Heldrik and Asmundson

[Wired*Nun]

“"Siodmak, I apologise for speaking as if you were not present." ”



Siodmak does not respond to this whatsoever, but continues to stare at Random.



“...any Family member would not be offered such...



...mental torture... ”


"We have only an account of uncertain origin that he is a family member...and there would be no torture involved, Agraynel," says Fiona, "merely side effects." Random holds up a palm toward Fiona, allowing Gray and Arrotel to finish their responses.



Once they have, he folds his hands matter-of-factly in front of him, elbows on the table. Siodmak still has not moved...not a muscle.



"Your pleas are eloquent, and do you credit. Genetics is not the only measure of family. Behavior is more important, in my book. Elress' peccadilloes are well-known and well-documented, and she has always kept them within," here a finger in the air, "- barely - the bounds of toleration. Still, the Oath weighs in her favor."

"We have little evidence one way or another about Siodmak's behavior. It may be - what did someone say - 'unsavory,' even immoral, but not criminal. So, I'm going to do what all effective rulers dearly love to do - mandate a solution that cleanly and elegantly leaves everyone almost satisfied." Random sits back, and turns to say one word over his shoulder.

"Benedict."

Scabbarded blade in his naked left hand, that man rotates smoothly and precisely out from behind one of the decorative curtains, and stalks over to take the third chair. His plain dress uniform is immaculate. His boots are polished to a mirror sheen. His right arm hangs straight by his side, right hand in a gray kidskin glove. His face is inscrutable.

Balancing the hilt of the long sword against the edge of the table, point down, his measured baritone advances with military precision across the table to the younger Amberites.

"Good evening, Arrotel...Good evening, Siodmak...Good evening, Agraynel." He pauses a long moment, searching his younger son's eyes. "Arrotel, I approve of your actions thus far. You have done well. I am particularly satisfied that you have remained steady and unruffled in the face of difficulties." He turns to the young woman across from him.

"Agraynel. I knew your father very well. I would enjoy speaking of him with you at some more settled time. I know he would be proud of you for bravely standing up for what you believe, and in whom you believe."

"Siodmak." The sallow man turns slightly to face Benedict, his eyes taking on some semblance of life. "I believe you to be my son. Your mother was...unique, and uniquely dear to me. The King has kindly granted my request to place you under my protection. In return, I have taken the responsibility for investigating and establishing the facts of the matter, and of your fate. You will therefore come with me for that purpose. What say you?"

Siodmak's face is immobile - stunned? Calculating? It is impossible to tell...maybe Random could lift some meaning out of that blank countenance, but Agraynel and Arrotel can't. After an interminable silence, he finally speaks.

"All right."

Benedict immediately rises, leaning slightly forward, looming above the table. "Arrotel, please take your brother to your room and prepare for a journey. I will be there shortly."

Random's eyes have been roaming across the three's faces all this time, picking apart their reactions, concealing his own. After Arrotel and Siodmak leave, Benedict turns to go out the hidden way.

Before he can reach the curtain, Fiona speaks.

"Benedict...what will you do if you find him guilty?"

Without turning, and with a slight inclination of his head, Benedict replies slowly, evenly.

"Then I shall execute him myself, as I executed his mother. For Amber."

His steps ring in the silence as they carry Amber's greatest warrior from the room.

Random lets out a long breath, almost a sigh. "Well, Agraynel...as a famous fictional character once said...what do you think of my solution?"

[chalice]

Random lets out a long breath, almost a sigh. "Well, Agraynel...as a famous fictional character once said...what do you think of my solution?"Gray is very pale; she watches Arrotel and Siodmak leave as if her last lifeline were being pulled up out of her reach; her efforts seem to have left her exhausted.

Still, with effort, ignoring Fiona, she replies: "I think it was a work of art." The merest hint of warmth creeps into her eyes. "And I think it was fair. Fairer than I expected. Perhaps Father was right, and there is hope for you after all..."

Her eyes blur, darkening, looking back at some distant occasion.

"That's what he said, you know. After you shot him, and I was cleaning up the mess?" so much blood...

"He said, it was the first time he had ever known you be loyal to anything beyond yourself, and it gave him hope for you..." And I wanted to kill you. "Though he deplored your taste in hero-figures..."

Those drowning eyes are still fixed on Random with desperate intensity.

"I don't understand why I don't hate you. But it seems I don't. So...what would you have of me now?"

[Wired*Nun]

Random's eyes cloud over as Agraynel speaks, and he seems to be looking elsewhere. He lets the old pain show in his voice as he answers.

"Yes, one of the downsides of a long life is you have a lot of time for regrets. You also have lots of time to hate. I'm glad you're not rushing into it now. There's no percentage in it." He sits up a bit straighter, and shoots his cuffs, folding his hands, businesslike.

"I think we have a dinner appointment in about forty-five minutes...I'll see you and Mr. Challenger then, in C2. Will you excuse us?"

[chalice]

Random's eyes cloud over as Agraynel speaks, and he seems to be looking elsewhere. He lets the old pain show in his voice as he answers.

"Yes, one of the downsides of a long life is you have a lot of time for regrets. You also have lots of time to hate. I'm glad you're not rushing into it now. There's no percentage in it." He sits up a bit straighter, and shoots his cuffs, folding his hands, businesslike.

"I think we have a dinner appointment in about forty-five minutes...I'll see you and Mr. Challenger then, in C2. Will you excuse us?""Of course." The polite response is automatic; Gray looks momentarily lost, then she makes her way out of the door.

Once outside, she leans against the wall and draws some deep, ragged breaths.

Then, blessedly, her mind begins to focus on small realities - dinner; therefore, dress; therefore, a bath to wash away the miasma of an afiternoon spent underground; therefore...

She duly commandeers a servant, requesting them to guide her to someone who can arrange these things...

[Thanos]

Heldrik arrives to dinner 10 minutes early to Gray‘s door, immaculately dressed in his colors [black, red, gold], looking well rested and ready for a state affair. After saying good evening and complimenting her on her attire he will offer her his arm and escort her to the dinner in such a fashion as would be appropriate for a Princess.

[chalice]

Heldrik arrives to dinner 10 minutes early to Gray‘s door, immaculately dressed in his colors [black, red, gold], looking well rested and ready for a state affair. After saying good evening and complimenting her on her attire he will offer her his arm and escort her to the dinner in such a fashion as would be appropriate for a Princess.Gray has allowed the staff to wash, dress and turn her out as they see fit, her mind otherwise occupied; the result is a formal lavender gown, crystal jewellery and dark hair combed back into an almost-severe chignon. She looks a little like a child dressed up in her elder sister's clothes.

"Heldrik!" she embraces him tightly for a moment, leaning her head against his shoulder and seeming to draw strength from the contact, then draws back to take his arm.

"Arrotel and Siodmak will not be joining us..." as they walk to dinner, she fills him in on recent events. "So...then there were two." I'm going to miss Arrotel, but it's right he should be with his father and brother now...

"And where did you go...?"

She seems serene, but only - reluctantly - releases her grip on Heldrik's arm as they enter the conference room.

[Thanos]

Heldrik gladly returns the embrace. After she is done speaking about events of the past few hours he fills her in on his activities, but quickly. The walk is to short for Heldrik’s liking, but he remembers to simmer down when they get close to the doors not wanting to make a scene.

[Wired*Nun]

Conference room two looks to be a carbon-copy of C3, except the decor is green instead of red. Asmundson is already inside, along with an unobtrusive escort/guard, and Random, Fiona and Flora.

Random and Fiona are deep in conversation on the far side of the room, while Flora is exercisng her influences on Challenger. He is obviously enjoying his fetching audience, and is holding forth in stentorian tones about some aspect of theo-scientific philosophy. "And so you see, my dear, that man is not meant to be subject to nature, but quite the reverse, as Adam was given dominion over all living things. It is a subject of some debate as to whether this instruction was intended to apply to nonliving things, but one can extend the rationale in quite a logical fashion - oh, hello, Heldrik, Agraynel! Lovely to see you again. Thank you so much for the hospitality and care."

[chalice]

"- oh, hello, Heldrik, Agraynel! Lovely to see you again. Thank you so much for the hospitality and care."Gray smiles at the familiar lecturing tones, delighted to see her friend in good health.

"Good evening, Aunt Florimel. Good evening, Asmundson," she kisses his cheek lightly. "I'm so glad to see you looking better."

[Thanos]

Heldrik nods to both Flora and Asmundson clearly more than willing to let Gray do most of the talking. In fact looks for a bar or wine glass and if he finds such will offer to fetch some for the group.

[chalice]

Gray will take her cue from Flora - if her aunt accepts the offer of a drink, she will do the same, sipping politely at a glass of wine and resisting the urge Flora brings out in her to tuck back barely-straying locks of hair and smooth non-existant wrinkles from her borrowed gown.

"Don't let me interrupt you two," she says, taking a seat close to Flora and Asmundson, "though, Aunt Florimel, I wondered whether you and I might talk together later? If you have time, that is," she adds hurriedly.

[Wired*Nun]

Flora takes the drink from Heldrik, then turns and stumbles, managing to spill the wine all over Heldrik's shirt front, and have herself caught in Asmundson's arms simultaneously.

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry, it's these heels, you know," she says as Asmundson sets her back on her feet. "Oh, Heldrik, look at you, you're all wet...getting to be a habit? I'm sure that serving-girl you were chatting up will help clean you up a bit."

Turning her back on Heldrik, Flora says to Gray, "Of course, dear, I can make some time for you. Do excuse me right now, I see the King giving me the high sign." She seems to have no problem walking accross the room in the four-inch heels this time...

[chalice]

Gray blinks at Flora's display, her smile fading. Looking between her aunt and Heldrik with a puzzled frown, she shivers slightly, as if something in the atmosphere is making her skin prickle.

When Flora turns back to her, she quickly retrieves a nervous little smile. Then she picks up napkin and turns to Heldrik.

She moves closer, as if to start mopping up the wine from his clothing, then hesitates Flora just said this was a servant's job and hands the napkin to him instead.

"Did you two have a fight?" she asks softly, eyes wide and worried, once Flora is across the room.

[Thanos]

Heldrik seems to have been expecting something petty and just smiles at Flora as if what she did was the most natural thing ever.
“Such a shame to waste good wine,” he says never losing his grin.

Once Flora has moved over across the room to Random, Heldrik will gladly accept the napkin offered by Gray and dab somewhat at his shirt front, just to keep up appearances. In the mean time he smells of wine and takes a gulp of his own goblet.

Finally Heldrik winks at Gray letting her now its OK and heads over to get another goblet for his Aunt and himself, leaving hers at her place at the table for later.

[chalice]

Gray sits down by Asmundson, taking refuge in pre-dinner chatter.

"I hope you've been looked after properly? I'm sorry I couldn't stop by and visit you - Arrotel and I spent most of the afternoon watching Siodmak. Have you met anyone besides Florimel yet?"

[Wired*Nun]

Asmundson smiles at Agraynel's concern. "Oh, capital indeed. Princess Florimel is a wonderful hostess, what little I saw of her." Saw quite a lot of her, given the revealing dress she is wearing...stop it!

"But no, she did point out the King and Princess Fiona...deuced informal, you people are, about royalty, compared to the British monarchy. I gather that the empire King Random directly rules is actually much smaller, though I am sure his influence is much larger, than that of the British Empire. Still, we are much the same - based on commerce, not on the size of our armies. Sea power is still the ultimate power, eh? Combined with the emerging power of Science, at least it will be."

"Watching Siodmak, eh? I hope you keep a close eye on that one, he's never up to any good! He's quite ruthless, and amoral. Yes, that's the word, amoral. Amoral tending toward evil. The closer you get to him, the more evil he becomes. It is said his tastes rival the Marquis de Sade in love of cruelty."

[chalice]

Asmundson smiles at Agraynel's concern. "Oh, capital indeed. Princess Florimel is a wonderful hostess indeed, what little I saw of her." Saw quite a lot of her, given the revealing dress she is wearing...stop it! "She is amazing, isn't she? One of her Shadows used to visit us when I was young, and was one of my teachers for a while. You'd think that would prepare one for the real thing, but it doesn't, not really." Not remotely. It just confuses things.


"Watching Siodmak, eh? I hope you keep a close eye on that one, he's never up to any good! He's quite ruthless, and amoral. Yes, that's the word, amoral. Amoral tending toward evil. The closer you get to him, the more evil he becomes. It is said his tastes rival the Marquis de Sade in love of cruelty.""I don't know the nobleman to whom you refer, but I can believe Siodmak's tastes are something into which I do not wish to enquire further. I imagine I've ensured he despises me, since I was foolish enough to express pity for him earlier. Still, it's up to his father and brother to watch him now, and make what they can of the relationship."

I wonder if I achieved anything at all apart from making Siodmak hate me and myself look an idiot?...Benedict said father would have been pleased, though...

Gray hugs that last thought to herself, and it brings a soft smile as she changes the subject.

"I thought tomorrow I might do some exploring...get my bearings here. Would you care to join me?"

[Wired*Nun]

Still, it's up to his father and brother to watch him now, and make what they can of the relationship."

"Well, I hope they keep their stakes handy, that's all I'll say."

"I thought tomorrow I might do some exploring...get my bearings here. Would you care to join me?"

"Oh, capital! I would love a tour, of course. Ah, it looks as if his Royal Majesty is waving us over, unless I miss my guess." That's exactly what it looks like, as Random is seating his sisters and himself, motioning for the others to sit across from them. Another inquisition? Hopefully a bit different this time...

[chalice]

"Oh, capital! I would love a tour, of course. Ah, it looks as if his Royal Majesty is waving us over, unless I miss my guess." That's exactly what it looks like, as Random is seating his sisters and himself, motioning for the others to sit across from them. Another inquisition? Hopefully a bit different this time...
Gray moves quickly and demurely to her allotted seat, then sits with her hands clasped in her lap to still their fidgeting while she looks to see which Elder will begin the...proceedings.

[Thanos]

Heldrik finds his place, still more than damp, but at least not dripping now. His attention is on Random and not on himself. He has given full military and diplomatic reports covered in the blood of combat before and a little wine isn’t going to distract him.

How appropriate.

[Wired*Nun]

Asmundson freezes in place, then holds a hand up halfway to his head, then pauses again. "Yes, I hear you," he says.

Flora stands up quickly and backs away to her right, away from all the people sitting at the table, and puts her right hand inside her left sleeve. Random is watching Asmundson closely, and Fiona has placed her hands casually in front of her, fingers free, forearms resting on the table...but there is an air of tension in her, and she is also watching Mr. Challenger quite intently.

[chalice]

Gray reaches out to place her hand on Asmundson's wrist, directing a glance of concern at him, visibly tense.

[Thanos]

Heldrik doesn't seem to be tense at all, drinking some more wine and getting a refill, and watching the reactions of the others.

[Wired*Nun]

At the touch on Asmundson's wrist, Gray's sight fills with a vision of a man in clothes reminiscent of Challenger's. He looks startled to see Gray apear in the Trump contact, and looks from one to the other. Imperturbable as ever, Asmundson turns to Gray and says, "Everything is fine, my dear, it's just Winston here, from my Order, telling me some news. Go on Winston, her name is Agraynel, she's a friend."

"Ah, well, how do you do. Yes As, as I was saying, this fellow just shows up from inside the tunnel to the cavern. He doesn't speak English, nor French nor German nor Swahili nor any other language as far as we can tell. We thought he might be a superscientific visitor, and you are the expert, so I called. What shall we do?"

"If you can hold him there," he replies, "or escort him to the Lodge, I will conclude my business here in an hour or two and then come there. Does that suit you?"

"Yes, quite. We'll try to keep him available...do you think we should...use force to do that? I mean, if he arrived by superscientific means, he might depart by the same..."

"No," says Asmundson placatingly. "We shall not hold anyone against his will unless he proves to be a danger. Do what you can, and call me with any changes. Now I have to go, Winston, I am being impolite in the presence of Royalty. Until later."

"Right. I'm off then."

Asmundson inclines his head to Random after the contact ends. "I do apologise, Your Majesty. We have an unexpected visitor back at my home, and my brothers sought my counsel."

[chalice]

"No," says Asmundson placatingly. "We shall not hold anyone against his will unless he proves to be a danger. Do what you can, and call me with any changes. Now Ihave to go, Winston, I am being impolite in the presence of Royalty. Until later."

"Right. I'm off then."
"Wait!" Gray interrupts. "Excuse me, but the language your 'visitor' spoke, did it sound thus-" she switches from English to Thari. " 'I do not speak your language'?"

[OOC: hope interruption OK]

Asmundson inclines his head to Random after the contact ends. "I do apologise, Your Majesty. We have an unexpected visitor back at my home, and my brothers sought my counsel."
That's funny...I'm sure he told me he hadn't made any Trumps of himself before I asked him to...that he had had no cause...

[Wired*Nun]

"Well, ma'am, I do not know, as I am receiving reports by telegraph."

Sensing Gray's confusion through the Trump contact, Asmundson says, "Perhaps he is someone you know of? We can all go find out as soon as His Majesty releases us, if you wish?"

[chalice]

"I think that might be a good idea. I was wondering if it might be someone in the Family - maybe someone from Roland's group deciding to check out the Maze...or something....um...."

Gray belatedly realises she is holding up a meeting with the King, and her voice trails off uncertainly; she looks a little embarassed.

(Strong at the front of her thoughts, and so probably picked up by Asmundson through the shared link was her first hopeful reaction: Landon? Maybe he came back? quickly followed by commonsense and sharp disappointment Of course it isn't him, his English is better than mine...)

[Wired*Nun]

Contact ended, Random clears his throat. Flora comes and sits back down, folding her hands in front of herself and leaning back slightly in her chair.

"I see you will have an errand after this meeting, which is just as well, I am busy as well. Mr. Challenger, let me get straight to the point. A member of the royal family was recently murdered, possibly using or involving powers of this Maze, such as you posess. My nephew Landon is missing, snatched in the very presence of your Maze. My niece Agraynel has befriended you, but I do not have the luxury of judging on friendship, only on actions. Yours so far have been beneficial to me and the royal family, so this conversation is taking place on pleasant terms. I hope to maintain such pleasant terms with you and your friends, and I think we can build on that relationship."

"Right now, I need your full cooperation in explaining all events, start to finish, regarding Siodmak, Nightmare, and your Maze. Additionally, since you have been successful in retrieving Siodmak, I would ask that you bend whatever powers you may have to finding Landon and returning him to us."

"In return, I would be happy to provide you with such information as I am able, and will accept requests for any other considerations in which you might be interested. Amber remembers its friends."

Asmundson places his hands flat upon the table and looks gravely at the King. "Certainly, Your Majesty."

Over the next hour or more Asmundson recaps the tales he has told to the others at various times. Nothing is new to Gray or Heldrik until he says, "The last time Nightmare spoke to me was about a year ago. She told me that I should begin painting scenes from popular stories of all sorts - Lewis Carroll, Stoker, Milton, Dante. She even brought me books, exceptionally fine books, with stories from other slices - shadows - Tolkein, Lewis, Baum, Burroughs, Howard. She brought me fine works of art as well, which I used to create my own versions with the Power of, of Trump I suppose you would say. She even brought me a picture of Amber, or so she said, from which I created the picture of you, Lady Agraynel, in the tower."

[chalice]

Gray's eyes widen at this last, and she frowns slightly. I wondered how he had ever seen that scene.

"That place is in a Shadow of Amber, close to the Real one as it once was, but still just a Shadow...I don't understand how it came to be part of the 'storybook Shadows'...though I suppose to some, Amber is 'just' a legend..." I'm not a story; I'm Real. Aren't I?

She takes a quick gulp of wine.

"Heldrik, could you explain again about the 'constructed' Shadows and how they link up? - it still goes a bit over my head -" she throws him a lopsided grin "-you said they centred on the Keep - or a Keep?"

[Thanos]

Heldrik nods at a couple of points as Admundson goes through them after the trump call. When Gray asks him to expound on the metaphysical connections he does his best and corrects any misconception that the Keep of Four Worlds is the center of things and is actually just a main point on a circular perimeter.

Heldrik answers any questions from the King and Fiona as best he can.

[chalice]

Gray throws Heldrik a sheepish grin "Alright- way over my head," she sighs.

Nightmare was heard from last a year ago...I wonder when Jasra went into her coma

After waiitng for any reaction or additional input from Asmundson, she goes on:

"I don't think we have anything else to add that is relevant to what Asmundson has been saying.

"The fact that Nightmare has not been in contact for a year makes me wonder when Dunstan's mother entered her coma, though - perhaps the others will find out. Or maybe - I don't know - Asmundson, is such a long gap in communication typical of your patron?"

[Wired*Nun]

Randon exchanges glances with Fiona, and nods slightly. Fiona speaks.

"These storybook shadows intrigue me. Heldrik, you seem the perfect person to go look into them, because of your familiarity with some of the more esoteric aspects of shadows and their construction, and the fact that you discovered them on your own independently. Mr. Challenger seems to know something more, and Agraynel, you resided - more or less - in one for quite some time." She straightens a bit and folds her hands in front of her.

"Mr. Challenger, I understand your devotion to your patron, but until and unless we find out that she and we are somehow on opposing sides, I suggest we work together. Would you mind continuing your association with my niece and nephew, to investigate this storybook phenomenon and any other anomalies that present themselves?"

He gives a small, seated bow, and says, "Your Highness, I would consider it an honor."

"It's settled, then," says Random. "Unless anyone has anything else, I have several more appointments this evening. Troops, please go investigate that visitor that Mr. Challenger's people have reported. Report back if it's anything, otherwise, go on to look into the storybook shadows, Landon's disappearance, or anything else you know to be of interest. There are so many balls in the air I'm not sure which to catch first. I do appreciate all three of your efforts on behalf of Amber, the family, and the Crown." At this, Random stands up, as do his sisters, Asmundson a bare moment later.

[chalice]

Gray also jumps to her feet, her relief that the meeting is over not awfully well hidden.

She tucks a small hand into Asmundson's arm, smiles up at Heldrik on his far side, and turns to go.

[space here for Heldrik or Asmundson to do anything they do]

Once outside: "So - um - how do we get there? And - once we get there - do we have a way of getting back here?" The questions seem directed midway between Asmundson and Heldrik.

Guess I won't get to ask Flora for a Trump of Landon after all. On the plus side, I won't have to hear her opinion of my borrowed finery...

A thought seems to strike her: "You know, Heldrik, maybe we should give Lintra's book to Arrotel, for his brother to look at? Also, you said if we split up, we should give my Trump to whichever of you wasn't present...?" her voice ends in a questioning lilt.

[OOC summary mode: assuming Heldrik does not object, Gray will retrieve her Trump from Heldrik, with the book if he is willing, and try to Trump Arrotel. After that, or after failign to make contact, she's ready to head off whenever the others are]

[Wired*Nun]

The three elders leave the room, Flora giving Asmundson a speculative glance and Fiona apparently deep in thought as they follow Random's brisk steps out the door.

Asmundson pats Gray's hand absently, eyes drawn to Flora despite himself.

Once outside: "So - um - how do we get there? And - once we get there - do we have a way of getting back here?" The questions seem directed midway between Asmundson and Heldrik.

Asmundson responds, "I have a painting of my lodge back on the Isle, which will get us quite close. From there I can telegraph the attendants to being our mystery guest down, or we can travel up to where he is, whichever is more convenient. After that...well, you two have ways to travel, Trumps and things, as do I. We can climb that tree when it presents itself, right-o?"

[chalice]

After that...well, you two have ways to travel, Trumps and things, as do I. We can climb that tree when it presents itself, right-o?"
"Surely. Shall we go?"

[Wired*Nun]

"All right." He looks around for a moment, then opens his coat and pulls out his leather folder. From inside, he pulls forth a small painting, showing a room with wood paneling and brass trim. "This is a special room within the Lodge, which I had prepared precisely for this purpose, in case I needed a way back quickly. Let us be about it, then!" He concentrates on the painting, expecting Heldrik and Gray to come along, as he departs through the Trump with a green afterglow.

Inside the room, he strides over to the door, and opens it. "Winston, good fellow, please get in touch with the men on the mountain and see if they can bring our guest down." Stepping through the door, the three wait for a few moments in what looks to be an office and communications room. Several telegraph machines clatter in front of their operators, Winston bending over one of them.

"They will be coming down, I believe. You want the Green Room?"

"Yes, that will be satisfactory. Heldrik, Gray?" He leads them down to the aforementioned Green Room, which is a nicely-appointed den of leather chairs, wood and brass. Asmundson pours sherry for the three, if they like. "I suppose now we wait a bit."

[chalice]

Gray accepts a glass of sherry and curls up in an armchair, sipping demurely at the pale liquid as they wait."So...Asmundson, what did you make of Amber? I'm sorry you didn't really get to see much of it..."

[Wired*Nun]

"Ah, well, no matter, my dear. We live in exhilarating times, let's enjoy it while we can!"

(Twenty minutes of brisk walking brings them to the gates of a large mansion or lodge, where they are ushered in through quiet, carpeted hallways. People dressed in strange clothing avoid staring at Rebis equally strange clothing. Soon, Rebis is shown into a room with deep green wool carpet, where wait three people. A portly fellow dressed as the locals, one that might have been a Chaosite by his dress and manner, and a slim girl with a pale face and dark hair.)

A man in outdoor clothing, carrying a double-barreled shotgun enters, with another man in tow. This one is slim and pale and carries some kind of burden in a harness in front of him. He has no weapons.

"This is the chap we found in the tunnel, Mr. Challenger. Damned if I know what language he speaks." He looks curiously at the four of them, until Asmundson dismisses him politely.

"Perhaps he speaks some language you know, Gray, Heldrik?" says Asmundson.

[chalice]

The pale girl uncurls gracefully from her armchair and studies the newcomer with intent grey eyes.

"Greetings, traveller. Do you speak a civilised tongue?" she asks, an old-fashioned accent running through her faultless Thari.

[Tamarind]

Rebis bows to the three, hair falling over his face as he does so. Brushing it back as he straightens he smiles and greets them in accented English,

"Dashed good to meet all you!"

before switching to Thari, albeit with an unusual, archaic accent

"Please excuse me but I am afraid I am still only learning this language. I am Rebis and I am pleased to make your acquaintance"

[chalice]

"Please excuse me but I am afraid I am still only learning this language. I am Rebis and I am pleased to make your acquaintance""Rebis, I am Agraynel, and the gentlemen are Asmundson Challenger, our host in this place, and Heldrik, my cousin.

"You speak our language, but I do not think I have heard your name spoken in Amber...?"

She is still studying him closely...no, not just closely. Warily.

[Tamarind]

I had hoped you would hail from Amber...

His smile returns,

"No, I do not imagine they use my name in Amber, for I have not yet had the pleasure of visiting that land - although I hope soon to do so. I hail from Chaos."

He glances down for a moment, pensive, hands clasped around the bundle before he once again meets Agraynel's gaze,

"Originally I was journeying to Amber because I wished to meet my father but now I have another, more urgent motive. I have news that I believe is of great import to Amber."

[chalice]

"No, I do not imagine they use my name in Amber, for I have not yet had the pleasure of visiting that land - although I hope soon to do so. I hail from Chaos."(Agryanel translates a quick summary for Asmundson if he is not following the Thari)

At Rebis' mention of Chaos, Agraynel's eyes widen, then darken. Her expression turns blank for a moment, then returns to neutral as she moves over to stand behind Heldrik's chair; her movements are fluid and graceful, but the hand she rests on the chair back grips tightly enough to whiten her knuckles.

A Lord of Chaos. One of Them. Breathe. Keep talking; give Heldrik time to study him if he wants to...


He glances down for a moment, pensive, hands clasped around the bundle before he once again meets Agraynel's gaze,

"Originally I was journeying to Amber because I wished to meet my father but now I have another, more urgent motive. I have news that I believe is of great import to Amber."
Agraynel's expression is pleasant again by the time he looks up; only the ragged pulse in her throat betrays her struggle to remain calm as she suggests: "So, Lord of Chaos, perhaps you should tell us? What your news is - and, if you are willing, your father's name?"

[Thanos]

Heldrik seems, throughout all of this, to be rather amiable to everything going on. Always looking and observing everything that is happening. When they arrive at the lodge Heldrik excuses himself for a short time and returns to the room in a fresh set of clothing, with the same high boots and belt, but different colors of just about everything else.
"No, I do not imagine they use my name in Amber, for I have not yet had the pleasure of visiting that land - although I hope soon to do so. I hail from Chaos."Upon Rebis’ entry Heldrik will reply politely and give a small bow when he is announced, more than happy to have Gray carry the conversation while he observes. Heldrik does make one comment almost absently, “Expected someone sooner or later.”

Heldrik’s seems to have his hands on his hips, but his left is slightly lower and hidden by a fold in his cloak. His stance is not threatening, but more guarded and seems to display his intent of 'wait and see'.
[Yes that means that its right on his sword hilt]

[Tamarind]

Now comes the moment of decision - do I tell them all that has happened or should I share that knowledge only with Random? I feel I should trust them, after all they have received me kindly enough even though I must appear as a trespasser in this man's lands. If they work for Corwin then my presence here is evidence enough of my intent...I shall show trust and hope for the same in return, after all this may be my best chance to gain a friendly introduction to my Family...and my father

Glancing at Mr Challenger he bows slightly,

"I should be glad to share what I have learned with you all but first please convey to Mr Challenger my thanks for his kind hospitality and my apologies that I am unable to answer in his language"

"I shall answer your second query first, Prince Martin is my father. As I mentioned I was journeying to Amber to meet him, during my travels I came upon a Shadow containing a powerful Pattern-like artefact, a 'Broken Pattern' I believe is the term. Curious I decided to linger and learn more, in the course of this I came to befriend the people of that place and offered them my help - they believed me the 'Promised One', destined to remove the Flaw from their sacred artefact. I doubted that I was the one they sought but I undertook to use my powers to help them as best I could."

“When we arrived at the cavern of the Touchstone, as the Lake People called the artefact, Corwin and his group were already there. They would not reason with us, arrogantly dismissing our entreaties to explain their intent – their attitude was one of contempt for what they clearly saw as ‘lesser beings’. Only when I brought my powers to bear to stop them did they pause. At that point Pi’il-awan, the leader of the Lake People, intervened, giving his blessing to the removal of the artefact and so we joined forces to accomplish this goal – but the cost was high. We escaped only by Pi’il-awan’s sacrifice.”

Sorrow is clearly visible on his features as he pauses for a moment,

“Afterwards Corwin and the others departed peacefully – though he urged me to contact him shortly to discuss matters further. I did so the next day and was party to a discussion in which his designs became clear, he believes his Pattern has caused an imbalance and he seeks to redress this. To do so he plans to erase many broken patterns, to reduce the sway of Order in the multiverse. He is anxious to keep his activities secret from Amber so knowing that Random would send someone to investigate events he engineered my presence so that Chaos would be blamed for the attack upon the Broken Pattern, indeed he asked for my aid in ensuring this…yet he claimed he was working to prevent a war between the Powers. This is one example of the conflict that I sensed from him, another came in his attitude to the peoples who dwell in these Shadows…throughout our discussions he insisted that they would not explain their actions to these people - in his words they fully expected resistance and would deal with it accordingly; he casually rewrote the minds of the entire population of Lakeshore to suit his ends and he was prepared to sacrifice as many of their lives as necessary to attain his goals – yet he claimed concern for them.”

Rebis shakes his head, disbelief and puzzlement plain in his expression. After a moment he resumes,

"I have not yet told you who his companions are - forgive me. He has two people at least working with him to my knowledge - Coral, whom I easily recognised and Landon, a man I did not know but later spoke with at some length. He claimed to be the son of the late King Eric of Amber, though I have no way to know if this is so or not. Landon's attitude was puzzling - he seemed friendly initially but quickly became angered when I voiced concerns over their enterprise. I am not sure he is working with Corwin altogether of his free will - from their attitude and words of Corwin's I think Corwin may have some hold over him. That also was something that I found disturbing, that Corwin would apparently force people to do his bidding in such a way."

Salwey, I hope you are safe...

“In the end what I saw of Corwin that day, and what I learned from our discussion was enough to convince me I wanted nothing to do with him or his plans – I escaped his Pattern’s realm and travelled as swiftly as I could towards Amber, until I was diverted here. I am anxious to communicate this information to King Random as soon as possible – I fear that he has already sent someone to investigate and they must be warned as to what, and whom, they face.”

[chalice]

"Bleys," murmurs Gray, distractedly. "He sent Bleys."

Her face has gone from pale to ashen, and her expression is...dazed, like someone who has received a physical shock.

"Corwin. Corwin has Landon..."

There is a faint crack as the delicate crystal of her sherry glass shatters between the fingers of her left hand. She seems to notice neither the sound nor the blood dripping from her hand.

She turns feverish eyes on Rebis.

"Where are they?"

[Thanos]

Heldrik drinks all of this in like a camel after a long treck across the desert. Coral is a new name to Heldrik, but whomever is with Corwin in this must have mightly means. It would take phenominal power to do this or some primal device. Perhaps a true pattern blade, more enhanced than mine could be used, but it would still take vast energies to remove an entire broken pattern as they are just as large as the real thing. On the other side, does Corwin wish to weaken the original to the point where it can be erased?

Rebis begins to speak about Landon and Heldrik moves over to Gray knowing that this will not go all that well. When the wine glass shatters he catches most of it in a bar towel. Heldrik puts it on the contents on the counter and places his left hand on Gray's shoulder.
"Near Corwin's Pattern is sounds. I really must catch up on some reading, such a thing is vastly curious."

[Tamarind]

As the glass shatters Rebis flinches, concern showing on his face as he half reaches towards her before quashing the motion

Better not to use the power overtly, even to help.

Landon must be a close friend of hers for her to react so passionately...

"I believe so. Certainly when last I saw them they were at his Pattern, I believe they planned to bide their time in its environs until Amber's investigator - Bleys? - had departed, I doubt they would wish to draw more attention whilst he was still in the area."

And hopefully that fact will keep you safe also Sal'wey. Whatever misgivings reasoning has instilled since my departure I still care for you...

Concern shows again as he meets Agraynel's intense gaze,

"I see that you are eager to find Landon. For my own part I am anxious to ensure that this information is imparted to King Random as soon as I may - but if you wish it I could aid you in reaching a point much closer to them from whence you could commence your search? I must caution you though that within the sphere of his Pattern's influence Corwin will be able to exercise considerable power and control over the Shadows whilst the abilities of the Primal Pattern will be hindered - in the places closest to his Pattern he spoke of the Primal's power being very greatly attenuated..."

"But before that if I may be so bold I should be honoured to hear your lineages also for I confess that your names are not known to me either"

[chalice]

Heldrik's hand on her shoulder seems to have steadied Gray a little, but her voice still has a distant quality.

"Oh - yes -" absently, she wipes the blood from her hand onto the skirt of her lavender evening gown.

"My father was Eric. My companion can speak for himself, if he wishes."

[pause here for Heldrik to do so]

Gray turns to face Heldrik, though not in a way that places her back fully to Rebis.

"I will go to this place Rebis speaks of and begin searching. Will you take him to Amber? He is right that Random should hear all this, and as fast as may be, but I...if they move again after Bleys is gone, we might not have another chance to get close..."

[Thanos]

Heldrik's hand on her shoulder seems to have steadied Gray a little, but her voice still has a distant quality.

"Oh - yes -" absently, she wipes the blood from her hand onto the skirt of her lavender evening gown.

"My father was Eric. My companion can speak for himself, if he wishes."

Gray turns to face Heldrik, though not in a way that places her back fully to Rebis.

"Heldrik ap Finndo ap Oberon good sir, and well met Lord of Chaos," this done with a formal bow. Then Gray continues...



"I will go to this place Rebis speaks of and begin searching. Will you take him to Amber? He is right that Random should hear all this, and as fast as may be, but I...if they move again after Bleys is gone, we might not have another chance to get close...""While it pains me to disagree with you m'lady, I must insist that ye not go it alone. Whilst ye could certainly best Landon, I do not think that even the two of ye could best Corwin under the best of circumstances let alone near his center of power."

With a short pause to bring eye contact to Gray and then back to Rebis.

"I suggest then, that thou trump through to Amber with yon Lord Rebis, and remand him into the custody of the realm as a guest and discover what Random would will us to do, as our primary mission is completed and only my secondary mission still looms over us. I will then finish that and return to Amber to report it. Hopefully by that time Random will have a follow up mission for us, which very well might be to find Landon and retrieve him if he is not willingly about this work that Lord Rebis has conveyed to us."

[chalice]

For just a second, Gray glares at Heldrik with real fury, and her fists clench. Then she takes a deep, painful breath and inclines her head, beta to his alpha.

"Very well," she says, through gritted teeth.

A few breaths more and her gaze becomes more focussed, and more friendly.

"You will need to lend me the means of return, though - I have no Trumps of Amber or anyone there. Can you?"



She looks down at her ruined frock, and the faintest shadow of her lopsided smile returns. "Perhaps I should clean up before arriving back there. A lecture from my aunt Flora on never mixing purple and red is not what I need right now."

Seeming almost oblivious to Rebis, Gray goes up on tiptoe to bury her face in Heldrik's neck, just behind his ear, and take in his familiar scent. Switching back to English, she whispers "I just need a few moments to regain balance, but I [i]will be all right. Then I'll take him through."

Breaking their embrace, she stands back. Then hugs him fiercely again, then stands back a second time.

"Promise me you will take care," she says, urgently. "And - please - hurry, if you can."

In English, to Asmundson, she says: "Heldrik will explain things. I will be taking Rebis to Amber - but first, if I might once more take advantage of your hospitality...?" she gestures to the bloodstained silk of her gown.

In Thari: "Rebis, will you come with me, please?"

[Assuming Asmundson makes no objection, and after anything else Heldrik has to say, she leaves the room with Rebis, in search of such borrowed clothing as can be arranged.]

[Thanos]

"You will need to lend me the means of return, though - I have no Trumps of Amber or anyone there. Can you?"

Heldrik takes his time in breaking out the trump that he has for Flora and the Main Hall handing them over to Gray with a smile. "These should suffice to get to Amber. I will join you there of course as quickly as I can and perhaps even be able to get Mr Challenger to join us again."


"Promise me you will take care," she says, urgently. "And - please - hurry, if you can."

In English, to Asmundson, she says: "Heldrik will explain things. I will be taking Rebis to Amber - but first, if I might once more take advantage of your hospitality...?" she gestures to the bloodstained silk of her gown.

"Lord Rebis, please know that I am fond of my cousin and would not see that any harm comes to her." That being said Heldrik gives him a short bow before engaging Asmundson.

In talking with Asmundson, their different styles of English sometimes get into the way, it comes out something like, "Your invited to join me in our hunt of the estoteric, I had planned on working my way through most of the shadows that you had painted and others. Your service in explaining them to me would be most helpful and I would hope that I could teach you a bit about traveling between such without using trumps if you so desire."

[chalice]

Soon afterwards, dressed in what are pretty much 'Victorian boy's travelling clothes', Gray is rolling up the sleeves of her borrowed shirt.

"Rebis...slight change of plan. I'm going to trust you for now, because I really don't have much choice."

She bites her lip.

"I'm going to contact Flora now, but not tell her about you right away. After I speak to her, I want you to take me to this place you mentioned, and tell me anything you can that will help me start looking - how to enter what you called 'Corwin's realm', where you saw Landon. Once that's done, I will send you to Amber."

She smiles faintly, a lopsided, rather charming smile. "And don't worry - I'll make it clear which one of us decided to alter the arrangements."

Disobeying my alpha...feels like cutting off a limb...but I have to go, I have to...Heldrik, I'm so sorry....

Shirtsleeves at a manageable length, she shrugs into a grey tweed jacket.

"Landon is - is very dear to me, Rebis. I can't just wait around while people discuss the 'right' thing to do next. Will you help me?"

[Wired*Nun]

In talking with Asmundson, their different styles of English sometimes get into the way, it comes out something like, "Your invited to join me in our hunt of the estoteric, I had planned on working my way through most of the shadows that you had painted and others. Your service in explaining them to me would be most helpful and I would hope that I could teach you a bit about traveling between such without using trumps if you so desire."

"Of course, old chap, of course, I'll be of whatever help I can. Just let me know what I can do."

Once Rebis and Gray have left the room, Asmundson says, "So that peculiar fellow with the dinosaur egg was from the Courts of Chaos? And yet, he is rushing to bring news to your end of things, never having been there. Deuced strange, if you ask me. I am not sure he is telling everything. I'd be careful, if I were you. I do hope Lady Agraynel will be cautious."

[Tamarind]

Rebis inclines his head solemnly to Heldrik in response to his words then bows and follows Agraynel from the room, waiting patiently until she returns in new clothes.

[Thanos]

Once Rebis and Gray have left the room, Asmundson says, "So that peculiar fellow with the dinosaur egg was from the Courts of Chaos? And yet, he is rushing to bring news to your end of things, never having been there. Deuced strange, if you ask me. I am not sure he is telling everything. I'd be careful, if I were you. I do hope Lady Agraynel will be cautious.""Well said, well said. Thus my warning, which I am sure any well breed chaosian would see as such. I think that he has been set up, as he seemed to indicate, into being the datatrail for this chummer Corwin and some nefarious deeds he has perpetrated."

Heldrik scratches his chin a little.

"It would be very hard or require something uniquely special to take down even an errant copy of the Grand Design. No mere Lord of Chaos could do such a thing or at least should not be able to. The facts would come to light regardless me thinks and this Rebis fellow is looking to score some points on the Order side of things in order to…..pull a Merlin?….to get favor or protection from enemies. He claims to be the the kings grandson, which would put him in line for the throne if that is true, at least in some circumstances. So perhaps he is looking to make his claim known…."

[datatrail is roughly translated to scape goat after a little discussion]

With that Heldrik listens to Asmundson’s conjectures and guesses if any. Since it has not been all that long since they were eating with King Random, Heldrik will ask Asmundson when he would like to leave and make arrangements to do so whenever it is appropriate. They will start with the first painting that Asmundson did and work to the last feeling out all of the little shadow paths, predispositions, and metaphysical properties there of as they go. Heldrik will teach Asmundson about finding easy points of entry and egress when shifting and question him about mystical sight and shadow manipulation about Maze with discussions on how the two differ and have some things in common.

[Wired*Nun]

"I know little of these matters, just an outsider's viewpoint that is occasionally of use, coupled with an analytical mind, though my brother surpasses me easily in such things. I am simply suspicious of anything which smacks of treason. A traitor, like an adulterer, will find it easy to commit the same crime again if it succeeds the first time. If this Rebis fellow is going to betray his King in this matter, he will betray anyone."

"In any case, let us be off to my home. Just a day by ship and rail, and we will be in London. There you can view my paintings and discern what you shall from them." He gathers his things from the concierge, and begins to make arrangements for transport.

[Thanos]

Heldrik spends the time that Asmundson is making arrangements and travelling to catch up on some reading in the big tome that Gray offered for him [the Great book of Amber] and finds the story fascinating. Heldrik will of course not snub his host during the trip and will discuss whatever Asmundson might have on his mind.

[Wired*Nun]

A steam ferry to the coast, then a train to London later, the two men soon stand in Asmundson's studio. It takes up half of the second floor of his manse, very similar to the other Asmundson's in Landon, Englund.

"This is the first painting I did, which is of one of my favorites, from 'Alice in Wonderland,' by Dodgson, of course. It shows the Caucus Race, as you can see. Given that a "caucus" in English means a comittee or council, the race was a metaphor or allegory for the uselessness of modern governmental forms, or at least, their aplications. The Caucus racers ran round and round in a circle, you see, with no designated start or end point, and at the end, everyone is exhausted, everyone wins a prize, and no one wins or loses. And, by the way, nothing gets done. You see? An exercise in futility." He goes on with broad gestures of exposition.

"In any case, along with 'You're All a Pack of Cards' over here, this was the first storybook world I was able to paint and enter. One of the most fascinating things about the whole thing is, that the world, or shadow I suppose, continues past the borders of the painting, and can be explored in toto. This indicates to me that the painting did not create the shadow, but rather, accessed something already there. It is an interesting metaphysical question as to how the world of Alice came into being. My theory is, the collective imaginations of all the readers created that world."

[Thanos]

“Well I suppose it depends on how ye look at things. On one hand if ye have enough pure Order on one end and pure chaos on the other, the possibilities of anything and everything one could think of should be available somewhere between the two. The other hand could be considered a variant of divine creation, where those who have power over shadow mold it through influencing order or chaos into what they are looking for and that the only things that really exist are beings of power and their direct surroundings and the shadows that have been given substance by their presence.”
With a gesture to the paintings. “In thy case, I think that ye are opening a window to a world that is like this story, that already existed because it is a possibility between to opposite absolutes. That ye did it by trump based on Maze, which seems to be based on both Order and Chaos it would seem that the divine creation approach could also apply. Whether it is either of these, yours or some other option, as long as it works it, is academic at this point.”

Heldrik continues to review the paintings and listens intently to Asmundson and his recollections making mental notes as he goes. Some time later horses, a crossbow, some food, and other basic preparations are completed and Heldrik and Asmundson head out into shadow the long way to find the Alice in Wonderland shadow.

[Wired*Nun]

"Well, from my philosophical point of view, while all possibilities exist as possibilities, nothing is brought into being until someone conceives it and describes it. If this is in any way accurate, then it is clear that the collective belief of people, or perhaps the specific belief of people with superscientific power, have brought thse stories into being. So, rather than 'everything and anything once could think of,' I would say 'anything and everything one or more DOES think of.' But as you say, the reasonings behind it are less important than its application, at this point."

Accepting Heldrik's desire to go find the Wonderland shadow 'the long way,' Asmundson grabs his walking stick and pith helmet, and makes ready to go. "And why is it exactly we are going to be traveling through the shadows, rather than directly to it through the painting? It sems a little like walking somewhere when once could take the train."

[Thanos]

With a smile to Asmundson, “It’s the difference between jumping into a pond verses easing into it I guess and a little of Schrodenger’s Box. When you trump somewhere an entire shadow is suddenly there and all of the details rush in at you. Whichever ones is the most intense are usually the only ones that register or that you notice. Walking into a shadow lets one pick and choose what they want to experience first such as the sky, the scent of pine, or any of a hundred different other things. Once eased in, instead of just feeling wet and cold, we can feel any flows of Order and Choas, substance and ether, or perhaps even Maze.”

And everything else I can possible find out to report to Random, including how you react and what you know my good companion.

Once on their way.
“ I am looking for something I am very familiar with, the most used or easiest points of entrance and egress. Landon and thyself seemed to indicate that there was a certain order in which one moved or at least when Landon recounted his journey from Fern Hollow he went through what I would almost call a programmed set of events leading him to Gray. I am hoping to find out the intent behind such, if there is even intent. That and if there was any additional parts of scheduled events that were not worked through. One knows the mind of god by knowing his creations and their purpose after all.”

[Wired*Nun]

"Ah, yes, I see. Rather like, surveying the countryside before leaping into the city, eh? All right, let's be about it." Leaving instructions with his butler, Asmundson stride out his front dor and down his driveway, the perfect picture of a modern Victorian adventurer. Heldrik half expects a musical score to come up from somewhere...something classical, invigorating.

Alas, no music, but, turning to the right and out of town, Heldrik quickly shifts away from this London...or, he tries to. Ah yes...this shadow is one of the storybooks itself...do storybook people dream of storybook people? The shifting feels warped somehow - like walking on the side of a hill, that always wants to pull one downward, toward some easier path. In fact, it gets steeper in different directions, depending on what he tries to do.

Wonderland was a crazy, twisted version of Victorian England...it shouldn't be all that hard...and in fact, it is not, once he lays hold of those things that should be changed, and those things that must not. It's like walking on roads rather than through the open fields - easy travel, as long as I go where the road goes. More like, elevated walkways. One can go from distinct shadow to shadow - there isn't much in between, just a little bleed-over - but only if I make it so. Like caverns and tunnels. I can bring something in from the next cavern, perhaps, but I can't find an intermediate cavern, because there isn't one there. And Landon said he thought changes had to be consistent with the story shadow he was in. No steamboats in Wonderland, but talking rabbits are fine. I wonder if I can use these factors to get what I need, when I need it - like, if I needed a policeman, Bob the Badger Bobby from Fern Hollow would be allowable in this one.

In fact, it's not far at all to Wonderland - one shadow over? as Heldrik feels them aproaching a transition point. A few more steps and we'll be in Wonderland rather than this England...

[Thanos]

Heldrik explains some of what he is doing as they go along mentioning where it is harder or easier.

This reminds me of home, except that there I could walk into a closet in one shadow and end up in another closet in Widdoy and walk out of it in Tormal or even Perack if the closet was warm enough to start with. Here though it seems that the shadows have been not scrunched together and forced to be congruent, but more like they were put together as if they were glued together like some kind of puzzle where none of the pieces fit each other.

“Thou knowest about shadows, Asmundson, slices as ye call them, yes. Have ye ever made very small changes….like say walk behind a blond, let her round a corner, and when ye turn the corner she is now a redhead, and afterwards ye lose sight of her behind a bush and she walks about from behind it as a brunette? The slices are almost completely the same with just a little tiny, almost insignificant, change made?”

[Wired*Nun]

"No, sir Heldrik, I cannot say that I have. I have always either painted my way, or willed my way, from slice to slice. I cannot - well, I have never been able to - make the small changes you people seem to. I must admit that your abilities far exceed mine in this regard."

They now stand at the threshold of Wonderland. "It's just up ahead, there...the rabbit hole, that is. It's the only way in, unless through a painting."

[Thanos]

Heldrik nods back to Asmundson and says, "Give me a few moments here to study the enterence."
At that Heldrik brings up the Grand Design to use it for closer examination of the link, at least on this side, that is formed between the two shadows at this location. Once up, he will look at things from several angles. Once satisfied Heldrik pulls the Design into a personal defense and motions for Asmundson to lead the way into the next shadow.
Hopefully this will keep any compulsion the shadow might have, to follow a set of actions, at bay as I enter.

[Wired*Nun]

The rabbit hole just that - a hole into the shadow, beyond which other rules apply. Right now it seems to simply be a long tunnel.

The rabbit-hole goes straight on like a tunnel for some way, and then dips suddenly down, so suddenly that Heldrik has not a moment to think about stopping himself before he finds himself falling down a very deep well.
Asmundson can be seen falling below him at about the rate of one foot per second, not accelerating. On his back, he waves up at Heldrik and says, "Nothing to it, old boy!"

Either the well is very deep, or he falls very slowly, for he has plenty of time as he goes down to look about him and to wonder what was going to happen next. First, he tries to look down and make out what he was coming to, but it is too dark to see anything; then he looks at the sides of the well, and
notices that they are filled with cupboards and book-shelves; here and there he sees maps and pictures hung upon pegs.

It's such a long fall, that he feels that he is dozing off, and has just begun to dream that he was walking hand in hand with Gray, and saying to her very
earnestly, `Now, Gray, tell me the truth: did you ever eat a bat?' when suddenly, thump! thump! down he comes upon a heap of sticks and dry leaves, and the fall is over.

They are not a bit hurt, and they jump up on to their feet in a moment: they look up, but it is all dark overhead; before them is another long passage, and after traversing it, they find themselves in a long, low hall, which is lit up by a row of lamps hanging from the roof.

There are doors all round the hall, but they are all locked; and when they have been all the way down one side and up the other, trying every door, they walk sadly down the middle, wondering how they are ever to get out again.

This is very odd...I shouldn't be feeling this way...concentrate...the Grand Design flares in Heldrik's mind, and his thoughts become clear, as if a veil is lifted from his eyes. Nothing physically changes, but now he can see that he has been following a predertermined path, a storyline if you will, part of the shadow that warps reality, including living creatures in it, to fit its own gestalt.

[Thanos]

Heldrik examines this gestalt, if able, to pull out the path and possible intent behind the path it has chosen. He follows Asmundson along, warily waiting for the next shoe to drop.

[Wired*Nun]

There doesn't seem to be any intent, unless it is implicit in the construction of the shadow itself. Examining this shadow, it seems that if one were undefended, one would probably be pulled, pushed, and manipulated through like a carnival ride. Perhaps it is because of the strong storyline in this shadow, versus other shadows where the stories are more open-ended or flexible.

Suddenly they come upon a little three-legged table, all made of solid glass; there is nothing on it except a tiny golden key, and Heldrik's first thought was that it might belong to one of the doors of the hall; but, alas! either the locks are too large, or the key is too small, but at any rate it will not open any of them. However, on the second time round, they come upon a low curtain they had not noticed before, and behind it is a little door about fifteen inches high.

[Thanos]

"Dear fellow, how does this story go again, something about eating something and shrinking? How do we get to the next shadow in the progression from here?"

Heldrik is greatly interested in how a story line could so influence some one who entered into a shadow. If one could construct or arrange such a place in a slow time shadow any target could get fooled into entering it and end up staying there for a very long time. Without the use of the more complicated powers being able to leave could possibly never happen.
How many private hells like this are out there holding old political enemies I wonder?

[Wired*Nun]

"Ah, well, yes, I believe Alice went through that little door there after shrinking, but we should be able to rearrange the elements here to something more amenable. I mean, here is the corridor, here are doors - what about some different doors? Do you know any stories where there was a corridor and doors, or a special door, or something like that? Let me think..." Asmundson plops down in a chair and puts his chin on his hand. "We certainly don't want to end up in Dracula's castle...Or the Labyrinth...blast it, I've not read too terribly many stories lately. Count of Monte Cristo? No, wouldn't want to get locked in a cell. We need something benign, that we both know, that we can try to do together. Any ideas?"

[Thanos]

Heldrik thinks for only a few moments and says,
“Why not a hotel room, they have long halls of just doors. Once we enter the room we find a sink, wash up, then exit into the actual hotel hallway. Then we can go find Gray’s shadow and move forward from there.”

This is very interesting. Getting caught in a loop like this, just confirms that traps can be set. Perhaps my father is in such a trap? The real question then is can I find him?

[Wired*Nun]

"All right, yes, a hotel - in fact, the Royal Astoria on London would be quite fine. It has burgundy wool carpets, mahogany doors, brass trim, and the walls are papered in a gold and crimson pattern of paisley. Let us stroll up and down this hallway and visualize..." Taking Heldrik's elbow, he walks to and fro in the long hallway, muttering under his breath. "Come on, old boy, help me out here."

Bending his will upon the shadow, it is not long before the walls turn paisley, the doors to mahogany, and the trim to brass. A carelessly dropped key for room 423 gives them entrance, and they find themselves in a luxurious, empty room. It looks like the guest has just checked out.

[Thanos]

“Well done old chap, well done.”

Heldrik really does need to wash up and utilize the facilities, something that you just can’t seem to shadow shift away unfortunately.

After both of them have things taken care of Heldrik will be found reclining in a chair having poured himself and Asmundson a drink.
“I noticed that the particular impulse to follow the story line is very strong when entering a shadow from the beginning. Could you differentiate, to start with, between what we were in the shadow for and the flow of the ‘story’?”

[Wired*Nun]

"No, I couldn't. Really, I just found myself caught up in it, without any chance of doing anything until you snapped me out of it there in the hallway. Then, it seems to be calling me back, especially the more I moved. As long as I stood in one place it wasn't so bad. If I can speculate, if the shadow is created by the collective conscious and unconscious beliefs and desires of many people, it stands to reason that parts of those shadows will be very fixed in their minds, and other parts, quite vague. I surmise that some stories, without a particularly strong compilation of background, myth if you will, would tend toward strong, limited story-lines. Others, such as the Odyssey, supported by the body of Greek legends and myths, would allow much greater autonomy. Kind of like a play, where the more common sets seem more real? But what does that tell us?"

[Thanos]

Heldrick seems to ponder this for a while and goes through three of these weak drinks in the mean time. Finally he taps his nose and stands up.
“I think that if your theory is correct, and I am inclined to pursue it, that we can find something out. It will be a little bit of a walk, but we will find out what we want easily enough.”

If Asmundson agrees, Heldrik will take them back into the hall of the hotel and start walking down it. When they come to the end they will find another hallway going left which is painted slightly different. After that hall is another left, which has different carpeting. Walking halls continues and soon they are walking down a concrete hall filled with metal framed doors and the faint buzz of large electronic devices.
“You will see some things that you likely never have in here, they are called computers. They can store, process and calculate a great many things and this one in particular is very fast.”
Opening a door inside is a room with a desk console hooked up to a CREI IV Super Computer which is attached to the electronic Omnilibrary of Congruss of the United Rebulican Amorican Socialist States (OC-UR-ASS). With a little effort at the key board, translating the language from shadow Tormal, Heldrik has pulled up everything with a reference to rescuing Princesses in Towers ranging from books, short stories, and cinema. From there he pulls public sales records for the books, copyrights and tickets sold concerning all of these media type. Once he has all of that data he completes another search and comparison on Alice and Wonderland.

After many hours of research and answering questions and explaining to Asmundson what he is doing he has found that the story of a princess needing rescuing in a tower is much more well known than that of the stories like Alice in Wonderland. “This would indicate then, if your theory is correct, that when we enter from the right direction the shadow where Landon found Gray we will have an even more overwhelming urge than we did in the hallway. Would you agree good sir and should we go try it?”

[Wired*Nun]

"I would agree, except, that princess has already been rescued. However, I presume there will be at least several variations on this theme. Are we trying to find that specific place again? Because if so, I suspect we can go by my earlier painting. If not, we should be able to easily find some variation on Sleeping Beauty or Rapunzel or something of that nature."

[Thanos]

"Actually, I was hoping to get to the shadow directly leading to the one where Landon found Gray. I would like to walk though the way between and see what level or degree of proding the shadow gives to complete the quest, as it were. It is very odd all of this put together the way it is and I would like to substantiate or disprove my theory that at least some of it was put together to facilitate Gray's release. From there to discover if it was her fathers forsight or some other factor that might have put the strings in place to be pulled."

"Landon spoke about a story that he was in before he moved into Gray's shadow. Would you happen to have a painting of that shadow?"
[I think it was the Narnia one, but I am not sure]

[Wired*Nun]

"No, I didn't recognize that one. If your theory is correct, however, I suspect that whenever we get close, we would be influenced to find her, to 'complete the quest' as you say. However, if the quest is already completed, that mechanism may never be triggered. So, shall we move toward it if we can? Or shall we go use my painting?"

[Thanos]

"Let us move to the shadow preceeding it and see if moving from it to the Tower scene where Gray was found will have any effect."

When Asmundson is ready, Heldrik will start shifting towards that shadow world with a little bit more care than usual trying to get it exactly right.

[Wired*Nun]

It is not long before the two men are walking in ankle-deep snow along a wintry forest road. Sleigh bells anounce the arrival of a queenly woman and a little boy beneath an ermine fur, a driver in bearskin holding the reins of four white horses. The sleigh overtakes them slowly.

[Thanos]

As the sleigh gets closer Heldrik turns and puts himself mostly between it and Asmundson, but not so much that it completely blocks his sight.
“If ye remember Landon’s story she will try and get us to eat something and take us back to be made into statues…I suggest whatever mental defenses ye can muster be brought to bear.” And with that said Heldrik takes the few moments required to pull the Grand Design to mind to be used as a mental defense, while his left hand searches and finds the hole at this belt beneath his cloak.

When the sleigh is upon them and most likely stops Heldrik will thank the queenly lady for her concern and bid her good day and a pleasant journey refusing any offers for provision, refreshment, or aid in their travels as politely as would be done in a royal court.

[at any sign of open hostility, by magic or otherwise, Heldrik is ready to leap into action with his blade]

[Wired*Nun]

As expected, the White Witch pulls up alongside, but there is no Edwin. Upon seeing Heldrik and Asmundson, she emits a shriek and screams, "Go, driver, go!" The sleigh tears off down the road to disappear in the distance.

"Well, jolly good, I suppose we don't have to worry about her, eh, old man? Shall we head for Miss Agraynel's resting place now, or do you have some other scheme in mind?"

[Thanos]

“Ah, refreshing to find that our reputation precedes us…..yes, let us proceed to the entry point then.” With no effort the Grand Design slips from his mind. A pleasant reaction to have a pest scurry away.

Heldrik walks and talks enjoying the snow which, along with Asmundson, reminds him of a certain snow ball fight not so long ago. After some time they come to the point where they would exit the current shadow and enter into the new. Heldrik looks to Asmundson to confirm this and his readiness to move forward. Upon his approval he moves forward, leaving himself open to the influence of the new shadow, but keeping in mind that he must pull of the Grand Design after a while.

[Wired*Nun]

Asmundson controls the shaping of their route, since Heldrik has never been to their destination. At least Asmundson has visualized it. It isn't long before they are standing on the outskirts of a ruined city, a partly-ruined castle overlooking it. Red and black banners with a wolf's head fly over the castle, and as the two approach, they begin to see people living in the ruins, rebuilding, renovating, and repopulating the old city. The two seem to attract no special interest, and tradesmen and small caravans are common on the main road.

Nearer the castle, there are men in red and black livery, in relaxed patrols from time to time, apparently just providing the constabulary presence. They man the castle gates as well.

[Thanos]

Heldrick pauses for a moment and says to Asmundson, “This could be interesting when we get closer to the city. I am dressed in the former kings colors, that being red and black, and in certain light I resemble the long dead king my Uncle, also known as Gray’s father Eric. What I am trying to say is that this could get very interesting so keep your wits about you my friend.”

With that Heldrik approached the castle proper and trying to figure out where the tower was if he doesn’t already have a compulsion to be looking for it.

[Wired*Nun]

There seems to be no compulsion at all here, or it is so subtle that he can't detect it. There is no tower, and Heldrik recalls in that someone - Gray or Landon - related that it fell apart as they left, held together by the same spell that preserved her. Still, it looks as if several of the castle's towers are being reconstructed by skilled workmen.

It seems as if they will be left alone unless they initiate some kind of contact with someone.

[Thanos]

After walking around and getting a general feel for the area Heldrik will stop at a restaurant and get some food letting Asmundson do most of the talking. While they wait for it, Heldrick will pull up keep his cloak over the left side of his body and reach into the breach to grasp Umbryselir while pulling the Grand Design to mind and walking it. After he has pulled his lens up he goes over the entrance to the shadow in some detail looking for the undercurrents in the shadow that would be used to influence those that enter. If that proves elusive he will search the castle for the left over remnants of pattern energies and discover what he can from them. Eating is done mechanically if at all while this is going on.

After finding whatever there is to find Heldrik will finish off the meal with some wine and idle chatter with Asmundson.

[Wired*Nun]

There aren't any "restaurants," though there are several food stands with places to sit down. It's pretty tough-and-tumble still, but there are hawkers, makeshift shops, and everyone trying to earn a buck. Asmundson's silver is weighed and taken without comment. The mix of people circulating seems to be very eclectic - people of may colors and cultures seem to be mixing here in peace.

Heldrik's investigations reveal nothing that he can see to influence people in the shadow, but then this isn't something he has lots of experience with. Still, this is nothing like Wonderland, which was constructed with powerful, if crude, influences.

With his roving viewpoint, it is easy to locate the northernmost tower, still being rebuilt, containing the remnant of a powerful Pattern conjuration, now dissolved.

Finishing his meal, he finds the curry very tasty, along with bread and some kind of fruit and cream pudding. "Almost like India, and quite good, if I say so myself. Kind of an Afghan flavor to it, with some hints of the Pashtun or Peshawar styles as well."

[Thanos]

“Well seems a fruitless search on my part, but the food is good, thanks for paying. I will have to remember this place in the future when its more civilized. I think that we should return back to your slice of reality and use your trumps to do any further research. You have most of them on the island retreat near the artifact?”

One way or the other Heldrik wants to see the Maze one more time in Asmundson’s shadow and with some walking they are once again in his shadow near the cavern. Heldrik is happy to be out and free in shadow exercising his mental facilities in intricate and quick shifts.

[Wired*Nun]

Arriving back on the Isle of Man, Victorian England, Asmundson smiles broadly and inhales the fresh breeze. "Always good to be home. Let's catch the omnibus up to the cavern, since that's where you are set on going. I can have them send some supplies up with us in case we take a while." A short time later, they are riding the omnibus, with duffels of food and campaign supplies with them ciourtesy of the Order. At the top of the road, they stop to chat a moment with the guards at the shack, who have already been notified by telegraph.