Roland, Heldrik, Katarzyna (ex Raevyn)

[Wired*Nun]

Raevyn nods and quickly eats, appreciating Colleen's cooking as much as ever. When finished, she waits for Josh to make contact.

"May as well spare the trouble and try Gray first anyway, though he'll likely take it if she or Roland are there to back him up still."

Looking up, he nods, and puts Heldrik's Trump away, taking out one of Gray.

[Wired*Nun]

Josh and Raevyn take their leave, as does Roland, and Heldrik and Gray settle in to wait for developments. About ten minutes later, Heldrik receives a Trump call.

The call flickers and dies, to be replaced by one to Gray.

Gray takes the call after putting a hand on Heldrik's shoulder. "What's up," she asks Josh.

"Just wanted to come back, can you bring us through?"

"Of course," she says, extending her other hand. Josh reaches for Raevyn, and soon they are all in the ICU waiting room.

"You guys can go now, I think we have it covered," Josh says, glancing at Raevyn for confirmation. "I'll call someone if we need anything."

[Thanos]

Heldrik during his 10 minutes has been chatting with the President of his company, Tangu Ourta, arranging certain details of the cash transfer and getting a heads up on how things have been going. In addition Heldrik informs him that he is married and of Gray's name and general description. "We will be down to the office some time in the next couple of days I suspect to make more arrangements. Thanks for taking my call so late Tangu."

After Josh and Rae arrive Heldrik nods to them and says to Josh with a smile, "Everything will work out for the best."

With that Heldrik guides Gray out of the hospital to find a luxury cap waiting to take them to the finest of hotels for a somewhat romantic dinner and evening.

[LynMars]

Raevyn takes Josh's hand and follows through the Trump, smiling at Gray and Heldrik when they arrive. "Thank you again. Is there a more mundane method of contact while in this place as well, if necessary? That way we're not fussing with Trumps?"

Either way, Rae waves to her cousins as they leave, then settles into a chair to wait out some more. "I wonder how badly Roland's getting grilled. What now?" She looks at Josh.

[Thanos]

Before leaving Heldrik tells Rae where they are staying and to ask for Mr. Helgrik in the Presidential suite.

[Shutter]

Roland pulls off the ring and hands it over promptly. To Random he nods, troubled by the implications. Sending us into battle with faulty weaponry?... His heart rebels against the notion. No damnit! We had an understanding!...Did you? Did you, you little chess piece? Feeling that he'll get flustered soon he slows his breathing just a touch, calming himself before he gets uncalm.

There's more to learn here, that much at least is clear...They did dodge my question about Coral didn't they?

[Wired*Nun]

Raevyn takes Josh's hand and follows through the Trump, smiling at Gray and Heldrik when they arrive. "Thank you again. Is there a more mundane method of contact while in this place as well, if necessary? That way we're not fussing with Trumps?"

Either way, Rae waves to her cousins as they leave, then settles into a chair to wait out some more. "I wonder how badly Roland's getting grilled. What now?" She looks at Josh.

"Now, we wait, I guess."

And wait they do. Med staff comes and goes, while hour after hour passes. Nothing seems to happen, reminding Raevyn of the helplessness of most shadow dwellers over the big things in their lives, things most Amberites don't have to worry about.

Eventually they go for a meal in a retaurant across from the hospital. After ordering, Josh sits forward and says quietly, "I can't stay here much longer. It's a rotten way to live, I know. I don't know that I have much to offer you, Raevyn, but I want to tell you some things anyway. It seems like you might understand, and...keep confidences." He pauses, licking his lips, and takes a drink of wine from the glass in front of him.

"Some people think I'm the rightful King of Chaos." He scrunches up his face sourly. "Yeah, that's funny, isn't it. But it makes a certain amount if sense, when you realize my mother is also Dara's mother." A beat. "Which makes me Dara's half-brother, and Merlin's uncle, and relation to a lot of other people. I was supposed to be bred and groomed for that job, but it...didn't work out. But there's still a faction in Chaos that wants me on the throne, and Dara wants me dead because I'm a threat to her son's rule - at least that's the way she see it - and I'm not fit to rule anyway. It's complicated...but I don' have what you'd call simple life, except as I make it so."

[Wired*Nun]

Roland pulls off the ring and hands it over promptly. To Random he nods, troubled by the implications. Sending us into battle with faulty weaponry?...[i] His heart rebels against the notion. [I]No damnit! We had an understanding!...Did you? Did you, you little chess piece? Feeling that he'll get flustered soon he slows his breathing just a touch, calming himself before he gets uncalm.

There's more to learn here, that much at least is clear...They did dodge my question about Coral didn't they?

Fiona slips the ring on one of her own fingers, and says to Random, "I've found the Nightmare's lair, if she doesn't change it. We can go there and take it apart any time we want, barring only the Nightmare's intervention. We don't know its powers and limitations yet, so that's the unknown risk factor."

Random glances over at Flora, then turns to Roland. "Go over it one more time, if you please Roland."

After Roland repeats his report for Fiona, there comes a heavier step from across the room, and Roland turns to see Corwin kissing Flora's hand. She in turn kisses him on the cheek, and the two walk over to join the rest. Corwin nods at Roland.

Pulling out the Jewel he has, Corwin lays it on the desk next to the other.

They look identical. Speculatively, Corwin places "his" atop the other, in direct contact. Random opens his mouth as if to protest, then shuts it.

There is a slight stirring, a glow, and suddenly the two meld and merge, leaving just one Jewel there.

"The Jewel was twinned!" says Fiona with fascination in her voice. "That is, it was split in two, I believe, each part only half as powerful as the other. It was some kind of gambit of Dworkin's, I'm sure of it. It was probably to lull Nightmare into thinking the jewel couldn't defeat it."

[LynMars]

Raevyn thinks a moment, twirling pasta on her fork, then looks up. "Lintra's story...Your mother's mentioned in there...And you are too, aren't you, briefly?" She frowns, recalling the exact line, and mutters an impoliteness about the dead supposed narrator into her wine glass as she takes a sip. 'I've wondered if it was true or not. Someone in the know from that house could easily have ghostwritten--ha!--it...Did he, or someone else...? Hrm...'

"That...Helps a lot of things, actually. Like you having that story, Jasra's reported dislike of you, and of course the shapeshifting." She pauses, and then shrugs one narrow shoulder. "Who of us has a simple life? I think mine used to be, then Dunstan got desperate, and someone else even moreso a little later on. It's degrees of complication, maybe." She smiles.

"I understand, you can't stay. I can remain here, and watch over your mother. We're just kind of...waiting, at this point. Frustrating, but..." She chews on her lip. "I want to know how Roland's doing, but I don't want to interrupt things if he's still with the King, either. He'll likely call us, anyway."

She reaches across for Josh's hand, to give it a squeeze. "Thank you, for telling me."

[Shutter]

Roland returns Corwin's nod, adding a small tired smile. Wonder what he makes of all this ruckus? When the two Jewels merge his eyes widen in disbelief. Magicians and their tricks....How is one to operate in a game like that? Even the attuned brothers couldn't tell the difference...Nor Fiona...

[Wired*Nun]

"Yeah, I am, sort of. 'Another failed son.' Well, I'm not a failure, except in what they wanted me to be, and you know, I don't begrudge Merlin the joys of the throne at all. I yam what I yam, and that's all that I yam," he says in a funny sailor's voice.

"Sorry, a little too much Earth culture, I think. Never mind."

"It's funny, too, Jasra should like me because Dara hates me, but somehow, I ended up on the wrong side of both of them. My life is bounded by women of power..." he laughs. "Actually, Jasra hates my mother almost as much as she hates Dara, and maybe I just got the leftover hatred for being Varlise's and Caine's son ...and I know Jasra still isn't satisfied with her son on the mere throne of some shadow kingdom, albeit an important one. I still think she wants Luke on one throne or the other."

He runs his hand through his close-cropped hair, blowing air out his lips. "So...I gotta go, anyway, and I really appreciate you staying here. I'll leave Lester here, OK? He can watch your back, just in case. I'll slow Jorden down, so probably when you call me next it will be just a few minutes to me, that way I don't have to twiddle my thumbs. Once she's out of the woods, we can move her back to Jorden, then her home when she's strong enough."

He opens his satchel, and Lester pops out, to curl up on Raevyn's lap, upside-down, all four paws in the air.

Josh leans over to kiss Raevyn's forehead, and then he's gone by Trump.

[Wired*Nun]

Roland returns Corwin's nod, adding a small tired smile. Wonder what he makes of all this ruckus? When the two Jewels merge his eyes widen in disbelief. Magicians and their tricks....How is one to operate in a game like that? Even the attuned brothers couldn't tell the difference...Nor Fiona...

"Anything else, Fiona? Or from you, brother?" Random says to Fi and Corwin.

They look at each other, and at a slight nod from Corwin, Fiona goes first.

"I took a look around that temple. Pretty wierd stuff. Still, I've seen wierder. I'm going to postulate, though, based on what we know and have learned, that either the Serpent or the Logrus is backing Nightmare. Logic dictates that the force that seems to be attempting to balance the equation between the Patterns and the Logrus be on the side of the Logrus, no matter what anyone wants to believe. It just has to work out that way, or the Logrus is doomed to lose a lot of ground, fall back on its own lines, so to speak. So let's cut the bullshit about who and what and why. Let's just look at the facts as we know them."

She begins pacing, her slight form exhibiting more energy than anyone who did not know her would expect. Her flaming red hair swings back and forth like a short crimson curtain as she goes on.

"We can accept this fait accompli, even reinforce it, by pushing Nightmare and his/hers/its cabal and coterie into the Chaos camp. This will make it Merlin's problem, and bring the opposition into the open. Sometimes a known enemy is better than an unknown neutral. It will have to align itself with logrus, which is something we can deal with...and if we choose this, we should destroy the Maze. We have to limit its ability to use new or unique sources of Power."

"We can try to bring them over to our side, controlling Nightmare, bending it to our will in some way, perhaps even with the Unicorn's help. She has to have some stake in this, it's a close and unique descendant. In that case, we tie it to Pattern power. This has the downside of accelerating the universal imbalance - and I suggest, we would have to end up choosing to destroy some Patterns, excepting only the original Primal and Three. This could get ugly, as we would be in open conflict with our own Power source."

"Or, we can destroy the Nightmare, leaving the Maze as just another construct, which will probably work more often against Amber than for it, even if we have to nudge it to do so...again, to maintain the Balance."

Fiona appears to be relishing any or all of these prospects, as if the mere exercise of so much decisive power excites her.

"You have taken lessons from Luke," says Corwin from behind crossed arms. "Simplify the situation to mere choices among alternatives, without nuance. Well, I happen to agree with most of that, but you are stripping away a lot of things to achieve that simplicity. Such as, why did Dworkin encourage me with a rigged but weakened Jewel to go after Nightmare - was he trying to kill me or leave me imprisoned, the next step to wiping out Aurora? Or was he just testing Nightmare, giving us better intel on its capabilities? Should we just get him here and ask him just what the fuck he thinks we should be doing about this?"

Random rises to strike his desk, once. "No. We're not going to consult Dworkin. For one thing, I'm the King and you are my advisers. We can't go running to him all the time. The Unicorn chose me, and frankly, I think She did it to keep Dworkin from taking over after Oberon was g one. We need to decide, all of us. You two too, brother, nephew. We're all up in this up to our necks. Now say your pieces and I'm going to decide the way forward. Roland, tell me what you think. You've been there on the front lines." He sits back, looking at Roland contemplatively.

[LynMars]

Raevyn opens her mouth to reply to Josh, but he continues on, leaving Lester in her lap and vanishing in a swirl of rainbows.

She sighs, and eyes the rat in her lap. "Well, guess we just wait some more. Come on, you," Rae scritches Lester affectionately, and carries him along after settling the bill at the restaurant, heading back to the hospital to check on Josh's mother and sketch random things for the moment.

[Wired*Nun]

Coming back to the waiting room, Raevyn is struck by a feeling of menace and doom. Clutching Lester tighter, she moves to the window, where she sees a team surrounding Josh's mother, doing incomprehensible but urgent-seeming medical things.

Lester squeals and sits up to press his nose to the glass, keening with worry.

A sparkle and a jolt rips through the body of the woman on the bed, and she arches, spasming. The monitors above her show flat lines, and the doctors and nurses work frantically, performing procedure after procedure, filling her body with tubes, wires and surgeries.

[LynMars]

"No..." Raevyn moans, reaching for her cards. She draws Josh's...Then pauses half a second, and tries Roland's. If he's still at the palace, he may be able to get help sooner.

"Vela's gone critical, I don't think they can help her...Anyone there who can?"

It won't be until after she gets a hold of Roland--or not--that she'll call for Josh...

[Shutter]

The Unicorn selected him to keep Dworkin out of power?...And Dworkin seeks to counter the Unicorn's desire for dominance...Even the gods have their complicated relationships. Not a lot of hope for us mortals eh?

Roland purses his lips in thought. What to do about it all?...

"It's a damned mess. Killing an unknown quantity is perilous work. Who knows what it could reap? In this case though we think we have a handle on who is backing Nightmare, yes? Deela, the Serpent, Nightmare's cultists, if any are left out there in shadow...Probably more. Maybe one of the Houses in Chaos? Something she said makes me suspect Hendrake, or an alliance with Dara, but that's wild supposition only..."

"Turning it to our own ends strikes a bad chord with me. Too risky to us, should we fail, and to the balance should we succeed. Making it Merlin's problem..." He shakes his head slowly and shrugs. "Doesn't seem like that excludes it from being our problem, the universe's problem."

"Its mother was full of hatred, and rage. She won't stop...No, with her influence I don't see peace with this being. And if we remove her? I doubt that would bring about its goodwill..." Ah, but what if Damien thinks another party is to blame for his mother's death, and directs his ire that way, leaving Amber alone?...Risky...so risky, if they can pull that off, they'll think of it on their own no doubt.

"Sometimes death is the only option. However inelegant the solution. This looks like it might be such a time."

[Wired*Nun]

Random says, "I agree. To quote Benedict, 'Sometimes a straightforward action makes a dishonorable thing honorable.' We need to move on this thing, shake some roaches out of the woodpile, clean house, even if it means obliterating some trails." He steps from behind the desk, rubbing his hands.

"To do that, though, we must be united. Flora, call a meeting for tonight - all Family that owes loyalty to Amber. Fi, close the Castle. Vet everyone for identity and influence. Minimum staff, all that jazz. Corwin, Roland, since you're here, contact those you can, take the load off Flora. Don't tell Dworkin. If we're really lucky, he won't find out. If he does...well, we can't exactly stop him from coming."

Roland receives a Trump call. When he feels it, Fiona immediately comes to stand by him, placing a hand on his shoulder, nodding go.

[Shutter]

Roland puts the Trump contact on hold for a few seconds. Let's not marry ourselves to the notion of murder quite yet though... The question of whether or not he'll inform Dworkin directly Roland leaves alone for now. Doubtful that he'll need me to inform him.

"And Dalt? If he finds a solution to this that doesn't leave his mother and brother dead, I hope we'll still listen to the option. But if no such solution comes..." He trails off and opens his mind to the Trump contact.

"Hello?"

[Wired*Nun]

Random hears Roland's comment, and shrugs. "I'll always listen, if it isn't just a stall, but...omelets and eggs.

The Trump call is Raevyn.

[Shutter]

"Rae? What's wrong? Yes, uncles and aunts are here, they might be able to help...Aunt Fiona?"

[Wired*Nun]

Fiona steps into the contact, taking it all in in a flash. "Bring me through," she orders, then steps to Raevyn whether she accepts or not.

Raevyn feels trump manipulations of a high order as Fiona raises her hands, and the world slows down around them. Fiona steps inside the ICU, moving past near-immobile nurses and doctors, to examine the woman in distress. She turns back to Raevyn, and shakes her head.

She's too far gone, she mouths, the words clear enough despite the thick glass between them. Perhaps if I had been brought in sooner...but the fundamental conflict between Pattern and Chaos energies have overwhelmed her. There is only one chance.

She pulls out a Trump, speaking words into it that Raevyn can't understand. A moment later, Varlise vanishes in a circle of light.

Coming back out, Fiona takes Raevyn's hand, and holds her other out for Roland to grasp. "I have put her in stasis and sent her to Merlin and Ghostwheel. It - they - should be able to keep her in slow-time far beyond my ability. Perhaps they will find a solution." She mutters something more under her breath, too low to hear, but it isn't kind toward someone.

[LynMars]

'If Merlin could do something, why didn't he before?' Rae thinks, taking Fiona's hand, while keeping hold of Lester, if she can.

"I need to call Josh, and should let Heldrik and Gray know what's going on; it's his Shadow." She looks at Fiona, then back through the Trump at Roland, clearly agitated and maybe a little skeptical of any help Varlise may recieve.

[Shutter]

With a sinking heart Roland sees Fiona's analysis. How in the hell did they not see that?... When he gets the impression that they're ready Roland reaches out and pulls Raevyn, Fiona and Lester through to Amber.

[Wired*Nun]

As soon as they are all through, Fiona recaqps her actions to the rest.

Roland receives a Trump call during her report.

[Shutter]

Roland takes the call. "Hello?"

[LynMars]

Raevyn nods to her uncles and aunts present, glancing at Roland as he seems to say more, possibly another call. Then she looks back to the others.

"Excuse me...I should really call Josh, let him know what's going on."

If no one objects, she steps off to the side and withdraws her card of Josh, focusing, and trying to hold back her own emotions so as not to overly distress him immediately. He'll figure out quickly enough something's wrong, though.

[Wired*Nun]

Arrotel is on the other end of the call to Roland. [post it here]

[Wired*Nun]

"Excuse me...I should really call Josh, let him know what's going on."


"Ah...why don't you give that a little bit of time...no need to alarm him right now, don't you think?" says Fiona pointedly.

"Hmmph," says Random. "Actually, Raevyn, why don't you go through there and let him know about the meeting, too."

"Through there" turns out to be into a conference room adjoining, heavy with green velvet, dark wood and white accents.

Calling Josh from that silence, she cannot reach him. The card is still cold, but the call is stopped by a monolithic block. Either he has shut his shadow to all incoming calls, or something else has happened.

[Shutter]

"Arrotel? What can I do for you?" Strange, not someone I thought to hear from...

[LynMars]

Raevyn frowns, and looks at Lester. "No answer...Is that him or something else?"

She'll probe the block some, but not push too hard. After a bit of time, she checks the Trump of Jorden itself, to see if it's blocked off--He's said before his Shadow will admit her, though, so it may not be a completely accurate test. She won't step through it; she just wants to see if she can look through to the courtyard's current activities.

[Icebird]

Arrotel smiles when Roland comes into view.

"Oh, I'm just going to be doing some things that you might want to help with." Seeing the company Roland is in, Arrotel changes to projecting thoughts, rather than speaking out loud.

I wanted to keep this private, for now. Can you come through? I'm in Amber, out in the city.

[Wired*Nun]

Raevyn frowns, and looks at Lester. "No answer...Is that him or something else?"

She'll probe the block some, but not push too hard. After a bit of time, she checks the Trump of Jorden itself, to see if it's blocked off--He's said before his Shadow will admit her, though, so it may not be a completely accurate test. She won't step through it; she just wants to see if she can look through to the courtyard's current activities.

Lester reaches up to join the Trump call, with a scowl and whiskers aquiver. After a moment, he shakes his head. "Not himmmmm," he says, enunciating carefully.

Checking Jorden, she has no trouble taking a look at the courtyard. Nothing seems amiss.

[Shutter]

Arrotel changes to projecting thoughts, rather than speaking out loud.

I wanted to keep this private, for now. Can you come through? I'm in Amber, out in the city.

I can't come through now, but I can call you back shortly and do so then, or you could come through to me and we can sneak away for a few moments? Up to you cousin. He replies mentaly. For the time being leaving out of his thoughts the question of what problem it might be that he's just itching to help Arrotel with.

[LynMars]

Raevyn returns to the main room, frowning. "I can't get through to him. Lester says it isn't him doing the blocking, and Jorden seems to be fine..." She looks at the King and her other Elders, perturbed and a little worried.

[Wired*Nun]

"Keep trying from time to time," orders Random to Raevyn. "Contact any others except our generation you have Trumps for, that fit the criteria. Come on, people, get this thing in gear."

Corwin steps over to Raevyn, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry too much. He can take care of himself...and if he's in trouble, we'll help."

[LynMars]

Raevyn looks up at Corwin, and nods, trying to smile slightly. "I know..." She pulls out the rest of her Trumps, and looks back to Random. "Criteria...?" Unsure of what all is going on, as she wasn't around quite yet when they'd begun mobilizing.

She looks down, noting Elress' card. "Oh! I told her I would ask...if Elress is still under house arrest, she would be willing to be placed under someone else's supervision--like mine--and try to help with what needs helped with. No, I don't trust her--she behaved rather erratically, but I said I'd at least ask. I have no idea how much time there's been since, though, but it shouldn't have been much."

[Icebird]

I don't want to say much over trumps. Call me later then, but not too late. I'll be leaving tommorrow evening, and I won't be taking calls while I'm away.

"I'll owe you one. See you later?" Arrotel smiles, both mentally and physically. Things are in motion, and he finally feels he has a say in how they unfold.

[Shutter]

Fair enough. Before you go, Random has called a meeting for tonight in the Castle. I don't know if you've ever sworn allegiance to Amber, but if you have, he's calling in that marker. Whether you come or not, I'll talk to you soon. He projects to Arrotel.

[Icebird]

Yes, I have sworn allegance. When tonight? I can put off my leaving, if it's not too late. Do you know what it's about?

[Shutter]

I don't know when exactly. General topic is Nightmare, and the trouble that goes with it I think. I'll probably be back in touch between now and then, I'll find out the time for you.

[Icebird]

Sounds good. I'll be waiting.

If Roland has nothing else to say, Arrotel breaks the link, and leans back in his chair, sitting still for a second before turning to the other trump he has out. He tries to call Katazryna.

[Shutter]

Roland nods his goodbye and lets the contact drop away.

Ok...Establishing the time of the meeting would be a smart first step. Then what? Do I want to talk to Dalt today?...

[Wired*Nun]

Raevyn looks up at Corwin, and nods, trying to smile slightly. "I know..." She pulls out the rest of her Trumps, and looks back to Random. "Criteria...?" Unsure of what all is going on, as she wasn't around quite yet when they'd begun mobilizing.

She looks down, noting Elress' card. "Oh! I told her I would ask...if Elress is still under house arrest, she would be willing to be placed under someone else's supervision--like mine--and try to help with what needs helped with. No, I don't trust her--she behaved rather erratically, but I said I'd at least ask. I have no idea how much time there's been since, though, but it shouldn't have been much."

"Absolutely not." states Random flatly. "In fact, Flora, when you call Lewella, make that explicit - Elress stays locked down. More wild cards we don't need. After things quiet down, ask me again. Raevyn - criteria - loyal to the Crown and Amber, reliable...if you have any doubts, ask Flora, me or Fiona first."

[LynMars]

Raevyn nods. "I only told her I would ask. I expected that answer." Raevyn turns to the Trumps again.

She glances at Landon's card briefly, then decides to wait on it, and calls Agraynel. She needs to inform Gray and Heldrik of Vela's move anyway, and perhaps bring them through to Amber for the meeting.

[Wired*Nun]

Roland nods his goodbye and lets the contact drop away.

Ok...Establishing the time of the meeting would be a smart first step. Then what? Do I want to talk to Dalt today?...

Roland gets a trump call from Katarzyna...

[Wired*Nun]

Raevyn reaches Gray, who informs her that she is back in Ember and Heldrik is off somewhere working on some project of his. When informed of the situation and the meeting, she thanks Raevyn and says she will consider coming.

[Shutter]

Popular guy today...

Roland opens his mind to the Trump call. "Hello?"

[LynMars]

Raevyn finishes the conversation with Gray quickly, then sighs. She pulls out Heldrik's card. Rae will make a moderate attempt to reach him, but isn't really expecting him to answer if he's alone again.

If he doesn't answer as she expects, she will try Landon's card, though she's not so sure he'll answer yet or not.

[Pygysys]

Kat smiles warmly when she makes contact with Roland and wastes no time saying hello.

"Roland! It's Kat. How are you? Can you talk and do you have time to meet a friend of mine?"

[Shutter]

From wariness Roland breaks out in a genuine smile. "Kat! It's good to hear from you. You appear to be alive and well, which is also good. Time?...I have time to talk, certainly. I would be honored to meet a friend of yours, once I move to a more private location."

He stands, and bow his leave to everyone in the room, At least I assume I'm free to go... and makes his way to his rooms. In the background Katarzyna can see Random, Flora, and Fiona swirl past.

"While I walk...What brings you to call me?"

[Pygysys]

Kat turns slightly so that Roland can see Naals behind her left shoulder. "Would you believe I actually missed you? That and I felt that I should advise someone on where I was and how I was getting along. I couldn't be sure on whether or not that information would filter down to yourself and Rae."

Actually I wonder how many people do know I'm here aside from Benedict. Random must, of that I'm certain but who else, I wouldn't know.

"I'm at the Keep and I see that you must be in Amber unless the King and his Court are on vacation. The gentleman you can see over my shoulder is Lieutenant Naals Hendrake of House Hendrake and once you're more comfortable I will happily begin formal introductions."

[Shutter]

It's good to see her again. At the mention of the Keep he cocks an eyebrow in surprise. "You must have some stories to tell then? I do too, but without any reflection on your friend, I'll wait until you and I are alone for most of them." Hendrake as allies now?... A confused jumble seeps through the Trump connection while Roland tries to quickly bring the jostling political interests into focus. Oh...

A few turns and some pleasant silence later and Roland seems to have arrived at his quarters. After a quick glance to make sure everything is in order he extends his hand to Katarzyna to bring her and her gues through. I hope she knows what she's doing, bringing a Hendrake soldier to Amber...most likely she does.

"Welcome back."

[Pygysys]

Kat shrugs, "If you consider desert patrol interesting, then yes. Actually I have enjoyed my stay at the Keep. I admire the Hendrakes and hope to earn their respect."

When Roland extends his hand, Kat turns to look at Naals, "Can you visit Amber with me for a short time?" It would allow introductions to be a lot easier in the flesh and I don't think Naals has visited before.

If Naals responds in the positive, Kat smiles and steps through with Naals. She embraces Roland warmly, "Thank you, Cousin. It is good to be back even if only for a short time." She steps back and gestures politely to Naals, "Roland allow me to introduce Lieutenant Naals Hendrake of House Hendrake of the Keep of Four Worlds. Lieutenant I'd like you to meet my cousin, Roland Barrimen of Amber."

If Naals cannot travel to Amber, Kat shakes her head and extends her hand to Roland, "Perhaps you can venture here for a moment?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Of course - I would be honored. Just a moment," and he turns to make a quick Trump call, reporting his departure.

When they come through to Roland's quarters, he waits politely for the two to greet, then bows formally to Roland. "I am honored to make your aquaintance, sir. I observed your combat with Major Winnow. You aquitted yourself admirably against one of Hendrake's best, under trying circumstances. I do believe he would accept a friendly rematch under more controlled conditions, were you to request it."

[Shutter]

Roland returns the bow with matched formality, following it up with an offered handshake. "Lieutenant."

At the mention of his run in with Winnow Roland forces a smile and inclines his head at the backhanded? compliment. "Ah, he was a sturdy one. Most people notice the loss of an ear more than that...or an eye..." Roland chuckles slightly, remembering Winnow grin, flaming eared, and one eye a ruin. "Very sturdy. A rematch would be welcome." I wonder how they do a controlled duel in Chaos?

"You were with the forces that accompanied General Larsus I take it?"

[Pygysys]

"With such a rematch, the only thing to worry about losing is one's pride." Kat grins, "I like to think we won't be on the wrong end of a Hendrake invasion again, at least not any time soon." She nudges Roland, "Let us hope that our knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time is becoming tarnished."

She glances around Roland's room, "Think you have anything that Naals could borrow to blend in a little more? That way we could show him Amber without drawing attention to ourselves. I can tell you all about my wonderful exploits at the Keep and how Naals keeps me out of trouble."

Glancing between them both, she asks, "No objections?"

[LynMars]

Rae feels the contact, but then senses, as she expected, blocking of full connection from Heldrik's side. She shrugs, puts his card away, and concentrates then on Landon's card. 'I need to update these to his new look, perhaps...' She idly thinks as she sees if this cousin as well will block her attempts at contact.

[Shutter]

"I don't know if anything of mine will fit..." Roland pauses and thinks a moment, somewhat taken aback by the request. "If I don't have anything I'm sure the staff around here can help out if it's needed." Can't he just whip his magic arms off through shadow and find something? Or does that not work here in Amber I wonder? Roland lays his satchel at the foot of the bed, taking a quick glance at himself in the mirror. Didn't get any blood on my did I? Don't usualy have social guests so quickly after a melee. If he is already presentable, he moves to the closet, looking for something suitable for Naals, hoping he'll have some clue of what that might be.

[Wired*Nun]

Roland returns the bow with matched formality, following it up with an offered handshake. "Lieutenant."

At the mention of his run in with Winnow Roland forces a smile and inclines his head at the backhanded? compliment. "Ah, he was a sturdy one. Most people notice the loss of an ear more than that...or an eye..." Roland chuckles slightly, remembering Winnow grin, flaming eared, and one eye a ruin. "Very sturdy. A rematch would be welcome." I wonder how they do a controlled duel in Chaos?

"You were with the forces that accompanied General Larsus I take it?"

Naals returns the handshake with the air of one gamely adapting to an unfamiliar custom. "Major Winnow is famous for his inurity to pain and injury, and his ability to heal rapidly. It is said that he forewent the Arts to dedicate his life to the art of overcoming in combat. He would be ranked higher but for his desire and propensity to lead from the front. And yes, we were all with the forces since the entire House redeployed. It is no dishonor to be overwhelmed by numbers, only to fail to do one's best."


With such a rematch, the only thing to worry about losing is one's pride." Kat grins, "I like to think we won't be on the wrong end of a Hendrake invasion again, at least not any time soon." She nudges Roland, "Let us hope that our knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time is becoming tarnished."

She glances around Roland's room, "Think you have anything that Naals could borrow to blend in a little more? That way we could show him Amber without drawing attention to ourselves. I can tell you all about my wonderful exploits at the Keep and how Naals keeps me out of trouble."

Glancing between them both, she asks, "No objections?"


"That would please me, if you think it necessary. Is what I wear so outlandish?" The blue, white and silver ensemble that resembles something like a Harlequin's suit minus the hat is perhaps a bit garish, but certainly nothing Amber has not seen before. "I think it would be impolitic indeed to use my Power in this place, as well as possibly quite dangerous...and unfortunately, I have not yet mastered the Arts relating to appearances...of course, if I truly wanted to blend in, I could imitate a hound or housecat or common imp...no? I could be a bird, a rather large and heavy one...perhaps I should just be myself."

Roland finds something for himself to change into, but Naals is more slightly built and a bit shorter, such that he would swim in Roland's tunics.

[Wired*Nun]

Rae feels the contact, but then senses, as she expected, blocking of full connection from Heldrik's side. She shrugs, puts his card away, and concentrates then on Landon's card. 'I need to update these to his new look, perhaps...' She idly thinks as she sees if this cousin as well will block her attempts at contact.

[Do the contact in Landon's thread]

[Shutter]

Roland nods ruefully at Naals's description of Winnow. Forewent the arts? Well at least he can't magic me to death from the other side of the world. Small comfort.

"That would please me, if you think it necessary. Is what I wear so outlandish?" The blue, white and silver ensemble that resembles something like a Harlequin's suit minus the hat is perhaps a bit garish, but certainly nothing Amber has not seen before. "I think it would be impolitic indeed to use my Power in this place, as well as possibly quite dangerous...and unfortunately, I have not yet mastered the Arts relating to appearances...of course, if I truly wanted to blend in, I could imitate a hound or housecat or common imp...no? I could be a bird, a rather large and heavy one...perhaps I should just be myself."
Roland's eyes widen in horror. "No! Neve..." He checks himself, pausing a beat before continuing. "Perhaps I react too strongly, I've not known too many shapeshifters, and I'm new to their ways. From my point of view, asking you to imitate a housecat...or anything lesser than who you are would be a rudeness I cannot begin to express...No, your clothes are fine as they are. Welcome to Amber." Turning to Kat he asks, "where too?"

A dog? He'd turn himself into a pet so as not to offend our delicate senisbilities? Does it not matter to him, or is he that obseqeous?

[Wired*Nun]

Roland realizes from the gleam in Naals' eye that he was speaking tongue-in-cheek about the shapeshifting. So he has a sense of humor after all...

"Never fear, Lord Roland. I will avoid all such rudeness with utmost sensitivity." He also turns to Katarzyna expectantly.

[LynMars]

Raevyn returns back to the main part of the room where the Elders were gathered, and her cousin a moment ago. If the Elders are still there, she reports, "I've gotten ahold of who I can. Heldrik, of course, didn't answer when I tried. Someone else may have better luck, or Gray can inform him if he calls her. If there's nothing else, I'll get out of the way now."

Unless one of the Elders stop her, she heads back to her room with Lester in tow. Rae then cleans up and changes into dark pants and a light, blue blouse. She rebraids her hair, pondering.

Her next course of action will be to hop the balcony rail over to Josh's, to see if he's there. She'll also try Trumping him again, like Random suggested.

[Wired*Nun]

Raevyn receives a Trump call from Heldrik.

[LynMars]

Raevyn pauses, leaning on the rail of the balcony outside Josh's room, and sighs. She lets him wait a moment. Then another. Finally, when it's about to the point one would give up trying to complete the connections, she opens up.

"Yes, Heldrik? I tried to contact you earlier."

[Thanos]

"Ah. I am starting to get the hang of this trumping thing so I might start accepting them in the future. Not sure if I should after what happened to Landon mind you. So, what can I do for you Rae?"

[LynMars]

"That's a risk everyone takes, unfortunately.Even me, though I generally know who's calling me. Which makes me wonder how you thought to call me after you received an attempted contact, unless you talked to someone else in the meantime, like Gray. I left a message with her." She eyes her cousin through the contact for a moment, then continues. "Anyway, Random wants the family to get together for a meeting and discussion about the Nightmare situation. Dinnertime, tonight, Amber time.

"And I spoke to Landon a little bit ago. He's fine, at the moment."

[Thanos]

"Ah. Well to answer your question, you were the last person I talked to about the Josh 'situation' and I was hoping to get an update on that. I figured that if anybody was calling me, and it was important enough to call despite knowing that I wouldn't answer, that it would be you or Gray. "

"Good to hear about Landon then, I was going to call him after Gray if I didn't find anything out. Meantime if you are in Amber and willing I could just come through and wait for dinner. I am sure that somebody or another will want to grill me on what happened..."

The last is said without much enthusiasm however.

[LynMars]

"I left messages for you, in case you were still in the Shadow, or talked to Gray. Vela took a turn for the worse. I called here, and Fiona came in to help; she got her to Merlin, hopefully in time. I can't get a hold of Josh at the moment, so I don't know if he knows and is blocking all calls, or is somewhere I can't reach."

She holds out her hand. "Come on ahead, though you'll have to do some ledge-hopping and go through my room. I'm out on the balconies behind Josh's and my rooms."

[Pygysys]

Roland's eyes widen in horror. "No! Neve..." He checks himself, pausing a beat before continuing. "Perhaps I react too strongly, I've not known too many shapeshifters, and I'm new to their ways. From my point of view, asking you to imitate a housecat...or anything lesser than who you are would be a rudeness I cannot begin to express...No, your clothes are fine as they are. Welcome to Amber." Turning to Kat he asks, "where too?"

Kat grins at Naals, "I just didn't want you to stand out from the crowd so to speak. I'm not quite sure how the common man would react if he was to assume you were from the Courts. I know you're not now but those who aren't up to date with the politics of the Courts and the Keep might not be aware of that."

She turns to Roland, "Nowhere in particular, I still do not know the sights myself. Let us wander and talk. Naals and I can tell you about my stay at the Keep and you can tell us what has been happening here in Amber? A fair trade, yes?" She gives Roland another jovial hug, "It is good to see you again, I have missed you cousin."

[Thanos]

Heldrik does come ahead and says, "Thank you for both the information and the hand in." Looking out for a moment Heldrik appreciates the majestic scene from atop a Castle atop a mountain.

"It never ceases to amaze me how much this feels like home every time I come here," he says with a smile. Turning back to Rae... "Having family, after so long without, is certainly part of it. So I want to thank you Raevyn for being part of my family, the kind that matters, the kind that a stranger like me can trust."

There is no smirk, no sparkle in his eye, nor even a hint of sarcasm in his voice. He really means what he says.

[LynMars]

Raevyn seems almost taken aback by Heldrik's words, rubbing the side of her face with her hand as she continues to lean on the rail.

'First Landon, now Heldrik. What's next, Flora acting warmly maternal? Did I fall into a Shadow? Maybe it's just been a long haul for everyone.'

"Um, Thanks, I guess. I just..." She shrugs. "I'm here, is all. I guess...I guess it feels like home. Sort of. Although home is also Cyrian and my mother's people, for me. Sometimes I'm tempted to just go there and stay awhile..."

She shakes her head, the braid falling over her shoulder, and she looks up at her cousin again, puzzled. "This newfound feeling of hearth and home responsible for you suddenly wanting to be able to trust a common family power you've previously been so paranoid about?" She tilts her head, genuinely curious.

[Thanos]

With a chuckle Heldrik says, "You I trust, trumps I don't trust. That you have mastered such a power and can wield it skillfully brings my respect, but only for you not them. That you have persistantly advacated them and you have been in the middle of the fray with the rest of us on many occations brings me some comfort."

Heldrik motions off towards Arden and the shadows beyond, "If you ever do want to go and stay in your shadow home for a while just ask of me a small favor and I will be happy to travel there with you and see what I can't do to alter the time flow. Like Josh's shadow, where we stayed for but a day only a few minutes pasted in Amber. Its nice to get a vacation. Heh, since we talked last Gray and I took a short one and I completed a project of mine."

Heldrik will bid Rae goodbye and go and report to Fiona about the things that have been happening in shadow and how they might change their plans concerning a certain head of secret police.

[LynMars]

"I'm pretty sure if Josh can manage his own Shadow, I can handle one I grew up in. I do know a little about the Pattern and how it works, you know." She teases somewhat. "Um, but thanks for the offer, anyway. You'll want to hop the balcony rail there and go through my room to get out to the palace proper. Bye!"

After Heldrik leaves, Raevyn sighs, and looks around for where Lester scampered off to. "Well, let's get back to this, shall we?" Whether he's there or not, she tries to see into the room at all, or to open the latch. Even knocking and calling Josh's name; he may have returned, who knows?

If that proves fruitless, she'll try the next approach, though it's slightly risky with the timing. 'Josh said I can go to Jordan whenever I want, he's opened the way for me. But if he's not there, the time differential may be slowed down a lot, I could maybe miss the meeting...They can call me if they really need me, but I doubt it. I want to know if he's okay, and that's the best place to start looking.'

She draws out her Trump of Jorden and studies it, and then steps through into whatever waits there.

[Shutter]

Roland smiles slightly, noticing at last that Naals is joking with him. He gives a mental sigh of relief. Not that different then perhaps.

She turns to Roland, "Nowhere in particular, I still do not know the sights myself. Let us wander and talk. Naals and I can tell you about my stay at the Keep and you can tell us what has been happening here in Amber? A fair trade, yes?" She gives Roland another jovial hug, "It is good to see you again, I have missed you cousin."
Roland returns the hug warmly, but then seems a touch distracted, looking about his room as though the answer might be sitting around on a shelf. After a second's hesitation he opens the door and leads everyone out into the hall, down the stairs, and towards what he thinks is the castle's main entrance. "I haven't been here all that much myself. About the same as you I think."

"There's not a lot for me to tell, I took a few months in a fast time shadow recently, relaxation, meditation, things of that sort. I just got back to Amber a few minutes ago." Just had to bring a Hendrake along to ask about recent events?...Why would she do such a thing? With some small struggle he swallows the bitter taste of his frustration, putting a good face on the outing. I just hope I look tired instead of pissed off.

[Pygysys]

Kat follows Roland's lead through the castle, trusting his sense of direction more than her own in this particular building.

"After my release, I set back out to the Keep to arrange the release of my men. I met Naals upon my arrival there and after speaking with General Larsus was granted permission to stay awhile. Since then I've been serving at the Keep and studying as much history of the Hendrakes and the Courts that I can. I haven't learnt much but what I have is very interesting. My own education about the Courts was very remiss, so I felt a need to remedy that."

She grins and gestures to the walls and space around her, "I feel as if I know the layout of the Keep better than I do this castle." Kat looks across to Naals and explains, "I've spent more time in your neck of the woods to speak than here. That will probably change eventually but not today." Back to Roland, "Naals helps me from stepping on people's toes or in the case of the Sergeant Major, his tail."

[Shutter]

"This painting was a gift from a Golden Circle merchant family in, umm...rather a long time ago I think." Smooth.

"That way is the training courtyard. Down that hall and to the left are kitchens. Oh. Wait no. That's a ballroom. The kitchens are to the right. I think...." And in this manner after a few turns and staircases they find themselves in the grand entry to Castle Amber.

Roland turns to Kat with an open What now? look.

[Thanos]

Across Rae's floor, out the door, and into the halls of Amber communications to restore. Inquiring of a few servents where he might find Princess Fi, he heads in her direction whatever that might be.

[Pygysys]

Roland turns to Kat with an open What now? look.

"Should we take a couple of horses and ride down or secure a carriage instead?" Kat ponders the trip to Amber City, "I'd rather not walk."

She smiles at Naals, "Would you prefer to see Amber City or get a glimpse of Forest Arden? I'm not going to suggest a picnic in the forest by any means. What have you heard of Amber? Anything in particular stand out for you in way of fascination? And maybe between us we could talk Roland into visiting the Keep for a while."

[Shutter]

On an impulse Roland summons a carriage to carry the three down into Amber city. I'd just as soon not deal with horses right now....Hmm if I could just figure out why Kat aims to take a Hendrake on a guided tour of Amber...

[Pygysys]

Kat grins as Roland summons a carriage for them and her guest. "Now this is one of the few comfortable ways to travel."

When the carriage pulls up in front of them, she's first to clamber in and get comfortable. Once Naals and Roland are settled, she is quick to confess something that has been weighing on her conscience.

"I've not spoken to anyone since I've been away at the Keep. It's felt easier for me, almost as if out of sight, out of mind my existance is, if not forgotten, at least overlooked. I have this inkling that the two of you might be wondering about the three of us, being here at this moment. Am I wrong?"

Kat sighs gently, "I need your help Naals to learn a little more about the Keep and some former occupants and I don't have much to offer in return. What I hope to offer will also place me in the debt of my cousin here if he is amenable. I place both of you gentlemen into a position of awkwardness I admit but I tend to be headstrong and foolish at times; willing to bypass my elders and others."

She looks between the two, "Simply put, we have I believe Naals, the foundation for a good alliance. I want to extend that alliance to include Roland for I trust him and know that his heart and motives are good and pure. I believe in his morality and loyalty, not blindly for I know with time they can change. You in the short time I have been at the Keep have shown me that you are his equal in these things. We three are young and have much to learn but being young, we will make mistakes and hopefully we shall prosper and grow. Being who we are and serving who we do places some restriction upon us. I do not look to throw off shackles but I believe we are in the unique position to forge a strong union that can benefit the three of us now and in the future."

Pausing for a breath and to give the two men time to ponder just what she is going on about, Kat grins again. "I'm not asking for any of us to betray who we are, or our loyalties, but to make a pledge of alliance, comrades in arms if you will but secondary to those we have sworn to King and Crown and House. What say you both?"

[Wired*Nun]

Across Rae's floor, out the door, and into the halls of Amber communications to restore. Inquiring of a few servents where he might find Princess Fi, he heads in her direction whatever that might be.

Heldrik finds Fiona inspecting the wards and safeguards in the grand hall, apparently maintaining some, strengthening others. Though he is no sorcerer, the Pattern manipulations accompanying her activity give him a fair idea of what she is doing. The castle staff is busy setting up for the event this evening, with tables for dozens being placed.

With her are two men Heldrik has never seen. One is a sharp-faced, competent-looking fellow with a basket-hilted blade and the scars and callouses of a swordsman. The other is a hulking brute, with massive forearms and clawlike nails, and no weapons Heldrik can see. In fact, as Heldrik draws closer, he can see the large man is no man at all in the strictest sense, from the tusks reminiscent of a boar protruding from his lips.

They watch Heldrik approach with an alert air.

"Ahh, nephew. I see you're carrying some extra hardware," she calls, spotting Heldrik in one of the large mirrors that adorn the walls. The bodyguards, if such they are, relax slightly, and transfer some of their attention to the surroundings.

[Wired*Nun]

She smiles at Naals, "Would you prefer to see Amber City or get a glimpse of Forest Arden? I'm not going to suggest a picnic in the forest by any means. What have you heard of Amber? Anything in particular stand out for you in way of fascination? And maybe between us we could talk Roland into visiting the Keep for a while."

"I am at your disposal, milord and milady. I have never seen any of this in person, though there are plenty of maps and drawings in the family files."


Pausing for a breath and to give the two men time to ponder just what she is going on about, Kat grins again. "I'm not asking for any of us to betray who we are, or our loyalties, but to make a pledge of alliance, comrades in arms if you will but secondary to those we have sworn to King and Crown and House. What say you both?"


Naals blinks in dampened surprise at this declaration, and puts his head back against the leather headrest, looking up at the roof in contemplation. After a long moment, he lowers his head and replies, not looking at either of the others. "That is a noble idea, Lady Katarzyna. I have come to count you comrade in the last weeks, and have found ourselves not so different after all. The reputation of Amberites for deviousness and cunning is legendary, but I have found no duplicity in you. Admittedly, I may be the dupe, but...I am willing to establish this relationship, remembering always that I am first and foremost, an officer and peer of my House."

[Shutter]

"I've not spoken to anyone since I've been away at the Keep. It's felt easier for me, almost as if out of sight, out of mind my existance is, if not forgotten, at least overlooked. I have this inkling that the two of you might be wondering about the three of us, being here at this moment. Am I wrong?"

Roland smiles at the opener. Not wrong at all Kat. He crosses one leg over the other knee and waits for whatever idea is to follow. When the sales pitch is done he exhales softly, the smile fading away. Wow Kat...

After Naals speaks his piece Roland meets looks them each in the eye and speaks his.

"The list of my allegiances grows long lately. Longer than could be healthy perhaps, but Kat I know, trust, and esteem. That trust I can extend on her word as well." He shifts his gaze to just Naals. "Naals, where no other conflict divides us, consider me your ally." Ah, but what are the odds of there be no dividing conflict?...

[Wired*Nun]

Naals' mouth quirks upward at Roland in a slight ironic smile. His thoughts probably reflect my own... "Agreed," says Naals gravely. Both of the other occupants feel the weight of that agreement like an oath. These Hendrakes may lack a sense of fun, but they seem to be people of stability and earnestness.

"So, what critically important mission shall we assign ourselves?" All right, not entirely without a droll sense of humor.

[Shutter]

Roland turns his small tightlipped smile to Kat, echoing Naals's question.

Well hell, if I'm to be allied with someone I'll likely cross swords with, might as well be someone likable....What a hideous number of qualifiers there were in that oath.

[Pygysys]

Kat is relieved by the response of both men, her smile genuine as she offers thanks and her own pledge. "Thank you both for the trust and esteem you hold me in, as I do you. I have no loyalty aside from that to Amber and the Crown, my loyalty to you both will be without peer provided that other one doesn't get in the way."

She turns her focus to Naals, "You are no dupe, Naals. Any who may seek to question your honour and loyalty are the fools. Now let me tell you about the murder of a cousin of ours and the aid I seek from you." Kat quickly recounts the story of the assassination and what she knows of it and how the Keep and its former occupants may have played a part.

"During my time at the Keep I have not sought to investigate as that was not why I petitioned to stay. I did not want to abuse the graciousness of my hosts by taking advantage of my stay. However, you do not have such concerns as I do. Do you think you might assist me with this? I do not expect us to learn much if anything at all but I fear doing nothing may disappoint Raevyn and her father. I also believe that House Hendrake played no role in this, though if by some strange twist of fortune you were to learn that they did, then I would not expect you to reveal such."

[Thanos]

"Ahh, nephew. I see you're carrying some extra hardware," she calls, spotting Heldrik in one of the large mirrors that adorn the walls. The bodyguards, if such they are, relax slightly, and transfer some of their attention to the surroundings.

Damn she is good!

With a smile Heldrik nods and says in a bland tone, "I see you have some of your own hanging about Aunt. There have been some developments, part of which Roland has likely already gotten to you, the other part is better said elsewhere perhaps?"

Whether Fi pulls him somewhere or wants it here and now Heldrik relates the mental assualt of Landon to her and his part in it and in specific a certain minister of Kashfa that took part in it but managed to limp away. He also gives his take of what happened in the cathedral...

[Wired*Nun]

Do you think you might assist me with this? I do not expect us to learn much if anything at all but I fear doing nothing may disappoint Raevyn and her father. I also believe that House Hendrake played no role in this, though if by some strange twist of fortune you were to learn that they did, then I would not expect you to reveal such."

Naals replies, "I would be happy to make such enquiries as I am able. It would not surprise me to know that the elders of my House already knew of the situation, though whether they have pursued the matter in any way, I do not know. I take it from the fact that you did not mention this for the last month means that it is not of sufficient urgency that I should go haring off immediately?"

[Wired*Nun]

Damn she is good!

With a smile Heldrik nods and says in a bland tone, "I see you have some of your own hanging about Aunt. There have been some developments, part of which Roland has likely already gotten to you, the other part is better said elsewhere perhaps?"

Whether Fi pulls him somewhere or wants it here and now Heldrik relates the mental assault of Landon to her and his part in it and in specific a certain minister of Kashfa that took part in it but managed to limp away. He also gives his take of what happened in the cathedral...

Fiona puts aside her work for a time, and brings Heldrik to a side room to hear his tales, leaving the two men outside the room. Her face hardens as she hears about the attack on Landon and she puts it together with the situation with Josh's mother.

"I will add this to the list of issues to be dealt with. Clearly Kashfa needs some intervention to be put right.." She pauses, shifts topics slightly as her eyes hold his earnestly.

"You know, this family convocation is very important for Amber. There hasn't been such a thing called since Patternfall. There will be cousins you have never met there, and political undercurrents aplenty. You may see a display of Family unity, or it may fracture into factions which the Crown must seek to manipulate, for the good of Amber. The Crown will need all the support it can muster."

[Thanos]

"As to Kashfa, should I still have the Minister Neutralized and should it be before or after the dinner?"

I may not be for the Crown, but I will not be acting against it or against any of the factions as I see them in the forseable future.

"I will, of course, follow your lead tonight. Did you need anything specific done or said from amongst the younger generation to perhaps spur certain topics?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Waiting until after the meeting is the sensible thing - so do it now, before. I have no doubt the spies already know of the convocation, and they will probably believe nothing will happen until after. Just make it clean, in case we need to disavow."

I will, of course, follow your lead tonight. Did you need anything specific done or said from amongst the younger generation to perhaps spur certain topics?"

"Support me, support the Crown. That's what I need from you tonight. Feel free to express your opinion, but if a rupture threatens...just add your weight to the right side."

[Thanos]

Heldirk nods and smiles about her thoughts on when. "I will be off momuntarily to take care of that chore and he will end up dead if he can be found in Kashfa. As to tonight, count on me backing you and the Crown."

Heldrik will give her a hug and escourt her out to her body guards. Picking up the weapon that he is suppose to use, inside its protective case of course, he heads out to shadow via a quick teleport and starts looking for a man who's wife was murdered by a man that looks just like the minister that is his target in a faster time shadow.

It takes a little time but he finds the right place and the right man he convinces him that he can have revenge upon his wife's murderer and the man redily agrees. He allows the man to take a few practice shots with the weapon, which he just happens to be somewhat accustom to and then tells the man to wait for him.

After making a series of shadow pockets with connected one way doorways, through which one can fire a bullet away from oneself. Making the first shadow pocket hardly larger than the size of the bullet Heldrik takes a rest as he leaves it hanging onto the chain connected to this shadow. Later he fires up his scrying abilities and searches Kashfa's government buildings and palace for the Minister and if not there searches the city for his home or somewhere else where he might be. Waiting for the Minister to be stationary behind a desk or in bed Heldrik then places the small end of the chain of shadow pockets along a path where the vengeful man can fire the rifle and kill the Minister.

Once the man has fired his shot and the Minister appears dead Heldrik unfastens the small shadow pocket from Kashfa and leaves it untethered to be used later if needs be. Seeing the man is distrought from the death of his wife, revenge satisfied, and he is turning the weapon upon himself Heldrik kills him from behind with a smooth chop to the back of the neck with a slick crunching sound. Heldrik uses a pen and his cloak to put the rifle back in its protective case on the floor so as not to touch it himself.

Closing the case Heldrik takes the body and burns it in the mans own furnace. Retrieving the case he transports himself back to Amber, but this time at the rear of the Castle where Corwin watched Eric die. Gaining enterence to the Castle through the rear gate he has the case and weapon replaced and goes to attend the dinner with the rest of his very extended family.


[OOC: Wanted to clarify that the guy was going to kill himself anyways.]

[Pygysys]

Naals replies, "I would be happy to make such enquiries as I am able. It would not surprise me to know that the elders of my House already knew of the situation, though whether they have pursued the matter in any way, I do not know. I take it from the fact that you did not mention this for the last month means that it is not of sufficient urgency that I should go haring off immediately?"

"Actually there is a level of importance but it isn't do or die at present. The sooner the better, as I fear I am letting another cousin down with a lack of attention to the matter. The reason I didn't mention it beforehand is because I did not want to overextend my welcome at the Keep. I wanted to be truly accepted there on merit and prove my worth. I also wanted to get to know you better before asking such of you and in return placing myself in your debt."

Kat glances at Roland, "The Keep still holds some clues we believe, yes?"

[Shutter]

"Yes so we hope. The assassin had support of or access to the Fount, or wished us to believe that he did...But that was under the previous tenants." The word, the whole speech tastes bitter. Look how quickly I suck up to the House that you failed to protect Dunstan and Jasra from... "What clues remain in the building itself..." He shrugs. "Who knows?"

"And how do we get them to tell us?" He adds with a wry smile.