Once his father has ended the connection Vere turns the trump face down and speaks to Avis. "One last conversation, before we begin our journey in earnest," he tells her, as he exchanges Gerard's trump for the one of Corwin that Robin gave to him. "To speak with the King of Paris, whose realm borders Rebma, to learn of what occurs there, and whether your Ambassador and my Tanist have yet returned from the undersea realm."
He stares into Corwin's card while holding his other hand out to Avis. "Your majesty, my uncle," he says to the card. "It is Vere."
Corwin's face doesn't form just yet, but there is a sense of contact. Even without the visual, Vere is certain that it's Corwin in the contact. "Vere. What do you need, and how urgent is it?"
"The Isles are doomed, and we are leading our peoples to Rebma. I require information, and the status of the Ambassador and her party whom I trumped through to you earlier," Vere answers. "It can wait, if it must. But if it must, I shall be trumping you while leading an entire world's population through Shadow."
Corwin looks alarmed. He appears to be in a white room with no features. "Is that wise, Vere? I don't know that anyone has moved that many people before. Your man and your priestess haven't returned here. They probably can't get back. Rebma is under siege at the moment."
"Is the besieger Huon?" Vere asks calmly. "If so, I am bringing an entire shadow's worth of three different warrior races who will be delighted to focus upon him as the reason for the destruction of their world."
There's almost no movement other than a slight shake of Corwin's head. "It's unclear. It may be Huon and it may be Khela or it may be some combination of the two. I'm getting different reports from different people. What are you going to do about the people you can't take to a war zone?"
Vere shakes his own head in response. "I cannot leave them here. There well may not he a here here when I return. And to leave them somewhere on the way would be too dangerous. Who may know what surprises await the defenseless in an unknown shadow, however benevolent it first appears? No, we shall bring them along, and they shall stay behind and make camp once we have made contact with the besiegers." He bows his head slightly to one side of himself. "Subject to the decisions and will of the Lady of the Isles and her advisors, of course."
"If you want to camp them temporarily near Paris, you're welcome to," Corwin offers.
"That is a generous offer, Uncle, and I will advise my sister to take advantage of it." He nods his head. "Yes, I can see many advantages to the offer. My thanks."
He tilts his head to one side, regarding Corwin. "You are busy with other matters. I will take no more of your time now. We can ask for more current information on Rebma when we arrive near Paris."
Corwin nods. "I'll listen for word from you then."
"Thank you, Uncle," Vere says. And he turns the card over, then slips it back into his pouch.
Once he has put Corwin's card away Vere turns to Avis. "You heard all that?" he asks her. "Someone, most probably Huon, is besieging Rebma. And King Corwin has offered his kingdom as a haven for our noncombatants. My advice is that we march directly for Paris, and then lead our warriors to Rebma's defense. It seems as though we are being given a chance to deliver vengeance to the one who caused the destruction of our world, and in so doing to defend our people's new home. Your thoughts on this, my sister?"
She nods, as she often does while thinking aloud.. "If it is the will of the goddess, then it is what shall be. We shall have to present this to our new allies with care, my Brother, for they might not be inclined to march to more war. Our sisters, as well, will need to be consulted, but if we know our own will, we will be able to sway them somewhat to our position.
"I know it is the home of your foreign troops. They will have my permission to go, even if the council decides not to. I worry that it is a temptation to stray from the path of saving our people into a fight which is not ours, but the gods, and while the gods may interfere with the doings of people, people who interfere with the doings of gods do not prosper."
Vere nods in turn. "My men will want to go when they learn their home is under siege, of course. And I swore to return them to their realm. Now is the time to do that. But I do not wish to force anyone to war who is weary of it." He frowns thoughtfully. "Indeed, Sister, this might be even more of an offering of the Goddess than simply a chance for vengeance. We can all march to Paris, where King Corwin has offered sanctuary. Then, those who thirst for vengeance, and who choose to follow you, can continue to their new home. While those who are weary of war, and no longer wish to follow you, can remain behind, with our elderly and children. Once Rebma is safe, we can recover our own people, and bid farewell to those who were not worthy of a new home in Rebma. They will be safe there, for Paris is a wealthy and a thriving land. Indeed, I had considered it as a destination for our people. But its ways are different to our own, while those of Rebma are not so alien." He nodded. "Indeed, King Bran and his folk may find Paris more to their liking than Rebma, even if they do aid us in breaking Huon's siege."
"This is something to discuss amongst the council first, of course. I would hold the news until we have left, for the agreement is potentially fragile and another factor at this point might strain our accord.
"How soon do we leave?"
"I delayed sending Mother away until all preparations for the Exodus had been completed," Vere answers her. "I see no reason for further delay. It will only give people time to have second thoughts. I suggest leaving tomorrow morning."
He tilts his head to one side, regarding her. "Are you being more sympathetic than I, my sister? If any feel the wish to back out of the accord and remain on this doomed world, I feel that is their right, and would not try to trick them into coming without full knowledge. It seems to me the accord would suffer more if it is discovered that we kept secrets from them after we have already begun our trek."
Avis says, "There are no secrets, brother. We do not know that we will be afforded the opportunity to do this and we have no desire to muddy the issue by raising our newfound allies suspicions that we merely led them away from their home to use them against our enemies."
Vere shrugs slightly. "It smacks of sophistry, I think, Sister. But I shall leave what you tell the leaders of the factions to you. I shall be informing Siege, Hartswell, and Bran, as well as my own men, of what we may face. They will need to know to be looking for signs that we follow in an army's path, both to avoid possible ambushes left behind and in case of hostile natives stirred up by Huon's recent passage."
Avis laughs. "Vere, my brother, you are so straightforward." She smiles at him. "It's times such as these that I recall our childhood, and not that you are consort to a personified goddess and I am High Priestess. Your directness would fail us, where my way will not." She looks more serious. "But your concern is valid, in a way. We do need to warn them that there may be dangers from our foemen along the way. You may tell them of it, if not your hope that we will be able to re-fight our wars here when we get to our new home."
"Shall we be off, then, my sister, to our various errands?" Vere asks with a deferential nod of his head. "If we demand that everyone be ready to leave with dawn's first light, we might be on our way by shortly after noon." He smiles.
She smiles back, and nods. "There is much to do. Let us be about it." Avis is, as usual, quite good when there is something to be done.
Next Vere is going to assemble the Captains of the Children of Lyr, and send messengers to Siege, Hartwell, and King Bran, asking them attend a meeting to discuss final details of security for the Exodus.
Vere's messengers go out and the requested individuals arrive shortly. Vere notes that Siege and Hartwell are sitting next to each other, talking animatedly and amicably. King Bran arrives last.
Bran speaks as he enters, followed by one of his generals. "We will almost, but not quite, make the departure deadline, Prince Vere."
Vere nods in response. "That is well, King Bran," he answers. "We will not say so to the populace, but I anticipated a slight delay in leaving. It is a great undertaking." He waits for the king to sit before he takes his own chair.
The King nods. "I suspected, but I'd rather we hadn't been the ones with the need. Still, best to do things right at the start for a grand venture such as this."
"I wished to discuss security during the march, and to explain in greater detail what will be happening. I shall be forging a way across worlds, and to reach our destination as quickly as possible I will be leading us through worlds I do not know myself. Dangers are possible, and I want scouts in all directions, and a guard for the rear of the column. But make this position volunteer only, and make certain they understand that they must remain close to the main body of the Exodus. Becoming separated from us opens the possibility that they will be lost between worlds. And there will be no returning for any who are lost."
He waits a moment to be certain that this is understood, then continues. "The Children of Lyr will be leading the way. They have followed me through the worlds before, and will better know what to expect. As well, I anticipate that there close proximity and desire to return to their home will aid me in blazing the trail.
"Now, this is what will occur. We will follow the path that we have sent out to all the peoples of the world, spiraling out for a week without leaving this world, to give those still on their way a chance to join us. Then I will begin leading us through the worlds. Best, I think, if we make no general announcement of when we begin walking through the worlds. Let it be well begun before most even know it has started. It will lessen anticipation of dangers that may not occur.
"Our initial destination is the Kingdom of Paris, the realm of my uncle, King Corwin. It neighbors Rebma, and will give us a chance to rest and contact the Queen before descending upon her, a courtesy that I think she deserves." He smiles slightly, then lets the smile drop.
"We know that Huon, who was the enemy of all of us, led his army away from here in the direction of Rebma, although his ultimate destination is vengeance upon his brother, Prince Bleys. We should be on guard against running into lost segments of his army, separated while walking the worlds, or native warriors who were stirred into anger by the passage of Huon's army through their world before our arrival."
He looks them over. "Are there any questions on what I have said so far, my friends?"
Siege says "We'll need to make sure everyone carries their own provisions, to give them a chance in case they do get separated."
Hartwell adds, "And we'll need to make sure we have a quick means of communication between the van and the rear guards, as well as the scouts."
Bran asks, "How far out can the scouts go? During the first period, I'd want them to range as far as possible to bring in stragglers. After that, we may be better served by having them patrol our ranks to prevent us from losing people."
"I agree regarding the first period," Vere says. "The scouts are an exception to the rule that we not inform the general populace of when we begin world-walking. They should be fully informed of when it will begin, and what the dangers are."
He forwns thoughtfully for a moment, then says, "I want everyone except the scouts to remain in visual contact with other parts of the Exodus at all times. As long as they are watching each other, and moving in the same direction, they should all follow along with me. As for the scouts, they must remain close enough to hear the main body. Becoming isolated is the greatest danger. I shall be shifting through worlds fairly rapidly, to ensure that we are able to exist on the supplies we are carrying."
There are general nods of agreement to this point.
Ocatvius wants to know if the land route before the betweening has been mapped and travelled, or if they should send scouts out to do that immediately.
This should have been part of what was discussed with Bran and his people during the period we skipped over, since most of the land route will be through Bran's kingdom. So I believe the answer is a firm yes, subject to GM input.
Vere will also suggest that during evenings on the trek, at least during the first period when there are fewer potential dangers to concern them, the Children should circulate, answering any questions the general populace or other warriors may have about Paris and Rebma. Information from natives will be more generally trusted than what the people's leaders say, in his opinion.
The Captains of the Children agree, and discuss how they will so order their men. Domitian seems to be angling to attach himself to Bran.
Vere smiles slightly, but does nothing to either prevent or assist Domitian's political maneuvering. He lets the captains work it out to their own satisfaction.
Siege volunteers the Brotherhood for Rear Guard, since the most risk is there.
"Granted," Vere tells him. He glances from Siege to Hartwell, then asks, "I have been otherwise occupied, I fear. What is the current organization of the Brotherhood?"
Siege follows the glance. "Lord Commander Hartwell and I hold joint command."
Hartwell says "All brothers are under both existing commands."
"Once we arrive at our new home and assess our needs, we intend to reorganize," adds Siege.
Hartwell nods. "Our hope is to let most of our brothers return to farm and home, but it will depend on how much fighting is to be done to assure our place."
"Excellent," Vere tells them. "I hope the same. Let us see what we find when we reach Paris, and can hear first hand what occurs in Rebma." He looks back to his captains and says, "Castor has not yet returned to Paris from Rebma, which might indicate some political or military situation that needed his attention. Gentlemen, as members of the Queen's Coldstream Guard you were privy to matters that I, as a foreign visitor, was not. Can you think of what may have occasioned this delay?"
As an aside to King Bran Vere explains, "I had sent my tanist along with an ambassador from my mother to Rebma, to warn them of Huon's army. There was some indication that Rebma might be on his path through the worlds, and I thought it necessary to warn the Queen of Rebma of this potential danger."
Several of the others look at Aurelius. "Hmm," he says. "Family needs could have kept him, but not the priestess. Some sort of state of emergency, such as a slave rebellion or a siege. He could be a prisoner of Huon, or he might have gotten stuck in that cave. "
Aurelius shakes his head. "There's too many options. Can any of our allies provide a seer?"
Vere shakes his own head in response. "It takes special training and ability to scry across the worlds," he says. "And if they are in any danger, then an attempt by us to pierce those veils runs the risk of alerting possible enemies, when we cannot do anything material about what we find. Let us take this as a warning that there might be a problem, and increase our precautions. When we reach Paris we shall consult with King Corwin and his advisers. My uncle is a canny monarch, and he will have spies reporting to him from Rebma." Vere smiles at his captains. "Even as Queen Moire no doubt has her own agents in place in Paris," he reminds them before any can take offense. "It is the game of thrones, is it not? In any case, we can learn more from my uncle when we arrive at his realm, and there is little we can do about it until then."
He settles back in his chair and pours ale into a goblet. "Is there anything else we need to discuss, gentlemen?"
He looks up and regards his allies, friends, and captains, waiting to see if they have anything else to ask or say before he proposes a toast.
The mood is upbeat and people seem anxious to get underway. No one has any more matters to bring up.
Vere stands and says, "Gentlemen, we are preparing for a great undertaking. Some of us are returning home, and some of us are leaving the only home we have ever known. But we have turned from warfare to peace, from destruction to a mission to save the peoples of a dying world. We were foes, but now were are allies. We are more than that, my friends. We are brothers."
His gaze goes around the room, briefly meeting the eyes of each of them. "And I am proud to be able to call you my brothers."
He raises his goblet. "To brotherhood!" he says, and drinks.
A dozen or so male voices join him. Vere thinks the sentiment is best shared amongst his own people, but no one is opposed. If this keeps up, the trip will be very easy, indeed.
Knowing better than to tempt fate, Vere does not even let such a thought cross his mind.
The meeting breaks up into informal talk at this point, before everyone heads off to attend to their own preparations for the morning. Vere will wait to see if anyone has anything they wished to speak with him about in a more private setting, before heading off to get a good night's sleep before the expected chaos of the morning.
No one approaches Vere privately.
Vere sleeps that evening, troubled by visions and dreams. He sees many things, all in brief nightmare flashes, unconnected and difficult to react to; by the time it's clear what Vere sees, another image takes the place of the first.
The images are of his friends and family. Robin, gaunt and dank, being pursued through a wood. Cambina at the edge of the pattern, screaming at someone who is walking it. Jovian hitting a man from behind with a rock and taking his victim's shoes. Avis lying on her mother's sickbed, dying as her mother did. Gerard stepping out of his wheelchair and having his legbones snap under the unaccustomed load.
It goes on, and on, and on. Eventually, Vere thinks it either has to stop or he will. He bolts up in his bedding, and sees a glowing woman. Danu, goddess, as she is depicted in so many descriptions, stands at the entrance to his tent.
"Child of mine, what do you do here?," she asks.
"I prepare to lead your children to a new home," he answers, rising from his bed to stand and face her. "Even as you did, so long ago."
She seems to contemplate this for a bit. "Will you then be their God in their new home or will they still need me?"
Vere raises an eyebrow. "Have you served them so well in their history that you deserve to continue?" he asks. "They warred against one another in your name, and that war is the direct cause of the death of this world. Where were you when this occurred?"
"So you do wish to be their new god and give them new ways." She nods. "We'll get back to that. I was where I ever am, which is in the hearts of those who believe, leading them in the ways that are right.
"I think you will be unhappy as a god, oh my successor. You and yours were always wont to 'do' and not to 'influence'. The Godhood will change you in ways you do not like, or you will be broken of it. Neither will be a good thing for our poor children.
She straightens. "But you asked what I had done to deserve to continue, and that deserves and answer. I bade them follow you, when I did not have to."
"And is that what you think best for them?" Vere asks quietly. "If so, then am I to honour you for simply doing what is right and proper? Or is it not rather that to do otherwise would be less than should be expected, not that to do so is greater?" He smiles slightly then, and shakes his head. "But I make it sound as though I criticize you. I do not. I simply seek to understand."
"Seeking and gaining are different things, my child. If you take my place, you will understand, but it may be an understanding you wish you did not have.
"You and I are at a crossroads. I am in the hearts of many of your people, and unless I choose not to, I will be carried with you to your new home. I would change, in ways I cannot predict, but I would be there because the people would take me with them.
"I would not fight with you over them, it would not be mete."
"Well said," Vere answers with a nod. "I admire your restraint." He allows a small frown to appear on his face. "For my own part, I do not think I would make a good god. You said that you would be carried with them unless you choose otherwise. Do you wish to accompany them, even though you do not know what their new home will make of you?"
"You will learn this about godding, my child. I do not have wishes that are not the wishes of the hearts of my worshippers. Being a God is both much more and much less than being a mortal. A vessel with such a limited duration can be used for things that one that must last eternally cannot.
"You know the most of me, and of this new home. Tell me what it would mean for me to be there or for me not to be there."
Vere frowns thoughtfully. "Difficult to answer," he says. "I suspect your existence would come to be even more in the hearts of your worshippers than it is now, and it would prove less practical for you to manifest. Whether I settle our people in Rebma itself, or in a near shadow, depends upon our reception by Rebma's Queen, and that I will not know until I arrive. In Rebma change is far slower, the realm is held firm by the presence of a Pattern, the very structure of Order itself." He regards the goddess and asks, "Do you know of the Patterns, and of the Lords of Amber and of Chaos?"
"The heart is what matters, not externalities, like your Patterns. Yes, I know of it, and your feelings of it, and those of my Priestesses and sons who know it. What of it?"
"You consider it an externality?" Vere asks with a touch of bemusement in his voice. "It seems very internal to me. Another reason I would not make a particularly good god for our people, I suppose." He considers the matter for a few moments before continuing, "I think you will find that closer proximity to it will change you, and the nature of your relationship with your worshipers. But I do not know how that change will manifest itself." He smiles slightly. "And I confess this is all quite theoretical. I am speaking based on my feelings alone, I have no experience to fall back upon in this matter."
"Your feelings are what matters, but the mastery of them is what is required to be a whole person. It is unbridled feelings that broke our home. Remember always, my child, the cost of raw passion that is not controlled. This is what the social order of a people is for."
Vere smiles, as if thinking of a private joke, then nods his head slightly. "I will remember this," he says. "And, for what it matters, you have my blessing to travel with our people, and continue as their goddess. I will mention this visitation to Avis and Vianis."
He tilts his head to one side. "Before you depart, however, I would ask of another matter, if I might. There are legends of what may be a dragon in the ancient history of our people. Do you know of the Dragon of Arcadia?"
"I know that one of my children hates it, and despite being confused about this place, returned here once to try to find a way to defeat it. I told him how but he would not hear it from me."
"Perhaps your advice fell upon the wrong ears," Vere says. "Who was this, and what advice did he not hear?"
"Your father's brother. I told him 'No son of Order can defeat the dragon of Arden, no matter how much he strives.' He did not hear me say that he had asked the wrong question."
Vere nods slowly. "What of a daughter of Order?" he asks.
"He did not ask me of them. Excuse me, Prince Vere? You asked me to wake you at this time." Her voice is deeper, but less mature now.
"Prince Vere?" The voice comes with a touch on his arm.
Vere's eyes open and he is instantly awake. "Thank you," he says. "Send a message to my sister and Chancellor Vianis that I will speak with them before we depart."
The Chancellor arrives just a moment before the Priestess. "You wished to speak to us?" asks Vianis.
Vere nods a respectful greeting to both of the women. "The Goddess appeared to me," he tells them without preamble. "To assure me that She would accompany Her people to their new home."
Chancellor Vianis smiles. "The Goddess be praised."
Avis nods. "Tell us what you saw, Brother."
"She spoke with me of the coming exodus, and asked whether I would be the new god of the people, as I led them forth to a new home, even as She had done when She brought us to this world. She said that as the people held Her in their hearts, She would go forth with them, unless She chose not to. It seemed to me that She was willing to step aside, if I chose to replace Her." He shakes his head. "Perhaps it was a test of me?" he asks them. "I told Her the truth, that I do not believe I would be a proper god for our people. I have not the experience, and my heart is torn by too many conflicting duties and obligations. And, Her people still need Her. If she did not come, there would be a void in their hearts, and I fear what might seek to fill it in Her place."
Avis nods. She looks serious. "One does not always choose one's path, Vere, and often the being and the choosing are not in accord. It is ... interesting to think that such applies to the Goddess as well."
Vianis opens her mouth to speak, then pauses. "I would be surprised if it was a test that was not one that you could have failed. I am pleased that you passed, Prince Vere."
Vere nods in answer to her words. He looks at Avis. "You have told the Chancellor..." he pauses, looking back at Vianis. "An interesting question," he says, changing what he was about to say. "Do you still hold that title, Lady Vianis?"
Vianis nods, and waits.
"Told the Chancellor what, brother?"
"That my uncle has offered sanctuary in his kingdom to our young, elderly, and infirm," Vere answers," Until we learn what awaits in Rebma. The world of Paris, the realm of my uncle King Corwin, borders the world of Rebma," he explains to Vianis. "And travelling to Rebma through his realm assures us of a safe refuge and entry point to our destination."
Vianis looks at Vere. "We had heard that name long ago. Is he not dead?"
"He was thought dead," Vere acknowledges with a nod. "But he was merely wounded and trapped by the machinations of his brother, Brand, who sought to destroy all the universe and remake it in his image. This is the cause for which the battle with Chaos was fought, and for which Oberon gave his life, to save all that is. Corwin lives, and has founded a new world, which borders the realm of Rebma." Vere smiles slightly. "Much has changed in the worlds of power. And I would move our people inward to the core of Reality, that they never again will have to fear their world being so easily destroyed. And...," he looks from Vianis to his sister, "And," he repeats, "So that our people will have a greater role in determining the future nature of that Reality. Seeking after that power is dangerous, of course, but we have seen proof that there is no true safety in obscurity."
Vianis nods. "A different world should have different challenges and opportunities."
Avis looks at her. "And our faith will give us strength to face the challenges."
"Even so," replies the Chancellor. She turns to Avis. "Lady, shall I ask the priestess to make lists of those in their spiritual care who need sanctuary with the Prince's uncle?" Then she turns to Vere. "Prince Vere, will you inform the other leaders or shall we bring this to the council on your behalf?"
Vere appears thoughtful for a moment, then answers, "Better from you I think," he nods to his sister. "I do not wish there to be any confusion in the minds of our people over where power lies. Better the council think of me mainly as your guide, and do not come to put undue emphasis on my presence, when I shall not be staying with you."
Avis nods. "Chancellor, please go tell our partners on the council of this."
Vianis bows and departs.
Vere nods to her.
"Brother, would it be possible to have a picture-card made through which I could speak to you?"
"I have a cousin who knows the Art of it," Vere answers. "It is a matter of finding time for the artist and I to be together long enough for the card to be made."
Avis looks relieved. "None of this is quite how I imagined things would be, when we were children. Schism, war, marriage, and my fear of losing your counsel. The Goddess must take special interest in us to put such trials in our path. In olden days, you and I would have been burned at the stake together as heretics and apostates; you for having knowledge and powers outside of the Priestess' control and me for letting you."
She pauses. "You're very like your father."
Vere shakes his head. "I do not think so," he answers. "I wish that I were, but I have not his sure sense of what is right to do. I try to make up for my lack of certainty by mental effort, but..." he shakes his head again.
"My sister," he says very seriously. "Do not let the old ways come again. I know some will seek to find comfort in them as they move to a new and strange place, but I fear for our people if that is allowed."
She nods. "It is but one of my concerns. Will our people still be ours in a place that already has a people? Will we lose the fragile unity we have? What of Bran's people? We go blindly, hoping that we can find a place for us. It is not what we wish, but what we must do, and we have no plan, just our hope that our instincts are the correct ones to allow ourselves to survive."
Vere sighs. "This is not the legacy I would have for you, my sister. It is my regret that I was not better able to master my abilities, to save the Isles and find a less drastic way to reunite our people."
Avis looks deep into his eyes. "The Chancellor believes that you will do it, and that sending us away is way to give yourself the freedom to do what is necessary."
Vere meets her gaze without looking away. "I need to learn more first," he answers. "And even then, there is the possibility that my efforts will destroy the Isles all the quicker. It is why I needed to lead you away." He sighs, then nods. "But, yes, she is correct. I intend to make an effort. But it will not be soon, and I will need the aid of other members of my Family. I would not have our people live their lives in anticipation of a Return that might never occur."
Avis nods. "We will tell them so when we need to, but people will hope for what they hope for. It may even make accommodation easier as we adjust to a new home."
Vere smiles a thin, twisted smile. "It may take centuries to redeem the Isles, if it is even possible. I do not wish to return in two or three hundred years to find that I am the center of a cult, my sister."
Avis smiles back. "Legends of demi-gods often have them at odds with both their divine and human nature. I am sorry that I will not be here in three hundred years to see what you become and what our people become."
Vere hugs her suddenly. "Let us hope it is not so long before I can return," he says quietly into her hair. "I shall miss you, my sister, and I hope to see you sooner than that. I hope..." his voice breaks, and then he resumes, "...I hope to see you dance at my wedding."
She hugs him back, stiffly at first, but soon much of weight of years falls from her and it as if they are children again. She steps back from the embrace. "And I hope to preside at your wedding, when the time comes."
He nods, a determined look on his face. "Enough of gloom," he says, "Robin would not approve of my focusing so upon what might go wrong. No, she would say I should determine what needs to be done, and do it. And so I shall." He nods at his sister one more. "So shall we both. We are who we are, and we shall not be denied."
"It is an excellent plan worthy of that goddess, and of your father."
The exodus starts, amid as much confusion and excitement as could expected. The rains come down, and the people seem to understand the magnetude of what they're leaving behind, but children still play in the campgrounds, and people still love and hate as they will. It is in many ways refreshingly normal.
There comes a point where the column has not met stragglers for a while and where Vere had originally planned to start taking the group through shadow. It is a daunting task, but not an impossible one.
The scouts are called in to their new stations and the march takes on a new tone.
Vere has been remembering his visit to Paris, the way it looked, the way it smelled, the way it felt. Musing over everything that his considerable memory holds about the realm of his uncle. Now, he begins to slowly mold the surrounding terrain towards that memory, small and simple things at first, the way the light reflects off a stream, a birdsong never heard in the Isles, a subtle difference in the colors of the flowers.
The changes are successful.
Unless something untoward happens, he will follow up these small changes with the gradual cessation of the rain, and the warmth of a sun burning through the clouds.
The end of the rains causes murmurs and excitement in the crowd, and the sun breaking through the clouds leads to spontaneous cheers. Today, at least, Vere is a hero to these people.
It's Siege who approaches Vere shortly after the caravan stops for the evening.
"Some of our people are gone. We don't know where we lost them. About two score of them."
Vere nods grimly. "It is beginning earlier than I hoped," he says. "Find our what you can about who saw them last, where they were, whether they were following the instructions I gave, and so forth. I want to be certain it is not hostile action, but merely the dangers of walking so many across the world." He meets Siege's eyes and shakes his head. "We cannot take the time to retrace our tracks through the worlds to try to find them," he says. "To do so would merely extend the time we travel, and risk losing more then we will if we continue."
Siege nods. "We'll ask around, see what people saw. It's odd to me that it was just the Children."
Vere frowns at this. "Very odd, indeed," he says. "Did they vanish in ones and twos, or are there particular groups missing?"
Siege frowns. "I don't know." He pulls out a parchment from his belt and stares at it. Like many men from the upper classes, he can read, but not well.
"I don't know all these names, but there do seem to be family connections. It could be a group from one island." He passes the list to Vere. "But since groups like that are travelling together, that doesn't tell us anything."
Vere accepts the list and studies it, looking for connections and correlations among the people listed.
Last modified: 26 December 2008