The first thing Vere wants is a full report from Castor on the disposition of the troops. Best case scenario, they're all back in Rebma or wherever else their families want them, with fortunes and Vere's token, and nothing more needs to be done about them. If it's anything less than that Vere wants a rundown of what the problems are, and how much longer it will be before they are all safely on their way.
It's been several weeks, so most of them are on their way. The problem is that some of them had families that were on the wrong side in the recent civil upheaval, and Castor's not entirely clear on what to do about that. It's not Vere's orders; it's that these men may need to go back as--not clanless, but without reference to their womenfolk, so that they can be considered innocent of any political malfeasance their mothers and sisters got up to. With Vere's permission, he will so release them.
Vere gives him permission. The money they're taking back, and their friendship with other members of the Children, should help to shield them. He tells Castor that he'll talk to Celina about seeing to it that they do not suffer unduly for their families' actions.
Which Castor appreciates. He'll muster them out immediately.
Excellent well.
After that Vere will explain that he is heading for Chaos, and a man untrained in any of the esoteric arts would not be of any use to him there, but would be a danger. Therefore, Vere is sending Castor instead to act as assistant and bodyguard to his betrothed, the Lady Robin. He will explain something about Robin's upbringing and her disdain for the court, and tell Castor that a major part of his job will be diplomatic, helping Robin learn how to deal with the civilized ways of the majority of the Royal Family.
He will also explain, briefly and without detail, that Robin's father sent her scounting, alone, during the early days of the war with Chaos to find the source of the Black Tide, and that whatever she found has disturbed her sanity. Castor should be aware of that, and help Robin deal with it as best he can, but he should also understand that trying to talk about it is very difficult for Robin, and could bring on attacks of what might seem to be a kind of madness. So, do not pry, but listen if she wishes to talk.
He'll let Castor ask whatever questions he might have, and answer them as best he can. Then he'll clasp Castor's arm and emphasize that this is not a way to keep Castor safe, rather it is an effort to protect the thing that is dearest in all the worlds to Vere. He is counting on Castor.
Castor clearly takes this all very seriously. He has questions, mostly about where he'll be going and what Robin is doing now, with a view to how he can assist her.
Vere will explain about the Dragon of Arden, which is Robin's chief concern. He'll also mention Robin's involvement in an affair of honour, and explain what he knows of Venesch and his ties to Prince Jerod, and the various political and family concerns this duel involves. He can't answer any questions about the exact reasons for the duel, since he doesn't know them himself.
Castor asks with all due respect whether she gets into these duels often and will he be required to fight in her place?
Vere explains that this is a special case, and that in most instances Robin would simply slay anyone who annoyed her sufficiently. He will express his pleasure that Robin is learning to navigate family politics sufficiently well to have avoided doing so in this case. He admits that he does not know whether or not Castor will be required to fight, he leaves that matter up to Robin, but he has never known her to send someone else to fight her battles for her.
If Castor has nothing else, Vere will leave him at this, and wish him farewell in case they do not meet again before Vere departs.
Afterwards, Vere wants to have a private talk with Creon, to ask how he thinks Castor is doing, and to find out if Creon intends to accompany him. Vere will not forbid it if he does wish to, nor will he insist that Creon does accompany Castor, he is merely curious.
Creon thinks Castor is doing better but should not be released to return to Rebma. He elaborates that this is both for Castor's sake and because of the politics involved: Castor is likely to be blamed by both sides for his actions (assisting Moire by Khela's partisans; not assisting Moire by Moire's). There's some tension about the question of whether Creon will follow Castor as he takes on duties to Robin, but all Creon says is that he hasn't decided yet.
Vere listens to Creon's concerns, and thanks him, telling him that he intends to keep Castor bound to his service until he believes that Castor feels he has redeemed himself. He trusts Castor's sense of honour will be sufficient to prevent him from doing anything self-destructive while still under Vere's judgement. As for the politics, there is a limit to what he can do, but he will mention this matter to Princess Celina.
Vere asks Creon if there is any information he might provide concerning this situation that will assist Creon in making up his mind.
No, no, there's nothing Vere can do. Creon appreciates Vere's concern, but this is something Creon and Castor need to sort on their own.
Very well then. Vere respects their right to make their own decisions in this matter.
It is later than the usual time for breakfast, and early risers like Edan are probably starving; that is probably the reason that the table is groaning under the weight of rice, fish, fruit, and other dishes that would normally be seen at a Mediterranean meal. Edan's commanded a good location, too, a room with a good view of the city and the river and the rising sun. Signy and Garrett would find him seated at the balcony, picking at a few items and staring out at the urban bustle. A small white dragonet shifts its position and emits something between a growl and a cough when it sees them.
Garrett enters and pauses, taking in the view both of the city and the treat-laden table before him. "You've selected a beautiful spot to discuss the Moon, Cousin," Garrett comments with a smile.
He sits in a chair on the opposite side of the table where he can also enjoy the view. The prince appears to be another early riser for there is no sign of weariness about him. He's freshly showered, but based on his activity level, has probably already worked out and taken care of any number of duties before sunrise. He nods toward the dragonet. "You know, you're the second cousin I've seen with something like that. It's not becoming a family requirement, is it?" he asks while pondering the intriguing selection of foods on the table.
Signy arrives close on the heels of Garrett, an earthenware cup of hot black coffee already steaming in her hands.
She watches the city below moving about their daily routine for a moment, before turning back to the table and regarding the two Princes equally. "Good morning, Garrett." She favors him with a quick smile. "I hope that the Queen's doing OK after her adventures?"
She looks back at Edan, slightly less confidently. "I'm Signy, Dierdre's daughter." Her arm twitches as if to rise in an arm clasp, before hanging at her side.
"Enchanted," Edan says in return, standing as they both enter. He glances at Signy's movement, smiles slightly to them both, then bows; he touches his forehead with his fingers before he straightens. "Your Highness," he says to Garrett. "Thank you. I thought a conversation about Moonriders would be more comfortable in the daylight. And I have heard of Robin's companions- I hope, truly hope, that she did not find them where I found Kyauta. And... would it be Mistress Signy? Do you control your father's Tower? I only know a little of that place, and did not get the full story of you." He gestures. "But please, both of you, make yourselves comfortable. I hope you are hungry."
Garrett greets Signy with a "good morning" and shifts his chair to make more room for her. "The Queen hasn't said much and I haven't dared ask, to be honest. Not that I haven't wanted to. Father's protected her like the Royal Guard ever since the incident."
He turns to Edan. "Signy was with us - Father, Brita and I - when we found the Queen," he adds as introduction.
Sign nods at Garrett's update before turning to Edan. "No, when I left my father was still in control of the Tower, though from what Sir Brennan says it sounds like that is no longer the case. At some point I should go and see what is left, and take it from whomever is in there now." She thinks for a second, before her gaze sharpens slightly. "So...you know of the Plane?"
"Only in passing," Edan says. "And by that, I mean literally- Father and I passed through it, and I only heard a description of the place. We visited many such places of high magic and potential Sorcery. But nothing, of course, like the story I heard about the Queen's rescue."
Signy blinks in surprise. "I didn't realize that it was on the beaten path."
She shakes off the far-distant past of the Plane and continues. "One thing that might be worth more investigation is the chain that we brought back from our rescue of the Queen. Other then that, I'm afraid I don't know where else we might start on this."
"Nor I," Garrett concurs, then turns to Edan. "Though after the incident, I meant to ask your father some general questions about the Moonriders. It's occurred to me more than once that even though I grew up in Amber and knew of the Battle of Jones Falls, I never knew specifically how the Moonriders were defeated. It seems that is information that would be useful now. What has Uncle Bleys told you?"
"He said that they came down the mountain that day, bypassed the castle, and sacked the city," Edan says. "Eric wanted to take them on, but was frustrated- he had been charged with defending Castle Amber proper. The Moonriders went on into Arden, where Corwin and Bleys were waiting, and where Benedict stopped them at Jones Falls. Had he not done so, they would have escaped into the Shadows and back to Ghenesh. As it is, they were held until the moon set, and had to surrender. Father said he still has the Marshall's sword. Somewhere." Edan brightens. "I forgot about that." He glances back to Signy. "The chain... have you investigated it yet? It would be difficult, here."
Signy shakes her head no. "After we got back, I didn't see Brita again to find out what happened to it." She looks slightly troubled. "Do you think asking her to examine it would cause problems?"
"I can't see why it would," Garrett answers. "I reckon she'd want to know about it as much as we do."
She takes a quick gulp from her still-steaming mug before continuing. "Do we know where these Moonriders are? Do they have any allies or retainers we could try to get information from?"
Garrett indicates with a vague shrug that he doesn't have any answers to that and turns to Edan inquiringly.
"I met the daughter of the High Marshall at the tree Ygg," Edan says. "That was some time ago. Their location, their movements, well... that is still a mystery to me."
Signy looks carefully at Edan. "How much trouble would we get into if we went to this Tir?"
She thinks for a second, before shifting slightly. "Maybe if we went back to where we found the Queen we might find more there?"
"Possible, but neither you nor I are expert shadow shifters," Garrett points out. "I don't know Brita's skill level, or if she'd be willing to go. Father's forbidden anyone going to Tir, so asking him to help would be right out. We'd also need Uncle Benedict's blessing in order to start from the same place."
He chuckles at himself. "I sound pretty negative, huh. I'm not saying we can't. Just looking at the angles. Would it be worth going over the scene in detail with one of the Elders, perhaps Corwin or Bleys, do you think? Maybe something will spark with them?
Edan is frowning through most of this. "Yes, imposing a moratorium on Tir is going to make our job harder," he says. "Perhaps if Benedict allowed you to go before, he'll let us go again. Then again, the king asked him last time, yes?"
Signy looks uncertainly at Garrett. "Did we actually go to Tir? I thought we were going to someplace that was just sort of aligned with it...." She looks slightly disappointed. "Somehow I thought it would have been more impressive then a ride through a random forest, for all the excitement we had with not-Robin."
Garrett looks over at her, pursing his lips in thought. "Hmm... that's a good point. Things people have said since led me to believe it was Tir, but I could be mistaken. And I don't recall ascending any stairs or anything. Perhaps if we were in a shadow and not in Tirna Nogth proper, we could go there again."
"There's something of a rule of Congruency," Edan says. "If you go to a Shadow that is like another one, then generally you will be close to that one. It then would become a matter of how close you want to get to find out anything worthwhile... and still risk the dangers of encountering our enemies... and our Elders' wrath."
Signy's face becomes a study in non-expression. "I asked quite a few people about the events of that trip to rescue the Queen, and while there were a variety of thoughts as to how much import to put on the events," and here her voice sours slightly at the thought of some of the responses, "but nobody ever really said to not go back to there, or tried to warn me away."
Garrett nods. "Uncle Benedict tried to dismiss the importance of what we saw there as mere dreams, but there are things still nagging me about it," he says, glancing up at Signy to see if she concurs. "At the meeting, people commented about the Queen of Air and Darkness. I keep wondering..." He pauses, unsure of how much he should say, then presses on, his voice lowering involuntarily, "if there's any connection with our Queen."
"You mean, other than that she was treated by the ghost-Marshall as the Queen of Air and Darkness?" Edan asks. He smiles a little, but it fades. "If we went there, and this is the reason I have not gone to Tir even before the moratorium, what visions we see might be seen by the Moonriders as well."
Signy nods her head in support of Garrett's thoughts. "There's also that person that everyone recognized that attacked the King before we got to the Queen. And I still think that the fact that we left with something tangible means that you can't just shake that realm off as some flight of fancy."
She thinks for a moment, before looking at Edan. "Are these Moonriders really so powerful that they could watch what we watch as if they were at a play? It almost sounds as if there's not much we can do against them." The slight hint of a challenge to this view starts to creep into her voice.
Edan shakes his head. "They do not have power over Shadow, for all that they may know and travel the natural paths. That is what we have. And they have a connection to Tir, so I think we give them that knowledge when we go there for visions outside of Time."
"You said before that they were held until day to defeat them at Jones Falls," Garrett ventures tentatively, with a quirked eyebrow indicating he should be corrected if he got that wrong. "Would it be possible to keep shifting if we engage them? Like to keep clouds over the moon, perhaps? Is that possible if one is talented enough in shifting Shadow?"
Signy glances quickly at Edan while Garrett asks that question as she continues to loop around the issue. "Did anyone ever discuss why it would be so bad for them to get back to Tir?" she wonders.
Edan puts down his fork and rubs at his forehead- if not immediately obvious before, he's not using his left hand at all while sitting at table. "I think an experienced shadow-shifter could easily put them at a disadvantage, yes," he says. "They would, of course, be aware of this and be using Sorcery to offset it, or be very careful as to their meeting place. Amber, of course, with its lack of Shadow, made such a tactic impossible. And Tir, Signy... I think it has to do with the return of the Queen of Air and Darkness. The Gheneshi have been prevented all this time from controlling Tir-na Nog'th and allowing their Queen to return to that place. I do not have a good answer as to why."
Signy mulls Edan's words over in silence for several seconds. "So, no readily-available sources of information, no easy way to go and scout out where they want to go. It sounds like the only real thing we have to go on is to look at the chain and the Queen, and see if we can puzzle things out from there." She shifts, an irritated look on her face. "I'm sure there's a good reason that nobody's been forthcoming with many details about the last time they came through," she notes, sarcasm sharp in her reflexively-lowered voice.
"Perhaps we haven't asked the right questions. Or the right people," Garrett suggests. "Signy, who have you talked with about the chain so far?"
Edan turns to Signy to listen before he adds anything.
Signy shakes her head in the negative. "Nobody, but I do want to see if I can talk Brita into letting me look at it. I don't think that most of the others I've talked to viewed it as much more than another figment, like everything else that happened."
"But it will have a sorcerous link," Edan says, partly for Garrett's benefit, "and I think it would be the first step in the investigation of their movements. And possibly motivations."
"Yes, that should be done before anything," Garrett agrees. "If we're to work together on this, would it be possible for all of us to be present at such a sorcerous inspection, do you think? I'll admit to wanting to learn more about sorcery. Would either of you have the skills or should we bring it to one of the Elders?"
Edan smiles. "Between the two of us, I can think of any number of Principles we can bring to bear on the problem."
Signy shrugs, suddenly somewhat reticent. "I've had a fair bit of training, and we could give it a try." She then flashes Garrett a wicked, if somewhat tentative, grin. "Would you be willing to take a trip out to a tree Uncle Bleys told me I could learn more about the Pattern by examining?"
Recalling the business at hand, she looks guiltily over at Edan. "I'd be game for all of us to have a look at it -- many sets of eyes might be better?" She leaves unspoken the thought that Edan seems to be the most experienced and well-trained of them at this point.
Signy gets a raised eyebrow at this.
Garrett grins widely at Signy's suggestion. "I would," he answers eagerly. "I've been wanting to explore and test my skills, but haven't had the opportunity. Are you thinking of that trip as part of this investigation or aside from it?" he asks, glancing over at Edan to assure him he's not bailing out of the assigned mission.
Signy gives Garrett an uncertian glance. "Do you think that a trip there would tie in to this affair?" She gives Edan a questioning look to see if he has any thoughts on this question.
"Maybe our first step is to see if we can look at the chain, and see what that tells us?"
"I think that would be the best course," Edan says. "I am not sure that a trip to Ygg would be helpful, if that is the tree you're referring to... but I'll save my opinions until we know more."
Signy nods. "The trip to the tree was more of a side trip suggested to me by Uncle Bleys to learn more about Pattern. Where do you think we should do the investigation?"
Garrett defers to Edan on this question.
"It is not... out of the question," Edan says. "If the chain is with Brita, then likely she or Fiona has a place that would maximize the effect of Sorcery. After that, if the clues lead to the Moonriders moving on the far side of the Tree, then Ygg would be the next place to triangulate on them... pardoning the expression, of course... to minimize interference. The Tree is a long trip, you see. Even if the trip is not indicated, it would not stop us from splitting up at the start and then meeting up again after you went to Ygg. Do either of you have a Trump, perhaps in the Trump Booth?"
"Paige made some sketches of me when we sailed to Xanadu together, but I don't think she ever made a formal trump," Garrett offers. "And I have trumps of the Elders, but none of the next generation."
Signy shakes her head in the negative. "Who should we talk to about making one? And who would be able to provide us decks?"
"Ossian draws, I know, and so does Paige and Merlin," Edan says. "I was just thinking about how to reach you both. It can be done with Sorcery, assuming that I have something of yours in order to establish a connections through Similarity. While you two are exploring the Tree, I can perhaps see if I can reach Chases in Madness again for a talk. I think it would be better if I were alone for that. While I am here, I am going to see about Trumps. Afterwards, I can come to you."
"All right," Garrett agrees. "Are there possessions that work better than others for Sorcery? What sort of item do you need?"
A small, plainly made dagger in a simple leather sheath appears in Signy's hands, as she unconsciously plays with it while Garrett speaks. "Would this do," she asks Edan, forcing her hands to stillness. "I made it myself a long time ago -- a simple blade, but it's been with me for quite some time."
Edan takes the dagger, and nods, then smiles at Garrett. "That's the kind of thing," he says. "Something personal to you, but not necessarily important. I will keep it safe."
Garrett furrows his brow and stands, checking his pockets for anything he might have available. "I didn't really bring much with me..." he begins apologetically. Then as he reaches into a pocket inside the jacket, his face lights up. "This might work."
He pulls out a folded sheet of paper, opens it and hands it over. The page is covered in rough pencil sketches of various landmarks of Paris. "I was going to show them to my sister," Garrett explains.
Edan nods. "I will bring them back to you," he says. He doesn't quite lose the forehead crease he gets when he hears Garrett say 'sister'.
Signy's shoulders square up as she looks to a likely direction forward. "Maybe Garrett and I can talk with Brita about the chain, and then we can meet somewhere to look at it?" Her tone lacks the conviction her posture tries to convey. "And then maybe we could either follow up whatever we find, or go on to the Tree from there...."
"That's fine by me," Garrett agrees. He looks back at Edan for confirmation of the plan.
Nodnod. "That sounds good to me," Edan says. "I will meet up with you after I do a little Sorcery. I hope we can chart a clearer course once we have some observations to work with."
Signy turns her attention to her neglected plate of food as Garrett and Edan talk, before looking back up at Garrett. "When would you like to approach Brita?"
Garrett shrugs. "I'm available whenever you're ready. I don't know if she's already gone home though. To Xanadu, I mean. We can ask around."
It is shortly after mid-morning when a servant finds Fletcher and passes him a note, a vellum sheet written in flowing but simple script.
Cousin. Since you have indicated your intention to travel to Rebma, I think it would be advisable to discuss the current situation. I think the pinnacle would be appropriate for such a meeting.5 avenue Anatole, Champ de Mars.
You can't miss it.
Jerod.
Fletcher makes a mental note to hire a social secretary, and catches a ride to the designated address from one of the palace staff. He approaches the structure and can't help but wonder about Jerod's choice for the meeting. One thousand seven hundred and ten steps later Fletcher, scabbard unbelted and hanging over one shoulder, steps onto the highest platform and looks around.
"You made good time." Jerod says, looking down at the city and its inhabitants from his vantange point on the external platform of the pinnacle. "You might find one of those to be of some benefit right now." and he points to a case of wine sitting a few feet away, a collection of bottles within. Fletcher would easily be able to calculate the weight of the case based on the number of bottles, a not inconsiderable amount to carry up all those steps.
Rather than be impressed, Fletcher chooses to believe Jerod used the elevator to carry his load, at least to the second platform.
One of the bottles is missing from the case, easily spied near Jerod's foot, empty. He ignores it as he collects another one, uncorking it before tossing the wooden cork off the balcony, watching it as it drops.
"Well met. I'm Jerod."
"Hello. I'm Fletcher." He helps himself to a bottle of wine and studies the label. Looking up from the bottle, he smiles. "Meeting with wine atop the Eiffel Tower is not a bad way to start a day. I was afraid I wasn't going to get to see much of the sights before taking off on business. Can you see the way to Rebma from here?"
Jerod points, adapting his recollection of his trip below with Vere to the landmarks available. "Corwin can provide a guide if you believe such is needed." he says. "Given the situation with Rebma now and Moire, I wouldn't be surprised if he had the stairs under heavy guard. I would assume the same on Rebma's end."
"Indeed. I was wondering if I should bring some sort of guard contingent with me on my visit to Rebma. Random chose me because I'm considered neutral in Rebman internal affairs. I'd appreciate an insider's insight though."
"First insight." Jerod says, shaking his bottle briefly, a vaguely disappointed look as he ponders the end of a very good year. "You will not be seen as neutral.
"You're not Rebman, so unless you're very privileged, you'll automatically be considered a surfacer. Even if you're a Prince, you're still a surfacer." he says, collecting another bottle.
"As for the guard, and any additional insights...that would depend on what your general intentions are." Jerod says. "Without going into any state secrets that Random might have provided to you on your mission, how are you approaching this venture?"
"I'm being sent on a specific mission rather than as a permanent ambassador. Although trade between Rebma and Xanadu is necessarily limited at the moment there is hope that a framework can be put in place in case trade increases. Hopefully, Xanadu's trading relationship with Rebma can be more favorable that the current arrangements in force between Rebma and Amber. Of course, I'm just being sent to negotiate and come up with a draft. Such a treaty would have to be signed by the legitimate and mutually-recognized monarchs of both realms."
"Indeed." Jerod says, popping the cork from his bottle and watching it fall quickly from sight, a slight smile on his face.
"I'd add you'll also want to sound out the new Queen, find out how much support she has and whether she's able to face off against Moire should it come to that, which it probably will. Also see how much damage Huon did to the city and how much Rebma is looking to hold Amber responsible, especially since Random has decided, rightfully I think, to reserve the prerogative of Family justice to family. Oh, and I wouldn't forget to add in a quick look around to see what Khela's doing with that honking big army of hers." and he takes a long drink of an excellent Bourdeaux.
Fletcher shrugs, mostly-confirming Jerod's speculation as to his agenda.
"That hopefully would tell the King enough, should he need it, to decide whether to decide Khela is the legitimate ruler, or if he should hedge his bets." Jerod says, looking over a Fletcher. "I'd say no guards. You're there for a private mission, not an official one requiring lots of Court. Guards make you noticeable, and you're not going to want that."
"You worked with her in the recent crisis, didn't you? Does that mean you've chosen a side?"
"Sure." Jerod says. "We all choose sides, even when we don't. The question becomes not whether I've chosen a side, but whether it's detrimental to anyone in particular.
"As for whether I've chosen Khela over Moire, the answer would be neither. I have no love of Moire, but I remember the chaos that occurred when Dad took the throne. I would prefer stability over that warm fuzzy feeling we're supposed to get when we stick to a moral principle, though I have as yet to meet anyone who can adequately describe that feeling even when they've stuck to their principles. I suspect it's over-rated, though certainly still important.
"If Khela can provide stability and keep my home safe, then that's a good thing. If by her actions she releases an enemy that would result in it's destruction...well, that would no doubt require an adjustment. The reverse, of course, applies to Moire.
"What do you think?"
"I think providing stability and/or safety is a good job requirement for any monarch. It seems that in the cases of Oberon, Random, and Corwin that involved creating a Pattern. Assuming that such a feat is not necessary with an intact Pattern available (and I think it's safe to say that if it was required your father would absolutely have done it) then my next question would be what the immediate sources of instability might be? The idea of a dragon is, at this point, mostly theoretical. Are there more concrete threats to the stability of Khela's realm closer to home? What do most Rebmans want in a Queen?"
"The same as what Amberites would want in a King." Jerod replies. "Good government, prosperity, secure borders. Opportunities for their children and themselves, pride in their knowledge that their kingdom is the greatest of all. The usual." The last comment has no hint of sarcasm, though one might suspect it should.
"Rebma would appear to operate outside what I will call the conventional rules concerning stability and a Pattern, at least at the present time. I firmly believe that my father did not know about how to draw a Pattern and that his control over the Jewel of Judgment was limited. I make that conclusion based on the fact that full attunement to the Jewel would seem require that the one possessing it obtains a full understanding of Pattern through that attunement, and the drive needed to construct one. Unless my father drew one in secret, it never happened. And if he did draw one, I would have to say it died with him.
"But Moire did not create Rebma. Moins apparently did, though that is not confirmed. Rebma survived her death, which has led to speculation concerning Moire's level of control and her origins. I would tend to believe that Khela lacks Moire's connection and operates in a state similar to what my father did. That would tend to mean her chances of making it through the next five years are exceedingly slim.
"Some of the threats to her will be of her own making. Her choice to move against Moire is one of them. The old Queen will not back down from this fight. Khela's intentions to release the Tritons is another one that may not work out well. Plus, her taking the throne has placed Rebma in a vulnerable position. Other forces may decide to take an interest in her now that she would appear to be vulnerable."
"Do you know how many of the pre-installed nobility are in her corner? I imagine no one has actually come out against her."
"Enough." Jerod says. "She had opportunity to prepare amongst the disaffected while she was exiled. The loyalists will remain quiet and are no doubt marshaling their feelers to see if Moire makes contact, biding their time like always. And most families will no doubt have supporters in each camp, as a means of hedging their bets. It is a common practice.
"Saving the city from Huon is a plus for Khela, if she plays it right and does not over-extend herself. Claiming too much credit will weaken her, while if she pursues the path of a faithful, if somewhat radical daughter of Rebma, she can acquire some of the uncommitted as well as the more romantic or easily swayed. The Tritons are the joker however. They are a ready made combat force, but their position in society is dubious. She must be cautious in her proceedings with them, but their freedom was a key to their supporting her even if she wears the green blade. On that note, you would be wise to speak to Celina. I have it on good authority that the freedom of the Tritons may not rest solely in Khela's hands. Celina has a part to play, as the good bard would say.
"One more thing. Khela has not walked the Pattern."
"That's curious. Do you know her reasons for not doing so? I know Celina is Moire's daughter. Is there any love lost between her and Khela?"
Jerod smiles. "I doubt the phrase love-lost could be applied to Celina and Khela at the present time, given that they are lovers."
Fletcher might be blushing, or it might be the wine.
"As for Khela's reasons, I believe it to be more driven by physicality than choice. The rumor is that Khela cannot walk the Pattern, that to do so would kill her."
"How does she know? I didn't think it was the sort of thing you could get a doctor's note for."
"My source did not provide details concerning that. However, it does fit with the current information, barring new details. Given Khela's age, and the general concensus that our parents tend to put us on the Pattern as soon as feasible to ensure our survival, as contradictory as that may sound, would tend to support the rumor. Should new details come to light, I will modify my viewpoint."
"Do you know how that's affected her feelings about family and Patterns?"
"I do not." Jerod says. "That would be something that you would need to inquire after yourself."
Fletcher smiles. Almost. "Well, as long as there's no more than the expected diplomatic tensions I suppose this mission won't be too bad. Speaking of which, do you know who's handling diplomatic affairs in Rebma these days? I have the information about who was handling things, but I'd hate to just show up and say, 'Take me to your leader.'" Fletcher may be joking.
"You might want to play that by ear." Jerod says. "I'm not sure if Droit's been removed yet by Random, though I'd suspect it would be so. I would expect the King to put his stamp on things and Droit is not likely to fit that stamp.
"If you're only going to feel things out, then a formal introduction is a bit much. Unless the King has charged you to represent the Crown's interests in an official capacity, I would use the family as your contacts. The various functionaries will take their leads from them in any case unless you are scouting Shells that are not allied or friendly to the current Queen."
"I suppose such Shells might seek me out, but no, my focus is to be on the Queen and and her court. Do you have any experience with the people I'm likely to find around her?"
Jerod shakes his head. "No. She was considerably before my time. Observe who she places in positions of relative authority. Do not fooled by titles. Those are easy to come by and mean little. Look for those who would actually have a defined task, one that actually holds some form of accountability. Those are the ones who will hold the reins of the Court bureaucracy."
Fletcher nods. "Fair enough. Do you have any advice about any concessions, trade or otherwise, that Amber might benefit from pursuing with Rebma now?"
Jerod frowns momentarily. "That's a question you should be asking the King."
Fletcher grins for more than a moment. "I have. I'm wondering if your expert opinion differs."
"My expert opinion would fit with Amber were still around." Jerod says. "Amber is dead."
Fletcher looks marginally embarassed, or at least a bit angry with himself. "I, of course meant Xanadu. Any what kind of thing we could ask for that wouldn't hurt Rebma too bad but would be a good symbolic gesture?"
Jerod does not make any sign that he notices Fletcher's emotional response. "I have frequently noted that trade and the like tend to take care of themselves, if the relationship between the various trading partners is congenial. In that respect, I would recommend you operate on the basis of the following. That both Xanadu and Rebma are vulnerable, for different reasons and subject to the same single factor. Time.
"Rebma is old, but without a Queen. I'm not even sure who her Queen should be or has been. The events of the last few years have made for cracks in her strength. It will take time to repair them. Time is also needed for Xanadu. Random has created a new world, perhaps one that is an improvement over the original and with fewer flaws, one that I have no doubt will be the equal of Amber, given time. But it is a newborn, without the strength of trade, shadow paths and alliances that Amber could draw upon under Oberon. Random must play a game of bluff while he works to strengthen his kingdom.
"Both places have need of each other. The question is whether they will both agree to that. How much strength will they offer to another, and how much weakness will they admit? You'll need to know Xanadu a bit, if you're going to know about Rebma."
"I've had the opportunity to spend a couple of weeks in Xanadu now, so I'm about as prepared as I can get in that regard. This...," Fletcher gestures to the city. "On the other hand is both completely strange and terribly familiar. And there's a direct connection to Rebma. How do you think Paris fits into Xanadu and Rebma's mutual vulnerabilities?"
"I'm not sure." Jerod says. "We've never been in a position of having four Patterns. I'm making that assumption in that we've only ever known about Amber, Tir and Rebma. Now we've got Paris and Xanadu. I'm also not including the original one. From the perspective of vulnerability, I suppose it would dependant on what Corwin defines as his position with regards to the other two kingdoms. Is he a friend or ally, neutral observer, etc?
"I'd have to assume that he'd have some interest, even if only to protect and guard his own Pattern and creation. I'm making the assumption that the Patterns are tied together based on a small piece of information, but which would make some sense. I would ask you a question - when you walked the Pattern, how many veils did you encounter?"
Fletcher looks questioningly at Jerod. "Three. Has it changed? And what about the 'original'?" Fletcher employs air quotes. "We shouldn't be messing with that."
"There are now four." Jerod says simply. "What speculation might you offer concerning this, the nature of Patterns drawn by others versus the original?"
Fletcher barely pauses before answering. "They exist at a different level, and are necessarily linked. You might consider it a fence or wall or some other barrier to defend the more primal level. And some where in the middle of it all is probably the original inspiration. For order to stand it requires structure, fortification, and... reminders. Further inspiration if you will, to constantly advance the cause in the face of chaos which requires no such inspiration. That's where we come in. That the number of veils has changed with the number of patterns reinforces that notion. I'm sure someone has wasted time fitting that into an equation."
"Perhaps, though given that only a very tiny number of people even knew about the Primal until recently, one would have to wonder who was being reminded?" Jerod muses.
"In any event, it is something to keep in mind when dealing with Corwin. His focus is certain to be different from Khela's, not simply because hers will not be clouded by a connection to her very own Pattern."
"Point taken. And like it or not we are all reminders that there is order in the universe. It is the inescapable fact of our existence. Do you happen to know if Khela knows any of the specifics about making Patterns? I noticed she was not in attendance at the family meeting."
"I do not." Jerod says. "She has had a considerable amount of time to make connections and do research however. I am led to believe she may have had some contact with my father, though the time frame is not defined and the actual contact is undetermined. I do not know if she might not have gleaned something from him. I would make the assumption that she knows little but is seeking much. In this matter, you may find it a benefit to play the role of a dumb male. Even though she is family, she was still raised in Rebma and it may give you an advantage if used properly."
Fletcher seems to take that as a cue to admit his own ignorance. "I must admit, I'm still not very clear on why one would need an advantage in this situation. As far as I can tell there is every reason for Xanadu and Rebma to be friends, and very little reason for them to work against each other. How much at odds have they been in recent years?"
"Khela is not Rebma." Jerod says. "Not yet. Moire's influence remains there even if she is not and she was not a fan of our new king. The forces that supported Moire, for reasons of their own, will not have our perspective on reality and the threats that both kingdoms face, nor is it feasible to advise them of these threats in some cases. Thus they will act in ways that may seem foolish or illogical. These are things that Khela must both counter, and deal with from her own supporters.
"Despite that she is family, you can be certain that the kings here did not provide her with a complete run-down of their intentions during any meeting they might have had with her. She is taking on a kingdom that is in flux, and it is in that state because of her actions, not theirs. They wish to see what she will do and what her intentions are. Under these circumstances, it is quite advisable to have an advantage. Even if you don't use it."
Fletcher makes a mental note to check with Random about any secret meetings His Maj has already had with cousin Khela. "I see. I shall endeavor to seize this advantage of being a 'dumb male'." Fletcher wonders how well that tactic has worked for Jerod in the past, but thinks better of asking. "On the topic of.... Rebman social attitudes...what are the rules about the Rebman queen marrying? Would she be able to cement an alliance with Paris by marrying Celina, for example?"
"It is not something I had considered." Jerod says simply. "Though Khela might consider it, I'm not sure it would fly. Rebma's social conventions are a bit more lenient in some respects from Amber's...and naturally they are biased towards women, but there are still limits. While the politician in me would believe that anything is possible if it develops power or influence for those involved, ego must also be considered. I would tend to think that Corwin would disagree. His level of disagreement would be compared to the amount of influence to be garnered by him and the risk involved. Barring a substantial change, I would believe that they would not balance in his favor."
Fletcher pauses to consider whether he's ever observed anything in Corwin's behavior to indicate that he's against girl-on-girl action. Then he decides that marriage (and love) is probably a different thing in Corwin's eyes. After a pause, he speaks. "I think you're right. Still, I wonder who Khela hopes to cultivate as allies if not her uncles. Does she have other friends outside of Rebma?"
"None that I am aware of." Jerod says. "I do not include the Tritons in the definition of external allies, though it is certain she has others who have provided support, whether voluntarily or from trade. She did not acquire Cneve's blade without some help."
"Thanks. Here's hoping that none of this comes up and I can wrap up my trip to Rebma quickly." Fletcher sips his wine. "But before that I've still got to wrap up some things in Xanadu. How long are you staying in Paris?"
"That will depend upon another meeting upcoming." Jerod says. "There are some investigations concerning my sister that require my attention. I do not believe I will be here long."
Last modified: 11 September 2010