Raevyn and Katarzyna

[Wired*Nun]

Raevyn starts a bit, staring at him a moment before regaining her senses. "Rinaldo?" she asks, 'Moving quickly to examine Dunstan, he says without taking his eyes off of his work, "In the flesh. Call me Luke. Charmed - Raevyn, isn't it? Contusions, abrasions, possible concussion. Is it too much to hope that we can get a doctor from somewhere?"


She glances back at Jasra. "Why's he here, exactly?" Her tone should be pretty clearly asking if he's friend or foe.
"I need him," Jasra says. "Sons should aid their mothers, don't you think? Rinaldo, I suspect my personal physician has been harmed or delayed, since his assistant is hip-deep in wounded men. I am not concerned about Dunstan's survival, but if we don't get him back on his feet soon, we may lose the Fount - and the Keep with it."

"I know. I will go to the other room to do what I can. Would you mind coming with me, Raevyn? I could use a guardian, and pretty ones are always the best." He smiles that crooked smile at her. Hard to resist, this one... "Fine time to regret not taking the treatment...but I have other resources. Here, put this on, will you? It will help defend you against some effects, as well as allow us to combine our relative strengths." Luke hands Raevyn a blue bracelet made of stone.

[LynMars]

Raevyn gives a glance to Jasra, Dunstan's previous warnings about his brother echoing in her mind--as well as the possibility that he may have had a hand in her brother's death. But there isn't really much choice at this point. She nods and takes the bracelet, following Rinaldo--Luke--to wherever they're going.

'Jasra may know better than Dunstan who was responsible for her state--if she thought it was Rinaldo, she wouldn't have called him, would she?'

[Wired*Nun]

Luke leads Raevyn through twisting secret ways of the Keep, behind hidden panels and unused stairs, until he reaches an underground corridor. On the way, he takes the opportunity to say, "I am going for the Maze. If the Chaosites lose, it won't matter either way. If they win, I have to use the Maze to combat their control of the Fount. If the affair is still in dispute, I will use the Maze to combat them directly. Because of the peculiar properties of the Maze, to use it fully, I will become vulnerable to a physical attack. I trust you to guard me and do what you can. If you cannot handle whatever may come, you must bring my awareness back to the location of my body so I can take action. The bracelet will link you with me like a Trump, and will allow us to combine our mental power if necessary."

In the corridor he takes off jogging to the left, trusting Raevyn to keep up. Half a mile or more later, they come to a large door. Luke pulls out a blue crystal key and puts it into an invisible keyhole, and turns. Pushing the door open, he motions Raevyn in, then closes it and relocks it.

Inside, she sees the Maze - only this one, instead of being the bilious green of the other ones, is a gorgeous aquamarine-blue...just like the bracelet she wears. Its power and presence reminds her of the Pattern...throbbing, washing over her in waves of energy, even from a distance of an hundred feet.

The cavern itself is also made of the blue crystal, as is the floor. Beneath her feet, running in a straight line from the door to the Maze, is a glow under the crystal, creating a line of bright blue shining upward.

"Ready?" he says with a smile.

[Wired*Nun]

Waking up makes her really not want to. Mentally trying to climb back into the relief of unconsciousness is futile, as numerous pains drive her like whip-wielding demons up to wakefulness. Looking around through swollen eyes, she sees herself in a simple marble-walled cell, with no windows or doors. Light leaks from the ceiling, not magical it seems, but rather, as if through thick translucent glass. Nothing can be seen above. Her wounds have been expertly bandaged.

A large urn holds water, and a sack holds vegetables, smoked meats, and a wheel of cheese. A chamber pot sits in one corner, along with a roll of what seems to be rough toilet paper. A military cot sits in another corner with incongruously fine linen stacked on it. There are also a stack of books - military histories of a place called Trenegen, as well as The Complete Shakespeare and The Great Book of Amber.

All the amenities of home...

[Pygysys]

Kat groans, wishing she hadn't woken up. Through the haze of returning consciousness, she takes note of what is available to her and then groans some more. Slowly it comes back to her, the attack on the Keep, the loss of her men and those damned crossbow bolts. First things first, she examines herself and her wounds.

If they haven't been tended to, she eventually makes use of the water and fine linen to wash and bandage her injuries. She does everything slowly, not wanting to use up all her energy to quickly or to cause further pain. Even if it is inglorious, she will drag herself around the cell as opposed to limping - something's just aren't worth extra agony for the sake of pride.

Afterwards, she eats a little of the food available and washes it down. Not to much, just a light meal so there's a lining in her stomach in case something wants to come back up in a hurry. With nothing else left to do, she gets comfortable in the cot and settles down with the military history of Trenegen. She doesn't start reading yet, setting it down on the floor beside the cot for when her head stops reeling and for the pain to subside. Kat's preparing for the boredom factor if her captors will even allow such time to pass, but psychology she'd rather be bracing for that than anything worse at present.

[LynMars]

Raevyn follows after Luke, mind still a bit confused. Her eyes widen at the sight of the Maze, not at all like the ones her cousins had described. Her artistic side can't help but be impressed. "Lovely..."

She looks up at him when he asks if she's ready. "I-I think so. I'm not the most martial, though, just to give you fair warning. I'll do what I can if they get to here." 'I hope not...what would that mean for the others then...?'

She makes sure the bow and arrows Roland handed to her are ready if needed, and once Luke's about to start whatever it is he's going to do, she'll try to find something resembling a defensible position from where she can watch both Luke and the door. "And I can help whatever way I can, mystically, or try to." She glances down at the bracelet briefly.

Somewhere, in the back of her mind a thought comes, and she works to keep it private, unsure how closely this link brings their minds. '...This is the man who killed my uncle Caine--Josh's father, who Dunstan claims is as insane as Brand...and here I am talking to him so calmly, even helping him in his task, hoping it's the right course...War makes for odd fellowships, I guess...Those issues can wait until later...Have to focus on this for now.'

[Wired*Nun]

Luke replies, "It's all right, I'm not honestly expecting any interference, but I'll be almost helpless, physically, when I use it. I'm depending on you." The sincere smile he gives her sets off little alarm bells in her mind even as she feels flattered. Caveat salesman...

He turns to step toward the maze when a green glowing ball forms off to their left, near the cavern wall. It waxes and wanes in less than a second, leaving three figures standing, looking in their direction. One masked male is clothed in black from head to toe, and armed with a short sword. One masked female is likewise clothed in crimson, a dagger only at her waist. The third is Siodmak, in his usual battered leathers, hands empty. Raevyn's impression is that he conducted the transport, by whatever mystical method.

"Change of plans," mutters Luke under his breath, and his sword clears his scabbard with a wail and a wisp of smoke. "Wait for a good shot."

Siodmak grins a cruel grin, and calls out, "Oh, my, the little bird has herself a big bodyguard. Best to clear off now, before I have to remove you from the picture."

Luke whispers, "If you know any of these people, and you can engage them on Trump combat, I can probably take the other two." He calls back loudly, "Hey, you guys ever thought about renters insurance on your Mazes? Just in case someone decides to mess with them, I can get you a policy that guar-an-tees repair or replacement or double your mana back." Luke sidles to his right, toward the blue Maze, leaving Raevyn with a clear line of sight to the three.

[Wired*Nun]

An interminable time passes, a couple of sleeps. Nothing changes, or happens, until a fuzzy circular light grows in the middle of her prison cell. It rather slowly resolves itself into a halo, vertically and front-on to Kat.

"Hosannah in the Highest. I come to bring you tidings of great joy...just kidding. I always wanted to do that." A shining smiley face appears inside the circle of light for just a moment.

"You are Katarzyna." It is not a question.

[Pygysys]

Kat sits up on the cot, setting the book down to pay attention, not wanting to be rude to who or what ever this is. When it appears nothing else is going to be immediately forthcoming from the halo, she replies, "Yes I am."

Taking a moment to visually study the halo of light, Kat wonders if this is some kind of projection with a spell or a strange creature of Chaos.

"I would like to know your intentions if possible, whether you plan to keep me here for long or ransom me back to Amber any time soon. Whatever ill will lies between the House of Hendrake and the holders of the Keep doesn't concern me, I've no side in this." I also have no idea what treaties exist between Amber and the Courts regarding situations like this. I suppose there's a precedent they'll follow, at least I hope so, otherwise good paperwork should do the trick.

[Wired*Nun]

"Thank you for confirmation. Sadly, I am not very good at recognizing naturally living entities from mere description, though once I have experienced a being, I have a permanent imprint available for comparison." A pause. "Regrets, but I am not your jailor. I'm just a ghost of the machine...you may call me Ghostwheel or Ghost for short. I have sent my terminal in through a flaw in the wards around this place...more of an oversight, actually. I am only able to manifest tenuously, and can only convey information. My father the King wanted me to check up on you, to ensure you are not being mistreated, and to pass along his good wishes. You were lawfully captured on honorable battle, and he bids me tell you that it is extremely unlikely that you will come to any permanent harm. Hendrake will observe the forms, or they shall be severely sanctioned."

[Pygysys]

No permanent harm, what about the temporary kind? I've no idea what the forms are, so I have no idea whether they're being observed. Are you really connected to the King? I suppose I'll play along for now.

Kat tells Ghost, "You can advise the King that I have not yet been mistreated. I've been provided food and distractions." She pats the cot she's sitting on, "A comfortable bed and a cell all to myself." Eyeing Ghost, she asks, "I don't suppose you could fill me in on what happened? I essentially dropped out of the memory race when the blue men pummelled me into darkness. Do you know if my associates are alive? Captured?" She swallows, "Dead?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Actually, the situation is still in doubt. The time in this place is variable. This is part of my difficulty in accessing it. At the moment your time is much accelerated, probably to ensure you are recovered if and when you are exchanged or ransomed. I suspect you will be placed in near-stasis soon after you are healed, to limit your subjective irritation. You won't notice the difference anyway." The circle pulses, fades, flips once or twice.

"In any case, it was only chance that brought you to my attention here. One of my information sources inside Hendrake referred to your capture, and I began looking for your physical location. Merlin would like relations with Amber, and in particular, with Benedict, to remain civil, if not cordial. I suspect that this provides an additional reason to ensure your well-being, especially to such as Hendrake House. They...worship would not always be too strong a term for their view of him."

[Pygysys]

Kat watches Ghost pulse and fade but is more curious about her cell. "So this cell is something of a containment unit allowing for such things with external control? How bland... I was looking forward to communicating with my captors. I've never really had the opportunity to interact with a native of the Courts. I'll consider it a missed opportunity perhaps."

Worship? Benedict? Denizens of the Courts?

"Are you saying that a House of the Courts ... that this House holds my Father in high esteem as it were? I'm not quire sure I understand or believe that notion. Admittedly I do not know all that much about the Courts, save for their existance and not much more. Would it be possible for word to be passed along to my captors that stasis won't be necessary? I accept that I'm their prisoner and I'm quite happy to remain such till all the necessary negotiations have taken place, but I'd rather do something constructive with my time than simply exist."

[Wired*Nun]

"When I say, stasis, I simply mean that time will be slowed. However long it takes - days to months - to make the arrangement - will seem like only minutes to days for you. This, like almost all of the Courts, is a constructed Shadow, stitched together by the arts of the Shadowmasters. In fact, you currently reside below the Temple of Benedict. How's that for irony?" The circle bobs, as if in laughter. "That book, written by Corwin and Merlin, could answer some of these routine questions."


"They will communicate with you if necessary, I am sure. I also expect to be eventually detected, and this terminal is taking a substantial portion of my resources to maintain. Therefore, I'd like to concentrate on pertinent issues. I'd like to know as much as you are willing to tell me about what you just saw. All we - the King and I - know is that, concurrent with a certain amount of political distractions here probably designed to keep us busy, the Keep of the Four Worlds has been seized by Hendrake, more or less successfully. Information on friendly and opposing forces would be very helpful to us, as well as anything else germane. What can you provide?"

[LynMars]

Luke whispers, "If you know any of these people, and you can engage them on Trump combat, I can probably take the other two."

Raevyn shakes her head once, slightly. "No, I don't have working Trumps, and even if I did, Siodmak's stronger than I in that regard, I think," she whispers back quickly, drawing an arrow. She's hesitant in her actions, the thought of shooting someone not a comfortable thought in her mind. She does keep all of them in sight, looking for an opportune moment and location to strike, though unsure if she'll be able to take it.

"What do you want here, Siodmak? Working with Chaos, or is this another personal power deal?" She calls over, voice somehow steadier than she really feels.

[Wired*Nun]

Raevyn shakes her head once, slightly. "No, I don't have working Trumps, and even if I did, Siodmak's stronger than I in that regard, I think," she whispers back quickly, drawing an arrow.

"Just distract someone," he whispers back, then goes on with his patter.

"It's all about the power, cousin. Nothing else matters," says Siodmak. He slides to his left, also toward the Maze, and holds out his left hand toward it. A blue pseudopod extends towards his hand, as if to meet a lover.

The man in black draws his blade, stepping obliquely toward Raevyn. The woman lifts her hands and holds them out to her sides, fingers slightly curled. Red hair pokes out from under her hood and mask, and a light winks on in Raevyn's head. That's Elress, I'm sure of it. And the other man seems familiar, somehow...

Luke makes a gesture, like an underhanded throw, and says, "Bowling for Dollars!" Siodmak is appropriately bowled over, knocked backwards to roll into the cavern wall in a heap. He draws his feet up under him, and stands, dusting himself off and saying, "Well, well, well, little magic boy wants to play rough. You only get one freebie, and now I got your number."

[LynMars]

Raevyn does the only thing she can think to do at this moment to distract the other two; she begins to rapid-fire arrows at them. She's not trying to hit, more like provide cover fire, shooting as close as she dares, unless they try to press forward. Then she'll scrunch up her nerves and actually hit them in a non-vital area, such as the arm or leg, trying to slow them but not seriously harm. She'll keep at it until someone reaches her or she runs out of arrows, whichever comes first and forces her to come up with a new plan. Hopefully her erstwhile compatriot will have acheived or at least thought of something.

[Pygysys]

Kat glances upwards for a moment and chuckles, "You may call it ironic but I consider it strange that members of a foreign court and one so removed from Amber would kneel and worship at such an altar. Still," she shrugs, "Religous choices are a personal matter."

"I am grateful for this visit Ghost, you've broken the monotomy of the situation for me and shed some light on what I am to expect. However, given the situation I find myself in, plus the situation I have just left, I'm not that keen to discuss specifics with you or your King. I'm going to trust in the skill and ability of my peers not to get themselves killed and they are my main concern."

Be careful Roland and Raevyn, don't get yourselves killed or worse.

She shifts a little and tests her legs with some slight stretches. "I'd suggest Merlin speak to delegates of the House concerned if he wants specifics on their numbers. If he wants information on my associates, he should try King Random. Please pass along my apologies to your King that I couldn't be more helpful and my gratitude for investigating my health."

[Wired*Nun]

I am grateful for this visit Ghost, you've broken the monotomy of the situation for me and shed some light on what I am to expect. However, given the situation I find myself in, plus the situation I have just left, I'm not that keen to discuss specifics with you or your King.

"As you wish. Just so you know, I know how to play the information game, too. You owe me right now. You may also wish you had been more forthcoming, if we are unable to help you or your companions because of lack of information. Good day."
With that he disappears, reminding her that even powerful constructed beings get irritated.

[Wired*Nun]

Extending his hand toward the Maze again, Siodmak dodges to his left, toward the Maze to meet its extension.

Luke laughs, and says, "Yeah buddy, I got your number too, and I'm better at math." Plunging Werewindle into the Maze, Luke pushes his way into its blue substance and disappears.

Raevyn's arrows do not find the man in black, who skips contemptuously out of the way, zigzagging forward. She gives the other one a shot, and the woman dodges - right into the arrow. Her hands go to her throat, plucking uselessly at the feathered shaft as she collapses.

"That's all right, I never really liked her anyway," the man in black says, as he approaches her. One last arrow fails to find its mark, and she clubs the bow, trying to parry his swinging sword. The blade cleaves the bow easily, and she finds herself backing rapidly, two bits of wood joined by the string in her hands.

[LynMars]

Raevyn sees the woman get hit in the throat, freezing a moment. 'That wasn't supposed to happen!' Then she's beset by the man in black, mind still reeling as she falls back, instinctively moving defensively. She throws the remains of the bow at his face, looking for anywhere she might be able to go, or what happened to Luke.

'What do I do, what do I do, what do I do...?!'

[Pygysys]

Kat isn't overly concerned about the irritation she might have caused Ghost given her current state of incarceration.

Why would the King of Chaos be seeking to assist myself or the others? Wouldn't that set him against Hendrake? I was getting the impression that he wasn't clued in to what was happening at the Keep. Trouble in Chaos? If the King of the Courts and the Hendrakes are in fact opposed, that's not something I want to become a part of. I've enough to worry about as it is. There's obviously a lot more to this than I know and that's no surprise to me. I think it would be best to stick to what and who I do know along with keeping my faith in the others. On the one hand Merlin may have been able to help them but I'm not so certain they'd like to be indebted to him for his timely assistance... and on the other hand, how do I truly know this Ghost really is Merlin's Ghost? I think I'm just going to be reduced to the waiting game but at least I have something to bide time with.

Having been left alone again, she reaches over to pick up the book she had begun reading and takes up where she left off. When she's had enough of reading for the day, she'll do whatever physical exercise she's capable of in her current condition.

[Wired*Nun]

Feinting with the sword, the man in black forces Raevyn to stumble backwards ever faster, finally whacking her heavily with the flat once, twice, thrice. The third time is accompanied by a trip, which she narrowly avoids, thanks to her father's training. Unfortunately the fourth whack comes down on the back of her neck, and she falls to the ground, thoroughly stunned.

Through the haze she feels herself being lifted, the room upside-down to her limp-necked view. Unnhhhh... A glint of light at the edge of her vision draws her gaze, and she sees Benedict, naked blade in hand, step into the cavern from the tunnel. What might be a chuckle escapes from the man holding her, and she feels herself, and him, transferred through the unmistakeable passages of Trump.

The new place is cool and candle-lit, but before she can see more, she feels herself drawn irresistably out of the man's hands and into - somewhere. A fall of ten feet or so is ended as she slams onto the cold stone floor. Double unnhhh...

[Wired*Nun]

Kat sees Raevyn, somewhat the worse for wear, appear out of midair near the ceiling, and fall to the floor near the foot of her bed.

[Pygysys]

"Raevyn!" Kat scoots over to the fallen woman's side. "Raevyn, are you all right? Can you speak to me?" Even between questions, Kat's seeking out any injuries her friend might have. "Don't move," she tells her companion, "Let me look you over first and just tell me where it hurts. I'll tell you where we are once I'm sure you're not going to die on me. It gets rather lonely in here and I don't think I would forgive you if you weren't here to keep me company." Jesting aside, Kat checks Raevyn over thoroughly.

[Wired*Nun]

Battered and bruised, but not in any danger of death, unless by embarrassment.

[LynMars]

Raevyn moans as her head starts to clear, hearing a familiar voice. She looks up, blinking. "That didn't go so well...Kat?" She hugs her cousin, relieved. "You're all right! Where are we?" She looks around, wincing a little at the soreness on the back of her neck. 'I could have done so much better...So many things I could have done differently...Was that Benedict I saw just before..? Following Siodmak perhaps...'

Answering the questions she knows are coming: "I got Dunstan out of there, back to his mother, and Rinaldo--Luke--was there. We went down to the Maze chamber, so he could use it to counter what was happening at the Fount, I was supposed to help guard him." She hangs her head. "But I'm a rather miserable guard...Siodmak, and I think Elress, and another man appeared...Siodmak and Luke were fighting, I tried to di-distract the others..." The memory of the arrow piercing the other woman's throat suddenly very strongly surfaces. Raevyn draws her knees up to her chest. "I didn't mean to kill her..." She whispers.

[Pygysys]

Kat offers Raevyn a relieved smile when her cousin looks up. "Heya," she manages to get out before Rae's hugging her. Chuckling, she returns the hug, "I'm glad to see you too." Leaning back on her haunches, Kat extends her arms in a grand gesture, "Welcome to stasis! Our hosts, the Hendrakes, have us imprisoned out their way and apparently are ransoming me... er us I assume back to Amber."

Kat's brow furrows at the mention of Rinaldo/Luke. "So who's side... " she starts to ask but trails off when Rae whispers her sorrowful confession. Moving close again, she slings an arm around Raevyn's shoulders and leans gently against her cousin. "It was battle, Rae. What's done is done and sometimes we can't help what happens. The cost can be high and I wish you didn't have this burden to bear but how you carry it will be important. You're not alone, Rae, remember that and I'm here if you need me." I hope that whoever Elress' benefactor is they realise her for the traitor she is and don't seek to avenge her death.

[LynMars]

"My mother taught me to be a healer..." Raevyn shakes her head, resuming her retelling, the sadness still there. "I made so many mistakes, Kat. I know nothing of combat. I think I saw your father, though, just before the man in black--he seemed familiar, somehow, but I couldn't place him--carried me through the Trump. I think he must have been tracking Siodmak, or perhaps Arrotel ended up having to call him after all, if things went badly."

She thinks a moment. "Jasra called Luke. I didn't have much time to think of specifics, I figured it could wait until after things calmed down a bit, it was all moving so fast...I really hope, though, that Roland doesn't blame him for my disappearance, because he just might--he was a student of Caine's too, you know." Another pause. "I wonder if this means that Siodmak really has cast his lot in with his mother's House, if it was one of his companions that delivered me here."

[Pygysys]

Kat keeps her arm around Rae, hoping to provide her cousin with some small comfort. The grip tightens a little at the mention of her father though, "Are you sure? Are you sure it was him? Did I tell you where we are? We're imprisoned beneath a statue of Benedict in Chaos. The Hendrakes lay worship to him if you can believe that. So was it Benedict you saw or perhaps some monument to him?" If only it was really him. It might have been. Could it have been?

"If Siodmak was there assisting in the attack on the Keep then I think that confirms the suspicion. Remember this Raevyn, you're not a soldier and you've never claimed to be one. You did what you felt you had to and if that meant defending Luke, then so be it." She shifts to look at Raevyn and place herself in her cousin's line of sight, "If Elress was there helping Siodmak then she chose to throw her lot in with him and the Hendrakes. Amber hasn't approved an attack on the Keep, Rae, Elress rolled the dice and she paid the price for it. It's not your fault, you have to believe that."

[LynMars]

"He...came in through the door to the tunnel that led back--I didn't get to see much, but I'm fairly certain it was Benedict." She looks at Kat funny. "I think I recall reading something about a cult of Amberite worship that started up here...we're under a shrine to Benedict? In the Courts? How...odd." That word really doesn't describe it, but in her current state, she really can't think of anything better.

As Kat continues, Rae just sort of nods, automatically.

Eventually, she looks up, and around at the cell. "So, what are the particulars of this place, and is there any possible way out, or are we just going to languish here for whatever fate awaits us?" Time to move on, think of something, anything, else, keep occupied. She checks her belongings, seeing if she still has her Trumps and minimal supplies. 'We can assume they'll have blocked all forms of escape...But we should try anyway...'

[Pygysys]

"That's what I said, well essentially any way, when I found out." Kat slowly gets up and shows Raevyn the meager supplies they have. "Hungry? Want some water? All the comforts of home, wouldn't you agree?" Moving to the bed, Kat sits down and watches her cousin go through the motions.

"I've only had the one visitor, he called himself Ghostwheel and claimed to be sent from the King, Merlin that is. I didn't care to give him the information he wanted, so he left. It's possible he might return to question you, I don't know. I also haven't looked for a way out either, I suppose I've accepted my fate so to speak. I'm a prisoner of war of sorts and therefore I'll wait out the negotiations."

She then points upwards and grins, "You kind of just fell from the sky. I would have broken your fall but there wasn't any warning to help me out."

[LynMars]

"If they really do bother to inform anyone we're here, anyway. What kind of information did Ghostwheel want, that you didn't feel you could give?" She accepts offers of food and water, and continues to check her possessions.

[Pygysys]

Kat shrugs and sets her back against the wall, "Information on friend and foe, numbers and abilities, that kind of thing." She watches Raevyn help herself to food and water. "I didn't feel it my place to give such information to the King of Chaos, regardless of his kinship to the rest of us. I guess I'm stubborn and probably biased against him and his Court."

[Wired*Nun]

Raevyn finds everything that was on her before, still there. Kat, on the other hand, had her Trumps, weapons, armor and anything else of note removed before she awoke.

[LynMars]

Raevyn fans her Trumps in her hand, looking at them, considering. "We can try it, at least, no harm in it. Being used as a bargaining chip sounds like a bad career move to me. And the others may still need our help." She looks up at Kat. "We should try to get ourselves out, shouldn't we? Want to help me here, if needed? If our jailers get mad at us for it...Well, I don't care if they do." She's holding her father's Trump, and Jasra's, debating which one she should use. Jasra's will get her immediately back to the Keep--assuming Jasra is still capable of answering--while her father will likely get them out, then perhaps help with the trouble at the Keep. Or lecture them, maybe.

[Pygysys]

Kat's gaze switches from Raevyn to the fanned Trumps and then back to Raevyn. "There's no harm in trying. I'd be amazed if they worked but we'd be fools for at least not trying. Maybe you should try Jasra's first? If it did work, at least we'd be able to try and help Luke at the very least. If he's helped, then that might be all the assistance the others need."

[LynMars]

Raevyn nods at her cousin, putting the rest away, and begining to focus on Jasra's card, making sure Kat is able to see it and help fully. If she has to use the trick they did before in the Keep, using her Pattern to help fuel the contact and maybe chip at the Chaos barriers...well, once again, no harm in trying.

[Pygysys]

Kat slides forward to the edge of the bed, watching the proceedings carefully should Raevyn need her assistance. It can't work, they'd have removed her Trumps as they did mine if it could work.

[Wired*Nun]

Jasra's card is not even cold, and Raevyn is not able to access her Pattern at all. In fact, none of her cards are cold.

[LynMars]

Raevyn frowns, tries for a bit longer. After a time of concentration that will likely change nothing, she sighs. "Well, it was worth a try, anyway." She looks around the room. "No visible way in or out...except up, and neither of us can fly, unless you haven't told me something," she almost-jokes. She sighs, putting the Trumps away. "I guees we just see what happens next, then? I don't really like that idea..."

She smiles a little. "Heh. Maybe we'll have some time, then, for some of those combat lessons and practice, though our space and options are rather limited. It'll be something to do, anyway, besides the reading material provided."

[Pygysys]

"At least we won't die not knowing, right?" Kat looks up towards the ceiling again. "No, I can't fly." There's lots I haven't told you, Raevyn, but at least not about this. She gets up slowly and heads over to the food supplies and breaks off a chunk of cheese. "You know, even if we could fly, I don't think it would make much of a difference." She throws the cheese at the ceiling as hard as she can and waits for it to either stick or bounce off. "If that is the way in and out, its a one way kind of door and I have no idea where the switch is to turn it off."

She then gestures to the cot, "We could always turn that upon its side and push it against the wall as best it will fit. That would give us a little more space but not much, probably more if we stood it up end on end."

[LynMars]

Raevyn nods. "Who knows how long they'll keep us in here, if we don't figure a way out first...But even if we did, if we're in the Courts...hrm. Something to think on, I guess. Well, we have ways we can keep occupied, I suppose."

[Pygysys]

"I believe that's exactly where we are... something about the Courts being made up of Shadows or something. I wasn't really paying all that much attention to be honest. So ... what did you want to start with?" Kat smiles wistfully, "No matter what they teach us, nothing ever quite prepares us for time in prison."

[LynMars]

"I don't know..." She smiles, almost sadly. "I think...I just want to be doing something...Anything...So I don't have to think about...Other things..."

'Like the fact I've seen more violence and death in this last week than in my entire life before now...and have contributed to it...maybe even killed a cousin, just like someone killed my brother and uncle...Will someone want to kill me for that, too?'

[Pygysys]

Kat turns and stares at the cot, "Think we can pull that apart to have something akin to mock weapons to play with? If not, we can at least work on footwork and application of technique I suppose. Failing that, we can always tear the pages from the books, apply spittle and call it paper mache?"

[LynMars]

Raevyn smiles again. "Well, maybe after we get bored reading the books...a few times. And however you want to go about it, if you do. Just tell me what to do." She tries for some of her usual cheeriness, though it comes across as a bit forced.

[Pygysys]

Kat smiles and looks again to the cot, "Maybe you should get some rest first, before we even consider dismantling it. I've a feeling we could be here for some time yet. And yes, Raevyn, I insist."

[LynMars]

"So it'd be pointless to argue then, huh?" Her shoulders slump a bit. "Has been a rather...Full day, guess you could say. All right, Kat." Raevyn obediantly lays down on the cot, facing away from Katarzyna, curling up a bit. She really is pretty tired, now that the adrenaline rush has worn off for the most part, and the exertions of the day coming back. She tries to blank her mind to make sleep come faster...

[Pygysys]

Kat nods to the truth of that and smiles as Raevyn lies down. "Just rest up, Rae. There's no rush." She retrieves her book and slides down the wall into a sitting position. "If you want anything just let me know and I'll see what I can do." Which is nothing when your captors don't even bother to acknowledge requests.

Resuming from where she left off in the book, Kat casts a look Raevyn's way every couple of pages as she remains concerned about her cousin.

[Wired*Nun]

An indeterminate while later, a second cot, bedding, and more food fall out of the ceiling in a heap, narrowly missing Katarzyna.

[LynMars]

The clatter startles Raevyn, making her sit up, looking for the source of the noise. "What the---Are you all right?" She exclaims, wide-eyed.

After a moment to calm down, she says, "Least they seem to be paying enough attention to provide a few things now that there's two of us..."

[Pygysys]

Kat almost jumps out of her skin and scrambles off to one side even though the 'danger' has passed. She swears and glares at the ceiling contemplating a full out verbal attack until Raevyn speaks up.

"Well we know one thing for certain now," she gestures upwards, "That's the way in and most likely the way out. When it's time for them to let us go, I wonder if they lower us a rope or a ladder?" Kat's not happy and she glares upwards again even though the effort is pointless. Turning her attention to something useful, she starts organising the second cot and bedding before putting the food with the rest.

[LynMars]

"Who knows? They at least plan on keeping us alive for the moment." Raevyn sighs, and lays back down. "Guess we don't have to worry about taking turns with the cot anymore, anyway," She almost-jokes. She stares up at the dark non-ceiling for a time, wondering what's happening back at the Keep, and in Amber, and how long they'll be in their cell. She really does try to sleep, and will probably reach that state eventually, though it won't likely be a very restful one.

[Pygysys]

"They won't kill us, provided you were captured in honorable combat and Amber pays our ransom." Kat shrugs, "At least that's if they play by the rules." Are there really rules? What if Ghost and Merlin were just trying to appease me? Let's not worry Raevyn, Kat, that's just a stupid and insensitive thing to do. Why am I here again?

Kat lies down on her cot and watches her cousin for a little while, keeping a silent vigil as Raevyn tries to settle down. "There's one thing in our favour, no curfew."

[LynMars]

At some point, Raevyn wakes back up, startled out of sleep by the memories of all the combat in the Keep, replayed in her dreams. She clamps her teeth together and glowers at the wall. 'I have to get a hold of myself...How do the others manage it? How do they not let it bother them like this? Do they enjoy the violence and the death? I can't quite believe that of Kat, or Roland...'

She shifts around, hands behind her head, staring at the non-ceiling. 'I wonder...my Trumps don't work...I wonder what the "rules" of this place are...I wonder if I can make a functional Trump if I can figure them out. I couldn't quite make Pattern work the way I normally do...But there has to be something. I don't want to stay here. If I do, my thoughts will just dwell on things I don't want them to...'

[Pygysys]

For her part, Kat seems to be sleeping soundly having dozed off once Raevyn was asleep. The book she was reading is closed and resting beside her cot.

[LynMars]

Raevyn eventually sits up, careful to not move too much or too loudly, not wanting to disturb Kat. She takes out a blank card and some pens. Just her most basic supplies.

'In the Keep, Siodmak was able to make functional Trumps despite others not working. May have been the Maze, or something else, but he found away around Dunstan's imposed rules. Okay. Better than nothing. And drawing will help me relax, anyway; always does.'

She concentrates for a time first, experimenting, trying to get a better 'feel' for the place, trying different ways of accessing her abilities. Eventually, she starts to try and draw an image of her father, concentrating fully. Theory being that although Pattern itself seems blocked, as well as previous Trumps, she may be able to get around that by employing new Trump energies. Longshot, unlikely, but one last effort to get themselves out, maybe. At the very least, it'll give her something else to focus on.

[Wired*Nun]

Raevyn is able to make what seems should be a functioning Trump, but she still cannot reach Gerard with it. As she is finishing it, however, she feels a tugging at her mind, like a Trump contact, but somehow different. It seems connected to the bracelet on her wrist.

[LynMars]

Raevyn starts focusing on the odd contact, trying to answer it if she can. If just concentrating on the connection and the bracelet doesn't work, she'll start to try and draw a Trump of Luke to augment the 'tugging'.

[Wired*Nun]

A faint contact resolves, with no visual - kind of like talking to someone at the other end of a pipe.

"Raevyn? Can you hear me?" When she answers and confirms her captivity, he goes on, "I can't get you out, but Benedict is trying to work a deal for your freedom. It looks like a third-party thing, though, so be ready and on your toes - you never know about these things."

[LynMars]

"So it was him! I'm with Kat; let him know we're together...What happened with Siodmak? Are the others all right? What's going on there?" She keeps her voice low, unless she can get away with a mental reply so as not to alert their captors--might not like the idea of that "one free call". She spares a glance at Katarzyna, debating waking her right away or not. She'll hold off at least until the end of the conversation, though.

[Wired*Nun]

"What, that overconfident albino? Benedict took his head and tossed it at the boss Chaosite. They didn't seem too perturbed, though. I'm not sure which others you mean - there were a lot of bodies around, but some of the Amberites are being ransomed or something. Benedict is a better salesman than I thought, don't know how he does it. Lots of street cred, I guess. Tell your friend that they may be coming for you soon, but as I said, watch yourself - there are several factions here and the ones you think may not be the ones you think."

As if on cue, two men appear in the room. One has an eye patch, and resembles Merlin more than a little. One is unknown to either woman, swarthy and powerful-looking. He carries a cutlass and is wearing black trousers with a white shirt.

"Rouse yourselves, ladies, it's time to go. Must be the shortest captivity on record, lucky girls. Come on, tout-de-suite!"

[LynMars]

Raevyn looks up, startled. 'Gotta go!' She sends through the link, hoping he can hear it. She puts her things away in her Trump case as she reaches over to touch Kat's shoulder. "Wake up, Kat...Someone's here..."

[Pygysys]

Kat's already stirring thanks to the arrival of the two men. She glances at them and then looks to Raevyn, "So it seems."

Her attention returns to the two strangers, "Has our ransom been met then?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Due considerations made, everything in order, just the way we like it," says the man with the eye patch. "Gather your things, and take my hand, we'll be there in just a moment. And don't try anything," he says with a withering glance, "if you want this all to work out all right." He holds out his left hand, and in his right appears a Trump.

[LynMars]

Raevyn makes sure she has everything, waiting for Kat, keeping an almost nervous eye on the two men and the Trump. She has no intention of "trying anything", and just follows along quietly.

[Pygysys]

Kat slowly gets to her feet and looks across at Raevyn, "And I was beginning to like it here too."

She doesn't try anything though, reaching out to take the man's hand when close enough. "Ready when you are."

[Wired*Nun]

Their prison fades out, to be replaced by the interior of a cabin, all wood and wool. The eyepatched fellow snaps his fingers, and the fireplace lights, warming the otherwise chill room.

"Make yourselves comfortable, and let me begin the arrangements," he says, opening a door and going into what looks like a bedroom. The other man stands and watches the two, a rather blank expression on his face. A moment later, they can hear the faint sound of talking from the other room.

[LynMars]

Raevyn stays near Kat, taking in the details of her surroundings out of habit, trying to hear what's being said in the other room without being too terribly obvious about it. She fiddles a little with the bracelet on her wrist, wondering if Luke--her only connection to the others so far--can be contacted, or if she has to wait for him to call her back.

[Pygysys]

Kat almost mimics Raevyn, taking note of the room and where things lie as well as doing her best to try and overhear what's being said in the other room. She also takes the time to look the other man over and size him up before curiousity gets the better of her.

"Do you know if my personal items will be returned to me? I care naught for the weapons but there was a book on my person. It has sentimental value to me being the only thing I have of my Mother's."

[Wired*Nun]

The man ignores Katarzyna's question.

It's not too long before the man comes back out. "All ready! We're having a two-for-one special right now, so watch out!" He extends a hand to the two women, and touching it, they can see another man, tall and regal in dress armour, on the other end of the contact. "Here's your way out," says eyepatch.

"I am Larsus, Grand Duke Hendrake," he says. "I have arranged for your release on behalf of Prince Benedict of Amber. Please come through to where I am."

[Pygysys]

"Friendly bunch aren't they?" Kat mutters to Raevyn before eyepatch returns. When Larsus mentions Benedict, Kat grins at Raevyn, "You weren't seeing visions afterall." She then gestures for Raevyn to go ahead of her. "After you, Cousin."

[LynMars]

Raevyn waits for Kat to lead, until her cousin sends her through ahead. She's a bit nervous, but hiding it. Or at least attempting to. 'What if something goes wrong? What if it isn't real? What if...' A million little questions play in her head as they make the contact, and steps forward.

[OOC: I knew that would happen...]

[Pygysys]

"Tell you what, I'll go first so if my Father's there, I can say hi." Kat steps up to the plate and waves to eyepatch and his companion, "Thank you for your hospitality, I hope to return it some day." She then goes through to where Larsus is and once there on the other side of the contact, inclines her head respectfully.

"Your Grace," Kat glances over her shoulder to make sure Raevyn comes through unscathed.

[LynMars]

Raevyn hangs back a bit, waits for Kat, and goes through unless stopped, then.

[Wired*Nun]

As the two women play Three Stooges games in the Trump doorway, the man with the eyepatch shoves them both roughly forward into the contact, getting an elbow from Katarzyna for his troubles. His torso feels like a board, though, and she's not sure she hurt him much. A nasty grin on his face is all she sees before double-stepping to the other side.

They find themselves standing on the floor of the Fount room, people of every shape and size coming and going around them. The General hands an unconscious woman back through the contact to the other side, then closes it.

"You are Katarzyna, daughter of Benedict? And you another of Amber's house?"

[LynMars]

Raevyn is a little red-faced now, after getting shoved. She nods to Larsus. "My name is Raevyn, your Grace. Gerard is my father." She lowers her eyes again, hands clasped in front of her, feeling somewhat out-of-sorts in all the surrounding bustle.

[Wired*Nun]

"Ah. Just so. An honorable man. It is my pleasure to send you back to your family. I am sure the Lord Protector will brief you, but let me caution you both against any rash action until after he has done so. You may find the situation changed." He seems imperturbable amid the activity, a rock in a fast-flowing river.

Drawing out a trump of Benedict, and letting them see it, he looks at it for a moment. "Your Highness, I have two ladies you are looking for. I also believe the young fellow who broke his parole, by his description, is in fact your son. I therefore am not able to assist you in that matter." A pause. "Yes, that will be satisfactory."

Extending his free hand, he says, "You may go, now."

[Pygysys]

Kat nods, "I am Katarzyna, yes." She watches and waits as Benedict's trump is displayed, listening to the one side of the conversation that is had.

When told they may go, Kat pauses, "Your Grace," she says, "May I ask about my personal effects? Will these be returned?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Unfortunately, it was a third party which had you in custody - I do not know the answer to that. I will inquire, but I would not hold out too much hope. Is there something particular? And does it have intrinsic value? I ask this because I cannot bargain without an understanding of something's worth." He seems to be speaking plainly and openly, if a bit officiously. Maybe that's just the way he is.

[LynMars]

Raevyn waits patiently, unless Kat makes her go through first again. Her only response to Larsus' comments about her father, and Benedict likely briefing them, is to nod twice. No thought or intention of anything resembling misbehavior from Rae; under the quiet exterior, her stomach is knotting and her mind is a jumble at the thought of returning to Amber, after the mess made of things at the Keep--and that red-haired woman...

[Pygysys]

"There was a book, Your Grace, a parting gift from my mother. It is all that I have left. Its value is sentimental and I would bargain for it back if I must. How you may judge its price I leave to you, you and your people are the victors." Kat seems neither embarrased or ashamed to want this book returned for the personal value it holds, merely determined.

[Wired*Nun]

"I will do what I can. In fact...Kaloye, I believe you can begin working on that." He directs this last at the tired-looking woman in blue and white at his elbow. She bows obediently and backs away. "However, articles captured in combat are generally property of the victor. If I must pay for it, I will send you the reckoning, through your father if I cannot reach you directly. Will you go now?"

If there is no objection, he passes the two women through to Benedict, who is standing in a small anteroom somewhere on the main floor of the Palace.

"I hear you fought well, both of you," he says by way of greeting.

[LynMars]

Raevyn doesn't object or say much of anything, simply goes through the Trump to her uncle when bidden. At his greeting, she bites her bottom lip, and nods somewhat woodenly, looking at the ground. She considers just turning away and walking to her room for a bath, change of clothes, and proper rest; her need to know a few details, though, makes her ask. "Um, sir? What happened in the Maze chamber, after I was taken? And are the others all right?"

[Pygysys]

Kat inclines her head respectfully to the Grand Duke, "I understand that there is only so much you can do and I thank you for that."

Passing through to Benedict, she lowers her gaze to the ground. "Not well enough to save either the Keep or my men. Thank you for negotiating our release."

[Wired*Nun]

"I sent Elress to Amber in hopes of saving her life, if only to ensure her judgment and sentencing. Roland remains there with Rinaldo, Heldrik is recuperating here in the Palace, Arrotel still lives. Siodmak is dead. I believe Josh managed to escape after being injured before I arrived. For more, consult the principals."

To Katarzyna, he inclines his head. "Battle is a risky business. Sometimes survival is success. Your men are recoverable, by the usual means, I believe. Do not feel too badly. Even I fail, from time to time, despite my reputation." The ghost of a smile plays about his lips. "The master is not one who can cross the street many times without being struck - the master is the one who avoids the street entirely. Now, if there is nothing further, I leave you for pressing business of my own. Again, well done, both of you." He turns to go.

[LynMars]

Raevyn looks up at Benedict, eyes wide. "She's alive? Then I didn't..." Relief washes over Raevyn's face, and she relaxes some. "I didn't mean to hit her...I was just trying to...She will be all right, then?" She pauses, as she thinks about it. "I...I suppose that must sound silly, to hope that she..." She trails off and ducks her head again.

[Pygysys]

Kat inclines her head to Benedict and listens quietly to Raevyn, hoping that Benedict's reply will be affirmative for Raevyn's sake. She glances around trying to get a feel for where they are, wondering just where it is that Benedict was waiting for them.

[Wired*Nun]

"She will live. She will probably regain the use of her voice, in time. For now, it's probably better for everyone that she cannot speak. Perhaps the time spent in silence will allow her to reflect upon her poor choice of associates."

Looking around after he departs, Raevyn can tell that this is an antechamber on the second floor, residence wing, probably near Benedict's quarters. It's a logical place if he was in his quarters but didn't want to receive us there.

[Pygysys]

After Benedict leaves, Kat turns to Raevyn. "If you will excuse me, Raevyn, there are things I need to attend to. Should you need me, I don't believe I will be that far from reach."

Kat then does her best to find her way outside to take stock of what to do next or more importantly form an idea of where best to begin.

[OOC: She's going after what's hers but needs a starting point, which she'll figure out once outside.]

[LynMars]

Reavyn nods in reply to both Benedict and Kat. She tries to give Kat a thin smile, then she heads to her room for a bath and maybe a rest, though she has slept at least a little. Unless someone comes looking for her, the plan after she's cleaned, changed, and rested, is to relax in the gardens a bit, perhaps do some simple painting, and debate calling some of the others to see how they've fared.

[Wired*Nun]

Katarzyna is left standing in the hallway, orienting herself with a soldier's senses from the light coming in the window at the corner. Northeast wing, Benedict's quarters are down there...