Paige ushers her cousin to a seat in the Sitting Room, around a table that for a second time today is laden with food.
"Can I fix you a drink, cousin?" she asks without any of the normal verbal sparring that normally marks their other dinners. She pours him a rum and a water for herself, and joins him at the table.
"How goes the Navy? I just heard from Jerod about the plans for the Army, and pay issues," she says, filling his plate with salad, again an uncharacteristic move for her.
Conner's concern is clear in his eyes but his tome is conversational. "Oh it goes as well as can be expected. I've half a pint of blood to paper cuts but the reports are quite detailed. I can actually handle the details better than the big picture issues."
"I know what you mean," Paige agrees. "The single person normally is easier than the group, depending on the audience, of course."
"You have opinions on the pay issues?" she asks conversationally. "It seems it could go most any way we want it, there being no true prescendents nor no real Army structure to call on. The Navy, Amber's premier service signs their Marines on for a voyage. So do we take that as the form to follow and pay our Army, which was arguable mercanaries, by the battle? Did we originally agree to a fee per month or something? Bah. It's a horrible mess."
Paige starts picking at her salad after adding a splash of vinegrette. Between bites, she offers, "If we pay time of service we save the treasury but kill morale, if we pay time passed we gain the good will and risk breaking the treasury, or at least devaluing the already shaky soverign.
"The coin, not the King that is..."
"I would think we weaken both on each side of the spectrum. Vere had asked my opinion earlier." Conner comments starting on his own salad. "My thoughts were to give them the equivalent of a months wages for service plus gifts for the special circumstances and the forgiving or covering of debts racked up by families in the soldiers abscence. Plus I think any veterans should get higher wages in future as a mark of favor. That way they get tangible benefits that won't break the treasury right away."
"Yes, Jerod seemed rather resolved to similar suggestions for the King, and it shouldn't kill morale, nor tie up my courts too long."
Conner nods. "There will always be rabble rousers of course. We must be sure not to let them stir up the contented mass too much."
"True enough." She eats with refined manners, commenting only when her salad's almost done, "Oh, yes. Before I forget Jerod made a cryptic remark that he should be speaking with a mutual friend, soon. He asked that I let you know."
She's obviously looking for his reaction, but won't press.
"He must have managed to track down some of our Rebman friends." Conner nods. "Good."
"So, is Thalia still in town, or could I ask your company for the coronation ball?" Paige asks. "It seems Worth... well... He thinks we need some space, some time apart."
Softly, perhaps not knowing she's still speaking out loud, she adds, "And I'm sure that I've arranged it."
Conner nods and slides his hand across the table to take hers. "I've heard the rumors. I'm sorry they are true." He gives her hand a squeeze. "How are you holding up?" He asks sincerely.
"You've heard?" Paige looks at him with a puzzled look. "Oh, about Worth. Of course... Sticks." Her smile slips back into place.
"I suppose I'm doing well enough. It's not like he didn't know that I have had other lovers, but he trusted me well enough to not cuckold him like that publicly," she says.
"I'm a fool... and it'll get worse before it gets better, if it ever does."
"Never should have left you with naked man in a tent." Conner sighs. "Good luck riding out the storm."
"So, about that ball?" she chuckles, obviously changing the subject.
"Well I plan to go with Thalia of course, but she's been staying locked up in the embassy." Conner replies. "I've asked her but still haven't gotten a definite answer. I am sure I shall win her over." Conner smiles. "And you will not lack long for a date I am sure."
"Heh," Paige offers. "Would you believe that the last time we had one of these I had three dates for a short while?"
Paige will continue small talk throughout the meal, at moments like she wants to confide something in Conner, but isn't letting herself.
She'll comment that she'll probably be talking to her father this evening, and that Jerod swung by about the army pay, and that somehow they arranged a truce of sorts.
"A truce with Jerod?" Conner smiles surprised. "That is quite a feat."
"I have my ways, you know," Paige suggests in a rich throaty voice, her eyes half-lidded, her lips turned in a slight grin.
Conner snorts and lets it roll into a chuckle. "You do at that, cousin. You do at that." He takes a sip of wine. "Will I ever get to hear the thing you keep wanting to bring up but don't?" He asks conversationally.
"Yes, I suppose you will," she says sipping at her wine to hide the smile.
"Then I shall reign in my curiosity and call back the spies." He smiles back.
"You swear that you'll keep it to yourself, and yourself alone until I announce anything publicly?" Paige asks.
Conner smile slips away and a sincere concerned look replaces it. "I so swear." He says simply.
"I'm expecting," she explains taking another bite of her dinner.
Conner's eyes widen and he smiles and then it slips again. "Are congratulations or sympathies in order?" He asks.
Paige takes a sip, answering nothing more than, "Yes."
A moment to secure whatever thoughts might be attempting to escape and she continues, "Next time your patient is a fertility godling, warn me, alright?
"Know anything about raising godlings?" she asks, pushing her plate away.
"No." Conner sighs reaching across to lay his hand on hers. "But I'll be happy to help you learn." Conner smiles. "You might even convince me to babysit."
"We'll see.
"I'm planning a little party I think, to kinda let people know. Maybe before the coronation. I'd love it if you'd attend," she says.
"I'd be glad to." Conner nods.
"You trust Thalia?" Paige asks rhetorically. "Perhaps she might be able to help me. I have need of sorcery that will work here in Amber."
"Oh?" Conner asks. "To what purpose?"
"I'd like to ensure a little privacy in my new home," she says.
"Well I can ask." Conner replies. "It never hurts to ask."
[So, anything else of consequence? P's not too talkative today, obviously still preoccupied...]
[[No. We can assume they delve back into pleasntries and occasional 'serious baby talk' before Conner takes his leave.]]
After his final meeting for the day, with luck prior to the later evening meal, Jerod checks with Kemel to determine the timing of the audience with Random and then heads over, document plan roughly sketched out, still sifting the conversations with the nobles as well as the comments made by various cousins along the way.
"Ah, Jerod. I've been expecting you. Shall we fence while we talk?" There are two mesh helmets and two rapiers on the desk, and there is adequate space in the audience room for a bout.
chuckle...so the King is going to decide whether or not Jerod is trustworthy, and maybe if he's not Jerod has an accident?...Jerod likes Random even more now than he did before.
"As your majesty wishes." Jerod says, putting his notes aside and his own sword to one side before adjusting his clothing suitably to allow for fighting, which as it turns out doesn't take much adjustment. He picks up the rapier that Random leaves behind and examines it for weight and strength before picking up his helmet and putting it on.
The rapier is well and plainly made. It is the kind of weapon that is made solely for fighting, and not for any purpose such as display. It is perhaps the most utilitarian blade you've seen in many years.
Random is helmeted and armed and waiting when you are ready. His weapon is your weapon's partner.
Random lets you take the offensive. He's as good as you remember him to be. After a few minutes of warming up and getting going, he says "So, Jerod, what can I do for you?"
Jerod will test Random throughout the conversation, looking for any openings, exploiting opportunities if he believes they will provide some benefit during the contest. Jerod is perfectly aware that Random is at least twelve times as old as he is, and he's the one who had a 26 hour duel with Corwin without a winner (Dad would have told him of that one). So he's not looking to win (he hasn't got a hope in hell of that) - he's looking to learn. He treats the circumstances as real combat however, so he does not take stupid risks or open himself up to attack foolishly - Eric and Venesch taught him too well that even in play no one gets inside with live steel.
"Uncle Bleys requested a solution concerning the pay situation for the troops. I've a set of recommendations for your approval, as well as a few options for helping to keep the treasury from expiring." Jerod says, pausing between counters as he adjusts to the attack-parry-counter-feint of fencing.
Random is as good as you remember. If Jerod were to guess, he'd say that Random is remembering how to fence following his recent combat experience. It's as if he keeps remembering that he shouldn't go for the quick, dirty kill.
"I've already spoken to Caine. He was somewhat cross that you hadn't dealt with the matter more rapidly."
Random steps up the attack, and it is a moment or two before Jerod can continue speaking.
"I was also wondering about the Crown's intentions towards my father's retainers and allies." he says directly. "And how the Crown looks to treat them."
"Amber is, my dear nephew, overflowing with retainers and allies, of all stripes and persuasions. What would you have the crown do for, to, or with them?"
"Nothing." Jerod replies, offering a return to the attack when the opportunity presents itself, or is made. "Though that is what I would do. Whether others who have been away, or those who remained here that support them, decide otherwise is another matter. No doubt the evening of old scores is crossing people's minds at this moment.
Random's mask nods up and down.
"As for Uncle Caine, I suspect he'd be cross with whatever I might have done. Had I come up with a solution too quickly, that probably would have looked bad on my record as well. Too ambitious or some other such character flaw. Either way, the recommendations are in. Whether they are acceptable is up to you to decide. I'm not the one getting paid. Do you want to hear what has been proposed?"
"I suspect it was very difficult for him. He would have preferred to be cross with me, of course. However, let's change this from passive voice to active. What are you proposing?"
Random is attacking, but not pressing the attack.
Jerod defends, using the option of trying one or two new things he might have learned from the others during his stay to see how they'll work, though not if its obviously going to get him whacked, looking to see about turning the tide to the offensive again. He lists off each item as they travel around the room.
"For initial payment, one month pay for the two weeks of fighting." Jerod replies, enjoying his element. "A new policy for payment based on time served at the location, to cover the possibility of extended tours in shadow, where the time differential is great. And a stipend, to be paid to families of garrison or distant troops, based on isolation and risk.
"Families who lost someone receive a one-time grant, subject to rank of the soldier. Grievously wounded and retired troops to be pensioned. Some can be granted abandoned land in the city in exchange for full pensions." Jerod says. "We've got a fair bit.
"All troops to be recognized. Medals and honours as needed for general service. Exemplary service to be granted additional monetary reward or more abandoned land grants. Royals and senior commanders to submit candidates for vetting by a small group, chosen by you. Major rewards like peerages to be approved by you. They should be kept to a minimum, but if granted, make them showy.
"The Crown to pay the interest on all outstanding debts, but only the interest, not the principal. For those who suffered loss of primary breadwinner, the crown pays all outstanding debts, subject to approval by the Crown." Jerod says. "We're not paying off the debts of a noble family, for example.
"To cover some of the costs, a number of noble familes are prepared to provide payment for troop costs from their own resources, as a donation to the Crown." Jerod says, weaving past a thrust. "I've taken the liberty of approaching some of the more affluent and they are amenable. I've used the tact with them that I can provide them with an...opening...with the King." and Jerod smiles a little. "They will believe I use this as an opportunity to advance myself in Court and are unlikely to question it further. It will be an investment in the future for them. In exchange for providing this donation, those familes that show such loyalty will be granted favorable consideration on future trade routes as they are opened during the rebuilding. Consideration to be based on the level of donation.
"None of these deals are agreed to. You can scuttle them at any time. In any event, it gives you an idea of who's prepared to offer what, and how many might try to buy their favors, and by how much.
"Assuming you accept any of the recommendations, I'll tell you which of my cousins came up with them if I didn't. The ones you don't accept, I won't."
"That's a good plan. Probably a better plan than what we're doing. Who've you got lined up to help pay for the defense of Amber? I could probably use that as well."
"Lords Mahogeny, Silver and Sage," Jerod replies. "Oh, and you owe Lord Sage a bottle of wine from your private stock. I played cards with Sage and regrettably lost the bet. I'll have my man deliver it to Sage later today."
"As well, Lord Gilding has expressed some interest. Lord Savant and Lady Epicure are also showing favorable consideration. If they provide enough support, we can use them as a bloc to swing the others into line. Time it properly and we can get the remainder falling over themselves in order to not be left out.
"No, we'd want to leave some out. Otherwise, it's not preferment. What of Jewel and Wonder? And what's your estimate of how much we could squeeze from them and what they might want in return?"
A very close riposte with the rapier rips Jerod's doublet. "Sorry about that," says Random.
"You can pay for the repairs from your expense account." Jerod replies, not actually believing Random's "apology" though he's also not going to give it too much thought on the other side either.
Random's helmet nods once, abruptly.
[You could've made a mistake that Random didn't expect you to make. Either that or he's tired and isn't pulling his blows as well as he should be.]
"Jewel is currently on the outs for his little part in the food hoarding incident. You can have him brought in if you wish, but I wouldn't approach him myself. I'd recommend someone else. As for Wonder, I had not had the time to get to her, nor do I have much contact with her, not enough to arrange a quick meeting with minimal negotiation."
In regards to Random's question concerning an estimate of how much the Crown can squeeze, the player has zero concept of what might be an acceptable amount, but Jerod, having a few years of economics, royalty, politics and intrigue under his belt, gives Random a set of figures that would roughly approximate the value of a single ship expedition, a few expeditions, multiple expeditions and a few decades of expeditions, using the current economic conditions as a basis for determining cargos available, rate of return for the Crown, expected losses, etc. The GMs may adjust the value as they see fit based on Jerod's experience or lack thereof.
"What is his majesty's take on all this?" Jerod asks. "Are any of the recommendation actually usable, or should I just be working on my backhand?"
"It's never too early to think strategically. Do you think we'll have trouble with the nobles? I know some of them chafed under wartime restrictions."
[The fight circles widdershins 360 degrees.]
"I'm more concerned about the men." Jerod replies. "I've got a meeting tomorrow with Venesch as well as the Marshals and they're going to want to know what's up. Venesch doesn't care about politics. He wants to know how many widows he's got to talk to. Plus I'm sure Uncle Bleys is going to be pounding on my door very soon to find out what's up with the pay. Or Uncle Caine for that matter." and he says as an aside. "I am so thankful there are no trumps of me out there."
"The nobles are going to be trouble. Some of them got snarky enough dealing with us children that they actually tried hoarding food on us. I'm sure they've done other stuff we haven't found out about. Uncle Gerard got pissed enough with the hoarding situation to give me carte blanche to deal with them. I suspect some of my cousins think I'm a hard-ass now cause I forced a confession out of Carver rather than allow him to try to bring a trial in the hopes of embarrassing the Regent. They probably didn't realize I could have had every single one of the suspects executed right there."
"I'd suspect you might have similar problems, though certainly not as many as of us youngers would. The older families are going to test you out, if I read them right. You're the youngest of all my uncles and they may see that as a liability. They'll definitely compare you to Grandfather and since none of us can compare, you'll fail if you try to go that route. Which means defining your own path gives you your best chance of success, but that opens you up to the traditionalists who are going to harken back to the good ole days. And since you'll need to maintain some structure with the past, the radical free-thinking, forward momentum types will think you're timid and unworthy."
"Basically, you're going to be screwed for awhile. And I'm glad I'm not you. Though you've got some things on the plus side going for you."
"So, what are my assets?"
[The direction of the circling reverses abruptly to the deosil.]
At some point, hopefully before they complete another circle along the clockwise magical direction...
[Note those are run of the mill directions here in Amber, which doesn't have much in the way of fancy mechanical clocks. Given how much time is kept by water, sand, and wax, 'clockwise' probably currently means 'down'.]
...Jerod breaks the direction and forces the fight into a new path, even if only for a moment - enough that if a magical circle is being drawn, it will break the flow line. If Random detects this behaviour and tries to prevent Jerod from doing so, then Jerod knows something is definitely up.
Nothing seems to be up. Random stops the circling and presses in, then falls back under Jerod's attack.
"There are several your majesty." Jerod says. "But answering questions that your subordinates need answered does not appear to be one of them."
"I thought we already had the list of my deficits. There are more? Or are we approaching my assets by a process of elimination?
"Things are very much in flux, Jerod, and will be for some time to come. I'm working on that. You'll find that I'm very interested in observations and not so interested in obligations at the moment. This is the current need of the kingdom, such as it is. Things will change, and you'll all know it. But not tonight."
"Well, that's an answer at least." Jerod says, continuing to press. "I've dealt with enough mindless obfuscation in Court these last five years that getting an answer, even this one, is refreshing." and he smiles just a little behind his mask. "Consider that an asset.
"I'd also say that you're not Oberon, with everything that might imply. Consider that to be your greatest asset."
"It's one of the many things I amn't, isn't it? So, assuming I get all coronated in a few weeks, what are your plans after that?"
"You're smart enough not to try to be like grandfather either." Jerod says, seriousness creeping into his voice. "Dad tried that..." and he does not complete the sentence, both of them knowing what happened.
"As for my plans, I'm firmly intending on staying out of all my uncles' way. I've been looking forward to a few weeks vacation, given I haven't had a break in five years dealing with things here. The last thing I want to do is get caught in the cross-fire when the scheming starts up again." Jerod says, giving Random a direct look. "After all, its only been two weeks for everyone at the Chaos party. There's also the chance to go home. I've been waiting a while for that."
"Somehow though I don't think the vacation idea is going to fly and I'll find myself volunteering for something unpleasant."
"Really? You think I'll wait long enough to let you volunteer? Or do you mean that your Uncles will volunteer you? What about your little fleet of pirates? They think you're going to fill their ships with riches and send them back to the Land of Peace."
"Bleys' little fleet of pirates." Jerod says, the hardness in his voice speaking volumes concerning his attitude towards those surrounding Bleys. "They were always an expendable commodity however the situation turned out. Had it worked it out well, and the trade routes been better off, we could have arranged for some wealth on their part. I considered that things might not work out that way though. In that case, I was pretty sure they'd suffer a rather nasty set of mishaps. Enough to make them no threat to us and give us a few extra ships in the process. It was a calculated risk either way we turned and Solange and I didn't have a lot of options at that time. I took the chance and we got the cargos. Then you showed up and changed the rules.
"If you want them gone, I'll deal with them." and Random can be very sure that Jerod does not mean sending them home...but rather more in line with them being chum.
"Eventually, Jerod, they should be my little fleet of pirates. Can you keep them happy and busy? I have a use in mind for them, but not yet."
Random could swear Jerod almost looks disappointed that he can't make them into shark bait.
[That Random is darn good! Getting even that much with the fencing masks and all. Must be body language.]
But he replies. "That depends on where you want them happy and busy. If you still want them around here I mean. They're mostly interested in profit. I'll need to keep them occupied counting some coin but I can't get enough around here without making a short shadow trip. And even that won't last more than a month. If you want them longer than that, we'll need some major cash.
"I can keep the captains occupied dealing with the nobles and fighting over cargo percentages. And the nobles can be fighting to get in to see you to acquire long term trade privileges. The bureaucratic run-around can last awhile - a few weeks, maybe a month if I stretch it. We'll be throwing a lot of get to know us parties in that case, to keep them off-balance. And you'll have to arrange some letter or something that seems to give me some impressive sounding title which actually doesn't really mean anything in terms of real authority. Fancy window dressing and all that. That way I can stall when I need to, but plead lack of power on other occasions.
"We'll need to make certain though that the navy doesn't do something foolishly rash. It's for certain the moment any of our returning crews recognize those ship designs, they'll come looking for payback. We'll need Uncle Caine on board for that. Either that, or out of the way so I can work on Conner."
"The problem is I can't sent them out until after the coronation, but I don't want trouble before that. What's your take on Caine?"
"My take on Uncle Caine is as good as yours, your majesty. Actually, yours is probably better than mine." Jerod says. "He's his own man and anyone who can figure him out is doing real well. Dad got him on his side but how I'm not sure. I'd originally thought he was dead so I didn't give much thought to figuring out how he'd deal with the new situation. Course, I should've realized if anyone was going to fake his own death, it would be Uncle Caine. I know someone I can talk to, to get a little on where he might jump."
[Random]
"Let me know what you find."
"Caine's the navy contact now so unless you've got him running around doing something else, we'll need him for running interference. The navy's interests are just as much in all of this as the rest of the nobles and the merchant houses. More so cause with everyone back the city and company are going to want a return to prosperity. And they're going to bitch when we can't get the trade routes back immediately. I do hope you've got someone in mind to handle that part of things, cause I don't relish making my brain explode again laying down a shadow path."
Random's mask nods, once. abruptly. "The Navy will push it, if I don't miss my guess. Somewhere between the reality where I give them everything they want and they dispense with niceties like Monarchy and the reality where I have to mobilize the Rangers to deal with a mutiny, there's a balance point where Amber's interests lie. Ideally, we'll find it."
"Let me know if you need anyone's butt kicked. Dispensing harsh sarcasm in Court is never as satisfying as trouncing someone.
"Oh, and if I could ask a favor. If you do find someone reasonably trust-worthy to lay down paths, I'd like to beg a ride and learn how they do it. Doing it from scratch sucks."
Random flips up the mask. He's grinning. "Oh, I think that could be arranged. I've got someone in mind for the job as it is. Is there anything else? I think I have to deal with some utterly critical issue that only I can solve involving sheepdip drilling rights or somesuch..."
"Only one thing." Jerod says, flipping back his own mask, having thoroughly enjoyed the duel (assuming of course that it's over) and smiling a little. "Unless you invoke your kingly authority, I'm going to be talking to Venesch tomorrow. If I don't hear otherwise, I won't be telling him anything about pay and the like. He can wait on you for that. But he will be interested in the state of family members left behind because of men lost in combat. I'm going to tell him that the Crown will cover them...pensions and such. Nothing exact quite yet, details to follow, that sort of thing. But enough for them to know they're not being ignored."
"Good, yes. Amber takes care of her own. I want the veterans to be cash-rich for a bit. Same with the widows."
He puts the sword to one side, laying the mask beside it as he adjusts his clothing again. "If it's pricey, you can always send me out on an errand to some shadow for a big cargo. I'd even enjoy the vacation."
"You can get that on your return trip." Random takes off his mask and gathers up the rapiers. He shakes his hair out and runs the fingers of both hands through it.
"A few days ago, you asked me about Martin and Vialle, but you never really had a chance to tell me what was on your mind. Is there something I should know?"
Jerod finishes adjusting his clothing, taking a few moments to marshal his thoughts, looking at Random only once while he does so, unconsciously like his father as he looks at his uncle and the King.
"I like both of them." Jerod says, looking off into space, his voice a neutral tone, the kind one uses when reciting facts. The tone of voice that Random would recognize...Jerod will deny anything he repeats here if it comes out. "They're from home. But both have issues...old memories I'm sure. Rebma is not always a nice place to grow up."
He pulls at a cuff, settling it into place. "The dynamics have changed, for all of us. But I think I am the only one to benefit from that change. I have traded places with your son. Now I am free of my past...of the constraints that the living would have demanded had things worked out differently. I have choices now...where before I had only power. I would not go back to it."
Jerod looks back at Random. "I make a choice...to be friends with both, though neither would want the other around. They will not speak of their issues to you, even if it would be better if they did. I make that choice, to protect them both from each other. Perhaps even from themselves.
"When the time comes that I must betray their silence to you, then I will do so. Perhaps they will spare me that, but somehow I do not think it likely. But for sure they will not do so now. I have more questions than answers. When I have those answers, and only when it becomes necessary, then I will speak of it to you." and he picks up his sword belt, buckling it on. "They will hate me I am sure. But I will still be their friend."
Then his expression shifts slightly, the world of Court and protocol, of politeness and diplomacy take hold and he bows slightly, that required to the King of Amber. "Thank you for the duel, your majesty. It was very enjoyable. If there is anything else you require, please let me know."
"You're still good with a blade. There are far too few of my courtiers with whom I can exchange blows. I shall trust your judgement, since I have no other choice." Random grins. "Did I remember to tell you what we're doing for the troops?"
"We always have a choice, your majesty." Jerod replies. "And you indicated only that I would find out at some future time what your decision was concerning the troops."
"Now seems good. Full pay. Five years. Two weeks now and the rest at the coronation. All from crown funds."
Jerod thinks for a moment, putting the pieces of movements, requests, sudden missions for friends. It's clear he recognizes the economic impact of that much currency into the closed society Amber currently has but he does not ask how Random intends to deal with that issue. Yet.
"The use of payment from crown funds will go a long way to cementing loyalty to the new king, especially at the coronation. It will be quite the party I suspect." Jerod says. "Do you foresee issues with the commanders of the army or navy?"
Random would realize that Jerod's not speaking of the regular army commanders, but rather his uncles who act in that stead. This appears to be Jerod's last question. He is curious as to Random's reply, but he is also looking to leave - he has a lot to do in the coming days.
Random says "I'm reminded of one of your father's lessons in strategy. 'Cautious commanders react conservatively when faced with the unplanned. If you have two options, always take the unpredictable one. An opponent off-guard is much more predictable himself.'"
It is certainly something Eric could have said.
"Family solidarity is a major theme, especially if we have guests for this little morality play. There's always time for objection later."
Jerod nods once, turning it into one of his nod/bows. "Thank you, your majesty." he says. "Until later?"
And assuming that is done, he awaits the dismissal and departs.
"Thank you, Jerod, it's been interesting, as always. Let me know if anything arises that I should know about."
Securing her sitting room door and heading into her bed chamber. Tossing aside the coverlet, she sits cross legged on the bed, producing her Trumps from her pocket and unwrapping the silk she keeps them in.
A quick spread, trying to open herself and see what the cards offered in ideas on dealing with her father, but there he was, no question as to whether she needed to make the call.
[Overlooking the Diamond, reversed]
"Lay down my burdens to find great worth? And Cambina says the cards only reflect. I think they've got their own sense of humor," she thinks to herself.
But clearly, Paige is the laborer in this case...
Taking the card from the center of the spread, she focused on his eyes, knowing the nuances that her early study had missed, that would slowly come to life as the background began to resolve, the turn of his lip, the way that the light would play different highlights when she saw...
"Father." So much wrapped up in one word.
"Cherie? A moment..." He speaks to someone else and after a moment. He is grinning. "How are you? Have you heard of the king's novel solution to the pay problem?"
"Jerod's suggestion to lift funds from the nobles or something new?" she guesses.
Paige continues, "I only know what Jerod and I discussed, and it seems the Council felt a month was suitable, with several exceptions toward widows and officers and such."
"It's not really what I called you about," she says. The smile in her eyes is somewhat sad in a thoughtful way. A perceptive father would assume she's disappointed, perhaps in herself. She's not guilty, but hesitant to admit her shortcomings to him.
"Can you speak? I can come there, if you'd like," she offers.
"Then join me." He says.
When she arrives, she finds her father in a tent and hears horses outside it. He seems in no hurry to return to whatever Paige has interrupted.
Paige kisses her father on the cheek and releases his hand slowly.
"Can we speak privately, Father?" she asks looking over the surroundings, trying to decide if they're still in Arden or already en route to the LFG's paradise.
"As privately as one can speak in an encampment, daughter."
Paige thinks a moment, composing her thoughts. "I've a Pattern mechanics question for you. Are there stories of Shadow powers, or perhaps a Shadow deity overcoming the family's Pattern mastery? Would the circumstances change if the deity shared the lineage of the royal house, but was not an initiate?"
She seems very interested in his answer.
Bleys shrugs. "It depends on what you mean by deity, I suppose. We are deities to the red men outside. The pattern is the fundamental organizing principle of the universe, but that doesn't mean that some things may not be influenced by other principles. Your Aunt thinks that Trumps are an extension of the principle of the pattern, but I am not so sure I agree."
"As to Princes-who-are-also-gods and what they can do, we would be best to ask that of Julian or Gerard."
"Well, until it can be determined that it was a god's influence, I fear I've done a rather foolish thing," Paige bites her bottom lip, obviously not as confident in telling her father the news as she was the King, earlier.
"To cut to the quick... before I agonize over this more...
"I'm hoping we can settle things enough that next year for the Coronation Anniversary you'll be able to take your grandchildren," she says, her eyes not meeting his, in fact studiously examining the cut of his boots.
"Your twin grandchildren. Yours and Uncle Julian's.
"I suppose I need to learn more about Royals-who-are-gods, before then."
"I shall have to start paying more attention to the idle rumors. Godding is a minor thing; every pissant shadow has gods and you can buy them by the cartload. It is the children of Oberon who are nigh-unique. This explains why we are all as self-centered as well-made tops.
He reaches out and lifts up her chin with a finger, bringing her eyes up to look at his. "You never cease to surprise me, daughter. I can just see mother's face when we deliver the news."
"Not to change the subject, but we? That's the second or third time I've heard reference to my grandmother since the Returning. Will I get to meet her?" Paige asks while her eyes ask _Do I want to?_
"In any case, I'm arranging a residence outside the Castle, most likely Lord Ransom's estate to the north. I've been working some of my own contacts and a few of Chi-Lin's to staff it. I've decided that the children and myself need to be on ground I can better control, not our Queen.
"As to who knows of the pregnancy, the circle as I last knew it was yourself, the King, Martin, Merlin and Folly. I'm not sure the best way to make the news public. I don't wish a scandal to mar the coronation, but the Castle's gossip is faster than Trump and only a bit slower than the docks'."
"I don't see why you couldn't meet Clarissa, but I'm not convinced that Random will invite her here and she may be a bit...formidable in her own kingdom. She gets notions, you see. She starts deciding things. 'Twould be best to meet her on some neutral ground--This side of Choas, preferably."
Paige nods her head once abruptly.
"As to announcements, why do whatever it is that women do when they are pregnant. Perhaps a private party for our friends, sometime around the coronation. I will be away for the next few days, but you could arrange it."
His smile fades. "I would welcome a social event to discuss matters of interest with people who were our friends to greater and lesser degree these last ten years."
"Of course. I'll do the best I can," Paige says. "Any of your siblings you'd like to attend?" _Or not?_
"I'm sure you'll do an excellent job, sweet. They'll fall all over themselves to attend our official re-union party." _if they know what's good for them_ You'll let me know if you need anything from Shadow?"
"Of course," Paige kisses her father. "You can't know what your support means to me."
"You'll call me when you return?" she asks while shuffling out the Trump for her rooms at the Prince.
"I'll call you in order to return. Perhaps I can show you where some of our martial friends are. In case you need to contact them at a later date."
"Of course. By the by, you wouldn't have any men interested in staying on? I'm still looking for a bodyguard or two," Paige comments.
Bleys shakes his head slightly and quickly. "Not from these troops." He pauses. "Unless you'd like a pair of Corwin's Little Red Men. You'd find volunteers easily enough, but you'd be a god to them. That's not easy to do well."
[Note: eventually Van will be recommended, but Bleys is slightly reluctant. Let's gloss this for now...]
[Assumed as much, but seemed the appropriate place to write it into the continuity. Paige will be interested in Father's reasoning and reluctance.]
"I'm sure I'll have time to find out," Paige says. "Daeon was one of twin godlings, you don't think there's a connection that Merlin scryed twins for me last night?"
"No, I do. Even if you wanted twins, we're a notoriously infertile lot. There's more to this than chance. You'll need to talk to Julian or this Daeon at some point and find out some of the ins and outs of divinity for your children. From what I hear, this Daeon was also a god on his mother's side."
"I'll admit, I've thought about motherhood, and Solace, Hope and Phillipe around haven't helped dissuade me from the notion, but this wasn't planned, Father," Paige reassures him.
"I promise that I'll speak on it with Uncle Julian as soon as he returns. Last I heard he was still searching for his children this morning," she says.
"Let's hope he makes it back for the coronation. Damned careless of him to misplace so many children at once, I must say. Any more shoes to drop?" he says, eyes twinkling.
"Not today, Troublemaker," she says kissing him on the cheek.
"Travel safe," she adds while removing her "Retreat" Trump.
Bleys watches her leave, a faint smile on his lips. He draws forth a card from his deck and the scene fades to black...
Last modified: 31 December 2002