Landon and Rebis

[Wired*Nun]

Rebis stood, tired but proud, upon the rocky ground of the volcanic shadow. The piece of primal Chaos was banished, by his own command. The cold burn of the forces he had controlled still tingled in his fingertips. He breathed the hot fumes in with something like enjoyment, his demon-formed lungs translating the miasma into something pleasurable and invigorating.

"Good." The voice beside him seemed equally proud. "This is the ultimate weapon that those of Amber cannot match. We are the lords of Chaos because we alone master the Logrus, and through it, we can summon and banish the most powerful force in the cosmos. It is dangerous beyond imagining. Do not use it except in the direst need, or under the most prudent of circumstances. Entire shadows have been lost to its careless application." Ever the teacher, Suhuy still chose his words sparingly. "Guard yourself also against overconfidence. All power comes at a price...and there are many Powers, great and small."

"Your training is over. Your education will now begin, which proceeds only from experience. I commend you unto Shadow; your wanderjahr commences now."

"Lord, wait, I -" The wash of energies is all that is left in the wake of his transport back to Chaos.

Drax hops from the top of a rock back to his accustomed place on Rebis' shoulder and rubs his head against Rebis' neck. His claws grip Rebis' armored skin firmly. He always did like the demonform more than the human. Now I know why he told me to bring everything with me.

Presumably, I am not to return to Chaos for some time, and I will not go where I am not bidden. There is nothing to keep me there, and there is such a wide cosmos to explore. I have never been farther than Ygg...perhaps that is a good starting point.

[Tamarind]

Reaching up a clawed hand he lightly scratches the top of Drax’s head, smiling slightly as the little dragon wriggles happily, smoke drifting from his nostrils to mingle with the volcanic fumes.

He stands for a time looking out over the roiling lava, his breathing slow and deep, before straightening slightly and emptying his mind, opening it to the roiling darkness. His senses thrill as the power flows into him, only a fraction of what he had held earlier but enough to form the Sign and the tendrils to reach across the veils of Shadow. Moving with swiftness borne of long practice he sends the tendrils a few veils ahead, latching onto the familiar anchor point. With a lurch the world shimmers and flows as he pulls them through, resolving into a slate-grey mountainside, a shorter hop than he could have chosen but there was no need to hurry. A cold rain greets them, refreshing contrast to the searing heat of the volcano. Pausing for a moment to savour the feel of the water on his scaled skin he reaches out again

Find the anchor, test the tie and…pull.

The world lurched once more, this time resolving into a barren ridge overlooking a storm tossed sea, off to his left twisted trees writhed in the fierce wind. Looking out over the ocean he smiles.

I like this place, the ocean is so…soothing somehow.

Moments pass, then he reaches once more, the tendrils moving more slowly this time as he seeks the anchor point in the Shadow of the great tree itself. For a moment they quest vainly before latching onto the feeling he remembered, another dislocation and they stand but a few dozen yards from the ancient tree, Ygg.

This is where the journey truly starts. Strange that I hesitate after so much longing…

[Wired*Nun]

A rustle of leaves in the ancient ash...but there is no wind. Rebis has the impression of something, up in the tree branches - a deer? - then it is gone. On the slope of the hillside, half-wreathed in fog, beneath a gently stippled sky of pastel reds, greens and yellows, stands Yggdrasil, just as Rebis remembers from some time ago.

Strange, how no matter which way one goes through Shadow from the Courts, one always passes this tree...does Shadow curve in upon itself in a bottleneck here? Is the tree infinitely reproduced around the edge of the Chaos realms? What is he, anyway? Suhuy said Ygg might be the first true shadow of the Tree of Matter...which I have never seen...something like the three true shadows of the Pattern I have read of... which I have, also, never seen...never had time before, now I have too many choices...

[Tamarind]

At the movement Drax spirals lazily into the air, keen to get a better look. Meanwhile Rebis walks slowly forward, and if Yggdrasil makes no sign of displeasure will gently place a hand palm down on the bark in greeting, drawing strength and resolve from the solidity of this oldest of trees.

Ah Ygg, wither shall I go from here? To Amber to seek a father who will not know me? It seems almost inevitable I suppose, from here all paths back will lead to Chaos, thus all paths forward will likely lead to Amber. And I confess I am as almost as curious to see these Patterns. Certainly it would be an easier encounter, after all he doesn't even know I exist...

[Wired*Nun]

The whispered voice in Rebis head resonates deeply inside him, in a way different from any mental contact he has ever had. It seems to bypass any barriers, defenses or boundaries in his mind, and springs full-formed in the center of his consciousness. "Son of Chaos...scatterling of Oberon...I know his seed, as I know the many branches of his mother tree. I have watched them come and go from the time of my planting, before the present ordering. I am the past...you are the future...the past can answer much for the future..." The branches rattle and the leaves rustle again, still windless.

[Tamarind]

Rather than alarm at the contact Rebis feels relaxed, the prospect of learning something new easily dispelling any fear...

Before the present ordering? Before the Patterns I presume...

"You are generous, oh Ygg, to offer your knowledge. I would be honoured to listen, my knowledge of Oberon's side of my parentage is very limited...as is my understanding of his descent. And I am intrigued to hear what changes the present ordering wrought, how things were before..."

Something seems to occur to Rebis, "Forgive me, I forget my manners - my experiences are limited but I would be happy to answer any questions you may wish to pose me"

Above Drax circles the great tree, trying to spot the source of the earlier movement, his eyes swirling with playful excitement

[Wired*Nun]

"There are always more questions...how many years have you? My first question is: who are you? Once you know the answer to that question, many others will answer themselves."

"The sons of Chaos seek mastery over their environment that they may master their fellows, or themselves. My second question is: what is it you seek?

"Seed of Oberon...the past is unchanging: the future is as water that flows in all directions. Question feeds decision. You have only one decision before you. My third question is: what shall you do next?"

While these words form in Rebis' mind, Drax gives a small shriek and circles around a raven, winging in from the west. It lands on the branches of the tree and begins muttering to itself, one eye on Drax.

[Tamarind]

Rebis considers for a moment before answering, glancing briefly upwards at the raven and Drax

Well done Drax, though I’m not sure the raven will want to play…perhaps let it rest for a time?

“Well, I am the son of Lady Shekinbah Ashlurien and Prince Martin Barimen, so that would seem to be the answer, but really that tells what I am, rather than who I am. Until recently I would have called myself Lord Suhuy’s student, but that has changed and now I find myself free to act on my own whims…

Perhaps that is what Lord Suhuy meant when he said that education proceeds from experience – that one must make one’s own decisions, and experience their consequences, to truly learn one’s own nature. If so then I am commencing a journey to learn the answer to this question.”

“Which means of course that in a sense I have partly answered your second question – what do I seek? But I shall try for a fuller answer. Responding to your statement I have certainly learned how to master my environment from Lord Suhuy but my goal in doing so was to understand the nature of the cosmos, not to master my fellows.”,

Though I can believe that of some

“Also whilst I have learned much of the nature of Chaos from Lord Suhuy I know little of the other side of my heritage. I am intensely curious to see the Patterns and learn how they affect Shadow…and I should like to meet my father”

Knowing that my mother wanted nothing to do with me I have always secretly wondered about my father, whether he would come for me or if he too had rejected me. As time passed I became certain that this was the case, then I learned he didn’t know I existed and my hopes were quickened…he would have come if only he had known.

But now I have the opportunity to seek him out, I find myself hesitant – what if he rejects me also? After all he didn’t plan to be my father, didn’t even know who my mother truly was…

“So I come to your third question, and find as you hinted that the answer has proceeded from the other two – I shall journey to Amber and seek out my father, learn more of this side of my heritage”


And confront my doubts and fears

[Wired*Nun]

"Your answers are clay and brass, seed of Oberon. The beginning of wisdom is the realization of how little one knows. Dworkin knew who he was, and so, he reshaped the universe. Oberon knew who he was, and so he reshaped those whom you call mankind. You do not yet know who you are. Perhaps the answer to that question lies in the seeking and the doing. Each must answer that question of himself."

"Fair exchange for your answers will I give you now, as much as I am able."

The raven has begun pecking at the bark of the tree, in between eyeing Rebis and Drax alternately.

[Tamarind]

What then to ask? There is so much I should like to know, what is my father like - no I should find that out for myself. What are you? What were the key differences between the present ordering and what came before? And I should learn what I can of the origins of the Amber side of my heritage, that I should not be wholly ignorant when I speak to my father.

"I should like to know Oberon's descent, if you would, and I am very curious to hear your account of what it was like to experience the changes to the present ordering."

"And if it is not impertinent, I should like to know who you are, Yggdrasil"

[Wired*Nun]

"I shall answer your first question last. I am a tree, no more, no less. I know I am a tree, and I am satisfied to be a tree. That I can reason makes me a sentient tree, but still, a tree. My - sire - if you will forgive an inaccurate term that you would understand - stands in the presence of the Logrus, though few see it, or even bother to look, such is the overpowering fascination of that manifestation. Of all who passed through the Logrus, only Oberon acknowledged it, and took my seed unto this place, when he and his father quested outward for a place to inscribe their handiwork."

"My roots run deep into the earth, and out into shadow. My leaves blow hither and yon, from Chaos to Order and all places in between. My seeds have sprung up in places likely and unlikely, ultimately unto Arden's cathedral groves. It is even true that a branch of mine has grown to watch over the New Pattern. Thus, I am a connection, neither the beginning nor the end, but living somewhere in the middle of all things. That is the best answer I can give to one of your kind."

"Now, because you are the first among Mankind who asked, I will tell you what I know."

"Of Oberon's past I know but little, for I only knew him after he had planted me here. In many conversations with him I learned that he had grown up in the Courts of Chaos. As he told it to me, his father, Dworkin, was a restless soul, a dreamer, an experimenter, a shaper and a maker. In that time, Lucifer and Lilith, those whom you call the Serpent and the Unicorn, ruled as gods. What came before them, or made them, is unknown to me, but this is the tale I have from Oberon."

"Each of the gods had its role to play. The Serpent was the First god, and was the Creator, and the Unicorn was the Second god, the Shaper. Neither could do without the other, for without Creation, there is only Nothing to Shape, and without Shaping, Creation is Nothing."

"In those days there were created Demonkind, first and foremost. Unto them were given many powers of shaping, making and unmaking. But we fought amongst ourselves, and eventually, the pride of some among us made them rebel against even the gods, so that the rebellious ones were cast into the darkness, beyond the Rim, into the Pit and the Void, where they make their abode to this day, all except those allowed by the suffrance of Mankind to return and to serve. Those few who did not rebel, like my ancestor, were transformed, never to even contemplate rebellion again."

"The gods then made a second creation, Mankind, with less power, but more potential. Perhaps in their wisdom the gods hoped that those who started weaker, but could become greater, would be better children and eventually companions to the gods. These are you, the Lords of Chaos. But again, a rebellious spirit grew, for these new creatures demanded ever more and more Creation to be Shaped. Lucifer sought to control Creation and Shaping, and to punish the new children by closing his Left Eye, wherein resided the forces of Controlling and Preserving, that is, of Order, and his Right Eye, wherin resided the forces of Manifestation and Destruction, that is, Chaos."

"Now Lilith had long been chafing under the primacy of Lucifer, and had taken for herself the greatest of Mankind, Dworkin, and in secret bore him a son, named Oberon. For love of Dworkin she argued the cause of Mankind with her brother god, wanting ever more for Creation and for Shaping. But Lucifer was a jealous god, and, deep in his heart of hearts, feared that Mankind would rebel just as Demonkind did, and so, Lucifer caused the very thing he feared, and tried to choke off the ascent of Mankind."

"Thus did Lilith join the Second Rebellion, and while Lucifer's eyes were closed and Mankind was starving of its Creation, she pierced with her Horn the Left Eye of the Serpent, and plucked it out, and delivered it unto Dworkin, that Mankind might continue to its destiny."

"Now Dworkin's elders sought also to control him, as with the Left Eye of the Serpent, he would have ruled and Shaped even them. But Lilith had a destiny for him, and so, taking her lover and his favorite son Oberon, they fled the Courts of Chaos out to the edge of the Chaos Realms. There, here, Oberon planted me, as they rested before setting forth into the Unknown."

"They went into the Beyond, farther than anyone had gone before, and guided by the Unicorn, Dworkin created his own Place, using the power of Order contained in the Left Eye of the Serpent. This is what you know as the Pattern, the icon of Order which ensured that, for all time, Shaping would be equal to Manifestation, and that Creation would balance. Though his elders raged around him, and assaulted his mind through the power of the Trump which was until then the greatest of Powers, he completed his Pattern and reordered the universe into what it is today."

"In as close to a panic as a god can be, Lucifer lent his remaining eye to his greatest Sorcerer, Suhuy, who created the Logrus, the icon of Chaos to oppose the Pattern. Thus was symmetry maintained; the Serpent and the Unicorn, the Pattern and the Logrus, Amber and Chaos. Thus it was told to me by Oberon."

During this recitation, ever more more ravens have been winging in to roost in the branches of Yggdrasil, until he is covered with hundreds, perhaps thousands of the birds. Drax, becoming worried, at first circles above, and then, flies down onto the demonformed shoulder of Rebis as he stands there. Drax is normally a fearless creature, but for some reason, this display has cowed him.

[Tamarind]

"I am greatly honoured that you have chosen to share this knowledge with me, to hear of these events is truly a delight - I shall ponder the nuances of your answer for a long time to come.

I only hope you have enjoyed this conversation as much as I, it has been both an education and a pleasure."

It suddenly occurs to Rebis that he has not shared his name,

"My name is Rebis, by the way, and if it pleases you I should be honoured to call you friend, Yggdrasil."

My third in the cosmos

"I shall certainly seek out your offspring at the New Pattern on my way to Amber. And if there is anything I can do for you please ask..."

Only then does he really seem to become aware of the ravens perched over Ygg, looking up in wonder at the branches of the great tree, all but lost under the mass of black feathers.

[Wired*Nun]

"You shall do what you can, Rebis, and it shall be as it shall be. Friends are as friends do. Call me friend when it causes you great pain to do so, and perhaps it shall be true."

"I see you looking at my birds. They have come to observe a New Thing, a son of Man asking advice of a tree. They will carry their viewing out into Shadow, that seeds of Newness continue to sprout in the lands of Order, and seeds of stability continue to grow in the lands of Chaos." At this, the great flock leaps into the sky, and spreads into all directions.

"You may greet my son Oggsyldra at the new Pattern if you see him. Take also of my seed, and plant them where you think best, that my descendants shall shelter more of Mankind, as we have done from the beginning." A rattle on his armored hide heralds a fall of acorns at Rebis' feet.

[Tamarind]

So Yggdrasil strives to maintain the balance between Order and Chaos, renewing one and stabilising the other...a noble purpose indeed.

I wonder if I shall see signs of these birds in my travels...

"Friendship is indeed built from deeds, small or great. I hope mine will help to build a friendship between us"

Stooping Rebis carefully gathers the seeds, then straightens and bows.

"I thank you again, Yggdrasil, I shall keep these safe and strive to plant them in places where their shelter is most needed"

"Farewell Yggdrasil, I look forward to our next meeting"

Stepping back Rebis again draws power into himself, forming the Sign and for a brief moment regarding Yggdrasil and the retreating ravens. Then he reaches tendrils into nearby Shadows, seeking those with the strongest traces of Order - and hints of the quality he senses in Yggdrasil itself

Let us seek the direction of this New Pattern, it should clearly have a strong presence of Order and perhaps also an echo of what I sense here in Yggdrasil...

[Wired*Nun]

Drawing himself towards Order turns out to be something like tracking by scent in the dark, full of twists, turns, and backtracking, always trying to move toward the functions of order in the shadows. He quickly abandons trying to draw himself toward Yggishness, as he is forever walking in forests of ash, touching every tree, finding nothing unusual. Too many ash trees. Of course, Ygg never said all of his seed were sentient...

Some hours later, Rebis finds himself standing at the rim of a crater of some sort, more than a mile across. Inside the crater is a swarm of activity, as of tens of thousands of beings working tirelessly on machines both simple and complex. Buildings inside the crater belch smoke, and vehicles move on roads. Across the crater on the other side, Rebis can see a road twisting up to the rim, and a line of vehicles moving up and down. Viewed through the Sign, the crater contains an artifact of orderly power, near the center, not visible by normal sight...inside the largest building.

[Tamarind]

As he regards the scene below them Rebis reaches into his pocket and produces a small lump of coal, which he feeds to Drax

"Do you think this can be it little friend? I don't see any trees, but perhaps they are within...I feel caution may be called for, let us find out a little more before proceeding..."

Moving below the rim of the crater Rebis moves his hands in a sequence of flowing gestures, the air shimmering and rippling with each pass until with a final flourish a sphere of clear liquid hovers before him. Within the sphere can be seen a view of the inside of the large building from a point just inside the wall.

Rebis slowly moves the view towards the artifact, regarding the surroundings curiously. Drax is initially very interested in the sphere, staring intently at it for some moments, then when it singularly fails to produce anything interesting he reverts to crunching his lump of coal and keeping an eye on their surroundings...

[Wired*Nun]

The building is a shell, shaped like an enormous hexagon, perhaps three hundred meters across. Its buttresses and structure are such that its walls are the only load-bearing parts of it. Inside, creatures something like men can be seen working. They are short, and gray, and their hair is of darker charcoal color, with eyes of pale blue. Their faces resemble frogs, but their fingers are slender and cunning.

In the center of the building, set in the floor, is a construct of black lines. The interstices between are filled with glow the blue of rotting flesh or deadly mushrooms, and the tip of the Logrus tendril on which Rebis viewpoint rests feels some small irritation, perhaps from the emanations of the thing. The whole of the construct is set within the floor, and seems to be polished to a high gloss, or perhaps covered with a thin sheet of water. It thrums and pulses softly.

There are machines of unknown function, arrayed about the construct. Some add light to its surface; some hum and smoke; one is shining an intense spot of radiance on the edge of the thing; one sends an arm to attempt to drill into its surface, only to fail in a flash of lightning. Several are doing nothing visible. Dozens of the creatures watch the operations, and write down observations gleaned from glowing squares with writing upon them. Large cables snake from outside the building, apparently supplying power to the machines.

[Tamarind]

After observing the activity curiously for a time Rebis turns his attention to searching for traces of Yggdrasil's distinctive feel in the otherwise barren area, moving the tendril in a radial search pattern out from the artefact...



If this is the New Pattern then Yggdrasil’s offspring should be here – unless they’ve cut it down. He shudders at the thought Even then there should still be traces of its presence remaining…



In any case this artefact certainly merits some further study – perhaps I should find a way to talk to one of the investigators in the building, learn who they are and what they’re doing here

[Wired*Nun]

There is no trace of any sentient tree. In fact, there are no plants that could be called trees anywhere within tens of miles.

[Tamarind]

"I think this may take a little while Drax, would you mind keeping an eye out for anything untoward?", as he speaks he reaches out another few lumps of coal and tossed them to Drax who dives forward and snatches them out of the air, chewing happily...

Returning his view to the artefact Rebis studies it carefully through the Sign, noting such aspects as the level of power, its configuration, whether it appears dormant or active at present and what discernible purpose it may have.

[Wired*Nun]

It is like nothing Rebis has ever seen. It is definitely an artifact of Order, but inferior in power to the Logrus. From what he has been told about the Pattern, there is some resemblance - but of course, there is no Amber here. Rebis also understands that Pattern initiates must walk it from outside to center, along its glowing lines. The black lines of this construct are discontinuous, and could not be walked in that fashion. It is a powerful artifact, greater than anything he has seen other than the Logrus.

It has no discernable purpose. It radiates power, and is being studied by the men with the machines. Their methods seem crude and invasive, as well as limited to the physical laws of this shadow.

It occurs to Rebis that he has heard rumors that the Logrus itself throws imperfect shadows of itself...

[Tamarind]

Hmm, if this artefact is a shadow of the New Pattern, that would mean I follow the right path. It would also mean that these people may be in some considerable danger from their experiments...

Observing the people in the building he attempts to locate a co-ordinator, if successful he will use the Sign and a gentle touch of an insubstantial Logrus tendril to assess his Psyche and general health, as well as any magical effects - though this last seems unlikely.

[Wired*Nun]

Not knowing much about these people, it is difficult to asess their state. However, no one seems to be suffering ill health as far as he can tell. The people seem to be well within shadow-dweller norms.

All of the people studying the thing give it a wide berth - no one seems to come within ten feet. Perhaps it already hurt someone or gave some ill effect before.

[Tamarind]

[Any indication that one of the figures is co-ordinating efforts?]

[Wired*Nun]

After watching for a time Rebis identifies one fellow as the one in charge, sitting in an open-walled control center and overseeing things. He also seems to have more devices on his uniform than the others. In fact, it looks like there is a military caste, and an investigative caste, with the military providing security and supervision. It does not appear that the investigators per se have anyone coordinating their efforts, or in charge, other than the "General."

[Tamarind]

Rebis frowns slightly as it becomes apparent the operation is being run by the military,

Memories of an austere classroom, a stern figure looming over him, face betraying impatience...

Rebis pushes the thought aside, returning to studying the figure in the glass-walled chamber,

I don't think I'm very keen to speak to this man, but he probably has the answers I'm looking for.

Allowing the power to fade he mulls the problem over for a short time, idly swinging his tail for Drax to chase...then he begins the process of creating a weave, a relatively simple thing to induce unconsciousness in the target.

A short time later, the weave complete and poised within the Sign of the Logrus, Rebis once more sends a tendril within the large building, this time into the glass-walled chamber overlooking the artefact. Locating the figure with the elaborately decorated uniform he waits until they are alone and apparently unoccupied before casting the weave...

[Wired*Nun]

As the Logrus tendril moves toward the man, the construct reacts. A jagged spark of lightning reaches out and jolts the tendril, collapsing the weave, the Sign, and staggering Rebis. Artifact of Order indeed...doesn't much like Logrus...

[Tamarind]

Hmm, clearly a little *too* close.

When Rebis staggers slightly Drax swoops down to hover protectively over his head, clearly anxious to help. As Rebis recovers and makes reassurng noises, Drax lands on his shoulder but remains alert, looking about with a fierce expression, mutlicoloured eyes swirling angrily.

Having checked for any signs of increased activity Rebis once again works through the weaves, a little faster this time as the elements are fresh in his memory. Once they are complete he extends a tendril into the building again, moving cautiously to ensure it strays no closer than the first. He moves carefully around the area, seeking a figure who could feasibly fall asleep without immediately attracting attention, perhaps at a corner desk, or in an adjoining office...

[Wired*Nun]

Curious, I wonder why it struck at this tendril rather than the previous one.... [This one got a lot closer.]

[Wired*Nun]

Finding such is just a matter searching, and soon, one of the investigators is alseep at his bank of instruments, in the back where no in is paying him much mind. One of the guards even looks in on him, and ignores him. Perhaps the civilians are given a lot of leeway.

[Tamarind]

As the guard walks off Rebis lets the tendril brush against the recumbent figure's psyche, bringing the faintest of contacts between their minds. There he pauses for a time, carefully assessing the being's psychic defences, their strength and nature, seeking the weak points where he could slip by unnoticed.

Satisfied at last that such was indeed possible, he allows his will to flow along the tendril. Slowly, oh so slowly he moves, as if through a spiderweb, each strand lifted with painstaking care and gently eased back until finally, a seeming age of intense concentration later, the last barrier lies behind him,


My apologies, but this truly is the safest way for both of us...

After a moments pause he begins to search - carefully avoiding any personal memories, focusing instead on some background on this world and any details pertaining to the mysterious artefact...

[Wired*Nun]

The nation-state of this scientist is called the Nalthon Combine, the most technologically advanced of four roughly equivalent, hostile empires. Together these four cover the continent, and Furqor Raminsottl, as his name can be understood, was a noted researcher into the esoteric field of electrodynamics before this artifact was discovered. Miners of metal found it, and it soon became the focus of an intense research effort, but all the attempts to understand it have yielded little data. It generates or contains electrical charge among other energies, which have been so far unidentifiable. [This shadow's tech level is about that of 1930-60s Earth.] The military is convinced that some great weapon can be made of the thing. He has been working at it for seven months without much rest, and without much success. Three people have died as a direct result of the thing. One was the first to discover it, who stepped on it and was killed. The other two were involved in an attempt to take a sample of the material, when the thing reacted and fried them. Furquor theorizes that it is some kind of crystal that draws its energy from the planet's magnetic field, and has become semi-conscious or semi-intelligent, but this theory is too bizarre to suggest to any of his colleagues.

[Tamarind]

So, this artefact may be aware, at least in a limited sense. If it is, and it is a shadow of the New Pattern then perhaps that also is aware or even fully sentient, after all the properties of the original would be greater than those of the shadow. Unless this awareness is one of the permutations that distinguish this from its originator.

I think it is time to continue the journey but I shall commit this place to memory first - it will be interesting to make another analysis after observing the New Pattern, and it may prove useful in future.

Gently disengaging from Furqor Raminsottl Rebis withdraws the tendril and turns to Drax, who has started to look bored by now

"Alright little one, we're heading off now - and I promise we'll find something for you to play with"

Drax beats his wings excitedly and gives a little snort of flame, Rebis smiles and reaches once more through the shadow veils.

Now I have a clearer understanding of what to search for, rather than simply greater Order - the New Pattern should have qualities in common with this artefact,at least in part...

[Wired*Nun]

The next leg of Rebis journey is a long one, full of dead-ends and false starts. More than a month passes by his reckoning, as he searches through shadow. Finally, more by chance it seems than anything, he runs across another of Ygg's progeny, a vast ash in the center of a lush, fruitful garden. A pair of ravens regard Rebis from the branches, and one emits a screech when he comes into view. Somehow, he knows this is a true tree; something resonates within him when he sees it.

[Tamarind]

A seed of Ygg for certain, but no sign of a Pattern so not I would think the seedling who's name I was given...perhaps it can guide me to its sibling.

Inclining his head to the ravens Rebis, still in human form from the last shadow, walks up to the great ash and places a hand softly on the trunk,


"Greetings, seed of Yggdrasil, how do you fare?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Greetings, son of Man. I fare as well as any intelligent being rooted in place with little to entertain him would be doing. If not for the ravens, I would have no one to talk to at all. I am therefore happy you are here. I take it you are he who spoke with my father some time ago. Tell me of your travels, if you will."

[Tamarind]

Such a lonely fate, blessed with intelligence and curiosity but lacking the freedom to exercise them fully...I know what that can be like, let us hope I can relieve your ennui...

"I have journeyed widely since my meeting with your father and seen much, perhaps the most unusual being a powerful artefact of order, perhaps a shadow of the New Pattern, that seemed almost aware - and the beings who studied it",

Rebis goes on to relate the details of that encounter, after a short time Drax becomes fidgety, moving from shoulder to shoulder, claws digging into his softer human flesh a little...

Rebis smiles, pausing briefly in his tale to gently extract Drax' claws from his arm, "All right my restless little friend, I get the message. Why not stretch your wings and explore a little - I will be here a little while yet", Drax nibbles his finger affectionately then launches himself into the air, spiralling once round the tree to see if the Ravens will play, then heading off across the garden...

Turning back to Ygg's seed and flexing his shoulder a little Rebis continues his tale, moving on to tell of the other places he has travelled through on his long journey from Ygg to this garden.


"...and though my search for the New Pattern still continues I have learned and experienced much over this last month, it has been a rewarding journey. And it has brought me here and given me a chance to relate my travels to one who is truly interested, an unexpected pleasure."

[Wired*Nun]

"My thanks, son of Man, for your gift. Only my ravens tell me of things in all both directions. You spoke of a New Pattern. This must mean there is an Old Pattern. I do not know of these things, yes your words have the ring of truth to them. My knowledge is limited, for few talk to me, but I will tell you what I know. To the west, the shadows are newer. Perhaps that is a clue. You may see the faint path leading to the east and west. Those few sons of Man that travel it always walk by here."

Rebis realizes that yes, he did actually walk up along the path from the East.

[Tamarind]

"Do call me Rebis if you wish. Truly you are most welcome, it was a pleasure to share my tale with you, and I thank you in return for your guidance. If it would please you I should be glad to tell others whose company I think you would enjoy of the path to this place, so that you may have more visitors in time?"

As he speaks he concentrates lightly on the link to Drax, curious to see what the little dragon may have found...

[Wired*Nun]

"Pleased to meet you, and I decided to call myself Dueventor, since none has ever named me otherwise. For myself, I would like to have more visitors, but please be certain they are of the right sort. Trees, after all, are victims of many indignities by the uncaring."

Visible through Drax' eyes is a broad sweep of lush meadow dotted with fruit trees. There is nothing else of note.

[Tamarind]

"Indeed so. I shall be most careful with whom I share this knowledge, Dueventor. And now I take my leave of you, thoguh I shall be sure to travel this way again when I have more tales to share with you."

Bowing formally he turns and heads off westward down the path, calling to Drax as he goes.

I shall definitely return here, and to Yggdrasil, my time with them has been both pleasant and rewarding

Opening himself to the power once more he examines the path as he walks,

Interesting to see if this path leads through the veils, and also if I can discern the "newness" of shadow that Dueventor referred to...though new may be a very relative term when talking to such a being.

[Wired*Nun]

The path soon disappears...or perhaps the travelers along it disappeared. It is faint in any case.

Drax gives a jealous squeak, and Rebis notes a raven flying over him, on ahead, and disappearing into shadow.

[Tamarind]

Not a shadow path then, the travellers must have moved through Shadow under their own power...

Glancing up Rebis scratches Drax' chin affectionately,

"Well spotted Drax, let's follow it for a time - perhaps it will lead us to where we've been seeking"

It will certainly be interesting to see how it moves through shadow, and I think it knows where we wish to go...

[Wired*Nun]

Following the raven proves to be difficult, and Rebis finds he must shift into avatar form to keep up. Fortunately the raven flies through shadows not inimical to an intelligent mist, and a few hours later, it lands upon a small ash sapling, which stands in the courtyard of an abandoned, ruined log fort, upon a low hill. Evidence of charring and burning on the ten-year-old logs, the ruin of shelters, and animal rustlings make it a lonely place.

[Tamarind]

[Did the raven seem to follow the same "direction" as that in which the path seemed to lead, or did it veer away?]

Why have you led us here, I wonder. Is there something here you wished us to see?

Forming the Sign, Rebis examines their surroundings seeking anything out of the ordinary, as well as feeling the fabric of the shadow itself, interested to learn if it feels "newer" than those the other side of Dueventor. Meanwhile Drax regards the raven carefully.

[Wired*Nun]

[No way to tell, as the path was only present in that one shadow]

There is nothing about this shadow that would lead Rebis to believe it was "newer" in any way than the others.

The raven pecks at the bark of the tree, and shrieks at Rebis.

[Tamarind]

Leaving Drax to sniff curiously after the animal rustlings Rebis solidifies into demonform, lightly placing a clawed hand on the bark,

[Assuming he feels the now familiar psychic bond]

"I greet you, young seed of Yggdrasil. I am called Rebis, if you wish it I would be pleased to exchange news with you?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Wh-- who-- ???" Rebis senses confusion, and a young mind. "What manner of creature are you?"

[Tamarind]

Hmm. I wonder why you lead me here, raven. Does this young seedling know something that I should learn? Perhaps the fate of this settlement will be of relevance...

"I am a Man, a son of Chaos and a scatterling of Oberon, to quote the words of Yggrasil. Do you have a name?"

[Wired*Nun]

"I - I have never thought about it. I am just me. Should I have a name? Do you have a name? And why do things have names anyway? Why don't you just call things rock or tree or whatever? The birds never tell me their names, should I ask them? Do you know Yggdrasil? He has a name, should I have a name? What is your name, anyway?" This babble continues in an excited "voice."

[Tamarind]

"Mostly things have names so that you can tell them one from another when referring to them - if all birds were called "bird" it would be hard to know which one you meant. My name is Rebis - and this is Drax. If you would like a name I could help you choose, or you could think on it for a while, until you find a name you like...

I have met Yggdrasil once, a little while ago now. He helped me decide where I should go", he smiles slightly, "but I confess since then I have become a little lost."

Or at least I have failed to find the place I sought, though I have encountered much of interest

"If you like I would be happy to tell you of my travels, and perhaps you could tell me what has happened here?"

I am interested to know what happened here, and where *here* is. It is perhaps not a coincidence that I have encountered younger seeds of Yggdrasil each time, and each time in a place devoid of inhabitants - as Duoventre said, trees suffer many indignities at the hands of Man...

It would be interesting to know if this sapling arose after the destruction of this settlement, or was a witness to it?

[Wired*Nun]

"Oh, my, I think I shall think a while longer about a name. I know of names, after all, I am not a fool, but I always thought of them as something others had. No one has ever spoken to me except the birds, anyway, and their words are simple and often unhelpful. I shall take some time to choose a name, as I shall likely have it for some time to come."

There is a perceptible pause, as if the sapling is ruminating. "I'm really not sure what hapened here. I am only twelve years old, as far as I can tell. At least, I remember twelve summers. I'm not about to go counting my own rings, ho, no, that wouldn't do at all."

"This place has always been this way. Sometimes an animal wanders by, and six summers ago there was a man with a donkey, but he never spoke, and only stayed here for the evening. He had an axe and chopped wood for a fire, and I was terribly afraid he would decide that I was good firewood, so I said nothing."

"Sometimes, in the nighttime, I can see lights away off in the distance, to the west." By improving his vision, Rebis now can see that there is a town or city of some kind, far off in the distance, perhaps thirty miles.

[Tamarind]

Hmm, not oft travelled to then...I wonder if I could create a weave to steer those with hostile intent away - it would need to be self-sustaining to be of much use to this sapling though...I shall give it some thought.

"Thank you for sharing the news of this place with me, in return I will share news of my travels with you..."

As he relates the details of his journeys since leaving Lord Suhuy Rebis ponders the details of such a ward and the possible mechanisms via which it could be powered.

"...and the raven lead me here, to you. I am pleased to have met you, and would hope to travel this way again someday. For now though I must bid you farewell - I shall go and investigate that town in the distance which you spoke of and see what I can learn there."

Bowing to the young tree he turns and focusses on the link with Drax...

Where are you little one, did you find something to play with?

Happy munching noises drift over the link, together with a smug sensation...moments later Drax emerges from the undergrowth, a little larger than before, eyes swirling contentedly.

"I don't suppose you saved any to share did you? No, I didn't think so...", he pats an armoured shoulder and Drax leaps up, growling happily.

Let us see what manner of people dwell in this town...

With a final wave to the young tree and the raven he leaps into the air, leathery wings beating swiftly as he gains height and heads towards the town.

Once we get closer I'll examine the form that these people take, I don't want us to attract too much attention - he smiles ruefully - or be denounced as monsters again...

[Wired*Nun]

As Rebis walks toward the town, the wilder countryside gives way to scattered outlying farms and fields. Noticing the inhabitants to be human, he shifts to that form and sends Drax high into the sky to scout.

The people here seem to be engaged in the normal, picayune tasks of farming or commerce. As he walks along the road, the people lift their hands in greeting to Rebis, a friendly wave to a traveler. High above, Drax can see a town of about ten thousand souls, on the shores of a placid lake. A slow-moving river enters and exits the lake, and barges can be seen moving upon the surface.

The technology level seems to be about late eighteenth-century Earth equivalent - but no powered machines and no firearms of any sort. Well-engineered canals, aqueducts, wind and water mills tell of prosperity, and the people are dressed in gay colors.

Pausing at the outskirts, a quick examination through the Sign of the Logrus shows an artifact of power superficially similar to the pattern-like thing he saw before. This one seems to be under the water of the lake.

[Tamarind]

Intriguing, I wonder if they realise what lies beneath the water...
Continuing on into the town Rebis will smile pleasantly at the inhabitants and seek somewhere to find refreshments, assuming such can be found he will engage the locals in friendly conversation, attempting to learn something of their town, the lake and the river...and if these hold special significance for them.

Meanwhile Drax will fly over the area, scouting, and only a little distracted by anything that could be food....

[Wired*Nun]

Street cafes are common, serving tea and something like coffee, along with local foods. Representing himself as a traveler from afar, it is easy to talk to the locals. Though once of twice Rebis has seen what must be constables, there is no military presence, and no apparent threat.

The people tell him of the Lake People, a race of water-dwellers of great beauty and wisdom, who are immortal. The Shore People give gifts to the Lake People, and in turn, the Lake People do all sorts of magicks to help the Shore People with their crops, irrigation, commerce, healing, and so on. They seem to know nothing specific of the Power under the lake, as only the Lake People ever travel under it.

[Wired*Nun]

Standing next to the glowing Maze, Landon observes Heldrik's encounter, which draws the others' attention.

The first inkling of trouble for Landon is the last he can react to, as he feels an invasive Trump contact seize his attention. Struggling against a powerful mind, he feels like he could defend himself, until another joins in. The first mind feels conventional, human...the second, strange, alien. Landon feels himself being dragged through the trump contact, hears Arthur barking at his side.

The pressure eases abruptly, and Landon finds himself in utter darkness, standing, shaking, next to what feels like a stone wall, on an irregular stone floor. Arthur whines next to him, and sniffs. "Smells like a cave, and people have been here before. Smells like something else too, something like a...a...an animal, I'm not sure."

[TreyKincaide]

As the pressure eases Landon, overcome with dizziness, leans against the walk. He puts his back to it and allows himself to slide down so that he's sitting next to Arthur. He puts one arm around his companion for support as he prepares himself for a pounding headache that might be to come.

Landon's mind races as he grunts to Arthur and in a strained voice asks, "How fresh are the scents? I'm afraid I'm going to have to rely on your nose for the time being."

How long has it been since I've been in Challenger's shadow? Who did this to me? Where are they? How did they place me here without me going directly to them? Or did they? I hate Trump.

A keen cold hatred flares in Landon's heart prompting him to try to bring up the Pattern Lens in his mind's eye to take better stock of his surroundings despite his current mental fatigue.

I'm confident that "they" ( the thought rising a venomous viper) tooks steps to ensure that I am properly captured but I must be sure. "They" will pay for this. Oh, yes, "they" will pay.

[Wired*Nun]

The Pattern reveals nothing, a blackness of the mystical also stygian, empty. "Only the...animal...is fresh. Let me scout around a bit..." He moves off, sniffing along the edge of the wall. "Potatoes...onions, apples...some other roots in a bag here....water...I guess we're not supposed to die right away. Some bedding here, too. Feels like an opening here." He sniffs farther around and comes full circle, laying down with his head in Landon's lap. "Nothing else. Let me know when you want to explore some more. I wish we had some light."

A couple of hours pass, and Landon's fatigue and discomfort diminish, but nothing else changes.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon rests and thinks while petting Arthur.

"We'll get out sooner or later, my friend. We've been in worse scrapes than this."

Landon's thoughts flicker to the ring that Flora gave him and he feels his hands to see if it's still there.

((if it is))
Only if I have to and all other avenues are dead. I assume I'm bait and I'm not going to let anyone share my current predicament.

Landons thoughts turn to sorcerous avenues of escape and he likewise disregards such things for the time being.

"I could chase the darkness away my friend, but I don't know how much our captors know about us and don't want to give anything away until I have to."

Landon rises to his feet using the wall to guide himself.

"Well, for the time being we are 'guests.' I think we should determine the dimensions of our lovely new quarters."

[Wired*Nun]

First Landon finds the bag, with glass jars of what seem to be water or drink. Maneuvering around them, he finds the opening out of the small room he is in. Continuing to folow the left wall, it is only a moment before he sees a faint light, which outlines the corridor he is in. The end, and the light, are about fifty yards down. Creeping slowly towards it, allowing his eyes to adjust, he eventually looks out into a large room, about ten yards by twenty. There are two more openings leaving the room. The light is leaking in through the ceiling, faintly, as if through thick, thick glass.

The walls, floor, and ceiling are all of a glassy bluish rock.

[TreyKincaide]

Content to continue exploring slowly as to not fall Landon continues following the left wall into the first of the unknown caverns.

[Wired*Nun]

The first opening leads into a medium-sized cavern, which contains a cot, sleeping bag, blankets, cooking gear and a gas camping stove, and a large stock of canned goods. There are also a number of books stacked on the floor.

[TreyKincaide]

Strange things to find in a prison. Or is it a prison at all? I think I'm in someone's hideaway away place. Stranger and stranger

Landon tries to light the gas stove hoping it still has propane or it's equivalent left. He looks around and tries to find something that'll burn so he'll have light for a short amount of time. He turns off the gas stove when he starts a small fire and glances through the books on the floor. As he does so he asks Arthur, "The scents of people you smelled before. Were they familiar?"

After Arthur replies and Landon takes stock of his new library he rips apart the cot and attempts to fashion a makeshift torch and light it from his dying fire. He rises and returns to the center chamber still following the left wall. He walks down the other unexplored corridore.

[Wired*Nun]

When Landon touches the gas stove, he feels a tremendous pain shoot through his hand, as it were electrified. He also feels a buffeting blow which drives him back down the corridor toward the dark place that he arrived at. Semiconscious, he hears a deep, sinister chuckle. "You haven't earned any privileges, boy!" the voice says from...somewhere...

Arthur barks, and presses himself close to Landon. "I can't see anyone, or smell them either," he says.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon struggles to remain conscious. He opens and closes his hand to ward away numbness. He tries to bring up his Pattern Lens and hold it in front of himself. He puts one foot in front of the other as he tries to force his way down the corridor to the unexplored cavern.

[Wired*Nun]

As he tries to bring up the Pattern, another blow, from some invisible source, hits him in the stomach, hard enough to make him want to retch. "None of that garbage, foolish Amberite!" Arthur whines and says, "I can't see it! Woof!" Arthur is sent spawling by another blow, as well.

"I always wanted to get hold of one of you upstart scum. You don't look too scary now! Get back to your hole and hide, unless you want some more pain and suffering."

[TreyKincaide]

In a fit of pique and stubbornness Landon tries one last act of defiance as he tries to push himself forward down the cavern.

I will not submit. You will not kill me. Your master went to a lot of trouble to see that I'm conveniently out of the way, but I hold some value otherwise I'd be dead already. I'm sorry Arthur. I'm glad for your company, but you shouldn't have to suffer on my account.

[Wired*Nun]

Landon is picked up and flung backwards, into the dark hole he started in. Arthur folows a moment later. Everything hurts - his shoulder might be dislocated.

Arthur barks furiously, standing over Landon. No more blows come...for now. Apparently it is content to leave him here in the darkness.

[Tamarind]

Genuinely interested in the lives of this little community, Rebis listens attentively



Two races, apparently coexisting peacefully - an encouraging sign perhaps?



Paying his bill at the little cafe and bidding farewell to the locals he walks slowly down to the lakeshore, allowing the power to flow into him as he does so - a look of distracted concentraction on his pale features as he feels outwards, tendrils seeking the image in his mind: a palm sized sphere, a surface smoothed by years of water's caress covered with whorled patterns suggesting ocean tides. A suitable gift for the people he hoped to meet.



After much searching the familiar feeling of being *drawn* indicated he had neared his goal, a faint shimmer in the air and there in his cupped palm lay the sphere, glittering in the late afternoon sunlight.



A short time later reaching the lake shore he sits cross-legged, sphere in his palms and settles down to wait.

[Wired*Nun]

It is not long before one of the Lake People arrive. A willowy blue-green woman, her skin finely scaled, tall and high-breasted, with hair like a sea-plant of pink and white, walks up from the lake. Webbed feet and fingers, and her height, perhaps six inches above six feet, accentuate rather than distract from her intrinsic humanity. She wears a loin-covering of woven leathery material, which seems to absorb no water. Gill slits are clearly visible at her neck.

As the Shore People's language was Thari, so is hers also, without any more accent than would be expected near Chaos. "We felt your power, O magus. I have been sent to greet you in the name of my people, the Fe'el-da'wee." This last word has no translation, only a name to Rebis' ears. "Know you now that I am Sal'wey, the daughter of Pi'il-awan, the First Mage of my people, that you will know that you are honored in this place. I will lead you to the house of my father, there to discuss your labors." She turns gracefully, and despite the differences in their physiques, Rebis feels a stirring in his heart and, perhaps, in other places. She is etherially graceful, achingly beautiful, and altogether desirable. It has been a long while since any woman caught his interest in this way. Her steps lead her into the water, and under it.

[Tamarind]

Such beauty! Her eyes, the shimmering colour of her scales...

Entranced, Rebis realises he has missed the opportunity to reply as she turns and heads back toward the water. Rising smoothly from his cross-legged position he flows into demonform as he follows her down into the water, sphere carefully cupped in his clawed hands.

I must strive to make a good impression, try not to seem so nervous...

[TreyKincaide]

Landon lies on his backside and stares upwards his mind playing tricks in the darkness. He rests dreading the pain that he'll have to inflict on himself should his shoulder need relocating. He asks Arthur as he feels his shoulder determining the extent of his injury, "Those people you smelled before. Were the scents familiar?"

Should he need to put his shoulder back in place he tries to rise to his knees and crawl to a nearby wall. He grits his teeth and hopes he'll faint from the resulting pain. He closes his eyes and beats his shoulder against the wall and cries out.

[Wired*Nun]

Entering the water, Rebis realizes that...it's water. Even in demonform, he cannot breathe water.

[Wired*Nun]

The painful task over with, Landon lies still for a while, resting and letting his body heal somewhat. Presently, he moves over to find the water, stale with long standing, but seemingly pure, which Arthur confirms with his nose. A measured drink helps somewhat, and Arthur laps a bit up himself.

The darkness is interminable, and sleep seems a wise option, for now. Rest, and heal...

Some hours later, Landon wakes, Arthur with him. All is silence. Cautiously approaching the opening, he finds the dirty roots and tubers, and makes an unsatisfying meal of them. Arthur chews doggedly on a potato. "It's not that bad, really...for a while," he says. More water, and Landon feels almost fit again.

[TreyKincaide]

"No, the worst part is in knowing that your enemies know more about you than you realized and that you can do nothing but wait until whatever game they want you to be part of is played out," Landon responds.

Landon leans against the wall and ponders.

So, expected rebellion aside, I'll allow my captor to be believe I'm crushed. One day when it makes a mistake, I'll make the creature choke on its own words. For the time being, though, I need to keep Arthur and myself fit and occupied lest our minds and bodies atrophe.

Landon begins stretching preparing to do what excercises he can during his confinement. He excercises until exhausted and plays word puzzles with Arthur until he gets hungry. He attempts to keep track of time as best as he can and keep himself and Arthur occupied every waking moment to keep from going mad in the darkness. All the while he keeps his eventual freedom and his enemies' despair in the back of his mind.

[Wired*Nun]

Days pass without incident.

[Will Landon be making any attempts to do anything else, test his boundaries so to speak?]

[TreyKincaide]

Periodically, when Landon believes that he could stand another beating Landon pushes the boundary of how far he can go down the cavern. He tries to see how attentive his captor is, how far he can get towards the unexplored cavern. At first he doesn't go very far, but each time he makes it further without incident he grows a bit bolder.

The word games he plays are geared towards discovering the Magic of this Shadow subtly and he's slowly attempting to work out a spell that will allow him to detect the presence of his adversary.

On occasion during a period of respite rather than go down the hallway he tries to Summon his Pattern Lens to mind. He goes about doing so far more slowly than he normally would trying to determine how quickly the creature will respond. At other times he tries pushing the bounds of probability in small ways. He knows the longer he's in this Shadow and the more he excerts his will upon this place he might be able to usurp control.

Everytime Landon has a run in with the creature it is another oppurtunity to study his adversary. The creature is strong and relies upon it's ability to be unseen, however, if it was supposed to kill him it would have done so already. Knowing this Landon can tan it's measure.

[Wired*Nun]

Over the next few weeks, Landon discovers that his captor is not always there. Sometimes it punishes him for transgressions, sometimes not. When it is there, it is cruel, sadistic, taunting.

The desirable items - better food, bedding, etc. - are always protected with some kind of pain-spell or field. There are further caves behind the one with the goodies in it, but there doesn't seem to be anything there. The other chamber seems to be the entrance to the outside, a large cave with a pool of water from a tiny trickl down from above, and an opening in the ceiling, now sealed with a boulder on top of it.

While it is possible to bring the Pattern to mind, Landon's experiments with sorcery all fail. It is as if there is magic in this shadow, or it is disallowed.

The food is barely adequate, and both Landon and Arthur lose weight. His clothes become filthy, and it is hardly worth risking a beating to try to wash them in the pool. The periods he spends nursing bruises become almost routine. His captor appears to relish his tasks.

After some time, Landon begins to hallucinate. Though Arthur can't smell anything in the food or water, Landon suspects he is being drugged, or perhaps it is a spell cast on him. He loses all track of time and begins spiraling down into a kind of pleasant madness.

[Tamarind]

As the water closes around him Rebis allows his form to relax, flesh and bone merging into a homogenous almost-liquid, colours fading to translucent and then transparent as he completes the shift into the flowing liqiud form - a humanoid shape of swirling water, shimmering in the sunlight.

Pausing for a moment to adjust to the pressure of the liquid around him and ensure he has a good grip on the sphere Rebis dives beneath the rippling surface, luxuriating in the freedom and beauty of the water as he
swims swiftly after Sal'wey.

[Wired*Nun]

Under the water, Sal'wey swims rather than walks. Following the gentle slope of the earth, the pair soon come upon a town at the bottom of the lake. The buildings, if one can call them that, are composed of floating shapes, with round doors and windows, anchored against their bouyancy by tethers of some growing plant. Remarking upon this, Sal'wey explains, "As the plant grows, the structure rises toward the surface. When it gets too close, the plant is cut back, and grows up again. Thus is one's dwelling always in flux. I find this helps remind us that all life is change, and there is Flaw in everything. At least, until now."

Through the strange town, the two swim, eventually to a complex of larger structures, anchored at multiple points rather than the usual single point.

"This is the dwelling of my father Pi'il-awan, First Mage. He awaits you."

Entering the largest of the structures, swimming through tunnels lit with magical light and glowing creatures, they come at last to a vast room. Many incomprehensible objects float, rest, swirl, and are anchored here. Rebis suspects that they are magical tools of some sort, but this is certainly a different environment than he is used to.

Pi'il-awan floats in the center of the room, a surprisingly small man, and apparently crippled. His right arm and leg are shriveled, which is fortunately not debilitating in this weightless environment. The skin on that side is a blotchy purple and brown, counterpoint to the healthy blue-green of the other side.

"I greet you, Promised One, in the name of my people. Long have I awaited this day. I have used the Touchstone for the benefit of all in my demesnes, as is proper. All is in readiness to Perfect the Touchstone, and remove the Flaw. We await your initiation."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon settles down into routine and after awhile allows the hallucinations to become more real than his current situation. He alternates between living in happier times during his foray into Shadow and being plagued by ghosts of family that he suspects put him here. At the height of his madness he sees Gray, Heldrik, and Arrotel in visions that range from them rescuing him to Gray being the invisible captor, to the three of them coming to devour him. The worst dreams, however, are those that concern Eric and Flora as they battle each other to see which will be able to "use" him as their tool.

At times it is all that Arthur can do to force water and food down Landon's throat. In his more lucid times he brings up Pattern Defense to lessen the stings of the captors blows. He tries mentally walking the Pattern Lens that he brings up to ward off his madness knowing that if he's going to get out of here he needs to keep his wits about him. In his less lucid moments he couldn't care less.

[Wired*Nun]

The dreams and hallucinations take on another character after a while, though Landon is slow to recognize it. There is a voice, a gentle, brotherly voice, that comforts him, telling him that everything will work out all right, ingratiating itself into his consciousness. This alternates with the cruel, punishing voice and pain. The kind voice sometimes comes to him, in the form of a man - Eric? coming to tend his wounds, to feed him hot broth, giving meaty bones to Arthur, who is a skeleton of his former health.

Interestingly, nothing Landon has has been taken. He fingers the ring from time to time contemplating using it, but discards the idea every time. Only one use, and what if it doesn't work? The Trumps never work...

[TreyKincaide]

Landon during one of his more lucid moments thinks.

They're making me a prisoner in my own mind. I can't tell what's real and what's not anymore. The visions as terrible, as they can be, are at least better than here wherever here is. Is the soothing voice real? Is he one of my captors invoking Stockholm's Syndrome? Why are they holding me? I have nothing of value as far as I'm aware. Is it one of the team that is responsible? Heldrik perhaps in a petty attempt to lead? Gray inflicting her madness upon me to ensure that I join her in deliria? Quiet Arrotel that comes across as so young and inexperienced? I don't know. The ring. Should it work would anyone answer my distress? No, I would rather die in this pit than allow one of my hated family to rescue me. I will not be saved like a child. If only Arthur didn't have to suffer along side. We're dying if we're not already dead. If there is a Hell I most certainly am already there.

Landon tries to maintain hope--a mistake that is made, some trick that he can use, anything aside from someone rescuing him like a wretch--that he'll escape his prison. That is the worst part, of course. That hope that plagues him rides on his back with far greater weight than any hallucination.

[Tamarind]

Fascinating. It seems they believe I am a prophesied redeemer - or sacrifice perhaps. This Touchstone is likely the power I felt before, if so and it is flawed as they say then I may be able to help them...but it would likely be very dangerous. I wonder if this man's deformities are a result of working with this Flawed power - or perhaps he in some way takes on the taint on behalf of his people, acting as a kind of filter. If I am to help I must know more...

Bowing formally to Pi'il-awan he speaks calmly and respectfully,

"Greetings to you and your people Pi'il-awan, I am honoured by your welcome and by this opportunity to visit your realm. Unfortunately I do not believe I am the Promised One you speak of - I arrived in this place only a short time before my meeting with your fair daughter and know little of its ways beyond what the Shore People have been kind enough to share with me. I deeply regret any misunderstanding and offer this gift as a token of my respect and desire for friendship..."

He slowly and carefully proffers the sphere towards Pi'il-awan's good hand, anxious to gauge the reaction to his words...

I hope I have not caused offense, this must be a great disappointment but I would not pretend to be that which I am not...if they are receptive I would be happy to see if I can help them.

[Wired*Nun]

The two, father and daughter, look at one another for a long moment in reaction to Rebis' denial.

When Rebis proffers the trinket, Sal'wey takes it carefully and hands it to her father. Pi'il-awan wraps it in gnarled hands, examining it carefully.

Rebis feels a power growing around Pi'il-awan, something that grates on his nervous system and makes him want to get away. The sphere is soon surrounded with a yellow-gold glow, which then fades. Pi'il-awan looks up from the sphere, not completely hiding a deep disappointment. Sal'wey seems confused, looking from her father to Rebis and back, repeatedly. "I do not understand," she says.

Pi'il-awan replies, "He is not the one, if he says he is not the one. He would know if he was. I felt his great power and made a mistaken leap of faith." Turning to Rebis, he says, "You are still welcome in my house. Let it never be said that my hospitality is lacking. Do not let my disappointment cloud your visit. Salwey will attend you." Pi'il-awan turns away, and swims slowly toward a small opening, a picture of crushed hope. Sal'wey looks after him with sorrow, and if they were not already submerged, there would be tears in her eyes.

"He was so happy, to think the Promised One was finally come."

[Tamarind]

I have crushed his hopes, and hers - it is easy to see the pain she feels for him. I must offer to help, perhaps I am the one they are expecting...my arrival - following a mystical raven on the advice of a tree - was certainly the stuff of prophecy...

"Please, wait a moment First Magus - I may or may not be the one you hoped for, I truly do not know. But I do have some power, I may be able to help - at least let me try?"

As he pleads Rebis allows the Power to flow into him, his vision altering as the Sign forms in his mind

Please let me try...

[Wired*Nun]

Landon's latest vision is different from the ones before. In this one, Eric picks him up and takes him away, leaving Arthur wailing forlornly behind. Landon is dumped into a hot, sweet bath, stripped and scrubbed by strange, small imps or homonculi. Any resistance is met with giggles and dodges by the quick little creatures. If this is a dream, it's not a bad one, really... Landon looks down at himself, sees his bones showing through stretched skin. Must have lost fifty pounds, and I wasn't meaty to begin with. Malnourished, too. Giddy laughter threatens to break from him as he realizes it won't matter, he will soon find himself back in the hole.

After the bath, he is dressed in clean clothing, and fed on soup, all the nourishing broth he can stomach. It starts to dawn on him that this might not be a vision at all. Are they giving me hope, that I may suffer more later? Is this some yearly ritual, as Corwin endured in his captivity? At least I have my sight...

A great weariness takes him then, and he falls asleep on the table. Drugged? Who cares...is his last thought, as consciousness fades.

Hours - days? later, he wakes up with a start. His mind is clear, and he is very thristy. Water sits by the bedside - but what if it's drugged? They probably won't drug the washing-water... he heads for the lavatory, and after relieving himself mightily, drinks deeply from the faucet. Looking in the mirror, he sees that his hair and beard have grown out, black as night. I look like...look like... he can't remember. Somebody...

Still in the clothes from before, he nevertheless feels far cleaner than he has in a long time, and so, sets to examining his new prison.

He is in a room of polished blue marble or obsidian, floor, ceiling, walls. There are no windows, and only one door, which is locked. His Trumps still do not function, nor does his sorcery. Pattern can be brought to mind, but has no effect, small or large, that Landon can see.

It is not long after he has made these experimentations that the door opens, suddenly, abruptly. Standing before him, large as life, is his uncle, Eric, prince, nee` King in Amber. With a jolt and a pounding heart, Landon realizes who he looks like.

[Wired*Nun]

Pi'il-awan watches in fascination, then growing concern as Rebis brings up the Sign. The First Mage brings up his own sign of Power, a sputtering, sparking, rotating thing like nothing Rebis has ever seen before. Pi'il-awan backs away, though there is nothing but an underlying feeling of discomfort to disconcert the two.

Sal'wey looks from one to the other, and shortly Rebis can see a similar Sign hovering before her. "Now that you have shown us your power, what do you intend to do?"

[Tamarind]

Rebis turns and looks at her directly, features rippling in the magical light

"Without your leave, nothing but with your leave I would learn more of the Flaw you spoke of and see whether I can indeed help you and your father...for if it is within my power I would dearly wish to do so."

Throughout this exchange he allows the Sign to show him what it will of this strange power, keen to see any evidence of the Flaw they refer to if it might be connected to the First Magus' condition...

[Wired*Nun]

The flaw is obvious in their Signs, but strangely, the power in the Signs seems to be drawn through the flaw. It is like a bucket of leaking energy, controlled only by the will of the user.

Pi'il-awan says, "Your power is very different from ours, and somewhat unharmonious. I suggest we all put them aside, and I will show you something of interest to you."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon's heart catches in his chest. His temples throb and his mind races. Caught somewhat dumbstruck it is all that he can do but stare.

Do I dare accept the reality that I'm presented? If I do accept it, is this dead man that stands before me remarkably preserved responsible for my captivity? Is he whom he appears, a shade of my doubts come to haunt me, or more tricks of my captors? Where's Arthur?

Best to go a long with it and see where this phantom takes me.

A seed of doubt that Landon begins to grow that he attempts to ignore.

Are you my father?

[Tamarind]

"Of course."

Bowing slightly towards Pi'il-awan Rebis allows the power to dissipate

If he intends to show me the Touchstone I may be able to determine if I really can help them - perhaps this Flaw can be influenced by molding the shadow, gradually...

[Wired*Nun]

More thoughts race through Landon's head...An even more interesting question...is Flora actually still my mother...just because Eric...just because they were brother and sister...I mean, there was Corwin and Dierdre, Julian and Fiona, Delwin and Sand, rumors of frowned-upon matches...

The man standing before him waits, as if knowing Landon needs time to absorb the difference.

Landon sees the man has a plate in his hand - bread, cheese, meat. He puts it on a table, and Landon realizes that he is ravenously hungry. "Go ahead, eat. It's unadulterated. You must be awake for what you will do."

After Landon eats his fill, he speaks. "Come, Landon, there are things I must show you."

Turning, striding down the hall, the broad back of - Eric? - leads Landon onward, down a long blue hall with many doors. Stopping before one of them, seemingly no different from any other, Eric takes a key from around his neck and unlocks the door, then puts the key back. He looks back at Landon for a moment

Opening the door, he steps through, entering a shimmering trumplike curtain.

[Wired*Nun]

Pi'il-awan motions to his daughter, saying, "Lead us." Nodding, she turns and swims down, down through passages, briefly out into the open lake, then into a cavern in the lake's floor. The cave passage is lit by some kind of glowing plant or lichen on the walls, in shades of blue and black.

Down, down, twisting and turning, until Rebis has lost all track of time and sense of distance or direction. The bubbles float upward, and this is his only referent.

Finally, after more than an hour, the three swimmers emerge from a pool, into cold air, misty and damp.

Upon - or in - the floor of a huge cavern, perhaps two hundred yards across, is set something very similar to the construct the scientists of the Nalthon Combine were studying. Pi'il-awan now leans upon a cane, produced - summoned? from somewhere. He hobbles over to the glowing thing, and gestures toward it. "The Touchstone." Pointing toward a spot on the floor, he intones, "The Flaw" And indeed, Rebis can see that in this construct, there is only one break in the line, which would run, spiral-fashion, from out to in.

[TreyKincaide]

For what I will do? Well, I've never had a hallucination make sense in the past; why start now?

Landon pauses before the door.

I feel like Alice. I would know what's on the other side of the looking glass. This is the part of the dream where I either stay here or delve deeper into madness. Well, anywhere is better than the pit where I was. I wonder why I eyes aren't sensitive to light? After being in the dark for so long I should be near blind. Another indication that this is a wishful dream, I suppose. Oh well. Into the breach.

Landon steels himself and steps forward through the door fully expecting the hallucination to end and to discover himself trapped once again in the cave.

[Wired*Nun]

On the other side, Landon finds himself in a garden with delightful breezes and sweet sweet scents. The man who led him here is nowhere in sight, but someone else is. The profile is unmistakable, in a wispy dress, leaning on a railing overlooking a small lake.

Flora...Mother? No....yes? I don't know any more...

Smiling her warmest smile, - just for me - she welcomes him with a more-than-motherly embrace, a kiss on the cheek, and a murmur in his ear. "Welcome to paradise, Landon." Leaning back, she looks at him sweetly, gently - and Landon is aware of the press of her body against his, from the waist down. His loins and heart respond involuntarily. I - I - can't want her, always wanted her, can't want her, this can't be happening... Forbidden desires crash through him like a tsunami, and he can feel his resistance, - oh, so weak - crumbling...

[TreyKincaide]

Landon feels his resistance giving way and his pulse rises as his unhealthier passions threaten to overwhelm him. He grasps Flora in a tight embrace and just as he's about to caress her lips with his own he pauses. The small cynical, if worse, part of himself speaks out from the far end of his mind somehow breaking through the fog of his libido.

This is not real. Flora would not be above using me in this manner. In fact, I'm sure she takes pleasure in the knowledge that I hate myself for wanting her spurring her to further inappropriateness, but for now there's nothing that she could gain by this exchange. This place. This situation. This is a fantasy that's too good to be true. This is not real.

In one last attempt to hold on by a fingernail to his sanity, Landon stops just a hair away from the figure's inviting lips and whispers, "You're not Flora. This is not real."

[Tamarind]

Fascinating, very much like the artefact in the Nalthon Combine, but with only a single break...perhaps this indicates that I am much closer to the Patterns I seek?

"Pi'il-awan, I greatly appreciate the trust you show by bringing me here. It is truly a wondrous sight. If it is not impertinent I would be honoured to hear more of it, and of the Promised One."

Perhaps they are waiting for an Initiate of the Pattern, maybe someone with such an imprint would be able to heal this rift as they traversed it...

[Wired*Nun]

She preses her lips to his, hot tongue in his mouth, and says, "I'm as real as you want me to be, and I can be, over and over, if you want me. Please, want me!"

[Wired*Nun]

"Let us retire, then, since enlightenment is not coming today." As they swim slowly back upwards, he continues. "Our people came from a far place, where we lived in fear of the creatures of the deep. We hid as animals, with hardly a thought for more than survival. Then, one day, as a young man, I had a vision, so strong that I still wonder whether I was not transported to another world or place. A creature that the Shore People call a unicorn came to me, and showed me the path to this place. I followed her instructions, and essayed the Touchstone, became an initiate of its power, an have used it for good all my days."

"The price of the power is the Flaw. Every time I - or any of us - draw power from it, we are wounded, crippled, bled. It extracts from us some of our goodness, and our humanity. I cannot use it any more, for fear of fits of black despair and madness."

"It was promised me by the Unicorn that, before I die, the Promised One would come to mend the Flaw, to perfect the Touchstone, and thus, heal me as well. Sal'wey has been initiated, and has begun to use the Power. She is young, and strong, and it will be some time before she is substantially harmed by it. So I suppose, we must wait some time more."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon becomes rigid his suspicions confirmed, and his visage hardens in anger.

Flora would never say "Please, want me!" She would never have to.

Landon graps her shoulders trying to push her away.

"Who are you, and what is your game?"

A hallucination or a trick. This is not real.

[Wired*Nun]

[he's already rigid, haha. I rather thought he might go ahead and enjoy the hallucination while he had the chance]

She melts in his hands, and blows away like wisps of smoke.

Behind him, he hears the voice again. "Good, Landon. You are as strong as I had hoped. Before you master those around you, you must master yourself. Hopefully you will be strong enough for the task I will set you."

[TreyKincaide]

[He certainly considered it, but Landon's off his game. The illussion was shattered and once that was certain any desire disappeared. If at some point he had really wanted to Landon would have been able to bed down one of Flora's shadows, but it isn't the same]

Landon regains his poise before he turns around. He shifts to face the phantom and locks gazes, but says nothing.

I have played this game before. You approval means very little especially if you are but a fever dream.

Landon tells himself to be wary, but somewhere deep down he finds himself pleased by the praise. He tries to bury it in anger, but doesn't completely succeed.

He keeps speaking of a task. What task can a dead man set before me?

[Wired*Nun]

"You are wondering what the task is, I am sure. All this will become clear in due time. First, you must be toughened further. All your life you have had privilege and ease, with nothing harder than the Pattern to challenge you. You have avoided the hard choices, bedded easy women, made no commitments - in short, you have acted like a spoiled adolescent." Eric turns, sighs. "Not surprising, with Flora for a mother."

The garden shifts, changes, becomes a gladiatorial pit, hot under a desert sun, white marble amphitheatere surrounding. An audience yells appreciatively at the two men, and Eric takes off his shirt, flexing his muscles, tosses his blade aside. He crouches, and begins circling Landon slowly, hands in front of him. "Defend yourself, son."

[Tamarind]

"Pi'il-awan, this confirms what I had started to suspect - there is a distant land called Amber within which lies a Power similar to the Touchstone but without the Flaw. The rulers of this land are initiates of this Power, indeed their forebears created it - and it is rumoured that their sacred creature is a Unicorn."

He pauses, considering,

"Perhaps not coincidentally my father is of this Family, I was journeying to Amber to seek him out when I happened upon your realm - the similarity of the Touchstone to the Pattern of Amber that I sought is what lead me to the shore of the lake above..."

Perhaps I could do this thing for them, perhaps the Flaw could be dissipated via the Logrus. Possible, but it would require me to risk initiating myself into the Touchstone...I would have to study it further first.

"Pi'il-awan, Sal'wey, I would very much like to study the Touchstone with my own Power, I think from a distance this would be safe - but I would only do so with your leave..."

[Wired*Nun]

Emerging from the caverns - seemingly much quicker to get out than in - Pi'il-awan pauses and turns to face Rebis fully. Some hope returns to his eyes, and he replies, "Wisdom is there to be had, if you are appointed to uncover it. I fear I am near the end of my life, and so, like any old man, I grasp at straws. Please, do what you will, so long as you do no harm. Sal'wey will assist you. I am tired, now, and must rest." He swims away, leaving the two floating alone, in the midst of the city of tethered shapes.

"I am at your disposal, O nameless magus of the other worlds." Is there a twinkle in her eye?

[TreyKincaide]

Implying that I'm inbred will not cause me to quake and tremble. Perhaps this is not a dream, but the possibility of trickery is still too strong to ignore. I do not know how long I was comatose and what secrets were ripped from my skull. Is this a test or more torture?

Landon likewise takes off his shirt and stoops to a fighting position. He puts his hands out in front of himself and bends at the knees to have a superior center of gravity.

I'm starved, half dead, and at least 40 pounds shy of my prime. I can't weigh more than 110-120 at the moment. The scenery, are we in a new shadow? Can't tell. Regardless, sorcery is all but useless. Sorcery is but one of my many tricks. I can't beat this 'Eric,' but I sure can give for what I take.

Landon begins mimiccing Eric's movements. He'll fight as dirty as he can and try to use the arena to his benefit. He'll try to gouge at the eyes, knee to the groin, kicking in his opponent's knees and throw sand/dirt in his opponent's face. After being beaten for so long with neither respite nor promise of reprisal he'll gladly allow Eric to be the target of his hatred. He'll take punches to get some in of his own. He'll attempt to retain his calm throughout.

Landon knows that he can't win, but he'll try to match pain for pain.

[Tamarind]

You are so very beautiful....Oh no! I haven't even given you my name - again my manners are nowhere to be found! Fool...

Bowing and coming as close to blushing as a water-sculpture can he turns to Sal'wey, hiding his nervousness behind formality,

"Sal'wey, please forgive my rudeness, my name is Rebis, son of Martin of Amber and Lady Ashlurien of Chaos."

"I will tell you honestly that I do not know if I can do what your father hoped I could, but I will try - I do not think my coming here is a co-incidence. I will seek to learn what I can from my Power but first would you tell me how it was you initiated yourself into the Touchstone?"

Perhaps something in her account will help me understand the nature of the Flaw, at least prepare me for what I think I will have to do...

[Wired*Nun]

Unfortunately, Landon is correct about being far out of shape for this kind of thing. After only a few minutes, he lies, battered and dirty, on the floor of the pit. Six stone of weight advantage, plus skill, make it no contest. Yet, Eric did not hurt him, or punish him, only beat him, and perhaps, gently at that.

Putting back on his clothes and blade, Eric says, "Come, let's get some rest."

Landon follows out of the arena, and into a Romanesque bath house, where young boys bring soaps and towels, shampoo and combs. No one remarks on the many obvious discontinuities in technology and theme - this looks more like Caesars in Las Vegas than Rome. A sumptuous banquet is set, and the servant boys rush to bring the men food while they bathe. Eric stays silent, fending off any questions with, "Later, when you are stronger." Massages come next. Afterwards, Landon is shown to a room with a clean bed, where he falls into exhausted sleep.

Th next day is much the same - an endless, gruelling session of hand-to-hand combat. Regular breaks for water and relief are the only respite, and Landon's sleep each night is deep and long. He gains weight quickly; in perhaps two weeks he is back up near his normal weight, and strengthening. His pain tolerance is much higher, as well, and he improves by leaps and bounds under Eric's tutelage. He no longer thinks of him as anyone else - if he's not Eric, he might as well be, for the nonce.

For diversion, there is a library in the complex. Landon rarely has time to do more than work out and eat, but the library contains classics from a double dozen worlds, including holy books, literature, and history. Nothing of great relevance to his present situation is to be learned, but it rounds out his education, and keeps him from being bored.

There is also a selection of young but full-grown women, who seem to be there as companions. One in particular, Helena, seems to have developed a fondness for Landon, and engages him in conversation whenever she can, and takes to doing whatever he allows her to do for him. She makes it clear she is available for whatever he wants, up to and including her self. She seems sincere, and under no compulsion - but that's how Shadows are, and any Amberite could create a place like this...

After a month or so, the work changes to weapons - staffs first, then spear and blades. Archery, shield work, knives, firearms - everything Landon can think of, has been thought of here. Eric is always careful to avoid giving Landon more than the smallest of opportunities to turn on him.

[Wired*Nun]

"Let us to my dwelling, where we may be more comfortable." A few moments, and they are inside a spacious 'house.' Sal'wey utters a command, or perhaps a spell, and the water drains out of the inner space, leaving them sitting on soft sponge-like furniture. "You may return to human form, if you desire, that you may take sustenance with me." She prepares a meal of sea-foods, and some pale wine from a bottle. "The Shore People make lovely drinks, such as this, from their land-fruits."

"To answer your question, I presume you mean the initiation itself, rather than the long preparation for it. There are many tests and exercises to prepare, but the process itself is simple, though not easy. One merely walks from the edge to the center, avoiding the spiral line. The Flaw is the most difficult part, which requires a great test of will and sanity. Some do not make it despite their preparation. Perhaps half die or go mad. That is the price of power. Once one is in the center, the Power of the Flaw is opened, and all the simple magics learned beforehand are enhanced, strengthened. One can accomplish much, though the more power one draws through the Flaw, the greater the damage to the self."

[Tamarind]

At her invitation Rebis solidifies into his human form and gratefully accepts the offered food and wine

"This is lovely Sal'wey, thank you." His fingers brush lightly against hers for a moment as he accepts the glass and he blushes, quickly drawing his hand away

What a fool she must think me, it was only a touch...but yet my heart quickens. I cannot allow her to suffer as her father has if there is even a chance I can help...I must try. I must take this test.

As she begins to describe the initiation he listens attentively, his nervousness fading as his mind works on the problem at hand

It does sound remarkably similar to what Suhuy told me of the initiation into the Pattern - though subtly different. The Flaw reminds me strongly of my ordeal with the Logrus, if its power is truly derived from Chaos then I believe I have the means to help them...

After they have eaten Rebis stands and moves across the room from Sal'wey,

"Thank you again Sal'wey, with your leave I should like to see what I can learn with my Power - now I understand more of the nature of the Flaw"

After a short pause he calls once more on the Logrus,feeling his senses come alive as the power flows into him. The Sign complete he focuses his attention in the direction of the Touchstone, seeking to learn what he can from this passive examination - anxious to see if his theory as to the nature of the Flaw will be borne out....

[Wired*Nun]

Signalling him to be comfortable, Sal'wey withdraws across the room, to observe, but also to be away from his Chaos power. Her eyes never leave his, and he finds it difficult, at the start, to concentrate on the Logrus. I would rather sink, for a time, into those deep still pools...

The Touchstone seems much like the earlier artifact, though less disharmonious. The one Flaw is, as expected, leaking energy into the surrounding areas, and with the Sign, he can see that it supports, but warps, all life in the area. Like some sort of growth hormone, its effect is generally positive, but with greater mutation and variation. The amazing fertility of the lake and the ground is largely due to this energy, and it reminds him of some Chaos shadows, where the energy of Chaos itself runs rampant, producing unrestrained growth and adaptation.

However, the energy itself is most certainly not that of Chaos. As Chaos induces change, this energy induces growth - and he knows that unrestrained, unchanneled growth is merely cancer. We call ourselves Lords of Chaos, yet what we really do is impose enough order on Chaos to make it useful.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon finds that he comes to enjoy his daily routine and comes to looking forward to his time that he spends with Eric. He lays aside his doubts for the time being and concentrates on benefitting from training. As much as he wants to question, Eric, he leaves off expecting Eric to divulge in his own time.

Every morning Landon gets up and stares at himself in the mirror-I'm in the best shape of my life-noticing small differences that are emerging. The novelty of having a beard amuses Landon and he trims it down to a stylish goatee. Sometimes he stares at the beard and remembers his imprisonment. He makes a vow to himself at these times to never forgive nor forget. He wonders about Arthur, and hopes that someday he'll be able to rescue his friend.

After a bit of hesitation, Landon's libido gets the best of him. One late night he takes Helena in the bath house. Thereafter his nights tend to be as busy as his days. He finds that he grows fond of her company and, to his surprise, their conversations are as pleasant as their "extra-curricular" activities.

Landon finds himself becoming happy and content for the first time since leaving Landon, Englund. Small doubts intrude from time to time, but occur so less frequently.

[Tamarind]

Rebis turns and looks deep into Sal'wey's eyes, diffidence replaced with a fierce intensity,

"I see now the true effect of the Flaw...at once similar and yet different to the Power I had originally expected. It is simultaneously supporting and corrupting everything here. Sal'wey, I want to help, take me back to the Touchstone - I will take the initiation as your father hoped and use my powers to try and heal the Flaw. I cannot stand by."

I cannot let this happen to you too

[Wired*Nun]

Psychic exercises are next. Though none involve sorcery, Eric engages Landon in daily psychic combat, exercises of bringing up the Pattern, using it for defense and attack against mystical targets.

All of these exercises are grueling as well, and Landon knows his endurance has increased along with his skills. throughout, Helena has been a steady support, a sounding board, a shoulder to cry on, someone to vent to when the frustration and rage threaten to overcome him, someone to hold him close when he wakes up sweating from the bad dreams...fewer and fewer, now. Though not someone who would normally catch his eye, Helena's turned-up nose, brown hair, brown eyes and cafe-au-lait complexion have changed his opinion completely about his taste in women...or maybe, it's just Helena.

Months pass this way, until one day that seems different from all the rest. First of all, Eric doesn't show up at his usual time. As Helena cleans up breakfast, and Landon looks out the door of their cottage, he realizes that at last, his mind is clear, his thoughts are free, and he is at peace with himself, more than he has ever been before. Maybe the road to Heaven really does lead through Hell.

Helena tugs on Landon's elbow, and he allows himself to be turned around and kissed, and drawn back to the breakfast table.

Helena seems to glow a bit brighter today, and she looks at him, as if trying to figure out how to say something.

"Landon...Landon, have you every thought about..well, making this arrangement permanent? You know I love you...and though you never said so, I think you love me too...maybe enough?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Excellent Rebis, you must have had a long day, and what is one day more or less, after a lifetime of waiting? Will you not relax with me, here, and tell me of the wider world? For all our power, I have traveled little, and have devoted my life to helping with my father's work and the prosperity of this land. Talk with me, for I have no companion but the Touchstone, which is a harsh master. Talk with me, and I will sing for you, and so shall we share this time, for tomorrow, who knows what good or ill may come?"

As enchanted as Rebis is with Sal'wey, he sees now the inner melancholy that holds her in its grip - the hoping against hope, the desperate longing held in check by an iron will. To a Lord of Chaos, prophecy is just another manifestation of universal effects and causes, endlessly chasing each other around, impossible to fully untangle. Perhaps I really am to fulfil this prophecy; or perhaps, prophecy seizes upon me as an opportunity, like a lamprey on a passing fish...

[TreyKincaide]

Landon goes to respond and stops looking deep into her eyes.

I am happy here. Why not settle down? This is a paradise that I might never have again. No suffering. No wanting. No paranoia. No worrying. No fear. No family.

Responsibility. Duty. How important are these things really? I've did nought until now but pay them lipservice. Amber. Like it or not I am a son of that place. Arthur. I haven't thought of him in months. Will I stay here or venture out and do those things that I need to do?

Would I expose Helena to those things that are now beyond her ken and in doing so change her forever? No. I also can't leave her to wait on me. I do care about her, and that's the problem. One day I will leave and she'll wait maybe until she dies. No. I can't do that. I will not string her along either. I suppose that in time even Eden can grow sour.

Landon for the first time finds himself grasping for words, "It is true that I have grown fond of you and our time together. I am a guest in this place at the lord's convenience. In time he will gift me a task as price for his hospitality, and I'll leave perhaps never to return. I fain think of you saving yourself in hope of something that might never be. Would that I bring you with me there would be nought but peril. It would entail you leaving behind everything that you have ever known and, perhaps in doing so, turn the sweetness you have towards me sour."

"I have grown to care for you too deeply to allow you to endanger yourself on my behalf. I would not string you on either. I have treasured the time we have had together. I would treasure any more time we have together more than you can know, but, dear, nothing is permanent and someday I must go. If this turns your feelings towards me ill, then so be it and I will fondly hold on to your memories."

Landon's thoughts turn to the stories of Corwin and Lorraine. He feels eerily sympathic to his father's one time hated enemy. His thoughts turn to his friend, Merlin, and he wonders how his friend is faring in the courts.

[Tamarind]

It is true that it has been a time since I rested, this day has been a full one in all ways...and I can think of nothing sweeter than to share tales with you Sal'wey, and to hear you sing...

"Oh Sal'wey, you speak true - today has been a day fuller than any I can recall. That you would wish to hear of my travels warms my heart, I only hope the telling does not disappoint...for to hear thee sing would bring me more joy than I can say"

For a moment he holds her gaze his feelings writ clear on his face, then he looks down, afraid he has spoke too much...

[Wired*Nun]

"So it is spoken, so it shall be." This has the sound of an adage, and it occurs to Rebis that a water-dwelling people would probably develop writing late, if at all, unless shown the concept by land-dwellers. Thus, oral traditions would be paramount. So it proves, as Sal'wey sings sad songs of heros and myth, love and death, different but the same as those of other people, and time swirls away. For all their magic and learning, these people are still unsophisticated, unspoiled...so unlike the Courts.

When Sal'wey finishes her songs, she moves lithley to Rebis' side and lays her head in his lap, face turned upward. It is an uncalculated gesture, childlike, of affection rather than seduction. "Tell me of yourself and your travels, my lord." Her eyes contain depths greater than any sea.

[Wired*Nun]

Expected tears fill her eyes. "I do not care what you do or where you go. Men always go off to war, to return home with their shield, or upon it. I know you are a warrior, Landon, and I know that the King has great plans for you. That changes nothing. Whither thou goest, will I also go, and whither thou lodge, will I also lodge, and thy people shall be my people, and thy gods, my gods. If you leave me, I will always wait for you. I am yours, whether you want me or not." She takes his hands in both of hers.

"Does it change your mind, that I tell you I carry your child within me?"

[Tamarind]

For a moment Rebis simply looks into her eyes, entranced, then he begins to tell of his life. Lost in a feeling he has never known before he finds himself sharing details and feelings he has never told another as he speaks of the rigorous lessons of Ashlurien's tutors, the pleasant time learning with Suhuy, his joy at receiving his first birthday present and the wonder when it hatched into baby Drax...the longing to know of his parents, the bitter truth of his mother's disowning of him and the desperate hope kindled when he learned of his father - the horror and seductiveness of the Logrus and the years spent learning its secrets. The hours drift by as he comes at last to his meetings with Ygg and its seedlings and his arrival at the Lake, as he speaks his hand unconciously caresses her cheek, smoothing her soft pink hair.

"and so I met you, and found a joy I have never known..."

[Wired*Nun]

Her face breaks out into an amazing smile, displaying white sharp teeth and joy. Half-sitting up, she easily brings her face in front of his, and kisses him impulsively, if clumsily, then blushes. "Is that not how it is done? I have watched, and seen the others..." She turns a deeper color, almost brown as the hues of blood and skin collide.

"I have known all my life I would be the fulfillment of the prophecy, and that you would come, and help us in our time of need. I was afraid that the promised one would be...unlovely, but you are in all ways lovely, and I am now complete. The others of my age flirt, and eventually select a mate, taking months or years to choose. I am happy the choice has been made for me, and that the Touchstone has chosen so wisely."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon grasps Helena's hands tightly.

"I'm sorry my love. I have been unkind, but I had to know that you were prepared for what you were asking. I had to know that you were sincere in your affections as I've been courted in the past for my position."

Landon, still holding Helena's hands, slides from his chair and takes a knee as custom from his home Shadow Earth oh so long ago. "Helena, I can not promise you that we will live a life of ease. I can not promise you that life will be kind to our child. I can promise, however, to love and cherish you as long as we both walk this long dreary road we call life. I can promise you that our son or daughter will have a name and in that name be great."

"Helena will you join your blood with mine becoming one. Should life around us wither, will you join me forever more in that paradise that we create?"

Landon waits for Helena to say yes and the stands. With a smile pulls her out of her seat and twirls her around repeating in a whisper, "I'm going to be a father."

A small meek and overhelmed voice in the back of Landon's head sighs Oh boy...

[Wired*Nun]

A breathless "I will" is all the reply Helena needs give, and the rest of their day is filled with joy and ease. How much does he know, and how much does he arrange? I hope I'm not still living in my own head, my body in the filth...

The next day brings another improvement - Reward? Am I so easily bent? As Eric enters the garden gate, an enormous bounding mass of Wolfhound, seemingly all tongue and paws, nearly bowls Landon over. "Happy happy happy to see you Landon happy happy happy" is all he seems to be able to say for a few moments. Of course, all Helena hears is excited barking and wuffing, and stands, somewhat in trepidation of the dog that nearly outweighs Landon himself.

"You look different," is the next intelligible thing Arthur says, after he has calmed down somewhat. "You have a mate!" is the third.

[Tamarind]

"I can imagine none lovelier than you Sal'wey, I too thank the Touchstone for bringing us together..."

Reaching forward he catches her lightly in his arms and kisses her, a little clumsily but with passion.

After a time, as if unable to accept this new-found happiness a corner of his mind throws up an alarming possibility, "I would be the fulfillment of the prophecy", she said. What did she mean? That she would be lost? Is that what this prophecy demands - her sacrifice?

Drawing back, face creased with worry he looks urgently into her eyes,

"Sal'wey, the prophecy - what does it say? Please, tell me now, I must know"

I will not lose you...I will not.

[Wired*Nun]

"Be not alarmed, my love. I mean only that the prophecy says that I am to be the Promised One's mate and strong right arm, and thus, I am as much a fulfillment of it as you. Forgive me, for my lack of clarity. In my limited experience, holy books and prophecies are seldom this clear, and thus I may seem to take things for granted which you of course are only just made aware of."

[TreyKincaide]

To ease Helena Landon picks Arthur up inspite of his size and cradles the dog as one would a babe and scratches his belly.

"I've missed you, Arthur. You have never been far from my thoughts. Yes, I am different. My old clothes or rags, if you would, were discarded and I've kept the beard and my natural hair color. Yes, I have a mate. She seems to be a bit intimidated by your size good friend. Perhaps proper introductions are in order."

Landon sets Arthur on the ground and scratches his ears with one hand. With the other he takes Helena by the hand and draws it towards Arthur's nose so he can sniff her and lick her hand.

"Helena, may I have the honor of introducing to you my steadfast friend, Arthur, who has been with me since I was a young lad."

He turns to Helena "He is quite intelligent and understands the human tongue even if he cannot speak it. I have been with him so long that I understand him. I assure you that he is as gentle as a babe and an individual of higher character than most people that I've had the misfortunate of knowing. Indeed, on many occasions he has proved to be my conscience in times of doubt."

He turns to Arthur, "Arthur, this Helena, my love, my future wife, and future mother of my child. A more gentle and caring woman you will never meet."

"I should hope that the two of you become fast friends for we will be family."

Landon glances to Eric with a neutral look upon his face neither questioning nor accusing as Helena and Arthur become acquainted.

Are you my captor or my savior? I had once thought I was a player of the game, but I see that I have been but a child in the presence of my elders to be twisted to their will with ease. Regardless of your intentions thank you for this lesson.

[updated COMMS]

[Wired*Nun]

Helena quickly gets over her hesitancy, and scratches Arthur all over the head and neck, making baby-talk noises to him. Despite Landon's explanation, she obviously thinks of him as a pet rather than a friend - but she will learn, in time. For his part, Arthur revels in the attention, turning over on the ground to have his belly rubbed, and frolicking like a puppy.

After a few minutes, Eric motions and announces, "Back to work, Landon." He turns and walks back toward the arena.

When Landon enters the arena with him, the scene lengthens, as if in a dream or movie, and turns into a tunnel of swirling light. The end of the tunnel rushes forward, and the two are expelled, without apparent movement, upon a green grassy sward strongly reminiscent of the gardens at his erstwhile dwellings.

In front of him stands a large ash tree, a flock of ravens sitting in its branches. Beneath the tree stands a bright red convertible, and Eric walks over, opens the passenger door, and motions Landon inside. Assuming he gets inside and sits, Eric's short trip to the drivers side is completely ignored as, having turned around to sit in the car, Landon realizes there are much more important things to be seen in front of him.

Through the windshield, Landon gazes out over a Pattern. Different from any he has ever seen, it shines with ruby light, swirling between pink-veined marble, even under the molten golden sun. Though he is not able to examine it thoroughly, it looks unmarked, unbroken and he can feel its unmistakable power.

Eric switches on the radio, which begins playing "Beach Baby" from the Beach Boys.

"I suppose explanations are now in order," he says drily. "Ask away."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon listens to the refrain of the song as he organizes his thoughts. He's been envisioning this moment since he arrived. Longed for it as a lover longs for his sweetheart's caress. Now that it arrives, Landon finds himself gazing out over the unfamiliar Pattern. His carefully prepared list of questions fogs from his mind. Knowing that no question nor answer can possibly satisfy what he's been through he simply begins with, "Why?"

[Wired*Nun]

A smile. "Because?"

A moment more.

"Dispensing with the obvious, and the past, I need you. The only thing is, the better question is 'who.' Best you discover it yourself, a piece at a time. Spoon-feeding is not nourishing."

"First, bring up your Pattern and look at me, carefully."

Puzzled, Landon does this thing. Eric is swirling with Pattern energy. In fact, it would be fair to say that he is...composed of Pattern energy. Why didn't I see this before? Because I wasn't supposed to. I suppose...

"You see, I am Eric...and I am not. I never knew you even when I was alive, and have only learned about you from arcane sources. I believe Flora hid you from me, perhaps for insurance. In any case, this Pattern...synthesized me, I suppose you could say. So, in a way, I am it, and it is me."

[TreyKincaide]

"I can accept that. Your mastery over Shadow implies such, and it is an easier explanation to deal with than you really being alive. Although, I did not realize that the Pattern had designs, but seeing as Dworkin was so linked with his own, it makes sense."

"So, I would venture a guess that you are an image of Eric imprinted on the Pattern as the Pattern imprints upon us. I do not understand how Flora, hid me from this place or would believe she needed insurance against such. How would it be possible when I have walked the Pattern? Do you know if she is indeed my mother? For that matter how could you be sure I'm Eric's--facial resemblences aside?"

Landon's mutters as he line of thinking changes. "Unless, of course, I have not walked this Pattern for it is no reflection but a singular design much like C-"

Landon was about to say Corwin's, but looks at his company and quickly coughs "Merlin's father's? Then I suppose my next questions would be who inscribed this Pattern and what use would it put me to?"

[Wired*Nun]

Amusement passes over Eric's face for a moment. "Corwin, Corwin, Corwin. Funny thing about that. In resynthesizing me, this Pattern removed all trace of the earlier enmity. I know about it, intellectually, but there is no emotion to it. I suppose that is necessary, for I am, you could say, kind of working for him. My memories are not even my memories, I suppose, though they feel that way to me." The song on the radio ends, and changes to "We've Only Just Begun" by The Carpenters.

An airy wave, and a lit cigarette appears in Eric's hand. After a deep drag, he goes on. "Yes, this is not your father's Pattern, nor your Father's '57 Chevy. That's why I'm not your father's Eric, for I am assembled from memories of Eric, many of them Corwin's. I believe you are Eric's because this - Corwin's - Pattern believes you are. Corwin never bought Flora's explanation about her presence on Shadow Earth...that's what led to eventual investigation, and you. Soon after you walked the Pattern in Amber, Dworkin knew you were Eric's...but not Flora's. Hope that doesn't upset your apple cart too much. Maybe you always knew it, deep down. Most men don't lust after their mothers the way you have after her...oh, it's all right, I've felt it too. I'm not a machine."

At the last question he gives a pained smile. "Everyone is here to be used. Freedom is always limited. Before, you were a pawn on the chessboard. You are about to be promoted to Bishop. That's probably the best deal you can expect, right now. If you think about it, are even Dworkin, Merlin, or Corwin more than playing pieces? Powerful ones, to be sure - Kings, Queens - but not Players."

Crushing out the cigarette against the outside of the car door, Eric reaches into the back seat, and brings out a sheathed sword, dropping it into Landon's lap.

[Tamarind]

"No forgiveness is needed, I allowed my worries to overtake me. Usually when such a mood overtakes me Drax makes a point of bringing me out of it - several points usually", he smiles and pretends to rub at his shoulder, "You must meet Drax, you will like him, he is a most wonderful little creature - very energetic. But now however much I might wish otherwise I should rest - for tomorrow must take the test of the Touchstone, and will need all my strength"

He kisses her lightly, happiness apparent in his eyes,

"Thank you for this night my love - it has been full of joy"

[Wired*Nun]

"And for me as well. Let us sleep here, in each other's arms, if it be not too much vexing unto you." She smiles a playful smile. "More may we not do, no matter our desire, for our union has not yet been blessed by my father, though I am sure it will be."

She wraps him up in strong arms, pulling over them a feathery blanket of some unknown material, similar to her clothing, and her breasts are sweet upon his back, her breath upon his neck, and, tired from his day, Rebis soon sleeps, deep beneath the placid lake.

The next morning finds light leaking through the translucent material of Sal'wey's home, and Sal'wey herself up, preparing breakfast. It is almost unrecognizable - cooked leaves, a soup, pickled plants and flesh of sea creatures - but having seen stranger things in Chaos, he tries all the choices with equinamity, learning what he likes.

"How do you feel, my love? And what shall we do first? Shall we talk to my father, or meet my people, or charge right into battle and try to set the universe to rights?" That playful smile again, that crinkle above her nose, the way the light hits her exquisitely fine scales...

[TreyKincaide]

Landon gives a bit of a grin when Eric says that last part regarding Flora and a "Heh."

At least I can stop torturing myself about feelings that aren't quite so dirty. I wonder if deep down, in her own twisted way, she's became fond of the boy she wished for a tool. Regardless of her intentions, though, she all but ruined me and I shall not give her the oppurtunity to do so again even if I don't hold malice against her.

Landon looks down at the sword Eric deposited in his lap and grasps the hilt pulling it slightly out of its sheath.

"Well, I must admit the potential of moving eight steps to my previous one is attractive. I have never met Corwin, although, I know that Random holds him in high regards. I am quite fond of Merlin, and if even if you hadn't spent the year with me I would be inclined to help him and his father even if my sister" Gray is my sister "bears them ill will."

"Aside from what you would have me do and why, who was responsible for my capture as I'm very intent on that not happening again, and do you have any idea of who my real mother is?"

Landon pauses for a second and looks pensive before grinning.

"I think the only further question is: Got another smoke?"

[Wired*Nun]

He motions toward the glove compartment, where, upon opening it, Landon finds a vintage pack of Camels, and a classic Zippo.

"Hmmph. I'd like to say I rescued you, but I am too honest a ghost for that. I guess in a way I did, but not the way you think."

"You were getting too involved with Maze and would have soon been under its spell, I suspect. One of this Pattern's agents was instructed to get you out of there, and to prepare you for your eventual transformation. Cognitive disruption, I think it is called. Like basic training in the military. Your world had to be upset far enough to make you susceptible to new patterns of thinking, a rebuilding of some basic assumptions about yourself and your capabilities. If it makes you feel any better, I wasn't a part of that, I was...created, I supposed you'd say, to be the 'good cop.' You can blame the Pattern, and if you need someone to hate, you can hate the agent, or the agent's demon, if you ever run across him. I don't think I have the capacity to hate, so I wouldn't know, but I don't think you have to worry about that happening again."

He reaches over to take one of the cigarettes, lights it and fills his lungs. "Eric - the original - liked to smoke, so I do too. No cancer worries, either, that's nice. Your real mother...I'm not sure, really. I don't have those memories. Flora might know. I'm sorry I don't know more."

He waves at the sword with the cigarette. "Take it out." When Landon does, he sees tracery of Pattern on the blade, like Heldrik's - but this one is silver, with fine black etched deep in the tracery. "On loan from the boss."

[TreyKincaide]

Holy shit! This is Greyswandir!

Landon's surprise is so evident that he drops his lit cigarette in his lap. "Fuck," he curses as he grabs the cigarette and pats his pants to extinguish the ash.

Whatever they're having me do, it must be damn serious.

"If I was in danger of corruption, does that mean the others have fallen victim? I dislike the thought that they and Siodmak will dog my footsteps. This Maze must be a much more fearsome threat than I was lead to believe."

[Wired*Nun]

"Maze? Well, actually...no, not a fearsome threat. At least, not yet. I think Corwin is still evaluating that one. It seems to be either a threat to neither, or both, ends of the multiverse. It's certainly a mystery Player. Actually, I think you'll be surprised at the task you will be set." A pause, and a piercing look.

"He wants you to erase a Pattern."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon coughs as a much needed drag from the cigarette catches in his throat.

"If it was anyone else, I'd think you were fucking mad or joking. Any particular reason that Corwin's Pattern wants me to commit treason with a capital T?"

[Tamarind]

"Very well rested - I cannot recall a more peaceful night's sleep, or a more pleasant evening."

Rebis investigates breakfast with curiousity, interested to try the new tastes and textures and surprisingly hungry

I must remember to save some of this sea-creature for Drax, he would most definitely approve...

"I should like to take the Test as soon as possible - so many of my theories to help depend on insight I may only gain by experiencing the Flaw for myself - but I should consult with the First Magus beforehand and ask his permission to assay the Touchstone"

And after that I will face these crowds of people...I am more nervous of that than of the the Touchstone

[Wired*Nun]

"Yeah." He blows out a cloud of smoke. "Things are sliding into the Pit, just really really slowly. When Corwin drew his Pattern, he upset an equilibrium that has persisted for millenia. That made it two to one, Patterns vs. Logrus, Chaos vs. doubled Order - Serpent vs. an Unicorn on steroids."

"Look what that has spawned. Someone has created, or synthesized, a new Power, which contains aspects of both. Theoretically, that should be a stabilizing force...theoretically. In reality it could be a catastrophe. Someone is meddling with the fate of the universe, someone at present unknown."

"What's more, the Primal Pattern has taken to scheming to absorb its children, the Broken Patterns, to make itself stronger - wiping out entire shadows and populations in the process. To do that, it must repair these Broken Patterns, and to do that, it needs the Jewel. You've heard the tales of how Dworkin sent the Jewel away with Coral. I think you can now see why he did that."

"But the balance still needs to be redressed. Primal and Amber would both see erasing one of its spawn as an attack on itself. What's left?"

[TreyKincaide]

Landon frowns, "You can't possibly be suggesting what you seem to be suggesting? You couldn't have brought me all this way to assist Corwin's Pattern in some half baked form of Euthanasia? If that's the case, I would say that I never would have taken Corwin for the martyr." Landon says sardonically.

Corwin can't want that, can he? It would kill him. I would kill him. Merlin and Random would chase me to the ends of creation with lawful reason.

Perhaps he chose a child of Eric for this very reason. "Here's the chance that your father never got; you're screwed if you do and screwed if you don't." What in the name of the Unicorn's madness is this?

"What else is left? The only other Pattern I know of resides in the Jewel of Judgment."

[Wired*Nun]

"Landon, Landon, Landon. I'm sure if Dworkin thought the Jewel should be destroyed, he would do it, but that would be throwing the baby out with the bath. Nor do I mean this one," gesturing at the Pattern in front of them.

"Those two aren't the immediate problem. It's those damn Broken patterns, out there in shadow. They are the fortresses in an empire of Order - one that is advancing, albeit slowly. They are still being created, spawned. It's affecting the shadows they occur in, spreading too much Order, driving the Chaos back upon itself, which gets weaker and weaker. The process is accelerating."

"He - we - don't want to destroy the empire, just...knock down a few forts. Buy some time. Equalize things a little." Another drag, exhale. "Treat the symptom until we can find a cure."

"Corwin's Pattern is not the same as the Primal. It wasn't born to continuous struggle, or nursed on the prejudices of its patrons and servants. It really is a new place, a new thing, and because it is part Corwin, it is willing to sacrifice ambition for peace. That's what Corwin learned, cursing and killing Eric, becoming King, an empty office for him."

[TreyKincaide]

I need to start looking at the forest and not the trees if I'm going to get anywhere from now on.

"So you're proposing to start a break fire in order to slow down the Pattern's advance until something more permanent is decided." Landon says pensively. "How complete must be the Pattern(s) that you want me to destroy as I assume the idea is to choke off its shadows as well? Any thing too close to Amber will result in immediate response and retribution, but any too far away will do nothing but alert the Pattern to my actions and force it to seize more with fervor. What exactly did you have in mind, and what defenses will this Broken Pattern bring to bear were I to do this thing?"

Landon stubs out his cigarette and resists the urge for another.

A stalling tactic. Do they have a greater plan in mind or is Corwin still "studying" the problem like the Maze? I think that at least in that regards they've traded-for nothing is free-what they will on that matter. They'll tell me what they need to so that I can accomplish their task. They could have lied about my imprisonment, but they did not.

It always comes down to Blood, I suppose. Blood shed willfully or unwillfully. The old Landon would go about this task in a different way, I'd imagine. He'd go and trick someone into doing it for him or force them when that failed. Have I changed so much or am I decieving myself? Time will tell, I suppose. When this is done, though, I think it's time for me to decide what kind of man I want to be and not what others think I should be.

[Wired*Nun]

Eric turns toward Landon and grips his knee, smiling. "Good! You're thinking now, son. That's what we need if we're to keep this thing from falling apart."

"Now you begin to see why we need you. Well, to be frank, we need someone, and you turned out to be him. Someone has to erase the Pattern while others hold its reactions - and perhaps the reactions of the Primal - at bay. Corwin's Pattern can help, of course, but it's its children we will be killing, at least at first. This first one will be an easy one. A dry run, a rehearsal for more difficult things to come. We will have the Jewel, and Corwin, and this Pattern, and perhaps others. And you. You'll have to actually do it. It takes someone of the Blood, and that leaves Coral, Corwin, and you. It can't be her, and it won't be him - he's too connected, too important."

[TreyKincaide]

"Too humble." Landon finishes with a grin.

It's children at first it said. Hmmmm...ambition in favor of peace. How ambitious for peace is this Pattern? Where will their design end?

"I find the merit and see the need in what you're proposing. Corwin has exposed himself enough simply by loaning me Grayswandir as I doubt anyone would believe that I took it by force. I'm sure that his energies are best placed keeping the Pattern at bay and that his actions will be felt if not seen."

"After this dry run, my life will be increasingly difficult. Even should you be able to hold its direct attentions at bay, sooner or later it will begin sending its agents and family after me as this plan continues and I'll have to stay one step ahead. Indeed returning to Amber would be a piss poor idea. I wouldn't be family if I didn't ask, aside from patriotism--no small thing, what's in it for me to do this dirty deed and become an exile?"

[Wired*Nun]

A look composed of surprise, respect and amusement comes over Eric. "You were always an exile. And, these things tend to blow over, if you let them. Corwin and Bleys butchered thousands of Amberites in a bid for the throne, and indirectly caused the original Eric's death. Rinaldo killed Caine. Brand stabbed Martin and damaged the Primal - but he could have been forgiven that, if that's all it had been. Corwin made up with Julian, and then there's the whole thing with Merlin, who got in the middle of that high-level power struggle - and he's King in Chaos. So what if you get exiled, for a while. Random got exiled, got punished, and imprisoned, and that turned out all right. The Family are not pawns of the Pattern, and what is good for the Pattern is not necessarily what's good for Amber - or the rest of reality."

"The family is also not monolithic. Being kept out of Amber proper for a few years or a few dozen isn't the worst thing that can happen to you. After all, you will be risking madness and death erasing a Broken Pattern. You will be in very good with Corwin's Pattern, so you'll have a refuge. I don't see Flora disowning you either. I think she likes you."

[Wired*Nun]

"Let us visit my father, then." She looks at Rebis coyly. "You may also ask for my hand, if you wish, at that time."

Sal'wey leads Rebis back through the watery ways, to the house of her father a short distance away. Again in the great room, floating among the strange and varied objects, Pi'il-awan floats, meditating, Rebis' gift hanging in the water before him.

[Tamarind]

This is all moving so quickly...I need to focus on the matter at hand, the ordeal of the Touchstone and the Flaw. I have some theories, draining the Flaw's taint into a shadow pocket via a Logrus link, perhaps or molding the shadow to reduce or eliminate its influence - but I need a more direct experience of its nature to continue...afterwards, then there will be time to think of other matters

Rebis waits patiently for Pi'il-awan to acknowledge their presence, then speaks

"Greetings Pi'il-awan, I hope I do not disturb you. I have thought long on the events that lead me here and the history that you have shared with me - and the effects of the Flaw on you, your people and this place. I would like your permission to undertake the initiation."

[TreyKincaide]

"I think I see what you're getting at. Flora's" Landon coughs "good attentions can be quite troublesome at times, but that is an issue that I'll resolve on my own another day."

"Is there anything else I should know before I set out on this quest? I would see to the well being of Helena and the marriage before I leave. I don't want my child to grow up not knowing me."

[Sorry the on brief reply. Working on a paper that's due in an hour and I needed a break.]

[Wired*Nun]

[No apologies necessary.]

"I can guarantee you that, come what may, Helena and your child will be taken care of. Hell, we both know it's blatant manipulation, but it's honest manipulation, aboveboard and backed up by the full credit of this Pattern. They will thrive, where they are, and eventually, Corwin intends to found a permanent place, a city, something like Amber, but different."

"If you intend to marry her, Corwin will do it. It will be as official as anything else, and more than some. Any desires on the theme?"

[Wired*Nun]

"I have thought long about this, as I expected you would ask. If you are the Promised One, then of course, you would be welcome. If you are not, I do not know what would happen."

"I have come to the conclusion that if you are not, then there is still a Promised One coming, somehow, some way. If so, could you disrupt the prophecy? This a central question."

"Follow my logic in this: I believe that merely initiating yourself into the Touchstone is not a problem. Your power is already as great, if not greater, than ours. Trying to repair the Flaw if you are not the Promised One is the problem. Of course, there is also the matter of my daughter." Here, he gives Rebis a long stare. Rebis suspects if he had reading glasses, he would be looking over them in a stern fatherly way.

"She is brilliant, and wise, and fair. But she is young, and has waited all her life for the Promised One, and so, may be susceptible to an incorrect and untenable infatuation, as a hungry fish may grab a Shore Person's baited hook. While I do not wish to spoil her happiness, I must insist that any furthering of your relationship wait until the Prophecy resolves itself, in some fashion."

"Do you still wish to undergo the initiation? Knowing that madness and death may result, knowing that Sal'wey might still not be yours?"

[TreyKincaide]

"Nothing too formal, I should hope. I seem to have lost my taste for pomp and circumstance. An exchange of vows with the blessing of the Pattern should be sufficient."

Landon replies.

A new city. Could Corwin destroy Amber if it came to that in the name of peace or balance?

"When shall I depart?"

[Wired*Nun]

"You want to be married first, or afterward? Either way, we need to explain how it will be done. I'll take your question as assent to the attempt, and move on to the next phase."

Eric steps out of the car, and pats the tree under which the Chevy sits, as if in affection. Walking away from the Pattern, he leads Landon down and around a small knoll, revealing a modest stone house by a small river. The river appears to orginate in an artesian well just a little way up the hill.

A woman with an eye-patch is working in a small rose garden, and stands up as they approach. She says nothing, makes no motion, but a moment later, a voice yells, "Coming, mother!"

Apparently it's a little joke, as the man who steps outside, dressed in black pants, a gray work shirt, and black boots. A smile breaks out on his clean-shaven face, and Landon shivers a little as he shakes hands with a legend - at least, for the younger family members. Who's next, Oberon?

Corwin says, "Good to meet you, Landon. I see you've met my conscience." The smile turns into a grin, hard to resist. "This lady is Coral, my sister and, I suppose, eventually to be my niece-in-law. Ain't family wonderful?"

Coral nods solemnly, but her mouth quirks in a slight smile. "Welcome, Landon."

Still holding on to Landon's hand, he asks, "So, what's the verdict? Will you join us in meddling with the universe?" His grip is young, but his gaze is older, and contains much pain.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon grins, "Seems to be the best game in town. Your conscience can be quite persuasive."

Landon nods to Coral, "It is good to meet you milady. I must express my confusion, though. I had last heard that you had married Rinaldo and sat on throne of Kashfa."

He turns back to Corwin, "Yes, family's great. Soon I think it'll just be us with no room for the shadow dwellers. Incidentally, how is Merlin doing? I haven't spoken to him since he began his little adventure and ended up king."

[Wired*Nun]

Coral smiles. "Kind of. Not really. A shadow reigns as queen in Kashfa. The jewel is too valuable - and coveted by many. But I will marry my love, eventually, and reign as queen myself. There is time, time enough for the horse to sing." Her smile seems to hide a secret.

To Landon's question, Corwin replies, "Merlin's fine. Made a better king than I did, frankly. I keep in touch. He's also the only one in Chaos that knows about our plans - though not in detail. He concurs. Of course, he would, as he sees Chaos realms disappearing inch by inch. There is great pressure upon him by the Houses of Chaos to do something about it. You see, that's another thing - if we don't do something about it, he will have to...and we might have another war on our hands, a much uglier one than last time."

"Let's sit down for a moment." The three Amberites and Eric sit on the front porch, where iced tea and lemonade await. The day is warm, and it is good to be in the shade.

"Let me explain the process. Like all good things, it's simple, but difficult. Someone - you - have to take Grayswandir, erase the Broken Pattern. Just as Merlin repaired one once, but opposite. This will involve walking it, erasing as you go. The sword is the tool of erasure."

"If the Broken Pattern itself resists too much, I will bleed on it. Eric here will represent my Pattern in defending against any Pattern-based threat, especially if the Primal comes to interfere. He and I will also handle anything physical. Coral can take care of the magical, if necessary, and all of us are functionally immune to any Pattern energies, because of the higher initiation. Unfortunately, we can't attune you to the Jewel, because it's a part of Coral right now. And no, we still have no idea how to take it out without possibly killing her." He sips his tea.

"So, you take the naked blade, and start walking, just as if it were a normal Pattern, blade tip touching it, and it should erase. All its power has leaked into the interstices, so this should actually be easy, kind of like pulling up a dead root. Easy is relative, though, and this is still unknown. I might be wrong. So, we've prepared you as well as we can. Do you feel you are ready? Or do you want another day?"

[TreyKincaide]

Didn't realize that they'd actually be coming with me. The Pattern implied that they'd stay behind and work things from afar. I feel a bit better regarding this arrangement.

"I have but one small thing I'd attend to before we go. A small matter really, but one I'd have out of the way in case something unforseen happens."

Landon pauses and glances to Eric. He turns back to Corwin, "Would you do me the honor of overseeing an impromptu wedding ceremony? It would mean much to Helena. Afterwards if you'd allow for a brief, ahem, respite I'll be quite set to depart."

[Tamarind]

If you do not allow me to try then you will never know if I am the fulfillment of your prophecy or not.

"I understand your concerns Pi'il-awan but as you clearly realise the Flaw is corrupting everything around it - you, Sal'wey, your people, the Shore People, everything is affected by it. If no-one attempts to repair the Flaw then this suffering will certainly continue. I do not know if I am the Promised One but I do know I cannot stand by as this energy corrupts you when I have the means to help you. Let me help you, let me undertake the initiation"

Rebis looks directly into the First Magus' eyes, awaiting his decision

[Wired*Nun]

"Of course. You've earned your happiness, twice over, but time is pressing. Eric can arrange the wedding, I can scare up some guests, I think. I need you focused on what you are doing, so, let's start first thing in the morning."

Corwin gets up and leaves, and Coral says, "I have to go in and change. Wouldn't do to come in my gardening clothes."

Eric rises as well, and motions for Landon to come with him. Back down the tunnel of light they walk, arriving at the Roman town where Helena is waiting in their home.

As Landon tells her of the plans, Eric goes to the garden gate, looking outward. The soon-to-marry couple gradually hear a hubbub outside, and see people milling about in the streets.

"Come on, let's go to a wedding," says Eric.

Landon finds himself and Helena dressed in Victorian London finery, somewhat modified, as Helena would probably have fainted from a real corset. Landon's tuxedo is immaculate, as is Eric's. The people in the street line up and cheer for the happy couple, and a short walk down the Via Rialto brings them to a Church of the Unicorn.

Corwin and Coral are waiting, along with two people that are clearly not local shadow-dwellers. One strongly resembles Merlin, and another - is Merlin himself. A handclasp and some backslapping accompany their meeting. "Landon, this is my brother Jurt - kind of. He's a Logrus ghost, but he hangs out here, because the Logrus isn't really happy with him right now. If you don't understand that, don't worry, I don't really either. Good to see you again, my friend." A ring like a tiny crown with points rests upon his right ring finger, a ruby circlet upon his left.

The ceremony is short, and sweet. Helena is radiant, the happiest person in the world, and Landon, perhaps the second, the wedding almost crowding out his thoughts of the difficult task ahead of him.

[Wired*Nun]

"So it is spoken, so it shall be done." The globe, so recently a gift from Rebis, begins to glow, and floats way. Pi'il-awan, Rebis and Sal'wey follow, down toward the cavern of the Touchstone.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon warmly greets his friend and his pseudo brother, "Nice to meet you Jurt." Landon glances to Eric and then back to Merlin, "I kinda get what you mean. Good to see you too. It's been too long. Perhaps in the not so distant future I might drop by to catch up if you think that can be arranged."

Landon allows himself to enjoy the ceremony. Moreso, he enjoys that Helena's having the time of her life. When things come to a close, it's with some reluctance that he thanks his guests and says his goodbyes before going off with Helena for an evening of pleasure.

[Wired*Nun]

The next morning, after Helena wakes Landon up in the best way possible, Eric is there again. He dosn't say anything, just waits at the garden gate.

When Landon comes, he leads them back through the tunnel, to find Corwin and Coral in full kit, armed and armored in chainmail. Corwin tosses a fine shirt to him, with a light arming doublet. "Probably all you should wear, as you won't want to be weighed down in your Walk." Next, he hands Landon a set of boots, with grippy rubber soles. "You will need them, put them on."

He sets a well-used silver helm upon his head, and Coral, a cap of steel. Eric seems unarmed and unarmored - but then again, he's not exactly human...

After he puts on the chain, Corwin hands him Grayswandir, removing the scabbard as he does so. Naked blade in his hand, Landon awaits what will come.

Corwin nods at Eric, and the scene around them changes instantly. They stand upon wet rock, inside an enormous cavern. A pool of seawater burbles a quarter way around, but the Pattern takes up most of the space inside.

Correction. Broken Pattern. There is only one break in the line, near the middle. Almost complete...childs play to finish it, I imagine, and strengthen the Pattern further...which I would have thought was the right thing, just a short - well, long - time ago...

Taking positions near the beginning, Corwin says, "Here it is..the nearest and most complete of my Pattern's reflections. If I finished this one, I would have a site for my 'Amber,' by Rome, my Paris...I believe this is what Dworkin did, originally. He repaired three Broken Patterns to make Amber, Rebma and Tir-na N'ogth, bulwarks against any assault on the Primal, and nearly as powerful, wholly subjugated to the Primal's will."

"Get it started, get it over with."

Landon can see that, despite his decision and earlier calm demeanor, Corwin is conflicted about this act now that it is actually time to do it. All the more reason to admire someone - integrity.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon prepares himself for the arduous task at hand. A determine look rests on his face as he glances at his three conspirators.

This Pattern is not of my blood, but I have the primal's blessing. Corwin's giving up much for this task, but there must be other near perfect reflections.

Without giving himself more time to think, Landon steels himself and hastily--almost running--makes his way to the starting point. He raises the sword blade to his lips and prays that it serves him as well as it has its master in the past before resting the tip on the ground in front of him. He builds up speed and grits his teeth as the sword touches the Pattern and his foot begins to do likewise.

[Wired*Nun]

In the cavern stand four people. One man is tall, clean-shaven, wearing black and silver, chainmail armor with open-faced helm, and a broadsword. Another man is bearded, unarmored, and unarmed, wearing loose red and black. The third, a woman, is similarly mailed and helmed, and wearing a long, straight sword. The fourth is raven-haired, with a beard to match, wears a chain shirt and carries a naked, shining blade of middling size. This man begins moving...


Without giving himself more time to think, Landon steels himself and hastily--almost running--makes his way to the starting point. He raises the sword blade to his lips and prays that it serves him as well as it has its master in the past before resting the tip on the ground in front of him.
"Slow down, Landon! Do it just like you would any other Walk!" is the cry from the armored man, as Landon hastens to begin his task.

As he lowers the blade, but before he takes a step, a glowing sphere, about six inches in diameter, rises from the pool of seawater. Immediately behind it rises a twisted figure. Covered in fine green-blue scales, with gills and webbed fingers, the man steps out upon the wet stone. He seems ancient, and one side of his body is twisted and discolored, as if with disease or an old, old burn. He wears loin coverings of woven material, and a blue stone as a pendant around his neck. He takes in the tableau with the appearance of shock.

Behind him rise two other beings. One is a woman, of the same race as the man - well over six feet tall, graceful and beautiful. She also wears only a loin covering of woven material. The other one...appears as a form of living water, resolving smoothly and quickly, head to toe as he emerges, into a human, who looks like this:

http://www.online-roleplaying.com/forums/showpost.php?p=81069&postcount=17

[TreyKincaide]

Landon slows his pace as suggested. He pauses briefly and sizes up the new arrivals.

So much for a walk in the park.

He grins and says, "Welcome to the party," before turning away and getting back to the business at hand. He takes a step further and sets upon the Pattern.

They'll have to deal with it. I'm sure that my friends are up to the task. I have other things to concentrate on.

[Wired*Nun]

Rebis steps forward placing himself between the strangers and the Lake People, opening himself to the power of the Logrus as he does so, allowing it to flow swiftly into him

Who are these people? What are they doing here?

"Hold a moment, you may be in grave danger! Please, explain your presence here and your intent", his tone is anxious rather than hostile, his expression concerned.

[Wired*Nun]

So much for a walk in the park.

The fourth man grins and says, "Welcome to the party," before turning away and getting back to the business at hand. He takes a step further and sets upon the design in the floor.

The man in grey steps forward, placing himself between the strangers and the Lake People. Who are these people? What are they doing here?

"Hold a moment, you may be in grave danger! Please, explain your presence here and your intent", his tone is anxious rather than hostile, his expression concerned.

[Wired*Nun]

The man in the silver mail draws his blade in a practiced motion, and says, "Do not interfere, and you won't be harmed. This is an affair far beyond your concern. That's probably not much of an answer, but it's what I have right now." The other two on that side spread out a little, and wait. The speaker seems to be the leader.

The Lake woman and the old man begin to summon power unto themselves, but the man in red and black makes a sweeping motion in their direction, and they cry out, as if pained. The old man falls backward into the water, while the Lake woman yells in anger.

[Tamarind]

Arrogant. But there are three of them, I must see the others safe...

Rebis whispers urgently to Sal'wey, so low she barely hears

"Sal'wey, please, make sure your father is safe - and look to your people. Do what you can to warn them to prepare for the worst - I will do what I can here...if needs be"

Please, get to safety...please

Addressing the man in silver and black he pitches his voice to carry,

"It is indeed but little of an answer, you are strangers here without leave - basic courtesy would have you introduce yourselves and offer an explanation of your intent...does your companion know what he is doing? If not I fear for his safety."

[TreyKincaide]

Well, crap. I didn't think this would turn out well. Can't think of that now. Must concentrate. I hate walking this damn thing.

Landon does his best to assay the Pattern and tries to ignore what's happening around him until forced otherwise.

[Wired*Nun]

She replies, in a harsh whisper, "You are wise. I will go, and I will return with warriors." Turning, she dives in to the pool.

[Tamarind]

So. They would seem to be of Amber. I had hoped our first meeting would be...different. But that is an idle wish, they are here - the question is what do they mean here? If they seek to repair the Flaw then we do not have a cause for hostility, but their attitude reeks of conflict...

[Wired*Nun]

The man in grey whispers something urgently to the Lake woman, who replies, and turns, diving into the pool.

Addressing the man in silver and black, the man in grey pitches his voice to carry. "It is indeed but little of an answer, you are strangers here without leave - basic courtesy would have you introduce yourselves and offer an explanation of your intent...does your companion know what he is doing? If not I fear for his safety."

Their leader begins to speak, but before any words come forth, there comes a sound like the breaking of a thousand glass windows. The man walking on the artifact staggers, but continues, and where his blade and feet touch, the line is...erased. He is walking slowly, as if against an ocean current, but already, fifteen feet are gone. Above his head is a vortex of water, spinning and probing, seeming to try to reach the man on the floor.

The man in red and black now holds his hands out toward the vortex, and is keeping in place a plane of Orderly force, blocking the vortex.

The leader tries again. "He is in the same danger as any of us, which is manageable. As I said, do not interfere."

[TreyKincaide]

It's working. By the Unicorn's grace, it's working. I'll be coming into the first turn soon. Keep going. Don't stop. One foot after another.

Landon struggles on conscious of the vortex above his head. As he nears the first turn, he hits the wall that he know's is coming. He jaws clench together as he remembers bits of his childhood with Flora and Arthur and tries to push through.

[Tamarind]

Very well. They will not reason, let us put a stop to this in a different way...

Rebis utters two words in a low calm voice, his expression determined. As the words escape his lips a vast wall of water rages across the cavern, crashing into Landon and the group with colossal force before striking the cavern wall. The rock shudders with the impact, an awful grinding sound lost in the echoing crashes...

[Wired*Nun]

Rebis speaks two distinct words. The woman replies by bringing her hands together with a clap, pointed at him, but too slow - a wall of water appears, moving fast from Rebis' left to right, sweeping the leader off his feet, to swim struggling in the flow. There is a distinct, slow-motion explosion that pushes the water back from the woman's hands, which serves to save her from being knocked over, but she is only able to make the water break left and right around her, saving herself.

The man in red and black has a little longer to react, and extends the plane of force into a bubble, covering him and Landon. The water flows around it, rushing to flood the cavern in just a few seconds, rising higher and higher. He also seems to be drawing power out of the artifact itself, from the glow between the lines.

The back-eddy of the water swirls around Rebis as well, making his footing unsteady. He raises his hands above his head, and a dragon of about twenty feet of body-length appears in the air, hovering above Rebis.

Landon has erased another thirty feet of line.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon rounds the first great curve and wipes the sweat dripping into his eyes from his brow away with his free hand as the current lessens. He glances quickly around the room to try to take stock of his compatriots while continuing to traverse the design.

This stanger must be a powerful sorceror indeed. I bet Merlin could take him, though. I seem to be well protected for the moment. I think I recall something about Grayswandir being able to cut spells in twain should it come to that. It would mean stopping and lifting the blade. My only hope is to last long enough to get to the center. The sooner this distraction is resolved, the better.

If Landon gets the opportunity and a clear shot he'll take a dagger secreted up his sleeve and throw it at the interloper (Rebis). He has little confidence that it'll do anything more than provide a distraction for one of his compratriots to exploit. He'll continue walking.

[Wired*Nun]

[Moved from Comms thread]

So. It seems clear who I have to focus on. How to go about it though - to combat a construct of Order...time is short. Already the sword-bearer has wiped clear so much...I believe this qualifies Suhuy, the preparation is less thorough than you would like but this is not the classroom...

As his form ripples into water Rebis focuses his mind, the torrent around him a pale echo of the raging vortex that he now sought, burning cold searing through him as he reaches deeper than the fabric of the shadow to the essence that lies beneath. With ferocious urgency Chaos answer his call, always easier to call than to banish...then the test, to call it where he would - in the midst of his enemies...around the construct shrouded in red and black.

They must be stopped.

Sensing his master's focus Drax holds himself ready, timing his dive with the perfection that comes of shared minds he sweeps down to snatch the walker as the primal forces disrupt the forcefield of Order

[OOC: Drax's intention is to grab Landon off the Touchstone and hurl him over towards Rebis, as he doens't want to risk being hit by the scary sword. He will also be very careful not to come into contact with the Touchstone...]

[Wired*Nun]

[Hasn't really made it that far yet.]

[Wired*Nun]

Rebis stands awash in the water swirling around the room, and holds his hands out in front of him, as if concentrating on something.

The leader in armor stands up with difficulty against the flow, manipulating shadow to improve his traction and reduce the waters' effects. The woman is now successfully - almost easily - turning aside the water flows, and the leader moves into the lee of her magical shield.

Another ten feet of line are erased before the man in red and black abruptly explodes like a small bomb, and is seen no more. Simultaneous with this event, Rebis is knocked off his feet by the feedback from his effort, and lies stunned, floating in three feet of water.

The dragon swoops down at Landon at the same moment the shield dissapates, and the vortex and Drax collide with Landon. The waters rush in at the same time, and he is knocked off his feet in the midst of this chaos. Landon lies floating, stunned, instinctively clutching the blade.

Rebis, half-conscious, feels his link with Drax severed, and the agony from his friend convulses his body as the dragon is consumed by the vortex of energy. He can only watch helpless as both disappear.

As Rebis senses the vortex impact with Drax he reaches desperately and instinctively through the link to rescue his friend, holding onto his essence, pulling it deep inside himself as Drax's body is consumed. The effort costs him dearly as he wraps himself around Drax' essence, shielding him, Rebis' own body absorbing the destructive forces raging down the link...

The water begins to move toward a point where the man in red and black disapeared, and starts to roil. It has ceased rushing in to fill the cavern. The woman cries aloud, "Great Pattern and Unicorn, he must be insane!" As the leader pushes through the water toward Rebis, the woman reaches up and tears off her helm. She raises her hand to her face, and the direction she is looking, towards the roiling water, is bathed in a crimson light.

Before Rebis is able to regain his feet, he finds the leader's sword at his throat.

[Wired*Nun]

Landon's going to lay there stunned in the water until someone comes to check on him. He'll awake uttering a string of curses after coughing the water from his lungs. He looks around to see how of much of the Pattern's left and wonders how he survived. He brings up his Pattern Lens to view what the changes have done.

The sword prevented me from ever touching the Pattern. That's why I'm alive.

Landon's attention shifts to his companions and the interloper.

[Wired*Nun]

As Rebis senses the vortex impact with Drax he reaches desperately and instinctively through the link to rescue his friend, holding onto his essence, pulling it deep inside himself as Drax's body is consumed. The effort costs him dearly as he wraps himself around Drax' essence, shielding him, Rebis' own body absorbing the destructive forces raging down the link...

[Tamarind]

Safe my brave little one, safe now

His focus slowly returning he gazes dazedly at the man in black and silver above him,

"Corwin? ...Great Uncle Corwin? I had hoped my first meeting with my Family would be...easier...than this..."

Glancing to the side he sees the body floating on the water, then returns his gaze to the man above

I hope he lives, I only wished to stop them...

[Wired*Nun]

Rebis' focus slowly returning, he gazes dazedly at the man in black and silver above him.

"Corwin? ...Great Uncle Corwin? I had hoped my first meeting with my Family would be...easier...than this..."

Glancing to the side he sees the body floating on the water, then returns his gaze to the man above.

I hope he lives, I only wished to stop them...

The roiling of the water diminishes as the ruby light plays over the area. Without moving his sword, the man called Corwin grasps Rebis shoulder and effortlessly lifts him to his feet, holding him against the water's flow, draining rapidly into the pool behind him.

The woman helps Landon to his feet, and he utters a string of curses after coughing the water from his lungs. He looks around to see how of much of the Pattern's left and wonders how he survived. He brings up his Pattern Lens to view what the changes have done.

The sword prevented me from ever touching the Pattern. That's why I'm alive.

The old man that fell backward into the water now rises from it, and floats in a cloud of blue-green light. Corwin shifts to put Rebis between himself and the man, and the woman starts toward the glowing humanoid.

"Please. Bide." the glowing man says. "We are not your enemies. Listen now to the words of Prophecy:"

"The Promised One shall arrive at the time of great joy, when the Flaw shall be removed, and the land shall be healed. And he shall take for himself a bride of the People, and unite the Earth and the Water, and there shall be great joy thoughout the land."

The listeners are mesmerized at the ringing tones of the old man, and all listen as he continues. The force in his voice comes not from magic, nor Power, nor logic, but from the authority of one who has seen Truth, and declares it.

"I have been in error, all these years. Rebis, you are the Promised One, and you shall have my daughter as mate. But you are not the One to remove the Flaw. If the Touchstone is not to be perfected, then it must be erased. It has corrupted me, and is corrupting this fair land, and it will corrupt my daughter and you if it remains as it is. I would have it gone. I have bargained with Leviathan, and I would bargain no more. I, Pi'il-awan of the Lake People, give you all my blessing, such as it is, and say, proceed. So it is spoken, so it shall be done."

[Tamarind]

Though he cannot turn to face him Rebis answers,

"Your words have the ring of wisdom, Pi'il-awan...and they bring me great joy. If what these people intend will do no harm to you or this place then I will stand aside and offer no more resistance."

Looking into Corwins eyes he continues,

"The actions I have taken are between us, and should be resolved as such.", he glances at Landon, "I am glad your friend lives, I did not wish to harm him".



Pi'il-awan replies, "Change will be wrought, harm will be done, as a surgeon removes a cancer. It is necessary."

Corwin lowers his blade, and says, "Between us who? And just who the hell are you, mister, calling me Uncle? Give me your lineage, and," - with a somewhat raised voice - [i]"while Landon completes his task," he lowers it and continues, "you can tell me how you came to be in this place."

The woman takes a watchful position near the old man, who floats to the ground. He takes a seat upon a shelf of rock nearby, and the glow disappates. His one good hand rests heavily upon the seat, and his crippled one hugs his chest. His breathing is labored.

He's dying, Rebis realizes. The damage done to the Touchstone has weakened him further, and erasing it will kill him, as sure the rock on which I stand.

[TreyKincaide]

"So happy to have you on board." Landon says a bit sardonically and then pauses. "I must apologize my manners are usually better."

Landon looks over to Corwin. "What happened to the ghost? I'm surprised he was thwarted." He turns to the woman. "You think you can keep me covered if we're going to try this again?" He leans in and asks, "Can you clue me in to the Magic of this shadow to save me some time and effort of experimenting it out?"

Landon looks over at Rebis and tries to place his resemblence. "No harm, no foul. It seems that your goals have realigned with our own for the time being. Name's Landon."

[Wired*Nun]

Corwin glances at Landon. "Power lessons later. This thing is becoming unstable from the damage done already. It needs to be erased before it becomes insane."

The woman responds to Landon, "Do as Corwin says. You should need no magic, and would have no time to access your spells in any case. Hurry."

[Tamarind]

Rebis inclines his head in Landon's direction, all he can manage in his current situation,

"This has been a trying time for all, perhaps it would be well for us all to take a step back and begin again? In the interests of goodwill I shall offer the first explanation - I am Rebis, son of Lady Shekinbah Ashlurien and Prince Martin of Amber"

[TreyKincaide]

At both conspirators' urging Landon repositions himself so that he's where he left off. He looks over to Rebis, "I'd like to chat, but it seems that I'm needed."

This damn thing better not strike out at me. I'm starting to feel ill-used. I'd feel a bit better if I could have taken the time to attempt some defense.

Landon places the sword tip once again on the ground ahead of him and begins walking.

[Wired*Nun]

Corwin snorts. "Prince Martin of Rebma, maybe. Random hasn't acknowledged him heir yet." He sheathes his blade. "Might never, when he finds out he has a grandson of Chaos. Martin always was too close to Chaos for comfort. That situation is just another little bit of fecal material from Brand's shit hitting the fan. All right, well met for the moment. Now get on with it, Landon, s'il vous plais."

[Wired*Nun]

Landon begins walking the Touchstone, the tracery of the Pattern glowing on the sword's length. The black line between the blue-green glow again is taken up at the end, wiping away like syrup before a sponge.

The sound like crackling glass begins again, and Pi'il-awan begins to glow with blue-green light. I can't help him...or can I?, thinks Rebis.

[TreyKincaide]

If this is all that's required to erase a Pattern, why did Brand go to such lengths with Martin? He had Werewindle the brother to Grayswandir. This is a slow process. Maybe he didn't have the luxury of time.

Landon continues following the design.

[Wired*Nun]

A look of concern passes over Rebis' features as he looks at Pi'il-awan, he moves over to stand beside him, placing a hand on his good shoulder and begins to concentrate.

Rebis says, "Corwin, Coral, I think I can help Pi'il-awan but I will need to use my powers to do so - do not be alarmed."

Allowing the power once more to flow into him Rebis speaks softly. Ethereal blue water flows from his hand and bathes the old man, whose eyes brighten as new strength flows into him, his breathing becoming easy.

Pi'il-awan smiles a tired, but grateful smile at Rebis, and places his good hand on Rebis shoulder, levering himself to his feet. "Thank you, my son-to-be. My blessings upon you and your children. Now I must do what must be done."

Corwin has stepped over to the Touchstone, and has a dagger poised next to his bare left forearm. He did say bleeding on it was an option, thinks Landon in passing. Corwin pauses and watches as the old man makes his play.

Pi'il-awan's crippled hand reaches toward the Flaw, and a blaze of blue-green power flows into his body. His good hand stretches toward the vortex, which writhes, and slows, as if struggling. He is using its power against itself.

[Tamarind]

No! You'll kill yourself..

Moving his hands in a fan like gesture Rebis focusses his energies, forming a roiling disc of smoky black tendrils above Landon, swiftly flowing out to form a solid barrier between him and the Vortex. Once confident that this will protect him he speaks to Pi'il-awan, attention still fixed on Landon and the Vortex

"Please, save your strength. I will protect him - and your powers may be needed more before this is done"

Please, you don't have to sacrifice yourself for this...

[Wired*Nun]

"My son," whispers Pi'il-awan, allowing Rebis to take over. "I have lived too long with the Touchstone's power, like ivy in a brick house. You cannot save me, for when it is erased, so will I also be. For nine centuries have I ruled here. I was the one who led our people to the Touchstone. I was the one to inscribe the Book of Prophecy, from the mind-words of the Touchstone itself. I was the first to harness its power. I am beyond my years manyfold. Let me go. Let me be. Accept my sacrifice, and keep my people - both peoples - safe and prosperous. Now let me be."

He still draws power from the Flaw, and the Touchstone is weakening under the combined drain and erasure.

Rebis feels himself weakening as well, his endurance near failing, his energies spent. Holding off the vortex for minutes stretches to near ten, as Landon nears the end of his task. Rebis' vision starts to blur... - NO! I cannot... cannot... - he feels himself slipping into exhaustion, feels hands catching him and setting him on the rock shelf next to Pi'il-awan.

The crackling of the vortex gives way to a rumbling in the cavern. "This place is coming apart. I thought it might. Coral, as soon as Landon finishes, hustle him over here, I'll get us all out."

As Landon finishes the erasure, the last of the blue-green energy drains, snaps like a rubber band into Pi'il-awan. Coral grabs Landon and, half-supporting him, dodges a falling piece of cavern ceiling as they run back to Corwin and Rebis.

Pi'il-awan stands, and directs his fading energies upwards, warding off larger and larger rocks coming down from above. "Get out!" he shouts, and Corwin reaches across, and briefly grasps the man's withered hand.

"My thanks. I will remember you."

Corwin takes hold of the rest, and, drawing them after him, slips through a hole in the universe, stepping out upon the lake shore. Another layer of pain settles over the erstwhile King of Amber, and he slowly sits down upon the sand, then lays back, twin to Rebis, and massages his temples.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon sticks Grayswandir into the sand and lets his other arm fall from Coral's shoulders. He drops to his knees spent and breathes heavily.

Well, that sucked. So much for a dry run.

He stays there kneeling and looks out over the horizon. He says nothing in the somber moment. He merely waits and struggles to stay upright.

[Tamarind]

Pi'il-awan... I wish I could have saved you...at least you lived to see the end of your people's suffering. I will not forget you.

Minutes pass as Rebis slowly becomes aware of his surroundings, sand against his back, the warm sun on his face and the sound of the lake lapping against the shore.
Aches everywhere and a pounding headache lay testimony to his exertions in the cavern. His eyes flicker open and he slowly pulls himself up into a sitting position, leaning forward against his knees for support. As full conciousness returns his eyes widen...

Sal'wey! Please be safe...

Alarm showing on his tired features he shakily stands and staggers towards the shore...

[Tamarind]

As he passes Landon Rebis stumbles over a half-buried rock and falls, catching himself on Landon's shoulder,

"My apologies...Landon.", he takes a deep breath and slowly rights himself, swaying slightly,

"And also for what transpired on the Touchstone...I had not wished to harm any of you..."

[TreyKincaide]

Propping himself on Grayswandir Landon turns, "No worries, cousin. I'm sure you had the best of intentions. I'm sure once we've all caught our breath we shall have a proper discussion."

He appears as if he is going to speak further but glances over to Corwin and pauses before looking back at Rebis.

"There is little that family can't be forgiven as I'm sure you well know. For the most part it seems, we've come out of the wash."

[Tamarind]

Rebis smiles wryly,

"I have little experience of family, from either side - but I am glad that you do not hold my actions against me",

he pauses, also glancing at Corwin and Coral,

"I would also appreciate a fuller discussion,"

His gaze returns to the lake...

"But there is someone who I must know is safe..."

[Wired*Nun]

A shudder goes through the earth, and the surface of the Lake is disturbed. Several Lake dwellings bob to the surface, their tethers apparently severed. Soon, the heads of Lake People also appear on the surface, looking around, at the shoreline, as if trying to see what has happened.

A few moments later, Rebis sees a submarine figure swimming strongly towards the group of meddlers, with more following. From uphill on the land, also, come a crowd of Shore People.

A dozen armed warriors of the Lake People rise from the waters, double-headed spears at the ready. At the fore comes Sal'wey.

When she sees Rebis, she drops her weapon and throws herself at him, lifting him easily off his feet, hugging him so tightly that he gasps. "I thought you had perished in the collapse," she says, including everyone as she looks around. "Lower your weapons." The warriors relax their stances, and stand silently, watching the scene.

Above, the Shore People have stopped upon the low ridge above the sand, and look down upon the tableau, as well.

[Tamarind]

As Sal'wey rushes towards him Rebis cries aloud for joy, all the tension and fear released in an instant. Catching his breath he holds her tightly, for a moment oblivious to everything else, then he looks her into her eyes, sorrow replacing joy,

"No, I survived - thanks to your father. Pi'il-awan gave everything he had to free this place and its people from the corruption of the Flaw, to give everyone a new chance..."

Realising suddenly that the Lake and Shore people are gathered around he raises his voice and continues,

"A great man has sacrificed himself today. He gave his life as he spent it, to better the lives of the people - Lake and Shore alike. It was his wish that there would be a new understanding, a new shared life for all."

[Wired*Nun]

"Oh..." Her face dissolves into what would be tears, but it does not appear that she is capable of them. Aquatic beings wouldn't cry... says the analytical part of Rebis' brain, sounding just like Suhuy. Her sobs give the lie to that idea. Her tears are all inside.

After some minutes, listening to Rebis speak, she looks up, done for now.

"The power is gone, Rebis. I have nothing left. How will the Lake People live? What do they have to give to the Shore People for their tools and cunning implements? Who will speak for them, now that my father is gone?"

[TreyKincaide]

Landon heaves a quiet sigh of relief.

Trespassers one moment and heroes the next. I'm glad erasing the Pattern didn't destroy this shadow. I must remind myself that these are not simple matters in which I meddle. A step too early or late could mean destruction. If I refused, they'd just find someone else. I'm too tightly bound and they know it.

Landon looks over to Coral and then at Corwin. He hefts himself to his feet refusing to be humbled in the eyes of Shadows. He takes a closer look at the crowd around them and sizes them up, but remains quiet.

A strong people by the looks of it. The remind me of those from Rebma explaining Rebis's attraction. I wonder what other similarities to Amber can be found in the newer Pattern's reflections.

[Wired*Nun]

Corwin glances at Landon when he sighs, and winks. Leaning close, he says, "Let him work it out. The common shadow-dwellers will never understand, and many might hate us for what we did. The best thing we can do is get out of the way, and let these two explain it. Apparently there is religion involved, and that, I have found, is best left to the believers...believe me." He chokes down laughter, apparently finding his own statement uproariously funny. So does Coral, and both collapse back on the sand, hiding their amusement as best they can to allow Rebis to handle the Peoples gathered there.

[TreyKincaide]

In other words not our problem. The sooner I'm back to Helena the better.

Landon cracks a bit of a grin amused at the antics more than the comment. He hides it beneath his free hand. He sits down with a bit of decorum waiting. He softly begins to whistle the tune from "Beach Baby" by the Beach Boys to amuse himself.

[Tamarind]

Rebis holds her in his arms and speaks softly,

"There is only one who can speak for the Lake People, the one person whom your father entrusted with his knowledge, whom he believed would one day succeed him. The burden may be different but the task is the same - to speak for your people as you see best, to help reach a new understanding with your neighbours. For whilst the Touchstone is no more the Lake People still have much to offer those of the Shore - and much to learn from them in return. As for the power, whilst the Flaw is gone I tell you there is still power here - it is only a matter of learning to channel it. You are strong, my love, you have courage and spirit - you can do this."

He looks deep into her eyes, his belief in her clear.

[Wired*Nun]

"All right," Sawey says softly. "I am the daughter of the First Magus, and I will rise to the challenge." Turning to the crowd, she draws herself up and begins.

"People of the Lake, People of the Shore, hear me now! There is no more danger, and there should be no more shaking of the ground. But my father, the First Magus, is no more. You know me! You know I am a friend to all. I will speak for the Lake People from now on."

"I also show to your Lord Rebis, a powerful Magus of the Land and the Water both, whom I take, with my father's dying blessing, as my mate. Together we will continue to bless these lands and these waters, and may our children live in peace and prosperity for all time."

At this, she holds her hands above her head in blessing, and lifts Rebis' hands in the same way. The cheering, driven by relief, is gratifying. It dies down eventually, and those from the Shore and Lake mingle, greeting friends and speculating about the shaking of the ground and the events that may have transpired. None of the common folk dare to closely approach the group of nobles, but all look curiously at the strangers.

"Best we be leaving, before too many become too bold," says Coral. "Agreed," says Corwin. "Rebis, we need to talk, you and us. Here's a Trump, I assume you know how to use them. Call me when you have things in order here. Do not dawdle, and I would suggest for your own safety and ours that you do not speak with anyone back in Chaos about these events until after our conversation." He makes ready to leave, giving Landon and Coral the signal.

[TreyKincaide]

Rebis made a mistake in letting Corwin know his affection for the girl. Soon he'll be in the same boat I am. I'm sure he'll have his Pattern try and monitor Trump to be sure.

Landon looks to Rebis, "Well cousin. It seems we're to be off. I look forward to your visit once things are settled." He looks to Corwin, nods, and goes to step beside him.

[Tamarind]

As Sal'wey speaks Rebis finds it hard to hide his pride in her confidence and resolve

Your father would be proud of you my love, you have given them reassurance and hope. And me much joy.

"Indeed there is much that needs discussion. I look forward to an explanation of events."

For you have still offered none, not a word of reason why...

Taking the card from Corwin he turns to Landon,

"I too would like to talk with you more fully...cousin. Fare well until then.",

Strange to be able to use such words...to talk to family

As the trio move away he turns to Sal'wey, leaning on her very slightly for support, uncomfortably aware of the eyes of the crowd upon him.

I would dearly love to be away from these people, to have space. But I too must be strong, it is a small thing after all that has happened - but important.

Slowly they move through the crowd, offering greeting and a few words of reassurance - finding it easier to talk to just one or two people he relaxes a little. After a short time however, he begins to flag, unconciously leaning more heavily on Sal'wey.

[Wired*Nun]

The trio of Amberites walks away down the beach, and any curious onlookers would see them fade from view around the next curve of sand.

A short shadowwalk takes them out of sight, and Corwin transports them back to Rome. Helena greets her husband eagerly, and fusses over his fatigued condition. "I will prepare dinner, and the servants can run a bath. Look! The King has provided our own bathhouse, and servants! We have become wealthy, because you are such an important man, Landon. Not that I care for such things, but...it is nice to be off my knees more often...oohh, you evil man, I meant from scrubbing floors!" She dissolves into girlish giggles, and leads Landon away. Corwin and Coral wave a tired goodbye. "Later, Landon. Take a rest, you've earned it."

Back on the Lakeshore, Sal'wey realizes that Rebis is worn out. "Please, the Magus is tired from his labors today. Is there somewhere pleasant on the Shore he could rest for the night?"

A flurry of offers follow, and Sal'wey has soon secured the best room in the largest inn in the town. One of the townsfolk is happy to offer a ride in his carriage, pleased to rub shoulders with celebrities.

The room is well-appointed, and food is delivered quickly. Sal'wey guides him to the bed, helping him pull off his boots and feeding him with her own hands. He falls asleep with a full stomach and a foot massage, utterly exhausted.

[TreyKincaide]

You have no idea, my dear. In another time and another place I might have been the Crowned Prince of everything stretching from Amber to Yggdrasil. Still, those are might have beens and I've always been best at accepting the reality presented. No use crying over spilt milk. Corwin's and my father's struggle taught me that much. I could have just as easily ended up like Gray if not for Flora's timely interference.

Landon grins wickedly at her unintended joke; his maudlin thoughts melt into mirth as he absented-mindedly waves off his companions. "My dear I can promise you that the only physical excerise that you will have to do from now on is entirely a product of your own desire," Landon says with a wink as he's lead off.

Landon allows his wife to fuss over him and enjoys her company. When their greetings are done he calls to Arthur for a bit of sport before retiring to the baths and bed for the evening.

[Tamarind]

Having slept almost a full day Rebis wakes a little before the dawn the next day, gently waking Sal'wey he leads her quietly down to the lake shore, holding her hand he looks out over the lake

"I thought it would be pleasant to share a little time whilst it's quiet, before our responsibilities must be tended to", he smiles, "I have little experience with crowds, I do not handle them well"

"I want you to know how sorry I am that our time together begins with such a tragic loss, even though I only knew him a short while I shall miss him. I want you also to know that I have never been as happy as when I am with you...I love you Sal'wey."

He holds her gently, hands on her shoulders and looks into her eyes,

"And that is why it pains me so much that I must spend a short time away. I do not wish to leave, I would stay here with you and make our life together but the events of yesterday have made it clear that something of significance involving my family is occuring...and it could have further repercussions here. So I must go and meet with these people - Corwin, Landon and Coral - to find out what I can. Before I do so I shall set wards to protect this place and show you how to manipulate the power that remains here...This is not how I wanted things to start Sal'wey, but believe me I will return"

He looks anxiously into her eyes...

[Wired*Nun]

Sal'wey returns his gaze steadily, proudly. "I am the First Magus, and you are the Promised One. Our love will survive any separation, and I have much to do. Go, settle your business, and return unto me when and as often as you can. I will be waiting."

[Wired*Nun]

Landon is left alone for a time. Corwin's Trump sits on his nightstand until he decides to use it. Landon finds the shadow he inhabits has been subtly adjusted. His house now occupies a large estate on a hill overlooking a moderately-sized seaport town. Everyone knows his name, calls him "Lord" and Helena "Lady." He apparently rules, but need not reign - the Governor's names is Titus, and he is perfectly happy running the city in its day-to-day business, and equally happy to take whatever instructions Landon gives, and try to comply. Everything is in a mix of Greek and Roman styles, perhaps as envisioned by someone with a working but not in-depth knowledge of these cultures. There is a temple on a hill, and the people there worship Oberon. Corwin is the son of that god, and walks among them from time to time. It seems like a pretty nice deal, if you like gilded cages...or is it a cage, any more? Landon doesn't know...

[TreyKincaide]

I can not tell if I'm a prisoner, a guest, or a welcome neighbor. For the time being, I think it's best to concentrate on the task he plans for me and deal with the aftermath if I am able. If the dry run was any indication, I might not live through the next time.

Landon enjoys the rest and relaxation more than happy to let Titus deal with any business that should arise. The next morning while exploring and walking amongst the people of the city Landon finds himself in front one of the shrines to Oberon. He stops and gives offering.

Grandfather, I never knew you. You died for Amber much like my father. Or did you? It was an unsettling time, and from what I've heard you were full of tricks you old goat.

The next couple days involve Landon excercising in various ways. Remembering back to his lack of preparation he carefully looks over the spells he has racked, checks them to see if they've become too ordered to work proper, and starts considering a couple new possible spells that he could add to his repetoire. For the time being he finds himself happy with what he has prepared and leaves the details of the new spells for another day.

On the morning of the third day Landon kisses his wife goodbye and leaves Arthur to keep her company and guard the house. He takes Corwin's Trump from the night stand and enjoys the cold feel of the card between his fingers. He concentrates on the drawing until he reaches Corwin signalling his readiness to come through.

[Wired*Nun]

Contact comes immediately. "Landon. Feeling better? Need anything?" He seems to be sitting in a comfortable chair in his house.

[Tamarind]

My love, I should have known you would understand...

Rebis pulls her close and kisses her fiercely. Eventually, reluctantly he draws back,

"You are right, First Magus, our love will thrive come what may. And I will return as soon as I can, nothing will keep me from you."

He removes a black ring from his finger, carved to resemble a small black dragon with a mischievous expression,

"I have few real possessions but this means much to me - it was a present from my first friend and mentor, Lord Suhuy. I would like you to have it..."

He gently slips it onto her finger, then steps back

The first rays of daylight on the lake and sounds of stirring from the town betray the passage of time,

"It seems our responsibilites will wait no longer this day...I will return as soon as I can, be safe my love"

With a last lingering kiss Rebis turns and walks away from the lake and the town allowing the power to flow into him. After a short time he locates his target, a shadow with a fast time flow encountered in his wanderings from Ygg. A last look back in the direction of the lake and he pulls himself through, arriving on a small island, a few tens of metres across. There he sits down cross-legged and replenishes the weaves cast the previous day before taking out Corwin's trump. The power still held within him he focusses his mind on the image of the man in black and silver...

[TreyKincaide]

"Yes, uncle I'm feeling well rested. Took in some local color."

Landon grins, "Even stopped by the shrine. I can't help but think the vestal virgins were a nice if somewhat hypocritical touch." Landon pauses, "Actually, I was wondering if you've heard from our unexpected dinner guest yet? We already caused quite a stink if anyone was paying attention, and I'd just as soon have the next part over and done with as soon as possible. You also promised me a Power discussion about what happened to the ghost."

[Wired*Nun]

"Well, better to give these people beliefs that aid us than let them create some that might not. You can't imagine how hard it is to fight a belief." He chuckles. "That cuts both ways, of course. We just make it work in our favor."

"And yes, I'm ready to talk about our next moves, if you're ready. Come on through?"

[Wired*Nun]

I have few real possessions but this means much to me - it was a present from my first friend and mentor, Lord Suhuy. I would like you to have it..."

"I will wear it proudly while I wait. It is a wise symbol, as well, to remind them that while my father is gone, there is another Magus supporting me. He ruled so long that they may be...disturbed by my youth. Go, I will be waiting. We will fare as well as we can without you," this last with a bit of an impish smile.

[more later]

[TreyKincaide]

Landon smirks, "If Grandpa was around not one of those girls would be either vestal or virgin for long." Landon grasps Corwin's hand and feels himself being pulled forwards. He takes a seat in a nearby chair.

[Wired*Nun]

"Only too true. Ah, yes, our Eric. He - " Corwin pauses, receiving a Trump call. "Hello, grandnephew. Or maybe second or third cousin, on your mother's side, I'm not sure. Nicely timed, are you ready to converse?" Presuming Rebis comes through, Corwin offers him a seat as well. There is a bottle of single-malt on the low table between them, and Corwin pours three glasses, and knocks his back. "Ahhh. Great stuff you can get when you are master of your own domain. Now where were we. Landon was just asking about Power, and Pattern-ghosts -?"

[TreyKincaide]

Landon nods to cousin while making himself comfortable. He picks up his glass and takes a sip, "I believe, dear uncle, you were going to explain why our companion exploded. It does not bode well for things to come."

[Wired*Nun]

A snort. "Perhaps your cousin can explain that better...Rebis?"

[Tamarind]

At least no-one seems to have been personally attached to the construct...that should make this easier. And perhaps they will finally offer an explanation in return...

"Very well."

Rebis turns slightly and addresses Landon,

"As a construct of Order I determined that despite its power the Pattern-ghost would be particularly vulnerable to the energies of Chaos, as the two energies are diametrically opposed. Therefore in order to stop it I used the medium of the Logrus to bring forth a small quantity of essential Primal Chaos around it. The ensuing juxtaposition of fundametally opposed forces resulted in the construct's instant destruction - as you saw."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon looks pensive.

He must have phenomenal control for it to not get away from him. He's a lot more dangerous than he appears. I suppose this is where we begin trading.

Landon's expression relaxes, "I see, I think. Please forgive my ignorance of these higher "order" concepts. While I have had the opportunity to speak with someone of the courts about the Logrus, metaphysical interaction is somewhat beyond me. The only reason I asked, you see, was that the Image was as close as I've come to personally knowing my father. Its destruction pained me more than I realized."

Tit for tat. He now knows a bit more about me which should suffice for the time being.

[Tamarind]

Rebis looks into Landon's eyes for a moment, concern apparent in his youthful face,

"I am sorry for your loss Landon"

I know how it feels to not know your father...how much worse would it be to have the opportunity to do so only to have someone take it from you?

He addresses them both again, his tone regretful,

"It is a pity that you were all too intent on your task to offer an explanation of your actions earlier, perhaps if events had proceeded otherwise both of our losses could have been prevented..."

Pain shows briefly in his eyes as he pauses for a moment,

"But that is not how events unfolded and wishing otherwise will not alter that. Perhaps now that we are here together and the pressures of the moment have passed you can explain why you sought to erase this reflection?"

[TreyKincaide]

Landon shrugs, "Well, it was a ghost after all. It had served its purpose." Landon glances at Corwin before continuing, "Perhaps it's just as well. It's unhealthy to grasp for shades and shadows."

Landon looks thoughtful for a moment, sighs, and slams down the rest of his drink. The somewhat maudlin visage eases as Landon fishes out a cigarette and finds something to light it with.

Following an exhale of smoke Landon replies, "Technically cousin it's your turn. It was the height of coincidence that you found yourself in that shadow. I'm sure Corwin would know more about that. In the interest of hospitality I'll let it slide and answer your question first."

"It was a reflection of Corwin's Pattern, and, as such, to do with as he liked.
The Balance is outa whack at the moment and before problems can be fixed one must first ensure that all of one's ducks are in a row."

[Wired*Nun]

Corwin smiles, listening to this exchange. "Yes, and welcome to the family, Rebis. Assuming your assertion is accurate - don't be insulted, I'm just saying these things have a way of turning out to be different than you thought - you're the wave of the future. Amber and Chaos were separated as long as Oberon was alive and King. Now they are starting to cross purposes, and bloodlines, naturally enough."

It is a pity that you were all too intent on your task to offer an explanation of your actions earlier, perhaps if events had proceeded otherwise both of our losses could have been prevented...

"That sounds like an indictment," he says calmly. "Without trying to start an argument, let me point out that we expect shadow-sorcerers to try to protect their places of power. You filled that role admirably, only you're not a shadow-sorcerer - as Landon implied, you're just a long way from home and deep into opposing territory - and even more strangely, trying to protect an artifact of Order. Not something we could have predicted. Best to chalk it up to universal irony and let bygones be bygones."

[TreyKincaide]

"Our friend seems to be chewing on that for awhile." Landon notes as he turns to Corwin. "In the meantime perhaps you can shed some light on what our next move is going to be keeping present company in mind?"

[Inserted by GM for timing]

He raises that eyebrow, reminding Landon of Spock on reruns of Star Trek back on Earth..."Power discussion already done? You sure are easy to please. And, I am sorry about the Eric ghost. He can be rebuilt, but only back the way he was at the start - that is, when he was first created, maybe...a year ago. We'd have to start over on everything...I don't relish that. We'll have to have another ghost of some kind...they are the most efficient manifestations the Pattern has to use, since they are essentially templated already, rather than created from scratch. Unfortunately, only my children can walk this one, which means any ghosts it uses start with me or Merlin as a template, then are altered or edited to fit the situation."

"If you ever really want to talk to your father as he was, with all his proper memories, I'd suggest that the original Pattern could create a proper ghost, if it wants. Of course, getting its attention and favor is the problem...maybe go through Dworkin, if you an find him."

"As for next moves, I want to wait a bit, see what reaction we draw from either end. I want to see how Rebis can fit in to this, seeing as he's already involved anyway. Once we get a little more practice in removing these broken patterns, we will have to shift over to take out some the the Primal's...that's when it is going to turn ugly. Random and Amber might understand. The Primal won't."

[Tamarind]

Do they really believe this? That the only reason there is any cause for concern over what happened is because I was there - that otherwise no explanation would be necessary, no-one would have a right to ask 'Why?', that the lives of the people who live in that Shadow are irrelevant?

I had heard of the arrogance of Amberites but I had thought it propaganda and prejudice...but perhaps I am letting emotions cloud my judgement, I must try to see their point of view, even if they will not (cannot?) see mine...

"I am unsure why you believe it is 'my turn' cousin - I came here at Corwin's request for a full discussion of these events, which is yet to be forthcoming. As a courtesy I undertook to answer your question regarding the cause of the ghost's destruction, as I had interrupted your conversation. Perhaps I am simply unfamiliar with the ways of those of Amber, I had expected the aforementioned explanation - not a fencing match."

He takes a deep breath, then continues,

"I do not fully agree with your assertion that as a reflection of his Pattern it was Corwin's to do with as he wished - in particular I do not see why this precluded an explanation to those who would be affected by your actions. But I also believe that there are many points of view in any situation and I am thus willing to as you say 'let bygones be bygones', a fact I hope was demonstrated by my efforts to hold back the Vortex. I infer from your earlier comments that you intend to replicate your efforts elsewhere? If so you will need someone to shield you from the backlash, yes? If you are prepared to share a full explanation I would consider helping you, if you wish."

[Wired*Nun]

Corwin looks Rebis in the eyes for moment. Naive, sincere, earnest...was I ever that young? "As full an explanation as I can, I'll give. Then you can clue me in on how you came to be there...all right. I'm no expert on the Courts, but I understand something from my dealings with Merlin and his mother, and others. If you can summon Primal Chaos, you were a student of Suhuy's - yes? And you know how dangerous that is. Just keep that in mind as I lay this out."

"When I drew this Pattern, thinking that the Primal had been erased, I was trying to maintain the Balance, and preserve some of the shadows between the poles of existence. It was a desperate move, for desperate times. Unfortunately, we ended up with two Patterns, which by their very nature are crowding Chaos, pushing its Shadows into the Pit. The process is accelerating, albeit slowly. The Primal wants this to happen. It's winning its age-old struggle. But it's bad for everyone in between. I do care about the shadows, and the shadow-dwellers. I care even more about Amber, and the war that will result if the situation isn't fixed. I'm sorry about the old man, but I'm too old not to accept that the risk of one death is worth trying to save countless lives. Call that cynical? Call me in a thousand years, we'll talk about it."

"So to redress the Balance, we have to prune away some of the power of Order, that the plant grows healthier. Doing this won't hurt the shadows where they are. In fact, the opposite is true - broken patterns have a corrupting effect wherever they are. I want to do this surgically, with as little loss of life as possible - but sometimes, omelets and eggs are not far between."

[TreyKincaide]

"If you ever really want to talk to your father as he was, with all his proper memories, I'd suggest that the original Pattern could create a proper ghost, if it wants. Of course, getting its attention and favor is the problem...maybe go through Dworkin, if you an find him."
"No, as I said grasping for shadows is pointless and unhealthy. Certainly, I'm going to have the Pattern's attention, but not in the way that would be condusive to that line of thinking. Regardless, a ghost is merely an agent; I'm somewhat hestiant in opening myself up to manipulation in that respect."

Landon appears as if he was going to add something to the current line of thought, but pauses and remains silent.

Kids like these make me feel old. Maybe that's where I ran into trouble with the rest.

[Wired*Nun]

"No, as I said grasping for shadows is pointless and unhealthy. Certainly, I'm going to have the Pattern's attention, but not in the way that would be condusive to that line of thinking.
Corwin laughs at this. "Yes, you're right about that. The Primal will certainly be unhappy."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon grins, "Certainly not an advantageous position to ask for favor. So, we're going to wait. I'm sure that I can find things to do to keep well entertained."

[Tamarind]

"Thank you Corwin. I think Pi'il-awan would have respected your words - and the sentiment that lies behind them. I know I do. To seek to maintain a balance is a very wise outlook, one that I hope many will share...."

Though I know there are those who would revile even the suggestion of such a thing...

"In some sense it is what has led me here - as you surmise I was indeed a student of Suhuy's, he is my friend and mentor and under his guidance I have mastered many of the mysteries of the Logrus and Chaos. However I also wished to learn of the other side of my heritage, to understand the nature of the Pattern - and to meet my father, whom I have only heard of. It was whilst on this journey towards Amber that I came upon the Shadow in which we encountered one another, I had sensed the Pattern energy within the Touchstone and was curious. When I met the people who lived there and learned of their situation I felt obliged to do what I could to help them - it was this that lead me to oppose you, not a desire to defend an artefact of Order, though I appreciate the irony."

And your help - for it seems the destruction of the Touchstone was indeed what was necessary, a task I doubt I could have achieved without causing widespread harm...

"You have given me the explanation I sought and in so doing have raised many questions and possibilities...I infer from your discussions that you propose to erase more of these broken patterns, and ultimately perhaps one or more of the Patterns themselves? Whilst I would appreciate some evidence to bear out your description, if the situation is as you believe then I do not see how I can do otherwise than offer you all my assistance - if you would wish it."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon takes the opportunity to speak up, "Broken Patterns, yes. Full Patterns no. The Primal wouldn't stand for such an attack, and I seriously doubt that we could withstand its full forces brought to bear. We must be careful to even the balance and not tip it the other way. Every Pattern erased reflects outward and propogates downward. What we're planning on doing is setting a "fire break" of sorts to slow down the Primal's advance. It's a temporary solution at best; one that will buy time for greater minds than my own to figure out something better. Another Patternfall can't be an option."

Landon pauses and takes another drink, "For proof I suggest that all you need to do is look to the accounts of your King's ascension to his throne. Much like his father's," Landon smirks, "his accounts have been described as self serving--it is the victors who write history after all--but it does contain its own Truth. I'm sure Corwin has a dog-earred copy around here somewhere."

"Merlin knows what we are about if not by what means. Plausible denial and all that." Landon shrugs. "If that isn't enough validation then please consider my situation. While I have no wishes to carry on a dead man's--much less one that I have never met--grudges, Corwin and my father's disputes were the things of legend. While I probably wouldn't have gone along at the outset, Corwin's logic and actions have won me to his cause--much to the chagrin of certain acquaintances of mine were they to know."

"If I sound cold towards shadow-dwellers then I should apologize. Indeed, I have fonder relationships and happier memories of times dwelling with those not of the blood--a stranger can be accorded some degree of trust after all. I merely don't have the benefit of looking at the trees for the forest. Perhaps, I lie further towards Corwin in the spectrum of jade--for good reason, I assure you."

"Thus I am left with a unenviable task. For what I am doing I could very easily end up branded a traitor, exiled, imprisoned, or worse. Yet, I am unwilling to leave this thing up to others and must see it through. I suppose, that is what it means to be a son of Amber--something that Corwin, in a manner not completely of my liking, taught me."

Landon stubs out his cigarette, lights another one, and refills his glass. He grins explaining, "Some habits are hard to break." He takes a sip and sighs.

[Wired*Nun]

It was whilst on this journey towards Amber that I came upon the Shadow in which we encountered one another, I had sensed the Pattern energy within the Touchstone and was curious.Corwin smiles at this asessment. "You're a long way from Amber - and you came here because I desired it. That is, you happened to be the one that fulfilled my requirements...that's what passes for prophecy in shadows. I guess I almost got hoist on my own petard, eh?"

and ultimately perhaps one or more of the Patterns themselves?
"As Landon said, I have no desire to erase a full Pattern, nor to create one. Amber wouldn't stand for that no matter what the reason."

I'm sure Corwin has a dog-earred copy around here somewhere."
"Hmm, yes, I'll get it for you when we're done. My works and Merlin's, edited slightly by a talented writer on Shadow Earth. I translated it back into Thari...I hope it flows all right." He shifts in his chair, getting more comfortable.

"You both could easily be branded traitors back in your respective homes. Rebis, you for working with the enemy, even if doing something beneficial for Chaos - I think between Merlin and the evidence, you could get off lightly. Landon is more likely anathema, because he was an agent of the crown when I had him brought to me, and has voluntarily - more or less - come to my way of thinking. Right now, we form a third faction in the multiverse. First there was one Courts, with many factions. Then there was Pattern and Amber, making two major factions with many subfactions, each more or less united against the other. Then there were three, with the creation of my Pattern. Hopefully there are no subfactions here, yet. There also may be a fourth faction coming into its own - that Maze thing you were looking into, Landon. One thing I know from history, is that a multipolar system is inherently unstable, and must be intensively managed, or it will fall apart."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon exhales and frowns, "Yeah. The Maze. Someone's playing a foolish game. Unfortunately, very few are interested in macro-management, so it's us against all sides playing the middle--the way it usually ends up in some degree or another. Not the most advantageous position, though, when you're stuck between a Pattern and a Logrus while lost in a Maze," Landon grins at his jest.

"Seriously, though, Corwin the next time you feel the need to play prophet," Landon pauses and winks mischievously at Rebis, "do you think that you could add 'face of an angel and the body of a Bodicelli' to the requirements list? It'd be a hell of a lot easier on the eyes."

[Wired*Nun]

"Oh, you don't like Rebis' looks? I'm sure he could 'change for you, if he wanted. Landon, I thought you were straight! If not, well, knock yourselves out, boys, just do it somewhere else, puhleeeze." He holds up his hands in mock horror. "Besides, prophecy is a funny thing. I fulfilled more than one prophecy in my day, who the hell knows how it works?"

"Now Rebis, let's talk about your role in this little enterprise. You're a much more accomplished sorcerer than Coral, it seems, and she's best left near the center of things, attached to the Jewel as she is. That will be an asset, especially when someone comes looking into what just happened - and they will. I'm going to guess it will be Fiona or Bleys. Either one is Bad News. I want two things to happen - I want whomever it is to go away without conflict, and I want them to go away thinking it was Chaos that did it. That's going to take some finesse. Rebis will figure in this - somehow he will have to be recognized for what he is but not who, and without endangering him overmuch. I am open to ideas; feel free to brainstorm."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon feigns a look of mock indignation; he quickly laughs it away at his uncle's antics. He begins flicking his cigarette while thinking.

"Pulling the wool over either of their eyes will not be an easy task. Both of them seem to be able to read one's mind casually as if reading a book. Well, if Rebis can change his form, then he could take the likeness of someone else from the Courts--preferably a hawk that's been undermining Merlin's efforts. Then, perhaps, he could go and summon the slightest bit of Primal Chaos to gain our guest's attention. When Bleys or Fiona arrive to investigate we let them get close enough to see what's going on. We then Trump him to safety."

Landon stubs out his cigarette. "Finally, if you don't believe that it might lead to immediate retalliation, he could leave this behind." Landon fishes takes off a simple jeweled ring and sets it on the table. "It's of Fiona's design, and I'm sure either of them could recognize her handiwork. They were given to both Roland, Julian's bully of a son, and myself as a last ditch distress beacon. It'll imply that whomever has me is connected in some manner, and give them something else to think about lest that they begin to doubt our display."

"That's the best I could come up with off the top of my head. Shoot it full of holes."

[Tamarind]

This is becoming increasingly complex, Landon's comments are interesting but do not constiture actual evidence - I need to be able to evaluate the accuracy of Corwin's hypothesis for myself. If he is correct then I would be well advised to assist him, if not...it could be a very serious misstep

"Landon, I thank you for your explanation - your points have merit and add weight to the argument - but when I referred to evidence I meant that I should need to assess this hypothesis for myself. Whilst I believe the removal of the Touchstone was the right course to take you will appreciate my desire for confirmation that the action you describe is the best path to take on the grand scale also."

This is definitely a situation requiring careful thought before further action...

"For whilst it is true that multipolar systems can be unstable it is also true that they may tend to a stable solution, a natural balance. Perhaps the emergence of this fourth pole you mention, this Maze, is a reaction to the imbalance you describe - a correcting factor? There are many possibilities to consider."

Rebis looks nonplussed at Landon's apparent reaction to his appearance, but does not otherwise comment

"This said in terms of your immediate request that I, as a Lord of Chaos, be seen to be the one responsible for the events with the Touchstone I am happy to assist - there are ample traces to point to this conclusion already, after all: A shape-shifting visitor, the traces of Logrus and Logrus-powered sorcery and the residual distortions from the use of Primal Chaos are all evidence of this."

The prospect of another of my Family visiting Sal'wey and her people makes me uneasy, I should definitely return. Perhaps I could lead this Bleys on a trail away from the area, travelling via Logrus to a more magical Shadow and then departing via a spell enhanced with Logrus?

"I agree with Landon in many respects - an effective means to persuade them of this without conflict would seem to be to take up the trail of my departure, which was made via Logrus and continue it for awhile, before escaping via a Logrus-fuelled weave once his presence on my backtrail is noticeable? I am reluctant to unleash even a small amount of Primal Chaos unattended but there are other inherently Chaotic forces that could be utilised to slow their progress or gain their attention..."

[TreyKincaide]

Rebis looks nonplussed at Landon's apparent reaction to his appearance, but does not otherwise comment"It was a joke, lad, implying that I would have preferred the company of a woman. You need to get out more," Landon says in a friendly tone.


"For whilst it is true that multipolar systems can be unstable it is also true that they may tend to a stable solution, a natural balance. Perhaps the emergence of this fourth pole you mention, this Maze, is a reaction to the imbalance you describe - a correcting factor? There are many possibilities to consider."
"At what cost when the dust has settled? I prefer things the way they were over the uncertain. This Maze has been nothing but trouble and is connected to the assassination of one of your cousins during a formal function. It could have very easily been your Grandfather that we buried that day. How long before it turns its attention to your beloved Courts?" Landon says his tone losing its friendly edge.

He frowns and says matter of factly, "I, for one, don't want your help if you're not convinced of our intentions. There is little room in these sorts of endeavors for half-hearted gestures and uncertain convictions. I don't know what proof can be provided to satisfy your qualms aside that it is certain that nothing we are doing will endanger the situation--except, of course, our own. Usually, it's a better idea to strike out to do something later proven wrong than sit back doing nothing to suffer others' machinations. It's fish or cut bait time, Rebis. I see no reason to continue further until this matter's settled. You can't have your cake and eat it too."

[Tamarind]

"I find your words perplexing Landon, did you also decide to join this endeavour after but a few minutes discussion, as you seem to expect me to do? I prefer to take a little more time to deliberate such important decisions, particularly when the repercussions are of such magnitude."

He pauses, choosing his words carefully,

"Perhaps I should have been clearer when I referred to evidence and my desire to confirm this hypothesis - I meant that I need to examine the Shadows around these reflections and perhaps those closer to Chaos for signs of the effects Corwin describes before committing myself to your cause in its entirety. However I did not make this a pre-requisite for my assistance in the subterfuge he requested, instead as a gesture of good faith I offered my help in that endeavour. I had thought that this, together with my earlier help, would be sufficient until I had had time to confirm what you have both told me - is this not so?"

[TreyKincaide]

Landon sighs, "I had not meant to rush you to a hasty decision or press you so. No, you are quite correct in questioning the way I came to be part of this little conspiracy--though those details will remain between Corwin and myself. Perhaps in fear of betrayal, I am overly harsh. There is much to be lost by this little gamble, and I am as fond of my life as the next man."

"If we find that we are doing ill then by all means we would cease our activities. To continue otherwise would be foolhardy and stubborn. By all means observe and study the consequences of our actions."

Landon takes a drink, "Unfortunately, you see, once you begin treading down this road it's hard to fork off. You must see that if you walk with us for a time that you will certainly be labeled as such even when situations change. That works both ways, though. Certainly neither Corwin nor myself could let you become a liability if you decided to work against us knowing as much as you would of our activities."

Landon shrugs, "There I go being all honest in my treachery again." He laughs.

"Perhaps I am rubbed a bit raw in this exchange," Landon admits. "Where I am from when one spares another's life when it was in their power to take, a certain courtesy is owed. One doesn't imply, even unintentionally, that they possess superior judgment."

"I'd wager that the desire not to see another Amberite mucking about in a Shadow containing a certain pretty lady has as much to do with your offer as any good faith on your part. Your earlier help wouldn't have been needed without your prior interference."

"However, I believe your intentions are honorable. Indeed, I'd be willing to put you up--at least for awhile, I'm sure you're anxious to get back--so we could become better acquainted while we make preparations."

[Tamarind]

Anger shows in Rebis' expression and is echoed in his tone,

"Yes, I too believe a certain courtesy is owed in such a situation, however I have made allowances for you as you may not have been made aware of the lengths I went to to spare your life - did it not occur to you that the most effective means of preventing you completing your task would have been to act against you directly, particularly given your limited scope of movement and utter concentration? Instead I acted against the construct and knowing that otherwise you would be lost sent my closest friend to save you from the resultant backlash of the Touchstone - an act that saw him destroyed Landon. No, I do not think I count myself overly in your debt on this matter. And as for your comment that my help would not have been needed without my prior interference as I mentioned before you yourselves are to blame on that count - the more so now as it seems that Corwin went to great lengths to ensure my presence there in the first place!"

He pauses, mastering his emotions, then continues in a controlled voice,

"I came here at your request Corwin, in good faith, to engage in a discussion. It appears that discussion is now complete. I have said I am willing to assist you once more in the subterfuge you have outlined, after that I will need to make my observations and tests - if these confirm to me that the course of action you describe is indeed the most prudent then I shall continue to lend you my support and assistance in that endeavour."

Surely they must see that no-one would engage in actions with such dire consequences purely on the word of virtual strangers?

His tone calmer he adds,

"I thank you for your kind offer of hospitality Landon but as we do not know how swiftly Bleys or Fiona will arrive perhaps we should be about this task without delay?"

[Wired*Nun]

Corwin clears his throat. "Gentlemen...for such we all are, until you prove otherwise - let us make allowances for past losses and pains all around." He reaches out to put a hand on the shoulder of each younger man.

"I'm sorry about your friend, Rebis. I regret that my desire for an emissary of Chaos came so ill-timed - a misjudgment on my part. I should have known that manipulation of Powers tends to draw other Powers in like magnetic effects. Landon, I am sorry we lost the Eric, before you had some more chance to get to know him, even if only in that way. I'm glad the young Lord of Chaos did not try to kill you, Landon - and I am glad I recognized you for what you are, Rebis, and didn't take your head just because it would have been easiest. If you feel yourselves wronged, then I have wronged you. Neither of you has wronged the other. I am accountable for these doings."

He sits back for a moment, and rubs the bridge of his nose. Pointing at Rebis, he says, "You're right, we don't have too much time to socialize. We need make a plan. We're drifting off into bickering. I'd still like more input from you, you both, really, then I'll draft a basic script."

[TreyKincaide]

Instead I acted against the construct and knowing that otherwise you would be lost sent my closest friend to save you from the resultant backlash of the Touchstone - an act that saw him destroyed Landon.

"From where I was standing, it appeared as if you sent him to attack me..." Landon appears as if he's going to say more but when Corwin speaks up he quiets.

"As to whom to impersonate, well, that's definately up to Rebis. I'm not familiar enough to suggest a telling charade. Personally, I think a merry romp through shadow is a bad idea, myself. Bleys and Fiona are two of the canniest and sneakiest gits alive. Drawing it out will give them too much time to realize there's more going on than what they see. Thus we need to keep it simple and appear for it to be simply. I think that would best accomplished by appearing to have one's hand caught in the cookie jar and getting the hell out. Then perhaps another distraction, of what type I don't know, so they don't question our play."