Landon and Luke

[Wired*Nun]

Rinaldo, here?...Time to meet your uncle's killer...


Rinaldo says quietly, "Hey, call me Luke." He holds out his hand without regard to the mess, though he does pull out a cloth and wipe it off afterward. "Don't want to smudge my trumps...not with the Blood of Amber anyway." He pauses as Benedict departs, bearing Heldrik with him.

"Let's get back to the Maze, and get my mother and brother. We can still salvage this and deny them some of their prize, especially the part they didn't earn." He waves Roland back down the tunnel. "You able to jog? We need to hurry."

[Shutter]

Roland shakes hands, firmly, but no test of strength or any other macho nonsense that briefly occurs to him. "Luke."

"You able to jog? We need to hurry."

He nods. "I think so, aside from the nose it's just minor cuts. Lead the way." While they jog, he tries to ask. "What became of Dunstan and the girl he was with?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Girl? Who do you mean? Raevyn? Unfortunately I think she got taken, but fortunately, she seems to be all right. As for Dunstan, I left him and my mother upstairs. I'm betting they won't find them for a few minutes, and we can get them out. After that, I want to cut loose the Maze from their potential control, and see if we can't screw up the Fount for a long while. I didn't sign any fucking Forms." He snorts at his own weak joke.

[Shutter]

"Raevyn, aye. She was taken alive?...as long as she's safe."

Ok, cutting them off from the Maze, excellent...screwing with the Fount, good good...rescuing Dunstan and Jasra, also very good....Assuming that Dunstan was off kilter about Luke being an evil psychotic....

How much can I help him, honorably?...How concerned am I with that? They let me go, the transaction is finished. Isn't it? A little silly to be very hung up on Forms without making sure that everyone else knows what they are. The basics one can intuit, but this? More of a grey area perhaps.

He thinks a bit more, remembering Winnow's grin when they claimed Heldrik's sword for their own. Fuck'em. Should have explained my parole to me.

"Plan sounds good, let me know how I can help. I'm no sorcerer though, just as a warning...."

Goddamn jogging with a broken nose hurts...

"Luke, Dunstan thinks you're...well, crazy. Any idea why he thinks that?" Good one...ask the famous salesman to sell himself...You have all the subtelty of a rock Roland.

[Wired*Nun]

"Yeah, well, we - he and I - had kind of a falling-out. I used to come around, be the older brother and all that, but I got so damn busy...we had an argument. Maybe you know how a fourteen-year old kid can be, how cocky and sure of himself. He thought he knew how everything should be...anyway, I left to let him cool off, you know? And when I try to call mom up a week later, I can't reach her. I try to call Dunstan, and he hits me with everything he's got through the Trump. Well, he's tough, but not that tough, so I broke it off and figured I'd try again later. I wasn't worried yet."

The blue light at the end of the tunnel turns out to to be an open door, and Roland realizes the door they passed a long way ago was the one he came out such a short - long? - time ago as he scouted. This door was the one he couldn't open, but it's open now. They enter, and the impact of the Maze washes over Roland.

Luke waits a moment to let Roland get over his amazement. "Look, sorry, there's no time for rubbernecking. To finish answering your question, mother said someone, probably Dara, masqueraded as me and attacked her and Dunstan. I don't think she - or whomever it was - knew Dunstan had training, and between the two of them they drove her off, but mom ended up in a coma. Some form of preservation she used - I think Dara tried to exorcise her spirit from her body - left her stuck in some kind of limbo. Dunstan gets hold of her writings, teaches himself more of what he needs to know, gets his father to support him, takes the Fount treatment...becomes really powerful but erratic, with serious gaps in his training. That's what I think. Sound plausible?" He looks sidelong at Roland as he walks around to the far tunnel entrance, and cocks an eyebrow.

Holding up a Trump of Jasra, he says, "First things first." Concentrating on the card, Roland hears him say, "The running feet you hear may be looking for you, mother. Grab Dunstan and whatever else you absolutely must, and come through, unless you want to spend time in a Hendrake hell." A moment later, Jasra and Dunstan step through.

The boy looks sick and exhausted, she tired but proud, standing there in her bedclothes. Rinaldo makes no move toward his brother, except to say, "Dunstan...it wasn't me."

Dunstan hangs his head and says, "Yeah. I know now. Not sure how to stop hating you though...gimme some time." He walks carefully over to the cavern wall, and sits down gingerly. Dark bruises still show around his throat. Mother and son exchange looks.

[Shutter]

Jogging along and listening Roland is relieved to see that his sense of direction and instincts were correct. Ah, so now I'll get to see the....oh my.... His mind twists around, trying to absorb the Maze in it's fullness, but there is not time for proper comprehension...he files it away and listens to Luke's explanation.

...That's what I think. Sound plausible?"

"Very...I remember being that age. I was a pain in the ass. He's tough, and he can be pissy, I just hope he listens before trying to kill you."

As Luke brings Dunstan and Jasra through Roland positions himself to intervene should Violence erupt, again. He breathes a sigh of relief when it doesn't. He nods at Jasra and Dunstan, offering a slight and very weary smile.

"Good to see you're alive Dunstan, you too Lady Jasra...Sorry to say, but I failed to hold the Fount. Dalt fought well, he was taken alive and in pretty good shape. It looks like all of House Hendrake came to set up shop. They're after both of you, in person."

Looking at Jasra he jestures towards the Maze.

"Impressive. How do we keep it safe?" Ah, understatement...

[Wired*Nun]

"Yes, they would be," says Jasra. "I comitted the unforgivable sin. I rebelled. Sound familiar? Do you know why treason never prospers, Roland?" Her mouth quirks up in an answeringly tired smile.

Luke answers Roland's last question. "I want to sever it from the Fount. That's what powers it. I've set up a cheap version of the Fount to plug it into, but moving it from here to there will be tricky. I really wish everyone was fresh, and I'm in a catch-22 here. As soon as I cut off the Fount, I lose the Maze until it gets reconnected - and the Maze would make things a lot easier if I could use it to help move this place. Kind of like trying to drive an electric car with an extension cord. Sorry, only metaphor I could think of...anyone got any ideas? Roland, you know any friendly sorcerers? Sure wish I could call Merle, he's really good at things like this." He begins shuffling rapidly through his Trumps, as if hoping against hope something will occur to him.

[Shutter]

Taking Jasra's question as rhetorical, the answer would be an essay Roland opens his personal Trump case and shifts out a particular Trump.

"I'm assuming you don't mean Fiona et al?...Then there's really only one I know, he might help us....maybe....if he's alive...Shall I give him a try?" He holds up Landon's Trump for their consideration. Define "longshot"...

[Wired*Nun]

"Oh, god, no! That woman is dangerous. Makes me look like an amateur, and I'm pretty good. I should know who that is, but I can't remember...one of us newbies, I assume. I'll grasp at any straw, right now. Give him a try."

Jasra tosses down the blanket she is clutching and sits down with a sigh. "Son, you don't have some nice fast-time shadow nearby you can send us to?"

"Oh, mother, I'm sorry. I can send you to the cave complex...it's safe, but the time is fixed, and only slightly advantageous."

"All right," she says. "I'm no good to you here, nor is Dunstan. Give me one of your bracelets, and..." she trails off as he hands her one from his pocket, and squats down by Dunstan. "Come on, bud, you and mom are going on a little trip."

Shuffling out a trump, he concentrates on it for a moment, then lowers it. "Shit! They have Trumps blocked. I have to get in the Maze to break through their interference. Here, take this," he says, handing the Trump to Jasra. "Try in a couple of minutes. You too, Roland. And keep an eye on that door."

Standing, he walks into the Maze, disappearing within.

[Shutter]

"Aye, a another young one." Roland tries Landon's Trump for a moment. Meeting similar resistance he sighs and tucks it into a pocket for easy access.

"...You too, Roland. And keep an eye on that door."

"Any objection to barring it? That corridor cries out for archers..." Without waiting for a reply Roland adjusts his satchel, feeling the weight of his sketchbook and other items, and heads for the door. If no one objects he'll shut the door and lock it by whatever means are most expedient, hopefully with a nice big crossbar or three. After that he'll cast about for a moment to see if anything else is handy to block the door off, if not, he'll sit before the door with his ear to it, listening to the hallway for anything that might be heard. Shit, where'd Lester get to?...

[Wired*Nun]

A short time later, Jasra waves goodbye at Roland, and she and Dunstan rainbow out. Trying Landon's Trump...

[Wired*Nun]

"Next time we meet it should be over a glass of wine," he says before concentrating on Corwin's Trump again trying to make contact.

Contact comes slowly again, with some effort. This time, Corwin has dismounted, and stands next to a large ash tree. Ravens adorn its branches, and mutter and rustle a bit as Landon steps through.

Corwin grips Landon's hand in welcome, thumping him on the shoulder. "All sound again, I see - and damn glad to see it. I'm hellriding to the Keep right now, since I haven't been able to get through on a Trump to anyone who might bring me there. Aurora could only send me so far without drawing notice. You up for a roller-coaster?" He places the reins of a large bay gelding in Landon's hands, which stands placidly eyeing the new arrival.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon pats the side of the gelding's head taking time to familiarize himself with the animal before attempting to mount it.

He grins, "It looks like I'm going to have to be. My new baby smooth skin is going to yell at me later, but far better walking bow legged for awhile than trying it as I was. I'm pretty rested, so whenever you're ready..."

[Wired*Nun]

"Off we go then. We'll start a little slowly, and I'll explain what I know. Also, do you have a trump of Rinaldo? If not, use mine." He holds out a card. "Keep trying him periodically, as you are able. He could get us there a lot faster."

Now the two mounted men move along a mountainside, down and down until it bottoms out inside a shallow valley with a swift-flowing stream. Plants shift from blue, to green, then back to blue, and the peaks keep rearranging themselves in a dizzying array. The water turns a vivid purple, then clears, and they begin climbing, climbing.

[Shutter]

Roland stares at Landon's Trump, focusing on him, reaching for contact...Hoping that he's still alive, and willing to help.

Answer damnit, or I'll have to try Josh...I really don't want to do that.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon accepts the Trump and tucks it in his sleeve for easy access after trying to make a quick contact, "All right," Landon says eager to have something to concentrate on to distract from the scenery. "And thanks for starting off slow. It's been awhile since I've been on a hellride and even then I only did it when I had to and when I was learning."

[Wired*Nun]

Trump call...

[TreyKincaide]

Landon pulls up the reigns bringing the gelding to a halt after calling out to Corwin, "Hold up. Getting a Trump call. It might be Rinaldo returning my Trump attempt or Gray with new information. In any case, I'd rather be on my toes with you nearby."

If Corwin pulls to a stop hopefully out of view, Landon will accept the Trump call, "Greetings..." he responds placidly.

[Wired*Nun]

Roland resolves, the blue light blazing in the background.

[Shutter]

"Landon!" Roland springs to his feet, surprise and happiness are palpable through the contact. "You're alive...and not blond...right, later. We need help keeping the Maze out of Hendrake hands, sorcerous help...Rinaldo has a plan...other details, but they can wait, I think. What say you?" He wipes his hands on his pants to little effect, holding it forth to bring Landon through. The hand, like the rest of Roland is a bloody mess.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon regards his cousin stoically for the briefest of instants raising an eyebrow as he considers what Roland says. Roland notices that even the way Landon holds himself astride the bay gelding is different. It is evident that he possesses a harder edge than he did in their last meeting.

Landon simply nods and speaks to someone out of view, "It's Roland, Julian's son. He's with Rinaldo and asks for our assistance." He dismounts, "Pity to leave such a fine gelding. He seemed to have some sand in him." he shrugs and awaits Corwin to dismount and approach before allowing himself to be brought through.

[Wired*Nun]

"More important things going on than horses, I think," Corwin says with a laugh. "But fortune favors the bold - bring them along, you never know." He dismounts, then reaches out to touch Landon, leading his horse with him.

Emerging in the Maze cavern, Corwin gives Roland the once-over. "My, my," he says, ever the master of understatement. "Where's Rinaldo?"

[Shutter]

Who is?...Corwin? His eyes widen in recongnition. Damn...what'd dad say he'd do? Say nice things about me in the void?...don't think I'll hold him to that. Roland nods a greeting to Landon and Corwin as they and their horses come through.

Meeting a new relative is always a tricky matter, it's even harder when you're tired and bloodied to maintain social graces. "Uncle," Roland greets him, looking at his own mess of a hand, unsure about offering it to shake. Corwin...feel like I know him from the book, but that's just one view...pain in the ass father said...Calm down Boy...

"Rinaldo is there, in the Maze. The plan is to shift this place away from the Fount, to some other power source off in shadow." He raises his voice and turns toward the Maze. "Luke! Landon, a sorcerer when last I met him, and Corwin are here to help."

Turning back to Landon he comments quietly, "You've grown Landon...Time can be a funny thing no?" The beard, the hair, the...the man. What has he been up to, what has he been through to harden him like this?

[TreyKincaide]

Landon stares past Roland and regards the Maze. With his free hand, he strokes his beard as he takes in his surroundings.

The last time I was around this construct's child, it tried to influence my thinking. I'm here to bar the Hendrake's control, but I don't have to like the blasted thing. Far easier if it never came into being, but it does exist and now we have to deal with it. Maybe Rinaldo will be somewhat forthcoming afterwards.

He nods absently in response to Roland's comment with his eyes transfixed on the Maze, "The vagaries of Shadow are at times kinder than others. It's been quite awhile, cousin."

He raises his voice somewhat directing a question to no one in particular, "I know in the past the Maze's shadows have reacted with hostility to Pattern manipulations in their immediately vacinity, but to be of service I need a better idea of what we're dealing with. Will it lash out at me if I summon the Sign of the Pattern to mind?"

[Wired*Nun]

At Roland, he says, "Don't sweat it, man. Time to chat later."

"Rinaldo is there, in the Maze. The plan is to shift this place away from the Fount, to some other power source off in shadow."

"Seems reasonable. Luke's plans always seem reasonable...sometimes they even are." His mouth quirks up in a wry smile.

Will it lash out at me if I summon the Sign of the Pattern to mind?"

"Probably," says Corwin. "I think we'd better wait for Luke to tell us his plan, first."

[more later]

[TreyKincaide]

Landon nods solemnly, "It's his show."

Interesting. Roland implies that that the Fount powers the Maze. Maybe it was intended to be a buffer so that one could access the powers of the Fount becoming a living Trump without the harmful side effects evidenced by Brand. Neutral indeed. I wonder what makes Luke and Jasra better masters than the Hendrakes aside from their non aggressive view towards Amber.

Landon turns to Roland, "While we're waiting would you care to describe what happened here? Did you happen to find out who was responsible for Joss's assassination?"

[Shutter]

Landon turns to Roland, "While we're waiting would you care to describe what happened here? Did you happen to find out who was responsible for Joss's assassination?"

Roland makes sure there's no blood on his Trumps, using a little region of clean shirt from the small of his back, and secures them again at his belt. Rambling while he's at it. "House Hendrake is taking...well...before that Dara arrived and shot Heldrik and Kat...ordered them to be...where was I?..." Deep breath...

Trumps finaly secured he breathes deeply, uses a handkerchief to staunch the bloodflow from his nose and continues more calmly, albeit more nasaly.

"Ok, from the top. Someone, we think Dara, came here shapeshifted to look like Luke. After a scuffle they were driven off, but this put Jasra in a coma. That was years ago, Dunstan has been in charge sense. Less than an hour ago Raevyn managed to get Jasra out of her coma. During which this place came under attack. A shapeshifter turned the guards against us for a time, that ended shortly after their artillery took out the main gate. Dunstan and Josh fought to defend the Fount, when I arrived they had been subdued. Somehow, I assume Raevyn brought them, Heldrik and Arrotel showed up, each with a chaosite companion....don't ask, I have no idea. So we all, Kat had joined me by now, stormed the room with the Fount." He pauses, reaching for the words.

"They were sorcerers, and they worked as a team. We had our asses handed to us. Just before I got myself killed, but after I got my nose broken the entirety of House Hendrak Trumped in and offered surrender. Dara had been knocked out by this point, but it seems she is out of favor...Kat had been taken captive, apparently as was Raevyn. Josh made it out somehow, via Trump. Dunstan made it out too. Benedict arrived, lobbed them Siodmak's head, and ransomed Heldrik and myself. Arrotel had already escaped...he's now anathema to House Hendrake, which doesn't sound good to me....And now here we are, down the hall, waiting for them to come after us, trying to wrench the Maze through Shadow so that they can't have it. Hendrakes trouble me. Too expansionistic. Jasra and company seem...if not benign, at least semi-neutral."

"Haven't learned who killed Joss yet...though I suspect Dara had something to do with it...Turn Amber against Dunstan, cut off chance for help during her planned powergrab....but that's just a guess....I don't know..." He trails off, tired by the monologue. And you Landon? The hell have you been up to?....bah, I'll ask when I'm not so tired.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon looks over his cousin as he speaks noting that his injuries while problematic aren't life threatening and that he suffers mostly from fatigue.

Good. My part in it all hasn't been detected yet. The more I can work behind the scenes, the better. I've still a score to settle with a certain sorceress, but I'm not about to start looking for a fight. I'm not that different.

Landon nods taking the accounting in and ponders Roland's opinions. "I can't fault your reasoning behind your suspicions on the attack. The only question that arises is why Joss. The assassin could have killed anyone on that balcony. Why Joss when they could have struck out against someone more important?" Landon's voice quiets as he seems to answer his own question aloud, "Unless, of course, they would be worried that in such an event Amber would attempt to seize the Keep for themselves rather than be ambivalent to Dunstan's plight." he shrugs.

"After we're done here we can continue catching up and I can set your nose if it's not completely shattered." he says changing the topic abruptly. "You look dead on your feet. You should rest in case that door doesn't hold or if we have to fight our way out of here."

[Shutter]

"Thanks, I would like the nose set. Never have enjoyed doing it myself so I'd welcome the help." He presses his ear to the door again while they talk quietly, listening for anything in the hall beyond. "Drawing Amber into displeasure with Dunstan does seem a likey motive for the attack. Joss would be a decent choice because he did choke Dunstan, giving apparent motive, and Gerard was most sympathetic to Dunstan's complaint, making him the most important person to alienate. But I don't know...it seems pretty naive to expect that to work. One could almost suspect that Dara was being set up. Leading investigations to her little side project that would make things difficult for her."

"If we hadn't been here Dara's force wouldn't have had to call for help from House Hendrake. Then again, if we hadn't been here maybe Dara would have waited? I suspect that we forced her hand when Raevyn freed Jasra....So, now the grand general of House Hendrake has the Keep of the Four Worlds. He has Benedict's debt for ransoming four Amber young ones, and Dara's position in the house is weakened it would seem."

"I wonder who else might have gained as much in all this?..." Where is a Great Book of Chaos when you need one?

[TreyKincaide]

Is Merlin that subtle? I never would have guessed on Earth that one day he'd be King and a power to be reckoned with. What exactly did I accomplish at his behest except, perhaps, to buy time and prolong the conflict? Who was that sorceress?

Landon shrugs, "I do not profess to know the workings of Chaos House politics," ...or Amber's anymore for that matter... "but I believe a more pressing question is how many Hendrakes are on the otherside of that door?"

[Shutter]

"All of them. Roughly."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon allows himself to show surprise. "All of them? I know you're not given to hyperbole, Roland, but that's a bit extreme isn't it? The Keep and the Maze are large prizes indeed, but for an entire House to act this far from the Courts simply in response to your interference borders on the absurd. I don't mean to seem to belittle the abilities of any individual in your group that fought. No, that is not my intention at all. It speaks volumes that you still walk on your own two feet, and the worst that happened was capture," Landon's words carry a novel sincerity.

His features grow pensive, "Still, it's large gamble on Hendrake's part to leave their interests in Chaos fairly undefended if, indeed, the majority of their House is here. The other Houses would seize the oppurtunity to strike," he pauses.

"Perhaps the Hendrakes don't intend to return to the Courts..."

[Shutter]

Roland shakes his head slightly. Damn, wasn't clear earlier.

"No exageration Landon. The group we fought was four, plus Dara and some sort of demon. Only at the end did House Hendrake arrive. And I do mean the entire House, supplies and everything. There are a very great many Chaosites just down that hallway," he nods towards the door, then tries to look Landon in the eye. "Which is why I hope that you three can, and will, work some sorcery. I won't last an instant if they...no, when they come to this door. All I'll be able to do is warn you three with my death."

He returns to listening. "For rough numbers, I'd say at least a hundred Chaos Lords," he adds quietly. "I do believe this is their new home.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon reaches into his pack and pulls out a wineskin filled with water from the stream and takes a swig.

The Hendrakes, if Roland is to be believed are here to stay. If they hadn't intended to leave then something or someone, probably Merlin, forced their handed. I wonder if they're exiles like Dworkin. We might have more in common than it'd be comfortable to admit. Regardless of how or why they're here now. Roughly a hundred Chaosites, enough Shadow energy to burn myself out a thousand times over, a construct that objects to Pattern manipulation in its presence, and the Keep itself stand between us and freedom.

Landon quietly walks over to his cousin and offers him the skin. "It's just water." A calm demeanor follows the wake of his apparent confusion. He leans in "I've never tried to do something like this; I assure you the Hendrakes are the least of my worries. Until Luke gives me the go ahead I'm flying blind. The construct is sentient and hostile to use of Pattern. Even if this was a simple spell it would take hours to prepare, and this isn't simple sorcery. Luke has to have an ace up his sleeve."

[Shutter]

Roland accepts the water gladly and takes a swig, listening through the door with much of his attention.

"Thanks. And thank you for coming Landon...If they lack some ace between them, well then we're doomed I'd wager. I'd be damned surprised though if those two can't come up with something...Luke did request a sorcerer specificaly, he should have a plan." If he doesn't and was just flailing...bah...why think threats at a man beyond your reach?

[TreyKincaide]

"Stiff upper lip eh what?" he shrugs. "I'm sure that things aren't as bad as they seem. The Keep is structured to dissuade people from getting in. There are a few avenues available to us to escape. Whether or not we accomplish our aims is up to dispute, though."

"Although I can't be sure, I surmise that Luke's request for a sorceror involves the manipulations of the energies to be found in Shadow. That's all that sorcery is, really, pulling something from somewhere else, shuffling energy between point A and point B, and bending aspects of Shadow to your whim. Parlor tricks compared to the Powers that Be. Although, from personal experience," Landon absently rubs his backside, "parlor tricks can kill as easily as a sword. How exactly it applies, I haven't the foggiest."

Merlin would know. I always was a poor apprentice. I don't know how he managed to be as patient with me as long as he did. Bah. No use comparing yourself to Merlin. You have your own strengths and talents. Nothing wrong with being versatile.

[Wired*Nun]

Corwin reaches over to Landon's shoulder, turning him gently in the direction of the Maze. At the same time a persistent nagging at the back of Landon's mind resolves into a mental voice with Rinaldo's tones, calling him over that way. What the hell...

"Landon - I'm going to need your help. I need you to remember back when Merlin taught you your sorcery, back before you learned to hang spells on the Pattern. Back when he taught you about working with raw shadow magic. I want you to reach down into the floor and tap into the Fount feed, and draw as much of it out as you can hold and control at one time. I want you to be a battery. Do you think you can do it?"

Corwin continues to Roland as Landon listens to nothingness, "The bitch of it is, if he successfully moves the Maze, I'm not sure what happens to us - we might come along, or we might be stuck here. In any case..." he gives a kind of jaunty, dark, teeth-baring grin, "I think I'll take point if they come down the hall. Let's see how well they remember Grayswandir's taste from the last time...and watch my back."

As if on cue, there comes the sound of heavy tread, and Corwin opens the door, Grayswandir appearing in his hand as if by...well, by magic. Damn, how did he do that? To Roland, he says quietly, "I'll buy them as much time as I can. Get a Trump out in case we have to escape." Louder, front, he cries out in a dramatic voice, "Well, well, what have we here? More pretty candles for my blade to light?"

[TreyKincaide]

"I can damn sure try," he thinks in response.

Landon takes a deep breath as he sits down Lotus fashion on the cold marble floor. He closes his eyes and begins murmuring out of habit to center himself. A stray thought drifts through his mind How in the hell did he know Merlin taught me? that he surpresses before giving over completely to a serene state of calm. Merlin's words ring in his ears as he feels himself reach downward to the Fount he knows, feels is below. Like a man dying of thirst Landon drinks it down.

So much power....

When Landon feels saturated he'll try to tear away. He thinks in almost a shout, "I can't hold it very long."

[Wired*Nun]

Landon's world whirls whirlygig whorlpool...spinning, it is all he can do to hold on to the glowing spun-yarn cage of mana with both hands, the glowing sorcerous lines enclosing an amorphous red-blue-violet virtual liquid.

Landon feels a lance stab into the glowing globe from the direction of the Maze, a hypodermic drawing the power forth to...somewhere. In a rapid rush, the ball is depleted, and Landon feels the thing begin to feed on the lines themselves, drawing hungrily from his own vitality directly. How soon should I cut this off? How much does it really need? Where's a spikard when you really need one? And the Fount feed is gone...In fact, Landon can't really see anything but the Maze and the blurry walls of the cavern, his inner ear spinning like a drunk.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon reels as the room spins.

He blinks a few times vainly trying to clear his blurred vision. He cries out feebly, "Corwin, Roland" hoping they're nearby. He shakes his head again trying to reason through his mental fog.

Fuck this.

Landon will keep the connection until he feels himself slipping away hoping that Rinaldo will tie off the flow before he has to do something drastic. For a moment he entertains the notion of trying to reverse the flow, but discards it as he begins reaching out punchdrunk trying to feel an energy source to latch onto so he can act as a temporary conduit until he can remove himself from the flow. If worst comes to worst, rather than allowing the parasitic creation kill him Landon will throw up Pattern Defense as a last ditch effort to ward himself against it.

[Wired*Nun]

Just before that last-ditch effort, Landon feels the world snap back to sensibility, so suddenly that it hurts, like an elevator hitting bottom. Landon finds himself on the floor, on his back, not knowing how he got there. His head is pounding...

Rolling over, he sees the Maze...or what has become of it. Instead of the rolling blue wave of light, it looks like a sickly carpet of shaving gel. In the middle lies Rinaldo, nee` Luke, crumpled, face against the blue-covered stone.

Rising to a sitting position, all he can manage at first, Landon can't see anyone else in the area - no Roland, no Corwin...and no door. In fact, there is no way in or out of the cavern.

[Shutter]

Corwin continues to Roland as Landon listens to nothingness, "The bitch of it is, if he successfully moves the Maze, I'm not sure what happens to us - we might come along, or we might be stuck here. In any case..." he gives a kind of jaunty, dark, teeth-baring grin, "I think I'll take point if they come down the hall. Let's see how well they remember Grayswandir's taste from the last time...and watch my back."

As if on cue, there comes the sound of heavy tread, and Corwin opens the door, Grayswandir appearing in his hand as if by...well, by magic. Damn, how did he do that? To Roland, he says quietly, "I'll buy them as much time as I can. Get a Trump out in case we have to escape." Louder, front, he cries out in a dramatic voice, "Well, well, what have we here? More pretty candles for my blade to light?"

"Aye." He replies even as he opens his Trump case and pulls out the Trump of Amber. Just in case. With the backup handy he lowers his satchel and rifles through it, pulling out his sketchbook. He's incognito on purpose, and he's saving my ass. He quickly flips through it looking for the right sketch. When he finds it he glances up the hall briefly to see how Corwin is doing, if it looks like he has time he bends his mind to the Sketch of his mountain cabin, reimbuing it with power, preparing it to take them all away from this place if need be.

[Wired*Nun]

Over Corwin's shoulder Roland sees the one Larsus called Tabo leading several others cautiously down the hall. He eyes the man, and the sword, and sniffs the air. A growl and a couple of unintelligible words, and a short, froglike man waddles forward.

Pushing back his sleeves, he brings his hands together in a simple double pointing gesture, and Corwin responds with a salutelike motion from Grayswandir. There is a fizzle, and a pop, and the man looks astonished.

Corwin smiles a wintry smile. Roland can see it, even from the back.

"You. Shall. Not. Pass." Sotto voce, the left side of Corwin's face mouths back to Roland, "I wonder if they ever saw Holy Grail?"

The man gives it another go. After a moment, he makes motions with his hands, snakelike. The rush of a wind heralds...something, and a flash of light in the air between the two leaves Corwin unmoved, and the little man on the floor.

Tearing his gaze from the scene in front of him, Roland checks back on Landon and Luke...only to find them gone.

The Maze, too.

The cavern is bare, scoured clean as if with godsfire.

[Shutter]

Holy Grail?... With a mental shrug Roland files that away as another cultural reference he may want to look up some day. He seems to have their magic under control...I need to ask him how he managed that.... Glancing back over his shoulder. Oh shit...didn't even hear them go. Ok, time to make our exit... Turning back to the Sketch he bends his will to the work of opening the contact. Once he has it he will rise, shouldering his satchel and call out quietly to Corwin. "We're done here, ready when you are, Uncle."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon exhales slowly his head throbbing in time to his heartbeat. As he looks around visions of his former prison superimposes the blue lit walls fading in and out. He begins shivering as tears well from his eyes uncontrollably as much in relief as fear.

Recognizing madness creeping in from the remote corners of his brain, Landon methodically attempts to regain control of his own body before turning his attentions to his surroundings.

I've been trapped before.. I didn't give up so easily then; I won't now.

"Luke," he calls out weakly. He waits and thinks for some time for Luke to stir. I don't even know if he's alive.

Assuming that he won't get a response, Landon begins considering possible courses of action. His eyes settle upon Luke and his thoughts turn dark as he envisions a sea of blood washing the stain of the Maze away. Not without self-loathing he discards the notion as he begins rubbing his temples thinking about his other options to get Luke and himself safely away. Not giving use of the Pattern any serious thought he finally settles on two options--pure Shadow sorcery and walking the Maze.

He turns both options over in his mind weighing both and finding neither exactly to his liking.

I don't know the rules here, heh, if I truly ever knew the rules anywhere. Sorcery, while tooled in it's movement and creation, probably will have no direct effect on the Maze. I might be able to sit and divise a spell to pick him up and bring him over here, but that'll take time--I can't grope blindly for the energy of the pseudo Fount. If the Maze is any indication, the source's Power is taxed as it is. If Luke's in bad shape, Sorcery will take to too long. Can I walk the Maze? Will it destroy me? I didn't create the construct. If Siodmak is any indication, it doesn't follow a specific bloodline, and it did feast on my person enough to create a sympathetic link.

Landon tries to rise to his feet. Need--need for freedom and need to check on his cousin--overwhelms his retience and before further doubt clouds his judgment, he stumbles to the what appears to be the beginning. He shouts out to Luke trying again to stir him, hoping that it'll register and he won't need to set foot to design, "Luke!"

In the case that Luke doesn't stir Landon will exhale and put one foot in front of the other.

[Wired*Nun]

Luke rolls over with a groan and a weak wave. "Whoah...let's not do that again any time soon..." he says. Sitting up, he shakes his red mane and grins. "But I think once will be enough. It worked, man! We're cut loose." He stands up carefully, and walks weakly over to where Landon is, walking right across the path of the Maze.

"You look like I feel." He claps Landon on his shoulder, then moves over to sit down carefully against the cavern wall. "Cop a squat, man. We need to regain some strength before we get things back in order. And I gotta call mom, make sure she got out all right."

He shuffles through a thick stack of Trumps, flipping out Jasra's and concentrating on it.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon follows suit and slides down the wall landing unceremoniously with a grunt relieved that he's not alone. "Yeah," he coughs and clears his throat. He closes his eyes and rests his head against the wall. "Remind me to let the answering machine pick up the line the next time you have an idea like that." he smiles and chuckles.

When he hears Luke messing with his Trumps Landon's voice dies down and all that remains is his belabored breathing.

[Wired*Nun]

A moment later, Luke says to the card, "I see you made it away? Hmm hmmm...shame, yeah. Stay there a couple days, until you're stronger, then let me know. I got the Maze away, gotta reconstruct a power source of some kind. Yeah. All right, you too. Say hello to Dunstan for me."

When he has covered the card with his hand, he turns to Landon and says, "Family. Never changes, no matter who they are." With this slightly cryptic remark, he says, "Hey, let's get ourselves well, all right? We can go to Khashfa, live like kings - oh wait, I AM the King! And get back to this after food, sleep and a massage. What do you say?"

If Landon agrees, Luke shuffles out another Trump and, showing it to him, says "Here's some rooms I use for comings and goings when I don't want to be noticed in the palace." In short order they are transported through to a nicely outfitted suite with a window, mountains visible in the distance, a seagull perched on the sill.

"I'll send up food and stuff, you can use these rooms, I'll go to the royal chambers and the royal consort, see if I can get some sleep between bouts of hedonism. You got my Trump? If not, take this one. Later, man, I'm bushed." With that, he heads out the door.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon smiled and nodded accepting Luke's Trump as he found himself liking the salesman turned King. With a tired look he said, "Thanks. A couple days rest is just what the doctor ordered."

With Luke gone, he hung his jacket on a nearby chair and stretched out on the bed. Pulling out his deck, he shuffled Luke's in with the rest and flipped out two before him--Corwin's and Eric's. Landon spent a few moments debating on who to call first but finally settled upon Eric and thereby Gray. He fingered the card gingerly enjoying the cool sensation and stared deeply into it. Not having the strength to push through if it's difficult, he'll try the other Trump in the same fashion.

Should both contacts fail, he'll shuffle them back in and sleep the sleep of the dead.

[Wired*Nun]

It's not long before Eric resolves before him, apparently on some sort of boat by the sea bobbing behind him. "Landon. Good to hear from you, and what brings your call?"

[TreyKincaide]

"Hi Eric," he grins wearily. "I'll not take long; I feel about as bad as I look. The majority what I set out to do is done, so I thought I'd check in to let you, Gray, and Helena know I'm alright. I'm not sure what happened to Roland during the thick of things. He was with Corwin, so I figure they'll come out of the wash." he pauses slowly making himself a bit more comfortable fighting to keep his drooping eyelids from shutting.

"I plan on enjoying the hospitality here for a few days before tidying up and setting out to meet back up with you guys. There's a man with some answers who owes me big time, and I think I'm going to collect while I'm here," he shrugs. "How are things on your end?"

[Wired*Nun]

"We're all all right here, too. Asmundson has made friends with a wealthy widow, and got us transportation in style to my Amber analogue. We're going to get things set up for the long term here, and spend some time being worshipped I imagine. Almost like work. We'll see. Call when you're ready."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon nods, "Will do. Take care." With that he runs his hand over the card and goes to shuffle it back into his deck. He pauses, decides to do likewise with Corwin's card, and puts off contact until later figuring that Corwin'd call if he needed anything. He yawns and is soon fast asleep.

[Wired*Nun]

The next morning - well, almost afternoon - Landon rises with a ravening creature in the pit of his stomach, demanding to be fed. Shut up, he mentally says to his belly, and throws on his clothing. Poking his head out of the door, he sees a young man passing by in the hall.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon looks the young man up and down careful to address him appropriate to station. "Excuse me, but do you know if King Rinaldo is holding court or accepting visitors? If not who do I talk to about getting a bit to eat?"

[Wired*Nun]

The fellow stands straighter and says, "Sir, His Majesty is in his quarters as far as I am aware. Food for guests is available at all hours in the dining room. I can lead you there if you like." If that is what Landon wishes, he will be led to a small dining room and quickly served with whatever he wishes.

While he is awaiting his order, another man walks in - middle aged, whippet-thin, with sunken eyes and razor lips. He sees Landon, and puts on a cadaverous smile that doesn't reach his eyes. He sits down across from Landon, and pours himself a beaker of fruit juice. After draining the fluid, he fixed Landon with one eye like a raptor, and sniles again.

"Welcome to Kashfa, Sir Landon. I am Farrig Hasqua, but I am sure you will be told soon enough that they call me Ferret, behind my back in any case. I'm in charge of the security of the King, his family, his guests, and anyone else he wants. I'm telling you this so that you will not be unduly surprised as my men keep an eye on you while visiting our lovely kingdom."

[TreyKincaide]

"Unless your King has something in mind that I don't know about, I won't be enjoying your hospitality more than a few days of convalesence. I don't plan on being overly problematic," Landon returns an equally false smile bristling slightly at the veiled threat.

"In fact, I wasn't intending on leaving my rooms this afternoon, but food wasn't delivered as Rinaldo promised. I'm positive that little oversight isn't indicative of the service here." he smiles again reassuredly.

[Wired*Nun]

"Really?" he frowns. "Perhaps he was distracted by his lovely consort. But I will look into the matter, and find out the reason. Our honored guests are to want for nothing." He genuinely does look concerned, and Landon is suddenly unsure about this man's demenaor. Perhaps he wasn't threatening at all, but simply lacking in social niceties...or maybe that's what he wants me to think.

Their food arrives, and Farrig sets to with precise gusto, quickly devouring everything on his plate, glancing around the room as servants come and go. When he is done, he sits back and says abruptly, "Perhaps I may be of service to your honorable self? If there is anything you would like, please do not hesitate to ask. The young king is often distracted, and may even...forget about you, for a time. You may find yourself in need of a guide, here in Kashfa." Landon is again reminded of a bird of prey eyeballing some oddity which it cannot quite comprehend.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon mirrors the older man in eating and wolfs the food down. He weighed the possibility of being poisoned, but in the end his appetite won out.

Why does this Ferret unnerve me so? Perhaps, as the master...spy--for lack of a better term--he's merely doing his job. I can not rebuke their hospitality, however, in spite of the warning sirens ringing in my ears. An incident with Kashfa is the last thing Amber needs at the moment, though. If I don't hear word from Luke by later this afternoon, I'm going to find a reason to Trump him. I refuse to be 'forgotten' about; not when I just pulled his ass out of the fire. Salesmen don't get a reputation when they can't deliver.

Landon listens and smiles politely in response to Farrig's offer. He almost declines the gesture, but holds off.

Whenever you're around someone you don't trust--Farrig definately qualifies--it's always a good idea to indulge in the family's favorite game. What could it hurt? At the very least it'll ensure that you don't get rusty. Just because you're not Flora's creature any more doesn't mean you can't benefit from what she taught you.

"I shall certainly entertain the notion. While I was only planning on staying around to tie up a bit of loose business, I might indeed find need of your services. Tell me, what in Kashfa might I need to be guided towards?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Well, towards one's concerns, and away from...difficulties. There are quite a few intriguers around, and I wouldn't want you to be caught up in some unfortunate situation." As the man begins toying with his glass, Landon sees the flash of a blue crystal bracelet, of a color that reminds him of his erstwhile prison...or the Maze. And doesn't Luke have blue stones in his rings, and what Merlin wrote about that cave he was trapped in...all part of a theme...

Something in the man's mannerisms has been bothering Landon for some time, something beyond his merely distasteful manner. He can't quite put his finger on it...maybe the way he speaks - it makes his skin crawl and his guts churn. He is suddenly quite certain he has had some dealings with this man, in some way, somehow...in some guise.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon flashes a toothy grin to cover his growing discomfort mentally putting faces to names to places.

It's on the tip of my tongue, and I'm close to the answers I want. Only the voice in the prison could make me physically react this way, and in the story book Amber the Commander's name was Farrag--a shapeshifter. Close enough in pronunciation to be a Shadow, but I doubt it. This Ferret is a beast pretending to be human tying in with the fantasy theme accented by reappearing Blue. Perhaps it's all one in the same. Perhaps, it's not as it appeared and Corwin wasn't merely the latest in a long line of manipulation. Maybe it was just that, one unbroken line of manipulation. He never took part in my torture, but condoned those that did. Luke knew that Merlin trained me, and usually that's not information that you spread even in idle conversation unless you're among conspirators. Perhaps my life really isn't anything but a series of unfortunate situations.

Landon takes a long drink choosing to appear ignorant for the time being as his revulsion is replaced by a streak of hatred. Wishing to continue conversation hoping to draw something out of Farrig to confirm his suspicions, Landon replies, "I certainly wouldn't want to fall into the clutches of those that would turn me towards their own ends. It most certainly would not do with interests lying as they may," He wears a half smirk as he continues, " It seems ghosts of conspiracy haunt me at every turn thus your assistance would be quite a privledge. Do all honored guests receive such wonderful treatment? What further concerns do you propose that I require guiding towards?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Only those with power. I recognize the marks of a sorcerer when I see one, never fear. I would only assist you in doing what you desire, consistent with the good of King and Kingdom. In return, perhaps you will deign to trade techniques with me." He's looking for more power...Landon realizes that this man bears these marks as well - a certain way of looking at things, a certain controled intonation, reminding him of Merlin's training.

"Enunciate!" he used to say. "It won't work properly if you can't pronounce the guidewords, or replicate the gestures, the same way you programmed them. Consistency is the key! You can make a mumble a lynchpin, as long as you can replicate that exact same mumble next time. It's been reliably calculated that a maximum of only four percent discrepancy can be present if the connection is to activate. If you can't do that, quit wasting my time!" He remembers the struggles his earlier, less-disciplined self caused Merlin. And Flora, and everyone else who tried to give me the skills I needed...

Tearing himself from reverie, he concentrates on the here and now. That voice...so much like his torturer in his imprisonment, but as if Farrig inhabited another body...or changed his own voice...he says he is a sorcerer...of perhaps a shapeshifter?

[TreyKincaide]

Landon takes a drink and fishes out a crumpled cigarette.

If this is my torturer then he is no friend of mine. However, it speaks the depths of depravity to which he'll sink. Kings have need of such rodentia. I wonder if he's from the Courts or an initiate of Luke's Maze. Perhaps it would do to keep him close at least until I see what he plans to do with the power he desires.

Landon lights the smoke, takes a long drag, and exhales slowly as he responds, "From the way you have spoken it seems you have reason to believe that I'll be here for some time. I must confess that I, myself, am ignorant of any desires towards such ends as I'm unfamiliar with what you Kingdom has to offer. I'd be more than happy to trade technique and form, but from what I understand your King is an accomplished sorceror descended from a long line of Artists reknown for their talents. I would ask why you'd wish an arrangement with an outsider when Rinaldo is much more capable than myself. I do not intend to imply anything and am merely concerned about unknowingly upsetting my host by stepping on his toes. It would indeed be a grevious error considering the state of affairs."

[Wired*Nun]

"The King is busy being the King. I seek knowledge from all adepts that pass though our fair land in order to become more effective in my work. Do you run to your own King or ruler and seek his personal instruction? This is simply impossible. If you wish to vet me through His Majesty, feel free to do so. I seek nothing secret...discretion is all I ask. I have many enemies, which are the King's enemies. I also have many talents, and friends in many, many places. As for how long you will visit, that is no affair of mine. It is precisely because I do not know that I raise this subject so soon after your arrival." Is it possible that he does not even recognize me?

[TreyKincaide]

Hmmm. Curioser and curioser. If he doesn't know to whom he speaks, then his thirst for power is mightier than I thought. He doesn't know it yet, but he might have just added an addition to his lengthy list of enemies.

"I see. On many occasions those who rule have been generous in rewarding those of your obvious talents and loyalty. I had thought that His Grace would have taken you under his wing to better defend the realm. As I had stated previously, I intended no offense and sincerely hope that none was taken."

Landon smiles, "I promise you can be sure of my discretion in these matters. I have no desire to provide enemies of the state information that would upset my host."

[Wired*Nun]

His eyes narrow at Landon's misuse of the King's title. Let him think it's intentional... "His Majesty is a busy man. I would have though a brother sorcerer would be happy to add to his craft. If not - " he spreads his hands as if helpless, "that is your affair. In any case, I will bid you good day." He stands up abruptly, and stalks off as if, perhaps, offended.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon grins and swallows down the last drink. He stubs out his cigarette and chuckles to himself as he heads back to his rooms. Once there shuffles out Luke's Trump. He tries to make contact.

[Wired*Nun]

Swirling of colors, thoughts of being chased by formless monsters...a sudden awakening, and Luke looks up from his bed. "Landon. Man, I was still asleep. Of course, I still had some duties when I left you...damn! And I forgot to send up your food. But you look like you got some anyway, that's good." He grins, rubs his head vigorously with one hand, raspberries his lips. "I gotta get a shower. Meet you down there?"

[TreyKincaide]

"Sure thing," Landon smiles and breaks off contact allowing the King to see to waking up. He walks to a basin and splashes a bit of cold water on his face and then takes the oppurtunity to take stock of surroundings. While waiting for the King to arrive he sits down at the table and lays out a couple Trump spreads to pass the time. He ponders the conversation he just had with the Ferret and just how to weasle information out of Luke.

[Wired*Nun]

Luke makes it down in about half an hour, and orders a "full spread" from the kitchen. This turns out to be a five-course Italian, which he demolishes course by course. Around mouthsfull, he says, "Playing the family's favorite game? Or just killing time. Anything interesting?" He cranes his neck to look at the cards, mock-serious.

[TreyKincaide]

"Killing time mostly," Landon says earnestly. "Maybe you'll see something I missed. All I seem to be able to make out is that's someone's cheating at Solitaire," he grins.

[Wired*Nun]

"If you ain't cheatin' you ain't tryin', my father once said. The corrolary to that is, if you cheat, you damn well better not get caught." He grins again. "And, don't cheat your friends, ever. Don't piss in your own pool. And don't chew with your mouth full, et cetera. Want any more aphorisms, I got a sackfull of them. I'd write a Gospel according to Luke, but it's been done. Hey, speaking of women," which ignores the fact that they weren't, "here's mine now."

Looking over his shoulder, Landon sees a full-figured, big-boned woman come through the dining room door, her graceful stride belieing her size. "Landon, meet Nayda, my consort. I'll make her my queen, someday, but the politics of it are tricky right now."

Smiling, she extends a hand like a man and says, "Pleased to meet you, Landon. In fact, I enjoy meeting any of Luke's relatives, when I can. Unfortunately, my responsibilities keep me here much of the time."

"Yes," Luke breaks in, "Nayda is the real power behind the throne - keeps things running day to day so I can go traipsing about having fun."

"He's not kidding, you know," she says seriously. "But boys must have their hobbies, and women always seem to be left to keep things nailed down at home..." She looks at Luke with a mixture of love and amusement.

Landon watched this interplay with his own amusement, something nagging at the back of his mind. Something in the GBOA he read...but he can't put his finger on it now.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon chuckles as he deftly sweeps his Trumps into a pile. He straightens them and puts them away, "It's nice to meet you, too Nayda. I can't refute the aphorism that all boys want to be men and all men wish to be boys. My wife would give me what for," he smiles.

No use trying to hide something that Luke probably already knows.

"For all the traipsing about, I think I prefer the 'return home' the most. Or, at least, the night thereafter." he smirks mischeviously.

[Wired*Nun]

"Yes, you caught us. It's my fault he was sleeping in so late." She waves at the staff, and sits down next to Luke, across from Landon. "So Luke's been telling me about you latest advantures. Can't say I envy you, I'm not really the athletic type...but it does sound interesting. Probably shouldn't discuss too much right here," she says, lowering her voice, "so maybe later, this evening, if you're staying here with us."

Landon notices that she wears a blue bracelet, and blue-stone rings. Some kind of all-purpose material? Maybe something that can easily retain enchantments? If so, I wonder who is enchanting whom, here? Or is their relationship really as copacetic as it appears? That nagging feeling comes again...got to check Merlin's book, there's something...

"And I'd love to meet your wife sometime, if she's ever in the area. I don't get a lot of girl time among equals. Even the women around here are all either my underlings, my supplicants, my political rivals or, occasionally, my enemies." Her food arrives, and she sets to with at least as much gusto as Luke.

"So what's next on your agenda, Landon my boy?

[TreyKincaide]

"Well, that's a bit up in the air at the moment." he smiles. "This afternoon I was thinking about lounging a bit and maybe get a massage before dinner. Never waste the oppurtunity to live in slendor for an evening since you might be sleeping in the dungeon the next," he jokes as he smokes and drinks as the couple devour food put before them.

I don't know how malleable this Shadow is as close to Amber as we are. Certainly the disturbance of altering probability will be noticed, but better than them wondering why I'm interested in the GBoA.

"Tomorrow I might feel up to do a bit of exploring and see what Kashfa has to offer. I've cleared my schedule until our bit of business is concluded, so I can be your guest as long as you'll have me. If there's any service I might perform while here please let me know."

[Wired*Nun]

"No need, man,just enjoy yourself. I'll let you know if something comes up, but you earned your vacation with the...work we just did. I have to get that thing all set up properly, anyway...if you feel like helping me with that, you're welcome to do so, but you don't have to."

[TreyKincaide]

"I don't mind helping in the least. I've been letting a few things slip here and there. My skills are a bit rusty. A mutual friend of ours would throw his hands up in the air if he knew how much I've been slacking in certain regards. I'd welcome an oppurtunity to shake off some dust without worlds hanging in the balance," Landon smiles amiably.

It must be a strange thing to not be able to speak freely in one's home. I wonder who they believe is eavesdropping.

[Wired*Nun]

The answer comes to him unbidden: Everyone.

"All right, then, we can start tomorrow morning. Until then, we can spend the day enjoying my simple Kingdom, and resting from our Labours. In fact, it might be best if we took a nice ride up into the hills. We have some lovely vineyards that I need to survey, and we can visit a winery or two along the way."

"He just wants to get away from the palace, I know it," says Nayda. "As long as you're back by nightfall, I don't mind. Paperwork springs eternal in a bureaucrat's breast, they are all waiting for me in the audience chamber even as we speak. Bye, love," a peck, and she's gone.

"Hell of a girl I got. Hope you are as lucky," he says, winking to show he's not playing one-upmanship games. Now let's get on with that ride. Massage can wait, and a little physical exercise will do us both good." He hops to his feet as if on springs, and leads Landon through hallways to a side door to the modest palace, across a courtyard, and into the carriage house and stables. He selects a couple of mounts, tells them to pass a message to prepare some trail food, then they set off at a canter, into the hills above the city.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon hides his disappointment in not being afforded some time to himself.

Tonight before bed then.

He smiles to Nayda as she leaves, and replies to Luke's wink, "She certainly seems to be a keeper, I agree. And as to myself, well, I thank the stars my wife puts up with my crap the way she does. I would be the last to begrudge another's good fortune."

Landon visibly winces as he lays eyes upon his mount, but does not complain. He follows Luke's lead in form and function. If the King is chatty, then Landon is as well. Otherwise he's content he drift into reverie curios about Luke's reasons for this outing.

[Wired*Nun]

Less than fifteen minutes after leaving the palace gates, Luke pulls up to a small winery overlooking the city. Without comment he hands off the horses to an attendant, and enters the front door, waving Landon after him. A twist and a turn, then three flights of stairs down under the ground, and they debouch into a wine cellar, full of casks.

"We can talk here, now, I think. I've got this place warded. I can't be sure about who's listening, in the palace, but I don't want to seem to be excluding Nayda by kicking her out of a conference. This was the best thing I could think of on short notice."

[TreyKincaide]

"I see. Well, no one ever said being a King was an easy job. Didn't realize that the games of Amber and the Courts applied to Kashfa as well, though."

Landon feeling a bit claustrophic inspects his surroundings.

Underground. Why must these clandestine meetings always take place underground?

"Obviously there's something important you wish to tell me that can't be alluded to through innuendo or you wouldn't have brought me here. Something tells me the plan got muddled somehow and as easy as you make it look, you're improvising a bit."

"Is there some danger to my continued health or you and your's above and beyond the daily intrigues of your court?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Well, you're right...kind of. I have a very effective secret police...sometimes too effective. I've wanted to rein them in a bit, but Nayda claims to need them the way they are...so I keep things from them. I'm sure you've experienced the difficulty of keeping a woman happy. Sometimes you have to give them what they want, then go around them to get what you want. In this case, it's more precautionary than anything. The Maze represents a lot of power, in the wrong hands. It was fine as long as mom or Dunstan had control of it, in the Keep. It was even no big deal when I found out it was casting shadows of itself - kind of like the Primal Pattern. I could always out-Maze any other adepts. But now I had to move the Primal, and it's weak and vulnerable. Corwin said you are a man I can trust. That's good enough for me."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon nods and puts himself out on a limb a bit, "I've already had experience with one of them. Your man Farrig was sniffing around at lunch. He's quite hungry, that one."

There's something rotten in the state of Kashfa...

[Wired*Nun]

"Ah, he's harmless, to me and mine, anyway. Typical shadow adept, always wants more. I throw him scraps, keep him hoping, keep him useful. Some people still want me dead." He stares at Landon. "People in Amber, too, I think. People that still hold a grudge for my vengeance. You know about vengeance, don't you, Landon?" This last question has a hint of something, a pregnant pause, a draft from an open window...

[TreyKincaide]

Landon raises an eyebrow and returns Luke's stare with an appraising glance. "Some days it's the only thing that keeps me going until the next," he replies, "An excuse to keep sane when it'd be easier to fall to madness, but you know all of this. We all believe we're justified in getting what we want. I'm sure others disagree."

[Wired*Nun]

"Disagree...yeah, screw 'em. I had to fight for everything I got, and had to fight even harder not to be bitter. I have a friend that's better at everything than I am, though he would probably say the reverse. I'm a secondhand Amberite, a secondhand Chaosite, a 'younger," but I'm also a King and co-creator of the coolest construct since Ghostwheel, so yeah, I say, screw 'em. Stay out of my way, I'll stay out of theirs, that's all I ask. What do you ask, Landon? What do you want?" He fishes through his pockets, coming up with a couple of Havanas, passing one to Landon.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon accepts and runs the cigar under his nose savoring the smell. "The same, really. A tight hand on my own reigns, to be in control of myself, and a nice corner of Shadow to rest my head when I'm weary of all the bullshit. I've had to live up to the expectations of others for too damn long."

Landon leans against a wine cask and sighs, "So, what was the real reason you and your consort captured and tortured me?"

[Wired*Nun]

Luke cocks an eyebrow at Landon, looking him up and down. He looks puzzled, and his words reflect that. "What the hell are you talking about?" His hands stop mid-gesture, a lighter almost lit on one hand, the cigar in the other. "Capture and torture you? Why would I do that?" Man, this guy is good...or telling the truth...but he does have that reputation...but which one to believe...

[TreyKincaide]

"It's a long story involving the Maze and some observations that I've made since I arrived. Look. I'm not making accusations or seeking redress. I'm your guest and the last thing I'd want to do is piss you off out of the blue by causing trouble especially seeing as we seem to be getting along so far. I can't say that for many people I'm related to. I just want to know what the hell is going on, and who's tune I've been dancing to aside from Corwin's and Flora's," Landon says earnestly.

He fishes inside his coat for a box of matches. He strikes it on the wall before lighting and puffing at his cigar.

"If you're not in on it, and as co-creator of the coolest construct since Ghostwheel I assumed you were, then I might be wrong," he pauses. "Or, perhaps, there's something deeper to this whole thing--something neither of us are seeing."

There, I've left him enough room to wiggle out of, enough rope to hang himself, or enough leeway to tell the truth. Damn, I hope I didn't play my hand too soon. Where are you Gepetto? There's never a Blue Lady around when you need one.

[Wired*Nun]

Finishing the lighting of his cigar, he looks sidelong at Landon, as if trying to guess his game. Setting the Zippo carefully down on the table, he takes a seat, turned around, and puts his elbows on the back,

"Look, man, I'm not in the capture and torture biz, especially with people I have no quarrel with. I mean, enough people don't like me without me making more enemies." He takes another puff, thinking.

"I want to help you, Landon. If you think I'm shitting you, you can bolt at any time. I'm also interested to find out the real story, and why you think it might be me - and Nayda. Tell me all about it, lemme make some guesses. I'm good at that." He narrows his eyes as he listens to whatever Landon will tell him.

[TreyKincaide]

It always comes down to trading information. Always.

Landon walks over to the table and takes a seat. He props his boots up. "Alright, for me this whole mess started when I was playing in shadow. A friend of mine, an adept, was manipulated into learning how to draw Trumps to get my attention. After some poking around, I found out a Shadow of his was responsible--a Maze initiate who by cosmic coincidence just happened lead me to find a lost sibling. I've always distrusted coincidence."

Landon, "After the attack on Amber and Gerard son's, Joss's, death I was given assigned by Random to look into the Maze. The bullet that killed Joss apparently had some special Trump power, not unlike that of the Fount or the Maze. Alot of people took steps to make it look like it was you or your brother Dunstan."

Landon pauses for a second at the implied question.

"Anyway, I was checking out a Shadow of your Maze when I was forcibly Trumped away to a blue cave where Trumps, Sorcery, and Pattern didn't function. I don't know how long I was there, but everytime I tried escape I was accosted by an invisible entity. Eventually, I went quite mad."

Landon flicks the cigar. "After an indeterminant amount of time, I was "rescued" by Corwin for his own reasons. He was part of the whole thing, but admitted that he wasn't directly responsible. So, when I came here and recognized Farrig as my torturer who didn't have any knowledge of who I am, it was quite a logical conclusion that you and your significant other were involved. The matching beaded bracelets that Nadia and him wear were sufficient cause to mention something."

"I've been used by the Maze in the past, and after doing it a significant favor I hoped that some light would be shed on the subject. You say you were the co-creator. Who's idea was it?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Sounds like someone is setting us up. It's all too obvious - the cave, everyone know about that what with Merlin giving away half our secrets in that damn book. The most interesting thing about this whole thing is not that it all leads to me and mine - it's that Corwin apparently knows about it. As far as the Maze..."

He takes a slow puff on his cigar. "I'm not sure. I think I conceived it one night when Nayda and I were talking about Ghostwheel, and how it would be advantageous to make something unique like that, something different from the usual power sources. It was one of those synergistic things, you know, talking with someone, bouncing off ideas...I guess we both came up with it. Something that used both Logrus and Pattern principles, combined them, and could defend itself against them, without the weaknesses of either...and something not limited to Blood. That was for Nayda, and mom, of course. Dunstan, too, since mother wouldn't let him walk a real Pattern."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon nods and soaks up what Luke has to say.

The Rebel son of a Rebel Amberite and a Rebel...Chaosite? I'm starting to detect a pattern here. Serpent eyes wide open--an idea older than the construct itself. These things just don't happen by accident. Damn, I really need to read that book of Merlin's to get a better idea of who I'm dealing with--especially Nayda.

"If I didn't appreciate your need for discretion before, I do now. Someone--a power hungry adept for instance--could cause a lot of trouble if they stumbled their way through. I'm even more thankful that I offered to help keep it out of the House Hendrake's hands."

Landon puffs away, "I take it that the Maze's self awareness was one of those built in defense mechanisms. Tell me," he grins "was the manifestation of the Nightmare intentionally meant to tweak everyones' religious noses, or was it a happy side effect? Do you mean to champion balance, then?"

[Wired*Nun]

Puzzlement is writ large on Luke's face. "Nightmare? What's a Nightmare? Why do I feel like everyone knows more about this than me? The Maze isn't supposed to be self-aware - I specifically wanted to suppress that possibility, so it remained my tool and not get out of control." He's doing a really good imitation of astonishment...

[TreyKincaide]

Can it be? Has his construct slipped its leash?

"The Nightmare's a blend of the Serpent and the Unicorn or that's how it was described to me anyway. Could be Shadow-centric but I doubt it. I can attest to your Maze's sentience. During my investigation, rather than blindly lashing out in adaptation it skillfully dissuaded Heldrik, Finndo's son, from using the Pattern by melting an object on his person--definately not the work of a cunning unaware intelligence."

I'll leave that bit out concerning Maze contamination since all I have is Aurora's word...at least for now. I can't tell if he's fishing, but making a few speculations shouldn't hurt.

"It seems like I'm in the position to help you out a bit again so, I'm going to clue you in on a few things. The underlying idea for your Maze outdates the both of us that you and Nayda happened upon it--not to belittle you or your consort in any fashion--leaves a bit too much to chance. We all are rebel children of a rebel child of the Courts who at times wishes that he wasn't exiled and could go home when he knows that he can't. The blending of the Logrus and the Pattern -- both eyes of the Serpent open--has raised a lot of eyebrows. I know the Pattern itself is hungrily thirsting for any news viewing it as a threat. Not that that in itself is strange. Tools and threats are all it sees."

"I'm going to make a few guesses with faith that you're on the up and up. I think that someone or something influenced you to create the Maze. I think this same individual --singular or group-- is responsible for it developing sentience or, at least, bet their chips on the possibility."

[Wired*Nun]

"That's a great theory, Landon, but I don't believe it. Or, not exactly. I helped make this thing, and I just used it...and I saved it, moved it, and now it's very weak. I felt no hint of consciousness. The only one who influences me much is Nayda...which begs the question of who is influencing her. Could something have Corwin too? I'm starting to get an ugly feeling about something...and I don't want to believe it. I really don't."

"Here's one thing to grab on to. The Maze is down for the count right now, and it needs me to get it back on its feet. If there is someone using us...it will try to push me to do it. So how about if we hang around and see who tries to push us in what direction? Also, I'll do a little eavesdropping...now that I'm suspicious, I'm going to try to find any inconsistencies..."

He holds up the blue bracelet he wears. "These are my answer to Trump. They use a resonance of undershadow, I believe, and I can use them to communicate. I can also keep tabs on anyone wearing one." Taking one out of his pocket, he hands it to Landon. At his skeptical look, he says, "If you're concerned, don't put it on until you need to. Or, if you think I'm screwing you, give it to your worst enemy."

"So let's go back, wait at the castle...make ourselves bait, see who tries to push what buttons...unless you have another idea?"

[TreyKincaide]

"I really don't want to believe where this line of thinking goes, but its as close to the truth as I've gotten," Landon accepts the bracelet and puts it in his jacket pocket for later, "Displaying it openly while I'm here in Kashfa might not be a great idea," he explains.

Not until I study it a bit further, that is.

"Alright, let's head back. Gives you time to poke around, and me a chance to mull over a few things before we meet back up at dinner. We should sample a bit of the vintage on the way out, though, if for no other reason to smell of alcohol when we arrive."

Landon stands after carefully stubbing his Havana out, "After you."

[Wired*Nun]

Grabbing a couple of bottles off a nearby rack, Luke heads back out of the small winery and back to the horses. Putting the bottles in his saddlebags and mounting, he canters back down the hill, as if just back from a nice long ride. Dropping the horses off at the stables, he says quietly, "How about a little impromptu state dinner and ball? Nothing like a social gathering to draw the intrigue. Everyone will rush to attend, I guarantee. It should be instructive."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon nods slowly and replies in a near whisper, "It might be at that. I'm unfamiliar with the regular intrigues of your court and might be unable to distinguish between one and another. The idea is appealing, though. Perhaps," he winks, "His Majesty could spare an attache that would stay very very close to me throughout the evening under the auspice of preventing me from unintentionally embarrassing myself. I am a foreigner after all. Were I to have such an attache, I believe I could appreciate the intrigue all the more and set my sights where they belong," he grins trusting that Luke will pick up on the innuendo.

Landon will follow Luke inside and say his farewells. He'll return to his room, and set about the tasks he wishes to accomplish before dinner.

First, he'll bring up the Sign of the Pattern and inspect the bracelet that Luke gave him to his satisfaction. Second, with the Sign still up he'll cast one of his few remaining racked spells, "Everybody Loves a Sharp Dressed Man", so that he'll look perfect for tonight's event without the need to primp and preen. Lastly, he'll play with probability a bit and walk across the rooms to a small library collection. He'll pull the GBoA of the shelves, flip past Corwin's accounting straight to Merlin's. He'll sit in a chair and read until it's time to leave for a fashionable entrance.

[Wired*Nun]

There comes a tap-tapping at Landon's window in the cold dark night...but it's bright outside, in the painful wintry way of a mild day in January. Looking at the window, Landon can see a dark winged shape, about man-sized, and little else. It reaches up one clawed finger again and tap-taps at the window, peering in, its face gray and pebbled with eyes of watery blue. The glass is murky and dirty enough that the creature probably can't see clearly what is in the room.

[TreyKincaide]

What the hell? An assassin bold enough to come for me during the day or a new development in the game? Quoth the rave, Nevermore.

Landon closes his book, and looks for something that'll do as a club in a pinch.

It's about time I really get my own sword. Using Grayswandir on loan is neat, but I feel naked at times like this.

He edges up against the wall and begins creeping towards the window. He summons the Sign of the Pattern and tosses off his last remaining spell--You've Lost that Loving Feeling. Fatigue washes over him soon replaced by the strengthening feeling of the internalized Pattern.

As prepared as he can make himself, he looks at the beast through his lens to study the oddity and raises the makeshift club. Landons chuckles to himself aware of how ridiculous he must look as he slides down the wall.

Getting close to the window, he'll reach out and unlock the clasp opening the window in one smooth motion. If it appears that the figure is planning on attacking, Landon will start swinging and hope that his Pattern Defense holds up.

[Wired*Nun]

The candlestick raised in his hand, Landon opens the window to look at a gray, scaly face, with warts and stubby horns, and vertical nostrils. The winged creature draws back and hisses at Landon's threat, beating its wings slightly, but makes no motion to attack the Amberite.

"My Lord," it hisses, "Thou must be away, my master bids me tell you, come! Thou art in grave danger!" As if in response to this revelation, there comes the sound of running feet outside the door, and a pounding upon it.

"Lord Landon!" comes an unfamiliar voice, "The King says to come downstairs right away! Something may be coming to kill you!"

[TreyKincaide]

Landon narrows his eyes as his sorcerorous mind dissects his dilemma as it would a spell analyzing pertinent variables, waying chance, and attempting to discern Truth from Lie.

Luke's a sorceror, a Trump Artist, and the foremost Maze Adept. If he believed I were in significant danger and--more importantly--cared, he'd warn me himself in one of many different ways. These 'supposedly' private chambers are anything but. No, that voice behind the door wishes me ill or acts on the behalf of someone that does.

This whole thing is either a show for my benefit, I'm getting closer to what I'm looking for, or I'm getting closer to what someone wants me to find. No rest for the wicked, Landon m'boy.

Landon's eyes betray a moment of hesitation before he tightly grasps his 'mighty' candlestick in his right hand and offers up his left, "If this is a trick, there won't be enough of you left for the vultures." He'll take ahold of the strange unattractive creature and brace himself for flight.

Take me to your leader...

[Wired*Nun]

The creature makes no comment, but merely turns away, saying, "Hold ye firmly, Lord, we shall be speedily a-wing." Landon sees that the spikes on the rough-skinned creature's back are fit for grasping, and no sooner has he taken hold than they launch into the air.

It seems none too soon, as a curse from his mount concurs with a flash and spray of blackish blood from its wing as an arrow or bolt tears a hole in it. They wallow in the air, but make it over the castle walls and onto the greensward beyond before a controlled crash ensues.

"Forgive me, Lord, we must afoot, Follow swiftly, if you please." It folds its wings, damaged and whole, and sprints toward the safety of the city streets. Commoners shriek and horses rear as they cross the boulevard and bolt down an alley, brushing aside vendors and passers-by. With a crash, it shoulders open a small door, and slams it after Landon enters.

"T'would be simplest if thou could'st shift us to someplace less populated, or use one of thy Trump to purchase time. Without my wings I am less than mobile, I fear. In any case, do it swift, they will be soon after us."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon nods, "We'll be out of here in short order." He gets his Trumps from their pouch and fans them out. His eyes scan through the collected assortment of bastards and bitches he realizes that he regards fondly as family before pausing briefly and Flora's and finally settling on Eric. He pulls both from the deck sliding the remaining into their casing.

Landon's eyes narrow as he concentrates on Eric's Image. If he establish contact he says, "It seems I've over stayed my welcome..."

If he can't get through, he'll put Eric's card in the casing with the rest and try Flora.

[Wired*Nun]

The contact resolves without difficulty. Eric nods, holds out his hand without comment, presuming he needs an escape.

[TreyKincaide]

Landon steps through, bringing the creature behind him. He looks around and if they're alone, he'll quickly summarize what had happened leaving out his private discussion with Luke and specifics of the Maze.

"This is...my means of quick escape. There wasn't time for introductions, I'm afraid."