Landon, Gray, Heldrik, Arrotel

[Wired*Nun]

[Starter]

[Wired*Nun]

Gray goes back to Landon. "If you don't mind, I'll get someone to take me to check those rooms now. Heldrik wants to meet up and discuss things before we leave. A message to Siodmak's or Elress' rooms should find me."

She waits for any response, then goes off to find a servant. "Please take me to Lady Elress' rooms."

A word from Flora and Gray is led up to their rooms. The majordomo bustles up with the key ring and opens first Siodmak's door, then eventually Elress'.

Siodmak's room is bare, just the usual furniture. Gray makes her private examination there, and then takes a look around Elress' room.

[chalice]

[She finishes up there, as discussed in GM Comms, and returns briefly to the Hall - I've posted one last message in which she speaks to Kat - then I'm good to go:

[As and when the thing with Kat is over:

Gray returns to Landon's side.

"Ready now. Do you think someone here would lend me armour and weapons? I didn't come equipped for a Shadow-hunt."

[Wired*Nun]

[returns briefly to the Hall -
."
Presumably to the dining room, where the youngers were left and the elders have left...

[TreyKincaide]

I wonder what her and Kat talked about. It didn't look pretty.

"Most undoubtedly. I shall include them in the list of preparations. As far as strategic planning we'll save that for the road." He leans in close and whispers, "We're leaving later on under the cover of night. If Siodmak has any one close here I don't want them to know when we're leaving. We are well rested and I'm sure Heldrik will keep up. I'll collect you and Heldirk from your rooms once I see to a few matters and preparations are complete. Pass the word on to Heldrik so he's ready."

With that he leaves the main room and flags down a servant, he requisitions proven horses, enough supplies, and anything else that he thinks appropriate. He goes and spends time with his dear aunt Flora filling her in most of the details of his trip leaving out issues of doubted parentage. He asks her for both advice and an opinion on how well he handled himself today. That finished and if he has enough time he refreshes his compliment of spells. If he doesn't he can always slip away and do so on the journey. He appears at Gray's and Heldrik's rooms in the dead of night respectively and wishes to set off.

[Wired*Nun]

Flora tells Landon that he did quite well, considering the suddent twists and turns. "I see I wasn't wasting my time when I taught you to maintain poise in all situations, most especially when others least expect it."

"I expect your greatest difficulty will be integrating diverse personalities, who don't know each other well. Remember your group dynamics lessons, and use everyone's talents and proclivities to the fullest. Try to turn their weaknesses into strengths, and use them to get the mission accomplished."

[chalice]

Gray doesn't actually have rooms, but Landon can find her in the stables, awake and ready to go.

[TreyKincaide]

"Thank you, Flora. It reassures me that I did you proud, and will keep your advice in mind. Now, I should really finish preparations." Landon kisses her on the cheek and goes about the rest of his business.

[Wired*Nun]

It's Benedict.

"Son, things have happened. Say goodbyes and come through here to Amber, I'll explain when you get here."

Before he comes through, Arrotel hands a piece of gold to Pete, and starts walking. "Thank you for your aid, but it is no longer needed. I suggest you don't tell anyone about this. I'll take you back now." He shifts quickly back to Topaz, then speaks again to Benedict. "Ok- ready now. Bring me through."

As soon as he comes through, Benedict relates a summarized version of all that has happened with the assassination and afterward, as well as the situation that happened at the Keep and what they know of Siodmak. This takes over an hour, even just hitting the high points.

"I want you to go link up with Landon. You don't know him, but he's Flora's, Random vouches for him, and that's good enough for me. Get acquainted, give him your support. For now, he's leading your team, unless he becomes incapacitated or unfit."

Benedict gives a good rundown on what Random said in the family meeting, and finishes up with, "It's time to put behind you the carefree shadow-junketing, and pick up these responsibilities. I know you can do it. Now go meet your cousins."

[Wired*Nun]

Gray doesn't actually have rooms, but Landon can find her in the stables, awake and ready to go.
The horses seem restless when she's around.

[Wired*Nun]

Flora knocks on Landon's door a bit later on. Assuming she is let in, she relates the following:

"The fourth for you just showed up. He's Benedict's son, but isn't any more of a warrior than you are, as far as I can tell. I'm not entirely sure what his strengths are, but he has an interesting pet, a falcon he shares a psychic connection with. I think he's dabbled in a little of everything, been bumming around shadow for some time. Personality-wise, he seems young, straightforward, and trustworthy - maybe because he is young. I think you can rely on him, as much as anyone that's not me. Just thought you'd like a little extra info. Nite, dear. The time to be sweet is over."

[TreyKincaide]

Around 2:30ish that evening Landon steals out of his room to find Heldrik and Arrotel knowing that Gray will be down in the stables with horses ready.

[chalice]

Gray waits outside the stables, collecting her thoughts and energies for the journey. The horses are saddled and ready.

Amber...Strange....I spent my whole life waiting to get here...now I can't wait to leave...no good to think about how different this should have been...don't think about father...it doesn't do any good to think of him...

Whoever arrives first will take her by surprise, tears unheeded on her face, thoughts far away.

[Thanos]

[during the evening before Landon comes looking]

While the others are off running about Heldrik has found a chair in a hallway he can just sit in and not be bothered. Here he pulls out the trump he was given of Siodmak. With a bit of concentration he once again has the Sign of the Pattern up in front of him gazing through it at the trump. It looks like there is something missing, as if it was not whole, but then he is no trump artist.
This is not the same thing as Raevyn used when she was drowing her trumps. Well its not exactly the same, but it seems to be similar. Could it be that each artist uses a slightly different variation of the same thing when making these things? It would not seem to make sense. They would not be usable by others I think if that were the case, individually keyed as it were.

Heldrik puts the trump back in the pouch he retrieved it from and starts to concentrate even more mentally walking the pattern. Almost as a reflex he grips his sword handle with his left hand and finally he is through. Everything is white…
It was not white this morning when I looked at the castle, this must be some new defense that one of the Elders has put into effect. Perhaps if I just shift the lens to outside the building I will come up with something.

With a few neurons firing Heldrik shifts the lens out over the castle and the city getting a broad view of this face of the mountain. The view is breathtaking and Heldrik spends a few moments enjoying the sunset in his new home. Shortly after that he starts sweeping the shadows near Amber looking for any trace ripples of the odd power that is in Siodmak’s trump.

….time passes….

Heldrik wipes his brow and stretches in his chair a little bit. Searching this way is tiring and exceptionally boring. Then Heldrik sits bolt upright….is that something….a little nagging at the edge of my senses something like that odd power, focus, sift, focus, and sift.

Its another shadow of Amber and might even be pretty close to reality, but what is beneath it? Its not the same as the Siodmak power signature, but its of the same general bend.

[chalice]

[OOC: folks, I'm off again in about 30 mins. Is anyone at all showing up to begin getting the group together before then? Don't mind if not...and certainly nor trying to rush anyone...just want a clue:nod: ]

[Thanos]

[OOC: After posting that Heldrik is good to go, just has to get a little tap on the shoulder from his nap in the chair. He doesn't have rooms either]

[Wired*Nun]

[That's OK, lots of cushy chairs in sitting rooms scattered about.]

[chalice]

[OOC: Rooms are so...conventional...]

[TreyKincaide]

Landon comes by and taps Heldrik on the shoulder and whispers, "Shh...we want our departure to be as unnoticed as possible. Benedict is seeing to Arrotel as our fourth has arrived."

[Icebird]

"It's time to put behind you the carefree shadow-junketing, and pick up these responsibilities. I know you can do it. Now go meet your cousins."
"Very well. I suppose the shadows will be glad for a break from me." Arrotel smiles a little as he says this last, but puts a straight face back on before continuing. "I haven't been here in a long time, and certainly not recently enough to have seen where these new cousins of mine have gone. If you'll point the way, I'll go do so."

[Thanos]

Heldrik looks up and smiles at Landon, then stands and says, "Good, unless you have objections I will get the men that Kat promised would serve us and meet in the stables? I will make sure to not let them talk to anybody on the way down."

Heldrik gives Landon a little wink to let him know that with a departure time of the middle of the night, things are being kept secret.

"Also, I might have something to use to track this Siodmak character down. We can talk about it on the way out into shadow though."

[if Landon gives permission Heldrik will go get the men that Kat told him about and do as he said. If he objects he will just follow him and say 'Yes, Sir'.]

[Wired*Nun]

"Very well. I suppose the shadows will be glad for a break from me." Arrotel smiles a little as he says this last, but puts a straight face back on before continuing. "I haven't been here in a long time, and certainly not recently enough to have seen where these new cousins of mine have gone. If you'll point the way, I'll go do so."
Benedict leads Arrotel out of the Great Hall, looking around the dining room and the halls until he finds Landon and Heldrik. He makes introductions, then heads off.

[TreyKincaide]

"By all means. If you're not there by three bells you'll have to catch up." Landon replies. He turns to Arrotel and whispers, "I hate to rush you off like this, but I'm sure Benedict has taken the liberty of filling in you and I'll answer any questions once we away. We have a date with a pretty young cousin in the stables."

[Wired*Nun]

r


[if Landon gives permission Heldrik will go get the men that Kat told him about and do as he said. If he objects he will just follow him and say 'Yes, Sir'.]A note from Kat tells Heldrik the three men's names are Darius, Quinn and Ethan, Darius being the senior of the three. They are staying at the Green Tooth downtown.

[Thanos]

Heldrik stops for the introductions and tells Arrotel, “We will have to get to know each other on the road, I have to run and I will meet you gentlemen in the stables.”

With that he dashes off with a swipe of his cape down the hall and out to the Green Tooth to procure the men and get them going to the stables double time.

[TreyKincaide]

Now, there's a man who knows how to make an exit

[Wired*Nun]

Heldrik stops for the introductions and tells Arrotel, “We will have to get to know each other on the road, I have to run and I will meet you gentlemen in the stables.”

With that he dashes off with a swipe of his cape down the hall and out to the Green Tooth to procure the men and get them going to the stables double time.He finds himself out the front gate of the palace, somewhat at a loss. There is a lovely tree-lined road wending its way down the hill, mansions on each side, a little traffic of carriages, riders or walkers. He realizes he's never been here before. He know the general overview of the city from scrying, and knows he should head down the hill...then into a city of a couple of hundred thousand...hmmm

[Icebird]

Arrotel smiles and bows, but it lacks the conviction of someone who is truly glad. "A pleasure to meet you both, I'm sure." Arrotel will follow Landon down to the stables, seeming slighty withdrawn and pensive, but still polite to anyone they should happen to see on the way.

[Thanos]

[i]Damn and damn, must remember that I should ask for directions before I go running off.

[Wired*Nun]

[i]Damn and damn, must remember that I should ask for directions before I go running off.
The gate guards tell Heldrik that the Green Tooth is all the way downtown, a couple of miles on the ground.

[TreyKincaide]

A fourth unknown. Wonderful. Random's going to owe me.

Once he arrives at the stables and sees Gray he asks Arrotel to tarry for a moment. He approaches and taps her on the shoulders putting on his best fatherly "It'll be all right" expression. "Dear, we have company. You have a few moments to compose yourself before meeting our cousin Arrotel. Heldrik should arrive shortly, but if he isn't here by the third bell we are away."

[Thanos]

Heldrik heads back to the stables to find the others,
"The troops are all the way down town. If you would be so kind as to bring 3 horses for them, I ride down quickly and get them formed up. They are staying at the Green Tooth [insert directions]. From there we can head out of town. Is that OK Landon?"

[If its OK, off he goes again on a horse all the way down town]
[This is making me laugh]

[Wired*Nun]

[It's quite a bit like real life, without strong leadership, or sometimes too much of it!]

[chalice]

"oh..."

Gray swallows hard, and cleans up her face. She stoops to ruffle Arthur's fur, getting her expression under control.

She does look a little more prepared, in practical terms - now dressed in light travelling leathers, with twinned daggers at her hips and a hand-crossbow hanging from her belt.


"I'm ready to go. Really."

[Icebird]

Arrotel uses the time while Landon speaks the Grey to contact Telloth, and bring him through. When she is ready, Arrotel bows to her, as he has to everyone else he has been introduced to. His mind doesn't seem to be completely in the present right now.
"Another lovely relative. It does my heart good to see real people after these years in shadow. I'm Arrotel, and my friend here," gesturing to the splended silver hawk now on his shoulder, "is Telloth."

This Landon doesn't seem to be affected by the death of his relative. Either he's just had more time to get used to the idea of it, or he dosen't really care. If it's the second, I'd better watch my step with him even more carefully than father warned me to around family. Or he could just be better at hiding his feelings than I am.

[chalice]

"Arrotel." Gray smiles.

Lovely? I wish they would stop saying things like that. I know what I look like.

*And Telloth, you too* she greets the hawk in a voice that recalls all the freedom of flight.

"I'm glad you could make it, cousin."

She offers a delicate hand to be shaken.

Last time I do this, If he ignores it like Thanos, I give up.


She turns to Landon:

"Oh - I almost forgot. Siodmak's scent was strong in Elress' room - so was that of Llewella, recently (makes sense), and Bleys, well ingrained. Is she his? If so, he doesn't seem too worried. You don't think - well, do you think this is just some kind of test? We do seem to be the 'who knows...?' bunch. Except for you," she adds, hastily."

[Icebird]

Scent? I've never seen a person who can do that before- I know we Amberites have special abilities, but I thought we were still mostly human.

Arrotel shakes Gray's hand gently, and replies "As am I, although i might wish that it were under more pleasant circumstances that I returned. If you'll excuse me, I will need a horse if the rest of you are riding."

So saying, Arrotel searches the stable for a mount, preferably a calm one. Although he clearly knows a bit about horses, he just as clearly doesn't enjoy their company.

[TreyKincaide]

Damn Kat and her men, and damn Heldrik for being so eager to please. I'm sure she did this deliberately to further piss me off.

He first answers Gray's question, "Perhaps, Bleys strikes me as a man who plays his cards close to his chest." As he speaks he fishes out his deck and removes a Trump of himself handing it to Heldrik, "After you collect the men head on out of town. We'll wait here. Give me a call and pull us through. We'll attract less attention that way." He pauses, "It's my only copy and a gift from a friend."

He turns to Arrotel, "Unless you have a mount you prefer, I've seen that the ones here are available for our use and readied."

[Wired*Nun]

Telloth vocalizes something softly to Arrotel.

Stablehands, already roused by Gray's presence and preparations, make ready all that the team needs.

[Feel free to name and describe your mounts if you like. Personally, I can't keep track of all 200 of them]

Heldrik takes Landon's Trump, three other horses in tow, and rides off around toward the front of the palace.

About fifteen minutes later, Landon receives a faint Trump contact, then it disappears. This happens again, a little stronger, then it disappears.

[chalice]

Gray will simply have chosen whichever horse is least nervous around her. She has spent the waiting time gentling it further, getting it used to her.

[Thanos]

Landon's solution was a good one, if you can pull horses through a card, but I suppose he would not have given it to me if he didn't think it would work.

Heldrik does as was suggested and gets the men from the Green Tooth in relatively quick order. Remembering that it is relatively difficult to shift near Amber,
He figures that I should do the near shifting that is the hardest. Is that because he is a lazy fop or because he is being an effective leader utilizing my skills?

Determined not to disappoint Heldrik starts shifting just outside of town....
a slightly brighter star here.....a little less undergrowth there....an unweathered rock behind that tree....a patch of grass instead of fine needles there....eyecovers for the horses so they don't go wild....
Its hard, even for small changes, but its good practice for me.

Once Heldrik is out to a point where regular shifting is possible he will pull out the trump and do what the others seemed to do when they made contacts, look at it, and hope that whatever needs to happen does.

[TreyKincaide]

In the stable Landon perks up, "Either Heldrik is having difficulty using Trump or someone else is, to use a term from Shadow Earth, pinging me." He looks to his companions, "Be on the ready."

Landon picks up Arthur and gets up on the horse he selected as his own as he motions for the others to do the same and get closer.

[Thanos]

Damn this magic card, work! Perhaps I just need more light to see it more clearly?

Heldrik strikes a match and holds it closer to the card, but not so close as it would catch on fire. Then he looks at the card again,
Now you card, listen to me, I want to talk to Landon, can you dial him for me?

Heldrik thinks about dialing a phone to Landon at the card while looking at it intently.


[Think of Scotti in Star Trek IV when he is the shop trying to get the glass walls. He talks to the computer and it doesn't work, then McCoy gives him the mouse as a mouth piece and he tries again.....Computer? Computer?]

[chalice]

Gray mounts up and closes in as requested. She handles her horse gracefully, with the casual ease of an accomplished rider.

"Maybe this group makes some sense after all," she murmurs. "This Siodmak hasn't encountered any of us...I assume he can't make Trumps of us without seeing us first...."

[Wired*Nun]

Finally the call comes in strong enough for Landon to catch hold of. It's Heldrik. "Hello? Hello? Is this thing on? Can you hear me now???"

[TreyKincaide]

Landon responds to the call, "Yes. It's on. Having a bit of troubles eh? We are ready, so go ahead and pull us through."

[Thanos]

Heldrik’s facial expression goes blank, then quizzical.

“Um, what do I do to ‘pull you through’?” he says. You can tell from his basic mental state that he is apprehensive and puzzled, but curious at the same time.

Ok, this is definitely the most funked up thing I have ever experienced. How did I get myself into this again…oh yes I was curious about my family

[TreyKincaide]

So you're not familiar with Trumps. Unknowns indeed.

Landon tries to keep his thoughts clear.

Landon explains, "Extend your hand and envision taking mine. You'll find purchase. Gently pull and everything that's touching me and by extension whatever is touching them will come through."

[Thanos]

So it’s a means of mass transport and communication. Powerful magic indeed, such a family with an army could never be defeated without some means of disrupting these.

Heldrik reaches out his off hand that is not clutching the card and feels for the pressure of contact. When he does he very slowly and gentle pulls his arm back with whatever he is holding. He nearly then falls off his horse in surprise as Landon, Grey, and Arrotel with horses under them and a little hey are standing right in front of him and he is holding Landons Hand.

"Welcome to Shadow."

[TreyKincaide]

Once they have arrived, Landon lets Arthur down and says with a smile, "Very nicely done." He leans over to Heldrik and lowers his tone, "I'll explain more about the uses when we stop and rest."

"Now we need to find somewhere hospitable to set up camp and discuss the particulars of our assignment."

[Thanos]

After listening to Landon Heldrik says,
"Follow me then lady and gentlemen."

He heads off slowely letting the others fall in behind him giving hand signals to the three men to take up positions one at the rear and one on each side as flankers.

[If the others follow]
Heldrik starts shifting shadow to a nice clearing with the sun coming over the horizon with some shade from a big oak tree. There are a few wild apple trees a dozen yards off to provide treats for the horses along with a stream burbling within hearing distance.

[chalice]

Gray follows, watching Heldrik with fascination as he expertly shifts Shadow.

[Thanos]

Once to the camp site Heldrik brings the column to a halt with his horse near to Gray’s. He throws his cloak over a shoulder and dismounts quickly putting a hand up to assist the lady with her dismount [if she lets him that is].

“This should do I think. There are some apple trees over there to provide treats for the animals and ourselves. The horses can be watered over that way,” points off to the right.

With that he nods to Darius, indicating that the men should see to the security of the area.

[chalice]

Gray accepts Heldrik's assistance in dismounting with a shy smile. She is a light burden indeed as he helps her to the ground.

While the men go about securing the camp, she begins to set out a substantial picnic - looks as though she must have looted last night's supper table for leftovers. She's also taken possession of wine, and four crystal goblets, which she sets out carefully.

"Well," she offers. "Shall we all introduce ourselves again - in more... relaxed...surroundings?

"My name is Agraynel - but 'Gray' is fine." She looks up at Heldrik and smiles. "And it would have taken me at least a week to get us this far. Impressive, cousin."

[Thanos]

Heldrik nods to Gray, “Yes a more relaxing, less stuffy, less regal to say the least.”
Letting the lady go first he answers afterwords.

“My name is Heldrik and I am the son of Finndo, as ye likely heard,” he says with a nod and a smile. “I had to practice a lot to get this proficient, but well worth the efforts I think. Thank you.”

Heldrik looks to Arrotel and Landon who seem to be putting the horses to pasture and then continues loud enough for them to hear on their way back.
“Like ye, I have been in shadow a long time. I was unknowingly imprisoned in a very small section of shadow. I escaped a few years back and have been working my way to Amber to find a family I never knew. I never expected to find so many Aunts and Uncles, let alone more than a handful of cousins.”

[chalice]

"Well - as you know by now, my father was Eric, son of Oberon. Once King of Amber; now...dead." She forms the last word quite deliberately, as if emphasising it to herself.

"I have yet to learn the exact nature of his death, but I am told-" she flicks a glance Landon's way, "-that he died defending Amber against the hordes of Chaos." Tears glimmer in the grey eyes, only to be blinked savagely away.

I should have been there. If only I had been a son...

"I - I've been awake only a few days now. Everything is still very strange. I had always thought to return to Amber with my father; now I find I must make my own way...if it weren't for Landon, I would still be lying enchanted and oblivious," she shivers, as if suddenly cold, and gulps nervously from a goblet of wine.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon dismounts, sits, and takes a draw from a goblet.

To Heldrik Landon says, "Impressively done especially to learn such intracies without assistance."

Interesting to say the least.

Landon glances over at Gray, but stays silent.

I need to keep her mind off the past and bring it to the present.

He addresses the group not without some fanfare, Arrotel in particular. "My name is Landon, and I'm Flora's. I wish we could have met under more pleasant of circumstances, but such isn't the case. To recap, for Arrotel's benefit as I am unsure how much time Benedict had to brief him before our quick departure, we are hunting down a man named Siodmak."

He prompts Heldrik to pull out the sketch.

"We are to apprehend this individual and return him to Amber for questioning. However, we are encouraged to protect our lives, regardless of cost, should it come to that. Currently, little is known about him except that he arrived to Amber in the company of Raevyn, Kat, Roland, and our departed cousin after a confrontation with someone named Dunstan, who claimed to be the brother of Rinaldo and son of Jasra. Dunstan also apparently called Siodmak brother, but we are unaware in what manner that regarded--whether actually blood relation or kindred spirit. By all accounts Siodmak is a most unsavory and unpleasant fellow. According to reports he has a facility with Trump but exhibited no abilities in regard to the Pattern or its opposite. A daughter of Bleys named Elress was last seen in his company."

Landon fishes out the Trump of Elress that he got from Bleys and begins passing it around before continuing.

"They *ahem* spent time together in chambers in Amber castle before disappearing. Bleys said that he wasn't able to raise her with her picture. He went on to say that it wasn't being blocked--she just couldn't be contacted. He described her as a "spitfire," so at this time we are unable to determine if she is Siodmak's prisoner or accomplice. If anyone has anything further to add, by all means do so."

[Thanos]

Then we have something in common, both of our fathers died somewhere else and we do not know exactly how or why. I, at least I think, was visited by my father shortly before he went to his death. I think he knew it was coming somehow and wanted to spend some time with me beforehand. I plan on asking around when we are done with this and things have settled down a little.
[Heldrik waits for Arrotel to intro himself then…]

“I was unable to view the rooms, but Raevyn handed me this trump, which I understand that Siodmak did himself.”
Heldrik passes it around and says, “I have studied this and compared it to Raevyn’s and they are different. While Raevyn’s uses the pattern as its base Siodmak’s uses something like the pattern, but somehow warped or bent or something is missing. Its hard to describe. I did not think that the Pattern could be altered in anyway, but I theorize that a shadow of the pattern could be. Anybody with any practical experience?"

[chalice]

"Um," Gray seems even more diffident than usual.

"Most of what Heldrik just said was over my head. But as for Siodmak, we seem to know that he might once have been in a Shadow you visitied recently. Which makes me wonder if we should look up this...Asmundsen...? In case he is some kind of link...?"

"Also, shouldn't we make one another aware of our respective abilities? Figure out how we can best work together...?"

[TreyKincaide]

"Um," Gray seems even more diffident than usual.

"Most of what Heldrik just said was over my head. But as for Siodmak, we seem to know that he might once have been in a Shadow you visitied recently. Which makes me wonder if we should look up this...Asmundsen...? In case he is some kind of link...?"

"Capitol idea my dear. I don't know if he's still in the Shadow we were in, but we can try unless anyone has any better suggestions along those lines."

[chalice]

"In that case, perhaps we could discuss our respective talents as we travel?"

Gray hesitates, then continues: "By all accounts, Elress is a...a lady who knows her own mind. But she may be in over her head. Everyone keeps talking about bringing back Siodmak - I do myself - but no one seems to care too much about her. It isn't right. If our places were exchanged, I hope someone would be worrying about me, rather than the person who had taken me."

Though I doubt it.

[Thanos]

“Gray, you make a good point at that. However, if we find Siodmak we will likely find her or at least find out what Siodmak might have to say about where she last was. If she is alive and captured, then they want her alive. If she is dead, looking for the body will not help her any.”

Perhaps she doesn't think exactly like I do, but its a question that seems to answer itself. No doubt I am not as compassionate as the others.

“As to talents, I would think mine are pretty obvious,” Heldrik smiles, “I have considerable practice and practical application knowledge with how to use the pattern, but not trumps which I think is a derivative of pattern. I have some martial skills with a blade and the command of troops, although I will admit that I am out of practice having fought my last war more than a century ago.”

That is the extent of what I think they will understand about the grand design, what they refer to as the pattern. Perhaps later on I can explain further.

[TreyKincaide]

((post timing. Ugh.))

Landon turns to Gray, "There does exist a possibility that she took him. At this point until I'm more informed I'm not discounting anything. If the reverse in the case then, of course, liberating her is of utmost priority."

"While we have the time, I'd rather flesh out everything we can before riding off. If we don't catch up to Admunson, if that's who he really is, we can try something different. No, best not to dash blindly."

Landon pauses.

Well, a good leader doesn't ask anyone to do anything they aren't prepare to do themselves. Or at least not appear to anyway. I hate giving away anything, but it seems I have little choice.

"Since it's only fair to volunteer, I'm well traveled in Shadow although the higher and more intricate concepts are somewhat beyond my grasp never being one for study."

He pauses again.

"I usually don't mention this. I have some facility with Shadow Sorcery. It's more of a bother, really. Once people find out its nothing but dull and tedious work, work, work for the most trivial of results at best."

[chalice]

Gray smiles faintly at Heldrik, and bows her head, as if deferring to his judgment ,then more warmly at Landon. She seems to make a decision.

"For myself, I have little skill with the Pattern. I survived walking it-" barely "but had little chance to learn more. The Guard trained me to defend myself, though I have no experience at all of battle.

"Beyond that - I told Landon that I healed fast. Allow me to show you what I mean. It's easier than trying to explain."

She pushes back her left sleeve, pulls a dagger from its sheath and draws it without hesitation strongly along her forearm. Blood wells and runs...she sweeps the back of the blade back downwards..the cut is already disappearing, healed without trace.

No going back now.

"I can...do that for others, too. Though with father, it only worked if he cooperated - so I assume that goes for all Family. And I - I can take shapes other than this one. Should that prove necessary."

And that's it. Now they know I'm a freak. Almost a relief...

[TreyKincaide]

I was right about her being able to shapeshift. Damn I'm good. This is exchange is like trying to draw blood from a stone.

Landon seems unsurprised by Gray's revelation.

[Thanos]

Heldrik’s eyes grow a bit as he witnesses something totally new to him. The trump cards were one thing, based on pattern its understandable. This….. WOW. Now that is a handy ability. Healing on the fly, would have made that impulsive stupidity yesterday much less bothersome.

“Gray, that is amazing, let alone useful as all get out. I can change things around me, but you can change yourself!”
Gray can tell that Heldrik is more amazed and enthusiastic than anything else, far from judgmental or any hint of pity.

[chalice]

Landon seems nonplussed by Gray's revelation.She looks downcast.

"I understand if you would prefer me to leave...."

Then she looks at Heldrik: "You...don't mind? You don't think I'm..tainted?"

There is a painful kind of hope in the soft voice.

[TreyKincaide]

"Now, why dear would I possibly want you to do that especially since I've known the entire time we've been together?" Landon asks. "I've known of others with capabilities similar to your own and bear you neither them nor you any malice."

[Thanos]

Its been a while since a lady has been ashamed in from of Heldrik. While Landon speaks, He knew all along? But then again he was the one that brought her here and has spent more time with her. But like he says he has known others like her, I have not. Direct knowledge is always a good thing.

“Ye have done nothing other than be a Lady as far as I can tell. I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt and care not for letting the actions of one person color another. Your value is what ye set it at and no other.”

[chalice]

"Now, why dear would I possibly want you to do that especially since I've known the entire time we've been together?" Landon asks. "I've known of others with capabilities similar to your own and bear you neither them nor you any malice."Gray stares at him, eyes wide.

"You knew? You knew all this time- and you - you never said anything? And you...you put me through this...? You - you...Oh!"

She throws her arms around Landon's neck in a sudden, fierce hug.

"Bastard, " she mutters, for only him to hear. "I'll get you for this."

As suddenly, she sits back on her heels and looks at Heldrik. His words produce a smile of astonishing sweetness, that lights up her whole face.

"What the hell - I'm going to hug you too!"

And she does so.

When she disengages this time, she is visibly changed - younger looking, happier, more confident.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon mutters back, "Arthur determined that your smell had changed several times. I didn't think it prudent to pry. If that was a threat our relationship has taken a decidingly poor turn."

If that's the way the crazy bitch wants it. Maybe bitch is too strong a term. Regardless, that will have to wait until another time.

[chalice]

Landon mutters back, "Arthur determined that your smell had changed several times. I didn't think it prudent to pry. If that was a threat our relationship has taken a decidingly poor turn."
The only answer is a giggle...but it doesn't sound very threatening.

[Thanos]

Heldrik blushes, but after a second of hesitation returns the hug and has a smile waiting for Gray as she pulls back.

Now that was nice of her. Hope Landon didn’t get his foppish hopes up, even if she is a cousin such a smile could start a war.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon sits there with a smile on his face maintaining poise but says nothing.

I hate family. Best for this to be done and over with, so that I can go back to dallying in shadow.

[Icebird]

Arrotel stops speaking with Telloth, and joins the main conversation. He is politely ignoring blushes, gigles and hugs.

"Sorry for not responding sooner. I was discusing an interesting shadow that Telloth saw earlier. As for my abilities, other than Telloth here, they are nothing impresive. I can do the usual shadow play, and know bit bit about the uses of trumps, but nothing too extrodinary. I did, however, best someone when he tried to kill me via trump. I still don't know who, but I assume it was an uncle."

[Thanos]

After Arrotel starts speaking Heldrik turns towards and leans forward a little bit denoting his attention. However, as Arrotel comes to the end Heldrik's expression is a bit of a frown.

"What do you mean somebody tried to kill you? If you assume it was an Uncle, then you assume it was male. Were not all of our Uncles in Amber?"

Are there more relatives unaccounted for. Corwin, his son Merlin I have not met, but they seem to be on Random's good side or not considered enemies. My father and another Uncle are dead. Exactly how many children did Oberon have?

[Icebird]

Arrotel looks young, even for an Amberite, but none the less, he seems slightly older as he speaks this time.

"That was years ago, relativly speeking. That someone almost killed me, but at least one good thing came out of the encounter- Telloth here gained a great measure of reality as result. My reality, acually. Quite painfull for everyone involved, including, I hope, the perpetrator."

His face looses any signs of age it may have held- he seems once again an innocent kid.

"Well, not really. I don't truely hope it hurt him as much as it did us."

[Thanos]

"You said something about an interesting shadow? Does it have bearing on our discusions about Siodmak and Bleys' missing daughter?"

Bait and switch, guess that is the only thing I am going to get from Kat's brother. Odd that, young, but not. Perhaps he is like me?

[Icebird]

"Not really, at least I don't think so. I was going to examine a broken pattern- probably the same type of thing that Sidomak uses, from your description of his power. Telloth was telling me about the rabbits there- he may be very bright, but he is still a hawk also. He says they have fangs and bone plating."
Arrotel smiles at this last.

"As for how to find Sidomak, I'm at a loss. We could try the direct, but probably dangerous approach- give him a trump call and hope he accepts, then blast him. Probably too easy- I doubt it would work." Apprently, he has spoken before thinking- his own mention of blasting someone causes him to wince.

[Thanos]

"I do not know exactly how trumps work, but Bleys said at the meeting that Siodmak was not taking trump calls and his daughter was unreachable, but not blocking. If it works like a phone, you have to have the other person pick it up in order to yell at them, right?"

Broken Pattern, what in creation could break a pattern? But no, he said it was off in shadow, so perhaps its naturally not ment to be whole as it is but a reflection like all of shadow is. Research is needed, but now is not the time.

"If Siodmak uses a broken pattern, how does he go about this? Would that provide us a means of tracking him through shadow?"

[Icebird]

"Well, I suspect he left by trump- from what I hear, he was very good at them. If he didn't, then we could follow him, if we have enough skill." Arrotel sounds doubtfull about this last part."

Again, probably too easy.

"And no, he doesn't have to pick up, but it is very hard to get through if he doesn't. He'd have maybe... ten times his normal resistance, or more. We could do it if we had some of the elders here, but not likely with just the four of us. I suggest we try his trump, look for his trail, then look into Landon's shadow. The first two simply take less time and can even be done right here. Of course, I'll not argue with anything you decide."

Shadow people are stupid, but I think Sidomak is just as cunning as we are. It will be a good game, I think. Not easy, but good.

Some hidden humor makes Arrotel smile.

[Thanos]

"I could not find his trail leaving Amber in any direction, so your theory on a trump out more likely." Or he could have advanced powers utilizing this broken pattern that are similar to my own? Heldrik motions to the trump, "We can try, but where the elders failed I doubt we will get much further. However, this resistance to contact, how much effort does it take? Does one just ignore it like a phone ringing or does one have to really push it back? I ask because if he can do little while resisting, then we can get him to stay in one place long enough for us to possible find him in shadow by shifting to him. If he keeps moving around we can not shift to him."

[Icebird]

"I'm not completely sure, but I think it could stop him from shadow shifting, if we keep him needing to block it. He could still move locally, but I doubt that anything requiring concentration could be managed properly, if we pushed."

[Thanos]

"If the three of you took turns 'pushing' while we road through shadow, how long could you keep it up? What would happen if he suddenly opened up to one of you?"

[Heldrik is looking for a way to make Siodmak either put off a signal that can be found by shadow shifting or Pattern Lens so that they can track him down]

[Icebird]

"Well, the harder we push, the less time we can do it for- I'm not sure how hard we would have to, in order to keep him occupied. We could test it on one of us, but I really don't know. As for if he suddenly opened up, a few things might happen. The peson in contact with him would either end up a broken whimpering thing, have him in something very close to a deadlock until the rest of us could join, or have their choice of the first or second option, inflicted on Sidomak. I refuse to kill him mentally, although I doubt I would be that much superior on my own. It is a dirty way to kill, horrible for both sides."

[Thanos]

Heldrik looks from Landon to Gray to Arrotel, "We have been told that Siodmak is strong of mind, but not how strong. If he is more powerful than the person he opens up to he could likely inflict serious damage before anybody else could help. While it is Landon's decision on how to move forward with this, I would council against any one person attempting to distract him thus."

"When I talked to Reavyn about trumps she said that some shadows were resistant or could block trump. What about distance or time differencial between shadows? Could that cause things to be blocked, if so how can ye tell?"

[OOCly I am wondering if we could ping the guy to see what level of resistance there is, assuming he puts up the same relative effort to a regular attempt at contact. If we can tell the difference between attempts depending on where/when we are in shadow then we can narrow down (triangulate as it were) where he is in shadow. Its an idea and pretty out there to, but we could try.]

[chalice]

Gray wanders off to feed apples to the horses, but listens attentively just the same.

She comes back to sit cross-legged on the ground, chin propped on her hands.

"Can I suggest we don't try his Trump? It seems to me that one of our few advantages is that Siodmak has never met us, and doesn't know what we look like. He won't recognise us. In fact, unless he some way of of spotting us as Family, one of us could quite possibly walk right up to him without him expecting trouble.

"More importantly, it should mean he cannot make Trumps of us - and so cannot initiate a mental attack. A fleeting glimpse of one or all of us through any contact we manage to establish might be enough to allow him to cancel that advantage - in fact, it would mean playing in his preferred arena and laying our minds open at a time of his choosing and not ours. Not to mention screaming 'we're looking for you'. I think we should keep our advantage for now, not throw it away as our first resort.

"Second, there is no question of killing him mentally - or any other way. We have very specific orders to bring him back in a condition fit to be questioned. That means alive, and with a reasonably unscrambled mind."

Her earlier, hesistant manner returns.

"Um - anyway - that's what I think..."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon who had been setting quietly weighing options and suggestions decides to throw in his two cents, "I agree with Gray, in this regard, and here's why..."

Landon explains to Heldrik Trumps work.

((Skipping typing out the whole "elder" speech, but you can assume that Heldrik learns as much about Trump as anyone who's not an artist could which means no knowledge of more intricate Advanced powers. Landon also implies without ever really saying it, the amount of trust he showed Heldrik earlier by slighly stressing the bad things that can happen when you open yourself up by Trump contact. One last thing that I forgot to mention earlier. Landon's Trump is done in a style that is neither Rae's or Siodmak's since you've had oppurtunity to see both before.))

"Furthermore, our picture is a sketch and probably not designed for permancy. Not only is it of poor strategy to attack someone in their own bailiwick tipping our hand as Gray has said, but also it might make on our only way to find him inert if all other leads turn up cold. No, I would prefer to use that only if we are given no other option."

"Now I don't know much about this Broken Pattern. As far as I know there are only three Patterns that can be walked. However, there are shadows of the Pattern that reflect out farther. These shadows are twisted, unstable, and incomplete as the Logrus corrupts their nature the farther one gets into Shadow. Perhaps he found a way to walk one of them?"

Landon pauses and takes a drink, "Gray is once again correct about the parameters of our assignment. We are only authorized to use lethal force if no other option presents itself and in defense of our own lives as a last resort. I daresay Random would be rather peeved at all of us if something happened otherwise."

"I don't mean to be discouraging or curtailing options that would most certainly work in other endeavors. We are in a interesting situation, indeed, and if we have any chance of succeeding we need to play to our strengths and his weaknesses. The last thing I want is a wild goose chase through Shadow, but right now it seems that the best option would be looking for Admunson and going from there. Now," he looks to Heldrik and Arrotel in particular, "strategically what can we plan when we find him not knowing exactly what he's capable of, if Elress is aiding him, or what nature of Shadow they'll be in."

[Icebird]

"I was considering it to our advantage that we were unknown to him. I have heard that some can know the person calling before they accept or not, and if we are unknown, he might be more willing to accept a call. I do see your point however, and it is a good one. If he should happen to accept a call, it would be probably the easiest way to get him- powerful mind or not, I doubt he will be able to resist all four of us. Other opinions?"

[chalice]

"Heldrik," Gray asks tentatively. "Do your skills with Shadow manipulation extend to making it harder for someone else to shift them?"

For most of the tactical discussion, she sits quiet, trying to listen and learn.

She does have one comment to offer, though: "I suppose the main danger is that we find him only to have him escape by Trump. Is that how we should use our Sketch? Keep him busy resisting a mental attack or contact as soon as we find him so he can't Trump out?"

She looks around at her capable-looking companions. "I'm fairly sure that as long as he isn't able to disappear on us, we could take him down."

[Thanos]

Heldrik nods in understanding a lot during the time that Landon talks, with a few clarifications of terms he is up to speed. Following the rest of the conversation in silence contemplating what is said, but in the back of his mind he is austounded as the possibilities available with trumps. He reminds himself that they have been used for more practical weapons, a bullet, than transport and mind assault.

When Gray speaks his attention is given to her, "If the person trying to find you is far away, just moving through shadow will keep you from being found. If they are near you and have your trail then it would seem logical that whomever has the greater skill can shift faster and either catch up or get away. Either way movement is key. Another possibility is that he is located in a place that is very resistant or warded from being found. I think I lived in such a place most of my life."

After a few comments by the others, "Following up this lead in shadow is what King Random suggested and it seems like a good place to start. Otherwise we can try shifting to Siodmak directly and if that fails go to the shadow.

Heldrik eats some more food in the mean time.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon picks at his food thoughtfully and daintily sips more wine, "Then it is decided. I'll lead the way to Admunson unless there are any more valid objections, and go from there. As far as Siodmak is concerned... Perhaps we will be able to do as Gray suggests with the sketch. If he's already on a call expecting us the point is moot as he can Trump away at his leisure. Otherwise we need to hit him from surprise hard and fast not letting him up for a moment lest he can concentrate. However, even if he gets away, perhaps we can find out find more information from Elress, her being our second objective. Furthermore, if he Trumps away, we might be able to deduce that he has allies. Regardless, this is primarily an information gathering and hostage retrieval mission. Any information we can bring back to Random will be better than what we have now."

[Thanos]

Heldrik smiles and nods, "Sounds like a plan. I will go on patrol and let the men get some refreshment and rest their backsides a bit and we can be off."

With that Heldrik gets up and walks off to the Darius to tell him and the two others to take a load off while he continues security duties.
[assuming that Landon agrees]

After a time everybody mounts up and heads off with Landon in the lead, Heldrik taking up the rear.

[chalice]

Gray follows along, apparently having nothing more to add to the discussion.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon starts riding at canter pace. He shifts the path beneath them to a cobble stone road that winds leisurely out ahead of them as they come of the woods. They cross a hill as the day slowly changes to night and a light fog settles in. Landon notes to shift his companions' attire changing Gray's cloak to something lacy and appropriate to young debutantes while garbing Heldrik, Arrotel, and himself in the best of gentlemen's finery.

As they round a bend they over take a carriage being pulled by four regal horses drawn by an old spindly man wearing a overly tall top hat bent in the middle. Continuing further houses begin dotting the landscape. They look to be farms. They appear more frequently as the journey continues.

The road turns at a point and follows a small stream that gradually becomes a large river. For a time the water is crystal clear, but eventually grows murky with pollution. Carts and horses pass and are passed by the company as a fog horn sounds in the distance. Light begins filtering down first from road side torches and eventually street lights. The smell of burning gas and coal hangs heavily in the air. The light gets brighter and shadow get darker as Victorian age houses give way to a metropolitan.

Landon keeps the river on one side of the party until crossing a bridge highlighted by it's gothic design near a likewise gothic castle. Gargoyles peer down and watch the streets below. They cut through a park and can make out a small assembly of people in a small glade. The assembly seems to be gathered around two men who appear to be dueling with swords. As Landon and company get closer, the men have changed from swords to pistols. Further still the pistols change to wands and one man shoots another with a bolt of lightning. When the entourage passes neither men appear to have weapons and one is unconcious on the ground while the other is being congradulated by his fellows and swooned over by the ladies. A peuter figurine of a rose creeping around a cross is pinned on his right breast collar.

As the group exits the park a pin similar to that of the duelist appears on Landon's collar worn on the left breast instead of the right. The group looks up and sees a road sign indicating that they are on Baker's Street. Landon nods to a man smoking a pipe while playing violin on the front step of a nearby house. The group proceeds up the street and takes a turn heading towards the far side of town. Landon's pin changes from peuter to gold and then back to silver as the ride continues. All sorts of people are passed along the way including bobbies, whores, and gentleman. At long last Landon reins his horse to a stop and gestures to a singular, old, and spooky house on a hill.

"Welcome to 19th century Landon, Englund. This house belongs to the fellow we seek." Landon says with a noticeable English accent.

[chalice]

Gray gazes around, trying to take in everything at once She brushes her fingers over the lace at her collar, as if enjoying the texture.

"Will he want to see us? What are you going to say to him?"

I've read all those damn etiquette books - should be able to pass for a lady. But is a lady what will be expected of someone who arrives with Landon...?

[Thanos]

Heldrik has been mostly concerned with keeping the party safe, but upon arrival he has a chance to look around.
Seems to be very close to Seettle, one of the larest cities back in Tormal. I seem to remember England, but I guess this is close.

Heldrik concentrates for a few moments and dismounts along with the others.

[TreyKincaide]

"Well the last time he saw me I was drug into a Trump "not of my violition." I needed to see if his creation had validity and at that time was trying to dissuade him from his plan of making Trump books for the entire populace-those that could afford his price of one million pounds anyway-by scaring him. We will now see how he reacts and if he's more than what he presented himself to be."

[chalice]

"Shall we, then...? It's cold out here." Gray's voice seems to be quite naturally taking on well-bred English tones.

She looks up again at the house. "Karnsteen," she mutters under her breath, urging her horse forwards.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon leads the group the the hillside to the ominous and decaying mansion. He knocks on the door and stands patiently on the porch and adjusts his pin.

[Wired*Nun]

[This shadowride takes about 16 hours. Everyone is a bit tired.]

The same butler in the same tuxedo opens the door. "Mr. Delacourte, sir, lady, gentlemen, do come in. I was sorry you could not make it to the funeral. What can I help you with, sir?"

[TreyKincaide]

Landon steps inside. "Funeral? Please explain."

[Thanos]

Heldrik's senses are immediately extended as soon as the butler says funeral. His demeanor changes as well, from rather relaxed to somewhat stiff and his left hand once again rests on his blade hilt ready for action.

Standing does feel good after that long ride and Heldrik appreciates his own skills all the much more.

[Wired*Nun]

"Oh, I am sorry sir, if you did not know. It was Mr. Asmundson, sir, he passed rather suddenly. It was that night eleven days back, you came to visit him I remember." His eyes notice Heldrik and his odd [for this shadow] blade and his hand on it...and becomes fearful. "Unless you'd rather that I not remember it, memory is such a funny thing, perhaps it was some other night...I really do get turned around these days, I am so old and my memory is just failing me...in any case, I found him on the floor in the studio, his heart just gave out." He begins backing away slowly.

[chalice]

Gray casts one concerned glance at Landon. This was someone he called friend, was it not?

Like Heldrik, she seems to appreciate not being on horseback anymore. Especially as...ah. I seem to be wearing some kind of dress now. And several petticoats into the bargain. And as for these shoes...

She places a gentle hand on Landon's arm. "I'm so sorry," she murmurs. "It seems we are too late."

Seeing the man's reaction to Heldrik, she deliberately steps in front of her cousin, smiling reassuringly.

"Please, sir, stay."

See how small, how delicate, how harmless I am. Nothing to be afraid of.

"I'm so sorry to hear of this - I'm sure M. Delacourte-" her French accent is delicate and perfect, "would wish to hear the nature of his friend's passing."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon stands stoically.

I have to know if I killed him or Admunson had served whatever purpose someone had for him. If I didn't do it, someone's going to die and for the first time I'll enjoy it. Grieve later there's work to be done.


"Dear fellow, I was a victim as, I suspect Admundsun, of his mettling in forces that should not be. You have nothing to fear from me or my companions, sir. We merely wish to get to the bottom of these events. If you'd be so kind to show us down to his studio, I wish to take a look around. Incidently, has members of the Order came to collect his *ahem* belongings?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Ahhh, yes, madame, I am so sorry as well. I am sorry you did not know of this, it must come as a shock. And where are my manners, may I take your things, and make you comfortable? The solicitor is allowing me to stay on, very kind of him, until the disposition of Mr. Asmundson's effects - Mr. MacLaren, I believe you know him, sir, will be reading out the will tomorrow, as a matter of fact."

The butler shows the four to a parlor, with once-elegant furniture, puts up hats, coats and the like, and lights the gas lamp. He tries to stay away from Heldrik and Arrotel , and give Arthur a friendly pat on the head, "Theres a good fellow, how are you, Arthur." Landon finally drags the man's name out of his memory - Pinkton - [i]can't remember whether that was a first or last name.

"Do you suspect foul play, sir? There was no indication of it. The police came by as a matter of routine. I did not allow anyone to remove anything, though I did tidy up after the police and morters came by. If anyone from his Society wants any of his things, they will have to come to the reading and find out whether they are entitled to anything." As he is saying this, he opens the drop-down bar and starts laying out brandy snifters. "May I pour you all some brandy?"

[chalice]

"Why, thank you."

Gray accepts a glass and sips from it, her slight grimace betraying her unfamiliarity with strong spirits.

[TreyKincaide]

"Pinkton there was no secret that Admunson had enemies both in and outside of the Society. It would not have been the first time sabotage occured."

Landon remains standing, "While you are a most gracious host my companions and I have been traveling for quite some time. I believe when we're done here we shall go to my home and rest before attending the reading tomorrow."

[Wired*Nun]

"So you did not wish to examine the studio? I must admit, sir, you have aroused my curiosity, and since I know you to be a gentleman of the highest caliber, I feel no trepidation at allowing you to do so...and your friends, too, of course." Maybe he wants a job, and not with someone who is always behind in his bills...

[chalice]

"You are very kind. Of course we should examine the studio...don't you think, M. Delacourte?"

[Thanos]

Heldrik indicates to Gray that he would like to say something to her out of hearing range of the others. Once inside he stays back a bit letting the others move forward.
[if Gray stays back]

"I need a little bit of time to do a search of this shadow for clues, it could take me a while. Can you distract anybody that might try to bother me?"
[if yes]
Heldrik will take a glass of brandy and loose himself in it, leaning up against a wall in a pose more or less like that of Bleys' trump card with the blade undrawn. He will pull up the Sign of the Pattern and then mentally walk it, taking his time as he is tired. With the Lens activated he will start looking through the shadow.

[TreyKincaide]

"I didn't wish to inconvenience you. I merely meant that we are somewhat in a hurry. If you'd be so good to so us the way..."

As Pinkton begins leading the group Landon Summons the Sign of the Pattern and asks, "I hate to ask during this unpleasant time, but what are your current designs after your period of retainer is at an end?"

[chalice]

Gray takes on board Heldrik's request, and lingers over her brandy, looking more fatigued by the jouney than is strictly necessary.

"Oh!" she exclaims, over some picture on the wall. "How...unusual...do tell me..." etc, etc

Only when she gets some sign that Heldrik is ready to move does she drop her ingenue act and follow Landon quietly.

[Wired*Nun]

"Ah, well, sir, I was hoping to stay on as caretaker here until whomever to whom the manse is willed is determined, and beyond if that person is willing. However, that is a very, shall we say, tentative situation, and since the dear departed left me with very little in the way of household funds and has not paid me in some time, I would be happy to consider any other honorable offer, as soon as my duty to his estate is finished." Pinkton leads Landon and Arrotel down the well-worn steps to the basement, not noticing [or caring?] that the other two stay behind.

Once in the basement, Landon finds most things right where they were left, although the floor has been swept and obvious trash and clutter has been removed. Paintbrushes have been washed and put away, but the paintings are still there - as is the one he so recently, but so long ago, entered.

[chalice]

[I am assuming, in Thanos' absence, that we have now followed the others. If not, Gray will have followed by herself, seeing that Heldrik is unlikely to be disturbed.]

[TreyKincaide]

Landon looking for traces of Sorcery and Trump that left some disturbance in Shadow. In particular he's looking for anything that might give him reason to believe that Admunson met with foul play trying not to believe that the death was because of his actions.

"Are your master's notes intact?" he asks Pinkton.

[Wired*Nun]

As Gray heads down to the basement after the others, Heldrik remains in his scrying trance.

[Wired*Nun]

"Of course, sir, in that rolltop there. I believe the key is in it."

Landon opens the desk to find a jumble of notes and writings. A quick read indicates what Landon already knew - that John was a complete mess, whatever he stumbled onto, it was not by skill but serendipity. The notes are almost illegible, and filled with occult twaddle.

One item stands out - that in his experimentation with the trumplike paintings, Asmundson wrote that the paint had to dry before the painting took on life. He remarks upon this because good oils can take days to dry properly, and must be painted layer by layer, and he was terribly impatient, but stuck to the technique in the manuscript. From what Landon knows, this is not true of real Trumps, which have their power, but not their permanency, as soon as they are finished.

[chalice]

"What manuscript?" asks Gray, reading uninvited over Landon's shoulder.

[TreyKincaide]

This is strange indeed. It seems that these are not real Trumps after all, but something different all together.

When done looking to his satisfaction he goes over to Gray and Arrotel explaining what he found and shows them the Trump painting that started this whole mess asking for opinions.

After they give them he says, "Well it appears that everything is in order."

[Wired*Nun]

Landon also sees that the trumplike paintings were made with Broken Pattern, but not by Siodmak. Neither the style nor the mystical signature is the same.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon tells Arrotel and Gray that as well adding, "To my recollection, Admunson was a shadow sorcery - gifted yes - but only a shadow sorceror.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon turns to Gray, "The manuscript that I mentioned at the meeting that he conveniently 'found' in his youth. However, I'm beginning to trust little of this seeing as it appears that Admunson was a shadow traveler as well. Something I did not know until now."

[chalice]

Gray frowns. "So, someone has been handing out dangerous toys...?"

"Heldrik was...looking at things. Perhaps he'll have something for us soon."

[Thanos]

Heldrik, at some point, comes out of his trance and takes a long sip of his drink and finds a seat.
Much as I expected, this house has the only traces of broken pattern or trump in this shadow and any surrounding it. The problem with that is that we had no leads other than the individual broken pattern signatures, which I doubt will be all that helpful.
Heldrik takes a deep breath and sighs. Then enjoys the chair, which is not bouncing underneath him, while waiting for the others.

[chalice]

"Siodmak hasn't been here," Gray tells Landon, positively. "I don't pick up any trace of him. Nor anyone else I've met so far."

[TreyKincaide]

"I think we've seen quite enough. Perhaps a look in the morning while we're here for the reading will give us some further clue of what happened." Landon yawns as he begins heading back up stairs. "I believe we should return to my chateau and rest."

As he gets up to the top he looks over at Arthur and bends down to pet him. "Any scent of Siodmak or Elress here?" He looks over to Heldrik before the butler returns to see them out. "Sword dueling has been outlawed here for sometime. It's a wonder that we weren't stopped by bobbies on the way here. Perhaps you should take pains to conceal your friend for the remainder of our stay in shadow. I should have said something sooner and ought to apologize."

[Wired*Nun]

"No, boss, only Asmundson and Pinkton that I recognize, and the milkman and the greengrocer and the chimney sweep and..." Arthur keeps on reciting for some time but only of innocuous people, until he says "and some lady with strong perfume."

By this time they have rejoined Heldrik upstairs, where he is relaxing in a chair.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon looks to Pinkton and gestures him aside, "I understand you are a good loyal retainer and trusted to be discrete with Admunson's affairs. However, you know I am a man of honor and a good friend of Admunson besides and wouldn't ask you to betray that trust. However, has there been a woman here with a particularly strong perfume recently? I think I recognize the scent but I'm not sure."

[Wired*Nun]

"Oh, yes, sir, that would be Mrs. Denberry, with whom he kept company. I am sorry, sir, I thought I had aired it out. She was quite distraught over his passing, of course, and came by a few days ago to pick up some of her things from a room upstairs where she...er...changed clothes from time to time. She shall be at the reading tomorrow, I believe, as she was named in the will."

[Thanos]

Heldrik, upon Landon's suggestion will wrap his blade in his cloak and with a little extra wrapping at one end makes it look like a very long package. Regardless, with little effort and the right corner being tugged the cloak will unwrap with the hilt made easily accessable.

"Sir, there is no traces of anything other than what ye have already discovered down stairs. I checked the surrounding area as well and found nothing. So far there are three distinctly different sources that I have found.”

[chalice]

"Is your house far?" Gray asks Landon. "I confess, I would be glad to rest after our journey. You gentlemen, I dare say, will sit up into the night with cigars and brandy..."

[TreyKincaide]

"Hmmm...Mrs. Denberry. I don't know if I'm familiar with the madame, and look forward to meeting here upon the morrow. Very well then I believe that's everything. Do have a good night Pinkton."

He turns to Heldrik, "Good man. We shall discuss these sources as we depart? Yes, I believe a good sherry is called for and then it's right to bed."

[chalice]

Gray is starting to look genuinely tired. She will follow the others - if this is to Landon's home, she will attempt to sit up and join in any conversation, but in fairly short order end up asleep curled in an armchair.


[OOC: player goes to bed now; character will stick with you guys, guided by Landon.]

[TreyKincaide]

"No dear 15-20 minutes by horse. We shall be there before you know it, and pipes are in fashion as well you know." Landon smiles. With that they Landon departs showing the group to his mansion home. He plans on having a nightcap and heading to bed after having Worthington make suitable arrangements for his guests. Once everyone is well away, Landon mourns a friend and a cousin he never knew. The layers that he has built up strip away allowing himself the luxury of genuine grief.

It's my fault. Damn being clever. I play acted so he wouldn't have to die.

[Thanos]

"Oh it will be to bed with me as well, I do not mind mentioning that my backside is rather unpleasantly stiff at this point." Heldrik seems amused, so Landon should not take offense.

Once outside and on their way Heldrik will explain that the Broken Pattern traces below are not the same as the one that Siodmak used to create the trump, which is also not the same as the one that Heldrik noticed close to Amber.

[Wired*Nun]

[Everyone goes to bed, including me.]

[Icebird]

At some point before Landon goes to bed, Arrotel will speak with him about what the general response in the city might be to Telloth. Assuming he is not likely to be shot at, Arrotel will send him to get his own dinner. He will sit in the room prepared for him, taking the time to digest everything that has happened so far.

I never could think deeply on a horse. Sure, they are wonderfull to look at and tremndously fast, but the darned creatures aren't designed to be riden confortably. The thing that I really want to know is how this mysterious book came here. If it was from a source on this shadow, I think this is cause for great worry. If from an outside source, who would possibly want to give shadowdwellers trump abilities? I'll ask about it tomorrow.

After not too long, he will go to bed, leaving the window open for Telloth to return.

[Thanos]

[assuming nothing happens in the night]
Heldrik wakes to a sky glowing with predawn, seeming a natural mechanism of his body. Taking care of the necessities of the morning Heldrik then takes his blade out to a secluded spot of the estate.
[assuming it has such a place, otherwise its somewhere that wont wake the others] Once there he goes through a series of stretches and some acrobatic antics learned in Perack. Then he starts a vigorous workout with his sword bobbing and weaving his way with sudden thrusts and powerful strokes. By the time that true dawn bursts across the horizon he has worked up a sweat and heads back to the mansion.

That feels so much better after a good nights sleep. Must wake up the body to remind the spirit that you are still alive.

[Icebird]

After the nights sleep, Arrotel will wake at a much more confortable time, several hours after sunrise, at perhaps nine. The mornign routine done, he will seek breakfast somewhere in the mansion.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon wakes and bathes. He instructs Worthington to see to his guest's needs while primping for the reading Landon plans on attending. He comes down and eats breakfast and asks his guests, "Has everything been to your satisfaction? Did you rest well?"

[Wired*Nun]

[The Reading is to be promptly at 10 am.]

[TreyKincaide]

Once finished eating and dinnerware has been taken away Landon instructs Worthington to bring the carriage around and inviting whomever wishes to attend the reading to do so. For those that don't he says, "Please make yourselves comfortable in our absence. Once this is over we shall get back to the business at hand. I should apologize for the delay and will take responsibilty if it adversely affects our mission. Unfortunately, Worthington is my only retainer, but feel free to help yourselves to anything you find."

[chalice]

Gray intends to attend the reading. However, she would appreciate some advice on what to wear...and, in fact, some clothes.A little too shy to raise these issues with Worthington (a complete stranger) she attempts to distract Landon slightly from his gloomy thoughts by seeking his advice on the matter.

Might cheer him up...raised by Flora...or just irritate him...well, irritation would be better than brooding...

[TreyKincaide]

Landon shows Gray to a large wardrobe filled with women's finery. If asked he replies, "You never know when a beautiful lady is in need of change of wardrobe." Smiling he selects a somewhat demure dress that still favors Gray's colors and accentuates her neckline. He instructs her to dress behind an old changing stand that appears to have been in the Orient and compliments her when she is done. He takes her by the arm and heads out to the carriage Worthington has waiting. He gentelmanly helps her up into the carriage before climbing in himself.

[chalice]

Gray follows instructions, and soon finds herself sitting in the carriage, trying her best to look lady-like and not embarass Landon in his favourite Shadow.

She leans forward a little.

"I am so sorry about your friend, Landon," she says sincerely. "If there is anything I can do...just ask."

With hardly a pause, she goes on: "Anything I should do, or avoid doing, so as not to embarass you today?"

[TreyKincaide]

Landon nods, "I appreciate it, and I'm sure you'll be fine. Most of these people are stuffy any even by my standards. I take no end of pleasure causing scandal."

[Wired*Nun]

[Landon must eat out a lot, or Worthington is a cook too?]

The carriage delivers the attendees to the Asmundson mansion at about ten minutes till. There are several other carriages in the yard, along with their drivers. Pinkton is greeting everyone at the door, and directing them to the dining room, which has been set up with the table at one end, crossways, and an auditory of chairs for listeners.

Mr. MacLaren, the solicitor, is sitting at the table, along with another man whose clothes mark him as a civil servant. Queen's Revenue, unless I miss my guess. Always got their hand in the pot. Mrs. Denberry is identifiable in the front row, and Landon now remembers her from the party a few weeks back. Widowed once, now in a sense twice, she seems to be quite somber.

Several members of the Society are also seated already, and greet Landon warmly. "Hell of a thing, to go like that, eh, Delacourte? And just after you had left, too!" "Wonder what the old boy was working on, do you have any idea?"

Another man catches their eye. He is sitting in the front row, but at the other end from Mrs. Denberry. He looks a lot like Asmundson from the back, but younger.

[chalice]

Gray seems even more shy once the gathering is reached, and sticks close to Landon.

[TreyKincaide]

[All in one butlers are all the rage and common for bachelor playboys. Don't ya know?]

Landon greets his companions, "Matters too delicate to air in public I must say. I regret that I was the last person who saw him well fit. I'm sure he would have preferred to go while in engaged in much more 'sporting' activities. Oh, how impolite of me. Let me introduce my *ahem* cousin, Agraynal Delacourte, who's on holiday visiting us from the states. It unfortunate she arrive during such a somber occasion, but she is providing much needed support during this sad time."

Landon studies the young man in the front row nudging Gray to take note of him. He leans in suggesting to his fellows that the whole matter is quite inappropriate and whispers, "That man in the front row looks a lot like Admundson, if younger, from the backside. I am fairly sure that he didn't have any legitimate heirs..."

[Thanos]

Heldrik sits in the back, with his package wrapping in a cloak, so that he goes mostly unnoticed. Before everything begins he does a once over in the room with Pattern sight up, just to make sure things are secure. He is going through the motions, mostly looking out for any surprises attacks and such.

[at least for the next few hours, just assume that Heldrik follows and does what he is asked if reasonable]

[Wired*Nun]

"Yes, well, perhaps he's not legitmate, eh?" he whispers. The others snicker a bit. "I imagine he is here to get something from the old boy, he must be named in the will. Or maybe he just wanted some hors d'oevres."

[sorry, I'm a bit busy right now for more content]

[chalice]

"Yes, well, perhaps he's not legitmate, eh?" he whispers. The others snicker a bit. "I imagine he is here to get something from the old boy, he must be named in the will. Or maybe he just wanted some hors d'oevres."
Gray blushes.

"For shame, gentlemen. If the poor boy is ille-...I mean, if he is...as you said...then the fault is scarcely his. Your late friend, surely, must bear at least some of the blame?"

She glances up at Landon.

"Perhaps it would be a kindness to speak to him?"

The states? what in scarlet hell are the states?

[Icebird]

Arrotel will excuse himself before the rest leave to go to the reading, saying "Although I'm sure it must be fascinating, I have no urge to hear anything further of death at this point. I also have a few things I wish to do here- nothing of terrible importance, but a matter that is best tended to quickly."

He will pull Landon aside for a moment- "Do you have any local currency? I have plenty of gold, but people get suspicious in some shadows if paid with unminted stuff."

Assuming such a request succeeds, Arrotel will see them off in the carriage, then head into town himself.

[Wired*Nun]

Landon can easily supply local currency, though he says that gold can be converted in most jewelers or numismatic shops. Gold coins of all sorts are common.

"Heading into town" is quite easy - they are already within the enormous city of Landon, Englund. With a population of at least six million, it teems with life from the high to the lowest of the low. While this neighborhood of Landon's is genteel if somewhat older, he is soon passing into a district of upscale, then not-so-upscale shops, mixed with the usual cathedrals, colleges, museums, everything that makes Landon the greatest city in the western hemisphere.

Back in the former Asmundson mansion, Landon's acquaintances continue their fun. "Oh, pardon, madame, hardly a boy, though, looks to be at least thirty. Nice suit, too, what is that - Dutch?" They can barely contain their snickering. This is what happens when you have more money than manners. "By all means old bean, talk to the fellow, perhaps he needs a cheering up."

[TreyKincaide]

He will pull Landon aside for a moment- "Do you have any local currency? I have plenty of gold, but people get suspicious in some shadows if paid with unminted stuff."

Assuming such a request succeeds, Arrotel will see them off in the carriage, then head into town himself.Landon gives Arrotel a considerable amount. Since he's going Landon asks for a Trump of him if they need to leave quickly.


Perhaps you should go talk to him...
Landon remarks, "I would prefer not to interrupt the proceedings. As Admundson was a member of our Societ this affair merits decorum. We should pay respect to a peer that has gone on.

Besides, it would be far more prudent to find out who he is first and speak to him afterwards."

If Admundson was a user of this Broken Pattern and a Shadow Sorceror besides could he not change the way he appears. I'm less and less inclined to believe he's dead.

[Wired*Nun]

[BTW, Arthur would presumably wait outside, this is not exactly a dog event.]

[TreyKincaide]

[Kinda figured that....]

[chalice]

"Your friends are disgusting, " says Gray (who has just lost her own father) to Landon in a fierce undertone.

She does, though, remain loyally by his side.

[Wired*Nun]

Soon, MacLaren starts the reading of the will. When he gets to the bequests, it sounds like this. "My love and admiration, and the antique mirror she enjoys so much and the contents of my bank account, if any, I leave to Mrs. Andrienne Denberry. My collection of Aegyptian and Mauritonian artifacts I leave the the Cross and Roses Society." He is then surprised to hear, "Except for those items, I leave all my worldly and unworldly goods, including the mansion, to my best friend, Landon Delacourte, with the stipulation that Pinkton be retained in his current capacity, or in paid retirement, to live in the mansion to the end of his days." At this, Pinkton almost swoons with relief.

The man in the front row hunches his shoulders, as if in disappointment or grief, and puts his forehead on the handle of his cane. After a moment, he seems to be silently sobbing.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon for a moment seems somewhat uncomfortable before gaining his composure. He shakes his head slightly gathering his thoughts.

He stands ignoring the congradulations from his fellows. He walks over to the man in the front row and sits down beside him as the crowd begins to disperse. Without calling much attention to the fact Landon gestures at him with a hankerchief and says, "Perhaps I may be of assistance."

Maybe you are what you appear. Then again perhaps not.

[chalice]

Gray sticks close by Landon's side.

Maybe the company makes her nervous...

[TreyKincaide]

Before the man looks up and answers Landon subtly props arm on his knee and rests his chin on his palm. He taps his nose a few times on the side facing Gray where the other man cannot see.

[chalice]

With a small sigh, Gray sits demurely still, letting Landon deal with the man.

[Wired*Nun]

The man sits back up, staring straight ahead. He has an enormous grin on his bearded face, covered with his hand, and appears to be desperately trying to contain his laughter. The tears he is crying are obviously not of sorrow.

"Sorry..." he has another spasm of mirth. No one else seems to notice.

[TreyKincaide]

With a touch of anger to his voice, "If I may ask what is so amusing in what usually is a somber occasion?"

[From the front does the man still bear a resemblance to Asmundson or anyone else Landon knows?]

This man is quite bold. Duels have been fought for less. I'm at a loss. He seems as if he's in the know of an inside joke. If he turns out to have a connection to Asmundson the joke'll be on him.

[Thanos]

Heldrik hasn’t been this bored since the last state dinner he attended in Widdoy.
99 bottles of synth on the wall, 99 bottles of synth, take one down, pass it around, 98 bottles of synth on the wall………..
Heldrik seems to be fidgeting at this point and stands about the time that Landon goes over to some man sobbing in the front. Being the large guy that he is he has likely just gained some unwanted attention from the others at the reading.

[Wired*Nun]

The man turns to Landon, and Landon can see that this man bears a great resemblance to John, but is much younger. "Oh, Mister Delacourte, it's not so somber, I mean, the funeral was last Twosday but I didn't see you there, and I meant no insult. I do find it terribly amusing, and so like him, that he would leave this debt-ridden place to his best friend, thinking he was doing him a favor, and saddle him with an aging servant at the same time."

"Oh, I am sorry, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Asmundson." He holds out his hand for a clasp. "How do you do. Madamoiselle," he gives a little head-bow toward Agraynel, "I do so prefer seeing you up and around, and with some color in your cheeks."

[chalice]

Gray blanches.

"What...do you mean...?"

[TreyKincaide]

"Somehow, I feel as if I know you from somewhere," Landon says somewhat sardonically. "I seem to have you to thank for my foray into the unknown then." He lowers his voice, "Clever. Using your shadow like that. So now you have our attention what do you wish, and what can you tell me about Siodmak." Landons words are somewhat strained as a he sees how thoroughly he's been manipulated.

[chalice]

Gray reaches over and places a hand over Landon's.


We will do this together... brother...

[Wired*Nun]

"Incisive fellow. Glad I didn't have to spoon-feed it to you. Let's take a walk down to the...I mean your, basement, you can bring your large associate over there with us, have no fear, and I'll tell you all about it." The man stands up and the pair realize that he is quite large, perhaps 6'4" and 300 corpulent pounds. He moves quite lightly for a large man. He leads the way towards the basement, presuming they will follow.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon allows Arthur to come inside and follows.

[chalice]

Gray goes along with this, one hand wrapped firmly around Landon's arm...

[Wired*Nun]

Trailing Amberites, Asmundson the second - or the first? - heads down to the basement lab-cum-studio.

"He smells pretty normal, boss," mutters Arthur.

The man walks over to the storybook painting and uncovers it. He admires it for a minute, and says, "Fine work, if I do say so myself. It was quite a trick to get John to paint in the proper style for Trump, even without understanding what he was doing. Good thing he had done some sorcery, or I wouldn't have been able to work with him at all."

"I see all the questions in your eyes, as well as the worry on your brows. Let me first say that I mean you no harm. Meaningless as that statement is, I proffer it to you." The man tests a work-table, then sits gingerly on it, one foot still on the floor, other ankle crossed over it, walking stick across his semi-lap.

"Madamoiselle, would you mind terribly telling me your name? And you as well, with the bundle? I know M. Delacourte here, and Arthur, from speaking with the dear departed, but you," gesturing at Gray, "I know only from distant observation, and you, sir, I do not know at all."

[Thanos]

Heldrik regards this man, that appears to have used a shadow of himself to fool everybody into thinking that he was dead or some other trick.
Ingenious yes. I wonder if one could tell between a dead being of reality and a dead being of shadow? Running such an experiment would I think have dire consequences.

Then a thought occurs to Heldrik.
Hold it, I scanned the crowd upstairs and saw nothing. If this gentleman had pattern, even broken pattern abilities, I should have been able to tell something? Perhaps there is a way to mask ones presence and obvious talents. I will have to research this, for I think in the future it will become a very valuable talent.

Heldrik waits while Landon responds to this Asmundson fellow and to see if he introduces Heldrik.

It might also be a bad idea to advertise my martial skills to greatly by having a visible blade at my side at all times. Perhaps a secure shadow pocket riding on my hip would be a better alternative? I will have to think about that later.

[chalice]

"You may call me Agraynel," says Gray. Her voice is unruffled, but the death grip she still has on Landon's arm betrays her nerves.

Observation...how much did you see...?

"Of course, a gentleman would have introduced himself first..."



[gone now; sorry for the technical breakdown, folks]

[Thanos]

"Heldrik is m' name and eff its all da same, answer the Johnson's ditty."

[spelling errors intended, as Heldrik's English was not learned on earth]

[Wired*Nun]

Oh, I am sorry, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Asmundson." He holds out his hand for a clasp. "How do you do. Madamoiselle," Asmundson looks a little sideways at Agraynel's lapse of memory, and says, "Well, don't ever say I wasn't a gentleman. My name is Asmundson, how do you do? And thank you, Mme. Agraynel, M. Heldrik. I had been curious for some time as to the identity of the princess in the tower. Landon - may I call you Landon? I apologise, I have only this one name myself - I have known you were quite a remarkable fellow for some time, but I didn't know just how remarkable and accomplished until today yesterday, when you returned - from where? And how did you get back from rescuing the fair princess, that is also interesting to me."

"But again, I am being impolite. Let me answer some of your questions, first, and feel free to ask more of me as you like."

"Landon, you seem to be under the misapprehension that I was in some way responsible for poor John's demise. Let me assure you that this is not true. If anything was the catalyst for his heart failing, it was your decision to enter the painting, which was, as far as I know, entirely your own. While I had hoped you would eventually do so, I didn't think you would do it immediately, nor deceive him about its effects, nor did I know his heart was so weak that he would die from the shock. If anything, his own poor diet, combined with the industrial pollutants in the air and too much drinking, set him up for this happenstance."

"And now you would like to know 'who I am' and 'what I want.' Not simple questions. I think our realities overlap sparingly, if at all. I am, what you might call a muse, an artist, an inspiration, a demon, an angel, a meddler."

[TreyKincaide]

Let's see how well he plays the family game. Upstart indeed. Does he not know who he addresses?

"In my own experience, reality is what you make it, dear Sir," Landon replies. "The ways of shadow are not unknown to me. As far as your plans concerning my friend, you were under the mistaken impression that the magics of Trump were unfamiliar to me. I have found that it is usually unwise to meddler in things one doesn't understand. The answers to 'who you are' and more importantly 'what you want' might not be as opague as you believe. Try me."

"We returned here as we know you have some connection to a most unsavory fellow named Siodmak. He disappeared shortly after one of my family members was most brutally murdered. He took with him a cousin of mine. We are most curios of his whereabouts."

[Wired*Nun]

Since he's going Landon asks for a Trump of him if they need to leave quickly.

Arrotel doesn't have a trump of himself.

[Wired*Nun]

At the mention of Siodmak's name, the man's eyes widen, then narrow. "You don't know how right you are, sir, about shadow, that is. As far as me knowing what you know or knew...that is also true, to a point. I knew something about you, and I still know things about you that you don't know about yourself. How much you knew or did not know about - trump, did you call it? - turned out to be irrelevant. I wanted a hero to rescue the sleeping princess, that's what I seemed to have gotten. I must confess my surprise that you both returned here, and with militant assistance, but I never claimed omniscience."

"And now you bring up that name. I wouldn't speak it too loudly, lest he hear you somehow. His powers have grown greatly of late. I had him confined for quite some time in Fern Hollow," he gestures at the painting, "as he had no knowledge of shadow or its molding. It is an idyllic setting, and for a time he seemed to forget his harsh and twisted upbringing, and abandoned his evil former life. However, power and the Maze kept calling to him. He escaped using his self-taught artistry, mental acuity and cleverness, and no doubt, some of the Nightmare's help as well, known or unknown. I suspect it has him firmly in its grasp already; I was expecting him rather than you at some time."

[Thanos]

Heldrik seems to smile at the mention of military force, happy in the illusion of him being a ball buster.

A maze? Perhaps he means the power behind Chaos I have heard mentioned called Logrus? Then again he could mean something else, perhaps some magical force? There was a large spike of it down in the Africona section of this shadow.

[TreyKincaide]

More shadow nonsense. It's obvious he's unaware of the 'true' nature of things. Who am I to shatter his illusions? He has some part to play still although I'm sure what that might be.

"Pray tell what things are there that I don't know about myself?"

I'll bite. Let's see if he has anything really up his sleeve while appearing ignorant.

"What is this Maze and Nightmare you speak of? I'm unfamiliar with these concepts. I suspect my methods are much different."

[Wired*Nun]

"I think I've told you enough for now, until you answer some of my own questions. I will keep answering yours, as long as you answer mine."

"How did you get back to this place, from Castle Amber? I've never had anyone return from my paintings before. And where did you acquire these powers?"

[TreyKincaide]

Very good. It takes someone not of the family to meet Flora's description thereof. I know how this game is played. How little you know.

"Why, first we Trumped elsewhere and then I shifted my way through Shadow to reach this place. Like you I'm a traveler and no ways are barred. This Maze of yours. From what I've been able to ascertain your paintings are backed with them. Let me guess. It's a Grand design that is broken in places that you somehow transversed. You bear the image of this within yourself. It colors your magics and leaves its marks in your works. I likewise bear an image, but mine is intact. As for where I acquired these powers, I'll leave for later. I believe it is your turn."

[Wired*Nun]

He stares at Landon for a timeless moment, as if searching for something in his face. "Fascinating...yes, you are correct, about the Maze, at least partially, although I never thought of it as 'broken' or incomplete. How can something that is ever-changing be broken?"

"I shall deduce then that your 'intact' Mazelike image, which you use to make your 'trumps' and 'shift through shadow', performs much the same function, allowing higher-order magics that remain permanent from slice to slice - ah, shadow to shadow, you might say. As for the Nightmare...what do you call your avatar? You must have a manifestation of your 'intact Maze' that guides you and mentors you?"

[TreyKincaide]

"I believe you're referring to the Unicorn, but only rarely has it taken a direct hand in events. I am left to my own devices barring outside interference. Now what is this about knowing something about me? Why did you choose me to play in your fairy tale worlds?"

It stands to reason that the Unicorn herself would throw Shadows as well. Distorted and no doubt less magnificent than her.

[Wired*Nun]

"To rescue the sleeping princess, as I have said. It is interesting, that there was a copy of me in this slice, so like my own London, England, and there is a copy of you back there - my friend James Landon, now quite old. Oh, by the way, my surname is Challenger, if it means anything, though I have avoided using it for some years. So you and I are alike, somehow. I have maintained my youth and vigor, if not my svelte physique."

"I had been observing John stumbling toward some real power for a while. I gave him the translation lens, and the manuscript, to induce him to paint the things I wanted him to. I then provided the catalyst to bring them to life. One of the things he painted was Agraynel, here, lying in state. I think it's...here." He turns and flips through some small paintings on a rack, taking one out and showing it to the Amberites. It shows a stylized version of Eric's Amber, tower in the foreground, and through an open window (artistic license there) a sleeping woman resembling Gray can be discerned. The picture does not appear to contain any power.

"I had transported myself through to Fern Hollow, once, and found...the person you mentioned...there, living as an outcast. My theory that I could paint my way back home turned out to be true. I felt it was quite a dangerous undertaking, though Fern Hollow was harmless. I had hoped to eventually induce you to enter Fern Hollow, and I would rescue you later, engendering some gratitude, and we could work together. My friend Landon is quite dear to me, and I had hoped to take up something of the same relationship to you, as you seemed to be similar to me in some respects. Eventually I wanted to rescue the lady in the painting, as I must say, I had become somewhat...smitten with her, in a silly sort of way, I admit. I always fancied myself a knight in shining armour, though Landon here looks more the part."

"And now, I have run on a while, shall you tell me something please; where is your Maze, and may I see it? I would be happy to show you mine, in my home slice, if you like. The Most Secret Initiates of the Rose and Cross are protecting it; do you have someone also doing so for your own? I deduce that the buffoons at the reading are not they..."

[Thanos]

Heldrik, during this time, has taken the opportunity to pull up the sign of the pattern before him and will review this gentleman more closely, [assuming] but as before sees nothing.

Lets see what this guy has. His maze sounds not like the pattern, not even a broken version of it. Perhaps it’s the Logrus thing that is in Chaos, better yet, some other power that’s localized and can be capped or crippled depriving Siodmak of his abilities.

[Wired*Nun]

Heldrik, during this time, has taken the opportunity to pull up the sign of the pattern before him and will review this gentleman more closely, [assuming] but as before sees nothing.

Lets see what this guy has. His maze sounds not like the pattern, not even a broken version of it. Perhaps it’s the Logrus thing that is in Chaos, better yet, some other power that’s localized and can be capped or crippled depriving Siodmak of his abilities.Now that he is examining Asmundson in detail, he notices that there is something subtly different about him, but it is far from obvious, and it's like nothing he has ever seen before. He wouldn't pick it out in a crowded room. Of course, it is not necessarily that easy to pick out even an Amberite, it's not like they glow with metaphysical light, unless they have some power employed at the time...

[TreyKincaide]

"They most certainly are not. This is not my home Shadow. Quite the contrary, actually, it is one that I have stayed and enjoyed the pleasures of for sometime. The lads upstairs are minor members of an Order here that I found entertaining. Or course not them; the Order is of what I speak. I had not believed that I had been here long enough to reflect in nearby places, though. I did get on quite well with your contemporary and are finding your manner most agreeable."

I still do not trust you. Nor, perhaps, will I ever.

"In fact my Maze, as you put it, is quite far from here. The place is guarded by those of my Blood. I would be happy having you along and introducing you to them."

Best to keep a watchful eye on you.

"Unfortunately, as I have said before I'm rather busy at the moment and heading in the opposite direction. My companions are on a quest for the Crown. Perchance you might be of assistance. If for no other reason, it might allow you the ability to pay court to the fair lady should she wish it."

While he might remind me of Asmundson, he is most definately not. I must keep that in mind.

[Thanos]

For a time Heldrik seems to stair at Asmundson, then before he can answer Landon’s last question he says in Thari, “Perhaps the gentleman could answer a question of mine cousin, should you care to ask him. Is his maze in Africa? If so, then I think I could get us there in short order as I found a large magical source there when reviewing this shadow earlier.”

Yes, it’s a show of a minor ability, but this waiting and chatting with nothing really happening is getting on my nerves. There is a lot of things that we need to find out. While this guy seems like a good source of information, and perhaps help, we need to get moving or any advantage of leaving Amber unannounced and early will be lost.

In Thari, “Perhaps he could come along on our quest if he wish’s to travel with you, Sir.”

[TreyKincaide]

Heldrik doesn't realize or appreciate the necessity of what's happening here. He seems anxious to be off. I refuse to chase down every tiny lead without chance of success. While he has greater understanding of the Pattern than me, I would probably be right in believing that with what I have, I use more effectively. He uses a sledgehammer where a scalpel would suffice.

Regardless of Asmundson's reply Landon gives a slight nod and says to Asmundson, "Forgive my companion. He is a man of action. I'm sure he doesn't wish to give offense, but he has noticed activity in Afreeka and desires to give chase."

[Wired*Nun]

"Ah, you probably mean the Tomb of Kings. While interesting, it is irrelevant to the present situation. What is this Crown for which you quest? Don't tell me you are off after some Holy Grail or somesuch."

"I must apologise for letting my fascination with this whole situation divert me from the important issues. Actually I am very concerned with he who shall not be named. This man, whom you say abducted your cousin, and murdered your kin, he is dangerous in the extreme. He has also undergone the initiation of the Maze, and I was not able to turn him from evil. When I say evil, I do not mean mere badness or immorality. This man is a murderer, a cannibal, a, a, pardon me miss, a rapist of women, and there is no telling what her disposition might be right now. I believe we must move quickly, and it is a fortuitous circumstance that we have met."

"I suggest we formulate a plan of action, pool our resources and give chase. To do any less would be ungentlemanly, unchristian, and cowardly in the extreme."

[Thanos]

Heldrik breaks a very small smile having somehow actually turned the conversation into a direction where they can get moving again.
Standing hear talking semantics will get us nowhere. Hopefully this Asmundson fellow has some means of tracking Siodmak using this Maze power.

“Since the bloke uses da same Maze 'bilties, m’it ya by chance be able ta track ‘m down via da same ting?”

[Wired*Nun]

Gray lets go of Landon's arm and walks over to look through the rack of other paintings.

"I have some ideas, certainly. He escaped from Fern Hollow on his own, presumably by painting his way out. There is a good chance that painting is still there, and still effective. Even if it is not, we might deduce from it, where he went. From there, perhaps to his home and his own Maze...I have not thought much beyond that, but it is part of a plan..."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon stops himself from laughing at the unchristian remark.

Dashing knight indeed. Why do I feel I'm on a Crusade? Let's hope that this works out as well as the first and better than the rest.

"It's indeed somewhere to start and the best lead that we have at the moment. No, no holy grail. We're merely bringing this nasty fellow in for questioning and punishment."

He might be leading us into a trap, but I'll be ready.

"Agraynal, is there something amiss?"

[Thanos]

Heldrik keeps his eyes on the gentleman, but seems somewhat uncomfortable.

So far the only lead we have, but that is why we came to this shadow in the first place. We have potentially found what we needed and Gray’s suggestion is a good one. Quit fidgeting damn it, you always get like this when you think there is something more important to be doing. Calm down, you have other obligations right now. The men are with Arrotel, doing their real job I hope so quit worrying.

[Wired*Nun]

Gray is leafing through the paintings, mounted on canvasboard. They vary in size from 5x7 up to 18x24. She stops and stares at one, then picks it up. Turning around, she hands it to Landon.

It is a picture of the Keep.

[TreyKincaide]

"Interesting. Asmundson, can you explain how a Trump of the Keep of the Four Worlds currently under the control of a possible enemy shows up in Landon drawn at random by your 'slice' equivalent? That would be the third painting that's 'coincidentally' pertinent. If you're not responsible, you would not be the only individual to meddle it seems."

[Wired*Nun]

Asmundson wrinkles his brows. "I do not believe that is a 'Trump,' only a picture of a storybook place. The Nightmare appears to me in dreams, and did so to John as well, probably due to our congruence, and provided the inspiration. I have accepted her as my guide and protector. Who knows the way of divine beings? Or demonic, I am not entirely sure, but she has never done evil to me, nor influenced me to do it. But all of these pictures are storybook places, as far as I know...or so I had assumed, because many are. You say you know this...Keep of the Four Worlds? Is it a storybook place?"

[Wired*Nun]

Assuming such a request succeeds, Arrotel will see them off in the carriage, then head into town himself.After running his errands, he returns to Delacourte Manor, and finds the three armsmen. "Captain," says Darius, Quinn and Ethan are watching the back and sides. - It seems I've just been promoted, if only honorarily - "The others went to the reading of the will. Do you have any orders? Shall we join them?" He seems slightly anxious protecting no one.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon replies, "Not exactly. It is a place where four Shadows converge at a nexus of most unholy power."

You're definately being influenced by someone far more humanoid than this Nightmare of yours I'd wager. We are running around in circles. This Siodmak may be anywhere. However, if he's in the grip of this Nightmare as you say, he might just be at the Keep.

Landon Summons the Sign of the Pattern and looks at the picture of the Keep determining if it is indeed a Trump or not.

In either case, he'll excuse himself for a moment, step up stairs, and report in to Flora via her Trump as this seems a good time for an update and counsel. Should he raise her, he'll divulge everything that's happened in a summarized form since they left the castle.

[Icebird]

Arrotel looks uncomfortable at giving orders, so he doesn't. "I don't think that high society would enjoy having soldiers standing around, so perhaps it is better if we wait here." He will ask if any of them have ever played chess, and offer a game of it.

-Time Passes-

Arrotel stands on the street, and a slightly worried expression crosses his face for a moment before fleeing back to the depths of his mind where it came from. Addressing Darius- "They most certainly should have been back by now- according to Pinkton, it should have been over a while ago. Would you care to come with me and find them?" He will get directions form teh buttler, and head off towards Asmundson's house.

-Up to present point, unless Dave wants me to come in at a different point-

Upon arriving at the manor, Arrotel will knock, but seeing Landon in a trump call, will let himself in, then listen to the most recent part of what he is relating to Flora, then head downstairs.

[Thanos]

Meanwhile Heldrik upon Arrotel's arrival, he gives a little bow, "Well you missed the boring part Arrotel, you got lucky."
To Asmundson a bit louder,"Would you mind eff I asked you ta describe dis nightmare of yours. It seems dat sometin that tells you ta do stuff mi't be eff importance." Heldrik smiles a little bit, hoping that what he says drowns out Landon's call.

[Wired*Nun]

The only mystical items in the basement seem to be those owned by the Amberites, plus the painting of Fern Hollow.

Directing Arrotel down to the basement with Heldrik, Landon calls Flora. Her golden locks mirror Landon's own. After hearing what he has to report, she says, "I think you should go ahead and run down any of those leads you have come up with. Finding Siodmak's home shadow and thie Maze thing, or perhaps Asmundson's own Maze, could be instructive. This Nightmare thing concerns me; it could be anything. An avatar of the Maze as he says, like the glowing Unicorn or Serpent that appeared to Merlin, a creature of ancient times like the Unicorn, a demon, a shadow creature of great power, a shapeshifted Chaos-dweller...who knows...I think it is a priority that you find out about it. My nose tells me your Asmundson is a pawn, perhaps the Nightmare is the knight, or queen, or king, and Siodmalk is another pawn. Note that the Maze connects with Dunstan, and his glowing construct that the others entered."


Gray is still down with Heldrik, watching Asmundson, when Arrotel comes down to the basement. In answer to Heldrik's question, he replies, "Oh, it is a magnificent creature, full of potency and vigor. It appears as a black horse's body, with the head of a serpent instead of its own. It has passed on to me secrets of the occult far beyond ordinary men. Ah, another seeker joins our quest! You must be the fellow Arrotel of which was spoken. Well met, I am Asmundson Challenger."

Gray in the meantime has put down the painting and sidled up to Asmundson as he speaks. He usual sallow look has changed, and she seems healthier, more vibrant and desirable. She runs one long, sharp nail up his arm, not distracting him until it reaches bare skin above his collar. "Oh, my, Agraynel, your pardon, ahm, ah, hello..." She smiles up at him and wraps herself around his massive arm, pressing her whole body against him. Her upturned face looks up into his, and her smile is at once childlike and feral. Her voice is contralto as she half-whispers in perfect Parisian French, in "My dear, dear Asmundson, we do so appreciate your help on this inquiry of ours, and hope that we will be able to reward you suitably when it is finished."

He stands there, stunned. Wires are visibly crossing in his brain as incoherent syllables tumble out of his mouth, then he takes hold of himself. In equally good French he replies, "Ahhh, thank you my dear, for your vote of confidence, and I would very much like to, to, be so rewarded."

[Thanos]

A black horse with the head of a serpent? Well whatever it is, its well beyond my experience, which isn't saying much I must admit.

As Gray moves over to Asmundson and pulls a Flora, Whaaaa? By the Unicorn, do all of the woman in the family flaunt their sexuality like some magical wand that will get them whatever they want? Should I be doing the same thing, but towards the females that we meet? Kat did not seem to be thus inclined, but I barely met her and neither did the Lady Fiona. Then again, she seemed like she got whatever she wanted regardless of how she went about getting it.

"So, did your business go well Arrotel?"

[TreyKincaide]

"Thanks for your advice dear Flora. We shall continue on as you suggested. It is certainly possible that our investigation as I have mentioned might take us in the same direction as the other team. Siodmak might have returned in the Keep. If that's the case, then I plan on folllowing unknown behind them letting them do the work for me and then taking the credit. Only if they seem to be getting in over their heads, will we most graciously come to their rescue. No need to dirty my hands unneccessarily as you always say. Well, as much as I'd like to continuing chatting--it's been far too long since we've spent quality time together the last time being in Paris I think--I really should be getting back. Salut."

After Flora says goodbye, Landon swipes his hand across the card breaking connection. He steps downstairs seeing Gray entertain Asmundson. He raises an eyebrow looking to Arrotel with a smile, "I'd heard someone come in and had hoped it was you. You're just in time. We're leaving. Off to Fern Hollow we go to try to find Siodmak's home shadow. Failing that, Asmundson has graciously offered us to see his Maze."

[Wired*Nun]

Gray exposes a sharp smile at Landon's words, saying, "Oooh, I'd love to visit your little shadow with you, Azzie dear. Why don't you tell me alllll about it...."

Asmundson, still somewhat nonplussed, says, "Let me get my coat and hat, and we shall be about it." He heads on up the stairs, Gray firmly on his arm. He retrieves his hat, puts on his greatcoat, and walks back down to the basement. Looking around, he says, "Shall we proceed?"

[TreyKincaide]

"We have mounts good sir. We may indeed need them."

If no one disagrees, Arrotel brought the horses, and Pinkton promises to bring the painting inside from the stables tomorrow morning, Landon takes the Fern Hollow painting to Asmundson's adjoining stables assuming the others will follow. He takes his horse by the reins without mounting and begins concentrating on the painting. He trumps though with Arthur right behind.

Otherwise, Landon returns to Landon in the carriage to get the horses painting in tow and does the same thing in his own stables.

[Thanos]

Heldrik nods his acceptance of such.

"Will we be traveling by that picture or move through shadow?" he says when Landon takes it.
"I am not confident that this painting by a shadow dweller is sufficiently safe. However, I am not an expert in such matters, so I will defer to your better judgement Landon."

This whole trump card business gives me goose bumps. I am not exactly happy having to use somebody else's magic to get myself somewhere. Yesterday was strange having to follow Landon to this Landon Englund place, but at least now I have his measure, unless he was deliberately reducing the pace?

[Wired*Nun]

"That sounds like a good plan, I think I will keep Azzie here company today. Au 'voir, gentlemen, I shall see you later this evening." Gray and a delighted Asmundson head off into town. She returns around 10pm, and has bought herself a stylish set of riding togs, complete with high boots and crop.

After a good rest in Delacourte Mansion, the seven doughty adventurers head on over to Asmundson's manor. Asmundson is waiting around the back, this time in clothes fit for a safari. He is carrying a short, broad-bladed spear, a Wibbley .50 caliber revolver in a holster, and has a small backpack on his back. The spear and pistol have some kind of enchantment upon them, based on some twisting pattern-like power that the onlookers presume is Maze. He also has something of power in his backpack, exhibiting the same qualities.

After retrieving the horses, everyone assembles in the carriage house. "Well, this IS quite an entourage. I don't know how it will all work, with this many, and horses as well. But, we shall sally forth as good and true men. Ahh, and ladies, of course, my dear."

[TreyKincaide]

Is this jealousy I'm feeling or annoyance? Perhaps some measure of both. I do so hope Gray is quite done twisting Asmundson around her little finger. She is either really crazy or better than me. Regardless, the more unexpected she acts the less I wish to be in her unstable company. Maybe she's just flattered at the attention. I can only imagine that it's been awhile for her.

"Well, then off we go." Landon looks into the Trump and leads his horse and Arthur through.

[Thanos]

[added note]
Heldrik has an added item along for the ride, a crossbow on the side of the horse with a quiver of bolts. Heldrik will bring up the rear of the party.

[Wired*Nun]

In short order the group stands on the town square of idyllic Fern Hollow. Screams and frightened cries of "Cymaqs, Cymaqs!!!" result immediately, and doors are slammed, windows shuttered, and all the people - so to speak - disappear. The group is left standing in a deserted central square of gingerbread-painted cottages, shops and stalls.

More distressing, Agraynel emits a low growing sound, crouches, looks around wildly, and bolts around the nearest corner.

[TreyKincaide]

Damnit. Gray's becoming more and more a liability every step we take.

Landon's voice hardens as he orders, "After her." He waits for the others to spur their horses onward before doing so himself putting him towards the back of the party as he is most definately a lover and not a fighter. He Summons the Sign of the Pattern to be on the ready.

[Thanos]

Heldrik shakes his head in total disbelief of such absurdity and looks at Arthur expecting the command to be directed at him so that the men on horseback can follow.

I must remind myself again what the hell I was thinking when I got mixed up in this

[Wired*Nun]

Arthur takes off after her, scooby-doo style, his paws slipping on the smooth paving stones. Asmundson grabs any excess reins from unridden horses, as the three men-at-arms take after her on foot rather than mount their horses. Arrotel is right with them, and Heldrik and Landon[apparently] mount and follow.

[Thanos]

As they mount and head after the others and Arthur Heldrik glances over at Landon, "Is there something I should know about Gray? Will we have to take her down?"

Heldrik seems to hesitate a little bit and desides not to pull the crossbow from its leather strap as he heads off down the trail side by side with Landon.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon rides eyes straight ahead and replies, "You were there when she said she was cursed. I believe it lends itself to mental instability. I don't believe it should come to that. She usually mellows out when given a time to rest."

Stupid twit. Yes, I am the all seeing, all knowing Landon the Great. You keep right on thinking that.

[Wired*Nun]

Gray leads the group a merry chase for a minute or so. She runs surprisingly fast, and is getting faster. Her stride lengthens, but Arthur and the mounted men are on the verge of catching her when she makes an absurdly long leap up into the second-storey window of a barn. The followers quickly surround the barn, and begin looking for a way in. The doors are locked, until Darius loops a rope around the handle, and his horse's saddle-horn, and drags it off its hinges.

The back window flies open and a wolf takes a prodigious leap over the heads of the onlookers, and strikes the ground running, very fast. It heads out of town and into the woods.

[TreyKincaide]

If this is her chasing down local rabbits I'm going to be pissed off. I can see myself explaining to Random 'We lost her highness. Well, she turned into a large wolf you see, and then she bounded off into the wilderness to frolic in nature.' Fuck all. Arthur will be able to follow her. His breed was responsible for killing all the wolves in Ireland after all. With her being the only predator around he should have an easy time of it. I just hope he doesn't get surly.

Landon tells Arthur, "Track her, but at a safe distance. She's far more dangerous than any regular wolf."

To the rest of the company Landon says, "Tally ho." as he turns his horse around and spurs it onward following what he assumes to be a shapeshifted Gray.

[Icebird]

Arrotel gives his hawk a launch. Normal hawks look ungainly as they try to gain speed and altitude- Telloth, on the other hand shoots ahead easily.

"If there are no objections, I belive Telloth here could trail her far better than we can, and trump me through also. I'm not sure if it would extend to the rest of you, but I'd assume so. It might be easier on both us and the horses to wait here, and simply arrive wherever she does." Until anyone agrees with him, he will keep riding.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon responds, "Good thinking. Having an eye in the air is a most excellent notion. However, if she runs into something, I would hesitate in sending you ahead alone. If she's on Siodmak's trail, we should all most certainly arrive in mass lest he get away while you're taking the time to pull us through."

Interesting that you claim to have no personal Trump of your own, but your pet can Trump you. Interesting indeed.

"No, we will track from the ground as well the air. Telloth will be most useful as you suggested. From what I understand, hawks have keen eyesight and will hopefully be able to spot Gray's eventual target well before she gets there."

[Icebird]

Arrotel is clearly not overjoyed about continuing to ride, but overall agrees that it is probably best. "Ok. And yes, he has excelent eyesight. I'll let him know"
Arrotel tells Teloth to keep an eye on wherever she's heading, as well as her, and let him know of anything interesting.

[Thanos]

It seems that everybody has their own personal bit of magic floating about. It makes me wonder what Kat's might be. Everybody else in the meeting had some bit of magic upon them except for her. Then again, it might be something that is cloaked. Considering that the Lord-General spoke for her I doubt there is much duplicity involved.

Heldrik will move foward with the others or set up camp and wait depending on how the situation plays out. Regardless it is obvious that he is uncomfortable in this new shadow.

[Wired*Nun]

Between Arthur's nose and Telloth's eyes, it is easy to track the wolf. It wends among trees and up rocks for a couple of miles, then plunges into a cave at the base of a high rock face. Arthur stops at the cave mouth and waits for the others to catch up. "It's her all right, boss, but she's a wolf now." Telloth remains high above, riding the updraft off the cliff face.

[TreyKincaide]

"Wonderful," Landon says aloud in a tone that betrays a pique of ire. "It seems this is where we must dismount and continue on foot as undesirable as that may be. Arthur will ensure that we won't lose her, and we are well equipped for spelunking. Arrotel, if you wish to have Telloth keep watch or accompany us that is up to you. I believe his freedom of movement will be restricted if he comes with." Landon says as he reins in his horse and dismounts. He fishes around and puts the contents of his saddle bags into a backpack.

"Arthur lead the way," Landon says as he lights a torch and follows his trustworthy dog into the cave.

[Wired*Nun]

The Orphans remain outside, guarding the others' backs, as does Telloth.

Scrabbling sounds come from ahead of Arthur, then silence. Arthur stops about thirty feet in to the cave and sniffs. "Boss, I don't like this. I think the cave is small, and if we push too hard, she will have to fight. I killed a badger once like this, but it scrached me on the nose pretty good, and that was small...let me try to talk to her."

[TreyKincaide]

"Do what you think you need to do."

A cornered animal fights hardest. Why do I have to put up with this crap? If this is just her being crazy and not having anything to do with what we're here to find, I'm not going to be happy.

[Wired*Nun]

Arthur starts speaks. "Gray-bitch, do you hear me?"

A moment. A threating growl and a cough, modified by some kind of phonemes that Landon cannot follow, is the reply.

"We are your pack.
We are your pack.
We hunt with you.
We feed with you.
We are your pack.

Remember the pack.
Remember the covenant.
Remember the ancient wisdom.
Remember the one who have gone.
Remember the pack."

The litany continues in this way, soothing, ritual-like. Landon has never heard this from Arthur before. Canine poetry...racial memory? Oral tradition? Where did he learn this?

Gradually, Arthur moves forward in a crawl, talking all the while. He disappears into the darkness in front of the others, and a sympathetic whining growl comes to join with his chant.

After almost a half an hour of this, the humans' patience begins to fray. Arthur seems to be deep into some kind of descending spiral of words, no end in sight. As Landon shifts on his feet, Arthur whispers, "No...alpha...please... leave us...leave us...leave us..."

[TreyKincaide]

Damn, I don't want to leave you alone with the crazy woman. Fuck all.

Landon apparently against his first inclination slowly starts backing out of the cave. "I trust Arthur to know what he's doing. Come on. Let's do what we're here for." Landon steps back out of the cave.

[Wired*Nun]

The muttering from the cave fades to a kind of synchronized sighing. The humans withdraw, for now.

[Maybe wait for input from the others, I am going to call it an early night tonight.]

[Thanos]

Heldrik turns around and walks purposefully out of the cave and right to his horse. Rummaging in the saddle bags for something he pulls out some jerky and begins eating. Anything that the men might say is met with a grunt of the appropriate type as he waits for Landon to get outside and either tell them what is going to happen next or if they are going to sit on their butts wasting more time.

[IF they sit around Heldrik is going to create a shadow pocket and attach one end of it to his belt so he can store his blade there, with easy retrieval, in more civilized shadows. If the pocket is disrupted its set to expel what is inside into the shadow that the pocket happens to be in at the time without much force.]
[IF they move off and start looking for Siodmak he will help as best he can with what tracking skills he has learned as every gentleman must in Widdoy.]

[TreyKincaide]

Landon turns to Asmundson, "Well, you knew where in this shadow Siodmak frequented. By all means please lead the way. Heldrik have Arrotel lead your horse. We'll ride at a pace that'll allow you to concentrate on trying to find signatures such as those that we've become familiar with." Landon voice is poised and doesn't betray his distress. Landon mounts his horse and waits for the good crusader to lead the way. He'll follow behind. One the trip, he'll be polite but not overly chatty.

[Wired*Nun]

Asmundson is not there. Landon and the others realize that he did not give chase when the rest of them did. Considering his lack of athleticism, this may have been simple necessity. Presumably he is back in the village.

Heldik accomplishes his shadow-pocket contruction without difficulty.

[Thanos]

Heldrik looks over at Landon after a time and says, "Which signature would you like me to look for first?"

Lets see if there is a preference and perhaps let him think that I can only go looking for one source at a time. No need to let all of the eggs out of thet basket. Then again, things have been much harder out in real shadow than they were at home. Perhaps I grew to know home so well that even the training exercises I forced myself through became routine. That and I never thought to develop any methods of cloaking myself while in shadow since I never thought to meet anything that could track me.

[IF Landon chooses a specific kind of energy then Heldrik will look for that as best he can keeping an eye out for anything else unusual or with pattern, Trump, or unknown kinds of energies.]
[IF Landon wants them all]
"That will take some time, but I should be able to get that done for this shadow."

[Icebird]

For some odd reason, Arrotel seems to find Arthur's solution highly amusing, and while he doesn't laugh out loud, you get the impression that he would like to.

"I would suggest that we return to the town and retrive Asmundson while Heldrik is occupied with searching. I too know a bit about tracking, but perhaps not as much as others here."

[TreyKincaide]

Now is not the time to try my patience. It's rather frayed as it is. I'd get in a lot of trouble if I just blasted the hell out of the both of them. It sure is tempting though. Heldrik refuses to do any more than exactly what I tell him. Arrotel is just as bad. What next? Must I tell them when and how to use the privy as well? No one wants to be here. As much as I hate to admit it, I'd rather have Roland or Kat here.

Landon first answers Heldrik, "Good sir. You are undoubtedly more experienced in such matters that I. I will leave your search up to your own discretion. I have the utmost faith in your capabilities."

A good leader doesn't tell someone how to do something. They give an order and show confidence that it will be carried out. I wonder if Oberon, Eric, Corwin, and Random ever had days like this?

"Arrotel, that is a wonderful idea. If you'd have Telloth scout ahead, perhaps he'll catch sight of Asmundson."

Landon's poise seems much more relaxed than before as he rides back to town.

If this is a trick of Asmundson's to delay us or get away, he's a dead man.

[Icebird]

"Certainly. Telloth is a far faster mode of transportation around shadow than just about anything."

Sending Telloth back to take a look at the village, Arrotel will go through if Asmundson is there. He'll leave the horse there, for the rest of them to deal with.

Wonderful animals. Can't wait to live without them.

[Thanos]

Landon see's Heldrik turn to him and watches Heldrik's jaw unclench from chewing the jerky. Good response cousin, build a relationship of confidence with the men and you win their hearts. If you don't you will get just obedience.

"We shall see what can be found Cousin."

Heldrik proceeds with that which is necessary to start scrying through the shadow looking for any signs or traces of the signatures he has experienced in trying to track down Siodmak.

[chalice]

After a timeless while (at least for her) Gray becomes fully aware of Arthur's words, and murmurs her own in response. The whining trails off into a low distressed muttering, which breaks off into muffled sobbing as she shifts back to her human guise, takes in what must have occurred, and curls up tight into a ball at the back of the cave.

Random was wrong, wrong...it isn't over, it will never be over...never 'til I die...why is this happening to me...?

"Arthur," the faintest of appalled whispers. "Little brother. What did I do? Is anyone d- ... is anyone hurt?"

[Wired*Nun]

Arthur responds, his flank warm against hers, "No, it's all right, sister. I'm here, it's all right. You just don't know who you are yet. It must be hard living as a Human. I don't blame you for going mad sometimes. I dunno what I would do if I were you."

[Wired*Nun]

Sending Telloth back to take a look at the village, Arrotel will go through if Asmundson is there. He'll leave the horse there, for the rest of them to deal with.
Telloth spots Asmundson's horse tied up at the front of the Jolly Vole hotel, with bear cups and puppies, dressed in overalls, feeding it treats. Must be inside, everything looks peaceful. Instructing Telloth to land on the hitching post, Arrotel Trumps himself through, stroking Telloth as he arrives. Telloth, uncomfortable with so many strange animals about, leaps back into the sky as soon as possible.

The animalesque children draw back in surprise at the rainbow effect, and whisper, "Cymaq again!" and "Watch out, he might bite you!" Smiling at the children, Arrotel heads in to the Jolly Vole, where the now-recovered keeper, Hank Vole, seats him with Asmundson.

"Welcome back, my boy, Arrotel, isn't it? And how are the others faring? Have a beer, it's quite good, if a little weak. The fish sandwich and chips are good as well, I guess the fish are just fish here. Look over there, I have found the painting we seek, bold as brass!"

Arrotel sees a painting, about 18x24, framed and hung over the mantelpiece. It shows presumably Siodmak and another, similar-looking man, both smiling and with their arms around each others' shoulders.

[chalice]

Gray wraps her arms around Arthur, and speaks with her cheek cuddled into his warm fur.

"I don't think I make a very good human. When I'm with the Pack, they know who they are, and who I am, and it all makes sense. Because they are sure, so am I. I change when I'm with them, but I feel so strong. Even though what they want me to do is frightening, the belonging just feels so good.

"When I'm alone, I - it all gets confused, somehow, and so complicated, and I can't...hold it all together. I forget how to be all of me."

She shivers.

"They'll shut me away again now, won't they, if they can? Maybe I should run away."

[Wired*Nun]

Arthur licks her behind the ear, then says, "Oh, oops. You still smell like a bitch. Instincts are so much easier to have when you're not smart, like other canow or garrow. When you have to think, the smells get all mixed up."

"I don't know what you should do, I'm only twelve anyway. I don't understand Human thinking much. But Landon is my pack leader, and aren't you the alpha bitch? Why would you leave? Ever since Flora left, there has been no alpha bitch, who knows why Landon didn't keep her for good. She is fertile. Now you are here and we are one pack. Landon won't harm you, and we will protect you against the others. We are one pack." The way he says it makes it certain. Oh, for the faith of a dog in his master...I wish I had such faith...

[chalice]

"One pack," repeats Gray, summoning a faint smile.

"I'm not sure the others will see things that way, but I suppose we had better go back and face them. Can you track? I think I shouldn't broaden my senses again for a while."

[Assuming Arthur leads off and she follows]

As they travel, she mentions. "I knew a Flora, a different one, where I grew up. There were Shadows of most of father's brothers and sisters there. I thought she was wonderful. After mother died, she always seemed to be around, looking after me and organising things. Julian too - he gave me my first pony, taught me to ride and hunt human-style. Then when I arrived in the real Amber, they didn't even know me. It...threw me a little."

[Wired*Nun]

When they get out of the cave, Arthur barks loudly for Landon to come back. Since he hasn't gone too far, he can hear the deep call of the wolfhound. To Gray he says, "Better to sniff and make up out here in the woods than in town. Those creatures are very strange."