The Sun is where Bleys suggested it would be. As Conner walks down a hill towards the shore, he sees the Captain's Gig on the beach and three men standing beside it.
Captain Fearnought addresses him as he approaches. "Ah, Prince Conner. Are you our only passenger for this trip?"
"It would seem so." Conner nods. "The rest have gone their seperate ways. My way is back to the Land of Peace thus here I am."
"Excellent! If you're as good a navigator as your uncle, we'll be there in a week!"
The voyage is pleasantly boring, and soon the Dar es Salaam comes into view: a strange mix of steam and sail technology. There are many ships in the harbor, but The Sun has no trouble finding a quay to land at. Captain Fearnaught offers to talk to the Portmaster, if Conner is unfamiliar with the customs of the place.
Conner nods. "Yes, I think you'd better take the lead on this one, but I want to be with you. The sooner I come up to speed the better."
The same port official who came aboard The Sun when you arrived previously is again waiting on the docks, and Captain Fearnought invites him aboard. "Kalil, did you meet the nephew of the Prince when the Sun last visited?"
The man bows. "It is indeed an honor. What brings you back to our modest port?"
"Unfinished business." Conner smiles politely. "Not to mention stocking up on a few luxuries for the journey home."
"Of course, highness," he turns to the Captain. "Have you a manifest prepared for me, Captain?"
"Of course! Come below with us, and we will discuss it over a cool drink."
The exchange seems smooth and the port official accepts a modest bribe that makes Conner believe that this was pre-arranged and soon Conner is given the freedom of the city and can begin whatever mission he has in the Daar es Salaam.
Conner sees if he can one of the crew more knowledgable about the city to act as his guide for the day and starts by scouting out the city basically doing the tourist thing and giving Thalia the chance to find him before he does some serious searching of his own.
Spring in the Land of Peace is pleasant in the early morning. The markets are crowded and the odd mix of technologies is interesting. There are steel ships aside dhows in the harbor and horses and handcarts and rail in the streets. Goods in the stalls look to be handmade.
Conner finds lunch in an outdoor tavern, and watches a religious ritual taking place in a public building across the open plaza. Not everyone participates, but many of the locals do so.
After lunch, Conner finds that a note has been brought by the waiter.
The note says, in Thari,
"Welcome back, my dear. I'm sorry I could not be at the harbor to meet you. If you will follow the man who gave this to you, he will lead you to me."
T.
Conner looks up from the note and exanimes the man that brought it to him looking for any signs of nervousness or anxiety. He then takes a closer look at the handwriting and sniffs for the faint scent of perfume her letters always seem to have. If the note and man pass muster, Conner rises with a smile and nods for the man to lead on.
The sailor from the Sun has his instructions, to follow them discreetly until they come to a destination and then return to the Sun and tell Captain Fearnought that if Conner is not heard from in a few hours the cavalry would be appreciated.
The note is perfumed and the handwriting is hers. The perfume is not a perfect match to what she normally wears, but that may be an effect of the shadow. The man shows no signs of anything. Disturbingly so.
Conner is led out the back into an alleyway.
In the bright sunlight, Conner notices that the man does not cast a shadow.
Conner hangs back a moment and takes a peek at the fellow through his magic sight. Clearly an oddity but whether it is one to be fleeing is yet to be seen.
This fellow is no man at all, but some sort of creature of magic. He has a definite shape, but is anchored elsewhere.
Conner does not think his peeking was noticed. The 'man' leads onward.
Conner continues to follow but is keeping a distance between him and the creature at all times in case he needs that critical couple of paces breathing room. He is also doing the usual ambush scan and taking note of the areas they walk through for spots to hide himself or ambush a persuer if needed.
The 'man' leads on blithely, following a somewhat twisting course that seems designed to keep the two out of the main streets and plazas and close to the ad hoc alleyways made of tent sides and backs. After some minutes of this, they leave the shops and enter a more residential district. The houses here are definitely the domains of the well-off and the most obvious feature is high-walled gardens and deep setbacks. Where the greenery comes over the top or where the gates are open, the gardens are very lush.
At the far end of this quarter, the 'man' leads Conner to a garden that is apparently not cared for at all. The gate swings open to a dry, dusty square. At the far end of the garden is a squat tower, octagonal in shape and not so tall as to dwarf the minarets of the official buildings, but still notable in a district of smaller houses. It has some windows, but not many.
The 'man' walks up to the door and turns to wait for Conner.
Conner plays the tourist as they walk trying to leave a sign of his passage here and there in case someone might need it. That piece of chalk from Clarissa just keeps coming in more useful. Once they arrive at his destination he takes a moment or two to just soak it all in, takes a deep breath and approaches the door.
The door opens as Conner approaches and a short passageway leads into the low tower. The interior of the tower seems to be tiled in muted blues and greens and it seems cooler inside than the barren garden gives it any right to be. The 'man' still stands outside the door, looking at Conner. Conner can smell incense from inside--it smells of the sea, which is not very close.
Conner takes a moment to enjoy the cool after the heat of the day. "So I am expected to go inside and wander am I?" He asks the 'man', curious if it is gifted with the power of speech.
If he is, he doesn't exercise it. There are voices speaking inside, but Conner can't make them out. He thinks he hears the clink of glasses.
"Well at least I might have a drink before everything gets complicated." Conner muses as he leaves the 'man' and heads inside towards the voices.
The passage way is short, but the transformation is stark. The walls of the large central rool are covered in mosaic tiles in blues and greens and there is a pool in the center. Around the periphery of the circular room is a staircase, with rails like so many vertical sea-plants. The water in the pool smells fresh and clean and the steps look like a series of climbing waves. Conner notes that the ceiling looks like the surface of the water looks from coastward Rebma.
The voices are from above, one male, the other female.
[assuming Conner climbs the stairs.]
The stairs lead up to a platform atop the tower, one that was not readily visible from the ground. The whole of it is surrounded by an aquarium, through which you can dimly see the dusty gardens and street.
Thalia is here, with her back to you. A large dark-skinned man with his hair tied in a knot atop his head stands as Conner enters. "You must be Conner," he says. Thalia turns and looks at you, a pleased expression on her face.
"If not, my mother was most mistaken at my birth." Conner grins easily then turns to Thalia. "You are looking well my dear. Will you do the introductions?"
Thalia is already gracefully rising from the pillow on which she has been sitting. She comes over to Conner and wraps her arms around him, squeezing briefly. She falls back quickly, smiling. Conner is left with traces of her perfume in his nose.
"Conner of Amber, may I present His Excellency the Dey of Longtides. Your Excellency, this is Conner." The Dey bows, clasping his hands in front of himself.
"The Dey has been my host while I took care of my business in The Land of Peace."
"Then the Dey has my appreciation." Conner replies with a nod with the easy smile still flashing. "A fine place you have here and such attentive servants." Conner's hand slides down to find Thalia's and give it a squeeze. "How long has it been since I've seen you last?" He inquires. "Time gets away from you when travelling."
"The Dey tells me that the have two seasons here: hot and rainy. You've been gone a few months, Conner. And if you've been travelling in fey realms it can be quite dangerous if time gets away from you." She looks at him with an appraising eye. "How long has it been for you?"
"It's been about three weeks for me." Conner replies after doing a bit of math in his head. "Glad I didn't make any firm appointments before I left." He smiles. "So how have you been keeping yourself busy?"
She returns his smile. "Oh, making new friends, working for Gateway's interests, learning a thing or two. How were your three weeks? How is your cousin coping with being pregnant?"
"Met the other side of my family tree, pondered non-euclidian geometries, and midwived the birth of Paige's twins. As I said, time really can get away from you when you're travelling." He winks.
Her eyes widen a bit in surprise, but she says nothing.
"Would you like a drink, Conner?" says the Dey. His voice is very deep.
"I would love a drink, Dey." Conner replies. "A light pear wine if you have such a thing. Perfect to cool you on a warm day, I find."
Conner swirls the glass and takes a deep smell of the bouquet before sipping it. "Perfect." He murmurs looking at the Dey thoughtfully.
He nods and pours from the bottle on the table. Moisture begins to condense on the glass immediately, but it smells and looks like exactly the wine Conner asked for.
"The Thalia has been discussing with me her adventures in the watery realms with you. I assure you such things are not overlooked in my corner of the realm."
"Indeed." Conner smiles. "And what have you been able to see from your privileged corner?" Conner inquires. "Immersed within it as I was, one tends to lose perspective."
"I've seen that the great sea is much greater than even I knew. I suspect that though the Sultanna, long may she reign, is Sultanna of all who live in the watery realm, that there are those who do not know of her suzerainty. And I wonder if you have stirred the sons of the dragon. Such things are not safe to do, even for those with magical allies."
Conner shifts forward from his place clearly paying more attention. "Sons of the dragon?" Conner echoes looking thoughtful. "Is that just a colorful turn of phrase or do you mean it literally?" Conner sips his wine in order to stop the eager flood of questions lest he seem too interested.
"I do not know, but that is what they call themselves. They came to many places from the deep kelp forests. Thalia tells me they are slaves of the magician-queen of Rebma."
"They are certainly in service to Rebma's royal family though no one seems to recall how or why they ever entered such service." Conner muses sipping his wine. "Whether such ignorance is real or feigned I am not yet sure. I can only assume coercion is a part since the thought of them being active had Sir Montage scared out of his wits. Are there such beings in the waters around here or is your knowledge from travelers and far away seeing?" Conner asks curiously..
"Myths and Legends, Conner, and ancient histories. And tales told by ancient beings. The forest they are said to come from is forbidden. Those who go there do not return. Some say it is the sons of the dragon, and others say their parent lies sleeping, but will wake to prevent the unwary from departing."
"All the ancient beings I know are notoriously close lipped," Conner chuckles scratching at the back of his head. "or extract too high a price for their tales. Well, that particular worry is now on other shoulders than mine. Still, I wouldn't mind browsing your library or being regaled with tales should you be amenable to either, Dey." Conner nods as his hand finds his glass of wine once more.
The Dey opens his mouth to reply but Thalia speaks first. "The Dey's people are traders in knowledge as Amber's people are traders in goods, Conner. Make sure you know with and for what you are negotiating before you do so." She smiles.
Conner smiles back at Thalia with a slight nod of thanks for her save.
The Dey bows. "It is even as the Lady Thalia says. My people are not unlike hers, in that much will be undertaken for the sake of knowledge. It is our coin. Many a Marid can be found spending a century or two as the slave of a wizard, merely for the sake of a bargain struck that will allow him to learn something that no other Marid knows."
"Do you," he says with a mostly-concealed hint of anticipation, "do you wish to bargain for knowledge, Conner?"
"Absolutely." Conner grins back. "But the difficulty in trading knowledge would be in assessing its worth I would imagine. If only one could thump an idea like a melon to determine if it the one to buy. An imperfect analogy really. Even then it is usually best to cut to the core to determine the quality. What can you offer me about the Tritons, Dey? Or perhaps you have other news you think worthy to bargain? Tempt me with your wares and then we shall see what coin you would seek from my mind." Conner's smile is eager as one for whom a favorite game has just begun.
"Ah, of course." The Dey smiles. "There are so many tales to tell. Some tales I know of but would have to seek out the full details, such as the tale of the sons of the dragon. Some tales I know more about, such as what happened when last your people came to this place. Some tales I can only suspect will interest you, such as that of the member of my race who stowed away with your cousin's fleet."
The hopeful smile slips a bit at the news of having to wait for full details and then is accompanied by narrowed eyes at the third tale dangled before him.
"There are many prices, depending on the value and difficulty in obtaining information. What we agree to will depend on what can mutually exchange. What would you like me to tell you, Conner?"
Thalia is sitting very still.
"Let us first bargain for the tale of the member of your race who stowed away with my cousin's fleet." Conner replies sitting back and letting the Dey have the next move.
The Dey looks pleased. "Ah, a sad tale, it is. Like so many of our kind, he was a scholar and a seeker after knowledge. I believe in his case he wished to know the truth of the rumors about the parentage of the third son of the Sultan of Mozambrica in the year of the narwhal. He found a magician who had access to a source of information about the rumor, and traded his freedom for it for a limited time--a dozen centuries, I believe. He completed any number of petty and useless tasks for his master and for the heirs of his master.
His current master took him aboard ship recently and departed this realm, to the land of Amber. His time there has not been uneventful."
He holds his glass up and looks through it. "Would you pay to know more, Conner? And what would you pay?"
"I would pay to know more." Conner nods looking at the Dey appraisingly. "Since you mention parentage in your story, how up to date is your information on Amber's family tree? Is that worth a tale or two?"
He smiles. "Thalia has described it, and your place in it, as 'complicated'. That will do ably. Shall we trade our two tales, Conner?"
"Very well." Conner nods. "The stage is yours, my dear Dey." He smiles settling back into his chair and sipping his wine thoughtfully.
The Dey sits back himself, although the chair shows no signs of bending under his weight. "My young scholar-friend had, as I have mentioned, agreed to a term of servitude in exchange for knowledge and had a number of adventures and had found his services exchanged several times, as is the way of the mercantile peoples. Eventually he was given as gift to a foreign prince, a sorcerer from a land that was far from here. The Prince's servitor in this city used my young friend to gather information, a task he was temperamentally suited to. Eventually he returned to your Amber, taking my friend with him."
"In Amber, things were quiet for some time and eventually, my friend was ordered to resume gathering useful intelligence for his erstwhile master. He had numerous encounters in that City, which has its share of sorcerous traps and dangers even for my kind.
"My scholar-friend's master discovered that an old enemy (and apparently he had many) had power and position in the Pearl of Cities (which is quite an enchanting name) and was intending to denounce him after your new King's coronation.
"I do not know exactly what happened next, but my scholar-friend was freed of all future obligations and returned to our kingdom. He seems disinclined to take the bargain of servitude for information in the future.
"Now, tell me the tale of the genealogy of the royal house of Amber. I believe that you are a part of that, are you not?"
Thalia is watching Conner's reactions.
Conner's smiles changes little as the tale winds on but Thalia is skilled at reading Conner's mood. She can tell he is both disappointed in the tale and appreciative of the game the Dey is playing.
"That is a popular belief,." Conner replies, "but belief is a very subjective thing. Besides you did not bargain for my tale." Conner smiles taking a sip of his wine. "You asked for that of Amber and so you shall have it."
Conner clears his throat. "The tale begins with Oberon, King of Amber. His first wife bore him three sons, one of which lives. Known decendants of that line number a son and two daughters."
Conner is not speaking in a monotone but it is very close. "His second wife bore him four children, three sons and a daughter. Only two sons remain. Known descendants of that line number three sons and one daughter. His third wife bore him two sons and a daughter but one son has passed on. Children of this line number three sons and two daughters."
Conner actually pauses a moment perhaps seeking the proper phrasing. "Then there is a line not of a Queen of Amber but officially recognized none the less. This woman bore Oberon a daughter. Then comes the fourth wife of Oberon who died in childbirth bearing him a daughter. This daughter has a son which has sired a son and daughter of his own." At that last, Conner's tone of voice becomes warm and his smile as well. Then the lecture continues.
"The fifth wife of Oberon bore him two sons both of which still live. Descendants of that line number 3 sons and 2 daughters. The final wife of Oberon bore him a son and a daughter though the daughter no longer lives. That son then sired a son. That would be the full telling but for two others. They are almost certainly of the Blood of Oberon but no one claims them as children."
Conner drains the rest of his glass to ease his dry throat. "My apologies for the dryness of the tale but I felt the level of usable detail should match the tale I was given." Conner's voice is light but his eyes are stern. "Now, if you would be so kind as to add some names to your tale, such as the name of your scholar-friend's master and that of the old enemy I am sure you would find me willing to add some names and detail to the story I have told." Conner smiles.
"Of course," answers the Dey. "I sometimes forget how your people use names. The foreign master was a man who styled himself "The Unicorn" in a foreign tongue. The other was named something that I believe was a corruption of the word for "The World". De Monde, it was. Your people should consider titles. They are so much more efficient and less random than names."
"We tried that once but everyone wanted the same title and it didn't turn out well." Conner remarks dryly. He turns to refill his glass and then pauses for a moment. Thalia can almost see the wheels turning and the pieces falling nicely into place. Then Conner smiles the satisfied smile of a sleuth who has finally cracked the case. Conner eases back into his chair and regards the Dey once more.
"But if it is titles you want then I shall try to give my people titles." Conner chuckles. "I must make them flattering lest they return here and find out it was me that so named them. Well a bargain is a bargain and here is two names worth of Amber history, Dey. If you would be so kind as to refill my glass?"
"We shall start with Cymnea, The Queen That Never Was." Conner begins. "History tells little of her story and those old enough to remember her tell even less. It is known she bore Oberon three sons, Osric, Finndo, and Benedict. She also came from a powerful merchant family, one powerful enough that even a king had to take notice of them. Of Osric and Finndo there is even less known. The official history records that they fought bravely for Amber in a long forgotten war and died a death befitting a hero and a Prince of Amber. Benedict, the Marshal of Amber," Conner smiles at his choice of title, "is indeed known as Amber's greatest warrior and greatest general. In many ways he is also a keeper of secrets for he is one of the few that personally remembers the early days of Amber."
Conner wet his lips with the wine. "As for descendants, no children of Finndo have come forward to be recognized by Amber. Osric is survived by one son, Reid, the Lord of Grim Artistry. Benedict..." Conner pauses for a moment and then gives a chuckle. "Well here is where we start to hit those complications that were mentioned. He has presented one daughter to the court of Amber, Dame Lilly, Knight Commander of the Order of the Ruby, the Lady of Blades." He chuckles. "Then there is one that claims the lineage of Benedict, Aisling spawned of Madoc. Her claim to the blood was never proven though it was never verified to my knowledge either. It would seem however that she is also no more. However, her line lives on through Saeth, spawned of Aisling."
"Would you know more Dey?" Conner smiles at him. "Would you pay to know more?"
"I would, and I might," he says coolly. "If the price were right." He sips at his drink. "What are you asking?"
"Let us bargain now for the tale of the sons of the dragon." Conner replies with a touch of eagerness in his voice. "I understand you may not have the full tale at your fingertips and may have to take time to gather it. I think that a good bargain for it has taken some years to put together the story of Amber's royal line."
"Agreed. I shall send for one to tell you that tale. While we await his arrival, you may proceed."
Conner awaits some obvious sign that the Dey has actually send for someone. Assuming he sees one or is given some assurance by the Dey Conner continues.
The Dey pulls out a small pad and writes something on it. He says a few words and the pad, the pen, and the note disappear. He seems satisfied.
"I think I can afford to give you two Queens in good faith while we wait." Conner nods in agreement with the Dey's proposal. "I do hope I won't be kept waiting longer than that." Conner sips his wine and then begins in earnest.
"The second Queen was Faiella. Call her Queen of the Stair for the way to Rebma, the Faiella-Bionin, bore her name. She too was of a noble merchant family of Amber and had the fortune to catch the King's eye and heart. Alas, Oberon was still married to Cymnea at the time and thus began a time of great struggle as both merchant houses pressured the King to side with their lady. To make matters more complex Faiella bore Oberon their first son, Eric, while still married to Cymnea. To appease Cymnea's house, Eric was never formally recognized as a Prince of Amber. To appease Faiella's house, the marriage to Cymnea was more than annulled. It was dissolved ab initio, as if it never was. After Cymnea's death, Oberon married Faiella and had three more children: Corwin, Caine, and Deirdre. There Faiella's story ends for she died giving birth to Deirdre."
Conner pauses on that note to wet his lips once more. "Eric, The Ersatz King." Conner chuckles. "No that's not fair. He acquitted himself well. One who died fighting for Amber deserves a better epitaph. Let us call him Eric the Defender. He sired a daughter named Cambina from a married lady of the court. Cambina, The Seer, is a well respected historian among our family. She could truly tell you tales I feel sure." Conner smiles. "Eric also had a liason with a Princess of Rebma and the result was Jerod." Conner pauses a moment. "He is his father's son. There is no better title to give him.
"Corwin, Prince of Black and Silver, has presented only one son to Amber. His name is Merlin and for now I name him the Enigma for I know little about him save that he was raised in Chaos. He constantly travels through strange lands without leaving home." Conner muses. "His mother is one Dara, the Duchess Borel. The less said of her the better I think." Conner was wryly.
"Caine, the Watcher Prince, has revealed no children to the world yet though I find it surprising that he would have none. Time will tell I suppose. Deirdre, The Defiant." Conner sighs. "We lost her in the war as well. She is survived by one son Marius. A fine sailor and defnitely one whose mind treads mysterious paths.
"Then came the third Queen of Amber. Call her Clarissa, The Flamehair, The Tempest, The Force of Nature." Conner chuckles. "My grandmother as it happens. Oberon sought a woman independant of ties to avoid the problems of strong familes that accompanied his previous Queens. Unfortunately he got the downside of such an independant woman as well. Their arguments and clashes were legendary and their loving moments equally so. Passion in all things was the center of their relationship and what eventually threw them apart. She gave Oberon three children, Fiona, Bleys, and Brand." Conner pauses for a moment and the sip of wine he takes has nothing to do with thirst.
"Fiona, Mistress of Mysteries, is my mother. My father was a warrior from a far shadow cut down in battle shortly after I was born. I never knew him and Mother still cannot bear to talk of him. As for my title, perhaps The Smiling Lord will do for now." Conner chuckles. "My sister is Brita, Watcher of the Flowing Currents." Conner chuckles once more. "She is descended from Vidar, The Silent God of Asgard.
"Bleys, The Shining One, has sired only one daughter. That we know of." He chuckles. "Her name is Paige and I title her Mistress of Passions, a true descendant of her grandparent's legacy." Conner smiles behind his wine and takes a moment before continuing. "Case in point she has lain with another member of my family, one Adonis of Julian's line. The result of his coupling was two beautiful children, Leif and Brooke.
"Brand." Conner lets the name hang there for a moment. "The Dreamer, The Mad One, The Visionary." Conner sighs. "He is now dead and I'm sad to say it is for the best that he is. He has sired two sons in a land he claimed his place in. Brennan, The Rubine Lord, fought against his father and came to Amber. The other Ambrose, Delver of Mysteries, stayed behind in homeland.
"Well there are two more Queens for you Dey." Conner smiles.
The Dey opens the wine bottle and a cloud of roiling smoke flows out of it. A young man steps from the smoke, which dissipates. The Dey does not look pleased. "Unnecessary, my servitor. You will not impress The Smiling Lord with your parlor tricks. Ask his pardon."
The other Marid pales and visibly shrinks.
"Your pardon, Lord. This humble one has erred."
The Dey looks at his servant. "Give him the tale of the Sons of the Dragon."
The other Marid nods. "Yes, my Dey." He turns to Conner again.
[OOC: "The Sons of the Dragon come in one of the pre-chosen forms. During the Rectification of the Vuldronaii, they came as large and moving Torbs! Then, during the Third Reconciliation of the Last of the Meketrex Supplicants, they chose a new form for themselves, that of giant Sloar! Many Shubs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of a Sloar that day, I can tell you!"]
[um no...take two.]
"The Sons of the Dragon are near-mythological. They are a crafty race, they are capable of great piety, great violence, and great guile. Some say that the great kelp-forests from which they appear is fey, a wood between worlds where the unwary can become lost for a day or nap for twenty years and miss a war and a generation in a single afternoon. One may run across an unnatural pod of hunting sharks or a sunken city from ages long before Man or Marid walked the sea bottom. Stray into the deeps of the forest and you may never find your way out. It is rumored that they seek those who are of an artistic bent, and they fall naturally in thrall to the sons..."
The Dey looks impatient, and the servant can see this.
"But the one encounter dreaded by all who must pass the forest is that with a Son of the Dragon! Some call them legends, but I am all too aware of their existence, for I have encountered one and survived! For all that our people complain of the burdens we undertake for knowledge, we do take those burdens willingly.
"I dealt with a Son of the Dragon, and traded with him for something of their story. At the time I felt that I had done well, but I have since decided that the dragonson sought me out and used me as he would.
"His Tale, for which I paid dearly, is short and intriguing. For uncounted time the sons of the dragon lived with their mother (all dragons are female, it seems) and were lords of the forest, fighting amongst themselves and with their neighbors. A blight came, an irritant to their mother, in the form of a city on the outskirts of their forest. It grew for some time, a canker untreated, until the sons banded together and decided to war upon the interlopers.
"The war was epic, and eventually the city found allies and turned the tide. The battle was taken to the great forest and the interloper and her foreign cousins won. The sons of the dragon sued for peace. The arrangement was tricky, with some of the sons given in bondage in perpetuity to the city, with the understanding that the city would not expand further towards the forest.
"He seemed to think it was a good arrangement for the protection of their mother, the Dragon, but wondered how his long-estranged brethren were living up to the obligations incurred on them by their ancestors."
The Dey nods. "Thank you, Thomas. It was well told."
"Now, My Smiling Lord, I think I have earned the rest of your tale."
"You have indeed noble Dey." Conner nods in agreement. "But do not dismiss Thomas just yet. I have a few questions for him once my tale is done." The Smiling Lord smiles upon the servitor.
"Stay, Thomas," the Dey commands.
"Now between the birth of Bleys and Brand, Oberon did lie with Moins the then Queen of Rebma. Thus was sired Llewella, Princess of Deep Currents. She has birthed no children that we know of.
"After the tempest of his his last wife, Oberon sought a lady that would simply bring him peace and quiet. He found this in Dybele, Queen of Quiet Beauty. Alas she was a frail woman and died giving birth to their daughter, Florimel." Conner smiles. "Ah Florimel, Paragon of Grace, Princess of the Shifting Winds." Conner chuckles. "She has one son, Lucas, The Stylish One. He has married a lady of the court, Solace Vesper, Lady of Quiet Strength." Conner smiles a little wider. "Together they have sired two children, Hope and Phillipe.
"After the death of Dybele, Oberon ruled alone for many years. Then one day he returned from a journey with a dark haired woman at his side and announced that he had married her. Thus entered Rilga, Queen of Mercy, The Time Cursed Queen. She gave birth to two sons: Julian, The White Knight and Gerard, The Strong Man." Conner sips his wine as much to hide the slip of smile at the thought of Gerard and how his strength has Artemis he has sired Adonis, God of Fertility. A second son is Jovian The Dragon Rider. And he has a daughter, Robin Child of Arden.
"Gerard has two children known to the court. Vere, The Observant Lord, is from an island land where the women rule yet he must be the saviour of all. Solange, the Pragmatic Lady, is Gerard's daughter and I know little more than that." Conner smiles.
"Paulette, The Quick Burning Flame, was Oberon final queen, the youngest woman he chose for a bride. Their son is named Random, now King of Amber. While in Rebma, Random had an affair with the Princess Morganthe and the result was Martin, The Divided Prince, for he is ever caught between his various halves.
"And that is the story of the known family of Amber." Conner concludes.
"Now," Conner continues turning to Thomas. "I have one main question about your tale. You said that you felt you were used by the dragonson for his own purpose. What did he want to know in exchange for his tale? Understand I ask for no details. I am merely curious what would cause such a normally reclusive race to seek out one such as yourself." The Smiling Lord smiles.
Thomas shrinks, becoming noticibly smaller as he answers the question. "I know not what his purpose was, but he took from me my skill as a poet. I once was talented. It was some long time before I truly realized how much I regretted the bargain I had willingly made."
Thalia's mouth opens, and snaps shut.
The Dey looks at his servitor. "If you have no further questions, I think Thomas would like to leave."
"Very well, Dey." Conner nods. "Thank you Thomas." Conner nods once more and gives him a smile. "You have been most helpful."
Conner finishes his wine once more. "A fine afternoon Dey. I thank you for it."
Conner looks over to Thalia. "We must time to catch each other up my dear. Perhaps dinner if you can suggest a suitable spot." He smiles.
She gives directions to a foodsellers in the market where you last saw her.
The Dey bows and a servant is ordered to show Conner out.
Last modified: 22 July 2004