Arrotel and Landon

[Wired*Nun]

Raevyn receives a Trump call from Heldrik.

[LynMars]

Raevyn is working on her Trump spreads when she gets the call. She pauses in her reading and replies.

"Yes?"

[Thanos]

"Lady Raevyn, it is your cousin Heldrik. I wanted to check in with you to see how things are going and if everybody is well?"

Heldrik's over all feel is something ackin to relief at this point and once Rae allows the contact to solidify she can even note the wedding ring that Heldrik is sporting.

[LynMars]

Raevyn smiles. "Things go well enough, though could maybe be better. Josh, Arrotel, and I have started looking into some matters more personal to my father and me. I'm not sure what Roland's up to, Kat's off to retrieve what she lost at the Keep, and I'm still not too sure on Landon's whereabouts or condition; still missing, as far as I've heard. It seems you've had quite the happy time. Congratulations."

[Thanos]

Heldrik takes only a second or two to grasp Rae's congratulations and beams a smile as he says, "Yes, yes, most enjoyable, thank you."

With a little pause and a twinkle in his eye, "I to had to retrieve something from the Keep and Kat being there explains why I could not raise her. Roland picked up, but was busy with something so it was only a moment. I have not tried Landon yet. Do you know what happened with Jasra or her sone Luke?"

[LynMars]

"I don't really; I know Luke was around while Benedict arranged for Kat's and my release. They've been booted from the Keep, though. Jasra wasn't very strong when I left, and Dunstan was injured, so they likely returned to Kashfa or other Shadows to recuperate. I haven't really checked in with them, though I intend to eventually. I've either been in fast time Shadows resting up myself, or busy.

"But good to see you're all right, and I hope you were able to retrieve what you were missing after that fiasco. Is there anything I can do for you now, or just checking in?" She smiles.

[Thanos]

"Mostly just checking in and curious about the people who pulled all of us into that fiasco. Risking life, limb, and family treasures without knowing exactly who it was for makes me a little cranky. None the less I might drop in on them in Kashfa and see how they are doing. On the flip side is there anything that I can help you with?"

[LynMars]

"Well, really, it was kinda my idea to call you guys in to help, and I probably should apologize for it. Not like we realized they were intent on occupation, not just attack at the time, though. Anyway. Um, right now, I was trying to do some readings to get some sort of direction. I've been going back and looking over my brother's death again, try to figure out just what happened there, the hows, and most importantly to my Father, the whys. It would be up to you if you wanted to help pursue that in any way; I'm not forcing or guilting anyone into it."

[Thanos]

"Of course, pull me through."

With Rae's assistance Heldrik steps through and says, "You may want to include the following in order to get a complete reading. Some of these may be very hard to get possession of, but from reading 'the book' it would seem prudent....and yes I came here so that I would not have to tell you this over a Trump call."

Heldrik counts them off on his fingers, "A Hendrake, preferably the general that Benedict was talking to at the Keep. Merlin and his mother who was injured at the Keep. Jasra, both of her sons, and her former husband. The children of Oberon and Faiella. The two assumed dead childred of Cymnea. Harla's self exiled children. Dalt. Laslty, Asmundson as a representative of the Maze."

[LynMars]

Rae is a bit startled at Heldrik's eager response, and somewhat automatically pulls him through when he requests it. He'll find himself in her room in Amber Castle. When he starts telling her what she needs in her reading, though, she raises an eyebrow.

"Um, I think I know how to do this, though thanks for the advice. Really, though, too many can just tangle and muddle things even more. I pretty much have all the principles. And while any Trump of those you mentioned will work, I prefer working with cards I've made myself. I resort to using others only when I have to." She frowns, and considers. "Until I see reason or need for it--like none of the cards I'm currently trying have any results--Most of those suggestions I really don't think are going to have much bearing as of yet. Although the Maze connection is a good one, and a line I do need to pursue."

[Thanos]

"Of course, you are more knowledge able about the actual practice of such things. It is my belief that your brothers death was more than it seems and I sincerely wish to find out who set it up. I only wish to remind you that there are players out there that seem to keep being forgotten by we of the younger generation and perhaps our elders. Some of whom have proved that they are a part of things despite their lack of presence here in Amber."

Heldrik pauses for a moment as if struck by a small bolt of lightning, Oh crap! What if it was the Pattern or the Logrus that directly meddled. Certainly should Random have died Amber would be thrown into a chaos of sorts while the elders scrambled to find a new king giving the Logrus some kind of edge. However, the Pattern could have been trying to galvanize the Family in preparation for something or to bring about the discovery of the Maze so we would deal with it.

"I just had a most disturbing thought cousin. The powers seem so often the guiding hands in 'the book' and while I hate to say it, I think that the Pattern and the Logrus would also need to be included as they in fact may be directly behind what is happening. Forgive me for my abruptness, but this brings a whole new light to my thinking on the subject...what if the killer was a Logrus or Pattern Ghost?"

[LynMars]

Raevyn considers that for a moment, thinking as she begins to lay the cards she chose in a specific spread.

"Before we try the farthest out possibilities, the simple solutions should be looked at first, and discounted, before trying to think up complicated conspiracies, especially of more metaphysical natures. Sometimes, it's really not as convoluted as what everyone makes it out to be."

[Thanos]

Heldrik thinks of this for a moment and in his own mind decides that Rae has a good way of going about things, if a bit naive. When one is playing with cunning beings centuries or even millennia old, a cigar is all but never a cigar.

"As you say then, cousin," says Heldrik deferring any possibility of an arguement on the subject. Meanwhile he looks on with much interest as Rae lays out the cards, but will of course leave immediatley should she give any indication.

[Wired*Nun]

The first spread indicates a chaotic origin to her question, with Rinaldo as the central figure, but reversed - which either indicates it's definitely NOT him, or that he is masking a deeper meaning. The standard way to proceed is to remove that card from the mix, and see what happens next.

The next spread shows a divided layout, with the left hand side of Chaotic nature, and the right hand side, of Order, with all the principals falling on their natural sides - or are they? Looking more carefully, Raevyn discerns that only the lesser Tarot occupies the places of Chaos - not so surprising, since she really has no Trumps of "standard" Chaosites - and there is a grouping in the center comprising Luke, Elress, Josh, Dunstan, Agraynel, as well as several lesser Tarot seemingly in places as if...as if holding places of missing trumps. Raevyn is seized by a powerful feeling, almost an epiphany, that is she just had the right trumps...

Without volition, Raevyn finds herself reaching for Heldrik's Trumps, and, if he allows her, shuffling frantically through them.

[Thanos]

Heldrik sees what she is asking for by her gesture and hands the deck over to her without really thinking. Once handed over however, ...erm that was interesting, but I only have the ones that she and my cousins made for me and those that Flora gave me of the family. Then again, I have not even looked through those other than Flora, Fiona's, and the main hallway. Perhaps she gave me a few surprises?

[LynMars]

Raevyn takes the cards, barely realizing she's reaching so rudely for them. Once Heldrik hands them over, she shuffles, unsure even of what she's looking for immediately, but she'll know it if she sees it. Whatever she can use that she doesn't have herself, it goes into her deck, and added to the new spread.

[Wired*Nun]

Raevyn sees, unfortunately, nothing but a standard family deck and her known younger cousins - nothing she doesn't have already. Disappointedly, she contemplates what to do, what to add or change to try to improve the revelation. I guess I hoped that he had Trumps like he was suggesting...and what would a Trump of the Pattern or Logrus look like?

[Thanos]

"I am sorry to say that I have only what I have been given by those of the family that make such things. My suggestions were based on what I know of the universe at large at this point and a desire to find out what avenue I could persue next in trying to track down more information. If there is something I could do to help facilitate this feel free to ask."

Heldrik looks at Rae as if to say, sorry, but doesn't actually say it.

[LynMars]

"Guess I needed to check anyway. Hrm. I should get a few more. Although the results with Luke involved are interesting. Do you know where you can obtain any of the cards you mentioned earlier? Some of those I already have, and are included here, but others I'd either have to make, or find a copy, as I don't have enough personal knowledge to create them myself."

She lays out all her cards, and shifts through Heldrik's again anyway, making sure there aren't any new ones she can use. She picks up one of the placeholder tarot, considers the meaning of the card, and then chooses an unrelated one entirely and flips it around, so the backing is facing up. 'Don't know that this will do anything, but all my Trumps are made with a background framework of the Pattern anyway. If it doesn't, I'll know fairly quickly. And just have to work on another way.'

[Wired*Nun]

Recasting the reading, she gets a spread which largely confirms what the first one showed. Thinking about the last one, and this one, she discerns another subtle skew - Benedict. He occupies a position known sometimes as the Obscurant - the Hidden or Hider, certainly something to think about. Chaos, Order, a group caught in the middle, Benedict's hand in there somehow...and he killed Siodmak. Was that damage control, pruning, or part of the plan?

Curious, she lifts Benedict to find the obversed card. Turning it over, she sees The Fool...Benedict hiding a fool? Protecting him? Maybe that wasn't Siodmak after all, or is it some other fool? She thinks about relating her interpretations to Heldrik, certain that he must see some of what she does, but uncertain how far his powers reach. I have to be better at this than he...

[Thanos]

"If the great book is to be believed, then Merlin has most of the family that is presumed dead and got many of them from Luke. I assume that our elders have a few as Luke supposedly got them from his father Brand. You were at the Fount when Lord Benedict was there, so I assume that you might be able to create one for the General there and for the woman called Dara that was so badly injured."

Heldrik seems to glance at the cards, but when Rae picks up Benedict he notices the Fool underneath. "Rae, that seems strange. Was Benedict in the first casting?"

Luke showed up in both castings as did some of the others. Fiona is definitely onto something, but trying to get information in specific is so hard....arg!

[LynMars]

I would have to have more than just those brief, violent encounters to create a workable card with. Didn't really get to interact much there. Especially when I spent much of it with Jasra, or in the Maze room, or a prisoner with Kat..."

She recalls the man in black who was with Siodmak and Elress, who had seemed so familiar. He'd beaten her, and then carried her off to the cell. She tries to recall what she can, trying to place his voice, his physical features that couldn't be hidden. 'What's his role in this? Who was he?'

She leans back, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "I think we need more information. I just don't know where to go from here."

[Thanos]

"Well, how about we go and talk to Jasra personally, to check up on the lady that was saved, and see what we can't figure out from there? I would think that Kashfa is but a short journey, yes?"

Why do I get the feeling that we are being kept busy looking for the facts that the elders already know are true? How is Benedict involved other than in his traditional role as Lord Protecter? If Luke did kill Joss and intentionally, why?

[LynMars]

"I should see how they're doing, yes. And maybe try to gain more information from them. Perhaps they'll be a little more forthcoming." She pauses.

"Or maybe they'll just be mad about the whole Keep situation and blame us for it."

[Thanos]

"The latter seems to make no sense. Unless one of our male elders was there with most of an army I doubt anything we did would have made a difference in the end. It seemed that the entirerty of a House of Chaos decided to move to the Keep on a permanent basis. Well at least that is what I gleaned from the conversation that Benedict had with the General at the Keep."

Hold it, wasn't he always playing tricks on Corwin, practical jokes, something about a nail in a boot. Wasn't Random made out to look like a Joker on his original trump.

Heldrik pulls out his deck again and thumbs through them to look at Random's card. Once he confirms his memory he flips the card around for Rae to see and says, "This guy looks like a Joker to me and had a reputation to boot if 'The Book' is to be trusted....?"

[LynMars]

"The King? I suppose, he was known to be wilder in his younger days." She thinks about it. "Benedict is often considered the protector of the realm...Maybe. But, then why wasn't it his card in that position? Not that they're entirely accurate, or clear all the time, but still. "

She stretches then, working kinks out of her back from being hunched over her paints and cards all afternoon. "Didn't realize how much time's gone by. I think I'm going to go see about some dinner. Want to join me?"

[Thanos]

"I would like to join you, yes" he says with a small smile.

"Have you ever thought that some one could shield trump readings from revealing something directly? I only say this because the Keep was shielded mystically in some fashion from me entering it with my abilities. Not knowing the particulars it would seem to me that such a thing with Trump should be possible. Perhaps Bleys would know?"

Interesting, perhaps with a major effort on my part I could make things extremely probable that the true state of affairs could be glimsed with relative ease from such a casting. I wonder if that is an innate property of the trumps due to whatever connection they have to the place or person depicted?

[LynMars]

Raevyn shrugs as she crosses the room to open the door. "I suppose it's as likely as anything else. There's likely some manner of doing so, somewhere out there. It's not like it's the most clear method of discerning a situation anyway. It tends to follow the rule of most divination methods; obscure, multi-layered, and subject to sudden change."

Assuming Heldrik follows, she makes her way toward the dining room, to see what's going on there. Though if it's too odd an hour for food, they'll just have to make their way down to the kitchens.

[Thanos]

Heldrik certainly follows moving from his more serious business tone of voice into a more friendly flowing one. On their way there he throws in some idle chitchat about some interesting shadows he has been in before he came to Amber that fateful day not so long ago.

[Wired*Nun]

As chance would have it, it's a bit late in the dinner hour, but not too late. Julian and Fiona are conversing casually at one end of the long table, and Martin and Rein are sitting at the other, food scattered about and apparently talking about music. Rein has a small portable keyboard of some kind, from which faint musical sounds come as he tries out various riffs.

[Thanos]

Heldrik smiles and greets any who look in his direction, but does not strike up any long conversations unless the others persue such.

[Wired*Nun]

It's the work of moments to get food from the buffet or order what the two want. Martin glances over at them for a moment, then goes back to his discussion. Julian and Fi don't even seem to notice them, but that's patently impossible; they must be just ignoring the youngers.

[LynMars]

Raevyn listens politely to Heldrik's small talk, interjecting now and then, but not too much; she hasn't been around as much as he, apparantly. She seems unconcerned about being unnoticed and gets her food, taking a seat not too far from Martin and Rein, half-listening as they discuss music and Rein plays with the keyboard.

[Thanos]

If noone engages them Heldrik will eat a rather hearty meal enjoying it greatly. Soon though his thoughts move to his wife and a grin appears on his face rather suddenly as he looks forward to visiting her again soon.

[Wired*Nun]

Something begins gnawing at Raevyn's consciousness, a vague feeling of something missed, or something overlooked. She tries to focus on it, but it slips away, and she relaxes a moment, trying to let it come. Something about Rein and Martin's fiddling, maybe the keyboard or the music or...

[Wired*Nun]

Or maybe something about the sound of the voices...

[Wired*Nun]

Heldrik receives a Trump call.

[LynMars]

Raevyn listens some more as she eats, tuning out the other conversations. As she finishes her meal, she continues to listen to the music and discussion, leaning back and closing her eyes, as if content after a decent meal and relaxing with the pleasant background noise.

'Cut out the visual input, and just listen, maybe that'll spark whatever it is about it that's niggling at me...There's something here, so close, I know...Just let it come, Rae...'

[Thanos]

Heldrik concentrates enough to put it on hold and says to Rae, "Would you mind taking a trump call with me?" Heldrik holds out his hand for her to join if she chooses.

If she does not he will concentrate enough to ward it off as it is his habit to never take calls alone.

[Icebird]

Arrotel arrives and nods politely to the others, but moves close to Fiona and Julian on his way towards the buffet, hoping that they make some entrance for him into their conversation as he picks up a small portion of something oriental.

Time to brandy a few words with a naive nephew? Too late to use that pun on Josh, when it would have been useful.

If they give no indication of noticing him, he continues past towards Martin and Rein.

[Wired*Nun]

A polite nod from Julian is all Arrotel gets, and the body language of the two elders is such that he doesn't think he's welcome to sit there.

Continuing past, Martin and Rein greet him with more enthusiasm. After initial pleasantries, Martin asks, "So, what do you play, Arrotel?"

[Icebird]

"Not much, and that may be the problem. Someone was playing a game with me, and I'm not sure that I knew the rules. Did you have a game in mind? I'm a pretty quick learner, if I've a reason to be."

[Wired*Nun]

Martin snorts. "Ha ha, play play. I meant, musical instrument, We all play that game. But hey, tell ol' Martin your troubles, maybe he could help."

Rein sits back and looks a little uncomfortable, ready to excuse himself in need be, but Martin slaps his knee and says, "No, stay, Rein ol' buddy ol' pal, you live here, might as well feel like you ought to."

[LynMars]

Raevyn opens her eyes again, jolted out of her contemplation. Slightly annoyed now--what was it, she'd almost had it--She looks at Heldrik. 'First he can't have Trumps made, wanting us to rely on us just knowing who he's around at all times and calling them instead, and now...This is getting ridiculous.'

"You do realize that making a Trump call on your own--which you do often enough--holds about all the same risks as taking one, yes? With your purported Pattern ability and overall experience, I wouldn't think it'd be so much of a concern for you. Everyone else in the family can take a call on their own. Even Martin," And she gestures to their cousin at this point. "Will take a communique after what happened to him. Did something similar once happen to you, that has made you so overcautious? Because if you really are that afraid, I suppose that once again one of us can hold your hand through what's likely a trifling matter, given how common the practice is amongst us. Or have they already decided to not bother due to your hesitation?"

Rae's perhaps a bit louder and sharper-toned than she really means to be. It's not really been the best day, though, with the whole Elress-thing followed by her own Trump-induced headaches.

[Thanos]

Heldrik withdraws his hand and closes his eyes saying he is not home and mentally slamming a door on it until the pressure of contact abates. When it does, he opens them again and looks at Rae with kind eyes.

“I wish that things were different and that my father and your brother were alive and we were enjoying their company. I know what it is like to lose someone you wanted to be close to. Your fortitude in these circumstances is commendable and I respect your abilities with the cards to no end.”

"I am sorry that my distrust of something I did not grow up with and of which don't understand the fundamentals is so perturbing. Making a call out, from my understanding, only contacts the place or person depicted which one can be relatively assured concerning the security. I have done this a handful of times by myself now. However, taking a call, which I have done even less, is not the same as I do not know who is calling. As examples, perhaps it is a few Hendrake sorcerers wanting their prize back or perhaps its my wife with a honey-do list? Add onto this the fact that the vast majority of people that would contact me, the extended family and Asmundson, know that I do not take Trump contacts unless I am with somebody else who will assist. I have stated such openly and the reasons for it honestly. I also apologize for my lack of time in trying to get a few lessons here and there. The search for Joss’ killer, the investigation involving the Maze, the defense of the Keep and my ensuing close to death beating and retrieval, followed by my honeymoon seems to have kept me very busy.”

After his short little speech Heldrik takes a drink and waves to Arrotel in greeting before once more making eye contact with Rae.

[LynMars]

"First off, don't pretend to know what I feel or think. Especially when you're too afraid to let anyone near your own mind unless you have the illusion of absolute control. Whatever makes you think the person you turn to for assistance in taking a call won't do you just a bad a turn as the caller?

"For second, if you want to avoid the wife you supposedly love so dearly after so short a time, why did you marry her?

"Third, I seriously doubt any of us are really that important to the Hendrakes. If we were, you would still be trying to retrieve your dear sword, and Kat and I would maybe still be sitting in a cell. Don't give yourself airs you haven't earned.

"Fourth, you were reticent about even having Trumps made. For such a big strong man, you come off as a real baby about what in more technological Shadows equates to a phone call."

She stands up now, shoving the chair back roughly. "Finally, you aren't the only one busy, or with things on their mind. I do hope it was a trifling matter, though. And not something like your pretty little wife desperately needing your sword arm to protect her, or a cousin needing a hand out of a dangerous situation. And if it was, I hope you can live with that sort of responsibility. If not now, then perhaps later on."

She turns on her heel and walks out quickly, hands clenched and shoulders stiff, unsure of where she's headed quite yet, but knowing she doesn't want to stay there, not after that little outburst.

[Wired*Nun]

The rest of the dining hall tries to look at the scene without looking, except for Martin, who is not trying to be discreet. In fact, the look on his face is somewhat disconcerting - a mixture of amusement and schadenfreude, along with a certain bright-eyes eagerness which seems disconnected from current reality. He makes a sardonic saluting motion with his glass to Heldrik, as if applauding him for the inferred discomfiture of Raevyn.

Rein takes the opportunity to bow out, gathering his things up only slightly short of hastily, departing the potential family combat zone with alacrity.

Julian shrugs while Fiona looks coldly annoyed at the whole thing, though some of that seems to be directed at Martin's impolitesse, and they go back to their conversation, or one like it.

[Icebird]

Arrotel firmly pretends not to notice anything happening, except to nod back at Heldrik. As silence returns, he attempts to re-engage Martin and prevent him from joining in the 'fun.'

"No instruments, sorry. You know Josh? I heard he was Caine's son, but I'm not sure where. I was wondering if we've just taken it at his word as to his parentage, or if there's someone else who can actually vouch for him."

"We were just talking, and it seemed that he was hiding something. Not unusual, but it has aroused my curiosity. Some of my cousins aren't dodgy, so I'm worried about ones who are."

Arrotel glances at Heldrik and Raevyn, to point out a few examples.

[Wired*Nun]

Focusing on Arrotel with some apparent effort due to the shift in topic, Martin picks up the gauntlet gamely.

"Of course he was hiding something. He's one of us, isn't he? And everyone is dodgy. The best ones just fool you into thinking they aren't. As for his parentage, I'va always heard he was Caine's. It seems to fit - the resemblance, the penchant for knives, rats, the seashore, all that. But it could be an elaborate ruse. But sho cares? He doesn't come around much, he stays out of things...and he has more connections Out There than In Here. Live and let live, I always say."

A well-timed snort comes from Julian, and Martin's head snaps around to glare at his uncle. Julian for his part ignores him for a moment, then turns to stare back coldly. This little scene continues for at least thirty seconds, then Martin drops his gaze and grits his teeth. "Bastard," he mutters under his breath, too low to be heard by anyone but Arrotel.

[Thanos]

Interesting. A reasonable explination, compliments, and empathic linkage are completely lost on Rae. Such a pitty, but is it due to her troubles or that she is female...perhaps it is both, but less likely neither. I guess I no longer have to wonder why my beloved chooses to no longer be around her kin. Either way, I will still choose to be friendly towards her due to the bond that she chose to ignore, that of knowing loss and not knowing why. Otherwise, I would become like Martin or Luke perhaps....which brings about an interesting connection. What if Joss was Caine in disguise and Luke and Jasra found out about it and decided that he needed to die as Brand's direct killer? Still though, I am leaning towards it being a distraction away from something or a directing point for certain actions to take place.

Heldrik stands as Rae leaves and raises and eyebrow at Martin's gesture. Sitting again he continues his meal noticing, but not giving any attention to the rest of the room.

I should try Roland and Landon again after dinner.

[Icebird]

"Well, I suppose it was just that he was so bad at hiding it that I thought it must be important. Or it could be irrelevant, and diverting me from something else... Well, that's the way it goes."

Arrotel lowers his voice a little as Martin finishes exchanging unplesentries with Julian.

"Josh's got his hands in some trouble down at the courts. Some shadows revolted, and he's invested in both sides. For crown and against, as he told it. It wouldn't be my problem, except for the 'let live' you just mentioned. I want to see that keep happening, for everyone involved."

[Wired*Nun]

"Aha, yeah, therein lies the rub, usually. Live and let live as a philosophy often clashes with those who'd rather kill and let die, and take what you got. But I like him, he's cool. Maybe I could help you guys out, some way?" He pokes idly at the keyboard, eliciting semirandom notes, then ends with a flourish as he raises his eyes and eyebrows to meet Arrotel's.

[Wired*Nun]

Entering the dining room, Landon and Flora see Arrotel and Martin conversing, Fiona and Julian as well, and Heldrik sitting alone, apparently engrossed in his meal. Martin waves at Landon, winks at Flora. Julian gives them a general nod, and Fiona, her back more or less toward the entrance, doesn't seem to notice.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon returns Martin's wave with a casual one of his own and a smile. He nods to Julian.

Tough audience. Surprised that Martin recognized me, but then he was always pretty good about playing off the cuff. Julian's unreadable as always. Seems that I was right about Heldrik and Raevyn. A scene took place here.

So fishie, where are you going with this?


Landon allows himself to be steered towards the table. Landon helps Flora with her chair, a neutral gesture at best, but a gentlemanly one, before taking a seat himself.

[Wired*Nun]

"Let's not sit where we're not wanted." She steers them over to Martin and Arrotel, sitting next to Arrotel, putting her left hand casually on the back of Arrotel's chair. Landon has the choice of the seat to her right, or on Arrotel's left, making it three on one side across from Martin, or going around the table to sit across from her or across from the seat to Arrotel's left.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon pushed Flora's chair in place and shot Martin and Arrotel a brief apologetic look for the interruption. He took the moment's pause to ponder his seating options.

It seems the Game has extended to musical chairs. Etiquette suggests a balanced table and follows my first inclination. Enough ambiguity in the gesture that I won't be construed as favoring Martin or spurning Flora.

Landon smiles as he walks around the table and takes the chair across from Flora at Martin's left, "It's been a while, cousins. I'm pleased that you both seem in fine form."

[Wired*Nun]

"Ohhh, yes, fine fine fine. We're all fine here." Martin smiles a sardonic smile, and, pushing the point, goes on, "What couldn't be fine in paradise? What a brave new world, that has such people in't, right?"

"Well said, nephew, if a bit unsubtle," responds Flora drily. "Whatever indeed could be rotten in the state of Amber? Other than the obvious..." she trails off, looking without looking at her brother and sister's conversation.

Does she read lips? It would certainly be a useful skill...

[TreyKincaide]

Martin's in quite the mood today. Prick.

"We might as well bust out the Soma and start doing lines off the floor." Landon retorts caustically. He finds himself growing somewhat annoyed that his cynic cousin's mood has infected his own, "Alas, I fear we must take solace in the provisional constant of our blood remaining in our veins where it belongs. That is the only inescapable destiny I care to brood upon."

Grow up.

[Thanos]

Heldrik recognized the voice, if not the new form that Landon has taken up. Ah yes, how soon I forget...mother and son...for some reason a quote from some movie back in shadow comes to me 'Join me Landon and we can rule the Empire as Mother and Son' or well that would be the context here.

Heldrik does look up when Landon crosses the table and gives him a nod and a half smile although he returns to his meal and his musings on the real nature of reality and the function and substance of shadow.

[Icebird]

Arrotel gives Landon a friendly nod as he sits down, then does a bit of a double take.

"Landon? Well, there's someone I wasn't expecting to see."

He nods as if he understands what was just said by the others as their references to Earth literature go over his head. Quick, before someone else gets their head bitten off. Or at least it can be mine, if nothing else.

"Seems it's been more than a few weeks in your timeline, yes?"

[Wired*Nun]

Martin sobers instantly, putting on a new mask with ease. Mildly, he remarks, "Well, Landon. You're not the wastrel hellion I visited in New York so long ago. You've changed, to the point of giving us lessons. But you still have that temper to temper. Please," he says holding up a hand in surrender, "I didn't mean to set you off." He seems to be doing a less accomplished version of Flora, or his father perhaps.

Gotta remember he lives and breathes this stuff at court. Learning to be a right chameleon, aren't you?

[TreyKincaide]

You've found some teeth, cousin. Not quite the simple disestablishmentarianist that you were before.

Landon smiles a toothy grin, shrugs, and reaches for a wine cup, "Eh. You confuse a bit of pique and an empty stomach for anger. I've only been in Amber for half an hour. It's a little early for free thought." A beat, "Give me another 30 minutes and I'll be content to bitch my black little heart out."

He takes a drink as he looks over to Arrotel. He lowers the cup from his lips, "Yeah, it's been awhile. With several exceptions, it wasn't fun at all. I'm glad to see you seem to be getting on."

[Wired*Nun]

"Maybe we should go get a beer downtown and free our thoughts, then, if Aunt Flora will let you? Us cousins, I mean," he says, including Arrotel, but not Heldrik, with a glance.

"Oh, by all means, boys, go enjoy yourselves," says Flora with a grimace. "God forbid I get in the way of manly bonding." Standing up, she goes over to the buffet to assemble a plate - which is out of character, because she normally wants to be served. Giving us a chance to agree or disagree with Martin's suggestion, perhaps?

[TreyKincaide]

Let him continue to believe I am hers. Perhaps, he'll show who he belongs to. He might have learn to change his color, but I bet he still runs to his buddies in the Courts when he can't fade from view.

Not my first choice on how to spend my first evening back in town, but it might be interesting nonetheless. I wasn't really looking forward to the third degree from Random anyway.

Best to get food and stall keeping my options open a bit longer.


"Sure. I'm game right after I get a bite to eat. If I pour more booze into my empty stomach, I fear my thoughts will free themselves and leave me far behind long before the night is spent."

Landon grabs a hunk of bread from the table and munches.

[Thanos]

After letting Landon get a few bites in Heldrik looks up and over at him and says, "It is good to see you healthy and in one piece Landon. Your journey sounds interesting. A good story that perhaps you would find worth telling me later? I would certainly like to compair some notes on the Maze shadows for a few moments sooner or later."

[Icebird]

As Flora leaves, Arrotel drops his voice a bit, so someone outside the circle would have to listen very carefully to hear.

"Eh... Not this year, I think. Some silly morals that everyone and their mothers seems intent on ridding me of. Picked 'em up in my shadow home."

"I'm all for running around without a care in the world, though, before I head into something suicidally dangerous again. I'll tag along, if you two are going. I don't play... do you juggle?"

He resumes picking at his rice, more as a distraction than with any real interest in eating.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon glanced over to Heldrik flashing the same smile, "I don't see why not. I'll trump you when I get some spare time. Sooner if it's critical. Regardless, I doubt I can provide much insight that your own impressive abilities have not."

What is your design? You did not seem interested in me before. Why the change? What do I possess that you desire?

He adopts Arrotel's conspiratoral tone and turns to address Benedict's son, "Morals, my friend are wonderful in moderation even among the moderate. Find something that works for you, but don't be disappointed or surprised when others fail to live up to the same standards that you do. We all are knights in shining armor tarnished it may be."

A bite. A drink. Landon's voice returns to normal, "Then it's a plan."

[Thanos]

Heldrik nods his head and standing up to leave says, "I will be here for a late breakfast, but then I must be off to continue my part of the investigation..."

As to what investigation that might be he does not specify, but its safe to assume that there is only one public investigation going on.

Heldrik heads to his rooms, unless otherwise detained.

[Wired*Nun]

"A man, a plan, Afghanistan. No, that's not it," Martin remarks irrelevantly. "Let me grab a blade and I suggest you do the same. Meet at the front door in a half-hour?"

If there is no objection or change, Martin heads off, presumably to his quarters, to gird himself for a night of carousing, leaving Arrotel and Landon looking at each other. Arthur sits down obediently but looks hopefully upward in case of any extra steaks falling his way.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon looks down with a laugh, "I got the message, you scamp." He scratches Arthur idly as he puts several cuts of meat on a plate. He sets it down in front his canine before returning to his own meal. He glances up to Arrotel, "Nights on the town with Martin always prove interesting one way or another."

Why do I feel Martin's invitation was not as spontaneous as it seemed? Best to take it easy on the brew and stay on my toes.

[Wired*Nun]

Arthur gulps the snack and looks around for more. He is saved by a servant who shows up with what looks to be a whole joint of roast pork on a platter, which he sets in front of the wolfhound. Arthur looks up at Landon in astonishment and for permission.

"It's all right, Landon - we're all friends here, especially my canine ones." says Flora, coming back with her plate and sitting down. "I ordered that." She reaches down to scratch behind Arthur's ears, eliciting a kind of happy purr-growl. Arthur still looks at Landon, though, not willing to go on Flora's word despite his rumbling stomach.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon nods Arthur on, "You've earned it. Just don't make yourself sick."

Landon himself slows down in his eating, "Well, we have enough time for a short dinner conversation before we agreed to meet Martin. We've already spoken of the Brave New World. What is another topic worthy of comment?"

[Wired*Nun]

Flora lowers her voice, but includes Arrotel in her assessment. "How about his relationships to the Crown and to the other side - other sides, I should say? He has a certain immunity, being who he is, but no one has forgotten his relationship to Dara and loyalties to Rebma. Who knows what other contacts he may have made? I'd suspect him of links to Rinaldo if I wasn't fairly sure Jasra and Dara are irreconcilable enemies."

"He's certainly trying to follow in his father's footsteps, only with an arrogance Random never had. In fact..." she purses her lips, calculating how much to say, "He reminds me of Brand. The petulance, the pettiness, the pride. I know he has been learning a lot from a number of sources. I know Corwin tried to talk some sense into him at least once. I know, other than the gut wound, that life's never given him the proper beating that some of us have had."

"And I know that, deep down, he hates Amber."

She blinks, looking at each of them in turn. "Oh, you never see it, and I couldn't convince Random with a two-by-four...but it's true. My job is reading people, and in this case, the King has a blind spot. I don't."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon wipes his mouth and lets the napkin fall unceremoniously in his plate. The remainder of his appetite fleeting, Landon takes a pointedly long drink as the last painful piece of the puzzle falls into place.

Now I understand. I was seen to be like Martin. Like Brand.

Landon digs around in his jacket for a beat up pack of smokes. He lights a decidedly bent cigarette on a nearby candle before settling back in his seat. He takes a drag and exhales. His voice is flat, neutral, and a near whisper, "Certainly, Random hasn't named him heir for several reasons none of which are lost on our rebel without a cause. Doesn't mean Martin resents it any less. Even though he seems to have put his time in court to use, he burns and seethes with anger at what he perceives as continual distrust and suspicion above and beyond the norm. Perhaps his attitude is not completely unmeritted, but his existence doesn't strike me as a particularly torturous one either."

[Wired*Nun]

Flora snorts. "Landon, you were somewhat spoiled for a time - Martin is worse in some ways. Everything he wants at his fingertips, only he doesn't know what he wants. Random's approval, probably first and foremost, but Random doesn't have time for him. Every boy carries a wound only his father can heal. Martin's wound was literally given by Brand- and Random didn't save him. Chaos saved him. A woman saved him - but a woman can't heal that wound. Only another man can. Only a father." She sighs.

"So, he's like Siodmak, but less...beyond the pale. I'm pretty sure that's why Benedict did what he did - to send a message to Martin and Random both. As well as Amber's enemies."

[TreyKincaide]

Drag. Blow.

I still hate it when she anticipates what I'm thinking the way she can.

"So I take it from this conversation that the letter was either lost in the mail or marked return to sender?" He looks upon his mother with hooded eyes.

So you wish us to be double agents then.

[Wired*Nun]

"Oh, Random got it. He just doesn't know what to do about it, other than imitating Benedict's draconian measure. Martin has been read the riot act, he's under surveillance - but that can't last forever. At least, it can't work forever. He's not as clever as he thinks he is - I think."

She shrugs, making jiggly things jiggle nicely. "Unless he is."

"So, go along if you want. Learn what you can learn. Maybe he will let something slip. Maybe he will let slip somthing he wants to, which will also tell us something. Maybe he might even wise up, some time. In any case, keep your wits about you. All of you. And you, sir," she quietly addresses Arthur, who pauses in his chewing on the haunch, "I expect to watch their backs. I'm not sure if Martin knows your intelligence, so keep it to yourself, but be very alert." He smiles a doggy smile, and nods a doggy nod.

[TreyKincaide]

Interesting that she felt it necessary to tell us to do something we'd already do anyway. This isn't going to be a simple evening out. She's worried or setting us up. I can't tell which.

Landon stubs out his smoke and gives a curt nod, "Well then. I feel bad about ditching out on Asmundson, but that's an unknown that I'd rather not introduce to the equation. I trust he'll be well seen to."

[Icebird]

It hadn't even occured to me to watch out for Martin... Good thing I've got someone to remind me. This time.

"Nothing like a relaxing night to take your mind off things. Not around here, anyways."

"'Clever' is my middle name. Unfortunatly, middle names seldom fit on envelopes."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon chuckles at his cousin's quip, "Eh, they'd probably increase the postage. Better than staying in and watching reruns at any rate. Although, it's those tense evenings that you need to watch out for since at least one of us usually ends up dead or knifed in the side for his troubles."

Landon rises from his chair and stretches, "And on that happy note we should probably prepare for a gentlemen's night out." He offers a polite nod down the table to his aunt and uncle before turning back to his mother, "Good evening Flora."

[Wired*Nun]

"Toodle-oo, boys, have a good time. I think I've given my siblings enough time to conspire. It's time to crash the party." With that, she heads over to speak with Julian and Fiona.

Bleys chooses that moment to walk in, boots dirty from some outdoor trek. He tosses his coat to a chair and heads for the buffet, ignoring glances and the servant hustling to clean up the clods. A moment later, he joins the confab of his two sisters and brother.

What one wouldn't give to be a fly on that wall...

[Icebird]

Left alone at the table, Arrotel finishes his last few bites and stands, plate in hand ready to take into the kitchen. He smiles, and sets it back down after a second thought. He leaves for the front door at a sedate walk.

If nothing unusual occurs on the way down, he finds a good spot off in the shadows of the lobby, and pulls up the pattern, examining his hung spells.

Josh said they won't go bad, but no reason not to be careful. Also let me judge Martin's perceptions, when he comes. Can he locate me by my pattern alone?

[TreyKincaide]

[OOC: Uh... Landon didn't go anywhere. I'm going to go ahead and post as is, though.]

Landon watches his sedate cousin walk blithely out the door without word somewhat confused. His eyes flicker over to the cabal.

But then flies have extremely short life spans even if they manage to avoid being swatted away. Sometimes one can be too clever.

Landon looks down at Arthur, "Come on then." They follow behind Arrotel letting him outpace them by some measure without loosing him from eyesight. They maintain a careful distance to observ Arrotel's odd change of behavior.

[Wired*Nun]

Arrotel tweaks a few spells, nipping and tucking here and there. Landon observes that he himself would be much more efficient, and chalks it up to Arrotel's relative inexperience. Still, talent is talent, and he has a long time ahead of him to improve. We all do, theoretically. I wonder, do Chaosites die of old age? Is it the Pattern that preserves us? The old King Swayvill died that way, though it was said to have been Eric's Curse that did him in.

It's not long before Martin shows, dressed in satin browns and yellows, casual but expensive clothing, practical boots, a medium-length lightweight blade on his belt with a basket hilt, something like a long cutlass, and a main-gauche. Trumps and a new golden ring complete the outfit.

Spotting the two men and one hound, he says, "All right, ready to go? Is Heldrik coming?"

[TreyKincaide]

So you are a Sorceror now, Arrotel. I can't pin down the style, but it seems familiar nonetheless. Who taught you I wonder?

Landon looks over at Martin, "You clean up well. I doubt Heldrik will make it. You pointedly didn't invite him, so he'll probably busy himself skulking around the palace. We're both ready, though. Hitting the usual spots tonight?"

[Icebird]

Arrotel gives a small smile to both of them, seeing that his halfhearted attempt at stealth did nothing.

"I'll just follow and try and stay on the edge of any trouble we run across," he says, dropping the pattern. "Or jump into it, if it's the right temperature and there're no sharks."

[Wired*Nun]

"Sharks abound down in Blood Alley! In fact, they are a part of the landscape, with the nautical theme and all. So let's be about it!" With no further ado, he leads the way out the front door, where guardsmen come to attention and doormen hold the portals, down the steps and out the front gate. More guardsmen salute as they leave, and Arthur drops back a few paces to keep an eye on their backs.

There is nothing amiss on the well-lighted grande avenue downward into the main city, but soon the lights begin to dim and the streets begin to narrow as Martin leads them toward the seamans' quarter.

As he turns into Blood Alley, Martin draw his blades and gestures about him, using them as pointers to the local landmarks. "This is the Fountain of the Mer, or Sea if you prefer. It's said that a coin tossed into its depths will bring the granting of a wish or good luck for a journey. Interestingly, if you look inside even on a bright sunlit day, you still can't see the bottom. There's also no apparent motive power for the fountain water, not even some form of magic. My theory is that Dworkin set it up that way, altered reality to make it so, in the time long ago. It certainly provides an endless, though not unlimited, supply of fresh water to anyone who wants to dip some, but it's prohibited by law to run a pipe. Now there," he says, turning to point at a building on the corner, "Is the famed Bed of Pearls, as good a whorehouse as you'll find - or as bad, depending on your viewpoint. The girls aren't all the prettiest, but they say you'll never leave unsatisfied, and they have one of the best bars and tenders, even if you don't sample the merchandise. Let's have a drink, shall we?"

Without asking for agreement, he turns and heads into the saloon-style doors, from which warm red light spills invitingly.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon follows Martin's tour quietly whistfully remembering nights out in shadow up to no good with his errant cousin. As Martin steps inside the Bed of Pearls Landon smiles a sad smile and pauses at the red light.

Martin all but made a beeline for this place. The tour was for show. We've all been in Amber's red light district before--it's almost a rite of passage. This was his intended destination probably before he even asked us out. A Trap, a Conspiracy, or Both? Remember, remember the 5th of November...

Readying himself for anything bringing his personal reflection of the Pattern to bare, Landon and Arthur trail in.

[Icebird]

What am I doing here? Other than the obvious of trying not to make a fool of myself by acting like a kid...

There is only a moments visible hesitation before Arrotel steps in after the other two.

[Wired*Nun]

Pausing inside the door, the two see Martin already with his arm around a girl and heading for the bar. Other patrons lounge around, drink or play cards, or head in and out of the hallway to the back.

"Hey, friend, you can't bring that hound in here." This statement comes from a large man standing near the door, a heavy baton in his hand and leather on his wrists. Arthur lifts a lip and growls low in his throat.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon shoots the bouncer a dirty glance. He lifts a lip and growls low in this throat, "The hound is likely better behaved than you. He stays. Friend."

[Wired*Nun]

As the man's expression hardens and he begins to step forward, a hand falls on his shoulder. Turning suddenly, the man sees Martin, and his demeanor changes abruptly.

"This man - and this noble canine - is with me, Ben. You can make an exception." Martin smiles a hard and wintry smile.

Tha man pales and steps back, and says with a kind of a half-bow, "Yes, Your Highness. Sorry to have offended. Jus' tryin' to do my job." He backs away in evident fear.

"Com on in, Landon, Arrotel. Find a girl, or a drink, and have either or both. I bet there's one or two of either for you too, Arthur, for the right price."

Arthur looks up at Landon in puzzlement. "What did that mean?" he asks quietly as Martin heads back to the bar and his companion.

[TreyKincaide]

Arthur's puzzlement brings a wry grin to Landon's face. Remembering what Flora said about masking Arthur's intelligence he tries to make it seem as if he addresses Arrotel, "I'll tell you when you're older." He follows with a wink to his younger cousin to clue him into the ruse.

Landon looks to the bouncer. "No offense taken. Keep doing a good job and I'm sure someone'll take notice." He offers a hand shake.

Taking Martin's advice Landon looks for a drink and a girl to daddle on his lap nursing both. He pours a beer into a bowl he sits down in front of his four legged friend.

[Wired*Nun]

The bouncer backs away without speaking, mumbling something and disappearing into the back. A few moments later a different bouncer comes out and takes his position, studiously ignoring the royals.

A young, innocent-looking blonde approaches Arrotel, taking his arm and pulling him to a seat. Introducing herself as Meg, she begins to make wide-eyed small talk, asking about his adventures and, "do you really live in the Castle?"

The woman Landon finds slides onto his lap comfortably and responds to his intercourses like a well-oiled machine. "Hello, Landon, I'm Saudra," she says in a throaty voice. She smells like well-aged whiskey poured over lavender, and Landon knows she could be sipped or drunk as desired. Her breath caresses his ear as she speaks into it. "Any friend of the Crown Prince is a lover of mine," she says with easy confidence.

[Icebird]

Perhaps I should be more careful about Telloth, if Landon is hiding Arthur? Then again, I don't really speak aloud to him much anyways.

Arrotel tries to relax a bit, feeling more at ease than he expected to once he begins talking with Meg.

"Only occasionally. I used to, but I've been all over the place lately. The castle seems so small, compared to out there." He makes a gesture towards to door. "I suppose that 'all over the place' is too large a claim to make."

[TreyKincaide]

I shouldn't be surprised that I'm not well known dallying in Shadow as I do. Hell, I'd wager that they wouldn't know Random from Adam and Eric has all but faded into memory. Best to play along until it suits me otherwise. I wonder if the 'Crown Prince' cultivates the title that his father hasn't gifted him yet if ever.

"Well, I'm an extremely good friend of the Prince," Landon uses the word that tastes sour upon his tongue, "so we'll see how fair a lover you can be." He flashes a wry grin and begins suckling at Saundra's neck. He looks up eyeing the room to keep tabs on his cousins and Arthur. His quick scan leads his eyes meet Saundra's hungry gaze.

"Tell me, darling, have the Prince's friends ever complained?"

[Wired*Nun]

Meg takes Arrotel's hand and holds it firmly, saying with a mock flourish, "I am honored to make your acquaintance, and maybe, if you like me enough, you can take me away from all this!" She throws up both of their hands into the air, turns, and falls back into Arrotel's lap with a burst of giggling.

Saudra, for her part, responds with quickened breath and a quiet reply, suitable for confidentialities. "They never complain about the service, if I have anything to do with it. Or do you mean complain to the service? As to whether they let slip any interesting gossip, now that's a different story."

[TreyKincaide]

Smart. Maybe too smart, but then Amber has the best of everything. Citizens have millenia experience dealing with their 'mad' rulers, so I should not be wary of a whore who would be courtier. But I am nonetheless. I can not forget she's Martin's creature.

Landon laughed, "You do know how to entice a man I'll give you that. How'd a canny lass like yourself end up working in a place like this? Perhaps, you can whisper those sweet nothings in my ear and we'll see where this goes. Maybe I'll be the one complaining to you, neh?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Oh, you know," she laughs to Landon, "I'm a social climber. When you're born in the gutter with nothing but a pretty face, you get up or get stepped on." She says it lightly, but there is an edge of pain and bitterness, well-hidden beneath. She goes on, low-voiced and earnest, nose-to-nose.

"I don't need your complaints or secrets, Sir Landon. I'm here to make you happy, because it's what I do. I respect my profession, and myself, and I don't cheat people out of value for value received." With this, a smile, and an air of finality, she slides out of his lap and, hanging on to his hand, tugs him smoothly toward the stairway leading up to privacy.

[Icebird]

Arrotel finally gets around to smiling in response to Meg's giggles. "Sure I like you enough. Anywhere you want to go."
His cheeks gain the tiniest bit or extra red as he glances at the hallway in the back, but he keeps a hold on her hand.

[Wired*Nun]

"Oooh, I know what you want!" Meg's laughter lights up the surroundings, and Arrotel wonders why someone hasn't rescued her from this life yet. "But I'm hungry, and I hate being stuck in here. If you take me, I can go out. I mean, you're a Royal! There's a really nice restaurant on Bourbon Street. Maybe they want to come too?" she says, nodding at Landon and Saudra, "- or maybe afterwards," as they might be getting up.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon finds himself on his feet hands entwined with Saudra's. He glances to his cousin as he's led towards the stairs.

Tailored to our tastes. You're trying to manipulate us, Martin. Above board though it may be. What are you up to and why? Can Arrotel handle himself? Can I?

He looks down at Arthur, "Stay." Landon raises his chin flashing Arrotel a boyish grin before focusing his hungry eyes on Saundra. "Lead on." His gaze grows pensive as he considers her words as he follows.

Value given for value received. A consideration for a non living item of worth. I don't recall if it applies to a service, but not something I'd expect for someone respectful of the the profession to say. Is she really from the gutter or am I over analyzing? I'm going to bed a widow. It can't hurt to keep my sword in reach to ensure that I'm not eaten afterwards.

[Icebird]

"Sure! Take me to this really nice restaurant of yours." Catching Landon's grin, Arrotel smiles back. "He can find us later, if he wants."

I've never been called royal before... He breaks from a smile into a grin, then stands and begins to follow, if Meg leads the way.

[Wired*Nun]

Meg grabs a wrap out of the cloakroom, more for modesty and style than warmth, and flounces to the front door. As they head out into the pleasant night air, Meg stops for a moment, staring up at the stars.

"I love the stars. Sometimes, at the end of my...worktime, early in everyone else's morning, I just look up at them, until I get sleepy. I really love nights like tonight, though. If you get the right angle, you can see the Ghostly City rise with the moon - over there." She points to the west.

"Bourbon street is that way," she says, fortunately pointing uphill, more or less the way they came.

[Wired*Nun]

Saudra leads Landon up the stairs and into an elegantly-furnished room, comfortable in all the right ways for the activities expected within.

"Drink something?" Saudra asks as she pours wine from a bottle by the sideboard and drinks a heathly slug. Handing him a glass if he wants, she will pour him from the same bottle. "It's a better wine than normal, but nothing special. I, on the other hand..." she says as she wraps herself around him "...am."

Glass in one hand, tongue on Landon's ear, she somehow manages to unfasten parts of Landon's and her own clothing with the other hand, all while kicking off her shoes. If Landon is willing, her flesh is his.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon took hold of the proffered glass but didn't raise it to his lips.

Separated. Vulnerable. If Martin was going to strike, now would be the perfect time. As we test him, is he testing us I wonder.

He accepts Saundra's embrace.

One seeming perfect match for me and one seemingly innocent one for Arrotel. Damned if I keep taking that which is put out in front of me, but at least I recognize it now for what it is. I've been fairly reactionary as of late. Perhaps, it's time I become proactive. But for now we must keep to appearances musn't we...

Landon's fingers explore the Saundra's proud body removing what clothing that remains. He's careful to keep track of his blade should he need it, before hungrily pressing Saundra up against the wall to find out how special the eager whore could be.

[Wired*Nun]

Saudra goes down like a double shot of single-malt, and Landon is soon lost in the whirl of time's oldest drug. Despite his determination to keep his head, he loses it more than once as he covers himself in her flesh. It seems forever, or an instant, but only two hours pass before he comes up for air one last time.

Handing him a cigarrette, Saudra draws on hers and finishes the bottle of wine, then lays her head on Landon's sweat-streaked chest.

"You're better than he is, you know. I wish you were pulling my strings, not him," she whispers. "I wish I hadn't have had to do what I did."

Landon looks around in suspicion, testing his body for any signs of injury, influence or drugs, and finding none.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon takes the cigarette and lights it between his teeth. A slow exhale punctuated by a suscipious startle play acted for Saundra's benefit followed by a faux relaxation. The shoe had finally dropped and Landon was not surprised. His eyes flickered to his belongings as he gently stroked the woman's hair.

Arthur. I hope you're okay.

"Perhaps if I had found you first, neh? Maybe in another place. Nevertheless, his clumsiness continues to shine through. You are ill used, and your strings are too taunt in his hands. You are far too valuable to be wasted on a disinheritted bastard like me. Regardless, tell me what you have done at 'The Crown Prince's' behest. I make no promises, but I will not ask twice."

Landon waits poised to snap Saudra's neck like a twig should her response bring displeasure.

Whatever else she might have been, special only began to describe it. Martin, I will get you for this.

[Wired*Nun]

Looking at him for a long moment, she finally replies. "I did what I'm good at...with you...for an audience. Probably for blackmail, or to ruin some other relationship. That's what a whore is for, after all, to be used and then put aside, until used again."

She nods in the direction of the mirror. "It's behind there."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon blinks genuinely surprised. "You can't be serious."

Martin the voyeur doesn't strike true for me. Sex for blackmail? No, Martin isn't that gauche or naive.

He rolls out from under her. He grabs his sword from his belongings and with one eye on Saundra he smashes the window.

I must say hello to my adoring public.

[Wired*Nun]

Behind the mirror is a piece of pasteboard with an eye painted on it, stuck with a piece of tape to the wall. It isn't any style Landon recognizes, though he is no expert.

[TreyKincaide]

Sorcery? Trump? What is the meaning of this? What is my cousin playing at? Why did he want me to find this?

"Don't go anywhere and don't move if you want to get through this alive. I have no desire to hurt you, but if you try anything I won't think twice."

Landon brings up the Pattern to look at the intruding eye.

[Icebird]

"Forgotten gift, peaceful heavens... Forever beyond the reach..." Arrotel murmurs a piece of half remembered poetry from his homeland. He stiffens slightly at the mention of the ghostly city, but hides it quickly. He looks in the pointed direction, trying to see Tir-na N'ogth.

Why am I afraid of shadows? Nothing happened there except moonlight and shadows. But I saw my own death, literally. Watched a sword stroke that should have killed me...

"I don't like that place. Stars are for watching, not visiting."

[Wired*Nun]

Landon brings up the Pattern to look at the intruding eye.

Saudra stays still upon the bed, the only movement her hand as it brings cigarrete to mouth.

The card appears to be a Trump based on some variant of the Pattern, incomplete. It irritates him to see its near-symmetry beneath the strokes.

[Wired*Nun]

"
"I don't like that place. Stars are for watching, not visiting."

Meg claps her hands at Arrotel's poetry. "Then you've been there! But...I'm sorry, you don't like to talk about it. Let's just go, I don't care. I just want to be with you."

Up the hill they go, with no incident at all, soon arriving at Poncey's. It is neither understated nor elegant, but one wouldn't expect too much discernment from someone of Meg's social class and experience. Probably, to her it's a palace. Hell, I shouldn't be jaded or snobbish at my age...let's enjoy it.

A server shows them in at first, but suddenly the maitre-d' steps in and steers them smoothly to a more private, elegant booth. "Welcome to Poncey's, sir," he intones in a professionally friendly voice. "William is my name, please let me know if there is anything we can do for you."

Two snaps of his fingers, and a bottle of aperitif with two glasses appears, along with two menus and la carte des vins. The menu has prices listed, which is a tipoff it isn't really top-of-the-line. Still, it beats a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.

"Isn't this great! I love coming here. It means you're really a nice person, Arrotel, that you don't just do it and leave. I mean, that's what I think." She says this with all the nature of one who doesn't even comprehend her situation, much less its undesirability.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon averts his gaze remembering Merlin's experience with the Trumps of Doom. The Pattern Lens solifies and moves inward at the Amberite's behest strengthing his own mental resolve. Eyes flickering to Saudra, he let the cigarette hang on his lip as he shucked on his pants pondering the workings of Trump reversed.

Landon slings his shirt jacket over one shoulder as Eric's blade severs the tape holding the card to the wall. His sword finishes its arc angled toward the naked night's respite. He turns his turns as slides the Pattern Blade home in its sheath. He pauses considering making her pick up the card, that Amberite anger burning.

"No need for that. What's done is done. We should do this again on my dime, but excuse me if I don't feel like basking in the afterglow this once."

Landon picks up the Trump, tucks it in his sleeve, and walks to the door.

[Icebird]

Arrotel smiles, but leaves the glass and the list to Meg, if she chooses. "What do you recommend?" he says, glancing at the menu. He orders that, with water.

This is considered nice? Then again, it's probably not in the nature of the job to meet nice people. Perhaps I can help her...

"Is it always this warm around here? I'm more used to cold weather than this heat..." He lapses into small talk, drawing more on his month with the shadow couple as Arrow for a common ground than any of his upbringing.

All too convenient... What happened to all the advice to watch my back? Oh well. Probably just some paranoid delusions left over from reading Corwin's book too much.

Arrotel settles in to enjoy dinner.

[Wired*Nun]

Landon picks up the Trump, tucks it in his sleeve, and walks to the door.

Only silence follows Landon as he leaves. Outside, in the corridor, the sounds of passion, real or feigned, fall ill on his ears.

[Wired*Nun]

"Get the duck, it's really good," she replies. Soon, two orders of duck with orange sauce, vegetables and au gratin are placed in front of them. Dinner is good, excellent, even.

Meg eats up the small talk as if starved. Arrotel wonders how her "usual" customers treat her, whether this is an act, and how he should be reacting to this "date." She would have been happy to have dinner with me even without payment, I am sure...an what is money to me, who can have an endless supply of it? Why does it bring an element of corruption into an otherwise sweet situation?

Dinner proceeds without incident, finished by good strong coffee with brown sugar lumps and thick cream. "This is all the dessert I should really have, or I won't keep my girlish figure, Saudra tells me."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon whistles for Arthur as his boots clack upon the floor. He walks from door to door in search of his ire and Unicorn help anyone who gets in his way.

Should he fail to find 'the Crowned Prince', he'll try Trumping Arrotel, Raevyn, and Roland in that order. Failing that, he'll Trump to his chamber to plan his next move.

[Wired*Nun]

Barging into doors elicits protests and invitations, but no Martin. When apprised of who he's looking for, Arthur says, "But boss, he's down at the bar, waiting for you to get done mating."

Stalking back to the barroom, Landon sees Martin apparently regaling a group of groupies with stories of derring-do.

" - and then I ran him through, with great aplomb. Oh, Landon, there you are. Good times, heh?" His face falls a bit at Landon's expression.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon blinks.

Is he that good an actor I wonder or does Saudra work for someone else? Is this all one big test or a falling out.

"I'm giving you one chance to prove that you're not behind what just happened, cousin. I don't appreciate being spied on, and I like being caught with my pants down even less.

"But I like you Martin so I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt," Landon flicks the Trump out from his sleeve. "Can you tell me what the hell this is? Failing that there's a girl upstairs who needs her tongue loosened cause she's working for someone that's pissing me off. Who's it going to be cos?"

[Wired*Nun]

Martin's smile freezes, and he stands up abruptly, walking stiff-legged over to Landon, setting his drink down carefully on the way by the rim of the goblet.

Between clenched teeth he hisses, "Whatever the hell is going on, let's not air it all in front of the commoners, shall we? Slumming is one thing, giving the gossips gossip is another." He keeps the smile, turning back to the fascinated crowd and waves. "A round for everyone, just a little misunderstanding!"

He pushes past Landon and goes in to the first empty room in the hall. Arthur looks up at Landon and gives a toss of his head Landon knows is a houndish shrug, looking around alertly, then noses into the room for a moment, then back out. "Looks all right," he says.

Assuming Landon enters, Martin is waiting, sitting in the room's only armchair with folded hands. "All right, what is this about, and let's see that card." Taking the card if given or looking at it if not, he nods.

"One of Jasra's, it looks like. A little spy trick she likes to use, though getting spotted is not her style. Tell me about it, if you want my help."

It's hard to tell if he's blustering it out, especially as how he presumably inherited some of his father's acting ability.

[TreyKincaide]

Ah the new Amber where we pretend we are less fracticious than before in front of 'innocent' eyes. Your Hypocrisy, Martin, makes for tired Sophistry.

Landon pops his neck and straightens his attire. "Not much to tell, really. Someone got a peep show. That," he nods, "was taped to the wall hidden behind a mirror in the room I just 'slummed' in." He returns Martin's false smile. "Something tells me that as much of a porn star as I could be, seeing my prowess in the bedroom was not the sole motivation. Completely ruined otherwise good sex,too" he shakes his head and tsks, "Here I was looking for a night on the town without the usual skullduggery. Hope Arrotel's faring better."

But that's not possible is it? I could no sooner leave off the intrique than give up breathing. None of us can. It's in the blood and our's is terribly thick.

"So Saudra either works for you since you brought me here, Jasra or one of her two sons." Landon shrugs. "My money's on your choice of the latter, probably Dunstan, betting my temper would lean to the former and skip the questions.

Is that what you want Martin? Are you trying to turn me on your former allies? Do you want me to help you help yourself? Deny or not. How you respond will tell me what is going on in that mind of yours.

Landon looks down at Arthur. He holds out his jacket to sniff, "Find her, boy, if she's still here." The tone to his voice betrays his belief to the contrary.

Landon stands looking at his seated cousin expectantly.

Why do I feel like I just stepped into a long dark hallway?

[Wired*Nun]

Arthur pads off to look for Saudra, and Martin composes himself by brushing his sleeves for effect.

"Look, Landon, I can see you're pissed. I would be too, if I was dumb enough to do anything I didn't want seen without a basic sweep of the room for bugs. Still, consider this, from a student of a master. Who - could be anyone, let's put that aside. What - what does sex, even public, matter to you, or any member of the royal family? There aren't any tabloids here, anything publicised would land someone in the dungeon or snuffed. So why? What could a record of you getting it on with a whore accomplish? Who could be shown that record that could hurt, or hurt you? And the how. That card, but how did you find it? What tipped you off? Was it meant to be found? If so, whatever looks like the truth right now is just a lie. And how do we get some answers?"

Arthur noses back in to the room, saying, "She's gone, boss. Didn't walk out, either, by the tracks - she just left the room, probably through a Trump or something like that you do."

"What was that all about?" ask Martin.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon fixes Martin with one of those glares that are saved for those instances where one's being patronized and knows it. He chokes off what he wants to say. Instead he silently regards his cousin with a cold fury that is more terrible that his previous explosive outburst.

Anything you say at this point is suspect, Martin. I had already entertained your questions the moment I stepped out of that room. Who indeed? I grow weary of looking for the Truth if such even exists. It's about time I start making my own.

Landon eyes Arthur's entrace to the room and nods his suspicions confirmed. "She's gone. I was set up, and you brought me here. I realized it the moment I reached the foot of the stairs that'd I'd been played. That's why I'm pissed. Seems to be happening a lot recently for reasons I have yet to fathom. So, what do 'we' do now? Riddle me that, Batman," Landon's sarcasm bleeds through.

[Wired*Nun]

Martin stands up abruptly, anger growing on his face too.

"All right, fair enough, you're making it my problem, holding me responsible. Fine, I accept that, but let's not take it out on each other. Everyone pretty much knows I come here every Thursday evening, so that could have been me in there. You still didn't tell me how you found out about the bug. I would have found it before the deeds were done, which would have led me to the same conclusion, which means I'm supposed to be suspicious of Jasra, which is why I'm not. Since Saudra left - or was taken - she is a source of answers. Well, that's not the only source. Let's go talk to some people, you do the questioning. I'll provide the implication the Crown has an interest. Let's start with the madam, then Meg, all right? MIght be useful to have a Trump of Saudra..."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon checks his anger at the door. He relaxes a bit when Martin stops being patronizing and the accusatory tone all but disappears, "No I haven't, have I?"

By your logic, then I should not be suspicious of you Martin. But I am. Doesn't mean I should show it though.

Damn it Landon. You're better than this. You can play like you mean it. So start already. Do what's best for Amber and then yourself. That's what it always comes down to isn't it?

Landon allows a bit of sheepishness to creep into his features enough to show Martin what he wants to see. "She told me and then played upon my anger to ensure that you saw it."

Landon exhales through his teeth, "Where is this madam?"

[Wired*Nun]

"She told you because she was supposed to, then. Unless you think she suddenly got a heart of gold for you? Maybe we're supposed to be pissed at each other. The proprietress is probably upstairs in her office." He walks past Landon out the door, heading up stairs to a door with the same guard as before, apparently re-stationed upstairs to keep him out of their way.

He blanches at Martin's look, nods at Landon and Arthur, and opens the door, stepping out of the way.

Behind the door, a short hallway shows three doors, one on each side and one at the end. Martin walks up to the one at the end and cocks a thumb at it. "Her name's Kristine. Go gettem, tiger." Martin doesn't seem to know the word "peer," or how to relate to one.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon quietly follows up the stairs rather than pay comment to Martin's observations as seemingly obvious as they were. He walks up to stand beside Martin, "Sure thing sport." You're not the only son of a King bucko. We really are pretty similiar you and I. Neither of us would ever back down even when outmatched and outclassed. Difference being, 'Cos,' is that I recognize strengths in others as well as their flaws.

Landon knocks on the door.

[Wired*Nun]

"What is it!" a formidable female voice calls from behind it "If you're gonna come in, come in!"

When Landon comes in, he sees a tall woman, now somewhat large but still beautiful, in her late forties if her lifespan is human norm. Her eyes narrow at Landon, then flick over his shoulder.

Rising quickly, she smiles. "Welcome, gentlemen, so good to see you again Your Highness. Won't you come in, have a seat. Drink?"

[TreyKincaide]

Landon's eyes survey the room unwilling to be taken in a second time as he finds himself a seat.

A madam is a queen if only of her bordello. Shitting on commoners doesn't get one very far. Treat her with a modicum of respect and it should be simple to win her over.

Landon smooths his jacket and shakes his head at the offer flashing that boyish grin, "No, thank you. I'm sorry for the disturbance, but I'm here because I'm unsatisfied with the service of one of your girls, Saudra. She arranged for our activities to be monitored without my permission and has fled. What can you tell me of her?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Monitored? You mean...spied upon? We don't allow that sort of thing. I will fire her at once, and refund your money. Tell you of her? She works here part-time, mostly the three-day crowd. That's Thursday, Friday, Saturday, when we do most of our business. I have an address..." She looks through a file drawer, pulling out a card.

"Here it is, 14 Rue de la Chance. Lucky Street, in Thari, French is so gauche now, don't you think?"

[TreyKincaide]

Landon accepts the card with a smile. He chuckled at her chosen words, "Quite. I always fancied myself a bit of an English gentleman. Thank you. You've been most accomodating." He rises to go and stops.

"Excuse me, I'm sorry, but about how long has she been working here and by chance do you know if she'd made any friends among your girls?"

Providing she tells him, Landon nods thankfully. "Thank you again. Good night." He walks to the door and steps out.

[Icebird]

"Moderation in all things, including moderation. Sometimes too much of something is just right." Arrotel fishes around for the small bag of gold he carries with him, and pulls it out under the table.

Didn't think to get local coinage... I hope they accept unstamped gold.

"What next? We could go and watch the stars, if you like... No need to hurry back."

[Wired*Nun]

"Excuse me, I'm sorry, but about how long has she been working here and by chance do you know if she'd made any friends among your girls?"



"She's only been here a couple of weeks. Targets the upper class, though you could say that about every girl. She seemed to get along with sweet Meg, who's been here over a year since I took her in after her orphaning, poor child, and introduced her gradually. This life is load enough without making it terrible. Anyway, she seemed to get the upperclass clients well enough, somthing in her bearing or demeanor. She intimidated most of the other girls, too."

As they leave, Madam Kristine calls over their shoulders, "Do come back, I'll see that you are better serviced next time!" Vain hope...

[Wired*Nun]

"Moderation in all things, including moderation. Sometimes too much of something is just right."

"OOOh, I do agree with that! Let's have too much, all right?" Meg orders another round of dessert, taking Arrotel's liberty as license.


"What next? We could go and watch the stars, if you like... No need to hurry back."


"Let's take this out on the terrace, can we?" If he assents, she will pick up their desserts and coffee, and, stacking it on her arms like a pro, leads him out the back glass doors to a terrace overlooking part of the city, where other diners relax under the stars. It's slightly chilly now, so the terrace is only about half full.

Taking an empty table, they sit down. Meg slides her chair over to his and lays her left leg on his, hip to hip, though her full skirts make it a little less obvious. She lays her head on his shoulder. The scent of her is clean, fruity, young, and totally intoxicating.

Arrotel is snapped out of what would have been a pleasant reverie by the sudden feeling of being watched. His eyes center on the railing, seeing nothing but a shadow...that moves like a liquid blackness. No one else seems to notice anything.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon makes his way down the hallway shoulder to shoulder with Martin. He slides out his deck and riffles for Arrotel. As they get down to the bar proper Landon looks to his cousin, "You want to grab some drinks to go while I call our third?"

Providing that Martin agrees, Landon puts his back to a wall and stares at the Trump of Arrotel he palmed.

[Icebird]

Arrotel takes a quick glance around, seeing no one else notices the blackness.

"Have you ever been down to the harbor? The sea has so many stories about it." As she responds, he uses the time to pull up the pattern and examine the blackness.

That's not very nice. Start her talking so I can have an excuse not to say something? Why not just let the silence be?

[Wired*Nun]

"Oh, of course, I used to go down there with my father. He was a dockworker, and sometimes I would meet him for lunch and we would sit and watch the ships..." She trails off with a sad look, and the silence lengthens as Arrotel concentrates.

Before he can finish his mental exercise, a hand falls on his shoulder, startling him as it runs a finger up his neck, over his ear and briefly through his hair before proceeding back to its owner.

Meg looks up, saying, "Oh, Saudra! Did you decide to join us after all? Where is your friend? Arrotel, what was your friend's name? Lan- something?"

Arrotel looks up also to see Saudra, now dressed in a practical set of traveling clothes, a blade at her belt. Not a look that I expected...She moves around with a lithe hip twist, settling gracefully into a chair across from Arrotel, incidentally getting between him and the darkness. Intent, or just chance?

She signals a waitress, saying, "Soda jolt, double with ice," then stares at Arrotel as if reading his thoughts. His eyes almost cross as he tries to get back on track with the Pattern-bringing. He wonders whether to give it up when a Trump contact comes a-knocking.

[Icebird]

"Sorry, can I put this on hold for a second? Someone wants to talk to me."

Arrotel stands and walks away a few paces for some privacy, as well as a view of the black blotch. Giving up on the pattern, he accepts the call, trying to keep an eye on Saudra and the darkness. Assuming it's Landon...

"What's up?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Sorry, can I put this on hold for a second? Someone wants to talk to me."

Saudra stands up, and turns toward the rail as Arrotel steps away. Pausing, she steps to her right three long paces, makes a strange bowing gesture toward the dark splotch, and vaults over the rail into the darkness below.

"What --" cries Meg, standing up herself, looking at Arrotel and back to the rail where Saudra went over, then running to that spot. She looks down, then around, as if looking and finding nothing.

[TreyKincaide]

"We have a problem. I was set up by Saudra. She's working for someone that wants to either piss off Martin or me, and is managing to do an awful good job at it. Long story, but Martin and I were hoping you could meet us at her apartment on la Rue street. Number 14. If Meg's still with you there's a couple questions she might be able to answer."

[Icebird]

"She just showed up long enough to order a drink, and has just dissappeared by trump or sorcery as you called." Arrotel movesover to the rail, checking to see if the black blotch is still in place.

[Wired*Nun]

The splotch resolves itself into a vaguely manformed darkness. Despite its sinister appearance, Arrotel feels strangely unconcerned. His intuition proves correct after a moment, as the darkness moves to stand on the terrace and resolves itself into the humanoid form of Alamor, and the blackness dissapates like smoke on the wind.

"I always wanted to see Amber...and look who I find on my first visit!" He says with a toothy grin.

[Icebird]

Silently, to Landon - I think you should come through now. Ever met a guy named Alamor? He's some kind of Vampire-demon thing. We're friends, so I don't think I'm in danger, but he's probably not allowed here.

Out loud, to Alamor - "I was just getting ready to look for you, after I left you in a bad spot. I'm glad you got out. What brings you here, besides that woman who just left in your direction?""

An aside, to Meg - "He's a friend, of sorts, but probably dangerous. If you want to leave, I'll catch up later. Then again, this might be interesting to watch."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon maintains contact but calls aloud, "Arr needs help. Saudra showed up where he's at and then disappeared, as someone a long way from home decided to pop in. You want to come or do you want to meet up with us?"

Landon waits for a response, "Arthur. Heel." Soon a man, his dog, and maybe his cousin disappear from the brothel in a rainbow.

[Wired*Nun]

Alamor replies to Arrotel, "No need to look for me. I could only be in two states, captive or free. No, make that three, I could have been finally dead, but anyway, I managed to get free and decided to look you up. I have no idea who that...person was...I just recognized her type."


An aside, to Meg - "He's a friend, of sorts, but probably dangerous. If you want to leave, I'll catch up later. Then again, this might be interesting to watch.


Meg moves to place Arrotel between herself and Alamor, snugging up close behind him and saying, "I'm sure you will protect me or anyone in need of aid as a Knight of the Realm!"

To Landon, Martin replies, "Wouldn't miss it for the world. Maybe we can get her trail." He holds out a hand to touch the card if Landon permits, stepping through with Landon when he does.

To the three new arrivals, Alamor bows gravely. "Greetings, noble gentlesirs and grslahg clallagh," (loosely, wolf-brother man-companion to Landon's ear) "I am Alamor, a visitor to this fair locale, friend to Arrotel and enemy to all of Chaos."

Arthur sniffs, nose wrinkling, and shakes himself uncertainly.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon resists the urge to ask about the girl and decides to play it cool. He settles on the bar and orders a round. Looking back at the Alamor, "Refreshing to meet someone who wears his agenda on his sleeve. Can't help but admire that freedom. Tell me, what brings a vampire like you to a place like this?"

With everyone's attention on Alamor, Landon takes a swig and the oppurtunity to study Meg.

Are there any tell-tell signs that I can see? An orphan and a vixen. A combination like that doesn't just happen by accident. So, what's so important about you, that she'd risk her neck by coming here after the stunt she pulled?

[Wired*Nun]

"The winds of change," replies Alamor to Landon with suddenly gritted teeth. "Unless you are deliberately trying to insult or provoke me, sir, I would appreciate you referring to my kind and kindred as 'Changed'. The term you used might be likened to calling you 'apes' or 'cattle' or even 'meat puppets.' Also, an introduction of your noble self might be in order."

Funny how one becomes what we hate...the formality of Hendrake and Chaos seems to have rubbed off even on their insurgents.

Meg seems to be just what she seems to be, no more, no less.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon eyes Alamor coldly. His voice is stiff, "Well, foreigner, you must excuse us barbarians out here in the sticks who have better things to do than catalogue the ever growing species of Court insurgents. Since I'm fairly sure that I can directly trace my ancestry to a Unicorn and those that you're rebelling against, I'd say your simile doesn't hold much water.

"Call a spade a spade I always say. And you. You seem to be just another bloodsucker trying to glut themselves on the death throes of a falling Empire. Not that they don't deserve whatever hatred nursed, mind you. I've seen first hand their excesses and your people have my sympathies. Excuse me, however, if I don't have a favorable impression of an individual who befriends a cousin of mine in order to twist him to the cause of freedom in the face of tyranny. Tell me, what else do these winds of change blow?

"Now that you've taken it upon yourself to dictate decorum, Revolutionary, I might was well acquiesce to your request. I'm Landon." He flourishes a bow.

"How's that for forced Court formality?"

Ye gods am I touchy tonight. Maybe it's Martin. He inspires this mood. Or, perhaps, it's the lick. Merlin is my friend after all and he holds my loyalty. The same can be said for Random.

That is where my politics lie. To the crowns then. Better the evil you know than the evil you don't.

[Wired*Nun]

Nonplussed, Alamor looks from Landon to Arrotel to Martin, then back to Landon. Martin, for his part, seems amused and willing to let the scene play out, and he sits, lounges back, and puts his interlaced fingers behind his head, smiling broadly.

After a moment, Alamor speaks. "I try to judge a man by what he does, and says, not his ancestry. Perhaps you will, in time, come to do the same. Until then, my roster of enemies is quite full enough. You will have to wait in line. Arrotel," he says turning to the same, "I will take my leave and visit you when the blood is less thick. Until then." Turning, he fades into darkness, flowing over the rail into the night.

"Welllll," says Martin melodramatically, "You sure got him to spill the beans. That's why I like you, Landon. You're sometimes even less diplomatic than I am."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon shrugs and rolls his eyes, "I have little tolerance these days for drama queens and less for hypocrites. I don't understand how me pointing out the error in equating our line with apes got me a lecture from a creature who preys on the blood of others on judging a book by its cover--especially one that flows with Hendrake prose. Then again, I don't really care enough to either."

"Enemy of the Courts. Like pissing off Chaos is a chore these days." Landon takes a swig and looks into his drink. "That bloodsucker comment might have crossed the line a little, but what can I say? It's been a long day that looks to keep getting longer, and I'm in a shit mood."

He looks over at Arrotel, pauses, and sighs, "I'm genuinely sorry for having offended your friend. I guess I just don't play well with others."

[Wired*Nun]

"Ahh whatever. Joke 'em if they can't take a fuck," quips Martin. "I do have to say, though, that you might want to have some kind of response if dad asks about it...you never know when a little interpersonal trouble between scions of different houses can turn into a political incident. Maybe you ought to clue in your favorite elder, to give you some cover, just in case. Now, we going to try to track down the whore, or what? Maybe we out to split up from Arrotel - no offense, cousin - and see if the scary guy visits him. Arrotel can ask him about Saudra, maybe he knows something?"

[TreyKincaide]

"Eh, like the guy says, he has enough to worry about without adding a Barimen to the list. I'll have something for Random to chew on if Alamor wants to start shit. Hell, I may simply quote you verbatim. If his style's any indication, he'd have called me out, though. He strikes me like a Hendrake in bearing if not blood 'much as it'd piss him off to hear. I doubt I have much to worry about until it comes to pistols at high noon.

Landon runs his eyes to Arrotel and Meg, "Look. I really am sorry. Maybe Martin's right. Maybe we should go check out Saudra's place while you stay here with your date so you can see what Alamor wants and ask Meg the questions concerning Saudra that I'm too boorish at the moment to put gently. If you need anything you could give me a yell."

[TreyKincaide]

Assuming Arrotel has no objections, Landon downs his drink and Arthur and he stroll out of the restaurant along Martin's side. The sorceror takes a deep breath of fresh night air once they step outside. One foot in front of the other he quietly begins to make his way towards Rue de la Chance enjoying the sound of his boot falls upon the stone street.

In a block's walk, Landon manages to reign in his temper and begins enjoying the night time hunt.

[Wired*Nun]

It isn't long before they are standing in front of 14 Lucky Street. The placard on the door says "Rooms for Rent, Respectable Clientele Only."

"That probably means ones who can pay in advance," says Martin dryly. He steps up and bangs on the door. A male voice from inside yells, "What do you want out there?"

"Open in the name of the Crown!" growls Martin, and slams his hand against the shivering door. "A little intimidation never hurt anyone, especially when I turn out to be nice after all," he says sotto voce to Landon.

The grill's peephole opens, then the door. "Ahh, good evening, thir, Your Highness, I recognithe your noble visage, come in, come in," he lisps. The man is dressed in colorfoul silks and a head wrap, and to Landon he seems a little...off.

All right, a lot off.

Flaming.

Oh well, takes all kinds.

Inside, Martin cuts right to the chase. "You have a boarder named Saudra?"

"Oh, no, no one by that name."

Martin describes her in detail, and the man's face clears. "Oh, that could only be Iris. That's what she went by, andyway. Who knows, these days."

"Take us to her room," Martin growls.

"Oh, at oneth, your highness. Let me jutht get the key." One key ring and a flight of stairs later, they are standing inside her room.

"All right, you can go, my good man," Martin says solicitously. The man leaves, and Martin shuts the door.

[TreyKincaide]

"Tonight just keeps getting weirder and weirder. Fear and Loathing Amber style," Landon muses as he runs his eyes over the room doing a precursory scan.

[Wired*Nun]

The room is sparsely furnished, almost spartan. The bed is made, and there are three dresses in the closet suitable for her line of work. The drawers contain a couple of sets of underclothes. A few items of makeup and hygene are in the bathroom, but what is there in the whole room wouldn't fill a large suitcase.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon wastes little time as he peers through his Pattern Lens searching for signs of anything of mystical bent. He begins a thorough search in earnest that will leave the small room in shambles even going so far as upturning the bed questing for a clue into Saudra's motivations.

[Wired*Nun]

Landon instantly finds something blazing with Trump energy, somewhere under the floor next to one wall. A moment's work a fireplace poker on the boards, and he finds a thick pasteboard Trump apparently having slipped down the crack between the wall and the floorboard.

Fishing it out and glancing at it, it is in a style he does not recognize immediately, though it is not particularly unusual. It shows a room with a fireplace, fire flickering within, two comfortable chairs flanking.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon sits the Trump on the bed. "You recognize the style?" he asks and steps to oneside so that he can gauge Martin's reaction.

Likely it's something left for one of us or both to find.

[Wired*Nun]

"Hmmph," is Martin's first response. "No, not really."

Not much of an answer...he's hiding something for sure. He might not know everything, but he knows something about it.

Martin reaches for the Trump, as if to examine it more closely.

[TreyKincaide]

If it were Jasra's, he'd have said like before. I can safely rule her out. This is meant for him. Perhaps Saudra was meant for him as well.

Landon watches his cousin grasp for the Trump and readies himself for whatever stunt his cousin's about to pull.

[Wired*Nun]

Picking the Trump up, he turns it over to see the back. It shows the stylized picture of a translucent serpent coiled around a chess rook or tower. He flexes it thoughtfully, then places it back face-down on the bed.

"Not what I expected...that's one of Fiona's old backs, or made to look like one. Clues, planted or real? Hard to say. The style...something about it, but I'm no Trump artist. We probably should ask someone who is. Know anyone you can halfway trust?"

[TreyKincaide]

"Yeah, a couple come to mind at least as far as anyone can be, anyway."

Landon pulls out his deck and rifles through. His fingers pass over Merlin and Luke settling first on Roland, Raevyn, and lastly Arrotel without making it obvious to Martin which relatives he's contacting. Failing all three, he'll return to Merlin.

[Wired*Nun]

Roland and Raevyn seem very, very far away, the cards growing only barely cold as he concentrates. Unless he pushes hard, even getting Martin to join him, he doesn't think he will succeed.

Looking at Arrotel, he remembers that they had just parted, and that Arrotel is not a Trump artist as far as he knows. Still, he should be easy to reach, if he wants to interrupt his evening and possible information-gathering from Alamor, again.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon frowns slightly as his options narrow. He splays out the deck again and runs his eyes over the lot. His eyes run over the sordid group.

Damnit. Didn't want to bother Merle, but I don't know any other Trump artists that I can call in a favor with at the moment. Can't hurt to try. He might send Ghostwheel if he's busy, and maybe he'll be willing to say what Martin is not if this mess concerns his domain.

Landon grasps Merlin's Trump and tries to reach his old friend.

[Wired*Nun]

Merlin appears after a moment. Just as Landon is about to speak to him, his image gets in the first word.

"Sorry I'm not available at the moment, please leave a message at the sound of the beep. Beep!"

Trump answering machine...now that's a new one, though not surprising from a computer programmer and the builder of the Ghostwheel, a sentient Trump-powered computer. Ghostwheel...I wonder if he's the answering machine?

[TreyKincaide]

Landon chuckles at his friend's caustic sense of humor, "Cute. Should have expected something of this nature. Look, if you get this, I was hoping for a consult. Favor for old times sake. Later."

The sorceror squares the deck and shuffles them away. He answers Martin's questioning look. "All lines are busy."

Well, that's not exactly true, but then again I don't trust Luke worth a damn or you, Martin, for that matter.

[Wired*Nun]

Before he can finish leaving the message, the image comes alive again, wearing a halo.

"Hello, Landon. Nice to see you again. Listen, Dad is holding court, can he get back to you in about...sixteen minutes, your time? If my calculations are correct, anyway. Or, you can come through and I can hold you in slow time. You will never notice the difference, it will seem like you come through and he will be right there. Oh, and if you are worried about trusting me, I'm not about to create an interdimensional incident, nor could you tell anyway if, for example, I called you back in sixteen minutes impersonating him. But, it's up to you."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon smiled but kept the conversation on a thought to thought basis, "Nice halo, Ghost." He shrugs, "It's all the same to me. I just need a trump analyzed on the downlow. Kind of returning the favor for that whole Keep business. I'd say bring me and it through, but I'm here with Martin and he's been acting fishy since laying eyes on the thing."

[Wired*Nun]

"Welll....I could do it for you." The expression on the virtual Merlin's face is eager. Like a kid proving himself to his father...where have I seen that story before? "In fact, from a purely technical point of view, I can do it better than Dad could. It's just the subjective stuff that keeps him ahead of me. So pass it over, if you want ol' Ghostwheel to take a crack at it."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon leans and sets hand to trump passing it through as requested. Silently, "Thanks Ghostwheel. You're a pip, but be careful won't you? For all I know, whoever made this meant for it to go to your neck of the woods. There's been a lot of that kind of sentiment going around recently surprisingly reaching all the way here. I'd appreciate it if you'd pass that part on, too."

[Wired*Nun]

"Sure...I will...in your own voice, no less, 'cause I can't figure out what you just said anyway. I'll just play it back for Dad. All right," he says as the virtual Merlin takes the card.

"Oh, look at this." He puts his hands together, like cracking an egg, and splits the card in two, face to back. "Two cards. The one on the front was done by Grandma. The one on the back..." he turns it forward so the face can be seen, showing a stone-walled room, "was done a few years back by Great-Aunt Fiona. It goes to..." here he stops for a moment. "I'm not so sure I should be telling you all this for free. Dad always said to trade information with Amberites, so...what can you tell me that I don't know? Like, where, how, and from who you got these cards?"

[TreyKincaide]

Now, I'm being extorted. Some days it doesn't pay to get out of bed.

Landon sighs with exasperation and wordlessly replies, "Since its you and not your father, I won't press the favor. The sandwiched Trumps were found in Amber in the apartment of a whore who went by the alias Saudra.

"Your turn."

[Wired*Nun]

"Ha! Saudra. Okay, what I was going to say was, this one goes to the tower where Great-Uncle Brand was held by Fiona and Bleys, until the rest of the family rescued him. In fact, the Trumps were not only stuck together but linked so that if you went through the front one it would transfer you to the back one. Nice trap, if someone clever like me didn't notice."

A throat-clearing sounds behind Landon, signalling him that Martin is getting impatient with all this silence.

[TreyKincaide]

"Almost done," Landon said aloud.

His thoughts returned to Ghostwheel silently, "Last two questions. Martins' getting jumpy. Where's the first trump go, and what can you tell me of Saudra? Ask what you will in exchange."

[Wired*Nun]

"Who does your hair? Just kidding. Okay, first, why are you still carrying that tragolith around? And, ummm...I can't think of a question. You owe me one." He grins.

"Here's your answers. The first trump goes to a room in Grandma's Ways, assuming they are still there. Of Saudra, I only can connect it with a Saudra Tammin, who was an attendant in Kashfa's retinue the one time they came for a state visit. She looks like this." A picture-in-picture appears of Saudra, dressed in formalware, caught candidly near an ornate doorway.

"Is that her?"

[TreyKincaide]

Landon grins and chuckles, "How better could I put your father's instruction to use, than to make myself look this good?" He winks.

"I'm carrying the tragolith around because I want Luke to know where I am for the time being, and it might come in handy someday. Yeah. That's her. Thanks Ghost. If I could have those back, I'll catch you later."

Landon reaches out for the Trumps and providing Ghost hands them over, puts them through and breaks contact. The sorceror secret's Merlin's Trump away and turns to look at his cousin.

Wait. He held out on you about Dara's ways. Return the favor. Let him think you're still in the dark about his former-present allies. Keep the lie simple, by not lying. Direct him where you want him to look away from the first Trump.

He fans both Trumps, "Got what we needed. Seems that these two trumps were linked so that if one concentrated on the top, they'd get routed through the second. It's Fiona's make alright. It leads to the tower where Bleys and her imprisoned Brand."

Landon took care to note Martin's reaction.

[Wired*Nun]

Interested, but not surprised, I'd say.

"Nasty...maybe, depending on what's there. We can guess it's not meant to be pleasant...but trappers can also be trapped. What if they got not one Lord of Amber, but several, with backup? And it sure would be nice to get an Artist to try a bit of Trump spying through it, if that can be done, without having to go through. I'd ask Fiona but I don't trust her as far as I can chuck her. I guess Merlin couldn't help you with that angle, or did you not think to ask? Maybe Bleys...he's been a pretty straight shooter lately. I'd rather handle it at our level, though, if we can. You tried Raevyn..."

[TreyKincaide]

Best to not to confirm or deny and let him draw Martin own conclusions. It's none of his damn business who I talked to. Why do I feel that having Martin draw people off to a place just shy of the Courts to be a piss poor idea.

"Look, we're scraping the bottom of the barrel here. I've exhausted my list of resources, and had to pay through the nose to get as much as I did."

[Wired*Nun]

Martin snorts. "Well, cousin, I have a few ideas, but I'm sure anything that comes from me you will suspect, or at least suspect is suspect. So where do we go from here? If we want to spy, we have to find a spy. If we want to engage in heroics, let's go get some heros. Of potential spies, I can think of Fiona, Bleys, Dad, Flora maybe, Raevyn, Luke, Merlin... Dworkin... Josh... Jasra... I know, I'm just throwing ideas out...Mandor, Suhuy, Dara, several Hendrakes I barely know...is Heldrik or Agraynel an Artist? That's it, I've run out."

"The heros would be easy, though. I bet if we cast it as part of the Joss investigation we could get a buttload of heros. Gerard, Heldrik, Roland, Loric, Katarzyna, Julian, Bleys, even Benedict...if we are willing to let one of those last three run the show...or we could gather up some nasty shadow troops I know of, just pour them through for cannon fodder, see what happens. Whattaya think?"

[TreyKincaide]

Landon grows quietly thoughtful as he chews over the names--some he recognizes, others he doesn't.

Okay. Accept that everything you know is wrong and start from there. The best way to manipulate someone is to convince them that it was their idea. Interesting how the 'we' shifted there.

"Heldrik would prove apt as spy and hero. He's no Artist, but he's tricky enough with the Pattern, that it makes little difference." He shrugs, "I've never been one to turn things over to my elders. I say we check with Heldrik, round up some Shadow troops, and see to it ourselves."

[Wired*Nun]

"Ha! Now you're talking. You got a Trump of him?"

[TreyKincaide]

"Unfortunately not. Heldrik's a tad on the peculiar side. He's paranoid of Trump because he doesn't understand it. The man can do things with the Pattern that are down right frightening, but he refuses to give out his Trump or sit for a drawing. I figure he's asking for sport on down the road, but who am I to point out that the Emperor has no clothes?"

A shrug, "But I know who might. Or should rather. Tell you what. You rally the troops and I'll chase down our prodigal cousin?"

I have a few things to do on the side before I go storming the castle that don't concern you. Verifying Flora's story for one. Seeing and relocating my wife for another.

[Wired*Nun]

"All right. You have a Trump of me? If not, here," he says, handing one over. It looks like Fiona's style, if he had to guess. Makes sense...she is essentially Trump Artist to the Crown...

"I'll go round up some of my nastiest shock troops. Call me when you are ready, we can launch from wherever." He shuffles out another Trump, some kind of place from the glimpse Landon gets, and Martin steps out.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon watches his cousin disappear in the familiar rainbow and then looks to Arthur. "Fun night, eh? Think Martin caught on that you're smarter than the average bear, or irish wolfhound as the case may be?"

"Lets make for more comfortable surroundings. Prolly should tell Mom what's up. Never know when we'll need a favor from the Crown and she's the next best thing."

Landon pulls out a Trump of his quarters in Amber Castle, ushers Arthur through, and steps across himself. "Home. Sweet Home." The sorceror takes a quick appraising glance around to ensure that all is in order.

He stretches pleased to be out of the cramped hole of an apartment.

I'll deal with the tragolith when I'm out in shadow.

Landon takes a seat on his bed and gives his Mom a call. If he reaches her, he'll either report via the Trump or arrange for a more secure channel at her discretion. Regardless, he'll give a quick run down of the evening's activity only leaving out his source of information. "Any advice before I head out?"

Once he finishes his conversation with Flora, he'll try to Trump Eric and then Gray.

[Wired*Nun]

Arthur sniff around for a moment, satisfying himself that nothing is amiss.

Flora answers immediately, asking, "Something you couldn't come down for? That's all right, we should be secure from there to here."

After the rundown, Flora sits back, looking concerned. "I don't like this whole thing, actually. It stinks of Martin and the scumbag crowd he runs with. And you, what the hell were you thinking falling into such a pit? You're married, and if you want something on the side, you have the whole of shadow to play around in." She looks distasteful. "Something with some class, even. I presume you're not walking into this unprepared for treachery. Now, let me look into this Saudra person, and get back with me in a day or two. Call me if you need anything."

The call to Eric goes through without difficulty as well. "Hello, son. How are things?" He is sitting in a library, it looks like, with books open in front of him and a tray of half-eaten sandwiches at his elbow.

[TreyKincaide]

"Perhaps I will Mom. And perhaps the next time you want me to spy on Martin, you won't snap at me for doing what he believes to be in my character. I asked for advice in exchange for information. Not a dress down or your scathing and sarcastic bite. Wrinkle your nose all you want, but even though I love you, I don't give a shit what you think of me anymore. If anything good came of your conspiracy with your brother and Unicorn knows who else to torture the hell out of me, it was that." Landon angrily breaks contact biting back his suppositions on Saudra's true nature and pauses briefly before the other.

Bitch. How did she know I was married unless she helped arrange it? I've really had enough of this crap. She'll fall in line, because I'm all she has left of her beloved. I really am a bastard. Sucks that she's forcing me to live up to it. Like father like son.

"Pretty shitty, Dad. Been a really damn long day. Care to pull me through? We have a few matters to discuss starting with a lie. Yours or hers."

[Wired*Nun]

How did she know I was married unless she helped arrange it?

Of course, now that I think of it, I did bring Helena to her home on Shadow Earth...Kirk would have reported what he saw, there may have been security cameras...hell, she might already have her own little porn tape of us tucked away somewhere...or Corwin could have told her her after the fact...or Coral...

Eric blinks, his face going blank. Defensive reaction, no doubt...thay all have it. "Come on, and feel free to explain," he says drily. Reaching out his hand, he draws Landon through to the library. "I haven't lied to you lately, so far as I know. Not since I was...remade."

[TreyKincaide]

Here I stand in front of a man Flora loved. A man that tried to kill his brothers on numerous occasions, watched on as Corwin's eyes burned in their sockets at his decree, and supposedly forced her to carry a child he conceived with another woman. Somehow I'm a bad guy? Screw that. I may be drowning, but maybe that's better than reaching out again.

Landon grunts, "Sorry. In a foul mood." He slides into a chair. "So. Deirdre."

[Wired*Nun]

Eric's face whitens, and he looks down, as if ashamed. "So she told you, did she...well, the truth will out eventually." He sighs.

"What do you want to hear? How I was in love with her for years? Or in lust, in any case I wanted her...because Corwin wanted her. Once Corwin was gone, and Dad - Oberon - went missing, and it looked like I was going to rule as Reagent, then King...well, I took what I wanted. She got what she wanted, too. Power. When she found out she was pregnant...well, she used it - you - as a bargaining chip. To extort more from me. 'Give me what I want or I'll abort the little worm,' I think were her exact words."

[Icebird]

As everyone departs, Arrotel turns to Meg.
"I need to check something real quick. Shouldn't take more than a minute or two, but I want to be sure everything's really done, and not just waiting for a minute."
With that, he begins again summoning the pattern to mind then quickly examines the surroundings for anything of power.

"That was Alamor. He's a vampire, whatever word he wants to use for it. Do you know how long has Saudra been working here?"

[TreyKincaide]

Landon raises a hand, "Hold. I don't need to hear anymore. I know what you did, and why you did it. I'm not here to pass judgment. Karma pretty much cashed in when everything went to shit. I just needed to verify and move on."

Landon's weariness flash across his features. His eyes caress the opened volumes, "Making any progress?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Hmmm...here and there," Eric states. "Right now I'm looking into the whole Deela debacle, Dalt's origins...I suspect much more to that story, and I'm pursuing an angle...want to hear about it, or are you just being polite?"

[Wired*Nun]

Arrotel notes nothing in the vicinity, but there is something or someone high on the top of the spire of the cathedral of the Unicorn, on the main square. It is about a mile away, and so he can't tell just what it is.

"She's been there for a few weeks, that's all. But in this business, you have to make acquaintances fast, and sometimes...she seemed nice, you know. At least to me. Not like some of the others. She was...confident. We didn't have to compete. Different type of...approaches, I guess you'd say."

[TreyKincaide]

"Well, I don't have long, but sure, I'll bite if for no other reason than I'm curious how chasing the Blue Lady drew your attention to your militant brother. He didn't really become a player in things until after your time when he fell in with Jasra and Luke. Before, I remember hearing something about mercenary attacks, but if the guy's still walking around its because Benedict never saw him as a true threat, got busy elsewhere, or was ordered to lay off."

Yeah Landon, your's isn't the only inauspicious birth in the Barimen House. Dalt's a child of rape. Merlin's a science experiment. Martin's a son of an abandoned suicide. I have to wonder, though, if something more than patricidal paranoia motivated Oberon's incest decree--genetic or mystical defects--that I'll have to deal with someday.

[Wired*Nun]

"Benedict will kill if he needs to, but not otherwise. Besides, he's family. That can be good or bad, but you can't ignore it." He rubs his hand over his beard, then takes another bite of sandwich. "You want something?" he says around it.

"I was thinking that Dalt probably carries around a whole lot of hatred for Amberites, but it would be mitigated if he could take it out on someone and lay things to rest. I was also thinking about myself...that maybe Oberon could be resurrected, if only to face some kind of justice for what he did to Deela. Then, as I was doing my researches, I've found some indications that Deela herself wasn't some kind of wierdo per se... think about it. Who cares about desecrating Unicorn shrines and preaching sedition against Amber's religion? I mean, it's not like there are major conflicts with Unicornism and anything else, it's pretty inclusive, preaches basic good societal mores...kind of like attacking Shinto shrines. Really, who cares? But she did."

"I think she was put up to it, or inspired, or perhaps bent, to do it, by some Chaos faction. In fact, she may have been a Chaosite or a demon, geased to do so. But what prompted Oberon to rape her, then leave her alive? I think it was a setup to get his genes - like the whole Dara/Corwin thing, or Lintra before him perhaps. If so, maybe Dalt wasn't her only child. And who knows if any other children might not even be human? And here's a wierd thought - if Dworkin and Unicorn yielded Oberon...then Oberon was only half-human as well, much less the rest of the next generation. What would the crossbreed of a half-unicorn and...something else, yield? That tickle your grey matter any?"

[TreyKincaide]

Landon feels sick to his stomach as parallels to his own Saudra situation stick in his throat. "The Nightmare," he exhales. "Sure. Makes sense. Dara was a multi-generational plan to steal Benedict then Corwin's DNA to produce a King to rule Amber and the Courts. Pissed her right off when he took after his father and played hell on her plans for a second time."

Landon eyes the sandwich, "Yeah, I should probably put something on top of the booze that's settled in my stomach."

"So saying Deela was a shapeshifter, a demon, or maybe a half-serpent if such a thing could exist, then it's possible she conceived multiple times from a single coupling or became a biological storehouse for other uses."

"Seems to fit."

[Wired*Nun]

Handing the plate over, and pouring some more wine into his own cup for Landon, he says, "Yes. I don't know how all the details fit, but the broad strokes seem clear enough. Here's another brain-bender: how come no one else figured this out? Or, if they did, why haven't they done anything? Is it possible someone very near the center of things is complicit? If so, who would that be? My knowledge is all too old. I would have pegged the redheads for crap like this, but now...could be anyone. Anyone but me, that is." He grins. "You can take that to the bank, if only because I'm a new thing and no one wants me back...and they thought I was a patsy back then, too. Figurehead, anyway. I didn't think this deep before."

[TreyKincaide]

And the Pattern wouldn't cede power to the Maze under any condition.

Landon accepts both sandwich and wine with a nod leaving thought unsaid, "The waters are pretty murky at the moment. It's as if the poles are an eventual prize but its being played out in the middle ground. Kashfa. The Keep. Break aways from the Courts."

We are becoming the Courts, though. Houses based around the Princes and Princesses. Maybe not now, but give it a couple hundred years..

"Saying there's a spider sitting in the center that wants this Maze business to succeed, what's the intended goal? Power obviously, but to what end? That's what's been nagging me. Every kid on the block wants the next big new thing. Ghostwheel. The Maze. Rather than conquering or destroying, it's almost as if they're trying to make Amber and the Pattern unimportant."

[Wired*Nun]

"The waters are pretty murky at the moment. It's as if the poles are an eventual prize but its being played out in the middle ground. Kashfa. The Keep. Break aways from the Courts."

Eric sits back, looking pleased. "Absolutely spot-on, and in line with my thoughts. You spent your childhood on Shadow Earth...remember the Cold War? Good analogy. The prizes are all in the middle...but someone wants to make the muliverse from bipolar into multipolar. Corwin created the opportunity, broke the paradigm. If Maze is accepted, pretty soon we'll have a Labyrinth, and an Enigma, and who the hell knows what else vying for a piece of the pie, with the polar powers as merely the biggest cats on the block...and multipolar systems are inherently unstable."


"Saying there's a spider sitting in the center that wants this Maze business to succeed, what's the intended goal? Power obviously, but to what end? That's what's been nagging me. Every kid on the block wants the next big new thing. Ghostwheel. The Maze. Rather than conquering or destroying, it's almost as if they're trying to make Amber and the Pattern unimportant."


Eric beams widely. "Now you're getting it! So besides Nightmare its...associates, who in Amber - or Chaos - wants to widen the middle and shrink the poles? We can eliminate some - the Crown three, anyway. They are too invested in the Pattern and Amber. If Gerard hasn't changed, it can't be him. It's just not in his nature. The same for Julian, for Arden depends too much on Amber's stability."

"Those with connections to Rebma...they would love to be the planet instead of the satellite. Those Amberites not invested in Amber...any of them. Corwin especially, with his new Pattern. But I don't know enough about current events to speculate on the rest...give me your thoughts."

He takes a swig of wine out of the bottle, then puts it back down.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon takes a bite and a drink to wash it down, "Well, the Redheads, including Brand's legacy, are a crap shoot. We could debate on the rest until the Abyss swallows everything, but really I'm thinking that it was interesting that you didn't automatically discount two names with seemingly unquestionable investment in Amber--Benedict and Mom.

"By all appearances, Mom seems to almost have everything she ever wanted happy in the niche she's carved for herself, and Benedict is well Benedict."

[Icebird]

"All clear." Arrotel drops the pattern, and returns to his seat. "She's just been busy annoying Landon, apparently intentionally. Has she had anything to do with Martin in the past?”

Alamor just referred to "her kind." A sort of demon? Not much else he'd recognize, newly come from chaos as he says he is. Too bad I didn't get a look at her with the pattern.

[Wired*Nun]

Landon takes a bite and a drink to wash it down, "Well, the Redheads, including Brand's legacy, are a crap shoot. We could debate on the rest until the Abyss swallows everything, but really I'm thinking that it was interesting that you didn't automatically discount two names with seemingly unquestionable investment in Amber--Benedict and Mom.

"By all appearances, Mom seems to almost have everything she ever wanted happy in the niche she's carved for herself, and Benedict is well Benedict."

"I included Flora in the Crown - her, Random, Fiona. Who did you think I meant? Benedict's Avalon is far enough away that it wouldn't be hurt too much by physical turmoil in Amber. I doubt he wants any radical changes, but Benedict was always hard to read. He has his own purposes and higher goals, and is very secretive. If he thought something was to Amber's ultimate good, he would probably do it...as long as it wasn't too disruptive."

[Wired*Nun]

"All clear." Arrotel drops the pattern, and returns to his seat. "She's just been busy annoying Landon, apparently intentionally. Has she had anything to do with Martin in the past?”

"Sure, they've seen each other, but the Prince doesn't favor any one woman. I think he doesn't want any of them thinking they will get a leg up or follow him to the palace."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon shrugs, "Vialle for one."

Random, Flora, and Fiona? What makes Fiona a part of that little cabal? Eric has a better snap shot of current affairs than I. That a bit of the Pattern brain boost or is it the skill of the dead man? He might have been a beast, but he seems to have been a cunning one.

"You just answered a possible scenario about Gerard. If Benedict convinced him it was in Amber's best interest, he'd go along. Hell, I'd fall in line, and so would just about everyone else.

"I've been approaching this from the view point that whomever's responsible wants Amber to suffer, but maybe that's not the case. What benefits Amber in an unstable system? Nothing, unless someone aims for us to assert dominance.

"So say Gerard has second thoughts, Benedict sends him a message, and then kills his own son for messing with the program. Eh, seems thin.

"Bah. I'm bordering the edge of blind speculation. It's more likely that whomever stands to gain the most Power with a widened middle is our arachnid."

[Wired*Nun]

"Ah, Vialle. I was only including those with Power. I heard she was more or less nonpolitical, as much as anyone can be."


"So say Gerard has second thoughts, Benedict sends him a message, and then kills his own son for messing with the program. Eh, seems thin.

"Bah. I'm bordering the edge of blind speculation."


"No. Benedict wouldn't do that. He didn't even try to stop Corwin when he was on the way to seizing the throne for a second try. Not when he thought he was was doing it by conventional means. Later, he decided that a quick takeover was preferable, especially as Corwin's guns guaranteed a victory over Chaos. No, Benedict didn't kill Joss for that reason, if perhaps he did. He would only have arranged it if Joss was some kind of threat to Amber. Could he have been?"

[TreyKincaide]

"Possibly. I never met the bloke. I heard something about an altercation involving Siodmak, Joss, and Rinaldo's half brother Dunstan at the Keep of the Four Worlds, but I was stuck in a Shadow Trap at the time that led me to Gray. Before that, I was dallying in Victoria Englund.

"We only went to Amber after the assassination," He sipped at the wine.

"Parentage clarification. Siodmak was the Maze user son that Benedict gave a close shave. Rinaldo, or Luke as he goes by is Brand's son by Jasra--former servant of Dara and the last Mistress of the Keep. I don't know how much of Corwin and Merle's book you've read.

"Dunstan's younger. Hasn't shown up in Amber, and likely hasn't assayed the Pattern. Rinaldo said something about making the Maze for his Mom and his brother so Dunstan might not be blood."

"Collectively Luke, Dunstan, Jasra, and Dalt are the first suspects when it rains and blamed for the gambit including the common cold."

[Wired*Nun]

"I understood that Dunstan is Dalt's. If so, he is blood, and potential Power. I don't suspect the Kashfans that much, if only because it's so obvious. Why leave the weapon behind, too? Makes no sense, except as a plant, unless it's a double bluff. That would be too clever by half. Smacks of an ameteur. I still hold to someone closer wanting to cut into Amber's - or the Pattern's - game."

[TreyKincaide]

Definately the Pattern Brain Boost.

"I could run through others, but no one with the position and the power presents themselves. Don't know enough about Bleys to rule him in or out like we have some of the others.

"How about stepping sideways? That is to say that it doesn't make sense for one of my generation to be pulling the strings, so we step up to yours. If we follow our own line any higher things lean towards the absurd. We've exhausted possibilities within the parameters of our scenario, so why don't we step sideways to those connected but not Power themselves.

"There are numerous vassal families that would escape notice but still be close enough to knit a web--an ex wife or lover of Oberon perhaps, a family that followed us in Exile with divided loyalties to the Courts, or simply someone else who's eager for Barimen to get knocked off the mountain.

"Only other option that I can think of is that there's truly an imposter among us, a shapeshifter or a Manchurian Candidate, perhaps?

[Wired*Nun]

Subtly, Eric's demeanor changes. "Landon...you impress me. You are beginning to think like an Amberite." He now seems less affable, sharper, deadly serious.

"Before I peel a layer off the onion, let me address what you just said. I am fairly sure it is not, ultimately, one of your generation, broadly speaking. Even Rinaldo or Merlin doesn't have the deep experience to pull off this kind of ploy. So, I am left with one or more of the elders, especially a hidden one - Delwin, Sand, et cetera...or the latter possibility, an imposter. I actually lean toward that answer."

"Let's use our fair family chronicles as source material. We have Dworkin and Oberon shapechanging and impersonating - undetectably, I might add. Shapechange doesn't show up under Pattern sight or anything else that I know of. However, personality and mind is detectable, so a shapechanger would have to be very careful about Trump calls and suchlike."

"There are also examples of disembodied demons or spirits inhabiting, even jumping from body to body almost at will. While those with Pattern imprint should be immune to such domination, those around us or those with only broken or lesser Powers are not. So, as an example, Vialle could be possessed."

"So, you have identified and I have just summarized the three possibilities - elder, shapeshifter, possessed."

"So let's go back to Bleys for a moment," he says as he deliberately takes another bite of sandwich, chased by a sip of wine. "What do you think of him, if anything?" He's trying to lead me to something...what am I not seeing?

[TreyKincaide]

Landon is quiet for a moment as he plays connect the dots, "I think its possible he's a dead man." He takes a drink.

"Since Mom was in your camp, I never much had to do with him. He always had a style about him that I couldn't help liking even though I knew I shouldn't. Ultimately, those old alliances still influence family interactions.

"He fell off the face of Kolvir only to miraculously show up on the right side at Patternfall. Taking a page from Merle's book, let's say that a demon like Nayda possessed Bley's corpse. The Pattern protects us while we're alive. Does it protect our rotting meat in death?

"Bullseye or am I off the mark?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Dang, Landon. And you were doing so well. He's a long, long way from dead."

He stares at Landon with a smirk on his face.

Calmly...

Chewing...

His sandwich...

[TreyKincaide]

Landon sits the sandwhich down, "Shit. I'm blind, but I wasn't that far off the mark after all. He was a dead man. Just like you.

"Thought it was strange that you ate, but I chalked up to a need for normalcy.

"Bleys is a Pattern Ghost given flesh."

[Wired*Nun]

A broad guffaw sounds from the man in front of him, different from anything in Landon's limited experience with the Eric.

"You are so upside down, boy. But I like you anyway. Had my eye on you for a while. No, Bleys is Bleys, in the pink, never been anything but. It's your old man that was recreated a Pattern Ghost, and wants his eighteen stone of flesh."

He goes back to staring at Landon, as if to say, guess again.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon settles into the chair. Tense, but forcing himself to relax, "I've been accused of over thinking and ignoring my instincts in the past. 'Let the mark' misdirect himself they say. Use his own negling doubts to your advantage so he cons himself. Second time in one day, I fell hook line and sinker. Some master manipulator I turn out to be.

"Neat trick getting around the Trump router. A lesson that even Dworkin's will isn't something to take as Natural Law.

"Thus, the deductive conclusion that I am supposed to draw from this exchange is that you know without a shadow of a doubt that Bleys is an imposter because you are indeed the real McCoy."

[Wired*Nun]

"Yah. Well, Trump is my middle name. I probably couldn't have done it with a real Trump of a real person, but that Trump doesn't really have the usual connection to the Ghost Eric. Still," he says, looking down his nose at his fingernails in mock modesty, "I am good."

"Don't feel bad about the little deception. I wanted some unvarnished reflection, and I wanted to reveal myself to you, otherwise it wouldn't have happened. The rest is as accurate as my guesses will take me. But it's not me. Now I know it's not you, nor are you hiding anything on this subject."

"You feel like telling me what you just referred to, being played before today? You didn't come to talk to Dad just for comfort, did you? You have a problem, and you want some solutions. Well, I can help. Oh, I know, the trust thing. You have to just decide, and have some faith. I want to get to the bottom of this thing, and I want the bastard who did it, and I never put a man down that didn't deserve it."

[TreyKincaide]

"Actually, I came for several reasons. Namely, I needed to get ahold of Heldrik, and the only way I know how is to ask my sister."

Landon shifts in his chair, "Tell you what, clue me in on how you knew that Deirdre was going to abort me, and I'll trade."

Providing that Bleys agrees, Landon'll recap telling him about Martin's invitation, Flora's dinner warning, and the night out that went awry up to the point of parting ways with Martin.

[Wired*Nun]

Bleys shifts as well, lowering his hand to hook in his belt, then dropping the disguise. His features flow like wax, rearranging themselves into his familiar fox face. "Because she said that through a Trump, talking to your father. Everything was getting dicey, with Oberon gone and all the vying for the throne. Brand was dealing with Chaos, Fiona was supposed to be watching Brand, and I was watching everyone else. Dierdre played your father like a virtuoso with a fiddle...but he let it happen. He had finally gotten what he thought he wanted, and it blinded him until too late."

After the story, Bleys grins an infectious grin, sympathetically. "Oh, man. That's got to chafe. Martin is a sneaky little bastard, genealogically speaking, like father, like son. Not nearly as good at it as he thinks, though, and this is your lucky day. I've wanted to catch him with his hand in the cookie jar for a while, but I have to have ironclad proof or Random won't hear it." He rubs his thin red beard.

"I think you should go ahead with your plan, and I'll back you up. I can watch over your shoulder by Trump, looking like your father if I have to step in. If by chance he's on the level, well, we can learn that too."

He draws a Trump case off his belt, shuffling out one of Heldrik and laying it on the table. "I made this one from observing him around the castle. I can check up on him without his knowing, then we can figure out how to contact him from there, if he won't take a call."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon drums his fingers on the table once. He looks at Heldrik's Trump and then back up at his uncle. "Very well, I shall help you trap your snake in exchange for assistance trapping mine. We have an accord."

[Wired*Nun]

Bleys gives a forefinger salute to the eyebrow, saying, "Done. Although they may be one and the same."

Putting the finger on the Trump, he rotates it to look at it, half-closing his eyes for a moment. Opening them back up, he says, "He is with Fiona, in an automobile. Somewhere out Shadow earth way. That's all I could see without her detecting me, but that makes it easy. I'll just call sister sister."

He shuffles out another Trump, then pauses. "Shall I just tell her to have Heldrik call you? Or perhaps you should call her, saying you are checking everyone you know for Heldrik's whereabouts, and look, there he is! Do you have your own Trump of her? If not, we need to make up a plausible reason you have one."

[TreyKincaide]

"Actually, Heldrik's been wanting to talk to me about something, so he might just take the call without a fuss or too many questions. Wanted to catch up and swap stories or so he said. Likely he had a proposition that he didn't want to voice at the dinner table, but I haven't had a chance to get back to him. Interesting that he's thrown his lot in with Fiona and the Crown for the time being. Certainly works in my favor. If I try him and he blocks, we can wait a few minutes and call up Fiona with a legitimate familial concern."

"If you're wanting to keep a low profile..." Landon trails off knowing that Bleys will do as Bleys pleases. He reaches for Heldrik's Trump leans back in his chair setting his eyes to the card letting it grow cold in his hand.

[Wired*Nun]

"All right, give it a try."

Bleys reforms himself into the semblance of Eric, incidentally moving out of any chance of the field of view of the Trump.

[Wired*Nun]

Landon can't get through to Heldrik. It appears he isn't taking calls.

When Bleys divines this by the length of time, he says, "All right, how do you want to play it?"

[TreyKincaide]

Landon narrows his eyes. "Unprofessional..." he mutters as he slides the Trump across the table. He runs his hands back through his hair resting them on the back of his neck.

Landon grins, "Fast and loose. One of the items on my agenda was to build a small army of my own to be held in reserve. Just in case.

"I say I do just that and give Heldrik a bit of time to finish whatever secretive business he has with Fiona, and then we try again. Perhaps, when he's taken his leave and you can divine more of the Shadow he's in without fear of discovery. If he doesn't answer, I can sorcel my way there.

"Worse case scenario he wants to be difficult and do his own thing. In that eventuality I have a perfectly functional Heldrik right here. How's that sound?

[Icebird]

"Well, anything else Landon wants to know, he can find out for himself."

Arrotel returns his attention to the neglected desert, and finishes it quickly.

"I hate leaving food uneaten. Amber is rich, but that's still no reason to waste. What would you like to do next?"

[Wired*Nun]

Meg snuggles closer, and looks up at him with those baby blues. "Let's do what you came to that place for...but let's not go back there. Take me somewhere nice...please. Maybe the new Ritz Amber that opened up on Hobnob Hill."

[Wired*Nun]

Bleys/Eric responds, "I think I can play the role well enough. You didn't tell me why you wanted to get ahold of him, though, so maybe you want to tell me what I might have to fake my way through?"

[TreyKincaide]

"He was to be our seer in the endeavor. Scry ahead so we'd know what to expect. Also it was my excuse to part company so I could tuck a few Aces up my sleeve knowing full well Martin would do the same.

"Following divination, the plan was to have him lend his sword hopefully making it a little harder for Martin to stick a knife in my back should he feel the inclination."

"I didn't show you the Trump trap did I?" He whips out the two Trumps. "This," he holds up the first, "was the one on top that Martin recognized and clammed up about. I am told it's of a place in Dara's ways."

He lays it on the table. "The second, I believe you know quite well." He places the second down next to the first.

[Wired*Nun]

"Well, I can do all that easily enough." He reaches to take the two Trumps, if Landon doesn't object, and rubs them speculatively in each hand. "I can see the object...kind of crude, actually, to have to stick two cards together to do this. A real artist would have done it better. It was either meant to be found out, or is this the best they could do. That makes it either a trap or a red herring, with a trap possible there too. One either avoids a trap or overcomes it. Sounds like you are willing to risk it for the information value. I agree, and I'll back you...covertly, as either Heldrik or Eric."

Landon receives a Trump call.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon feels the call and he resist long enough to retrieve the Trumps. "I'm getting Trumped. Maybe Heldrik feels like playing after all. Should that be the case, this is where I shall take my leave of you Eric." He grins.

He rises, steps away to cut Bleys out of the view, and takes the call.

[Thanos]

"Hello cousin. I am sorry I missed you in Amber, Auntie Fi wanted to pick my brain. Do you have time to talk, privately?"

[TreyKincaide]

Providing that it is Heldrik on the line he says aloud, "Heldrik. Just the man I was wanting to see. Go ahead and pull Arthur and me through."

[Wired*Nun]

Should Heldrik agree, Landon and Arthur will soon be arriving at Heldrik's locale.

[use Heldrik's thread, will simplify things]