Katarzyna

[Wired*Nun]

Kat receives a Trump call.

[Pygysys]

Kat had been making her way back out the castle when she receives the Trump call. I really do need to get Raevyn to teach me some tricks for situations like this.

She steps into a side corridor if one is nearby or an empty room before answering the call. "Hello?"

Kat inclines her head to Heldrik as he speaks about further discussions to be had, "When you are able and have the time, Cousin, I shouldn't be too difficult to contact. I don't expect that I shall be too far from Amber or at least the Golden Circle for some time yet and during that interim I will pass along news of your well being to Rebis. My regards to Agraynel of course and a good day to you, Cousin. Until I hear from you in the near future fare thee well, the both of you."

Kat smiles and allows Heldrik to break the contact once he completes his own farewell. She pokes her head around the corner and stares at the door to Florimel's office. I think I can get away with the passing along of a note. Now to find someone to interupt Her Highness and my newest cousin.

Kat quickly sets about jotting down a note and then finding a servant to deliver the note to Lord Rebis.

[Wired*Nun]

Finding a servant is easy enough. [What does it say?]

[Pygysys]

The note says:

Lord Rebis,

I have received word from Heldrik and he is on his way to a full recovery. He passes along his gratitude and his best wishes for good fortune in your search and endeavours. It shouldn't be long before you and he meet again. I have passed along information regarding your whereabouts and well being here in Amber.

Kat.

[Wired*Nun]

The servant takes the note, promising it will get delivered to Lord Rebis, if he can be found.

That done, she begins to head back out the castle to retrieve her horse, wondering if something else will distract her on her way out this time.

[Pygysys]

Again Kat begins her ride down to the city, the docks and harbour her destination.

All I need is passage aboard one ship. It doesn't have to be pretty, I just need to get to the Golden Circle. From there it should be relatively simple to concentrate on what my Uncle told me and the tips that Roland gave me. I have to get the knack for that coin toss. It's bound to come in handy.

[Wired*Nun]

Passage is easy to arrange, the first ship out being the Silver Hind out of Kashfa, bound first for Rebma, then Eregnor Freeport, then its home. If she does not wish to be recognized, it's easy enough not to, leaving her horse in the care of one of the constabulary to make its way back to the Palace. If she is ready, the ship saisl today. Otherwise, there is a tramp freighter out of Bitterweg, the poor port that serves Ghenesh, running back there with anything they can get to compete with the land caravans. I could probably pay to have him change his destination, if I needed to...

[Pygysys]

Kat prefers to remain as anonymous as possible and books her passage aboard the Silver Hind. If possible she remains in her cabin or at least below deck out of the way as the ship makes ready to leave port.

Once we've left Rebman waters, I shouldn't have difficulties practising. It will be a good test to see what I can work with some of the sea-life and there'll be a game or two run by the crew.

[Wired*Nun]

Remaining in her tiny cabin, after half a day Katarzyna hears the transfer of cargo to and from the Rebman trading platforms to the Silver Hind. The next day they must be abroad upon the wide ocean, for the swells have increased dramatically. The hiss and splash of the water along the hull is loud and persistent, and the ship is heeled to starboard from the stiff nor'wester.

Venturing forth, she finds fried salt pork, biscuit and fresh oranges to break her fast in the galley, strong tea to wash it down. Taking her meal up to the quarterdeck, she finds a spot out of the way of the officer of the deck and the two crewmen repairing a hawser, and eats. Poor fare for a lubber, but in the clean salt air, fit for a princess...

Looking around the main deck from her vantage, she observes arbalests stowed on their mounts, and rack of boarding pikes. Pirates, sea monsters, wandering warships that slip through shadow, never to be seen again in their homes...There don't seem to be any games of chance in view...perhaps she would find such belowdecks, in the crew quarters, or after the sun sets, when the main work is done and the rum comes out. Or maybe a more civilised game of cards in the wardroom...

[Pygysys]

Games can wait for a little while longer as Kat returns to her cabin after her meal. She waits till sundown before venturing aboard deck again for some more salty fresh air. Looking for a quiet spot out of the way, she removes a coin from a pocket and practises with it. She'll keep practising trying to get the knack of it and remembering Roland's instructions.

If I can get this to work at will, then I can move onto something bigger and more complicated. Little inaminate things first and then I can try the fish.

[Wired*Nun]

It really isn't hard to improve her control of the probability, now that she is not under duress. Kat realizes that the officer of the deck is watching her. Must be dull to just stand there on the quarterdeck, looking stern hour after hour, while the ship is in no trouble. When he notices her noticing, he smiles and looks back at the thin crew keeping the watch. Wonder what he thinks I'm doing?

[Pygysys]

Now that she has that aspect of things down, at least with a simple object, Kat turns her attention to the ocean below. She casts a casual look to her left and right to see if anyone else is taking a vested interest in the waves before attempting to work her will. She doesn't aim for much, just a small school of dolphins to race the ship and she can build on that later.

[Wired*Nun]

It takes a bit longer than coin manipulation, but before long a pod of dolphins has taken to frolicking with the ship, drawing some attention from the bored sailors and the OD.

[Pygysys]

Kat toys with the idea of drawing some mermaids towards the ship to really spice things up a bit for the sailors but decides against it. Feeling she's achieved enough for the time being, she breaks away from her spot on the deck and heads back below deck. She looks for anyone involved in a game of cards, looking to see if she can buy the deck and find out how far out they are from Kashfa. If successful she retires to her cabin and practises drawing a card to see if she can manipulate that as successfully as the coin.

[Wired*Nun]

It's easy to buy a deck of cards, as the sailors have many, and they know they will be in Kashfa in two days or so. Kat spends the next couple of days practicing her card manipulation using Pattern probability warping.

The ship contrives to sail into the harbor just a little after dawn, and she is let off as soon as possible, probably to give the crew a chance to work unencumbered by passengers. She looks around the waterfront, seeing the usual dives, bars, restaurants and shops, many not yet open for the day. Up the hill looms the tree-speckled city of Kashfa, its quarters a little less grand, perhaps a little more casual and friendly, than those of Amber.

[Pygysys]

Without any baggage to tie her down, Kat makes her way around the waterfront with her thoughts centered on Quinn. She isn't exactly certain where he'll be but she has a good feeling that the waterfront is a better place than most to start looking for him. The places that are open at this time of the morning get a quick visit, so as to kill time and procure a hearty breakfast.

Come find me, Quinn. If you're here, let's see if you can find your way to me or if I'll find you first.

[Wired*Nun]

The sensation of being watched grows gradually, without conscious thought, scratching at her minds' door. Nothing inimical...somewhere above? Glancing up without seeming to, she locates a window, blowing in a breeze...there. A flash of something, a spinning coin, arcing out the window and through the Kashfan sunlight, to fall into her upturned palm.

A Corrilaine ducat.

Smiling, she turns in to the inn, to take a place at the bar, shoving her way good-naturedly through the morning press of layabouts. One smelly thug gives her a leer, but something in her eye convinces him to leave well enough alone.

A half pint later and she feels a jog at her elbow. "Hey, there, sweetie, how's about a kiss?" Hard suppressing a grin, she jabs Quinn sharply with her elbow, reminding herself of his youth. Her smile turns downward, darker, as she think of the news she has to tell him, about the others...or must she? They will return, after all, but perhaps not exactly the same, for all that....

[Pygysys]

Kat clears her head of the darker thoughts momentarily to order a pint for her companion. Keeping her voice low, she teases Quinn. "It's been too long since we shared a drink. You're looking well, this layabout lifestyle seems to agree with you. They must not work hard here in Kashfa."

What do I tell him about his comrades? I must tell him something and I cannot continue to keep them in the dark about Corrilaine.

She drains the last of her drink quickly and stands, catching Quinn by the arm. "I have news of your brothers, let us talk some place quiet and where interuptions are few. The news is not all good."

Time for the truth and to be rid of this shadow I feel about me.

[Wired*Nun]

"What, you wanted me to be seen working? Bums are invisible, as long as they bathe and don't beg...an unemployed soldier of fortune, that's what to be! Not too loud, not too quiet...ears open, eyes wide, that's me...and I have a private room, though I would not vouch for its security." His voice lowers..."Let us walk, perhaps, through a lovely park nearby that I have found. The footpads there sheer off of an armed man, in the daytime at least...and it's safe from prying ears. You can tell me all the bad news you care to." Finishing his beer, he spins the glass gently across to the barkeep, and walks out arm in arm with her, subtly guiding them across the street and down a quiet alley, to debouch into a green open area.

Cityfolk stroll through the well-tended pathways, and the brush is cut back enough to ensure no one is hiding nearby. Walking arm in arm like lovers, still she feels the tension in his arm, and his jauntiness is a little forced as he says, "All right, Captain, go ahead, I can take it."

[Pygysys]

Knowing Quinn is strong enough to handle news of fallen comrades, Kat tells him of the drama that took place at the Keep. She tells him that Darius and Zane were lost but if what her Uncle told her was true; she can find them alive and well.

"How does that affect you? I don't even know the exact principles or what is involved, only that you cannot be lost eternally to me. I'm not even certain that it doesn't change you, any of you from who you are and were when you entered into this pact."

Through it all she keeps her arm entwined with his, preparing to lend him strength for the next phase of revelations. "We can't return home, Quinn. She's gone; destroyed by the Queen and my Uncle. I've kept this from you all as I haven't known how to broach the topic with you. Until now I haven't been been fully convinced it was true and I suppose I clung to false hope. We are alone and stranded. Now I intend to fetch our brothers. Will you accompany me or do you wish to be released from your pledge?"

[Wired*Nun]

He keeps walking as the story unfolds, mechanically, chewing over the revelations. In response to her question, he replies, "I'm just a sword-swinger, Captain. Losing one's companions in battle is part of life. The fact that you have the power to bring them back, somehow - or versions of them, as I understand it - I don't know. Maybe it will be fine, or maybe it will seem all wrong. I'll just have to judge when it happens, I guess. None of that matters, though, in the long run. If I am really to have the eternal life Lord Delwin promised, then I will just have to learn to deal with changes like these, right?" The glance he gives her is a little bright, his eyes a little wet with restrained emotion. He's trying to be strong, and stoic, and resilient...I'm all he has...in fact, his only reason to exist is me, I suppose...this is a level of responsibility that goes even beyond leading troops in battle.

"I don't know about Corrilaine - there's no one really back there for me anyway. If it's gone...well, it's gone. If not, and we are immortal, we have time to find it again, not true? And if it is not gone, then someone among those of power can help us, if the price be right. I intend to stay the course until it all ends, milady. I am your man, at your command. There is no need of asking...but thank you anyway." A gentle smile. "Lead on."

[Pygysys]

Kat is deeply touched by Quinn's words and the emotion that he keeps restrained. "We'll find out together, Quinn. If home can be found, we'll find it and if she is indeed gone, then we shall find a new one. All of us, changed or not." She embraces him then and kisses his cheek.

Flashing him a quick smile, she ruffles his hair. "Now let us find our comrades and join together again lest you grow bored with my company alone. We need a skiff and some supplies. I have in mind places to search where I believe we'll find good men up to no good." Laughing she tucks her arm into his again and lets him lead the way, knowing he possesses the local knowledge needed to gather what they'll require for their journey.

She also tucks away the knowledge that she can trust in her men and their loyalty to her and one another. It was no mere lark their oath. We six are bound and I will not treat it as trivial again. What befalls me, befalls these men and I cannot let that be for token gestures.

[Wired*Nun]

Bowing graciously, he says, "Thou art anything but boring, milady. Let us away."

Leading her down to the waterfront, hands loose this time, they search among the wharves and marinas for any selling a small boat, somewhat larger than a skiff. Once secured, they gather up or purchase whatever supplies she needs, and stow them in the boat. Taking the oars, and nodding at the tiller, Quinn lifts an eyebrow. "Whither now, Captain my Captain?"

[Pygysys]

Kat lifts her gaze to the skies above looking for a bird taken flight. Spying one off the port bow, she lifts her arm and points that way. "We'll follow our little friend out there for now and not far from him we'll know the way." It will be a good place to begin shifting from if nothing else.

Once they are a good way from Kashfa's port and other vessels, Kat starts shifting towards home though that is not her intended destination. She and Quinn sail towards a small island she has visited before when serving the Queen. It was there she first encountered Zane and it is there she expects to meet him again. There will be a small fire on the beach and Zane will be cooking freshly caught fish, awaiting our arrival and eager for a game of cards.

During the course of the journey, Kat discusses Kashfa with Quinn and anything he learnt of the place including culture, popular opinion, gossip about the King, trading partners and so on.

[Wired*Nun]

Soon enough, the two sail up to that small fire on the beach and Zane will be cooking freshly caught fish, awaiting our arrival and eager for a game of cards. The feel of dry land is good after the rollicking of the small boat.

A man remarkably like Zane looks up from the fish - enough for three, it seems - and smiles. "Welcome back, my friends," he says. "I was just dreaming about you."

[Pygysys]

Kat flashes Quinn a quick smile, "It begins," she murmurs to him before striding forward and embracing Zane. "We smelt burning fish two islands away and knew it had to be you!"

The three of them spend the night reminiscing about old times and enjoying the meal Zane's prepared. It's a long night but first thing in the morning the three of them pack up and set sail for another island. "Darius waits for us not far from here," she tells the two Orphans, "Soon we three will be four."

Half a day's sail brings another small island into view; Kat's focus having been her second in command and what he might have been doing to entertain himself whilst awaiting their arrival. "There," she indicates the shoreline, "We'll find him there."

[Wired*Nun]

Reality snaps and blurs, ripples, and a look of puzzlement comes across Zane for a moment as she embraces him, an almost-reaction, then everything is fine again. Reality like a rubber band, they said...well, something stretched today.

Zane and Quinn exchange handclasps, and everything seems like it never changed.

The next day, upon the ocean, the two strain to see where she points. "If he's there, he can't be easily seen," says Zane. "He's probably watching us right now."

So it proves, as they draw up the boat onto the shore. Darius steps out from behind a rock, and advances to look the three up and down. Tilting his head slightly, arms akimbo, he says, "Your gear looks sloppy. What, can't you keep it clean when I'm not around to ride you?" Snorts from the two other men say they're not fooled.

[Pygysys]

"Good to see someone still has standards," says Kat as she looks Darius over, "It saves me from slobs like these two."

She claps her hands together and gestures towards the two younger Orphans, "Look lively men, Darius will have us polishing our boots and buckles before the day's out if we don't watch our step. We'll camp here tonight and set out for the Keep tomorrow. If we do not meet with Marc and Ethan along the way, then they are most likely held prisoner and we will need to see to their release."

This will be one way to test the parameters of my sway over my men. If I can find them tomorrow then I know I'm not restricted by their health or location. Of course if they are being held by the Hendrakes they could be trapped within the Keep. I may yet have to pay a ransom for their release. What price would they name? What can I pay? Tomorrow will be important.

Kat starts bunking down even though the sun is still high in the sky. "I need some rest. Wake me when it's my watch."

[Wired*Nun]

A night on the beach, in mild, balmy weather, keeps them all in a good mood, shadowed only be the absence of the two others. The next day they set out, steering westward toward the Keep. At least, we will approach from the east, through the water shadow, if I can arrange it.

One long hot day later, the breeze blows them within sight of the Keep.

[Pygysys]

If a safe place to land can be found, they strike ashore. If unable to do that, then they continue to sail towards the Keep and land wherever they can. They remain ready and vigilant, expecting contact to be made with any warders or guards on patrol.

I just need to speak with them. There's no need for hostility and given this skiff has no obvious weapons and is no threat, there's no reason for anyone not to get closer. Close enough to make contact at least, so I can explain our purpose.

Kat does toy with the idea of a white flag but has the feeling that the Hendrakes might assume surrender instead of peace.

Someone will come to find out what we're doing here. I'd prefer they ask questions first rather than go on the offensive and attack.

[Wired*Nun]

The most obvious landing spot is at the Keep's wharves itself. If they want to land out of sight, they can do that, several miles up the coast, but then will have to either walk along the shore, or shadow-shift to find one of the other three approaches - a more arduous affair than normal, since the four shadows are not nearby except at the intersection of the Keep.

It also occurs to Katarzyna that she might seek through Shadow for the men, letting her talents lead her to them, and perhaps them to her, as Corwin did with Greyswandir. If they ended up at the Keep, that would tell her something. If not, it may avoid any entanglements they need not enter.

[Pygysys]

Kat directs the men and thereby the skiff towards the wharves of the Keep. "If they don't want us docking, they'll be sure to give advance warning," she tells the men, "Keep your eyes open regardless. For all we know they could have their welcome party beneath the waves just as much as above them."

Even Kat spares a glance down at the ocean after saying that. And if the Hendrakes themselves aren't beneath the waves, what pets might they have lurking down there? Perhaps I should have followed Corwin's example but I'm curious about these people and they still owe me a book. I'm simply paying them a call to recover prisoners and a possible possession that I'm willing to pay for. Let's hope the price is right, there are some things I can't afford.

She settles down, getting comfortable and keeps watch as they get closer and closer towards the Keep and the wharf ahead. "A contest," she grins, "Let's see who can spy signs of life first."

[Wired*Nun]

About an hundred meters off the wharf, she can see several guardsmen in the livery of the Keep waiting, along with a couple of the lizard-men and boat crew. A man in half-armor, hoplite style plus pantaloons, walks down the outer stair from the wall to await them as well.

At that moment comes a Trump call.

[Pygysys]

Talk about rotten timing. Who could it be? There's only one way to find out, so do I or don't I?

Kat signals to the men, "Lower the sails and just hold our position for a moment, I need to answer a Trump."

Not wanting to hide anything from the Orphans, Kat answers the Trump aloud. "Hello?"

She stands slowly and starts unbuckling her sword belt, making a deliberate show of disarming and placing her weapons down in the bow of the boat. Knowing that it's risky, she gets her men to follow suit in the hopes that it will lessen the suspicion involved with their lowering of sails.

[Wired*Nun]

Raevyn is calling, from a forest setting. [please reply in Raevyn/Arrotel forum]

[Wired*Nun]

After the Trump conversation is through, Darius steers the small craft in toward the dock. As they are appoaching, a loud sound, like a small explosion or firework, can be heard, and the men and creatures at the dockside look around them in confusion, weapons suddenly drawn. Nothing can be seen, however, and when another and another of the small booms comes, they relax slightly. The man who looks to be the leader - a Choasite? grabs one of the guardsmen and sends him running up the stairs with a word in his ear. Others are appearing along the walls as the garrison turns out, and all seem to be looking off toward the north.

The Chaosite is paying attention to what's in front of him, however, as they draw nigh to the wharf. One of the wharf crew makes fast the line at the front and reaches for the hand of anyone who would come shore, while another steadies the back end with a boathook.

[Pygysys]

Kat steps forward and grasps the hand that is offered, allowing the assistance provided to pull her upwards and out of the boat and onto the dock. She looks to the leader, the Chaosian, "Whatever that is," she says, "Has nothing to do with us. We've come here in peace as I wish to negotiate the release of two of my men who were captured when House Hendrake reclaimed the Keep of Four Worlds. My name is Katarzyna. I am from Amber."

Best to get it out of the way first, no point waltzing around it.

Her weapons and those of the Orphans are still visible in the boat and she gestures to them, "We come ashore unarmed as a gesture of good will. My men are quite capable of remaining here to await my return and I give you my word they will cause you no trouble. Or would you prefer them to accompany me?"

[Wired*Nun]

The man in the hoplite getup bows, and replies, "I am Naals. You may bear your arms, and your men will receive hospitality. However, at this moment there may be some attack or assault in progress. The alarum is not of the highest magnitude, but is sufficient to turn out the guard in force. I will bring you to a suitable waiting-place, but I cannot promise you an audience immediately, until the situation is resolved."

He leads her into the needle's-eye wharf-door, stooping through the low passageway and coming out in the murder room, waving to the alert guards there. They walk through another door and into the main corridor of the Keep she remembers so well, that runs the whole of the square 'round, on the ground floor. Soon, they enter a large room, equipped as a museum, apparently from ages past. At first glance, nothing has changed recently, for all of the visible exhibits, models, weapons, paintings from various times in the Keep's history. There is plenty of space to expand the exhibits.

Naals gestures at an upholstered bench, and takes a seat with her, half-facing. She is conscious of his youth, and despite his obvious self-posession, the nervousness covered by the formality of his manner. At a guess, he is about twenty.

"While we wait, is there anything I can do for you? Food and drink, smokes or vapors? Perhaps a game? I am fond of games."

[Pygysys]

Kat shakes her head, "Thank you, Naals but I will continue to forego arms as I will have no need of them unless you require martial assistance, however, I seriously doubt that. I'm also prepared to wait, I am not expecting an immediate audience. I did not send advance warning of my arrival so I appreciate having to wait and it also seems my timing was a little off."

She follows the young Chaosite into the Keep and glances at the exhibits they pass. "Your House has quite the collection. Do you know much about the history? Not only of your House but of their trophies?" Kat tells him honestly, "I don't know much about any of the Great Houses, nor the Courts either."

Sitting down she dismisses both food and drink, "I had refreshments not long before arriving in sight of the Keep. A game would help pass the time, so I'm not adverse to playing one. Would you care to suggest one or teach me one that is popular in your realm? I don't know all that many aside from those that are quite common and I'd prefer not to play cards if that's fine with you. I've lost enough coin to my own men when it comes to cards."

[Wired*Nun]

"Most of this is of the Keep, not of my House, but we will be installing our history as time allows. Therefore, I am not yet familiar with most of this. I would be as ig- ... I mean, we would be learning together, were we to look around here."

"Of my house, I know the standard histories, and little more. I am young, and not yet initiated into many secrets. We have fought in many wars, great and small. Our housecarls have served as bond-troops to the king, led by those of the Blood, in every major campaign in history. I know more of the tactics and strategies than the politics; I fancy myself a tactician, and look for ways to improve whenever I can." He smiles, and flushes. Casting his eyes down, the aside, he gets up suddenly, and says, "I know I saw a Chaos board around somewhere..."

Seraching around the exhibits for a moment, rummaging among some boxes, he exclaims with triumph. Drawing forth a board and a box, he quickly sets it up on the bench between them.

Something like Chess, in that it has a regular grid of black and white squares...but the size is much larger, twenty-four by twenty-four. "These are four Primal Planes, where begin Demons, Chaos Beasts, Chaos Lords, and Elder Gods. The object is to claim this central Plane, representing the present Courts. The central Plane must be claimed by only one Faction, though you will control two. Thus, you will have to choose which Faction will win, if your side does, and which will be expendable. Each piece has its moves and special abilities, and these dice will inject the randomness of Chaos into the predictability of the encounters. We will play the simplified version first, wherein each side has essentially the same twelve pieces, though they look different to the eye. In the full Game, every piece is a little different, with its own strengths and weaknesses." He goes on to explain the moves, the way of encounters and dice, as the sounds of distant conflict filter into the quiet of the museum. The surreality of the situation is not lost on Katarzyna, though Naals seems completely absorbed in the Game. Slowly, she also becomes absorbed, her natural tactical skills like muscles needing exercise.

[Pygysys]

Kat finds a strange humour in the situation and smiles as Naals searches about for the board he mentioned.

One day I find myself a captive of his House and now I find myself helping to keep us both entertained. What a strange series of events. Still it will help pass the time and I'd rather be occupied in this fashion than sitting around bored wondering who is launching this new attack on the Keep.

She pays careful heed to the instructions of the game and is slow to make her first few moves, not wanting to rush a strategy that is being designed as the game is played out.

A piece is lost here and there too easily for her liking but also expected as she attempts to decipher Naals tactics as the game plays on. Can he be baited? What sacrifices does he seem prepared to make in order to win? Does he opt for the easier move or prefer the riskier but possibly more rewarding one? Kat pays as much attention to her opponent as she does the game.

Throughout it she doesn't speak much unless drawn into conversation, uncertain about whether or not her opponent prefers silence so he can focus.

[Wired*Nun]

As the game progresses, it is clear that, while he will win the first game, she will win the second and beyond, if such were to be played. Young, rash, with a flair and a talent not yet developed...not so far behind me, truth to be told...but at our ages, what a difference a few years make...

Eventually the game is done, and as they finish, Naals looks around, as if coming up for air. "It seems the assaults have stopped." He gathers up the pieces and makes a small bow.

"I enjoyed our game very much, milady. Perhaps you would honor me again some time. However, now I think it would be prudent to bring you to your appointment. Will you accompany me?" Funny how formal these Hendrakes all are...part of their culture and worldview...how they see themselves...

Naals leads Katarzyna though the remembered halls, eventually in to a waiting room. One other stands there, and as the woman turns, a shiver runs through Katarzyna, and she stops in a state near shock. The woman's face is so like her (lost? dead?) mother that it is all she can do to keep her jaw off the floor. Like, but unlike...taller, with bone-white skin, jet-black hair and a rangy, athletic build not unlike Katarzyna's own, dressed in a high-collared, long-sleeved formfitting outfit of jet. The woman is an apparition, a statue, so still is she. Yet, Katarzyna sees the recognition in the other's eyes, unconcealable.

Naals looks from one to the other, as if trying to discern what spark has jumped between them.

[Pygysys]

Kat mimics Naals gesture, bowing to her opponent. "Thank you, Naals, I certainly enjoyed the game and it was a much more pleasant way to pass the time. I thought you played well and would like to see if I can level the score. If I am able to return then I will definitely do so. I also wouldn't mind learning the finer points of the game so that I can perhaps play the advanced version some time. Perhaps we may even learn some more of the history contained within this place."

She smiles and nods, ready for the appointment she feels fortunate in being granted. "Should I return again, I will make a concerted effort to forward appropriate correspondance. I would hate to arrive out of the blue again especially given the ill timing of my arrival today. Once is chance, twice is more than coincedence."

Nalls leads Katarzyna though the remembered halls, eventually in to a waiting room. One other stands there, and as the woman turns, a shiver runs through Katarzyna, and she stops in a state near shock. The woman's face is so like her (lost? dead?) mother that it is all she can do to keep her jaw off the floor. Like, but unlike...taller, with bone-white skin, jet-black hair and a rangy, athletic build not unlike Katarzyna's own, dressed in a high-collared, long-sleeved formfitting outfit of jet. The woman is an apparition, a statue, so still is she. Yet, Katarzyna sees the recognition in the other's eyes, unconcealable.

Naals looks from one to the other, as if trying to discern what spark has jumped between them.

Knowing she will only continue to stare if she does nothing to interupt this strange moment, Kat bows low to the woman and does her best to calm herself in that moment. Hoping she can control her voice and words more than she could contain her surprise, she offers her thanks. "Thank you for you meeting with me. It is very gracious of you and your House to accomodate me and honour my request at such short notice."

Kat may be able to control her words but not so easily her thoughts. Who are you?

[Wired*Nun]

The woman's eyes narrow, and she glances left and right, but the moment is passed in something like relief, the unaddressed question put aside for a moment. "Meeting with you? I don't understand. Who are you, that I should meet with you?" Tension bleeds into the woman's voice at the final words, as if she is wound tight and getting tighter.

Naals steps up to Katarzyna's elbow, saying quietly toward her ear, "This one is also waiting to see the General." That small bow again toward the other woman, then he steps back again.

[Pygysys]

Kat is as confused as the other woman until Naals explains the situation to her. She looks to the stranger, "It appears I have erred; I assumed you were the one who had granted me an audience. It seems we are both seeking an appointment with this illustrious House."

Kat glances across at Naals, "I wasn't actually expecting to meet with the General. I doubt the business I wish to discuss is all that important, then again I am still ignorant in the ways of the Hendrakes. I trust that my meeting will occur after the lady, as I would hate to cause her delay given my circumstances."

She looks to the stranger again and offers an introduction, "You asked who I was, the least I can do is answer that much. My name is Katarzyna. May I have yours?"

[Wired*Nun]

Kat is as confused as the other woman until Naals explains the situation to her. She looks to the stranger, "It appears I have erred; I assumed you were the one who had granted me an audience. It seems we are both seeking an appointment with this illustrious House."

Again, that preternatural stillness descends as the woman's eyes dart left, right, up and down. Kat is reminded of an animal, cornered, searching for a way out.

"I will be meeting with the General, yes."

Kat glances across at Naals, "I wasn't actually expecting to meet with the General. I doubt the business I wish to discuss is all that important, then again I am still ignorant in the ways of the Hendrakes. I trust that my meeting will occur after the lady, as I would hate to cause her delay given my circumstances."

Naals replies quietly, "Because of your stature, it is appropriate that you meet with him, even if a lesser would be able to handle the business. He would not want to give offense to the House of Amber." Especially as Hendrake's ground is rather shaky right now, you mean? "But I suspect he will keep to his schedule. He likes things to proceed as planned."


She looks to the stranger again and offers an introduction, "You asked who I was, the least I can do is answer that much. My name is Katarzyna. May I have yours?"


"Katarzyna...but of what?" the woman whispers, almost to herself. "I am called Tatyana. Of Doracus." She looks for a reaction from Kat, as if that should mean something to her, perhaps.

[Pygysys]

Kat grows more intrigued by the second. This strange woman, the timing, her recognition; Kat thinks it could be a set up but has no idea why.

Who are you? Are you related to my mother? How? Is this simply chance that brings us here to this moment? It has to be, nobody could have known of my intention to return here as I did. To bring me to this room though, here and now with you could have been arranged without much notice. You feel the same, perhaps more so. Do you know something of me that causes you to feel trapped? Ambushed perhaps? Do the Hendrakes suspect something and chance this meeting for confirmation?

"I see," Kat says to Naals, "I didn't consider my apparent stature or Amber's role in this. I am simply a Captain negotiating for the return of her men. I suppose when I meet with the General I will able to clarify that, as they are mine and not Amber's. I don't want Amber bringing about unfair inflation of their worth as I cannot afford much."

Doracus? It means nothing to me but you think it might.

Kat returns her attention to Tatyana, continuing to be polite while doing her best to quell her own disquiet. "Well met Tatyana of Doracus. I am from Amber. Perhaps you have heard of it? I must admit ignorance for your own homeland, I know nothing of it. Perhaps to pass the time you would care to tell me of it? I am happy to tell you of Amber if you do not know of it."

Hardly unlikely but I won't assume in arrogance that everyone knows of it.

[Wired*Nun]

Kat remembers the stories of Oberon and Dworkin bending events to their wills, shaping destinies across shadows just by their effort. Is this what's happening? And whose will is bending, and are they influenceing me, her, or both?

Naals replies sotto voce, "I think you underestimate the respect - the fear and power - the House of Amber wields. Any one of Amber is one to be dealt with. Any one acknowledged by Her gains even more such wasta."

Kat returns her attention to Tatyana, continuing to be polite while doing her best to quell her own disquiet. "Well met Tatyana of Doracus. I am from Amber. Perhaps you have heard of it? I must admit ignorance for your own homeland, I know nothing of it. Perhaps to pass the time you would care to tell me of it? I am happy to tell you of Amber if you do not know of it."

At this admission Tatyana's fixed stare becomes even more so, if such were possible. For all of her poise, she radiates the desperation of a rat trapped by two cats. She turns away from Katarzyna, hiding her face, and a literal darkness seems to envelop her, turning her into a statue of black shadow. Naals raises a hand in a warding gesture, mumbling something and stepping back, drawing Katarzyna with him by the elbow, if such be allowed.

The door in front of them both shimmers as if in response, and a quiet but penetrating tone sounds somewhere behind it.

"Tatyana, I remind you of your covenants!" exclaims Naals in a very worried voice.

Slowly the darkness fades, leaving Tatyana standing there as before. "Forgive me, sir, I had no intention to offend. I remember."

As her darkness retreats, so does the shimmer on the door, which opens to reveal one of the lizard-men. His (her?) body fills the opening, and he looks around as if for any danger before motioning for Tatyana to enter.

Without further words, nor even a glance around, Tatyana walks through, and the door closes again.

[Pygysys]

Kat acknowledges her error to Naals, "True, I forget such being as young as I am and as removed as I have been. I appreciate the audience that is being granted and am honored."

Tatyana's strange response draws a puzzled expression from Kat which quickly becomes a concerned one when Naals draws her away. She remains silent as Naals reminds the other woman of her agreement; whatever it may be.

When the door closes to seal Tatyana's exit from the room, Kat turns to Naals. "What was that she did? I have never seen anything like it. Given your reaction I will make sure to be wary of it if I ever happen across such a display again."

She looks across the room at the sealed door and wonders aloud, "Why does she fear Amber?" Or is it me she fears? I can't imagine why, I am of no threat to her or anyone else. I may need to learn more of her homeland, Doracus.

[Wired*Nun]

"She cloaked herself in Darkness, which is a power of her people. She is one of the Changelings, or Changed as they are sometimes called, of the Trueshadow Doracus. It is among the most stable of Black Circle shadows, where House Hendrake had its ancestral home and permanent power base before Emorrel the First accepted the old king Sawyvill's call to move to the Courts. I am merely reciting family history, of course, I have no direct knowledge of these things."

"Doracus over time became something of a country home for those of Hendrake, a recruiting ground and personal retreat, a place to practice war and hide family disgraces. As the centuries passed, it became more and more of a backwater, as the Courts became the central focus of power and politics. Eventually, its neglect became misuse, as those misfits banished there misruled the people until they revolted. The revolts were put down, of course, but the misrule continued, and the simmering resentment remained. Eventually, probably by some other House seeking to weaken Hendrake, some of the common folk were Changed, given powers which vex us to this day. Pardon, vexed us, as Doracus is now lost to Hendrake. The Changed are now in the unenviable position of having to govern those fed on the milk of revolt. The revolutionaries have become the establishment, and are finding it difficult, so they have begun sending out envoys...of which you just saw one."

[Pygysys]

"Have you ever visited Doracus yourself, Naals? It sounds like a very curious place, unlike any I have ever travelled to." Kat glances at her guide, "Do you think she felt threatened by me? Or was it something else? Cloaking herself like that, was it defensive or offensive? If I said or did anything that caused a guest of your House to feel threatened then I feel obliged to set things right."

I also feel obliged to find out more about this woman. Is there a true connection between her and I or is this some kind of lure to get me to Doracus? Is there something for me there? I can't believe the resemblence she bears is merely coincedence. It just can't be.

"I know so little about history," she confides to the young Hendrake, "Do you think your House would be opposed to me visiting to study some of your House's history and that of the Courts, along with getting to learn the ins and outs of that game?"

[Wired*Nun]

"I was there once...my father, Serm, took me there, incognito, as a lesson in foolish choices. It was a grim and unpleasant place, where the Changed have become the oppressors and the people are in a worse situation than they ever were under our rule. It is often said that the abused become abusers, and the cycle must be consciously broken, a continuous struggle for the ones so afflicted." He stops, in some semblance of embarrassment, looking down for a moment. "Forgive the lecture, milady."

"I am not sure why she cloaked herself in that way. Perhaps she was discomfited by your...resemblance, and did not wish to display her emotions openly. Perhaps she feared that you are in some way a test. Any one of us could shapeshift to sppear as you do...perhaps she thought we were looking for reactions. Do not fear, you have caused no offense to us."

"As for remaining here...I am sure that will be a matter for the General to decide. You will have to petition him for hospitality beyond the ordinary...though if I am any judge of things, I suspect he would be pleased to forge better relations with our relatives from your end of things, as long as you honor his sovereignty and respect the conventions of this House...and if so, perhaps you would consent to have me as your guide while you are here?" His gaze is open and honest, his manner relaxed, seemingly without hidden meanings.

[Pygysys]

Kat lightly touches her guide's shoulder, hoping he will not take offense at the contact offered by a friendly gesture. "What you tell me I consider educational and I have learnt more than I would have thought during this short duration in your company. I know what it is like to be young and still finding one's own place. We, you and I, have so much expectation within and without let alone that from a stranger in a chance encounter such as ours. Let us be friends Naals and if the General will permit, guide and guest as well." She smiles and lowers her hand, "I believe I probably have quite a lot to learn about your House's accepted forms of etiquette."

She glances towards the door again, "I hope the General will accept my petition for extended hospitality but before I can impose upon him further perhaps you can answer a question of mine." Her gaze returns to Naals, "You spoke of resemblance. Whom do I resemble that it would disturb her so? Even if it was not my resemblance that caused discomfit, I would still like to know who I am similar to." Her brow furrows in thought, "If any of you could shift to appear as me then I do resemble someone who has had some dealings with her and her people? I feel inclined to assume such dealings were not pleasant?"

Does my connection extend only to her? What of her people? What of Hendrake itself? And what of the individual I resemble? What role does she play and how does she connect us both?

[Wired*Nun]

"Thank you, milady of Amber." He straightens, formally, and says, as if it is a saying, "From small nuts do great ashes grow. I would be honored to call you friend, and will remain so, though I slay thee upon the field of battle." He dips his head in a small bow, and goes on. "Fear not of the etiquette. No one will fault you in the small points, and I will help you avoid the larger pitfalls."


She glances towards the door again, "I hope the General will accept my petition for extended hospitality but before I can impose upon him further perhaps you can answer a question of mine." Her gaze returns to Naals, "You spoke of resemblance. Whom do I resemble that it would disturb her so? Even if it was not my resemblance that caused discomfit, I would still like to know who I am similar to." Her brow furrows in thought, "If any of you could shift to appear as me then I do resemble someone who has had some dealings with her and her people? I feel inclined to assume such dealings were not pleasant?"


"Why...you resemble each other, startlingly so, but no one else that I know of. Of course, as I said, I am young. Perhaps one of the elders would know more. Could you have a common ancestor?" He seems to be tiptoeing around the question of Katarzyna's parentage. Perhaps that is an impolite question to ask directly... "I was only speaking hypothetically regarding the shapeshifting...but again, perhaps you both resemble...someone else? I do not know. Perhaps there would be an opportunity to ask the General himself, since you are seeing him in such near sequence...or if not, we could make inquiries among my relatives later..."

[Pygysys]

Kat looks from Naals to the door, "No that can't be. Did you think so?"

She looks at him strangely, pondering the thought. "I didn't think we looked similar to one another but you could be right. I'd have to see her again to be certain. I'm pretty confident that we share no common relative either unless one of my aunts or uncles from Amber have visited Doracus." She shakes her head, "I seriously doubt it though but then again I don't know where they have or have not travelled to."

The resemblance was to my mother, perhaps she has visited Doracus or perhaps my Uncle. Mayhaps even my sister, she could have ventured to such a place. I may have to travel there myself to find an answer.

"I will ask the General if he knows something," Kat tells Naals, "I won't be surprised if he does not though."

[Wired*Nun]

A few more moments pass, with Naals responding neutrally to any question posed, but in that kind of awkward moment which seems to sometimes come about in life, with neither apparent cause nor end in sight.

Fortunately, the main doors open again, and the same homonid reptile fastens its glittering eyes upon Katarzyna and motions her forward. "Until later," says Naals quietly, and backs out of the way.

Entering a large hall where Dunstan once pranced, Katarzyna doesn't really notice the pictures, weapons, and battle-trophies displayed on its walls. Nor does she pay attention to the guards, lizard, human-seeing, or otherformed, who stand in various places about the hall. She ignores functionaries sitting at desks to the sides, scribing on papers or manipulating small machines of mechanical sorts, as she walks down the crimson carpet edged with black and silver.

Larsus, rather than lounging on a throne, sits firmly at a desk of his own, ebony-topped and massive, and her approach reminds her of entering the office of a military commander rather than the ruler of a House. But of course, that is how they style themselves...and army, not a family...

The General wears a severe military uniform of black, with some olive piping and a star on one epaulet, a sun on the other. A sword belt is looped over the spine of his high-backed chair, and his white hair is cut short and slicked back. He rises as Katarzyna approaches.

"Greetings, Captain Lady Katarzyna of Amber. On behalf of House Hendrake, I welcome you to my holdings and place you under my protection. Let all take witness that you are so empowered."

Standing across the desk from the General, Katarzyna wonders what the proper response would be. Reaching back to her days at the court of her mother, as well as that of Amber, she considers her options. Placing my word at his feet...no, too much of fealty there. Maybe I should just stick the the military protocols...

[Pygysys]

Kat inclines her head respectfully, "Thank you, General Larsus, I am honored to be received by yourself and House Hendrake. I am most grateful that you welcome me and I accept your protection and hospitality." I should probably state that I will follow the rules, etc.

"I am not educated in the nature of covenants regarding visitors to your House, so I hope that you will accept my word and my pledge, that I will give you no cause to regret placing me under your protection, General Larsus." Not exactly what I was searching for but rules of hospitality vary so much from town to town let alone from Amber to Chaos.

She pauses wondering if that is enough but decides to tack something else on any way. "I may be a Daughter of Amber, but I am not above being corrected. I trust that if do or have made any errors, that you and the members of your House will not be adverse to assisting me in making appropriate remedy for my errors." Okay Kat, shut up now.

Shut up she does, hating the fact that she feels like a child again with so much to learn.

[Wired*Nun]

A slight smile passes across his countenance, then a more open one follows. "I have always been more concerned with courtesy than with protocol, when it comes to those not of my House. I also must remember that we are in the Courts no more, where every jot and tittle of etiquette, every offense, has potential to cause disruption or death."

Coming out from behind the desk to wave her to a seat at the corner of a large conference table off to the side, he goes on, "I rather feel myself to be on campaign here, away from the stifling life of the Courts and all that it entails. Don't be concerned about the little things, Captain. I presume you have more on your mind than etiquette in coming to me?" The question mark at the end of that sentence is not lost on her.

[Pygysys]

Kat follows the General's direction and is soon seated comfortably though she still has a 3 year old's nerves.

"Thank you," she says as she sits down, "I was hoping to negotiate the release of my men. They were here at the Keep when it was reclaimed and were most likely captured at the same time I was. Along with prisoner negotiations, I was also hoping that you may have learnt more about my personal request when General Benedict negotiated my own release; my mother's book."

She casts a quick glance back to where she entered the room, "Further to that," she returns her gaze to Larsus and smiles a little, "After conversation with Naals, I would like to petition for visitations or an extended stay here if you would allow it. I am still quite young and still very lacking in formal education concerning the Courts as well as your own House and history, Sir. If the House is not opposed to such, I would very much like to study here. Naals has volunteered to act as guide if there are no objections."

[Wired*Nun]

"If your men are here, I shall be happy to release them into your custody. You will, of course, be responsible for their actions. As for your book..." He stand up, walks back to his desk, and takes it out of a lower drawer.

Placing it on the table in front of her, seemingly none the worse for wear, he says, "I hope you don't mind that I read it. Even if you did mind, it was legitimately acquired intelligence material, but unless it is some elaborate code or metaphor, it seems neither noteworthy militarily, nor of any particular personal interest, except sentimentally. Therefore, I am pleased to return it to you."

At her request to remain, he purses his lips. "Well, I have no objection to that in principle - if Naals would like to take responsibility for you in turn, that is. I will consult Amber's Prince Marshall about this, however, to ensure he has no objection. You understand how we would rather not be at odds with him, and I am sure he will hold me personally responsible for your well-being. This is no small thing. Therefore, I will agree, for now. You will retain your rank, and your authority over your own men. That is sufficient for now. You will be expected to fill your rotation in the duty roster, and your men as well. You will have to swear a binding oath to do no harm to this House, and I will personally hold you to it. Is that acceptable?"

[Pygysys]

Kat smiles as Larsus places the book down before her, "No Sir, I don't mind, I understand your reasons. I am simply glad to have it returned, as it is all that I have of my mother. I offer you my thanks."

She leans forward and picks up the book, turning it over in her hands. "I am still yet to read it myself, time is not a luxury I have been able to afford as of yet. In regards to my being allowed to remain here, your conditions are acceptable and I have no objections to any of them. I don't think He will either, but then again I hadn't made my intentions known to him. So for him I cannot speak."

She sits up a little straighter, "However, I can speak for myself and my men. They are well trained and do not shirk responsibility, I'm certain they will actually enjoy the activity of the roster."

[Wired*Nun]

"Good. Then stand." As she does, he begins to turn back toward his desk, then stops, looking back at her. "Something hadn't occurred to me. It would make no sense for you to swear by the Serpent on its image. However, it must be meaningful. I will look into this - we will forego the oath for now. I simply hold you to your words, implied and explicit. I am certain you would not wish to embarrass your father by improper duplicity." He smiles.

"I turn you back over to Naals, and wish you a productive stay in House Hendrake." This seems to be a dismissal.

[Pygysys]

That does make perfect sense and I somehow don't think swearing on the Unicorn would be held to great account here either...

Kat inclines her head respectfully, "Believe me, General, I would do everything within my power to ensure I did not embarrass Him. You have my word that I will abide by the conditions that have been set." And that is the truth even if his position is not.

She holds up her book, "My thanks again to you for the return of my book and my thanks to the House for allowing me to remain." Her thanks are followed by a bow before she turns and leaves the area. Time to find Naals and give him the news. I wonder how the Orphans are holding up?

[Wired*Nun]

She is shown to a different door than she entered - a practice sure to save embarrassing situations from time to time - and into a waiting-room, where she finds Naals waiting.

"I see you are none the worse for wear," he says with intended humor. "All body parts in place. You are indeed an honored guest. So, what is the result of your petition, if I may ask?"

[Pygysys]

Kat lets out a soft breath of relief as the door closes behind her and offers Naals a smile. "Yes, still very much intact thankfully. For the moment I am allowed to stay, should that change I will be informed. I've been turned over into your care and trust that I won't give you cause to regret your offer."

Her grip tightens a little on the book she now carries, glad that it was returned without difficulty. "My men are to be released and we are to serve on the duty roster. Do you think it would be possible to find them now? I am anxious for them, not how they have been treated but I hate the thought that they may think they were abandoned."

[Wired*Nun]

"I am sure that we can find them if they are here. Let us go now and do so." Ushering her out of the room, they proceed down the wide corridors to what appears to be the military command center. It is a large room one level below the basement, apparently under the courtyard.

The space is bustling with functionaries, working on the physical layout, filing, updating maps and such. Among the many strangely-shaped and clad people, one catches her attention; the golden-clad sorceress that had been present in the battle at the Fount. She seems to be placing or replacing some kind of framed pictures on the walls at various places, with the help of a couple of handy fellows with tools.

Naals leads Katarzyna to a short, fireplug-shaped, busy-looking woman at a central desk. "Colonel Penchau, this is Captain Katarzyna, of Amber. Captain, Colonel Demique Penchau, one of the senior staff and Officer of the Day." The colonel stands and extends a hand. While a head and a half shorter than Katarzyna, the woman probably outmasses her by more than ten kilos, and her grip is strong.

"Well met. What can I do for you?"

[Wired*Nun]

Katarzyna receives a Trump call from Heldrik.

[Pygysys]

Kat does her best to make notes on where they head, hoping to save herself from getting lost if she has to travel this route on her own any time soon.

In the command centre she takes note of the sorceress but doesn't draw any attention to her, determined to ask Naals about her at some later date. She concentrates instead on the Colonel that she gets introduced to.

She shakes the Colonel's hand, impressed by the strength of the woman but beginning to expect such from the new residents of the Keep. "Greetings Colonel Penchau. I would like to secure the release of my men, currently prisoners here. They and I are to be added to the duty roster as well. It seems for the time being we'll be staying awhile and earning our keep whilst we're here."

Sensing a Trump contact being initiated, Kat does her best to ignore it and if possible keep it from being opened. Go away, I'm busy here.

Staying focussed on the colonel she provides the woman with the necessary details of her men; namely names and descriptions. "These are the only men I speak for but I was also wondering if it is possible to enquire about the welfare of the other soldiers who were stationed here when the Keep was reclaimed? I made some acquaintances amongst their number before House Hendrake reclaimed this place."

[Wired*Nun]

Glancing at Naals, those two exchange some wordless agreement, and goes on, "Lieutenant, consult with Sergeant Major Krol about the whereabouts of her men and acquaintances." She directs this instruction at Naals - Lieutenant, eh...wonder why he didn't introduce himself that way to me... - and Naals replies, "Yes, Ma'am." With a nod, Naals is dismissed, and the Colonel turns back to Katarzyna.

"So, you shall be under our command, for the time being at least. Here are some basic ground rules. The Officer of the Day is always in immediate charge. He or she will always hold the rank of Colonel and be addressed as such. Any member of the House that outranks you may give you orders, if they are of a military nature. If anything seems odd about the orders, feel free to consult with the OOD - I doubt anyone will try to harrass you, but there are those who don't much like Amber, and you may have to deal with them. If you feel anyone is giving you deliberate personal affront, you are free to challenge them under the Rules of Personal Engagement. Basically, it's a supervised duel to settle differences. I wouldn't be surprised if you ended up in one of those, just because you're a newcomer and might step on someone's toes. Just tell them you want to meet them on the Field of Honor. All such Engagements are traditionally held at noon on the following day, with a minimum of twelve hours between the challenge and the Engagement. All those whom you rank will follow your orders, as long as they make sense and don't seem to go against the interests of this House. All that goes for those under your command as well."

She goes on briskly, "Like most places, those on guard duty have special dispensation - do as your told with regard to prohibited spaces and so on. If you need anything that Naals can't arrange, feel free to come to me, on or off duty. You and your soldiers will be placed into the duty rotation - see the Smaj about that, though I wouldn't call him that if I were you. Questions?"

Off to her left, over the Colonel's shoulder, she can see Naals speaking to an enormous lizard-man, even larger than the others she's seen, whose accoutrements indicate his status. They turn and look in her direction, the Sergeant-Major's eyes meeting hers and his reptilian lips curling slightly.

[Pygysys]

Kat meets the lizard man's gaze, holding it for a few seconds before inclining her head politely and then turning back to the Colonel. I wonder if you're one of those who doesn't like Amber much.

"I won't be looking to challenge anyone Colonel but I will keep in mind what you have said. If there are any individuals who feel that they may strike a blow against Amber by wasting their time and effort on me, then let them. I just hope they can deal well with disappointment. I'm not here to cause trouble, I simply want to learn and study with one of the Great Houses. If Lieutenant Naals is unable to assist me, I will seek you out Colonel, thank you.

"If there is nothing else Colonel, then I shall go and speak with Seargent Major Krol and Lieutenant Naals. The sooner I do that, then the sooner I can be reunited with my men and the sooner we can all get settled in and prepared for duty." And the sooner I can let Raevyn know I'm not going anywhere anytime soon but at least I can look around the Keep.

[Wired*Nun]

Colonel Penchau smiles a more-than-polite smile and says, "I'm sure you will get along fine. Dismissed." She turns back to her duties.

Naals waves her over, saying, "The Sergeant Major will find your men and have them sent to your quarters. I've arranged for you to have two apartments near mine, I hope you don't find that impertinent. I can show you up there now, if you like."

Assuming Kat is agreeable, Naals walks her up to a pair of third-floor apartments whose doors face each other. The one on the inner side, with a balcony overlooking the courtyard, is being fitted out with extra bunks by servants even as they approach. The other is fitted for one, or perhaps two if someone were to share her bed or sleep on the sofa, and has a balcony overlooking the ocean, near the northeast corner, so she can also see the frozen waste off to her left.

"That's my balcony there, if you needed to make a fast getaway." She sees it is close enough to climb to if danger made it necessary.

A few minutes later, all the Orphans are assembled their apartments, looking pleased to be back together.

[Pygysys]

Kat steps out onto the balcony and admires the opposing views of ocean and frozen waste before paying attention to the gap between the two balconies."Let's hope that won't be necessary. If trouble does rear its head in my direction, I always have the recourse of the duelling field apparently."

Heading inside she awaits the arrival of her men and greets them all warmly as they assemble together. she then introduces them all to Lieutenant Naals and explains their current situation. "I hope you're all looking forward to active duty again. The Hendrake House have truly honored us by allowing us to stay here for a time and serve with them, I know we can all learn a lot here." She then fills them in on the details that Colonel Penchau had passed along. "Don't be surprised if we do step on someone's toes at some point but the important thing is to avoid conflict if possible. I have no desire for us to be involved in any one-up-manship of a Courts versus Amber nature. If any of the Keep's residents wish to waste their time chasing down that avenue, then allow it to be their time wasted and not ours. Understood?"

She looks to Naals and offers a smile, "Thank you for your help today, Naals, I feel a lot more at ease than when I first arrived here. My men and I need to get settled in before we intergrate ourselves with the duty roster so you'll have to excuse us. I'd like to be as prepared as possible before we go on duty and that requires a meal and some sleep. Perhaps tomorrow if you have some spare time we could train together or have a rematch?"

[Wired*Nun]

The Orphans nod or murmur "Yes, ma'am," as is each man's wont.

Naals takes the question as a dismissal and responds, "Of course, Captain. I am at your disposal. Until the morrow." He shuts the door to the Orphans' quarters behind him.

Marc gives his report as one of the ones held here at the keep for the some weeks. "They've already shown us the duty roster. We're on the day shift on wall duty for the next week - vital, but split up and with others at all times. I doubt they will give us anything critical and certainly not alone. It's also as far away as possible from the central Keep, I notice - short of going on patrol, which I am told we will be doing as well."

"They have upgraded the defenses of this place admirably, both physically and mystically, for what I am able to gather. There seems to be wards placed almost everywhere now. The engines on the bastions are all enchanted, and have a selection of magical and enhanced normal ammunition. Each bastion also has a steel steam cannon of excellent workmanship, made in some higher-technology place I suspect. I estimate its range to be several miles."

"They have also expanded what looks to be a sort of Trump transport system around various parts of the whole Keep, allowing quick reinforcement. We have been imprinted with the basic House identification to be able to use the system, but there are obviously places we can't go. There are also automated defense systems keyed to incapacitate, or, if set so, kill anyone not imprinted of Hendrake. I have little idea of what defenses might have been placed around the Inner Keep. In short, this place is rapidly becoming a much harder target."

After giving his report, Marc drops into parade rest and waits. He looks to be healed from the gut wound, too. At the crooked eyebrow from Kat, he says, "These people act and think formally, all the time, it seems. We might as well get used to it."

At the suggestion of a meal, Marc says, "Lunch is in a few minutes. The dining hall is open to everyone, with an officers' mess adjoining. They don't seem to have any problem with officers eating with the soldiery, though it's worth your skin to go into the OM without leave. The food is quite good, actually. You can get food any time of the day or night, but in between mealtimes it's bread, cheese, meat and fruit, and tea to drink." He shruggs. "We've been in worse places, for sure."

[Pygysys]

Listening to Marc's report, Kat shares her thoughts with the Orphans. "I had not expected anything less; like all things respect and trust must be earned. Given my links with Amber I seriously doubt that trust will be earned easily if ever. It is my wish to train here and improve my own skills along with each of yours, as well as improving our cohesiveness as a unit when we have that opportunity. I do not know much about the Hendrake House, only snippets but they are considered one of the best martial clans if not the best. We could certainly do a lot worse than training here.

"Whilst it is second nature to know the ins and outs of any base, I do not overly care about those here at the Keep. Whatever defenses the Hendrakes have are their business and our business only whilst we serve here with them, not only for our protection but also that we may assist with protecting the Keep should it be attacked whilst we are guests here. So do not feel the need to go out of your way to discover any extra information that is not relevant to what is at hand.

"For now I think we should partake in lunch together and prepare ourselves for what will follow. I am not expecting and immediate difficulties at the dining hall but we may get a glimpse at any who take unkindly to our presence here. I will be dining with you and admit I'm looking forward to a meal with us all united again. It has been quite a while since we all shared the same table. After lunch you can have the honor of showing me where one gets imprinted. If I'm going to utilise their transport system, I'd best get my ticket."
She smiles and adds, "Someone else had better show the way to the dining hall too unless we want to get lost along the way."

[Wired*Nun]

Marc shrugs at Katarzyna's instructions, not disrespectfully but in an attitude of acceptance. "Let's get lunch out of the way, and then get everyone imprinted for the system. There's not much to it - they essentially take a psychic snapshot of you, which is accepted by the system for certain things - tranport and comms among certain levels of access, mostly. I have heard hints it can be used for other things - long-distance spellcasting perhaps - but I'm not sure." Marc seems to be fitting in here rather well...if the Orphans were not blood-bonded to me by Pattern I might worry about them going native.

Making their way down to the dining hall, they see a queue of somewhere between fifty and a hundred already in line. They are composed of a mix of garrison, Lions, huge lizard-men and the pebbled-skinned blue men. These all seem to mix without racor, though most give the lizards ample space. This is understandable since most are in the seven-foot range, weighing perhaps four hundred pounds, give or take.

There seems to be none of the actual Hendrake family in the line, though there are several sitting in the common area, some with their troops, some in pairs. Standing in the line herself and watching, Kat notices that family members go into an open door on the far wall, and return after a few minutes with food if they return at all. That must be the officers' mess, and they don't have to stand in line. RHIP, and all that. Well, why not? They do own the place. Things are remarkably egalitarian compared to even Amber, in a purely military sort of way. Of course, it's pretty likely that all family members are officers, and few officers are not family.

Lunch is filling and fresh, if not anything special. One of the dishes is very spicy, and not all that popular with anyone except the blue men. No one pays them much attention among the two-hundred-plus seated there. A rough guesstimate of the throughput of the serving line yields more than fifteen per minute, which translates into about a thousand an hour. Two-hour meal period, perhaps two thousand rank and file, not counting all sorts of specialists and civilians, or officers and family. Not a huge number, but there are more in the camp outside the walls, more on patrol, and presumably more to be recruited at need from the lizards or blue men. Respectable.

The next stop is and office in the administrative section, where a briskly efficient admin tech has them stand in front of a blank wall for the psychic snapshot. Kat feels a kind of light mental pressure for the briefest of moments, then it's over. The other Orphans don't seems to react at all.

There follows a short briefing on use of the system. In summary, it is as follows.

There are fixed Trump installation at various points in the castle. The Trump pictures and states where the Trump leads to. Activating it and stepping through brings one to that location. Touching the Trump and activating it will allow the user to speak to anyone in visual range of the Trump, to pass messages. People on the other end can be brought through at the activator's discretion. If you are not cleared for a certain Trump, it will simply not activate for you. Attempting to force its use will cause an alarm in the switching center.

Bellies filled and that taken care of, the Orphans pause out in the corridor, looking at Kat expectantly for instructions.

[Pygysys]

Kat's instructions are simple; "First I'm going to inspect the duty roster to check my assignment for the week and then we're going to get some exercise done. It's been some time since we trained together as a unit and I want to see how rusty we are. We will meet at our quarters in an hour's time, that should be ample time to allow your bellies to settle. Dismissed."

She doesn't waste time saying anything else, choosing to make her way towards the command centre to locate Seargent Major Krol. Okay lets see if I remember how to get there. Left here and then straight.

[Wired*Nun]

The huge lizard man is standing by his desk. It doesn't look like he does much sitting, even in a chair fit for him. He nods respectfully when she approaches, saying, "Good morning, Captain. Here are the assignments I've made for you and your men for the next four weeks."

The piece of paper he hands her shows her first week as an assistant Marshal of the practice field, the second as Captain of the northeast bastion, the third as Deputy Chief of the Inner Patrol, and the fourth on independent Desert patrol. The Orphans are assigned various wall, bastion and patrol posts, except for the fourth week, when they are with her. Don't want us all together while inside the Keep yet - I suppose that's fair, and it spreads the experience around as well.

After she's looked it over, he says, "The standard watch is eight hours, with one and a half of fighting practice afterward. You have one day off in seven, and every fifth week off. When you are fully familiar with all of your duties, you will change to an officer's schedule of four days on and three off." He states this last in the same even tone, showing no resentment at the disparity between the officers' and troops' schedules. Still, I've seen much worse for soldiers than working four weeks out of five.

"In reality, you can change your own schedule at will, though any such changes will be reported to your chain of command. Any changes to your men's schedule must come through me, or will be considered a breach of discipline. I suggest you liaise closely with Lieutenant Naals for any non-routine matters. Your first week starts tomorrow. Ma'am."

At this last, he turns back to looking through a stack of papers on his desk. It appears that he has said all he is going to, right now, unless asked further questions.

[Wired*Nun]

[Post when you can]

[Pygysys]

For the next four weeks, Kat and her men attend to their duties, completing their assignments as instructed. Although expecting trouble, Kat never goes out of her way to start any. She continually turns the other cheek if provoked and does not respond if called on it. Her meals are divided between sitting with her men and sitting with Naals. Kat does not interfere in the relationships between her men and the others at the Keep, allowing them to forge their own friendships and rivalries.

When free time permits, she concentrates on sharpening and improving her skills and learning what she can of the Hendrakes. Their history is a fascinating topic for her and she endeavours to learn what she can of the great House and of course the Courts. Another topic of interest for her is Doracus and the one from there she had strange fortune to encounter, Tatyana. Kat confides to Naals that she would like to travel there and meet with her if it would be possible to arrange. If he asks, she explains that she feels there is some connection between her and the other woman but she does not know what it is but would like to find out. It is her hope that Naals, if willing and allowed, may act as her guide and escort to Doracus. If not, she tells him, she will travel to Doracus when her time at the Keep has ended.

Kat is under no illusions about her time at the Keep, knowing she most likely will not make many friends if any save the one. What she hopes to achieve is a better understanding and appreciation for how others do things, especially these others; the Hendrakes. She also hopes to earn some respect from those who may view her in a disfavourable light due to the strained relations between Chaos and Amber. It is her aim to have the Hendrakes know that she will be an ally to the House and assist them, so long as it is not against her own. If the Hendrakes and Amber ever go to war against one another in her lifetime, then she must honour her vow to Amber first and foremost.

<OOC - Hope this is okay. Dídn't really want to bog down on any one thing, just wanted to get started again in general. I think the above pretty much covers her areas of focus for now; the Hendrakes, Doracus and working hard.>

[Wired*Nun]

No one provokes Katarzyna, whether out of respect for her, her status as guest, fear, or discipline, depending on the person. The worst she gets is stff courtesy and the occasional half-seen sneer. It also seems that the higher the rank of the person, or the closer in relationship to Larsus, the friendlier the person. The upper crust of the aristocracy regards her with the easy confidence of an equal in his or her own home. The lower ranks seems to see her as a captain and noble. It is those in between, like Sergeant Major Krol, whose opinions sometimes reveal veiled hostility.

The Orphans have their own troubles, but no more than in any military situation. Quinn ends up in the hospital for a week, learning that angering one of the Kshar lizards for sport has its dangers. They eventually find their place and their feet, including varying degrees of personal relationships.

Kat spends her off-time with Naals, who is unfailingly polite and respectful...probably chosen for that quality. While he makes no advances toward her, she feels that should she step forward, he would probably do the same. She learns that matches within Chaos are often made on political bases, and marrying within one's own house is discouraged or strictly regulated, especially if too closely related by blood. Many of Chaos take shadow-dwellers of power to themselves, to keep their blood strong and varied.

Katarzyna learns the basics of the Forms, of courtliness and courtesy in the style of Hendrake. She is more and more convinced that the underlying chaotic nature of life in the Courts has bred in layer upon layer of control and custom, tradition and rules for everything. Without these controls, life would devolve into a Chaos red in tooth and claw, bloody conflict and dominance by the strongest. The current system formalizes and regulates the competition, allowing for the rise of high civilisation.

Naals conveys Kat's request about Tatyana and Doracus to Larsus, which earns her another meeting with the General. Larsus explains that the sitution between Hendrake and the Changed is very delicate - technically a state of rebellion against the House, resulting in a state of open warfare. Many on both sides wish to fight to a conclusion, but Larsus is too good a general and leader to expend his resources to obtain a Pyrrhic victory. He has already accepted the status quo, and in fact, thinks that Hendrake got a pretty good consolation prize out of the deal.

"I just need time...time to get my House firmly invested here, in both senses of the word. In time, most of the old animosities will die out, I can make an official peace with the new rulers of Doracus, and we can move on," he had said.

"It is because of that, the delicacy, that I cannot sanction you visiting Doracus at this time. If you wish to leave and go on your own, that is your own business, but in that case, I cannot give you aid or status. However, if your interest is more in the Lady Tatyana than in Doracus per se, I can arrange that easily enough, either here or somewhere out in Shadow."

[Pygysys]

"It is because of that, the delicacy, that I cannot sanction you visiting Doracus at this time. If you wish to leave and go on your own, that is your own business, but in that case, I cannot give you aid or status. However, if your interest is more in the Lady Tatyana than in Doracus per se, I can arrange that easily enough, either here or somewhere out in Shadow."

"Not here," Kat tells Larsus, "Shadow would be best as it would be more neutral I suspect, for us both. Do you think it strange of me to harbor such an interest in a stranger? For I do but as I confided in Naals and now yourself, General, I feel as if there is some connection between her and I and it is not of my making. Regardless of that, I must know what it is and what elements were at play when it was forged."

If he can make the arrangements, then Kat will be grateful and will abide by the conditions that will be set down for such a rendezvous. She would like to meet with Lady Tatyana alone if the other is willing but accepts that it is possible this might not be to Tatyana's liking. Kat trusts that Larsis will ensure that Tatyana is aware that this is not a Hendrake overture of any sort. The last thing Kat needs is Hendrake and Doracus politics and grudges interfering with her own curiousity.

Before the meeting, Kat hopes to be allowed to use a Trump to contact a cousin; Roland. She petitions Larsis for access to the Trump as they were taken from her when captured and she considers them now the property of House Hendrake. Kat explains to the General that she had advised a few of her closest cousins that she was travelling here to the Keep but has not yet had the opportunity to inform them of her prolonged stay. It is more to put their minds at rest should they be concerned about her welfare than anything else.

<OOC - I don't recall having the Trumps returned at any point and Kat does believe that they belong to the Hendrakes now. If they were returned at some point, feel free to clip me over the ear and point me in the right direction.>

[Wired*Nun]

"Not here," Kat tells Larsus, "Shadow would be best as it would be more neutral I suspect, for us both. Do you think it strange of me to harbor such an interest in a stranger? For I do but as I confided in Naals and now yourself, General, I feel as if there is some connection between her and I and it is not of my making. Regardless of that, I must know what it is and what elements were at play when it was forged."

Larsus nods, putting one long finger alongside his aquiline nose, tapping it gently. "Don't think I didn't notice the resemblance...long before you did. It's one of the reasons I was happy to have you here for a time, even if you weren't your father's daughter. Is it possible one of your parents...has another child you don't know about? Or perhaps she is a cousin of yours, a lucky accident? Or a shadow...but I presume you did not dwell near Doracus to cast shadows there. There are many possibilities."

He brings his hand down to scribble something in a book. "I will arrange it, sometime soon. I will call for you. Afterwards, I will be interested to hear what you learn, if you don't mind indulging an old man."

After the request for the Trump, Larsus looks perturbed. "They should have been returned to you. Ask Naals to track them down. They might have gotten lost in the shuffle of the reorganization. I apologise."

He goes back to writing for a moment, then looks up to see if there is anything more. If not, he prompts, "Dismissed."

[Pygysys]

Kat shrugs, "She may be a relative, close or not, but I have no true way of telling or knowing. The resemblance is obvious and I think she either knows more than I or is frightened by it. Why? Again I cannot say. I have never been to Doracus nor did I know of its existance until Naals told me of it, so she has not been cast by me. That is what I do know."

She goes to leave, "Thank you, General and I will indulge your curiousity once I have sated mine. It is the least I can in return for your aid. I will track down Naals and then set about contacting my known cousin." She smiles as she nears the door, "And I would not consider you an old man, General, mature, yes but not old. Good day."

Leaving the General to his affairs, Kat seeks out Naals to track down her small collection of Trumps.

I wonder how my cousins are getting along? Perhaps after I speak to Roland I can contact Raevyn and see if any further progress was made. It will be good to speak to them both and I hope they're well. Actually they may make good observers if they can spare the time, provided of course Tatyana agrees to meet with me. They would have to observe via Trump and that would allow me to still meet Tatyana alone. Would she consider that a transgression though, alone physically is one thing, contact on another plane is something else. Are you cousin or sibling, Tatyana? Mother's or Uncle's or ... Dare I say it? No because suspicion is poison and I don't wish to drink from that chalice. I must learn to connect dots and then perhaps I will be able to see the design, mayhaps even my part in it.

[Wired*Nun]

"And I would not consider you an old man, General, mature, yes but not old. Good day."


This brings a genuine smile to the General's face, validating the theory that flattery never fails. "Thank you, you are most kind," he says, and waits for her to go out the door before resuming scratching at his logbook.

Escorted to the public areas, she heads to the admin office, checking the duty roster to see where Naals might be posted today. "Desert" is all it says, which normally means outside the desert gate, keeping tabs on the nearby goings-on.

Proceeding there, she eventually sorts through the collection of bedouin, traders, merchant stalls, shoppers and off-duty soldiers, to find Naals and a constabulary patrol, settling a dispute between a young bedouin warrior and one of the Lions. His method of settlement seems novel, but effective: "You will fight a duel at horizon-break tonight, and by sundown, it will be over between you. If you do not accept these terms, you will both be branded and banished from this place forever."

The bedouin agrees immediately, and the Lion looks thoughtful, then nods. Naals orders them in different directions, telling the Lion to go back inside the Keep. "You never know about these people and their relatives. They might think that disposing of you beforehand is the best way of serving their honor."

Catching sight of Katarzyna, his mood lightens, and he salutes sharply. "Captain! Thank you for coming out to check up on us. What can I do for you. Sergeant, continue the patrol, I'll catch up with you."

[Pygysys]

Kat returns the salute before glancing at the departing Lion, "An interesting way to resolve a dispute and much more practical. I suspect that honor will be attained without loss of life? Given they will have time to allow their tempers to cool, satisfaction should be gained without killing one another. Or have I presumed too much and they will fight to the bitter end?"

Only once have I seen a duel end in that fashion and I still believe the victory was hollow.

She smiles and starts walking in the direction that Naals' patrol went. "I don't hope to keep you long, it is a small matter but the General suggested your assistance. How would you like to meet a cousin of mine? His name is Roland and I think you and he would like one another. I'm hoping to speak to him shortly but before I can do that, I need your help in locating my set of Trumps. General Larsis says they should have been returned to me but may have been misplaced during the reorganization."

Kat pauses and looks over at Naals, "I hope to contact Roland to advise him that I am safe and well, as well as to enquire after another one or two of my cousins. I haven't had much time to grow acquainted with my family and yet I find I am fond of some of them, thankfully not all. Would it be an imposition upon your time in having you assist me with this matter? I could try asking Colonel Penchau for her assistance and there's always Krol..." She shudders involuntary at the thought of having to ask that particular reptile for aid, "I always get the feeling he'd like to use me as a coat rack."

[Wired*Nun]

"How they fight is up to them...Hendrake has always considered itself and its holdings under permanent military rule, which has its pros and cons. I therefore have a lot of leeway here, and if they want to draw weapons in the street, they can certainly do it in a more civilised setting...and as you say, they might cool down or think twice. It's also a demonstration for the future."

Walking along, he listens to Katarzyna's proposal. "I would be honored to meet anyone from your family. I would be happy to help you find your Trumps. I will put out the word among the administration, and start asking my family. Don't worry about Krol. It's his job to be intimidating, it's not personal. He wouldn't be the very model of the modern Sergeant Major if he wasn't," he says with a laugh.

[Pygysys]

What Naals says makes sense to Kat, This isn't a moment in time for them, this is now their permanent home. The Hendrakes have to be in control, need to be in control and they need those who remain here to support them, not be flies in the ointment.

"Thank you, Naals. The Sergeant-Major is very good at what he does. I've had a few superiors in the past who have made stern impressions but he's the first who makes me think I'd make a good appetiser. If you can help me locate my Trumps without my having to approach him, so much the better."

She turns the topic to a more pleasant one, "My cousin Roland is young, like us, still learning and finding his way. Of course I have no idea where he is at present or what he's up to. I can't imagine he's changed all that much in what is most likely a short amount of time since I saw him last. I don't know how much you know about my various Aunts and Uncles, however, he is Julian's son and I find him the most noble of those I have met."

Kat thinks about it for a moment, "I think that is why I like him best, he is genuine and open. My lessons had me prepared for the worse more than the better, so I suppose I find him a kindred soul." She glances away towards the horizon, "Like you."

[Wired*Nun]

Naals colors slightly, pleased, and looks away for a moment. "I feel the same. It's good to have friends, especially in unusual places."

He turns back to her. "I've made cursory studies of all the known Amberites. After Prince Benedict, of course, I've always particularly favored the princes Julian, Gerard, Bleys, and Corwin. I suppose it's natural for me to identify with the military. I am sure Roland and I would get along. But for now," he says, "I have to finish my patrol. If you'd like to enliven my duty day, feel free to accompany us. Otherwise, I will spread the word this evening and let you know when I find something out, if not before."

[Pygysys]

Kat doesn't find that too surprising, "I haven't met all my Uncles but I confess that it is Bleys I like the least and probably Random the most." Truthfully it is Benedict but I will continue to play my part in this charade.

She comes to a stop, "Unfortunately I have one other matter to attend to, I have some reading to catch up on. Perhaps I will join one of your patrols another time. I will see you this evening though and I believe we're due for another game. One of these days I will win the best of three. Thank you again for helping me, I do appreciate our friendship and not just because you're a lot more pleasant company than Krol."

Smiling, she takes her leave of Naals and makes her way back towards her quarters determined to glance through that book of hers. I should see if the Keep has any dictionaries on hand. They might have an English one stored around here somewhere. On second thoughts I could always just ask Roland or Rae when I speak to them next.

[Wired*Nun]

It's easy enough to find an English-Thari dictionary, along with such useful works as "Teach Yourself English in 30 Easy Days" and "Beginning English for Shadow Travel." Apparently, it is a widely used language in some parts of Shadow.

Sitting down in her quarters, she looks up the title, word by word.

"The Wizard Of..." The word "Oz" doesn't seem to have any meaning. Maybe it's a name of something or someone...

"By L. Frank Baum." OK, must be the author.

Plodding through the first few pages, she soon realizes that it's a simple story of a farm girl from "Kansas." She realizes it's going to be painfully laborious without actually learning the language.

[Pygysys]

After an hour Kat puts the books aside and decides to enrol in a language school at some point in the future. I'll just have to go native and learn the language properly.

Knowing that it will be a while yet before Naals finishes his patrol and can begin tracking down her errant Trumps, Kat turns to another history lesson. Picking up another book, she settles in for a good read about the Hendrakes and one of the many campaigns they have been involved in.

Amber really is just a foundling state when compared to the history of Chaos. Still so young and so few, yet victorious once. Fortunate or otherwise? When the family grows will Houses develop or their like? How many of my aunts and uncles and cousins for that matter will be satisfied with ruling a Shadow compared to the Universe? I was happy to serve Corrilaine without taking the crown as it was not mine to receive. Have I changed in that thought? No. I was groomed to be a loyal subject and find that is still my hope. I only doubt that Amber has replaced Corrilaine in that regard. I hold true to my oath but she has yet to stir love in my breast as my home did.

Kat stands up and wipes away a tear. Home? Will I find such a place again or I will I have to make it? Not in the mood to read any more, she sets the book aside and goes to her balcony hoping for some fresh air and some activity to watch. Anything that can fill in her time without drawing out thoughts becomes welcome relief.

[Wired*Nun]

Looking out over the sea, she watches the ships put in, rowing their longboats in to the wharf or pulling up directly, if of shallow enough draft. The urge to travel, to go do something, accomplish something, solve the mysteries that confront her, is strong.

A knock at her door turns out to be Naals. Handing her the missing Trump case, he says, "Aunt Kerra just happened to find them...she didn't say where. I suspect she had them all along, and was using or studying or perhaps copying them. My apologies, on behalf of my family. I'm not sure why the General tolerates her, except for her adeptitude."

[Pygysys]

Kat invites Naals inside and smiles as he returns her Trumps. "Thank you, Naals and there is no need to apologise. I lost these in combat and considered them the property of House Hendrake. So in this I consider myself rather fortunate to have them returned without cost." Unless there is some hidden one I should be wary of. Perhaps they may even be laced with some form of sorcery to allow snooping of one sort or another. I should keep my conversation with Roland to a minimum and speak to him on the same plane.

"We all have relatives we're uncertain about, be it our feelings towards them or our opinions. I believe that is the way of familial ties and we should be glad that we can choose our friends if nothing else." She shuffles through the cards and makes a quick tally of them, checking to see if any were missing including duplicates she may have had of herself. Holding up Roland's card she indicates her cousin to Naals.

"This is Roland and unless there is any better time than the present, I should like to contact him now. Would it be prudent of us to travel outside of the Keep? I'm not really sure if it would be good form or even possible for me to contact him from here."

[Wired*Nun]

There are no cards missing.

"There is no problem with calling your cousin from here. You are as free or freer than anyone within these walls. As long as you are not threatening or violating the hospitality of this House, there is no problem...is there?" He says this last with a smile, but a bit of uncertainty, as if he is wondering what she herself might be meaning.

[Pygysys]

Kat tries to explain herself to Naals, "I was just expecting difficulty with establishing a contact from within the Keep. I believe such things can be negated easily here and wasn't sure what the status quo was."

She flips Roland's card back to face her. "Well let's see what my Cousin is up to. I'm willing to wager some coin he'll be very surprised to find out where I am." She grins at Naals, "Afterall, last time I was here I was a prisoner."

That said she attempts to make contact with Roland.

[Wired*Nun]

Before she can try, she gets a Trump call from Arrotel.

[Pygysys]

Feeling the incoming contact, Kat turns Roland's card face down and glances at Naals.

"It seems someone else has other ideas, I'm not sure who though. Don't stray? I'd expect it to be my cousin Raevyn, if anyone, she did mention when I first arrived that she would be in contact again."

I really need to get some further instruction in determining the caller prior to establishment. I wonder if Rae knows how to do that...

Kat cautiously opens the contact, "Yes?"

[Icebird]

"Hi. Doing well, I hope? I was hoping you might help me with a project I'm planning." I don't trust trumps to be secure, so I'd rather not say too much right now.

Looking at Kat' end of the connection, Arrotel's smile fades into an expression of worry.

"That is the Keep I see you near, isn't it? You're not still a captive, in spite of what I was told, are you?"

[Pygysys]

Kat is surprised to discover Arrotel is the caller.

"Arrotel, this is unexpected. I am well, thank you. Yes I am still within the Keep but I am not a prisoner so you may allay your fears. Currently I am a guest of the Hendrakes and am enjoying their hospitality for a time."

"I can understand your concern regarding security, I'd hardly discuss such things further through such a medium. I am not sure I will be able to offer you much assistance but I can at least take the time to speak with you privately about it."

"I do not know if I am available to assist you, Arrotel but I can speak with you further about it, certainly. I'm always interested in helping you out. You did catch me prior to contacting Roland, however, I have an introduction I would like to make to him. Once I have spoken to him, I will contact you and we can discuss your project in a little more detail perhaps?"

<Kat's private thoughts - not private Trump communication with Arrotel.> Arrotel's asking me for assistance? I wonder what brought that about, we hardly know one another. I can hear him out though, it would look strange if I just turned down my little brother outright.

[Icebird]

"Well, I am glad things are working out for you. It's good to have friends in odd places. I was just talking to Roland myself, and he was going to call me later too."

I will be leaving tonight, Amber time, but I should be available anytime before then.

The worry doesn't leave Arrotel's face, even as Kat claims the goodwill of the Heldrakes towards her.

[Pygysys]

"You were? How is he? I'm sure I'll find out soon enough myself but it is good to know he is well."

"I will call you then and I will need to come through to wherever it is you are. You can then explain specifics and I'll be able to advise if I can assist you or not."

Kat glances over at Naals and smiles, "Yes Arrotel, it is good to have friends in strange places. Take care, won't you? I will speak with you again soon and do try not to worry about me, I am well and in good hands."

[Icebird]

"He is well. I last saw him standing in Amber, speaking with Random, Fiona and Flora. Apparently, everyone who has sworn loyalty to Amber is requested to be at dinner there tonight. Something about the Maze and the Nightmare."

"I'm sure you are in good hands, but they would also jump at the chance to get their hands on me. See you later, then." Unless Kat has more to add, Arrotel smiles and cuts the connection. Always end with a smile.

[Pygysys]

"Then I will assume he'll be happy to receive a call and he can fill me in on any necessary details." Kat quirks a brow at Arrotel's view on the Hendrakes but figures she can query both him and Naals about that another time. After Arrotel cuts the connection she turns to Naals and shrugs.

"Family can be most peculiar at times. Are you aware of any bad blood between your House and Arrotel of Amber at all? It also seems I may have to take leave for a day or two if what Arrotel told me is correct. Looks like I'm being summoned back home for a formal dinner."

She flips over Roland's card again, "Only one way to be certain, however, plus I'd still like to introduce you both to one another." Unless Naals makes any move to dissuade her from it, she attempts to make contact with Roland.

[Wired*Nun]

Naals looks pained at her question, and half-turns away, bracing his hands behind his back. "Arrotel escaped by Trump after surrendering, rather than waiting to be ransomed or paroled. This is, as you know, an egregious violation of the forms. Honorable surrender creates obligations on both sides, and he broke his word, thereby implying that we would not keep ours. Furthermore, neither he nor anyone else has given any explanation - such as some dire need - in mitigation. Thus, he remains under sanction. He is fair game to be captured or killed by any of this House or of any House of Chaos as well, if they so choose. By longstanding custom, anyone can take him and deliver him to us, dead or alive, for a bounty."

He turns back to her earnestly. "The only way he can make this right is to arrange to surrender again, preferably through your father, and accept the General's judgment of punishment or retribution. The fact that he harmed no one in his escape, and pleading his youth and ignorance, means that he should get off lightly. But until he does this, he will be hunted by some of Chaos who take sport in just such a thing - and even the King cannot protect him in this. It is a personal matter of honor. If you have any influence, you should persuade him to accept this, rather than spend his life awaiting the hunter's blade."

[Pygysys]

Kat really hadn't been aware of Arrotel's situation until Naals spells it out for her. She nods, prepared to say more but she can feel contact being established and for the moment let's the matter rest.

I need to discuss this with Arrotel and get him to make amends.

When Roland answers, she immediately identifies herself and begins to converse.

<Trump call occuring in the main thread of course.>