Broad is the path, that leadeth to destruction...

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

Find the anchor, test the tie and…pull.

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

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

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

The whispered voice in Rebis head resonates deeply inside him, in a way different from any mental contact he has ever had. It seems to bypass any barriers, defenses or boundaries in his mind, and springs full-formed in the center of his consciousness.

Son of Chaos...scatterling of Oberon...I know his seed, as I know the many branches of his mother tree. I have watched them come and go from the time of my planting, before the present ordering. I am the past...you are the future...the past can answer much for the future...

The branches rattle and the leaves rustle again, still windless.

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

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

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

Though I can believe that of some

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

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

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

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


And confront my doubts and fears

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

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

My third in the cosmos

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

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

[Tamarind]

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



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



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

[Wired*Nun]

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

[Tamarind]

Hmm, clearly a little *too* close.

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

[Tamarind]

[Earlier post reworked a little ;) ]

[Wired*Nun]

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

[Tamarind]

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

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


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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

[Tamarind]

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

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


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

[Wired*Nun]

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

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

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


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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

Glancing up Rebis scratches Drax' chin affectionately,

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

[Assuming he feels the now familiar psychic bond]

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

This babble continues in an excited "voice."

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

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

"Sometimes, in the nighttime, I can see lights away off in the distance, to the west."

By improving his vision, Rebis now can see that there is a town or city of some kind, far off in the distance, perhaps thirty miles.

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

[Tamarind]

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



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



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



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



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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

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

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

Please let me try...

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

[Tamarind]

"Of course."

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

He pauses, considering,

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

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

I cannot let this happen to you too

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

[Tamarind]

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

He kisses her lightly, happiness apparent in his eyes,

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

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

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

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

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

Who are these people? What are they doing here?

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

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

Please, get to safety...please

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

[Tamarind]

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

[Tamarind]

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

[Moved from Comms thread]

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

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

They must be stopped.

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

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

[Wired*Nun]

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

[Tamarind]

Safe my brave little one, safe now

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

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

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

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

[Tamarind]

After a time he draws back and looks at her, concern clearly visible. His eyes still looking into hers he summons a little power, sufficient to brush her arm with a tendril and establish a psychic link. Whilst this is occuring he begins speaking, once the connection is established he proceeds to hold two conversations, one mental over the link - the other verbal.

Verbal: "My love, I know much has happened and people are no doubt behaving strangely - I can explain but there is not much time in which to do so...we must shortly look to leave this place..."


Mental: "Sal'wey, I'm so sorry, so much has happened - it is hard to know where to begin. I do not know how best to explain this, but the people who were here before are very dangerous, much more so than I had thought. One of them may be attempting to monitor us even now, hence this subterfuge. Their leader has already changed the memories of everyone on this world except you - you and I are now the only people here who remember anything of the Touchstone or what happened yesterday. These people are acting in opposition to my family and they want me to help them but I cannot, I cannot ally with such people and assist in what they plan knowing their attitudes and beliefs...but if I do not I fear that they will seek to harm you - because I care for you."

I have brought this upon you. No. Corwin has brought us to this point...he it was who engineered my presence here...

Verbal: "...for others of my family will be coming to investigate what has happened, they cannot find you here or they will learn what has transpired. It is important that they think one of my kind, of Chaos was responsible rather than Corwin and the others"

Mental: "That is why I must ask you to leave this place and your people, at least for a time, and come with me - otherwise you will be in great danger. If we are gone the threat to your people should leave also.", he pauses in his mental speech, "...but I cannot guarantee it. Amber has sent another of my family to investigate what happened here, they will be here soon - they may already be here. It may be safest for me to try and attract their attention subtly, make it seem as if they have found me by accident...but that is risky. Corwin expects me to take you to another world so they will not find you, I could do so and then from there we could seek to travel to Amber and enlist their aid...but that too is risky, for Corwin may be able to prevent our progress."

[OOC Pausing to let Sal'wey react (!)]

[Wired*Nun]

Through the mental link, Sal'wey's emotional state becomes very distraught. "But - you are the Promised One, sent to heal our people and our land. Yet you call them 'my people,' are they not yours as well? Now you say that these others are greater even than prophecy? That you want to take me away from our people, and our responsibilities? What will they say? How will we be thought of if we run? What authority could we command as cowards, no matter how sensible that course may be?" He can feel her heart tearing within her. She speaks aloud, and loudly, now, the cry torn from her, as she pushes him away.

"Why will you not stand with me and defend this place, and our love?"

[Tamarind]

[OOC - Was that a verbal shout, a "mental" one or both?]

I have brought this down upon you my love. By my refusal to bend to Corwin's design I have forced this decision on you...and there are no good choices left. I cannot stand to cause you pain...but neither will I be used by them...

Rebis' pain is clearly visible as she pushes him away, he keeps his eyes on hers as he speaks, desperately trying to reach her,

Mental: "Because the cost of doing so would be terrible. These people would not fight a war of direct confrontation, if they did we could win - and they know this. Instead they would simply kill and destroy, poison the land, the earth, the air...until we could no longer stand the suffering they caused. I have thought on this, tried to see a path to victory that does not leave the world in ruins...my love, I would dearly love to stand against them here with you but alone it is a fight we could not win - because we value the people's lives much more highly than they do."

[Wired*Nun]

Her thoughts become stable again, and crystallize, resolute. "I will not leave my people. I will tell them to hide me until the danger is past. You, they may find; me, they will not. I will just be one among many, and I will hide. I still have power. I will disappear. Then you, my love, will go do what you must, and return unto me when you can."

[Tamarind]

You constantly amaze me my love. Can it be this simple? You offer to take a great risk but it may work...

A dark thought occurs,

Did the Pattern find you or did Corwin simply know where you were through some form of scrying? From the histories and theory I have learned it cannot be possible to find a single person that way - else how would Corwin himself have remained lost so long? He must have been keeping you under surveillance...

I have faith in you my love, I must respect your decision and shoulder my part of this burden - I can see no other way

"My love, you are brave and strong and have again seen clearly where my vision was clouded. I admire your decision even though it pains me. I have faith in you and your abilities, and those of the people."

He pauses for a moment, feeling for any of the tell-tale signs of power being used within the Shadow...

[Wired*Nun]

Rebis cannot locate any sign of Power other than the residuals of his own Primal Chaos, and that of the Touchstone.

"I will tell my closest advisors that the Promised One has great enemies, and we must go to battle them now, and do not wish to bring the battle here. I will then hide among our people, and as soon as the danger is past, I will reveal that I never left them after all. And if the case is desperate enough, if this...enemy...is cruel beyond enduring, call for you, and we will battle him together, and we will prevail. This, I believe, is the course of wisdom I must follow." Another fierce kiss, and then she holds him at arm's length.

"You must overcome, and you must endure, and you must return unto me, that our love not die. Can you give to me some method to call for you, an' the hour 'come desperate?"

[Tamarind]

"This is a good plan - if we go and tell them together then I can mask your disappearance with my leaving. After all they will expect us to be leaving together so if they are watching they will see only what they expect - and you will be hidden from them."

What can I give you that will not lead them straight to you...any ward would be traceable...Ah! Drax' trump, it's the closest I have and should serve in a short time...

Reaching into his tunic he palms a card and slips it into her hand,

"This card, it is called a trump, will allow you to contact my little friend Drax - he will shortly be re-born and will be close to me at all times...if you contact him I will know and be able to speak to you. It is the only way I have that would not lead them to you..."

A thought occurs,

"One more thing, if Bleys or Fiona find you tell them of me, tell them my name and that I am the son of Martin, grandson of Random and that you are under my protection. It should mean something to them."

He looks deep into her eyes,

"You will be in my heart and my thoughts my love, until I can return to you and our people."

Flowing into the watery form he takes her hand in his as she leads him out of the dwelling...

[Wired*Nun]

[Go ahead and post what they are physically doing in the main thread]

[Tamarind]

As the cavern is lost in the distortion Rebis gently squeezes her hand then allows himself to be drawn through Shadow, feeling the ward begin its brief flicker of life behind him

Be safe my love...

A grassy path leads away to the East before him, the familiar branches of Dueventor reaching up above him

As it is with Yggdrasil so here also it seems, another natural channel of Shadow through which all must pass

Power still flowing through him he quickly shapes a ward about himself as he heads swiftly East down the path

That should provide cover for a time. Now to cross this divide...

[Tamarind]

Rebis inclines his head regretfully in the direction of Duventor as he passes,

Sorry I have no time to tell you all that has happened friend, I'll be sure to speak to one of your relations as soon as I can...

Coming to the end of the path he reaches outward, envisaging the feel of his destination, the tang of salt in the air, the storm-tossed seas - all meshing together to form the unique feel of the Shadow...there. Tendrils quickly latch onto their target and a moment later cold wind rages around him, salty spray from the waves below matting his hair to his face. Standing on the clifftop he summons more tendrils, this time forming them into servants and scattering them through this and nearby Shadows to wander as they will

They will last only a short time but will serve to confuse any seeking my trail...

That done he moves again, this time to a darkened cave where several large eggs glimmer in the phosphorescent light, a moments examination reveals the choice,

This one. The others will find life on their own but this one needs a spark from without...

Smiling he leaves the way he came, moving on to a world of fiery lakes and sulfurous skies, there he sits cross-legged on a blackened outcrop the egg cradled in his lap

Time is fast here, which will serve my purpose well.

Summoning a little power he gently reaches within the egg, forming a conduit between him and the tiny form within, feeling the flutter of the tiny heartbeat,

A strong body, yet no spark within. Your life will not be lost - come my brave little friend, take form once more...

Slowly he reaches within for the essence of Drax, gently waking his little friend, leading him through the link to his new body - carefully meshing his vital essence into the little body.

[Tamarind]

Some time later Drax is settled into his new home, shaping a tendril into a cocoon around the egg to provide it with energy and protection he reaches through Shadow and retrieves a warm padded harness to carry his little friend in. Placing the precious burden inside he straightens and focuses on his destination...

By Suhuy's teachings all roads will lead to Amber, but I will travel more swiftly if I provide guidance.

Sifting through memories of Shadows described in lessons and the Chronicles he reaches forward, seeking one much described in the Chronicles and elsewhere - Shadow Earth.

I have never been but I have handled artefacts that hail from there, mostly weapons brought by Morven's armsmasters but there was that delightful little toy Suhuy once gave me...little horses on a rotating disc with pretty lights and music, a 'carousel' he called it - you loved it didn't you little one?

Focussing mostly on the feel of the little toy and the qualities of the Shadow held within it he reaches forward, knowledge of the Shadow and the feel of the other artefacts aiding in sifting through the possibilites until....

There! That one...

Strange sights and sounds flood his senses as the new world resolves around them...

[Wired*Nun]

Dust, and wind. Grit carried by dust-devil stings Rebis' eyes, and his urge is to shift to demonform, the better to withstand the harsh environment. Not yet - not until I am sure I won't be mistaken for a monster...

Squinting, looking around, he turns to see a carousel behind him. The weight of the egg reminds him of his vulnerability, but the blowing dust obscures vision beyond an hundred yards. Other shapes look in the haze - strange machines, skeletal, rusting. Paints, pictures in garish colors, sandblasted, chipped...abandoned. No one is here. The dry air is already leeching the moisture from Rebis' body. I have to find shelter, and water, or leave this shadow soon.

[Tamarind]

Not very hospitable...definitely time to move on.

The power still flowing through him from the shift he reaches out, seeking a Shadow with a less hostile environment

No need for a long search, a closer Shadow will serve perfectly well

Quickly the tendrils latch on and he leaves the dust-storm behind, the desolate landscape replaced by a more amenable vista of grass-topped dunes and a sandy beach. Tiny waves lap round his feet as he takes in his surroundings

Amber is a coastal city after all. If I continue through similar Shadows towards Amber I should arrive close to the port...

A faint stirring from the bundle brings a smile to his lips,

Eager to be out again aren't you little one? Not long now...

Walking along the beach he continues to reach towards Amber, the feel of his destination sufficiently clear now with proximity to allow for longer stages

[Wired*Nun]

Weighted down with the egg, and in unfamiliar territory, Rebis' reach towards Amber seems to go horribly wrong. The tendril warps, twists, and buckles. Trying to control the suddenly-uncooperative extension, Rebis feels a strange energy take hold of the tendril, and an incredible, orgasmic bolt of pure pleasure slams into him like a tsunami. Tumbling in the undertow of disconsciousness, he slowly comes to, finding himself lying on a warm stone floor.

Running his tingling fingers over the egg, Rebis finds no harm is done. The green glow on the wall brings him the awareness that something is very, very strange.

Rebis sits up carefully and turns around. A visual shock makes him reflexively jerk backwards several feet, as he beholds a bright glowing green wave of energy-infused gel-like substance, almost touching his foot. He scrambles backward, crablike, until his back is against the cooler cavern wall.

The thing in front of him extends to the left and right for fifty or more yards in either direction, and ten feet or more high in places. It's height changes, though, as slow waves seem to oscillate through the...artifact. For such it seems. Rebis can feel the power rolling off it in waves, akin to but unlike his experience with Corwin's Patterns so recently. This is something else entirely...

[Tamarind]

Instinctively reaching for the power of Chaos, allowing it to flow into and infuse him, strengthening his mind and body Rebis stands slowly, back to the wall

I will not be caught unawares again

Cautiously channeling more power to form the sign before him he glances about, studying the artefact and his surroundings

Now to learn the nature of this artefact...and of this place.

[Wired*Nun]

As soon as Rebis begins to bring up the Logrus, the artifact shoots a pseudpod of green, quicker than an eyeblink, and the world goes away in a sea of pleasure.

Waking up, he feels relaxed, at peace...until he moves. Then, he becomes aware of aches induced by lying in one position on the warm stone floor, probably for hours. It appears this artifact will not tolerate accessing Power in its presence.

[Tamarind]

Interesting...and disturbing. How long have I been here? And why am I here - was I brought here intentionally? If so by whom, or what?
I shall have to remain vigilant against this euphoric effect, now I know to expect it it may be possible to resist mentally, even without additional power

Standing slowly and stretching to ease the muscular aches Rebis cautiously surveys his surroundings, moving slowly around the perimeter of the cavern to view the whole of the artefact and the cavern in which it resides

I would like to know the extent of my options before I study this artefact more closely...

[Wired*Nun]

There is an opening in one end of the oval-shaped cavern, and Rebis can see a yellowish light coming from that direction.

Otherwise, the cavern is filled with a green glow from the artifact. Its power throbs and beats at him, his attuned senses registering harmonics and interactions fundamentally different from either the Logrus, or the Pattern he has seen.

In the midst of his examination, Rebis receives a Trump call.

[Tamarind]

Only Suhuy has my Trump...that I am aware of. I mistrust the timing of this intrusion...

Placing his back to the wall Rebis focusses all his efforts on resisting the incoming call

[Wired*Nun]

After long moments, the pressure eases, then comes again. A third time, then nothing for long minutes...it seems whomever it was, gave up, for now.

[Tamarind]

"Take your dragonet," says Binia brightly as Rebis turns to leave. She helps him pick up Drax, making little petting motions on the fine spines of his forehead.


"You have definitely made a friend today,my lady. I hope we may meet again, so that you can see him at his best, I think he will like you."

[Upon Kerra's return...]

"Suhuy has spoken for you. You have leave to call him and depart from here." She seems to be holding herself under firm control, with a deliberately neutral expresson.

I will find out who she is, perhaps that will explain her hatred of me...

Rebis takes out Suhuy's trump and stands, cradling Drax in one arm.

"Then I shall do so. Farewell Lady Kerra."

Turning his attention to the trump he concentrates on Suhuy's image...

[Wired*Nun]

Contact comes immediately. Suhuy is standing someplace high up, and draws Rebis through to himself without preamble.

"Do you see this abyss, Rebis?" He gestures at the multithousand-foot drop in front of him, then rests both hands on his staff, looking out into space. "Don't make a misstep, or you may fall..."

[Tamarind]

Indeed. In so many ways.

"So I have learned Lord. It is but a few short months since you bid me strike out on my own and already I have had to call on you for aid...it shames me, I had thought to do better. I beign to understand now how different the cosmos is when experienced first hand - a simple desire, as it seemed to me, to meet my father has lead me into situations of far greater subtlety and complexity than I had imagined."

"I know not what consideration Hendrake are due for my release to you, but I would make this debt up to you, if I may."

[Wired*Nun]

An airy wave. "I will think of something, never fear. For now, it is enough that you learn from your mistakes, be they not too foul. Tell me of your travels, if you will." He sits down on the edge of the cliff, seemingly unconcerned by the depths. What is height compared to looking into the Pit, I suppose...

[Tamarind]

"Gladly my lord"

Strange...such a short time apart, yet I find I have missed this so much...

Placing Drax carefully on a comfortable patch of ground Rebis seats himself cross-legged next to Suhuy and marshals his thoughts. After a time he begins to speak recounting the events that lead him to Ygg and Lakeshore, the encounter with Corwin, Landon, Coral and (briefly) Eric's pattern ghost and thence ot Corwin's subsequent exposition and his deep unease at his apparent motives...

Perhaps the familiar comfort of reporting to his old mentor relaxes some of his guards, for he goes on to tell of Sal'wey, describing their meeting and time together in terms bitter-sweet, his account coloured by his belief that she was but part of Corwin's moulding of the Shadows - wrought to hold him there long enough for Corwin's designs.

Recounting his parting from her he pauses, reflecting again on the feeling that she loved the Promised One, rather than Rebis, that he was in a sense merely acting a role...the memory is still painful and it is a while before he speaks again.

When he does he turns to his journey through the Shadows beyong Aurora's realm, relaying his re-direction apparently by and to the Maze and his meeting with Asmundson, Heldrik and Agraynel. Again a pause as his last glimpse of Heldrik, carried off unconcious from the Fount, replays in his mind

I hope you are well, my friend, I am sorry we did not prevail...but I do not regret that we tried...

Taking a mental step back, a trick learned long ago from the man beside him, he moves on to speak of his and Agraynel's abduction by Mandor and all that transpired in Corwin's chapel...including Mandor's invitation to join his group in probing the secrets of the cosmos - a prospect that clearly appeals.

Then he comes once again to a meeting with Heldrik, their arrival at the Keep and all that came therefrom...this is perhaps the easiest section to relate, the events of combat lending themselves well to detached analysis - an elaborate construct of alternative actions and possible results forms as Rebis outlines each move in the sequence with the benefit of time and hindsight.

Finally he comes to the question that was uppermost in his mind when he stepped through,

"Lord, what is the lineage of Lady Kerra? Her dislike for me was clearly apparent and seemed to reach far beyond that of a simple adversary, I am certain it must come from some personal connection but I am unsure as to the source...."

[Wired*Nun]

Suhuy does not answer this last question - yet. From long experience, Rebis knows the mind of his mentor often takes many twists and turns, but always arrives eventually. In fact, he normally addresses what he considers to be the most important questions first - or at least, the foundational ones that illuminate the others.

He contemplates, staring into the distance for some time. Finally...


"Do you think," he says slowly, "Sal'wey's love for you is unreal?"

[Tamarind]

A question on which I have thought long and hard, the more so because I did not like my conclusions...

"That is a complex question. What makes an emotion real? That which seems real to one may seem artificial to another - from her viewpoint I believe her love for the Promised One is very real, something that she feels passionately and instinctively. Yet what if her love for the Promised One is a dictated property of that Shadow, set by an external force's manipulation? Then it would seem to be artificial, for it has not arisen naturally. If one knows this then how can one ascribe reality to the emotion? Whilst it could readily be argued that the source of a Shadow property is not relevant to its reality within the Shadow - if one changes the colour of a Shadow's sky through manipulation then that sky colour becomes a very real property of the Shadow - with emotions and relationships I believe it is different, particularly where they arise from interactions between people rather than existing in isolation. Here perhaps it is a question of perspective again - if Lakeshore had been changed so that Sal'wey and the mayor of the Landpeople were to fall in love then this would be real to both those involved, neither has any concept of the change having been made because they are in a sense new people, brought into existence by the change so they cannot have any knowledge of it - it affects them both equally. On the other hand if only one of those involed is subject to the change then it is different, the change does not affect both participants equally, so the relationship is biased. At some deep level this may be the true cause of my belief that her feelings for me are not real - the very fact that they could be altered, dictated, makes them so. After all, if one casts a powerful enchantment to cause another to love you, I do not think others would describe that emotion as real."

In the end, I do not believe it is possible to be certain of such things...one can only feel - if something feels real, then to you it is real. If it does not, then it is not. And I cannot rid myself of the feeling that she was a property of the Shadow that Corwin created, knowingly or not, when he moulded Shadow to bring me there.

"On a less abstract level I believe she loves the Promised One, not Rebis. If another had arrived and played the role as I did I believe she would have loved them - it is the role, not the actor that has gained her affections. Looking back now it seems clear to me, yet at the time I did not see so clearly, perhaps I did not allow myself to do so...so caught up was I in the role of saviour."

[Wired*Nun]

"That is a suitably metaphysical argument. It doesn't really answer the question. Let me recast it, then." Closing his eyes, he waves his hand.

The cliff - the whole mountain - tilts, and the two are cast off into empty space. Instinctively trying to change into a more suitable creature, Rebis finds he cannot alter his shape. His fall accelerates, and he suppresses the instrinctive terror and replaced it with mere bodily fear. Suhuy's position is unaltered, seated and falling along with Rebis. The ground, though far away, is getting closer at an alarming rate..

"Is this real? I changed the rules, and created the conditions, but we are still falling, and we will be just as dead if we hit the ground at this speed."

[Tamarind]

"It is all a matter of perspective, lord. You have eloquently created my example with your skills, changing a physical property of a Shadow - in this case the relative position of 2 individuals - and it as I postulated, the source of the change is irrelevant to those encapsulated within it. Our knowledge that this is a change wrought upon the Shadow is irrelevant, because our belief in it is not required to make it real. On the other hand, love - or I would contend, any other emotion that involves 2 beings - does require such belief for it is not an empirically verifiable value such as velocity or position, it can be influenced by, indeed it depends on, the perceptions and beliefs of the participants."

"As always you have challenged me to pare my reasoning, to produce the essential answer to the question - and here it is: I believe that Sal'wey believes her love for me is real but from my viewpoint I do not believe the same."

[Wired*Nun]

Another wave of his hand finds the two gently set down on a ledge, halfway down the cliff.

"That is a much more useful answer. She loves you, and you don't love her. That is something you will have to decide how to deal with. I just want you to be clear on your thinking. If you saw it any other way, I would accuse you of being as bad as Dworkin and Corwin in their wholesale manipulation of the inhabitants of shadow. The difference among callousness, cruelty, and mere natural suffering, is in the actor, not the acted-upon. It feels the same for the recipient."

[Tamarind]

So he too believes Corwin to be a manipulator of Shadow folk...

"Indeed. It is a situation that will result in hurt in the short term, but it cannot be avoided. "

He stares into the depths around them for a while before speaking again,

"Lord, what is your view on the actions Corwin and his group are planning - to destroy broken patterns to rebalance the universe?"

[Wired*Nun]

Suhuy turns to regard Rebis for a long moment.

"If you had not become involved with this directly, I would never answer you this question. It is not a topic for discussion with many, and certainly, not those of limited experience. Even our young King has broader travels. However, having become involved, there is little point in keeping you in the dark." He reaches out with his staff to poke Rebis gently in the chest.

"But don't take this for more than it is. You have the privilege and responsibility of playing a role in the fates of universes. This weight has crushed lesser men. It remains to be seen whether you are among them."

Setting the staff across his knees, he continues sanguinely. "Every viewpoint has its advocates. It is the height of hubris to believe that any group of advocates is entirely correct. We do believe we have the best viewpoint, the most insight, and the most reasonable plan, that does the least damage for the greatest benefit. Consider it surgery of the highest order - an unnatural act that results in healing. Although we have major differences of opinion, Dworkin, Corwin and I, keepers of the Greaters Powers that be, agree on this one thing - the Balance must be righted. To do this, the defective reflections of the Pattern must be eliminated. Characterize it how you like. In my opinion, it must be done, one way, or another. Of course, this is not a popular view among almost anyone else."

[Tamarind]

Suhuy believes in this course also?

"As you have heard it was not a responsibility or involvement which I sought, lord, rather one into which I was manipulated."

By Corwin certainly...and perhaps you too? Was it really a coincidence that you sent me out when you did? Ah, I dislike these suspicions my mind entertains. I shall let it lie for now - if you had wished my knowing assistance you would have asked me.

"I am grateful that I have had this opportunity to share my experiences. Knowing that you approve, at least in general, of the course of action Corwin outlined I shall maintain my distance from it. However I am concious that the time of my wanderings is far from done - and in truth I am anxious to rejoin my friend, he was faring poorly when last I saw him"

Strange that I should count him as such when we know so little about each other, yet I do. Perhaps it is because we fought together, risked all together...who can say?

A thought occurs to Rebis,

"Lord, might I trouble you for another trump of little Drax - my copy is not easily accessible for the time being and I would not wish to become separated from him,"

With a rueful smile he adds,

"Particularly given the adverse circumstances in which we seem to find ourselves with such frequency of late"

[Wired*Nun]

"Do not ascribe too much in hindsight to inferred influences. Sometimes it's just...chance. One can be driven mad by attempting to discern the depths of causality. That aside, I would appreciate it if you spoke of these things to no one - normally I would not insult you with even reiterating this, however, the importance of things compels me. Also, to avoid opposing anything which you think aligns itself with the goals of Chaos as a whole. I was never one to insist on blind loyalty to persons, but you must remain true to our enlightened best interests. Despite a temporary cooperation, we are still opponents. The difference is, for me, that we are not enemies for all our opposition on some matters. As soon as you make it personal, you lose freedom."

At the request regarding the Trump, he says, "I will prepare one shortly and send it to you, as my time permits. And speaking of time...thus ends the lesson for today. All in all, I am well pleased. Continue to think deeply in all things possible, and you will remain one of my hopes." Unspoken, and unnatural, is the implied reverse...but Suhuy has never felt the need to threaten. Rebis shivers a moment in the face of power, reminded again what perspective shadow-dwellers must have in the face of his own. There is always a bigger fish out there somewhere...

[Tamarind]

Rebis stands and bows,

"Thank you lord, I shall impose on your time no further."

As always you give me much to reflect on...

Slowly calling the Sign to mind he reaches through Shadow and pulls himself and Drax through to his familiar haven. The windswept seashore is a welcome sight, the familiar tang of salt on the air and the feel of the sand beneath his feet comforting after recent ordeals. Finding a sheltered overhang he weaves a simple alarm ward about the area, settles Drax on his lap and leans back against the rock to rest.

I must find out how Heldrik fares, yet I can do little without rest - here at least the flow is fast. A few hours only, then I shall seek him out.

[Wired*Nun]

Rest taken, and sorting out his new experiences, Rebis remembers that he promised himself that he would spend some more effort to imbue Drax with greater strength and efficacy...

[Tamarind]

As he reaches for the Sign Rebis gently strokes the sleeping drake's head

Let us give you a frame to match your exuberant spirit, your body is strong enough now and you have more than earned it...

Forming a number of slender tendrils he gently weaves them about the little dragon, forming a delicate, ever-shifting cocoon. As the last thread slips into place the construct flares with energy and begins to spin rapidly. Nestled within the whirling cocoon Drax's form shimmers, scales hardening, claws sharpening as the energy of the cocoon resonates with his essence.

Carefully manipulating the whirling vortex Rebis smiles, imagining the chaos his little friend will cause now.
At last, the changes complete Rebis allows the tendrils to fade, all but one with which he reaches out through Shadow to haul back a shiny metal wagon containing a vast mass of coal.

You'll need this more than they will...

As the container appears Drax blinks lazily, stretches, then launches himself at the wagon. With a scream of tortured metal the side of the wagon gives way before the hungry dragon's claws and moments later happy crunching sounds echo from within the battered cart

Rebis smiles,

There was a lid you know...

After watching his friend for a while Rebis summons the Sign once more and begins selecting and hanging spells within its shifting form, accompanied by the crunching of coal and the smell of scorched metal.

A few hours later Rebis looks up to see Drax, grown to 20 or so feet in length, devouring the last twisted and scorched remains of the metal wagon.

"Hungry little one? How do you fancy stretching your wings a little?"

Reaching up to scratch under the immense jaws Rebis smiles, greatly cheered to see his friend so full of life and vigour again. Drax arches his neck in pleasure for a few moments, then stoops down to allow Rebis to swing onto his back.

Vaulting onto the dragon's back Rebis holds tightly onto the spiny ridge as Drax hurls himself into the air, great wings beating strongly. Summoning the Sign Rebis reaches through Shadow, seeking a familiar point. The anchor point quickly found he pulls them through and reaches for the next, the bottleneck of Shadow where Yggdrasil dwells. As the great tree passes beneath Rebis raises a hand in greeting but does not pause

Perhaps this time I shall find my goal, ancient one. If so I shall return and tell you of it...

More cautious now, alert for signs of interference he reaches for the beach shadow - the closest he has yet come to Amber.

Gliding over the tranquil sands Rebis leans forward,

"I think perhaps it is time for me to carry you now, we don't want to cause too much alarm on our first visit after all"

Drax snorts indignantly but swoops gently down to land on a soft grass topped dune. As Rebis leaps down air whooshes past him forming little sandstorms amidst the dunes as Drax reverts to his smaller form. A moment later he winces as Drax jumps onto his shoulder, claws digging in affectionately.

"I expect you simply forgot how sharp your claws are, hmm?"

Drax nibbles his ear affectionately, eyes swirling innocently.

Rebis smiles ruefully and sets off down the beach. Calling the Sign as he walks he reaches carefully out, alert for interference, seeking towards the now rather more familiar feel of the Pattern without straying too close to the artefact itself.

At least Arrotel has given me a good impression of how the Pattern of Amber feels...





This human form isn't as tough

[Wired*Nun]

Reaching outward, it isn't very far before he feels the telltale resistance and irritation that comes from proximity to a Pattern source...latching on to that shadow, he is suprised by the quickness with which he arrives. It feels very similar to Lakeshore, and he is swamped for a moment by a visceral memory of Sal'wey...thank all gods and demons we never...

Arriving in his mentally off-balance state, it is almost no surprise when he dunks himself in the stormy sea. Flailing a moment with his tendrils, he realizes there is no physical purchase here, and quickly changes to demonform, his webbed feet and gills comfortable in the tossing sea. Cold...and windy, three foot crests...

Drax flaps his wings above, and Rebis swears he is laughing at the sudden splash. Looking around, he sees a structure at the limits of his view, perhaps six miles off to the west, but he is certain that the emanations he felt are below him, somewhere...

[Tamarind]

Ah! Rebma. Its Pattern is under the ocean near to Amber...that structure would be the steps I imagine. If I'm right and this is Rebma then my father may be here...ironic, that I come so close to him now when I am searching for another.

Rebis holds position in the water, considering. As he does so he looks around and especially beneath him through the Sign, passively observing, lookng for the artefact he believes will be below him as well as other power sources - or people using power - in the area.

"Keep an eye out up there for me, let me know if you see anything approaching?"

[Wired*Nun]

There is something far below, emanating Pattern Power. It feels as if it is flooding the area, and in a very specific direction, too - toward the shore, like a wide river.

[Pygysys]

I knew I should have asked for the grand tour of this place after they released me.

With a shrug, Kat makes her way through this area of the castle looking for the way out or at least down. Once she manages to find her way outside of the castle, she then heads to the stables to enquire about a horse so she can head down to Amber city.

[Tamarind]

Curious, is this anything to do with the staircase I wonder - perhaps it enables air-breathers to travel safely?

Indecision weighs on him for a moment as he considers his options

Do i seek my father here, or continue on to Amber for word of Heldrik and perhaps of my father too?
Hmm....I will head to shore for now, there may be someone at that structure who can direct me to Amber - and confirm my suspicions of this place also. In Amber I can learn how Heldrik and his friends fared and perhaps find Martin - and if not I can always return here...

The decision made he dives down a length before surging upwards, breaking the water and lifting into the air, wings beating hard to keep him aloft. Gaining a little altitude he banks and heads for the structure on the shore, following the path below.

[Wired*Nun]

Easily finding her way across the back and to the stables, the grooms give Kat a horse, well-outfitted with fine tack. She has a strange feeling that she is being watched for a moment, a fleeting psychic impression...searching about, she sees nothing, and throws up a mental block. This seems to have worked...

[Wired*Nun]

After only moment in the air, the structure resolves itself more clearly.

Not a stairway, or anything like that.

He can see the haze of the icy lands to the north, on his right, as well as the desert to his left. Beyond the structure rise snowcapped mountains.

It is the Keep.

[Pygysys]

Strange. I wonder who plays I, spy, today. It might pay to stay alert for the next day or so.

Not truly concerned about the incident for the moment, Kat mounts up and in doing so tests her legs and the wounds she received to them. Taking it easy but also doing her best to cover any pain that might linger, she wheels her steed around and out.

Time to have a closer look at Amber city and get myself passage aboard the first ship bound for the Golden Circle. No time like the present to practise collecting what's mine.

Riding at a leisurely pace, Kat makes her way down Kolvir towards the city itself.

[Tamarind]

Surprise registers on his draconian features as he comes to a swift halt, hovering in the air.

I do not want to be here. Note the pattern source for future investigation and depart. Now.

Drax latches onto his armoured shoulder as he reaches back whence he came and swiftly pulls them both through. Once there he moves quickly for a few Shadow veils before pausing.

Interesting. Why there I wonder - and why is there a pattern source? Is it something to destabilise the Fount - or is it something older? Valid questions but not my immediate concern.

Walking down the deserted beach, now part of a small unpopulated island, he focusses on the problem at hand.

I relied too much on the Pattern imprint alone, I had not expected to find another source...I must be more precise. A city, on the coast, with a large castle and a strong Pattern imprint to the Shadow. A Real place.

Forming these qualities into a matrix in his mind he quests forth with the tendrils, seeking this more precise target. Meanwhile Drax circles around him alert to their surroundings, occasionally eyeing the sea speculatively, thoughts of fish drifting across his mind.

[Wired*Nun]

Reaching, reaching, he encounters distance, paradoxically barring his way. What does this mean? There is a gap, a lull in reality, around which his tendrils go, seemingly forever. The present swims in his vision and he closes his eyes, the better to concentrate, trusting Drax to guard him for a while.

It is just too far. Too far in one go, too far to reach, around this strange empty spot. Something to be examined...it is almost irresistable. A quote of Suhuy's comes to mind again..."There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy." Whoever Horatio was, he must have been a skeptic.

He could try a different, less direct route - perhaps searching for analogues to Amber, rather than analogues to the Pattern. The Logrus is not carried directly over into surrounding shadows, whereas more mundane features often are, in fractured parts. Perhaps these partial Patterns are no nearer to Amber than any other thing...

Or I could go to the edge of this blockage, and see what it is...

[Tamarind]

Another phenomenon worthy of further investigation...when time is less pressing than at present

Again noting the sense of location and the feel of this strange phenomenon he turns his attention to seeking close analogues of the Amber he has studied, carefully building in the details - large coastal city adjacent to a mountain with a sprawling castle, the Vale and closeby the great forest...gradually he works in more and more geographical, cultural and historical details, narrowing the field. The greatest aid in so doing will of course be the reality of the Shadows sought - close analogues of Amber will be much more real than similar shadows further removed, much as the shadows of the Black Zone are stronger than those beyond.

[Wired*Nun]

Some days later, having encountered no other major Pattern sources, Rebis finds himself facing west, off the coast of a port city, a small island far behind him, a sprawling castle and palace rising from the flank of the great mountain before him. The heights fall away to his left and south, a green valley meeting the sea at a distantly-seen sandy beach.

The day is chill and windy, and he notices the salt spray tickles his toes. He is having trouble staying aloft, his wings beating rapidly and even his Chaos-born strength insufficient to more than stay in the air. Drax seems to be having no such problems, so Rebis climbs aboard his friend's back and forms his wings back into his body to conserve heat.

The feeling of the Pattern, of a well of Order, stability, solidity, immutability, lies strong before him, in fact on all this place. I can see the attraction...always finding the place the same as you found it, knowing that not even other Lords can change this place as they would...

The two climb for altitude, and Rebis can see a tall ship away to the northeast, tacking against the nor'wester, heading for the harbor. More sailing ships line the docks or anchor in the great harbour, and the smell of fish and the stench of men reach them from time to time.

Though Rebis has seen larger cities, taller mountains, still there is something about this place that heartens him, as if he can breathe easier here. He feels stronger, more firmly rooted. That's nonsense...how can I feel stronger if I felt weaker?

A tremendous longing comes over him, a feeling of coming home to a place he's never been before, and he is certain he has found...

Amber

[Tamarind]

The sense of belonging is at once joyful and painful, sparking bitter memories of a little boy cut off from the world...

So long without a family or home - can I truly have found them at last?

His expression clouds for a moment, then the rush of achievement and the sheer vitality of the feeling banish the anxieties and smiling broadly he ruffles Drax's neck, pointing towards a secluded area a little outside the city.

Tempting though it is I'm not sure landing in the courtyard is the best idea...we should be able to land there, behind that ridge, without attracting attention.

Drax gives a derisory snort but banks round, avoiding the palace and city for now as he sweeps down the coast at altitude before gliding down into the cover of the dell. As they descend Rebis shifts into human form, somehow more natural feeling here and once landed he steps lightly onto the grass as Drax shrinks down and perches on his shoulder.

Taking a deep breath he squares his shoulders, gives Drax an affectionate ruffle and heads over the ridge towards the city gates...

[Wired*Nun]

Wending her way along the western road, she passes functionaries and tradesmen, those having business at the palace, travelers and ambassadorial parties, Moonriders in barbarian finery, kinglets from a dozen unknown lands. Horn, how does Random deal with it all? I can see why he needs Flora and the palace bureaucracy. Some of them greet her with a nod or a bow, as if recognizing her status, if not her person.

Off to her right, at about a mile's distance, she sees an unusual sight for Amber - a medium-sized, dark dragon flies in from the direction of the sea, over a ridge and out of sight, as if preparing to alight. A number of travelers turn to watch, and exclaim. A couple of the more concerned hurry forward as if to reach their destinations before trouble erupts.

Looking around, she doesn't see any of the constabulary or army about. Too close to Amber for Rangers to be patrolling, probably... The land around is pasture and orchards, with a scattering of vineyards on the gently sloping hillsides.

[Pygysys]

Kat looks in the direction she was headed. That way to the docks and the Golden Circle, one way or another. She turns her head to look again in the direction that the dragon disappeared. That way a mystery. Surely that beast belongs to one of my Aunts or Uncles, I can't imagine Random letting visiting dignitaries arriving in such a fashion. Hmm... what's an hour or two delayed when I might actually have the chance to see such a creature up close.

Swayed by the fact that she's never seen a dragon in close proximity before, she turns her steed in the direction of the dragon and nudges him forward at a quicker pace than before. Is there ever such a thing as a dull day in Amber, I wonder. I bet Roland's probably seen a dragon. I trust he's okay, along with the others. Man the gate, he said...

For the first time since the attack on the Keep, Kat laughs with good humour. Roland and I are going to have to have a little chat about which side to take.

[Wired*Nun]

Turning off the road, Kat jumps her horse over the low pasture fence and canters uphill in the direction of the unusual creature. A few moments more, and she spies a rather ordinary-looking figure strolling thorugh the pastureland, with a less ordinary, dog-sized dragon riding on his shoulder. That the fellow is not inconvenienced by its weight means that he is stronger than he looks.

As she gets closer, she recognizes him as one of the fellows that fought on their side in the so-recent, ill-fated battle at the Keep...what was his name, Reber? Rebus? something like that...and is that the same dragon? It must be able to alter its size...

For his part, he sees a tall woman on a horse, well-turned out and armed, but not in any other way remarkable, seeming familiar...

[Tamarind]

Hearing the hoofbeats Rebis turns and raises his hand in greeting to the lady, striving to remember where he may have seen her before...Drax sniffs the air, eyeing the horse speculatively

Behave, little one. I'm sure there will be plenty of food soon...and you did eat only a few hours ago

[Pygysys]

Kat reins in her horse and lifts her own hand in return.

"Hello there. It seems we're both a long way from the Keep. Do you bring word of the others perhaps? Our introduction there was all too brief, I'm Katarzyna."

[Tamarind]

Of course, I remember now - the warrior who lead the charge into the Fount

"And I am Rebis, m'lady. I am pleased to see you here, I regret though that I have little news of the others - Heldrik and Roland were released to Prince Benedict, Arrotel apparently escaped via Trump, Alamor was taken by House Hendrake...of Raevyn and the sorceror she rescued I know nothing. I had hoped to find Heldrik here, or at least word of him - he was badly wounded when last I saw him and I would like to be sure he is well."

The dragon on his shoulder stirs slightly and Rebis winces,

"Ah yes, I am remiss in not introducing you also - Katarzyna, allow me to introduce my friend and companion, Drax"

The little dragon raises it's head and adopts a regal pose, spoiled slightly by a mischievous expression.

[Pygysys]

Upon hearing Rebis' news of her cousins, Kat looks visibly relieved. "That is wonderful news, at least that of my cousins. I feel for this Alamor if he is still a prisoner. Does he have any to negotiate on his behalf? I can tell you that Raevyn was also captured but is here in Amber, released by the Hendrakes into the care of my father. Have you met the Lord General?"

Kat smiles at the little dragon, "It seems you have something in common with two of my cousins. Hello Drax, well met. You and Rebis caused quite the stir with your arrival."

Half turning, Kat gestures in the direction she came from, "More than one ran for cover when they saw the two of you fly in. Speaking of which, I can't really help you with your purpose I'm afraid. I don't know if Heldrik is here or what state or condition he might be in. There's also nobody I can ask, at least not of my cousins, I lost the Trumps I did have to the Hendrakes. However, if you make your way to the Castle, someone there might be able to assist you. Unfortunately it lies the opposite way to my destination, so I can't give you the tour."

[Tamarind]

"I do not know if Alamor has any to speak for him or no but I hope so - his people do not have a pleasant history with those of House Hendrake....as for the Lord General I saw him briefly at the Keep but no, I have not had the honour of a formal introduction"

Rebis smiles at her description of their arrival,

"I think Drax would have preferred a landing in the Castle itself, yet I fear the guards would have taken a dim view of such an arrival...this seemed a fair compromise. It has been a pleasure to meet you again Katarzyna, I wish you well on your journey and hope our paths may cross again before too long."

[Pygysys]

"I doubt a delay of an hour or two will impede my journey that much. The least I can do is ensure you get to the Castle safely and receive a proper introduction. My Aunts and Uncles don't take too kindly to strangers or those they know nothing about."

Kat turns her horse about and looks ahead, prepared to walk rather than ride, "Perhaps you can tell me your tale, how you came to be at the Keep for one? And of your peer, this Alamor? It seems he is the least fortunate of us all and it might be possible we owe him some small debt."

[Wired*Nun]

As the two crest the low ridge, they are met by a troop of house cavalry, armored and belanced. It looks like they might pass by, but at the sight of Drax, they draw rein, and the troop captain rides forward. Recognizing the mount, if not the woman, he dips his lance to Katarzyna and inquires, "Is this the dragon the civilians are so afraid of?" A smile plays around his lips, almost breaking through his young, well-groomed face.

[Pygysys]

Kat smiles at the captain and nods, "This is the only creature I've encountered in this region that is a dragon, so I suppose it must be. I fear perhaps that the civilians in question are rather prone to exaggeration. Never mind. I trust you and your men weren't drawn away from something more important, Captain."

[Wired*Nun]

"Routine patrols, ma'am, all part of the job. We might as well have a nice ride and check a bit further. Good day to you." He tips his hat, confident that there is no one more dashing and attractive than a young captain of cavalry astride his favorite mount...

[Tamarind]

Rebis falls in next to Katarzyna as she turns and heads back over the ridge,

"This is most kind of you m'lady, I confess I was a little uncertain as to the manner of reception I might receive, given the history of Amber and the Courts. I would be happy to tell you something of my tale but as for Alamor I know little more than I have already shared - he was with Arrotel when Heldrik and I joined him at the Keep and I had no opportunity to speak with him before the combat began..."

He is about to continue when the cavalry patrol comes into view, Drax raises his head and regards the newcomers with interest, eyes swirling. Reaching up Rebis scratches him playfully under the chin as Katarzyna speaks with the captain, grateful for her diplomatic handling of the situation.

As the patrol rides on he turns to her once more,

"It's lucky for us that you happened by m'lady, my thanks once again. I must remember to apologise for any inconvenience my arrival has caused - we did not mean to scare anyone"

Drax snorts and tosses his head

"All right, I didn't mean to scare anyone. Anyway, that really is all know I of Alamor, as I say his people have a poor history with House Hendrake but it may be that the Grand Duke would entertain negotiations for his release, particularly once he learns of the manner in which Dara and her associates conducted themselves."

His pauses for a moment as he recalls Dara giving the order to shoot down Heldrik and Kat, then he pushes the memory aside and continues,

"As for me, I studied the ways of the Logrus under the tutelage of my mentor, Lord Suhuy until earlier this year when he bade me leave him for a time to journey through Shadow - that I might learn from my own experiences. I am a Lord of Chaos as you know but my father is Prince Martin of Amber, though we have never met and I doubt he knows I exist - I had always wanted to meet my father and my family in Amber, so I decided to head for Amber. I had heard so much about this place..."

He pauses for a moment, caught up in the unfamiliar sense of belonging and the wonderful vitality of the place, his violet eyes wide with wonder. Recalling himself he lowers his gaze for a moment,

"Forgive me, as I say I had heard much of Amber but nothing had prepared me for the experience itself - I had not expected it to be like this."

Looking up again he smiles,

"It is truly a wondrous place."

"But I digress, I was telling you of how I came to be at the Keep..."

Continuing he relates some of the details of his journeys, though in deference to Suhuy's request he does not mention his dealings with Corwin, Coral, Landon and the ghost of Eric - instead as he does not wish to lie to Katarzyna he omits any mention of Lakeshore or his visit to Aurora's realm. He does tell her about meeting Heldrik and Agraynel and that he was recalled to Chaos by Lord Mandor for a time (though not why), that Agraynel was unfortunately caught up at the same time and how she came to depart via Trump with Arrotel. He does not mention the details of Agraynel's troubles or Mandor's enchantment, considering these a personal matter.

"When I finally departed Chaos again I returned to the place I first met Princess Agraynel and Lord Heldrik, as it was the closest I had come to Amber. Arriving there I chanced to meet Lord Heldrik again, he wished to know how Princess Agraynel fared and so contacted Arrotel. He was at the Keep at the time, rushing to aid in its defence - Heldrik and I offered to aid him and the rest I believe you know..."

[Pygysys]

"It's lucky for us that you happened by m'lady, my thanks once again. I must remember to apologise for any inconvenience my arrival has caused - we did not mean to scare anyone."

Kat shrugs and seems ready to dismiss the gratitude Rebis shows, "Tis nothing... actually I recall my own arrival in Amber and would be pleased to spare another from such a farce."

"As for me, I studied the ways of the Logrus under the tutelage of my mentor, Lord Suhuy until earlier this year when he bade me leave him for a time to journey through Shadow - that I might learn from my own experiences. I am a Lord of Chaos as you know but my father is Prince Martin of Amber, though we have never met and I doubt he knows I exist - I had always wanted to meet my father and my family in Amber, so I decided to head for Amber. I had heard so much about this place..."

"I remember what I was told of Amber, I suspect many of us who are brought up elsewhere are regaled with tales of Amber and her people, our Aunts and Uncles. If your father is Martin, that makes us second cousins, I believe... I also remember what I was told of the Courts, not much, but not so good. I trust I won't cause you offence in letting it be known that I hold no warmth for that region. Perhaps unfairly but given recent events it has only been reinforced but I am not the kind to hold one's heritage against them without further warrant."

"When I finally departed Chaos again I returned to the place I first met Princess Agraynel and Lord Heldrik, as it was the closest I had come to Amber. Arriving there I chanced to meet Lord Heldrik again, he wished to know how Princess Agraynel fared and so contacted Arrotel. He was at the Keep at the time, rushing to aid in its defence - Heldrik and I offered to aid him and the rest I believe you know..."

"Allow me this opportunity to thank you, Cousin. Whilst we were defeated at the Keep, your aid was appreciated. I don't know what exactly transpired after Dara had myself and Heldrik taken, but I can only imagine we would have fallen sooner had it simply been Roland and myself. If I was able to assist you with information on your father or the intrigue here in Amber and the Castle, I would, but I'm a stranger in these lands as much as yourself. So I do advise that you tread carefully and be certain of both Fiona and Flora, as appearances can be deceiving."

[Tamarind]

"I trust I won't cause you offence in letting it be known that I hold no warmth for that region. Perhaps unfairly but given recent events it has only been reinforced but I am not the kind to hold one's heritage against them without further warrant."

"Given your only experience of those of the Courts has been at the hands of Dara and her followers I can hardly fault your view...that you are still prepared to judge on individual merits does you credit. I can only say that Dara and her cohorts do not represent us all - there are many who hold much more rational views and have no desire to reignite past conflicts."

"Allow me this opportunity to thank you, Cousin. Whilst we were defeated at the Keep, your aid was appreciated. If I was able to assist you with information on your father or the intrigue here in Amber and the Castle, I would, but I'm a stranger in these lands as much as yourself. So I do advise that you tread carefully and be certain of both Fiona and Flora, as appearances can be deceiving."

"You are most welcome...cousin"

It feels a little strange to use such words...hopefully I will have the opportunity to get used to doing so

"And thank you for the advice, I know so very little of my family. Indeed, I would welcome the opportunity to hear some of your tale, if you wish to share it..."

[Pygysys]

If only I were at liberty to give it... though it doesn't mean I can't reveal as much.

"Allow me to be brief as I choose to follow the instruction of the King. I grew up in Shadow, knowing of Amber but in no great hurry to visit. Eventually of course I was sent here, made my vows and met my family. It was during the recognition ceremony, if you will, that Gerard's son Joss was murdered."

Still we are no closer to knowing who was responsible for that crime.

"His Majesty assigned the task of questioning Dunstan at the Keep about any part he or his brother may have played. That is how Roland, Raevyn, Josh and myself came to be at the Keep. I was doing my best to remain shall we say neutral and uninvolved in the struggle until Roland and I spoke." Here Kat smiles, "The next time our Cousin asks me to defend a gate, I think I shall decline."

She considers the time spent in Amber and frowns, "I think I had been in Amber all of a week before departing again and here I am again, ready to make yet another departure."

[Tamarind]

"It was during the recognition ceremony, if you will, that Gerard's son Joss was murdered"

"Please accept my sympathies on the loss of your - our - cousin. I am sorry that I shall not have the opportunity to get to know him...did you manage to determine whether this Dunstan was involved - or did Dara's attack prevent you learning what you sought?"

Could it have been intended to do so?

"I can sympathise with your situation - since finishing my studies I have found myself always acting on a schedule too...it's remarkable how much complexity can stem from a simple act or desire..."

[Pygysys]

"I actually never had the opportunity to get to know him either, he was killed the day we met and even then we didn't actually meet as much as stand within the same room as one another."

Kat takes a moment before answering the question regarding Dunstan and his possible involvement. "Honestly I don't know. I didn't meet Dunstan, that was my design, though I can't imagine what it would have bought him had he played some part. Dara's attack probably opened up other avenues of investigation, I just don't know how many or again why.

"What I plan to concern myself with is the recovery of my men and some practise without scrutiny if such is possible. There are elements here in Amber that I do not find to my liking."

[Tamarind]

"Your men fought bravely and with honour, if they were captured by House Hendrake then the Grand Duke would certainly entertain negotiations for their release...House Hendrake are renowned for their honour and adherence to the traditions."

He is quiet for a little while as they walk, taking in the sights and sounds. Drax is also regarding everything with interest, though in his case it is more akin to a cat looking at a mouse. Seeing his friend's interest Rebis reaches into his pockets and pulls out a packet, unwrapping it to reveal a collection of tasty looking delicacies,

"Here you go - a treat, as you've been behaving so well..."

He has barely held up his hand before Drax's snout is buried in the pile of food, happy munching sounds and a few wisps of smoke are soon all that is left of the snack...when the last morsel disappears Drax cranes his neck round and looks at Katarzyna hopefully, multicoloured eyes swirling imploringly.

[Pygysys]

"We shall see. I have a lot to learn about the Courts and the Houses that populate it. However, in the meantime, I will put to good use an uncle's advice and keep myself busy."

Kat watches Drax gobble up his treats and then grins, stepping defensively in front of her horse, "Oh no you don't, you greedy little dragon. You can't eat my horse. If you're very well behaved, Rebis might steal you into the kitchen when nobody's looking."

She nods and gestures up ahead, "Not long now, you can just make out the castle from here. It's not your last chance to change your mind and visit another time, but it gets harder to avoid the place the closer you get."

[Tamarind]

Rebis smiles,

"You hear that little one? Just think, the kitchens for such a castle must be vast indeed..."

Turning to Katarzyna he adds,

"Thank you for the opportunity...but I have come too far and wondered for too long to turn back now - I shall see what this place has in store for me."

Continuing briskly up the road the castle soon comes to dominate the landscape, looming up ahead in all its splendour.

[Wired*Nun]

Rejoining the road linking the castle and the city, the two turn uphill, northward, toward the castle. The dragon draws some looks, but not as many as the large, dangerous flying beast they spied earlier.

It is not long before they approach the castle walls, and have the choice of going in the main gate, or going round to the side gate by the stables, where only a select few are allowed to pass.

[Tamarind]

Drax preens ostentatiously, making the most of the attention. Rebis' attention is mostly focused on the castle ahead, though he smiles politely at those they pass. When they reach the fork he pauses, admiring the view of the castle, content to follow Katarzyna's choice.

[Pygysys]

Kat chooses the main gate, explaining to Rebis, "Best to get you started on the right foot via the proper channels."

If nobody intervenes, Kat takes Rebis through the gates and into the main courtyard where she leaves her horse with either an attendant or at a hitching post.

"I'll take you through to Princess Florimel's office if we're not interupted and there I shall leave you to the wolves. At least you'll start with family and not stewards, that's about all I can do."

[Tamarind]

"That will be a significant improvement over where I would have been without you and I'm grateful for it"

His mouth twitches in a ghost of a smile,

"After all, any time saved is valuable - especially given Drax's patience with bureaucracy"

[Pygysys]

"He seems to be an interesting companion and I don't begrudge him his lack of patience." Kat starts leading the way into the castle, not expecting to be stopped.

"Have you thought about what it is you hope to attain in coming here? Sometimes the truth can shatter the illusion. I have only met Martin once in passing and cannot even begin to guess how such a reunion will fare."

Kat shakes her head, "Nevermind me, I suppose I am curious as to your situation. I couldn't imagine growing up as you have, separated from one parent. In that I was fortunate, more so than others."

[Tamarind]

"He is a good friend, we have been through a lot together - and he can always bring out a smile, no matter what.",

Rebis scratches Drax affectionately between his ears,

"From both actually. My mother was killed in the War shortly after I was born, I have no memories of her either. I'm not sure what I expect really, I know little about him and he knows nothing about me...but I am determined to find out, I have spent too long imagining - and however it turns out, I have already found more of a family than I have ever known...and friends as well."

[Pygysys]

"My condolences, Rebis, I'm sorry for your loss. I do hope that you and your father are able to strike some accord." Not knowing what else to say, Kat goes quiet and leads Rebis through the castle towards Florimel's office.

[Tamarind]

"I do not think of it as a loss in that sense, I did not have to suffer the pain of knowing a parent and then losing them"

She abandoned me first...

"And it is not as if I have been bereft of companions - Lord Suhuy and Drax here have been my family."

As they walk through the castle Rebis looks around him with curiosity, whilst also trying to remember the route back out again.

[Pygysys]

When they reach Florimel's office, Kat stops and signals it out to Rebis. "This is where one can find Princess Florimel if she's available for official business. We can see if she's in and if so, I'll introduce you and then leave you in her capable hands. Ready?"

If so, Kat goes and knocks on Florimel's office door to see if anyone's home.

[Wired*Nun]

The door opens to reveal Flora in a smart business suit, a little odd for Amber wear. Her hair has been recently trimmed, too, and she is wearing a very expensive-looking Swiss watch.

"Katarzyna, how nice to see you. What can I do for you?" Her eyes flick to Rebis and co., without comment. The fact that she - they - are not invited in could mean anything - but this time, probably just that she was heading out.

[Pygysys]

"Your Highness, I can see that I may have caught you at an inappropriate time, however, I'd like to introduce you to an associate of Heldrik, Agraynel and mine. This is Lord Rebis of the Courts and he is here as he would like to meet his father as well as the rest of the family."

Kat introduces Rebis to Florimel, "Lord Rebis allow me to introduce her Highness, Princess Florimel of Amber."

She looks again to Florimel, "Apparently Rebis is Prince Martin's son and I thought perhaps you might know how best to handle such introductions."

[Tamarind]

Kat introduces Rebis to Florimel, "Lord Rebis allow me to introduce her Highness, Princess Florimel of Amber."



"It is a pleasure to meet you, your Highness"

Slipping Drax gracefully off his shoulder to be cradled in his arms Rebis bows formally, then awaits Florimel's reaction

No turning back now...

[Wired*Nun]

Like flipping a switch, Flora changes demeanor. Opening the door wide, she says, "Yes, it is. Come inside, please. Have a seat. Can I get you anything? Nice to meet you too. So you're Martin's, you think? Or you know?" She looks from Kat to Rebis, leaning back against her heavy desk.

[Pygysys]

Kat bows her head to both her relatives before smiling at Rebis, "I shall leave the two of you to become acquainted as you sort through this. It was good to meet with you, Rebis, I wish you well with your reunion." She then looks to Florimel, "Good day Your Highness."

On her way out, she gently closes the door behind her to allow the two some privacy.

[Tamarind]

Rebis returns Katarzyna's smile warmly,

"It was good to meet you too. I hope our paths cross again before too long, until then my thanks and good wishes for your journey."

As he follows her back into the room Drax glides gently onto one of the seats, little wisps of smoke escaping his mouth as he regards Florimel and the room with wide, curious eyes. Rebis remains standing, too polite to sit whilst his host still stands.

"Thank you, your Highness, a glass of something cool would be most welcome",

I would not wish to seem ungracious

"Firstly allow me to offer my apologies for disrupting your schedule in this way, I realise you must have many matters to attend to and I appreciate your making time for me. To answer your question, yes, I am certain as any child can be of such things that Prince Martin is my father."

Lord Suhuy, my mother, Morven and the others have all been consistent on this point. Probably the only point they agreed on...

[Wired*Nun]

"Good day," Flora nods absently to Katarzyna, apparently too fascinated by the new toy to spend much time on pleasantries. When the door shuts, she goes on.

"Rebis. You seem young, so I hope you don't resent me giving you some friendly advice. First, don't refer to Martin as 'Prince.' Even - perhaps especially - his father the King doesn't much like to establish some implication that is not there. He is not yet fit to follow Random to the throne, even if the tradition of primogeniture were well-established - which it is not." Walking around her desk, she sits in her chair, waving Rebis to one of the comfortable ones in front. Drax, she studiously ignores. Reaching behind her, she pulls a cord, and a bell tinkles far away.

"Martin is not in good favor here at court, nor is he well-respected by other Amberites. It's not just his lifestyle. God knows we have all had our youthful indiscretions and excesses. He's becoming more and more rash, cruel, and uncaring. It may be rebellion, but maybe it's something more. I just want you to know this because you're not going to be welcomed on the basis of your parentage, if that's what you're expecting."

A discreet knock at the door, and a steward pokes his head in briefly. "A pitcher of lemonade with a touch of Remy, please," she says to the man, who withdraws silently.

She reaches into her top drawer and pulls out a pack of cigarrettes, offering one to Rebis. Lighting it and taking a thoughtful drag, she flicks an eyelash off her perfect cheek, then leans back, arms resting on the arms of the chair, eyeing Rebis for his response.

[Tamarind]

Interesting that the child of a King is not automatically a Prince or Princess...one of the differences between our two realms it would seem. I must learn the correct titles swiftly if I am to avoid further errors of this nature

"Thank you for the correction your Highness. Within the system with which I am familiar the acknowledged child of a King or Queen would be accorded the title of Prince or Princess, whilst the heir would be referred to as Crown Prince or Princess. I had not intended to convey that...Martin was King Random's heir, merely his son."

Though it seems you are very keen to establish that he is not his heir, perhaps you suspect my motives in coming here? I suppose such suspicion is understandable, especially given the unfortunate timing

As Florimel goes on to describe Martin Rebis masks his concerns, but they are there nonetheless...

Is he truly as bad as you make out, or is there more at work here? I must keep Katarzyna's advice to mind

"Given relations between Amber and Chaos I realise that I am starting from a less than advantageous position and I admit it would have been pleasant if my parentage could have been an asset in forming relationships with my family here - but I was not counting on it, I am prepared to work at those relationships so that my family can judge me for who I am, rather than whose child I am. Whilst I dearly wish to meet my father that was not my only reason for journeying here - I also wished to meet my family here and to finally see this wondrous place that I have read so much about."

He pauses, then continues

"I am grateful to you for improving my undertstanding of the situation your Highness and for your advice, it is much appreciated. Whilst I do not deny that your words have given me cause for concern I'm sure you will understand that having come so far I am still anxious to meet my father, even if that meeting may not be pleasant..."

I do not expect you to welcome me with open arms father, just don't reject me...

[Wired*Nun]

"The only people called Prince and Princess around here are Oberon's children...that's more or less a consensus view, and Random has not seen fit to establish new rules...our King is not so absolute as yours, perhaps, especially as he is nearly the youngest of those children."

"And all that is fine, as far as it goes. I'm just giving you the best heads-up I can - Chaos-born, much less Chaos-raised, are not generally welcomed here without a great deal of suspicion. The legacy of the Traitor still hangs heavy around this place...and we have but one House, under which roof all must live, somehow." She sighs. "Perhaps I am being too pessimistic, but my faith in the goodness of human nature has never been very strong in the first place...as long as your head is up and your eyes are open, you have a decent chance."

"I suggest we contact your father as soon as possible, as it is he who will have to speak for you, and introduce you if you and he will. I don't imagine you will be wishing to swear allegiance any time soon, so we won't worry about that right now. Once you have been introduced to the King by Martin, if he does, you will then have all the same rights and privileges - and responsibilities, as far as that goes - as any other unsworn family members have. Do you want me to call him, or shall you?"

[Tamarind]

"Thank you, I think it would be better if the call came from someone he knows, your Highness"

So much will rest on this first meeting...how to even start? All my preparations and imagined speeches have vanished...

[Wired*Nun]

"Do you want to meet him now, here? Shall we find a more formal setting? Or do you expect to go where he is?" Reaching inside her coat pocket, she withdraws a Trump case and places one on the desk.

Martin.

It is unmarked, undamaged, so it can't be that one.

[Tamarind]

Rebis looks at the card, the picture of his father, momentarily oblivious to her question

Martin. Father. Stranger. Time for that to change at last...

"Yes, perhaps a more private setting would be best - is there perhaps a drawing room or such that we might use? If all goes well we may be talking for a while..."

[Wired*Nun]

"One thing this place has enough of is drawing rooms, along with sitting rooms, waiting rooms, and dallying rooms. One might as well call them 'intrigue rooms' or sometimes 'trysting rooms,' that's what they really get used for." Standing up, she kicks off her heels, pulls on soft boots, and throws a cloak about her shoulders.

"Let's go on down to a place I know, seldom used, kept locked. Of course, I have the master key to just about everywhere..." Her smile is like a summer's night, with a hint of bitterspice, spoiled only by her almost-unconscious shrinking from contact with Drax as she slips by to lead the way. Her scent sets Drax sniffing the air, and reminds Rebis of one thing that's a lot better done in human form. In fact, it's powerful, distracting...some kind of enchantment? Why not...but this one isn't something I can easily counter. Pattern magic? Something else I've never run across?

Down twisting halls, up stairs and down, until Rebis has lost his way for sure. He is still pretty sure of which way is which, but he'd have a hell of a time retracing his steps. Down a final, short corridor that dead-ends into a door, Florimel opens the door and holds it for him to come inside. A wave of her hand brings wizard globes to life. Good thing, because there are no windows, and only one other door.

It looks like an unused fencing salon, or perhaps a dancing room. Its parquet floors are unpolished but finely sanded, arguing for the latter, and one wall is a mirror, floor to ceiling, corner to corner. Drax' ruff flares and he hisses, startled, before he realizes it is just a reflection.

Walking over to the second door, Flora unlocks it and pushes it open, looking inside, then almost closing it again. "Good enough? Privacy, open space in case you decide to have a go at each other, escape route for me...what more could a guy ask?" She's not really joking, is she? I wonder what other things happened when sons met fathers in Amber?

[Tamarind]

Something feels amiss, caution is called for...

Carefully Rebis allows the power to flow into him, forming the twisting Sign. Once complete he regards his surroundings, keen to determine whether this feeling has a tangible cause or is purely down to nervousness.

Sensing his mood Drax remains close, unhappy at Flora's obvious distaste for him.

[Wired*Nun]

Rebis can see no overt enchantments or wards. He perceives Flora's Trumps, including, interestingly, some Logrus-based. The castle itself, though seems imbued with a Pattern resonance indicating either it was built using Pattern to strengthen its construction, or later enchanted with Pattern. There seems to be no mystical threat.

[Tamarind]

Nerves then. No more prevarication now.

"I am ready, your Highness. Please proceed."

[Wired*Nun]

Another long look, as if to confirm her evaluation, and she reaches for her Trumps. Deftly she slides one out between two exquisite nails, holding it up as she one-hands the rest back into her case. Gazing at it for long moments, she finally speaks.

"Far out, are we today?" A pause. "Well, important enough, though you'll have to judge for yourself. There's someone that wants to meet you. I think you should." Another pause. "See for yourself." She makes a slow three-sixty, showing the whole room, Rebis and all.

A hand extended: freeze. Rainbow.

Martin.

Black leather, like a thug or a professional dancer. Short hair, earring, a faint olive cast to his skin - Rebman blood? A neutral almost-smile, a dropped hand. He approaches, hands clasped behind his back, deliberately nonconfrontational. The once-over is painful, the resemblence, slight.

Silence.

[Tamarind]

Rebis holds himself still, smiling pleasantly despite his nervers, making sure he doesn't flinch under Martin's gaze. Drax is openly curious, sniffing the air and scratching at the floor as he hops from foot to foot, sensing Rebis' nervous excitement.

As Martin finished his once over Rebis bows then straightens and meets his gaze again,

"Lord Martin, it is such a great pleasure to meet you at last. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Rebis, son of Lady Shekinbah Ashlurien, known also as Shekti..."

He pauses, searching Martin's countenance, looking, hoping, for some sign of recognition of the name his mother had gone by at the time.

[Wired*Nun]

Eyes narrow, yesss...he knows the name. Wheels turn behind those eyes, not nearly as adept as his father at hiding his thoughts. Something seems to click, then , and his face opens, a hint of astonishment, a not-displeased raising of the eyebrows.

"You think you're mine, I take it? My son, I mean. Is that what she told you?"

[Tamarind]

Watching the procession of thoughts is wracking but the result seems to make it worthwhile, then another thought occurs to him

If I tell him now that she is dead it may weaken my claim...but it's the right thing to do. What kind of relationship can I hope to build if I deceive him from the start?

"Yes, I believe I am your son. I am told my mother believed this strongly, but I have never spoken with her myself - she went to the War shortly after I was born...she was killed soon after. I was given this ring that she said had been given to her by you..."

Reaching slowly inside his tunic he withdraws a small velvet bag from which he takes a ring of an unusual, almost transparent metal set with a rainbow of finely cut stones. Holding his hand out he shows it to Martin, allowing him to take it if he wishes.

[Wired*Nun]

He takes the ring from Rebis, turning it over on his fingertips.

"Yes, I remember now. I gave her this...and I had heard she was dead. We were lovers for a time, but I don't think either of us thought it would be permanent...I never heard she had a kid, though...who did you hear all this from? Forgive me if I am sceptical, but you know how appearances are...I'm reserving judgment here. Do you have any other evidence? Or are you willing to come with me and take a test?"

[Tamarind]

"Mostly from Lord Suhuy, my mentor. Other than his word I have little evidence but I would be willing to consider any reasonable test - what manner did you have in mind?"

[Wired*Nun]

"I know a place where the science can compare genetic material...we can compare mine to yours. Even with shapeshifting..." he raises an inquiring eyebrow, "it will tell us if the match is close enough to indicate parentage. You never know...you might have been lied to." The look on his face is neutral, guarded, searching. Suspicious, one might almost say, but amiably so.

[Tamarind]

Rebis considers for a moment,

His suspicicons mirror my own...how many time have I wondered whether this was all a grand ploy, a subtle manipulation to lead me in a desired direction - recent events have certainly reminded me that this is far from inconceivable and whilst I do not think Suhuy would deceive me it would be foolish to ignore a chance to know for certain...

"I can see why you would wish proof, the same doubts have oocurred to me many times over the years - let us go to this place and find out once and for all."