After dinner and possible continuing discussion in the library and elsewhere, the group in Castle Amber eventually disperses to their various chambers. Ossian is under guard in a secure part of the guest wing.
As for the rest of you: Vere, Solange, and Lucas, who have not been in residence until today, also have quarters in the guest wing while more permanent arrangements are made. Jerod and Cambina have rooms in the family quarters, befitting the acknowledged natural children of the late King Eric. All, while restless and disturbed by the nasty weather, eventually succumb to the sweet blandishments of sleep.
In the city, Paige, who has been sketching the sleeping Martin and Folly by candlelight, also finally drops off, falling asleep over her sketchpad at the foot of her enormous bed.
Everyone is awakened sometime before dawn.
In the city, it's an odd rumbling of sorts -- things shake and move. Paige, Folly, and Martin awaken to the clatter of books and such as they fall from the shelves in Paige's sitting room. The candle that Paige left burning when she fell asleep also topples onto the carpet and only prompt action on the part of Paige and her guests prevents the carpet from catching on fire.
In the guest quarters of Castle Amber, things are worse. Furniture falls away from walls, crockery is broken, and there is much bouncing and jouncing about, but the structure of the castle stays intact. Some of you may get minor injuries, but nothing that impairs you seriously.
The family quarters are nearest the epicenter. Jerod is awakened when part of the ceiling of his room comes crashing down on him. His half-tester bed probably saves him from serious injury. Cold wind and rain are now blowing into Jerod's chamber. For reference: Cambina's rooms are nearby, Vialle's are down a level, and Gerard's are up a level.
There is danger of fire in both the castle and the city, as Paige and company have learned. In the castle there are likely to be many injured. It will be some time before dawn; the rain continues to fall, though it no longer seems unnatural, and the wind continues to blow chilly through the castle and the city.
What do you do?
After dealing with the toppled candle, Folly asks, "D'you get a lot of earthquakes here?" She helps return fallen items to their proper places while waiting for the adrenaline rush to wear off.
"Never since I've been here." Paige answers. She lights another candle and looks at her room. "I'm going to check the rest of the club. You're welcome to join me."
"Sure," Folly responds. "Another pair of eyes -- and hands -- can't hurt."
Paige continues. "Martin, check the bath for any obvious cracks. I don't need to flood the basement and wine cellar." She's slipping out of the top half of the pajamas as she speaks, all modesty forgotten in a moment of crisis.
Paige grabs a dress from a wardrobe and slips it over her head and pulls low leather boots from the bottom of it. "Come, the rain seems, different. We'll make sure the club's not burning anyplace else and perhaps we should make a run for the Castle." She grabs a small satchel and shoves her Trumps in it, momentarily sliping the silk scarf aside to touch them, verifying her fear that they still aren't cold to her touch.
Folly, meanwhile, has changed -- likewise immodestly -- into a pair of jeans and a black T-shirt. Martin will recognize the art on the front of the shirt -- a cheerful yellow flower -- from the cover of one of the CDs he purchased this evening. Folly pulls on her high-topped black boots and gathers up her things, making sure her long wool cape is handy for snuffing out more fires if the need arises. She finds a second candle and lights it from Paige's.
Martin, like the women, dresses quickly and without concern for modesty. He takes a quick look around the bathroom to verify that there are no immediate leaks, but it's clear that he thinks the bathroom is likely to be the least of your problems.
The cards are still not cold, although they no longer have the sense of malevolence that Paige felt earlier in the evening, or the sense that the future stops here. They are merely dead now.
On a second thought, Paige takes a scarf from the table, ties it as a belt on the dress and produces a small stiletto from behind one of the cushions on the couch in the sitting room. "A girl can never be too careful," she answers to the unasked question.
Then out the door into the club, calling, "Michelle? Liam?" She tries to gather together all the servants who make their home here at the club and organize them into groups to ensure everything's fine... or as well as can be expected. She'll suggest arming a few of them and putting them on watch for looters.
Michelle reminds Paige that everyone will be needed for bucket brigades if there are fires in the nearby neighborhood. It's still storming, and lightning flashes often but irregularly in the rain. Liam has already gone out to see whether they'll be needed immediately or not.
Martin, once dressed, investigates the armory and arms himself and Paige with swords, and Folly as well if she thinks she'll be more dangerous to a foe than herself. Otherwise, she gets a stiletto like Paige's.
Folly follows, looking for anything that might be immediately dangerous or threatening: fires, large cracks in the structure, looters....
There are none within the house.
A few minutes later, Liam comes back with the news that there is a fire in the next street and a bucket brigade is forming. Everyone, including Martin, Paige, and Folly, helps to put out the small fire, aided by the pouring rain. By the time it's over, perhaps half an hour later, you're all chilled and soaked. What news you've had suggests it's like this throughout the city, with larger fires visible in the warehouse district downhill from you (near the docks). Fire marshals commandeer about half of the locals, including some of Paige's staff, to combat those blazes.
Martin, meanwhile, has vanished, and reappears about 10 minutes later. He brings the two of them out into a courtyard and helps them up onto a fence where they have a clear view of the castle as the lightning flashes. "Look!" he yells over the wind and rain.
It takes Paige, who knows the castle, only one flash to tell that something is wrong. Folly, who has never seen the castle before in her life, recognizes that the shape of the castle is irregular and therefore wrong about the time that Paige realizes what the problem is. One of the castle towers has partially collapsed in the quake. Paige, remembering the layout, thinks it's the family wing.
"Shit!" Paige says. She looks to Martin. "That's near my father's rooms, right? We've got to do something. A few hands in the bucket brigade won't be missed, but a few Royals?"
"We can't Trump there, so I guess we're hiking, eh?"
Folly, her face etched with concern, places a comforting hand on Paige's shoulder. "Lead the way, Cousin," she says resolutely. "I'm right behind you."
"I'm not sure what we can do up there right now, either," says Martin. "There's half a dozen of our kin in the castle, and by the time we could get up there and do anything, the worst will already be over. If we stay in the city, at least we'll be a royal presence here, among the people."
He considers a moment and offers: "If we can get mounted, we'll be able to go wherever we can be of most help."
He looks at Paige and Folly to see what they think. Both of them can tell he has real concerns about panic in the city, and that while he thinks it highly unlikely that there are no other family who survived at the castle, he's aware of the possibility.
Paige actually looks relieved. She's much more comfortable apparently with staying in the city...
"Fine, mounts then, and how to prove to anyone who asks that we are a royal presence." Paige takes a bearing and figures the quickest path through the madness to a livery...
"My name at least is well enough known," Martin responds, trying for levity and falling a bit short. "I never thought I'd be grateful for being the topic of broadsheet scandal. As for proof, well, the first time one or the other of us lifts something heavy enough -- we're not Gerard, of course, but we'll be useful enough among the warehouses."
He jumps down from the wall, a full ten feet or more, then assists the ladies down.
"I guess people put more stock in their royals here than where I come from," says Folly wryly. "I don't know that I exactly count as a 'royal presence', but I'll do what I can, even if all I can do is sing a happy song...." She trails off, thinking. "Y'know, maybe that's not such a bad idea," she adds suddenly. "If the biggest danger is panic, I just may be able to help. Something mid-tempo, a rallying song, get people working together -- you're less likely to panic if you think you're making a difference...." Her left hand is already tapping out a rhythm against her sternum.
Paige smiles. "Not a half bad idea. Of course it's been over a year since I frequented any of the taverns here. I'm not sure what's in vogue. But when in doubt, there's always old favorites like 'Barnacle Bill'. At least something to keep the rhythm when we're lugging buckets."
"And we should probably find places to send those who've lost their homes," Folly continues. "Are there designated shelters here? Church basements? Community centers? School gymnasiums work well, too -- ours got used pretty regularly for this sort of thing." She continues to discuss ways to help while they search for mounts, glad to distract herself from her own uneasiness by concentrating on the needs of others.
In the wealthy merchant district it is not too difficult to find horses, and soon the three of you are mounted. Although Martin clearly has a theoretical knowledge of the city, it seems to the women that he knows it more as a map; it is Paige who leads the way to the warehouse district.
Vere checks his room swiftly for any sign of imminent structural collapse or fire due to fallen candles or coals from the fire. Assuming nothing of that sort he will throw on a robe and leave his room, searching for someone (preferable Gerard or Solange) to give him instructions on how he can best assist. If he doesn't find anyone he recognizes as an authority figure on this level he will head for the stairs, go up a level, and seek Gerard.
Lucas kicks the whore out of my bed and sees about assessing how dangerous it is to stay in the castle.
If there is a fire in his room, Ossian will of course exstinuish it ("Otherwise Jerod will sue me for starting the fire") The he dresses quickly, while shouting through the door to the guards: "What's happening? Is this some kind of joke, or what?"
Ossian opens the door to get out in the corridor.
If there's a fire in Solange's room (there shouldn't be, she left no candle burning) she smothers it with a rug before doing anything else. Then she pulls on her jeans and puts on her sneakers and jacket.
She checks her door for heat before going out -- those were torches lighting the hallways, weren't they? If there's none, or not much, she leaves her room, and will knock on the various other guest doors, encouraging people to get out-of-doors before another quake hits and brings the castle down on their heads. If there's guards around, she'll ask what news from the rest of the castle.
Solange, Vere and Ossian emerge from their chambers into a darkened corridor. There is no fire to be seen here and the two guards are collecting the torches. The guards know nothing of the rest of the castle. The door to Lucas' chamber is ajar and a half-dressed chambermaid comes out of it. She runs down the central stairs, oblivious to any danger. Lucas can be seen inside, examining the castle walls and ceilings.
It is clear to you all that the damage is located closer to the center of the castle. The guards look at you all. "We should go help." says Ian.
Vere moves next to Solange, very quickly glancing her over from head to foot looking for any sign of injury. Seeing none, he looks at her expectantly.
"Hang on a minute," Solange says, and reaches into her jacket pocket. "Yes! I do still have one!" She holds up a small, foil- wrapped object, and peels away the wrapping to reveal a plastic cylinder. She bends this, producing a soft "snap", and hopes that the corridor will soon be suffused with a pale green glow.
Solange's hope is met with success, although the glow is not all she had hoped for. Ian makes a quick gesture with his right hand and his companion's eyes seem to be wider than they were a moment ago.
"If the damage is further in, let's go until we find a block, and figure it out from there," Solange suggests.
Vere nods, and makes a subtle gesture with his left hand in the direction of Ossian, raising an eyebrow questioningly. While doing this he asks, "Are earthquakes a common feature of Amber, or might one assume this is yet another eschatological phenomenon?"
"My guess is it's being immanentized as we speak," Solange answers dryly. "There weren't any earthquakes when I was growing up in Garnath, I know that much."
"I'll come with you. Just wait a second." Ossian darts back inside his room, and returns within 10 seconds with a small sketch book and a pencil. He tucks them into a pocet in his doublet. "You never know."
Ossian then follows Vere and Solange, if he is not stopped. He gives a hand when needed.
Solange doesn't stop him.
Vere is extremely alert, watching for any signs of structural insecurity in the walls, floor or ceiling as we proceed, and for any signs of movement or possible ambush. The possibility that this is part of an attack by Chaos or Brand has not escaped him, and he's making sure he is always aware of where Ossian is and what he's doing.
"Please, Vere. I'm not going to stab you in the back anytime soon." Ossian sounds a bit tired. High water characters will think he is sincere.
Ossian deliberatley tries to work as close to Vere as possible so Vere can have an eye on him.
Vere pauses a moment, regarding Ossian, then says, "I certainly mean no insult, Cousin, and I can understand that you will quickly become tired of being under suspicion. We are currently on a war footing, however, and a certain level of such suspicion is natural. Time and familiarity will resolve all problems. Give me time to come to trust you, and I will refrain from judgement for the interim. I hope this seems just?"
Ossian smiles "Justice is a question of philosophy. But I agree that you treat me as well as you could in your position. I am grateful for that."
"This is just so overwhelming, I really knew nothing before I got here, did I?"
Vere smiles back. "Amber is indeed an overwhelming place, especially with the current turmoil. You are not the only one to find it so, Cousin Ossian, nor are you alone in being a newcomer. We shall learn of Amber as we learn of each other."
Jerod grabs his clothes on the way out of the room, moving deliberately to Cambina's room and putting them on en-route. On the way there, any servants or troops that are seen are immediately collected and given orders accordingly to warn others, to organize fire fighting and rescue groups and to ensure order so that the situation can be dealt with. If he passes by an open window or such, he gets a quick look if he can at the city to see how its faring as well.
Since he knows that his own ceiling collapsed, the possibility it happened to others is uppermost in his mind. As soon as he has enough servants, he sends a portion of them down one level to Vialle - if she needs help, they can do so - if she doesn't, she'll use them herself in aiding others. The second group he sends to Gerard - if he needs help, then its bad - if not, then as per Vialle, he'll use them accordingly. The remainder he takes with him to Cambina's room to find out what's happening, as well as taking care of problems enroute (fire, falling debris, etc).
At every point when he comes in contact with others, he makes sure to assess whether or not they are in control or need the "charm" to be applied - he does this on the move but he does it...time to motivate the troops as it were...:)
Jerod directs servants and the few troops he finds on their various errands. The group that goes to Vialle send word that she has survived and needs no assistance. She is taking them to the servant's quarters where there are injured people.
He leaves that group entirely to Vialle, trusting her to do what he figures she'll do automatically.
Jerod arrives at Cambina's room as she opens the door. She has blood on her forehead but doesn't seem to notice.
"Are you alright?" Jerod asks, motioning to her head.
One of the soldiers who was sent upstairs returns with news. Prince Gerard's quarters are empty. The word is that the kitchen is afire and that the stables have collapsed, as have several other outbuildings. The others have been sent to fight the fire. The city is not so badly hit, but was not as strongly built. What can be seen of it looks distressed.
A new arrival stops short at Cambina's doorway. It is Nestor the librarian. He is short of breath and slightly in shock, but gathers himself well enough to report the conditions. "My Lord," he says, "we are fighting the fires. It will be possible to control them. Lady Vialle asks if the castle will stand another such..."
"There will be no other quake, Nestor." Cambina states. She seems comfortingly sure.
Nestor nods and regroups his thoughts. "The solders say Venesch is missing and...and no one has seen Prince Gerard."
"Missing?" Jerod asks. "Was he assigned to duties tonight?"
He pauses for moment before continuing. "Have the troops ensure the remainder of the castle is secure. Evacuate areas that have been damaged and that are in danger of collapse. See to it that the fires are brought under control. All those able to assist with firefighting or rescue will do so...the remainder will see to the injured and the collection of supplies." he says, finding a window to look out before turning back, looking at the soldier.
"What's your name?" he asks, accepting the reply before continuing. "Report to your sergeant...once the kitchen blaze is under control and the stable mounts are secured, have them arrange a small detachment of men to be sent into the city to assist the town constabulary and others in keeping order as well as assisting in rescue operations. They are to send word that the castle is secure and things are under control. As well, collect a report from those on scene as to how the city has fared and advise concerning casualties. Make sure the people you encounter know that things are alright. Understood?" and then he sends the man off with a clap on the shoulder.
The soldier's name is Rividaas and he has been under Venesch's command for years. He is a Golden Circle barbarian and is probably a guard to earn his citizenship or pay off a debt. He is stable, if slow. He tells you that Venesch was in the watchroom until the late evening, when he was summoned by Prince Gerard. He did not leave the castle by the main gate.
As you give him orders, he nods at appropriate points and "yes, my lord"s at appropriate points, and runs off when told to. He seems relieved that there is someone to obey.
"Nestor...ensure the castle library is not likely to suffer fire damage, then go to assist the Lady Vialle...have her advise us if she requires anything." Jerod says to Nestor, before he turns to Cambina.
Nestor's eyes grow large. "The books!" He turns and runs down the corridor, leaping over a collapsed heap of metal that at one point was a decorative suit of armor. He disappears into the dark, with only one faint crashing sound to help you determine where he has gone.
"How do you know there won't be another quake?" he asks.
"It wasn't a quake, it was a sundering. Why would there be another? They'll need to see us in the courtyard, to reassure them. You especially."
As they proceed to the courtyard, Jerod replies. "I'll want to know what you mean by that...once we've got time to stop and talk that is."
Her logic unassailable, she picks her way to the central stair, and you follow. You take in the scene as you arrive at the central juncture of the castle. Watch Commander Reyna is there, and smiles in relief to see you both. Standing at his makeshift command post, which on a better day held flowers, are your four new cousins and a pair of guards. Solange is holding a green glowing rod that is about six inches long. The light it gives is enough to keep her from tripping but not enough to read by.
The soldiers give a brief report of the state of the guest quarters and the guests. They did not see the Ambassador from Bellum and he was not in his rooms.
Reyna cuts Ian short, addressing Jerod, mostly. "Your lordships, I am glad the rumors that you were well are true. Commander Barrell of the day watch is outside dealing with the fires. I have this command post here. We are evacuating the castle at the Lady Vialle's orders. Probably a score of people are missing. Most of the men left inside are trying to reach the servant's quarters as they are blocked by rubble. We believe that survivors may be trapped there."
It is clear that Reyna, too, is unnerved by the night's events, You all contemplate sending him to deal with interior problems, but he seems to be in shock and you decide it is best to let him continue to function as he is.
Your group approaches the back wing where the servants live and find that a floor has collapsed and dropped a room full of furniture into a stairwell. With your help, it is cleared well enough to allow rescuers to descend. This room is on the edge of the castle and, like Jerod's quarters, has a rift open to the elements. The rain seems more casual now, as if it had had a task to accomplish and had succeeded. The cold and the wind and the wet keep this from being a very comforting thought.
The rubble from the room above yields a body, a houseboy killed by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. You hope you see no more. Time passes unheeded, and you do what is necessary.
The warehouse district is devastated by both the quake and by the fires which are in some places still burning. The fires here, like those near Paige's home -- or business -- have been dampened by the rain. Many of the warehouses seem to have been constructed flimsily or from shoddy materials, and have collapsed.
When you arrive at the edge of the warehouse district, the fire marshal seems to be ready to turn you away, but Martin's name and the offer of assistance carries a weight that surprises Folly. When he introduces the two of you as his cousins, Lady Paige and Lady Folly, the men treat you with deference and bring you water and a little food from the stores that have been opened for the firefighters.
As Martin and the marshal are discussing how best the three of you can help with the fires, a runner in what Paige recognizes as castle livery arrives and breaks into the discussion. Martin beckons the two of you over to hear the report.
There has been some damage to the castle, but it appears to be in no immediate danger of collapse and all the fires are under control. Prince Jerod has taken charge. Princess Cambina, Lady Vialle, and several other members of the royal family have all been located and are unhurt. Prince Gerard, however, is missing.
Martin sends a return message with the runner advising Prince Jerod that the three of you are alive and well, and as soon as conditions in the city permit, the three of you will ride up to the castle.
Fighting the fires is hard, grimy work, but the three of you are exempt from bucket work now. Instead, you are sent to various locations where debris has trapped people or blocked the way. Folly's songs lighten the hearts of the bucket brigades and the rescue workers, and on occasion salve the grief of those who find bodies in the remains of burnt and caved-in buildings.
Together, the three of you are capable of feats of strength that Folly had only ever seen on film or read in comic books -- except that Folly has vague memories of Syd doing similar things, memories she formerly attributed to drugs but now understands were real. Though Folly knows that she is strong, especially for her height and weight, she realizes that Martin and Paige are capable of lifting far more than she. But even Folly seems to be able to push herself beyond what she thought were her limits merely yesterday evening.
Martin and Paige accept Folly's capabilities as a matter of course. So do the men and women fighting fires and helping them move debris.
After about an hour of debris-clearing in the warehouse district, it is dawn. The fires have mostly been isolated, though many still burn. The lightning has slowed, and now ceases; the rain has become almost casual. The scope of the damage is clearer in the morning's grey light. The losses will be staggering when the costs of the burned and collapsed buildings and their contents are counted -- if they can be.
It is a late, grey dawn before you all, Vialle, and the commanders can regroup and consider your situation. You stand, exhausted, surveying the broken symmetry of Castle Amber. The sun is a lighter spot against the cloudcover and you could possibly see the city if you felt it safe to mount the castle walls.
So where is Lucas in all his self-preserving fleeing? If he sees people congregating in the courtyard, he'll join them.
As Jerod moves off with Rividass, he moves over to Solange, off to one side for a moment while Barrell and the others begin to work. "We'll find him." is all he says, looking at her for a long moment, an absolute conviction in his eyes before he nods and moves off again.
"Of course we will," Solange answers. "But alive or dead?" She takes a deep breath. "It's out of our hands. All we can do is look."
Vere observes this exchange without expression. Once Jerod has departed he moves close to Solange and says, in a voice meant only for her ears and with no emotion whatsoever, "Cousin Jerod has moved quickly to assume control in Father's absence."
Solange shrugs. "His father held the Crown for a while, I guess he got used to the idea of being important. It seems to make the staff happier if they can point to someone from the family being in charge. And he knows his way around better than I do. If someone's got to do it, he's not a bad choice. And I'm sure Dad will show up soon."
Vere nods, holding her gaze. "I am still struggling to understand the politics of the situation. I look to you for guidance; I shall follow your lead in all things, and until Father returns I shall give my loyalty where you say it is best placed."
Barrell speaks, reviewing the situation. "The fires are under control, my lords, and we have at least makeshift shelter from the rains for those too injured to help. Lady Vialle has the staff well organized for nursing duties. Some dozens of people are missing and, if they were below stairs, are likely dead or trapped. It is not known if Gerard and Venesch left the castle. The castle itself is heavily damaged and as we can now see that the western tower has fallen. We have sent a runner down the hill, and he has just returned. I will let him tell his message and what he has seen. It is, in some ways, good news."
Rividass stands before you, emotionless. After a few seconds, he speaks in flat tones.
"Lord Martin sends greetings, he and his cousins The Lady Paige and the Lady Folly are unharmed and are fighting fires in the warehouse district. When conditions in the city permit, they will ride up."
"The city is a patchwork of standing and fallen buildings, with small fires threatening everywhere. The storm is keeping the damage from spreading, but the port and temple quarters are badly damaged. No one could tell me about the fleet. The Lord Sheriff was pleased to hear that the castle stood and that the royal family was in charge. He asked that you send word if an attack was coming up the black road." Rividass looks to his left, in the direction of Garnath. He seems on the verge of despair or hysteria.
Despite his tiredness, Jerod will show little of it and the dirt and grime of constant digging seem not to wear on his appearance as he listens attentively to Rividass give his report. Inspite of the ache of muscles, he remains true to the leader's creed - show no fear, listen to your people, trust them in their work, make decisions without delay. When at last he and Barell have finished, he nods once, twice. "There should not be any attack, though we will be sure to keep watch in case of outriders from the Black Road." Jerod says. "You've done well...all of you." and his voice adjusts, projecting outwards so that everyone, including the servants in the area can hear him. "I know we're all tired, and some of us have suffered dearly this night. But we will all get through it. I'm confident with Prince Martin in the city that things there will be brought under control without delay."
"In the meantime, we must continue our efforts here." and he looks at Barrell. "Since Prince Gerard did not apparently leave the castle, he's still here. And since we haven't come across him yet, he's probably underground. There will be others...guards and prisoners as well there. We don't leave anyone down there - is that understood?" and his voice says that such an option is not acceptable to him. "Collect some of the engineers and get me a plan to start digging. You have an hour. Make sure as well that everyone has a chance at a short rest and food...rotate through it but make sure its done. I don't want anyone collapsing through heroic efforts - we've already gone past the point of 'above and beyond'"
He starts to turn to let Barrell and the other get back to their tasks but stops and looks at him again. "And get me a report on the fleet ...that's the first thing that Gerard is going to ask me about and if I don't have it, he'll skin me alive." he says, with just the right touch of tired humor in his voice.
After that, he looks at Rividass. "You served under Venesch, if I remember correctly. Right now, he should be with me, but he's not. I need a messenger...someone I can trust. You want the duty?" he asks, knowing the answer even before he asks the question before striding off to assist further. "Come on..."
As the others begin to work, Jerod obtains from Nestor some scavenged writing supplies and a sealed scroll tube before sitting off to one side to pen a short note that he places into the tube.
****
"Dear Mother...this must be short as I have not much time and there is much to be done here. I promise to let you know more as time permits. Let my sisters know this as well - otherwise they will worry overmuch. Please also let Carina know if you can."
"First - we are well though there has been considerable damage to the castle and there have been many casualties. Gerard is missing and I have assumed charge in the castle for the moment. We are looking for him as we speak and anticipate finding him soon. Recovery efforts are underway. Let the Queen know that Vialle is safe and assists now in caring for those around us. As well, Martin is also safe - I have word he is assisting in the city - I expect to hear from him in person soon. Please relay this to the Queen as well."
"The messenger who bears this note acts on my authority - pass to him any message you deem suitable. I am anxious to know how Rebma has fared. He will ensure that it arrives to me alone. Speed him on his way once he has accepted your reply. My thoughts are with you."
Jerod.
****
He caps the seal on the tube and hands it to Rividass. "You will take this message to the Lady Rilsa of Rebma, by the fastest means at your disposal." Jerod says. "You will not allow anything to impede you in this delivery. You are acting on my authority and will accept no instructions from anyone else until this order is completed. Is that clear?"
Once the message is accepted, he says. "The Lady may have a return message for you - you will wait upon her command in that regard. As well, while you are there, you will observe Rebma to see how she has fared during this period." And with that, unless he has a question, he sends Rividass on his way.
By midmorning, the warehouse fires are under control. The three of you can move on through the city or ride up to the castle. (Martin prefers the latter at this point, but won't insist if the ladies think they are still needed in the city.)
Folly defers to Paige. "You know this city better than we do," she croaks. "What do you think?" The energetic singing, the thick smoke, and the drizzle have trashed her speaking voice, and her eyes are red and a little puffy. Although she is still obviously eager to help however she can, she looks as though what she really needs is a warm blanket and a cup of hot tea.
Water is brought for the ladies, but hot tea does not seem to be in the offing.
Paige is drawn herself. She brushes a stray wisp of red hair out of her face and only succeeds in smudging more soot across her forehead. "I suppose people are waiting for us there, no? And we've made our "showing", if that's what this was about." Paige seems like she's worn raw by all this distruction. "I'll ensure the fire marshall doesn't need us immediately"
When she's sure they won't be more than just another set of hands moving corpses, she turns back to the others and mounts her horse. The tone of her voice is dead as she says, "I want to stop at The Prince," and sets off on her horse.
When she gets there, she ensures that things are as safe as can be, directing Michelle to donate from her personal stores to help feed first the employees hit the hardest and suggests opening the ballroom to those left homeless. When she's taken the time to personally comfort Ari on the loss of her brother, she swings Liam up on the horse behind her.
"Folly, you're welcome to crash here, but they may expect us to stay up there. Whatever." Paige's bluntness is in no way aimed at Folly, but from the mental exhaustion she's feeling.
In response, Folly offers a weak smile and a shrug. "Anywhere that's warm, dry, and not on fire...." She punctuates this idea by sneezing loudly and gracelessly.
"You're coming with us, Folly," says Martin in a tone that brooks no argument. He doffs his jacket, wraps it around Folly, and helps her onto his horse for the ride to the castle.
Folly is too tired to argue. When she gets settled behind Martin, though, she wraps her arms loosely around his waist and leans very lightly against his back, making sure he stays warm, too.
[Paige]
"Liam, if anyone asks, you're my valet. OK?" When everyone's ready,
she heads off for the Castle.
Martin and Folly follow. As the three of you ride up the side of Kolvir, you get a sense of the scope of the damage across the city for the first time.
Amber has no building codes, though it may after this catastrophe, and many of the buildings in the poorer parts of town were no more sturdy than the warehouses and have completely or partially fallen down. Smoke rises from hundreds of small fires or their remnants. The aqueduct system that supplies the city's water is damaged. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, are dead. Tens of thousands will be homeless.
But there is good news visible from the heights, as well: the black road that has plagued Amber for years has been erased, although the scars of its passage remain.
The western tower of the castle has partially collapsed, as you saw from the city below, but otherwise it seems intact. You are met at the gate by officers of the guard, who send a messenger for Prince Jerod. A few minutes later, you are escorted into an inner courtyard, where your cousins are waiting.
Last modified: 18 Jul 2001