Bundled with the note in Martin's hand is a second note,
sealed with a swan stamp in purple wax.
When Lucas breaks the seal, he finds a scrawled note on the
bottom flap of the folded paper. It was obviously written in
a hurry.
Cos --
Apologies. I'd meant to bring this by in person, but we've had
a slight change of plans and M [---illegible----] Xanadu approx
now. M tells me you are [illegible] odd dreams -- here is one
I've had recently. He thought it might mean something.
My love to Solace; I wish her a speedy recovery.
CUNXa--- F
The interior contents of the letter, in contrast, are neatly
and elegantly written:
Dream:
I am at sea, on a trading voyage with Martin. A terrible storm
arises. I am thrown from the ship and plunge deep into the water.
As I fight my way back toward the surface, I see a dark shape
hanging motionless in the water a few yards away. I realize
it is Martin: he has hit his head and is unconscious. I swim
toward him quickly to pull him to the surface; but before I
reach him, a huge shape rises from the dark waters below: a
man, but much larger, with flowing hair and a fish's tail instead
of legs and a strange dark mark beside his eye. He grabs Martin;
I know he means to drag him into the depths.
But then he sees me. He does not say anything, just stares at
me with those intense eyes. I know what it means, though: he
thinks Martin belongs to him. He turns towards the depths and
begins swimming away, taking Martin with him.
I scream, long and loud and angry; and though I no longer have
any breath left in my lungs, I prepare to pursue, to get Martin
back or die trying.
But then a hand grabs me from behind and drags me up to the
surface, into a boat. As soon as I catch my breath I see
And then it ends, abruptly, as if the writer were interrupted by
something.
----
Gerard receives the following note, sealed with a swan stamp
in purple wax:
***
Hello, Uncle --
It looks as though I'm due for more travel: if the plan holds,
I'll be departing for Xanadu with Martin and perhaps a few others
by nightfall. I hope you'll be able to join us there at least for
a short time when the King brings the next round of visitors. It
really is beautiful.
If it's not too much trouble, would you mind passing along the
enclosed note to Vere next time you speak with him? I want to
congratulate him on his recent news, and only regret that I
doubt I'll be able to do so in person in the near future.
My love to Vere and Solange and, as always, to you.
F
***
The enclosed note is sealed and addressed to Vere, but in a
whimsical font that almost makes his name look like a motorbike.
***
Greetings, Brother --
I regret that I will likely be absent from Amber by the time you
return from your Paris adventure. I look forward to the day when
we can sit down together again over a nice cup of tea and catch
up, for there are many things I long to discuss with you. But
alas, this brief note will have to suffice for the time being....
And so...
1) Congratulations! (Me too, but Xanadu.)
2) Congratulations! (Me too, but Martin.)
2a) ROBIN?!?!?!?! Really?! When did this happen?!
2b) (but on reflection, it's perfect, isn't it?)
3) Remind me to tell you about my mother.
4) Did you know Corwin named his city after a guy that stole
somebody else's wife? I've no idea what that means....
Love and light, brother, and good fortune in all your endeavors.
May your journey bring you safely home.
Warmest thoughts,
F
***
------
When he returns from his Arden excursion, Jovian finds among his
correspondence a letter sealed with a swan stamp in purple wax.
Jovian --
I am sorry we hadn't more time to speak in person; but alas,
I am traveling again -- I suspect we will be on our way by
the time you return to the castle -- and am unsure when I will
be returning to Amber.
But in these few moments before I depart, please allow me to offer
my deepest condolences to you on the loss of our cousin Aisling.
Though she engendered mixed and complex reactions in many of our
kinsmen, know that even some of us who had not the privelege to
fight by her side receive the news of her fate with heartfelt
sorrow. I loved Aisling, and I grieve with you at her loss.
I suppose it will fall to her fellow Knights-Commander to decide
how best to publically honor her memory; but if there is anything
I can do, please do not hesitate to ask. Aisling was kinswoman
and friend; and I would see her honored in the city she loved.
If you have need of me, Random or Gerard will probably be able to
get messages to me while I am out of Amber. Do take care of yourself
in the meantime; I look forward to speaking with you in person again
soon.
Sincerely and respectfully,
your kinswoman,
Folly