Stood Up

Several days pass.

If Jerod seeks an audience with the Queen, she is not immediately available, but he is put on the schedule as soon as possible. It will be a few days--but the Queen appears to be very busy with something beyond his ken. Rilsa is much preoccupied as well.

Jerod is originally not interested in speaking with the Queen. He's reasonably certain she would not be in a position to offer any information of value, assuming he had anything to trade that was worth trading, and he's not long on the sufferance of the cryptic.

That being said, his mother's comment about his grandfather is sufficient that perhaps it might be worth exploring that venue, even if only to see how cryptic grandmother is going to be. So he will request the audience.

By happenstance, it is scheduled for the evening after your dinner with Loreena.

Just so I understand correctly, that's the same evening after the dinner, not the next day's evening after, right?...:)

As you surmise, the former rather than the latter.

Jerod has a chance to spar and test his mettle against some of the seniors of the Coldstream Guards, if he wishes. It might be a good way to see how he does with the spear, or perhaps to find out something about his father.

Jerod's player had not considered that (being busy with trying out his new chocolate tempering board, and trying to fix his computer to keep it from becoming the anti-christ), but Jerod thinks its a brilliant idea and does so accordingly. As with all his sparring sessions, he's there to learn, not to break people's egos (his own included). Any time he finds something new or different from his experience, and he has been away from the waves for a long while, he'll be sure to stop the session to pick up pointers and side notes.

At the same time, he picks up not only whatever he can about his father, but also word and rumor on how things are going in the realm, especially since the return of the stairs. He's also curious as to the loyalties of the various Coldstream members and who they owe varying allegiances to. He's not so uncouth as to come out and demand to know who they serve, but rather he becomes curious as to where the particular individual came from...what family or Shell for example? Anyone who offers information will of course receive due attention and Jerod is certain to find something that he can claim to say he knew nothing about and use as a point to dig a bit deeper (and we all know how much people like it when someone moderately important makes them the centre of attention).

The guard is, as Jerod remembers, a unit that is very popular for officers of good family on their way to advantageous marriage to each other's sisters. It is also a unit that has had more than a fair share of deaths and awards for valor. There are a few holes in the officer corps, because the men who filled them went off with Vere. While there are no maternal relatives of your father's, you do find that two brothers are members of the Scipio family, a clan that is frequently tied to your father's motherline.

There's a lot of macho posing, of a particularly Rebman type. "I don't care who we fight, I am a weapon in the hands of My Queen, My Wife, and My Sisters--they use me wisely and I give them loyal strength." Under this, Jerod can tell that some of them, perhaps a majority of them, have political opinions that they don't share easily.

The officers and men tend to have reasonably martial interests, although a surprising number are also musicians, armchair philosophers, military historians, traders, or ranchers. The army in general and the Coldstream Guards in particular has an "up or out" philosophy and most soldiers don't expect to be soldiers for very long. Unless there is a war...

Does Jerod ask specifically about his father? If so, who?

Jerod follows two avenues in this situation:

1) In asking after his father, Jerod starts with the Scipio family members and extends outward from there based on any comments that they might make that might involve other individuals who may have known his grandfather or served with/under someone who knew him. He's curious as well concerning his grandfather's actions, how he died, who he knew and some of his more (and less) memorable moments, whether or not they were viewed well or poorly by history.

Men have great-grandfathers, grandfathers and (much more rarely) fathers who served with him. Few know more than an odd story or two. He served Moins and then Moire during the interregnum, and then was rewarded after she was granted the throne. He had uncanny reflexes, and was said to have come from a far seaward shadow where people lived both above and below the waves. Nobody knows who his close kin are. No one seems to know of him as a young man.

2) In regards to the members of the unit, Jerod is always interested to hear things besides strictly martial prowess. An individual who dedicates himself strictly to martial development can be so boring if that's all there is. For those who engage in other development, Jerod will ask after their activities, why they do it, what it seems to give them.

Nothing too unexpected here. People do what makes them happy.

In exchange, Jerod is willing to share things that he has done. He has his musical interests, some of his writings and poetry (that none of his cousins short of Martin have likely seen, though I think Vere has seen one). He describes hawking and hunting in Arden with Julian, trade activities with the Golden circle and the merchant houses. He can also discuss the hunting of pirates with Gerard and Caine and the glamours of Court with Flora. There will even be mention made of the battle of Kolvir for those interested.

They are very interested, especially in descriptions of hawking. It's as alien to them as it was to Jerod when he first came above the waves.

Jerod is willing to provide details as needed, conscious how of the strangeness that creatures could soar through "air" to defy gravity can appear to some. He makes mention that King Corwin also engaged in such activity and that it would likely continue in his new kingdom. For those fortunate enough to travel, one might be able to see it first hand.

There is certainly interest there, and the older hands think it's likely that a turn through a new embassy could be a desirable assignment.

Jerod recognizes the "up and out" policy, making note of individuals who are close to reaching that stage and where they might be looking to advance opportunities. Jerod may not have much influence here, but he's still got a little in other places and enterprising individuals will recognize the advantages of moving when they see it.

The normal way "out" is by marriage. Prospects for these officers are very good. The Black Trench War and the recent marching out of five score of troops tips the male:female ratio at a certain level of status in favor of them. Still, notes can be made.

They are made, especially of officers approaching their time to "muster out".

There are also likely to be the questions or side comments concerning his father which he will answer. He tends to minimize his focus as being "the son of the King" and talks more about Eric as "dad", not "his majesty". By comparison, there are few doting anecdotes concerning the Queen (though several for his mother and sisters) and while polite and noteworthy of comments made by officers about their steadfast loyalty, dedication, and posturing, Jerod appears highly unlikely to report back to her either the pro or con leanings of the officers here. Jerod is interested in the merit of the Guards, not just what they say.

He will also make mention of things that he has done in Rebma, though admittedly the majority of those things were done years ago. But he will intersperse his Amber comments with elements of his life in Rebma, just to be clear that Amber is (or was) not all of his life.

Varinia recites certain archival matters to Jerod, as he had requested:

1) Jerod's grandfather, by name. Anything that Varinia can find out. If he was supposed to be a war hero, there must have been a war for him to be a hero in?

He served Moins and then Moire. He was not a young man when Rilsa was born.

2) The Baroness Cornelia - who was she, how did she die? Did she have any rivals and to whom did her title devolve after her death?

On her death, there's some info. She got involved with a group of radicals and when she expressed some doubts about their aims and methods, she was killed by their leaders. The radicals were broken by royal order, and the leaders were executed for murder.

Other than that, she was no one important. Just a young noblewoman too naive not to get involved with the wrong element.

Not much else is remembered. It was a long time ago.

3) The Countess Calimatia - same questions as for the Baroness pretty much.

Pretty much the same response. The title was for life and the titleholder died heirless. It was a long time ago in a verbal society, so not much of the court politics survives, except where the court politicians survive. Ask someone who was there, maybe.

Second area - relative events in Amber and Rebma. Jerod's looking to see if there are events of magnitude that correspond in both kingdoms. According to all the stories, Rebma is supposed to be a reflection of Amber and the impact of events in Amber are reflected to Rebma.

People who talk about such things talk about them as if they are not tied in time, and the conventional mappings contradict each other all over the place. Eric thought it was bunk.

Jerod's looking to tie specific events in Amber to Rebma. He's not going to try to find identical events. He's looking for an event of some sort and he wants to see what it was and the impact it had to see how the reflection is supposed to have occurred (assuming it occurred at all - Jerod's not so sure on that part right now).

The major events he's looking for are:

From Amber to Rebma:

The Moonriders and the Burning of Garnath

Moins died in mysterious circumstances and there was great hardship in Rebma after her death, not unlike the turmoil surrounding Eric's death. The Black Road did appear in the seaward, but it also appeared in every shadow everywhere.

The wives of Oberon (probably a lot less reflection here...:)

Neither Moire nor Moins was a much the marryin' kind as Oberon. Nor did they match his output of offspring.

From Rebma to Amber:

The Libertist movement and its suppression

Jerod could make a case for one or another of the more looney religious uprisings. He wonders when the Paresh were suppressed.

Jerod makes a note...Vere...get data...

There is, as yet, no response to his word to the Tritons, requesting speech with Atrios.

He's not surprised as it was a long shot to begin with.

There is time, blessed time, to spend with Carina.

'nuff said there.

The court swirls with rumors. One ebbs, another flows. Droit looks worried. Other ambassadors preen. A new envoy is supposed to have arrived from Paris, but if so he is not presented at court yet. Shells trade and plot. Cases are heard and disposed of.

Jerod is curious as to why Droit looks worried. Jerod asks accordingly. Jerod secretly wonders if it is because Amber's influence is failing and Droit wonders where his job is going.

He doesn't like the new ambassador from Paris. Sir Arthur Somethingorother. First a lawyer, now a military man. Very popular in court and blithely stepping all over older, more established courtiers. A fresh face from an exciting exotic place and people were forgetting who had been their ally for years....

Jerod smiles, and tells Droit that the fresh faced are the most quickly forgotten after the perfume has worn off. Jerod also tells him that he should make an effort to get to know this Arthur fellow. In fact, Jerod would like Droit, as the representative for Amber here, to make suitable introductions for Jerod to this ambassador. Jerod is certain that King Random would like to know how things are going here and Droit can assist with that.

Droit will write a letter of introduction.

Assuming things do not go insane, Jerod will follow up on this later.

Jerod does not say what else he thinks, mostly because he's not sure he wants Droit to know what he's thinking. But a military ambassador tends to indicate a focus on a hardline contact, with a very objective analysis of the value of the relationship of kingdoms and the required give & take of that relationship. It does not necessarily indicate a mercentary outlook of course. It is an interesting development, but not one that is out of line with how Corwin might be thinking.

It happens that Jerod is supposed to dine with Loreena. Unusually, she is late. After a certain time, Jerod begins to believe she will not appear.

Given the punctuality of his family members, when someone is late, that is usually not a good sign. Being that, Jerod goes off to check her quarters and office, as well as flagging down a page to see about locating her.

And after sending that one out and beginning his search, Jerod pauses for a moment and then flags down a second page to have them advise his mother as to where Loreena might be - he's not expecting an answer quickly - he just wants her informed that she's not around (or so it would seem).

The pages go off as directed and do not return immediately. Loreena is not in her quarters or her office. The office is empty. One of the chamberstewards in her wing recalls her leaving this morning, with her secretary and that she wanted clothes laid out for dinner. He does not know where they were going.

Is there anything of interest in the office?

Something that looks vaguely like a barometer and a highly polished mirror. Other than that, without opening drawers or cabinets, no.

A barometer? This warrants investigation. Assuming the mirror can be moved or adjusted to be put face down or in some way to prevent observation, Jerod turns off the spybox and looks at the "barometer" more closely. After his investigation of the room, such as it is, he turns the spybox back on.

Shiny liquid metal in a tube with regular marks behind it. It's unclear what it measures. It doesn't look very portable.

As previously indicated, Jerod is not paranoid and there is nothing to warrant extreme behaviour - but if an opportunity presents itself, a drawer or two can be opened (no riffling of the office however). Is there a sandtray?

In the outer office, yes. It's clean. There is not one in the inner office.

Assuming Loreena's clothes are still laid out for dinner, then Jerod thinks for a moment as he looks over the clothes before advising the chambersteward to warn the other stewards to let him know the instant his sister returns.

He goes looking for the secretary as well, just to confirm that the secretary is missing.

The secretary is also absent. She was last seen talking to one of the junior archivists.

On the way he advises the castle guard duty officer that his sister has not been seen all day and he wants the guard to notify him immediately upon her return should she be outside of the castle.

The guard says he will.

Jerod's still not paranoid enough to believe something bad has happened however. It's possible she got sent away by the Queen or something has come up that required her attention. The efforts he takes at this moment are to ensure that if she is okay, he gets notified upon her return so he can chastise her for missing dinner. If she's not okay, then its enough to get the wheels rolling that she's not around and make people start asking questions.

Finally, where is her Triton in all of this?

Not in the castle.

The duty officer is advised to treat the sighting of Loreena's triton the same way as Jerod had previously indicated for his sister. He then goes looking to find this junior archivist to find out what the secretary was discussing. If Carina is available, he'll also ask her if Loreena has made any other inquiries of late that might be pertinent.

The two are together. The archivist, after looking to Carina for permission, tells Jerod that Loreena had been researching something called 'The Eye of Rebma', a legendary and quite possibly fictional mirror said to have special powers. Loreena was known to the archivists for extremely practical questions. Her assistant dropped broad hints that they might be able to update the knowledge of the Eye sometime in the future.

Did Loreena's assistant provide any information concerning where they might be looking or who they were speaking to?

Not that she could tell. Except that she didn't rule things out. They were asking about a religious cult in the Seawards, and said something about a missionary.

Is there any particular information concerning this cult, this missionary, or any history concerning their origins? Jerod is wondering if the Paresh or an analog is around now.

They don't seem to be actual Paresh. Some sort of cross between animists and solar deity worshippers. That seems notable for Rebma. The archivists had very little on the cult. It hasn't been very important in the past.

Jerod also inquires as to what powers the Eye is supposed to possess, how it was connected to Rebman culture and its origins, mythogical or otherwise.

Stories are conflicting. If they are all true, it is a magical mirror that allows imperceptible far sight and casts bolts of lightning that can obliterate one's enemies at a distance. It does not speak, but takes verbal commands. It can be used to infiltrate and sometimes direct people's dreams. It is sometimes willful, showing the user what she needs to see, rather than what she asks for. It is a moral instrument, and if used for evil, evil returns to the user. People who use the mirror over a long period have strange things happen to them, not all for the good, either. It was once owned by Moins, and it showed her where to found the city of Rebma. The last seems particularly unlikely and contradicts at least 4 other myths.

What myths does it seem to contradict?

Mostly other "founding of Rebma" myths. That the city was here but empty and Moins led the people to it. That the city appeared on the ocean floor and Moins with it, that Moins came from a race of Surface-dwellers who ruled over a city of undersea slaves, until she turned against her evil kinfolk, killed them all, and taught the now-freed slaves to be free women. None has the ring of truth to Carina, but only very eccentric people pay any attention to those stories, which happened before the archives were created to retain history. They're all standard stories for crackpots.

Loreena has never really been a crackpot theorist, though.

By way of motivation, Jerod lets Carina know that his ever practical sister did not attend upon a dinner engagement that Jerod had with her and has not been seen all day. Jerod is somewhat concerned and wishes to know if something is up before his audience with the Queen.

She seems worried.

Jerod advises Carina that he would be interested in more details concerning all of these crackpot theories. Jerod's expression will tell her that there may be more here than meets the cracked pot (as it were).

Nobody has ever gathered them together, Carina can arrange for one of the archivists to collect some info, but it's not something she expects to prove to be of any value to you.

Jerod lets Carina know that he would appreciate any information that she provides on this topic, no matter how unusual or questionnable she might believe it to be. The fact that his sister went looking for this thing means that there is something important about it, even if only as a legend. For all Jerod knows, Loreena may have been interested in it because someone else was interested in it and that might be the clue to it.

She nods. [This is a long-term thing, Jerod has already received the immediately available info]

What else does Jerod do before his audience with the Queen?

Beyond asking his questions, there is little else to be done. Jerod has no clue as to where Loreena may have gone or why, nor does he have the resources or influence to commence a search of any significance either covert or overt. The Queen does however, so he'll be sure to drop a hint during the conversation. We'll see if she's interested in her granddaughter, or if she sent her out looking for the mirror in the first place.

She does not seem pleased, and thinks the mirror is a fool's errand. Still, Jerod's sister is a free woman over the age of 45 and can chase after false echos if she chooses. The Queen can't officially notice and interfere in her granddaughter's affairs, but if Jerod were to look into it, it might not step on Loreena's toes.

Can the Queen or her agents "unofficially" see to it that certain limited resources are available, on somewhat short notice, in case something comes up? The Queen is of course correct that the mirror is a fool's errand, but others less wise might not think it so, and might have been prepared to devote considerable resources to locating it, and perhaps to keep others of royal stature from locating it.

The Queen's eyebrows go up at this comment, and she reminds Jerod of the story of how King Oberon was similarly tricked by his offspring.

Jerod smiles at her reminder, though he is well aware of the circumstances and does not remind he was able to watch some of it unfold at a slightly closer personal range than she would have seen it from. Jerod does mention that he has considered the possibility that it is bait but the question then becomes why Loreena? Of what value is she beyond being immediate family.

Kidnapping for some kind of simple material gain would tend to yield too few rewards for far too great a risk - anyone stupid enough to succeed that would have assassins dogging their steps for decades to come - assuming they were smart enough to survive that long.

A political kidnapping to force some form of social or hierarchical change is even more ludicrous. It can be too easily turned against the kidnappers to rally the people and the kingdom - it's sufficient justification to start a crusade to destroy the intruder. Although it is a good way to start a war if you can blame someone else for it.

Assuming it is not kidnapping for simple material gain, that implies that Loreena has either information or worth to be gained by herself. She could be made to disappear in such a way as to negate some form of pursuit, at least long enough to garner whatever she had that was of value. But that again poses the question - why her? What would be of value?

There are other possible motives. Revenge, for example. It's too early to eliminate options without knowing more.

Revenge? Jerod's interest is peaked. And what has his sister been up to that would warrant that. Unless Jerod is applying too high a standard to its application - he supposes there are always a few who demand revenge for what are usually trivial events.

Moire shrugs and agrees. She also suggests that Jerod's sister has been active in the court for quite some time and merely by her position and influence she would attract attention and some of that attention would be focused on Loreena as an obstacle to someone's inane plan to rise in royal favor.

Moire would be very interested in whatever ideas Jerod has in this direction.

Jerod's first endeavour would be to question what Loreena had currently been up to and what positions or responsibilities had held or could potentially hold. That provides an idea of what Loreena might represent to others, either literally or by perception. That would allow an evaluation of the current members of Court who might fit a profile of one looking for a rise, either individually or as a Shell.

It is also necessary to examine those who are totally outside the current sphere, to see who might be looking to step into the limelight. That would include both Shells and individuals currently in Rebma and the Seaward, as well as the eventual return of Princess Llewella and anyone currently associated with her.

Moire nods. It's not a bad plan, but it doesn't surprise her with brilliance, either.

Having said that, Jerod then asks how Khrop, Celina and Khela might fit into this? The Crown did give them a knock a short while back. Someone might have decided to return the favor.

Khrop is foolish and takes foolish chances. This might be one of them. Celina has been removed to safety.

As side note on resources Jerod makes mention of research resources. Of course, Jerod has some "privileged" access but as always he takes care never to abuse it and cause issues with the official business of the archivists. Another possible resource would be the requisition of selected Coldstream officers should the situation call for the discrete application of force, purely as a precautionary measure, of course and done without official sanction. The paperwork can be such a hassle and the incessant Court questions - the tyranny of minutae no doubt.

If Jerod were to make a more permanent commitment to the sapphire throne, then such things would be generally easier. It was only his father and mother's insistence that prevented him from being given a triton at age 12. Of course, that's all history now. Is there a particular officer Jerod would like to have as his aide?

Jerod has no particular officer in mind at the moment. He merely mentions it in case there comes a need for one or two more bodies being required to deal with an issue of importance to the Crown.

And Jerod indicates that he will take the idea of "permanent commitment" under advisement, in due consideration to the permanent commitment requested by Corwin prior to Jerod's arrival here, and the permanent commitment no doubt to be reminded of in Xanadu by his majesty King Random. Permanent commitments for immortals being so "permanent" and all. Plus the added consideration of family existing in all three kingdoms requires a careful evaluation of all the options and the impact of those options.

She nods.

And speaking of impact from various options, Jerod inquires into whether the Queen received his delivered notation from King Random in due course and without delay? Hargar'el's unfortunate demise was rather distressing for sure, especially happening in the middle of the King's coronation. One might almost assume someone had really wanted to take steps to piss off...I mean, to displease the new King. Jerod felt it wiser to have the message delivered privately, as opposed to read aloud in Court.

She thanks him for his wisdom and has received the message.

As part of the conversation concerning "resources", Jerod mentions the names of a few officers who he had recently spoken to while doing research on his grandfather (this is the part where Grandma gets to comment...:). Jerod did bring the spear to the audience, but only as far as the entry way. He would have made sure that she saw that he had it, but he would have left it with the guard before proceeding to the Queen (of course there would have been a short comment to any guard in earshot that should anything happen to his grandfather's spear, those responsible would be sure to have a permanent Downside assignment).

The Queen says that she is the best source of information about his grandfather and asks what he would like to know.

Jerod's curious about him. There is nothing about him anywhere beyond vague stories of being a war hero. Some of the Coldstream officers made mention of him, but nothing of any great significance. Jerod's mother mentioned that he was very protective of her, but beyond that, there is nothing. Given that he was family Jerod thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to learn more about it - even if he was only a male (one can learn surprising things from the strangest of sources). Especially since mother made such a pointed effort to put his grandfather's spear into his possession. And Jerod smiles - no pun intended.

Moire thinks Jerod's mother is making a pointed effort to get Jerod to bypass old agreements between Rilsa and Eric about what Jerod would and wouldn't be taught. As it was always allowable for Jerod to ask, it seems as if she may have succeeded.

Given that his father is dead, Jerod would tend to agree that old agreements hold a lot less weight than otherwise. He will have to speak to mother again to find out what other agreements were made to see if they are worth bypassing.

"He was a war hero, and a poet, and a magician. He used that spear in defense of me when I was a Princess and also when I was Queen. He was not from Rebma, though he was adopted by one of our oldest families. He was clever and sensitive and dangerous. He came from Gateway."

That name is sufficient to make Jerod frown. "The Gatwegians seem to get around, don't they." Jerod says, "Was there any information concerning where or who in Gateway he was associated with?"

"His family was wiped out, he was the last survivor. That was a long time before your mother was born, though. My mother merely did enough research to make sure he was loyal."

A servant enters. "Your pardon, your majesty. You asked to be notified when Princess Llewella returned."

Moire stands. "Thank you," she says to the page. "Jerod, is there anything else?"

"Only that I would be desirous of looking into the affairs of the Gatwegians from a land perspective. They had recently begun a purchasing spree in Amber that might have ramifications here as well. I'm hoping it doesn't." Jerod says, rising as well.

[Moire]
"Have you been there before? It is a lovely country."

"Regrettably no, however I suspect I could obtain an invitation to visit." Jerod replies.

"Rebma is currently without an Ambassador from the Gateway. If you decide to go that way, I will ask you to carry a message to our Ambassador there.

Jerod will remember that should the opportunity come up.

Jerod turns to go but stops and looks back at Moire. "One last thing, Grandmother. Is there anything that you can tell me about the late Baroness Cornelia, Lady of the Neapward Banks. And the Countess Calimatia of the Western Shallows?"

"I don't know that they knew each other well. Both were courtiers a few hundred years back. The Baroness died young--she was murdered. Calimatia was involved in investigating the murder, as I recall. Some other time, you'll have to tell me how those two came to your attention."

Jerod nods, then remembers an old lesson, a poem that Lamell had taught him...a tale of fiction of a woman who died by violence and treachery at the hand of someone close and trusted and the return of her ghost again and again trying to right the injustice. Without thinking, Jerod recites it.

"The voice that crieth of sad pleas aching to be heard,
crieth not for hearings of noble and titled graces,
crieth not for hearings of lowborn and roughened hands.
It crieth only to be heard evermore.

"The voice that crieth of sufferance longing to be heard,
crieth not for vengeance or malice,
crieth not for slights long since past.
It crieth only for the hand of justice.

"The ghost that crieth of murder foul and secret,
murder by the hand of friend and beloved,
crieth only to be heard that the world might know
and justice to at last render its verdict."

Jerod smiles, remembering the lesson, and the appropriateness of the tale. "A ghost told me, grandmother." he says.

[Moire]
"Calimatia was always sorry that she hadn't taken action soon enough to prevent the Baroness' death."

Jerod does not say anything to dispute the Queen's reply, but something in Jerod's expression indicates that he might have information that brings her comments into question.

"Please express my appreciation to Princess Llewella upon her arrival. I look forward to seeing her at her convenience."

"I shall do so. Jerod. Perhaps you can entertain her with a song as well."

"I suspect that will depend on how Auntie is feeling." Jerod says, before bowing to take his leave.