Early in the evening, most of the family members in Paris (including all the PCs) are summoned to a family meeting in one of the salons in the Louvre. The room is well-appointed, but contains no mirrors. Instead it is lit by gas chandeliers and some additional candles.
Seating has been arranged around several large rugs; there are sofas and end tables and a few chairs that might have set around dining tables that have been pushed against the walls.
A buffet along the side of the room is heaped with still more food, even after the family gathering this afternoon. Someone in Paris, whether it's Florimel, Corwin, or one of his servants, appears to believe the royals should be well fed. There's also a well-stocked bar with plenty of glassware.
No servants are present to attend to stocking plates and pouring fresh glasses.
In addition to Random and Corwin, all the brothers sworn to Random except Caine are present, and all three of their surviving sisters. Merlin and Martin are also present. Vialle is not, nor is Khela, nor Meg, nor Brij, nor several other family members who were present at the funeral. A well-informed family member might guess that the dividing line between 'invited' and 'not invited' is whether or not someone has walked the Pattern. Most of the elders have changed out of their funeral gear into something more comfortable, although Florimel is still in black.
When the last of the family members has arrived and everyone has had a chance to get a drink or have one fetched, Corwin gestures to Merlin, who gets up and goes to the door to shut it.
This seems to be Corwin's signal to speak. "Thank you for joining me this evening. Traditionally we used to do these things in the library, but the Pavilion de Bibliotheque would be overlarge for even this group." He looks around at the number of family members. "We're also more secure here." He looks at Random.
Random stands up after Corwin finishes. "OK, thanks. So, anyway, a lot of you have been at at least one of these confabs before, and this one is no different from the others, except in the ways that it is.
"The main thing we're here to do is talk family business. First up is news. On pain of being made to chug all of whatever fruit-based atrocity it is that Gerard has under that tiny paper umbrella, we do not start talking plans or coordinating attacks or anything until we've let everyone tell what they know, because we'll just waste a lot of effort otherwise.
"Any questions? Corwin's place, he's host and arbitrator. I'll be taking notes and naps, depending on how entertaining you are. Ready, steady go!" He looks around the room to see who has news.
Gerard says, "Caine is with me by Trump."
This appears to be no surprise to their brothers and sisters.
From his seat beside Folly, Martin raises his hand. "I have two pieces of news. First, after some research into the matter, it seems that Meg is my daughter and I acknowledge her as such." He pauses for a moment, and it's pretty clear who knew: Random, Folly, and Merlin. There are a lot of speculative looks around the room. Before anyone can ask any questions, though, Martin continues, "And, second, as many of you already know, my wife Folly is pregnant, and I acknowledge the child she's bearing as mine to the family." And having made his announcements, Martin sits down.
Jerod is to one side, a drink of something clear and strong in the tumbler he is carrying. Beyond listening and watching, very carefully, he says nothing.
Vere is standing with his back to a wall, beside his father's wheeled chair. He appears to be staring at a point directly across the room from where he stands, somewhere close to the ceiling.
Celina is sitting in an over-sized leather chair near to Merlin. She turns toward each speaker, engaging visually even though only listening, almost as if she is reading lips. She's dressed down, having dropped the Parisian style completely. She's wearing red boots, black loose trousers and a black draping tunic that appears three sizes too big for her. She's drinking ginger ale neat.
Conner smiles at Folly and Martin. "Congratulations, Highness and cousin." Conner nods to them both and then stands to speak next. "In time, I shall be happy to report on the battle in Rebma with Huon's forces in detail if requested. For now the short version is that Huon's forces have been repulsed and Rebma is recovering from a seaquake that struck during the battle. The damage pattern is reminiscent of the Sundering in Amber though less severe."
Conner pauses a moment and then continues. "On a personal note, I have been offered a position in Rebma's court as bearer of its Pattern Blade. I have accepted and with His Majesty's permission will be a vassal of both realms." Unless questioned further, Conner retakes his seat and awaits reactions.
Brennan doesn't seem surprised by Martin's news, but then, he's always had a reasonably good poker face. He also nods his congratulations to Martin and Folly, then stands and says, "On the subject of Huon, some additional notes. One, he's still alive and at large. Two, for purposes of later planning, my brother provided me with Trump of him. It's possible Huon does not even know it exists, and we should keep it that way."
Brennan looks as though he might say more, but looks around the room first, to avoid stepping on something that might rightly be considered someone else's news.
While Garrett has a decent poker face when he's playing poker, he has not yet learned to cover his thoughts completely in Royal company. His face registers surprise at Martin's comments about Meg and he smiles with delight at Folly when Martin discusses their impending parenthood.
When it comes his turn to speak, he rises from his seat on a nearby ottoman and says somewhat tentatively, "Most of you already know any news I have. Father, Brita, Signy and I rescued the Queen from a shadow that Father said was on the far side of Tir. In that place, shadows of Robin and Father were being held captive by one I'm told was the Marshall of the Moonriders. All but the Queen turned insubstantial when attacked. Anything more on this is probably someone else's news to tell." He glances around at Signy and Brita before continuing.
"Also, Lord Conner and I spoke at length with Silhouette, who stated that she is negotiating Huon's surrender with Father. On the other hand, she also admitted to being the one who manufactured the weapons for him." Garrett shrugs. "Make of that what you will, I reckon." He sits back down and bites into a pear he had been holding, seeming uncomfortable at speaking freely before so many with so much more experience than he.
Folly sits a little straighter -- or perhaps just more rigidly -- at that news; she presses her lips together in a thin line and exchanges a look with Martin. To the room at large, she says, "And I suppose I should share -- in the confidence of those gathered here -- that I have recently learned that Huon is my sire. We're hoping 'homicidal maniac' is one of those traits that skips three or four or twelve generations." She squeezes Martin's hand.
Signy sits quietly, holding a glass of amber-colored liquid that she sips from infrequently. She's changed from the Parisian clothing provided for Lucas' funeral, into a pair of black pants that tuck into a pair of boots and a white tunic.
As Garrett speaks and looks at her, she nods in agreement, though she doesn't offer anything further as Folly speaks.
Ossian has followed his cousins' words, very carefully. When he starts talking his voice is even. "Well, I have a confession to make. Something I promised Lucas not to talk about, but I do consider that promise void now. Anyway. Lucas's wife Solace has had fainting spells. The second one was me trying to Trump her. I did not intend to hurt her, I didn't know at the time...that some people are hurt by Trump calls. There were rumors. Lucas wanted to determine if she was family, and asked me if I secretly could paint a Trump of her..."
Ossian trails off.
Edan, sitting at Bleys's right hand, almost appears to have gotten the hang of sitting in a regular chair; still, he stands after [Ossian] speaks. "For those of you who do not know, I ran into the daughter of the High Marshall of Ghenesh," he says. "She was in a race, trying to win a prize from Count Madoc that would help the Moonriders somehow. Speaking to her, I gathered that the Gheneshi still have us in their sights; she used the word 'heads', and she used the word "battlefield'. This was before Queen Vialle's rescue, if that has any bearing." And he sits back down.
Brita is filling a plate at the buffet. She turns and notes "The Moonrider Marshall has the Shadow Robin and Shadow Random Held with a Large Silver Chain. When the Scene Disappeared, the Queen and the Silver Chain Remained, although She was no longer Sighted and it was Smaller." Brita moves to sit down near her brother, close enough to share the bounty she has brought back if desired.
Brita's comments seem to have covered anything that anyone might have to say about Ossian's announcements, which is good since several people seem to have been ready to speak up about what Ossian had to say.
Before any of them manage to say anything, Corwin interposes: "Let's get all of our announcements out of the way before we move into discussing any of them." He looks around and his eyes fall on his youngest sister.
Taking this as a signal, Florimel speaks up from her place near Corwin. She does not come to her feet. "I have two things to say to the assembled family. First, the woman Silhouette, Huon's envoy, claims to be my daughter Eidothea. I don't know who she is, but Eidothea is dead and this woman is not she. Second, Solace has brought me evidence that my son Lucas fathered three children besides Hope and Philippe during Gerard's regency there. I will be seeking those children out to arrange for their fosterage even if Solace proves unable to care for them."
After a moment in which Florimel's comments can be digested, Jerod taps the now empty glass on the edge of a table, eliciting a quiet tone that rings through the room. While several might have been prepared to speak on Ossian's announcement, Jerod did not appear to be ready to jump into that fray, though it's not clear that he might not have something to say...later.
"Huon knew more than he was letting on." Jerod says. "I went to him with an offer of amnesty, backed by our two Kings and our warmaster. But he did not ask the right questions when I spoke with him, even in an oblique fashion.
"Accumulated intelligence says he went through the Isles and Abford. He had guns with him, which would fit with Silhouette's involvement. He also spent time with Gateway which would fit with the number of mages under his command when we defeated his forces. Too many in my opinion to be a casual recruitment drive. His journey was methodical and precise and he knew exactly where to go to find what he was looking for. This does not fit the pattern of a recently escaped man. Either he had outside help..." Jerod says, and stops, leaving the alternative of an inside source for everyone to fill in on their own.
"Finally, he learned from somewhere to remove all the blood from his body. It's the only reason he's not dead on the battlefield now." Jerod adds, heading off to collect another drink.
Brennan's standing motif for the evening seems to be not to let anything surprise him, or even react overly much to anything-- there will be plenty of news and information trading hands, and plenty of time to be surprised about it later. After Jerod speaks, Brennan adds, "Since we're circling back to Huon, let me echo Jerod's sentiment. He knew exactly the effect his blood would have, and the term he used for his threat-- Sundering the Pattern of Rebma-- match common parlance for an event which did not exist until shortly." He looks around again, and not seeing Robin, adds, "And on a related note, I've been warned that our little chase through near Shadow into the Dragon's territory may incite a certain... reprisal."
Celina is left watching Brennan, the last speaker, as she offers, "I have a few things to add. Dara was about with allies that are versed in mirror and sorcery and wearing some echoes of Rebman culture. I had a look at that ally and a wall of carvings behind them as they met----- if someone later can make sketches based on what I saw and identify the shadow. I venture Dara had a hand in educating Huon so thoroughly but have no further evidence of her complicity in the attack on Rebma."
Then Celina takes out the Rebman bracelet and slips it onto her dark wrist. "Huon recognized this from Abford and thought I was Llewella's daughter. He flattered me and gave it as a present. He knew Rebma of old. If someone has comments on this bauble, we can address that later.
"Secondly," she goes on, "Moire had agents in Paris working on a refined mirror of exceptional character. I acquired the instrument that is as good as anything I've ever seen in Rebma. It would be a powerful device even if never augmented. The one I have may be the only one they made. I do not know how long I have been gone in shadow from Paris and how long the delegation from Rebma has been here." Celina allows her attention to softly glide away from Brennan towards Llewella.
"Third, I remain a supporter of the Rebman throne, despite my mother's displacement." Celina doesn't smile or make this flat offering shaded with any emotion of face or body or tone. She's well aware from her history readings that people in this family don't make known their alliances so freely.
At this juncture Fletcher chooses to set down his martini and stand. When you're as dashingly handsome as Hugh Laurie, one rarely feels the need to change out of formal wear, though his scabbard is slung over the shoulder of his tuxedo jacket out of habit. Stepping forward he clears his throat and addresses the assemblage. "My arrival is ill-timed, I regret. I have only had the opportunity to meet a few of you. My name is Fletcher, Knight Commander of the Order of the Unicorn and Defender of the Faith. I am the son of Prince Benedict and Princess Emerald. I have only in recent weeks returned from extended journeys in Shadow. Until a few years ago I had had some news of the royal family from King Oberon. Prior to my journeys the last new family member I had the pleasure of meeting was the newborn Princess Deirdre. Other than an introduction, I have only the following news to offer. First, the moonriders sought me out in Shadow to file a complaint against Amber, namely that Prince Bleys stood accused of interfering in matters of their internal politics. I duly resolved to forward their complaint to the court of Amber, and did some a couple of weeks ago. Second, lest there be any doubts, I intend to fulfill my duty and renew my oath of fealty to the Unicorn throne and its chosen occupant, King Random. Third, I have already volunteered to participate in a formal mission to Rebma in the near future and would welcome (at a suitable time, of course) any insights any might...care to offer into Rebman matters."
Having shared his announcements, Fletcher takes up his seat and his martini once more.
Vere steps forward, nodding a welcome to Fletcher, whom he has never seen before, and then looks at Random as he speaks. "In what is believed by some to be a matter related to the Moonriders, several members of the family have reported seeing a vision of a woman, either floating in the air or seated upon a throne, with white skin and red hair, wearing a white robe. Some who have seen her report a sensation that she is seeking someone. She has been tentatively associated with a figure from legend known as the Queen of Air and Darkness."
He pauses, then continued, "On another matter, concerning the Rebman situation, the former Queen appeared within the encampment of the Children of Lyr, the elite band I recruited in Rebma from the Coldstream Guard to aid me in the civil war in the shadow of my birth. She demanded that they abandon their oaths to me and serve her, calling upon their duty as soldiers of Rebma. Somewhat less than half of my hundred chosen men obeyed, and left with her. Her destination after leaving my camp is unknown."
He gives a slight bow to the king and steps back into his place by his father, his gaze returning to the spot on the wall he has been so intensely studying.
Ossian raises his voice once again "I think mine and Brita's meeting with this white lady got forgotten in the whole Huon/Pinabello mess. Also on our way to Rebma we met a high-ranked lady who called herself Lady Fate.
"As for children, I seem to have one too. She's currently in Xanadu."
Edan, thinking of something else, says, "Cousin Ambrose is leading his people out of Uxmal. Where they are ultimately going, I am not sure. But Lilly and I stopped Chantico and her army from wiping them out."
Corwin has been listening to each of the announcements in turn. "Moonriders, the Queen of Air and Darkness, Huon, the civil war in Rebma, dragons, missing nephews, newly discovered children, and Patterns that may be broken." He looks at Random. "Sounds about like the last time we did this." Then, turning back to the room, he says, "One more round, I think. Does anyone have anything new to add?"
"I do," says Gerard. "I regret to say that my daughter Solange has violated a decree I made as Regent and for her treason, has been exiled from Xanadu until such time as she makes peace with those offended by her actions."
Fiona rises from her chair for a moment. "On the matter of missing nephews, I've attempted to contact Reid by trump and been unable to reach him. I have no sense that he was blocking, but he didn't answer. We know why Solange, Ambrose, and Caine aren't here, and I've seen Robin in Xanadu. Has anyone tried Marius?"
Brennan shakes his head at Fiona's question, and waits to see if anyone else answers it. But he does have one more thing to say. "This probably is not news, but let it be said formally. It is no fault of Ossian's that this is late in coming. Ossian is my son, and I acknowledge him as such."
At the mention of Marius's name, Signy sits a little straighter.
"There's no-one here to introduce me," she states slowly, "so I guess I'll have to do it myself. I'm Dierdre's daughter, Signy. Marius is my brother, though I haven't seen him since I walked the Pattern. He tracked me down on the Plain of Towers, but I haven't seen him since then." Her voice trails off uncertainly, looking a bit surprised that she actually spoke up.
Celina is yet cycling through each puzzle piece as it is put down in the middle of the family session. The introduction of new names seems to change her face the most, adding brightness to her emerald eyes. The mention of Silhouette does not have this effect due to Florimel's presentation. Her eyes stray back to Edan and Signy when the pause between speakers arrives. She runs her fingertips over the gleaming bracelet she wears. Then the Seaward lass seems to make up her mind and throws wide a welcoming smile to Signy.
Garrett finds himself a bit overwhelmed by all these bits of news spilled out on the table like pieces from an upended jigsaw puzzle box. He refrains from comment for the moment, waiting to see what sort of picture the more experienced of the group start to put together.
Fletcher takes it all in stride for the moment, and jovially shakes up another round of martinis. His eyes leave little doubt that his brain is furiously processing this information though.
Brita continues to eat as she listens.
Corwin looks around and sees that no one else seems to have any announcements for now. "If someone has a trump for Marius, they can step into a corner and try it. Otherwise we'll see what we can do after the meeting," he says by way of closing off Fiona's question.
"Right," says Random. "Now my notes say 'Blah, blah, blah Moonriders, blah, blah blah, Queen of Air and Darkness', which are two pretty insubstantial but plentiful things to be Queen of.
"If I understand this properly, this chica was queen of Tir or something, then wasn't, and is now what some of us call 'Floaty Woman'. It sounds like she's trying to get back, or get in touch with someone, or something like that, and we think it's bad news. Correct?"
Bleys looks up, over his drink, "Perhaps we can refrain from describing her as 'Floaty Woman' in the presence of Moonriders and Altamareans. They're sensitive. She is their Queen, according to their legends. Her return heralds their triumph over the forces of your Majesties. In legend, anyway. It's unclear why she is as she is, but it has something to do with why Tir is as it is."
"As some of you will remember," Corwin says, looking to Bleys and Benedict, "the Moonriders have disruptive powers of time and space. Legend says they got these powers when she transformed them. We don't know the limits of what she can do, but it won't be good for us if she does it."
Benedict shifts his weight, and Corwin pauses. "She is a remnant of a lost age, of which I am almost the sole survivor. We need no repetition of the troubles of that bygone time." Both Fiona and Bleys look interested in asking more, but they refrain, at least for now.
"Agreed," says Corwin. "Several of you mentioned that you'd seen her: Vere, Ossian, Brita. We also know that Solange saw her, although she refused to speak of it when Hannah and I were on our way to Tir to see what we could learn about Cambina and Vialle, and she's not here now."
"Anyway," interrupts Random, "she's not here now. It's interesting that we've been seeing her all over the place and then we have the freaky stuff with the Moonriders, including when we saw them doing something to Vialle in Tir. I think that's a freaky vision, anyway, and I was there."
Random stands up. "What are we going to do about it? What can we do about it? Let's start with 'who has an idea what we can do about it?' The floor is open."
Jerod finishes pouring his drink from the bottle of grappa, a vague look of disappointment on his face as he taps out the last drop, hoping that Corwin has more somewhere though he is not rude enough to go rooting about for it at the moment.
"Lots of threads, and this Queen figures prominently." Jerod says, staring into the glass as he composes his thoughts. "So we go through the bluntly obvious things first. We need information on the Queen, but I'm going to assume a venture to Tir would not be a move conducive to survival. If I'm wrong, I'll be the first to head up for a look. We know she's looking for something but we don't know what or who, so we need to find that out - again brutally obvious. We've got enough forces moving in the background to make me wonder if she's the one connected to them. If as has been mentioned her followers, and logically herself, have a disruptive influence on space and time, then her appearances could be forward or past relative to our own. She is a logical candidate to be acclaimed puppet master, nudging forces into place to achieve her objective. But we need verification from one of these pawns, like Huon, to verify this.
"I offer this because of something that was mentioned to me about Moire. Prior to Huon and Khela's arrival and the immediate battle that followed, Moire was convinced that her death was upon her, that she would not survive the battle's outcome. Then suddenly, this was gone and she made her way out of Rebma without detection. Conveniently in time for Khela to assume the throne and put things on that Pattern position into flux. I wonder as to whether Moire received a visit from the Queen of Tir, another pawn in the chess game to be maneuvered for advantage.
"Which leads me to a set of questions that go to the beginnings of Tir I suspect. Did the Queen of Tir draw her Pattern, given the parallel that Moins was to Rebma what Oberon was to Amber. And why was Brand so interested in Tir and re-writing reality, beyond the too easy answer that he was mad."
Jerod slugs back his drink at that point, letting the burn of it work through him as he looks at the collected room.
"Could Moire have been handing out a herring of the red color, cousin?" Edan asks immediately, and then frowns, and his eyes go a little unfocused. "The Queen walks paths outside Time and Space because they are the same thing. Except when they are not. She might already know that Tir-na Nog'th is not accessible from Amber. I do not know how intertwined her paths are with the road between the Patterns, but she obviously can use them to observe us and stay outside our knowledge. We need a way to reverse that advantage, a way to stay unobserved by her and the Moonriders, and yet be able to watch them. We do not have the initiative."
Celina appears most intrigued in what Edan has said about Moire.
Brita is listening intently to the discussions but has nothing to offer yet.
Ossian is also silent. His hands are busy folding a piece of paper.
Vere remains silent as well, having nothing of import to add to this topic at this time.
Brennan listens to the interplay between Jerod and Edan, and when Edan is finished, says, "I suggest when referring to Kings and Queens, along the Faiella-Bionin, we start giving enough information to make clear who we're referring to. Names might be ideal, but I have yet to hear anyone in this discussion give a name for this Queen of Air and Darkness.
"Who," Brennan transitions smoothly, "I have also seen. I think my circumstances are different from other tales I've heard. I did not see her awake, but saw her in a dream. I believe I was witnessing something that happened a very long time ago, and I don't believe I was witnessed in return, but it's difficult to be certain. The dream itself was relatively recent," Brennan says.
"As for what we can do about it," Brennan says, "several of us have our own knowledge of Time and Space. But if she or the Moonriders or both are bringing war to our doorsteps, that won't help very much unless we know the motives of the conflict and more importantly, their objectives and ambitions. Do we know what they are? Failing that, what they were in past conflicts?" Brennan's question is addressed to the room at large, but he's looking in the general direction of Corwin and Benedict, the eldest in the room.
"The Paresh aren't related to this Queen or the Moonriders, are they? They seemed pretty agitated about leaving Amber a while back," Garrett ventures.
"Ah," Vere answers, taking a half step forward in response to Garrett's question. "There are certain points of interest. Their temple was built on the same site as an ancient temple owned by monks brought to Amber by Pastorale, the mother of Reid, from a city or world beginning with 'Par.' These monks were near human, but not quite human. Reid claimed to have no memory of people answering this description. Elder Germaine saw a vision that appeared to be a memory, or a foretelling, of a Moonrider attack on Amber. And Germaine was able to see the vision of the Queen of Air and Darkness, and appears to have seen her several times, at the place where the Paresh settled." He shrugs very sligthly. "Suggestive, but not conculsive."
He steps back to his place beside his father.
It's not clear that any of the elders besides Gerard even know who or what the Paresh are.
Vere having answered Garrett's question, at least insofar as anyone can, Corwin answers Brennan's. "They want free access to Tir, both up and down. They can't have it."
Benedict nods to Corwin's statement, and adds, "Those of us who might know, or suspect, her name do not use it because names have power. The Moonriders are, as Edan suggests, not entirely in the here and now. Their perspectives are no longer so limited."
"Which is," Bleys adds, "a result of something the Queen of Air and Darkness did to the Moonriders. All of them." He looks around to be sure Brennan and Edan at least, understand the implications: the immense level of power it would take to achieve to warp reality on that scale.
"Which means," Corwin says, bringing that thought full circle, "you don't want to draw her attention by naming her, or meeting her in Tir, if she's there. It could be fatal."
"And Brand?" Jerod asks.
Fletcher lets out a long breath. "If Brand was after knowledge, it's possible the Paresh had it. Or their associates. It would not have been cheap. They've been around a long time, and mostly seem interested in gathering information. We might be able to bargain with them."
Little of what Corwin, Benedict, or Bleys say seems surprising to Brennan, although having several of his hunches confirmed is disturbing. His attention remains mostly on Benedict through that discussion, and if there is eye contact between them it is clear that Brennan means to continue this discussion with Benedict at some near date.
After Jerod's question and Fletcher's response, Brennan says, "To bargain with the Paresh, we'd need to know their goals as well. But if we know what the Moonriders are after, we can focus on capabilities. Does this 'broader perspective' of theirs give them some limited mobility through Shadow? In theory?" Brennan looks toward Bleys, Conner, and especially Fiona. "In practice?" Brennan glances at all the people who've had some contact with them. "And a related question: if they're going to need to use the Faiella-Bionin to get what they want, do we know the full extent of the new geography? How many ways are there into Tir-na Nog'th, now?"
"Didn't Lucas investigate the Paresh?" Ossian says. "Do we know what he found out?"
Garrett shifts uncomfortably. "I don't know if it means anything, but back before anyone knew who I was, Lucas approached me about... doing some work for him. It sounded like it involved investigation of some sort, but I turned it down. I wanted to be on good footing when my identity came out. I don't know exactly what he was investigating or if he found anyone else to do it," he offers.
Martin fields this one. "Lucas was investigating a number of matters for the Regency Council. I've been following up on a number of them myself since the Coronation, but I can't say this one was among them." He glances at Random. "Someone will have to deal with it after we find anything Lucas left in his papers."
Flora shakes her head. "I haven't seen anything that deals with that directly, but Lucas' correspondence was voluminous."
"I have some ideas," Martin says, but doesn't go any further down that track.
Benedict picks up next. "And in answer to Brennan's questions, the Moonriders can walk through space and, to a certain extent, time, which means they are not limited by the natural Shadow paths--although they are not completely unlimited, either. And there are two paths into Tir. Xanadu secures one and I secure the other." If Brennan's expectation of further conversation impresses him one way or the other, Benedict doesn't show it.
Bleys nods. "It is my understanding that we still have the monopoly on controlled transit through shadow, with limited exceptions. If we fear the Queen is in Tir, we need to assure that the Tir-facing segments of the Faiella-Bionin are watched, and off-limits to casual visitors. The quaintly macabre custom of visiting the city above needs to be stopped in Xanadu." Bleys looks around. "Present company excluded, of course, but no one should go there without a partner on the ground.
He turns to Jerod. "Brother Brand's issues in Tir came after Jones Falls and before Patternfall. He was not affected by the Queen." He sounds certain.
Before the trouble that seems to be brewing there can go any further, Corwin speaks up. "We seem to have a good idea of what we know and don't know, at least. Volunteering to find out more will come at the end of the evening. For now let's move on to Rebma and the civil war. Huon should follow from there, but let's keep to Rebma for the moment. Khela is here in Paris; Moire is missing with the guards she took from Vere's camp. Do we know where the rest of her senior courtiers are?"
Martin says, "Valeria was still in Xanadu as of Cambina's memorial. I saw her with the Rebmans but I didn't speak to her." He trades glances with his wife on that topic, but doesn't add any more, perhaps because he doesn't know any more.
"Loreena was captured before the battle in Rebma and given limited freedom under parole by Celina. She is still in Rebma." Conner replies. "Has Rilsa or Bend been sighted in Paris?" He asks looking at Corwin or Celina.
Jerod makes note of Bleys' comments, a mental box opening up to store additional details as they become available for this time frame in Brand's life. He does not say anything in response to Bleys' comments however.
"The Queen's historian has been residing with me in Xanadu for the time being." Jerod offers. "The situation in Rebma is not conducive to her return. We have both agreed that an alternate situation should be developed for her, even if Moire should return in the near future. I will be looking into that."
Celina nods at Conner and pauses at Jerod's news. She nods once again. "Bend was captured in Paris and is held there. Rilsa is apparently with Moire yet, having been seen leaving with her and accompanying her at several places in the city before Moire departed there. The rest of the embassy is under watch." She glances at Vere, expecting some confirmation of Rilsa's presence at the army camp.
"Moire's daughter was with her when she came to my camp," Vere responds. "And departed with her along with my forsworn men. Along with a lady attendant. I did not get the name of the attendant."
"Who else among her inner circle have we not accounted for yet?" Folly asks. "Or... even outside her own court, which of her allies would be most likely to come to her personal aid? Aunt Llewella, do you have any insights?" She turns her curious gaze to her conspicuously silent aunt.
It's evident from his silence so far that Brennan has little to say on the subject of Rebman politics. Those who know him can tell that while he's listening to the conversation around him with much more than half an ear, more than half his mind is on something else-- probably re-examining things in the context of all the speculations that Benedict, Corwin and Bleys have either confirmed or denied for him, turning them over, re-weighting then, putting them in a box with everything else and shaking them until they stick together.
Fletcher has little to add, but leans forward and pays close attention to what's said about Rebma, soaking up information, gin, and vermouth like a sponge.
Signy offers a cautious, quiet smile to Celina, but otherwise sits and silently sips her drink.
Llewella starts naming off senior courtiers and their locations and expected loyalties. As best as Jerod can tell, after his absence from court during the Regency in Amber, Llewella's descriptions are faithful and accurate. Conner also agrees with the names he knows about from his time working with Khela and his time working for the Ambassador in Rebma. And Celina, while less acquainted with the details of their politics, finds her account of the movers and shakers of the court to be complete.
Vere also recognizes many names from the female relatives of the Children of Lyr. It seems to him that some families are playing a dual-headed strategy with some loyal to Khela and others loyal to Moire. It may reflect internal conflict in the families or, Vere suspects in some cases, a policy of having family members on both sides of the civil war so the family and the line survive no matter who ends as Queen.
Martin adds occasional comments in Folly's ear now and then, since he's sitting next to her.
Moving outwards, Llewella talks about the Shells, who seem more supportive of Khela in the civil war than the court or the civilian population of Rebma. Moire's support in the Seawards was thin and Khela is, in some respects, one of their own.
Most of the rest of Llewella's generation have little to say during the discussion of Rebma. Some of them nod here and there, but they're either up on the politics or learning from the people who are speaking.
As that conversation seems to be dying down, Julian speaks up. "To the knowledge of any here, has Khela made any plans for the succession in Rebma, should she successfully mount the throne?"
Jerod looks over in the direction of Llewella and Celina, having nothing to add on that line of questioning.
Folly looks gravely at Martin and whispers, "If a narwhal offers you a shiny rock, just say no."
Celina counts a few breaths because the question is so very hard considering where she has been and where she is going. "Not that I know of." But of course, Khela has because she has had so long to think about it. Conner would not be a bad choice. Perhaps.
Brita has been stealing sideways glances at her Brother through the Rebman discussion in which she has nothing to add.
Conner shakes his head as a negative to Julian's question. "Though I am sure she has considered the question, she has not revealed any choices made to me." Conner looks over to Llewella for her response.
Vere listens to the discussion of Rebma with interest, but does not speak.
"She doesn't have to declare at all. Dad didn't," Corwin points out.
It takes Gerard to back up his brother. "And look at where that got him. And you," he points out.
Nobody in the elder generation seems inclined to answer that. Martin, apparently deciding he can afford to, speaks up instead. "I talked to her briefly this afternoon, and I didn't get any hints either, although I think she has some ideas about where not to look. But as some of you will recall, there are known precedents for a Rebman interregnum."
"Anyway," Random interrupts before Martin can elaborate on that, "she hasn't sent out jade-bordered heir-announcement cards, so sounds like we should just ask her. Informally. I'm sure we won't be the first to do so, either. So, next topic. I think it was 'Tritons, threat or menace?' Conner? Anyone? Also, who needs another drink?" he says, walking to the bar.
"I'll take a double." Conner replies. "As for the Tritons, they are a race of servants about to be given their freedom. It's been so long since they've had it I've no idea what they might do with it. At the moment, they are still deferential to the one that freed them from Moire and feel they owe an obligation to the holder of the Pattern Blade of Rebma for 'It is the Sword of the Queen's Champion, used to seal the covenant between two mighty armies of old. She who wields it must be obeyed, for it is the last defender of Rebma and cannot be untrue to her rightful Queen.'" Conner quotes. "I am trying to learn more about the exact nature of this covenant and the motivations of the Tritons. I feel for Khela's position that the Tritons deserve better than the life Moire decreed they should have, but I worry much about freeing the Tritons from their binding."
"Perhaps the Tritons worry as well," Celina offers. "It seems in all this that there is something of substance to the idea of 'rightful ruler'. It is especially dangerous in a Pattern realm to presume you have the throne when you do not have the previous occupant's blessing." She does not look at Corwin or Random, but keeps her scrutiny on Conner and Llewella.
Jerod puts his glass down slowly, debating on a drink, detesting the thinness of the air. "Deference and gratitude quickly turn to misery if one's not careful. Has anyone determined beyond rumour if the Tritons are tied to the Dragon of our Warden's duty?"
"Rebman Green does not Smell like Arden Green," Brita notes.
"When did you encounter the Green in Rebma?" Jerod asks.
"Rebman Green," Brita corrects, pointing to Celina. "The Scent of the Rebman Ancestry is Different than That of Arden Ancestry like Cousin Daeon. Cousin Ossian and I met Others of Rebman Green on our Way Down to Mirror Rebma"
"I wonder how the Tritons would smell to you, sister." Conner muses. "They claim to be sons of a Dragon in the kelplands of Nedra as Artemis and their ilk claim ancestry of a Dragon in Arden. Investigating the truth of these claims is on my list of tasks."
Garrett rises and walks over to the bar, offering to hand off drinks to anyone who appears interested in Random's offer. He also pours a glass of something amber-colored for himself as he listens to the discussion.
"Before speculating on the effects of their freedom," Brennan asks, "do we know the historical details of their enslavement?" Clearly Brennan doesn't, or he wouldn't have asked....
"Bear in mind that this was far enough back that historical and mythical are almost synonyms." Conner states. "But the story as I understand it is that the Dragon of Nedra saw this little upstart underwater city of Rebma grow large enough that it felt threatened. It sent its sons, the Tritons, to destroy the city and in that battle Cneve, son of Osric, fought with the Tritons and was killed. That event naturally brought the wrath of Amber upon the Tritons and the battle swiftly turned against the Dragon and her sons. I am not sure if the Dragon sued for peace or if an ultimatum was issued, but an agreement was reached. The Dragon would not attack Rebma again and the Tritons would enter into service of the Royal Line of Rebma.
"As for the oath sworn," Conner pauses a moment and then begins to recite in a voice not quite his own. It has feminine overtones. Those familiar with Khela's speech patterns would recognize them. "The way the oath was phrased was quite clever. The tritons were bound to the defense of the city and into the service of the queen, by the power of throne and jewel and the tokens of sword and scepter. They were bound to protect the city from friend, foe, and family, as long as their line continued. It's a reasonably lawyerly oath, and it's written in verse. The upshot of it, I have the senior token and they somehow know that Moire doesn't really have the true power of the powers." Conner drops his head and smiles and his voice is again his own. "Apparently, the oath is written in Mabrahoring which makes it subject to interpretation even more so than most contracts. Have I left any details out?" Conner looks over at Llewella.
Vere frowns thoughtfully. "Perhaps I am being overly legalistic myself," he says, "But it occurs to me that an argument might be made that if the Tritons are freed from their oaths by the Queen of Rebma, that could be taken to also release the Dragon from her commitment not to attack Rebma."
Now that is disturbing and it shows on Celina's face. She wonders immediately about Orseas and the feelings she's often had for his strong guardianship. Is it only the binding word of the oath that ties them together? She realizes the Dragon of ....Nedra ...being a greater sire, perhaps of Chaos, changes things markedly. The Tritons and their leadership should answer a few questions about their expectations for her. Atrios told her to learn and return. 'You are our hope.'
Celina looks at Llewella. Another Pattern walker is not their hope. I am their hope. Starfish it is so bizarre! Wait. She told Jerod all this. Her eyes pivot to Jerod.
Celina glances away. Jerod knows. He isn't saying anything. She looks back to Llewella to hear what she will say to Conner's question.
After listening attentively to Conner's comments, Jerod's expression changed slightly, his mind sifting back through old memories. As Vere adds his comments, Jerod picks up a smooth, shiny dinner plate and examines the surface for a moment.
That Jerod notices the look Celina gives him is apparent by his non-attention towards it. He breathes on the plate, letting his breath form a misty film, before appearing to doodle on it.
"Celina?" Jerod asks, taking his hand and deliberately wiping away from the plate's surface whatever image he may have put there. He is looking directly at her. "Is there something you would like to add?"
Mmm. Celina watches Llewella's expression during the sleight of hand by Jerod with the dinnerware. "I'll add my concerns to those Conner and Vere. Many here would have heard this, but for clarity I shall add one more thing to the mix. The Tritons are looking for my return to Rebma. Both sides of the Tritons; Loyalists and those with questions about the Oath. I am to understand that I am their 'hope'."
Celina's expression seems shadowed with irony but it is also worried.
"Hmmm," says Llewella, "if you are their hope, I'd recommend trying not to get dashed. Are you sure they didn't mean 'you and Khela and her army and all her friends?' As for the Tritons and their oath, that was long before my time." She pauses. "Benedict was there."
"Conner accurately told the tale," replies the eldest surviving Prince. "Cneve's loss was why the Warden was banned from direct combat with Arden's captive dragon. Cneve was Osric's," he adds with a glance to Fletcher.
Corwin's lips tighten at the mention of this, but he adds nothing. Julian's expression remains impassive.
From her position next to Martin, Folly can tell that he's very much not choosing not to say anything, but the conversation is both confirming a number of unpleasant suspicions and burning some of the fuse on his temper.
She lays a hand on his, soothingly, though her own expression is grim.
Celina nods in agreement with Llewella. Not to be dashed was a full time preoccupation of late. She notes her father's change in expression. Disapproval of Rebma's battle with the Dragon? Or disagreement with Oberon? Celina looked around at the assembled authority. A cranky disappointed lot, when they felt like sharing their opinions. How easy it would be to become so much like them. Celina speaks to the eldest prince. "Does the ban still stand? And banned because there was a better plan or because there was no better plan?"
Fletcher grins and nods toward Llewella, and gives his father a sidelong glance. He wonders how long his father's apparent strategy of "let people learn things for themselves" will hold out against repeated demands for historical data.
"It was not the first plan for dealing with the Arcadian problem that Father had to ban because it had failed," Benedict replies. "As for the current state of the ban, I believe that is Random's to say."
He looks to Random, who looks around for a moment before speaking up. "Um, me? OK, here's the deal. The point of the ban, as I understand it is to keep Amber, by which I mean Dad, out of a war he didn't choose. Right now I think we're not really ready to pick any fights, so the ban stands for weekdays that end in 'y'. It extends to any warstarting, unless I've already given you permission to start one."
"What about the Moonriders?" Bleys asks in a tone of studious casualness.
Random shrugs. "They're why I don't want to start unnecessary fights. If they start it, we fight them."
Corwin looks up. "Good enough. If we've decided on a common origin for the Arcadian dragon and the mother of the Tritons, we still have to decide what to do about it. And what to do about the dragons Caine and Bleys ran into while they were chasing Huon--if they're the same."
"Several of those had the misfortune of being splattered into near two dimensions as we were departing." Jerod says, having put the plate down. "Fighting them was interesting. One of them reacted strangely when I tried to force it into stasis. I'm not sure how to describe it.
"They were not pleased with our arrival. Given the choice of pissing them off or letting Huon get away with the Green Blade, I voted to let them be pissed off."
Brennan nods at Jerod's assessment of the priorities. "I'd have done the same." But he's still frowning to himself. "I would not be surprised if what we faced were related, literally, or by some Shadow-reflection, to the Dragon of Arcadia. They were certainly tinged with Chaos. But I don't recall seeing the same--" Brennan makes a half-hearted motion with his fingers "--aura as I've seen with respect to the Dragon or its minions.
"Not to mention, there were half a dozen odd of these things, about half of which didn't survive. Not the class of being I would expect to threaten Amber by its solitary existence," Brennan concludes.
Edan speaks up. "The Arcadian Dragon has a different kind of Ordered taint than those that were born Ordered or made Ordered," he says. "I was told that it was exposed to the Pattern when it was drawn, back in the beginning. If the Mother of the Tritons is the same, or a reflection, I would question the effectiveness of using Pattern against it. Clarissa told me, 'the old hunchback didn't just freeze himself, he froze everything'."
Garrett frowns at all this talk of dragons, but otherwise has nothing to add.
'He froze Everything.' Celina lets that percolate in her imagination for a bit. Bans on twisting the tails of Dragons seemed to fit with Rebma's own oath with the Triton Dam. Benedict seemed more than pleased to let sleeping Dragons sleep. Except nothing in this story suggests that the Triton Dam was ever dormant the way the Arden Dam was. Which suggests that Rebma's old nemesis has had time to think on ways around the old bondage.
Such as 'thawing Everything'. Now there was a reason to ban testing the oath. Also more important to make sure Khela could hold the oath. And Khela's not here because... not a Patternwalker. Which means...Llewella, Jerod, Conner and I keep the oath? Corwin and Random do not seem prepared to step in and demand a Pattern initiate take the throne. Interesting. Celina wonders how this 'head of family' authority will work now that there are multiple Patterns. She looks around the room. It may work just like this. Or better, eventually. Considering what must have happened to the Lady that drew the Tir Pattern, that's a good thing. "So since each new Pattern seems to ...reflect the previous ones imperfectly, do we need to be on watch for dragons in Xanadu and Paris?"
Random shakes his head. "I'd know."
Corwin replies, "They don't reflect each other." Benedict seems to be about to say something, but Corwin continues. "Except in special circumstances."
Before Benedict can add anything, or decide not to, Gerard speaks up. "Marius has just arrived in Caine's office. There's summat about Huon."
Random turns to Gerard. "Well, I'd just love to hear summat about Huon just now. Bring 'em through."
While Gerard is working on obeying Random's command, Corwin looks around at the rest of the group. "Anything else about the dragons? Any of them? Because we're about to have a change of subject."
Brita just shakes her head when the glance comes her way.
A change of subject is as good a time as any for a change of drinks, and Jerod will take up Martin on his offer.
Ossian thinks //They look quite stunning against a blue sky.// He is wise enough not to mention that observation.
Celina gets up and goes to get a drink of something strong.
Brennan looks back at Gerard with open surprise at the mention of Marius, especially in conjunction with Huon. He shakes his head at Random's question, then busies himself fixing a drink that he knows is to Marius' taste. The mention of Huon has Brennan thinking that Marius complete the hat trick and be the third active KCOR to come back with some degree of bruising.
Vere takes a few steps away from his father, leaving enough room for him to bring one or more people through the trump connection without danger of collision.
"Just one thing, from a man who just fought a war to free a people," Edan says. "It doesn't need an immediate answer. This undersea forest, it is like Arden, yes? How many tritons are there? Hundreds? Thousands? Millions? The wise man knows the size of the anthill before he pokes it with a spade."
"And to that," Folly says, "I would add one other question, since I don't think it was included in Conner's account: was the oath of the Dragon and her sons the Tritons made to Moins, or some predecessor of Moins's?" She looks to Benedict, who seems the one most likely to be able to answer with any authority.
Garrett steps away from the bar to make room for all the newcomers and takes up a position against a nearby wall with full view of the procedings. His gaze follows Folly's to Benedict as he waits for the answer to that question.
At the mention of Marius' name, Signy sits straighter in her chair, twisting around slightly to get a better look at Gerard and the site where her brother will arrive.
Fletcher drawls, "And a further theory to test about dragons. If they are a necessary element related to any given Pattern, each should exhibit its own. If the dragon and the triton mother were other major entities captured and frozen when the Pattern, or Patterns, were created, it is possible that thew newer Patterns need not have their own versions. However, if by calling this thing a dragon we're putting an unfriendly face on a more abstract being, it's possible the breaking itself up into smaller dragons is a representation of how it's moving about. I would like to hear more about their auras. If they are close to ours one may be able to drive them off, or even communicate, by channeling and emanating our one's Pattern energies in a slightly different manner than normal. Get them to recognize us as equals and therefore threats. Like with sharks."
"I'll be fascinated to see the results of your experimentation, although I assure that the mathematical formulae have no factor that requires a dragon by default," Bleys says in Fletcher's general direction.
Meanwhile, Gerard reaches out and brings Marius through. He's dressed neither in neither Naval garb nor in anything recognizable as Ruby gear. Instead he looks like he's been adventuring, and not to his profit. Brennan, in fact, will notice that he's missing his Ruby ring, although his hand still bears the mark of it. He looks like he's been put through the wringer: not as bad as he did after his injuries at Brand's hands, but someone's worked him over.
Marius moves over toward the couch where Martin and Folly are sitting. Martin rises to make room for him, giving Folly a squeeze as he moves by her, and trades a look with Gerard before going to fetch a plate for Marius from what's left of the buffet.
Benedict, who has observed Marius' arrival, answers Folly's question, "To Moins, although I was not present when the oath was given."
Corwin presses what had been his own drink into Marius' hand and says, "Marius, what about Huon?"
Marius takes the drink and tosses it back. "Huon's men captured me and took me to Gateway. He and his sorcerers used me in some ritual, one that took a lot of blood, my blood, but I don't know what he wanted it for. The attack must have failed, because Gateway let me go. It's the only reason we escaped so easily."
"What was Gateway's involvement? Passive or active?" Jerod asks flatly.
It's doubtful any of the Elders would recognize Jerod's tone, but Martin almost certainly would. Marius' answer will determine whether or not Gateway has made Jerod their personal enemy. If that is the case, Jerod may decide to do something very unpleasant to them.
Even if it kills him.
Immediately thereafter Fletcher matter-of-factly adds, "And do you need a doctor?"
Brennan looks almost physically sick for a moment, and then frosted with anger. He brings Marius the drink he fixed for him, because even with what Corwin gave him, he's going to need another.
"Sit, Marius," he says. "You're going to want to sit. Let me bring you up to speed on Huon and the Rebma situation." Marius and everyone who hasn't heard a version of this story. "I wasn't there for all of it, but I was there for a lot of it. You will recall the Eater? I went back and found it not far from were we left it. We fought, several times. The final time, I had the advantage of it-- enough so that I believe I was about to kill it...."
[I believe everyone has heard this story multiple times, so I'm going to summarize it rather than torture people with it.]
Brennan tells the story from that point with as much detail as he thinks is necessary to bring Marius (and anyone else who hasn't heard it) up to speed, and mentions both the old theory of golem-as-Huon's-blood and the conflicting evidence of Marius'-blood-being-used-for-something, without putting people to sleep. Anyone previously unaware of Brennan's Sorcerous talents is aware of them now.
"...Which left us in an underground cavern alongside a Dragon-chasm, populated with at least half a dozen dragons. It was hectic, but we withdrew, and then made it to Amber. Most of us went our separate ways at that point, but Khela went back to an intact Rebma, with the Green Sword at her hip." Brennan finishes.
"Brennan," says Folly in a voice of icy calm, though the chill is not directed at Brennan, "is it possible that Marius's blood was the back-up plan, deployed over the Pattern, perhaps by this Eater, after Huon's blood was returned to him, and you were all engaged elsewhere?" She looks as though she is going to be sick. "---Or perhaps still waiting to be deployed on his signal, although he seems like the sort of man who would already have done so."
Celina winces. She takes a drink watching Brennan.
Brennan looks back at Folly almost apologetically, hesitates, and says, "I don't know, Folly. I thought I had a good handle on what had happened, if not the source of Huon's newfound insight and magical prowess." It pains him to say this, but, "I don't have enough information to speculate. We're obviously going to have to find out, though."
In a master performance of tact-- for him-- Brennan does not point out that going and hunting Huon down again and just beating the answer out of him might be the easiest and most accurate way.
Conner looks like he'd rather be anywhere else as Marius describes the actions of Gateway's sorcerers at Huon's direction. As Jerod asks his question Conner turns his gaze to Marius for the answer. There is one of Gateway Conner would protect but the rest he would leave to Jerod's tender mercies, or lack thereof, if they backed Huon out of anything but coercion.
Edan doesn't bother to be subtle; he crosses his arms, and those sorcerously inclined probably can guess that it's mainly willpower that keeps something from catching on fire. "If this was true, it would mark the second time that an uncle hunted down or targeted one of our generation due to either lack of respect or over-confidence. Someone tell me why we should not return the favor. Someone tell me, also, why we should not burn Gateway to the ground then sow the earth with salt for having the temerity to kidnap a member of the Blood Royal."
"And if Huon knows how to do this, who's to say he can't do it again? With one of our number who is missing or not yet discovered," Garrett adds somberly.
Jerod says nothing as he listens to the most recent comments, the new drink in his hand finished quicker than the time it took to pour it. The thick crystal tumbler remains in his hand as he watches the Elders for their response, Corwin and Random in particular, with his own countenance remaining mostly expressionless though the occasional whiteness of his knuckles reveals something more to the more perceptive of the lot, especially when Gateway is mentioned.
"Yes. Let us kill them all." Ossian says with a toneless voice. There is something close to a smile on his lips, though.
"There are Probably Worse Things that could be Done to them," Brita notes. "Isolation would be One."
"Perhaps," Vere says diffidently, "We might consider, at least in the short term, whether we might be better served by using Gateway, rather than destroying it. Let them know their possible fates for aiding Huon: destruction of their world; isolating them by cutting off all their shadowpaths; having the natural laws of their shadow rewritten so that their magic no longer functions; however else we choose to threaten them. Then offer them a chance to redeem themselves, by opposing one of our enemies. Set them against Dara, or the Moonriders. Let them spend their strength weakening a foe of ours."
While Brennan is telling his story, Martin loads up a plate and brings it to Marius, who manages to down most of it while the rest of the family is talking. While Marius is eating, Martin comes to stand behind Folly. His hand rests lightly on her shoulder as the talk grows increasingly strident.
Corwin holds up a hand at the end of Vere's litany of suggestions. "That's a lot of power we're talking about throwing around." He looks at Random, as if between the two of them they might figure out whether they had that much to spare.
"Right, and it's just possible that it's not all of them. I mean it's not like we're responsible to Rebma for Huon's actions." Random looks at Llewella, and quickly adds, "Except in a feudal way, which isn't what I mean. I'd think something more subtle, like sending in the Navy backed by enough power to do the job and give them a sound thrashing, leaving people we like in control. And, coincidentally, set up trade relations like we'd like them to be."
Random shrugs. "It's the Amber way, who am I to flout tradition?"
Folly can feel Martin's hand tighten on her shoulder at that, as if he has an answer and is making a physical effort not to let it out. What he says is, "Not to mention that Huon could have had magicians from a lot of different shadows. We know he picked up people in Abford, and that wasn't his only stop on his way to Gateway and Rebma. And nobody in Shadow, Gateway or otherwise, should have known how to f**k up a Pattern. Most of them shouldn't even know what a Pattern is. So, like Brennan, my questions are, 'who did?' and, 'who told Huon?' since I trust Merle's instinct that Huon's not a sorcerer." He tilts his head in Merlin's general direction.
Merlin looks startled, but nods in agreement with Martin's statement of his sentiments.
Meanwhile, Marius has finished his dinner and the drink Brennan brought him. He's silent for a moment, as if absorbing the stories he's been told and the questions he has been asked. "Not all the magicians--sorcerers--wizards were Gatwegian, by dress and by accent. The leaders definitely were not. There are claims, now, of division in the ranks in Gateway, claims that the ease of my escape support, but I mistrust my source. She is in Amber and subject to Uncle Caine's questions."
His eyes look out across the room and light on Fletcher. "And yes, I think a doctor--a family doctor--should examine me." Not recognizing Fletcher, Marius adds, questioningly, "Cousin?"
Signy sits quietly through all the talk, her eyes lighting up with an emerald fire at Edan's suggestion. She shifts slightly so that she is able to directly see Marius, but refrains from any comment or gesture while the others debate the response to Gateway.
Brennan makes a brief introduction between the two, if no one else does, then adds, "I or someone else can catch you up on some of the new faces, soon." Then, addressing the Family-at-large, says, "Not that I'm opposed to re-educating Gateway by fire, but it's probably best to figure out the situation. Like Merlin, I don't think Huon is a Sorcerer, and I don't think he figured out how to do what he tried to do on his own." Brennan glances at Gerard, recalling that conversation. "We could probably stay here half the night discussing the list of helper candidates, but there are probably better ways.
"Marius, if this source of yours is a Gatwegian hedge-wizard, we should probably keep her here or in Xanadu, once Caine is done with her. Especially if she was in on the act. And if Caine hasn't picked her brains to figure out who Huon's mystery-helper is, we should do that. Thoroughly. There's a chance the mystery-helper had to be present, and another chance that person simply wanted to be present. And then, of course, there's Huon. I remind us all again, I have a Trump of him, courtesy of my brother. With me. Which he hopefully does not even know exists. We place the card at the service of the Family," Brennan says, looking at Random.
In response to Martin's questions, Folly looks up at him and silently mouths a single word, questioningly: "Dara?" She lays her hand over his.
Martin glances down at her and shrugs, shaking his head once.
To the room at large, she asks, "What might be usefully done with such a trump? I mean, besides the brute-force approach of gang-trumping him and dragging his sorry a--- er, forcibly pulling him through the connection?"
Brennan answers Folly, but puts ideas up for the collected crowd: "Well, one option is having a designated contact use the card and try to negotiate his surrender and return, at the discretion of the King... if we think he'll actually return on any terms to which we might agree." Brennan clearly does not believe this is the case, but offers it for consideration anyway.
"Another is everyone using the single card and bringing him against his will," he continues, "assuming that will work." Here, Brennan glances to the Trump artists in the room, particularly his son, to tell him if this is even feasible. "And if it won't, I pose this question for the experts: Can we, having one card, make more?" Again, with a glance toward Ossian. "I think we've established that's a hostile act, not to be undertaken lightly. But then, so are blood rituals in Pattern chambers," he says, looking at Random for his read on the situation.
Garrett chews his lip indecisively, weighing whether or not to make the suggestion that's on his mind. He also looks to Random, awaiting his father's comments to see if they'll provide more guidance.
"I would also wonder if, assuming none of the previous options are acceptable, if the trump can be used to determine Huon's location whereupon a small group can be sent to acquire him." Jerod says.
Random looks back. "Me again? Why is it alw-- No, I remember. Um. I see two and a half options. One, we try to grab him and yank him through. A reverse Brand, if you will. Downside, he may be able to not take the call. Two, we use the trump to mentally dominate him while we grab him. Downside, it might take a long time to grab him since we don't know where he is and it all goes pear-shaped if he dominates one of us.
"Or 'C'. C stands for Caine. We give the card to Caine and he learns something with his tricksy ways."
"And the plan we're not doing is the one that involves knifing him through the trump," Martin, who wasn't asked, says hard on the heels of Random's suggestions. He looks around the room to see if there's anyone who wants to argue with him about that.
Before anyone can, Gerard speaks up. "What Caine's learning right now is whatever's to be had from the Captain of the ship Marius came in on. He's dropped out of the connection to take the report. And then I reckon he'll be speaking with--who came with ye, Marius?"
"Thalia. One of the members of their council. I've crossed paths with her before: when I sought out the Star Chamber of Klybesians to read the secret riddle of my mother's ring, written in the demon-language of Mabrahoring. She was there to trade on behalf of the Dey of Longtides for the secret of the great gate of Gateway, offering old tales of Amber and Rebma and the war with the sons of the Dragon."
Celina is still standing near the bar, having not crossed back to her seat. She listens attentively, learning more of the hidden powers of Trump rather than offering the obvious Rebma perspective on Family that threatens to break the city and its Pattern. "Whoever helped Huon pointed him at this Chaosi creature too for delivery of his Bloodbomb?" She thinks this is obvious from what's been said, but asks anyway since shadowfolk don't usually truck with Chaosi.
Vere glances briefly at Conner when Thalia's name is mentioned. His expression, or lack of it, does not change.
Conner sighs as his suspicions were confirmed. There were few in Gateway that would seek passage to Amber especially siding with Huon. Still, Conner makes a note to revisit the Dey of Longtides. If the tales of ancient Rebma he seeks are not to be found in living memory of royals or archivists, perhaps the Dey can provide more. Though now that he knows how these tales travels, he must be more careful with what coin he pays. Idly, Conner wonders if his tales told to the Dey were traded in turn to these Klybesians. Conner sighs again. Thalia interviewed by Caine was not a happy thought but she would have not have come without information to bargain with. Conner turns away from his reverie and focuses back on the conversation.
Ossian seems to have things to say about the Trumps, but he keeps silent for the moment, not wanting to disturb the flow of the conversation. He looks at Brennan, and half-shrugs.
"Is Thalia's visit to the Dey relevant to Huon or any of our other predicaments." Jerod asks.
"Impossible to say without knowing what she traded for and with." Conner comments. "I have traded with the Dey myself." Conner discloses. "He received an brief synopsis of the family lineage as known at the time, and I received a similarly vague tale about the Sons of the Dragon. If the family thought it relevant to know for sure, I suspect the Dey would trade for that information."
Edan looks like he's trying not to roll his eyes. "Marids," is all he says.
Having thrown open the Huon-Trump topic for discussion, Brennan has little immediate to add.
As he sets down his drink and moves toward Marius, Fletcher observes the conversation being carried from topic to topic by family members more excited than he is. He appreciates Bleys' suggestion to experiment with the Dragon, especially delivered as it was, shortly after Random reinforced the ban on provoking said Dragon. Anyone bothering to gauge the reactions of this newcomer can somewhat easily conclude that Fletcher is not in favor of destroying or isolating Gateway, that he is leery of plans to trump-attack Huon, and that he takes particular interest in the reference to dealings with an order of monks. In fact, he even goes so far as to speak up on that issue.
"I still think trading with the monks to get dirt on our enemies is a good idea, but if that's not something we're going to do, maybe this Thalia who has dealt with them can be persuaded to share what she knows."
Fletcher approaches Marius, and using gestures offers to at least make sure Marius isn't going to go into shock or anything before the meeting ends, since it's obvious no one would want to miss the discussion.
Marius doesn't have any visible injuries, but he is fully clothed and wearing a long-sleeved shirt. Having watched him eat, Fletcher doesn't think Marius is in immediate danger of collapse, but he could stand to rest soon.
"So, Fletcher is on the right track. We don't want to use our one-and-only surprise trump trick until we have to, and not at all if we don't. We have an embassy and we can follow up with the Dey and Thalia and see what more we can learn. Alright, that's added to the list. You've got the list, right Corwin?" Random looks at his brother. "I think we need to review it and start putting some names next to it. I love the whole 'delegating' part of Kinging. Let Corwin tell us what we've got on our giant life-or-death to-do list, let him read it all, then sing out with which thing you want to tackle. Those who don't volunteer will get volunteered."
Corwin starts making a list: "Moonriders, the Queen of Air and Darkness, Huon, Rebma and its pattern, we said earlier. For Rebma, the Tritons and getting a look at the Pattern Chamber; for Huon, who helped him, starting with Gateway and whoever else was with them. The Moonriders and the Queen of Air and Darkness are linked. And we still have the Dragon in Arcadia," which seems to be a point of longsuffering endurance on Corwin's part.
Random nods. "OK, quite a list. I know what I'm doing, as are Ben and Corwin and Llewella. Bleys and Fiona are busy. Julian is in Arden, Caine is in Amber, Gerard is helping me. Who else? The list isn't getting shorter by itself."
"And Flora is still in mourning," Corwin adds before she can speak up.
Before anyone else can speak up, Martin says, "Folly is staying in Xanadu and having a baby. And I'm staying with her unless there's an emergency that requires me not to."
Vere speaks up immediately, "I have sworn an oath to seek a cure for my father's injuries, upon my own blood, and have been too long about it already. Having him hale and whole once more is the greatest aid I can give to our cause. I shall depart immediately to follow up a possibility." His chin is up, and while his voice remains as controlled as usual a trace of his father's stubbornness crosses his face.
"There are questions about my sister that beg answers. Also I must see to having Carina settled, away from Rebma and Khela's influence, until her issues with Moire are resolved." Jerod says a moment later. "Once those situations are obtained, I will be available."
As things start to break up slightly, Signy slowly rises to her feet and moves forward, a little closer to Marius. As she moves, she glances quickly at Celina, offering another hesitant smile if she catches her eyes.
Celina smiles back at Signy. She raises her glass in an offering toast but does not drink, leaving it to imagination that sharing the toast after the meeting would be better.
"Rebma and its Pattern," Brennan says. "There are enough odd tales swirling about Rebma that, even aside from recent events, someone should take a look. I didn't grapple with that golem just to see something else go wrong, down there. If all else fails, I may need to get there the hard way."
Celina shifts her emerald search to Brennan at this. For once, she knows what the 'hard way' is. Cheery thought.
He wears a pensive expression, as though about to voice a particularly unpleasant theory about Rebma, then forcibly brightens, adds a spark to his eye, and says, "But I should be available by Trump, should the need arise." Like a snatch-and-grab operation for Huon.
Fletcher chimes in. "After court formalities are completed, I've volunteered to formally visit Rebma on behalf of Xanadu. If you're pursuing something there give me holler. I've got a lot of catching up to do and expect I'll either be in Xanadu, Amber, or Paris otherwise. If anyone finds a trump of me, let me know. There were a few around at one point."
"I am also committed to the issues of Rebma and her Pattern." Conner replies. "Also her Dragon. I shall see what I can learn about them from their sons. I am only a trump away should my experiences be helpful in the matters of Gateway and Huon."
Again Celina shifts to examine this older wiser cousin with his announcement of embassy. He seems much like his father. Merlin would probably never have a chance to finish her Trump now. Maybe that was a bad thing after all.
Celina adds, "I am for Rebma as soon as Family obligations are done here. I will certainly make sure of the Pattern's status. I will get word back to here about the Tritons' status as I can. If I find out more about the Dam of Tritons, I shall share. In return, I want to know who helped Huon target the Pattern." She looks at Vere, "Good luck to you in your quest. If you have items you would like handled with the returning Children of Lir, I could help."
Ossian has been folding a small piece of paper into an abstract shape. "I will be working on a project in Xanadu for a few weeks at least. Unless the king thinks I should work on something else. I should be reachable by Trump most of the time."
"The Moonriders and their Queen," Edan says. "And if there is emergent need in Arcadia, I should not be far away."
Brita's eyes are on her brother as she says hesitantly, "There are Many in Support of Mirror Rebma's Mysteries. I can Assist Elsewhere as Needed, but should Dara and clef be Added to the List?"
Celina nods once at Brita's suggestion.
"They're busy cleaning up the mess I left them when I grabbed Meg back," Martin says. "They're on the list, but I would think Rebma and the Moonriders are higher priority right now." He looks to Random for confirmation.
Something about this doesn't sit well with Merlin; he frowns slightly.
"Yep, we're not her friend, but we don't have time to do anything about it. Unless she does. If you're feeling positive, you can say we're picking our battles. If not, you can say we're picking our nose to spite our face." [Random] pauses. "Or something like that. Anyway, let's go on with the taking up the tasks that need to be done versus telling our King we're letting him down portion of the evening."
"It's good that we've got Meg back, at least," Gerard says. "I'd as soon we not pick another fight with her right now anyhow." He looks at Vere and Merlin for a moment.
Merlin seems to take this as a cue. "I have committed to assisting Vere in his cause, and will be travelling with him for a time. I have completed a card of Jerod for the Trump Booth, and a card of my sister is in the final stages. I will ensure it is ready before we leave. I do not know when we will return, because our trip will take us beyond Ygg and the timeflows are uncertain." He looks to Brita and adds, "If you wish to join us, you are welcome."
It's obvious that Corwin didn't know this was the plan, because he doesn't look very happy about it.
Marius speaks up. "I will need a few days to recover, but I can serve at the pleasure of the Kings after that."
"So," Corwin says, "Fletcher, Conner, Brennan, and Celina are for Rebma; Vere and Merlin are going to Chaos; Edan is off to deal with the Moonriders. We still need to look into Gateway and the magicians who were working with Huon; we need to find out what happened to Ambrose. Brita, Marius, and Signy aren't yet spoken for. And," he looks around "--where's Robin?"
Julian looks him in the eyes. "Robin was unable to attend."
"Unable?" asks Corwin.
"Yes, unavailable." Julian continues to stare into Corwin's eyes, not blinking.
Random throws the rest of his drink down his throat. "I'll assign her something from whatever's left when I get back to Xanadu."
Signy glances at Random and Corwin. "I seem to have started to get involved with Tir and the Moonriders. What can I do to help?"
Random looks at Edan. "You should probably tag team with Edan. He's flying solo on the Moonriders right now."
"And Tir is still closed. Nobody goes up there without my permission. Nobody." Corwin looks at Signy, and then straight at Jerod. "We've already had one death up there. I don't mean to lose anyone else."
Random turns to Brita. "Gateway, Ambrose, or going with Merlin and Vere are open. Or something else, if you can convince us it's not on the list but should be. Let us know which one you want, or if it's 'Monarch's Choice'."
Jerod returns Corwin's gaze, without the slightest flinch or hesitation. His father was remembered to have the same expression whenever he had set himself to a task. That Tir is not Jerod's current focus, at least not directly or immediately, is not something that he makes any effort to make known. There are matters of greater urgency that require his attention and efforts.
Brennan isn't being addressed, so he doesn't say anything, but looks back and forth between Brita and Random. He does shift restlessly with the effort of keeping quiet.
Garrett speaks up from his place at the bar. "Majesties, I know little about Rebma, so I reckon I would be of better service either investigating the Moonriders with Edan and Signy or working on the Huon problem. I did speak with his envoy once already."
Edan frowns slightly at Corwin's words to Jerod. He turns his attention to Garrett, then to Signy. His look says, 'We can pow-wow on this after the meeting,' if Garrett is going for the Moonriders.
Signy glances at Edan, before nodding sharply at Random.
Folly says to the room at large, "And since I should be in Xanadu for the next twelve-to-sixteen weeks, I can coordinate from the ground if need be. If those of you without a full set of trumps need to get a message to someone, if you can get it to Xanadu I can pass it along via the booth."
Brita, having thought on the King's list, states, "Cousin Ambrose. Then Perhaps We can Investigate Gateway on the Way Back. I have a Trump of Reality Xanadu, that I would Like to Keep although I can Lend it Out if Another has a More Pressing Need. I also have a Trump of Arden, Post 6, if Anyone Needs it."
Random smiles as he looks at Brita. "Hey, one per customer, for now. Anyone who gets done early can come back for more, and you should keep your Xanadu trump, in case you need to come home fast. Don't forget to call your old Uncle so I don't get lonely while you're gone. Also, feel free to ask for help if you need it. If you don't check in, we'll have to come find you, make sure that whatever world-shaking thing you're looking at isn't too big of a problem.
"Remember, we're like white-blood cells. We work best if we pile in to trouble situations, like a herd of bulls in a china shop. OK, is everyone inspired to go do things?"
"If you're not," Corwin suggests, "pretend. And on that note, let's adjourn." He moves to help Marius up, to take him to the infirmary.
Martin comes back around the sofa to help Folly to her feet, clearly planning to run interference with anyone who wants to talk to her.
Brennan rises as or just before everyone else does. On his way out, he makes a bee-line for Random.
When he gets there, he says, "Majesty, as part of inspecting the Rebman Pattern, I'll be making another survey of Amber's, first. And in looking to get past the Rebman door, I'll want to take a close look at Amber's and its key." Just so you know. And by by extension, Caine.
He waits for any reply Random might give, but if Random is content to just acknowledge the information, Brennan isn't gong to monopolize him-- other people might need to give him the same style of update.
Random nods. "Fine by me, tell Caine I said so."
Last modified: 14 June 2010