solange answers. "Must have been overdoing it lately, and it caught up with me. Tell me about the meeting. What's the good news?"

"The good news," Vere replies, "is that Father seems to be seriously considering the matter of how to go about recovering the use of his legs."

"Finally," Solange says.

"The ill news is that the damage was more severe that he had let on during his Regency, and I believe it is far beyond Dame Aisling's ability to heal. Father is discussing such measures as amputating his legs and attempting to regrow them with the aid of a shapeshifter, or having every bone in his hips and legs broken again, and allowed to heal. It would appear that the shattered bones are not producing marrow, and that they have been in the process of dying every since the accident. They are not yet dead, but they are certainly not in a condition that gives any cause for hope that they will recover on their own, or even with the aid of an extremely skilled healer." to heal. Father is discussing such measures as amputating his legs and attempting to regrow them with the aid of a shapeshifter, or having every bone in his hips and legs broken again, and allowed to heal. It would appear that the shattered bones are not producing marrow, and that they have been in the process of dying every since the accident. They are not yet dead, but they are certainly not in a condition that gives any cause for hope that they will recover on their own, or even with the aid of an extremely skilled healer."

"I still think we should look into very high-tech shadows," Solange says. "If we can get to somewhere where nanotechnology works, and get the repairs completed there, so that his legs are functioning again on their own, I don't see any reason why they wouldn't remain healthy when we came back here."

Vere smiles slightly. "My suggestion was to find a sufficiently powerful magician who could heal him magically," he says. "However, Jerod feels, and Father seems to agree, that such healing might well unravel if he were to travel to a shadow where such the laws that allowed the healing did not operate. In addition, there was concern that the next time he walked the Pattern it might undo the effects of such technological or mystic healing." He shrugs. "I do not understand the theory and practice of shadow walking sufficiently to have an informed opinion on the matter." He lifts an inquisitive eyebrow, making it clear that he anticipates that she might well have such an opinion.

"This is why I favor very high tech over very high magic. With a magical healing, continued good results would have to be because the spell was still in effect, I'd think; with a technological process, if it's one that leaves no artifacts behind once the healing is completed and function is restored to normal, I don't see any reason why the damage would reassert itself after leaving the place where the technology would have functioned, or why it wouldn't survive a Pattern walk. I'm no expert on Pattern magic, though. I'm just trying to use mother-wit to look at the situation as a whole. Am I making any sense to you?"

Vere considers the question for several long moments before answering, "I understand your opinion," he finally said, "And I agree that given your basic postulates it seems to hold together. However, I am not certain how to what degree pure logic can be applied to matters concerning the Pattern, and I simply do not know enough to be able to make any sensible judgement about the validity of your premises." He sighs. "It is quite frustrating, one feels that applied logic should be enough to point out the correct solution to this problem."

Solange smiles, pleased that her brother understands so well.

He considers for a bit, then continues, "Do you know of any cases where someone has had some form of magical or technological healing, and later walked the Pattern? Surely it must have happened at some point in our Family's history, and the results should prove instructive."

"If the family legends can be believed, Uncle Corwin has collected his share of injuries and then some," Solange offers. "Maybe he'd have been in that situation. We could ask."

Vere nods. "An excellent suggestion." He tilts his head to one side. "Would you prefer me to ask Prince Corwin about his experiences with healing, shadow travel, and the Pattern, or would you prefer to do so yourself? From what one hears, he might be more likely to answer questions from a female questioner. On the other hand, that could make the situation uncomfortable for you. In either case, he is leaving Amber soon, so we should ask him in the very near future. I would suggest doing so today. The Queen wishes to speak with me this morning, and after that I was intending on bending all my attention to finishing the reports on the dead and missing that Jerod volunteered me for." He smiles slightly. "I have made it clear to everyone that this will be my last official duty for the Crown, and that after this I will refuse any task that does not bear directly upon Father's health."

"Good job," Solange agrees. "If you think Uncle Corwin will be more likely to answer questions from a girl, I'll be happy to ask him. Somehow I don't think he'll become unmanageably amorous with his own niece, certainly not here in the castle with so much of the Family around."

Vere's mouth quirks slightly, and Solange recognizes his expression as the one he makes when he's thought of a clever but slightly biting remark, and chosen not to make it out of politeness.

Solange looks as if whatever he might have said would have gone completely over her head.

"Very good," he says. He pauses for a moment before starting a new train of thought. "I am not suggesting giving up on Dame Aisling's offer. I did not mean to give that impression, if I did. I think she will be of less assistance than I had originally hoped, but her offer of assistance should by no means be slighted. And she is a very interesting individual, as well."

"I'm looking forward to having another chance to talk to her," Solange says. "I'm sorry I missed the discussion. It sounds fascinating. What can she accomplish with her healing abilities?"

"The actual extent of her abilities remains somewhat unclear," Vere replies, "Although she says that she has done extensive repairs to both bone and flesh. I am under the impression that underneath the bandage her hand is being regrown, and she seems to believe that she could be of assistance to Prince Benedict as well as to Father." He pauses for a moment, considering his next words, "She has expressed a certain desire to be judged and accepted on her own merits, and not considered as a member of the Family. I can understand her reasons, although I think she is giving up a valuable tool in dealing with many of our relations."

Thence to attend upon Her Majesty.

Her Majesty is waiting for Vere in the chambers she is using as an office and sitting room. She is seated on the couch; there are also three chairs around the small table. She has a tea service and some fresh cucumber sandwiches (crustless, of course), waiting.

There are no attendants.

"Vere," Vialle says warmly, "please, come in and sit down."

"You Majesty," Vere replies, a faint hint of pleasure in his voice. As he walks across the room to the table he habitually notes the contents of the room, and check for anything out of place. He seats himself in the middle of the three chairs, directly across from the queen. He waits silently for her to speak.

The furniture in the room is all in place, perfectly so. Vere would expect there to be signs of paperwork and such about, but they must have all been put away for this interview.

Vialle pours a cup of tea for Vere, adding sugar and milk to his taste, which she knows, and offers him sandwiches from the server. When he is provided adequately, Vialle pours herself a cup, with one lump of sugar. She takes a sandwich and nibbles on it only if Vere has taken one.

After any sandwiches are consumed and a civilized cuppa has been enjoyed by both, Vialle broaches her business. "I find myself in need of advice on two matters, one minor, and one more important. I believe that your advice will be invaluable in both matters."

"Indeed, your majesty?" Vere inquires politely.

"The smaller matter is this: I have been relying on Steward Vent to handle my correspondence, such as it is, to date. Clearly, that will no longer do. I will need to find someone who can be relied upon to accompany me and to handle my business full-time. She will also need to be very discreet."

Vialle pauses. "Because it is evident that I need such a person, I find that I am being--approached--with offers of assistance that I am not sure I need. In particular, Lady Vesper has mentioned that she might have some candidates in mind. I would prefer to promote someone from within the Royal Household. I thought you might know of someone who would serve my needs, and in whom I could repose my trust. Since it will be a paid position, money and title are not an issue; circumspection, competence, and loyalty are."

Vere thinks about this for a few moments, then replies, "Your Majesty might wish to consider the daughter of Lord Burn. She assists Nestor in his duties, but I believe these duties to be below what she is capable of, and what she is entitled to. Her principal fault, in Your Majesty's eyes, might be that she is not very aggressive, and can sometimes be too retiring. However, if these are not serious faults to Your Majesty's way of thinking I would suggest considering her." Vere pauses for a long moment, before continuing, "In truth, were it not for two serious impediments I would have considered offering her the position of secretary to myself. The most serious of these, of course, is that I am planning on devoting myself exclusively to the cause of my father's health, and will be reducing my duties to the Crown to a bare minimum." He pauses again, then adds, "As You Majesty is no doubt already aware."

"Of course," says Vialle. "That is the other matter on which I wished to speak with you. But pray continue your comments about Lord Burn's daughter. I do not believe a retiring nature will be a terrible impediment for my purposes. What is your other concern regarding her?"

Vere allows a hint of amusement to enter his voice. "My other reason for not wishing to take her into my service is a purely personal one, and in no way a reflection upon her," he says. "She is a very intelligent young woman, and I believe that with the proper encouragement she will prove extremely capable."

Vialle considers that comment, happens upon several possible interpretations, and settles on the one she prefers. "I cannot see that as a detriment, and I can offer her several advantages on that score that you cannot. I will arrange to speak with her, and, if she suits, and is agreeable, I will offer her the position."

"Mmmm," Vere replies in acknowledgement of the queen's statement.

Vialle cocks her head slightly. "As for the matter of your father: Random and I have been discussing what we can do for him. You know as well as I that he will disdain anything that smacks to him of pity or charity, even if it honestly is only the reward he is due for the hard work he put in during the regency. Is there anything that can be done for him?"

"I suspect that attempting to understand the nature of the relationships of the children of Oberon is beyond the capability of anyone who did not experience a lifetime of those relationships. I trust His Majesty to understand his brother well enough to decide what reward is due to my father for his efforts during the last several years." Vere pauses, considers the queen quietly for a few moments, then continues, "The best thing that can be done for him is to encourage him in the task which faces him, to seek out a cure for his condition. I have no doubt that Father can regain the use of his legs, it is simply a matter of seeking out the proper method, and in giving whatever aid is possible. I hope I can depend upon the assistance of Your Majesties in this."

"Random and I have discussed the matter. It is one of the reasons that finding a secretary has become so urgent. I trust that what we say here will be absolutely confidential, even from your father?" Vialle says.

"I hope I can be regarded as trustworthy, You Majesty," Vere replies.

"Of course," says Vialle, "but this is a particularly sensitive matter." She leans forward and lowers her voice. "Random has said that he will be leaving Amber for a time immediately following the coronation. He says he has something in mind to 'solve the problem in the basement', as it were. He will be leaving me with a patent of Regency."

She bites her lip, looking worried. "Your father's experience would be invaluable to me, and he knows it. He's also someone I trust to advise me truthfully, and not with an eye to his own advantage. I don't want to hurt him by turning him away, but Random and I agree he must turn his attention to healing his legs. If I am seen to need him ..." and she shrugs helplessly, leaving Vere to draw the obvious conclusion.

"Indeed," Vere replies. "While there are many who would be more...comfortable, shall we say, with a member of the Royal Family seen in the position of trusted advisor to Your Majesty, some would also take that to be an indication that His Majesty did not truly wish to leave you with full authority, and has placed a male relative in a position to control your actions." Amusement enters his voice, "Many here in Amber have difficulty with the concept of a female wielding power, as Your Majesty no doubt realizes far better than I."

"I don't care about that," Vialle says, and Vere doesn't doubt her. "If it weren't for all the reasons not to, I'd never let Random leave me as Regent. None of his brothers but your father are above suspicion, though; the people would see it as the first step in an attempt against Random's throne. And so I must be Regent, willy-nilly, and I must do well, and I must be good enough at the job that your father won't spend his time worrying and doing my work for me."

"Your Majesty has much with which to concern yourself," Vere says, honest sympathy in his voice. "Were it not that my father's health must take precedence over all other things I would offer what small assistance I can. Alas, instead I am in the position of seeking aid, not seeking to offer it." He does not comment on Vialle's statement regarding Gerard's trustworthiness, accepting that as nothing less than his father's due.

[And not as a commentary on his crippled condition!]

[Nothing in Vere's demeanour suggests that he ever even considered such an interpretation of the Queen's comment]

[Nothing in her demeanor suggests that she meant it that way.]

"By advising me on the matter of a secretary, you have already aided me a great deal," says Vialle. "And any aid I render to Gerard, and to you in helping him regain his full health, is also helpful to me. I do not believe Random will be gone very long, not long enough to effect a full cure for your father, but it is his wish that we do something for Gerard as well, and so helping you fulfills his purposes too."

"I am pleased to hear that, Your Majesty." Vere replies. "By any chance, have Your Majesties had any thoughts on the matter of my father's health? The only comment the King made to me upon the subject was not encouraging, although I think His Majesty regretted it almost immediately after having said it."

Vialle purses her lips a little here. "Random, like the rest of his family, has very little experience of ill-health or injury. He once told me, after Corwin was blinded but before he escaped from the dungeon, that he'd never seen a serious injury to one of his brothers or sisters last. And Corwin recovered his vision in less time than has passed since the Sundering.

"Random and I have spoken about Gerard several times. I don't think he quite knows what to say or do about Gerard's injuries, or has any idea about how to heal him. He's willing to help, and to spare you and Solange from other duties to research a cure, but he wouldn't know the first place to start to look for one himself."

Neither, Vere suspects from Vialle's tone, would the Queen.

"Though I had hoped for more, Your Majesty, I did not expect it. Father is developing his own theories. They are, you will not be astonished to learn, direct and drastic. Solange and I shall continue researching the topic."

"Pray keep us apprised of your discoveries," Vialle says.

"Indeed."

Vere comes to a stop and waits to see if the Queen has anything else to discuss, or if she is prepared to dismiss him.

Vialle looks like she might have something to say, but doesn't appear to be ready to press the point.

Curious, Vere simply sits silently, watching the Queen with interest.

After a moment, Vialle says only, "Vere, blindness can embitter you, or it can bring you more joy in what you already have. He's found some unexpected joys. If things go further awry, don't bring him bitterness."

"I take Your Majesty's meaning," Vere replies. "I will remember your words."

"Let us both hope we can forget them," she says.

"Your Majesty's words are too wise to ever forget," Vere replies, "But I will indeed hope that I need never apply them practically."

Unless Vere has something more to add, the audience is over.

Vere murmurs a low, "Your Majesty," as he stands and takes three steps backwards away from the Queen, bowing as he does so. He turns and leaves the room, pausing once he's outside to touch a finger to his lips thoughtfully, and admire the Queen's ability to imply much while saying little.

Then off to put the finishing touches on the last of the reports, hand them off to clerks to copy and distribute to the appropriate locations. And then, after a large lunch befitting the son of Gerard, he considers for a short while, and goes looking for Cambina.

The next morning, after a very busy day of dealing with Bleys, nobles, Random and other assorted family members (some of them more interesting and pleasant than the elders)...Jerod arranges to meet with Venesch in Jerod's office quarters.

Jerod will be going over some of his initial reports that he would have compiled from the marshals and the other cousins, looking for obvious areas of concern to try to rectify before they become problems when Venesch arrives.

"Hello." Jerod says, looking up from an advisory on possible crime activity increases. "How have things been?" as he motions to a chair in the office, making the offer even as he knows his old mentor will not sit, at least, not until Jerod does.

"Lord?, " Venesh asks a multitude questions with the simple monosyllable. "We maintain order."

Jerod smiles, the rare open kind he offers only to Family, and Venesch is one of those, before moving to take his seat. "Well, I suppose given the recent insanity of the last couple of days, we should consider that a major achievement."

"I was hoping to talk to you before this. It seems like I just managed to get back from being in Bleys' former supply base only to get sucked up into the whole Return of the King deal. It always seems to be the case - something interfering at one point or another."

"I was wondering if you were going to be staying on as Captain of the Guard after Random is crowned?" Jerod asks, settling down into his chair.

"Lord, I serve at the pleasure of the King. He has not expressed a desire to replace me. I have served honorably in the court of King Eric and the Regent after that. I do my duty."

Venesch pours himself a drink from a flask that Jerod knows contains water, then he continues.

"The King has neither confirmed me in my position nor asked me to step aside for a new man. He has suggested that the strongest need is for calm, order, and thoughtful consideration of the long term."

Venesch smiles, as if at a memory. "The King made a special point to tell all of my officers that he hoped that their friends might take a 'wait and see' attitude. The King your father was right not to have him killed."

"Dad always seemed to recognize good people." Jerod says, remembering back to a conversation, awhile ago. He reaches over to a small carved wooden case and touches it for a moment, thinking back. Venesch would know that it was Eric's, and holds the crossbow bolt that Random used when he tried to kill Eric.

"I was curious as to your situation. It would seem that things will work out. You've done too good a job to be tossed out based on petty family politics." Jerod says, leaning back. "For that I'm glad. I want you to know if there's any problems, assuming I can help with them, that I'd be honoured if you come speak to me. And if circumstances don't work out, you will always have a place here. I'll make sure of that."

Venesch nods, solemnly. It is a gesture of thanks.

Jerod leans back in, his arms resting on the old oak desk as he observes Venesch. "I also wanted your opinion on a couple of things. The first is my intention to speak to Random concerning my father's Weir forces. I'm going to petition him for approval to bring them under my banner." he says, watching Venesch for his reaction.

"The second...is more to the future. With the return of my uncles and aunts, there is sure to be maneuvering, especially where the King and Queen are concerned. I would ask you what you think of the Queen, especially now that she has found she is Queen."

"I, personally, found the Weir to be...undisciplined. His Majesty may wish them to be dismissed, Lord. As to the Queen, she was a model prisoner and a good influence on His Majesty. I found her pleasant and cooperative and I am pleased that her choice to come here as duty bade her did her no harm."

"That is something I would hope to change." Jerod says, in regards to the Weir.

"They have ability but are unfocussed. You taught me the value of focus...it's power to allow even the average man to overpower one much greater than themselves. It was one reason why I was wondering as to your status. Were you suddenly to find yourself available, you'd be excellent in the position for providing that talent to them. I'll see how the King leans when I speak to him again."

He nod/bows, slightly stiffly, you think.

"As to Vialle, I was never worried as to her coming to harm when Random was here." Jerod says. "Dad wasn't about to cause a bigger rift with Moire. And it certainly would have happened had something unpleasant descended on Vialle."

"I'm more concerned about how she is going to settle in. I've noticed...tension of late. I'm presuming its the result of the return of everyone so suddenly, but I also know Vialle from back home." and he looks at Venesch for a moment, steepling his fingers in front of his chin. "I might be paranoid, but I'm concerned. Comments from Conner have made about the Tritons are making me consider what might be happening back home. And why Vialle was chosen for Random in the first place."

"I'm not saying she's dangerous. Far from it. But we both know Moire didn't pick Vialle as a reward for Random. Or even as punishment, though that's the accepted story. She was a link to the house of Amber, a means to gain access. I dare say Moire never anticipated that it would go this far though. She would certainly be interested to hear of it, and I'm sure the Rebman embassy had just that and more in mind when they tried to reach the stairway upon Random's return."

"Each has his duty, Lord. The Queen's changed substantially when she was elevated from the wife of a Princely prisoner to Queen. It has happened very quickly. The Queen may be adjusting better than others. You may wish to speak to your sister. She may have access to accounts of what has happened in the past when a foreigner to Amber was elevated to the Distaff Throne."

"I will do that. And I will hope that my suspicions are groundless." Jerod says. "Life is so much simpler when they are." and he smiles a moment. "But in the meantime, please do your old student a favour and keep an eye on things. I'm sure you'll do that anyway, but I had to ask."

"I also have another request." Jerod says. "During the coronation, there are going to be award ceremonies. Apparently Random created some kind of Order for those who served in Chaos, and there's going to be other awards for the home guard to balance things out. If you can give me a list of anyone you believe is worthy of consideration, then I'll have that submitted."

"How would you feel if I put your name on that list?"

Venesch considers for longer than usual before speaking. "We did little, Lord. The honor of advancement may be questionable if advancement is granted merely to balance the preferment of those who have served. Our efforts here were those of duty. There is risk in diluting the value of royal preferment."

"Sometimes achievement is based on time served, not just outstanding endeavour." Jerod says, though it is clear he is not arguing with Venesch, merely stating an opinion.

"I see where you're coming from though, so I will respect it. For now." he says with a smile. "There are certainly others who have done more than just duty. Especially those who have come up through the ranks recently, or who acted in a manner far above their expected station. Select any who you feel might be deserving and give their names to Kemel so we can forward them. With luck, we might get a few properly deserving people through the politics and rewarded like they should be."

Jerod pauses at a knock at the door, calling for the person to enter. It is a messenger who delivers a wrapped document and departs. Jerod examines it briefly before commenting. "Vere's casualty report." he says, tossing it to one side of the desk. "Now we get to sift through and figure out who we've got to give bad news to."

"If we can even find their kin." He pauses, looking over the list. "It is not as long as I would have thought. It should be well-posted throughout the city. Will the King provide pensions for widows? The question will be asked."

"The King has not yet agreed to a finalized set of proposals." Jerod says, picking up the report again. "I informed the King that regardless of his decision, I was going to tell you that widows and orphans would receive suitable protection and pensions. It is the least we can do for them. He agreed with me and will provide details as they become available. For now, let them know the King has not forgotten them and they will be taken care of."

He scans the first page quickly, handing it to Venesch. "Check it over to see if there's anyone we might need to deal with as far as castle staff. If there's anyone in particular who's affected, let me know if you need help and I'll arrange to give them the bad news. Vere will be sending copies to Sir Archer and the Marshals for posting and general distribution. I'll verify tomorrow during our morning meeting that they are tracking families down for notification."

"I will inform Barrel about his brother. I will find out if any of the chambermaids will be affected. Not all read Thari, especially the immigrants." The last is not-quite-a-question.

"Is there something else that we need to consider?" Jerod asks.

"Are the Marshals are wise enough to present this in a way that will not lead to riots? The city is volatile, my lord."

"Thankfully we have Folly and her merry band of sidekicks, plus Reid's enterprising if legally-challenged companions to assist us." Jerod replies. "I'll speak to Sir Archer tomorrow and give him the list myself. He can sort out the ones that are for certain to have Thari and post accordingly. I'll be sure to impress upon him the need for discretion and tact. Citizens that do not or are unlikely to speak the language, we'll arrange for visits. That or we can have areas set aside with translators. People can inquire there. We'll be sure to have some of the guards available discretely to ensure that people who arrive don't get too insane if they don't get answers to their questions.

"Short of posting the list in every possible language spoken in the city, I'm no t sure what else we can do."

"That would be a boon to the printers, my lord. Hmm. Perhaps we should consider how this will be portrayed in the popular press. Have you considered talking to the broadsheets about this? They will certainly be saying something in the morning."

Jerod smiles, knowing once again why he likes Venesch. "I had not considered it. But it is definitely a good idea. If we portray it properly. In exchange for the business, we can get them to self-censor some of their more outrageous and ludicrous comments. At least the obviously false ones." and he thinks for a moment. "I don't think I'll have time to do that myself. I've got enough on my plate already. I'll have to find someone else to take care of it."

Venesch nods. "The Regent was lenient with them, although Drudge may still blame the castle for his assault. I shall take care of what needs to be cared for by the guards. Is there anything else, my Lord?"

"No." Jerod says, thinking for a moment. "Let me know if you find anything that might be of interest from the guards or the castle end. I'm sure there will be a lot of unhappy people once we post up our information."

"And more if we do not do so. My current concern is that the Navy will commit some atrocity in the name of preserving the peace on the docksides and I will either be required to notice it or to not notice it. Not that this is an unusual situation with the Navy. They value their honor too little. I long for the day when they can return to projecting the great power of Amber in very, very distant ports."

"My concern as well." Jerod says. "Though for other reasons as well. Keep your eyes open and let me know if something untoward starts creeping about. I've got an idea about how to keep the returning martial commanders observed so we can keep them from overstepping their authority and doing precisely what you've just mentioned about the Navy."

"I will, my lord."